Caraga InFocus – August 28-September 3, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 36 August 28-September 3, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS 4ID CHIEF LAUDS CARAGA LCES’ EFFORTS VS NPAS PRDP TRAINS BENEFICIARIES TO SUSTAIN EXCELLENT ABACA FIBER

PROVINCIAL NEWS TIGHTENS HEALTH PROTOCOLS AS 13 AGSUR COVID-19 CASES SURGE 15 AGSUR LCE HIGHLIGHTS IPS’ CULTURE IN ESPERANZA LGU RESIDENTS RESPONSIVE OF 17 AGSUR GOVERNMENT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM 18 ARMY HAILS OPENING OF NEW FMR IN BUTUAN CITY MILLION BARANGAY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS 20 40LAUNCHED FOR 2 VILLAGES IN AGNOR SA KALSADA SA BARANGAY 22 GROUNDBREAKING SANGAY UG GUINABSAN SA AGNOR GIHIMO HOLDS DATA DISSEMINATION FORUM ON 24 PSA POPULATION COUNTS IN SURSUR SA VOTER REGISTRATION SA TANDAG CTIY, 25 TARGET KUMPIYANSANG MAKAB-OT SA COMELEC

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HOME FOR BOYS IN BUTUAN BENEFITS FROM TESDAMAYAN

MINDANAO NEWS LANAO DEL SUR TO PILOT EXPORT-QUALITY MINDANAO HALAL RICE PRODUCTION OUTSTANDING BANGSAMORO FARMERS, SEED COMPANIES RECEIVE AWARDS

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NATIONAL NEWS SECRETARY ANDANAR: PCOO ENGAGEMENT IN POLICYMAKING EXPANDED PROMOTION OF PH DEMOCRACY ESPERANZA, AGUSAN DEL SUR SUSTAINS LOCAL ECONOMY AMID PANDEMIC ANDANAR GRATEFUL FOR PRIVATE MEDIA PARTNERSHIP: HUWAG NATING MALIITIN ANG MEDIA

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CONTENTS

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COVER

Caraga

CONSOLACION, CEBU TARGETS HERD IMMUNITY BY NOVEMBER 2021

PCOO’S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ASSERTS SUPPORT PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S ANTI-CORRUPTION VOW SECRETARY ANDANAR: PRESIDENT DUTERTE FULFILLED HIS PROMISES

SECRETARY ANDANAR: LAND GRANTS FOR YOUTH TO PIVOT INTEREST OF YOUNGER GENERATIONS IN AGRICULTURE SECRETARY ANDANAR OPTIMISTIC OF TURNING OVER A MORE COMPETITIVE PHILIPPINES TO THE NEXT ADMIN SECRETARY ANDANAR: GOVERNMENT’S BUILD, BUILD, BUILD, PROGRAM SAVED PH ECONOMY AMID PANDEMIC BAUNGON, BUKIDNON ATTRACTS MORE INVESTORS BONG GO COMES TO THE AID OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN DAVAO CITY; ASSURES CONTINUING SUPPORT FROM GOV’T TOWARDS RECOVERY VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES FROM TALIBON, GETAFE, BUENAVISTA, SAN ISIDRO, INABANGA AND CLARIN IN BOHOL GETS BOOST FROM BONG GO’S HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

CONTINUING BAYANIHAN EFFORTS TOWARDS ECONOMIC RECOVERY EXEMPLIFIED AS BONG GO, GOV’T AGENCIES PROVIDE SUPPORT TO RESIDENTS IN VICTORIAS CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

COVID-19 NEWS

GOV’T RESPONDED WITH URGENCY AS LIVES WERE AT STAKE: GALVEZ

700K PFIZER VACCINE INTENDED FOR REGIONS WITH HIGH CASES: GALVEZ

VACCINATION OF GENERAL PUBLIC, CHILDREN AT-RISK EYED NEXT MONTH

Andanar hopes for cont media reforms, instituti campaign

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday said that he is hopeful that succeeding leaders of the country will adopt the reforms made under PCOO and its attached agencies. Secretary Andanar was discussing over a radio interview on DXAZ FM Kidapawan City’s morning program the accomplishments of the

|August 28-September 3, 2021

PCOO which included technological changes that allowed government messages to become more accessible to the public. He further stressed that communications campaigns such as the Duterte Legacy information drive should be institutionalized. “Sana itong ganitong klaseng legacy campaign ay ma-adopt ng susunod ng administrasyon,

kumbaga this should be institutionalized because ito naman ay responsibilidad ng gobyerno ang i-report ang lahat ng mga nagawa ng pamahalaan [I am hoping that this kind of legacy campaign will be adopted by the next administration and this should be institutionalized because it’s the responsibility of the government to report their accomplishments],” he said. Caraga INFOCUS

tinuity of government ionalization of legacy The PCOO chief said that this is one way to promote transparency, as it openly tells the public where the taxes they are paying are being spent.

Filipinos online.

“Mayroon tayong ginawang technological introductions and improvements sa ating mga government “Importante nga from communication agencies, those reports you can gaya ng pagpapalakas have a sound judgement ng ating mga social on how to perhaps media platforms ng PTV, measure the achievement PCOO, RTVM, PIA, at of the government sa Radyo Pilipinas. iyang mga promises o sa iyang mga saad atong ‘Pag pinagsama-sama 2016 [It is important mo ito ay mayroong halos that from those reports 8 million followers tayo you can have a sound [We made technological judgement on how to introductions and perhaps measure the improvement in achievement of the our government government, especially on communication agencies, fulfilling of promises that such as utilizing the social were made in 2016],” he media platforms of PTV, added. PCOO, RTVM, PIA, and Radyo Pilipinas. We are 8 million Filipinos reached able to reach almost 8 online million followers, if we sum up all these platforms Secretary Andanar together],” he said. also mentioned that upgrading the capacity As of writing there are of the PCOO and its 2,620,637 followers in attached agencies in PCOO’s official Facebook terms of public information page; 214,150 followers for drive allowed them to PIA Central office; 292,094 reach at least 8 million for RTVM; 577,689 on Caraga INFOCUS

Radyo Pilipinas; 4,382,246 for PTV-4; 289,927 for PNA; and 65,117 of the Bureau of Communication Services. These do not include other regional and provincial counterparts of the agencies. Secretary Andanar stressed that this is part of the formed national communications policy that not only increased the presence of the government in the public’s eyes but also harmonized the flow of information much needed by the people. “Nagkaroon po ng Integrated News Team, meaning pinagsama natin ang lahat ng mga platforms of the government. Nasa iisang direksyon lang po ang lakad natin sa government communication [We have an Integrated News Team, meaning we harmonized the platforms of government and we are walking in the same direction],” he said. August 28-September 3, 2021 |

News Briefs The Caraga RTF COVID-19 is conducting its 39th Meeting to discuss recent developments on the health situation and the vaccination rollout in the region; the Updated Surge Plan for COVID-19 Delta Variant; findings from the monitoring of all established regional border checkpoints, among others. xx

PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar briefly discussed the Duterte Legacy during the radio interview of Atty. Howell Rex Mabale in his “Mangagoy for Balita, Balaod ug Baruganan” program this morning over 104.1 Rock Radio in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The secretary elaborated the accomplishments of the Duterte administration, citing the major farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure developments completed in Caraga region as part of the government’s Build, Build, Build (BBB) Program.

