Caraga InFocus – August 14-20, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 34 August 14-20, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS NNC BARES ENGAGEMENTS WITH CARAGA STAKEHOLDERS GCQ QUARANTINE WITH HEIGHTHENED RESTRICTIONS PATULOY NA IPATUTUPAD SA LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN

PROVINCIAL NEWS 16 AGSUR LGU PROMOTES RUBBER PRODUCTION IN AGSUR VILLAGE EXTEND ASSISTANCE TO 17 YOUTHS SENIOR CITIZENS, PWDS TOWN FAST-TRACKS VACCINATION 19 AGSUR ROLLOUT TOWN WORKS ON PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE 20 AGSUR POTABLE WATER SYSTEM PROVIDES SUPPORT TO PNP 21 ARMY ‘BARANGAYANIHAN’ IN AGNOR VILLAGE UPGRADES ICT OF LGU JABONGA’S DRRM 23 DOST FACILITY SEMILYA GIPANG-APOD-APOD SA 24 KA 24 MGA ORGANISASYON SA AGNOR PIMENTEL TOP-PERFORMING SOLON IN 25 REP. CARAGA – SURVEY SERTSS SUMAILAIM SA ISANG 26 PROVINCIAL REFRESHER COURSE, ILANG PAGBABAGO ITINURO SA ILALAIM NG NEW NORMAL SA SURSUR MINDA, LGU SURSUR PIPIRMA NG MOA KAUGNAY 28 SA PAGPAPALAGO NG INDUSTRIYA NG PANANIM NA APEKTADO NG ASF SA SURSUR 29 LUGAR NADAGDAGAN 30 289 ARBS IN DINAGAT GET THEIR LAND TITLES ENHANCES SKILLS OF PERSONNEL IN THE NEW 31 MGB NORMAL

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PCOO CHIEF HIGHLIGHTS RELEVANCE OF DUTERTE LEGACY TO FILIPINOS

MINDANAO NEWS DBP PLEDGES LOAN SUPPORT FOR MINDANAO TREE FARMING MINDA ASKS TEXAS SEED COMPANY: SET UP MINDANAO SORGHUM NURSERY

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NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO CELEBRATES YOUTH INTERNATIONAL DAY THROUGH WEBINARS PROMOTING YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN LEGISLATION, GOVERNANCE TECHNOCRATIC LEADERSHIP INCREASED CAPACITY OF GOVERNMENT MEDIA TO DELIVER INFORMATION LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORMER REBELS TO SUSTAIN GAINS ON ANTI-INSURGENCY POLICY

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

PCOO IMPROVEMENT SHOWS PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S SUPPORT FOR MEDIA IN PH SECRETARY ANDANAR: LEARNING THE WAYS OF IPS A PATH IN DISCOVERING ONE’S IDENTITY AS A FILIPINO

SECRETARY ANDANAR REFERS TO TEAM SPIRIT, DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE IN WINNING INT’L HONORS PH ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING AMID PANDEMIC BONG GO GIVES SUPPORT TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED LOCALITIES; SENDS AID TO COMMUNITIES IN PINABACDAO, SAMAR TEN MALASAKIT CENTERS NOW OPERATIONAL IN ZAMBASULTA AS BONG GO ASSURES DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO BRING PUBLIC SERVICES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE TRANSPORT WORKERS AND MARKET VENDORS IN CULABA AND MARIPIPI, BILIRAN GIVEN SUPPORT FROM BONG GO AS HE HIGHLIGHTS CRUCIAL ROLES OF ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN RECOVERY PRESIDENT DUTERTE ASKS COA TO STOP FLAGGING GOV’T AGENCIES, SAYS HE WON’T TOLERATE CORRUPTION P3.2B CASH AID DISTRIBUTED IN NCR, SAYS INTERIOR CHIEF

COVID-19 NEWS

NTF VOWS TO WORK HARDER AS MORE FILIPINOS GAIN ACCESS TO JABS GOV’T GIVES PRIORITY TO COVID-19 TESTING: PALACE

10M CHINESE VACCINE DOSES TO ARRIVE THIS AUGUST: ENVOY

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE RISING CASES OF COVID-19 With the rising cases of COVID-19 nationwide, particularly in densely populated cities and regions, we call on the public to continue observing the standard health protocols of wearing of face mask and shield, safe physical distancing, proper hygiene, and refraining from leaving your homes unless necessary, to ensure that we minimize the spread of the disease. With new variants cropping up in most areas around the globe due to migration, we encourage everyone to participate in the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program and coordinate with your respective barangay and local government unit for your inoculation schedule. This is to provide immunity against the virus and ensure that we avoid overwhelming our health facilities, should exposure to infection occur. We ask everyone to keep updated with truthful and reliable news and information through our numerous media programs in the PCOO such as the Laging Handa Public Briefing, Network Briefing News, Laging Handa Dokyu, and the official social media pages of the PCOO, among others. Let us all be responsible and do our part in ensuring everyone’s safety against the threats and impacts of the virus, as the government continues to work hard in strategically managing our economy while mitigating COVID-19’s infection rate. Let us overcome the challenge of beating the pandemic as one nation.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Communicating the D

PCOO earned prestigious national and international recognition for campaigning for good governance. Amid the pandemic, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) continues to amplify and inform the public of the government’s Covid-19 responses, including its drive and campaign to vaccinate at least 70 percent of the population to achieve population protection against the virus, through different mechanisms, campaigns and programs.

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Led by its Laging Handa Crisis Communications Center, the agency continues to disseminate factual information and to counter and dismiss disinformation that has been rampant not only on the Covid-19 responses of the government, but also on the virus and vaccines themselves and their effects on the collective bid for the recovery of the country. The Laging Handa Public Briefing, Cabinet Report, Network Briefing News, CORDS X Podcast, Laging Handa Dokyu, virtual pressers and reporting

tours, among others, are being utilized and maximized to highlight the government’s actions against the pandemic, and now in the vaccine rollout, through open dialogues and engagements by government officials with the Filipino public. Other virtual pressers were initiated by partner agencies in the Executive branch as well, benchmarking the initiative of the PCOO of reshaping the way information is released to the public. Caraga INFOCUS

Duterte legacy part 2 Different information and education initiatives contribute to such causes as well, such as the vaccine communications campaign and documentary series, VAXplainer, apart from the Laging Handa Dokyu. With these, the PCOO earned prestigious national and international recognition for campaigning for good governance through its innovation in providing information on impactful initiatives during the pandemic. The PCOO bagged seven major awards in the 2021 Stevie Awards. The Gandingan 2021: The 15th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multimedia Awards organized by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society also named the Laging Handa Dokyu as the “Most DevelopmentOriented Public Service Program.” Aside from the massive operations in disseminating updates and news, the PCOO also modernized their facilities in both radio Caraga INFOCUS

and television in order to provide news that are more tailor-fitted to the regions. More infrastructure projects for government media workers are eyed to be built after the successful launch of the Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City. Plans for the Government

Communication Academy and the Visayas Media Hub are underway. New buildings for regional offices of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) are also being built as of writing. Rehabilitation of government radio stations are likewise being undertaken through the ongoing Radio Rehab.

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To note, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar is the only secretary who personally visits and inspects the situation of government media across the country, giving them the long overdue rehabilitation they deserve.

for any company and business. They’ve gone down to the grassroots to #InformInformInform and to make people understand that President

Duterte is doing everything in his power to reach out to and address the problems of vulnerable sectors. There’s a tightly-knit coordination among PCOO’s agencies, which include PIA, Philippine News Agency, Philippine Broadcasting Service, People’s Television Network and the Bureau of Communications Services, to ensure that this information is disseminated to the people. All these communication strategies, to provide better means for tapang at malasakit to permeate into the lives of every Filipino, to communicate the Duterte legacy.

Such a gesture has boosted the morale of government media workers, knowing that someone is there manifesting the marching order of President Rodrigo Duterte for the national government to go down to the communities. After all, employees with boosted morale can actually lead to a more productive workflow

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Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs DOST-Caraga will introduce the first Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAi) Community Hubs in Caraga August 20, through the on-site and virtual Commitment Signing and Website Launching with partners from the LGUs Bayugan City and the Municipality of Las Nieves, DOST-PCAARRD, and UP Los Baños at the DOST-Caraga Regional Office, CSU Campus, Ampayon, Butuan City. xx

Ayon sa World Health Organization at sa mga maraming pag-aaral, ng COVID-19 virus ay hindi naipapasa sa sanggol ng breastmilk. Kung suspected o confirmed na mayroong COVID-19, magpatuloy pa ‘din sa pagpapasuso kay baby-* Sa lugar na may malayang AIR CIRCULATION, o mga lugar na hindi kulob; * Nang naka-PHYSICAL DISTANCING mula sa ibang kasama sa bahay; * ALWAYS magsuot ng face mask; tandaan na ang COVID-19 ay isang droplet infection, at naipapasa ito mula sa ilong at sa bibig; at * Iklian o huwag nang pakikipaghalubilo sa ibang mga tao, lalo na kung hindi sigurado sa inyong COVID-19 status. #HealthyPilipinas

It’s World Humanitarian Day! Climate-related disasters, like floods, droughts, and heat waves, have doubled in the past 20 years, affecting people in developing countries, including the Philippines, the most. Let’s keep racing to place their needs front and center. Join #TheHumanRace. Around 46.91% of the 201,335 masterlisted senior citizens have now been vaccinated. As reported by the DOH-Caraga during the 38th RTF COVID-19 Meeting, around 94,445 of the elderly population in the region have been inoculated. Meanwhile, around 75,445 have received their first dose, accounting for 37.47% of the masterlisted eligible population under A2.

REGIONAL NEWS

PCOO chief highlights relevance of Duterte Legacy to Filipinos By Jennifer P. Gaitano

To provide a better understanding to Caraganons on the Duterte Legacy, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) elaborated the legacies and how these benefitted the Filipino people. During his radio interview with station manager Ramil Bangues of RMNdxBC Butuan on Monday, Secretary Andanar said the Duterte Legacy is a national campaign to inform and etch in the minds of the Filipino people the remarkable accomplishments of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration. Caraga INFOCUS

“The Duterte Legacy campaign humanizes the accomplishments of the Duterte administration in different sectors of governance. It looks into how these accomplishments directly impact and affect the Filipinos, especially those in the grassroots,” he said.

in terms of the quality of service they must look for in an administration. With the upcoming elections, our voters are more wellinformed and can make better choices in choosing their future leaders,” he said.

