Paglaum mi gitib sa bag-ong GK Village sa Mabini

Compostela Valley Province – Ang pag-antos sa dugayng panahon sa pamuyo nga puno sa mga kabalaka tungod sa tulo sa mga atop ug pagkatay-og sa huyang nga panimalay sa higayon nga duawon sa kusog nga pagkuso-kuso sa  hangin panahon sa ting-ulan natapos human nga gitunol sa ilang pamilya ang usa ka kongkreto ug pinturadong balay diha sa  “Ang Bag-ong Malambuong Mabini Uswag GK Village” sa Brgy. San Antonio atol sa gihimong turn-over.

Matud sa taga-Brgy. Cuambog nga si Herminigilda Romagos nga dugay nang panahon puno gyod siya sa dakong kabalaka uban ang iyang upat ka mga anak, sa posibleng pagkapalid sa karaan na kaayo nilang  pinuy-anan nga hinimo lang sa  kawayan ug sa uban pang scrap nga mga materyales nga giatopan lang ug nipa duol sa baybayon.

Dunay higayon matud pa nga siya makuratan, ug sa kalit lang mahigmata sa higayon nga dunay kusog  kaayo nga  paghuros sa hangin labi na panahon sa taob ug dunay mahitabong subasko nga inubanan sa kusog kaayo nga mga pag-ulan.

Ang pamilyang Romagos maoy usa niadtong mga palarang pamilya nga nakabenepisyo sa mokabat 28 ka kongkreto ug pinturado nang mga balay nga libreng gitunol sa probinsiya ug sa LGU Mabini atol sa Turn-over Ceremony niadtong Mayo 28,2012.

Ang turn-over Ceremony gisugdan sa usa ka Santos nga Misa, ug human niini mao ang pagbendisyon sa mokabat 28 ka mga balay nga gitabangan pagtukod sa mga katawhan atol sa 9th USWAG GK Bayani Challenge niadtong Mayo 8-14,2012.

Human sa Blessing, ang mga GK Beneficiaries nga gitawag ug Kapit-Bahayan gihatagan sad ug usa ka dakong “Starter Kit” nga gisudlan ug mga pagkaon ug kagamitan sa balay nga libreng gitunol kanila sa mga empleyado sa probinsiya ug sa LGU Mabini ilalom sa pagpanguna ni Mayor Hadji Amir Muñoz.

Matud ni CADS Chief Executive Assistant Raul Timogtimog-USWAG GK Action Officer, nga gawas sa napulo ka mga balay nga gitunol ni Gov. Uy sa bag-o nahumang USWAG GK Village laoman sad ang lain-laing livelihood projects nga ibubo sa probinsiya pipila ka adlaw ang moabot. Kini maoy mahidugang sa Nipa, ug sa vegetable garden sulod mismo sa bag-o namugnang community. (gilbert cabahug/ids comval)

Comval Brigada Eskwela: Pintura, Paint Brushes ug Rollers gihatag sa mga eskwelahan

Dugang sa pagtukod ug School Buildings ug sa nagapadayong distribution sa School Furnitures diha sa pampublikong mga tulunghaan sa Compostela Valley, ang liderato sa probinsiya mitabang sad sa Department of Education sa lain-laing mga paagi aron mahimong mas komportable sa mga kabataang nagtungha ang mga pasilidad diha sa pampublikong mga tulunghaan sa elementary ug sa sekondarya sa mga kabaranggayan sa onse ka mga lungsod.

Niadtong Mayo 21 atol sa pagsugod sa “Brigada Eskwela” gisugdan sad ni  Provincial Sports Development Coordinator Tyrone Uy ang pagpanghatag sa mga pintura, uban ang paint brushes ug paint rollers diha sa pampublikong mga tulunghaan sa onse ka mga lungsod nga maoy kabahin sa dakong kontribusyon sa probinsiya ngadto sa DepEd sa gihimong pagpangandam sa pagbukas sa klase sa pampublikong mga tulunghaan sa Hunyo 2012.

Ang gipanghatag nga mga pintura, paint brushes, ug paint rollers sa batan-ong Uy maoy kabahin sa dakong Budget nga gigahin ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy karong tuiga alang sa minor repair sa mga School Buildings ug School Facilities.

Comval hingusgan ang Organic Farming

Aron mamahimong widely practiced sa tibuok probinsiya sa Compostela Valley ang Organic Agriculture, gimando karon ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy ang pagmugna ug usa ka balaodnon alang sa hugot ug lig-on nga pag-implementar sa R.A.10068 kon Organic Agriculture Act of the Philippines 2012.

Matud ni Executive Assistant Isabelo Melendres nga 100 % gyod ang suporta ni Gov. Uy sa bag-o naaprobahang Organic Agriculture Act sa nasud tungod kay   siya health conscious. Gani  gipatuman sa gobernador ang Meatless Monday nga mao ang pagdili sa tanang empleyado sa pagkaon ug karne matag Lunes ug ang Smoking Cessation nga diin, hingpit sad niya nga gidili ang pagpanabako sa tibuok Capitol Compound alang sa kaayohan sa panglawas sa mga katawhan.

