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==So. Cotabato retains title as CRAA champion==
==PO summit in Soccsksargen first in Mindanao==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611332389837
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611336799662
*Thursday 22nd of March 2012
*Saturday, May 12, 2012
:by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
:by (DEDoguiles- PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA RAFID 12)  




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 22 (PIA)—For  the second  year in a row, South Cotabato’s  athletic  delegation  clinched  the championship title of the Cotabato Regional Athletic Association  (CRAA) Meet held  here from March 18 to 21.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 12 (PIA) -- The Regional People’s Organization Congress on May 3 here was not only the first in the entire Soccsksargen Region but also the first PO gathering in the history of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) in Southern Philippines, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said.
 
Summary of results  released by CRAA  2012 chief recorder Christopher Frusa  showed  that South Cotabato garnered  a total  of 621 points  besting  2010 champion  General Santos City, which  earned 507 points.
More than 300 individuals attended the summit. Among two-thirds of them were chairmen and members of POs; other participants included local chief executives, CFAD focal persons, municipal and provincial project management implementing units in the region.
 
Cotabato  Province and   Koronadal  City  were  second  runner up  and third runner up, respectively.
“The presence of our mayors is a manifestation of their support to MRDP,” Datukan said.
 
The host province’s  lead came  from boys’ and girls’ athletics in elementary and high school where it  got 120 points.
She added that the collaboration between the POs and their respective local government units assures the success of the implementation of MRDP initiatives.
 
It also  showed  supremacy in softball, swimming, and volleyball  in elementary girls as  well as  baseball, basketball, and volleyball  in elementary  boys.
DA 12 Regional Technical Director and MRDP Regional head Dr. Jimmy Olivo said “the regional PO summit was designed to prepare the region for the forthcoming Mindanao-wide gathering of POs.”
 
Its  high school contingent reigned in  boxing (boys) and tennis (girls).
DA-MRDP’s 1st Mindanao PO Congress is slated on May 14 in Davao City where POs in the six regions in the entire Mindanao will convene to share developments of projects granted to them by the program and to discuss issues and concerns affecting them.
 
First  runner  up General  Santos City  won first place in elementary  girls’ women’s artistic  gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, Taekwondo; secondary boys’ chess, men’s  artistic  gymnastics, taekwondo; and, secondary girls’ basketball, chess, rhythmic gymnastic, women’s  artistic gymnastics, and  taekwondo.
Participants of the regional summit here passed Resolution No. 01, series of 2012 requesting Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III to augment the existing funds of MRDP. They also appealed to local chief executives in the region to expedite the implementation of the program in their areas.
 
South Cotabato schools district  physical education supervisor  Pedro Dajay  attributed their victory to the discipline that the athletes  have shown.
They also recommend the formation people’s organization that caters specifically to Muslim communities.
 
The provincial  government  earlier alloted  P350,000  for the  incentives of winning athletes  but because South Cotabato  players  performed better than expected , the budget  was insufficient to cover  for the prizes  for the winners originally  promised them.
The resolution will be presented during the Mindanao PO congress where Pres. Aquino is expected to come.
 
“Instead  of P3,000,  gold  medalists  were only  given P1,000,” Dajay said.   Silver medal  winners  received P700  instead of P1,000 while those who won bronze received P500.
During her presentation of the general updates of MRDP projects, MRDP CFAD coordinator Shiela Siago pointed out that of the six regions in Mindanao, Soccsksargen has been a consistent top performer with regard to implementation of project implementation.
 
However, Dajay said they  have already asked for additional allocation  for this  purpose from the provincial  government.
“Region 12 gets almost a billion from the World Bank where a lion’s share of the amount funded the region’s rural infrastructure projects,” she said.
 
“We will give  additional  incentive  to winning athletes once the  provincial  government  approves  our request  for extra funds,” he promised.
Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal City, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
 
On  his part, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy said he has  already  considered  allocating  more  funds to pay for the incentives of the  athletes and added that  he has already talked  with Vice  Gov. Elmo Tolosa  regarding  sources  of funds  for this.
RTD Olivo said, “looking at the map of Central Mindanao, it is already half-filled with MRDP projects.”
 
He also congratulated the officials, coaches and athletes  for  retaining  the championship title  but  also  challenged  them  achieve  the same feat  next year;  he  also implied willingness to host the regional sports meet  for the third year.
Before the summit here ended, a raffle was drawn where the top prizes included two rice threshers, two corn mills, four carabaos, ang laminated sacks (trapal).  
 
More than  100  athletes  from South Cotabato  have  qualified to represent  Soccsksargen region in the Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan in May. Although the actual number of  athletes  that will compose the region's  delegation  has yet to be ascertained, Dajay assured that  the largest  bulk  of athletes  will come  from the host province.  
At least one thousand banana suckers were also raffled off along with seedlings of mangosteen, marang, guyabano, rambutan, and jackfruit. Provided by AgriPinoy Rice, Corn, High Value Crops and Livestock programs of DA.
 
Formal turn-over of these items is slated on May 31, along with the awarding of Gawad Saka regional winners.
 
MRDP is a medium term development intervention that addresses poverty reduction designed and implemented by DA. The program is funded by the World Bank with the national government (DA), and the LGUs which provide an equity share.  
 
The program has four components: Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD), Rural Infrastructure (RI), Natural Resources Management (NRM), and Investment Governance Reform (IGR).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
==148 OSYs complete LGU-sponsored skills training==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611336718120
*Friday, May 11, 2012
:by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 11 (PIA) -- Some 148 out-of-school youths in nearby Tampakan town recently completed a four-month skills training sponsored by the local government unit in partnership with the mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).  
 
Of these, 15 completed training in carpentry, 15 in masonry, 45 in plumbing, 22 in electrical installation and maintenance, 28 in welding and 23 in beauty care.
 
Efren Villarina, community affairs officer II, said the training of OSYs was implemented under the Educational Livelihood Program of Mayor Leonardo Escobillo in accordance with two of his three-fold thrust, namely: education and livelihood. The third thrust is health.  
 
For the training of the out-of-school youth who come from the different barangays of the municipality, the LGU provided for the venue while SMI provided the training equipment and tools and honorarium of the trainors provided by TESDA.
 
At the graduation ceremony on April 25, TESDA-South Cotabato Director Leonora Guiloreza encouraged the trainees “to make of the skills you have acquired from the training course.”
 
“Believe in yourselves, hone your skills and never let them wane,” she challenged them.
 
Meanwhile, Mayor Escobillo assured that them that help from the local government unit would not end with the graduation rites.
 
“We have more dreams for the residents of Tampakan. This will not end here, he said. “I assure you that we will continue to develop and enrich what you have learned for the benefit of the entire municipality.”
 
South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr, who was guest of honor at the graduation rites saluted the LGU for spearheading the education and livelihood program for the OSYs and for giving emphasis on skills training as a solution to poverty.
 
“These youths can make use of the knowledge they gained to get jobs. And if they have jobs they have sources of income and could help improve the lives of their families,” the governor said.
 
==DOLE 12 pushes for voluntary compliance with labor laws thru ICP==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611336621727
*Thursday, May 10, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 10 (PIA) -- In line with its advocacy to promote industrial peace in the entire Soccsksargen Region, the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12) pushes for more voluntary compliance by companies and establishments to labor laws and standards.  
 
Charmaine Dawn Ladot-Sonsona, labor communications officer of DOLE 12, said through the Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP), they are encouraging establishments to abide by occupational safety and health standards, labor standards, and labor-management dispute resolution among others
 
“ICP encourages voluntary compliance first by giving recognition and incentives to a company’s initiatives to voluntarily comply with labor laws or having implemented a much higher standard and second by assisting a non-compliant company through training and technical assistance to enable the company to comply with the requirements,” Sonsona explained.
 
Incentives for these companies include a tripartite (management-labor-government) Seal of Excellence for their establishments which should also be carried on their products, she added.
 
In Region 12, nine establishments have already been enrolled in the ICP.
 
These are Dole Philippines Inc (Dolefil Inc.); Sagittarius Mining Incorporated, and South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc. in South Cotabato; ALSONS Industries; Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Sultan Kudarat; Cotabato Light in Cotabato City; and Energy Development Corporation-MDGP and Stanfilco - North Cotabato Operation in North Cotabato.
 
She said, before these companies could be awarded with the Tripartite Seal of Excellence, they should have abided with the following criteria: Tripartite Certificate of compliance on Labor Standards, Gawad Kaligtasan and Kalusugan, Certificate of Child Labor Free Establishment, National Productivity Olympics Award or its equivalent, and Outstanding LMC Awardee for Industrial Peace.
 
On April 20, 2012, Tripartite Certification Committee (TCC) met to discuss the results of the assessment done by the social auditors, which is composed of labor representatives Francis Gales and Mr. Ronnie Mondragon, Regional Tripartite and Industrial Peace Council vice chair for management Carlito Uy and management representative Norlan Yap.
 
Based on the audit results, Sonsona said, the enrolled establishments will submit necessary documents for remediation where compliance gaps are addressed and corrected.
 
DOLE 12 management aims to nominate the company or companies who will qualify based on criteria set forth by Department Order No. 011 , series of 2011 for the National Recognition Awards, she said.
Meanwhile, during the April 20 meeting of the TCC-ICP, Dolefil Inc., released a check amounting to P1.7 million for the payment of the balance for the rice benefits of its employees.
 
The ICP guideline (Department Order 115-11, series of 2011) states: “promotion of voluntary compliance with the involvement of workers and employers is a complementary approach to a) imbed a culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws; b) ensure fair, expeditious and non-litigious settlement of disputes; c) enhance workplace productivity; promote decent work; and increase the level of Philippine competitiveness.” (DEDoguiles- PIA 12/DOLE-12
 
==DA 12 assures dispersed machineries to farmer groups were of high quality==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611336537753
*Wednesday, May 9, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan refuted earlier report of a TV station in nearby General Santos City that the farm machineries distributed to farmers in Soccsksargen Region on March 30 were defective.
 
Datukan said, it came to her attention that a news report in one of the local TV stations in Gensan had the headline, “Ilang makinang natangap ng mga magsasaka sa DA, depektibo.”
 
The report was based on an interview with some farmers in Surallah town.
 
Although some units had minor defects, Datukan explained, those found with some flaws were not released to the beneficiaries pending compliance by supplier to the request of DA 12 to conduct proper quality checkup and to come up with necessary adjustments before these will be finally awarded to the recipients.
 
“The defect is only at the mounting and spindle part of the hand tractor and thresher, respectively,” Dir. Datukan pointed out.
 
During the interview with the TV reporters, some of the recipients, like the members BINTIKO extended their gratitude for receiving a number of farm machines including one thresher, one 4-wheel drive tractor, and one hand tractor but also said that their thresher was held by DA pending further quality check because of a minor factory defect in their unit.
 
Unfortunately, Datukan said, the words “factory defects” were highlighted in the news report.
 
BINTIKO Chairman Jonathan Javelosa called up the DA Regional Office and told Regional Technical Director Jimmy M. Olivo that such comment in no way intended to undermine or discredit the Department of Agriculture.
 
“The DA stands for quality assured equipment and ensures that any fabrication defects must be replaced by the supplier, since these are under the one-year warranty and service after sales agreement,”Dir. Datukan said.
 
Starting immediately, Dir Datukan promised that all units will undergo thorough and careful quality inspection instead of random and sampling check only.  
 
Meanwhile, Chairman Arnulfo Beltijar of San Felipe Irrigators Association in Tantangan, South Cotabato said that the farm machinery they received were in good performing conditions.
 
“We will take good care of these sets of farm machinery given by the DA,” Beltijar said.
 
The P21-million worth of farm machinery was distributed to various farmer groups in Region 12 to further improve their area’s agricultural productivity.
 
The project is part of the Agri Pinoy Rice Program’s Mechanization that enables to mobilize productive farming in the region.
 
Dir Datukan reiterated that these agricultural machines and equipment were procured through RA 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act directing the Bids and Awards Committee to be responsible in the bidding process therefore these machines are of high quality considering that the winning bidders provided the farmer’s preferred brands, “Kubota” and “Yanmar.”.  
 
For the next awarding of farm equipment, Dir Datukan ordered the one-on-one checking on the unit to reassure that these were in good working condition before these are awarded to the intended beneficiaries. (DED - PIA 12/DA-RAFID 12)
 
==South Cotabato police to lay down anti-drug strategies==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611336448265
*Tuesday, May 8, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 8 (PIA) -- Police officials in South Cotabato will meet Friday, May 11, to craft strategies against illegal drugs and drug abuse.  
 
Eduardo Siason, permanent representative of the governor to the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) said, “the action planning would require municipal and city police stations to focus their activities on drug problems in their respective area.”
 
Invited to the anti-drug strategic planning workshop are the chiefs of police of 10 municipal police stations, and lone city police office, along with one investigator involved in drug cases from each station, as well as agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) assigned in in the province.
 
Highlight of the activity would be the presentation of each police station's anti-drug action plan; PDEA will also present its anti-drug action plan.  
 
 
“Members of the panel will be there to clarify each police station’s strategic plan such as how this will be implemented, sources of fund, and other concerns,” Siason said.  
 
After these plans are presented and discussed, he said, each police station will revise their plans according to the suggestions by a panel and present these for approval to Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., and PDEA 12 Regional Director Aileen Lovitos.
 
Siason said, the action planning is necessary after the provincial board approved Gov. Pingoy’s request for this year’s supplemental budget no. 1, which include P500,000 additional allocation for PADAC operations.
 
“We want to make sure that the funds that Gov. Pingoy has given us will be spent on the purpose these were intended for,” he said.
 
Also with the approval of the supplemental budget, Siason expects the PADAC and its partners would be able to intensify its advocacy projects against drugs, including the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and its campaigns in the communities.
 
He also announced that the provincial government will hold search for outstanding municipal and barangay anti-drug abuse councils, where one of the criteria for judging pertains to the implementation of the strategic action plan.
 
“The awarding will coincide with the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week in November,” Siason said. (DED-PIA 12)
 
==School supplies on sale on May 16- 18, says DTI–South Cotabato==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611336361509
*Monday, May 7, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 (PIA) -- Parents will receive support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as they try to look for low-priced school supplies of their children with the opening of classes on June 4.  
 
Elbert Capecio senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-South Cotabato said they are now preparing for the staging of the three-day “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan” where school supplies such as notebooks, pens and pencils, coloring tools, and many others, as well as uniforms, bags and shoes, will be offered on discounted prices.
 
Capecio said, the Balik-Eskwela Caravan in South Cotabato will be held on May 16, 17, and 18 in Koronadal City “Instead of the usual practice of gathering producers, manufacturers, and other participants in one place, the school supplies will be sold inside the participating malls, and stores.”
 
He identified the participating stores as KCC Mall of Marbel, Ace Centerpoint, Gaisano Grand Mall, and Starbright Store.
 
The decision not to gather the participating entities in one place, he explained, was in response to some concerns like pilferage and additional effort and expenses to install booths.
 
Capecio added that based on their monitoring, there has not been changes in the prices of school supplies in the province.
 
Besides the Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan next week, DTI-South Cotabato is also preparing for a major discount during South Cotabato province’s T’nalak Festival in July. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
 
==Tampakan issue triggers FB word war between military and militant group==
*Source: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/05/06/tampakan-issue-triggers-fb-word-war-between-military-and-militant-group/
*Sunday, May 6, 2012
:by Bong S. Sarmiento
 
 
KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/05 May) – Exchanges between the military and a militant group have lately turned nasty due to the Tampakan copper-gold project issue, with both sides resorting to name-calling via the social network, Facebook.
The 27th Infantry Battalion based in Tupi, SouthCotabato branded Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) –SOCCSKSARGEN spokesperson Ryan Lariba as “liar.” In turn, Bayan-SOCCSKSARGEN called the 27th IB “berdugo,” or butcher or executioner.
The harsh labeling, done via Facebook, originated from the April 22 Earth Day incident when groups supporting the Tampakan project allegedly blocked the solidarity mission of militant, religious and indigenous peoples’ groups from proceeding to the mountains.
In a Facebook post dated April 24, the 27th Infantry (Action) Battalion called Lariba a “liar and wished that his soul burn in hell.”
“You are the one violating the human rights of the members of 27th Infantry Battalion. You know you are making false accusation in public,” the post reads.
“You were there. We were not. You are fabricating stories that are designed to malign the reputation and honor of the men in uniform. You are misleading the general public with your hallucination.” it added.
On Thursday, the Facebook account of Bayan-SOCCSKSARGEN tagged the 27th IB as “berdugo” and alleged protector of Sagittarius Mines, Inc.
It said the mine site had become militarized since news broke out in March that several tribal communities had set up barricades against the Tampakan project in protest to the relocation plans of the mining company.
Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, 27th IB commander, himself labeled Lariba as a “liar” over a local radio station during the futile attempt of the militant groups to go up Bong Mal district last April 22.
Bong Mal is the boundary between Tampakan town and Kiblawan, Davao del Sur that serves as a crucial artery in the mines development site.
Blaan communities opposing the Tampakan project have set up several checkpoints in Bong Mal.
At the time, Lariba accused Sagittarius Mines and the 27thInfantry Battalion as behind the efforts to stop them from going to Bong Mal to express their solidarity to the tribesmen opposing the mining venture.
Bravo explained then that those who blocked the solidarity mission were groups supportive of the Tampakan project and that he ordered his troops to stay in their detachments and be prepared as reaction forces in case an accident would happen.
 
Portions of the way to Bong Mal have steep inclines accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles.
Members of the solidary mission were on board jeepneys, elf trucks and multi-cabs.
The Tampakan project is touted as the largest known undeveloped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia.
The estimated contained copper at Tampakan in total resources has risen from 13.9 million metric tons to 15 million MT while estimated contained gold has risen from 16.2 million ounces to 17.9 Moz, according to the latest company study.
In January, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources rejected Sagittarius Mines’ application for an environmental compliance certificate, citing the unresolved open-pit mining ban imposed by South Cotabato province.
The company filed a motion for reconsideration but the Environment department has yet to announce a decision. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)
 
==DOLE-12 to hold more confab on new wage order==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611336026419
*Saturday, May 5, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 5 (PIA) -- After a successful symposium on Wage Order RB XII No. 17 here last May 1, the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) have slated a series of meeting with stakeholders on the new wage order.
 
RTWPB 12 Board Secretary Jessie dela Cruz said the activities are intended to encourage public awareness of Wage Order 17 that became effective last April 18.
 
He said that wage symposiums will be held in Tacurong City for Sultan Kudarat area on May 4 (Friday); in Cotabato City on May 17 and in Kidapawan City for North Cotabato province on May 24.
 
“Wage clinics for General Santos City and Sarangani province area is tentatively scheduled on May 11. We aim to cover the entire Soccsksargen area before the end of May,” he said.  


Through these wage clinics, DOLE 12 and RTWPB 12 explain how the board - which include among others labor and management representatives - arrived at the decision to order an additional P10 to 14 to the daily cost of living allowance (COLA), decide on the salient features of the new wage order, as well as penalties for non-compliance and provisions regarding exemptions.


The activities are also venues where stakeholders can clarify issues regarding the provisions of the wage order and implementation of the same.


During the symposium in Koronadal City on Tuesday, dela Cruz said the board decided to pass the new wage “motu proprio” after a series of public consultations, and based on the socio-economic data provided by the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture.


“We would like to clarify the wrong notion that only DOLE fixes the wage in the region, he said. “Both the labor and management sectors are equally represented in the board.


Simplicio Villarta Jr of the Federation of Free Workers and Jomarie Angeles of the ALO-TUCP sit in the board as labor sector representatives while Atty. Eugenio Soyao and Warren Gregorio Manilay represented the management sector, dela Cruz said.


The board is being chaired by the DOLE regional director.


Dela Cruz said that the board decides to raise the minimum wage based on the following criteria: needs of the workers and their families; capacity of pay of the employee or industry; comparable wages; and requirements for national development, investment, and employment generation.


Other factors considered were changes in the prices of the basic commodities and services, inflation rate, and poverty threshold.


“As of February 2011, poverty threshold level in Region 12 is at P226.62 per day for a family with five members,” he said. “If we consider, our lowest minimum wage was already P234 before the implementation of the new wage order.”


==Mentors undergo seminar on public accountability, values enhancement==
Wage Order RBXII No. 17 orders the integration of the P15 COLA ordered in the previous order into the basic pay, which dela Cruz pointed out also increases the bases of computation of the 13th month pay and other benefits and bonuses of the laborers.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332316076
*Wednesday 21st of March 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12) 


The wage clinic in Koronadal City was attended by more than 200 participants from labor and management groups, payroll officers of establishments, nongovernment organizations, media, private schools, and other stakeholders.


KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato,  March 21 (PIA)  -- At least  295 elementary and  high school  teachers in nearby Tampakan underwent  a  two-day  seminar on public accountability and  values  enhancement.
Dela Cruz also pointed out that so far they have not received any petition or formal complaint against the implementation of the new wage order. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
Schools  district  supervisor  Ramona F. Bangoc, said  the seminar  held  at  the municipal gymnasium on  March  16 and 17  was aimed at  refreshing the  school  teachers of their  responsibilities and improve their appreciation of their  conduct  as public servants.
They were also reminded  against practicing  deeds  that can be considered  corrupt, Bangoc  added, and encouraged  them to do  what is  required of public servants  such as  being punctual and  using  government property only for which  these are intended.
Specific  topics  centered  on  important  laws  and regulations pertaining to government  service.
Among those  discussed were  Republic Act 6770 (Ombudsman Act of 1989), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices  Act),  Revised  Penalties  for Administrative Offenses, and RA 7877 (Sexual Harassment Act of 1995).
Speakers  included  officers of the  Office of the Ombudsman:  Jeannie Escolano, regional  director of the Council  for  the  Restoration of  Filipino Values - Corruption Prevention Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman  along with other  action officers of the  council.
Sangguniang Bayan  member Eduardo  Pinngoy  Sr. who represented  Mayor Leonardo Escobillo  congratulated  both the  organizers  and participants, pointing out that  the seminar is important  in the  delivery of  service  by public servants.
He encouraged the participants to  become models in public  accountability  and  values  in the  eyes of their community, parents, and  school children.


==Philippine Science High School in Koronadal opens in 2013 – DOST 12==
==NDRRMC: Whirlwind hits Bukidnon, flash floods hit South Cotabato==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332222666
*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/257072/news/regions/ndrrmc-whirlwind-hits-bukidnon-flash-floods-hit-south-cotabato
*Tuesday 20th of March 2012
*Friday, May 4, 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12  with  report from BKTagitican & GEOSiladan/DOST-12)
:by  KG, GMA News




KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato, March  20 (PIA) --  The Philippine  Science High School (PSHS)  here  could  begin accepting  the  brightest  students  of Soccsksargen Region  and  neighboring  areas  starting school  year  2013- 2014, an official of the Department of Science and Technology  confirmed.
At least one house was destroyed while 12 others were damaged after a whirlwind hit a residential area in Valencia City in Bukidnon Thursday afternoon.
   
   
DOST  12 Regional Director  Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof-Laidan, told  Philippine Information Agency-12 today  that  the  Board of Trustees (BOT) of the PSHS system has formally approved the setting up of a campus in Koronadal City, the administrative seat of  Region 12.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the incident occurred at 3:30 p.m. at Purok 1-A in Lumbo in Valencia City.
   
   
“This is part of the efforts to put up a  Philippine Science High School in every administrative region across the country to bring closer to the grassroots quality education highly focused on science, technology and mathematics,”  Dr. Laidan said.
It cited initial information indicating 13 families were affected, although no one was reported hurt.
   
   
Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo chairs the BOT and Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro sits as vice chairman. The members include 11 others from the government, academe and private sectors.
A local disaster risk reduction and management team was sent to the area to assess the damage, the NDRRMC said.
 
South Cotabato
   
   
Dr. Laidan said the BOT finally gave its go signal after the provincial government of South Cotabato promised to donate  4.5-hectare property  in Barangay Paraiso that  the  LGU  bought  for  P7.3 million specifically  for this  purpose.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC also said a flash flood hit two villages in South Cotabato Wednesday.
   
   
The campus is situated  in an  area where  the state-of-the-art  Philippine National Halal Laboratory and Science Center of DOST  shall also rise.
Citing belated initial reports, the NDRRMC said the incident occurred between 2 and 3 p.m. at Lambingi and Kusan villages in Banga town.
   
   
In February, South Cotabato  Gov. Arthur  Y. Pingoy  Jr. announced the  provincial government is allocating  P5 million to help fast track the  construction of the  buildings of PSHS campus  and to  augment the  P5 million earlier pledged by  Youth Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) party-list Rep.  Carol Jayne Lopez.
It said 26.7 hectares of corn fields were damaged in Lambingi, while properties and infrastructure were damaged in Kusan.
   
   
Laidan said construction works will immediately commence after the formal turnover of the property to the PSHS, and that they are hopeful the school could begin operation next year. The turnover is still being worked out with Secretary Montejo expected to grace the event.
At least 12 farmers from Lambingi and two families from Kusan were affected.  
   
   
The PSHS, which is an attached agency of the DOST, is patterned after the Bronx High School of Science in New York City. It was created for the purpose of giving an education highly enriched in science and mathematics to exceptionally gifted Filipino children.
The estimated damage to property was pegged at P200,000.
 
“The PSHS campus will not only boost quality education in South Cotabato but also throughout Region 12 and other neighboring regions,” Dr. Laidan said.
==JICA president vows continued support to Upi, Maguindanao==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611336013275
Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
*Thursday, May 3, 2012
:by (Dani Doguiles and Hannadi PIA/-Upi LGU)   
A PSHS campus usually includes  school buildings, laboratories, dormitory, canteen and sports facilities, among other amenities.
 
Once completed  the campus in Koronadal  City  will be  the  country’s  ninth PSHS site  and the third in Mindanao; the first two  are  located in Tubod, Lanao del Norte (Region 10)  and Tugbok, Davao City (Region 12).
   
Its main campus is in  Diliman, Quezon City. It also has  campuses in  San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur; Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya; Goa, Camarines Sur; Palo, Leyte; Iloilo City; Argao, Cebu; and Clark  Freeport, Pampanga.
The PSHS accepts only the best and brightest high school students through a rigid screening process.
All students of PSHS schools are  scholars  who  enjoy  free tuition fee, free loan of text books, monthly stipend,  and uniform, transportation and living allowances for low income groups.


==Koronadal City to build class “AA” slaughterhouse==
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The new president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reiterated the international donor agency’s commitment to help in the development efforts of Upi town in Maguindanao.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332139911
*Monday 19th of March 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


“In behalf of JICA, I promise you that we would continue to work closely with you in the coming years," Dr. Akihito Tanaka told Upi Mayor Mayor Ramon Piang Sr., Vice Mayor Alexis Platon, SB members, and heads of offices.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March  19 (PIA) --  A  Class “AA” compliant  slaughterhouse  or abattoir  will soon rise in Koronadal City, an  official  of the  local  government  confirmed  today.
Tanaka, along with some members of the International Team and officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Social Fund Project (ASFP), visited Upi yesterday as part of their monitoring of the implementation of JICA projects in the area.  
Acting  city treasurer  Marlon Gumbao  said,  public  bidding  for  P4.7-million  abattoir  is underway; bids  are  expected  to be  opened  this week.
“Construction of the slaughterhouse  could begin in April if the  project  is awarded to the winning  bidder next week,”  he said. This  should be  completed  before  2012  ends.
The plan  to  put up  a class  “AA”  slaughterhouse is  in accordance  with  Mayor Peter B. Miguel’s  move  to  improve  safety and quality of meat products  processed  in the city  as well as  improve the LGU’s  revenues.
The drawing up of the specific  plans for  the  abattoir  was  done  in close  coordination  with the  National Meat  Inspection Service (NMIS) of the Department of Agriculture  to make sure that the facility and its  equipment  will be  compliant with  “AA” classification standards, Gumbao said.
Once the  abattoir is  completed, the city  government  will apply  for  its  AA accreditation.
According to  Executive Order  No.  137 series of  1993  providing the  implementing rules and  regulations  governing the  devolution of  certain  powers and functions of then National Meat  Inspection Commission to LGUs  class  “AA” abattoirs are  “those with facilities and operational procedures sufficiently adequate that the livestock and fowls slaughtered therein are suitable for sale in any market domestic or international.”
“With  a class  ‘AA’ abattoir,  we can expect  four to  five times  increase  in our revenue  from the abattoir operations,”  Gumbao  said  because  local  meat  producers and  processors  could be  required to have their  livestock and poultry  prepared  in the facility.
“Unless  we have  ‘AA’ classification we cannot  compel  local  businesses and  meat producers to  have their  livestock and poultry processed in our  slaughterhouse.”
Gumbao, however, clarified,  having  an AA  facility would  not  necessarily mean an increase in fees “because such  would  need passage of an ordinance by the city council.”
“Mayor Miguel has  also  ordered  our office to  find all means  to improve our collection efficiency before increasing  standing  fees,” he said.


==Athletic meets instill values – DepEd official==
These projects include several school buildings, heavy equipment, and solar dryers as well as goat raising project in support of efforts to promote Halal industry in Maguindanao province.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332049333
*Sunday 18th of March 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADA CITY, South Cotabato, March 18 (PIA) --  “Aside from  sifting  the best athletes in the regions,  athletic  meets provide  an  opportunity to  instill within  our young  people the most  important values that will keep  out country moving  forward: excellence, discipline and  nationalism,”  Dr. Jesson Butcon  said today.
The visit was the first trip of the 56-year old official to Upi and Mindanao. Tanaka , which JICA Newsletter described as “a renowned academic of international relations” began his role as JICA president on April 1, 2012.  
Butcon, Basic  Education Sector  Reform Agency  coordinator  of Department of Education Central Office, was  keynote  speaker during today's  opening ceremony of the four-day Cotabato  Regional Athletic Association  (CRAA)  Meet  at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, in this city.
He said through sports as an  extra-curricular  activity, students  are  encouraged to be faster, higher, and stronger.
“But this is  not about  being better than others  but about improving  ourselves and our athletes to go as far as their  limits  allow  them and to be able to take  a step  further, and doing  so may  require discipline,” he  said.
Through the series and levels of sports competitions, he said,  DepEd is honing students “to develop more than the skills to win  but the  heart  of champion.”
“A real champion is one who has the heart that aspires to win for his  country,”  Butcon said.
Directly addressing the athletes, he said, “ang pagiging  atleta  ay higit  pa sa pagtutuos  at  pagwawagi. Layunin  nito ang mapabuti at mapaunlad ang kakayahan ng isang bata bilang isang manlalaro at higit sa  lahat bilang isang  tao upang mapabuti ang kanyang kamalayan sa sarili, sa kapwa, at sa bansa.”
At least  4,000 athletes,  coaches and  chaperons have converged  here today  for the  regional  sports competition that intends to  select  Soccsksargen region’s  delegates  to the  Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan  later this year.
Sports events  include athletics, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball,  gymnastics, swimming, arnis, badminton,  sepak-takraw, football, archery,  taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, boxing, and  chess.
On his part, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said  he agreed to  host  the CRAA meet  for  two  consecutive  years not only to show the modern sports facilities of the province, but also  to  promote  South Cotabato and  Soccsksargen Region as  a  peaceful and  secure place.
In  2011  Palarong Pambansa Soccsksargen  Region  only ranked  6th in the  regional standings  but placed  2nd as most  disciplined  delegation and  3rd  jolliest delegation.
“We would like to add ‘most peaceful region’ to this award,”  Gov. Pingoy said.
“I hope that when  Dr. Butcon  returns  to Manila  he would become one of our  ambassadors of  goodwill who would tell other  people  that there  is no truth to the perception that South Cotabato and  Region 12 are  not peaceful,” he added.
He has also  been open  about his plan  to  bid  for the  hosting of  2014  Palarong  Pambansa. The  national sports competition was held in South Cotabato  in  1996 and  2007. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)   


Tanaka is vice president of the Tokyo University. He replaced Dr. Sodako Ogata.


“I am quite impressed with the mayor’s leadership and the cooperation of local officials to realize good governance in the implementation of projects,” he said.


He also congratulated Mayor Piang “for his vigor and dynamism.”


On his part, Mayor Piang thanked JICA for its support to the development of the underprivileged Upi town through construction of roads, improvement of the level of education in the municipality, assistance to local farmers.


