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[ Contents 20 - 26 April 2019
Volume III, No. 36
DA-PRDP boosts rubber industry in Butuan REGIONAL NEWS
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Butuan Candidates Forum set Wednesday
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‘Buy Caraga by Caraga’ trade fair, exhibit to open May 15
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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files human rights violation 10 Wife against NPA at CHR-Caraga Agusan Norte sets Balik Eskwela 11 DTI Diskwento caravan NPA terrorists continue to 12 Communist surrender to Army unit in AgSur
MINDANAO NEWS
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fair to showcase items made of 15 Fashion indigenous materials
Region 2nd fastest growing 16 Davao economy in 2018
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NATIONAL NEWS
orders release of titles to 19 DAR beneficiaries education law entices Filipinos to 20 Free finish college: CHED
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News Briefs Earl Dela Victoria, Board Secretary VI of RTWPB Caraga reported that per Wage Order #RXIII-16, the new minimum wage rate is P320.00 effective May 1, 2019.
The Barangay Council of San Isidro in the municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) persona non-grata through Resolution No.002 series of 2019 on April 24, 2019 at the Brgy Hall, San Isidro, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. Dir. Chona Mantilla of DOLE Caraga bared that as of March 31, 2019, their agency has assisted 43 beneficiaries under the Government Internship Program (GIP). 182 beneficiaries were also recorded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood & Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) with a total amount of P3.6-M. The Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) is a five-year project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) that aims to increase the income of small farmers and unemployed rural women and men across selected value chains. DTI Caraga is one of the implementing regions of the project. At present, it has already formed the Regional and Provincial Coordinating Units who are tasked to manage the implementation.
Cover Story
DA-PRDP boosts rubbe By Fretcher Magatao
B
UTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) breaks ground for the construction of the P8.4 Million Infrastructure Component of the Integrated Rubber Production and Marketing Project of Km. 7 Farmers’ Producers Cooperative (Km7FPC) in Tungao, Butuan City last April 3. 4
er industry in Butuan The P8.4 Million is part of the P22.4 Million approved Enterprise subproject for the (Km7FPC) that comprises the construction of a warehouse, seedling production building and seedbed to support the rubber growers of the locality.
provider for the prospective rubber growers in Butuan City and will be providing inputs, tools, budded rubber planting materials of recommended clones considering that Km7FPC is an accredited Rubber Nursery of the Bureau of Plant Industry.
“This project will surely help us reach our target of 500-hectare increase in rubber plantation per year. We also have started helping the rubber growers of the neighboring municipalities and not just the cluster members here in Butuan,” said General Manager Nilo Calipayan.
The Cooperative will also become the consolidation and trading center of rubber cup lumps in Tungao and nearby barangays. According to Calipayan, they also plan to process their rubber in the future by milling it to crumb rubber which will let them earn an additional amount of P8 per kilo.
Calipayan said that they currently have a cumulative rubber planted area of around 1400 hectares for all the members of the Cooperative and he is expecting an increase in production after the completion of the project from DA-PRDP.
Other than the P22.4 Million project, DA-PRDP has also approved and will soon start the implementation of the 9.82 km Farm-to-Market Road amounting to P158.9 Million to support the Cooperative’s enterprise and the rubber industry in Butuan.
The members of the cooperative have been known for being industrious and united in helping one another. “We’re confident that a project like this will be handled well by the Cooperative since they have proven their good reputation and their zeal in this kind of business is outstanding,” said Deputy Project Director Jodel Tabada.
The groundbreaking was headed by PRDP Regional Deputy Project Director Jodel A. Tabada together with City Administrator Rey Desiata, SP Committee on Infrastructure Vicente Rizal C. Rosario, Coop General Manager Nilo Calipayan, Coop Chairman Samuel Caliwanagan, PRDPCaraga Infra Component Head Engr. Rene Morales, Cluster Members, and The projects will help the Barangay officials. (DA-PRDP Caraga/ Cooperative to act as the service PIA Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
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Butuan Candidates Forum set Wednesday By Fryan E. Abkilan
BUTUAN CITY – Butuan’s mayoralty and congressional candidates will get the chance to inform the Butuanon electorates of their agenda during the Candidates Forum 2019 set on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the Mini-Theater of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Morelos Campus, this city. Except for lawyer Nonong Balanon, re-electionist mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, mayoralty bet Manny Esteves, and Edward Chan will be presented during the forum starting at 2:00 p.m. Re-electionist vice mayor Jose Joboy Aquino, Audie Munda and former barangay captain Nestor Amora will be presented for the vicemayoralty post.
Fortun and former city councilor Sam Amante will be featured. The candidates will inform the people on their stand on several issues and policies they care about and what they hope to accomplish if elected.
Said event is organized by the FSUU Policy Center, Commission on Elections - Butuan City and Philippine Information Agency – Caraga. The Candidates Forum will be viewed live via Philippine For the congressional post, re- Information Agency Caraga Facebook electionist representative Lawrence page. (FEA/PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
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‘Buy Caraga by Caraga’ trade fair, exhibit to open May 15 By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY - In line with this year’s Balangay Festival, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, Gifts Decors and Housewares Entrepreneurs Caraga Inc. (GDH) and One Town, One Product (OTOP) will once again launch a regional trade fair and exhibit dubbed “Buy Caraga By Caraga: Balangay Edition.” It will run from May 15 to 19, 2019 at the Atrium, Robinsons Place Butuan. This annual trade fair and exhibit will showcase the handicrafts, wearables, beverage, fresh and processed foods, The organizers are inviting the and other region’s best products. public to visit the trade fair and choose from a variety of food and non-food According to DTI Caraga regional items created by local entrepreneurs director Brielgo Pagaran, it provides a coming from different areas in the bigger and better platform for micro, region. small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promoting the locally produced Pagaran is also encouraging the town favorites. consumers to support the homegrown businesses to sustain the growth of the As part of the event, the mall, local economy. hotel and restaurant representatives and owners will also converge in a “Join us this summer and market matching activity wherein the experience a more exciting way of local suppliers will be meeting them discovering the authentic creations and agreed in terms on the possible of our local producers. Support the products they can offer. This gives a local entrepreneurs the take pride of chance for the local producers to the products manufactured in Caraga regularly supply the clients with their region,” added Pagaran. (VLG/PIAquality products. Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
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Wife files human rights violation against NPA at CHR-Caraga
AGUSAN DEL SUR - A widow of murdered Punong Barangay Rubincio Castro Salamoren of San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur has filed a complaint of human rights violation against the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) operating in the said municipality at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City on April 17, 2019. Joy Salamoren is fighting for justice for the death of his husband who was shot to death by the members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 88 last February 27, 2019. “They had no mercy taking the life of my husband who was a good man. I know that justice will be served. They cannot hide in the mountains forever,” she said.
It was revealed by a certain “Ka Omar Ibarra,” spokesperson of the NPA, through a radio station that Salamoren was ambushed by an NPA hit squad as he was a “legitimate target” of the terrorist NPA.
It can be recalled that last February 27, 2019, Salamoren was driving his motorcycle towards San Luis Municipal Hall to attend a meeting when suddenly three persons shot him She added that they have four times resulting to his death. identified the suspects and the names were included in the case filed. The suspects also took the victim’s
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
sling bag, which according to his wife, the NPA terrorists. There will be no contained the important documents acceptable reason or whatsoever to and P20,000 cash. justify their criminal acts,” said Willy Manlicayan, newly installed barangay Following his death, Barangay captain. San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur has declared the CNTs and their allied “Justice should be served for my organizations “Persona Non-Grata” last husband’s murder. You (NPAs) are not March 29, 2019. just criminals, you are indeed terrorists. I just hope that the CHR will resolve “We strongly condemn the my husband’s case in due time,” Joy ruthless murder of our beloved added. (26IB/401st Brigade, PA/PIAchairman Robencio Salamoren by Agusan del Sur)
DTI Agusan Norte sets Balik Eskwela Diskwento caravan By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY – With the aim to provide access to consumers basic and prime commodities and other selected school supplies at discounted prices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte in cooperation with the city government of Butuan will hold a Diskwento Caravan on May 30 to 31, 2019 at the city hall lobby here. According to DTI Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Brenda Corvera, the Diskwento Caravan is a Balik Eskwela Edition where prices of the basic and prime commodities and selected school supplies are reduced at 10 to 40 percent from the regular
prices. During the two days caravan, different products offered for sale by the invited wholesalers, distributors and retailers will include among others selected groceries, canned goods,
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
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detergent soap, food products, huge price discounts. bread, school supplies, bags, and many more, said Corvera. “Big savings await every customer when buying their commodities at the Corvera invites everyone to caravan,� Corvera added. (NCLM/ take the opportunity by buying their DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del grocery and school supplies needs in Norte) the two-day caravan to avail of the
Communist NPA terrorists continue to surrender to Army unit in AgSur
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - More members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) continue to surrender to the 26th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army as the government troops conduct intensified focused military operation against the remaining members of the NPAs who are operating in the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon areas.
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Three regular members of the communist terrorist group laid down their arms to 26IB on April 12, 2019 as a result of the continuous security operations conducted in the municipalities of San Luis and Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. This is also part of the security preparation for the upcoming local and national elections. Alias ‘Angelo’, squad leader of Platoon 2 of Guerilla Front 88 surrendered, together with alias ‘Renan’, team leader, Squad 2, Platoon 1 and alias ‘Bamse’.
