The Southern Shores

More fun in Mindanao

2012-01-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

“Mindanao is the future of the Philippines,” remarked my daughter last week. She was marveling at the futuristic new city hall rising in Tagum City, Davao del Norte (“looks like Singapore,” she said), the wide highways we traversed to get there, and the great natural wealth visible in the lush agricultural crops around. It struck me how she could make this observation on what was only her second visit to Mindanao. She had formed her first impression of Mindanao several years ago when a friend invited her to their place in Bukidnon, and was deeply impressed then at how well endowed our southern regions are.

More fun in Mindanao | Inquirer Opinion:

'via Blog this'

BALSA Mindanao Launched Stress Debriefing for Sendong Survivors

2012-01-16T03:18:00.001-08:00

Balsa Mindanao launches stress debriefing for Sendong survivors; calls for climate and economic justice | Davao Today

Balsa Mindanao, a coalition of the religious, nongovernment and civil society organizations begins psycho-social counseling, medical and relief operations to survivors of Typhoon Sendong on January 14 in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

Some 150 volunteers including nuns, priests, social workers, psychiatrists, health professionals and workers, and students from Davao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Caraga and Socsksargends participated in the counseling and operations.

The psycho social sessions were divided into children and adults categories. Children participated in group plays and drawings while adults joined in group discussions to unload their experiences and expectations.

Pantukan Residents Evicted

2012-01-15T15:43:00.001-08:00

83 families evicted in Pantukan | ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines -- Some 83 families living in the "high-risk" areas in Pantukan town in Compostela Valley have already been evicted. Of this number, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Benito Ramos said only 30 percent are from Pantukan town. They are now under the care of the town mayor Celso Sarenas. The rest of the evicted families are from other areas like Davao Oriental, Sarangani and Bukidnon to as far as Mt. Province.

Bukidnon Tagoloan Tribe Reclaims Sacred Site

2012-01-14T18:38:00.001-08:00

MindaNews » Bukidnon-Tagoloan tribe reclaims riverside sacred site

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/14 January) – Members of the Bukidnon-Tagoloan tribe today held a ritual symbolizing their recovery of a spring along the Sawaga River bank, which their ancestors had used as a traditional sacred site, even if a private hog slaughterhouse stands next to it now.

Braving the rains that poured the whole day today, descendants of of Datu Mampaalong and Datu Mansikiabo, renowned forefathers of the Bukidnon tribe in the pre-Hispanic period, attended the ritual called panendan in Sakub, the spring site, believed to be in this city’s original settlement area.

Valencia City Charter Day Schedule

2012-01-09T19:32:00.001-08:00

By: Jay Pascual

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon -- Valencia City will be celebrating its 11th Charter Day on January 12, 2012. Festivities are scheduled at the Oval Grounds in Brgy. Poblacion.

Highlights of the activities include Opening of the Golden Harvest Booths, Inter-Barangay Harvest Olympics, and Musical-Fireworks Dsiplay. Here's a complete schedule of activites courtesy of Bukidnon My Home Facebook Fan Page:

7AM - Civic Parade

8AM - Opening of Golden Harvest Booths

9AM - Opening Ceremonies

10AM - Interbarangay Harvest Olympics

4PM - Awarding of Prizes

7PM - Picture Exhibits / Closing Ceremonies / Messages / Intermissions / Musical Fireworks

Emergency Call Network for Bukidnon Set

2012-01-09T18:16:00.001-08:00

MindaNews » Bukidnon to operate province-wide emergency call network

Bukidnon plans to operate a province-wide Emergency Dial 117, Ronelo Alvarez, provincial director of the Department of Interior and LocalGovernment announced during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s regular meeting Wednesday. Alvarez, chair of the PDRRMC’s preparedness committee, said the target is for the area coordination center, as it is initially called, to be operational in the first quarter of 2012.

Habal-habal Nabangaan Ug Cargo Truck sa Valencia City

2011-12-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

Valencia City. Usa ka habal-habal (single motorcycle) ang nabanggaan og cargo truck sa siyudad sa Valencia, Bukidnon ganihang alas 10:30 sa buntag. Nahitabo ang aksidenti sa atubangan sa Valencia City Integrated Terminal (old terminal).

Nabanggaan ang motor sa eyang paggawas sa terminal og nasamadan ang driver sa habal-habal sa tiil.

Truck smashes into motorcycle

Valencia City. Isang habal-habal o single passenger motorcycle ang nabundol ng isang cargo truck kaninang 10:30 ng umga sa siyudad ng Valencia, Bukidnon. Naganap ang aksidente sa harap mismo ng Valencia City Integrated Terminal (old terminal).

Nasagasaan ang habal-habal habang ito'y papalabas ng nasabing terminal at nasugatan ang driver nito sa paa.

Valencia City Motorcycle Accident

(with report and photos by Jay Pascual)

Bukidnon Bishop Urges NPA to Release Mat Peddlers

2011-10-11T16:55:00.001-07:00

Malaybalay bishop Jose A. Cabantan welcomed the release of four officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology by the New People's Army...

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1 new result for bukidnon

Malaybalay bishop urges NPA to release vendors too
Minda News
By Walter I. Balane | Tuesday| October 11, 2011 | Filed under: Top Stories SUMILAO, Bukidnon (MindaNews/11 October) — Malaybalay bishop Jose A. Cabantan welcomed the release of four officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology by the New ...

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News Clip Courtesy of Google News

Bukidnon News and Updates October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T04:43:00.001-07:00

News

10 new results for bukidnon

Peasants from Bukidnon, Mis. Or. to join march vs landlessness, rights violations
Minda News
By Mindanews | Tuesday| October 11, 2011 | Filed under: Top Stories MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/10 October) – Some 10000 peasants from Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental are expected to march from Bukidon and Misamis Oriental from October 19-21 and converge ...
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Bukidnon mayor denies hand in gecko trading
Sun.Star
By Ivy C. Tejano MAYOR Rodito Rafisura of Kitaotao in Bukidnon denied Saturday allegations that his municipality is behind the syndicates trading Philippine gecko, otherwise known as tuko. His statement came after some tuko buyers who ended up being ...
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BOI sees record P350B investments this year
ABS CBN News
In a recent one day investment roadshow in Bukidnon, BOI Executive Director Efren V. Leano said the agency was able to attract more than P2 billion worth of investment interest. Mountain View College, a Baptist school in Bukidnon is looking at putting ...
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Returning household service workers attend livelihood skills training on ...
Philippine Information Agency
by Nestor E. Flores, Jr. VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon, Oct. 11, (PIA) -- Some 24 displaced and returning Household Service Workers (HSW's) in Bukidnon attended the Skills Training on Haircutting, held at the BHW-Multi Purpose Hall, here, last Sept. 26-27. ...
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Vice guv denies allegation of 'sabotage'
Sun.Star
... Babiera vehemently denied the allegation that the Provincial Capitol "sabotage" the release of the six mattress peddlers who were reportedly held captive by rebels in the hinterland areas of Bukidnon-Davao del Norte for more than a month now. ...
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Bukidnon governor junks proposal to hire 'historical officer'
Minda News
By Walter I. Balane | Saturday| October 8, 2011 | Filed under: Top Stories MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 October) – Bukidnon Gov. Alex P. Calingasan vetoed an ordinance creating the position of provincial historical officer, according to a copy of his ...
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AJ Banal Shows Fighting Heart in His Recent Victory
BoxingScene.com
As talented as the 22-year-old Bukidnon-native is, his heart and stamina prevent him from becoming a World Champion. Last Saturday night, however, Banal proved that he is capable of finishing. Against a tough and rugged customer, then undefeated ...
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House approves creation of Bukidnon's 4th legislative district
Minda News
By Walter I. Balane | Thursday| October 6, 2011 | Filed under: Top Stories MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/6 Oct) – The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on third reading a bill creating Bukidnon's fourth legislative district, according to ...
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Mindanao News and Features October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T03:41:00.001-07:00

News

10 new results for mindanao

'Ramon' likely to intensify into storm, may hit Mindanao
Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines—Tropical Depression Ramon is likely to intensify into a tropical storm as it makes its way to the Mindanao region. It could be the first storm to hit the region this year, according to a report by Radyo Inquirer 990 AM. ...
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Security forces foil bomb attacks in Mindanao
Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines – Police and military forces recovered two bombs in separate areas in Mindanao, last night following the series of explosions in Zamboanga City early this week. Cotabato City Administrator Cynthia Sayadi believed that she was the ...
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Airline row upsets hotel, tuna industries in Mindanao
Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - The ongoing rift between the management of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) and its labor union PAL Employees Association (PALEA) has affected the tuna and hotel industries in Mindanao, the Tourism Congress (TC) said. ...
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Yes Virginia, the Mindanao conflict is not just all about the MILF (Part 1)
Asian Correspondent
These apparent coordinated rebel activities underscore not only the gravity of the other Mindanao conflict but also highlight the apparent helplessness of the Philippine military. Mindanao, a land of sharp contrasts and contradiction despite being ...
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Basilan governor's brother, wife killed
Mindanao Examiner
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 11, 2011) – Unidentified motorcycle gunmen shot dead the brother of a provincial governor and his wife in an attack in the troubled region of the southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday. ...
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Mindanao Examiner

Rain-induced floods hit Misamis Oriental
Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Some areas in Misamis Oriental went under knee-deep floods as Tropical Depression "Ramon" started pounding Mindanao provinces with heavy rains. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that based ...
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Philippine army says mining firms need militias
Reuters
MANILA Oct 10 (Reuters) - The Philippine army said it cannot defend mining projects on troubled Mindanao island against attacks from Maoists given stretched resources, and so has asked private companies to hire military-organised militias to guard ...
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Mindanao's indigenous people ask UNHCR's help to gain their rights
UNHCR (press release)
UNHCR staff provide training on their rights to a group of indigenous women displaced by the long-running conflict on Mindanao Island. TIMANAN VILLAGE, Philippines, October 10 (UNHCR) – Probably few people have more right to complain than the 300 ...
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PCG getting ready for 'Ramon'
Inquirer.net
PCG Commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag said that he has alerted all of their teams to prepare their operational control and disaster response units as Ramon threatened Visayas and Mindanao. Liwag has also ordered all Coast Guard District Commanders to ...
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Inquirer.net

AFP: A Master in Double Talk By Rubi del Mundo (Mindanao)
Mindanao Examiner
REELING from frustration over the inutility of its rescue operations, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP has fast-tracked the craft it has mastered: double talk. In the heels of the National Democratic Front and the Southern Mindanao Party ...
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Magnitude 4.8 - MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES - USGS
Magnitude 4.8 - MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES. 2011 October 06 23:47:04 UTC. Versión en Español. Details; Summary; Maps; Scientific & Technical ...
earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/.../Quakes/usc00065rq.html

Mindanao education plan gains thrust | The Manila Bulletin ...
Most of the teachers implementing the program are assigned in schools located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and Central and ...
www.mb.com.ph/node/336712/mindanao-education-plan-gain

2 die, 19 hurt in Mindanao ambush | Regions
TWO persons were killed while 19 others were wounded when unidentified armed men strafed two passenger jeepneys yesterday morning in Datu Odin Sinsuat ...
www.manilatimes.net/.../8858-2-die-19-hurt-in-mindanao-am...

NDFP-Mindanao warns against destructive business operations ...
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Mindanao (NDFP-Mindanao) commends the New People's Army under the Pulang Diwata Command ...
www.philippinerevolution.net/.../ndfp-mindanao-warns-agains...

Mindanao Institute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Founded in 1946. Non-stock, non-profit, church related School, dedicated to our youth, with an enriched General Academic Curriculum designed to prepare ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao_Institute

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Visit Lake Apo in Valencia Bukidnon

2011-08-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

Lake Apo Valencia City Bukidnon

Lake Apo is a circular rift lake found in Barangay Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Bukidnon province in the Philippines. It is dubbed as cleanest and greenest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao. It has an estimated area of 24 hectares (0.24 square kilometers) reaching to a depth of 26 meters.

The lake was formed due to the movement of the Earth's crust, creating a circular-shaped lake atop the mountain floor.

Lake Apo Valencia Bukidnon

Awarded as the cleanest inland body of water in Region 10 (1996, 1997, 1998) in the lake category and entry to the National Level (1996, 1997, 1998).

The lake is a perfect escape from the pressures of work and worries in life owing to its picturesque surrounding hills and mountains and its blue green waters that abound with fish not yet touched by the ill effects of pollution. The inherent beauty of Lake Apo strongly suggests a tourist destination from all walks of life.

Bukidnon Lake Apo

Text Sources:

Lake Apo Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia

http://www.philcom.ph/gov/valencia/places.html

Juan Miguel Zubiri Resigns -- Full Text Resignation Speech

2011-08-03T05:02:00.001-07:00

HONOR AND INTEGRITY

By: Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri

Speech Delivered on the Senate Plenary

Mr. President, My Distinguished Colleagues in this August Chamber, Mga Minamahal kong Kababayan:

On several occasions, I rose in this August Chamber, in defense of the environment and other issues affecting our country and our countrymen.

Today, I rise on a personal privilege in defense of my and my family's honor, integrity and dignity.

And I address this speech to reach our people to whom I owe my present position.

Nais kong marating ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan sa sandaling ito sapagkat sa kanila nagmula o nanggaling ang katungkulan ko bilang isang Senador ng ating bansa.

My election as Senator:

In the May 2007 elections, I was elected and duly proclaimed as Senator of the Republic with more than 11 million votes. My proclamation was affirmed by the Supreme Court without prejudice to filing any case with the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

This chamber and our people may take judicial notice that my proclamation was assailed through the filing of an election protest before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) alleging fraud and irregularities in some areas covered by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

It was his right to do so just as the law and the rules on election gave me all the rights to file a counter protest in areas where I also believe I was also a victim of similar circumstances which also affected the actual number of votes I obtained in the said election.

Since the said election was conducted manually, and as experience will tell us, the manual count and re-appreciation of the millions of manually prepared ballots from the various protested and counter protested precincts would take a long process and time to be resolved. And that is the reason why, since 2007 up to the present, the revision and the recounting of the manually prepared ballots are still proceeding at the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

While the esteemed protestant claimed that he had recovered substantial number of votes from the areas he protested, the records of the Senate Electoral Tribunal will also reveal that an equally substantial number of votes were recovered in my favor in the areas which I counter protested.

And as a result, the Senate Electoral Tribunal, in its July and August 2010 Resolutions, directed the completion of the 100% revision of all the ballots from the precincts I contested.

Present Controversies Affecting My Position:

While my counter-protest is still pending before the Senate Electoral Tribunal and the revision and recounting of the ballots are going on smoothly to find out the truth on the parties' allegations, a number of highly suspect "personalities" suddenly cropped up recently, claiming that they were allegedly "witnesses" to the alleged frauds and irregularities during the 2007 elections.

Armed merely with their vocal chords and without any supporting documents to prove their allegations, these alleged witnesses are now shouting out loud and, as if with full orchestration, that my election was marred with irregularities.

My rival took advantage of this political situation. He and his supporters are now asking for my resignation as a duly elected Senator, despite the pendency of his election protest at the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

My political detractors began calling me ugly names and dragging the name of my family in entirety.

In other words, Mr. President, the trial by publicity has begun. The trial at the Senate Electoral Tribunal where this issue could have been properly ventilated and resolved has been practically set aside.

SA HARAP NG DIYOS AT SA HARAP NG TAO AY NAIS KONG PAGTIBAYIN NA HINDI AKO NANDAYA AT WALA AKONG KINAUSAP UPANG MANDAYA PARA SA AKIN SA HALALAN. Ang lahat ng akusasyon laban sa akin ay pawang walang katotohanan.

I DID NOT CHEAT NOR ASK ANYONE TO CHEAT FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. WE WOULD NEVER TOLERATE ANY FORM OF ELECTORAL FRAUD.

In my family's almost thirty (30) years of public service in Bukidnon, not once has our name been dragged in any election controversy, not once has an election protest ever been filed against us. This you can ask the people of Bukidnon.

I am not the only one who feels the hurt because of the personal attacks against me and my family. I could feel how my wife has had sleepless nights, my father, my mother, who has undergone two (2) major brain operations and is now constantly suffering physically and emotionally, together with my siblings who have been hurt and affected by such unfounded and baseless accusations.

Kung ako lamang ang naka-darama ng masasakit na batikos at akusasyon, ay maaring makayanan ko pang dalhin.

Ngunit sa sandaling nakikita ko ang aking asawa, ang aking nagmamahal na magulang, at ang aking mga kapatid, kaibigan at mga kapanalig�damang dama ko rin ang kanilang pagdaramdam. Ang hapdi at pait na kanilang dinaranas dahilan sa mga walang basehang paratang laban sa aking pagkatao at bilang isang halal na Senador.

Mahal ko ang aking tungkulin bilang isang Senador at isang lingkod bayan o public servant. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit sa loob ng mahigit sa apat na taon kong paglilingkod dito sa Senado, ay aking maipagma-malaki ang mga nagawa ko upang tumbasan ang tiwala at pagkakataong ibinigay ng taong bayan sa akin upang ako ay makapag-lingkod sa ating bansa.

Isang paglilingkod na aking maipagma-malaki na walang bahid dungis. Hindi ako umabuso o nagpayaman sa aking katungkulan. Hindi ako nagkaroon ng maraming bodyguard o "back up" o gumamit ng anumang 'wang wang' kahit noong ako ay Kongresista pa lamang. Sa madaling salita, hindi pa man sinabi ng Pangulong Aquino ang sikat na salitang "Walang Wang-Wang"- iyan ay bahagi na ng aking panuntunan bilang isang lingkod bayan sa ating bansa.

List of Accomplishments

Mr. President, modesty aside and without being too repetitive, let me cite our legislative accomplishment in the last four years. In the 14th Congress, the Senate had passed 651 laws, of which around 90 are of national significance and 561 laws of local application. It was a record breaking performance for the Senate, surpassing the record of the chamber in the last three or four Congresses combined, especially in passing local bills which our colleagues in the House of Representatives had long been clamoring for.

The Senate did that in the 14th Congress under the able leadership of the incumbent Senate President who was also the Senate President then and more importantly with the support and active participation of our colleagues in the 14th Congress.

Of those laws of national significance, this representation has sponsored, principally authored, co-sponsored and/or authored around 32 laws. Some of which are the:

1. RA 9520 - Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 (Sponsor and Author)

2. RA 9513 - Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (Co-Sponsor and Author)

3. RA 10068 - Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Sponsor and Author)

4. RA 9679 - Home Development Mutual Fund Act of 2009 (Principal Author and Co-sponsor)

5. RA 9653 - Rent Control Act of 2009 (Principal Author and Co-sponsor)

6. RA 9507 - Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Condonation Act (Sponsor and Author)

7. RA 9997 - the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009 (Sponsor and Author)

8. RA 9996 - the Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010 (Principal Author and Co-sponsor)

9. RA 9904 - the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners' Associations (Sponsor and Author)

10. RA 9903 - Condonation of Penalties on Delinquent Social Security Contributions (Principal Author and Co-sponsor)

11. RA 9507 - the Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Condonation Program (Sponsor and Author)

12. RA 9850 - Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport (Sponsor and Author)

13. RA 10121 - Philippine Disaster Risk Management Act (Co-sponsor and Author)

14. RA 10143 - Establishing the Philippine Tax Academy (Sponsor)

15. RA 10026 - Granting Income tax Exemption to Local Water Districts (Co-Sponsor and Co-Author)

16. RA 10072 - New Charter of the Philippine Red Cross (Co-sponsor and Author)

17. RA 10073 - New Charter of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (Author)

18. RA 9645 - Declaring July 27 of Every Year as Araw ng Iglesia Ni Cristo and as Special Working Holiday (Co-sponsor and Author)

19. RA 9849 - Declaring Eidul Adha as a National Holiday (Co-sponsor and Author)

20. RA 10023 - Free Patents Act (Author)

21. RA 9851 - International Humanitarian Law (Author)

22. RA 9500 - UP Charter Amendments (Author)

23. RA 10122 - Strengthening the Literacy Coordinating Council (Co-sponsor)

24. RA 9505 - Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) Act of 2008 (Author)

25. RA 9504 - Individual Income Tax Rate Exemption Law (Author)

26. RA 9502 - Cheaper Medicines Act (Author)

As Majority Leader then, to expedite the passage of pending local bills, I willingly took the cudgels for some of our colleagues, who were chairpersons of the concerned committees, whenever they requested me to sponsor or defend in the plenary their committee reports as some of them were on official business or had other pressing commitments.

That had resulted in the passage into laws of around 560 local bills.

To improve the quality of tertiary education, we passed 20 laws creating new state universities namely:

1. RA 10085 - North Luzon Philippines State College in Candon, Ilocos Sur 2. RA 9998 - Surigao Del Sur State University in Surigao del Sur

3. RA 9966 - Sultan Kudarat State University in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat

4. RA 9860 - Bicol University - Gubat Campus in Gubat, Sorsogon

5. RA 9854 - Caraga State University in Butuan City

6. RA 9852 - Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte

7. RA 9832 - Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University in Bacolor, Pampanga

8. RA 9798 - Pangasinan Technological Institute in Pangasinan

9. RA 9744 - Cebu Technological University in Cebu City

10. RA 9747 - Occidental Mindoro State College in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

11. RA 9746 - University of Antique in Sibalom, Antique

12. RA 9722 - Central Visayas State University in Tagbilaran City, Bohol

13. RA 9721 - Romblon State University in Odiongan, Romblon

14. RA 9720 - Ifugao State University in Lamut, Ifugao

15. RA 9719 - Tiburcio Tancinco State University in Calbayog City, Western Samar

16. RA 9718 - Naval State University in Naval, Biliran

17. RA 9717 - Central Bicol State University in Pili, Camarines Sur

18. RA 9647 - Philippine Normal University as the National Center for Teacher Education

19. RA 9519 - Mindanao University of Science and Technology in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental

20. RA 9500 - University of the Philippines as the National University

We also created or converted 407 national high schools all over the country with the end in view of improving the quality of education in the secondary level and providing enough teachers and classroom equipment. In order to improve the delivery of health services to the poor in several provinces, we passed 6 laws which established new hospitals or increased the bed capacity of existing hospitals.

To de-clog the local courts and further improve the administration and dispensation of justice, we created 30 additional branches of Regional Trial Courts and Metropolitan Trial Courts.

We also declared 2 new Protected Areas which would help in the protection and conservation of the environment and biodiversity. To enhance the delivery of services and infrastructure in the countryside, we passed 75 laws converting local roads into national roads and the creation of new engineering districts. We also converted 3 new cities but there was no question as to their qualifications as we observed the requirements provided in the Local Government Code.

Of these local laws, around 400 had been sponsored and/or co-sponsored and some were even authored by this representation.

In this 15th Congress, we continued to advocate for the environment and the cooperative sector. As Chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, we have finalized the Committee Report on the National Land Use Act after long and tedious committee hearings and technical working group meetings, as well as the Committee Report on the Forest Protection and Sustainable Management Act. We are now ready to route these reports for signature of the members of the Committee. We had also conducted several investigations on alleged violations of our environmental laws and degradation of the environment such as the FPIC leak in Makati which has resulted in the filing of SB No. 2788 or the Oil and Gas Pipeline Regulation Bill, and the hearing on illegal poaching of coral and marine resources, which resulted to the issuance of warrant of arrests to the perpetrators.

In relation to this representation's advocacy in improving the delivery and quality of health services for all Filipinos, I had also filed SB No. 58 which amends the PhilHealth law for a mandatory universal healthcare coverage for all Filipinos. I understand that a consolidated bill is now under floor deliberations.

In relation to the delivery of social services and essential infrastructure projects to our constituencies, ang aking Priority Development Assistance Fund at iba pang inisyatiba sa nakaraang apat na taon ay inilaan po natin sa aking programang "Isang Bayan, Isang Proyekto" o "Every Town One Project" program.

At present we had allocated projects to seventy three (73) out of the (80) provinces in the country resulting to a ninety one percent 91% coverage and this is distributed to 83 out of the 135 cities and 871 of the 1,497 municipalities as beneficiaries or recipients of the " Isang Bayan Isang Proyekto" ni Migz Zubiri.

In some regions, in the Visayas and Mindanao we have allocated projects to all their cities and municipalities, at nagsimula na rin kami ngayon sa mga bayan at lalawigan ng Luzon.

Sa pangkalahatan ang mga proyekto pong ito ay nagnanais na mapagkalooban ng mga basic infrastructure, serbisyong pangkalusugan, mga sasakyan at equipment para sa pagsasaayos ng peace and order at livelihood assistance sa mga nabanggit na lugar upang magresulta sa pag-angat ng kalidad ng pamumuhay.

Specifically, these projects are:

1. Construction of multi-purpose buildings, barangay halls, day care centers, public markets, covered courts and core shelters, a total of 846 projects;

2. Construction or school buildings, classrooms, local libraries and repair of school buildings, a total of 250 projects;

3. Construction of health centers and provision of mobile hospitals, total of 39 projects;

4. Provision of multi cabs as barangay patrols or service vehicles, ambulances, dump trucks, patrol cars, and fire trucks - total of 101 projects;

5. Construction of farm-to-market roads, bridges and water systems - total of 92 projects; and

6. Livelihood assistance to cooperatives - 6 projects.

Lahat ng ito, sa paniniwala ng inyong likod na ma-empower ang mga LGU's, ay direktang binigay at inimpliment ng mga local government units.

On top of these Mr. President, we also infused funds for the following projects:

1. construction of the Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center (REDREC) at UP Los Baños (P28.5M) to further advance the research and studies for the development of renewable energy;

2. construction of a Pediatric Ward Building at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu (P30M);

3. construction of Dormitory at UP Tacloban Campus (P10M);

4. construction of a Cancer Center at the Cotabato City Hospital (P15M);

5. construction of a New Hospital building and Pediatric Ward at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital (P25M); and

6. construction and repair of classrooms and school buildings at the Mindanao State University.

Sa Metro Manila naman po, nagsagawa tayo ng mga social services programs and projects lalung-lalu na sa mga depressed communities at mga biktima ng mga kalamidad.

We had conducted a total of 32 medical and dental missions, outreach programs to fire victims, relief operations to flood and calamity victims, nutrition and feeding programs, and distribution of sports equipment, particularly in Metro Manila, which benefitted around 9,600 families and another 22,100 individuals.

We had also provided scholarships and educational assistance to hundreds of college students.

Add to these projects our medical and financial assistance to indigent individuals and families which benefitted a total of 9,769 patients and individuals nationwide.

Mr. President, I beg the indulgence of our colleagues for romanticizing the past. I just wanted to emphasize that in the last four years, this representation had participated and contributed in the best way I could, and labored diligently and persistently in the legislative mill resulting to my PERFECT ATTENDANCE in Congress since 1998 as a legislator.

I fulfilled my job responsibly with honesty, integrity and dignity, and I could proudly look in the eyes of every Filipino who put me in this position, that the trust and confidence they had given me were not put to naught.

Baseless Accusations Compel Me to Leave:

Ngunit ang lahat ng ito, ang lahat ng aking ginawa at nais pa sanang gawin para sa ating taong bayan ay hindi ko na makakayanan pang gampanan.

Lubha na akong nasaktan, kasama ang sakit at hapding nadarama ng aking pamilya. At dahil dito, ang aking tungkulin bilang isang Senador ay lubha nang nadaramay at para bang nawawalang saysay.

I would be doing an injustice to my fellowmen and to this great and honored Institution if I continue working half-heartedly and without full concentration and devotion.

For this reason, I have directed my lawyers to make proper and immediate representation before the Senate Electoral Tribunal and convey my actuations today, with the end in view of expediting the proceedings and with the prayer that the Tribunal come up with a decision at the soonest possible time.

And in this August Chamber, without admitting any fault and with my vehement denial of the alleged electoral fraud hurled against me, I am submitting my RESIGNATION as a duly elected Senator of the Republic of the Philippines in the election for which I am FALSELY accused without mercy and compassion.

I am resigning, not because I am exhausted from the demands of my calling as a legislator. Hindi po ako napagod sa paglilingkod sa inyo.

I am resigning, not because I wish to evade the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal. Handa ko pong tanggapin ang anumang hatol mula sa nasabing hukuman.

Rather, I am resigning because of these unfounded accusations against me and these issues has systematically divided our nation and has casted doubts in our electoral system which has affected not only myself, this Institution but the public as well.

And as a legislator, who is being referred to in the Senate as "Your Honor", I believe that my honor is something that should never be subject to taint.

NO AMOUNT OF POWER, POSITION OR WEALTH IS WORTH SACRIFICING ONE'S HONOR AND INTEGRITY.

Sa bandang huli, ang legasiya ng isang tao ay hindi nasusukat kung gaano kataas ang posisyon ang kanyang narating o ang dami ng kanyang yaman na naipon, kungdi ito ay nasusukat sa kanyang pagpanatiling malinis at walang bahid dungis ang kanyang sariling dignidad at integridad.

The life of a public servant is, to say the least, hardly rosy and sweet. For we, as public officers, are always subject to public scrutiny.

I have always taken it upon myself, not to give-in to intrigues against my person and honor - to always keep on maintaining my focus on performing my duties well.

All these, I rehearsed. I was prepared. I was conditioned. During the past few days, however, God reminded me that no matter how much I insist on exclusively carrying the burden of my oath and duties, the truth is that I have a family that suffers with me together with the Senate as an Institution, whether I like it or not.

I have seen and felt the suffering of my family, and from the burrows of my conscience, I could not allow this to happen, let alone be tolerated.

They do not deserve to suffer the consequences of my position.

After all, I am a husband first before a Senator; and I am a father first before a legislator.

I believe that membership in the Senate and serving our people is the highest form of service that a citizen could give back to his country.

Having said this, I, thus, express my honest gratitude to the people and to the Senate and the secretariat and my staff for allowing me to experience the magnanimity of public service through my duties as a Senator.

My highest respect always remains in this Institution and to the men and women who serve it.

My career in this August Chamber had been a fabled journey that is certainly not wanting of memories. However, as much as I wish to remain in the service of my country, I will not do so, at the expense of my honor and integrity.

My Alma Mater's, the University of the Philippines, dictum of "HONOR AND EXCELLENCE" is a principle that I have upheld and imbibed in all of my daily undertakings.

I now go to live in happiness and peace with my family. I will leave the Senate with my head held up high, knowing that despite all endeavors that came my way, I was able to survive and perform, and I did so with the support of those who believed in me and my advocacies.

But let me just emphasize to my detractors, as I paraphrase a quote from General Douglas Macarthur that: I am not actually retreating; I am merely advancing in another direction.

And as I now pronounce my joining the civil society, it is my humble prayer that this Institution allow me to RESIGN WITH HONOR AND DIGNITY.

Marami pong Salamat...Pagpalain tayo ng Poong Maykapal...lalong lalo na ang ating Bansa at ang ating mga Kababayan.

August 3 2011 Mindanao News and Current Events

2011-08-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

33 victims of human trafficking rescued in Mindanao

Mindanao Examiner - ‎19 hours ago‎

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 2, 2011) - Police have rescued nearly three dozen women who were suspected victims of human trafficking in the southern Philippines, officials said on Tuesday.

40000 jobs in Malaysia offer ARMM workers hopeInquirer.net

all 4 news articles »

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Anti-torture group calls for probe on latest torture incident

Zamboanga Today Online - Nonong Santiago - ‎19 hours ago‎

Members of the Mindanao Anti-Torture Alliance (MATA) has called on military officials and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an urgent probe on the alleged cases of torture committed by the military in Basilan Province.

Document details torture of suspected Abu Sayyaf memberInquirer.net

4 soldiers in torture case under arrest Malaya

Asian Correspondent - Mindanao Examiner - ABS CBN News -Minda News

all 20 news articles »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&jfkl=true&cf=all&q=mindanao

August 2 2011 Mindanao News and Current Events

2011-08-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Demand vs oil, gas exploration bucked

BusinessWorld Online - ‎7 hours ago‎

THE PALACE will not give in to demands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to stop oil and gas exploration in Mindanao given the country's need to beef up local supply in light of rising international prices, a Malacañang aide said yesterday.

Moro rebels nix hydropower plants, privatization, gas exploration Sun.Star

MILF Assert Mindanao Ownership, Demand To Stop Oil Exploration OilVoice (press release)

AFP - Washington Post - GMANews.TV

all 62 news articles »

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Screening committee to recommend MuslimMindanao officials

Philippine Star - ‎10 hours ago‎

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government has created a screening committee that will recommend officers-in-charge in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) following the synchronization of its polls with the 2013 national elections.

ARMM OICs short list coming soon Inquirer.net

Aquino creates screening committee for Armm Sun.Star

GMANews.TV - Journal Online - Minda News -Zamboanga Today Online

all 13 news articles »

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The environment and Mindanao's future

Inquirer.net - Cielito F. Habito - ‎2 hours ago‎

Nowhere in the country has the economy-environment tradeoff been more evident than in Mindanao, whose natural wealth has been exploited over many decades for the benefit of a relative few, and at great cost to future generations.

Philippine Entertainment Portal

Time to go to war!

Philippine Star - Hannah Belmonte - ‎7 hours ago‎

We got to Trinoma's Mindanao open parking lot shortly before 7 pm My sister, Louise, said it would start raining at 7, and sure enough, it did.

30 Seconds to Mars rocks Manila! Philippine Entertainment Portal

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500 poor students in Western Mindanao get books, school supplies

Philippine Star - ‎7 hours ago‎

MANILA, Philippines - Help comes to poor students in WesternMindanao, amid renewed clashes between the military and terrorist groups.

Lumads in Northern Mindanao deliver state of IP address

Minda News - Cong Corrales - ‎22 hours ago‎

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/31 July) –Since President Benigno Simeon Aquino III was mum on the state of the indigenous peoples in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, ...

Lawyers seek justice for lumad leader's death Sun.Star

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Aquino abolishes task force on Mindanao river basin rehab

BusinessWorld Online - ‎Jul 30, 2011‎

PRESIDENT Benigno SC Aquino III has abolished the Cotabato City-based Presidential Task Force on Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development (PTFMRBRD) in an effort to streamline government and generate cost savings, a Palace official said on ...

Mindanao river basin task force abolished ABS CBN News

Aquino abolishes Mindanao river basin rehab task force Sun.Star

Journal Online

News Items and Links Courtesy of Google News at: http://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&jfkl=true&cf=all&q=mindanao

Nat’l greening program gets boost from Mindanao stakeholders

2011-08-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

"The National Greening Program of the Aquino administration gets a boost from Mindanao as key leaders here gear up for an intensified and integrated watershed and river basin management in the island-region.

Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson, said protecting and preserving Mindanao’s watersheds is one of the key issues highlighted at the recently concluded 3rd MinDA Board Meeting."

Kingdom of Saudi Arabian firm eyes agriculture venture in Central Mindanao | Sun.Star

2011-08-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

KORONADAL CITY -- A Saudi Arabian company plans to invest in agriculture in Central Mindanao while a Japanese aid agency showed interest to help in the livestock sector, an official confirmed Thursday.
Amalia J. Datukan, Department of Agriculture regional director, said the East Asia Development and Agricultural Investment Co. is eyeing a joint agriculture venture in the area.

WWF-Philippines call for more renewable energy in Mindanao

2011-08-01T04:33:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) is pushing for the diversification of the power generation mix in Mindanao to include more renewable energy sources.
In a statement, WWF said the increased use of renewable energy sources in Mindanao would help ease the power supply shortage, which has been causing rotating brownouts on the island throughout the year.

Bayong in Vogue Once More in Davao Del Sur

2010-11-24T16:46:00.001-08:00

Mindanews » Bayong in vogue once more in Davao del Sur

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 20 Nov) – The bayong, the hand-woven all-purpose bags that were once carried by shoppers in wet markets and by rural and interprovincial travelers, is in vogue once more as the Davao del Sur office of the Department of Trade and Industry is pushing for the use of biodegradable bags and wrapping materials.

Edwin O. Banqueting, DTI provincial director, said he hoped that the launching of the Green Bag project, which advocates against the use of plastic and cellophane bags in shopping, would catch interest in the rest of the country.
Source: MindaNews

Manobo Tribe to Decorate the Tallest Tree in the Philippines

2010-10-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

Members of a tribe in Mindanao are now preparing one of the Philippines'
tallest trees to become the country's tallest Christmas tree.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines reported Saturday
the Manobo tribe is decorating the giant Toog tree with 1,001 Christmas
lights.

Mountain Resorts Philippines - MGM Mountain Resort Maramag Bukidnon

2010-10-17T17:36:00.001-07:00

MGM Mountain Resort in Dologon, Maramag, Bukidnon is one of the best mountain resorts Philippines can offer.

It is a place for everyone who wants luxurious relaxation. Set amidst lush greenery, stunning landscape and breathtaking scenery, MGM Mountain Resorts Philippines is your perfect hideaway.

MGM mountain resorts Philippines features kiddie pools, adult swimming pools, and cottages in its contoured area. It has a function hall, cavañas, dorm-type rooms, camping sites, boating and fishing area, cooking space, karaoke bar, sports facilities (for billiards, tennis or basketball), and a souvenir shop.

Looking for the best deals on Philippine Hotels? Compare the best hotel rates now and enjoy good savings on Philippine Hotels accommodations.

The Colors of Mindanao

2009-10-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Awakening Mindanao

2008-02-02T02:16:00.000-08:00

The photos here were taken just before sunrise somewhere in the island of Mindanao, Philippines...