WAGE BOARD CARAGA TO CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARINGS ON MINIMUM WAGE ADJUSTMENT OWWA CARAGA PROVIDES SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING, FINANCIAL AWARENESS SEMINAR TO LPOR APPLICANTS
PROVINCIAL NEWS 12 13
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KONPERENSYA PAGPALIG-ON UG PAGPAANGAT SA KATAKUS SA PANERBISYO SA MGA ORGANISASYON, HIMOON
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SURIGAO NORTE LGU HOLDS FIRST PROVINCEWIDE MINING CARAVAN
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MINDANAO NEWS DAVAO CITY PLANS TO BUILD 1K RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS STATE OF CALAMITY DECLARED IN DAVAO DE ORO
NATIONAL NEWS
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BG PARTY-LIST 108 CONGRATULATES NEW BISAYA LAWYERS DUTERTE SPOKESMAN MARTIN ANDANAR SUPPORTS WIFE’S BID FOR CONGRESS PARTY-LIST SEAT BG PARTY-LIST WANTS PRRD’S ANTI-INSURGENCY PROGRAM SUSTAINED BG PARTY-LIST URGES FILIPINOS TO DO HEROIC PART IN THIS CHALLENGING TIME PRESIDENT DUTERTE EXTENDS ASSISTANCE TO CAPIZ RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY ‘AGATON’ AID HANDED OUT TO CALAMITY VICTIMS IN LEYTE
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COVID-19 NEWS PRRD ADMIN’S PANDEMIC RESPONSE ‘PLAYBOOK’ TO GUIDE NEXT LEADERS 66.6M FILIPINOS FULLY VAXXED VS. COVID-19; 12.5M WITH BOOSTER GOV’T EYES TO SUSTAIN RECOVERY AS PANDEMIC RESPONSE CONTINUES
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CONTENTS
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REGIONAL NEWS
INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
Volume VI, No. 15 April 9-15, 2022
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N/RTF-ELCAC highlights significant accomplishments in Caraga during PRRD’s visit in Butuan By Jennifer P. Gaitano
In time with the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, April 12, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) composed of various government agencies also took the chance to report the significant accomplishments of the task force in the
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implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency in Caraga Region. Regional Director Harold Nacional of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Caraga recalled that when President
Duterte took office in 2016, he was faced with a host of national security concerns that challenged his administration’s resolve to protect and serve the people. “Illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, terrorism and the 53-year Communist Party of the PhilippinesCaraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) or communist-terrorist group (CTG) scourge, are just some of the issues that had to be overcome to realize the President’s dream for a prosperous and secured life for our people. But, the President knew that in order for him to be able to give Filipinos a comfortable life and guarantee their well-being, he needed to eliminate these obstacles. As he said during his first State of the Nation (SONA) address in 2016, there can never be real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure,” said Nacional, as he recounted how
PRRD started to address the pressing issues and concerns in the country. Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, vice chairperson of NTF-ELCAC and National Security Adviser, also bared that the 2021 intelligence reports have indicated that roughly 83% of rebel returnees were recruited by the CTG from the ranks of the indigenous peoples (IP) sector. “The Caraga Region has been home to numerous IP communities and as such, has been the focus of the CTG propaganda and disinformation. Due to the geographical and social limitations of the IP communities, they are considered as priorities
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
of the government’s intervention and development initiatives,” he said. Esperon further revealed that at the start of the Duterte administration in 2016, there were a total of 11 guerilla fronts in Caraga Region. Since then, three of these GFs were completely dismantled while two were significantly weakened. “The remaining six GFs are in the process of being cleared by our security forces. In fact, in less than three years, the combined Armed Forces of the Philippines/ Philippine National Police efforts have neutralized 978 NPA regulars and
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Another significant accomplishment of the RTF-ELCAC Caraga was the closure of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) and Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) in 2020. These schools were found to be illegally operating with the purpose of indoctrinating and radicalizing the youth/IP sectors for their eventual recruitment as armed combatants of the CTG. Also, on the status of Barangay Development Program in Caraga region for 2021, 191 barangays were covered in the flagship program with a total of 359 infrastructure and non-infrastructure priority projects. For 2022, another 94 barangays were added as recipients of BDP in the region. In particular, the BDP beneficiaries for 2022 include three in Butuan City, eight in Agusan del Norte, 45 in Agusan
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del Sur, 20 in Surigao del Norte, and 18 in Surigao del Sur.
R-13-JAB-0221-253 of the Mamanwa ICCs/IPs of Jabonga, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte and Meanwhile, during the portion of Mainit, Surigao presidency of President del Norte comprising Rodrigo Roa Duterte, a an ancestral land area total of 12 Certificate of 4,364.9027 hectares of Ancestral Domain with ancestral water Titles (CADTs) were of 9,891.506 hectares formally approved and which was approved recognized by the NCIP last February 24, 2021; 4) Commission en Banc CADT R-13-MAL-0521-254 (CEB), the most recent of the Mamanwa ICCs/ of which are six CADTs IPs of Malimono, San during the leadership of Francisco, Sison, and chairperson, Secretary Surigao City, all in the Allen Capuyan, which Province of Surigao were awarded to the del Norte comprising ICCs/IPs of Caraga. a total land area of 8,623.88 hectares These six CADTs are which was approved the following: 1) CADT last May 20, 2021; 5) R-13-SLU-1220-250 of CADT R-13-ESP-1021-255 the Banwaon ICCs/IPs of the Higaonon and of San Luis, Agusan del Banwaon ICCs/IPs of Sur comprising a total Esperanza, Agusan del land area of 38,005.4755 Sur comprising a total hectares which was land area of 103,484.19 approved last December hectares which was 3, 2020; 2) CADT R-13approved last October BUE-0121-252 of the 28, 2021; and 6) CADT Higaonon ICCs/IPs of R-13-REM-1121-256 of the Las Nieves, Buenavista, Mamanwa ICCs/IPs of Nasipit, and Carmen, RTR, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, and Butuan City, all in the portions of Esperanza, Province of Agusan del Agusan del Sur, and Norte comprising a total Magsaysay, Misamis land area of 4,876.91 Oriental comprising hectares which was a total land area of approved last November 44,288.26 hectares which was approved last 4, 2021. (JPG/PIAJanuary 15, 2021; 3) CADT Caraga) Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
News Briefs Different government agencies, beneficiaries, guests and media, among others are all set for today’s visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Butuan City. The President will be joining the members of the National and Regional Task Forces to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF/RTF-ELCAC) in a meeting. xx
seized 290 firearms. I wish to highlight the neutralization of 37 highranking officials of CTG in the region,” he said.
Sec. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., vice chair of NTF-ELCAC and National Security Adviser, highlighted that for 2021, there were 191 barangay-beneficiaries under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) in Caraga region. They were given P20 million each for the farmto-market roads, school buildings, electrification, water systems, and health stations. “For FY 2022, we have 94 barangays that are beneficiaries of the BDP in Caraga region. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P4 million each to these barangays.” The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is reminding the residents of hazard-prone areas to remain vigilant and prepare for possible flash floods and landslides as Tropical Depression “Agaton” remains stationary over Eastern waters of Eastern Visayas. Congratulations Municipal Health Office - Prosperidad for being recognized as the 2nd Most Improved Municipality for TB Preventive Treatment Enrolment rate for C.Y 2021, headed by MHO Dr. Fritzie Marie Jala and TB DOTS municipal coordinator Hayde Guay.
Wage Board Caraga to conduct public hearings on minimum wage adjustment The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga is currently conducting motu proprio review of Wage Order No. XIII16 dated May 1, 2019, pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 6727 also known as the Wage Rationalization Act, to fix minimum wage of the region.
REGIONAL NEWS
To ensure active participation and provide stakeholders widest opportunity to air and be heard regarding the adjustment in the current minimum wage of all workers in Caraga region, the RTWPB Caraga will conduct a series of public hearings in the five provinces of the region in the month of April, this year.
Agusan del Sur; April 26 at Kuya Dong Event Catering Services in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; April 27 at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; April 28 for the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigo del Norte at the Philippine Gateway Hotel in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; and April 29 at the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City.
Board Secretary VI Earl dela Victoria said the series of public hearings are scheduled on April 25 at the Mabes Savory Place in San Francisco,
Parties who intend to participate in the hearing may coordinate with RTWPB Caraga and may submit position papers at
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
Nimfa Tiu Building No. 4, J. P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City or through rtwpbcaraga13@ gmail.com or r14@ produktiboatsahod. onmicrosoft.com. Dela Victoria assured that safety and health standards on COVID-19 shall be implemented during the public hearings and enjoined participants to strictly observe minimum public health protocols such as wearing of face mask, temperature check, and observe social distancing. (NCLM/PIACaraga)
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OWWA Caraga provides small business management training, financial awareness seminar to LPOR applicants The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - National Reintegration Center for OFWs (OWWA-NRCO) Caraga, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and BDO Network Bank, conducted a seminar about financial awareness, followed by a business management training for the applicants of Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (LPOR) on April 6. A total of 29 participants were warmly welcomed by NRCO Regional Coordinator Anne Jane Hallasgo, who also formally introduced the resource speakers from BDO Network Bank, the Area Head Ricky Walawala, and the Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI-ADN Charmaine Jonine Nabio. The said seminar and training are prerequisite courses for the applications of the LPOR participants as part of the evaluation procedure before the release of livelihood assistance. Through these activities, the applicants are provided with relevant information that will serve as a guide for their business undertakings, and the training portion shall put their learnings into output-based work by
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generating an accomplished business model canvas. The Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (LPOR) is a program of the OWWANRCO for returning OFWs, which aims to enable livelihood protection and improve livelihood promotion in aid of OFW reintegration. It comprises two components/interventions: the Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) and the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program (BPBHP). LDAP is a livelihood financial grant to returning undocumented OFWs wherein qualified applicants shall receive a small business start-up kit worth PhP10,000 in the form of cash assistance, whereas, the BPBH is a training cum production intervention for displaced or distressed women OFWs with livelihood assistance of PhP10,000 to support women
OFWs to start and operate livelihood undertaking for self-employment through skills training and distribution of cash assistance for the procurement of starter kits. As per guidelines under the Livelihood Program for OFWs Reintegration (LPOR), qualified beneficiaries will be required to attend Small Business Management Training (SBMT), Financial Awareness Seminar (FAS), and/or Enterprise Development Training (EDT). It also must be availed within three years from the OFWs’ latest arrival in the country. To know more information about OWWA-NRCO programs, interested OFWs may contact these hotlines: 09503057533 (TNT) / 09551884858 (TM) / 09382312119 (SMART) or visit Nimfa Tiu, Bldg II, J.P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City. (OWWACaraga/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Konperensya pagpalig-on ug pagpaangat sa katakus sa panerbisyo sa mga organisasyon, himoon
Surigao Norte LGU holds first provincewide mining caravan
Pasiugdahan sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte karong Abril 11, ang unang hugna sa Consultative Conferences on Organizational Development og Institutional Capability Building (ODICB) Needs sa mga organisasyon nga partners sa AGUSAN UP! pagpatuman sa mga proyekto niini.
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Motambong ang 25 sa 67 ka organisasyon nga inisyal nga mikometer nga mahimong partner sa AGUSAN UP! sa maong unang panagtigum nga himuon sa Gazebo Pool and Restaurant sa Cabadbaran City.
UP!, labi na ang magkaluhang mga proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant! ug Process! Process! Process! sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka komunidad.
Tumong sa maong konperensya nga maplastar ang mga suporta nga himoon isip suporta sa mga organisasyon aron mahimong takus sa pagpadagan sa mga serbisyo sa AGUSAN
Unang hisgutan sa maong komperensiya ang updates sa mga programa sa AGUSAN UP! ug ang posibleng mahikong papel sa mga partner organizations sa padayong mga lakang ilabina lambigit
sa pagkab-ot nga panglantaw sa probinsya nga mahimong “AgriProcessing Center in the Caraga Region” pag abot sa tuig 2027. Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. (Agusan up, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
The local government unit of Claver town holds its 1st Mining Caravan on April 6, at the Municipal Ground, Barangay Tayaga, Claver, this province.
and even during the initiative to respond to the calamities and challenges, in support to this year’s theme, “Panaghiusa sa Responsableng Pagmina.”
In his message, Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) Vice President for Operations Engr. Corsino Odtojan encouraged mining companies to continue its support and programs to partner government agencies and stakeholders, especially in the battle of the COVID-19 pandemic
Engr. Odtojan is optimistic that the kick-start of the mining season will help improve the revenue of the local government and will engage employment opportunities as well as generate more economic activities in the locality. On her part, Municipal Mayor Georgia
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
Gokiangkee underlined the development of Claver that attributed to the contribution of the mining companies and processing plant that has always been the partner both in economic sustainability and community development. “Having one of the largest mineral deposits, we were able to transform communities and families that we are proud of in our achievements as partners. Being one of the most competitive
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municipalities in the entire Philippines in the recent cities and municipalities competitiveness index, we pay tribute and acknowledgement to all mining companies and processing plants that contributed to the livelihood, employment, and infrastructures not just in host mining communities but the entire development of Claver,” she said.