==N. Cotabato hands P5.9 M worth of infrastructure to Arakan LGU==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335926114
*Wednesday, May 2, 2012
:by (DEDoguiles – PIA 12)




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza and officials of the provincial government recently turned-over to the municipality of Arakan, P5.9 million worth of infrastructure projects .


In a press release sent to PIA 12 yesterday the Information and Development Communication Division (ICDC) of the provincial government reported that the turn-over ceremony was held at the opening program of the Gov. Lala 2nd Summer Kids Peace Camp in the municipality on April 23.


==NGO’s anti-hunger program highly commended by local officials==
Infrastructure projects turned-over to the LGU include multi-purpose covered court worth P3,483,800. This, according to the ICDC report was as an incentive for its successful implementation of the 1st summer kids peace camp last year.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331784144
*Thursday 15th of March 2012
:by    (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


The provincial government also turned over P2.47 million worth of improvement which upgraded the Arakan Rural Health Unit as a Basic Emergency Management Of Obstetrics Cases (BEMOC) facility. The project was funded by the European Commission.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 15 (PIA) --  Officials of the provincial government of South Cotabato commended  the non-government  organization, Save  the Children,  for its contributions in the fight against malnutrition among children.
With the upgrade, the BEMOC facility in Arakan can now provide delivery services for pregnant women. It is also seen to improve accessibility, utilization, and quality of services for the treatment of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.  
On  Tuesday, March 13, Save  the Children  presented  to the local  government  officials and other  stakeholders the terminal  report its  project,  Making  Food Go Further (MFGF) after three  years of  implementation in selected  villages in  Lake  Sebu.  The project  was implemented  with support from Kraft  Foods.
Provincial  health  officer Dr. Rogelio  Aturdido Jr.,  said  malnutrition  rates  in villages  where the project was implemented declined sharply largely due to the efforts of the NGO.
“The project is worth replicating  in other areas, especially in  municipalities and  barangays  where  malnutrition  rates remain  high,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy  Jr.  immediately  expressed  commitment to  sustain the project.  He  added  he  will  push  for more legislations and allot  more resources  in support  to nutrition programs  specifically intended  for  school  children.
During the  exit  conference,  Save the Children Manager of South Central Mindanao Fanny Divino reported  that  they  have  served  9,378  Grades  1 – 3  school  children in their feeding  program in Lake Sebu and  other parts of the country.
They  have also  assisted  287  families with livelihood  assistance projects and trained  662  health care providers and  268  community health  workers  on the hunger mitigation approach.
The project, according to  a  press briefer, conducted activities such as direct food provision, de-worming medication, and vitamin supplements for school children.
It has extended health education in the communities on children’s health, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene through the Positive Deviance/Hearth Approach and  worked toward improving the capacity of volunteer health workers to recognize and refer severely malnourished children for treatment.
Livelihood assistance projects were extended  to  families  included  vegetable growing, loom weaving, food processing, abaca production, and cut-flower growing.
“With the help of partners from the local government units from the province, municipality and barangays, as well as from the Department of Education, Save the Children ensures that families, especially the children, have improved food security and health and nutrition resiliency,”  Divino said.
Save the Children wants to prove that communities have the power to make children’s lives better.”
At the  exit conference,  Divino pointed  out  that Making  Food  Go Further  is a means  to  showcase  a  proven approach in  hunger mitigation. She  urged  local  governments to  adopt the  practices  of the project  to helping  reduce malnutrition incidence.
Besides Lake  Sebu, MFGF was  also implemented in  Parañaque City in Metro Manila  and  Antique  in the Visayas.
Lake Sebu, along with  the municipalities  of  T’boli and Tupi, have been  identified  as  areas  with  higher  levels  of  malnutrition.
Aturdido, however, noted that the malnutrition rate of the entire  South Cotabato is  only 14  percent, which is much  lower than the  national  target  of 22 percent.
Several  supplemental  feeding  programs  for both  preschoolchildren and  grade school  pupils are  being  conducted  here in partnership  with  national line  agencies as  well as with partners  from the private  sector.
One  supplemental  feeding  program  of the provincial  government  specifically  targets 1,416  “poorest of the poor”  families across the  provinces  classified  as  severely  malnourished. On weekly basis,  health  nutrition  officials  send  these  families  food packages consisting of rice, mongo, iodized salt, and high-calcium whole milk  as  well as  iron supplementation for mothers and multi-vitamins for children.


With Gov. Mendoza during the turn-over ceremony were 2nd District board members Cristobal Cadungon, Airene Claire Pagal, Onofre Respicio, and Noel Baynosa.


The lady governor promised more incentives to the municipality depending on the success of the summer kids peace camp.


The summer kids peace camp, is an annual program of Gov. Mendoza and intends to inculcate among Grade V pupils of the province leadership skills in the context of peaceful co-existence among the lumads, Muslims and Christians inhabitants of the province.


School children are also taught important moral values such as respect for others’ cultures and beliefs and are honed to become the provincial government’s young ambassadors of peace to their respective communities.


Some 25,000 Grade V pupils are expected in participate in this year's summer kids camps in the 17 municipalities and lone city of North Cotabato.


==40 Midsayap fisherfolk to receive tilapia fingerlings, fish pond==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335824833
*Tuesday, May 1, 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles -PIA 12/Roderick Bautista-1st District NCot Congressional Office) 




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 1 (PIA) -- Some 40 fisherfolk in confict-affected village in Midsayap, North Cotabato are set to benefit from tilapia fingerlings distribution and turn-over of nine units of fish ponds from the government.


Plan for the fingerlings dispersal and fish pond turn-over in the remote village of Olandang is being finalized by the office of North Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and officials of the local government unit.


==2 youth leaders in Region 12 named student ambassadors to Japan==
Dominador Aspacio, congressional district office staff, said the fingerlings will be dispersed free to help residents begin a sustainable livelihood.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331701157
*Wednesday 14th of March 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles


Aspacio also said fish ponds were built through Food for Work of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These will be turned-over to the fisherfolk to provide them with facility where they can raise the dispersed tilapia.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato,  Mar 14 (PIA) -- Two  student  leaders from state  schools in Soccsksargen Region/Region 12 will be  visiting  Japan as  ambassadors  on disaster management and recovery  program in May.
Earlier, BFAR personnel conducted a series of lectures on the cultural management of tilapia with the beneficiaries to prepare them for the implementation of the livelihood project.  
Lily Jean Cacatian,  a BS Development Communication  senior  at the  University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan Cotabato and  Angel Marie Ysik  BS Education junior at the Sultan  Kudarat State University  (SKSU)  in Tacurong City are among 400  Filipino  youths  selected  as “Tohoku-shinzen-taishi” or “Philippine-Tohoku Goodwill Ambassadors” who will be visiting  Japan this year.     
The  travel  is part of the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme  funded by the  Japanese  Government  through the  Japan  International  Cooperation Center  (JICE) in cooperation with the  National Youth Commission (NYC).
Cacatian, in an interview with Philippine  Information Agency -12  today said  she  and  Ysik will be  among the third and  fourth  batches of  student ambassadors who will  visit Japan  for  10 days to learn  Japan’s  disaster management  and  recovery efforts after the March  13 , 2011  earthquake and tsunami disasters
“We will learn and understand Japan's experience and the lessons they learned from past natural disasters. We will also witness Japan's on-going recovery efforts and see how it was possible for Japan to make a fast turn-around from the recent earthquake and tsunami that struck its Tohoku region,” she said.
The  first  two batches  of goodwill ambassadors will  focus on the  host country’s  “Go Green” program.
An NYC statement  on the JENESYS  program  in October  last year said  the program  “will be a chance for student ambassadors  to learn everything about Philippine-Japan relations; Japanese culture; and issues on technology, environment, tourism, and health. They will interact with experts and will have a chance to live with a Japanese family.”
Cacatian said, “the feeling  was  overwhelming  when I  learned I was chosen as  one of the student  ambassadors. ”
She  joined  the  program  by  sending  in a policy paper  concerning the  issue of illegal logging  in some areas  of North Cotabato  along with  the  filled out  application form.
“I expect to  learn  a lot  from the  short-term visit, especially the concept  of “Kizuna” which  is  about  brotherhood and friendship that  played  a  major role  in their  recovery from  the disaster. I hope to be able apply this concept  in our country’s situation,”  she  said.
Cacatian  was  recently  awarded  as this  year  Outstanding Student Leader of  USM.  She is expected to graduate  with  honors as  magna cum laude  in April.
Cacatian and  Ysik  are also delegates of the  prestigious  Ayala  Young Leaders Congress in 2011 and 2012, respectively. 
Ysik  is  a scholar of the Department of National  Defense.
Both are  expected to  travel to  Metro Manila on May  6  for a pre-departure  orientation  before  their  May 7 or  8  flight  to  Japan. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12  with report  from Rhoderick  Beñez/Radyo ng Bayan-DXVL)


==Hunger project benefits 9,000 poor school kids in South Cotabato, other areas==
Barangay Olandang is situated along Rio Grande de Mindanao and Liguasan Marsh, which make the village an ideal location for the tilapia raising.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=412245
*March 13, 2012, 4:00 pm
:by  (PNA)
LDV/AVE


==Adults, OSYs in Upi, Maguindanao finish literacy and numeracy course==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335764418
*Monday, April 30, 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles-PIA 12, with report from Hannadi Guiamad-Upi LGU)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 13 (PNA) – Some 9,378 school children in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato and several others areas in the country have benefited from feeding programs and other related initiatives conducted by an international child welfare organization in the last three years.


Fanny Divino, program manager for South Central Mindanao of Save the Children, said they launched the feeding programs for three consecutive years since 2009 in the lean months of August to October to mainly help poor school children remain in school.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 30 (PIA) -- Hundreds of adults and out-of-school youth in Upi town, Maguindanao have completed a three-month literacy and numeracy course, recently.  


Aside from the feeding programs, she said they provided livelihood assistance to 287 poor families as well as helped improve the capabilities of 662 health care providers and 268 community health workers.
On Saturday, at least 400 adults and out-of school youth learners received their certificates of completion from the Literacy for Peace and Development (LIPAD) Project, where they learned how to write, read and do simple computations. The ceremony was held at the Upi municipal gymnasium on Saturday.  


“The participating families have significantly improved household food security, increased food diversity scores and gained economic opportunities,” she said during the program’s exit conference held in Lake Sebu town Tuesday.
Learners were from barangays Kibleg, Ganasi, Nangi at Borongotan.  


Dubbed “Making Food Go Further,” Divino said the project was also implemented in marginalized communities in Paranaque City in Metro Manila and San Remigio town in Antique.
In her message, LIPAD Project director Prof. Pilar A. Bautista said they aim to provide underprivileged individuals, especially adults and out-of school youth, the opportunity to learn basic writing, reading and counting.  


The three-year project, which was supported by international food firm Kraft Foods Inc., was mainly aimed at ensuring “that Filipino children are healthy and well-nourished, and belong to food-secure families by facilitating families’ access to food,” a Save the Children statement said.
This is necessary for them, she said, to learn these very important skills, which they can use in daily affairs and in simple transactions such as those involved in doing business with others.  


It said the project focused on mitigating hunger among vulnerable groups; supporting livelihood activities of families; raising awareness on health and nutrition though the help of communities, government agencies and the private sector; and, enabling communities to address issues affecting children, particularly hunger and malnutrition.
LIPAD is a project of the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc., a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of literacy, poverty alleviation, as well as peace and development founded by former Senator Santanina Rasul in the 1960s.  


In Lake Sebu, Divino said they held sessions on feeding, deworming and vitamin supplementation among residents of the community-beneficiaries.
The project is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  


She said they educated residents on proper health practices through the Positive Deviance/Hearth Approach, wherein “families , communities and schools work together to quickly rehabilitate malnourished children, sustain the rehabilitation and prevent future malnutrition.”
It aims to raise the basic and functional literacy level among adults and out-of-school youth in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).  


Through the project, Divino said they helped improve the capacity of local health workers in recognizing and immediately referring for treatment the severely malnourished children in their areas.
Besides Upi, LIPAD project is also being implemented in the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, and Talayan for Maguindanao province area.  


“To sustain the project, we provided assistance to several families in the area for livelihood ventures such as vegetable growing, loom weaving, food processing, abaca production and cutflower growing,” she said.
Some of the graduates were emotional when they received their certificates of completion because they did not expect to have been given the chance to learn to read, write, and do simple computations despite their age.  


“Save the Children wants to prove that communities can fight hunger as one and have the power to make children’s lives better,” Divino added.
Barangay Borongotan chairperson Irene Galanto, in her message, thanked the learning facilitators for their diligence in helping the participants learn these basic and important skills and for being patient in going to remote areas to reach the under served residents.  


During the exit conference, the group challenged local government leaders in the province and officials of several government agencies to adopt the project and replicate them in other poor communities.
Upi Mayor Ramon Piang Sr. and some members of the Sangguniang Bayan attended the completion ceremony.  


South Cotabato officials led by Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. immediately expressed commitment sustain the project and push for legislations as well as allot resources for more hunger mitigation and malnutrition initiatives in the area.
The affair was highlighted by presentations of learners, who showed their talents in cultural singing and dancing.  


==Coco farmers in South Cotabato warned of Brontispa infestation==
Aside from the certificate of completion, those who have completed the course, also received reading materials featuring indigenous stories, which they can use to hone what they learned.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331529864
*Monday 12th of March 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Awards like Best in Reading, Best in Writing, and Best in Numeracy were also given to graduates who excelled.


KORONADAL  CITY,  South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA)  --  An  agriculture  official here is  urging coconut  farmers  to immediately report to their agricultural  technicians signs of  Brontispa  infestation among their coconut  trees.
“Immediately report  any  detection  of  any appearance of scorching  or  burning  of  young  leaves  of coconut trees to  production technicians in your area and seek their assistance  on how to control the pest," provincial  agriculturist Reynaldo  Legaste said.
He  also warned  that if the present  pest attack is  not contained, this could  mean  major crop damage  that could  further  result in massive  economic  losses  for  coco-growers.


Brontispa  or  coconut  leaf  beetle  eat up young  leaves  of  coconut and palm trees. As the leaf emerges, the leaflets curl and turn brown, then dry.  At a distance the leaves  appear  burned.
“If this is not controlled, infested coconut  trees  could  die,”  he said, emphasizing  further  that infestation could escalate  with the onset of the  dry season. 
“In the  entire province,  63,707  coconut  trees  have been affected  by Brontispa,”  Legaste said, citing  a  February  17, 2012  report of the  Brontispa  Control  Project  of the Philippine  Coconut  Authority.
He said the  figure  “represents  a little  more than  2.2  percent  of the  total coconut tree population in the  province.”
The same  PCA  report  indicated  that  1,417  farmers  across  have  been  affected.
Most  affected  is  Koronadal  City  where  30,660  of  its  443,400 coconut trees  have  shown damages; 16 of its  27 barangays are under attack  by  the  pest, affecting  at least 671  coconut  farmers.
Barangays  where  more than  10 percent  of  both bearing and non-bearing  coconut trees  have  shown Brontispa  damage  are Rotunda, Mabini, New Pangasinan, Esperanza, Sto. Niño, and Avanceña.
Brontispa  infestation  have also been reported in  the municipalities of Tupi, Polomolok, Tantangan,  Banga, Surallah, and T’boli.
Legaste  warned  farmers  that  although the present  Brontispa infestation could not be considered  alarming this could  still  result in major economic  losses for farm  families  with the coming of the  dry months.
 
“Brontispa is a sucking insect and  sucking insects  are  very active  during  dry season  when  moisture  is  scarce,” he said.
To prevent  spread  of Brontispa  in the province, Legaste  reported that  they have coordinated with the  Department of Agriculture  Region 12, Philippine Coconut  Authority, Regional  Crop Protection Center  and the local  government  units  for the implementation of  an action plan against  Brontispa.
Legaste  said,  from March until  May, South Cotabato’s  Brontispa  Task Force  will be  visiting  municipalities  to conduct technical briefings on the  infestation and its  control to  technicians,  barangay  council members, and  barangay chairman.
They have  also  set  year-round  massive control operations  including  spraying and  cut-and-burn of affected to  control  the pest’s  population, production and  distribution of  tetrastichus spp. and  continuous  monitoring of the  pest.
Tetrastichus  spp,  he  explained, is  a wasp which is  a natural  enemy  and  known  effective  biological  control of Brontispa.
“At present  we have  four LGUs  that have already  put up  laboratory  for the  culture of  tetrastichus, namely:  Polomolok, Tupi, Koronadal and  Surallah,”  Legaste  said.
Other  municipalities are  also planning to  train  technicians  who will mass-produce this  biocon, he added.




Line 390: Line 442:




==South Cotabato eyes creation of body to represent IPs==
==SPES-TWSP convergence program to cover 21 LGUs in Region 12==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611331430852
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335511112
*Sunday 11th of March 2012
*Sunday, April 29, 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
:by Danilo E. Doguiles




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 11 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s  Sangguniang  Panlalawigan  is  considering the creation of a council  that shall  ensure that  issues  and concerns  affecting the  indigenous  peoples  (IP) are  addressed.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- A total of 21 municipalities in three provinces of Soccsksargen region will benefit from the initial implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Convergence Program on poverty alleviation.  
 
This, after the Department of the Interior  and Local  Government (DILG) ordered  temporary  suspension of appointment of IP  representatives  to  local  legislative  councils pending the approval of national  guidelines on the selection  process.
The program brings together DOLE’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) to provide training and employment opportunities to the marginalized sector of the society, especially the out-of-school youth (OSY).
 
“Last month, we  received  a  memorandum circular from DILG  suspending  its  previous  memorandum because  several problems  regarding the selection of these  representatives  have cropped  up  all over the country,” Vice Governor  Elmo Tolosa said in a  radio  interview on  Friday.
Based on a list provided by the office of DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla last Friday, the SPES-TWSP Convergence Program will cover 11 municipalities in North Cotabato, eight in Sultan Kudarat, and two in Sarangani.  
 
What Tolosa  was  referring to as  previous  memorandum was DILG Memorandum  Circular  2010-119  ordering “mandatory  representation of indigenous  cultural  communities or  indigenous  peoples in policy-making bodies  and other  local  legislative  councils ”  as  mandated  by Section 16  of Republic  Act  8371  or the Indigenous  Peoples Rights Act of 1997.
In North Cotabato, beneficiary OSYs should come from Aleosan, Midsayap, Tulunan, Alamada, Arakan, Banisilan, Kabacan, Libungan, Magpet, Matalam, and President Roxas.
 
In compliance with the original DILG memorandum  circular, Tolosa  said,  the local  board  last year created an  ad hoc  committee  led  by board member Atty. Cecile  Diel specifically  to study how the order  can be implemented.
Interested and qualified OSYs in Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, Colombio, Esperanza, Isulan, Lambayong, Lebak, and Senator Ninoy Aquino municipalities of Sultan Kudarat may also avail of the training and employment program.
 
He said, among  several  problems  the ad  hoc committee  found was  the  budget constraint  an  additional  board  member  would entail; there is also  an issue  of the need to appoint other sectoral  representatives  such as  those  for  women, farmers and fisherfolk and  senior  citizens  mandated  under the Local Government  Code.
On May 1, the program will be launched in General Santos City for the municipalities of Malungon and Alabel in Saragani Province where the first 42 scholarship grantees come from.
 
“If we appoint a representative  for the IP, we also  need to appoint  representatives of the other  sectors,” Tolosa  said.
Director Mantilla said more municipalities may be included in the coming months.
 
Based on the findings  of the ad hoc  committee, an additional  representative in the provincial board would  require  additional  P3.1 million yearly budget  for salaries and wages of the official and his  staff as well as  maintenance and  other  operating  expenses.
“We have requested for the inclusion of the municipalities of Lake Sebu, T’boli and Sto. Niño in South Cotabato,” Director Mantilla said, adding that they are now awaiting approval of this by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.  
 
For these reason, Tolosa explained,  the provincial  board  has considered  the resolution  for the creation of  a special  body specifically  for the concerns of the IP.
Under the program, beneficiary OSYs who “may also be an occupationally disabled worker, a person with disability, a displaced worker, or a victim of trafficking, illegal recruitment or child labor,” will undergo mandated 20 to 52 days of technical vocational training in TESDA-identified institutions.
 
Tolosa  also said: “The public  and our brother and sister IPs need not  be concerned  because the province  has  a  Provincial,” The  officers of the council  receive honoraria  from the provincial  government to help defray travel expenses as they  bring to the attention of provincial official the concerns and issues  affecting them, he added.
As in the original SPES program, DOLE will pay each beneficiary 40 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for every day of training.  
 
“If we would look at it, there are alternative routes  to allow participation of peoples’ organization and nongovernment organizations  such as undergoing accreditation  in our  development  councils,”  Tolosa  pointed out.
The amount, according to the program guidelines, may be used as a training allowance or as capital to purchase the OSY’s starter kit.
   
 
Meanwhile, the provincial  government  has  also  committed  the  establishment of a “Kasfalah  Hall”  inside the Productivity and Technology  Center (Protech Center) just beside the provincial capitol.
More than 400 scholarship slots may be opened in Soccsksargen Region this year for OSYs interested in techvoc trainings that will be identified by TESDA 12. The program is open to OSY’s between 15 to 25 years old, whose family income (including his, if any) does not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six, as determined by the National Economic Development Authority.
 
Other than  serving  as  a permanent  office of the Provincial  Tribal Council, the Kasfalah  Hall  could also  serve  as  a “justice  hall”  where the tribal  leaders  could  settle  disputes and  differences, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said.
Applicants should have reached high school level to be able to participate in the program.  
 
The  place will also be used to display are for cultural  artifacts and other products  of the IP members.
Interested individuals need to submit to the nearest DOLE or TESDA office the needed documents. For more information, you may refer to the nearest DOLE Field Office or Public Employment Service Office or provincial/district office of TESDA. (DED-PIA 12)
 
“It is  important that the IPs’ voice be heard  and be  addressed  properly. We  will continue  to adhere to our vow  to support this  sector through  different  programs and projects  which hopefully will improve their lives,”  Pingoy said. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==Cotelco GM says AboitizPower, TMI did not refuse delivery of power to coop==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335511112
*Saturday, April 28, 2012
:by (DED-PIA 12)
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 28 (PIA) -- AboitizPower and Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) did not refuse to deliver power to Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) nor did they impose P16.11 per kwh rate on the cooperative, Cotelco General Manager Godofredo Homez said.  
 
Last Wednesday, several radio stations and newspapers reported that negotiations between Cotelco and TMI for a 8-MW supply of electricity have stalled because the latter would charge Cotelco P16.11/kwh of power supplied, as well as require them a P4-million security bond and P14-million advanced payment.
 
“In summary, we want to clarify that AboitizPower and TMI did not refuse to deliver power to Cotelco,” Homez said in a letter sent to the Department of Energy and PIA-12.
 
“AboitizPower and TMI did not impose P16.11 per kwh rate on Cotelco,” he added.  
 
Homez also pointed out that the prepaid agreement was not imposed on the electric cooperative, adding that the rate is more or less P9.00 per kwh, which is the same rate charged to all electric cooperatives under contract with all TMI.
 
“It was an agreement discussed between two parties in consideration of the immediate need for power by Cotelco and the need of TMI to be protected for the costs they will incur in delivering power, especially fuel costs,” he explained.  
 
Homez confirmed that Cotelco wrote to AboitizPower last April 12 to ask for a 8-MW supply from TMI in anticipation of the huge deficit in power supply during the month-long rehabilitation of Pulangi IV hydropower plant.  
 
Aboitiz power, he said, expressed availability of 8 MW.
 
“But following rules of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), our transaction must be governed by at least a provisional authority (PA) from the ERC,” he said. PAs, he explained, are usually issued 30 days of publication of the draft power supply agreement.
 
Homez explained that since they could not wait for a provisional agreement, they wrote to ERC asking that they be allowed to receive delivery of power from TMI without the required authority.
 
On April 19, he said, ERC approved Cotelco’s request to get power from TMI but not less than the prevailing NPC-Time of Use Rate or P.90 per kwh.
 
Regarding the P4-M security bond, Homez pointed out that this is a standard in all financial contracts. About the advanced payment, he explained that “without a provisional agreement, Cotelco cannot legally impose the new rates to its consumers; following this is the risk that TMI will not be paid for its fuel and overhead costs. Thus a proposal for a prepaid system was discussed.”
 
Cotelco’s service area at regularly experiences up to 8 hours of rotational brownout after the Pulangi IV plant was closed for maintenance works last week.
 
Before Pulangi IV was closed, Cotelco imposed 3 to 5 hours of rotational brownout. Cotelco, as well as the city government of Kidapawan and the provincial government of Cotabato, have been asking for the retention of 25 percent of the power generated by the Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant owned by the Energy Development Corporation.
 
The present 8-hour-per-day power outages in North Cotabato could persist until May 17, the date set for the completion of the Pulangi IV rehab, if Cotelco cannot buy supply from TMI.
 
==Opportunities await OSYs in DOLE-TESDA convergence program==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335504092
*Friday, April 27, 2012
:by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
 
 
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 27 (PIA) -- More help will soon be made available to out-of-school youths in Soccksargen Region as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) joined together two of their flagship programs.
 
DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla yesterday announced they will launch on Labor Day (May 1) in General Santos City the DOLE-TESDA Convergence Program on Poverty Alleviation.  
 
“The program joins together the Special Program for the Employment of Students of DOLE and the Training for Work Scholarship Program of TESDA,” Mantilla explained. “This will be called SPES-TWSP Convergence Program.”
 
Under the program, qualified OSYs undergo the SPES program but instead of employing in an establishment for a specified duration should instead undergo technical-vocational training.
 
Forty-two OSYs from Malungon and Alabel towns in Sarangani province are scheduled to receive scholarship grants during the ceremonial launching at the KCC Convention Hall in Gensan.  
 
At least 400 SPES-TWSP scholars are expected to benefit from the program this year.  
 
According to the DOLE-TESDA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2012 dated March 23, 2012, “the implementation of the SPES-TWSP convergence program will be nationwide, prioritizing the poorest areas in the 16 regions.”
 
In region 12, it will be implemented in 21 poor municipalities in the provinces of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
 
Mantilla said, they are still requesting for the inclusion of at least three municipalities in South Cotabato, which was not included in the initial list.
 
For an OSY to qualify, he or she should be 15 to 25 years old and whose parents’ combined income does not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six.
 
“An OSY may also be an occupationally disabled worker, a person with disability, a displaced worker, or a victim of trafficking, illegal recruitment of child labor,” the circular noted.  
 
Based on the existing SPES guidelines, the training program in which the beneficiary can enroll should be for a minimum of 20 days (160 hours) to a maximum of 52 days only.
 
DOLE will pay for 40 percent of the applicable minimum wage after completion of the training program for the training allowance or starter kit of the OSYs.  
 
The agency will also provide guidance and necessary technical support to capacitate the OSYs to engage in self-employment after the training.
 
TESDA handles the selection of the OSYs who will undergo the training program and become beneficiaries as well as identification of technical education and skills development institutions where the scholars will enrol.  
 
Interested OSYs may file application and required documents at the Public Employment Service Office or TESDA Provincial/District Office nearest them.


Required documents include duly accomplished SPES Application Form and TESDA Trainee Profile Form; copy of birth certificate or any document that shows his or her date of birth, latest report card (Form 138), income tax return of parents or certification issued by BIR or barangay chairperson indicating that they are exempted from paying taxes, and certificate of good moral character from authorized barangay official.


==8 DAR scholars in So. Cotabato finish in Agri-tech course==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46744-South-Cotabato-cops-note-improved-operations.html
*Thursday, April 26, 2012
:by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/MTVQuimsing/DAR-SoCot)




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 26 (PIA) -- Eight scholars of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in South Cotabato under the Programang Agraryo Iskolar yesterday graduated their course at the Surallah National Agricultural School (SUNAS), in nearby Surallah town.


Ma. Theresa Quimsing, information officer of DAR-South Cotabato said, the scholars completed all requirements for a Diploma in Agricultural Technology.


The new graduate are Josephine Areza, Mery Chris De Joseph, Ernest John Eucare, Ramilyn Lasig, Jayren Mandeoya, Ryan Plenciano, Lovelyn Joy Retuyan, and Rosa Santerva.


For two years they received financial support for tuition fees, books, and personal allowances from DAR.


The “Programang Agraryo Iskolar” is part of the support services given to the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).


Under the program children of ARBs are given the opportunity to finish a college degree related to agriculture.


==MSMEs urged to avail of DOST funding==
The knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies should help them become agents in developing their awarded lands and spur progress in their community in general, Quimsing added.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331271422
*Friday 9th of March 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


==South Cotabato cops note improved operations==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46744-South-Cotabato-cops-note-improved-operations.html
*Wednesday, April 25. 2012
:by .(PNA)
LAP/AVE/AC


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato March 9 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12) is calling on managers and owners of micro small and medium enterprises to submit proposals for financial and other assistance deemed necessary to boost their enterprises.
In a press statement sent to the Philippine Information Agency today, DOST 12 Regional Director Zenaida P. Hadji Raof-Laidan said the regional office and its provincial science and technology centers are now accepting proposals from MSMEs for funding and assistance under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
SETUP, according to Dr. Laidan, is a flagship program of the agency geared toward assisting MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and boost their productivity and competitiveness.
DOST helps these MSMEs improve productivity by product quality improvement, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management, and other operation-related activities.
Support that can be availed from the program include new technologies, manpower training, access to capital ad market, use of product standards and testing facilities, appropriate packaging and product labeling, supply of raw materials, access to information and efficient transport facilities.
MSMEs that may avail of assistance should be involved in the following priority sectors food processing; furniture and Home Furnishings; gifts, holiday decors and fashion accessories; marine and aquatic resources; horticulture; metals and engineering; information and communications technology; and halal, she said.
For more information, interested individuals and group may see the nearest provincial S& T center: Door 4, R&E Bldg., Alim St., Kidapawan City in North Cotabato; Door 2-A, 2Flr, Mervic N Egrillo Bldg., Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat; Brgy. Hall Compound, Calumpang in General Santos City for Gensan and Sarangani Province; and K/F Avenue Arcade, Alunan Avenue, Koronadal City in South Cotabato.
A staff of North Cotabato S& T Center, explained they have been directed to accept proposal until June this year.
He said, proposals will be submitted to the regional office in Cotabato City for evaluation before approved projects will be submitted to the National Program Management Office (NPMO) for final evaluation and approval.
In 2010, DOST poured P56.9 million as assistance to at least 415 MSMEs.
Laidan said, these resulted in improved productivity of local enterprises and gave jobs to at least 34,380 individuals.
In 2011, DOST 12 endorsed 10proposals to the NPMO. Of these three were approved, namely: Upgrading of Handmade Paper Production of General Santos City Gardeners Cooperative, Inc., Technology Upgrading of BACAS Production” and “Upgrading of Banana Chips and Dehydrated Fruits of Vmotril Food Products” in South Cotabato.
To further boost competitiveness of local MSMEs for both domestic and foreign markets, DOST 12 launched early this year a program that shall provide consultancy services to MSMEs in agriculture and manufacturing sectors supported by SETUP.
The program, called Consultancy For Agricultural and Manufacturing Improvement (CAMPI), has two components: Consultancy for Agricultural Enhancement Program (CAPE) and the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program(MPEX).
MSMEs,  who would avail of these consultancy projects, are assured of attaining higher productivity that will be favorable to their businesses, Dr. Laidan said.


==BFAR offers scholarship in fishery courses==
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Operations of police units in South Cotabato province significantly improved during the first three months of the year as they cleared over 73 percent of the crime incidents that occurred in the area.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611331172134
Senior Supt. Randolph Delfin, South Cotabato police director, said they achieved a crime clearance efficiency rating of 73.33 during the first quarter, which increased by 20 percent from last year’s records.
*Thursday 8th of March 2012
Crime clearance efficiency refers to the percentage of cleared cases out of the total number of crime incidents handled by law enforcement agencies for a given period of time.
:by   Jane Christine Balayo
In terms of crime solution efficiency, he said they slightly improved their rating from 25 percent last year to 27.33 percent this year.
“Out of the 793 crime incidents that we handled, 494 were so far cleared and 218 have been solved,” Delfin said.
The police official said among their major accomplishment for the period was the recovery of 15 of the 23 motorcycles that were stolen within the province’s 10 towns and lone city.
He said they filed six cases on Monday against several identified carnapping or motorcycle theft suspects.
Delfin maintained that the province has remained generally peaceful and orderly as shown by the area’s crime statistics.
He said the average crime rate in the area during the first quarter of the year has gone down to 31.9 percent from the 35.7 percent in the same period last year.
In terms of illegal drugs, Delfin said they have so far arrested 33 suspects and launched 18 major operations in the area.
He said these operations have led to the recovery of some P5M worth of illegal drugs, specifically mehtamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" and marijuana.
The police official said they were able to arrest 75 persons with pending arrests warrants, including 18 who were facing illegal gambling charges.
Delfin added that they apprehended 12 suspects and recovered 18 high-powered arms in separate operations in Tantangan and Banga towns.


==LGU, Army to gather youth in leadership summit==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335246693
*Tuesday 24th of April 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 8 (PIA) -- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Region 12 (BFAR -12) is calling on graduating high school students and high school graduates interested in pursuing a career in fisheries to avail of the agency’s scholarship grant.
BFAR announced this week that they are still looking for scholarship grantees in Region 12 for its Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP), implemented in cooperation with the Department of Education and local government units.
The 20th National Competitive Examination for the FSP will be held on March 17, 2012 at Irineo L. Santiago National High School in General Santos City.
The scholarship is open to graduating high school graduating students or high school graduates in the Region who have not earned any unit in college.
Applicants must not be more than 20 year old and should belong to the top 10 of their graduating class to qualify in the said scholarship, the announcement said.
Successful examinees shall be entitled to a scholarship package and will be allowed to enroll with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries in any of the following schools in June this year: University of the Philippines in the Visayas in Miag-ao, Iloilo; Central Luzon State University in Munoz, Nueva Ecija; or Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences.
The scholarship package is inclusive of free matriculation and other school fees, allowances, and other support provided they satisfy the minimum requirements that are stipulated in the contract between BFAR and the scholars.
BFAR 12 Regional Director Sani D. Macabalang said that the scholarship is one way of searching and molding future key players and potential leaders who will promote the development and welfare of globally competitive fisheries and aquatic resources in the Philippines.
Jean Griengo, a parent of one of the aspirants said that the offered scholarship is indeed a great help for to parents.
“I am praying that my daughter would be one of the fortunate students who will acquire the scholarship and if that happens I would be much thankful,” Griengo said while submitting the filled out application form of her child.
The examination will be conducted simultaneously in 17 regions nationwide.
Only the top 10 passers from each of these regions will be identified. Their names shall be published in national dailies before the opening of classes for the first semester of school year 2012-2013.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their filled out application forms to the FSP regional coordinators at BFAR Regional Offices in Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City. (BFAR 12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


==BIR-Soccsksargen launches 2012 tax filing season==
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army and the local government are organizing a four-day leadership summit on May 13 where more than 200 young people from Tampakan town are expected to attend.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331090675
*Wednesday 7th of March 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Gricelda Pacano, social welfare and development officer of Tampakan said the local government and the 27th Infantry Battalion are collaborating to hold the Youth Leadership Summit (YSL) 2012 to increase awareness among young residents of their responsibilities and help achieve lasting peace in their respective communities.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 7 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Soccsksargen area (Revenue Region No. 18) officially started today the 2012 income tax filing season with a tax campaign kick-off program.
Pacano said, the activity will be held at the Rock Ridge Resort in Barangay Lambayong, Tampakan and will be attended by young people from the municipality’s 14 barangays.  
The tax campaign kickoff began with a motorcade from the BIR’s regional office in Barangay Carpenter Hill to the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center along Alunan Ave., this city. where a program signalling the start of the income tax filing season was held. 
In attendance are local government officials, employees of LGUs and national line agencies as well as private sector representatives in the region.
“I am pleased to inform you that for the preceding year of 2011, our office had a total collection of P4,420,940,992 as against our goal of 4,166,853,000,” Atty. Rozil Lozares, BIR- RR No. 18 regional director said in a letter sent to the Philippine Information Agency – 12.
Surplus collection of BIR RR No. 12 amounted to P254,087,992 or 6.10 percent of their 2011 target.
“Our collection goal for the current year is P5,126,213,000,” he added.
RDO Bagro Saransamun of Revenue District Office -111 (Koronadal and South Cotabato) said after the kickoff program, they will embark on a massive information drive across the 10 municipalities and lone city of South Cotabato to encourage taxpayers to pay their obligations on time.
“In these information drives we will help the public understand the role of taxes on their lives as well as the benefits that can be derived from taxes,” he said.
Other revenue districts are also expected to conduct similar campaigns, he said, to be able to achieve their expected collection targets.
Revenue Region No. 18 covers five revenue districts: Cotabato City and Maguindanao (RDO-107), North Cotabato and Kidapawan City (RDO-108), Sultan Kudarat and Tacurong City (RDO-109), Sarangani and General Santos City (RDO-110), and South Cotabato and Koronadal City (RDO-111).


==Solon releases P2.36-M livelihood fund for senior citizens, women’s groups==
She said, the summit specifically aims to develop leadership potential of the young people, increase their knowledge of peace and development, educate them on the effects of illegal drug use, and improve their understanding of patriotism and cooperation with their communities.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331006833
*Tuesday 6th of March 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Activities shall include lectures and workshops on interpersonal communication, disaster risk reduction and management, dangerous drugs awareness, gender and cultural sensitivity, values formation, social responsibility, environmental awareness, threats to national security, knowing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and government plans for the youth sector.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 6 (PIA) --  Cotabato  Second  District Representative  Nancy Catamco  last  week  distributed  checks worth  P2.36 million  intended  as livelihood assistance for  women’s  groups and senior  citizens’  organizations  in six municipalities  of the province.
Other activities include film viewing, contests on logo and poster-making, extemporaneous speech, mural painting, and Search for Mr. and Ms. YLS 2012.  
A  press  release  from Rep. Catamco’s  congressional  office said, turnover  of checks were  held on February 28  at the  Antipas municipal  hall  for recipients in  President Roxas, Arakan, and Antipas  at  the Kidapawan City gymnasium  for  beneficiaries  of  municipalities of  Makilala and Magpet  city of  Kidapawan.
It  noted that the  amount  were  released  by  the  Department of  Budget  and Management  in response to initiatives of the  congresswoman  to provide  productive  livelihood to her  constituents.
A staff of the congressional office,  in a  phone  interview,  said the congresswoman  gave P10,000  for women’s  organizations in each of 171  barangays and  P100,000  for  senior citizen’s  associations in  each of the aforementioned municipalities.
During the turnover  ceremony,  Catamco  promised  she will  give  additional  financial  assistance to  groups  that would  earn  profits  from the initial  funding  in three to  six  months.
In total,  a financial assistance of  P350,000  was downloaded for  recipients in  President Roxas; P380,000  in  Arakan;  P230,000 in  Antipas;  P480,000 in  Makilala;  P420,000 in  Magpet, and P500,000  in Kidapawan City.
The  congressional  office is being  assisted  by  the social  welfare  offices  of the LGUs  in implementation of this  advocacies  tagged as  “Women’s Empowerment Through Livelihood Opportunity Veered to Enhance Novelty Cooperatives”  (WE LOVE NC), and “A Noble Care for Golden Elder-Members” (NC’s-GEM).
Livelihood  projects  conceptualized  for  the elderlies include small and medium enterprise-livestock livelihood projects, small and medium enterprise-goat dispersal livelihood project, and establishment of pharmacy for  senior citizens.  
Women’s association,  on the other hand, could  choose from the following  livelihood  project options: noodles and pasta making, commercial baking, soap making, curtain–bed covers weaving , give-away  gift making,  candle making, meat processing,  nutritional snacks, catering and food services, food and beverage services, fruits and vegetables processing, children’s wear and ladies’ RTWs, piggery, cattle fattening,  chicken and duck raising,  and  goat raising.


==South Cotabato eyes development of more rubber plantations==
Youth participants are also expected to organize their community action plan and pass a manifesto or oath for peace on the final day of the summit. (DED-PIA 12, South Cotabato)
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=410285
*March 5, 2012, 5:06 pm
:by  (PNA)
DCT/LAM/AVE


==Army troops join Earth Day clean-up drive in Tacurong City==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335164680
*Monday 23rd of April 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 5 (PNA) -– South Cotabato officials are pushing for the development of additional rubber plantations this year in several upland villages in T’boli town in a bid to provide alternative livelihood for local residents, some of whom had reportedly turned to marijuana cultivation for survival.


South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said he directed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) to fast track the expansion of rubber plantations in Barangay Salacafe and neighboring villages in T’boli through a financing partnership earlier forged by the local government with the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- Troops of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade based in nearby Tacurong City on Saturday joined different sectors in a clean-up drive, which was part of the city’s celebration of the Earth Day 2012.  


The governor said they have identified portions of Barangay Salacafe, where some P1 million worth of marijuana plants were uprooted last week by local police operatives, as part of the project area.
Civil military operations officer Cpt. Alex Escalante, explained the Unifier Brigade’s participation in the “Limpyo Kalog” (cleaning of canals) was to encourage people to participate in environmental preservation and protection.  


He said such move was proposed by South Cotabato Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Randolf Delfin as a counter-measure against the proliferation of marijuana plantations in the area.
Other participants of the activity were member of the Philippine National Police, employees and officials of the local government units, academe and the transports groups.  


Local police personnel destroyed last Feb. 25 close to 4,000 fully-grown marijuana plants and 9,500 seedlings that were recovered in plantations located in Sitios Blo and Culi of Barangay Salacafe.
Non-government organizations, civil society and the private sector also joined in the activity.  


“Through this project, we’re hoping to eventually lure away our residents there from cultivating marijuana,” Pingoy said.
Clean-up focused on cleaning of the city’s canals of wastes, debris, plastics and other materials that could clog the drainage during heavy rains as well as clearing of the grasses along the national highway.  


Pingoy said the provincial government signed last year a financing scheme with Land Bank for the establishment of rubber plantations covering 111 hectares in the area.
After the clean-up drive, participants converged at the City Hall Ground for a short program


He said Land Bank had allocated some P10 million for the initiative, which will mainly involve marginalized farmers within the project area.
Unifier Brigade commander, Col. Edmundo Pangilinan reminded the participants: “Earth Day is every day, so let us work together and better care for our natural environment.  


Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist, said the T’boli expansion will be patterned after the 127-hectare rubber plantation development project that started last year in Barangay Lamdalag in Lake Sebu town.
Tacurong City councilor Psyche Sucaldito, Tacurong , chairperson of the committee on environment also expressed appreciation to all participants for sharing their time and effort to care for Mother Earth.  


He said the Lake Sebu rubber plantation project, which is also supported by Land Bank, is situated within the critical watershed area of the critical Allah River.
Earth Day is an annual global celebration, spearheaded by the Earth Day Network. It is geared toward bringing awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment.  


“The project was designed to provide alternative livelihood for local farmers and residents and at the same time help reforest and rehabilitate our watersheds,” Legaste said.
This year, the Earth Day Network expected at least two billion people worldwide joining the Earth Day celebration and helping “Mobilize the Earth.”


Barangay Salacafe in T’boli is the closest village to Mt. Melebengoy (formerly Parker) and critical crater-lake Holon (formerly Maughan), which drains at the Allah River.


The project areas form part of the 102,350-hectare Allah Valley Protected Landscape, which covers four municipalities in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.


Legaste said the local government is currently promoting the development of rubber plantations in the province due to the area’s suitability and the crop’s rising value in the markets.


“In terms of income, our farmers may potentially earn about P12,000 to P15,000 per hectare by the time the actual production begins on the sixth or seventh year,” he said.


Legaste said the demand for rubber has been increasing steadily that North Cotabato, the area’s top rubber producer, failed to meet the market’s requirements last year.


“Our target right now is to develop around 200 hectares of rubber plantations through the project so we can later open a village-based rubber processing plant,” he added.


==Scholarship Program==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353192/lanao-workshop
*March 4, 2012, 2:24am
:by  Mindanao Newsbits




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has allotted P24 million for its flagship Kabugwason-Paglaum Scholarship Program (KPSP) and grant-in aid assistance to poor but deserving students this year, a provincial government official said.


Alex Basco, executive director of the KPSP, announced during the Kapehan sa Kapitolyo of the province’s information office Thursday that P15 has been earmarked for matriculation and stipend of scholars in degree and non-degree courses. The remaining P9 million is set for grant-in-aid assistance to recipients in high school and elementary levels.


==LGU allocates P24 M for scholarship program==
==Peace Council objects to establishment of MILF camps in the So. Cotabato==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330752356
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611335053963
*Saturday 3rd of March 2012
*Sunday 22nd of April 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato March 3 (PIA) -- The provincial  government  of South Cotabato  has  allotted  P24 million for  its  flagship  Kabugwason-Paglaum  Scholarship  Program (KPSP) and  grant-in aid  assistance to  poor but  deserving  students  this  year, a  provincial  government official  said.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr. during its second quarter meeting on Wednesday passed two resolutions objecting the putting up of two camps in the province by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).  
 
Alex Basco,  executive  director of the KPSP,  announced  during the Kapehan  sa  Kapitolyo  of the province’s  information office Thursday  that P15  has been  earmarked for matriculation and  stipend of  scholars  in  degree and  non-degree  courses.
Senior Board Member Jose Madanguit, who was the proponent of the two resolutions, disclosed that the acts of the MILF was in violation of the present ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.  
The  remaining P9 million is set for  grant-in-aid  assistance  to recipients in  high school and  elementary  levels.
This  year, the KPSP  is  open to applicants  who would  like to  pursue  medical  courses  or  take up Bachelor of Laws.
“Based  on our  observation of  scholarship  programs  offered  by local  government  units,  our  (South Cotabato’s) Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship  Program,  has  the biggest  support to its  beneficiaries,”  Basco said.
KPSP is open to  single residents of  South Cotabato  who are not  over 25 years old and whose family’s  gross  annual  income  does  not  exceed  P150,000.
Scholars  receive  financial  assistance  ranging  from  P15,000  to P27,000  per semester.
According to the guidelines,  scholars in the degree courses whose families’ annual gross income does not reach P75,000 as well as those who are members of indigenous peoples groups and persons with disabilities receive  financial assistance amounting to P27,0000 per semester, which includes P12,000 for matriculation and P3,000 monthly stipend.
Those whose family income ranged from P75,000 to P150,000 receive P18,000 per semester (P12,000 matriculation and P1,200 monthly stipend) while those who have given honors to the province via national and international games and competitions receive a semestral assistance of P21,000 (P12,000 for matriculation and P1,800 monthly stipend).
Scholars in the ladderized program receive P15,000 assistance per semester, which covers P9,000 for matriculation and P1,200 monthly stipend.
Basco said, this  year, they advise applicants  who undergo the stringent  selection process to  avoid  courses  that have  been  covered  by moratorium orders  of the Commission in Higher  education, including  nursing, education,  hotel and restaurant  management, information  technology among others.
“The scholarship committee is also encouraging  scholars  to enrol in state  universities and colleges,”  he said.
Having  more  students enrolling  in  SUCs, he explained,  would mean  more savings  for the  KPSP and  more poor students  who  could  be  given educational support.
Among the  SUCs  where  many scholars of the  program  enrol are  University of Southern Mindanao  in Kabacan, North Cotabato  and  Mindanao State  University  General Santos  City Campus.
Since  the program’s launching  seven years ago, Basco added, KPSP  has already helped  169 individuals  finish either  degree or  non-degree  courses.
In March and April,  109 scholars  are expected to complete  their  courses,  34 in  degree  courses and  75 in non-degree courses.
Under the grant-in-aid program, he said, 505 grantees in the tertiary level, 356 for the short/modular courses, and 15,619 secondary students will also graduate this year.
KPSP  has also  supported  1,562  pupils  in  its grant-in-aid program, which has benefited some 1,562 pupils.
During the  weekly program of the provincial  government “Gov. Dodo u gang Katawhan”  on February  25,  Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy  Jr. said,  he  has  advised the  scholarship committee  to  allocated  equal  scholarship  slots  to all  ten  municipalities and one city under the province.
Last year, KPSP  operated on an allocation  of P22.3 million. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12) 


The first resolution specifically objected to the putting up of a camp at Tudok, T’boli, while the second resolution also objected the putting up of a satellite camp at Sitio Lampakpak, Lampari, Banga.


Both resolutions also called for the immediate dismantling of the two camps.


The move was prompted after the presentation of Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in the town of Tupi, confirming the presence of the MILF to set up camps in the province.


“The MILF 107th Base Command with a strength, more or less, of about 200 fully armed combatants, was responsible for setting up the camp in Tudok, T’boli,” Bravo added, ”but the camp is currently maintained by members numbering between 30 to 40 only.”


In Sitio Lampakpak, Lampari, Banga, the military has monitored around 11 fully armed members staying in the satellite camp.


Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo and Banga Mayor Henry Ladot, who were present during the meeting and whose municipalities bordered the MILF satellite camp, expressed their respective concerns regarding the situation and appealed for intervention, especially in the dismantling of the camp.


The satellite camp was previously occupied by the MILF, but dismantled about five years ago, which raised questions among PPOC members why the said group occupied it again.


==Koronadal city dads ok purchase of lot for terminal complex==
In an interview with a radio station here today, MILF vice chairman Gadzali Jaafar confirmed that they have several camps in South Cotabato and the neighboring provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330405208
*Tuesday 28th of February 2012
:by  pia.gov.ph


He, however, cannot confirm the presence of the camps that were identified in the PPOC resolution.


KORONADAL  CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 28 (PIA) --  Members of the city  council  here  yesterday  approved  the resolution  authorizing  Mayor  Peter  B. Miguel  to  buy  the lot  where  the city’s  public terminal  complex  will  be built  on.
Jaafar emphasized that residents in South Cotabato need not be concerned about the camps in the province because they respect the ceasefire agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government. (DED-PIA 12/ FS-SoCot-PIO)


   
==DTI’s SME Caravan 2012 focuses on upgrading enterprises==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334961208
*Saturday 21st of April 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles


Through  a nominal  voting where each  member  had  to explain his or her view on the issue,  eight  members  of the Sangguniang  Panglungsod  approved the  resolution for the city’s  purchase of the  5.9-hectare  property  of Abella family  at  Purok Yellow Bell, Pinto Subdivision, Barangay Zone 3.


KORONADAL CITY, Southern Mindanao April 21 (PIA) -- Once again, Sultan Kudarat province’s Department of Trade and Industry will gather micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Soccsksargen Region to help boost local enterprises.


This time though, preferred participants to the SME Caravan 2012 at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Gymnasium in Isulan town on April 25 to 26 are those who have existing enterprises and are looking for means to improve their businesses.


Sultan Kudarat Trade & Industry Provincial Director Nelly Dillera said the SME Caravan 2012 aims to provide the local entrepreneurs with first hand information on entrepreneurship – from improvement of product to capacitating entrepreneurs.


“This year’s SME Caravan in Region 12 would help the growing number of entrepreneurs learn how to manage their businesses, access funds, maintain high level of product quality for food and enhance their awareness on sensing the right and legitimate local and international market opportunities,” Dillera said.


“There shall also be a topic on Tourism Product Identification and Development to aid the tourism officers and even landowners in identifying potential area for tourism development.”


Among the resource persons invited for the breakout sessions include Roberto Castañeda and Euclid Cezar.


Castañeda, who will share his knowledge on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and surviving pitfalls of small businesses, is the founder of the Don Roberto’s Winery, producer of the world’s first mango wine. Besides, its green mango and sweet mango wines, his company also produces brewed coffee wine.


Cezar, a professor of San Beda College – Manila, is a well-known business coach and host of “Super Entrepinoy” program. He is the owner of Ink More which sells ready-to-use ink cartridges.


==Thousands set to join simultaneous quake drill in South Cotabato==
“We want to benchmark what these entrepreneurs have done to be able to inspire our ‘kababayans’ to aspire to attain what these entrepreneurs have achieved,” Dillera said in an interview with a local radio station.  
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=408623
*February 27, 2012, 3:13 pm
:by  (PNA)
LDV/AVE/KZT


Other resource persons include Engr. Menandro Ortego, OIC Testing and Inspection Division of the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), who will discuss food safety assurance system; and Dennis Monong, assistant vice president for Mindanao operations of People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) who will teach MSMEs how to find best financing for their businesses.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 27 (PNA) – Thousands of government employees, students and private workers in South Cotabato province are set to join the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill scheduled on Thursday (March 1).
Side events such as trade fair of Region 12’s best products, market matching, product evaluation, design exhibit, online business name registration, and plant visit and assessment for the acquisition of Food and Drug License to Operate.  


Isidro Janita, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, said Monday that hundreds of government offices, schools and private establishments have already confirmed to participate in the drill.
Dillera said preferred participants are entrepreneurs involved in the region’s priority industries like processors of coffee, muscovado, banana, coconut, bangus/fishery, crafts, bamboo, pangasius, rubber, palm oil, mango, ICT-BPO.  


The activity is mainly aimed at enhancing the area’s preparations against possible earthquake-related disasters that may hit the area.
Dillera reported that number of new businesses in Sultan Kudarat has increased 84 percent, from 959 newly registered businesses in 2010 to 1,770 in 2011. Last year, 121 new entrepreneurs were created, which is 74 percent higher than the 107 new entrepreneurs in 2010.  


He said the holding of the drills will be spearheaded by the disaster risk reduction and management councils of the province’s 10 towns and lone city.
This is a two-day activity for free but reservations must be made for pre-screening. Contact the nearest DTI office for details and reservations. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


“This will make us more aware of possible earthquake scenarios and the proper measures to take in case they occur in our area,” Janita said.
==South Cotabato generally peaceful -- PNP==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611334888702
*Friday 20th of April 2012
:by  (Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr./DED-PIA 12/SoCot PIO)


Thursday’s earthquake drill was the first activity scheduled this year by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.


The drills are done simultaneously nationwide once every quarter.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 20 (PIA) -- “The peace and order situation in the province is generally peaceful, under control,” Police Senior Superintendent Randolf Delfin, South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) Provincial Director, during the 2nd quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held on Wednesday in Koronadal City.  


Elizabeth Consular, principal of the Koronadal Central Elementary School (KCES-1) in Koronadal City, said they mandated all their students and teachers to participate in the scheduled drill.
For the first quarter of the year, Delfin said, the province’s total crime volume was 793. Of this number 494 were cleared and 218 were solved.  


“We want our students and teachers to become familiar with the proper emergency measures in case an earthquake would strike just like what happened recently in (western and central) Visayas,” she said.
PD Delfin said that the province’s crime rate in the first quarter of this year have reduced compared to last year in the same period.  


She was referring to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the Visayas region last month that killed more than 50 people.
Data indicated that the crime rate for the first quarter of 2012 averaged 31.9% versus 35.7% in the first quarter of last year, he reported.  


“We need to have these drills on a regular basis to prevent possible tragedies in case disasters would hit our area,” Consular said.
Crime solution efficiency, he continued, increased from 25% in 2011 to 27.33% in 2012; crime cleared efficiency also increased from 53.33% in 2011 to 73.33% in 2012.  


Janita said they are currently conducting a province-wide information drive for the upcoming simultaneous earthquake drill to ensure wider participation among residents.
The SCPPO scored big in its campaign against illegal drugs with 33 persons arrested out of 18 operations conducted, and confiscating in the process illegal drugs (both marijuana and shabu) with an estimated DDB street value of more than P5 million .  


Aside from the drill proper, the official said they will also hold pre-drill orientations and provide earthquake information lectures to the upcoming drill participants.
In its campaign against wanted persons, 75 persons with warrants of arrest were apprehended while 18 financiers, coordinators or ushers were likewise arrested in its campaign against illegal gambling.  


he SCPPO report further indicated that they were able to recover IEDs at Lamba, Banga and Magon, Tantangan early this year, and 18 low-powered and high-powered firearms which resulted in the apprehension of 12 suspects.


In their anti-carnapping campaign, the SCPPO were able to recover 15 motorcycles out of the 23 incidents reported, in which six cases have been filed in court.


==RDRRMC, LGUs in Soccsksargen region discuss RA 10121==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611334810706
*Thursday 19th of April 2012
:by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)






KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) -- Local chief executives and LGU officials involved in disaster risk reduction and management across Soccsksargen region gathered here yesterday to discuss issues pertaining to the two-year old RA 10121 otherwise known as "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010".


Jerome Barranco, assistant regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12, explained that the regional consultation organized by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 12 was called to clarify issues regarding RA 10121.


==NGO helps local govt provide cheaper medicine to poor patients==
He said there have been “varying interpretations of the new law resulting in either immediate or delayed establishment of the local DRRM (disaster risk reduction and management ) councils.”
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330221209
*Sunday 26th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


“The latter was due to the hesitation or fear of violating audit and budget rules,” he continued.


KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato, Feb 26 (PIA)  --  More  health services are coming to  indigent  residents  of South Cotabato with another partnership forged  between the provincial  government and non government  organization.
He added that they brought together governors and mayors as well as chairpersons of local DRRMs and budget officers of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos City basically to increase local awareness on the DRRM law.  
According to  the provincial government’s  official  website,  Mahintana Foundation Inc.,  a  foundation  funded by the  Dole  Philippines,  has  agreed to  provide a initial of at  least  P1.7 million  worth of surgical and medicine  packages  intended  for  poor  residents  in the  area.
These packages  are  available  at the  Health Plus Shop in a Shop (HPSIS) inside the  South Cotabato Provincial  Hospital, in  this  city.
Provincial  health  officer Dr. Rogelio  Aturdido said that the initiative  aims to  give better  health services  for poor  patients who often lack financial  resources to pay  for  surgical  resources.
Initially,  available  packages  with complete  set of medicine  at the HPSIS were  for  surgical  cases of  appendectomy, caesarean  section, and other obstetrics cases.
“We hope that  we can cover 22 more surgical cases in the  next months,”  Aturdido  was  quoted as  saying.
These  packages  are priced  much lower than those  available in most  pharmacies in the area. 
But patients who are beneficiaries of local  government - sponsored  PhilHealth  indigency program need  not pay  a single centavo to avail of the  surgical and  medicine  packages  because the  cost  will be  charged  against their PhilHealth insurance. 
“With the medicine packs in place, our poor patients no longer need to purchase medicines outside the hospital and then wait for PhilHealth’s reimbursement that usually take 45 days to two months to process,” Gov. Arthur  Y. Pingoy  Jr.  said  in an interview with local  reporters at the project launching.
“We need  all the help  that we  can get and we are very thankful to have Mahintana  helping  us out in our aim to provide better and quality health  services to the poor,” he added.
With the Mahintana operating  a  pharmacy inside the provincial  hospital is  a  great  advantage  to the  provincial  government, Pingoy said, because  70 percent of its  net  income  will be  returned as  rebate to the  hospital and can be used  for  repairs and  upgrading of the health facililty.
Mahintana  Foundation has  been  a  partner of the  provincial  government  in many of its  initiatives for the poor. Other projects that the Foundation is involved in are the supplemental feeding  for day care children and the poorest of the poor, and the construction of chairs and tables  for  public elementary  and  high school in the area.
Rey Gabaldon, project manager  of Mahintana  Foundation said  they will continue  to help in uplifting the lives of the poor in the  province.
He said  the  HPSIS inside the provincial  hospital will be  opened  24  hours.  They also  plan to replicate the  surgical and  medicine  package  project in other  provinces.


Objectives include orienting the LGUs on civil service guidelines pertaining to the establishment of DRMM offices and budgetary and audit guidelines on the allocation and utilization of the local DRRM funds.


Regional officials of the Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management, and Commission of Audit were present to discuss the aforementioned issues with the LCEs and other LGU officials.


It was also a venue for the LGUs and local DRRM councils to learn from the successful experiences of some locally established DRRM offices, including South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces and Tupi municipality, Barranco further explained.


Tupi’s Barangay Poblacion’s DRRM Council of is a Gawad Kalasag National Awardee for its excellent implementation of disaster risk reduction and management plan and humanitarian assistance.


“The importance of disaster preparedness cannot be relegated to the backseat,” South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said during his presentation of his provinces DRRM efforts.


He emphasized that the LGUs are primarily tasked with a great responsibility of protecting its inhabitants.


This is why, the said, South Cotabato LGU is set to organize disaster response teams from the grassroots.


==Fire destroys P5-M properties in Koronadal City==
At least 44 volunteers per barangay will be trained to improve the capability of the villages to respond to disasters and calamities, the governor added.  
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=408218
*February 25, 2012, 11:21 pm
:by  (PNA)
DCT/AVE


In 2011, South Cotabato’s provincial board passed SP Resolution 99 s. 2011 for the establishment of the provincial DRRM office, now being headed by the provincial administrator with initial designation of employees from the Disaster Management Section of the Disaster and Crisis Management Division of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office along with some employees under the Provincial Administrator’s Office.


KORONADAL CITY, Feb. 25 (PNA) -– An estimated P5-million worth of properties and valuables went up in smoke in a huge fire that gutted almost an entire block of a crowded commercial district here late Friday afternoon.
“This was resorted to because there were no clear-cut guidelines covering the staffing requirements for the PDRRMO,” Gov. Pingoy reasoned.  


Chief Insp. Edzrapel Dilawangan, South Cotabato fire marshall, said no casualties were reported but 15 residential and business establishments along Roxas, Abad Santos and Rizal streets here were leveled down by the fire, which started at past 4 p.m.
As per section 21 of the RA 10121, “not less than five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources should be set aside as Local DRRM Fund.”


The affected establishments comprised five boarding houses, three stores, two residences, two balloon shops, a tailoring, an eatery and a billiard hall, he said.
Seventy percent of which can be allocated for “pre-disaster preparedness programs including training, purchasing life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post-disaster activities, and for payment of premiums on calamity insurance.”


The official said among those totally destroyed was a three-storey boarding house building, which mainly cater to students from a nearby university.
“The remaining 30 percent shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund or standy-fund for relief and recovery programs.”


“According to (Koronadal) Mayor Peter Miguel, the damage on the three-storey building could be worth around P3 to P4 million. The Koronadal City fire station estimated an initial damage of P1 million to other establishments,” Dilawangan said in a radio interview.
However, Pingoy pointed out, that the same law has not been clear about the 70 percent pre-disaster allocation.  


But he said the damage value could still increase as their investigators have yet to complete their assessment and clearing operations at the fire scene.
“There have been discussions whether we are allowed to purchase rescue vehicles out of this fund.”


Based on their initial investigation, Dilawangan said the fire allegedly originated from the residence of the Tiamzon family.
“We are happy to hear that we have with us DBM and COA,” he said. “Hopefully we will be enlightened on this problem.”


He said they have yet to establish the cause of the incident but their investigators initially theorized that it could have been triggered by a faulty electrical connection.
Meanwhile, Director Ronald I. Flores, civil defense executive officer of the Office of the Civil Defense central office who came here as guest of honor announced that the national government is on the final stage of putting up a guideline on the utilization of the Local DRRM Fund.  


He said the fire immediately spread towards neighboring establishments, including those located across the street where it supposedly started.
“In due time, the national council, especially the financial community of the national government will come up with a guideline on the utilization of the Local DRRM Fund,” Flores said.  


“It spread so fast because of the electrical lines and the strong winds,” said Dilawangan, citing accounts from witnesses.
“What is stipulated in the implementing rules and regulations related to RA 10121 is that the money can be used for preparedness, mitigation, and rehabilitation,” he said.  


Dilawangan said fire trucks from the Koronadal City fire station and the volunteer fire brigade of a local shopping mall was able to respond at the scene after the first fire call.
“This allows for a wide interpretation by the local government units, including the Commission on Audit which looks into out financial transactions.”


He said firefighters and fire trucks from other nearby municipal fire stations also helped contain the fire, which was controlled about an hour later.
However, Flores assured that in the guideline that the national government will issue soon will be specific as to where these funds can be allocated.  


“Right now, we're conducting a thorough check at the scene for other possible faulty and illegal electrical connections as well as overloaded lines to prevent a repeat of similar incident,” he added.
He said the guideline is being prepared by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, DBM, Department of Finance, and OCD. Preparations for the said guideline, he added, was started after RA 10121 became a law on May 27, 2010.


On orders from Mayor Miguel, the city government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, established an assistance center to address the immediate needs of the affected residents.
==NIA-12 honors outstanding irrigators in 34th anniv==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611334716951
*Wednesday 18th of April 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA-12) celebrates its 34th founding anniversary this week with a lineup of several activities culminating in the awarding of outstanding irrigators’ associations, officials, and employees.


Eveyln Bragasin, information officer of NIA-12 said activities of the three-day celebration, which started yesterday, include sports competitions in volleyball, dart, badminton, and table tennis. She added that there shall also be cultural dance and choir competitions and Search for Miss NIA-12.


Outstanding irrigators’ associations, irrigation management office managers, operation and maintenance chiefs and employees will also be given awards on April 19 at the Notre Dame of Midsayap College Gymnasium in Midsayap, Cotabato. NIA administrator Antonio s. Nangel will be the guest of honor and speaker in the awards program.


Major awardees this year include Engr. C’zar M. Sulaik of North Cotabato as most outstanding Irrigation Management Office Manager, Engr. Gina L. Lozano as most outstanding operation and maintenance chief; Bulacanon IA, Inc. of North Cotabato as most outstanding irrigators’ association under the communal irrigation systems category and Napal-Conel Road IA, Inc. of General Santos City as most outstanding irrigators association for the national irrigation systems category.


Outstanding awardees for operation and maintenance are Engrs. Edna C. Bantala, irrigation superintendent of Libungan River Irrigation System; Flora May D. Respicio, principal engineer A of Mlang/Malasila Rivers Irrigation System; Rory F. Avance, principal engineer A of Kabacan River Irrigation System; Orlando A. Tibang, principal engineer A of Marbel-Banga Rivers Irrigation System; Julio L. Antenor, principal engineer A of Ala River Irrigation System and Cesar D. Agduma, principal engineer A of Lambayong/Tacurong River Irrigation System.


Mary Grace S. Gonzales of Mlang/Malasila Rivers Irrigation System will also receive recognition as outstanding senior water resource facilities technician.


NIA-12 will also honor irrigators' associations who have shown exemplary performance in the past year.


For its Club 100 Award, NIA-12 will honor 13 irrigators associations (IA) from the national irrigation systems and for the communal irrigation systems, 19 from North Cotabato area, 9 from Sultan Kudarat, 1 from Maguindanao and 9 from Sarangani.


==South Cotabato miner seeks endorsement for production phase==
“The Club 100 Award is given to IAs of national irrigation systems which has attained 100 percent collection efficiency for both wet and dry seasons with an average programmed area of 80 percent of the service area, average irrigated area for wet and dry seasons is 80 percent of the programmed area and the benefited area for dry and wet seasons is 80 percent of the irrigated area,” Bragasin explained.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=407971
*February 24, 2012, 8:41 pm
:by  (PNA)
FFC/AVE/RSS


It is also given to, “IAs of communal irrigation systems which have attained 100 percent or more Current Amortization Payment Efficiency with no back account or have fully paid their back account due.”


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 24 (PNA) - A foreign-backed gold and silver mining project in T’boli town is asking for the endorsement of the South Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to go on commercial stream, officials confirmed on Friday.
Four IAs in North Cotabato, two in South Cotabato, two in Sarangani and one in Sultan Kudarat have qualified for the Golden Star Award.  


Lawyer Eumir Ernesto Tiamzon, Tribal Mining Corp. president, said their application for endorsement is up for deliberation by the provincial board.
Moreover, Silver Star Awards will be given to two IAs in Maguindanao and one in Sultan Kudarat.  


“We have presented the project as far as last year. We want to go on the production phase,” he said.
Bragasin explained that Golden Star Award is given to IAs from the national and communal irrigation systems which garnered the Highest Functionality Survey Rating (Outstanding Rating) while Silver Star Award is given to IAs from both national and communal irrigation systems with the Highest Functionality Survey Rating (Very Satisfactory Rating).  


Canadian firm Cadan Resources, Inc. is a major investor to the T’boli gold-silver project. Tribal Mining was granted the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement 090-97-XI covering 84.20 hectares in 1997.
Buluan-Pigcawayan Irrigators Association, Inc. of North Cotabato will receive a special award for being a Hall of Famer in the Highest Functionality Survey Rating.  


The area straddles the “minahang bayan” or people’s small-scale mining area, covering 21 hectares, that was declared over a decade ago by the provincial government.
This year’s celebration theme is “Samahang NIA, IA at LGU Patuloy na Pagtibayin Upang Makamtan Sapat na Pagkain ng Pamayanan.”


An endorsement from the provincial government is one of the requirements before the project can go on commercial stream, said Constancio Paye Jr., regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
According to the agency’s website, NIA-12 “formally started its operation as a region on April 10, 1978 with its office based at Villarica, Midsayap, North Cotabato.  


Paye said that Tribal Mining filed with the regional office late last year its “Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility” (DMPF).
“That time, it was composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat. It had only four operational national irrigation systems, namely: Libungan, Kabacan, Mlang, and Malasila River Irrigation Systems.”


“I have endorsed the T’boli gold-silver project to the main office for approval,” he said separately.
At present, NIA 12 covers the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat as well as the province of Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).  


Aside from the local government units’ endorsements (provincial, town and barangay) and the approval of the DMPF, an environmental compliance certificate is required before the company can go on commercial mining activities, Paye said.
Among the guests expected to attend the awarding ceremony are North Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus N. Sacdalan, DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, Midsayap Mayor Manuel M. Rabara, Libungan Mayor Manuel T, Dela Serna, Pigcawayan Mayor Roberto S. Blasé and Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Datu Ramil B. Dilangalen, Al Haj and Mr. Gerardo R. Barrientos, president of the Regional Confederation of Irrigators Association president. (DED-PIA 12)


Board member Ernesto Catedral, chairman of the SP environmental protection committee, said that Tribal Mining requested for an endorsement because it has “finished its exploration activities.”


“The company wants to operate [commercially] the mine and this is being tackled by the committee,” he said.


Robert Butchart, Cadan Resources president and chief executive officer, said in a statement last month they are working towards the granting of permits that will allow the commencement of gold production.


“This transaction represents an important step in the implementation of a new strategy by Cadan, namely to focus on the more advanced and highgrade T’Boli gold and silver project,” Butchart said.


Cadan intends to invest in targeted drilling with the objective of expanding on the present indicated and inferred resources at T’boli, he noted.




Line 843: Line 852:




==South Cotabato fetes scholar graduates==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46390-South-Cotabato-fetes-scholar-graduates.html
*Tuesday, April 17. 2012
:by (PNA)
DCT/LOR/AVE/HST




==South Cotabato seeks DENR help to resolve land row in farming village==
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato recently honored at least 115 student-beneficiaries of its Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program (KPSP) who have graduated from various colleges and universities in the area.
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=407751
Alex Basco, KPSP executive officer, said the local government feted the graduates in recognition of their hardships and perseverance in pursuing their studies in the past several years.
*February 23, 2012, 5:05 pm
He said the scholars received certificates of completion for completing the degree and non-degree programs they pursued.
:by (PNA)  
Of this year’s graduates, seven were from batch three and 26 from batch four of the degree category while 75 were from the sixth batch of the non-degree category.
LAP/FFC/AVE/KZT
“Most of the graduates under the degree category took up courses in education, nursing, business administration, accountancy and engineering. For the non-degree category, most of the scholars took up computer-related courses,” Basco said.
The official said the scholarship program has so far produced 41 four-year degree holders and 128 non-degree or ladderized program graduates.
Basco said they have advised the program’s incoming scholars to take up courses or programs that have high employment demands such as mechanical engineering and electronics, agriculture, medical technology and pharmacy, among others.
He said they dissuaded them from taking up courses that have been placed on moratorium by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), among them the nursing degree.
The provincial government, which has institutionalized the scholarship program, has set aside an annual budget of P15 million for its implementation.
Such budget is on top of its P9 million annual allocation for the grant-in-aid program for tertiary, secondary and elementary students as well as for short or modular courses for the out-of-school youths.
Aside from the KPSP graduates, the local government also gave recognition to its six scholars who have completed their two-year Midwifery ladderized course at the University of the Philippines-Manila School of Health Sciences extension campus in Koronadal City.
As part of the program, the six graduates will be taking a brief break to serve their communities before proceeding to the nursing course and medical degree later on.




GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 23 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has sought for a re-survey of lands in a farming village in Polomolok town in South Cotabato in a bid to resolve a worsening land conflict in the area.


South Cotabato Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. said Thursday they have asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct another survey of some 45 hectares of farmlands in Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok following claims from local Moro residents that they were part of their ancestral domain.


He said the move is aimed at establishing the real ownership of the lands and eventually diffuse the brewing tension in the area.


Two weeks ago, alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started to converge in the area supposedly to assist the claims of Moro residents over the lands from local Christian settlers.


The rebels, who were reportedly led by Nadsid Akmad alias Kumander Faisal, allegedly issued threats of violence against local landowners.


Rosanna Albido, a leader of local Christian settlers, said they were forced to stop tilling their farmlands for fear of their security following the issuance of the supposed threats from the rebels.


“We’re appealing to the Army and police forces to remain in the area to ensure our security while the problem is still being resolved,” she said in a consultation-dialogue hosted by the provincial government.


Akmad, who joined the dialogue, admitted they increased their presence in the area but cited that they were there as part of the claimants.


He denied allegations that they issued threats against the landowners and that never intend to sow terror in the area in connection with their claims.


The rebel leader urged the provincial government to relocate several Christian settlers who were staying in their claimed ancestral lands to help resolve the matter.


“We only want to claim our father’s land and we do not want any confrontation with the settlers,” he said.
==No extension for filing of ITR – BIR==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334554779
*Monday 16th of April 2012
:by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Akmad said they have documents issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform, DENR and the Registry of Deeds that prove their ownership over the lands.


To diffuse the tension in the area, Pingoy directed a temporary status quo over the ownership of the lands, which were subjects of a Certificate of Land Ownership Award issued by the government.


“I’m urging residents to go on with their normal lives and we’re hoping that the result of the DENR survey will finally resolve this problem,” the governor said.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , April 16 (PIA) -- Taxpayers only have until 12 midnight today, April 16, to file their income tax returns (ITR) and their will be no extension, an official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue here said.  


He ordered the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion to deploy regular personnel in the area pending the resolution of the problem..
Aileen Punzalan, assessment section chief of BIR Revenue District 111 (Koronadal City/South Cotabato), said, like other BIR offices across the region, their office will be open from 8:00 am in the morning until 12:00 midnight to cater to taxpayers who have waited for the deadline to file their respective ITRs.  


BIR RD 111, along with other revenue district offices under BIR Revenue Region No. 18, last month began an information drive to urge taxpayers to pay their taxes ahead of the April 16 deadline.


“But we expect overcrowding in our office today,” she said, “which is why we extend office hours until midnight.”


This, she said, is also the subject of a directive from BIR Central office to all revenue district offices to hold office until midnight to be able to accommodate all taxpayers.


“Commissioner Kim Henares has already announced that there will be no extension of the filing of the ITR,” Punzalan pointed out.


In 2011, BIR in Soccsksargen Region collected a total of P4.4 billion and surpassed its annual target of P4.167 billion by 6.1 percent or P254.09 million.


BIR RR-18 regional director Rozil Lozares confirmed that 70 percent of these come from the taxes withheld from the income of local employees.


This year has started well for the regional revenue with the five revenue district offices collecting P794.225 M or 12.11 percent higher that their period target of P708.463 M.


==34 job fairs planned for Region 12 in 2012==
Considering this performance of the revenue district office, Lozares said, exceeding the P5.126 billion 2012 target is most likely.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329895744
*Wednesday 22nd of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


==DA releases P6.9-M farm equipment to South Cotabato farmers==
*Source: http://positivenewsmedia.com/blog/2012/04/da-releases-p6-9-m-farm-equipment-to-south-cotabato-farmers/
* Apr 15, 2012
:by  (PNA
FFC/jfm/AVE/HST


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 22 (PIA) --  At least  34  job  fairs  have  been  scheduled by the  Department of  Labor and  Employment-12 (DOLE-12)  and  its  partners  for calendar year  2012.
DOLE-12’s  partners  include  private and  public  colleges and universities, Public  Employment Service  Offices (PESO), and  local  government units.
A  schedule of job fair  activity  released  by DOLE-12  yesterday  noted that  five are  set  this  month while  six will be  held in March.
The  remaining  job fairs in February will be held on February 24 at Notre Dame of Kidapawan  College in Kidapawan City;  on February 27 at Notre Dame of Midsayap College; and on February 29 at South Christian College in Midsayap --  all  in North Cotabato.
In March, job  fairs  will be held  at the  Municipal Plaza  of Banga, South Cotabato (March 1); at  Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Tacurong  City  (March 12 – 13); STI College in Koronadal City (March 15); Golden State College, General Santos City (March 18); Notre Dame University in Cotabato  City (March 21); and University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato (March 21).
In April, when  the bulk of  new  graduates join the job-seeking  population,  three  job fairs  are planned:  at Notre Dame of Dadiangas  University in General Santos  City on April 4; St. Alexius College in Koronadal City on April 27; and at Kidapawan City Gymnasium on April 27.
Major job  fairs are  also  planned  for the Labor Day  on May 1, namely:  at  Protech Center in Koronadal City, at Robinson’s Plaza in General Santos  City, and South Seas Mall in  Cotabato City.
Another  fair will be  held at the Municipal Hall of Pigcawayan, in North Cotabato  on May 12.
Jobs  available in these  fairs  are for local and  overseas employment.
As in the previous  job fairs, DOLE-12 advised  applicants  to bring several copies of their  pertinent  documents such transcript  of  records, training  certificates, passports (for foreign employment),and others.
During the recent  meeting of  the Regional Coordinating  Committee (RCC)  here, DOLE-12 Regional Director Chona  Mantilla, advised job seekers as well as  graduating  students to  register with the  PESO in their LGU.
“Part of our  employment facilitation  thrust  is  skills  registration  program, which  our field office  heads  are  concentrating,” she said.
She  added  that one of the major  uses of the job skills  registry  is to  fit  labor supply with the  needs of companies.
In this  way, she said,  more  applicants may be  hired on the spot  because the companies  that will be  invited to specific  job fairs  are those that need  workers that are  available in the particular areas  based on the  skills  registry.
Two  job fairs  each  are planned  for  June and  July, one in August,  four in September, three in November, and  three in December.




GENERAL SANTOS City, April 15 (PNA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released some P6.9 million worth of farm equipment to farmers’ groups in South Cotabato in a bid to further improve the area’s agricultural production.
Amalia Datukan, DA Region 12 director, said the assistance was part of the ongoing implementation of the agency’s rice mechanization and post harvest facility assistance program, which was availed by irrigators associations and cooperative in the area.
Datukan said it was also in line with the Agri Pinoy food staple sufficiency program pushed by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala.
“President Benigno S. Aquino III had endorsed this program as one of his administration’s top priorities,” she said.
Under the program, Datukan said South Cotabato received an allocation of 32 hand tractor units worth P3.95 million; 10 units of rice threshers worth P1.13 million; one unit of four-wheel drive tractor worth P761,117; and, nine units of multi-purpose drying pavement worth P1.125 million.
The recipients were the Parbangon Irrigators Association of Barangay San Felipe in Tantangan; farmers group Komatiku of Barangay Sto. Nino in Koronadal City; Lower Tampakan Creek Irrigators Association of Barangay Concepcion in Koronadal City; SANISCA Irrigators Association Inc. of Barangay San Isidro in Koronadal City; PAGMACE Irrigators Association of Barangay Cabuling in Tantangan; Magic Flower Irrigators Association of Barangay GPS in Koronadal City; BINTIKU multi-purpose cooperative of Barangay Dajay in Surallah; SOCOSEPCO of Koroandal City;
The Rice Field Irrigators Association of Barangay Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City; Country Folks Irrigators Assocaition of Bo. 3 in Banga; Modern Farmer Irrigators Association of Barangay San Isidro in Koronadal City; Siok Communal Irrigators Association of Koornadal City; Cabuling Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Barangay Cabuling in Tantangan; and, San Felipe Irrigators Association of Barangay San Felipe in Tantangan are also beneficiaries.
Datukan said the beneficiaries availed of the farm equipment through a cost-sharing scheme.
She said the agency shouldered 85 percent of the costs while the beneficiaries contributed 15 percent as counterpart.
The DA’s share for the total cost of the farm equipment was P6.09 million while the recipients’ share was P877,787.
Datukan said the newly-released farm equipment was part of the P20 million worth of farm machineries earlier allocated for Region 12.
Aside from South Cotabato, she said the agency also released 33 hand tractors, 11 threshers and two four-wheel drive tractors to beneficiaries in North Cotabato.
They have allocated 34 hand tractors, 10 threshers and two four-wheel drive tractors to Sultan Kudarat as well as nine hand tractors and four threshers to Sarangani Province.


==Motorcycles accidents on the rise in South Cotabato, neighboring areas==
*Source: http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/46284-Motorcycles-accidents-on-the-rise-in-South-Cotabato,-neighboring-areas.html
*Saturday, April 14. 2012
:by  (PNA)
FFC/AVE/AC






GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Health authorities have expressed alarm over the rising road or vehicular accidents involving motorcycles in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas.
Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato health officer, said their records showed that 256 road accidents had occurred in the province during the first three months of the year.
He said 211 cases involved single motorcycles, 22 tricycles while the rest concerned four-wheeled vehicles.
He said the victims comprised 218 drivers, 109 passengers and 87 bystanders who were either killed or sustained serious injuries.
Of the injured victims, 153 sustained abrasions, 68 with lacerations and 17 with bone fractures.
“The trend is currently going up and what is alarming here is that most of the drivers involved in these accidents were under the influence of liquor or alcohol,” Aturdido said.
The official said 103 cases or 64 percent of the recorded road accidents in the province in the last three months took place in Koronadal City, South Cotabato’s capital and regional seat of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region.
He said 52 road accidents were recorded in the city in January followed by 21 in February.
In the first two weeks of March, Aturdido said the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital already recorded a total of 30 accidents in the area.
He said reckless driving, over speeding, distraction from cellular phones and substance abuses were among the main causes of accidents that involved teenage drivers.
Late last month, five people were killed while two others were injured when a multicab passenger van collided with a trailer truck along the national highway in Koronadal City.
To help address the problem, Aturdido said they have sought assistance from the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure the strict enforcement of road safety regulations in the area.
He said they have also linked up with the Regional Development Council’s social development committee for the conduct of orientation-seminars on proper driving behavior among teen drivers in the area.


==Shutdown of major dams in So. Cotabato to last only 3 months -- NIA==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334297283
*Friday 13th of April 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)




==S.Cotabato rehabilitates farm-to market roads==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329809465
*Tuesday 21st of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 13 (PIA) -- Shutdown of one of Soccsksargen region’s largest irrigation system will push through as planned starting May 1 but the National Irrigation Administration Office here announced that the closure would be shorter than what was originally planned.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb.  21 (PIA) -- Transporting farm products in  some  interior  barangays  in  South Cotabato will soon  be  easier  once  road  rehabilitation projects  are completed, a  local  government official  said.
In January, NIA-South Cotabato chief Engr. Ramon Bugacia and provincial agriculturist Reynaldo announced that the two dams of the Ala River Irrigation System (RIS) could be closed until end of August or September for major repairs intended to restore the crop watering system’s efficiency.  
Barangay  Affairs  Unit chief Joel  Dimput  recently  announced  the province will be    implementing in the  coming  weeks  a  P5-M  project  for the  construction of  Junction National  Highway San Vicente – Malaya  road in  nearby Banga town.
“The  provincial government  has  already  received  SARO (Special Allotment Release  Order) from the Department of Budget and Management  for the implementation of the project,” Dimput  said.
The  fund  was  taken from the allocation of the Department of Public  Works and Highways (DPWH) following  request by  Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.
“Gov. Pingoy has  ordered  Engr. Marnilo Aperocho, acting chief of the Provincial  Office, to immediately prepare  the program of work for the  project  so that this can be  started at  once,” Dimput said. 
“Once the  dilapidated  road  is  repaired  and rehabilitated, moving agricultural  products from the  interior  barangays to intended markets  would  be easier  and  cheaper.”
The  road,  he said, would  also  benefit  farm families  in barangay Puti  and other  barangays in adjacent  Norala  town.   
Dimput also  announced that the  rehabilitation of  Upper Sepaka – Kibang farm-to-market road  is nearing completion.
“Gov. Pingoy made this  a  priority project of his administration to so that  products in Barangay  Ned  would  be transported to Sto. Niño and  Surallah towns in  South Cotabato  instead of the bringing these  to markets in Sultan Kudarat,”  he said.
He said,  Engr. Aperocho  has assured that the Sepaka-Kibang FMR  would be  more durable.
Instead  of  using  mountain  fill  in the  road upgrading, the project is using  sand  and  gravel  quarried  from  a river in  Surallah to make  sure that road would  not be easily washed  out.
Dimput  said  the provincial  government is also considering  putting up detachments in several  locations  from Barangay Ned  to  Upper Sepaka for security purposes.


Yesterday, in an interview with a radio station here, Engr. Bugacia said, “NIA has made adjustments with the construction schedule” after a series of consultations with affected irrigators’ associations, Department of Agriculture – 12, provincial and municipal agriculture offices, and other stakeholders.


“So from the original plan of four months, total shutdown (of the operations of Ala RIS) has been reduced to three months,”


The two dams of Ala RIS, namely: Dam 1 in Colonggolo, Surallah in South Cotabato and Dam 2 in Bai Sirafinang, Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat, have a combined coverage area of 12,046 hectares.


He said, adjustments were made considering the effect of the total shutdown of the irrigation system on the livelihood of the farm families who will lose water supply while the dams are out of operations. According to a report from DA-12, at least 8,850 families are being served by the Ala RIS.


Bugacia explained the dams need to the totally shut down effective May 1 until July 31 because major repair and rehabilitation works will focus on the main diversions (dams) as well as the main canals.


He added, some repair works that would not require closure of the dams have begun.


Data from NIA indicated that P138,225,000 has been allocated by the national government for the rehabilitation of the Ala RIS.


“This is the first time that such amount was allotted to a project NIA-South Cotabato,” he said. Previously, he added, they only received P3 million to P6 million for irrigation development projects.


==OWWA announces scholarship grant for OFW children, dependents==
This would also be the first time that Ala RIS undergoes repair since its opening in 1972.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329708184
*Monday 20th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Repair works in the 40-year old dam, according to Bugacia, would cover protection works on the dams, repair of the mechanical systems that take care of the closing and opening of the water gates, rehabilitation of the main canals, and construction of additional structures and check structures that would extend the coverage area of the irrigation system.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 20 (PIA) --  Soccsksargen Region’s  Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-12)  here  has  announced  the  opening of the  Education for Development Scholarship  Program (EDSP)  for school  year  2013-2014.
In an earlier interview, provincial agriculturist Legaste assured residents and farmers of South Cotabato that the shutdown of the Ala RIS will result in food shortage in the province.  
OWWA  12 Regional Director  Abdulgani K. Umag  said, the scholarship  is  open to all graduating high school students who are  children or dependents of  active OWWA  members.
“We have already coordinated with  schools all over the region to inform their  students  who are  either  children or  dependents of OFW workers  to already apply for  the scholarship grant,”  Umag said. 
Application  forms  are  available at the OWWA-12  Office at  Reyes  Subdivision,  Barangay Morales, this city.
“Interested  students  may  also get  application  forms  from  the public OFW  desk  officer of their  local  government  unit,”  he said.
Deadline  of the  submission of  application  forms  is on August 31, 2012.  The  qualifying examination , which Umag  said will be administered  by the Department of Science and Technology may be  held  either  in November or December  this year.
Umag also encouraged  interested students  to  file their  application  forms  earlier  because there are  documents  that  need to be  submitted to  prove  that they are bona fide  dependents of active OFW members.
“We want to be assured that  their  parents are  still working abroad and  are active  OWWA  members  because the money spent for the scholarship  belongs  to  OFWs  who paid  their contributions,” he explained. “We cannot  use the  funds to  children of  undocumented  workers.”
EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA members who intend to enrol in any 4-5 year baccalaureate course.
Each scholar gets financial assistance amounting to P30,000.00 per semester or a maximum of P60,000.00 per school year.
Tuition fees shall be paid directly to the school, while the remaining amount shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the term duration.
To be  qualified, a  senior  high school  student  should  be a  child of an  OWWA member or brother or sister of an unmarried OWWA member,  below 21 years old,  and among the upper 20% of the high school graduation class.
Applicants  need to  present  proofs  of relationship to the OWWA member such  certified birth certificate, proofs of OWWA  membership (such as official receipt of OWWA Contribution or certification from OWWA Membership Registry Division.
Other  documentary  requirements include  high school report  card,  certificate of  good moral  character,  certification issued by the school principal that the  student  belong  to the  upper  20 percent of the graduating  class.
Applicants  who have taken  post-secondary  or vocational courses or  have  started  a college  course are  disqualified  from EDSP.


He explained that farmers in the province were able to immediately replant in January and February which assures of an earlier than expected harvest.


Also, of the 9,000 hectares in South Cotabato that would lose water supply, about 2,000 hectares can still be cultivated because they have alternative water sources.


Contingency plans have also been prepared for those who could not plant rice; these include planting of corn in coordination with hybrid corn companies as well as temporarily shifting to other crops such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and vegetables like okra, squash, upo, patola, and ampalaya.


Bugacia said rehabilitative works of Ala RIS are also set for implementation next year, but these would not require closure of the dams.


==Local officials expect positive results from power summit==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334214874
*Thursday 12th of April 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)






==Dolefil, labor group settle dispute==
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 12 (PIA) -- Officials in South Cotabato hope tomorrow’s Energy Summit in Davao City would end with solutions that would address the power crisis in Mindanao.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329525477
*Saturday 18th of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles


South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel, and South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) General Manager Santiago Tudio said they will be attending the summit.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 18 (PIA) -- After more than a year of negotiations, pineapple giant Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) recently awarded to members of the labor union their unpaid benefits.
South Cotabato First District Representative, Daisy Avance-Fuentes has earlier announced in a radio interview that she will join the event.  


Report from the Department of Labor and Employment 12 (DOLE 12) said Atty, Rene Almero who represented Dolefil handed to Jose Teruel, leader of AK-NAFLU–KMU (AMADO Kadena NAFLU -KMU),  on February 10 a check amounting to P1,113,363.34, as part of the resolution agreed by the parties pertaining to the settlement demands of the workers.
Gov. Pingoy said, the presence of President Benigno Aquino III during the summit is a positive indication since he could personally join the discussion of the Mindanao energy shortage as well as the proposals to address the power crisis.  


Present also during the ceremony were the members of the tripartite committee including DOLE-12 represented by Assistant Regional Director Yahya A. Centi, Jimmy Marquez and Gelse Lanzaderas; National Conciliation and Mediation Board- 12 Director Feliciano Orihuela , Jr.; AK-NAFLU-KMU representative and Lead.PH.
“Several proposals and measures will be presented. Hopefully, we will be able to take these up with the president,” he said.  


“Nagpapasalamat kami, ako at aking mga kasama sa ginawa ng DOLE, lalong lalo na kay (DOLE 12) Director Chona M. Mantilla para sa pagpaunlak na Ibigay ngayong araw ang tseke. Gayun din sa Dolefil na umintindi sa mga prinsipyo na hinahawakan naming,” Teruel said after receiving the check.
In preparation for the summit, Mayor Miguel has asked city information officer Judith Amido, who also sits as a member of SOCOTECO 1’s board of directors for an in-depth discussion of the power situation particularly in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.  


Furthermore, he advised the other unions to be open to dialogues and to settlement.
He, however, pointed out that he has reservations regarding the suggestion of former Pangasinan Fifth District Representative Mark Conjuangco to put up a nuclear power plant in Lake Sebu.  


“Dialogue is better than litigation,” he said.
“I did some research and talked with some Japanese regarding nuclear power plants,” he said.  


Mesawhile, Atty. Almero said Dolefil is thankful to DOLe 12 and to the members of TRICOM for the time and effort of being with them in settling the issues between Dolefil Inc. and the workers.
“I am not in favor of the proposal,” he said, “because even Japan, which is a First World Country, has experienced radiation leaks due to the recent earthquake and tsunami.”


“Credit should be given to DOLE and the TRICOM. Candidly speaking, if not for the committee, the case should have been forwarded for litigation and will cost both parties more money and effort,” Almero said.
He said lives of millions of Filipinos could be compromised if a disaster like that in Japan occurs in the Philippines.  


Dolefil Tripartite Committee was created last January 2011 in compliance to Administrative Order No. 08, creating a Tripartite Committee at Dole Philippines, issued by DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.
Meanwhile, GM Tudio said, SOCOTECO 1 supports the move of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperative (AMRECO) to oppose the privatization of the Pulangi Hydropower plants.  


The committee is composed of the two contending unions: AK- NAFLU-KMU and Lead.PH, DOLE 12, NCMB 11 and NCMB 12, and representatives from CHR, Army, PNP, LGU of Polomolok, and Dolefil Inc.
AMRECO with its 33 member electric cooperative plans to submit a position paper demanding transparency so that the public may know of the real situation regarding the availability of energy supply, especially the contracted capacity from the power generators of the National Power Corporation.  


At the onset, the committee signed a social accord that aimed to maintain the peace and the integrity of the forthcoming certification election of Dolefil Inc., by mutually binding themselves to safeguard the rights of the workers before, during and after negotiations.
MinDA chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, announced everything is set for the Mindanao Energy Summit where 300 to 350 delegates are expected to attend.  


ARD Centi citing the success of the committee said that “settlement in the industry is very vital in gaining social justice”.(CDMLadot/DOLE 12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
MinDA and the Department of Energy spearhead the summit.  


“The Power Summit accords us the opportunity to discuss the real Mindanao power situation and the specific short to long term measures that stakeholders wanted acted on jointly by the government and the industry players,”Antonino said.


Antonino said that no less than President Aquino has sought that proposed measures for resolving the Mindanao power problem and putting in place of long term action plan should form part of the shared consensus of the Mindanao stakeholders.


“This is being done for and by the Mindanawons who have a direct stake on the Mindanao power issue and what needs to be done, and the President will be there to see to it that the proposed measures are thoroughly studied and doables carried through,” she added.


Among those expected to take part in the one-day summit are heads and representatives of all electric cooperatives in Mindanao, distribution utilities, generation companies, governors and city mayors, Mindanao lawmakers, business and industry sectors, non-government organizations, civil society groups and consumer advocates.


Antonino said the Summit format was designed to provide opportunity for the key sectors and stakeholder representatives to present their respective issues and recommendations for way forward actions.


The President is expected to respond with specific policy directives.


Earlier today, PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma confirmed President Aquino will attend and preside the summit.


==Health official welcomes deployment of nurses by PhilHealth==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611329442919
*Friday 17th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)




KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato,  Feb. 17 (PIA) --  Philippine Health  Insurance  Corporation’s (Philhealth)  decision  to  hire and  deploy  nurses  in the  entire country would be an  advantage  to  government  hospitals, a local  health official  said. 
Dr. Conrado Braña,  chief of South Cotabato  Provincial  Hospital here  said  PhilHealth’s  plan  to  assign  at least  one nurse to every  public  hospital  would mean  a  big improvement in the  services to  health  insurance  beneficiaries.
“This  would be  a great  help to  our  hospital staff because there will be  a specific  person  who will be  able to explain to patients about  availment  process, assist in  filling  out  forms,  and even help in computing  the amount of services that could be availed,” he said.
With  a nurse assigned to attend  to  Philhealth  patients, the  hospital  staff delegated to this work  could  be  assigned  to the actual  jobs they were primarily  hired  for.
Dr. Braña explained  that at  present, government  hospitals  have  to  delegate  a staff to assist Philhealth patients, and prepare  documents for the claims. 
“This move of Philhealth  is  a  very good  news  to  public  hospitals, which are  often understaffed,” he added.
Delays  in the processing of  claims could also  be  ironed out, Dr. Braña said, because  problems like  insufficient  information,  wrong calculations and entries  and the like  could be avoided.
Early  this  month,  Philhealth president  and  chief executive  officer  Dr. Eduardo Banzon  said  Philhealth  will  hire  at least  530  nurses under its Customer Assistance, Relations and Empowerment Staff (CARES) program.
They  will be  deployed to  government  hospitals all over the  country.
Banzon added  the program  was  conceptualized to  employ  some of the  more than  298,000  jobless  nurses.
Philhealth CARES  nurses, who will be  paid  P15,000  monthly salary,  will help ensure hassle-free availment of Philhealth benefits via spot eligibility checks in hospitals, expedite the documentary requirements of PhilHealth members in hospitals, and lessen the return-to-hospital benefit claims, according to  information posted at the  Philhealth  website.
“Besides assisting PhilHealth  members  with  PhilHealth  availment, these  nurses  would  also  conduct  interviews  with patients  whether  they were satisfied  with the services  provided by the health  facility,” Hannah  Naanep, information officer of  PhilHealth 12  explained.
Results  of the survey could be used as  bases  for  Philhealth  to  facilitate  improvement of the  services  that  public  hospitals  should  deliver to PhilHealth  members,  she added.
Naanep  said, the  PhilHealth CARES nurses  will be  deployed  in March  until  December  this  year.




Line 1,091: Line 1,053:




==Education remedies ignorance, poverty – VP Binay==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334120313
*Wednesday 11th of April 2012
:by  (Dani Doguiles and Roderick Beñez/PIA 12)


==Kidapawan villages get P5-M aid from Department of Agriculture-12==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329364345
*Thursday 16th of February 2012
:by  LM Salvo and Danilo E. Doguiles




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Eight barangays in Kidapawan City recently received P5-million worth of livelihood projects from the Department of Agriculture Region12 (DA-12).
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- Education remains the best way out of poverty and ignorance, said Vice President Jejomar Binay.  
DA-12’s assistance to Brgys. Amazion, Junction, Linangkob, Singao, Kalaisan, Paco, San Roque, and Macebolig were channeled via the agency’s Mindanao Rural Development Program-Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD).
During the 14th foundation anniversary of Kidapawan last week, MRDP-CFAD formally turned over P2.5 M worth of cattle livelihood projects to recipient groups in Barangays Amazion, Junction, Linangkob, Singao, and Kalaisan.
Earlier, MRDP-CFAD handed in P2.5-million worth of projects to farmer associations, rural improvement clubs, and farmers’cooperatives in Brgys Paco, San Roque, and Macebolig. These projects include pre- and post-harvest facilities, traveling rice mill, and swine production assistance.
During the turn-over ceremonies, DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said these livelihood projects could be of great help to the members of the farmer’s cooperatives and associations. (LMS-DA 12/DED-PIA 12)


Vice President Binay was in Kabacan, North Cotabato yesterday as guest of honor during state-run University of Southern Mindanao’s 66th commencement exercises where he addressed 1,932 candidates for graduation.


“Kung nais nating maiahon sa kahirapan at kamangmangan, edukasyon nag-iisang tanging paraan,” he told the graduates.


“Ang lahat ay kailangang magsumikap. Ngunit kung ang walang sawang pagsusumikap ay sasamahan ng isang mahusay na edukasyon, labis na lumalawak ang nararating ang isang tao,” he said.


He also told graduates that finishing their courses comes with responsibilities to their families, the university and fellowmen.


“Ang tunay na saysay ng inyong pag-aaral ay nababatay sa kakayahan ninyong gamitin ang inyong dunong upang maglunsad ng inyong kakayahan,” he said.


Denying their service, he added, would make peace and progress elusive for themselves and the nation.


To be able to serve their families and the country, a graduate need not seek for remarkable opportunities, Vice President Binay pointed out.


==LGU intensifies drive against illegal quarries==
For instance, he said, graduates could start by helping their parents send their younger siblings to school.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329191579
*Wednesday 15th of February 2012
:by Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.


“Your challenge now is no longer defined by examinations, term papers, and reports,” he reminded the graduates, “You are now called to build your lives.”


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 15 (PIA) –  Illegal  quarry  operators  beware. 
Other guests of the graduation ceremony, which was led by USM president Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, included North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, local officials, and the university’s Board of Regents.  
The  local government unit  of  North Cotabato has beefed  up  its efforts to  protect  its  quarry  resources  from illegal  quarry operations.
Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza said  she  is willing to  give  a P50,000 reward  for  every  illegal quarry operator reported to  her  office.
Taliño-Mendoza made the declaration  during a recent  dialogue-consultation with  barangay officials, quarry operators, and  officials from the National Irrigation Administration, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other line agencies.
She  said  she  is  “dead serious” in the campaign against illegal extraction of quarry materials in the province.
The P50,000 cash incentive per illegal operator, she explained,  will be given to the first barangay who can report any firm or individual utilizing quarry materials from privately-owned lands and/or public lands within the territorial jurisdiction of Cotabato without permit, or operating with expired permit, or quarrying and mining outside their specified permit area. 
She also promised to conduct  random checks on various quarry sites in the province to personally monitor if there is any unlawful utilization of Cotabato’s mineral resources.
She also warned operators that the provincial government will not hesitate to enforce sanctions or legal action against anyone violating Provincial Ordinance 410 adopting the 2007 Revised Revenue Code of Cotabato.
During the  said  forum, quarry operators were briefed on the provisions of the said ordinance pertaining to “Tax on Sand, Gravel, and Other Quarry Resources” and “Quarry Operations” of the 2007 Revised Revenue Code of Cotabato.
As she urged the barangay leaders to help protect the province from illegal quarry operations, the governor also explained how the barangay will benefit when required quarry taxes and fees are properly collected.
“When all fees due to the barangay are collected, this would mean more projects for your barangay…more services to your constituents,” she said.
Based on the 2007 Revised Revenue Code of Cotabato, proceeds of the tax on sand, gravel and other quarry resources shall be shared: 30 percent  to the provincial government, 30 percent to the LGU where the materials are extracted, and 40 percent to the barangay where the concession area was located. 
She then appealed to the barangay officials to help in monitoring quarry activities in their  respective area of responsibility and to ensure that the quantity of extracted quarry or sand and gravel resources is declared accurately by the permit holder. 
To further guarantee that rightful fees go to the coffers of the government, Governor Taliño-Mendoza also dared  barangay officials  to  report  scrupulous  tax  collector  who conspire with  quarry operators  or  truckers.  For  every  collector proven  to have illegal transactions  with  quarry  operators, she said  is  willing to give another  P50,000.  (LQG/IDCD/PGO N.Cotabato/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


USM is considered one of the leading state universities in Mindanao and the entire country.


It has achieved excellence in agriculture education and most of its programs have achieved either Level II or Level III accreditation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc.


Training of students here does not only focus on instructions but also incorporates the aspects of research, extension and production geared toward producing quality professionals who are globally competitive.


It is well-known to provide top-grade education in the fields of agriculture; arts and science; education; engineering and computing; human ecology and food sciences; industrial technology; business, development economics and management; public health; veterinary medicine; and Middle East and Asian studies.


==DOST-12 rolls off “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Syudad”==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611334037184
*Tuesday 10th of April 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/OLAbo/ DOST-12)






KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 10 (PIA) -- DOST-12’s “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” has gained ground in enhancing productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Soccsksargen Region.


==S. Cotabato launches riparian zone re-vegetation program==
A project of the Department of Science and Technology – Region 12, Agham at Teknolohiya sa Lungsod was recently conducted separately in the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329191737
*Tuesday 14th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.


Under the project, consultancy services, labeling design development and technology needs assessment were extended to MSMEs engaged in organic fertilizer, tuna, bakery, squash turon and lumpia, and banana buchi, among others.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb  14 (PIA)  -- At  least 425 bamboo seedlings were recently planted along  riverbanks  in  Barangay BS Aquino Jr.  in Norala, South Cotabato  to  kick off the  riparian zone re-vegetation (RZR) program of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO).
It was implemented under DOST’s umbrella program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) that aims to improve the productivity of small and medium industry players.  
Acting  PEMO  chief  Engr.  Siegfred Flaviano, who led the launching on February 7, said the province’s RZR program  aims to help mitigate the  adverse effects  of  climate change.
The program was a joint collaborative of the municipal LGU, barangay LGU, Norala National High School and the landowners and claimants in the area.
Tita Faciolan , Norala’s  municipal  environment and natural resources officer  and  Laarni  Fabiano  who  spoke for  the national  high school  expressed  commitment  to support the program. 
Fabiano narrated that their initial plan was to plant the bamboo seedlings inside the school’s premises, but later decided to plant these along riverbanks as part of their community service.
Earlier, PEMO’s Forest and Inland Water Division conducted an information  drive  with community stakeholders at Brgy. BS Aquino Jr. barangay hall  where  re-vegetation of riparian zones  was  emphasized.
Discussions  centered  on the use  of bamboo for riverbank stabilization.  Economic benefits  of  bamboo were also  covered  in the discussion.
A signing of a memorandum of agreement  that define and  stipulate responsibilities of  stakeholders  followed  the  bamboo planting activity.
 
Farmer/landowners and beneficiaries likewise signified their commitment and support to sustain the program through a pledge of commitment officiated by Engr.  Flaviano.
Barangay Kagawad Cyril Cancel, representing Punong Barangay Leonar Vincent Lida, acknowledged the participants and expressed their gratitude in choosing their barangay as recipient of the RZR program.
In an earlier interview with a local  radio station,  Engr.  Falviano  pointed  out that  the activity  is part  of their massive  program  to  protect  embankments of  rivers in the province. 
Besides  being  an important plant to protect riverbanks  from  erosion,  the  provincial  government also sees  bamboo as  a major  source of income for farmers.
South Cotabato  LGU  has  been  pushing  for  the establishment of  bamboo  hubs  where  engineered  bamboos  can be  produced. (FSumagaysay/SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Summit Consultancy and Research Services, which was earlier tapped by the DOST-12 for the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX), presented its findings and recommendations to improve the productivity of 15 firms identified under the program.


Their recommendations included acquisition or upgrading of machines, nutritional facts analysis, production lay-out improvement, and packaging or labeling design development.


They also recommended trainings on Good Manufacturing Practices for ten firms.


Other recommendations for MSMEs to undertake are energy audit, possible ultraviolet radiation, preventive maintenance, and materials management system, among others.


Some firms, on the other hand, have sought trainings on coconut syrup and accelerated vinegar production, bleaching and dyeing, waste management (vermi composting), and fiber extraction mechanization.


Other companies have developed possible linkages, such as one firm offering to supply organic fertilizers to Kablon Farms and RRR Engineering offering to fabricate stainless products for food processing companies.


Another one also offered to design and fabricate a sorter or conveyor for a coffee and a fiber processing ventures.


==Investors eye S. Cotabato for high value crops development==
A technology needs assessment was likewise conducted to Juco Yummyzo Food Products and Pascual Bakery Equipment Services in Koronadal City as a pre-requisite to the availment of SET-UP assistance.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329103270
*Monday 13th of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles


Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST-12 director, said they conducted the “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” to support MSMEs in the region achieve higher income, generate more employment and penetrate global markets.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Feb 13 (PIA) – Good news to farmers in South Cotabato: a group of investors is looking for at least 3,000 hectares for development of high value crops here.
She added that such activity aims to sustain economic development in the countryside.
Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste has confirmed they have been meeting with representatives of Puyat Group of Companies for the possibility of the expansion in South Cotabato for development of at least 1,000 hectares each for rubber, coffee and cassava.
“These investors can expand their operations to as much as 5,000 hectares,” Legaste said.
Besides these three crops, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) has also seen this as an opportunity to introduce soybean as an alternative source of income among farmers here.
Besides the suitability of the soil and terrain of the province for the development of these crops, Legaste said these investors were attracted to South Cotabato because of the warm welcome they get from residents and local government officials here.
Legaste, however assured that planting of these high value crops would not affect the province’s rice and corn production.
“We offer for their consideration the watershed areas,” he said.
In this way, he explained, watershed areas that have lost their forest cover could be replanted and the farmers in the area will be given opportunity to earn a living.
Legaste said more agreements can be arrived at in the coming weeks. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


==Smc Secures Clearance To Pursue New 3,000-mw Power Projects==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/356564/smc-secures-clearance-to-pursue-new-3000mw-power-projects
*April 9, 2012, 2:16am
:by  MYRNA M. VELASCO






Manila, Philippines - The power generation unit of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has secured the go-signal of the Department of Energy (DOE) to proceed with grid impact studies (GIS) on six power projects across grids that will beef up its portfolio by additional 3,000 megawatts.


The GIS will have to be undertaken upon the energy department’s endorsement to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). It will determine if the proposed capacity of the project proponents can still be absorbed by the grid or if the transmission lines are capable of wheeling that capacity to the substations.


Based on documents culled from the energy department, SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation is proposing to construct 1,200-megawatt coal plant in Cavite; and another 600-MW coal-fired facility in Bulacan for the Luzon grid.


In the Visayas, SMC’s proposed greenfield power investments are 600-MW coal plant in Leyte and 150-MW coal plant in Panay. For the Mindanao grid, the company’s proposed coalfired plant ventures are 300 megawatts in Davao del Sur and, 150-MW in South Cotabato.


If the diversifying conglomerate is serious in pursuing all of these projects, it ought to face hurdles though in the market share caps prescribed under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) – which is equivalent to 30-percent of gridinstalled capacity; and 25-percent of national installed capacity. To date, SMC is already the biggest player in the power generation segment of the industry.


==Health Insurance==
Documents also showed that the DOE has issued clearances to more than 30 power companies on their respective bids for GIS on proposed power projects.
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351006/european-call
*February 11, 2012, 5:06pm
:by  www.mb.com.ph


As of end last year, the power companies allowed to proceed on their GIS include Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corp. for its 100-megawatt coal power project in Iloilo; Global Business Power Corporation for 164-MW and 82-MW projects in Cebu and Iloilo; PhilNewEnergy Inc. for 40-50MW solar project in Alaminos, Pangasinan; 30-40MW solar project in Misamis Oriental and 40-50MW solar project in Davao; and Jobin-Sqm Inc. for its 100-MW Sta. Rita solar project in the Subic Bay freeport zone.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. lauded the automatic inclusion of conditional cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries as PhilHealth members as announced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office – 12 (DSWD 12). During a recent orientation of social welfare officers on National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS – PR) for Indigenous People in this city, Pingoy said this development provides an opportunity for the provincial government to enrol more indigents in the province into the health insurance.
The others are Calamba Aero Power Corporation for a 120-170MW combined cycle power project in Calamba, Laguna; Cordillera Hydro Electric Power Corporation for its proposed 50-MW mini-hydropower project in Kapangan, Benguet; First Gen Corporation for a 300-MW midmerit power plant in Batangas; San Carlos Biopower Inc. for its 18-MW biomass facility in Negros Occidental; as well as those for Sta. Clara Power Corporation’s micro-hydropower projects in Danao, Bohol and Tinoc, Ifugao.


It has also been specified in the documents that the GIS clearance for the 600-MW coal power plant of GN Power was just issued by the energy department June 16 last year. This facility is expected on stream next year and will considerably shore up Luzon grid’s power supply.


Also in the roll of power firms already given the go-signal for grid impact study are San Jose I City Power Corporation for a 9.90-MW rice husk-fired power project; Aboitiz Power for its power barges 1 to 4 in Navotas; Global Green Power PLC Corporation for biomass projects of 17.5-MW in Nueva Ecija and 35-MW in Bukidnon; TeaM Energy Corporation for 382-MW each capacity expansion for its Pagbilao and Sual plants; FDC Utilities Inc. for a 300-MW power plant in Misamis Oriental; and Limay Energen Corporation for a 140-MW coal-fired facility in Bataan.


The other projects are those of PetroEnergy Resources Corporation; Energy Development Corporation; Agusan Power Corporation; PNOC Renewables and Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation; HydroCore Corp.; Vivant Corporation; E-Power Technologies Corp.; Kanan Hydroelectric Power Corporation; Green Energy Management Holdings Inc., Alternergy Philippine Holdings Corpration and Bell Pine Power Corporation. (MMV)


==DOLE 12 trains women inmates in accessory making==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333847213
*Sunday 8th of April 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles






KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 8 (PIA) -- Female inmates of the North Cotabato Provincial Jail were recently trained in making ladies’ accessories to help them earn some income.


In a press release sent to the Philippine Information Agency 12 this week, Charmaine Ladot-Sonsona, information officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12, said the training held on March 22 was spearheaded by the DOLE North Cotabato Field Office in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology as part of the Women’s Month celebration.


==Gov welcomes inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries as PhilHealth members==
Skills training involved techniques on production of commercially viable accessories such as bracelets, earrings, and others.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328849894
*Friday 10th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.


Lorie Buday of Matalam LGU Cooperative, who served as trainer, assured the inmates of market for their products. She said the cooperative is willing to purchase the inmates’ finished product which will then be sold in livelihood and trade fairs.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 10 (PIA) --  South Cotabato Gov.  Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.  lauded  the automatic inclusion of  conditional  cash transfer  beneficiaries as Philhealth members as announced by the Department of  Social Welfare and Development  Office – 12 (DSWD 12) .
North Cotabato Field Office chief Edna Sales urged the inmates who took part of the training to make this a livelihood opportunity.  
During a recent  orientation of  social  welfare officers  on  National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS – PR) for  Indigenous  People  in this  city,  Pingoy said this development  provides  an  opportunity  for the provincial government  to  enrol more  indigents in the  province into the health insurance.
He plans to make use of P10 million budget of the provincial  LGU, originally intended  for  "poorest of the  poor"  -- including 4Ps  beneficiaries --  to  enrol other indigent families not  covered  by the  CCT.
With  4Ps  beneficiaries taken  off from original  list of  indigents that the provincial  government  sponsored  for Philhealth enrolment, he  said, more  poor  residents in the province could  become  health  card  holders.
“The provincial  government will enroll as  Philhealth members those who were not included in the NHTS – PR survey but are identified as  "poorest of the poor" in the  Community Health Living Standard Survey (CHLSS),” Pingoy added.
NHTS-PR was  the  basis  of DSWD's  identification of CCT recipients. CHLSS, on the other hand, was a survey conducted under the auspices of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)  that also identified the poorest families in South Cotabato.
Since the national  government has paid their health  insurance of 4Ps beneficiaries, the  provincial government could  pay  for the Philhealth cards of 15,000  more  indigent families, he said.
Jakiya Lao  of DSWD 12 said,  they will only pay P900.00 per year as health insurance premium of the 4Ps member-beneficiaries to PhilHealth.
South Cotabato , according to DSWD 12 record, has a total of 29,112 4Ps beneficiaries.
They are in T’boli with  12,907 beneficiaries, Lake Sebu, 8,439;  Tupi, 6,297;  Polomolok, 4,367;  Surallah, 4,128;  Banga, 3,603;  City of Koronadal, 1,088;Tantangan, 924;  Tampakan, 922;  Norala, 748;  and Sto. Nino, 689.
In Mindanao, Region 12 ranks second to Region 11 in having  the most IP settlers. (FrutoSumagaysay Jr/ SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


She said the assistance was only the beginning of more assistance to the women inmates. Among the help that they could expect, Sales said, includes special program for the employment of students.


She added that children of inmates who would qualify will be given priority in SPES.


Meanwhile, acting provincial jail warden SInsp. Israel Arboleda was grateful that DOLE 12 initiated the livelihood training.


He said inmates are one of the most neglected in society and at times adjudged as criminals even before they are convicted.


With such, he is assured that these inmates will see the hope of living a decent life after their rehabilitation inside the jail.


After the training, inmates received starter kits for the production of ladies’ accessories for them to be able apply what they have learned and start a business. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/DOLE 12)


==North Cotabato’s peace camps to reach 25,000 kids==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333766497
*Saturday 7th of April 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from IDCD-Prov’l Governor’s Office)


==Barangay Council commends Gov, PENRO for immediate action on illegal quarry operators==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611328768221
*Thursday 9th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 7 (PIA)-- At least 25,000 Grade V school children from 17 municipalities and lone city of North Cotabato are expected to participate in the second run of the province’s Gov. Lala Summer Kids Peace Camp.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Barangay Council of Klinan 6,  Polomolok town commended South Cotabato Governor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr and officials of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) for their immediate action against rampant illegal quarry operations in their area.
This year’s three-day peace camps began in Pikit municipality on March 9 – 11 where 2,451 children joined. This was followed by peace camps in Aleosan town on March 15 – 17 and another one on March 19 – 21 in Magpet municipality.  


More peace camps are scheduled after the Holy Week until May including camps in Antipas, Matalam, M’lang, Kabacan, Pigcawayan, Makilala, Arakan, Tulunan, Carmen, Banisilan, Alamada, Midsayap, Libungan, and Pres. Roxas municipalities and in Kidapawan City.


Through Resolution No. 4 s. 2012  passed on February 6, 2012, Klinan 6 Barangay Council led by  chairwoman Florencia Docallos extended their commendation to Governor Pingoy for his leadership in strictly implementing the Provincial Environment Code (PEC), specifically on quarry operations.
Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza initiated this program last year in partnership with the Department of Education to promote peace among residents of the province starting while they are still young as well as developing potential leaders among them.  


It also aims to motivate children to get involved and affirm their commitment to the government, help them discover and enhance their abilities and realize their role in the community especially in the government’s goal towards lasting peace.


The same  resolution also thanked acting  PEMO  Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, Engr. Roldan Lachica and Quarry Inspector Remus Guillermo for their apprehension of illegal quarry operators.
This is done by gathering Muslim, indigenous people and Christian children in camps where they are introduced to diverse cultures of the tri-people living in the province, taught leadership skills and important moral values and encouraged to involve in community development.  


“There should be no discrimination. Everyone has an equal opportunity. No matter what the sexual orientation, tribe or religion. And if you have discipline in your studies, you will go far,” Gov. Mendoza told participants in one of the peace camps.


The PEMO staff apprehended and impounded two  dump trucks last January 26, 2012 at Klinan 6 for quarrying using expired permits.
The lady governor also challenged the future leaders of the province to “put into practice what you learn during the summer kids peace camp and serve as role models to the younger pupils when you go back to school.”


They were later released upon payment of penalty, the PEMO report said.
Activities during the summer kids camp include lectures and group activities including leadership workshops, sports competitions, lectures on environment and climate change, life skills and emergency preparedness, as well as activities that promote understanding of each other’s social, cultural and religious diversity.  


PEMO started this year with a series of apprehensions and impositions of penalties against errant quarry operators as well as resolution of permittee quarry boundaries as part of its campaign to strictly enforce the PEC on quarry operations.
Campers were also given the chance to exhibit their talents and skills via a talent show and Pabonggahan Night and live theater presentation showcasing cultures in the province.  


South Cotabato generated P5.76  million in quarry or “sand and gravel” tax in 2011. (Fruto Sumagaysay  Jr/SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
During the opening ceremonies of the summer kids peace camp in Magpet on March 19, Gov. Mendoza also turned-over a P3.5 million worth covered court to host Apostol Memorial Elementary School.  


She explained this was an incentive to the school for hosting the same event last year.


The said project was funded in partnership with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Partylist whose representative, Congressman Raymond Mendoza, was also present during the turn-over ceremony.


==N. Cotabato LGU hands over P29.7-M infra projects to municipalities==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611333687802
*Friday 6th of April 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles






KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 6 (PIA) -- At least P29.7 million worth of infrastructure projects were turned-over in March by the provincial government of North Cotabato to five of its municipalities.


Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza on March 10 handed over to the LGUs of Matalam and Carmen P17 million worth of infrastructure projects.


These included water systems worth P500,000 each for barangays Kilada ang Latagan as well as P500,000 multi-purpose buildings for barangays Marbel and New Abra, all in Matalam town.


Also turned-over were infrastructure projects to barangays in Carmen town. These include a P7-million concreting project of the Aroman-Lanoon road, P700,000 worth of one-classroom school building at Pebpoloan, and P983,159 power distribution line for barangay Kitulaan.


==DA 12 warns farmers on new rice pest==
Other projects include a covered court in Carmen worth P2. 5 million, and a new rural health unit for barangay Poblacion built at P4 million.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328664432
*Wednesday 8th of February 2012
:by  pia.gov.ph


“You are all accountable for the safekeeping of these projects. Use them for the benefit of the many and use them with care so that these projects can continue to provide service to the people in your barangays for a long time,” Mendoza said.


Turned-over projects in Aleosan town included a P1.2-million box culvert project charged against the province’s calamity fund in barangay New Panay, as well as concreting project of the public market worth P4.7 million and P5 million road concreting project in barangay Poblacion , which were both charged to the 20% economic development fund.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Agriculture officials in Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region have warned local farmers of a new rice pest that have attacked some parts of the country.
Baranay Malinga, Midsayap received a solar dryer worth P347,000, while barangays Renibon, New Igbaras, and Datu Binasing of Pigcawayan town received a P500,000 worth multi-purpose building each. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/LAF-IDCD-North Cotabato)
According to a report of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) in Tacurong City submitted to the DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag – Datukan, this new rice has been observed in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Caraga regions.
The pest was presented during the KASAKALIKASAN –BPI workshop on the Establishment and Operations of the Community-based Biological Control Agents, Bantay Peste Brigade and Updates on the Management of Insect on Corn, Cassava, Banana, and Coconut in Manila.
On December 21 last year, Dr, Clarito M. Barron , director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, also released an advisory on the pest.
RCPC-12 Officer-in-Charge Ludivina S. Dumaya described that the rice grain or seed bug smaller than rice bug, moves quickly and easily in water and a crawling type of pest.
Dumaya added that this pest is similar to an ordinary rice bug (Leptocoriza oryzae) commonly called tiangaw which feeds on rice grains. This pest, she added differs from the ordinary bug because it has the ability to fall off to the ground when touched or disturbed.
According to the advisory, the recently discovered pest attacks rice panicles from flowering stage to milking stage and results in unfilled or discolored grains that eventually reduces quality and subsequently yield.
RCPC in Bicol Region reported 50 to 70 percent crop damage due to the same pest in estimated 100 hectares of rice in Camarines Sur.
Although the pest has not yet been reported here, South Cotabato Provincial Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator Dave Nicolas urged local farmers to intensively monitor their farms.
“Bantayan natin ang bagong tuklas na pesteng kulisap na ito nang hindi na dumami at makapaminsala sa ating mga palayan,”he said.
As immediate action, Dumaya said that RCPC will conduct massive information dissemination across Soccsksargen Region about the pest; they will also intensify coordination with IPM controllers in the region.
Aside fom these, RCPC is also set to attend Municipal Agriculture Officer’s (MAOs) meetings to relay the information on this pest and to mobilize Bantay Peste Brigade.
BPI - Manila has recommended the following measures and strategies to control the spread of this pest: 1) burning or plowing under of rice straw/stubbles right after harvest to kill the bugs; b) ensuring sanitation and cleanliness of rice fields, including dikes; regularly monitoring of the field to determine early pest appearance. In case the pest is already present it is recommended that application of green label contact insecticides be done early morning or late afternoon. (with report from LMSalvo/DA 12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


==Wage hike in Region 12 seen before Labor Day==
*Source: http://www.soccsksargen.com/wage-hike-in-region-12-seen-before-labor-day/
*Apr 5th, 2012
:by  Allen V. Estabillo






KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/4 Apr) – An increase in the daily minimum wage rates for private sector workers in Southwestern Mindanao is looming, officials said on Wednesday.


In a statement, Chona Mantilla, Department of Labor and Employment Region 12 director, said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, which she also chairs, recently decided to hike the floor pay from P10 to P14 a day.


She noted the latest salary increase, or Wage Order No. RBXII-17, may take effect before May 1 or Labor Day, a regular holiday to honor the workers.


Before it will be effective, it needs to be published in a local newspaper.


==PCCI seeks Palace meeting on Tampakan project==
Under the new wage order, which will be implemented in two tranches, the daily minimum wage rates will range from P246 to P270.
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/22974-pcci-seeks-palace-meeting-on-tampakan-project
*TUESDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 2012 19:55
:by  MAX V. DE LEON / REPORTER


The first tranche was expected to take effect before May 1 and the next on December 1, 2012.


In coming up with wage adjustment, the RTWPB decided to integrate the present P15 daily cost of living allowance (COLA) to the new basic wage.


THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s biggest business organization, is seeking an audience with President Aquino to push for the continuation of the  $5.6-billion Tampakan copper-gold project.
The existing daily floor pay ranges from P234 to P260.


Miguel Varela, PCCI president, said the group understands the concerns of the provincial government and other oppositors of the open-pit mining method.
“The last wage order was issued more than one year ago and there being no petition, the RTWPB has resolved to review, motu propio (on its own), the existing minimum wage rates in the region,” Mantilla said.


However, Varela said based on consultations and studies made for the Tampakan project, the proponent Sagittarius Mines Inc. “will be able to respond to any possible impact of the open-pit mining method.”
Studies on the socio-economic condition in the region warranted the need to grant an increase in the minimum wage rates of private sector workers in Region 12 regardless of their position, designation or status of their employment, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, Ms. Mantilla said


Varela, at his recent visit to General Santos City, said the national chamber will make representations in Malacañang for the Tampakan project in support of the local business chambers, including the Mindanao Business Council.
Also called the SOCCSKSARGEN region, Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.


“We will make our own representation because we believe all the safeguards are in place for this project. The Tampakan project is an investment the government must not ignore. The parties supporting the Tampakan project are doing the correct process and we will do our part by talking to the national government”, Varela said.
The Wage Board conducted public consultations early this year in parts of the region to determine if a salary adjustment is needed for the area.


Varela met with local business groups in South Cotabato and Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo over the weekend to discuss issues hounding what is seen as the biggest single foreign investment in the country.
Alfredo Hebrona Jr., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry governor for Southwestern Mindanao, declined to give a comment on the looming wage hike, saying he was not privy to the deliberation.


Varela said the proponent of the Tampakan project has “consulted the community and that this project will benefit not only the host municipality but the entire country.”
Jessie dela Cruz, RTWPB secretary, said that exemptions maybe granted to certain types of establishments, such as those distressed and those whose assets are not more than P3 million.


“We were presented with the environmental and safety plans for the Tampakan project and this project is actually doable,” he said.
Following the public consultations early this year, Dela Cruz has said that the situation may not warrant an adjustment in the minimum wages of private sector workers, citing a report then by the National Economic and Development Authority that prices of basic consumer goods have remained stable.


Varela said they are also willing to dialogue with the South Cotabato provincial officials, consistent with the pronouncement of South Cotabato Gov.  Arthur Pingoy that he welcomes a dialogue with any group to finally resolve the Tampakan issue.
Militant labor groups in the area since the past few years have demanded a legislated P125 across-the-board daily wage increase. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)


Pingoy has declared that he is not against the Tampakan project but wants to resolve an environmental code “he is bound to implement” through intervention from either the courts or the national government.
==Holy Week is time to reflect on Christ’s suffering and resurrection -- Bishop Gutierrez==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333518864
*Wednesday 4th of April 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Aside from the ban on open-pit mining ordinance that was issued by the local government of South Cotabato, the Tampakan project was also denied the environmental clearance certificate by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel urged believers of Christ, especially the Catholics , to spend the Holy Week in prayers, meditations and sacrifices rather than in vacations and merriment.


“This entire week should be devoted to remembering the suffering , crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said in an interview with a local radio station.


“All other weeks of the year, we do not celebrate the Paschal mystery, only this week,” he reminded them.


He said believers should spend this entire week to praise God the Father for giving his only Son Jesus Christ who offered Himself to be crucified on the cross for the salvation of humanity.


There is no better way to celebrate this, he added, but to reflect on the Jesus’s suffering on the cross and his rise to glory on Easter Sunday.


Bishop Gutierrez, however, asked believers to refrain from the traditional practice of some devotees to show their sacrifices by having themselves nailed on the cross.


