LGU Linamon conducts reformatory program for drug dependents

By Jun Enriquez

Participants in drug reformatory process

Linamon, Lanao del Norte - Mayor Randy Macapil of Linamon initiated reformatory program for drug dependents already surrendered  to authorities. He said local government of Linamon had difficulties in the budget to establish rehabilitation center. Macapil said reformatory program is the alternative in the absence of rehabilitation center to cut the chain of Illegal drug supply in the area. Reformatory is an awareness program such as conducting exercises, lectures and testimonies, skills trainings among others. Macapil said "today (July 30, 2016) is the second time of having this reformatory activity along with our drug dependents constituents." It is a walk activity started at 5:00 O'clock in the morning at Linamon  . He said  are 400 surrendered drug dependents in Linamon as to this date.

Mayor Randy J. Macapil delivered a message during the
program on reformatory walk exercise

Glen Delusa, a former drug dependent for 14 years was first try and taste illegal drug called “shabu” for curiosity sake during his youger days. He went to the process of drug rehabilitation twice but after then he goes back again and again to drug addiction. Delusa said drug rehabilitation is not a guarantee of a person not to go back to drug addiction. He was one of the listed individuals and surrendered voluntarily to give time to reform himself as his personal commitment. Delusa said private rehabilitation will cost PhP20,000.00 per month. Others at lower cost at PhP15,000 monthly and government rehabilitation will cost PhP8,000 per month

Delusa said drug addiction was understood as “use to live and live to use” illegal drugs. He said he did not expect to become drug addict. He only detected himself he was already addicted because he will find ways just to use drugs. Delusa said in drug addiction there is a belief of reward system. The addictive person will increase its desire as much as 60 percent and thinking of themselves that they already at the top of the world. Delusa said that the presence of video “karera” games will aggravate the situation of the addictive person become more severe in nature that the desire should always be happy.

From left front row: Mayor Macapil, Judge Arthur Abundiente,
Mrs. Macapil and Vice Mayor Cheche Pestolante

Delusa said the medical term of drug addiction is called “substance use disorder” (SUD). He preferred not to use the word rehabilitation because a person is believed to be severely in a state of disorder and will be subjected to public humiliation. He said better to use the word reformatory because it is more socially acceptable. Drug addiction is a kind of incurable disease called “chronic relapsing brain disease” if repeatedly acquired the use of illegal drugs by a person and not medically treated.

Delusa said the government should help the drug dependents to have a prevention program a continuum of care for drug dependents. Delusa said continued denial of a drug dependent person including the family members will prolong the suffering of drug addiction. He said this usually happened to evade public humiliation.  

Mayor Macapil said that the reformatory program will continue to give importance and care to the surrendered drug dependent personalities to go back to normal lives. He said the “tok-hang” (toktok hangyo) activities will also continue to ask those persons in the list of drug dependents to surrender, led by the local officials of Linamon together with the Police personnel, Barangay officials, military and the community. Macapil said cooperation is the most important to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs to save the future of the people especially the future of the children to bring back human dignity. Macapil said the reformatory program is in support to the program of President Duterte in fighting illegal drugs. (with reports by Joan Eslit; Photo courtesy from FB of Mayor Randy J. Macapil.

LGU Linamon conducts reformatory program for drug dependents

By Jun Enriquez

Participants in drug reformatory process

Linamon, Lanao del Norte - Mayor Randy Macapil of Linamon initiated reformatory program for drug dependents already surrendered  to authorities. He said local government of Linamon had difficulties in the budget to establish rehabilitation center. Macapil said reformatory program is the alternative in the absence of rehabilitation center to cut the chain of Illegal drug supply in the area. Reformatory is an awareness program such as conducting exercises, lectures and testimonies, skills trainings among others. Macapil said "today (July 30, 2016) is the second time of having this reformatory activity along with our drug dependents constituents." He said there are 400 surrendered drug dependents in Linamon as to this date.

Mayor Randy J. Macapil delivered a message during the
program on reformatory walk exercise

Glen Delusa, a former drug dependent for 14 years was first try and taste illegal drug called “shabu” for curiosity sake during his youger days. He went to the process of drug rehabilitation twice but after then he goes back again and again to drug addiction. Delusa said drug rehabilitation is not a guarantee of a person not to go back to drug addiction. He was one of the listed individuals and surrendered voluntarily to give time to reform himself as his personal commitment. Delusa said private rehabilitation will cost PhP20,000.00 per month. Others at lower cost at PhP15,000 monthly and government rehabilitation will cost PhP8,000 per month

Delusa said drug addiction was understood as “use to live and live to use” illegal drugs. He said he did not expect to become drug addict. He only detected himself he was already addicted because he will find ways just to use drugs. Delusa said in drug addiction there is a belief of reward system. The addictive person will increase its desire as much as 60 percent and thinking of themselves that they already at the top of the world. Delusa said that the presence of video “karera” games will aggravate the situation of the addictive person become more severe in nature that the desire should always be happy.

From left front row: Mayor Macapil, Judge Arthur Abundiente,
Mrs. Macapil and Vice Mayor Cheche Pestolante

Delusa said the medical term of drug addiction is called “substance use disorder” (SUD). He preferred not to use the word rehabilitation because a person is believed to be severely in a state of disorder and will be subjected to public humiliation. He said better to use the word reformatory because it is more socially acceptable. Drug addiction is a kind of incurable disease called “chronic relapsing brain disease” if repeatedly acquired the use of illegal drugs by a person and not medically treated.

Delusa said the government should help the drug dependents to have a prevention program a continuum of care for drug dependents. Delusa said continued denial of a drug dependent person including the family members will prolong the suffering of drug addiction. He said this usually happened to evade public humiliation.  

Mayor Macapil said that the reformatory program will continue to give importance and care to the surrendered drug dependent personalities to go back to normal lives. He said the “tok-hang” (toktok hangyo) activities will also continue to ask those persons in the list of drug dependents to surrender, led by the local officials of Linamon together with the Police personnel, Barangay officials, military and the community. Macapil said cooperation is the most important to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs to save the future of the people especially the future of the children to bring back human dignity. Macapil said the reformatory program is in support to the program of President Duterte in fighting illegal drugs. Photo courtesy from FB of Mayor Randy J. Macapil.

Philippines: Armed fighting in Basilan displaces 17,000 people

 Press Release

More than 17,000 displaced people in three municipalities of Basilan Province received essential household items through the joint efforts of the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross. ©PRC 

Manila (ICRC) – Armed fighting between government security forces and non-state armed groups since the first week of July has caused the displacement of around 3,400 families in Basilan Province, southern Philippines.

 The affected families in Tipo-Tipo, Al-Barka and Ungkaya Pukan municipalities have sought refuge with their relatives after shelling and air strikes occurred on an almost daily basis over the past three weeks. Casualties and injured fighters were reported on both sides, while a few civilians were also wounded as a consequence of the clashes.

“The security situation in Basilan is precarious. We are concerned for the civilians as we expect clashes to continue in the coming weeks,” said Yann Fridez, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) sub-delegation in Mindanao.

“We urge all parties to the fighting to exercise utmost precaution to minimize the impact or damage to civilian communities. We also ask them to spare civilian structures such as hospitals, schools and houses, and facilities that are essential for their daily lives,” he stressed.

To complement the assistance provided by the authorities, the ICRC, with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), distributed essential household items to more than 17,000 displaced people in the three municipalities. The items distributed by the PRC Basilan chapter on July 27-28 included hygiene kits, blankets, towels, jerry cans, mosquito nets and sleeping mats.

The ICRC also distributed dressing kits and medical supplies including drugs and anti-tetanus vaccines to enhance the capacity of rural health units in these three municipalities to treat sick and wounded people. Already in April, the ICRC and the Department of Health-Health Emergency Management Bureau had conducted Basic Life Support training for 168 health staff in Basilan and Sulu provinces.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. It has had a presence in the Philippines for more than 70 years and a permanent presence in Mindanao since 1982.

A Glimpse of the SONA of President Rodrigo R. Duterte

By Teri Dalman, Intern for Media & Communication, MSU Marawi City

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Manila - President Rodrigo Duterte has successfully delivered his first State of the Nation Address last July 25, 2016 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. The president’s speech ran at round 1 hour and 30 minutes long thus highlighted the different issues occurring on the environment, climate change, traffic and transportation, peace talks, the territorial dispute and its relentless  fight on drugs and war.

In the onset of his speech, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte acknowledged the presence of the different governing bodies; Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, members of the Senate, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the members of the House of Representatives, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, President Fidel V. Ramos, President Joseph Estrada, President Arroyo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and justices of Supreme Court, His Excellency Papal Nuncio and members of the diplomatic corps. Along with it would be the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the members of the Cabinet, His fellow workers in government and countrymen.

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way. That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from” Pres. Duterte started his message.

The speech highlighted through an exemplary explanation on the importance of eliminating the blaming of the failures that the government has experienced in the past under the different system. With these mistakes encountered would be the lessons learned and the present system is primarily concerning with and preparing for the different possibilities enticed in the future.

On his speech, the President mentioned the different concerns and thus included the facts, figure, plans, programs, and solution that are travelling along the way. Given are the important matters that are highlighted on his speech,

Pres. Duterte assured to the religious bishops, leaders, priests, pastors, preachers, imams that while he is a stickler for the principle of separation between churches and state, he strongly believes that there should never be a separation between God and State.

The fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained which he had highlighted during his inauguration last June 30, 2016. Through calling the attention of the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, and Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard and if possible to double or even triple their efforts until the last drug Lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars or below the ground. 

He ordered the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to hasten the conduct of investigation and adjudication of administrative cases against police officers involved in criminal activities and illegal activities and prescribed policies on lifestyle checks for PNP members.

The DILG is also directed to strictly monitor how LGUs perform their supervision functions of the police and those found not performing will be sanctioned including the loss of police deputation from the NAPOLCOM. Thus, the president warned not to do drugs for they will be the solution to the drug crisis that has engulfed the nation. The Inter-Agency Committee on Illegal Drugs that will integrate efforts and strengthen the partnership of all stakeholders will be created.

The reservists will be mobilized for information campaign against drug use and the dissemination of information regarding drug rehabilitation programs being offered by the government along with it would be the strengthening of the ROTC Program to instill love of country and good citizenship.

The rehabilitation of drug users will be prioritized through increasing the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country which will be spearheaded by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will facilitate the preparation for the use of military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation.

The administration will pursue the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable and social justice, even as the rule of law shall at all times prevail. The State shall be sensitive to the obligations to promote, and protect, fulfill the human rights of the citizens, especially Human rights must work to uplift human dignity and not merely used as a shield or an excuse to destroy the country.

The full force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be applied to crush the criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor and will enhance its capability to search and engage these rogues and lawless elements  in response to the existence of the continuing confrontation with the internal security threats aggravated by the existence and activities of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

Strengthening the countries coordination with Indonesia and Malaysia to suppress the kidnappings in the waters of the neighboring countries including the amending of the various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime through strengthening the counter- terrorism programs.

Addressing global warming shall all will be the top priority, but upon a fair and equitable equation and not stymie the industrialization, this is  in response to the challenges of the global developments non-traditional threats, transnational crimes and fanatical terrorism. Nations sharing common interests and concerns with the Philippines; maintain and sustain bilateral and multilateral consultations and dialogues will be endeavored to develop and in corporate partnership. 

The expansion on the cooperation on human assistance, disaster response, maritime security and counter terrorism will continue and there will be deepen security dialogues with other nations to build greater understanding and cooperation.

With regard to the West Philippine Sea otherwise known as South China Sea, the country strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of our disputes.

The Philippines shall remain committed to work under and with international partners achieving lasting peace and progress in the country on the aspect of peace processes relating to the country’s engagement with the international community.

The grievances not only of the Bangsamoro, indigenous peoples and other groups for security, development, fair access to decision-making and acceptance of identities will be vigorously addressed. The President addressed to the Muslim brothers, the Moro country, and the members of the CPP/NPA/NDF that the country expresses its willingness and readiness to go to the negotiating table, and yet it load the guns, fix the sights, pull the trigger and thus, both ironic and tragic only leads to sorrow that cuts across every stratum of society and thus, all wants peace, not the peace of the dead, but the peace of the living. The President reaches out to all, to the Muslim brothers, to end the centuries of mistrust and warfare. 

To the CPP/NPA/NDF, to end the decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. President Duterte announces a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF effective immediately to stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks  and calls on the Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly. Striving hard to have a permanent and lasting peace before his term ends is the ultimate goal and dream of the President. 

On the macroeconomic management, the administration will continue and maintain current macroeconomic policies, and even do better that can be achieved through prudent fiscal and monetary policies that can help translate high growth into more and better job creation and poverty reduction which will lead to an economy that is much stronger, characterized by solid growth, low and stable inflation, dollar reserves, and robust fiscal position.

On taxation, the administration will pursue tax reforms towards a simpler, and more equitable, and more efficient tax system that can foster investment and job creation through a lower personal and corporate income tax rates and relax the bank secrecy laws.

At the household level, there must be sufficient income for all Filipinos to meet the basic food and non-food needs for their families. This can be done through a continuous attraction on investments that will generate thousands of jobs each year, jobs that are suitable for the poor and less skilled members of the workforce.

The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law will be put into full force and effect so that couples, especially the poor, will have freedom of informed choice on the number and spacing of children they can adequately care and provide for, eventually making them more productive members of the labor force.

In extremely rural neighborhoods, entrepreneurship will be advocated. Local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing, streamlining investment application process and integration the services of various government offices will be enhanced. Government Financing Institutions (GFIs) shall come up with out-of-the box financing packages to capacitate our small and medium entrepreneurs.

In the field of tourism, the construction to more access roads and tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites will be done. Providing modern agriculture, infrastructural by expanding and improving the construction and rehabilitation of roads and the irrigation, and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses will complement on the Road Development Project.

A nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization will be conducted. Fisheries laws, particularly on illegal fishing and promote aquaculture along river banks and in backyards will be strictly enforced.

Infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network and other road network master plans will be accelerated and inter-island linkage projects will be pursued.

Structural mitigation measures to address of the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas will be implemented and new pumping stations in strategic places will be put up. The revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila and serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City.

The anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified and will be done immediately. Usage of existing roads will be maximized through need cooperation and coordination with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators will be addressed on the lack of infrastructure in Metro Manila.

The President assured for a clean government and advised to maintain a federal system, a parliament but also to be sure to have a President citing the France Federal government.

Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced to the barest minimum, in Davao city, it is always three days for local governments. That will bind the Office of the President down to the last barangay elect for three days.

The President  will be establishing 8888, only for dedicated to corruption. For the driver’s licenses, its effectiveness will be extended from the current 3-year period to 5 years.

To reduce queuing time at ticketing stations, tickets of the train will be made readily available and easily accessible to the riding public. Passenger capacity congestion shall be addressed by increasing the number of running trains from the current 16 trains with a total of 48 cars per hour, to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour. You increase the train speed from 40 [kph] to 60 [kph]. The operating hours for the LRT shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. and to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest.Rail projects in Metro Manila and the major key-points in the country including the Mindanao Rail Project will be pursued.

President Duterte has signed the Executive Order of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI).

Different approaches are also being considered to decongest NAIA including the possible transfer of general aviation. The Clark Airport can be utilized to shift some operations of the domestic and international airlines. Moreover, a one-stop shop will be established within the civil aviation complex for the benefit of the Overseas Filipinos.

In the area of environment, the military is directed to intensify its support role against illegal logging, illegal mining and other destructive practices that aggravate the devastation of the natural resources.

The Laguna Lake shall be transformed into a vibrant economic zone showcasing ecotourism by addressing the negative impact of the watershed destruction, land conversion and pollution and the poor fishermen will have priority in its entitlements.

Adequate disposal facilities for the Metro Manila Garbage, the final closure and rehabilitation of the Carmona Sanitary Landfill shall be pursued while the adoption of appropriate waste-to-energy facilities will be explored.

In the area of governance, there is a need to strengthen our efforts along this line: President Duterte addressed to Congress to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), replacing PTV-4, the government-run TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks to better managed public information and to observe editorial independence through innovative programs and intelligent treatment and analysis of news reports, as well as developments of national and international significance.

The government’s Bureau of Broadcast Services, better known as the Radyo ng Bayan, shall undergo upgrading to make it financially viable and dependable for accurate and independent, and enlightening news and commentary. Radyo ng Bayan will be integrated with the PBC. The PBC will also put up broadcast hubs in the Visayas and Mindanao. Davao City will also be the first site of the first Muslim channel, to be called Salaam Television, and the first Lumad channel.

The PCO, in coordination with the Office of the Executive Secretary, is drafting the Administrative Order on the Task Force on media killings.

To address backlogs and low prosecutorial effectiveness and efficiency, the investigation and case management processes shall be streamlined including those for illegal drugs and heinous crimes. To eradicate the prevalent cultures of fear and silence that have hounded in the justice system, the Congress was asked to enact the Whistleblower Protection Law while the present Witness Protection Program shall be strengthened.

The number of lawyers and support staff in the PAO — that is the Public Assistance Office — regional and districts shall be increased to provide indigents with more access to counsels.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was directed to undertake nationwide information and campaign on federalism in partnerships with various alliances and with LGU, civil society, grassroots and faith-based organizations.

On the clamor of our citizens for timely issuance of Philippine passports, the government shall work towards amendment of the 1996 Passport Law to lengthen the validity of the passports from the current 5 years to 10 years. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was ordered to streamline documentary requirements and passport applications and open additional Consular Offices in strategic places to decongest Metro Manila sites and avoid queues that have caused hardships and suffering to passport applicants.

The newly- created DICT, Information and Communication Technology was directed , to develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed. Wi-Fi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports.

All government agencies are instructed to enable their clients to submit applications for coordination to other agencies combined.

The government shall intensify the war against human traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on the migrants.

A mandatory financial education for all migrants and their communities will be pursued with incentives to encourage entrepreneurship among them and this will help to ensure that the hard-earned money of the Filipinos overseas are put into productive use.

The Congress was asked to consider drawing up bills consolidating and merging agencies and offices having to do the Overseas Filipino to have a department that shall focus on and quickly respond to their problems and concerns.

Utilities like Meralco and electric cooperatives were urged to exercise their social corporate responsibility by making direct connections to relocation sites and depressed areas to help avoid squatter- like conditions in relocation sites. There will be no demolition without relocations.

The concerned regulatory agencies were directed to prioritize the issuance of required permits for power development. Pres. Duterte stated that the country needs to industrialize and that along the power needed would be the emission to be considered.

The government will intensify its protection programs, so it can use its resources, expertise to make a dent in the country’s poverty levels this is needed to strengthen the delivery of social services.

A genuine reduce of the vulnerabilities of the people, build resiliency and empower individuals, families and communities is what the government needed. The beneficiaries of 4Ps shall be made to become independent and self-reliant after they have graduated from the program and thus aim to present it with other forms of assistance, so that they can stand on their own two feet. The DSWD was decided to directly provide the rice subsidies to the poorest of the families, to at least provide them food every month.

An increase expenditure on basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs were planned. The Alternative Learning System programs will intensify and expand. The government will also provide universal health insurance for all Filipinos Benefits. The professional competence and operational capabilities of government hospitals and health facilities will be strengthened.

The administration vows to protect women’s rights and human rights abuses against women in consistent with the country’s international obligations in keeping with national mandates through ordering all agencies and oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta for Women.

The government has issued to the Lumads the Ancestral Certificates Domain Title covering vast tracts of land especially in the Island of Mindanao including the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to protect and to assist them.

The enormity of the problem of drug addiction has been made manifest by the number of surrenderees which grows by the hundred each day that passes. Since July 1, there are   already 3,600 related drug arrests, 120,000 drug dependents have already surrendered and 70,000 of them are pushers.

At the end of his speech, President Duterte has stated that people should not despair. He said that the country shall continue to fight the difficult times through helping each other in order to rise from the sorrow and pain and thus after, all will prevail. With reports by Jun Enriquez

Iligan City Council take steps towards development

By Jac Macatimbol

Iligan City public officials & government employees attended Flag raising ceremony at City hall amphi theater,July 18, 2016

ILIGAN CITY – In the 2^nd flag raising ceremony of the new administration,  July 18, 2016, majority of the department heads and city officials as well as the employees were present. Highlights of the messages were the news and updates of the department heads in their first week of public service in the new administration.

City Councilor Jake Balanay gave updates on Solid Waste Management. Accordingly, together with Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, they visited Cebu City to check the acquisition of dump Trucks for garbage collection. There will be 2 dump trucks will arrive this month and the rest will be next month of August. Balanay said that this effort will resolve problems on garbage around the City.

On the other hand Councilor Hon. Ian Uy head of the Committee on Police, Peace and Order and Disaster Risk Reduction Management said, “Ang programa sa atong Pres. Duterte aligned pud sa kagustohan sa atong halangdon Mayor Celso Gomera Regencia na mahitabo diri sa atong syudad, ilang gitutokan ang pagbatok sa druga/ illegal drugs.” He further elaborated that the supplemental budget worth 10 Million for acquisition of additional Police Patrol Cars was approved. He proposed an additional force for PNP to do their regular patrols and ensure the security and safety of the people of Iligan City. Concerning on illegal drugs, Uy said from July 1 to 14, there are 3,148 individuals surrendered as a result of the campaign “OPLAN TOK-TOK HANGYO”, 47 of which have admitted drug pushers. Uy said that drug rehabilitation centers are offered to help accommodate those who desire to undergo rehabilitation.

Aerial view of Iligan city hall amphi theater

Furthermore, an armed group, Gorilla Front 68, from Bukidnon entered Rogongon premises and fortunately the Philippine Military in cooperation with the Philippine National Police were able to fend off the area from the armed group back to their tracks. “Naa silay threat sa atong syudad, atong paningkamotan nga dili gyud sila makahimo ug kadaut”, said Councilor Uy.

Councilor Hon. Sorille Bacsarpa, head of Committee on Tourism did ocular visit and inspection of areas and historical spots around the City to assess and identify what needs to be done and improve. This week they will be visiting Tinago Falls for the planned improvements which will accordingly need a big budget but “we will work based on the available resources”, said Councilor Bacsarpa.

City Councilor Randy Francis Ong, Chair Committee on Information, Communication and Technology (CICT) cited the importance to have this committee wherein the former Pres. Aquino filed the bill creating the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) and Councilor Ong sees it fitting to have an ICT committee here in Iligan city council. Most importantly there has been initial talk with DICT and Atty. Sumaoy regarding the computerize system of service delivery and salary on all departments to avoid clatter delivery of services. Initial talk with City Hospital Doctors and Staff regarding computerization of the whole system to avoid or minimize corruption. Lastly improvement of CCT Cameras around the City, to upgrade or purchase new one which is a very good help to peace and order, and disaster prevention.

Committee on Traffic and Transportation headed by Councilor Hon. Eric Capitan, it is a new committee detached from the Peace and Order Committee. This was done to give attention on traffic problem, encourages traffic enforces to strictly implemented and observe traffic laws in the street of Iligan. Councilor Capitan said, “dili excuse na kulang ta og tawo, maskin isa lang ka traffic enforcer basta gamita lang ang ball pen og citation ticket mahadlok na kana”. He stressed that the people must be educated on the proper traffic rules because it might lead into chaos especially on the coming fiesta.

City Administrator Atty. Dexter Rey Sumaoy expressed his gratitude and highlighted the big contribution of the department heads for their accomplished task. “Ang City Administration office sa pagkakaron medyo nakuhaon na gyud og tunok, pinaagi sa mga committee chairman naa nay moala-lay sa City Administration's office, karon makita na gayud nato ang kausaban.”

Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, on his message said, “We are here to serve our people, the people of Iligan. To make our public service efficient, it should be quality, fast and done with tender love and care”. Vera Cruz emphasized that public service should be motivated and done out of love, not just to earn money.

Representing the City Mayor’s Office, Chief of Staff Atty. Rafael Benidectos, Jr. in his message reminded that he will be delivering information for all in behalf of the City Mayor Celso Regencia. He elaborated that there is an obligated amount to pay employees under Job Orders to be given attention.

IndoPhil to build hydropower plant in Limunsudan falls

By Jac Macatimbol

Limunsudan Falls, photo taken from Iligan City website

Iligan City - IndoPhil Asia Equities, Inc. is a corporation aimed to build Euro-Hydropower plant in Limunsudan, Rogongon this city, whose representative appeared before the session at the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) of the local government unit (LGU) of Iligan City on July 13, 2016. The said company is a registered developer and operator of run-of-the-river type Hydro Power Plants have projects scattered all over Mindanao, armed with 25 years of collective experience. Euro-Hydro envisions to modernize the rural areas by providing safe, cheap and sustainable source of electricity. The proposed Euro-Hydro projects will surely help address the power shortage of the island-region.

In its four (4) years of operation as a power generation corporation, it has already evaluated nine (9) Detailed Feasibility Studies (DFS) and Detailed Engineering Design (DED) which include 2.4 megawatts (MW) New Bataan Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant (MHEP), 4.0 MW Ruparan Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, 0.6 MW Marbel Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, 4.73 MW Sawaga Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, 17.80 MW Bayug Large Hydro Electric Power Plant, 9.0 MW Lake Sebu Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, 2.8 MW Alamada Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, 3.6 MW Titunod Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant and 5.7 MW Polandoc Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant. These HEP’s are set for construction starting this year. “

SP in session headed by Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz, presiding

Accordingly, the communities will benefit from the project; it will open 500 opportunities for the community people. 70% of the employees will come from the community, 10% employees from existing Electric Hydropower plant (EHPP) and 20% will be professionals for the technical operation. The company has already signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Indigenous Peoples and Datu Lantong Abungan, the Tribal chieftain in Limunsudan. Certain percentage of the gross income will be given to the Local government unit (LGU) and Community. The company also promised to provide livelihood programs, scholarship programs and other development activities as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR). They are also willing to provide facilities to improve the Limunsudan falls to boost tourist attraction.

Iligan City Councilor Atty Demy Plando said that the euro-hydropower plant will produce 17-20 megawatts (MW). The Local government of Iligan City have no investment to be poured in, it’s purely coming from the investors. Plando said that there are 3 mini hydropower plants to be constructed in Bayug river complex in Rogongon. The main hydropower plant will be constructed in Bayug proper in Limunsudan falls, the other plants will be constructed in upper Bayug and lower Bayug rivers respectively. Plando said  that the project will also include the development of the tourism industry of Limunsudan falls. He said that all the development projects to be implemented in Rogongon is consistent with Indigenous peoples Rights Act (IPRA) subject to the compliance of the First prior inform consent (FPIC).  Councilor Plando is the Chairman of the Committee on Trade, commerce and industry; Committee on laws; and member of the committee on environment of the SP of iligan City.

At left, Iligan City Counclor Atty. Demy Plando 

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on its meeting with the Mindanao Power Monitoring Council (MPMC) in Davao City on February last year allegedly mentioned that there were 230 applications on investments on renewable energy to be processed this year that will potentially generate a total power capacity to at least 2000 MW. According to the Mindanao Power Monitoring Council (MPMC), the Mindanao power requirement is 1400 MW but the total power generating capacity in Mindanao have at least 1900 MW. That’s why MPMC reported that there is at least 400 MW power surplus if all the power generating plants will operate normally. 

Environmentalist Senator Migz Zubiri, during the 57^th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration on July 4, 2016 as the invited Guest speaker, said that they constructed 10.5 MW of solar power in Bukidnon but it will generate power only up to 4:00 O’clock in the afternoon. He said that it needs base load to supplement energy for the rest of the night. Zubiri said that the Agus-Pulangui hydropower complex shall be rehabilitated in two options through privatization or the government will put in budget for maintenance to operate in full capacity. The people in Mindanao in few years back opposed the privatization of the Agus-pulangui hrypower plants which have total generating power capacity to at least 600 to 800 MW but its operational efficiency is only way below 50 percent. Senator Zubiri said that Mindanao will need reserve power to at least 1000 MW in preparation for Mindanao development in the next 10 years.

City Councilor Datu Rolando So-ong in red stripe costume

Iligan City was dubbed as the City of waterfalls, the Indophil euro-hydro power company is also willing to work with Iligan City LGU to establish potable water for Limunsudan and other neighboring Barangays. City Councilor Datu Rolando So-ong, the mandatory representative of the Higaonon tribe to the City council, said he is optimistic that the project will really help the communities thinking of the opportunity it will provide not only jobs and affordable electricity but development in general, and will make life easier for the people. So-ong also nominated Councilor Samuel Huertas and the Committee on Environment to author the resolution. Councilor Ryan Ong suggested to conduct a public hearing concerning the impact of the project to the environment. The First and Second public hearing will be conducted in Limunsudan, Rogongon, the third public hearing will be held at SP Session Hall.

The company has not yet been issued with the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Accordingly they applied the ECC on 2014 but DENR was too busy to visit and assess the area. The first Public Hearing for the Euro-Hydro Power Plant was conducted on July 16, 2016. The SP invited the public who are interested to attend the public hearing may come with their own vehicle and bring their own meals. With reports & photo by Jun Enriquez

Sen. Zubiri optimistic Mindanao to overcome power shortage using renewable energy

By Jun Enriquez

 (Center photo) Sen. Migz Zubiri in blue shirt and Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo in white (barong tagalog) together with the provincial government employees.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte - Power supply in Mindanao is always a problem. This was the perception of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri during his visit in Tubod, Lanao del as the invited Guest Speaker of the 57^th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration on July 4, 2016. It is an indication of a continuing development scaling up that makes power shortage in Mindanao in the next few years. Senator Zubiri, a native of Bukidnon acclaimed to be an environmentalist said that renewable energy will answer the needs of the energy in the country. He said they constructed solar power of 10.5 megawatts (MW) in Bukidnon and will generate power only until 4:00 Oclock in the afternoon. He said “we cannot afford to have brown outs in the next 12 hours during the rest of the evening”.  He said there must be a base load to fill the power gap, Hydropower plant also encountered problem on maintenance citing the Pulangui IV hydropower plant in Bukidnon did not operate in full capacity due to the siltation of soil in the lake coming from the mountains. The generation capacity in Pulangui IV plant reduced from 220 MW to 110 MW. He said the Pulangui lake had become less water and reduced into a river. The silted portion was cultivated into a farm. Zubiri said there is a need to rehabilitate the Agus-Pulangui hydropower plants to go back to its full capacity with two options, it might be privatized or the government may put in some money for the rehabilitation but majority of the people of Mindanao opposed privatization. He said whoever controls the Agus-Pulangui hydropower plant should make sure that the prices of the power shall be maintained otherwise the people in Mindanao will suffer. He projected that there is a need to have reserve energy for Mindanao in preparation for economic development. Zubiri said Luzon has reserve power of about 1,500 MW and Mindanao may need about 1000 MW reserve power in the next 10 years.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri

Zubiri said if there is enough reserve power in Mindanao businesses will be moving in. he said budget allocation for Mindanao will be prioritized and the Mindanao Railway system should be realized to sustain economic development. Mindanao in the past received 19-20 percent of the national budget in terms of infrastructure but he is confident that this will be reversed because Mindanao contributed high share of income in the national coffers in terms of Gross domestic product (GDP). The Government will develop the areas that has not been develop, pro-poor programs will be implemented to uplift the lives of the poor Mindanawans from poverty, prevent criminality and lawlessness with the armed group and this will make less people go to the mountains to fight against the government if more people will have better education. It is also an opportunity of other regions in the country experienced the same situation.

Zubiri said in order for our government sustain its development, it should implement the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) for transparency in all of government transactions. Zubiri said he was the author of FOI Bill in the Senate and they ratified it during his stint, but was not successfully done in the lower house. He is hoping that President Duterte will make to issue executive order to quickly implement the FOI in the executive department to protect the interest of the people from corruption in the government that hinders development.

At right, Gov. Imelda "Angging" Dimaporo

The provincial government of Lanao del Norte headed by Governor Imelda Angging Dimaporo expressed her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Senator Zubiri for gracing the occasion of the 57^th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebrations. Dimaporo also extended her thanks to the people of Lanao del Norte represented by the Mayors from the 20 municipalities in joining the celebration.

MSU-IIT CIT launch Mindanao startup challenge 2016

By Jun Enriquez

Press conference at the Board room, MSU-IIT, Iligan City, June 9, 2016

Iligan City – it’s an opportunity for the local inventors and innovators to keep open of their technical knowledge to be an entries to the Mindanao Startup Challenge 2016 at the Center of Innovation & Technopreneurship  (CIT) at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) this city.

New CIT Bldg at MSU-IIT campus

The CIT started of accepting entries since June 6, 2016 and will accept applications until August 20, 2016. The first round of judging will be on August 24 and on August 30 will be the announcement of top 30 teams. On September 3 will be the second round of judging, then the announcement of the top 15 teams will be on September 8. On September 15-17 will be the 3-day boot camp and on September 23, 2016 will be the start of incubation program for the top 5 teams.

The CIT is the first business incubator in Mindanao funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that aims to create a progressive entrepreneurial ecosystem through various community building activities and technology-based business support services to enable budding entrepreneurs in the region to fulfill their startup dreams. They offer incubation program that includes business mentoring and trainings, infrastructures and linkages to potential partners, mentors and inventors.

The objective of the program is to provide a nurturing environment for technology-based and social enterprises in the early stages of their development specifically aim to develop the entrepreneurial and innovative culture at Mindanao with a dynamic and collaborative environment. The project is very first Mindanao startup challenge that aims to help budding technology entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses.

This year’s roadshow includes Butuan, Agusan, Surigao, pagadian, Dipolog, General Santos City, Cotabato, Misamis Oriental, marawi, Tawi-tawi and Ozamiz City. The roadshow will have 3-5 - hour event which aims to bring together different technical startup enthusiasts, aspiring entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and spread the word about startups and technopreneurships through the ideation and design thinking workshops.

 

Dr. Jinky B. Bornales

Dr. Jinky B. Bornales, Vice Chancellor for research and extension, and the project leader reminded that in the application phase, there must have a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 5 members per entry. At least 1 member must have technical expertise relevant to the proposed product or service. The group can submit more than 1 entry. Students, faculties, alumni, industry practitioners are welcome to join. Family members within the second degree of CIT at MSU-IIT and any person, directly or indirectly, involved in the running of the program are not allowed to apply. All entries must have been received by the CIT on or before August 20, 2016, 11:59 PM. Beyond the deadline no more entries will be accepted. All applicants must completely fill out and submit the application form available at www.msuiit.edu.ph/offices/cit.

Dr. Sukarno Tanggol

Dr. Sukarno Tanggol, Chancellor, MSU-IIT said that they started to develop technical research for the project for many years and provide equipment especially computers, build infrastructure to house the required facilities intended for the Mindanao startup challenge 2016. Dr. Tanggol said that he is hoping for the success of the project to provide opportunity to the creative individuals. (with reports by Joan Eslit)