South Cotabato News

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Share your Photos

South Cotabato Realty

Philippine News

South Cotabato - Archived News

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

by (DED-PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






Opportunities await OSYs in DOLE-TESDA convergence program

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Cotabato cops note improved operations

by .(PNA)

LAP/AVE/AC


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

LGU, Army to gather youth in leadership summit

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






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

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DTI’s SME Caravan 2012 focuses on upgrading enterprises

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Cotabato generally peaceful -- PNP

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RDRRMC, LGUs in Soccsksargen region discuss RA 10121

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NIA-12 honors outstanding irrigators in 34th anniv

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






South Cotabato fetes scholar graduates

by (PNA)

DCT/LOR/AVE/HST


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







No extension for filing of ITR – BIR

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by (PNA

FFC/jfm/AVE/HST


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

Motorcycles accidents on the rise in South Cotabato, neighboring areas

by (PNA)

FFC/AVE/AC


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

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

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local officials expect positive results from power summit

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MinDA and the Department of Energy spearhead the summit.

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

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

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

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

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

The President is expected to respond with specific policy directives.

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






Education remedies ignorance, poverty – VP Binay

by (Dani Doguiles and Roderick Beñez/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

A project of the Department of Science and Technology – Region 12, Agham at Teknolohiya sa Lungsod was recently conducted separately in the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.

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

It was implemented under DOST’s umbrella program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) that aims to improve the productivity of small and medium industry players.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A technology needs assessment was likewise conducted to Juco Yummyzo Food Products and Pascual Bakery Equipment Services in Koronadal City as a pre-requisite to the availment of SET-UP assistance.

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

She added that such activity aims to sustain economic development in the countryside.

Smc Secures Clearance To Pursue New 3,000-mw Power Projects

by MYRNA M. VELASCO


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

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

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

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

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

Documents also showed that the DOE has issued clearances to more than 30 power companies on their respective bids for GIS on proposed power projects.

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

The others are Calamba Aero Power Corporation for a 120-170MW combined cycle power project in Calamba, Laguna; Cordillera Hydro Electric Power Corporation for its proposed 50-MW mini-hydropower project in Kapangan, Benguet; First Gen Corporation for a 300-MW midmerit power plant in Batangas; San Carlos Biopower Inc. for its 18-MW biomass facility in Negros Occidental; as well as those for Sta. Clara Power Corporation’s micro-hydropower projects in Danao, Bohol and Tinoc, Ifugao.

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

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

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

DOLE 12 trains women inmates in accessory making

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

Skills training involved techniques on production of commercially viable accessories such as bracelets, earrings, and others.

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

North Cotabato Field Office chief Edna Sales urged the inmates who took part of the training to make this a livelihood opportunity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Cotabato’s peace camps to reach 25,000 kids

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from IDCD-Prov’l Governor’s Office)


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

This year’s three-day peace camps began in Pikit municipality on March 9 – 11 where 2,451 children joined. This was followed by peace camps in Aleosan town on March 15 – 17 and another one on March 19 – 21 in Magpet municipality.

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

Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza initiated this program last year in partnership with the Department of Education to promote peace among residents of the province starting while they are still young as well as developing potential leaders among them.

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

This is done by gathering Muslim, indigenous people and Christian children in camps where they are introduced to diverse cultures of the tri-people living in the province, taught leadership skills and important moral values and encouraged to involve in community development.

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

The lady governor also challenged the future leaders of the province to “put into practice what you learn during the summer kids peace camp and serve as role models to the younger pupils when you go back to school.”

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

Campers were also given the chance to exhibit their talents and skills via a talent show and Pabonggahan Night and live theater presentation showcasing cultures in the province.

During the opening ceremonies of the summer kids peace camp in Magpet on March 19, Gov. Mendoza also turned-over a P3.5 million worth covered court to host Apostol Memorial Elementary School.

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

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

N. Cotabato LGU hands over P29.7-M infra projects to municipalities

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

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

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

Other projects include a covered court in Carmen worth P2. 5 million, and a new rural health unit for barangay Poblacion built at P4 million.

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

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

Baranay Malinga, Midsayap received a solar dryer worth P347,000, while barangays Renibon, New Igbaras, and Datu Binasing of Pigcawayan town received a P500,000 worth multi-purpose building each. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/LAF-IDCD-North Cotabato)

Wage hike in Region 12 seen before Labor Day

by Allen V. Estabillo


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

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

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

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

Under the new wage order, which will be implemented in two tranches, the daily minimum wage rates will range from P246 to P270.

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

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

The existing daily floor pay ranges from P234 to P260.

“The last wage order was issued more than one year ago and there being no petition, the RTWPB has resolved to review, motu propio (on its own), the existing minimum wage rates in the region,” Mantilla said.

Studies on the socio-economic condition in the region warranted the need to grant an increase in the minimum wage rates of private sector workers in Region 12 regardless of their position, designation or status of their employment, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid, Ms. Mantilla said

Also called the SOCCSKSARGEN region, Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The Wage Board conducted public consultations early this year in parts of the region to determine if a salary adjustment is needed for the area.

Alfredo Hebrona Jr., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry governor for Southwestern Mindanao, declined to give a comment on the looming wage hike, saying he was not privy to the deliberation.

Jessie dela Cruz, RTWPB secretary, said that exemptions maybe granted to certain types of establishments, such as those distressed and those whose assets are not more than P3 million.

Following the public consultations early this year, Dela Cruz has said that the situation may not warrant an adjustment in the minimum wages of private sector workers, citing a report then by the National Economic and Development Authority that prices of basic consumer goods have remained stable.

Militant labor groups in the area since the past few years have demanded a legislated P125 across-the-board daily wage increase. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Holy Week is time to reflect on Christ’s suffering and resurrection -- Bishop Gutierrez

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

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

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

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

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

Above all these, Bishop Gutierrez added, the entire Christendom should contemplate more on the glory of Christ’s resurrection.

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

“After the Good Friday, Christ rose from the dead. He triumphed against death,” he said. “We should also change. We should also overcome.”

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

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

TESDA specialistas in Soccsksargen gain ground

by (with report from Rolly Palencia/TESDA 12) (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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

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

Overall, TESDA Specialistas have served 893 clients in various service categories such as beauty care and wellness, caregiving, building/house repair maintenance, computer hardware servicing, appliance repair, catering/food and beverage servicing to automotive and small engine servicing, Ampuyas said.

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

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

Results of the monitoring indicated that of the seven service categories, building/house repair and maintenance has the highest average income which reached P43,126.67, followed by beauty care and wellness services which is P41,780.00. The third highest earning category was computer hardware services which accumulated income amounting to P15,100.00.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PNP 12 on alert for the Holy Week

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 2 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s police force has been put on heightened alert for the celebration of the Holy Week, P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin, police provincial director said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LTO has also reminded motorists to meticulously prepare for the expected long travels. According to the agency, drivers should check BLOWBAGETS or battery, lights, oil, water (radiator & wiper washer), brakes, air pressure, gas, early warning device, tools, and self.

Koronadal City turns dark for an hour

by Danilo E. Doguiles


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, General Manager Santiago Tudio said, since the activity is voluntary, brownout was only enforced in the areas where the main activities was held, specifically Feeders 11, 22, and 33.

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

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

Both General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Sarangani province Gov. Migs Dominguez led the Earth Hour campaigns. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Agri official urges farmers to take care of farm machineries

by (With report from Lito Salvo/DA-RAFID 12) (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 31 (PIA) -- Agiculture assistant secretary Dante S. de Lima yesterday urged farmers to adopt as their own the farm machineries that the Department of Agriculture has distributed to them.

De Lima was here for the turn-over of P18.6 million worth of threshers, hand tractors, and four-wheel drive tractors to 126 farmer groups across Soccsksargen Region; the turn-over ceremony was held at DA’s Research Outreach Station in Tupi, South Cotabato.

He also awarded P2.4 million worth of other agricultural machines to five best performing irrigators’ associations.

“We hope that you will take of these farm machineries. You are very fortunate to have been chosen to receive these,” he said.

Earlier, DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan these explained these machineries were provided by DA “in line with the Agri Pinoy Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) which is pushed by Sec Alcala and one of the top priorities of President Benigno Aquino.”

The is specifically undertaken under the Agri Pinoy Rice Program’s Mechanization Project that aims to enable farmers to improve their productivity through appropriate and efficient mechanization facilities.

Under the scheme DA pays for 85 percent of the cost of quality farm machineries while the remaining 15 percent is shouldered as equity of the farmer group cooperator.

Among those turned-over to farmer organizations in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces and General Santos and Cotabato cities were 37 rice threshers, 112 hand tractors and 5 four-wheel drive tractors.

This “85-15% counterpart scheme”, she added, “encourages a sense of ownership for the part of the beneficiaries.”

To ensure the successful implementation of these projects, she added, a team from DA would closely supervise and regularly monitor the farm equipment given to the beneficiaries. She also reminded them to make use of the machines only for purposes they were intended and not to sell or mortgage them.

Asec de Lima further explained that the machineries distributed yesterday were part of allocations approved in 2011.

“Farm machineries for 2012, are expected to be delivered in August,” he said.

Also distributed yesterday were units of hand tractors with trailers, hermetic cocoons, and portable dryers given as incentives to five outstanding irrigators’ associations in the region namely: PULMAKA IA, MAREMCO IA, LD1C IA, MASBACAS IA and Roxas Silang IA.

De Lima, who is also the national rice program coordinator, explained these farm machineries were granted to IAs to encourage them further to optimize the production potentials in their area.

Besides farm machineries, DA 12 also turned over 5.6 million pesos worth of certificates for the 45 units Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP).

Earlier, DA has also distributed a total of 3,116 bags of registered seeds to rice farmers while ten (10) carabaos and farm implements were given to outstanding IA’s in Region 12.

In response, provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste, said: “The provincial government of South Cotabato, farmers and fisherfolks would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to our Secretary represented by Asec de Lima.”

For his part, Sultan Kudarat provincial agriculturist Nestor Kasador said: “This really spells a big difference to develop the agriculture sector in the region. Farmers from our province are very happy knowing that they would get farm machineries from DA.”

Dante Cudal, president of the North Cotabato Irrigator’s Associations, said: “Ang DA ang nagbigay liwanag sa buhay ng mga magsasaka,nagbibigay ng mga tunay na programa. Kaya, nandirito ako upang pasalamatan ang DA. Salamat at dumating na ang tunay na Kagawaran ng Agrikultura.”






Koronadal City's Earth Hour activities to last 15 hours

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 30 (PIA) -- “On March 31 at 8:30 pm, every resident and business in Koronadal City will switch off lights for one hour to send off a powerful message of commitment to lasting action against climate change,” thus says the message posted at the official website of Koronadal City government.

However, city environment and natural resources officer Augustus Bretaña emphasized, the celebration here won’t be as simple as putting off switches and turning off home appliances from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening.

Instead, it will last at least 15 hours and involves several important activities that highlight the importance of environmental protection to mitigate the effects of climate change.

According to the program of activities sent to Philippine Information Agency 12 this morning, celebrations will start with an eco-invocation and ecumenical prayer at 6:30 in the morning, which will be followed by a symposium on climate change.

Signing of the “Manifesto of Support to the Environmental Causes” by all the participants will be among the highlights of affair.

At the symposium, Bretaña will present the city environmental action plan.

It will also feature advocacy messages from Mayor Peter Miguel for the LGU, city schools division superintendent Isagani dela Cruz for education sector; SP committee chairman for environment Gregorio Ogoy for the city council; City of Koronadal Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Danilo Ong for the non-government organizations and Notre Dame of Marbel University president Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico for the city green schools.

Environmental advocate Philline Marie Paye-Donggay will be the main speaker. She will present the science of climate, change, the Climate Change Reality Project, and the solutions to climate change.

Before the actual switching off of lights, participants will be joining Earth Hour 2012 Biking dubbed as “Earth Hour: Riding Beyond the Hour” and Earth Hour 2012 Night Walk, (a 3.5 kilometer walk) from Gaisano Grand Mall to Ace Centerpoint Supermarket where a candle lighting will be held in time for the Earth Hour and finally, lighting and releasing of sky lanterns.

Bretaña and other city government officials have repeatedly reminded residents of the city and its barangays as well as establishments, academe, government offices, business, and other sectors here to support the activity by putting all electric-powered lights and appliances off for one hour, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Other local government units are also enjoined to support the Earth Hour by conducting similar activities or by joining the celebration here.

“Earth Hour is a symbolic activity geared toward giving emphasis to finding solutions to climate change,” he explained.

“Our efforts should not end with Earth Hour celebration, but should be a lifetime commitment,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Manager Santiago Tudio of the South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) said they might implement 15 minutes to 30 minutes power shut-off in some parts of the city where the activity will be held.

Most likely, he said, the brownout will affect the areas along General Santos Drive and Alunan Avenue.

“We cannot implement a full hour power shut-off because participation to Earth Hour is voluntary,” he said. “After the 15 to 30 selective brownout, it would be the decision of households to continue switching off lights and appliances to complete the one hour.”

To encourage wider documentation of the city’s Earth Hour celebration, the city government will has also opened Earth Hour 2012 photo contest. Winning entries will be featured in the upcoming Kanami Koronadal Special Edition Magazine.

Farmer associations, IAs receive P21-M farm machineries from DA

by Allan Pasaol


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 29 (PIA) –- Some 131 farmer groups and irrigators' associations in Soccsksargen region will receive P21-million worth of farm machineries from the Department of Agriculture on March 30.

Information from DA 12 indicated that these include P18.6-million worth of machineries to 126 farmer groups in four provinces and two cities in the region under the Agri-Pinoy program and P2.4 million worth of machineries as award to five outstanding irrigators’ associations in the area.

DA-12 regional director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, these will be distributed to the farmer groups’ and IA’s respective governors and chief executives in a turnover ceremony at the Research Outreach Station in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Congressional representatives of districts where they belong are also invited to witness “the realization of these noble initiatives” considering that they too took part in achieving these.

Machineries set for distribution to 126 farmers’ groups include 37 rice threshers, 112 hand tractors, and 5 four-wheel drive tractors.

The project is part of the Agri Pinoy Rice Program’s Mechanization Project to provide mechanization facilities to enable farmers improve their productivity thru appropriate and efficient mechanization technologies.

“This is in line with the Agri Pinoy Food Staple Sufficiency Program pushed by secretary Alcala, which is also one of the top priorities of President Benigno Aquino III,” Datukan added.

Beneficiaries of these interventions are registered farmer-cooperators willing to collaborate in the implementation of the program.

By province, distribution of the farm machineries will be as follows: 33 hand tractors, 11 threshers and two 4-WD tractors for North Cotabato Province; 34) hand tractors, 10 threshers and two 4-WD tractors for Sultan Kudarat; 33 hand tractors, 11 threshers and one 4-WD tractor for South Cotabato; and 9 hand tractors and 4 threshers for Sarangani Province.

Two hand tractors and one 1 thresher will be awarded to farmers in General Santos City while a unit of hand tractor will be given to farmers in Cotabato City.

Datukan explained that 85 percent of the total estimated cost will be shouldered by DA and the remaining 15 percent equity will be the paid by the proponent farmer-cooperators.

This “85-15% counterpart scheme” encourages a sense of ownership for the beneficiaries, she said.

“Beneficiaries should utilize the mechanization facilities in accordance with their intended use, allow access and use by farmer-members and shall not in any way sell or mortgage the units,” she emphasized.

Just recently, Datukan along with the bids and awards committee chairman RTD Jimmy M. Olivo and other BAC and technical working Group members conducted inspection to ensure that the units are in place, of good quality and will satisfy farmers’ aspirations to own durable farm machineries.

“Our farmers deserve the best quality. This is the reason why DA now has strengthened the Bids and Awards Procurement process,” as embodied in Government Procurement Reform Act or Republic Act 9184, she added.

Besides farmer-cooperators, five irrigators’ associations are also set to receive machineries from Sec. Alcala in recognition of the former’s exemplary performance.

IAs that will receive incentives are PULMAKA IA that will receive four hand tractors with trailer, two hermetic cocoons and two portable dryers; MAREMCO IA (two hand tractors with trailer, two hermetic cocoons and two portable dryers); LD1C IA (one hand tractor with trailer, one hermetic cocoon and one portable dryer); MASBACAS IA (one hand tractor with trailer, one hermetic cocoon and one portable dryer) and; Roxas Silang IA (one hand tractor with trailer, one hermetic cocoon and one portable dryer).

Besides congress representatives and local chief executives, DA 12 also expects the presence of Sec. Alcala and Assistant Secretary Dante Delima in the turn-over ceremony.






Wage board recommends P10 – P14 wage hike in Soccsksargen Region

by (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 28 (PIA) -- A new wage rate for laborers in the private sector in Soccsksargen Region could be implemented soon, a labor official here said.

Labor and employment regional director Chona Mantilla confirmed in a radio interview yesterday that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) – 12 has decided to recommend “increase in the minimum wage ranging from P10 to P14 daily.”

“If this is approved (by the National Wages and Productivity Commission) the new minimum daily wage in the region would range from P246 to P270,” she said.

During its meeting on Monday, the RTWPB-12 decided that there are enough reasons to increase the basic pay of workers in Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato provinces as well as in General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan, Tacurong, and Cotabato cities.

Among the factors that the board considered in coming up with the decision were the economic data provided by the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry, the capacity of the employers to pay, and the economic requirements of the labor sector with the increasing prices of basic goods and services.

Mantilla , however, clarified the recommendation for the increase would still need review and approval by the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

“So far, based on our records, the NWPC has not yet disapproved recommendations for wage hike from the RTWPBs,” she said.

Once approved by the national commission, the new wage order goes through 15-day publication before becoming officially effective.

“We hope to be able to implement the new wage order on or before May 1,” Mantilla said.

RTWPB-12 secretary Jessie dela Cruz explained further that the board decided to integrate the P15-cost of living allowance (COLA) ordered in the Wage Order No. 16 (which became effective on October 31, 2010) into the basic pay and decided that the proposed increase will be given as COLA.

At present, based on Wage Order No. 16, minimum wages in the region stand at P260 for non-agriculture workers, P240 for plantation workers, P235 for non-plantation agriculture workers, P240 for retail/service establishments employing more than 10 people, and P234 for retail/service establishments employing less than 10 people.

If the proposal is approved the new minimum daily rates would range from low of P246 to high of P270. Dela Cruz, however, did not disclose how much increase is recommended for each of the labor sub-sectors.

Meanwhile, Director Mantilla also disclosed that they will soon begin orientation of management and labor sectors regarding the two-tier wage system being proposed by DOLE.

The two-tiered wage system consists of a mandatory regional wage floor and a productivity or performance-based wage scheme.

The wage floor shall be the lowest wage in the region; this should be required of all employers in the private sector.

The second part of the wage system, a pay scheme given to workers based on productivity, shall be implemented on voluntary basis.

Mantilla said the orientations they will conduct will focus on the benefits of the new approach to both the management and workers.

DOH 12 to intensify campaign on TB in children

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 27 (PIA) -- Health officials in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 plan to strengthen its campaign on the identification and treatment of children affected by TB.

Data released by the Department of Health-12 (DOH) during the World TB Day celebration on Saturday indicate that of the 8,012 TB cases in the region in 2011, 801 were children below 15 years.

Dr. Arlene Taruc, regional TB program manager, however, said cases of children with TB could be higher than the reported 9.5 percent of the total TB cases in the region if all of the actual cases of children with TB were covered.

DOH-12 Regional Director Marlyn Convocar admitted that the agency as well as a the public should give more attention on tuberculosis among children.

Besides their regular information drive, Dr. Convocar also asked the media to help inform the public of this important concern.

“We have to remember that when their parents, relatives, or helpers have TB, most likely the children also have TB,” she said.

Coughs among children who had contact with TB patients, she said, should not be taken for granted. So, when the adult TB patient goes to the health center for their regular treatment, children should also be brought along for testing, she added.

“In this way, we will be able to control the illness at an earlier stage and prevent the development of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB,” she said.

“All our health units have a treatment regimen for TB in children. Medicines, as well as doctors’ services, are free.”

One of the 28 MDR-TB patients being treated at the Programmatic Multi-Drug Resistant (PMDT) Treatment Center at the Koronadal City Health Office is only 17 years old.

Dr. Taruc further explained that children are particularly vulnerable to the diseases because their contact with other people as well as fellow school children who may be carriers of the mycobacterium tuberculei organism are not always monitored.

Dr. Taruc added that the had already informed barangay health workers to intensify their campaign on TB in children in their respective areas.

DOH is also encouraging creation of barangay health teams to reach out to at least 100 families; their work includes close monitoring of residents with TB. (DED-PIA 12)

Tribal folks oppose relocation from South Cotabato mining area

by (PNA)

FFC/AVE/RSS


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 26 (PNA) -- Tribal communities opposing the large-scale copper and gold mining project of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) in the mountains of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur provinces have set up barricades and roadblocks anew in the area in a latest show of opposition to the project.

The roadblocks were set up by residents belonging to the B’laan tribe in major roads covering Barangay Danlag in Tampakan, South Cotabato to portions of Kiblawan town in Davao del Sur.

The tribal communities in Sitios Bongsbang and Alyong in Barangay Danlag in Tampakan and Nakultana and Lapla in Bongmal District of Barangay Kimlawis in Kiblawan said they set up the barricades to oppose SMI’s relocation plan for them.

“The community was shocked by the relocation notice. I don’t want my family relocated,” local leader Juli Samling told reporters in the vernacular.

Samling said they put up the roadblocks after SMI posted tarpaulins outlining the terms for its proposed relocation project, without allegedly explaining to them what it was all about.

The company’s tarpaulins announced that March 22 should have been the cut-off date for those that would want inclusion to the relocation plans.

Fr. Guillarme Joy Peliño, Social Action Center director of the Diocese of Marbel, said the barricades initiated by the tribal members showed their discontent to the mining project.

“They have spoken and their voices should be respected by the company,” said the priest, who denied the local Catholic Church egged the tribal communities into setting the barricades.

John B. Arnaldo, SMI corporate communication manager, said they have conducted initial dialogues with the tribal and barangay council leaders of the “project affected persons” (PAPs) who may be resettled if the Tampakan copper-gold project is approved.

Arnaldo said the consultation process is in accordance with the Philippine government’s regulatory requirements, relevant international IFC standards and the policies of SMI and its managing shareholder, Xstrata Copper.

As part of the resettlement consultation process, SMI has posted the cut-off date for the benefit of the communities to serve as reference of assets as of March 22.

“This process has been widely appreciated by the respective tribal and barangay council leaders of affected communities, and for them to communicate this to their community members,” he said.

Increase in TB cases may mean improved reporting system - DOH-12

by (DED/PIA12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- The increase in the number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Soccsksargen may be a positive development according to the Department of Health (DOH).


Regional data of the National TB Program released by DOH Region 12 on Friday indicated that in 2011, the region had 8,012 TB cases, which is higher than the 7,895 cases in 2010 and 6,801 cases in 2009.


“The increase in the reported number of cases does not necessarily mean accretion in the TB cases in the region,” Dr. Marlyn Convocar, the new director of DOH 12, told local reporters.


“This could possibly mean improvement in our reporting system and an increase of patients seeking treatment with government health facilities because of our campaign and with the help of the media to encourage the public to seek help against the disease,” she said.


Dr. Amebella Taruc, regional TB program manager also reasoned that the increase in TB cases also translates to improved awareness of the public regarding the services provided by government health centers for TB treatment.


“People have become aware that health centers are now capable of providing quality TB services,” she said.


“What is more positive about this is that these 8,000 patients with TB have received treatment.”


According to the 2011 TB cases report, Soccsksargen region has a cure rate of 82.2 percent.


Convocar, however, explained the data on the cure rate was still incomplete.


“Reports on the cure rate from Sultan Kudarat are still not available,” she said. “Once the report is completed, I am sure that we have achieved more compared to the 85 percent target set by the World Health Organization.”


Sultan Kudarat reported only 66.66 percent cure rate, the lowest in the region. Cotabato reported a cure rate of 97 percent while South Cotabato reported a cure rate of 88 percent.


In accordance to the celebration of the World TB day yesterday, March 24, health officials reiterated their call to persons who suspect of TB infection to seek immediate treatment.


Taruc pointed out that all health centers in the regions, even the rural health unit in villages are capable of administering TB treatment.


“All of our health units are supplied with complete medicines for the treatment of TB. These medicines are absolutely free,” Taruc emphasized. “We have also established microscopy centers in many locations.”


Patients who need x-ray services are also being referred by rural health units to government health facilities, she said.


This year’s World TB Day carries the slogan, “Stop TB in my lifetime.”

2-hour rotational brownout in Mindanao to last until April

by (Sunnex)


THE power load curtailment of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) in General Santos City, some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province will last until April.

The two-hour rotational brownout started last March 05 and will last until April 1.

In its Socoteco II advisory, the electric cooperative based the rotational brownout on the power advisory released by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines saying that the Mindanao grid is on red alert status due to generation deficiency.

DENR, LGU-Maitum to boost ecotourism

by (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/CGValdez/MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR 12 )


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 23 (PIA) -- In an effort to develop local ecotourism, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held a meeting recently with key officials and staff of the Municipality of Maitum in the province of Sarangani.

The meeting held last March 16 at the Municipal Hall of Maitum coincided with the practicum of the cave assessment seminar-workshop, thus affording the DENR and LGU officials an opportune time to discuss initiatives on the LGU’s ecotourism efforts.

Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille R. Perett welcomed the move of the DENR towards the development and promotion of sustainable tourism in the region.

“It hurts to see the degradation of environment which is common almost everywhere. I want to spare our municipality from total destruction of forest cover and vegetation,” Mayor Perett said.

DENR 12 Protected Areas and Wildlife Division chief Ali M. Hadjinasser told LGU officials that projects on ecotourism activities proposed by the municipality should pass through the Regional Ecotourism Council (REC) for review, assessment, and sanctions.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the DENR take turns every three years in leading the REC, with DENR taking the helm of the REC with Regional Executive Director Alfredo S. Pascual as Chair and adviser on matters related to the administration and technical aspects of Ecotourism Areas. The DOT Regional Director acts as Co-Chair of REC, Hadjinasser said.

Maitum Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member and Committee on Culture, Arts and Tourism Chair Jess C. Bascuña presented the Municipality’s Ecotourism Master Plan.

“We are happy that the DENR is willing to extend assistance to facilitate the implementation of our ecotourism program,” he said.

DENR Regional Focal Person on Ecotourism Engineer Rosalinda Cortez discussed some strategies for successful ecotourism development, explaining that there should be a balance among ecological sustainability, economic viability and social equitability; community participation is also vital and regarded as a capital in ecotourism.

“Let us prioritize activities that preserve the nature and originality of the area,” Cortez added.

The DENR has been tasked to ensure ecotourism development while maintaining a healthy environment and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources for the present and future generations.

So. Cotabato retains title as CRAA champion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)


South_Cotabato_Archived_News

The older news reports are kept here

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=South_Cotabato_News&oldid=331547"