Volume 1, No. 1
6
1-8 April 2016
9
16
Table of contents
18
Regional News
6 7
PIA Caraga to utilize live streaming during Candidates’ Forum By: Jennifer P. Gaitano DENR Caraga awards CCA champions By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga
Provincial News
9 10 12 12 14
COMELEC, PNP hold peace covenant signing for SAFE 2016, candidates’ forum By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
20
AFP’s call on NPA rebels to give up keeps gaining By: Greg Tataro, Jr. ground in SurSur
Dinagat towns get new rescue equipment 68 IP youth students benefit from YLS seminar in Surigao Norte 43 AgSur farmers attend orientation on farm business By: Genalin P. Luis school
Health News
16
Pinggang Pinoy for healthy meals By: Ma. Idelia G. Gloriosa
Mindanao
18
Government did enough to respond to El Niño, says Palace
National News
20 21
Gov’t budget deficit 46% lower in January 2016 Palace welcomes early completion of ballot printing for May 9 elections
Cover Story Mitigating Climate Change through waste management By: Fretcher D. Magatao
MESSAGE I am pleased to present the maiden issue of the CARAGA IN-FOCUS, electronic news magazine. This weekly e-publication will offer news stories on government policies, pronouncements, updates on the different projects and accomplishments in the region, and highlight successes of local programs and provide valuable information to the community. Each issue will also bring you regular information on the president’s activities, Mindanao updates, regional and provincial news, photo gallery, etc. Similarly, we will be featuring the region’s places, peoples and cultures in the magazine. We hope you find this e-publication a valuable resource in collecting information about the region. We welcome your suggestions and feedback on this e-magazine. Please send your comments to PIA Caraga via email at caragainfocus@gmail.com. Thank you.
ABNER M. CAGA Executive Editor Regional Director, PIA-Caraga
Cover Story Mitigating through waste management
T
By: Fretcher D. Magatao
he evident change in temperature is one of the signs of climate change. Human activities such as cutting and burning of trees contribute to increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG). Most of the people would give seemingly acceptable reasons since energy is needed for survival. Many businesses need much of this and the demand has been increasing over time. There is a need to reduce non-renewable energy application and convert the use of fossil fuels to renewable energy for cooking and lighting.
4
To
help
its impact among farmers, particularly in the livestock sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has introduced the utilization of wastes through the use of biogas technology using the polyethylene digester.
Biogas helps improve environmental condition by reducing application of chemical fertilizers, promoting mitigate efficient waste
management and it is used as clean energy by utilizing the commonlyabandoned farming wastes. Practicing the use of biogas not only mitigate climate change but also a means for livelihood. Targeting primarily the farming families, the practice promotes biogas not just as domestic energy but also as new income or cost reduction source. 1-8 APRIL 2016
There is Money in Waste Management
Swine raiser Romana Suan of Barobo, Surigao del Sur has proven the many benefits of biogas by utilizing the animal dung taken from her piggery. Suan is an active member and treasurer of Barobo Swine Raisers Association and has been raising swine for more than seven years. “When I started raising pigs, many of my neighbors and passers of our vicinity complained because of the unpleasant smell from my backyard; but since I started using biogas, stinkiness subsides,” said Suan. After learning the technology through the lectures and trainings conducted by the DA-13 and Municipal Agriculture Office of Barobo, Suan decided to build the system with the provision of facilities such as the polyethylene digester and technical assistance from the Department and the Bureau of Animal Industry. 1-8 APRIL 2016
“Ms. Suan has been an example to other swine raisers in the municipality, her adaptation from all the things she learned has been an encouragement to us,” said Agricultural Technician Cherry Diaz. Not just in a business of selling pigs, Suan also has a cafeteria where she largely benefits the use of produced flammable gas (mostly methane) for cooking. “I do not need to buy two tanks of gas per month for my business which is equivalent to around P 1,600. This amount that I can save would allow me to buy other things for my business,” she said. The biogas discharge or its byproduct has also been utilized as organic fertilizer in her five hectares of various high value crops. These benefits from the use of biogas make her save money and gain more profit. “I am thankful that I have personally experienced the many benefits of biogas. God has blessed me in such a way that my children are working with me for the progress of the business and they have decided to follow my footsteps; something that a mother could be proud of,” Suan said.
5
REGIONAL NEWS
REGIONAL
PIA Caraga to utilize live streaming during Candidates’ Forum By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- In line with the preparation for this year’s national and local elections, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga has set-up the technical needs for the live telecast of the Candidates’ Forum come April 22 at the Little Theater of Morelos Campus in Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) here. According to PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga, this is first in Butuan City where the Candidates’ Forum will be aired through live streaming. “We are continuously upgrading our technical capability to cater the needs of the public in terms of social media. This is just one of the many strategies that the agency will be utilizing as we prepare for the 2016 election,” he remarked.
6
1-8 APRIL 2016
REGIONAL NEWS
Caga explained that the video live streaming platform allows customers to broadcast live video content using a camera or smartphone and a computer through the Internet, and viewers to play the content via the web, iOS and Android apps.
Youtube and see the event – the Candidates’ Forum live on April 22, 2016. Let us maximize the use of our technology,” added Caga.
The 2016 Candidates’ Forum is spearheaded by the FSUU Policy Center, in coordination with the “We are encouraging the netizens Commission on Election (COMELEC) to visit the PIA Caraga channel via and PIA Caraga.
DENR Caraga awards CCA champions By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Region has conferred awards to its partners in the Climate Change Advocacy during the Environmental Youth Forum recently held in one of the convention centers here. 1-8 APRIL 2016
7
REGIONAL NEWS
“Media partners like the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) contributed to the success of our programs and projects,” he said. The awardees are PIA Caraga, PCOO, ABS-CBN Butuan, Hope Radio Philippines, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao News Courier, Mindanao Centro Daily, Radyo Trumpeta, Bombo Radyo Butuan, Radyo ng Bayan, Caraga Commentators Club, DXRR Radyo serbisyo Nasipit, and DXDA Radyo Agusan.
“The DENR is mandated to protect and conserve the environment and can effectively do the work with the support of our partners through the information, education, and communication campaign,” DENR The awardees were given Caraga regional director Nonito M. plaques and certificates of recognition Tamayo said. for their continuous support in the climate change advocacy which paves the way to changing lives of the people in Caraga. The tribute to the climate change advocacy partners of the DENR was conducted as part of the 2016 Environmental Youth Forum with the theme “One Voice. One Goal. Multiple Action” attended by about 110 participants which include teachers, students, youth desk officers, media practitioners, and DENR personnel. “We hope that we all continue to take care of our environment. We need the support of the people in all walks of life, with our single voices, let us promote one goal, and from there, let us create multiple actions that will benefit our environment,” Tamayo said.
8
1-8 APRIL 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
PROVINCIAL
COMELEC, PNP hold peace covenant signing for SAFE 2016, candidates’ forum By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Election (COMELEC) Agusan del Norte, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga successfully conducted the Peace Covenant Signing for Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2016 and Candidates’ Forum held on Friday at the provincial capitol covered court, this city. In his message, PSupt Rudy Cuyop bared that the PNP and other partner stakeholders have been working hand in hand to ensure a secure and fair election this May 2016 by conducting 1-8 APRIL 2016
various activities in the different municipalities of the province. “May this activity help the people know better the candidates and be
9
PROVINCIAL NEWS
able to decide and choose wisely this Agusan del Norte to ensure a secure coming election,” Cuyop remarked. and fair election in May 2016. He personally approached all the present Col. Cresente Maligmat, deputy candidates during the forum and brigade commander of 401st Brigade, reminded them of their responsibility Philippine Army stressed that everyone especially in the coming May 9, 2016 has its role to ensure a safe and fair elections. All the candidates and election in May 2016. “The AFP with the stakeholders then signed in the Peace PNP and other agencies concerned will Covenant tarp. continue to protect the welfare of the people and we are hoping for the full Right after the Signing of support and cooperation of everyone,” Peace Covenant for SAFE 2016, an he said. ecumenical prayer was offered by the different religious sector for all the candidates, law enforcement agencies and voters. Also, in the spirit of sportsmanship and fairness, the political candidates in attendance actively responded to each question they personally drawn for them to relay in the crowd their specific answers/solutions. Election officer of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Faith Tranquilan acted as the moderator.
Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ernie Palanan led the reading of Meanwhile, the said forum was the Pledge of Commitment - Peace aired live and can still be viewed via Covenant before all the candidates in PIA Caraga’s Youtube channel.
AFP’s call on NPA rebels to give up keeps gaining ground in SurSur By: Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY -- The constant call by government for the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) to give up arms and return to the folds of law has kept on gaining momentum in Surigao del Sur. At 8:30 a.m. on April 2, 2016, another active NPA rebel who “identified himself as Vergel Sawe” aka “Jamal, Squad Leader of
10
2nd Platoon, Guerilla Front 14, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered to the troops of Bravo Company, 75th IB, 6th Infantry 1-8 APRIL 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
(Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army,” according to 1Lt. Miguel Borromeo, Jr., Battalion Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer based in Camp Jaime Ferrer, Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City.
commander, had always showed the same gesture.
Col. Isidro Purisima, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander here, had always expressed belief that rebels groups would continue to turn their backs on their cause and seek peace with government.
Purisima, when talking to media, would almost always butt in on the CLIP—an approach by the administration to urge rebels to leave their armed struggle and go back to the mainstream of society—and call on NPA rebels to avail of the said program.
Meanwhile, 1Lt. Borromeo, concurrent Officer in Charge (OIC) of Bravo Company, during the surrender Reportedly, the surrenderee of Jamal, quoted Lt. Col. Akaz as brought with him “One AK 47 rifle with saying, “I am humbly appealing to their magazines and live ammunition and comrades (NPA) to never hesitate to do two Improvised Pipe Bomb.” the same, approach the army units.”
In fact, he bared in his accomplishment report recently that since the 2nd quarter of 2015 up to the 1st quarter of 2016, the brigade had already posted a total of 93 former rebels (FRs) who availed of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
Lt.
Col.
1-8 APRIL 2016
Haron
Akaz,
75IB
It was learned that the former NPA squad leader had confessed that the reason why he joined the rebel group was primarily to “seek justice” for the murder of his uncle (Datu Bulawanon), only to find out lately that those behind the killing were his comrades.
11
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Dinagat towns get new rescue equipment SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- Provincial governor Glenda Ecleo of the province of Dinagat Islands recently handed over rescue and emergency equipment to the municipalities of Libjo, Tubajon and Loreto. The rescue equipment that were purchased from the Capital Outlay Annual Rescue Equipment Fund include spine boards with immobilizers, spider straps, c-collar trauma, portable oxygen tanks 15lbs, oxygen regulators, portable chainsaw with tools, manila rope 50 meters and rescue pulleys.
Recipients were so glad and thankful for the rescue assistance the province had given them. It is a big help indeed in achieving “zero casualty� in times of disasters and calamities, they said. (PIO-Dinagat
Islands)
68 IP youth students benefit from YLS seminar in Surigao Norte By: Lt. Ryan D. Layug
SURIGAO CITY -- Sixty-eight indigenous peoples (IP) youth from the cultural communities of Surigao del Norte and Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte benefited from the Youth Leaders Summit (YLS) conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) from April 1-3, 2016 held at the Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT)-Mainit Campus, Barangay Magpayang, Mainit, this province.
12
1-8 APRIL 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
“Most of the YLS I attended in Caraga were mixed of IP and non-IPs, but this group is solid IP youth, I just witnessed how passionate they are to lead their fellows to become better citizen, and I have felt how sweet they are being their Ate.” The three-day activity aims to help the participants discover their potentials as a leader, to enhance their leadership, technical and interpersonal skills and for them to know the different services of the government for the youth and empowerment through communitybased activities. In his message, 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) commanding officer Lt. Col. Rico Amaro said that the eagerness of the IP youth to learn and become responsible leaders is overwhelming. “We only alotted 50 participants but 68 arrived during the registration,” he said. Bea Tan, a representative from Youth for Peace Movement through Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through the Youth or POINTY added that 1-8 APRIL 2016
The said activity was also made possible through the convergence efforts of the government and non-government organizations, the 30th Infantry (PYTHON) Battalion, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), POINTY, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) - Surigao del Norte, local government units of Tubod, Alegria, Mainit, Gigaquit and Claver, and private individuals who provided material and financial support, as well.
Photo Credit: Ma Angelica Beatriz Tan
13
PROVINCIAL NEWS
43 AgSur farmers attend orientation on farm business school By: Genalin P. Luis
PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur -- Some 43 farmers who are mostly Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) from the different barangays of Rosario, this province had recently participated in the orientation on Farm Business School (FBS) program conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) and Department of Agriculture (DA). The orientation was aimed to second recipient of FBS program in help farmers keep pace with the the whole province of Agusan del Sur. worldwide changes. It was also (DAR-Agusan del Sur) intended to enhance extension content from production extension to farm business management which focused on farm enterprise profitability. Individual Business Plan and record keeping are some of the outputs of said orientation.
14
The municipality of Rosario is the 1-8 APRIL 2016
GALLERY
1-8 APRIL 2016
Agusan del Norte Peace Covenant Signing for S.A.F.E. 2016 & Candidates’ Forum Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City April 8, 2016
15
HEALTH NEWS
Health News Pinggang Pinoy for healthy meals By: Ma. Idelia G. Gloriosa Pinggang Pinoy is a new, easy-tounderstand food guide that uses a familiar food plate model to convey the right food group proportions on a permeal basis to meet the energy and nutrient needs of Filipino adults. The plate has divisions that r e p r e s e n t i n g recommended proportions of foods belonging to the three food groups namely: Go, Grow and Glow.
16
1-8 APRIL 2016
HEALTH NEWS
oatmeal, bread and rootcrops. Let the Pinggang Pinoy guide you in achieving healthy and balanced meals daily. Recently, the FNRI launched the Pinggang Pinoy for other population groups of children, teens, pregnant women, lactating mothers and older persons.
Half of the plate represents Glow foods consisting of fruits and For more information on food vegetables. and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 8372071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@ yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at One sixth of the plate shows facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or proportion for Grow foods such as follow our Twitter account at meats, eggs, poultry, fish, beans and twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. legumes.
One third of the plate is Go foods comprising rice, corn, bread, 1-8 APRIL 2016
17
MINDANAO
MINDANAO
Government did enough to respond to El Niño, says Palace
MANILA -- Malacañang has defended its response to the drought in Mindanao, saying it did enough to address the effects of the dry spell in the region. Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in an interview on Friday that since August last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III, through different government agencies, has initiated a response to the drought that was expected to hit the country.
of the President for not going to Mindanao to see for himself the impact of El Niño on the region and the people. Some church leaders have also said that if the government listened to their suggestions, the Kidapawan protest would not have turned bloody.
The Palace official was responding to Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s criticism
18
Secretary
Coloma
said
the
1-8 APRIL 2016
MINDANAO
President has given the highest priority drought because the most affected to the government action against the ill are poor families in hard hit regions. effects of El Niño. The President has not neglected He said the President organized his duty to give priority to communities an El Niño task force at the Cabinet needing help, he said, assuring that the level to respond to the drought, and government is ready to send support this was coordinated by then director to areas that have not received general of the National Economic government assistance. and Development Authority, Arnesio Balisacan. “Kung mayroon mang mga lugar na hindi pa sapat ang naihatid President Aquino specifically sa kanilang tulong, handang gawin directed government agencies to ng pamahalaan ang nararapat para ensure enough supply of rice, as well mapunan kung anuman ang naging as potable and irrigation water, and pagkukulang,” Coloma said. see to it that public health is protected as the dry spell could affect human The Palace official further said health, Coloma said. that although the President did not personally go to Kidapawan, he “Sa lahat ng pagkilos ng made sure that government agencies pamahalaan, nakatutok ang Pangulo. responded to the needs of the people Mino-monitor niya ang progreso in North Cotabato. nito. Naglaan ng sapat na pondo na ginamit naman ng iba’t ibang ahensya Coloma also said that there is no ng pamahalaan sa mga aktibidad na need for the President to comment kagaya ng cloud seeding, pagtatanim or issue statements on the crisis in ng mga drought-resistant crops, at Kidapawan because local government pagkakaroon ng mga small water officials and heads of agencies have impounding para matubigan ang mga been explaining to the public the pananim,” he said. actions taken by the government. The President also directed agencies to ensure that there is enough buffer stock of rice through importation by the National Food Authority, he said, adding that until now, the President monitors the government’s response to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
“Lahat po ng kagawad ng pamahalaan na mayroong sangkot diyan sa usaping ‘yan ay nagbibigay po ng inputs sa ating mga mambabatas. Dumalo naman po sila sa public hearing kahapon at tinitiyak po ng ating pamahalaan na makararating ang tamang impormasyon sa ating mga Coloma noted that it is necessary kababayan sa lahat ng pagkakataon,” for the government to respond he said. (PND) aggressively to the impact of the 1-8 APRIL 2016
19
NATIONAL NEWS
NATIONAL
Gov’t budget deficit 46% lower in January 2016
MANILA -- The national government incurred a deficit of P3.5 billion in January 2016, 46% (P3.0 billion) lower than the same period last year. Net of interest payments, the national government’s primary balance stood at a surplus of P42.1 billion. National government revenues amounted to P182.2 billion, 9% or P15.6 billion higher than recorded in January 2015, while expenditure was at P185.7 billion, 7% or P12.6 wider than yearago figures. Net of interest payments, expenditures grew by 15% year-onyear.
20
“We’re starting the last year of this
administration on a good note and in great shape,” Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said. “Both revenue and expenditure sides of our finances are sustaining a healthy amount of growth. We remain in a firm position to finance the commitments in our social contract with the Filipino people. As always, fiscal sustainability is top of mind.” 1-8 APRIL 2016
NATIONAL NEWS
The Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P129.7 billion, improving by 7% or P8.52 billion year-on-year. Meanwhile, even as collections on oil continue to shrink by 15% on the back of lower oil prices, the Bureau of Customs collected P31.0 billion for the month, 6% or P1.7 better than year-ago figures, owing in large part to robust non-oil
collections growth of 10%. The Bureau of the Treasury raised P8.0 billion. Interest payments shrunk 11% or by P5.8 billion to P45.6 billion. Interest payments accounted for 25% of expenditures in January 2016, down from the 30% posted same period last year. (DOF)
Palace welcomes early completion of ballot printing for May 9 elections
MANILA -- Malacanang has welcomed the printing of 56.9 million ballots to be used for the May elections ahead of schedule. In a radio interview over Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. noted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) report that all the ballots 1-8 APRIL 2016
were printed in only 49 days. The COMELEC began printing the ballots last February 8 with the target date of completion set for April 25.
21
NATIONAL NEWS
“Malugod po nating tinatanggap ang balita ng COMELEC hinggil sa pagtatapos ng paglilimbag ng 56.9 milyong balota na naisagawa sa loob lamang ng 49 na araw, 49 days o 18 days ahead of schedule. Nalagpasan nito ang mga naunang record na naitala noong 2013 na kung kailan ay nakapaglimbag ng 52 milyong balota sa loob ng 57 araw,” said Coloma. “Ang nailimbag ng National Printing Office na balota para sa 2016 elections ay 56.9 million ballots o 8 percent ang paghigit doon sa bilang na 52.3 million ballots na inilimbag noong 2013…iyong bilang ng balota na kanilang inilambag noong 2013 ay 14 na porsiyentong mas mababa pero mas mabilis na natapos ng National Printing Office ang paglilimbag sa loob lamang ng 49 na araw,” Coloma further said.
ng balota ay pagpapatunay sa mabungang pag-uugnayan ng COMELEC at National Printing Office. Ang National Printing Office o NPO ay nasa ilalim ng ating tanggapan --- ang Presidential Communications Operations Office,” Coloma added. Meanwhile, Coloma said the overseas absentee voting, which began on Saturday, turned out well. “Tungkol naman sa overseas absentee voting ayon sa ating mga natunghayang ulat, naging matagumpay ang pagsisimula ng pagboto ng humigit-kumulang 1.38 milyong migranteng Pilipino o overseas Filipinos sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo,” said Coloma.
“Nakikiisa po tayo sa COMELEC sa kanilang hangarin na mas maraming bilang ng ating mga kababayan sa The Palace official said the ibang bansa ang lumahok sa halalan printing of all ballots would ensure at itaguyod ang kanilang karapatang that the upcoming elections would be bumoto,” he further said. orderly and on schedule. COMELEC chairperson Andres “Malaki ang magiging ambag Bautista described the printing of ng pagkumpleto sa pag-imprenta ng ballots as the fastest in automated balota sa pagsisiguro nang maayos at election history. nasa takdang oras na pagsasagawa ng pambansang halalan,” said Bautista also noted that this year’s Coloma, adding that verifications of ballot design is shorter compared the printed ballots are ongoing. to the ballots used in 2010 and 2013, which made the printing faster. “Mayroong maliit na bahagi ng itinuring natin na isasailalim The COMELEC chief said at least pa sa kaukulang beripikasyon. 77 % of all printed ballots have been Gayunpaman, masasabi natin verified using the voted counting katulad ng ipinahayag ng COMELEC machines as of Friday. (PND) na ang pagwawakas ng paglilimbag
22
1-8 APRIL 2016
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artist
GERIE MAE G. COCO Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO
SUSIL D. RAGAS
Agusan del Sur
Dinagat Islands
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
GENALIN P. LUIS FRETCHER D. MAGATAO
GREG TATARO, JR. LT. RYAN D. LAYUG
MARIA CATHERINE M. GONZAGA
MA. IDELIA G. GLORIOSA
and
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS Business Manager
ZARINA O. LASTRA Photographer
ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO
ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP