Secretary Coloma bids goodbye to media: Protect freedom of the press and expression

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on Tuesday bid farewell to journalists and reporters whom he has worked with for the past six years.

In his last press briefing before leaving his post as spokesperson of outgoing President Benigno S. Aquino III, Secretary Coloma expressed his gratitude to the members of the Malacañang Press Corps, a group of reporters covering the President, for helping inform the public about the government’s reform programs and policies.

“Sa pamamagitan ninyo, naiparating ng pamahaalan sa mga mamamayan ang balita at impormasyon hinggil sa mga mahahalagang polisiya, programa at patakarang hinubog at ipinatupad tungo sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” he said.

“Sa bawat oras, araw, at linggo —  24 by 7 by 52 —  matiyaga ninyong sinubaybayan ang mga aktibidad at pahayag ng Pangulo, hinggil sa kanyang tuloy-tuloy at walang humpay na pagtutok sa lahat ng kaganapan at usaping hinaharap ng bawat Pilipino, sa lahat ng sulok ng daigdig,” he added.

The Palace official pointed out that the government and the media should not become enemies and could help each other for the country’s welfare.

He underscored the importance of understanding context and perspective when reporting news.

“While it is true that it is the duty of media to be a watchdog of the public against possible government abuse, it is equally true that media can be a critical partner of government in public communication,” he said.

He then called on the media to continuously uphold freedom of expression and democracy, recounting the hardship of being robbed of such freedom in one’s own country during the Martial Law regime.

“In my younger days, I experienced first-hand the loss of my personal freedom as a political detainee under Martial Law. As a campus journalist, I witnessed a dark period in our history when citizens were deprived of freedom of expression and of the press,” he said.

“We must not drop our guard nor waver in our vigilance. Never again should there be prior restraint on the exercise of freedom of expression or of the press,” he added.

Coloma also took the opportunity to thank some of the officials who had helped him maintain a good relationship with the press, namely, Undersecretary for Media Relations Renato Marfil and his Assistant Secretary Paulo Espiritu, Undersecretary for Finance Jess Yu and special assistant Zandro Sison.

The outgoing Secretary said he is looking forward to spending quality time with his family as he leaves the government.

One of his plans is to go back to teaching.

President Aquino is set to step down from office on Thursday.

Coordinating council convenes, intensifies price monitoring

Department of Trade and Industry has called on members of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of Iligan for its regular quarterly meeting in June 2016.

DTI Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan, discussed to LPCC members of their functions, mandates and their respective jurisdiction, as well as the composition and structure of the council as embodied in Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act and its amendment which is Republic Act 10623 issued in 2014, that every local government unit is mandated to create the Price Coordinating Council.

 

Paclipan also emphasized, that the council is only a recommendatory body to the city mayor being the chairman of the Council.

 

He reiterated that it is a misnomer to declare that the supply and price of basic necessities as stable when in fact there is an increase on their prices especially on agricultural products like rice because of the effect of El Niño phenomenon.

 

Paclipan encouraged the City Agriculture Office to intensify their price monitoring activities on agricultural products with emphasis on rice.

 

With the celebration of this year’s Ramadan starting first week of June until first week of July, the more that there is a need for LPCC to monitor price movements of basic and prime commodities, says Paclipan.

 

In a report from Aivhor C. Lacuarin of DTI-Lanao, he updated the council on the prices and supply situation of the basic and prime commodities, and the school supplies.

 

While Carmen P. Magnaye of the City Mayor’s Office-Permits and License Division reported on their monitoring activity relative to the supply and prices of Liquefied Petroleum Products (LPP) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

 

Lenona Lenette M. Tahupis of the National Food Authority (NFA) informed the council that supply of NFA rice is abundant and its price remains at P27.00.

 

Meanwhile, Division Chief Elvira G. Redublado of Consumer Welfare Division, DTI-Lanao, gave a briefer on Executive Order No. 21, series of 2016, issued by the chairman, City Mayor Celso G. Regencia, on Reconstituting the Local Price Coordinating Council, and its composition—the city mayor as the chairman and vice-chair from DTI, and members from the national government agencies, local government offices, and non-government organizations.

 

Redublado also made a report on the accomplishment of the Council for the year 2015:

LPCC maintains an updated database for basic and prime commodities (agri, aqua and manufactured goods), as well as LPP & LPG, through weekly price monitoring conducted by DTI staff.

 

Conducted price tag monitoring for basic and prime commodities in the city’s two markets in compliance to price tag law and prices compared to suggested retail price (SRP).

 

Checked price and supply situation as well as the quality thru the presence of Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Marks, on electrical products, Christmas lights, and construction materials.

 

Installed Timbangan ng Bayan in the markets here in the city and in the province to check the calibration status of weighing scales in order to provide correct and accurate weight readings;

 

Seminars and briefings were conducted during the annual celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month every October; and conduct of Diskwento Caravan to provide the marginalized sectors with basic and prime commodities at affordable and discounted prices.

 

Also, included in the agenda of the meeting was the presentation of the six months plan of action for June-December 2016. (EGR, DTI-LDN/LVG, PIA-10 LDN)

Student biologists win awards in National Biodiversity confab

For four straight years, the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI) have dominated the competition, and all the winning papers this year were products of the collaborative partnership between MSU-IIT and the PBCFI.

Biology students did the Institute proud once more when they received the most number of awards during the 25th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium of the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (formerly known as Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines) held last April 2016 at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

 

This year’s symposium highlighted 25 years of Collaborative Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines: Global Relevance, Local Realities.

 

A total of 10 undergraduate researches were selected as finalists for the Best Undergraduate Paper Presentation Award (Oral category) while 31 undergraduate studies competed for the Best Undergraduate Paper Presentation Award (Poster category).

 

Rafael Ryno I. Sanchez won first place for Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation for the paper entitled “Altitudinal distribution and habitat requirements of stream frogs in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), Negros Island.” His thesis advisers are Prof. Karyl Marie F. Dagoc and Prof. Dennis A. Warguez.

 

Shaira Grace B. Pios won Third Place for Best Undergraduate Oral Presentation for the paper entitled “Distribution, abundance and habitat requirements of endangered babblers in MKNP, Negros Island, Philippines.” Pios is one of the thesis advisees of Warguez.

 

Lara Fe G. Seguia, another advisee of Warguez won third place for Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation for the paper entitled “Distribution, abundance and habitat preference of doves and pigeons in MKNP, Negros Island.”

 

For the first time in the history of BCSP/WCSP symposium, a Special Award was given to Cecilio D. Docoy, Jr. for a Most Entertaining Poster Presentation for the paper entitled “Diversity and abundance of canopy birds along a habitat gradient in MKNP, Negros Island.” Docoy’s thesis advisers are Prof. Beverly M. Cagod and Prof. Warguez.

 

Sanchez, Pios, Seguia and Docoy are senior BS Biology students majoring in Zoology from the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Science and Mathematics.

Lisa Marie J. Paguntalan and Godfrey Philip C. Jakosalem of PBCFI, on the other hand, served as the external advisers. (Christine Cherry E. Solon, CSM/MSU-IIT/PIA-10 LDN)

DRRM council all set for National Disaster Consciousness Month celeb

Preparation are underway for the celebration of National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) in northern Mindanao in July.

 

According to Henry Floy Francisco of Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10, Executive Order No. 137, s. 1999 has declared the month of July of every year as the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

This is to increase the awareness of every Filipino to the ever threatening disasters for a better appreciation of the government’s disaster preparedness programs, says Francisco during Regional Development Council (RDC) “Ang Rehiyon Karon” radio program aired over DXIM Radyo Ng Bayan every last Friday of the month.

 

Further, this month long activities gives emphasis on the government’s efforts that they may be felt and be more appreciated by the community.

 

These activities were proposed to enhance more public awareness measures on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) encompassing the four thematic areas on disaster prevention and mitigation; disaster preparedness; disaster response; and disaster recovery and rehabilitation.

Among the highlights discussed during the radio program is the conduct of the Regionwide Essay Writing Contest in both Elementary and Secondary Level for public and private schools; the strengthening of the Disaster Risk Reduction Managers Federation through a Regional Convention; and the First National Mobile Photography Contest for Filipino students. (OCD10)

NorMin police kicks-off 26th PCR month celeb

Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office kicks-off on 27 June 2016 its 21st Police Community Relations Month celebration in Camp Alagar with the theme Matatag na Ugnayan, Ligtas na Pamayanan.

National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Director Joseph D. Gonzalo graced the event as guest of honor and speaker. He said the PCR Month celebration aims to develop closer interaction between the police and the community in handling peace and order concerns.

 

Gonzalo underscored the importance between the partnership of the police and community in achieving peace.

 

He said that the attainment of peace is not solely the responsibility of the police and that the community plays a crucial role in it.

 

“Increased police manpower and better equipment brought about by a police modernization program cannot, by itself, provide the total answer to the problem of crime. Community involvement is an essential factor,” he said.

However, Gonzalo also pointed out in his speech that a police should serve as a model to the community, and should not misuse and abuse the authority vested on them.

 

“For sure, these few misguided elements will have to answer for their misdeeds. Definitely, they have no place in the police organization,” he said.

In line with the encouragement of the police community relation, the NAPOLCOM is currently conducting a national search for PNP Model Families to encourage and strengthen partnership between the police and community.

 

This will be highlighting the PNP’s capability as a leader and a partner of the community in the maintenance of peace, order and security for an improved socioeconomic society.

 

One of the aims of the PNP Model Families is also to emphasize the importance of having strong family ties that is important to the overall success of preventing crime in communities.

Among the activities during the celebration includes ‘Pulis sa Barangay’ orientation seminar, friendship basketball game with media, information dissemination, bloodletting, gender sensitivity among others.(Hazel Mae Pacturan/PIA10)

Marine Expo ripples awareness on marine conservation among millennials

Conservation advocates from the JCI Macajalar 24K, Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA), and Xavier University’s McKeough Marine Center (MMC) joined forces to conduct a series of environmental education campaign activities dedicated to the youth in line with the Marine Expo 2016.

For the first phase of the Marine Expo, a training of trainers (TOT) was conducted from June 9 to 10 at the Word of Life Seaside Bible Camp.

 

The TOT was attended by science teachers and ninth graders from 12 national high schools, namely: from Cagayan de Oro City and towns of Laguindingan, Alubijid, Opol, Tagoloan, Villanueva, Jasaan, Balingasag, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, and Kinoguitan.

 

Select faculty members of the XU Biology department and MMC staff, experts in their respective fields, served as the trainers.

 

The event formed part of the Environment Month celebration, focusing on the marine environment and was aimed at raising awareness on the importance of the coasts and its resources, especially in the Macajalar Bay, a major fishing ground and economic terminal in Misamis Oriental.

The trainees were taught basic marine ecology subjects using the eight modules developed and adopted from the IEC Student Development Advocates (ISDA) Manual by Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit and Camillia Jane Bollozo produced in 2015.

 

Modules did not only include lectures but also fun games and competitions to help participants understand concepts better in an enjoyable and interactive way. The manual is also used by MMC to teach NSTP students for the ISDA Program at Xavier, which was awarded the 2nd Best Paper Award by the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development System.

Following the culmination of the camp, the trainers were expected to ripple their knowledge and insights on the significance of marine environment and conservation to their respective schools as part of the second phase of the Marine Expo 2016, from June 13 to 24.

 

Each school was provided with a copy of the ISDA Manual and a course flipchart to serve as information guides for their advocacies.

 

The culminating event of the Marine Expo 2016 is slated on June 27-28 at SM Cagayan de Oro, composed of a series of environment-related educational activities, including a public photo and info exhibit, a series of film showings (free admission), and a trivia game. (Nadine Arabelle Vivares and Kristine Galarrita/XU)

43 job seekers get hired in ‘Alay sa Graduates’ job fair

A total of 43 applicants were Hired-On-The-Spot during the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Lanao del Norte’s ‘Alay sa Graduates’ Job Fair held at Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU- IIT) Gymnasium on 2-3 June 2016.

DOLE Lanao del Norte Head Remegio D. Cabañog reported that MSU-IIT’s Alay sa Graduates Job Fair is intended for their recent graduates to land a job. “Their pre-employment seminar was conducted on 30-31 May 2016, while the Mock Job Interview and Employers’ Forum was on 1 June 2016,” he added.

 

Cabañog said that some 32 local companies with 1,000 job openings such as nurses; medical technologists; dadiologic technicians; engineers; system analysts; information technologists; warehousemen; electricians; plumbers; masons; carpenters; janitors; bakers; cooks; bartenders; security guards; tutors; supervisors; managerial positions; quality control analysts; safety officers; service crews; clerks; teachers; accountants; collectors; inspectors; call center representatives; among others.

 

Other government agencies also rendered frontline services to the applicants like Social Security System; Philhealth; Pag- ibig Fund; and the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) of Iligan City.

 

MSU-IIT was headed by Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggol and its Guidance Services staff. (Joseph Nathan J. Fabrega, DOLE-X LDNPFO)

***photo from https://pianormin.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/bf236-img_20150501_094323.jpg***

PNPA book launching in CDO, to benefit family of SAF 44

The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) brings the coffee table book 36 Buttons exhibit, to Cagayan de Oro on June 22.

Titled as 36 Buttons: 36 Classes of Public Safety Leaders Produced Since 1978, both the photo exhibit and legacy book features the academy’s achievements through the years and their journey in the institution.

 

PNPA spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Richie Yatar said this project of the PNPA is made to develop the academy and create funds for their beneficiaries.

“Unang-una, bigyan nating pagpupugay ang ating mga nagtapos na opisyal dito. Pangalawa, pagbibigay halaga sa ating kasaysayan at pangatlo, makalikom tayo ng pondo na makatulong tayo,” he said.

 

Part of the proceeds of 36 Buttons will be given to the families of the SAF 44 killed in the armed encounter in Mamasapano; to LAKAN Foundation, for those alumni who died in line of their service; and for the development fund of the PNPA.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, who graced the event, said he is glad to attend the launching of the 36 Buttons. He also acknowledged the reputation that the PNPAA alumni have brought to the institution.

“Yung mga alumni na yan ang nagbibigay ng honor and dignity to the institution. It is not the institution that makes the graduates but rather, the graduates that make the institution,” he said

 

Mayor Moreno also shared how the Filipino nation is looking up to the police as one of the key elements in ensuring the success of the incoming administration.

 

“Grabe ang mandato that has given to the incoming administration on one singular platform. And that is law and order. Syempre law and order, that is a police work,” he said.

The exhibit is open for viewing until June 29 at the third floor, Foyer of Centrio mall, where they could also purchase the 36 buttons book. (Hazel Mae T. Pacturan/PIA10)

 

Back home

Lumad evacuees from a mountainous village in Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental are now back home since 24 June 2016.

Temporarily sheltered at the capitol ground of Misamis Oriental, the displaced residents left their homes due to the presence of the military and waited for a dialogue with the military. They demanded a written deal that the government troops will no longer stay in their communities during operations.

 

The evacuees decided to go back home to their homes after their meeting with military officials went smoothly on June 23.

 

While inside the capitol compound, the evacuees were provided by the provincial government of Misamis Oriental with basic necessities such as food, medicines.

 

Considered as their last supper while in the premises, the capitol also provided with a meal from a fastfood chain as a gastronomic treat to them as visitors of the provincial government.

 

Evacuees, did not went home empty handed as the provincial government send along with them food packs containing rice, canned goods, including corn and vegetables seeds.

 

The evacuees left their homes on June 5 and took shelter at the Lagonglong municipal gymnasium after the troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion entered the community. A few days ago, they had relocated to the provincial capitol grounds.

During the dialogue facilitated by Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano at the capitol training center, the evacuees, belonging to the Higaonon tribe, had asked the military to pull out their troops and refrain from setting up a detachment in sitios Camansi and Tapol in Barangay Banglay.

 

Colonel Jesse Alvarez, commanding officer of the army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they are teaching soldiers to be culturally sensitive and about human rights.

 

Alvarez also encouraged the villagers to file a complaint in case of abuses so as to give justice to their complaint. He said they need details of the complaint so they can investigate.

 

He also said the residents should not think that all soldiers are abusive.

 

“We welcome talks with the residents and we are talking here about peace,” said Alvarez.

 

Further, he said the military has a purpose in going to far-flung places such as Banglay to secure the area as part of the peace and development efforts, and not purely to neutralize the NPA rebels.

 

Alvarez, meanwhile, said they have to refer the demands of the evacuees to the army higher command for consideration.

For his part, Lt Col Francis Carandang, commanding officer of the 58th IB, said they are willing to withdraw from the civilian population if there is no more reported presence of the

NPA in the area.

 

4^th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt Joe Patrick Martinez said two soldiers had been reprimanded publicly last year, and were meted out with some restrictions as their penalty. During the reprimand period, they have to go back to the training.

 

He also said they are not there to kill or to look for trouble.

 

Many of our soldiers had sacrificed their lives to win peace, said Martinez.

 

He said the military are very serious in alleviating the plights of the community.

 

Martinez also said that soldiers were camped about a kilometer away from the villages and do not hamper the movement of the villagers.

 

After all the sides have been heard, Nenita Helogon, secretary general of the Tagtabolon, announced they will return to their community so their children can attend classes and tend their abandoned crops.

 

It was agreed that the military can set up camp in the village, but that it should be a distance away from the residential area.

 

The provincial government provided for the needs of the evacuees in returning home, including the vehicle for their transport. (EOR/PIA)

1st ICT Summit in CDO marks growing BPO industry

Cagayan de Oro ICT Council together with partner stakeholders held the first Information and Communications Technology (ICT) summit in Cagayan de Oro City on 23 June 2016 to welcome growing Information Technology – Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry in the city.

With the theme “Bringing BPO to the Southern Hub,” the summit aimed to showcase the city’s potentials and promote CDO as a (BPO)-ready sector inviting potential ICT/BPO companies to invest in the city.

 

CDO ICT Council president Stephanie Caragos said that ICT is important in this period of rapid change which is already driven by technology.

 

“Having ICT as a tool is one of the most vital assets of an organization, therefore using technology is key to the success of our organizations,” she said.

 

A number of investors have already flocked in the city as Cagayan de Oro was declared as among the next wave city in 2015.

“Very soon, Cagayan de Oro city as a next wave city will be facing an even greater challenge preparing for the inevitable growth of the IT BPO industry,” Caragos said.

 

Challenges of the ICT industry in CDO

 

Filipino workers are considered as “global knowledge workers” as they are able to compete at the highest levels among the best in the world.

 

This is why nine cities from the Philippines are included in the top 100 outsourcing destinations. Two of these cities even made it to the top 10: Metro Manila (2nd) and Cebu (7th).

 

Although CDO is part of the next wave cities, it was not included in the top 100 outsourcing destinations.

 

However, Ernie Tomas Jr., chief of the Investments and Promotions of Mindanao Development Authority, said that they are working to enhance the competitiveness of the ICT sector in Mindanao.

 

“As we transition to the new administration, we are optimistic that Mindanao’s development will be given more focus and attention,” he said.

 

The summit is in line with the celebration of June as ICT month. (Hazel Mae Pacturan/JMOR/PIA10)