In Network Briefing News hosted by PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur Mayor Leonida Manpatilan emphasized that with the funds from local and national government, the LGU still manages to address the concerns of the municipality and its communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (PCW ADVISORY) Attention GAD Focal Point System Members of Executive Departments, National Government Agencies, Bureaus, Offices, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Legislative and Judiciary Branches, Constitutional Bodies, Other Government Instrumentalities, and All Others Concerned! PCW released MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2021-04 entitled “Preparation and Online Submission of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Gender and Development (GAD) Plans and Budgets,” copy of which is downloadable here: https://pcw.gov.ph/assets/files/2021/08/ PCW-MC-on-the-FY-2022-GAD-Budget-Call.pdf

REGIONAL NEWS

Home for Boys in Butuan benefits from TESDAMayan

In line with the 27th Anniversary Celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Regional Office in Caraga has brought TESDAMayan fever to Home for Boys in Butuan as the latter received grocery items from the employees. During the short program conducted inside the facility, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III underscored the importance of youth empowerment emphasizing their role in nation-building.

|August 28-September 3, 2021

“As such, we at TESDA are here not only to give you with these grocery items but also to encourage each one of you to undergo skills trainings... and we are providing scholarships to those who are interested to learn,” Dir. Mapandi said. It was learned that there are boarders who are already 15 years old and above and as such, they are already qualified to undergo skills training. Bringing canned goods and other grocery stuff, employees of TESDACaraga Regional Office

is at all-out support to the activity as they eagerly and happily mingled with some of the boys but still, minimum health care protocols was observed. The employees were also entertained by a dance number of some of the younger boys in the facility. This year’s TESDA Anniversary is anchored on the theme: “TESDA@27: Pagbangon, Pag-asa at Pag-abante sa Bente Syete”. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

4ID chief lauds Caraga LCEs’ efforts vs NPAs By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In a press conference held recently, the commander of 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, lauded the local chief executives (LCEs) in Caraga region for seriously implementing programs and basic services for their constituents especially in the remote areas, in support also to the efforts of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

monitoring peace and order, as well as movement of the NPAs. “Aside from running after them, we also have to secure the government’s projects in the regions covered by 4ID particularly in Caraga. The NPA destroys properties and equipment of different companies and even LGUs when they refuse to give fund support to the movement,” he said.

Major General Romeo Brawner, Jr., commander of 4ID, Philippine Army said the LCEs in Caraga are active in developing different programs that would directly help uplift the lives of the localities, and ensure their security against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists.

Brawner called on members of the communist NPA terrorists in Caraga region to surrender and return to the folds of the law. He elaborated that the government has programs intended for the former rebels and a better life ahead as they return to mainstream society.

“There had been many areas in the region which were already declared as cleared from NPA infestation and are now experiencing developments and the locals are now well-informed and active advocates on the government’s initiatives. The LCEs themselves are also firm not to give any support to the NPAs, as it would only give the CNTs the chance to exploit and abuse more people,” said Brawner.

“The former rebels are given due benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and are given the opportunity to join and be part of the Philippine Army or in the Philippine National Police,” he said.

The 4ID chief also emphasized that the Army units in regions 10 and 13 are constantly

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Brawner assured the populace that with the support of the LCEs, more developmental programs and projects will be established and the Army units in its area of responsibility will continue to ensure their safety and protection. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

PRDP trains beneficiaries to sustain excellent abaca fiber

The Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to uphold the production of high-quality abaca fiber in the Philippines through the conduct of training under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in partnership with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) on Aug 25-27. As such, the San Isidro Farmers’ Cooperative (SIFAMCO) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur underwent a 3-day training in the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) in Santiago, Agusan del Norte, on Abaca Sorting, Grading, and Baling. “Knowing to classify and sort abaca is very important for farmers so they will not

|August 28-September 3, 2021

be deceived during the selling and buying of their products,” said Wendelyn Mabuloc, Fiber Development Officer II of PhilFIDA and Provincial Fiber Officer of Agusan del Sur. Mabuloc said that the training will help farmers to determine the different abaca fiber grades so they will be interested to produce the highest quality since it has the highest equivalent price too. Furthermore, SIFAMCO participants had hands-on experience in SIUFMULCO’s warehouse. Luchie Mae Montero, Abaca Trading Head of SIUFMULCO taught the step-by-step process from proper classification, sorting, and grading, up to baling of abaca fiber following the

national and international standards. “SIUFMLCO has been implementing the Philippine National Standard of PhilFIDA. We are strict in sorting and grading our abaca since we want to maintain our good relationship with our customers. We don’t want to disappoint them. Our seller, such as SIFAMCO, should be aware of this so that our classifications match and we will not have a problem when their abaca arrives in our warehouse,” said Montero. Farmers also identified the different classifications of fibers according to texture and color. According to Ludovico

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Buaqueña, SIFAMCO Chairperson, while waiting for the completion of their warehouse funded by PRDP, such training is essential for their people. “I think this training is one of the most important parts of abaca business that is why it is necessary to avoid mistakes and loss in profit,” Buaqueña said. SIFAMCO, SIUFMULCO sign marketing agreement As part of the assistance of PRDP, a Marketing Agreement between SIUFMULCO – the buyer of abaca fiber, and SIFAMCO – the seller of consolidated abaca fiber was crafted to ensure a stable market. Since SIFAMCO is the seller, they are bound to meet the quality standards of SIUFMULCO, thus, training is

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needed to enhance their knowledge on abaca fiber classification, sorting, and grading. SIFAMCO and SIUFMULO are two of the Proponent Groups of PRDP. SIFAMCO is provided with a storage building, stripping machine, and motorcycles worth P4M, to uplift their abaca fiber consolidation. Meanwhile, SIUFMULCO availed a total of P31 Million worth of assistance for area expansion and needed infra support and equipment to improve product quality and increase productivity, as well as marketing support for an efficient delivery system to the buyers. Both subprojects aim to develop the abaca industry in Caraga. PH Abaca tops worldwide

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Philippines is the top producing country of abaca in the world. As of June 2020, it produced 18.06 thousand mt of abaca in 132,361.91ha. Bicol Region remains the top producer with 29.6%, followed by 19.7% in Eastern Visayas and 14.7% in Caraga. Philippine abaca fiber has eight to nine classification grades compared to Ecuador, the top 2 producer which has only five. The country’s abaca can be used in various applications and possesses all the features needed for specialty paper. It is being exported and used in other countries such as Japan, United States, and the United Kingdom, for their food wrapper, car and submarine parts, steel piper, money, among others. (Zenny Awing, DA-PRDP13/ PIA Caraga)

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgSur tightens health protocols as COVID-19 cases surge By Jennifer P. Gaitano

With the high number of cases recorded in the province of Agusan del Sur, the Provincial InterAgency Task Force led by Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., has tightened the implementation and monitoring of the health protocols to prevent the transmission of the dreadful coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “On August 25, I called for a provincial IATF meeting, and after reviewing the data, we decided to elevate the quarantine classification from General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to Modified Caraga INFOCUS

Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) because of the increase in cases,” said Governor Cane. The official added that in the month of August, the cases in Agusan del Sur reached almost 1,000 based on RT-PCR results; its quarantine and isolation areas, private and government hospitals were being filled up and have zero available COVID-19 beds. “With this, I issued an executive order placing Agusan del Sur under MECQ which took

effect on August 27 until September 11, 2021 with specific orders for the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and all mayors and barangay officials to implement the provisions of Executive Order No. 21,” Cane added. The official also recalled that last June, the national IATF placed Agusan del Sur under MECQ, and in July it was placed under GCQ, which somehow made people relaxed while in August, that was when the daily cases started to rise. August 28-September 3, 2021 |

“If the cases go down, we might revert back to GCQ or continue with MECQ, or worse, ECQ if we cannot stop the increase in cases despite the MECQ protocols we are implementing. The national IATF announced that for August we should be under GCQ but locally we decided otherwise because we can not put the province under GCQ because of the rising cases,” said Cane.

dose is 19, 037or 43.88%; fully vaccinated is at 37,617 or 86.71%. For the A4 group, we have Meanwhile, on the a targeted population vaccination roll-out, of 220,000 and 6,541 or Cane revealed that as of 2.97% had their first dose August 27, the province already and only 5 are had a total of 58,856 fully vaccinated,” he people fully vaccinated; said. in the A1 group, 98.24% have been fully “We have no specific vaccinated, with a program to incentivize targeted population of people to get 14,716 while 13,248 or vaccinated because 90% have had the first your health is very dose. important to have a Cane also expressed “For the A2 group, 49,009 healthy community; if we incentivize this, it’s like his appreciation to the is the target population only the government is Department of Health and 18,356 or 37.45% interested in their good (DOH). “The DOH has have had their first dose health; the interest for been doing a very good and 21,651 or 44.18% good health should job to protect our people have had their second emanate from each and in the country. I really dose. For the A3 group, appreciate their efforts the target population every individual,” added in Caraga region and I is at 43,384 and those Cane. (JPG/PIA-Agusan hope they stay focused who’ve had their first del Sur)

|August 28-September 3, 2021

in protecting the people in the communities,” he said.

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AgSur LCE highlights IPs’ culture in Esperanza

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

As she introduced the municipality of Esperanza in the province of Agusan del Sur and its potential tourist spots during the Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Friday, Mayor Leonida Manpatilan also highlighted the rich culture and tradition of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs). The lady mayor said that the municipality has three IP tribes, namely the Higaonon, Manobo and Banwaon. “They are the first inhabitants of Caraga INFOCUS

this municipality. We are also the hometown of the Golden Tara, which is now secured in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. It was found here in the creek of Esperanza,” she said. “In terms of the culture of the tribes, we are really rich in culture. As a Higaonon myself, I have been willing and very eager to promote and conserve the culture of the tribe considering that we are still very unique. Years before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Higaonon, Manobo and Banwaon tribes usually gather every year to celebrate the Nalandang Festival,

wherein these three tribes showcase their talents and the culture of its individual tribes,” Manpatilan added. When asked about the status of its local economy in the municipality, Manpatilan said that Esperanza is engaged in farming and cultivating agriculture and forestland, considering that the major crops are rice and corn; and there are plantations of rubber, as well as individual planters of rubber, fruits, coffee, and livestock. “Because we are landlocked, we have fish pens with tilapia as our August 28-September 3, 2021 |

government also continues to intensify the campaign against insurgency through a whole-of-nation approach,” Manpatilan said.

one town, one product (OTOP). The bananas reach Manila because it is brought to the Nasipit port in Agusan del Norte province, and our corn and rice also reach Davao and Cagayan de Oro City,” Manpatilan added. Also, when it comes to peace and order situation, Mayor Manpatilan said that of the 19 identified barangays as New People’s Army (NPA)infiltrated areas, they are already cleared last year and are included in the list to receive the benefits from the ELCAC (Ending Local Communists Armed Conflict) funds.

gotten rid of insurgency, but there are already 19 identified infiltrated barangays declared as cleared and they will receive due benefits from the ELCAC funds. There are still splinters left in the mountains because Esperanza has a wide expanse of mountains. The

Manpatilan expressed her gratitude to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his administration for all the support they have extended to the different LGUs including Esperanza amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She also asked the national government to help fasttrack the accessibility of the Malaybalay road to Bukinon from Esperanza, so farmers and local entrepreneurs in the area could easily mobilize and bring their products to different markets. (JPG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

“We have not totally

|August 28-September 3, 2021

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AgSur LGU residents responsive of government’s vaccination program By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local residents in the municipality of Esperanza in the province of Agusan del Sur have been receptive of the government’s vaccination program, according to Mayor Leonida Manpatilan during the Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Friday. “The locals in the municipality are willing to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines to protect them from the spread of the deadly virus. So far, all the vaccines which were delivered to the municipality have already been consumed, and vaccination of eligible priority A4 is ongoing,” said Mayor Manpatilan. The lady mayor said that among the target priority groups, the municipality had already vaccinated 37%. Caraga INFOCUS

As the municipality is mostly composed of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), Manpatilan revealed that the Higaonons and the rest of the tribes are well informed by the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) in their barangay about the importance of the vaccines and encouraged them to get vaccinated to ensure the protection of the whole IP community. “All barangay officials and BHERTs are already vaccinated because they are part of the A1 and A2 priority groups. We are thankful for their active support and cooperation for the fulfillment of our goal in achieving herd immunity in our country,”

Manpatilan said. Esperanza is situated along the southern part of Caraga region, 45 kilometers northeast of the municipality of Prosperidad, the capital of Agusan del Sur. It is 58 kilometers south from Butuan City and bounded in the north by Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, and a portion of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur; in the south by San Luis; in the west by the province of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental; and in the east by Bayugan. “We have 47 barangays and we can be reached by buses, passenger jeeps, and service vehicles,” added Manpatilan. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga) August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Army hails opening of new FMR in Butuan City The 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade (402Bde), Philippine Army on Tuesday participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Barangay Camayahan, this city. The activity was led by the Assistant Secretary for Public Safety and Security Alexander L. Macario of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada of Butuan City; and Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of DILG Caraga. Col. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, the Commander of 402Bde, also witnessed the formal opening of the new road project. The barangay officials of Camayahan, together with community leaders, Indigenous People leaders, and representatives from the different people’s organizations were also present during the

|August 28-September 3, 2021

ceremony. “The FMR will provide the residents of Barangay Camayahan a direct link to the market and trading centers in Butuan City and to the other towns in Agusan del Norte. The road is vital to the farmers in the area,” Col. Orio said. Barangay Camayahan is among the farming communities in Butuan City where farmers are engaged in the production of palay, corn, vegetables, and varieties of high-value

crops. Around 350 families from Barangay Camayahan will directly benefit from the road project. The new FMR, with a length of 1,043 meters has a total budget of PHP20 million under the Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program LGSF-SBDP. The said project is among the 13 FMRs that will be implemented in 14 barangays of Butuan City under the LGSFSBDP with other Caraga INFOCUS

projects such as two (2) school buildings, six (6) water and sanitation projects, one (1) health station, and one (1) electrification project. These SBDP projects are manifestations of the sincerity and commitment of the government to bring development to communities affected by armed conflicts caused by the presence of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). These projects are the product of the convergence of efforts of government agencies and other stakeholders under the Whole-of-Nation approach of the administration of Pres.

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Rodrigo R. Duterte. “Far-flung communities have suffered enough from the terroristic activities of the CTGs for years. The conflicts caused by these insurgents also hindered government development initiatives such as roads and other important infrastructures,” Col. Orio said.

lives of the people in communities, he added.

“The different operating units of the 402Bde will work with your leaders and other community stakeholders to realize the completion of SBDP projects. Together, we can defeat the evils of insurgency brought by the CTGs. Our unified efforts will bring in sustainable development and lasting peace, The 402Bde, especially not only in Barangay the operating units under Camayahan but also to its command in Butuan the other communities in City and the rest of Butuan City and the rest Caraga Region will work of Caraga Region,” Col. hand-in-hand with its Orio said. (Cpt. Jonald D. partner agencies to fully Romorosa, CMO Officer, implement SBDP projects 402nd Infantry Brigade/ that are essential to the PIA Agusan del Norte)

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

40 million barangay development projects launched for 2 villages in AgNor A total of 40 million worth of Barangay Development Projects (BDP) were launched in the town of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte where groundbreaking ceremonies were separately conducted in the two recipient barangays on Thursday. The beneficiaries of the said projects Projects under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) were Barangay Sangay and Barangay Guinabsan, all of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The two barangays received 20 million each worth of Farm-to-Market Road from the Local Government Support Fund - Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) under the supervision of the NTF-ELCAC which consist of concrete pavement road with a

|August 28-September 3, 2021

project length of 1,367 meters that will benefit a total of 60 households from Brgy Sangay located at Purok 3- Sitio Kapundao Road Section while the concrete pavement road with project length of 1,177.93 meters that will benefit a total of 195 households from Guinabsan located at Purok 6 - Sitio Bugta.

Governor Dale Corvera and attended by various regional heads of government line agencies. In his message, Gov. Corvera said that the BDP will pave the way for the development and progress particularly those areas vulnerable to the recruitment of Communist Terrorist Groups that hampers the development in the province.

Colonel Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, joined the groundbreaking “There is no peace ceremonies of two without development projects spearheaded by and there is no

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development without peace,” Corvera said. He also stressed that the problem of insurgency is not only a sole problem of the police and the military but a problem of the government because of the lack of socio-economic package delivery of government services. Meanwhile, Col. Orio, in his statement, said the Barangay Development Program is the government’s priority program to usher development and deliver basic services

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to conflict-affected barangays that lagged due to the terror caused by the CPP-NPA Terrorists.

attain lasting peace and development in the province,” Col. Orio ended.

He also lauded the local government unit of Agusan del Norte, national and local government agencies, and other stakeholders for the commitment and support given in combatting the 50 years old insurgency in the country.

The said barangays are among the 33 barangays in Agusan Del Norte that were cleared of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from 2016 to 2019 during the conduct of the Community Support Program of the 23rd Infantry Battalion under the 402nd Brigade. All 33 barangays are entitled to a P20 million funding under the BDP. (Cpt. Romorosa, CMO officer, 402 Bde/PIA Agusan del Norte)

“We are indeed grateful and overwhelmed knowing that all of us are in this together to continue our goal to

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Groundbreaking sa kalsada sa Barangay Sangay ug Guinabsan sa AgNor gihimo Gilusad niadtong Agosto 26 ang Upgrading o Improvement sa Farmto-Market Road sa Barangay Sangay ug Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte sa usa ka seremonya nga gipangunahan nila ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera ug Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba. Gawas niini, ongoing gihapon sa probinsya ang Php118 milyones nga upgrading/ improvement sa CulitPag-ao-Jaguimitan Provincial Road sa Nasipit, proyekto nga gisugdan ni kanhi Gob. Amante-Matba nga kongresista sa iduhang distrito sa probinysa na karon. Ang mga proyekto sa Guinabsan ug Sangay kabahin sa gipundohan ubos sa Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Support to Barangay

|August 28-September 3, 2021

Development Program alang sa fiscal year 2021 nga nagkantidad og Php20 Milyones matag barangay ubos sa National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Sa iyang mensahe, gipadayag ni Gob. Corvera ang iyang kalipay nga gideklara ang mga barangay sa Sangay ug Guinabsan nga “insurgency cleared” na.

Sa 167 ka barangay sa Agusan del Norte, 33 na-identify ug gideklara na nga “insurgency cleared barangays” nga apil sa mga matagaan og Php20 milyones nga pundo ug apil ang Barangay Sangay ug Guinabsan niini.

Iyang dugang nga sunod sa maong deklarasyon mahimong hugot pa ang panaghiusa sa mga local ug nasudnong ahensya pagpadangat og mga serbisyo. Pasabot sa gobernador nga kapin sa 50 ka tuig Caraga INFOCUS

na ang problema sa insurhensiya sa nasud ug iyang nakita nga ubay-ubay na sa mga barangay ang nahimong “insurgency cleared” dala sa hiniusang pagpadangat sa lokal ug nasudnong ahensya og mga serbisyo ubos sa “whole of nation approach” nga gimando ubos sa Executive Order No. 70 sa kasamtangang administrasyon. “Adunay Executive Order No. 70 (diin) ang tanan nga ahensya sa gobyerno, naghiusa ug nag deliver og mga services sa mga kabarangayan mao nga karon mga kaigsuonan makita ninyo nga naa gyod ang gobyernno kanunay naghatag og

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serbisyo kaninyo,” sumala Caraga nga maoy nagpahiluna sa maong sa gobernador. proyekto sa bahin sa nasudnong buhatan Sa ilang bahin, mahuman sulod sa 115 mapasalamaton kaayo Kapitan Roldan Dalagan ka adlaw human kini sugdi karong tuiga. sa Sangay ug si Kapitan Mariano Galinato sa Mitambong usab sa Guinabsan maong maong okasyon sila proyekto. si Vice Gov. Ramon Bungabong, Provincial “Nalipay gyod kaayo Director Ellen Veede mi nga niabot ang Chua sa DILG, RD panahon nga dugay ng Tarhata Mapandi ug PD pangandoy sa mga tao, Rey Cueva sa TESDA, dili lang kami nga mga PCol Martin Gamba, Col barangay opisyal. Dako Adonis Ariel Orio, Board kaayao among kalipay, Members Elizabeth Calo, dili matukib gyud,” Dick Carmona, Rudy sumala pa ni Kapitan Pitogo, Datu Ampiyawan, Dalagan. Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito ug uban mga barangay Sumala ni Regional officials. (Shena Mae Director Lilibeth A. Famacion sa Department Pabia ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/ of Interior and Local PIA Agusan del Norte) Government [DILG]-

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

PSA holds Data Dissemination Forum on Population Counts in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

(534,636), and · Surigao del Sur (642,255). Surigao del Sur’s total population has been recorded, larger by 50,000 than the 2015 population, according to Dres.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)- Surigao del Sur Provincial Office spearheaded recently the Provincial Data Dissemination Forum on Population Counts, this city.

The enumeration of the 2020 Census of population and housing was conducted by PSA from September 1, 2020 to December 3, 2020 with May 1, 2020, as reference date, Dres said.

PSA Supervising Specialist Marito Elisan, in his presentation, discussed the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH), which aims to provide the government planners, policymakers, and administrators with population and housing data on which to base their social and economic development plans, policies, and programs.

Based on the data presented, the total population of the Philippines reached 109, 035, 343.

PSA Chief Statistical Specialist Ruel Dres said the data have already been approved and declared as official by virtue of Proclamation No. 1179 signed by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte last July 6 of the current year.

|August 28-September 3, 2021

Caraga Region has 2,804,788 total population, larger by 208,000 than the 2015 population, 376,000 larger than the 2010 population. The region is composed of the five provinces and one Highly-Urbanized City as follows: · Agusan del Norte (387,503) · Butuan City (372,910) · Agusan del Sur (739,367), · Dinagat Islands (128,117), · Surigao del Norte

Surigao City is the top populous city in the region with 171,107, followed by Bayugan City with 109,499, Bislig City with 99,290, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with 88,321, and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur with 80,760. While two towns in Surigao del Sur are included in Caraga’s 10 least populous cities/municipalities, Bayabas was ranked as 5th with 8,979, and Carmen town ranked as 10th with 11,720. Barangay Mangagoy in Bislig City was ranked as the most populous barangay in the Caraga region with 30,541. The said forum was participated by the City and Municipal Planning Officers and some representatives from the office of the City/ Municipal Registrar, and other stakeholders, and selected media partners. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

Target sa voter registration sa Tandag Ctiy, kumpiyansang makab-ot sa COMELEC Ni: Raymond Samson Aplaya

Nagtuo si Florephi Botona, City Election Officer ning siyudad sa Tandag, nga ilang makab-ot ang ilang target sa voter registration alang sa 2022 National and Local Elections. File Photo Comelec Tandag City Sa pakighinabi sa Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, gibutyag niini nga taliwala niining COVID-19 pandemic, paspas gihapon ang dagan sa voter registration dinhi sa siyudad gani sa karon aduna pa’y dos mil ka mga aplikante nga posibleng madugang Caraga INFOCUS

sa una nang gipagawas nga datos sa mga rehistrado ning siyudad nga anaa sa kapin 41 mil.

sa Septembre 18, ning tuiga.

Gawas sa pagpahigayon sa satellite registration, plano usab ni Botona Apan bisan paman nga pakig-istoryahan niini, dili matud pa kini ang mga barangay kampante sa maong officials sa mga datos tungod kay poblacion barangays magpahigayon pa kini ning siyudad aron og dugang mga satellite nga hangyuon alang registration sa ubang sa pagkumbinsir pa mga barangay dinhi sa sa uban nilang mga siyudad. konstituwente nga dili pa rehistrado nga Subay sa ilang iskedyul, magparehistro na nakatakdang ipahigayon tungod kay wala na ang satellite registration matud pa’y extension sa Brgy. Pangi karong sa deadline niini karong Septembre 4, Barangay Septembre 30, 2021. Rosario sa Septembre 17, (RP1-Tandag/PIA-Surigao ug Barangay Salvacion del Sur) August 28-September 3, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

Lanao del Sur to Pilot ExportQuality Mindanao Halal Rice Production A pilot project in Lanao del Sur promotes knowledge sharing between farmers to produce premiumquality halal rice. Photo credit: Mindanao Development Authority. A program that promotes technology sharing between Christian and Muslim farmers will produce halal rice in Mindanao. In a Facebook post, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Emmanuel F. Piñol said the Salam Brotherhood Farming Program will grow premium rice varieties on about 200 hectares of land in Taraka, Lanao del Sur using two solar-powered irrigation systems. “The production of Halal Premium Rice in Taraka and other neighboring towns could make Lanao del Sur a major producer of a commodity with huge market potential in other provinces in the Bangsamoro Region and neighboring Muslim Caraga INFOCUS

MinDA

countries like Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia,” he said.

live around Lake Lanao. Rice farming is their main livelihood.

Lanao del Sur is a province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), one of the poorest regions in the country. BARMM was created in 2019 as part of a peace agreement to end nearly 5 decades of conflict between the government and secessionists.

Promoting peace, strengthening food security

The Maranao, the largest Muslim cultural-linguistic group in the country,

Piñol said he designed the program when he was governor of Cotabato province in 2002 to “bring together Muslim and Christian farmers in a technologysharing strategy” and ease tensions between them. The province is a major food basket in the SOCCSKSARGEN region of Mindanao. The Cotabato program August 28-September 3, 2021 |

involved farmers from the predominantly Christian towns of M’lang and Tulunan mentoring Muslim farmers in Pikit on modern rice farming when the Malitubog– Maridagao (MAL–MAR) Irrigation System, a major irrigation project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, was opened. In the Taraka program, Piñol said highly skilled farmers from Cotabato will teach Maranao farmers modern rice farming for one cropping season while the Muslim farmers will provide guidance on Islamic standards for food production. There will also be a field demonstration of modern farming equipment, like a mechanical transplanter or harvester. “After the cropping season, the Christian members of Salam Brotherhood Farming would withdraw from the area and go home or be fielded in other areas where Muslim farmers need technology transfer,” he said. MinDa is looking at two hybrid rice seeds for the program: the US 88 Long Grains of Seedworks Philippines and the Kimbee

|August 28-September 3, 2021

MinDA

Long Grains of Ramgo Seeds International. “Both seed companies are supporting the program by allowing the Maranao farmers to plant the rice seeds payable upon harvest while several organic fertilizer production groups have also offered their products on a payafter-harvest scheme,” said Piñol. Solar-powered irrigation The pilot area for halal rice cultivation is the first to be covered by the solar-powered irrigation systems in Taraka, which will be fully operational before the end of August with the commissioning of four more solar-powered systems. The solar-powered

irrigation systems are the first in BARMM and were funded by a loan from state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines. These will enable farmers to plant at least twice a year as well as provide safe drinking water to residents. Service fees will be charged to users to help the municipal government pay for the cost of these facilities. Piñol said the rice fields in Taraka are beside Lake Lanao but lack water for irrigation. Only 3 metric tons of rice per hectare are harvested once a year. The pilot area for halal rice cultivation is the first to be covered by the solarpowered irrigation systems in Taraka. Caraga INFOCUS

Outstanding Bangsamoro farmers, seed companies receive awards The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will recognize and give awards to outstanding Bangsamoro vegetable farmers and their corporate partners during the 2nd Mindanao Vegetable Derby in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the second week of and growing of vegetables November in Maguindanao. while training and mentoring of vegetable farmers were The awarding ceremonies slated from August 23 to will be conducted during October 30. the harvest period of high value vegetables which The program aims to improve the farmers and their the quality of vegetables and corporate partners are productivity of farmers and planting in a demonstration the high-value crop area of area in Barangay Layog, Mindanao, particularly in the Pagalungan town. BARMM. At the end of the Derby, Outstanding Farmers will be cited and given awards, while Companies whose seeds performed well during the Derby will also be given citations. Pagalungan Mayor Salik Mamasabulod volunteered to host the BARMM Vegetable Derby, saying the farmers in his town needed the correct farming technology to fully utilize the potentials of their rich soil. MinDA assisted the site establishment from July 15 to August 15 for the planting

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In the coming weeks, a series of mentoring between the technicians of seed companies and vegetable farmers of Pagalungan on proper techniques in pest management, nutrient management, and other protocols in maintaining the growth of vegetables and ensuring a bountiful harvest will be conducted while training on vegetable processing, value-adding, and marketing, as well as collectivization of vegetable farmers into cooperative will also be undertaken, MinDA team leaders Jun Buhat and

Silvester Sales reported. Four seed companies, Kaneko, Eastwest, Seedworks, and Condor, with the local government of Pagalungan and MinDA, will mentor vegetable farmers on proper land preparation and transplanting of vegetable seedlings. Before this, seed companies mentored the vegetable farmers on new techniques in growing vegetable seedlings, maintaining the seedlings, and preparing them for transplanting in the field. A farmer’s field day, wherein farmers from neighboring municipalities, would also be invited to showcase the farm and technology in the first week of November, the week before the actual vegetable festival. The Mindanao Vegetable aims to address poverty, improve productivity, and initiate the economic recovery of Mindanao.

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar: PCOO engagement in policymaking expanded promotion of Ph democracy

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday said that the agency’s engagement in policy development is their responsibility and another means of further promoting democracy in the country. “We dipped our finger in Caraga INFOCUS

policymaking because we believe that it is our responsibility to fight for our advocacy as a communication department. And for me, as a technocrat, that is my advocacy to leave something that is worthy for the Filipino people,” he said in an interview, hopeful that the lawmakers will approve PCOO’s budget proposal

for the next year. He said that there is no reason for the legislative body not to approve their budget, noting that they are undertaking various projects alongside other government agencies. Secretary Andanar highlighted the policies and reforms that the

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

PCOO has implemented that transformed the way information is delivered to the public, likewise policies that put stress on protecting the welfare of media workers. Among institutional reforms made during this administration is the creation of the national communications policy, which harmonized the content and messaging of government media. The said policy also gave birth to PCOO’s crisis communications plan Laging Handa.

and the promotion of transparency among offices in the Executive Branch. They are also pushing for the FOI Law that will expand its reach to all branches of government. “These are ideas we thought about, we fought for because we are seeing these as strategies that will improve our communications channels,” he said.

Secretary Andanar also highlighted the creation of the Presidential Task More government media Force on Media Security facilities are also being (PTFoMS), which greatly built outside of Metro helped in facilitating the Manila, as part of its decision on the infamous efforts to strengthen Maguindanao Massacre regional reporting. case that killed over 30 These projects include journalists and media the Mindanao Media workers. hub, Visayas Media Hub, Government The said decision was Communication even pointed out by the Academy, and the UN as significant progress construction of new of the Philippines in regional offices of the protecting journalists. Philippine Information Agency (PIA). UNESCO’s 2020 DirectorGeneral Report on the The PCOO is also Safety of Journalists spearheading the and the Danger of implementation Impunity showed that of the Freedom of “significant progress was Information Program

|August 28-September 3, 2021

made” by the country in the case of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, where the court convicted 43 individuals behind the attack. According to Secretary Andanar, there is also a pending bill filed on the creation of a People’s Broadcasting Corporation that will encompass radio and television broadcasting. Aside from these, the Media Workers Bill is already pending in the Senate. The Bill aims to ensure that media workers shall be paid the basic compensation package that will include adequate compensation for hazardous media coverages and guarantees the security of tenure. “When we exit this [office], I believe that PCOO will be standing up, will be rising, and will be walking with their heads high because this administration made so much improvement for our department and our way of working,” he added. Caraga INFOCUS

Esperanza, Agusan del Sur sustains local economy amid pandemic

The local chief executive of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur said on Friday, September 3, that the local economy of the town is alive amid the global health crisis, mainly engaging in farming and agriculture. In an interview during the Network Briefing News, today hosted by Presidential Communications Sec. Martin M. Andanar, Caraga INFOCUS

Mayor Leonida Manpatilan said that farming and agriculture keep them on track in sustaining the local economy as the entire nation is still grappling against COVID-19.

fruits, coffee, and there is also livestock," she shared.

Among major agricultural crops being cultivated there are bananas, rice, and corn which are being “Esperanza is engaged delivered to Davao in farming and cultivated City, Cagayan De Oro agriculture and forest City, and even in Metro land considering that Manila via vessels. their major crops are rice and corn. We also have There are also direct a plantation of rubber, buyers who visit the town August 28-September 3, 2021 |

during harvest time.

people,” the PCOO chief “Nagpapasalamat ako sa malaking tulong ng said. Established in 1521, ating Presidente Rodrigo Esperanza is one of Roa Duterte. In the Mayor Manpatilan the oldest towns in the midst of the pandemic, shared that Esperanza province. It is a first-class is rich in culture as she is makikita natin ang municipality known as kanyang support, advocating to promote the "Tilapia Capital of the and conserve the culture sa kabila ng buong Province" and "The Home of indigenous tribes in her bansa ay naghihirap of Cultural Diversity". pero mararamdaman jurisdiction. natin kung ano nga ba ‘Culture of Indigenous iyong tulong galing sa “Before the pandemic, Tribe’ nasyonal, [I am grateful we have the for the great help of our Nalangdang Festival During the interview, President Rodrigo Roa wherein all the three Sec. Andanar also Duterte. In the midst of tribes will meet together expressed his gratitude the pandemic, we can to have festivities where for the opportunity see his support, despite they can show their to talk with fellow the fact that the whole talents and the culture government workers country is suffering, we of their individual tribes,” about the indigenous can feel the assistance she said. cultural communities, of the national wherein Esperanza town government],” she said. COVID-19 Response has three tribal groups: Higaunon, Manobo, and She hopes that the As of now, 37% of the Banuaon. Malaybalay Bukidnon target priority group of Road will be finished the town have been “Sa ating diskusyon before the end of vaccinated, and the sa LGU officials kung President Duterte’s term. municipal health team saan naroon ang ating will begin vaccination indigenous cultural “Sana matapos na communities ay nakikita for the A4 group or yung access roads para economic frontliners ko na napakarami magaan yung biyahe this week, according to pang matututunan ng at paglalakbay, lalo Mayor Manpatilan. mga Pilipino sa inyong na sa pag-transport ng mga katutubo. [And in farm products namin, The local chief executive [Hopefully, the access some of our discussions expressed her thanks to with LGU officials roads will be finished the national government where the indigenous to make trips easier, for its continuing cultural communities especially for the assistance to Esperanza are located, I see that transportation of our LGU, most especially in its farm products],” she Filipinos can learn a lot COVID-19 response. more from indigenous concluded.

|August 28-September 3, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Andanar grateful for private media partnership: Huwag nating maliitin ang media yung KBP. Siguro marami namatay dahil hindi natin alam yung new normal. Wag nating mamaliitin ang media kasi kung kailangan niyo ng balita kami ang hahanapin niyo [Just imagine if we didn’t have the KBP.

The government’s partnership with private media emphasized the greater role of information dissemination efforts in saving lives during this pandemic, according to Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Adanar on Friday. “Limitado po ang government media. Pero dahil sa crisis communications policy natin na Laging Handa ay nagawa po nating maiparating at maturuan ang ating mga kakabayan na kailangan mag-mask, maghugas ng kamay, at mag-physical distancing [The government media has limited reach but with our crisis communications policy, Laging Handa, we are able to reach more people and remind them to mask up, wash their

Caraga INFOCUS

hands, and observe physical distancing],” he said during an interview during the National Press Club’s Report to the Nation Media Forum. As an initiative to reach more audiences and to deliver timely news on the COVID-19 situation of the country, the PCOO partnered with the NPC and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in 2020, allowing government programs to be aired on the platforms of the private media partners, and relay important messages of the government. Secretary Andanar said that media workers should not be undervalued, considering that in times of crisis they are among essential workers toiling to provide information to the public. “Just imagine kung wala

More people would have died because they did not know the new normal. Let’s not underestimate the media because when you need news, you will look for us],” he said. The PCOO chief also thanked the NPC and the KBP for their continued support of the government and for “carrying the torch of press freedom”. “Napakalaking tulong ng National Press Club at KBP sa ating gobyerno to remind us kung saan nagkamali at kung ano yung dapat baguhin. I believe that freedom of the press should really be respected, and should really be fostered [The National Press Club and KBP helps to remind us of our missteps and what else needs to be changed. I believe that freedom of the press should really be respected, and should really be fostered],” he said.

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Consolacion, Cebu targets herd immunity by November 2021 The municipal government of Consolacion in Cebu is targeting to reach herd immunity among its constituents before Christmas, Mayor Joyjoy Alegado bared on Wednesday during the Network Briefing News.

of replicating the drive-thru vaccination sites currently done in Metro Manila. He also cited the ‘Bakuna Nights’ strategy for the benefit of the working class. He added that they will be starting with their barangay rollout this week.

“Actually our team really has a target of November in reaching herd immunity with 2,000 jabs per day. If we could really achieve that we will be able to reach herd immunity before Christmas,” he told Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar.

“Maybe people do not want to travel anymore so we will be the ones going to the barangays and we will also be doing house-to-house vaccination among those who are bedridden individuals including their families,” he said.

To be able to attain this, the local government is already looking for more strategies to make the vaccine accessible to the people, noting that the number of people who are coming to the jab sites is dropping. According to Mayor Alegado, they are studying the possibility

|August 28-September 3, 2021

He said that the said barangay and house-to-house rollout will be part of their information drive as well, since vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge for the LGU. Mayor Alegado said that they are planning to incentivize the vaccination program in order to encourage other residents to get vaccinated.

We’re almost finished with those who have registered and that is still a meager amount, and we really need to add more people to get the jabs. With that, we are hoping that our numbers of vaccinated individuals will increase,” he said. The local chief executive also expressed his gratitude to the national government for assisting their town during the pandemic and extending the programs and projects of President Duterte, especially the Build, Build, Build. “We are very grateful here in Consolacion for all that our President has done for our country, most especially in this time of the pandemic. I know it’s not easy to handle such a huge problem being experienced by the whole world. But in spite that we were still able to save lives and more importantly, the economy is still alive,” he said.

Caraga INFOCUS

PCOO’s Freedom of Information asserts support President Duterte’s anti-corruption vow

Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday affirmed the commitment of the Duterte administration in fighting corruption in government, which is supported by the agency’s Freedom of Information (FOI). In his daily engagement with provincial media, Secretary Andanar had the chance to discuss on 103.9 iFM Baguio’s I sa Umaga program the achievements of the current administration which are in line with the promises made by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Anti-corruption is one of the top agendas of the President that is gaining ground through various policies implemented by the national government, including the implementation of the FOI and the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). “In terms of the anti-corruption bid, many oligarchs that were publicly named by the President were forced to pay their overdue taxes. There were also government officials and employees that were dismissed for engaging in fraudulent activities. We are able to support these through the creation of the Freedom of Information and the strengthened Presidential

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Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).” Secretary Andanar said. The Executive Order No. 2 which operationalizes Freedom of Information in the executive branch was signed by the President on July 23, 2016. This policy has further promoted transparency as it allows full public disclosure of government transactions involving public interest. PCOO serves as the coordinator of all government agencies to ensure that the FOI Program is properly implemented. To date there are over 70,000 requests logged in the e-FOI platform from 530 government agencies across the country, including local government units (LGUS). President Duterte is known for publicly dropping the names of government officials that are allegedly involved in corruption, even including those who have supported him in his leadership. Earlier, he also warned businesses who still had liabilities with the government, such as tobacco conglomerate Mighty Corporation which availed of a tax settlement, and Philippine Airlines (PAL) which also settled its P6-billion unpaid air navigational charges to the government in 2017.

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Secretary Andanar: President Duterte fulfilled his promises financial assistance, since it was passed into law in 2019. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop that helps poor and indigent patients through the support of government agencies that include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Department of Health (DOH).

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is enjoying high approval ratings because he has fulfilled his promises to the people, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Monday. In an interview, Secretary Andanar cited the accomplishments of the administration including that of its three known campaigns against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. He also highlighted policies that greatly favored indigent Filipino families and vulnerable sectors in the country. “Kaya nga po ang approval rating ni Presidente base sa Pulse Asia nung 2020 ay nasa 91% dahil na rin po sa mga pangako niya nung 2016 ay ipinatupad niya sa loob ng limang taon ng kanyang pamumuno [The approval rating of the President based on the Pulse Asia report last 2020 was at 91% because he was able to fulfill the promises he made last 2016 within the 5 years of his leadership],” Secretary Andanar said. This included the government’s Malasakit Center which has already served more than 2 million indigent Filipinos seeking medical and

|August 28-September 3, 2021

“[Dahil] gusto ni Presidente na libre yung gamot at pagpapagamot ay dinagdagan pa niya ang pondo para sa ating mga mahihirap na kababayan. Mahigit dalawang milyong Pilipino na po ang nakinabang dito sa Malasakit Centers [Because the President wants free hospitalization and medicine, he augmented the allocation intended for the poor. Now, there are over 2 million Filipinos who benefitted from Malasakit Centers],” he said. The PCOO chief also highlighted how smalltime farmers are now enjoying the provisions of the Free Irrigation Service Act. According to the law, farmers with landholdings of eight hectares or less are exempted from paying the irrigation service fee for water sourced from national and communal irrigation systems constructed and administered by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and other government agencies. Secretary Andanar said that it is important that the PCOO takes part in informing the public about the accomplishments of the President through the roll out of the Duterte Legacy Communications Campaign. “It is important to report in order for the Filipino people to know whether the President has delivered his promises based on what he has said during the previous elections in 2016. And it is clear that he did,” he said.

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Secretary Andanar: Land grants for youth to pivot interest of younger generations in agriculture Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday expressed his support for the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) initiative of encouraging the youth sector to engage in agriculture.

also reach those outside of the city centers. “Patuloy ang ating panawagan: lawakan ang ating pananaw, we have 7,641 islands of beauty of our opportunity, we have fields of bounty, mountain tops of growth and waters and richness around us. Kaya, sana “I agree that we makita natin ang really should be pangangailangan ikalat tapping our youth Secretary Andanar ang development sa more in agriculture. said that there is a vast buong kapuluan [We At maganda na opportunity for Filipinos in continue to call on talagang natututukan in terms of developing the everyone to broaden particular ang ating mga country, especially the their perspective. kabataang graduate ng countryside. He noted We have 7,641 mga kursong agrikultura that development should islands of beauty of Caraga INFOCUS

at nabibigyan ng lupang sakahan [I agree that we really should be tapping our youth more in agriculture. It is good that we are giving particular attention to our agriculture students and giving lands for them to till and develop],” he said during an episode of the Cabinet Report.

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

our opportunity, we have fields of bounty, mountain tops of growth and waters and richness around us. I hope we can see more clearly the need to spread development across these islands],” he said. “There is more to the Philippines than our city centers, let us appreciate our countryside and invest in it for our own future,” he added. Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones sat as guest during the program where he discussed the recent incentive policy of DAR for agriculture graduates. He said that these individuals may be eligible for land grant under the agency’s program pursuant to Administrative Order No. 3 issued last 2020. Castraciones said that this will help encourage young people to venture into agriculture. “Ang ating mga magsasaka, tumatanda na. Ang average age ng magsasaka ngayon ay 57 years old. And whether we

|August 28-September 3, 2021

like it or not, most of our citizens, they would like their children to finish college, and thereafter, leave agriculture or farming. They would rather be engineers or accountants, lawyers, etc. [Our farmers are getting older. The average age of Filipino farmers today is 57 years old. And whether we like it or not, most of our citizens, they would like their children to finish college, and thereafter, leave agriculture or farming. They would rather be engineers or accountants, lawyers, etc.],” he said. Under the said Administrative Order, new graduates of agricultural courses may be awarded with land of not more than 3 hectares so long as they meet the qualifications and secure the requirements. It states that the individual must also be landless at the time of his application for the program, and their parents must not be applicants or beneficiaries of other agrarian reform

programs. They must also be residents of the municipality where the land to be distributed is situated . “Ito po ay ginagawa natin para muling magising po iyong tinatawag natin na love of the youth for farming [We are doing this to awaken the so-called love of the youth for farming],” Castraciones said. “Napagtanto po natin during the time of the pandemic na agriculture is the last frontier of our survival. Without agriculture, I’m sure there will be a problem of food sufficiency. And that is the reason why kailangan po natin na i-motivate iyong atin pong mga kabataan para po talagang muling magbalik iyong kanilang pagmamahal sa agrikultura [We realized during this pandemic that agriculture is our last frontier of survival. Without agriculture, I’m sure there will be a problem with food sufficiency. And that is the reason why we need to motivate our youth to engage in agriculture],” he added. Caraga INFOCUS

Secretary Andanar optimistic of turning over a more competitive Philippines to the next admin

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar is optimistic that with the policies prepared by the current government, the Duterte administration will be able to pass on the leadership confidently to its successors.

Andanar highlighted the legacies of President Rodrigo Duterte which have bolstered the economy and created more opportunities for Filipinos to be competitive in both the local and international setting.

“Kapag nagtransition na po tayo mayroon In an interview, Secretary po tayong maipapasa Caraga INFOCUS

po tayong Pilipinas na handang-handang makipagcompete sa buong mundo pagdating sa job market, mga produkto [When we transition to the next administration, we will be able to pass on a Philippines that is ready to compete globally in job market and products],” he said. August 28-September 3, 2021 |

He reiterated that the remaining months of the administration is a crucial period for the country and called for everyone’s cooperation. He said that political differences should not be an issue in seeking resolutions to address the current health crisis.

focused on responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including crafting and implementing policies that will allow economic recovery. He is optimistic that the economy will be able to open up by next year.

among Filipinos serves as an inspiration for the administration to continue its job in public service delivery. He also thanked the Filipino public for their support to the administration even amid the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ang ating pakikipaglaban sa “We only have COVID-19 ay napakaone country, one crucial. Hindi lang ito government. Itabi laban para sa ating muna natin ang politika kalusugan, kundi laban dahil hindi naman po ito para masiguro mahalaga ang politika natin na nakalatag in the next 10 months. po yung mga plano Ang mahalaga ay ng ating pamahalaan yung matalo natin para makabalik ang ang COVID-19 at mga negosyante, ang mailagay natin sa ating mga kababayan tamang direksyon ang ay makabalik din sa lahat ng mga aspeto kanilang trabaho, at ang ng ekonomiya at ng tuluyang pagbukas ng ating buhay [We only ekonomiya [Our fight have one country, against COVID-19 is one government. crucial. This is not just a Let’s set aside political fight for our health, but differences because that also a crusade for the is not important in the government to lay down next 10 months. What’s plans to help our business important is defeating sector to recover, for our COVID-19 and setting workers to be able to the direction of the return to their jobs, and country in the aspects of for the reopening of our economy and securing economy],” he said and saving lives],” he added. Secretary Andanar Secretary Andanar said that President noted that the Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s government is now high approval rating