Provincial News I Empowering Communities deceived to join. LTC Jimenea relayed that it was the time when Angelo started to doubt his higher command’s leadership, and decided to think for himself and his family.
“We were only fooled by them, and as I see it, we have no more direction in what we are fighting for. It is useless to continue on this fight. That is the truth that must be realized by other NPAs, they are no more fighting for the people, but only for their few selfish leaders who live like kings in the plain, They brought along with them one while we fight hard in the mountains,” AK47 rifle with three magazines and 30 Angelo said. live ammunitions, one M16 rifle with one magazine and 20 live ammunitions, one It can be recalled that from January Caliber 45 pistol with one magazine and to date, a total of 12 regular NPAs with six ammunitions, one KG9 pistol with 13 firearms have yielded to 26IB. They five ammunitions, and five grenade are being processed for enrollment to launcher ammunitions. the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), where Guerilla Front 88 was almost dismantled they will receive various assistance from on 2017. With their estimated manpower the government to help them return to of 30 members, 15 had already their normal lives. surrendered from 2015 to date, while 13 died in encounters. Brigadier General Andres Centino, 401st Brigade Commander said “we are “These surrenderees were the remaining actively supporting the localized peace members of GF88, that is why we are talk that the national government is eager to neutralize these terrorists promoting. That is why we are pushing by hook or by crook to dismantle these communists rebels to the edge, them totally,” emphasized Lieutenant to offer them no other options than to Colonel Romeo Jimenea, battalion surrender or die. With the overwhelming commander of 26IB. support of the peace-loving people of Agusan del Sur, we are positive that we Angelo admitted that they can successfully dismantle all other NPA conducted recovery efforts and fronts in Agusan del Sur and Surigao massive recruitment to fill-up their del Sur.” (26IB/401st Brigade, PA/PIAdepleted number, but only few were Agusan del Sur)
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MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
Fashion fair to showcase items made of indigenous materials By Lilian Mellejor and Digna Banzon
DAVAO CITY - A group is bringing homegrown fashion brands that utilize indigenous materials from Mindanao in the upcoming sustainable fashion fair dubbed “Unstitch”. Jesse Boga Madriaga of the Davao Global Shapers said Unstitch is a global event that seeks to scale efforts on sustainable fashion, which hinges on environmental and sustainability campaign that started in 2013 in the United States.
movement that “believes in the values of people, the planet, creativity and profit in equal measure.”
Storytelling sessions will also be held, highlighting Mindanao fashion makers such as Sesotinawa, a community of artisans and cultural To be launched on Saturday workers who bring together the culture, (April 27) at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao, the event will arts; and stories of the T’boli people. showcase handcrafted products and According to Madriaga, the use of indigenous materials such as the T’nalak -- a traditional cloth made by activities are intended to raise public the Tboli people of Lake Sebu, South awareness on the key issues that make Cotabato -- and Maguindanao’s up the relationship of fashion and woven cloth, called Inaul. sustainability — climate change, water stress, pollution, biodiversity, natural Madriaga said Unstitch will also resources, modern-day slavery, and introduce “Fashion Revolution,” a wellbeing.
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
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“This will serve as a platform of exchanging ideas,” Madriaga said during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao.
force for good through the event. “Fashion Revolution invites us to rethink fashion, to love our clothes more, to become wiser consumers and to be mindful of how our daily fashion Yana Santiago, the project co- choices — buying, washing, disposal head of Unstitch, said she hopes to — make an impact on the planet as a draw people to reimagine fashion as a whole,” Santiago said. (PNA)
Davao Region 2nd fastest growing economy in 2018 By Lilian Mellejor
DAVAO CITY - Davao Region (Region 11) has posted an 8.6 percent growth in 2018, maintaining its position as the second fastest growing economy among the 17 regions across the country. But while the economy is good, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said the region’s growth rate decelerated from last year.
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“We missed our plan target of
9.2 percent for 2018,” said NEDA-11 Director Maria Lourdes Lim, during the presentation of the 2018 report on the performance of Region 11 Thursday here.
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
Lim attributed the economy’s grew 12.9 percent while financial slowdown to commodity supply intermediation grew by 10.4 percent. shortages and severe inflationary pressures, amid soaring global oil prices. Lim said government expenditures on public services, including social “Yet, we are pleased with the protection and security and defense outcome of the efforts of the private were higher in 2018 because of the sector, the government, the public, current administration’s priority on and all development stakeholders of peace, public order and security Davao Region in 2018,” Lim said. programs, social welfare and protection programs. According to Lim, the region’s growth is higher than the national The positive growth in public average of 6.2 percent. She said Davao administration contribution, Lim Region’s total output was pegged at said, would not have been possible PHP400 billion, with the services sector if government agencies had not contributing 49.3 percent, the industry achieved higher disbursement rates on sector at 40.1 percent, and agriculture their respective budget appropriations. at 10.6 percent. Increases in attention and Lim also highlighted the investments are also conspicuous in contribution of Region 11 to the national the financial services, especially in the output, “channeling 4.4 percent to the cities, as demand for financial services total economic output of the Philippines and products grew. in 2018”. On security impact to the “These results show the economy, Lim said there is a notable region’s strong standing among its deceleration of armed groups and peers, validate its role as the prime atrocities from armed sectors. She said economic, financial and commercial martial law even has a positive effect hub in Mindanao, and amplify its vast notably on tourism arrivals. potentials as the primary growth center in the southern Philippines,” Lim added. For 2019, Lim stressed there is a need to catch up with planned targets Lim also bared the robust especially in the agriculture sector, performance of the services sector which particularly the fishery industry which grew by 8.1 percent, on account of the suffered a slump in 2018. increasing value of outputs, particularly from transportation, real estate, retail She also cited the need to trade, financial intermediation, and improve productivity levels, capacitate public administration. fisherfolk, improve on financing and skills development and processing of She said public administration products. (PNA)
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NATIONAL NEWS
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National News I Empowering Communities
DAR orders release of titles to beneficiaries By Christine Cudis
MANILA - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has ordered the release of the duplicate copies of the original titles to farmerbeneficiaries of the Agrarian Reform Program even to those who have pending amortization. In a statement on Friday, the DAR, through Administrative Order (AO) 5, Series of 2019, states that all owner’s duplicate copies of registered certificates of land ownership awards (CLOA) and emancipation patents (EP) “shall not be pledged or placed in the custody of another entity, pending the full payment of the amortizations of the land.”
agrarian reform office to the farmerbeneficiaries upon registration and receipt thereof from the Register of Deeds,” the DAR statement read. Prior to the AO, the original owner’s duplicate copies of the CLOAs and EPs were required to be surrendered to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) which served as the mortgagee-bank.
Instead, these titles “shall be Lands awarded by the released immediately by the provincial government shall be paid by agrarian
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National News I Empowering Communities
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reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to the LBP reform program and uplift the lives of in 30 annual amortizations at 6 percent the agency’s ARBs. interest per annum. “Releasing (the titles) to the However, many ARBs feel that farmer-beneficiaries could mean full control over their awarded lands greater economic liberty or freedom and exercise of their rights as owners to engage in productive ventures and “remain illusory” because of their non- collaboration,” the DAR said. possession of the actual and physical titles. The DAR has been active in awarding CLOAs and in fact, has set an The AO cites the requirement of all-time high record of 60,000 hectares the original of the owner’s duplicate of land distributed with CLOA in 2018, copies of land titles by some banks exceeding their projected target by and financial institutions as security 20,000 hectares more. for loans, as one of the problems encountered by the ARBs. This year, the agency targets a bigger number of beneficiaries, as well The new AO intends to fulfill the as a more sustainable livelihood for the spirit of the comprehensive agrarian farmers. (PNA)
Free education law entices Filipinos to finish college: CHED By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA - The long line of students wanting to be a beneficiary of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) financial assistance program is an indication of the positive impact of the free college education law to Filipino students, an official said on Wednesday.
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In a statement, CHED chair J. Prospero de Vera III said the full implementation of Republic Act 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act has encouraged more youth to finish college. College students who want to avail of the Student Financial Assistance Programs (STuFAPS) are given from February until the end of the month to file their applications. “Kamakailan ay naging usapusapan sa social media at sa ilang balita ang haba ng pila ng mga estudyanteng nagnanais maging benepisyaryo ng STuFAPS. Ibinalita sa isang istasyon ng telebisyon na sinisisi raw ng komisyon ang mga estudyanteng pumipila dahil kung kailan malapit na ang deadline ay saka lamang sila nagsusumite ng aplikasyon sa CHED (The long line of students seeking to be beneficiaries of STuFAPS has been trending in the social media and some news. One television
National News I Empowering Communities
station reported that the commission is blaming the students who have submitted their applications close to the deadline for the long line),� he said. StuFAPS are government-funded scholarships, grants-in-aid, student loans, subsidies, and other incentives for qualified students who want to finish college or technical-vocational courses. De Vera belied the report, noting that the increasing number of students seeking scholarships and grants-inaid represent the bulk of Filipino youth needing financial assistance to reach their goal of earning a college degree. He said a new system would be implemented in 2020 where scholarship applicants could submit their application forms and requirements online, or dropboxes where applicants can leave their documents or requirements. (PNA)
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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
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VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists
RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
SUSIL D. RAGAS
Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands
DIGNA BANZON CHRISTINE CUDIS FRETCHER MAGATAO LILIAN MELLEJOR MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands
26IB/401ST BRIGADE DA-PRDP CARAGA 26IB/401ST BRIGADE PNA Business Managers
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ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur