Mindanao communities to take legal action to stop construction of coal power plants

Davao City, 8 October 2012 – Mindanao community groups representing six provinces today declared their intention to explore legal options in their fight against dirty coal power projects in the region.  At a joint press conference with Greenpeace, the group also announced the founding of Anti-COALition, a national network of communities which aims to ensure the country’s has a future powered by clean, peaceful, renewable energy.

“The weekend seminar on Environmental Law made us more aware of our basic rights to demand that the state protect its citizens from environmental harm and degradation”, said Julad Suazo, a community leader from Davao.

 The declaration came at the conclusion of the network’s two-day seminar-workshop on Environmental Law, organized by Greenpeace in partnership with the Ateneo Public Interest Legal and Advocacy Center. Participants discussed laws protecting land and sea ecosystems, indigenous people, and biodiversity as well as civil legal procedures that can be used in environmental cases.

 “Everywhere around the world, coal power plants victimize communities. They create health problems for people living around the facility, and damage their environment and their livelihoods,” said Anna Abad, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“Taking legal action to end the coal regime in Mindanao is a clear message from communities that they are determined to stand up and defend their rights against the oppressive Goliath that is the coal industry. Clean, renewable energy sources are abundant in Mindanao. Green investments from renewable energy technologies are what the Department of Energy should instead be developing in a massive scale” she added.

There are currently ten coal plants in operation throughout the country, but the DOE is officially planning to add 12 more within the next four years. Unofficially the list could go up to 19. This will further lock the Philippines in to dirty and polluting fossil-fuel for the next four decades.

Mindanao is the “new frontier” for dirty coal power projects for a total output of 1,550 megawatts in Davao, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, General Santos, Saranggani, and Zamboanga.

Emissions from coal plants are a primary source of air pollution: they contain a lethal mix of sulphur dioxide (SO2), which causes acid rain; the greenhouse gas nitrogen oxide (NOx); and heavy metals like mercury (a powerful neurotoxin), arsenic (a carcinogen), as well as lead and chromium. Coal is also a leading cause of global climate change - the extreme weather impacts of which have already cost the Philippines thousands of lives and billions of pesos in losses. 

In Davao, the construction of coal-fired power plants will displace thousands of families and will diminish the Dumoy aquifer’s capacity to supply water for drinking and other domestic needs to Davao’s 1.4 million inhabitants. In Saranggani, a coal plant currently being constructed right beside a marine sanctuary will damage the surrounding marine ecosystem and endanger the livelihoods of local fishermen.

 “We have tried all possible means to stop the coal-fired power project from pushing through but no one is listening. Now more than ever, we are more united and firm in our opposition to any energy development plan that prioritizes coal corporations, over the well-being of present and future generations of Filipinos,” Suazo declared. (pr)

RTU continues free delivery of chairs to DavNor schools

By: Tagum City Information Office

It’s actually months to go before he goes back as a private citizen from his successful leadership as a city mayor but this didn’t hinder this man from intensifying his public inside and outside his area of responsibility.

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy personally delivered one truck load of new school chairs to the five schools in the Municipality of Asuncion, namely the Pamacaun, New Loon, Sagayen, Concepcion, and Napungas Elementary Schools last October 2 and 5, 2012, respectively.

The new school chairs were made from the confiscated logs and fabricated by the Local Government Unit of Tagum, dubbed as the Care for School Chairs (CFSC) Program which is brainchild program of Mayor Rey T. Uy.

A total of three hundred seventy eight (378) yellow school chairs were given to Pamacaun Elementary School and New Loon Elementary School last October 2, 2012.

Mayor Uy helped different schools even outside Tagum City by giving school furniture such as armchairs, kiddie tables, kiddie chairs, desk, computer sets, home economic tables, etc.

The CFSC has been known not just here in the Province but Nationwide because of its impressive and remarkable cause of augmenting the school fixture shortages in the region.

On October 5, 2012, three hundred eighty (380) school chairs were also sent to Sagayen Elementary School, Conception Elementary School and Napungas Elementary School. Mayor Uy initiated this program because he finds out and believed that Education should be the first priority.

Meanwhile, on October 4, 2012, former Negros Oriental Governor Rafael Coscolluela visited the city for the On-Site Validation of the CFSC which passed the third level screening of the 2012 Galing Pook Awards.

CFSC UPDATE - as of October 5, 2012 a total of 76,852 pieces of school furniture consisting of armchairs, desks, tables, kiddie chairs, computer tables, bookshelves, rostrums were already made and delivered by LGU Tagum through the CFSC since August 2011.( Jorjan Federiso of CIO Tagum)

In Tagum, military advocates for peace through music

By Tagum City Information Office

The Local Government of Tagum City through Mayor Rey T. Uy in partnership with 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division spearheaded a special gathering concert dubbed as “Music for Unity” geared towards promoting peace and development together with the soldiers in the neighboring areas of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley Province and Agusan del Sur last October 4, 2012 held at the Atrium of the New City Hall of Tagum.

The concert paved way for the people in this part of Mindanao that uniformed men are not just trained to combat for peace but also to be an advocate through music for peace.

Tagum, being the Music Capital of the South, is an apt venue to hold the event which was participated nine (9) different bands in the Region namely, 1003rd (Raptor) Brigade Band from Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte Province; The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Band from City of Tagum, Davao del Norte; 10th Infantry (Agila) Division Band from Municipality of Mawab, Compostela Valley Province; Tagum City Band from City of Tagum, Davao del Norte, 1001st (Pag-Asa) Brigade Band from Municipality of Maco, Compostela Valley Province; 3rd Special Forces Battalion Band from Municipality of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Sur; 25th Infantry Battalion Band from Municipality of Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province and 66th Infantry Battalion Band from Municipality of New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province.

The city mayor, who’s very vocal about his unwavering passion for music, even joined the soldiers in this jamming session and was also game in rendering his version of widely-known “Pusong Bato,” among others. (Louie Jay Losaria of CIO Tagum)

Mindanao’s urban poor hub to rise in Tagum

By Tagum City Information Office

 The City Government of Tagum boosted its image of being a champion of the urban poor as it will host within its soils the Urban Development Resource Center of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP).

This developed as Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy led in the signing of the deed of usufruct between the PCUP headed by its Chairperson, Mr. Hernani B. Panganiban last October 5, 2012 held at the DepEd Conference Hall in Apokon, this city.

The establishment of the said center was made possible through SP Resolution 911, s-2012 approved by the 5th City Council of Tagum which was also affirmed during the Mindanao Urban Poor Summit last September 6, 2012 in Davao City.

The said edifice which will be constructed in Energy Park in Apokon will be a one-stop facility that will serve as a hub for training, documentation, research, information, market-matching and micro-finance for 27 key cities and 12 urbanizing municipalities in Mindanao.

It will cater the needs of urban poor in relocation sites, direct negotiated sites, KALAHI-CIDSS recipients all over Mindanao, LGU housing and frontline officers assigned in urban management and non-government organizations.

Stressing that he runs Tagum as a father more than a mayor, the local chief executive said in his speech that his administration has prioritized a special place for the informal settlers for their unique contribution in keeping the local economy alive.

“They are rolling the economy and thus contributed to the city’s development,” Uy said in front of the officials of field operations division for PCUP Mindanao and the different urban poor leaders coming from the different parts of Mindanao.

PCUP’s Panganiban, on the other hand, is all praise for the leadership of Mayor who trail-blazed the sustainability of Tagum’s housing and relocation programs.

“The discipline and political embodied by Mayor Uy made all this possible,” Panganiban said.

Also present during the MOA signing were Councilors De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy, Housing and Relocation Czars Councilors Nicandro Suaybaguio and Joedel Caasi, Councilor Alan D. Zulueta and Houbert Bryann Uy. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

LGU Panabo,DLPC and DepEd partners quality education

PANABO CITY- As part of the thrust and commitment to strengthen the quality of education in Panabo City, Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr., the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) and the Panabo DepEd Division has strengthened its partnership with the donation of  five computer units to Panabo DepEd  during the turn over ceremony at San Vicente National High School, Barangay San Vicente, Panabo City.

The computer units will be used to students under the “Hello World Computer Project” of  DepEd where high school students with computer subjects shall have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn deeper about computers.

 “Blessed kami kay gi recommend mi ni Mayor Silvosa nga mahimong recipients sa 5 computer units. Gusto namo makompleto ang  “hello world computer project” kung diin ang mga estudyante maka hands-on  sa mga computers ug maton-an pa nila ug maayo ang gamit sa computers sama sa Microsoft  powerpoint, word ug excel.” (We are blessed because Mayor Silvosa recommended that we would be recipients of the five computer units, we would like to complete the hello world computer project, where the students can learn hands-on with the computers and they could learn more about using the computers particularly Microsoft powerpoint, word and excel programs) San Vicente National High School Principal Mrs. Angelita G. Suelto said during the turn over ceremony.

Meanwhile Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr. is thankful to the DLPC for the distribution of the said computer units. He chose San Vicente National High School as one of the schools among the 40 barangays to be the beneficiaries because of the increasing number of students in the said school. He advised Panabo DepEd division office to conduct an inventory to the facilities and buildings in order to know the remaining needs of the school. Any request for additional facilities will be brought during the Local School Board meeting and ask for allocation of funds for improvements. These funds will be evenly distributed to the 40 barangays.

“Tibuok barangay, makadawat aning computer units, nay proposal gikan sa Davao Light Foundation regarding sa distribution sa computers, (All the barangays will receive these computer units, there is a proposal from the Davao Light Foundation) I suggested San Vicente National High School because there  is a growing population of students. We also instructed DepEd division to conduct an inventory of the school buildings and facilities all over the city so that the local school will allocate funds and it will be evenly distributed.” Mayor Silvosa said during an interview.

“Victor Sumalinog from the DLPC revealed some projects for the LGU Panabo as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He mentioned the 1.2 million 2 room multi-purpose building will be established at the back of the new city hall. That will be used in seminars and workshop for the LGU employees and constituents. Some projects such as Financial Incentive Programs wherein students coming from the National High School will be shouldered by the DLPC in there educational expenses provided they will maintain high and good grades.

“We are also recruiting high school incentive grantees. there will be an examination in the coming last week of October for our financial incentive program. If the beneficiaries can maintain their grades until they graduate from high school they will be our  priority for Davao Light's college scholarshop” Somalinog said.

To date there were several schools in Panabo City which had benefited from the distribution of computer units as part of the Corporate Social Responsiblity of DLPC. (Mark Anthony Gellor/June Geraldo – Panabo City Information Office)

Envi Users Fee monitoring results bared

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL- The results of the Environmental User Fee (EUF) monitoring in the Island Garden City of Samal dubbed as G-Watch IGaCoS Bantay Kinaiyahan Project was released to public by the Local G-Watch in Brgy. Catagman, in the city' Samal District last September 26, 2012.

The public presentation was attended by resort owners, barangay officials, city government officials,   department heads, civil society organizations and some national agency representatives  stationed in the city.

Local G-Watch IGaCoS Bantay Kinaiyahan is a joint Citizen-Government Monitoring of the Environmental User Fee (EUF)organized and assisted by Government Watch (G-Watch) Program of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) ofAteneo de Manila University in partnership with the city government of IGaCoS and the Civil Society Organizations( CSOs) here to monitor the implementation of  EUF pursuant to City Ordinance 2009-156.

In June 2012, the Government Watch (G-Watch), a social accountability program of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) organized a monitoring project that was meant to localize the G-Watch Social Accountability Approach with the objective to train LGUs and local CSOs to monitor and improve service delivery.

Extensive consultations were made in deciding what service delivery program will be monitored. The proposed three service delivery programs in the city namely: Bridge Financing, Agricultural Services and the implementation of EUF, the latter was eventually identified and chosen as the service delivery program in IGaCoS to be covered under the G-Watch Monitoring.

After series of capacity building of the monitors, the local G-Watch IGaCoS Bantay Kinaiyahan conducted the monitoring  and evaluation of EUF, especially on  the releasing of EUF tickets from the LGU down to the marketing and collection of EUF Fees in the barangay/ beach level and  the recording of collection in the LGU and in the barangay level.

Ptr. Vitaliano Nuñez, Jr., G-Watch Core Group from Samal Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship, Inc.(SEMFEL),presented the accomplishments, results and recommendations in the conduct of EUF monitoring.

“Serioso kami sa among ginahimo ug dili kini alang ka namo apan alang sa atong isla.  Isa sa among nakita mao ang kakulangan sa guidelines  para sa honorarium alang sa mga EUF collector dinha sa barangay level ug kakulangan sa tamang pagsabot sa EUF”(We are serious in what we are doing, this is not for us  but for  our island.  In our findings, one of the discrepancies is the guidelines for the honorarium to EUF Collector and the lack of clear understanding of the EUF) Vitaliano said.

Abel Unla, G-Watch Core Group from Transport Federation, Inc. stressed the need to sustain the monitoring practices and suggested to the LGU to conduct intensive orientation to collectors of EUF and to set standards in designating collectors underscoring the skill in dealing tourists.

Problems on multi-collection of EUF and lack of comprehensive understanding on the objective of the collection floated as common problems encountered for the project.

City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan pointed out the uniqueness of Samal compared to other tourist destinations due to its several “point of entry”.  He challenged the concerned departments to look into the problem and to explore possibility of having one collection areafor EUF for those coming to Samal Island.

Teresita Briones , Ateneo School of Government , G-Watch  Program Manager thanked the LGU and the community and urged them to continue with the initiative.

Briones was grateful for the cooperation and participation of the LGU for accepting the project and participation of the ordinary citizens for giving their precious time and willingness to join in the constructive engagement with government for the joint monitoring of a project. 

She congratulated the LGU and the local partners for the successful implementation of the project.  The joint monitoring conducted by the LGU and CSOs proved that constructive engagement in IGaCoS is possible.

Briones hoped that the joint citizen-government engagement in IGaCoS will continue  and be an example to other LGUs.

A Symbolic launching of  2nd Round of IGaCoS Bantay Kinaiyahan and turn-over ceremony of the G-Watch Monitoring to the CSOs in the form of of tree seedlings by the city officials, ASoG and G-Watch Core Group to the CSOs was made.  It was followed by a Book Launching of the  G-Watch Manual on Monitoring the Environmental Users Fee based on the IGaCoS Experience which highlighted the event.

G-Watch is a program of the ASoG funded by the European Commission and implemented in six pilot sites in the Philippines, wherein the Island Garden City of Samal is one of the chosen sites.(melrose IGACOS cio)

Government-MILF peace framework draws broad support

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COMELEC DavNor reveals full list of candidates for 2013 election

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 8 (PIA):  The Commission on Election (COMELEC) Davao del Norte provincial office has come up with the complete list of candidates who filed their certificates of candidacies  (COCs) last week at the city, municipal and provincial levels.

Within the five day COC filing period from Oct. 1 to 5 last week, only incumbent Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario of Liberal Party (LP) and Norberto Mijares who registered a nickname “King Norberto”, filed for  the provincial governor position.

Incumbent Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio of the Liberal Party is unopposed for the vice governor position.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan board member seats  for the 1st District of Davao del Nore are contested by eight candidates while the same number in the 2nd District vie for the same position.

In Tagum City, the COMELEC registered four candidates vying for the mayor seat: Allan Rellon under the PDP Laban; Suaybaguio Paultio, Aksyon; De Carlo Uy of LP; Virgilio Villamor, independent.

Contesting the vice mayoralty seat are Jaime Abcede,  independent;  Maria Lina Baura, LP; Cesar Cuntapay, PDP Laban;  Geterito Gementiza, Aksyon  Party, while 33 candidates are vying for seats  in the City Council.

The mayoralty seat in Panabo City is a fight Vivencio Jumamil of PDP and incumbent City Mayor Jose Silvosa Sr of Kusog Baryohanon.

The vice mayoralty seat is a match between independent candidate Ruperto Cagape Jr. and Kusog Baryohanon candidate James Gamao, while  25 candidates are racing for a City Council seat in Panabo City.

In the Island Garden City of Samal, the city mayoralty post is a race between incumbent Mayor Aniano Antalan  of Kusog Baryohanon and Armando Sanano (no declared party) while winning the vice mayoralty  seat is contest between Charles Ligan and Al David Uy.

A total of 18 candidates are fighting for city council seats in the 1st District of  the Island Garden City of Samal; 10 candidates in the 2nd District, and 10  are also for  City Council seats in the 3rd District of the island city.

In the Municipality of Asuncion, the mayoralty seat is a fight between independent candidate Silvino Matobato and LP candidate incumbent Mayor Joseph Nilo Parrenas while Eufracio Dayaday of LP is running unopposed for the vice mayoralty seat.   A total of 12 candidates  are aspiring for Sangguniang Bayan seats in Asuncion.

Meanwhile,  incumbent  Braulio Dujali Municipal Mayor Lolita Moral (Kusog Baryohanon) is running unopposed for the mayoralty seat. Three are aspiring for the vice mayoralty seat:  independent candidate Anna Cagulada,  independent candidate Julian Dujali and Kusog  Baryohanon candidate Samuel Pacres.  A total of 19 candidates are vying to get a seat at Sangguniang Bayan.

In the Municipality of Carmen, Davao del Norte,  the mayoralty seat is a fight between independent candidate Demetrio Atabelo and Kusog Baryohanon candidate Marcelino Perandos while Herminigildo Pabalinas and Alberto Saren are racing for the vice mayoralty seat.   A total of 13 candidates are eyeing for seats at the Municipal Council of Carmen.

Kapalong incumbent Mayor Edgardo Timbol is also running unopposed for a re-election  while  the vice mayoralty post is a race between Estrada Romy and Ma. Theresa Timbol.  Only eight have signified their interests to get a seat at the Municipal Council of Kapalong.

Another  unopposed re-electionist is  incumbent New Corella Municipal  Mayor Nestor Alcoran who is running under LP. The vice mayor seat is contested by Petronilo Jocson and Virgilio Maambong while 12 are aspiring to become one of the members of the Sangguniang Bayan of New Corella.

In  town of the Ata-Manobos in Talaingod, incumbent Mayor Basilio Libayao is seeking a re-election under LP with no rival candidate while Francisco Gipulla is also running unopposed for the vice mayor post.  Only 14 are vying for the city councilor seats.

In the Municipality of San Isidro, winning the mayoralty seat is a struggle among four candidates. Aside from incumbent Mayor Rosebella Abelita-Nana,  Eufracio Gabutan, Arnel Sitoy and Felicisimo Tanilon are also vying to take the municipal mayor seat.

The vice mayoralty seat is a tug between Reynaldo Cuyos and Tessie Domecillo while 18 have registered to vie for a seat at the Sangguniang Bayan of San Isidro.

In the Municipality of Sto. Tomas,  Benigno Andamon of Lakas CMD,  independent candidate Joel Bayanay  and Kusog Baryohanon candidate Daniel Lu are aspiring for the municipal mayor seat while Daniel Batosalem of Kusog Baryohanon and independent candidate Conrado Cocamas are in rival for the vice mayoralty post.  A total of 25 candidates are vying for a seat in the municipal council.   (Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, PIA XI)

Peace constituency crucial in peace talks success

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Youth caravan vs drug abuse set in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) – Youth leaders and other stakeholders will be converging tomorrow (Oct. 9) in the city for a nationwide caravan that aims to convey the ill effects of substance abuse and dependence.

The National Youth Commission and the Dangerous Drugs Board will spearhead the event dubbed as the “Nationwide Caravan on Youth Drug Abuse Prevention and Control” to be held at Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto St., Davao City.

Bearing the theme “Intensifying youth empowerment efforts to zero-in on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control,” the caravan will highlight the best practices of youth groups and networks in the intensified campaigns and initiatives in combating drug dependence.

The youth leader and member-participants will be coming from the out-of-school youth (OSY), working youth (WY), and special youth group (SYG) and in-school youth (ISY) organizations, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

NYC Davao Area Officer Julius Gutierrez said volunteers, youth focal persons of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) member-agencies, representatives of non-government organizations and local government units, and other partner agencies will also be joining the caravan.

Gutierrez bared that the event will also highlight the launch of the “Barkada Kontra Droga – Bagets Edition” that aims to ensure that vigilance and awareness is instilled as a sense of responsibility on the part of young people to combat the proliferation of drug syndicates and activities.

After the launching, the participants will engage in a manifesto signing, launching of the Drug-Free Youth Freedom Wall, action planning, and commitment setting.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. is expected to grace the event, Gutierrez said. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

The military denounces rebs for killing of ex comrade

CAMP PANACAN, Davao City, Oct 8 (PIA)-The military chided the New People’s Army anew for their alleged links to the killing a former comrade last Oct 7 at the victim's house in Sitio Fairview, Brgy. Central, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division identified the victim as Ruperto Cadungog, farmer, married and a father of seven children.

He said the victim was a former leader of the rebels with alias as Ka Toper.

Paniza said Cadungog was gunned down by unidentified armed men in the presence of his relatives who were traumatized by the incident.

He said the victim was rushed to the nearest hospital but expired due to multiple gunshot wounds.

The local police was still investigating the incident.

“Cadungog returned to the folds of the law for a new lease in life and to provide a decent life for his family,” Paniza said.

He affirmed that the execution of former rebels is set to stop more surrenders from the rebel group.

Paniza assured that security measures will be undertaken to prevent similar incident on other rebel returnees.

He lamented that as President Aquino welcomed the peace framework between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the communist rebels continue to sow terror to peace loving citizens especially those of their former comrades who decided to peacefully live a normal life.

Cadungog surrendered to the soldiers in 2011 and worked as  security staff at the City Engineers’ Office of Mati City, Davao Oriental up to the time of his death. (PIA 11/ Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DavNor Province still reeling from 4.8% IRA cut

TAGUM CITY -The provincial government of Davao del Norte is still reeling from the 4.8 percent reduction of its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) prompting the Provincial Accountant’s Office (PACCO) to implement stringent disbursement and liquidation rules.

“We haven’t recovered from the IRA reduction nightmare and our financial managers are still figuring out how to carry out the different programs of the province efficiently even with limited resources,” Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said yesterday during Monday’s Convocation held at the Bulwagan of the Provincial Government Complex.

Del Rosario congratulated the PACCO for being mindful of its obligations and the expenses of the province saying it is the first outpost that will ensure the safe journey of the provincial documents.

PACCO head and Provincial Accountant Serlina C. Atake reminded the different offices concerned with the payroll and other financial transactions of the province to observe the procedure in preparation for the closing of the accounting books of the province at the end of the year.

Atake urged accountable officers to liquidate their funds immediately to avoid delays. She added that expenses for local travel should be liquidated after 30 days while foreign travel should be liquidated after 60 days.

Citing amendments to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Rule V on the policy guidelines related to the liquidation of cash advances, Atake said failure of an accountable officer to liquidate such advances in full after formal demand is punishable by suspension from service for one month, one day up to six months for the first offense and dismissal from service for the second offense.

“The province has already been practicing this even prior to the CSC amendment to the said circular but not strictly implemented for humanitarian reasons,” she said. But with the new memo from the CSC, she added, we will be strictly implementing this from now on.

Del Rosario supported the “careful attitude” of the PACCO saying that any negative findings from the Commission on Audit can affect the Seal of Good Housekeeping awarded to the province recently.

“Every peso counts as we pursue our people development agenda,” he said.  Accountable officers should follow the rules to have an efficient budget and avoid wastage of government funds, he added.(lovely a. carillo)

Mawab sets GK Partners Forum, pledges pour in

MAWAB COMPOSTELA VALLEY—The Municipality of Mawab took the first step  in making true Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy’s promise of having a Gawad Kalinga village in every municipality in the province.

“We have butterflies on our stomach as to what will be the outcome of this event,” Mawab Mayor Evalina Jampayas first admitted as they hold the Gawad Kalinga Partners Forum on September 28, 2012 at Miko’s Brew, Tagum City. But it turned out pledges pour in for the realization of the soon-to-be “Pagsandugan Uswag-GK Village.”

The village, to be situated in Barangay Tuburan, will benefit the poor residents and those living in the landslide-prone and high risk areas as declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

For this, the mayor has expressed her deepest thanks for giving their time and own resources to be part of this noble endeavor. “Thank you for gracing this occasion. You could have chosen to be elsewhere but you chose the best part,” she said.

Impressively, 41 houses worth P85,000 each along with construction materials, various amounts and the commitment to be part of the build have been pledged by LGUs, companies and private individuals.  Leading the pledges are Gov. Uy with 11 houses and LGU Mawab with 5 houses.

“This is empowering our community by helping provide for our poor brothers and sisters to also feel and experience a dignified life despite their status in life,” Provincial Sports Coordinator Tyron Uy, who pledged for 1 house and P27,000, said.

Set to be built by November this year for the 10th Bayani Challenge, Mawab will be the last to have its own GK Village completing all 11 municipalities in Comval. To date, a total of 521 houses were already built  all over the GK Villages in the province. (fe maestre/ids comval)

ComVal joins World Rabies Day Celebration, extends free dog vaccination

NABUNTURAN COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE ---The province joined the nation in celebrating the World Rabies Day celebration held last  September 28, 2012 by conducting several activities like information, education, and communication campaign on animal and human rabies virus, and massive registration and vaccination of more or less 200 dogs at Maco Municipal Gymnasium. 

As one of the priorities in global health, the said World’s celebration aims to raise people’s awareness on the impact of rabies and how it can be prevented.

According to the Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Benjamin S. Reyno, the provincial government manifests strong support and commitment to the national goal of making the Philippines a rabies-free country in 2020.

Since 2007, Governor Arturo T. Uy has set Animal Rabies Prevention and Control as one of his program priorities.  This year, the program is widened and strengthened the more through a bigger budget allocation for the program and creating the Provincial Anti-Rabies Control and Coordinating Committee and Anti-Rabies Taskforce (PRCCC-ART). 

Complementing efforts are facilitated through the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office, Provincial Health Office, and Provincial Economic Enterprise Management Office in coordination with the local government units.  (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

Comval Guv and 11 Mayors garner Seal of Good Housekeeping

NABUNTURAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE ---- Governor Arturo T. Uy and the 11 Municipal Mayors of the province are awardees of the “Tapat Na Palakad, Bayang Maunlad” Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

This added to the various recognitions and awards received by the province for years.

DILG Provincial Director Liboria Diana happily conferred the Seal to Governor Uy on September 24, 2012 at the Capitol. He also went to the municipalities to hand in to the Mayors their respective SGH awards.

Along with the honor and privilege are Performance Challenge Funds of P3.0 Million worth of projects for the Provincial Local Government Unit and P1.0 Million each for the municipalities.

The province is recognized for meeting the standards of good governance particularly on the principle of accountability, transparency, and efficiency in local governance.

DILG’s Seal of Good Housekeeping promotes honesty and full disclosure policy in LGUs.

ComVal, aside from those other significant awards received, it’s worth recalling that in 2011 the province has been tapped as one of the top 10 performing provinces in the country. This simply exemplifies that it has gone far in the field of administration and governance, and will continue to fly high in the years to come. (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

TADECO nippers win big in 2012 Milo Little Olympics

TAGUM CITY-TADECO kids of Antonio O. Floirendo Elementery and High School sealed unprecedented heights again in the recently concluded 16th Milo Little Olympics 2012, leaving Cagayan de Oro City in awe with 33 medals in Mindanao-wide Elimination game.

The elementary kids captured six gold medals in table tennis to qualify for the national competition to be held in NCR. They defeated Corpus Christi Elementary School with the score of 2-1 in the team event series.

Likewise, 4 qualifying players from Antonio O. Floirendo National High School will also set foot in national competition after winning gold in lawn tennis team event. They outscored Surigao team with 2-0 win.

Overwhelmed with her new achievement, lawn tennis player Khrizzan Dumlao managed to stay in defensive form all throughout the game.

“Even if I’m still a sophomore, I was never intimidated with my opponents who were senior to me in age and size,” said Dumlao.

The high school TADECO kids also managed to bag silver and bronze in athletics, table tennis, sepak-takraw and chess. In recognition of their success and to help the national qualifiers in their preparation for the bigger tournament ahead, TADECO will shower them with early Christmas presents like athletic shoes and cash.

Meanwhile, TADECO Taekwondo jins also bagged 9 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze medals to finish as the overall champion in the 1st Twin Panabo Taekwondo Club Invitational Championship last September 16, 2012.

The TADECO Team used combined 45-degree run house and axe-kick that helped them win over their opponents from Kidapawan, Digos City, Davao City, and Tagum City representing different categories. (Cyrielle P. Naig)

Panabo conducts lady legislator’s seminar

PANABO CITY- The City Government of Panabo conducted a one day Local Lady Legislator’s Enhancement Seminar/Workshop on Fundamental of Gender-Sensitive Legislation and Basic Technical Writing on September 21, 2012 at the 3rd Floor Panabo City Hall.

Panabo City Councilor Raquel Geraldo welcomed the participants meanwhile Tagum City Sangguniang Panglungsod member and 4L Provincial President Hon. Maria Lina F. Baura attended the seminar and gave an inspirational message. Panabo Secretary to the Sanggunian Nelia Mondeñedo and SP Admin offiCer IV Archimedes Suganob are also in the list of invited speakers.

Panabo City Mayor Jose L.Silvosa, Sr. shared his thoughts the role of a barangay legislator in preparations for the enactment of ordinances in every sessions conducted. Promotion, suggestions and recommendations of ideas that may see fit for the improvement of the barangay.

“Ang paghunahuna ug pagplastada si inyong balaod mao na ang importante, what’s to present in the session, mao kana trabaho sa legislator kung unsay ipaabot ninyo sa session hall that’s’ best for the welfare of the people mao nay trabaho sa counsehal.” Mayor Silvosa said during the activity.

Around 50 lady barangay secretaries and some barangay councilors attended to learn the modules shared by the speakers and lecturers. The seminar started on the basic rules in writing and presenting reports using Microsoft Powerpoint.   Participants were informed about the guidelines in evaluating and classifying legal documents that substantial to their duties and responsibilities.

Topics includes governance gender responsive legislation which mandates non-discriminatory, pro-gender equality and equity measures to enable women’s participation in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies, plans, and programs for national, regional, and local development. (Mark Anthony Gellor/ Garth Tumadiang – Panabo City Information Office)

DavNor eyes financial efficiency through local revenue generation

TAGUM CITY-The province of Davao del Norte aims to enhance its local autonomy and self-reliance through economic enterprise and the generation of sustainable local revenue.

“This can become possible with the creation of the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Office (PEEDO),” PEEDO Department Head Ma. Eliza L. Andin said during the Monday Convocation held at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan in Davao del Norte.

Andin said the province is highly dependent on the IRA or Internal Revenue Allotment for various expenses including its loan obligations, capital outlay, salaries and MOOEs.

As proof, she stressed that up to 91 percent or P746 million of the P821 million budget appropriations for the province this year comes from the IRA. “Only 9 percent is sourced locally, mainly from real property taxes or RPT,” she said.

She said the three hospitals of the province namely the Kapalong Zone, Carmen Zone and Samal Zone are heavily supported and subsidized by the IRA with up to P50 million infused to the three hospitals every year for their operating budgets.

Despite this, she admitted that the three hospitals still lack the necessary infrastructure, facilities and medical supplies to provide ideal healthcare for the residents. Because of this, 70 percent of patients from the province still prefer to get treatment from private hospitals rather than the government hospitals.

“It is ironic that 60 percent of the Philhealth market in the province is captured by the Davao Regional Hospital while only 9 percent patronize the three hospitals,” Andin said. This should be a cause for concern, she added, since the huge number of indigent Philhealth beneficiaries are sponsored by the Governor under his RDR Philhealth Para sa Masa Program.

Andin said PEEDO will play a significant role in the management and supervision of the hospitals, the health insurance services and the bloodbank of the province. An efficient management of these services and facilities, she added, will make them viable and stable economic enterprises that will help improve the healthcare system of the province

Through the PEEDO, the provincial government is not only eyeing the provision of an effective healthcare system, but also the generation of local resources to fund the operations of these facilities.(LACarillo/PIAXI)

Veterans Bank sees growth in 2013

 CITY Oct. 1 (PIA)- The Philippine Veterans Bank is eyeing bigger net income by 2013 buoyed by a growing economy and the coming election season.

PVB vice-president for corporate communications Mike Villa-Real said that this year they only recorded around P400-million net profits brought about by the lowering of interest rates by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

This is a reduction from the P519.07-million net profit registered in 2011 and P519.57 m-million in 2010. They are bullish that the net profits for 2013 will equal or surpass the 2010 and 2011 figures.

Villa Real guesting last September 28 at the Kapihan sa Abreeza a monthly media forum held at Ayala Abreeza Mall said that the increased profits would greatly benefit the surviving World War II veterans as 20% of the net profit is earmarked for the Board of Trustees for the Veterans of World War II (BTVWWII).

The funds from the bank are used to augment the veterans’ benefits most of these are used for medical expenses like the purchase of medicines particularly maintenance drugs. Villa Real said that despite the decreasing number of veterans as many of them have passed away from old age, the surviving members will require a great deal of medical expenses with their advancing age.

The Philippine Veterans Bank was established in 1963 under Republic Act 3518, the funds from the bank came from Japanese reparations payments after World War II. It was conceived to be a commercial bank owned by the 395,000 Filipino World War II veterans. The bank was closed due to capital deficiency in 1983. But under RA 7169 the bank was rehabilitated and subsequently opened in 1992.

Today the bank is ranked as 18th among commercial banks in terms of total assets and is considered as among the fastest growing commercial banks in the country. (PIA/RG Alama)

Vigilance key in combating NPA extortion-Army

CAMP PANACAN, Davao City, October 1 (PIA)-A military officer lauded the residents of Barangay Telafas, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat for their vigilance in alerting local authorities about the presence of the rebels in the area which resulted to a 45-minute firefight leading to the death of two rebels and the arrest of one member dawn on Saturday.

Lt. Colonel Alexis Noel Bravo, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion said the timely information sent by the residents was enough for authorities to respond promptly.

He said the incident happened 3:20 am on September 29, after the residents complained about the presence of armed men collecting money from the farmers.

“The people were already fed up with the lies and extortion activities of the rebels”, Bravo said. He said the  identities of the two fatalities have yet to be established.

Bravo identified the captive as Renato Arema who was turned over immediately to the Columbio police for further investigation.

Soldiers recovered one Garand rifle and one M-79 grenade launcher during the clearing operation.

He said  Corporal Hajimanor Amino was hit in the  right ankle and is currently recuperating in a local hospital.

“We are very grateful to the people of Columbio for being vigilant and in actively government’s campaign against insurgency to bring peace and development in communities” Bravo said. (PIA 11/ Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Army predicts peaceful 2013 elections in Davao Region

DAVAO CITY, October 1 (PIA)-A top military commander has predicted a relatively peaceful conduct of election-related activities in Davao Region up to the election day on May 13, 2013.

Brig. General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion said the region has no direct threat to peace and security related to election activities based on their latest monitoring.

He said that though the police has been given the lead role in keeping the peace during elections, the military is prepared to render its assistance on peacekeeping when it is needed.

“Based on our own assessment, there is no direct threat to peace especially in the holding of election-related activities in the region,” Bernardo said.

He said that they are also studying certain provinces where election-related violent incidents happened in the past.

Bernardo said there are also provinces like Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur which may had active opposition among political candidates in the past but there was no violence.   

“At this point in time, we cannot see the possibility of occurrence of election-related-violent incidents, but we continue to monitor the situation by looking at the history of political violence in several areas of the region,” he said.   (PIA 11/ Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)