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HATAMAN WINS ARMM GUBERNATORIAL RACE
Friday 17th of May 2013
COTABATO CITY, May 17 (PIA) -- Mujiv Hataman wins the gubernatorial race in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
ARMM COMELEC Regional Director and RBOC chair Atty. Rey Sumalipao proclaimed Hataman as winner around 11 a.m today, May 17.
His proclamation came even with votes from Basilan not yet transmitted and tallied. However, votes from the area are not enough to affect the overall tally. Basilan is also known as a bailiwick of Hataman, being a Yakan from Sumisip, Basilan.
At last tally, Hataman garnered 446, 227 votes while his closest rival, Pax Mangudadatu, only got 231...
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17May2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 16 (PIA) --The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that it will pilot GSIS-GenSan as 24/7 contact center for Mindanao area. In its recently-held soft launch, GSIS cited the need to establish a 24/7 contact center that will immediately respond to the concerns of its clients nationwide. “GSIS-Bacolod will be the pilot site for the Visayas area; General Santos City for Mindanao; Legaspi for Southern Luzon, and Cabanatuan for Northern Luzon,” said Sal...
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17May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 17 (PIA) -- The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) has intensified efforts to address human rights issues especially for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. In a press briefing, RHRC Chairperson Atty. Laisa M. Alamia said their office is not only focused on monitoring cases but is also collaborating with other agencies for potential solutions. The RHRC was established last year following the enactment of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288...
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16May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 16 (PIA) -- Some 50 swimming enthusiasts are braving the Sarangani Bay on May 24 to kick off the two-day SarBay Fest 2013, now tagged as Mindanao’s biggest beach party and Soccksargen’s grandest summer escapade. The 15-kilometer stretch swim-across-the-bay is also believed to be the longest swim relay in the country. Ten teams of five swimmers will cross the bay beginning at 5 a.m. from Kamanga Bay in Maa...
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16May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 16 (PIA) -- Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla gets to serve for another term. Around 6 p.m. yesterday, the City Board of Canvassers proclaimed Montilla as winner of the mayoralty race in the sole city of Sultan Kudarat province. The proclamation was held at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Conference Hall. Montilla garnered 22,774 votes over her challengers retired Army General Jerry Jalandoni who had 10,120 votes and Ber...
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16May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 16 (PIA)--Re-elected mayor of the municipality of Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat vowed to strengthen implementation of different projects in the area for another three years. Mayor Rolando P. Garcia assured that on his third and last term as the chief executive of the town, projects and programs on the economic, social and environment sectors that are much beneficial in the residents of Kalamansig will be given emphasis. He said that through the help of the eq...
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16May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 16 (PIA) – Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu earned a second term as governor of Maguindanao. He won with an overwhelming 195,473 votes against his opponent, Tucao Mastura, who had 94,678 in the count of transmitted results from 33 of 36 towns. Mangudadatu and running mate Datu Lester Sinsuat were proclaimed by the Provincial Board of Canvassers as governor and vice governor at 11 p.m. at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the Autonom...
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15May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 15 (PIA) -- Over 24 hours from the close of the polling precincts on Monday, Koronadal City board of canvasses has not yet transmitted election results to the provincial board of canvassers. Acting city election officer Ma. Dorothy Lusa explained the failure to transmit was caused by defective CF cards in precinct count optical scan machines two clustered precincts in Barangays Morales and General Paulino San...
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15May2013COTABATO CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- Japal Guiani Jr. is given a fresh mandate as local chief executive of Cotabato City. City board of canvasser assistant chairman Johnny Balawag, proclaimed Guiani as winner of the mayoralty raise here at the adjournment of the canvassing around 6 p.m. yesterday. Guiani garnered 25,685 votes against opponent former mayor Muslimin Sema who got 22,545 votes. Former councilor Abdullah Andang was also proclaimed ...
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13May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 13 (PIA) -- Help continues for the recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) even as they “graduate” from the national government’s conditional cash grant, government officials here assured. From December this year until April 2014, cash grants for almost 14,000 households under the CCT program’s Set 1 and 2 in Soccsksargen Region would cease as they complete the five-year duration as b...
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09May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato May 9 (PIA) -- Progress and status of development projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 implemented under the Mindanao Rural Development Program - Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) could soon be accessed using the worldwide web. Recently, the DA 12 gathered municipal focal persons of local government units implementing MRDP-CFAD projects for a seminar workshop on geo-tagging. Geo-tagging is ...
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09May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- Scholars of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM) from Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur gathered together for a two-day conference at Awang Hillside Resort and Hotel, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. A total of 56 scholars participated the activity which began yesterday in various games designed to have them interact and work together for a common goal which focused on self-awareness, team ...
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09May2013COTABATO CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- The Cotabato City government continues its operation against illegal vendors and single motorcycles for hire or locally called "habal-habal" and motorcycles with side cabs or "payong-payong". With directives from Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr., the Traffic Management Unit goes around the city to conduct surprise inspections. The authorities have confiscated several motorcycles and their plates because of illegally operating in the city. Traversing the Nation...
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09May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- Asia’s longest zip-line located in Makilala town in North Cotabato is now open for tourists and adventure enthusiasts. On Sunday, May 5, the Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan led the inauguration of the 2.3 -kilometer zip-line in Barangay New Israel, the latest addition to the tourist attractions in the province, the most popular of which is the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s highest pe...
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09May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- Detailed geohazard assessment of 19 areas in Soccsksargen region or Region 12 have been completed, an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 12. Constancio Paye Jr., regional director of the DENR-MGB 12 told Philippine Information Agency 12 today that they have already completed geohazard assessment of the municipality of Magpet in North Cotabato and Polomolok in South Cotabato. This increases the ...
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08May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 8 (PIA) -- Don Bosco Multipurpose Cooperative in M’lang, North Cotabato has increased its presence in the global market as exporter of organic rice. Some 15 metric tons of organic black rice produced by farmer-members of Don Bosco MPC formed part of the 35-MT first shipment of rice export to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The ceremonial send-off, led by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and DA 12 Regional ...
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08May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 8 (PIA) -- New beneficiaries of the scholarship programs of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Region 12 inked a memorandum of agreement that finalized their status as official OWWA scholars starting this school year 2013-2014. The new scholars, one for Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), three for Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP), and 56 for the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), along with their p...
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08May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 8 (PIA) -- At least 658 police personnel from the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 are being deployed to different parts of Soccsksargen Region for election duties. Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal City, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. PSInsp Benjamin Mauricio Jr., information chief of PRO 12 said, 30...
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07May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 (PIA) -- In an effort to hasten conduct of soil and water analyses and bring these services closer to the farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 here has upgraded its regional soils laboratory. These laboratories are situated in Cotabato City at the Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CEMIARC) in Amas, Kidapawan City in North Cotabato. A report from DA 12 said, the improvem...
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07May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 7 (PIA) -- Applying organic fertilizer Bio-N has proven beneficial to a farmer, who was skeptic over trying a low-cost non- commercial fertilizer. Nasser Mandas of Barangay Panicupan in Pikit, North Cotabato said while relying mostly on the traditional costly inorganic commercial fertilizers, production from his rice farm had been very meager, at times not even enough to carry out farm activities for the next c...
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07May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato May 7 (PIA) -- Police force from Matalam PNP strengthens its monitoring and other security measures to secure the safety of the residents of Barangay Marbel from the conflicting lawless elements in the area which started on Sunday. Based on the report from the office of Matalam PNP, at least 200 families have evacuated since Sunday night and are now temporarily residing in the barangay halls of Barangay Kibudok and Salvacion. Police groups are now on full alert a...
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07May2013COTABATO CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- Peace panel chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (Transccom) Chief Mohaquer Iqbal assured massive public consultations in the crafting of the crucial basic law and annexes for the eventual establishment of the new Bangsamoro political entity. During its latest meeting held May 1-2, here in Cotabato City with the support of the United Nations and World Bank, the 15-man Transcom reiterated their unwavering commitme...
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06May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 6 (PIA) -- Social preparations are underway for the implementation of the P91.73 million worth of poverty alleviation projects in Soccsksargen Region, an official of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 said. Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD-12 regional director, told Philippine Information Agency- 12 that at least 25 municipalities in three provinces of Region 12 will benefit from the projects, which were...
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06May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 6 (PIA) -- Average rice production in Soccsksargen Region should reach 4.04 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) this year, according to target estimates from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12. At regular 50 kilograms per cavan, rice production areas in the region should be able to turn out yield of about 80.8 cavans per hectare. AgriPinoy Palayan Program focal person Ray Embajador, explained this year’s target is ...
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03May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The municipality of Kabacan in North Cotabato with an augmentation force from the Regional Public Safety Battalion, in a bid to strengthen its drive against criminal elements. Kabacan chief of police Supt. Leo Ajero said this step is a part of PNP’s initiative to keep the town secure and peaceful, following the recent increase in street crimes in the area. Ajero said that their group is focusing on public convergence areas ...
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03May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- A public agricultural school in nearby Surallah town got a commitment of P500,000 from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12. DA-12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan pledged the additional assistance during the 13th Commencement exercises of the Surallah Agricultural National High School (Sunas), on April 23 where she was the guest of honor. She said Sunas could make use of the aid to fund ...
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03May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The largest chunk of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-12’s 2013 budget would be spent to boost the region’s rice sector, an official of the agency said. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of DA 12 confirmed that of the P1.2 budget allotted for DA 12 this year, P501 million will be spent through the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program. This year’s budget is P169 million or 50.93 percent ...
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03May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato May 3 (PIA) -- Some 5,510 scholarship slots are now open to young people in Soccsksargen Region who are interested on taking technical vocational education, an official here announced today. Zeus Ampuyas, regional director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – 12 told Philippine Information Agency 12 that the national government has allotted P29,344,000 for agency’s two flagship scholarship...
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03May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 is scoring another first. This time, the agency is bringing its labor advocacy where the incoming labor force are – in colleges, universities and technical vocational schools. As a highlight of the celebration of the 111th Labor Day celebration, DOLE 12 on May 1 signed a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Depa...
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02May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- Nineteen women former overseas Filipino workers yesterday received check of P10,0000 each that they can use to start an enterprise. Abdulghani K. Umag, regional director of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 12, the assistance was distributed under the re-integration program Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay program. “The recipients of grants today (May 1) is part of the 52 ...
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02May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- In line with the celebration of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s 31st anniversary, OWWA-Regional Welfare Office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM) prepared simple yet significant activities to give due recognition to the contribution of OFWs around the world. OFWs and their families from neighboring towns will attend a lecture on migration reality issues and basic financial literacy training today at the OWWA-ARMM ...
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02May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- The Moro People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment, Inc. (Moro People’s CORE) in Kabacan, North Cotabato empowers youth participation in order for them to contribute in the community’s advancement. In connection, the group conducted recently a lecture on capability build-up. Moro People’s CORE Executive Director Zaynab Ampatuan said that participants of the activity were students of Kuntaw Silat in Barangay Poblacion. Kun...
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02May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao joined the whole nation in celebrating the 111th Labor Day by offering services for overseas Filipino workers and their families. On May 1, OWWA-ARMM facilitated “Libreng Tawag” for OFWs and their dependents at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City. Interested OFWs and family members who went to the Labor Day site, we...
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02May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 12 is now accepting entries to the 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE). Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, regional director of DOST 12 said RICE inventors should consider this contest because this is an excellent venue showcase the scientific and technological ideas they have developed. Academic and research and development com...
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02May2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 2 (PIA) — Officials and residents of Barangay Katangawan here are looking forward to an improved economy after President Benigno Aquino III visited the area Saturday. Barangay Chairman, Remie Herceda expressed optimism that the President’s presence in a small community like Katangawan is a manifestation of more coming jobs and livelihoods for the local residents. “We are so overwhelmed to note that President Aquino was in our barangay to monitor the progress of t...
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30Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 30 (PIA) -- Besides qualifications, honesty and attitude towards work are important boosters to an applicant’s chances to win his or her desired job, said Ofelia Domingo, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12. “During job interviews, do not try to be overly impressive. Be yourself. Be honest,” Domingo advised applicants when asked how job applicants should face interv...
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30Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 30 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) in South Cotabato is set to conduct test milling for palay as a prerequisite for their regular milling operations, a local official said. NFA South Cotabato provincial manager Guialudin D. Usman said, conduct of the test milling is also a measure to maintain the level of palay supply and augment food security reserve in the province, in anticipation of the lean season when palay production is limited and demand...
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30Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 30 (PIA) -- More opportunities have been opened for the muscovado industry players in Sultan Kudarat province, an official said. Department of Trade and Industry provincial director Nelly Nita Dillera said that after the Muscovado Technology Forum and Market Matching held last April 16 exporters from Manila immediately booked an initial order of three tons of Muscovado from a local miller. The exporters, Dillera said are also keen on making a 10-ton reg...
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29Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- Seven micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in General Santos City and Sultan Kudarat province has received total of P4.65 million in aid from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, regional director of DOST 12 said these MSME beneficiaries were granted assistance via the agency’s flagship program, the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Prog...
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29Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- Students and teachers of a public high school in a remote barangay in Libungan, North Cotabato will have a more comfortable learning environment this coming June with the construction and completion of a new classroom building. The construction of the new classroom in Padura-Espabo High school in Barangay Montay started last May 2012 and was finished in February this year. The project is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Devel...
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29Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA) -- Almost four in every 10 applicants during the job fair here Friday got employed, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) -12. Terminal report on the April 26 pre-Labor Day job fair at the Gaisano Grand Mall of Marbel indicates that 411 of the 1,068 registered applicants were hired-on-the spot (HOTS). “Of those hired, 335 landed local jobs while 76 got overseas employment,” DOLE 12 labor communicat...
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29Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 29 (PIA)--The Southern Christian College (SCC) in Midsayap, North Cotabato through its Community Education, Research and Extension Administration (CEREA), is pushing for stakeholders’ participation and project sustainability by strengthening community organization. In a seminar workshop on community organizing and basic group facilitation methods-Technology of Participation (TOP), program main convener Dee Bat-og emphasized that participants who we...
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27Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 27 (PIA)-- President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to meet local leaders and the community here as he is expected to address some ten thousand Generals (a term used to call the constituents of GenSan) today. Upon arrival, the President will motor directly to barangay Katangawan where he will be briefed on the progress of the road decongestion projects in GenSan and South Cotabato. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will brief President Aquino on t...
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26Apr2013KORONADAL City, South Cotabato, April 26 (PIA) -- South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces in Soccsksargen Region has been selected as pilot sites of the “Regional Rice Initiative for Asia” that will be funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Ludivina Dumaya, officer -in- charge of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) of the Department of Agriculture - 12 disclosed the information in a meeting here o...
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26Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Some 128 inmates at the City Jail Female Dormitory received last week a free basic legal education seminar and hygiene kits from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) General Santos “Twin Star” or Twin Star Jaycees. The activity dubbed “Beyond Prison Walls” was part of the local organization’s 2013 JCI Week celebration which “objective is to help the correctional community (people inside the jails/ prisons) in their total human development ba...
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26Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 26 (PIA) -- A group of Sri Lankan microenterprise implementers visited Sarangani province this week for a study and knowledge sharing on the province’s implementation of the Rural Microenterprise Promotions Programme (RuMEPP). RuMEPP is an initiative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations to finance agricultural development projects primarily for f...
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25Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 25 (PIA)--- Stand up for children! This is what the 20-member spokespersons for the Bata Muna Campaign said during its launch Wednesday, April 24 at the East Asia Hotel here. Sixteen-year-old campaign spokesperson Jesza Marie Aljentera, student representative who read the statement she shared with other children called on government leaders and political candidates to consider children issues and concerns in their political agenda and governance. “In the Phili...
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25Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 25 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the national government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) could soon learn how to drive as a means of living. Koronadal City-based United Transport Operators and Drivers Servicing Cooperative (UTODCO) has recently collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 to assist recipients of the government’s conditional cash transfer in learning ...
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25Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 25 (PIA) -- Local government units should assure continuous assistance to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Program. In a recent crafting the Municipal Transition Plan , DSWD 12 assistant regional director Gemma Rivera challenged LGUs to make sure that the current socio-economic conditions of the 4Ps families will continue to i...
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24Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has hired 400, mostly students, part-time workers for the agency’s summer job program this year. The region’s DPWH secretary Emil Sadain said recruits will take part in the agency’s ‘Oplan Linis Bayan’ program, which includes the cleanup of major thoroughfares across the region. He said the program is meant to keep roads free from distractions as well as help maintain the...
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24Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- The Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Kabacan, North Cotabato will strengthen its fight against dengue through massive education and information dissemination in different areas of the town. This act is a response to the alarming dengue cases which were recorded in the town for the first quarter of the year. According to Honey Joy Cabellon, disease surveillance and health emergency and management coordinator, 40 dengue cases were recorded in the...
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24Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- Public school teachers in Makilala town continue their preparations for the integration of peace education in their classroom instructions beginning this school year. Earlier this month, about 65 teachers from Makilala’s West District completed a two-day workshop on enhancing their lesson plans with peace education. The teachers were able to produce at the workshop some prototype enhanced lesson plans for all subjects from Grade 1 to Grade ...
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24Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- Benefits await landowners who will commit their farm lots to the city government’s Tree-Growing Festival on June 29. City environment officer Augustus Bretaña said they have already identified at least 60 areas in Roxas and Quezon mountain ranges surrounding the city that would be covered by the third staging of the massive annual tree planting activity of the city government, which has so far ...
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24Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) expressed optimism that the agency’s project implementation in the autonomous region is way above board with 56 percent of the total amount liquidated while ongoing road project implementation at 47 percent. DAF-ARMM is one of the agencies of government with allocation from the P810 billion Stimulus Fund for agricultural development. Regional Secretary Ma...
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23Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- The province of North Cotabato will construct the first palm oil crushing mill in the province which will be situated in the palm oil factory site in Barangay Tacupan in the municipality of Carmen. This project is aimed at helping palm oil farmers as well as job seekers to raise their income and to offer them job opportunities respectively. In the groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza sa...
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23Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- Officials of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. (DBFSDI), the leading biodynamic and organic farming organization in Mindanao region expressed desire to establish more government partnerships in advancing organic farming activities in the country. Early this month, DBFSDI and the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 held a Farmers’ Field Day in Brgy New Antique, M’lang of the said province. Highlighted in the...
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23Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 23 (PIA) -- National Food Authority (NFA) North Cotabato does not reject any farmer or farmer group who would like to sell their palay produce to them, an official of the agency explained. Avelino Usman, manager of NFA –North Cotabato, however, entreated farmers to make sure that the palay they deliver to NFA are dry and clean to command the best price. NFA buys dry and clean palay at P17.00 per kilo, about ...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- Driven by a strong urge to help scholars improve their individual academic performances and personality, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 12 gathered its educational program beneficiaries in a conference at EMR Center, Koronadal City on April 18 and 19. Seventy scholars from the entire region participated in the event: 12 from North Cotabato, 19 from Sarangani and General Santos, 5 from Sultan Kudarat, and 33 from South C...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- At least 10,596 jobs will be available to job seekers in Soccksargen Region in fairs in line with the celebration of the Labor celebration Day on May 1, according the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12. DOLE 12 regional director Ofelia B. Domingo said the number of vacancies was based on the report of jobs available submitted by employers who have signified participation in t...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- Prison cells did not deter the 16 inmates in South Cotabato’s detention facility to earn their education. On Friday, eight detainees of the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC) here received their diplomas for completing elementary while eight other inmates received diploma or high school under the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). “I never ...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- Some 350 volunteers in Pikit town in North Cotabato were trained to hasten the implementation of various peace projects corresponding with the government’s goal to put a permanent and just closure to internal conflicts in Mindanao. DSWD-12 assistant regional director Gemma N. Rivera said these peace volunteers came from the 42 barangays of Pikit, which was once considered as Mindanao’s armed conflict battleground. S...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) –- More income-generation and employment opportunities are being offered to Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiearies in Soccsksargen Region. Zeus Ampuyas, regional director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 12, said the agency will provide technical vocational education in May to recipients of the national government’s conditional cash transfer. Ampuyas said priority for the ...
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22Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 22 (PIA) -- Some 57 residents in a village in nearby Polomolok town do not anymore fear that they could be ejected from their homes. This after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) awarded them titles to the residential lots with average area of 207 square meters in a ceremony held at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Cannery of the said town on Wednesday. Information from the department ...
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19Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) --The Regional Nutrition Council (RNC)12 is urging concerned agencies to help make Soccsksargen a hunger-free region. The call was emphasized during the recent held RNC second quarter meeting in Koronadal City, South Cotabato wherein data show that there is still a large population of malnourished children in Region 12. RNC 12 chairperson Dr. Marlyn Convocar said when agencies coordinate with one another, health activities will be harmonized which...
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19Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) -- Grade 5 pupils from different elementary schools in Kabacan, North Cotabato participated in this year’s Summer Kids Peace Camp which started on Tuesday, April 16. The camp, which gathered Muslim, Christian, and Lumad children was held at Kabacan Pilot Elementary School, the largest elementary school in the said town. According to the organizer of the said camp, like in other municipalities, the event in Kabacan also run for three days. The a...
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19Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) -- Moro rights advocate Kalilintad Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) is empowering its members as well as area coordinators and coordinators with regard to communicating the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) by holding a speakers’ bureau training. The training held in nearby Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province from April 15 – 16 was conducted in partnership with the Blas F. O...
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19Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 19 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the national government’s Conditional Cash Transfer are assured of assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI 12 regional director Ibrahim Guiamadel recently confirmed their agency’s commitment to teach CCT recipients how to put but their own businesses. The commitment came after the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 ...
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19Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Apr 19 (PIA) -- The city government is strengthening its food terminal to better serve the agricultural produce of farmers not only here but the entire region 12 as well. Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said the agriculture sector here is the backbone of the city’s economy alongside fishing industry. Thus, to boost this business sector, the city government has come up with the concept of the General Santos City Integrated Food Terminal (GSCIFT) “to provide farmers, e...
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19Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- Officials and representatives from Google Asia Pacific are here to meet up with Gensan women in a move to empower the latter with the use of online tools. The event dubbed “Women on the Web Gensan” is a localized program of Google ‘for female entrepreneurs to connect, grow their online presence, and utilize Google products to launch and scale their businesses.” City Media Affairs Officer, Avelmar Manansala considered the event as one great opportu...
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18Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- The new regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment in Soccsksargen region has set her sight on firming up the DOLE’s field offices in the region. Ofelia B. Domingo assumed office as the regional director of the DOLE 12 Wednesday. She replaced director Chona Mantilla, who has been transferred to head DOLE 7 (Central Visayas). The turn-over ceremony was held at Cinco Niñas in Barangay Mor...
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18Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is bringing to higher level its commitment to transparency in all transactions, programs and projects. Recently , DA’s Information Technology Center for Agriculture and Fisheries conducted a consultation workshop for data security and handling access and data sharing standard policy of the department. Members of the DA-Information Technology Round for Agriculture’s Communications Thr...
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18Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 18 (PIA) -- Food, beverage , and packaging company San Miguel Corporation and the Department of Agriculture 12 are urging farmers in South Cotabato and nearby provinces to plant cassava. In a recent training on cassava production, post-harvest facilities and processing technologies, Edgar Labor, regional cassava focal person, said the government agency and SMC are jointly pushing for increased cassava prod...
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18Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Mulsim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) continues its relentless information and education campaign to increase agricultural production and reduce palay grain losses and rice wastage. Over the years, DAF-ARMM has utilized the broadcast medium to reach out and impart knowledge and skills on rice, corn, animal raising, fruit crops and vegetable backyard gardening, fishing technology and other related cours...
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18Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- At least 17 indigent and conflict-affected barangays across Soccsksargen Region are set to benefit from the national government’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture 12, said the target communities were named in a recent consultative meeting in Davao City to identify programs for the priority areas for 2014 to 2016...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA)-- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or Philhealth here has gathered multi-sectoral representatives and stakeholders to a forum where the agency presented its more stringent measures against fraudulent claims by some unscrupulous hospitals and doctors. The forum, held at the Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant in General Santos City on April 11, was the third such multi-sectoral ga...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development – 12 and its partners are forging a collaboration in poverty alleviation program in line with continuing efforts to address needs of indigent families in Soccsksargen. In a forum in Glan, Sarangani recently DSWD 12 and various regional line agencies drafted a memorandum of understanding (MOU), particularly to uplift the economic conditions of poo...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Soccsksargen Region have recently been provided access social insurance via a collaboration between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 and the Social Security System (SSS) Brendo Belmonte, accounts management section head of SSS Koronadal Branch recently briefed over a thousand 4Ps beneficiaries here and about 250 from nearby Banga...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- Farmers who are members of irrigators' associations in the 1st district of North Cotabato holds today an orientation to discuss details on Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT). The activity which will last until Friday, April 19, is aimed at instilling among farmers the importance of IMT program to systematically implement water system in farmlands. Dante Cudal, president of Midsayap-Pigcawayan-Libungan-Kabuntalan (MPLK) Federation of IA said ...
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17Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 17 (PIA) -- Operators of Barangay Food Terminals (BFT) across Soccsksargen Region were recently gathered for meeting and planning sessions intended to improve management of the facilities as business investments. The three-day activity held at Durian Garden in Polomolok town last week was led by the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) – 12. In attendance were barangay and m...
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16Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has started the assessment plan for the implementation of a water supply project in Bongo Island in Parang, Maguindanao in compliance with the directive of ARMM OIC-regional governor Mujiv Hataman. Hataman issued the order following the outbreak of cholera first week of April this year, affecting 67 residents of Barangay Tukamarur as declared by the...
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16Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato April 16 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) in Region 12 has surpassed its palay procurement target for the first quarter of this year, an official said. NFA 12 regional director Raul B. Chong confirmed at the Regional Management Committee Meeting (REMANCOM) held in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, that 173,564 bags of palay were procured in all areas covered by the region for the months of January to March, this year. Chong said this figure almost doubled th...
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16Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 16 (PIA) -- Local power distributor, South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 1) is considering rental of a modular power generator to avoid much longer rotating brownout in August. Santiago Tudio, general manager of Socoteco 1, said the cooperative’s contract with the National Power Corporation (Napocor) will end on August 31. Although the cooperative is already set to extend its contract with Napo...
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16Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 16 (PIA) -- An official of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Maguindanao is alarmed with the increase in number of residents with the highly infectious tuberculosis in the area. IPHO-Maguindanao Chief Dr. Tahir Sulaik , they have recently recorded more than 50 TB cases in different areas of Maguindanao. Dr. Sulaik also added they have been requesting for anti-TB drugs in the Department of Health central office but up to now these have not ...
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16Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 16 (PIA) -- Officials of the Social Security System (SSS) are encouraging members to avail of financial assistance for college or vocational technical education. Redentor Viola, manager of the SSS Koronadal Branch, said that through the SSS Educational Assistance (Educ-Assist) Loan Program, they could provide matriculation assistance to at least 1,000 students per semester. However, he said, only over 300 indiv...
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15Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato April 15 (PIA) -- North Cotabato’s Kalivungan festival delegates bagged 2nd place in the recently concluded Aliwan Festival 2013 held at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Provincial Tourism Focal Person Ralph Ryan Rafael said the award signifies that the province is among the most competitive in the country in terms of cultural festivals North Cotabato’s festival was represented by the Ragsak dancers of Salunayan, Midsayap. Dinagyang Festival...
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15Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 15 (PIA) -- Some 8,658 individuals in Soccsksargen Region took the career service examination Sunday, according to a report from the Civil Service Commission office here. Lawyer Venus Ondoy, field officer of the CSC in South Cotabato said, three examination centers were established in the entire Soccsksargen, specifically for this purpose: Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, Koronadal City in South Cotabato, a...
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14Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 14 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III complimented Maguindanao Gov. Esmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu for a job well done in implementing projects and programs in the province which have paved a way for a more progressive Maguindanao. In his message during his visit in Buluan town Friday, Aquino said that Mangudadadtu’s administration has improved the province, changed the perceptions of many regarding Maguindanao, and contributed much to the ...
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12Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- “Tinitiyak natin mahal na Pangulo, na ang pondo ng pamahalaang pambansa ay gagamitin sa mga proyekto at programa na pakikinabangan ng mga mamamayan at magsusulong ng kaunlaran ng ating mga komunidad sa autonomous region.” said Hataman. (I assure that funds for various projects and programs from the national government is utilized for the benefit of the people and communities in the autonomous region,) This was the assurance of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Ha...
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12Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 12 (PIA) -- National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 12, highlights its three-day 35th Foundation Anniversary with the recognition of groups and individuals who have shown exemplary performance. Evelyn Bragasin, Information officer of NIA 12 said the anniversary celebration began on April 10 and will end today at the Notre Dame of Midsayap College Gymnasium in Midsayap, North Cotabato where the awarding ceremon...
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12Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 12 (PIA) --President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with DILG Sec. Mar Roxas arrived earlier today at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Government complex here for a briefing on ARMM projects. The President, in his first ever visit to the ARMM compound was welcomed by OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Vice-Governor Bainon Karon and ARMM employees in the jampacked Shariff Kabunsuan Complex. In his report, ARMM OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman relayed to the President the acco...
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11Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highway-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has saved P136.4 million from its 2012 funds, officials disclosed Thursday. Emil Sadain, the region’s public works secretary, said the savings is due to the agency's prudent fiscal handling and enforcement of transparent procurement and bidding process. “It is part of the reforms we have put in place in the agency,” he said. Sadain said their ac...
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11Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 12 together with Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) led the training of stakeholders and personnel of offices handling children in conflict with the law cases using multi-disciplinary approach. In a three-day session among social workers, judicial officials, law enforcers, local government officials and penologists, DSWD 12 director Zorahayda Taha urged the frontliners of t...
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11Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- Good governance has gained South Cotabato provincial government P25 million financial reward, which the LGU can use in implementing development initiatives. Reynaldo Bungubung, acting regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 12, on Monday turned over to Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. checks for the financial incentives to the LGU “for manifesting excellence in governance.” ...
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11Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 11 (PIA) -- Following the success of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program’s Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards (APRAA), the Department of Agriculture’s Agri-Pinoy Corn Program has launched the nationwide Corn Quality Awards to give honors to top achievers involved in the development of the corn industry. Zaldy Boloron, regional corn program coordinator of DA 12 said, the awards, which has a budget allotment of P29- million, is ope...
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11Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) will reconstruct a bridge located in the village of Barorao, Balabagan that connects it to the neighboring town of Malabang in Lanao del Sur to help ease the movement of people and agricultural products in the area. An old bridge that used to serve the area was destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon Sendong in 2011. DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain led an ...
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11Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology, Region 12 has noted a remarkable increase in the number of passers in its scholarship program for 2013 posting a 21.5% hike compared to that of last year. DOST 12 regional director Zenaida P. HR-Laidan said, 79 incoming college freshmen in Region XII have qualified to avail of the agency’s scholarship program for school year 2013-2014. Laidan said, of the total number of successful examinees, 70 met the criteria for...
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10Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 10 (PIA 12) -- The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) here has announced the opening of the 2013 Gawad Saka Search. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, DA 12’s regional executive director said, Gawad Saka Search is an annual undertaking of DA in cooperation with the local government units, other government institutions, non-government organizations and private sector. It provides due recognition to farmers, fisherfolk and farmin...
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10Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 10 (PIA) -- In a bid to strengthen its police officer’s capability to deal with abuses against women and children, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 has launched a specialized course for Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) officers. PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., PRO 12’s public information chief, said some 50 women police officers from across Soccsksargen Region are currently undergoing the said tr...
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10Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office 12 praised its partner agencies in the poverty reduction efforts of the government particularly in the implementation of core programs, namely: Pantawid Pamilya, KALAHI-CIDSS and Sustainable Livelihood Program. During the recent Regional Convergence Advisory Council (RCAC) meeting, DSWD assistant director Gemma Rivera thanked the efforts made by regional offices, local government...
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10Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- A team from the Department of Health-Manila and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding, Jr. is visiting Bongo Island, in Parang, Maguindanao particularly the cholera outbreak stricken barangay of Tukamarur today, April 10. Last April 2, DOH-ARMM has declared a cholera outbreak in barangay Tukamarur after 31 residents have been hospitalized due to the water-borne disease due to contamination following a heavy rain the d...
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08Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 8 (PIA) -- The South Cotabato agriculture office is not considering cloud seeding despite the dry spell that has affected the province since March. “We have not planned for cloud seeding operations,” provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste confirmed in a recent interview. He said farmers here, especially those in the Upper Valley area who will be affected by the two-month closure of the Allah River Irrigation...
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08Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 8 (PIA) -- Words cannot express the feeling of OFW Evangeline Gloria when she found out that her daughter is one of the new scholars of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Evangeline has been working in Dubai for almost 8 years and her hard work paid off when the news broke that her daughter ranked 21st among 105 passers of the Education for Development Scholarship Program of OWWA across the country. “Indeed, it is a very big help since ...
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05Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 5 (PIA) -- Alamada town in North Cotabato is undergoing cadastral survey under a project supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the local government unit concerned. A cadastral survey is a survey made on extensive areas covering an entire municipality or city consisting of several or many parcels of land undertaken for the purpose of land registration. It includes determining bo...
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05Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 5 (PIA) -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will evaluate the proposed P185,108,186-worth of projects of South Cotabato 2 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) as soon as possible, the local power distributor announced. The projects were presented before the Commission in a public hearing Wednesday, April 3 with Commissioner Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc as hearing officer. SOCOTECO II proposed projects are composed of two 35MVA/43.75MVA substations worth P125,208,...
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05Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 5 (PIA) -- A one-day orientation on the Culture of Peace (CoP) was conducted in Makilala, Cotabato on April 1 with 103 public elementary school teachers of Makilala West District attending. The orientation aimed to increase the capacity of public elementary mentors to make children’s lives and their communities more peaceful. CoP as it will also be called in the locality, is the first step undertaken by DepEd Makilala and the local government for te...
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05Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 5 (PIA) -- The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Mlang, North Cotabato continues its provision of services to different villages in the province. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Glecerio Sotea said that their office strengthens bloodletting activities to supply blood banks with enough blood for emergency cases. In connection, RHU will be spearheading a series of bloodletting activities this month. On April 6, Sotea’s team will conduct the activity in Barangay Bua...
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04Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- Rewards and recognition are pouring aplenty for police officer (PO1) Roel Armecin who courageously fought against a group rebels that attacked a police outpost in Barangay Silodon, T’boli, this province. PO1 Armecin, now called a “poster boy for courage” of the Philippine National Police “single-handedly” fought off 15 New People’s Army rebels who attacked the Community Police Assist...
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04Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- A farmers’ cooperative in nearby Banga town has received a grant worth P1.763 million from the Department of Agrarian Reform in South Cotabato. The organization, identified as Maguad Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Brgy. Kusan in said town, received common service facilities (CSFs), a report from DAR- SoCot showed. Facilities turned over to them include four hand tractors, ...
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04Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is set to implement a project that would address environmental problems brought about by invasive alien species. DENR 12 Executive Director Tungko Saikol in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 explained invasive alien species or IAS are animals and plants that are introduced, deliberately or accidentally, in enviro...
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04Apr2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, April 4 (PIA) -- Barangay Upper Katungal in Tacurong City, is Soccksargen Region's entry to the 2013 National Lupong Tagpamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA)-Component City Category, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Before the Holy Wek, LTIA Regional Evaluation Committee conducted a site evaluation in Brgy. Upper Katungal Lupong Tagapamayapa (LT) Office last month. During the visit, village ch...
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03Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 3 (PIA) -- Five OFW dependents from the Soccsksargen region passed the qualifying exams for two scholarship programs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Two qualified for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) while three others are for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP). The EDSP passers are Gabrielle Faith T. Gloria of San Lorenzo Academy in Polomolok, South Cotabato and Krystianne Paul De...
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03Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 3 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region has recorded 1,528 dengue cases in the first quarter of 2013, according to a report released yesterday by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH) – 12. Some 669 or 41 percent of the victims are children 10 years old and below. Jenelyn Ellie Ventura, health education and promotion officer of DOH 12, said the figure as of March ...
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03Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 3 (PIA) -- The local council for women in Makilala town leads the culmination of the 30-day Women’s Month activities with a big bang, a local official said. Sangguniang Bayan member Adelwisa V. Cruz, also an official of the women’s local council said they felt the pride in being given honor by the local government. Cruz is the chairperson of the sanggunian’s committee on Gender Affairs, Women and Family Relations, Social Welfare and Sectoral Affairs. ...
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03Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 3 (PIA) -- The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in North Cotabato led the distribution of thousands of fingerlings to fisher folks in the province for the first quarter of this year. Fingerlings which were dispersed include 261,000 tilapia fingerlings to 318 fishpond operators, 50,000 catfish fingerlings to 100 fishpond operators and 36,000 milkfish fingerlings to 60 fishpond operators. Beneficiaries were fisher folks from the towns of Antipa...
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03Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- Two deserving children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are among the new batch of scholars of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Ahmed Razlie M. Sahibul and Harlene Joie J. Sawadjaan both from Sulu National High School in Jolo, Sulu passed the qualifying exams for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for school year 2013. They are now entitled to enroll in any scie...
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02Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 2 (PIA) -- After the recently concluded 2nd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards, the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) is opening another country-wide search, this time recognizing LGUs and individuals with outstanding performance in organic farming. DA 12, announced today that the Department has allotted at least Php 26 million as prizes in the form of project grants and cash incentives for the winners of the ...
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02Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 2 -- Sixty-eight additional midwives are scheduled for deployment to remote villages in Lanao del Sur this month, according to the Department of Health - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM). ARMM health secretary Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., said the placement of midwives in far-flung barangays is part of DOH-ARMM’s Midwives in Every Community in ARMM (MECA) project. MECA project, Sinolinding explained, is des...
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02Apr2013COTABATO CITY, April 2 (PIA) -- Hundreds of grade five pupils from various public schools in the town of Pikit, North Cotabato, are participating in the three-day Kids Peace Summer Camp at the poblacion from April 1-3. The Kids Peace Summer Camp is an annual program being undertaken and funded by the North Cotabato provincial government under Governor Emmylou “Lala” Talino-Mendoza for three years now with the cooperation and support of the provincial office of the Department of Education (...
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01Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 1 (PIA) -- The office of the Department of Education (DepEd) in North Cotabato encourages everyone especially the students, parents and DepEd employees to participate in this year’s ‘Brigada Eskwela’. This is in a bid to provide clean and orderly classrooms for the school opening on June. The week-long activity has been scheduled on May 20 to 25. DepEd OIC Regional Director and OIC Schools Division Superintendent Maria Rosa Gutierrez noted that De...
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01Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 1 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-12 here is urging Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents in the Soccsksargen Region to use their free time wisely this summer and avail of the agency's Information Technology (IT) Program. The OWWA-12 Community Technology and Learning Center (CTLC) located at Koronadal City continues to conduct training weekly from Mondays – Fridays at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to cater to interested applicants. Th...
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01Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 1 (PIA) -- Some 300 graduating students of Mindanao Polytechnic College (MPC) in General Santos City were recently visited by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-12 for a briefer on its programs and services. OWWA-12 Director Abdulghani Umag served as the resource speaker in one of the school’s pre-employment program for the graduating batch consisting of maritime and non-maritime students. Dir. Umag emphasized the importance of the Seafarer’s...
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01Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 1 (PIA) -- Environment officials here disclosed over the weekend the recovery last month of approximately 300,000 board feet of lumber and a log loader inside a leased area of private company in Bagumbayan town in Sultan Kudarat province. Government estimates placed the value of the illegal wood products at P13.5 million (computed at P45/bd ft). These could fill 150 trucks if loaded at 2,000 bd ft per transport. These are bel...
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01Apr2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, April 1 (PIA) --Volunteers from the municipal government of Tupi, South Cotabato trooped to “Bayani Challenge” sites in the municipality to share their time and lend a hand -- all in the spirit of volunteerism. The Bayani Challenge which is a vital component program of the Pilipinas Natin and in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK) opened on Saturday, March 23 in 37 different sites in the country. Herbert Jugador, municipal assessor said the participation of the muni...
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27Mar2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The city government here will host a Power Forum today, March 27, to present to the public the initiatives being done by different stakeholders to address the problem on power shortage in Mindanao. The forum which will start at 1 p.m. is led by the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) thru the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the city government. Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla and Se...
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26Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of South Cotabato has approved for endorsement at least P790 – million worth of road projects intended to boost the province’s tourism potential. Approved during the PDC first quarterly meeting last week, these nine road projects could be implemented beginning this year. Provincial Tourism Officer Cesar Sulit Jr., who presented the proposal said these projec...
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26Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 26 (PIA) -- At 500 “poor but deserving “ students are getting summer jobs courtesy of the provincial government of South Cotabato and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12. Provincial Public Employment Service Officer Zenaida Duron said the provincial government has allotted at P1.085 million for the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). The amount is intended to pay for the P162...
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26Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 26 (PIA) -- “It really takes skills and expertise if we really want to utilize and manage media for our advantage,” PSSupt. Randolph Delfin, the newly installed regional chief directorial staff of the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 told police officers in a recent seminar. Ten especially picked PNP personnel from the Soccsksargen Region and parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao underwent a five-day trainin...
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25Mar2013COTABATO CITY, March 25 (PIA) -- Regional Secretary Sangkula Tindick of the Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) on Friday, March 22, assured consumers the Sabah crisis does not imperil the economic activities in Tawi-Tawi. Tindick visited the Provincial Crisis Management Committee Operations Center in Tubig Boh, Bongao to monitor the stock and prices of basic commodities as he convened wholesalers, retailers and other small scale entrepreneur...
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25Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 guarantees that the National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) validation assessment for the Pablo victims in Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao- Lanao and Maguindanao (ARMM-LaMa) will not be influenced by the 2013 political campaign. The validation and assessment was implemented to monitor the status of the poor and non-poor households affected by typhoo...
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25Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 25 (PIA) -- Fifty-one residents of Barangay Laguilayan in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat now officially own their home lots. This after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 12 (DENR-12) awarded to them titles to their lots on March 17 in time with the village’s 56th foundation anniversary celebration. Information from DENR-12 said these recipients availed of Residential Free Patent of 2010 or Republic Act No. 10023 being i...
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25Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 25 (PIA) -- School buildings constructed under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Project are found “excellent”, the Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 reported Friday. The Regional Project Monitoring Committee of the RDC 12 randomly inspected several development projects, including those implemented through Kalahi-CIDSS Project of the Department of Social Welfare and Deve...
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25Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 25 (PIA) -- Government agencies in Soccsksargen region are strengthening their effort with regards to empowering women in the society by tapping media to take part in their advocacy. In a recent press conference on Magna Carta of Women and Gender Development conducted last Thursday, Cotabato City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) assistant head Veranda Samson emphasized that tri-media is an important contributory factor for creating awareness o...
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22Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 22 (PIA) -- Koronadal City’s local government unit will be joining the global “lights out “ event tomorrow, March 23. But according to plans, the city LGU’s participation to the Earth Hour would last for at least 17 hours, with several activities intended to promote environmental protection lined up from 6:00 am until 11:00 p.m. Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato, is also the administrative sea...
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22Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 22 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Romeo Cachola Ver on Wednesday took his oath as the new police provincial director of South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) on acting capacity. PSSupt Ver replaced PSSupt Randolph Delfin, who has been promoted as the regional directorial staff of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12. “I am particularly happy to receive this designation which I have dreamed, and tod...
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22Mar2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- The local government here has embarked on another strategy to strengthen its Computer Literacy Program (CLP) through the procurement of a state-of-the art “SHEEP mobile laboratory” to reach out even to the farthest areas in the city. Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio in her State of the City Address (SOCA) last week disclosed that the mobile CLP is expected to wheel in by the second half of 2013 where 12 computer workstations will be housed in a medium-s...
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22Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 22 (PIA) -- At least 12 persons were hired on-the-spot for foreign employment during the recent jobs fair hosted by the provincial government of North Cotabato. The Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO), which managed the activity, also indicated that 16 others were assured of jobs from local companies, including Sta. Catalina Multipurpose Cooperative and business process outsourcing company Cyber City. Human resource chief Aurora ...
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21Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 21 (PIA) -- One of the power barges owned by Therma Marine, Inc (TMI) in Maco, Compostela Valley shut down recently causing longer brownouts in towns of North Cotabato, an official of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) said. Cotelco spokesperson Vicente Baguio said that the diesel-fired power plants underwent repairs after the engine bogged down due to prolonged usage. Baguio announced this after their office received complaints from businessmen a...
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21Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 21 (PIA) -- Tacurong City Councilor Psyche M. Sucaldito has received recognition as one of The Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines (TOCP) for 2012. The award is being bestowed by the Junior Chamber International Philippines (Philippine Jaycees) with the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and the Office of Sen. Edgardo J. Angara Sucaldito, along with the other nine awardees, received a trophy and cash incentive worth Php 1.5 mill...
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21Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 21 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Randolph R. Delfin on Monday assumed his new post Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12’s regional chief directorial staff (RCDS), the fourth highest position in the police’s regional hierarchy. His assumption into office was formalized Monday, March 18, in a ceremony at the PRO 12 headquarters in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City. Police regional director PCSupt. Charles Calima Jr....
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21Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 21 (PIA) -- An official of a United Nations group expressed hope for the full implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) Code in the province of Sultan Kudarat. Florence Tayzon, Philippine assistant representative of United Nations Fund for Population Assistance (UNFPA) said this during the the policy review and strengthening meeting of the Sultan Kudarat Reproductive Health and Population Management Council (SKRHPMC) on Tuesday at a hotel in Ko...
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20Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 20 (PIA) -- Some 60 officers of day care workers’ organizations across Soccsksargen Region recently underwent capability building training on early childhood care and development (ECCD). Covered in the training, according to DSWD 12 training specialist Remedios Gabriel, were capability building pertaining to ECCD emergencies, implementation of supplementary feeding program and guidelines on the accreditation of day ...
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20Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 20 (PIA) -- Half a million seedlings will be planted on two mountain ranges surrounding this city on June 29, 2013. Koronadal City environment officer Augustus Bretaña confirmed that for the Tree Growing Festival 3 (TGF 3) the city government has aimed at planting at least 500,000 seedlings in 2,000 hectares within Roxas and Quezon Mountain Ranges, sites of the first and second tree-growing festivals in 2...
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20Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Soccsksargen Region is appealing to local government units and private partners to support the implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES. DOLE 12 regional director Chona Mantilla told members of the media here that the national government has allotted P31 million for the program that would provide short-term employment t...
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20Mar2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio on Friday,March 15 reported to her constituents the State of the City Address (SOCA) taking pride of her many accomplishments in the last three years. Garbed in a Filipiniana-inspired garment, the local chief executive enumerated vital undertakings that have helped spur the city’s economic growth under her leadership. Custodio said she was reporting the state of the city with confidence and in celebration with the General...
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20Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 20 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of the municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato strengthens its campaign for fire safety awareness in observance of the Fire Prevention Month, this March. Tupi-BFP is conducting massive information dissemination and distribution of educational materials to households in the community. As well as ocular inspection to houses and business establishments. Meanwhile, fire marshal S/Insp. Maysael Wenceslao encourages ...
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19Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 19 (PIA) -- It was a learning experience seeing the operations of the 50-year open pit mining practiced by a mine corporation in Toledo City, an official of Region 12’s Information Coordinating Network (ICON) said. After a three-day venture in the surroundings of Toledo’s open-pit mine, ICON president Michael Ferdinand Flores surmised that the sustainable and responsible mining practices of the Cebu-based mine firm has ensured and maintained a high stan...
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19Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato March 19 (PIA) -- For the second time, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 has recently passed surveillance audit for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008, an official of the agency confirmed today. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST-12 regional director, said they have shown continuous improvements in the Quality Management System (QMS) of the regiona...
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19Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 19 (PIA) -- Since its implementation in October last year, “Usapang Palay” has directly reached at least 1,947 rice farmers across three provinces in Soccsksargen Region. Usapang Palay, an initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12, brings discussions of issues and farmer education right in communities where the rice growers reside. Experts from DA 12 visit rice-producing communities to talk with ...
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18Mar2013GLAN, Sarangani, March 18 (PIA) -- A new gateway that provides alternative trade links and inter-island routes in the South was inaugurated on Friday, March 15. Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay Sr. and Governor Migs Dominguez led the inauguration of the new Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) facility of Glan International Port. Binay in his speech said that with Southern Mindanao being eyed as the country’s next vegetable basket, the new RoRo port will eventually benefit thousands of farmers ...
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18Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 18 (PIA) -- South Cotabato has been identified as a pilot site of the program’s expanded version, the Philippine Rural Development Program, because of its performance in the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program projects. South Cotabato Gov, Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., confirmed this on Saturday, saying that this is a very welcome development and a confirmation of the efforts of the pro...
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18Mar2013COTABATO CITY, March 18, (PIA) -- The Consortium on Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) expressed full support to the stand of President Benigno S. Aquino III for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the standoff in Datu Lahad, Sabah. CBCS executive director Bobby Benito said, he is one among the many sectors who believe that the Sabah crisis should be resolved in a democratic process through peaceful round table negotiations and discussions to reach an acceptable and just agreement. Benito not...
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15Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 15 (PIA) -- Implementing Republic Act 10361, otherwise known as the “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay” would be challenging, an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12) regional office here admitted. “But it is a law and a law must be implemented,” DOLE 12 regional director Chona Mantilla emphasized in an interview with members of the media here. President Benigno S. Aquino III ...
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15Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 15 (PIA) -- Earlier this week, members of the SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers shared their knowledge and inputs on the usage of Google-Map to students of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) here. Some 76 students from NDMU participated in the Google mapping seminar-workshop dubbed “Let’s Map it up NDMU.” The activity was led by the NDMU Computer Studies Department Student Council (CSDSC), and supported by SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers, and South Cotabato Google Ma...
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15Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 15 (PIA) -- A medical outreach activity is set to be held in different barangays of Midsayap in North Cotabato, to bring the needed medical services to Bangsamoro communities. The activity will be spearheaded by the 1st Congressional District office in partnership with optical clinics who will provide free eye-check up to the Bangsamoro residents in line with the office's Liwanag Para sa Kapayapaan Program. Beneficiaries will undergo an actual eye-scree...
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15Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 15 (PIA) -- Fifty-six police officers in Soccksargen region on Wednesday underwent a seminar on safety and handling of Glock 17 caliber 9 mm handgun. PSInsp Benjamin Mauricio Jr., chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12’s public information office said, the seminar was aimed at enhancing the level of proficiency of the region’s police force on the use of the pistol that are set for delivery this month to police ...
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15Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 15 (PIA)--Religious leaders from the ten partner communities of Southern Christian College in Midsayap, North Cotabato are currently undergoing a three-day Local Capacities for Peace (LCP) seminar-workshop. The event is aimed at introducing to participants the LCP framework as a tool for analyzing the relationship between aid or project and conflict in order to avoid worsening tensions, and to support communities’ local capacities for peace. Highlight ...
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14Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 14 (PIA) --The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat is set to implement five major projects under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the province this year. Provincial social welfare and development officer Henry Albano said that these projects are aimed at helping the less fortunate residents. This year, In and Out of School Youth (ISY/OSY) Cash for Training Program will be implemented which will serve more than 400 youth. Und...
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14Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar.14 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Maguindanao on Tuesday, launched the first ever provincial women’s organization. The launching was part of the ceremonial groundbreaking of a P15 million-worth Women’s Center now being constructed in Buluan, Maguindanao. Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu highlighted the role of the newly established Maguindanao Provincial Women’s Organization in helping the government to educate local communities on gende...
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14Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar.14 (PIA) -- A P15-million women’s center is now being constructed in Buluan, Maguindanao as a conduit for special humanitarian interventions for the women’s sector in the province. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu together with ARMM Acting Vice-Governor Bainon Karon led the unveiling ceremony last Tuesday, March 12. The construction of the two-storey women’s center, located beside ...
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13Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 13 (PIA) -- A total of P12.28 million worth of anti-poverty infrastructure projects have been completed in various villages of Libungan, North Cotabato, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported. DSWD Region-12 Regional Director Zorahayda Taha said, these comprised 20 community sub-projects, including schools, daycare centers, health stations, solar dryers, potable water system, road rehabilitations and other projects could be...
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13Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 13 (PIA) -- Local government units should form their respective Municipal Organic Agriculture Board (MOAB) as this is a requisite to avail of projects from the Department of Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Program (OAP). “No municipal technical committee means no accommodation of project proposals for the Organic Agriculture Program,” Enriqueto Natividad, DA 12 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and the OAP foc...
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13Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 13 (PIA)--The Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) is now preparing for its conversion into a state university. The CCSPC is required to conduct community extension projects while mentors are advised to get masters and doctorate degrees as mandated under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). In a gathering of CCPSPC staff and students recently, college president Dr. Dammang Bantala emphasized that it is very important for the institution to...
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13Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in Region 12 has extended P15. 1 million worth of agricultural aid to typhoon Pablo victims in Compostela Valley as well as the provinces of Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte in Region 11. The amount was sourced from the department’s Quick Response Funds with a corresponding authority granted by DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. Agricultural aids included the provision of 5,000 rolls of laminated s...
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13Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 13 (PIA) -- Of the six regions in Mindanao, Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 has emerged as the top implementer of various development projects under the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program–Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (MRDP-2). Based on MRDP-2’s yearend evaluation and assessment, ratings indicated that the four provinces of the region were the program’s top performers so far in terms of project implementation and fund...
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12Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA) -- From a lackadaisical performance these past years and the diminished services given its members, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has resurrected in PNoy's administration to bandy its enhanced and improved service to members. In a forum held Monday, GSIS board of trustee Mario J. Aguja said that reforms are implemented in accordance to their organization’s mission. According to him, GSIS has renewed its partnership with Landbank of...
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12Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo that hit a large part of Davao Region, particularly Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, in December 2012 also affected 63,846 households in Soccsksargen Region and parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The large number of reported Pablo victims prompted the National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 to conduct a special household v...
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12Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has alloted P3.1 billion for social services and poverty alleviation programs for Soccsksargen Region in 2013. DSWD 12 revealed this in a recent region-wide civil society organizations gathering where the primary objective was to identify various areas for convergence and project complementation. “We need to provide our partners with data on the ap...
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12Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine government has already spent nearly P2.5 billion or $60.9 million for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Soccssksargen Region or Region 12. Bai Zorahayda Taha, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12, said the fund was used as cash grants to 202,851 indigent families covered by the government’s flagship poverty program since 2008. Region 12 covers the provinces o...
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11Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 11 (PIA) -- Members of Social Security System in Cotabato City and neighboring towns can now process their membership identification cards (IDs) in the SSS-Cotabato office. According to SSS-Cotabato Branch Manager Sukarno Pendaliday, they have already resumed facilitating applications for SSS IDs after suspending operations for several months due to mechanical problem. With the arrival of a new data capturing machine last December, processing of documents ...
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11Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 11 (PIA) -- Local schools interested in joining the national search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools but have not yet filed their application for the competition have been given an extension, an official of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB)12, announced today. In a statement, EMB 12 acting regional director Ma. Socorro Lanto said, the deadline for the submission of entries for the nationwide search ...
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11Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 11 (PIA) -- South Cotabato will be joining this year’s celebration of the International Museum Day, an official of the provincial government here said. Provincial museum in-charge Indira “Dinky” Cagaanan, said South Cotabato will be hosting a conference related to the global museum celebration at the Mountain Log Resort in Lake Sebu town on May 17 – 19. This year’s celebration centers on the theme “Memory ...
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11Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 11 (PIA) -- In an effort to bring medical services to far flung areas of the province, the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao will continue its “Doctors to the Barrio” program. IPHO Maguindanao Chief Dr. Tahir Sulaik said that more physicians have offered their professional services to remote Moro communities in the province. The Doctors to the Barrio Program is one of the flagship program of the DOH that aims to deploy competent health wo...
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08Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 8 (PIA) -- At least 290 families, mostly farmers, are now benefiting from the newly constructed bridge in Barangay Tablao, the remotest village in town of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported. DSWD-12 assistant regional director Gemma N. Rivera said that villagers are now smoothly transporting farm products from Tablao to town proper and need not to transfer it from one riverbank to another. “The unrelia...
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08Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 8 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s provincial government is enlisting schoolchildren in its activities for the re-greening of the upland areas. Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, acting chief of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) said they have devised a scheme where schoolchildren could help in the reforestation program in the provinces’ Upper Valley area and receive school supplies in return. The initiati...
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08Mar2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III’s visit here Wednesday to check the status of the city’s circumferential road project inspires hope to residents of one barangay here. Mabuhay Barangay Chairman Wilfredo Parreñas expressed his gratefulness to President Aquino for showing his commitment to uplift the city’s economic condition by coming over to fast-track the completion of the P1.135B General Santos City (GSC) Circumferential Road Project. Parreñas s...
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08Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- Residents of Cotabato City joined the whole world in the celebration of the International Women’s Day that highlight women empowerment in governance. With this year’s theme dubbed “Kababaihan: Gabay sa pagtahak ng tuwid na daan,” the celebration was held in consonance with President Benigno Aquino III’s pursuit and vision of ‘tuwid na daan,’ underscoring the need to accelerate women’s participation in governance and enhance ge...
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08Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 8 (PIA) -- Some 376 Grade 6 pupils from the North District of Tupi, South Cotabato have recently completed the course under the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. The 17-week program was led by the local government unit (LGU) of the municipality in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP). Under the program, the children were taught various ways of recognizing and resisting the pressures influencing them to experiment with drugs...
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07Mar2013KORNADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 7 (PIA) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has disclosed some of the developments that the General Santos City airport will be undergoing as part of its ongoing improvement. CAAP, through this year’s procurement plan, approved the provision of a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) which has a cost estimate of P17.28 million and the expansion of the terminal building which requires funding worth P25 million. Aside from these, CAAP also p...
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07Mar2013KORONDADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 7 (PIA) -- Employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao held a vigil prayer and candle lighting activities yesterday at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City to show support for the peaceful resolution of the Sabah crisis. ARMM OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman and officials of different line agencies within the compound led the prayer rally. Employees of the regional offices, regardless of their tribal affiliation, joined the said event. At around 6 p.m., ...
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07Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 7 (PIA) -- Twenty-five newly recruited police officers 1 (PO1) formally took their oath Tuesday at Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 Headquarters in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City. Police senior inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., chief of PRO 12’s Public Information Office , said the new PO1s were drafted to cover supplemental quota for CY 2012 PO1 Attrition Recruitment of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “The m...
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07Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 7 (PIA) -- To help boost the local organic fertilizer business, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) is planning to hold a marketing forum geared towards addressing the sectors’ pressing concerns. This initiative was agreed at a round table discussion among DA 12 officials and different organic agriculture stakeholders here last week. Scheduled on April 10, the marketing forum is expected t...
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06Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture is set to honor the country’s top rice-producing provinces and towns as well as best performing irrigators’ associations and agricultural extension. The recognition will be the highlight of the 2nd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on March 15. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the awarding is the Aquino g...
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06Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 6 (PIA) -- After more than two months of operations in Compostela Valley, Task Force Alayon has completed land preparations for 607.65 hectares of farmlands in areas most hit by Typhoon Pablo in December last year. On Friday, TF Alayon held an exit conference in Nabunturan town to report their accomplishments to ComVal Gov. Arturo Uy, local officials, and other stakeholders before they finally go back to their ...
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06Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Region 12 (OWWA 12) inked a Memorandum of Agreement with two schools in Midsayap, North Cotabato to intensify its education programs for OFW dependents. The signing was led by OWWA-12 Dir. Abdulghani Umag together with Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, president of the Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC) and Westre Santos, vice president of I-Link College of Science and Technology. The agreement strengthen...
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06Mar2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to arrive here today, March 6 where he will be briefed by DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo on the city’s circumferential road projects. The road project is expected to boost the economic activity of the city. The DPWH-South Cotabato Sub-District Engineering Office (DPWH-SCSDEO) here said that the General Santos City Circumferential Road project is composed of northern and western sections with a budget of P1.1...
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06Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 6 (PIA) -- A number of land claimants in Sitio Lacobe, Barangay Malabuan, Makilala, North Cotabato are subject to a validation process under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). This is to identify the legitimate owners of the land, after some families complained of unjust land distribution. On Tuesday, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza summoned the officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-Cotabato) and the Provincial Agrarian Reform ...
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05Mar2013KORONADAL, South Cotabato, March 5 (PIA) -- Governance principles of transparency, accountability, and participatory are taking stage in the formulation and eventual implementation of Forest Land Use Plans ( FLUP). The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 here recently gathered at least 65 officials of local government units of Banga, Tantangan, Polomolok, Tupi, and Tampakan towns as well as Koronadal city for an orientation of the FLUP. To...
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05Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 5 (PIA) -- Some 24 officers in Soccsksargen Region have recently completed a course on hostage negotiations offered by the US Department of State. Police senior inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., PRO 12’s chief trained officers were from Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) and the Special Action Force (SAF). In a statement, Mauricio said, hostage incidents are one of the toughest situations a police officer could face. To be eff...
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05Mar2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, March 5 (PIA) -- Tacurong Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted the 1st Fire Olympics in the City on Friday at the City Hall grounds in observance of March as Fire Prevention Month. Some 140 barangay fire volunteers from the 20 barangays participated in the event. They competed in putting out fire at the shortest time and most efficient demonstration of skills using a 5-hose connection. Brgy. Griño topped the competition that was judged by fire offic...
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04Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 4 -- Over 11,000 families, all members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), are set to benefit from the cash-for-work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. DSWD 12 Regional Director Bai Zorahayda Taha said the initial number of beneficiaries are located in Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Taha explained, the inclusion of these families in the agency’s cash-for-wo...
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04Mar2013COTABATO CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- As part of the continuing process for more efficient and effective implementation of government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has embarked on Pantawid Biometrict Payout system. The program was initially launched by DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman in February 20, this year as a mechanism to facilitate speedy release of cash assistance to beneficiaries and accurate capturing of ho...
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04Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 4 (PIA) -- The Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Tupi, South Cotabato has received ‘Garantisadong Pambata’ (GP) Champs Award due to its efforts in delivering exemplary services on basic child health care in the municipality. The award was conferred by the Department of Health (DOH) during the 2nd GP Champs and Orally Fit Child Awards held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. Dr. Ma. Rizalina M. Arenas, municipal health den...
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04Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) 12 is engaging communities for a more sustained protection of the Bulok Creek. Bulok Creek, which cuts through the city’s commercial center and traverses at least seven barangays here, is considered a very important water body in Koronadal City. It is a pilot water body for the implementation of the agency...
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01Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 1 (PIA) -- Some 8,000 board feet of sawn lumber confiscated early this week have been turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12. The simple turn over ceremony at the South Cotabato government’s Productivity and Technology (PROTECH) Center along Alunan Avenue was witnessed by government personnel and the media. The formal turn-over of the confiscated forest products with the truck was made by ...
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01Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 1 (PIA) -- Transit of farm and other products from remote village in nearby Tupi town is expected to improve with the recent opening of a farm-to-market road in the area. The FMR project, according to a report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12, is located in Barangay Polonuling and involved rehabilitation and concreting of portion of a road that has been a concern among local residents and farmers because...
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01Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 1 (PIA) --The Sarangani Province Empowerment and Community Transformation Forum (SPECTRUM) Inc. organized on Thursday a stakeholders forum on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) intended to provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. The activity was aimed at informing the stakeholders on the current situations and initiatives as well as to generate standpoints and develop ways to strengthen...
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01Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12 is strengthening financial management among partner local government units in its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in all transactions. Last week, DA 12 gathered LGU agriculturists, accountants and treasurers from the entire Soccsksargen Region for a re-orientation workshop on proper financial reporting, particularly on auditing and liquidation procedures...
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01Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 1 (PIA) -- Brig. Gen. Romeo Gapuz assumes the top post of the 6th Infantry Division, the military's biggest Army unit in Central Mindanao through a symbolic change of command yesterday. Gapuz was former head of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. He replaced Maj. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, who will assume as division commander of the Southern Luzon Command. Gapuz, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1981. Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, command...
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01Mar2013Whenever the 60-year old farmer Zukarnain Dagandal looks at the sky, he does not see the clear skies and the cotton-like clouds. Instead, he sees images of violent armed conflicts, of planes unloading bombs, of people caught in cross fires, of burning houses, and other kinds of hostilities. He is not the only one to have these images flash before their eyes. He and his fellow villagers in the war-torn village of Pamalian in Pikit, located 20 kilometers away from the town proper, have witness...
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01Mar2013COTABATO CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes enjoins the officers and men of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6th ID) to know and understand by heart the mission of the organization. Gen. Coballes presided the 6th ID’is change of command ceremonies to incoming Kampilan Division commander Brig. Gen. Romero Gapuz from Maj. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo. Effective Feb. 28, Gapuz assumed the post of Kampilan Division commander vice Ordoyo who has been promot...
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28Feb2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Hard infrastructure projects for this city and some of the municipalities in South Cotabato are in the offing, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DPWH district engineer Pio Lumongsod said more than P600 million worth of infrastructure projects will be implemented in the areas. Fund sources include the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of First District of South Cotabato Representative Pedro Acharon Jr. "These projects w...
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28Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 28 (PIA) --The Department of Public Works and Highways has affirmed its support to 10 priority road projects that the Regional Development Council (RDC-12) approved during the Region 12 Road Summit in General Santos City last year. Carmelino Tizon of the DPWH Feasibility Studies Project Management Office recently came here to attend the organizational and consultation meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Road Summit. DPWH Secretary Rogeli...
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28Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 28 (PIA) -- A credit cooperative in nearby Banga town has received a certificate from the local government unit and Department of Agriculture 12 for completing its project dubbed "Pre-and Post-harvest Facility Intervention." Organized in September 2010, Rang-ay Credit Cooperative in Barangay Rang-ay officially got the P1.5-million worth of livelihood project from MRDP’s Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component. At present, the co-o...
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27Feb2013COTABATO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- ARMM OIC-Vice Governor and regional secretary BaInon Karon of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the autonomous region cautions politicians against using the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program or “Pantawid Pamilya” for their political advancement. DSWD-ARMM has launched recently its version of “BAWAL ANG EPAL DITO” anti-Epal regional campaign in an effort to protect and safeguard the program against attempts by some politicia...
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27Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Soccksargen’s Regional Development Council (RDC-12) has recently endorsed P32.3 billion worth of priority programs and projects for implementation in 2014. RDC 12 chair and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said these programs and projects were gathered from investment plans proposed by 41 regional line agencies, five state colleges and universities and three government-owned and c...
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27Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Families affected by recent flooding in nine villages in Kabacan, North Cotabato have already returned to their homes. Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Susan Macalipat said that last Saturday, villagers came back to their homes after the water level of Pulangi River has subsided. However, Macalipat emphasized that these families are still in need of food and clean water. At the height of flooding last week, about 3,50...
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27Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The number of recipients of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Soccsksargen Region has reached 12,164 households. “Registration of families for inclusion in the MCCT is on-going,” Nabilah Lao, focal person for MCCT at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12, told reporters at the launching of the “Bawal ang Epal Dito” campaign...
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27Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The local government of Makilala declared 42 public elementary and 16 secondary schools located in its 38 barangays as “School of Peace.” This effort is part of its continuing partnership with local residents working for peace in the area. The launching held in January also calls for the integration of peace values and practices in the regular teaching lessons for all public schools in Makilala, a report from the local government said. T...
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26Feb2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Fifty out-of-school youths in this city are recipients of the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) by the local government and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 12. “When I learned that I am among the recipients of this livelihood project, I was overjoyed,” said Vergel Kilayco, an out-of-school youth and resident of Barangay Baras, this city. “At present, I am jobless but after this ...
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26Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Eight elementary and high school students from Cotabato City will represent the city in the upcoming National Schools Press Conference on April. Priyanka Dalagan of Notre Dame of Cotabato, Kaiel Mellicent Quintero and Mary Therese Fernandez of Cotabato City Institute, Mawaddah Kusayin of Sero Central School, Christa Jerica Javier of Notre Dame University-Elementary Training Department, Hanima Macapaar of Notre Dame RVM College of Cotabato, Al Kee...
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26Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Several public schools in Cotabato City are expected to gain additional classrooms courtesy of “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award received by the city government last year. Aniceto Rasalan, secretary to Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said the additional classrooms will be constructed in several elementary and high schools in the city. The Department of Education (DepEd) has allotted funding for the construction of new classrooms by t...
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26Feb2013COTABATO CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Working closely with the Department of Education, the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) Philippines through its Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) Project supports government efforts to address lack of access to basic education in remote communities. ADM Project is Component 4 of the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao-ARMM (BEAM-ARMM) that provides catch-up education opportunities targeting remote areas with large number of out-of-school children a...
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26Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Beginning this week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 is revving up its campaign to protect the conditional cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries from politician who try to use the program to influence votes. “DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman has received a lot of complaints that some politicians have told Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries that ...
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26Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Infrastructure projects worth P81.2 million will soon be implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in a former war-torn village in Makilala town in North Cotabato. This came after groups of Christians and Muslim farmers in Sitio Lacobe, Barangay Malabuan, at odds with each other because of land conflict, agreed to a peaceful co-existence through a memorandum of agreement as they vow to end their four-decade old differences and fig...
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26Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 26 (PIA) -- At least 477 families of workers in a banana plantation in nearby Tampakan town are assured of benefits until 2014. This after the workers’ union and management of the Lapanday Food Corporation (LFC) in Tampakan came into terms concerning their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The union, the Global Tampakan employees Union-ALU (GTEU-ALU), headed by Reynaldo Egasan agreed to drop their notice of strike issues in ex...
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25Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- Two community hospitals and a number of rural health units in South Cotabato have been allotted P26 million intended to the upgrade of these health facilities. South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes announced in her radio program last Friday that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already approved the release of this fund under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFE...
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25Feb2013COTABATO CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The state-run People's Television (PTV) Network has expanded its Manila newsroom to bring services of development communication closer to the people of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Central Mindanao. Julmunir Jannaral, senior desk editor of the PTV Channel 4 in Manila, said the TV network has established a News Bureau for the ARMM and Central Mindanao. The PTV News Bureau shares office and has been in close working collaboration with the Bur...
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25Feb2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 25 (PIA) -- Two barangays here are the latest recipients of school buildings from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in fulfillment of the group’s pledge to address classroom shortage in many parts of the country. Tina Elementary School in Barangay Tina and San Emmanuel National High School-Annex in Barangay San Pablo each received one storey two-classroom building. FFCCCII vice presidents Alex Yap Cho Ty...
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22Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 22 (PIA) -- Over 3,500 families in Kabacan town in North Cotabato were forced to seek refuge to higher grounds after the Pulangi River broke its banks in the area. Municipal social welfare and development officer Susan Macalipat said, Pulangi River started to spill over along the area of Barangays Kayaga and Salapungan on Wednesday morning, following heavy rains in parts of Bukidnon province on Tuesday, at the ...
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22Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- Overseas Filipino Workers from the Soccsksargen Region can now fast-track their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) thanks to the opening of the one-stop processing center (OSPC) in Koronadal City last Monday, February 18. The OSPC is located at the OWWA-12 Office at Ilao Bldg. Judge Alba St., Brgy. Zone 3, this city. Every migrant worker residing in the region have been dreaming of such service - basically to provide convenience and hasten ...
