INSIGHTS ON PILIPINAS 2016 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Opinion-

Courtesy: Manila Bulletin 

In an objective assessment of candidates in the first series of televised presidential debates, I give it to former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas for clarity of delivery and theoretical constructs. But its Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who gave the most sensible and pragmatic answers. My expectation of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago dominating the debate didnt happens. Vice President Jejomar Binay stammered and didn't make an impression in communicating his ideas. Senator Grace Poe was doing alright, until she delivered her final answer apparently packaged for the Mindanao issue. The two U.S. educated candidates i.e. Roxas and Poe, communicated their ideas in a critical thinking pattern typically practiced by U.S. university management graduates. The three lawyers i.e. MDS, Duterte and Binay could have articulated their ideas and personal qualities better, given a little more time and less structured arrangement to amplify conflict, reconciliation and integration of ideas. Striking the balance and establishing superiority of thought in a free for all is where the quality of leadership counts. No clear winner at this point. By: Atty. Manny S.D. Lopez

DOST 12 to launch the complementary food production center in SOCCSKARGEN

The complementary food production center jointly by the Department of Science and Technology-12 DOST’s Food and Nutrition Institute and the Sultan Kudarat State University will be launched on February 17, 2016 in time with the celebration on the Science Nation Tour, dubbed as “Agham na Ramdam”.

The launching will be graced by no other than Hon. Mario G. Montejo, Secretary of DOST to be assisted by the DOST 12 Regional Director, Dr, Zenaida P. Hr. Laidan and SKJSU President Dr. Rolando F. Hechanova and Regional Directors of DOST.

The center’s   now producing nutritious food products after the completion of equipment installation, training on technology transfer on production of complementary foods as well as commissioning and training on machine operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the food processing machines, necessary for the eventual operation of the center.

Dr. Laidan, said that the DOST earlier granted the state-run university over Php 5 million worth of large-scale food processing equipment for the establishment of a Complementary Food Processing (CFP) Center.

Laidan said the SKSU is one of the five recipients of the program to roll out complementary food production. Other CFP facilities are located in Cordillera Autonomous Region, MIMAROPA Region, Zamboanga Peninsula and CARAGA. The center at SKSU is capable of processing and packing 120 kg of complementary food in one hour, she confirmed.

Products developed in the CFP center are rice-mongo curls, rice-mongo baby food blend, and rice-mongo-sesame baby food blend that provides essential fatty acids for the growing kids.

Laidan elaborated further that the project is a component of the DOST-Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children (PINOY) of the High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) of the DOST.

DOST PINOY, she said is a nutrition intervention strategy intended to lessen the impact of the persistent problem of malnutrition among young Filipino Children six months to three years old. Beside the complementary foods products, the project also includes health and nutrition education of mothers and caregivers.

“DOST PINOY program has the full support of the Local Government of Isulan which has committed P200, 000 as initial funds for feeding program in 17 barangays of the municipality, where the BiMon complementary foods will be used. Governments’ agencies like DOH, DSWD and other local government units have also signified interest to purchase complementary foods.

She stressed that PINOY’s three components include nutrition education, complementary foods preparation, and feeding. It is part of a larger program called “Sulong Pinoy” that aims to address malnutrition in the country through science and technology-based interventions.

The nutrition education component is designed for mothers and caregivers of children six months to two years old who are underweight for their age. The education component aims to impart the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding and complementary foods to growing children; food safety; preparing meal plans; and growing vegetables in their own backyards.

The complementary foods component meanwhile, involves the introduction and preparation of FNRJ’s complementary food blends and snacks foods. The feeding component will entail 120 days of feeding underweight children in the community.

The DOST-FNRI developed the three complementary foods which are available in 30-gram packs to meet nutritional needed of this age group. The rice-mongo instant blend and rice-mongo-sesame blend are designed for 6-11 month-old children, while the rice-mongo curls are intended for one-year-old children, disclosed. By: Gemma Roda

SCIENCE NATION TOUR: Agham na Ramdam in Region 12

Commending the remarkable milestone of Science and Technology in the present times, the Department of Science and Technology Region 12 is yet again making in history with its celebration of this year’s Science Nation Tour. Dubbed as Agham na Ramdam (Science is Felt), this first of a kind experience in the region is bringing brighter opportunities to the people in a golden platter. There is more to experience than meets the eye. This national roadshow slates series of mayor activities highlighting the Department of Science and Technology’s efforts to bring people experience first-hand the impact and promising development of S&T in uplifting the quality of life. This event also strengthens ties and partnership with stakeholders, academe, and technopreneurs to bring forth a self-reliant community that is empowered thru S&T.

The three-day event will be graced by Sec. Mario G. Montejo with the support of the Regional Directors of the Department of Science and Technology. The all out event will surely be a moment to remember with jam-packed activities that will surely satisfy our cravings for Science and Technology.

The Science Nation Tour: Agham na Ramdam will be conducted at KCC Convention Center, General Santos City with the presence of distinguished quests and participants from different sectors; government and private. One of the key event during the first day is the launching of oneSTore program of DOST. OneSTore is simply bringing DOST-assisted quality products to your doorstep with its online shopping application, guaranteed hassle-free. Concurrent with the launching are some of the major activities highlighting DOST 12’s programs and services, Roll-out and High Impact Programs showcase the significant contribution of ongoing breakthroughs and innovation in S&T. Another activity to look after is the S&T Exhibit featuring success stories of assisted SMEs stakeholders Economic Forum that will showcase Small enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) interventions that continuously improve economic growth in the Region. The Regional Invention Contest Exhibit (RICE) will also level up the competition as talented inventors of the region showcase their astounding inventions that have direct impact to the welfare and economic growth of region 12.  Wrapping up the first day will be the Pagana Maranao which accentuates the culture and tradition of Maranaos as well as their natural hospitality.

The second day will further emphasize the theme of the event as S&T Caravan goes to Sultan Kudarat province bringing S&T closer to the people. This will then followed by different activities like the Symposium on Strengthening Region’s Resilience to the impact of climate change, Youth S&T Assembly, and launching of the Complementary Food Center. The day is too short to experience the full blast capacity of innovating science and technology thus Science Nation Tour will culminate at February 18 with the anticipated Halal Conference followed by the awarding ceremony for Regional Invention Contest winners.

Let us rejoice for this one of a kind opportunity and may not this be the end for more fascinating and worthwhile S&T driven campaign for building more resilient and progressive communities. Indeed, Science is genuinely felt with DOST.By: Gemma Roda

WHY CHINA WON'T ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA-

 Why China Won’t Accept International Arbitration in the South China Sea

In a recently released position paper, Beijing outlines its reason for rejecting a Philippine request for arbitration.

On December 7, China’s Foreign Ministry released a copy of China’s position paper regarding the Philippine’s appeal to international arbitration over South China Sea disputes. It’s the first time China has outlined in detail its position regarding the case. China has long stated that it will not participate in or accept the results of the arbitration; the release of the position paper provides a legal justification for that stance.

According to Xu Hong, the director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of the Treaty and Law, the government decided to release the paper to clear up misperception of China’s position, “Some people, who do not know the truth, have questioned China’s position of not accepting or participating in the arbitration. Some others, who harbor ulterior motives, have made… accusations or insinuations that China does not abide by international law, “Xu explained. In response on those criticism, Xu said, the position paper” debunks the Philippines’ groundless assertions and projects China’s image as a defender and promoter of the international rule of law”.

The crux of the matter is that China does not believe that the arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction to decide the case. More broadly, China rejects the nation that the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) can be used to decide South China Sea sovereignty issues, which Beijing maintains is at the heart of the Philippine case. “To decide upon any of the Philippines’ claims, the Arbitral Tribunal would inevitably have to determine, directly or indirectly, the issue of territorial sovereignty falls beyond the purview of the Convention, “China’s position paper concludes. One of the first things the tribunal will have to decide is, In fact, whether it has the jurisdiction to consider the case at all. China has just made clear its position: that the case should not be allowed to move forward.

The position papers then responds to the core points of the Philippine case; that China claim of “historic rights” is inconsistent with UNCLOS and that China’s claims to water surrounding maritime features exceeds the 200 nautical mile limit set by UNCLOS China responded by saying that the underlying issue of sovereignty must be solved first. “Only after the extent of China’s territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea is determined can a decision can be made on the extent of China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, “the papers argues. In other words, before UNCLOS or other international bodies can address the issue of maritime claims, China and other disputants have to work out who owns what.

China also points out that back in 2006 it officially declared that it does not accept the compulsory settlement procedures provided for by UNCLOS, including those dealing with maritime delimitation. Since the Philippine case is effectively asking the tribunal to rule on whether or not the disputed areas belong to the Philippine’ EEZ and continental shelf, the tribunal’s decision is inevitably tied up with the process of maritime delimitation. Even if the tribunal has jurisdiction to rule on the case, China maintains it would be under no obligation to accept the ruling. “By initiating the present compulsory arbitration as an attempt to circumvent China’s 2006 declaration, the Philippines is abusing the dispute settlement procedures under the Convention,” the position paper states.

Finally, China claims that, by filling its case with the arbitral tribunal, the Philippines is violating an existing agreement to settle the South China Sea dispute through negotiations with China. “The Philippines is debarred from unilaterally initiating compulsory arbitration,” China argues, citing both unspecified bilateral agreements and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Signed by China and the ASEAN member states in 2002.Accordingly, China claims that the Philippine case is not a goodwill effort to peacefully solve the South China Sea issue, but an attempt “to put political pressure on China.”

China’s position paper concludes:

            The unilateral initiation of the present arbitration by the Philippines will not change the history      and fact of China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and the adjacent waters; nor it will it shake China’s resolve and determination to safeguard its sovereignty and relevant maritime rights and interests; nor will it affect China’s policy and position of resolving the disputes in the South China Sea by direct negotiation and working together with other states in the region to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China has made it very clear that it will not change any of its positions on the South China Sea due to the Philippines’ case, regardless of what the tribunal decides.

KALILANGAN 2016 - GENSAN

GenSan and Beyond

Connecting Cultures 

In celebration of the 77^th Foundation Anniversary of General Santos City

Local government Unit of General Santos City

Mindanao State University-General Santos City

EVENT                                Kalilangan 2016

                                              (77^th Foundation Anniversary Celebration of General Santos City)

LEAD                                  Local Government Unit of General Santos City and

                                           Mindanao State University-General Santos City

DURATION                       February 14-27, 2016

                                           (Oval activities – February 5-March 4, 2016)

EVENT DESCRIPTION

KALILANGAN 2016 is an annual festivity and carrier event of the City of General Santos Foundation Anniversary – 27^th Kalilangan & 77^th Foundation that celebrates the shared histories among its Tri-People inhabitants, especially their decades old harmonious co-existence, their rich cultural heritage and tapestry of traditions among others.

EVENT RECOGNATION

Kalilangan as a festival, consequently has been given due recognition with a ‘Hall of Fame Distinction’ last 2014, as ‘Best Tourism Event of the Philippines-Culture and Arts from 2011, 2012 & 2013 respectively.

Festival logo

The Festival Logo and main centerpiece visuals includes the full name of the festival “KALILANGAN” enhanced with the Iconic Tri-colors of Red symbolizing courage and strength of will; Yellow representing nobility and influence; and green reflecting Vibrancy and Dynamism. The term is also rendered in dual reflection celebrating the “dialogue of cultures.”

In the line of the theme, the kalilangan is complemented with thee “Tri-People Icons” signify cooperation, harmony, and positivity for the future made of abstract group of human figures, inspired by the popular floral motif in okkil designs, as well as the ASEAN, “bunga” patterns. Together with the main color of blue that represents Gensan with the different ones representing its neighbors and beyond.

FESTIVAL OBJECTIVES

·             Contributes to the education and reinforcement of our racial memory, shared history and       collective identity as well as harmony in the diversity of cultural heritage and traditions;

·             Advocates for the respect of the diverse beliefs, persuasions, roles, attributes and perceptions especially the indigenous communities, the farmers and the small scale entrepreneurs;

·             Taps the creative capacities and energies of the stakeholders, partners and the local communities (the 26 barangay) and provided opportunity for the various sectors to work together for a common goal.

EVENTS and ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTIONS

1.       INSTITUTIONAL EVENTS

                                             KALILANG ASYAN (GRAND OPENING PROGRAM)

v  Opening Ceremony

v  Fireworks Display

v  ASYAN CULTURAL extravaganza

v  Concert (Globe Night)

                                                           GABI NG PARANGAL

v  Recognition of Pioneers, Blaan Elders and Maguindanao Elders (Tri-people)

)

                                                          APPRECIATION GALA (Dinner concert)

v  Appreciation of Partners and Sponsors (dinner show)

                                                            

                                               KAPEHAN:

v  Open Kapehan for the public (Community convergence)

(Recognition: Most Cooperative, Best Kapehan Both)

v  De Mamanita Rondalla

                                                             PARADA NG LAHI;

v  Multi-Sectoral Parade

v  Program and Wreath-lying

GRAND CULMINATING PROGRAM

                                                     PARADA NG MGA HENERAL

                                                     Barangay Parada/ Float Competition

                                                     Street dancing Contingents

                                                    Closing Program

                                                     Street dancing Competition showdown (battle of the Champions)

                                                     Fireworks Display Finale

                                                     “Pasasalamat” Thanksgiving Dinner for Working Force

                                                     Disco sa Kalye

II. PROGRAMS and OCCASIONS

              SOFT OPENING

                                                     PADYA Bazzar

                                                     KAUNAN/ MAKANAN MARKET

                                                     GASI/AGRI/FAIR

                                                   

 Culinary Cultural Exhibition

                                                      Exhibition of Kasaysayan in Visual Elements

                                                      -Pioneers, Blaans and Maguindanaos

ASYAN VILLAGE/PAVILLION

               Programs & Activities

a.      Kulintangan

b.      Sayaw Pinoy (tri people)

c.       Culinary exhibit of Asian tradional cuisine

d.      Local tradional culinary festival (daily)

e.       Traditional Asian performances

f.        Traditional Asian Games:

-          Sepak Takraw

-          Sipa sa mangis

-          Taekwondo

-          Boxing

-          Football/footsal

-          Arnis

-          Table Tennis

POP/Hip hop DANCE COMPETITION

SINE SINE ASYA; Asian films featured at cinemas in various movie houses in the city

III   EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

a.      Issues on ASEAN biodiversity

b.      Choreographers and Event organizers forum

c.       ASEAN integration (Tourism, education, agriculture, etc.)

                                     

 IV ATTRACTIONS and AMUSEMENTS

             KALILANAGAN FESTIVAL MAIN OVAL CENTERPIECE/ Pavillon of Asian Cultural

             ASYAN VILLAGES

                             Traditional Performances

                              Food Showcase

                             Traditional Games

            GAS/AGRI-FAIR 2016

                              Mini-Zoo

                              Mini-Garden

                              Farmer’s Cultural Program

                              Karetela

            BARANGAYAN SA KALILANGAN

                              26 Barangay Kubo-Booth Showcase

                               Agri-Prodducts Market

                               Barangay Socio-Cultural Activities

PADYAN MARKET (BAZAAR)

KAUNAN MARKET

GASI (AGRI FAIR)

PARTY ZONES

CARNIVAL ZONE

CONCERTS

ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS AT OVAL STAGE

JUNK TANK for PEACE (play of lights- Kalilangan-Peace, logo with lights)

                

             

                 

DRY SPELL DESTROYS PHP15.8M CROPS IN GENERAL SANTOS

Around P15.8 million worth of agricultural crops here have been destroyed due to the impact of the continuing dry spell triggered by the El Nino Phenomenon.

Ms. Elsie Villanueva, assistant head of the City Agriculture Ofice (CAO), said Wednesday the intense dry weather has so far affected at least 462 hectares of farmland in eight of the city's 26 barangays.

She said the areas that were hit hardest by the dry spell were upland farms that not covered by the irrigation facilities of the National Irrigation Administration.

The official specifically cited portions of Barangays Batomelong, Connel, Bawing, Upper Labay, Sinawal, Tinagacan, San Jose and Olympog.

"Our damage computation mainly covered short-gestating crops like coconut and fruit trees.

CAO personnel are currently conducting weekly monitoring and assessments in the affected barangays regarding the status of standing crops and possible damages.

"If the dry spell will prolong as predicted, we expect the affected areas and damages to also increase later on,"she said.

The city and parts of region 12 has been ex- periencing below normal rainfall since october last year due to the el nino , which, according to philippine atmospheric geophysical and astro-nomical service admin - istration ( PAGASA ) , could extend until june.

 Also known as SOCCSKSARGEN, the region is composed of the province of South Cotabato , Sultan Kudarat , Sarangani and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal , Tacurong , Kidapawan and Cotabato .

The Department of Agriculture in Region 12 launched cloud seeding operations in parts of the region last week to help mitigate the effects of the dry spell.

Cloud seeding is the process of manually spreading either dry ice or salt into the upper part of the clouds to help stimulate the precipitation process and form rain . ( PNA )

Obama carries various religious symbols in his pocket

WASHINGTON (Reuters)- President Barrack Obama will make his first visit as president of a US mosque next week in defense of religious freedom. The White House said, following a rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric in the United States.

           Obama will visit on Wednesday the Islamic Society of Baltimore mosque, where he will hold a roundtable with the community and deliver remarks, A White House official said on Saturday.

          At the mosque, the president will “reiterate the importance of staying true to our core values- welcoming our fellow Americans, speaking out against bigotry, rejecting indifference, and protecting our nation’s tradition of religious freedom,” the official said.

           He has visited mosques outside the United States on his trips abroad.

           Obama, a Democrat in his last year as president, has appealed to Americans to reject anti-Muslim comments by politicians, most notably Republican president hopeful Donald Trump.

           Trump, who is leading the Republican field in opinion polls, called for a ban on Muslim visitors to the United States after a Muslim couple inspired by Islamist militants killed 14 people in a shooting in San Bernardino, California, in early December.

           According to Gallup poll in December, Americans are now more likely to name terrorism as the top issue facing the United States than any other issue.