Malacañang says Aquino government to publish information on Philippine Flag on the Official Gazette in commemoration of Flag Days

The Aquino government will publish an infographic regarding the Philippine flag on the Official Gazette in commemoration of Flag Days, a Palace official said on Monday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday that an infographic on the elements of the Philippine flag will be published on the Official Gazette (www.gov.ph) as part of its portal functions.

"Tomorrow, we mark the 115th anniversary of the first time the Philippine flag — in its original form, as sewn by Filipino expatriates in Hong Kong — was used as the revolutionary standard during the Battle of Alapan, Cavite," Valte said.

"It also marks the beginning of Flag Days, mandated by Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, that designates May 28 (anniversary of the Battle of Alapan) to June 12 (Independence Day) every year as a period when the display of the Philippine flag — the Sun and Stars — in homes, government buildings, and private establishments is encouraged," she noted.

In commemoration of this annual observance, Valte said the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) is publishing a series of features on the development of the flag, the country’s coat of arms, as well as other historical flags of the Philippines on the Presidential Museum and Library website.

"We enjoin our countrymen to learn more about our flags and take pride in this unifying symbol of our nationhood and our collective aspirations," Valte said.

Valte also announced that the PCDSPO has published a comprehensive historical briefer on the storied Mansion House in Baguio in celebration of May as National Heritage Month.

"From its beginnings as a summer retreat for American Governors-General and venue for diplomatic activities, the Mansion House now serves as the official residence of the Chief Executive in the country’s summer capital," Valte said.

"Integrating memoirs and official documents from the American period through World War II and the contemporary era, the briefer celebrates the legacy of one of Baguio’s most prominent landmarks as a contribution to the yearlong commemoration of Philippine heritage and history, spearheaded by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts," she added.

Malacañang says government welcomes decision of Moro Islamic Liberation Front to form political party

The Aquino administration welcomed the decision of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to form a political party that will run in future elections, a Palace official said on Monday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday following reports that the MILF led by chairman Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim, will form a political party to field candidates in future elections.

"The government welcomes the political plans of the MILF for 2016. As you all know the road map towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro ends in 2016 and, understandably, the MILF needs to prepare for that to make the necessary preparations," Valte said.

Valte said the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF are determined to finish during the term of President Aquino the implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the 23-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"Well, work on the three annexes are continuing and the panel will provide updates to the media as soon as they are available. Allow us to say at this point that both parties are determined to complete the implementation of the BFA or the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes within the term of the President so as not to leave any unfinished business for the next administration," Valte said.

The GPH and the MILF are now working to complete the annexes on Wealth-sharing, Power-sharing and Normalization, to complete the comprehensive peace pact for the establishment of the Bangsamoro.

In December last year, the President issued Executive Order No. 120 creating a Transition Commission that will draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law provided for in the Framework Agreement signed by the government and the MILF on October 15, 2012.

The EO will provide a mechanism for authentic democratic collaboration in the crafting of a proposed law where the affected people themselves are actively involved.

Among the commission’s major work is to coordinate with Congress and other government agencies to craft the basic law that will pave the way for a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.

Last February 11, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the formal launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro project aimed at accelerating the transition of conflict-affected communities into productive areas in Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao, while the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) iron out the final peace agreement with the Muslim secessionists.

"We’ve seen this in the socio-economic initiatives that we’ve launched the Sajahatra, and I would defer to Secretary Deles and to the members of the panel if any sort of assistance towards their political plans have been discussed among themselves," Valte said.

Aquino government lauds Bureau of Internal Revenue for successfully surpassing its target for the month of April this year

The Aquino administration lauded the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for successfully surpassing its target for the month of April this year when it managed to collect P148.99 billion in tax revenues, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during an interview aired over government-owned radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday that the BIR collected P148.99 billion in tax revenues in April, 4.43% higher than its P142.66-billion target.

Valte said last month's collections were also 28.2% more than what the BIR generated in April 2012.

April is traditionally the BIR's strongest month because of the yearly deadline for filing the income tax returns.

The BIR continues to implement reforms by intensifying its crackdown on tax evaders to hit its revenue goal for 2013. The agency is eyeing to collect P1.253 trillion for the year 2013, over 17% higher than its P1.066-trillion goal in 2012.

Meanwhile, Valte also announced that the Department of Tourism allocated a total of P1.5 billion to finance tourism infrastructure projects in the Davao Region.

"Isa po doon sa mga proyekto na popondohan po noong amount na binanggit po natin ay iyong improvement ng mga daan connecting the foot of Mt. Apo, iyong Davao del Sur to Davao City," she said.

The DOT's project aims to bolster tourism in the Davao region and increase employment and business opportunities for the communities in the region.

"So isa pang magandang balita natin ang 42 million pesos that the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) has released to support the operational requirements of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission; at, of course, alinsunod po ito doon sa ating goal na ma-facilitate ang socio-economic reform and development sa ARMM," Valte said.

Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro awards Most Outstanding Public Teacher for SY 2012-2013

CAGAYAN DE ORO, May 24 (PIA) -- Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro awarded on May 22, Wednesday, Randy R. Saligan, a Special Education (SPED) teacher from Ozamis City Central School as Most Outstanding Public School Teacher for school year 2012 to 2013.

Justice Romulo “Romy” V. Borja, past president of the rotary and chairman of Gigi Borja Endowment Fund said a teacher’s role is not simply providing knowledge to students but more importantly inculcating values.

Saligan spent six years as a public high school teacher and one year as a Division Scholar.

“I feel great success, success beyond hard work and trials, and trials beyond the challenges that I had encountered. This day lies the fulfillment of my little dream,” said Saligan who has considered his recognition as an advance birthday present on his 29th birthday on May 23.

He added that the teaching profession reminds him of the days when he was first hired in the public school where nobility, commitment and dedication to service are his only reckons to succeed not even thinking of a recognition like this.

Dr. Alan G. Farnazo, Department of Education (DepEd) OIC-regional director said that the best choice in career is teaching. He shared a story and concluded “Even if our work and hard work shall never be recognized, but the work of a teacher will be recognized in heaven,” he said.

The criteria for the search is based on the participant’s demo teaching, linkages to the community, instructional materials in the classroom, recommendation from head superintendents and other documents significant to his teaching experience.

Saligan was awarded P70,000 cash and an Apple IPAD.

Different public school teachers in region 10 participated specifically from Cagayan de Oro City, El Salvador City, Gingoog City, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental.

Among the awardees include May Shiela J. Cabungcal from Dona Juana Actub Luz Memorial Central School of Iligan City in 2nd place, May P. Edullantes from Labinay NHS in 3rd place, Barbara Joey P. Moreno from Bukidnon NHS in 4th place, and Jacqueline P. Labial from Kauswagan Central School in 5th place.

This annual awarding is on its 31st year, recognizing five most outstanding public school teachers all over Region 10. (Sweet Elah Mahinay/Yvonne Jimenez/JMOR/PIA)

‘Banig’ weaving—entwining tradition with art

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- In Barangay Can-ayan, some five kilometers northeast of Malaybalay city proper, old women spend the day weaving “banig" or sleeping mats inside their huts while their husbands prepare the “tikog” materials they will use.

Tikog (Fimbristylis utilis), belongs to the grass family. It has been popular as an excellent material for weaving quality mats which are abundant in most areas of Bukidnon. It is one of the indigenous materials also used in making handbags as alternative for plastic shopping bags.

With its lush colors and attractive designs, the mats made in Can-ayan is the most ubiquitous in town.

Enhancing weavers’ skills

In order to help enhance weavers’ skills with new techniques, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry here conducted series of trainings in selected towns involving farmers’ cooperatives and women’s organizations.

Some of the beneficiaries are the Impasug-ong Women's Organization, the Dahilayan Farmers' Multi-purpose cooperative in Manolo Fortich and the Pigtauranan Rural Improvement Club of Pangantucan.

The program follows through basic skills trainings, product development and marketing, dyeing techniques and product designs resulting to an improved product line tailored to the contemporary market trends.

Augmenting family income

Many trained women are busy weaving mats that they would later sell in town to augment income of their spouses. Others sell their mats to entrepreneurs who would bring them to be sold in neighboring towns and provinces.

Designs of the ‘banig’ feature irregular arrangements of geometric forms set off in different colors. But the usual designs are checkered and embroidered. The sizes also vary.

Indeed, the craft helped unwaged women in the village learn the value of prudent saving as their home life centers around family.

Keeping the tradition alive

‘Banig’ weaving tradition handed down from generation to generation bind people to their past and connect them to their future.

The craft combine utilitarian role with aesthetic beauty, entwining their makers to the community and their people.

For Teresita Sumagaysay, a ‘tikog’ mat weaver from San Jose village in San Fernando town, carrying on this art form is not just a way to connect with her family.

Sumagaysay explained that the craft is some sort of a magic charm pinned with hard work, determination, and patience.

“I saw that there were decreasing numbers of people interested in doing our tribal craft. But I love this work because this is one way in making use of the flourishing ‘tikog’ reeds we have in our forests and keep my traditional craft alive,” she said. (RLRBalistoy-PIA 10, Bukidnon)

More than 3,000 detainees in region 10 cast their votes in the May 13 elections

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 24 (PIA) – A total of 3,223 detainee voters in Northern Mindanao were allowed to vote in the May 13, 2013 national and local elections.

Lawyer Noli R. Pipo, Regional Election Director (RED) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in region 10, said 13 detainee clustered precincts were established inside the various jails of the region, last May 13, so that they did not have to leave the jail premises to vote.

These detainee voters were from the various jail facilities, such as those managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and from the provincial and city jails of the region, RED Pipo said.

Pursuant to Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), no prisoner is allowed to leave the jail premises 30 days before and 30 days after the election.

Particularly, Sec. 261 says that it is unlawful for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, any provincial warden, the keeper of the jail or the person or persons required by law to keep prisoners in their custody who illegally orders or allows any prisoner detained in the national penitentiary, or the provincial, city or municipal jail to leave the premises, 30 days before and 30 days after the election.

Meanwhile, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Officer (PES) of Misamis Occidental said some 558 detainee voters from the province were registered voters for the May 13, 2013 elections: Provincial Jail, Lower Lamac, Oroquieta City, 181, City Jail, Mobod, Oroquieta City, 82, Ozamiz City Jail, 234, and Tangub City Jail, 61.

The other jail facilities in the region and the number of their detainee voters were as follows: Bukidnon - Provincial Detention Center in Malaybalay City, 414, Malaybalay City Jail, 335, Provincial Detention Center, Manolo Fortich, 76, BJMP, Manolo Fortich Municipal Jail, 6, and BJMP Pinatilan, Valencia City, 120.

Camiguin -BJMP, Mambajao, 11, Lanao del Norte – BJMP, Iligan City, 232, and Misamis Oriental – BJMP, City Jail, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro, 1,386, and BJMP Gingoog City, 85.(RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

RNC presents Nutrition Situation in Northern Mindanao

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 23 (PIA)—The Regional Nutrition Committee 10-Technical Working Group cum Regional Evaluation Team (RNC-TWG/RET 10) in a meeting on May 20 has identified provinces with highest and lowest malnutrition incidence.

Based on Operation Timbang (OPT) conducted in the Region, Lanao del Norte ranked first among 5 provinces with severely underweight children for ages 0-71 months old, while Misamis Oriental got the highest percent of normal weight for children on the same age group.

RNC-TWG/RET 10 also identified the Top Ten Nutritionally Depressed Municipalities and named the municipality of Matungao, in Lanao del Norte as the most nutritionally deprived area in the entire region.

According to the National Nutrition Council (NNC), low income which leads to low allocation of budget for food is said to be the primary cause of malnutrition.

Region 10 posted a poverty incidence of 32 percent in 2009, and ranked 12th among the poorest regions in the country. Based on statistics, the largest household heads in the region are the farmers, forest workers, fisherman, and livestock/poultry raisers.

The nutritional problems identified in the region are Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM), Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) that are prevalent among preschool children (PS), Elem. School children (ESC), secondary students, adults, senior citizens, and pregnant/lactating women.

Over nutrition is also being monitored by NNC. Accordingly, five in every 100 Filipino adolescents and about 3 in every 100 adults are overweight and obese in Region 10.

The Regional and Local Nutrition Committees has already deployed 2, 294 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (as of April 2013) to 2,022 local barangays in the Region to implement community-based nutrition programs on respective communities.

RNC-10 is also now looking forward on this year’s Nutrition Month Celebration on July with the theme “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama sama nating wakasan!”(Mary Nathalie Soldevilla/RTP/PIA10)

DSWD-10 conducts Social Protection Development Report and Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 24 (PIA) --The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 presented its Social Protection Development Report and Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (SPDR / RVA) to update government offices on the current poverty situation in the region.

About 27 participants attended the activity on May 23 composed of social workers coming from across the region, representatives from National Statistics Coordination Board, Departments of Health, Natural Environment and Natural Resources, Education, and Agriculture, and Philippine National Police.

The SPDR is a tool used by the social welfare department in identifying the risks and vulnerabilities faced by individuals, families, and communities in the country in order to guide the agency in determining which among these risks and vulnerabilities are prioritized given the government's limited resources.

DSWD also uses this tool for effective planning and budget processing as well as for policy formulation and program development.

Morena Fernandez, Chief of the Policy and Plans Division of the Field Office said the SPDR guides the agency and all the social welfare and development offices across the region in undertaking risk-response relating to the assessment of the poverty situation in the various provinces.(Linda Canguit and Charmaine Tadlas/RTP/PIA10)

NHTU holds advocacy forum to CSOs, academe

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 NHTU conducted an advocacy forum with CSOs and representatives from the academe as part of its advocacy efforts particularly on the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR), on May 22, here.

The forum aimed to present an overview of NHTSPR and its accomplishments and updates for the year 2012 up to the present.

There were 12 participants from various Civil Society Organizations in Region 10 and 11.

During the forum, the national, regional, and provincial profiles of poor households were presented. Various queries, issues and concerns relative to NHTSPR were also addressed by the staff from the Regional National Household Targeting Unit.

Another highlight of the forum was the presentation of the guidelines on the Conduct of Research Studies in DSWD Offices/Centers/Institutions and the Provision of Research Grants by the Regional Planning Officer.

It is hoped that through the conduct of advocacy forum like this activity, significant groups in the society such as those from the academe and Civil Society Organizations would be able to appreciate and eventually utilize the data that NHTSPR has made available for them being active partners in society.(Mitzie Santiago/RTP/PIA10)

RDC-X supports ‘One Nation, One Map’ project of NAMRIA

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 26 (PIA) --- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao has expressed support to the implementation of the “One Nation, One Map" project of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

In a two-page resolution, the RDC has resolved to assist in the advocacy and promotion on the importance of geographically-referenced data and to collaborate among participating agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the integration of information.

The One Nation, One Map project envisions a spatially-enabled and connected government providing consistent, authoritative, updated geographic information that can be accessed and shared online 24/7.

It specifically aims to establish a spatial data infrastructure that provides and integrated geographically-referenced data generated by various government agencies/offices, the academe, and other organizations using one standard base map; and provide a customer-friendly portal 24/7 web/online access to spatial data.

It also seeks to provide and ICT platform for collaboration, data and resource sharing, integration, transparency and resource optimization.

The project will be implemented in three years through e-Gov funds in the amount of P600 million.

It aims to come up a one-multi-scale framework map served and used for government planning, decision-making, monitoring of projects, and for the simple requirements of the general public for their personal and ordinary needs and activities; build-up, update and maintenance of databases are guided by standards and established data policies; highly accessible and available map service; policies and procedures on data access, standards, sharing security and pricing; and well as broader private sector participation in ICT development. (APB/PIA-10)

Mother says Pantawid Pamilya and Sustainable Livelihood are blessings

TALAKAG, Bukidnon, May 27 (PIA) -- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, once said: “There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.”

These powerful words perfectly fit the experience of a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary and at the same time, a beneficiary of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Rosa Molejon, 47, a resident of Purok 1-B, Brgy. Sto Nino, Talakag never expected she would be chosen as a 4Ps beneficiary. Her story started way back in 2008 when validation triggered news in Talakag that a government program will be implemented in the municipality.

“Wala gyud ko nagdahum nga maapil ko. Samot akong kalipay pagkahibalo nako nga para diay sa health ug education sa mga bata ang grant (I never expected that I will be included. I was so happy when I knew that the cash grant is intended for the health and education of our children),” she recalled.

Rosa received her first cash-grant release in January 2009. She said she could not describe her feelings as she decided to go along with the group aboard the jeepney that they hired going to Cagayan de Oro City. During that time, the cash-grant release was still at Landbank-Capistrano in Cagayan de Oro.

“Sayo gyud ko nagmata adto ug excited kaayo mi sa akong kauban nagsakay ug jeep (I woke up early during that time and I and my co-beneficiaries were so excited as we rode the jeepney),” she said.

Just like any other 4Ps beneficiary, Rosa underwent family development sessions as well as other meetings among “parent leaders.” She recalled that becoming a parent leader taught her a lot of values. She also became knowledgeable about the different issues in the society.

Moreover, Rosa also said that even her husband noticed she was now empowered to make her own decisions and could easily voice out her opinion.

“Nakaingon gyud akong bana nga dili na daw ko mahadlok karon ug desisyon. Kung naa pud mga meetings sa barangay, dili nako maulaw ug sulti sa akong mga opinion (My husband said that ever since 4Ps was implemented, I am no longer afraid to make decisions. If there are meetings in the barangay, I am no longer shy to voice out my opinions),” she said.

She became more participative when SLP was implemented in their barangay and again, she became the president in their association. She said she never expected to become a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s livelihood program.

“Interesado gyud ko nga makaapil sa SEA-K (Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran) kay akong akong gihuna-huna ug ayo nga naa pa ko’y mga estudyante. Maayo na lang nga makanegosyo ko’g ginagmay then wala pa gyu’y interest (I was really interested to join the SEA-K because I was thinking of my students. Having a small business would be enough for me, aside from the fact that it has no interest),” she said.

Molejon’s association was composed of 15 members and most of them were engaged in vegetable gardening, hog raising and managing a sari-sari store.

When asked on how SLP affected her as a beneficiary, Rosa said it made a big impact on her since she was able to support a child to finish high school. Rosa has three children, one of which is a special child.

“Pinaagi sa pagbuhi ug baboy ug sa akong tindahan, nahuman gyud ug high school akong anak. Sa pagkakaron, nag-college na siya. Nakatabang pud siya sa akong special child kay kung makabaligya na ko sa baboy, makapalit na dayon kog tambal para sa iyang maintenance (Through hog raising and managing a sari-sari store, I was able to support my child to finish high school. As of now, he is now enrolled in college. The livelihood opportunity was able to help my special child every time I can sell pigs. I can now buy medicines as part of his maintenance),” she added.

Rosa said truly, blessings in disguise come in many forms. What is important is to be open for possible opportunities matched with the right attitude for a person to become successful in life. (Divorrah E. Meneses/RTP/PIA 10)

PhilHealth opens satellite office in Lanao del Norte

By Lorry V. Gabule

LANAO DEL NORTE, May 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) region 10 has opened a satellite office which they have coined as PhilHealth Express at the North Central Mindanao Building, Maranding, Municipality of Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Ayesah M. Macumbal, officer-in-charge of the region's Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO-Iligan and Lanao del Norte), said the office which is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., would bring PhilHealth’s services closer to the people.

The PhilHealth Express-Maranding will reduce the volume of transactions of LHIO Iligan which includes front line services such as MDR (member data record) generation and member data amendment. It will also be accepting premium payments and remittance reports from members and employers.

The establishment of the office is pursuant to PhilHealth's thrust of achieving universal health care for all Filipinos by coming up with innovative approaches in bringing its services closer to its members.

A PhilHealth Express office, as in other regions, is supposed to be situated at places where people normally congregate like malls, municipal halls and public markets. However, LHIO Iligan opted to give more meaning to the program by literally placing it near the doorsteps of the people living more than 65 kms from Iligan, Macumbal said.

"We chose Lala because aside from being located in the center of other municipalities namely Baroy, Kapatagan, Nunungan, Salvador, Sapad and Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), it is the most densely populated municipality in the province and is home to one of the highly urbanized barangays in the whole of Mindanao which is Maranding," added Macumbal.

Considering its accessibility and proximity, no longer will its members have to travel more than two hours in going to Iligan just to avail themselves of PhilHealth’s services.

Meanwhile, the local government of Lala under the leadership of Mayor Allan J. Lim and Barangay Chairperson Myrna Yap-Undag of Maranding warmly welcomed this opportunity of ensuring quality health care services of their constituents and that of the other neighboring local government units. (lvg/PHI-LHIO Iligan & LDN/PIA10-LDN)

City dad calls for patriotic participation on National Flag Day

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The mayor of this city has signed a memorandum requiring all city government employees and national government agencies to join the patriotic tradition of celebrating the National Flag Day.

The 2013 National Flag Day celebration falls on a Tuesday, May 28. To save the time and effort of all government employees in the City of Iligan, the activity will be incorporated into the city’s regular flag raising ceremony at the Anahaw Amphitheatre, city hall on May 27, Monday.

The program starts with an invocation, then the singing of the national anthem by the Buhanginan Voices, followed by the Panunumpa sa Watawat led by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and the Iligan March.

City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz of will then deliver his message, followed by a folk dance presentation and the reading of the National Flag Code by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Capping the day’s event will be the ceremonial retiring of faded/tattered flags with the singing of patriotic songs during the ceremonies of the flag.

In the memorandum issued there includes the prescribed attire according to the designated color assigned to offices from the national as well as of the local units.

The attire will be in any form with or without prints, as long as the dominant color assigned to a certain office shows.

We plan to arrange everyone in a position at the amphitheatre based on the colors of our national flag-red, blue, yellow and white, explained Agnes M. Clerigo-Maingat, supervising tourism operations officer of the City Tourism Office of Iligan. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) was assigned to wear blue.

The National Flag Day is celebrated on the 28th day of May of every year to commemorate the date when the Philippine flag was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan in 1898.

The celebration starts from May 28 until June 12, the Philippine Independence Day. All Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all offices, agencies and instruments of government, business establishments, schools and private homes throughout this period provided that they abide by the law governing its proper use and display, as mandated by Republic Act 8491 or The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. (lvg/PIA10-LDN)

RA 8491 enjoins everyone to show reverence to the Filipino Flag

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 27 (PIA) -- Republic Act 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, stipulates that worn-out flags should not be thrown away but solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration.

RA 8491, entitled: “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines,” enjoins everyone to display the Filipino Flag during the National Flag Days from May 28-June 12 of every year.

It prohibits the following acts on the Filipino flag: To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit any act or omission of dishonor or ridicule upon the flag or over its surface.

To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute and to use the flag as a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, as covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects, as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles and as a staff or whip would be illegal.

Using the flag for unveiling monuments or statues and as trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs is also prohibited as well as to display the flag under any painting or picture, horizontally face-up, below any platform or in discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.

It is also forbidden to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform, to add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature on it as well as to print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise.

It is not permitted to display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations. TLikewise, to use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial and to display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.

RA 8491 also specifies that the Filipino flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or other objects. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Food Terminal proponents undergo simplified bookkeeping seminar

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) held a two-day simplified bookkeeping seminar to food terminal (FT) project-proponents in the region.

“As leaders, we must be transparent in all of our transactions,” said OIC Division Chief Honey Gladys S. Valledor of DA-AMAD.

Attended by nearly 60 project-recipients consisting of presidents, treasurers and barangay chairpersons from several cooperatives, associations and local government units (LGUs), the activity is a response to the FT operators’ clamor to further develop their accounting and bookkeeping skills to successfully run FT projects awarded to them.

Emphasizing the need to learn the basic concepts in accounting and bookkeeping, Norman Amerol, accountant of the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO), said while starting a business is relatively easily, maintaining the operations of a business alive and healthy is more difficult.

He said all transactions must be fully documented and records must be maintained and updated, whether these will be done within a cooperative, association or LGU. Amerol added that this way, members can conveniently know if they are getting a fair return of their investment and measure a FT management’s effectivity and efficiency.

While the government has poured out support to different cooperatives, associations and LGUs in the form of FT projects, he urged them to be one with the former’s duty in creating and providing more employment opportunities to the members of their respective localities.

Among the topics tackled include the basic principles in accounting and bookkeeping, the bookkeeping equation, trial balance and the preparation of worksheet and financial statements.

The FT is the brainchild of the DA-AMAD which serves as a food depot and distribution system of reasonably-priced, safe, nutritious and quality food products. (Joanne L. Olson, DA-10)

Preschoolers benefit from free nutri food packs

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, May 27 (PIA) -- Fifty pre-schoolers here got a 120-day free supply of nutri-food packs fortified with vitamin A and iron.

Provincial nutritionist and dietician Telesfora G. Madelo said it is important to address malnutrition among children, especially during their formative years or from 0 to 5 years old.

These kids were listed under the severely underweight children in the province.

For 120 days they will be given food packs to serve as their afternoon snack which comes in several flavors like champorado (chocolate porridge) and monggo (mung bean).

Other underweight children in the province enrolled in the government’s day care program were also covered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s feeding program, while the government is also regularly providing for the micronutrient supplementation, vitamin A, iron and deworming needs of the children.

The malnutrition rate in the island shows a decreasing trend over the years. It dropped to 7.14 percent in 2012 from the recorded 7.33 percent in 2011. (JCV/PIA-10)

  

Filipinos enjoined to display flag on National Flag Days

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, May 27 (PIA) -- All offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the Philippine flag during the National Flag Days from May 28 to June 12.

This provision is stipulated in Republic Act (RA) 8491 entitled “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines,” which was approved on February 12, 1998.

Also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, RA 8491 enjoins all Filipinos “to show reverence to the Filipino Flag at all times and inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in the native land, with fitting respect and affection for it.”

RA 8491 also specifies the following positions of the Philippine flag: If flown from a flagpole, the flag should have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war.

If in a hanging position, the blue field should be placed to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war and the flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.

If planted on the ground, the flagpole should be placed at a prominent place and should be of such height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity. If attached to a building, the flagpole should be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward.

If on a stage or platform or government office, the flag should be placed be at the left (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering. (RCAguhob/EOR/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DOLE intensfies advocacy against child labor

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Lanao del Norte provincial office is intensifying its advocacy on the eradication of child labor.

The DOLE-Lanao del Norte office forged an alliance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to raise awareness among Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries on the adverse effects of exposing their children to high-risk work environments.

A series of community-based anti-child labor advocacy and orientation on Republic Act 9231 providing for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and affording stronger protection for the working children and its implementing rules and regulations were held among 4Ps beneficiaries in the province recently.

The orientation continued in urban and coastal barangays and was integrated in their regular family development sessions. These activities aim to draw out support among the program beneficiaries to be vigilant and become grassroots child labor advocates.

Meanwhile, around 2,000 4Ps beneficiaries through their city links supported the walk-for-a-cause dubbed: “Lakaw Ta Para sa Bata Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao” during the Labor Day celebration last May 1.

These beneficiaries committed to become government partners in advocating to their co-beneficiaries to send their children to school and not to engage them in risky economic activities. (DOLE-10/APB/EOR/PIA-10)

DepEd stakeholders join Brigada Eskwela anew

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 27 (PIA) -- The Brigada Eskwela, also known as National Schools Maintenance Week, was launched here last May 20.

It started with a motorcade at the Iligan City National High School and was joined in by several schools, the Iligan City division office and stakeholders. The caravan ended at Dalipuga High School, where an official kick-off ceremony was held.

Dr. Rolly Cuizon who represented Mayor Lawrence Cruz, delivered a message addressing the stakeholders and the DepEd family and acknowledged Ronillo Apas, the host school’s principal.

The week-long activity engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources in ensuring that public schools' facilities are set in time every school opening, said Cuizon.

Schools Division Supt. Randolph B. Tortola, in his message during the program ceremony reiterated his gratitude to all major stakeholders- the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the plant industries in Iligan which help the school in its year-round activities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, youth organizations and the barangay officials especially the barangay chairman and the committee chairperson on education in the barangay council and the local government.

Brigada Eskwela taps the community to do year-round repairs of school furniture, classrooms, other physical facilities and cleaning of school grounds, prioritizing roof repairs for the coming school as well insure an increase in participation rate.

After the program, the DepEd community led by Tortola along with the stakeholders released balloons to signify the start of Brigada Eskwela.

Since its inception in 2003, Brigada Eskwela has become a movement that has ensured the readiness of public schools for school opening. Volunteers comprising parents, teachers, employees, local government units, alumni associations and civic organizations have joined Brigada Eskwela.

Tortola said DepEd launched Brigada Eskwela Plus in 2010, making it a year-round affair which is being implemented in three phases focused on contributing to the increase in participation rate; a decrease in drop-out rate and an improvement of academic performance of public school children. (LVGabule/PIA-10 LDN)

Convention to tackle best family welfare program practices in region 10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Northern Mindanao Federation of Family Welfare Committees (NMFFWC) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 10 will hold its 20th Annual Convention on June 21-23, 2013 at Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City.

NMFFWC Chairperson Florita B. Quijano of Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. said the activity is an opportunity for labor and management representatives of companies to share their respective family welfare program (FWP) practices.

She said 80 management and labor sector representatives from an estimated 100 companies in several business categories are expected to participate in the convention centered on the theme: "Strengthening Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibilities through Family Welfare Program Implementation.”

Those interested to participate are advised to contact their DOLE provincial field offices or the DOLE 10 regional office through the numbers (088) 857-1930, 0916-964-9026 or 0917-904-8048. They may also send an email to dole10_tssd@yahoo.com not later than June 10, 2013. (Glenford Labial/DOLE-10/APB/PIA-10)

DTI Iligan to hold Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela on May 28-29

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is offering huge discounts on school supplies, food and non-food items in the Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela on May 28-29, 2013 at the Rizal Park, Iligan City.

The caravan is part of the government’s non-wage benefits program, which provides workers and their families access to basic commodities and services at discounted prices of at least ten percent, augmenting their income and providing them with financial relief.

The two-day caravan is also part of the government’s thrust to make quality school supplies at affordable prices available to the public.

Ruel B. Paclipan, provincial director of DTI Iligan City/Lanao del Norte provincial office, said this is an inter-agency coordination by DTI with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board and the local government with support from local manufacturers and private business groups.

Minimum and non-minimum wage earners and their families are urged to avail themselves of the affordable quality items at the Diskwento Caravan. (lvg/DTI/PIA-LDN)

LGUs aided to enhance project proposals for corn, cassava under LPRAP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 10 through its Agri-Pinoy Corn Program has allotted P17 million out of its P115 million budget for 2013 to implement projects under the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP).

To speed up implementation, the DA-Corn Program conducted a workshop and coaching activity on the preparation and refinement of project proposals for corn and cassava. The municipal corn coordinators and municipal agriculture officers from the local government units (LGUs) of Manolo Fortich, Malitbog, Kibawe, Maramag, Quezon and Malaybalay City of Bukidnon; Catarman of Camiguin and Kapatagan of Lanao del Norte attended the workshop.

Five out of the seven municipalities which presented their project proposals received an approval during the evaluation of the Technical Working Group after the workshop. The approved project proposals have an estimated cost of P6.7 million, which is expected to benefit more than 1,000 marginal corn and cassava farmers and is seen to be implemented by June 2013.

The proposed projects include corn post-harvest facilities such as mechanical sheller, village type corn cob dryer, cassava granulator; Farmers Field School on corn production; livelihood project on corn production among marginal upland farmers and corn production enhancement program. (Vanessa Mae S. Siano, DA-RAFID 10/PIA)

CDO Press Club celebrates 31st Press Freedom Week

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) is celebrating its 31st Press Freedom Week which starts today until May 31.

Msgr. Elmer S. Abacahin, president of COPC, hopes to make this celebration a memorable event after all the media's hard work on covering the midterm elections in the name of fair and balanced reporting.

The celebration carries the theme: “Safe to Speak, Securing Freedom of Expression in all Media,” which was adopted from the World Press Freedom Day celebration last May 3.

A holy mass opened the celebration today at 7 a.m. at the Press Freedom Monument followed by a fellowship breakfast at the COPC boardroom. A motorcade followed at 9 a.m. along the major roads of the city with all media outlet vehicles decorated for the event.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) will also be sponsoring a night of fellowship, an opportunity for media practitioners and organizations to convene as members of the COPC.

Several sports competitions are also organized for the day, one of the highlights for the week-long celebration. More activities will be announced in the coming days. (Mary Nathalie Soldevilla,JCV/PIA-8)

Northern Mindanao workers to receive wage hike

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 27 (PIA) -- Minimum wage earners in Northern Mindanao will receive a new round of wage increase this year.

Lawyer Johnson Cañete, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said Wage Order 17 will soon be implemented by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

He said the RTWPB has already forwarded its recommendations to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) after it has deliberated on two wage petitions asking for a wage increase of P80 and P88. These petitions were submitted to them last March 2012 and April 2013, respectively.

He said the RTWPB was able to decide how much will be granted after it conducted provincial wage consultations and a region-wide public hearing last month.

However, he refused to disclose the amount of the increase, pending the final recommendations of the NWPC.

“We cannot divulge the amount yet pending the result of the NWPC en banc meeting, but for sure there will be another round of increase this year and we will be giving you the exact amount early in June," he added. (APB/EOR/PIA-10)

Roaming around Gingoog City, taking a look at its superb spots

By Recthie T. Paculba

GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 27 (PIA) -- Gingoog City is a famous second-class city in the province of Misamis Oriental that is endowed with great bounties of nature and numerous tourist spots.

The city’s name is derived from a Manobo word which means “good luck,” thus implying good fortune. With a total area of 744 sq km, Gingoog has around 112,000 people based on the 2007 Philippine Census.

Audie Ocampo, city tourism officer, said Gingoog was founded by Spanish missionaries in 1750 and has become the oldest city in the province since.

Among the breathtaking spots in Gingoog is the Tiklas Falls. Upon arriving in the center of the city, tourists would have to travel nine km to reach the falls and another 350-meter walk to reach the heart of the spot. Caretakers of the area say tourists must bring their own food and drinks since there are no business establishments near the area.

The entrance fee to Tiklas Falls costs 10 pesos. Cottages are for rent for 50 to 100 pesos.

