PGMA calls on regional, world leaders to tackle together global financial crisis
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today called on regional and world leaders to “unite and come up with a coordinated approach” in dealing with the financial crisis sweeping the world following the Wall Street meltdown.
She also cited the urgent need for the “developed countries or G7 to consider the interest of developing countries in their plan to prevent a worldwide economic meltdown.”
The President beamed the call to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and G7 member-nations in her speech during the 50th anniversary celebration of Republic Flour Mills (RFM) Corporation in Pasig City.
The President proposed that member-countries of ASEAN +3 “convene on the sidelines of the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit in Beijing next week to tackle the impact of the current credit crunch.”
ASEAN +3 is composed of ASEAN regional member countries Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and ASEN’s three neighboring countries -- China, Japan and Korea.
Leaders and economic ministers of the regional group will meet at the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) to be held in Beijing, China on Oct. 24-25.
The President said developing and emerging economies should “unite and come up with a coordinated approach to cushion the impact of a collapse of highly developed economies.”
She pointed out that she had already instructed Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, to attend the annual meetings of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund Group, which he did.
She added that the ASEAN Economic Ministers must “come up with common actions in order to prepare for any contingencies that may happen in ASEAN.”
The President said she will disclose details of the ASEM meetings “in the next few days.”
Trade Secretary Peter Favila said the ASEM gathering is “really more of getting the ASEAN, as a community…to discuss what measures and steps can we take in the likely event of a fallout” on the region of the financial turmoil rocking the global economy.
The President motored to Pasig City this morning for the inauguration of RFM’s new pasta-making plant.
Statement of Secretary Jesus Dureza Re: SWS survey latest results
“THE President and her Cabinet continue to perform and do governance, unmindful of survey results and solely deriving some feeling of achievements from having served our people, especially the poor.
Survey results mirror the people’s perception, hence they are at times detached from realities.
Though this may be the case, survey results can be good indicators on where the government has to work more. The government sees the recent SWS survey in this light.”
PGMA inaugurates Cavinti Bridge; span to ease vehicular traffic flow in Laguna
CAVINTI, Laguna – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated today the 40-lineal meter-long “Cavinti Bridge” which was built to pave the way for the promotion of eco-tourism here and the easing up of the vehicular traffic in this town and other parts of Laguna.
As the highlight of the inauguration, the President unveiled the Cavinti bridge marker, assisted by Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, DPWH Undersecretary Ramon Aquino, Laguna Gov. Teresita Lazaro, Laguna Rep. Edgar San Luis, Cavinti Mayor Florcelie Esguerra, and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura.
To signify the formal opening of the new span, the President boarded a top-down vehicle for the inaugural drive-thru the P55.88-million bridge with Ebdane, Lazaro, San Luis and Esguerra also on board.
Riding in a separate vehicle were Rep. Dan Fernandez and Timmy Chipeco.
Cavinti bridge was built as part of the government’s program to promote eco-tourism around the man-made Caliraya Lake located on the upper section of Cavinti.
Cavinti Mayor Florcelie Esguerra thanked the President and Congressman San Luis for the construction of the bridge. "Malaking tulong po ito sa amin,” he said, because it ensures the “uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic, especially during heavy rains and typhoons.”
Esguerra said the bridge will cut the travel time in the province and facilitate the movement of farm produce from the outlying barangays in the upper section of Caliraya, to the markets.
The bridge will also serve as alternate route to Inao-Auan-Bukal road, also in Laguna, during inclement weather, he added.
Located in Barangay Tibatib here, the Cavinti bridge is a single span I-girder on spread footing on both abutments, measuring 40 lineal meters in length and a 7.32-meter-wide carriageway.
The project was constructed by the DPWH under its bridges program with funding assistance from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Construction of the span was completed last month.
PGMA signs a new law to give relief to owners of houses under foreclosure
LUISIANA, Laguna – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed today into law the Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Restructuring and Condonation Act of 2008 to give the underprivileged Filipinos the chances to save their homes from foreclosure thru a rational loan restructuring and condonation scheme.
The President chose Luisiana, a 5th class municipality of Laguna province as the venue for the simple signing ceremony of Republic Act No. 9507 to coincide with the launch of the first housing project for the 4th district of Laguna.
At 11:35 a.m., the President arrived at Sitio Dapi, barangay San Jose, Luisiana, Laguna, the site of the local housing project with Vice-President Noli de Castro, Laguna Gov. Teresita Lazaro, Cong. Edgar San Luis and Luisiana mayor Manuel Rondilla welcoming her.
The law signing ceremony was witnessed by De Castro, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, the principal author of the RA No. 9507, Laguna Reps. San Luis, Maria Evita Agarao, Roman Romulo and NHA general manager Federico Laxa
The new law offers a rational loan restructuring and condonation program for the underprivileged Filipinos based on the credit worthiness and credit discipline of the borrowers and the financial viability of the lending institutions.
During the program, she also launched the 4th district’s local housing project with the lowering of the time capsule containing coins, newspaper clippings and the housing project’s plan with De Castro, Laxa, San Luis and Rondilla assisting her.
The housing project, located at the Sitio Dapi, barangay San Jose, Luisiana, Laguna is a two-hectare lot which was subdivided into an average of 40 sq.m lot priced at P12,000 per lot for some 305 families and informal settlers in this municipality.
The National Housing Authority (NHA) project is funded by congressional allocation amounting to P3.160 million. The housing loan is payable in 5 years at 6% interest per annum.
At the site, the President pressed the ceremonial switch to signal for the electrification of three Laguna municipality-beneficiaries namely : Sitio San Francisco, barangay Macatad-Bubucal in Siniloan, Laguna, Sitio Dapi, Sahur-Ulan, barangay Salang Bato, Famy, Laguna and Sitio Mayputat, barangay Libis ng Nayon, Mabitac, Laguna.
The rural electrification project was spearheaded by Laguna Cong. Edgar San Luis for the 4th district of Laguna for the benefit of 80 households, one garment factory, a farm and a resort.
The President handed over a check for the P3.135 million to Luisiana Mayor Manuel Rondilla as the purchase price of the land acquisition under the housing project.
She distributed 12 checks for P50,000 each to the 12 Laguna cooperatives who have qualified to the DOLE's livelihood assistance program. Among the recipients were the Samahang Agawid Dante Nadal; Sikap-Mahirap headed by Marivic Asedillo and KAP-WESC, headed by Leonisa Banhaon.
The President also handed over a check for P5 million to Ricardo Wagan, president of the Laguna State Polytechnic University as part of the scholarship project of Cong. San Luis to benefit a total of 714 indigent students of the said university.
DPWH, CAAP PGMA infra projects in Aklan reach P221,375 M
KALIBO, Aklan -- The combined PGMA infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Aklan, ongoing and completed for 2007-2008 has reached a total of P221,375,000.00.
CAAP is formerly known as the Air Transportation Office (ATO). CAAP operates the Kalibo International Airport.
The report from the DPWH here revealed that presently, it has completed and on-going projects in Aklan with a total cost of P167,200,000.00.
These projects include construction of seawall in Songcolan, Batan to protect the Songcolan Elementary School; construction of Altavas Diversion Road, construction of Diversion/Bypass road along Kalibo-Iloilo Highway, construction of Boracay Roads, repair/rehab/improvement of Caticlan Road Section, rehabilitation of Multi-Purpose Pavement in Pastrana Park, rehabilitation of Nabas Road- Caticlan Road Section, construction of Boracay Road (Lapus-Lapus-Fairways Section), Altavas East Road (intermittent sections/road reblocking), Altavas-Jamindan Road (intermittent sections) and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road (intermittent sections).
Infrastructure projects with big budgets which are ongoing are the construction of Boracay Road and Altavas-Jamindan Road, both costing P30,000,000.00 while the Altavas East Road and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road both cost P20,000,000.00.
The construction of Altavas Diversion Road cost the government P17,200,000.00.
The rest of the projects had a budget of P5,000,000.00 each.
The CAAP, on the other hand, had a total o P54,175,000.00 projects both ongoing and completed. In a report released by Kalibo International Airport Manager Percy Malonesio, 2 activities are ongoing while 3 construction activities are already completed.
Ongoing activities include site acquisition and site development for the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) costing P20,768,500.00 and P11,869,000.00, respectively, while completed projects include the rehabilitation and installation of ILS equipment, construction of equipment shelter and installation of runway edge and taxiway edge lights.
Projects implemented and ongoing in the province by the DPWH and the CAAP were contained in President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s SONA promises. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
IID welcomes fact-finding mission of HRA group
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/13 – The First Infantry Division (IID), Philippine Army has welcomed the move of the human rights advocate (HRA) group to conduct a fact-finding mission on the human rights abuses by the lawless MILF group (LMG) in Lanao del Norte (LDN).
This was announced by Lt. Col. Agane Adriatico, Civil Military Operations chief, G7, IID in a press briefing held at the Information Command Center (ICC), Philippine Information Agency, here.
He said it is time for these HRA group to document the report of atrocities done by the LMG in some towns of the province last Aug. 18 and validate their data gathered in the conflict-affected areas.
The incident resulted not only in the loss of a number of lives and injury of innocent civilians and property damage estimated at more than P126 million but also displaced the lives of thousands of residents who evacuated from their houses and farms.
Last week, the alliance of these HRA group has written to Maj. Gen. Nehemias Pajarito, IID Commander to asking for assistance in the conduct of their mission in investigating and documenting the events that took place that fateful day.
“The group, however, failed to cite the particular assistance they are asking from the IID Commander,” Agane said. (DMS/PIA Iligan)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
4ID condemns bombing of Globe cell cite in MisOr
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/13 – The 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, has condemned the bombing of the cell cite owned by Globe Telecommunications in Loguilo, Misamis Oriental, last Sept. 25.
“This is another terroristic act perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) for the firm’s refusal to give in to their extortion activities,” Maj. Gen. Ricardo A. David, Jr., 4ID Commander said.
The incident is the 4th in a series of cell cites which the CPP/NPA/NDF has damaged after burning a farm tractor owned by the Surigao Development Corp. in Barangay Calatangan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Aug. 9, 2008.
The other three incidents include the burning of Globe cell cites in Barangay Ledgaron, Claver and Barangay Alipao, Alegria, both of Surigao del Norte, last Aug. 17 and 19, respectively and Barangay Maug, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, last Aug. 21.
Meanwhile, Capt. Noli Canashiro of the 4th Civil Military Operations Unit (CMOU) said the CPP/NPA/NDF has an ideology that justifies murders and destructions or property has orchestrated these condemnable acts because they almost lost their ground, credibility and support from the masses.
The people are increasingly transformed and convinced that insurgency is not a by product of poverty since many of its leaders are from the middle class with privileged upbringing, like Jose Maria Sison, he said.
Canashiro said 4ID is committed to protect the life and property of the citizens and continuous to institute measures to quell such nefarious activities.
It also makes no distinction between those who commit acts of terror and those firms, organizations and individuals who support the communist terrorist because they are accessories to propagate/tolerate terror against the law abiding and peace loving people inn the region, he said. (RCA/PIA-I0)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Inter-Local Health Zones to augment health manpower in hinterland towns of Lanao Norte
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/13 – The increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDP) outside the evacuation centers (EC) still tops the list of problems encountered in the hinterland towns of Lanao del Norte.
This was reported by Dr. David Mendoza, Chief of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Dept. of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), region 10, who said there is a need to validate the IDP’s in the towns of Munai, Pantao Ragat, Tangkal and Poona Piagapo so that they will be better served by the health service agencies.
As of the moment, there is only one doctor and one nurse in Munai, there is only one nurse in Tangkal, there is no doctor and no nurse but only a midwife in Pantao Ragat and there is no doctor, no nurse and no midwife in Poona Piagapo.
The lack of health personnel in these towns is because health workers are hesitant to go to these areas due to security reasons.
“Because of this situation, DOH-CHD-10 has recommended that the members of the Inter Local Health Zones will augment the health manpower needs of the said areas,” Mendoza said.
Meanwhile, another problem identified in the ECs is the inadequate number of latrines for the IDPs and the poor health-seeking behaviors, among mothers in particular and the population in general.
Again, DOH-CHD-10 has recommended that additional latrines be constructed in the EC’s and that patients who could not be managed in the area be referred to a higher health center in the nearby towns.
Specially for mothers, the DOH-ChD-10 has recommended the provision of psycho-social and health teaching among the IDP’s in coordination with the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the direct victims.
“The LDN Provincial Health Office (PHO) should also conduct continuous monitoring and evaluation of the health status of the IDP’s in the EC’s,” Mendoza said. (RCA/PIA10)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
DSWD to put up community kitchen for the IDPs in Lanao Norte
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/13 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will organize a community kitchen from among the internally displaced persons (IDP’s) in the evacuation centers (EC) of Lanao del Norte (LDN).
This was disclosed by DSWD Asst. Secretary Vilma Cabrera during her recent visit to Munai town in LDN where she conferred with officials of the local government units (LGU) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as to the situation of the IDP’s in the area.
She informed the local officials of Munai that DSWD will implement the community kitchen after receiving reports that the family food packs and other relief goods intended for the IDP’s have been misrouted towards the unintended groups.
“Thru the coordination of the assigned social worker in the area, the community kitchen will have 5 to 10 member families per group and will choose from among them a team leader and one kitchen in-charge of the food preparation per meal a day,” Cabrera said.
ASEC Cabrera said the IDP’s can also group themselves according to the barangays where they come from as long as the family food packs given to them by the DSWD will remain inside the EC’s.
The visit of ASEC Cabrera in the province was also to inspect the situation of the EC’s and the condition of the IDP’S after reports received by the national government that there are evacuees who died of hunger inside these EC’s. (OSM, Radyo ng Bayan-Gingoog)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Maintain high standard of discipline, IID commander tells troops
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/13 – Maj. Gen. Nehemias G. Pajarito, commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, has urged his troops to maintain the high standard of discipline and to continuously conduct continuous dialogue with the people in areas where they are assigned.
The IID commander gave this message when he visited the Tactical Command Post of the 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade, headed by Col. Benito Antonio T. De Leon in Cadulawan, Munai, Lanao del Norte (LDN).
Accompanied by the members of his staff, the IID Commander’s visit included the 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB), 104 Bde, PA based in Bagumbayan, Kauswagan town and the 8IB, 403rd Brigade, PA, based in Linamon, both of LDN.
“The primary task and objective of why we are still here in the area is to capture Bravo and his subordinates. Even if we capture Bravo or eliminate him, if his influence remains in the area, then our operation is not totally accomplished,” Gen. Pajarito told the troops.
Meanwhile, Col. De Leon of 104 Bde presented to the IID commander the items recovered from the encounter by the elements of 32IB and the tracking operations of 10IB at Barangay Tamparan with the lawless MILF Groups (LMG) last October 8 at Barangay Maliwanag, Poona Piagapo.
These items included radio communication equipment, components of explosive, two (2) home-made shotguns and some laundered MILF uniforms with markings of “Double Body” and “Top Sider” who is the trusted henchman of renegade Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo of the LMG.
“The series of engagement and continuous law enforcement activities of the military had steadily stripped the LMG of their bases, their armaments and logistics drastically reducing their atrocious capability in the area,” De Leon stressed. (LVG/PIA Iligan)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
AFP commemorates its 18th Code of Ethics Day
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/13 -- The usual morning colors of the troops at 104th Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Lanao del Norte, this Monday, was additionally marked with the renewal of the oath of adherence to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Code of Ethics and the reading of the message of General Alexander Yano, the AFP Chief of Staff.
Similar scenes could be observed in military bases nationwide as the AFP commemorates its 18th Code of Ethics Day.
Colonel Benito de Leon, the Commander of 104th Infantry Brigade, reminisced in his message how he along with about a hundred delegates from the army, navy, air force, and constabulary services of the AFP gathered in 1990 to formulate the code.
He explains that it was important to establish and define the values and beliefs of a military professional: the varied interpretations of it across the services were identified as a cause of the series of past mutinies.
De Leon further recalls that the formulation process was facilitated by the Organization Development Associates Internationale headed by Dr. Antonio Roldan Jr. where delegates of different ranks and in civilian attire identified, debated, defined, and agreed on the provisions for inclusion in the proposed code.
The draft was circulated for comments, and was eventually ratified by the AFP members and adopted in 1991 identifying the core values as “honor, loyalty, valor, duty, and solidarity.”
“Each of us should seriously imbibe the true meaning of the creed we have to live by so as to deserve being a professional member of the AFP,” exhorts De Leon in his message to his troops.
Meanwhile, General Yano underscored the importance of the day in his message, “With the prevailing situation unfolding, I am certain that today’s celebration of the AFP Code of Ethics Day will allow us to understand more the enormous challenge of defining and explaining our moral convictions and responsibility to public trust.”
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
NGO, CSO, Army meet to address IDPs
ICC-ILIGAN CITY 10/12 -- Non-Government and Civil Society Organizations with military authorities met Saturday to discuss the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Lanao provinces.
The consultation and dialogue initiated by the Institute of Peace and Development for Mindanao of MSU-IIT focused on “How Best to Address the Welfare of Maranaw IDPs and Other Issues and Concerns Related to the Recent Resumption of Conflicts in Lanao.”
This was held in Elena Tower Inn and facilitated by Professors Malou Nanaman and Saturnina “Bebot” Rodil. The meeting was one of the series to bridge actions among sectors and institutions in contributing to stability to various communities.
The dialogue raised various issues and concerns of the effects of the on-going hostilities on affected communities.
The general clamor during the forum was to put an end to the hostilities. It, likewise, revealed that NGOs and CSOs found it challenging to assist the displaced individuals not only due to the prevailing security situation but also due to the inaccessibility of local executives.
Another dilemma was in locating and supporting the IDPs evacuating particularly in Lanao del Sur who chose staying with their relatives than at evacuation sites.
Some sectors also claimed that the lack of support for IDPs in Lanao del Sur is attributed to the non-declaration of the province as a calamity area. Moreover, the discussions also exposed an emerging concern, posing another challenge to local administrators, on the developing preference among IDPs to stay in evacuation sites owing to free food and better shelter.
For the part of the military, Colonel Benito de Leon, commander of 104th Infantry Brigade based in Lanao del Norte, informed the participants that his forces while still are running after the rogue band of Bravo are also currently assisting local executives and other sectors in facilitating the return of those displaced by the hostilities in Lanao del Norte.
Col. De Leon assured the participants that the military will always ensure the safety and well-being of civilians even as they pursue the lawless groups. He urged the NGOs and CSOs to coordinate or discuss with the military their concerns, especially on security, so as to identify areas where they could cooperate on.
He emphasized that one of the military’s priorities is to also assist in establishing the return of normal conditions in the area at the soonest possible time.
Hostilities in the Lanao provinces erupted following the rampage of the Lawless MILF Group led by Abdullah Makapaar aka Bravo in the coastal towns of Lanao del Norte last 18 August.
The military was tasked to assist in the law enforcement operations against Bravo’s group. The ensuing skirmishes between the armed groups resulted in a number of IDPs. Various NGOs and CSOs came in to attend to those displaced by the conflict in addition to the similar efforts by the concerned government agencies.
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Pagadian City Dispatch
Kidnapper dies, 3 others seized in Sulu
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY (Sulu) 10/13 -- One kidnapper died, while three others, suspected to be members of the terrorist Abu Sayaff Group, captured Friday by the combined military and police forces here, thwarting the kidnapping plot against a Jolo businessman.
Commanding officer of the 6th Marine Battalion Landing Team Lt Col Jimmy Larida PN (M) said that the residents informed government authorities about the presence of eight suspicious persons on board a red Tamaraw jeep.
According to Lt Col Larida, a brief fire fight ensued at 5:15 PM between suspects and responding government troops at Gandasuli Drive in Jolo town, where a certain Adjili Sakilan died on the spot. The group was in the area to supposedly snatch a wealthy businessman.
He identified other apprehended suspects as Makambian Sakilan, Tagayan Sakilan, and Asma Awang, all allegedly natives of Brgy Upper Sinumaan, Talipao. Confiscated items included the following: two (2) cal .45 pistols with two magazines and ten rounds of lives ammos; two (2) pcs bolo; and tamaraw-type jeep.
The three captured suspects are now in custody of the local police. The four others managed to escape during the exchange of fire.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Comet commander Maj Gen Juancho M Sabban commended the AFP under 3rd Marine Brigade Commander Col Eugenio Clemen PN (M) and the PNP under PSSupt Julasirim Kasim, saying that joint efforts make stronger defense force.
“The military troops, hand in hand with the police shall remain steadfast in their commitment as protectors of the people and be a formidable force with which the public can lean upon, especially that our campaign against the terrorists is steadily moving forward,” the commander underscored.
Moreover, he attributed the success to the trainings that imprinted the realization of more effective defense tactics on the part of the military, while better enforcement of the law on the part of the police.
On the same day, the fifth class of the PNP Basic Police Operations Course had its graduation at Mindanao State University. The Basic Police Operations course will be repeated almost continuously through December 2008, providing training opportunities for the PNP personnel of Sulu. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Iligan City Dispatch
Residents vacate homes due to ASG threat
ICC-PAGADIAN CITY (Sulu) 10/13 -- The conduct of Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP), scheduled Friday at Brgy Sionogan, Indanan, Sulu was temporarily postponed as residents vacated their homes because of the Abu Sayaff Group’s threat in the area.
Joint Task Force Comet commander Maj. Gen. Juancho M Sabban disclosed that the ASG has threatened the villagers and barangay leaders of attack if they consent the military to implement the said health program. Around 2,000 residents left their homes.
“Their greed and terrorist behavior have disturbed the local populace, with obvious intent of injecting more sufferings to the poor village folks. The ASG wants no progress and development. Because of government’s commitment to service, its mass base support is dwindling. Obviously, the terrorists are threatened by military’s presence,” says Maj. Gen. Sabban.
The presence of soldiers, he added, serves as a barrier for those who seek disorder, felony and other terroristic activities.
The military chief also said that the people of Indanan do not deserve such kind of treatment as they only wish to avail the government’s services meant to address their basic needs.
“Posing threat to their fellow Muslims, who wish to avail the government services, is a complete disregard of the benefits that this health program may bring to the civilians. The Abu Sayaff Group contributes nothing but nuisance and bullying,” he stressed.
Moreover, the military assured the public of its relentless implementation of security operations and unrelenting conduct of humanitarian projects in the province of Sulu as it seeks to develop and build rather than to destroy lives like what these terrorists have done, presently doing and will continue doing in the future.
“We shall not allow the displeasure of these terrorists dictate our actions, especially if our deeds will usher peace and development to the communities. This will even drive us more to do our utmost in helping our people,” he said.
According to him, many development projects are now being planned for implementation to address the needs of the people. A road project will soon be constructed in the said barangay.
“We shall remain the protective shield of the people. The military shall be decisive in going after terrorist groups. A unified effort is a must for Sulu to finally move forward”. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
DAF-ARMM projects an increase in rice production output
ICC-COTABATO CITY 10/13 -- A continuous regionwide drive is being undertaken by the officials, line agencies, stakeholders and local government units (LGUs) to ensure food security and self-sufficiency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Thus, stressed newly appointed Regional Secretary Keise Tan Usman of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the ARMM during his oath-taking ceremonies recently.
The food farming and supply systems in the ARMM widely vary, and this is due to the geographic make up and staple food preference of the region.
This year, DAF-ARMM projects another increase in output.
During the recent rice production assessment meeting of DAF-ARMM top officials and commodity production coordinators, the Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) posted a conservative estimate of 689,716 metric tons (MT) output in 2008, however, regional agriculture department officials project an actual achievable production of 746, 602MT.
With Maguindanao having ranked number 10 top rice producing province of the whole country in 2007, has contributed to ARMM’s overall rice production of 614,114 metric tons, last year up by 10.79 percent from its 2006 production of 554,270MT.
In 2007, irrigated areas in the ARMM produced some 294,898MT while the rainfed areas account for 319,216MT.
A sizeable increase in this year’s irrigated rice production output is expected with the full rehabilitation of the 11,500 hectare-Kabulnan Irrigation and Area Development Project (KIADP).
With only Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan ang Lanao del Sur producing rice in ARMM, an overall regional production-consumption deficit of about 30% in recent years is putting pressure on the regional government to further look into ways to accelerate production, one of which is the tapping of the vast track of arable wetlands covered by the Ligwasan Marsh or the flood plains of the Rio Grande River.
As this developed, the regional leadership assures to remain the number four top corn producer in the country while intensifying its efforts to produce more vegetables to further ensure food on the tables of the ARMM families. (pbc/PIA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
ARMM National Statistics Month celebration in full blast
ICC-COTABATO CITY 10/13 -- Highlights of the month-long national statistics celebration was tackled in a meeting called by the regional office of the National Statistics Office, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao over the weekend.
One of the first agenda discussed was the official release of the result of the 2007 census of population, Datu Razulden Mangelen, provincial director, NSO-Maguindanao, revealed Friday to the Philippine Information Agency.
An end-users data forum was likewise conducted and attended by concerned agencies, including those representatives of the non-government organizations.
Data that will be pooled by the participants will be evaluated for use in the forth-coming 2010 census of population. Data gathering for households will also coincide with the 2010 census of population.
Showcasing of statistical products, forum that will be called by members of the Regional Statistical Coordinating Committee, display of streamers giving prominence to the National Statistics Month (NSM), will also be part of the said celebration.
Mangelen disclosed that at the moment, there are already a good number of streamers being displaced in some government offices as well as private establishments.
In the absence of an accurate data from the NSO, it will be difficult to come up with good policies for planning even if you are with the government or private sector, Mangelen said.
“Data collection is really our mandate that is why our office is doing its best to give exact data to those who need it,” he stressed.
This year’s theme for the NSM month-long celebration is Demand-Driven Statistics, Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development. (MCD-PIA)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
US Embassy donates P10M worth of bomb detection paraphernalia to PNP-12
ICC General Santos City (13 October)---- Central Mindanao Police Chief Supt. Felizardo Serapio Jr., is elated to receive from the US Embassy a P10-million worth of bomb detection paraphernalia boosting their fight against terrorism.
Serapio is confident that with the newly acquired equipment, police security efforts will be efficiently enhanced.
The donation comprised of bomb suit kit, X-ray machine, detector and other bomb investigation tools.
Police Supt. Franklin Alvero, chief of the regional Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) of the Police Regional Office XII said the bomb paraphernalia is very important especially now that the region is into armed conflict with the lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front group (LMG).
Alvero, in a press statement issued to media, described the equipment as vital in the “preservation of law and order and anti-terrorism efforts of the government in the region.”
The EOD serves as the custodian of the donation housed in the newly inaugurated building of the Regional Bomb Squad Unit at Camp Fermin Lira here. (PIA SarGen)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
LMG’s village attack in Sultan Kudarat killed 4 civilians
ICC-GENERAL SANTOS CITY 10/13 – Armed men believed to be lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) group (LMG) harassed a village in Sultan Kudarat killing four civilians and wounding three others.
Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Julieto Ando said rogue MILF members attacked Barangay Sangay in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat at around 4:30 Saturday morning (October 11).
Killed were Polinio Alberio, 46; Reynan Cabarobias, 60; Diosdado Cortado, 55 and Edgar Cortado, 20. Injured were Joeyboy Bartolome, Jesusa Araniego and Danilo Gonzaga, Ando said.
The pillaging MILF members also held Councilor Luis Colao and Roel Suma as captives.
MILF leadership denied its involvement as an organization in the latest attack in Region XII.
Ando assured that elements of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion had already been deployed to augment police personnel and the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) in the area.
As of press time, the army spokesperson also said that tension as result of the attack has toned down. (PIA SarGen)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
GREAT Women project launched in armed conflict PALMA-P
ICC-GENERAL SANTOS CITY 10/13 -- The PALMA Alliance in the Province of Cotabato (North) was recently selected as one of the areas for implementation of a three-year project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
This was after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) signed last month an agreement to jointly implement the Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women or the GREAT Women Project.
PALMA is an acronym which stands for the name of adjoining municipalities in the first district of Cotabato (North), namely Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan. The alliance was recently recognized for the successful pooling of resources as an effective way of developing their communities.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza said that the agreement will give emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises while at the same time bringing about activities that protect and preserve the country’s environment and natural resources.
“The Great Women Project will create viable and sustainable micro-enterprises, some of which are expected to be up-scaled into small and medium enterprises,” Atienza said.
The DENR chief said that the operation of the enterprises will transform the women into decision - makers with globally competitive skills, apart from generating a new source of income for their families.
Project GREAT Women has four components which will be carried out by three of DENR’s bureaus: capability building on environmental management system and pollution prevention, to be undertaken by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB); community livelihood assistance program by the Forest Management Bureau (FMB); documentation and replication of successful ecotourism project highlighting the role of men and women by Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB); and monitoring and sustainability assessment of the DENR sub-projects by the DENR central office.
The project primarily intends to increase awareness on environmental laws and regulations for the prevention of pollution and protection of the environment as well as produce popular materials on environmental management systems and pollution prevention, for distribution to local government units and micro and medium entrepreneurs.
The project is also expected to increase women’s access to economic and enterprise - related programs and services, thus lessen constraints on gender and reproductive roles.
Other selected areas for implementation of GREAT Women Project are Metro Naga in Region 5; Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); Quezon in Region 4-A; Iloilo in Region 6; Bohol in Region 7; Leyte in Region 8 and Davao del Sur in Region 11.
Project GREAT has been allotted more than P8.9 million for its implementation starting this year with the following partners: local government units, private sector, academe, non-government organizations, women’s groups, and international organizations, among others.(PIA SarGen)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
Military commits no human rights violations so far, says Ando
ICC-GENERAL SANTOS CITY 10/13 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here said that human rights policies in combat operation are being observed at all times.
Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Julieto Ando stressed this saying military are keen on complying human rights policies even if it deals with lawless elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the on-going pursuit operations against MILF commanders Umbra Kato and Bravo to include Pangalian.
He said no human rights violations have been so far committed by any of the military operatives on field while relentlessly pursuing the lawless MILF.
Ando opined that Filipino soldiers are well-trained enough and very professionals as to uphold and respect the human rights of every citizen especially when they are sent on combat operation against enemies of the state. (PIA SarGen)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
Community leaders seal statement of support to continued peace
ICC-GENERAL SANTO CITY 10/13 -- Leaders representing the tri-people (Christians, Indigenous Peoples, and Muslims) in Malapatan, Sarangani yesterday sealed a statement of support intended to preserve peace and order in the locale.
Vice Mayor Jorge Sambaga, former MNLF member- turned politician urged his townmates to be vigilant and actively get involved in making sure that no armed group shall disrupt the serenity of the town.
“Hinaot kitang tanan atong ipadayon ang naandan natong pakigdayig, pagminahalay ning atong lungsod, ipadayon ang malinawong pagpuyo sa tibuok lumulupyo. Dili kita makipagtribo-tribo kinahanglan atong pagsinabutan unsay angay natong pagkahimuon nga makahatag og kaayuhan sa tibuok nga lumolupyo,” Sambaga told his constituents.
The unanimous support to peace agreed by tri-people was organized by the Kapayapaan Kapatid Council (KKC) of SocSarGen (South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City).
Atty. Guialil Kanda, field director of the Office on Muslim Affairs and Prof. Mario Aguja of the Mindanao State University-General Santos City served as resource speakers of the forum.
Both resource speakers agreed that dialogue was still the key ingredient toward maintaining peace in conflict areas in Sarangani and the entire Mindanao.
Professor Aguja pointed out to the local leaders that arms or guns were not the solution to resolve the existing problem in Mindanao and that emotions as a result of the failed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain must not rule.
Meanwhile former Sarangani Board Member Raphael Lantingan, representing the IPs, echoed that when it comes to ancestral domain claim, people must not also forget to consider and respect the rights of the IPs.
A number of unresolved issues on ancestral domain claims by the IPs are still pending for further study under the National Commission on indigenous People (NCIP).
With the continuing fight between government troopers and the MILF in Central Mindanao and some areas of Lanao Norte, KKC has made a difference by unlocking the path of dialogue between and among Muslims, Christians and IPs in SocSarGen.
The peace dialogue in Malapatan was just among the many peace development advocacy campaigns initiated by the organization that encouraged “exchange of ideas, understanding of beliefs and practices, appreciation of each culture and religion.”
KKC is composed of religious leaders from the Muslim and Christian communities in SocSarGen.
Fr. Angel Buenavides, DXCP-CMN station director said the peace forum is important to empower people. “Information is power. If people are given the right information, dili lang haka-haka og dili tsismis they will have empowerment. With that, dili sila magpadala sa kahadlok sa palibot.”
He said dissemination of right information will enhance the sensitivity of community and leaders. As a result, according to him, they themselves will feel the need to express what they want to happen in their respective area.
DXCP–CMN, the Radio Station of the Diocese of Marbel, serves as the secretariat to KKC.
The peace forum, a forerunner to the Mindanao Peace of Week celebrated every last week of November to first week of December, has also been scheduled in Maasim this October. (PIA SarGen)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
Fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility, says police chief
ICC-GENERAL SANTOS CITY 10/13 -- Regional Director PCSupt. Felizardo Serapio Jr. underscored that fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility between the people and the government.
“The PNP cannot afford to take chances whenever there is a threat of a terrorist activity and counter-terrorism is a shared responsibility of the people and the government. The public must do their own part to ascertain their own safety,” he said.
Recently, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. commended the PNP 12 authorities for their quick action that had somehow deterred expansion of atrocities in the provinces of Cotabato and Sarangani.
Meanwhile SarGen Coastal Area Sultanate Consultative Body for Peace of the Municipality of Malapatan, Sarangani Province in a published statement condemned the brutal destructions of private properties as well as the consequent killings of innocent civilians, Muslims and Christians alike in Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Sarangani Province describing the act “as horrible and inhuman.”
Just like the consultative body, Police Regional Office 12 highly condemns the transgression as terrible and despicable crime against God and people.
In order to address greater escalation of MILF atrocities all over region 12 and in anticipation of actions of various threat groups for larger destabilization, a contingency plan was devised by Police Regional Office 12 in close coordination with other concerned government agencies.
The contingency plan intends to oversee the preparedness of the different operating units in dealing with various crises that will affect the survival of the government institutions, ensure the protection of lives and critical infrastructures, economic key points, the defense and security of the community.
Different commanders on the ground were also directed to simulate drills as part of the preparation.
Aside from augmentation of troops from other Mindanao-based regions, the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) from Police Regional Office 6, 7, and 8 are now deployed in some municipalities and villages in North Cotabato to prevent further incursions by lawless MILF Groups (LMGs).
Clearing operations by the police and AFP units also continue in some villages and municipalities in North Cotabato to allow internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes and farmlands and start a normal life. (PNP-PRO 12/PIA SarGen)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
Two Cotabato women cited rural achievers 2008
ICC-COTABATO CITY 10/13 -- Two Cotabato women won the Search for Outstanding Woman Rural Achievers 2008 of the Department of Agriculture through its Gender and Development Program in an evaluation, which started on Sept. 8, 2008.
Victoria A. Motril of Tupi South Cotabato and Luisa B. Balagot of North Makilala Cotabato were the nominees of Department of Agriculture Region 12. Mrs. Motril along with Mrs. Olive Gamboa of Valencia, Bukidnon received first prize while Mrs. Balagot as special awardee.
The search aims to give due recognition to all women rural achievers of the country giving significance to the contributions they had done for the improvement of their personal life, family, and community through the projects that helped the lives of the people living in rural areas with the assistance from Department of Agriculture and Local Government Units.
This activity is in line with the National Rural Women’s Day Celebration this October 2008, in which out of the 24 contenders all over the nation only nine made it to the top awards.
The awarding ceremony will be on October 20, 2008 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall, Diliman, Quezon City. The winners will be given cash and plaque of recognitions.
With this search, rural women will be encouraged to participate in government activities and show their abilities to contribute for the development of the country. (AMampen/RICC Cot. City)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
Projects to reduce poverty and strengthen peace in ARMM due for implementation
ICC-COTABATO CITY 10/13 -- Reducing poverty and strengthening the peace in ARMM communities through ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) of the Philippine Government and Japan BANK for International Cooperation (JBIC) paved the way for the construction of five sub-projects in the areas of ARMM through the loans amounting P59 million.
The construction of ARMM Integrated Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory Building (P5.6M), upgrading of Polloc port (P22.8M), rehabilitation of Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Tawi-Tawi (P10.3M), upgradimg of Tamparan District Hospital Training Center in Malabang, Lanao del Sur (P5.7M) and improvement and extension of Dr. Serapio Montaner Al Haj. Memorial Hospital in Lanao del Sur (P14.4M) are the first batch of the 33 Strategic Regional Infrastructure (SRI) sub- projects due on 2010.
These projects will improve the life of the ARMM communities in the field of economic, transportation and health services, said Atty. Mustapha Sambolawan, ASFP program manager.
The ARMM government is doing things that will uplift the lives of the ARMM people, he added.
The five sub-projects are the first step in materializing the remaining 28 SRI sub-projects. It is also the start of partnership between the Philippines and Japan in support of peace and development in ARMM. (AMampen/ RICC Cot. City)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
NDCC reports increase of evacuees
ICC-COTABATO CITY (Kidapawan City) 10/13 -- Latest report of National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) shows that evacuees in Central Mindanao swelled due to ongoing fights between the lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government troops.
NDCC reported that some 110,994 families which is equivalent to 531,949 dependents, goes up to 127,164 families or 611,753 dependents were affected in the different parts of region 10, 12 and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Seven municipalities of Lanao del Sur and two in Sultan Kudarat were reported affected by separate new encounters of rouge MILF rebels and military.
There are also affected families in Tangkal, Lanao del Norte, Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Mamasapano and Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Shariff Kabunsuan Province.
An estimated 1,304 houses were destroyed, 1,223 were totally damaged and 81 houses were partially damaged in some places particularly in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Shariff Kabunsuan Province.
Almost P147 million of relief assistance was given by the government and non-government organizations to the affected families of calamities.
Meanwhile, Cotabato provincial government, World Food Programme and other church organizations conducted relief operations to the evacuees of Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Evacuees received 25 kilos of rice and other non-food items in different evacuation centers of the said municipality.
Datu Piang Municipal Mayor Samier Uy said that some 9,800 families benefited from this relief operations.
He also thank all those who help and supports the evacuees especially Governor Sacdalan of Cotabato province, World Food Programme, different church organizations and other non-government organizations who helped in time of crisis like these. (EBC/CLC-ICC Kidapawan City)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
SP suspends selling of imported dairy products from China
ICC-COTABATO CITY (Kidapawan City) 10/13 -- Kidapawan City Councilor Roberto Omandac has requested this week the City Sanggunian of Kidapawan to approve a resolution temporarily suspending the selling of imported dairy products from China at any grocery stores and outlets in the city pending results of the current product testing being conducted by the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Resolution No. 08282 sponsored by Omandac seeks to suspend temporarily the selling of said milk products until such time that the BFAD has completed its product testing on products suspected of being contaminated by toxic substance such as Melamine.
In the same vein, Board Member Dr. Ronaldo Pader of the 1st District of North Cotabato also passed a similar resolution to the Provincial Board this week requesting the Provincial Health Office of Cotabato to call the attention of the different LGUs in the province and local BFAD counterparts to look into these questionable products that might have already reached the local market.
The Melamine scare has moved consumers to go slow on China made products early last month prompting health authorities to investigate further not only on milk products but on other items which are possibly tainted with toxic substance. (CLC/EBC/KID. CITY ICC)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
Rep. Piñol pushes bigger allocations for high value crops
ICC-COTABATO CITY (Kidapawan City) 10/13 -- Cotabato 2nd District Representative Bernardo Piñol said that he should request for a bigger amount for the 2nd District of Cotabato for the allocation of Department of Agriculture (DA) in high value crop to let constituents improve their living conditions and let the people feel that government is helping them.
Congressman Piñol said that some P2billion were allocated by the national government on its 2009 budget for the purchased of high value crops under the program of Department of Agriculture.
He also said that he would attend in the deliberation and defend the 2009 budget of the DA and ask a bigger allocation for the second district of Cotabato for planting of high value crops.
It was noted that the good congressman pushed for the creation of Philippine Rubber Authority just recently in support of the rubber industry which is one of the high value commercial crops being planted in the province.
He added that his district be given priority on the allocation for infrastructure for peace and development in Mindanao which according to him his district was not mentioned as one of the beneficiaries in the said infrastructure projects of the government.
He also lamented that Cotabato province is always the victims of atrocities in Mindanao and why his district were not recipient of said projects.
Roads and other infrastructure projects are vital for the development of the area, especially this time that he encourage the farmers to plant high value commercial crops.
He appealed to his constituents to support his program for development and said that even he cannot address all priority programs for development and said that even he can not address all priority programs of his district, he will try to do his responsibilities to do all for the good of his people. (EBC/CLC/ICC Kidapawan City)
INFORMATION COMMAND CENTER-Cotabato City-General Santos City-Kidapawan City Dispatch
North Cotabato extends more food assistance to Datu Piang evacuees
ICC-COTABATO CITY 10/13 -- Fulfilling its previous commitment to continue extending aid to his suffering constituents, Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan brought light and cheers to hundreds of displaced families who are still housed at the evacuation centers in Datu Piang Maguindanao.
The provincial government of North Cotabato this week sent packs of rice and distributed them to each family together with the food items and other relief goods brought by the team from the World Food Program and the NGOs.
Volunteers from the religious group was headed by Fr. Romeo Saniel, President of the Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC), Fr. Eduardo Vasquez and Fr. Mon Bernabe.
Datu Piang Mayor Samier Uy was extremely gratified with the concern shown by the provincial government of Cotabato and thanked them as well as the World Food Program and the religious group for coming to the aid of the suffering families.
According to the latest account, the number of displaced families have reached to 9,800 families with a total of 49,000 individuals all at different evacuation centers in Datu Piang.
Mayor Samier Uy is hoping that more medicines and other form of food assistance will be given to them for distribution. (CLC/EBC-ICC kidapawan)
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