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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:

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.
The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

So. Cotabato retains title as CRAA champion

Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611332389837
Thursday 22nd of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 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.

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.

Cotabato Province and Koronadal City were second runner up and third runner up, respectively.

The host province’s lead came from boys’ and girls’ athletics in elementary and high school where it got 120 points.

It also showed supremacy in softball, swimming, and volleyball in elementary girls as well as baseball, basketball, and volleyball in elementary boys.

Its high school contingent reigned in boxing (boys) and tennis (girls).

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.

South Cotabato schools district physical education supervisor Pedro Dajay attributed their victory to the discipline that the athletes have shown.

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.

“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.

However, Dajay said they have already asked for additional allocation for this purpose from the provincial government.

“We will give additional incentive to winning athletes once the provincial government approves our request for extra funds,” he promised.

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.

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.

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.

Mentors undergo seminar on public accountability, values enhancement

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332316076
Wednesday 21st of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332222666
Tuesday 20th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from BKTagitican & GEOSiladan/DOST-12)

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 PSHS campus will not only boost quality education in South Cotabato but also throughout Region 12 and other neighboring regions,” Dr. Laidan said.

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.

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

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332139911
Monday 19th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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

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.

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)

NGO’s anti-hunger program highly commended by local officials

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331784144
Thursday 15th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

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.

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.

2 youth leaders in Region 12 named student ambassadors to Japan

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331701157
Wednesday 14th of March 2012

by Danilo E. Doguiles

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.

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

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

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

In Lake Sebu, Divino said they held sessions on feeding, deworming and vitamin supplementation among residents of the community-beneficiaries.

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.”

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

Coco farmers in South Cotabato warned of Brontispa infestation

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331529864
Monday 12th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

South Cotabato eyes creation of body to represent IPs

Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611331430852
Sunday 11th of March 2012

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.

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.

“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.

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 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.

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.

“If we appoint a representative for the IP, we also need to appoint representatives of the other sectors,” Tolosa said.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

The place will also be used to display are for cultural artifacts and other products of the IP members.

“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)

MSMEs urged to avail of DOST funding

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331271422
Friday 9th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611331172134
Thursday 8th of March 2012

by Jane Christine Balayo

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

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331090675
Wednesday 7th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611331006833
Tuesday 6th of March 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Through this project, we’re hoping to eventually lure away our residents there from cultivating marijuana,” Pingoy said.

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.

He said Land Bank had allocated some P10 million for the initiative, which will mainly involve marginalized farmers within the project area.

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.

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.

“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.

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

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330752356
Saturday 3rd of March 2012

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.

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.

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)

Koronadal city dads ok purchase of lot for terminal complex

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330405208
Tuesday 28th of February 2012

by pia.gov.ph

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.

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.

Thousands set to join simultaneous quake drill in South Cotabato

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

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).

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.

The activity is mainly aimed at enhancing the area’s preparations against possible earthquake-related disasters that may hit the area.

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 will make us more aware of possible earthquake scenarios and the proper measures to take in case they occur in our area,” Janita said.

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.

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.

“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.

She was referring to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the Visayas region last month that killed more than 50 people.

“We need to have these drills on a regular basis to prevent possible tragedies in case disasters would hit our area,” Consular said.

Janita said they are currently conducting a province-wide information drive for the upcoming simultaneous earthquake drill to ensure wider participation among residents.

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.

NGO helps local govt provide cheaper medicine to poor patients

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330221209
Sunday 26th of February 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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.

Fire destroys P5-M properties in Koronadal City

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

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.

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.

The affected establishments comprised five boarding houses, three stores, two residences, two balloon shops, a tailoring, an eatery and a billiard hall, he said.

The official said among those totally destroyed was a three-storey boarding house building, which mainly cater to students from a nearby university.

“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.

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.

Based on their initial investigation, Dilawangan said the fire allegedly originated from the residence of the Tiamzon family.

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.

He said the fire immediately spread towards neighboring establishments, including those located across the street where it supposedly started.

“It spread so fast because of the electrical lines and the strong winds,” said Dilawangan, citing accounts from witnesses.

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.

He said firefighters and fire trucks from other nearby municipal fire stations also helped contain the fire, which was controlled about an hour later.

“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.

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.

South Cotabato miner seeks endorsement for production phase

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

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.

Lawyer Eumir Ernesto Tiamzon, Tribal Mining Corp. president, said their application for endorsement is up for deliberation by the provincial board.

“We have presented the project as far as last year. We want to go on the production phase,” he said.

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.

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.

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.

Paye said that Tribal Mining filed with the regional office late last year its “Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility” (DMPF).

“I have endorsed the T’boli gold-silver project to the main office for approval,” he said separately.

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.

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.

South Cotabato seeks DENR help to resolve land row in farming village

Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=407751
February 23, 2012, 5:05 pm

by (PNA)

LAP/FFC/AVE/KZT

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.

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.

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..

34 job fairs planned for Region 12 in 2012

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329895744
Wednesday 22nd of February 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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, 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.

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.

OWWA announces scholarship grant for OFW children, dependents

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329708184
Monday 20th of February 2012

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

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.

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.

Dolefil, labor group settle dispute

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329525477
Saturday 18th of February 2012

by Danilo E. Doguiles

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Furthermore, he advised the other unions to be open to dialogues and to settlement.

“Dialogue is better than litigation,” 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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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).

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)

LGU intensifies drive against illegal quarries

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329191579
Wednesday 15th of February 2012

by Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 15 (PIA) – Illegal quarry operators beware.

