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Revision as of 05:16, 7 October 2011 by Jasmine75 (talk | contribs) (→‎Vigilance urged amid rebel attacks in Surigao)
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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

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

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Early marriage still common among T'boli tribe: Mayor

by Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper


T'BOLI, South Cotabato -- With early marriage still prevalent among tribal communities here, the National Government's health caravan, dubbed as "Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK)", rolled out here Thursday in a bid to lessen such phenomenon, as well as provide health care services.

Mayor Ernesto Manuel hopes the municipality, with 70 percent of the population composed of indigenous people, mostly T’bolis, could rise from poverty.

"In our case, we have 10, 12-year-old [T'boli] girls getting married already, and so they were forced to stop schooling," Manuel said, lamenting that this as a major reason why many of his tribal constituents are poor.

"We would like to discourage early marriage [hopefully with this health caravan]," he added.

The mayor thanked the organizers of the health caravan, which was held at the Barangay Aflek gymnasium here.

In the traditional T'boli culture, marriages are pre-arranged by the parents, and may be contracted at any age, even right after the child's birth.

The mayor also stressed the need for a continuing family planning education among the tribal members to help them out of poverty.

South Cotabato Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said the province is blessed for having been chosen as one of the destinations of the pilot year of the LBK health caravan of the Department of Health.

"Health provision, especially for the poorest of the poor, is a priority program of the Provincial Government," said Pingoy.

The health caravan implored the importance of pre-natal check-up, safe pregnancy and delivery, birth spacing and hand washing.

About 1,500 residents in the town have been expected to avail the services of the LBK caravan, organizers said.

Aligned with the Aquino administration’s health agenda of universal access to quality health care, LBK aims to bring quality health information, education and services to Filipino people, especially in remote communities.

The LBK features a bus, customized with consultation and examination clinics and a health promotion arena of interactive exhibits, health classes and wellness activities, storytelling sessions, cooking demos, games and raffles, dance contests and entertainment shows focused on safe motherhood, child nutrition and family health.

LBK carries the theme "Walang Iwanan sa Biyaheng Kalusugan."




Vigilance urged amid rebel attacks in Surigao

by Bong S. Sarmiento


T'BOLI, South Cotabato -- The South Cotabato Provincial Government urged more vigilance to avoid the possible attack of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels against mining firms operating in the area, a top official said Thursday.

South Cotabato Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. made the appeal in the wake of the NPA attack in Surigao del Norte Monday, against Nickel Asia Corp, the country's largest nickel producer and partly owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Nickel Asia said they have already resumed operations following the attack, which damaged equipment worth an estimated P500 million.

Pingoy said that police and military personnel in South Cotabato are closely guarding the area even as he claimed that the threat of the NPA in the province "has been eliminated."

"We are trying to secure all, and so we are on guard [all the time]," the governor said.

This town also hosts the large-scale gold-silver project of Canadian firm, Cadan Resources Corp., in partnership with the local Tribal Mining Corp.

But while the governor "downplayed" the threats from the communist guerillas, Pingoy said they have monitored NPA recruitment in Barangay Ned [Lake Sebu town] and parts of Tampakan.

Lake Sebu and Tampakan towns are home to huge coal and copper deposits, respectively - with San Miguel Corp. holding rights over the former and Sagittarius Mines, Inc. on the latter.

Pingoy said that government security troops are on top of the situation, noting that last week, internal security efforts have been turned over to the Provincial Government by the military.

The turnover of internal security came after "assessments that South Cotabato has been cleared from the influence of the communist rebels."

Pingoy said there has been troops deployment in Tampakan town "but for the purpose of containing" the illegal sluice mining operations, locally called banlas.

He dispelled allegations from local anti-mining groups that the deployment of soldiers in Tampakan was for the protection of Sagittarius Mines, adding that the “government is mandated to ensure the security of everyone.”

It can be recalled, that on New Year's Day in 2008, communist guerillas stormed the base camp of Sagittarius Mines in the mountains of Tampakan. They burned the administration building and mining equipment worth P12 million.

In January the following year, NPA rebels raided the Tampakan police station downtown, which resulted to the wounding of three policemen and another civilian.

Since then, the NPA rebels have warned future offensives against Sagittarius Mines, if it will not pullout its venture in the towns of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, Kiblawan in Davao del Sur and Malungon in Sarangani.

Sagittarius Mines is controlled by Xstrata Copper, the world’s fourth largest copper producer; with Australian firm Indophil Resources NL as the junior equity partner.

The Tampakan project is touted as the largest known undeveloped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia, with commercial operations targeted in 2016, notwithstanding the open-pit ban imposed by the South Cotabato government.

South Cotabato exec urges vigilance amid NPA attacks in Surigao

by (PNA) LAP/FFC/AVE/RSS


T’BOLI, South Cotabato, Oct. 6 (PNA) - The South Cotabato government has called for extra vigilance to avoid a possible attack of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels against mining firms operating in the area, a top official said on Thursday.

South Cotabato Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. made the call in the wake of the NPA attack in Surigao del Norte Monday against Nickel Asia Corp, the country’s largest nickel producer partly owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Nickel Asia said they have already resumed operations following the attack, which damaged equipment worth an estimated P500 million.

Pingoy said that police and military personnel in South Cotabato are closely guarding the area even as he claimed that the threat of the NPA in the province “has been eliminated.”

“We are trying to secure all, and so we are on guard [all the time],” he said at the sidelines of a health event here.

This town also hosts the large-scale gold-silver project of Canadian firm Cadan Resources Corp. in partnership with the local Tribal Mining Corp.

But while the governor “downplayed” the threats from the communist guerrillas, Pingoy said they have monitored NPA recruitment in Barangay Ned [Lake Sebu town] and parts of Tampakan.

Lake Sebu and Tampakan towns are home to huge coal and copper deposits, respectively, with San Miguel Corp. holding rights over the former and Sagittarius Mines, Inc. on the latter.

Pingoy said that government security troops are on top of the situation, noting that last week, internal security efforts have been turned over to the provincial government by the military.

The turnover of internal security came after “assessments that South Cotabato has been cleared from the influence of the communist rebels.”

Pingoy said there has been troops deployment in Tampakan town “but for the purpose of containing” the illegal sluice mining operations, locally called "banlas."

He dispelled allegations from local anti-mining groups that the deployment of soldiers in Tampakan was for the protection of Sagittarius Mines, noting that the “government is mandated to ensure the security of everyone.”

NHTS-PR solves problem on “political indigents” -- Philhealth official

by Hanah Naanep and Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Oct 5 (PIA) -- An official of the Philhealth believes the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) database is an effective tool to prevent social protection benefits from going to the beneficiaries who are not poor. “Gone are the political indigents,” Philhealth 12 Regional Vice President Ramon Aristoza said during the launching of NHTS-PR database in Soccsksagen region at the Protech Center here. The activity was a highlight of the opening ceremonies of the 22nd Statistics Month celebration. By political indigents, Aristoza was referring to alleged beneficiaries of pro-poor programs of the government that were only included because they are either related or close to officials identifying list of recipients. He said, Philhealth, being one of being one of the database’s stakeholders commends the project and encourages the strengthening of its review process in coordination with other partner agencies to avoid duplication and validate true recipients like the Pantawid Pamilya Program and Sponsored Program of PHilhealth NHTS-PR, a nationwide project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are aimed for the government and civil society to establish objective targeting system and helps reduce inclusion of non poor in social protection. It is a system that uses a statistical model that estimates income of households using the proxy variables that includes family composition, education of household members, housing conditions and access to basic services. In March last year, President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order 867 directed all national government agencies to use the NHTS-PR as basis in identifying beneficiaries of social protection programs and services. Jackiya Lao, NHTS-PR focal person ng NHTS-PR DSWD 12, in an earlier interview said with the NHTS-PR database social protection programs and projects are downloaded to the implementing agencies with a list of specific recipients. Aristoza said NHTS-PR is the best statistical tool the national government should pursue in attaining the theme of the 22nd National Statistics Month celebration, “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives. ” “As professionals in the social protection sector, we have long been in the business of helping the poor and the disadvantaged. As to what extent we have served, we can give you numbers of people served and how much was spent. But as to how much, have made into their lives, we cannot give you quantifiable figures,” DSWD XII Regional Director Bai Zorahayda T. Taha said. She added the public is assured that the database can be corrected over time to ensure that those listed as poor households are in reality indigents. Possible errors in data gathering may happen but the project has instituted a validation mechanism to address the problem, she said. “Since our core social protection programs utilize this database the DSWD in collaboration with other agencies, we can work together to create synergetic efforts towards social protection for the poor,” Taha said. According to the NHTS database Region 12 has 129,043 indigent households. Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (PIA 12/Philhealth 12)

‘Lolong’ takes first meal in captivity

by Jeoffrey Maitem


KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – Lolong, the one-ton crocodile captured in the Agusan Marsh last month, ate his first meal – a seven-kilogram slab of pork – Monday night, a local official said Tuesday. Welinda Asis-Elorde, media relations coordinator of the municipality of Bunawan in Agusan del Sur, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone that Lolong, who had refused to eat since his capture nearly September 3, ate the food that was given to him by a worker at the wildlife park around 10 p.m. Monday. “Tonight, we will try also to give food. Maybe the croc is not satisfied. We usually do it alternately. Once we serve pork, the next time, we provide dressed chicken,” she said.

DSWD 12 launches National Household Targeting System database

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Oct 3 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD 12) today launched the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) database. The launching highlighted the opening ceremonies of the 22nd National Statistics Month celebration in Region 12 at the Protech Center in Koronadal City. Jackiya Lao, NHTS-PR focal person of DSWD 12, said with the launching they are presenting to the public the database which had undergone two years of intense re-evaluation and “cleaning.” “This is the first attempt of the Philippine government to establish an electronic database of all the poor households in the entire country,” she said. NHTS-PR is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are nationwide. It aims to create an objective and transparent database of poor households “which will serve as guide to government agencies and other stakeholders beneficiaries of social welfare programs,” she added. Lao added the database changes the manner by which program and project beneficiaries are determined. “Before, we had to ask local government units for a list of possible beneficiaries before we can implement a program. With the NHTS-PR database, before programs are downloaded to the implementing agencies those who will receive benefits from the programs have already been identified,” she explained. According to the database, Soccsksargen Region has 129,043 households that are considered poor. Soccsksargen region covers the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato City. Also during the opening activity of the statistics month celebration, Herlita Caraan, regional head of the National Statistics Coordination Boards (NSCB) delivered “Tracking on MDGs: Region 12 Beating the Odds Between Now and 2015.” Her presentation updated stakeholders on the status of the region in terms of attaining the various MDG goals. Several activities such as symposia, workshops, conferences, seminars, trainings, exhibits, statistics quizzes, poster and slogan making contests, and IEC activities are also lined up for the rest of the month to give emphasis on the importance and value of statistics. This year’s celebration theme is “Quality Social Protection Statistics for Focused Targeting: Improving Outcomes, Changing Lives. (PIA 12)

Provincial gov't renews call for rabies vaccination

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 2 (PIA) -- Officials of South Cotabato's Provincial Veterinary Office (PVet) have renewed their call to residents of the province to have their pet dogs vaccinated against rabies. PVet conducted mass vaccination and castration in T'boli town on Wednesday to celebrate the World Rabies Awareness Day but only six of its 27 barangays have supported the activity. From January to June, three residents in the municipality died of rabies. Provincial health officials also searched for at least 40 individuals in the area who killed and ate a suspected rabid dog for their post exposure prophylaxis to prevent more deaths due to rabies. Dr. Lorna Lamorena has also called on barangay officials to encourage their constituents to support the campaign to rid the province of the fatal virus. She said they only charge a fee of P10 for each shot of anti rabies vaccine. She added the amount is very minimal as compared to the cost of treatment which could amount at least P16,000 once a person is exposed to the virus. Death cannot be avoided once rabies virus has attacked the nervous system, Lamorena pointed out. A report from the provincial epidemiology and surveillance unit said that South Cotabato government has already spent more than P9 million for anti-rabies vaccines since 2009. Of the said amount P2.7 million were spent this year to prevent the escalation of the recent spate of rabies incidents in the province. This year, rabies has been listed among the top ten diseases in South Cotabato. (PIA 12)

Former rebels, sympathizers to receive livelihood assistance from DA, Philippine Army

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Oct 1 (PIA) -- Rebel returnees and former New People’s Army (NPA) sympathizers in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat will soon receive livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture in the region and the Philippine Army. Lt. Col Alexis Noel Bravo, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said they are now finalizing with DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Datukan the release of P1 million worth of seedlings to rebel returnees, former sympathizers, and residents in the 11 villages of Columbio. He said the assistance is line with the government’s social re-integration program where returnees are assistance, primarily through the Department of Social Welfare and Development from which they could earn their living and address poverty. “We were able to facilitate around P1 million worth of high value crops seedlings to be distributed to the former sympathizers of NPA as their additional source of income,” he said. The intended beneficiaries have been trained in the cultural management of the high value crops. They have also underwent exposure trips to leading plantations and model farms. “Hopefully, we can release the seedling to the beneficiaries before the end of this year,” he said. "These former rebel sympathizers have been organized and are now members of the barangay defense system," he added. Bravo said his troops are concentrating on the mountain villages in the boundaries of Columbio, Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur and Makilala in North Cotabato because NPA rebels are still operating in the area. He confirmed that NPA’s Front 72 has a guerrilla troop of less than 50 members in the area but added that their influence in the communities has already diminished after they intensified their peace and development outreach programs in communities known to have been controlled or influenced by the rebel group. (PIA 12)

DOST 12 sets up 3 Automated Weather Stations

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 30 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12) has installed automated weather stations (AWS) in three strategic locations in the region as part of the government’s nationwide disaster modernization mitigation program. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST-12 regional director, said the AWS were installed at the General Santos City airport, at the People’s Palace compound in Cotabato City, and in Barangay Badyangon in the coastal town of Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat province. “The AWS is a modern weather tracking device that can do remote meteorological measurements and send data on a real-time basis,” she said. Director Laidan said the AWS, which costs P250,000 each, can also be used to issue a tsunami warning so that people in the coastal areas can evacuate before it could strike. She said that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), of the DOST, is presently embarking on the establishment of AWS nationwide in line with its modernization program. The project is in coordination with the DOST’s Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), which developed various instruments such as AWS to assist PAGASA in weather monitoring and forecasting. PAGASA, in addition to the Doppler Radar installation project, needs the AWS to automate its ground stations in order to perform faster, more accurate and efficient data system to help in early warning and monitoring of potential disasters. The automation of data acquisition and transmission will decrease operational cost and minimize the possibility of errors brought about by manual instruments. The AWS project hopes to establish and maintain a nationwide environmental monitoring network that will continuously provide warnings for the mitigation of environment-related disasters. Each AWS is equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed and direction, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, rain volume, duration and intensity. It will also help in monitoring flood and typhoon that may affect the locality. There will be a total of 80 AWS stations that will be established in the different parts of the country. The nationwide setting up of AWS is under a special project dubbed “Development of Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations.” It also seeks to support the disaster preparedness programs of local government units, particularly their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. The AWS also aims to improve the climate change adaptation and disaster risk mitigation programs of the LGUs. To access DOST’s AWS nationwide, one can visit AWS Website: http://202.90.149.66/predict/stations.php. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/BK Tagitican, DOST 12)

DENR 12 has new RTD for Land Management Service

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 29 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR – 12) has a new regional technical director (RTD) for Land Management Services (LMS). RTD for Lands Geronimo L. Sequito in a turnover ceremony at the function hall of DENR 12 on Tuesday handed over to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Morakie P. Domanday the leadership of the LMS. During his acceptance speech, Domanday said that the new post has effectively transformed him from being a generalist to being a specialist. “I intend to run the LMS like Gerry (referring to Sequito), except when there is still room for improvement,” he said. Domanday is a career service office officer. After thanking DENR 12 Regional Executive Director (RED) Alfredo S. Pascual for the trust and confidence by giving the RTD post for 9 months and his subordinates for the support, Sequito urged the LMS personnel to give the same level of support to the new RTD for lands. During his stint as RTD for lands, DENR 12 topped all 15 regional offices of the department in terms of accomplishing most goals. After the ceremonies at the regional office, DENR officials and employees proceeded to the DENR provincial office in Barangay Montilla, Tacurong City for another turnover ceremony, this time Domanday handing over to Sequito the leadership of DENR Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office. Both Domanday and Sequito were designate to their previous posts on officer-in-charge status. On both occasions, RED Pascual emphasized that the latest change in leadership is part of organizational development of the Department and that nobody did wrong. Pascual likewise urged DENR personnel to follow the command of the two officials. The reshuffle was implemented by virtue of DENR Special Order No. 2011 – 689 issued on September 19 by the DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations, Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/MCalungsod-Locsin/DENR 12).

AFP sets turnover of internal security efforts to South Cotabato gov’t

by (PNA)LDV/AVE/mec


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 28 (PNA) – Declaring the entire South Cotabato province as now “insurgency-free,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will turn over this week to the provincial government the lead role in the implementation of the “internal security operations” or ISO in the area. Lt. Col. Alex Noel Bravo, commander of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB), said Tuesday the AFP will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government of South Cotabato on Friday to formalize the transfer of the ISO implementation, which would be shifting focus on socio-economic and development-related initiatives. “We already cleared the whole province of insurgents or rebel units belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) so the ISO efforts will now be concentrated on development and that will be under the lead initiative of the LGU (local government unit),” he said in a media forum in Koronadal City. South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. will sign the agreement for the provincial government and Maj. Gen. Jorge Segovia, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, for the AFP, he said. The MOA signing, which will be held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City, will be witnessed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and AFP Eastern Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero. The official said the transfer of the ISO function to the provincial government was part of the Internal Peace and Security Plan endorsed by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III that took effect last January 1. Under the plan, he said LGUs will be given the lead role in the implementation of the consolidation and development phase of the ISO after the completion of the clearing phase by the AFP. Bravo said the LGUs will mainly facilitate the convergence of various government agencies in the implementation of development-related projects and programs in areas that were previously influenced by NPA rebels. He said the initiative was launched earlier this year in Central Luzon and in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon here in Mindanao. South Cotabato will be the third province in Mindanao that will take part in the initiative, he said. Citing their records, Bravo said the entire province was declared as already cleared of the NPA’s presence when he assumed as 27th IB commander last May. Such declaration was earlier made based on a report from the Joint AFP/PNP Intelligence Committee or JAPEC. He explained that that their troops specifically dismantled the political structure and so-called “shadow government” in several villages within the province’s 10 towns and lone city that had been established by the NPA’s guerilla front 73. “There are no more armed groups to speak about that are still based in the area so we will just take the supporting role in the ISO implementation,” Bravo said. Under the MOA, he said the provincial government will establish the Provincial Public Safety and Security Operations Center, which will spearhead the ISO implementation and handle issues and concerns on the matter. Bravo said the said the AFP will also deploy one of its engineering battalions to the province to undertake development projects such as the construction of classroom buildings, roads and other vital infrastructure in areas that were previously shunned by private contractors due to security concerns. Initially, he said they are working for the deployment of the engineering battalion in Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu town to assist the implementation of a road project in the area. “The assignment of the engineering battalion will be very beneficial to the LGUs since these units usually implement infrastructure projects at much lower costs when compared to private contractors,” he said. He cited that a single classroom building, which usually costs P600,000 when constructed by private contractors, would only cost P400,000 when undertaken by the AFP’s engineering unit. “We will also help in seeking funding for socio-economic projects and other initiatives that will eventually enable the provincial government to effectively address its internal security concerns,” he said.

2 Tampakan barangays get SCCM project

by PIA Press Release


TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato, September 27 (PIA) -- The provincial government here awarded two barangays financial assistance amounting to P100,000 under the South Cotabato Convergence Model (SCCM) Project. Barangay Sta. Cruz received aid for its vermiculture - vermicomposting livelihood project while Barangay Buto for the repair and rehabilitation of its water sytem. Just recently, South Cotabato Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement with the barangay councils for the immediate implementation of the project. Barangay Chairmen Reynaldo F. Estanislao of Sta. Cruz and Efren E. Batiao of Buto represented their respective barangay councils in th signing ceremony of the Project Proposal and the Trust Account Management Agreement (TAMA). SCCM Project Manager Dennis C. Dignadice who conducted the orientation to the core group members assigned to manage the project said, the province will provide financial assistance of P 50,000 to each baranagay. Dignadice reminded the core groups to properly spend the funds for the project. All transactions should be open to scrutiny by their respective residents to ensure transparency. In his message to the residents, Pingoy thanked officials and core group members for their commitment and support and encouraged residents to participate in the activities and to support their councils. “Although this is only a small amount, show that you can properly implement a project,” he told the two core groups. Pingoy also promised to increase fund assistance for the projects if the residents could prove that they have effectively implemented their projects. He assured the barangay officials and the core group members that as much as possible he would be transparent to them but he also urged them to do the same. He also enumerated several accomplishments regarding assistance to barangays and their residents. These include distribution of more than 37,000 Philhealth cards to poor residents, the plan to put up a public hospital in Surahah, and educational assistance to hundreds of poor but deserving students of South Cotabato under the Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/Tampakan CDIO)

South Cotabato to establish own gas station

by (PNA) LDV/AVE


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 26 (PNA) –- The provincial government of South Cotabato is planning to establish its own gasoline station or fuel retail filling outlet in a bid to augment its income and stabilize the local government’s fuel supplies.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said they held discussions earlier this month with officials of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to explore the viability of operating a Petron gasoline station in Koronadal City under the local government’s management.

Petron Corporation, which is considered as the largest oil refining and marketing company in the country, is a subsidiary of SMC.

Pingoy said SMC officials initially signified to assist the provincial government in the construction and operation of the planned gasoline station.

“We pursued the idea so we can come up with an additional economic enterprise and at the same time ensure the availability of fuel supplies for the provincial government’s needs,” he said.

The governor said they decided to explore such move after the local government failed to secure a supply contract since last month for its fuel requirements.

He said local fuel dealers and suppliers repeatedly shunned the local government’s call for bidding for its fuel requirements supposedly due to the unstable prices of fuel products in the domestic and international markets.

Pingoy said the “repeated failure of bidding” for the fuel supplies practically limited the movement of some equipment of the Provincial Engineering Office.

“Hopefully, we can make a decision and finalize this matter soon,” he said.

Under its service station dealership program, Petron requires prospective operators to meet its required capitalization ranging from P1 million to P9 million, depending on the type of trade and type of station available.

The company also requires applicants to submit a financial statement and business plan for their proposed fuel dealership operation.

The Department of Energy has also set various requirements for the establishment of new gasoline stations, among them the submission of a project or business plan; proofs of compliance of local permits and licenses; certificate of conforme of facilities to national or accepted international standards on health, safety and environment; product certificate of quality; and, an Environment Compliance Certificate or ECC issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau or a certificate of non-coverage.

Gov Pingoy: On with ban on open-pit mine

by Edwin G. Espejo


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/24 September) — Unless the provincial environment code of South Cotabato is declared void and contrary to existing laws, Gov. Arthur Pingoy said he is duty-bound to implement the landmark local legislation which bans open-pit mining in the province. “As the governor of this province, I will implement the ordinance that there will be no open-pit mining in the province,” the governor said before qualifying his statement. The governor issued the statement at the closing of the public consultation held Friday in this provincial capital and organized by the local government unit. Both the proponent of the multi-billion dollar Tampakan copper and gold project and groups opposed to it presented their respective arguments for and against the controversial US$5.9-billion mining venture. Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), owner of the copper and gold project, presented the results of its environment impact assessment (EIA) before a jam-packed crowd of close to 5,000 at the provincial gym. Hundreds of others waited and listened to loud speakers outside the gym.

Anti-mining groups led by the Catholic Church also sent their own environment and mining experts who refuted the SMI’s EIA, claiming a major disaster could spell the death of thousands of residents downstream along the major river systems where its mining operation will take place. Rene Cruz, an engineer who was part of the team hired by SMI that conducted the study, was not able to immediately determine the extent of damage and the number of people who may perish from such a disaster when questioned by Clive Wicks, one of the resource persons of the Catholic Church. SMI is in the process of obtaining permits and licenses from government regulating bodies. It is eyeing to commence commercial production of copper and gold ores in 2016. In addition to ‘clearing’ 3,965 hectares of arable and forested lands, SMI will also build a 400-megawatt coal-fired power plant, port facilities and a 40-kilometer pipeline conveyor system connecting the open-pit mine in Tampakan, South Cotabato to Malalag in Davao del Sur where the company’s berthing and offsite facilities will be located. Gov. Pingoy however declined to say if his position is meant to challenge those who may question in court the provision of the provincial environment code specifically banning open pit mining method. The governor said that unless ordered by the courts, he will have to deny any request by SMI for permits from the provincial government. SMI manager for corporate community development Elvie Granchera who answered most of the questions hurled against SMI, declined to comment on the apparent legal challenge hurled by Gov. Pingoy. She said only John Arnaldo is allowed to answer questions from the press. Arnaldo, SMI corporate communications manager, did not answer however calls made to his mobile phone number. He later sent a statement through short messaging system saying they are grateful to the governor and members of the provincial board for the opportunity to present their EIA. “We remain hopeful that the information shared will help the SP (provincial board) in considering the review of the ban on open pit mining,” Arnaldo further said. His team earlier declined a request for an interview with one of the scientists hired by SMI who conducted the EIA. Company sources however said SMI maintains it is a mere contractor and holder of the Columbio Financial Assistance Agreement (FTAA) which covered the Tampakan copper and gold project. In effect, company officials are banking on the national government to be the one to question the constitutionality of the provincial environment code. South Cotabato provincial board member Cecil Diel said they are open to a review not only of the ban on open pit mining but also other provisions of the controversial ordinance. But Diel added that she remains opposed to the said mining method. She likewise vehemently protested an earlier administrative order issued by Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo ordering the provincial board to review the code. The environment code was signed by former governor and now South Cotabato Rep. Daisy Fuentes. Signing the code was among the last official acts of Fuentes who is opposed to a review of the landmark local legislation this early. (Edwin G. Espejo/MindaNews Contributor)

DOST-12 now accepting application for S & T college scholarships

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology-Region 12 (DOST-12) is urging top graduating high school students to avail of college scholarships being offered by the agency. Among these scholarship grants are the Merit Scholarship Program and the S & T Scholarship Program under Republic Act 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994. Merit program is open to graduating high school students who would like to pursue baccalaureate degrees in S & T fields regardless of family economic status. S & T Act of 1994 is only open to students from poor families. Annually offered through the DOST’s Science Education Institute (SEI), the scholarships seek to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the fields of science, mathematics, engineering and technology, among others, to further drive national economic development. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST-12 regional director said that the scholarships are an effective way to harness the youth’s potentials to also contribute to the development of a strong S & T community in the country. “These scholarships will not only benefit the beneficiaries and their families but the whole nation as well. One of the major keys for a brighter national economic future rest in the field of science and technology,” she said. Provincial S & T centers are now accepting applications to the scholarship programs strictly open only to the top five percent of the high school graduating class from the public and private school systems. Scholars from poor families are entitled to tuition and other school fee subsidies, book allowance, and a monthly living allowance for the school year, among others. Merit scholars, on the other hand, are entitled to the same benefits except for a pro-rated monthly stipend depending on the economic status of their families. The examination for both scholarship programs is slated on November 20, 2011 simultaneously nationwide. In Region 12, the designated testing centers are: University Laboratory School-University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Notre Dame University in Cotabato City; Mindanao State University in General Santos City; Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City; and the Sultan Kudarat State University in Tacurong City. Interested students may get application forms from the nearest DOST regional office or at the provincial S&T centers. Forms can also be downloaded at www.science-scholarships.ph. Deadline of application is on October 21, 2011. For more information, please call the DOST-12 main office at (064) 421-6908 and 421-2711. You may also get in touch with our provincial S & T centers at (083) 554-7997 (SarGen); 083-228-2342 (South Cotabato); (064) 200-3521 (Sultan Kudarat); and (064) 248-2112 (North Cotabato). (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/BKTagitican DOST 12).

Police director aims at operations readiness of forces, vows to enforce discipline

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 23 (PIA) -- Police senior superintendent Randolph Delfin, the new police provincial director of South Cotabato assured the public that his administration is on the right track in ensuring security of the entire province. In a recent meeting with the press at the provincial capitol, Delfin announced that he is now focusing on strengthening the operational readiness and restoring discipline among members of the police force under his leadership. “As I promised during the meeting with the POC, I will give priority to security concerns,” he said. “So, almost every night I’ve been conducting inspections of our police stations to check on the operational readiness of our policemen.” On Wednesday, Delfin started his unannounced visits and inspections at the municipal police station of Sto.Niño at 1:00 a.m. Sto.Niño town is about 30 kilometers from the provincial headquarters in Koronadal City. He then proceeded to police stations in Norala, Surallah, and Banga municipalities. At about 4:30 a.m., he arrived at Koronadal City to check on his men at the city police station. He said he has already covered all the entire province in his first six days in office as police director. One of his first order is to increase police visibility, especially at night time “to eliminate carnapping and to allay public apprehensions that South Cotabato is not safe.” Aside from ensuring security of the province, Delfin said, he is also give importance to resolving problems regarding loose firearms and youth offenders. “We will also give emphasis to our Pamilya Laban sa Droga program and strengthen coordination with communities for our objective to control the presence of drug,” he added. During the meeting, Delfin confirmed that the is strict and a disciplinarian but pointed out that he disciplines his men by example. “Showing your people that you can do what you ask them to do is of primary importance,” he said. “No official has the right to caution and order his men if he himself cannot do what he asked them to do.” Just recently, he placed a policeman under investigation for not wearing uniform while on duty. Delfin said his men cannot complain of him giving so much responsibilities because he himself will be actively participate in every activity. (PIA 12)

PDRRMC renews call for vigilance in accident–prone areas

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 22 (PIA) -- South Cotabato officials have renewed calls for vigilance, especially among residents living in or near identified flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. Provincial Administrator Isidro Janita, who also heads the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said residents in the identified accident-prone areas should always be on the lookout because landslides and flash floods are being experienced in the province. This renewed call for vigilance came after a flash flood incident in Polomolok town. Fifty-six families, including 274 individuals, in Barangays Landan, Upper Klinan, and Maligo in Polomolok town were displaced when a creek overflowed Monday night. PDRRMC incident report said 21 houses and one chapel were totally damaged and 25 houses were partially damaged. At least 6 hectares of crops and four farm animals were also lost. Initial estimates have set the damages at P5 million. No human casualty was reported. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. yesterday said the provincial government has already extended food and relief assistance to the displaced families. He also ordered the immediate relocation of the residents in the affected area, which has been identified among the high risk area. In a recent meeting of the regional council, Pingoy has requested the RDMMC to expedite the purchase of the relocation sites for communities living in calamity-prone areas. He said purchase of the relocation site for affected residents in Landan area may not be difficult since the identified lot is properly titled. (PIA 12)

P52-M vowed for planned public hospital in Surallah

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 21 (PIA) -- If commitments were to be counted, the provincial government of South Cotabato has at least P52 M fund for the construction of a public hospital in nearby Surralah town. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. in a meeting with the press this morning announced that three partners, namely: San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have signified to finance the construction of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) annex in Surallah. Recently, Gov. Pingoy went to Metro Manila to sign a memorandum of understanding with the San Miguel Corporation for a P30-million assistance package for the province, including P15 million for the planned hospital. While in Metro Manila, he also met with Health Secretary Enrique Ona regarding possible financial assistance under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program. He said Ona has committed to give the province at least P30 million. The governor is confident Sec. Ona’s promise will be realized. While serving as the representative of South Cotabato’s Second District, Pingoy was instrumental for the release of of P23 million for the upgrading of several health facilities in the province, including that of Polomolok and Lake Sebu municipalities and SCPH. He also announced that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also committed to pour in P7M for the project. The provincial government in now complying with DILG assistant secretary for plans and programs Eubert Gutierrez’s directive to submit the project’s program plan for possible funding. Meanwhile, a five-hectare lot where the annex hospital will be established has been identified by the local government unit of Surallah. Gov. Pingoy said the provincial government expects Surallah Mayor Romulo Solivio to hand in the deed of donation anytime soon. He said he has already directed Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office to fast track the making of the hospitals design. Construction of the hospital is expected to start in the first quarter of 2012 for a target soft opening of the health facility in the second or third quarter. Gov. Pingoy added that this government hospital that will cater to patients in the Upper Valley area, including the municipalities of Surallah, Sto. Nino, Lake Sebu, Norala, T’boli and Banga, the provincial hospital in Koronadal City will surely be decongested. SCPH has a capacity for 220 beds but the number of patients served here reaches as many as 240 to 320. About 24 percent of the patients are from the Upper Valley area. (PIA 12)

Transport strike in South Cotabato fizzles out

by Bong S. Sarmiento


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/19 September) — With most public utility vehicles still plying their routes here and in the other municipalities of South Cotabato, police assessed the transport strike organized by militant groups to have fizzled out in the province and neighboring areas. The number of tricycles, the main mode of transport in this regional seat of government of Southwestern Mindanao or Region 12, was just the same as in normal days. Buses and passenger vans also plied the routes in various parts of the province and other neighboring and far destinations. Except for the town of Polomolok, the transport strike called by the Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) was also not felt in the nine other municipalities of South Cotabato, the police monitored. “Generally, the transport strike fizzled out all over South Cotabato. Flow of traffic in the streets was normal,” said Supt. Jemuel Siason, spokesperson of the provincial police command. In Polomolok, Siason said there was a “slightly significant participation” among the drivers because of organized militant groups there. In this city, also the capital of South Cotabato, government vehicles were put on standby just in case the strike would cause transport paralysis, he added. Around 50 protesters from various militant groups gathered in front of the Iglesia ni Kristo along the national highway early morning but later on left the area, with a few later seen huddling beside the round ball area. No barricades were set up in the roads in this city unlike years before to force public and private transport drivers to join the protest. Also, no passengers were seen stranded in the streets or in the terminals. Ryan Lariba, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Socsksargen chapter spokesman, said that various militant groups kicked off their protest actions as early as 5 a.m. in parts of the region. “We want to send a message to our government that our people, especially the drivers, are hurting from the series of fuel price increases,” he told reporters. Lariba said they were demanding for a rollback as the prices of fuel were overpriced by at least P9/liter, citing a study by their group. The protesters also called on the government to scrap the oil deregulation law as well as remove the value added tax on fuel products. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

Tourism boost

by Mindanao Newsbits


KORONADAL CITY, Philippines (PIA) – A recent significant development could spell a major push for South Cotabato’s bid to become a primary tourist destination. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. recently announced that beginning September 23, management of the internal security operations (ISO) will officially be transferred to the provincial government from the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion.

We have been promoting tourism in the province but we have been hindered by the perception that the province has a problem with peace and order,” he said, “the transfer of ISO to the provincial government is proof that South Cotabato is indeed peaceful.”

Mindanao gets P157-M tourism dev’t budget

by Bong S. Sarmiento


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/17 September) — The Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has allocated P157 million to further develop the tourism industry in Mindanao, Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said. TIEZA, formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority, increased its annual allocation for Mindanao, which in the last 10 years only received an average of seven to 10 percent budget share from the agency, Antonino announced at the recently concluded 20th Mindanao Business Conference in Pagadian City. “I am happy to report that in our recent meeting with the TIEZA board, Mindanao got a hefty share of 35% from the Php448.84-million TIEZA priority infrastructure projects this year,” Antonino said in a statement. Antonino who sits as member of the TIEZA board of directors also said that Region 9 or the Zamboanga Peninsula got two of the 29 approved projects for Mindanao namely the development of Pulacan falls in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur and the construction of the Cogon Eco-tourism development project in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. She added that MinDA shall continue in its efforts to secure financing support for the Mindanao initiatives by engaging more public-private partnerships while advocating for a fair share in the national budget. “Unlike before when we only had a measly share of their (TIEZA) budget, Mindanao is now given attention,” Antonino said, adding that tourism has a multiplier effect in terms of job creation. Mindanao tourism industry officials welcome the increased budget, their clamor for a decade now. “TIEZA has made an unprecedented move to develop a strong backbone for tourism in Mindanao,” Art Boncato, Department of Tourism (DOT) regional director for Region 11, was quoted in the same statement. Boncato said tourism is “a major economic driver for Mindanao.” The island-region’s potential for nature-based and cultural tourism is one of the best in the country and that “strategic infrastructure support ensures its sustainability,” he said. The advocacy for Mindanao’s equitable share in the national budget is one of the strategies identified towards achieving the overall peace and development goals for Mindanao in the next 20 years. According to the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), tourism development “can be a win-win for the economy and environment and must be pursued vigorously through policy reform and public investments. “ The promotion of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia- Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as premier ecotourism destination also provides substantial growth potential in Mindanao tourism. In the medium term (2011-2016), DOT has taken a cluster approach in pursuing tourism promotion, with nine defined clusters for Mindanao highlighting various types of tourism assets. The clusters include the Surigao-Dinagat islands, Cagayan de Oro-Tangub coast and hinterland, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bukidnon highlands, among others. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

South Cotabato sets MOOE budget cuts due to reduction of IRA share

by (PNA) LAP/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 16 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato is cutting back on its maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) by next year due to the reduction of its annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share from the national government.

Elvira Rafael, South Cotabato provincial treasurer, said the provincial government received a notice that it will get an IRA share of P751 million for next year, which is down by P36 million from this year’s P787.8 million allotment.

For the entire province, which is composed of 11 towns and lone city, she said the total IRA share for next year will be reduced to P2.1 billion or a P104.16 million drop from this year’s P2.21 billion.

Rafael said the provincial government, which is currently preparing its 2012 budget, is implementing cuts in its MOOE budget for next year due to its reduced IRA share.

“We will not be cutting our budget for basic services but only for the MOOE. This includes purchases for office supplies, gasoline, oil and lubricants, electricity and water consumptions, among others,” she said.

Rafael also said the third tranche of the salary increase for provincial government workers next year will not be affected by the budget cut.

The IRA share of local government units (LGUs) represent 40 percent of the national internal revenue taxes collected in the third fiscal year before the current fiscal year.

The IRA sources are income tax; estate and donors’ tax; value-added tax; other percentage taxes; excise taxes; documentary stamp taxes; and such other taxes that may be imposed and collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Rafael said Koronadal City, which is a component city of South Cotabato, is getting an IRA cut of around P20 million after its total share of P425.59 million this year will further reduce to P405.2 million next year.

The municipality of Sto. Nino, which received an IRA share of 57.12 million this year, posted the least cut for next year with only P2.45 million.

Rafael said the huge reduction in Koronadal City’s IRA share for next year was triggered by the earlier conversion of 16 municipalities in the country into cities.

British environmental experts dispute EIA study of South Cotabato mine operator

by (PNA) DCT/FFC/AVE/RSS


KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 15 (PNA) -– Two British environmental experts are set to arrive in this city next week to contest the results of the newly-completed environmental impact assessment (EIA) study of foreign-backed mining firm Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) for its proposed large-scale copper and gold mining project in the tri-boundaries of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur provinces.

Rene Pamplona, advocacy officer of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel, said Thursday the British experts were invited by local Catholic Church leaders to attend the scheduled presentation of SMI’s EIA study on Sept. 23 in this city.

He said they are planning to mobilize at least 5,000 people to fill the South Cotabato gymnasium during SMI’s EIA presentation.

“The two foreign experts will present on behalf of the anti-mining advocates. A 3-D [three dimensional] map will also be presented involving the affected communities,” he said.

Pamplona identified the environmental experts as Clive Wicks and Robert Goodland, author of “Philippines: Mining or Food?” a book report that highlight the threats that mining poses to food security.

The report, which examined six mining sites in the country, including the Tampakan project, was a follow-up to “Mining in the Philippines: Concerns and Conflicts (January 2007),” which documented the negative effects of mining on the environment and peoples’ livelihood.

The latter report was based on the fact-finding mission led by Hon. Clare Short MP, a member of the British Parliament and former UK Minister for International Development.

In February 2008, the UK based Working Group on Mining in the Philippines (WGMP), commissioned the two environmental experts to visit the Philippines in order to investigate more fully, document and map some key sites targeted for mining.

Goodland worked for the World Bank Group for 23 years, as senior environmental advisor. Wicks worked in the corporate sector for many years and then for the Worldwide Fund for Nature and served as the vice-chair of IUCN-Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (IUCN-CEESP). IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said the public forum was meant to hear the side of those against the Tampakan project, particularly their take on the EIA study of Sagittarius Mines.

“Hopefully, this will guide the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with regards to the request to review the environment code that bans open-pit mining,” he said.

Prov’l LGU, charity group holds grand surgical mission for IPs, indigents

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Hundred of indigents, indigenous peoples, and retirees who need surgical procedures but are unable to avail of medical services for reasons of financial incapacity and lack of services can avail of free surgical services in a five-day surgical mission here starting September 25. “The Maharlika Charity Foundation Inc., (MCFI) together with provincial government of South Cotabato and the Koronadal Lodge 209 of Free and Accepted Masons will conduct a surgical mission at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center from September 25 to 29,” board member Dr. Ervin Luntao announced yesterday. He said among the conditions that will be operated free of charge during the medical mission include cleft palate, cataract (including pterygium), stradismus or cross-eyes, goiter, hernia among children five years old or younger, and minor cysts. Dental services will also be available. “This is the first major surgical mission in South Cotabato under the management of Gov. Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr.” he said. Dr. Rizal Aportadera, president of MCFI, said the medical mission in Koronadal will be their 49th mission in Mindanao and their first in South Cotabato. “We are giving surgical services exclusively for indigents who cannot afford surgical operations and indigenous peoples who lack opportunities to avail of costly procedures,” Dr. Aportadera said. “We are also giving the same services to retirees in government and private sectors.” MCFI was created in 1973 to give free medical treatment for the poor. Its office is located at J.P Cabaguio Avenue, Davao City. MCFI started conducting medical missions in 2000. “Our objective is to give specialized and rehabilitative operations,” he added. “Specialized because the doctors we bring in the medical missions are all specialists and rehabilitative because the patients’ defects and deformities are corrected and they given opportunities to be restore their confidence and become productive citizens,” Dr. Aportadera added. For the medical mission in South Cotabato, MCFI will be bringing at least 35 specialists, including eye doctors, plastic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and general surgeons along with other medical staff including as nurses, medical technologists and others. He said, on regular medical missions they serve at least 60 to 100 surgical patients each for eye operations, cleft palate correction, and minor surgeries. More patients are served in dental services. “We are very glad that the Maharlika Charity Foundation has chosen Cotabato for their surgical mission,” Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa said. Vice Gov. Tolosa’s office is among the offices listing names of possible patients who will undergo surgical procedures. Other offices where interested individuals can go to be listed are Office of the Governor, Office of Board Member Luntao, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, Radio Mindanao Network and Bombo Radyo Koronadal. Listing of patients in these offices is still on-going. Candidates for surgery will be gathered by the provincial government for a briefing on September 20. An advance team of the MCFI will conduct initial screening and laboratory examinations on September 25. Actual operations will start at September 26. “Screening and of candidates lab tests are necessary to provide maximum safety for all procedures, especially among children and the elderlies,” Aportadera said. Medicines for post-operation treatment will also be provided free. Patients who will develop complications after the operation are also assured of continuous medical care from MCFI doctors. (PIA 12)

SouthCot worried over bird flu

By Allen V. Estabillo


GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/12 September) – Veterinary personnel in South Cotabato province have intensified their monitoring against the possible entry of H5N1 Avian Influenza or bird flu virus in the province following the resurgence of the deadly disease in several parts of Southeast Asia. Dr. Raul Teves, Veterinarian IV of the South Cotabato Provincial Veterinary Office, said they have launched a series of random tests on chickens, ducks and other poultry species in several parts of the province for possible infection of the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus. He said they were specifically testing six blood samples every week of various poultry animals from selected areas of the province. “This is a precautionary measure since the province is adjacent to the areas that are considered as highly vulnerable for the possible entry of bird flu,” he said in a radio interview. Teves said Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao’s Avian Influenza Task Force had identified the coastal areas of nearby Sarangani province and several wetlands in the region that have been drawing migratory birds from the neighboring countries as possible entry points of the disease. He said the task force is mainly concerned with the possible entry of infected birds and poultry species from Indonesia through Sarangani’s coastal areas. The national government earlier activated task forces against bird flu from the national down to the municipal levels to prevent its entry into the country, which has remained free of the disease. As part of such mandate, Teves said they have linked up with local government units of the province’s 10 municipalities and lone city to assist their monitoring activities. Avian Influenza, which has already affected 10 countries in Asia, mainly infects poultry species and has already resulted in mass deaths and destruction of chickens and other poultry such as ducks, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted. But it said the infected poultry can transmit the virus to humans and lead to severe disease that may result to death. As of August 9, the WHO already recorded five confirmed deaths due to bird flu in Indonesia out of the seven positive cases that were reported in the area this year. Seven bird flu deaths were also recorded this year in Cambodia. Teves said the task force has been also monitoring the migratory birds that have been flocking to a bird sanctuary in Barangay Baras in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat. The city government of Tacurong, which has been developing the bird sanctuary as a tourist destination, reported that around 7,700 migratory birds, mostly herons, have been flocking to the area every year. For their part, Teves said they have doubled their watch on palay farms near Tacurong City that are frequented by mobile duck growers. He said local duck growers usually lease palay farms in some parts of the province for several weeks after the harvest season, which start every late August. Owing to this, Teves said they have scheduled the random tests for bird flu this month in palay-producing areas in Tantangan and Norala towns as well as in Koronadal City. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)

South Cotabato has new police provincial director

by dani doguiles, news, pia 12, press release, south cotabato


Outgoing South Cotabato Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Nilo Wong has confirmed that he will be turning over the leadership of the provincial police force to the new director.

Wong, who will be retiring on September 26, said he has already received instructions for the turnover ceremonies on September 14, to P/SSupt. Randolf Delfin.

In an interview with a local media, Wong said he is very grateful to local officials, PNP personnel and residents of the province for the support they accorded him in his term as police provincial director.

Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., in a meeting with the press last month openly declared his decision to support Delfin as the new head of the provincial police office.

He said, although he does not know Delfin personally, the latter's reputation as a strict and respected leader has been well-known to him and the local police officials who have highly recommended his transfer to the province.

Gov. Pingoy said he prefers the turnover ceremonies to be done earlier than September 14 so that Delfin can begin implementing measures to put a stop to the recent spate of carnapping with homicide cases in Koronadal City and other other municipalities in the province that has alarmed officials here.

Police Regional Director CSupt. Benjardo Mantele said he is likely to give in to Gov. Pingoy's request since Delfin's official appointment as the provincial police's head started on September 1. (PIA 12)

NFA intensifies local rice procurement

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) -- South Cotabato's National Food Authority will intensify procurement of produce from local rice farmers this week. Angelina Lucena, assistant manager of NFA South Cotabato said, besides the continuous buying of palay in Koronadal City, they will start accepting deliveries in two additional sites in the upper valley area starting September. NFA South Cotabato has already rented one warehouse in Norala and another in Surallah towns for the produce bought from the two municipalities and neighboring places. She said the procurement team and the warehouses will be in full operational capacity this week to achieve their target of 168,000 bags by the end of December 2011. NFA buys palay at P17.40 per kilo from farmers and P17.70 from accredited farmer associations and cooperatives. Prevailing buying prices of commercial traders here range from P15 to P15.50 only. Lucena added measures to prevent unscrupulous commercial traders from exploiting the program exclusively for farmers and their organizations have been put in place. Among these control measures are strict implementation of documentation requirements, verification processes, random checking and many others. Officials of NFA South Cotabato have also repeatedly appealed to farmers in the province not to allow traders to use them as conduits of illegal activities. She said only the legitimate farmers and their organizations should be able to avail of the higher price the government offers for their produce. This year, South Cotabato receives no allocation from imported rice but NFA and agricultural officials here are confident local production will be more than sufficient to supply local requirements. (PIA 12)

SouthCot set to distribute anti-dengue traps

By Allen V. Estabillo

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/30 August) – The South Cotabato health office is set to distribute 2,500 ovicidal/larvicidal (O/L) mosquito trap system to fight dengue even as cases in the province showed a drop in the first seven months of the year, an official said. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., provincial health officer, said the OL mosquito trap distribution was part of the Department of Science and Technology-Region 12′s commitment to curb the deadly disease, which is spearheaded by the Department of Health. “Local government units should help the DOST and the DOH in spreading the importance of the mosquito trap technology,” he said, adding that beneficiaries should also support the project otherwise the trap systems would just become breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. The solution in the trap system should be replaced regularly because they are only good for seven to 10 days, Aturdido said. Polomolok town has been considered a dengue hotspot as cases have been monitored also in this city and in Tampakan municipality, the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) reported. PESU has recorded 358 dengue cases from January to July this year, down 77 percent from the 1,615 recorded for the same period last year. For the dengue cases in the first seven months of this year, 169 or 47 percent were from Polomolok town, it added, noting that a four-year-old victim from Barangay Pagalungan died recently. The DOST-12 recently launched the OL trap system in Southwestern Mindanao, which according to regional director Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, was among the regions in the country with alarming dengue cases since last year based on the records of the DOH in Region 12. Southwestern Mindanao covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. Laidan said that 8,000 OL trap systems have been distributed so far, and that more will be given as the need arises. To also effectively lick the disease, Laidan stressed the need to always maintain a clean surrounding. Nuna Almanzor, DOST’s Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) director, said the OL trap system is a simple and cheap device that attracts dengue-carrying mosquitoes. The technology for OL trap system developed by DOST-ITDI consists of a black tin can (plastic can as substitute), a lawanit paddle (1” x 6.5”) and the organic solution that lures Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to lay eggs in the paddle and eventually kills the eggs and larvae in the process. This simple kit costs about 20 pesos aside from the one peso for every pack of pellet. Aedes mosquitoes attack only during daytime. Almanzor said the national DOST and DOH offices have forged a partnership for the initial distribution of 500,000 OL mosquito traps across the country. “The DOH wanted as many OL traps to be distributed across the country,” she said. She said the Department of Education had also approached the DOST to help them curb the incidence of dengue cases in schools. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

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