==Construction gov’t hospital in S. Cotabato begins==
Above all these, Bishop Gutierrez added, the entire Christendom should contemplate more on the glory of Christ’s resurrection.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328513973
*Monday 6th of February 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles


In response, he pointed out, people should live with fear and faith on God by showing love and care for other people.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Red won’t be the color of Valentine’s Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it will be a beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector, and residents celebrate their first Sagayan Festival.
“After the Good Friday, Christ rose from the dead. He triumphed against death,” he said. “We should also change. We should also overcome.”
Organizers said the staging of the five-day Sagayan Festival, which will start on Friday, Feb. 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao province’s ecotourism.
It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao.
Although all 32 towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities will be held at the interim provincial government seat, Buluan town.
Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day would be highlighted by a civic parade, opening of the agri-trade fair and a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet.
At the kanduli, Muslim delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town’s primary products will definitely be served.
Medical and veterinary services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrations and social welfare services will also be given on Friday and will last until Feb. 14.
Other activities include Carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil technology forum and cultural presentations.
Saturday, Feb. 11 is exclusive to two important festival competitions such as Sayagan Dancing and Kulintang competion.
A street dance, a showdown and a tribute program will highlight Feb. 14.
Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the war he fought in, and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris (double-bladed sword) on the other. (DED/PIA12)


Easter should also be a time to give attention to the protection of the Mother Earth.


He said, by giving importance and taking care of the Mother Earth, we show love for humanity as well as prepare the Earth for the future generation.


==TESDA specialistas in Soccsksargen gain ground==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333416175
*Tuesday 3rd of April 2012
:by  (with report from Rolly Palencia/TESDA 12) (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)






KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 3 (PIA) -- Barely three months from its launching, Region 12’s TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) has shown promise as a source of income among technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates.


A press release from the office Technical Education and Skills Development Authority regional direct Zeus Ampuyas on Monday said, 130 organized TSTP entrepreneurs in three provinces and one city have already earned a total income of P259,340.


==Maguindanao to stage maiden Sagayan Festival==
Overall, TESDA Specialistas have served 893 clients in various service categories such as beauty care and wellness, caregiving, building/house repair maintenance, computer hardware servicing, appliance repair, catering/food and beverage servicing to automotive and small engine servicing, Ampuyas said.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328414677
*Sunday 5th of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles


Areas where TESDA Specialistas are now operating include North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sarangani-General Santos.


Ampuyas said, in the past three months they monitored the activities of the techno-entrepreneurs to determine if the purpose of the program has been achieved as evidenced by income per aggrupation.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Red won’t be the color of Valentine’s Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it will be a beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector, and residents celebrate their first Sagayan Festival.
Results of the monitoring indicated that of the seven service categories, building/house repair and maintenance has the highest average income which reached P43,126.67, followed by beauty care and wellness services which is P41,780.00. The third highest earning category was computer hardware services which accumulated income amounting to P15,100.00.  
Organizers said the staging of the five-day Sagayan Festival, which will start on Friday, Feb. 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao province’s ecotourism.
It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao.
Although all 32 towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities will be held at the interim provincial government seat, Buluan town.
Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day would be highlighted by a civic parade, opening of the agri-trade fair and a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet.
At the kanduli, Muslim delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town’s primary products will definitely be served.
Medical and veterinary services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrations and social welfare services will also be given on Friday and will last until Feb. 14.
Other activities include Carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil technology forum and cultural presentations.
Saturday, Feb. 11 is exclusive to two important festival competitions such as Sayagan Dancing and Kulintang competion.
A street dance, a showdown and a tribute program will highlight Feb. 14.
Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the war he fought in, and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris (double-bladed sword) on the other. (DED/PIA12)


The rest of the service categories are also picking well in terms of earnings, the report said.


Ampuyas said that the income earned by the TESDA Specialistas in the last three months is an indication that the “newly launched program has started creating awareness and gaining support from the people in the community.”


“Money has also started to fill up the TESDA Specialistas’ purse as they render their services to their valued customers.”


TSTP was designed out to address problem of limited job opportunities in the market by assisting the unemployed or underemployed TVET graduates for them to be able to have a chance to be economically stable.


Under the program TESDA facilitates the organization of trained and certified TVET graduates with related skills to be productive into groups called TESDA specialistas who provide technical services for affordable fees in communities where they operate.


TESDA provides them with a TESDA Nurturer to guide and mentor them as well as link with the local government unit for possible support such as operation center and advertisement in the locality.


Those interested to be a TESDA Specialista, they may inquire from the TESDA Provincial Offices near their area for a detailed information.


Households and individuals who would like to avail of the services of the techno-entrepreneurs may contact their local government officials or the local office of TESDA.


==Koronadal LGU brings offices closer to villagers==
==PNP 12 on alert for the Holy Week==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328335296
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333344785
*Saturday 4th of February 2012
*Monday 2nd of April 2012
:by   (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
:by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)  






KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 4 (PIA) --   Residents of  the 27  barangays  in this  city  can  expect  services of  the city local  government unit  to be more accessible.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 2 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s police force has been put on heightened alert for the celebration of the Holy Week, P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin, police provincial director said.  
This  after the city LGU  launched  its “Programang  Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan,”  which  begins this month.
Mayor Peter  B. Miguel  explained through the  bayanihan, basic  services  will be  brought  closer  to the  residents  by  bringing the city  offices  to each barangay  for a day.
He also  hopes to establish closer  ties  between  offiicials  and  citizens  through a fellowship.
Besides the office of the city mayor, other departments  such as civil registrar, environment  and natural  resources, engineering, veterinary, population, social welfare and development, assessor, nutrition, cooperative, Comelec, business permits and licensing system, cooperative and information  will set up offices  in the target  barangays  for  one  day.
The activity  will be  a  one-stop shop  where  needs  of villagers  could  be  attended  to.   This would  also  be time for locals  to  settle  their accounts with the city  government, the mayor said.
Among the services  that residents  can  avail of include: real  property  tax, assistance  and consultation regarding  organization of  cooperatives, medical  and  dental  services, lectures on  family planning and responsible  parenthood, free  registration of live birth, payment of  taxes, and many others.
There  will also  be  free  haircut and  sharpening  of  tools.
Just  recently,  Mayor  Miguel called  on  barangay captains  to actively  support the activity.  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Delfin said, as early as two months ago, in accordance with a directive from the Police Regional Office, he ordered all police chiefs under his jurisdiction to plan out and strengthen security measures for the summer vacation.


“Included in this are the security measures for the celebration of the Holy Week as well as those intended to keep vacationers safe,” Delfin said.


As in other important events, he said, police personnel will be deployed in public convergence places, such as terminals, churches, malls, supermarkets and others.


Security in the popular tourist destinations in the province, including Lake Sebu and the famous Seven Falls zip line, will also be increased with the expected influx of visitors coming to these areas.


“We are also intensifying our checkpoints in the province’s entry and exit points,” he added.


Meanwhile, Land Transportation Office – 12 regional director Arlan Mangelen said they are putting up assistance centers along major roads in the region to help motorists and travellers.


“Our focus during the Holy Week is safety and protection of the traveling public,” he said.


Mangelen added that starting Wednesday, they are temporarily suspending their anti-colorum operations to be able to concentrate on the Operation Semana Santa.


==LGU padlocks 94 stalls in public market==
LTO has also reminded motorists to meticulously prepare for the expected long travels. According to the agency, drivers should check BLOWBAGETS or battery, lights, oil, water (radiator & wiper washer), brakes, air pressure, gas, early warning device, tools, and self.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328256579
*Friday 3rd of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


==Koronadal City turns dark for an hour==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611333248745
*Sunday 1st of April 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles




KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato  Feb. 3 (PIA)  --  Some 94  stalls  inside the  Koronadal City  Public Market  were  padlocked yesterday  following an  order  from the  Office of the City  Treasurer.
Owners of these  stalls,  according to  acting city treasurer Marluon Gumbao – majority  from the  meat section --  have  been  remiss in  renewing their  business  permit  and  rental despite repeated  notices and  reminders.
A composite team  from  the Office of the City Treasurer, City Administrator’s Office, City Security Unit, Koronadal  City PNP, and Office of the Market Supervisor implemented the  closure of stalls.
Gumbao said, this is  to show that the  city government is  bent on implementing  its campaign against delinquent stall  business  operators.
He  added  the treasurer’s office was serious  when  he  promised that  they will publish the names  of  delinquent  stall owners  and padlock their  stalls  if they refuse to settle their accounts.
Generally, he  said,  except  for  minor altercations, stall  owners  had  not  reacted violently to their implementation of the closure orders.
“They know that  we have regulatory powers and  that  we  have not  exceeded  our authority,” he explained.
“I am thankful that the  stall owners  inside  the public market  understood  us. Although  some  of them  did not  expect  that  we will actually  execute our promise,” he said.
Gumbao  they will  continue with their campaign.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Apr. 1 (PIA) -- A large part of Koronadal city turned dark as thousands of households joined the Earth Hour last night.


From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., households, offices, government offices, malls, public switched their lights and other electric-powered appliances off .


Streetlamps were also turned off. Even motorists turned their vehicle’s lights to support to the global campaign.


The Earth Hour celebration here led by Mayor Peter B. Miguel, other local government officials and the city environment office started with an eco-invocation and ecumenical prayer at the city’s government center in Carpenter Hill.


Other highlights leading to the 8:30 p.m. Earth Hour, included the signing of a manifesto in support to efforts against global change, and a symposium on the science of climate change and how to solve climate change.


At around 6:30 p.m. participants who gathered in front of the Gaisano Grand Mall either joined the 3.5-kilometer Earth Hour Biking or Earth Hour 2012 Night Walk to Ace Centerpoint Supermarket at the center where the main program was held.


At exactly 8:30 p.m. candles were lighted as the electric lights were turned off.


Meanwhile, the local electric distributor South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO) 1 implemented a 30-minute power shut-off also in support of the campaign.


==Labor attaché to Rome assumes post as DOLE-12 chief==
However, General Manager Santiago Tudio said, since the activity is voluntary, brownout was only enforced in the areas where the main activities was held, specifically Feeders 11, 22, and 33.  
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328063229
*Wednesday 1st of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles


Earlier last week, South Cotabato Gov. Pingoy Y. Pingoy Jr. released a memorandum to employees of the provincial government to support the campaign. He also called on mayors in the province to encourage participation in their respective areas of responsibilities.


Besides , Koronadal City and neighboring towns in South Cotabato, General Santos City and the province also joined the country and the world in the symbolic 60-minute turning off of electricity.


KORONADAL CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) --  Chona Mantilla,  labor attaché  to Rome,  today  begins her new  assignment  at the Department of Labor  and Employment  in Soccsksargen Region (DOLE-12).
Both General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Sarangani province Gov. Migs Dominguez led the Earth Hour campaigns. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)   
Mantilla  takes the place of  Atty. Ma. Gloria  Tango, who  is re-assigned  as  regional director of  DOLE  in Central Visayas in accordance to the  order of Labor and Employment  Secretary Rosalinda  Baldoz for the  department-wide reshuffling of regional  directors and  assistant  regional  directors to strengthen the delivery of services  and to maintain transparency in all DOLE offices.
Assistant  Regional Director  Joel  Gonzales  is also transferred as ARD Caraga  Region (Region 13). In his lieu,  former  Zamboanga Peninsula  ARD Yahya  Centi now  serves as  ARD of DOLE-12.
Mantilla,  a  graduate  of  AB Journalism and  Bachelor of Laws  from Silliman University  and Master of Social Sciences  from  the University of Tasmania  in  Australia,  was  labor attaché to Rome  from 2009 to 2011.
She  was  regional  director of DOLE in Caraga Region  from  2005  until  2009.
   
   
During the turn-over ceremony on  Monday,  Mantilla  said, she is ready to  immediately  begin  with  her  new assignment.
“I am  very fortunate because I am ushered  into  a  regional office with  veteran leaders  like RD Tango and  ARD Jong (Gonzales),”  she  said.
One of her  most  immediate  activities, she added,  is to  look into the  work and  financial plan  prepared  by the regional  staff under the  leadership of  Director  Tango.
“We will try to continue  what has  been  done  before  and with the  help of  the regional  staff,  as  well as  our partners in the agency, our  private partners  and the media we will be  able to work  out  more development for the region,”  she  said.
She  assured  that she  will continue the  agency’s  focus on  employment  facilitation,  labor relations, and  welfare of the labor force.
“I would also like  to  strengthen  relationship with local government  units as well as  our private partners,”  she said.
Immediately after the  turn-over ceremony,  Mantilla scheduled a meeting with  the  Regional Coordinating  Council,  provincial  heads  and  division  chiefs  to  validate  plans  and programs.
She said she  will  also meet  with local officials  in  Soccsksargen Region, which  covers the provinces  of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities  of  Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos.
Regarding  her  predecessor, she said,  Atty. Tango  has  been  her  role model. “An institution,” she described. 
“Mahirap  pantayan ang  previous  leadership, talagang  crème dela  crème,”  she said.
In her stay as  chief of  DOLE  12,  Tango was credited  for  leading in the promotion of industrial  peace  in the  region  as  evidenced  by zero strike in her entire five-year stint here. It was  also  during her leadership that DOLE 12  achieved ISO 9001-2008 certification for its  quality management system. 
Mantilla  is  confident that  her administration  will succeed  with the  help of the regional team  and the network of  partners.
“Let us help one another,”  she asked the participants  of the turn-over ceremony.
Meanwhile, Carlito  Uy,  vice chairman for management of the  Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace  Council said  Director Mantilla  can  expect  full  support  from their group.
“We are  ready  for  whatever program  that  she will introduce in line with  labor and management relationship,”  he said  “especially  in the promotion of industrial  peace.”
“I am  sure,  given her  experience as  regional director  of Caraga and as  labor attaché, she knows what would be best  for both labor and management,” Uy added. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12) 
Tags:  [ information on Department  of Labor and Employment ][ DOLE-12 ][ Chona  Mantilla ][ Gloria Tango ]


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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

PO summit in Soccsksargen first in Mindanao

by (DEDoguiles- PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo-DA RAFID 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 12 (PIA) -- The Regional People’s Organization Congress on May 3 here was not only the first in the entire Soccsksargen Region but also the first PO gathering in the history of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) in Southern Philippines, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said.

More than 300 individuals attended the summit. Among two-thirds of them were chairmen and members of POs; other participants included local chief executives, CFAD focal persons, municipal and provincial project management implementing units in the region.

“The presence of our mayors is a manifestation of their support to MRDP,” Datukan said.

She added that the collaboration between the POs and their respective local government units assures the success of the implementation of MRDP initiatives.

DA 12 Regional Technical Director and MRDP Regional head Dr. Jimmy Olivo said “the regional PO summit was designed to prepare the region for the forthcoming Mindanao-wide gathering of POs.”

DA-MRDP’s 1st Mindanao PO Congress is slated on May 14 in Davao City where POs in the six regions in the entire Mindanao will convene to share developments of projects granted to them by the program and to discuss issues and concerns affecting them.

Participants of the regional summit here passed Resolution No. 01, series of 2012 requesting Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III to augment the existing funds of MRDP. They also appealed to local chief executives in the region to expedite the implementation of the program in their areas.

They also recommend the formation people’s organization that caters specifically to Muslim communities.

The resolution will be presented during the Mindanao PO congress where Pres. Aquino is expected to come.

During her presentation of the general updates of MRDP projects, MRDP CFAD coordinator Shiela Siago pointed out that of the six regions in Mindanao, Soccsksargen has been a consistent top performer with regard to implementation of project implementation.

“Region 12 gets almost a billion from the World Bank where a lion’s share of the amount funded the region’s rural infrastructure projects,” she said.

Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal City, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

RTD Olivo said, “looking at the map of Central Mindanao, it is already half-filled with MRDP projects.”

Before the summit here ended, a raffle was drawn where the top prizes included two rice threshers, two corn mills, four carabaos, ang laminated sacks (trapal).

At least one thousand banana suckers were also raffled off along with seedlings of mangosteen, marang, guyabano, rambutan, and jackfruit. Provided by AgriPinoy Rice, Corn, High Value Crops and Livestock programs of DA.

Formal turn-over of these items is slated on May 31, along with the awarding of Gawad Saka regional winners.

MRDP is a medium term development intervention that addresses poverty reduction designed and implemented by DA. The program is funded by the World Bank with the national government (DA), and the LGUs which provide an equity share.

The program has four components: Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD), Rural Infrastructure (RI), Natural Resources Management (NRM), and Investment Governance Reform (IGR).






148 OSYs complete LGU-sponsored skills training

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 11 (PIA) -- Some 148 out-of-school youths in nearby Tampakan town recently completed a four-month skills training sponsored by the local government unit in partnership with the mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Of these, 15 completed training in carpentry, 15 in masonry, 45 in plumbing, 22 in electrical installation and maintenance, 28 in welding and 23 in beauty care.

Efren Villarina, community affairs officer II, said the training of OSYs was implemented under the Educational Livelihood Program of Mayor Leonardo Escobillo in accordance with two of his three-fold thrust, namely: education and livelihood. The third thrust is health.

For the training of the out-of-school youth who come from the different barangays of the municipality, the LGU provided for the venue while SMI provided the training equipment and tools and honorarium of the trainors provided by TESDA.

At the graduation ceremony on April 25, TESDA-South Cotabato Director Leonora Guiloreza encouraged the trainees “to make of the skills you have acquired from the training course.”

“Believe in yourselves, hone your skills and never let them wane,” she challenged them.

Meanwhile, Mayor Escobillo assured that them that help from the local government unit would not end with the graduation rites.

“We have more dreams for the residents of Tampakan. This will not end here, he said. “I assure you that we will continue to develop and enrich what you have learned for the benefit of the entire municipality.”

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr, who was guest of honor at the graduation rites saluted the LGU for spearheading the education and livelihood program for the OSYs and for giving emphasis on skills training as a solution to poverty.

“These youths can make use of the knowledge they gained to get jobs. And if they have jobs they have sources of income and could help improve the lives of their families,” the governor said.

DOLE 12 pushes for voluntary compliance with labor laws thru ICP

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 10 (PIA) -- In line with its advocacy to promote industrial peace in the entire Soccsksargen Region, the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12) pushes for more voluntary compliance by companies and establishments to labor laws and standards.

Charmaine Dawn Ladot-Sonsona, labor communications officer of DOLE 12, said through the Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP), they are encouraging establishments to abide by occupational safety and health standards, labor standards, and labor-management dispute resolution among others

“ICP encourages voluntary compliance first by giving recognition and incentives to a company’s initiatives to voluntarily comply with labor laws or having implemented a much higher standard and second by assisting a non-compliant company through training and technical assistance to enable the company to comply with the requirements,” Sonsona explained.

Incentives for these companies include a tripartite (management-labor-government) Seal of Excellence for their establishments which should also be carried on their products, she added.

In Region 12, nine establishments have already been enrolled in the ICP.

These are Dole Philippines Inc (Dolefil Inc.); Sagittarius Mining Incorporated, and South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc. in South Cotabato; ALSONS Industries; Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Sultan Kudarat; Cotabato Light in Cotabato City; and Energy Development Corporation-MDGP and Stanfilco - North Cotabato Operation in North Cotabato.

She said, before these companies could be awarded with the Tripartite Seal of Excellence, they should have abided with the following criteria: Tripartite Certificate of compliance on Labor Standards, Gawad Kaligtasan and Kalusugan, Certificate of Child Labor Free Establishment, National Productivity Olympics Award or its equivalent, and Outstanding LMC Awardee for Industrial Peace.

On April 20, 2012, Tripartite Certification Committee (TCC) met to discuss the results of the assessment done by the social auditors, which is composed of labor representatives Francis Gales and Mr. Ronnie Mondragon, Regional Tripartite and Industrial Peace Council vice chair for management Carlito Uy and management representative Norlan Yap.

Based on the audit results, Sonsona said, the enrolled establishments will submit necessary documents for remediation where compliance gaps are addressed and corrected.

DOLE 12 management aims to nominate the company or companies who will qualify based on criteria set forth by Department Order No. 011 , series of 2011 for the National Recognition Awards, she said. Meanwhile, during the April 20 meeting of the TCC-ICP, Dolefil Inc., released a check amounting to P1.7 million for the payment of the balance for the rice benefits of its employees.

The ICP guideline (Department Order 115-11, series of 2011) states: “promotion of voluntary compliance with the involvement of workers and employers is a complementary approach to a) imbed a culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws; b) ensure fair, expeditious and non-litigious settlement of disputes; c) enhance workplace productivity; promote decent work; and increase the level of Philippine competitiveness.” (DEDoguiles- PIA 12/DOLE-12

DA 12 assures dispersed machineries to farmer groups were of high quality

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan refuted earlier report of a TV station in nearby General Santos City that the farm machineries distributed to farmers in Soccsksargen Region on March 30 were defective.

Datukan said, it came to her attention that a news report in one of the local TV stations in Gensan had the headline, “Ilang makinang natangap ng mga magsasaka sa DA, depektibo.”

The report was based on an interview with some farmers in Surallah town.

Although some units had minor defects, Datukan explained, those found with some flaws were not released to the beneficiaries pending compliance by supplier to the request of DA 12 to conduct proper quality checkup and to come up with necessary adjustments before these will be finally awarded to the recipients.

“The defect is only at the mounting and spindle part of the hand tractor and thresher, respectively,” Dir. Datukan pointed out.

During the interview with the TV reporters, some of the recipients, like the members BINTIKO extended their gratitude for receiving a number of farm machines including one thresher, one 4-wheel drive tractor, and one hand tractor but also said that their thresher was held by DA pending further quality check because of a minor factory defect in their unit.

Unfortunately, Datukan said, the words “factory defects” were highlighted in the news report.

BINTIKO Chairman Jonathan Javelosa called up the DA Regional Office and told Regional Technical Director Jimmy M. Olivo that such comment in no way intended to undermine or discredit the Department of Agriculture.

“The DA stands for quality assured equipment and ensures that any fabrication defects must be replaced by the supplier, since these are under the one-year warranty and service after sales agreement,”Dir. Datukan said.

Starting immediately, Dir Datukan promised that all units will undergo thorough and careful quality inspection instead of random and sampling check only.

Meanwhile, Chairman Arnulfo Beltijar of San Felipe Irrigators Association in Tantangan, South Cotabato said that the farm machinery they received were in good performing conditions.

“We will take good care of these sets of farm machinery given by the DA,” Beltijar said.

The P21-million worth of farm machinery was distributed to various farmer groups in Region 12 to further improve their area’s agricultural productivity.

The project is part of the Agri Pinoy Rice Program’s Mechanization that enables to mobilize productive farming in the region.

Dir Datukan reiterated that these agricultural machines and equipment were procured through RA 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act directing the Bids and Awards Committee to be responsible in the bidding process therefore these machines are of high quality considering that the winning bidders provided the farmer’s preferred brands, “Kubota” and “Yanmar.”.

For the next awarding of farm equipment, Dir Datukan ordered the one-on-one checking on the unit to reassure that these were in good working condition before these are awarded to the intended beneficiaries. (DED - PIA 12/DA-RAFID 12)

South Cotabato police to lay down anti-drug strategies

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 8 (PIA) -- Police officials in South Cotabato will meet Friday, May 11, to craft strategies against illegal drugs and drug abuse.

Eduardo Siason, permanent representative of the governor to the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) said, “the action planning would require municipal and city police stations to focus their activities on drug problems in their respective area.”

Invited to the anti-drug strategic planning workshop are the chiefs of police of 10 municipal police stations, and lone city police office, along with one investigator involved in drug cases from each station, as well as agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) assigned in in the province.

Highlight of the activity would be the presentation of each police station's anti-drug action plan; PDEA will also present its anti-drug action plan.


“Members of the panel will be there to clarify each police station’s strategic plan such as how this will be implemented, sources of fund, and other concerns,” Siason said.

After these plans are presented and discussed, he said, each police station will revise their plans according to the suggestions by a panel and present these for approval to Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., and PDEA 12 Regional Director Aileen Lovitos.

Siason said, the action planning is necessary after the provincial board approved Gov. Pingoy’s request for this year’s supplemental budget no. 1, which include P500,000 additional allocation for PADAC operations.

“We want to make sure that the funds that Gov. Pingoy has given us will be spent on the purpose these were intended for,” he said.

Also with the approval of the supplemental budget, Siason expects the PADAC and its partners would be able to intensify its advocacy projects against drugs, including the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and its campaigns in the communities.

He also announced that the provincial government will hold search for outstanding municipal and barangay anti-drug abuse councils, where one of the criteria for judging pertains to the implementation of the strategic action plan.

“The awarding will coincide with the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week in November,” Siason said. (DED-PIA 12)

School supplies on sale on May 16- 18, says DTI–South Cotabato

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 (PIA) -- Parents will receive support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as they try to look for low-priced school supplies of their children with the opening of classes on June 4.

Elbert Capecio senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-South Cotabato said they are now preparing for the staging of the three-day “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan” where school supplies such as notebooks, pens and pencils, coloring tools, and many others, as well as uniforms, bags and shoes, will be offered on discounted prices.

Capecio said, the Balik-Eskwela Caravan in South Cotabato will be held on May 16, 17, and 18 in Koronadal City “Instead of the usual practice of gathering producers, manufacturers, and other participants in one place, the school supplies will be sold inside the participating malls, and stores.”

He identified the participating stores as KCC Mall of Marbel, Ace Centerpoint, Gaisano Grand Mall, and Starbright Store.

The decision not to gather the participating entities in one place, he explained, was in response to some concerns like pilferage and additional effort and expenses to install booths.

Capecio added that based on their monitoring, there has not been changes in the prices of school supplies in the province.

Besides the Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Caravan next week, DTI-South Cotabato is also preparing for a major discount during South Cotabato province’s T’nalak Festival in July. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Tampakan issue triggers FB word war between military and militant group

by Bong S. Sarmiento


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/05 May) – Exchanges between the military and a militant group have lately turned nasty due to the Tampakan copper-gold project issue, with both sides resorting to name-calling via the social network, Facebook. The 27th Infantry Battalion based in Tupi, SouthCotabato branded Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) –SOCCSKSARGEN spokesperson Ryan Lariba as “liar.” In turn, Bayan-SOCCSKSARGEN called the 27th IB “berdugo,” or butcher or executioner. The harsh labeling, done via Facebook, originated from the April 22 Earth Day incident when groups supporting the Tampakan project allegedly blocked the solidarity mission of militant, religious and indigenous peoples’ groups from proceeding to the mountains. In a Facebook post dated April 24, the 27th Infantry (Action) Battalion called Lariba a “liar and wished that his soul burn in hell.” “You are the one violating the human rights of the members of 27th Infantry Battalion. You know you are making false accusation in public,” the post reads. “You were there. We were not. You are fabricating stories that are designed to malign the reputation and honor of the men in uniform. You are misleading the general public with your hallucination.” it added. On Thursday, the Facebook account of Bayan-SOCCSKSARGEN tagged the 27th IB as “berdugo” and alleged protector of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. It said the mine site had become militarized since news broke out in March that several tribal communities had set up barricades against the Tampakan project in protest to the relocation plans of the mining company. Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, 27th IB commander, himself labeled Lariba as a “liar” over a local radio station during the futile attempt of the militant groups to go up Bong Mal district last April 22. Bong Mal is the boundary between Tampakan town and Kiblawan, Davao del Sur that serves as a crucial artery in the mines development site. Blaan communities opposing the Tampakan project have set up several checkpoints in Bong Mal. At the time, Lariba accused Sagittarius Mines and the 27thInfantry Battalion as behind the efforts to stop them from going to Bong Mal to express their solidarity to the tribesmen opposing the mining venture. Bravo explained then that those who blocked the solidarity mission were groups supportive of the Tampakan project and that he ordered his troops to stay in their detachments and be prepared as reaction forces in case an accident would happen.

Portions of the way to Bong Mal have steep inclines accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. Members of the solidary mission were on board jeepneys, elf trucks and multi-cabs. The Tampakan project is touted as the largest known undeveloped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia. The estimated contained copper at Tampakan in total resources has risen from 13.9 million metric tons to 15 million MT while estimated contained gold has risen from 16.2 million ounces to 17.9 Moz, according to the latest company study. In January, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources rejected Sagittarius Mines’ application for an environmental compliance certificate, citing the unresolved open-pit mining ban imposed by South Cotabato province. The company filed a motion for reconsideration but the Environment department has yet to announce a decision. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

DOLE-12 to hold more confab on new wage order

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 5 (PIA) -- After a successful symposium on Wage Order RB XII No. 17 here last May 1, the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) have slated a series of meeting with stakeholders on the new wage order.

RTWPB 12 Board Secretary Jessie dela Cruz said the activities are intended to encourage public awareness of Wage Order 17 that became effective last April 18.

He said that wage symposiums will be held in Tacurong City for Sultan Kudarat area on May 4 (Friday); in Cotabato City on May 17 and in Kidapawan City for North Cotabato province on May 24.

“Wage clinics for General Santos City and Sarangani province area is tentatively scheduled on May 11. We aim to cover the entire Soccsksargen area before the end of May,” he said.

Through these wage clinics, DOLE 12 and RTWPB 12 explain how the board - which include among others labor and management representatives - arrived at the decision to order an additional P10 to 14 to the daily cost of living allowance (COLA), decide on the salient features of the new wage order, as well as penalties for non-compliance and provisions regarding exemptions.

The activities are also venues where stakeholders can clarify issues regarding the provisions of the wage order and implementation of the same.

During the symposium in Koronadal City on Tuesday, dela Cruz said the board decided to pass the new wage “motu proprio” after a series of public consultations, and based on the socio-economic data provided by the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture.

“We would like to clarify the wrong notion that only DOLE fixes the wage in the region, he said. “Both the labor and management sectors are equally represented in the board.

Simplicio Villarta Jr of the Federation of Free Workers and Jomarie Angeles of the ALO-TUCP sit in the board as labor sector representatives while Atty. Eugenio Soyao and Warren Gregorio Manilay represented the management sector, dela Cruz said.

The board is being chaired by the DOLE regional director.

Dela Cruz said that the board decides to raise the minimum wage based on the following criteria: needs of the workers and their families; capacity of pay of the employee or industry; comparable wages; and requirements for national development, investment, and employment generation.

Other factors considered were changes in the prices of the basic commodities and services, inflation rate, and poverty threshold.

“As of February 2011, poverty threshold level in Region 12 is at P226.62 per day for a family with five members,” he said. “If we consider, our lowest minimum wage was already P234 before the implementation of the new wage order.”

Wage Order RBXII No. 17 orders the integration of the P15 COLA ordered in the previous order into the basic pay, which dela Cruz pointed out also increases the bases of computation of the 13th month pay and other benefits and bonuses of the laborers.

The wage clinic in Koronadal City was attended by more than 200 participants from labor and management groups, payroll officers of establishments, nongovernment organizations, media, private schools, and other stakeholders.

Dela Cruz also pointed out that so far they have not received any petition or formal complaint against the implementation of the new wage order. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

NDRRMC: Whirlwind hits Bukidnon, flash floods hit South Cotabato

by KG, GMA News


At least one house was destroyed while 12 others were damaged after a whirlwind hit a residential area in Valencia City in Bukidnon Thursday afternoon.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the incident occurred at 3:30 p.m. at Purok 1-A in Lumbo in Valencia City.

It cited initial information indicating 13 families were affected, although no one was reported hurt.

A local disaster risk reduction and management team was sent to the area to assess the damage, the NDRRMC said.

South Cotabato

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC also said a flash flood hit two villages in South Cotabato Wednesday.

Citing belated initial reports, the NDRRMC said the incident occurred between 2 and 3 p.m. at Lambingi and Kusan villages in Banga town.

It said 26.7 hectares of corn fields were damaged in Lambingi, while properties and infrastructure were damaged in Kusan.

At least 12 farmers from Lambingi and two families from Kusan were affected.

The estimated damage to property was pegged at P200,000.

JICA president vows continued support to Upi, Maguindanao

by (Dani Doguiles and Hannadi PIA/-Upi LGU)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The new president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reiterated the international donor agency’s commitment to help in the development efforts of Upi town in Maguindanao.

“In behalf of JICA, I promise you that we would continue to work closely with you in the coming years," Dr. Akihito Tanaka told Upi Mayor Mayor Ramon Piang Sr., Vice Mayor Alexis Platon, SB members, and heads of offices.

Tanaka, along with some members of the International Team and officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Social Fund Project (ASFP), visited Upi yesterday as part of their monitoring of the implementation of JICA projects in the area.

These projects include several school buildings, heavy equipment, and solar dryers as well as goat raising project in support of efforts to promote Halal industry in Maguindanao province.

The visit was the first trip of the 56-year old official to Upi and Mindanao. Tanaka , which JICA Newsletter described as “a renowned academic of international relations” began his role as JICA president on April 1, 2012.

Tanaka is vice president of the Tokyo University. He replaced Dr. Sodako Ogata.

“I am quite impressed with the mayor’s leadership and the cooperation of local officials to realize good governance in the implementation of projects,” he said.

He also congratulated Mayor Piang “for his vigor and dynamism.”

On his part, Mayor Piang thanked JICA for its support to the development of the underprivileged Upi town through construction of roads, improvement of the level of education in the municipality, assistance to local farmers.

N. Cotabato hands P5.9 M worth of infrastructure to Arakan LGU

by (DEDoguiles – PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza and officials of the provincial government recently turned-over to the municipality of Arakan, P5.9 million worth of infrastructure projects .

In a press release sent to PIA 12 yesterday the Information and Development Communication Division (ICDC) of the provincial government reported that the turn-over ceremony was held at the opening program of the Gov. Lala 2nd Summer Kids Peace Camp in the municipality on April 23.

Infrastructure projects turned-over to the LGU include multi-purpose covered court worth P3,483,800. This, according to the ICDC report was as an incentive for its successful implementation of the 1st summer kids peace camp last year.

The provincial government also turned over P2.47 million worth of improvement which upgraded the Arakan Rural Health Unit as a Basic Emergency Management Of Obstetrics Cases (BEMOC) facility. The project was funded by the European Commission.

With the upgrade, the BEMOC facility in Arakan can now provide delivery services for pregnant women. It is also seen to improve accessibility, utilization, and quality of services for the treatment of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

With Gov. Mendoza during the turn-over ceremony were 2nd District board members Cristobal Cadungon, Airene Claire Pagal, Onofre Respicio, and Noel Baynosa.

The lady governor promised more incentives to the municipality depending on the success of the summer kids peace camp.

The summer kids peace camp, is an annual program of Gov. Mendoza and intends to inculcate among Grade V pupils of the province leadership skills in the context of peaceful co-existence among the lumads, Muslims and Christians inhabitants of the province.

School children are also taught important moral values such as respect for others’ cultures and beliefs and are honed to become the provincial government’s young ambassadors of peace to their respective communities.

Some 25,000 Grade V pupils are expected in participate in this year's summer kids camps in the 17 municipalities and lone city of North Cotabato.

40 Midsayap fisherfolk to receive tilapia fingerlings, fish pond

by (DEDoguiles -PIA 12/Roderick Bautista-1st District NCot Congressional Office)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 1 (PIA) -- Some 40 fisherfolk in confict-affected village in Midsayap, North Cotabato are set to benefit from tilapia fingerlings distribution and turn-over of nine units of fish ponds from the government.

Plan for the fingerlings dispersal and fish pond turn-over in the remote village of Olandang is being finalized by the office of North Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and officials of the local government unit.

Dominador Aspacio, congressional district office staff, said the fingerlings will be dispersed free to help residents begin a sustainable livelihood.

Aspacio also said fish ponds were built through Food for Work of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These will be turned-over to the fisherfolk to provide them with facility where they can raise the dispersed tilapia.

Earlier, BFAR personnel conducted a series of lectures on the cultural management of tilapia with the beneficiaries to prepare them for the implementation of the livelihood project.

Barangay Olandang is situated along Rio Grande de Mindanao and Liguasan Marsh, which make the village an ideal location for the tilapia raising.

Adults, OSYs in Upi, Maguindanao finish literacy and numeracy course

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12, with report from Hannadi Guiamad-Upi LGU)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 30 (PIA) -- Hundreds of adults and out-of-school youth in Upi town, Maguindanao have completed a three-month literacy and numeracy course, recently.

On Saturday, at least 400 adults and out-of school youth learners received their certificates of completion from the Literacy for Peace and Development (LIPAD) Project, where they learned how to write, read and do simple computations. The ceremony was held at the Upi municipal gymnasium on Saturday.

Learners were from barangays Kibleg, Ganasi, Nangi at Borongotan.

In her message, LIPAD Project director Prof. Pilar A. Bautista said they aim to provide underprivileged individuals, especially adults and out-of school youth, the opportunity to learn basic writing, reading and counting.

This is necessary for them, she said, to learn these very important skills, which they can use in daily affairs and in simple transactions such as those involved in doing business with others.

LIPAD is a project of the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc., a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the promotion of literacy, poverty alleviation, as well as peace and development founded by former Senator Santanina Rasul in the 1960s.

The project is being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

It aims to raise the basic and functional literacy level among adults and out-of-school youth in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Besides Upi, LIPAD project is also being implemented in the towns of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, and Talayan for Maguindanao province area.

Some of the graduates were emotional when they received their certificates of completion because they did not expect to have been given the chance to learn to read, write, and do simple computations despite their age.

Barangay Borongotan chairperson Irene Galanto, in her message, thanked the learning facilitators for their diligence in helping the participants learn these basic and important skills and for being patient in going to remote areas to reach the under served residents.

Upi Mayor Ramon Piang Sr. and some members of the Sangguniang Bayan attended the completion ceremony.

The affair was highlighted by presentations of learners, who showed their talents in cultural singing and dancing.

Aside from the certificate of completion, those who have completed the course, also received reading materials featuring indigenous stories, which they can use to hone what they learned.

Awards like Best in Reading, Best in Writing, and Best in Numeracy were also given to graduates who excelled.






SPES-TWSP convergence program to cover 21 LGUs in Region 12

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- A total of 21 municipalities in three provinces of Soccsksargen region will benefit from the initial implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Convergence Program on poverty alleviation.

The program brings together DOLE’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) to provide training and employment opportunities to the marginalized sector of the society, especially the out-of-school youth (OSY).

Based on a list provided by the office of DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla last Friday, the SPES-TWSP Convergence Program will cover 11 municipalities in North Cotabato, eight in Sultan Kudarat, and two in Sarangani.

In North Cotabato, beneficiary OSYs should come from Aleosan, Midsayap, Tulunan, Alamada, Arakan, Banisilan, Kabacan, Libungan, Magpet, Matalam, and President Roxas.

Interested and qualified OSYs in Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, Colombio, Esperanza, Isulan, Lambayong, Lebak, and Senator Ninoy Aquino municipalities of Sultan Kudarat may also avail of the training and employment program.

On May 1, the program will be launched in General Santos City for the municipalities of Malungon and Alabel in Saragani Province where the first 42 scholarship grantees come from.

Director Mantilla said more municipalities may be included in the coming months.

“We have requested for the inclusion of the municipalities of Lake Sebu, T’boli and Sto. Niño in South Cotabato,” Director Mantilla said, adding that they are now awaiting approval of this by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Under the program, beneficiary OSYs who “may also be an occupationally disabled worker, a person with disability, a displaced worker, or a victim of trafficking, illegal recruitment or child labor,” will undergo mandated 20 to 52 days of technical vocational training in TESDA-identified institutions.

As in the original SPES program, DOLE will pay each beneficiary 40 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in the region for every day of training.

The amount, according to the program guidelines, may be used as a training allowance or as capital to purchase the OSY’s starter kit.

More than 400 scholarship slots may be opened in Soccsksargen Region this year for OSYs interested in techvoc trainings that will be identified by TESDA 12. The program is open to OSY’s between 15 to 25 years old, whose family income (including his, if any) does not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six, as determined by the National Economic Development Authority.

Applicants should have reached high school level to be able to participate in the program.

Interested individuals need to submit to the nearest DOLE or TESDA office the needed documents. For more information, you may refer to the nearest DOLE Field Office or Public Employment Service Office or provincial/district office of TESDA. (DED-PIA 12)

Cotelco GM says AboitizPower, TMI did not refuse delivery of power to coop

by (DED-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 28 (PIA) -- AboitizPower and Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) did not refuse to deliver power to Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) nor did they impose P16.11 per kwh rate on the cooperative, Cotelco General Manager Godofredo Homez said.

Last Wednesday, several radio stations and newspapers reported that negotiations between Cotelco and TMI for a 8-MW supply of electricity have stalled because the latter would charge Cotelco P16.11/kwh of power supplied, as well as require them a P4-million security bond and P14-million advanced payment.

“In summary, we want to clarify that AboitizPower and TMI did not refuse to deliver power to Cotelco,” Homez said in a letter sent to the Department of Energy and PIA-12.

“AboitizPower and TMI did not impose P16.11 per kwh rate on Cotelco,” he added.

Homez also pointed out that the prepaid agreement was not imposed on the electric cooperative, adding that the rate is more or less P9.00 per kwh, which is the same rate charged to all electric cooperatives under contract with all TMI.

“It was an agreement discussed between two parties in consideration of the immediate need for power by Cotelco and the need of TMI to be protected for the costs they will incur in delivering power, especially fuel costs,” he explained.

Homez confirmed that Cotelco wrote to AboitizPower last April 12 to ask for a 8-MW supply from TMI in anticipation of the huge deficit in power supply during the month-long rehabilitation of Pulangi IV hydropower plant.

Aboitiz power, he said, expressed availability of 8 MW.

“But following rules of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), our transaction must be governed by at least a provisional authority (PA) from the ERC,” he said. PAs, he explained, are usually issued 30 days of publication of the draft power supply agreement.

Homez explained that since they could not wait for a provisional agreement, they wrote to ERC asking that they be allowed to receive delivery of power from TMI without the required authority.

On April 19, he said, ERC approved Cotelco’s request to get power from TMI but not less than the prevailing NPC-Time of Use Rate or P.90 per kwh.

Regarding the P4-M security bond, Homez pointed out that this is a standard in all financial contracts. About the advanced payment, he explained that “without a provisional agreement, Cotelco cannot legally impose the new rates to its consumers; following this is the risk that TMI will not be paid for its fuel and overhead costs. Thus a proposal for a prepaid system was discussed.”

Cotelco’s service area at regularly experiences up to 8 hours of rotational brownout after the Pulangi IV plant was closed for maintenance works last week.

Before Pulangi IV was closed, Cotelco imposed 3 to 5 hours of rotational brownout. Cotelco, as well as the city government of Kidapawan and the provincial government of Cotabato, have been asking for the retention of 25 percent of the power generated by the Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant owned by the Energy Development Corporation.

The present 8-hour-per-day power outages in North Cotabato could persist until May 17, the date set for the completion of the Pulangi IV rehab, if Cotelco cannot buy supply from TMI.

Opportunities await OSYs in DOLE-TESDA convergence program

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 27 (PIA) -- More help will soon be made available to out-of-school youths in Soccksargen Region as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) joined together two of their flagship programs.

DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla yesterday announced they will launch on Labor Day (May 1) in General Santos City the DOLE-TESDA Convergence Program on Poverty Alleviation.

“The program joins together the Special Program for the Employment of Students of DOLE and the Training for Work Scholarship Program of TESDA,” Mantilla explained. “This will be called SPES-TWSP Convergence Program.”

Under the program, qualified OSYs undergo the SPES program but instead of employing in an establishment for a specified duration should instead undergo technical-vocational training.

Forty-two OSYs from Malungon and Alabel towns in Sarangani province are scheduled to receive scholarship grants during the ceremonial launching at the KCC Convention Hall in Gensan.

At least 400 SPES-TWSP scholars are expected to benefit from the program this year.

According to the DOLE-TESDA Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2012 dated March 23, 2012, “the implementation of the SPES-TWSP convergence program will be nationwide, prioritizing the poorest areas in the 16 regions.”

In region 12, it will be implemented in 21 poor municipalities in the provinces of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

Mantilla said, they are still requesting for the inclusion of at least three municipalities in South Cotabato, which was not included in the initial list.

For an OSY to qualify, he or she should be 15 to 25 years old and whose parents’ combined income does not exceed the latest annual regional poverty threshold level for a family of six.

“An OSY may also be an occupationally disabled worker, a person with disability, a displaced worker, or a victim of trafficking, illegal recruitment of child labor,” the circular noted.

Based on the existing SPES guidelines, the training program in which the beneficiary can enroll should be for a minimum of 20 days (160 hours) to a maximum of 52 days only.

DOLE will pay for 40 percent of the applicable minimum wage after completion of the training program for the training allowance or starter kit of the OSYs.

The agency will also provide guidance and necessary technical support to capacitate the OSYs to engage in self-employment after the training.

TESDA handles the selection of the OSYs who will undergo the training program and become beneficiaries as well as identification of technical education and skills development institutions where the scholars will enrol.

Interested OSYs may file application and required documents at the Public Employment Service Office or TESDA Provincial/District Office nearest them.

Required documents include duly accomplished SPES Application Form and TESDA Trainee Profile Form; copy of birth certificate or any document that shows his or her date of birth, latest report card (Form 138), income tax return of parents or certification issued by BIR or barangay chairperson indicating that they are exempted from paying taxes, and certificate of good moral character from authorized barangay official.

8 DAR scholars in So. Cotabato finish in Agri-tech course

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/MTVQuimsing/DAR-SoCot)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 26 (PIA) -- Eight scholars of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in South Cotabato under the Programang Agraryo Iskolar yesterday graduated their course at the Surallah National Agricultural School (SUNAS), in nearby Surallah town.

Ma. Theresa Quimsing, information officer of DAR-South Cotabato said, the scholars completed all requirements for a Diploma in Agricultural Technology.

The new graduate are Josephine Areza, Mery Chris De Joseph, Ernest John Eucare, Ramilyn Lasig, Jayren Mandeoya, Ryan Plenciano, Lovelyn Joy Retuyan, and Rosa Santerva.

For two years they received financial support for tuition fees, books, and personal allowances from DAR.

The “Programang Agraryo Iskolar” is part of the support services given to the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Under the program children of ARBs are given the opportunity to finish a college degree related to agriculture.

The knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies should help them become agents in developing their awarded lands and spur progress in their community in general, Quimsing added.

South Cotabato cops note improved operations

by .(PNA)

LAP/AVE/AC


GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Operations of police units in South Cotabato province significantly improved during the first three months of the year as they cleared over 73 percent of the crime incidents that occurred in the area. Senior Supt. Randolph Delfin, South Cotabato police director, said they achieved a crime clearance efficiency rating of 73.33 during the first quarter, which increased by 20 percent from last year’s records. Crime clearance efficiency refers to the percentage of cleared cases out of the total number of crime incidents handled by law enforcement agencies for a given period of time. In terms of crime solution efficiency, he said they slightly improved their rating from 25 percent last year to 27.33 percent this year. “Out of the 793 crime incidents that we handled, 494 were so far cleared and 218 have been solved,” Delfin said. The police official said among their major accomplishment for the period was the recovery of 15 of the 23 motorcycles that were stolen within the province’s 10 towns and lone city. He said they filed six cases on Monday against several identified carnapping or motorcycle theft suspects. Delfin maintained that the province has remained generally peaceful and orderly as shown by the area’s crime statistics. He said the average crime rate in the area during the first quarter of the year has gone down to 31.9 percent from the 35.7 percent in the same period last year. In terms of illegal drugs, Delfin said they have so far arrested 33 suspects and launched 18 major operations in the area. He said these operations have led to the recovery of some P5M worth of illegal drugs, specifically mehtamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" and marijuana. The police official said they were able to arrest 75 persons with pending arrests warrants, including 18 who were facing illegal gambling charges. Delfin added that they apprehended 12 suspects and recovered 18 high-powered arms in separate operations in Tantangan and Banga towns.

LGU, Army to gather youth in leadership summit

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army and the local government are organizing a four-day leadership summit on May 13 where more than 200 young people from Tampakan town are expected to attend.

Gricelda Pacano, social welfare and development officer of Tampakan said the local government and the 27th Infantry Battalion are collaborating to hold the Youth Leadership Summit (YSL) 2012 to increase awareness among young residents of their responsibilities and help achieve lasting peace in their respective communities.

Pacano said, the activity will be held at the Rock Ridge Resort in Barangay Lambayong, Tampakan and will be attended by young people from the municipality’s 14 barangays.

She said, the summit specifically aims to develop leadership potential of the young people, increase their knowledge of peace and development, educate them on the effects of illegal drug use, and improve their understanding of patriotism and cooperation with their communities.

Activities shall include lectures and workshops on interpersonal communication, disaster risk reduction and management, dangerous drugs awareness, gender and cultural sensitivity, values formation, social responsibility, environmental awareness, threats to national security, knowing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and government plans for the youth sector.

Other activities include film viewing, contests on logo and poster-making, extemporaneous speech, mural painting, and Search for Mr. and Ms. YLS 2012.

Youth participants are also expected to organize their community action plan and pass a manifesto or oath for peace on the final day of the summit. (DED-PIA 12, South Cotabato)

Army troops join Earth Day clean-up drive in Tacurong City

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- Troops of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade based in nearby Tacurong City on Saturday joined different sectors in a clean-up drive, which was part of the city’s celebration of the Earth Day 2012.

Civil military operations officer Cpt. Alex Escalante, explained the Unifier Brigade’s participation in the “Limpyo Kalog” (cleaning of canals) was to encourage people to participate in environmental preservation and protection.

Other participants of the activity were member of the Philippine National Police, employees and officials of the local government units, academe and the transports groups.

Non-government organizations, civil society and the private sector also joined in the activity.

Clean-up focused on cleaning of the city’s canals of wastes, debris, plastics and other materials that could clog the drainage during heavy rains as well as clearing of the grasses along the national highway.

After the clean-up drive, participants converged at the City Hall Ground for a short program

Unifier Brigade commander, Col. Edmundo Pangilinan reminded the participants: “Earth Day is every day, so let us work together and better care for our natural environment.

Tacurong City councilor Psyche Sucaldito, Tacurong , chairperson of the committee on environment also expressed appreciation to all participants for sharing their time and effort to care for Mother Earth.

Earth Day is an annual global celebration, spearheaded by the Earth Day Network. It is geared toward bringing awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment.

This year, the Earth Day Network expected at least two billion people worldwide joining the Earth Day celebration and helping “Mobilize the Earth.”






Peace Council objects to establishment of MILF camps in the So. Cotabato

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr. during its second quarter meeting on Wednesday passed two resolutions objecting the putting up of two camps in the province by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Senior Board Member Jose Madanguit, who was the proponent of the two resolutions, disclosed that the acts of the MILF was in violation of the present ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.

The first resolution specifically objected to the putting up of a camp at Tudok, T’boli, while the second resolution also objected the putting up of a satellite camp at Sitio Lampakpak, Lampari, Banga.

Both resolutions also called for the immediate dismantling of the two camps.

The move was prompted after the presentation of Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in the town of Tupi, confirming the presence of the MILF to set up camps in the province.

“The MILF 107th Base Command with a strength, more or less, of about 200 fully armed combatants, was responsible for setting up the camp in Tudok, T’boli,” Bravo added, ”but the camp is currently maintained by members numbering between 30 to 40 only.”

In Sitio Lampakpak, Lampari, Banga, the military has monitored around 11 fully armed members staying in the satellite camp.

Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo and Banga Mayor Henry Ladot, who were present during the meeting and whose municipalities bordered the MILF satellite camp, expressed their respective concerns regarding the situation and appealed for intervention, especially in the dismantling of the camp.

The satellite camp was previously occupied by the MILF, but dismantled about five years ago, which raised questions among PPOC members why the said group occupied it again.

In an interview with a radio station here today, MILF vice chairman Gadzali Jaafar confirmed that they have several camps in South Cotabato and the neighboring provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

He, however, cannot confirm the presence of the camps that were identified in the PPOC resolution.

Jaafar emphasized that residents in South Cotabato need not be concerned about the camps in the province because they respect the ceasefire agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government. (DED-PIA 12/ FS-SoCot-PIO)

DTI’s SME Caravan 2012 focuses on upgrading enterprises

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Southern Mindanao April 21 (PIA) -- Once again, Sultan Kudarat province’s Department of Trade and Industry will gather micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Soccsksargen Region to help boost local enterprises.

This time though, preferred participants to the SME Caravan 2012 at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Gymnasium in Isulan town on April 25 to 26 are those who have existing enterprises and are looking for means to improve their businesses.

Sultan Kudarat Trade & Industry Provincial Director Nelly Dillera said the SME Caravan 2012 aims to provide the local entrepreneurs with first hand information on entrepreneurship – from improvement of product to capacitating entrepreneurs.

“This year’s SME Caravan in Region 12 would help the growing number of entrepreneurs learn how to manage their businesses, access funds, maintain high level of product quality for food and enhance their awareness on sensing the right and legitimate local and international market opportunities,” Dillera said.

“There shall also be a topic on Tourism Product Identification and Development to aid the tourism officers and even landowners in identifying potential area for tourism development.”

Among the resource persons invited for the breakout sessions include Roberto Castañeda and Euclid Cezar.

Castañeda, who will share his knowledge on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and surviving pitfalls of small businesses, is the founder of the Don Roberto’s Winery, producer of the world’s first mango wine. Besides, its green mango and sweet mango wines, his company also produces brewed coffee wine.

Cezar, a professor of San Beda College – Manila, is a well-known business coach and host of “Super Entrepinoy” program. He is the owner of Ink More which sells ready-to-use ink cartridges.

“We want to benchmark what these entrepreneurs have done to be able to inspire our ‘kababayans’ to aspire to attain what these entrepreneurs have achieved,” Dillera said in an interview with a local radio station.

Other resource persons include Engr. Menandro Ortego, OIC Testing and Inspection Division of the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), who will discuss food safety assurance system; and Dennis Monong, assistant vice president for Mindanao operations of People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) who will teach MSMEs how to find best financing for their businesses.

Side events such as trade fair of Region 12’s best products, market matching, product evaluation, design exhibit, online business name registration, and plant visit and assessment for the acquisition of Food and Drug License to Operate.

Dillera said preferred participants are entrepreneurs involved in the region’s priority industries like processors of coffee, muscovado, banana, coconut, bangus/fishery, crafts, bamboo, pangasius, rubber, palm oil, mango, ICT-BPO.

Dillera reported that number of new businesses in Sultan Kudarat has increased 84 percent, from 959 newly registered businesses in 2010 to 1,770 in 2011. Last year, 121 new entrepreneurs were created, which is 74 percent higher than the 107 new entrepreneurs in 2010.

This is a two-day activity for free but reservations must be made for pre-screening. Contact the nearest DTI office for details and reservations. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

South Cotabato generally peaceful -- PNP

by (Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr./DED-PIA 12/SoCot PIO)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 20 (PIA) -- “The peace and order situation in the province is generally peaceful, under control,” Police Senior Superintendent Randolf Delfin, South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) Provincial Director, during the 2nd quarterly meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held on Wednesday in Koronadal City.

For the first quarter of the year, Delfin said, the province’s total crime volume was 793. Of this number 494 were cleared and 218 were solved.

PD Delfin said that the province’s crime rate in the first quarter of this year have reduced compared to last year in the same period.

Data indicated that the crime rate for the first quarter of 2012 averaged 31.9% versus 35.7% in the first quarter of last year, he reported.

Crime solution efficiency, he continued, increased from 25% in 2011 to 27.33% in 2012; crime cleared efficiency also increased from 53.33% in 2011 to 73.33% in 2012.

The SCPPO scored big in its campaign against illegal drugs with 33 persons arrested out of 18 operations conducted, and confiscating in the process illegal drugs (both marijuana and shabu) with an estimated DDB street value of more than P5 million .

In its campaign against wanted persons, 75 persons with warrants of arrest were apprehended while 18 financiers, coordinators or ushers were likewise arrested in its campaign against illegal gambling.

he SCPPO report further indicated that they were able to recover IEDs at Lamba, Banga and Magon, Tantangan early this year, and 18 low-powered and high-powered firearms which resulted in the apprehension of 12 suspects.

In their anti-carnapping campaign, the SCPPO were able to recover 15 motorcycles out of the 23 incidents reported, in which six cases have been filed in court.

RDRRMC, LGUs in Soccsksargen region discuss RA 10121

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) -- Local chief executives and LGU officials involved in disaster risk reduction and management across Soccsksargen region gathered here yesterday to discuss issues pertaining to the two-year old RA 10121 otherwise known as "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010".

Jerome Barranco, assistant regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12, explained that the regional consultation organized by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 12 was called to clarify issues regarding RA 10121.

He said there have been “varying interpretations of the new law resulting in either immediate or delayed establishment of the local DRRM (disaster risk reduction and management ) councils.”

“The latter was due to the hesitation or fear of violating audit and budget rules,” he continued.

He added that they brought together governors and mayors as well as chairpersons of local DRRMs and budget officers of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos City basically to increase local awareness on the DRRM law.

Objectives include orienting the LGUs on civil service guidelines pertaining to the establishment of DRMM offices and budgetary and audit guidelines on the allocation and utilization of the local DRRM funds.

Regional officials of the Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management, and Commission of Audit were present to discuss the aforementioned issues with the LCEs and other LGU officials.

It was also a venue for the LGUs and local DRRM councils to learn from the successful experiences of some locally established DRRM offices, including South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces and Tupi municipality, Barranco further explained.

Tupi’s Barangay Poblacion’s DRRM Council of is a Gawad Kalasag National Awardee for its excellent implementation of disaster risk reduction and management plan and humanitarian assistance.

“The importance of disaster preparedness cannot be relegated to the backseat,” South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said during his presentation of his provinces DRRM efforts.

He emphasized that the LGUs are primarily tasked with a great responsibility of protecting its inhabitants.

This is why, the said, South Cotabato LGU is set to organize disaster response teams from the grassroots.

At least 44 volunteers per barangay will be trained to improve the capability of the villages to respond to disasters and calamities, the governor added.

In 2011, South Cotabato’s provincial board passed SP Resolution 99 s. 2011 for the establishment of the provincial DRRM office, now being headed by the provincial administrator with initial designation of employees from the Disaster Management Section of the Disaster and Crisis Management Division of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office along with some employees under the Provincial Administrator’s Office.

“This was resorted to because there were no clear-cut guidelines covering the staffing requirements for the PDRRMO,” Gov. Pingoy reasoned.

As per section 21 of the RA 10121, “not less than five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources should be set aside as Local DRRM Fund.”

Seventy percent of which can be allocated for “pre-disaster preparedness programs including training, purchasing life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post-disaster activities, and for payment of premiums on calamity insurance.”

“The remaining 30 percent shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund or standy-fund for relief and recovery programs.”

However, Pingoy pointed out, that the same law has not been clear about the 70 percent pre-disaster allocation.

“There have been discussions whether we are allowed to purchase rescue vehicles out of this fund.”

“We are happy to hear that we have with us DBM and COA,” he said. “Hopefully we will be enlightened on this problem.”

Meanwhile, Director Ronald I. Flores, civil defense executive officer of the Office of the Civil Defense central office who came here as guest of honor announced that the national government is on the final stage of putting up a guideline on the utilization of the Local DRRM Fund.

“In due time, the national council, especially the financial community of the national government will come up with a guideline on the utilization of the Local DRRM Fund,” Flores said.

“What is stipulated in the implementing rules and regulations related to RA 10121 is that the money can be used for preparedness, mitigation, and rehabilitation,” he said.

“This allows for a wide interpretation by the local government units, including the Commission on Audit which looks into out financial transactions.”

However, Flores assured that in the guideline that the national government will issue soon will be specific as to where these funds can be allocated.

He said the guideline is being prepared by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, DBM, Department of Finance, and OCD. Preparations for the said guideline, he added, was started after RA 10121 became a law on May 27, 2010.

NIA-12 honors outstanding irrigators in 34th anniv

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA-12) celebrates its 34th founding anniversary this week with a lineup of several activities culminating in the awarding of outstanding irrigators’ associations, officials, and employees.

Eveyln Bragasin, information officer of NIA-12 said activities of the three-day celebration, which started yesterday, include sports competitions in volleyball, dart, badminton, and table tennis. She added that there shall also be cultural dance and choir competitions and Search for Miss NIA-12.

Outstanding irrigators’ associations, irrigation management office managers, operation and maintenance chiefs and employees will also be given awards on April 19 at the Notre Dame of Midsayap College Gymnasium in Midsayap, Cotabato. NIA administrator Antonio s. Nangel will be the guest of honor and speaker in the awards program.

Major awardees this year include Engr. C’zar M. Sulaik of North Cotabato as most outstanding Irrigation Management Office Manager, Engr. Gina L. Lozano as most outstanding operation and maintenance chief; Bulacanon IA, Inc. of North Cotabato as most outstanding irrigators’ association under the communal irrigation systems category and Napal-Conel Road IA, Inc. of General Santos City as most outstanding irrigators association for the national irrigation systems category.

Outstanding awardees for operation and maintenance are Engrs. Edna C. Bantala, irrigation superintendent of Libungan River Irrigation System; Flora May D. Respicio, principal engineer A of Mlang/Malasila Rivers Irrigation System; Rory F. Avance, principal engineer A of Kabacan River Irrigation System; Orlando A. Tibang, principal engineer A of Marbel-Banga Rivers Irrigation System; Julio L. Antenor, principal engineer A of Ala River Irrigation System and Cesar D. Agduma, principal engineer A of Lambayong/Tacurong River Irrigation System.

Mary Grace S. Gonzales of Mlang/Malasila Rivers Irrigation System will also receive recognition as outstanding senior water resource facilities technician.

NIA-12 will also honor irrigators' associations who have shown exemplary performance in the past year.

For its Club 100 Award, NIA-12 will honor 13 irrigators associations (IA) from the national irrigation systems and for the communal irrigation systems, 19 from North Cotabato area, 9 from Sultan Kudarat, 1 from Maguindanao and 9 from Sarangani.

“The Club 100 Award is given to IAs of national irrigation systems which has attained 100 percent collection efficiency for both wet and dry seasons with an average programmed area of 80 percent of the service area, average irrigated area for wet and dry seasons is 80 percent of the programmed area and the benefited area for dry and wet seasons is 80 percent of the irrigated area,” Bragasin explained.

It is also given to, “IAs of communal irrigation systems which have attained 100 percent or more Current Amortization Payment Efficiency with no back account or have fully paid their back account due.”

Four IAs in North Cotabato, two in South Cotabato, two in Sarangani and one in Sultan Kudarat have qualified for the Golden Star Award.

Moreover, Silver Star Awards will be given to two IAs in Maguindanao and one in Sultan Kudarat.

Bragasin explained that Golden Star Award is given to IAs from the national and communal irrigation systems which garnered the Highest Functionality Survey Rating (Outstanding Rating) while Silver Star Award is given to IAs from both national and communal irrigation systems with the Highest Functionality Survey Rating (Very Satisfactory Rating).

Buluan-Pigcawayan Irrigators Association, Inc. of North Cotabato will receive a special award for being a Hall of Famer in the Highest Functionality Survey Rating.

This year’s celebration theme is “Samahang NIA, IA at LGU Patuloy na Pagtibayin Upang Makamtan Sapat na Pagkain ng Pamayanan.”

According to the agency’s website, NIA-12 “formally started its operation as a region on April 10, 1978 with its office based at Villarica, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

“That time, it was composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat. It had only four operational national irrigation systems, namely: Libungan, Kabacan, Mlang, and Malasila River Irrigation Systems.”

At present, NIA 12 covers the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat as well as the province of Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Among the guests expected to attend the awarding ceremony are North Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus N. Sacdalan, DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, Midsayap Mayor Manuel M. Rabara, Libungan Mayor Manuel T, Dela Serna, Pigcawayan Mayor Roberto S. Blasé and Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Datu Ramil B. Dilangalen, Al Haj and Mr. Gerardo R. Barrientos, president of the Regional Confederation of Irrigators Association president. (DED-PIA 12)






South Cotabato fetes scholar graduates

by (PNA)

DCT/LOR/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato recently honored at least 115 student-beneficiaries of its Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program (KPSP) who have graduated from various colleges and universities in the area. Alex Basco, KPSP executive officer, said the local government feted the graduates in recognition of their hardships and perseverance in pursuing their studies in the past several years. He said the scholars received certificates of completion for completing the degree and non-degree programs they pursued. Of this year’s graduates, seven were from batch three and 26 from batch four of the degree category while 75 were from the sixth batch of the non-degree category. “Most of the graduates under the degree category took up courses in education, nursing, business administration, accountancy and engineering. For the non-degree category, most of the scholars took up computer-related courses,” Basco said. The official said the scholarship program has so far produced 41 four-year degree holders and 128 non-degree or ladderized program graduates. Basco said they have advised the program’s incoming scholars to take up courses or programs that have high employment demands such as mechanical engineering and electronics, agriculture, medical technology and pharmacy, among others. He said they dissuaded them from taking up courses that have been placed on moratorium by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), among them the nursing degree. The provincial government, which has institutionalized the scholarship program, has set aside an annual budget of P15 million for its implementation. Such budget is on top of its P9 million annual allocation for the grant-in-aid program for tertiary, secondary and elementary students as well as for short or modular courses for the out-of-school youths. Aside from the KPSP graduates, the local government also gave recognition to its six scholars who have completed their two-year Midwifery ladderized course at the University of the Philippines-Manila School of Health Sciences extension campus in Koronadal City. As part of the program, the six graduates will be taking a brief break to serve their communities before proceeding to the nursing course and medical degree later on.







