Japan inaugurates Center for Excellence in Humanitarian Service in Cotabato City
MANILA (Press Office/Embassy of Japan/20 February) --Minister Hidenobu Sobashima, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan will lead the ceremony to inaugurate the “Project for Center for Excellence in Humanitarian Service” in Cotabato City on February 21, 2009. For this project, the grant of US$81,628 or equivalent to 3.6 Million Pesos was provided from the Government of Japan for the construction of a two-storey training center that has facilities for trainings, meetings, and research in humanitarian assistance.
Moro Human Rights group denounces spokesperson's surveillance by military
COTABATO CITY (Kawagib/11 Feb) – The Kawagib Moro Human Rights Organization, a broad Moro organization organized in Mindanao which adheres for the advancement of human rights, strongly condemn the recent surveillance activity of a military agent to its spokesperson, Bai Ali Indayla.
Website on Muslim Mindanao launched
MANILA (26 January/AIJC) -- What does ancestral domain mean? Who is the first and only Muslim National Artist? Is “Moro” different from “Muslim”? What are some lessons learned from the Mindanao peace process?
These and other questions and issues are answered in the Website on Muslim Mindanao at www.muslimmindanao.ph, which has been launched recently.
Muslim religious leaders begin 3-day summit
MANILA (PCID/25 January) -- Against the backdrop of persistent poverty and uncertain peace in Mindanao, Muslim religious leaders and scholars are set to begin a three-day National Summit of the Ulama in the Philippines Monday night at the Imperial Palace Suites in Quezon City. The summit is expected launch the historic national federation of Ulama organizations in the Philippines.
Biz name reg'n fee reduced by 50% until July 2009
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered the temporary reduction of business name registration (BNR) fee by 50 percent effective January 12 of this year.
The temporary cutback will be implemented for six months.
Davao Writers Guild-Ateneo de Davao Writers' Workshop now open for applications
DAVAO CITY (Davao Writers Guild/07 January) -- The Davao Writers Guild and the Humanities Division of the Ateneo de Davao University, in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, will hold a Writers Workshop on May 4-8, 2009 in Davao City.
School president sworn in despite complaint
KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/05 January) – The Commission on Higher Education today went ahead with the oath-taking of a veterinarian as president of one of the biggest state universities in Southwestern Mindanao despite a complaint filed by some faculty and staff members of the school.
CHEd resets installation of USM president for a day
KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/04 January) -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has deferred the January 5 installation of Dr. Jess Derije as the new president of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) following a complaint that he was involved in a cattle rustling case two decades ago and that he lied about his length of service as college dean, but on Sunday, Angeles said it would push through noon of January 6.
A library for your needs
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 21 May) -- If you are looking for a place where you can find an array of books for your research, thesis or simply feed your knowledge bank, then The Doña Luisa Villa Abrille Memorial Library is perfect for you.
Pojas’ death a sign of AFP desperation, failure
DAVAO CITY (May 18/Karapatan Southern Mindanao) -- Human rights group Karapatan-Southern Mindanao on Sunday said that the the military apparently lied through their teeth when it denied any involvement in the killing of peasant leader Celso Pojas Thursday.
Karapatan fears whitewash on Diarog killing
DAVAO CITY (Karapatan Southern Mindanao/May 12) --Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region expressed today its worries that ongoing probe on the killing of Datu Domingo Diarog, that also caught his wife Emily and their two childrenwounded in Tugbok District of this city would be whitewashed.
Sulu Marine Resources Development Bill approved
QUEZON CITY (MindaNews/07 May) -- The House Committee on Appropriation tackled today the bills submitted by the solons intensifying socio-economic development in their respective regions.
PASAKA denounces killing of tribal leader in Tugbok
DAVAO CITY—PASAKA, Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao condemns in the strongest possible term the recent atrocity that killed Lumad Datu Dominador Diarog; wounding Emily Diarog (wife),and her daughters Mimi (4 y.o) and Jenely (8 y.o.) in Sitio Kahusayan, Manuel Giangga, Tugbok, Davao City on Wednesday, April 30.
Ambassador Kenney’s visit seen to boost CDO’s ties with US
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (City Information Office/30 April) -- City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula sees a much better relationship between Cagayan de Oro and the US Government that will spur investment and tourism development in the city and the Mindanao island.
