CONTENTS
ASEAN NEWS
7 9
More ASEAN-member states urged to join OGP DOF cites substantial progress in ASEAN financial integration
REGIONAL NEWS
13 15 16
Organically grown products to boost in Caraga 327 new police recruits in Caraga take oath of OWWA launches 2017 Model OFW Family Search for Caraga
PROVINCIAL NEWS
19 20 21 22 23 25 26
Volume 1, No. 72 12 - 18 August 2017
COVER Flying high with OTOP Tindahang Pinoy Butuan
SP supports declaration of AgNor tourism sites 2 FITS centers launched in AgNor AgNor supports Science & Technology Week celebration AgSur producers rack up sales at the ‘Buy Caraga by Caraga’ Trade Fair: Balanghai Edition
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DTI conducts briefing on Price Act in AgSur town, sees organization of local price council soon Surigao City to commemorate 47th charter day anniv Jobs fair set on August 21 in SurSur town
HEALTH NEWS
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FNRI develops sweet potato fries technology
MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao Youth Gather For International Youth Day Davao’s 1st shrimp processing plant opens
NATIONAL NEWS
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SSS execs exert efforts to lengthen system life till 2049 Senate panel approves P19.66-B DFA budget for 2018
News Briefs Bird flu or Avian Influenza can be prevented by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling live and dressed chicken; cook chicken thoroughly; do not sell live chicken, ducks, and pigs together in one cage or pen area; do not catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds; do not handle sick or dead birds with bare hands; report to the nearest agricultural/veterinary office any unusual death or illness of chicken and other birds; and report to the nearest local health centers any case of respiratory illness with history of exposure to sick chickens and other birds. Farmers, agricultural extension workers, local government units, researchers, exhibitors and members of the academe convened for the 3rd Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) conducted recently in Butuan City carrying the theme “Go Organic: Sa Organikong Pamamaraan, Ligtas ang Mamayan!�
The National Youth Commission (Filipino: Pambansang Komisyon sa Kabataan), also known as the NYC, is a government agency in the Philippines that specifically addresses issues surrounding the Filipino youth. It was founded on June 30, 1995, via Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act.
Per Civil Service Commission Citcular No. 20, s. 2017, all goverment agencies are required to provide express lanes for persons with disabilities. CSC recognizes that PWDs should enjoy the benefits and privileges provided by law. Hence, priority shall also be given to PWDs in all transactions therein.
Cover Story
Flying high with OTOP Tindahang Pinoy Butuan
T
he store is abuzz with customers, busily reading the labels and gasping with pleasant surprise as they identify the producers of the different products.
Launched in November of 2004 and formerly known as the OTOP Pasalubong Center, the OTOP Tindahang Pinoy in Gaisano, Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City houses
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a delightful array of products from all over Caraga. Preparations for its launch started as early as 2002, when now-Provincial
Cover Story Director of DTI- Agusan del Norte Gay A. Tidalgo, together with Engr. Renato S. Corvera, who used to be Gaisano’s Manager, travelled all the way to the Gaisano City Mall in Cagayan de Oro City to seek an audience with the Gaisano patriarch, Don Stephen Sy Gaisano.
PD Gay A. Tidalgo first identified CREATE Food as partners to run the store at an P80,000 budget on the condition that they would receive subsidy for their overhead expenses only for the first six months of operation. In return, CREATE Food would get three percent from the gross profit. CREATE Food soon found that pioneering a fledgling store atop attending to obligations as producers was not as easy as they thought it would be. In 2007, after a series of interventions from the DTI- Agusan del Norte that included organizational strengthening, among others, the OTOP Tindahang Pinoy finally found structure and organizational stability through the active leadership of Manager Kerwin S. Uy. Today, it can be said that the firstever OTOP Tindahang Pinoy in Butuan City is among the most-visited stores at the Gaisano Mall.
Enjoying sales of 1.2M per month in the last two years, sales soar to more than 2M during the peak seasons of April to June, when balikbayans return to Butuan to celebrate the town fiesta After three arduous but hopeful and from October to December, when attempts to ask for assistance in finding Butuanons fly home to be with family a home for the OTOP Tindahang and friends. Pinoy, the Don finally agreed and identified a 21-square meter space at The customers leave with the mall’s ground floor and granted packages in hand, the excitement of a discounted rental fee of P20,000 a buying local still on their faces. (DTImonth with no increase for the next Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del five years. Norte) 12 -18 August, 2017
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ASEAN News
More ASEAN-member states urged to join OGP By: Kris Crismundo
MANILA - Open Government Partnership (OGP) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Joe Powell has urged eight other ASEAN member states to join Indonesia and the Philippines in participating the OGP. Powell said joining the OGP would strengthen transparency, accountability, and access to information in the region and bridge the gap among government, private sector, and civil society.
Convention Center on Tuesday.
The OGP is an international initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, increase civic participation, fight corruption, The OGP executive made the and harness new technologies that statement during the High-Level strengthen governance. Regional Conference on Open Government, a side event of the Currently, Indonesia and the country’s chairmanship of ASEAN Philippines are the only ASEAN member 2017, at the Philippine International states that are part of the 75 OGP 12 -18 August, 2017
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ASEAN News participating countries.
and citizens’ engagement in order to become eligible and join the The two ASEAN-member states Partnership, and we stand ready to are also part of the eight founding support you to do that,” he stressed. countries of OGP in 2011, which include Brazil, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Powell also noted that open United Kingdom, and United States. governance will be critical in helping the region to move forward from a “At OGP, we firmly believed that middle income economy to a high the demand from citizens around the income status. world for more open government is even stronger today,” Powell said. “The reason we believe that it is very crucial for ASEAN is for that transition “We see a continuing crisis of trusts of middle income to high income status. between citizens and governments in We believe this that it rooted for having many parts of the world. We still see an open transparent and responsive major corruption scandals continuing government,” he added. to bring down leaders. We are continuing seeing inequality in the He said that open governance quality of services and the life chances pushed for improving the country’s of our citizens. We believe that Open competitiveness by engaging the Government is a means to tackling private sector and civil society in these critical challenges,” he added. crafting reforms. He cited Thailand for initiating the process of joining the OGP. One of Thailand’s initiatives is by improving transparency in its construction sector.
For Indonesian Deputy Minister for Planning Slamet Soedarsono, he stressed that ASEAN’s collective attempts to promote and expand government initiatives shall be Powell also noted that Vietnam’s continued in order to rebuild people’s passing of law on access to information, trust to the government. which is set to take effect next year, and Myanmar’s transition to democracy for “OGP has a simple but powerful a more open government is a welcome goal -- that governments should truly move from these ASEAN countries. serve and empower their citizens. Our collective attempts to further promote “We encourage countries in the and expand open government initiatives ASEAN region to take the steps on access shall be continued,” Soedarsono said. on information, fiscal transparency, (PNA)
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ASEAN News
DOF cites substantial progress in ASEAN financial integration MANILA - Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has cited the substantial inroads made by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a wide range of initiatives aimed at establishing a seamless financial system across the region. Dominguez also said this regional bloc’s setting up of an ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) will benefit the Philippines and the rest of the organization’s member-economies by way of sustaining the momentum of their economic growth and creating more jobs for their peoples.
The FMP, which Dominguez is chairing this year, has also identified four areas of cooperation, namely, the ASEAN Insurance Cooperation, Cooperation in ASEAN Customs, Cooperation in Taxation and the ASEAN Countering Terrorism, Financing and Anti-Money Laundering.
He said the ASEAN Finance Ministers Process (FMP), which is the tool to accomplish these goals, “is following through with several initiatives” to liberalize financial services and capital accounts, develop the region’s capital markets, set up a regional payments and settlements system, and establish the AIF to promote the use of regional savings in financing infrastructure development that will support connectivity across the region.
Dominguez is automatically the FMP chairperson this year, as the ASEAN celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary, in view of the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN meetings and President Duterte’s chairmanhip of the ASEAN summit in November. “Much work has been invested in laying the foundations for a seamless regional financial system to support the goal of a regional economic community. The envisioned regional 12 -18 August, 2017
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ASEAN News economic community will enable all the member-states to build on each other’s strengths and pave the road to rapid growth,” Dominguez said at the recent “ASEAN at 50” forum held at the Manila Polo Club. He likewise pointed out that, “The mechanisms of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) are being put in place with a great sense of urgency. All of us in this region understand that cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN gives our countries the best projects for meaningful economic development.”
rest of ASEAN, stands to benefit greatly from the FMP as it is now enjoying increased access to financial services after member-states have agreed to larger allowable foreign equity in the banking, capital and insurance markets. “Filipinos now enjoy greater access to financial services, including products and alternative financing mechanisms not yet available in the domestic market,” he said. Dominguez said increased foreign equity participation in ASEAN’s financial services industry will help keep the region resilient against financial shocks and facilitate knowledge transfers as well as encourage companies to meet global best practices.
Dominguez said regional integration is ASEAN’s “path to the future” that will “bring out the best of each economy” and enable the people of its member-nations to feel “the fruits of [such] effort.” “We have observed that liberalization in the sphere of finance In his speech, Dominguez paid brings about a reduction in the cost tribute to ASEAN’s founding fathers, of financial intermediation. The entry whom he described as “men of of foreign players leads to operational exceptional vision” who foresaw a efficiencies. The resulting lower costs prosperous and high competitive results in cheaper financing services economic region driven by a freer and products available to Filipinos,” he flow of capital and more equitable said. economic development. Dominguez said liberalizing “Today, the region is a much financial services provides Filipinos different place. The end of the Cold with more choices insofar as financial War paved the way for a more inclusive products are concerned, which will help ASEAN, a framework that truly represents wean them away from “ostentatious the whole region with all its disparities consumption” and lead them towards and differences,” Dominguez said. savings and investment.
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He said the Philippines, as with the 12 -18 August, 2017
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ASEAN News services also yields more job opportunities for Filipinos, while the AIF will provide the government with additional funding source for its infrastructure program, and the regionalization of payments systems and improved regional Customs cooperation “smoothen the way to higher trade flows for the country,” he added. Highlighting the FMP’s productive initiatives under the Philippines’ chairmanship, Dominguez also cited the implementation of the Strategic Working Plans of the ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors, and the efforts of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and the Working Committee on Capital Market Development (WC-CMD) to jointly pursue the creation of an interconnected, inclusive and resilient regional capital market. He also noted the negotiations for the 8th Package of Financial Commitments, which will be ready for the signing of the 8th Protocol at the next meeting of ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors in April next year, the continuing development and integration of the insurance sector in the region, and completion of the Roadmap for the ASEAN Insurance Integration Framework (AIIF). According to Dominguez, the FMP is also continuing work on payment systems linkages, and interoperability, capital markets settlement and policy harmonization and standardization; and
capacity building among the member states to foster a financial inclusion ecosystem, promote innovative digital platforms and increased financial education and consumer protection, among other initiatives. He said the FMP also agreed to continue supporting the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investor Seminar as an important platform to communicate developments and outline future prospects for doing business in the region. (PNA) 12 -18 August, 2017
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Photo Gallery ASEAN University Forum Fr. Saturnino Urios University Butuan City 6 August 2017
REGIONAL NEWS
Organically grown products to boost in Caraga
By: Fretcher Magatao
BUTUAN CITY - Farmers, agricultural extension workers, local government units, researchers, exhibitors and members of the academe convened for the 3rd Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) conducted recently in Butuan City carrying the theme “Go Organic: Sa Organikong Pamamaraan, Ligtas ang Mamayan!� 12 -18 August, 2017
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Regional Regional News News The confab aims to mainstream the organic agriculture practices regionwide and encourage practitioners to obtain the ThirdParty Certification in order to have better access to domestic and global markets.
strict process for organic certification, some farmers’ associations and cooperatives gradually work out to comply the necessary requirements. He also shared the alternative of adapting the standards set by Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS).
According to National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) Member Jimmy Geronimo, DA together with organic agriculture stakeholders should envision not just the five percent conversion to organic farming, but also that every household should practice and be an advocate of organic agriculture.
PGS are locally focused quality assurance systems which certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on the foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange. “PGS is designed to encourage more farmers to engage with organic agriculture,” Geronimo also cited that PGS is much cheaper compared to the Third-Party Certification which is assisted by DA and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standard (BAFS) and eventually be certified by a third-party governing body.
Department of Agriculture – Caraga (DA) reported that as of December 2016, the region already achieved 6 percent of agricultural land devoted to organic farming way beyond its 5 percent target. This accounts to 42,000 hectares regionwide contributing to almost 9 percent of the DA-Caraga’s Alternate BAFS country’s goal of 477,000 hectares to Focal Person Helen Fortun said that the be converted to organic agriculture. region has one farmer and one LGUcontrolled association that complies “I believe that the National with PGS, one is the identified integrated Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) organic farmer Edgar Opalia and through the regional counterparts has the City Organic Agriculture Fisheries been effective in implementing its Complex (COAFC) of Bislig City. objectives to the farmers. Up to now I still hear appreciation from farmers DA urged other LGUs present who experienced the difference of to provide optimum support to the the organically grown produce,” Organic Agriculture Program as it will Geronimo said. further the production of safe food and making the agriculture sector more Geronimo said that despite the sustainable. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
327 new police recruits in Caraga take oath of office By: PSupt. Martin M. Gamba
File photo Caraga News Courier
BUTUAN CITY - The 327 youngest members of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) took an oath before their loved ones and family held at the PRO13 parade ground on August 16, 2017. Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, director of PRO13 administered the oath of office of 232 males and 94 females comprising the 327 new police personnel of this PRO. The regular recruitment quota for PRO13 for 2017 was 700, but only 327 among the 529 applicants hurdled the stringent screening and tests for an applicant to join the Philippine National Police organization.
The new recruits will undergo
six months of rigorous training at the Regional Training Center 13 and they will start to receive a monthly salary of P20,494. “You now officially belong to the special breed of men and women in the noble profession of law enforcement. Do not let anyone and anything stain or destroy your name, as you work in the organization,� was Felix advice to the new policemen during the ceremony. (PNP-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga) 12 -18 August, 2017
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Regional News
OWWA launches 2017 Model OFW Family Search for Caraga
BUTUAN CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office Caraga announced the launching of the search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in Caraga region. The annual MOFYA search is designed to give due recognition to outstanding achievements of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in promoting best practices in managing family challenges albeit adverse effects of overseas migration on family solidarity and cohesiveness.
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To be eligible for nomination, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) must be the head of the nuclear family, land-based or sea-based, formerly or presently working abroad with a formal or informal contract of employment or work permit, and must have a proof of OWWA membership.
Regional News MOFYA nominees must conform to the following criteria: (a) 50 percent for wholesome OFW family; (b) 20 percent for civic/community involvement of OFW and family members; (c) 20 percent of success in children’s or family member’s education; and (d) 10 percent for success in managing family finances.
MOFYA regional winners in September and will represent the region in the national search in November 2017.
OWWA Caraga Regional Director Samuel Madrid is encouraging the following sectors: Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples’ Organizations (POs), Religious Groups, Community based Socio-Civic The OFW, either single or married Organizations and Local Government and with proof of OWWA membership, Units (LGUs) and OFW Family Circles should head the family and may either (OFCs) to send their MOFYA nominees. be or formerly working abroad under a formal or informal employment For more information about the contract or work permit; the OFW program, kindly visit the OWWA Caraga should have at least five (4) years of office at Nimfa Tiu Bldg. II, J.P. Rosales work experience; the OFW family Avenue, Butuan City or contact us at should be known as an exemplary (085) 342-6178/2255989. (JPIM/ OWWApresence in the community; and the Caraga/PIA-Caraga) OFW family should be financially stable and that he/she has returned to the country for good for no longer than 10 years at the time of nomination. Previous regional MOFYA nominees can be nominated for the second time only after two years; must not be related up to the third degree of consanguinity and affinity to officials and employees of OWWA, DOLE and its attached agencies, and social partners of MOFYA; and must NOT be a holder of an elective/appointive position in national/local office at the time of nomination. Two families; one coming seabased and another from the landbased category will be chosen as 12 -18 August, 2017
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Photo Gallery Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing Expo (CARAT) 2017 Closing Ceremony Robinsons Place, Butuan City 13 August 2017
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
SP supports declaration of AgNor tourism sites
By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY - The provincial legislators strongly supported the move of Agusan del Norte Cong. Erlpe John M. Amante in Congress for the passage of house bills seeking the declaration of tourism sites in the province of Agusan del Norte. This was manifested through Sanggunian Resolution No. 200-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Salutario B. Cuasito, which was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 49th Regular Session, declaring four tourism sites in the province, namely: Lantawan Ecopark in the municipality of Kitcharao, Mapaso Hot and Cold Springs in the municipality of Santiago, Punta Diwata in the municipality of Carmen, and Tagnote Falls - Mt. Hilong-Hilong Park in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez, all of Agusan del Norte under House Bill Nos. 1406, 1407, 1408 and 1409, respectively. It was known that the province has no enough funds for the full development of the tourism sites. “Due to the limited budget at the municipal and provincial levels, these identified potential tourism sites of the province lack necessary infrastructure support
facilities to fully develop the area into a full blown tourism destinations in the country,” said Cuasito. The provincial officials believed that through these bills, the national government through the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, will be able to provide supplementary technical and funding assistance for the full development and maximization of the potentials of these tourism sites and attractions in the province that will promote the local and country’s tourism industry. Hopes are high that with the declaration of these tourism sites, there would be more influx of tourists in the province that would help in the increase of income in the municipalities and the province. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte) 12 -18 August, 2017
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Provincial News
2 FITS centers launched in AgNor By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante
BUTUAN CITY - The municipalities of Las Nieves and Magallanes in Agusan del Norte launched their Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers on July 28 and 31, 2017, respectively. The FITS center is one of the components of the Techno-Gabay Program (TGP) that was led by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 since 2012. Farmer-leaders, local government officials, and agriculture personnel participated in the launching ceremony. Las Nieves Mayor Avelina Rosales thanked the ATI for the support in establishing their FITS center. “The FITS center is a big help to the farmers of Las Nieves because all information about farming can be accessed by the farmers at our own locality specifically in the municipal agriculture office,” Mayor Rosales said. On the other hand, Magallanes Municipal Agriculturist Presciana Cabiad was grateful to the support rendered by the ATI to their municipality and to the farmers as well.
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The launching ceremony highlights on the ceremonial turn-over of the check as catalytic fund worth P100,000 to the said LGUs’ FITS centers. Present during the launching ceremony was Mr. Rodel Pasion, representing Caraga State University (CSU) as partner-agency at the same time member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the TGP together with Ginalyn Arbutante and Fil Victor Babanto from ATI-Caraga who discussed the overview of TGP. These two newly-launched FITS centers are among the seven centers to be established for the year 2017. (ATI-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Provincial News
AgNor supports Science & Technology Week celebration
By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte participated in the Exhibit and Selling Fair at Robinsons Mall, this city from August 8-13, 2017 as support to the Science and Technology Week celebration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga. Locally produced goods and other innovative products are displayed at the Atrium of Robinsons Mall from different entrepreneurs, national and local agencies and institutions in Caraga Region.
Agriculture’s Office, will display various local products from the province including bonsai trees.
DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela PeĂąa graced the said event. A press conference followed after the The booth of the local opening program of the Science and government unit of Agusan del Technology Week. (LGU-Agusan del Norte, spearheaded by the Provincial Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 12 -18 August, 2017
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AGUSAN DEL SUR
AgSur producers rack up sales at the ‘Buy Caraga by Caraga’ Trade Fair: Balanghai Edition
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Five food producers of this province have generated some P655,038.00 sales during the 5-day “Buy Caraga, By Caraga” Trade Fair: Balanghai Edition recently. The products sold were mangosteen tea, coconut sugar, roasted corn, banana chips and tropical fruit wine. Of the combined sales, 19 percent were in cash, 41 percent booked orders and 40 percent were under negotiation.
Participating producers include Janicahh Food Products, Buena Palma Corp., Sunrise Corn Coffee, Guapz Snack Food Products and Bundy Wine Products.
The Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur Provincial The top-seller was mangosteen Office has been continuously providing tea contributing 77 percent to the total technical assistance to this group and sales; banana chips placed second at the rest of the province’s micro, small 12 percent contribution. and medium enterprise (MSME) sector
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Provincial News in the areas of business licensing and other-related registration processing and facilitation, pre-trade fair briefings/reminders, secretariat and coordination support, consultancy and advisory services on product packaging/labeling and trade fair participation.
products to a wider market that includes end-users and institutional buyers, get exposure to market and competitors which give them ideas on how to develop further their products and obtain direct feedback from customers through offering free taste for food products.
The “Buy Caraga, By Caraga� is a regional fair done twice each year. As in all other fairs, it allows producers to showcase their new and existing
Customer feedback most often becomes a basis for further product improvement. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DTI conducts briefing on Price Act in AgSur town, sees organization of local price council soon
VERUELA, Agusan del Sur - The Department of Trade and Industry Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) Provincial Office recently conducted a briefing on the Price Act to the chiefs of offices, some members of the Sangguniang Bayan of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Veruela, as well as non-government organizations (NGOs). 12 -18 August, 2017
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Provincial News
Those present include possible members to the Veruela Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), the executive order of which for its formation is now on its first draft, as reported by the representative of Mayor Myrna Mondejar - Fernand EscaĂąo. The session was conducted three days before the lifting of the 60-day price freeze, which was imposed as a result of the declaration of martial law. The Price Act or Republic Act 7581 provides that even if martial law will be extended, the price freeze which was imposed for basic necessities starting the day martial law was declared last May 23, 2017, will only be limited to 60 days. During the briefing, Cerila Inson of the DTI-AdS Consumer Protection Unit mentioned that under this Law, the state has to ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable
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prices at all times without denying the legitimate business a fair return on investment. Implementing agencies like DTI, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Health have to do their respective functions to monitor prices, analyze trends, ensure fair business, stability of prices and access to basic necessities even and especially during calamities, emergencies, and state of rebellion and/or during Martial Law. In her message, DTI OICProvincial Director Brenda Corvera also updated LGU-Veruela of the other programs of the DTI. She expressed her thanks upon learning that finally, LGU Veruela will be forming its LPCC soon. Once established, this would bring the province’s compliance in terms of having all LGUs with a working LPCC at around 86 percent. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surigao City to commemorate 47th charter day anniv
By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The city government here will commemorate its 47th Charter Day Anniversary celebration on August 31, in front of the city hall. This year’s celebration with the theme, “Serbisyong Matinud-anon; Surigaonon Mapagarbohon,” will kick-off with a Thanksgiving Mass at 6:00 a.m. to be held at the City Cathedral followed by a simple program in front of the city hall and to culminate with the City Officials’ and Employees’ Night at 7:00 p.m. at the city gymnasium.
Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr, all City Councilors and Provincial Board Members. Department of Health undersecretary Achilles Gerald C. Bravo will be the guest of honor during the formal opening program.
The last part of the celebration is the charter anniversary grand parade at around 8:00 a.m. to be followed by The formal opening of the the awarding of prizes for best float. celebration will start at 8:00 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem to Surigao City celebrates its charter be led by the city chorale ensemble day pursuant to Republic Act No. 6134, then the raising of the Philippine Flag to Surigao was converted to a chartered be led by Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. city on August 31, 1970, with Pedro Matugas, Governor Sol F. Matugas, Vice Espina as its first city mayor. (PIA-Surigao Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra, Vice Gov. del Norte) 12 -18 August, 2017
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SURIGAO DEL SUR
Jobs fair set on August 21 in SurSur town
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Labor and EmploymentSurigao del Sur (DOLE-SDS) Field Office in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur will hold a Jobs Fair to be conducted at the municipal gymnasium of Hinatuan on Aug. 21, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. DOLE-SDS advised all interested applicants to be ready with the basic requirements such as resume with 2x2 picture attached; certificate of employment; and other pertinent papers.
(RWA).
Worker’s Association registration refers to the process of determining whether the application for registration of such organization complies with the documentary requirements For those applicants who would prescribed under Rules 3 and 4 of like to have multiple job applications, DOLE Department order No. 40-03, as they may bring extra copies of the amended. basic requirements. Clients who may avail are working Applicants can avail both local youth, Overseas Filipino Workers, and overseas job opportunities during Persons with Disabilities, displaced the one-day activity. workers and all other workers, including ambulant, intermittent workers, the Meanwhile, the event also self-employed, rural workers and those offers processing of application for without definite employers. (w/ a Registration of Workers Association report from DOLE/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Photo Gallery Department of Health Caraga Monthly Media Forum
Luciana Convention Center, Butuan City 15 August 2017
Department of Agriculture Caraga Press Conference on Bird Flu DA Regional Office 17 August 2017
HEALTH NEWS
FNRI develops sweet potato fries technology By: Jund Rian A. Doringo
the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 revealed that starchy roots and tubers are consumed at 17 grams daily or about two percent of the total food intake of Filipino households.
MANILA - Rootcrops are generally rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Starchy roots and tubers are mainly used as human food, animal feed or manufactured to produce starch and alcohol. The NNS found that there is a decreasing trend in consumption According to the Food and of starchy roots and tubers among Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the Filipino households from 1978 to 2008. United Nations (UN), root and tuber Sweet potato is one of the commonlycrops are a staple food and main consumed starchy roots and tubers source of calories for an estimated 700 in the Philippines, along with potato, million poor people in Africa, Asia, and taro or gabi, and cassava. Around Latin America. four percent of Filipino households eat sweet potatoes regularly. The National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food Sweet potatoes or locally known and Nutrition Research Institute of as kamote, a seasonal root crop grown
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Health News in tropical and subtropical regions like the Philippines, is rich in betacarotene, vitamin B6, manganese, and potassium. In impoverished families in the provinces and in some parts in the metro, sweet potatoes are an important food crop for they are much easier to cultivate and more affordable than rice, hence an excellent source of energy and nutrients for the entire family. Sweet potatoes, though often eaten as is after boiling or baking, are common ingredients in some Filipino delicacies such as sinigang or sour soup, ginataan or sweetened coconut milk dish with various root crops, jackfruit, and glutinous rice balls, and kamote-cue or sugar-coated sweet potato slices fried and skewered on thin bamboo sticks. Seeing the potential goodness of sweet potatoes, the FNRI-DOST developed frozen, ready-to-fry sweet potato fries using food extrusion technology. Food extrusion is a very important food processing operation. Extrusion is a process in which the food ingredient is pushed through an orifice or a die of a given shape. It mixes and shapes foods such as biscuit dough and pasta without cooking them, using cold extrusion, while producing a wide range of products such as crisp snack foods and sugar confectionery using hot extrusion.
After a series of sensory evaluation from panelists, the readyto-cook sweet potato fries were found acceptable and safe. It contains 505 calories of energy, 1.8 grams of protein, 4.7 grams of dietary fiber, and 854 micrograms (Âľg) of betacarotene per 100 grams, thus a good source of vitamin A. With appropriate packaging strategies and shelf-life studies, the ready-to-cook sweet potato fries extrusion technology can be transferred to interested small and medium businesses or local government units for their livelihood or social projects. For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao Youth Gather For International Youth Day By: Lou Ellen Antonio
ILIGAN CITY/ Mindanao Hour - Amidst the ongoing conflict in Marawi City, around 500 youths from the different parts of Mindanao gathered at Iligan City National High School Gym to celebrate the International Youth Day 2017. With the theme Love, Peace and Music, among of the invited guests are the city government officials, Undersecretary Hope Hervilla of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Assistant Secretary James Ceasar Ventura, National Youth Commissioner-atlarge, and National Youth Commission (NYC) Chair Undersecretary Cariza Seguerra.
“The youth are the future of tomorrow. You may choose to have a better today and decide to be the best of tomorrow. It is only you who control the destiny of your generation,” Vera Cruz said. Undersecretary Hope Hervilla also said that the celebration is very relevant, as it will provide an avenue for the youth to gather and create initiatives in a time of the crisis.
Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz lauded the participation of the youth “I believe that Marawi will rise despite the crisis happening in Marawi. again from the rebels of armed conflict.
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Mindanao News You are the hope of the fatherland and of the next generation,” Hervilla said. In an interview, NYC Chair Seguerra hopes that the youth will take part in creating change by starting within themselves.
Affairs shared that it was imperative “to gather the youth and ask them what they can do in order to move forward from the crisis.”
“What happened in Marawi changed things, and we can’t just “Sana lahat ng pagbabago, stand by and wait for things to pass. We especially on peace, magsimula sa need to move forward,” she said. atin; ang openness, mas malawak na pag-iintindi sa iba’t ibang kultura at Addressing four issues, prevention paniniwala”, she emphasized. and rehabilitation, diversity and discrimination, protection and prevention, and participation in (I hope that all changes, governance, the reading of the Youth especially on peace, will start from us; Manifesto was conducted. the openness and wider understanding of different cultures and beliefs.) Forming a peace sign, the youth also participated in candle lighting. Irie Chin of the Bangsamoro Youth (PIA-10 LDN)
Davao’s 1st shrimp processing plant opens By: Digna D. Banzon
DAVAO CITY - Davao Region’s first processing plant for shrimp products set to create employment for over a hundred Dabawenyos opened Friday at the Davao Fish Port Complex in Toril, this city. Anderlude Seafoods Corp. Chief executive officer Ludevito Batilong said the plant process packs of tempura (nobashi ebi), headless shrimps, whole shrimp which the company will supply to domestic market all over the country.Batilong has a foreign investor, Anders Haagen who is from Denmark.
The company grows shrimps in 45-hectare area in Dumoy, Toril. It has a 14-hectare area farm in Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and 68 hectares in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. The total production in these aeas is at 142 to 180 tons every month. It has leased some 600 sq. meters area in the fish port. Of the total area, 300 sq. meters 12 -18 August, 2017
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Mindanao News
is dedicated to the processing facility tempura. which process 3 tons of the products daily in a single shift. “We wanted to teach this small eateries how to prepare the food and According to Batilong, there is for them to offer good food like the a big demand of the products in the tempura to ordinary people as we country. The requirement in Davao City deliver the ready to cook shrimp in the alone from Monday to Thursday is five morning and collect payment the next tons daily and goes up to 10 tons on day,� he said. Friday to Sunday. He said he would also be helping He also said that the company this small businesses earn additional already had a purchase order of 2.5 income by offering the product at million pieces of processed shrimps for affordable price of PHP5 per piece delivery next month to a Manila buyer. for a shrimp of five inches in size. The company is also eyeing malls, There is great potential in this restaurants and other institution. industry, he said, especially now that seafood preference among consumers Batilong said that part of their is increasing. Batilong said he will first future plans is an expansion of their concentrate on the distribution of their production area. Exporting their products within the country, targeting products to foreign market is also part of small restaurants and eateries to their long term plan. (Digna D. Banzon/ patronize their products like the PNA)
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Photo Gallery Regional Avian Influenza Task Force Reactivation Meeting DA Caraga Regional Office 16 August 2017
Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City BOD Meeting PRC Office, Butuan City 17 August 2017
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NATIONAL NEWS
SSS execs exert efforts to lengthen system life till 2049 By: Liza Agoot
BAGUIO CITY - Social Security System (SSS) Chairman Dean Amado Valdez and President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Emmanuel Dooc have both assured that the SSS’ actuarial life will be prolonged and that future pensioners will receive what is due them. The two gave the assurance to collect, in investing [SSS funds] and during a press conference here on the operational system [as a whole]). Friday afternoon. He said that they are doing a lot of initiatives to be able to bring to year Valdez said, “pagbubutihin 2049 the actuarial life of SSS which was naming ang pagko-collect, pag- lowered to year 2032 following the invest at ang system (we will do good Php1,000 increase in pension that took
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National News effect in January 2017 from the original subsiding one pensioner. 2042 before the approval of the raise in pension. The SSS has proposed a staggered increase in the premium by six percent Under the SSS, members are from 2016 to 2022 or from 11 percent assured that upon reaching the age of to 17 percent by year 2022. This is aside 60, they will be entitled to a pension, from increase in the ceiling of the credit based on their contribution to the fund. from Php16,000 to 25,000. Dooc also said that they are aggressive in collecting the contribution of delinquent companies, termed as “SSS Tokhang”- where they file cases against erring employers who do not remit their share in the premium, including that of the employee. They also pursue cases against those who fail to perform their obligation to the system.
More importantly, an amendment in the charter of the SSS, already approved by Congress and pending with the Senate, will allow the system to invest the fund in Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
In investing, SSS does not only look at the income it will generate, but the possibility that the investment will create jobs, thus increasing members From January to August this year, who pay their premium, that will further SSS was able to obtain conviction in protect the life span of the SSS. 41 cases they filed. The “Tokhang”, he said has become effective because The executives were in unison in the employers who were delinquent saying that they were trying their best are now cooperative.” to deliver services to the members while protecting the fund that they This system has led to an average own. additional collection of Php1.3 billion a month, which is starting to cover the Valdez said “our goal is to increase Php1,000 monthly pension increase the minimum pension from Php2,200 to that led to the shortening of the fund’s Php5,000 or even Php10,000.” life span. The officials further assured that Dooc talked about the “Step the remaining Php1,000 balance Wise” which was proposed by the SSS from the Php2,000 increase proposed officers to the Cabinet, that will address prior to January 2017 will be received the effect of the Php1,000 pension hopefully on or before 2019 or even hike. He also mentioned the increase earlier when the unfunded liability of in contribution of the members. At the SSS has stabilized as a result of the present, eight paying members are initiatives being undertaken. (PNA) 12 -18 August, 2017
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National News
Senate panel approves P19.66-B DFA budget for 2018 By: Azer Parrocha
MANILA - The proposed budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) amounting to PHP19.66 billion was approved by the Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday. “We approved the budget of the DFA and its attached agencies,� Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said noting that it will be sent to plenary.
its budget approved. The committee earlier postponed the approval of the budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
During the hearing, Cayetano told DFA, led by Secretary Alan Peter the committee that the PHP19.66 billion Cayetano, is the first agency to have proposed DFA budget is 0.52 percent
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National News of the total proposed national budget Cayetano said that the Philippines of 2018 which is at PHP3.767 trillion. welcomed 5.9 million tourists in 2016. It also acquired PHP8 billion worth of Of the PHP19.66 billion, Cayetano foreign direct investment. said PH19.57 billion will be allotted to the DFA Office of the Secretary while Before Cayetano presented his the remaining PHP89.33 million will be slides, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara for its attached agencies -- the Foreign had questions for Cayetano about the Service Institute (PHP64.93 million), the DFA’s mobile passport services and if Technical Cooperation Council of the there were efforts to upgrade it and Philippines (PHP4.60 million), and the shorten processing long lines. UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (PHP19.80 million). Cayetano admitted that there was “definitely” a problem but noted Cayetano, a former senator, that the agency was working “quietly” began his presentation on enumerating to resolve it by acquiring more data his agency’s achievements and capture machines for here and abroad. ongoing efforts. “At no cost to the government, Under the Duterte administration, we are getting more data capture Cayetano said that there has been 15 machines including mobile for abroad official and state visits, 36 agreements and for the Philippines. We will have on trade and investments, and 17 five trucks with four to eight machines bilateral agreements. inside. Which we can bring in the countryside and instead of having He also said that 16,352 OFWs mobile passporting every Saturday, we in distress and 348 victims of human can do it every day,” Cayetano said. trafficking were assisted in 2016. Meanwhile, he also said that Moreover, four Filipinos have been overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), single spared on death row. Cayetano said parents, senior citizens and persons with that the agency continues to actively disabilities (PWDs) will no longer have to seek means to protect Filipinos facing get an appointment when they apply legal challenges. in any consular office, they can simply walk in. In 2016, the agency issued 3.110 million passports. Meanwhile, in the He also assured the Senate that January to June 2017 period, 2.165 at minimal cost, the DFA will be able to million passports were issued. resolve long lines in passport services. (With Angela Coloma-trainee/PNA) As for foreign tourist arrivals, Photo courtesy of DFA 12 -18 August, 2017
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Photo Gallery PIA-ASEAN Info Caravan & Kiosk Launching
Agusan Pequeno National High School Butuan City 18 August 2017
PIA-ASEAN Information Kiosk Robinsons Place Butuan 12 August 2017
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