RPOC-XI to assess programs, projects in conflict areas

 by Noel Baguio

Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario presides over the recent meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI in Davao City. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI will look into the impact of numerous government programs and projects implemented in conflict-affected areas in the Davao region.

RPOC-XI Chair Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said the council is setting up a mechanism to determine whether the interventions being poured into the conflict-prone communities are attaining their desired impact.

The governor pushed for the evaluation of the projects after noting that communist insurgency continues to persist in specific communities despite the abundance of government programs and projects.

The Council’s newly-created Human Development Committee (HDC) reported that over half-a-billion pesos worth of projects were implemented in 19 conflict-affected areas in Region XI.

Del Rosario said the flurry of interventions is designed to cut down the insurgency problem in the countryside. Yet, he laments the revolutionary movement continues to affect and influence a number of communities in spite of the government assistance.

“We need to analyze all the projects that we are undertaking and determine what else is needed so the communities will appreciate them,” the governor said at the recent RPOC-XI meeting in Davao City.

According to him, it is important to ascertain the projects should be felt directly by the recipient communities.

The Council consequently approved the conduct of a training on conflict-sensitivity and peace-promotive planning among member agencies, for them to be able to identify the right mix of interventions that address the root cause of the conflict at once.

“Conflict-sensitivity and peace-promotive analysis will help ensure that our programs and projects will really be the right mix of interventions,” said NEDA-XI Director Ma. Lourdes Lim.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, left, and Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas exchange views on the coming elections at the recent meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI in Davao City. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Confed chair supports “Bangsamoro” entity

by Noel Baguio

Davao del Norte – Governor Rodolfo del Rosario expressed full support to the government’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), creating a new political entity called “Bangsamoro”.

The Chairman of the Confederation of all Local Chief Executives in Mindanao (Confed) said the deal ending the decades-old separatist insurgency of the MILF reflects the commitment of every Filipino to build a harmonious, stable and progressive nation.

“I join in the optimism that the framework will become the model of Mindanao’s future,” said del Rosario, who is also the chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI.

He stressed that for the agreement to prosper, all Filipinos, especially the Mindanaoans, must do their share to ensure the success of the peace accord, which is set to be signed by both parties in Manila on October 16, 2012.

“We must set aside animosity and mistrust and come together as a nation of peace lovers,” the governor said, a day after President Aquino announced that the Philippines remains as one nation and one people on the heels of the peace agreement between the government and the Muslim rebels.

Semana sa mga senior citizens, gisaulog

ni Mera Grace E. Apuya/DavNor PIO

Officials and members of Panabo City Senior Citizens Association pose after receiving their trophy as Grand Champion on this year's Elderly Filipino Week celebration. The awarding was held recently at Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City.

Kabahin sa paghatag suporta sa mga senior citizens, gisaulog bag-uhay pa lang sa Davao del Norte ang Elderly Filipino Week.

Sayaw, kanta, paugnat sa kusog og ang kompetisyon sa 2012 Lolo Pogi og Lola Beauty mao ang mga kalihokan nga gipahitabo sa tibuok probinsya eksklusibo lamang sa mga hamtong.

Ang mga magdadaog sa matag kagamhanang lokal gisangka og sila mao ang nag-indigay atol sa culmination program sa selebrasyon nga gipasiugdahan sa probinsyal nga buhatan sa social welfare, og gipahigayon sa Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City.

Madaugon ang kapunungan sa Panabo City nga maoy Grand Champion, og sila Rodolfo Cabig Sr., taga Asuncion, og Jacinta Tan, taga Panabo, ang gi-ila nga Lolo Pogi og Lola Beauty 2012.   

Ang selebrasyon usa lamang sa mga programa alang sa mga senior citizens nga suportado ni Gob. Rodolfo del Rosario. Subay sa direktiba sa gobernador, strikto nga ginamonitor sa social welfare ang pagpatuman sa mga katungud sa senior citizens ilabi na sa cash assistance sa mga nag edad 77 pataas, 20% nga diskwento sa panaliton, og uban pa nga sakop sa Republic Act 9994 kon "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010."

Nagpakita usab sa ilang suporta atol sa culmination program ang pipila ka mga opisyales sa probinsya lakip na sila Board Member Daniel Lu, Board Member Joey Millan og ang guest speaker nga si Board Member Vicente Eliot Sr. # 

Representatives of Panabo City Senior Citizens Association execute their dance steps during the culmination program of Davao del Norte's Elderly Filipino Week celebration this year held recently at Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City. 

