Caraga InFocus –April 3-9, 2021

Volume V, No. 15 April 3-9, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

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RICE FERTILIZER SUPPORT WORTH P169.21 MILLION BOOSTS CARAGA’S PRODUCTION

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DA CARAGA WAGES CAMPAIGN ON RSBSA REGISTRATION PAGTUKOY NG MGA NARARAPAT NA PROYEKTO TINUTUKAN NG MGA BARANGAY LEADERS SA BUTUAN

PROVINCIAL NEWS CONTINUES TOOLKIT DISTRIBUTION IN 14 TESDA AGUSAN NORTE PARTNERS WITH TESDA FOR SKILLS TRAINING 16 ARMY IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE CARAGA CONDUCTS SURVEY FOR ABACA 18 DA ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SUBSIDY MADAWAT SA DEPED 19 P500 CABADBARAN NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL NGA GAMIT SA ONLINE CLASS 20 GADGETS GIPADANGAT SA MGA ESTUDYANTE SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE VEGETABLE GROWERS JOURNEYING 21 AGNOR TOWARDS SUCCESS SA ALUBIHID-MANLANGIT 23 PAGPASEMENTO PROVINCIAL ROAD SUGDAN NA TREATMENT UG SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT 24 SEWAGE SA CABADBARAN GI-ESTABLISAR NGA MAHIMONG PASPAS ANG 25 PAGTABANG PAGPAANGAT SA KAHIMTANG SA IPS GIHISGUTAN TALI SA PROBINSYA UG NCIP 27 SURSUR NEGATIBO NA MULI SA ASF NA SUNOG SA SURSUR 28 MAGKAKASUNOD IKINAALARMA NG BFP SA MGA MAGSASAKA AT MANGINGISDA 29 TULONG NG TANDAG PATULOY

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MINDANAO NEWS

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

REVVING UP ECONOMY: MINDA SEEKS FUNDS, SUPPORT FOR LOCAL INDUSTRIES, AGRI-AQUA EU DELEGATION VOWS SUPPORT FOR BARMM HALAL BEEF PROJECT

NATIONAL NEWS MESSAGE OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE COMMEMORATION OF ARAW NG KAGITINGAN COVID-19 VACCINE INEQUITY ‘A GLOBAL ISSUE’: PCOO CHIEF

BONG GO SENDS MORE ASSISTANCE TO TYPHOON AURING VICTIMS IN NASIPIT, AGUSAN DEL NORTE TO HELP THEM BUILD BACK BETTER

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NOGRALES, NUTRITION COUNCIL LAUNCH TUTOK KAINAN SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE PAYS TRIBUTE TO NATION’S FRONTLINERS ON ARAW NG KAGITINGAN COMMEMORATION

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COVID-19 NEWS

PRRD ORDERS PHILHEALTH TO COVER COVID-19 PATIENTS’ STAY IN TENTS DOH, FDA GIVE GREEN LIGHT FOR CORONAVAC VAX OF SENIOR CITIZENS COVID-19 SALIVA TEST EYED TO EXPAND TESTING CAPACITY

Message of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the Celebration of Easter We join the entire Christian community all over the world in celebrating a joyous and meaningful Easter, remembering the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Resurrection of Christ symbolizes the power of God as our Almighty Creator. This momentous event gives rise to our spiritual renewal, so we may experience rebirth and renewal walk and receive the promised salvation in Heaven and be with Christ and God. Let us renew ourselves and draw inspiration from this sacred occasion that even in the face of adversities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we will always have faith in a new life, a new hope, and a new future for us all.

Let us be optimistic that we will rise and recover as one global community from COVID-19 while we continue to follow health protocols to ensure that we protect ourselves and those around us.

We wish everyone a safe and joyful celebration!

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

18K more priority individu to receive COVID-19 vacci

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

At least 18,000 members of the priority sectors in Caraga region will be receiving jabs for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the third batch of vaccines having arrived in the city on Wednesday, April 7.

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga received 30 boxes containing 36,000 doses of CoronaVac vaccines

from the one million doses procured by the Philippine government from the Chinese manufacturer Sinovac Biotech, the highest number of vaccine allocation from the current batch.

DOH Caraga Asst. Regional Director Dr. Sadaila K. Raki-in said the current

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batch of vaccines is intended for the remaining healthcare workers (A1) in Caraga region.

“We are aiming to vaccinate a total of 53,362 individuals belonging to the A1 priority group. To date, around 19,270 have been vaccinated so we still have more than half of the target Caraga INFOCUS

uals in Caraga ines

following immunization, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Caraga.

“Three or .15% are serious [cases] and the rest are minor cases [experiencing] fever, chest pains, sore throat, those sort of adverse effects following immunization,” said Perla B. Alvizo, Regional Supervisor.

With the health department aiming to inoculate all identified priority sectors, DOH Caraga reiterated its call to implementing partners and local health offices to vaccinate only those identified in their masterlist and avoid giving vaccines to those who do not belong to the eligible population.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

to vaccinate,” the health officer said.

Allocation of the newest batch of vaccines will be made public by the regional office soon, she said.

The DOH Caraga also reports that 98.7% of the previous batches of vaccines were already consumed, with only 200 more doses at their disposal.

Meanwhile, only 3.5% of the vaccinated population in Caraga have experienced adverse effects Caraga INFOCUS

April 3-9, 2021 |

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News Briefs To ensure that correct hygiene and sanitation practices are promoted and maintained in schools and DepEd offices, the WASH in Schools (WinS) focal persons and engineers regularly monitor the WASH facilities. xx

Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC’s) Saliva RT-PCR Test is now available at Robinsons Place Butuan for only P2,000. To avail, the Philippine Red Cross - Butuan City and Agusan del Norte Chapter advised the public to go to https:// book.redcross.org.ph/ and book a saliva test. The results will be sent to the availing individuals via email within 72 hours or track alternatively at c19.redcross.org.ph/track.

In partnership with private entities, the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga and schools were able to provide additional learning materials for Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) for the 1st quarter of CY 2021. DepEd Caraga also participated in the PDRA/IATF and other meetings with officials and representatives from national government agencies.

The Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II, honoring Filipino and American soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder defending their last stand. This year’s commemoration has for its theme, “Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapagtatagumpayan.”

REGIONAL NEWS

RICE FERTILIZER SUPPORT WORTH P169.21 MILLION BOOSTS CARAGA’S PRODUCTION

By Rhea C. Abao

To boost the country’s rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Plant, Plant, Plant, Program (DA-Agri 4Ps) urges farmers to use quality seeds and appropriate fertilizers.

With that, the Department implemented the Rice Resiliency Program (RRP) I in 2020 to increase farmers’ productivity and ensure food security amid the pandemic.

To sustain productivity, DA is now implementing RRP 2 for the dry cropping season (September 2020 - March 2021). It provides inputs to farmers under the four subprojects –the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Enhanced, Expanded Inbred Rice Production, Expanded Hybrid Rice Production and Fertilizer only for Home Save Seeds Users. Around 91,800 farmers in the Caraga region will receive fertilizer subsidy worth P169.21 Million under the RRP II. DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that RRP II targets to sustain the gains of RRP 1. Fertilizer under the project is provided to farmers in the form of subsidy.

RRP II allows farmer-

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beneficiaries to procure inorganic fertilizers at accredited fertilizer dealers, distributors, and accredited Farmer Cooperatives and Associations using a voucher with an amount equivalent to P2,000 per hectare for inbred and home save seeds and P3,000 per hectare for hybrid seeds.

“We encourage the farmerbeneficiaries to utilize the fertilizer subsidy as an add-on to their fertilizer requirement and shall not be treated as a substitute. The additional fertilizers are needed to optimize the yield and profit of Caraga rice farmers,” said Monteagudo.

Based on the Rice Crop Manager, a digital tool developed by International Rice Research Institute that provides farmers with timely field-specific guidelines for crop and nutrient management, fertilizer recommendation is at least 4-5 bags per hectare to match the region’s field condition.

The Philippine Statistics Authority data revealed that the average fertilizer usage of rice farmers in the region is only 3.32 bags per hectare that translates to an actual yield of 3.30 ton/hectare.

The fertilizer assistance along

with other rice interventions paved the way for the region’s palay production Monteagudo to increase by 12% from 449,369.83 metric tons in 2019 and 503,330.88 per hectare in 2020.

As DA-Caraga continues to distribute the vouchers on the fertilizer subsidy, RRP II is expected to contribute to the increase in production by 5% for the 2021 cropping seasons.

Director Monteagudo added that the recorded achievement was a result of the Department’s interventions from the benefits of Rice Tarrification Law, particularly from the P10-billion RCEF, and the regular rice program and RRP. As per memorandum order, No.19 series of 2021 farmerbeneficiaries can claim vouchers until June 15, 2021. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

DA CARAGA WAGES CAMPAIGN ON RSBSA REGISTRATION

By Aurelius P. Arais

Be counted and be part of the agricultural development.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga is continually waving its campaign on the national lists of qualified farmers and fisherfolks to avail various government agri-fisheries projects through the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Hazel Colinares, Regional Focal Person of RSBSA of DACaraga, said that as of March 22, 2021, close to 97,000 farmers and fishers were already RSBSA registered.

“We are appealing to other farmers and fishers who haven’t registered yet to report to their nearest Municipal Agriculture Office to be counted, “ Colinares said during the DA-Caraga’s radio program “Bahandi sa Kaumahan.”

The registration of RSBSA is open to all farmers, farm laborers, and workers, and

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fisherfolks.

“The registration is not just limited to the farm owner but including tenants that should be properly identified,” Colinares clarified.

“For the tenant, they just have to bring certification from the Punong Barangay where the farm is located. However, if the Punong Barangay is not aware of the tenant and owner’s agreement, he or she must bring the written agreement between the lot owner and the tenant as proof,” she added.

Colinares, who is also the Chief of the Extension and Partnership Section of DACaraga, said that to be enrolled, farmers are required to bring a 2x2 colored ID picture and the farm ownership documents such as the land title, tax declaration, and or the barangay certification.

The registration form can be

obtained at their Municipal Agriculture Office.

A successful registrant will receive a stub and they are advised to keep it as proof of being an RSBSA registered.

To fast-track the registration, Colinares revealed that DACaraga hired 51 enumerators, 40 encoders, and 5 clerical staff.

DA Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo reiterated that RSBSA registration is the most basic requirement to avail various services, programs, and projects of the government.

“Through RSBSA, we at the DA will have a clearer picture of how many persons are directly involved in the agrifishery sector and this forms part as the basis for coming up with a comprehensive agricultural project or interventions,” said Colinares.

(DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

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PAGTUKOY NG MGA NARARAPAT NA PROYEKTO TINUTUKAN NG MGA BARANGAY LEADERS SA BUTUAN

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Sa layong maresolba ang mga issue at concern sa mga barangay, naging aktibo ang mga barangay leaders sa lungsod sa pagtukoy ng mga nararapat na proyekto sa kani-kanilang lugar upang mas maging maayos at matiwasay ang pamumuhay ng mga residente dito.

Parte ito sa mas pinaigting na implementasyon ng Barangay Development Program (BDP) sa ilalim ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) sa Caraga region.

Isa si punong barangay Florencio Cagas ng Sto. Nino sa mga umaasang mas mapapaunlad pa ang kanilang barangay sa maibibigay na proyekto mula sa iba’t-ibang ahensiya

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ng gobyerno. Mahalaga aniya ang partisipasyon ng mga barangay leaders sa ginagawang Town Hall Meetings ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) upang malaman ang kanilang mga hinaing at kinakailangang intervention.

“Magandang hakbang ito ng gobyerno dahil natutugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga residente sa barangay sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng mga proyekto na malaking tulong sa pagpapaunlad rin ng kabuhayan ng mag tao,” ani ni Cagas.

Nanawagan din si Cagas kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na mas mapalawak pa ang implementasyon ng BDP hanggang sa kasulok-

sulokang bahagi ng rehiyon.

“Sana mas marami pang barangay ang makinabang sa programa ng gobyerno para matugunan din ang problema sa patungkol sa mga makakaliwang grupo at ng sa ganun ay marami na rin ang magbalik-loob sa gobyerno,” dagdag ni Cagas.

Binigyang diin naman ni Annabel Yangson, local government capability development division chief ng DILG-Caraga, ang mahalagang tungkuling ginagampanan ng mga barangay leaders sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan, lalo na sa pagsugpo ng mga ilegal na gawain sa barangay, maging ang problema sa insurhensiya.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TESDA CONTINUES TOOLKIT DISTRIBUTION IN AGUSAN NORTE Some 534 scholars of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were awarded with starter toolkits during the Second Leg of Awarding of ToolKits on March 23, 2021 at the City Gym in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

The activity was spearheaded by TESDA Agusan del Norte, headed by Dir. Rey

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M. Cueva, in close coordination with the Provincial Training Center-Agusan del Norte, headed by Center Administrator, Engr. Ruben T. Carduza, Sr. The 534 STEP scholars, who were from the municipalities of RTR, Magallanes, Tubay and Cabadbaran City, delightfully received their starter toolkits which were made possible through the efforts of Rep. Ma. Angelica

Rosedell M. AmanteMatba.

The number of starter kits distributed are as follows: • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I 121 sets • Bread Making (Leading to BPP NC II)- 86 sets • Bread and Pastry Production NC II - 75 sets • Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II- 51 sets • Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II 51 sets • Cookery NC II - 50 sets • Prepare Cold Meals ( Caraga INFOCUS

Leading to COK NC II) 25 sets • Cake Making (Leading to BPP NC II) - 25 sets • Produce Organic Fertilizer (Leading to OAP NC II) - 25 sets • Produce Fertilizer (Leading to OAP NC II) 25 sets In her message, TESDA Caraga regional director Tarhata Mapandi congratulated the scholars and instilled in their minds that “Attitude, Behavior, Character and Desire to Succeed” will bring them to greener pastures and opportunities.

On the other hand,

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Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale Corvera acknowledged TESDA’s commitment and support in reaching out to far-flung communities and in giving these communities equal opportunities for skills development thus making skills trainings as an instrument to combat insurgency and issues with peace and development.

In her message, Rep. Matba, also acknowledged TESDA’s role in providing skills and livelihood programs to far-flung barangays in all sectors. She cited

that through TESDA, the women were given equal opportunities like men to be trained with hard skills ( eg.

Carpentry, Welding and even Driving), making skills development available for all sectors in the community, embodying the TESDA Abot Lahat principle. She committed to continue her support in providing Scholarship Programs that aim to address problems with poverty and food security. She mentioned that for 2022 she allotted P10M for the same purpose. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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ARMY PARTNERS WITH TESDA FOR SKILLS TRAINING IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE

By Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr.

The Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Agency (TESDA) Agusan del Norte through the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) for the conduct of a four-day Skills Training to Stingers troopers and its dependents. Said training was held at the headquarters, Brgy.

Bancasi, this city for the first two days and at the NMSF, Brgy Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte for the remaining days.

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A total of 20 personnel of 402nd Brigade and four military dependents completed the said skills training. The participants underwent four days of training on Table Setting, Table Napkin Folding, Table Skirting, Coffee Making, Mixing of Alcoholic and NonAlcoholic Concoction, and Cookery that will be used in the daily activities of the unit, during special occasion and even in their own homes. The training was facilitated by the NMSF headed

by Nancy De Guzman, OIC School Administrator of NSMF, and Training

Section of 402nd Brigade.

The said training is in line with the Brigade’s intent of equipping its personnel with various skills as part of professionalizing the troops under the Army Transformation Road (ATR) map. The endeavor also aims to strengthen the commitment and partnership between TESDA and the Army’s 402nd Brigade under the Provincial Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TFELCAC).

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provided when TESDA personnel are visiting Peace and Development Zones (PDZs) during payouts and other related activities.

BGen. Licudine conveyed his utmost gratitude to TESDA and NMSF for being an instrument in enhancing the troop’s Brigadier General Maurito preserving the peace skills. “This training is Licudine, the 402nd and at the same time Brigade Commander, recognizing their vital role only one of the many partnerships between the said the training, as a in nation-building.

TESDA and this Brigade. convergence program We have ongoing and partnership with He highlighted the projects and programs TESDA, significantly partnership with the intended for the IPs promotes the skills Brigade underscoring and our Former Rebels competency of the the role of the Philippine troops. “As such, we Army thru the Community (FRs) and other lined up activities under the must always endeavor Support Program (CSP) to provide quality in the implementation of convergence of Poverty services that will satisfy livelihood interventions to Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster the expectations of our Geographically Isolated (PRLEC) in line with the stakeholders visiting and Disadvantaged implementation of EO Nr the camp including Areas (GIDAs) which 70,” he said. our own personnel. are the targets of CPPHence, there is a need NPA Terrorist (CNT) “Rest assured that your to conduct this training exploitation.

Army is committed to to provide excellent services as a reflection Dir. Cueva further shared sustain the partnership thru our Community of our standards and the role of the soldiers Support Program in the professionalism,” he said. as a partner of TESDA conflict-affected areas during calamities such and GIDAs in order to Meanwhile, Director as the construction bring the government Rey Cueva, the TESDA and repair of houses, closer to the people Provincial Director, providing transportation and attain peaceful Agusan del Norte, for the toolkits and and conflict-resilient extends his sincerest TESDA scholars, free communities,” BGen gratitude to the soldiers services during the Licudine added. (CMO being the protector civic actions, and the of the people and security assistance being Officer, 402nd Brigade PA) Caraga INFOCUS

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DA CARAGA CONDUCTS SURVEY FOR ABACA ENTERPRISE

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

machines, a nursery, planting materials, and organic fertilizers.

According to SIUFMULCO President Leonora Mila, they have benefitted a lot from the project. “Our production went up from 80 – 150 metric tons prior to the PRDP project, now, our production is at 200 metric tons per month,” Mila said.

In a bid to determine the impact of the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprise Subproject of the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP 13) recently conducted a Rapid Appraisal of Emerging Benefits (RAEB).

Apart from the Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) staff, the RAEB was also participated by personnel from the Project Support Office (PSO) – Mindanao, and personnel from the Provincial Project Implementing Unit (PPMIU)

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of Agusan del Norte.

To obtain the needed data, a Focused Group Discussion with the Coop Officers and a household survey with the other project beneficiaries were conducted. In addition, the production areas of the farmer recipients were visited.

The SIUFMULCO availed of the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprise Subproject in the year 2017. Under the said subproject, the cooperative received a 900 squaremeter warehouse and a 600-square meter drying pavement. They were also provided with two units of hauling trucks with 18.3 tons capacity, 30 stripping

Further, the two hauling trucks given to them have made transporting their produce to their buyer easier. She shared that before, they had to wait for their buyer to pick up their products, but now, they can do the delivery anytime.

Mila also said that their members were also encouraged to plant more abaca after seeing that they can really earn a lot from this enterprise.

The conduct of the RAEB aims to gauge the effects of the interventions given to the beneficiaries so far so as to determine also sustainability measures for the continued implementation of the subproject. (DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

P500 FINANCIAL SUBSIDY MADAWAT SA DEPED CABADBARAN NON-TEACHING PERSONNEL

By Jessica O. Mellejor

Makadawat na og P500 kada bulan isip financial subsidy ang tanan nonteaching personnel sa Department of Education (DepEd)- City Schools Division sa syudad sa Cabadbaran human giaprubahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug gideklara nga balido ang City Ordinance No. 2021002, “Granting a monthly financial subsidy in the amount of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) to all non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd)City Schools Division of Cabadbaran City, appropriating funds thereof and for other purposes,” sa pagpangamahan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Leo Dale A. Corvera.

Nakita sa mga lokal nga opisyal sa syudad ang mga nahimo sa mga non-teaching personnel sa DepEd City Schools Division sa Cabadbaran, nga karon naggasto og igo nga kantidad aron makahatag teknikal nga tabang sa mga magtutudlo sa eskuylahan pinaagi sa online, paggasto sa gasto sa transportasyon alang sa pagmonitor

Caraga INFOCUS

sa eskuylahan ug sa pagtambong sa mga virtual nga miting ug seminar nga nanginahanglan nga gamiton nila ang kaugalingong kuwarta aron matuman ang mga maong buluhaton.

Tanan nga mga dili magtutudlo nga mga kawani sa DepEd City Schools Division sa syudad sa Cabadbaran apil ang Division School Administrators ug Division personnel, kwalipikado nga makadawat og subsidy apan ang mga job order (JOs) ug mga trabahante sa contract of service (COS) wala’y labot nga makadawat sa nasangpit nga benepisyo.

Mahinumduman nga kaniadtong tuig 2018, ang Sangguniang Panlungsod

sa Cabadbaran nagpatuman sa City Ordinance No. 2018-041 nga naghatag bulanan nga allowance sa tanan nga magtutudlo sa publiko nga tunghaan sa Deped City Schools Division sa Cabadbaran, sa ingon naghatag kanila sa kantidad nga P500.00 matag bulan gituyo aron matabangan sila alang sa pagpalit sa mga materyales sa pagtudlo sa klasehanan.

Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 145-2021, sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Rodulfo A. Pitogo, tsirman sa Committee on Education and Culture, atol sa ika82nd nga sesyon regular.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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GADGETS NGA GAMIT SA ONLINE CLASS GIPADANGAT SA MGA ESTUDYANTE SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

By Karen Decamotan

Gi-turn over sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ug Ayala Foundation, Inc. ang 25 ka tablets ug 150 ka wifi modems ngadto sa mga estudyante sa elementarya ug senior high school sa pinili nga tunghaan sa probinsya.

Sa pagpanguna ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ug ni Garrett Paolo B. Nolasco, ang senior manager sa Mindanao operations sa Ayala Foundation Inc., ug mga superintendents sa Department of Eduction (DepED) sa Agusan del Norte Schools Division, gihatag nila ang mga units ngadto sa mga maestra ug maestro sa matag tunghaan ingon man sa mga ginikanan sa mga estudyante nga mitambong sa nahitabong Turn-over Ceremony niadtong Marso 30 sa Pietros Square, Butuan City.

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Sumala pa ni Nolasco, pasiuna pa lamang kini ug naa pay moabot nga laing 70 units alang sa mga estudyante sa Cabadbaran City.

Sa iyang mensahe, gibutyag ni Gob. Corvera nga napili ang probinsya isip usa ka recipient niini tungod sa kasamtangang partnership tali sa Ayala Foundation ug probinsya pagpatuman sa usa ka Youth Leadership program.

“I am very happy of what is happening now kay para nako, this is a breakthrough.

Daghan ang gusto ma enroll sa online classes, ang problema walay gadgets, walay opportunity nila nga makagamit og ingon ani,” matud ni Gob. Corvera.

“Daghan tingale mo enroll if we will give them an opportunity nga maka hold og ingon ani. Ug magpadayon ni. Maybe

the province will allocate some funds to procure para ihatag pod nato sa mga bata nga gusto mo enroll og online classes,” dugang sa gobernador.

Ang makadawat sa mga units mao ang mosunod nga tulunghaan: Culit Elementary School sa Nasipit – 3 units sa Home Wifi Devices; Buenavista Central Elementary School – 7 units of Home Wifi Devices; Buenavista SPED Elementary School – 116 units of Home Wifi Devices ug 10 ka tablet units; Buenavista National High School – 1 unit of Home Wifi Devices; Carmen National High School – 20 units of Home Wifi Devices ug 15 tablet units.

Nakatakda usab nga mahatag ang dugang units sa Cabadbaran City sa karong buwan sa Abril.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

AGNOR VEGETABLE GROWERS JOURNEYING TOWARDS SUCCESS

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

Contributed file photo

A thirst for knowledge and a desire for an improved way of living served as the driving factors for a vegetable growers association to rise above their olden ways.

organized, they only followed the traditional ways in farming which they learned from either family or other farmers.

“We used to spend so much on seeds and fertilizers because we The Nasipit Vegetable lacked awareness of Growers Association the new technologies in (NAVEGROWA) is made up farming,” Alaman said. of 35 vegetable growers with 80% of their members It was an Agricultural coming from the highland Technologist from the areas of the municipality of Municipal Agriculture Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Office (MAO) of Nasipit, who encouraged them to NAVEGROWA President organize themselves into Raquel Alaman shared an association. Realizing that before they were that there is much to Caraga INFOCUS

gain in belonging to an organization, it was then that they formed the NAVEGROWA in the year 2018.

The interventions then started pouring in, starting from the Local Government Unit through the MAO helped them in strengthening their association and providing technical assistance.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)– Caraga, meanwhile, assisted the group through the provision of farm inputs April 3-9, 2021 |

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Contributed file photo

such as vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides as well as plastic mulch, knapsack sprayers, plastic drums, and HDPE pipes. There were also trainings and technology demonstration on vegetable production conducted late last year.

According to Alaman, the techno demo was like a turning point for them.

“We really appreciated the conduct of the techno demo because we learned so much from it.

Through the techniques taught to us, we realized that we can do vegetable production with minimal expenses but gain a big income,” she narrated.

area which only measured 1,500 square meters which is way higher compared to her own personal experience of earning P70,000 from a onehectare production area.

Alaman added that now that they are knowledgeable on the new technologies and convinced of their efficiency, they are leaving behind their old farm practices. She said that they have started to apply what they have learned on their individual farms.

She also said that they were also taught about organic farming which they are now practicing.

She said that they have According to Alaman, they chosen to adopt organic earned around P40,000 agriculture since it is less from the demonstration costly and it is also not

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harmful to consumers.

For now, the group is planning on renting an area for another round of techno demo which will also serve as their communal garden.

They also plan on expanding their areas so that they can also increase their production.

Further, the association plans on establishing a “bagsakan” which will serve as a consolidator for vegetables in Nasipit.

Alaman said that although they are relatively still a young organization, she is optimistic that they will really prosper because everyone is eager to learn and willing to cooperate.

(DA 13 – RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PAGPASEMENTO SA ALUBIHID-MANLANGIT PROVINCIAL ROAD SUGDAN NA Giimplementar na ang pagsemento sa Alubihid-Manlangit Provincial Road (Phase ll), Barangay Alubihid, lungsod sa Buenavista nga mokabat sa P19,993,965.51 nga gigahin sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte.

Kini adunay gitas-on nga 1,890 linear meters.

Alang sa hapsay nga implementasyon sa maong proyekto gihatagan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 092-2021, og otoridad si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera isip tubag sa hangyo niini pinaagi sa sulat pinitsahan Pebrero 17, 2021 nga hatagaan og pahanugot sa pagpirma sa ngalan sa probinsya tali sa JD-RG Construction nga maoy motrabaho sa maong proyekto.

Ang Manlangit usa ka sityo sa Barangay Alubihid nga Caraga INFOCUS

By Jessica O. Mellejor

nahimutang ibabaw sa bukid diin didto madungawan ang Buenavista ug Butuan City apil na ang Butuan Bay. Giaprobahan sa 18th Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte, sa pagpanguna ni Bise Gobernador Ramon AG. Bungabong, ang maong proyekto tungod kay ang pagimprove/upgrade sa maong provincial road mahinungdanon kaayo ilabina panahon sa emergency aron sayon ug luwas ang pag-agi

sa katawhan ug aron usab molambo ang ekonomiya sa maong dapit.

Ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 0922021 nga naghatag og otoridad sa pagpirma sa Contract Agreement gipangamahanan nila Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva ug Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona isip principal authors, ug naaprobahan atol sa ika 79 nga sesyon regular kaniadtong Marso 1.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) April 3-9, 2021 |

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SEWAGE TREATMENT UG SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT SA CABADBARAN GI-ESTABLISAR

By Jessica O. Mellejor

Atol sa ika 81st sesyon regular sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte niadtong Marso 15, 2021, gipalabang ang resolusyon nga nag establisar usa ka husto nga sistema sa pagdumala sa mga hugaw ug septage management sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, lalawigan sa Agusan del norte.

Tumong ug tuyo sa City Ordinance No. 2020-054 sa syudad nga gidiklara sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga subay sa balaod, nga mailikay ang katawhan sa syudad sa epekto sa water pollution pinaagi sa pag establisar og mga mekanismo batok niini.

Gilangkob sa maong ordinansa ang mga residential structures, commercial ug industrial establishments, lakip na ang government al ug institutional structures.

Basi sa Section 13. Prohibited Acts - Gidili ang mga mosunod: a. Pagdumili sa pag desludge o paghinlo sa septic tank; b. Pagdumili sa mga bag-o ug adunay na puy-anan, komersyal, pang-industriya, pangagamhanan, ug pasilidad sa institusyon nga makakonektar sa magamit nga mga linya sa imburnal; c. Pag-labay sa septage wastewater sa mga kanal, suba, ug uban pang natural ug artificial waterway ug uban pang bukas nga lugar; d. Paghinlo ug pagdala sa septage nga walay mga

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permiso ug accreditation gikan sa mga otorisadong ahensya; ug e. Ang pagkuha / paggamit sa serbisyo nga iligal / dili akreditado nga desludger, transporter sa bisan kinsa nga tawo o pagtukod aron mawala ang septic tank o ilabay ang ilang wastewater.

nga serbisyo sa komunidad, ug padayon nga pagdumili sa pagisyu sa clearance sa barangay hangtod nga ang tag-iya ug/o mogamit nakasunod sa mga probisyon sa kini nga ordinansa.

Multahan kadtong si bisan kinsa nga magalapas sa mga mando sa maong balaod.

A. Para sa mga Residential Homeowners (Cities)

Unang paglapas - P2,500 ug ang pag-isyu sa usa ka pahibalo sa paglapas sa komunidad; Ikaduha nga paglapas P5,000.00 ug Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order.

Unang paglapas - P1,500.00 ug ang pag-isyu sa usa ka pahibalo sa paglapas; Ikaduhang paglapas - P2,500 ug mandatory environment related community service; Ikatulo nga paglapas - P5,000.00 ug dili pag-isyu sa clearance sa barangay; ug ang mosunod pa nga paglapas – P5,000 may kalabotan sa palibot

B. Alang sa mga tag-iya sa negosyo (Cities)

Ang ordinansa gi-aprobahan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 126-21 sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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PAGTABANG NGA MAHIMONG PASPAS ANG PAGPAANGAT SA KAHIMTANG SA IPS GIHISGUTAN TALI SA PROBINSYA UG NCIP

By Shena Mae Pabia

Gihisgutan niadtong Miyerkules sa miting tali sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center ug National Commission for Indigenous People kun NCIP ang posibleng mga lakang aron makatabang pagseguro ug mahimong paspas ang pagpaangat sa kahimtang sa pagpuyo sa mga Indigenous Peoples kun IP sa Agusan del Norte.

Giila ang IPs sa nasudnon ug probinsyal nga panggamhanan nga usa sa mga priority sectors nga kinahanglan abagan aron mahimong takus sa pakiglambigit sa mainstream society ug mogawas nga malamboon ang pagpuyo.

Alang sa NCIP upat ka

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batakang development concerns ang buot nilang ipaneguro ug kini mao ang mosunod: 1) Maseguro nga ilhon ang katungod sa mga IPs sa ilang ancestral domain, 2) Self-governance ug empowerment, 3) Social justice and human rights, ug 4) Cultural integrity.

Sama ra niini ang pangtanaw sa probinsya sa direksyon sa panerbisyo niini nga gilatid diha sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrsayon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongresista Angel AmanteMatba.

Ang gilantaw lang karon ubos sa kampanya mao nga mahimong mas paspas pa

ang mahimong dagan sa paglambo.

Sa samang diskusyon gilatid sa AGUSAN UP! ang posibleng mahimong development target nga hiusahan sa tanang IPs sa probinysa ug hiniusang tabangan pagpahiluna sa probinsya, sa NCIP ug uban pang mga ahensya.

Gibanabana nga naay 5,000 ka pamilya ang mga IPs sa tibuok probinsya karon.

Kung ekonomikanhong paglambo ang hisgutan ug kung puntingon ang average household annual income nga Php240,000 (Php20,000 ang bulan) pagabot sa 2027, kinahanglan makamugna ang mga IPs og Php1.2 bilyones nga Gross

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dalhon isip kabahin sa mga programa sa AGUSAN UP!

Value Added (GVA) matag tuig.

Aron mamugna ang maong GVA, kinahanglan makagama ang mga IPs og mga produkto o serbisyo nga mohalin og kapin kon kulang balor Php2.4 bilyones.

Niini, ang tutokan sa suporta sa ekonomikanhong kalihukan alang sa mga IPs mao ang pagmugna og mga produkto og serbisyo nga mohalin og labing ubos Php2.4 bilyones.

Kung kapanukarang resources aron mamugna ang mga produkto nga mohalin sa maong kantidad ang hisgutan, naay kapin sa 100,000 ektaryas ang siyam ka Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title [CADT] nga naa sila karon. Bisan katunga o 50,000 ektaryas lang ang mahimong productive hangtud 2027 ug makahalin lang gikan sa lainlaing tanum og Php60,000 matag ektarya mokantidad na kini og Php3 bilyones.

Kung pananglitan usa sa tutokan ang pagpananum og commercial trees

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(falcatta) sa mga CADT areas, nagkinahanglan lang og 19,200 ektaryas nga plantasyon aron makahalin og Php2.4 bilyones matag tuig.

Ang maong 19,200 ektaryas ipailawom sa walo ka tuig nga plant-harvest-plant cycle ug maghatag og 2,400 harvest area matag tuig.

Gibana-bana nga mohalin og kapin kon kulang Php1 milyon ang matag ektarya sa falcatta ug niini mohalin kini ug Php2.4 bilyones matag tuig.

Ang maong halin gikan sa raw logs lang. Mas taas pa unya ang mahimong mamugnang bahandi gikan niini tungod kay ipahiluna usab sa probinsya nga naay motumaw nga mga planta nga maoy moproseso sa mga kahoy dinhi sa probinsya mismo.

Nasabutan sa maong tigum nga inisyal nga hiusahan ang maong development targets ug danihon ang ubang ahensya aron hugopan kini ubos sa kampanyang “CADT OG-KAAGPAS!” (Higaonon for “CADT Express”) nga

Gipresenta usab sa NCIP ang pagmugna og usa ka Demonstration Farm nga magsilbi usab nga EcoTourism Spot sa Balaatan, Camagong, Nasipit, usa sa mga proyekto nga gipahilunaan og inisyal nga pundo sa buhatan ni Kong.

Amante-Matba, isip kabahin sa ilang Rights-based Develeopment.

Approach thru Culturally Responsive Environmentally Adaptive and Time-bounded Enrichment (RDA-CREATE).

Gilantaw nga ipahiluna usab kini sa laing mga CADT areas.

Apil usab sa CADT OGKAAGPAS ang mga sosyal nga mga serbisyo kalabot sa panglawas, edukasyon, mga pagbansay lambigit sa mga kahanas nga gikinahanglan subay sa kalihukan pangkalambuan nga himoon.

Kabahin usab sa kampanya ang organizational development nga tutokan sa NCIP ug institutional capability building nga pangunahan sa probinysa kaabag ang mga nasudnong ahensya.

Nauyonan nga dad-on kini nga mga ideya sa mga konsultasyon sa mga IPs ingon man sa ubang mga ahensya sa gobyerno alang sa mahimo nilang suporta sa mosunod nga mga semana.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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SURSUR NEGATIBO NA MULI SA ASF

By Raymond Aplaya

File photo

Kinumpirma ni Dr. Jun Latore, Provincial Veterinary Office chief ng Surigao del Sur, na African Swine Fever (ASF) - Free na muli ngayon ang buong lalawigan.

nagpapatuloy pa rin ang kanilang monitoring sa pamamagitan ng mahigpit na pakikipag– ugnayan sa mga City/ Municipal Veterinarian sa bawat munisipyo at lungsod na siyang nagsisilbing entry points papasok dito sa lalawigan upang masiguro na hindi na muli mapasukan ng ASF ang probinsya.

Sa isang panayam, inihayag nito na matapos makontrola ang mga una nang naitalang kaso nito sa mga bayan ng Cortes at San Miguel, wala nang naidagdag pa na mga Ito ay dahil sa kabila kaso sa ibang mga lugar. ng kanilang pagsisikap Gayunpaman, na hindi malagay Caraga INFOCUS

sa kompromiso ang industriya ng babuyan sa lalawigan.

Meron pa rin umanong ibang mga magbababoy na sapilitang nagpapasok ng mga processed meat products, at ang masaklap pa ay nagmumula pa ang iilan sa kanilang mga produkto sa mga lugar na kinokonsiderang Red Zone ng ASF. (DXJS Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) April 3-9, 2021 |

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Contributed photo

MAGKAKASUNOD NA SUNOG SA SURSUR IKINAALARMA NG BFP

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

Ikinaalarma ng punongopisyal ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) sa Rehiyon ng Caraga ang naitalang bilang ng malalaking insidente ng sunog sa Surigao del Sur, makaraang masundan pa nang panibago dito sa lungsod noong Sabado Santo, Abril 3.

Hindi kaila kay BFP Caraga Regional

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Director FSSupt. Fred Trajeras, Jr. na umabot na sa kabuuang anim ang naitala sa taong kasalukuyan.

kung saan dalawang magkapatid na bata ang namatay (March 17).

Bunga nito ay sinabing Mula sa naturang bilang, magsasadya siya dalawa ang nangyari mismo dito sa lalawigan sa loob ng pagdiriwang upang mapagng Fire Prevention Month alaman kung ano ang sa buwan ng Marso— mga nagbunsod sa isa sa bayan ng Barobo pangyayari. (DXJS Radyo (March 28) habang isa Pilipinas-Tandag/PIAsa lungsod ng Tandag Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

TULONG SA MGA MAGSASAKA AT MANGINGISDA NG TANDAG PATULOY

By Nerissa M. Espinosa

Sa pangunguna ng alkalde ng lungsod ng Tandag na si Mayor Roxanne Pimentel at Gobernador Alexander Pimentel ng Surigao del Sur, patuloy ang pagpapatupad ng Cash and Food Subsidy For Marginal Farmers and Fisher folk Project ng pamahalaang lungsod.

magsasaka na rehistrado ng Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office at dalawang indigent farmers ng lungsod.

Tumanggap nito lamang Abril 6 ang 254 na mangingisda, 38

Tumanggap ang mga nasabing benepisyaryo ng humanitarian packs,

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Ang nasabing aktibidad ay parte pa rin sa patuloy na pagtulong sa mga mahihirap na nasa sektor ng agrikultura.

at tig-isang sakong bigas. Kasama ng alkalde ang mismong City Agriculturist na si Von Falcon.

Samantala, sa kabila ng dami ng mga dadalo ng programa ay mahigpit pa rin na ipinatutupad ang minimum health and safety protocols kontra COVID 19. (DXJS RPTandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) April 3-9, 2021 |

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MINDANAO NEWS

REVVING UP ECONOMY: MINDA SEEKS FUNDS, SUPPORT FOR LOCAL INDUSTRIES, AGRI-AQUA The COVID 19 Pandemic has taught us a very important lesson that in building a sturdy and resilient economy, the nation’s growth must be internally-driven and not dependent on external factors.

chain could be disrupted hence an economy which is heavily dependent on external factors (i.e. remittance from overseas workers, foreign investors and imported food supplies) could crumble;

The other hard lesson from the Pandemic is that the often neglected and derided “dying industry” of agriculture and fisheries is actually the lifeline which could ensure the survival of the nation.

The numbers do not lie.

2. A nation with an internallydriven economy and sufficient supply of locally produced goods, especially food, would be able to withstand the debilitating effect of lockdowns and disruptions in the supply chain;

While the GDP registered its worst performance since World War II at negative 9.5% and all other sectors submitted negative numbers, the maligned agriculture and fisheries industry posted a positive 0.1% growth for 2020.

3. People may not go to the movies or resorts during a Pandemic or a calamitous event but they certainly will have to eat to survive, thus agriculture and fisheries are the reserve fuel to boost the economy.

These numbers could be easily interpreted to mean the following:

With all these realities considered, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is now working with the different agencies of government and the local government units to boost

In times of a Pandemic or a natural and man-made calamity, the global supply

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production in the agriculture and fisheries sector and ensure that impediments to the region’s economic recovery are addressed and resolved.

Among the areas of focus of MinDA’s interventions in coordination with the regional offices of the National Government Agencies (NGA), Government Funding Institutions (GFI) and the Local Government Units (LGU) are: Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Program which aims to build and develop Fish Centers in at least 26 major fishing grounds in the region. The Fish Centers to be funded both by the Philippine Government and the European Union through the MinPAD Rise Program will establish post-harvest facilities such as ice-making equipment, blast freezers, cold-storage, sardinesmaking machinery and fishdryers to boost productivity.

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it will also promote Fish Cage Farming and vanamei production is selected areas of Mindanao; 2. Mindanao Hog Industry Development Program to be implemented in partnership with the private sector which will establish hog breeding facilities in key corn production areas of Mindanao and supply fatteners to LGU-initiated hog raising facilities in ASFfree areas of Mindanao. This program is aimed at boosting hog production in view of the massive devastation of the ASF on the hog industry in Luzon; 3. Mindanao Cattle Industry Development Program to be implemented with the support of the Australian Government under the BIMPEAGA cooperation program between the Philippines and Australia’s Northern Territory.

The program will involve the different LGUs of Mindanao which will establish fattening and breeding facilities. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Government will also play a key role in this program as it aims to become the center of production of Halal Beef intended to supply the needs of the region and for export as well.

4. Mindanao Poultry Industry Development Program aims to boost chicken production, both broiler and free-range, in the different areas of

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Mindanao to ensure sufficient supply for the region. This is also a short-gestation food production program which will provide income earning opportunities for the farmers.

Development Program which promotes the establishment of bamboo farms and processing facilities in the major river basins of the region and others.

5. Mindanao Corn Industry Development Program aims to establish Grains Storage Silo Systems in the key corn production areas of the region to ensure stable supply of corn for the hog, livestock and poultry industry and also ensure profitability for the farmers. This will be complemented by the Sorghum Development Program which will also produce feed grains and silage for the Cattle Fattening and Breeding Programs.

To ensure the efficient implementation of these programs, MinDA will organize on Wednesday, March 31, the Mindanao Economic Recovery Facilitation Council which will be composed of the different sectors in Mindanao.

6. Mindanao Vegetable Production Program through area-focused interventions like the IMMATASULA Complex in Bukidnon.

A Central Coordinating Office will be established and manned by MinDA to monitor and receive feedbacks on issues which may affect the economic recovery programs of the region.

All of these short-gestating economic and food production programs will be supported by other initiatives like the Green Mindanao Project which promotes the planting of fruit trees in the upland areas of the region, the Banana Industry Development Program which seeks greater support to Mindanao’s prime export commodity, the Coconut Industry Development Program which targets the establishment of private processing companies in key production areas, the Bamboo Industry

Among the key players in the Facilitation Council are the Regional Chambers of Commerce, the GFIs, the regional offices of the NGAs and the LGUs.

The Council will also monitor the budget utilization rates of the NGA Regional Offices and the implementation of projects critical to Mindanao’s economic recovery.

The GFIs and agencies with fund assistance and loaning programs will also be asked to facilitate the loan approvals and fund releases for local industries and small and medium enterprises.

(MinDA)

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MinDA Livestock Program!

EU DELEGATION VOWS SUPPORT FOR BARMM HALAL BEEF PROJECT The European Union Delegation to the Philippines has expressed support for the Mindanao Development Authority-initiated Halal Beef Production Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

EU Delegation Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron, in a virtual conference with officials of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) last week, said the program fits into the priority advocacies of the EU in the nascent Autonomous Region.

Ambassador Veron said existing EU Grant Funds could be allocated to ensure the success of the Bangsamoro Halal Beef Production Program.

When implemented, the Bangsamoro Halal Beef will be the first banner product of the two-year-old Autonomous Regional Government which will be introduced in the $2.1-B world Halal market.

In a program prepared by a Technical Working Group composed of representatives of the MinDA. BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency, the Halal Beef Production Program includes:

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1. Cattle Fattening Feedlots to be established in all of the 5 provinces within the BARMM where local and imported steers or culled cows will be fattened for at least 150 days before slaughter; 2. Cattle Breeding Feedlots where local and imported heifers will bred to produce steers for fattening and heifers to be used in smaller community-level breeding program; 3. Cattle Upgrading Program which involves the introduction of better quality cattle genetics through a BARMMwide Artificial Insemination or Embryo Transfer Program; 4. Silage Production Program where Bangsamoro farmers, especially former combatants, will be assisted and trained in producing silage and feed materials for both the cattle fattening and breeding programs; 5. Value Adding Program where cattle produced in the feedlots will be slaughtered then processed in established Halal Abattoirs to be marketed in special packs as Bangsamoro Halal Beef; 6. Leather-Making or Tannery Program which will introduce a new industry to the Bangsamoro workers

which would process leather from the hides of cattle to be slaughtered in the Halal Abattoirs.

7. Dairy Production and Milk Feeding Program for Bangsamoro schoolchildren which could be undertaken by using dual-purpose breeds in the breeding program, like Brazil’s Girolando.

The Bangsamoro Halal Beef Program Technical Working Group is scheduled to present the blue print of the project to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim this week.

The EU Delegation commitment of support comes on the heels of the pledge of support issued by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson two weeks ago.

Ambassador Robinson witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Technical Cooperation between MinDA, on one hand, and the BARMM-MAFAR and BDA. The pilot area for the establishment of the Cattle Fattening Facility is the BDA property within the main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

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NATIONAL NEWS

MESSAGE OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE COMMEMORATION OF ARAW NG KAGITINGAN

We join the entire Filipino nation in commemorating our Araw ng Kagitingan or Valor Day. As we honor the valor, heroism, and patriotism of our troops who fought during the 1942 Battle of Bataan for the liberties we presently enjoy, let us be inspired by their unity and conviction in our enduring pursuit of genuine self-determination.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we praise the hard work and commitment of our presentday heroes – medical and health care professionals, government workers and officials, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and our

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frontliners from the food service, transportation, and other essential sectors – who display valor everyday by continuing to work to provide our needs in spite of great personal risk to them.

May we be inspired by the great sacrifice of both our patriotic veterans and our modern-day heroes. Following the minimum health standards and being part of our government’s collective fight to recover and rise as one nation against this virus is how we can show valor in our own little way.

We wish everyone a safe and solemn commemoration.

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COVID-19 VACCINE INEQUITY ‘A GLOBAL ISSUE’: PCOO CHIEF Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

The challenges in the procurement and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is a global issue and not “incompetence” as alleged by members of the opposition, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Sunday.

Andanar made this statement as senators continue to blame the Duterte administration’s supposed incompetence for delays in the procurement and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines.

He praised BBC’s weekly podcast “How to Vaccinate the World” for its “simple, straight to the point and concise” discussion in problems surrounding the global access of Covid-19 vaccines.

“It (the podcast) does drive home that message of vaccine nationalism and vaccine hoarding, which our media here generally has not picked up on, because they tend to be parochial in perspective. And so what the opposition is calling incompetence is really a global issue -- not a Philippine problem

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alone,” he said.

How to Vaccinate the World is hosted by BBC broadcaster and Financial Times columnist Tim Harford.

In the podcast’s 18th episode, Center for Global Development senior fellow Prashant Yadav, one of the guests, gave efforts to vaccinate the world a “failing grade” in terms of moral responsibility.

He said high-income countries have not done enough to increase supplies going to developing countries.

Yadav emphasized the importance of countries to “collaborate” and have “empathy” for other parts of the world.

To speed up Covid-19 vaccine production, Yadav emphasized the need for vaccine manufacturers to deploy teams to transfer vaccine expertise to different sites, look at additional sites without compromising other products they are manufacturing, and ensure

By Azer Parrocha

other ingredients that vaccine suppliers need do not become constraints.

On Monday, Duterte expressed concern over how some countries allegedly “shanghaied” the vaccine supply but refused to name countries involved.

“Something has gone wrong.

In most of the countries, they are -- they shanghaied -- iyong shanghaied ‘yong parang kinuha na nila na sa kanilang gobyerno at ewan ko (they shanghaied the supply or their governments got the supply. I don’t know but) there’s a ruckus now somewhere,” Duterte said in a speech aired last March 29.

Duterte has been vocal about his disdain for wealthy nations hoarding the world’s limited supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

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. (PNA)

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BONG GO SENDS MORE ASSISTANCE TO TYPHOON AURING VICTIMS IN NASIPIT, AGUSAN DEL NORTE TO HELP THEM BUILD BACK BETTER

The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance Typhoon Auring victims in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Photo by OSBG.

To help Filipinos in distress recover from the calamities they have experienced and to build back better, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided further assistance to 89 Typhoon Auring victims in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, March 30.

The Senator’s team provided meals, food packs, medicines, vitamins, masks, and face shields to the beneficiaries who were severely hit by the massive flooding caused by the heavy rains brought by the Typhoon Auring in January.

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“Sana ay nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan.

Alam kong mahirap ang panahon ngayon dahil nasa pandemya pa po tayo, ito pong COVID-19.

At ngayon, tinamaan pa kayo ng baha noong nagdaan na buwan dahil sa bagyo pero magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kung di kapwa natin Pilipino.

Malalampasan natin ito basta magkaisa lang tayong lahat,” Go said in a video message.

The distribution activity, held at the Barangay 7 Gym, was carried out in batches and

in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Selected beneficiaries were also given new pairs of shoes.

Another beneficiary was also provided with a bicycle, an alternative and convenient mode of transportation amid the pandemic. A selected recipient was also given a computer tablet for his child’s use in studying at home under the blended learning approach.

One of the beneficiaries, Sarah Trillo, shared in an interview how her family has been struggling due

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to the pandemic and has escalated even further after the typhoon washed away their house.

“Hirap kami. Ang mga anak ko hirap din. Ang asawa ko ay walang trabaho dahil bingi at hindi siya nakakarinig at mayroon kaming anak na 6 kaya mahirap talaga ang buhay,” Trillo said.

She further expressed that she is thankful for the assistance provided by the Senator. Trillo, who received the bicycle, said in the interview that they never expected that help would be provided to them.

“Hindi namin inaasahan na magbibigay kayo ng tulong dito sa amin, hindi namin inaasahan na may darating sa amin, hindi namin inaasahan na makakatanggap kami ng bike, kaya maraming maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo sa amin,” Trillo added.

“Salamat kay Senator Bong Go at kay President Duterte, sa binigay ninyo na ayuda sa amin. Sobrang laking tulong nito sa amin na binigay ninyo. Sobrang malaki ang tulong nito lalo na ang financial assistance dahil sobrang hirap ng panahon ngayon dahil sa pandemya, sobrang hirap maghanap ng pera,” she further added.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded beneficiaries to take the necessary

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precautions against COVID-19 and to strengthen their immune system as protection for themselves and their loved ones. This comes after the sudden rise of new cases of the disease in the past days.

Go also advised beneficiaries to properly wear masks and face shields, observe social distancing, wash their hands frequently, and stay at home as much as possible.

The Senator also vowed that the government continues to accelerate its vaccine rollout. As the first batches of vaccines have already arrived, Go ensured that the government will prioritize access to vaccines of poor and vulnerable sectors after the frontliners are inoculated.

and Development provided separate financial assistance to the beneficiaries. The Department of Trade and Industry also validated potential beneficiaries for their livelihood assistance.

Additionally, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed beneficiaries for their scholarship and livelihood training.

Go also thanked the local government officials through the leadership of Mayor Enrico R. Corvera, for their untiring support and assistance to their constituents, especially in times of need.

“Ating tatandaan, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito kung ano po Go also urged beneficiaries kabutihan ang pwede natin to visit the nearest Malasakit maitulong sa kapwa tao Center located at Butuan natin ay gawin na natin dahil Medical Center for their hindi na po tayo babalik sa health concerns and medical mundong ito,” said Go. needs. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where “Kami ni Pangulong Duterte the Department of Social ay patuloy na magseserbisyo Welfare and Development, sa inyo dahil para sa amin Department of Health, ang serbisyo sa tao ay PhilHealth, and Philippine serbisyo sa Diyos,” he ended.

Charity Sweepstakes Office are housed under one roof In January, the Senator to help poor and indigent provided assistance to patients settle their hospital hundreds of Typhoon Vicky and other medical bills. victims in Butuan. He further continued to distribute aid As part of the government’s in February to another set ongoing efforts to assist those of Typhoon Vicky victims affected by calamities, composed of hundreds of representatives of The residents from Remedios T. Department of Social Welfare Romualdez town. (OSBG)

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NOGRALES, NOGRALES, NUTRITION NUTRITION COUNCIL COUNCIL LAUNCH LAUNCH TUTOK TUTOK KAINAN KAINAN SUPPLEMENTATION SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM PROGRAM IN IN NEGROS NEGROS OCCIDENTAL OCCIDENTAL Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles recently led the launching of the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program in Bacolod City and in other areas of Negros Occidental, calling the joint project with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) “a concrete and positive step aimed at addressing the nutrition needs of pregnant women to ensure healthy Filipino children.”

Nograles, who chairs the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, expressed confidence that “the coordination and cooperation among local government units to fight hunger and malnutrition would produce immediate and positive results.”

The Malacañang official added that Bacolod City and Negros Occidental are among the priority areas chosen for the project’s implementation.

The successive kick-off ceremonies last April 6 and 7, 2021 were attended

Caraga INFOCUS

virtually by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, NNC Deputy Executive Director Fayda Dumarpa, nutritionists and dieticians, and a number of pregnant women beneficiaries.

our efforts at actively involving LGUs in national policy implementation. Our strategic partnerships at the grassroots level ensure the widespread and comprehensive application of government programs,” the Cab Sec explained.

“Tutok Kainan”, one of the key initiatives of Task Force Zero Hunger, was introduced during the launch of the National Food Policy in October 2020.

The program initially targets 34,000 nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women in 12 provinces covering 254 cities and minicipalities.

Beneficiaries would receive food commodities which include an improved NutriBun, ready-to-eat lipid-based nutritional supplements and hot meals for a period of three months.

Nograles is the principal proponent of the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” in Congress during his stint as Davao representative.

The measure was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in November 2018.

The former legislator mentioned that the current dietary supplementation program will serve as the initial operationalization of the First 1000 Days of Life Law. “Tutok Kainan also showcases

“We further encourage more LGUs to coordinate with the Task Force so we could synchronize our anti-hunger, pro-children efforts. We would be able to solve problens of growth stunting and lack of nutrition in children if we coordinate properly and act together,” Nograles said.

April 3-9, 2021 |

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE PAYS TRIBUTE TO NATION’S FRONTLINERS ON ARAW NG KAGITINGAN COMMEMORATION

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday recognized the sacrifices of the country’s COVID-19 pandemic frontliners as the nation commemorates the 79th Araw ng Kagitingan.

In honoring the country’s fallen soldiers, President Duterte said their sacrifice “became the bedrock of our resolve to uphold our most cherished liberties.”

This year’s commemoration “is a firm reminder of the unyielding determination of the Filipino to prevail over all forms of adversity,” the President said in his message.

“May this awareness resonate among us as we strive to become worthy heirs to the nation that they fought and bled for,” he added.

“As we continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a moment to honor the fortitude displayed by our selfless and dedicated frontliners whose unrelenting commitment in this fight reflects the heroism of the warriors of Bataan that continues to inspire in us a greater sense of patriotism and solidarity during these trying times,” he said.

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The Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II, honoring Filipino and American soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder defending their last stand.

This year’s commemoration has for its theme, “Kagitingan ay Gawing Gabay, Pandemya ay Mapagtatagumpayan.” PND

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PRRD ORDERS PHILHEALTH TO COVER COVID-19 PATIENTS’ STAY IN TENTS President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) to cover the expenses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients confined in temporary tents set up outside hospitals, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Duterte’s fresh directive came following reports that patients are allegedly being charged PHP1,000 per hour for staying in temporary hospital tents while waiting to be admitted to a room.

In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte’s order to PhilHealth is to ensure that the costs of reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, isolation, and hospitalization of Covid-19 patients with mild and severe symptoms are included in the Covid-19 insurance package.

PhilHealth, Roque said, was also directed to make sure that patients receiving medical care in tents will be insured.

“Kaugnay nito, kung ang tents ay kasama sa in-patient care, kailangan covered ito sa kasalukuyang in-patient Covid-19 package (In

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By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

relation to this, if the patient’s stay in tents is part of inpatient care, it should be covered under the current inpatient Covid-19 package),” he said.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Ferdinand Gaite on March 30 revealed that patients confined in temporary tents at hospitals have been forced to pay an hourly rate of PHP1,000.

Gaite also disclosed that the charge for a temporary tent accommodation was not covered by PhilHealth.

On April 2, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dante Gierran clarified that the services given to patients that are part of in-patient care “should be covered

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

by the current in-patient Covid-19 packages.”

Gierran said medical facilities charging PHP1,000 per hour rate for patients staying in tents will be investigated for possible violation of pertinent laws and rules.

He also ensured that the state insurer is now reviewing its existing policies to better respond to the Filipinos’ needs, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under PhilHealth’s policy, Covid-19 patients are entitled to health insurance for RT-PCR tests, isolation in accredited community isolation units, and hospitalization for mild to critical Covid-19 cases, Gierran said. (PNA)

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DOH, FDA GIVE GREEN LIGHT FOR CORONAVAC VAX OF SENIOR CITIZENS

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday allowed the use of CoronaVacmanufactured Sinovac for senior citizens, stressing vaccination may be done only after stringent evaluation of the person’s health status and exposure risk.

“After considering the recommendation of the experts and the current situation of high Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) transmission and limited available vaccines, the FDA is allowing the use of Sinovac on senior citizens. Vaccination should be preceded Caraga INFOCUS

(PNA file photo)

by an evaluation of the person’s health status and exposure risk to assure that benefits of vaccination outweigh risks,” FDA Director General Domingo said in a statement.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Vaccine Expert Panel also recommended the use of the vaccine on the elderly.

While current efficacy data for senior citizens from Phase III trials is insufficient, the DOH and FDA noted “the benefits

of using the vaccine for this particular group outweigh its risks and more scientific data on use for senior citizens may soon become available”.

Both agencies urged the senior citizens and persons with comorbidities to participate in the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program by registering in their respective local government units.

They also reiterated that registration for the vaccination is free. (PNA) April 3-9, 2021 |

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SALIVA-BASED TEST. A man spits saliva into a sterile container. The test could make Covid-19 testing easier and cheaper. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

COVID-19 SALIVA TEST EYED TO EXPAND TESTING CAPACITY The saliva-based Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for Covid-19 is seen to expand the country’s testing capacity, a health official said Wednesday.

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

“Mas mura siya by as much as half kaya ang gobyerno talaga, tinitignan natin ang possibility kung paano natin pwede ipasok sa program natin ‘yan para mas mabilis ang resulta, kasi mabilis na siya. Mas In an online media mura siya so therefore forum, Department mas magiging efficient of Health (DOH) ang ating gobyerno Undersecretary Maria kapag ginamit natin Rosario Vergeire said ‘yan (It is cheaper by the test that detects the as much as half so the virus in saliva could make government is looking coronavirus testing easier into the possibility and cheaper. of including it in our

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program. Results come out faster. It is cheap, therefore we become more efficient when we use such testing),” Vergeire said.

The test allows saliva samples to be collected in a sterile container and employs a much less invasive process than nasal swabs.

“Mas madali siya gawin. Pangalawa, mas tipid siya kasi hindi na gagamit ng mga Caraga INFOCUS

swabs and re-agents para maayos mo ‘yung saliva para ma-proseso mo (It’s easier to do.

It is cost economical because you don’t have to use swab and re-agents to process the [specimen]),” Vergeire said.

undergoing validation to do the same.

pay, but at the moment, other laboratories are still working to set up their own have saliva as specimen implemented also in their laboratories,” she added.

The saliva-based test goes through the same RT-PCR method to produce results. It differs from the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal Under Department swab tests only with the Memorandum No. 2021specimen it uses – saliva. 0161, the DOH said “Mas konting PPE licensed coronavirus [personal protective “Nakita naman natin disease 2019 (Covid-19) equipment] ang na (We saw that [the laboratories certified by ginagamit ng healthcare saliva-based test] has the RITM are allowed to workers and lesser acceptable accuracy perform the test since chances of them being and concordance with they use kits validated exposed kasi ‘yung tao the nasopharyngeal and by and registered to the na po ang dudura doon oropharyngeal swab, but RITM and the Food and sa mismong paglalagyan we continue to monitor Drug Administration. ng saliva. And mas mura not only at the PRC, the siya (fewer PPE to be RITM (Research Institute Only trained saliva used by the healthcare for Tropical Medicine) specimen collectors worker and lesser has a mandate as the should administer the chances of them being national reference test and only medical exposed because the laboratory to do the doctors should interpret person simply has to spit monitoring and quality the results of these tests. onto the container. And assurance of all the it is cheaper) by as much laboratories,” Vergeire Morning saliva is as half),” she added. said. preferred as a specimen due to higher viral In the country, the A person may choose load but this should Philippine Red Cross which among the not prevent specimen launched the salivatests he prefers, collection at any other based testing last whether saliva-based, time.

January 25. nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal, she said. Patients should not The PRC still remains eat, drink, brush their to be the only one “If you go to a laboratory teeth, use mouthwash conducting such tests offering already both of or smoke for at least 30 but Vergeire said these, it’s your choice, minutes before sample some laboratories are you’re [the one] going to collection. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

April 3-9, 2021 |

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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