Experts: party line-up, leadership approaches matter in voters’ choices

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 15 — Voters in upcoming elections would take a close look at the line-ups and leadership styles offered by political parties, leading political experts said Tuesday.

Political Affairs Undersecretary Chito Gascon, in an interview over Paghahanda Para sa Hatol ng Bayan, said coherence is key to survive national elections and people will judge candidates on the basis of coherence or disconnection of their messages to their personal histories and experiences.

He also pointed out that people may look at coherence of party membership like what a certain party did in previous elections where candidates from both left-leaning and Marcos camps landed on the same ticket.

In the final analysis, Usec Gascon said leadership approach would also be a factor in the voters’ choices as parties and their candidates would face the same issues on the economy and poverty despite their differences in line-ups and political inclinations.

Gascon, a former member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, also admitted that political parties remained weak despite constitutional provisions that encourage growth and maturity.

Quoting from the Constitution, Usec Gascon said, “A free and open party system will be allowed to develop in accordance with the choice of the electorate.”

For her part, Joy Aceron, program director of Ateneo School of Government, traced the weakness of the political parties to the lack of citizen-party linkages and absence of institutions and systems like political party development laws.

Aceron said citizen-party linkages make political parties relevant to people because, after all, politics is a numbers’ game.

As for the upcoming polls, Aceron appealed to the voters to go for candidates “with real platforms, track records and clear program of government.”

These pieces of advise from Gascon and Aseron coincided with the kick-off of the senatorial and partylist campaigns.

The Administration’s Team PNoy proclaimed its candidates in Quiapo, Manila while United Nationalists Alliance held its proclamation rally in Cebu. (Lyndon Plantilla/Media ng Bayan)

Slim chance of tropical cyclone this February

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), in Northern Mindanao, has advised the provincial/city/municipal and barangay DRRMCs to monitor the situation and undertake precautionary measures to mitigate potential adverse impacts of weather systems and climate event this February.

Per Advisory of the National DRRMC in its Weather Outlook for February 2013, most climate models predict a near average to below average Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) in the equatorial Pacific, with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral condition continuing through February-March-April-May 2013 season.

Based on reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the expected weather systems that will affect the country in February are the northeast monsoon, low pressure areas (LPAs), tail end of a cold front, ridge of high pressure areas and easterlies. There is a slim chance of tropical cyclone occurrence.

Near normal to above normal rainfall are likely over most areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao while some parts of Central Luzon are expected to have below normal rainfall and above normal air temperatures.

The expected range of temperature in February will be 22oC-34oC over the lowlands of Luzon, and 13oC-24oC over the mountainous areas. For Visayas islands, the expected range of temperature will be 24oC-33oC. Mindanao on the other hand is expected to have temperature range of 22oC-32oC over the lowlands and 17oC-25oC over the mountainous areas.

Pagasa will continue to closely monitor the current condition, regular updates and advisories shall be issued as appropriate. Concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of these weather systems and climate event.

Meanwhile, Director Ana Cañeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Chairperson of RDRRMC pre-cautionary measures to mitigate the effects of weather systems and climate event must focus on pro-active actions of evacuation, rather than rescue. (EOR-PIA 10)

Comelec Mis. Occ. endorses to CBFSP 48 applications for gun ban exemption

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 18 (PIA) – A total of 48 applications for permit to carry firearms, mostly by candidates and businessmen have been received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Misamis Occidental, as of Feb. 14, this year.

Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election, however, clarified that all the said applications have been endorsed to the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) at the Comelec Central Office, which has the sole power to issue the authority to bear firearms, starting Dec. 3, 2012.

The authority also covers the carrying or transporting of firearms, including its spare parts, explosives and its components, outside the residence and place of business in the country, he said.

This is provided in Resolution 9561-A that Comelec has recently promulgated to implement Section 261 (q) of the Omnibus Election Code and Sections 32 and 33 of Republic Act No. 7166 in connection with the May 13, 2013, automated national and local elections.

Baguio said any Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR), Mission Order (MO), Letter Order (LO) and Acknowledgement Receipts (ARE) issued by the Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP) or his duly authorized representative are hereby declared suspended, ineffective, and without force and effect, unless properly covered by Certificates of Authority (COA) duly issued by the Comelec CBFSP.

Also rendered without force and effect, unless properly covered by a COA of the CBFSP are the PTCFOR’s, MO’s, LO’s and ARE’s issued by any other head of government law enforcement/security agencies, prior to or are processed and issued during the election period, from Jan. 13 to June 12, 2013.

Baguio said the CBFSP refers to the Committee in the Comelec which is responsible for the implementation of the ban on the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and the employment, availment or engagement of security personnel.

Headed by Commissioner Elias R. Yusoph as Chairperson and a Senior Officer designated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP, as members,the CBSFP also exercises operational control and supervision over the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) and the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC). (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DOF assures personnel no reassignments during election period

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Finance (DoF) ensured that all provincial, city and municipal treasurers will remain in their present assignments, during the election period.

This provision is stipulated in the deputation order of the DoF by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

DoF will comply with and enforce all orders and instructions of the Comelec relative to the election duties and functions of its personnel.

Pursuant Resolution No. 9598, promulgated on December 21, 2012, DoF ensures that all provincial, city, and municipal treasurers remain in their present assignments, during the election period.

It will neither transfer, detail or reassign its personnel, whether temporarily or permanently, to another province, city or municipality, except upon prior written authority of the Comelec.

Likewise, it will not allow its personnel to go on leave of absence from office, starting two weeks before and two weeks after election day, except upon prior written approval of the Commission.

Again, DOF will not designate temporary or casual employee as officer-in-charge of the Office of the Treasurer.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said it is considered an election office for any official who makes or causes the transfer or detail of any officer or employee in the civil service, within the election period except upon prior approval of the Comelec. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

  

PDEA identifies marijuana plantation sites

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 10 (PDEA) has identified five marijuana plantation sites in Bukidnon said director Emerson L. Margate during the first quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) region 10 last February 8 here.

He specified that these plantation sites are located in Manolo Fortich, Cabanglasan, San Fernando, Baungon, and Talakag towns.

In his report, Bukidnon, it reveals, has the most drug-affected barangays meaning it had a barangay with at least one clandestine laboratory, chemical warehouse or drug den, 99 moderately affected with at least one (1) drug pusher per barangay and 12 slightly affected encompassing at least one drug user in each barangay.

Second most infiltrated province in Region 10 is Misamis Occidental with 91 drug-affected barangays; next is Misamis Oriental with 69 and Lanao del Norte with 64. Camiguin is the least affected with 19 affected barangays.

Cagayan de Oro City alone has 36 drug affected barangays according to director Margate, a total of 413 in the whole region.

The strict implementation of permits and licensing on S/P licenses have resulted to no reports/incidents on chemical diversion, he said.

There had been 464 license processed and assessed, 38 regulatory inspection conducted, 21 action taken due to violation committed and 54 regulatory information dissemination in 2012.

P-License is for the manufacture, recycle, importation, exportation, repack, wholesale, trade, distribution, retail, end-use, or laboratory use of precursor and essential chemicals or its mixtures. On the other hand, S-License is to handle dangerous drugs, dangerous drug preparations based on RA 9165 reorganized the Philippine drug law enforcement system. (JMOR/PIA10)

120 relocated families receive Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 16 (PIA) -- Around 120 underprivileged families in Calaanan Relocation Site Phase 3 here were beneficiaries of the “Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan Program” launched by the Habitat for Humanity and Land Bank of the Philippines said city Mayor Vicente Emano.

The Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan Program aims to help families living in relocation sites to earn a living through concrete hollow block making, cooking, transport for hire and grocery store.

“Dalaygon kaayo kini nga programa tungod kay naha-um ug nahi-uyon usab sa atong paningkamot, uban ni Kagawad Nadya Emano-Elipe, nga matagaan og kasegurohan sa panginabuhi ang atong mga igsoong kabus (This is a good program since it corresponds to our efforts, together with Councilor Nadya Emano-Elipe, to give livelihood security to our underprivileged citizens),” said Mayor Emano. (RTP/PIA10)

Lanao del Norte volunteers run for Red Cross

By Jovanny M. Pangasian

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- More than 2,000 runners joined the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Million Volunteer Run 2 last February 10 at Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte aimed at promoting volunteerism among Lanao del Norte residents and at raising funds for calamity victims.

The Million Volunteer Run (MVR), first held on December 5, 2011, was simultaneously held nationwide and this province was once again chosen as a venue for the running event along in key cities of the country.

The runners converged early Sunday morning and took off for the 3K route at the Poblacion area of Kapatagan.

The event became more memorable with the participation of provincial and local government officials of Lanao del Norte.

“We not only gain sound physical health through this event but we also support PRC’s drive in promoting volunteerism here in Lanao del Norte,” said Abdullah “Bobby” Dimaporo who run in the 2nd MVR.

Kapatagan’s Mayor Benjie Y. Baguio was elated to see the huge number of participants and encouraged everyone to strengthen the network of volunteers down to the barangay level.

A post-run program followed where runners were grouped by organizations and performed one-minute love songs as a prelude in celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Race participants also grooved together in their “Oppan Gangnam Style” unity dance.

The program was hosted by Anita Eya, DepEd Supervisor and Joy Pepito, LGU personnel. (Jovanny M. Pangasian/PIO-LDN/PIA10)

Police confiscate assorted firearms, ammo from house of local exec

By PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 16 -- Members of security forces from Region 10 like the police, Philippine National Police Special Action Force, Intelligence Unit, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, and in coordination with the Joint Peace Security Control Center (JPSCC), searched the residence of a vice mayor from Lanao del Norte for illegal firearms.

The operation was conducted at about 2:30 a.m. of February 13 and resulted in the recovery and confiscation of assorted high-power firearms and ammunition.

Scene of the Crime Operatives operatives accounted for 10 M14 rifles, 15 M1 Garand rifles, two M16 rifles, six other M16 rifles with M203 grenade launchers, two M79 grenade launchers, one M60 machine gun, one Cal. 30 BAR, one cal. 45 pistol, two 9MM machine pistols, one 9MM pistol, and two other parts of assorted rifles.

The firearms are now with the PNP Crime Laboratory Office-10 for further examination. (PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga/PRO10)

  

  

Registered voters in Misamis Occidental up by 5.61%

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- A total of 355,350 registered voters had been noted in Misamis Occidental for the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

This figure is actually higher by 18,875 or 5.61 percent compared to 336, 475, the total number of registered voters in the province, during the 2010 elections, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES), said.

Data at the PES Office show that the total number of registered voters in the 1st Legislative District grew from 158,616 to 165,918, an increase of 7,362 or 4.64 percent while that of the 2nd District grew from 17,785 to 189,432, a increase of 11,573 or 6.51 percent.

Particularly in the 1st District, the municipality of Aloran posted the highest growth from 16,899 to 19,030, an increase of 2,131 or 12.61 percent, followed by Lopez-Jaena with 9.31 percent and Jimenez, 6.8 percent.

However, those in Concepcion posted a decline of 197 and Panaon, 39 or down by 0.6 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively, with the former identified by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as an area of concern due to its peace and order situation, Baguio said.

Voters’ registration in Oroquieta City, also under the 1st District grew from 43,908 to 44,344, an increase of 436 votes or 0.99 percent.

Meanwhile, in the 2nd District, the municipality of Sinacaban posted the highest growth in the number of registered voters, from 12,035 to 14,033, an increase of 1,998 or 16.64 percent, followed by Clarin and Bonifacio, 14.70 percent and 13.51 percent, respectively.

Voters registration in Ozamiz City, under the 2nd District, also grew, from 72,922 to 73,469, an increment of 574 or 0.79 percent, while that of Tangub City, also grew from 32,345 to 34,055, an increment of 1,710 or 5.28 percent.

LIkewise, the number of registered voters in Don Victoriano, another area of concern in the province, as identified by DILG, was noted to grow from 5,073 to 5,213, an increase of 140 or 12.76 percent, Baguio added. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Comelec deputizes the DILG, Napolcom, PNP for the May 13 elections

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The Commision on Elections (Comelec) has deputized the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in connection with the May 13, national and local elections elections.

As such, these agencies have been tasked to make effective measures to prevent members of civilian vigilante units and barangay tanods from engaging in partisan political activities or any act of terrorism, intimidation, coercion, harassment or reprisal.

They are also tasked to take steps to prevent private security agencies from acting as private armies of any candidate or as campaigners for terroristic or violent acts against persons in connection with the May 13 national, local and regional elections in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Likewise, they have been tasked to 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.

Meanwhile, the PNP has been told to effect no changes in the assignments of its personnel, during the election period from January 13, 2013 to June 12, 2013, without the prior written permission of the Comelec.

Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9571 promulgated on Dec. 6, 2012, the above-mentioned agencies are also tasked do the following functions:

Provide security to polling places, polling. centers/voting centers, such other places or building, as the Comelec, through the Election Officer (EO) so requires.

Provide security to the personnel of the Comelec, its deputies and other persons performing election-related functions and the election paraphernalia, equipment, forms and supplies.

Deploy, at the least time possible, troops for election duty in coordination with the Regional Election Director and the Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) in the said province.

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

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.

Included in the regulations are the use of armored vehicles and air or water-craft, and the prohibition bearing, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons in public places. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DSWD, Tesda launch Cash for Training Project

By Honey Analou E. Doña

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 16 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its new scholarship convergence program dubbed as Cash-for-Training Project (C4TP) during the flag raising ceremony of Cagayan de Oro City, February 11 at the City Hall.

During the launching, 10 scholarship/C4TP vouchers were awarded to beneficiaries from the province of Misamis Oriental by Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano together with DSWD Asst. Regional Director Purita Santa and John D. Simborios of Tesda.

A simultaneous launching for the C4TP also took place at Gingoog City graced by Gingoog City Mayor Ruth L. Guingona.

The C4TP is a DSWD and Tesda joint program responding to the government’s thrust to provide a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition of the youth and empower them through skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities.

The program will be implemented in two components: training for wage-employment (Trabaho) and training for self-employment (Hanapbuhay).

For wage employment, the program will be organized and conducted in a Tesda-registered training provider, and after graduation, jobs-bridging activities will be pursued to facilitate their employment.

For self-employment, the program may be conducted on-site, school-supervised or through partner NGOs. 

TESDA and its accredited training providers shall provide the training specifically designed to match the demands for wage and self employment in the area. On the other hand, DSWD is in-charge in identifying the beneficiaries.

A total of 4,695 youths in Region 10 will be entitled to free training, allowance, assessment fee, and tool kits.

The following is the slot allocation per province: Bukidnon, 1,050; Camiguin, 250; Lanao del Norte, 925; Misamis Occidental, 893; and Misamis Oriental, 1,577. (Honey Analou E. Doña/Tesda/PIA10)

People organizations to look after reforested areas - DENR

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Feb 18 (PIA) -- Maintenance activities of the 85 hectares reforested areas here were awarded/contracted to different People’s Organizations (POs).

Strip brushing, ring weeding/cultivation, replanting of dead and dying seedlings, as well as, the establishment of fire lines were among the activities implemented and conducted by the POs in the area.

Adolfo S. Fuentes, chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) explained that their activities were also validated by an inspection team and have favorably passed the assessment.

Areas covered include the 70 hectares for agro-forestry; 10 hectares for assisted natural regeneration; and five hectares for mangrove.

Penro likewise maintains another 174 hectares for area development and is being implemented in the following category: namely; (1) Protected Area – 20 hectares, (2) Non-Protected Area – 100 hectares Riverbank; 41 hectares Open Area (3) Urban Greening – 55 hectares, (4) Fruit Trees – 6 hectares, and (5) Mangrove – 2 hectares.

Site preparation and tree growing\planting activities were also initiated here through social mobilization and support of the Upland People’s Organization.

