Raul Timogtimog SP Member na sa ComVal

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Tungod maoy napiling Presidente sa Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL)- ComVal Chapter sa milabay’ng PCL Election nga malampusong gihimo didto sa De Leonor Inland Resort and Adventure Pad sa Buhangin Davao City niadtong Agusto 2, 2013, napromotar na karon ngadto sa pagka Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member si SB Member Raul  C. Timogtimog.

Sa milabay’ng PCL Election si Timogtimog maoy napiling presidente pinaagi sa 97 nga botong pabor kaniya gikan sa 108 ka SB Members nga mitambong niini panahon sa ilang PCL Meeting nga gidumala mismo ni DILG Provincial Director Liborio Diana.

Napili sad nilang Bise Presidente si SB Member Raul B. Basañes sa Monkayo; ilang Secretary General si SB Member Maribel D. Basadre sa Pantukan; Treasurer si SB Member Elmer L. Tabingo sa Compostela; Auditor si SB Member Ramsha Rhesa A. Navarro sa Laak; P.R.O. si SB Member Miles A. Atugan sa Montevista; ug Business Manager si SB Member Jesus T. Gabonan sa New Bataan.

Samtang maoy napiling Provincial Federation Directors sila SB Members Atty. Carlo D. Ancla sa Nabunturan; Heidee Suarez-Jimenes sa Compostela; Maricel Colina-Vendiola sa Maragusan; Welden G. Sapanta sa Pantukan; Domingo M. Estrada sa Monkayo; Anthony M. Sebumpan sa Maco; Larry B. Pagalan sa New Bataan; Danilo Requillo sa Montevista; Bernardo U. Estoesta sa Mawab;  Nestor L. Abellanida sa Laak; ug Isabelo D. Perez Jr. sa Mabini.

Sa pagsugod ug lingkod ni Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy niadtong 2007 isip gobernador sa ComVal, si SP Member Timogtimog maoy iyang gitudlo pagdumala sa  Community Affairs Development Section (CADS) ilalom sa Provincial Governor’s Office. Kining opisinaha maoy gisaligan sa mga mahinungdanong buluhaton sa gobernador sa paghatud sa gikinahanglang serbisyo sa katawhan diha sa community, ug ang mga PCRO nga sakop niining opisinaha nakatabang ug dako sa ubang mga opisina sa public service delivery pinaagi sa mas gipahugtang koordinasyon ug pagpakiglambigit sa ilang mga trabaho.

Ang iyang talagsaong kakugi human sa pagtudlo ni Gov. Uy kaniya nga USWAG GK Action Officer nakatabang ug dako aron siya usab maila sa katawhan sa public service delivery. Kini miresulta sa iyang kadaugan ingon nga no.1 Sangguniang Bayan Member sa Maco human sa Mayo 13, 2013 nga  piniliay.  (Gilbert M. Cabahug, ids-comval)

Mati City vet intensifies anti-rabies vaccination

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Aug. 12 -– The City Veterinarian’s Office intensifies its rabies vaccination and its anti-rabies campaign and advocacy in an effort to reach its target number of vaccinated dogs.

City veterinarian Dr. Maritess Linsag-Erispe recently disclosed that her office, as of July, accomplished 70% of its 2013 target number of dogs vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine.

 “I hope that the public will continue to avail of the free vaccine that we are giving to their pets, especially dogs. The vaccine is for free since we have subsidy from the Region, and the local government has also given its share. We are giving the anti-rabies vaccines particularly during the conduct of our animal health mission in barangays of Mati,” she said.

Though the vaccines are for free, the City Veterinarian’s Office requires P50 registration fee for the dogs.

But the office  had negotiated with the barangays to shoulder the registration fee so there would be no reason for pet owners and animals raisers not to have their pets, vaccinated.

Erispe revealed that three barangays  had committed to shoulder the registration fee and that she hoped other barangays would also approve her request.

Based on the 2012 data, the City of Mati recorded 3,000 dogs registered, and Erispe expected the figure to increase this year, while the City Vet went on with its dog impounding operation and animal birth control, giving special concern on dogs.

“Stray animals, dogs for that matter, wandering on the streets often cause accident, and such condition easily puts one, especially children, at risk of dog bites,” she explained upon revealing zero rabies incidence in Mati City.

Aside from the intensified rabies vaccination, the City Veterinarian’s Office is now into another leg of their Animal Health Mission.

For the month of August, the Office is targeting three barangays for the Animal Health Mission, specifically in  barangays  Danao, Sanghay, and Libudon.

Next targets are  barangays Tagabakid and Tagbinonga in September, before finally concluding the activity in Barangay Badas in a culmination activity from Oct. 2 to Oct.3.

Meanwhile, the City Vet Office recently conducted a training on Basic Animal Health Care Management, during which participants were given inputs on Common Swine Diseases, Common Poultry Diseases, Common Caprine Diseases, Common Bovine Diseases, Artificial Insemination in Large Ruminant, and the Duties and Functions of the participants, now also called as barangay animal health workers.

In all the programs of the City Veterinarian’s Office, Erispe reiterated that everything is geared towards responsible pet ownership while maintaing animal health care, and giving opportunity for alternative livelihood to the people of Mati. (Neela Duallo, PIO stringer/piaxi, jmda)

Honesty beyond crisis; Comvalenyos return P77,000 cash

COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Aug. 12--The financial crisis that Typhoon Pablo brought to  the homes of affected Comvalenyos has failed to crush the value of honesty and goodwill that Comvalenyos, in general, hold dear. These probably are the values upon  which the spirit of bayanihan, volunteerism, and unity have been built upon.

One tangible typical example which showed this value among Comvalenyos was the lost-and-found P77,071.00 together with some personal items that was recently returned to its owners.

On August 7,  Provincial Governor Arturo T. Uy at his office, met  four golden-hearted people from Upper and Lower Luno-Luno of Barangay Sawangan in Mawab. The meeting was arranged by Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora who introduced the four as Amorsolo Talabok, Emiliana Pabilik, Tawing Josol and Rolly Rubio. They brought with them a bag containing a cash worth P77,071.00 and other personal items  particularly hand towel, child cloth, and a bib.

Recalling how  they found the bage, Talabok told the governor that as they were riding a single motor vehicle on their way home from selling vegetables at Mawab public market on August 5, passengers from a fast moving single motor heading towards their opposite direction, unknowingly dropped their bag on the road.

Talabok and his companions tried to call their attention but failed, so they stopped and, picked up the bag.  They were all surprised to find a huge amount of money inside the bag.  However, there was no other thing which could help them identify the owners.  So, they decided to take it home.

Talabok said the four of them have had difficult life. Just like many others, they were also typhoon Pablo victims. After Pablo, they started out  ekking out a living through selling vegetables. They all were trying to save as much as they could but unfortunately, Talabok lost about P1,000, on the day the bag with money was found because he mistakenly returned a change to a customer.  His wife was dismayed because she was hoping to save much for their grand daughter’s medication.

Despite such lose, Talabok and his companions were still guided by the virtue of honesty.  They never allowed themselves to fall into the trap of temptation.  They were worried also about the plight of the bag’s owner who certainly by that time,   had grown panicked.    A number of questions bugged their  minds. Talabok spent sleepless nights, thinking to whom the money should be given back.

The next day, somebody came to their place, asking if anyone had seen a bag, describing it and its contents.  Though the woman gave the accurate description, still they didn’t give the bag to her.

Instead, as early as 4:00 A.M. the next morning, they left their place and went to YK FM Station in Nabunturan to report and seek assistance from Vice Governor  Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora.  They wanted to get in touch with the money’s owner.  The Vice Governor happily told them that the owner had earlier informed his  station about it and he was  waiting for any feedback.

An arrangement was made.  Vice Governor Zamora brought them to the Capitol to  turn over the bag and its content to the owner with the presence of Governor Uy. The Governor witnessed  the turn-over of the money and other items to the couple Denver and Cherlyn Barabat of New Bataan. He felt glad to have known honest Comvalenyos whom the entire province should be proud of.  The governor cited them as epitome of “golden-hearted people.”

Upon knowing that they were typhoon victims, he immediately instructed Bonifacio Monleon, provincial community relations officer for Mawab, to visit them so the provincial government could extend them shelter assistance.

He also wrote a letter to Melody Gabini, the province’s liaison officer assigned at Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, to facilitate the free medication of Talabok’s granddaughter.

Governor Uy also shelled out from his own pocket, P3,000  and handed it for the four of them to share as their pocket money home.  (Grace Almedilla, IDS-Comva/ piaxi, jmda)

DavOr Pablo-hit towns get fresh aid from MVP Group of Companies

CATEEL, Davao Oriental, Aug. 12— The disaster response arm of Manny V. Pangilinan Group of Companies distributed Wednesday last week 700  school kits, teachers’ kit and books in Cateel Central Elementary School and signed livelihood assistance with the provincial government.