Engr. Suante said the LGU and mining companies are indeed great partners especially during the pandemic and calamity and MGB also recognizes the responses of all mining companies during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the devastation of typhoon Odette.
“Mining companies and the LGU of Claver have always been partners for economic activity, Mayor Gokiangkee also environmental protection, thanked the mining and keeping the companies and processing community sustainable,” plant for the aid and he added. both moral and financial support. During the caravan, the PGMC, together Meanwhile, Mines and with Taganito Mining Geosciences Bureau Corporation and Adnama (MGB)-13, Engr. Francis Mining Resources Inc. Glenn Suante in his showcased their best message commended practices that aim to the LGU and the mining companies for the success intensify awareness that there are livelihood of the event.
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programs coming from peoples organizations assisted by its company through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP). A job fair was conducted simultaneously in preparation for this year’s mining season. The said caravan was conceptualized by PGMC’s Communication Relations Office Manager Alex Arabis and was participated by various operating mining companies and processing plants, together with the MGB-13, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Education (DepEd), religious sectors and other stakeholders. (PGMC/PIASurigao del Norte)
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
MINDANAO NEWS
Davao City plans to build 1K rainwater collection systems
Davao City Assistant Agriculturist Edgardo Haspe. (File Photo from Agri Info Davao)
The City Agriculturist Office here plans to set up at least a thousand rainwater collection systems to help farmers during the dry season. “Each rainwater catchment can catch about 200 cubic meters of rainwater, which help prevent flooding of river channels,” Assistant City Agriculturist Edgardo Haspe said Wednesday. “This can be a source of water for farmlands during the dry season,”
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Haspe added, noting that a network of rainwater catchments can also help mitigate flooding during the rainy season. Haspe said the plan to add more collection systems complements the 150 catchments currently installed in Marilog District here. In addition, the official said rainwater collection systems placed in strategic areas can also serve as fishponds to cultivate tilapia and
catfish. “At least 32 percent of the established rainwater catchments by the city have tilapia and catfish fingerlings. The fingerlings are free and shouldered by the government,” he said. Currently, the city’s agricultural engineers are validating possible land areas to determine if these are viable for the establishment of rainwater catchments. (PNA/Christine Cudis)
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
State of calamity declared in Davao de Oro The Davao de Oro provincial government declared a state of calamity on Friday following the damage wrought by flooding and landslides caused a low-pressure area (LPA) affecting several areas in Mindanao. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution declaring the calamity noted that heavy rainfall has been battering the province since Tuesday, affecting thousands of families and damaging PHP117.4 million worth of commodities such as rice, corn, high-value crops, fisheries, as well as irrigation facilities. In a statement, the provincial government said the declaration aims to facilitate the swift relief efforts and analyze the extensive damage brought by the weather disturbance. Based on the Rapid Damage Assessment And Needs Analysis (RDANA) conducted
by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC), inclement weather caused moderate to severe flash floods and landslides that affected 4,645 families or 9,628 individuals in the towns of Monkayo, Nabunturan, Compostela, New Bataan, Mawab, and Montevista. Two casualties have been recorded in Compostela town due
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
to drowning, as well as one reported injured and one still missing. An estimated 4,050 affected residents of Monkayo, Compostela, Nabunturan, Mawab, New Bataan and Montevista towns received hot meals as of Friday, the provincial government said. PDRRMO said it will continue conducting 24/7 weather monitoring in 11 municipalities. (PNA/Che Palicte)
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BG Party-List 108 congratulates new Bisaya lawyers Nominees of the Bisaya Gyud (BG) Partylist 108 on Wednesday congratulated new Bisaya barristers in the country. First nominee Alelee Aguilar-Andanar shared her highest regards to the new lawyers for their determination, diligence, and hard work, saying that they are going public defenders who will stand for the rights of the marginalized sectors.
NATIONAL NEWS
“Hindi madali ang mga pinagdaanan niyo pero nagawa niyong lampasan ang mga hamon dahil sa inyong sakripisyo at sipag sa pag-aaral. Natutuwa ako na madadagdagan na naman ang mga tagapagtanggol ng batas at sa mga dehado sa ating lipunan. Umaasa ako na sa inyong paglalayag sa larangan ng abogasiya ay uunahin niyo ang kapakanan ng ating mga kapwa Bisaya na inaapi, nilalamangan, at kulang sa kakayahan para ipagtanggol ang sarili,” she said. “Sana ay magpapatuloy kayo sa pagpapakita
Alelee Aguilar-Andanar
ng husay, integridad, at katapatan sa tungkulin upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa mga Bisaya at sa sambayanang Pilipino,” she added. Second nominee Atty. Mico Clavano also extended his congratulations to his fellow lawyers. “Inaasahan kong kayo ang magsisilbing gabay at bantay sa ating lipunan, at isusulong ang kapakanan ng mga nangangailangan,” he said. “Looking forward to working with you as partners in our pursuit to serve the Filipino people,
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
especially the Bisaya Gyud,” he added. According to the Supreme Court, a total of 8,241 examinees out of the 11,402 takers passed the 2020.2021 Bar Examinations. The said batch whose passing rate is at 72.28% almost surpassed the all time high passing rate in history which was 75.17% in the 1954 Bar. The SC also released the top schools with highest exemplary passers, namely the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, San Beda University, University of San Carlos, and Arellano University.
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Duterte Spokesman Martin Andanar supports wife’s bid for Congress Party-List Seat Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday has announced his support for his wife’s bid for a seat in Congress through party-list. Alele Aguilar-Andanar is now vying for a seat as the first nominee of the neophyte Bisaya Byud (BG) Partylist 108,, whose main thrusts are in food security, education, shelter, and security. Aguilar-Andanar works as a full-time entrepreneur in Las Pinas City, while heading a foundation that his father, former Las Piñas mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, initiated. She is also supporting other affiliated non-government organizations, including the Philippine Cancer Society. “Saksi ako kung paano magmahal ng Bisaya si Alelee. Mula nang ikinasal kami, nakatali na rin ang puso niya sa mga Bisaya,” Secretary Andanar said as he recalled the pioneer advocacy that his wife has organized for youth in Siargao Islands in early 2000s.
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The PCOO chief shared that Alelee’s persistence helped build mini-libraries in barrios where there was little to no access to information and books for young Bisayans to learn from.
BG Party-list wants PRRD’s antiinsurgency program sustained BG partylist joins poll of government offices and local communities pushing for the sustained implementation of the Duterte administration’s antiinsurgency efforts through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). First nominee Alelee Andanar on Wednesday said that the whole-of-nation approach created a significant change to the lives of communities who were tormented by the communist groups for decades, and also helped former rebels reintegrate safely.
“Dito ko nakita ang kanyang malasakit at pagmamahal sa mga kababayan nating Bisaya. Kaya nang magdesisyon siyang tumakbo, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip na suportahan si Alelee,” he said. “Tiwala ako na ang kanyang pagmamahal sa Bisaya ay tutumbasan niya ng de kalidad na paglilingkod sa bayan. Naniniwala ako na may sapat siyang kakayahan at karanasan para iangat ang buhay ng mga Bisaya at disadvantaged sectors sa ating bansa,” he added. Secretary Andanar is likewise urging the voting population, especially those coming from the Visayas and MIndanao regions, to support Alelee and the BG Party-list this coming May 9. “Suportahan po natin si Alelee. Hindi po masasayang ang boto nating mga Bisaya
Secretary Martin Andanar
dahil siya ay may pusong Bisaya na kumakalinga sa lahat, higit pa sa isang Bisaya,” he said. It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong’’ Go also expressed their support for the group. This was the only party-list of which the chief executive has openly given his support.
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
“Talagang ramdam po ang pagbaba ng national government sa mga barangay at liblib na mga lugar sa pamamagitan ng Barangay Development Program. Tinutugunan ng programang ito ang mga ugat ng insurhensya tulad ng kahirapan, kawalan ng trabaho, serbisyo ng gobyerno at mga imprastruktura,” she said. “Dahil dito, libu-libo na po ang nagbalik-loob, nabuwag ang maraming guerrilla fronts at nabawasan ang mga NPA-infested barangays. Ang mga nagbalik-loob na rebelde naman ay binigyan ng
Alelee Aguilar-Andanar
tulong, second chance na magbagong buhay, at mga oportunidad,” she added. Andanar also hoped that whoever sits as the next president of the country will recognize the gains that the policy has given to provide a safe and progressive countryside. The Executive Order 70 signed in December 2018 created the NTF-ELCAC which heralded the beginning of a proactive and inclusive approach to address the problem of insurgency and violence perpetrated by local armed groups. By creating the task force and adopting a National
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
Peace Framework, the government was able to streamline projects dedicated to diminish the force ofo the CTGs and finally end the five decade presence of insurgency in the country. Second nominee Atty. Mico Clavano, meanwhile, called for the remaining members oof the communist terrorist groups to return too the folds of the law already. “Apela ko sa mga kapatid nating naligaw ng landas, sumuko na po kayo sa gobyerno dahil wala pong patutunguhan ang inyong pakipagbakbakan. Iba na ang gobyerno ngayon, may puso at malasakit sa mga Pilipino,” he said.
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BG Party-List urges Filipinos to do heroic part in this challenging time
The Bisaya Gyud (BG) Partylist joins the country today in commemorating the gallantry of veteran soldiers who fought for the freedom of the Filipinos during World War II and urging the public to demonstrate heroism in this challenging time. First Nominee Alelee Aguilar-Andanar said the group recognized and honored the patriotism of our fallen heroes. “Kaisa kami sa BG Party-list ng buong sambayanang Pilipino sa pagbibigay pugay sa mga bayaning Pilipino na lumaban para sa bayan noong World War II. Kinikilala po namin ang kanilang kabayanihan at sakripisyo para tayo ay mapalaya sa isa sa pinakadilim na yugto ng ating kasaysayan,”
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pamantayan natin ang kanilang kabayanihan sa ating pakikipaglaban sa pandemya. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat na magsilbing gabay ang kagitingan ng mga bayaning Pilipino para paigtingin ang ating pagkakaisa at kooperasyon para matuldukan ang krisis na ito,” Andanar added.
Andanar said. Andanar hopes that the memory of Filipino fighters will serve as an inspiration to many as the country fights the ill-effects of the pandemic.
One month before the 2022 polls, Andanar reminded the voting population to conscientiously cast their votes on election day as a show of courage and support to the democracy that the previous generations have fought for.
“Ngayong araw, ating sariwain ang kanilang katapangan na hindi masusukat ninuman, at kailangang pamarisan ng bawat Pilipino. Sana ay maging inspirasyon ito sa bawat Pilipino lalo na ngayong nahaharap tayo sa mga pagsubok,” she said. Andanar also encouraged Filipinos to do their heroic part and contribution, through unity and cooperation, to end the pandemic and other social ills. “Nawa’y maging
“Hindi man digmaan ang ating nilalabanan ngayon, kabayanihan naman ang ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng ating susunod na henerasyon,” she said. “Ngayong Araw ng Kagitingan, bayani ang nagsusulong ng kapayapaan, sapat na pagkain, edukasyon, at maunlad na tahanang Pilipino!” Andanar said.
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
President Duterte extends assistance to Capiz residents affected by ‘Agaton’ President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, accompanied by Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, distributes relief goods and assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm Agaton at the Pontevedra Elementary School Evacuation Center, Poblacion Tacas in Pontevedra, Capiz on April 16, 2022. ALFRED FRIAS/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO Continuing his visit to areas devastated by Tropical Depression Agaton, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday checked the condition of evacuees in Pontevedra, Capiz, and led the ceremonial distribution of relief goods and assistance there. “Si DSWD (Secretary Rolando Bautista) will be here for as long as there are people who cannot eat o wala silang makain, walang makunan, we will sustain the food. For as long — kung sabihin ninyo sampung taon, eh ‘di sampung taon dito si Bautista magtira at — basta’t ang pagkain nandiyan,” President Duterte said during his meeting with the evacuees in Pontevedra Elementary School Evacuation Center. “Now ‘yung mga housing, mga repair, wala dito si isang general, si Ed Del Rosario. Siya ‘yung sa housing. But I will tell him. Sabihin ko sa kanya magpunta dito. Sa ano naman, sa daan ninyo, sa repair, nandiyan si Acting Secretary
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, accompanied by Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, distributes relief goods and assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm Agaton at the Pontevedra Elementary School Evacuation Center, Poblacion Tacas in Pontevedra, Capiz on April 16, 2022. ALFRED FRIAS/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Mercado. Siya ‘yung DPWH.” “At least okay na man, tapos na ang ano. Pero ang importante ‘yung… Pero paguwi ko sa Maynila tignan ko kung may maitulong ako sa inyo.” His government, he said, can always extend assistance through the release of contingency fund. The President also told Capiz residents that the government would help them rebuild their homes damaged by the disaster. The chief executive also made renewed offer to communist rebels to surrender, saying he is willing to give them shelter and other aid. “Pero kung gusto ninyo kayong mga NPA (New People’s Army), mag — sayang wala lang talaga akong panahon. But I can start NHA, maglagay ako
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
ng housing almost usually niyan in a place, mga 1,000 units. All over na ‘yan ha, all over. Hindi lang isang probinsiya,” he said. After visiting Leyte on Friday, President Duterte flew to Western Visayas this weekend and conducted an aerial inspection to assess the damage of the weather disturbance in Pontevedra, Capiz. The President also led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Capiz Multi-Purpose Evacuation and Convention Center-Phase 1 during his visit to Bgy. Lawaan in Roxas City. Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Capiz Gov. Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras, and other national and local government officials accompanied President Duterte during the ceremonial event. PND
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Aid handed out to calamity victims in Leyte President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited Leyte province on Friday and handed out relief goods to the survivors of Tropical Depression Agaton, promising his government will continue providing food and shelter to all those affected. “So this is what I came here for, to let you know that the government has not forgotten you. I will say this again, and I repeat, food won’t be a problem,” President Duterte said during the distribution of relief assistance to the survivors in Baybay City Senior High School. “This is what I really came for, I just want to make you smile. I know what you’re going through especially those who are wounded. It pains me, too. While I was conducting an aerial inspection earlier, Jalad told me that there’s a lot more.” While he does not have a complete picture of the devastation, the chief executive said it is up to the mayors and other officials to see to it that the needs of those affected are addressed, as well as the problems that are yet to be identified. He also promised to help Leyte residents rebuild their
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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a situation briefing with key members of his Cabinet and local government officials at the Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, Leyte on April 15, 2022 to discuss the disaster response measures and relief efforts on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Agaton. The President is accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
homes, saying: “You will be given a new house but it would be a long, long process and not an easy one unless there’s a miracle. But government will help you resettle first.”
the weather disturbance. Before flying to Davao City, President Duterte visited the Malasakit Center at the Western Leyte Provincial Hospital (WLPH) in Baybay City.
During his visit, the President conducted an aerial inspection of areas severely affected by Tropical Depression Agaton in Baybay City.
He was accompanied by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go during the hospital tour. Senator Go is the main project proponent of the Malasakit Center in the country.
After that, he presided over a situation briefing with the officials from different government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to assess the damages and casualties relative to the onslaught of
The President is expected to go to Capiz on Saturday to also assess the situation there. PND Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
PRRD admin’s pandemic response ‘playbook’ to guide next leaders natin sa libro para may playbook na po ang susunod na administrasyon (Mr. President, we will put in writing our initial success so that the next administration would have a playbook),” he said.
Pediatric vaccination (PNA file photo by Gil Calinga)
The government is adamant that it will sustain the gains of the National Covid-19 vaccination program through a development plan. The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of the Interior and Local Government, with the help of the World Health Organization, have began crafting a document containing the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP) for Covid-19 Vaccines to ensure the continuity of inoculation efforts. NTF chief, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said a “writeshop” was held on April 6 and 8 to prepare the document that could be passed on to the next administration. “This will ensure that our
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ongoing massive vaccination will continue and we will be more aggressive to ensure that all people will have their protection,” Galvez said during the prerecorded “Talk to the People” aired via staterun PTV-4 late Monday night. He said the National Vaccination Operations Center and the DOH are committed to sustaining the country’s successful pandemic response, particularly the massive vaccination program that has so far fully inoculated 66.6 million Filipinos. “Kailangan continuous pa rin po ang vaccination natin even beyond our administration (We need to continue vaccination even beyond our administration),” Galvez said. “Iyong initial success po natin, Mr. President, ay ilalagay po
The NDVP will contain the necessary steps on vaccination policies and strategies, as well as the key components of the vaccination program. “(G)agawa po tayo ng dokumento para ma-itransfer po natin sa next administration (We will make a document so that we could transfer it to the next administration),” Galvez said. The playbook will contain regulatory preparedness; planning and coordination; costing and funding; identification of target populations; vaccine delivery strategies; supply chain management and waste management; human resource management and training; acceptance and uptake; vaccine safety and quality monitoring; management of adverse events after immunization and injecting safety; vaccination monitoring system; and vaccine effectiveness. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
66.6M Filipinos fully vaxxed vs. Covid-19; 12.5M with booster The Philippines has so far fully inoculated 66,652,616 against Covid-19, with 12,477,480 of them already with booster or additional shots. Based on the latest data from the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, a total of 5,165,927 are waiting for their second doses while among the pediatric vaccinees, 9,901,584 aged 12 to 17 and 2,478,590 aged 5 to 11 have at least one dose. In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte late Monday night, NTF chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said vaccination slowed down in the past months, attributed mostly to the election period that split the attention of local government units (LGUs) and religious events. “Nakikita po natin na itong mga dahilan pong ito, ‘yung Ramadan, ‘yung Holy Week, and also ‘yung election rallies ay talagang magpapababa sa ating pagbabakuna dahil ang atensiyon po ng mga LGU ay nandoon na po sa election at saka mga tinatawag nating mga holy celebration po natin (We see that the causes are the Ramadan and Holy Week and also
“ResBakuna Kids and Tourists” in Baguio City; April 9, 2022 (Photo courtesy of NTF Against Covid-19)
the election rallies that are really slowing down the vaccination because the attention of LGUs is in the elections and the so-called holy celebrations),” said Galvez. He said there’s a “relatively high vaccination coverage” among the 18 to 59 age group, with almost 80 percent of the fully vaccinated aged 60 years old and above. “Mr. President, ito po ang dahilan kung bakit napakaganda po ng ating sitwasyon ngayong mga araw na ang lahat ng mga lugar na nasa minimal risk na
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
po tayo lahat (Mr. President, this is the reason why we have a good situation in recent days and that all the areas are at minimal risks),” he added. Galvez said the government is now ramping up efforts to provide booster shots to at least 40 million, accelerate the provision of second doses to 11.5 million in the pediatric age groups, and fully vaccinate the remaining 20 percent of 1.8 million senior citizens. He reiterated there’s enough supply of vaccines for all sectors. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani
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Gov’t eyes to sustain recovery as pandemic response continues NTF chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the government has started crafting the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for Covid-19 Vaccines (NDVP) to improve vaccination policies and strategies. The NDVP 2 covers key components of the vaccination program such as the planning, deployment, administration, and monitoring.
The government aims to accelerate and sustain socioeconomic recovery while management of Covid-19 risks continues. On Monday, the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Task Group on Strategic Communications held a virtual town hall meeting, dubbed “Road to Recovery”, to discuss the country’s fifth phase of the National Action Plan (NAP 5). “It’s really about making sure that they have access to riskinformed health protocols, they have access to accurate and affordable testing, the treatment and the vaccine, as well as timely and accurate information,” said National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon. Edillon said there’s a need to build the capacities of institutions to monitor and provide health information, especially the local health units. Under NAP 5, the government will ensure the continuity of businesses and services by adopting riskinformed guidelines, harmonizing
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(Photo courtesy of NTF) and streamlining travel protocols, and institutionalizing safe work and public spaces. To address the scarring due to Covid-19, the government would conduct a needs assessment, identify a catch-up plan, and mobilize resources. Edillon said digital transformation is one of the keys to make the Philippines more resilient against the pandemic, which includes increasing digital infrastructure, improving digital literacy, and digitalization of the government processes. “Let’s build resilience against future health threats,” she said. Moreover, the government is eyeing to craft a “pandemic response playbook.” It is also pushing for a pandemic flexibility bill and health security strategy as midterm to long-term solutions against the global health crisis. “It will be by way of legislation so that when it happens next time -- hopefully not, knock on wood -- that we can respond in a timely manner,” Edillon said.
“I believe that the NDVP 2 is a labor of love, as it is a product of all our experiences in implementing the national vaccination program,” Galvez said. Galvez said the government targets to provide guidelines on the pandemic response for the next administration to ensure the gains will be sustained up until the new government is seated. “By doing so, we can ensure that the gains we have achieved over the past year in protecting our fellow Filipinos from the deadly virus through our vaccination program can be sustained and will continue to be implemented by the next administration,” he added. The NDVP 2 will contain regulatory preparedness; planning and coordination; costing and funding, identification of targets population; vaccine delivery strategies; supply chain management and waste management; human resource management and training; acceptance and uptake; vaccine safety and quality monitoring; management of adverse event following immunization and injecting safety; vaccination monitoring system; and vaccine effectiveness. (PNA)
Caraga Infocus • April 9-15, 2022
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