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General Santos City, Philippines - Archived News

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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.

Tampakan police involved in illegal mining?

By Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/22 September) – Police officials in South Cotabato province have vowed to investigate the alleged involvement of police personnel in Tampakan town in the continuing illegal mining activities in the area. Senior Supt. Randolph Delfin, South Cotabato police director, said in a press conference on Wednesday that he will personally look into claims by tribal leaders of Tampakan that some policemen in the area have allegedly been acting as protectors of the destructive illegal “banlas” or sluice mining operations. Two weeks ago, B’laan tribal chieftain Dalina Samling of Barangay Danlag in Tampakan revealed in a public forum in Koronadal City that the illegal sluice mining activities in some upland villages in the area have persisted due to the protection given by local policemen. She said some policemen assigned at the municipal police station supposedly act as tipsters for the illegal miners whenever a raid would be launched by the joint anti-illegal mining task force that was earlier activated by the municipal government of Tampakan and the provincial government of South Cotabato. “(The task force) should not involve the policemen who were in contact with these illegal miners in their raids. These policemen should be transferred to other areas,” she said during a recent signing of a memorandum of agreement for a tree-growing project in Tampakan. Delfin urged tribal leaders of Tampakan and other local residents to provide them with more information regarding the matter, especially the identity of the policemen involved. “I will take this up with the concerned (police) officials and personnel. Rest assured that I will personally look into it,” the police official said. Tampakan officials admitted that the local government is facing difficulty in apprehending those behind the illegal mining activities due to the mobile type of operations employed by the miners. Eileen Estrada, Tampakan municipal environment and natural resources officer, said that the recent raids conducted by the joint anti-illegal mining task force had become futile as the illegal miners were no longer around when they reached the area. “It’s basically a hide and seek game there,” she said. Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo said they received reports that some mining operators from the Mt. Diwalwal gold rush area have transferred to his town to pursue illegal mining activities. He said the illegal operations were reportedly backed by financiers or investors that have links to some politicians, whom he did not identify. “Our higher authorities should look into this matter. We need to protect our forests and (mineral) resources from these illegal activities,” the mayor said. “Banlas” or sluice mining involves the pouring of large amounts of water on a mountain’s surface to extract the rocks containing the gold ore, and then pan them with mercury. The use of the illegal mining method was first uncovered in T’boli town, another gold rush site in South Cotabato, and has invaded Tampakan town a few years ago despite the crackdown ordered by the provincial government. Reports said the sluice mining operations are centered in Kampo Kilot of Barangay Pulabato in Tampakan, where at least two hectares of a mountain in the area was already destroyed based on an aerial survey earlier conducted by the provincial government. Last April, four people were killed in the area due to a major landslide, which local authorities blamed on the illegal mining operations. In August, the local government of Tampakan reported that a water analysis of the rivers near the illegal mining sites showed that the level of mercury in the water has already reached 1.7 microgram per liter (mc/L) or “340 times beyond the maximum limit for the protection of public health.”




Gensan folk celebrate return of homegrown beauty queen

By Gold Star Daily


GENERAL Santos City--Wild cheers and enthusiastic smiles greeted 2011 Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup as she finally returned home to this city yesterday morning to a rousing homecoming celebration "fit for a returning queen." Thousands of residents crowded the city's main streets to get a glimpse of the returning beauty queen who was third runner-up in the 60th Miss Universe pageant last week in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Supsup, who was accom-panied by her mother Marcey, arrived at the city airport here at around 9:05 am aboard a private jet from Manila amid a colorful welcome cultural presentation and an upbeat tune from a waiting brass band. She was met by her father Timoteo, city officials led by Mayor Darlene Custodio and Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. as well hundreds of other well-wishers. Supsup, who appeared elegant in a white and blue gown adorned with her Miss Universe sash, was later joined by her parents, Mayor Custodio and Rep. Acharon in the royalty-themed float prepared by city hall for the motorcade from the city airport to the city proper.


During the nearly two-hour motorcade, residents came out and lined up along the sides of the city's streets to cheer the 25-year-old beauty queen who grew up in Barangay Katangawan here. On some public and private office buildings were tarpaulins and streamers welcoming Supsup and congratulating her Miss Universe feat.


Some 5,000 people greet-ed Supsup's motorcade at the city hall grounds where a brief welcome program and press conference was held. "This is our way of showing our deep appreciation to Shamcey for bringing honor and pride to the city of General Santos," Custodio said.

Supsup thanked residents and officials for supporting her and for the rousing home-coming celebration. "I'm so excited and really happy to be back home. I can't thank you enough for the all-out support that you have given me these past months," she said. pna

Tagum City eyed for another SM mall

By Nelson C. Bagaforo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- True to its thrust of strengthening its presence in Mindanao, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., which operates SM supermalls, is eyeing Tagum City where it can establish another mall.

SM Prime Holdings president Hans T. Sy said that other than the cities of Zamboanga and Butuan where SM malls will rise in the next years, they are also looking at the capital city of Davao del Norte as another area for expansion.

"We are looking at Tagum City as our next area for expansion, considering its growing economy," he told Sun.Star in an interview at the sidelines of the inauguration of newly-widened San Miguel Street here, where Mindanao's biggest mall, the SM City General Santos, is located.

SM spent P45 million for the project to ensure smooth flow of traffic when the mall starts to operate.

Sy said they have already found a location where they can construct SM mall in Tagum.

"The property is now under negotiation. May mga bahay pa kase sa area," he said.

Sy was in this city to grace the opening of newly-widened 440-meter San Miguel Street in Lagao, where one of the entrances of the mall is located.

SM Prime Holdings spent P4 million for the project.

Also at the event are city officials, led by City Mayor Darlene Antonino, Representative Pedro Acharon and the Salazar matriarch Sufradia Las Marias Salazar.

The property where SM Gensan stands is covered by a 20-year lease contract entered by SM Prime Holdings and the Salazars.

"Every time we invest in a place, we always see that we have the return of investment in 9-10 years, so the the 0-year contract would be okay," Sy said.

Sy said total investment they have poured in for the construction of the GenSan mall, which is now 90 percent complete, is pegged at P2.5 billion, much higher than their investment for the construction of SM Lanang in Davao City, placed at P2 billion.

SM Lanang is targeted to be completed in the last quarter of next year, while SM GenSan will open earlier during the first quarter of 2012.

"This is our thrust. We want to intensify our presence in Mindanao," Sy said, but was quick to add SM has no plan of getting hold or monopolizing the retail market in the island.

"We are here not to eat the pie, but we’re here to make the pie bigger," he said.

Once fully operational, SM GenSan can generate at least 3,000 jobs.

Mindanao's biggest mall to open soon

By Nelson C. Bagaforo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- SM City General Santos, Mindanao's biggest mall is set to open in the first quarter of next year in this city, touted as the country's "tuna capital", targeting a huge retail market in one of the country’s fastest growing regions, the Soccsksargen area.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. president Hans T. Sy, on Sunday said SM Gensan has a total floor area of 150,000 square meters, including the parking area, situated in a 17-hectare property they are leasing from one of the city’s pioneering families -- the Salazars.

"This our biggest in Mindanao," Sy told Sun.Star Davao.

Sy was in this city to grace the opening of newly widened 440 meter San Miguel street in Lagao, where one of the entrances of the mall is located. SM Prime Holdings spent P4 million for the project.

Also at the event are city officials, led by City Mayor Darlene Antonino, Representative Pedro Acharon and the Salazar matriarch Sufradia Las Marias Salazar.

The property where SM Gensan stands is covered by a 20-year lease contract entered by SM Prime Holdings and the Salazars.

"Everytime we invest in a place, we always see that we have the return of investment in 9-10 years, so the 10-year contract would be okay," Sy said.

Sy said total investment they have poured in for the construction of the Gensan mall, which is now 90 percent complete, is pegged at P2.5 billion, much higher than their investment for the construction of SM Lanang in Davao City, placed at P2 billion. SM Lanang is targeted to be completed in the last quarter of next year.

"This is our thrust. We want to intensify our presence in Mindanao," Sy said, but was quick to add SM has no plan of getting hold or monopolize the retail market on the island.

"We are here not to eat the pie, but we’re here to make the pie bigger," he said.

Sy said their next target in Mindanao, after the opening of SM Lanang next year, are the cities of Butuan and Zamboanga.

"These are the two areas we are looking at. The property we eye for the construction of these malls is now under negotiation," he said.



Gen San beauty competes for Ms World Phil

By Chris Sulit


GENERAL SANTOS CITY — After Shamcey Supsup made the country proud by bagging the 3rd runner-up title in the recently-concluded Miss Universe, another lady from GenSan gave honor and pride when she became one of the finalists to the Miss World Philippines (MWP) Beauty Pageant. She is Gaydra Libres Rama, 23, a nurse from Brgy. Apopong and former employee of General City District Hospital here. To prepare herself for a big break, Gaydra joined quite a few pageants and modeling contests in the locality winning the first place in Sarangani Bay Bodies held in Glan in 2009 and also won the Miss Sarangani crown. Her participation to the Slimmers World 2010, Ms Bikini Philippines gained her much experience for her next challenge. Gaydra tagged candidate No. 8 together with others was presented in August as one of the 25 finalists to the Miss World Philippines. The Miss World Philippines winner will represent the country to the Miss World 2011 slated in November in London, United Kingdom. The first lucky Miss World Philippines titleholder will take home Php1-million and a condominium unit. MWP Country Director Cory Quirino acquired the license from the Miss World Ltd. last January and will hold the maiden Miss World Philippines 2011 Coronation Night on September 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The candidate who will garner the highest vote (via text or internet) will automatically be included in the finals. MWP followers can visit www.missworldphilippines.com where they can choose their favorite candidate to vote for.

SouthCot has new police chief

By Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/15 Sept) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has designated a veteran intelligence officer from Northern Luzon as the new provincial police director of South Cotabato. Senior Supt. Randolf Delfin, the former intelligence chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Northern Luzon, formally assumed as the new South Cotabato police director on Wednesday following a simple turnover ceremony in Koronadal City. Delfin replaced Senior Supt. Nilo Wong, who is set to retire from police service on September 26. Delfin is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy class of 1984 and a classmate of General Santos City police director Senior Supt. Cedric Train. “He’s very efficient and he’s the kind of officer who is quite a disciplinarian and very serious when it comes to his work,” Wong said of his successor. Delfin, who is on his first assignment in Mindanao, admitted that he is very strict when it comes to the conduct and accomplishment of the mandates and assigned works of his subordinates but assured that he would back them up if they are properly doing their jobs. “I am a disciplinarian. I am strict. But as long as my men are acting right, I don’t think I would be very hard on them,” he told reporters. Delfin, who immediately joined a meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPPOC) after the turnover rites, said he will focus his attention in addressing the rising cases of criminal activities within the province’s 10 towns and lone city. He said they will implement maximum police visibility throughout the province to prevent the movement of criminal elements and the occurrence of various street crimes. Police records showed that the cases of murder, robbery and carnapping or theft of motorcycles in the province has so far increased since January. In 2010, the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office recorded a total of 13 murder cases, 82 robberies and 20 carnapping incidents. But as of Wednesday, it already recorded 26 murder cases, 83 robberies and 21 carnapping incidents, some victims of which were murdered. South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said he was very satisfied with the assignment of Delfin to the province and vowed his full support to the latter’s leadership. “We’ll provide them necessary support to make sure that they accomplish their mandates properly and also gain the full trust and confidence of our constituents,” he said. South Cotabato board member Agustin Dema-ala, chair of the provincial board’s peace and order committee, said he expects Delfin to work harder and bring in immediate results in terms of the rising crime incidents in the province. “In his (PPOC) presentation, he detailed specific plans and actions and so we expect results the soonest possible time,” he said.

MSU Turns Gold

By Russtum G. Pelima


GENERAL SANTOS CITY - At the Golden Anniversary celebration of the Mindanao State University (MSU) System this year, MSU-General Santos City hints its other side of the academe: Music.

The system, founded in September 1, 1961, is composed of eleven campuses throughout Mindanao. Serving Mindanaoans for 50 years now, they are in unison with the theme: "Integrating People and Building Societies Through Quality Education in a Culture of Peace."

At the peak of the two-week-long intramurals, MSUans showcased their musical ingenuity at the Battle of the Bands and songwriting competition Thursday night (September 8) at the campus gym. Fourteen bands across colleges joined the contest.

"Brilliant," singer/composer Eric Gancio exclaimed.

Eric Gancio is founder of the Yano Band that made its way magically to the top during the early 1990s. The Yano music, some of which are Banal Na Aso, Tsinelas, Kamusta Na, State U, Es Em, Senti, continues to live on in the societies of the young and the idealists who want change.

"We have to have a change of mentality for the positive," Gancio said before he began his repertoire as guest performer.

He would mean, as he would always say in a usual discourse, a change of perspective. The saga of his time has his own view of nation building. He said that music wise, MSU is a nation of its own making a national celebration of its music.

For Eric, it doesn't make a difference after all to be local or national, at least as an artist.

Championing the tilt was Ninja Turtles who had uniquely prepared for the night, even using the wide screen in trying to communicate through visuals images in the campus that jive with their chorus, "MSUan ako."

Second was the Tune-Up Band, and third was the Green Republic, an all-female band from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

"We were able to compose that song because we are proud to be MSUans and we know we can do something good for the future," Green Republic band leader Erine Dejecacion revealed.

The band's entry "Posible" is a song depicting life in MSU as a student in search for knowledge and has the zeal to get involved.

Committee chair Professor Robert Pasion said it took patience to gather the bands for screening.

"I must provide them the guidance and some mechanics. This is a contest and they are bound to follow some rules. In everything else, they were on their own," Pasion said.

Smart Telecommunications, Inc. provided prizes for the winners. Smart has been supporting MSU in various university activities as part of its program for education. In tourism, Smart launched its Infoboard SIM in partnership with the Department of Tourism at the General Santos City Tuna Festival within the week.

GenSan Tuna Festival 2011: Exploring new depths and challenges

by CT Apelacio


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 14 (PIA)--- Spectators partaking in the celebration of Tuna Festival 2011 crowded the streets here from start to finish. The Tuna Festival kicked off September 1 with the 13th National Tuna Congress keeping the tradition alive each year since it started in 1998. The Tuna Festival’s week-long activities were part of the month-long celebration of the 43rd Charter Anniversary of this city which opened August 5 with the theme, “Exploring New Depths, Conquering New Challenges.” The anniversary and the Tuna Festival celebration ended September 5, which was also a special non-working holiday in GenSan pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 219. SocSarGen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Incorporated (SFFAII) executive director Rosanna Contreras, said the congress opened mid morning with the trade exhibit and the newly-added feature-- the tuna culinary challenge participated in by different schools here. The exhibit, she added was joined by 50 exhibitors occupying 70 booths showcasing the various products ranging from processed tuna to the latest fishing technologies and the like. Contreras said the staging of the trade exhibit strategic since GenSan also serves as transshipment point of agricultural products of SocSarGen (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City) aside from being a major fish landing area in the South. Being situated strategically, GenSan, over the years has established “trade relations with neighboring countries in the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area, Australia and Micronesia,” she said. Meanwhile, Meriam Buguis, department head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) said the congress discussed and presented notable issues and concerns facing the fishery sector today. The congress theme anchored on “Caring for the Future: A Shared Commitment.” Congress organizers led by the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the SFFAII said some 300 participants attended this year’s congress. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala was the keynote speaker representing President Benigno Aquino III, who was in China for a state visit. Alcala arrived September 1 to lead alongside City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio the ground breaking of the Php3.75-M worth Asparagus Packing Plant which is expected to boost production of asparagus. The city government headed by Mayor Antonino feted congress participants and guests in a sumptuous farewell dinner at the 18th Hole Driving Range highlighting the “Karagatan Awarding Ceremony” which honored "the unsung heroes of the fishing industry." The culmination on September 5 was full of spectacular activities featuring the 7:00 o’clock thanksgiving Mass with the Pamahaw Pasasalamat in front of the city hall along with the Almusal Alay sa Kapwa at Oval Covered Court. Other activities included the Pasiklaban sa Paaralan Online Quiz Semi Finals at Robinson’s Place; the 7th Mindanao Open Bonsai Competition and Exhibit; the Coke Got Talent at Tuna Festival Grand Finals, a Coco-Cola party zone; and the colorful Float Parade at the Oval Plaza Grounds, which won the East Asia Royale Hotel here the first cash prize of Php150,000. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)

P40M set for road network to agri areas in SouthCot

By Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/12 Sept) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated some P40 million for the development of an alternate road network that would connect potential agribusiness production areas in three municipalities in South Cotabato province to various markets in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao. Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala formally endorsed the proposed Tupi-Banga-T’boli road project’s immediate funding and implementation during a meeting here last week of the South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City (Socsksargen) Area Development Project (ADP) board. The Socsksargen ADP board, which is chaired by Alcala, mainly oversees the implementation of key agri-infrastructure, food security projects and other vital development initiatives in Region 12. “The board adopted the road project as a priority food security-related infrastructure for the province,” Legaste said. The official said the planned road network will cover various prime agricultural production areas and communities in the upland portions of the municipalities of Tupi, Banga and T’boli in South Cotabato. He said it will start from the junction of Barangay Cebuano along the national highway in Tupi town and will run through Barangay Kalkam, the Roxas mountain range, Barangay Lampari in Banga town and eventually in T’boli town. The area hosts palay and corn farms and plantation areas of banana, pineapple, vegetables, fruits and other high-value crops. Legaste said the road network will reduce the distance of the usual travel from Tupi to T’boli towns by 40 kilometers. “It will facilitate easy access and make the movement of people and products from these areas faster,” he said. When completed, Legaste said the alternate road will later help decongest traffic at portions of the national highway that passes through the city proper of Koronadal City, which is the capital city of South Cotabato province. During the board meeting, which was also attended by local government officials and other stakeholders of Region 12, Legaste said Alcala assigned the project to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He said the DA chief instructed local DPWH personnel to start the initial preparations for the project, which will include the rehabilitation of existing roads and the opening of new connecting routes in the area. Legaste added that Alcala promised to personally check with the DPWH the progress of the project’s initial developments during another scheduled visit to the region later this month. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews) [edit]

PACQUIAO WATCH: Different package

by Edwin G. Espejo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/11 Sept) – It will be a vastly different Manny Pacquiao that will greet Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez when they meet for the third, and maybe, last time in November. First, he will be facing a comfortable welterweight who no longer had the excess poundage he used to have while fighting as a featherweight. Second, Pacquiao is no longer the predictable left-handed happy puncher. Third, the Filipino boxing champion has a score to settle and when he is in that mood and mode, Pacquiao is the most dangerous man on the planet. Just ask Erik Morales. The outcome of their third meeting, many predict, will no longer be as close or as controversial as their first two meetings. I am of the same opinion. If Manny was bothered by the heavy counterpunching of Marquez when they were fighting at the lower weight limits, the bulk and heft he has added up, all ripping muscles, are simply too heavy not to negate the Mexican’s power punches. After all, Manny absorbed the heaviest punches of Miguel Angel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, both legitimate welterweights. I do not think a bloated lightweight Marquez punches harder than both of them. If Marquez was not able to put down Pacquiao in 24 rounds that they engaged themselves in two wars of attrition, which is the only way he could win, there is little reason to believe he will this time. It is a different story the other way around. If Manny is again right on the button with his signature left, I do not think Marquez will again be able to survive. Marquez is an ageing warrior who could one day end up in the Boxing Hall of Fame. His last four fights however showed clear signs of slowing down. When you age, the first to go are your reflexes. You may still retain the power but you cannot add more than 10 percent of what you already have at 38 years old. And I seriously doubt he could still keep up with the frenetic pace of Pacquiao for twelve rounds. This time, too, he may not be able to see what Pacquiao’s right hand will be doing and where they will be coming. Yes, Manny has evolved into a complete boxer, which he had to as he moved up the welterweight classes where he faced bigger and more powerful punchers. Pacquiao is an altogether different package now. His arsenal now includes the right cross, hooks and uppercuts – all loaded up. It would also be wise to once and a while use his right jabs just to add to Marquez’s confusions. But everybody would like to see Marquez engage Pacquiao in a toe-to-toe exchange. If that happens, expect an early lights out. It will be party time. And you know who parties best after a smashing win.

DA cuts tuna export fee

by MARVYN N. BENANING


Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has slashed the 3 percent tuna export fee imposed in 2010 to only 0.2 percent as a means to make canned and fresh tuna shipped out of Gen. Santos City more attractive in the global market.

The agriculture chief ordered the cut after the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC), which suggested the impost in the first place, relented as the clamor for its abolition spread in the fishing industry.

It recommended a steep reduction of the fee in a meeting held on July 22.

Alcala announced the reduction in a speech delivered during the 13th National Tuna Congress at General Santos City.

The impost was slapped to industry players under Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 233 issued in 2010, largely on the basis NFARMC’s recommendation.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) national director Asis G. Perez said the reduced fee is equivalent to P1,650 or 0.2 percent of fish raw material value computed from the previous year’s average wholesale price, whichever is higher, based on price surveys of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS.)

Commercial fishing corporations and canners have described the export levy as an additional burden and a disincentive to them since it raises the prices of tuna and its byproducts, making them less competitive in the foreign market, said the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII.)

Outgoing SFFAI chairman Marfenio Y. Tan claimed FAO 233 was “counterproductive and inconsistent with the thrust of the government to promote exports.”

NFARMC promulgated FAO 233 in compliance with the spirit of Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, and as a means to moderate the capture of migratory tuna.

The council is a multi-sector advisory group under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through BFAR.

It consults stakeholder in crafting policies for the protection, conservation, sustainable development and management of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

Proposed policies crafted by NFARMC are sent to the DA secretary for consideration and approval.

Sixty percent of the country’s tuna catch is unloaded at General Santos City, which is the country’s tuna capital.

The tuna industry is presently facing hard times as a result of a ban on fishing in the high seas imposed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) since January 1, 2010.

Last year, the country’s tuna production totaled 387,101 metric tons (MT), 9 percent less than in 2008.

Of the gross volume, commercial fish catch accounted for 70 percent or 271,625 MT, 14 less than the record for 2008, said SFFAII.

The total value of commercial fish output in 2010 was P17 billion, with SOCSKSARGEN region accounting for P10.7 billion, or 63 percent.

Total tuna exports for the same year were valued at $359.4 million, roughly P15.45 billion at the exchange rate of P43 to a dollar.

Of the total volume, about 70 percent came in the canned form or 76,800 MT, with the balance of 33,688 MT fresh, chilled or frozen.

Canned tuna exports in 2010 dropped by 8 percent compared to the 2009 record, SFFAII revealed.

5 public schools in South Cotabato get new PCs, speech lab

by (PNA) LAP/AVE/AC


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 9 (PNA) – Five more public high schools in South Cotabato province are set to receive computer and speech laboratory packages as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) continuing computerization program.

South Cotabato (2nd District) Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Friday her office has received official notification from DepEd that it will soon deliver the laboratory packages to five public high schools in the area that were earlier identified the congressional office as program recipients.

She said the allocation for the purchase of the laboratory packages, which comprises 20 brand new desktop personal computer sets each, was drawn from the development funds of the South Cotabato 2nd district congressional office.

The beneficiaries of the computer laboratory packages are the Banga Annex National High School in Banga town, Lake Sebu National High School and Upper Maculan National High School in Lake Sebu town and Koronadal National High School Annex in Barangay Matulas in Koronadal City, Fuentes said.

She said the Libertad National High School in Surallah town will also receive a computer-based speech laboratory package.

“These are just the initial beneficiaries for this year and we’re working for the release of additional funds so we can cover more public schools in the area in the coming months,” Fuentes said.

Fuentes said they pushed for the purchase of the computer laboratory packages to help local public schools cope with the modern educational trends and technologies.

She said it will also expose students in the area to various information and communication technologies and skills.

Fuentes said they included the speech laboratory package in the program as part of an ongoing pilot-testing by DepEd.

She said that as a counterpart, officials of the Libertad National High School agreed to provide a standard building for the speech laboratory.

“This will be the first-ever speech laboratory in the province. We will closely monitors its progress and evaluate later on its possible replication in other schools,” Fuentes said.

SMI to cut 3,935 hectares of forest, arable lands

by Edwin G. Espejo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/07 September) — Foreign-owned Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) will clear 3,935 hectares of forest and arable lands when it starts mining operations in the mountains of Tampakan in South Cotabato, company sources said during its first public consultation ever in the run-up to obtaining permits and licenses from various government agencies. The mining company is also now saying it will need at least 1,450 hectares for its actual open-pit mining activities, more than two thirds of which will be cleared for the pit and waste rock storage facilities. The rest are intended for various infrastructures and facilities that will later be constructed to support its commercial mining activities. SMI, which earlier said it will only need 500 hectares for the open pit mine, hopes to commence commercial production in 2016. The Xstrata Plc-controlled company further said it will build its mine tailings facilities near one of the tributaries of Mal River, the biggest river system in the Tampakan-Columbio area. SMI assured those who attended the consultation that “strict” safety measures will be adopted to prevent damage to the environment. The company said its mining development area has been reduced to 9,600 hectares from the 100,000 hectares originally covered by the Columbio Financial Technical Assistance Agreement originally awarded to Western Mining Company (WMC). WMC later abandoned its exploration activities and sold its interests and rights to the Tampakan Group of Companies (Tampakan Mineral Resources Corp) which brought in Indophil Resources as drilling partner. Indophil later signed an agreement with MIM (later Xstrata Plc) for the latter to buy 62.5 percent of the company. In 2007, Xstrata exercised its option over the project to become its controlling partner. Indophil owns the remaining 37.5 percent of SMI, making the mining firm wholly foreign-owned. At least 1,000 families, majority of them belonging to the B’laan tribe, will be displaced and relocated once the company begins commercial operations, company officials said. The gold and copper deposits extracted from the mines site will reportedly be shipped to Australia for smelter and further processing. On Oct. 20, 2009, Xstrata Copper announced an upgraded mineral resource for the Tampakan project, up from 2.2 billion tonnes (Bt) to 2.4Bt. The mine life is reportedly expected to reach 70 years with more than US$5.4B in needed investments. SMI has allegedly spent at least P10 billion already for the exploration and other activities of the company since 2000. The Catholic Church here is strongly opposed to the project warning residents and government officials that if SMI is allowed to operate, it will destroy the environment and contaminate the river systems in South Cotabato. The Church also said it will dry up the irrigation system in the lowlands and the aquifers in General Santos and nearby Koronadal City. The communist-led New People’s Army has also vowed to stop SMI’s mining operations. On New Year’s Day in 2008, some 40 guerrillas raided and burned down the main base camp of SMI in Tablu village in Tampakan. SMI would later abandon the camp and transfer it to Kiblawan in Davao del Sur for security reasons. The consultation was attended by some 3,000 residents, mostly coming from host communities of SMI. Anti-mining groups were noticeably absent, but sources said they are gearing for a major showdown on September 23 when the public hearing goes to Koronadal City. Last year, the provincial government of South Cotabato passed an environment code banning open-pit mining in the province. (Edwin G. Espejo writes for www.asiancorrespondent.com)

DOLE-12 expects ISO certification this month

by Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/06 September) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao is targeting to finally receive later this month an International Standardization Organization or ISO certification for its upgraded quality management systems (QMS). Lawyer Ma. Gloria Tango, DOLE Region 12 director, said the agency has so far complied with standards set by the ISO for quality management based on an external audit conducted late last month by the Certification International of the Philippines (CIP). She said CIP, an ISO third party certifying body, specifically recommended their office for the issuance of ISO 9001:2008 certification. The DOLE regional office was given until Sept. 26 to comply with CIP’s audit recommendations and after which the ISO certification will be issued, Tango said. “(Gaining) ISO certification is DOLE 12’s way of manifesting our commitment to quality (management) and willingness to work towards improving our efficiency,” the labor official said in a statement. She said it is also a strategy of building a culture of continual improvement in the delivery of labor and employment services in the region. Through its quality policy, quality processes and quality services, she said DOLE 12’s leadership and staff have committed to attain DOLE’s Labor and Employment Plan for 2011-2016 “with higher level of efficiency and effectiveness.” Tango credited the all-out support given by their employees as among the major factors that helped the agency accomplish the upgrading of its productivity and QMS to ISO standards. She said they started upgrading their QMS to ISO standards in July 2008 in compliance with Administrative Order No. 161 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that enjoins all government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations to institutionalize an ISO-aligned QMS. She said they initially sent DOLE 12’s senior staff members to visit two ISO-certified private companies in South Cotabato and in this city and later on to a familiarization course on ISO. ISO 9001, which is the internationally-recognized standard for the quality management of businesses, applies to the processes that create and control the products and services that an organization supplies, the ISO website cited. It said the certification standard “prescribes the systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met and is designed and intended to apply to virtually any product or service, made by any process anywhere in the world.” “Implementing a Quality Management System will motivate the staff by defining their key roles and responsibilities. Cost savings can be made through improved efficiency and productivity, as product or service deficiencies will be highlighted. From this, improvements can be developed, resulting in less waste, inappropriate or rejected work and fewer complaints,” the ISO said. Customers will notice that orders are met consistently, on time and to the correct specification. This can open up the market place to increased opportunities, it added. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)

State auditor in Sarangani fund scam among national finalists for CSC’s Dangal ng Bayan award

by (PNA) LAP/FFC/AVE/AC


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 6 (PNA) – A government auditor who helped uncover an P18.3-million fund scam at the Sarangani provincial government eight years ago was chosen by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as among the national finalists for this year’s prestigious "Dangal ng Bayan" Award.

Grace Saqueton, CSC Region 12 director, said auditor Helen Cailing of the Commission on Audit (COA)-Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao landed in the final list of nominees in the 2011 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees.

She said the award recognizes government officials and employees “who have manifested exemplary conduct and noteworthiness of public service and consistent demonstration of extraordinary ethical behavior on the basis of the norm of conduct of a public servant.”

Aside from Cailing, Saqueton said two Region 12 nominees - Army Col. Jose Kakila of the Joint Task Force GenSan and Police Officer 3 Girlie Gay Saniado of the General Santos City Police Office – were earlier named semifinalists in the award's Presidential Lingkod Bayan and Pagasa categories, respectively.

Saqueton said Cailing, who is employed as COA State Auditor IV, presently heads the agency’s special audit team in Sarangani province.

A report released by CSC-Region 12 cited that Cailing already filed 30 cases of alleged fund misuse against various public officials in line with her work as state auditor.

It said 12 of the cases have already been elevated to the Sandiganbayan while 18 others are currently pending at a Regional Trial Court and at the Office of the Ombudsman.

In 2003, Cailing’s audit team discovered alleged fund releases made by the provincial government of Sarangani for “ghost” or fictitious development projects of several non-government organizations, people’s organizations and local government units in the province.

The alleged “fraudulent and illegal” fund releases, which were made under the watch of then Gov. Miguel Escobar, reached some P16.106 million.

Among the cases that were elevated to the Sandiganbayan was the financial assistance amounting to P2.246 million released by the provincial government of Sarangani to supposed local cooperatives, whose officials and members were mostly government personnel and close relatives of some officials of the local government.

Saqueton said that as a national finalist, Cailing will receive a Dangal ng Bayan award and cash incentive of P200,000 in a ceremony slated at the Malacanang Palace.

“We don’t pay them for being good but we emphasize the best impact of being good examples to their fellow government employees,” she said.

Saqueton stressed that the annual search mainly highlights the importance on rendering good public service by all government workers.

Wage hike in Region 12 unlikely until prescription expires, says DOLE exec

by (PNA) LAP/AVE/RSS


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 5 (PNA) – Salary rates for minimum wage earners in the private sector in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao may not be adjusted before the one-year prescription period to amend the existing salary rates in the region ends in October.

Lawyer Ma. Gloria A. Tango, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 12 director, said the results of recent consultations conducted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) showed “a lack of supervening condition” that would warrant an increase at this time.

“The one year prescription will end soon and so we can review and possibly adjust the salaries of private sector workers (after that),” she said, noting they recently conducted consultations that failed to elicit the declaration of a supervening condition.

A declaration of a supervening condition by the RTWPB would warrant a review for a wage increase even if the one-year wage order did not lapse.

In April, the RTWPB conducted consultations but found no reason to declare a supervening condition amid the skyrocketing prices of fuel and other basic consumer goods.

Several consultations were conducted recently that resulted to the same conclusion, even as fuel price continues to rise and is now nearing P60 per liter for premium gasoline in some parts of the region.

Tango urged private sector workers to be patient, reiterating that the one-year prescription to amend the wage rates will soon expire.

On October 31, 2010, the RTWPB approved Wage Order XII-16 that directed a two-tranche daily cost of living allowance (COLA) increase in the salaries in the private sector worth P15. The additional P10 COLA took effect right after the approval and the remaining P5 last April 1.

With the inclusion of the COLA, the new minimum daily wage rates in the region now stands at P260 for non-agriculture workers, P240 for plantation workers, P235 for non-plantation workers, P240 for retail/service establishments employing not more than 10 workers and P234 for retail/service establishments employing less than 10 people.

The Regional Development Council, in a bid to improve employers’ compliance to the wage rates, earlier called on the posting of the rates in giant billboards in strategic places across the region.

Tango earlier said the compliance of employers in the region on the proper wage rates was on a downtrend, pegging it at 72.40 percent in 2010 and 67.15 percent in the first semester of 2011.

Gensan councilor now stable after shooting incident

by (PNA) LDV/AVE


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 4 (PNA) –- City officials here condemned the shooting early dawn on Saturday of a city councilor here and called for an in-depth probe of the incident.

City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said in a radio interview that she has directed the city police office to look deeper into the circumstances behind the shooting incident, which seriously wounded City Councilor Ronnel Rivera and resulted to the killing of the alleged gunman.

A police report said Rivera, the city’s number one councilor and son of a fishing magnate, sustained four gunshot wounds on his neck and other parts of his body was shot by a disgruntled gunman identified as Januart de la Cruz, who was killed by the official’s responding bodyguards.

As of Sunday morning, doctors at the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital here already declared Rivera’s condition as stable.

Dr. Francisco Lorenzo, the official’s attending doctor, said his patient has been slowly recovering from his wounds and he has not recommended the latter’s transfer to another medical facility outside the city.

Reports said the incident happened after Rivera offered a ride to Sheila Tañeda, owner of several bars in the city, to her brother’s house along Mateo Compound in Barangay Bula here.

Upon arrival, the gunman reportedly knocked at the door of the councilor’s vehicle and immediately fired his gun at him.

Rivera who was reportedly in a convoy of at least three vehicles –his sports utility vehicle (SUV), his bodyguards’ and the vehicle of Tañeda’s brother and friends- was hit on the neck and other parts of his body.

The councilor’s bodyguards fired back at the gunman, who was reportedly an off and on boyfriend of the 28-year-old Tañeda.

Police investigators said the gunman was reportedly seen waiting outside the rented apartment of Tañeda’s brother aboard his L-200 pickup truck prior to the shooting.

Rivera, who had just arrived from Cebu where he celebrated his birthday with his family, was with friends at the Cassado Billiards Bar earlier in the night after attending to guests of the 13th Tuna Congress.

Police immediately ruled out politics as motive behind the shooting of Rivera, who topped the city council race here in the May 2010 elections despite running as an independent candidate.

Rivera, who is reportedly eyeing the city’s mayoralty post in the 2013 elections, recently forged alliance with Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s political party People’s Champ Movement (PCM).

DA Sec Alcala leads groundbreaking of Asparagus Plant in GenSan

by CT Apelacio


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 3 (PIA)-- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala led Thursday (September 1) alongside City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio the groundbreaking of the Php3-M worth Asparagus Packing Plant expected to facilitate the processing of asparagus not only in the city but the entire SocSarGen (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos City). Secretary Alcala was happy to note of the new development in the city describing it as another milestone for the agricultural sector here. The Secretary then turned over to Mayor Custodio 2,000 asparagus seeds as initial assistance under the department’s high value crop development program. He said the seeds will support the city government’s effort to further advance its agricultural landscape especially high value crops. The plant, which is located at barangay San Jose here is owned and managed by the Greenland Asparagus Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the recipient of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) high value crop program. Thanking the Secretary, Mayor Custodio said brgy. San Jose has good climactic condition that is suitable for growing asparagus and other high value commercial crops. The mayor said she is delighted with the strong partnership existing between and among the city government, DA and the cooperative. She also thanked DA for all its support to the local agricultural sector and all its projects that have been implemented in the city. Custodio also described barangay San Jose as the agriculture hub of high value crops in General Santos City especially for onions, banana, cotton, garlic, and the latest is asparagus. The project also included a production enhancement support package that is capable of processing newly produced asparagus harvested from the 60-hectare plantation in the area. The mayor said that with the project in the offing she foresees an increase in income of asparagus growers, thereby improving their quality of life aside boosting the local economy. The city government through its City Agriculture Office has also been massively promoting the use of “organic farming” among its barangays that are into agriculture as means of livelihood. DA-12 regional director Amalia Datukan and other regional and local officials were also present to witness the event. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)

146 South Cotabato officials, employees get loyalty incentives

by (PNA) LAP/FFC/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 2 (PNA) – At least 146 employees of the provincial government of South Cotabato are set to receive “loyalty incentives” later this month as part of the celebration of the 111th year of the Philippine Civil Service.

Alex Basco, chief administrative officer of South Cotabato, said the awardees will receive loyalty tokens “in recognition of their continuous and satisfactory services rendered” to the government.

As set by the Civil Service Commission, he said the award is granted to government officials and employees who have rendered continuous service during the last 10 years and have not incurred more than 50 days of aggregate authorized vacation leaves.

Basco said that based on the awards scheme set by the local government’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), 13 employees will get a Lenovo laptop for logging 40 years of continuous service.

He said 38 employees will receive a cellphone as incentive for reaching 10 years of continuous service; 24 will receive a wristwatch for posting 15 years of continuous service; eight will get a digital camera for reaching 20 years in service; 22 will get a necklace with pendant for reaching 25 years in service; and 17 will receive a bracelet for reaching 35 years in service.

Aside from the loyalty tokens, he said a cash gift of P10,000 each will be given to qualified officials and employees who have rendered 10 years of service and P5,000 each for the rest of the awardees.

Basco said the awarding rites will be held during the culmination of the ongoing Civil Service Month set on September 30.

229 hatchlings of marine turtles released in Sarangani Bay

by CT Apelacio


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, August 31 (PIA) –- A total of 229 hatchlings of marine turtles have been released recently in Sarangani Bay, said officer-in-charge Eduardo Saladero of the Sarangani-base Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). According to him, it is the mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protect and conserve endangered marine species in its area of responsibility. He said the release was made on separate occasions by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) based in Glan and Kiamba, Sarangani. Saladero cited a total 133 hawksbill turtle hatchlings freed at Gumasa, Glan coastlines while the 96 hatchlings of Olive Ridley turtle were released at sitio Bialong, Poblacion, Kiamba. Both freed early August. Forester Jessica Guilao of CENRO Glan said they have found at least “100 eggs in the nest, three of those were unfertilized, 97 hatched with only one mortality.” Saladero said the discovery of the hatchlings was a “shared” effort among different partners like the community folk, environment advocates and the local government units of Glan and Kiamba. He lauded the participation of the community residents and their cooperation with the DENR-PENRO saying it paved the way for such an initiative to become easier and successful. Saladero also said “DENR’s massive information drive” has been a great help and is effective in raising the level of awareness of community to get actively involved in the preservation of environment as well as in the protection of endangered species and habitats in their respective area. (CTA/PIA General Santos City)

DSWD 12 seeks media's support for communication advocacy of 4Ps

PIA Press Release


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, August 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), region 12 sought the local media’s help in communicating the poverty alleviation programs of government in the region In a recently held orientation on the government’s convergence strategy on poverty alleviation programs with the local media practitioners in region at the Sarangani Highlands Resort, General Santos City. DSWD 12 assistant regional director Gemma Rivera exhorted the media to help shape the recipient’s perspective of the programs. "You are the messenger of the poor. You can help in changing the perspectives of the poor through the convergence programs of the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALIHI-CIDSS) and Self-Employment Assistance (SEA-K)," said Dir Rivera. The CCT looks into the plight of children, 0 to 6 years old which is the critical age of children for whom the government is investing for their future, Rivera pointed out. The government has infused P446,708,639.00 worth of funds into KALAHI-CIDSS projects in region 12 from 2003 to 2011. This has benefited 189,160 households or 1.1 million individuals from 254 barangays in 13 municipalities and four (4) provinces. The 13 municipalities are Malapatan, Malungon, Maasim, Maitum and Kiamba in Sarangani province; Magpet, Libungan and Pres. Roxas in North Cotabato; Columbio, Lutayan and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat and T'boli and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. The KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects include bridge, common service, day care center, drainage, electrification, health station, post harvest facilities, road, school, water system among others. On the other hand, the government has released a total of P625,001,720.00 for the 138,637 beneficiaries of the 4Ps in region 12 from 2008 to July 2011.The beneficiaries hail from the two cities of General Santos and Cotabato and 32 poorest municipalities from the provinces of Sarangani, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.(otsudaria/PIA 12)

Mining firm hopes to start groundwork for operation

Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao


General Santos City, Philippines—Global mining giant Xstrata’s Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) on Friday announced that it continues to hope to start development activities in its Tampakan project next year to lay the groundwork for full operation by 2016. SMI, a partnership between the Switzerland-based mining firm, Indophil Resources NL and Filipino investors, to mine gold and copper deposits in Tampakan, South Cotabato and parts of Davao del Sur, was working doubly hard to acquire the necessary certificates for the projected operation, John Arnaldo, SMI corporate communications manager, told reporters here Friday. SMI’s optimism came amid the existence of a ban by the provincial government of South Cotabato on open-pit mining and other mining methods seen to be destructive of the environment. The ban has affected SMI’s development activities in the proposed mining area. With a foreign direct investment of about $5.9 billion, Xstrata foresaw an annual average copper production of 340,000 tons and 350,000 ounces of gold, based on a 20-year operation of the Tampakan project. Xstrata said the Tampakan project’s mill recovery rates were at 83-90 percent for copper and 60-80 percent for gold, with a copper concentrate grade of 37-34 percent. Consultations Despite prodding from Malacañang and a threat from Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo to sue the South Cotabato government for “usurping” national functions due to the passage of the ban, provincial officials refused to amend the provincial ordinance that outlawed “destructive mining” in favor of SMI. Arnaldo said SMI would also start a massive public consultation next month. This move, he said, would help SMI to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate. Recently, he said SMI completed its Environmental Impact Assessment studies and has adopted plans for managing mine wastes. SMI also allegedly finished putting in place measures that would ensure that farmers would not be deprived of irrigation water when mining starts. When water level in the Mal River is below the current maximum amount used by irrigators, the mine would not take any water from the system, Arnado said. He also said that rainwater, which would come in contact with any part of the mining or processing area, will be kept separate from fresh water. Downstream seepage collection dams to contain any water leak and treating water for release or pumping back into the main storage facility had been constructed, Arnaldo said. SMI has also put up a nursery for its reforestation program. This ensures that cleared forests are immediately replanted, he said.

DOH’s 'Health Bus' to visit South Cotabato in Sept.

by Jerome Carlo R. Paunan


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Health’s (DOH) "Health Bus" is set to visit the province of South Cotabato next month to help promote various health services and rally for support among local governments for the implementation of more sustainable health initiatives in the area. In a statement released over the weekend, the DOH said its "Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan" (LBK) bus and exhibit will make a stopover on September 22 to 23 in T’boli town as part of its ongoing tour in Mindanao. It said the LBK bus and exhibit will mainly highlight the promotion of health services on pre-natal care, child health, and nutrition as well as family health care. The health bus will also secure commitment from local chief executives and local health officials for the operation and sustenance of their own health services and mobile health events, he said. The DOH said the LBK bus is targeting to cater to some 2,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, couples with children aged five years-old and below, fathers and young couples or 500 families in 10 far-flung barangays of Tboli town. Once the bus arrives, it said a welcome caravan will be held along with its tour of the area to announce the event. The bus will make its stop in Barangay Aflek in T’boli for the launching of a two-day health festival in the area. It said the agency's health promotion campaign would be staged in a fiesta-like mode to encourage citizens’ participation. The LBK bus is equipped with customized consultation and examination clinics and a health promotion area for interactive exhibits, health classes, storytelling sessions, and entertainment shows, it added. South Cotabato will be the third destination of the LBK, which is being supported by the United States Agency for International Development and the DOH‘s National Center for Health Promotion, after its initial runs in Bukidnon and Compostela Valley Province.(DOH/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)

6 OFWs from Region 12 stranded in Syria

By Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/26 August) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao is closely monitoring the repatriation of six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the region who are currently stranded in strife-torn areas in Syria. Abdulghani Umag, OWWA Region 12 director, said a report from the OWWA central office showed that two active and four inactive members of the agency from Region 12 have yet to be repatriated from Syria. The national government earlier raised Alert Level 4 and set the immediate, forced evacuation of the estimated 17,000 OFWs in Syria due to the worsening internal conflict in the area. “That (number) was based on the OWWA central office’s database. The problem is, we don’t have any information as to how many of the OFWs who had entered illegally in Syria were from Region 12,” Umag said. Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Umag said they have opened two hotline numbers – 09177260443 and (083) 5200205 – at the OWWA regional office in Koronadal City and offered free calls for relatives of OFWs from the area who are presently based in Syria. He said they also extended their office hours up to 8 p.m. to accommodate inquiries and requests for assistance from the relatives of the OFWs. The official said they already extended assistance to the family of OFW Jessica Cagaitan, who earlier signified to avail of the government’s repatriation program but had lost her passport and other documents. Umag said he sent an email to Cagaitan advising her to immediately contact the Philippine embassy so she can get a new passport and other travel documents. “Once she reaches the Philippine embassy, she will certainly be able to go home,” he assured. Meantime, Umag said they were also verifying whether there were still OFWs from Region 12 among the estimated 7,000 Filipinos who are still in Libya. Violence at the Libyan capital of Tripoli and nearby areas escalated during the past several days as opposition forces advanced towards the stronghold of Libyan leader Muamar Khadaffy. The national government also raised Alert Level 4 for OFWs in Libya and sent a rescue team at the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli to facilitate the evacuation and repatriation of the remaining Filipino nationals in the area. “Nobody has so far asked for our assistance regarding any OFWs from the region who were still stuck in Libya. So we really don’t know if there’s anyone still left there or not,” he added. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)

South Cotabato to go after rats next month; crop damage now P36M

By Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/25 August) – Agriculture personnel in South Cotabato province will launch next month an intensified campaign against the continuing rodent or rat infestation in the area that already devastated some P36.945 million worth of palay and corn crops. Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculture officer, said they have declared the month of September as rodent control month in the entire province to give more focus on their continuing efforts to effectively reduce the pest’s population and the impact of its infestation on farm crops. “Based on our experience these past years, the month of September was the breeding period of rodents. So this is the best time to round up their breeding areas and neutralize them,” he said in a media forum. Legaste noted that during the months prior to September, rodent population and movements in most parts of the province are usually on the decline. But he said the pest would come out again by September and start with their breeding cycle, which happens four times a year. “A pair of rat alone could breed as many as 512 in one year so just imagine how fast they can multiply and the extent of their potential damage to our crops if we will not be able control them,” the official said. Records from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) showed that the value of damage caused by rodent infestation to corn and palay has significantly increased during the last three years. In 2008, OPAG only recorded a total damage of P55,000 due to rat infestation. It jumped to P14.6 million in 2009 and P44.1 million in 2010. But from January to July this year alone, the value of the damage wrought by rodents to corn crops in the province already reached P13.995 million and P22.949 million for palay. To highlight the observance of the rodent control month, Legaste said they will launch on September 1 a 10-day massive rat elimination drive in Barangay Dumadalig in Tantangan town, which has recorded the biggest damage from rat infestation in the past several years. He said a big part of Tantangan town’s palay and corn areas are mainly rainfed, making them highly vulnerable to rat infestation. Legaste said the problem has compounded due to the presence of nearby oil palm plantations, which were used by the rodent pests as breeding areas. “We will rally our farmers there to round up all the rat breeding areas and eliminate the rats within a 10-day period. After that, we will provide them with the necessary chemicals to neutralize the remaining rats,” he said. Legaste said the program is being supported by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Regional Crop Protection Center and the DA-12 regional office, which committed to provide the needed chemicals and other pesticides for the control and elimination of the rodent pests. (Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews)

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