Pinaagi sa Executive Order no. 010-2012, gimando ni Gov. Uy ang pagmugna ug balaodnon alang sa pagpromotar ug pag-adopt sa R.A. 10068 nga pagailhong Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 for Compostela Valley Province ug ang paggahin ug pundo alang sa maong tumong.

Kini maoy mamahimong giya kon gabayan  sa probinsiya sa himoong pagpatuman sa  Organic Agriculture diha sa mga kalungsuran, ug aron mamahimong dali ang paghikay sa larawng balaodnon gimando sad sa Gobernador ilalom sa iyang E.O. 010-2012 ang pagmugna  sa usa ka Executive Committee on Formulation, ug sa Technical Working Group (TWG) nga maoy gitahasan sa  mga mahinungdanong buluhaton sa paghikay nga naglangkob sa  paghimog research kon makuting pagtuon, ug sa pag-formulate sa Draft niini ilalom sa Supervision sa Executive Committee.

Si Gov. Uy maoy Chairman sa Executive Committee base sa gipagulang E.O. Samtang si Vice Gov. Ramil Gentugaya maoy natudlong Vice Chairman, ug mga miyembro sila SP Member Moran Takasan, SP Member Joselito Brillantes, Provincial Administrator Virgilia Allones, Executive Assistant Isabelo Melendres, PAGRO Chief Dr. Rolando Simene ug uban pa.

Pangulohan sad nila ni Assistant PAGRO Chief Manolo Serafin Cayme(chairman) ug Supervising Agriculturist MInda Agarano (vice chairman) ang TWG nga moy gitahasan nga mangamot sa research ug formulation ilalom sa supervision sa Executive Committee. (gilbert cabahug/ids comval)

Rehiyon sa Dabaw andam na sa pag-abli sa klase

DAVAO CITY, May 31 (PIA) – Usa ka opisyal sa Department of Education sa rehiyon ang ang nagbutyag ug mipasalig nga ang rehiyon ang andam na sa pag-abli sa klase karong umaabot Hunyo 4.

Si DepEd Assistant Regional Director Fe delos Reyes ang nag garantiya sa hundred percent nga andam angt tanang tulunghaan nga naggikan sa siyam ka mga DepEd Divisions sa Davao Region atol sa Kapihan sa PIA nga gipahigayon diha sa Abreeza Mall in the city.

Si Delos Reyes usab ang misigurado nga ang tanang elementarya ug ang sekondaryo nga mga tulunghaan adunay sakto ug husto nga mga bangko ug lamesa alang sa tanang mga magtutungha.

Siya nagpasibaw sa maong kasiguruhan human giila an gang tabang sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Tagum City nga maoy naghimo ug nag apud-apud sa mga school furtniture nga gikan sa mga naimbargo nga illegal nga mga torso ngadto sa mga daghang tulunghaan sa tibu-ok rehiyon.

Si Delos Reyes nagkanayon nga ang mga Grade 1 nga magtutudlo ang gibanasay alang pagpangandam sa bag-ong kurikulum sa gitawag ug Mother Tounged-Baesd Multi-Lingual Education kung diin ang mga magtutungha sa Grade 1 ang makatu-on sa ilang mga tulun-anan pina-agi sa lokal nga pinulungan sugod karong tuiga.

Ang pinaka ulahing grupo sa mga Grade 1 nga mga magtutudlo ang usab ang maghigayon sa ilang karong semanaha, dugang butyag niya.

Dinhi sa Rehiyon, ang Cebuano nga pinulungan ang pagagamiton nga medium of instruction, dugang pa niya nga ang mga instructional materials nga nahisulat usab sa vernacular nga dialiko ang gi-andam na karon.

Si Delos Reyes nag esplika nga ang Mother Tounge-Based Multi-Lingual Education ang mag langkob sa Grade 2 ug 3, samtang ang mga entrante nga ana-a sa Grade 1 ang maoy maka sinati sa katibuk-an sa implementasyon maong programa.

Human ang malampusong paghimo sa tinuig nga school maintenance program o ang “Brigada Eskwela”, niadtong May 21-26 dinhi sa rehiyon, ang DepEd-XI angf nangadan na usab sa pag lunsad sa Oplan Balik Eskwela 2012 karong Mayo 28 hangtud Hunyo 8 aron dugang pag siguro sa hapsay nga pag abli sa mga klase karong Hunyo.

Ang OBE nagtumong sa pag sulbad sa mga problema nga kasagarang masinati-an niining mga panahuna ug sa pag siguro nga ang mga magtutuhangha ang husto nga natala ug makatambong sa unang adlaw sa pag tungha karong Hunyo 4, ang DepEd Memorandum No. 83-2012 maoy nag mando niini. (PIA-11/Albert Cahilog)

Studies consortium urged to address Mindanao’s critical research needs

A consortium of local academicians and scholars is urged to take on the role of a think tank that will help steer Mindanao’s journey to holistic development.

Sixteen members of the Mindanao Studies Consortium Foundation Inc. (MSCFI) were exhorted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to venture out of their institutions and build their mark in research and policy studies in the region.

“Issues in Mindanao are integrated and call for integrated solutions that require lenses from different skills and expertise. Being an institution of thinkers, planners, experts, and social architects, MSCFI can take the lead,” MinDA Executive Director Janet Lopoz said in a message delivered for MinDA chair Sec. Luwalhati Antonino.

MSCFI is a clearinghouse of ideas, resources, programs and projects that help mitigate peace and development issues in Mindanao through scientific and empirical researches that help define and support the region’s development needs.

Lopoz said development, industries, and social structures are evolving fast, and MSCFI members must determine if they will remain within the walls of their individual institutions and research centers, or “come out and leave a legacy in Mindanao’s history”.

“We need to strengthen alliances, expand membership, and create networks and communities, so opportunities for engagement can be expanded, and knowledge is brought to critical industry players, decision-makers, and policy-makers,” she added.

Lopoz made the call during a strategic planning session facilitated by MinDA to help the consortium strengthen its capacities as it gears up to expand its membership and evolve into the Mindanao Knowledge, Research and Policy Center (MKRPC).

MKRPC will become the repository of knowledge on Mindanao and shall take the lead in coordinating, facilitating, and disseminating researches, bridging theory to practice in the pursuit of peace and development initiatives.

It is also envisioned to help higher education institutions produce more scientists and give attention to social and political sciences that can help address complex social and political issues in Mindanao.

The planning activity was intended to come up with an enhanced research framework and harmonized Mindanao Research Agenda in relation to the region’s blueprint for development called Mindanao 2020, A Peace and Development Framework Plan for Mindanao.

Dr. Ciel Habito of Brain Trust Inc., in his message to the consortium, revealed that in the crafting of the Mindanao 2020, his team saw gaps in defining the knowledge base to support its thematic areas. He said this boils down to the need for a research agenda that will later on cluster into research studies.

“What we need is practical research that can be useful and contribute to actual reforms, such as identifying lack of infrastructure to unleash a lot of economic activities,” Habito said.

He expressed hope for BTI and MSCFI to work together for possible expansion, networking, and strengthening of both institutions in order to respond better to the needs of Mindanao.

Prof. Ricardo de Ungria, MSCFI Chairperson, closed the activity with a rallying call to its members to renew their commitment to the consortium and tackle the challenges ahead. MinDA

‘Selda’ managers keep water flowing

By Sherwin B. Manual/DAMRDP

Brgy. Malabang, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur --- As water is a valuable but scarce resource in many areas in Mindanao, selda managers here keep clean water flowing.

Eugenia Torrecampo, 75, sees to it that her selda or cluster of eight members observe the policies they have agreed in the proper use of the newly installed potable water system (PWS).

“We have to ensure that everyone observes the policy to protect this water facility since this is the project that solved our long clamor for clean and safe water,” Torrecampo said in her dialect.

In the recent past, there were only at least six deep wells serving the community of at least 217 households or close to 1000 residents. Although, incidences of water-borne disease were few, the lack of adequate water supply has negative impact on the community life.

“People have to make a line on very long queue of pails and water containers as early as 4:00 in the morning to gather their daily ration of water for bathing and other household use,” said Vicente Cavan, Jr. , chairman of Malabang Water System Association (MAWASA )of Hagonoy Inc.

Often, the long queue resulted to altercations especially among children who usually are tasked to fetch water three times per day.

One of the 21 barangays of Hagonoy town, Brgy Malabang, located 10 kilometers from town proper and 24 kilometers from Digos City the provincial capital, is listed among the most depressed areas of the town. If not farmers, most of the residents were construction workers who have to be early at work.

It was only very recently when a sugar plantation was established in the barangay after the bridge, farm-to-market road and electrification were installed. This provided livelihood opportunities to the residents.

“Water facility is the third priority of the barangay’s five-year development plan. We were fortunate enough that years ago our first two projects, bridge and electrification were responded to by other national agencies and the local government,” said Cavan.

“With high hopes we sent proposal to the local government to assist us in the project, as if ladyluck was on our side, our proposal was forwarded and eventually approved by the Department of Agriculture(DA) – Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).

The partnership of MRDP and the LGU put up P1.4 million to complete the project. The PWS is categorized as level-2 water system. It has an elevated reinforced concrete tank that has a dimension of 3x3x.4.3 meters. Water is drawn from a 180-meter deep well and diverted to a concrete tank by means of a 3 horsepower submersible pump powered by a 25-Watt transformer through a 100-mm PVC discharge pipe. Water is distributed to the 28 tap stands and faucets.

Each tap stands is shared by 6 to 8 members as one cluster or selda.

“Now, there is adequate, accessible clean water we can use. Just one twist of the faucet and water is there,” Torrecampo said.

To sustain the operation of the project, the MAWASA was formed as the governing body of the water facility.

“We charge every household member a monthly pay of P75.00. The amount collected is used to pay for electricity consumption of the pump, maintenance of the system pipes, faucets and other maintenance works and materials,” Cavan explained.

Selda Leaders

Since the MAWASA board members cannot at all times oversee the use of the 28 faucets, selda leaders were chosen to ensure proper use of the faucet.

The selda leader is selected among the members of the clustered users. He or she ensures that the water facility is properly used and that water wastage is avoided. 

“As selda leader, I also act as the treasure for the group but we don’t receive any honorarium. I collect payments from my selda members and pays the amount to the MAWASA board,” Torrecampo said, adding:

“We also help educate the barangay folk about the policies agreed and other important information related to the use of the water facility.”

One ‘water mechanic’ or water tender with monthly honorarium of P500.00 controls the main valve. He closes the facility at 10:00 PM and opens it at 4:00 in the morning. Along with the other members of the board, the water tender, regularly  checks and monitors on the whole system .

“The water facility near my house is such a great help especially for an old woman like me,” Torrecampo said.

Job openings at DSWD

DAVAO City  -The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) needs 89 workers to work under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Livelihood Program.

DSWD Personnel Officer Loreta L. Anas said, “Immediately, we shall be hiring 2 Social Welfare Officers III, 2 Financial Analysts III, 22 Project Development Officers II, 19 Municipal Links, 1 Human Resource Officer, 3 Administrative Assistants II, 39 Social Welfare Assistants and 1 Associate Statistician.”

Interested applicants may now submit their resume and application letter addressed to: Director Ester A. Versoza, DSWD XI, R. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City. For details, applicants may inquire from Ms. Loreta L. Anas at telephone numbers –(082) 2278746, 2271964. (DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron)

Mindanao young leaders ask for better health services

DAVAO CITY, May 31 (PIA) – Some 70 child leaders aged 10 to 14 years old from different parts of Mindanao recently created their Children’s Charter on Health which called for better health services at the community level.

The Charter declared ten statements on health which the young leaders themselves drafted and presented to health and development authorities during the Mindanao Children’s Congress held on May 22-24 in Davao City.

In a press statement, congress organizer World Vision said the Charter written in Tagalog was the children’s “way of responding to the health issues they experienced in their respective communities” and of unifying their “hopes for better ‘Child Health NOW’!.”

The children petitioned for the following: free medical check up and medicines like vitamins, a nurse in every barangay, improvement of feeding program for malnourished children and street children, and sufficient medicines at the “Botika ng Barangay” and school clinics.

The Charter also included the call for awareness-raising drive during barangay health forum engaging parents and children to learn on health programs and child health rights.

The children urged for the enhancement of financial assistance program for the purchase of medicines not available at health centers, and for the provision of home visit program for barangay health workers to check on the condition of children who are sick. 

The other petitions called for the provision of needed facilities such as vehicles for health centers, health books and playground in every community; for government programs to reach out to children with utmost need for health support; and for the passage of laws on proper waste disposal. 

Sixteen-year old F-Shayne Flores, a World Vision child leader from South Cotabato, has aspired for all children to be protected and healthy.

Flores emphasized the need for children especially the poor not to miss out on the opportunity of availing basic medical and health services, saying “because it is our right.”

World Vision said Department of Health-XI Regional Director Dr. Abdulla Dumama Jr. has given his response to the Children’s Charter on Health saying that majority of the statements have already been established.

Dr. Dumama, however, admitted that the other statements “need to be improved as the poorest areas in Mindanao have limited access to health services particularly for children.”

“I appreciate that these were brought up by the children themselves. We will give action to this by providing the children free access to medicines and vitamins,” World Vision quoted Dr. Dumama as saying during the Children’s Congress.

Aside from DOH, other government child-focused agencies also heard of the children’s stance on health, to include Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), and Davao City Council for the Welfare of Children (DCCWC).

Elnora Avarientos, executive director of World Vision in the Philippines, urged the child leaders to “take part of the development in the community.”

“You may be young but your voice is louder than ours,” Avarientos has stated.

Children’s health concern is among the advocacy programs of World Vision-Philippines which has been assisting 112,000 Filipino children from 37 provinces, 19 cities, and 49 development areas, 12 of which are in Mindanao. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

Chinese investors eye Davao’s agri lands

DAVAO CITY May 31 (PIA)-Two investors from the People’s Republic of China are looking for agricultural lands in Davao City as potential investment sites.

City Agriculturist Office Officer-In-Charge Leo Avila bared that the investors are looking at investing in vegetable, mangoes and fruit production. 

Guesting at Marco Polo Davao’s Club 888 media forum last Wednesday (May 30) Avila said he accompanied the group to Waan, Mandug and Tigatto to scout for sites as the Chinese are interested in developing 100 hectares as vegetable areas.

Avila said the Chinese are planning to send agriculture technicians to study the viability of the area they will look at the soil type, water resource and other environmental factors.

The investors are also looking at mango production as Davao City has about 4,000 hectares of land planted to mango with only 2,000 hectares considered as commercially productive.

“Lots of mangoes were planted in the 1990s particularly in the upland areas, the growers only realize that it costs so much to make them productive.”  Avila said. He added that many growers would just wait for the natural fruiting season to harvest their mangoes other farmers were just converted to other uses like banana plantations. According to estimates from the agriculturist office it takes as much as P7,000- P15,000 to make a mango tree productive.

It is estimated that the city has 400,000 mango trees totalled from an average of 100 mangoes in one hectare of land.

The Chinese investors are planning to set up a dried mango processing plant adding that the supply will come from Davao. Avila said that some of the famous Cebu dried mangoes were supplied by mangoes coming from Davao.

Dried mango has been a lucrative export shipment to countries such as China and South Korea. (PIA 11/RG Alama)

DILG to assess LGU disaster readiness performance

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, May 31 (PIA):  The Department of Interior and Local Government  (DILG) is set to assess the performance of local government units (LGUs) in terms of disaster preparedness  to  determine their worthiness of the Seal of Disaster Preparedness.

DILG Memorandum Circular 2012-79 issued on April 25, 2012 puts emphasis on the need for LGUs “to scale up performance in the context of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Framework.”

The Department directs the attention of LGUs to climate change which has brought about “sharp increase in the frequency and intensity of calamities.”

In its memorandum, it brought back scenes of past tragedies caused by  the Typhoon Sendong and  the landslide in Pantukan , Compostela Valley as  such incidents brought forth a realization that “untold human  tragedy is an inescapable effect of ill preparedness.”

The Seal of Disaster Preparedness aims to recognize and grant incentives to LGUs’ performance in putting in place disaster preparedness, and to assess “performance gaps to policy or program intervention.”  

It also seeks to “monitor improvements on disaster preparedness” of  high risk provinces,  cities and municipalities.

The DILG MC lays down  the  criteria of assessing disaster preparedness of LGUs, including their capability to respond to disaster,  to find out their performance level that would merit a plaque of the Seal of Disaster Preparedness.

In an interview, DILG Provincial Director  Alex Roldan said  the DILG memo circular had already been disseminated to the provincial, city and municipal LGU levels.

Roldan  expressed optimism about the receptiveness among LGU  executives to comply with the circular as he noted in a recent meeting of the Municipal Mayors League of Davao del Norte that “they have a general agreement to give attention to disaster preparedness.”

“They’ve realized that the damage would be much without the necessary preparation,”  he said.

Roldan  said that criteria of Seal of Disaster Preparedness will be integrated in the Local Government Performance Management  System (LGPMS).

Referred to as a tool for progress, LGPMS assesses the management performance  of LGUs in delivering of social, economic and environmental services,  and in exercising good local governance, in general.

Though only provincial, city and town governments would be subjected to Seal of Disaster Preparedness assessment,  the barangay governments should also be prepared for any disaster occurrence,  Roldan said.

“Disaster response and preparedness  should be barangay-based because they are at  stake; they are at the forefront,”  he said.

Aside  from raising awareness of community folks regarding potential hazards, the barangay governments have to create a special body to focus attention on matters of disaster.

A system of mobilizing people before, during and after disaster will then be formulated including the establishment of an evacuation area.

Roldan pointed  out that lack of funds should not become a hindrance to building  the capabilities of barangay LGUs to handle preparedness and response.

He recalled how communities created noise to alert folks of  the presence of  “Akyat bahay” robbers through  batting  tin cans and other objects.

“What early warning system can you set up?” Roldan raised the question  as he believed on the ingenuity of community folks  to handle safety and survival.   (PIA-11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

Hiniusang lihok alang sa industriya sa saging

DAVAO CITY, May 30 (PIA) – Ang Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry ug Department of Foreign Affairs ang naghiniusa alang sa paghimo sa usa ka presentasyon alang ngadto sa mananumay og saging nga naapektuhan pag imposar sa China sa striktong rekesitos sa kwarantina.

Gihulagway ang maong pakiglambigit nga usa ka gitawag og Filipino team effort, si DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacop nagkanayon nga kining maong gitawag og package presentation ang ipakita ngadto kang Presidente Benigno III.

Ang tulo ka departamento ang mulihok unya diha sa pag mugna og bag-ong merkado, pagmonitor sa mga maayong agricultural practices ug ang pag upgrade sa export facilities.

Kauban sa mga nailhang merkado mao ang Russia partikular ang port of Vladivostok nga nagpadayag sa ilang interes sa saging nga gikan sa Mindanao.

Kung ikonsiderar unya ang gilay-on sa maong nasud nga mahimong angayan nga merkado, si Salacop nagkanayon nga ang Vladivostok duha lamang ka oras kung biyahe-on gikan sa China.

Lain usab nga posibleng merkado nga gilantaw karon mao ang Iran nga sa kasamtangan pa nga gitun-an.

Bisan tuod ang Iran nag atubang sa usa ka sanction, apan ang produkto sa pagkaon susama sa saging ang wala malakip sa langyaw nga sanction. 

Siya nagdugang usab nga ilang gitun-an ang usa ka counter-trade proposal nga kung diin ang saging mamahimong ibaylo ngadto sa lana tungod sa ang langyaw nga kwarta ang nihit partikular na ang US dollar diha sa Iran tungod sa giimposar nga embargo.

Usa ka trade mission ang kasamtangang giplano alang ngadto sa Iran karong Hunyo matud pa ni Salacop, ug usa unya nga pagahisgutan mao ang pag export sa saging.

Samtang gawas sa pagpangita og merkado alang sa export, ang DA naglantaw sa pagbag-o sa mga export nga pasilidad ngadto sa small growers.

Sila usab naglantaw sa mga pamaagi aron ipakita nga mga maguumang Filipino ang nagahimo ug nagpatuman sa gitawag ug good agricultural practices.

Si Salacop nagkanayon nga bisan pa sa gitawag nga China’s crackdown sa saging sa Pilipinas dili usab nila matago ang dagong merkado.

Siya nagdugang nga ang nasud usa ka net importer sa produktong pang agrikultura gikan sa China. Samtang ang nasud naga exportar taga tuig ug $180-million ngadto sa China kung diin $70-million an gikan sa saging.

Samtang ang nasud ang naga angkat sa kantidad nga $350-million nga agricultural commodities.

Si DA assistant secretary nagkanayon nga kasagaran sa saging nga gipadala ngadto sa China ang “Class B” nga saging ug dili basta-basta mabaligya ngadto sa langyaw nga nasud nga naanad na nga nagadawat sa “Class A” nga saging.

Si DTI-XI Regional Director Marizon Loreto niining bag-o lamang nga pakighinabi nagkanayon nga ilang gilantaw ang pagdevelop og merkado alang unya sa lain-laing produkto sa saging susama sa banana chips, banana flour, banana ketchup ug ang banana fiber.

Si Loreto nagsulti nga ang fiber sa saging ang ginahimo og usa ka fashion accessory nga adunay potential nga pagkinahanglan diha sa merkado sa Hapon kung diin ang fiber niini ginahimo nga usa ka fashionable shawl nga ginasuot sa mga babaeng hapon. (PIA-11/Albert D. Cahilog)

Hedcor builds fence for DavSur school

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, May 30 (PIA) – Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. brought about the construction of a P50,000-worth of perimeter fence at Sibulan National High School of this town in support to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela.

“In Sibulan, the construction of P50, 000 worth perimeter fence will assure students’ safety and help teachers guard their students during school hours,” said Hedcor Vice President Rolando Pacquaio.

Hedcor, a subsidiary of AboitizPower, hopes that the 10-meter fence project will significantly contributes to avoid student truancy.

Aside from building a fence, Hedcor personnel and volunteers also rendered services such as cutting grasses, landscaping gardens, cleaning classrooms, repairing chairs and tables, and changing busted lights.

The recipient secondary school is located at Barangay Sibulan, Sta. Cruz which hosts Hedcor Sibulan, Inc.’s 42.5 mega watts Sibulan Hydropower Plant.

Meanwhile, Hedcor, Inc. in Davao City allocated a budget worth P75,000 for the repainting of six classrooms in Catalunan Pequeño National High School and Tugbok High School, also during the National Schools Maintenance Week from May 21 to 26.

The Aboitiz Group held a simultaneous wide participation in Brigada Eskwela on May 26 in all host areas of Hedcor’s hydropower generating facilities.

“Hedcor actively participates and extends assistance to our host schools for years now,” Pacquaio said.

Apart from Brigada Eskwela participation, a big part of Hedcor’s Corporate Social Responsibility programs is focused on education.

The program includes school building donation, computer and school supplies donation, scholarship grants to deserving indigenous students and other informativecampaign.

Brigada Eskwela is an annual activity of DepEd since 2003, weeks prior to the start of classes to prepare public schools and its facilities for learning.

Hedcor is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower in the country, owns and operates 19 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao with a total capacity of 154 megawatts.

AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, retail and power services.

It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy in the Philippines with several hydroelectric and geothermal assets in its generation portfolio, and also has non-renewable power plants located across the country.

The company owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (Hedcor)

Hedcor to add 54 MW in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, May 25 – Hedcor, a subsidiary of AboitizPower, is now on its 34th year of generating clean energy through its run-of-river hydropower systems in Davao, Benguet and Ilocos Sur.

In Davao, it currently generates 47 megawatts (MW).

The energy crisis Mindanao is currently facing encouraged Hedcor to buildfive (5) more plants with a total capacity of 54 MW to help address thesituation.

The Tudaya project, an expansion of the 42.5 MW Sibulan Hydropower Plantin Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur Hedcor, will soon start its construction afterthe Renewable Energy contract of Department of Energy will be given.

In the province of Bukidnon, necessary permits are presently applied for bythe company for the 28.2 MW Sita-Simod project.

The project will harness the Sita and Simod rivers.

The two host barangays and the Municipality of Kitaotao already endorsed the proposed project after signing the memorandum of agreement with Hedcor officials.

Another project is in Davao City with 12 megawatts.

“We feel very strongly that we are part of the solution to Mindanao’s powerwoes rather than the problem,” said AboitizPower President and CEOErramon I. Aboitiz.

Hedcor is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower in the country,owns and operates 19 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davaowith a total capacity of 154 megawatts.

AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments inpower generation, distribution, retail and power services.

It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy in thePhilippines with several hydroelectric and geothermal assets in itsgeneration portfolio, and also has non-renewable power plants locatedacross the country.

The company owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (For more details, please visit: www.aboitizpower.com and www.cleanergy.com.ph) (Hedcor)

Phil Eagle genetic differences subject of new research

DAVAO CITY, MAY 30- A research is being planned to see if there are genetic differences or mutation between Philippine Eagles (Pithecophaga jefferyi)  in Mindanao and those found in Luzon.

Dennis Salvador, president of the Philippine Eagle Foundation said that scientists are trying to look at the genetic variations of the Philippine Eagles found in the different islands of the Philippine Archipelago. The research will be conducted by the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Scientists believe that there are genetic differences between the eagles because of the long isolation between the eagle populations of Mindanao and Luzon, Salvador said. However he added that that there is no or a slight difference in the appearance of Philippine Eagle found in Luzon and those in Mindanao.

They are looking at the angle of dietary variations as eagles from Mindanao and Visayas have flying lemurs (Cynocephalus volans) as staples of their diet while there are no flying lemurs in Luzon. Salvador said adding that they are still researching on the food habits of Philippine Eagles in Luzon.

Philippine Eagles have been discovered in the Sierra Madre ranges and just last year was also found to inhabit the Cordilleras with the discovery of living species in Apayao.

It is estimated that there are 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild. Most of the eagle are well distributed in the island of Mindanao, according to Salvador the highest concentration of the eagles are found in the Eastern Mindanao corridor and in Bukidnon, places still with extensive forest cover.

Salvador however said that eagle populations in these parts of Mindanao are threatened by habitat destruction particularly with the advent of logging and mining operations in these areas.

Aside from the eagles in the wild there are 35 Philippine Eagles in captivity all kept in Davao City inside the sprawling Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this 2012. (PIA 11/RG Alama)

Davao to mark 10th year smoke-free campaign

By Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, May 30 (PIA) – The local government unit in Davao City will be marking its 10th year successful implementation of its Anti-Smoking Campaign tomorrow (May 31) in a celebration to feature a motorcade and a program at Rizal Park here.

Local government officials, health professionals, barangay leaders, officials and representatives from socio-civic and non-government organizations and government agencies, and students are expected to join in the celebration.

Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force Co-chair Dr. Domilyn C. Villarreiz said the motorcade which will begin at 3:00 pm will have three starting points namely: Magsaysay Park, Victoria Plaza and SM Car Park.

Villarreiz urged offices and establishments to support the event by placing streamer at the entrance of their respective workplace until June 30, also in time for the No Smoking Month. 

The city has been strictly enforcing Ordinance No. 043-02 of the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City since its approval in 2002.

The Ordinance bans smoking in a public utility vehicle, government-owned vehicle or any other means of public transport for passengers, accommodation and entertainment establishment, public building, public place, enclosed public place, or in any enclosed area outside of ones private residence, private place of works, cars owned by the government.

However, the Ordinance provides for the establishment of duly designated smoking areas.

In Sun Star Davao’s earlier report, Villarreiz said “a city needs political will to implement the Anti-Smoking Ordinance.”

It further stated that the Anti-Smoking Task Force under the Office of the City Mayor, “is doing rounds in all barangays in the city to seek assistance in their campaign against smoking.”

In 2009, the task force received an award from the international organization Global Smoke-free Partnership (GSP) for its “exceptional leadership and commitment to further smoke-free policies by a governmental agency.” (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

DOE to hold Mindanao LPG Summit in GenSan

By Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, May 30 (PIA) – The Department of Energy is set to convene various stakeholders in the Mindanao LPG Summit slated on June 05 in General Santos City that aims to tackle issues and concerns currently confronting the Liquefied Petroleum Gas sector. 

DOE Director Manuel M. Llaneza said the summit will particularly discuss on the issue regarding the proliferation of refilling/selling of LPG using Butane canisters as containers.

Another concern to talk about is the unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders at Auto-LPG dispensing stations, Llaneza bared.

The participants to the summit are expected to come up with a common stance to deter the proliferation of these illegal/unsafe practices to ensure the safety and welfare of the consuming public, he said.

The officials and representatives from the government agencies to include DOE, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Local Government Units LGUs of Mindanao, will be gathered in the morning session of the summit.

The afternoon session will be joined by invited representatives from the business sector to comprise of LPG cylinder manufacturers, LPG bulk suppliers, LPG refilling plants, LPG dealers/retailers, and the consumers.

Llaneza said the summit which is free of registration will start at 10:00 am at the Phela Grande Hotel, in Gen. Santos City.

Among the invited speakers include Director Zenaida Y. Monsada of DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB), Alvin David T. Lim of the Retail Market Monitoring and Special Concerns Division-OIMB (RMMSCD-OIMB), and Robert Cardinales of LPG Section-RMMSCD. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

Smart, PAGASA launch automatic rain gauge project in Tagum

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, May 30 (PIA) – Smart Communications and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) launched in Tagum City yesterday (May 29) its co-location project of automatic rain gauge (ARG).

Smart Communications Community Partnerships Manager Nova Concepcion yesterday bared moves of the telecommunication company to do its first launching in Tagum City way ahead of the 62 other Smart cell sites installed with ARGs.

Concepcion counted the receptiveness of the local government unit of Tagum on disaster preparedness and the safe location of the ARG as reasons of the Tagum City first launching of the co-location project it had tied up with PAGASA.

In his speech read by Interior and Local Government City Director Liza Mendoza, Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy said the city government sets its direction towards attaining the standards of the Seal of Disaster Preparedness per instruction of DILG through Memorandum Circular 2012-79.

In an interview, Uy assured the safety of the weather monitoring equipment of PAGASA placed inside the perimeter of Smart cell site located along the national highway in Barangay Magdum, Tagum City.

“Walay manghilabot ana (No one can touch it),” he said.

Concepcion said the ARG co-location project with PAGASA formed part of Smart Communications’ corporate social responsibility which it extends to provide communication services even before, during and after a disaster occurrence.

Under the co-location agreement, Smart Communication committed to provide a space for the PAG-ASA automatic rain gauge and to ensure safety and maintenance of such weathering monitoring facility.

PAGASA weather specialist and chief of PAGASA Research and Development Esperanza Cayanan said that the ARG uses “Smart sim” to automatically transmit data to the PAGASA electronic server located at its head office in Manila.

The ARG helps PAGASA determine local rains situation.

Meanwhile,  PAGASA  Chief Meteorologist Gerry Pedrico of Davao PAGASA Station explained that the presence of more rain gauges substantially helps in coming up with more accurate data on rainfall amount.

“With more accurate data, we can come up with more accurate information for the public that would become the basis of their right action,” he said.

Aside  from ARGs, PAGASA  is  also working with Smart Communications and with Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) to  put up more automatic weather stations (AWS) designed to measure atmospheric pressure,  wind speed, wind direction,  relative humidity and rainfall intensity and amount.

Pedrico bared eight AWS in the Davao Region and these are  located in Buda, Davao City; in 911 Davao City  station; in Jose Abad Santos and Digos in Davao del Sur;  Bangaga and in Mati Davao Oriental; at the PAGASA Davao Station;  and in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.  (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

Rehiyon sa Dabaw andam na sa pag-abli sa klase

DAVAO CITY, May 29 (PIA) – Usa ka opisyal sa Department of Education sa rehiyon ang ang nagbutyag ug mipasalig nga ang rehiyon ang andam na sa pag-abli sa klase karong umaabot Hunyo 4.

Si DepEd Assistant Regional Director Fe delos Reyes ang nag garantiya sa hundred percent nga andam angt tanang tulunghaan nga naggikan sa siyam ka mga DepEd Divisions sa Davao Region atol sa Kapihan sa PIA nga gipahigayon diha sa Abreeza Mall in the city.

Si Delos Reyes usab ang misigurado nga ang tanang elementarya ug ang sekondaryo nga mga tulunghaan adunay sakto ug husto nga mga bangko ug lamesa alang sa tanang mga magtutungha.

Siya nagpasibaw sa maong kasiguruhan human giila an gang tabang sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Tagum City nga maoy naghimo ug nag apud-apud sa mga school furtniture nga gikan sa mga naimbargo nga illegal nga mga torso ngadto sa mga daghang tulunghaan sa tibu-ok rehiyon.

Si Delos Reyes nagkanayon nga ang mga Grade 1 nga magtutudlo ang gibanasay alang pagpangandam sa bag-ong kurikulum sa gitawag ug Mother Tounged-Baesd Multi-Lingual Education kung diin ang mga magtutungha sa Grade 1 ang makatu-on sa ilang mga tulun-anan pina-agi sa lokal nga pinulungan sugod karong tuiga.

Ang pinaka ulahing grupo sa mga Grade 1 nga mga magtutudlo ang usab ang maghigayon sa ilang karong semanaha, dugang butyag niya.

Dinhi sa Rehiyon, ang Cebuano nga pinulungan ang pagagamiton nga medium of instruction, dugang pa niya nga ang mga instructional materials nga nahisulat usab sa vernacular nga dialiko ang gi-andam na karon.

Si Delos Reyes nag esplika nga ang Mother Tounge-Based Multi-Lingual Education ang mag langkob sa Grade 2 ug 3, samtang ang mga entrante nga ana-a sa Grade 1 ang maoy maka sinati sa katibuk-an sa implementasyon maong programa.

Human ang malampusong paghimo sa tinuig nga school maintenance program o ang “Brigada Eskwela”, niadtong May 21-26 dinhi sa rehiyon, ang DepEd-XI angf nangadan na usab sa pag lunsad sa Oplan Balik Eskwela 2012 karong Mayo 28 hangtud Hunyo 8 aron dugang pag siguro sa hapsay nga pag abli sa mga klase karong Hunyo.

Ang OBE nagtumong sa pag sulbad sa mga problema nga kasagarang masinati-an niining mga panahuna ug sa pag siguro nga ang mga magtutuhangha ang husto nga natala ug makatambong sa unang adlaw sa pag tungha karong Hunyo 4, ang DepEd Memorandum No. 83-2012 maoy nag mando niini. (PIA-11/Albert Cahilog)