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.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Police, LGU: No ISIS recruitment in Basilan

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TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW activity in Dipolog successful, says DENR

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Hundreds of Dipolognons from all walks of life flocked to the two planting sites here in support of the“TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW”simultaneous tree planting activity last Sept. 26.

The simultaneous Mindanao-wide tree planting activity,which was coducted from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. was an attempt to break the Guinness World Records of India which had planted 1,945,535 trees for one hour in 408 different locations with 340,200 participants.

Ms. Elsie M Adorable, TreeVolution focal person for Upper Dicayas planting site, said 350, instead of the expected 250 volunteer-planters composed of the members of the Puti Bato Upper Dicayas Farmers Association had registered and planted 5,000 seedlings of cacao, coffee and narra.

Aside from the members of the Puti Bato Upper Dicayas Farmers Associaiton, other groups joining the said activityincludedthe members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), barangay officials, teachers and students of the colleges and university in the city, GSIS, SSS, LBP, DCWD, academe, religious sector, and non-government and civic organizations.

On the other hand, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rodney Benedicto together with 125 participants from 101st Infantry Brigade, Police Public Safety Company(PPSC), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), Barangays Turno, Minaog and Sicayab planted 2,500 seedlings of mahogany, narra and other timber trees at the five-hectare public land above the rellocation site in Upper Dicayas.

“Based on initial feedback from TreeVolution focal persons, the tree planting activity was very successful. In fact, planters have finished planting earlier than the allotted time,” said Geoffrey Zayas, community environment and natural resources officer for the province’s second district. For this, he thanked the mayors and local leaders in the barangays and all stakeholders, especially the planters for their support to the one-hour activity.

Meanwhile, CENRO-Dapitan chief Jose Mario Reyes also reported that 1,674 joined the tree-planting activity at Alvenda, Mutia and planted 42,550 of rubber and falcata seedlings at the 100-hectare public land identified for the purpose.

Reyes said the tree planting activity in Mutia town had only registered an accomplishment of 85.1 percentdue to the difficult terrain of the planting site. CENRO-Dapitan targeted to plant 50,000 assorted timber trees in 100-hectare public lands in the whole first district of Zamboanga del Norte.

Similar tree-planting activity were also undertaken by CENRO-Liloy and CENRO-Siocon, all of the third district of Zamboanga del Norte.

From the initial reports submitted by TreeVolution focal persons, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Marlon Velasco has expressed optimism that the Mindanao-wide tree planting activity in the six regions ofMindanao would beat the existing Guiness World Records of India. 

The Sept. 26 TreeVolution activity was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

500 participants join TreeVolution challenge in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – Some 500 participants from the different government and private organizations joined the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW activity on Friday, Sept. 29 in the two planting sites at Puting Bato, Barangay Upper Dicayas this city.

Among those who joined the simultaneous tree planting activity were officials and employees of the city government of Dipolog, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 101st Infantry Brigade Philippine Army, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Public Safety Command (PPSC), Dipolog City Police Officers, members of the Medical Doctors Association, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, Pilipinas Natin, religious groups, fraternities, media, non-government organizations as well as students from St. Vincent’s College and Jose Rizal Memorial State University.

While the barangay health workers of Upper Dicayas served as medical and rescue team for the said event, some policemen were also sent to secure the entire planting sites.

Protected Area Wildlife & Coastal Zone Management Specialist and TreeVolution focal person Elsie Adorable of CENRO-Dipolog reminded the participants before the start of the activity that they should not take photos but just concentrate on planting trees during the hour-long activity.

“There will be official photographer and videographer to document our activity today. We also have here our secretariat, stewards, independent witness, site marshals and official time keeper to assist and facilitate the success of our activity,” Adorable explained.

At exactly 8:30 a.m., a whistle was blown to signal the start of the one-hour simultaneous tree planting. All the six regions of Mindanao participated in the said activity.

Planters were also not allowed to go out of the planting sites before the end of the activity at 9:30 a.m.; otherwise, points would be deducted from the total number of participants.

After the simultaneous tree planting activity, the website of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) reported that a total of 3, 373, 763 trees were planted in six regions of Mindanao by 183, 858 planters.

This figure already surpassed India’s record of having planted 1,945,535 trees simultaneously for an hour in various locations.

However, the Philippine entry will still have to be assessed and verified by the Guinness World Record Adjudicators. Should they find the Philippine entry true and correct, an official Guinness World Records Certificate, confirming the country’s feat in this world record attempt will be sent.

Zambo Sibugay plants 95,653 seedlings for TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow

By Alma L. Tingcang

TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – Planters from all sectors of society who responded to the call to break India’s world record rushed early to the planting site on the historic TreeVolution day, Sept. 26, 2014.
Driven by one goal, to break the Guinness World Record of having the most trees planted simultaneously in multiple locations held by India, people from all walks of life joined hands together under the scorching heat of the sun to plant mangrove propagules and rubber seedlings in designated planting sites of the province.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Dante A. Oporto of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Sibugay said the response was overwhelming and there were more planters than the targeted number.

The quota of 20,000 mangrove propagules was overshot in Barangay Baluran, Tungawan town. According to PENRO Oporto, the number of planters registered reached more than 400, hence, additional mangrove propagules were added.

Planters swam the above waistline water in order to plant their share of 50 propagules in mangrove areas.
“For the province of Sibugay, total area planted was 81.2 hectares with 2627 planters and 95,653 seedlings and propagules planted in upland and mangrove areas,” PENRO Oporto said.

The 102nd “Igsoon” Brigade, 44th Infantry Battalion, 6th Special Forces Battalion of the 1st  Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection, academe, national government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), peoples’ organizations and local government units (LGUs) participated during the 1-hour activity for the environment.

To date, over 3 million trees have been recorded as planted in Mindanao but results are yet unofficial and will still be validated.

Tabak commander: TDPC contributes to divisions’ peace efforts

By Gideon C. Corgue  

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Tabak commander BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. on Saturday lauded the Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) for its valuable contributions to the Philippine Army’s premiere division.

Barrientos, the guest of honor and speaker of the 2nd Tabak Defense Press Corps (TDPC) sports fest held at the Tabak Gym in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Barangay Pulacan here said the TDPC made significant contributions to the 1st Infantry Division by promoting the division’s peace and security efforts.

“You help showcase the peace and security efforts undertaken by the 1st Infantry division, thus we reward you by sponsoring this 1-day TDPC sports fest,” Barrientos announced.

The TDPC, an active partner of the 1st Infantry division had its 1st TDPC sports fest in September last year during the time of former Tabak commander MGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. where the sporting event received the same support from the general.

“You are special as far as the 1st Infantry division is concerned. We treat you as our vital partner in nation-building,” Barrientos added.

“Today manifests your efforts to be united as one by showing your team-working skills,” Barrientos stressed adding the event also provides you with opportunities to develop your skills in sports and unwind from your stressful work.”

The Tabak commander was also happy that TDPC members shared their time with the rest of the troopers in the games played at the Tabak gym, tennis court, and service battalion headquarters.
Barrientos was impressed by the active participation of all TDPC members.

“We will continue doing this activity to strengthen existing good relationship between the soldiers and the media. Hopefully, we will come up with several activities designed to further improve our relationship and improve our output as far as our job is concerned,” Barrientos assured.

Declared as this year’s winners are Red Dragon, the over all champion, followed by Black Cobra, and Golden Tiger.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

PSA to spearhead 25th National Statistics Month celebration

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through the Statistical Community of the Philippines will spearhead the observance of the 25th National Statistics Month come October this year.

This year’s theme is “NSM at 25 Years and Beyond: Solid and Responsive Philippine Statistical System in support of Globalization and Regional Economic Integration.”

Ms. Adelaida Cuarte, provincial statistics officer for the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, said this year’s statistics month observance has two-fold objectives: to promote, enhance, and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of the society, and to elicit the support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

In line with the month-long celebration, the different government line agencies, local government units (LGUs) and other sectors were encouraged to hang streamers in their respective offices or vicinities, Cuarte said.

The PSA will also hold the 23rd Philippine Statistical Quiz (PSQ) that will be held in this city for Zamboanga del Sur and in Ipil town for Zamboanga Sibugay on Oct. 8 and 9, respectively.

This will be participated in by all freshmen or first year students currently enrolled in public or private colleges and universities.

“The top three winners will compete in the regional quiz in Zamboanga City in November, and the regional winners will also compete in the grand finals in Manila by first week of December this year,” Cuarte disclosed.

Other activities lined-up for the month-long celebration include the Quarterly Labor Force survey (QLF), the Consumers Expectation Survey (CES), Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE) and Occupational on Waste Survey (OSW). These activities were formerly a project of the then Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES).

Doctor Cuarte urged the public especially the respondents or clients of their projects to provide them the correct data and the most accurate information, “because these facts will be utilized by our policy makers, planners both national and local and for the Philippine government in general in making policies, decisions and laws.”

She also appealed to the municipal and barangay officials to support and cooperate in all the projects and programs undertaken by her office for the success of the statistical operations and, most of all, “for the good of our Philippine government.”

DENR-Sibugay readies for Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”

By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – In preparation for the forthcoming “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow” activity on Sept. 26, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Zamboanga Sibugay conducted simultaneous briefings and meetings with participating groups since last week.

The 102nd (Igsoon) Brigade, 44th Infantry Battalion, and the 6th Special Forces of the 1st Tabak Division, Philippine Army (PA) will join the tree planting activity, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), two schools, some national government agencies (NGAs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and local government units (LGUs).

TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow is a Mindanao-wide simultaneous tree planting activity that will attempt to break the Guinness World Record on the number of trees planted in one hour in established multiple locations. About 4.8 million trees will be planted to beat India’s current record of about 1.9 million trees planted for an hour.

Mr. Dionisio B. Rago, forestry specialist of DENR-Sibugay bared that about 35 thousand rubber tree seedlings for upland planting sites and 67,500 mangrove propagules for coastal areas in Zamboanga Sibugay will be planted during the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow.

“Each planter will plant at least 20 rubber seedlings for the upland sites and 50 propagules (mangrove tree planting materials) for the coastal areas.”

Rago said monitoring would be conducted by their extension officers (EOs) through the use of Samsung Galaxy Tablets set in geocam mode for taking pictures and videos.

Elementary and high school teachers, who will act as stewards, will aid the Eos in the monitoring.
“One steward will monitor 50 planters during the said activity,” Rago said.

Last Aug. 29, DENR-Sibugay team held its dry-run planting activity in two-hectare area corresponding to 1,000 rubber seedlings at Barangay Balansag in Roseller T. Lim town.

Rago said they are optimistic that TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow will achieve its goal in beating India’s record. The result showed a positive result after the dry-run, as “planters were able to plant their share of 20 seedlings in 15 minutes during the dry-run.”

Labason pushes for development tourism industry

By Alfonso T. Ruda

LABASON, Zamboanga del Norte - In an effort to develop this town’s tourism potentials, the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) has recently held a one day seminar on Tourism Awarenes and Sustainability for resort owners and restaurant operators at Kulz Resto Bar here.

The activity aimed to update the resort and restaurant operators on the tourism programs and projects that would help improve their facilities and services.

For his part, Mayor Eddie Quimbo reminded the resort owners and operators to comply with the requirements set by the municipal government more particularly on cleanliness in their surroundings and courtesy in dealing with customers. 

In a related development, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with the municipal government here has declared the Murcielagos Island Ecological Park as an eco-tourism destination owing to its natural beauty and huge potential for attracting tourists who would like to experience the true essence of nature where “the sea, the moon and the sun meet in the horizon.”

The Murcielagos Island Ecological Park is part of the 251-hectare Murcielagos Island Protected Landscape and Seascape consisting of two islands locally known as Bayangan and Baiudyong, located off the coast of this town.

These islands, which could be reached by boat in 45 minutes from Labason, are endowed with white coral sand beaches and seabed, unique type of biodiversity and rich marine resources, making them ideal for bird watching, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hook and line fishing, photography, camping, island tour, and other beach-type sport activities. 

With the military, PNP and members of Special Police Auxiliary Units being deployed in the islands, Mayor Quimbo sees no problem on security and safety of the visitors.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Zambo Norte is95% ready for Sept. 26 “TreeVolution,” says DENR

By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Zamboanga del Norte together with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) based in the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan has reported that Zamboanga del Norte is now 90 to 95 percent ready for the conduct of “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow” on Sept. 26.

Jose Mario Reyes of CENRO-Dapitan, Geoffrey Zayas of CENRO-Dipolog and Maribel Acama of PENRO-Zamboanga del Nortedisclosed during the “Kapihan sa Dipolog” media forum last Sunday at Camila Hotel I here that the preparation for the “TreeVolution” is now almost 100 percent.

The “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW” is a Mindanao-wide tree-planting activity spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) aimed at breaking the Guinness World Record of India which had planted 1,945,535 trees for one hour in 408 different locations in the said country with 340,200 participants.

Among the seedlings to be planted are cacao, coffee, timber, mangrove and fruit trees.

Reyes said coordination with the People’s Organizations (POs), preparation of the planting sites and materials including the needed vehicles to transport the planters to their designated areas are already in place.

CENRO-Dapitanhas alloted 50,000 seedlings of various species of trees to be planted in the 100-hectare timberland at Barangay Alvenda in Mutia town. 

Other planting sites are Upper Dicayas, Dipolog City, Seroan and Sitio Sapa Naga, Dabiak in Katipunan town, Sitio Tinigiban and Patagan in Manukan municipality, Tarok, Lopero and Lipay in Jose Dalman town,  Jose Macias, Lapero, Sitio Macayas, Mandih in Sindangan municipality, Domogok,Sitio Pase, Moyo, Guibo, Diongan in Siayan town, Mauswagon, Lomogom, Sipit-Rambon, Sianan, Poblacion, Delucot, and Dipopor in Godod municipality,  Gocob in Gutalac town, Marcelo, Paraiso and New Calamba in Kalawit municipality, Sta. Maria, Lower Tinaplan and Midatag in Leon Postigo town, Binoni and Pacuhan in Salug municipality, Situbo in Tampilisan town,  Mamawan and Linay in Baliguian municipality, Candiz in Siocon town, and Sto. Nino in Sibuco municipality.

The tree planting activity, which will be simultaneously conducted in the different planting sites of Dipolog City and in 14 other municipalities will start at 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The participants from the various POs are expected to plant not less than 400 seedlings in the 200-hectare public lands in the province for an hour activity to surpass India’s record.

PENRO-Zamboanga del Norte expressed its gratitude to the Department of Education (DepEd) for providing teachers to act as stewards of the tree planting activity. Two hundred five of these teachers come from the Provincial Schools Division and five from the City Schools Division

All is set for Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 has reported that all is set for the first of its kind event dubbed “TreeVolution” come Sept. 26 starting at 8:30a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Mr. Carlito Tuballa, regional technical director for Forest Management Services (FMS) in a media forum held on Tuesday said “this is a very significant event because we will be breaking the record established by India for having planted 1,945,535 million trees in a span of one hour in 108 locations across the country with 340,200 participants.

“This big event will be participated in by six regions in Mindanao targeting at least 4.6 million seedlings to be planted in 9,200 hectares of land and will be participated in by at least 244, 444 planters. Each participant is expected to plant at least 20 seedlings in a span of one hour with 500 seedlings per hectare,” Tuballa added.

On the other hand, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Vitaliano Valdez said “it is important that we plant trees to help protect and preserve our environment, but more so we will be capturing the sensitivity of the people by promoting public awareness on the environment.”

Meanwhile, Melvin Sarcauga, focal person for National Greening Program (NGP) said “the TreeVolution is not only to break the record set by India, but more importantly to stir the hearts and minds of Mindanaoan’s the importance in planting trees for the protection of our environment,” adding, “by planting trees we can help lessen the effects and impacts of climate change that we are now experiencing.”

Both Serena Cabrera and Vilaliano Valdez CENROs of Pagadian City and Guipos municipality, respectively, were elated to report that a big turnout of participants came to their offices to manifest their participation in “this gigantic event.”

TreeVolution is a joint activity of the DENR, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in collaboration with the local government units.

DENR wooing support to Sept. 26 “TreeVolution

By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Local government units (LGUs), academe, civic groups and people’s organizations have expressed support to the Sept. 26, 2014 “TreeVolution,” a Mindanao-wide tree planting activity spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA).

Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow,” aims to plant 4.6 million trees throughout Mindanao at 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2014.
Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Vitaliano Valdez of the second district of Zamboanga del Sur said in a media forum held by Philippine Information Agency (PIA9) over the weekend that he was very happy that various civic groups have already signified their support to the said activity.

With his recent visit to the municipalities of Bayog, Dumalinao, Kumalarang, Pitogo and Tigbao to solicit support from the local officials, people’s organization and academe, Valdez said all the stakeholders had expressed their 100 percent support to the undertaking.

“For the municipality of Bayog, I was expecting that only 250 planters would join the activity but when I talked with Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr., he promised to send 2,000 participants,” he announced.

Valdez said the same response he got from Mayor Danilo  Dalid of tigbao town when he personally visited him at his office.

“For Tigbao, the Mayor Danilo Dalid promised to send not only 250 but 1,000 participants who are mostly of students and government employees to join the activity,” Valdez reported.

Meanwhile, CENRO Serena Cabrera of 1st district of the Zamboanga del Sur said her office has enough seedlings for the activity.

“We have sufficient seedlings to be planted during the activity,” Cabrera assured.

“For the first district, the DENR has designated the following planting sites, anmely: Barangay Dulop in Dumingag town, Binayan and Cogonan in Labangan municipality, Upper Dimorok in Molave town and Sto. Nino in Sominot municipality.

Mr. Carlito Tuballa, regional technical director for Forest Management Services (FMS) said “the DENR is very excited to launch the activity owing to the positive response of the stakeholders during consultations/meetings with local chief executives and school administrators and people’s orgnizations.”

“The entire workforce of the agency has made enough preparation to break India’s record as having planted the most number of trees in multiple locations for an hour,” Tuballa concluded.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

DOST accepts applicants for 2014 junior level science scholarship

Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) announces the availability of scholarships to 2014 Junior Level college students who are enrolled in priority science and technology (S&T) courses and are willing to teach in the secondary schools in the Philippines.

Republic Act (RA) 10612 better known as “Fast-Tracked Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 2013”, aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.

Interested applicants must be Filipino citizen. A regular third year college student in an identified priority S&T course in any of the State Universities or Colleges or private universities, with a general weighted average of at least 83% (or its equivalent) in his/her first and second years in college.

Must qualify in the JLSS examination and agree to teach in the secondary level of basic education in public or private high school as their return of service (ROS); agree to any of the approved ROS conditions; and agree to pay the amounts disbursed with applicable interest, in case of failure to comply with the terms of ROS.

Application form can be obtained and filed at the any DOST Regional Offices nearest you or it can be downloaded at the website, www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarship.ph.
Deadline for filing of application is on September 30, 2014 and the examination date will be on October 18, 2014.

Region 9’s finest products star in ZAMPEX 2014

 Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY– The region’s finest products take center stage in the 2014 ZamZboanga Peninsula Trade Exposition on Oct. 8 -11 at the Garden Orchid Hotel this city.

At least 90 exhibitors from all over Mindanao regions and the neighboring countries  Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia will be showcasing their products, varying from food, handicrafts, and other products during the four-day activity.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9 OIC-Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain said ZAMPEX 2014 is a great venue for local businessmen to promote their products that will be identified with Zamboanga Peninsula.

Aside from the exhibit, technological demonstrations will also be held for interested individuals or groups who wish to start their own businesses.

The techno demo is slated on Oct. 9-11 with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) taking charge of the NutriFood demos which include buko (coconut) and squash products on October 9; the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) will be demoing on seaweeds and bottled sardines while the Department of Agriculture will handle cooking demo on organic banana and “mamon preciosa” on October 10.

 The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) will be showcasing abaca rope and bag making on the last day, Oct. 11. 

Doctor Jain is also inviting the public to come to the venue to appreciate local products and gain ideas on starting their own business.

“This is a free activity. There is no entrance fee for those who want to go to the venue and attend our demos. The public can also appreciate and buy our local products of their interest in the venue”, Jain said. 

ZAMPEX 2014 will also feature a garden show care of the Zamboanga City Local Government, Business Matching with prospect buyers from Home Accents Group of the Philippines (HAPI), Philippine Chamber of Handicraft, Inc. (PCHI), Phil Food Processors & Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX), and the Integrated Food Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (INFOMAP) invited. A one-day seminar on Franchising is also set on October 9. 

ZAMPEX 2014 is an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry-9 in partnership with the Local Government of Zamboanga, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Core Group-9, Zamboanga City Economic Zone and Free Port Authority (ECOZONE), PLDT and Globe Telecom.

DENR bats for media support to Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”

Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – To meet its target of planting 4,888,888 trees, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has appealed to the media to drum up the “TreeVolution” activity on Sept. 26 at 8:30-9:30 a.m. throughout Mindanao.

In a media forum on Tuesday, Mr. Carlito Tuballa, regional technical director for Forest Management Services (FMS) called on the fourth estate to help promote the said activity to encourage active participation among stakeholders.

Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow,” the activity aims to break India’s record as having planted the most number of trees in multiple locations for an hours.

India got the Guinness World Records title with 1,945,535 trees planted for an hour in 408 locations across the country by 340,200 participants.

With the help of the media, Tuballa expressed optimism that Mindanao’s target of planting 4.6 million of seedlings in 9,200 hectares would be achieved. 

Tuballa said the simultaneous tree planting will be participated in by regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

For Zamboanga Peninsula, DENR-9 aims to plant 700,000 seedlings in 1,000 hectares to be participated in by 35,000 participants from local government units (LGUs), people’s organizations, and other sectors of society.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Serena Cabrera said they were asking assistance from the members of Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City, Inc. (ZPPI) to help them disseminate information to the people.

“We are reaching out to you because you have the power to reach our people in remote areas, and those living in mountains using the radio, television and newspapers,” Cabrera appealed.
“We encourage you to help us instill environmental awareness and promote proactive participation among all Mindanawons to realize our target,” Cabrera added.  

Meanwhile, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Adelaida Borja reminded all planters to be at their respective designated assembly area on time for the Sept. 26 tree planting activity. “They shall plant to the best of their ability a minimum of 20 seedlings.”

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

DOE, PIA conduct multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on downstream oil industry in Dipolog

Dominic I. Sanchez

DIPOLOG CITY– In an effort to raise awareness on the oil industry, its benefits to the local economy as well as its legal implications, the Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is conducting a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on the downstream oil industry for local government units (LGUs) of Zamboanga del Norte and local oil industry players at the Ariana Hotel here today, Sept. 16.

The discussions center on the laws, rules and regulations governing sale of liquefied petroleum products (LPPs) and the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with municipal mayors, treasurers, licensing officers, business licensing issuing officers, and information officers as participants.

Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are also attending the activity.

Assistant Director Rodela Romero of DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) told the participants that the basis for conducting the said campaign is Republic Act 8479, An Act Deregulating the Downstream Oil Industry. “This is to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally clean and high quality petroleum products,” Romero said.

DOE’s role is mainly monitoring quality, quantity, refining and marketing process, inventory and pricing of the fuels, however, “the local governments have a major role to play in ensuring local oil retailers meet the standards.”
Romero also discussed on certain oil and LPG retail prohibitions. She encouraged LGUs to properly monitor and sanction violations.

Additional topics for the day include the Regulatory Framework on the Business of Retailing Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquid Petroleum Products, LPG Regulatory Framework and LPG in Canisters, LPP Retail Rules, Metrology, and Calibration and Sealing of Mechanical Pumps.

At the end of the day, the participants will be brought to a local gasoline station to observe the proper calibration of dispensing pumps. Romero emphasized that it is important for LGUs to know how to properly inspect stations operating within their jurisdiction to ensure that the consumers do not get short-changed.

“Pag kulang ang pag-dispense nila, kakasuhan namin sila (gas stations that fail to dispense properly and accurately will be sued),” Romero pointed out.
The Philippine Oil Industry generates millions worth of revenue not only for the retailers, but also to local government returns every year.

398 OSYs of Ungkaya Pukan, Tipo-Tipo complete BEAM-TVET tech-voc training

Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY (PIA) – Out-of-school youths of the municipalities of Ungkaya Pukan and Tipo-Tipo in Basilan receive their certificate of completion Saturday for finishing courses on skills under the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) of the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM) project of the Department of Education-ARMM.

A total of 398 youths (369 from Ungkaya Pukan and 29 from Tipo-Tipo) completed their respective courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)’s accessible TVET, such as baking and pastry, automotive, plumbing, carpentry, garments, and electrical.

DEPED-ARMM Assistant Secretary Noor Mohammad Saada told completers that the graduation and the certificates are just beginnings toward a more challenging journey ahead to find jobs and become productive members of society, i.e. either to engage in entrepreneurship or find suitable employment. With this, he said, that the next step is DepEd-ARMM to work on a jobs fair for the graduates with the POEA. And that DepEd is looking for job offers that only requires NCII (national certification) so that new graduates can avail even without work experience yet as required by most overseas jobs.

He said that Basilan has one thousand slots for the first phase of TVET implementation in the province.

BEAM-TVET Manager Peter Bellen cited the contributions of stakeholders to the project, like the Nagdilaab Foundation, the military, the LGUs, and the different agencies. He said the help and sacrifices, especially by the Nagdilaab staff and technical trainers were crucial to the attainment of the primary goal of TVET which is towards youth’s improved and peaceful living condition.

“Not an easy task, yet not impossible. This is the start towards an improved living condition by acquiring the skills and knowledge. Your children in the future will enjoy the fruits of your labor and sacrifices today,” Bellen said as he stressed that one’s future lies in one’s hands.

Dir. Muida S. Hataman, TESDA Basilan Provincial Director explained that TESDA, given the authority and mandate on the field of skills development is trying the best it can to implement the accessible TVET for the youth most especially to be trained on various skills to alleviate unemployment and fill-in skills demand.

“By accessible, we mean, education and training must be brought to the public without the need to relocating themselves and are able to go to schools located within their communities,” she said, admitting further that there are difficulties due to limited resources at hand in an effort to reach out to the most vulnerable and remotest areas.

“And with the help of our partners like the Nagdilaab this effort was made a lot easier,” she said.

Hataman noted that TESDA trainers travel a lot from Isabela City, the same with the trainees who also face difficulties and challenges of traveling with quite some distance to and from their homes to attend the training. She advised the young trainees not to waste what they have invested on the training and use the skills to uplift their living conditions. 

Addressing the youth as the future of the province, she challenged them to confront that future, as the government is doing so many things to prepare the youth to the challenges each will be facing and equip the youth with the skills and knowledge in order to succeed towards contributing to peace and development.

NFI Board Chairperson Fr. Angel Calvo recalled his stints as missionary in Basilan, saying that his coming back to Basilan is like looking at the whole country, i.e. looking for signs of hope in Basilan.

“I could see the famous circumferential road almost completed; a sign of hope. But the very sign of hope is today’s graduation and culmination—this beautiful ceremony. 

That is why I am very happy. You know, Basilan was and still is my first love. I spent twenty years in Basilan. Now I see flourishing and signs of hope,” he said.

Fr. Calvo expressed his thoughts during the ceremony; something he learned when he was in Basilan. “If you like to feed a family, teach the family plant vegetables. 

If you want to feed the entire village or the municipality, teach them to plant trees. If you want to give food, to feed the whole country, teach the young people. And that is what I learned and I see today in Ungkaya Pukan.”

Supported by the Australian Government through AusAID, the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao program in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM) focuses on the most disadvantaged, poor and conflict affected communities. 

This program tackles the issue of low numbers of children who enroll in school, and stay to complete their schooling. It also addresses poor learning results in elementary and secondary schools.

According to AusAID website the project will enable about 40,000 children to access pre-school and elementary school. It will provide: pre-school classes in around 1,300 remote Muslim communities; education for children affected by conflict; 1,500 classrooms; and 100 water facilities. It will establish six centers to produce learning materials and provide health programs in 300 schools. It will also improve livelihood skills for 15,000 out-of-school youth.

 The overall program spans six years (2011-2017) but will start out as a four-year input (2011 to 2015).

Zambo Sur hosts 1st Batang Pinoy Mindanao qualifying leg 2014

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The first Batang Pinoy Mindanao Qualifying Leg 2014 has been held here last Sept. 10-14 with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur as host.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in partnership with Philippine Olympic Commission (POC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Education (DepEd) has chosen this city to be the venue of the four-day sports competitions attended by players and athletes from all over Mindanao.

In his welcome message during the opening ceremonies, Governor Antonio Cerilles emphasized that “education and athletics should go hand in hand so that these young people who will represent the country will not regret what they have done when they were still young.”

He also cited a lesson learned from a former Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, Anthony Villanueva, a security guard in Australia who died very poor.

“Today, in my mind is a step towards a right direction, let us do it the best we can do,” Cerilles stressed. 
The sports competition was participated in by 93 delegations from the municipalities, cities, and provinces in Mindanao with more than 7,000 young athletes competing in the different sports events.

Batang Pinoy 2014 has been conducted in pursuance of Executive Order No. 44 also known as the Philippine Youth Games-Batang Pinoy.

The Qualifying Leg for the Visayas will be held in Kalibo, Aklan on October 21-25, 2014 while for Luzon it will be in Naga City on November 11-15, 2014 and the National Finals will be in Bacolod City on Decmber 9-13, 2014. 

Meanwhile, PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez officially declared the 4-day sportsfest opened which was followed by a fireworks display.

HRVCB meets Martial Law victims in Pagadian

Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – A total of 1,142 human rights victims during martial law or relatives of the victims from the cities of Cagayan De Oro, Cotabato, Dapitan, Dipolog and Zamboanga, and the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur have filed their application for claims with the regional desks of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) during three-day intake operations at the City Commercial Center here on Sept. 10-12.

HRVCB Board member Galuasch “Bong” Ballaho in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said the HRVCB conducted field visits or remote intake operations to accept applications from human rights victims.

Ballaho said the HRVCB Board has approved the setting up of an initial five regional desks in the cities of Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi and Tacloban where the human rights victims could easily file their claims.

Ballaho said under RA 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, victims of human rights violations under Marcos’ martial rule must file their claims within a six-month period, from May 12 to November 10, 2014. Failure to file within this period will be considered a waiver.

Ballaho said the Philippine government passed a law to recognize victims of martial law, and indemnify them for the sufferings they had gone through.

“They suffered pain of torture and incarceration during the dark years when martial law ruled the Philippines. Many of them were dead, their families destroyed and properties were confiscated by perpetrators,” Ballaho explained whose grandfather was also a victim of human rights violation.

The granting of reparation to human rights victims, Balaho said, is also anchored on the United Nation’s Rights for Remedy for Gross Human Right Violation.

“The law has provided also non-monetary reparation to the children of victims in a form of health benefits and scholarships,” Bullaho added.

Ballaho said the 9,539 Filipinos who filed a class suit against former dictator Marcos in Hawaii in 1986, can now file also their claims at the HRVCB.

Ballaho clarified that it would take one year for the survivors to get their claims. “The application of claims of martial law survivors will undergo verification process from HRVCB. Wee need to verify if they are indeed, victims of martial law atrocities,” he explained.

Ballaho said the remote intake operations in Pagadian City was the second leg of HRVCB’s caravan. The first was held in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Lucena, Pampanga, Tarlac, Tuguegarao and Quezon.

Climate change advocacy draws more people to build resilient communities

By Alma L. Tingcang

MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur – An Advocacy Forum on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation was held here on Sept. 11 at Molave Vocational Technical School attended by officers of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and 2nd Year Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) students Major in Social Studies from the Western Mindanao State University, Molave Campus.

Nilo C. Villarubia, SSG adviser said the young leaders will re-echo and share what they have learned from the forum, as advocates and members of the “I am a Climate Change-Resilient Youth” group.

“Education is the key to the kind of life you want to live and the kind of person you want to be,” quoted Dr. Regina A. Menioria as saying. She represented the school principal, Mr. Samson V. Acapulco.

She lauded the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for sharing valuable insights on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

Roservirico A. Tan, chief of DENR-9’s Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) said: “We are hoping to reach more people to become our partners in advocating adaptation and mitigation measures for us to build climate change- resilient communities.”

“Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago,” the joint advocacy and social mobilization campaign of PIA and DENR has been heightened and is gaining momentum with the youth joining the bandwagon. 

“We should change our ways, put some disciple in our life. We need to act now because our climate is changing. We need to practice proper waste management. If we see “basura” (garbage) on the way, pick it up parang instinct na, you don’t need to be told to pick the garbage,” Tan told the participants.

He said climate change affects food security, health and wildlife and we should protect our environment for the future generation. It is everybody’s concern, not just of DENR.

Junard Lexter S. Vale, a 4th year student of MVTS declared, “I learned that we should not throw garbage everywhere. Do not cut trees and do not burn plastics to prevent climate change. I will be an advocate through radio and social media to share my learnings about climate change to my family, classmates, friends, neighbors and even to my teachers.”

PIA, DENR install LakasLikasan billboard in Turtle Islands

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

TURTLE ISLANDS, Tawi-Tawi – During its recent visit here on Sept. 5-10, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has installed the LakasLikasan billboard, the first in Western Mindanao.

It bears the logo of “Karagatan,” as Turtle Islands municipality consists of seven small islands, which may be affected by seawater rise wrought by climate change. It also bears the thematic slogan “Nagbabago Na Ang Panahon, Panahon Na Para Magbago.”

LakasLikasan is the brand of PIA’s climate change advocacy campaign in partnership with the DENR.
“There is a big difference in us advocating climate change and the media announcing and reporting it,” DENR-9 Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable said during the Zamboanga Peninsula regional launch of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign last July 19 at the Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

“This is the reason why,” he said, “the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) tapped the PIA as its partner to help promote the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign.”

Adorable disclosed that the DENR had been conducting various activities to advocate climate change years before its recent launch but he stressed tha “with the media, the information sticks more in the mind of the people than the information drive done by our experts who seem to be more scientific in their presentation.”
The campaign is also designed to weaken public’s apathy to climate change and strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures as a response to it.

It also hopes to inspire and motivate active cooperation and participation, and foster partnerships with public and private communities involving the youth, academe, local government units and civic organizations, among others.

On the same occasion, PIA-9 conducted a climate change advocacy forum to more than 100 students of Turtle Islands National High School with some teachers and policemen.

PIA conducts trainers’ training for 44th IB soldiers

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IMELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay – To capacitate soldier-trainers of the 44th Infantry Battalion in their conduct of Youth Leadership Summits, PIA-9 team conducted today a lecture on communicative skills development and handling group discussion at Imelda town.

“Communicating is connecting to your audience,” said Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 in a statement.

According to Dir. Edaga, it is important for every speaker to identify his audience before any activity to make the necessary preparations, as it is vital in effective communication development.

Director Edaga discussed to the 11 soldier-participants attending the training the communication process which is composed of three basic components: sender, message, and receiver.

“There is more to the three components. It is a cycle that also includes feedback from the receiver and back to the sender, and so on.”

She also explained public speaking as a skill that naturally flows out of listening, that is, also the ability to distinguish sounds in an alphabet.

“Speaking is a natural, fundamental human skill for expression and exposition,” Dir. Edaga said.
She also stressed the three PIA core values, which are: timeliness, relevance, and accuracy as an effective tool of communication.

Ms. Alma L. Tingcang, information center manager of PIA-Sibugay, discussed handling group discussion and presented the video documentary produced by PIA-ZAMBASULTA on climate change.

To apply what they have learned during the discussion, the participants were grouped into two and were asked to answer questions relevant to the climate change video presentation and presented the group’s output at the end of the training.

DOE to conduct forum on downstream oil industry in Zambo Sur

By: Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) of the Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 will conduct a multi-sectoral advocacy on downstream oil industry in Zamboanga del Sur on Sept. 18, 2014 at Alindahaw Hotel this city.

PIA-9 Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga said the activity is geared toward creating and strengthening a critical mass that would serve as conduit to the general public in the efforts to generate awareness on downstream oil industry and its benefits.

It may be recalled that the country’s downstream oil industry had been deregulated since 1998 and is currently dominated by two major oil refining and marketing companies – Petron and Pilipinas Shell.

A third oil refiner and marketer, Caltex Philippines Inc. converted its 86,500 bbl/d refinery into an import terminal in 2003 and now operates as a plain marketing and distributing company under the name “Chevron,” but remains its Caltex brand.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a state-owned company, and Saudi Aramco jointly own Petron; each with a 40 percent stake while the public holds the remaining 20 percent share.

Petron operates a  180,000 bbl/d refinery and over 1,200 gasoline stations nationwide; Pilipinas Shell has a 110,000 bbl/d refinery and about 800 gasoline stations; and Caltex/Chevron has 2 import terminals, and around 850 retail gas stations nationwide.

Participants to the activity are national line agencies, local government units (Mayors, Information officers, Business Permit Issuing Officers, Licensing Officers and Treasures, Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), media, retailers and owners of gasoline stations.

The same activity will also be conducted in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Sept. 16, 2014.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

PIA, DENR to Tukuranstudes: Be active partners in climate change advocacy

Gideon C. Corgue

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Students of Tukuran Technical-Vocational High School (TTVHS) have been encouraged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 and Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9to help solve climate change problems.

In a forum on climate change adaptationjointly conducted here on Tuesday by the DENR and PIA, Regional Public Affairs Officer RoserviricoA. Tan challenged the students to do their share in helping solve climate change issuessaying that“its adverse impacts are already felt in our country.”

“We reach out to you students because it is you who would inherit this earth that is still livable with clean and healthy environment and life-giving natural resources,” Tan pointed out.

Tan said the climate change advocacy campaign pursued by theDENR and PIA is a project of the national government aimed at raising the level of awareness of the public on climate change mitigation and adaptation to lessen its adverse impact onthe humans.

Tan said“the campaign is truly a gargantuan task to perform by the agencies.   That is why we need help from other sectors of society.”

“We are trying to reach out to the communities - especially the academe - to be our partners in helping us protect the environment,” Tan said, as he recognized the youth’s vital role in our society.

Tan explained the major effects of climate change particularly the extinction of living and non-living things. “The climate change has severely affected our environment,” Tan said.

Tan encouraged the students to support and the National Greening Program (NGP) by planting trees.
He also called on the students to support the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act otherwise known as Republic Act 9003.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Information Center Manager Claro A. Lanipa emphasized that the said forum was conducted to address public apathy to climate change in order to engender active cooperation and support from all sectors.

Lanipa said this forum here was the second advocacy activity conducted by the DENR and PIA to public secondary schools in Zamboanga Peninsula. The first was held in Bayog National High School, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur on Aug. 22, 2014.

DENR-9 readies for Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”

By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – To beat India’s record as having planted 1,945,535 trees for an hour in 408 locations with 340,200 participants, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 is joining other regions in Mindanao to plant 4.6 million trees in 9,200 hectares across the island on Sept. 26, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow,” the activity aims to achieve the 2014 target of the National Greening Program (NGP) for Mindanao by breaking India’s record of having planted the most number of treesin different locations simultaneously.

NGP is targeting 690,815 hectares to be planted with trees in Mindanao by 2016. 

“For Zamboanga Peninsula, DENR-9 aims to cover 1,000 hectares to be planted with 700,000 seedlings in various NGP sites,” Regional Director Arleigh Adorable said.

Adorable also disclosed that some 35,000 participants/volunteers would be mobilized during the said activity involving 700 validators and independent witnesses from the academe and religious sector.

More, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local government units (LGUs) have also signified to join the activity by planting 167,500 seedlings in 335 hectares, bringing a total of 867,500 seedlings to be planted within the region during the “TreeVolution” activity.

Presently, India holds the title in the Guinness World Records as having the most number of trees planted in various locations simultaneously.

Gen. Trinidad: AFP will remain, defend Zambo amidst anxieties

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A top military brass reassured the Zamboanguenos on the night of the Zamboanga siege anniversary (September 9),  that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will remain and defend the city amidst anxieties of a possible attack a year after. 

Lt. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, Jr., who represented AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang quoted, “rest assured that your AFP will continue to be here in Zamboanga and in the adjacent areas to protect the people.” 

Gen. Trinidad, according to Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar personally manned the defense strategy during the siege. 

“Este noche, ta rindi quita gracias con el Armed Forces que ya dale servicio na maga residente,” (We express our gratitude to the Armed Forces who served and protected the residents) said Mayor Climaco-Salazar. 

On Tuesday, the night of the Zamboanga siege anniversary, government officials and employees, police, military, academe, religious sector, and local residents gathered around City Hall and Plaza Rizal for a solemn candle-lighting ceremony dubbed “Luz de Ezperanza” (Light of Hope). Residents paid tribute to those who have fallen in defense of the city, including the young officers and men of the Armed Forces. 

“We honor both the fallen and living heroes that have stood by in defense of our city,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar. 

Prior to September 9 this year, numerous scare text messages were circulating, allegedly that of a looming attack in Zamboanga City. Residents have expressed their anxiety and concern.

“Sobra saltao kame si ta recivi maga ansina clase de text. Hinde na gayod quita puede ase de nohay lang cay ya socede ya se del otro año,” (We panic whenever we receive these messages. We can’t remain apathetic towards them since we have already experienced the siege last year) said one concerned resident.

The mayor has continuously appealed to residents to be “calm but vigilant always,” and to report and validate these messages with the authorities.

TreeVolution targets to plant 4.6 million trees to beat India’s world record

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibuga – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be at the forefront of “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW,” which aims to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the Most Trees Planted Simultaneously in Multiple locations.

The present GWR is held by India which planted 1,945,535 trees for one hour in 408 locations across the country with 340,200 planters.

TreeVolution is a giant leap of faith seeking to plant 4.6 million trees in 6 regions throughout Mindanao on September 26, 2014 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with 244,444 participants in an area of 9,200 hectares. 

Dionesio B. Rago, PENRO-Forestry Specialist said DENR-Sibugay has identified 4 planting sites: Barangay Palomok, Titay – 40 has; Barangay Baluran, Tungawan – 12 hectares; Barangay Sta. Barbara, Imelda – 30 hectares and Barangay Guiwan, Payao – 17 hectares.

“For the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, we have targeted 200 hectares to be planted with rubber for watershed areas and “bakawan” for mangrove areas,” Rago quoted.

He said among the planters who have registered are LGUs, academe, peoples’ organizations and other concerned groups and individuals who care about the environment.

A total of 500 seedlings including cacao, coffee, timber, mangroves and fruit trees will be planted for every hectare, which would also achieve the 2014 National Greening Program (NGP) target of Mindanao.
   
Planters who are 18 years old and above  may participate in this greatest environmental  endeavor that could bring the Philippines  into the Guinness World Records, the ultimate authority and official reference for world records of achievements since 1995.

Participants shall register at the TreeVolution Desk in all DENR Regional offices/PENRO/CENR offices or at TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW Facebook page.

DENR also welcomes sponsors who would like to be part of this praiseworthy endeavor by donating food, water, coffee, wristbands, transportation and mobility support, planting tools, mobility support, TreeVolution giveaways like shirts, caps, handtowels, among others.