Davao Teen Center supports repro health programs of local gov’t
DAVAO CITY (Davao Teen Center/30 April) -- Davao Teen Center (DTC) strongly expresses their support on the programs of local government to address the Reproductive Health issues of the city and greatly challenges civil society to support the said programs as this is the long hope of young people when it comes to accessibility of the reproductive health services of the city.
Secretary Jesus Dureza’s statement
Sunday
27 April 2008
Malacanang took exceptions to press allegations blaming the government for the slow pace in the peace negotiatons resulting to the withdrawal of the Malaysians from the ceasefire monitoring team.
27 April 2008
Malacanang took exceptions to press allegations blaming the government for the slow pace in the peace negotiatons resulting to the withdrawal of the Malaysians from the ceasefire monitoring team.
1st GenSan Recyclable Waste Fair recovers 5,000 kilos of wast
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (EcoGov2/24 April)—The First Gensan Recyclable Waste Fair, an event organized by the City Government of General Santos to celebrate Earth Day, recovered over 5,000 kilograms of recyclable waste such as plastics, used appliances and computer hardware, and used paper. The waste recovered has a total peso value of P40,500.
TF Salaam-GenSan members graduate from peace-building seminar
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (TF Salaam-GenSan/24 April) – Task Force Salaam Federation of General Santos City (TF Salaam-Gensan) has slowly but surely enhanced its organizational capacity when 26 of its members recently completed the 18-hour Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Training-Seminar Level 2 Class No. 01-2008 that was held at the conference room of Joint Task Force (Barracuda) Gensan Headquarters along P. Acharon Blvd. in Barangay Bula here.
Fire razes school in Ipil
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (MindaNews/21 April) – A fire that raged for four hours early dawn Monday reduced to ashes a private school here.
Militarization is up again; blamed for food insecurity and poverty
DAVAO CITY (Pasaka/21 April) -- “On top of the food crisis suffered more severely by the impoverished farmers and lumads in the rural areas, militarization is making life much harsher,” decried Kerlan Fanagel, secretary general of the PASAKA Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao.
World Earth Day: Sulu joins clean-up drive
SULU, Philippines (Sulu Media Desk/21 April) – Muslim villagers joined US and Filipino troops in a coastal clean-up campaign during the World Earth Day celebration Monday in the southern province of Sulu.
KMP warns of widespread food insecurity
“The soaring price of rice and the diminished local stocks are causing deep panic among the people because the country is clearly in a state of food insecurity. Sooner or later, this will translate to a wide social and political unrest,” warned Celso Pojas, spokesperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas – SMR.
Australia adds A$541-M more for basic education reforms in conflict areas
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/12 April) – The Australian government has approved an additional Aus$41 million development assistance grant for the Philippines to enhance the implementation of basic education reforms over the next four years.
Sarangani youth launch summer reading program
ALABEL, Sarangani (Sarangani Information Office/12 April) – Sarangani's Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK) has launched a month-long reading program among elementary pupils this summer, while instilling the value of volunteerism among "mentors."
DCWD disputes Hedcor, airs environmental concern
DAVAO CITY (DCWD/11 April) -- Hydroelectricity may spell economic development to a community, but this should not be pursued at the expense of the environment, particularly its water resources.
Gabriela: No more extra rice for the Philippines; poor
Forty six million Filipinos go hungry everyday; 3.8 million families experienced having nothing to eat, according to Social Weather Station (SWS) survey in September 2007.
“With the current rice crisis, how many Filipinos are slowly dying of starvation right now?” laments Melba D. Gambong, GABRIELA Spokesperson.
“With the current rice crisis, how many Filipinos are slowly dying of starvation right now?” laments Melba D. Gambong, GABRIELA Spokesperson.
KMU condemns busting of DCWD union
DAVAO CITY (KMU/06 April) -- Kilusang Mayo Uno condemned here today the management of the Davao City Water District for incessantly busting NAMADACWAD (Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Davao City Water District) and for deliberately making false allegations against the Union’s officers and members.
Residents fear hillside developments may put them at risk of death
DAVAO CITY (MFHOA/05 April) -- Residents below Ma-a Shine Hills in Matina have raised the alarm Saturday over aggressive subdivision development in their area, saying such construction activities may trigger floods, landslides, and ultimately death.
Moro civil society network launches mailing list “to address info gaps”
COTABATO CITY (CBCS/02 April) -- The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of 164 non-government and people’s organizations announced Wednesday that it has launched a mailing list “to address the gaps in the dissemination of information about the Bangsamoro people’s rights to self-determination.”
Want to be a scholar in Australia?
MANILA (Australian Government/AusAid/02 April) -- Australian Ambassador Designate to the Philippines Rod Smith is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2009 Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships.
Dureza leads RP delegation to As-Pac Interfaith Dialogue in Cambodia
MANILA (OPAPP/02 April) -- Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza is leading the 10-member Philippine delegation to the 4th Asia Pacific Interfaith Dialogue this week in Cambodia, as organizers explore inter-religious dialogues to attain peace and harmony through respect, tolerance, understanding, communication, and strengthening of relationships.
Gov Vilma Santos-Recto vows to help peace processes in Mindanao
BATANGAS CITY (Mindanao Peoples Caucus) -- Governor Vilma Santos-Recto has instructed the Public Information Office of the province to closely coordinate with the group that organized the longest Peace Caravan from Mindanao to Corregidor Island of Luzon and find "concrete actions" which her office could do to support the call for peace in Mindanao.
Moro youth to MNLF and MILF: unite!
CORREGIDOR ISLAND – “We challenge the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to unite!"
This was the main message for both the MNLF and the MILF from around 200 Moro youth leaders gathered in this island to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Jabidah massacre on Tuesday, March 18.
This was the main message for both the MNLF and the MILF from around 200 Moro youth leaders gathered in this island to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Jabidah massacre on Tuesday, March 18.
March for agrarian reform, truth, social justice and accountability – MARTSA Sumilao
MANILA (Balaod Mindanaw/14 March) --The Sumilao farmers woke up at 4:00 am this morning, and started preparing for their third round of walk since they arrived in Manila last March 1. While other members of the group took their bath and attended to other personal needs, the logistics of the day started preparing breakfast.
15th Iligan National Writers Workshop now open for applications
ILIGAN CITY (Iligan Naitonal Writerws Workshop) --The Iligan National Writers Workshop is accepting manuscripts on its 15th year this year.
Fifteen (15) slots, five each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are available for writing fellowships to the INWW.
Caraga barangay is recipient of Japan-funded water system
The Government of Japan is funding of the Project for Construction of Potable Water Supply System in Barangay Mercedes, Municipality of Caraga, Davao Oriental. In a ceremony held at the Embassy of Japan on March 14, 2008, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Makoto Katsura and Caraga Municipal Mayor Alicia Benitez Mori signed the grant contract amounting to US$25,746. This project is funded by the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) that supports the self- help initiatives of grassroots communities.
Cebuanos welcome peace caravan from Mindanao
CEBU CITY (Mindanao Peoples' Caucus/14 March) -- Cebuanos here who joined the forum with the Mindanao Youth Caravan have expressed their commitment to support the peace campaign of the people of Southern Philippines.
Lito Vasquez, chairperson of the Freedom from Debt Coalition, the leading organizer of a series of activities here to welcome the Peace Caravan from Mindanao to Luzon, said that the forum organized here "has helped a lot in raising the awareness of Cebuanos, especially on the need to resolve the long-drawn conflict in Mindanao.
Lito Vasquez, chairperson of the Freedom from Debt Coalition, the leading organizer of a series of activities here to welcome the Peace Caravan from Mindanao to Luzon, said that the forum organized here "has helped a lot in raising the awareness of Cebuanos, especially on the need to resolve the long-drawn conflict in Mindanao.
Sultan Kudarat sends 20 pax to 2008 Nat’l Schools PRess Con
SULTAN KUDARAT (PIA 12/22 February) --About 20 student writers, school paper
advisers and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) Sultan Kudarat division have been sent to Koronadal City to participate in the 2008 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), DepEd-Sultan Kudarat division Education Supervisor I in Filipino Alicia Estrella said.
advisers and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) Sultan Kudarat division have been sent to Koronadal City to participate in the 2008 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), DepEd-Sultan Kudarat division Education Supervisor I in Filipino Alicia Estrella said.
Tangub City’s Health Office is intensifying its campaign against dengue fever
TANGUB CITY (PIA Tangub/22 Feb) -- Interviewed by DxMP-Radyo ng Bayan-Tangub through the program “Oras sa Kahimsog,” Dr. Gregorio Regidor, city health officer, said they conducted a massive information dissemination drive in the city’s 55 barangays to remind the people about the dangers of mosquito bites that can cause dengue fever.
NGO fears impact of gov’t’s counter-insurgency programs on Lumads
DAVAO CITY (Afrim/16 Feb) -- A Davao-based non-government research and advocacy institution is apprehensive over the impact of government counter-insurgency programs in Mindanao following reports of displacement of 410 Lumad families in various towns of Davao Oriental because of intensified military operations against New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas in the area.
Students to Balikatan Exercises in Lanao: We love Mindanao, US Troops Out Now!
ILIGAN CITY (US Troops Out Now! Lanao Coalition) -- Chants, flags, anti-balikatan placards and love for the country filled the campus of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) late afternoon yesterday as students culminated the week-long “five o’clock habit” through a march from the College of Arts and Sciences Building inside the campus up to the University gate where they hold a rally and signature campaign calling for the scrapping of the VFA and the stopping of the Balikatan Exercises in the country.
Protest rallies and caravans to greet Balikatan on Feb. 18
DAVAO CITY (InPeace Mindanao/15 Feb) -- Protest rallies and caravans in key cities and towns in Mindanao will greet the opening of Balikatan slated on February 18.
4th CRG holds twin symposia vs terrorism in Lamitan
ISABELA CITY, Basilan (4CRG-CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA/13 Feb) -- In support to the government’s intensive campaign against terrorism and dangerous drugs abuse spearheaded by the Joint Task Force “Thunder” under BGen Juancho M. Sabban, the 4th Civil Relations Group’s speakers bureau of the AFP, together with the Civil Affairs representative from U.S. Forces, recently conducted information drive on Threats to National Security, Fight against Terrorism, Effects of Prohibited Drugs and the Balikatan 2008 activities in two public schools in Lamitan City, Basilan on February 7.
Sumilao updates: 9-11 February 2008
MANILA (Balaod Mindanaw/12) Feb) -- Before the farmers left Nazarene Catholic School the students with the OSCI support group had a little fun playing "patentero" as a form of warm exercise. At 8:30 am of February 8 (Friday), the Sumilao farmers walked from Nazarene Catholic School to St. Joseph School at Pandacan, Manila where they were to speak in a forum. Bro. RC of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and 2 OSCI staff of Ateneo accompanied the farmers. Once again, upon reaching Mendiola, they were barred by the police to proceed, but they persisted to take the nearest route going to St. Joseph School.
Brig. Gen. Amodia assumes post as OIC of 10th ID
CAMP PANACAN, Davao City (10th ID Public Affairs Office/12 Feb) – Lt. Gen. Alexander B. Yano, AFP, Commanding General of the Philippine Army presided the Change of Command Ceremony of Brig. Gen. Antonio A. Amodia, AFP, as the General Officer-In-Charge, 10ID relieving Maj. Gen. Ernesto D. Boac, AFP, the former Commander who is set to retire on Feb 15 this year, in a simple ceremony this morning February 12, 2008 at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Grandstand, Camp Panacan, Davao City.
“Lumads are perennial vicrtims of militarization and LGU denial” – PASAKA
DAVAO CITY (PASAKA/12 Feb) -- PASAKA, Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao, strongly condemns the massive and relentless militarization spanning Davao Region which greatly affects the lives of hundreds of Lumads in the hinterlands of Southern Mindanao.
Mindanao NGO network hits CA decision on aerial spray
DAVAO CITY (SIMCARRD, Inc. /12 Feb) -- An NGO network in Mindanao lambasted the recent decision of the Court of Appeals granting a writ of preliminary injunction to banana growers doing aerial spraying that was banned by the city government of Davao City, labelling the move as “a cop out to big business over people’s health.”
ADDU Summer Writers Worshop in May
DAVAO CITY (ADDU Writers Workshop/11 February) -- The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Summer Writers Workshop is now accepting applications for fellowship in the 2008 ADDU Summer Writers Workshop to be held on May 19-23, 2008 in Davao City.
Karapatan condemns Davao Oriental siege
“Davao Oriental is besieged by the Esperon-GMA’s all-out-war , a war wreaking with shameless arrogance and brute violence at the cost of the peoples’ lives and peace,” Kelly Delgado, KARAPATAN Secretary General said.
Lumads demand legal actions against military for abuses
The 73rd IB’s admission that human rights violations were committed against the Ata-Manobos in Talaingod, laid to rest contradicting views and reports of non-government organizations vis-à-vis the local government.