Rodolfo Cabig Sr. of Asuncion and Jacinta Tan of Panabo City are this year's Lolo Pogi and Lola Beauty of Davao del Norte. 

Chess: Games played during the culmination program of this year's Elderly Filipino Week celebration held at Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City 

Dama: Games played during the culmination program of this year's Elderly Filipino Week celebration held at Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City 

Darts: Games played during the culmination program of this year's Elderly Filipino Week celebration held at Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City 

Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio Jr. shakes hand with Board Member Vicente Eliot Sr., who was the guest speaker, after handing over the plaque of appreciation during the recently concluded Davao del Norte celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week held at Arriesgado Gym, Tagum City. Looking on are, from left, Board Member Daniel Lu, Executive Asst. Joevy Miedes representing Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, head of the provincial social welfare office Arlene Semblante, and Board Member Joey Millan. Rightmost is Manuel Tamayo, president of this province's federation of senior citizens. 

DavNor Capitolympics ball games start today

A player surrounded by three players from the opposing team jumps to the net in a basketball event participated by provincial employees held in Erlynville, Tagum City. It is one of the ball games the Davao del Norte sports development office started today as part of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as DavNor Capitolympics 2012 which shall culminate in December. Photo from the Provincial Sports Development Office

A player gives a powerful kick in a kickball event participated by provincial employees held in Capitol, Tagum City. It is one of the ball games the Davao del Norte sports development office started today as part of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as DavNor Capitolympics 2012 which shall culminate in December. 

Photo from the Provincial Sports Development Office

A player gives a powerful kick in a kickball event participated by provincial employees held in Capitol, Tagum City. It is one of the ball games the Davao del Norte sports development office started today as part of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as DavNor Capitolympics 2012 which shall culminate in December. 

Photo from the Provincial Sports Development Office

Players raise for the ball in a volleyball event participated by provincial employees held in Capitol, Tagum City. It is one of the ball games the Davao del Norte sports development office started today as part of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as DavNor Capitolympics 2012 which shall culminate in December. Photo from the Provincial Sports Development Office

A player receives the ball in a volleyball event participated by provincial employees held in Capitol, Tagum City. It is one of the ball games the Davao del Norte sports development office started today as part of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as DavNor Capitolympics 2012 which shall culminate in December. Photo from the Provincial Sports Development Office

Provincial employees watch their colleagues play kickball. It is one of the ball games the Davao del Norte sports development office started today as part of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as DavNor Capitolympics 2012 which shall culminate in December. Photo from the Provincial Sports Development Office

Living heroes abound in Davao del Norte

by Noel Baguio

Some Capitol Awardees line up for posterity after receiving their awards. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Living heroes, who are vital to building a strong republic, are aplenty in the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the whole world must know that these men and women of valor are advancing and sustaining good governance in this part of the country, and that they are defending it against greed and selfishness.

These heroes, according to the governor, are the key to attaining his human development agenda, known as P.E.O.P.L.E, which focuses on pursuing improved health, better education and broader livelihood opportunities for the Dabaonon people.

He added their quest for excellence in performing their tasks and responsibilities as civil servants are truly inspiring and worthy of emulation.

“We are truly inspired by these ordinary persons who live and work in extraordinary ways, thus making a difference to the lives of others,” del Rosario said at the 2012 grand awarding rites.

Over 300 officials and employees were honored for their outstanding achievements of the Capitol personnel in pursuing responsive, accessible, courteous and effective public service (RACE).

The ceremony was held in observance of the 112th anniversary of the Civil Service, with the theme, “Kawani, Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayani,” highlights heroism in public service.

Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario leads in conferring awards to outstanding personnel of Davao del Norte Capitol. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario leads in conferring awards to outstanding personnel of Davao del Norte Capitol. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Capitol workers who are waiting their turn to receive their respective awards at the Davao del Norte 2012 grand awarding rites. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario congratulates Davao del Norte Capitol's heroes in public service at the 2012 grand awarding rites held in commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the Civil Service. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

DavNor’s LP, Kusog Baryohanon coalition bets file COCs

by Noel Baguio

Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, 2nd right, leads the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy of provincial Liberal Party candidates in Davao del Norte on October 1, 2012. (3rd right to left) Congressman Anthony del Rosario, Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr., and Board Members Atty. Joey Raymund Millan, Shirley Belen Aala, Antonio Lagunzad, Vicente Eliot, and Robert So. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte - Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario led the alliance of the administration and Kusog Baryohanon candidates in submitting their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2013 elections.

Together with del Rosario, who is seeking his last term under the Liberal Party (LP), were his reelectionist son 1^st District Congressman Anthony del Rosario, Vice Gov. Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr. and the LP slate for Board Members of District 1.

These include Shirley Belen Aala, Atty. Raymund Joey Millan, Antonio Lagunzad, Vicente Eliot and Robert So.

The LP bets, who dominate the 1^st district, came after the Kusog Baryohanon (KB) candidates for District 2 filed their COCs on the first day of filing.

Congressman Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. led the candidates of the KB - a local coalition dominated by the National Unity Party (NUP), which rule the roost in the 2^nd District.

The candidates for District 2 Board Members under the KB include Janet Gavina, Ely Dacalus, Hernani Duco, Ernesto Evangelista and Austerio Obenza.

Former Congressman Antonio Floirendo, Jr., who acceded to the throne of being a kingmaker in the district, accompanied the KB candidates as they filed their COCs before Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Gay Asuncion Enumerables.

At the short interlude between the filing of their COCs, candidates of both parties met at the Tahanan ng Punong Lalawigan to celebrate the unique alliance that they have established.

The two camps have earlier forged a loose coalition, agreeing to adopt each other’s bets and not to field a candidate that would pit against each other’s party, in order to foster unity and harmony in the local elections.

Independent candidate Board Member Alfredo De Veyra of District 1 came in last to file his COC at the Provincial Comelec Office on October 1, 2012.

Candidates for Board Members of Davao del Norte District 2 under the National Unity Party (NUP) file their Certificates of Candidacy on October 1, 2012. (R-L) seated are Board Members Ely Dacalus, and Hernani Duco, while standing are Ernesto Evangelista, Austerio Obenza, and Janet Gavina.
Noel Baguio/ DavNor PIO

Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, left, and 1st District Congressman Anthony del Rosario, 2nd right, review their certificates of candidacy before submitting them to Comelec Prov'l Dir. Atty. Gay Asuncion Enumerables on October 1, 2012. Noel Baguio/ DavNor PIO

Liberal Party Candidates react as Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, 2nd right, crack some joke during the filing of their certificates of candidacy on October 1, 2012. Noel Baguio/ DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte's political family gather at the Tahanan ng Punong Lalawigan on the first day of filing of certificate of candidacy. (L-R) Standing are Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, former 2nd District Congressman Antonio Floirendo, Jr., incumbent 2nd Dist. Congressman Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., while seated are Dist. 2 Board Member Vicente Floirendo and 1st Dist. Congressman Anthony del Rosario. Noel Baguio/ DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte's political clan enjoy some light moment at the first day of filing of certificate of candidacy on October 1, 2012. (L-R) Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, former 2nd District Congressman Antonio Floirendo, Jr., Board Member Vicente Floirendo and 2nd Dist. Congressman Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. Noel Baguio/ DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario welcomes former 2nd District Congressman Antonio Floirendo, Jr. at the Tahanan ng Punong Lalawigan in Tagum City, while the latter's daughter Monica looks on. The two kingmakers worked out for the alliance of the local Liberal Party and the Kusog Baryohanon, a coalition in District 2 dominated by the National Unity Party (NUP). Noel Baguio/ DavNor PIO

DavNor Capitolympics 2012 is ON!

DavNor Capitolympics 2012 begins. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario delivers his message at the opening ceremony of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as "DavNor Capitolympics 2012" held in Capitol, Tagum City. Until December, the Provincial Sports Development Office will be holding various sports events with the participation of the different provincial offices. Photo by DavNor Sports

1st place
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan cheerleading team performs at the opening ceremony of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as "DavNor Capitolympics 2012." The team emerged as the champion of the cheerdance competition held in Capitol, Tagum City. Until December, the Provincial Sports Development Office will be holding various sports events with the participation of the different provincial offices. Photo by DavNor Sports

2nd place
The cheerleading team composed of the Provincial Engineer and Provincial Planning offices performs at the opening ceremony of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as "DavNor Capitolympics 2012." The team got the 2nd place in the cheerdance competition held in Capitol, Tagum City. Until December, the Provincial Sports Development Office will be holding various sports events with the participation of the different provincial offices. Photo by DavNor Sports

3rd place
The cheerleading team composed of the Provincial Economic Enterprise, Health, and Provincial Social Welfare performs at the opening ceremony of the Provincial Government's annual health and wellness program dubbed as "DavNor Capitolympics 2012." The team won 3rd place in the cheerdance competition held in Capitol, Tagum City. Until December, the Provincial Sports Development Office will be holding various sports events with the participation of the different provincial offices. Photo by DavNor Sports

DNLI explores tie-up with UM Davao

The Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI) is exploring possible partnership with Mindanao’s largest University, UM Davao, to launch a flexible degree-earning trainings for Capitol’s undergraduate employees.

No less than the prolific Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of Mindanao, Dr. Eugenio S. Guhao, Jr., visited the provincial government for the talks, together with PCL – Legislative Academy Executive Director, Dr. Helario T. Caminero.

DNLI’s proposal of enrolling its undergraduate employees using their department’s training program is welcomed by Dr. Guhao, saying that the University’s program in off-site classes across Region XI provides them ample experience to respond to Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario’s innovative program.

The good prospect of this initial negotiation is expected to lead to the signing of tripartite memorandum of agreement between and among UM-Davao, PCL-LA, and DNLI come October 2012. The team is poised to beat the timeline set by Gov. del Rosario to open the Institute for blended classes in November.

UM’s proposal is to offer BA in Political Science to undergraduate employees of Capitol, with action-research as final requirement. Opening for Masters in Public Administration is also suggested for Division heads, Assistant Department heads, and non-Capitol employees.

Priority shall be those permanent or co-terminus employees who served the Provincial Government for a period of at least five (5) years. Per records of the Provincial Human Resource Management Office, some 168 capitol employees will qualify for the program.

In his opening statement at the first meeting of the Institute’s Board of Trustees (BOT) last 

September 22, 2012, Chairman del Rosario stressed the importance of overcoming the time constraints experienced by qualified Capitol employees in order to improve their credentials and compete with fresh graduates in terms of career advancement.

Provincial Administrator, Mrs. Norma A. Lumain is happy of the outcome of the talks. She is assisted by DNLI Executive Director and Asst. Provincial Administrator, Mr. Romulo D. Tagalo.

Freedom of information will widen access to govt services

By Noel Baguio

Mindanao Media Forum Convenor and Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amalia Bandiola urges the public to support calls for the Congress to immediately pass the Freedom of Information Bill at the Davao del Norte Capitol convocation program. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Davao del Norte – The Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill will pave the way for more efficient access to government services if enacted into law.

A Davao City-based journalist said that aside from being a highly effective tool in exposing corruption, FOI will also facilitate greater participation in governance and better delivery of government programs and services if the people know what projects and assistance are available in their areas.

“The FOI would help ordinary citizens effectively avail of government services and programs, such as housing, health, education, livelihood, etc.,” Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amalia M. Bandiola said.

Bandiola, was invited to speak on the FOI before provincial officials and employees at the recent Convocation Program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan, with the theme “Confidentiality and the People’s Right to Know: The Right Balance”.

The Convenor of the Mindanao Media Forum, said the measure, which is now called People’s Ownership over Government Information (POGI), will promote greater transparency in government, which is the first defense against corruption.

“The FOI is the people’s best defense against corruption and it is an important pillar of a healthy democracy,” she said.

Bandiola bared the piece of legislation, which invokes the Constitutional right to have access to official records, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions and government research data, will not only benefit the media, but the whole citizenry, as well.

She further urged the public to support calls for Congress to pass the pending bill.

In a speech read by Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario said that as truthful, accurate and up-to-date information are very important to the mass media, the challenge now is “how to achieve balance between confidential information and public matters.”

(From left) Davao del Norte Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr. Mindanao Media Forum Convenor and Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amalia Bandiola, OIC Provincial Administrator, Board Member Hernani Duco, OIC Prov'l Information Officer Romulo Tagalo, and Board Member Dr. Daniel Lu after the convocation program that tackled the Freedom of Information Bill. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr. hands over the token to Mindanao Media Forum Convenor and Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amalia Bandiola, who spoke on Freedom of Information Bill at the Davao del Norte Capitol convocation program. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO

Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Jr., left, ushers Mindanao Media Forum Convenor and Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amalia Bandiola, center, and former Department of Energy Asst. Secretary Leonilo Lariosa at the recent convocation program at the Bulwagan. Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO