CONTENTS Volume 1, No. 5
Cover Lobster Culture for Better Future
30 April - 6 May 2016
Regional News
10 11 12
PNP Caraga to deploy 3,000 cops for election duties BFAR Caraga joins celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month OWWA expands coverage of its Seafarers Upgrading Program
Provincial News
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14 15 17 18 19 21 22 23 25
DAR AgNor conducts financial management seminar to farmer-groups DOLE AgNor hosts 2016 Labor Day job fair; 12,367 job vacancies offered AgNor PPO deploys troops for election duties 70 AgSur ARBs participate in fundamentals of cooperative training DAR AgSur hosts FDA-LTO regional writeshop Surigao Norte launches children’s summer festival Expired firearms renewal and registration yields “substantial results” in SurSur PENRO SurSur, 36IB participate in greening Tandag Ecopark SurSur COMELEC assures readiness on May 9 polls
Mindanao News
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GSIS allots P539M in emergency loan for 3 VisMin areas
National News
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President Aquino signs into law bill on promoting the creation of ‘green jobs’ Palace assures monitoring of peace, order in election hot spots
News Briefs As of May 5, 2016, the Dept. of Agri. Caraga has recorded an estimated loss of P453,281,954.96 damage in agriculture due to dry spell & emerging pests/diseases due to El Ni単o. Cigarette smoking is prohibited in all voting precincts on the 9 May 2016 National and Local Elections, which will be located in schools, universities and colleges. 30 individuals composed of personnel from 36IB, dependents & civilians successfully completed the 25day Automotive Electrical Assembly NC II Training held at the 36IB Headquarters, Brgy Dayoan, Tago, Surigao Sur on May 1, 2016. The graduates had also passed the assessment conducted by Rohel Divinagracia of TESDA- Surigao Sur Provl Office.
Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueblos, Butuan City Bishop said that politics is a way of life. He emphasized that people should follow their heart & conscience as they will cast their votes on May 9, 2016 elections.
Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office headed by PSSupt Ronelo D Jaurigue has deployed 167 police personnel for election duties to the 10 municipalities & 1 city of the province. The personnel deployed will perform their election duties starting May 2 to May 13, 2016.
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Cover Story
Lobster Culture for Better Future By: Fretcher D. Magatao
T
he island of Siargao in the Province of Surigao del Norte has been known as attractive place for tourists. Its gorgeous white beaches, enchanting lagoons, caves, sand bars, coral reefs, bizarre rock formations, exotic wildlife, different crops and rice fields, waterfalls and a large mangrove forest reserve create a longing to every adventurist. 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
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Not known to many, Siargao is also a home of great farmers and fishers. Aside from earning through the visits of the local and foreign tourists, residents also rely heavily on agriculture and fisheries as their source of income.
organizations to educate and equip its residents on livelihood activities to suffice their needs.
Earning support from the government
The municipality is rich with natural resources that are ready to One of the towns frequently be utilized. Such is its much supply visited by tourists is the Municipality of of spiny lobsters which can be found Del Carmen. Hidden in its area is the anywhere in its tropical waters. longest contiguous mangrove stand in the Philippines, spreading to over Since there are available 4,000 hectares. The local government juvenile lobsters and most of the headed by Mayor Alfredo Coro II, in fishers can make a catch when partnership with government agencies they cast their nets for fishing, the and private sectors, have gradually Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) converted the small municipality to of the locality thought of teaching an “eco-town” to help the residents them about lobster fattening using cope with financial challenges and the nets for cage culture. “We thought effects of climate change. of starting a lobster fattening project after seeing its benefit as additional “Del Carmen is greatly source of income for the fishers,” said challenged among other Vicente Comandante, Municipal municipalities. The only way to move Agriculturist of Del Carmen. up is through partnership-driven programs. We may be a fifth-class The knowledge gained by the municipality but we act like first- fishers made them decide to start class citizens,” Coro said during an an association named Del Carmen environmental and climate change Fisherfolk Association (DELCAFIA) in workshop. 2011 with 54 members. Its main line of business is lobster fattening and selling Faced with trials, the local its produce onspecial occasions or government endeavored to when the demand is high. coordinate with government and nongovernment Starting from six cages, the business grew and its produce has been sold and known in the island and Surigao City. Then on, the association added more juvenile lobsters for fattening to meet the demand of the market. “Since there is a great demand during Christmas and New Year,
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especially Chinese New Year, all of our harvest will be sold out,” said Domingo Cortes, Chairman of DELCAFIA. An average sales of P 60,000 to P 80,000 is recorded per harvest during the early years of its operation from 2011 to 2013 with the usual harvest of twice a year depending on the demand of the consumers. Considering the need for expansion, the association searched for opportunities which they can access fund for additional cages, staff house, boat and capital for the purchase of juvenile lobsters and its food. Through the effort of the association and the support of MAO, DELCAFIA has accessed fund amounting to P 250,000 through the DA–Mindanao Rural Development Program–Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDPCFAD) in 2013. The support from MRDP has allowed the association an additional staff house, eight cages, motorized boat and additional working capital. These translated to a better business such as an additional 200 juveniles and a boat for the transportation of their lobsters to the buyers or the market. “This year’s Chinese New Year has allowed us to earn P 150,000 for one harvest, equivalent to lobsters weighing to a total of 60 kilos with a selling price of P 2,500/kg. We got better harvest and earning through the 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
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intervention from the government,” and the Local Government Units. said Cortes. The successful implementation of the projects in Mindanao inspired Better profit from every harvest the government to level up its has inspired the members of DELCAFIA. scope through the Philippine Rural “Since the business has expanded Development Program (PRDP) today. and been making better sales, the members of the association have PRDP as the upscale version been contributing wasted fish for of MRDP introduces innovations the lobster’s food in order to hasten to address current and emerging its growth,” said Arlon Donoso, Vice challenges and make rural Chairman of the association. development more effective. It is a six-year national government platform MRDP is a program implemented for an inclusive, value chain-oriented under the Department of Agriculture and climate resilient agriculture and jointly funded by the World Bank fisheries sector. (DA-Caraga)
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Department of Agriculture - Caraga Region Press Conference Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant, Butuan City 6 May 2016
Regional Reintegration Network and Memorandum of Agreement Signing LJ Mega Convention Center, Butuan City 5 May 2016
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PNP Caraga to deploy 3,000 cops for election duties By: PO2 Ryan C. Cagula
photo: Bayugan Cps Pcr
BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga region’s top cop announced on Thursday that Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) will deploy more than 3,000 uniformed personnel to ensure the successful conduct of 2016 National and Local Elections on May 9. PRO-13 regional director be deployed as additional forces to PCSupt. Rolando B. Felix said that the municipal and city police stations personnel from different PNP units will region-wide.
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REGIONAL NEWS A total of 2,662 PNP personnel will be deployed in the polling areas while more than one thousand cops will comprise the Quick Response Force (Regional and Provincial Level) and Quick Response Team (Municipal/City level).
undergoing schooling and training will be deployed as well as the troops from the Regional Public Safety Battalion 13 and Provincial Public Safety Companies.
The ceremonial send-off of PNP personnel is set on Monday, May 2 at Personnel assigned to the Camp Rodriguez, Libertad, this city. Regional Headquarters and National (PRO 13) Support Units including those who are
BFAR Caraga joins celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga region joined the nation in this year’s celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month and the implementation of the fisherfolk directorship program this whole month of May. The celebration will highlight the implementation of the fisherfolk fdrectorship program with the theme, “Mangingisdang Direktor Para sa Mas Matatag na Balikatan.”
as the country’s backbone in poverty alleviation and food security program. The celebration kicked-off on Monday, May 2, 2016 with a grand motorcade around the city followed by an opening program then, installation of the regional fisherfolk director and a press conference held at Hotel Tavern, this city.
The conduct of the month-long activity is pursuant to Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88 series of 2005, to give due recognition and tribute to farmers and fisherfolks as constant valuable partners of the This year’s fisherfolk regional government and recognize their efforts director (FRD) is Renito B. Mendaña, a 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
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REGIONAL NEWS fisherfolk leader from Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. The kicked-off activity was attended by all personnel of BFAR
Caraga, representatives from different government offices, national line agencies, farmers and fisherfolks stakeholders and agricultural technologists involved in fisheries.
OWWA expands coverage of its Seafarers Upgrading Program
BUTUAN CITY -- As part of its commitment to regularly update and improve its programs and services for Filipino seafarers to meet International Maritime Organizations’ (IMO) competency standards, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has added more courses to the list of trainings offered under the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP). In its series of consultation- based sector, the following courses meetings with representatives from the were included in the SUP in compliance labor and manning groups of the sea- with the prescribed maritime training
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REGIONAL NEWS courses of the Standards of Training, they have been replaced by updated Certification and Watch keeping and advanced versions in compliance (STCW) Convention 2010 Manila with the STCW requirements/ Amendments: competencies: 1. Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas tanker Cargo Operations (ATLGT) 2. Ship’s Catering Services NC 1 3. General Operator’s Certificate for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
1. Specialized Training in Chemical Tanker 2. Specialized Training in Liquefied Gas Tanker 3. Specialized Training in Oil Tanker 4. Messman Course
The courses were added to the existing list of Deck Courses, Engine Courses, Specialized and Safety Courses, and Culinary, Galley and Steward Department offered under the program.
SUP is a training assistance for member-seafarers for short-term maritime courses, approved by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), to upgrade their knowledge and skills and to ensure their competitive advantage in the global maritime However, the following courses industry. (OWWA) shall no longer be offered under SUP as
Photo Gallery
Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Provincial DRRM Contingency and Planning Workshop Provincial Training Center, Butuan City May 3 to 6, 2016
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
DAR AgNor conducts financial management seminar to farmer-groups By: Gil E. Miranda
RTR, Agusan del Norte -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte conducted a two-day seminar on financial management to two farmer-organizations in the province last April 25-26 at Philrice Training Center, here. Thirty board of directors and Cooperative (ABFMPC) and Taguibo officers from Avancena Beneficiaries Integrated Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Farmers Multi-Purpose (TIMPCO) attended the seminar.
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PROVINCIAL NEWS ABFMPC is now operating a grain center project while the TIMPCO is managing a communal irrigation system project and production and marketing of organic rice and fertilizer as businesses. The said farmer-groups are fast growing organizations in the province that need to be trained on finances to ensure the success of their agribusiness enterprise operations.
through the use of proven tools. “We’ve learned useful technique on business financial management to improve our organization’s financial condition,” Constancio Dalanon, ABFMPC Vice-Chairperson said.
Meanwhile, Preciosa A. Espirito, TIMCO Board of Director, said that the inputs from the training is really a great help in improving their financial system. “We will use it as a tool to make The activity was aimed to our organization productive,” Espirito enhance the skills of the participants in added. basic accounting, bookkeeping and preparation of financial statement DAR is mandated to provide through presentation and financial necessary technical assistance to exercises. strengthen the capabilities of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations Participants were challenged through the provision of institutional to understand critical role in handling capability building. (DAR-Agusan del organizational financial problems Norte)
DOLE AgNor hosts 2016 Labor Day job fair; 12,367 job vacancies offered By: Olga Virginia A. Demata
BUTUAN CITY -- The Agusan del Norte Field Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE AdN-FO) hosted the 2016 Labor Day Job fair on May 1, 2016 held at the Robinsons Place’ Atrium, this city offering 12,367 job vacancies for the Caraganons. Representatives from 23 different local employers and five overseas employers are invited to the said job fair. From the local employers, these are: Bachelor Express, Inc., Toyota Butuan, E-Performax, Happy Enterprise, LBC Express, Big Daddy Ribs To Go, Robinson’s Retail Group, L.C. Ting Construction, Ventura Plywood, 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
Goldilocks, Romarate Group of Companies, Wing-on, Inc., Agusan Lending Corp., Valdeemer Resources, Motor Star, ACLC Butuan, D’Best Value Products, Celebes Group of Company, Convergys, Amaries Bakeshop, Reliance Transcriptions and Infotech Corp., Richmond Plywood Corp. and Globe MYNT/Globe Work Experts and
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Allied Services, Inc. The private recruitment agencies which offered overseas employment includes: Pisces International Placement Corp., OTG International Placement Agency, Lead Source Management Corp., 99 Manpower Services Corp. and Jenerick International Manpower Inc. According to DOLE AdN-FO, the most number of the job vacancies offered were in the field of call center agents, bus conductors, bus drivers, tour agents, admin clerks and store managers. A one-stop-shop was also provided for the jobseekers during the job fair event which included the services from the DOLERegional Coordinating Committee
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members such as the Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration (OWWA), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) and Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). This year’s theme for the labor day celebration is “Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho.” (DOLE-13) 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
AgNor PPO deploys troops for election duties By: SPO1 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas
BUTUAN CITY -- The Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADN-PPO) headed by provincial director PSSupt Ronelo Jaurigue has deployed 167 police personnel for election duties.
Three Police Commissioned Officers (PCO) and 164 noncommissioned officers were deployed to the 10 municipalities and one city of Agusan del Norte. The three PCOs will serve as over-all augmentation supervisor, area supervisors of the Eastern and Western part of the province. During the send-off ceremony held on Monday, provincial director Jaurigue reminded them to uphold the sanctity of ballots, remain committed to their duties and responsibilities, never be involved in any partisan political activity and stay apolitical and nonpartisan. 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
The personnel deployed will perform their election duties starting Monday, May 2 and it will end on May 13. The additional troops will complement the stations with depleted personnel and will surely boost the security measures in ensuring the conduct of secure and fair elections. The augmentation came from the personnel of regional headquarters, National Support Unit Regional Training Center 13 and personnel who are under schooling at the Regional Training Center 13. (PPO-Agusan del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
70 AgSur ARBs participate in fundamentals of cooperative training By: Cyrene Tajonera and Hazel Hope V. Bautista
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- Seventy (70) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the three Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) - assisted organizations have recently availed the free training on fundamentals of cooperative held in this province.
The event was conducted simultaneously in barangay Johnson and San Isidro, both considered farflung barangays of the municipality of Loreto, Agusan del Sur (ADS). Aiming to instill a much deeper knowledge on the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Cooperative Management in accordance with RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, the said activity was conducted to old and new members of Johnson Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (JOFACO), Tambo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Association
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(TARBFA) and San Mariano Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Association (SMARBFA). “Salamat sa inyong pagpakabanasa among kasamtangang kahimtang (Thank you for attending to our present situation),” said Ronnie Encallado, an ARB and member of TARBFA, when asked about his feelings after attending the training. He added that, it is overwhelming that the DAR Provincial Office took time to visit barangay San Isidro to conduct the training despite the distance and the issue on security. 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
A lecture-discussion has been the primary method of imparting facts to the farmer beneficiaries. An open forum was also conducted every after topic to clarify statements and solicit additional inputs from the participants.
Various issues on basic cooperative guidelines were also tackled, correcting misconceptions and emphasizing cooperativism as a way to alleviate poverty thru active participation of united members. (DAR-Agusan del Sur)
DAR AgSur hosts FDA-LTO regional writeshop By: Cyrene Flor Tajonera
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur-- “This is just the beginning.� This was the statement of Arlen in her closing message during the H. Labitad, Regional Information three-day Regional Writeshop on Food Marketing Assistance Officer (RIMAO) and Drug Administration - License to 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
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PROVINCIAL NEWS to the outputs of the participants on sketch maping, master plan and floor plan with Global Positioning System (GPS) Plotting and other documents needed for the FDA-LTO. Jason Balacuit, the resource speaker, shared about good manufacturing practices (GMP) agendas such as Contamination, General Employee Hygiene and Food Handling Practices in the hopes that the ARBOs will be knowledgeable about the appropriate practices. These practices were required to conform to guidelines recommended by agencies that control authorization and licensing for manufacturing and sale of food, drug products and active pharmaceutical products. The attendees were also taught Operate (FDA-LTO) held recently at how to prepare the technical and Sarnimian, Inland Resort, Rosario, this documentary requirements needed in the licensing. province. “Kami sa RARBEMCO gapasalamat gayud sa departamento sa Agrarian Reform kay kini daku kaayo nga tabang para sa amoang kooperatiba. Salamat sa DAR sa permi nila nga pag giya sa amoa sa mga angay namong pangbuhaton para mopasar mi sa FDA licensing ug molambo ang amoang organisayon (We in RARBEMCO is thankful to the Department of Agrarian Reform for the huge support given to our cooperative. We thanked DAR for guiding us always to be able to pass the FDA licensing for our organization to prosper),� said The three-day activity was aimed RARBEMCO chairman Juel Jayuma. to analyze and give recommendations (DAR-Agusan del Sur) The participants were composed of the following: Veruela Volunteer Health Workers Federation Inc. from Agusan del Sur (VVHWFI, ADS), Tagbina REC Producers Cooperative from Surigao del Sur (TAGRICCO, SDS), Trinidad Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative from Surigao del Norte (TRIFAMCO, SDN), Garcia Fish folks and farmers Credit Cooperative, Surigao del Norte (GAFFARCRECO, SDN) and RAM Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi Purpose Cooperative, Agusan del Sur (RARBEMCO, ADS).
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Surigao Norte launches children’s summer festival By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The provincial government of Surigao del Norte has launched the Children’s Summer Festival during the Monday morning sharing and convergence meeting on May 2, 2016 held at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.
The activity is anchored on the and develop their growth and learning theme, “Bata, Bililhon Ka, Yawe Ka sa ability during summer vacation. Kalambuan (Child, you’re important. You are the key to development).” The said activity was participated by children of the provincial capitol It aims to give the children an employees ages 5 to 12 years old. (PIAeducational activity that will enhance Surigao del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Expired firearms renewal and registration yields “substantial results” in SurSur By: Greg Tataro, Jr.
photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) caravan held at the Police Provincial Office (PPO) in Surigao del Sur on April 14-15 has yielded “substantial results.”
According to the “After Activity availed of the “caravan services.” Report” released by P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting, acting PNP provincial director, The activity was “intended to a total of 151 LTOPF applicants had facilitate the renewal and registration
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PROVINCIAL NEWS of firearms licenses to all expired firearms license holders of the province of Surigao del Sur to include PNP personnel and other Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) in the whole province,� the provincial police chief pointed out. Topping the list of applicants were civilians at 85, followed by PNP members at 64, and then LEA at two.
The LTOPF was carried out primarily by PNP personnel from Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) assisted by its Regional Health Service Office (RHSO) as well as Regional Finance Service Office (RFSO) personnel and the PNP Provincial Crime Laboratory Office (PCLO) staff here. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)
PENRO SurSur, 36IB participate in greening Tandag Ecopark By: Johny S. Natad
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- In celebration of the Earth Day, workforces of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Surigao del Sur and 36 Infantry Battalion (36IB) jointly participated in greening the City Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Ecopark at Barangay San Jose, this city.
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PROVINCIAL NEWS our forest and watershed which are some identified causes of Climate Change. Everyone can be part also in Earth month celebration by showing and applying best practices in solid waste management. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, Refuse the garbage,” he added. Meanwhile, Eddie G. Duhaylungsod, Supervising Environmental Management Service Specialist (SEMS) and Protected Areas Biodiversity Ecosystem Section (PABES) chief of PENRO SurSur revealed that the trees planted at the City ESWM ecopark once fully matured in the future would help reduce heat as a result of climate change, help stabilize the landscaping in the area, and help contained the unpleasant smell in the garbage management operation.
PENR officer-in-charge Raul A. Rosales led the tree planting and commended the 36IB and DENRPENRO SurSur personnel who joined the activity. He urged all environmental partners to continue intensify, stepup and deliver green environment campaign in saving the planet Earth from all types of environmental violations against the environment and natural resources especially in forest and watershed areas while calling every Surigaonons to support Every month of April is declared environmental initiatives in celebrating as the “Month of Planet Earth in the month of the Planet Earth. the Philippines” per Presidential Proclamation No. 1482 dated April 10, With the Earth Day 2016 2008. The country also joins the world in theme “Trees for the Earth. Let’s celebrating every April 22 as the Earth get planting,“ Rosales appealed Day per Proclamation No. 1276 series everyone to participate in the Earth of 2007 and Proclamation No. 1481 Day celebration by planting trees and series of 2008. support environmental advocacies. “We encourage everyone to continue DENR support this year’s support the National Greening Program Earth Day by spearheading (NGP) by planting and caring more various environmental activities trees and adopt-a-tree program to nationwide like tree planting, fun run, help mitigate climate change and save environmental concert, youth camp, our planet Earth,” he said. “Everyone environmental forum among others can be part of our environmental effort which adopts an environmental in stopping illegal logging, banning campaign slogan ‘Step Up and Deliver, kaingin or slash and burn farming and #GreenEnvironmentGawingForever.’ other environmental crimes against (PENRO-Surigao del Sur)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
SurSur COMELEC assures readiness on May 9 polls By: Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), this province, has assured the public they will be all set come May 9, 2016 polls.
Atty. Raquel Limbaco, provincial election supervisor (PES), said that everything would be ready until complete delivery of all vote counting machines (VCM), ballots, and ballot boxes to their respective destinations, adding that it would just be a matter of time.
On apprehensions that official vote receipts could be seen or known by others, the provincial polls chief clarified that nobody but only the voters themselves could take a look at the contents of such, also saying that “taking home the receipt is an election offense.”
She likewise indicated that the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Education, and all other stakeholders were all geared up to carry out their respective roles for the same elections.
Likewise, she reminded the public that poll precincts would start to serve at 6:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Atty. Limbaco advised state workers “not to engage in any partisan political activities,” citing the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), Civil Service Commission, and other related statutes in this regard. 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
Moreover, Atty. Limbaco said that an “express lane” would be provided for those who had to be given priority to cast their votes like members of the press, election workers, and others holding similar tasks. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)
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Agusan Norte Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MFPC) Meeting PENRO Conference Room, Tiniwisan, Butuan City 5 May 2016
Agusan del Norte Crisis Management Committee Meeting DILG Agusan del Norte Conference Room, Butuan City 5 May 2016
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GSIS allots P539M in emergency loan for 3 VisMin areas
MANILA -- The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) allotted Php539 million in emergency loan to active members and old-age pensioners in the El Ni単o-affected General Santos City in South Cotabato and the provinces of Guimaras and Sarangani. The loan is open to 17,235 active members who are who are working or residing in the calamity-declared areas, are not on leave of absence without pay, have updated premium 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
contributions, and have no unpaid loan amortization in the last six months. The 2,052 old-age pensioners in the said areas may also apply for the loan.
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MINDANAO NEWS Active members borrowing for the first time may apply for a Php20,000 loan. Those with an existing emergency loan may borrow up to Php40,000, from which the outstanding balance will be deducted. The loan is payable in 36 equal monthly instalments with an interest rate of six percent per annum computed in advance. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrower’s demise, provided the loan repayment is up to date.
or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card. For inquiries, qualified borrowers may email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; visit the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8474747. (GSIS)
Active members may apply through any GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk located in all GSIS branch and extension offices; provincial capitols; city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; 27 Robinsons Malls; and SM City branches in North EDSA, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and SM Aura in Taguig. Old-age pensioners must file their loan application over the counter. If they are also active GSIS members (when they reentered government service), they may avail of this emergency loan only once. The deadline of application for the loan is May 4, 2016 in Guimaras, May 5 in General Santos City, and May 7 in Sarangani. Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS eCard
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Ecumenical Local Candidates Forum 2016 & Covenant Signing for HOPE Butuan Robinson’s Butuan Atrium 3 May 2016
a Reform (PPVR) Carag s er te un ol V er w Po People Rally Motorcade & Prayer 16 Butuan City, 1 May 20
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President Aquino signs into law bill on promoting the creation of ‘green jobs’
MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law the bill on promoting the creation of ‘green jobs’, or employment that contributes to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment, be it in the agriculture, industry or services sector. The President signed last April 29 Republic Act No. 10771, or the “Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016”, which shall apply to establishments engaged in the production, manufacturing, processing, repacking, assembly, or sale of goods and/or services, including service-oriented enterprises.
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The law also grants incentives to encourage business enterprises to generate and sustain green jobs, as certified by the Climate Change Commission. The Department of Finance shall administer the granting of incentives, such as “special deduction from the 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
NATIONAL NEWS taxable income equivalent to 50 percent of the total expenses for skills training and research development expenses which is over and above the allowable ordinary and necessary business deductions for said expenses under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended; and tax and duty free importation of capital equipment, provided that the capital equipment is actually, directly and exclusively used in the promotion of green jobs of the business enterprise”.
business enterprises in jobs creation, the State shall provide incentives therefor,” the section reads.
According to the Act, it is the declared policy of the State to affirm labor as a primary social economic force in promoting sustainable development; afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full and productive employment and equality of employment opportunities for all; and promote the rights of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
The plan shall have the primary objective of enabling and sustaining the transition into a green economy and the generation of green jobs towards more employment and equal opportunities and the promotion of social justice and workers’ welfare.
Republic Act No. 10771 also mandates the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to coordinate with other government agencies in formulating a National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan on the development, enhancement and utilization of the labor force, both in the private and public sectors.
It shall include programs, projects, and activities pertaining to basic, higher and technicalvocational education and training, database that identifies and links green job opportunities with private Section 2 of the Act provides and public entities, and information that the State shall identify needed on knowledge and skill requirements skills, develop training programs, of a green economy. and train and certify workers for jobs in a range of industries that The DOLE, in coordination with produce goods and render services the Philippine Statistics Authority, shall for the benefit of the environment, maintain a database of green careers, conserve natural resources for the professions and skills, as well as a list of future generation, and ensure the emerging business enterprises, which sustainable development of the generate and sustain green jobs. It country and its transition into a green shall facilitate skills training assessment economy. and certification, career advocacy, provide productivity and livelihood “In recognition of the training, and extend technical participation of individuals and assistance to enterprises to ensure 30 APRIL - 6 MAY 2016
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NATIONAL NEWS labor law compliance.
Industry, Professional Regulation Commission, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Tourism, and Department of Public Works and Highways.
Other agencies involved in the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education The amount necessary to and Skills Development Authority, implement the Act shall be included in National Economic and Development the General Appropriations Act. (PND) Authority, Department of Trade and
Palace assures monitoring of peace, order in election hot spots
photo: www.philstar.com
MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. assured Sunday the security forces are continuously monitoring peace and order in election hotspots around the country.
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NATIONAL NEWS “Patuloy na tinututukan, pinagtutulungan at inaasikaso ng pambansang kapulisan at ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at lahat ng ating mga pwersang pangseguridad ang pagpapatatag sa mga hakbang na pangseguridad lalo na sa mga lugar na maaaring pagmulan ng kaguluhan dahil sa eleksyon para pangalagaan ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga guro at iba pang mga kawani ng pamahalaan na magsisilbi sa pagdaraos ng pambansang halalan sa Mayo 9,” he said in a radio interview Sunday. The Palace official also noted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have tapped augmentation forces to secure the safety of the public during the national elections on May 9.
“Bukod sa kanilang mga territorial
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units, ang AFP at PNP ay gumagamit din ng mga augmentation forces mula sa kanilang mga operating units para magbigay ng kaukulang proteksyon sa ating mga guro at sa mga mamamayan na magtutungo sa iba’t-ibang presinto ng halalan,” he said. The Secretary further disclosed the security forces have prepared assistance desks for polling centers nationwide. Coloma added the PNP and AFP are continuously preparing to ensure a safe and orderly elections. “Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang paghahanda ng PNP at AFP upang matiyak ang pagdaraos ng matiwasay at maayos na halalan, kung saan ay mayroong mahalagang bahagi ang ating mga guro at mga kawani ng pamahalaan,” he said. (PND)
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