It's All About My Stories and Interests....: July 2013

NorthCot Governor pledges support for Aquino on 4th SONA

President Benigno S. Aquino III is shown with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon,delivering his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 22, 2013). Photo Courtesy of Malcanang Photo Bureau

Amas, Kidapawan City – North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza pledges support for President Benigno S. Aquino, III’s “Daang Matuwid” during his fourth State of the Nation Address at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives in Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on Monday (July 22, 2013).

Aquino’s SONA lasted for one hour and forty-four minutes, highlighting his program developments on education, agriculture, health, tourism, infrastructure, expanded services, disaster prevention and mitigation, expansion of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and many more.

The President pointed out how his dedication made him play his important role as Philippines’ Chief Executive.

“Ang atin pong batayang prinsipyo: Malawakang pagkakataon ang susi sa malawakan at pangmatagalang kaunlaran,” he said..

Governor Taliño-Mendoza meanwhile, expressed her profound gratitude for Aquino’s achievements in the past three years.

She said, “I am thankful for President Aquino’s pro-people programs and projects. With his sincere desire to institute reforms and eliminate irregularities under his watch, his agenda for “Daang Matuwid” would be easier to achieve.”

The President’s achievements according to the governor, proves that the government truly works for its people, while proudly saying that the Provincial Government of Cotabato takes the same path.

The Governor added that the province links her advocacy “Serbisyong Totoo” to Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid” by way of prioritizing the needs of every Cotabateño, in order to create better future for the next generation.

“As Governor of Cotabato Province, amidst all the difficulties brought about by man-made and natural calamities, as well as partisan politics, I am committed to do my share for the fulfillment of the goals of “Daang Matuwid”. I am a proud Cotabateño, proud Filipino,” in her final statement.

The full transcript of Aquino’s fourth SONA is already available in tagalog and English versions.

New WFP Phil Dir lauds PGCot for implementing projects

Amas, Kidapawan City – Newly appointed Philippine Director for World Food Program Praveen Agrawal expressed his appreciation to the Provincial Government of Cotabato for successfully implementing their projects on Thursday, July 18, 2013.

WFP Philippines Director Praveen Agrawal (wearing vest) with Pikit Mayor Muhyryn Sultan-Casi
and some personnel from WFP in Brgy. Katilacan, Pikit on July 18, 2013.

Agrawal came in North Cotabato to visit two of their project sites in Pikit and Kabacan, purposely to monitor and assess its progress.

Barangay Pedtad in Kabacan was allotted 1,906 bags of rice for its 530 beneficiaries. These were distributed to those who worked for the expansion of 1.5 hectares of Inland Fishpond under Food for Work (FFW) program.

The participants on the four-day gender sensitivity training facilitated by Population Division Office (POPDiv) also received bags of rice under Food for Training (FFT) program.

Agrawal witnessed the on-going rice distribution in Pedtad on his arrival. He then expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Cotabato for helping WFP in ensuring sustainable livelihood programs for the Cotabateños.

“We will plant the seeds but you will grow and nurture the fish and create livelihood out of it,” he said in his dignified statement.

After Pedtad, Agrawal proceeded to the 30 hectare fish pen in Barangay Katilacan, Pikit.

Michael Argonza, WFP National Program Officer, said that out of the 30 hectare fish pen, only 6 hectares were actually absorbed by WFP. The additional 24 hectares according to Argonza were replicated by the community and upsurge the project. A total of 2,396 bags of rice were allocated for this project.

“It was a real success story that needs to be heard around the world,” Agrawal in his astonishing message at Katilacan. He also described the project as fantastic.

3^rd District Board Member Joemar Cerebo, who represented Cotabato Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza, said that one of the visions of the provincial government is to ensure food security programs.
“With this in mind, we are extending our many thanks to WFP, rest assured we will continue our partnership for the benefit of the Cotabateños,” he added.

Katilacan Barangay Chairman Adam Malim said they are very grateful that of many villages in North Cotabato, their barangay has been chosen to be one of the benefactors of the project.

“In our barangay, we call this dividend of peace,” in his message.

In his final message, Agrawal said “we are extremely happy with the relationship established by the Provincial Government of Cotabato and WFP, we see this province as a strategic ally to show the world that these projects are real.”

Mayor Muhyryn Sultan-Casi of Pikit was also present during Agrawal’s visit.

NorCot Gov continues helping farmers; signs commitment to MinSAAD

AMAS, KIDAPAWAN CITY – North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza pledge support to the foreign assisted project that covers seven provinces in Region 12 during the formal launching of Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development Project (MinSAAD) held at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City on July 17, 2013.

Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza vowed to support MinSAAD projects in Province of Cotabato. PGO Photo

MinSAAD is funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a non-government agency aimed to make intervention to the communities through an integrated and area-based strategy focused on rural and agricultural development projects.

The project’s main objective is to increase agricultural productivity and income of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the region.

MinSAAD choose seven municipalities from Cotabato Province as their benefactors – Makilala, Tulunan, Carmen, Banisilan, Pigcawayan, Libungan, and Alamada.

Governors and Mayors of Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat attended the said launching as well.

From North Cotabato, Board Member Loreto V. Cabaya of 1^st District, Mayor Roger Taliño of Carmen, Lani Candolada of Tulunan, Virginia C. Concepcion of Alamada, and Betty Allado of Banisilan arrived with Governor Taliño-Mendoza and some provincial chief executives.

Together, they signed a commitment of support to the projects implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DAR) and Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) witnessed by DAR Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan and MINDA Secretary Lualhati Antonino.

Koichi Ibara, representative from the Office of the Consulate-Japan, in his message said it is their sincere intention that inspires them to help and improve the region’s agricultural production.

In response, Governor Taliño-Mendoza was very thankful for the support provided by MinSAAD to Cotabato Province.

One way to hand this support from MinSAAD is through the distribution of high-valued seedlings to the local farmers in the province.

To monitor its growing progress, DAR will act as the leading agency for MinSAAD.

The project officially started in 2012 with an allotted fund of PhP3.349B, and is expected to end in 2016. The MinSAAD project will provide support for agricultural, agri-business, rural infrastructure development, water supply development, institutional development, and procurement of equipments in the region.

High hopes for peace on the of signing of annex on wealth-sharing – Gov.Taliño-Mendoza

AMAS, KIDAPAWAN CITY – Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza has expressed profound appreciation and support to the recent signing of the second annex of the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro (FAB) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently.
Governor Mendoza said that with perseverance from both the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panels and the willingness to find solutions to the problems in Mindanao the annex on wealth sharing, the second of the four annexes being deliberated by the two sides was eventually signed.

GPH peace panel chair Miriam-Coronel Ferrer with Malysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal during the 38th Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo Courtesy of OPAPP Website

“It is but with high hopes that the issues surrounding the wealth sharing could be resolved and agreed by the government and the MILF” the governor also said adding that the action taken by both sides is commendable.

The signing came several months after the annex for the creation of the Transition Commission was forged. The commission was tasked to formally craft the basic law of the Bangsamoro entity, which will be the basis for the governance the moment it will be established.

“To have a fiscal autonomy is one of the aims of the wealth-sharing. It is an intent the two sides would want to agree in a way most acceptable to them”, Governor Mendoza said.

The governor pointed out that everyone in Mindanao seeks for long lasting peace to prevail. In line with this, she also said that the provincial government of Cotabato is in concurrence with all the efforts in looking for concrete and acceptable solutions to the problem.

The two annexes left for discussion and debate are on the power sharing and normalization. Like the first two annexes, the governor has high hopes that the government peace panel and its MILF counterparts will have doable terms and satisfactory results, despite the heavy issues underlying the annexes.

The discussion on wealth sharing in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday was reported to have undergone heavy pressures from both panels but was also dismissed by Presidential Adviser Teresita Deles-Quinto of the Office of the Presidential Affairs (OPAPP) as normal and typical for peace negotiations. “Along the way one panel could not completely get what it wants, that’s why meetings like these could go even tougher” Deles-Quinto said in a TV interview.

“What is more important is that the talks and the negotiation continue with even more progress”, she added.

The government and the MILF peace panels will be resuming discussions for the power sharing and normalization annexes after the Ramadhan.

85 farmers, thankful for another livelihood program of Gov. Lala

Eighty five farmers from six of the villages in the town of Midsayap are more than thankful for receiving another livelihood program from Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza.

Gov. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza leads the animal dispersal in Midsayap. PGO Photo

On July 8, a simple turn-over ceremony was facilitated by some personnel of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) at the multi-purpose hall of Barangay Poblacion 5 in the said municipality.

The distribution is part of Cotabato Province’s 2013 Cattle Dispersal Program amounting to a total of PhP17M.

PhP13M of these are allotted for the procurement and distribution of large animals like carabaos and cows, while the remaining PhP4M is intended for goats, swine and hogs.

Barangay Chairwoman Shiela Marie Pana took her part in gathering the beneficiaries at the venue.
Governor Taliño-Mendoza in her message said that the provincial government’s cattle dispersal program aims to provide assistance to poor but deserving farmers in raising cattle and other farm animals.

“The provincial government provides this as an opportunity to help local farmers and get them engaged in such a way that they would be responsible enough to raise farm animals,” in her statement before the cattle were formally handed to them.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vicente Suropia, officer-in-charge for OPVET, was proud to mention of the additional PhP 6.5M funds as monetary incentive after clashing the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award last year.

