Caraga InFocus – April 24-30, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 18 April 24-30, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS CARAGA STAKEHOLDERS JOIN VIRTUAL PRE-SONA FORUM ON ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT CLUSTERS PIA GEARS UP PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

DOH REMINDS CARAGANONS TO CONSTANTLY PRACTICE HEALTH PROTOCOLS VS. COVID-19 DA-13 PROVIDES LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS AS INTERVENTION FOR PEACE DA-CARAGA HOSTS 2021 FOOD SECURITY CONFAB

DSWD CARAGA ENSURES WELL-BEING OF WORKERS WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP CARAGA HOSTS FIRST LEG OF REGIONAL PRESONA SERIES PHILMECH AIRS RADYO ESKWELA: ANGAT ANI SA TAMANG MAKINARYA RUBBER PRODUKSYON SA BUTUAN, NAGPADAYON TALIWALA SA NASINATING PANDEMYA VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE, KINAHANGLANON UNA PA IHAWON ANG BINUHING BABOY

PROVINCIAL NEWS DISTRIBUTES STEP TOOLKITS TO EO70 PRIORITY 26 TESDA VILLAGES OF AGNOR TOWN YES PUSHES GREEN COFFEE BEAN 27 HIGAONONS’ FACILITY CONSTRUCTION RELIGIOUS SECTOR CONDUCT INFO DRIVE 29 ARMY, FOR AGNOR YOUTH 30 SABA NGA TAMBUTSO GIDILI NA SA CARMEN OBSERVANCE GIGAHINAN OG 3 KA ADLAW SA 31 IPBUENAVISTA NGALAN SA CAHAYAGAN NHS 32 BAG-ONG APROBADO SA SP CONTINUES TO PROVIDE AID TO 33 DSWD-CARAGA AGSUR FRS IN 2021 CTG SYMPATHIZERS IN AGSUR RECEIVE 35 FORMER VARIOUS ASSISTANCE

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NCIP-CARAGA CONDUCTS COMMUNITY VISIT, OUTREACH PROGRAM AGSUR EYES 7 TOWNS TO BECOME CRADLE OF ECO-TOURISM ROAD REHAB IN SURSUR’S CONFLICT-AFFECTED AREA NEARS COMPLETION 1,035 BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE SALARIES FROM DOLE’S TUPAD IN SURSUR DAR TURNS OVER P23.9M INFRA PROJECT IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN BFAR CARAGA JOINS CONSULTATION ON REGULATION OF CATCHING LOBSTERS BFAR, UNDP-GEF HOLD WORKSHOP FOR ‘OCTOPUS MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK PLAN’ ONLINE SEMINAR FEATURES ONION ARMYWORM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

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CONTENTS

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COVER

Caraga

MINDANAO NEWS

BARMM STARTS TO BUILD P25-M TOWN HALL IN MAGUINDANAO 2ND HOG BREEDER FACILITY RISES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL

NATIONAL NEWS PH ACHIEVING VAX SELF-RELIANCE SHOULD BE PANDEMIC LEGACY: PCOO

GENERAL POPULATION MAY START RECEIVING COVID-19 SHOT BY AUGUST, SAYS VACCINE CZAR

PRESIDENT DUTERTE EXTENDS NCR PLUS MECQ UNTIL MAY 14 GOVT’ TO HOLD MAYORS, BARANGAY CAPTAINS ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATIONS OF HEALTH PROTOCOLS

COVID-19 NEWS 1M COVID-19 CASES NOT ‘NEGATIVE REFLECTION’ OF GOV’T RESPONSE PH’S SINOVAC COVID-19 VAX REACH 3.5M WITH NEW SHIPMENT PH COVID-19 SITUATION MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE TO INDIA: EXPERT

1st regional pre-SONA series in highlights gov’t interventions By Venus Lim-Garcia

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does not lose control of the ball since he assumed power in 2016 as evidenced by the major accomplishments of the present administration presented during the first leg of the “Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) Series” held on April 15 at the Agusan del Norte covered court, this city. Some 200 participants comprising of the local chief executives, national government agency

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heads, punong barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, civil society organization representatives, and media practitioners have attended the event. The report, which was presented through an audio-visual material, includes the key accomplishments of the Economic and Development Cluster (EDC) and Infrastructure Cluster (IC); Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster (HDPRC) and Participatory Governance

Cluster (PGC); Security, Justice and Peace Cluster (SJPC) and Climate Change, Adaptation, Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction Cluster (CCAMDRRC), and the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Legacy. “This activity will cover all regions in the country for the people to have a clearer picture of where our country is today. It is important for everyone to know the notable accomplishments that constitute the legacy of the Duterte administration,” Caraga INFOCUS

n Caraga said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) of Caraga, as he continued his speech by comprehensively citing the significant milestones of the government. The goal for zero hunger, food security Nograles made mention about the whole-ofgovernment approach in attaining zero hunger. “That is why the interagency task force (IATF) crafted the National Food Policy which outlines the national priorities based on a comprehensive understanding of the problem of hunger and provides a road map in achieving zero hunger in the country,” he said. The cabinet secretary said that the partner agencies of the Task Force on Zero Hunger in the Caraga continue to ensure sustainable food systems, resiliency, and food security. This is done, he said, by identifying the priority legislation for zero hunger Caraga INFOCUS

such as urban agriculture and farming; food rescue programs; expansion of the National Feeding Programs; and promotion of breastfeeding. To ensure available and affordable food in Caraga, the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) engaged 24 farmer organizations and reported the highest sales across all regions amounting P81,487,872 worth of sales. “Caraga has the largest production area of ‘adlai’ rice,” Nograles said. Securing nutrition adequacy Even while the country is facing the pandemic, Nograles said that Caraga continues to implement advocacy and capacitybuilding activities and provision of trainings for

local government units in the region. “At the national level, the Department of Health (DOH) released the interim guidelines for the delivery of nutrition services during the pandemic. And Caraga was able to implement the ‘Operation Timbang Plus Monitoring and Rapid Coverage Assessment,” said Nograles. He added that the IATFZero Hunger has released program guidelines for key nutrition and feeding programs during the pandemic. Food accessibility and safety According to Nograles, the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) continues to April 24-30, 2021 |

implement its knowledge transfer program on food safety. “Caraga conducted several webinars and virtual demo to include the squash recipes and a lecture on food costing attended by SMEs and housewives from Dinagat Islands and Butuan City,” he said. As of 2020, DTI Caraga has also established 169 shared service facilities (SSFs) of which 71 have been turned over to cooperators. It will also set up business facilities across the region. “It aims to improve micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) competitiveness by providing machinery,

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equipment, tools, accessories, and other auxiliary items. Kasali na dito ang ibinigay na assistance para sa virgin coconut oil (VCO) at cacao processing at ‘tablea’ production,” Nograles said. Ensuring sustainable food systems

its programs and projects. DA-Caraga has registered close to 97,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), as of 22 March 2021, and now fasttracking the registration of the remaining farmers and fisherfolk.

Nograles also cited that the For Caraga, the Department Department of Agricultureof Social Welfare and Philippine Crop Insurance Development (DSWD) Corporation paid 594,300 provided family food packs farmers and fisherfolk as part of the support nationwide over P3.5 billion. for augmentation and prepositioning of goods to Ensuring IEC and people the local government units participation vs. hunger (LGUs). To ensure information, Also, the Department education, awareness, of Agriculture (DA) and people participation, continuously and Nograles relayed that aggressively implements Caraga has actively Caraga INFOCUS

participated in the ‘Kasapatanat Ugnayanpara sa Akmang Pagkainat Nutrisyon’ (KUMAIN) public consultations on the National Food Policy. Another initiative is the Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) which is the private sector’s response to the government’s call for a whole-of-nation approach in ending hunger in the country. “Among the interventions of the PKG is the distribution of hot meals to frontliners and families affected by typhoons,” said Nograles. Meanwhile, DILG-Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion served as the moderator during the open forum wherein several queries were answered by the Cabinet Secretary together with Agusan

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del Norte Governor Dale Corvera and Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada.

series here in the Caraga was the discussion on the significant efforts against COVID-19.

Nograles said the pre-Sona series in Caraga region also aims to get feedbacks from the local chief executives and the people in order for the present administration to know on what else to do in the remaining term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dr. Diohara Aparri of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga presented the COVID-19 Situationer in the region. She emphasized that the cases are increasing, hence, there is a need to intensify the implementation of health protocols in every LGU.

“This is a great venue to tackle the vaccination efforts and other accomplishments in Caraga region. So, we hope to hear more of your issues and concerns so that the government can act on any possible solutions,” Nograles said. On the fight vs. COVID-19 Part also of the pre-SONA

She added that the conduct of contact tracing is also intensified to track down those people who have been in close contact with those infected with the virus. Dr. Aparri said that several out-of-the-box strategies are being integrated by the task force to fight COVID-19. These include

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the creation of the COVID-19 Cyber Advocacy Strike and Support Team (COVID-CASST), an internet advocacy team to correct misinformation on COVID-19 and DOH protocols. She said that bandillo/ recorrida is also done to create more awareness among the residents especially in critical areas and with local transmission. “An extensive information drive to halt the spread of COVID-19 in the region is being done with the help of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga, public information officers, and local media partners,” said Dr. Aparri. She also encouraged the public and netizens to help in the fight against fake news by checking the facts before sharing any data/information about COVID-19. Furthermore, Dr. Aparri said that stricter border control is implemented such as the activation of checkpoints and requiring of negative COVID-19 test results. “There’s also an improved testing capacity with daily reporting of results, the opening of more laboratories and usage of RAT,” she said.

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Meanwhile, Jasmin Sarce of the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga presented the Regional Vaccination Operation Center - Vaccination Report in Caraga region. She bared that the DOH has established priority groups through a master list composed of vulnerable sectors who will be inoculated in the first and second doses. In his closing message, PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar relayed virtually his sincere appreciation to the Caraganons for the continued trust and cooperation with the government. He likewise encouraged his fellow public servants to uphold the kind of genuine service

that all citizens deserve just the same with President Duterte who continues to uplift the lives of every Filipino. “On the sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26, we shall listen to the embodiment of how people’s aspirations have been achieved. At its center lies the realization that every Filipino has, indeed, been touched by the President’s words, actions, and his leadership,” Andanar said. The organizers will be bringing the “Kasama sa Pamana: Regional PreSONA” to the next venue in Legazpi, Albay before the end of April 2021. (Venus L. Garcia/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs “We in the PIA, under my helm and under the leadership of PCOO Sec. Andanar, continue to #InformInformInform and at the same time, we push our agenda and advocacy to #ExplainExplainExplain in order for all Filipinos to understand the various facets and the policies and programs of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” said PIA Director-General Ramon Cualoping III during the launching of the first Kapihan sa SM City Butuan. xx

“While the government continues to work relentlessly for its people, we have come to understand that this feat is nearly impossible to achieve if it weren’t for the involvement of other sectors giving voice to every Filipino community. It is remarkable how these partnerships are forged for a unified goal, which is to provide each Filipino a prosperous life,” said CabSec Karlo Nograles on the premiere episode of the first Kapihan in Caraga region.

