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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.

South Cotabato LGU hands more chairs, tables to public schools

by Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- In line with its continuing efforts to help the Department of Education (DepEd) address its problems, the provincial government of South Cotabato donated chairs and tables to 11 public schools. In a ceremony at the covered court at the provincial capital here just recently, Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. handed 49 tables, 790 arm chairs and 351 kiddie chairs to school heads. These were made possible with help from the local government unit’s private partners including Mahintana Foundation Inc., Dole Philippines, and Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), in response to DepEd report that the province lacks at least 15,000 chairs for government elementary and secondary schools. “So far, we have already distributed 4,000 to 5,000 chairs,” Gov. Pingoy said. Recipients of the latest batch of chairs and tables were Tampakan Central Elementary School, Tampakan SPED Center and Lampitak National High School in Tampakan; Lamba Central School and Liwanay Elementary School in Banga; Carpenter Hill Day Care Center and Marbel 1 Central Elementary School in Koronadal City; Surallah Central Elementary School in Surallah; San Miguel National High School in Norala; Silway 7 Elementary School in Polomolok; and Cebuano National High School in Tupi. Rudy Jimenea, chief of staff of the Office of the Provincial Governor, explained these schools were earlier identified by DepEd report as those lacking in chairs and tables. He explained the tables and kiddie chairs were intended for use by kindergarten classes in public elementary schools in support to the implementation of the department’s K+12 program. The provincial government, Gov. Pingoy said, has allocated P1.5 million from the province’s special education for the fabrication of chairs and tables. “Normally, we spend about P750 for the fabrication of each chair,” Gov. Pingoy said, “but with the partnership, the provincial government paid only about P150 per chair.” Mahintana, Dolefil, and SMI also allocated funds for the fabrication of chairs and tables, the governor said, “as part of their social responsibilities to help provide education for children.” Gov. Pingoy said, the project was also made possible with the assistance of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that allowed use of illegally cut logs confiscated from illegal loggers in South Cotabato as materials for the production of chairs and tables. Materials used were taken from the 12,987 board feet of cut lumber confiscated in raid a remote village in Lake Sebu town in May last year. Government Pingoy also saw the distribution of chairs and tables as an opportunity to push for the provincial government’s greening program. “For every chair that we give, the school is required to plant ten trees,” he said. The provincial government has yet to implement the tree-growing component of the project because this will be done simultaneously in one event. He said, part of the program is to solicit the commitment of the schools to make sure that the seedlings that will be planted will be cared for. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)





Another fish kill hits Lake Sebu in South Cotabato

by (PNA)

LAP/FFC/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Fishery officials advised local consumers Monday to refrain from buying dried Tilapia from Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato following another fish kill in the area over the weekend triggered by “kamahong,” a phenomenon marked by a rise in the lake’s water temperature. Rex Vargas, provincial fishery coordinator, said they received reports that some 46.05 metric tons (MT) of Tilapia were killed as of last Friday. He said another 2.5 MT were added to the reported damage Monday based on a report submitted by Lake Sebu municipal fishery coordinator Oding Kunan. “Consumers are advised not to buy nor consume dried Tilapia from Lake Sebu because of the fish kill,” he said. Lake Sebu town is a major producer of fresh and dried Tilapia in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region. Tilapia products from the area are sold in wet markets in the region, which covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Cotabato, Koronadal, Tacurong, Cotabato and Kidapawan. Vargas said a total of 48 fish cage owners were affected by the fish kill, which were so far valued at P3.8 million based on Tilapia’s market price of P80 per kilo. “The accounted damage was only those inside the fish cages. Those outside were not yet accounted for,” he said. Vargas said the provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, is closely monitoring the fish kill, which was the second incident recorded in the area since July. Kamahong, which usually occurs from September to February, was mainly traced to the rise of sulfuric acid in the lake’s waters. “It occurs when cold rainwater, which is heavier than warm water, settles at the abyssal zone of the lake. This causes the water upturn or updwelling of warm water carrying silts, sediments, and gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, sulphur and methane gas produced by the decomposing organic matter such as fish feeds,” Vargas explained. In July last year, the occurrence of “Kamahong” affected seven fish cages in Lake Sebu, destroying around 13 MT of Tilapia worth P1.04 million. The provincial government earlier acquired some 500,000 fingerlings of Tilapia from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to replenish the damaged fish stocks. Vargas said their office submitted another request to BFAR on Monday for the acquisition of an additional 2.5 million Tilapia fingerling worth P625,000 for distribution to affected fish cage owners.

SP studying proposal to declare Tampakan a protected watershed

by Bong S. Sarmiento


BANGA, South Cotabato—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato is studying the proposal of the local Catholic Church to declare the mountains in Tampakan as a protected watershed, a senior official said on Saturday. Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa confirmed the provincial board has received the letter of Fr. Gillarme Joy Pelino, Social Action Center director of the Diocese of Marbel, asking to declare the mineral-rich mountains of Tampakan as a protected watershed. “We have discussed the proposal and came to an agreement that it should be studied carefully,” Tolosa told MindaNews at the sidelines of a tree planting activity here. Once the Tampakan mountains will be declared a protected watershed, any forms of mining and other environmentally-destructive activities will eventually be banned in the area. Sagittarius Mines, Inc., which is backed by Xstrata Copper, the world’s fourth largest copper, has been pursuing the Tampakan project, touted as the largest known undeveloped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia. But the bid to bring it on commercial stream suffered a major blow early this month after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources rejected its application for an environmental compliance certificate. An ECC is one of the requirements before a mining venture is allowed to proceed to commercial phase. The denial of Sagittarius Mines’ ECC was due to the open-pit mining ban imposed by South Cotabato. “We are returning herewith the application documents with instruction to deny the same, without prejudice to resubmission, until the issues and concern on the use of open-pit mining method shall have been clarified and resolved by the company[SMI] with the provincial government of South Cotabato,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said in a memorandum dated last January 3. With the ECC rejection, SAC’s Peliño urged the board members to continue protecting and upholding the environment code and pass an ordinance for the declaration of the mountains in Tampakan as a protected watershed area. Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez separately wrote South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy, Jr to facilitate the declaration of the mountains in Tampakan as a protected watershed area and to stand firm in banning open-pit mining method in the province. “Do not be afraid. We are strongly behind you. We have these resources: enlightened voters and the praying nuns [namely] the Trappistines, Poor Clares and Passionists,” the bishop said in his letter. Board members Jose Madanguit, vice chairman of the environmental protection committee, said he favors the declaration of Tampakan as a protected watershed. “If that will happen, mining will be disallowed there,” he said in a radio interview. Madanguit was chairperson of the committee on environmental protection of the previous SP that approved the environmental code that bans open-pit mining method in the province. But as a whole, the SP has no common stand yet as to the request of the religious leaders to declare to mountains in Tampakan as a protected watershed area, Vice Gov. Tolosa reiterated. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

Finnish firm develops organic mining

by Marvyn N. Benaning


Anti-mining advocates should jump with joy at the success of a Finnish firm called Talvivaara Mining Co. Plc. that experimented in 2005 on the use of air, water, and bacteria to recover metals imbedded in low-grade ores with nickel and zinc, copper, and cobalt from its mine in Sotkamo, Finland. This process holds promise for such operations as the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in South Cotabato and other mining ventures nationwide since it eliminates the use of substances perceived to be harmful to the environment. Since the soil-based bacteria gobble up the ore, what remains are the metals that can be recovered quickly, the developers of the technology said. Under the Talvivaara system, the ore is extracted, crushed, and stacked inside of a heap pad, bacteria are sprinkled onto the ore, and low-pressure fans are used to supply the bacteria with air from outside. Water is then sprinkled to ensure the bacteria would wash into the ore. As bacteria gobbles up the ore, the chemical wastes they release liquefy the remaining metal, and the solution is then collected in a pond outside the heap and sent to a plant where the metals are recovered. The solution is recycled and applied to the heap to allow the bacteria to consume the ore anew. “The Talvivaara polymetallic deposits, Kuusilampi and Kolmisoppi, comprise one of the largest known sulphide nickel resources in Europe with 1.121 billion tons of ore in measured and indicated categories, sufficient to support an anticipated production for several decades. Production at the mine started in October 2008 with the precipitation of the first metal sulphides,“ the company said.






P1-B cash grant for Soccsksargen, some ARMM areas

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, January 27 (PIA) -- The national government has spent P1,075,479,100 for conditional cash transfer to poorest of the poor families in the Soccsksargen Region (Region 12) and portions of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Department of Social Welfare and Development 12 Regional Director Zorahayda Taha said, this amount was used as cash grants for 148,660 household-beneficiaries of the Philippine government’s premiere anti-poverty initiative, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This funds were directly given to the beneficiaries, she said. “To date, we are covering 44 towns and six cities. Just recently, we expanded our coverage to 15 more in Region 12. The government is concern with the condition of our poor and fortunate people,” Taha said. Localities included in the recent expansion include Kidapawan City and the towns of Kabacan, Libungan, Makilala, Midsayap, and M’langin North Cotabato; Tacurong City and Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat Province; Koronadal City, Norala, Polomolok, Surallah, Tampakan, Tantangan,and Tupi in South Cotabato. DSWD 12 aims to enlist at least 96,695 households from these expansion areas, Taha said. Through the conditional cash transfers program, the national government provides subsidies to the poorest of the poor households in the country identified through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). These cash grants are subject to conditions, including requiring children to go to school regularly, mothers to visit their local health facilities, and attendance to meetings of community organizations. Under the CCT program each household-beneficiary received a monthly allowance of P500 for basic food needs. Additional P300 is also given for every child (up to 14 years old) who goes to school; a maximum of three children can get the allowance. In his visit to the Philippines late last year, World Bank Group president Robert B. Zoellick has backed proposals to expand the government’s food subsidy program for the lowest-income Filipino households, saying that economic growth should benefit the poor. He described the government’s CCT as a prudent safety net for poor families, especially in these tough economic times. Around 40 other countries supported by the World Bank implement a conditional subsidy program for the poor. Just recently, Director Taha announced that DSWD-12 has delisted 11,367 household –beneficiaries from 4Ps in line with their efforts to cleanse the list of beneficiaries with unqualified grant recipients. Among those removed were government employees, teachers, barangay officials, even overseas Filipino workers who were included in the list because of errors in the encoding of NHTS-PR. (PIA)

LGU helps upgrade state U’s laboratory facilities

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s largest state university would soon be upgrading its mobile laboratories with help from the provincial government of North Cotabato. Just recently, Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza and Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, president of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), which has its main campus in Kabacan town, North Cotabato signed a memorandum of agreement for the upgrading of the latter’s Mobile Vet Clinic and Agriculture Mobile Laboratory. With the MOA, the provincial commits to give P4 million to the state university for the enhancement of the said laboratories that would guarantee low cost neighborhood health clinic for animals and livestock as well as expert technical assistance for farmers. The mobile veterinary clinic, managed by USM’s College of Veterinary Medicine is equipped with state-of-art amenities. It is being upgraded to become an outreach facility of the college and its students throughout the province and shall offer convenient ambulatory clinic that provides health care services to animals, pets, livestock, and poultry. It will also be furnished with necessary tools, supplies, and equipment for animal and livestock outpatient services. Once upgraded, the clinic will have improved capacities to provide free physical exams, vaccinations, dental care, parasite control treatments, as well as diagnostic procedures including ultrasound, blood, urine and fecal testing for animals with the same high quality and complete healthcare as in a complete veterinary clinic. USM’s agriculture mobile laboratory program intends to provide diagnostic services for the nutritional management of oil palm, rubber and other crops. Besides offering technical assistance to farmers regarding interpretation of laboratory analyses results, it shall also educate farmers on the appropriate fertilizer requirement of high-value commercial crops in different soil types. The mobile laboratory will also provide procedural instructions about the production technology of crops included within the program. While all other services shall be given free of charge, laboratory analysis shall be paid based on prevailing charges of the university. Half of the amount, which will be charged against the provincial government’s 20% General Funds, will be used for the veterinary clinic while the remaining P2 million will used for the agri laboratory. Unless earlier revoked, the agreement binds both parties into a partnership in providing relevant services for three years. USM is a premiere state institution of learning with a regular enrolment of 9,000 to 12,000 students. Besides providing instruction services, the university is also known for its research, extension and production services being home of two national research and development center: the University of South Mindanao Agricultural Research Center and the Philippine Industrial Crops Research Institute. It conducts research, development and extension services on agricultural crops such as rice, corn, fruit crops, rubber, palm oil, coffee , root crops and many others as well as on poultry and livestock. (PIA-12)

Police undergo training on responding to crime incidence

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Investigative and tactical capabilities of police force in the Soccsksargen Region are being enhanced with a training on responding to crime incidents. PSupt Resty Damaso, information officer of the Police Regional Office 12, said, some 43 police personnel from the provincial and city police offices in Region 12 are undergoing a ten-day Police First Responder Course at the US Naval Training Facility Bldg. in Tambler, General Santos City. “The primary objective of the training course is to further enhance and develop the knowledge and skills of First Responders in the administration of first aid and basic life support,” Damaso said. It seeks to enhance the investigative and tactical capability of the police force in responding to crime incidents and other emergency situations, he added “The training also provides police officers, especially those tasked to perform patrol duties, knowledge and skills necessary upon arrival at a crime scene as well as different tasks a police officer needs to perform in aid of investigation.” The training also gives basic life support system to crime victims and other emergency situation. Damaso said, included in the modules that police trainers are expected to learn cover procedures on handling specific incidents such as bombing and bomb threats, shooting incidents, robbery, and hold-up. They are also taught proper ways of moving and extricating the victims involved in different situations as well as tactical moves to protect the responders against hostile environment was being taught, he added. During the opening program on January 23, P/SSupt Norberto Batislaong, OIC of PRO-12’s Regional Directorate Staff, emphasized, “being a first responder is not only our duty as police officers, but also our duty as a citizen of this country. We don’t know as to when we will be confronted by accidents or events that need an immediate response, thus, it is our advantage that we know what should be done during such times.” “We are the frontliners in terms of public safety, thus, people look upon us in every untoward incident. We cannot afford to appear incapable in their eyes, because we cannot afford to lose their trust. It is in their trust that we attain efficiency in our work, without their trust, our sworn duties and responsibilities to serve and protect the public would be futile,” he reminded them. The training course will end on February 3. (PIA12)

Mining firm backs greening campaign

by MARVYN N. BENANING


Manila, Philippines – The plan of local officials to ban large-scale mining in South Cotabato may be offensive to Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) but the company is backing to the hilt the campaign to reforest the largely denuded province. SMI has actually produced 600,000 seedlings of indigenous forest trees and commercial trees in its nurseries located at the Liberty Core Farm in Tampakan, South Cotabato and Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and had supported the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) since its inception in May 2011. Ironically, the mining company also launched a reforestation drive in Marbel, South Cotabato, center of opposition to the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, in the second half of 2011. The city has lost much of its forest cover and SMI is supporting the greening campaign to help mitigate the impact of flooding. Flooding has been a scourge to as many as 80,000 people in the lowlands of South Cotabato, which has more than 200,000 hectares of land planted to pineapples and other high-value crops like bananas and papaya. However, the water from the creeks and rivers in the Tampakan uplands is not known to swirl down to the lowlands of the province and the water quality in mineralized areas is generally not good for agricultural use. The mining firm is also engaged in planting trees in an area around the General Santos Airport, a vast tract of land said to be around 2,500 hectares that Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala wants to be transformed into plantations of garlic and onions. SMI corporate communications manager John B. Arnaldo said the company is mandated by environmental laws to reforest the equivalent of the areas it would develop in the uplands of Tampakan but it has also engaged in propagating the traditional “tuai” tree, which is sacred to the B’laan communities in the town.

DA-12 chief wants to win back trust of farmers, public

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- “We want to win back farmers; and public trust to the Department of Agriculture,” Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan of the Department of Agricultur e (DA)-12 told a group of farmers in North Cotabato. In a recent dialogue with farmers at DA-12 facility at Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CMIARC) in Amas, Kidapawan City,Datukan admitted the DA’s image was tarnished by several anomalous transactions in the past such as the fertilizer scam and many other issue of corruption. She, assured the participants that DA-12 has been working hard to regain the trust of the Filipinos, especially the farmers. Nelly Escote-Ylanan, head of the Regional Agriculture and Information Division, said that after assuming office in February last year, Director Datukan introduced drastic institutional reforms in DA-12 including re-composition of the bids and awards committee and by closely monitoring projects, making sure that no ghost projects are allowed. She also made sure that only quality materials and services are delivered to their clients. “The changes felt inside and out of the DA organization now is an answer to her battlecry, not to fail the people who entrusted her the responsibility to lead change and development in the agriculture sector of Soccsksargen Region. The quest for reform in DA in all parts of the country now brings back hope and confidence,” Ylanan said. “We are now proud to be identified with DA, and confident to face people” Datukan told the dialogue participants, citing that latest in social network survey revealed that DA is no longer included in the top corrupt agencies of the government. Also during the dialogue, Datukan reported that DA was able to perform well in the food staple production which resulted in the decrease of the country’s rice importation from 2 million metric tons in the previous in 2010 to 860,000 metric tons in 2011. Region XII contributed 7.44 percent of the annual national production last year, she said. Lesser import our country, means an advantage to the farmers, she added. “Farmers will never be successful if people in DA, including other key players in agriculture sector are not sincere in the implementation of all the programs and projects,” she said.

DA chief urges farmers to help achieve food sufficiency

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Farmers should be in the forefront of making sure that the government efforts to attain food sufficiency would be successful, an agriculture official said. Department of Agriculture Region 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan expressed his challenge to farmers during a recent dialogue with farmers at Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center in Amas, Kidapawan City. Some 894 bags of certified seeds were distributed to farmers of Kabacan, Pikit, Carmen and M’lang towns affected by recent floods. “Do not leave us alone in this. Join us in the Food Staple Sufficiency Program because this is for the Philippines, the farmers and the citizens of the country,” she told farmer-recipients. She also encouraged them to be positive, enthusiastic and honest in implementing the department’s programs. “I don’t entertain failures. There is no such thing as failure. We’re just challenged by time,” she said, adding that it is difficult to work with people of negative outlook. As front liners in rice production, the farmers should take their role more seriously for the achievement of self-sufficiency in rice and other staple crops in the country, she said. Datukan clarified that the turn-over of bags of palay seeds is not a seed subsidy program of DA but only calamity assistance. She explained that the seed subsidy program was terminated because the department is pursuing long-term projects such as the construction of farm-to-market roads and the acquisition of postharvest facilities, farm machineries and support irrigation facilities. As a reminder, she told farmers, local and provincial agriculture employees to submit their project proposals for the regional office to determine and to confirm which among these would be a significant undertaking for immediate implementation. With regard to the submission of project proposals, she encouraged reinvigoration of farmer’s organizations and communal farmer’s alliances to present a group project proposal. Datukan is looking forward to more enthusiastic, more participative and relatively successful farmers in North Cotabato. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12/LMSalvo/DA 12)

South Cotabato eyes P30-M mining revenue for 2012

by Bong S. Sarmiento


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/20 January) –The provincial government of South Cotabato is expecting to generate P30 million this year from the small-scale mining industry players in the area, officials said. Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said they are confident of reaching the target as the provincial government has been “enforcing its political will” to flush out illegal small-scale mining activities. In a statement, he noted that because of the intensified drive against illegal mining activities, the province’s collection from the industry rose to P9.2 million last year from P6.6 million in 2010. Of the industry revenues last year, P3.5 million came from mining fees and P5.8 million from quarry fees, the Provincial Information Office reported. Last year, Pingoy ordered a crackdown on small-scale tunnel miners and gold processors in T’boli town operating without permits, which he noted had denied the provincial government the rightful income from these sectors. The crackdown was pursuant to provincial Ordinance No. 7, Series of 2003, known as “An ordinance levying taxes, fees, charges and other impositions on small-scale mining, mineral processing operations, and transporting of mineral ores within the province of South Cotabato and providing the rules and regulations thereof.” Late last year, Pingoy estimated the illegal small-scale miners operating in T’boli town to reach 300 and 200 for the ball mill or gold processors. In October, the provincial government shut down 300 gold tunnels in the gold-rich municipality for lack of permits. Several others were later on allowed to resume operation after getting clearances from the provincial government. This after they have been given notices to comply with the requirements. For his part, Siegfred Flaviano, chief of the Provincial Environment Management Office, said the campaign against illegal mining and ball mill operators will be the key to reach the P30-million revenue target for the mining industry this year. Flaviano said they have also set up checkpoints to monitor illegal quarrying activities in the province. In T’boli town, the PEMO recently set up closed-circuit television cameras to help in the fight against illegal mining activities there. Pingoy said the projected rise in revenues from the small-scale mining industry players would be a big help to the provincial government. This is due to the expected P20 million Internal Revenue Allotment cut this year due to the conversion of 16 more municipalities into cities. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

South Cotabato to sign sales deal with Petron for opening of refueling station

by zambotimes.com


GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato is set to sign a sales agreement with Petron Corporation for the establishment of a refueling station in nearby Koronadal City. South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said Thursday the agreement, which would pave the way for the opening of a Petron Bulilit Station in the area, is mainly aimed at addressing the local government’s problems on the lack of stable fuel supplies for its motor pool. The governor said he recently met with representatives of Petron to finalize the details of the agreement and plans for the operationalization of the refueling station, the construction of which is slated by next month. “The agreement will not only solve our fuel needs but at the same time generate some income for us,” he said. Under the agreement, Pingoy said the Petron refueling station will mainly serve the provincial government and other government agencies in the area. He said the other government agencies may avail of the refueling station’s services through a formal request to the local government. Pingoy said the provincial government will provide the site while Petron will shoulder all the costs for the construction of the refueling station, which will be established in Barangay Morales in Koronadal City. Through the refueling station, he said the fluctuation of fuel prices will no longer be a problem for the local government since Petron will be selling its products at the dealer’s price. He said the provincial government stands to earn a profit of P2 per every liter of fuel that would be dispensed by the refueling station. “Based on our estimates, we’ll be earning around P2.4 million annually,” the governor added. (PNA) LAP/AVE/HST

South Cotabato extends food aid program for poor households

by (PNA)

RMA/LAP/AVE/KZT


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 19 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has extended the implementation this year of its food assistance program for poor households in the province.

Ma. Ana Uy, provincial nutrition officer, said Thursday they were set to launch anew the initiative later this month, focusing on 915 selected marginalized households within the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

“The governor (Arthur Pingoy Jr.) approved our request to continue with the project and we hope that this year we could include more beneficiaries,” she said.

The initiative, which is a component of the local government’s hunger alleviation program, involves the rehabilitation of severely underweight pre-school children in the province through the provision of food packages for at least a month.

The food packages comprise five kilos of rice, half a kilo of mongo, half a kilo of whole milk, half a kilo of brown sugar, ferrous sulfate and other multivitamins.

“We’re hoping to meet again our target this year in terms of the lowering our malnutrition prevalence rate, especially in the remote areas,” Uy said.

The local government earlier launched the program to help effectively address the province’s malnutrition problem among pre-school children.

Aside from providing food packs, the program requires beneficiaries to establish backyard vegetable gardens, attend community nutrition and health classes and maintain proper sanitation in their homes.

Uy said their office is currently documenting the program’s best practices, which they would later showcase among other local government units in the area for their replication

DA urges farmer groups to avail of seeds, seedling assistance

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- Officials of the Department of Agriculture in Soccsksargen Region (DA-12) are encouraging farmer groups to take advantage of the assistance the department’s is offering under its high value crops development program. Non-government organizations, local government units, cooperatives, civic organizations, and other such groups may also submit project proposals, Danilo Centillas, DA-12’s high value crops coordinator, said. Centillas told reporters Region 12 has P48 million funds for interventions that include, planting materials, farm tools, farm equipment, and machineries. “They only need to submit project proposals,” he said. Interested groups may get project proposal forms from the nearest local agriculture office or from the regional office in Koronadal City. Based on a report paper that Centillas distributed during a recent press conference, DA-12 aims to distribute 100,000 seedlings of coffee, 100,000 seedlings of rubber, and 50,000 seedlings of cacao. They have also allocated planting materials for 50,000 assorted fruit trees and 20,000 banana (saba). Seeds slated for distribution this year include 500 kg of lowland vegetable (eggplant, squash, ampalaya and other “pinakbet” vegetables), 65 kg of upland vegetables (cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, etc.), and 20,000 kg of soya beans. Although they have already scheduled this week a writing workshop to finalize submitted project proposals, Centillas said interested groups may still submit project proposals through their municipal agriculture office for endorsement by the municipal mayor to the provincial agriculturist. He said, they have received only 59 project proposal from the entire Region 12, “most of these from North Cotabato.” “We have only received only 11 proposals from South Cotabato,” he added. With the expected shutdown of the Ala River Irrigation System which is due for rehabilitation in May this year, affected farmer groups , including irrigators’ associations, are urged to avail of DA’s assistance. A total of 12,000 hectares covering four municipalities (Surallah, Sto. Niño, Banga and Norala) in South Cotabato and two municipalities (Bagumbayan and Isulan) in Sultan Kudarat province may be deprived of water supply for one cropping; about 8,850 farm families may have to shift to other alternative crops while the two dams of Ala RIS are closed. Besides planting materials, part of the fund is allocated for 35 power sprayers, 200 knapsack sprayers, 1 tractor, 10 small farm equipment, 20 draft animals, and 20 small farm implements. They also planned for the establishment of 30 rain shelters, 5 screen houses, 8 nurseries and 1 seed storage facilities. Regarding the preparation of the proposals, Centillas advised proponents to make their proposals simple. “But we are more concerned with the sustainability of their projects,” he said, such that benefits may be gained by their members beyond the first year of implementation. He added, it is important to have proposals endorsed by the local government unit so that officials are made aware that such projects may be implemented in their area or may be re-aligned to agree with local programs. (PIA-12)

Provincial LGU distributes vehicles for better health services, police visibility

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- In a bid to improve delivery of basic health services in remote barangays and increase police visibility along the national highway, the provincial government of North Cotabato recently distributed six vehicles and twelve refurbished motorcycles to several recipients. The vehicles, all multicabs, were given on January 9 to barangays in the second district of the province, primarily for use in transport of indigent patients to nearest rural health unit or hospitals. Among the recipients were of Barangay Kadingilan in Pigcawayan, Poblacion in Libungan and Simbuhay in Kabacan. These were received by their respective chairmen, namely: Kasamad Kamid, Cresencio Yu, and Abdullah Macaibel. “This is part of our one barangay, one project policy where each far-flung barangay in the province will be given one multicab to facilitate medical needs especially of the indigent patients,” Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza said. The other three vehicles were turned over to fisheries section of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Civil Security Unit of the province, and the Cotabato Task Force for use in line with their respective objectives and responsibilities. On the other hand, the motorcycles were handed over to the Provincial Police Office through P/SSupt Cornelio Salinas for the purpose of intensifying highway patrol operations and prevent street crimes in the entire province. During the turnover ceremony, Governor Taliño-Mendoza also disclosed that the Partylist Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has added P 15M to the provincial government’s existing budget of P10M for its multicab project. “The assistance from the TUCP will enable us to purchase 75 units of multicabs. This means 75 more barangays will be assured of a more accessible health service,” she said. On the same occasion, Taliño-Mendoza expressed her gratitude to the partners of the provincial government including the department heads and employees who helped ensure that funds of the provincial government will be used judiciously. “This project is the result of our efforts of spending public funds prudently, I hope that we will all have the same commitment in the coming years for this will mean more projects and programs for the people of Cotabato,” she said. (PIA 12/OZG/IDCD-PGO North Cotabato)





Major irrigation system in S. Cotabato to shut down in May; agri sector braces for production loss

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- Around 12,000 hectares of farmlands in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces are expected to lose water supply for at least four months with the shutdown of Ala River Irrigation System (RIS), the biggest irrigation system in the area, in May this year. Engr. Ramon Bugacia, irrigation management supervisor of National Irrigation Administration- South Cotabato, announced operations of the two dams of Ala RIS, namely: Dam 1 in Colonggolo, Surallah and Dam 2 in Bai Sirafinang, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat will be closed effective May 1 until September or October to give way to several rehabilitation projects intended to restore the efficiency of the irrigation system. “The program of work for Ala [RIS] is mainly focused on the main diversion, which requires total shutdown of the dams,” Bugacia said. A report from NIA-South Cotabato shows that P138,225,000 have been allocated for the rehabilitation works of the dam this year. Additional P8.6 million is allocated for rehabilitation projects in the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat portion of the irrigation system. Bugacia said, the P138-M is intended for protection work on the dams, repair of the mechanical systems that take care of the closing and opening of the water gates, rehabilitation of the main canals, construction of additional structures and check structures that would extend the coverage area of the irrigation system. P40 milion fund have been downloaded to the regional office of NIA, which should be released soon pending submission of a program of work by NIA-South Cotabato, Bugacia added. Bugacia appealed to the affected farmers -- around 8,850 farm families -- “to make the necessary sacrifice for few months” while the dams are undergoing repairs. “In the long run, we will all benefit if the efficiency level of the dams is restored to its original capacity,” he said. South Cotabato Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste said, areas in south Cotabato that will be affected by the closure include upper valley towns of Surallah, Sto. Niño, Banga, and Norala involving an estimated 9,000 hectares. About 2,000 hectares of these could still be cultivated for rice production using other water sources. Loss in rice production in South Cotabato is estimated at around 23,000 metric tons, equal to about three months of consumption of the entire province, he said. In Sultan Kudarat province, areas that will experience loss of water supply are the towns of Bagumbayan and Isulan. As per directive by Department of Agriculture-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, provincial agricultural offices are now preparing interventions to help farm families who will be affected. Legaste said, they have proposed three measures to mitigate expected production loss, namely: introduction of upland crops as alternate to rice; seed subsidy by the provincial government for about 2,000 hectares and another seed subsidy for 2,000 hectares by DA-12; and 90-day buffer stocking by the National Food Authority. Alternative crops that farmers may grown in lieu of rice, Legaste explained, include corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, and vegetables of okra, squash, upo, patola, and ampalaya. “We will meet with hybrid corn companies and link them with IAs (irrigators associations) for possible opportunities and other programs the companies could offer to the farmers,” he said. “DA (12) is also willing to give assistance for white corn production. We will allocate 1,000 hectares of white corn,” he added. OPAG assured they will arrange market for white corn with Cebu, with whom South Cotabato has recently signed sisterhood agreement. Engr. Bugacia added, some of the affected farmers could also be hired as laborers during the project implementation. Rehabilitative works in Ala RIS will continue until 2013, he added, but projects next year would not require shutdown of the dams. (PIA 12)

NIA allots P472.3M for S. Cotabato, Gensan irrigation projects in 2012

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- A staggering P472,347,000 worth of irrigation projects are scheduled for implementation in South Cotabato and General Santos City this year, the provincial office of National Irrigation Administration announced yesterday. Engr. Ramon Bugacia, irrigation management supervisor of NIA-South Cotabato said, this is so far the largest allocation they have received for irrigation development. "In the previous years we only received allocations of P30 million to P40 million," Bugacia noted. The largest portion, amounting to P138,225,000, is intended for massive repair and rehabilitation of the Ala River Irrigation System, which is scheduled to begin in May. Implementation of the project would mean shutdown of the entire operation of the Ala RIS and consequent loss of water supply for an estimated 11,000 hectares of farmlands in South Cotabato and neighboring province of Sultan Kudarat, Bugacia said. Ala RIS may be out of operation until October, he added. Department of Agriculture-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan has ordered provincial agriculture offices, NIA, and National Food Authority to plan out interventions to help affected farmers. Interventions being considered include temporary shift to alternate crops such as corn and vegetables as well as increasing NFA’s buffer stock to 90 days, instead of the regular 30 days. Besides Ala RIS, 23 other projects including repair and rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems, extension projects, and small irrigation projects are set for implementation in South Cotabato this year. These include P27.18 million for extension of Banga RIS and Marbel#1 RIS and P11.68 million rehabilitation works for Banga RIS and Marbel #1 and Marbel #2 RISs. Nine projects are also slated to be carried out this year in General Santos City area, Bugacia said. Biggest among these is the lined item for Buayan-Tinagakan RIS amounting to P85.8 million. Four expansion projects amounting to P16.98 million and another four repair projects amounting to P8.04 million will also be implemented in the area. Bugacia said, these irrigation development projects are in accordance with the national governments' thrust toward rice self-sufficiency to "limit or discourage rice importation." "Recently an initial P40 million fund have been downloaded to NIA regional office," he said, adding that these will be release after the necessary program of work have been submitted.(PIA 12)

Anti Trafficking Task Force extends help for reintegration of trafficked persons

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 13 (PIA) – The Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking (RIACAT) in Region 12 extended a total of P298,000 assistance to trafficked in persons (TIPs) in 2011 through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 12. DSWD 12 Social Technology Unit head Amina Dataya said aside from the psychosocial services extended to all the 109 TIP victims-survivors, P200,000 out of the P298,000 aid was given to 20 recipients for livelihood/employment assistance; P90,000 to 12 recipients for skills training assistance and P24,000 or P8,000 financial aid to each of the three victims. In addition to the RIACAT’s efforts, Dataya continued, the local government units have their own anti-human trafficking initiatives like Tacurong City which rescued eight TIPs and General Santos City which saved 30 TIPs. Dataya said RIACAT conducted various activities to strengthen its anti-human trafficking drive such as advocacy campaigns, training on psychosocial recovery, case managements, adopting the national referral system for the recovery and reintegration of trafficked persons, management of information system, shelter for trafficked persons and the establishment of helpline. (OTSudaria/PIA12)





CCTVs installed in gold-rich town in fight vs illegal mining activities

by Bong S. Sarmiento


KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/11 January)—Surveillance cameras have been installed in the gold-rich town of T’boli in South Cotabato in an intensified crackdown against all forms of illegal activities that threaten the environment in the area, an official said on Wednesday. Siegfred Flaviano, Provincial Environment Management Office chief, said the provincial government is cracking the whip not just on illegal small-scale mining operations but also against illegitimate ball mill processing plants. “The stoppage order on ball mills operating without permits will be implemented by January 15,” he told MindaNews. Flaviano said the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at the only road leading outside the gold-rush villages of Kematu and Desawo to monitor vehicles transporting ores towards the ball mills, which are mostly concentrated in the poblacion area. It was installed on the heels of the recent disaster in Pantukan, Compostela Valley, where a landslide killed 36 people in a small-scale mining site years ago considered a high-risk area by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Two pairs of CCTVs, or four cameras in all that can take wide and close angle shots, were set up, he added. These will monitor the ores transported out from Kematu and Desawo especially during nighttime, Flaviano said, adding the footages will help them determine if these are legally or illegally sourced. In November, the provincial government shut down an estimated 300 gold tunnels for lack of permits. Aside from illegal small-scale tunnel operations, the destructive banlas or sluice mining activities are also prevalent in the area. Banlas mining employs 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. Flaviano said an estimated 200 illegal tunnel operators have been trying to seek a permit from the provincial government. The same number of ball mill operators has scrambled up at the PEMO office here since last week to get clearances for their operations, he added. Aside from ensuring that small-scale miners are complying with environmental requisites, the crackdown came in force to increase revenue collections from the mining industry players. Gov. Arthur Pingoy, Jr. earlier noted the poor collections from the small-scale mining industry players in T’boli town. For the ball mill operators alone, Pingoy said that if all of them are paying, the province could have earned P1.2 million from them last year. Taxes and fees imposed by the provincial government on such kind of business reach P6,000, the governor said, adding that in 2010, only about 15 ball mill operators have paid their dues. Pingoy said they are targeting to collect from P 5 to P10 million from the small-scale mining activities and ball mill operators this year. He noted this would be a big help to the provincial government’s coffers with the expected P20-million cut on the internal revenue allotment this year due to the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

Robredo asks LGUs’ help in implementing national programs, projects

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Interior and local government Secretary Jesse Robredo on Tuesday asked for support from local government units in the implementation of the national government programs and projects. Although he was not able to come as guest of honor during the culmination program of the 72nd Foundation Anniversary and 12th Hinugyaw Festival of Koronadal City, Robredo asked Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Affairs and Special Concerns Nariman Ambolodto to read his message to thousands of residents gathered at the South Cotabato Sports Complex for the affair. “We all hope for genuine peace and development…but the national government cannot do all these alone. As we always say, we need all the support from our counterpart in the grassroots,” he said in his message. He said provincial, municipal and even the smallest barangays, which described as “the real instruments of change” play major role in carrying out meaningful projects that benefit their respective communities. With this as guiding principal , he said, the department has made it a goal to strengthen the capabilities of local governments and “would like to give them more freedom and power” because LGUs “know and feel the needs of their constituents. “It is the local governments that know what programs and projects would benefit their communities,” he continued. Sec. Robredo also called on LGUs to adhere to the department’s full disclosure policy because along enormous powers provided to them comes transparency and accountability, which he said is the reason they have directed all government units to post all budget, procurements, bidding processes, and other information that the public would like to access. He reminded local officials that local governments that comply with the full disclosure policy are rewarded with Seal of Good Housekeeping which is a basis for providing the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) that LGUs can use in roll out local programs and projects. LGUs may also use the PCF for the preparations against disasters and calamities such as earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and others. “PCF radically changes the decade-old practice that LGUs that manifest gaps in the delivery of basic services should be given priority assistance,” he said. Recently, Koronadal LGU received P25 million PCF, which Mayor Peter B. Miguel said will be allocated for the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads. Robredo also urged local governments to create inter-LGU partnership “where rich LGUs may extend helping hands to poor LGUs.” “At the same time, neighboring LGUs can also support one another to address common problems.” He also asked them to encourage participation of the private sector and civic society organizations in local governance not only to review where government funds are allocated but also to increase legitimacy of the local government through dialogs and consensus building. “May you continue to support our government and strengthen our unity and teamwork as we journey in the matuwid na daan that will bring us to progress and stable Philippines,” he concluded. (PIA-12)

Piyesta Korona, fireworks display to cap Koronadal's 72nd anniversary

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan 10 (PIA) -- Crowns will flood the streets of Koronadal City later today as street dancers from all over South Cotabato and nearby provinces display their interpretation of Piyesta Korona. Piyesta Korona -- a mix of streetdancing and mardi gras -- along with disco sa kalye and fireworks display, culminates the five-day celebration of this city's 72nd anniversary and 12th Hinugyaw Festival. Mayor Peter B. Miguel said, Piyesta Korona or Festival of Crowns is a move towards giving the city's festival an identity of its own. The culmination day opened at 6:30 in the morning with a civic parade around major city streets and a drumline competition inside the South Cotabato Sports Complex where the foundation program will also be held at around 9:00 a.m. Mayor Miguel said, they invited Interior and Local Government Secretary Jessie Robredo as anniversary speaker but major security concerns in Metro Manila has prevented him to come. In his stead, Assistant Secretary Nariman Ambolodto will address Koronadal City' residents. Piyesta Korona will start at 5:00 in the afternoon at Gensan Drive. As the name implies, all presentation storylines will center on crowns. Meanwhile, the entire stretch of Alunan Avenue will also be closed to traffic for the disco sa kalye highlighted with a foam party. Activities will end with a fireworks display at 10 a.m. Meanwhile, police authorities have assured that security measures have been laid out for today's activities. South Cotabato Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin said Koronadal City's police force have been augmented with more than 80 police personnel from municipal police stations. Checkpoints in and out of the city have been tightened and police visibility in activity and public convergence areas have also been increased, Delfin said. This year's Hinugyaw Festival started on Friday with a tribute to the city's first settlers. Homage included wreath-laying at the Martyrs' Shrine inside Koronadal Central Elementary School 1 and theatrical presentation Handurawan, which recounted the settlers' story, including their struggles against Japanese invaders. Municipal Council Resolution No. 32 series if 1948 proclaimed January 10 of each year as the municipal town fiesta on commemoration of the foundation of the Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement. (PIA 12)





Hinugyaw Festival opens with tribute to first settlers

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan 7 (PIA) -- Koronadal City’s Hinugyaw Festival 2012 opened with a homage to the first settlers who came to the city before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. At 9:00 in the morning, Friday, activities for the five-day festivities took off with a wreath laying at the martyrs’ shrine inside Koronadal Central Elementary School 1. Seventeen martyrs – residents massacred by Japanese soldiers for allegedly hiding Filipino guerrillas – were buried in the site. The opening day was capped with a theatrical presentation Handurawan by the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe inside South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center. Handurawan recounted the arrival of the first Christian settlers, their struggles against the Japanese invaders, and their heroism. “The work that these heroes have done gave us the reason to celebrate what we have achieved at present,” Mayor Peter B. Miguel said. The show had already been shown but only to select audiences. “This has to be seen by students, the youth and the general public,” he said, “dahil sabi nga, ang mga taong hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggagalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” The show should give the audience “a deeper understanding of our heritage, a deeper meaning of what we are and where we’re heading to,” he added. On January 10, 2012, Koronadal City turns 72. It was created by virtue of Municipal Council Resolution No. 32 series of 1948. Other important activities lined-up for the five-day celebration include: sports competitions (motocross, practical shooting, mountain biking, and golf), Search for Lakambini ng Koronadal, farmers’ festival, foam party and disco sa kalye, and drumline competition. This year, the city LGU reinvents its traditional streetdancing competition with Piyesta Korona (Festival of Crowns), which Mayor Miguel described as a mix between traditional streetdancing and mardi gras that feature different designs of crowns. As in the previous years, the festival will end with a grand fireworks display at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday. (PIA-12)





PDRRMO removes obstruction in river near Lake Maughan

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan 6 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has began operations to remove an obstruction that has caused damming of a river near the outlet of Lake Maughan in Mt. Parker, T’boli town. John Lorca, a staff of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said at least 15 persons including technical experts from Department of Public Works and Highways, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Provincial Environment Management Office, and the local government unit of T’boli cleared away yesterday at least 10 feet of stone debris that have blocked part of Luhan River, about six kilometers from the lake’s outlet. Lorca said the damming started on December 26 following a landslide in the area. The resulting artificial dam “has an area of 15 by 25 feet and depth of 15 feet.” Lorca added some cliffs in the area have some cracks that could collapse and aggravate the situation if the obstruction is not immediately removed. On December 29, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. called an emergency meeting of the PDRRMC to discuss solutions to the problem and prevent its escalation which could mean disaster to areas downstream. The council ordered immediate removal of the obstruction. Since the area cannot be accessed by machineries, the stone debris that have formed the embankment are being removed manually. Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator and PDRRMO head Isidro Janita assured the situation in Lake Maughan “is not alarming, ” but added that flashflood could still occur during continuous and heavy rains and if it’s outlet is blocked. Since the weather has become very unpredictable, Janita added, they have hired four persons whose jobs is to regularly monitor the conditions of the lake. Lately, these workers removed a mass of floating vegetation to prevent it from blocking Maughan’s outlet. Lake Maughan empties into Luhan River, which is a tributary of Allah River. In September, 1995 a wall of Lake Maughan collapsed, resulting in flashfloods that killed about 100 people and damaged millions worth of crops and properties. (PIA 12)

Army to deliver 531 MT of WFP-donated goods to Iligan City

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) –- At least 13 military trucks from the 6th Infantry Division based in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao will be dispatched anytime today to deliver 531 metric tons of rice to victims of tropical storm Sendong in Iligan City. Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesperson of 6ID, said the rice along with repacked oils are from the World Food Programme and will be picked up by the army’s Operation Tulong Sendong (OTS) at the WFP storage facility in Polloc Free Port. He said, the delivery comprises the fourth batch of goods that they brought to Northern Mindanao in coordination with other partners, including foreign donors. On Tuesday, OTS also delivered five truckload of relief goods to Cagayan de Oro. Three of the military trucks were loaded with more than 4,000 shovels donated by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Asto said, 6ID Commander BGen. Rey Ardo has directed his men to fully support all efforts that would make the lives of the victims of the recent calamity comfortable. He also ordered mobility of assets, including those coming from the foreign non-government organizations and other foreign donors, intended for the evacuees. He said, the 6ID Kampilan troopers are committed in this endeavor and in assisting the typhoon victims as a primordial duty of the soldiers as embodied in their obligation as protector of the people. (PIA 12)

Army sends five truckloads of relief goods to Sendong

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) –- Some five truckloads of relief items were transported early this morning from Camp Siongco in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat Maguindanao to the victims of tropical storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesperson of 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said three military trucks were loaded with non-food items, including more than 4,000 shovels donated by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) while two trucks were loaded with assorted relief goods and food items gathered by the 6ID’s Operation Tulong Sendong (OTS) from several donors in their area of responsibility. Asto said, the convoy led by Cpt. Maniago Macalintangui of the Civil Military Operations Unit, left Camp Siongco around 3:30 this morning (January 3). BGen. Rey Ardo, commanding general of the 6ID, has earlier ordered continuous help for the victims of the worst calamity in Mindanao by ordering the mobility of assets and a round-the-clock participation of the military unit in the relief operations. The relief goods is the third batch of assistance from the 6ID. This will be endorsed to the Civil Military Operations Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City for distribution to the evacuees in both cities. 6ID is still accepting donations for the victims of typhoon Sendong. Those who would want to give their share in helping the victims of Sendong may drop “anything that may be useful to the typhoon victims” at the relief dropping center in Camp Siongco. (PIA 12)

RTWPB-12 sets public consultation on wages

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- Despite the absence of a petition for a review of wage rates, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-12) will again hold a public consultation on the possibility of a wage adjustment this year. These public consultations will also discuss the new two-tiered wage system being pushed by the Department of Labor and Employment. DOLE 12 Regional Director Atty. Ma. Gloria Tango said, in the department's last meeting in third week of December, has tentatively scheduled the public discussion on January 25 and 26 in General Santos City and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato. Invited to the consultation are representatives of the employees and management groups, as well as other sectors that have stakes on the issue. RTWPB 12 has already received the latest economic data from the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics of the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Energy, Tango said. Tango said the board needs to consult with the stakeholders on the necessity of revising the existing wage order. "After the public consultations the board will meet to determine whether a wage hike is already necessary," she said. RTWPB-12 Secretary Jessie dela Cruz said the scheduled public consultation is subject to the availability of resource persons from the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) they invited to present the two-tiered wage system being pushed by DOLE. The two-tiered wage system consists of a mandatory regional wage floor and a productivity or performance-based wage scheme. The wage floor shall be the lowest wage in the region; this should be required of all employers in the private sector. The second part of the scheme, a pay scheme given to workers based on productivity, shall be implemented on voluntary basis. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz believes this new scheme will encourage workers to be more productive. Wage Order XII No. 16 that set the present wage rate in Soccsksargen, which includes the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Kidapawan City and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos, became effective on October 31, 2010. It provided for a P15 - increase in the cost of living allowance (COLA) of employees in the private sector; the COLA was granted in two tranches: P10 on the date the order became effective and additional P5 starting April 1, 2011. Daily wage in the region stands at P260 for non-agriculture workers, P240 for plantation workers, P235 for non-plantation agriculture workers, P240 for retail/service establishments employing not more than 10 workers, and P234 for retail/service establishments employing less than 10 people. Wage Order XII No. 16's prescriptive period expired last October 31, but dela Cruz said, they have not yet received any petition requesting for its review. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

SP authorizes gov to sign MOA with mining firm

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 30 (PIA) -- South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. could formalize agreement with a mining firm regarding the latter's donation to the provincial government's hospital project. This week, the provincial board granted Pingoy authority to enter into an agreement with the Daguma Agro Minerals, Inc. (DAMI). DAMI, a mining firm owned by San Miguel Corporation, has agreed to donate P25 million for the construction of the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH) in Surallah town. "Governor Pingoy can already sign a memorandum of agreement with officials of DAMI in January," board member Dr. Ervin Luntao said. The donation shall form part of the P53-million initial funding for the construction of the community hospital. The other P28 million will come from the Department of Health (DOH) through the agency's Health Facilities Enhancement Program. Surallah local government unit has already purchased the lot where the hospital will be built. According to the technical working group tasked to lay down the project plan, the hospital could cost P145 million to complete. Pingoy said construction of the health facility will be done in phases as funds become available but added that the hospital could be partially opened late 2012 or early 2013. The provincial government sees the UVCH as a remedy to the persistent congestion problem in the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) in Koronadal City, considering that about 30 percent are from the Upper Valley towns of Surallah, Sto. Nino, Banga, Lake Sebu, and T'boli. At times, SCPH caters to more than 280 patients when it was only approved for a 220-bed capacity. Meanwhile, vice governor Elmo Tolosa assured DAMI which plans to mine coal in Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu town will not be favored for its contributions to the provincial LGU's projects especially regarding issues of environmental protection. These donations, he said, are in line with the firm's social responsibility and will not have any bearing on the provincial government's decisions to protect the environment, including the implementation of the South Cotabato Environment Code. "We provided for a whereas clause that our acceptance of the donation will have nothing to do with the future decisions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with regards to issues on the environment," Tolosa said. (PIA 12)

PRO 12 tapes service firearms of police personnel

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 29(PIA) -- Service firearms of police personnel in Soccsksargen Region have been taped in preparation for the New Year celebration. The simultaneous ceremonial muzzle taping of the service firearms of policemen in all police provincial, city and municipal offices on Tuesday was spearheaded by the officers and personnel of the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12) at its headquarters in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City. PRO 12 spokesperson Police Superintendent Resty Damaso, said “the activity was primarily designed in accordance to Letter of Instruction 42 s 2011, which pertains to the implementation of proactive measures against indiscriminate firing of guns during the yuletide season to further prevent injuries and deaths brought by illegal and indiscriminate firing of guns.” During the ceremonial muzzle taping, Police Chief Superintendent Lester Camba, deputy regional director for administration said, “guns are made to protect the oppressed and not to cause violence and mischief.” Camba explained, the order from higher headquarters to seal service firearms is a measure to prevent men in uniform from firing their guns especially during the New Year celebration. “In the past, there have been several accidents involving stray bullets. To prevent these accidents from happening, higher PNP officials have decided to seal the firearms of all police personnel,” he said. Even with sealed firearms, police personnel should continue with their duties in securing public places with heightened police visibility. “Always be vigilant and alert especially this coming New Year,” he reminded them. “I hope you continue with securing peace and order of the entire region. The activity, according to PSupt. Damaso, was also an opportunity to account police personnel and properly turn over the security of the PRO-12 camp to the incoming duty guards while some personnel are spending time with their loved ones and families welcoming the New Year. In South Cotabato Police Senior Superintendent Randolf Delfin led the muzzle taping ceremonies at the provincial command office. He reminded his troops not to break the order. Her said those proven to have violated the order may be punished, which could include dismissal from service. Delfin, however, clarified that police officers could still break their service firearm’s seal during emergency and to response to an impending crime. (RPIO-PRO-12/PIA 12)

Army denies violating SOMO

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army has not violated its declaration of the suspension of military operation (SOMO) against the New Peoples Army, an army official said. “Let me clear that out. We have not conducted any offensive operation against the NPA,” Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, based in Tupi, South Cotabato said in a telephone interview this morning. He pointed out that they are only on the defensive mode. Bravo’s statement came after Ka Efren, spokesperson of NPA-Central Mindanao as reported by local radio station in North Cotabato criticized the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ceasefire declaration by continuing its Oplan Bayanihan specifically around mining giant Sagittarius Mines Incorporated’s (SMI) copper-gold project in Tampakan town. He explained, “The declaration of the suspension of military operations (SOMO) with the NPA does not mean that we also have to stop our responsibility of securing the peace and order in our area of responsibility.” What is suspended is only active offensive operation against NPA rebels, he explained further. There is also no reason for them to stop with their peace and development activities in communities in need of their assistance while the SOMO is in effect, he added. Bravo, however, clarified that their troops have maintained patrols in the tri-boundary of the municipalities of Tampakan in South Cotabato, Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat following “persistent and consistent” reports that the NPA is consolidating troops in the area. At least 40 persons have been monitored in the tri-boundary in the recent weeks, which he said is unusual because in the past they could only monitor less than 10 troops there. “Columbio Mayor Amirh Musali sent me a letter requesting for us to patrol the area because he is worried that this gathering of NPA troops could result in atrocities in their communities,” he said. Bravo added, they have also received text messages claiming that from December 24 until January 1, NPA troops could harass army detachment in retaliation of the death of a member of bandit Daguil Capion’s group. Capion has allegedly allied with the NPA after he was declared wanted for murder. This, he said, is another reason why they have to beef up their defensive security preparations . (PIA 12)

South Cotabato to build Upper Valley Community Hospital

by PIA Press Release


Koronadal City, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- The local government unit of South Cotabato will construct a community hospital at Surallah, South Cotabato in the first quarter of 2012. The Upper Valley Community Hospital will help decongest the provincial hospital in Koronadal City from the numerous patients that flock the hospital facility. Dr.Salvecio Dagang, chief of the technical division of the South Cotabato provincial health office said the Department of Health through the Field Health Enhancement Program has provided P27.8 million assistance for the hospital construction. He said that private corporations led by the San Miguel Corporation will be contributing P25 million as budgetary support to the project. On the part of the local government unit of Surallah, South Cotabato, it purchased the P5 million site of the Upper Valley Community Hospital, Dr. Dagang added. When completed, the 100-hospital bed facility, according to the PHO official, will cost P80 million. (OTSudaria/PIA)

Irrigators agree to co-manage irrigation facilities

by Evelyn Bragasin and Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Irrigators in North Cotabato recently had an agreement with the the National Irrigation Administration -12 (NIA-12) for the operation and management of facilities of Libungan River Irrigation System in their area. Just recently, Saltum Irrigator’s Association Inc. (SALTUMIA Inc.) and LIBRIS Division 5 CHRISLAM Irrigators Association, Inc. signed a contract with NIA-12 Libungan River Irrigation System in line with the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) program. Under the IMT contract, both irrigators’ associations agreed to operate and manage the irrigation facilities, including the lateral canals in covered by the association. They shall also take other duties, including water distribution and delivery and bills preparation and collection of irrigation service fee. The contract was signed by Jerry Labrador as president the irrigator’s group SALTUMIA Inc., and Danilo Tacan president of the LIBRIS Division 5 CHRISLAM IA and Engr. C'zar M. Sulaik, division manager of Cotabato Provincial Irrigation Office for NIA. Engr. Edna C. Bantala, irrigation superintendent of Libungan River Irrigation System, said the contract signing is another milestone in the history of the office. The government is now putting more emphasis on the role of irrigators associations, making them the centerpiece of development initiatives. Bantala encouraged other irrigator groups who have not decided to enter into contract to make the move so that they could also avail of the services and benefits being enjoyed by the IAs which have already existing IMT contracts with the NIA. On the part of the irrigators, Labrador thanked the NIA administration for the effort the agency has been extending to the IAs particularly in irrigation-related activities. He also enjoined his co-IA officers to continue supporting the programs of the NIA especially the IMT program for the benefit of the farmer-irrigation users. NIA Region 12 Regional Manager Modesto Anderson M. Tolentino, Jr. said the IMT program is aimed at empowering irrigators’ associations by allowing them to accept the responsibility of managing the irrigation facilities covered by their association. Through this program, the IAs would feel a sense of ownership so they will take good care of the facilities and to strive to attain their goals as embodied in their contracts, Tolentino said. He also advised the IA officers present to be transparent to the members and to lay out to their members all transactions and activities they should decide on. He added, IAs are now being recognized by the Department of Agriculture thus they should not betray the trust given by the agency to them. He also encouraged the current IA officers to be lookout for potential leaders and train them so they will also have the chance to hold the reins of their IAs. Earlier this year, LIBRIS Division 6 IA and Settlers IA of Midsayap (SIAM) entered into contract under the IMT Model 2. With the contract, SALTUMIA Inc. is bound to operate and manage facilities in 139.30 hectares covering Barangays Salunayan and Tumbras in Midsayap town in North Cotabato. It involves 96 farmer-irrigators, of whom 73 are members of SALTUMIA. On the other hand, LIBRIS Div 5 need to manage 817.075 hectares in Barangays Central Katingawan, Lagumbingan, San Isidro, Patindeguen and parts of Bagumba, all in Midsayap. The area serves at least 796 farmers, 766 of which are members of the irrigators’ association. Libungan River Irrigation System which has an Ogee-type dam in Barangay Barongis, Libungan Cotabato has a potential coverage area of 12,000 hectares. At present, it serves a firmed up area of 5,983.20 hectares in Midsayap, 1,453.34 hectares in Libungan, 1,098.05 hectares in Pigcawayan in North Cotabato and 721.35 hectares in Northern Kabuntalan in Maguindanao province. It was opened on September 15, 1962 by President Carlos P. Garcia. (NIA-12/PIA-12)

IEDs found in South Cotabato

by abs-cbnNEWS.com


MANILA, Philippines – The military recovered two improvised explosive devices (IED) in South Cotabato Sunday noon.

The IEDs were found by members of the Joint Task Force Kutawato and South Cotabato police along a national highway in Barangay Magon, Tantangan town at around 12 noon.

The explosives were made from the ammunition of a 105-millimeter howitzer and an 81-millimeter projectile. The IEDs are now under the custody of the task force.

An investigation is ongoing to determine who planted the explosives and their motives behind it. – report from Chat Ansagay, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN

News Feature: Celebrating Christmas the LGU way

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- This is a given: Filipinos celebrate Christmas longer than any nation in the entire world. Christmas carols, greeting of “Merry Christmas” –- even giving hints on what sort of gift we want to receive from our friends and loved ones -- start on the first day of September and lasts until past January 6. In roughly a decade, another trend has increasingly become popular: local government units spearheading Christmas festivities for their constituents. Soccsksargen Region is never one to be left out. The following are some of the most notable LGU Christmas celebrations this year. Magpet, North Cotabato: Christmas for the Environment This municipality, which sits within the slopes of the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest mountain, celebrates the yuletide season with utmost concern for the environment. Taking off as “Pasko sa Basura” four years ago, the celebration is now called 3K party: “Kinaiyahan Kasadya sa Kapaskuhan.” All decorations in the town’s plaza are made mostly of indigenous and recyclable materials. All other activities in the event, albeit just a day, are focused on underlining the importance of the protection of Mother Earth. In his message during the 3K party on December 16, Mayor Efren Piñol, challenged his constituents: “Let us unite to save our environment before it is too late.” For the first time in four years, Magpet constituents released about 200 paper lanterns that turned the town’s skyline into a simpler version of a sky lantern scene in Disney movie, Tangled. Tupi, South Cotabato: Ablaze in a Million Lights “It looks like the entire town hall is covered in a giant blanket of lights,” says Boyet Reyes, a resident of Kidapawan City who dropped by the town plaza on his way to General Santos City. “I am already late for an appointment, I couldn’t help but park my car and take pictures,” he said. Every pine tree within the town plaza is also filled with lights in red, orange green, blue and many other colors. The town plaza is perfect for friends to hang out until the wee hours or individuals who simply want to sit on one of the benches or the park’s lawn and listen to the Christmas song playing from the LGU’s sound system. Tupi’s “Paskuhan ng Bayan” kicked off on December 17 with a torch parade participated by hundreds of residents. Highlights of the festivities include nightly band competition, singing competition, gift-giving for children, amateur boxing competition, among others. Activities culminate on December 23. South Cotabato Provincial Government: December Fest Of all the LGU-based Christmas celebrations in the entire Soccsksargen Region, only South Cotabato has successfully mixed merriments, private-public partnership, and delivery of social services in one package. From December 9 until December 23, the province’s Productivity and Technology (Protech) Center becomes a venue of nightly live bands, singing contests, and shows from 6:00 pm until midnight. Each day, a partner of the provincial government -- to name a few: Sagittarius Mines, Inc., private and public schools, DepEd, Socoteco -- sponsors presentation that showcase the province’s unique pool of talents in dancing, singing, stage play, etc. Unlike most Christmas celebrations, South Cotabato makes sure that amidst the jubilations of the 15-day celebration, residents gain more than festivities. The provincial government has partnered with DOLE for a jobs fair. This year, a total of 23 local and foreign employers offered hundreds of jobs. The LGU and the DOST also conducted livelihood trainings and business seminars purposely to develop local entrepreneurs. The provincial government also sets a night wholly devoted to children. One December 22, hundreds of children came to the provincial capitol grounds for a night of party, food, gift-giving, and games. For the activity, the provincial government has partnered with the three malls in Koronadal City, a giant food chain (which provided party mascots), and other private partners. Yearly, the capitol compound turns into a Christmas village of lights and sounds perfect for picture-taking and get-together. Last year, a giant Santa Claus straddled the main building’s canopy; this year, a nativity scene, complete with life-size camels and sheep, takes center stage. General Santos City: Honoring its Champion’s Yearly, the city government of General Santos City in partnership with the barangay councils, transforms the city’s oval plaza into a “Paskuhan Village,” a showcase of culture, tourism and economic richness of the twenty-six barangays of the Tuna Capital. A tour in the Paskuhan Village is like a quick visit to the major attractions of the city’s 26 barangays. Barangay Fatima’s booth has a replica of the international airport. That of the Barangay Ligaya, known for it’s poultry industry has a “Santa Nok” (a santa chicken) with a giant egg. Booths of coastal barangays like Bawing, Bula, Buayan, and Calumpang adorned their respective booths with a real “bangka” and fishnets. A giant shrimp made of luminous plastic in Bula, and the dried fish and squid for sale in Calumpang indicated the abundance of the sea in these barangays with fishing as the main source of income. This year, Gensan’s Christmas celebration, tagged “Kampeon ang Pasko sa Gensan” pays tribute the personalities who have made a name for themselves and the city. World boxing champion hails from Barangay Labangal while Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup comes from Barangay Katangawan. Other personalities that have achieved stardom include actor Gerard Anderson, actress-comedienne Melai Cantiveros, boxer Nonito Donaire, and dance group XB-Gensan. Wherever one may visit in the four provinces and five cities of Soccsksargen Region, the barangays plazas are adorned with lights and decorations that remind us that the last quarter of each year, is a Merry Christmas. (PIA-12)

South Cotabato cracks down on illegal mining

by John Unson


COTABATO CITY, Philippines – South Cotabato Gov. Arturo Pingoy Jr. yesterday ordered a crackdown on illegal mining in his province to prevent the adverse effects of cutting of trees in areas where miners dig for gold.

In an executive order, Pingoy also warned that local officials found conniving with illegal miners would be prosecuted.

Pingoy said the excessive tunneling of miners in the towns of T’boli and Tampakan and in the hinterlands at the boundary of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat can cause landslides that can endanger the lives of villagers at the foot of mountains.

Pingoy also called on the police and the military to help enforce the provincial government’s anti-illegal mining thrust in gold-rush towns.

South Cotabato sending coffins to Iligan, CDO; WFP joins relief ops

by (PNA)

LDV/AVE/RSS


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 20 (PNA) – Aside from rice packs, the provincial government of South Cotabato committed Tuesday to send coffins to the typhoon-battered cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said the coffins will be delivered to the area this week along with the P1.5 million worth of relief assistance allotted by the local government for the victims of typhoon “Sendong.”

He said the province has about 10 to 15 pieces of coffins in stock and they may send more units in the coming days.

Pingoy said the assistance from the province would be brought to the two Northern Mindanao cities together with those coming from nearby Sarangani province.

Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez said they will be sending P500,000 worth of rice to the victims of the floods in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

He also appealed to those who want to help donate blankets, used clothes, toothbrushes and others to drop them at the provincial capitol gymnasium in Alabel town until Wednesday noon.

Dominguez said courier company Fast Cargo has volunteered to transport the donations for free.

In a related development, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has heeded the request of the Philippine government for immediate food, non-food items and logistics support in the ongoing relief efforts to Sendong’s victims.

In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Air Force, WFP immediately dispatched three tons of high-energy biscuits to the affected areas to assist 7,800 of the most vulnerable people who cannot easily cook food, WFP said in a statement.

In addition, WFP has already mobilized and delivered key items needed for the relief operation, including water tanks and a mobile storage tent.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and displacement as a result of the storm and flash floods,” said Stephen Anderson, WFP country director.

The government has specifically requested WFP emergency food and non-food items –such as blankets, water tanks, tarpaulins and tents– for over 74,000 people in the areas of Cagayan de Oro City, El Salvador City and Kinoguitan of Misamis Oriental, and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, as well as logistics support to help transport government relief items to affected communities in Northern Mindanao.

24 LGUs in ARMM to receive P1.5-M support fund

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, Dis. 19 (PIA) -- Some 24 local government units in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are set to receive additional P1.5 million support under the ARMM-Social Support Fund (ASFP). On Friday, the first 8 LGUs that will receive the additional funding were named. These are Upi and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao, Jolo and Indanan in Sulu, Bongao and Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi, Wao in Lanao del Sur, and Lamitan City in Basilan. Irene Fernandez, head of the Institutional Strengthening and Governance (ISG) component of the ASFP, added, a total of 24 LGUs in the region will be granted P1.5-M fund through its municipal block grant (MBG) scheme. She said the LGUs were selected based on their performance on local governance, implementation of ASFP-supported projects, and fiscal handling. The local governments of these recipient towns are required to provide a specified counterpart, bringing the total amount of the project that will be implemented to around P2-million, she said. ASFP Project Manager Nasser Sinarimbo said the MBG is ASFP’s way of “recognizing the support and performance of local government units (LGUs) especially in the implementation of ASFP-supported projects in their area.” He said the funding support is an incentive for local governments to undertake participatory and community-driven development projects. The MBG also scales up the impact of ASFP projects to the municipal level from individual communities, he said. ASFP has earmarked total of P36-million for the MBG out of the rolled-out P1.4 billion additional financing it secured from the World Bank. According to Sinarimbo, funds for the remaining 16 municipalities are scheduled for release next year. ASFP handles the largest and only foreign loan assisted project that is being directly supervised by the ARMM government. It has been cited by the World Bank for its satisfactory performance, giving way to the approval of an additional financing. The additional loan would allow ASFP to cater to 596 more communities across ARMM that were not previously covered by the project. Close to a thousand communities in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi have already benefitted from life-enhancing projects introduced by ASFP in its seven-year run. (BPI-ARMM/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

BFAR, DTI train coop members on seaweed processing

by Jane Christine Balayo & Omar Sabal


KORONADAL CITY, Dec 16 (PIA) -- Fifteen members of a cooperative in Sarangani were trained on processing and value addition of seaweeds into income-generating products recently. The two-day training, specifically intended for members of the Sarangani Seaweed Producers Cooperative, was implemented by the Post Harvest Section (PHS) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 12 in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry - Sarangani Province (DTI-SP) at the Municipal Hall of Alabel town, Sarangani Province. The training was focused on the production of pickles, noodles, and chips, among others from seaweeds. Jocelyn Romasanta, PHSs chief of the PHS, BFAR 12 technical staff and DTI counterparts said the training is to ensure that technologies were clearly and properly conveyed to the target recipients for them to develop and sustain means of livelihood other than fishing. She said the participants, majority of whom were women, were taught to maximize use of seaweeds which are commonly grown in the area. “This, in effect, is an opportunity to empower women who complement efforts with their fisherman-husbands,” Romasanta said. To ensure that beneficiaries sustain their operation, BFAR 12 also awarded them with one unit noodle-making equipment. The participants personally thanked BFAR 12 & DTI- SP for the support they had given to their group and for the knowledge they had gained in the lecture and training. According to them, it was indeed a great help for them to have an additional job and income. Seaweeds is one of the municipal’s main product line and this is the reason why the government took the initiative to develop more products out of this commodity. (BFAR 12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Authorities stop transport of 75 sacks of gold ore in So. Cotabato

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- Personnel of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) of South Cotabato have seized 75 sacks of gold ore illegally transported from mineral-rich Barangay Kematu in T’boli town on Tuesday. Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, acting provincial environment management officer said, the ore were sequestered at the PEMO checkpoint in Kematu around 6:00 p.m. on December 13 after those who transported the materials failed to present ore transport permit and delivery receipts. He said they have already identified the name of the suspected owner of the confiscated ore but refused to disclose the identity of the suspect pending investigation. “Aside from these we have also confiscated a total of 10 sacks of gold ore transported via motorcycles in the recent weeks,” Flaviano added. PEMO has intensified monitoring of illegal transport of ore from the mining areas in T’boli as some tunnels there were re-opened following issuance of permit by the provincial government. On October 27, the provincial government padlocked about 300 tunnels in the Minahan ng Bayan in T’boli after they failed to secure permits to operate from the provincial government. On November 15, at least 50 tunnels were allowed to operate again after they have complied with the requirements. Along with the re-opening of the mining tunnels, South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. has also ordered strict monitoring of the mining activities in the area. “We have installed two checkpoints, one at the Poblacion and another at the mining village’s exit point,” he said. “Gov. Pingoy has even promised to install CCTV camera in the area to further ensure that illegal transport of ore from the area is curtailed,” he added. Flaviano said, the 85 sacks of ore confiscated from T’boli, along with 92 sacks of gold ore recently confiscated from Tampakan town, are stored in PEMO’s stock room. “We are coordinating with the provincial legal officer and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the possibility of processing the confiscated ore and selling them in favor of the provincial government,” he said. He explained South Cotabato’s provincial board has yet to pass a resolution regarding disposition of seized ore. According to estimates, Flaviano said, the provincial government could earn around P3 million from the 92 sacks of gold ore from Tampakan if these are processed and sold. Flaviano added, since their issuance of permits to operate in November and implementation of stricter monitoring of the area, their office has been “flooded” with applications for permits to operate. The number of applications to run ball mills has also increased after Gov. Pingoy ordered dismantling of illegal gold ore processors in the area. Pingoy has given ball mill operators in mining areas until January 15 to secure permits from the provincial government, Flaviano said. (PIA 12)

Fishery aid

by www.mb.com.ph


KORONADAL CITY (PIA) – At least 27 fisherfolk in Lutayan town, Sultan Kudarat, have benefited from distribution of GET EXCEL tilapia by the Region-12 office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in cooperation with the Mindanao Freshwater Fishery Technology Center (MFFTC), The GET EXCEL (Genetically Enhanced Tilapias for Excellence) is a tilapia strain developed by the government to increase fish production, and provide solutions to the perennial problems of food security.

Lady solon files bill establishing Mt. Matutum as protected area

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, December 12 (PIA) -- The protection and conservation of Mt. Matutum watershed which is a vital water source in region XII will gain further momentum once a bill establishing Mt Matutum as protected area will be enacted into a law. South Cotabato second district representative Daisy Avance-Fuentes is pushing for the passage of House Bill Number 3832, an Act establishing Mt. Matutum as protected area under the category of protected landscape, providing for its management and for other purposes. The bill is co-authored by South Cotabato first district representative Pedro Acharon, Jr. and Sarangani lone district representative Emmanuel Pacquiao. Mt. Matutum was declared a protected landscape on March 25, 1995 through Presidential Proclamation No. 552 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. The purpose of the bill, it was pointed out, is to formally and finally declare Mt. Matutum as part of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). On its part, the SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Project Board passed Resolution Number 03, series of 2011 supporting the approval of House Bill 3832. Likewise, the Regional Development Council, region XII approved a resolution supporting the same bill during its 36th regular meeting in Alabel, Sarangani. (OTSUDARIA/PIA12)

South Cotabato school kids receive book gifts

by PIA Press Release


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA)--- Joy illuminates the faces of school children of a remote village in South Cotabato as Nestle handed them out assorted story books and textbooks to aid them in their learning in school. “Books are like lighthouses built in the vast sea of opportunities. These gifts are valuable contribution as we seek knowledge,” April Joy Calanza, Grade VI, quips in behalf of the school children during recent book turn-over at Teresita Elementary School in South Cotabato. The gifts were indeed timely for students as they face the challenges of going to school in this remote village. Nestle and partners saw the need to provide the assorted story books and textbooks “to support the school's remedial reading program.” Intended to be used in reading camps, the books donation will help students develop reading habits and enhance reading skills and comprehension. “These books will really help us in developing reading habits, widen our imaginations, learn and discover other cultures and people,” April Joy emphasized. Sheer excitement etched in kids’ faces as they begun scanning pages of the story books immediately after the simple turn-over ceremony. Josh, a Grade II student took the colored book with animal story. “Beautiful, you will really learn and enjoy reading,” he said in vernacular. Teresita Elementary School serves mostly farmers' children in South Cotabato. Most of them speak the “Ilonggo” vernacular. The Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) findings, according to school records revealed an increasing number of Grades 2 to 6 ending up as frustrated readers. It said “at least 49.4 percent of the students were considered non-readers and frustrated level readers.” The school’s remedial reading program has been implemented in the hope to reverse the current trend with the concerted efforts of teachers following up the learning activities of students at homes. (Danny Escabarte/PBSP & CT Apelacio/PIA General Santos City)

Authorities warn of fake peso bills

by Dani Doguiles and Rhoderick Beñez


KORONADAL CITY, Dec 10 (PIA) -- Authorities in North Cotabato warned the public of fake peso notes that syndicates have recently circulated in the area. Police report said, a bank collector in the Kabacan town, North Cotabato was the latest victim when a fake 500-peso bill was found among the bills he remitted to the bank’s cashier. Although police have yet to establish the exact source of the fake bank note, the collector believes this could have come from a client who may not have known that he or she is using fake bills. P/SSupt , Joseph Semillano, chief of Kabacan PNP, urged the public to examine very carefully the peso bills they receive especially in public places such as markets and public conveyances where these bank notes do not usually undergo checks for security features. He also advised them immediately report to the police any bank notes they suspect to be counterfeit. They could also examine the bill for security features. For example, he said, in a 500-peso bank note, the words “Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas” can be seen via a simple magnifying glass printed on top of the “500” mark on the bottom left corner of the note’s front face. They may also check for the presence of features that can be immediately seen such as the security thread embedded off center of the bill and watermark of a silhouette of the face on the banknote on the unprinted portion of the note. Semillano said counterfeit banknotes circulating in Kabacan are of P20, P100, and P500 denominations. (PIA12)

Establishment of POEA extension office in region XII mulled

by PIA Press Release


KORONADAL CITY, December 9, (PIA) -- Local government units and the Regional Development Council, region XII are pushing for the establishment of an extension office of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Koronadal City, the seat of the region. The need was expressed by overseas Filipino workers and those who would like to avail of the services of the POEA from region XII who have to travel to Davao City to undertake their transactions. To boost the move, Sultan Kudarat representative Raden Sakaluran, through a letter to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, expressed his support to the establishment of the POEA extension office in Koronadal City. North Cotabato and South Cotabato legislative bodies have also thrown their support through separate resolutions in locating a POEA office here. DOLE XII director Gloria Tango explained that the organizational set up of POEA is different. Its area office is in Davao City and outside of this are the extension offices of the other Mindanao regions with a corresponding handful manpower for each. "Yong lahat ng resolutions at mga letters na sumusuporta sa establishment ng POEA extension office sa region XII ay pinadala na kay Secretary Baldoz," Director Tango disclosed. (All the resolutions and letters supporting the establishment of an extension office in region XII have been forwarded to Secretary Baldoz, Director Tango disclosed). (OTSUDARIA/PIA 12)

South Cotabato implements new anti-firecracker campaign

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec 8 (PIA) -- Health officials in South Cotabato are embarking on a massive information drive on the government’s revised anti-firecracker campaign. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, provincial health officer said, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato is implementing Aksyon Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR). APIR or “Give Me Five” is the fire-cracker campaign implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government in coordination with local government units to reduce the number of fire-cracker related injuries, usually caused by indiscriminate and irresponsible use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, especially during Christmas and New year This year, DOH’s campaign will not ask people to stop using firecrackers. It will also not use the fear appeal approach through use of images of injuries. Instead, the campaign will show an uninjured hand with five fingers. Each finger represents DOH’s tip for the holidays: participate in community fireworks display, celebrate a safe family holiday, use alternative noise-makers, join merry-making activities, and reflect on lessons of past year to guide New Year. Dr. Aturdido said beginning Friday, December 9, they will begin posting of APIR campaign materials in conspicuous locations in the entire province. This early, Dr. Aturdido has called on the public to refrain from irresponsible use of firecrackers. In the holiday season of 2010, IPHO has recorded 36 cases of firecracker-related injuries, an increase of 38 percent compared to 26 cases in 2009. He added that last year, the oldets victim was 68 years old while the youngest was only 3 years old. The Department of Trade ang Industry has banned harmful firecrackers such as piccolo, super lolo, pla pla, judas belt and og. To those who would be injured by firecrackers, Dr. Aturdido advised immediate medical attention. “They should immediately wash the wound with clean running water and soap and immediately seek medical attention from nearest health center or hospital,” he said. Parents should not to allow their children to handle firecrackers; drunk adults should also refrain from lighting firecrackers, Aturdido added. He also called on the members of the media to help them in their anti-firecracker campaign. (PIA 12)

South Cotabato taps barangay councils in crackdown vs illegal mining activities

by (PNA)

DCT/FFC/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has stepped up its crackdown on the rampant illegal mining activities in the province by tapping the barangay councils as its monitoring arm.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said Wednesday he issued an executive order mandating Barangays Tablu and Pulabato in Tampakan and Barangays Kematu and Desawo in T’boli to specifically spearhead the monitoring of the destructive banlas or sluice mining operations.

He directed the officials of the four barangays to constitute a team that would regularly monitor the continuing sluice mining and other illegal mining activities within their areas.

“Banlas is a highly-destructive mining method as some operators usually use high-pressure water jets to dislodge or move soil sediments and mercury for the mineral extraction,” the governor said.

Banlas 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, which was first uncovered in T'boli town, has caused the destruction of several mountains in the area.

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 of South Cotabato.

Aside from the barangay councils, Pingoy said they have tapped the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the municipal governments to spearhead the crackdown and the clearing operations against illegal mining operations.

He said they have established a hotline that barangay officials and residents may use in reporting illegal activities directly to his office.

Pingoy said he issued the order in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which mandates Barangay officials to enforce laws and regulations on pollution control and environmental protection.

He added that barangay officials who would fail to execute the said order would be slapped with administrative sanctions for gross negligence, or dereliction of duty as cited in RA 7160.

South Cotabato releases P10M worth of service vehicles, dev't projects

by (PNA)

LAP/FFC/AVE/HST


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 5 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has turned over on Monday some P10 million worth of newly-acquired service vehicles and development projects for at least five villages and three municipalities in the province.

South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. said the release of the service vehicles and development projects were part of the local government’s continuing initiative to bring its services closer to local communities and constituents, especially those in marginalized areas of the province.

The governor said the barangay service vehicles, which were composed of five units of Mazda 2-wheel drive cargo trucks worth P290,000 each, were released to the councils of Barangays Bacdolong and Lake Seloton of Lake Sebu town, Malugong of T’boli, Lopez Jaena of Norala and Upper Sepaka of Surallah.

The five vehicles, which were worth a total of P6.67 million, were among the 23 that were allotted for distribution this year by the provincial government to selected barangays in the province, he said.

Pingoy said they already turned over 16 service vehicles in the previous months and they are working to the purchase two more vehicles before the end of the year.

The 16 service vehicles were earlier released to Barangays Koronadal Proper and Silway 8 of Polomolok; Avancena and Carpenter Hill of Koronadal City; Basag and Kematu of T’boli; Liberty and Lambayong of Tampakan; Manuel Roxas of Sto. Nino; San Miguel and Poblacion of Norala; Lake Lahit of Lake Sebu; Simbo, Polonuling and Poblacion of Tupi; Maibo of Tantangan; and, Liwanay of Banga.

“We’re targeting to release one barangay service vehicle every month by next year,” Pingoy said.

The governor reminded officials of the recipient-villages to ensure the proper care and maintenance of the service vehicles and use them “for the good of their barangays.”

“These vehicles should not be used for the personal needs or concerns of the barangay officials. These should especially be used during times of disasters and official functions,” Pingoy said.

Meantime, aside from the vehicles, Pingoy said they also turned over some P3.4 million worth of as financial assistance for community-based development projects situated in the municipalities of Banga, Norala and Surallah.

He said some P2 million was allotted for the fabrication and installation of lighting system at the Rizal Part of Barangay Poblacion in Norala; P1 million for the construction of a music laboratory at the municipal grounds of Surallah; and, P400,000 for the construction of covered courts at the municipal plaza of Banga.

South Cotabato gets P53-M pledges for new hospital

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) --Some P53 million have been pledged for the construction of a new government hospital in Surallah town, South Cotabato. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr, recently announced that San Miguel Corporation has promised P25 million fund for the construction of the hospital building and other facilities of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) Annex, which is envisioned to serve residents in the upper valley towns. Originally, SMC planned to give the provincial government P15 million for the project. He also said that health secretary Enrique Ona has also promised to give P28 million under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program. Pingoy added he has also asked SMC to undertake the construction of the hospital building using their pledged amount, instead of the provincial government doing the construction. Earlier, the municipal government of Surallah has donated a 4.8-hectare lot worth P5.5 million as counterpart for the project. According to plan, the SCPH Annex will require a total funding of P145 million to complete. Since funding is not yet definite, construction will be done progressively, the governor said. He, however, hopes more donors will pour in financial assistance to the project. Pingoy said his administration is undertaking this project in line with his advocacy to provide necessary health care to more people, especially the marginalized sectors in the province and nearby places. The provincial government also sees the project as a major solution to the perennial problem of congestion in the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, considering that more than one-third of its patients come from the upper valley towns , which include Surallah, Banga, T’boli, Sto. Niño, and Lake Sebu. Start of construction of the SCPH Annex is expected in the first quarter of 2012; “soft” opening of the hospital is expected in December 2012. (PIA 12)

Rescued geckos in Gensan released into the wild

by Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- Some 1,600 geckos rescued in a raid in General Santos City are now back into the wild. SSupt. Albert Ignatius Ferro, regional director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-12) in an interview with a local radio station here said personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and CIDG released the geckos (tuko) in an area near the famous Seven Falls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Wednesday. The area is part of the 102,305-hectare Allah Valley Protected Landscape. The geckos were seized on Tuesday in the compound of Mindanao Development Venture and Trade in barangay Lagao, Gensan in a raid conducted by members of the CIDG, DENR, National Bureau of Investigation, and other police units after confirming reports that the company is engaged in buying and selling of geckos. Geckos were placed in boxes, crates and cages and were reportedly ready for transport to Metro Manila when the team raided the compound. Charges have been filed against suspects Mario Legazpi, Maricel Cayetano, Wesley Saliban and Gilbert Mendoza -- all officers of the company -- for violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act have been formally filed against the suspects. Ferro believes the geckos were collected from different parts of Mindanao, particularly around Marawi City. He said t he company have been buying geckos at P2,000 to P5,000 each depending on the sizes. Trading of wildlife, including geckos is prohibited by law. Collection of wildlife is allowed by law but only after securing permit from DENR. Demand for geckos in the Philippines has intensified in the recent months after reports that the reptile can fetch millions of pesos because of its supposed capability to cure many diseases, including HIV-AIDS. (PIA 12)

South Cotabato engineer wins nationwide invention tilt for start-up companies

by Bai Tagitican and Dani Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, Dec 1 (PIA) -- An engineer from South Cotabato was recently named one of the five winners of the 2nd Filipinnovation Award sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Fiilinnovation Award is DOST’s search for five best inventions by start-up companies in the country. Engr. Benjamin B. Hurtado Jr., resident of barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City was hailed for his invention, the Daikkha Dehumidifier Mechanical Dryer, which has potential in helping farmers reduce cost and losses during post –harvest. In his search for an efficient alternative equipment, Hurtado, being an owner of a fabrication company, perfected a dehumidifier mechanical dryer after a series of experiments. His machine has a dehumidifier or heat exchanger that removes water vapor in hot air produced from a

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