Dr. Suropia said that the governor herself ordered to put entire price to OPVET to augment its growing livelihood program, in order to help more Cotabateños.

He also reminded the benefactors that they are required to bring back the first offspring to OPVET so others too could benefit from the program.

Farmers were also taught of effective animal-raising, and were given brochures and handouts.

PGCot gives Kisante P.5M, completes covered court

Residents in Kisante, Makilala have a reason to smile and be thankful for, for being the latest recipients of “Serbisyong Totoo”, the advocacy program of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza.

The half a million assistance from the Provincial Government of (North) Cotabato was used for the completion of a covered court project in Kisante which was initially started out of the funds from the 2nd congressional district and from the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA of barangay Kisante.

The simple turn-over ceremony on June 14, 2013 of the said covered court was attended by the students of the Kisante Elementary and National High Schools, personnel from the Department of Education (DepEd), barangay officials, and local officials of Makilala.

Governor Taliño-Mendoza, who came all the way from Manila where she just had her oath taking as re-elected (North) Cotabato Governor paid a brief visit to the area.

She said that she is happy that finally the said covered court has been finished and can now be used by the pupils and students as well as the barangay residents in their community programs or activities.

In his response, Kisante Barangay Chairman Danilo D. Dante said that he is very happy and thankful to the provincial government for its assistance given to their barangay.

2nd District Board Member Noel Baynosa was also present in the said turn-over ceremony.

Gov. Taliño-Mendoza distributes additional projects in 1st District municipalities

Given a fresh mandate in her win during the May 13, 2013 election, re-elected Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza continued her distribution of projects to her constituents in the 1st District municipalities of Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Aleosan on June 20, 2013.

Barangays Bagumba in Midsayap, Prisbetero in Pigcawayan, and Lower Mingading in Aleosan each received one unit multi-purpose building. Barangay Sta. Cruz, also in Aleosan received an electrification project.

All these projects amounting to P4M are funded by the Provincial Government of (North) Cotabato.
During the turn-over ceremonies, the governor announced that the provincial government is not only giving out infrastructure projects but livelihood programs as well.

“As long as complete requirements are submitted and there is no existing loan found in our data system, there is no reason for us to disapprove your request,” she said at Bagumba.

In her message at Barangay Lower Mingading, Governor Taliño-Mendoza said “this is our way of thanking you for the support you have given us. We will continue what we have started here as you continue to support the programs of government.”

She also directed Provincial Engineer Espiridion Taladro to repair the flooded area at Lower Mingading Elementary School in Aleosan.

1st District Board Member-elect Loreto V. Cabaya, Jr., Aleosan Mayor-elect Vicente C. Sorupia Jr., Midsayap Mayor Emmanuel Rabara, 1st District Board Members Celestino R. Rapacon and Eliseo D. Garcesa, Jr. were also in attendance during the turn-over programs.

Magpeteños avail of NCot livestock dispersal program

Forty residents from 33 barangays of Magpet received livestock through an animal dispersal on May 30, 2013 at Poblacion, Magpet.

According to the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), 40 heads junior bulls, heifer and carabulls amounting to P1M were distributed.
Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza in her brief message during the turn-over of the farm animals thanked the residents of Magpet for the support given to her last May 13, 2013 election.

She encouraged the recipients to take good care of their farm animals so that others may also enjoy the same opportunity given to them.

“These livestock must be taken good care so that their first offsprings can be distributed to the next-in-line beneficiaries from your respective barangay,” the governor said.

Mrs. Vergie Montejo, one of the recipients from Barangay Poblacion said she is very happy that she was given a chance to avail of the program and promised to follow what was stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement.

Magpet is an agriculture-rich municipality ideal for livestock raising.

PGCot initiates tourism training for Asia’s Longest Zipline

The Provincial Government of Cotabato initiates homestay and transport operation training to the residents of Barangay New Israel in Makilala on July 05, 2013.

After the successful grand launching of Asia’s longest zipline last April 2013, selected residents of New Israel will be trained this time for a more effective tourist service.

The 2-day workshop aims to teach local homeowners and drivers with necessary skills in handling visitors during their visit at the eco-park, where the zipline facility is located.

Residents of Sitio 4 and 7 are taught on how to properly accommodate guests and visitors during their overnight stay in the area.

Drivers on the other hand, will be trained in showing proper etiquette when transporting their visitors. They will also be reminded to treat their passengers with utmost courtesy.

Personnel from Public Affairs, Assistance, Tourism and Sports Development Division (PAATSDD) under the Provincial Governor’s Office, are set to handle the said training together with some invited tourism professionals.

Josephine Abellana, officer-in-charge of PAATSDD, said the activity intends to more importantly help intensify the capability of the local people and to boost tourism in the municipality of Makilala.

“We are expecting sudden influx of tourists in the village after its final opening, hence we need to improve the services in that area,” she added.

Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza who led the ceremonial opening couple of months ago, expressed her excitement for the full operation of the facility, which is set on July 10, 2013.

“We, at the provincial government are doing our best to improve the services and amenities in the park. And when all these are completely finished, we will be able to attract more visitors from both local and international,” on her statement.

The two-way 2.3 kilometer zipline according to Taliño-Mendoza will surely delight every guest.
All participants will receive certificate of completion after the training. //sgjh/pgo// with reports from Jimmy Sta. Cruz

4 villages in Midsayap slate livelihood projects from OPAPP’s PAMANA

Midsayap, NORTH COTABATO – 4 conflict-affected villages in this municipality slate various livelihood projects from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) on Friday (July 05, 2013).

The 4 barangays include Kapinpilan, Sambulawan, Tumbras, and Central Labas, which are just some of the 22 identified villages in the province that benefited the development projects of OPAPP’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Assistance in 2013.

Each beneficiary is allotted PhP6 Million to build necessary infrastructure and equipment for farmers in the areas where majority of the crops planted are rice and corn.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza and the rest of the provincial officials led the ceremonial turn-over of 4 units corn sheller buildings, 4 warehouses, 4 solar driers, some corn shellers, and complete set of hand tractors for mini rice mills.

In her message, Governor Taliño-Mendoza announced that 14 of the 22 conflict-affected beneficiaries are located in Midsayap.

She stated that the Provincial Government of Cotabato is at its full action in initiating ways to link these barangays to the national government.

“Your provincial government in its mandate to bring peace and development mediates particularly in reconciliation”, the governor told hundred of villagers present in the activity, emphasizing that rebellion is mainly brought by injustices.

She further stressed out that the provincial government always sticks to its “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy with an aim to bring the people closer to the government though project implementation.

Taliño-Mendoza believes that through these efforts, residents will be able to uplift their economic status.
Howard Capugangan, OPAPP’s Assistant Secretary and guest of honor of the program, told the beneficiaries that OPAPP is all out in helping depressed barangays. He said “it is a directive for us to partner with the local government units and engage with them in peace and development efforts.”

For its part, recipient barangays expressed their profound gratitude for the projects given, assuring that they will take good care of the facilities.

The North East Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee (NEKSRC) of the MNLF based in the area of Sambulawan, also helped in the facilitation of the medical outreach and assisted in securing the venue.

Supporting this peace initiative were Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Vice Chairman Jimmy Labawan, General Romeo Gapuz of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the Local Government Unit of Midsayap, and the Diocese of Midsayap. //sgjh/pgo// with reports from Jimmy Sta.Cruz

Gov Lala holds 1st NorCot PPOC meeting after oath taking

Fresh from her oath taking last June 28, Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza spearheaded the 1^st North Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the Capitol Rooftop, Amas, Kidapawan City on July 3, 2013.

The meeting was highlighted with peace and order reports from Philippine Army’s 602^nd Brigade and Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

According to 602^nd Brigader General Ademar Tomaro, members of the Philippine Army are always ready to respond to conflict possibilities in the province, where 11 of its municipalities are under their jurisdiction.

He also reported incidents of harassment in some villages of Tulunan, Matalam, and Midsayap, emphasizing that the situation in Tulunan is now ceased after Task Force Barko-barko was created in Barangay Maybula last month.

Tomaro said, “people must feel free to provide information to the authority.”

On the other hand, Police Senior Superintendent Danilo Peralta, Police Director of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office presented the crime index of the province.

Based on Peralta’s report, this year’s 1^st quarter has higher crime volume compared to the 2^nd quarter in terms of street, property, and physical crimes. This according to Peralta is attributed to the successive operations conducted by their personnel.

Given this, Peralta still admits that the peace and order situation in the province at the moment is unpredictable due to the presence of various “threats” from other armed groups like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

In general, both Tomaro and Peralta appealed for support from the community.

Governor Taliño-Mendoza, meanwhile called for a strong working relationship between the authorities and the local officials, particularly to the Mayors present.

In attendance are 3^rd District Congressman Jose Tejada, 2^nd District Board Member Noel Baynosa, 1^st District Board Member Kelie Muhammad U. Antao, the 16 out of 18 municipal mayors in Cotabato Province, and representatives from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education (DepEd), and some organizations who have long been partnering with the Provincial Government of Cotabato in creating peace and conflict resolutions. //sgjh/pgo (with reports from Jimmy Sta. Cruz)