No extension for filing of ITR – BIR

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , April 16 (PIA) -- Taxpayers only have until 12 midnight today, April 16, to file their income tax returns (ITR) and their will be no extension, an official of the Bureau of Internal Revenue here said.

Aileen Punzalan, assessment section chief of BIR Revenue District 111 (Koronadal City/South Cotabato), said, like other BIR offices across the region, their office will be open from 8:00 am in the morning until 12:00 midnight to cater to taxpayers who have waited for the deadline to file their respective ITRs.

BIR RD 111, along with other revenue district offices under BIR Revenue Region No. 18, last month began an information drive to urge taxpayers to pay their taxes ahead of the April 16 deadline.

“But we expect overcrowding in our office today,” she said, “which is why we extend office hours until midnight.”

This, she said, is also the subject of a directive from BIR Central office to all revenue district offices to hold office until midnight to be able to accommodate all taxpayers.

“Commissioner Kim Henares has already announced that there will be no extension of the filing of the ITR,” Punzalan pointed out.

In 2011, BIR in Soccsksargen Region collected a total of P4.4 billion and surpassed its annual target of P4.167 billion by 6.1 percent or P254.09 million.

BIR RR-18 regional director Rozil Lozares confirmed that 70 percent of these come from the taxes withheld from the income of local employees.

This year has started well for the regional revenue with the five revenue district offices collecting P794.225 M or 12.11 percent higher that their period target of P708.463 M.

Considering this performance of the revenue district office, Lozares said, exceeding the P5.126 billion 2012 target is most likely.

DA releases P6.9-M farm equipment to South Cotabato farmers

by (PNA

FFC/jfm/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS City, April 15 (PNA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released some P6.9 million worth of farm equipment to farmers’ groups in South Cotabato in a bid to further improve the area’s agricultural production. Amalia Datukan, DA Region 12 director, said the assistance was part of the ongoing implementation of the agency’s rice mechanization and post harvest facility assistance program, which was availed by irrigators associations and cooperative in the area. Datukan said it was also in line with the Agri Pinoy food staple sufficiency program pushed by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala. “President Benigno S. Aquino III had endorsed this program as one of his administration’s top priorities,” she said. Under the program, Datukan said South Cotabato received an allocation of 32 hand tractor units worth P3.95 million; 10 units of rice threshers worth P1.13 million; one unit of four-wheel drive tractor worth P761,117; and, nine units of multi-purpose drying pavement worth P1.125 million. The recipients were the Parbangon Irrigators Association of Barangay San Felipe in Tantangan; farmers group Komatiku of Barangay Sto. Nino in Koronadal City; Lower Tampakan Creek Irrigators Association of Barangay Concepcion in Koronadal City; SANISCA Irrigators Association Inc. of Barangay San Isidro in Koronadal City; PAGMACE Irrigators Association of Barangay Cabuling in Tantangan; Magic Flower Irrigators Association of Barangay GPS in Koronadal City; BINTIKU multi-purpose cooperative of Barangay Dajay in Surallah; SOCOSEPCO of Koroandal City; The Rice Field Irrigators Association of Barangay Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City; Country Folks Irrigators Assocaition of Bo. 3 in Banga; Modern Farmer Irrigators Association of Barangay San Isidro in Koronadal City; Siok Communal Irrigators Association of Koornadal City; Cabuling Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Barangay Cabuling in Tantangan; and, San Felipe Irrigators Association of Barangay San Felipe in Tantangan are also beneficiaries. Datukan said the beneficiaries availed of the farm equipment through a cost-sharing scheme. She said the agency shouldered 85 percent of the costs while the beneficiaries contributed 15 percent as counterpart. The DA’s share for the total cost of the farm equipment was P6.09 million while the recipients’ share was P877,787. Datukan said the newly-released farm equipment was part of the P20 million worth of farm machineries earlier allocated for Region 12. Aside from South Cotabato, she said the agency also released 33 hand tractors, 11 threshers and two four-wheel drive tractors to beneficiaries in North Cotabato. They have allocated 34 hand tractors, 10 threshers and two four-wheel drive tractors to Sultan Kudarat as well as nine hand tractors and four threshers to Sarangani Province.

Motorcycles accidents on the rise in South Cotabato, neighboring areas

by (PNA)

FFC/AVE/AC


GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Health authorities have expressed alarm over the rising road or vehicular accidents involving motorcycles in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato health officer, said their records showed that 256 road accidents had occurred in the province during the first three months of the year. He said 211 cases involved single motorcycles, 22 tricycles while the rest concerned four-wheeled vehicles. He said the victims comprised 218 drivers, 109 passengers and 87 bystanders who were either killed or sustained serious injuries. Of the injured victims, 153 sustained abrasions, 68 with lacerations and 17 with bone fractures. “The trend is currently going up and what is alarming here is that most of the drivers involved in these accidents were under the influence of liquor or alcohol,” Aturdido said. The official said 103 cases or 64 percent of the recorded road accidents in the province in the last three months took place in Koronadal City, South Cotabato’s capital and regional seat of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region. He said 52 road accidents were recorded in the city in January followed by 21 in February. In the first two weeks of March, Aturdido said the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital already recorded a total of 30 accidents in the area. He said reckless driving, over speeding, distraction from cellular phones and substance abuses were among the main causes of accidents that involved teenage drivers. Late last month, five people were killed while two others were injured when a multicab passenger van collided with a trailer truck along the national highway in Koronadal City. To help address the problem, Aturdido said they have sought assistance from the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure the strict enforcement of road safety regulations in the area. He said they have also linked up with the Regional Development Council’s social development committee for the conduct of orientation-seminars on proper driving behavior among teen drivers in the area.

Shutdown of major dams in So. Cotabato to last only 3 months -- NIA

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 13 (PIA) -- Shutdown of one of Soccsksargen region’s largest irrigation system will push through as planned starting May 1 but the National Irrigation Administration Office here announced that the closure would be shorter than what was originally planned.

In January, NIA-South Cotabato chief Engr. Ramon Bugacia and provincial agriculturist Reynaldo announced that the two dams of the Ala River Irrigation System (RIS) could be closed until end of August or September for major repairs intended to restore the crop watering system’s efficiency.

Yesterday, in an interview with a radio station here, Engr. Bugacia said, “NIA has made adjustments with the construction schedule” after a series of consultations with affected irrigators’ associations, Department of Agriculture – 12, provincial and municipal agriculture offices, and other stakeholders.

“So from the original plan of four months, total shutdown (of the operations of Ala RIS) has been reduced to three months,”

The two dams of Ala RIS, namely: Dam 1 in Colonggolo, Surallah in South Cotabato and Dam 2 in Bai Sirafinang, Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat, have a combined coverage area of 12,046 hectares.

He said, adjustments were made considering the effect of the total shutdown of the irrigation system on the livelihood of the farm families who will lose water supply while the dams are out of operations. According to a report from DA-12, at least 8,850 families are being served by the Ala RIS.

Bugacia explained the dams need to the totally shut down effective May 1 until July 31 because major repair and rehabilitation works will focus on the main diversions (dams) as well as the main canals.

He added, some repair works that would not require closure of the dams have begun.

Data from NIA indicated that P138,225,000 has been allocated by the national government for the rehabilitation of the Ala RIS.

“This is the first time that such amount was allotted to a project NIA-South Cotabato,” he said. Previously, he added, they only received P3 million to P6 million for irrigation development projects.

This would also be the first time that Ala RIS undergoes repair since its opening in 1972.

Repair works in the 40-year old dam, according to Bugacia, would cover protection works on the dams, repair of the mechanical systems that take care of the closing and opening of the water gates, rehabilitation of the main canals, and construction of additional structures and check structures that would extend the coverage area of the irrigation system.

In an earlier interview, provincial agriculturist Legaste assured residents and farmers of South Cotabato that the shutdown of the Ala RIS will result in food shortage in the province.

He explained that farmers in the province were able to immediately replant in January and February which assures of an earlier than expected harvest.

Also, of the 9,000 hectares in South Cotabato that would lose water supply, about 2,000 hectares can still be cultivated because they have alternative water sources.

Contingency plans have also been prepared for those who could not plant rice; these include planting of corn in coordination with hybrid corn companies as well as temporarily shifting to other crops such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and vegetables like okra, squash, upo, patola, and ampalaya.

Bugacia said rehabilitative works of Ala RIS are also set for implementation next year, but these would not require closure of the dams.

Local officials expect positive results from power summit

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 12 (PIA) -- Officials in South Cotabato hope tomorrow’s Energy Summit in Davao City would end with solutions that would address the power crisis in Mindanao.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel, and South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) General Manager Santiago Tudio said they will be attending the summit.

South Cotabato First District Representative, Daisy Avance-Fuentes has earlier announced in a radio interview that she will join the event.

Gov. Pingoy said, the presence of President Benigno Aquino III during the summit is a positive indication since he could personally join the discussion of the Mindanao energy shortage as well as the proposals to address the power crisis.

“Several proposals and measures will be presented. Hopefully, we will be able to take these up with the president,” he said.

In preparation for the summit, Mayor Miguel has asked city information officer Judith Amido, who also sits as a member of SOCOTECO 1’s board of directors for an in-depth discussion of the power situation particularly in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

He, however, pointed out that he has reservations regarding the suggestion of former Pangasinan Fifth District Representative Mark Conjuangco to put up a nuclear power plant in Lake Sebu.

“I did some research and talked with some Japanese regarding nuclear power plants,” he said.

“I am not in favor of the proposal,” he said, “because even Japan, which is a First World Country, has experienced radiation leaks due to the recent earthquake and tsunami.”

He said lives of millions of Filipinos could be compromised if a disaster like that in Japan occurs in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, GM Tudio said, SOCOTECO 1 supports the move of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperative (AMRECO) to oppose the privatization of the Pulangi Hydropower plants.

AMRECO with its 33 member electric cooperative plans to submit a position paper demanding transparency so that the public may know of the real situation regarding the availability of energy supply, especially the contracted capacity from the power generators of the National Power Corporation.

MinDA chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, announced everything is set for the Mindanao Energy Summit where 300 to 350 delegates are expected to attend.

MinDA and the Department of Energy spearhead the summit.

“The Power Summit accords us the opportunity to discuss the real Mindanao power situation and the specific short to long term measures that stakeholders wanted acted on jointly by the government and the industry players,”Antonino said.

Antonino said that no less than President Aquino has sought that proposed measures for resolving the Mindanao power problem and putting in place of long term action plan should form part of the shared consensus of the Mindanao stakeholders.

“This is being done for and by the Mindanawons who have a direct stake on the Mindanao power issue and what needs to be done, and the President will be there to see to it that the proposed measures are thoroughly studied and doables carried through,” she added.

Among those expected to take part in the one-day summit are heads and representatives of all electric cooperatives in Mindanao, distribution utilities, generation companies, governors and city mayors, Mindanao lawmakers, business and industry sectors, non-government organizations, civil society groups and consumer advocates.

Antonino said the Summit format was designed to provide opportunity for the key sectors and stakeholder representatives to present their respective issues and recommendations for way forward actions.

The President is expected to respond with specific policy directives.

Earlier today, PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma confirmed President Aquino will attend and preside the summit.






Education remedies ignorance, poverty – VP Binay

by (Dani Doguiles and Roderick Beñez/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- Education remains the best way out of poverty and ignorance, said Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Vice President Binay was in Kabacan, North Cotabato yesterday as guest of honor during state-run University of Southern Mindanao’s 66th commencement exercises where he addressed 1,932 candidates for graduation.

“Kung nais nating maiahon sa kahirapan at kamangmangan, edukasyon nag-iisang tanging paraan,” he told the graduates.

“Ang lahat ay kailangang magsumikap. Ngunit kung ang walang sawang pagsusumikap ay sasamahan ng isang mahusay na edukasyon, labis na lumalawak ang nararating ang isang tao,” he said.

He also told graduates that finishing their courses comes with responsibilities to their families, the university and fellowmen.

“Ang tunay na saysay ng inyong pag-aaral ay nababatay sa kakayahan ninyong gamitin ang inyong dunong upang maglunsad ng inyong kakayahan,” he said.

Denying their service, he added, would make peace and progress elusive for themselves and the nation.

To be able to serve their families and the country, a graduate need not seek for remarkable opportunities, Vice President Binay pointed out.

For instance, he said, graduates could start by helping their parents send their younger siblings to school.

“Your challenge now is no longer defined by examinations, term papers, and reports,” he reminded the graduates, “You are now called to build your lives.”

Other guests of the graduation ceremony, which was led by USM president Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, included North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, local officials, and the university’s Board of Regents.

USM is considered one of the leading state universities in Mindanao and the entire country.

It has achieved excellence in agriculture education and most of its programs have achieved either Level II or Level III accreditation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc.

Training of students here does not only focus on instructions but also incorporates the aspects of research, extension and production geared toward producing quality professionals who are globally competitive.

It is well-known to provide top-grade education in the fields of agriculture; arts and science; education; engineering and computing; human ecology and food sciences; industrial technology; business, development economics and management; public health; veterinary medicine; and Middle East and Asian studies.

DOST-12 rolls off “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Syudad”

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/OLAbo/ DOST-12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 10 (PIA) -- DOST-12’s “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” has gained ground in enhancing productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Soccsksargen Region.

A project of the Department of Science and Technology – Region 12, Agham at Teknolohiya sa Lungsod was recently conducted separately in the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.

Under the project, consultancy services, labeling design development and technology needs assessment were extended to MSMEs engaged in organic fertilizer, tuna, bakery, squash turon and lumpia, and banana buchi, among others.

It was implemented under DOST’s umbrella program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) that aims to improve the productivity of small and medium industry players.

Summit Consultancy and Research Services, which was earlier tapped by the DOST-12 for the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX), presented its findings and recommendations to improve the productivity of 15 firms identified under the program.

Their recommendations included acquisition or upgrading of machines, nutritional facts analysis, production lay-out improvement, and packaging or labeling design development.

They also recommended trainings on Good Manufacturing Practices for ten firms.

Other recommendations for MSMEs to undertake are energy audit, possible ultraviolet radiation, preventive maintenance, and materials management system, among others.

Some firms, on the other hand, have sought trainings on coconut syrup and accelerated vinegar production, bleaching and dyeing, waste management (vermi composting), and fiber extraction mechanization.

Other companies have developed possible linkages, such as one firm offering to supply organic fertilizers to Kablon Farms and RRR Engineering offering to fabricate stainless products for food processing companies.

Another one also offered to design and fabricate a sorter or conveyor for a coffee and a fiber processing ventures.

A technology needs assessment was likewise conducted to Juco Yummyzo Food Products and Pascual Bakery Equipment Services in Koronadal City as a pre-requisite to the availment of SET-UP assistance.

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST-12 director, said they conducted the “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” to support MSMEs in the region achieve higher income, generate more employment and penetrate global markets.

She added that such activity aims to sustain economic development in the countryside.

Smc Secures Clearance To Pursue New 3,000-mw Power Projects

by MYRNA M. VELASCO


Manila, Philippines - The power generation unit of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has secured the go-signal of the Department of Energy (DOE) to proceed with grid impact studies (GIS) on six power projects across grids that will beef up its portfolio by additional 3,000 megawatts.

The GIS will have to be undertaken upon the energy department’s endorsement to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). It will determine if the proposed capacity of the project proponents can still be absorbed by the grid or if the transmission lines are capable of wheeling that capacity to the substations.

Based on documents culled from the energy department, SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation is proposing to construct 1,200-megawatt coal plant in Cavite; and another 600-MW coal-fired facility in Bulacan for the Luzon grid.

In the Visayas, SMC’s proposed greenfield power investments are 600-MW coal plant in Leyte and 150-MW coal plant in Panay. For the Mindanao grid, the company’s proposed coalfired plant ventures are 300 megawatts in Davao del Sur and, 150-MW in South Cotabato.

If the diversifying conglomerate is serious in pursuing all of these projects, it ought to face hurdles though in the market share caps prescribed under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) – which is equivalent to 30-percent of gridinstalled capacity; and 25-percent of national installed capacity. To date, SMC is already the biggest player in the power generation segment of the industry.

Documents also showed that the DOE has issued clearances to more than 30 power companies on their respective bids for GIS on proposed power projects.

As of end last year, the power companies allowed to proceed on their GIS include Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corp. for its 100-megawatt coal power project in Iloilo; Global Business Power Corporation for 164-MW and 82-MW projects in Cebu and Iloilo; PhilNewEnergy Inc. for 40-50MW solar project in Alaminos, Pangasinan; 30-40MW solar project in Misamis Oriental and 40-50MW solar project in Davao; and Jobin-Sqm Inc. for its 100-MW Sta. Rita solar project in the Subic Bay freeport zone.

The others are Calamba Aero Power Corporation for a 120-170MW combined cycle power project in Calamba, Laguna; Cordillera Hydro Electric Power Corporation for its proposed 50-MW mini-hydropower project in Kapangan, Benguet; First Gen Corporation for a 300-MW midmerit power plant in Batangas; San Carlos Biopower Inc. for its 18-MW biomass facility in Negros Occidental; as well as those for Sta. Clara Power Corporation’s micro-hydropower projects in Danao, Bohol and Tinoc, Ifugao.

It has also been specified in the documents that the GIS clearance for the 600-MW coal power plant of GN Power was just issued by the energy department June 16 last year. This facility is expected on stream next year and will considerably shore up Luzon grid’s power supply.

Also in the roll of power firms already given the go-signal for grid impact study are San Jose I City Power Corporation for a 9.90-MW rice husk-fired power project; Aboitiz Power for its power barges 1 to 4 in Navotas; Global Green Power PLC Corporation for biomass projects of 17.5-MW in Nueva Ecija and 35-MW in Bukidnon; TeaM Energy Corporation for 382-MW each capacity expansion for its Pagbilao and Sual plants; FDC Utilities Inc. for a 300-MW power plant in Misamis Oriental; and Limay Energen Corporation for a 140-MW coal-fired facility in Bataan.

The other projects are those of PetroEnergy Resources Corporation; Energy Development Corporation; Agusan Power Corporation; PNOC Renewables and Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation; HydroCore Corp.; Vivant Corporation; E-Power Technologies Corp.; Kanan Hydroelectric Power Corporation; Green Energy Management Holdings Inc., Alternergy Philippine Holdings Corpration and Bell Pine Power Corporation. (MMV)

DOLE 12 trains women inmates in accessory making

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 8 (PIA) -- Female inmates of the North Cotabato Provincial Jail were recently trained in making ladies’ accessories to help them earn some income.

In a press release sent to the Philippine Information Agency 12 this week, Charmaine Ladot-Sonsona, information officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12, said the training held on March 22 was spearheaded by the DOLE North Cotabato Field Office in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology as part of the Women’s Month celebration.

Skills training involved techniques on production of commercially viable accessories such as bracelets, earrings, and others.

Lorie Buday of Matalam LGU Cooperative, who served as trainer, assured the inmates of market for their products. She said the cooperative is willing to purchase the inmates’ finished product which will then be sold in livelihood and trade fairs.

North Cotabato Field Office chief Edna Sales urged the inmates who took part of the training to make this a livelihood opportunity.

She said the assistance was only the beginning of more assistance to the women inmates. Among the help that they could expect, Sales said, includes special program for the employment of students.

She added that children of inmates who would qualify will be given priority in SPES.

Meanwhile, acting provincial jail warden SInsp. Israel Arboleda was grateful that DOLE 12 initiated the livelihood training.

He said inmates are one of the most neglected in society and at times adjudged as criminals even before they are convicted.

With such, he is assured that these inmates will see the hope of living a decent life after their rehabilitation inside the jail.

After the training, inmates received starter kits for the production of ladies’ accessories for them to be able apply what they have learned and start a business. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/DOLE 12)

North Cotabato’s peace camps to reach 25,000 kids

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from IDCD-Prov’l Governor’s Office)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 7 (PIA)-- At least 25,000 Grade V school children from 17 municipalities and lone city of North Cotabato are expected to participate in the second run of the province’s Gov. Lala Summer Kids Peace Camp.

This year’s three-day peace camps began in Pikit municipality on March 9 – 11 where 2,451 children joined. This was followed by peace camps in Aleosan town on March 15 – 17 and another one on March 19 – 21 in Magpet municipality.

More peace camps are scheduled after the Holy Week until May including camps in Antipas, Matalam, M’lang, Kabacan, Pigcawayan, Makilala, Arakan, Tulunan, Carmen, Banisilan, Alamada, Midsayap, Libungan, and Pres. Roxas municipalities and in Kidapawan City.

Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza initiated this program last year in partnership with the Department of Education to promote peace among residents of the province starting while they are still young as well as developing potential leaders among them.

It also aims to motivate children to get involved and affirm their commitment to the government, help them discover and enhance their abilities and realize their role in the community especially in the government’s goal towards lasting peace.

This is done by gathering Muslim, indigenous people and Christian children in camps where they are introduced to diverse cultures of the tri-people living in the province, taught leadership skills and important moral values and encouraged to involve in community development.

“There should be no discrimination. Everyone has an equal opportunity. No matter what the sexual orientation, tribe or religion. And if you have discipline in your studies, you will go far,” Gov. Mendoza told participants in one of the peace camps.

The lady governor also challenged the future leaders of the province to “put into practice what you learn during the summer kids peace camp and serve as role models to the younger pupils when you go back to school.”

Activities during the summer kids camp include lectures and group activities including leadership workshops, sports competitions, lectures on environment and climate change, life skills and emergency preparedness, as well as activities that promote understanding of each other’s social, cultural and religious diversity.

Campers were also given the chance to exhibit their talents and skills via a talent show and Pabonggahan Night and live theater presentation showcasing cultures in the province.

During the opening ceremonies of the summer kids peace camp in Magpet on March 19, Gov. Mendoza also turned-over a P3.5 million worth covered court to host Apostol Memorial Elementary School.

She explained this was an incentive to the school for hosting the same event last year.

The said project was funded in partnership with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Partylist whose representative, Congressman Raymond Mendoza, was also present during the turn-over ceremony.

N. Cotabato LGU hands over P29.7-M infra projects to municipalities

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 6 (PIA) -- At least P29.7 million worth of infrastructure projects were turned-over in March by the provincial government of North Cotabato to five of its municipalities.

Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza on March 10 handed over to the LGUs of Matalam and Carmen P17 million worth of infrastructure projects.

These included water systems worth P500,000 each for barangays Kilada ang Latagan as well as P500,000 multi-purpose buildings for barangays Marbel and New Abra, all in Matalam town.

Also turned-over were infrastructure projects to barangays in Carmen town. These include a P7-million concreting project of the Aroman-Lanoon road, P700,000 worth of one-classroom school building at Pebpoloan, and P983,159 power distribution line for barangay Kitulaan.

Other projects include a covered court in Carmen worth P2. 5 million, and a new rural health unit for barangay Poblacion built at P4 million.

“You are all accountable for the safekeeping of these projects. Use them for the benefit of the many and use them with care so that these projects can continue to provide service to the people in your barangays for a long time,” Mendoza said.

Turned-over projects in Aleosan town included a P1.2-million box culvert project charged against the province’s calamity fund in barangay New Panay, as well as concreting project of the public market worth P4.7 million and P5 million road concreting project in barangay Poblacion , which were both charged to the 20% economic development fund.

Baranay Malinga, Midsayap received a solar dryer worth P347,000, while barangays Renibon, New Igbaras, and Datu Binasing of Pigcawayan town received a P500,000 worth multi-purpose building each. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/LAF-IDCD-North Cotabato)

Wage hike in Region 12 seen before Labor Day

by Allen V. Estabillo


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/4 Apr) – An increase in the daily minimum wage rates for private sector workers in Southwestern Mindanao is looming, officials said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Chona Mantilla, Department of Labor and Employment Region 12 director, said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, which she also chairs, recently decided to hike the floor pay from P10 to P14 a day.

She noted the latest salary increase, or Wage Order No. RBXII-17, may take effect before May 1 or Labor Day, a regular holiday to honor the workers.

Before it will be effective, it needs to be published in a local newspaper.

Under the new wage order, which will be implemented in two tranches, the daily minimum wage rates will range from P246 to P270.

The first tranche was expected to take effect before May 1 and the next on December 1, 2012.

In coming up with wage adjustment, the RTWPB decided to integrate the present P15 daily cost of living allowance (COLA) to the new basic wage.

The existing daily floor pay ranges from P234 to P260.

“The last wage order was issued more than one year ago and there being no petition, the RTWPB has resolved to review, motu propio (on its own), the existing minimum wage rates in the region,” Mantilla said.

Studies on the socio-economic condition in the region warranted the need to grant an increase in the minimum wage rates of private sector workers in Region 12 regardless of their position, designation or status of their employment, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, Ms. Mantilla said

Also called the SOCCSKSARGEN region, Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The Wage Board conducted public consultations early this year in parts of the region to determine if a salary adjustment is needed for the area.

Alfredo Hebrona Jr., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry governor for Southwestern Mindanao, declined to give a comment on the looming wage hike, saying he was not privy to the deliberation.

Jessie dela Cruz, RTWPB secretary, said that exemptions maybe granted to certain types of establishments, such as those distressed and those whose assets are not more than P3 million.

Following the public consultations early this year, Dela Cruz has said that the situation may not warrant an adjustment in the minimum wages of private sector workers, citing a report then by the National Economic and Development Authority that prices of basic consumer goods have remained stable.

Militant labor groups in the area since the past few years have demanded a legislated P125 across-the-board daily wage increase. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Holy Week is time to reflect on Christ’s suffering and resurrection -- Bishop Gutierrez

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel urged believers of Christ, especially the Catholics , to spend the Holy Week in prayers, meditations and sacrifices rather than in vacations and merriment.

“This entire week should be devoted to remembering the suffering , crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said in an interview with a local radio station.

“All other weeks of the year, we do not celebrate the Paschal mystery, only this week,” he reminded them.

He said believers should spend this entire week to praise God the Father for giving his only Son Jesus Christ who offered Himself to be crucified on the cross for the salvation of humanity.

There is no better way to celebrate this, he added, but to reflect on the Jesus’s suffering on the cross and his rise to glory on Easter Sunday.

Bishop Gutierrez, however, asked believers to refrain from the traditional practice of some devotees to show their sacrifices by having themselves nailed on the cross.

Above all these, Bishop Gutierrez added, the entire Christendom should contemplate more on the glory of Christ’s resurrection.

In response, he pointed out, people should live with fear and faith on God by showing love and care for other people.

“After the Good Friday, Christ rose from the dead. He triumphed against death,” he said. “We should also change. We should also overcome.”

Easter should also be a time to give attention to the protection of the Mother Earth.

He said, by giving importance and taking care of the Mother Earth, we show love for humanity as well as prepare the Earth for the future generation.

TESDA specialistas in Soccsksargen gain ground

by (with report from Rolly Palencia/TESDA 12) (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 3 (PIA) -- Barely three months from its launching, Region 12’s TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) has shown promise as a source of income among technical vocational education and training (TVET) graduates.

A press release from the office Technical Education and Skills Development Authority regional direct Zeus Ampuyas on Monday said, 130 organized TSTP entrepreneurs in three provinces and one city have already earned a total income of P259,340.

Overall, TESDA Specialistas have served 893 clients in various service categories such as beauty care and wellness, caregiving, building/house repair maintenance, computer hardware servicing, appliance repair, catering/food and beverage servicing to automotive and small engine servicing, Ampuyas said.

Areas where TESDA Specialistas are now operating include North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sarangani-General Santos.

Ampuyas said, in the past three months they monitored the activities of the techno-entrepreneurs to determine if the purpose of the program has been achieved as evidenced by income per aggrupation.

Results of the monitoring indicated that of the seven service categories, building/house repair and maintenance has the highest average income which reached P43,126.67, followed by beauty care and wellness services which is P41,780.00. The third highest earning category was computer hardware services which accumulated income amounting to P15,100.00.

The rest of the service categories are also picking well in terms of earnings, the report said.

Ampuyas said that the income earned by the TESDA Specialistas in the last three months is an indication that the “newly launched program has started creating awareness and gaining support from the people in the community.”

“Money has also started to fill up the TESDA Specialistas’ purse as they render their services to their valued customers.”

TSTP was designed out to address problem of limited job opportunities in the market by assisting the unemployed or underemployed TVET graduates for them to be able to have a chance to be economically stable.

Under the program TESDA facilitates the organization of trained and certified TVET graduates with related skills to be productive into groups called TESDA specialistas who provide technical services for affordable fees in communities where they operate.

TESDA provides them with a TESDA Nurturer to guide and mentor them as well as link with the local government unit for possible support such as operation center and advertisement in the locality.

Those interested to be a TESDA Specialista, they may inquire from the TESDA Provincial Offices near their area for a detailed information.

Households and individuals who would like to avail of the services of the techno-entrepreneurs may contact their local government officials or the local office of TESDA.

PNP 12 on alert for the Holy Week

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 2 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s police force has been put on heightened alert for the celebration of the Holy Week, P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin, police provincial director said.

Delfin said, as early as two months ago, in accordance with a directive from the Police Regional Office, he ordered all police chiefs under his jurisdiction to plan out and strengthen security measures for the summer vacation.

“Included in this are the security measures for the celebration of the Holy Week as well as those intended to keep vacationers safe,” Delfin said.

As in other important events, he said, police personnel will be deployed in public convergence places, such as terminals, churches, malls, supermarkets and others.

Security in the popular tourist destinations in the province, including Lake Sebu and the famous Seven Falls zip line, will also be increased with the expected influx of visitors coming to these areas.

“We are also intensifying our checkpoints in the province’s entry and exit points,” he added.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Office – 12 regional director Arlan Mangelen said they are putting up assistance centers along major roads in the region to help motorists and travellers.

“Our focus during the Holy Week is safety and protection of the traveling public,” he said.

Mangelen added that starting Wednesday, they are temporarily suspending their anti-colorum operations to be able to concentrate on the Operation Semana Santa.

LTO has also reminded motorists to meticulously prepare for the expected long travels. According to the agency, drivers should check BLOWBAGETS or battery, lights, oil, water (radiator & wiper washer), brakes, air pressure, gas, early warning device, tools, and self.

Koronadal City turns dark for an hour

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Apr. 1 (PIA) -- A large part of Koronadal city turned dark as thousands of households joined the Earth Hour last night.

From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., households, offices, government offices, malls, public switched their lights and other electric-powered appliances off .

Streetlamps were also turned off. Even motorists turned their vehicle’s lights to support to the global campaign.

The Earth Hour celebration here led by Mayor Peter B. Miguel, other local government officials and the city environment office started with an eco-invocation and ecumenical prayer at the city’s government center in Carpenter Hill.

Other highlights leading to the 8:30 p.m. Earth Hour, included the signing of a manifesto in support to efforts against global change, and a symposium on the science of climate change and how to solve climate change.

At around 6:30 p.m. participants who gathered in front of the Gaisano Grand Mall either joined the 3.5-kilometer Earth Hour Biking or Earth Hour 2012 Night Walk to Ace Centerpoint Supermarket at the center where the main program was held.

At exactly 8:30 p.m. candles were lighted as the electric lights were turned off.

Meanwhile, the local electric distributor South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO) 1 implemented a 30-minute power shut-off also in support of the campaign.

However, General Manager Santiago Tudio said, since the activity is voluntary, brownout was only enforced in the areas where the main activities was held, specifically Feeders 11, 22, and 33.

Earlier last week, South Cotabato Gov. Pingoy Y. Pingoy Jr. released a memorandum to employees of the provincial government to support the campaign. He also called on mayors in the province to encourage participation in their respective areas of responsibilities.

Besides , Koronadal City and neighboring towns in South Cotabato, General Santos City and the province also joined the country and the world in the symbolic 60-minute turning off of electricity.

Both General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Sarangani province Gov. Migs Dominguez led the Earth Hour campaigns. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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