INFORMATION BLITZ: Paalala sa mga OFW-members ng PhilHealth: Ang PhilHealth membership and contribution ay MANDATORY ayon sa batas kaya magpamiyembro at magbayad ng kontribusyon bago umalis ng bansa. Seguraduhin ang proteksyon ng kalusugan ng iyong sarili at pamilya.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

COMELEC conducts trainers’ training on PCOS machine

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In preparation for the 2013 midterm elections, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) is now conducting a training for a pool of trainers in Zamboanga Peninsula on the use of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.
Zamboanga City District 2 Elections Officer Joseph Ian Tria said PCOS experts from COMELEC-Manila are now here in the city for the regional trainers training.

“These trainers will impart their knowledge to our board of election inspectors (BEIs) and technicians on the use of the PCOS machines in a series of trainings which we will be conducted within March, and hopefully we can finish before April, just in time for the May elections,” Tria said.

He added that if time warrants, they will also conduct trainings for the different concerned agencies and sectors for familiarization with the use of the machine.

As for some known glitches on the use of PCOS machine in 2010 elections, Tria stressed that these were already addressed by COMELEC to ensure a better election this year.

“According to our COMELEC main office, those glitches were already addressed, and we think we will have a more successful automated elections this time,” Tria ended. (PIA9)

DENR-IX strengthens its information arm

By H. A. Ascura

PAGADIAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX, recently conducted a three-day orientation workshop and action planning on its  CY 2013 priority programs for information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for designated information officers region-wide held at the Bay Plaza Hotel, this city.
Representing Regional Executive Director (RED) Arleigh J. Adorable during the opening ceremonies,  Administrative Division Chief Benjamin A. Rubia encouraged participants to develop their communication skills and acquire a comprehensive understanding of the Department’s program thrusts.

“As information officers, the alignment of DENR programs towards President Benigno C.  Aquino’s societal goal,   integrity in the environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation must be clearly spelled out by you to the people” Rubia added.

Earlier, RED Adorable said the activity was undertaken in line with the Department’s mandate to conduct  IEC advocacy campaign to  all  stakeholders and the general public.

“As technical personnel and now newly designated information officers, there is a need to orient them on the different priority programs and projects and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in order for them to be fully functional information officers,” Director Adorable said.

Aside from the orientation on the 2013 priority programs and projects of DENR, the participants also took a basic course in news writing and on photojournalism. Towards the end, they formulated and submitted their IEC action plan for implementation in their respective Provincial or Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices.

Topics discussed during the three-day activity include: Strategies in Communicating  DENR’s programs and projects; Adopt-An-Estero & Solid Waste Management; Public Land Titling  under Land Patents; National Greening Program; Forest Land Use Planning; Philippine Reference System of 1992; Adopt-A-Mojon Program; Web Media Management, Biological Diversity Conservation & Sustainable Development; Geo-hazard and Responsible Mining;  and Climate Change:  Mitigation  and Adaptation Strategies.

The news writing course was handled by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX Assistant Regional Director Franklin P. Gumapon, while photojournalism was tackled by Zamboanga del Sur Information Center Manager Claro A. Lanipa. (PIA9)

PCAB to conduct AMO Orientation Seminar in Cebu City

By Miriam Fe E. Jacinto

PAGADIAN CITY - The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) in coordination with Cebu Contractors Association, Inc. is inviting stakeholders of the construction industry to undergo an Authorized Managing Officer (AMO) Orientation Seminar on March 11-12, 2013 at Baseline Restaurant and Recreation Center, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City.

All contractors, sub-contractors, and utility contractors are required to undertake the AMO seminar as it is a mandatory requirement effective CFY 2012-2013. The PCAB will not release license registration whether new or renewal if the contractor has not attended said seminar. The sixteen (16)- hour AMO course covers laws and regulations relevant to the construction industry on the National Building Code, the Build–Operate-Transfer Law and the Local Government Code.

Ms. Ma. Socorro M. Atay, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry here said members of the construction industry in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur are enjoined to take the AMO orientation seminar to comply with PCAB’s requirement in line with  the registration and renewal of their contractor’s license. 

Interested parties may take note of the following conditions for attendance to said seminar, to wit: registration will be on a “First come First Serve basis (limited slots only);Registration Fee is P3,500.00/pax to cover cost of materials, lunch, snacks & other expenses relative to the training.

Deadline for registration is on March 8, 2013. Checks should be made payable to CEBU CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION INC. with Account Number: 2920109126 at BDO branch. No on-site registration will be entertained.

Participants who wish to cancel their reservations prior to to the event will be charged a cancellation fee of P2,000.00. In the event of a “NO SHOW”, participant is obliged to pay the full registration fee.

To complete your registration, please fax/email Registration form & validated deposit slip to the CCA Secretariat.

During the seminar, please bring with you Proof of Payment – ORIGINAL validated deposit slip and one (1) 2x2 or 1x1 photos.

For more inquiries, interested parties may call CCA Secretariat: Fe Escaño – 0922-786-2681 / 0917-310-1326; Aileen Agravante – 0917-629-2005 / 0922-4530740; Joy Inocencio – 0917-310-1363/ 032-231-8501. (PIA9)

Adlai: another staple to ensure food security

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - Maybe you are one of those persons who fancied about posh jewelry and other fabulous ornaments. And it might be adlai or “katigbi” or better known as “job’s tears” that were used as beads in one of your fancy accessories.
However, the most interesting and revealing part of it is the fact that it can be eaten as staple food.

Just recently, the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted a forum with the local media in the city and representatives from other agencies to promote public awareness on responsible rice consumption, in conjunction with the “National Year of Rice” celebration pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 494 issued by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.

As the government is looking for alternatives and strategies to meet the rice self-sufficiency in the country, it is DA’s great breakthrough with its promotion of Adlai as one of the answers to addressing the issue on food security by being food self-sufficient.

“Adlai is a protein-rich and less calories crop that serves as an alternative staple food,” said Melba Wee, regional information officer of DA-IX.

Nature and Origin

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is the scientific name of adlai which belongs to the Poaceae grass family where crops like rice, corn and wheat belong. It is a freely branching upright plant that grows as tall as three feet that propagates through seeds. It is also called as Job’s tears because of its tear-shape grains.

It is cultivated as a cereal crop in tropics and subtropics, like in India, China, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.

To date, there are four known local varieties of adlai namely: the gulian (white), pulot or tapol (red or purple), ginampay (brown) and linay (gold).

But the two main species are: the wild type Coix lacryma-jobi var. stenocarpa and var. monilifer with hard shelled pseudocarps which are very hard, pearly white, oval structures used as beads, and the cultivated type Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen with soft shell features which people eat as staple and use as medicine.

The origin of adlai is unknown, but it is native to southern and eastern Asia. Interestingly, the Subanen Tribe has known this crop since time immemorial. Citing an example is the thriving town of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur where there’s a massive cultivation of adlai.

Adlai has high production in the highlands and it even tolerates low pH. It can be grown even in barren lands. The crop grows well in sloping areas, tolerates water logging, and it is pest-resistant.

The super crop

Subanens plant adlai in kaingin areas or mountainous parts of the town. Of 33 barangays in Midsalip, 19 are growing and nurturing adlai.

Imagine how adlai became part of the Subanen culture from the time their ancestors got in love with this crop. It became their traditional source of food and a symbol of their customs.

One of the striking characteristics of adlai is its ability to be ratooned three to five times after the main harvest, making it preferable to plant. It is resilient to flood and drought, tolerant to pests and diseases, and grown organically. Though very conventional, growing it is economical, environment-friendly, and sustainable.

The fun is when it is cooked and served in plates. You may find its taste different compared to rice and corn. But for health and nutrition, adlai is more nutritious than rice and corn, for it is high in protein and also contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. It is good for diabetics.

If you want it to be tastier, you may try cooking it with sugar coating. You can also make it into porridge or cakes, or, try your own recipe using adlai. 

Adlai grains are also being processed by the subanens into wine called “Pangasi,” a symbol of their rich and unique culture. This is offered to the ”datu” or “timuay” or their traditional leaders during buklog (Subanen festival) and other special occasions including weddings and funerals.

Aside from making it as food and wine, it could also be processed into flour, tea, coffee, beer and vinegar.

Reports have it that the early ancestors of Subanens lived up to 150 years old for eating only adlai porridge which were grown organically. They believed that adlai contains medicines that could cure their illnesses, thereby giving them long life.

Nothing compares with the health benefits of adlai. According to DA it could be an alternative remedy for tumor, appendicitis, arthritis, beriberi, bronchitis, diabetes, dysentery, fever, headache and many other ailments.

Addressing food security

Rice is the primary staple of the country yet we are not rice self-sufficient, as Filipinos are eating too much rice and, at the same time, we are wasting too much rice.

“Besides, we are eating more rice than any other food groups instead of eating only one-fourth part of our meal plate,” Wee pointed out.

“There’s rice wastage in harvesting, cooking and in consumption,” said Wee, adding “we produce more babies than food.

Every Filipino wastes about two tablespoons of cooked rice daily which is equivalent to P6.2 billion or the consumption of 2.6 million Filipinos a year that could already feed thousands of hungry mouths.

“Food security remains a global challenge. It is very ironic that the international community recognized Filipinos from International Rice Research Institute, PhilRice, University of Philippines in Los Baños, and Central Luzon State University as experts in teaching agriculture but we import rice from those countries we taught,” the DA people explained.

These are the reasons why President Aquino through the Da is devising ways to address food security in the country.

DA people have formulated and initiated programs to attain the goal of PNoy that we will have a sustainable rice production and that the country is the one exporting rice and not the reverse of it.

DA has promoted a new version of the KKK, which stands for “Kunti-kunting kain muna, Kakaibang carb naman, kumain din ng brown rice.” It also encourages the public to eat other alternative staple crops like potatoes, camote, corn, banana, gabi and adlai.
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), on the other hand, together with DA-Regional Field Units (RFUs), and other partner agencies like Earthkeepers and the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) is now developing adlai as an alternative staple crop in line with DA's Philippine Food Staples Self-Sufficiency Roadmap (FSSR).

Location-specific technology development of the crop is being implemented in areas identified with potential for commercial production like in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur where vast areas were planted with adlai to produce seeds and distribute it throughout the country.

According to Dr. Chito P. Medina, national coordinator of MASIPAG, “we should not depend only on rice and corn. Rice and corn may be infested and attacked by diseases, and these may not adapt well to the changing climate thus leading to another cereal crisis. Now, we have adlai to turn to.

"Adlai can be one of the answers to addressing the issue on food security and attaining the goal of being food self-sufficient," said BAR director Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar. (PIA9)

Practice, teamwork vital to achieve victory, says Bam

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Liberal Party (LP) senatorial bet and presidential cousin Benigno “Bam” Aquino yesterday underscored five important things that students can learn from playing sports.
The young Aquino graced the grand opening of the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA)Meet at the Provincial Sports Center, Dao, Pagadian  City with the theme, “Re-engineering sports: Making good citizens, building communities.”

Addressing before a crowd of 5,000 delegates composed of athletes, coaches and officiating officials from the five cities and three provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula, Aquino said ”practice, teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship and competition are the important things that the students should learn for them to become successful in the field of sports and in their respective careers.”

Aquino, a social entrepreneur, said “nothing in this life comes for free and nothing of value can be achieved without hard work. These should be fought for.”

Aquino further said that in sports, “practice is very essential.” “The athletes should practice and train constantly for them to excel,” Aquino stressed citing that the various academic honors and awards were achieved through constant practice, training and hard work. Aquino finished his college degree at the Ateneo de Manila University summa cum laude.

Aquino advised that for the team to be good, athletes should work as a team.

He sees the same thing as essential for the senators to come up with good legislation, for local officials to implement projects, and for the government officials to create jobs.
     
Meanwhile, Governor Antonio Cerilles thanked the Department of Education (Deped) officials for giving Zamboanga del Sur the privilege to host this year’s ZPRAA meet.

Cerilles said the provincial government has implemented the Youth Development Program, an advocacy against drugs through sports.

“We support our young people. We want our people to be good and worthy citizens, and would like to drive away drugs not only in Zamboanga del Sur but in the whole Zamboanga Peninsula region,” declared Cerilles. (PIA9) 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Dipolog City hosts momentous “Tunog-tugan Festival”

By Alma L. Tingcang

DIPOLOG CITY -  The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in collaboration with the city government of Dipolog hosted the  very significant artistic extravaganza, the First International Gongs and Bamboo Music Festival held at Dipolog Sports Complex (DSC) on February 16-22, 2013.
Photo by: Ruel D. Tabada
 http://www.facebook.com/rueltabada
The Tunog-tugan Festival was made possible through the creative institutional partnership of NCCA, Musicological Society of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Center for Ethnomusicology headed by Dr. Ramon P. Santos, who is also the festival director.

The colorful event in the tradition of gongs and bamboo music which originated thousands of years ago is one of the highlights of Dipolog City’s centennial celebration. Dipolog was founded as a municipality on July 1, 1913.
Dr. Ramon P.  Santos lauded Mayor Evelyn T. Uy for taking the formidable challenge to host this first ever International Gongs and Bamboo Music Festival of NCCA to explore the richness of Asian culture.
“We are here to witness the first grandiose event. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Evelyn T. Uy for all the support to ensure the success of this festival. Music is the deepest expression of the soul and knowing each other’s feelings strengthens our bond. The people of today are distracted by too much entertainment. People now are more fond of their laptops, cellular phones and other modern gadgets,” NCCA Chair Felipe de Leon said.   
The Dipolog City Marimba Ensemble, a smooth transition from rondalla to bamboo marimba music and a national winner in the prestigious National Music Competition for Young Artists, brought the house down with its performance in the opening night.
Vietnam’s Khac Chi Music captivated the audience as they brought traditional music to their audience, coming up with lively arrangements of Vietnamese traditional, folk tunes and creative stage antics to capture their listeners.  The show was full of crowd-pleasing moments.
The performers were Chi Ho and his wife, Bic Hoang who once taught at the University of British Columbia in Vietnam, performing mostly on the instruments that are indigenous to Vietnam.
Chi Ho received the first prize in the 1982 Vietnam Competition of Professional instrumentalists on the Dan Bau. He invented the Sao bop and named it in English as “squeezing bamboo flutes” which he played during the opening.
Noreum Machi of South Korea specializes in the virtuosic percussion music known as Samul-nori. This exciting music is a modernized-stage adaptation of the ancient Pungmul-nori farmers ritual that had its origin in shamanism and animism. Samul-nori (Samul meaning “four objects” and Nori meaning “play”) is performed primarily on four traditional instruments; Jang-gu, Buk, Jing, and Kkwaenggwari. Other instruments used are the Taepyongso and Piri. Each of the four main instruments represents different elements of nature: the Jang-gu represents Rain, the Buk Clouds, the Jing Wind, and the Kkwaenggwari Thunder Storm.

For the final concert, performers included Ensemble Moderu Palu of Indonesia, Maguindanao Kulintang Ensemble from Cotabato City and Taiwan Bamboo Orchestra including all the 209 artists and musicians.

Other performers came from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Canada. Local tribes from Baguio City, Ifugao, Panay Islands, Cotabago City, Maguindanao, Davao City, Sulu, Basilan, Siayan ug Dipolog City also participated in the festival.

Mayor Uy expressed her profound thanks to all the working committees and for making the festival a resounding success. (PIA9)

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Zamboanga conducts Sineng Pambansa International Film Fest 2013

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY Feb. 26 (PIA) - - It’s the third in a row that the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) conducted film festival here in Asia’s Latin City in partnership with the city government.

Public Information Officer (PIO) Sheila Covarrubias said the “Sineng Pambansa Zamboanga International Film Festival 201” conducted February 22-23 was in consonance with the celebration of the Dia de La Ciudad de Zamboanga, which is being celebrated every 26th of February of each year.

Covarrubias said the two-day film fest gave the public an opportunity to view or watch for free the “top winners of the twin editions of the First Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival for main feature and documentary categories and international titles courtesy of the Embassy of Spain and the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

The said film screening was held at Mindpro Cinemas 1 and 3 with free admission last Feb. 22-23.

According to Covarrubias, the recently concluded film festival also included a whole-day workshop, How to Make a Documentary, by visiting Spanish filmmaker Miguel Olid on Feb. 23 at the newly built Centro Latino at the Paseo del Mar.

“Filmmaker Olid has done a number of award-winning documentaries. He holds a doctorate degree on History of Cinema at the University of Seville in Spain and wrote a total of ten books about Spanish and Latin American Cinemas,” Covarrubias said.

The film festival also included a short film competition “aimed to discover Zamboanga’s emerging talents in film.” the lady PIO said.
“The short film competition billed Sine Chabacano has for its theme, Cultura de Zamboanga,” she said. (PIA9)

New PIA chief, Gawad Kalinga visit Basilan; Bayani Challenge 2013 launching set

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Newly installed Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) visited Basilan Friday to prepare for the local launching of the national event dubbed “Bayani Challenge 2013.”
 DG Jose Mari Oquiñena together with a team from Gawad Kalinga (GK) paid a courtesy call on Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar to discuss the housing projects for the province as part of the simultaneous nationwide Bayani Challenge launch in 34 provinces.

Bayani Challenge is a gathering of volunteers that give their best and work together toward the goal of expressing love for country and caring for the poor through building homes, repairing schools, health missions, tree planting, activities with the kids and many more.

Its website is inviting volunteers to help build this nation once again this March 23–27, 2013.

GK Executive Director Luis Oquiñena explained that the Bayani Challenge project in Basilan “is in support of the province’s peace and development efforts.” He said the Gawad Kalinga partners have agreed to donate 30 houses for the GK site in Pamucalin, Lantawan in Basilan.

“We hope this can be a convergence also where local volunteers can work together. And we bring in people from Luzon [for them] to begin [to] see the beauty of not just the people but on the process, how you are trying to build peace,” he said.

He explained that the roadmap of Bayani Challenge is three-fold : first, people needs to learn to work with one another; second, working together with partners; and third, implementing local initiatives.

DG Oquiñena stressed that the project is “not our ordinary shelter program but a “bayanihan,” a challenge to sustain community life in the housing site.”

GK officials said that the Bayani Challenge launch in Basilan will be an opportunity to market Basilan as a potential tourism destination. The GK Executive Director said that bringing in non-government officials, especially private individuals, to Basilan will project to the outside world a sense of safety and security in the area.

The GK team also discussed some development projects that its partners can provide in support of the peace and development efforts of Team Basilan.

GK chief Oquiñena further said that he looked forward to more participation from the youth of Basilan and encouraged local officials to involve the youth in development projects. “The youth must do something concrete, not just stay in a weekend camp,” he said.

The project site in Lantawan will serve as a show window, showcasing the power of volunteerism and convergence of people to help transform lives. GK officials are optimistic that the Bayani Challenge launching in Basilan will stand out among the 34 provinces.

After the courtesy call with the governor, the visitors together with the Philippine Army’s 104th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez and some mayors visited the site despite heavy rains. They also visited the White Beach resort in Malamawi Island.

Governor Jum Akbar was thankful to GK for considering Basilan as one of the beneficiaries of its project. (PIA9)

NGAs, LGUs beef up convergence for poverty reduction

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY - Reducing poverty by infusing livelihoods in poor communities is still in the heart of national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) in the region.
                                       
In a meeting held recently by Convergence Initiative Program for Poverty Reduction (CIPPR) member-agencies consisting of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Fiber Development Authority (FIDA) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), an assessment of the programs implemented by each agency in the pilot municipalities was made to determine “the things that were already accomplished and those that need to be done.”

Ms. Elizabeth Dy of DSWD-IX reported that the cash-for-work funds were already downloaded to 13 municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte, namely, Baliguian, Godod, Gutalac, Jose Dalman, Kalawit, Katipunan, Leon Postigo, Manukan, Roxas, Sergio Osmeňa, Siayan, Sibuco and Sindangan.

Among the recipient-towns, Sibuco and Siayan got P2 million each; Sindangan received P1.5 million and the rest were each allotted P 1 million.

The cash-for-work program gives the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) beneficiaries a chance to work for 22 days at P200 per day.

The implementation of the cash-for-work program in these 13 pilot municipalities, which are the first set of 4P recipient-municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte, was in support of the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) le by the DENR.

In Sibuco town, for instance, the DENR provided the planting materials such as the rubber tree seedlings and indigenous forest/fruit tree seedlings to be planted by 4P beneficiaries under the cash-for-work program in areas identified by the municipal government.

DA and FIDA, on the other hand, have pledged to provide financial and technical support to 4P beneficiaries who would engage in planting cash crops like abaca, rubber trees and others.

Attending the CIPPR meeting were regional directors Eduardo B. Holoyohoy of DA, Olympio Macarayan of FIDA and Noemi B. Edaga of PIA, assistant regional director Riduan Hadjimuddin of DSWD and regional technical director Ali M. Bari of DENR. (PIA9)

Bayani Challenge 2013 launch set March 23-27 in Katipunan town

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The municipality of Katipunan will play host to the launching of “Bayani Challenge 2013” with the theme, “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan” come March 23-27.

The event, which will be launched simultaneously in 34 provinces nationwide, embarks on charitable works like building houses for the homeless, repairing schools, health missions, tree planting, coastal cleanup, feeding program and many more.

Bayani Challenge, which was established in 2006 by Gawad Kalinga, has been able to draw a throng of volunteers year after year. It then became a multi-sectoral event supported by both the public and private sectors.

To refuel the frazzled souls of the volunteers, they shall be regaled with sports competitions like basketball, dodge ball, volleyball, soccer, frisbee, tug of war, and other pinoy games.

Volunteers will also compete in a bayanihan race and master kusinero challenge. In master kusinero challenge, the volunteers will compete in cooking the best dish using indigenous ingredients in the locality. 

The other provinces where the simultaneous launching of Bayanihan Challenge for nation-building will be conducted are Agusan del Sur, Antique, Basilan, Bohol, Bukidnon, Camarines Norte, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, Metro Manila, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Samar, South Cotabato, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Norte, Zambales, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.

In 2006, the Bayanihan Challenge took the lead in building houses for 25 families in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte with 400 volunteers. It was dubbed “A Race to Rebuild a Nation.”

Bayani Challenge 2007: Rebolusyon ng Pag-asa, was participated in by 3,000 volunteers to rebuild the lives of 230 families in Camarines Sur, Albay, Marinduque and Sorsogon.

In Bayani Challenge 2008, which titled “The More We Sweat for Peace, The Less We Bleed in War,” there were 1,500 valiant volunteers bringing hope for 75 families in Bukidnon and Lanao Del Sur.

Bayani Challenge 2009: Only For the Brave, Some 1,100 selfless volunteers reached out for 73 families in Sulu and Zamboanga City.

In 2010, the Bayani Challenge launched a project called “Explore. Build. Protect,” with 1,200 volunteers racing against time to build homes for 70 families in Palawan.

 Bayani Challenge 2011:Kalinga sa Bayan, was joined by 2,000 volunteers who helped out 130 families in Bantayan Island of Cebu.

Last year’s Bayani Challenge entitled “Pilipinas Ngayon Na!,” there were 10,000 volunteers helping some 2,000 families in Masbate, Mindoro, Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro & Iligan.

Bayani Challenge is the best time to be a Filipino, for nation-building and to drive people into a spirit of volunteerism and move them to answer the call of bayanihan into a single goal to bring alive people power in every province and every town.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) through the office of Undersecretary for Special Concerns Jose Mari Oquiñena  serves as Bayani Challenge Event Head with Pilipinas Natin (PN) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and other government owned and controlled corporations, agencies, entities and private organizations like the Department of Education (DepEd), National Youth Commission (NYC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), TESDA, PAGCOR, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), League of Provinces, EDSA People Power Commission, Housing and urban Development Council, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Radyo ng Bayan, LBC Foundation, BERJAYA Corporation Berhad, Globe Telecom, People’s Television and others.

Bayani Challenge for nation-building seeks to drive people into a spirit of volunteerism by keeping people power alive in every province/town.

To join and be part of this historic event, the volunteers can participate individually or in groups by forming a team of 15, register at http://bayanichallenge2013.blogspot.com and choose the province they want to volunteer on the registration site. (PIA9)

PNP Training Center receives P2.7M covered court

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC)- Regional Police Training Center located in Pasonanca is a recipient of a P2.7 million covered court  from the city government.

Sheila Covarrubias, Public Information Officer (PIO) said this infrastructure project, which was recently turned-over to PPSC, forms part of the city government’s commitment to public safety and support to the PNP’s mission to deliver high quality police services.

Covarrubias said the covered court would be used for PPSC’s numerous activities.

Mayor Celso Lobregat led the turnover of the facility to the PPSC headed by its President, Atty. Ruben Platon.

“The turnover of the covered court came a few minutes before the inauguration of a training center building funded by the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) and graced by US Ambassador Harry Thomas and Richard Miller of the US Embassy,” Covarrubias disclosed. (PIA9)

Tunog-tugan Festival outreach program draws praises from schools, LGUs

By Leonor “Pinky” Rabino

Photo by:  Ruel D. Tabada
DIPOLOG CITY - Following a positive feedback from schools and local government units (LGUs) to the “Tunog-tugan festival” outreach program, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has expressed her gratitude for the support extended by schools and LGUs to the activity.

Mayor Uy personally thanked the constituents, students, faculty and staff, school officials of Colegio de San Francisco Javier of the municipality of Rizal, St. Joseph College in Sindangan town, local government officials and residents of the municipalities of Sapang-dalaga, Misamis Occidental, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte and Dapitan City for supporting the outreach performances of the participants to the First International Gongs and Bamboos Music Festival held last Feb. 18- 20 in the city.

According to Mayors Dennis Animas of Sapang-dalaga, Flora Villarosa of Siayan, and Agapito Cardino of Dapitan City, the said outreach performances of the Tunog-tugan had awakened and increased the level of awareness of their constituents on the music, culture and history of our neighboring countries and afforded them a new experience.

They also thanked Mayor Uy for bringing Tunog-tugan to their municipalities and sharing with them the learning experience of communicating through music of gongs and bamboo musical instruments which are abundant in Southeast Asia.

On the other hand, Mayor Uy made it sure that this International Festival of Gongs and Bamboos, which she believes will further increase the knowledge of talented Dipolognons in the field of music and arts including the neighboring municipalities, would all bring them to another level of cultural identity, heritage, and patrimony for she feels “tunog-tugan is a modest way of celebrating interests.” 

In another development, Dr. Ramon Santos, who was the festival’s director, also expressed his utmost gratitude to the local government of Dipolog through Mayor Evelyn T. Uy for including Tunog-tugan Festival as one of the major activities of Dipolog’s Centennial Celebration.

With this year’s celebration of art month and its theme, “Celebrating Icons,” Director Santos concluded that Dipolog’s vision of becoming peaceful self-reliant super-city by the year 2030(SWIGAPORE 2030), will be achieved by all Dipolognons because he believes that a city that develops its art, culture and history is a livable city.(FPG/PRR/CIO,ATR/PIA9)

Monday, February 25, 2013

Infirmary, cultural center to rise in Lamitan City

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – An infirmary and a cultural heritage center will soon rise in Lamitan City as officials from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led the ground-breaking ceremony recently.
Felipe Fernando, city information officer-designate reported that the two projects funded by the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) for ARMM will be constructed soon that will enhance health service delivery and promote cultural preservation.

City Mayor Roderick H. Furigay together with ARMM OIC Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman led the ground breaking ceremony of the projects for Lamitan City last Feb. 6.

The projects include the construction of Lamitan Kong Mahal Infirmary and the Yakan Cultural Heritage building.

Mayor Furigay had earlier announced during his State of the City Address (SOCA that the projects will be finished in four or three months.

City Health Officer Dr. Vicente P. Yu III said that the infirmary will have limited bed capacity as the structure is for out-patients only.

The cultural center, meanwhile, will house the Yakan hand weaving industry with facilities to be supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a news report, Amir Mawallil, chief of the ARMM’s communications office, said the ARMM governor spearheaded the ground-breaking ceremonies for the construction of P7.8 million of projects in Lamitan City.

The projects include a P4.8 million worth of building that would house the Infirmary Hospital of Lamitan City and a P3-million building for the Yakan hand weaving center, Mawallil said.

Present during the groundbreaking ceremony were Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, Regional Vice Governor Bainong G. Karon, Jr., Congressman Jim S. Hataman, Provincial Governor Jum Akbar, Regional Secretary of DILG Atty. Makmod D. Mending, Jr., Regional Secretary of Health Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., Regional Secretary of Education Jamal M. Kulayan, Secretary of DOLE Muslimin A. Jakilan, Omar Jaafar, ARMM Social Fund, Secretaries of DENR, DAR and Director of DTI Del Mar D. Halipa. (PIA9)

DOST conducts investors’ forum in Dipolog

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 22(PIA)--- The Technology Resource  Center (TRC) in partnership with the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in region IX recently conducted the second leg of an Investors’ Forum on the Infusion of Technnovation in Dipolog City.
The forum, the second of the three fora to be conducted in the different parts of the country was held on Feb. 14 at Camila Hotel this city. The first forum was held in region VII (Cebu City) while the third forum will be held in region I(Ilocos Sur).

Mr. Dennis L. Cunanan, TRC Director-General said “the project mainly aims to infuse technnovation and create partnership with the stakeholders in the commercialization of innovative technologies through the conduct of investors’ fora towards sustainable techno-preneurship in the regions.”

It also serves as a venue for information dissemination and exchange on the latest technologies in the industry from the farm to the end consumers and makes the Filipino products competitive in the local and international markets.

Ms. Nora P. Gumia, TAPI Officer-in-Charge explained the role of TAPI and the TRC’s commercialization program.

TAPI is responsible for the drumming up the level of awareness  among stakeholders and the promotion of the innovation system strategies.

TRC, the only government-owned and controlled corporation in the country mandated to introduce innovations that would redound to the betterment of the lives of the Filipino people.

Under the present leadership of DG Cunanan, TRC is committed to provide avenues for technology transfer, livelihood training, business development and job creation.

Notably among them are Technology Business Incubator; Technology for Livelihood Training; Joint Venture Programs; Technology Outreach Program; Socialized Technology Training; and Industrial Estate Management.

Mr. Mahmud L. Kingking, DOST-9 Assistant Regional Director for Field Operation Services also shared his experience how technology-based opportunities enhanced and transformed business ventures. (PIA9)