To ensure the safety and security of the tourists, Ocampo said they have set some rules in visiting the area. They do not allow tourists to swim at the foot of the falls since the power of the water’s current may cause accidents and injuries.

Pools for adults and children are provided so everyone can enjoy the cool waters of the falls.

Aside from the pools in Tiklas Falls, tourists can also enjoy swimming in the JJJ Inland Resort in Barangay Libertad and Guadjus Resort in Barangay Santiago.

Children can also enjoy the city’s children’s playground located near the port of the city. The playground is a project of the Gingoog City Tourism Council headed by retired Judge Potenciano R. delos Reyes Jr. with an investment of almost P2 million by the organization and the city.

The city also boasts of local talents who have performed in several places in the country and have helped in promoting the city.

Currently, the city has been taking strides in boosting tourism in the area. Ocampo said that as of February 2013, they have conducted a coordination meeting with the city’s tourism-related establishments which aim to give a new checklist for inspection of hotels/lodge/inns, restaurants, gas stations, snack centers and entertainment facilities. (RTPaculba/EOR/PIA10)

Kalahi-CIDSS: Developing environmental advocates

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, May 27 (PIA) -- There are many communities in Northern Mindanao that are still deprived of adequate services from the government.

One of them is Barangay Singalat in the municipality of Calamba, Misamis Occidental, the outermost barangay of Calamba that is seven kilometers away from the nearest neighboring barangay. The difficulty in the access roads makes it hard for products and services to reach the far-flung area.

“Kung matarong lang kining among dalan, sigurado ako nga dali ra muabot ang serbisyo sa atong gobyerno diri sa amo. Karon man gud, tungod kay lisud man abton kining among lugar, mapugos among mga estudyante sa high school nga didto mupuyo sa sentro aron sila makatungha, kay wala man mi eskwelahan sa high school diri kay maglisud man ug himo sa eskwelahan tungod sa kalayo ug kadaot sa dalan,” said Barangay Chairman Severino Bucog.

(If only our roads were in better condition, government services would reach our barangay easily. Right now, our high school students are forced to live at the poblacion just to attend classes because we do not have a high school yet and building one would be impossible because of the poor condition of our roads.)

Brgy. Singalat suffers from a worse condition due to the prevalence of logging (both legal and illegal) in the area. Efforts have been made to resolve the problem but the local government remains silent about the issue.

“Dugay na namo kini gi-reklamo apan aduna pa gihapon mga loggers sa among lugar. Nagkadugay, nagsamot na kangil-ad among dalan. Salamat na lang sa atong Ginoo kay na-prioritize mi sa Kalahi-CIDSS, maayo na gayud kining among dalan,” Bucog added.

(We have already raised this problem to the authorities, but logging operations are still going on. We are thankful to God that we were prioritized in the Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service) project, so that our roads will now be improved.)

Kalahi-CIDSS pushes for sustainability in this project. Part of the implementation is to come up with an Operations and Maintenance Plan. Engineer Roel Jumao-as, regional community infrastructure specialist, asked for the volunteers’ commitment to maintain the condition of their 0.84-kilometer farm-to-market road once it is finished.

The project calls the community to resolve first the problem on logging because it might attract more loggers to operate in the area.

“Atong hinumduman nga kita aduna’y obligasyon sa kinaiyahan ug sa katilingban. Dili nato itugot nga ang atong mga proyekto mao’y mahimong hinungdan nga maabusar hinuon ang atong kinaiyahan ug matudluan atong katilingban sa butang nga dili maayo. Kung mahuman na kining atong sub-project, basin na hinuon mudaghan ang mga loggers nga musulod dinhi kay aduna na sila’y maagihan paingon sa bukid. Kinahanglan ato kining maatiman nga problema,” Bucog said.

(Let us remember that we have an obligation to our environment and society. We must never allow our projects to be used as tools to abuse our environment, teaching our people to be self-centered. I fear that if our sub-project is completed, it might encourage more loggers to operate, now that they will have better access to the area. We surely have to deal with this concern.)

A barangay resolution is being pushed to ban all logging operations in the area. The community has also come up with a signature campaign to condemn the logging activities. Mayor Luisito Vilanueva Jr. has promised to support the movement.

“Human kana gidala nga isyu sa akong opisina, amo kanang gipangitaan ug paagi. Gihatagan namo ang mga aduna’y kayutaan sa lugar nga anaa’y mga tanom nga kahoy ug panahon nga Maputol nila ang ilang mga tanum. Kung masugdan na ang sub-project, ato na gayud ibawal ang logging sa lugar. Mag-assign kita ug mga tao nga mao’y mubantay diha aron maprotektahan ang dalan,” said Villanueva.

(After the issue was raised, we made sure we found a way to solve the problem. We gave time to those who owned lands in the area to finish harvesting their logs. Once the sub-project is started, we will no longer allow logging operations, and we will assign persons to man the area for loggers.)

The local government unit of Calamba is blessed to be endowed with this project initiated by Kalahi-CIDSS. Its only hope now is to improve Brgy. Singalat through the program and provide the people with better lives without abusing the environment. (Marko Davey Reyes/MNDS/RTP/PIA10)