4-Classroom Building nga gitukod sa Brgy. Teresa human na!

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Human na ang usa ka 4-Classroom Building sa New Leyte National High School-Teresa Campus diha sa Brgy. Teresa lungsod sa Maco nga gitabangan pagtukod sa  mga katawhan ilalom sa Kalinga sa Kabataan Bayanihan sa Paraalan Program (KKBSP) ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy.

Ang pagtrabaho niini nahuman sulod lang sa 22 ka adlaw ug matud ni SP Member Raul Timogtimog-kanhi USWAG GK Action Officer, nga unang higayon kini nga ang liderato sa probinsiya nagpasiugda sa GK Way nga pagtukod ug usa ka School Building nga adunay upat ka Classrooms.

Nahitabo ang Blessing ug Turn-over Ceremony niadtong Hulyo 28, 2014, ug tungod si Gov. Uy mitambong niadtong adlawa sa “State of the Nation Address (SONA)”  ni P-Noy, maoy kauban ni Vice Gov. Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora  sa pagdumala niini sila SP Members Raul Timogtimog ug Atty. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga.

Niadtong adlawa ilang giturn-over ngadto sa DepEd ang bag-o nahumang 1 Unit 4 classroom building nga kompleto sa finishing touches, pintura, ug landscape. Sangkap sad kini sa mga pasilidad sama sa blackboard, teachers table ug mga bag-ong lingkoranan alang sa mga magtutudlo ug mga estudyante.

Puno sa emotions nga gihulagway sa ilang School In Charge nga si Ellen Paloma nga ingon sa giibot ug gibalhin lang ang daan nilang building nga nindot na diha sa bag-ong nahimutangan. Gitawag pa niya si Gov. Uy nga usa ka “miracle worker” tungod matud pa niya nga ingon nga siya nakasaksi ug usa ka magic tungod paspas kaayo ang pagtrabaho sa naghiusa ug nagtinabangayng mga katawhan ubos sa maayong paggiya ug pagpanguna sa mga dagkong opisyal ug mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo.

Gisulti sad niya nga bisan gani ang mga tindahan ug mga kabalayan sa palibot nag donar ug mga snacks ug mga pagkaon ngadto sa mga ginikanan ug sa uban pang mga bulontaryong lumilihok nga daw wala batia ang kakapoy tungod sila inspirado ug puno sa kalipay nga mitabang sa lain-laing mga buluhaton panahon sa construction.

Sa pagkakaron miabot na sa 72 ka mga eskwelahan ang nahuman pagtukod sa mga katawhan ilalom sa nagpadayong “Kalinga sa Kabataan Bayanihan sa Paaralan Program (KKBSP) ni Gov. Uy sa Compostela Valley.  (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

P60M Bukal-Panoraon Road Project padayon pa nga gitrabaho

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Padayon pa karon nga gitrabaho ang kapin pito ka kilometrong “Bukal-Panoraon Road Rehabilitation Project” nga gitunol ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino-III sa ComVal ilalom sa PAMANA kon “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program”.  Matud ni Assistant PAGRO Chief Manolo Serafin Cayme- natudlong Team Leader for Special Projects Implementation Team sa ComVal nga sa pagkakaron anaa na sa 38% ang accomplishment sa mga nagtrabaho niini.

Kining proyektoha kabahin gihapon sa nag-unang Peace Building Initiatives nga giimplementar sa  Pangulo pinaagi sa Department of National Defense (DND), ug maoy gitahasan  sa pagtunol niini ngadto sa lokal nga gobyerno ang opisina sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) nga ubos sa maayong pagdumala ni DILG Secretary Mar Roxas.

Niadtong Septyembre sa milabay’ng 2013 giaprobahan sa ComVal SP atol sa ilang 11th Regular Session nga gipanguluhan ni Vice Gov. Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora ang Resolution to Adopt ni SP Member Atty. Arvin Dexter Lopoz  sa usa ka Draft MOA tali sa ComVal Province ug sa DILG alang sa pagahimoong Rehabilitation sa Bukal-Panoraon Road gamit ang pundo gikan sa OPAPP nga mokabat P60 milyones ilalom sa  PAMANA Program.

Giklaro ni DILG Assistant Provincial Director Brenda Salarda nga ang Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) maoy usa sa mga qualifying requirements sa usa ka LGU aron mahatagan sa bisan unsang klaseng projects nga ibubo sa pangulo pinaagi sa DILG, ug matud pa usab niya nga tungod ang Compostela Valley Recipient sa Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) mao nga kining probinsiyaha gihatagan sa DILG sa P60 milyones PAMANA Funds alang sa rehabilitation sa Bukal-Panoraon Road.

Ang mga nahatagan sa Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) sa kauluhan matud ni PPDO Chief Romeo Celeste  mao kadtong mga LGU nga human sa gihimong pag-evaluate sa DILG nag-excel ang transparency mechanism sa Good Governance ug sa Financial Management.

Matud pa usab niya nga unang nadawat nila ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy ug sa 11 Municipal Mayors sa ComVal ang Seal of Good Housekeeping niadtong 2011. Kauban niini ang P3 milyones nga Performance Challenge Fund nga nadawat usab sa probinsiya gikan sa DILG.  Ang  kada lungsod nakadawat usab ug Performance Challenge Fund nga P1Million. (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

Kapin 19 mil Pablo Survivors nakadawat sa sen ug mga lansang nga gipanghatag sa probinsiya

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Nadugangan na sad ug kapin 19 mil ka pamilya sa ComVal ang nakadawat sa libreng sen ug mga lansang nga gipanghatag sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ilalom sa Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) Program ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino-III.

Kini mao ang 2nd  Trance Release sa Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) sa DSWD ug maoy gihatagan niini ang Typhoon Pablo Survivors nga Partially Damaged ang ilang mga balay.

Sama sa nahaunang mga pagpang apud-apod mao gihapoy gisaligan sa Malacañang sa paghatud niini ngadto sa mga katawhan ang liderato sa  probinsiya sa pagpanguna nila ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy, Vice Gov. Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora, Senior Board Member Tyron Uy, ug SP Members.

Matud ni Shelter Cluster Lead PGSO Chief Arceli Timogtimog nga ang Kick Off sa 2nd Trance Release diha himoa sa Municipal Gymnasium sa Poblacion Monkayo niadtong Abril 8, 2014, ug nahatagan sa probinsiya ug libreng sen ug mga lansang ang mokabat 1,274 ka pamilya.  Maoy gisaligan ni Gov. Uy niadtong adlawa sa pagtunol niini sila Vice Gov. YK, SP Member Ramil L. Gentugaya ug SP Member Joseph Jaoud.  Ilang kauban sila Mayor Joselito Brillantes ug Brgy. Capt. Allen L. Cabag.

Ang pinakaulahing Report sa Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office (PSWDO) nagtug-an nga as of July 2014, miabot na sa 19,6266 pamilyang Survivors sa Typhoon Pablo sa ComVal ang nakadawat sa hinabang nga libreng Sen ug mga lansang.  (gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Local Chief Executives (LCEs) converge for Renewable Energy (RE) Development in Davao Region

(Davao City, 28 July 2014). Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of major power generating companies and Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of Davao Region converged for Renewable Energy Development in Davao Region at the Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City on July 24, 2014. Dubbed as the “CEO-LCE Dialogue on Renewable Energy Development in Davao Region”, the activity aimed to promote investments in renewable energy, as well as fast track implementation of awarded projects.

Spearheaded by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI,   the Power Dialogue gathered over a hundred representatives from the private sector, local government units (LGUs) and the national

government agencies for a day of consultation and meaningful exchange of information and ideas on renewable energy development. RDC XI Vice-Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim emphasized that it is the RDC XI’s development objective to ensure a stable and reliable power supply in the long run to support the growth of the manufacturing, industry and services sectors as espoused under the Davao Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2014-2016.   

On the other hand, RDC XI Chairperson and Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario conveyed the Council’s high hopes that the event shall set an impetus for more proactive and effective collaboration among LCEs, CEOs, financing institutions, national government agencies, and other key development stakeholders in pushing for Renewable Energy development in Davao Region and in Mindanao

In his keynote address, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, represented by Undersecretary Zenaida Y. Monsada, affirmed the region’s position towards RE development stating that the alleviation of Carbon Dioxide emissions is a responsibility shared not only by the government but also the private sector. He added that DOE is intensifying its efforts to support the growing RE Industry in the Philippines as it is their duty to ensure that these energy producing facilities and structures are up rated.

CEOs presented their RE project proposals for Davao Region particularly, the Darong Solar Power Project of AC Energy Holdings, Inc., the Davao Hydropower Project of San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers, and Mt. Sibulan-Kapatagan Geothermal Project of Aboitiz Power Inc. Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon also presented their Waste-to-Energy Project. During the discussions following the presentations, public sector counterparts were able to clarify issues on the processes of acquiring the permits and documents required for these types of projects considering that most are located in Protected Areas and Ancestral Domains.

Before the event concluded, the private sector participants were invited to discussions with representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) where they discussed the implementation of specific RE projects including the status of pending transactions in the concerned LGUs.(Emil B. Clarito, EDS II)###

Water System project in IGaCoS completed

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMALl, July 31 -  The Samal Water Sanitation (WatSan) Team chaired by City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan  together with City Local Government  Operations Officer Rosario Laid inaugurated and turned over the completed   “Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat” (SALINTUBIG ) level II project to Barangay Aumbay, Samal District  and IGaCoS Water District  at Aumbay Elementary School last July 25.

Island Garden City of Samal is one of the recipients and beneficiaries of the P 2 M SaLiNTubig- water system project of DILG for qualifying the requirements of the BUB program and after achieving the Seal of Good Housekeeping assessment of good local governance.

About three hundred household in Barangay Aumbay were clustered and now are enjoying the level II watersystem which they plan to eventually make it to level three with the assistance of the IGaCoS Water District.

“Mapasalamaton ako sa inyong kooperasyon para niining tubig, kita ang una diri sa region XI nga nakahuman ug implementar niini” (I am grateful of your cooperation to the project, we are the first one to complete the implementation in Region XI), City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan said.

DILG-CLGOO Rosario Laid said SaLinTubig water project was one of the Bottoms -Up Planning and Budgeting project identified as one of the needs of the people in the Barangay Aumbay.

Laid emphasized the importance of having easy access to safe and potable water, as this could help spur development and reduce poverty.

On the same occasion, Aumbay Elementary School celebrated their Nutrition Month wherein they also have their product display competition, quiz bee, poster making and jingle contest, healthy baby contest and many others.

Aumbay Elementary School Principal Albuen Arig expressed gratitude to the city government for the water system project .  He cited water as one important part in nutrition of the children especially for children’s hygiene, environmental sanitation and a lot more benefits that he enumerated.

City Health Officer Dr. Dennis Flores, in his part,  appreciated the double significant event, the nutrition month celebration and turn-over of water system which are very important to  health especially to children who were vulnerable to diseases and calamity which was also given importance during the celebration.

Certificate of Recognition were given to lot owners Mr. and  Mrs.  Donato Bijil for donating  the reservoir lot, Priscilla S. Obenza, Melecio Lopez, Andoy Hebara, Donato Bijil, Rolando Obon and Gloria Seban for the  water system  right of way.

Witnessing the event were city government  department heads and  members of the Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Team : City Health Officer  Dr. Dennis Carlos Flores, City Engineer Darwin S. Arig, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Lariosa Abundia,  City ENRO Edgar Arellano, City Planning & Development Officer Mario  S. Pacaldo, City Treasurer Merlina Caballero, City Accountant Gladys Hurano, City Agriculture Officer Engr. Ana Lea Zapanta  and IGaCoS Water District  Board of Directors led by  Chairman Noel Uy and members. (MTA Samal Info.)

Mayor Jayectin as new LMP ComVal Chapter President

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, July 31-----Mayor Eutropio S. Jayectin of Montevista has took the seat as the new President of the League of the Philippines (LMP) ComVal Chapter with Mayor Cesar C. Colina, Sr. of Maragusan as his Vice President.

They had their oathtaking together with the other officials on July 21, 2014 before the presence of Governor Arturo T. Uy in his office at the Capitol.

Their Secretary is Mayor Alvera Veronica Rimando-Arancon of Maco.  The Treasurer is Mayor Lema Bolo of Compostela and the Auditor is Mayor Roberto Yugo of Pantukan.

The Board of Directors (BODs) are Mayor Romeo Clarin of Nabunturan, Mayor Joselito Brillantes of Monkayo, Mayor Evalina Jampayas of Mawab, Mayor Lorenzo Balbin of New Bataan, Mayor Carlito Pacatang of Laak, and Mayor Hadji Amir Muñoz of Mabini.  (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

Comval turns over another “bayanihan” school build in Maco

MACO Compostela Valley, July 30 - What used to be constructed for 45 days if done by contractor, the 1 unit-4 classroom building was completed for just 22 days for the use of students in New Leyte National High school Annex. 

Thanks to the “bayanihan” spirit and public-private partnership (PPP) espoused by the national government, the townsfolk has another  reason to smile as they welcome guests and participants on the morning of July 28 in Brgy. Teresa, Maco, Compostela Valley.

“Daku kaayo ning ikatabang sa among pag eskuwela, kung sauna, mahunong among klase kung ting-ulan, karon dili na ug maka-concentrate nami kay di naman gud saba,” Jovito Dansigan Jr., a 4th Year HS student and Supreme Student Government (SSG) President, said.

Dansigan describes their old school building where a makeshift tarpaulin serves as roof for an extended room where they hold classes. When it rains, the holes from the old canvass pours down on them and the students are forced to huddle in a dry corner.  Noise is also a problem as the rooms are closely adjacent to each other.

Now, the fully painted, concreted walls, landscaped and with complete school chairs, blackboard and  electric lights stands conspicuously

Barangay Captain Felipe Obligana, School Principal Elena Paloma and the Department of Education-Comval  expressed their deep gratitude saying it was an answered prayer as the shortage of classroom buildings are always a perennial problem and they are fortunate that the local governments in ComVal have been responsive to their needs.

The construction is made possible through the “Kalinga sa Kabataan, Bayanihan sa Paaralan” (KKBSP) program initiated by the provincial government  of Comval under Gov. Arturo Uy. To date, more than 63 classrooms have already been built province-wide.  It banks on “bayanihan” or massive volunteerism enjoining the government employees, teachers, students, parents, various sectors and the community  to join in the labor work for free. Meanwhile, the cost of materials are donated through private partnership or from funds raised by the local government.

For the Annex school, Apex Mining Company has donated P1M and P300,000 from the barangay for the material costs.  

Also present in the turnover are Vice Gov. Manuel Zamora, SP Members Ruwel Peter Gonzaga and Raul Timogtimog, Maco Vice Mayor AC Voltaire Rimando, Apex Mining representatives, DepEd-Comval, Department Heads of PLGU Comval, and other guests and local officials.

In the afternoon, a medical outreach is conducted catering to the townsfolk with medical services  including circumcision/“tuli,” medical check up, dental extraction, minor surgery and family planning commodities to be given as well as medicines and vitamins. (fe maestre/ids comval)

Comval’s Sulong-Dunong scholars receive Balik Eskwela kits

NABUNTURAN, Comval, July 30 – Governor Arturo T. Uy has recently distributed school bags containing school supplies and a cash assistance of P1,300.00 each to the Sulong-Dunong scholars in the province. 

Preciosa H. Toledo from the provincial social welfare office said the program has been implemented in the province for six years already under the PSWDO headed by Josephine M. Frasco in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs).

Sulong-Dunong is a high school scholarship program for the active members of the Pag-Asa Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PYAP), a duly constituted barangay-based organization of the out-of-school youth catered by the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD).

It has produced several graduates already, and many of these scholars are honor students tagged as Achiever students.

Providing the out-of-school youth the opportunity to avail of quality education is one of the education endeavors of Gov. Uy. 

With 274 program recipients this year, the governor is looking forward to increase the budget next year to cater to more qualified students. 

The turnover rites of the school kits dubbed as ‘Balik Eskwela, Handog Ng Probinsya’ was attended by the program’s focal persons from the different municipalities and the scholars’ parents. (IDS-Comval/Grace Almedilla)

Comval embarks on stone craft and souvenir production

NABUNTURAN, ComVal Province, July 30 – Along with the beautiful tourist destinations in Compostela Valley, those who will come to visit the province could also enjoy its souvenir products.

The provincial government together with the national government agencies particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Tourism Council, local government units, and private partners, joined hands in strengthening the tourism, and the trade and industry of the province.

One area is developing the skills of the potential Comvalenyo artists through arts workshop and trainings. 

These include the Stone Craft and Souvenir Production Training which was recently conducted for five days at the Holcim Training Center in New Bataan from July 7-11 wherein most of the trainees were typhoon Pablo survivors.

Last year, Woodcraft Training and Riverstones and Driftwood Sculptures Training was also conducted.  (IDS-Comval/Grace Almedilla)

P176.4 million new public classrooms turned over to DavOr’s typhoon-hit areas

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, July 30 – The Department of Education and Department of Public Works and Highways turned over an initial of 204 new classrooms to public elementary and high schools in the typhoon-hit towns of Baganga and Cateel.

Teachers and students said these new classrooms symbolize new hope and new beginning for the education sector here that was badly battered after typhoon Pablo ‘washed out’ many of their school buildings in 2012.

Alberto Cainghug, assistant engineer of the DPWH District Office, said the national government had earmarked a total of P558 million for the construction 590 classrooms required in the entire first district, which already include the 204 recently turned over classrooms.

“These (new classrooms) answer the long-pressing problem on the shortage of schoolrooms in the disaster-hit areas,” said first district representative, Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang, who helped usher the release of funds for these new infrastructures.

Implemented by the DPWH, the funding was sourced out from the Typhoon Pablo rehabilitation fund, which was coursed through DepEd.

Amidst the massive rehabilitation efforts of the government, Dayanghirang noted the significant increase in the number of schools at present compared to what schools had before the disaster.

Aside from that, he also reported that these new buildings were constructed and designed to be typhoon-resistant and can sustain strong winds of up to 250 kph.

“This modification is important as we realize schools are the primary refuge of families during calamities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon congratulated the teachers and students headed by DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Feliciano Tamundong, Jr., saying that the new classrooms would hopefully give boost to the education sector.

Malanyaon commended the efforts of the national and local government, along with the agencies involved for their quick interventions in the rehabilitation of schools, which is also consistent to the province’s Building Back Better Agenda.

“We now see a proliferation of infrastructures—school buildings, housing units, and government facilities. This is an indicator how fast our recovery is,” stated the governor during the turnover and blessing ceremonies.

Malanyaon said these developments have been attributed to the convergence of all agencies, which are complementing each other’s resources in order to accomplish more in a very short period of time. (PIO-DO/K. Deloso)

PCA distributes P8.6 million cash incentives to coco farmers in Pablo-hit areas

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, July 30 — The Philippine Coconut Authority has recently distributed cash incentives amounting to P8.6 million to 957 coconut farmers in the typhoon Pablo-hit towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston.

PCA XI Regional Manager Rex Buac said that this was only the initial cash distribution as the agency intends to complete the payouts by the end of August in all the remaining covered barangays here.

Implemented under the Modified Participatory Coconut Planting Project, the program adopts a participatory and reward system approach, wherein farmers are given a P40 incentive for each seedling planted and stabilized, out from their own produced planting materials.

Stemming from the agency’s regular PCPP, the Modified PCPP hopes to support rehabilitation efforts in the towns drastically hit by typhoon Pablo here in the province.

Based on reports from the PCA, the Modified PCPP involves a total of 1,741 coco farmers in the three hard-hit towns, covering a total of about 4,000 hectares and earmarked with a budget of P16.6 million.

The 8 remaining towns of the province, on the other hand, will fall under the regular PCPP, allotted with a P2.8 million budget.  

This program is PCA’s tactic to sustain the country’s coconut industry, especially after Davao Oriental, previously tagged as the nation’s coconut capital, lost more than 3 million coconut trees during the typhoon Pablo devastation in 2012.

PCA claimed that planting more coconut trees now will hopefully restore the impaled coconut industry of the province.

In fact, the LGU of Baganga, one of the three most-affected towns, now targets planting 11,000 coconut seedlings through a Memorandum of Undertaking.

PCA in return will pay the farmers P30 per seedling planted.

For this year, PCA revealed it aims to expand its current 4,000 hectares area of coverage in Davao Oriental, hoping to contribute in reaching its regional target of at least 35,000 hectares.

Aside from planting coconuts, PCA also urged beneficiaries to pursue intercropping of coconuts with other crops such as cacao and coffee as well as the emerging oil palm crop, assuring they will also provide technical assistance to farmers.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, during the ceremonial turnover of checks, told the beneficiaries to become not only grateful to the assistance they have been receiving, but also to complement the government’s interventions by doubling their efforts and putting in more passion to their work.

“You have been so lucky to receive payment in planting crops that you yourselves would be harvesting,” Malanyaon said, urging the beneficiaries to vouch their commitment in doing their part to improve their lives.

The governor thanked the PCA for helping the province recover from a major disaster. (PIO-DavOr/K. Deloso)

Philhealth brings ALAGA KA to indigents in Mati

DAVAO CITY, July 30 – Around 520 members enrolled in Philhealth’s sponsored program benefit from one of its ground activities dubbed as Alaga Ka Para Sa Maayos Na Buhay, last July 25 at the Socio Cultural Center in Mati, Davao Oriental.

Alaga Ka, a multi-sectoral campaign which aims to provide 14.7 million indigent members greater access to health care services, was recently introduced in a simultaneous nationwide launch last March.

During the activity, members were given updated Member Data Records (MDR) which will serve as their passport in availing of Philhealth benefits in hospitals, should a family member get sick.

Apart from this, they were educated with specific benefits they are entitled to as Philhealth sponsored members, including TSeKap or primary care services covering consultation and diagnostics, Maternity Care Packages (MCPs) in lying-inns and local ‘paanakan’ and the No Balance Billing Policy which specifically teaches members of their rights to zero out of pocket expense when confined in government facilities.

One of the highlights of the activity included the ceremonial turnover of MDR and check from Philhealth, as represented by Regional Vice-President, Dennis B. Adre and Head of Philhealth Mati, Jonas Pang to the city, through Mayor Carlo Luis P. Rabat and Councilor Jerome Dayanghirang, respectively.

According to Philhealth, the upsized MDR is an epitome of the growing number of indigent members in the city which significantly increased from 9, 307 last year to 25, 026 this year while the check amounting to Php 568, 450 is the Per Family Payment Rate (PFPR) from Philhealth which will be used as capitation fund to improve facilities and purchase drugs and medicines for TSeKap providers in the area.

Dr. Benhur Catbagan Jr., City Health officer of Mati expressed his delight in the corporation’s efforts for making the poor its top priority while encouraging the members to do their part by exercising their rights as Philhealth members and utilizing benefits due them.

According to Philhealth, it will continuously bring its services closer to more indigent members through succeeding Alaga Ka activities throughout the region, eyeing Davao del norte as the next recipient. (Kleah Dublin, PHIC)

DTI’s Presyo Diskwento Caravan helps 8T consumers in DavSur, generates P1.7-M sales

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, July 30 – The Department of Trade and Industry’s Presyo Diskwento Caravan has helped a total of 8,300 consumers in the province.

The Presyo Diskwento Caravan is an initiative that aims to bring relief to consumers from the rising prices of goods. This is in partnership with other government agencies and the private sector.

At least 10 percent discount is given to the buyers for their purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities at the caravan’s venue. Basic necessities include canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, detergent/laundry soap, and rice.

Prime commodities, on the other hand, include processed and canned meat, instant noodles, and toiletries (e.g. shampoo, bath soap).

In Davao del Sur, four Presyo Diskwento Caravans have already been conducted as of July this year.

The first was conducted in Bato, Sta. Cruz last May, with three participating suppliers/distributors. An amount of P262,500 was generated in sales from 1,200 buyers.

The second leg was held in Kiblawan last June 12-13, with six participating firms. It generated P576,500 in total sales from 1,600 buyers.

The third was conducted last June 17-18, still in Kiblawan, with just one participating firm. The said caravan generated a total sales of P728,500 from 2,500 buyers.

The last one was conducted in Hagonoy last July 4-5, with three participating firms which generated a sales of P430,305 from 3,000 buyers.

DTI-Davao del Sur Officer-in-Charge Eulogio C. Orevillo said that the conduct of the Presyo Diskwento Caravans in the province is now becoming a response to the clamor of various local government units (LGUs).

“Well, we have targets of our own but oftentimes, we conduct Presyo Diskwento Caravans in certain areas because the LGUs requested for it. There are also instances wherein we have already conducted a Presyo Diskwento Caravan in the said municipality but we go back and conduct another round again because of their request,” he said. (DTI-11/JenMendoza)

Abilympics opens today in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, July 28 – The Kakayahan Regional Abilympics Competition 2014 is set today, July 28 at the TESDA Regional Training Center in Buhisan, Tibungco.

Bearing the theme Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong May Kapansanan, Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran, Kakayahan is a national work skills competition showcasing the distinct capability of Filipino persons with disability (PWDs) as workers and entrepreneurs.

Social welfare department Director Priscilla N. Razon said the select PWDs will participate in Photography, Floral Arrangement, Cake Decoration, Waste Reuse, Painting, Cooking, Creating Web Pages, Desktop Publishing, and English Text Processing.

The 31 participating PWDs have different disabilities but most are orthopedically impaired, Director Razon said.

Panabo pushes mass civil wedding rites

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte - In its continued advocacy on the importance of civil registration, the local government of Panabo through its City Civil Registry Office (CCRO), continues to conduct the Kasalan sa Barangay.

Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr. officiated the Kasalan  held on July 21, 2014  for five couples at  the 3rd floor  of Brgy. Southern Davao Hall just in time for the 65th Araw ng Barangay Southern Davao celebration.

The Kasalan was held timely for the barangay’s founding anniversary celebration which bannered the theme,  “Panaghiusa Palig-onon aron Kalambuan atong Maangkon”.

Mayor Silvosa urged the couples to become responsible parents and to emphasize the importance and benefits of marriage for the welfare of their children.

In behalf of the newlyweds, Punong Barangay Jose Resurreccion expressed his gratitude  that the mayor granted the request of the couples to legitimately claim their legal partnership through the Kasalan ng Barangay program. He also thanked for the gifts offered to the newly weds.

Meanwhile, CCRO-OIC Dennis Devillires said that the Kasalan sa Barangay implementation was fast-tracked during the administration of Silvosa who personally officiated civil wedding “to help strengthen families as the foundation of the basic unit of the society”.

The Kasalan provides free of charge marriage certificates, registration posting and solemnization.  (Erwin Cubio – CIO Panabo/jmda)

Panabo mayor signs MOA on peace, dev't with 10th Infantry Division

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte - Mayor Atty. Jose L. Silvosa Sr. of Panabo City last week signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the 10th Infantry Division to continue their effort  to push for  development

The MOA came  after the 10th Inf. Division declared Panabo City as peaceful, ready for development and free from the influence of insurgency,  Panabo City Information Officer Narciso Jadraque explained.

During the MOA signing ceremony on July 21 Monday Convocation,  Mayor Silvosa  urged constituents of Panabo to be serious about sustaining peace and development of the city.

Silvosa pointed out politics as among the root causes of conflict but he said “peace and order is not only the work of our Armed Forces, the Police and  the city officials but it is a cohesive effort of all Filipino citizens”.

“Thus, peace and order can be sustained only thru honest and serious service of everyone,” Silvosa said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo (who signed the MOA before he retired from service)  however, made it clear that Panabo City had long been peaceful  and ready for development.

 “Peaceful naman talaga ang Panabo… Matagal na”  he said. “It is a development ready community,” He added.

The MOA signing was made as a formal gesture of declaring the city as peaceful  and  development-ready.

The declaration was expected to contribute to efforts on building confidence among  the people and stakeholders as this signifies  that the city is conducive to socio-economic, political and cultural development, free from communist influence.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Col. Rodney Intal shared information on the National Internal Security Plan (NISP) of President Aquino that focuses on people, a multi-stakeholder approach for peace and security known as “Bayanihan”.

He continued that “Pagtinabangay” is a campaign plan considered as a paradigm shift “in winning peace by not just defeating the enemy but is an approach centered on the people”. (CIO Panabo, Joe Rhen Matmat/jmda)

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte - Mayor Atty. Jose L. Silvosa Sr. of Panabo City last week signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the 10th Infantry Division to continue their effort  to push for  development

The MOA came  after the 10th Inf. Division declared Panabo City as peaceful, ready for development and free from the influence of insurgency,  Panabo City Information Officer Narciso Jadraque explained.

During the MOA signing ceremony on July 21 Monday Convocation,  Mayor Silvosa  urged constituents of Panabo to be serious about sustaining peace and development of the city.

Silvosa pointed out politics as among the root causes of conflict but he said “peace and order is not only the work of our Armed Forces, the Police and  the city officials but it is a cohesive effort of all Filipino citizens”.

“Thus, peace and order can be sustained only thru honest and serious service of everyone,” Silvosa said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo (who signed the MOA before he retired from service)  however, made it clear that Panabo City had long been peaceful  and ready for development.

 “Peaceful naman talaga ang Panabo… Matagal na”  he said. “It is a development ready community,” He added.

The MOA signing was made as a formal gesture of declaring the city as peaceful  and  development-ready.

The declaration was expected to contribute to efforts on building confidence among  the people and stakeholders as this signifies  that the city is conducive to socio-economic, political and cultural development, free from communist influence.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Col. Rodney Intal shared information on the National Internal Security Plan (NISP) of President Aquino that focuses on people, a multi-stakeholder approach for peace and security known as “Bayanihan”.

He continued that “Pagtinabangay” is a campaign plan considered as a paradigm shift “in winning peace by not just defeating the enemy but is an approach centered on the people”. (CIO Panabo, Joe Rhen Matmat/jmda)

LGU Kapalong supports PESO-DepEd Career Guidance

KAPALONG, Davao del Norte, July 28 – The Municipality of Kapalong thru the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) initiated the conduct of  the 2nd  year Career Guidance Advocacy Program held at Kapalong Municipal Gymnasium last July 22, 2014.

DEp Ed Davao del Norte Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Josephine L. Fadul, SGOD Chief Dr. Virginia J. Perandos, guidance counsellors and coordinators were joined by  605 students from 22 public and private elementary and high schools in the municipality. The students were clad in different attires depicting  the role that they wish to become in the future.

Anchored on the theme, “Follow the Guide. Taga Career. Like the Future”, the event featured lectures, career guides and messages of officials and speakers from PESO, Department of Education (DepEd),  

One Network Bank (ONB), Rural Bank of Kapalong, DOLE-STANFILCO, Kapalong Cooperative and Philippine National Police who have expertise on labor market trends, careers in key employment generators, employability and career success.

CAO/PESO Manager Edwin E. Ganiera in his message said that the 2nd Career Guidance Advocacy  Program reveals the impact on the achievement of its goal which will boost local employment, reduce the unemployment rate and definitely avoid job mismatch in the country.

The event aims to abreast  the students, parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and coordinators on the current labor trends.  It provides appropriate and timely information on the realities of the labor maket to help students in career decisions.

Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol and Vice Mayor Maria Theresa R. Timbol encouraged the students to carefully choose the courses they would take in college and not just give in to peer influence.

The local government has been extending support to the PESO which is the implementing office specifically in allotting funds to carry on its various programs and activities. It was learned that they will be visiting the schools for  career coaching comes August 7-8, 2014.

Timbol stressed that his administration  is always ready to provide the needed support to better facilitate and promote career guidance as a relevant tool in youth development. (MJMN / cj MIO Kapalong)

Local FM station, L.A.C.E.S. go on-air

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte July 28 (PIA)--- The owner of local FM station here signed a  memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Rotary Club of Tagum Golden L.A.C.E.S. ((Ladies in Action Committed to Effective Service) to air information on programs and projects of the women Rotary Club.

Atty. Baltazar A. Sator, president of Polytechnic Foundation of Cotabato and Asia Inc., which owns Charm Radio, penned the MOA with Rotary Club of Tagum Golden L.A.C.E.S. (RCTGL) President Arlene Adlawan-King  and agreed to disseminate  information on the activities of  RCTGL through the radio program dubbed as  “Rotary on the Air”.

The signing was principally witnessed by Charm Radio Station Manager Mary Labastida and Norma Pereyras, chairperson of the RCTGL Public Relations Committee.

Both were given the task to anchor the program which can be heard over 103.9 in FM dial every second and last Saturday of the month from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. starting July until June 2015.

In  an interview,  Atty. Sator (former congressman of Davao del Norte) welcomed the airing of Rotary on the Air, saying the objective of RTCGL jibes with the service-oriented goal of the station.

Davao del Norte Board Member Vicente Eliot, part-owner of Charm Radio, was also present to witness the MOA signing which was attended by other officials of RCTGL.

Eliot  said the  tandem of Charm Radio and RCTGL augurs well  the community service program design of the station.  “We do away with politics, we aim to serve,”  Eliot said.

Meanwhile, King explained that  the  Rotary on the Air will discuss focused concerns of the Club specifically on maternal and child care,  peace and conflict resolution,  water and sanitation, basic literacy, economic and community development, and disease prevention and treatment.

RCTGL has been engaging with Tagum communities for 22 years implementing projects addressing malnutrition, illiteracy, maternal and child care, among others.

Above delivering services, RCTGL also aims to inform the public about the “Rotary International in general and the Club in particular gearing towards the attainment of its motto, ‘Service Above Self’”.  (PIA 11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

New homes restore hope of Pablo-affected families

DAVAO ORIENTAL, July 28— Restoring hope after a major calamity, the government’s provision of new homes to disaster-stricken families offers a promise for a new beginning.

“If not for the government providing us with these new houses, probably, we would still be left homeless and hopeless,” said 62 year old Iluminado Oggod of Barangay Sibajay in Boston town, whose house was completely torn down by typhoon Pablo. “I never expected that I would be given a house of my own. It completely restored my hope to dream again for my family,” he said.

Eager to move in to her new home, an elderly resident of Cateel, Angela dela Zalde also conveyed her overwhelming bliss as she received the certificate of occupancy. “Though everything we had were lost, they had all been replaced with plenty of blessings, including this new house” she said, describing her new home to be more beautiful than what her family used to live before the rampaging storm in 2012.

These folks along with their kin are only two of the 700 families given the opportunity to start anew as the provincial government backed by the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over recently another batch housing units.

Under the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP), more than 2,000 houses have already been implemented on the ground. Bulks of them were already turned over to its respective recipients, enjoying the comforts and security it provided.

DSWD Assistant Regional Director Mila T. Segovia, who was present during the latest turn over ceremony, said the agency intends to expedite the construction of houses to complete the target number of housing units of approximately 20,000, which DSWD hopes to finish within the year.

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon lauded the efforts of the DSWD for standing ready especially when it comes to providing long-term shelters to the hapless typhoon victims, who can’t build houses on their own, given their lack of financial resources.

She further underscored how convergence and partnership offered by the DSWD with the provincial government had successfully accomplished many undertakings for development, which includes implementation of a housing project in a massive scale and livelihood, among others.

COMPLEMENTING EFFORTS

While the national and local governments have jointly poured in resources in building communities, the provincial government led by Gov. Malanyaon urged the housing beneficiaries to complement these assistance by offering their cooperation and help in building their own communities toward prosperity and development.

She encouraged them to take advantage on the surge of opportunities, particularly on livelihood as the province now aggressively pushes for investments on agriculture, particularly in the massive planting of oil palm, cacao and coconuts, among other crops.

Aside from these, the provincial government recently announced about making an inventory of unemployed residents and helping them find jobs that suits their skills.

While a massive demand for construction works is a current boom, she also encouraged residents to grab the opportunity of taking available jobs, which will not only provide income but will also hone their skills in terms of construction.

To date, the province has a cornucopia of infrastructure projects funded under the Typhoon Pablo Task Force. These include schools, houses, and public facilities, among many others.    (Karen Lou Deloso/DavOr PIO)

Coco farmers in Pablo-hit areas receive P8.6 million cash incentives from PCA

DAVAO ORIENTAL— The Philippine Coconut Authority has recently distributed cash incentives amounting to P8.6 million to 957 coconut farmers in the typhoon Pablo-hit towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston in the province of Davao Oriental.

PCA XI Regional Manager, Rex Buac, said that this was only the initial cash distribution as the agency intends to complete the payouts by the end of August in all the remaining covered barangays here.

Implemented under the Modified Participatory Coconut Planting Project, the program adopts a participatory and reward system approach, wherein farmers are given a P40 incentive for each seedling planted and stabilized, out from their own produced planting materials.

Stemming from the agency’s regular PCPP, the Modified PCPP hopes to support rehabilitation efforts in the towns drastically hit by typhoon Pablo here in the province.

Based on reports from the PCA, the Modified PCPP involves a total of 1,741 coco farmers in the three hard-hit towns, covering a total of about 4,000 hectares and earmarked with a budget of P16.6 million. The 8 remaining towns of the province, on the other hand, will fall under the regular PCPP, allotted with a P2.8 million budget. 

This program, according to Buac is PCA’s tactic to sustain the country’s coconut industry, especially after Davao Oriental, previously tagged as the nation’s coconut capital, lost more than 3 million coconut trees during the typhoon Pablo devastation in 2012. PCA claimed that planting more coconut trees now will hopefully restore the impaled coconut industry of the province.

In fact, through a Memorandum of Undertaking, the LGU of Baganga, one of the three most-affected towns, now targets planting 11,000 coconut seedlings. PCA in return will pay the farmers P30 per seedling planted.

For this year, PCA revealed it aims to expand its current 4,000 hectares area of coverage in Davao Oriental, in a hope to contribute in reaching its regional target of at least 35,000 hectares.

Aside from planting coconuts, PCA also urged beneficiaries to pursue intercropping of coconuts with other crops such as cacao and coffee as well as the emerging oil palm crop, assuring they will also provide technical assistance to farmers.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, during the ceremonial turnover of checks, told the beneficiaries to become not only grateful to the assistance they have been receiving, but rather complementing the government’s interventions by doubling their efforts and putting in more passion to their work.

“You have been so lucky to receive payment in planting crops that you yourselves would be harvesting,” she said, telling beneficiaries to vouch their commitment in doing their part in improving their lives.

She further thanked the PCA for making their contribution in the helping the province recover from a major disaster. (PIO Karen Lou Deloso)