When asked about some specific legacies which Andanar said the Duterte the president had initiated, Legacy is a whole-ofAndanar said that with the nation campaign, not just free education program during the State of the of the government, Nation Address (SONA), more than 1.6 million but also to showcase college students in public the accomplishments universities benefitted from of the president locally, the Free Tuition Act, which regionally, nationally. “This was signed into law by is important because if you President Duterte. have a very strong legacy campaign, it will set as the Andanar said that under benchmark of our people Peace and Security, August 14-20, 2021 |

the Filipino people witnessed the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through the Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), wherein peace and stability in the region can prosper. Under infrastructure development, Andanar said that infra spending rose to around 5-6% relative to the country’s GDP under the Duterte administration to truly usher the “Golden Age of infrastructure.” “This as we compare it to the 1.6% to GDP from 2001 to 2010 and 3% to GDP from 2011 to 2016,” he said. “Through the Build, Build, Build Program, we were able to generate 6.5 million jobs from 2016 to 2020. In 2021, we are targeting to generate an additional 1.6 million jobs to contribute to the economic recovery as impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Sec. Andanar. Apart from the Mindanao Media Hub, Andanar also announced that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also recently

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approved the budget amounting to P200 million for the construction of another state-of- the-art media facility that will boost the capacity of government media in the Visayas. “We are providing these legacies and achievements through the Duterte Legacy Campaign to provide and give a platform for the public a look into the government’s programs and services, how it can benefit them in a way they can easily understand and identify with. We’re providing a medium as well by featuring the grassroots communities as to how these legacies have benefitted them in their daily lives,” said Sec. Andanar when asked how important to talk about the Duterte Legacy to the Filipino people.

up their strategies and innovations to cater to the needs of the Filipino people when it comes to information and communications. “It is only during the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that we have accomplished numerous goals and aims in the PCOO. The Executive Order No. 2 series of 2016 that created the Freedom of Information (FOI) Program of the Executive Department has been instrumental in undertaking our mandate of promoting transparency and truthful information while countering fake news in all media platforms,” he said.

The PCOO is the lead communications arm of the government and a vehicle of understanding for a well-informed and enlightened citizenry, The PCOO chief also proud of its heritage and said that the Philippine attuned to global realities. Information Agency (PIA) PCOO is mandated to particularly in Caraga serve as the premier arm region headed by regional of the Executive Branch in director Abner Caga has engaging and involving intensified its campaign the citizenry and the mass efforts to deliver timely, media in order to enrich accurate, and reliable the quality of public information and updates discourse on all matters to the Caraganons. of governance and build He added that other a national consensus attached agencies of thereon. (JPG/DMR, PIAPCOO are also gearing Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

NNC bares engagements with Caraga stakeholders By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time with the recently held Regional Nutrition Technical Working Group (RNTWG) meeting, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga bared various engagements with stakeholders in the region for the promotion of proper nutrition particularly during the first 1,000 days of life. The NNC focuses on the first 1000 days of life to underscore the importance of ensuring optimum nutrition to every infant/child as a strategic way to prevent stunting and even obesity. In his report, Raphael Ochavo, nutrition officer I of NNC-Caraga revealed that as part of the strategies to intensify this campaign, the council has strengthened its partnership with the media and conducted press conference, accommodated live phone patch interviews, radio guestings, featured at PTV-4 thru the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga and produced radio plugging through Nutriskwela stations and governmentowned stations at the local level. “We also conducted an orientation on the 10 Kumainments Nutrition

Caraga INFOCUS

School-on-the-Air Implementation in five radio stations from different local government units in the region. On July 21, 2021, a Nutrition Month Symposium was also held with sectoral groups thru face-to-face and Zoom platform with resource speakers from the Commission on Population and Development; Nanays sa Caraga; and Department of Health,” cited Ochavo. On July 28, the NNC also spearheaded a webinar on Good Nutrition in the First 1000 Days with the following topics: a) Overview of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD-F1K); b) Maternal Health and Nutrition; c) Recommended IYCF Practices: Breastfeeding; d) Complementary Feeding for Infants and Young Children; e) Child Growth Development and Nutrition; f) How to Counsel on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition; and g) Behavior Change Activities on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). Meanwhile, Retsebeth Laquihon, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC also expressed thanks to PIACaraga for conducting the

“Kapihan at SM City Butuan”, wherein the NNC was able to elaborate the campaign on the First 1000 days of child’s life and how to achieve the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), among others. “Extend my gratitude to all the heads of agencies who had been very supportive to NNC and all its activities in the region. Thank you to PIA headed by regional director Abner Caga for the constant support and promotion of the NNC’s nutrition program and advocacy. We hoped to continue this partnership and intensify our efforts towards achieving our goals for the benefit of all Caraganons,” underscored Laquihon. On July 31, the NNC Caraga and its network of health and nutrition workers, LGUs and non-government organizations attended the online dialogue of local chief executives organized by NNC Central Office in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This year’s Nutrition Month was anchored on the theme “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!”. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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GCQ quarantine with heighthened restrictions patuloy na ipatutupad sa lungsod ng Butuan

Matapos inanunsyo ng Malacañan na mananatiling nakapailalim sa GCQ o General Community Quarantine with heightened restrictions ang Butuan City hanggang Agosto 31, nagpalabas ng bagong Executive Order (EO) si Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada. Contributed photo Nakasaad sa EO No.38 na patuloy ang paggamit ng color coded quarantine pass, mananatili pa rin ang liquor ban maging ang curfew mula alas 12 ng hating gabi hanggang

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alas 4 ng umaga. Hindi muna pahihintulutan ang mga pagtitipon maliban na lamang kung ito’y government services o kaya’y health activities. Ang mga dadalo sa anumang religious gatherings dapat ay 30% lamang ng venue capacity habang 50% naman ng seating capacity ng isang public transport ang pwedeng pasakyan. Kailangan pa rin ang negative result ng RTPCR Test kung ba-byahe patungong Butuan, pero kung fully vaccinated

na ay maaaring ang vaccination card na lamang ang ipakita. Bagamat unti-unti nang bumaba ang bilang ng mga bagong nahawahan ng Covid-19 hindi pa rin dapat magpakampante at importante pa rin ang pagsunod sa minimum public health protocols. Sa ngayo’y nasa 7,351 na ang kabuoang bilang ng mga kompirmadong kaso sa Butuan pero 291 na lamang ang aktibong kaso. (May Diez, Radyo Pilinas Butuan/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgSur LGU promotes rubber production By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local government unit (LGU) of La Paz in Agusan del Sur promotes rubber production as part of their effort in helping local farmers in the municipality. During the Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Mayor Michael Lim highlighted that the LGU is working on the development of the rubber industry.

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“In the province, one municipality is assigned one craft. So here in La Paz, we were assigned to rubber which we are developing since last year. We built a nursery so we can distribute it to our farmers in the municipality,” said Lim. Lim added that buyers of rubber usually come from Cotabato, Davao, Cagayan, Surigao. “We also want to have a rubber processing plant here because we have plenty of supply. Apart from that, we also plant

cacao, banana, corn, and rice here,” he said. La Paz is a municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur in Caraga region. The population was 28,217 at the 2015 census. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 1,481.12 square kilometers (571.86 sq mi) constituting 14.83% of the 9,989.52-squarekilometre- (3,856.98 sq mi) total area of Agusan del Sur. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Youths in AgSur village extend assistance to senior citizens, PWDs By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the youth sector in the municipality of Rosario in the province of Agusan del Sur had extended assistance to the senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), in partnership with the youth and local government unit, initiated a donation drive which they called “Kabataan Helping as One Project” which encourages the youths and young professionals to donate what they can for the senior citizens and PWDs because they are the ones most vulnerable.

called “SKedukasyon in Aksyon” was successful as they were able to distribute school supplies like pencils, bond “We also gave face papers, and crayons to masks and face shields day care learners and to 1,500 residents of our teachers. “For module barangay, and intensified students, we gave ink, the information drive face masks, alcohol and thru recoridas on the bond papers. We also vaccination program gave bond papers to of the government to our five elementary and keep everyone safe secondary schools here,” and protected from the he added. spread of the virus,” he According to Alberto said. Meanwhile, when asked Picot, Jr., SK chairperson about his take on the of Poblacion, Rosario, Picot further revealed pressing issues on illegal Agusan del Sur, they drugs and teenage collected P50,000 in cash that the SK integrated programs and projects pregnancy, Picot and in-kind donations Caraga INFOCUS

which they distributed through goods and rice to the senior citizens and PWDs in their barangay.

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“This included the table tennis, badminton, board games, dart, and the biking competition dubbed ‘Sikad Tu Rosario 2021,” Picot said.

highlighted that the SK of Barangay Poblacion, with the barangay LGU, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), Department of Health (DOH), and Barkada Kontra Droga conducted a virtual symposium for students and learners.

the ‘Palarong Pambarangay’ 2021 in the new normal and following strict health protocols, wherein the youths are able to join in the permitted sports and games during this time of pandemic.

“We have to remain strong and be compassionate to the needs of other people. Helping one another would be the best attribute that we could show to our family and other people around us, as we continue to battle the spread of the deadly virus. I believe that the youth are the hope of our nation, hence, we do have a vital role to play in the community and our nation,” emphasized Picot as he delivered his parting message during the Network Briefing News. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

“On illegal drugs, we conducted symposia quarterly for our learners. The SK also plans for this month the conduct of ‘Kariton’ Project to advocate against teenage pregnancy, drugs through the distribution of flyers, posters, and feeding programs,” said Picot. The SK also conducted

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Caraga INFOCUS

AgSur town fast-tracks vaccination rollout By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time with the scheduled Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Wednesday, Mayor Michael Lim of La Paz, Agusan del Sur shared the local government unit’s efforts in addressing the issues and concerns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in the municipality and the conduct of vaccination to eligible priority sectors.

who would enter the municipality. Those with complete requirements are turned over to the barangay and undergo home quarantine and monitored by our health officers,” he said.

Mayor Lim said that last year, they were able to have zero COVID-19 cases The local chief executive but by January of this year, also highlighted that they once again recorded they are fast-tracking the new cases. conduct of vaccination in the barangays. “We really fought to control it. We tightened “We have vaccinated our border-to-border 100% of our A1 priority checkpoints and followed group. For A2, we the order of the Interstruggled a little bit Agency Task Force, and because we had to go we met with our barangay house to house for the captains to remind them elderly in our barangays of requirements like to educate them and swab tests from those make them understand Caraga INFOCUS

the importance of the vaccine. So far, the percentage of our A2 or our senior citizens has increased. And for A3 and A4, we are almost at 100%,” said Lim. La Paz is one of 13 municipalities (and one city) of Agusan del Sur in Caraga region. It is a river town municipality composed of 80% of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) particularly the Manobos. “Our place is accessible. Traveling from Butuan City, you will pass by Bayugan City, Talacogon, and then La Paz,” said Mayor. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga) August 14-20, 2021 |

AgSur town works on providing sustainable potable water system By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Among the developmental projects that would soon be established in the municipality of La Paz in the province of Agusan del Sur include the potable water system. “Water source has been a perennial problem in La Paz. To address this, we have an ongoing P14-million potable water project funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” said Lim.

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Mayor Lim also added that the LGU is also upgrading the water system which costs P4 million, which is expected to be finished by next month.

Panagangan. The drilling will start next month and then we’ll test the quality of our water system, and our source is a deep well,” said Lim.

“We also hired a consultant from Davao who is studying our water system and we have filed a loan to settle this problem. We’re eyeing five barangays to have potable water level 3 and these are barangays Osmeña, Poblacion, Villa Paz, Sagunto,

These developments were highlighted by Mayor Lim during the Network Briefing News on Wednesday hosted by Secretary Marin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Army provides support to PNP ‘Barangayanihan’ in AgNor village More than 70 families in a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte directly benefited from a ‘Barangayanihan’ activity conducted by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 (RMFB13) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The ‘Barangayanihan’ was held in Sitio Salamin, Barangay Bokbokon, Las Nieves last August 14, 2021. The troopers of 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), led by the unit’s Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo provided support to the conduct of the said activity.

the said sitio have been disturbed for years by the terroristic activities of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNT).

The activity was led by RMFB-13 Commander Col. Laudemer M. Laude together with Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales. Sitio Salamin is among Other stakeholders who the GIDA areas in Agusan supported the activity del Norte and one of included Marisel Cosme, the priority areas of the the president of the National Task Force to Rotary Club of Downtown End Local Communist Butuan City; Datu Ronal Armed Conflict (NTFManghumosay, the ELCAC). The residents in Barangay Chairman of Caraga INFOCUS

Bokbokon; and Kathy Villamor, the manager of Project Giving, and personalities from other non-government organizations (NGOs). In his message, Col. Laude thanked the support of the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves for the success of the activity. He also recognized the efforts of the different stakeholders in pursuing their cause to help the marginalized residents of Sitio Salamin despite the threats of the pandemic. August 14-20, 2021 |

agencies who continue to assist our people in securing the welfare of the community,” Mayor Rosales said.

throughout the activity. “This is among the The activity also objectives of this formalized the already ‘Barangayanihan’ iron-clad partnership activity which is critical of the 23IB and RMFB to the government 13 from the area level security forces’ ability She also commended the down to the grassroots to defeat insurgency as joint efforts of the 23IB, which will be the gamewell as in maintaining the RMFB 13, and the changer in the quest for peace and order in our different stakeholders for a safe and terror-free communities,” Laude the successful conduct community. said. of ‘Barangayanihan’ activity in Sitio Salamin. “The 23IB and the He also said that fostering RMFB-13 intend to harmonious working Datu Ronal beef-up and promote relationship with the 23IB Manghumosay was also ‘Barangayanihan’ is one of their operational thankful for the support activities that manifest thrusts. given to the residents of altruism and solidarity Sitio Salamin. among the security “After all, we are serving sector amidst this the same country under “Kini nga programa pandemic,” Lt. Col. Paulo the same flag for the dako jud ning tabang said. same people towards the sa matag usa nga attainment of the same lumolupyo diri sa Sitio He also urged those who objective,” Laude said. Salamin labi na karon have more to share their sa panahon sang blessings to those who During the pandemiya (This program have less by joining and ‘Barangayanihan,’ has provided big help support the community the beneficiaries were to the residents of Sitio activities such as provided with food Salamin especially ‘Barangayanihan.’ packs, livelihood grants, during this time of the free circumcision for “We have high hopes children, and free haircut pandemic),” Datu Manghumosay said. that these small acts for all the residents. The of kindness will ripple community also received The activity was also into more compassion, a 60-meter hose that will harmony, and generosity provide potable water to augmented by the personnel of 23IB, RMFB among the community the residents. 13, and the NGOs especially in these challenging times,” Paulo “When the storm is rough, who assisted in the distribution of food packs said. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. we must row together and ensured that the Sebelina, CMO Officer, to achieve our desired minimum health protocols 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del destination. We are very were observed all Norte) thankful for our partner

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Caraga INFOCUS

DOST upgrades ICT of LGU Jabonga’s DRRM facility In the pursuit of attaining disaster resiliency for the communities in Caraga, the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of Agusan del Norte successfully turned over one unit of a 65-inch smart television set; and two units of hi-end laptop computers to the local government unit (LGU) of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte for the purpose of upgrading its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) facility. These shall serve as an advanced repository for DRRM-related data at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. With larger storage capacity and high-speed processors, these equipment will be utilized for faster data generation from various systems running for the municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation, particularly from the Local Government Unit Information Dissemination System (LGUIDS); Flood Event Visualizations and Damage Estimations (Flood EViDENs); and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR).

Caraga INFOCUS

With the upgraded ICT, the LGU can now easily access online reports and maps, early warning systems, including real-time updates from weather and earthquake monitoring stations, and advisories from the Regional DRRM Council. These are necessary for the LGU’s proper assessment, decision-making and identification of appropriate strategies for disaster prevention and mitigation. It will further enable the emergency operations center to speed up and strengthen its information dissemination to ensure that the members of the community are fully aware of disasters that may occur, along with the necessary precautionary measures that they need to follow. Jabonga is a lakeshore

municipality, with the majority of its barangays surrounding the country’s fourth largest lake, the Mainit Lake which receives inflows from 28 major and minor tributaries and discharges only to one outlet, the Kalinawan River that passes thru the municipality. With the occurrence of weather disturbances, the river often overflows resulting in frequent flooding in the area. The improvement of the DRRM ICT will aid the municipality’s enhancement of its existing disaster risk management strategies geared towards attaining a safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient community towards sustainable development. (DOST Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

August 14-20, 2021 |

Mga semilya gipang-apodapod sa 24 ka organisasyon sa AgNor

nga mahimong partner sa probinsya sa pagpananum ug magpadayon ang pagapod apod kanila sa mosunod sa mga adlaw.

Mosuma sa 4,940 ka mga semilya sa abaca ug cacao ang napadangat sa tulo ka organisasyon sa probinsya sa miaging semana sa nagpadayong pagpang-apod apod niini ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba.

Barangay Culit sa lungsod sa Nasipit, Mamanwa Manobo Indigenous Peoples Organization (MAMIPO) ug Pirada Del Pilar Concepcion Farmers Multipurpose Association Incorporated (PDFCAI) sa Sitio Pirada, Brgy. Del Pilar syudad sa Cabadbaran. Sa kinatibuk-an mokabat sa 55,000 na ka semilya sa cacao, rubber, mangga, falcata ug abaca ang na apod-apod sa 24 na ka organisasyon Ang tulo ka organisasyon nga mikometer nga nakadawat mao ang pagtanum ubos sa Nasipit Cacao Farmers AGUSAN UP! Naay 64 Venture Association ka organisasyon na ang (NACAFAVA) sa inisyal nga mikometer

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Gipunting ubos sa proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant! sa AGUSAN UP! nga makatanum sa 125,000 ektaryas nga luna pag-abot sa 2027. Kabahin sa programa ang pagpahiluna nga dakung bahin sa ani sa maong mga tanum unya ang i-proseso sa mga paktoriya ga ipahiluna ubos kaluhang proyekto sa Plant! Plant! Plant! nga mao ang Process! Process! Process! Kabahin kining tanan sa paninguha sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera ug sa buhatan ni Kong. Amante-Matba nga makab-ot ang dugay na’ng gilatid nga panglantaw sa probinsya nga mahimong AgroProcessing Center ug Industrial Estate Zone sa Caraga Region pag abot sa tuig 2027. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Rep. Pimentel top-performing solon in Caraga – survey Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny T. Pimentel emerged as the topperforming congressional district representative in the Caraga Region, according to an independent, noncommissioned survey. The survey was conducted by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) from August 1 to 10 with a margin of error of 3 percent. Based on the report, Pimentel was ranked 15 in the House of Representatives Public Satisfaction Survey. The

ratings and rankings are greatly dependent on their job performance, it was learned. In a press statement released by the RPMD, the expectations and duties of the Members of the Congress are extensive encompasses several roles such

as “representation, legislation, and constituent services.” “It is noteworthy to commend them for performing well in their districts, especially those who rated well in their districts, especially those who rated above 50%, no one failed,” said RPMD Executive Director Dr. Paul Martinez. In his official social media account, it was revealed that Rep. Pimentel has authored 246 House Measures, Co-Authored 336 House Measures, and around 69 House Measures were passed into law. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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August 14-20, 2021 |

Provincial SERTSS sumailaim sa isang refresher course, ilang pagbabago itinuro sa ilalaim ng new normal sa SurSur

Matapos ang halos isang taon na restriksyon dahil sa pandemya dulot ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), unti-unti nang nanumbalik muli ang pagpapatupad ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) ang iba’tibang aktibidad at pagsasanay sa Probinsya ng Surigao del Sur sa pamaraang “new

|August 14-20, 2021

normal.” Sa layunin nito na makamit ang isang matatag na lalawigan sa panahon ng anuman sakuna ang kakaharapin, sumailalim sa isang pagpapahusay na pagsasanay ang 19 na myembro ng Search for Emergency and Response Team of Surigao del Sur (SERTSS) ng probinsya sa limang-

araw na Standard First Aid with Basic Life Support (SFA BLS) na isinasagawa sa La Entrada Beach Resort and Restaurant sa bayan ng San Agustin, Surigao del Sur simula Agosto 11 hanggang 15 ng kasalukuyang taon. Ayun kay PDRRMO chief Abel de Guzman, limitado lamang ang mga galaw sa Caraga INFOCUS

kasalukuyan dahil na rin sa kinakaharap na pandemya. Ilang pagsasanay at pagbabalangkas ng DRRM plan ang pinapapatupad ng iba’t ibang lokal na pamahalaan sa probinsya na pinafacilitate ng kanilang tanggapan simula nuong kalagitnaan ng Hulyo, matapos ibaba sa General Community Quarantine o GCQ ang buong probinsya. Sinabi ni De Guzman, matapos bawiin ang Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), “nagkaroon po tayo ng ‘enhancement’ na pagsasanay sa mga Provincial responders natin na itinaon sa newnormal, bago pinasa sa mga local government units natin.”

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Dagdag pa ni De Guzman, sa buwan ng Agosto marami nang mga iskedyul ang naipatupad ng kanilang tanggapan, at magtuloy tuloy pa ito hanggang sa mga sususnod na buwan. Ilan sa mga aktibidad ang pina-facilitate nang PDRRM office ng probinsya ay ang mga sumusunod na pagsasanay o training: ● Emergency Operations Center ; ● First Aid with Basic Life Support (FABLS);

● Standard First Aid t Training (SFAT); ● Basic Incident Command System (BICS); ● Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM); ●Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA); at ● Water Search and Rescue (WaSAR) Kalakip na dito na tinutulungan at ginagabayan nila ayun pa kay De Guzman ang pagbalangkas ng DRRM plan sa ilang mga barangay sakop ng probinsya. Dagdag pa ni De Guzman, naka schedule na rin ang regular Quarterly Meeting ng mga local DRRM officers mula sa 17 munisipyo at dalawang syudad na sakop nito sa katapusan ng Agosto. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) August 14-20, 2021 |

MinDA, LGU SurSur pipirma ng MOA kaugnay sa pagpapalago ng industriya ng pananim

Isang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) ang nakatakdang pirmahan sa pagitan ng Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) at pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Surigao del Sur. Sa panayam kay Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico, inihayag nito na inaasahan nilang darating dito

|August 14-20, 2021

sa lalawigan si MinDA Sec. Emmanuel Piñol sa susunod na linggo upang pangunahan ang nasabing okasyon.

partners at economic stakeholders larangan ng pananim.

Dagdag pa ni Quico na naipasa na nito ang Aniya, ang kasunduan nasabing MOA upang ay may kinalaman sa mabasa o ma-review isang digital platform at ma-aprubahan ni kung saan ipoproseso Gobernador Alexander ang mga impormasyong Pimentel bago pa man may kaugnayan sa ang pagpirma nito at mga pang-agrikulturang ni Sec. Piñol. (DXJS RPkalakal na magagamit Tandag/PIA-Surigao del ng mga value chain Sur/Nerissa Espinosa) Caraga INFOCUS

Mula sa apat na local government units (LGUs), nasa kabuuang lima na ang apektado ng African Swine Fever (ASF) sa Surigao del Sur. Ayon kay Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Margarito Latore, napabilang na sa red zone ang Bislig City, partikular ang Barangay Cumawas, matapos mag-positibo ang ipinasuring blood Caraga INFOCUS

sample. Nagsagawa na rin aniya sila ng “depopulation” katuwang ang Bislig City Veterinary Office sa pamumuno ni Dr. Rochelle Barrios nitong nagdaang linggo. Subali’t, ani Latore, ang ginawang “depop” sa loob ng 500-meter radius ay hindi ratsada dahil sa pasya umano ng

Contributed photo

Lugar na apektado ng ASF sa SurSur nadagdagan konseho ng lungsod. Malayo din aniya sa kabihasnan ang nabanggit na barangay. Unang nagkaroon ng ASF sa Surigao del Sur ang bayan ng Cortes, San Miguel, Tandag City at Bayabas na pawang nasa 1st District. Ang Bislig City naman ay matatagpuan sa 2nd District. (DXJS RPTandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur/Greg Tataro Jr.) August 14-20, 2021 |

289 ARBs in Dinagat get their land titles A total of 289 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Dinagat Islands are now finally owners of the land they are tilling after receiving their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform in Dinagat Islands (DAR-PDI). An initiated activity by Secretary John R. Castriciones called “DAR to Door”, personnel of DAR Dinagat Islands delivered the CLOAs into the agrarian beneficiaries’ homes. A total of 349.2696 hectares of agricultural lands were distributed during the said activities conducted between May and July 2021. Of these ARBs, 272 are from the seven barangays of Libjo town and 17 ARBs were from four barangays of Basilisa town. Farmer Enecita P. Aguilar of Brgy. Rosita in Libjo was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude after receiving her CLOA right at the doorstep of their own home. “Certainly, I will not forget this day. For so many years I have been waiting for the CLOA of my land and finally, I have now the title in my hand delivered to my doorstep” said Enecita. DAR Dinagat Islands Agrarian Reform Officer II Marilyn Fugoso said the DAR to

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DAR personnel register the ARBs under the RSBSA for free insurance program.

Door program is DAR’s way of extending the office services to the ARBs and their families amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a sheer joy watching our agrarian beneficiaries beaming with happiness when they received their land titles,” said ARPO II Fugoso. Meanwhile, Antonio C. Gillo of Barangay Catadman in Basilisa was overjoyed when he was handed with the CLOA.

building and provision of other farm support services. “In our continuing effort even in these challenging times, we are able to provide our ARBs the opportunity to enhance their quality of life through tenurial security and agricultural productivity” said PARPO De Guzman.

“At long last, I got the land that I tilled for a long time,” said Gillo.

On the same activity, DARDinagat Islands personnel facilitated the registration of these ARBs to the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) and in the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

On his part, Maria Elizabeth L. De Guzman, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer of DAR Surigao del Norte underscored that the DAR to Door initiative is a manifestation that the DAR stayed true to its mandate to implement equitable distribution and ownership of land and prioritize the delivery of support services to the ARBs to make their land productive through capacity/capability

Also during the distribution, the ARB recipients were oriented on their roles, rights and responsibilities as agrarian beneficiaries. After which, the ARBS expressed their commitments to make their awarded lands productive and become a member of a DAR-assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organization nearest to their area. (Daryll M. Tumbaga, DAR-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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MGB enhances skills of personnel in the new normal

and Presentation Skills by Mr. Joey E. Reyes; Social Media Management by Mr. Neil Dimapilis; Joomla Management by Mr. Bryan Mico Lilio. Noted in their respective fields of expertise, the lecturers delivered well-crafted and straightforward presentations as well as shared valuable tips that resulted in very engaging discussions with the participants.

With the dramatic shift in the use of digital technologies and platforms due to the pandemic, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) held recently the virtual training program with the theme, “Strengthening Communications to a Better Normal” via Zoom platform.

Spearheaded by the Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division (MEIPD) of MGB Central Office, the training was attended by Economists, Information Officers, Information Technology Officers and Planning Officers of MGB Central Office and Regional Offices.

The said training program aims to enhance the communication skills of the participants and equip them with necessary skills that are vital to virtual event management, website and social media management and crafting and delivery of presentations.

The four-day training program featured the following topics, How to Organize a Virtual Event in the Philippines by Ms. Gen Lee; Organizing Webinars via Microsoft Teams by Mr. Jay Nebrao; Photo and Video Editing by Mr. Jeffrey Brylle Estigoy; Public Speaking,

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A good number of handson exercises were given to ensure skills development and application throughout the training. Similarly, breakout rooms were conducted which served as venues for interaction, discussion and collaboration among the participants. The training culminated in a closing plenary. In its gracious efforts to reinforce the participants’ learning, the MEIPD Team also provided the participants with a soft copy of the post-training toolkit. (MGB Regional Office No. XIII Staff/PIASurigao del Norte) August 14-20, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

DBP pledges loan support for Mindanao tree farming The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), with the financial support of its partner bank, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), will initiate the revival of the Plywood and Veneer Industry in Mindanao, this time using fast-growing industrial trees. On Wednesday, Aug. 11, in the newly-opened “Sikwatihan,” or choco outlet, located right at the edge of a Cacao farm intercropped with Falcata Trees in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, two key officials of DBP expressed support for the Industrial Tree Farming Program pushed by MinDA. DBP President Emmanuel G. Herbosa and Director Jeannie Sandoval who joined me and the MinDA team in a series of activities which started in Taraka, Lanao del Sur agreed with MinDA’s proposal that the Industrial Tree Farming Industry of Mindanao should be boosted by organizing Caraga INFOCUS

the stakeholders and establishing processing facilities to complete the value chain. The discussion on the key role of tree farming in Mindanao’s Greening and Economic Recovery Programs started when I pointed out to Herbosa and Sandoval that the chocolate drink we were having in the roadside Choco Joint came from Cacao Trees which were vigorously growing under Falcata Trees. The Cacao under the Falcata Project, along with the “Sikwatihan sa

Lasang,” are projects of Naawan Mayor Dennis Roa. Falcata is a fast-growing tree species planted in many mountainous areas of Mindanao, especially in the Caraga Region, which had provided poor rural families with sources of income. However, since the tree farmers are disorganized and most of the logs are bought by private processors or exported to China, prices had been controlled and manipulated. August 14-20, 2021 |

The logs exported to China are processed into plywood and veneer and sold back to the Philippines depriving the farmers of added value for their trees. MinDA has initiated moves to support the Tree Farming Industry by organizing the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming Development Council, similar to what it did with the Bamboo Industry. At the height of the logging operations, Mindanao was known for its quality plywood produced by such companies as Sta. Clara and others. Later, the tree industry shifted to growing Falcata for the country’s largest paper mill, the Paper Industries Corp.

of the Philippines in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. PICOP had shut down its operations several years ago due to mismanagement. Bislig City officials led by Mayor Florencio Garay had been moving for its rehabilitation and reopening saying it would boost the economic growth of the city and the region.

Herbosa, during our conversation, said he was impressed with MinDA’s current thrust of building industries and undertaking the complete value chain in its production programs for food and other commodities. “This is the approach that we should take in undertaking development projects so that we could provide jobs and boost the economy at the same time,” he said. MinDA is set to convene Industrial Tree Farming stakeholders in a virtual convention before the end of this month to organize the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming Development Council (MITFDC).

|August 14-20, 2021

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MinDA asks Texas seed company: Set up Mindanao sorghum nursery The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has invited a Texas-based Sorghum Seed Production Company to support the agency’s Sorghum Development Program by establishing a nursery in Mindanao. Scott Seed Company, which in 2019 donated 25 metric tons of Sorghum Seeds to MinDA through the Davao del Norte Provincial Government, was asked to consider the setting up of a seed production nursery following successful field trials conducted last year. The progress of MinDA’s Sorghum Development Program, however, has been stunted by the difficulty and expense in shipping Sorghum seeds from Texas to Mindanao, especially during the COVID 19 Pandemic. Coby Kriegshauzer, chief executive officer of Scott Seeds, a family company established by his grandfather, Ira Scott, in Hereford, Texas in 1946, has earlier invited the MinDA Chairman to witness the introduction of its new hybrid Sorghum seeds during the 75th Anniversary Celebration

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of the company. In response, MinDA proposed to Scott Seed the establishment of a seed production nursery in Mindanao to boost the Sorghum Development Program of the agency to support its livestock and poultry industry.

which China needs.

MinDA emphasized that a Seed Production Nursery established right next to the production area would greatly reduce the cost of the Sorghum Seeds which are now brought into the country from the US and other countries by seed distribution companies.

An additional benefit from Sorghum is the production of green stalks even after harvest which would be used as silage for both large and small ruminants, especially in Cattle Fattening, another project being pushed by MinDA.

Kriegshauzer said his company would be interested to discuss the prospects of investing in a Seed Nursery in Mindanao adding that it could become the source of waxy Sorghum

MinDA Sorghum Development Program was crafted in support of the Livestock and Poultry Industry Development initiatives of the agency to complement the corn produced in Mindanao for animal feeds.

The availability of Sorghum Seeds for farmers in Mindanao could provide additional income opportunities from a new agricultural product needed by the poultry and livestock industry.

August 14-20, 2021 |

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO celebrates Youth International Day through webinars promoting youth engagement in legislation, governance The Freedom of Information Project Management Office has organized various virtual events in line with the celebration of the International Youth Day, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Kris Ablan reported on Thursday. These include the third leg of the Transparency Legacy Digital Lecture series with the title #KasamaKabataan: Trailblazing FOI through youth engagement, which aims to showcase the youth’s role in implementing Freedom of Information conducted last August 11, 2021. “Paksa sa ating ikatlong digital series ang mga inisyatibo ng ating tanggapan at ilang partners at stakeholders sa patuloy na pagsulong ng FOI sa bansa [Topics highlighted during the third digital series were the initiatives of our offices and other stakeholders in

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promoting FOI in the country],” he said during the Network Briefing News with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. Other topics discussed included FOI awareness, youth involvement in FOI legislation, and youth role in fighting misinformation and disinformation. Usec. Ablan thanked all the youth leaders who spared their time to join the virtual conference. PCOO’s FOI-PMO also joined the virtual launching of the Seal of Good Youth Governance in the province of Laguna, which solidifies the efforts to advance good governance among youth leaders across the country. “Ang Seal of Youth Governance ay isang meritbased na pagkilala sa mga organisasyong kabataan na nagpakita ng mabisang pamamahala. Ang SYG ang

nagibgay po ng incentives para sa youth leaders na tuparin ang kanilang mga mandato at itaas ang kanilang mga pamantayan sa pamamahala ng mga kabataan [The Seal of Youth Governance is a merit-based recognition of youth organizations that are exemplifying effective good governance. The SYG is giving incentives to youth leaders as they perform their duties and raise the standards of governance among youth],” Usec. Ablan said. Partner agencies for this movement are GoodGovPH, Provincial Government of Laguna Youth Development Affairs Office, FOI Philippines, and the National Movement of Young Legislators. This is also supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Laguna and Galing Pook.

August 14-20, 2021 |

Technocratic leadership increased capacity of government media to deliver information Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar’s technocratic leadership has given many opportunities for PCOO and its attached agencies to undertake reforms and improvement in terms of delivering information to the public.

|August 14-20, 2021

In an interview, Secretary Andanar discussed how institutional reforms and new proactive policies strengthened its agencies’ support for government responses and programs. These were necessary improvements needed to upgrade the quality of service provided by government media.

“As a technocrat joining the government, I really believe that it is a mandate to report to the people the accomplishments of the government. I share the vision of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that ‘an informed citizenry, is an empowered, enlightened citizenry’. Informing the public should not be done by Caraga INFOCUS

agencies on their own,” he said.

based on your annual planning,” he added.

He stressed that the rollout of the Duterte Legacy communications campaign is a strategy to allow Filipinos to make a sound decision in choosing the next leader of the country. The said policy was discussed in both Congress and the Senate and it was approved.

The PCOO chief went on to discuss that this is another way to divert the way the Philippines is reported, which is often focused on the situation in Metro Manila. This is on top of establishing media hubs outside the National Capital Region (NCR), and strengthening the capacities of the Philippine Information Agency in informing the people down to the grassroots.

“Now that it’s here, I am very hopeful that this policy will continue in the next administration, as well. I believe that this is really imperative. It’s like any company that needs monitoring and reporting. These will allow you to assess your accomplishments,” he said. “It can also be a source for feedback that will help assure you, otherwise if you do not have monitoring in anything you do, then you wouldn’t know if what you’re doing is correct, or if you’re accomplishing anything Caraga INFOCUS

to establish the Laging Handa Crisis Communications policy in 2016 and we’ve been practicing it on a crisis basis. The COVID-19 pandemic happened last year and it has been active since then,” he said. This initiative allowed government media to gain the cooperation of private media, allowing government programs to be streamed in their respective channels and airwaves for the sake of informing the people about the pandemic. This was through the help of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

Another notable policy of the PCOO is the Laging Handa Crisis Communication campaign which started in 2016. “In the history of the Philippines, this is the first He noted that this time that both public initiative prepared and and private media enhanced reporting of joined hands to provide government media in relevant information times of crisis, especially that the public needs. during this pandemic. This is the reason why It has streamlined the we were able to process of reporting cascade information for all PCOO attached from the Department of agencies and likewise Health and the World unified its messaging Health Organization and content. immediately.” Secretary “We were able Andanar said. August 14-20, 2021 |

Livelihood opportunities for former rebels to sustain gains on anti-insurgency policy Harvest at Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City. Upon his return to Manila, the PCOO chief brought with him 1 ton of Adlai in an effort to promote it to other Cabinet Secretaries and foreign dignitaries with whom he had engagements.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said that the government continues to reap gains on its whole-ofnation approach to end local insurgency while providing job opportunities to former rebels. “Atong gipaninguha nga atong matabangan ang atong Presidnete para sa lakang niya nga masolbad ang problema sa insurhensiya [We are making an effort to support our President in his aim to resolve the problem of insurgency],” he said in an interview. He noted that the 403rd Infantry Brigade and the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 advocate Adlai production and processing as potential livelihood projects for former rebels. Secretary Andanar is the Cabinet Officer for Regional

|August 14-20, 2021

Development and Security (CORDS) of Northern Mindanao. “Sa atong rehiyon, dako kaayo ang mga lakang ug mga achievement sa atong gobyerno para masolbad ang insurgency. So mao nang katong mga nisurrender, ninaog sila gikan sa bukid ug natagaan nato og trabaho. Dunay uban pud atong atong napaeskwela, samtang ang uban nahimong farmers [In our region there are many government initiatives and accomplishments to address insurgency. There were those who went down from the mountains to surrender and we have provided them with job opportunities. There were others who enrolled to study, while others became farmers],” he said. Last December, Secretary Andanar and DA Undersecretary for Regulations, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan attended the Adlai Ceremonial

“Namalit ta og mga Adlai nila para matabangan nato ang rebel returnees sa pagbaligya nila ug gapadayon pud ta og order sa 403rd IB, para ato pong mapadali ang kinabuhi sa atong reel returnees ug ato pong mapromte ang ilang produkto [We bought Adlai to help our rebel returnees and we continue to order through the 403rd IB, to make life easier for former rebels and likewise promote their products],” Secretary Andanar said. Adlai production is now also replicated in the Caraga region for their implementation of projects under their Regional Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC). This has served as another alternative staple food and livelihood for farmers, indigenous peoples, and families in communities identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). The said crop is also commercially produced because of its nutritional value.

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PCOO improvement shows President Duterte’s support for media in PH Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte fully supports the media in the country.

dissemination by upgrading its facilities, and implementing policies that have created a more open government.

“Natutuwa tayo na ang suporta ni Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa This is evident in the media ay 101 percent various programs [We are happy with and policies that the President Rodrigo Roa PCOO and its attached Duterte’s 101 percent agencies have support to the media],” undertaken to improve Secretary Andanar the quality of information said during his virtual Caraga INFOCUS

interview on Love Radio Baguio where he also mentioned the construction of a new building of the Philippine Information AgencyCordillera in Baguio City. The said office is one of the four PIA buildings that will be built in the region. Secretary Andanar said that the PIA regional offices have been renting an office space for years. The PIA will also build its August 14-20, 2021 |

office buildings in Tabuk City in Kalinga Province, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, and Pagadian City in Zamboanga Del Sur. He also noted the anticipated construction of another government media facility outside Metro Manila which is the Visayas Media Hub in Mandaue City, Cebu and a Government Communications Academy in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. “Ito ang kaunaunahang Government Communications Academy sa buong Pilipinas kung saan ang lahat ng ating information officers kasama yung sa LGUs, ay makaka-experience na ng isang state-ofthe-art na paaralan na magtuturo at mag-uupdate ng kanilang skills [This is the first Government Communications Academy in the Philippines, where all information officers including those in LGUs, would get to experience a state-of-the-art school that will teach and update their skills],” he

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said. Secretary Andanar said that these are part of the all-encompassing legacies of President Duterte across the Philippines. Policies championed by the PCOO include Executive Order No. 2 known as the Freedom of Information (FOI), and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS). The agency is also pushing for the legislation of the Media Workers Welfare Bill, Freedom of Information Bill and the People’s Broadcasting Corporation Bill.

us by God, we should improve it and when we leave it, it should be better than when we found it,” he added. He further discussed the roll out of the Duterte Legacy campaign, which is an initiative of PCOO to imprint the accomplishments of the President.

“It is the mandate of an elected official to perform his duty, the same way that it is the mandate of the Presidential Communications Operations Office to inform people of the “I am very confident that accomplishments of I will exit the government our leader. It is our happily knowing that responsibility to report to it is way better than the people, because an when I found it. It is informed citizenry is an our responsibility that empowered citizenry,” whatever was given to he said. Caraga INFOCUS

Secretary Andanar: Learning the ways of IPs a path in discovering one’s identity as a Filipino Learning the foundations of our culture, preserved by our indigeonous communities, can lead to discovering and enriching our identity as Filipinos, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday. During the weekly episode of the Cabinet Report, Secretary Andanar highlighted how the Indigenous People have lived through times in self-governance along with respecting the environment. He noted that this pandemic allowed everyone to reflect. “Nitong panahon ng pandemya, napapanahon din ang introspection o pagsisiyasat ng sarili. Pre-pandemic, we were fascinated with the far away. Ngayong medyo limitado ang mga galaw natin napipilitan tayong tingnan ang mga nasa malapit, ang nandirito na, ang nasa sarili natin [This pandemic is a time for us to do introspection. Pre-pandemic, we were fascinated with the far away. Now that our movements are limited, we are forced to look at what’s nearer, what’s within ourselves],” he said. Along with the observance of the National Indigenous

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Peoples Day in the country, Secretary Andanar encouraged Filipinos to reflect on the importance of the sector on the personal and cultural identity of Filipinos. “Madalas ang nakikita natin sa ating mga kababayan at kapatid na katutubo ay ang mga pagkakaiba natin sa anyo, sa pananalita at sa pamumuhay. Ngunit sana makita rin natin na sila ay mga tagapagmana at tagapangalaga ng kasaysayan ng kaalaman at ng mga katotohanang bahagi ng kabuuan ng ating pagkatao bilang Pilipino [We often see our indigenous brothers and sisters differ in language and lifestyle. However, I hope we can also see that they are heirs and protectors of our history and the truth behind which constitutes our identity as Filipinos],” he said.

“Sa ating introspection o pagsisiyasat ng sarili, alamin natin ang maibabahagi sa atin ng ating mga kababayang katutubo. Magiging mas mayaman, mas buo, at mas ganap ang ating pagkaPilipino kapag nakilala natin ng lubos ang ating mga kababayang katutubo [In our introspection or reflection among ourselves, let’s unravel how they have contributed

to us. We will become more enriched, more whole, and identify ourselves more as Filipinos as we get to know them],” he added. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Chairperson Secretary Allen Capuyan sat as a guest during the episode of the Cabinet Report where he referred to IPs as development partners of the government. He discussed how the communities are encouraged to exercise their rights in their ancestral domains, while keeping their doors open for opportunities of development by external groups. This is under the policies on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and the exercise of priority rights (EPR). “We emphasize the fact that the Indigenous Peoples are our development partners, they are not our clients. Primarily because the tribal community has self-governance. They have their own justice system and customary laws that have to be preserved. So we approach them, listening to their narrative. And now we are supporting them in strengthening their selfgovernance,” Secretary Capuyan said.

August 14-20, 2021 |

Secretary Andanar refers to team spirit, dedication to public service in winning int’l honors Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday referred to PCOO’s team spirit as the primary reason that its information drive initiatives are recognized here and abroad. PCOO was a recipient of seven prestigious awards during the 2021 AsiaPacific Stevie® Awards in July for its innovations and commitment to public information even during these challenging times. “Hindi madali makuha ang award na ito kaya napakalaki nitong award para sa amin sa PCOO. I say ‘para sa amin’ because ako naman ay instrumento lang [Achieving these awards are not easy and these are significant awards for us in the PCOO. I referred to “us” because I am only an instrument here],” he said during an interview on J101.5 FM Big

|August 14-20, 2021

Radio.Secretary Andanar acknowledged the efforts of the employees of PCOO who demonstrated their versatility in the delivery of public service, especially during the pandemic.

“Hindi rin tayo tumigil sa paglabas para mainform ang publiko. Sa pagkuha nung mga video dun sa mga ospital, ang ating kasamahan sa Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (OGMPA), sila ni Asec JV Arcena “I am just one of the many ay talagang binuwis nila cogs and wheels of the ang kanila buhay para national communications magdocument lang. policy of the Presidential That’s precisely why we Communications received these awards Operations Office. So I because of the bravery dedicate this award to of our colleagues here my colleagues who are at the PCOO during the also unsung heroes during pandemic [We didn’t this pandemic,” he said. stop in informing the Caraga INFOCUS

public. On taking videos on the situation of our hospitals, our Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (OGMPA) under Asec JV Arcena really went out of the way to document it. That’s precisely why we received these awards because of the bravery of our colleagues here at the PCOO during the pandemic],” he added. The PCOO chief also extended his gratitude to the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for offering simulcasts of PCOO’s Laging Handa programs.

in conducting virtual pressers and reporting tours:

Secretary Andanar received a “Media Hero of the Year” Award for his innovations in PCOO, and proactive daily delivery of news and information to the Filipino public through the Laging Handa Dokyu, Network Briefing News and Public Briefing #LagingHandaPH programs.

PCOO-produced Laging Handa Dokyu series also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Documentaries under the Awards for Innovation in Video Category. This is a series of experiential and informational short documentaries which highlight the lives of healthcare workers and other frontliners, as well as all aspects of the response of the government against COVID-19.

PCOO-OGMPA Assistant Secretary JV Arcena bagged two individual Gold Stevie® Awards as “Government Hero of the Year” and “Media Hero of the Year” for his innovations in producing documentaries and explainer videos, and Caraga INFOCUS

The Virtual Presser and Virtual Reporting Tour (TVP-VRT) won a Silver Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media, Visual Communications & Entertainment under the category of Awards for Innovation in Product Design and Development. The program also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media Relations under the Awards for Innovation in Communications/ Public Relations Category.

PCOO Laging Handa COVID-19 Communications Digital Campaign also received a Bronze Stevie® Award

for Best Use of Social Media-COVID-19-related Information. It produces various digital content including infomercials, explainer videos, social cards and infographics, to keep the public informed about the pandemic and the response of the government. For its local recognition, this year’s Gandingan 2021: The 15th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multi-media Awards organized by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society named the Laging Handa Dokyu as the ‘Most DevelopmentOriented Public Service Program’. Other Laging Handa Dokyu episodes, such as Red Zone, Repatriation, Baguio: Contact Tracing and Oragon, were recognized as finalists at the Gandingan Awards 2021. Secretary Andanar was also a finalist for Best AM Radio Program Host for his programs CORDS-X and Cabinet Report. The same award-giving body also named Youth for Truth’s “Usapang Model Cities” episode as the Most Participatory Program. August 14-20, 2021 |

PH economic fundamentals remain in good standing amid pandemic Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s political will contributed to the massive accomplishments by the government in the past five years. Under the Duterte administration, the national government paved the way for socio-economic reforms and developments which helped in alleviating poverty as well as sustaining economic growth. These include the fiscal packages that allowed the economy to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Bayanihan laws and the attainment of the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the administration. Secretary Andanar emphasized that these initiatives were the reason why the Philippines continues to have high credit ratings from international institutions. “Daghan gyud kaayo desisyon si Presidente nga althoug dili lugar madawat sa uban pero kung mao ni ang kaayuhan para sa publiko, mao ni ang atong

|August 14-20, 2021

buhaton [President Duterte has decisions that were not favorable to some but he did it anyway because that is the political will that looks after the welfare of the public. That’s what we have to do],” he said. “Mao nang nahitabo nga duna tay BBB+ credit rating nga nagpasabaot nga mas dali makautang ang Pilipinas ug mas ubos ang interest rates. Tungod na sa very good financial fundamentals sa Pilipinas [That’s the reason why we have a BBB+ credit rating, which puts the Philippines in a position to get a loan at lesser interest rates],” he added. One landmark legislation was the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for

Enterprises (CREATE) Act, the second package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program that reduces corporate income tax rates. This is the biggest stimulus for the business in the country. Under the new policy, the Philippine government is providing about P1 trillion worth of tax relief to businesses over the next 10 years. The CREATE Act also enables the government to provide competitive and well-targeted incentives to investors in priority industries and locations, thereby making it more attractive for foreign investors and creating more jobs for the Filipino people. ###

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Bong Go gives support to peace and development efforts in conflict-affected localities; sends aid to communities in Pinabacdao, Samar On Tuesday, August 17, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent aid and support to conflict-affected local communities in Pinabacdao, Samar as his team distributed assistance to hundreds of individuals under the Duterte administration’s Retooled Community Support Program. This is in line with the Duterte Administration’s commitment to address insurgencies and other Caraga INFOCUS

local conflicts, support reintegration efforts and spur development in affected communities. “Ayokong nagpapatayan ang mga Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino. Kung may namamatay na sundalo, nauulila ang pamilya. ‘Pag may namatay sa kabilang panig, nauulila rin ang kanilang pamilya,” said Go earlier. “Sino ang kawawa?

Pilipino pa rin. Walang katapusan ito ‘pag idadaan sa armed struggle. Magmalasakit po tayo sa mga inosenteng nadadamay,” he continued. “Kaya patuloy po ang serbisyo at tulong natin sa mga nagbabalik loob na former rebels at sa mga apektadong komunidad para makapagsimula sila muli at magkaroon ng mas maayos na buhay,” August 14-20, 2021 |

explained the Senator. As they strictly adhered to the necessary safety and health protocols, Go’s staff conducted the relief efforts at Magdawat Barangay Hall where they assisted 584 individuals. Go’s team distributed meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. In addition, ngayon ay makamtan some recipients received natin ang population protection at herd new pairs of shoes. immunity po. Sana po bago mag-Pasko, para In his video message, naman po sumaya ang Go urged those who ating Pasko,” he added. are in the priority list to Through the Assistance get vaccinated against COVID-19 so the country to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, can immediately representatives from achieve herd immunity. the Department of “Alam ko pong mahirap Social Welfare and Development gave ang panahon ngayon, financial assistance to nasa krisis po tayo each beneficiary in a dulot po ng COVID-19 separate distribution. pandemic. Mga

kababayan ko, ang bakuna po ang pag-asa natin dito. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, ang bakuna po ang tanging susi para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.

The Department of Trade and Industry also assessed eligible recipients that would benefit from their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program.

“Ang ating target

Likewise, the Technical Education and Skills

|August 14-20, 2021

Development Authority offered scholarship grants to qualified beneficiaries. The Office of Civil Defense also distributed health kits. As an advocate for quality healthcare, the Senator advised the beneficiaries, particularly the poor and indigent patients, that there is a Malasakit Center at the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City that they may visit to avail medical assistance. Under the Malasakit Centers Act, all hospitals that are administered and managed by the Department of Health, plus the Philippine General Hospital are mandated to have their own Malasakit Center. Other public hospitals Caraga INFOCUS

to their constituents during this time of crisis. Among the officials were Representative Sharee Ann Tan, Governor Reynolds Michael Tan, Vice Governor Angelica Gomez, Mayor Terry Mabag, Vice Mayor Digoy Aguia, among others.

may also establish their own provided they can guarantee the sustainability of its operations. There are currently 136 Malasakit Centers nationwide that provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by concerned agencies, such as DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To boost infrastructure development needed to also help address root causes of insurgencies in provinces, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, pushed for the funding of numerous initiatives in the area, such as the Caraga INFOCUS

construction of farmto-market road; and concreting of local access roads. He also supported initiatives to improve roads and other public structures throughout the province of Samar, such as the construction of a multi-purpose hall in Catbalogan City and Tarangnan; concreting of roads in Daram; construction of farm-to-market roads in Pinabacdao; construction of a shoreline protection in Tagapul-an; and the construction of a public park in Tarangnan, among others Several of the local government officials were commended by Go for their service

“Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po. Alam kong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ni Pangulong Duterte ay nahihirapan din po. Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin para malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” he said. “Kailangan natin magtulungan. Hindi po namin kayang magisa po ito, kailangan nating magbayanihan, kailangan po natin magmalasakit po sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Kapag nagtulungan tayo, malalampasan po natin itong krisis na ito,” Go ended. On July 14, Go sent his outreach team to deliver similar assistance to RCSP beneficiaries in the town of Basey. August 14-20, 2021 |

Ten Malasakit Centers now operational in ZamBaSulTa as Bong Go assures Duterte Administration’s firm commitment to bring public services closer to the people Senator Christopher “Bong” Go praised the efforts of the Duterte Administration to ensure all Filipinos have the opportunity to access healthcare services, particularly medical assistance programs for poor and indigent patients. Among key milestones that Go cited is the establishment of ten Malasakit Centers

|August 14-20, 2021

in ZamBaSulTa area (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi), including three in Zamboanga City alone. “Sa mga kababayan ko sa Mindanao, lalo na sa malalayong probinsya sa ZamBaSulTa, huwag kayo mag-alala dahil hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Alam namin marami dito ang walang matakbuhan kundi gobyerno lamang.

Nandito kami para magserbisyo sa inyo,” he said, emphasizing that the Duterte Administration will always prioritize the welfare of poor and vulnerable sectors who need government attention the most. Located in the southwestern tip of the Philippines, many communities, particularly in Sulu and TawiTawi, are situated in Caraga INFOCUS

geographically remote areas plagued by armed conflict and extreme poverty. The combination of these factors have made it challenging for the government to provide basic services and infrastructure, and given rise to disparities in access to healthcare and preventive services. To address this, Go principally authored and sponsored a bill in the Senate that became Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which seeks to give Filipinos better opportunities to live their healthiest life possible.

levelled the playing field and provided our less fortunate countrymen the medical care they deserve. We will be establishing more,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in his last State of the Nation Address. “Sa pagtatag ng Malasakit Center, hindi na po kailangan lumapit at humingi ng tulong sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. Ang gobyerno na ang lumalapit sa tao,” Duterte emphasized.

The Malasakit Centers initiative was conceived by Go after years of working with the poor and indigent in Davao City which gave him a “By establishing Malasakit deep understanding of Centers all over the the barriers the poor and country, we have actually marginalized face when Caraga INFOCUS

trying to access healthcare. “Nung mayor pa si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, maraming tao mula sa mga karatig na probinsya ang pumupunta ng Davao City para humingi ng tulong sa gobyerno. Lunes, pipila ‘yan kay mayor, Martes sa PhilHealth at Miyerkules sa [Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office]. Ubos na oras nila sa biyahe, ubos pa pera nila sa pamasahe,” recounted Go. “Sabi ko, bakit ba pinapahirapan ang Pilipino kung pwede naman ilagay ang mga opisina sa isang kwarto para tapos ang proseso sa isang araw. Kaya nung naging presidente ang Pangulo, kinausap ko ang mga ahensya para gawing mas simple ang proseso ng paghingi ng tulong,” he said. To simplify the process of requesting for medical related government aid, the Malasakit Center brings together under one roof the different August 14-20, 2021 |

national agencies from which Filipino patients may avail of medical assistance. The agencies are PCSO, PhilHealth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Health. Its primary aim is to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount, if not zero billing, by covering surgeries, medicines and various other patient services and expenses. More than two million poor and indigent patients have benefitted from the program. As of writing, there are 136 fully operational Malasakit Centers nationwide, the latest of which were opened at the Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City, Basilan and Labuan General Hospital in Zamboanga City, both on Saturday, August 14. A total of 75 centers have been launched in Luzon, 26 in Visayas, and 35 in Mindanao, including those at the Sulu Provincial Hospital in Jolo; Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan City and

|August 14-20, 2021

ZaNorte Medical Center in Dipolog City, both in Zamboanga del Norte; Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig town and Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City, both in Zamboanga del Sur; and Zamboanga City Medical Center and Mindanao Central Sanitarium in Zamboanga City. Recalling a recent potentially fatal incident, the Senator said the long hours and often dangerous conditions he faced to visit these hospitals have only strengthened his resolve to work harder to make sure no one is left behind in the quest for better healthcare. “Nakakawala ng pagod kahit 24/7 ako magtrabaho tuwing nakikita ko kayo. Kung kaya naman ng aking katawan, kami na ang lalapit sa inyo. Ang gobyerno dapat ang lumalapit sa inyo,” Go said in his visits to various areas. Go had been on his way to the island province of Basilan for the launch of the 135th Malasakit Center over the weekend when the helicopter

transporting him and his team got caught in a tailwind and almost flipped out of control. “Noong galing kami sa may dagat, napansin ko about 400 feet napakabilis ng pagbaba ng helicopter. Nakayuko siya at parang nagbounce ng dalawang beses sa ere tapos tumabingi! Akala ko katapusan ko na. First time ako nakasakay ng ganon na dire-diretso talaga ang pagbaba. Sa awa ng Diyos ay naligtas naman kami,” said Go, who took the incident as a sign that he still has more good left to do. “Tulad ng ipanangako namin ni Pangulong Duterte, walang tigil ang trabaho at serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino. Layunin namin na walang maiwan sa hangarin natin na magkaroon ng mas maginhawang buhay. Kaya pakiusap ko sa mga susunod na administrasyon, sana ipagpatuloy niyo ang mga programa ng administrasyong ito na walang ibang layunin kundi magbigay ng serbisyong mabilis, maayos, at maaasahan para sa bawat Pilipino.” Caraga INFOCUS

Transport workers and market vendors in Culaba and Maripipi, Biliran given support from Bong Go as he highlights crucial roles of essential workers in recovery As COVID-19 continues to hamper economic activities in the country and create significant impacts on various sectoral groups, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains dedicated to promoting sustainable and comfortable lives for Filipinos despite the global health crisis.

In his video message during the events held at Culaba Municipal Covered Court and Maripipi Municipal Gym, Senator Go advised the beneficiaries to take health precautions more seriously as there are growing numbers of COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant.

Go’s team just recently conducted two separate distribution activities for 583 beneficiaries, who are comprised of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members and market vendors, from the towns of Culaba and Maripipi, Biliran on Monday, August 16.

As part of the vaccination priority groups, Go urged the essential workers to participate in the national vaccination program to secure population protection leading to herd immunity as soon as possible. He then appealed to the local authorities to develop an efficient

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program to persuade those who are hesitant to get inoculated immediately after vaccines arrive in the area. “Marami ang nahihirapan, maraming nagsara na negosyo, maraming nawalan ng trabaho. Kaya ang kinakailangan, kooperasyon at disiplina ng ating mga kababayan. Pakiusap lang, magtulungan lang tayo at mahalin natin ang ating kapwa,” Go expressed. Go, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged the August 14-20, 2021 |

residents to get medical attention in Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval where there is a Malasakit Center available to assist them with their medical expenses. The Senator primarily pushed for the enactment of Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, to efficiently provide Filipinos, particularly poor and indigent patients, convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go’s personnel then proceeded to hand out relief goods, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Some beneficiaries also took home new pairs of shoes, bicycles, or computer tablets. Meanwhile, staff from DSWD gave financial assistance in a separate

|August 14-20, 2021

distribution to each essential worker while the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority each conducted an on-site evaluation where qualified individuals will be granted with livelihood support and scholarships, respectively. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go extended his support for several infrastructure projects in each concerned municipality to further enhance their economic growth. Among these projects are the construction of a multipurpose building, and the establishment of a public park and its seawall in the town of Maripipi, while there will be a construction of water system in Brgy. Bool West in Culaba. Other projects he supported in the province are rehabilitation of local roads in Almeria, Kawayan, and Naval; acquisition of a dump truck in Biliran;

construction of multipurpose buildings in Caibiran and Naval; construction of flood control structures in Cabugcayan and Naval; and acquisition of new medical equipment for Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval. Go then extended his gratitude towards Representative Gerardo Espina, Governor Rogelio Espina, Vice Governor Brigido Caneja, Culaba Mayor Humphrey Olimba and Vice Mayor Enrico Uyvico, Maripipi Mayor Joseph Caingcoy and Vice Mayor Felisa Mulles, and many other local officials for catering to the needs of vulnerable sectors, especially during these unprecedented times. “Mga kababayan ko, parating mag-ingat, magdasal po tayo. At tandaan n’yo po minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon, dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he ended. Caraga INFOCUS

President Duterte asks COA to stop flagging gov’t agencies, says he won’t tolerate corruption Duterte told COA. “You make a report. Do not flag and do not publish it because it will condemn the agency or the person that you are flagging.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on August 16, 2021. ROEMARI LIMOSNERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to stop flagging government agencies and publishing reports while documents are still being processed, arguing they create a perception of corruption and unfairly putting people in bad light. The President was responding to a COA report that noted Caraga INFOCUS

“deficiencies” on the Department of Health’s (DOH) handling of P67.3 billion COVID-19 funds. In his public address, President Duterte said publishing unresolved audit reports gives people the impression that there is corruption even when there’s none. “You know that when you flag, there is already a taint of corruption by perception,” President

To address the COVID-19 crisis, the President said he had previously ordered various government agencies to make emergency procurements or loans to equip facilities, especially the DOH, with everything they need to fight the pandemic. The country, he said, is in the middle on a health emergency and it’s a matter of life or death. “So you have to understand and give it a little elbowroom to move, make emergency purchase, mag-utang,” he said, adding COA’s actions make it difficult for the government to defeat COVID-19 as its critics seize the opportunity to malign August 14-20, 2021 |

the administration. Publicizing reports alleging corruption “is not fair to the people” who are working hard to serve the republic, he stressed, noting such reports become “gospel truth” once they are released to the public. “Huwag kayong maniwala ng ganoon. Ako mismo Presidente, ako mismo nangako na I will protect you people, it includes your money. Do you think papayag ako na may isa dito sa Cabinet member magnakaw maski P1,000? You really think that I would allow it?” the President said. Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, who was also present in the meeting, said the health department’s deficiencies in procurement, documents and procedures have already been partially resolved with no findings of lost funds or corruption, citing a report from COA. Vega said DOH’s transfers to the

|August 14-20, 2021

Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) for the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), COVID-19 testing kits, medical supplies, and other hospital equipment are not covered by a Memorandum of Agreement, thus it was agreed by PS-DBM that non-attachment of MOA on these purchases has legal basis considering the items procured are considered commonly used supplies. To date, a total of P31 billion worth of commodities have been reported by DBM as delivered, said Vega. Further, the health official said 83 percent of the unobligated amount of P11.8 billion from Bayanihan 1 and 2 including government procurement budget and foreign loans, have been utilized as of June this year. A huge chunk of the funds were used to pay for benefits of health workers, salaries of emergency hired

health workers, as well as procurement of medicine and medical supplies during the pandemic. The remaining P510 million is valid for utilization until December this year, he said. Deficiencies in procurement, documents, and procedures have also already been partially resolved, Vega explained, noting the Central Office’s Procurement Service already addressed the P2.48 billion deficiencies mentioned by COA. For the remaining P2.52 billion, the health undersecretary said the DOH operating units concerned have been given directives to comply “immediately” with the COA recommendations. Government hospitals that received parts of the P1.4 billion worth donations weren’t able to submit right away a summary report list of donations, but have already provided COA with the required listings, he added. PND Caraga INFOCUS

P3.2B cash aid distributed in NCR, says interior chief Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on August 16, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The government has distributed a total of P3.2 billion to individuals and families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, benefitting more than three million individuals, the country’s interior chief said on Monday. IIn his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said 3,299,290 individuals received the government cash aid since local government units (LGUs) started handing over the subsidy last August 11.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR). The release of the subsidy is continuing, Año said, assuring the President that to ensure transparency, the names of recipients and beneficiaries are posted in the LGUs’ offices, official websites and social media platforms.

“At sa inyo rin pong pag-uutos, atin pong sinupervise (supervise) at mino-monitor ng DILG, DSWD at DND ang distribution sa LGU ng The distribution of the NCR at pati naman po financial support is based ang mayor ng nasabing on the provisions of the LGU ay sumunod din po Joint Memorandum sa inyong kautusan,” he Circular No. 3 of the said. Caraga INFOCUS

After the President gave his nod for the release of the P10.894-billion aid for the NCR, he also approved a P368 million supplemental budget, bringing the total government support to P11.256 billion. Residents of Bataan and Laguna are also set to receive similar support following the President’s approval of subsidies for the two provinces. Bataan will get P700 million while Laguna will receive P2.7 billion. “Within the week po ay magsisimula na ang pamimigay ng ayuda at sisiguraduhin nating makakaabot sa mga nangangailangan at walang abuso o anumang korapsyon na magaganap,” Año said. PND August 14-20, 2021 |

NTF vows to work harder as more Filipinos gain access to jabs The National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) assured equal attention will be given to jab rollouts nationwide as more Filipinos put their trust in government efforts. NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said all regions and provinces will have equal access to Covid-19 vaccines even as he welcomed the Social Weather Stations’ (SWS) June 23 to 26 poll, which showed that 68 percent of 1,200 adult Filipinos, majority of them Metro Manila residents, agree they have easy access (54 percent very easy and 14 percent somewhat easy) to Covid-19 vaccination sites. “The results of the SWS survey also serve as an inspiration to the national government, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector to further improve their service delivery, and make sure that Filipinos have access to these lifesaving vaccines through the thousands of vaccination sites across the country,” Galvez said in a statement on Thursday. The survey likewise manifested the government’s successful efforts to reach out to the

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DISINFECTION. The boxes containing 365,040 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are disinfected upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Wednesday night (Aug 18, 2021). Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law welcomed the shipment. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

people, particularly those residing in high-risk and vulnerable areas, to get vaccinated with Covid-19 jab, he added.

served,” he said. More to be done

Galvez said there is “still a lot of room for improvement The vaccine czar took and expansion” that needed note of the 29 percent of to be done in the country’s respondents who said they inoculation program such do not have access to as vaccine deployment, vaccination sites. handling, administration strategies, activation of more “This figure is a reflection of sites, and hiring additional the hard work, determination, vaccinators. and commitment of all sectors of society to ensure He explained that the that the vaccines get into vaccination program “was the arms of as many people still gaining momentum” as possible. However, much during the second quarter work also needs to be done this year due to “limited so that the 29 percent who vaccine deliveries at that said they have no access time”. to vaccination sites can be

August 14-20, 2021 |

“This is why we made sure that the deployment of the limited vaccine doses will be directed to those areas with the highest economic and social risks, as well as groups with the highest burden of disease, hospitalization, and death,” he said. The survey was conducted when the country’s vaccine stockpile was at 17,457,810 jabs in June, “significantly lower” than the 25,482,580 doses received between July and August. Galvez said the government expects an increase to the country’s cumulative vaccine inventory to up to 50 million doses within this month. Rising numbers The average daily jab rate in June was at 179,605 doses and increased to 315,366 in July and 488,455 in August. “It was in July when we started to receive a steady supply of larger vaccine shipments. As a result, LGUs were able to increase their capacities to inoculate beyond their initial daily targets,” he said.

BETTER ACCESS: A 2021 second quarter survey of the Social Weather Stations shows that 68 percent of adult Filipinos have easy access to Covid-19 vaccination sites. The poll involved 1,200 adult respondents from June 23 to 26, 2021. (Photo courtesy of SWS)

Metro Manila alone, over 230,000 jabs have been administered daily. SWS showed the pace of vaccination was considered “slow” by 51 percent for their own barangay, 44 percent for their own city/ municipality, and 50 percent for the Philippines”. “This was achieved several times in August. And just this month, the country was able to administer around 700,000 jabs in a day twice,” Galvez said.

LGUs and establishments also opened more vaccination sites.

He said the use of the singleshot Johnson & Johnson vaccine for senior citizens and adults with comorbidities nationwide helped improved the vaccination program.

Galvez cautioned that the survey result on the slow pace of vaccination may not reflect the current situation”, noting that in

“To ensure the biggest impact, we gave the highest priority to those residing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas

|August 14-20, 2021

nationwide,” he added. Galvez said the NTF understands the need to improve the country’s pandemic response strategies and further boost the vaccination program. “Yet, we believe that all of these efforts are still not enough. Based on our monitoring and evaluation, we have identified the areas in our vaccine program that need to be improved on, as we move closer to our goal of achieving herd immunity and soon expanding our inoculation program to the younger population,” he said. The Philippines has a total of 42,940,390 doses of Covid-19 vaccines as of Wednesday. Another 3 million doses of Sinovac jabs will be delivered Thursday afternoon. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani )

Caraga INFOCUS

Gov’t gives priority to Covid-19 testing: Palace

File photo

The national government has been giving priority to Covid-19 testing since the pandemic started last year, Malacañang said Monday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction on Vice President Leni Robredo’s suggestion to ramp up testing amid the increasing Covid-19 infections. “All I can say is, sa mula’t-mula po, talagang we give a Caraga INFOCUS

priority to testing dahil siyempre po iyan iyong ating unang sandata, kinakailangan malaman natin kung sino iyong dapat i-isolate (since the pandemic started, we really give priority to testing because that is our main weapon, we need to know who should be isolated),” Roque said in Palace press briefing. Roque said the government has already increased its daily Covid-19 testing beyond 55,000 particularly in

high-risk areas. “We are increasing our testing beyond 55,000 ay gumagamit na rin po tayo ng antigen. Dahil mayroon naman po tayong protocols when they can be used doon sa mga areas na talagang mataas po iyong clustering ng kaso eh pupuwede pong mag-antigen (by using antigen tests. Because there are protocols when they can be used in areas where there is high clustering),” he said. August 14-20, 2021 |

“Hindi po natin pinababayaan iyan (We are not neglecting our testing efforts), we have always recognized that testing is very crucial in the fight against Covid-19,” he added. Earlier, Vice President Leni Robredo urged the government to boost Covid-19 testing on top of vaccination efforts to ensure that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila will be the “last lockdown”. National Task Force Against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer and Testing Czar Vince Dizon earlier said the country was averaging 56,000 tests a day the past week.

Metro Manila bago po magtapos ang ating ECQ (As long as we keep going, we will achieve our goal of using up the 4 million doses given to Metro Manila before the ECQ). So we are on our way to vaccinating at least 50 percent of our population here in Metro Manila,” he said. Quarantine protocols Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, for his part, urged the public to continue observing minimum public health standards amid rising cases of Covid-19 nationwide.

“We call on the public to continue observing Meanwhile, Roque the standard health expressed optimism that protocols of wearing of the government can fully face mask, and shield, vaccinate half its target safe physical distancing, population in Metro proper hygiene, and Manila by the end of the refraining from leaving ECQ on August 20. your homes unless necessary, to ensure that “Basta patuloy lang po we minimize the spread tayo eh makakamit po of the disease,” Andanar natin iyon pong ating said. ninanais na maubos iyong 4 million [Covid-19 He also enjoined doses] na ibibigay sa the public to get

|August 14-20, 2021

inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccination by coordinating with their respective local government units (LGUs). To stay updated on “truthful” and “reliable” news, Andanar also urged the public to monitor state-run media programs such as the Laging Handa public briefing, Network Briefing News, Laging Handa Dokyu, as well as its social media pages. Metro Manila is under the strictest ECQ until Aug. 20 to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant. Composed of 16 cities, Metro Manila currently has a population of over 13 million. On Monday, health authorities recorded 14,610 more Covid-19 infections bringing the total case count to 1,755,846. The death toll increased to 30,366 after 27 more people died while recoveries climbed to 1,618,808 after 10,674 more patients recovered from the disease. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha) Caraga INFOCUS

10M Chinese vaccine doses to arrive this August: envoy

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (File photo)

About 10 million doses of China-manufactured vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-9) will be shipped to the Philippines within August 2021, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said on Thursday. Of this figure, one million are donations while the remaining are government-procured CoronaVac vaccine. “[T]he total number of China’s vaccine Caraga INFOCUS

delivered to the Philippines this month is expected to reach nearly 10 million doses, which would hopefully alleviate the shortage of vaccines here,” Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian was quoted in The Manila Times report as saying. “China’s vaccine is not only the first Covid vaccine to arrive in the Philippines, but also become the major source of Philippine

vaccination, and their safety and efficacy have increasingly earned widespread recognition and trust among the Filipinos,” he added. Since the first batch of Sinovac vaccine arrived in February 2021, Manila has so received more than 25.5 million doses of the vaccine from China. “Together with our Filipino friends, many memorable “firsts” were recorded. China August 14-20, 2021 |

was the first country to donate test kits, the first country to dispatch anti-pandemic medical expert team to the Philippines, and also the first country to issue special permit for the Philippine military air crafts and vessels to land and dock in China for transportation of medical supplies,” Huang said. He added that China will continue to extend help and support to the best of its ability.

in 2020. “In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade in goods topped USD37.5 billion, up by 53.5 percent year on year,” he said. China also became the Philippines’ secondlargest export market as its investments grown rapidly.

“In 2020, China’s direct non-financial investment in the Philippines hit USD140 million, nearly 1.4 times increase year Among others, it will work on year. In the first half, closely with Manila “to this indicator increased further synergize” the Belt 2.3 times to over USD89 and Road Initiative and million,” Huang said. the “Build, Build, Build” program and accelerate ‘New stage of harvest’ economic recovery and growth in the postThe government-toepidemic era. government projects between the two have For Huang, Manila also stepped into a “new and Beijing’s bilateral stage of harvest”, the cooperation has envoy said. “pressed ahead against all odds” in the past few Under the Duterte years. administration, 13 projects worth USD He noted that bilateral 120 million, including trade has also scaled the Dangerous Drug new heights, with the Abuse Treatment and two nations’ annual Rehabilitation Centers, bilateral trade in goods the Covid-19 Vaccine reaching USD61.2 billion Donation Project and

|August 14-20, 2021

Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge have been launched and completed. Eight others are under implementation with a total financing value of over USD1.1 billion. Four major infrastructure projects worth USD 2.2 billion, meanwhile, including the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project, are under loan negotiation. A list of pipeline projects worth billions of US dollars is also undergoing Philippine internal review and bidding process. “I believe that as we further enhance ChinaPhilippines pragmatic cooperation, and continue to bring our government-togovernment cooperation projects and China’s investment projects in the Philippines to fruition, more opportunities and dividends will be generated to benefit the peoples of both countries, and contribute to economic recovery and people’s livelihood in the Philippines,” Huang said. (PNA/ By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora) Caraga INFOCUS

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES Regional Office

MAY DIEZ NERISSA ESPINOSA LADE JEAN KABAGANI SHENA MAE PABIA AZER PARROCHA JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA 2LT. ANGEL GRACE M. SEBELINA GREG TATARO, JR. DARYLL M. TUMBAGA RADYO PILINAS BUTUAN CMO OFFICER, 23IB, PA DOST AGUSAN DEL NORTE LGU ADN, DXJS RP-TANDAG DAR-SDN, MINDA, PND, PNA MGB REGIONAL OFFICE NO. XIII STAFF Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City

(085) 815-1991

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AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

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Caraga InFocus – August 14-20, 2021

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LUGAR NA APEKTADO NG ASF SA SURSUR NADAGDAGAN

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DOST UPGRADES ICT OF LGU JABONGA’S DRRM FACILITY

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GCQ QUARANTINE WITH HEIGHTHENED RESTRICTIONS PATULOY NA IPATUTUPAD SA LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN

AGSUR TOWN FAST-TRACKS VACCINATION ROLLOUT

NNC BARES ENGAGEMENTS WITH CARAGA STAKEHOLDERS

PCOO CHIEF HIGHLIGHTS RELEVANCE OF DUTERTE LEGACY TO FILIPINOS

YOUTHS IN AGSUR VILLAGE EXTEND ASSISTANCE TO SENIOR CITIZENS, PWDS

AGSUR LGU PROMOTES RUBBER PRODUCTION