Serving as the consolidated disaster response office under the MVP Group of Companies, Tulong Kapatid brought to Cateel, Davao Oriental its executives headed  by PLDT-Smart Foundation President Ester O. Santos who personally handed over  school supplies to pupils and teachers.

Santos revealed the school supplies to have been donated by employees of PLDT and other companies under the MVP Group.

Aside from turning over school supplies, Santos and her team together with partners from the Philippine Construction’s Association, also inspected the new eight-classroom Tulong Kapatid-funded school building which is already on the last phase of construction and due for turn-over.

After the school building, Tulong Kapatid will immediately start constructing its  initial housing project in Brgy. Lambajon in the municipality Baganga, Santos said while revealing MVP’s intention to finish such project before the year ends.

During the distribution of school kits, the team also handed over vegetable seeds in support to the Gulayan sa Paaralan program of the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG).

Livelihood assistance

On top of the school kit distribution,  the Tulong Kapatid  visit  resulted in a signing of  a memorandum of agreement  between the provincial government of Davao Oriental and three MVP companies particularly One Meralco, PLDT-Smart Foundation, TV5 Alagang Kapatid.

Signed with the  Ad Jesum Development Foundation, the MOA seeks to provided livelihood support for about 300 farmers in the three affected towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga.

Based on the MOA, each town is allocated with an amount of one million pesos that will be downloaded through the Ad Jesum Development Foundation. As part of its concerted efforts, the PLDT-Smart would handle Baganga, One Meralco for Cateel, while TV 5 Alagang Kapatid will handle Boston.

While the financial release is divided in three tranches, submission of an accomplishment report on the project’s progress is required before the release of the ensuing tranche of financial assistance.

The financial support for livelihood is intended for the procurement of farming implements and for debris clearing to fast track resumption of farmers on their farming activities, since livelihood efforts cannot be pursued unless farming areas are being cleared of debris.

Short-term gestation crops will then be given to the farmers while waiting for the coconut crops to be provided by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

The first to help

After Davao Oriental was pinned under the worst disaster to  ever hit the province, Tulong Kapatid immediately rolled out emergency and long-term recovery initiatives in the province, targeting the three hard-hit towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon extended her gratitude to Tulong Kapatid and the PLDT-Smart for  support they are providing,  to include relief operation and feeding programs to affected residents,  and repair and installation of power lines, tapping their business networks for potential investments and assistance.

While the PLDT-Smart Foundation under the MVP Group of Companies has committed to build more than 800 homes across the three worst-affected towns, the first 300 homes are already set for construction in a resettlement site in Baganga.

The MVP Group is the first private sector to build permanent shelters for the typhoon victims, with funds sourced from donations collected during the telethon fundraising aired in December on TV5, that was an initiative of  its CEO Manny V. Pangilinan. (Karen Lou Deloso-PIO/JMDA-PIA XI)

Tight security for upcoming Kadayawan fest

DAVAO CITY, Aug 12 (PIA) Police and military authorities in nearby municipalities, cities and provinces and in Davao City have strengthened the security to ensure the safety of visitors and residents during the Kadayawan Festival.

Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office said target hardening measures have be instituted even outside the city to deter any potential threat to the holding of the annual cultural festivities.

“We will do all humanly possible to secure the city, it is the instruction of Mayor Rodrigo Dutere,” he said.

De la Rosa said even the Police Regional Office XI ordered the provincial offices of the Philippine National Police to heighten their respective security measures to pre-empt any attempt to disrupt Davao City’s peace and order during the Kadayawan.

He said even the police provincial offices sent additional policemen to Davao City to assist the local police in setting up checkpoints within the city.

“All security measures are already in place,” De la Rosa said.

He said a total of 2,800 police officers and soldiers have been deployed to guard and to gather intelligence information against all lawless elements including terror groups.

De la Rosa said barangay watchmen are also helping the local authorities serving as force-multipliers in their respective areas of responsibility.

“Intelligence units are also roaming around the city looking for suspicious looking individuals and objects,” he said.

De la Rosa also discouraged residents and visitors from carrying their back packs and utility bags in public during the holding of the street-dance and floral float parade.

“We will confiscate your things and if you resist, we will arrest you.  So avoid bringing back packs so that you will not be disturbed by random inspections,” he said.

De la Rosa also discouraged motorists from parking their vehicles along the route of the parade.

He said zero parking will be strictly imposed on the parade route which will eventually affect the owners of establishments in the area.

“Park your cars somewhere, because we will have them towed once seen on the restricted area,” De la Rosa said.

Earlier, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gave his go signal for the holding of the Kadayawan after the security forces guarantee the safety of the city.

He said he will leave the decision to the police and military on the manner security will be handled during the Kadayawan celebration.  (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

San Miguel firm turns over ambulance to LGU Sta. Cruz

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, Aug. 12 (PIA) – The San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMBI) has recently turned over one unit of ambulance to the local government of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, as part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the municipality.

With the arrival of the new ambulance unit for the brewery, the company’s management immediately thought of contributing and helping the town in terms of health services delivery and providing emergency response in the communities.

Being in operation for more than 16 years in Sta. Cruz, SMBI would like to think that it is not only a neighbor but also a family that is always willing to extend a help hand, said SMBI communication officer Meggy Santos.

Santos said the firm believed that putting up such project is also a way of putting life and meaning to their brand of corporate citizenship by caring beyond business or doing business honorably which the company believed would be able to help fellow countrymen live a better life.

SMBI is already known for its huge CSR programs like scholarship grants, environmental conservation and medical services delivery among others.

Meanwhile, Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said the ambulance will further beef up the LGU’s efforts to deliver medical services to its constituents. (MIO-Sta. Cruz/Julius Paner)

https://www.facebook.com/notes/pia-davao/davors-league-of-mayors-vows-support-to-provinces-devt-plans/218726101615316

DavOr’s League of Mayors vows support to province’s dev’t plans

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Aug. 12— Members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Davao Oriental Chapter recently affirmed its commitment to sync their programs with the provincial government’s development agenda.

They conveyed such support to Provincial Gov. Corazon Malanyaon during the LMP oath taking ceremony and courtesy call at the Provincial Capitol Tuesday, last week, telling the governor of their commitment to  support her plans and programs in their respective towns.

LMP Davao Oriental Chapter is now under the leadership of Governor Generoso Mayor Vicente D. Orencia as the president. Other officials of LMP-Davao Oriental Chapter are: Mayor Justina MB. Yu of San Isidro as secretary; Mayor Nestor L. Uy of Tarragona, treasurer; Mayor Alicia B. Mori of Caraga, auditor; Mayor Adalia L. Tambuang of Banaybanay, public relations officer.

 The Board of Directors includes Mayor Rebecco B. Rosit, Sr. of Boston, Mayor Arturo C. Monday of Baganga, Mayor  Jon Marco M. Dayanghirang of Manay, Mayor Domingo A. Lim of Lupon, and Mayor Camilo T. Nuñez of Cateel.

During the oath-taking ceremony, Orencia revealed moves of  the LMP to fast-track efforts to broaden partnership not only with the provincial government but also with other line agencies of the government for smooth implementation of programs and projects.

Orencia also bared plans to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office of  Director Yvette T. Sunga, in all LMP activities as well as in planning, to achieve efficiency in program implementation.

Governor Malanyaon said that a series of Consultation Planning involving the mayors and their respective planning officers will be held to carefully map out strategized development programs.

This would involve creation of schemes to fast track implementation of the provincial government’s priority programs on agriculture, health, environment, peace and development, and on the emerging sector of eco-tourism, among others.

She underscored the importance of addressing poverty through agri-industry development which she expected to help spur economic activities.

She also urged the mayors to encourage farmers to intercrop cacao with coconuts  as the provincial government had already tied up with interested companies willing to engage in this investment opportunity.

The province is keen on developing the potential  of highly prolific industry such as  the oil palm  which a number of private companies are looking at Davao Oriental as their investment location. (By Karen Lou Deloso, PIO/piaxi, jmda)

DavNor sports complex gets featured in Korean film

DAVAO CITY August 12 (PIA)- The modern aquatic facility of the Davao del Norte Sports Complex will be featured in "No Breathing" South Korean film which will be shown this year.

"In our film, Davao is very famous in the world because of its swimming club, where our characters will compete." says Sung-Jun Yang head of production and project department of 9ers Entertain

ment- a film distribution company currently helping out the Korean film in their Davao shoot.

The swimming club scenes was shot in the aquatic facility of the new Davao del Norte Sports Complex located in Tagum City.

The modern aquatic facility features a 10-lane Olympic-sized pool, warm-up pool, bleachers and a clubhouse and is touted as the most modern aquatic center in the region. The 11-hectare Sports Complex was opened of February of this year. Built at a cost of P248-million it also boasts of tartan tracks, a 5,000 seater capacity grandstand, basketball gym and a modern lighting facility which enables night games .

Meanwhile the film "No Breathing" is said to be a highly-anticipated South Korean film as it stars popular Korean singer actress Kwon Yuri and equally famous Korean actors Lee Jong-suk and Seo-In-guk. It is said to be Korea's first swimming film as it story revolves around two top national swimmers who falls for the same girl. It is estimated that about 3-million people will be watching the film once it will be screened in theaters later this year.

Yang said Davao will be the opening scenes of the film which will see the two male leads competing in the swimming club competition.

"The movie will really mention Davao." Yang said adding that Tagum and Davao will be featured for about 15 minutes in the film. The scenes were also filmed in Marco Polo Davao, Pearl Farm Resort and the Aldevinco Shopping Arcade.

He said they chose Davao over other locations in the country because it's more quieter without much people crowding the set due to the presence of the film's very popular actors. Yang said they are also impressed with Davao because of its cleanliness and hospitality of the people.

The "No Breathing" production brought in 70 crew members and 15 actors for the film for the five-day shoot (August 7-11). Among the popular actors in the  Davao shoot were matinee idols Lee Jong-suk and Seo-In-guk, dramatic actor Park Jeong Cheol and K-Pop star Shin Min Chul.

Meanwhile Art Boncato, Department of Tourism-XI Regional Director said that that Davao being featured in a big South Korean film fits into the strategy of the Department of Tourism in capturing a huge chunk of the growing South Korean travel market at the same time position itself as film location for Korea's vibrant film industry. (PIA/RG Alama)

Mindanao eyed to receive P34-bn worth of infra for 2014

DAVAO CITY Aug. 7 (PIA)- Mindanao is being eyed to have an infrastructure allocation of P34.29-billion this 2014.

This according to President Benigno Aquino III during his speech at the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference held today (August 7) at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

“For 2014 alone, we are proposing to the congress that the DPWH is set to allocate another 34.29 billion pesos for projects in the region.” The President said in his speech.

The chief executive noted that for 2011-2013 the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated P61.54 billion for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects in Mindanao.

During his speech the President enumerated other high-level projects currently being accomplished in the region, this include the Lake Lanao Circumferential Road Project worth P767-million pesos, which will be completed in February 2015.

Aside from roads the government is also rehabilitating 15 airports and 46 ports, according to the President the goal is to see a Mindanao economy no longer stifled by a lack of proper roads, ports, or airports.

In one of the issues raised by Mindanao business leaders during the regular consultations held before this year’s Minbizcon, they have asked for more infrastructure projects in the region which could help them prepare for the incoming ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Integration by 2015. The integration will combine the ASEAN member-states into one single market economy.

“The vision here is also to create a Mindanao that can compete within the ASEAN community—this is a vision that, with government and private sector initiatives, as well as continuing solidarity, can surely be achieved; and we believe our projects are doing precisely that.” The President said in his speech.

President Aquino is the first President to attend the biennial gathering of business leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in Mindanao. (PIA/RG Alama)

CAFGU’s holds Harvest Festival of organic vegetables in DavOr

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Aug. 07   – Soldiers and members of the Civillian Active Auxiliaries (CAA) of  the 72nd Infantry (CAFGU) Battalion in Mati City, Davao Oriental held a Harvest Festival of Organic Vegetables 30, 2013.

The first harvest festival organized by the 72nd IB was attended by more than 100 residents, students and teachers of Mayo National School, local government units, national line agencies and other stakeholders in the area.

The Harvest Festival served as a model of improved technology on agriculture and a kick-off activity to showcase natural farming technology and exemplify Bayanihan spirit in the community.

The Philippine Army, particularly the 72nd Infantry Battalion has joined the battle against food shortage and low income of farmers, both being at the very heart of the national poverty issue.

Through its companies, the unit combats this problem with an “arms-to-farms” (community based activities) approach.

Commander of 701st Infantry (KAGITINGAN) Brigade,Colonel Benjamin R Madrigal in his speech was hopeful such project will result in reduction of poverty as well as check insurgency.

“The long term effects of a livelihood-based approach to the poverty and insurgency problems are yet to be seen, but a livelihood program module that is sound, effective and realistic actualized in military camps and detachments should be a good start,” Madrigal said.

To enhance the livelihood projects in the command post, the CAAs were trained on livestock production and management by the Provincial Veterinarian Office. An animal shed was constructed which houses eight goats. The farm is adopting the “cut and carries” method of feeding. Forage and pasture have also been established to reinforce source of indigenous feeds.

Commanding Officer of Bravo Company of 72IB, 1stLieutenant Benedict Joy Corpuz said, “the initial beneficiaries of this program are the CAAs and their families, this being an additional source of income that promote healthy lifestyle as well. It will become the future basis for replication and modeling particularly in the community.”

Corpuz said the programs are built on the spirit of Bayanihan designed to result in “tangible peace and development in the community.”  (701st IB, Press Release/jmda, piaxi)

PCL DavOr elect new set of officers

City of Mati, Davao Oriental – The Provincial Councilors League of Davao Oriental conducted on July 31 its election of officers and had chosen as its new president Municipal Councilor Andresito Burgos of Caraga.

Burgos assured PCL members to “amplify the dignity of local legislators in the province and to implement certain reforms and make sure everything will work out for the province.”

In his message delivered after his election, Burgos expressed gratitude to all the 86 from the 102 members in attendance, who voted for him, and looks forward to really bring the voice of the local legislators in the hall of the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“I know we can do more things effectively and successfully together. While I need all your support, let me I assure you that I am always for the goodness and improvement of the league, and on what we can do to help the people,” he said.

The rest of the officers who were voted unopposed are City of Mati Councilor Ruben Linsag, the new Vice-President, Secretary General is the interim PCL President Kagawad Art Benjie Bulaong from the municipality of Tarragona, voted as Treasurer was City of Mati Councilor Delfin Miones, Kagawad Joan Monday from the municipality of Baganga is now the League’s Auditor, Business Manager is Kagawad Apolinar Ruelo, Jr. from the municipality of San Isidro, and to serve as PRO is Kagawad Eva Geollegue from the municipality of Banaybanay.

Members of the League also voted for 8 Board of Directors, namely Kag. Flores Alingalan of Banaybanay, Kag. Melody Anne Benitez of Caraga, Kag. Edna Bote of Lupon, Kag. Ismael Dagnopan of Tarragona, Kag. Juveniel Linaza of Boston, Kag. Honesto Tengnson of Manay, City of Mati Councilor Dennis Tolentino, and Kag. Ederick Yuson of Cateel. (Neela Duallo, PIO stringer/piaxi jmda)

ABC Hall with hostel built to serve barangays, visitors

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Aug. 7 (PIA): Davao Region's primary tourist destination the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCOS), will soon have a facility for members of the Liga ng  mga Barangay.

Funded with an P8-million budget from Davao del Norte Second District Representative Anton F. Lagdameo, Jr.,  the construction of the new Igacos ABC Hall and Hostel Complex located at Peñaplata, Samal District is the fits facility of its kind in the Davao Region.

Implemented by the DPWH Davao del Norte Engineering District, the facility is almost complete and will soon be ready to serve as the office of the 46 component barangays of the city and the local DILG Office. It  is also designed to receive visitors and guests.

Lagdameo is enthusiastic of the project as it will also serve as additional source of income for the local ABC organization.

This is part of his commitment  to the barangays, in line with the congressman's centerpiece program, Barangayanihan.

Management of the complex, though, will have to await further as the nation pushes for the Synchronized Barangay & SK Elections on October 28, 2013.

Meanwhile, Lagdameo's Chief of Staff revealed that DPWH has also recently finished the Concreting of the road from the national highway to Miranda Barangay Hall which the solon funded with P3 million under his PDAF. (2nd District Congressional Office, PR/piaxi jmda)

IPs now represented in Tagum’s City Council

TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 07—The City Council of Tagum now has a newly-inducted Indigenous People’s representative in the person of Datu Rudy T. Onlos.

Onlos was sworn into office on Aug. 1, the newest ex-officio member of the 6th City Council, in consonance with the provisions of Section 16 of Republic Act 8371 otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), which demanded mandatory representation in all policy-making bodies and in local legislative councils.

In an interview, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon cited Datu Onlos’ installation as the newest member of the city council, as a triumph for the city’s IPs “who have struggled for so long to carry their voice through formal representation in Tagum’s highest and revered law-making body.”

“I expect that there will be pieces of legislation that will strengthen the efforts on preservation and protection of the lumads in the city.”Rellon said, citing that the new councilor will now have to focus on working with his administration as to improving the delivery of basic needs such as health, education and employment to the members of the indigenous community.

Datu Onlos of the Mansaka tribe is also the city’s tribal chieftain and he is expected to carry the voice of various  tribes in the city such as Mandaya, Ka’gan, Dibabawon, among others.

In his speech, Onlos said his representation will push for actions that would help promote the welfare of the indigenous peoples as required under the IPRA Law.

Aside from him, 15 others were also installed as IP representatives to the barangay councils of the city. They included Bia Jessica Ado (Pagsabangan), Datu Carlito Alejo (Magugpo North), Bia Teresita P. Baloyo (Magugpo East), Bia Amie M. Catalan (Cuambogan), Datu Damiano A. Cipro (Canocotan), Datu Romeo O. Dansigan (La Filipina), Bia Florencia S. Enoroba (Magugpo South), Bia Lilia M. Lagunsad (Mankilam), Bia Hermenia T. Maitem (Nueva Fuerza), Datu Cristino C. Navarro, Sr. (San Miguel), Bia Adelaida V. Odias (Magugpo West), Bia Martina I. Perez (Apokon), Datu Aguido P. Sucnaan, Sr. (Pandapan), Bia Mercedez L. Sulsog (Magdum) and Datu Arnold Dumat (Visayan Village).

Their ascension to their respective councils gained the support of the city councilors who attended the ceremony held at the Tagum City Pavilion. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum/JMDA PIAXI)

DSWD to complete 17,000 housing units till yearend

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 08 (PIA):   The  two provincial governments of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley are gearing up to help the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) realize its target of building 17,000 shelter units till yearend of 2013 . 

DSWD Asst. Sec. Camilo Gudmalin, coach monitor for Mindanao in an interview said the two governors of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley expressed optimism to hit  the target of 17,000 shelter units for Typhoon Pablo affected families in the Planning Workshop for Pablo.

Rehabilitation conducted by DSWD on Aug. 06 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

“They are quite confident given several modality of implementation,” he said in an interview during the planning workshop.

Governors Arturo T. Uy of Compostela Valley and Corazon N. Malanyaon of Davao Oriental were present during the workshop together with the municipal mayors of  severely hit towns  in both provinces.

Gudmalin revealed that the budget requirement for the construction of such number of housing units had already been approved but DSWD needed the detailed work and financial plan of local government units as basis of downloading the funds.

“We need a more detailed plan on how to  execute the projects,”  he said.

Among the discussed ways of construction are through government-led, non-government organization (NGO)-led and private sector  engagement such that of Gawad  Kalinga and Habitat Foundation.

The provincial governments will  also be mobilizing typhoon Pablo-affected families to help construct the shelter, Gudmalin said .

Gudmalin, however, made it  clear that the construction of housing units for Typhoon Pablo victims had been ongoing even before President Aquino made such commitment in his recent SONA.

Among the private sector which had pledged  and had gone contructing were the Pangilinan Group of Companies, the Petro Foundation, the group of Lucio Tan and even the Gawad Kalinga, among other private entities which had spread their shelter assistance to the two provinces.

On top of these, the DSWD has on-going construction projects of 700 shelter units which construction is on-going.

Gudmalin revealed DSWD will be providing P70,000 for every housing unit and another P22,000 for manpower services or labor paid through cash-for-work.

DSWD  also entered an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural  Resources (DENR) XI on the use of lumber for the construction but he said DSWD will be procuring other construction  materials aside from lumber such as cement. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

BFAR to fast-track registration of fisherfolks

DAVAO CITY, July 08 (PIA):  The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ) launched the National  Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration dubbed as Fish R last August 6 in this city.

The program  aims to fast-track the registration of fisherfolks in all coastal areas of  the country in support of  the Fisheries Code of 1998 implementation.

Regional Director Fatma Idris  of BFAR said  the Davao Fish R launching was  the third in  the series made by BFAR which had identified Region XI as one of the major fish production sites in the country with 43 inland and coastal municipalities and six cities.

BFAR  considers the waters of Davao Gulf,  Pujada Bay and the Pacific Ocean in the east coast  fronting Davao Oriental as “one of the rich homes  of numerous aquatic species” serving as abundant fishing grounds.

BFAR linked with local government units of  the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley  and the municipalities therein to complete the registration of fisherfolks by using simplified forms and by setting up the Comprehensive Fishery Information System.

Included in those whom BFAR referred to as fisherfolks are those directly drawing their source of income from, and making a living out of fishing. The fishworkers as well as the fishery operators are also considered as fisherfolks.

 “Ito ay tumutukoy sa lahat ng taong nakatuon sa panghuhuli, pag-aalaga, pagpoproseso, pagbebenta at pagbibiyahe ng  isda at iba pang produktong pantubi. (This refers to people who are into catching, producing, processing, selling and delivering fish and other aquatic and marine products.),”  BFAR said in describing fisherfolks.

Idris assured fisherfolks to avail of government assistances and services due them especially when they get duly  and officially registered.

To get registered, Idris urged fisherfolks to go to their Barangay Captains for assistance and to approach fishery technicians who are facilitating registry of fisherfolks.  The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) is also open to assist fisherfolks registered under Fish R.

Meanwhile, she called on LGUs to complete the data on fisherfolk registration as the Department of Agriculture and BFAR will be giving reward to LGUs which can submit soonest their complete registry of fisherfolks.

BFAR revealed in a news release that Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala earlier announced  a reward of P2 million worth of livelihood projects for fisherfolk communities, given to  the first 100 municipal LGUs which would be able to complete their registration of fisherfolk. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

PNoy to terrorists: Feel the full force of the law

DAVAO CITY, Aug 8 (PIA) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III bared that challenges on the stability of peace and order exist, despite the gains of the  ongoing peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Speaking during the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference held at the SMX Lanang Convention Center, he said the recent blasts that hit cities Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato and Midsayap, North Cotabato and other areas in Central Mindanao affected not only the immediate areas but throughout the country.

Aquino said the blasts were perpetrated by small groups of people desperate to disrupt the attainment of peace in Mindanao.

As he expressed sympathy to the families of the victims of the blasts, the president warned the perpetrators that the arm of the law will eventually reach them.

“To those willing to partner with us for peace, we welcome you as brothers.  But to those who want to challenge the authority of the state, you will feel the full brunt, might and strength of the state’s response.  You will not in the way of peace that will help fulfill the potentials of Mindanao,” Aquino said.

During the press briefing, the president identified the Abu Sayyaf Group as one of the groups disrupting the peace and order in Mindanao.

He said government forces continue to conduct operations against this group, citing successes in the effort with the neutralization of Dr. Abu in 2012.

The President declined to provide more information on the ongoing investigation on the blasts in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato.

However, he mulled of giving rewards to individuals who can provide information that will lead to the arrests of the perpetrators behind the latest bombing incidents Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato.

Aquino said one of the angles being pursued by authorities is the possible involvement of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the blasts in order to lessen the ongoing follow-up military operation against them.

“Basically, mayroong mga threat groups na nagsama-sama dahil nga to a large degree, lumiit ang capacities nila.

Tatlong grupo ang aming tinitingnan na medyo dati ay may pagka-loose ang kanilang samahan.  Tila ngayon ay lalong nagsama-sama at desperado na mahadlang an gating proseso ng pagkakaroon ng kapayapaan dito sa Mindanao,” (There are threat groups which are combining because to  a large degree their capacities have become smaller, we are looking at three groups which are loosely allied, but as of now they have become closer together and are desperate to stop our peace process here in Mindanao.) he said.

Aquino has tasked the security sector to continue hardening of the probable target areas.

In his assessment, he said terror groups might exploit freedom and other rights guaranteed in the constitution like movement, assembly and the like.

Aquino said these groups had been aspiring for long to conduct terror attacks.

“As to the capability, there seems to be no change as to the assessment where they are able to undertake their operations,” he said.

The president said that there are persistent reports that the terror groups want to hit Davao.

However, he observed that the terrorists seem to evade Davao City attributing to the tight security of the city and the good governance of the city government.

“It is a good deterrent.  However, wherever we do target hardening, terror groups also look for other soft targets,” Aquino said.

He appealed to the citizens to cooperate as force-multipliers of the security service by providing information in detecting suspicious individuals or activities.

Earlier, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte mulled of scrapping the Kadayawan Festival for security reasons following the deadly blasts in Cagayan de Oro City and Cotabato City.

He gave the security sector up to August 13 to come up with a clearer picture on the security situation of the city.

“We will proceed with the festivities if the security forces with a rating of 7.5 in a scale of one to ten, can guarantee the safety of the residents and visitors,” Duterte said.

He cited the primacy of the lives of the residents for the possible cancellation of the Kadayawan Festival.  (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)