In seedling production, 81,388 assorted quality planting materials were raised\procured by three qualified People’s Organization; namely, (1) Campana-Pamahawan ISF Upland Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (2) Pagama Producers Cooperative, and (3) San Miguel Multi-purpose Cooperative.

An additional 5,250 assorted seedlings for public distribution were also raised at the DENR Central Nursery. (JCV/PIA)

PNP turns-over motorcycles to police stations in Northern Mindanao

By PSupt Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- The Directorate for Logistics in Camp Crame has provided Police Regional Office of Region 10 (PRO-10) 11 motorcycles that will be used to boost police visibility in Northern Mindanao.

The end-users, mostly from remote barangays, can now expand their visits to areas not passable by patrol cars, said PCSupt Catalino B. Rodriguez Jr, regional director, PRO-10.

He added although this number is far below when compared to the total number of police stations in the region, PRO-10 leadership is hoping that equipping its police force with the ability to fight criminality through the acquisition of these motorcycles and other police equipment will remain a continuing program of the PNP.

Those who received the motorcycles were the chiefs of police of Kitaotao and Baungon municipal police stations in Bukidnon, Kauswagan and Munai municipal police stations in Lanao del Norte, Sapang Dalaga and Aloran municipal police stations in Misamis Occidental, Opol, Naawan, Medina and Tagoloan municipal police stations in Misamis Oriental and Police Station 4 of Cagayan de Oro City Police Office.

Last February 13, Congressman Jose Ma. F. Zubiri III of Bukidnon likewise turned-over nine vehicles for use of Kibawe, Kadingilan, Dangcagan, Kitaotao, Don Carlos, Quezon and Maramag municipal police stations. Two other vehicles were turned-over to the Regional Public Safety Battalion.

With the continued support extended by the local government units and other stakeholders, PRO-10 can sooner achieve a truly dedicated and highly motivated Philippine National Police (PNP) with modernized resources to prevent and control all forms of crimes.

The PNP leadership has always been sincere in transforming the police organization into a more credible police force. Patrol Plan 2030 is its roadmap towards achieving this vision.

Meanwhile, it was noted in the previous weeks that PRO-10 completed the training of computer encoders in the different police stations concerning the PNP e-rouges and e-warrant system.

This new project will aid and assist the police investigators and tracker teams in identifying personalities with criminal records anywhere in the country.

These are just some of the many projects that the PNP have launched to improve its efficiency in carrying out its mission. (PSupt Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga/PRO/PIA10)

ACIAR Partners ERDS 10 in Watershed Rehabilitation Project

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) - The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), together with Ecosystems Research and Development Service-10 (ERDS-10), has started implementing the project dubbed Improving Watershed Rehabilitation Outcomes in the Philippines using a Systems Approach in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The project aims to rehabilitate the Cabulig River Watershed in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. An assessment on the status of selected National Greening Program (NGP) sites implemented in Claveria by the People’s Organization (PO) under the Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) sites was conducted. This is done to design the appropriate methods of improving the survival and early growth of the key species used in the NGP and identify better/alternative species that could fit-in to the three major concerns of the project in the aspect of production, livelihood and environmental significance. The project would also like to identify the “best bet” native or indigenous forest tree species and appropriate silvicultural interventions for old forest plantations.

Future activities of the project will include the characterization and vulnerability assessment of the watershed area to landslide, soil erosion, and flooding; the implementation of livelihood options for the members of the CBFM-POs in the site; and conduct of species trials in the watershed.

Dr. Jack Baynes from ACIAR spearhead the project. With him were Prof. Arthur Pasa and Forester Roger Tripoli of the Visayas State College of Agriculture, Baybay, Leyte. ERDS-10 Regional Technical Director for Research Danilo C. Cacanindin is ACIAR’s regional research counterpart.

Assisting the ACIAR researchers are Forester Rey D. Nambatac, Forester I and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Claveria and Norma A. Palma, OIC Chief, Ecosystems Research and Development Division of the Ecosystems Research and Development Service, Region 10. (N. Palma, DENR 10/PIA)