Caraga InFocus – April 10-16, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 16 April 10-16, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

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DOH-13 IDS 41 AREAS WITH LOCAL TRANSMISSION IN CARAGA U.S. PROVIDES P170-M TO SUPPORT COVID-19 VACCINE DEPLOYMENT IN PH SMART RICE AGRICULTURE SOON TO HIT THE AIRWAVES IN CARAGA REGION

DA-PRDP GUARANTEES A&M CASSAVA FARMERS SALES THRU MARKETING AGREEMENT 220 SURRENDERED FIREARMS DEMILITARIZED IN CARAGA

PROVINCIAL NEWS FORMER REBELS IN SURIGAO NORTE GET 17 11ASSISTANCE UNDER E-CLIP 18 4KS FOSTERS IPS GROWTH THROUGH AGRICULTURE SURIGAO CULMINATES WOMEN’S MONTH 2021 19 PPA CELEB CITY ON THE RISE IN AGUSAN DEL 20 CHOCOLATE NORTE TRAINEES IN AGUSAN NORTE PRLEC PRIORITY 22 581 VILLAGES FINISH SKILLS TRAINING TRIBAL CHIEFTAINS EXPRESS GRATITUDE, 24 AGNOR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT TO TESDA 26 TESDA CHIEF SETS TO VISIT CARAGA TECHNOLOGY FOR INCREASED 27 IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY GET DRINKING WATER THROUGH DAR’S 28 FARMERS CP-WASH PROJECT FIGHTERS REAFFIRM OATH OF DUTY 29 MATATAG DURING ARMY’S 124TH ANNIV FIGHTERS, NPAS CLASH IN AGUSAN 31 MATATAG NORTE SA HILIT NA LUGAR SA NASIPIT 32 IPS MAPASALAMATON SA AGUSERBISYO SA AGNOR PAGSUGPO SA DIABETES UG 34 KAMPANYA HYPERTENSION GILUSAD

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AGUSERBISYO GIPADANGAT SA IPS SA HILIT NGA MGA SITIO SA NASIPIT MGA PROYEKTONG PAGPALAMBO SA AGUSAN NORTE PADAYON NGA GIPATUMAN CABADBARAN GI-REGULATE ANG PAGGAMIT SA MGA KADALANAN SURSUR FARMERS, FISHERFOLKS RECEIVE CASH, FOOD SUBSIDY FROM DA MARIHATAG HOG RAISERS AVAIL P3.4 MILLIONWORTH FEED MILLING EQUIPMENT HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS, LANDMINES SEIZED IN SURSUR CLASH

MINDANAO NEWS

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ORGANIC VEGETABLES! CABBAGE P40, CARROTS P50, ROMAINE LETTUCE P80/KILO 8 GENSAN NURSES ARRIVE TO AUGMENT NCR HOSPITAL FRONT-LINERS

NATIONAL NEWS

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NOGRALES DISTRIBUTES VCO TO LEVEL 1 HOSPITALS TO HELP TREAT COVID PATIENTS

NO HARM IN TRYING VCO VS COVID-19, SAYS NOGRALES

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

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ANDANAR RECOVERS FROM COVID-19

ANDANAR HAILS MEDIA WORKERS’ INCLUSION IN VAX PRIORITY

GOV’T TO FINISH MAJOR INFRA PROJECTS DESPITE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, SAYS TRANSPORT CHIEF

GOV’T ON TOP OF COVID-19 FIGHT, PRESIDENT DUTERTE ASSURES FILIPINOS FDA TO COMPLETE EVALUATION OF J&J’S COVID-19 VACCINE THIS WEEK PHILHEALTH’S MULTI-BILLION PAYOUT BREATHES LIFE INTO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM’S COVID-19 FIGHT PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS HE’S PHYSICALLY FIT TO FUNCTION AS PRESIDENT

COVID-19 NEWS PRRD WILLING TO WAIVE COVID-19 VACCINATION SLOT

RUSSIA, CHINA TO DELIVER BULK OF COVID-19 VAX IN Q2: GALVEZ 400 MORE COVID-19 RECOVERIES PUSH TALLY TO 703,963: DOH

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on his complete recovery from COVID-19 I am pleased to share that I have fully recovered from COVID-19 after undergoing a 14-day home quarantine. I thank the Lord for this blessing of being able to overcome the virus. I am also very grateful for my family, loved ones, and colleagues, among others, for all their support and prayers while I undertook my recovery. Despite my clean bill of health, I will still observe another 5 days of voluntary quarantine to ensure the safety of those around me and those I will come into contact with. With this, I call on those who have contracted the virus to remain strong-willed and to be hopeful of their recovery. And to trust that our Divine Creator will hear our prayers of healing and health. We continue to remind everyone to observe all health protocols for us to be on the road towards our collective recovery as a nation from this pandemic.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

PCOO chief: PRRD contin uplift the lives of Filipino By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time with the conduct of the Regional Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) Series, which the first leg was held here on Thursday, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) emphasized that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration continues to help uplift the lives of the Filipino people amid challenges and during this health crisis. Andanar has acknowledged President Duterte for his commitment and dedication to serve the country and uplift the lives of the Filipino people. “The leader of a nation represents its voice, face, and aspirations. It is also said that leadership is a matter of destiny or chosen by fate. President According to Andanar, since Duterte Rodrigo Roa Duterte rides on the crest became the president of the country, of both,” he said. he has been consistent in his words and performance in government “On the sixth and final State of the service. His commitment and Nation Address (SONA) on July 26, dedication were also manifested we shall listen to the embodiment in how his administration run the of how people’s aspirations have government by ensuring that been achieved. At its center lies the necessary and significant programs realization that every Filipino has, shall be provided to the people in the indeed, been touched by his words, communities. his actions, and his leadership,” Andanar added as he enjoined “His most significant contribution to everyone to support and look forward the legacy of his presidency is the to PRRD’s last SONA this year. vision that every Filipino must have

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nues to help os

health crisis, the good secretary also highlighted that with Duterte leading the country, the Filipino people can cope with the challenges and adapt to the new normal. “Despite the pandemic’s cruel and invasive nature, we have the president in sight, regularly talking to the nation, calming our fears, and delivering all possible assistance for the most vulnerable and deprived. He assures the people that the commander-in-chief is leading. He knows what he is doing, and what he is doing is for the good of all,” he said. Also, as he described President Duterte being the leader of this country and how his administration managed to address all the pressing issues and concerns, Andanar elaborated that the president has been true and sincere in his commitment to serve the Filipinos and provide them a better life.

a life of dignity and comfort. This vision is reflected in the policies, programs, projects, and progressive plans already done over the past five years, and about to be completed by the end of his term. The details on how this administration has fared would be summarized by the Cabinet Secretaries heading their respective clusters to better coordinate, monitor, and improve the progress of every regions,” underscored Andanar. Emphasizing on how the government continues to survive from the current Caraga INFOCUS

“He is surreal, charismatic, and inspiring. Traits that radiate from his time as the mayor of the city of Davao, with the strength of his power coming from the people in the streets, the sidewalks, and the derelict sitios. He defies all odds, unorthodox in many of his ways, sometimes with sardonic humor, fighting first the illegal drug networks, the corruption in government, and now this vicious virus. At best, he converses with the people in a language understandable enough. Without the high-sounding platitudes of political oratory, he gained the people’s trust by speaking from his heart and opening his soul for the benefit of the country,” revealed Andanar. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) April 10-16, 2021 |

News Briefs Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña of TESDA led the launching of Village Enterprise and Mass Graduation on Various Skills Training in Brgy. Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur April 16, 2021. Representatives of PRLEC member agencies and beneficiaries of the program also attended the said activities. xx

“His most significant contribution to the legacy of his presidency is the vision that every Filipino must have a life of dignity and comfort. This vision is reflected in the policies, programs, projects, and progressive plans already done over the past five years, and about to be completed by the end of his term. The details on how this administration has fared would be summarized by the Cabinet Secretaries heading their respective clusters to better coordinate, monitor, and improve the progress of every regions,” underscored PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar in his video message during today’s launching of Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series held in Butuan City.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) - Zero Hunger has released program guidelines for key nutrition and feeding programs during the pandemic, said Cabinet Secretary for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) and chair of the InterAgency Task Force on Zero Hunger Karlo Nograles during today’s Pre-SONA Series held in Butuan City. CabSec. Karlo Nograles said that the government ensures that all the needed programs and projects for Caraga region will be completed and implemented before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term ends.

REGIONAL NEWS

DOH-13 IDS 41 AREAS WITH LOCAL TRANSMISSION IN CARAGA At least 41 areas across Caraga region have been identified by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga with cases of local transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of Wednesday, April 7, Surigao del Sur tops the list of areas with recorded local transmission cases, with 12 out of 17 of its municipalities (Barobo, Cantilan, Carmen, Carrascal, Hinatuan, Lanuza, Lianga, Lingig, Madrid, Marihatag, Tagbina, and Tago) and its two component cities, Bislig and Tandag, affected. Agusan del Sur follows the list, with eight municipalities (Bunawan, Loreto, Rosario, San Fransisco, San Luis, Sta. Josefa, Talacogon, and Trento) and the city of Bayugan grappling with the impact of the local transmission of COVID-19. Seven municipalities of Agusan del Norte (Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Magallanes, Nasipit, and Tubay) were not able to prevent the transmission, affecting especially its capital city, Cabadbaran. Despite the strict

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By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

implementation of community quarantine and travel protocols, four municipalities in the Surigao del Norte (Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, and Placer) as well the municipalities of Dapa, San Isidro, and Socorro in the Siargao Islands were unable to preempt the transmission of the fatal virus locally despite being geographically-isolated from the mainland.

Surveillance Unit of DOH Caraga during the 29th Regional Task Force against COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) Meeting on Thursday, April 8.

This was also the case of the municipality of Loreto in the Province of Dinagat Islands, with its point of entry in San Jose town located 26 kilometers away from Surigao City.

The Province of Dinagat Islands requiring incoming travelers to contact the local government unit of their destination and prepare health declaration forms while a negative RTPCR test result is required for all those entering the province of Surigao del Norte via sea or air travel while those traveling via land are to adhere to the travel protocols set by the LGUs.

While strict implementation of travel protocols is still in place in some provinces coupled with an intensified enforcement of minimum health standards across Caraga region, DOH Caraga predicts that local transmission may reach areas with zero local transmission cases in the incoming months. “An influx of returning residents is anticipated in the summer season so we can expect cases to rise during that time period,” said Dr. Dioharra Aparri of the Regional Epidemiological

As prevention, coordination and close monitoring are still being done by government agencies and local government units handling returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFs), returning residents, and local tourists.

The province has also issued an order on Tuesday, April 6, prohibiting the entry of those coming from Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal except residents of the province, government Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) on a special mission, and private APOR with urgent transactions in the province. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

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U.S. PROVIDES P170-M TO SUPPORT COVID-19 VACCINE DEPLOYMENT IN PH The United States (U.S.) government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing the Philippines P170 million ($3.5 million) to support the Department of Health (DOH) in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This new assistance, which brings total U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to nearly P1.3 billion ($27 million), will strengthen the country’s health system and vaccine delivery efforts. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law announced this new assistance during a visit to a vaccination site in Caloocan City with Philippine Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, and other U.S. and Philippine officials.

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Through this new funding, USAID will support the Philippines in strengthening the vaccine supply chain, monitoring vaccine safety, and delivering effective communication campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy. This assistance will also support local government units as they plan for, track, and administer vaccines. “While the pandemic has tested our peoples and our economies, the strong bonds between Americans and Filipinos will help us rise above this challenge. We will continue to fight this unprecedented global health crisis together,” said Law. U.S. government support for the Philippines’ COVID-19 response has helped the country implement internationally-recognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen

laboratory systems and case management, and communicate effectively about health risks. In addition, the White House recently announced a P194 billion ($4 billion) commitment to support the COVAX facility, a global initiative to support early vaccine access for 92 countries, including the Philippines. An initial P97.2-billion ($2 billion) contribution, provided through USAID, is supporting the purchase and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Through the COVAX effort - of which the United States is the largest donor - the Philippines will receive enough vaccines to immunize at least 20 percent of its population by the end of 2021. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Caraga)

April 10-16, 2021 |

SMART RICE AGRICULTURE SOON TO HIT THE AIRWAVES IN CARAGA REGION By Rhea C. Abao

The Department of Agriculture (DA)- Caraga together with the DAAgricultural Training Institute-13 and DAPhilippine Rice Research Institute-Agusan gears up for the implementation of the Unified School-on-theAir Program on Smart Rice Agriculture (SOA-SRA) in the region through a weeklong orientation with LGU partners regionwide. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar’s Eight Paradigms enunciated rural transformation, foremost of which is the modernization and competitiveness of the Philippine Agriculture through the use of cuttingedge technologies. In line with this is the implementation of a radiobased distance learning program on modern rice agriculture with a targeted reach of 3,000 farmers in

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municipalities and cities with average yields of less than 4t/ha in the region. Tapping radio as a medium is a strategic and creative solution of the Department to the massive information and educational needs of farmers. Radio also amplifies the limited reach of agricultural extension workers and stands as a practical platform during a pandemic such as COVID-19. DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the context of Smart Rice Agriculture revolves around climate change adaptation and mitigation at the same time addressing national food security. “The expected outcome of SOA-SRA is the widespread awareness and understanding of

modern, climate-smart rice agriculture technologies with corresponding support services, increasing the productivity and income of rice farmers,” Monteagudo said. In coordination with the Local Government Units, SOA-SRA is now accepting farmer-enrollees who have registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Other interested farmers who have not registered in the RSBSA or have not availed of any of the Government’s assistance are encouraged to participate in the SOASRA program. SOA-SRA will be airing on May-August 2021 in the local radio stations in the Caraga region. Rice farmers may coordinate with their respective LGUs for enrollment. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

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DA-PRDP GUARANTEES A&M CASSAVA FARMERS SALES THRU MARKETING AGREEMENT By Zenny G. Awing

To ensure the establishment of a cassava market, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) updated the marketing agreement between the A&M Multipurpose Cooperative (A&M) in Dinagat Islands and Fatima Multi-purpose Cooperative (FMPC) in Leyte. The marketing agreement crafted during the DAPRDP planning stated that A&M can potentially supply cassava granules to FMPC. Subsequently, as A&M reached FMPC’s proposed cassava volume, DA-PRDP intervenes to finalize the documents. A visit by the Investment in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) or enterprise component in FMPC on April 6-8 in Region-8 ensured that the marketing agreement will then be signed to proceed with the delivery of A&M’s produce. The DA-PRDP inculcates the importance of forging a formal marketing agreement where both parties remain grounded and protected. This provides in-depth detail of the product’s volume, quality, and delivery frequency. The marketing agreement

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guarantees A&M’s produce will be purchased and FMPC will get the required volume of cassava granules. “Cassava is not only a staple food but a primary commodity. We, in DA-PRDP, are like supporting actors for the success of this project. With this, we make sure to establish a market for the produce of the A&M to make it profitable,” Lynn A. Pareñas, DA-Caraga PRDP I-REAP component head said. Furthermore, the signed document is one way of educating the farmers to exercise their rights and authority especially when it comes to bulk orders. “During investment forums, we bring in personnel from the industry itself including San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI). Through this, they will have a picture of the coops’ needs. These forums built a close partnership with the SMFI which also allowed us to connect to FMPC, one of their cassava granules suppliers,” she added. A&M cooperative agreed to supply 10 metric tons or 10,000 kilograms of cassava granules per month with a buying price of P11/kg to FMPC. This will then be delivered by FMPC to SMFI to

be processed as feeds. “I-REAP assures that cassava granules consolidation and marketing are viable considering the market. Even if the project reaches its term, the enterprise can still continue, and support from DA will always be there,” Pareñas guaranteed. Moreover, I-REAP plans to organize a field visit for the staff of A&M to the facilities of FMC to expose them to the coop’s process and give them a hands-on experience of the machines used. Also, a prospect production training which will be funded by I-REAP in partnership with FMC will happen in Dinagat Islands for the cassava farmers of A&M. “For now, as the project progress, we also continue the capability building, institutional development, and other related engagements with A&M,” Pareñas asserted. The MOA that will be signed in May serves as the go signal for the maiden voyage of A&M’s high-quality cassava granules. This will be tentatively transported to Matalom Leyte, then directly delivered to SMFI BMEG Plant in Ormoc City. (DA-RFO XIII, PRPD/PIA-Caraga)

April 10-16, 2021 |

220 SURRENDERED FIREARMS DEMILITARIZED IN CARAGA By PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak

For the first time in Caraga region, the member-agencies of the Provincial/ Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spearheaded the destruction of 220 loose firearms surrendered by the former rebels in a ceremony held Wednesday, here. PNP Caraga Director Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., members of the command group and directorial staff, and

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chiefs of the national support units attended the activity.

Operations-Eastern Mindanao (DIPOEM); PBGen. Honorio R. Agnila, Executive Also graced the event Officer of the DIPO-EM; were: Representative and PBGen Maurito L. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Licudine, Commander M. Amante-Matba of the of the 402nd Infantry 2nd District of Agusan “Stingers” Brigade, del Norte; Governor Dale Philippine Army; and B. Corvera of Agusan other heads of the del Norte; Dir. Lilibeth A. partner agencies. Famacion of the DILG Region XIII; Ltc Ruel G. Demilitarized firearms Romorosa, Coordinator include 29pcs of M16 of the Task Force Balikrifles; 14pcs of M14 Loob Mindanao; PMGen rifles; 27pcs of AK47 Marni C. Marcos, Jr., rifles; 15pcs of Garand Acting Director for rifles; 50pcs of Shotgun; the Integrated Police eight pcs of calibre Caraga INFOCUS

22 rifles; seven crewserve weapons; 49 short firearms; and six submachine guns. These were all cut off using a metal circular saw. Former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the Guerilla Fronts operating in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte turned-in the firearms to the authorities. The giving of financial assistance, healthcare and housing package benefits to those who returned to the folds of the law also highlighted the event under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. “It is a fresh start for them as they rebuild their lives amidst this time of COVID-19 pandemic. It is my hope that the beneficiaries will honor their commitment and pledge of allegiance to the government,” RD Caramat, Jr. stressed out. He is also optimistic that the activity will serve as inspiration for the remaining members of Caraga INFOCUS

the NPA to lay down arms and embrace genuine peace. Based on the joint DNDDILG memorandum circular, all turned-in firearms by the former rebels shall undergo the complete process

of demilitarization consistent with internationally accepted standards and proper auditing procedures to ensure that these weapons will not be used, recycled, or reissued. (PNP Caraga/ PIA Agusan del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

11 FORMER REBELS IN SURIGAO NORTE GET ASSISTANCE UNDER E-CLIP The eleven former rebels (FRs) in the province of Surigao del Norte were provided with assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in a simple ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol, Surigao City, April 14. Each FR received P65,000 as immediate financial and livelihood assistance while those who surrendered their firearms have received an additional amount as remuneration.

By Venus L. Garcia

packs and health kits. Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas and 901st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General George Banzon led the distribution of said cash aid to the NPA combatants who surrendered to the government during the late months of 2020 and early of 2021.

To make the former rebels more productive and sustain their lives as they go back to the mainstream society, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte will Also, non-monetary items also aid them through were given to the former trainings, employment, rebels such as food and community-based Caraga INFOCUS

income-generating activities. Overall, the package of assistance provided to the 11 former rebels amounted to P2.1 million. Banzon reiterated that returning to the fold of the law is still the better option. He urged other NPA rebels to restore their allegiance to the government. Through E-CLIP, FRs can be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new, normal lives with the help of the financial benefits intended for their development. (VLG/PIASurigao del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

4KS FOSTERS IPS GROWTH THROUGH AGRICULTURE By Vanessa P. Sanchez

To ensure that no one gets left behind, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga has taken upon its arm to include the indigenous peoples (IPs) in its quest for agricultural development through the 4Ks program. The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo or 4 Ks is a new special project of the DA in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Generally, it aims to develop the ancestral domains of the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/IPs in order to improve productivity by developing sustainable agricultural enterprises and profitability by increasing their income in consideration with their customs, traditions, values, beliefs, and interests.

in the form of agricultural and fishery-related livelihood opportunities, investments, and various support services through targeted community needs assessments (CNA). On March 23 to 25, a Cultural Sensitivity Training and Technical Briefing was conducted among DA personnel involved in the program implementation. DA-Caraga’s 4Ks focal person Edelmira R. Luminarias emphasized the significance of being aware of the IPs’ culture and rights. “It is important that we know about their culture and rights to have a better understanding of their needs and be able to provide the appropriate interventions,” she said.

Meanwhile, Girlie E. Patagan of the NCIP - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office said The program provides that cultural sensitivity assistance to the ICCs/IPs begins with recognizing

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cultural differences between people. Atty. Victor Marc Bernal, the Legal Officer of the NCIP - Surigao del Norte Provincial Office stressed that along with cultural sensitivity, it is important to conduct the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) before implementing a project in a certain ancestral domain to ensure that the community is aware and in agreement with the said project. “This way, the agency is secure and the IPs are also protected,” he said. In Caraga, there are currently 26 approved Certificate of Ancestral Domains Title (CADT) that spans in 639,000 hectares. This year, there are eight proposed projects which include corn, rice, vegetable, abaca and banana production, as well as Chicken Multiplier Project and Goat Multiplier Project. (DA 13-RAFIS/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PPA SURIGAO CULMINATES WOMEN’S MONTH 2021 CELEB The month-long celebration of the 2021 National Women’s Month was aptly concluded with a simple lunch at the Gender and Development (GAD) Center of the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao. The celebration was concluded with a lunch in recognition of, and a gesture of appreciation for, the valuable contribution of women colleagues serving the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). PMO Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan U. Caraga INFOCUS

By NC Nusog

Caturla spearheaded the arrangements for the noontime fellowship which also included the awarding ceremonies for the Tiktok Challenge, mini–Badminton Tournament and the GAD Awareness Online Quiz Bowl.

live via the Surigao City PNP’s Facebook page. Almira A. Olayvar, Port Police Officer II of the PMO Surigao PPD participated as one of the panelists during the Women’s Month special live stream.

Zumba sessions were also She also discussed, regularly held during the among others, various month-long celebrations. law enforcement initiatives and programs On the other hand, of the PPA, particularly the PMO’s Port Police those that involve the Division (PPD) also took protection and security part in the Surigao City of women and children PNP’s “Si Aleng Pulis” – a at our ports. (PMO-PPA, community-based public Surigao del Norte/PIAaffairs program streamed Surigao del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

CHOCOLATE CITY ON THE RISE IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE By Vanessa P. Sanchez

Dreams become a reality when intentions turn into action. And with this in mind, the members of the Nasipit Cacao Farmers Ventures Association, Incorporated (NACAFAVA) are working hard to make their dream of making their hometown Nasipit of Agusan del Norte a Chocolate City, a reality.

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It was way back in 2016 when cacao growers in Nasipit first organized themselves into an association which they called the NACAFAVA.

were provided with planting materials according to the size of their production areas. They were also given fertilizers and fermentation boxes.

The association availed of a Cacao Production project under the Bottom-Up Budgeting Program of the Department of Agriculture. Members

Along with the inputs provided, the members of NACAFAVA were also given technical assistance including various training from which they learned how Caraga INFOCUS

that the government agencies are working together to assist farmers and farmers’ associations in their endeavors.

to take better care of their cacao trees. NACAFAVA member Marcelita D. Romo shares that being part of an organization has been a big help to their cacao venture. “Previously, our knowledge in cacao farming is very limited, but through the trainings, we learned a lot about new technologies and farming practices such as proper planting distance and pruning which improves our production,” he said. Romo added that since they were also able to avail of a Shared Service Facility project from the Department of Trade Caraga INFOCUS

and Industry (DTI) last year, they now have access to post-harvest equipment which come in handy for their processing activities. “The quality of our tableya has really improved due to our processing equipment. Now, I prefer to process my harvested beans rather than just sell the dried beans since I can earn much more from the tableya,” Romo said. According to Romo, a kilo of dried cacao beans sells for P150 per kilo while a kilo of tableya would sell for about P300. NACAFAVA President Merlyn B. Lumocso said that they are thankful

“We are happy that more and more of our members are now engaging in cacao processing because this is one way that we can contribute to achieving the goal of Nasipit to be a Chocolate City,” she said. Lumocso also shared that NACAFAVA has just started processing cacao beans into tableya. The association buys beans from the members and processes them in their facility. Some of the tableya were bought by some members while the others were displayed at the DTI’s Negosyo Center. Little by little, Lumocso said that they are getting closer to realizing their dreams, not just of improving their farming ventures, but also in making a name in the cacao industry. (DA 13 – RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

581 TRAINEES IN AGUSAN NORTE PRLEC PRIORITY VILLAGES FINISH SKILLS TRAINING By Robert E. Roperos

A total of 581 graduates from Sitios Hinandayan, Mimbahandi and Salaysayon, all of Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte have finished skills training and received Certificate of Training Completion from Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). During the graduation rites held recently in Sitio

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Mimbahandi mini-gym, Sec. Lapeña emphasized that the skills obtained by the graduates is a wealth that cannot be taken away from them. “You can guarantee that the knowledge you obtained from the trainings will be yours forever… Wherever you will go, you will always bring with you the skills you have now,” Lapeña said in Tagalog dialect.

Sec. Lapeña also said that the government has high hopes that this will serve as a way to transform the lives of every resident in Brgy. Camagong. “Thus, we hope that you will make use of the new skills that you have to transform not only your lives but as well as the lives of the people here in your community,” he said. The official also committed to find a way so that the Caraga INFOCUS

graduates can make use of what they have learned in the training. “If we can provide toolkits for our graduates so that they can immediately apply what they have learned, then we will do it,” addressing the directive to TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva. Specifically, Lapeña stressed that toolkits in prepare bakery production must be provided so that the community will already have its bakery, since there is a total of 67 graduates in the Prepare Bakery Products. “In this way, they will no longer go to Nasipit proper just to buy bread and pastry products,” he said. Since the mode of transportation in the three sitios are motorcycle, the 67 graduates in Small Engine Repair and Maintenance will be given a livelihood opportunity by means of putting up a repair and maintenance shop. “Aside from providing livelihood opportunity to these graduates, the people of Brgy. Camagong can avail of its services without going to Nasipit proper,” Caraga INFOCUS

Lapeña added. In Sitio Salaysayon, Sec. Lapeña said there is a need for the local residents to experience electricity. In this case, he said that the 29 graduates in Basic Solar Power Installation will be given an opportunity to apply what they have learned so that solar electric will be installed in the area. Lapeña likewise informed those in attendance that TESDA will also train the community in agri-crop production to ensure that there will be food in the table of each family. “The Department of Agriculture through their attached agencies like the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will assist us in providing you with the skills needed,” he said.

The official is here in the region to attend series of TVET-related activities as well as to monitor the program and project implementation of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) for which TESDA is the lead agency and Sec. Lapeña is the national chairman. At the Regional level, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III is handson in the implementation of Priority Barangay Development Program through Sustainable Enterprise Development focusing on Agriculture and its added value chain interventions under EO 70 Framework. (TESDA Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

AGNOR TRIBAL CHIEFTAINS EXPRESS GRATITUDE, CONTINUOUS SUPPORT TO TESDA By Robert E. Roperos

Higaonon tribal chieftains in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte have expressed their gratitude and continuous support to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in its quest to achieve longlasting peace and development. This, after TESDA Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña recently visited Sitio Minbahandi of Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

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to inaugurate the Busilak Enterprise Village and graced the graduation of some 581 TESDA trainees from Sitios Minbahandi, Hinandayan and Salaysayon. In their messages, Datu Talagsaon – Jimbo M. Mansaguinda, Sitio Minbahandi Tribal Chieftain, underscored the services extended by Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster

(PRLEC) memberagencies led by TESDA for the different programs given to them. He also cited the efforts made by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera and Nasipit Municipal Mayor Enrico R. Corvera for converging the government agencies so that more residents of the barangay will benefit from its programs and services. Caraga INFOCUS

Also, Datu Salangkuan – Revise S. Mandahinog, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) stressed that without peace, there will be no progress and development in a certain area. He also pointed out that with the convergence that government agencies have conducted, it is a clear manifestation that the government is serious in its quest to achieve long-lasting peace and Caraga INFOCUS

development. “With the gestures that these officials of our government have shown, I believe that the present administration is certain that through the convergence efforts, long-lasting peace and development is not impossible to achieve,” he said. With these developments, the tribal chieftains expressed their all-out support to the government since their

communities are among the major beneficiaries of the programs and services of the different agencies. Datu Bawang – Eddie S. Ampiyawan said because of the remarkable help that they received from the government, we commit to be of service to their community and continue the legacy that the present administration has made. (TESDA Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

TESDA CHIEF SETS TO VISIT CARAGA By Robert E. Roperos

and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in the national level. From Surigao del Norte, Lapeña will go back to Agusan del Norte to visit the Demo-Farm of the Provincial Training Center (PTC) of Agusan del Norte in Sitio Trucat, Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

“Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will again visit Caraga Region,” said TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III during the Management Committee Virtual Meeting held recently. Attended by Provincial Directors, Training Center Administrators and TESDA Administered School Administrators, Dir. Mapandi said series of TVET-related events will be conducted from April 13-17, 2021 and Sec. Lapeña will grace those events. Specifically, Dir. Mapandi said among the activities to be conducted here in the city is the launching of the Caraga Express Connect (CxC), a monitoring hub of TESDA-Caraga that will serve as a venue in monitoring the proceedings during the conduct of assessments in all provinces in the region. Also part of the itinerary is the launching of the barangay

| April 10-16, 2021

development program in Sitio Mimbahandi, Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, that will house enterprise store for habal-habal spare parts, vulcanizing shop, gulayan (vegetable) display center and fishpond. Further, Sec. Lapeña will also travel to Dinagat Islands Province to grace the groundbreaking of Dinagat Uno, a Technical-Vocational (TechVoc) Training Center through the Office of Congressman Allan 1 B. Ecleo. Afterwhich, he will attend the MOA Signing between TESDA and Cagdianao Mining Corp. for the partnership of TVET-training implementation in the province. Furthermore, the TESDA chief will attend the awarding of Inter-Agency Commitment and Graduation of TESDA trainees at Brgy. Camam-onan, Guigaquit, Surigao del Norte, a site of a PRLEC Project in the province. It can be recalled that TESDA is the lead agency and Sec. Lapeña is the chairman of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood

On his way to Butuan City, Sec. Lapeña will drop by in Barangay San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte to visit another PRLEC project and to meet and greet with the beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Secretary will also attend the Turn-over Ceremony of the new vehicle to the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Sur from PERA – Multi-purpose Cooperative (MPC). He will likewise attend the inaugural meeting of the Agusan del Sur TVET Executive Council with Governor Santiago Cane who will also grace the activity. From there, Lapeña will attend the Inauguration of ASSATTalacogon, Extension Campus. Likewise, he will grace the launching of the Enterprise Village, Graduation of TESDA trainees, and Awarding of Commitments at Brgy. Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. With the number of engagements that Sec. Lapeña is undertaking, Dir. Mapandi enjoined all TESDA officials and employees in the region to be prepared for the five-day visit of the secretary. (TESDA Caraga/ PIA Caraga)

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IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY FOR INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY By Vanessa P. Sanchez

They say that to succeed in any field, continuous education is a must. And this is what Bruno G. Ampoloquio, a farmer from Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, must have bore in his mind as even though he holds a degree in agriculture and has already a number of years of experience in farming, he still joins training and seminars to learn new things and be kept abreast of the new technologies in agriculture. Ampoloquio is engaged in banana, mango, and vegetable farming. He is a member of the Nasipit Vegetable Growers Association (NAVEGROWA). Last year, their association was chosen to be the project cooperator of the Techno Demo on Vegetable Production conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga through the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) and in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Nasipit. He said that the technology that he learned from the

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

techno demo such as proper land preparation, use of plastic mulch, use of quality seeds, balance and timely application of fertilizers, proper pruning, sufficient irrigation, and Integrated Pest and Disease Management, he now applies on his own vegetable production. He said that there is really a notable difference in his production of ampalaya compared to previous croppings. “In my previous ampalaya venture, I used to harvest an average of 100 kilos from 400 hills, but for this cropping, applying what

I have learned from our techno demo last year, I have been harvesting an average of 300 kilos from 240 hills. And bigger production means bigger income,” he said. Ampoloquio said this is why he does not close his door to learning new things, and because he believes education is a continuous process. In addition, he encourages other farmers to also take part in training so that they too can improve their farming practices and succeed in their farming endeavors. (DA 13 – RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

April 10-16, 2021 |

FARMERS GET DRINKING WATER THROUGH DAR’S CP-WASH PROJECT An Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte is now enjoying a safe drinking water after the agency has recently turned over the CommunityManaged Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CP-WASH) project. DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) for Agusan del Norte, Andre B. Atega, CESO V noted that the DAR turned over the project to Samahang Magsasaka ng Rizal Association (SMRA), a DAR-assisted organization in Brgy. Sumile of Butuan City. PARPO II Atega noted that

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By Gil E. Miranda

the agency’s CP-WASH project aimed to shore up the community’s supply of water they need at home and to address the threat of water-borne diseases. Ellen Torralba, officer-incharge Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of DAR-Agusan del Norte said the project directly benefitted to at least 549 households that include 577 ARBs within the barangay of Sumile. Project Coordinator Engineer Raul Hermoso said that the agency provides technology trainings and materials including the construction of water and sanitation facilities

amounting to PhP50,000. Chairman Rufino Ladao of SMRA said that the project is indeed a blessing that brings a huge impact in the lives of the farmers in his community. According to Ladao, they are planning to make this project an incomegenerating to significantly increase the organization’s income in the future. “Kaniadto problema namo ang tubig mainom, pasalamat mi sa DAR sa tabang dinhi sa among dapit (We used to have a problem with drinking water, we thank DAR for the help here in our village),” said Ladao. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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MATATAG FIGHTERS REAFFIRM OATH OF DUTY DURING ARMY’S 124TH ANNIV By 1Lt Edmar C. Colagong

The 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army reaffirmed and honored their sacred oath of duty during the simultaneous conduct of flagraising ceremony in a nationwide celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Philippine Army at the 29IB headquarters, Brgy. Sangay, Kitcharao, Caraga INFOCUS

Agusan del Norte, recently. During the event, each troop has pledged and took an oath to continuously perform their mandated duty to Serve the people and Secure the land.

read and narrated the message of Lt. Gen Jose Faustino Jr., the Acting Commanding General of the Phil. Army in which he challenged every soldier to continue to be firm despite the many challenges they have encountered.

Likewise, 29IB Acting Commanding Officer Lt. Col Aristotle Antonio

“Kahit na marami ang pinagdadaanang pagsubok ng ating April 10-16, 2021 |

bansa ngayon, sana ay manatili tayong matatag sa pagtupad ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin ito ay ang pagsilbihan at protektahan ang ating bansa kahit ang kapalit nito ay ang ating buhay,” he said. The event proceeded with the donning of ranks to four newly promoted officers and enlisted personnel. This was further followed by the turn-over ceremony for the First Sergeant of the Headquarters Service Company of the battalion. As part of the NCO empowerment program

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of the unit, the outgoing and incoming First Sergeants delivered their respective speeches with remarkable excellence. “As we commemorate this day of the 124th Anniversary of our organization, may we not forget the valiant sacrifices of our predecessors and also that we may learn to appreciate and take pride as well in the standard of honor, patriotism, and duty which each of you has shown forth. I want all of you to know that I am proud to have worked with you all my fellow comrades in arms,” said

Lt. Col. Antonio. “And to those who have been newly promoted, I want you to bear in mind the words of Brooke Astor that, ‘Power is the ability to do things for others.’ Indeed, you are promoted into a higher position, not to have an increased salary alone. Remember, that it demands an increased time and effort on your part as you face more challenges and bigger responsibilities towards educating your subordinates and your service for others,” Lt. Col. Antonio added. (CMO Officer, 29IB PA/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

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MATATAG FIGHTERS, NPAS CLASH IN AGUSAN NORTE By 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong

The 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army while on security patrol on April 12 encountered more or less five Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda, Guerilla Front 16A of Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SYP16A, GF16, NEMRC) at Sitio Madbad, Brgy. Bangonay, Agusan del Norte. The exchange of fire lasted for about five minutes afterward, the enemy withdrew towards the northeast direction.

subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Lt. Col. Aristotle Antonio, Acting Commanding The troops have Officer of 29IB, said the recovered one AK47, CNTs number is already one long AK47 magazine weakening. “We assure loaded with 20 rounds, that we will continue to two backpacks, two hunt those remaining hammocks, one members of the group flashlight, one poncho until there is no one left,” tent, 15 kilos of rice with he said. canned goods, other personal belongings and “You still have time Caraga INFOCUS

to heed our calls to surrender and go back to the mainstream. Do not waste your precious life moving in the mountains and enduring ceaseless pain. The government is ever willing to help you find your ways. So, come now, surrender, and be reunited with your family once again,” Antonio added. (CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

IPS SA HILIT NA LUGAR SA NASIPIT MAPASALAMATON SA AGUSERBISYO SA AGNOR By Shena Mae Pabia

Mapasalamaton kaayo ang mga residente sa hilit nga komunidad sa Indigenous Peoples (IP) sa Sitio Mimbahandi ug mga kasikbit niini nga mga sitio sa mga barangay sa Camagong ug Jaguimitan sa Nasipit tungod sa pagpadangat sa probinysal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte og nagkalain-laing serbisyo sa pagpanguna mismo ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera, Mayor Enrico Corvera sa Nasipit ug mga ahensya sa nasudnong panggamhan niadtong Abril 12-13. “Dako gyud ang among

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pagpasalamat nga si Gobernor [Dale B. Corvera] nga usa sa naghatag ug higayon nga diri gyud gidala ang immersion, kay sa tinuod, ang diri sa minbahandi, sukad-sukad karon pagyud nahigdaan og tanan ahensya sa gobyerno nga nakita gyud sa katawhan,” sumala ni Datu Talagsaon Jimbo M. Mansaguinda, ang tibal chieftain sa Sitio Minbahandi. Dugang ni Datu Jimbo nga “Bisan lisod atong dalan, kritikal, pero naningkamot ang mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga makaabot dinhi sa

Sitio Minbahandi, aron pagdala ug paghatod sa mga daghang dugang nga mga project para kanato nga mga tribong Higaonon.” Sa iyang mensahe giapasabot ni Gob. Corvera nga ang pagpadangat sa maong mga serbis “bunga sa panagsabot sa mga ahensya, lokal ug nasyunal, aron mapaabot kaninyo ang mga services karong adlawa gikan sa provincial government”. Ubay-ubay nga mga serbisyo ang napadangat sa maong AguSerbisyo Caraga INFOCUS

ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administtrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong Angel Amante-Matba, nga nagsilbi usab nga immersion activity sa nagkalainlaing nasyonal nga ahensya. Nagsilbi usab ang maong kalihukan nga kabahin sa Renewed Intensified Community Outreach (RICO) program sa lungsod sa Nasipit. Apil sa mga napadangat ug ang gidaghanon sa benepisyaryo niini mao ang mosunod: Medical consultation-467; Operation tuli-68 ug Dental Services-58, Family Planning Services (Pap Smear)-78; Excision mask surgery-4; Operation Alisbukol, ug; Blood sugar monitoring. Nakahatag usab og Walking canes-10, Wheelchairs-15, Mosquito Nets-400, Food packs, Reading glasses, Surgical kits, Dental Kits, Medical kits, Buntis kits, Women/ Child health care, Vitamins, Medicines. Nakahatag usab ang Provincial Agriculture Office [PAO] og baboy, manok-300, Vegetable ug Corn seeds, Tilapia Caraga INFOCUS

Fingerlings-5,000. Ang Environmental and Natural Resources Division [ENRD] nananom og fruit trees, mahogany ug lambog seedlings-155 ka punoan; lakip na ang monoblock ug kiddie chairs, portable sound system; Ice cream-15 tubes, water drums-5, Printer sa skwelahan sa sitio-2; Nakahimo usab ang buhatan sa Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office [PDDRMO] og Basic Life Support Training. Ang buhatan sa Department of Interior and Local Government [DILG] nanghatag ug libreng flashlight kadapanimalay. Ang National Commission on Indigenous Peoples [NCIP] naghatag og Libreng legal nga konsultasyon kabahin sa mga IP ug CADT. Ang Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] usab nagpahigayon ug libre nga demo sa paghimo ug Powder Detergent nga sabon, product clinic ug konsultasyon sa negosyo. Ang Eastern Gateway Eagles Club Region II nanghatag ug libreng tsinelas ug hygiene kits. Ang Philippine Red Cross libreng nagpahigayon

og Information drive ug bloodletting. Ang Philippine National Police adunay libreng tupi, hygiene kits, Lice Alis ug Padula sa laro ng lahi. Ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [TESDA] nagpahigayon og pagbansay sa kahanas ug naka gradawar og 581 ka lumulupyo kansang gradwasyon gitambongan ni Sec. Isidro Lapeña mismo. Nakig partner usab kini sa munisipyo pagpahiluna og bakery, repair shop ug hardware ubos sa Busilak Enterprise. Sa maong okasyon usab gilusad sa probinsya ang “CADT OG-KAAGPAS” (Pinulongang Higaonon sa CADT Express) ubos sa AGUSAN UP! gihapon. Ubos niini tutokan ang suporta sa pagpananum sa kayutaan sa mga IPs ug pagproseso sa abot niini alang sa ilang ekonomikanhong paglambo. Kaabag usab sa probinsya sa maong kalihukan mga kasundaloan, kapulisan, DOST, DepEd, DSWD, DOT, DENR, DAR, DA, DOLE, NIA, Land Bank, DBP, PhilFida, DPWH, Aboitiz Power, Pilmico, Adfil ug uban pa. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) April 10-16, 2021 |

KAMPANYA PAGSUGPO SA DIABETES UG HYPERTENSION GILUSAD Gilusad sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang Diabetes and Hypertension Club sa Tagkatong, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Ang kalihukan gipasiugdahan sa personahe sa Provincial Health Office (PHO) kaabag ang ahensya sa Non-Communicable Coordinator – Agusan del Norte. Gitambongan usab ang kalihukan sa LGUCarmen Officials nga representahan ni Eva Palarca, SB Committee on Health Chair, Municipal Health ug Barangay Officials.

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Ang pagpadangat og mas malukpanon pang health services kabahin sa Amomang Agusanon Flagship Program sa probinsya ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba. Sa gilusad nga kalihukan, mosuma sa 150 ka indibidwal ang nahigayonan og konsultasyon, blood sugar testing ug chest x-ray.

diabetes ug hypertension aron makasayud sa mga lakang nga kinahanglan sundon apil na ang hustong pagpili sa pagkaon.

Ang mga lakang nga buhaton ning maong kampanya pagbatok sa diabetes ug hypertension mao ang mosunod: Step 1 - Registration, Step 2 pagkuha og BP ug timbang, Step 3 - Zumba, Step 4 - Fasting Blood Sugar, Step 5- Advocacy and Counselling ug, Step 6 - Paghatag og mga Medisina. (Shena Mae Pabia with a report from Naghatag pod ang DOH Jhenny Fabian, Agusan og oryentasyon sa mga Up, LGU Agusan del lumulupyo kalabot sa Norte/PIA Agusan del kamapanya batok sa Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

AGUSERBISYO GIPADANGAT SA IPS SA HILIT NGA MGA SITIO SA NASIPIT By Karen Decamotan

gobernador nga daku pa gihapon og kakuwangon sa Sitio Minbahandi, Salaysayon, ug Baboybaboy nga kinahanglan maaksyonan sa goberno. “Samtang gaina nga paingon mi dinhi, nag tan-aw tan-aw ko sa kabukiran, nag ingon ko sa akong mga kauban nga kinsay mag dahom nga naa pa diay mga tao nagpuyo niining dapita,” matud pa ni Gob. Corvera.

nga komunidad sa tribong Higaonon sa Sitio Minbahandi ug kasigbit nga mga sitio nga sakop sa Brgy. Camagong ug Mokabat sa 166 Jaguimitan sa lungsod sa ka panimalay ang Nasipit. napaabtan sa probinsya og mga Si Gob. Corvera serbisyong medical ug mismo ang nanguna dental services, health pagpadangat sa mga and family planning serbisyo ug naglunsad consultations, surgeries, sa mga programa nga operation tuli, sungkod, Niining higayona, gihimo sustinedong motutok sa wheelchairs and mga panginahanglan kini sulod sa duha ka eyeglasses distribution, sa Indigenous Peoples adlaw, Abril 12-13, diin bitamina, foodpacks ug (IP), ingon man ang mga mismong si Gob. Corvera kits alang sa mga buros. migrants sa lugar, aron ug mga kadagkuan sa Apil usab sa mga mapaangat ang ilang probinsyal, munisipal ug serbisyo ang kahimtang sa pagpuyo. pagpadangat og nasyonal nga buhatan sa gobyerno nangatulog Sa iyang mensahe, pangpanginabuhian gipadayag sa gyod sa maong hilit sama sa baboy, 546 Padayon ang paghatud og mga nagkalainlaing serbisyo ubos sa “AguSerbisyo” ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba.

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April 10-16, 2021 |

ka manok, 5,000 ka fingerlings, fruit and vegetable seedlings, 200 mahogany ug lambo seedlings ug uban pa. Naghatag usab og monoblock adult ug kiddie chairs, portable sound system, water drums, mosquitero ug printers alang sa eskwelahan. Gawas niini, mi-komitar usab si Gob. Corvera nga mag gahin ang probinsya og kapin 100 million pesos nga pundo alang sa pag paayo sa kalsada gikan sa maong sitio hangtud paubos nga dalan.

KAAGPAS” (Higaonon for CADT Express) nga nagpunting pagpapaspas sa makiangayon ug malungtaron nga pagpalambo sa mga kayutaan sa IPs ug inisyal nga nananum og abaca ug prutas.

“Ang inyong kalsada, medyo lisod-lisod pa gyud. Ug gani man diha ko sakyanan ug akong nakita ang kahimtang sa karsada. Mangita ko og paagi nga ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte makatigom og kuwarta nga mapa improve pa ang inyong kalsada dinhing dapita” butyag sa gobernador.

Gihimo usab ang “Kasalan ng Bayan” sa 20 ka paresan nga gisundan sa “Kantahan Night” sa pagpanguna sa 23rd Masigasig Band Battalion.

Sa maong immersion, gilusad usab ang usa sa mga special program sa AGUSAN UP nga mao ang “CADT OG-

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former rebels sa ilang Livelihood Trainings. Gipaambit ni Lapeña nga mohatag ang TESDA og mga livelihood toolkits kalabot sa ilang training aron makasugod sa ilang panginabuhian.

Gawas sa buhatan ni Konw. Amante-Matba nga gi-representahan ni Ruth Jugao ug kanhi Mayor Percianita Racho sa Buenavista, kaabag sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang nagkalain-laing ahensya Usa usab sa mga mao ang LGU-Nasipit, highlight sa maong TESDA, 402nd Infantry kalihukan mao ang Brigade and 23rd Infantry pagbisita ni Sec. Isidro Battalion, NCIP, DTI, DILG, Lapeña, Director DA, DOLE, DENR, NBI, General sa TESDA aron PSA, Redcross ug uban personal nga makita pa. (Agusan Up, LGU ang kahimtang sa mga higaonon ug masaksihan Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) ang 581 nga mga migradwar nga mga Caraga INFOCUS

MGA PROYEKTONG PAGPALAMBO SA AGUSAN NORTE PADAYON NGA GIPATUMAN By Shena Mae Pabia

Walay puas ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera pagpadangat ug mga proyektong imprastruktura aron masuportahan ang ekonomikanhong pagabante sa probinsya, mahimong sayon ang paglihuk-lihok sa mga residente o makapahiluna og pasilidad pagpugong sa pagkaguba o pagpasiuli sa kinaiyahan, sumala pa sa Provincial Engineering Office. Sa pakighinabi kang Engr. Renato Corvera, ang provincial engineer, iyang gibutyag nga sa kasamtangan naay 21 nagpadayon nga konstruksyon. Ang major projects ug ang level of accomplishments karon, sumala kang Engr. Corvera, mao ang mosunod: Concreting of Bay-ang Mahaba FMR with Bridge – 99.76%; Upgrading/Improvement of Buenavista-Otao-Talo-ao Provincial Road – 92.24%; Upgrading/Improvement of Sanghan-Luna-CalulutayCalamba Provincial Road – 14.12%; Upgrading/ Caraga INFOCUS

Engr. Renato Corvera

Improvement of Maoligao Provincial Road – 50.45%; Upgrading/Improvement of NRJ-Triangulo-Punta Beach Provincial Road – 88.67%, ug; Upgrading/ Improvement of Culit-Pagao-Jaguimitan Provincial Road – 46.13%.

“Among obligasyon to monitor and supervised the project, every week ginabisita na sa atong mga project engineers, naa man tay mga naka assign nga mga project engineer every project,” sigon ni Engr. Corvera.

Gi-target sa Provincial Engineering Office ning probinsya nga mahuman ang maong mga proyekto ning tuiga aron hapsay ug malahutayong maagian ang mga kalsada ilabina alang sa mga residente nga lagyo ang mga uma o panimalay.

Dugang pa ni Engr. Corvera nga pipila sa kaabag sa probinsya sa maong mga proyekto mao ang Philippine Rural Development Project [PRDP] ubos sa Department of Agriculture, Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces [CMGP] sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ug uban pang National Line Agencies. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

“Paningkamutan gyud nga mahuman kung walay mga circumstances nga panghitabo, mahuman gyud siya as scheduled,” sumala ni Engr. Corvera.

April 10-16, 2021 |

CABADBARAN GI-REGULATE ANG PAGGAMIT SA MGA KADALANAN Ilegal nga mga konstrukyon sa mga kadalanan, sidewalks, eskinita, tulay, kadalanan sa mga agianan sa tubig ug ang paggamit ug pagpakita sa mga signages sa negosyo sa kadalanan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran gimando nga walaon ubos sa City Ordinance No. 2021-001. Kini gi-aprubahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 140-2021 nga nag-deklara nga balido ang maong ordinansa. Tubag kini sa mando ni Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte, pinaagi sa DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-121, nga tanan nga mga Local Government Units gamiton ang ilang gahum nga kinahanglanon aron makuha ang mga publikong dalan nga gigamit alang sa pribadong tumong ug sa proseso, tangtangon tanan iligal nga istruktura ug mga konstruksyon. Basi sa City Ordinance No. 2021-001, nagtinguha nga makontrol ang paggamit ug pagmintinar sa mga sidewalks, kakulangan ug paghawan sa parehas sa mga ilegal nga komersyal ug pribadong istruktura, aron mapadali ang luwas ug kombenyente nga paggamit niini ug aron mapauswag ang maayo nga kondisyon sa mga kalsada ingon man mapugngan ang

| April 10-16, 2021

By Jessica O. Mellejor

mga peligro sa kadalanan ug mga pagka-antala sa pagpalambo sa dalan tungod sa paglusot sa mga iligal nga istruktura ug konstruksyon sa mga dalan sa sulud sa syudad sa Cabadbaran. Pinaagi sa maong ordinansa, sa pagpangamahan ni Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Alan M. Asio, i-regulate ug mopataw og silot ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ngadto sa mga dili motuman sa maong balaod nga naglangkob sa mosunod: Sidewalks Vendors: 1st Offense - written warning; 2nd Offense - confiscation of items (for donation to DSWD, PNP, BJMP or other institutions upon decision of the City Mayor); and a fine of Php 500.00 ug 3rd Offense - Php1,000.00 fine. Business Signages:

1st Offense - written warning; 2nd Offense - confiscation and Dismantling of signage; and a fine of Php 500.00 and 3rd Offense - Php1,000.00 fine and suspension/non-renewal of Business Permit if the violation is a business operator; Construction Materials: 1st Offense written warning with an order to clear the construction materials within 24 hours’ receipt of the same; 2nd Offense, confiscation and a fine of Php 500.00 3rd Offense, Php1,000.00 fine and suspension/non-renewal of business operator. Kini gi-aprobahan niadtong Marso 22, 2021 sa ika 82 regular sesyon sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa pagduso ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on Laws Ethics and Good Government. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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SURSUR FARMERS, FISHERFOLKS RECEIVE CASH, FOOD SUBSIDY FROM DA More than 1,400 farmers (coco, and corn), and fisherfolks have availed the cash and food subsidy from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), and Corn Program in Surigao del Sur. DA-Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) chief June Anthony Ouano revealed that the Cash and Food Subsidy for Caraga INFOCUS

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Marginal Farmers and Fisherfolk (CFSMFF) program was aimed to help the beneficiaries recovered from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and damages caused by the recent typhoons that affected the province, under the Bayanihan II or the “Bayanihan to Recover As One Act.” Based on the report received from DAAgricultural Program Coordinating Office, the beneficiaries of CFSMFF program are from the municipalities of Lianga, San Agustin, Barobo,

Cagwait, Marihatag, San Miguel, Tago, and city of Tandag. Each beneficiary received P5,000.00 composed of P3,000.00 cash, and a voucher worth P2,000.00. The voucher contained 25 kilos of rice, two trays of eggs, and two big-sized dressed chicken. Meanwhile, Tandag City has 294 beneficiaries who received the Cash and Food subsidy from the DA thru the PCA, BFAR, and NCIP on April 6, held at Telaje Covered Court in Tandag City. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) April 10-16, 2021 |

MARIHATAG HOG RAISERS AVAIL P3.4 MILLION-WORTH FEED MILLING EQUIPMENT

Twenty-six members (26) of the Marihatag Hog Raisers Association (MAHRA) in Surigao del Sur availed a Php 3.4 Million-worth of feed milling equipment through the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga Livestock Program on March 24, 2021. The production support includes one unit each of 3-in-1 feed miller, vacuum dryer, micromixer, soybean extruder, heavy-duty weighing scale, and a shed/ storage building. Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) chief Marcos Quico reported that

| April 10-16, 2021

the hog industry in Surigao del Sur produces only 26% of its annual commercial demand. This, according to DA Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega, poses a huge potential for Marihatag farmers to step up their production. MAHRA President Virgilio A. Dalman said that the group envisions becoming an established hog supplier in Surigao del Sur. With the milling equipment, they will be able to cut down a portion of their production cost. This year, MAHRA will also obtain 40 heads of

hogs worth Php 1,398,000 with feeds support worth Php 1,016,000 from the Livestock Program. The said support contributes to the strengthening of the livestock industry in the region. Personnel from the DA RFO 13 led by Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega and Livestock Coordinator Jekem D. Sanchez spearheaded the event in coordination with OPAg chief Quico and Marihatag Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio, and Municipal Agriculturist Bernardino attended the said event. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS, LANDMINES SEIZED IN SURSUR CLASH By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Philippine Army has recovered highpowered firearms and landmines in a clash with the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) in Carmen town on Thursday, an army official confirmed. Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, Commanding Officer of the 36 Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB), said his soldiers encountered the CNTs believed to be members of Platoon 2, Guerilla Front 30 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under Noel Tumarlas Alacre alias Megan/Hardy around 2:00 pm, April 8, 2012, Caraga INFOCUS

at the vicinity of Sitio Togopon, Barangay Hinapoyan in Carmen.

one rifle grenade, one Asus smartphone, one amazon mini-tablet, 100-meter wire, short and long magazine for M16, olive green sweatshirt with NPA markings, ammunition of AK47 and M16, backpacks, assorted medicine and assorted personal belongings. “The 36IB assures relentless efforts to prevent the CNTs from spreading damage and violence to the peace-loving people of Surigaonon,” said Lt. Col. Diagmel. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Diagmel said the local residents in the community reported the presence of the CNTs roaming around the community. They also received reports of extortion activities conducted by the terrorist group. Lt. Col. Diagmel added that the firefight lasted for about 15 minutes. Seized during the operation were one M4 rifle; one M653 rifle; one 4-liter improvised explosive device (IED); April 10-16, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

Organic Vegetables!

CABBAGE P40, CARROTS P50, ROMAINE LETTUCE P80/KILO Starting today, I will help the organic vegetable farmers of Bukidnon sell their produce at a better price. I have imposed this new task upon myself because of the pain and disgust I felt when I learned during a visit this weekend to an organic vegetable farm in Miarayon, Talakag town that huge Organic Cabbage was priced at P10 per kilo. Organically grown Carrots was sold for P25 and violet Romaine Lettuce P40 per kilo. I checked the pricing on-line and realized that the gap between the farm gate and the market prices was simply Caraga INFOCUS

outrageous. During the visit, I asked tribal farmer leader Ryan Danio, a Talaandig, if his group could commit a steady supply for the market. He assured me they could provided the price is right. So, now I will act as their salesman and followers of this page who are interested could get in touch with me directly. Our minimum order for each commodity is 1 metric ton for areas in Mindanao while outside of Mindanao, it should be no less than 5 metric tons per delivery. I will ask the support of friends by investing in

reefer trucks to facilitate deliveries. The Romaine Lettuce and Cabbage could be available 2 months after an order is received and Carrots in 3 months. Other vegetable varieties could also be propagated on order. This is what I call MarketOriented Farming where the farmers will only produce commodities needed by the market. All of those who will engage these organic vegetable farmers who I now represent as a farmer myself will have to sign a “must purchase” agreement with corresponding deposits to protect the farmers. April 10-16, 2021 |

8 GENSAN NURSES ARRIVE TO AUGMENT NCR HOSPITAL FRONT-LINERS By Richelyn Gubalani VOLUNTEERS. Photo shows the eight nurses of the St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City who volunteered for temporary deployment in the National Capital Region to augment the hospital workforce amid the increasing Covid-19 cases. The group, which flew to Manila on Monday, is the second batch of health workers from the hospital that was sent to the NCR since last year. (Photo courtesy of St. Elizabeth Hospital)

Eight health care workers from this city left for the National Capital Region on Monday to augment the workforce in a major hospital in the wake of the continuing surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. The health workers, all nurses of the St. Elizabeth Hospital here, volunteered for temporary deployment at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, the hospital said in a statement on Tuesday. It said the eight nurses arrived in Manila Monday afternoon aboard a Philippine Airlines flight and will undergo mandatory quarantine as well as online orientation before taking on their assignments. “This is the second time in a span of one year that brave

| April 10-16, 2021

volunteers from St. Elizabeth Hospital flew to Manila to lend a hand to our sister hospitals in NCR,” the hospital management said. During the initial stages of the pandemic last year, eight of its nurses also volunteered to be assigned at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Manila. The latest volunteers are Norlaynie Abolais, Ryan Davis Cabarlo, Rex Congson, Geraldine Domanio, Elviro Firmalino Jr., Donna Lyn Juridico, Raffy Franz Manabat and Jayson Montano. Congson said he did not hesitate to volunteer for the deployment in Metro Manila despite the risky situation in the area due to the increasing Covid-19 cases that already affected the local health system.

He said it is his duty to render help to their colleagues as what he had sworn when he entered the profession. The nurse, who was among the initial batch of health workers here who earlier received the Sinovac vaccine, said his inoculation also gave him the confidence of having protection from the disease. “There is a call to help our hospitals in Manila and as a nurse, I think this is an opportunity to serve our people. But more than that I think it is our mandate to really help whether there is a pandemic or not,” he said. St. Elizabeth Hospital, which is operated by the Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc., is one of the six referral facilities here for Covid-19 patients. (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

ANDANAR ANDANAR RECOVERS RECOVERS FROM FROM COVID-19 COVID-19 By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) after completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at home. “I am pleased to share that I have fully recovered from Covid-19 after undergoing a 14-day home quarantine,” Andanar said in a press statement issued on Saturday. He made the announcement after he confirmed on March 29 that he got infected. The result of his March 27 reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test turned positive. He, however, was asymptomatic. Andanar took the swab test when he arrived in Manila after visiting Loreto, Dinagat

| April 10-16, 2021

Islands for the conduct of the “Explain, Explain, Explain” information campaign on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Roadmap.

Filipinos to continue following the minimum public health standards to stop the further transmission of Covid-19 in the country.

He was thankful that with God’s assistance and everyone’s prayers, he is fully recovered.

For people who have tested positive for Covid-19, he encouraged them not to lose hope.

“I thank the Lord for this blessing of being able to overcome the virus. I am also very grateful for my family, loved ones, and colleagues, among others, for all their support and prayers while I undertook my recovery,” he said.

“With this, I call on those who have contracted the virus to remain strong-willed and to be hopeful of their recovery. And to trust that our Divine Creator will hear our prayers of healing and health,” Andanar said.

Despite his recovery, Andanar said he would still observe another five days of “voluntary” quarantine to ensure the safety of people around him and those who will possibly meet him after his isolation. He reminded his fellow

The Philippines logged a total of 840,554 Covid-19 infections after recording 12,225 new cases as of Friday. There are 178,351 active Covid-19 cases and around 647,683 infected individuals have already recovered, while 14,520 have died. (PNA)

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ANDANAR HAILS MEDIA WORKERS’ INCLUSION IN VAX PRIORITY By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar lauded Friday the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) for including media workers in the A4 priority group for the inoculation of vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). This, after the IATF-EID on Thursday approved the recommendation of PCOO and the Caraga INFOCUS

Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to make frontline workers in private and government news media fall under the A4 category. Andanar, also serving as PTFoMs co-chairperson, said the IATF-EID’s approval reflects the Duterte government’s vow to ensure the safety and security of media workers in the country, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “Their inclusion as a priority in the

ongoing vaccination program are among the reflections of the Duterte administration’s commitment to upholding and protecting the rights and welfare of media workers, especially during this pandemic as they are exposed to health risks and hazards as they carry out their work for the benefit of the public,” he said in a press statement. Andanar and PTFoMS Executive Director Joel Sy Egco earlier sent a formal communication April 10-16, 2021 |

Andanar also stressed that front-line media workers are playing a vital role to ensure the success of the country’s fight against Covid-19. “Their indispensable and invaluable contributions have provided us with important and life-saving information on all matters relative to the contagion and the responses of the Duterte administration,” Andanar said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

to the IATF-EID to request media members’ inclusion on the A4 priority list. The initial plan was to include media in the B classification with other workers in the society, but the IATF-EID, in its Resolution 110, placed media workers under the A4.9 group. Andanar welcomed the IATF-EID’s move, saying front-line media workers must be recognized as among the essential workers “who have worked tirelessly and

| April 10-16, 2021

have risked their lives to fulfill their duties.” “The media should truly be included in the A4 priority group, along with other individuals who play a significant part in our seamless and uninterrupted societal activities. We have seen firsthand the importance of their work in delivering news and information to every household, especially when the pandemic started to unfold and interrupted traditional work arrangements,” he said.

Andanar said media workers should be protected from the health risk posed by the coronavirus. He reminded them to continue observing health protocols while waiting for their turn to get vaccinated against Covid-19. “As we wait for our turn to receive the vaccine, through the ongoing vaccine inoculation, let us continue to observe all health protocols to ensure that we contribute to the collective fight against the virus, and play our part in the healing and recovery of our nation,” Andanar said. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

NOGRALES DISTRIBUTES VCO TO LEVEL 1 HOSPITALS TO HELP TREAT COVID PATIENTS With over 150,000 active COVID-19 cases in the country, every possible treatment for the dreaded disease should be studied and explored in order to prevent severe and fatal COVID-19 cases. This was stressed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who on Tuesday distributed free virgin coconut oil (VCO) to level 1 hospitals in Caraga INFOCUS

Metro Manila. Nograles personally turned over the VCO to the directors of the Caloocan City Medical Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital, and Ospital ng Malabon, and revealed that 61 patients confined in the three hospitals had agreed to take VCO on top of treatments they were already receiving. “At this point, we have to explore possible and

potential treatments for COVID-19––treatments that are supported by science and pose no threat to the health of the COVID patients,” said Nograles. According to the IATF co-chair, “the DOST has done its due diligence and said that there is enough data to recommend the use of VCO for COVID patients with April 10-16, 2021 |

mild symptoms, which is why I am personally distributing VCO to willing recipients so that we can help them as well as determine how effective it can be against COVID-19.” “Let’s explore all safe and science-backed options to beat COVID-19. At this point, to address the fears and anxiety of those afflicted with COVID, we need remedies, not more speculation.” The DOST had earlier released the results of an initial study that showed

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that VCO could be used to prevent COVID-19 symptoms from worsening. In the study, patients who regularly took VCO experienced diminished or reduced COVID-19 symptoms in around two weeks. It recommended that VCO “be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect cases of COVID 19. It could prevent COVID-19 positive cases from becoming severe.” The DOST likewise said that more studies are recommended

to determine the effectiveness of VCO as adjunct therapy for COVID- 19 patients with other co-morbidities. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are advised to take one tablespoon of VCO after each meal - breakfast, lunch and dinner - for three straight days. If tolerated well, then they can double the dosage from the fourth day onward, until the patient tests negative. Patients may also rub VCO on their nostrils and gargle with VCO to help alleviate symptoms.

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NO HARM IN TRYING VCO VS COVID-19, SAYS NOGRALES With the surge in the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Thursday that all safe and possible treatments for COVID-19 should be explored and studied as he continued distributing free virgin coconut oil (VCO) to Level 1 hospitals to help Caraga INFOCUS

patients now suffering from mild symptoms of the dreaded disease. The Palace official, who also co-chairs the InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), clarified that the distribution of VCO was a personal initiative, not an official IATF undertaking, and

that private funds were used to purchase VCO supplies on top of VCO that had been donated by concerned parties. According to Nograles, he decided to distribute free VCO to Level 1 hospitals “after consulting the DOST (Deparment of Science and Technology), April 10-16, 2021 |

could prevent COVID-19 mild positive cases from becoming more severe. The Palace official on Wednesday personally led the distribution of VCO to two NCR Level 1 hospitals, turning over 72 bottles of VCO to the SDS Medical Center and 48 bottles to Novaliches General Hospital in Novaliches, Quezon City.

doctors, and experts who said that VCO could have possible benefits for COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms.”

Nograles pointed out that the DOST had already conducted studies that showed that there were possible benefits for COVID-19 patients who take VCO regularly. The clinical trials showed that VCO could be used to prevent COVID-19 symptoms from worsening, as patients who regularly took VCO experienced diminished or reduced COVID-19 symptoms in around two weeks.

Previously, Nograles distributed VCO to Caloocan City Medical Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital, and Ospital ng Malabon.

The VCO will be given to patients voluntarily, “More importantly, there and their progress are zero risks involved; will be monitored in VCO may help them, order to document the and certainly will not effects of VCO intake. endanger their lives,” he Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are advised stressed. to take one tablespoon of VCO with each meal “At this point, we should for three straight days. If be doing everything tolerated well, they may we can to help those double the dosage from who have contracted COVID-19. If there are The study recommended the fourth day onward, possible treatments out that VCO be used as an until the patient tests negative. Patients may there backed up by adjunct supplement to also swab VCO on their science, and trying these “probable and suspect nostrils and gargle with treatments have little or cases of COVID 19” VCO to help alleviate no risk involved, subukan and theorized based symptoms. on the trials that VCO natin.”

| April 10-16, 2021

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 15, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GOV’T TO FINISH MAJOR INFRA PROJECTS DESPITE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, SAYS TRANSPORT CHIEF The government’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program has remained on track despite the current coronavirus pandemic, the transportation department said, noting it expected to finish major infrastructure projects before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte steps down from power. During the Cabinet meeting Thursday night, Transportation Secretary Caraga INFOCUS

Arthur Tugade reported to President Duterte the progress of the Build, Build, Build (BBB) projects spearheaded by the administration. “Habang tayo’y nakikipagbaka at nilalabanan ang pandemya, ang Build, Build, Build ho ay tuloytuloy. Hindi ho ito nawala,” Tugade said. The transportation chief reported that many

projects have already been completed not only in the Metro Manila but also in other areas such as Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, Zamboanga, Siargao, Surigao and other places. Tugade announced the completion of the rehabilitation of Calbayog airport which is set to be inaugurated on April 22. Also, the Bicol April 10-16, 2021 |

investment could boost economic development. Meanwhile, Tugade said the DOTr eyes adding more bus routes and issuing more franchises to alleviate transport woes in the midst of the pandemic. International Airport, a long overdue project, will be finished this year. “Iyong konstruksyon ng Bicol International Airport matatapos po ‘yan ng June or July at tatargetin namin maging operational ‘yan before the end of the year,” Tugade said. “Matagal hong nakabinbin ‘yan at talaga hong kaawaawa ‘yong Republika noon, dekada na nag-delay ‘yan. Mr. President, tatapusin po natin sa iyong termino ‘yan.” Subway and Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension projects are also being cited to be finished within President Duterte’s term. “Sa riles, ‘yong subway ho may partial operability akong tutumbukin at itutuloy before the end of your term. Iyong LRT extension, mao-operate

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ko ‘yan at magiging operational ‘yan. Ito ho ‘yong rail operations ng Marikina at Antipolo. Maraming taon din na pinag-antay-antay ng ating kababayan ‘yan. Sir, ready for delivery, ready for operation this year,” Tugade reported. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led the development and construction of big-ticket infrastructure projects following the launch of the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program, the centerpiece program of the administration aimed at ushering the “Golden age of infrastructure development” in the Philippines. With the primary goal of improving the quality of life of Filipinos, the Duterte government focused on improving the country’s infrastructures having in mind that such massive

“Mr. President, habang tinitingnan ho natin ang Build, Build, Build at itinutuloy, marami hong nagsasabi na dahil lang sa pandemya, kulang ang sasakyan, bus, at jeep,” he said. “Tama ho sila kaya nga ba’t naglulunsad ho tayo ng proyekto na madagdagan ‘yong ruta, madagdagan ‘yong prangkisa, at matutuloy ho ‘yong provincial routes.” Aside from the efforts initiated by the government, other stakeholders have thrown their support to make the government program successful, according to Tugade. “Marami hong tumulong at nakikipagkapit-bisig upang ‘yong mga proyekto na katulad nito ay natatapos po,” said Tugade. PND Caraga INFOCUS

GOV’T ON TOP OF COVID-19 FIGHT, PRESIDENT DUTERTE ASSURES FILIPINOS President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Thursday night he is prepared to invoke the police power of the state to effectively respond to the coronavirus pandemic, allaying fears that government is running out of interventions in the present health crisis. “Kapag sinabi na we are Caraga INFOCUS

at a critical condition, there is no space for the doctors and the nurses to move and stay healthy, then we begin to exercise the police power of the state. When we are pushed to the wall, either by the microbe itself or by external, internal, I can always order the military and the police to go

there and confiscate the operation of the hotels,” President Duterte said in a televised address. “So kayong mga kababayan ko, huwag kayong matakot diyan sa ano. Hindi naman tayo talagang walangwala eh. We are not really at a total loss of what to do. We know April 10-16, 2021 |

The Philippines is negotiating with vaccine manufacturers Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Sinopharm, Pfizer Inc., Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, and Gamaleya Research Institute to procure enough doses to cover 70 percent of the country’s adult population. what to do.” The chief executive, however, said he will only invoke such power to control private facilities once officials declare the country’s healthcare system is at maximum capacity. But he noted that exercising state control over the private sector is the least favorable option in a democratic state.

said the country’s only hope to fully recover from COVID-19 lies solely on massive vaccination program, noting, however, that the country has to compete with other nations in securing sufficient supply considering the current global vaccine shortage.

“Do not be afraid. Government is working. Government is busy doing everything, not nothing. Government is trying to get the things to fix all of us. Iyong mga President Duterte bagay ngayon nandiyan then said that his pero wala sa ating mga administration is doing kamay. Nandiyan ang all it can to come up bakuna, hindi sa ating with interventions that kamay. Sa kamay ng mitigate, rather than aggravate, the medical ibang tao. And this will go I think before it gets and socio-economic impact of the pandemic. better, we’ll have to go to the worst of times,” he Despite government said. efforts, the President

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The government has started inoculating healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities using the initial vaccine deliveries from China and the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. Next in line to take the jab will be economic frontliners, state security forces and other vulnerable groups. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 11, 429 new infections on April 15, bringing the country’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 904, 295 with 705,164 recoveries and 15,594 deaths. PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 12, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

FDA TO COMPLETE EVALUATION OF J&J’S COVID-19 VACCINE THIS WEEK The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to complete its evaluation of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine within this week following its application for an emergency use authorization (EUA), the FDA chief said on Monday. Reporting to President Rodrigo Duterte during Caraga INFOCUS

the President’s Talk to the People, FDA head Eric Domingo said Janssen’s single dose vaccine already has EUA in the US, Europe, Canada, Switzerland, and also secured the World Health Organization’s (WHO) emergency use listing. In the case of China’s Sinopharm, Domingo said somebody sent

them a letter conveying the drugmaker’s intention to apply for an EUA but it is yet to comply the requirements of the FDA. America’s Moderna, on the other hand, is still completing its documents and its local partner will submit them hopefully this week, according to Domingo. April 10-16, 2021 |

“Iyong Moderna mayroon na rin po ‘yang EUA sa US at saka sa European Union so hindi naman po tayo matatagalan sa pagevaluate po niyan.

COVID-19 therapeutic drugs. Because of the surge in cases, there is difficulty in the distribution of Remdesivir in hospitals.

But Domingo said Medyo nagbabasa-basa suppliers have made na nga po tayo, ‘yong an assurance that there ating mga evaluators is availability of stocks kahit wala pa pong for at least one month submission,” he told the and importations are President. ongoing. Hospitals secure compassionate Domingo also said special permit from they expect Novavax the FDA for Remdesivir to apply after the so that they could second quarter. There administer the drug to is still no EUA issued on their patients. Novavax elsewhere and it appears that the In the case of Avigan, drugmaker will apply in Domingo said there is May or June. enough supply of the drug, which is usually In the Philippines, the given to mild and company may possibly apply for an EUA towards moderate COVID-19 the later part of the year, cases. Hospitals also has to apply for the FDA head said. compassionate special permit for Avigan since Pharmaceutical the drug is not yet companies which were fully registered in the granted EUA include Philippines. Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Gamaleya Tocilizumab, another Research Institute. A therapeutic drug, is in fifth drugmaker, Bharat Biotech from India has a short supply this week because there is only pending application. one manufacturer and supplier for the drug, Domingo also reported according to Domingo. on the supply the

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“It’s a patented drug at although ang magandang balita naman po, kanina nag-email na po ‘yong supplier nito at may padating na po daw sila na 5,000 doses sa Pilipinas this week so this will be distributed to the hospitals. This is a registered drug so wala pong problema ito. Mayroon po itong CPR,” he said. Also in his report, Domingo said Ivermectin is not yet included in the treatment protocol being followed by Department of Health (DOH) as well as by the Infectious disease specialists. Although the drug is approved for animal use, Domingo said three companies signified their intention to register Ivermectin so that it could be administered to humans. “Binigyan na po namin sila ng listahan ng requirements at basta naman po sila magsubmit eh ie-evaluate naman po agad ito ng FDA,” he said. PND Caraga INFOCUS

PHILHEALTH’S MULTI-BILLION PAYOUT BREATHES LIFE INTO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM’S COVID-19 FIGHT

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) payout of less than P10 billion ordered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will greatly help the country’s healthcare system to effectively combat COVID-19, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday. “Mr. President, nagpapasalamat po Caraga INFOCUS

ang mga ospital at saka po ‘yung private at saka mga LGUs, private at saka public hospital dahil kasi po first time po na nangyari na napakalaking babayaran po ng PhilHealth na more or less 10 billion,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a report to President Duterte. “’Yung instruction

ninyo po na talagang magkaroon po ng collective decision sa pag-ano po ng PhilHealth ay napakaganda po dahil kasi ‘yung pagbayad ng PhilHealth ng more or less 9.577 billion for NCR, Region IV, at saka Region III, ay nangako po sila na mage-expand po sila ng kanilang mga ICU beds.” April 10-16, 2021 |

Hospitals promised to allocate 164 ICU beds and open 1,157 beds for moderate and severe COVID-19 cases. PhilHealth’s payment is expected to boost the hospitals’ bleeding resources since the start of the pandemic, Galvez said, noting as a result of the President’s instruction, more or less 60 percent of their valid claims will be paid. “Ang tagal po nilang hinintay po no’n last year at saka po ngayon kaya tuwang-tuwa po sila noong --- noong maibibigay na po ‘yung mga tseke para po sa kanila. And then makakapag-hire na rin po sila ng mga additional staff,” he said. LGU hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) will also benefit from the payout, according to Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19. Galvez reported that Quezon City, Taguig, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Valenzuela, San Juan, Navotas,

| April 10-16, 2021

Parañaque and Makati have initially committed to put up additional 30 ICU beds for critical patients and additional 1,350 regular COVID beds for moderate, mild and asymptomatic cases.

have their own budget for the procurement of other capital outlay.

“So ito po ang isa sa mga pinagba-budgetan po ng ating gobyerno para po sa kanilang mga kama. Pero kung halimbawa nagkaroon With more than 100,000 nga ng ganitong state of active COVID-19 cases, public health emergency the country will be na kinakailangan needing additional 2,000 palawigin ang capacity beds for severe and ay puwede naman critical cases. It has a po nilang magamit current inventory of 1,395 iyong PhilHealth ICU beds. reimbursements,” he said. A total of 605 ICU beds should be put up to President Duterte address those cases, advised government the vaccine czar said, agencies not to be adding the Department reluctant in spending of Health (DOH) and the their money on essential Department of Public goods and services amid Works and Highways the pandemic, noting, (DPWH) are working to however, that to avoid increase bed capacity. trouble, they should observe the guidelines Based on the President’s on government instruction, PhilHealth procurements. will initially pay 60 percent of the hospitals’ “Do not be afraid to outstanding claims spend money because starting March 2020 to that is really intended April 2021. to be spent. Kaya nga natin nilalagay sa In his report to the budget para gastusin. President, Health Huwag kayong matakot Secretary Francisco magastos. Just follow Duque III said rules,” he said. PND government hospitals Caraga INFOCUS

PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS HE’S PHYSICALLY FIT TO FUNCTION AS PRESIDENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has assured the Filipino public Monday that he has no illness that could prevent him from doing his duties as president. President Duterte was responding to speculations regarding his health especially due to his long absence from the public view. “Kung sabihin mo may sakit ako, may sakit ako. Pero kung sabihin mo may sakit ako ngayon that would prevent me from exercising the powers of the presidency, wala ho,” he said during his Talk to the People address. “Kaya ako nagmo --- kaya

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ako nakaka-swing ng golf, tapos nagmomotor eh kasi kaya ko pa.” Meanwhile, President Duterte said he is willing to waive his slot in the government vaccination program and would prefer to give the jab to a young and productive individual. “Kami, okay na ako. Maski kami ‘yong ano. Ako, magwiwaive ako. Magwi-waive ako. Basta 70 above... Alam mo 70 above, ano mang ma --- ano mang makuha mo magsige ka dream?” he said. “Dream of what? Living until kingdom come? Ako magwi-waive ako. Kung sino ‘yong may gusto sa slot ko, ibigay ko. Wala akong ano masyado sa ano…”

The government has so far administered COVID-19 shots to the country’s healthcare workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities. The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 11,378 new cases on Monday, April 12, bringing the country’s total COVID-19 active infections to 157,451. With 267 patients recovering from the virus, the country’s a total recovery tally is now at 703,625. The DOH also reported 204 individuals who succumbed from the virus, breaching the 15,000 death toll. The Philippines has a total of 876,225 confirmed COVID-19 cases. PND

April 10-16, 2021 |

VACCINATION PRIORITY. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday night (April 12, 2021). Duterte said he is willing to waive getting a Covid-19 vaccine, saying it is better to prioritize those who need the vaccine to “live productively.” (Presidential photo by King Rodriguez)

PRRD WILLING TO WAIVE COVID-19 VACCINATION SLOT By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he is willing to waive a Covid-19 vaccination slot, saying it is better to prioritize those who need the vaccine to “live productively.” In a pre-recorded public address, Duterte said he Caraga INFOCUS

is fine with not receiving a Covid-19 vaccine since he described himself as “fatalistic.”

He noted that he had always believed that he would die if it is already his time to die.

“Ako, magwi-waive ako. Kung sino ‘yong may gusto sa slot ko, ibigay ko (Me, I will waive receiving a vaccine. Whoever wants my slot can have it),” he said.

“I am that fatalistic actually. I have always been na kung panahon ko na (if it’s my time) either it’s Covid or a bala (a bullet) or whatever disgrasya (accident). April 10-16, 2021 |

Wala akong masyadong ano diyan sa (I do not have many) illusions about life and death. If anyone wants to have it, they can have it,” he added. Duterte emphasized that those who had a better chance of living productively should be prioritized as Covid-19 vaccine recipients. “Ang unahin natin ‘yong mabubuhay pa (Let’s prioritize those who will live long). Well, come to think of it actually, ang unahin natin ‘yong medyo pagka nabigyan ng vaccine (let’s prioritize those that if you give them a vaccine), there’s a chance that he would live and live productively,” he said. He said most senior citizens are “no longer that productive” unless they are working in the government. “(A) few of us only are there in government working. Most of the senior citizens are no longer that productive. Puwera na lang ‘yong na-elect itong mga

| April 10-16, 2021

Contributed photo

naging congressman, senador kasi may trabaho talaga ‘yan (Except those elected as congressmen, senators, because they really have jobs),” he said. Despite being a public official himself, Duterte said he had nothing else to look forward to in his old age. Duterte turned 76-yearsold last March 28.

vaccine priority list after frontline medical workers. As of Monday, the government had administered Covid-19 vaccines to more than 1 million Filipinos. In previous speeches, Duterte has been vocal about his preference to be inoculated with a vaccine developed by Chinese stateowned pharmaceutical company Sinopharm.

“Ako, after this, (I have) nothing to look forward to. Maybe spend a little The Palace earlier bit time with the family, then time to go,” he said. denied rumors that Duterte has already been administered with Senior citizens are a Covid-19 vaccine. second in line in the government’s Covid-19 (PNA)

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RUSSIA, CHINA TO DELIVER BULK OF COVID-19 VAX IN Q2: GALVEZ By Lade Jean Kabagani

Majority of the supplies of the coronavirus vaccines set to arrive in the second quarter will be coming from pharmaceutical firms in Russia and China, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday. “We are thankful that China and Russia have given their commitment of support and we have seen that the only hope that we have right now for the meantime, for this second quarter is that the majority of the supply will be coming from Russia and China,” Galvez, also the country’s vaccine czar, Caraga INFOCUS

Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

said in a statement. As of April 10, he said 1,137,534 Filipinos have been vaccinated. Of the number, 851,876 are healthcare workers, 44,187 are senior citizens while 110,457 are persons with existing comorbidities.

people and put an end to this pandemic,” Galvez said. Galvez said a total of 2.5 million doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine were already delivered in the Philippines.

To date, some 131,023 healthcare workers have completed two shots of the Covid-19 vaccine.

These, he said, include the 1 million doses donated by the Chinese government and 1.5 million doses purchased by the national government.

“With the arrival of the additional 500,000 Sinovac vaccines (on April 11), this will surely help in our effort to vaccinate more Filipino

“The majority of the newly-arrived 500,000 doses will be sent to areas in the Visayas and Mindanao since a substantial portion of April 10-16, 2021 |

the previous Sinovac’s doses have already been allocated in Metro Manila, and neighboring provinces,” he said. The first batch of the Sinovac jabs was deployed to the Department of Health (500,000 doses), Armed Forces of the Philippines (70,000 doses), and Department of National Defense (30,000 doses), as of April 11. Some 500,000 doses of CoronaVac and 523,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine were distributed across 17 regions nationwide. The DOH has also delivered 100 percent of

the 525,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine since March 17. Galvez, meanwhile, said the country is slated to receive a total of 1 million doses of the CoronaVac vaccine on April 22 and April 29. Another 2 million doses of government-procured CoronaVac vaccine will be delivered in May. Galvez, likewise, said the government is set to hold a vaccine simulation rollout for Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine manufactured by the Gamaleya Research Institute. Some 20,000 doses of Sputnik V will be used in the vaccination dry-run.

“Mayroon tayong (We will have our) minirollout for 20,000 doses of Sputnik V kasi ito talaga medyo sensitive ang logistics (since the logistics is quite sensitive) because it will be in ampoules and not vials,” he said. Galvez noted that Sputnik V will be administered in a separate manner per dose, as the first dose contains Adenovirus-26 particles while the second dose has Adenovirus-5. Some 500,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine are expected to arrive this month. (PNA)

CONTRIBUTED FILE PHOTO

| April 10-16, 2021

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400 MORE COVID-19 RECOVERIES PUSH TALLY TO 703,963: DOH By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

A total of 400 more patients recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), pushing the total number of recoveries to 703,963. In its Covid-19 bulletin on Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) said those who have beaten the illness account for 79.6 percent of the Philippines’ total case tally which has reached 884,783. The DOH also tallied 8,571 new confirmed Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 165,534. Of the active cases, about 96.9 percent are mild, 1.8 percent are asymptomatic, 0.4 percent are severe, 0.31 are moderate, and 0.4 percent are in critical

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condition. The DOH also logged 137 more deaths, raising the death toll to 15,286. “About 13 duplicates were removed from the total case count as eight of these are recoveries. Moreover, 54 cases previously tagged as recovered were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” it said.

of 6,000 ward beds, and 47 percent of 2,000 ventilators dedicated to patients with Covid-19 are in use nationwide. Meanwhile, 85 percent of 700 intensive care unit beds, 70 percent of 3,800 isolation beds, 58 percent of 2,200 ward beds, and 62 percent of 800 ventilators dedicated to patients with Covid-19 are used in the National Capital Region.

DOH data on April 12 showed that 18.3 percent of 27,900 The public is reminded to who were tested turned out stay at home and to observe positive for Covid-19. minimum health standards when going out. Nine laboratories were not able to submit their data The DOH urged those to the Covid-19 Document experiencing Covid-19 Repository System on April 12. symptoms to immediately To date, 66 percent of isolate and contact the 1,900 intensive care unit Barangay Health Emergency beds, 51 percent of 13,500 Response Teams. (PNA) isolation beds, 53 percent

April 10-16, 2021 |

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Caraga InFocus – April 10-16, 2021

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220 SURRENDERED FIREARMS DEMILITARIZED IN CARAGA

PPA SURIGAO CULMINATES WOMEN’S MONTH 2021 CELEB

DA-PRDP GUARANTEES A&M CASSAVA FARMERS SALES THRU MARKETING AGREEMENT

11 FORMER REBELS IN SURIGAO NORTE GET ASSISTANCE UNDER E-CLIP

SMART RICE AGRICULTURE SOON TO HIT THE AIRWAVES IN CARAGA REGION

DOH-13 IDS 41 AREAS WITH LOCAL TRANSMISSION IN CARAGA

4KS FOSTERS IPS GROWTH THROUGH AGRICULTURE

U.S. PROVIDES P170-M TO SUPPORT COVID-19 VACCINE DEPLOYMENT IN PH