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22Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 22 (PIA) –- Politicians cannot use the national government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a leverage in soliciting votes. Nor should voters believe politicians who claim they have the authority to exclude or add recipients of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program being spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, an official of the agency said. ARMM vice governor and concur...
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21Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 21 (PIA) -- A total of 446 inmates at the South Cotabato provincial jail may not be able to vote in the May 2013 midterm elections, an official of the City Comelec office said. The Regional Trial Cout made this ruling in exclusion proceedings held last week. The case stemmed from a petition of a village official in Barangay General Paulino Santos (GPS) to disqualify 472 inmates who were allegedly not Koronadal City residents, ...
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21Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 21 (PIA) -- Following the success of its initial support to South Cotabato provincial government’s feeding program, a church-based organization is set to expand its partnership with the LGU this year. Rev. Donald Soriano, executive director of the Bethesda Ministries International confirmed Wednesday, the second batch of assistance to the provincial government’s supplemental feeding program, which will cover at least 1...
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21Feb2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City wrapped up its outstanding performance in 2012 by earning the Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local government (DILG). DILG provincial director Abdulgani Tekoken officially informed the office of Mayor Lina Montilla that the city government passed the criteria for the silver seal. The DILG even cited Tacurong for getting the highest rating a...
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21Feb2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 21 (PIA) -- Tacurong City’s 5th Sanggunian has passed 220 resolutions and ordinances from January 2012 until last week, SP majority floor Joseph George Lechonsito said. Lechonsito reported this accomplishment during the convocation on Monday. He said, of the 220 resolutions/ordinances, 114 were for general administration, 41 for social services; and 15 for capital projects, improvements, and public works. They also ...
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20Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 20 (PIA) -- Over a hundred election volunteers from different municipalities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have joined the regional convention on voters education program in Cotabato City on February 16-17 2013. The convention, which was attended by volunteers from the municipalities of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City, was spearheaded by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in coordination with th...
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20Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, Feb 20 (PIA) -- The local government of M’lang recently launched the week-long celebration for the first Tulabong Festival to promote the Central Mindanao Airport in Barangay Tawan-tawan which is nearing completion. The festivities on February 16 was highlighted with exhibition flights of two ultra-light planes which wowed residents, most of whom witnessed for the first time the actual flying of aircraft at very close distance. The festival was also spiced up with a sky-divin...
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20Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 20 (PIA) -- Rev. Donald Soriano, director of the Bethesda Ministries International yesterday turned over to the provincial government of South Cotabato P98 million worth of drugs and medicines. Soriano visited the province to check out the progress of the feeding program the ministry has recently implemented with the provincial LGU and personally deliver the medicines which were shipped from the US to Cagayan de ...
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19Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 19 (PIA) -- To fast track the processing and issuance of land titles on alienable and disposable lands, the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) here is seeking for a stronger partnership with the local government units (LGUs). During the assessment and target setting for 2013 of the Land Management Service (LMS) of DENR, regional technical director for lands Morakie Domanday, said that ...
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19Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- Last July 20, 2012, seafarer Larry Yangyang, a deckhand of the Orient Star LLP suffered from an injury in his left index finger which resulted to his immediate repatriation. In an incident report, Kier Bremer, a skipper of the Orient Star LLP said, "Larry was then watching and making sure the net will not be broken. As he was trying to pull the net, his left index finger was accidentally caught in a net drum which resulted to its injury." Aft...
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19Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The municipality of Tupi, this province, will hold the ‘Bayani Challenge 2013’ on March 23 to 27. The said town is one of the 39 sites from 34 provinces across the country set as the venues for the event. The five-day event is expected to gather over 78,000 volunteers all over Philippines. In a forum, Mindanao area coordinator Noel Griño encouraged residents of Tupi to take part in the challenge by volunteering on the activities prepare...
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19Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 19 (PIA) -- Sixty-nine families who were forced to leave their houses in Barangay Lamlahak, Lake Sebu last year can now begin a new life outside the evacuation center. These families were part of the 138 families from four sub-villages in said barangay who were forced to evacuate to the barangay center early in October 2012 after very large tension cracks were discovered in their areas. These cracks covered at least 40 hectares of steep...
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18Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Good news for job seekers. The provincial government of North Cotabato will conduct a jobs fair at the provincial gymnasium inside the Provincial Capitol compound in Amas, Kidapawan City on March 19 – 20. But before the actual fair, the LGU has advised applicants to pre-register at the Provincial Human Resource Management Office at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol. An advisory from from the o...
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18Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 18 (PIA) -- Students needing jobs for the summer vacation can now apply for a spot in the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza in a statement said, the provincial government is now accepting applications from interested individuals who would like to work at any of the provincial government offices for 20 to 22 days. Gov. Mendoza said, the job is open for...
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18Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- The provincial government of North Cotabatowill will receive P7 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government as a reward for its accomplishments in good governance. The award comes from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) given by the DILG to the LGU for passing the evaluation under the DILG’s 2nd Round Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) said the office of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza in a statemet. ...
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18Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Hundreds of search and rescue (SaR) volunteers from different parts of Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 are expected to converge in Sarangani province for the second regional SaR summit. The four-day event, now called the 2013 Proficiency Test for the Search and Rescue Network XII (SarNet12), will start tomorrow, February 19. It will be held at Camp Brig. Gen. Hermenegildo Agaab (Headquarters of the 10...
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18Feb2013KORONADAL CTY, South Cotabato, Feb. 18 (PIA) – On Friday, some 368 elementary pupils had an education tour of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao complex to understand its routing operation. The grade school kids from Notre Dame-Religious of the Virgin Mary College of Cotabato, visited one office to another to familiarize with the regional office premises. ARMM Exec. Sec. Anwar A. Malang said that the ARMM complex should be child-friendly as a way to recognize children’s rights to edu...
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15Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture of Region 12 (DA-12) will get P1.29-billion budget this year, a whopping 62 percent higher than its 2012 budget of P739 million. This is in recognition of the region’s 128 percent staples self-sufficiency as evidenced by the 1.28 million metric tons (MT) of rice it harvested last year, data from the Agri Pinoy Palayan Program indicate; it is also in recognition of other accomplishments of the regional field offi...
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15Feb2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- The country’s Tuna Capital is celebrating this month a unique festivity that brings together in harmony the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the city’s tri-people. This year’s Kalilangan Festival is a showcase of the cultural abundance out of the mutual respect nurtured for many years by the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Muslims and the Christian populations who lived in the area. “Because we are united, we want to highlight the peaceful coexistenc...
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15Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- There are more road networks now in Mindanao, driving more economic opportunities for the rural people, especially farmers. Lealyn A. Ramos, program director of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) said the program has completed 489.10 kilometer farm-to-market (FMR) roads amounting to P995.23 million, among other projects under the rural infrastructure (RI) component. “As the completed FMR meas...
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15Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Saylola Abdulmuin, 53, on Monday, fulfilled a very special wish: to be able shake hands with the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Abdulmain, who is a resident of Zamboanga Sibugay province, was among the first beneficiaries for livelihood component of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program that President Benigno Aquino III launched in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Monday. "The ...
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14Feb2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA)-- Each year, it has been a practice for Pag-IBIG Fund to celebrate Valentine’s Day by sponsoring a Kasalang Bayan for unwed couples who have been living in together but can’t afford the cost of even a simple wedding rite. For them, the Kasalang Bayan is always a good option. This concept of a mass wedding on a Valentine’s Day, according to Pag-IBIG Fund GenSan Branch information officer Ritchelle Lorilla is part of the social responsibility of the agenc...
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14Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The army continues its peacemaking initiatives while promoting a healthy living by leading the “I-Walk for Peace” in Cotabato City this Valentine’s Day. Health buffs from different sectors of the community joined the activity. With the theme "I Walk for Peace and SAFE 2013," the army also launched the SAFE (Safe and Fair Elections) 2013 along with other stakeholders to help establish peace before, during and after elections. Lt. Albert An...
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13Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- About 6,000 residents here will be joining the nationwide Philhealth Fun Run on Sunday intended to raise funds for mothers and children, an official of the agency announced today. Lorelie Bonilla, overall in-charge for the Philhealth Run in Region 12, confirmed that last week they already breached their 5,000-local quota for the number of runners. “Even the 600 additional slots we have reques...
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13Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- Police offices in Soccsksargen Region have received blast investigation equipment from the US State Department. Police senior inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., head of the Police Regional Public Information Office of the Police Regional Office – 12, said the donation consisted of six units of post-blast investigation (PBI) and explosive incident countermeasure kits. Ed Schlachter, resident program manager of...
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13Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 13 (PIA) -- A number of government agencies are now prepared to deliver a number of services and products to the communities in the Bangsamoro. For one, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman revealed some of the projects that will be implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in line with the livelihood component of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program. Soliman said that her office, in coordination with the departments o...
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13Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The agricultural development program of Makilala has gained the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here in SOCCSKSARGEN region. A report from the local government unit (LGU) disclosed that DA 12 has delivered about 15,000 Robusta coffee seedlings, 2,000 cacao seedlings, 7,500 banana tissue-cultured plantlets and 3,040 assorted fruit trees seedlings. The planting materials estimated to cost P600,000 which Makilala received last month ...
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13Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 13 (PIA) --The provincial government of North Cotabato today launches the first-ever Gay Pride Festival in Midsayap town. This is a manifestation of the provincial government’s support in advancing the advocacy of the various sectors in the community regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. This event will gather gays within the first district to foster unity and camaraderie thru events like parlor games, hair and make-up and costume designing contests....
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12Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The regional office of the National Statistics Office (NSO) 12 based in Cotabato City announced today that they are set to conduct the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF). A notice from the office of NSO 12 regional director Atty. Maqtahar Manulon to PIA 12, said the 2012 CAF will be conducted from February 25 until April 13, this year. CAF is a large-scale government operation intended to p...
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12Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 12 (PIA) -- "Development can only be institutionalized if there is a signed comprehensive compact that creates a new relation between us (MILF) and the central government," said MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim yesterday. Chairman Murad was with President Benigno Aquino III in the launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao. BLMI is situated a...
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12Feb2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- A P120-million, four-storey public hospital will soon rise here after local officials and representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) led the groundbreaking last month of this health care facility. Engr. Teody Galang, chief of Construction Section of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- South Cotabato Sub-District Engineering Office (SCSDEO) disclosed that initial construction works for this project will begin on March 25 this year. ...
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11Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Barely four months from the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October, President Aquino launches the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a program intended to deliver basic social services to the Moro people. The term “Sajahatra” is Arabic-Melayu-Bahasa derivative which means "Peace." Aquino today, Monday, visited the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao -- a mere...
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11Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 11 (PIA) -- The historic ritual dubbed “Kanduli sa Kalinaw sa Kalambuan” has resolved a four-decade old Muslim-Christian land conflict in Makilala town of Cotabato province. The disputing groups also signed an agreement in the presence of Secretary Virgilio R. Delos Reyes of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño – Mendoza and Vice Governor Gregorio T. Ipong and Mayor Rudy Caoagdan. The signing of the agreement came...
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11Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Twenty-five auditors and engineers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development implementing one of the anti-poverty flagship projects of government in Soccsksargen Region gathered recently for a two-day Regional Fiduciary Workshop here. Gemma N. Rivera, assistant regional director of DSWD-12, said that the workshop, first for this year, is part of the continuing strategy of the department to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude for ...
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11Feb2013ALABEL, Sarangani, Feb 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Veterans Bank (PBV) has brought its World War II (WWII) traveling exhibit to Sarangani at the provincial capitol lobby for viewing and appreciation by the public. The exhibit dubbed, “War of Our Fathers” came from Koronadal City’s recently-held Hinugyaw Festival, before it opened for the first time in Sarangani. The exhibit features World War II photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts with new addition of historical files and photos abou...
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08Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 8 (PIA) --The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Kabacan, North Cotabato ensures that children in different barangays of the town have access to good health. This was assured by MSWD Officer Susan Macalipat under its Supplemental Feeding Program which their office is currently implementing. The program which started July 13 last year and will commence on February 18 and will cater to 53 Day Care Centers (DCC) of the 24 villages in t...
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08Feb2013LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL,South Cotabato, Peb.8 (PIA)-- Tiniyak ng Cotabato City Schools Division na hindi magkakaroon ng kakulangan ng mga guro sa pag-uumpisa ng pasukan para sa taong 2013-2014, ayon sa isang opisyal. Sinabi ni Schools Division superintendent Concepcion Balawag na patuloy na nagsasagawa ng pangangalap at pagsasala ang kanilang opisina ng mga aplikante para sa nais magturo. Ang dibisyon ay nangangailangan ng 75 na bagong guro para sa mga paaralang pansekondarya, 45 para sa elementa...
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08Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 8 (PIA) --The increasing number of Philhealth beneficiaries admitted to the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) has contributed to the upsurge in the government health facility’s increasing income, an official here confirmed. SCPH chief Dr. Conrado M. Braña, told members the media in a press conference Wednesday that last year they earned P77,123,933.78 from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or Philhealth. ...
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08Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture 12’s Task Force Alayon has completed land preparation of some 244 hectares of agricultural production areas in Compostela town, Compostela Valley, helping landowners begin planting of crops. Task Force Alayon is DA 12’s support team for the rehabilitation of families ravaged by typhoon “Pablo” in December. "Alayon" is a Hiligaynon term for "help". As of February 1, TF Ala...
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08Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 8 (PIA) -- Members of the Cotabato Industrial Peace Advocates (CIPA) are gathering in Kidapawan City today for a conference and general membership assembly. Industrial peace advocates, National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) 12 senior labor employment officer Gelie Lampitco explained, CIPA is an association of managers, human resource officers, supervisors, management representatives, union leaders, workers or employee re...
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07Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 7 (PIA) – Election volunteers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will undergo training on monitoring and safeguarding the May 13 polls. Over a hundred Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)-ARMM coordinators from different municipalities of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City are expected to attend the launching of a voters education program on February 16 and 17. Other groups involved in the program are the Commission on...
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07Feb2013COTABATO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras arrived here, Thursday, for the preparations of the launching of government’s socio-economic program for Bangsamoro on Monday. From Awang airport, Almendras met with officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Department of Health, PhilHealth, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education and Philippine Army in the region regarding the medical mission ...
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07Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here is employing geotagging technology to improve the integrity of its reports regarding their implementation of the National Greening Program. Over 80 NGP field implementers across Soccsksargen Region were trained on geotagging last January 22-24 , according to information from DENR 12’s Regional Public Affairs Office. “The main objective of the training i...
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07Feb2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- Twenty-eight laborers belonging to the Tacurong Cart Services Association (TACASA) and five sapateros (shoe repairmen) were recently granted opportunities to improve their livelihood. The laborers were the recipients of kabuhayan starter kits courtesy of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the city government of Tacurong. The kits, which were distributed on Monday, February 4, comprised of 14 brand n...
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07Feb2013COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Feb . 7 (PIA) -- An official of the Department of Health (DOH) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) confirmed that nurses under the RN HEALS program are set to receive their salaries next week. DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. said that within the day, DOH Central Office is expected to download the funds for the delayed salary of the nurses amounting to over P21 million. This covers the unpaid salaries from October to December 2012. Dr. S...
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06Feb2013COTABATO CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Some 61 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) and their dependents received their certificates of completion from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in a graduation ceremony held last week. The scholars are from three batches, who have successfully completed the one month training under the OWWA IT Program. At the culmination ceremonies, DOLE-ARMM Regional Secretary, Hon. Muslimin Jann A. Jakilan urged th...
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06Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Thirteen cadastral survey projects worth over P110 million are currently being implemented in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12, an environment official here confirmed. DENR 12 OIC-regional executive director Datu Tungko Saikol said the survey, which should be completed within this year and covers three provinces of the region, is part of land administration efforts, an important priority program of the agency. “We need ...
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06Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 6 (PIA) -- Rice growers in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces can now avail of the loan assistance from the Department of Agriculture under the “Sikat Saka” program. DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said both provinces in Soccsksargen Region were included in the expansion of the program as these were among the top 20 rice-producing provinces in the country in 2011. Agriculture secre...
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06Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 6 (PIA) -- Over 84,000 schoolchildren from the four towns of Cotabato province recently received hygiene kits from the provincial government, the Department of Education (DepEd) and non-government organization, Fit for School. In ceremonies held on January 29, elementary pupils from M’lang and Kabacan towns received their hygiene kits, while kids from Antipas and Magpet received theirs on January 30. Each hygiene kit contain toothpaste, toothbrush and...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Sultan Kudarat together with the Local Government of Sen. Ninoy Aquino (SNA) municipality will launch a Coffee Industrial Tour in the province in time for the Coffee Festival on February 12-15. DTI-Sultan Kudarat Dir. Nelly Dillera said the industrial tour intends to showcase the coffee industry in the province. Sultan Kudarat is considered to be the biggest producer of coffee in the country. Almost 28,000 t...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here has reached out to more South Cotabato advocates of the government’s rice fortification program. For the year 2012, about 1,445 stakeholders from various sectors were able to take part in the I-Rice Advocacy activities spearheaded by the public information sector of NFA-South Cotabato, an official said. Acting information officer Luisito Mangayayam disclosed to the Philippine Information Agency here that ...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Feb 5 (PIA) -- Environment officials and local government units in Soccksargen Region are advancing the inclusion of two caves in the Regional Ecotourism and Development Plan. These caves are the Kofnit Cave in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and the Tenobak Cave in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat Province. Ali Hajinasser, chief of Protected Areas and Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 12 (DENR - 12) disclosed t...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Police authorities in Kabacan, North Cotabato have strengthened its campaign against carnapping and colorum to secure safety in the town. Through their operation ‘Lambat Bitag’, 130 motorcycles which violated traffic rules are now impounded in the town’s municipal police station. The operation was headed by police personnel from North Cotabato police station who serve as augmentation force for Kabacan PNP in coordination with Cotabato Polic...
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05Feb2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 5 (PIA) --Thirty public schools in the Tacurong City recently received one unit personal computer each from Comfac Global Group (CGG). School principals and administrators received the computers in a turnover ceremony last week at the city gymnasium. Mayor Lina Montilla, city administrator Eduardo Nicolo, councilors Rodrigo Jamorabon and Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz, and the LGU Information Technology Section facilitated the turnover of said equipment. ...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 5 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology today announced the opening of 17 plantilla positions in line with the opening of the Philippine Science High School – Soccsksargen Region Campus (PSHS-SRC) here in time with its opening in June. Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof-Laidan, regional director of DOST 12 said the department has started processing applications for seven Special Science Teacher I, and two Special Sci...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in South Cotabato has outranked all provinces in the country in the volume of land distributed in 2012. Felix Frias, South Cotabato’s provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO), told participants of the 2012 Year-End Assessment 2013 Planning Conference of agrarian reform officers last week, that Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes himself congratulated ...
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05Feb2013MAITUM, Sarangani, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Finally, the agony of holding classes either on stage or under the tree is over for the students and teachers of Wali Integrated School in Maitum, Sarangani Province. Long clamored problems of classroom shortage and congestion of school are finally answered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development with the recent turnover of newly constructed 1-unit-3 classroom high school building worth P1,825,000 to the Department of Education and Parents-Te...
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05Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 5 (PIA) -- Total amount of investments in the province of Sultan Kudarat for the year 2012 was pegged at P762.94 million. This is 70% better than the figure in 2011 recorded at P 570.61M. DTI-Sultan Kudarat director Nelly Nita Dillera said among the important sectors that generated new and additional investments were expansions in the plantation of coffee, palm oil rubber and banana; expansion in muscovado processing and oil palm processing, upgrading of ...
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04Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s provincial government, through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) has allotted P3.5 million fund for the Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), a crisis intervention program of the province. Additonal P500,000 has also been allotted for donations, as a buffer for the regular AICS where the material and financial assistance is charged, said Nelida Pereira, PSWD officer She added that the ...
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04Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 4 (PIA) -- DOLE’s Single Entry Approach (SENA) has recently saved a tuna company and one of its employee from a lengthy court proceeding. On January 29, Ruel Bandojo, an employee of the Tuna Exporters Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Tempco) based in General Santos City for four years, filed a request for intervention from the regional office of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB-12). Bandojo alleged that he was unduly suspended by Tempco ...
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04Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 4 (PIA) -- Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz welcomed the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the management of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc.- General Santos City and its union, the General Santos Coca-Cola Plant Free Workers Union-Tupas, without any need for DOLE intervention. Citing a report of National Conciliation and Mediation Board Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo, Baldoz said this is the first time for Coc...
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04Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 4 (PIA)--The mobile outreach team of the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat conducted recently an outreach activity to villages in the town of Lebak. Aside from medical and dental check-ups, the group also conducted ‘operation tuli’, blood typing and minor operations. The team tapped the 601st brigade and 46th Infantry Battalion (IB) who headed the conduct of free haircut to men and women. Additionally, the team also conducted a feeding activity l...
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01Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 1 (PIA) --Students and out-of-school youths wanting to earn income that they may use for their studies next year may now apply for jobs at the city government of Koronadal. Judith Marmonejo, manager of the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) announced that the city LGU is in need of 180 student-workers to be hired under the Special Program for Employment of Children (SPES). High school, college and technical vocat...
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01Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- Peace and order is expected to be restored soon in Sitio Lacobe, Barangay Malabuan, Makilala, North Cotabato after a peace covenant was signed yesterday between two battling clans in the area. The signing was participated by Datu Tocs Baclid and Danny Llup, representatives of the involved groups. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) headed the activity since land conflict is the main reason of the clash. The fight started early in 1980s befor...
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01Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- More aid are coming to the victims of typhoon Pablo from the local government unit and residents of Koronadal City. City administrator Cyrus Jose Urbano, who also heads the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), announced early this week that a third tranche of help for typhoon victims in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental is being assembled. This is necessary, he reasoned, because so m...
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31Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Maguindanao launched the “Gulayan sa Maguindanao” project in support to the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) last Monday. Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu led the turn-over ceremony held at Buluan Town. Eleven Maguindanao towns and a public school received farm tools, assorted vegetable seeds, chemical sprayers and “enviro...
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31Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The local government here along with other concerned national government agencies has lined up programs and services for the survivors and families of fishermen who went missing in the aftermath of the devastation brought by super typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. Ephraim Beliran, action officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) said government efforts now shifted to rehabilitation and delivering of aid to the victims and affected...
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31Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 31 ( PIA) -- Some 100 members of different tricycle operators and drivers associations in nearby Tacurong city are undergoing a symposium that would educate them on anti-trafficking law and related issues. The anti-trafficking symposium, being held at Jims Place II in Tacurong was sponsored by the city government, Task Force Sagip Anghel, and Philippines Against Children Trafficking (PACT). Discussions centered on the RA 9208 or the An...
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31Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 31 (PIA) -- The local government of Makilala is pushing for professionalism in the rubber industry as it institutionalizes rubber production skills course in its Vocational-Technical (Voc-Tech) Skills Training Center. The effort came out after the success of the 322-hours rubber pilot training which started on the 3rd quarter of 2012. Earlier this month, 28 trainees on the newly-developed rubber training module received their competency certificates NC II ...
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31Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 31 -- Around 500 students from Maguindanao who underwent 10 days of on-the-job-training (OJT) last December under the Joint Programme for Youth and Employment and Migration received their payment in a simple ceremony last week. Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu handed to the OJT graduates the payment for their 10 days training amounting to an average P1,500 each, equivalent to P150 daily allowance. The OJT graduates had trained on various vocational wor...
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31Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- At least 50 women from several barangays in Midsayap has undergone training that would provide them with livelihood and strengthen their involvement in community building. These training were given free of charge to the beneficiaries under the the Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation o GREAT Women Project funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). On January 24, members of ...
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30Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Regional Economic and Development Planning Board (REDPB) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during its Jan 21, 1st Regular Board meeting here deferred deliberations on the region’s P1.51 billion infrastructure program for this year. ARMM regional governor Mujiv Hataman, REDPB chair, said the 2013 P1.51 billion infrastructure program needs to undergo review following the discovery that most national roads in the region are included in the n...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department Agriculture (DA-12) here have contributed over 92,000 seedlings to the National Greening Program in 2012, data from the agency reveals. In June, DA 12 provided 4,000 assorted seedlings for the second Tree-Growing Festival of Koronadal City local government unit. These planting materials included coffee, durian, marang, mango, lanzones, rambutan, coconut, cacao and oth...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- North Cotabato's first district's alliance of municipalities continues its “bayanihan” spirit in line with celebration of the founding anniversary of Banisilan town tomorrow, January 31. The PALMA+PB — which stands for the initial letters of the towns of Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayap and Alamada plus Pikit and Banisilan — will launch tomorrow its partnership activity the Kabalikat PALMA+PB Infrastructure Project, which wi...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Top officials of the World Bank visited Aleosan and Libungan towns in North Cotabato on Tuesday to witness how the projects of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) have worked in the province. Leading the visiting team was John Roome, WB country director for East Asia and Pacific, who said the visit aimed to assess the on-going implementation of MRDP projects particularly in rural infrastructure (RI). “We are here to personally...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 30 (PIA) -- A total of 119 land titles were recently awarded to residents of nearby Tantangan town. Information from the regional office of the Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 12) indicated that said land parcels are located in barangays Maibo, Poblacion, and Bukay Pait. The activity, held at the municipality’s gymnasium on January 23, coincided with the kick-off of the five-day celebration of the 52nd Foundation Ann...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 30 (PIA) -- Several farmers from Lebak town in Sultan Kudarat recently received their winnings from raffles held during previous activities of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 in their area. Among those delivered by DA -12 to farmers were: two hand tractors with trailer, 46 rolls of laminated tarpaulins (trapal), 10 plastic water drums; three carabaos raffled off during the Agri-Pinoy Information Caravan held at the munici...
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30Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan 30 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has set the launching of its Convergence Plan for the implementation of the priority program in health/nutrition/sanitation, education, livelihood, peace and governance and synergy – Helps of Governor Mujiv Hataman. ARMM Helps Convergence Plan aims to address issues of: loose coordination among agencies in the implementation of services and duplication/overlapping of service delivery, and facilitating the convergen...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Candidates running for top local positions in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao province signed yesterday a peace covenant for a peaceful mid-term election. The signing was held at Camp Waray, Barangay Kamasi of the said town and was attended by various stakeholders to include incumbent vice mayor Samsodhen Ampatuan Sangki who is running for mayor and the mayoral aspirant Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu, the wife of the governor of Sultan Kudarat provi...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) --The 6th Infantry Division (ID) appeals for public’s support on the implementation of the total gun ban for the upcoming midterm election. 6th ID spokesperson Col. Dickson Hermoso emphasized that this is to avoid delays on their checkpoint operations in major highways. The official also reminds gun owners to be ready with their documents whenever they pass the area of responsibility (AOR) of the military group for inspection. 6th ID covers the ...
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30Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) continues to strengthen and intensify implementation of various programs and projects in the region in support to government’s thrust to improve delivery of healthcare services. On January 25, DOH-ARMM regional secretary Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., and executive secretary Anwar Malang led the turn-over rites of six ambulances to district hospitals including Maguindanao District Hospit...
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29Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 29 (PIA) -- The South Cotabato provincial government has completed 69 infrastructure projects worth P92,061,276.34 from January to November last year. Acting provincial engineer Engr. Marnilo Aperocho saidi in a report that the development projects consisted of 35 buildings, 12 road projects, 2 box culverts, 7 flood control structures, 3 water systems and 10 other minor projects. With health as one of the flagship programs under the administration o...
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29Jan2013Koronadal City, Jan 28 (PIA) – Another attraction now awaits nature lovers and enthusiasts as construction for the 2.2-km Makilala zipline has commenced, an official said. “This is probably the longest zip-line in Asia,” said Odin Deseo, a consultant of mayor Rudy Caoagdan. The zip line is located at Barangay New Israel at the foot of the country’s highest peak, the Mt. Apo. The town also offers pristine waterfalls, natural hot springs, untouched mountain climbing trails, awesome mou...
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29Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 29 (PIA) -- Concreting of the Doña Alicia Avenue – Brgy. Tina road section in Tacurong City is expected to begin soon. This after the city council approved on third and final reading on January 23 the proposed general appropriation ordinance declaring Supplemental Budget No. 1 specifically for the concreting of said road section. Budget for said project, according to the ordinance will be charged against ...
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29Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 29 (PIA 12) – The provincial government has collected P15.8 million in mining and quarrying taxes in 2012. This was the result of strict enforcement of small-scale mining and quarry executive orders (EOs), said Siegfred Flaviano, chief of South Cotabato’s Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO). This has also led to apprehensions and issuance of stoppage orders against erring small-scale mining and quarry operators, he said. The said tax re...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 28 (PIA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao intensifies its campaign for an orderly 2013 polls by discussing security preparations for the whole region. During the meeting, PNP-ARMM Regional Dir. P/CSupt. Gen. Noel Delos Reyes disclosed that based on their reports, lawless elements and the great number of loose firearms in the region continue to be a main security concern. Another security problem is the presence of rido or clan feud, w...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- Farmers in South Cotabato who will be affected by the two-month closure of a major irrigation system in the province should take the shutdown as an opportunity, an agricultural official here said. “The closure of irrigation system is not a threat, but an opportunity for farmers, ” said provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste. “There is no need to panic,” he added. Legaste was referring to the scheduled shutd...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- Around 245 farmers from the seven Maguindanao towns had undergone a farming tech training hosted by the region’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in an effort to boost the livelihood of the people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In the mass graduation ceremony held on Monday, the participants received certificate of completion in the Farmers’ Field School of DAF. The program was implemented in partnership with th...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are positive that they can boost up the potentials of agriculture and fisheries in the region. ARMM Cabinet Secretary Norkhalila Campong expressed her high hopes on the regions’ agriculture potentials placing ARMM at rank, while rooting on primary crops of rice, corn, and cassava. The region’s agriculture and fisheries Secretary Engr. Maritess Maguindra also extended her appreciation to p...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 28 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) will immediately survey and map as well as plan the National Greening Program (NGP) sites in the region. These activities, which are geared toward bolstering the region’s implementation of the NGP will be using the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. This was disclosed during the January 16-17 workshop of some 50 regional and field of...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 28 (PIA) -- Some 209 farmers from North Cotabato received free eyeglasses under the Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan program. This, following the initial check-up and free eye screening conducted last January 10. The beneficiaries are members of Libungan River Irrigation System (LibRIS) Division 5 Irrigators’ Association who sought the assistance from the office of Congressman Jesus Sacdalan. LibRIS president Danilo Tacan thanked Sacdalan's office for its imme...
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25Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 25 (PIA) -- The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cotabato Chapter brought home three awards during the 14th National Lawyers Convention and 40th Founding Anniversary of IBP. IBP Cotabato was awarded as Most Outstanding Legal Aid Committee (Category B) for its exemplary and inspiring performance in rendering legal aid through its dedicated members and handling both traditional and developmental legal aid cases, projects, and activities of national impact. A...
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25Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- The local government here handed over to the City Police Station two motor bikes worth over P500,000 in a bid to boost police mobility for prompt response to call of duty. Mayor Peter Miguel turned over the two brand new Kawasaki Ninja EX250J motorcycles to PNP Koronadal’s supply and finance officer SPO1 Bernie M. Geroche at the City Hall Grounds on Monday. The red bikes are 4-stroke motorcycles, c...
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25Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Detailed mapping of 17 locations considered as critical areas in Soccksargen Region have already been completed, according to an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) -12. MGB 12 regional director Constancio Paye Jr., said these new geo-hazard maps were prepared at scale of 1:10,000, much larger than the initial maps of the entire Socc...
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25Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Adminstration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM) conducted its orientation and Entrepreneurship Development Training/ Financial Literacy on January 22. Beneficiaries of deceased Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) attended the said event. ELAP is designed primarily for survivors of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of ...
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24Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 24 (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will formally receive their financial assistance on February 10. Over 19 Self-Employment Assistance for Kaunlaran Associations (SKA) whose members are recipients of the national government's Conditional Cash Transfer will receive the capital seed fund. A total of P5 million from the Congressional Office of the First District of North Cotabato and the Department of Social Wel...
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24Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 24 (PIA) -- North Cotabato has begun preparations for the Cotabato Regional Athletic Association (CRAA) Meet in March. CRAA is Soccsksargen Region’s schools divisions annual regional sports competition, winners of which will represent the region to the national games. Soccsksargen Region includes the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacuron...
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24Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- After eight months of untainted service, PCSupt. Alex Paul Monteagudo has finally left his post as regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 Command in a simple turnover rites held Friday (January 18) at the Police Regional Headquarters here. He was replaced by former Intelligence Group (IG) director PCSupt. Charles Calima Jr. The event was attended by chief executives from the local government units (LGUs) all over Region 12, to include head...
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24Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 24 (PIA) --At least 290 indigent residents and diplaced workers in Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat are now earning income from livelihood assistance, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12. Some 132 of them were indigents who received starter kits and nego-karts worth of P562,124 that the agency gave through its Integrated Livelihood Program distributed in December 18 last year. Nego-Kart or Negosyo sa K...
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24Jan2013GLAN, Sarangani, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Teachers gathered at Tangan Integrated School at barangay Datal Bukay for the Indigenous Learning Survival Camp on January 17. Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) conducted the training participated in by teachers representing the different public elementary and high schools across the province. The training aims to promote and strengthen the culture of the Indigenous People (IP) including those that seem to have been forgotten and less practiced...
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24Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Students of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) gathered at the school auditorium Wednesday, Jan. 17 to listen to youth leader Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV as he narrated in a forum success stories of groups and individuals who have inspired millions of Filipinos. Aquino’s talk was inspired by the transformation of ten successful organizations that were given accolades by Philippine’s premier youth award-giving body, the Ten Accomplished Youth...
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23Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- The City Mayor here called on residents to clean up their respective surroundings to avoid clogging of the city’s drainages. Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio made the appeal in the aftermath of a low pressure area (LPA) that brought days of heavy rains in the city and left several barangays here submerged in flood waters. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) attributed the recent flooding not only to the drainage system of the...
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23Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Over 100 small- scale fisherfolk in Barangay Kalanganan in Cotabato City have received bangus fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 12 to help boost their livelihood. Cotabato City fishery officer Halkat Ibrahim said beneficiaries were identified after thorough background checks assuring that intended recipients operate existing fishponds. More than 110,000 fingerlings were given out free...
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23Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 23 (PIA) -- The head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 has called on the management of oil giant, Petron Corporation to join the National Greening Program (NGP) to mitigate the effects of climate change. DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Datu Tungko M. Saikol made the call in his keynote message during the awarding of certificate of compliance to ISO 14001:2004 to eight of the 71 Petron service stations in the region....
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22Jan2013Koronadal City, Jan 22 (PIA) -- She’s an ordinary barrio girl full of ambition yet their family’s economic status did not get in the way to for her to finish a course and land a decent job to support her family’s needs. Ailene Jean P. Mendoza, after graduating from Mariano Untal Memorial High School in 2011, had to stop formal education because of poverty. While helping her family and siblings eke out a living from a small parcel of land planted to vegetables and other agricultural crops...
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22Jan2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Jan 22 (PIA) -- Fifty-nine LGU-Tacurong officials and 30 barangay chairpersons and treasurers participated in the Public Accountability and Values Formation Seminar (Module II) conducted on January 17-18, Jims Place II, this city. Module II is designed in response to the anti-graft and corruption prevention challenge of the Transparency International Philippines and Office of the Ombudsman. Speaker and facilitator Jeannie Escolano discussed the biblical implica...
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22Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Health (DOH-12) has recently confirmed several cases of Chikungunya (also called CHIK) fever in nearby Sarangani province. Jenelyn Ellie Ventura, information officer of DOH-12, told Philippine Information Agency 12 this morning that 57 Chikungunya cases have been clinically diagnosed from the coastal towns of Maitum and Kiamba since early January. Of these, Vent...
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22Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 22 (PIA) – All roads led to Midsayap town in North Cotabato last weekend as it celebrated “Halad Festival 2013.” The annual festival, celebrated in honor of the town’s patron saint Sr. Sto. Niño was highlighted by the colorful street dancing and parade competition. With the theme “25 Years In Promoting Cultural Unity Amidst Diversity” residents of Midsayap and neighboring towns showed their unity and devotion through dancing in the streets. A s...
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21Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will require candidates to submit their statements of contributions and expenditures for the 2013 Elections. Lawyer Jay Gerada, election supervisor of South Cotabato said this new approach is being implemented by the Commission to resolve issues on campaigning prior to the designated campaign period. “The Comelec changed strategy with respect to the approach on premature campaigning,” Gerada said. “Wh...
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21Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 21 (PIA 12) -- Dengue cases in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 in 2012 was higher by 61 percent as compared to the number of cases in 2011, according to a year-end report from the Department of Health (DOH) 12. Data from the DOH 12’s Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit sent to Philippine Information Agency on Friday, indicated that the entire Soccsksargen Region had 4,325 dengue cases as of Decem...
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21Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 21 (PIA) -- Residents of Central Mindanao will witness a parade of hundreds of colorful and traditional boats along the Rio Grande de Mindanao to show its support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The fluvial float parade which is led by 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in cooperation with the provincial government of Maguindanao as well as local officials of different towns is set to sail on January 29. The parade will start at Moth...
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18Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 had planted 4,460,688 seedlings of agricultural crops, forest and fruit trees in 2012 in line with the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP), according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR). Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat as well as the cities of General Santos City, Koronadal, Tacurong, Ki...
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18Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Rosito Barroso, married, with three dependents received his first Individual Policy Contract (IPC) from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or Philhealth early this week. Barroso, a resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz in this city, was one of the 286 individually paying members (IPMs) who were issued their IPCs by the Philhealth 12 office here on Monday and Tuesday. Said contracts are va...
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18Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 is set to produce at least 1.2 million seedlings of premium native trees until September this year. This information was disclosed during the holding of the strategic planning and team building workshop of the DENR 12’s Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) on January 11-13 in Maasim, Sarangani Province. Regional technical director for research Bighani M. Manip...
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18Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Over 400 health workers in Region 112 attended an orientation and training on Universal Health Care Program (UHC). The activities were held through partnership among the regional offices of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or Philhealth, Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Several gatherings in Kidapawan, Koronadal and General Santos City that ...
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17Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The Community e-Center (CeC) managed by the local government of Mlang has completed the 5th batch of computer literacy training program for women residents. The six-month training program enabled 70 trainees from the women sector to earn their certificates of completion in simple graduation rites held last January 8 at the M’lang Municipal Gymnasium. M’lang CeC manager Mary Ann Cortado told the Philippine Information Agency here that the completion of 5th ...
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17Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Sarangani has cited Malungon Municipal Health Office (MHO) for its effective health education campaign that resulted in good sanitation practice among the poor in far-flung areas and zero mortality for its maternal and neonatal health care programs. The citation was accorded to the MHO during the recently held Sarangani 2nd province-wide Health Summit here saying it bested other MHOs in the province in the areas of sanitation ad...
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17Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 17 (PIA) -- The number of registered voters in South Cotabato, including General Santos City, for the May 2013 elections is down by 9.46 percent after the “cleansing” of voters’ list by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Data provided by Comelec-South Cotabato to PIA 12 indicated that the province and Gensan have 669,432 registered voters, which is lower by 69,971 voters compared to the number in the Ma...
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17Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- Sarangani’s 140 barangay chairs pledged to support and implement the action plan for health which they crafted among other local officials during the two-day provincial health summit held here last week. The summit prodded barangay captains to be the champion in health services in their own barangays and to implement the plan in six-month period. Governor Migs Dominguez told summit participants: “Aminin natin na ang health, ang kalusugan ay responsibi...
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16Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- Some 100 women in Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Parang towns in Maguindanao have acquired knowledge and skills on various livelihood ventures during a two-day training on Livelihood and Skills Development Program held January 7-8 in Cotabato City. The activity was initiated by the Office of Rep. Bai Sandra Sema in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) to capacitate the women ...
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16Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Soccsksargen Region has announced the opening of applications for research and development (R&D) funding on matter of energy and emerging technology. Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, regional director of DOST 12, said submitted proposals will be sent to the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology for Research and Development (PCIEERD), which will ...
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16Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 16 (PIA) -- Over P800 million worth of investments are expected to be poured in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) this year. Jun Macalawan of the Regional Board of Investment said that a big chunk of these is the continuing investment of the Dilinanas Development Corporation (DDC) that amounts to P569 million. DDC, a subsidiary of Del Monte Philippines, plans to establish a 1,300-hectare banana estate in Maguin...
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16Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 16 (PIA)--The local government of Kabacan in the province of North Cotabato will conduct a prayer rally on Thursday as a way of calling for justice on the brutal death of vice mayor Policronio Dulay. The activity was pushed by Mayor George Tan after an emergency peace and order council meeting he called on Monday. The rally, which is expected to be attended by different sectors and organizations in the said town, will start in the municipal plaza. Meanwhil...
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15Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s police provincial director expressed confidence for a peaceful and orderly election in his area of responsibility. "I do not foresee any incident of violence during the election period," said PSSupt Randolf Delfin, director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office. He said, based on his observation, politicians here have demonstrated a level of professionalism that would most likely result ...
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15Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- Rice researchers and farmers in the autonomous region are delighted with the bountiful harvest of the Philippine long-grain aromatic rice planted in a three-hectare ricefield in North Upi, Maguindanao. The introduction and experiment on the viability and adaptability of this kind of rice or better known in India as Basmati rice is part of government efforts toward rice sufficiency under the Agri Pinoy program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to D...
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15Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 15 (PIA) -- An agro-trade fair opened Friday in Midsayap, Cotabato as part of the celebration of the Halad Festival. This is an initiative of the Sto. Niño Parish spearheaded by the Parish Pastoral Council. Midsayap Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo said that this is a yearly event to give residents the chance to showcase their agricultural and industrial products. Traders and exhibitors from Midsayap and nearby towns in North Cotabato are among the participant...
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15Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 15 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Maguindanao province has recently completed rehabilitation of the 240-meter main canal of the Kakal Communal Irrigation System (KCIS). The KCIS that connects to the dam located at Datu Abdullah Sangki municipality was constructed in 1978. The irrigation system serves about 700 hectares of rice fields in its areas covering Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat and in the municipality of Datu Abdullah S...
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15Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 15 (PIA) -- Koronadal city’s health office recently opened its City Health Office Diagnostic Center where among the initial amenities is a new x-ray machine. The City Information Office in a statement said that at least 20 patients, mostly elderly, were the first clients who lined up for the x-ray services. At the launching on January 8, Mayor Peter B. Miguel, said the city had been longing to acquire an x-ray machin...
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14Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) — A local blogger bagged the top prize in the nationwide “Google Map Your Town" competition. Reynard Navarro, a member of the Soccsksargen bloggers or “sox bloggers,” completed the five-month online competition from April to August last year, mapping Surallah, South Cotabato and the City of General Santos with more than 1,200 edits. “Edit is a term used in putting identifiable marks to a map like name of streets, roads, establishments, tourist destin...
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14Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 14 (PIA) -- Representatives from 32 women organizations, non-government institutions and other agencies in Kidapawan City organized last week a coalition to fight abuses. Sr. Lalyn Macahilo of the Oblates of Notre Dame and the elected chairperson of the organization said, that many women and children are abused everyday. According to her, most of them are still living with their perpetrators instead of looking for a safe place or a center where they could un...
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14Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The executive official of the city government of Koronadal in South Cotabato announced last week that the Philippine Veterans Bank’s exhibit will now be an annual feature in the city. Mayor Peter B. Miguel said the exhibit dubbed the "War of our Fathers" is an important tribute to the Filipino freedom fighters and should be presented to the public as a reminder of the greatness of the ancient warriors. The exhibit depicted the role of Filipinos ...
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14Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The provincial government of South Cotabato is supporting Philhealth Run 2013 on February 17, as it bankrolls the registration of 200 provincial LGU employees who will join the fun run in Koronadal City. So announced Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. last week. Pingoy said he allotted P50,000 for the fun run because of the benefits from PhilHealth Run 2013: Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection. Pingoy was amon...
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14Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Enero 14 (PIA) -- Farmers from the first district of North Cotabato received farm tools and animals which they can use during the rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in their area. The distribution of farm tools and animals was in response to the request of the members of Midsayap-Pigcawayan-Libungan-Kabuntalan(MPLK) Federation of Irrigators’ Associations. These included five carabaos, eight cows, and 16 plows distributed by Congressman Jesus Sacdalan. A...
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14Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 14 (PIA) -- Progress here will soon be visible with the construction of basic infrastructures like roads. Concreting of roads in Madamba and Bayang sections in Lanao del Sur province is expected to begin soon after acting governor Mujiv Hataman on Thursday inked a multimillion infrastructure project that targets concreting of these roads. The road project has an approved contract budget of P23, 317,970.27 which would build the roads connecting the ...
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14Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 14 (PIA) -- After the intensive information drive regarding the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), one of the issues that the farmers would like to clarify is the assurance that the proposed new political entity will not affect the lands they are toiling. The group of farmers also want to have more consultations on what would be the content of Bangsamoro Basic Law. Farmers and barangay officials from the towns of Pikit, Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Midsaya...
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13Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 13 (PIA) -- The city government of Cotabato conducted recently a security planning and consultative meeting which was participated by peace advocates, law enforcers, and local officials of the said city. The activity was pushed after the city experienced a series of crimes these past days. The meeting gathered the opinions of participants with regards to the security status of Cotabato City nowadays. Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema explained that the...
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10Jan2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Twenty-eight year old Philip Parcon of Barangay Tina, Tacurong City, successfully defended his Mindanao Professional Boxing Federation (MINPROBA) Junior Bantamweight title against challenger Joash Aparicio of Tagum City in the main event of Hinugyaw Festival Boxing Championship in Koronadal City. Parcon won the ten-round fight via unanimous decision in front of hundreds of boxing fans who trooped to the open ground of Gaisano Grand Mall on Sunday...
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10Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Two farmers in Midsayap town, North Cotabato received on Saturday one carabao each that they won in a raffle draw by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – 12 last year. The farmers were identified as Rey Bura-ay of Barangay Upper Glad and Juaevan Sardoma of Barangay Malamote. They got their carabaos as one of the major items raffled off by the DA 12 as a highlight of the First Municipal Organic Agriculture...
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09Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- Soon, around 8,000 tricycles will be plying legally Koronadal City’s thoroughfares. This after the city council here approved the resolution seeking for the opening of more than 4,000 franchises for tricycle operators in line with the efforts of the local government to curb the problem of colorum tricycles operating in the city. City councilor Floro Calixton, chair of the city council’s committee on transport...
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09Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabacan, North Cotabato in cooperation with the Kabacan Local Government Muslim Employees Association (KALGMEA) conducted yesterday an advocacy and educational program with regards to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Municipal registrar head Gandy Mamaluba said the activity was attended by thousands of residents of the area. He said an open forum paved the way for the participants to raise their opi...
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09Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 9 (PIA) -- A former overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who ventured for nine years as a mechanical engineer and a foreman in steel fabrication in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was chosen 2012 Gawad Saka Awardee. After years of working abroad, in 1990, Roberto Garcia Panghulan, 52, went back home to the Philippines and the grown-up coconut trees at his wife’s family farm in Sultan Kudarat province had caught his eye. The Batangas-born returning OFW married to Lourdes ...
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09Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- The Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil) is encouraging indigent patients of Region 12 who are in need of surgery to take advantage of its free surgical mission on January 13-19 at Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Dolefil Human Resource Director, Atty. Melquiades Hernandez III said this is one rare opportunity where volunteer surgeons, nurses and medical staff from the Philippine Medical Society of Florida (PMSF) will be coming over...
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09Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- Farmers from Midsayap, North Cotabato will be given free medical assistance tomorrow January 10. The medical outreach program dubbed as “Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan Program” is an initiative of the North Cotabato 1st District Congressman Jesus Sacdalan. This is in line with the solon’s objective to give free and accessible medical services for his constituents in PPALMA area. Among the services that will be rendered to residents are free re...
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08Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 8 (PIA) --The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveils today Tuesday, the historical marker at “Fort Pikit” in Pikit, Cotabato. NHCP declared Fort Pikit as a national historical landmark by virtue of NCHP Resolution No.7 dated April 24, 2012. The unveiling ceremony was organized by NHCP in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the Municipality of Pikit. NHCP Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy and Pikit M...
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08Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 8 (PIA) -- Politicians will be allowed to conduct political campaigns inside South Cotabato Provincial Jail, an official of the facility announced today. But acting jail warden Felicito Gumapac said, they have yet to set up the rules that politicians should comply with in holding activities intended to solicit votes from the inmates at the detention center. “We have yet to finalize policies about the conduct of political ...
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08Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has completed the issuance of certification for standard motorcycle helmets prescribed under Republic Act 10054 in South Cotabato, an official said. DTI-South Cotabato provincial director Flora Gabunales said, their office ended last December 28, 2012 the issuance of Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) and Product Standards (PS) stickers to requesting motorcycle riders whose helmets do not bear the required ...
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08Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, North Cotabato is headed again by Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije as he was reappointed as the president of the institution for another term. The re-appointment order was recently signed by Commissioner William Medrano of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the chairperson of the Board of Regents (BoR) of the university in accordance to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic...
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08Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The local head of the Parish Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) lauds Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37th IB) for keeping its mandate of ensuring security and stability as peacekeepers. Fr. David Procalla, local PPCRV head lauds LTCol Joel Abregana, commander of the 37th IB for initiating the signing of a peace covenant strictly adhering to fair and honest elections between and among opposing local candidates ahead of the May 2013 midterm p...
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08Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH)12 is intensifying its campaign against smoking in Soccsksargen region. This is in response to information revealed last year by the International Labor Organization which says 28.3 percent or 17.3 million Filipinos age 15 and above are smoking. In addition, more than 13 million use tobacco everyday. It alsorevealerd that people die not only because of tobacco use but also due to exposure. Given this alarming inf...
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08Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA)-- Hundreds of health workers are expected to flock to the Family Country Hotel here today for the two-day 2nd Sarangani province-wide Health Summit. The summit is initiated by the provincial government of Sarangani thru the Provincial Health Office. Provincial assistant health officer Dr. Alvin Alejandro is happy to note that the event will take center stage at last after going through some series of finalization and polishing. Finally, this is it, he sai...
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07Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- Starting this year, private establishments in Cotabato City are required to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras within their premises, as mandated by City Ordinance 3880 or the Cotabato City CCTV Installation Ordinance of 2010. Secretary to the mayor Anecito Rasalan said the installation of CCTV is one of the requirements for the renewal and registration of business permits. Among the establishments required to have CCTV are financi...
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07Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Jan. 7 (PIA) -- The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) is encouraging the Muslim communities in Soccksargen Region to watch “Thy Womb,”. “I am highly endorsing the Filipino movie, Thy Womb, to our Muslim communities,” Atty. Guialil R. Kanda, NCMF provincial director in General Santos City wrote in his letter of endorsement dated January 4. “(Thy Womb is) "a good vehicle in communicating interfaith and ecumenical spirit...
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07Jan2013COTABATO CITY, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- The Maguindanao provincial government is hosting the 2nd Framework Agreement Forum on January 10 in Buluan town for better understanding and appreciation of the agreement. Thousands of peace advocates, government officials and foreign dignitaries are expected to join the event which is a follow-up of the consultation-dialogue held last month in Jolo, Sulu with the theme: “Sustaining the Gains and Enjoining the Support on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro....
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07Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 7 (PIA) -- A few months before the 2013 Midterm elections, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PPCRV-ARMM) boosts up its campaign for orderly and credible elections. A signing of peace covenant between PPCRV-ARMM and the local government of Matanog, Maguindanao was held today, January 7. Provisions in the agreement include the commitment of both groups, in cooperation with the 6th Infantry Division ...
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07Jan2013KORONADAL CITY South Cotabato, Jan. 7 (PIA) -- Irrigators Association (IAs) from Libungan, North Cotabato have requested for farm tools they can use during rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in their area. Three IAs particularly sought the assistance of North Cotabato First District Cong. Jesus Sacdalan due to the scheduled renovation of irrigation systems in some service areas of Libungan River Irrigation System or LibRIS. In response, Cong. Sacdalan conducted consultations with farmers...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- After delivering two batches of relief assistance to Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) extended help to farmers in North Cotabato, also hit by typhoon Pablo last December. Last week, DA 12 regional technical director for research and regulations Enriqueto Natividad led the distribution of more than P2 million worth of aid to municipalities in North Co...
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04Jan2013ALABEL, Sarangani, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- To forge a more business-friendly atmosphere, the provincial government of Sarangani is offering a full tax exemption to businessmen who would be putting up new investments in the area. This, the province promises to fulfill in order to enhance the local government’s “competitiveness” in the business side as it recently launched its Revised Investment Code. The code, which was crafted in early 2000, has gone through a series of amendments to hone its ...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The year 2012 ended with millions worth of farm equipment for a local government unit and two farmer organizations in South Cotabato and North Cotabato from the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here. Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo received on December 28 a unit of four-wheel drive tractor from DA 12 personnel led by regional technical director for operations Jimmy Olivo. Few days before t...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- Koronadal City’s local government unit has delivered more aid to victims of typhoon Pablo in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. On Wednesday, a composite team from Koronadal City, led by city social welfare and development officer Mary Jane Gabucan left for the two hardest-hit provinces to deliver the second batch of assistance for families affected by the calamity. City administrator Cyrus ...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mlang, North Cotabato through its medical team continues to pour help to the victims of the typhoon Pablo in different towns of Davao Oriental. Today, the group conducts stress debriefing and spiritual counseling to the survivors in Baganga town. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Glecerio Sotea said that this is part of their four-day relief operation and medical mission in the said province which started on Tuesda...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Cotabato clarifies that there will be no more extension for the issuance of ICC stickers in the city. DTI-Cotabato City OIC Chief Carlito Nuñez said they already sent back to the National office the excess stickers. He said, only over 2,000 motorists were given Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers for their motorcycle helmets. This is despite the agency’s call for motorists months before the deadline l...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- Koronadeleños are gearing up for the week-long celebration leading to the city’s 73rd Foundation Anniversary and 13th Hinugyaw Festival. The festival begins today with the unveiling of the national historical marker and wreath-laying at the shrine of the 17 Koronadeleño martyrs, who were massacred during the Japanese occupation of the area. Installation of the marker at the burial site of the 17 martyrs inside Kor...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- Over 2,000 barangay officials from the 1st district of North Cotabato underwent a forum regarding the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. Said forum started on December 24 and lasted until January 2. The forum was an initiative of office of House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Chairperson Cong. Jesus Sacdalan. In his message, Cong. Sacdalan urged the local officials to help them disseminate to their constituents what they had learn...
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03Jan2013KORONDAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- A birthing center has been opened in Pigcawayan town in North Cotabato. Pigcawayan Rural Health Unit Physician Julie Ann Palomero said pregnant women from the town and neighboring barangays need not go to Cotabato City and other towns for them to give birth. Palomero also said the birthing center is open 24 hours to cater immediate situations that need their expertise. She also invited pregnant women from different barangays in Pigcawayan an...
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03Jan2013TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- Processing of business permits in Tacurong City has been made fast and hassle-free. This after the local government unit of Tacurong City started Wednesday the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) intended to speed up processing of permits of individuals and companies operating businesses within the city. The city gymnasium is being used as venue of the BOSS, which will that will run until January 21. Under the BOSS, the fastest a client could...
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03Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan 3 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) GenSan announced yesterday that they will start implementing any day, Republic Act 10054 otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Law. LTO GenSan chief Ishmael Almanza said they are just awaiting for an order as their basis for the implementation of the law. "We will start any time, if there’s already an order,” he said. Once RA 10054 is in effect, motorcycle drivers who violate the law will be apprehended and appro...
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03Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council and the Department of Health Region 12 gave recognition to outstanding nutrition program implementers in the region. One of the awardees is Lorena Cabillo, barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) of Barangay Magsaysay in Kidapawan City. Cabillo was declared Outstanding BNS in Region 12 during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremonies held at Fred Ann’s Food Haus, this city, on Friday. “This citatio...
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02Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan 2 (PIA) -- Now the senior population of this place will not worry where to turn to when in need of medical attention. Three thousand senior citizens in Malungon, Sarangani have received their PhiliHealth cards just before 2012 ended, a local heath official said. Municipal Health Officer Dr. Rafaida Hernandez said the distribution was screened to qualified senior citizens in the area. “The distribution of PhilHealth cards to senior citizens was started during our No...
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02Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 2 (PIA) -- Health officials in Soccsksargen Region stand behind the plan for a nationwide ban on firecrackers as a solution to the rising number of firecracker-related injuries, especially during the Yuletide season. Dr. Leonor Lozana, non-communicable diseases coordinator of the Department of Health (DOH) 12, said that they fully support the proposal of the DOH central office for the passage of a law banning the trade and use of f...
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02Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 2 (PIA) – To highlight the role of the youth in nation-building, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) - Cotabato Chapter has institutionalized a developmental legal aid program for the youth dubbed “Ang Batas at ang mga Kabataan”. The youth summit and peace concert held on December 28 at Southseas Mall aimed to strengthen the leadership skills of the young leaders and enhance their delivery of quality service to their respective communities. T...
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31Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 31 (PIA) -- Soccksargen Region’s Department of Agriculture (DA 12) has allotted more than P10 million as aid to victims of typhoon Pablo in the hardest-hit provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Assistance included among others seeds of corn, rice, and assorted vegetables, farm tools and machineries as well as relief packs. DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the distribution was...
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31Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 31 (PIA) -- “We appeal to parents and adults not to allow children to handle nor light firecrackers during the New Year celebration,” said Dr. Leonor Lozana, coordinator of Iwas Paputok campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) 12. “Also keep them from places where they may be put in danger of exploding firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices,” she added. Lozana made the request here on Friday after DOH 12’s fire...
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30Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 30 (PIA) -- Police authorities in Region 12 promised a peaceful and safe celebration to welcome the New Year despite the taping of the muzzles of the firearms of all police officers. Following the ceremonial muzzle taping ceremony Friday, PNP 12 regional director PCSupt Alex Paul Monteagudo, directed all police provincial directors and station chiefs to strengthen the police visibility especially in public convergence ...
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30Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 30 (PIA) -- Intensive operations of police authorities on illegal firecrackers and unauthorized trading of the same led to confiscation of at least P507,000 worth of assorted items in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and General Santos City. In a report sent to Philippine Information Agency 12 yesterday, PSInsp Benjamin Mauricio, head of the PNP 12's Regional Public Information Office said PNP 12 director PCSupt Alex Paul Monteagudo ordered...
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28Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- The local government units of South Cotabato province and Koronadal City are sending more assistance to areas ravaged by typhoon Pablo. On Wednesday, following the directive of Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., a team of health officials from South Cotabato left for Banganga town in Davao Oriental to assist in the medical mission for the typhoon victims there. Same order says that the medical team will serve in t...
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28Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 28 (PIA) -- A total of 460 Philhealth Employers’ Engagement Representatives (PEERs) across Soccsksargen region recently gathered in summits simultaneously held in five locations. Dr. Miriam Grace G. Pamonag, chief of the Field Operations Division of PhilHealth 12 said the summits were held to strengthen engagements with employers. PEERs are personnel of companies and establishments directly involved in the implementation o...
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27Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 27 (PIA) -- Thirteen persons, including a four-year old child, were wounded due to improper use of firecrackers during the Christmas celebration in South Cotabato. The number of firecracker-related injuries as of 11 a.m. yesterday was already 8.3 percent higher to the number of victims at the same time last year, Cecil Lorenzo, disease surveillance officer at the Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU) of the Integrated Pr...
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26Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Self-employed and voluntary members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth won’t be paying the annual P2,400 premium scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2013. Instead, each member will only be contributing P1,800 premium for the entire year. According to a notice from the office of Ramon Aristoza, PhilHealth vice president, the partial deferment was mandated in PhilHealth Circular No. 57, seri...
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26Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato. Dec. 26 (PIA) -- A total of P25 million-worth of noche buena packs were distributed to the affected families in the considered as the hardest hit typhoon-stricken towns by “Pablo” in Compostela Valley before Christmas, an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 official announced. Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, the DSWD -12 regional director, said that the regional office deployed its volunteers and personnel affected communities of...
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24Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 24 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s health chief has appealed to fathers and uncles and other men in families to keep the safety of children a primary concern when they light firecrackers and pyrotechnics to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year. “Our appeal especially to fathers and uncles is to be responsible in their use of firecrackers so as not to put children and other people in danger,” Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., head of the Integrated Provincial...
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24Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 24 (PIA 12) -- Hospitals and police command in South Cotabato have intensified alert status in time for the holiday season. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) said hospitals in the province have been placed under code white alert to provide immediate response to emergencies. With code white alert up, he explained, all medical staff of public hospitals in the province are on call. Code white alert also means...
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22Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Officer –in-Charge Mujiv Hataman revealed some of the projects to be implemented in the region next year. Hataman, in his recently conducted State of the Region Address (SORA) said that included in his top priorities for 2013 is the “Bayanihan ng Mamamayan tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kasaganaan ng ARMM”. This is a project, he said wherein all the initiatives and programs of different agencies, local...
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22Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 22 (PIA) -- The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12 explained that as of December 1, 2012, minimum wage rate of workers in the non-agriculture sector in Soccsksargen Region remains at P270 a day. The amount, according to an RTWPB 12 advisory, consists separately of P260 basic wage and P10 cost of living allowance (COLA). RTWPB 12, chaired by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 director Chon...
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21Dec2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the City Government of Tacurong with a glass trophy and a check worth P2 Million for being adjudged as the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Winner under the Component City Category. Mayor Lina O. Montilla received the awards during DILG-XII Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 12, 2012 at Sun City Suites, General Santos City. “The national government is rest as...
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21Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- South Cotabato trade and industry provincial director Flora Gabunales warned consumers against swindlers. Gabunales said consumers should be extra careful when dealing with individual and group swindlers roaming around the province in search of their victims especially this holiday season. She said consumers should watch out against sales promotion scams offering freebies, such as movie or show tickets, rice cookers and other household utensils...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 20 (PIA) -- Fifty-seven farmers in Maitum town, Sarangani have completed season-long farmers’ field school (FFS) on grains production. Last week, according to a Department of Agriculture (DA) report, 30 farmers received their certificates of completion of the FFS on organic farming using natural farming technology system while 27 others completed FFS on inbred rice production. Both training courses lasted for four mont...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The International Urban Training Center (IUTC) based in the Republic of Korea (ROK) are currently teaching indigenous people in North Cotabato the proper water and wastes restoration and management. The training which started on Saturday and will end on Thursday is headed by Professor Kwi-Gon Kim, director of UITC. Kidapawan City Vice-mayor Joseph Evangelista said the IUTC has partnered with the Mount Apo Foundation, Inc (Mafi), a non-governmen...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- A total of 16 Barangay Food Terminals (BFT) in Soccsksargen were formally opened by the Department of Agriculture 12 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) this year. The said BFTs were simultaneously opened this December. The newly-opened BFTs were Barangay Sulit, Polo and Klinan 6 in Polomolok, South Cotabato, Barangay Kabulakan in Matalam, Barangay Polayagan and Kitacubong in Alamada and Barangay Cuyapon and Dagupan...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- Three provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where hostilities could possibly erupt during next year’s midterm election is being monitored by the police. Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur and Basilan were included among 15 provinces in the country marked by the Department of the Interior and Local Government as “prority provinces” based on reported existence of private armed groups, having so many loose firearms and having election-...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- Maguindanao’s provincial election director Udtog Tago is optimistic that the removal of 127,121 underage and multiple registrants in Maguindanao’s new book of voters will ease political tension in the province. Tago said 543,034 registered in the July 9-18, 2012 general re-registration of voters in Maguindanao, but 127,121 non-qualified registrants have been delisted during deliberations by the Election Registration Board from Nov. 26 to 30,...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 20 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s provincial government has collected P14.8 million from mining and quarry taxes in the first eleven months of the year based on a report from the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO). PEMO chief, Engr. Siegfred Flaviano is confident their office may be able to collect at least P18 million to P20 milion by the end of the year. But even if they fall short of the P20 million targe...
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20Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 20 (PIA) -- The Oblates Missionary Foundation (OMF) in coordination with the Oblates Media and Communications Group distributed on Wednesday relief items to Pablo victims in New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Aside from food and water, the group also delivered clothing items for the affected municipality. The goods were gathered from establishments, religious organizations and private individuals from the provinces of North Cotabato and Maguindanao. Oblates Fo...
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18Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 18 (PIA) -- School children and residents of a once conflict-stricken small village nestled in the mountains in Maasim, received an early Christmas present from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The presents came in the form of a newly constructed school building and school bags for pupils of Seven Hills Elementary School. All in the past During the mid-1980s, Seven Hills was the battleground of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the militar...
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18Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The local government unit (LGU) of Kabacan, North Cotabato will be extending help to affected residents of the Compostela Valley province due to typhoon Pablo. The LGU allotted financial aid worth P100,000 for the victims. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction officer Dr. Cedric Mantawil said that their office is accepting donations in cash or in kind. Also, they have launched hotline numbers 248-2123, 0920-948-5004, and 0919-319-0840 for those who w...
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18Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 18 (PIA) – The Office of North Cotabato 1st District Congressman Jesus Sacdalan conducted a forum on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro for members of the Midsayap Umbrella and Sidewalk Vendors Association (Musva). Over 100 members of Musva participated in the forum aimed at helping the vendors understand that the signed framework agreement is a guide for a final peace agreement. Resource speaker in the forum was Engr. Jerry Pieldad, Congressio...
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18Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Councilors League (PCL) has recognized Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat as Most Outstanding Sanggunian-Component City Category in Region XII. SP Tacurong headed by Mayor Lina O. Montilla and Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado accepted the award dubbed the Local Legislative Award during DILG-XII’s Year-End Evaluation and Awarding Ceremonies on December 1...
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17Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 17 (PIA) -- To encourage farmers to adopt technologies that will increase their production, the Department of Agriculture recently showcased a rice demonstration farm cum research site in Koronadal City. Said rice demo farm was highlighted at the recent Farmers’ Field Day at Purok Mabuhay 2 in Brgy. Carpenter Hill, this city, where farmers examined the beginnings of two research projects and model farm for upland ...
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17Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 17 (PIA)--Some 30 lumads in Southwestern Mindanao have undergone a week-long training on audio-visual production. They will complete the training today. The participants include Aromanon Manobos from North Cotabato, T’bolis from South Cotabato and Dulangan Manobos and Tedurays from Maguindanao. The training which was held at DXND auditorium in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato was funded by the U.S Embassy in cooperation with the I-Watch. Father Eduardo ...
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17Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 17 (PIA) -- To educate farmers in Soccsksargen Region and boost their production, the Department of Agriculture - Region 12 (DA - 12) last week held activity where discussions are conducted right at the community where farmers reside. The project, “Usapang Palayan (Rice Talk),” employs focus group discussion in rice-producing communities where DA brings experts who will talk to farmers and find out what their problems a...
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17Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 17 (PIA) -- The city government demolished illegal structures along the city’s road-right-of-way and installed in their stead glittering Christmas decors that light up the city's main street at night. City Mayor Peter Miguel in an interview confirmed demolition of at least 46 illegal structures constructed along the General Santos drive road-of-way earlier this month. The demolition was conducted smoothly, the mayor said, this, despite minor resis...
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17Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dis. 17 (PIA) -- Efforts to develop the potential of Maitum town in Sarangani for massive rubber production have continued. The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12, said that last week at least 40 local farmers completed a season-long farmers’ field school on rubber production technology and management geared toward building the capacity of the industry’s manpower in said town. The FFS was conducted by DA 12 in partnership ...
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15Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- After almost two years of construction which started March last year, the filtration plant in the province of North Cotabato is now operational. The P17.5 million plant which is located in Barangay Perez, Kidapawan City is expected to supply safe drinking water to the more than 24,000 residents in the province. The inauguration yesterday was led by Stella Gonzales, general manager of the Metro Kidapawan Water District (MKWD. MKWD assistant gen...
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14Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Twenty-one years after its establishment in 1991, the Police Regional Office (PRO-12) finally got its symbol authority, the PRO-12 Command Saber. Police deputy director-general Emelito T. Sarmiento came to General Santos City on Monday, December 10, to formally hand the PRO-12 Command Saber to PNP 12 regional director PCSupt Alex Paul Monteagudo PSInsp Benjamin Mauricio Jr., chief of the public information office of PN...
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14Dec2012COTABATO CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Members of the Regional Legislative Assembly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RLA-ARMM) on the third and final reading on Dec 13, have passed RLA Bill No. 5, otherwise known as “Reproductive Health Care of 2012 for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.” Assemblywoman Irene Tillah of the second district of Sulu and principal author of RLA Bill No. 5 said the law provides that the Regional Autonomous Government recognizes and guarantees the univ...
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14Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 14 (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture- Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) has honored best performing Local Government Units (LGUS) and people’s organizations (Pos) in Sarangani province. After showing excellent and proactive project management, Maitum LGU was hailed best performing LGU implementing Mindanao Rural Development Program-Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) projects. Meanwhile, LGUs of Malungon and Kiamba bagge...
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14Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- The World Medical Relief (WMR) provided help to the people of North Cotabato by giving medical assistance. Medical equipment and supplies worth $1,800,000 from WMR were recently delivered to the provincial capitol and formally handed to the local government units yesterday. At the turn over ceremony, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza emphasized that poor families in the province will now be given quality medical assistance. The gover...
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14Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) in Soccksargen Region is beefing up its troop with 99 new recruits, a police official here said. PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., public information chief of PNP 12 said these new Police Officer 1s (PO1s) are undergoing a mandatory six-month Public Safety Basic Recruit Course at the Regional Training School-12. Mauricio added that the latest addition to the police force in Regi...
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14Dec2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-GenSan is sending good tidings to public utility vehicles (PUVs) without franchise saying it is giving them a break this Christmas season. Ishmael Almanza, LTO Gensan chief, said starting December 16 to January 1 they would temporarily suspend their street clearing of illegal PUVs here to give way to a merrier Christmas celebrations. “We’ll take a rest by 16th of this month until January 1,” he said, explaining ...
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14Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- The province of Sultan Kudarat remains relatively peaceful and manageable despite persistent threats, a local official said. Despite bomb and kidnapping threats, carnapping/motor theft incidents, shooting, illegal drugs and other disturbances perpetrated by lawless elements, the province is enjoying relative peace especially during this holiday season. This is according to the report of P/Senior Supt. Rolen C. Balquin, Sultan Kudarat police pro...
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13Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 13 (PIA) -- The Community e-Center (CeC) of M’lang town in Cotabato province received a national award for introducing innovations in digital literacy in local governance. The local government unit received the citation as one of 2012 Community e-Center innovators in a ceremony held earlier this month in Davao City. M’lang information Officer Mary Ann Cortado told the Philippine Information Agency here that the national award was given by the Departmen...
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13Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 13 (PIA) -- Thirty-six barangays in three municipalities of North Cotabato recently received vehicles from the provincial government. The turn-over of multicabs to barangay councils in M’lang, Arakan, and Magpet completed the distribution of vehicles to deserving barangays in the 17 municipalities and one component city of the province. According to a report from the Information and Development Communication Division (IDCD) of th...
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13Dec2012KORONADAL CITY South Cotabato, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Security measures are set in place around Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao compound in Cotabato City in preparation for ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman’s State of the Region Address on December 18. Hataman’s chief of staff, John Magno said police and 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team are already on guard and have started thorough inspection of vehicles entering the compound. According to Magno, the security efforts are merely pre-emptive measur...
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13Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 13 (PIA) -- In support of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program of the Aquino administration, a barangay food terminal was recently opened in Barangay Sulit in nearby Polomolok town. The Achievers Savers Care Group an organization of residents in said barangay received the project from Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 through its Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Division (AMAD). BFT package included: P50,000 worth rice allowance from t...
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13Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 13 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Maguindanao led by Governor Esmael ‘Toto’ G. Mangudadatu extended support to victims of typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental province on on Monday, according to information from ARMM CommGroup. A relief and medical mission was held in Cateel town. Relief goods included 50 sacks of rice and 1,800 bags of used clothing. The medical team also brought tetanus toxoid vials. “We’ve been through a lot also in M...
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13Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Participants from all over North Cotabato will exhibit their chess skills tomorrow, December 14, for a three-day Christmas Kiddies’ and Non-Master Open Chess Tournament to be held at Sunbeam Alliance Center in Midsayap, Cotabato. The tournament will be divided into two categories which will be participated bu chess enthusiasts from 1st District of North Cotabato and neighboring towns. Children age 14 below will compete in the Kiddies’ Catego...
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13Dec2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec 13 (PIA)-- Airline commuters from GenSan are now rejoicing over the Air Passenger Bill of Rights protecting them from all airlines fuss. The Air Passenger Bill of Rights, which aims to improve airline operations and practices in the country, will be implemented on December 21 in time for the Yuletide celebrations. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) based in GenSan said the new policy is crafted with the intention to foster a “win-win situation” for both t...
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12Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, December 12 (PIA) -- Various giant Christmas trees are now the center of attraction in Matalam, North Cotabato as part of the town’s upcoming 51st founding anniversary. The trees which are lined up in the grounds of the town hall are the entries to the annual "Christmas Tree Competition." The contest is participated by private and public schools, government and non-government organizations as well as business industries in the town. Mayor Oscar Valdevieso sai...
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12Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 12 (PIA) -- Concern over the safety of children has led South Cotabato health officials to go ahead with their own version of “Iwas Paputok” campaign for the Yuletide season. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said they have decided to go ahead with designing their own information drive and campaign materials to be able to reach as many children as possible befor...
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12Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), has conducted a review of conservation efforts for the Philippine Eagle. The Regional Eagle Watch Teams (REWT) 2012 Annual Meeting and 2013 Planning Workshop was held from December 3 – 5 in cognizance of the national bird’s plight as well as sustain its conservation and protection DENR – PAWB representative ...
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12Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Dec11 (PIA) – Elementary pupils belonging to their schools' student government in Lutayan town have undergone leadership education and training from Save the Children, a global children's rights organization. Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) officers from eight public schools from Lutayan 1 District took part in a two-day training held at Cresta del Rio Resort in Koronadal City on December 10-11, 2012. Most of them said it was their first time to sleep in air-c...
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11Dec2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Tacurong City’s Inugyunay Festival 2012 will open at 6 p.m today , December 11 at the City Hall Grounds. This will be signaled by the lighting of the entries for this year’s Light a Christmas Tree contest. The City Government, in coordination with public and private agencies, prepared a variety of events for Tacurongnons and local tourists for the celebration of the Christmas season. Activities are: Chicken Inasal sa Beer Plaza...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Thousands of residents of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) town in Maguindanao have availed of free medical and dental services from the Department of Health- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from December 9-10. The medical and dental mission conducted at the town’s covered court is part of the celebration of the 6th founding anniversary of the municipality. DOH-ARMM was assisted by the 1st Marine Brigade and its component stationed at DBS, t...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 11 (PIA) -- Local officials and residents of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) in Maguindanao attended the inauguration of the newly built municipal hall of the seaside town. DBS Mayor Marcial Sinsuat said this is a huge step towards the town's development, despite difficulties and problems that they have recently encountered. The town has not been receiving internal revenue allotment from the national government since its inception in 2006 by the Regional Assembly of...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO) presented solutions that will answer the long-running power problem in Mindanao. The presentation was given emphasis during the Regional Development Council (RDC)-12 4th regular meeting held last week in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Some of the solutions tackled were the “one-stop shop,” which can facilitate the entry of power projects, and the operation of the Iligan Diesel Power P...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 11 (PIA) -- Members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) need not rush to GW@PS kiosks to key in their application for emergency loan, which the agency has granted to members in Mindanao and Visayas who were adversely affected by typhoon Pablo. GSIS General Santos City branch manager Deity Manampan assured members that enough fund have been allotted for the purpose and appealed to them not to flock to the kios...
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11Dec2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 12 has stepped up its information drive on “Iwas Paputok” as Yuletide season comes nearer. The campaign aims to discourage the public in using firecrackers and fireworks to reduce the number of injuries or even casualties this Christmas. DOH targets for a zero injury this year, it said. In a press briefing, Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH-CHD 12 OIC-regional director has called on the public to...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 11 (PIA) -- It is a measure of maturity of its residents that even vendors would like to be elucidated on a complex issue as the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. Members of the Midsayap Umbrella and Sidewalk Vendors Association (Musva) admitted that they don’t understand what the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro really means. Musva President Mary Ann Dolendo said that they are willing to help explain the framework agreement to their communities if they...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 11 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s provincial government plans to send today assistance to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. This after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan yesterday approved Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.’s urgent request for an authority to donate P500,000 to each of two provinces that took the hardest hit. Per letter of the governor, the amount will be charged agains...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- The city government of Cotabato closely works with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the upcoming 14th Shariff Kabunsuan Festival. It will be the first time wherein the city local government unit collaborates with ARMM for the celebration which will kick off on December 15 and will commence on the 19th. City government sec. Aniceto Rasalan said the cooperation and coordination between the city government and the ARMM aims to a...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- A state-of-the art clonal facility worth P3.5 million will soon rise at the government-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan town in North Cotabato. Information released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 today said that DENR-12 and USM jointly conducted on November 28 a ground breaking ceremony marking the site were a clonal facility for production of quality seedlings wil...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- As early as 6 a.m. today, government employees started to line up at GSIS G-WAPS installed here in the city. Government workers both from national agencies and the local government were so happy after the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) approved the granting of emergency loan to members hit by “Pablo” in Visayas and Mindanao, after President Benigno Aquino III declared a national state of calamity The GSIS has announced the gra...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 10 (PIA) -- The local government of North Cotabato has helped the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 upgrade its facilities in Kidapawan City as part of its commitment to expand services to farmers. DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan confirmed that North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño- Mendoza turned over to DA 12 a check amounting to P4.4 million intended for the improvement of the laboratory faci...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) --The Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 has called the attention of concerned agencies to fast track implementation of infrastructure projects in a bid to promote further development in Soccsksargen region. RDC 12 chair and General Santos City mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said that delayed implementation can slow down movement of business enterprises which in turn could delay development in the area. Custodio emphasize...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Some 2,000 OFWs and their families from the Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 are expected to join the celebration of 2012 OFW Family Day at Tupi, South Cotabato on December 14. Spearheaded by Overseas Workers Welfare Administraion-Region 12 in partnership with the different line agencies and private entities on the promotion and welfare of the Overseas Filipino Workers, the celebration will be held at Tupi Municipal Gymnasium. Programs and S...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Preparations for the OFW Family Day Celebration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are all set according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Region. Over 500 Overseas Filipino Workers and their families are expected to attend the fun-filled activity on Saturday, December 15 at Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School. Programs and Services Division, OIC, Christelyn R. Caceres said that they have prepared surprises...
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08Dec2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- The Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Tacurong City will be fully implemented effective January 2013. However, according to councilor Psyche Sucaldito, the ordinance will already take effect in the city government buildings and areas on December 10, 2012. “We are setting the standard so we need to start earlier than the rest of the city. We should be good examples,” said Sucaldito, author of the said ordinance. To kick off the ordinance’s ...
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08Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- Four hundred athletes from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines are expected to converge in General Santos for the opening of the 7th BIMP-East Asia Growth Area Friendship Games today. “This affirms harmonious interaction among the member countries of this sub-regional cooperation,” said Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Philippine signing minister for...
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08Dec2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Dec. 8 (PIA)-- The City Treasury Office of Tacurong has achieved 105 percent efficiency in the collection of non-tax revenues for fiscal year 2012. During the monthly convocation sponsored by Treasury Office, local treasury operations officer III Romulo Paclibar presented the accomplishment report of the office as of November of the current year. He reported that collections of non-tax revenues exceeded the P30 million-target by 5 percent or P1.5 million. No...
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08Dec2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec 8 (PIA) -- The local government here is eyeing the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in major streets of the city as one way of intensifying its anti-criminality campaign. City Councilor Dante Vicente said that Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio is considering a plan to allocate budget for the purchase of CCTV cameras to be installed in major thoroughfares of the city especially in the entrance and exit roads. “The highest priority should be given...
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07Dec2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) --- Another grandiose Christmas celebration is about to unfold as the local government here is all set to open the carnival-like “Pasko sa Gensan” Saturday. With the theme: “Pasko sa Gensan: Kalingawan, Kasadya, Hudyaka” residents of the city, including local and foreign tourists can expect a festive and spirited holiday season with the Department of Education (DepEd) running the celebration. “We want to have a little variation from last year’s fe...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Early Recovery and Rehabilitation for Central Mindanao (ERRCM) donated disaster preparedness equipment to the local government unit of Cotabato to boost its disaster response capabilities. A statement from the Information and Development Communication Division (IDCD) of the office of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza reported that the equipment amounted to P400,000. The donation included a Global Positioning System (G...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Michigan-based charity group World Medical Relief (WMR) has sent more high-end medical equipment to Cotabato province, a report from the provincial governor’s office said. The medical equipment and supplies, with an estimated cost of P17 million comprised the fourth shipment of donations from WMR for North Cotabato this year, a statement from the Information and Development Communication Division of the ...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The province of Cotabato has opened the newest and bigger building at the provincial hospital inside the provincial capitol in Amas, Kidapawan City on November 22. Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza led the blessing of the public hospital complex’s latest addition, which was built at cost of P35 million. Of this amount, P25 million was provided by the Department of Health with provincial government appropr...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has inaugurated the Regional Clonal Nursery in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City to boost the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP). DENR Assistant Secretary Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., led the ribbon- cutting ceremony on November 28 marking the official opening of the clonal nursery, which has already produced at least 407,000 seedlings o...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- More indigent families in Makilala town in North Cotabato received Philhealth cards from the Municipal Health Services Office. A statement from the local government unit said that about 800 indigent residents already received their health cards as a result of the collaborative efforts of the LGU and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) here. Distribution of the cards started last month. LGU-Makilala is targeting to give out ...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 12 awarded yesterday, plaques of recognition to outstanding volunteers in the Region 12. Cited for the organization category are the Dadiangas Baptist Church in General Santos City and the Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc. in Cotabato City Marlon Ceballos of the 505 Disaster Rescuers for Emergencies, Assistan...
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06Dec2012COTABATO CITY, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The continuous information and education campaign through symposia on the Framework Agreement in various areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for better understanding and appreciation of the provisions of the agreement is gaining ground. On Dec. 4, this year, an estimated 500 participants that included political leaders, civil society groups, religious community, local officials and other stakeholders from Maguindanao, Basilan, Davao, Zamboanga ...
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06Dec2012From a small group, the Family Resource Allocation Management and Enhancement (FRAME) Savers’ Movement has now grown into hundreds of savers. It started only as a saving initiative of 23 members from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) field operations in 2003 evolving thereafter into a mass-based saving movement. To date, 40,000 or more are enrolled in FRAME described as anti-poverty initiative of the city government here to improve the living condition of the poor 'Gene...
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06Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 6 (PIA) -- Koronadal City Division’s lone entry to the province-wide Search for Model School in Solid Waste Management (SWM) Implementation bagged third place. Koronadal City Central Elementary School 1 (KCES) SWM Implementation Project aside from settling for a 3rd-place finish also got three minor awards, in the awarding rites held on November 22-23, 2012 at the PROTECH Center here. The minor awards were, Best in Recycling, Best in IEC and Best in Displ...
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06Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Professional Regulatory Commission’s (PRC) mobile services will put up temporary office in General Santos City on December 8 -9, an official of PRC – Davao Regional Office announced today. PRC- Davao regional director Josephine Villegas – Liamzon said, they will set up office at the covered court inside the Gensan Oval where they will serve clients from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on...
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06Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Soccksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) and government-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in North Cotabato have agreed to establish a center that would push for the protection of the region’s biodiversity. DENR 12 regional executive director Datu Tungko Saikol and USM President Jesus Antonio Derije signed a memorandum agreement for the establishment of the facility, w...
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06Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 6 (PIA)-- Over 120 OFWs and beneficiaries from the far-flung island of Tawi-Tawi participated in a capability-building training of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The training focused on entrepreneurial development, financial literacy, organizational development and values formation. The first round of training was participated by 63 participants from Bongao Women Entrepreneur, Malanta OFW Associatio...
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06Dec2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 recently honored three courageous policemen who fought lawless elements in the city and put their lives at risk in the name of service. PRO 12 Public Information Officer (PIO), PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio, Jr. said that awards, recommendations, and honors for gallantry were given to PO1 Mark Anthony Santillan, PO2 Peter Quinzon, and a SWAT member of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) whose identity is withheld for...
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05Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Exhibitors from Soccsksargen region displayed local products in the recently conducted Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines- East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Consumer Fair 2012 held at Melaka International Trade Center, Malaysia. Trade exhibitors included Bios Dynamis Multi-purpose Cooperative of Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc., Matutum Tropical Fruits Association, ...
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05Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 5 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo left “minimal” damages to the province of North Cotabato, Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza confirmed this morning. “We have submitted an initial report to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 noting minimal damage to properties in the province,” she said. Typhoon Pablo, she said, resulted in the evacuation of some 60 families in a village in Kidapawan City and toppling of several electric...
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05Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 5 (PIA) --South Cotabato’s provincial government will open its gates to residents beginning December 14 to celebrate Christmas with different sectoral groups. Unlike in previous years when a special night was offered for the merriment of children, this year, according to Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., the province’s “Pamaskong Handog” will last seven nights, each night dedicated to a particular social sector. This ...
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05Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Operations against undocumented firearms in Soccsksargen Region have resulted in confiscation of at least 16 firearms as well as ammunition, a report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 said. Police chief inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., head of the PRO-12’s information office, said the operations were implemented from November 1 to 26. Confiscated firearms without pertinent documents included the following: ...
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05Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 5 (PIA) -- Operatives of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 have collared at least 40 wanted persons in Soccksargen Region in a month-long massive campaign. Police senior inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., told PIA 12 yesterday that the arrests were made as a result of 28 operations from November 1 – 26. Arrested persons, he added, are facing charges including kidnapping; murder; frustrated murder; violations of RA 9262 (An...
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04Dec2012COTABATO CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) is set to start the construction of a 25-bed capacity hospital in Maimbung, Jolo, Sulu this week, says DOH-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional secretary Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding, Jr. A ground breaking ceremony was held Dec 3 in Maimbung attended by some ARMM cabinet members, health officials, local executives and residents for the construction of the P23.5 million Maimbung hospital in a one hectare land donated by S...
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04Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 through its Agri Pinoy Livestock Program has launched in Koronadal City the first Adopt-a-School Program in Region 12. The department handed over a goat dispersal project package to the beneficiary school, the Rotonda Elementary School in Barangay Rotonda of the mentioned city. The package was composed of 17 goats which will serve as an income-generating project (IGP) of the Parents’ Teachers’ Association...
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04Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Soccsksargen Region have warned people in the entire region to be vigilant and to take precautionary measures against possible disasters that Typhoon Pablo may bring. MGB 12 regional director Constancio Paye Jr, yesterday afternoon released an advisory reminding residents in the four provinces and five cities of the regi...
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04Dec2012COTABATO CITY, Dec. 4, (PIA) -- The Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) spearheaded the launching of VAW Hotline Project in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in observance of the worldwide 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW). The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women this year started November 25 until December 12 with relevant activities and events centered on the theme "VAW-Free Society in times of peace, conflict and calamity.” During the project...
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04Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The United States Embassy in partnership with the ACCESS Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP) Alumni Association will be holding a three-day Mindanaw Youth 4 Human Rights Camp at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. The activity which will start on Thursday will bring together 50 young leaders ages 18-21 from the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao who have shown outstanding involvement in community se...
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03Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The local government of Makilala pilot-tested one barangay in its municipal-wide profiling system aimed to promote transparency in local governance. The barangay profiling system is also part of the effort of the local government under Mayor Rudy Caoagdan to make residents informed of its policies and services and other initiatives. Last November 22, the LGU tested four sets of simplified forms that cover the individual family profile, community general informat...
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03Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The Department Agriculture in Soccksargen region is intensifying its fight against pests and diseases on crops in the barangays. DA 12 and the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) has gathered recently more than 1,000 members of Bantay Peste Brigades also called “pest scouts” across Soccsksargen Region in the first Regional Bantay Peste Brigade Forum. Dr. Jesus Binamira, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) KAS...
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03Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Five farmer groups in General Santos City and South Cotabato have received free hermetic cocoons from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12. Zaldy M. Boloron, operations division chief and regional corn program coordinator of DA 12 said, eight hermetic cocoons, each amounting to P275,000 or a total of P2.2 million, were distributed as grant to the farmer groups under the department’s AgriPinoy Ma...
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03Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections extends the Election Registration Board (ERB) hearing in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. COMELEC-ARMM Director Rey Sumalipao said that they need more time to cleanse the final list of voters in the region. They’ll have to extend the hearings because the ERB proceedings last November 26-30 were not enough. As of the initial results, more than 29,000 under-age as well as 270,000 multiple registrants were de...
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03Dec2012COTABATO CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- There’s no turning back as far as reforms are being instituted at the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) is concerned, according to a local executive here. DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary for Operations Noor Saada said, vigorous efforts are focused in the implementation and putting into action needed reforms and long-term solutions to controversies and negative reports hounding the agency during past administra...
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03Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 3 (PIA) – The Maguindanao Provincial Government has conducted a series of medical, dental and relief mission to the different towns the past week. Some 1,300 patients mostly women, children and elderly benefited from medical and dental services at Northern Kabuntalan as part of the town's 6th founding anniversary. In his message, Maguindanao Governor Esmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu said health services should more accessible to the people. Relief distribu...
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03Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Gathering the employees of an organization and giving them activities is one way of testing their capabilities and attitude as a group. Department of Agriculture 12 regional executive director Amalia J. Datukan said through team building activities, the agency can determine the right and responsible employees who are fit for government service especially in DA. This was given emphasis during the recently conducted team building activity and pl...
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29Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 28 (PIA) --- The Department of Health (DOH) 12 noted on Tuesday that dengue cases in the region now reached 3,726 from January 1 to November 24 this year; a 45% increase compared to the 2,575 cases for the same period last year. “Dengue cases reported to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) 12 revealed that more than half or 53% of the cases were male with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or 56% was the most type reported,” DOH 12 information office...
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29Nov2012DAVAO CITY, Nov 29 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma told Mindanao communicators Wednesday (Nov 28) to celebrate the many opportunities and best practices that now abound in the Mindanao region. Coloma, keynote speaker during the opening of Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress and Workshop 2012, said peace itself in the island region is an opportunity for every Mindanaoan to celebrate and be thankful for. “We are on the th...
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29Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 through the Unified National Insemination Program (UNAIP) gathered provincial and city artificial insemination (AI) coordinators and report officers of local government units (LGUs) in the region for an Electronic Report Training. The training held recently at General Santos City targets to fast track reporting system and to obtain accurate AI data coming in from the field. Dr. Paul C. Limson, chief of the...
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29Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has recently submitted all requirements for its entry to the 1st ever Search for the Best OFW Family Circle Awards which will be held in Manila on December 6, 2012. The documentation is composed of a narrative report, certifications, pictures and information of the OFW Family Circle (OFC’s) support and involvement in OWWA programs and activities, per...
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29Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- Some 2,762 indigent senior citizens in Soccsksargen Region could soon be added to the list of beneficiaries of the government’s social pension, an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 said. Lavinia Bañez, focal person on the social pension program in the region, said they recently received directives from DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman to begin the process of identify...
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29Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit of Kabacan in the province of North Cotabato featured the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in the town’s celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace which started on Monday. Professor Raby Angkal of the MILF Central Committee who graced the event as speaker gave emphasis on the true meaning of the word “Bangsamoro”. He explained that the word is tantamount to the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao who should be give...
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28Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- Six swimmers from South Cotabato will be competing at the 2012 Philippine Youth Games, popularly known as Batang Pinoy Games in Iloilo City on December 5 – 8. Provincial sports coordinator Florentino Perez identified the athletes as Ferdinand Jade Depita, Kevin Troy Dagum, Early John Tablizo, Keith Glennjoy Tuya, Sharleen Ester Edroso, and Kaith Lim. He said the six athletes have qualified to compete in the nati...
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27Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Health officials here are seeking for an earlier launch of the fireworks reduction campaign for the holiday season. Ahead of any directive from the Department of Health, Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Officer (IPHO) of South Cotabato, early this month ordered organization of a campaign plan to educate residents of the dangers of using firecrackers to celebrate Christmas and welcome the...
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27Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. advances the promotion of biodynamic and organic farming not only in Soccsksargen but also in the whole Mindanao. Social Enterprise General Manager Romano Laurilla said that with the international certification they received lately, the foundation will be gearing up to further give quality service to the community. “We are very happy to have the international organic certification, the ...
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27Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- At least 16 local government units and farmer groups have received free postharvest facilities in line with the Department of Agriculture’s bid to boost food staples self-sufficiency. Jimmy Oliva, regional technical director for operations of DA 12 said they distributed 10 corn mills and 10 corn shellers from the DA’s Agri-Pinoy Corn Program and the Soccsksargen-Area Development Program Office (ADPO)....
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26Nov2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The budget of Tacurong City’s local government unit will increase by P23M compared to this year’s allocation, a report from the Tacurong City LGU said. The Sangguniang Panglungsod led by Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado on November 7 approved Ordinance No. 11 series of 2012 appropriating an amount of P343, 531, 335 for the annual budget of the City of Tacurong for Calendar Year 2013. The ordinance was approved through the mot...
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26Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- South Cotabato leads the entire Soccsksargen Region in terms of anti-drug abuse campaigns, said Aileen Lovitos, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12. “I commend South Cotabato because they have the most active anti-drug abuse councils in the entire Region 12,” Lovitos told reporters at a press conference during the culmination program of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control ...
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26Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 26 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 is giving special attention on North Cotabato and General Santos City in curbing supply and demand of illegal drugs and other controlled substances. Aileen Lovitos, PDEA 12 regional director said, both locations have remained areas of concern pertaining to the proliferation of illegal drugs, especially methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly know as shabu. She said they are g...
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26Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 26 (PIA) - -The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cotabato City is set to implement City Ordinance 3880 or the Cotabato City Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) installation ordinance of 2010. The implementation will start on January next year mandating business establishments in the city to comply with the ordinance. City Mayor Japal Guiani said owners or operators of business establishments will be given 60 days to comply with the requirement otherwise their b...
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26Nov2012ALABEL, Sarangani Nov. 26 (PIA) -- MunaTo Festival kicked off Sunday with a series of business events under “Invest Sarangani,” a combined investment tour, business conference and matching to lure in more tourists and investors to the province. “Invest Sarangani”, set on November 25-27, is conducted in partnership with Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., the provincial government and Department of Trade and Industry. While the November 28-30 MunaTo Festival features Sar...
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26Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 26 (PIA) -- Local government executives (LGEs) and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) from Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao underwent a two-day seminar workshop on planning, budgeting, revenue generation, procurement, debt and accountability held in Davao City over the weekend. The workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of both LGEs and CSOs to better understand the processes and intricacies of local public finance. Its purpose is to sp...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Two hundred and fifty-four police officers were officially added to the police force of Soccsksargen Region (Reg.12), a report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 said. PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., head of the PRO-12 information division, told PIA 12, Friday, that these new breed of law enforcers were conferred their Philippine National Police badge in a Badge-of-Honor Ceremony, November 12. Police Regional Director PC...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 23 (PIA) -- Thousands of children representing 12 elementary and high schools in Sultan Kudarat province gathered at the province’s capital for the annual children’s congress on November 15. The 11th Provincial Children Congress, carrying the theme: “Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag ay Palaganapin” was held at Sultan Kudarat Sports and Cultural Center. Gov. Suharto T. Mangudadatu said the province is a child-friendly lo...
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23Nov2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Three hundred forty-two individuals, all desiring to acquire skills to improve their employability, enrolled in short-term technical-vocational courses offered by the city government of Tacurong in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Scholars were given eight choices for practical skills and development trainings: dressmaking, massage thera...
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23Nov2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Three hundred forty-two individuals, all desiring to acquire skills to improve their employability, enrolled in short-term technical-vocational courses offered by the city government of Tacurong in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Scholars were eight choices for practical skills and development trainings: dressmaking, massage therapy NC ...
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23Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov 23 (PIA) -- The 10-year-olds of today are the teachers and professionals 10 years from now. These children, said Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc, Tuesday, will form the workforce who benefited from the professional system instituted by the Reform ARMM government of today. Gutoc congratulated the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in launching the six-year Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao-ARMM (BEAM-ARMM) program Tuesday, Nov. 20. Gu...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Representatives from different government agencies are now undergoing a seminar-workshop on all hazard Early Warning System (EWS) and Early Broadcast System (EBS). This activity is one of the initiatives of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 headed by Regional Director Lita B. Enok to mitigate the effects of calamities. The event which started yesterday presented the EWS and EBS guidelines for flooding and landslide which was tackled by a rep...
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23Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The city government here is lobbying for the development support of Mt. Matutum, Mt. Parker, and Silway River Basin into a sustainable resource-based project. Through the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), the local government of GenSan has asked the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to fund the project development of the areas into a sustainable management ecosystem based tourism resource to cushion the impact of rai...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conducted a series of training for seven OFW Family Circles (OFCs) from Matanog, Maguindanao last week. The OFCs underwent four trainings, namely: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, values formation, and organizational development. These training focused on various social, cognitive values formation activities, leadership, handling meetings and managing co...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- More than 150 elementary and high school students from different schools in Cotabato City together with their teachers joined the blogging web 5.0 conference and membership assembly held on November 19 in South Seas Mall, Cotabato City. The conference was aimed at training and introducing the youth to online news writing and journalism and at the same time giving them an online income opportunity. It was headed by the Blogpipz Community which is...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Some 2,481 youths from several schools in North Cotabato have undergone an orientation on adolescent health and related topics sponsored by the provincial government. A report from the Information and Development Communication Division (IDCD) of the Office of Gov. Emmylou Mendoza sent to Philippine Information Agency 12 today, said 17 orientation activities on Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (AHYDP) were...
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22Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Campaigns and consultations regarding the proposed two-tiered wage system has been intensified since May this year, labor and employment officials here confirmed. Chona Mantilla, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 said their advocacy strategies to clarify this ground-breaking scheme and gather reactions from both the management and labor sectors include seminars, orientati...
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22Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 22 (PIA) -- Eight in every ten enterprises in Soccsksargen Region have complied with Wage Order No. RB XII-17, labor and employment officials here reported. “As of October 2012, per report from DOLE-12’s inspectorate team on the establishments they have covered in the routine inspection, Region 12 has at least 82 percent compliance rate of the wage order, "Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTPB) 12 ...
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22Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Some employees from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 underwent cost structure analysis and value chain introduction course held recently at Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Training Center in Batasan, Makilala, North Cotabato. The training focused on determining value of agricultural products from the production process to marketing. Robero Palo of the Associates Interdevelopment Consulting Incorporated explained that topic...
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22Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Fifty-two Public OFW Desk Officers (PODO) from the different provinces of Region 12 will participate in a two-day Customer Service Skills Training starting today. Spearheaded by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) 12 in coordination with Power Coach Workshop, the training is being conducted at Lemlunay Beach Resort in Maasim, Saranggani Province. Programs and Services Division Officer-in-charge Marilou M. Sumalinog said the training...
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21Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- In just five months since its inception in July this year, 410 learning centers for the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi were established by the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In a press conference yesterday, BEAM-ARMM, DepEd-ARMM, and the Office of the Regional Governor (ORG), reported that the establishment of the said learning centers in ARMM is aimed at supplementing the basic...
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21Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- The Office of the Attorney General sponsors a three-day free legal counseling at the Office of the Regional Governor starting today, November 21 in line with the 23rd anniversary celebration of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The services during the said program include free legal counseling on civil, criminal, and administrative cases. “The free legal Counseling Program is consistent with the spirit of public service and reform in the ARMM,” s...
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21Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 21 -- Workers in agriculture and retail service sectors in Soccsksargen Region will receive P4 to P6 per day additional cost of living allowance (COLA) beginning December 1. Jesse dela Cruz, secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12, said the increase comprises the second tranche of the COLA mandated in the Wage Order No. RB XII-17 that became effective on April 18 this year. Workers in the pl...
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21Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov 21 (PIA) -- Education Secretary Armin Luistro, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, and AusAid Director-General Rod Brazier signed yesterday the Memorandum of Subsidiary Arrangement (MSA) for the implementation of Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM). With project cost of P3.927 billion, funding source of the five-year BEAM-ARMM include the Australian Aid (AusAid), United Nations Childrens’ Fund (UNICEF), GIZed, Fit for Sc...
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21Nov2012KORONADAL, South Cotabato, Nov 21 (PIA) -- At least 1,000 farmers across three provinces in Soccsksargen Region have completed a course in pest and disease management aired via radio broadcast, a report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 said. On Friday, over 750 farmers from South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces received their certificates of completion as graduates of the DA-12’s School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Prevention and Management of Pests and...
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21Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- At least 16,500 bamboo seedlings have been planted along riverbanks and other riparian zones across South Cotabato from January to October this year, an environment official here said. Loida Villa, senior environment management specialist of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), said that in the last two months more than 8,500 seedlings were planted in identified critical zones. Planting locations ...
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21Nov2012Koronadal city, South Cotabato, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- The 16th Mindanao Week of Peace will be celebrated on November 28 – December 4 in Alamada, North Cotabato. Activities in the celebration include concert for peace, fun run, livelihood training for women, peace photo contest, peace forum and many more. The framework agreement and other initiatives regarding the GPH-MILF Peace talks will also be tackled. Civil Peace Service Coordinator Elvira Angsinco said they are expecting over three thousan...
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20Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 20 (PIA) -- At least 15 rescue teams from across Soccsksargen region recently gathered in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to compete in the 1st Gov. Teng Search and Rescue Olympics. A joint undertaking of the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Sultan Kudarat and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council RDRRMC) XII and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12, the SAR olympics held from Novembe...
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20Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- More than 700 pupils from 25 public elementary schools here joined the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Expo Monday where they showcased the use of ICT as a tool to promote education and business. SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) head, Percival Pasuelo said the activities for children include the competitions on digital caricature-making, blogging, laying out a newsletter, and electronic battle of the brains. Three winners, he said, wer...
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20Nov2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- “I am proud that I come from Tacurong. This is where I was able to establish my strongest foundations,” Elma Arboleras said. In 2011, Arboleras, from Tacurong, with her co-inventor Rodel de Guzman, won the gold medal in the 11th British Invention Show with her iBus invention. iBus or the Intelligent BUS Utility System can organize buses based on machine readable tags. It is a bus monitoring and management system that can make the buses loa...
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20Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 20 (PIA)-- The Department of Education ARMM and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid) will relaunch today in Cotabato City the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM), this time for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. DepEd-ARMM Sec. Jamar Kulayan said the Australian Government has allocated P4 billion for school buildings, school libraries, teachers' training and assistance, Madrasah education and out-of-school you...
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20Nov2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Newly hired permanent and casual employees of Tacurong underwent an orientation-workshop on November 13-15 to prepare them in the delivery of services expected of them based on the city LGU’s principles. Eighteen new entrants from different departments participated in the orientation held at the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Hall and conducted by the City’s Human Resource Management (CHRM) training staff. Addressing the new st...
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20Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 believes that through its cassava techno-demo showcase project, food sufficiency in Region 12 is at hand. DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan said that with this kind of project, the population can acquire food that is enough to sustain their living. This was given emphasis during the harvest of 30 tons of cassava in Barangay San Jose, Banga, South Cotabato recently which was headed by the Sa...
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19Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 19 (PIA) -- Everything has been set for the 3rd South Cotabato Recyclable Waste Fair on November 22 – 23, which the province holds to celebrate the Environmental Awareness Month and two other events. Nencita Acain, senior environment management specialist at the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) said highlights of the two –day affair include a beauty pageant featuring recycled outfits, buying of recyclable wastes, a...
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19Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will conduct a series of month-long activities celebrating its 23rd founding anniversary. Dubbed the 2012 Bangsamoro Peacetivities with the theme: “Mga Makabagong Hamon sa Mapayapang Bangsamoro”, the festivities are set to kick-off today, November 19 at the region’s seat in Cotabato City. The festivities will start with a parade and trade fair on the opening day and will conclude on December 19 with...
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19Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- Tourism officers from different towns in North Cotabato participated in a two-day Provincial Tourism Strategic Planning Workshop held at AJ Hi-Time Hotel in Kidapawan City last November 15-16. The said activity aims to make a comprehensive action plan to boost up tourism in the province. Butch Ledesma Ferrer, president of South Cotabato Cultural and Arts Foundation Inc. who was resource speaker of the workshop said North Cotabato has a very big...
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19Nov2012KORONADAL CITY,South Cotabato, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- The city government of Cotabato is calling for the support and cooperation of its residents as it advances its campaign against criminality. The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) made this appeal following reports of increased number of crime incidents from January to October this year. In a recently conducted meeting of the CPOC Executive Committee members, City Police Director Danny Reyes said there were 218 cases recorded for the period of w...
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18Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- A top official of a non-profit foundation is encouraging residents of the city to join the national search for brand new ideas on technology entrepreneurship. Earl Martin Valencia, president of IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc. (IdeaSpace) disclosed on weekend that the search for the country’s top ideas is the “first private-led comprehensive incubation program in the Philippines” for aspiring technopreneurs and startups. Valencia said IdeaSpace has been g...
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17Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 17 (PIA) -- Datu Ladayon, a remote barangay in Arakan, North Cotabato is being developed as a showcase of agricultural progress. Department of Agriculture 12 has launched on November 10 Baranagay Datu Ladayon as Soccsksargen Region’s first project site for the model community development project, in accordance with the DA's program to transform agricultural communities across the country. Assistant Secretary Dante Delima and DA...
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16Nov2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- Tacurong Taekwondo Team bagged the overall championship trophy in the Kalimudan Festival Regional Inter-School Taekwondo Championships held on November 10 at the Capitol Gym of Sultan Kudarat. The team amassed 35 medals, 17 of which are gold, 11 silvers, and 7 bronzes. The medal tally was an improvement to the previous 30 medals that the team won when they participated in another regional tournament held in Glan, Sarangani last month. The go...
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16Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- Cotabato City is all set for the celebration of the 14th Shariff Kabunsuan Festival which will start on December 15. A number of new competitions will mark the event such the Search for Ginoong Shariff Kabunsuan and Festival Queen with Kuyog Street Dancing Competition and the Guinakit Fluvial Parade highlighting the occasion. Aside from the annual celebration of the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival, the 2nd Cotabato City Crabfest will also be held simultaneously....
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16Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 16 (PIA) -- Local government units and churches in Midsayap, North Cotabato agree to work together for good governance and community development. Last week, Mayor Manuel Rabara led at least 250 municipal and barangay officials, leaders of different churches and other sectors in the adoption and launching of Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) project. Also present during the activity were representatives of civil society organ...
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16Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 16 (PIA) --The local government of South Cotabato has set two days for the province-wide tree planting activities. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., signed on November 5, Executive Order No. 22, requiring all municipal government units in the province to conduct tree planting activities every June 25 and every last Friday of November in their respective designated areas. “Tree planting sites should be in environmentally critic...
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15Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- Mindanao State University (MSU) - General Santos renews its mission in government service through a seminar-workshop on Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) of the Civil Service Commission Wednesday, November 14. MSU System with 11 campuses is among the state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. “SPMS is ‘Service with commitment’” resource speaker Adela F. Estaniel said in her opening statement in the morning....
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14Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) OIC-Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman sees the decision of Del Monte Fresh Produce (Phils), Inc. to expand its operations in the autonomous region a big boost to government’s peace and development efforts. Food company, Del Monte through its subsidiary Delinanas Development Corporation has entered into a 25-year lease contract with the Sangki Estate in the town of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao, involving 6,000 hect...
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14Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Residents of Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao need not go to nearby municipalities to work for other fruit plantations as Delinanas Development Corporations poured in P569 million worth of investments for a banana plantation that will employ 866 people in their municipality. “We believe in the capacity of the people of ARMM. We ask for your full cooperation on this project,” said Almario Dacuna, Land lease Manager of Del Monte Phil...
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14Nov2012MALUNGON, Sarangani, November 14, (PIA) – The municipal hospital upgraded by the Department of Health (DOH) here has been inaugurated after reaching its completion phase. The hospital has been described to be the most modern among hospitals in Sarangani. But Governor Migs Dominguez said “ang pagsasabi ng top 1 to be the best ay hindi dahil sa maganda ang building (Being touted as top 1 must not be due to the beautiful building).” “Tamang kalinga mula sa bawat empleyado (Just the right...
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14Nov2012Koronadal City, Nov14 (PIA) – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recognized the efforts of Kidapawan City partnering with government agencies in its relentless campaign against illegal recruitment and anti-human trafficking. Kidapawan City mayor Rodolfo Y. Gantuanco received a citation for being the first local government unit in Region 12 to answer the call of POEA and other partner agencies to step up the campaign in his turf. A Memorandum of Understanding for the con...
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14Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Personnel of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) are visiting select schools across Soccsksargen Region beginning today as part of their on-going campaign on anti-illegal recruitment, trafficking in persons, and illegal migration (CAIRTIM) here. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 regional director Chona Mantilla said the campus visits and seminars is aimed at reaching graduating students who are...
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14Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 14 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last November 8 to help promote peace and development in the region. The agreement aims to substantiate workable partnership with the MNLF in promoting peace and development programs corresponding the Government-MNLF understanding signed last June 2011 at Solo city, Indonesia. The MOA was signed by Atty. Rand...
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14Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) has teamed-up with a food conglomerate in the promotion of local tourism, an official here disclosed. DOT 12 senior tourism officer Armin Hautea said a convergence effort with fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corporation was formalized after president Jose Minana and DOT secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. signed a partnership agreement. Here in SOCCSKSARGEN region, Hautea said, as an initial step DOT 12 will provide a ge...
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14Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 14 (PIA) --A community information drive on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement was launched in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato last November 9-10, 2012. Barangay Libungan-Toretta was chosen to be the venue for the launching of the info drive. The launching was spearheaded by House Special Committee on Peace Reconciliation and Unity Chairperson Cong. Jesus Sacdalan. Barangay Officials from 11 Muslim dominated barangays, as well as local government officials part...
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14Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- A labor official here underscored the need for partnership in the fight against illegal recruitment. “Working together can contribute to our aim of strengthening our fight against illegal recruitment,” Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 regional director Chona Mantilla said. The problem in illegal recruitment, she said, is one of the dilemmas that Soccsksargen region is facing, thus DOLE 12 in coordination with the Philippine Ove...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 has posted 126% rice self-sufficiency in 2011, regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan of the Department of Agriculture 12 announced. Citing data from the AgriPinoy Rice Program, Datukan said, the region recorded 1,244,148 metric tons (MT) in more than 345,000 hectares of rice production areas last year. This is slightly higher compared to 2010’s 1,185,196 MT which contributes to the averag...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government is now just a text away. Under the leadership of OIC Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, the ARMM TXT hotline or 391-ARMM (2766) was launched on November 8, 2012, which added another milestone to ARMM’s History. ARMM TXT hotline is a new mobile service that lets ARMM constituents or the general public to obtain information about activities, upcoming events, and services in the region. ARMM Cab...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- More than 200 law enforces, media personnel, staff, students and local officials are currently undergoing capability-building seminars on anti-illegal recruitment (AIR) and trafficking in person (TIP). Director Chona Mantilla of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 said personnel of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) have arrived here for a series of seminars to help reinforce our ca...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s tripartite sectors of labor, management and government signed on Friday, November 9, a social accord that binds each sector to the advocacy of keeping and improving the prevailing industrial peace in the region. The 2012-2014 RXII-TIPC Social Accord was signed as a highlight of the 5th Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) which Department of Labor and Employment 12 regional director...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 13 (PIA) --Region 12’s Department of Agriculture recently completed the 4th round of Agri-Pinoy Information Caravan that travelled across the region. Dubbed as “Ulat sa Bayan,” the activity is an opportunity for the agency to present its accomplishments this year as well as lay down its plans and programs for the upcoming year. For the fourth round of info caravan, officials of DA went to Matalam town in North Cota...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- Around 200 people biked more than 60 kilometers from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat to Cotabato City, Sunday morning in a bid to promote peace. Dubbed “Bike for Peace,” members of the Philippine Marines and biking enthusiasts from the coastal towns of Sultan Kudarat joined the event. 1st Marine Brigade Information Officer Lt. Korina Dela Costa said the activity is in line with the campaign of the Philippine Marines to continue the peace efforts in ...
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13Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 has opened a food terminal in Malungon, Sarangani to boost the economic activities of farmers and vegetable growers in the area. The Federation of Vegetable Growers Association of Malungon (Fevegam) hailed the event as “invaluably meaningful” commending the DA-12 and the local government of Malungon for pushing forward the opening last week of the food terminal facility. Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said the facilit...
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13Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The city government of Cotabato, with the help of Saudi Arabia is set to construct a “peace diversion artery” which will serve as an alternate route connecting the city to the southern side of Maguindanao province. The construction of the 14-kilometer road will start on December. Saudi Arabia has allotted a fund worth P709.3 million from its Saudi Fund for Development which would include three long bridges that would interconnect riverside villages. Peace ...
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12Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 12 (PIA)- With barely a week before the Scholarship Qualifying Examinations, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration- Region 12 is conducting a free review classes at its regional office for 150 hopeful OFW dependents. Programs and Services Division Officer-in-Charge Marilou M. Sumalinog said examinees from North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, General Santos City and Saranggani already had their review sessions last November 10 and 11, while examinees from Sou...
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12Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- After a series of consultations and preparations, all is set for the 7th Cotabato Annual Dance Festival. According the the organizers, participants from different parts of Central Mindanao will join the dance fest. Groups from Kidapawan City, Cotabato City, Kabacan, Alamada, Pigcawayan and Midsayap are busy preparing for the contest. The competition is divided into four categories. Six groups will join the cheerdance, five for folkdance, ten for...
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12Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 12 (PIA) -- Residents of South Cotabato do not need to stock up on prime commodities, especially rice for the holiday season, an agriculture official here said. “There is no chance for prices of rice to go up this month until the end of this year,” provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste assured. This is because “we are expecting at least 12,000 hectares of palay from the last week of November until the end of Dec...
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10Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 10 (PIA) -- When it’s about engaging sectors to promote industrial peace, the entire country could take Soccksargen Region as a model, DOLE Labor Undersecretary Rebecca Chato said. Chato said DOLE 12’s strategy of engaging the tripartite (labor, management and government) sectors in resolving disputes has become the country’s pattern. Even in international labor gatherings, she said, DOLE presents Region 12’s tripartite...
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10Nov2012MALUNGON, Sarangani, Nov 10 (PIA) -- “Care” and not just “serve” patients, Gov. Migs Dominguez reminded hospital personnel during the inauguration of a provincial government-run hospital here. “Kalinga (care)" is the best that any hospital personnel could give patients, the governor said. He explained that in merely serving sometimes “we lose our passion.” Further, he challenged Mayor Reynaldo Constantino and Dr. Cynthia Guevarra, chief of hospital, and the rest of the hospi...
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10Nov2012MAASIM, Sarangani, Nov 10 (PIA) -- Sarangani administered a province-wide mass drug taking of a combination of diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole, a preventive treatment for lymphatic filariasis on Tuesday (November 6) to drum up the Filariasis Awareness Month. Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a debilitating and disfiguring parasitic disease transmitted through a mosquito bite that mostly affects women, men, and children in remote areas. It is the second leading...
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10Nov2012KORONADAL CITY,South Cotabato, Nov 10 (PIA) – Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel vowed to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance. Last month, the the city received the Seal of Good Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In a radio interview, Miguel said “We’ve been recognized as an LGU that had fully complied with the Full Disclosure Program, in line with the implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act or ARTA.” ...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 9 (PIA) -- The Provincial Award Committee of the Local Legislative Award yesterday evaluated the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Tacurong for the Local Legislative Award. The award is given to component cities and municipalities that exhibit excellent performance based on the effectiveness of local agenda and legislative tracking system, availability of legislative documents, efficiency of performance, and quality of office set-up and staff complement. Tacuron...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Pupils of San Rafael Elementary School in Tacurong City are now happier with their newly rehabilitated comfort rooms. Thanks to Aboitiz Foundation, pupils of one of Tacurong’s most distant barangays can now enjoy a more sanitary abode. Aboitiz Foundation representatives Theodore U. Bisnar and Kenneth Manzano graced the turn-over ceremonies on Wednesday. The rehabilitation of school Infrastructure project is part of Aboitiz’s corporate s...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) here is intensifying capabilities of the region’s local government units in showcasing the region's tourism potentials. DOT 12 senior tourism officer Armin Hautea said they are gathering the LGUs acting tourism personnel for a “Tourism Awareness and Capability Building Seminar” on November 20-22, 2012 at General Santos City. Basic elements and knowledge on tourism planning, promotions and standards and regul...
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09Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- A delegation of the United Nations-Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) visited Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional officials on Wednesday, November 7 to strengthen partnership on emergency preparedness and mitigation. The delegation was led by UN-OCHA-Geneva Director Rashid Khalikov with members Pierre Bessuges, Chief of Emergency Preparedness Section, Special Assistant to the Director Justyna Susia, David Carden- head...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Residents of four barangays, mostly of Iranun tribe, were given free medical services on November 6 in Barira town by the provincial government of Maguindanao. The team was led by provincial budget officer Lynette Estandarte. Simultaneously, they also distributed rubber seedlings to selected farmers in the area; food packs and used clothes to the indigent residents; and school bags with school supplies to the children. The provincial health tea...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- On its second day of intervention in the Iranun towns of Maguindanao, the provincial government has extended medical, dental and surgical services to the indigent residents of Barangay Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao yesterday. Maguindanao Provincial budget officer, Lynette Estandarte said around 700 individuals, mostly women, children and elderly benefited from the free medical consultation courtesy of Department of Health- Autonomous Region in Mus...
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09Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov 9 (PIA) -- In order to sustainably improve the health and school performance of elementary schoolchildren in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Department of Education needs an institutionalized health and nutrition unit. This is the recommendation of Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc of the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) representing women sector. Gutoc who is also chairperson, Committee on Education, Arts, Culture and Sports Development of the Regional Legislati...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12) here with other government agencies, has sought partnership with local government units in the Campaign Against Illegal Recruitment, Trafficking in persons and Irregular Migration (CAIRTIM). Other agencies involved in the advocacy are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Commission on...
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09Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here noted that prices of Noche Buena products in the city remain stable despite the onset of the holiday season. DTI-Gensan Consumer Arbitration Officer, Ken Wong Jr. disclosed in a press conference Thursday that based on the current price monitoring activity of the agency supermarkets, groceries and malls here are still following the suggested retail prices (SRP) of basic commodities as well as Noche Buena product...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- The Midsayap-Pigcawayan-Libungan-Kabuntalan (MPLK) Federation of Irrigators Association is asking for a local translation of the recently signed framework agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MPLK Pres. Dante Cudal said that through this, the agreement will be easily understood by the people. “When every farmer knows and comprehends the content of the agreement, they will be the...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) --The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) formally opened yesterday its new branch in the Buluan, Maguindanao. Gilda E. Pico, president and CEO of Land Bank said the new branch will serve the neighboring communities, adding that the bank aims to provide good service as well as to contribute growth and development to its service areas. “We appeal to different business sectors and government agencies to deposit their accounts in this bank to avoid l...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY,South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Makilala mayor Rudy Caoagdan welcomed the town’s new judge, Monday, November 5. Judge Gil A. De La Banda takes over the Municipal Circuit Court after the town’s previous judge was transferred to another circuit court in Cotabato province. The new judge aside from taking charge of the Makilala Municipal Circuit Court will also serve the constituents of Tulunan municipality, a statement from the mayor’s office said. Judge De La Banda, 52 yea...
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09Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- Community faith leaders from different barangays in the 1st District of North Cotabato participated in the Culture of Peace Trainers’ Training conducted at Southern Christian College (SCC) in the Municipality of Midsayap. Culture of Peace Training Facilitator Victoria Bat-og said the activity aims to teach the participants techniques and mechanisms on promoting peace especially to the grassroots level. Bat-og added that every Culture of Peace T...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- Eight local government units in North Cotabato last week received P24 million for the implementation of several priority projects. This after regional director Buagas Sulaik of the Department of the Interior and Local Government approved the release of the first tranche of the the DILG- Pamana (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) Fund to the recipient LGUs. The amount will be used to subsidize programs and projects identified b...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 8 (PIA) -– It's a day-off from their routine courtroom work for government lawyers as they join the tree planting activity in the four-hectare Cluster Sanitary Landfill in Surallah, South Cotabato. Surallah District Public Attorney Rodolfo M. Chung relayed to the Philippine Information Agency that more than 100 narra seedlings were planted by their group at Barangay Colonggolo on October 25, 2012. The area was earlier recommended to them by the Municip...
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08Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- Maj Gen. Ceasar Ronnie Ordoyo assumed as new commanding general of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan” Division, Philippine Army based at Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao vice Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo who now heads AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) in Zamboanga City. PA commanding general Lt. General Emmanuel Bautista led the change of command during the turn-over ceremony on Nov 7 at the 6th ID headquarters and witnessed by local officials led by ARMM...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA 12) here is encouraging rice farmers to revive the traditional Bahay Kubo concept in line with the efforts of the national government to attain food staples self -sufficiency. DA launched this campaign recently by introducing Palayamanan Program, which promotes integration of other agricultural commodities into rice-based production areas. Under the scheme, rice farm is incorporated ...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 8 (PIA) -- Some 195 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and dependents in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will take the qualifying examinations of the OWWA Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) on November 18. The province of Maguindanao has the highest number of applicants with 141 for the EDSP and 17 for CMWSP, followed by Sulu with 20 for EDSP and 3 for CMWSP. Tawi-Ta...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- Six Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs) in Region 12 took part in the celebration of the 1st National Agri-Tourism cum Food Terminal Congress and Trade Exhibits held recently in Baguio City. The trade exhibits enabled the BFTs to showcase their products. Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan said featured products from the Soccsksargen region were included chinese pomelo, virgin coconut oil and grated coco...
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08Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)-Sarangani in partnership with AECID, a Spanish agency for international development cooperation initiated a three-day Gender and Sensitivity Training (GST) for women advocates and Gender and Development (GAD) implementers in Sarangani. Hermelo Latoja, provincial social welfare and development officer described the training as vital to improve the implementation of GAD projects in Sarangani. He said the province over...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- A wake-up call. This is how Gabriel Untang, chairman of Barangay Lamlahak in Lake Sebu, described the occurrence of tension cracks in steep slopes across four sitios in the area and consequent evacuation of 150 families. “This incident is a reminder that we need to be alert and that local officials need to be prepared for potentially disastrous events that may occur here,” Untang said in the vernacular. ...
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07Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- Residents of Barangay Rangaban in Midsayap, North Cotabato received yesterday, November 6, projects under the Early Recovery and Rehabilitation for Central Mindanao (ERRCM). These include housing, core shelter repair, school building, level 2 water system, hauling truck services, livelihood and barangay health station. ERRCM projects aim to help the internally displaced persons (IDP) to recover from the damages brought by the conflicts. The pro...
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07Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- Some 2,686 farmers in Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato could finally claim they officially own the land they till. This after the Department of Agrarian Reform in this province awarded to them as Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). Provincial agrarian officer II Felix Frias said among these ARBs, 2,256 are indigenous peoples of the T’boli tribe. These CLOAs pertained to 13 land ...
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06Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday began the process for the selection of nominees for the DILG Local Legislative Award. DILG Memorandum Circular 2012 – 143 dated August 14, 2012 states that the Local Legislative Award “accords official recognition to the Sangguniang Panglungsod or to the Sangguniang Bayan that excels in the enactment of ordinances and resolutions that ult...
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06Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 6 (PIA) --The provincial government of South Cotabato spearheaded the 13th Provincial Tribal Congress held recently in South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City. More than 800 tribal leaders from different towns of South Cotabato gathered during the event which was conducted in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the provincial office of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP). ...
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06Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- More farmers in Soccsksargen Region have completed a course that would boost their knowledge and acceptance of organic farming. Twenty six farmers from Barangay Rotunda in this city were the latest graduates of the Farmers’ Field School – Integrated Pest Management on PalayCheck System, with emphasis on organic agriculture. “These newly-confirmed graduates were introduced to the primary and key checks toward greater rice pr...
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06Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- Farmers in Malungon town in Sarangani last week displayed their vegetable produce to fellow farmers, local residents, and prospective buyers. The group, named Federation of Vegetable Growers of Malungon (FEVEGAM) are composed of vegetable farmer associations from six barangays in said municipality. During the products showcase at the Barangay Food Terminal Building inside the municipal public market on October 31, FEVEG...
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05Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The Makilala rubber development project is slowly becoming a byword in the industry as more Mindanao local government units visit this thriving project in town. In a statement, Makilala mayor Rudy Caoagdan said the local government hosted visiting LGUs wishing to learn from their applied strategies and technologies in the rubber project. On October 29, 2012, Makilala welcomed the latest town visitors. These are local officials from Impasug-ong town of Bukidnon ...
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05Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- Safety and health of workers will take center stage in a a gathering slated on November 21 – 22 in General Santos City. Jimmy Tolimao, president of the Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNet)-12, said the 4th Mindanao Occupational Safety and Health Summit that will be held at the KCC Convention Center is geared toward improving the OHS landscape in the entire island of Mindanao. “The summit aims to promote and ...
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05Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- Representatives of labor, management and government sectors across Soccsksargen will meet here on Friday to showcase prevailing peace in workplaces in the region. DOLE 12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla said, the event, the 5th Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) convention, is also geared toward boosting Region 12’s attractiveness to investors by increasing further competitiveness and p...
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05Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) will focus in improving delivery and access of healthcare programs and services to significantly reduce the number of people afflicted with tuberculosis (TB). As this year’s celebration of the National TB Awareness month ended Oct 31, DOH-ARMM reported a relatively high incidence of TB in several areas of the region the past year. More than 4, 200 cases of TB in the autonomous regio...
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05Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA)-12 continues to spearhead the advancement of rice production in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) in connection with promoting food sufficiency in the region for the coming years. To further realize the department’s aim, a total of 90 local farmer technicians (LFTs) from South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani province underwent an educational tour to areas using recommended rice production technologies. Dr. Eve...
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05Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, November 5 (PIA) -- Twelve scholars officially finished their automotive servicing course under the Edukasyon Para sa Kapayapaan Program of the Office of North Cotabato 1st Congressional District . The graduation program was held at NDMC – IT Audio Visual Room and attended by representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) North Cotabato Provincial Office. Meanwhile, 10 scholars also finished consumer electronics servicin...
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31Oct2012Their names - Gregorio B. Saljay III, Vicente Doletin, Alberto Panghulan and Jaime P. Sillador - wouldn’t ring a bell. But these four individuals from Soccsksargen Region are no average people. Although their credentials are as varied as their names sound, they are bound by a single hobby – farming. Definitely, they are the examples of how farmers become when the desire to achieve is coupled with hard work and strategies as well as application of useful technologies. Saljay, Doletin, Pangh...
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31Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- This city won this year's search for Best City Disaster Risk and Management Council (CDRRMC) for the component city category in the region. “Hard work and performance in 2011 and in the 1st Quarter of 2012, paid off as we achieved the Best City Disaster Risk and Management Council (CDRRMC) for the component city category in Region 12,” Koronadal City Mayor Dr. Peter Miguel, at a radio program said. Miguel said the Gawad Kalasag Award-Best CDRRMC for Compo...
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31Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- Officials of Barangay Lamlahak in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato are hoping that families in the evacuation center could be provided with permanent relocation soon. “Although help have regularly been sent for the evacuees, the barangay could not sustain the assistance for the affected families should they stay in the evacuation center for months,” Barangay chairman Gabriel Untang said. They may be able to take...
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31Oct2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Oct 31 (PIA) -- More a thousand people joined the city government here in the latest massive cleanup of the drainage canals dubbed "Limyo Kalog". Already on its fifth year, the cleanup drive held last Friday gathered young and adult participants from different sectors of the community. Carrying various tools for cleaning, participants trooped to their respective areas of assignment beginning at 5 a.m. to rid waterways of cellophanes and other pla...
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31Oct2012COTABATO CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- While details of the Framework Agreement need to be ironed out, aggressive information and education campaign of peace advocates, supporters and stakeholders are ongoing to generate public awareness and better understanding to achieve the goal of the agreement. With the slogan “I am for Peace” local officials, residents and peace advocates welcomed and joined the peace ambassadors in the conduct of a general assembly cum medical and dental mission, fun ...
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30Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 30 (PIA) -- More than 3,000 kids from all over the city’s 27 barangays joined this year’s Children’s Congress initiated by the City Social Welfare Office. The city’s Rizal Park was themed in fiesta mood in time for the kids’ gathering October 19, 2012. This year’s Children’s Congress bannered the theme, “Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag Palaganapin.” City Mayor Peter Miguel, in his speech during the opening progra...
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30Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The notable contributions of Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program in the development of rural folk in Mindanao has led to the expansion of the program to cover other parts of the country. DA 12 announced that although MRDP is coming to a close, another program, called Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), which still follows the general format of its predecessor, takes off next y...
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30Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 30 (PIA) -- Officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) here urged employers in Soccsksargen Region to make use of their Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS). In line with the EPRS’s mandatory implementation beginning this month per Circular 45, s-2012, Philhealth 12 recently conducted a series of orientation briefing with government and private-sector employers for the immediate installation of the program. E...
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30Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 30 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 is one of the best performing regions in the implementation of projects of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), according to a report of the Program Support Office based in Davao City. Soccsksargen, the report indicated, topped the list in implementing Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) sub-projects and ranked second in the Rural Infrastructure (RI) component. Soccsksa...
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30Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 through its Agri Pinoy Livestock Program and Regulatory Division is advancing its drive for food security and food safety on meat products in Region 12. This was given emphasis in a recent seminar forum on the regulations of livestock and poultry feeds, veterinary drugs and biological products held recently in General Santos City. DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan through Dr. Castor Leo Eje...
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29Oct2012TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- The Tacurong City government has brought to its barangays the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) initiative pioneered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), affirming the national government’s commitment to elevating the practice of good governance. Barangays Upper Katungal, Griño, and Buenaflor were recently awarded with the Barangay Excellence in Governance Seal of Tacurong or BEST for having the highest overall per...
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29Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 29 (PIA) -- International children’s rights group Save the Children on Friday extended assistance to families and their children in Lamlahak, Lake Sebu who have been displaced because of potentially hazardous occurrence in their area. Fanny Divino, program manager of Save the Children South Central Mindanao, led the Save the Children staff in distributing non-food items (NFIs) to 138 households who left their homes...
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25Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- As expected, Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices across South Cotabato are crowded by residents trying to beat the last few days of voters’ registration. Provincial election supervisor Atty. Jay Gerada said that based on their monitoring, Comelec offices here have been jampacked with first time voters and those asking for transfer since Monday. “We expected more registrants to crowd Comelec off...
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25Oct2012ALABEL, Sarangani, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- A statistics quiz show on Tuesday, October 23 was staged to highlight the annual celebration of the National Statistics Month in Sarangani. Thirty-eight participating students from different schools in the seven municipalities of the province competed for the big prize in the second Sarangani Secondary Statistics Challenge at the Capitol gym. First placer was Dahr Tur Silao, 4th year, of Kiamba National High School; second – Lyanca Rimulca, 3rd year, of ...
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25Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA)-- The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) further strengthens its campaign against kidney disease which is said to be the number seven illness that causes death in the country. During the press conference on Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) held in a Kidapawan City yesterday, Dr. Noel B. Camique of the Madonna General Hospital in Kidapawan City said that renal disease is irreversible that is why prevention is always the utmost concern. “We h...
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25Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- Early this year, the provincial government of South Cotabato in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross national headquarters turned over a rescue ambulance to Philippine Red Cross – South Cotabato chapter but the initiative was not fully completed. At the launching of the Barangay Disaster Action Team (BDAT) and Red Cross 143 here last October 20, the donation was finally completed with the LGU paying its c...
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24Oct2012COTABATO CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) turned over on Monday October 22 Modified Shelter Assistance (MSA) and Day Care Centers (DCC) in Maguindanao. ARMM OIC regional vice governor and concurrent DSWD-ARMM regional secretary Bainon Karon led the turn-over ceremonies of 145 completed units of the MSA aptly called Bangsamoro Pabanay to beneficiaries of the towns of Buluan, Mangunadadatu and Punda...
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24Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 24 (PIA) -- Thirty-seven business establishments all over the Soccsksargen Region were conferred the Seal of Excellence Awards for upholding the rights and welfare of consumers. In a ceremony at the EMR Center in Koronadal City yesterday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel recognized the contribution of the region’s business partners for upholding the rights of consumers. These practices are embodied in the DTI-Ba...
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24Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- Efforts to protect the habitat of Tarsiers in Tupi town, this province have recently gained more support. According to the municipality’s official website, the Embassy of Japan has considered providing livelihood assistance to the lumad community in Barangay Linan under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects. The Japanese government is also looking into the establishment of a center for the ...
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24Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 24 (PIA) -- The provincial government here has launched on Saturday the Barangay Disaster Action Team (BDAT) to prepare villages against disasters and calamities. BDAT is a group of at least 20 volunteers per barangay trained to provide the immediate response in emergency situations such as flashfloods, landslides and other life-threatening events. “We organized BDATs in all of the 199 barangays in the province as ...
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24Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct 24 (PIA) -- The local government’s Sheep-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) is intensifying its Information Technology training for elementary pupils in the city through skills enhancement on multimedia arts. Sheep-CLP Head Percival Pasuelo said 30 public elementary schools or 750 pupil-participants underwent trainings last week on digital caricature, blogging, and laying out a newsletter. “These level-up trainings are part of Mayor Darlene Antonino Custodio’s reeng...
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23Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct 23 (PIA) – A professor here said the overwhelming support reaped by the signing of the Framework Agreement between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signifies Mindanaoans’ long time desire for peace. Mindanao State University-Islamic Studies Professor Maulawi Calimba said people in Mindanao have reached the point of “fatigue” where they no longer wanted the classic war but peace. Calimba also warned all stakeholder...
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23Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 23 (PIA) -- Two people’s organizations (PO) in Bagumbayan town, Sultan Kudarat received livelihood projects last week from the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP). Monteverde Coffee Growers’ Association (MCGA) of Barangay Monteverde and Daluga Farmers’ Association (DFA) of Barangay Daluga of the said town each received P250,000 worth of integrated farming system rubber-based livelihood projects through MRDP’s Co...
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23Oct2012ALABEL, Sarangani, October 23 (PIA) -- Department of Education (DepEd)-Sarangani schools division superintendent Dr. Allan Farnazo, was installed on Thursday (October 18) as the new officer-in-charge regional director of DepEd Region 10. As Sarangani division superintendent for almost 16 months, Farnazo has significantly improved the performance of education in the province, as manifested in the recent National Achievement Test where Sarangani bested other provinces and cities in Region 12. ...
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23Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, October 23 (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 in partnership with the Tri-People Concern for Peace, Progress and Development of Mindanao Inc. (TRICOM Inc.) has launched and turned over to the Manobo Dulangan indigenous people in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat. DA 12 through its Agri Pinoy High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) has allotted a fund worth P1,724,000 for the project. Engr. Jocelyn Torres, HVCDP staff, said that project is aimed at providin...
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23Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in Soccsksargen Region (DA 12) has intensified its of agricultural information and technology campaign on its AgriPinoy Rice Program. Through its latest project ‘Usapang Palay’ a focus group discussion was launched during the two-day technical briefing and writeshop last week. DA 12 believes that holding FGDs with local farmers where they are located will give them opportunity to openly discuss their techn...
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23Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, October 23 (PIA) -- Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection-General Santos City Fire Office (BFP-GSCFO) foiled a suicide attempt last week of a desperate mother trying to jump off an 80-feet power transmission tower at Purok 5, Barangay Tinagacan here. The rescued mother who was reportedly troubled by a family problem was identified as Jo-Ann Tibo, 30, mother of five and resident of said barangay. “I was so desperate then but I am also very thankful that the res...
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22Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 22 (PIA) -- Sixty-six farmers from two remote barangays of Bagumbayan town in Sultan Kudarat completed last week the Farmers’ Field School-Integrated Pest Management (FFS-IPM) on corn production. New graduates of the Department of Agriculture (DA) - 12’s season-long hands-on training on plant breeding for corn were from barangays Monteverde and Daluga. Training facilitator Jonathan Falco said these farmers were educated on different techniques in selec...
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22Oct2012KORONADAL City, South Cotabato, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- Of the five cities selected as national finalists for this year’s Gawad Pamana ng Lahi of the Department of Interior and Local Government, only Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat province managed to join the elite group composed of cities all coming from Luzon. Tacurong, the only city finalist from Mindanao received an invitation from the Department of Interior and Local Government to gather in Manila on October 18 for the final screening of the G...
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22Oct2012COTABATO CITY, October 22 (PIA) -- A Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) was turned over here last October 18 to cater to the needs on loan processing and data access of employees in the region. The kios will ensure good service for ARMM employees, Mario Aguha, a GSIS board member, said. Aguha, a former Akbayan representative, led the unveiling and turnover. With the kiosk, ARMM employees need not form a long queue to process their loans ...
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22Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 residents of South Cotabato and neighboring areas would be served in a medical mission that provincial officials here tagged as “so far the biggest” in the province’s history. The five-day dental mission, which starts on Friday, October 26, is spearheaded by the provincial government in partnership with charity groups Operation Smile Philippines and the Dental Seminars and...
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19Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 19 (PIA) --Following the overwhelming success of its Mindanao-wide, six-location “Mindanao Run for Hope,” early this year, Philhealth is expanding its advocacy run in 2013, which will be staged in 18 cities across the country. Philhealth Regional Vice President Ramon Aristoza Jr., at the launching of 2013 Philhealth Run here on Wednesday, announced the national recipient of the event’s proceeds will be the Philippine Children...
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19Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Government agencies, local governments, and the mining sector in Soccsksargen Region yesterday launched a project that will expand the benefits of mining industry to communities where mines are located. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 12 led the launching of the jewelry development project in Region 12 at Barangay Edwards, T’Boli, South Cotabato. Other partners are the Department of Trade and Industry, Tribal Mining Corporation (TMC), National Economic...
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19Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 19 (PIA) -- Underprivileged children housed in a government-facility are the lucky beneficiaries of PhilHealth Run 2013, a social welfare official said. At the launching on Wednesday of the 2013 simultaneous nationwide running event, the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), a facility under the Department of Social Welfare and Development 12 (DSWD) was named PhilHealth Run 2013 local beneficiary for the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. DSWD 12 protective ser...
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19Oct2012MAITUM, Sarangani, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The International Monitoring Team (IMT), 73rd Infantry Battalion, provincial and local government of Maitum, and members of the civilian protection component and non-violent peace force on Tuesday (October 16) released seven doves in barangay Ticulab to symbolize their support for Monday’s signing of the framework peace agreement in Malacanang. Dove signified peace, while seven represented the 7th batch of the Malaysian-led IMT assigned in Mindanao since 20...
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18Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 18 (PIA) -- The municipality of Tacurong has the lowest poverty incidence in Soccsksargen Region, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said. Data in 2009 indicate that for every 100 individuals only 18 are poor. Tacurong is followed by Kidapawan City with 19.2 poverty incidence, Koronadal City with 21.7, and General Santos with 22.5. In 2003, Tacurong had third least poverty incidence of 15.9. Kidapawan City only had 12.5 while Gene...
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18Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 18 (PIA) -- Barely four months after taking office as regional executive director (RED) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 12 here, Dr. Adeluisa Siapno is leaving Soccsksargen Region. She will assume the position as RED of DENR in Western Visayas Region (R-6). On Tuesday, Siapno turned over responsibilities to Environment Management Bureau (EMB)-12 regional director Datu Tungko Saikol in a ceremony w...
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18Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- Barangays in the City of Tacurong simultaneously held their second barangay assemblies this year on October 14 pursuant to Malacañang Proclamation No. 260. These gatherings served as a strategic move in the promotion of transparent leadership in communities where residents actively participated. During the assemblies, barangay chairpersons delivered their State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) including councils’ accomplishments and th...
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18Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 18 (PIA) --The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 12 conducted yesterday a stakeholders’ consultation in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. The consultation tackled the proposed standardization of motorcycle plates which was supposed to be implemented two years ago. LTO 12 Regional Director, Atty. Potiwas Malambot said the consultation aims to gather the opinions of the public especially the motorcycle owners with regards to the proposal. “If this is acce...
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18Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- Tacurong city’s local government has been shortlisted among the Top 5 National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL) finalists for the city category. Mayor Lina O. Montilla said she received a letter from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) dated October 15 informing them of this good news. She added she was invited for a panel interview by the GPL National Board of Judges today, October 18. Said interview, that focuses on ...
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18Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA)--At least 4,000 young campers have participated in the recent 30th Provincial Encampment for the Girl Scout of the Philippines (GSP) – Sultan Kudarat Council at Camp Carmen, Tacurong City. The five-day encampment was held on October 6-10 with the theme, “Girls Worldwide Say… Build a better world.” The event aimed to educate girl scouts to build and capitalize on “healthy lifestyle” for better living as well as teach them the “basic life support...
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17Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 17 (PIA) -- Following the overwhelming success of the 1st Koronadal City-leg PhilHealth Run 2012, a PhilHealth official said they are gunning for the Guinness Records as the PhilHealth Run 2013 is officially launched here today. In colorful ceremonies attended by partners, local media and other stakeholders, Regional Vice President for PhilHealth 12 Ramon F. Aristoza, Jr. led this morning, the unveiling of the PhilHealth Run 2013 logo at EMR Center, this city...
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17Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 17 (PIA) -- Passengers of public transport utilities and pedestrians in Soccsksargen Region will benefit from the enforcement of two laws related to the well-being of drivers, conductors, and in the long term, passengers. These are DOLE Department Order 118-12 and DOTC Department Order 2011 – 25 said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. D.O. 118 – 12 pertains to the rules and regulations governing the employment and working conditions of drivers ...
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17Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, October 17 (PIA) --The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Sararangani-GenSan chapter led on Saturday, Oct 13 Oplan Broadcastreeing 2012, a tree planting activity in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). KBP SarGen chapter chairman James Catalan described the event as most important undertaking so far of the KBP-SarGen this year. “We all know about global warming and climate change. So this effort is our way to save th...
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17Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct. 17 (PIA) -- A total of 108 high school students have completed the training-workshop on filmmaking conducted by the city government’s SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP). “64 participants came from the public schools while the other 44 were representatives of the different private schools in the city,” said SHEEP-CLP Head Percival Pasuelo. The participants, he explained, were trained on how to use multimedia technologies where they learned the basics and techn...
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17Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is bringing the battle to free child laborers to the villages. Labor and employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz came to General Santos City Monday to launch the Child Labor-Free Barangay program in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12. “We recognize that the most effective way to fight child labor in the country is to bring the program down to the level of barangays,...
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16Oct2012COTABATO CITY, Oct 16(PIA) -- Science and Technology officials and staff of DOST Mindanao Cluster agreed to pursue a just and equitable development as they gathered for the First Mindanao Science and Technology Fair held October 10-14 in General Santos City in celebration of this year’s Science and Technology Week (NSTW). As a member of the MINDA DOST Cluster, DOST-ARMM regional secretary Abdulgalib Halub expressed support to the commitment to champion peace and development through science ...
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16Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Officials in South Cotabato see the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a forward move to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said he welcomes the initiative between the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “This would not mean an instant solution to the peace that we have been longing for,”he said. “But we remain hopeful that this is the...
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16Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez said the greatest role of personnel officers in an organization is “Maintaining the morale, the values, and the enthusiasm of each personnel.” This, he said during the 9th Regional Council of Personnel Officers (RCPO) Annual Conference which ended Friday (October 12) after three days of bonding, sharing opportunities, and promoting stronger relationship and camaraderie among human resources practitioners in Region 12. ...
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16Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 has distributed performance incentive packages to 36 local farmer-technicians (LFTs) in Soccsksargen region. These LFTs from the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani constitute the first batch of LFTs who received P9,000 each. They are entitled to get P3,000 performance incentive package per month which is given every quarter of the year. These LFTs serve as agricultural extension workers who, through...
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16Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- Schoolchildren from different schools in South Cotabato get themselves counted in the Global Handwashing Day celebration led by a non-government organization and the Department of Education (DepEd). Save the Children coordinator Melchi G. Uyasan disclosed to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that around 5,000 schoolchildren from the three school districts piloted in the province participated in the global affair. Uyasan said each year, 200 million people...
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15Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Community, said today’s signing of the Agreement on the Framework for Bangsamoro, “Truly ushers the dawning of peace and forging ahead of broader collaboration for accelerated progress and transformation.” In a press statement, Antonino lauded President Benigno Aquino III for pursuing lasting peace in Mindanao. She said, the Aquino administration has...
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15Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 15 (PIA) -- Almost five hundred bamboo seedlings were planted by members of the different councils of Knights of Columbus in the province of Sultan Kudarat. After a meeting yesterday, KC members planted the bamboos in the river bank of Allah River along Barangay Bambad of capital town Isulan. The planting activity is also part of the celebration of Columbus Day. The tree planting activity was in coordination with the Barangay Council of Barangay Bambad und...
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15Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, October 15 (PIA) -- The Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Division (AMAD) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 conducted a training on supply value chain analysis held recently at General Santos City. The said training was attended by municipal, city and provincial agribusiness coordinators in Region 12. Bai Dido T. Samama, AMAD Chief said that the training is a significant tool in identifying the part of agriculture chain process which needs assistance from farm inp...
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15Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment secretary Rosalinda Baldoz arrives in General Santos City today for the launching of the department's Child Labor-Free Barangay Program in Soccsksargen Region. DOLE 12 regional director Chona Mantilla said, the event is in line with their efforts to eliminate to child labor as mandated in Republic Act 9231 or Anti Child Labor Law. At the launching at Barangay Bula gymnasium, Baldo...
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15Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 15 (PIA) -- Rice farmers in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat have increased their yield by over 61 percent with the technologies from the Department of Agriculture 12, a local official said. Isulan Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue said rice farmers in their municipality have increased their yield to 4.2 metric tons per hectare from their usual 2.6 MT/ha in the previous season. He said this was due to modern technologies provided through DA's Agri Pinoy Palayan Program and ...
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15Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 15 (PIA) -- Except for few final details, the 75-kilometer road that would link the towns of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and Maitum in Sarangani is ready for implementation, an official of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 said. RDC 12 chair and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio said the project, which was set to begin early this year, was stalled when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-12 would not...
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13Oct2012GLAN, Sarangani, Oct 13 (PIA) — The mayor here on Monday paid tribute to the town’s founding fathers whose sacrifices, he said, tell the saga of how this town came almost a century ago. “Ninety eight years ago today, our founding fathers from the Visayas braved the seas and a future fraught with peril and uncertainty to establish the first settlement in this part of the Archipelago,” said Mayor Victor James Yap, Sr at the 98th Foundation Anniversary celebration held at Atty. Enrique ...
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13Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct 13 (PIA) -- The Office on Health Services (OHS) has recorded a decrease in the number of dengue cases in Cotabato City for the few past months. Based on OHS report, from 93 dengue cases listed June of this year, it lowered to 56 in July, 34 in August, 15 in September and this month, the office has so far recorded only one case. City Health Officer Dr. Marlow Niñal said majority of affected persons were males and more than half of the affected population were children. On...
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12Oct2012ALABEL, Sarangani Oct 12, (PIA) -- Governor Migs Dominguez finally signed on Wednesday (October 10) the documents confirming his ownership of a house and lot in the first-ever local government unit-led P80-million housing project called "The Capitol Residences," in partnership with the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund. “The Capitol Residences” is said to be the pioneering Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiated housing project in the country which General Santos City...
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12Oct2012GLAN, Sarangani, Oct. 12 (PIA) -- Glan’s Lubi-lubi festival keeps the Filipino culture alive, says Vice President Jejomar Binay in a message delivered by his daughter Nancy Binay during the foundation day program on Monday, October 8. The Vice President also recognized Lubi-lubi Festival as “patunay sa inyong pagtulong sa layunin ng ating pamahalaan na mapangalagaan ang kulturang Pilipino at mapanatiling buhay ang ibang makukulay at mayayamang tradisyon natin. (This festival affirms that yo...
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12Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) -- Residents of Koronadal City and nearby towns are hoping for the expansion of a state university in South Cotabato that would cater to the needs of more students expected to be in tertiary school next year. At a press conference during the city’s 12th Charter Anniversary on October 8, 2012, mayor Peter B. Miguel asked the help of visiting Aurora Congressman Juan Edgardo Angara to look into the possibility of expanding the present University of the Philippines...
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12Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) 12 based here will hold on Saturday (Oct 13) simultaneous Mobile Orientation, Validation and Enrolment Scheme (MOVES) activities in five locations across the Soccsksargen Region in line with its advocacy to provide universal health care. The event, according to the activity briefer is a means for Philhealth to bring the services closer to its members since those in...
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12Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) -- The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) conferred Kidapawan City LGU the LGU Best Practices Award for 2012 for its campaign against professional squatters and squatting syndicates. Vice President and HUDCC Chair Jejomar Binay handed the award to City Planning and Development Officer Bing Fuentes recently at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. HUDCC officials lauded the City LGU in its aim to lessen the presence of infor...
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11Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- The country brand “Dreamweave” for the traditional cloth T’nalak will be launched today as one of the highlight of the 2012 Mindanao S&T Cluster in General Santos City. Launching of the brand “Dreamweave” will be held during the Science and Culture Fashion Show, at 6 p.m. at the KCC Mall Convention Center. Dr. Zenaida Laidan, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 said, be...
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11Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 11 (PIA) -- Researchers, scientists, academicians, students and users of science and technology products from all over Mindanao have gathered in General Santos City for the 2012 Mindanao Cluster S&T Fair. Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology ( DOST)-12, host of the five-day event that started yesterday said the event is also in line with the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week. The...
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10Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The provincial government of North Cotabato has received P43 million worth of medical equipment and supplies from the Michigan-based relief organization World Medical Relief Inc. (WMR). WMR’s second batch of donations in support of the health programs of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and the provincial government arrived this week, following an earlier shipment on September 19. Speaking for the WMR, Ambassador Dr. ...
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10Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 10 (PIA) -- “I do’s” echoed at the city’s Rizal Park as 93 couples exchanged vows at the mass wedding officiated by Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel. This mass wedding is part of the free services of the Programang Bayanihan para sa mga Mamamayan (PBM) offered by the city government to residents as it celebrates the 12th Charter Anniversary on October 8, 2012. It was the first time in the city’s history that a mass of 93 couples were given bl...
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10Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 10 (PIA) -- After 10 years of waiting, owners of farms submerged during the construction of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase 1 will receive payments for damages. A statement from the office of North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) through its provincial office released a check of P31.4 million as full payment and settlement for 214 farmers. The farmers belong to the Nagkakaisang Samahan...
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09Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- More than 1,600 indigenous and fruit-bearing trees were planted in Barangay San Jose this city early today in line with the celebration of the 2012 RDC (Regional Development Council) Week. Hundreds of employees and officials of the member agencies of RDC 12 and members of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army went to the village’s hilly Purok Pantalan for a tree-growing activity in a farm wh...
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09Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- After undergoing a season-long training on Farmers’ Field School-Integrated Pest Management (FFS-IPM), two groups of farmers from Banga town in South Cotabato have received their certificates of training. Completing the FFS-IPM were at least 64 farmers from the barangays of Malaya and Lower Liwanay where 30 of them completed FFS on Palay Check and 34 trainees were educated on organic vegetable production. Graduation ceremony was held Tum...
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09Oct2012KORONADAL, CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 9 (PIA) -- The city’s 27 barangays paraded their own style of “lechon” (roasted pig) as they compete for Koronadal City’s 1st Lechon Festival. The lechon showdown highlights the week-long 2nd Negosyo Festival observed by Koronadalenos along with the 12th cityhood anniversary on October 8. Barangay Avancena with its colourfully dressed and deliciously crunchy lechon bagged the first prize for the Lechon-Barangay Category. Barangay Zone 1 came in ...
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09Oct2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct 9 (PIA) -- City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio honored a local teacher here who landed in the Top 10 of Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers Award. Marivi L. Castro, teacher of the General Santos City Special Education Integrated School (SPED) has won the award besting other 38 finalists nationwide. "I did not expect to win," she said at Monday's Flag Ceremony of the city government employees. Teacher Marivi’s story inspired Mayor Custodio enco...
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09Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Animal enthusiasts and pet lovers gathered to witness and showcase their pets in the first region 12 pet show held recently at Robinson’s Mall, General Santos City. The said event was staged as part of the celebration of the 8th Animal Welfare Week. The show was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture 12 through its Agri Pinoy Livestock Program, Bureau of Animal Industry and the Regional Animal Welfare Office and Licensing Section. Exhibi...
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08Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 8 (PIA) –- The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-12) here has urged private agricultural business sectors in Soccsksargen Region to provide information regarding their business enterprise’s profile. DA 12 Agri-Pinoy Regional Livestock Program Coordinator Dr. John Pascual appealed to private livestock and poultry industry players to disclose quantitative data regarding their agri-business to the DA. These data, Dr. Pascual c...
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08Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 8 (PIA) -- South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 1) is implementing one to two hours of rotational brownouts in its coverage area starting today. Socoteco 1 General Manager Santiago Tudio said they needed to apportion available power supply as a consequence of the shutdown of a power plant in Northern Mindanao that has a capacity to generate 210 MW for the Mindanao grid. “Our present allocation is only 22 megawat...
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08Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 8 (PIA) -- Scientific and technology advances and innovations in the six regions of Mindanao will be showcased in General Santos this week, an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 announced. Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, regional director of the DOST 12, said they are spearheading the 2012 Mindanao Cluster S&T on October 10 to 14 at the KCC Mall Convention Center. “We intend to bring together lea...
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05Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 5 (PIA) –- The local government of Pigcawayan is set to launch a Pilipino delicacy “baye-baye” as its One-Town-One-Product (OTOP). Pigcawayan, a 1st class municipality in the province of Cotabato is carving a niche and name in the Mindanao region’s growing tourism industry through its product. The town’s version of the native Pilipino dessert baye-baye, made from glutinous rice, coconut milk and sugar, now gets the support of government agenc...
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05Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 5 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Agriculture (DA-12) met with representatives of companies that have contracts with the agency to clarify issues regarding procurement process. At the Management and Bidder’s Forum held in AJ Hi-Time Hotel in Kidapawan City, DA 12 Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the DA strictly complies with Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as The Government Procurement Reform Act of the Philippines. “We ...
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04Oct2012COTABATO CITY, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- Scholars, elderly and farmers cooperative in Maguindanao province have received livelihood assistance from the provincial government. Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangundadatu on October 2 handed over 3,000 rubber tree seedlings, ten bags of high yield corn seeds and sweet corn, ten bags of sulphate and two heads of farm carabao to some 500 scholars mostly Maguindanaon and Teduray, of Upi Agricultural School, Upi, Maguindanao. The scholarship pro...
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04Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 4 (PIA) -- At least 45 inmates at the North Cotabato District Jail in Amas, Kidapawan City, have undergone training in courses where they could get national certification and earn income. A report from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) – 12 said the project for detainees launched in July, provided free training on food and beverage services NC II, commercial cooking NC II, baking, and handicraft m...
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04Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 4 (PIA) -- Farmers from Mindanao have hiked marketing of their produce with the assistance of the antipoverty program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) reported the program has assisted a total of 2,544 peoples’ organizations (POs) and cooperatives with 134,078 total of individual beneficiaries. With a tripartite funding from the World Bank, national and local government units (LGUs), MRDP is a sp...
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04Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 4 (PIA) -- At least 35 seed growers in Region 12 have undertaken a three-day refresher course on seed production and seed certification last week. The Agri-Pinoy Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture 12 led the training held in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on September 25-27. DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the course aims to refresh the knowledge of different seed growers in seed production at the same time prepare them...
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04Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- Fifteen individuals, all seeking employment, from the municipality of Pigcawayan North Cotabato have completed training to become heavy equipment operators as government scholars. All of them, according to a report from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – 12 have undergone 122 hours of training which began last July 16 and were granted National Certification II for Backhoe Loade...
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03Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 3 (PIA) -- If plans to promote jewelry industry succeed, Soccsksargen Region would have its own line of rings, necklaces and similar products made of “T’boli gold,” a mining official here said. Constancio Paye Jr., regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) 12, announced today the launching of the Jewelry Development Project of Region 12 on ...
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03Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 3 (PIA) -- Over a thousand individuals in Barangay Ned, a remote barangay in Lake Sebu town have benefited from services provided by the Department of Agrarian Reform – South Cotabato (DAR-SoCot) and its partners in the agency’s latest information –cum-medical caravan. Post-activity report on the event held last September 19 – 21 indicated that at least 1,610 families were also provided with relief goods in what...
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03Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 has launched 16 Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs) in Soccsksargen. Five of the BFTs established are from Barangay Kitakubong and Polayagan in Alamada, Barangay Cuyapon and Dagupan in Kabacan, and Barangay Kabulacan in Matalam, all from the province of North Cotabato. In South Cotabato, four BFTs located in Barangay Polo, Sulit and Klinan 6 in Polomolok and Barangay San Vicente in Sto. Niño were opened. In S...
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02Oct2012ALABEL, Sarangani Oct. 2 (PIA) -- Almost 200 families in barangay Alegria here received livelihood assistance in the form of cardava banana seedlings with training on its proper planting and growing. Chairman Hilario Villamora expressed his gratitude to organizations behind the project which he said would greatly help their community. “Let us take care of the banana seedlings given to us because these could help our families and the education of our children,” Villamora told the be...
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02Oct2012MAASIM, Sarangani, Oct 2 -- Several organizations and volunteers partnered with the Sarangani provincial government for the deployment of artificial reef domes in Barangay Tinoto here in celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup month. Non-government organization World Vision paid for the materials and labor in making the artificial reef structures while members of the people’s organization Tinoto Fisherfolk’s Association provided labor to complete at least 300 ar...
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02Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) both in Region 12 recently handed over seven portable smoke houses to some agriculture-related organizations in the region. The beneficiaries of the project were Barangay Concepcion Women Association in Koronadal City, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat and the City Agriculture Offices of Koronadal a...
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01Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 (PIA) -- Some 250 police officers across Soccsksargen Region are undergoing Special Counter Insurgency Operations Unit Training (SCOUT), an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 said. PInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., chief of the public information office, said the 45-day “rigid and tough training” is being conducted by the Regional Special Training Unit 12. “This training is believed to be the toughest and mo...
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01Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 (PIA) --The local government here promises eight days of big discounts and business opportunities as it holds its 2nd Negosyo Festival beginning today in time with the celebration of the city’s 12th Charter Festival. The festival with theme, “More Business, More Fun,” kicked off this morning with a motorcade followed by the opening of the Cooperative Month celebration and Eco-Industrial Tourism and Trade Expo at Gais...
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01Oct2012COTABATO CITY, Oct 1 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CSC-ARMM) has conferred The Outstanding Public Servants (TOPS) and Regional Outstanding Lay Executives (ROLE) awards to six awardees, highlighting the 112th Civil Service Commission anniversary celebration here during the culmination of the monthlong celebration last Friday, Sept 28. The awards are aimed at recognizing and motivating government employees to improve their performance. TOPS a...
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01Oct2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Police Regional Office (PRO-12) last week received 10 computer sets from the Public Safety Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (PSSLAI). PCSupt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, PRO 12 regional director, receive the computer units from Lanie Jane D. Gemeniano, who represented the PSSLAI in a turn over ceremony at the police headquarter in Tambler, General Santos City on September 24. PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio...
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28Sep2012For the small village of Sangil, an ethnic group of Muslim whose concentrated population inhabits the island towns of Balut and Sarangani in Davao del Sur and some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Provinces, fishing and lowland agriculture has been their way of life. In an ordinary day, a small banca, some hook-and-lines and fish pots (traps) aid them in their fishing activity for a long time. But it was for mere subsistence, hardly for other necessary comforts of life. “Our catch w...
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28Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- The city government here is all set to showcase its best practices in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as an entry in the 1st Local Government Unit (LGU) eGov Awards in November. City Media Affairs Officer, Avelmar Manansala said the entry will feature the initiatives of the local government through the SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) in delivering innovative services to different sectors of society through ICT literacy trainings. SHE...
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28Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- Two Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been declared winners in this year's Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA) spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the autonomous region led by OIC Christelyn Caceres. After a thorough deliberation and screening by the Regional Screening and Selection Committee held at the Owwa Training Room here last Sept 27, the Regiona...
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28Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- Ten barangays in Tulunan town recently received multicab vehicles from the provincial government of North Cotabato. Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza said the vehicles were granted as incentive to barangays deemed needful of transport facility and have efficiently performed in their duties in delivering genuine public service. Recipients included barangays G. Baynosa, Nabundasan, Bacong, Damawato, New Culasi, La...
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28Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- District hospitals in North Cotabato would soon offer services for residents suffering from kidney ailments, according to a statement from the provincial government. The province's Information and Development Communication Division (IDCD) today said, the provincial government received on September 19 six dialysis machines along with other medical equipment and supplies from an international relief organization. S...
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28Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture 12 began the fourth round of information caravan, where the agency presents its accomplishments for 2012 and plans and targets for the upcoming year as part of its transparency initiatives. Dubbed “Ulat sa Bayan,” the 4th round of Agri-Pinoy info caravan started in Matalam town of North Cotabato on September 19 and in Maitum town in Sarangani the following day. In Matalam, around 500 farmers, irrigators and ...
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28Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Sept 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH-12) here solicited the help of media in reaching to more vulnerable sectors in the light of rising cases of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Soccsksargen region. A health specialist in one of the presentation, expressed strong belief that something has to be done by local media practitioners to make the people well-informed starting with the basic information on HIV/AIDS. “Knowing the basics, can help reduce the ...
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28Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture-Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-Cemiarc) in Bololmala, Tupi, South Cotabato turned 56 on Monday. Cemiarc, the research arm of the DA, is tasked to undertake studies for the improvement and promotion of existing agricultural products like corn and high value as well as industrial crops. At present, the center has 25 employees overseeing its extensive assignments, which include research ...
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28Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to implement major infrastructure projects to boost socio-economic development in Tawi-Tawi under its infrastructure program for 2012. On Sept 27, a ground breaking ceremony was held to signal the start of the implementation of water system project funded by the public works department in the amount of P370 million to address the problem of lack of access to potable water of residents of Tawi-Tawi. DPWH-A...
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28Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, Sept 28 (PIA) -- Police and military joined forces in strengthening security in Region 12. During the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting, RPOC 12 chairman and Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez said the collective partnership of government troops, agencies and local government units (LGUs) is a great help for the success of the peace and order situation in Soccsksargen. RPOC 12 officials ordered a tightened security in the region now that filing of Certificate of Cand...
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27Sep2012Seminars may be tedious and laden-learning sessions, to say the least. But participants who attended the seminar on Laymanizing Environment, Climate, and Weather Reports had only one thing to describe it: “Excellent!” It was a two-day of learning worth attending, said Anne Santos of ABS-CBN GenSan. The seminar was organized by the Philippine Information Agency 12 in cooperation with the Office of the Civil Defense 12. Olivia Sudaria, PIA-12 regional director, said it took her at least ...
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27Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry in Sultan Kudarat recently held the first Sultan Kudarat Bangus Festival in Lebak town to promote the potential of bangus or milkfish as an important industry. The festival, held September 11 – 12, had over 150 fishpond operators, fishers, traders, provincial and national line agencies as well as other stakeholders including business development service providers and individuals from other provin...
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27Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 27 (PIA) -- International children’s rights-focused organization "Save the Children" yesterday launched a project that will support the national government’s efforts to promote mother tongue-based education in children’s formative years. Bonna Duron, Save the Children’s basic education advisor said, the project “Promoting Quality and Equity in Education for Children in Marginalized Communities in South Central Mindanao” will be implemented fro...
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27Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, Sept 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12) in Soccsksargen Region is pushing forward with its anti-child labor drive in accordance with their advocacy to promote children's rights and welfare. During the reorientation seminar on Republic Act 9231 conducted yesterday, DOLE-12 Regional Director Chona Mantilla explained the importance of the mentioned law as means of saving abused children. She said, the law mandates the elimination of worst forms of child l...
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26Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 26 (PIA) -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Region 12 handed registration, licensing and accreditation certificates to a number of centers, institutions, and service providers. Gemma Rivera, assistant regional director of DSWD 12, said these partners assist them in promoting and implementing poverty reduction programs of the agency such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Self Employment Assistance - Kabuhayan (SEA-K) a...
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26Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 26 (PIA) -- The provincial government of South Cotabato turned over four-wheel vehicles to nine barangays across the province to help boost emergency response capability at the village level, Monday. One more barangay is expected to receive a rescue vehicle as soon as its officials confirm acceptance, Joel Dimput, head of the Barangay Affairs Unit, said. Barangays that received theirs at a turn-over rite inside the provincial capitol compound were Lampitak...
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26Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture's (DA) Gulayan sa Paaralan program has benefited more than 120 public elementary and secondary schools in Region 12. This program provides farm inputs for vegetable production of school beneficiaries. Begun last month, the program is a partnership between the DA and the Department of Education in the region. DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan said the program introduces the culture of farming to st...
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26Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12, through its Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), launched on September 24 the new Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) in Brgy. Pidtinguian, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. Barangay Food Terminal is a market alternative for farmers where they could drop and sell their agricultural products. Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan said DA aims to support farmers in the locality in generating income ...
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25Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 25 -- Development workers involved in the implementation of convergence and poverty reduction programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- 12 recently underwent training on bridging leadership. Among those that underwent training were project development officers, city and municipal links, and social workers, a report from DSWD 12 said. Social Welfare Officer (SWO) III Emerita Dizon of DSWD 12 said bridging leadership ...
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25Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has strengthened the capabilities of local government units in managing the database of trafficked person. In line with the agency’s Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), social workers, LGU focal persons on anti-trafficking program, and some members of the Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking in Region 12 underwent ...
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25Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept 25 (PIA) -- The Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) of Maguindanao has commenced the rehabilitation and repair of the 10-km farm-to-market road that would link several villages of two towns in the province providing easy and faster transport of agricultural products to local markets and trading centers. At the ground breaking ceremony held Sept 19 at Datu Hofer town, led by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and Army’s 6th Infantry Division, local officials, leaders,...
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25Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 25 (PIA) -– The Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Council (MDRRMC) of Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat province is on its way in finalizing the locality’s disaster contingency plan, an official said. Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Elenita Saavedra said that as part of the plan preparations, members of the council along with local legislative and barangays officials had undergone a disaster risk reduction and management planni...
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24Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 24 (PIA) -- Two individuals who provided information that led to the arrest of one most wanted person and the “neutralization” of a bomb expert recently received rewards amounting to P1.3 million from the Philippine National Police (PNP). Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12’s Public Information Office (PIO) said vital information from the tipsters, whose names were withheld for their protection, resulted in the arrest of Hadji...
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24Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 24 (PIA) -- The observance of World Bamboo Day 2012 in South Cotabato has drawn more support from various sectors, a local official said. Acting provincial environment and management officer (PEMO) Siegfred M. Flaviano said that various activities that runs from September 17 to 28, 2012 in different areas in the province supporting the propagation of the bamboo industry earned the acceptance from both the government and private groups. Highlighting the ce...
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22Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 22 (PIA) -- General Santos City’s Barangay Bula recently received P8.5 million from Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) for its rural health unit (RHU). Philhealth President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eduardo Banzon handed the check to Bula Chairman Eduardo Vargas and Gensan Mayor Darlene Custudio during the First City Health Congress at the Phela Grande Convention Center, General Santos City on Wednesday. The che...
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22Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 has urged all its project beneficiaries to strictly observe the process of liquidation according to the rules and guidelines set by law. In a recently-held regional consultative meeting on financial management, DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Datukan said it is important to follow “to the letter” the guidelines required in the liquidation process of every project downloaded to local government units (LGU...
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21Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 21 (PIA) -- Some 30 public elementary schools in Kabacan, North Cotabato recently obtained farm inputs like seeds for vegetable production from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12. DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan said the distribution is part of the program “Gulayan sa Paaralan” which DA 12 and Department of Education (DepEd) 12 jointly promote. Aside from vegetable seeds, garden tools such as shovels, rakes, hoes and plastic drums were also give...
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21Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 21 (PIA)-- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 12 is advancing its family planning (FP) program in the region to bolster understanding of responsible parenthood and women’s reproductive health. The campaign which highlights the theme “Responsableng Pamilya, Ngayon Na!” is part of the celebration of FP awareness this month of September. But at a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH-CHD 12 OIC regional director emphasi...
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20Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12 office is gearing towards improved forests and forestland management in South Cotabato Province by providing technical assistance to different local government units (LGUs) in the formulation of their respective Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP). DENR 12’s Forest Management Service (FMS) convened Tuesday 21 technical personnel from Koronadal city and Tupi and Tantangan towns for t...
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20Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept 20 (PIA) -- Registration of four-wheel public and private vehicles of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has resumed after it was suspended in July this year due to administrative and operational sanctions, Pama P. Dimapanat, DOTC-ARMM head said today. Dimapanat said with the resumption of applications for drivers license and registration of four-wheel vehicles of LTO-ARMM, all collections or registration fe...
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19Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 19 (PIA) -- For the first eight months of operation this year, the Makilala Public Safety Division (PSD) has contributed to the town’s increased local revenue collection. While acting as the implementing arm of the mayor’s office especially in carrying out local ordinances, the PSD also earns revenues for the local government, a statement from the office of mayor Rudy Caoagdan said. About P226,460 was credited to the income from operations of the PSD si...
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19Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 19 (PIA) -- Eight weather tracking devices, including four automated rain gauges (ARG) and automated weather stations (AWS) have been installed in Soccsksargen Region, an official of DOST 12 said. Dr. Zenaida Laidan, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – 12 said they started the installation of modern weather tracking devices in 2011 in support of the disaster risk reduction and management efforts of t...
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19Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 19 (PIA) -- A 7.83-kilometer farm-to market road (FMR) has been turned over to the city government of Kidapawan by the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP). In a statement, the DA 12’s Regional Agriculture and Information Division, said P13,984,057.50 was used to rehabilitate the road traversing the villages of Junction, Paco, Meohao and Macebolig. The project should facilitate immediate and spee...
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19Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 19 (PIA) -- The local government here has scheduled a grand culmination event for a new batch of senior citizens who have completed hands-on training on “Basic Computer Operation and Facebook” by the city’s SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP). At least 180 senior citizens who underwent training from May to September of this year are expected to receive their certificate of completion next month in time with the nationwide celebration of the Senior Citizen’s w...
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18Sep2012KORONADAL CITY,South Cotabato, Sept. 18 (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) 12 widens the scope of the program “Gulayan sa Paaralan” by reaching out to 36 public elementary schools in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. DA 12 distributed starter kits to schools which include seeds of squash, eggplant, okra and other various vegetable seeds. Also, planting materials like shovels, rakes, hoes, bolos, hand trowels and plastic drums were g...
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18Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 18 (PIA) -- Besides being a primary producer of organic rice, Surallah town in South Cotabato could soon be a major source of herbal medicine products courtesy of a cooperative assisted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 12). From its original three products, namely: turmeric, sambong, and avocado granules, the Centrala Alternative Medicine Producers Cooperative (CAMPC) in Surallah’s Barangay Centrala have expanded to incl...
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18Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 18 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III signed Friday a law splitting North Cotabato into three districts. Under Republic Act 10177, An Act Reapportioning the Province of Cotabato into three Legislative Districts, assigned to the new district the municipalities of Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, M’lang and Tulunan. Cotabato’s First District retains Pikit, Pigkawayan, Alamada, Midsayap, Libungan, and Aleosan while the ...
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18Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept. 18 (PIA) -- Advancing the importance of active involvement of community leaders in the implementation of development endeavors, ARMM OIC-Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman led the signing of the memorandum of agreement MOA) between DSWD-ARMM, Basilan provincial governor Jum Akbar and town mayors in the area including Lamitan City last September 16, this year. Governor Hataman is positive that the MOA signing boosts partnership efforts to fast track the implementation of the Tran...
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18Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 18 (PIA) -- More than P7.32 million has been released to five local government units of Maguindanao and North Cotabato for the rehabilitation of Liguasan Marsh. A statement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 12 indicated the amount was intended for maintenance of a combined 796 hectares of plantation of indigenous species in several areas of the marsh. Forester Iskak G. Dipatuan, manager of the Liguasa...
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18Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here continues to strengthen its local and regional economic development (LRED) program in mobilizing more stakeholders to improve the economy of some areas in the province. Flora Gabunales, DTI-South Cotabato provincial director, said they are done with the three out of the 11 local government units of the province in their conduct of LRED orientations. Gabunales said that in the process, more micro, s...
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17Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 17 (PIA) -- At least 400 young people from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines (BIMP) are coming to SocSargen (South Cotabato–Saragani–General Santos City) in December for a sports competition, an official of the Philippine Sports Commission said. Lawyer Maria Fe Alano, national events and competitions head of PSC said members of the BIMP-East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Council visited SocSarGen last week to thresh out concerns for the BIMP-E...
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17Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 17 (PIA) -- The High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA-12) is intensifying garlic and yellow bulb onion production in Region 12 to meet market demands for both spices. The region will be given allocation for this project since Soccsksargen Region is good for off-season production of onion and garlic, Onion and Garlic Focal Person Jocelyn Torres said. “We are expecting that this project will succeed and that somed...
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14Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)12 on Monday honored local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) in the region that have gained excellence in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance in the 2012 Regional Gawad Kalasag (GK) Awards here. OCD-12 Regional Director Lita Enok, also chairperson of the Regional DRRMC 12 described the yearly Gawad Kalasag as government’s way to motivate the different stakeholders...
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13Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 lauded the local government’s initiative of conducting the 1st Robotics training-workshop for high school students in the city last week. DOST 12 Regional Director, Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan said the activity, which she described as the first of its kind in Region 12, underscored the “growing importance of Science, Technology and Innovation.” “I salute your hunger and value for technology (t...
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13Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- At least 27 unemployed individuals in North Cotabato have been given assistance that would provide them with opportunities to earn a living. Through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Kabuhayan Project, 14 ambulant vendors were given Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) while 13 were provided with DOLE Kabuhayan (DK) starter kits. Information from DOLE 12 said the livelihood assistance were distributed ...
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13Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) --The local government of Cotabato City ventures in a microfinancing program to help poor families engage in productive activities to uplift their quality of life and further boost economic growth, a city official here said. Aniceto Rasalan, secretary to Cotabato City Mayor Japal “Jojo” Guiani, Jr. said, financial assistance shall be extended to poor families who wish to engage in small scale business ventures and to those who need additional seed capital. ...
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13Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 13 (PIA) -- Malnourished kids in Tantangan town are expected to receive health packs from a known Christian group leading the campaign against hunger and malnutrition in the Southeast Asian nations. Health packs containing 12 vitamins and minerals for the nourishment of about 489 children aging 0 to 71 months are to be given by Bethesda Ministries International to identified malnourished children in the nine out of the 13 barangays of Tantangan, acting mun...
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13Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 13 (PIA) --The Regional Development Council of Region (RDC) 12 stakeholders are set to celebrate the 2012 RDC Week on October 8-12 with the aim of increasing awareness among stakeholders on its role in regional development. Instead of celebrating the event every 4th week of September as mandated by the Presidential Proclamation no. 1164, issued on February 28, 1998, it was rescheduled to fit the appointments of the council’s officials. Highlight of the event will be th...
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12Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, Sept. 11 (PIA) -- After tedious preparation for the Mindanao Regional Qualifying round, students of a public high school here, now gears up for the 2012 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) national tilt. Vocalist Easter Joy Parsacala, a 4th year student of the Koronadal City National High School (KNCHS), after passing the NAMCYA Mindanao round on September 8, at Tagum City, gets ready for the national competitions which will be held at the Cultural Center of t...
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12Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 12 (PIA) -- Farmer Romeo Declarador has harvested 129 sacks of palay from one-hectare farm lot and earned at least P102,000 from the harvest. Declarador, a member of Amyon Irrigators’ Association in Tulunan , North Cotabato, is one of the first recipients of the Department of Agriculture’s Sikat Saka Program in Soccsksargen Region. Sikat Saka is a credit assistance initiative of DA in partnership with the Landbank of the P...
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12Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept 12 (PIA) -- The Maguindanao local government unit (LGU) turns its attention to helping indigent non-eligibles all over the province through free review classes of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) examinations. Over a thousand citizens of Maguindanao have applied for the review classes scheduled during Saturdays and Sundays in two separate review centers identified by the provincial government from September 15 to October 20 with the CSC examinations set for Octber 21. Lyn...
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12Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other cause-oriented groups collaborated to clean the debris left by the flash flood that ravaged villages in Malungon late Saturday afternoon. Torn houses, damaged crops and infrastructures littered barangays Malandag and Datal Tampal after the flash flood, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said Sunday. Capt. William Rodriguez, 1002nd Brigade civil military o...
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11Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, Sept 11 -- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or the Condition Cash Transfer (CCT) is expanding further reach out to families and children in need of special protection around the country, a senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD regional director and regional project manager of 4Ps, said the now ‘modified CCT’ will “provide and strengthen the safety, protection, and development of children in...
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11Sep2012LUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato, Set. 11 (PIA) -- Pangungunahan ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – 12 at Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) ang pagbuo ng Regional Communication Network sa Soccsksargen Region. Kaugnay rito, bubuhayin ding muli ng OCD 12 ang Emergency Broadcast System, ayon kay OCD 12 Regional Director Lita Enok. Palalakasin ng bubuing Regional CommNet ang paghahatid mga mahahalagang impormasyon na makatutulong sa ...
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11Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 11 (PIA) --The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 promotes “Gulayan sa Paaralan” in General Santos City through the recently conducted turn over ceremony of planting materials to more than 30 public elementary and secondary schools in the said city. Through the leadership of Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Joy Misterio, seeds of high value vegetables such as squashes, tomatoes, eggplants, and okra were distributed to school beneficiaries. ...
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11Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 11 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD 12) is organizing the Regional Communication Network that would ensure efficient delivery of information to complement efforts in disaster risk reduction and management. “We are also reviving the emergency broadcast system,” OCD 12 Regional Director Lita Enok said. On September 18 to 20, OCD 12 will be spearheading workshop to be held in General Santos City...
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11Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 11 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Makilala in Cotabato province continues its campaign for values formation of its employees. Makilala town Mayor Rudy Caoagdan led the campaign to ensure efficient service of the civil servants of the locality to the constituents. The crusade, the mayor said, is in addition to the LGUs effort to resolve the local government’s problem on poverty. Caogdan vowed to make sure that all government workers in the munici...
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10Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 10 (PIA) -- Hundreds of disaster response volunteers and teams are expected to converge in General Santos City and Sarangani Province in December for the first Mindanao search and rescue summit. Roy Dorado, operations chief of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 said the summit will be highlighted by a competition simulating a search and rescue mission. “Our primary objective is to promote camaraderie among disaster response teams but what is more imp...
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10Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Damages to properties due to flash flood in Malungon, Sarangani on Saturday have already reached P7,140,620, according to Update No. 5 released by the Provincial Information Office at 7:00 p.m. yesterday. The report, based on update sent by Capt. William Rodriguez, information officer of the 1002nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the estimate on damages only pertained to 66 houses totally wrecked by the flas...
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08Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Sept. 8 (PIA) --The local government of Tacurong City yesterday spearheaded “Hataw and Walk for a Cause Alay sa mga Batang Lansangan,” a fund-raising event for street children in celebration of the 112th Philippine Civil Service Commission anniversary. Joining the LGU were participants from 601st Brigade-Philippine Army, Task Force Talakudong, Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Dep...
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08Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 8 (PIA) -- Tacurong City, the City of Goodwill has achieved yet another milestone for being adjudged as winner of Region 12 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi 2012-City Category. Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is an award conferred by the Department of the Local Interior and Local Government (DILG) to a province, city or municipality for reason of exemplary performance in administrative governance, social governance, economic governance and environmental governance. These f...
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08Sep2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Sept 8 (PIA) -- A region-wide interagency dengue task force has been organized to synchronize government actions in its fight against dengue . “We see the pressing need to organize a task force as dengue impose a significant health, economic, and social burden on the population,” a statement from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 12 said. Dr. Jebie Areen Biron, regional epidemiology and surveillance unit head of DOH-CHD-12 said “susta...
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07Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 7 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – 12 has began the process of preparing local government units to adopt the Incident Command System (ICS) to strengthen Soccsksargen Region’s disaster response capabilities. Twenty-nine personnel of member-agencies of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Technical Working Group (TWG) underwent a three-day Basic/Intermediate ICS Training Course. This...
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06Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) will jumpstart this September series of orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for LGUs to strengthen the capacity of local governments and communities. These series of orientation is under the agency’s program “Enhancing LGU Capacity on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management” pursuant to Republic Act 10121-...
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06Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture 12 has recently called the attention of the beneficiaries of various agricultural projects, particularly farm-to-market roads (FMRs) to hasten the processing of their papers for the fund transfer, if and when they opted to adopt the modality. This after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has ordered all government agencies to fast track the consumption of government funds by September 30 of this year. D...
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05Sep2012COTABATO CITY, Sept 5 (PIA) -- Officials and employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao converged on Sept 3, 2012 at the ORG compound here for the opening program commemorating the 112th anniversary of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) As the lead agency, CSC-ARMM has lined-up various activities including fun games and sports fest for more meaningful celebration highlighting recognition of outstanding public servants consistent with this year’s theme “Kawani, Ikaw ay isang Lingk...
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05Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 5 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Science and Technology announced today that the Mindanao Cluster Science and Technology Fair has been set on October 10 – 14 at KCC Convention Center in General Santos City. Dr. Zenaida Laidan , regional director of DOST 12, said technologies that are ripe of diffusion, and adoption from the six regions of Mindanao will take the center stage. Along with DOST-assisted pr...
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04Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 4 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Agriculture here showed to farmers and local officials a machine that could harvest and thresh rice in single operation. The machine, called rice combine thresher, can harvest at the same time thresh at least eight hectares of rice in a day with only three persons to operate. The machine costs P8.98 million. A press statement reveals that a field demo using the machine was held in Barangay Riz...
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04Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- Amyon Irrigators’ Association based in Tulunan, North Cotabato have received more than P300,000 fund that its members could use to boost their rice production. This, according to information from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-12, is line with the pilot implementation of Sikat Saka program recently launched by the DA in partnership with the LandBank of the Philippines (LBP). Sikat Saka, DA 12 Regional Executive D...
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04Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 4 (PIA) -- Preparations are underway for Tacurong City’s Talakudong 2012 Festival and 12th Foundation Anniversary to assure quality entertainment for tourists and locals. This year’s theme, “Tacurong: Padayon nga Nagahugpong” emphasizes the pride of those from Tacurong in its unity. Festival highlights, the street dancing and field demonstration competition, will be staged on September 18 at 7 a.m. Alay sa Barangay ni Mayor Lina O. Mont...
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04Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 4 (PIA 12) -- Parents in Tacurong City could now expect more help from their children, particularly on gathering information that could help boost farm production with the launching of the Sagot Ko Magulang Ko Infomediary Campaign The campaign by the Philippine Rice Research Institute launched at A.S. Bernardo Memorial National High School in Brgy. Baras, Tacurong City aims to mobilize the youth sector to assist their parents by ...
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03Sep2012KORONADAL CITY, September 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 under its Livestock Division promotes home meat processing as well as backyard swine raising to help swine raisers improve their income. Agri Pinoy Livestock Program Regional Coordinator Dr. John B. Pascual said backyard swine raising and meat processing can help earn money. “Through home meat processing, swine raisers themselves can make and supply meat products like ham, pork nuggets, tocino and longanisa to the mar...
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31Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 bolsters the expansion of garlic production areas in Region 12 as part of advancing the department’s Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program (FSSP). This is one of the strategies of the department in giving importance not only to the production of staples but also to other agricultural commodities like garlic. Jocelyn Torres, engineer, of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) said that they are encouraging garlic...
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31Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 31 (PIA) -- The local government of Makilala in North Cotabato is confident to surpass revenue collection target of P17 million for fiscal year 2012, a local official reported. Makilala municipal treasurer Ma. Luisa Layos in her report, revealed that they have intensified their revenue collection campaign, especially in the business licenses, stall rentals, slaughterhouses, and terminal fees. They also adopted the scheme of going down to the barangay, convincing even micro-...
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31Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 led the promotion of cassava production as part of the department’s Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program (FSSP). To strengthen the promotion, a cassava techno-demo showcase was launched in Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City where a hectare of land was allotted for cassava farming. The said activity aims to widen cassava production in Soccsksargen region in line with the objectives pushed by FSSP. Highlight of the tec...
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31Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 31 (PIA) -- Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-12 and Maguindanao officials have signed an agreement for the implementation of P7.8 million-worth of livelihood projects. A statement from DENR 12 said Regional Executive Director Adeluisa G. Siapno signed on August 28 a memorandum of agreement that would provide 10 income-generating projects to people’s organizations in five municipalities along the Liguasan marsh. With...
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30Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 30 (PIA) -- South Cotabato is the fifth best performing provincial local government in the country, results of the latest Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) evaluation said. DILG's Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) evaluation in 2011 also listed Surallah town as seventh of the top 10 municipal local government units (LGUs). A statement from DILG indicated that South Cotabato garnered an average point of 4.864 to surp...
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30Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 30 (PIA) -- The local government of Makilala is now gearing up to help in monitoring the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Last week, the town’s remaining 31 barangays completed the training on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). In the middle of the month of July, the first batch, comprising...
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30Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is working double-time to reach out to more motorcycle riders here in South Cotabato to comply with the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009. South Cotabato DTI provincial director Flora Gabunales said they need to put up a desk at the lobby of every town hall to ensure that more motorcycle riders are served and more helmets are marked with the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) markings. For the whole month of September, trad...
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30Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Aug 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is entering into an agreement with the state-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) for the establishment of a clonal facility. A statement from the DENR-12 today said, USM President Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije, signed the memorandum of agreement in behalf of the state university on August 23. The same was forwarded to the DENR Central Office for signature of Secre...
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29Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 29 (PIA) --Three towns in North Cotabato are set to implement projects under Kapit-bisig laban sa kahirapan- Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Kalahi-CIDSS regional community development specialist John Kevin Camarinas said the beneficiaries are the towns of Libungan, Pikit and Arakan which are considered as conflict-affected areas. To realize the said projects, a fund amounting...
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29Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 29 (PIA) -– Media reporters and government information officers in Soccsksargen Region gathered at Sarangani Highlands Garden in General Santos City for a two-day seminar workshop on laymanizing environment, climate, and weather reports. The seminar-workshop, which started yesterday was sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA 12) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-12. Dr. Olivia Sudaria, regional director of PIA 12, said the wor...
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28Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- It's a blessed year for a Koronadaleno police officer of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office. Senior police officer 3 Renjun O. Bagaman is named one of the ten Country’s Outstanding Police in Service (COPS) of the Metrobank Foundation Inc. for year 2012. Bagaman, who joined the police force in 1997, said he was surprised when his superior called him earlier this month and presented a confirmation of an award he will receive on September 5, 2012 fr...
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28Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 28 (PIA) -- A non-government organization is considering South Cotabato as venue of this year’s national solid waste management convention, an official here confirmed today. Engr. Seigfred Flaviano, acting provincial environment management officer, said officers of the Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines (SWAPP) visited the province last week and suggested the conduct of the nationwide gathering here. “They c...
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28Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 28 (PIA) -- The town of Kabacan in the province of North Cotabato empowers its K5 group drive or “Kilusan tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kalinisan at Kaunlaran sa Bayan ng Kabacan” which focuses in monitoring the criminality and other detrimental incidents in the said town. K5 President David Don Saure Sr. said the organization was formed as response to the series of killings and illegal drug trade that is rampant in Kabacan. The organization started in 2009 and continues its ...
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27Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 27 (PIA) -- At least 327 residents in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat have already started work under the emergency employment program of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – 12. Information released by the DOLE 12 today said, the employment beneficiaries were victims of the June 11 flash flood and storm surge that affected 15 barangays in the area. Charmaine Dawn Ladot-Sonsona, DOLE 12’s labor communications officer said ...
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24Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) conducted here Thursday an advocacy training to orient small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), exporters, and trademark holders in Region 12 on the significance of Madrid Protocol. Atty. Leny Raz, Bureau of Trade Mark (TM) Director of IPOPHL described Madrid Protocol as “a treaty that provides for the international registration of trademarks including service marks.” “By filing a single appl...
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24Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 24 (PIA) -- The Soccsksargen Region office of the Department of Science and Technology today announced the opening of scholarships available to incoming freshmen students in school year 2013 – 2014. Dr. Zenaida Hadji-Raof-Laidan, DOST 12 regional director, said the scholarships will be awarded to students who would like to pursue bachelor’s degree in priority courses in sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Deadline for submissio...
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24Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 24 (PIA) -- Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo was originally set to be the guest of honor of the 2012 Talakudong Festival on September 18. The festive mood all over Tacurong City, while everybody prepares for the celebration, unexpectedly turned to grief and mourning as reports confirmed his death in the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane on August 21. Saddened, Tacurong City residents regret they could have proudly shown the late secretary the city’s Seal of G...
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24Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 24 (PIA) -- Cotabato City is in the thick of preparations for the 1st Coffee Summit on September 20 to 21. The two-day activity is spearheaded by the Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (MCCCIFI) in collaboration with the city government, business chambers and USAID-GEM program. A coffee forum will be conducted on the first day, where representatives from the Philippine Coffee Board (PCB), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Departmen...
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23Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 23 (PIA) -- Mining firm Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) has turned over health kits yesterday to the provincial government intended for all barangay health stations in the province. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Josephine Leysa received 620 health kits in behalf of the provincial local government from Leonardo Cortez Jr., SMI’s regional and provincial affairs superintendent. “The don...
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23Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 23 (PIA) -- One hundred and seven technical vocational training scholarships are available for South Cotabato’s out-of-school youths (OSY) who desire to pursue blue-collar jobs. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. yesterday announced the scholarship program to barangay officials attending the turnover of financial incentives to 100 best performing barangays based on the province’s Dungog sa Barangay award system. He urged the officials to encourage their young...
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23Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 23 (PIA) -- The provincial government of South Cotabato yesterday released a total of P5 million as incentives to barangays that have shown exemplary performance in governance. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. led the distribution of checks worth P50,000 each to 100 barangays adjudged best performing in the provincial government’s Dungog sa Barangay award system patterned after the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jess...
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22Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 22 (PIA) -- Officials in Soccsksargen Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are united in saying that the untimely death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo is a great loss to the Aquino administration and the government€™s mandate to promote good governance. In behalf of the provincial government of South Cotabato, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. extended his sympathies to the bereaved family of Sec. Robredo whom he described ...
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22Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 22 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here has intensified its support programs for palay and corn procurement to ensure food security in Region 12, an official said. In a statement, South Cotabato NFA provincial manager Avelino M. Usman said, their conduct of a continuing interaction with barangay farmers all over the province has helped a lot in their palay and corn procurement program. With the harvest season coming near, the NFA advocacy program they called “U...
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18Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 18 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Peace and Order Rico Puno has commended Police Regional Office (PRO-12) here for its “stellar work” as it celebrated on Tuesday, August 14, the 111th Police Service anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “We commend you for your accomplishments and we have full confidence in all of you that you will keep up the stellar work,” Puno told them at the PRO-...
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18Aug2012MALUNGON, Sarangani, Aug 18 (PIA) -- A Communal Irrigation System (CIS) worth P3,932,718 at Upper Biangan village was turned over by the Silway-Buayan Regional Irrigation System/Sarangani Province during a program last August 15. The local irrigator’s association accepted the project for operation and maintenance from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Irrigator’s association Pres. Juralde Deposo and Brgy. Captain Reumero Geonson received the project while Gov. Migs Dominguez,...
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18Aug2012ALABEL, Sarangani, Aug 18(PIA) - Twenty-two former rebels (FRs) who have returned to the folds of the law received on Tuesday (August 14) livelihood assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through Sarangani’s comprehensive local integration program (CLIP) for its rebel returnees. OPAPP area coordinator Emmanuel Fable said the aid would provide FRs start-up capital to support them as they start a new life as he pointed out “ito (assistance) ay tiw...
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17Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 17 (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 has intensified its campaign against the dengue virus in Region 12 with the distribution of ovicidal-larvicidal (OL) traps in elementary and secondary schools. DOST 12 said the agency has already distributed 11,270 OL traps, which were installed in nearly 5,600 classrooms in North Cotabato. A total of 1,454 kits were distributed to schools in Kidapawan City, and 9,816 kits to schools in the 17 municipalities of...
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17Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA)-12, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), is advancing organic farming in public schools within the region under the program “Gulayan sa Paaralan.” Gensan-Sarangani Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Jocelyn Misterio said DA-12 aims to impart to youths the importance and benefits of having fresh, natural and nutritious agricultural products grown the organic way. “This step is also an oppor...
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17Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 17 (PIA) -- PhilHealth-12 and the city government of General Santos have intensified their campaign against health care fraud by distributing member data records (MDRs) with the family picture of sponsored program members and their qualified dependents. At a recent MDR distribution attended by General Santos Local Health Insurance Office head Nol Valila and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Rebecca V. Magante, 712 sponsored program members listed under the Na...
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16Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Inspired by the huge success of the 2011 "Igpat sang Kamera," Tacurong City unveiled this year’s photography and feature writing contests as part of the observance of the city’s founding anniversary. “This year, we are hoping that Igpat participants will be able to capture our city as a vibrant tourist destination, as we also enjoy merrymaking with the Talakudong Festival,” Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla said. Themed “It’s More Fun in the City ...
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16Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, AUG 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) 12 needs P65.4 million to complete the construction of the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH) in Barangay Dajay, Surallah, South Cotabato. “DOH 12 has proposed P50 million for the continuation of the construction of the building, and P15,487,00 for hospital equipment,” Dr. Francisco Mateo , OIC of the Local Health Support Division of DOH 12, told participants of the ground breaking rites . Region...
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16Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 16 (PIA)--Two thousand two hundred internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in the province of Maguindanao received household items yesterday from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The families were affected by the recent armed conflict in the province. The ICRC in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross visited 468 war-affected families temporarily sheltered in Ampatuan National High School, Madrasah public market in Barangay Kauran,and Mahat Islamic...
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16Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato August 16 (PIA) -- At least 40 percent of the province’s population will benefit from the establishment of the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH) in nearby Surallah town, a health official here said. The new public hospital will provide health care to residents in at least five of the six municipalities in the province’s Upper Valley area, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido said during ground breaking cerem...
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16Aug2012COTABATO CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Twelve personnel of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) set off for a three-day training workshop on localizing the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in Naga City from August 14-18, 2012. The three-day activity aims to gain deeper understanding and insights of the area’s best practices and experiences, success stories and testimonies on MDG implementation and monitoring through the promotion of local action and capacity- building. ARMM Executive Se...
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16Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) -- Business confidence is up in Mindanao, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. “Business confidence in the region remains positive especially in Regions 11 and 12,” said Rosabel Guerrero, director of BSP-Department of Economic Statistics during an awards ceremony and appreciation lunch for BSP stakeholders on Tuesday (Aug 7) at East Asia Royale Hotel here. Guerrero said the “future conditions of business and the economy” is determined through th...
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15Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture in Soccsksargen Region (DA-12) has pioneered the countrywide implementation of farm service provider concept, a top official of the regional agency here said. Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said DA-12 is the first regional field office that developed the concept, which it started implementing in March this year. On August 8 and 9, DA 12 sponsored a forum to explain the proj...
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15Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 15 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Maguindanao continues to provide primary goods and cash assistance to war-affected indigenous people (IP) in the province. Maguindanao Deputy Governor Samsudin Dimaukom said their help focuses to the “tedurays” in the upper area of Hill 224 in Sitio Kyamko, Barangay Kabingi in the municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. “We visited Hill 224 to check the condition of the people who are still affected by the weeklong...
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15Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, August 13 (PIA)---- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) honored three valued stakeholders in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-General Santos City) with prestigious awards for their “unparalleled support” to its statistical and advocacy programs. For the small- and medium-corporation category, the BSP named the Horizon Can Corp based in Tambler here as the Most Outstanding Respondent among small- and medium-firms in Region 12. The compa...
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15Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug15 (PIA) – The local government of Makilala is again sending this month the second batch of barangay officials to undergo training on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Last month, officials from the town’s seven (7) barangays completed the training as part of the initiative of the LGU to strengthen their mechanisms for the protection and safety of residents in hinterland communities. Each baran...
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14Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 14 (PIA) -- The provincial government of South Cotabato and its partners will break the ground of the five-hectare lot in nearby Surallah town tomorrow to signal the beginning of the construction of the Upper Valley Community Hospital (UVCH). Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., will lead the signing of the manifesto of support and laying of the time capsule at the hospital construction site in Barangay Dajay, Surallah, said Provincial Health Officer ...
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14Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug 14 (PIA) --The University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center Training and Convention Division conducted here last week a two-day Barangay Legal Education Seminar (BLES) designed to reorient participants on the implementation of RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and RA 9262, the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act. “We want to know how the barangay and other law enforcement agencies handle VAWC and other cases involving Children in ...
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13Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) -- Each barangay continues to buckle down to work as the signal is up for the start of the search for this year’s Outstanding Barangay Development Information Center (BDIC) in nearby Tampakan town, a local official said. The town’s 14 barangays are vying for the spot to earn the prestige and cash prize, said Efren Villarina, the area’s Community Development Information Officer (CDIO). One of the remaining active council in Soccsksargen region, the town’s i...
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13Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) -- The 1st Sultan Kudarat Provincial Bangus Festival will give local fisher folk a venue to showcase their skills as it widens doors for business opportunities, a trade and industry official said. While busy in the preparations for the first-ever bangus festival in the province, Department of Trade and Industry- Sultan Kudarat (DTI-SK) provincial director Nelly N. Dillera said, individual skills and group agility of bangus fisherfolks will be put to test in differen...
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13Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) --At least 3,561 families or 16,883 individuals in 12 barangays of Makilala, North Cotabato are expected to gain from government development efforts with the recent launching of the Makilala Southwest Agrarian Reform Community program. According to a report from the Information and Development Communication Division of the Office of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza sent to PIA 12 today, the ARC program is aimed at raising the average income and i...
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13Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) -- Disseminating technology to rice farmers in Soccsksargen Region is not anymore the sole responsibility of agricultural technicians. This after the Department of Agriculture (DA) – 12 employed the assistance of at least 75 trained farmers who will serve as local farmer technicians (LFTs) to teach other farmers to adopt technologies that could help boost their production. Agri-Pinoy Rice Program Coordinator Rey Embahador, said ...
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13Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 encouraged every Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) operator to maintain and strengthen their respective BFTs in order to earn more profit. DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia J. Datukan said that promoting BFTs in enhancing profit is one of the means of the department to achieve a positive effect in the community. “Aside from making BFTs operational, it is better to make these centers useful and profitable,” Datukan ad...
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10Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 10 (PIA) -- All systems are now set for the 1st Sultan Kudarat Provincial Bangus Festival on August 15-17, 2012, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-SK) provincial office said. DTI-SK provincial director Nelly Nita N. Dillera has chosen the coastal town of Lebak to host the three-day festival that is expected to boost business opportunities for the thriving bangus industry in the province. The province produced as much as 11,787.28 metric tons of a...
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10Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 10 (PIA) -- South Cotabato will have at least three new facilities to monitor weather conditions and possible climatic disturbances in the province. John Lorca, disaster response coordinator of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) will be installed inside the provincial capitol, this city. Talks are also on-going between the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astrono...
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10Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 10 (PIA) -- Residents of Tampakan town will be treated to legal education as the Community Development Information Center (CDIC) prepares for the first Community Legal Forum at Barangay Poblacion. The forum, slated on August 18 at the municipal gymnasium, is aimed at making residents aware of their rights and obligations, Community Development Information Officer (CDIO) Efren Villarina told the Philippine Information Agency here. Villarina said the CDIC has invited high-cal...
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10Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 10 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in General Santos City has filed criminal charges on Tuesday against a group of men, including an Indonesian national for violation of Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Earlier, joint operatives of the DENR and the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group found on Monday (August 6) the said men in possession of 17 heads of Sulaw...
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10Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, August 8 (PIA)--The military and police in Region 12 are on high alert following the series of attacks staged by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Sunday (August 5) in an Army detachments in Maguindano province. The attacks were particularly carried out in the municipalities of Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay in Maguindanao, said PCSupt. Lester Camba, Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 deputy regional director for administration. He said the attack went as far as h...
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09Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine team, which includes a Koronadaleño, won the 5th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Quiz Regional Competition held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last week. Kristiyanne Paul de Pedro, a senior student of the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS), along with Franchesca Anne Inacay of St. Albert the Great School in Dagupan City (Region 1) and Maria Angela Krizelle Rubin of San Joaquin National High School in Calba...
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09Aug2012KORONADAL CITY , Aug 9 (PIA) -- The local chief executive of Makilala vows to push into high gear free education in his municipality. Mayor Rudy Caogdan in a weekly radio program said the implementation of the local government’s free education policy through the “no mandatory” collection from parents of students in Makilala is a priority program of the LGU. The policy, Caoagdan said was formalized in the memorandum of agreement, he and some officials of the Department of Education ha...
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08Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 8 (PIA) -- The Tacurong Team was declared Overall Champion during the 2nd World Arnis Tournament on July 27-29, 2012 at Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC) Gym, Bacolod City. A press release from the Information office of Tacurong City today, indicated confirmed that the city’s “ arnisadores” won 26 gold, 25 silver, and 20 bronze medals; 71 medals, all in all. The team was comprised of local talents from different age b...
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08Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 12 recently bared its plan of strengthening the Pulis sa Barangay program to ensure community cooperation in maintaining peace and order in the locality. In a dialogue with stakeholders last week, PRO 12 Regional Director PCSupt Alex Paul Monteagudo said the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) has deployed one police liaison officer to each barangay of the city to coordinate with community officials i...
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08Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 8 (PIA) -- Some 349 police officers previously assigned to the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 12 and its maneuver companies were deployed on Monday to their permanent assignments in police stations across Soccsksargen Region. In an email to PIA 12 this morning, PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., head of the Regional Public Information Office 12 said PNP 12 Regional Director PCSupt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, earlier this year, vowed to addr...
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08Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 8 (PIA) -- The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabacan, North Cotabato through the help of police authorities in the province and in Region 12 strengthened its campaign against criminality, following a spate of killings in the municipality. Task Force Chrislam Head Police Insp. Tirso Pascual said they are doing visibility and foot patrol in populous areas in Kabacan most especially during market day. “Aside from the public market, policemen are also monitoring the Kabac...
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07Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 7 (PIA) -- The provincial government of North Cotabato is gearing up for its Kalivungan Festival and 98th foundation anniversary. The Information and Development Communication Division (IDCD) of the province said the festivity will feature activities showcasing the rich culture of Cotabato province, and will begin on August 24 until September 1. Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza said this year’s celebration is an affirmation of the goals ...
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07Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, August 7 (PIA) -- A crocodile was recently turned over to the care of the Philippine Crocodile Rescue and Breeding Center (PCRBC) at the Forest and Eco-Tourism Park, inside the provincial capitol in Amas, Kidapawan City. Named “Crokie,” the 8-foot long, more-than-100-pound female crocodile was donated to the PCRBC by Tita Alvarico, a businesswoman from Cotabato City. The Alvaricos had taken care of Crokie as a “family pet” for 20 years....
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06Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 6 (PIA) -- Barangay Magsaysay in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato has intensified its campaign in fighting dengue. Barangay Magsaysay Chairman Gregorio Lonzaga said this measure is in response to the recorded case of the City Health Office (CHO) wherein two patients from the said village died due to dengue. “We are saddened that the sisters who died due to dengue were our constituents, that is why we acted accordingly to spare our people from it,” Lonzaga ...
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06Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 6 (PIA) -- An official of the Department of Science and Technology in Region 12 (DOST-12) has urged third year science and technology (S&T) college students to avail of the scholarship opportunity offered by the agency. DOST-12 Regional Director Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan announced that DOST’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has opened the application for the Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) with the deadline for filing set on August 24. “By...
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03Aug2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, August 3 (PIA) -- The city government has proposed five priority investment areas to private sectors here, which they could develop and operate under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. Meriam Buguis, department head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), presented the proposed investment areas at an investment forum on public-private partnership held here. Buguis expressed confidence that development of the sites would push l...
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03Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 3 (PIA) -- The South Cotabato Police Provincial Office’s Public Safety Company is the best in the country this year, an official of the Provincial Police Office (PPO) here said. Provincial Director PSSupt. Randolph Delfin said on August 3 that he has already received confirmation regarding the award. “We have outdone more or less 180 public safety companies all over the Philippines,” he said. He said Supt. James Gulmatico, commander of the public saf...
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02Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government of South Cotabato commended local government units (LGUs) that have shown readiness against calamities as part of the culmination of the Disaster Consciousness Month celebration on Tuesday. Surrallah LGU was named to have the most disaster-prepared Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), followed by the LGUs of Polomolok and Tupi. As part of the commendation, Surallah MDRRMO received cash prize...
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02Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Aug 2 (PIA) -- Motorists have now up to the end of this year to have their helmets inspected and certified with PS or ICC (Philippine Standards or Import Commodity Clearance) markings of the Bureau of Product Standards. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) South Cotabato provincial director Flora Gabunales said, this came after their agency’s request for extension has been granted by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). Gabunales said,...
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02Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 2 (PIA) -- The city government here wants to hasten the establishment of the new Koronadal City public cemetery. Mayor Peter B. Miguel has ordered the task force to fast track the selection of the site where the public graveyard will be located. Last July 17 and 22, the selection committee met with homeowners in Purok Sto Niño, Barangay Paraiso for consultations on the issues and concerns pertaining to the project. The project is one of t...
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01Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 1 (PIA) -- All the 1,194 barangays in Soccsksargen Region have already been provided with geohazard maps, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-12) head said. “All barangay chairpersons in Region 12 have been furnished copies of geohazard maps for flooding and landslides which could guide them in their preparations against calamities and disasters,” said Constancio Paye Jr., MGB regional director. The same maps can be accessed online through their website, ...
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01Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, Aug 1 (PIA) -- Forty-five inmates from Cotabato District Jail will undergo skills training under the livelihood program which the Cotabato provincial government launched yesterday, July 31, to train detainees skills helpful in improving their lives. This program is in collaboration with Kidapawan City Skills Training Center Inc. (KCSTCI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) where inmates will be trained in different livelihood skills such as cooki...
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01Aug2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, August 1 (PIA) -- Thirteen erring sawmills in Soccsksargen Regions have been padlocked by the operatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-12 for violations of environment laws and regulations. Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, Regional Executive Director (RED) of the DENR-12, said “we are now conducting a comprehensive evaluation on the operations of all holders of mini-sawmill permits to determine whether they strictly...
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31Jul2012ALABEL, Sarangani, July 31 (PIA) -- The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has partnered with Sarangani province as among its pilot provinces for the implementation of the country’s three-year cooperation agreement with the government of Spain in addressing gender discrimination issues. The partnership is aimed at strengthening the institutional capacities of national and local governance on human rights and economic empowerment with a gender focus on the implementation of the Magna Carta ...
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31Jul2012MALUNGON, Sarangani, July 31 (PIA) -- Combined average performance of elementary and secondary schools in this year’s National Achievement Test (NAT) has placed Sarangani on top of all provinces and cities in Region 12. “With pride and honor Sarangani is the number one division in Region 12 because we are number one in secondary and we are number two in the elementary,” Dr. Allan Farnazo, Sarangani schools division superintendent, told principals and supervisors in a Management Committee...
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31Jul2012MALUNGON, Sarangani, July 31 (PIA)-- Malungon opened the province’s first milk processing plant on Wednesday (July 25) and is now being eyed as one of town’s tourist attractions, a top official said. "I conformed to the idea that this dairy plant must also be an attraction to travelers," said Mayor Reynaldo Constantino who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He was assisted by Emmeline Versoza, executive director of Philippine Commission on Women; Governor Migs Dominguez, Councilor Armand ...
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31Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 31 (PIA) -- Compliance to Wage Order No. RBXII - 17 of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWB) – 12 has reached 82 percent, a labor official here confirmed. RTWPB-12 board secretary Jessie dela Cruz said, “ 82 percent of the companies and establishments in Region that have been covered in the routine inspections by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 inspectorate have been found to ha...
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31Jul2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, July 31 (PIA) -- Greenpeace Southeast Asia along with two foreign fishing experts visited the Tuna Capital last week to campaign for sustainable fishing practices. Greenpeace is advocating the pole and line method of catching tuna to address the ongoing decline of the fish's population in the Philippine seas. “We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” said Vince Cinches, ocea...
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30Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 30 (PIA) -- Two dams of the Allah River Irrigation System (RIS) will be operational on August 1 after three months of closure. National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-South Cotabato Chief Ramon Bugacia, engineer, said Dam 1 in Colonggolo, Surallah, South Cotabato and Dam 2 in Bai Saripinang, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat will begin releasing water to its service areas on Wednesday as originally planned. Both dams were closed on May 1 this year. Ala RIS is on...
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27Jul2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The city government has urged the private sectors here to invest in renewable energy (RE) through biomass or biogas, confident of its abundant supply in the entire Soccsksargen area. In last week’s investment forum on renewable energy, City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio hailed the participation of the private sectors in helping government push local economy to the maximum level. “In this aspect, the city government's supposed job is to facilitate th...
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27Jul2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The city government through its SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) is embarking on another training to empower musically-inclined public high school students here. SHEEP-CLP head Percival Pasuelo bared that a two-day training-workshop on digital recording and songwriting was scheduled tomorrow and Monday (July 30) to hone the skills of the participants on the art of music using the latest technology. “The first day of the training will teach the parti...
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27Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 27 (PIA) -- Two more radio stations here have joined the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 in its advocacy to promote vegetable gardening through its Adopt-a-Station project. DA 12 launched the project, Wednesday, which aimed to establish model vegetable gardens inside radio stations patterned after the traditional “Bahay Kubo,” at Bombo Radyo-Koronadal of Bombo Radyo Philippines and DXKR of Radio Mindanao Network ...
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27Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA 12) conducted a two-day refresher course on cassava production technology on July 24-25 in Bololmala, Tupi, South Cotabato as part of the department’s Food Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP) which focused on the production of staple foods. DA 12 Operations Division Chief Zaldy Boloron said the department aims to promote cassava as staple food like corn and potato in Region 12. “DA 12 will supply planting materials as well as ...
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27Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, July 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA 12) launched corn techno showcase or corn derby on July 23 in Barangay Malungon, Sarangani Province as part of the department’s initiative in promoting corn in the market. According to Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CEMIARC) Head, Lorna Vilbar, the demonstration of modern technology in corn production is very important because it will help farmers grow healthy plants which will result to better harve...
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26Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 26 (PIA) -- A former Police Senior Superintendent was promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police Regional Office (PRO) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Now Police Chief Superintendent Joel Ma T. Alvarez delivered his message after the arrival honors accorded to him by the PRO-ARMM in front of the Administration Building of the Regional Headquarters on Monday on July 23. Alvarez was the Deputy District Director of Northern Police District ...
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26Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, July 26 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO 12) conducted the Regional Data Dissemination Forum on Tuesday, July 24 in Koronadal City where the 2011 Family Health Survey (FHS) results were presented to audiences composed of health workers, media practitioners, academicians, NSO employees as well as other government employees. The said forum focused on the status of the health services that are being offered, the implications of family planning, mortality and pregnanc...
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26Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 26 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) has disbursed a total of P2.22 billion as benefits to members in Southern Mindanao, including Soccsksargen Region, in the first five months of this year, which was eight percent higher than the P2.05 billion released in the same period in 2011. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr., who recently visited nearby General Santos City along with senior officials to touch ba...
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26Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 26 (PIA) -- Socssksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) is pushing for establishment of fuel wood plantations which will later become sources for production of charcoal. Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno , regional executive director of DENR 12, said the move is aimed at controlling further degradation of forest lands due to illegal cutting of trees to supply increasing demand for wood charcoa...
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26Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, July 26 (PIA)--The Local Government Unit of Kidapawan City in North Cotabato intensifies its search for the crocodile which escaped the city’s mini-zoo last week. Aside from the help of the Philippine Crocodile Farm (PCF), the city will be mobilizing the help of crocodile experts from Philippine Crocodile Rescue and Breeding Center (PCRBC). PCRBC Head Dr. Cayetano Pomares said the crocodile belongs to the Crocodylus mindorensis specie which is considered endangered in the cou...
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25Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 25 (PIA) -- Investment, business opportunities, skills enhancement and resources mobilization will once again take center stage in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Beginning Monday, July 30 until August 3, the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PSMEDC) will hold the third Sulong Business Week. Events will be held at the Tacurong City hall grounds. Sulong stands for “Sustaining Unlimited Livelihood Opportunities by Nurturing Growth o...
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25Jul2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 25 (PIA) -- A hub where bamboos will be made into engineered products will soon rise here courtesy of the provincial government of South Cotabato. A report from the Provincial Information Office said purchase of the machines and equipment for the bamboo hub is now underway. The list includes the following: thickness planer, joint planer, laminating table, air compressor, single spindle molder, wide belt sander, circular saw ...
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25Jul2012COTABATO CITY, July 25, (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) on Monday, July 23, led the groundbreaking for the construction of 50 units of Bangsamoro Pabahay in Buluan, Maguindanao through the government’s Modified Shelter Assistance (MSA) program. The MSA program is funded through the P0.9 billion stimulus fund, and implemented in partnership with Habitat for Humanity to bolster peace and economic development eff...
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