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==Koronadal City turns dark for an hour==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611333248745
*Sunday 1st of April 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Apr. 1 (PIA) -- A large part of Koronadal city turned dark as thousands of households joined the Earth Hour last night.
From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., households, offices, government offices, malls, public switched their lights and other electric-powered appliances off .
Streetlamps were also turned off. Even motorists turned their vehicle’s lights to support to the global campaign.
The Earth Hour celebration here led by Mayor Peter B. Miguel, other local government officials and the city environment office started with an eco-invocation and ecumenical prayer at the city’s government center in Carpenter Hill.
Other highlights leading to the 8:30 p.m. Earth Hour, included the signing of a manifesto in support to efforts against global change, and a symposium on the science of climate change and how to solve climate change.
At around 6:30 p.m. participants who gathered in front of the Gaisano Grand Mall either joined the 3.5-kilometer Earth Hour Biking or Earth Hour 2012 Night Walk to Ace Centerpoint Supermarket at the center where the main program was held.
At exactly 8:30 p.m. candles were lighted as the electric lights were turned off.
Meanwhile, the local electric distributor South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO) 1 implemented a 30-minute power shut-off also in support of the campaign.
However, General Manager Santiago Tudio said, since the activity is voluntary, brownout was only enforced in the areas where the main activities was held, specifically Feeders 11, 22, and 33.
Earlier last week, South Cotabato Gov. Pingoy Y. Pingoy Jr. released a memorandum to employees of the provincial government to support the campaign. He also called on mayors in the province to encourage participation in their respective areas of responsibilities.
Besides , Koronadal City and neighboring towns in South Cotabato, General Santos City and the province also joined the country and the world in the symbolic 60-minute turning off of electricity.
Both General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Sarangani province Gov. Migs Dominguez led the Earth Hour campaigns. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==Agri official urges farmers to take care of farm machineries==
==Agri official urges farmers to take care of farm machineries==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333168703
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611333168703
Line 987: Line 1,027:
Last year, KPSP  operated on an allocation  of P22.3 million. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)   
Last year, KPSP  operated on an allocation  of P22.3 million. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)   
   
   
==Koronadal city dads ok purchase of lot for terminal complex==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330405208
*Tuesday 28th of February 2012
:by  pia.gov.ph
KORONADAL  CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 28 (PIA) --  Members of the  city  council  here  yesterday  approved  the  resolution  authorizing  Mayor  Peter  B. Miguel  to  buy  the  lot  where  the city’s  public terminal  complex  will  be built  on.
Through  a nominal  voting where each  member  had  to explain his or her view on the issue,  eight  members  of the Sangguniang  Panglungsod  approved the  resolution for the city’s  purchase of the  5.9-hectare  property  of Abella family  at  Purok Yellow Bell, Pinto Subdivision, Barangay Zone 3.
==Thousands set to join simultaneous quake drill in South Cotabato==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=408623
*February 27, 2012, 3:13 pm
:by  (PNA)
LDV/AVE/KZT
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 27 (PNA) – Thousands of government employees, students and private workers in South Cotabato province are set to join the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill scheduled on Thursday (March 1).
Isidro Janita, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief, said Monday that hundreds of government offices, schools and private establishments have already confirmed to participate in the drill.
The activity is mainly aimed at enhancing the area’s preparations against possible earthquake-related disasters that may hit the area.
He said the holding of the drills will be spearheaded by the disaster risk reduction and management councils of the province’s 10 towns and lone city.
“This will make us more aware of possible earthquake scenarios and the proper measures to take in case they occur in our area,” Janita said.
Thursday’s earthquake drill was the first activity scheduled this year by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The drills are done simultaneously nationwide once every quarter.
Elizabeth Consular, principal of the Koronadal Central Elementary School (KCES-1) in Koronadal City, said they mandated all their students and teachers to participate in the scheduled drill.
“We want our students and teachers to become familiar with the proper emergency measures in case an earthquake would strike just like what happened recently in (western and central) Visayas,” she said.
She was referring to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the Visayas region last month that killed more than 50 people.
“We need to have these drills on a regular basis to prevent possible tragedies in case disasters would hit our area,” Consular said.
Janita said they are currently conducting a province-wide information drive for the upcoming simultaneous earthquake drill to ensure wider participation among residents.
Aside from the drill proper, the official said they will also hold pre-drill orientations and provide earthquake information lectures to the upcoming drill participants.
==NGO helps local govt provide cheaper medicine to poor patients==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611330221209
*Sunday 26th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato, Feb 26 (PIA)  --  More  health services are coming to  indigent  residents  of South Cotabato with another partnership forged  between the provincial  government and non government  organization.
According to  the provincial government’s  official  website,  Mahintana Foundation Inc.,  a  foundation  funded by the  Dole  Philippines,  has  agreed to  provide a initial of at  least  P1.7 million  worth of surgical and medicine  packages  intended  for  poor  residents  in the  area.
These packages  are  available  at the  Health Plus Shop in a Shop (HPSIS) inside the  South Cotabato Provincial  Hospital, in  this  city.
Provincial  health  officer Dr. Rogelio  Aturdido said that the initiative  aims to  give better  health services  for poor  patients who often lack financial  resources to pay  for  surgical  resources.
Initially,  available  packages  with complete  set of medicine  at the HPSIS were  for  surgical  cases of  appendectomy, caesarean  section, and other obstetrics cases.
“We hope that  we can cover 22 more surgical cases in the  next months,”  Aturdido  was  quoted as  saying.
These  packages  are priced  much lower than those  available in most  pharmacies in the area. 
But patients who are beneficiaries of  local  government - sponsored  PhilHealth  indigency program need  not pay  a single centavo to avail of the  surgical and  medicine  packages  because the  cost  will be  charged  against their PhilHealth insurance. 
“With the medicine packs in place, our poor patients no longer need to purchase medicines outside the hospital and then wait for PhilHealth’s reimbursement that usually take 45 days to two months to process,” Gov. Arthur  Y. Pingoy  Jr.  said  in an interview with local  reporters at the project launching.
“We need  all the help  that we  can get and we are very thankful to have Mahintana  helping  us out in our aim to provide better and quality health  services to the poor,” he added.
With the Mahintana operating  a  pharmacy inside the provincial  hospital is  a  great  advantage  to the  provincial  government, Pingoy said,  because  70 percent of its  net  income  will be  returned as  rebate to the  hospital and can be used  for  repairs and  upgrading of the health facililty.
Mahintana  Foundation has  been  a  partner of the  provincial  government  in many of its  initiatives for the poor. Other projects that the Foundation is involved in are the supplemental feeding  for day care children and the poorest of the poor, and  the construction of chairs and tables  for  public elementary  and  high school in the area.
Rey Gabaldon, project manager  of Mahintana  Foundation said  they will continue  to  help in uplifting the lives of the poor in the  province.
He said  the  HPSIS inside the  provincial  hospital will be  opened  24  hours.  They also  plan to replicate the  surgical and  medicine  package  project in other  provinces.
==Fire destroys P5-M properties in Koronadal City==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=408218
*February 25, 2012, 11:21 pm
:by  (PNA)
DCT/AVE
KORONADAL CITY, Feb. 25 (PNA) -– An estimated P5-million worth of properties and valuables went up in smoke in a huge fire that gutted almost an entire block of a crowded commercial district here late Friday afternoon.
Chief Insp. Edzrapel Dilawangan, South Cotabato fire marshall, said no casualties were reported but 15 residential and business establishments along Roxas, Abad Santos and Rizal streets here were leveled down by the fire, which started at past 4 p.m.
The affected establishments comprised five boarding houses, three stores, two residences, two balloon shops, a tailoring, an eatery and a billiard hall, he said.
The official said among those totally destroyed was a three-storey boarding house building, which mainly cater to students from a nearby university.
“According to (Koronadal) Mayor Peter Miguel, the damage on the three-storey building could be worth around P3 to P4 million. The Koronadal City fire station estimated an initial damage of P1 million to other establishments,” Dilawangan said in a radio interview.
But he said the damage value could still increase as their investigators have yet to complete their assessment and clearing operations at the fire scene.
Based on their initial investigation, Dilawangan said the fire allegedly originated from the residence of the Tiamzon family.
He said they have yet to establish the cause of the incident but their investigators initially theorized that it could have been triggered by a faulty electrical connection.
He said the fire immediately spread towards neighboring establishments, including those located across the street where it supposedly started.
“It spread so fast because of the electrical lines and the strong winds,” said Dilawangan, citing accounts from witnesses.
Dilawangan said fire trucks from the Koronadal City fire station and the volunteer fire brigade of a local shopping mall was able to respond at the scene after the first fire call.
He said firefighters and fire trucks from other nearby municipal fire stations also helped contain the fire, which was controlled about an hour later.
“Right now, we're conducting a thorough check at the scene for other possible faulty and illegal electrical connections as well as overloaded lines to prevent a repeat of similar incident,” he added.
On orders from Mayor Miguel, the city government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, established an assistance center to address the immediate needs of the affected residents.
==South Cotabato miner seeks endorsement for production phase==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=407971
*February 24, 2012, 8:41 pm
:by  (PNA)
FFC/AVE/RSS
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 24 (PNA) - A foreign-backed gold and silver mining project in T’boli town is asking for the endorsement of the South Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to go on commercial stream, officials confirmed on Friday.
Lawyer Eumir Ernesto Tiamzon, Tribal Mining Corp. president, said their application for endorsement is up for deliberation by the provincial board.
“We have presented the project as far as last year. We want to go on the production phase,” he said.
Canadian firm Cadan Resources, Inc. is a major investor to the T’boli gold-silver project. Tribal Mining was granted the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement 090-97-XI covering 84.20 hectares in 1997.
The area straddles the “minahang bayan” or people’s small-scale mining area, covering 21 hectares, that was declared over a decade ago by the provincial government.
An endorsement from the provincial government is one of the requirements before the project can go on commercial stream, said Constancio Paye Jr., regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Paye said that Tribal Mining filed with the regional office late last year its “Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility” (DMPF).
“I have endorsed the T’boli gold-silver project to the main office for approval,” he said separately.
Aside from the local government units’ endorsements (provincial, town and barangay) and the approval of the DMPF, an environmental compliance certificate is required before the company can go on commercial mining activities, Paye said.
Board member Ernesto Catedral, chairman of the SP environmental protection committee, said that Tribal Mining requested for an endorsement because it has “finished its exploration activities.”
“The company wants to operate [commercially] the mine and this is being tackled by the committee,” he said.
Robert Butchart, Cadan Resources president and chief executive officer, said in a statement last month they are working towards the granting of permits that will allow the commencement of gold production.
“This transaction represents an important step in the implementation of a new strategy by Cadan, namely to focus on the more advanced and highgrade T’Boli gold and silver project,” Butchart said.
Cadan intends to invest in targeted drilling with the objective of expanding on the present indicated and inferred resources at T’boli, he noted.
==South Cotabato seeks DENR help to resolve land row in farming village==
*Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=407751
*February 23, 2012, 5:05 pm
:by  (PNA)
LAP/FFC/AVE/KZT
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 23 (PNA) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has sought for a re-survey of lands in a farming village in Polomolok town in South Cotabato in a bid to resolve a worsening land conflict in the area.
South Cotabato Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. said Thursday they have asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct another survey of some 45 hectares of farmlands in Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok following claims from local Moro residents that they were part of their ancestral domain.
He said the move is aimed at establishing the real ownership of the lands and eventually diffuse the brewing tension in the area.
Two weeks ago, alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started to converge in the area supposedly to assist the claims of Moro residents over the lands from local Christian settlers.
The rebels, who were reportedly led by Nadsid Akmad alias Kumander Faisal, allegedly issued threats of violence against local landowners.
Rosanna Albido, a leader of local Christian settlers, said they were forced to stop tilling their farmlands for fear of their security following the issuance of the supposed threats from the rebels.
“We’re appealing to the Army and police forces to remain in the area to ensure our security while the problem is still being resolved,” she said in a consultation-dialogue hosted by the provincial government.
Akmad, who joined the dialogue, admitted they increased their presence in the area but cited that they were there as part of the claimants.
He denied allegations that they issued threats against the landowners and that never intend to sow terror in the area in connection with their claims.
The rebel leader urged the provincial government to relocate several Christian settlers who were staying in their claimed ancestral lands to help resolve the matter.
“We only want to claim our father’s land and we do not want any confrontation with the settlers,” he said.
Akmad said they have documents issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform, DENR and the Registry of Deeds that prove their ownership over the lands.
To diffuse the tension in the area, Pingoy directed a temporary status quo over the ownership of the lands, which were subjects of a Certificate of Land Ownership Award issued by the government.
“I’m urging residents to go on with their normal lives and we’re hoping that the result of the DENR survey will finally resolve this problem,” the governor said.
He ordered the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion to deploy regular personnel in the area pending the resolution of the problem..
==34 job fairs planned for Region 12 in 2012==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329895744
*Wednesday 22nd of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 22 (PIA) --  At least  34  job  fairs  have  been  scheduled by the  Department of  Labor and  Employment-12 (DOLE-12)  and  its  partners  for calendar year  2012.
DOLE-12’s  partners  include  private and  public  colleges and universities, Public  Employment Service  Offices (PESO), and  local  government units.
A  schedule of job fair  activity  released  by DOLE-12  yesterday  noted that  five are  set  this  month while  six will be  held in March.
The  remaining  job fairs in February will be held on February 24 at Notre Dame of Kidapawan  College in Kidapawan City;  on February 27 at Notre Dame of Midsayap College; and on February 29 at South Christian College in Midsayap --  all  in North Cotabato.
In March, job  fairs  will be held  at the  Municipal Plaza  of Banga, South Cotabato (March 1); at  Notre Dame of Tacurong College in Tacurong  City  (March 12 – 13); STI College in Koronadal City (March 15); Golden State College, General Santos City (March 18); Notre Dame University in Cotabato  City (March 21); and University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato (March 21).
In April, when  the bulk of  new  graduates join the job-seeking  population,  three  job fairs  are planned:  at Notre Dame of Dadiangas  University in General Santos  City on April 4; St. Alexius College in Koronadal City on April 27; and at Kidapawan City Gymnasium on April 27.
Major job  fairs are  also  planned  for the Labor Day  on May 1, namely:  at  Protech Center in Koronadal City, at Robinson’s Plaza in General Santos  City, and South Seas Mall in  Cotabato City.
Another  fair will be  held at the Municipal Hall of Pigcawayan, in North Cotabato  on May 12.
Jobs  available in these  fairs  are for local and  overseas employment.
As in the previous  job fairs, DOLE-12 advised  applicants  to bring several copies of their  pertinent  documents such transcript  of  records, training  certificates, passports (for foreign employment),and others.
During the recent  meeting of  the Regional Coordinating  Committee (RCC)  here, DOLE-12 Regional Director Chona  Mantilla, advised job seekers as well as  graduating  students to  register with the  PESO in their LGU.
“Part of our  employment facilitation  thrust  is  skills  registration  program, which  our field office  heads  are  concentrating,” she said.
She  added  that one of the major  uses of the job skills  registry  is to  fit  labor supply with the  needs of companies.
In this  way, she said,  more  applicants may be  hired on the spot  because the companies  that will be  invited to specific  job fairs  are those that need  workers that are  available in the particular areas  based on the  skills  registry.
Two  job fairs  each  are planned  for  June and  July, one in August,  four in September, three in November, and  three in December.
==S.Cotabato rehabilitates farm-to market roads==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329809465
*Tuesday 21st of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb.  21 (PIA) -- Transporting farm products in  some  interior  barangays  in  South Cotabato  will soon  be  easier  once  road  rehabilitation projects  are completed, a  local  government official  said.
Barangay  Affairs  Unit chief  Joel  Dimput  recently  announced  the province will be    implementing in the  coming  weeks  a  P5-M  project  for the  construction of  Junction National  Highway San Vicente – Malaya  road in  nearby Banga town.
“The  provincial  government  has  already  received  SARO (Special Allotment Release  Order) from the Department of Budget and Management  for the implementation of the  project,” Dimput  said.
The  fund  was  taken from the allocation of the Department of Public  Works and Highways (DPWH)  following  request by  Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.
“Gov. Pingoy has  ordered  Engr. Marnilo Aperocho, acting chief of the Provincial  Office, to immediately prepare  the program of work for the  project  so that this can be  started at  once,” Dimput said. 
“Once the  dilapidated  road  is  repaired  and rehabilitated, moving agricultural  products from the  interior  barangays to intended markets  would  be easier  and  cheaper.”
The  road,  he said, would  also  benefit  farm families  in barangay Puti  and other  barangays in adjacent  Norala  town.   
Dimput also  announced that the  rehabilitation of  Upper Sepaka – Kibang farm-to-market road  is nearing completion.
“Gov. Pingoy made this  a  priority project of his administration to so that  products in Barangay  Ned  would  be transported to Sto. Niño and  Surallah towns in  South Cotabato  instead of the bringing these  to  markets in Sultan Kudarat,”  he said.
He said,  Engr. Aperocho  has assured that the Sepaka-Kibang FMR  would be  more durable.
Instead  of  using  mountain  fill  in the  road upgrading, the project is using  sand  and  gravel  quarried  from  a river in  Surallah to make  sure that road would  not be easily washed  out.
Dimput  said  the provincial  government is also considering  putting up detachments in several  locations  from Barangay Ned  to  Upper Sepaka for security purposes.
==OWWA announces scholarship grant for OFW children, dependents==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329708184
*Monday 20th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato, Feb. 20 (PIA) --  Soccsksargen Region’s  Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-12)  here  has  announced  the  opening of the  Education for Development Scholarship  Program (EDSP)  for school  year  2013-2014.
OWWA  12 Regional Director  Abdulgani K. Umag  said, the scholarship  is  open to all graduating high school students who are  children or dependents of  active OWWA  members.
“We have already coordinated with  schools all over the region to inform their  students  who are  either  children or  dependents of OFW workers  to already apply for  the scholarship grant,”  Umag said. 
Application  forms  are  available at the  OWWA-12  Office at  Reyes  Subdivision,  Barangay Morales, this city.
“Interested  students  may  also get  application  forms  from  the public OFW  desk  officer of their  local  government  unit,”  he said.
Deadline  of the  submission of  application  forms  is on August 31, 2012.  The  qualifying examination , which Umag  said will be administered  by the Department of Science and Technology may be  held  either  in November or December  this year.
Umag also encouraged  interested students  to  file their  application  forms  earlier  because there are  documents  that  need to be  submitted to  prove  that they are bona fide  dependents of active OFW members.
“We want to be assured that  their  parents are  still working abroad and  are active  OWWA  members  because the money spent for the scholarship  belongs  to  OFWs  who paid  their contributions,” he explained. “We cannot  use the  funds to  children of  undocumented  workers.”
EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA members who intend to enrol in any 4-5 year baccalaureate course.
Each scholar gets financial assistance amounting to P30,000.00 per semester or a maximum of P60,000.00 per school year.
Tuition fees shall be paid directly to the school, while the remaining amount shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the term duration.
To be  qualified, a  senior  high school  student  should  be a  child of an  OWWA member or brother or sister of an unmarried OWWA member,  below 21 years old,  and among the upper 20% of the high school graduation class.
Applicants  need to  present  proofs  of relationship to the OWWA member such  certified birth certificate, proofs of OWWA  membership (such as official receipt of OWWA Contribution or certification from OWWA Membership Registry Division.
Other  documentary  requirements include  high school report  card,  certificate of  good moral  character,  certification issued by the school principal that the  student  belong  to the  upper  20 percent of the graduating  class.
Applicants  who have taken  post-secondary  or vocational courses or  have  started  a college  course are  disqualified  from EDSP.
==Dolefil, labor group settle dispute==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329525477
*Saturday 18th of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 18 (PIA) -- After more than a year of negotiations, pineapple giant Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) recently awarded to members of the labor union their unpaid benefits.
Report from the Department of Labor and Employment 12 (DOLE 12) said Atty, Rene Almero who represented Dolefil handed to Jose Teruel, leader of AK-NAFLU–KMU (AMADO Kadena NAFLU -KMU),  on February 10 a check amounting to P1,113,363.34, as part of the resolution agreed by the parties pertaining to the settlement demands of the workers.
Present also during the ceremony were the members of the tripartite committee including DOLE-12 represented by Assistant Regional Director Yahya A. Centi, Jimmy Marquez and Gelse Lanzaderas; National Conciliation and Mediation Board- 12 Director Feliciano Orihuela , Jr.; AK-NAFLU-KMU representative and Lead.PH.
“Nagpapasalamat kami, ako at aking mga kasama sa ginawa ng DOLE, lalong lalo na kay (DOLE 12) Director Chona M. Mantilla para sa pagpaunlak na Ibigay ngayong araw ang tseke. Gayun din sa Dolefil na umintindi sa mga prinsipyo na hinahawakan naming,” Teruel said after receiving the check.
Furthermore, he advised the other unions to be open to dialogues and to settlement.
“Dialogue is better than litigation,” he said.
Mesawhile, Atty. Almero said Dolefil is thankful to DOLe 12 and to the members of TRICOM for the time and effort of being with them in settling the issues between Dolefil Inc. and the workers.
“Credit should be given to DOLE and the TRICOM. Candidly speaking, if not for the committee, the case should have been forwarded for litigation and will cost both parties more money and effort,” Almero said.
Dolefil Tripartite Committee was created last January 2011 in compliance to Administrative Order No. 08, creating a Tripartite Committee at Dole Philippines, issued by DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.
The committee is composed of the two contending unions: AK- NAFLU-KMU and Lead.PH, DOLE 12, NCMB 11 and NCMB 12, and representatives from CHR, Army, PNP, LGU of Polomolok, and Dolefil Inc.
At the onset, the committee signed a social accord that aimed to maintain the peace and the integrity of the forthcoming certification election of Dolefil Inc., by mutually binding themselves to safeguard the rights of the workers before, during and after negotiations.
ARD Centi citing the success of the committee said that “settlement in the industry is very vital in gaining social justice”.(CDMLadot/DOLE 12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==Health official welcomes deployment of nurses by PhilHealth==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611329442919
*Friday 17th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato,  Feb. 17 (PIA) --  Philippine Health  Insurance  Corporation’s (Philhealth)  decision  to  hire and  deploy  nurses  in the  entire country would be an  advantage  to  government  hospitals, a local  health official  said. 
Dr. Conrado Braña,  chief of South Cotabato  Provincial  Hospital here  said  PhilHealth’s  plan  to  assign  at least  one nurse to every  public  hospital  would mean  a  big improvement in the  services to  health  insurance  beneficiaries.
“This  would be  a great  help to  our  hospital staff because there will be  a specific  person  who will be  able to explain to patients about  availment  process, assist in  filling  out  forms,  and even help in computing  the amount of services that could be availed,” he said.
With  a nurse assigned to attend  to  Philhealth  patients, the  hospital  staff delegated to this work  could  be  assigned  to the actual  jobs they were primarily  hired  for.
Dr. Braña explained  that at  present, government  hospitals  have  to  delegate  a staff to assist Philhealth patients, and prepare  documents for the claims. 
“This move of Philhealth  is  a  very good  news  to  public  hospitals, which are  often understaffed,” he added.
Delays  in the processing of  claims could also  be  ironed out, Dr. Braña said, because  problems like  insufficient  information,  wrong calculations and entries  and the like  could be avoided.
Early  this  month,  Philhealth president  and  chief executive  officer  Dr. Eduardo Banzon  said  Philhealth  will  hire  at least  530  nurses under its Customer Assistance, Relations and Empowerment Staff (CARES) program.
They  will be  deployed to  government  hospitals all over the  country.
Banzon added  the program  was  conceptualized to  employ  some of the  more than  298,000  jobless  nurses.
Philhealth CARES  nurses, who will be  paid  P15,000  monthly salary,  will help ensure hassle-free availment of Philhealth benefits via spot eligibility checks in hospitals, expedite the documentary requirements of PhilHealth members in hospitals, and lessen the return-to-hospital benefit claims, according to  information posted at the  Philhealth  website.
“Besides assisting PhilHealth  members  with  PhilHealth  availment, these  nurses  would  also  conduct  interviews  with patients  whether  they were satisfied  with the services  provided by the health  facility,” Hannah  Naanep, information officer of  PhilHealth 12  explained.
Results  of the survey could be used as  bases  for  Philhealth  to  facilitate  improvement of the  services  that  public  hospitals  should  deliver to PhilHealth  members,  she added.
Naanep  said, the  PhilHealth CARES nurses  will be  deployed  in March  until  December  this  year.
==Kidapawan villages get P5-M aid from Department of Agriculture-12==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329364345
*Thursday 16th of February 2012
:by  LM Salvo and Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Eight barangays in Kidapawan City recently received P5-million worth of livelihood projects from the Department of Agriculture Region12 (DA-12).
DA-12’s assistance to Brgys. Amazion, Junction, Linangkob, Singao, Kalaisan, Paco, San Roque, and Macebolig were channeled via the agency’s Mindanao Rural Development Program-Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD).
During the 14th foundation anniversary of Kidapawan last week, MRDP-CFAD formally turned over P2.5 M worth of cattle livelihood projects to recipient groups in Barangays Amazion, Junction, Linangkob, Singao, and Kalaisan.
Earlier, MRDP-CFAD handed in P2.5-million worth of projects to farmer associations, rural improvement clubs, and farmers’cooperatives in Brgys Paco, San Roque, and Macebolig. These projects include pre- and post-harvest facilities, traveling rice mill, and swine production assistance.
During the turn-over ceremonies, DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said these livelihood projects could be of great help to the members of the farmer’s cooperatives and associations. (LMS-DA 12/DED-PIA 12)
==LGU intensifies drive against illegal quarries==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329191579
*Wednesday 15th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 15 (PIA) –  Illegal  quarry  operators  beware. 
The  local government unit  of  North Cotabato  has beefed  up  its efforts to  protect  its  quarry  resources  from illegal  quarry operations.
Gov. Emmylou  “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza said  she  is willing to  give  a P50,000 reward  for  every  illegal quarry operator reported to  her  office.
Taliño-Mendoza made the declaration  during a recent  dialogue-consultation with  barangay officials, quarry operators, and  officials  from the National Irrigation Administration, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other line agencies.
She  said  she  is  “dead serious” in the campaign against illegal extraction of quarry materials in the province.
The P50,000 cash incentive per illegal operator, she explained,  will be given to the first barangay who can report any firm or individual utilizing quarry materials from privately-owned lands and/or public lands within the territorial jurisdiction of Cotabato without permit, or operating with expired permit, or quarrying and mining outside their specified permit area. 
She also promised to conduct  random checks on various quarry sites in the province to personally monitor if there is any unlawful utilization of Cotabato’s mineral resources.
She also warned operators that the provincial government will not hesitate to enforce sanctions or legal action against anyone violating Provincial Ordinance 410 adopting the 2007 Revised Revenue Code of Cotabato.
During the  said  forum, quarry operators were briefed on the provisions of the said ordinance pertaining to “Tax on Sand, Gravel, and Other Quarry Resources” and “Quarry Operations” of the 2007 Revised Revenue Code of Cotabato.
As she urged the barangay leaders to help protect the province from illegal quarry operations, the governor also explained how the barangay will benefit when required quarry taxes and fees are properly collected.
“When all fees due to the barangay are collected, this would mean more projects for your barangay…more services to your constituents,” she said. 
Based on the 2007 Revised Revenue Code of Cotabato, proceeds of the tax on sand, gravel and other quarry resources shall be shared: 30 percent  to the provincial government, 30 percent to the LGU where the materials are extracted, and 40 percent to the barangay where the concession area was located. 
She then appealed to the barangay officials to help in monitoring quarry activities in their  respective area of responsibility and to ensure that the quantity of extracted quarry or sand and gravel resources is declared accurately by the permit holder. 
To further guarantee that rightful fees go to the coffers of the government, Governor Taliño-Mendoza also dared  barangay officials  to  report  scrupulous  tax  collector  who conspire with  quarry operators  or  truckers.  For  every  collector proven  to have illegal transactions  with  quarry  operators, she said  is  willing to give another  P50,000.  (LQG/IDCD/PGO N.Cotabato/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==S. Cotabato launches riparian zone re-vegetation program==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329191737
*Tuesday 14th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb  14 (PIA)  -- At  least 425 bamboo seedlings were recently planted along  riverbanks  in  Barangay BS Aquino Jr.  in Norala, South Cotabato  to  kick off the  riparian zone re-vegetation (RZR) program of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO).
Acting  PEMO  chief  Engr.  Siegfred Flaviano, who led the launching on February 7, said the province’s RZR program  aims to help mitigate the  adverse effects  of  climate change.
The program was a joint collaborative of the municipal LGU, barangay LGU, Norala National High School and the landowners and claimants in the area.
Tita Faciolan , Norala’s  municipal  environment and natural resources officer  and  Laarni  Fabiano  who  spoke for  the national  high school  expressed  commitment  to support the program. 
Fabiano narrated that their initial plan was to plant the bamboo seedlings inside the school’s premises, but later decided to plant these along riverbanks as part of their community service.
Earlier, PEMO’s Forest and  Inland Water Division conducted an information  drive  with community stakeholders at Brgy. BS Aquino Jr. barangay hall  where  re-vegetation of riparian zones  was  emphasized.
Discussions  centered  on the use  of bamboo for riverbank stabilization.  Economic benefits  of  bamboo were also  covered  in the discussion.
A signing of a memorandum of agreement  that define and  stipulate responsibilities of  stakeholders  followed  the  bamboo planting activity.
 
Farmer/landowners and beneficiaries likewise signified their commitment and support to sustain the program through a pledge of commitment officiated by Engr.  Flaviano.
Barangay Kagawad Cyril Cancel, representing Punong Barangay Leonar Vincent Lida, acknowledged the participants and expressed their gratitude in choosing their barangay as recipient of the RZR program.
In an earlier interview with a local  radio station,  Engr.  Falviano  pointed  out that  the activity  is part  of their massive  program  to  protect  embankments of  rivers in the province. 
Besides  being  an important plant to protect riverbanks  from  erosion,  the  provincial  government also sees  bamboo as  a major  source of income for farmers.
South Cotabato  LGU  has  been  pushing  for  the establishment of  bamboo  hubs  where  engineered  bamboos  can be  produced. (FSumagaysay/SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==Investors eye S. Cotabato for high value crops development==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611329103270
*Monday 13th of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Feb 13 (PIA) – Good news to farmers in South Cotabato: a group of investors is looking for at least 3,000 hectares for development of high value crops here.
Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste has confirmed they have been meeting with representatives of Puyat Group of Companies for the possibility of the expansion in South Cotabato for development of at least 1,000 hectares each for rubber, coffee and cassava.
“These investors can expand their operations to as much as 5,000 hectares,” Legaste said.
Besides these three crops, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) has also seen this as an opportunity to introduce soybean as an alternative source of income among farmers here.
Besides the suitability of the soil and terrain of the province for the development of these crops, Legaste said these investors were attracted to South Cotabato because of the warm welcome they get from residents and local government officials here.
Legaste, however assured that planting of these high value crops would not affect the province’s rice and corn production.
“We offer for their consideration the watershed areas,” he said.
In this way, he explained, watershed areas that have lost their forest cover could be replanted and the farmers in the area will be given opportunity to earn a living.
Legaste said more agreements can be arrived at in the coming weeks. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==Health Insurance==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/351006/european-call
*February 11, 2012, 5:06pm
:by  www.mb.com.ph
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. lauded the automatic inclusion of conditional cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries as PhilHealth members as announced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office – 12 (DSWD 12). During a recent orientation of social welfare officers on National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS – PR) for Indigenous People in this city, Pingoy said this development provides an opportunity for the provincial government to enrol more indigents in the province into the health insurance.
==Gov welcomes inclusion of 4Ps beneficiaries as PhilHealth members==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328849894
*Friday 10th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 10 (PIA) --  South Cotabato Gov.  Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.  lauded  the automatic inclusion of  conditional  cash transfer  beneficiaries as Philhealth members as announced by the Department of  Social Welfare and Development  Office – 12 (DSWD 12) .
During a recent  orientation of  social  welfare officers  on  National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS – PR) for  Indigenous  People  in this  city,  Pingoy said this development  provides  an  opportunity  for the provincial government  to  enrol more  indigents in the  province into the health insurance.
He plans to make use of P10 million budget of the provincial  LGU, originally intended  for  "poorest of the  poor"  -- including 4Ps  beneficiaries --  to  enrol other indigent families not  covered  by the  CCT.
With  4Ps  beneficiaries taken  off from original  list of  indigents that the provincial  government  sponsored  for Philhealth enrolment, he  said, more  poor  residents in the province could  become  health  card  holders.
“The provincial  government will enroll as  Philhealth members those who were not included in the NHTS – PR survey but are identified as  "poorest of the poor" in the  Community Health Living Standard Survey (CHLSS),” Pingoy added.
NHTS-PR was  the  basis  of DSWD's  identification of CCT recipients. CHLSS, on the other hand, was a survey conducted under the auspices of the  United States Agency for International Development (USAID)  that also identified the poorest families in South Cotabato.
Since the national  government has paid their health  insurance of 4Ps beneficiaries, the  provincial government could  pay  for the Philhealth cards of 15,000  more  indigent families, he said.
Jakiya Lao  of DSWD 12 said,  they will only pay P900.00 per year as health insurance premium of the 4Ps member-beneficiaries to PhilHealth.
South Cotabato , according to DSWD 12 record, has a total of 29,112 4Ps beneficiaries.
They are in T’boli with  12,907 beneficiaries, Lake Sebu, 8,439;  Tupi, 6,297;  Polomolok, 4,367;  Surallah, 4,128;  Banga, 3,603;  City of Koronadal, 1,088;Tantangan, 924;  Tampakan, 922;  Norala, 748;  and Sto. Nino, 689.
In Mindanao, Region 12 ranks second to Region 11 in having  the most IP settlers. (FrutoSumagaysay Jr/ SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==Barangay Council commends Gov, PENRO for immediate action on illegal quarry operators==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611328768221
*Thursday 9th of February 2012
:by  Fruto C. Sumagaysay Jr.
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 9 (PIA) -- The Barangay Council of Klinan 6,  Polomolok town commended South Cotabato Governor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr and officials of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) for their immediate action against rampant illegal quarry operations in their area.
Through Resolution No. 4 s. 2012  passed on February 6, 2012, Klinan 6 Barangay Council led by  chairwoman Florencia Docallos extended their commendation to Governor Pingoy for his leadership in strictly implementing the Provincial Environment Code (PEC), specifically on quarry operations.
The same  resolution also thanked acting  PEMO  Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, Engr. Roldan Lachica and Quarry Inspector Remus Guillermo for their apprehension of illegal quarry operators.
The PEMO staff apprehended and impounded two  dump trucks last January 26, 2012 at Klinan 6 for quarrying using expired permits.
They were later released upon payment of penalty, the PEMO report said.
PEMO started this year with a series of apprehensions and impositions of penalties against errant quarry operators as well as resolution of permittee quarry boundaries as part of its campaign to strictly enforce the PEC on quarry operations.
South Cotabato generated P5.76  million  in quarry or “sand and gravel” tax in 2011. (Fruto Sumagaysay  Jr/SoCot PIO/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==DA 12 warns farmers on new rice pest==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328664432
*Wednesday 8th of February 2012
:by  pia.gov.ph
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Agriculture officials in Region 12 or Soccsksargen Region have warned local farmers of a new rice pest that have attacked some parts of the country.
According to a report of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) in Tacurong City submitted to the DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag – Datukan, this new rice has been observed in Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Caraga regions.
The pest was presented during the KASAKALIKASAN –BPI workshop on the Establishment and Operations of the Community-based Biological Control Agents, Bantay Peste Brigade and Updates on the Management of Insect on Corn, Cassava, Banana, and Coconut in Manila.
On December 21 last year, Dr, Clarito M. Barron , director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, also released an advisory on the pest.
RCPC-12 Officer-in-Charge Ludivina S. Dumaya described that the rice grain or seed bug smaller than rice bug, moves quickly and easily in water and a crawling type of pest.
Dumaya added that this pest is similar to an ordinary rice bug (Leptocoriza oryzae) commonly called tiangaw which feeds on rice grains. This pest, she added differs from the ordinary bug because it has the ability to fall off to the ground when touched or disturbed.
According to the advisory, the recently discovered pest attacks rice panicles from flowering stage to milking stage and results in unfilled or discolored grains that eventually reduces quality and subsequently yield.
RCPC in Bicol Region reported 50 to 70 percent crop damage due to the same pest in estimated 100 hectares of rice in Camarines Sur.
Although the pest has not yet been reported here, South Cotabato Provincial Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator Dave Nicolas urged local farmers to intensively monitor their farms.
“Bantayan natin ang bagong tuklas na pesteng kulisap na ito nang hindi na dumami at makapaminsala sa ating mga palayan,”he said.
As immediate action, Dumaya said that RCPC will conduct massive information dissemination across Soccsksargen Region about the pest; they will also intensify coordination with IPM controllers in the region.
Aside fom these, RCPC is also set to attend Municipal Agriculture Officer’s (MAOs) meetings to relay the information on this pest and to mobilize Bantay Peste Brigade.
BPI - Manila has recommended the following measures and strategies to control the spread of this pest: 1) burning or plowing under of rice straw/stubbles right after harvest to kill the bugs; b) ensuring sanitation and cleanliness of rice fields, including dikes; regularly monitoring of the field to determine early pest appearance. In case the pest is already present it is recommended that application of green label contact insecticides be done early morning or late afternoon. (with report from LMSalvo/DA 12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==PCCI seeks Palace meeting on Tampakan project==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/22974-pcci-seeks-palace-meeting-on-tampakan-project
*TUESDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 2012 19:55
:by  MAX V. DE LEON / REPORTER
THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s biggest business organization, is seeking an audience with President Aquino to push for the continuation of the  $5.6-billion Tampakan copper-gold project.
Miguel Varela, PCCI president, said the group understands the concerns of the provincial government and other oppositors of the open-pit mining method.
However, Varela said based on consultations and studies made for the Tampakan project, the proponent Sagittarius Mines Inc. “will be able to respond to any possible impact of the open-pit mining method.”
Varela, at his recent visit to General Santos City, said the national chamber will make representations in Malacañang for the Tampakan project in support of the local business chambers, including the Mindanao Business Council.
“We will make our own representation because we believe all the safeguards are in place for this project. The Tampakan project is an investment the government must not ignore. The parties supporting the Tampakan project are doing the correct process and we will do our part by talking to the national government”, Varela said.
Varela met with local business groups in South Cotabato and Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo over the weekend to discuss issues hounding what is seen as the biggest single foreign investment in the country.
Varela said the proponent of the Tampakan project has “consulted the community and that this project will benefit not only the host municipality but the entire country.”
“We were presented with the environmental and safety plans for the Tampakan project and this project is actually doable,” he said.
Varela said they are also willing to dialogue with the South Cotabato provincial officials, consistent with the pronouncement of South Cotabato Gov.  Arthur Pingoy that he welcomes a dialogue with any group to finally resolve the Tampakan issue.
Pingoy has declared that he is not against the Tampakan project but wants to resolve an environmental code “he is bound to implement” through intervention from either the courts or the national government.
Aside from the ban on open-pit mining ordinance that was issued by the local government of South Cotabato, the Tampakan project was also denied the environmental clearance certificate by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.
==Construction gov’t hospital in S. Cotabato begins==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328513973
*Monday 6th of February 2012
:by Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Red won’t be the color of Valentine’s Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it will be a beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector, and residents celebrate their first Sagayan Festival.
Organizers said the staging of the five-day Sagayan Festival, which will start on Friday, Feb. 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao province’s ecotourism.
It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao.
Although all 32 towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities will be held at the interim provincial government seat, Buluan town.
Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day would be highlighted by a civic parade, opening of the agri-trade fair and a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet.
At the kanduli, Muslim delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town’s primary products will definitely be served.
Medical and veterinary services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrations and social welfare services will also be given on Friday and will last until Feb. 14.
Other activities include Carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil technology forum and cultural presentations.
Saturday, Feb. 11 is exclusive to two important festival competitions such as Sayagan Dancing and Kulintang competion.
A street dance, a showdown and a tribute program will highlight Feb. 14.
Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the war he fought in, and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris (double-bladed sword) on the other. (DED/PIA12)
==Maguindanao to stage maiden Sagayan Festival==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328414677
*Sunday 5th of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Red won’t be the color of Valentine’s Day in Maguindanao Province. Instead, it will be a beautiful mix of colors of the Muslim culture as the local government, private sector, and residents celebrate their first Sagayan Festival.
Organizers said the staging of the five-day Sagayan Festival, which will start on Friday, Feb. 10, is a move to boost this Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao province’s ecotourism.
It is also geared to promote a better image for Maguindanao.
Although all 32 towns of Maguindanao will be participating in the festival, all Sagayan activities will be held at the interim provincial government seat, Buluan town.
Raquel Magalona, overall festival coordinator, said the opening day would be highlighted by a civic parade, opening of the agri-trade fair and a grand kanduli and thanksgiving banquet.
At the kanduli, Muslim delicacies and dishes made from tilapia, one of Buluan town’s primary products will definitely be served.
Medical and veterinary services, livelihood trainings, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrations and social welfare services will also be given on Friday and will last until Feb. 14.
Other activities include Carabao race, horse fight, drum and lyre competition, rubber and palm oil technology forum and cultural presentations.
Saturday, Feb. 11 is exclusive to two important festival competitions such as Sayagan Dancing and Kulintang competion.
A street dance, a showdown and a tribute program will highlight Feb. 14.
Sagayan is a Muslim war dance traced from both Maguindanao and Maranao tribes. It depicts the steps of their hero Prince Batugan from wearing his armaments, the war he fought in, and his victory. Dancers carry a shield with shell noisemakers on one hand and a kris (double-bladed sword) on the other. (DED/PIA12)
==Koronadal LGU brings offices closer to villagers==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328335296
*Saturday 4th of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY,  South Cotabato, Feb. 4 (PIA) --  Residents of  the 27  barangays  in this  city  can  expect  services of  the city local  government unit  to be more accessible.
This  after the city LGU  launched  its “Programang  Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan,”  which  begins this month.
Mayor Peter  B. Miguel  explained through the  bayanihan, basic  services  will be  brought  closer  to the  residents  by  bringing the city  offices  to each barangay  for a day.
He also  hopes to establish closer  ties  between  offiicials  and  citizens  through a fellowship.
Besides the office of the city mayor, other departments  such as civil registrar, environment  and natural  resources, engineering, veterinary, population, social welfare and development, assessor, nutrition, cooperative, Comelec, business permits and licensing system, cooperative and information  will set up offices  in the target  barangays  for  one  day.
The activity  will be  a  one-stop shop  where  needs  of villagers  could  be  attended  to.  This would  also  be time for locals  to  settle  their accounts with the city  government, the mayor said. 
Among the services  that residents  can  avail of include: real  property  tax, assistance  and consultation regarding  organization of  cooperatives, medical  and  dental  services, lectures on  family planning and responsible  parenthood, free  registration of live birth, payment of  taxes, and many others.
There  will also  be  free  haircut and  sharpening  of  tools.
Just  recently,  Mayor  Miguel called  on  barangay captains  to actively  support the activity.  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
==LGU padlocks 94 stalls in public market==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328256579
*Friday 3rd of February 2012
:by  (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato  Feb. 3 (PIA)  --  Some 94  stalls  inside the  Koronadal City  Public Market  were  padlocked yesterday  following an  order  from the  Office of the City  Treasurer.
Owners of these  stalls,  according to  acting city treasurer Marluon Gumbao – majority  from the  meat section --  have  been  remiss in  renewing their  business  permit  and  rental despite repeated  notices and  reminders.
A composite team  from  the Office of the City Treasurer, City Administrator’s Office, City Security Unit, Koronadal  City PNP, and Office of the Market Supervisor implemented the  closure of stalls.
Gumbao said, this is  to show that the  city government is  bent on implementing  its campaign against delinquent stall  business  operators.
He  added  the treasurer’s office was serious  when  he  promised that  they will publish the names  of  delinquent  stall owners  and padlock their  stalls  if they refuse to settle their accounts.
Generally, he  said,  except  for  minor altercations, stall  owners  had  not  reacted violently to their implementation of the closure orders.
“They know that  we have regulatory powers and  that  we  have not  exceeded  our authority,” he explained.
“I am thankful that the  stall owners  inside  the public market  understood  us. Although  some  of them  did not  expect  that  we will actually  execute our promise,” he said.
Gumbao  they will  continue with their campaign.
==Labor attaché to Rome assumes post as DOLE-12 chief==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R12&article=1611328063229
*Wednesday 1st of February 2012
:by  Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, Feb. 1 (PIA) --  Chona Mantilla,  labor attaché  to Rome,  today  begins her new  assignment  at the Department of Labor  and Employment  in Soccsksargen Region (DOLE-12).
Mantilla  takes the place of  Atty. Ma. Gloria  Tango, who  is re-assigned  as  regional director of  DOLE  in Central Visayas in accordance to the  order of Labor and Employment  Secretary Rosalinda  Baldoz for the  department-wide reshuffling of regional  directors and  assistant  regional  directors to strengthen the delivery of services  and to maintain transparency in all DOLE offices.
Assistant  Regional Director  Joel  Gonzales  is also transferred as ARD Caraga  Region (Region 13). In his lieu,  former  Zamboanga Peninsula  ARD Yahya  Centi now  serves as  ARD of  DOLE-12.
Mantilla,  a  graduate  of  AB Journalism and  Bachelor of Laws  from Silliman University  and Master of Social Sciences  from  the University of Tasmania  in  Australia,  was  labor attaché to Rome  from 2009 to 2011.
She  was  regional  director of DOLE in Caraga Region  from  2005  until  2009.
During the turn-over ceremony on  Monday,  Mantilla  said, she is ready to  immediately  begin  with  her  new assignment.
“I am  very fortunate because I am ushered  into  a  regional office with  veteran leaders  like RD Tango and  ARD Jong (Gonzales),”  she  said.
One of her  most  immediate  activities, she added,  is to  look into the  work and  financial plan  prepared  by the regional  staff under the  leadership of  Director  Tango.
“We will try to continue  what has  been  done  before  and with the  help of  the regional  staff,  as  well as  our partners in the agency, our  private partners  and the media we will be  able to work  out  more development for the region,”  she  said.
She  assured  that she  will continue the  agency’s  focus on  employment  facilitation,  labor relations, and  welfare of the labor force.
“I would also like  to  strengthen  relationship with local government  units as well as  our private partners,”  she said.
Immediately after the  turn-over ceremony,  Mantilla scheduled a meeting with  the  Regional Coordinating  Council,  provincial  heads  and  division  chiefs  to  validate  plans  and programs.
She said she  will  also meet  with local officials  in  Soccsksargen Region, which  covers the provinces  of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities  of  Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos.
Regarding  her  predecessor, she said,  Atty. Tango  has  been  her  role model. “An institution,” she described. 
“Mahirap  pantayan ang  previous  leadership, talagang  crème dela  crème,”  she said.
In her stay as  chief of  DOLE  12,  Tango was credited  for  leading in the promotion of industrial  peace  in the  region  as  evidenced  by zero strike in her entire five-year stint here. It was  also  during her leadership that DOLE 12  achieved ISO 9001-2008 certification for its  quality management system. 
Mantilla  is  confident that  her administration  will succeed  with the  help of the regional team  and the network of  partners.
“Let us help one another,”  she asked the participants  of the turn-over ceremony.
Meanwhile, Carlito  Uy,  vice chairman for management of the  Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace  Council said  Director Mantilla  can  expect  full  support  from their group.
“We are  ready  for  whatever program  that  she will introduce in line with  labor and management relationship,”  he said  “especially  in the promotion of industrial  peace.”
“I am  sure,  given her  experience as  regional director  of Caraga and as  labor attaché, she knows what would be best  for both labor and management,” Uy added. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12) 
Tags:  [ information on Department  of Labor and Employment ][ DOLE-12 ][ Chona  Mantilla ][ Gloria Tango ]


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