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)

S. Cotabato launches riparian zone re-vegetation program

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329191737
Tuesday 14th of February 2012

by Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.

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).

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)

Investors eye S. Cotabato for high value crops development

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329103270
Monday 13th of February 2012

by Danilo E. Doguiles

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. 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)

Health Insurance

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351006/european-call
February 11, 2012, 5:06pm

by www.mb.com.ph

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.

Gov welcomes inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries as PhilHealth members

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328849894
Friday 10th of February 2012

by Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.

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) .

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)

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, 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.

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.

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.

The PEMO staff apprehended and impounded two dump trucks last January 26, 2012 at Klinan 6 for quarrying using expired permits.

They were later released upon payment of penalty, the PEMO report said.

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.

South Cotabato generated P5.76 million in quarry or “sand and gravel” tax in 2011. (Fruto Sumagaysay Jr/SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

DA 12 warns farmers on new rice pest

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328664432
Wednesday 8th of February 2012

by pia.gov.ph

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.

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)

PCCI seeks Palace meeting on Tampakan project

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 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.

Miguel Varela, PCCI president, said the group understands the concerns of the provincial government and other oppositors of the open-pit mining method.

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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.”

“We were presented with the environmental and safety plans for the Tampakan project and this project is actually doable,” he said.

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.

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.

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.

Construction gov’t hospital in S. Cotabato begins

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328513973
Monday 6th of February 2012

by Danilo E. Doguiles

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. 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)

Maguindanao to stage maiden Sagayan Festival

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328414677
Sunday 5th of February 2012

by Danilo E. Doguiles

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.

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)

Koronadal LGU brings offices closer to villagers

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328335296
Saturday 4th of February 2012

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.

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)

LGU padlocks 94 stalls in public market

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, 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.

Labor attaché to Rome assumes post as DOLE-12 chief

Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328063229
Wednesday 1st of February 2012

by Danilo E. Doguiles

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).

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 ]

South_Cotabato_Archived_News

The older news reports are kept here

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+==So. Cotabato retains title as CRAA champion==
+*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611332389837
+*Thursday 22nd of March 2012
+:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 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.
+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.
+Cotabato  Province and   Koronadal  City  were  second  runner up  and  third runner up, respectively.
+The  host province’s   lead came  from boys’ and girls’ athletics  in elementary and high school where it  got 120 points.
+It also  showed  supremacy in  softball, swimming, and volleyball  in  elementary girls as  well as  baseball, basketball,  and  volleyball  in elementary  boys.
+Its  high school  contingent reigned in  boxing (boys) and  tennis (girls).
+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.
+South Cotabato  schools district  physical education supervisor  Pedro Dajay  attributed their victory to the discipline that the athletes  have shown.
+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.
+“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.
+However,  Dajay said  they  have already asked for additional allocation  for this  purpose from the provincial  government.
+“We will  give  additional  incentive  to  winning athletes once the  provincial  government   approves  our request  for extra funds,” he promised.
+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.
+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.
+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.
 ==Mentors undergo seminar on public accountability, values enhancement==
 *Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611332316076
@@ Line 63: / Line 108: @@
 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==

Difference between revisions of "South Cotabato News"

Revision as of 12:29, 22 March 2012

So. Cotabato retains title as CRAA champion

Mentors undergo seminar on public accountability, values enhancement

Philippine Science High School in Koronadal opens in 2013 – DOST 12

Koronadal City to build class “AA” slaughterhouse

Athletic meets instill values – DepEd official

NGO’s anti-hunger program highly commended by local officials

2 youth leaders in Region 12 named student ambassadors to Japan

Hunger project benefits 9,000 poor school kids in South Cotabato, other areas

Coco farmers in South Cotabato warned of Brontispa infestation

South Cotabato eyes creation of body to represent IPs

MSMEs urged to avail of DOST funding

BFAR offers scholarship in fishery courses

BIR-Soccsksargen launches 2012 tax filing season

Solon releases P2.36-M livelihood fund for senior citizens, women’s groups

South Cotabato eyes development of more rubber plantations

Scholarship Program

LGU allocates P24 M for scholarship program

Koronadal city dads ok purchase of lot for terminal complex

Thousands set to join simultaneous quake drill in South Cotabato

NGO helps local govt provide cheaper medicine to poor patients

Fire destroys P5-M properties in Koronadal City

South Cotabato miner seeks endorsement for production phase

South Cotabato seeks DENR help to resolve land row in farming village

34 job fairs planned for Region 12 in 2012

S.Cotabato rehabilitates farm-to market roads

OWWA announces scholarship grant for OFW children, dependents

Dolefil, labor group settle dispute

Health official welcomes deployment of nurses by PhilHealth

Kidapawan villages get P5-M aid from Department of Agriculture-12

LGU intensifies drive against illegal quarries

S. Cotabato launches riparian zone re-vegetation program

Investors eye S. Cotabato for high value crops development

Health Insurance

Gov welcomes inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries as PhilHealth members

Barangay Council commends Gov, PENRO for immediate action on illegal quarry operators

DA 12 warns farmers on new rice pest

PCCI seeks Palace meeting on Tampakan project

Construction gov’t hospital in S. Cotabato begins

Maguindanao to stage maiden Sagayan Festival

Koronadal LGU brings offices closer to villagers

LGU padlocks 94 stalls in public market

Labor attaché to Rome assumes post as DOLE-12 chief

South_Cotabato_Archived_News

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