Ang PhilID ay valid for life. Wala itong expiration! Hindi mo na rin kakailanganin ng physical ID para sa mga transaksyon. Maibigay mo lang ang iyong PhilSys Card Number o PCN, sapat na ito bilang valid proof of identity para makapag-apply sa mga scholarship o loan, makapagbukas ng bank account, at iba pang serbisyo! Magsisimula na (April 30) ang PILOT ONLINE REGISTRATION para sa UNANG HAKBANG ng pagkuha ng National ID. I-LIKE ang PhilSys Facebook page para sa mga susunod na anunsyo. Sama-sama tayo sa pagsulong para sa isang makabagong Pilipinas! Heto na ang PhilSys - #IDNatin ‘to! The lack of access to proper and accurate information regarding COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination remains a problem in the vaccination rollout, said Dr. Cesar Cassion, regional director of DOH Caraga. To address this, they are now strategizing the dissemination of information in partnership with public information officers and intensified production of IEC materials.

REGIONAL NEWS

CARAGA STAKEHOLDERS JOIN VIRTUAL PRE-SONA FORUM ON ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT CLUSTERS Various stakeholders in Caraga region had joined in the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Forum of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Clusters hosted by the Department of Finance (DoF) via an online platform with cabinet secretaries from the different government agencies concerned as the resource speakers who presented the updates and developments since they assumed the post in 2016. Secretary Carlos Dominguez of the Department of Finance (DoF) bared that the Duterte administration cleaned up the domestic cigarette business. Caraga INFOCUS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

“It caught a domestic manufacturer for tax evasion in 2017, resulting in the largest tax settlement in Philippine history amounting to P30-billion. After shutting down the cigarette company, collection on cigarette excise taxes increased by an average of P2.5billion per month,” cited Dominguez. He added that under President Duterte’s watch, the infrastructure spending dramatically rose to an average of five percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), more than double the investments of the past four administrations. “The Duterte administration also aggressively pushed for the full digitalization of the

Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs,” he said. The official further elaborated that despite of the global health crisis, the administration moved quickly to protect the lives of Filipinos. “The gamechanging reforms we had institutionalized over the last five years cemented our overall microeconomic stability and allowed us to respond decisively to this health crisis,” he said. “As of December 31, 2020, the Duterte administration allocated some P2.76trillion (USD 55.69 Billion) or 15.4 percent of GDP in the fulfillment of the Four-Pillar Socioeconomic Strategy Against April 24-30, 2021 |

COVID-19, namely: Pillar 1 – Emergency support for vulnerable groups; Pillar 2 – Marshalling resources to fight COVID-19; Pillar 3 – Monetary actions to keep the economy afloat; and Pillar 4 – An economic recovery program to create jobs and sustain growth,” Dominguez disclosed.

completes the equation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Caraga region, emphasized that the Duterte administration acknowledges the important role that the On food security, Secretary general public and William Dar of the different citizen groups Department of Agriculture play in policy-making. (DA) underscored that second to public health “Sulong Pilipinas is one concerns, the food of the initiatives of the security of the people government to increase during this pandemic stakeholders’ participation has been a paramount and provides a venue goal of the government. to discuss issues and “COVID-19 has magnified concerns that are the weaknesses of the important to the people. agricultural sector and The needs, interests, and compelled us to confront views of the people are the challenges in the foremost consideration sector. The food security in every policy decision imperative revolves of the President and the around increasing our farm Cabinet,” bared Nograles. productivity to guarantee adequate food supply. During the whole day However, the availability session, Acting Secretary of food at affordable Karl Kendrick Chua of the prices to our consumers, National Economic and particularly the poor, Development Authority

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(NEDA) shared the updates on the Zero-to-Ten Point Socioeconomic Agenda and Priorities for 2021-2022; Governor Benjamin Diokno of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas discussed the Monetary, External, and Financial Sector Development; Secretary Wendel Avisado of the Department of Budget and Management on the Fiscal Performance, Strategy, Reforms and Outlook; Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways on the updates of the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program; Secretary Vivencio Dizon on updates of the New Clark City; Secretary Arthur Tagude of the Department of Transportation on updates of the Transportation sector; Secretary Gregorio Honasan of the Department of Information and Communications Technology on the development in Information and Communications Technology; Secretary Ramon Lopez of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the updates of Digitalization Efforts; and Secretary Carlito Galvez, chief implementer of the Philippines’ Declared National Policy Against COVID-19. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PIA GEARS UP PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Jennifer P. Gaitano

As the government’s communication arm, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has geared up efforts and initiatives in promoting women empowerment, gender equality, making its workers fully-aware of their rights and continue practicing gender-fair language. During the virtual Orientation on Magna Carta of Women (MCW) and Gender Fair Language for PIA employees on Friday, Director-General Ramon Cualoping III emphasized that said orientation is relevant as it promotes gender Caraga INFOCUS

equality, awareness, and communities have development for all. undertaken in order to ensure that the rights of “Our role in the PIA is everyone are respected very crucial, very critical, and guaranteed. And and very relevant as in the past five years we move forward into under the presidency of a more progressive and Rodrigo Roa Durterte, equal society for all of we’ve embarked on us,” he added. many projects to make sure that everyone is Cualoping said that able to give and live his President Rodrigo or her own great life,” he Roa Duterte and his bared. administration had established many The official further GAD-related programs revealed that the and projects that PIA continues to contributed a great communicate relevant impact to the lives of information to the the Filipino people. “The communities making past many years we’ve them empowered seen the development, even during this time the progress that our of the pandemic. “In April 24-30, 2021 |

the PIA, our role is to communicate, to inform, to #ExplainExplainExplain thus we do our best in order for us to enable what is most progressive in all of us in terms of our communities, our families, and the society as a whole,” said Cualoping.

fair in language to make PIA employees more effective and efficient in performing their daily functions.

“The PIA under the Presidential Communications Operations Office has been an active agency in promoting gender Meanwhile, as the equality mainstreaming resource speaker, and in the conduct of Atty. Judie Rose advocacy. We hope to Tugado-Dimayuga strengthen your efforts of the Philippine Commission on Women’s for this endeavor in all the regions,” cited National Gender Dimayuga. and Development Resource Pool discussed As she presented the thoroughly the salient information stipulated in Gender Fair Media Guidebook, Dimayuga the Republic Act 9710 highlighted that the PIA or the Magna Carta of Women and shared tips and the media should on how to be gender be able to practice

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gender-fair language in all its contents and in whatever platforms they use to disseminate the information. Along with the discussion, the participants also learned about the legal basis of several GAD activities implemented in the national government agencies, governmentowned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units. Dimayuga further recognized the PIA employees as catalysts for change towards gender equality and women empowerment. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DOH REMINDS CARAGANONS TO CONSTANTLY PRACTICE HEALTH PROTOCOLS VS. COVID-19 By Jennifer P. Gaitano

With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the different areas of Caraga region, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga urged locals to constantly practice the minimum health standards/ health protocols as these contribute a lot to minimizing the number of cases as a way to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus. During the 5th Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center (RVOC) Meeting with members from various government agencies, the DOH thru regional director Cesar Cassion, asked the assistance of the members in intensifying its advocacy efforts against COVID-19 and for the target priority sectors/groups to actively avail of the vaccine for their protection. “Let us all work together, maximize our efforts in reaching out to the general public and let them be fully aware on the infection control protocols and make these a routine during this time of health crisis,” cited Cassion. Cassion also elaborated that wearing of face

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mask should be practiced not only when in public places but even when inside the house or any establishments. Along with this is the wearing of face shield, regular hand washing, and social distancing. Based on the DOH data as of April 27, 2021, there are a total of 9,787 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of this figure, 959 are active cases; 8,477 recoveries; and 351 deaths. Breakdown of cases as follows: Agusan del Norte – 933; Agusan del Sur – 1,806; Surigao del Norte – 719; Surigao del Sur – 858; Dinagat Islands – 228; Bayugan City – 205; Bislig City – 439; Butuan City – 3,362; Cabadbaran City – 275; Surigao City – 531; and Tandag City – 431. Meanwhile, apart from the advocacy on the health protocols, the health department also urged the local government units through its Rural Health Units to fast-track the conduct of vaccination to eligible priority groups and monitor the number of referrals and deferrals to assess the consumption

situation in every province. As of this writing, the DOH further revealed that there are 53,362 masterlisted and eligible for Priority A1 population. 47,414 were allocated for Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines for the first dose, of which only 39,641 or 83.61 percent of eligibles had been vaccinated. There are still 7,773 remaining vaccine doses to be consumed. Dir. Cassion emphasized that once the vaccination for the remaining population to be vaccinated from A1 Priority groups will be accomplished before the end of April, the vaccination for the masterlisted eligible senior citizens will commence. “We hoped to fast track the conduct vaccination to really cover the target priority groups and achieve it within the given timeline. We acknowledge the efforts of the LGUs, together with the barangay health workers, BHERTs, as well as to the volunteer-medical health workers in fulfilling the targets for the vaccination,” Cassion bared. (JPG/PIACaraga)

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DA-13 PROVIDES LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS AS INTERVENTION FOR PEACE In support of the government’s effort to end local communist armed conflict, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga recently turned over livelihood projects to three associations held at the San Toribio Gymnasium in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The Anolingan Farmers Association (AFS) with 41 members received six sacks of feeds for hog raising, while the San Toribio Farmers Association with 17 members received two piglets and four sacks of feeds. DA-Bureau of Fisheries and

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Aquatic Resouces (DABFAR) also distributed 2,000 fingerlings and four sacks of feed to the Cebulan Farmers Association (CEBFARM) with 16 members. Among the recipients were surrenderers from said barangays and were organized by the security sector to help them to be productive members of the community. The turn-over ceremony which was attended by Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca Reyes Atega

of DA-Caraga; Jekem Sanchez, livestock program coordinator; Catherine Juyno, chief of Del Monte Lowland Rainfed Research Station (DMLRRS) of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; and Assistant Regional Director Edgardo P. Balambao of DA-BFAR Caraga. Also present were officials from the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine Army, and LGU officials. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DA-CARAGA HOSTS 2021 FOOD SECURITY CONFAB

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga conducted on Apr. 21 the 2021 Regional Food Security Summit in Butuan spearheaded by the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division aimed at addressing the issues hounding the agriculture industry and formulate solutions. In his message, DA Secretary William D. Dar urged the stakeholders to actively participate in the discussions and contribute their inputs to come up with actions and strategies that will change the challenges into opportunities and Caraga INFOCUS

steer the agriculture industry towards development. On the other hand, DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo shared that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, agriculture performance has been good.

4.57 million metric tons for January-March, a 7.2 increase from the previous quarter. For corn, the PSA estimates a 2.50 million metric tons volume of production, which is a 9.0% increase from the previous quarter.

For vegetables, Monteagudo said prices In fact, he said that have gone down and rice production in the has been stable while country for the year 2020 for the fishing sector, he reached an all time high said, since it is now open at 19.4 millon metric tons. season so it is expected that there will be more The Philippine Statistics supply of fish and other Authority (PSA) also fishery products. (DA-RFO estimates a production XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Caraga) April 24-30, 2021 |

DSWD CARAGA ENSURES WELL-BEING OF WORKERS WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga promotes the well-being of its workers by ensuring to provide necessary interventions to ensure the physical and mental health of its workers. With this, the DSWD Field Office Caraga conducted recently the two-day stress reduction workshop cum team-building for its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) staff. During the Training Needs Assessment last March 2015, the need

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to manage and handle stress was verbalized by the 4Ps workers. Thus, the workshop seeks to manage stress at work effectively, improve productivity in their assigned areas, and develop a harmonious interpersonal relationship with co-workers and partners. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for this rare opportunity of going back to ourselves, unmasking our feelings and vulnerabilities, and becoming a better version of who we are in the workplace, with our

families, and as a person. We cannot say thank you enough, only God can,” Ruth Tambura, provincial link officer of Agusan del Norte, cited in her Facebook post. Facilitated by the Learning and Development Section (LDS), the workshop helps workers re-discover their own personal difficulties, reflect upon stress management and relaxation strategies, and become more effective in handling everyday pressures in a sustainable way. Caraga INFOCUS

“This is a reality that one has to overcome in order to maintain the equilibrium required to achieve an optimum level of functioning in the Agency,” Anafe Lecciones, 4Ps regional training specialist and LDS head, said. The workshops were per Provincial Operations Office (POO) cluster. The topics include discussed during the sessions include (a) Stress and Reduction Techniques, (b) Personal Role in Stress Creation and Reduction (c) Personal Action Plan with Stress, and (d) Teambuilding Concepts.

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“While our staff cares to serve, they too deserve to be given timely and appropriate interventions. More so the people in the field who are weakened by the demands of their work, and the emotional instability caused by living away from their family,” Lecciones added. Moreover, this time of pandemic has affected people from different walks of life. Some developed anxiety and some succumbed to depression. Frontline workers from DSWD are

not exempted from this phenomenon especially with the recently concluded Social Amelioration Program (SAP) validations and payouts. “We highly appreciate your efforts to equip us to become more stress-resistant and empowered not just in work but in our personal dealings as well,” Cherry Gabotero, provincial link of Dinagat Islands, said. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIACaraga)

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CabSec Nograles

CARAGA HOSTS FIRST LEG OF REGIONAL PRE-SONA SERIES By Estella Marie M. Vallespin

Local government officials, civil society organizations, and members of the media convened to witness the first leg of “Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series” on Thursday, April 15, in the Agusan del Norte Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City. The roadshow aimed to inform the public of the

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major accomplishments of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Administration from 2016 as well as the plans for the remainder of his term. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who also serves as Caraga’s Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security, graced the event along with Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera and Butuan City

Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada. In his message, CabSec Nograles shared that the Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) activity serves as a comprehensive prequel for the President’s sixth and final SONA on July 26, 2021. The keystone accomplishments of the Caraga INFOCUS

present administration in the areas of economic and development; infrastructure; human development and poverty reduction; participatory governance; security, justice and peace; and climate change adaptation, mitigation and disaster risk reduction were presented in the form of an audio-visual presentation. The most notable accomplishments of the government in Caraga region were also highlighted which includes the Masao Port improvement project, land tenure security program, agrarian justice delivery program, agrarian reform beneficiaries’ development and sustainability program, and the implementation of the COVID-19 adjustment measures program. Dr. Dioharra Appari of DOH Caraga presented the COVID-19 situation in the region where the number of COVID-19 cases is rising. However, contact tracing has Caraga INFOCUS

Director Lilibeth A. Famacion

also been intensified in several areas and traces as far as secondgeneration of close contacts.

and guidance in all of the efforts of the regional government which made Caraga rise from its humble roots.

DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion served as the moderator for the presentation of accomplishments and question-andanswer portion. As the Technical Working Group Chairperson and Head Secretariat of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC), Director Famacion thanked the national government for the unwavering support

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office closed the event with a virtual message by guaranteeing the public that the President is always working for what is best for the country. The next leg of Kasama sa Pamana will take place in Legazpi, Albay on April 22, 2021. (DILGCaraga/PIA-Caraga) April 24-30, 2021 |

PHILMECH AIRS RADYO ESKWELA: ANGAT ANI SA TAMANG MAKINARYA By Micky Teresa V. Cabuloy

makapagsagawa ng ating usual; face to face training.” Senator Villar was also grateful and acknowledged the efforts of PHilMech and other agricultural agencies to reach and provide the needs of farmers, amidst the pandemic.

“Mekanisasyon ang solusyon, upang ang ani ay maparami. Buksan ang isipan, taniman ng karunungan, umani ng kagalingan. Tara, pasok na sa Radyo Eskwela: Angat Ani sa Tamang Makinarya!”

Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar also expressed, “Layunin ng RCEF na iangat ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at matulungan ang lahat na mapaunlad ang kanilang ani sa pamamagitan ng mga makabagong teknolohiya. Bagama’t nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya, ang mga ahensiya ng kagawaran, katulad ng PHilMech ay patuloy na gumagawa ng paraan upang matulangan ang ating mga magsasaka na patuloy na maging globally competitive tayo sa larangan ng rice production at postproduction.”

This phrase sums up the goal of the Radyo Eskwela: Angat Ani sa Tamang Makinarya of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) that goes live every Wednesday and Saturday 5:30 to 6:00 AM in all Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) stations nationwide For PHilMech, its Director IV Dr. Baldwin G. Jallorina gave an optimistic message and from March 13 to June 2021. encouraged everyone to continually gain Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Radyo knowledge through different communication Eskwela reaches out to Rice Competitiveness platforms. Meanwhile, acting chief of PHilMech’s Applied Communication Division Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization (ACD) Dr. Milagros B. Gonzalez, shared what Program beneficiaries, particularly the is PHilMech as an agency, and emphasized members of rice farmer’s cooperatives the role of Radyo Eskwela for the RCEF and associations (FCAs), to disseminate information on the benefits and advantages Mechanization program. of rice mechanization technologies. The Radyo Eskwela simultaneously airs in Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Waray, During its March 17 launching, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chair on Committee and Agriculture Chavacano, Bicolano, and Iloco, and can be accessed in Radyo Eskwela’s Facebook and Food, said, “Ang Radyo Eskwela Page (https://www.facebook.com/ ay napakahalagang pamamaraan ng RadyoEskwelaPH/) and RMN’s YouTube malawakang information dissemination Channel (https://www.youtube.com/ sa ating magsasaka, lalo na ngayong hinaharap pa rin natin ang global pandemic channel/0x58b8W1OdhFcr3RJmJbmg). (DAPHilMech/PIA-Caraga) na COVID-19 kung saan hindi tayo

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Caraga INFOCUS

RUBBER PRODUKSYON SA BUTUAN, NAGPADAYON TALIWALA SA NASINATING PANDEMYA Taliwala sa nasinating pandemya wala naapektuhan ang pagtaas sa produksyon sa rubber industry sa syudad sa Butuan. Hinuon mas nitaas pa kini tungod doble ang paningkamot sa katawhan nga makatigum og cup lumps aron mukita og dako alang sa pagkaon sa pamilya. Sulod sa tulo ka bulan nakatapok og cup lumps ang Farmers Producers Cooperative. Sumala ni Nilo Calipayan, Farmers Producers Cooperative Manager, daghang mag-uuma ang apektado sa nasinating pandemya. Midangop sa kooperatiba ang mga mag uuma nga nagpatabang ug nihangyo nga ang kooperatiba na ang magtigum sa ilang produce ug ang kooperatiba na ang magbaligya. Gawas sa pagpadako sa produksyon sa rubber gipadako sab sa kooperatiba ang produksyon sa kape ug uban pa. Kaniadto gikan pagtanum sa rubber makaharvest na human sa pito ka tuig apan karon tungod sa bag-ong teknolohiya gamit ang cloning pwede na makaharvest human sa upat ka tuig hinungdan nag mass produksyon ang kooperatiba og clones nga rubber seedlings. Gipakita ni Calipayan nga mahimong lifetime ang rubber kung skilled ang tapper niini kada duha ka adlaw mubalik ang tapper aron mag tapping panahon sa harvest. Kaduha sa usa ka bulan ang himoong pagharvest og cup lump. Human sa pagharvest ibutang una kini sa bodega aron paghulat nga kuhaon sa mga buyers. Kompleto ang pasilidad sa KFPC dunay Nursery seed bed, Seedling Production Facility Building ug Consolidation Rubber

Caraga INFOCUS

Cup Lump Warehouse. Ang mga myembro sa Highly Urbanized City Agri-Fishery Council HUCAFC uban sa mga personahe sa City Agriculturist Office nagpadayon sa pagpahigayon og monitoring sa mga ekipo sa kooperatiba isip pagsusi sa stado niini sa ingon masayran kong functional pa kini. Gilantaw sab sa HUCAFC ang epekto sa panginabuhian sa katawhan gikan sa mga proyektong hugtanung giimplementar sa city government sa Butuan. Sa mga interesado nga mutanum og rubber tree pwedeng mupalit og budded seedlings sa kooperatiba sa presyong 35 pesos kada usa ug dunay kapilian nga naka clone na mga seedlings. Nakita sa mga kadagkuan sa DA-Caraga nga dili masayang ang gihatag nga suporta sa goberno ngadto sa kooperatiba tungod gihatagan kini og importansya sa usa ka organisadong kooperatiba. Usa sab kini sa paagi nga mamahimung service provider sa mga rubber growers sa dakbayan sa Butuan ug sa mga silingang barangay ug munisipyo. Nahimong posible ang proyekto sa pagtambayayong sa World Bank, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project ug LGU-Butuan. Mas mapasayon na usab ang pagbyahe sa mga abot sa kooperatiba paingon sa merkado tungod nagpadayon ang konstruksyon sa Farm to Market road. Ang kooperatiba dunay halos 50 ka trabahante nga maoy nagmintinar sa mga tanum ug dunay 460 nga myembro. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)

April 24-30, 2021 |

VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE, KINAHANGLANON UNA PA IHAWON ANG BINUHING BABOY Sabado, Domingo ug Holiday mamahimong dalhon ang baboy sa City Slaughterhouse alas 4:00 sa hapon hantud alas 6:00 sa gabie sa may Barangay Obrero ning syudad. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Hugtanong gipatuman sa National Meat Inspection Service kun NMIS Caraga ug City Veterinary Office ang NMIS Memorandum Order No. 08-2019-463 o ang “NO VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE, NO SLAUGHTER POLICY.” Usa kini ka supplemental instruction nga himuon sa mga buhatan sa pagpatuman sa pagdumala, pag contain ug pagkontrola sa pagkaylap sa gikatahapang Swine Disease. Hugtanong ipatuman ang pagkuha ug pagpakita sa Veterinary Health Certificate kun

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VHC tungod nagkaduol ang mga lugar nga nasudlan na sa African Swine Fever kon ASF. Una pa makakuha og VHC, siguruhon una ang pagkuha og Barangay Certification aron mahibal-an kung asa gikan ang baboy nga ihawon. Dal-on dayon ang Barangay Certication ug ang baboy sa City Veterinary Office o sa City Slaughter House. Abli ang buhatan sa City Veterinary Office alang sa pagtan-aw sa ihawon nga baboy lunes hantud byernes, alas 8:00 sa buntag hantud alas 5:00 sa hapon. Sa adlawng

Gipahimangnoan ang tanan nga libre ang VHC ug aduna lamang kini same day validity nga gikan sa government veterinarian. Ang schedule usab sa AnteMortem Inspection mahitabo alas 4:00 sa hapon hantud sa alas 6:00 sa hapon lamang. Importante ang AnteMortem Inspection sa mga hayop aron makita kong aduna bay bluish purple areas ug hemorrhages sa dunggan; tiyan ug tiil, pagpula sa panit sa dughan, tiyan, ikog ug paa; pagsuka; kalibanga nga usahay adunay dugo, eye discharges, grabe nga pagdugo sa ilong, rectum, ug nervous signs. (Butuan City PIO/ PIA-Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TESDA DISTRIBUTES STEP TOOLKITS TO EO70 PRIORITY VILLAGES OF AGNOR TOWN By Eliphaz A. Signar Jr. II

On its fourth wave of Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) Scholars Toolkits Distribution, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Agusan del Norte (TESDA AgNor) goes up to Barangay Casiklan, Las Nieves on April 22, 2021. A total of 251 scholars delightfully received their starter toolkits which were made possible by the initiative of Rep. Lawrence Lemuel “Law” H. Fortun of the first district of Agusan del Norte. Scholars were comprised from the different barangays in the municipality of Las Nieves, such as Casiklan, Durian, Mat-I, Lingayao, Maningalao, Ambacon, and Tinucoran. The Number of Starter Toolkits distributed are as follows: • Produced Organic Fertilizer Leading Organic Agriculture Production NC II – 75 sets;

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• Raised Organic Hogs Leading Organic Agriculture Production NC II – 125 sets; • Carpentry NC II – 19 sets; • Bread Making Leading to Bread and Pastry Production NC II – 32 sets. The activity was spearheaded by TESDA Agusan del Norte, headed by Dir. Rey M. Cueva. It was graced by Rep. Fortun’s Municipal Coordinator Nilo Pagente, together with Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale B. Corvera, represented by Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, Municipal Mayor of Las Nieves, Hon. Avelina S. Rosales, LTC Julius Paulo, Commanding Officer of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion 4ID, Provincial Health Office Head, Dr. Odelio Ferrer, and the Barangay Captain of Casiklan, Hon. Edwin C. Pasqueto. The activity ended with the community singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

HIGAONONS’ YES PUSHES GREEN COFFEE BEAN FACILITY CONSTRUCTION By Zenny G. Awing

The smell of fresh coffee beans is in the air in Caraga as the construction of the Green Coffee Bean Processing Facility in Casiklan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte is bound to start. All thanks to the approval of the Higaonon tribe during the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FCIP) meeting facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on April 21. Represented by three Indigenous Peoples, namely: Melinda P. Masiste, Beniales B. Dominador, and Antonio T. Manlipayan Jr., the signed MOA signified a green light to issue the Certificate of Precondition, a document certifying the building of a facility to be issued by the Provincial Government Unit. This will be given to the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. (CAWFAI), the intended beneficiary Caraga INFOCUS

of the project funded by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project. “The DA and the government are here to build a coffee processing plant that will soon be turned over to CAWFAI. Let’s set our mind that this will benefit not only the CAWFAI but also the IPs here in Casiklan,” assured Atty. Siegfried A. Auza, NCIP Provincial Legal Officer.

Since a portion of the ancestral domain will be used for the infrastructure, a documented consent is needed from the affected party through a signed MOA. “The process that we are doing is part of the agreement. This will allow or nullify the construction of the facility based on your decision,” emphasized Andrew M. Salas, NCIP Bueneascar, Acting Community April 24-30, 2021 |

Development Officer. The IPs agreed to the provisions stating the acceptance and approval of building a processing center worth P19 million. This will further boost the barangay’s coffee enterprise and increase farmers’ income. Moreover, the MOA stipulates that three signatories will represent the Higaonons in Casiklan, making them responsible for the agreement. However, it was made clear that the rights given to the signatories are limited only to the present agreement. Another FPIC meeting will commence before the operation kicks off to tackle the terms and conditions of the enterprise and royalty of the Higaonon. The signed MOA will be forwarded to the province then to the region for the issuance of the Pre-Condition Certificate. Enterprise component head Lynn A. Pareñas witnessed the signing of MOA together with

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NCIP’s Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Siegfried A. Auza. Higaonon voices heard Furthermore, the FCIP served as an avenue to hear the voices of the IPs and clarify their concerns. Tribal leader Datu Beniales B. Duminda encouraged his constituents to unify their answer and say yes to the building facility. He believes the project will benefit all the residents of Casiklan including the IPs since the majority are coffee farmers.

production and income will increase. Additionally, some IPs expressed their gratitude for including them in the whole process. “We are pleased that they made sure to consult us for the construction of this project. We feel that our tribe has been significant to its realization,” Bae Thelma C. Makaundag expressed. DA’s continuing support to CAWFAI

In 2020 CAWFAI received a Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement, MultiCommodity Solar Tunnel “This will surely pour Dryer, coffee roaster, overflowing opportunities grinder, sprayer, hand to the tribe and will tractor, grass cutter, and inspire those who quitted pole pruner from the DA coffee farming to get High-Value Commercial back to business,” Datu Crops Program. This Duminda exulted. encouraged residents in Casiklan to venture According to the 10into coffee farming year coffee farmer, the and join the association 100x100m production making it grow from 15 area sums to P3000 members to 293. With the input only. This earns continued support of the them P7000 per harvest, government, CAWFAI is which lasts for six months. seen to help empower With the processing the livelihood in the area. center, Datu Duminda (DA-PRPD13/PIA Agusan believes both coffee del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

ARMY, RELIGIOUS SECTOR CONDUCT INFO DRIVE FOR AGNOR YOUTH By Cpt. Roel T. Maglalang

The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) and the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church worked together for the conduct of Situational Awareness Knowledge Management (SAKM) for the SDA youth from April 18 to 24, 2021 at the SDA Church in Jamboree Site, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte located near the headquarters of the unit. Around 130 youth members of SDA joined the said sixday “All-in-One FCamp 2021” initiated by the Masigasig Battalion ang the SDA Church. The 23IB troopers, during the activity, facilitated a lecture and open forum activity that enlightened the SDA youth members on the recruitment strategies and deception tactics of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), and its political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF). The participants also watched a film that depicts real experiences of youth and other sectors Caraga INFOCUS

victimized by the CPP-NPANDF. The intervention of the 23IB during the youth activity was led by Capt. Roel T. Maglalang, the civilmilitary operation (CMO) officer of the unit. A former rebel, Kuya Amats, also enlightened the youth on his experiences and hardships while inside the rebel movement. Hel also encouraged the participants to strive hard in their studies for their future. He asked them to be vigilant, especially in schools, from the recruitment of the CPPNPA-NDF. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Commanding Officer of 23IB, expressed gladness that another batch of youth was educated regarding the true agenda of the CPP-

NPA-NDF. “The Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) have been recruiting members and they are targeting the innocent youths, regardless if they are students or outof-school youth. We want to stop the recruitment as long as possible so that there will be no more lives that will be wasted. May there be no more youths who will be fooled again by the CNTs especially the youths that have been faithfully serving God with their clear purpose. We are so glad that we’re given a chance to share our mission with the religious group so that they can also help us spread and prevent the rampant CNT recruitment,” Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) April 24-30, 2021 |

SABA NGA TAMBUTSO GIDILI NA SA CARMEN By SV Deligero

ikaduha ug duha kalibo ug lima kagatos (P2,500.00) ka pesos ug pagkompiska sa motor sa sunod-sunod nga pag lapas niini. Gikan sa pag kompiska sa motor vehicle with modified muffler dugang P100.00 matag adlaw ang idugang nga silot isip impounding fee.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Mipakanaog og regulasyon ang lungsod sa Carmen, Agusan del Norte, sa operasyon o paggamit og modified muffler pinaagi sa Municipal Ordinance No. 67-2020 nga gideklarar nga balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan atol sa ika84 nga sesyon regular kaniadtong Abril 6. Ang maong municipal ordinance gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Julius S. Tamayo. Nakita sa Committee on Laws, Ethics, and Good Government nga gipangunahan ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva,

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nga ubay-ubay nga nanag-iya og sakyanan nga unregulated ang paggamit sa mga motorsiklo diin tangtangon ang silencer o otrohon ang tambutso hinungdan nga makahatag kini og mas kusog nga kasaba o tingog.

Ubos sa maong ordinansa, gitagaag responsibilidad ang tanang sellers, retailers ug repair shops owner o manager sa pagpahinumdom sa matag customer nga adunay ordinansa nga gimugna para sa mopalit og tambutso. Gidili usab sa lungsod sa Carmen ang pagpamaligya og opentyped-mufflers, branded man kini o dili.

Aron mapadayon ang kalinaw ug kaayohan sa tanang katawhan hingpit nga gi-regulate sa Carmen ang paggamit o pag-ilis sa Isip kabahin sa muffler sa ilang sakyanan. implementasyon sa ordinansa, ang Carmen Ang makit-an nga Municipal Police Station makalapas sa maong ug Municipal Security Task balaod pagamultahan Force (MTSF) gitahasang og lima kagatos (P500) maoy modakop sa ka pesos alang sa unang violators. (LGU Agusan opensa, usa ka libo del Norte/PIA Agusan del (P1,000.00) ka pesos sa Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

IP OBSERVANCE GIGAHINAN OG 3 KA ADLAW SA BUENAVISTA By Jessica O. Mellejor

Ang pagyukbo sa mga Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) sa lungsod sa Buenavista gihatagan og dakong pagtagad sa mga lokal nga opisyal ug gi-deklara ang katapusang adlaw sa Miyerkules, Huebes ug Byernes sa bulan sa Oktobre isip Indigenous Peoples observance atol sa selebrasyon sa National Indigenous Peoples Month. Kini ang mando ubos sa Municipal No. 082021 nga gikan sa lungsod sa Buenavista, nga gi-aprubahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug gideklara nga balido pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 198-2021. Pinaagi sa maong ordinansa, sa pagpangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Rolando S. Lanapan, gipalig-on niini ang adlaw alang sa mga lumad gitunong sa bulan sa Oktubre. Usa kini ka mahinungdanon nga adlaw alang sa tanan nga mga IP sa tibuuk nga nasud. Ingon man subay Caraga INFOCUS

kini sa implementasyon sa IPRA law of 1997, ug pagila sa kamahinungdanon sa Indegenous Cultural Community.

nahisubay usab sa Presidential Proclaim No. 486, nga nagdeklara kaniadtong Oktubre 29 nga ingon usa ka National Indigenous People Adlaw kini sa mga lumad Thanksgiving Day agig aron ipakita ang ilang suporta sa pagpatuman kultura ug tradisyon nga sa IPRA Law ug sa pag-ila adunay dakong pagtahod sa kahinungdanon sa mga sa pag-apil sa komunidad Indibidwal nga Komunidad sa IP ngadto sa pagsulong sa Kultura. sa mga kinabuhi, ug socioculture development sa Gi-aprobahan ang usa ka komunidad. Sanggunian Resolution No. 198-2021, sa Ang katuyoan sa municipal pagpanginahan ni ordinance aron mapaligProvincial Board Member on ang pagpatuman sa Meriam G. Pagaran, balaod sa IPRA ug pagtsirman sa Committee on ila sa kahinungdanon Municipal Affairs atol sa sa mga komunidad nga ika-86th regular session kulturanhon sa mga niadtong Abril 23, 2021. Katawhan. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Ang maong lakang April 24-30, 2021 |

BAG-ONG NGALAN SA CAHAYAGAN NHS APROBADO SA SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN By Jessica O. Mellejor

Gi-aprubahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug gideklara nga balido ang Municipal Ordinance No. 63, series sa 2020 gikan sa lungsod sa Carmen, ning lalawigan, “An Ordinance Renaming Cahayagan National High School of Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, Agusan del Norte to Fidel C. Dagani National High School,” atol sa ilang ika 84th nga sesyon regular.

Dagani kinsa mao ang naghatag sa lote alang sa nahisgutang site sa eskuylahan.

Naaprubahan kini subay sa paragraph II (3) sa Revised Guidelines on the Naming and Renaming of Streets, Public Streets, Plazas, Buildings, Bridges and Other Structures of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines nga nagkanayon nga ang Sa bag-o nga ordinansa, publiko nga dalan, nga gipanginahanan eskuylahan, taytayan, ni Sangguniang Bayan building ug uban pang Member Gilda A. istruktura ilalom sa Samaco, ang pag-usab hurisdiksyon sa lokal sa ngalan sa nasangpit nga eskuylahan alang sa nga gobyerno diin ang maong LGU lang maoy pagtahod sa mipanaw maka usab sa ngalan. nga si Fidel Curato

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Basi usab kini sa Seksyon 13 sa Local Government Code of 1991, nga naghatag gahom sa mga Sanggunian sa mga Component city ug munisipalidad mohimo, sa pakig-konsulta sa National Historical Commission nga usbon ang mga ngalan sa mga kadalanan, eskuylahan, kahimsog sa panglawas o bisan unsang uban pang publiko nga mga building nga sakop sa teritoryo niini, labi na kadtong adunay historical o social significance. Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 168-2021, sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on Laws Ethics, and Good Government kauban ang mga co-authors nga si Hon. Rodulfo A. Pitogo ug Hon. Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DSWD-CARAGA CONTINUES TO PROVIDE AID TO AGSUR FRS IN 2021 Fifty-two (52) Former Rebels (FRs) receive cash aid worth P520,000.00, as well as family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits under the National Government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), last April 15, 2021, at the Naliyagan Cultural Center, Patin-Ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga INFOCUS

Field Office Caraga led by the OIC-Regional Director, Ramel Jamen, personally handed the assistance to the recipients. Each of the 52 beneficiaries received cash worth P10,000.00, plus family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits as part of DSWD’s part of the E-CLIP implementation. “Personally, dili ko gusto nga former rebels ang itawag sa inyo, gusto nako nga tawagon kamo’ng bag-ong

katawhan, aron dali nato’ng malimtan ang gidisisyonan nga mga papel sa niagi’ng mga katuigan isip NPA (I would like to refrain from calling you Former Rebels, instead, I wanted to call you as New Persons, so that your previous leaning towards the left-wing disciplines and practices can easily be forgotten),” Jamen said. The E-CLIP is one of the peace-building initiatives of the government to April 24-30, 2021 |

the armed struggle and opted to become productive members of society),“ said Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago ‘Santi’ Cane Jr., live via Zoom.

Jamen

meet the priorities for the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. Its implementation is further intensified by the issuance of the Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) s. 2018 which seeks to institutionalize the Wholeof-Nation Approach to facilitate and pursue the country’s peace agenda. With the government’s calling for full participation of the national government agencies and local government units in the program, DSWD, being one of the members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), affirms the implementation of the program through the provision of social welfare and protection program/services towards beneficiaries.

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Other members of the NTF-ELCAC also participated in handling the assistance to the beneficiaries. These members were Edgar Ostos Ga, Municipal Barangay and Community Development Head, Major Ariel Pabria, Executive Officer of 26 IB, and Brigadier General Allan Hambala, Commanding Officer of the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army. “Usa kini ka activity karon pagpamatuod kung unsa ka sensero ang atong gobyerno alang niadtong atong mga kaigsuonan nga nahisalaag, mga dating NPA nga karon nibalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno. (This event is a solid evidence of our government’s sincerity to help our Former Rebels who abandoned

Protective Services Division (PSD) Chief, Jessie Catherine Aranas, emphasized that this assistance will surely help the FRs start anew. Sarrah Rose Salingay, Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) Head, also added that the assistance will serve as instrument for the Former Rebels to feel accepted in their reintegration to society. On behalf of fellow FRs, alias Datu, 64-years-old, expressed gratitude to the government for the renewed hope and for giving them another chance to recover from the lost opportunities. Datu already has his own start-up poultry business. Datu also added that the assistance given by DSWD FO Caraga will never be put into waste since he will use it in expanding his farm. (DSWD-Caraga/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

FORMER CTG SYMPATHIZERS IN AGSUR RECEIVE VARIOUS ASSISTANCE The first batch of former members from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) front organization -- the Nagkahiusang Maguuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR), received various assistance from the government agencies concerned during a meeting held on April 18, 2021 at the San Toribio Gymnasium in Barangay San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade (402nd), Philippine Army Caraga INFOCUS

By Major Francisco Garello, Jr.

through its operationally controlled unit, the 42nd CMO Company, facilitated the said event and ensured the safety and security of all the attendees. A total of eight out of the 15 farmerorganizations comprising the Esperanza United Farmers Federation Association (EUFFA), the former NAMASUR after it was redirected, actively joined in the meeting and benefited from the assistance and commitment from the Department

of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Caraga region. These eight barangays are as follows: Brgy. Anolingan – five sacks feeds from DA; Brgy. San Toribio - three piglets and four sacks of feeds from DA; Cebulan – 2,000 fingerlings and eight packs growing seeds from BFAR; Brgy. Crossing Luna – three sacks of April 24-30, 2021 |

feeds from DA; Duangan – two sacks of rice from DA; Brgy. Guadalupe – three sacks of rice from DA; Dacutan – three sacks of rice from DA; and Brgy. Labao – two trays of eggs for ‘Balot’ from DAR. In attendance during the said activity were TESDA Caraga Regional Director Tarhata Mapandi; DA Caraga Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega; BFAR Caraga Asst. Regional Director Edgardo Balambao together with their representatives from their local offices in the province and municipal levels. Also present in the said activity were regional director Manuel Orduna of the National

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Intelligence and Coordinating Agency (NICA). He led the information awareness drive about the CTG deceptive recruitment and the needed actions to counter the deceptive recruitment. “We are here committed in providing information and awareness to the conflict affected communities,” he said. Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander, underscored that the commitment and support that the team had displayed will be instrumental in paving the way of other communities still considered as conflict affected areas to emulate the said federation and fully support the government.

“We assure our partner agencies and other stakeholders of the 402nd Brigade’s unwavering support and commitment to facilitate and bring the government closer to the people. While we push forth and sustain our focused military operation against the armed component of the CTG to force them to abandon the armed struggle and surrender, we exhort every peace partner agencies/stakeholders to sustain the efforts of the whole of nation approach in addressing the issues brought about by insurgency in order to attain a peaceful and conflict resilient communities,” Licudine said. (CMO, 402nd Brigade/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

NCIP-CARAGA CONDUCTS COMMUNITY VISIT, OUTREACH PROGRAM

A month after the last visit, the personnel from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)–Caraga led by Atty. Leslie Mae Plaza, acting chief of Technical Management and Services Division (TMSD), returned to Mahagsay, San Luis of this province on April 8, 2021 for another Community Visitation and Outreach Program, and to join the Banwaon tribe in time of their Dumalongdong celebration.

the anointment of future leaders of the community, the supplication from Magbabaya for the cleansing of the community and healing of the sick, and the acceptance and reconciliation of returning brethren. For each intention, offerings to Magbabaya were extended.

The event was also a form of thanksgiving for the approval of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 250 of Dumalongdong is the the Banwaon Indigenous most significant gathering Cultural Communities/ of the Banwaon, wherein Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/ elders and leaders of the IPs) on December 3, 2020. community are all gathered An album containing in this event. Katangkawan photos during the social Wilfred Napongahan led preparation and survey the said activity. There were was given to them to several intentions for the forever commemorate this sacred event these include achievement. Caraga INFOCUS

Meanwhile, the NCIPCaraga and the local health unit led the distribution of over-thecounter medicines and vitamin supplements. Packs of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL) were distributed especially that several residents experienced diarrhea. Food packs composed of three-kilo rice, coffee, milk, canned goods, and noodles were also handed to some 90 patients suspected of cholera. In addition, used toys and candies became the source of joy for Banwaon children. The three volumes of Epanaw Coffee Table Books were also turned over to the Banwaon ICCs/ IPs. (NCIP-Caraga/PIAAgusan del Sur) April 24-30, 2021 |

AGSUR EYES 7 TOWNS TO BECOME CRADLE OF ECO-TOURISM Seven towns in this province are seen potential to be developed for eco-tourism. These are the municipalities of Talacogon, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz and Veruela, where the Agusan marsh is also located.

By David M. Suyao

Anna Nuguid laid down her manifestation to House Committee on Tourism Chairperson Sol Aragones saying the passage of the Bills filed by Rep. Plaza will help institutionalize more intervention for the protection and sustainable tourism development of the The House of area and will give due Representatives recognition to Agusan Committee on Tourism del Sur to take its rightful and Committee on place in history, not only of Appropriation has the Philippines but of the forwarded House Bill No. world for it to be placed 8956 to the Senate after it in the international tourism was approved during the map. The Bills will also third reading on March 25, strengthen community2021, and received by the based tourism initiatives Senate on April 12, 2021. for the indigenous people communities in the area House Bill (HB) No. 8956 and will create more replaces HB 3667 which livelihood opportunities. was filed on February 3, 2020, by Agusan del In the same zoom Sur Second District Rep. meeting, former DENR Adolph Edward Plaza Caraga Regional Director and was approved on Hadja Didaw Piangthe second reading only Ibrahim called H.B. 3667 on March 16 and finally (now HB 8956) a very approved on the third important Bill because reading after nine days. it will support the efforts of the protected area During a virtual “zoom’ management board in meeting in August last protecting Agusan Marsh year, former Department having been declared a of Tourism (DOT) Caraga protected area pursuant Regional Director Maria to Republic Act 11038

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under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act. Agusan Marsh is also declared as ASEAN Heritage Park. Meanwhile, in his explanatory note, Rep. Plaza said that the Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Development and Management Plan shall ensure the preservation of the area and shall dwell on the carrying capacity of the Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Zone and its endemic and migratory birds species, specific site assessment, identification of strategic priorities, product development plans for local income generation, capacity building for the local community, strategies to promote the formulation of local production groups and networks, including the marketing and pricing of products and, marketing strategies that uphold natural, social and environmental integrity of the eco-tourism zone and its local residents. (PPIO-Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

ROAD REHAB IN SURSUR’S CONFLICTAFFECTED AREA NEARS COMPLETION By 1st Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

The Surigao del Sur Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTFELCAC) has set another developmental footprint as it revealed an ongoing farm-to-market road rehabilitation from Sitio Simowao (Kilometer 9) to Sitio Han-ayan (Kilometer 16) in barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur in an ocular inspection on Monday. The project is part of the implementation of the National Task Force Caraga INFOCUS

ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP). These sitios were formerly the haven of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). Barangay Diatagon of Lianga was then a home for the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) alleged front schools, Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS), and Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development

(ALCADEV) which were exposed by former rebels and ordered to stop its operations by the Lianga Indigenous People (IP) Council by virtue of resolutions and ordinances adopted by the Local Government Unit and backed by the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Currently, Surigao del Sur Governor and Regional Peace and Order Council Chairman, April 24-30, 2021 |

kalagayan at kahirapan ng tribo hindi lamang sa Surigao del Sur kundi sa buong Pilipinas. Pag tinanggalan mo ng budget ang NTF-ELCAC BDP, hindi matutuloy ang mga project na para sa aming mga conflictaffected barangays at dadami nanaman ang rebelde dahil sa kahirapan,” Datu Rico Maca said. Alexander T. Pimentel, has supported the rehabilitation of the farm-to-market road by providing fuel and equipment as the 544th Engineer Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion provided the manpower and security to finish the development projects. The road rehabilitation was instrumental as it opened the gateway for government services. The NTFELCAC’s orchestration of government efforts to address the root causes of NPA terrorism has resulted in the establishment of DepEdaccredited IP Schools of Living Tradition (DepEdSLTs), the provision of livelihood settlement

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grants, the delivery of various social and basic services to the IP communities was realized and sustained. The IP communities in Surigao del Sur, Lianga tribal chieftain Datu Constancio Duhac, and IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Alexander S. Bucales along with San Miguel IPMR, Rico Maca said that NTF-ELCAC’s thrust has freed them from the bonds of CPPNPA exploitation and opened the gateway for IP communities towards sustainable development. “Ang mga senador na gustong tanggalan ng budget ang NTFELCAC at BDP ay hindi nakakaintindi sa

“Ang NTF-ELCAC ang aming pag-asa sa pagunlad ng aming tribo. Kapag nagawa na ang mga kalsada mas mabilis nanaming maibababa ang mga produkto naming at mawawala na ng tuluyan ang mga NPA dahil wala na silang mapagtataguan,” Datu Constancio Duhac added. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur will implement the BDP and the municipalities have already prepared the documentary requirements to push through with the identified projects that would address the roots of conflict in the province. (CMO-3rd SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

1,035 BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE SALARIES FROM DOLE’S TUPAD IN SURSUR Region which is P320.00/ day. Minimum health protocols were observed during the duration of the activity.

Some 1,035 beneficiaries of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) have received their salaries from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Surigao del Sur on Friday, Apr. 23, 2021. A total of P4,968,000.00 TUPAD salaries were released to the beneficiary-workers in the informal sector. The said beneficiaries were coming from the local government units (LGUs) of Barobo, Tagbina, Bislig City, and Tandag City, the first Caraga INFOCUS

batch to finish their shortterm work engagement that involved cleaning of public facilities and community gardening. According to the DOLE Surigao del Sur Provincial Office, of the 1,035 beneficiaries, 200 of whom are from the LGU of Barobo, 666 from LGU-Tagbina, 78 from Bislig City, and 91 from Tandag City.

The TUPAD Program is a safety net program that provides temporary wage employment to the workers in the informal sector particularly the unpaid family workers and selfemployed workers with elementary occupations who were displaced or whose earnings were affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was learned. (with a report from DOLE/PIASurigao del Sur)

Based on the report, each beneficiary received P4,800.00 for the 15-day work (4 hours a day only); following the prevailing minimum daily wage in the April 24-30, 2021 |

DAR TURNS OVER P23.9M INFRA PROJECT IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN By Daryll M. Tumbaga

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through its Project ConVERGE recently conducted a symbolic turned over of the farm-tomarket project in Barangay Mabini, Placer town. The said project ConVERGE (Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment) is a farm-tomarket road project worth P23.9 million that has a span of 2.1 kilometers. It will benefit 344 direct beneficiaries and 2,902 indirect beneficiaries. With the construction of the said project, it is expected to boost the Coconet and Biofertilizer Enterprises projects of the municipalities of Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag and Placer agrarian reform cluster. “It was only a dream and now a reality. The people of Mabini are very grateful to DAR and the Local Government Unit of Placer for making this dream come true,” said Ruel S. Moneda, the Barangay Captain of Mabini, Placer town. The said project was funded under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with counterparts from the local government unit of Placer and the

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national government. DAR Surigao del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Maria Elezabetn L. De Guzman said the concreting of farm-to-market road is a sub-project support to the main project which is the coconet and bio-fertilizer enterprise. On the other hand, Mayor Jovie Marie C. Villazon of Placer could not contain her excitement after the turnover. “For almost two years, after the challenges that have been encountered along its implementation at last the project is now being turned over,” she said. Mayor Villazon thanked the DAR for its continuing effort in providing services to its beneficiaries especially to the people of Placer and also expressed her undying support to the future endeavors of DAR in partnership with the local government unit of Placer. The construction of the said farm-to-market road has taken a backseat due to the global health emergency crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic coupled with some issues on road right of way.

Meanwhile, DAR Caraga Regional Director Leomides R. Villareal underscored that the project is a manifestation that the government wants the people to feel that its government is working for their welfare. Further, he challenged the people of Mabini to take care of this project. On his part, Project ConVERGE National Project Director Faisar Mambuay emphasized that the said project will minimize the travelling expenses of the farmers and speeds up the hauling process of their products. “With Project ConVERGE, government agencies have pooled their resources together to teach the farmers the value chain approach and make them entrepreneurs through their agrarian organizations,” said Dir. Mambuay. He added that the project will not stop in capacitating the farmers, but until such time that they have forged marketing agreements for their products and established their credibility in accessing production loans not just from government banks but from private financing institutions as well. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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BFAR CARAGA JOINS CONSULTATION ON REGULATION OF CATCHING LOBSTERS

A consultative conference to discuss concerns on catching of puerulus lobster and its related governing laws and regulations was held on April 22, 2021, in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

For the past seven years, the municipal local government unit (MLGU) of San Agustin in Surigao del Sur has visibly observed the existence of puerulus lobster in its municipal waters, a commodity which demand and market pricing are quite attractive and profitable. However, the method by which this specie is caught raised a concern for the LGU, despite the enacted Republic Act 10654 and its corresponding Fishery Administrative Order. Caraga INFOCUS

Dir. Nilo S. Katada, officer-in-charge of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in Caraga, together with the chief of the Fishery Inspection and Quarantine Service Hanawi B. Alauya and the Provincial Fisheries Office of Surigao del Sur personnel, attended the meeting and provided significant insights and clarifications for the regulation of catching puerulus lobsters. San Agustin Mayor Libertad O. Alameda and Municipal Agriculturist Genalyn Campos also attended the said consultation. It was participated by the barangay and municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management

Councils (FARMCs) and the buyer-consolidators of the said commodity. As an impression, the MFARMC members were pleased by the presence of director Katada who delivered his viewpoints on lobster industry. They were also satisfied by the outcome that they were able to understand and agree not only on lobster issues but even the use and zoning of municipal waters. The consultation output shall form part of the Coastal Community Alliance Unified for Sustainable Ecosystem (CCAUSE) Lobster Ordinance, wherein the MLGU San Agustin is an alliance member. (DABFAR Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte) April 24-30, 2021 |

BFAR, UNDP-GEF HOLD WORKSHOP FOR ‘OCTOPUS MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK PLAN’ management measures for sustainable octopus fisheries.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)-Global Environment Facility (GEF) rconducted a MindanaoCluster Stakeholders Consultation Workshop for Octopus Commodity on April 13-14, 2021. The activity was attended by participants from Regions 9, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) via online platform. The workshop was aimed at developing a National Management Framework Plan as part of implementing the Global Sustainable Supply Chains for Marine Commodities

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Project. It sought to contribute to the sustainability of marine commodities, specifically octopus and blue swimming crab for the Philippines’ component by strengthening platforms in managing these fisheries and implementing fishery improvement projects in the value chain. National consultant Dr. Asuncion De Guzman served as resource speaker and facilitated the ‘root cause analysis’ on the Philippine octopus commodity. The workshop included the identification of management issues in the Philippine octopus fisheries and suggested

The output of the virtual workshop will be consolidated with that of the Luzon and Visayas clusters for the coming up of a holistic National Management Framework Plan for Octopus including its action plan following the concept of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management. The participants of the said workshop were the octopus gatherers, consolidators, processors together with the local government units that have octopus fishery, local non-government organizations, academe, and BFAR personnel from the Regional Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Service and from the National Stock Assessment Program. In Mindanao, Region 9, Caraga and BARMM are octopus top-producing regions that support the local and export industries which generate high income. (DA-BFAR Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

ONLINE SEMINAR FEATURES ONION ARMYWORM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES By Jhon Marvin R. Surio

Research results on the management of onion armyworm (OAW) were the highlight during the monthly online seminar of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) on Mar. 9, 2021 via Facebook Livestream.

corn, rice, ampalaya, eggplant, tomato, hot pepper, legumes, and kamote, among others, which makes it an economically important pest.

Some of the strategies discussed include traps, some natural enemies of OAW, and chemical Scientist Mario Navasero pesticides. of the National Crop Protection Center One of the traps of the University of mentioned was the Philippines Los the synthetic sex Baños shared relevant pheromones used to information regarding lure the pest’s male the pest’s migration adults. Based on and infestation patterns, studies abroad, it was as well as potential recommended to have strategies for its control. 20 lures for a hectare or one lure per 50 square “This is a ‘transboundary meters. plant pest’ which means that it has Another option was the the ability to migrate use of white UV lights between islands and which attract both male even countries,” and female adults, Navasero revealed. but with the use of electricity. OAW feeds on the Two natural enemies leaves of an array were also identified of vegetables and such as the parasitoid crops including onion, wasps braconid and Caraga INFOCUS

Telenomus sp. which lay eggs on the worms and eggs of OAW, respectively, at the cost of the pest’s life. Two microbes were also seen to potentially control OAW. One is the fungus Metarhizium rileyi which grows and encloses the pest in its spores. The other is the Spodoptera exigua Multi Nucleopolyhedrosis virus which causes the pest to disintegrate. As for the use of pesticides, Navasero advised to use them properly and to utilize ones that belong to different groups of known modes of action. The online seminar was participated in by 483 individuals nationwide and viewed by more than 5,000 people around the world on the said platform. (DABAR/PIA-Surigao del Norte) April 24-30, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

BARMM STARTS TO BUILD P25-M TOWN HALL IN MAGUINDANAO By Noel Punzalan BREAKING GROUND. (From right) MILG-BARMM Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular, Vice Mayor Imelda Estorninos, and a police official break ground Thursday (April 29, 2021) for the establishment of a PHP25-million twostory municipal hall in South Upi, Maguindanao. The project forms part of the BARMM’s agenda of enhancing public services to local government units of the region. (Photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM)

The upland town of South Upi, Maguindanao is the latest recipient of a PHP25-million worth of town hall project from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister, said Friday the project forms part of the region’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government’s comprehensive intervention and support to the local governments through its Local Government Facilities Development Program and the Support to Local Government Unit Infrastructure Development Project. “The South Upi project was delayed due to the coronavirus disease pandemic but we are trying to cope for lost time,” he said. On Thursday afternoon, Sinarimbo led the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned two-story South Upi town hall in Barangay Timanan and handed over PHP12.5-million as the first tranch for the undertaking to local officials led by Mayor

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Reynalbert Insular. The project is also designed to have a session hall for the Sangguniang Bayan, office of vice-mayor and councilors, and all of the mandatory departments under the local government code. Insular thanked the BARMM government for classifying their town as one of the recipients of the town hall project. “We promise to take good care of this facility for the people of South Upi,” he said. In a separate interview, Bailabi Omar, a South Upi trader, said she was happy with the establishment of a modern town hall for local government transactions. “Once finished, we could now process our business permits and other concerns at the new town hall,” she said in the vernacular. Reynaldo Cagakit, a farmer, said they could now easily follow up land matters with the mayor with the construction of

the new town hall underway. “We live in a far-flung village and with the new town hall, we could easily find the mayor and other local officials to hear us on our land problems,” he said in the Teduray language. Meanwhile, the BARMM, through the MILG, has also started for this year the construction of eight municipal halls in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao. Sinarimbo said the MILG and local government units in the BARMM island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi had also signed memoranda of agreements for the construction of their respective municipal halls. It has also allocated a budget for the construction of 100 units of barangay halls across the region. “The schedule for the groundbreaking ceremonies will start after the month of Ramadan,” Sinarimbo said. (PNA)

April 24-30, 2021 |

MINDANAO HOG INDUSTRY!

2ND HOG BREEDER FACILITY RISES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL Polomolok. During the ground-breaking rites on Thursday, Rodriguez, a Mati City native married to the daughter of South Cotabato businessman, Ben Tiu, said the facility will be operated by experts from CP Foods Corporation to produce fatteners.

A P250-M hog breeder facility with a 2,400-sow level will be established this year in a 16-hectare area in Barangay Don Salvador Lopez, Sr., in this city. It will be the second megahog breeding center to be built in Mindanao this year supporting the initiative of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to boost hog production in the region. The Mati City hog breeding facility is a partnership between Thailand’s biggest multi-national agro-industrial company, Charoen Pokphand Foods Corp. Philippines, and a Mindanao group, Orcas Agrifishing Corp. Orcas is composed of young Mindanao entrepreneurs led by Benjamin Rodriguez III along with several partners,

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including former basketball star Kenneth Duremdes. The Orcas/CP Foods Swine Breeder Facility is the second major investment of CP Foods in the hog industry of Mindanao. Eearlier, CP Foods Philippines Vice Chairman Sakol Cheewakoset led the groudbreaking rites of their first hog breeder facility in Polomolok, South Cotabato which brings them together with an established business family of Nathaniel and Marivet Caballero of Ren & Rel Fishing Corp. They also entered into a partnership with the Caballero family-owned Gensan Feed Mills in operating a huge feed milling facility also in

It is expected to benefit farmers who produce corn and other feed materials in the province and provide employment to locals. Most of all, the project is expected to boost Mindanao’s hog production as the country’s hog industry suffers from the unabated spread of the African Swne Fever. The Mindanao Hog Industry Development Program initiated by MinDA has proposed to CP Foods the establishment of similar hog breeding facilities in at least four more corn production areas of Mindanao, including North Cotabato. (Photos were taken by Mayette Tudlas, MinDA OC and downloaded from the FB pages of Ednar Dayanghirang and Mati City.)

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NATIONAL NEWS

PH ACHIEVING VAX SELF-RELIANCE SHOULD BE PANDEMIC LEGACY: PCOO By Azer Parrocha

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

If the Philippines is successful in developing its own Covid-19 vaccine, it would be the country’s “legacy” during the pandemic, according to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar. In his weekly program “Cabinet Report: The New Normal,” Andanar expressed optimism over plans for the local production of Covid-19 vaccines. Citing Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, he said developing vaccines is not new

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to Filipinos since the Philippines donated vaccines to China in 1939 through the Philippine Red Cross. Dela Peña said the vaccines were produced in the serum and vaccine laboratory in Alabang, which was operated by the University of the Philippines’ College of Public Health, then known as the Institute of Hygiene. “Di na ito bago sa atin, ginawa na natin ito dati, nagpadala pa nga tayo ng bakuna sa China noong 1939…At tulad niya [dela Peña], ako’y paniwala na kaya ulit nating gawin

ito muli (This is not new to Filipinos, we have done this before, we sent vaccine to China in 1939…And like him, I believe we can do it again),” Andanar said. In light of currently limited Covid-19 vaccine global supply, Andanar said it is about time for the country to build selfsufficiency in developing vaccines. “Sa kabila ng krisis na hinaharap natin ngayon, pag-isipan natin: Can we be more self-reliant as a person, as a community, as a country? Siguro iyan na rin ang isang dapat maging legacy ng pandemya, na pagkatapos nito ang Caraga INFOCUS

Pilipino ay sana mas self-reliant dahil kaya naman natin (Despite the crisis we are facing, perhaps it’s time for us to think: ‘Can we be more self-reliant as a person, as a community, as a country? Maybe that should be one of the legacies of the pandemic, that after this, Filipinos should be more reliant because we can do it),” he said. He, meanwhile, urged the nation to join efforts to help and pray for those affected by the ongoing health crisis. “Ipagpatuloy po natin ang pagtutulungan at panalangin hindi lamang para sa ating sarili kundi para na rin sa labis na apektado dito sa atin at sa mundo (Let’s continue our efforts to help and pray not just for ourselves but for those severely affected by the pandemic here and in other parts of the globe),” he added. Dela Peña also expressed confidence over efforts to develop a vaccine, saying it is possible as long as the government has “political will.” Caraga INFOCUS

“Mataas ang level of confidence ko na kaya natin (I have a high level of confidence that we can do it)… All we need is political will,” he said.

To support the local production of vaccines, Duterte told appropriate government agencies to hasten the processing of requirements.

Last week, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the national government is currently in talks with six potential local vaccine manufacturers, two of which have been “aggressive” in planning for local production of Covid-19 vaccines.

There is currently no local vaccine manufacturer in the Philippines. Vaccines being used are currently being imported from other countries.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the possibility of having Covid-19 vaccines produced in the country is an “answered prayer.” “Parang dasal natin ito sa gobyerno kasi historically, the Philippines is one of the laggard, sabi nila because there’s a lot of paperwork at kung anu-ano ang hinihingi (It’s the government’s answered prayer because historically, they are saying the Philippine is one of the laggard [nations] because there’s a lot of paperwork and has so many demands),” he said.

Last Thursday, the Philippines received another delivery of 500,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech. The shipment brings the country’s Covid-19 vaccine supply to around 3.5 million doses, including doses from British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca through the World Health Organization’s COVAX. The Philippines aims to secure 148 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from several companies to inoculate an initial 50 to 70 million Filipinos this year. The bulk of vaccine doses are expected to arrive by the second and third quarters of the year. (PNA) April 24-30, 2021 |

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 28, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GENERAL POPULATION MAY START RECEIVING COVID-19 SHOT BY AUGUST, SAYS VACCINE CZAR

The government targets to start inoculating the nation’s general population in August as it expects to secure steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines from multiple producers, the country’s vaccine czar said on Wednesday. “And then sa August po, we are targeting na pagka dumagsa na po ang ating mga

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vaccine, puwede na po tayong magkaroon po ng target ng population ng general public na po. Vaccination na po tayo by August kasi mayroon na po tayong eksaktong mga bakuna,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a report to President Duterte. He told the President that they hope to have more vaccine deliveries

in June that will enable the government to start vaccinating the country’s economic frontliners.

“At darating na rin po ‘yong --- ‘yong mga binili po ng Go Negosyo, at dadating na rin po ‘yong binili po ng ICTSI nila Mr. Razon at Ayala, lahat ng mga conglomerates darating na rin po ng June so magsasabayCaraga INFOCUS

sabay na po tayo,” he said. Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said they agreed to hold a symbolic mass vaccination of laborers this May 1, Labor Day. “Humiling po si Secretary Bello na magbakuna tayo ng 5,000 na talagang mga frontliners, mga laborers, kasi Labor Day po,” he said. “So ang gagawin po natin magbabakuna po tayo ng mga laborers. And we thank Secretary Duque for approving collectively --- ‘yong lahat po na ano po natin, at marami pong salamat sa IATF.”

Galvez

“At ‘yong iba po kasi ‘yong iba talagang mayroong 27 percent po na ayaw magpabakuna at saka mayroon pong naghihintay ng Pfizer at saka mga Moderna, ‘yong mga vaccine na nasa Western,” he said.

In March this year, the government started immunizing healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities and eyes to conclude it by July.

A total of 250,000 healthcare workers already received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Galvez reported. Some 240,000 senior citizens and 256,000 persons with comorbidities also received the shot.

The government has so far vaccinated one million healthcare workers, with 700,000 still unvaccinated, according to Galvez.

Galvez said they target to vaccinate two million to three million every week once there’s enough vaccine inventory in the country.

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“Meaning ang ating per day is 500,000 to 1 million ang ano po natin makakaya po natin kasi po mayroon po tayong 5,000 na vaccination site. Iyong isang vaccination site po kaya po ‘yong 100. So 500,000 po kayang-kaya po in one day,” he said. The government expects the bulk of vaccine deliveries by June, as supplies from Moderna, Sinovac, Gamaleya, AstraZeneca, and from the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility come in. It also sees more supply in the third quarter as wealthy Western nations complete immunizing 60 to 70 percent of their populations. PND April 24-30, 2021 |

PRESIDENT DUTERTE EXTENDS NCR PLUS MECQ UNTIL MAY 14 President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has approved Wednesday the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placing Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces or the so-called NCR Plus under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until May 14.

be under general community quarantine (GCQ) while the rest of the Philippines will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

During his address, the President apologized for the two-week extension of the MECQ in the NCR Plus, stressing the move is necessary to address the spiking number of COVID-19 cases and hospital Heeding the advice of health congestion. experts to give breathing space to the struggling “So mga kababayan ko, hospitals, the President put naghihingi lang ako sa inyo Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, ng paumanhin. I’m sorry that Cavite and Laguna under I have to impose a longer MECQ. --- itong modified enhanced community kasi kailangan. Santiago City in Quirino Nag-spike ang --- may spike province and Abra province ang ano, tumaas ‘yong will also be under MECQ infections at ‘yong hospital starting May 1, President natin puno,” President Duterte said in a public Duterte said. address. The chief executive Apayao, Baguio City, appealed to the public Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, to follow governmentMountain Province, mandated health protocols Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva to prevent more people from Vizcaya, Batangas, Quezon, being infected and to help Tacloban, Iligan City, Davao the country recover from the City, and Lanao del Sur will pandemic.

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“So sumunod na lang muna kayo tutal para man ito sa lahat. Ako ‘yong pinakahuling tao na magistorbo sa buhay ninyo. Sabi ko nga eh, I want the people to be comfortable. So sometimes you have to interdict or intervene because it is of national interest. But --- ibig sabihin para sa --- for the good of all ‘yan eh --- tawag nito? Iyong health hazard,” he said. The President said he will hold local officials especially mayors and barangay captains accountable for not enforcing the law and allowing people to congregate that in the end result to the increase in COVID-19 infection. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 6,895 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, putting the country’s total infection figure to 1,020, 495 since the start of the pandemic. Of the 67,769 active cases, 27,891 came from the NCR. There were 935,695 total recoveries and 17,031 fatalities. PND

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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 28, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GOVT’ TO HOLD MAYORS, BARANGAY CAPTAINS ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATIONS OF HEALTH PROTOCOLS President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, April 28, warned local government officials, particularly mayors and barangay captains, that he will hold them responsible for violations of health guidelines in their jurisdictions causing spikes in COVID-19 infections. President Duterte made the warning after hearing reports of mass gathering during a religious event in Malolos, Bulacan, noting several minimum health protocols were violated. Caraga INFOCUS

“Under the police power of the state, ang mayor, ang barangay captain because they are persons of authority, they are the ones who should be responsible for the enforcement of the law,” President Duterte said during his weekly public address on COVID-19 interventions. “Ang guidance binibigay lang sa police because the supervision belongs to the mayor. Ang barangay captain is also a person in authority like a teacher is a

person in authority.” Local officials such as mayors and barangay captains could be penalized under the law for not enforcing the health protocols during the pandemic, according to the President. “So ang gawin ko ganito, I will hold responsible under the law, may batas eh, maraming batas --- there are about five provisions in a different statutes na ang barangay captain siya ‘yong mag-enforce sa April 24-30, 2021 |

law,” he said. “At kung hindi, ‘yong mayor or concurrently the mayor and the barangay captain are responsible for the enforcement of the law, especially if it is a penal law, ‘yong may corresponding, well, preso o ano.” The President said he would direct Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año to hold the mayors responsible whenever there are violations in government health guidelines in their jurisdictions. Not enforcing the law constitutes dereliction of duty and local officials will be punished under the Revised Penal Code, he said. Not knowing what is happening in their areas is not an excuse, the President said, noting the DILG could charge them administratively and criminally. “‘Pag may nangyari pang pistahan o sayawan diyan, ang tawagin ng DILG ang mayor pati ang barangay captain, and then he will proceed to enforce the law,” he said. “Since he is my alter ego

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dito nga sa sinabi ko DILG nandito eh, it’s a civilian department, and he can exercise that power. So siya na.” Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced approved guidelines for community pantries in the country. Secretary Año enumerated the “standards” to be followed by organizers in initiating a community pantry: · Basic health protocols or minimum health standards should be followed and observed; · No illegal and harmful items, including alcoholic beverages and cigarettes; · Both the local government unit and the community pantry organizer could not ask for any kind of fee; · No permit needed but must coordinate thoroughly with the local government unit to ensure compliance with law and ordinances; · Coordination with the local government unit is vital for the following reasons: · The LGU will decide on the venue of the community pantry and to ensure the venue is in the area of those who are really in need; · The LGU will provide a link between organizers

and local producers for the supply needed for the community pantry; · The LGU will enforce security and maintain peace and order through the PNP, barangay tanod, barangay officials, and volunteers; · The LGU will provide a system that will help reach the community pantry to senior citizens and persons with comorbidities that cannot leave their homes. Año noted that one of the visions for the community pantry is to ensure that it is localized, and only the constituents of a certain barangay could join to prevent mass gatherings. “Katulad po noong naganap dito sa Barangay Holy Spirit na in-announce ito sa Facebook kung saan nagdagsaan ang maraming tao at halos sobra pa sa sampung libo ang dumating na mga tao at hindi na na-control at hindi na naipatupad ang minimum health standard,” he said. The DILG will not allow political personalities to politicize community pantries by displaying banners containing their names, Año said, adding everybody’s rights should be respected in organizing community pantries. PND Caraga INFOCUS

1M COVID-19 CASES NOT ‘NEGATIVE REFLECTION’ OF GOV’T RESPONSE By Azer Parrocha

Malacañang on Monday said the country’s Covid-19 infections hitting 1 million mark is not “negative reflection” of the government’s pandemic response. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque maintained that the government is doing a good job preventing the spread of new virus strains in the country. “I don’t think it is a negative reflection…We are managing still the new variants rather well,” he said in a virtual press briefing. On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 8,929 new cases, increasing the country’s total confirmed Covid-19 infections to 1,006,428. It also logged 11,333 recoveries and 70 deaths, bringing the recovery tally to 914,952 and the death toll to 16,853.

buong daigdig, bumaba na po ang ranking natin ibig sabihin mas humusay pa yung ating ranking sa buong mundo (Don’t just look at the nearly 1 million cases. First, around 900,000 have recovered…If you compare it to other countries, our ranking is much lower which means our ranking improved),” he said. Roque said the Philippines currently ranks 26th in the world in terms of total Covid-19 infections based on data from Johns Hopkins and the World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 Dashboard. He also explained that an increase in Covid-19 cases cannot be avoided amid new virus strains and limited vaccine supply.

Instead of looking at the country’s total Covid-19 cases, Roque said the best indicator on whether the country is successful in its response is by looking at Covid-19 recoveries.

“Itong paglobo po ng numero, hindi lang po Pilipinas ‘yan. Yung ranking natin na bumaba tayo patunay po na mas maraming kaso dun sa mga iba’t ibang mga bansa (This increase in numbers is not unique to the Philippines. But our lower ranking is proof that there are more cases in other countries),” he added.

“Huwag niyo po titignan lamang ang 1 million cases. Unang-una, halos 900,000 na po ang gumaling diyan… Kung ikukumpara mo ito sa

Meanwhile, Roque said the government’s pandemic task force is expected to discuss this week the new quarantine classifications for May.

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He earlier said the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) would look into the analytics of the healthcare system of the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus and the rest of the country. Dr. John Wong, consultant for the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, said easing quarantine classification would depend on how well people comply with the wearing of face masks and physical distancing; how fast can the national government and local government unit identify people with Covid-19 symptoms and test, isolate, and quarantine them; and how well indoor businesses with crowds observe the 2-out-3 rule: ventilation, masking, and physical distancing. He noted that the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ (MECQ) in NCR Plus “worked,” but stressed the national and local government still need to monitor and report “on how well they are performing on these indicators.” “Without accountability or visibility on these indicators, I would say we’re not yet ready for GCQ,” Ong said. (PNA)

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NEW SHIPMENT. Airport personnel disinfect the new shipment of the government-procured Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine after it arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday morning (April 29, 2021). The 500,000 more doses increased the Sinovac vaccines delivered so far in the country to 3.5 million, including 1 million donated by Chinese government. (PNA Photo by Joey Razon)

PH’S SINOVAC COVID-19 VAX REACH 3.5M WITH NEW SHIPMENT The Philippines on Thursday received a new shipment of Sinovac’s CoronaVac vaccine, increasing the country’s Covid-19 jabs from China to 3.5 million doses. National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and other government officials welcomed the arrival of 500,000 more doses of CoronaVac vaccine via Cebu Pacific commercial flight at 7:35 a.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. Caraga INFOCUS

By Christine Cudis

Galvez said the additional governmentprocured vaccines will be distributed to the local government units with the highest cases of Covid-19 particularly Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Batangas, Pampanga, Baguio, Cordillera Administrative Region, Iloilo, Negros, and Tacloban. The arrival of 500,000 doses completed the government-procured 1.5 million doses targeted to arrive for the month of April. The country’s received the first batch of 600,000

doses of Sinovac vaccine on Feb. 28 and additional 400,000 vaccines on March 24, all donated by the Chinese government to the Philippines. On March 29, the Philippines received the first 1 million of the 25 million doses of Covid-19 procured by the government from Sinovac Biotech with no less than President Rodrigo Duterte leading the arrival ceremony. In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Galvez said additional 1.5 million doses of Sinovac vaccine will arrive on May 7. April 24-30, 2021 |

On top of the Chinese vaccines, the government expects the delivery of Russian’s Gamaleya Sputnik vaccines in May, and more vaccines under the World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility. The country already received 525,600 AstraZeneca vaccines through COVAX Facility last month. Galvez said the target to vaccinate up to 70 million of the country’s population this year remains achievable since the AstraZeneca jabs ordered by private firms in partnership with the government are arriving by the middle of the year.

maintain independent foreign policy, we are buying not just from one manufacturer. Sa lahat ng pagkakataon na pwedeng magkapartnership tayo, (In every chance that we get a partnership,) we have to establish relations. This will open up areas for cooperation that will help us with our future endeavors,” Borje told the media during the arrival of 500,000 Sinovac vaccines. Pray for India Galvez and Borje urged the Filipinos to pray for India which is experiencing the worst Covid-19 surge.

“We needed the vaccines that we “By June, the vaccines were expecting from from US manufacturer Moderna are expected to AstraZeneca. It largely affected our plan of mass arrive,” he added. inoculation but we have to sympathize with India Meanwhile, Chief of now. We hope that their Presidential Protocol and situation gets better,” Presidential Assistant on Galvez said. Foreign Affairs Robert Borje said President The second wave of Rodrigo Duterte’s Covid-19 infections independent foreign policy is helpful in getting in India has caused over 300,000 people more vaccines from to test positive for the different foreign sources. coronavirus disease in a single day for the past “We follow the directive week. of the President to

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Covid-19 daily cases in India reached 360,960 on Wednesday, taking the country’s total caseload to 17.99 million. “What’s happening in India right now, it just proves that everyone is affected and is suffering in this pandemic. But we also have to look for each other, as the President would say, ‘no one is safe until everyone is safe’,” Borje said Malacañang said on Thursday said the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), will send assistance to India. “I’m sure po, pinagiisipan na iyan ng ating Department of Foreign Affairs kung paano rin tayo makakatulong sa India (I’m sure the Department of Foreign Affairs, is now looking for ways on how to help India),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser. Roque said he would ask the DFA about the possible aid the Philippines would give to India. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

PH COVID-19 SITUATION MAY NOT BE COMPARABLE TO INDIA: EXPERT By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The country’s Covid-19 situation may not be comparable to India’s problem considering the absolute numbers, population-adjusted numbers, reproduction number (Rt), and healthcare utilization rate contrary to the implications of an infographic shared online, an infectious disease expert said Thursday. In a recent social media post, Dr. Edsel Salvana said India has over 200,000 Covid19-related deaths tallying over 3,000 fatalities per day while the Philippines has 17,000 averaging 100 to 150 deaths a day. The country’s population adjusted death rate similar to India - is less than one-tenth that of more advanced countries like the United States, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. “The case fatality rate for both countries is less than the global average. However, cases in India are surging at unbelievable numbers right now and these population adjusted numbers will change. It will take time for the data to catch up but it will get there, unfortunately,” Salvana said.

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As for the reproduction number of cases, the country’s Rt is close to one while India’s Rt continues to go up which means transmission is not being controlled and has not reached its peak. “Indications for the Philippines are that we have reached the peak and are slowly decreasing. I still expect excess deaths to show up in the next 4 to 6 weeks, but hopefully it has plateaued. No such luck for India for now and that is why the whole world is scrambling to help it,” Salvana said. Though the emergency rooms in hospitals were full in the past month, the Philippines’ health care utilization rate for isolation care units (ICU) is 64 percent nationwide and 72 percent in the National Capital Region as of Thursday. “Still not ideal, but we are able to admit critically ill people nowadays in about 1 to 2 days as opposed to almost a whole week in the recent past. India’s ICUs in the surge areas are completely overwhelmed and they haven’t peaked yet. They’re out of oxygen, meds and supplies. This is really scary,” Salvana said.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana (Screengrab)

“But India right now is on a whole different level than anyone else - except maybe Brazil - and I pray they see their cases go down soon. I would not wish that on anyone, and this is why everyone is working so hard to keep this virus under control until we can get everyone vaccinated,” he added. However, Salvana noted that the Philippines still needs to increase its healthcare capacity, following its challenges in the past for weeks. “We do have vaccines and I wish we can get them distributed faster to decrease transmission. We have a lot of work to do to increase healthcare capacity and make our country more resilient,” he said. (PNA)

April 24-30, 2021 |

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