5th Summer Sports Festival in Tagum concludes

By: City of Tagum Information Office

CITY OF TAGUM, Davao del Norte - Under the scorching heat of the sun, summer celebration continued with the 5th Summer Sports Festival 2013 participated by the sports enthusiasts coming from the different parts of Davao Region which kicked off last May 17 at the city's Rotary Park.

During the opening program, the induction and oath-taking ceremony of the new set of officers of the Tagum City Federation of Sports Association (TCFSA) was conducted, administered by Councilor Oscar Bermudez.

Scheduled May 17-26, 2012, this year's festival featured sports disciplines such as beach volleyball, table tennis, taekwondo, badminton, sepak takraw, chess, 6 men open volleyball, dart, softball, lawn tennis and mix martial arts.

In the beach volley ball, Team PIAATOS (men) and UMTC Alumni (women) won the competition, in the 6 men open volleyball tournament was won by the NIA Region XI, Danhill Monares bags championship in table tennis, while Team Keano of Tagum City grabs the championship title in the Sepak Takraw Regu Competition, and Joe Art Capatan won the title in the chess tournament.

Shopping malls around the city also participated in the festival by sponsoring sports areas where competitions were held.

Dog owners of Tagum City has also its opportunity of showing their trained “man’s best friends” on the Dog Agility Show staged in the Dog’s Park, in the vicinity Rotary Park along Pioneer Avenue.

The Summer Sports Festival in Tagum City is organized by the City Government of Tagum and the City of Tagum Tourism Council in association with the Tagum City Federation of Sports Association. Louie Jay Losaria CIO Tagum

Student-Comvalenyos avail summer jobs

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE May 29-----Aside from their wage for 20 working days of duty in government offices, the students under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) implemented by Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy are happy to gain experience and get acquainted with office works.

Every summer, the province through the SPES Program provides summer jobs to students ( dubbed as SPES Babies) in order to help their parents in preparing their needs for the opening of classes.

This summer, 213 students are deployed to the different offices of the government. The Provincial Local Government Unit has partnered with the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) that shouldered the 40% (P100.00) of the students’ wage.  The provincial government gives the 60% (150) or  a sum of P250.00 per day.

Most of the SPES Babies are assigned to the Municipal LGU of their respective towns while those residing in Nabunturan are deployed to the Provincial Capitol and other national line agencies. (grace almedilla/ gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

PMA Class '81 grants educational assistance to orphans of typhoon Pablo

DAVAO CITY, May 29 (PIA) Members of the Dimpalupig class of 1981 at the Philippine Military Academy reached out to the victims of the typhoon Pablo by giving scholarship grants to 12 young survivors in time for the new school year.

Captain Raul Villegas, public affairs officer of the 10th Infantry Division said the educational assistance is coursed through the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office.         

He said the Dimalupig class of 1981 is able to raise One Million Pesos as assistance to those orphaned by the disaster. 

Lt. Colonel Danilo Estraῆero, assistant general manager of the AFPEBSO said the partnership signifies the start of a noble effort to innovate and collaborate in providing assistance to the orphaned victims of the typhoon Pablo.

“We are not just continuing what we have always been doing; we are also pushing ourselves to be more dedicated in service.

With this partnership, we are strengthening our service and commitment to become more comprehensive and accommodating by extending assistance to civilians devastated by typhoon Pablo,” he said.

The grantees are all orphaned victims by either one or both parents who died or declared missing in the onslaught of the calamity.

Estraῆero said the grantees will be supported by the scholarship program until they graduate. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Veterans Bank brings WWII exhibit to Davao

DAVAO CITY  May 29- A World War II exhibit featuring never-before seen photos, memorabilia and artifacts will be brought to Davao City from June to June 12.

Entitled "War of our Fathers." the exhibit to be mounted at SM City Davao Annex will feature 500 photos alongside memorabilia and vintage artifacts and will bring a glimpse of that bygone-era. The exhibit is mounted by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB).

"It's titled War of our Fathers since most of our fathers or grandfathers have lived or fought during that era." says Mike Villa-Real PVB vice-president for corporate communications.

Villa-Real said the exhibit will be bigger than the previous exhibits mounted by the bank and will feature newly found photos and historical artifacts.

"One of which is the letter of General Vicente Lim then chief of the Philippine Army which expresses his concerns over the large population of Japanese in Davao City, we would find out that his fears would come true." Villa-Real said.

The Japanese population in World War II would later serve as part of the advance party of the Japanese invaders.

Another highlight is the World War II images of the Davao Penal Colony (Dapecol) where American Prisoners-of-War (POW) from the Death March where brought. It was in Dapecol where 10 American POWs escaped, boarded a submarine to Australia and recounted the first eyewitness accounts of the Death March.

The exhibit will also put on display emergency currency issued by the Philippine Commonwealth, Villa-Real said that unlike the Japanese "Mickey Mouse" money, Commonwealth-issued notes were backed by real gold and could be exchanged according to their value during the war. He said that possession of these money could mean death if caught by the Japanese.

The exhibit will be held on Friday (June 1) at the SM City Davao where simple opening ceremonies will be graced by PVB officials, some World War II veterans and their families and City Government officials. It will be open to the public at no admission cost. (PIA/RG Alama)

MEDIA ADVISORY:

The Junior Chamber International- Philippines will launch 9:30 am Friday, May 31 the search and award for “The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines (TOFARM) at  D’Leonor Hotel, along JP Laurel Avenue.

JCI Virgilio Jose Cabanlet, area coordinator for Mindanao said the program aims to foster steady increase of youth venturing in agriculture sector, invigorating investment and scientific advancement to achieve sustainable food supply.

He said the JCI plans to achieve this endeavour through various interventions such as advocacy promotion, training and information sharing to cover various farming communities.

Gov. Uy hugtanong gikondena ang gikaingong pag pamomba sa mga NPA diha sa Tagum-Mawab Highway

Compostela Valley Province – Hugtanon karon nga gikondena ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy ang gikaingong pagpamomba nga gihimo sa mga sakop sa New Peoples Army (NPA) diha sa Tagum-Mawab National Highway niadtong Mayo 21,2013 sa alas 7:00 sa buntag, ug matud pa niya nga usa kini ka klase sa terorismong pagpangatake.

Gisulti sa gobernador ang iyang grabeng pagkadismaya tungod ang maong pagpamomba nakahatag ug trauma ug grabeng kahadlok ug kalisang  sa mga civilian lakip na ang mga empleyado sa kapitolyo nga sa matag karon ug unya mag agian sa maong dalan paingon sa kapitolyo alang sa padayon nga pagtunol sa  serbisyo ngadto sa mga katawhan.

“Many Civilians were traumatized including our Provincial Employees who were travelling going to capitol when the series of bombs exploded in several areas on the National Highway. This is certainly a cowardly act and a sign of desperation on the part of the insurgents. It seems they have lost their ideology and has changed for the worst,” matud ni Gov. Uy. (ids comval)

Volunteer Teachers sa Project Arturo 2 midaghan

Tungod sa talagsaong pag-uswag sa katakos ug abilidad sa pagtudlo nga naangkon niadtong mga magtutudlo nga nakahuman sa mga pagbansay nga libreng gitunol sa probinsiya ilalom sa Project Arturo 2, mas midaghan karon ang ihap sa mga magtutudlo gikan sa onse ka mga sa Compostela Valley nga gusto mamahimong Arturo Reading Teachers.

Ang Project ARTURO kon Accelerated Readers Tomorrows Ultimate Response to Opportunities maoy usa sa mga mahinungdanong Reading Program nga giimplementar ni Gov. Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy sa Compostela Valley.  Maoy nagdumala niining programaha si kanhi SDS Lilian Calicdan.

Tumong niini mao nga maatiman kadtong elementary pupils nga bisan anaa na sila sa taas nga ang-ang sa elementarya apan dili pa gihapon sila makamao mobasa. Lakip sad sa gitumong niining programaha mao kadtong elementary pupils nga kon makabasa man dili sad makasabot sa ilang gibasa kon kulang sa reading comprehension.

Ang unang grupo sa ARTURO Reading Teachers gipailalom sa duha ka adlawng Seminar-Workshop niadtong Agusto,2012, ug maoy ilang facilitators ang mga batid ug hanas sa DepEd nga sila kanhi Davao del Norte Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Aurora B. Cubero ug kanhi Davao City SDS Dr. Ma. Ines C. Asuncion nga karon na re-asign diha sa Panabo City.

Human sa duha ka adlawng “Seminar-Workshop on Teaching Beginning Reading” nga libreng gitunol sa probinsiya ilalom sa Project ARTURO 2, sila gipatudlo na sa mga nailang non-reading pupils sa gipiling Pilot E.Schools nga mao ang New Visayas E.S. sa Montevista; ang Talian E.S., ang New Katipunan E.S., ug ang Coronobe E.S. sa Maragusan; ang Boay E.S. sa Monkayo; ang Araibo E.S. sa Pantukan; ang Candinuyan E.S. sa Mabini; ug ang Belmonte E.S., Longganapan E.S. ug San Antonio E.S. sa Laak.

Sa pipila ka bulan nilang pagpanudlo nakita sa kadagkoan sa DepEd ang dakong kalampusan ug maayong resulta sa ilang trabaho, mao nga ang ilang gidaghanon gidugangan sa probinsiya pinaagi sa pagtunol ug lain pa nga libreng training pinaagi sa duha ka adlawng Echo Seminar-Workshop. Niining higayona mao nay nahimong Facilitators ang upat ka mga hanas nga ARTURO Reading Terachers nga sila Andy P. Cabudoc; Delilah Q. Gaño; Myrna D. Relatado; ug Esther U. Calicdan. (gilbert cabahug/ids comval)

https://www.facebook.com/notes/pia-davao/tyron-motabang-sa-comet-ug-uban-pang-reading-programs-sa-comval/188329684654958

Tyron motabang sa COMET ug uban pang Reading Programs sa ComVal

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE------Aron ang mga kabataang Comvaleño makaangkon sa  mas masanag nga kaugmaon sa moabot nga mga adlaw, gipasalig karon ni SP Member Elect Tyron Uy nga motabang  gayud siya nga mas mapalapdan ug mas mapahugtan pa ang padayong pag-implementar sa COMET kon Compostela Valley Transforming Education Today  project ug sa uban pang reading programs nga giimplementar ni Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy sa Compostela Valley sama sa Project ARTURO 2 (Accelerated Readers, Tomorrow’s Ultimate Response to Opportunities).

Si Tyron maoy usa sa mga mihatag ug mensahe ngadto sa mokabat 130 ka mga LGU ug DepEd Officials gikan sa probinsiya sa Saranggani atol sa gihimo nilang Courtesy Visit ngadto kang Gov. Uy diha sa Kapitolyo niadtong Mayo 20, 2013.

Gawas kang Gov. Uy kauban usab ni Tyron sila IP Sectoral Representative SP Member  Augusto Blanco, Jr., SB Member Vivencia Secuya, ug uban pang mga dagkong opisyal sa Kapitolyo sa pag-abi-abi ug pag-atiman sa taga-Saranggani nga mga bisita pinaagi sa hamubong programa ug sa pagdalit kanila ug paniudto.

Sila mao kadtong mga sakop sa Project Monitoring Teams (PMTs) sa QUEST  kun Quality Education for Saranggani Today, nga maoy gibasehan sa pagmugna sa COMET nga usa sa mga reading projects nga padayong giimplementar ni Governor Uy sa Compostela Valley.  Maoy partner sa probinsiya sa proyektong COMET ang Alcantara Foundation. 

Gitug-an ni Janice Clarion sa HRMD nga ilalom sa proyektong COMET ang probinsiya ug  ang Alcantara Foundation  nagtinabangay pag-atiman sa mga elementary pupils nga bisan anaa na sila sa taas nga grado sa elementarya maglisod gihapon pagbasa, ug kun makabasa man maglisod sad sila pagsabot sa ilang ginabasa kun kulang sa reading comprehension.

Pilot sa proyektong COMET ang duha ka pampublikong mga tulunghaan sa elementary sa Nabunturan nga mao ang Bukal Elementary School ug ang Matagdungan Elementary School. Laing Pilot niining proyektoha mao ang Panoraon Elementary School diha sa lungsod sa Maco.

Pipila sa mga maayong butang nga gipanghimo ilalom sa proyektong COMET ni Gov. Uy mao ang pagpanghatag ug libre nga mga libro sa grade school pupils; ang 15-day tutorial; ug ang gihimong parent mentoring.  (Gilbert M. Cabahug, ids-comval)

Tyron motabang sa COMET ug uban pang Reading Programs sa ComVal

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE------Aron ang mga kabataang Comvaleño makaangkon sa  mas masanag nga kaugmaon sa moabot nga mga adlaw, gipasalig karon ni SP Member Elect Tyron Uy nga motabang  gayud siya nga mas mapalapdan ug mas mapahugtan pa ang padayong pag-implementar sa COMET kon Compostela Valley Transforming Education Today  project ug sa uban pang reading programs nga giimplementar ni Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy sa Compostela Valley sama sa Project ARTURO 2 (Accelerated Readers, Tomorrow’s Ultimate Response to Opportunities).

Si Tyron maoy usa sa mga mihatag ug mensahe ngadto sa mokabat 130 ka mga LGU ug DepEd Officials gikan sa probinsiya sa Saranggani atol sa gihimo nilang Courtesy Visit ngadto kang Gov. Uy diha sa Kapitolyo niadtong Mayo 20, 2013.

Gawas kang Gov. Uy kauban usab ni Tyron sila IP Sectoral Representative SP Member  Augusto Blanco, Jr., SB Member Vivencia Secuya, ug uban pang mga dagkong opisyal sa Kapitolyo sa pag-abi-abi ug pag-atiman sa taga-Saranggani nga mga bisita pinaagi sa hamubong programa ug sa pagdalit kanila ug paniudto.

Sila mao kadtong mga sakop sa Project Monitoring Teams (PMTs) sa QUEST  kun Quality Education for Saranggani Today, nga maoy gibasehan sa pagmugna sa COMET nga usa sa mga reading projects nga padayong giimplementar ni Governor Uy sa Compostela Valley.  Maoy partner sa probinsiya sa proyektong COMET ang Alcantara Foundation. 

Gitug-an ni Janice Clarion sa HRMD nga ilalom sa proyektong COMET ang probinsiya ug  ang Alcantara Foundation  nagtinabangay pag-atiman sa mga elementary pupils nga bisan anaa na sila sa taas nga grado sa elementarya maglisod gihapon pagbasa, ug kun makabasa man maglisod sad sila pagsabot sa ilang ginabasa kun kulang sa reading comprehension.

Pilot sa proyektong COMET ang duha ka pampublikong mga tulunghaan sa elementary sa Nabunturan nga mao ang Bukal Elementary School ug ang Matagdungan Elementary School. Laing Pilot niining proyektoha mao ang Panoraon Elementary School diha sa lungsod sa Maco.

Pipila sa mga maayong butang nga gipanghimo ilalom sa proyektong COMET ni Gov. Uy mao ang pagpanghatag ug libre nga mga libro sa grade school pupils; ang 15-day tutorial; ug ang gihimong parent mentoring.  (Gilbert M. Cabahug, ids-comval)

Gov. Uy: Human election maoy pinakamaayong panahon sa pagpangampanya

by Gilbert M. Cabahug

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----Giklaro ni Governor Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy nga dili sa campaign period kun dili karon nga human na ang election maoy pinakamaayong panahon sa pagpangampanya. Matud pa niya nga maoy pinakamaayong himoon niadtong mga nakadaug sa milabay’ng piniliay sa Mayo 13 ang pagbisita diha sa mga kabaranggayan aron sayron ang mga problema ug  panginahanglan sa mga katawhan sa ingon mamahimo silang effective sa service delivery nga maoy ilang gisaad kanila panahon sa ilang pagpangampanya.

Sa iyang paghatag ug report panahon sa Convocation Program sa mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo niadtong Mayo 20, gipahibalo usab sa gobernador ang iyang dakong kalipay tungod  mikuyog sa iyang panawagan ang mga katawhang Comvaleño pinaagi sa ilang pagboto sa halos tanang mga kandidato nga iyang kaalyado. Gani, midaug gyod ang tanang kandidato sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ilalom sa Team Comval.

Gipahibalo usab niya ang iyang pagsuroy sa mga eskwelahan aron tambongan ang nagpadayong “Brigada Eskwela” sa DepEd aron nga siya usab makahatag ug dakong ayuda sa mga magtutudlo ug nagdumala sa pampublikong mga eskwelahan diha sa mga kabaranggayan sa onse ka mga lungsod nga naningkamot nga mapanindot ug mahimong komportable ang tulunghaan nga kabahin sa ilang pagpangandam sa pag-abli sa klase sa bulan sa Hunyo. (Gilbert M. Cabahug, ids-comval)

Project ARTURO: building a community of readers

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE (May 23, 2013) PIA - With education as one of his main advocacies, Compostela Valley Provincial Governor Arturo T. Uy has widened his educational programs ranging from scholarship, special program for employment of students during summer, on-the-job trainings, English proficiency, and reading programs.

Project ARTURO (Accelerated Readers, Tomorrow’s Ultimate Response to Opportunities) which is now on its second phase, has opened opportunities not only for the pupils whose reading skills will be developed but for the reading teachers as well to enhance their teaching skills.

In August 2012, after the launching of Project ARTURO 2, the PLGU identified 9 pilot school recipients and were assigned with trained and competent Reading Teachers. Series of Assessment Meetings and Progress Reports are conducted from time to time by Dr. Lillian C. Calicdan, the Program Coordinator to keep track with the reading development of these pilot schools. 

Being a reading development program, Project ARTURO 2 not only focuses on teaching a child how to read but to comprehend what he reads.

In April 2013, the provincial local government unit (PLGU) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted a Summer Reading Camp in Montevista attended by more or less 50 pupils, parents, and reading teachers.  There were High School student-volunteers also who served as Reading Buddies.

It was followed with a 2-day Seminar-Workshop on Teaching Beginning Reading on May 22 & 23 attended by the Provincial Local School Board Teachers, Reading Teachers, and there were even observer-teachers from the neighboring provinces and cities who heard about the program.

According to the Governor, while provision of school facilities is necessary to make the students and teachers comfortable, a reading program itself is absolutely necessary to build a community of readers.

On the other hand, the PLGU has partnered also with the Alcantara Foundation for another reading program dubbed as Compostela Valley Transforming Education Today (COMET) with pilot schools also identified under their corporate social responsibility.  (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

More families benefit housing program of Governor Uy

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE (May 23, 2013) PIA - Five Hundred Eighteen (518) poor families in the province have already benefited from the housing program of the province of Compostela Valley initiated by Governor Arturo T. Uy.

In his aim to provide comfortable shelters for the poorest of the poor families in the province for free, the Provincial Local Government Unit lead by Governor Uy has partnered with GK Foundation and come up with USWAG Gawad Kalinga tapping donor-partners from the different community sectors.

Many generous hearts positively responded and shared their time, talents, and resources during the series of conduct of bayanihan house build.

This joined efforts has able to construct 88 houses in USWAG GK Designer Village and 116 units in CSAP USWAG GK Village both in Brgy. Kinuban, Maco.  In April 2010, another 48 units were built in Monkayo and 20 units in Poblacion New Bataan.  In October of the same year, 50 units of houses were constructed in Laak.

In 2011, 38 units were constructed at Compostela in April and 40 units in August. And in 2012, there were 28 houses built in Mabini in the month of May and 40 units in Tuboran, Mawab in November.

This year 2013, another 50 units were added at the S.O.P. Kahiusahan USWAG GK Village in Brgy. Osmeña, Compostela.  (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary holds national confab, draws praise from gov't.

DAVAO CITY, May 24 (PIA) The Department of Transportation and Communication lauded the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary for its assistance in the work of the Philippine Coast Guard on saving lives in land and at sea.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 29th PCGA National Convention held in Davao City Thursday, Rear Admiral Cecil Chen, commander of the PCG-National Capital Region read the message of Usec Bucayan citing the relevance of upholding public safety especially at sea.

He lauded the PCGA as a very reliable partner of the PCG.

“Your partnership with the PCG in maritime search and rescue, public safety, marine environmental protection is worthy of emulation.  Thus, the PCG is lucky to have you, notwithstanding the challenges facing the coast guard, like lack of manpower during rescue operations, and at times equipment,” Bucayan said in a statement read by Chen.

Chen represented Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communication, Undersecretary Julianito Bucayan, Jr. and Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, commandant of the PCG who were all called to a meeting by the president.

Vice Admiral Danilo Cabalde, national director of the PCGA urged all district members to share among themselves the best practices.

He said given the distinction among the districts, they have plenty to impart in the enhancement of skills among its members.

“With the support of the PCGA and the national leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard, we have a long way to go in the promotion of safety at sea, rescue operation and environment protection,” Cabalde said.

He said working with the PCGA gives self-fulfilment and ribbons from the PCG in recognition of all efforts relative to the passion to serve. 

 (A total of 12 districts of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, respectively gathered in Davao City Thursday for a three-day 29th convention from May 23 to 25 with the theme, “Mission Possible: Developing Importance.

 Commodore Beethoven Sur, director of the Coast Guard Auxiliary District Southeastern Mindanao, said the convention is an annual activity where all Coast Guard auxiliaries nationwide meet and evaluate ways to improve it services.

He said this year’s gathering is aimed to enhance the importance of the mission to save lives in land and sea, dedicating themselves to true service.

Sur said the PCGA assists in realizing the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard in marine search and rescue, maritime safety, marine environmental protection through planting of shoreline with mangrove trees, and youth development program.

“Every year, all twelve districts meet to evaluate the programs being implemented yearly, and come up ways to improve them,” he said.

Sur  said it is a great pride for the PCG/PCGA Southeastern Mindanao District to host the convention, which is being attended by five to six hundred members all over the country.

He also underscored the relevance of the best practices of the PCG/PCGA Southeastern Mindanao District in search and rescue, particularly during the recent floods that hit Davao City in 2013 and 2011, and the onslaught of the typhoon Sendong in Northern Mindanao in 2011 and typhoon Pablo that hit Davao Region in December 2012, in cooperation with the Emergency Response Center Central 911.     

“A squadron of volunteers from the PCGA is dedicated to do rescue operation in times of contingency, especially those stranded in the flood, given the availability of equipment and level of competence to do rescue work,” Sur said.

He  said the PCGA conducts basic swimming lessons and rescue operation to enhance the knowledge of every member in responding to distress calls.

Sur said that every PCGA is on alert for deployment in emergency situation.

“We do rescue operation and then proceed to relief operation,” he said.

Commodore George Ursabia, director of the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao said the PCGA offers great help to the Coast Guard since it lacks personnel to do its mission.

He said that there are situations where the PCG cannot do its task alone so it needs the support of stakeholders like the PCGA.

“We consider the PCGA as our force-multiplier.  They are volunteers to assist the coast guard.  We appreciate their spirit of volunteerism where they offer not only their talent and resources but also their time,” he said (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DOST-Project NOAH to produce Moses Tablet

DAVAO CITY, May 24 (PIA): Punong Barangays (Barangay Captains) in the country will soon have tablets which will serve as a two-way medium of communicating information on disaster.

            

Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, program leader of the Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard) said the electronic gadget due for barangay captains will be named “Moses’ Tablet”

            

The name Moses which is also Biblical like NOAH is not an acronym but “ just a figure of speech.” The gadget is Philippine-made item which is water resistant, powered with extended-life batteries.

            

Dr. Lagmay could not off hand say how much did the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Project NOAH allocate for the Moses’ Tablet but he said some 1,000 units would be produced for pilot-testing in selected areas.

            

If proven effective as a way of monitoring disaster situation at the grassroots level through geo-tagging of pictures and providing barangay captains information on hazards and weather situation, Dr. Lagmay expected telecommunication companies or another interested partners to mass produce the gadget for local government units to purchase using their respective disaster funds.

            

Dr. Lagmay bared  the distribution of Moses Tablet to barangay captains during the DOST and Project NOAH Information Communication Seminar held Thursday at the D’ Leonor Hotel in Davao City.

The event gathered about 230 from the academe, LGUs, national government agencies and the media.  (PIA XI/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

DepEd cites media help in growth of Brigada Eskwela

DAVAO CITY May 24 (PIA)- An official of the Department of Education in the region has cited the help of media outfits in helping to foster the growth of the decade-old Brigada Eskwela.

The official said that media’s help in reporting and promoting the event has increased the acceptance and awareness of the project by the community.

The project is a nationwide community activity which aims to spruce up public school classrooms before the opening of classes.

Volunteers help clean classrooms and school grounds, repaint schools, repair school furniture free-of-charge, working under the spirit of volunteerism.

Dodong Atillo, spokesperson of the DepEd-XI said that Brigada Eskwela 2013 in Region XI  had  146,654 volunteers these adds to about 586,616 working hours or a labor cost amounting to P22.07-million. Resources generated from the activity were pegged at P6.163-million.

Atillo said that the growth of the number of volunteers for the Brigada has been skyrocketing estimating to be 80-90% per year.

He said that bankers, businessmen, uniformed personnel have even joined the Brigada. Even parents of schoolchildren who once were not keen on joining the activities are now actively involved in the project.

Even private schools are adopting the Brigada Eskwela concept for their own institutions, Atillo said.

“We saw the maturity level of the public particularly in acceptance and in volunteering for the work is steadily rising.” Atillo said unlike in the past when they were so intense in promoting Brigada, now it has somewhat tapered off as the community is now more aware and is very receptive to the project.

He attributes much of these to media’s positive reporting which aside from reportage some media companies are also joining the Brigada as volunteers. (RG Alama/PIA-XI)

DepED orders no clean-ups on day of class opening

DAVAO DEL NORTE, May 23 (PIA):  No teachers should be seen either cleaning the classroom  or the school ground on June 3,  Davao del Norte Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division superintendent Dr. Josephine Fadul said.

She cautioned public school teachers whom she expected to start  the regular classes of school year 2012-2013 on June 3.

In an interview she bared plans to move around and check public elementary and secondary schools placed under the  supervision  of Davao del Norte Schools Division, whether teachers  are indeed holding classes.

She expressed the warning for teachers but she was confident that public schools in her division would be able to start off the classes well on June 3, barely two weeks from now, because “schools are clean and prepared”.

Dr. Fadul  noted high response of stakeholders in this week’s Brigada Eskwela as it generated participation of groups not very much active in the past such as the civil engineers, members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the Karancho,  the school alumni, the military , among other groups. She also knew of local government officials who distributed donations to public schools.

“It’s very heart-warming.  We have raised the level of awareness and involvement of the community.  We  are really dependent on the support of the community,” she said.

Taking part in the Brigada Eskwela has become a “moral and social obligation that those who have much are duty-bound to share,”  she said.

Fadul explained that improvement of a public schools  involves  the participation and cooperation of  not only the parents and teachers but all sectors in the community.

 “The less stake, less is gained,” she said in explaining  the big boost to public school improvement if  the community shows involvement.

As a  particular instance,  she bared the Tuganay Elementary School as among  the public schools she expected to grab a Brigada Eskwela award due to high level of community participation and number of received donations.

Tuganay Elementary School principal Angelita B. Camacho in a separate interview said she gathered support of  purok leaders who agreed  to spend, by batch, their bayanihan  or community work locally called as “Dagmay.”

“I really made it a point to meet with purok leaders during  the month April to ask their support  for the Brigada,” she said.

Aside from Tuganay residents, Camacho generated support other Brigada partners such as   Davao Light and Power Company, the municipal government of Carmen,  DepEd officials among others. She received paints, sand and gravel, among other materials.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fadul said acts of volunteerism to help public schools will go beyond the Brigada Eskwela Week which has been extended year-round and tagged as Brigada Eskwela Plus.

“They can donate or extend services beyond this week,” she said.

She, however, stressed the prohibition for teachers to receive cash, to require donations and services  from parents, or to cite the Brigada as basis of admitting students to a particular class.   (Jean Duron Abangan PIA-XI)

Police pre-empts huge protest rally in Comval

COMPOSTELA VALLEY, May 23 (PIA):  The Philippine National Police in Compostela Valley was able to stifle this morning a huge mass rally expected to generate about 5,000 participants.

Police provincial director PS Supt. Camilo  Pancratius Cascolan revealed that  he deployed this Thursday morning (May 23) to  the  Municipality of Montevista 250 police personnel to check a protest rally  set at the crossing of national highway going to municipalities of Monkayo  and Compostela.

The unusual number of police deployment to Montevista was  first reported by Montevista Municipal Information Office Edwin Antia who  noted police personnel from  the Police Provincial Office and from other municipal police stations, posting along the highway going to Monkay and Compostela.

“They were posted here since 5:30 a.m. today expecting a huge mass rally,”  he said.

Antia at about 8:00 a.m. had yet to see a huge number of protesters but  he said they  were coming in trickle.

This afternoon,  Antia reported that  the rally pushed  through but with only a few number of participants.

Instead of staging the protest rally at the crossing of the national highway going to the municipalities of Monkayo and Compostela, they moved a little beyond that juncture where the police prevented them from blocking.

Antia reported hearing the protesters questioning the results of the special election in Barangay Gabi of the municipality of Compostela.

“Some of the protesters are from Compostela,”  Antia revealed.

In his police update, PS Supt. Cascolan revealed that the protesters dispersed at  around 2:00 p.m. after vice governor candidate Francisco Tito delivered his speech. 

Details of Tito’s speech was not reported in detail but Cascolan said among the issues raised by the protesters was massive vote-buying in Barangay Gabi where the special election was held.

The proterters were also shouting for the downfall of winning Vice Governor Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora.

Cascolan further revealed that the protest rally was able to start at around 12:00 noon with only about 350  participants. (PIA XI/ jmda with reports from Fe Maestre of PGO-IDS Comval)

Health Department to build a new psychiatric facility in Davao City

Davao City, May 24 (PIA) The Department of Health assured that a new facility will be constructed to replace the old building of the Davao Mental Hospital or the psychiatric ward of the Southern Philippines Medical Center that was destroyed by fire that occurred Wednesday morning.

Dr. Elmer Punzalan, assistant secretary of Health for special concerns and projects told reporters that the DOH has already allotted Five Hundred Million Pesos to refurbish the facility even before the fire incident happened.

He said the project is part of the master development plan of the government.

Punzalan said a P5-Million allocation will also be released accordingly while P1-Million is being processed for subsidy for patients who are temporarily housed in private hospitals.

He said that currently, the SPMC is maximizing the use of parts of the building that was spared by fire.

Punzalan said the male ward is still functioning but not in full operation since many of the equipment was also destroyed by fire.  

Dr. Abdullah Dumama, regional director of the DOH XI said that they will work to ensure that the project will be fully realized to be used by residents in Southern Mindanao.

He said that his office will follow up the release of the funds for the project.

“We also aspire for a better center as mental institution in this part of the country,” Dumama said.

Dr. Leopoldo Vega, chief of the SPMC recalled that the old mental hospital used to be the sole hospital of Davao Province back in 1918, before it was turned to be a garrison by the Japanese and the American forces during the Second World War.

He said it has been the long running government psychiatric facility up to the present.

 Vega also apologized for the action of the mental hospital personnel who allegedly deleted the pictures of photojournalists on the incident just to protect the privacy of the patients in the facility.

“It was an amateur way of dealing with media.  It was not part of our protocol,” he pointed out.

Fire Inspector Rodolfo Alocelja of the Bureau of Fire Protection XI said that the fire was caused by electrical short circuit under the stairs near the occupational therapy and out-patient departments.

He said power was also fluctuating prior to the incident.

Alocelja estimated the total damage cost to equipment and building at P2-Million.

“The building can be considered as ordinary combustible material because it was already very old,” he said.

Alocelja also attributed the explosion during the fire on oxygen tanks and appliances.

He said the fire was indeed very fast as it engulfed from the left to right of the building.  (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

2013 DOST Media Awards extends deadline for nominations

DAVAO CITY, May 20 – The Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) is still accepting entries to the 2013 DOST Media Awards until May 30, 2013.

The competition is open to all media practitioners or institutions – whether in print, radio, television or online, from both government and private sectors.

Award categories include Professional and Institutional Award (for Media Practitioners in Print, Broadcast, and Cyber), and Outstanding Information Officer Award for DOST employees.

Entry forms may be downloaded from www.stii.dost.gov.ph and should be submitted via electronic mail tobethp24@yahoo.com or via courier to Public Affairs Unit, CRPD-STII, DOST Complex, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig.

The DOST Media Awards aims to recognize outstanding Filipino science communicators or media organizations from both the public and private sectors, for their commitment and concern in the promotion of science and technology information in the country. (DOST-11)

DavSur has new governor, vice-gov

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, May 20 (PIA) – The province of Davao del Sur will have a new provincial governor and vice-governor by July this year, in the persons of businessman Claude P. Bautista and incumbent provincial board member Aileen Almendras, respectively.

Bautista was declared winner by the Provincial Board of Canvassers after garnering 215,927 votes, leaving behind his opponent incumbent Congressman for first district Marc Douglas Cagas IV with a margin of 54,337.

The incoming governor will succeed current Governor Douglas Cagas who lost in the mayoralty race in Digos City to incumbent Mayor Joseph Peñas.

Almendras obtained 184,662 votes with a margin of 54,198 votes against her opponent Simplicio Latasa who got 130,464 votes.

The PBOC chaired by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Gay Asuncion-Enumerables, proclaimed Bautista and Almendras Thursday evening (May 17), together with re-elected 2nd District Representative Franklin Bautista and the elected provincial board members.

Congressman Bautista won 100,109 votes over opponent Randolph Parcasio who garnered 41,792 votes from the eight municipalities of 2nd district such as Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Kiblawan, Malalag, Malita, Sarangani, Sta. Maria and Sulop.

Incumbent provincial board member Mercedes Cagas emerged winner in the Congressional race for first district, after obtaining a margin of 1,338 votes against close opponent incumbent vice-governor Arsenio Latasa. 

According to the consolidated election results from the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor, Cagas got 88,149 votes while Latasa gained 86,811 votes from the six municipalities and Digos City of the first district.

The first district is composed of Digos City, Bansalan, Hagonoy, Magsaysay, Matanao, Padada, and Sta. Cruz.

The Comelec results also revealed the victorious provincial board members for first district, namely: Nonito Llanos III, John Tracy Cagas, Lani Gabutero, Victoriano Cadungog and Ricardo Molina Jr.

For the second district, the proclaimed provincial members are: Allan Colina, Jason John Joyce, Romeo Lopez, Alexander Lumain and Albert Baliota.

Provincial election assistant Edgardo Sadili said all winners in the just concluded 2013 midterm elections have been proclaimed, from the provincial to the city and municipal levels. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

Hedcor to plant at least 200,000 trees this year

DAVAO CITY, May 20 – Hedcor reaffirmed its commitment to protect the watershed through its reforestation efforts in Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. 

For the first quarter, close to 14,000 trees were already planted after a series of tree planting activities which covered 14 hectares in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Tamugan, Davao City. 

Over 100 volunteers both from Hedcor and from the community took part in the tree planting.

“We started early in our tree planting activities to achieve the goal of planting 200,000 trees this year. Our foresters have identified the locations to reforest and we will partner with our host communities once more,” said Hedcor vice president for Business Development Boy Jabonillo.

Last year, Hedcor planted over 600,000 trees across the country with a survival rate of 87 percent.

Now, the company targets to plant at least 200,000 trees to continue its efforts in preserving and protecting the environment.

“We aim a survival rate of 90% for the trees planted,” Jabonillo said.

Hedcor recognized the importance of a healthy watershed to its business of hydroelectric power generation. Employees are encouraged to plant at least 20 trees every year.

Hedcor has been operating run-of-river hydropower plants since 1978, and started building its own in 1990.

In its 35 years of operating hydropower plants, the company has done its part in the protection of the environment.

Other than reforestation, the company embarks on other environmental protection activities such as river bank stabilization, road side rehabilitation and watershed management.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, Hedcor has 19 run-of-river hydropower plants in the country.

The company is ISO certified for Environment Management Systems and a recipient of Department of Energy and Natural Resources’ Seal of Approval as direct result of the company’s green practices. (Hedcor/PR)

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