PIA-10

GRP-MILF peace panels now set sights on last two annexes of framework agreement on the Bangsamoro

After successfully coming to terms on the revenue generation and wealth sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), members of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels now set their sights on agreeing on the last two remaining annexes of the FAB – power sharing and normalization.

Together with revenue generation and wealth sharing that was signed early Sunday (July 14), the other FAB annex is on transitional arrangements and modalities that was signed last February.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday (July 15), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles said that the same “extreme rigor” used by the parties to finally come to terms and agree on the first two annexes would be employed once again in order to hurdle any obstacle in achieving peace.

“This has been a truly very difficult time in the negotiations but we come away with the affirmation, with the real strong sense and proof that indeed things can be as difficult, as we know they will, that the next annexes will also be difficult,” Deles said.

“But, as has been shown—and we have the proof now—that it can be difficult: we go to the table, we talk about it; we, together, look for solutions where there are problems. We don’t find our solutions in the battlefield. We find it on the table,” she added

Philippine peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who joined Deles to brief reporters in Malacanang, said that although this was one of the “toughest” rounds in the exploratory talks, perseverance and clarity of purpose of both panels made the signing of the wealth sharing annex possible.

“It was one of the toughest rounds that we have been through since we signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October. It was a close call. Both sides made difficult but also constructive decisions. With perseverance and clarity of purpose, we returned home with the signed annex on revenue generation and wealth sharing,” Ferrer said.

Comprised of eight pages, the wealth sharing annex has 12 sections detailing the: taxation; other sources of revenue; fees, and charges; grants and donations; fund transfers from central government; contracting of loans and overseas development assistance; natural resources; additional fiscal powers; auditing body; intergovernmental fiscal policy board; Bangsamoro development plan; and, gender development.

Ferrer said that “under the taxing powers, the parties have agreed that 25 percent of the central government taxes, fees, and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, except for tariff and custom duties, will go to the central government while 75 percent of it, including the shares of the local government units, will go the Bangsamoro government.”

“The signing of the second annex is, indeed, a breakthrough. We expect the discussions on the power sharing and normalization annexes to be just as intense. But, when you’re halfway through, there is no reason to turn back. The only way to go is forward,” Ferrer said.

Comelec suspends validation of biometrics data effective July 12

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 17 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended, starting on July 12, the conduct of validation of registered voters who have no or incomplete biometrics data.

The suspension was promulgated by the Comelec through Resolution No. 9741 in order to maximize the workforce of the Offices of the Election Officers (OEO), nationwide, in the conduct of the registration of voters and listing of the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KnK), as well as, for other preparatory activities relative to the Oct. 28 Sychronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

Lawyer Cirilo E. Nala, Jr. Provincial Election Supervisor of Misamis Occidental said the Comelec has started the validation of registration of voters with no or incomplete biometrics data, last July 1, at the OEO of the city/municipality where the voter is registered.

However, it has suspended the conduct of the validation of registration records effective July 12, 2013, until further ordered to resume by the Commission En Banc because of the reasons stated above, he said.

Per Republic Act No. 10367, otherwise known as “An Act Providing Mandatory Biometrics Voters Registration,” the validation of voters registration with biometrics data is needed to complete the list of voters with complete biometrics data for the May 2016 National and Local Elections.

Data at the Comelec show that a total of 9,018,256 registered voters for the May 13, 2013 elections were without biometrics data as of Oct. 31, 2012, the last day of registration and validation for the said national and local exercise. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Water Park seen to boost eco-dev approach

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, July 15 (PIA) -- The establishment of the P1.4-million Taguines Lagoon Aqua-Sports and Recreational Facility here is seen as an alternative approach in the protection and preservation of coastal resources in the province.

The local government unit (LGU) through its Mahinog Business Development Office (MBDO) targets to lessen local folks reliance on fishing by providing tourism livelihood services to partner fisher folks association.

Apart from the existing three-lane zip line crossing the lagoon, operating separately in area, this new facility likewise offers low-impact water-based recreational activities like kayaking, guided pedal and paddle boating activities, as well as, refreshment services.

It likewise banned the usage of motorboats in order not to disturb the aquatic life and biological diversity in the area.

The MBDO cited that this new tourism enterprise is an offshoot of the successes gained from the development of the Mantigue Island as an ecotourism destination, and together with the municipality’s Queobe Ecopark in Barangay Benoni, it completed Mahinog’s ‘eco-tourism triangle’.

The Taguines Lagoon Aqua-Sports and Recreational Facility was conceptualized by the LGU with the assistance of the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project (CCRMP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office.

CCRMP is funded by the New Zealand Agency for International Developmen (NZAID) to institutionalize an integrated coastal resource management program.

It is now on its second phase of implementation in the province and aims to further strengthen local governance and capability in coastal resource management, and the promotion of conservation-based economic development that is compatible with coastal resource management efforts.

CCRMP funded eighty three percent (83%) of the lagoon eco-tourism enterprise, while the remaining balance was also shouldered by the Mahinog LGU and DENR.

To date, the MBDO is continuously assessing the enterprise operational system and procedures through documentation of feedback from tourist and implementers, tests run, and simulation of packaged water activities for improvement.

It likewise place careful consideration on possible environmental risks and mitigation strategies to include waste generation, activity area carrying capacity, emergency response, and influx of tourist activities that may affect the life cycle of existing organisms by conducting vulnerability assessment.

Meanwhile, the Benoni fisherfolks Association (BFA) will get 20 percent share from the expected aqua-sports service. Latest baseline information of the beneficiaries bares a monthly income level of P3, 400. (JCV/PIA)

Tax collections in Normin up 26 percent in Q1, says NEDA

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 16 (PIA) -- Tax collections in Northern Mindanao during the first quarter this year rose to P1.80 billion, up by 26 percent from the P1.43 billion collections in the same quarter last year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region announced last week.

The NEDA-10 said the double-digit growth was attributed to the stricter implementation of Oplan Kandado and Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Collections mostly came from income taxes and value-added taxes (VAT) which cornered 86 percent of the total receipts.

Receipts from income taxes which accounted for the largest share with 60 percent was posted at P1.07 billion during the quarter while VAT collections was at P482.3 million.

All tax types also recorded improvement except for Other Taxes which decreased by eight percent from P159.1 million to P145.8 million.

By revenue district, all recorded increases in tax collections with Gingoog City Revenue District posting the most notable growth at 45 percent, from P62 million to P90 million.

Cagayan de Oro City revenue District remained the top collector accounting for 52 percent or P939.3 million of the total collections. The revenue districts of Iligan City and Bukidnon held on to their runner-up ranks with 18 and 16 percentage shares or P329 million and P247.8 million, respectively.

Meanwhile, customs collections in the region for the first quarter increased to P1.624 billion, up by 20 percent from the P1.358 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The Mindanao Container Terminal-Sub Port (MCT-SP) still accounted for the largest chunk of the total customs collections posting P1.447 billion or 89 percent of the total collections. (APB/PIA-10)

Ozamiz celebrates 65th Anniversary

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 16 (PIA) -- Today, July 16 has been declared as Ozamiz City Charter Day and a special public non-working holiday in the city.

This is by virtue of Republic Act No. 6743 which was passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate on June 8, 1989 and approved by the late President Corazon C. Aquino on August 9, of the same year.

Meanwhile, a fireworks display is set to enlighten the skies of the city tonight, at 7 p.m., as culmination of a 16-day celebration for its 65th Charter Day Anniversary.

To take place at the historical Plaza de los Recoletos, “Cotta” (Fort) Square, the event is expected to draw, not only the residents of the city’s 51 barangays, but also revelers from Misamis Occidental and the neighboring provinces of Zamboanga, as well as, Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay.

This, as the celebration coincides with the Feast of “Nuestra Seňora dela Concepcion y del Triunfo,” commonly known as “Birhen sa Kota,” which is believed to be miraculous and a place of pilgrimage for Christians who venerate the Blessed Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, whose image is sculpted on the walls of the Fort.

Legend has it that the image of the Birhen sa Kota cast an extra shinning light that blinded the eyes of the pirates riding in their motor vintas from across the bay, and stopped them from entering the city, everytime they tried to do so.

Catholic believers took their sick with them to the Fort and lighted candles at the foot of the image and their sick miraculously healed upon returning home, thus the pilgrimage at this time of the year, which also attracts not only domestic but also foreign tourists.

On the other hand, the fireworks also serve as thanksgiving to the people of Ozamiz by the father-daughter tandem of Mayor Reynaldo Ozamiz Parojinog, Jr. and Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez, who both assumed office last July 1, after receiving big mandates in the recent 2013 mid-term elections.

Parojinog is back to his post as City Mayor which he held for nine (9), 2001-2010, after which, his daughter Nova Princess took over from 2010-2013. (RCAguhob/ PIA-Misamis Occidental)

Sawlog production in NorMin increases by 29 percent in 1Q

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 16 (PIA) --- Total sawlog production in Northern Mindanao for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 29 percent, or 1,259.00 cubic meters (m3) over the 4,245.90 m3 level posted in the same quarter of 2012.

Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that among the provinces, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental were the top sawlog producers during the period each sharing 43 percent of the total production at 4,212.90 m3 and 4,203.65 m3, respectively.

Lanao del Norte was the biggest producer of falcata while Misamis Occidental was the biggest producer of mahogany.

The increase in production was primarily due to the upsurge in mahogany and falcata production as demand of these products increased in both local and export markets, said Engr. Cecilio Clarete of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region in a media forum last week.

On the other hand, the combined production of veneer, plywood and blockboard commodities in the first quarter dipped by 29 percent from its 39,945.89 m3 level in the same quarter last year due to cheaper imported items that are proliferating in the domestic market.

Exports of wood products meanwhile recorded a 46 percent increase in volume and 34 percent increase in value reaching 128,200.05 m3 valued at US$8.824 million. (APB/PIA-10)

‘PIA Action Line’ radio program launched in Iligan

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, July 16 (PIA)—The Provincial Center of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-10) based in Iligan City has kicked off its one-hour program dubbed ‘PIA Action Line’ over Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) DXIC Iligan, 711 khz, on July 14, 2013, Sunday.

The program will be regularly heard live-on-air, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Sunday. PIA has forged with RMN on this magazine-type program where guests on the line can respond to queries of the listeners through phone patch.

This is a fine opportunity for PIA to intensify citizen engagement toward good governance. The listeners will be able to know the programs and services of the government and how it’s being implemented, viz-a-viz, to whom to approach, and air their participation/suggestion if there’s any to improve.

The program shall start with news updates on the government’s programs and services on national and local implementation; guest’s time; and announcements of activities and events for the week.

Non-government organizations, civil society groups, the business sector may share their programs and services on air, in line with their participation/contribution to the government’s program for the welfare of the constituents in Iligan and Lanao del Norte, as well.

For query, you may call the station thru Tel. No.(063) 221-2690/6070 or you may view all programs at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iligan (LVG/PIA-10 LDN)

World-class fireworks caps Lanao Norte festivities

By Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 16 (PIA) -- The annual fireworks display popularly known as ‘Ilaw ng Lanao del Norte’ again shone as the province celebrated its 54th Founding Anniversary.

Residents of Lanao del Norte were again treated to another world-class pyro-musical which falls every 3rd of July, after a jam-packed concert by Pinoy rock icon Ely Buendia.

Among the songs played were Original Pilipino Music (OPM): ‘Estudyante Blues,’ ‘Pusong Bato,’ ‘Pinoy Ako,’ ‘Kahit Kailan,’ ‘Tayo’y Magsayawan,’ and ‘Bongga ka Day.’

“The fireworks display symbolizes the promising future of Lanao del Norte and the celebration of the people for the many gains and blessings received throughout the year,” explained Governor Khalid Dimaporo.

The musical fireworks display lasted for about 10 minutes, much to the delight and cheers of the mammoth crowd at the Mindanao Civic Center(MCC) stadium.

Every year, our family always comes here at MCC to witness this awesome spectacle. It never fails to excite and enthrall everyone especially my family, said Zosima Calunod of Maranding Proper, Lala town.

This year, more than 10,000 people converged at the MCC sports complex for the different highlights of the People’s Day celebration every July 3. This includes the much anticipated Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (MKD) Caravan, MKD Kiddie Party, the ‘Ely Buendie rocks Lanao del Norte’ concert, and highlighted in the evening with the ‘Ilaw ng Lanao del Norte’. (lvgabule/PIA-10 LDN/VNL/PIO-LDN)

ARC joins International Food Exhibition

OZAMIZ CITY, July 16 (PIA) - MAGSILLUM (Magsaysay, Sinian, Lusot, Lumipac) an Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Cooperative in Baliangao, Misamis Occidental recently joined the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines at the SMX Center, Pasay City.

IFEX Philippines international trade event features Asia's ethnic food, ingredients and raw materials.

The cooperative displayed their bottled bangus products (French and Spanish style), adjudged as Best New Product during the Department of Agrarian Reform’s ARC Trade Fair at SM Mega Mall in June, 2010.

"The event gave us another big opportunity to showcase our product to the world and to the local market,” Rhalyn J. Paglinawan, Baliangao Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer said.

MAGSILLUM ARC Coop Bottled Bangus Production is a village-level fish processing certified by the Food and Drugs Administration (DFA) and fulfilled the requirements of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP).

The food exhibition is jointly undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in cooperation with Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (Arnold V. Quicoy/JCV/PIA).