“Thank you so much for the support to the President. Until now 91% ang kanyang acceptance, approval rating at yan ay napakalaking bagay po para sa ating administrasyon. We will continue to work hard and we will continue to see that as an inspiration para po makapagserbisyo hanggang sa kahulihulihan ng administrasyong ito [Thank you so much for the support to the President. Until now he is enjoying the 91% acceptance, approval rating and that is a big win for us in the administration. We will continue to work hard and we will continue to see that as an inspiration to deliver our public service for the remainder of this administration],” he said.

|August 28-September 3, 2021

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Secretary Andanar: Government’s Build, Build, Build, program saved PH economy amid pandemic Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that the implementation of various projects under the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build Program help save the country’s economy as the pandemic persists. In an interview, Secretary Andanar mentioned some of the projects being implemented in provinces, to ensure that the bid for further development is spread across the country. These include infrastructure built and underway in Region 2 such as the upgraded airport projects in Tuguegarao Airport, Palanan Airport, Basco Airport, and Cauayan Airport; farmto-market roads, and access roads. “Itong lahat pong ito ay bahagi po ng Duterte Legacy. Ang Build, Build, Build ni Presidente ay isang pinakamahalgang cornerstone ng bansa. We are hovering almost 5% infrastructure spending compared to an average of 2% nitong mga nakaraang administrasyon [These are all part of the Duterte Legacy. The Build, Build, Build of the President is one of the important cornerstones of our country. We are hovering almost 5% infrastructure

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spending compared to an average of 2% in the previous administrations],” he said. “Kaya nga tawag natin sa Digong administration ay Golden Age of Infrastructure dahil malaki ang perang ibinubuhos natin. More than 6 million jobs created because of this and actually naisasalba po ang ating ekonomiya ngayong panahon ng pandemya dahil sa Build, Build, Build [That’s the reason why the Duterte Administration is called the Golden Age of Infrastructure because we invested so much on this. More than 6 million jobs created because of this. Actually the Build, Build, Build helped save our economy during the pandemic],” he added. The country is now experiencing massive expansion in infrastructure unseen since the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos,

which helped transform its economy and maintained the Philippines’ title as one of Asia’s rising tigers. In terms of road enhancement and development, Secretary Andanar said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported the completion of more than 29,000 road projects, including widening and rehabilitation. At least 671 infrastructure projects under the Department of Transportation are already complete. These include the 451 building and rehabilitation projects for the country’s seaports and 214 airport projects. Secretary Andanar also cited that more than 150,000 classrooms were built and rehabilitated in the past five years of the administration.

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Baungon, Bukidnon attracts more investors

The municipality of Baungon, Bukidnon is slowly opening up to more investors, as more people coming from the highly urbanized city of Cagayan de Oro are contemplating on moving back to less crowded communities, Mayor Gio Dahino said on Thursday. “It is a very exciting time for us tsaka marami-raming trabaho na rin ang nabibigay sa ating mga kababayan sa Baungon [It is a very exciting time for us and we have provided more jobs for our people here in Baungon],” he said during the Netwrok Briefing News with host Presidential Secretary Martin Andanar. Baungon is a fourth-class municipality mainly run by its agri-industrial economy. “Yung sa munisipyo po natin ngayon ay lumaki’t lumaki

|August 28-September 3, 2021

na ang industriya natin. Sa ngayon may poultry, piggery at dalawang flour processing plants tayo. May pineapple plantation tayo ng Dole at Del Monte, mayroong din yung corn at tsaka banana plantations natin [Our industry here is growing. Right now we have poultry and piggery farms. We also have two flour processing plants operating in our municipality. We have pineapple plantations operated by Dole and Del Monte, as well as corn and banana plantations,” Mayor Dahino said. “The good news is pumapasok na po ang ibang industries katulad ng First Gen Hydro Power Plant. This is a 34-megawatt power plant na nakikita nating mag-function by 2025 [The good news is more industries are coming to our municipality just like the First Gen Hydro PowerPlant.

This is a 34-megawatt power plant that we are hoping to function by 2025],” he added. He also mentioned other long-term plans of the local government including the anticipated residential and commercial projects with private partners. According to Mayor Dahino, the value of land there is now drastically increasing every year, as more industries are moving up to their area, along with the construction of public infrastructures easing connectivity between Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. “If you buy a piece of land here, expect that its value will increase by 20-30% in a year, especially near highways because Baungon is a beneficiary of Build, Build, Build,” he said.

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Bong Go comes to the aid of vulnerable groups in Davao City; assures continuing support from gov’t towards recovery Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured Filipinos that the Duterte Administration is working hard to speed up the country’s vaccination efforts and safe reopening of the economy while providing targeted assistance to struggling individuals and vulnerable groups. In separate activities done by batches in Davao City on Thursday, September 2, Go dropped by various communities and told vulnerable residents that his office would continue to provide critical assistance where needed and work closely with local Caraga INFOCUS

officials to protect citizens. “Nagpunta ako ngayon dahil nagbilin si Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte. Sabi ko pupunta ako sa Leon Garcia. Taga-Buhangin ako pero nakatira ako diyan lang sa Lanang. So, magkakapitbahay lang tayo. Natatandaan ko ang lugar na ito, mga sampung taon na ang nakalipas nang una kaming pumunta ng Pangulo sa mga nasunugan dito,” said Go. “Ngayon ay nasa isang krisis na naman tayo. Marami ang nagsarado na negosyo at nawalan ng trabaho dulot ng pandemyang COVID-19.

Bilang inyong Senador, nagsisikap ako upang makapagbigay ng tulong gamit ang ating mga programa,” he continued. To address their immediate needs, the Senator and his staff distributed snacks, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 600 residents divided in batches at the Barangays Governor Vicente Duterte, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde, Sr. and Leon Garcia gymnasiums. The recipients consisted of contractual workers; tricycle drivers and operators; fisherfolk; out-

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

and also help ensure food security. The Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective livelihood assistance and skills training programs.

of-school youth; senior citizens; solo parents; and members of the LGBT community. Select recipients were given new pairs of shoes while another set of beneficiaries were provided bicycles. Some beneficiaries also received computer tablets to help their children pursue their studies. “Pakiusap lang namin sa mga kabataan ay mag-aral kayo nang mabuti kahit wala pa tayong face-to-face learning ngayon… Hindi natin basta-basta mabubuksan ang eskwela dahil delikado pa ang panahon,” he said. “Kapag mayroon nagpositibo sa classroom mahirapan tayo, dahil

|August 28-September 3, 2021

ang bata pa naman ay hindi pa bakunado. Kaya naman pinag-aaralan pa ng gobyerno ngayon ang pagbabalik ng ating face-to-face learning,” Go explained. “Unahin muna natin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Ang pera ating kikitain, pero ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he added. As part of a holistic set of interventions from the government for individuals and communities in crisis, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture gave away vegetable seeds to aid their livelihood

The Senator, who is also Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, appealed to the public to get vaccinated. He explained that the vaccines considerably reduce one’s risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. “Ang bakuna ang susi at solusyon para malampasan ang krisis na ito. Magpabakuna na po kayo para makamtan natin ang population protection kung saan mabakunahan na ang 50% sa populasyon. Ngayon ‘pag dumating na tayo sa 70%, ito ang tinatawag na herd immunity,” explained Go. “Kailangan protektado kayo para hindi mapuno ang ospital at bumagsak ang healthcare system,” he added. Caraga INFOCUS

Go offered his help to those with medical concerns. He also advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) or any of the other 137 centers found nationwide for convenient access to medical assistance programs. “Kahit bakunado na kayo, importante face mask, face shield para protektado. Kung mahal ninyo ang inyong mga anak, dapat disiplina, kailangan natin ang inyong kooperasyon at disiplina,” Go emphasized. “Mayroon akong dala na vitamins at lahat kayo makakatanggap ng vitamins. Pakiusap lang inumin ninyo ito, ‘pag malakas ang inyong resistensya mas lalaban ang katawan ninyo laban sa COVID-19,” he added. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where medical assistance programs of the national government are conveniently available under one roof. The program was institutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which Go primarily authored and sponsored in the Senate. Caraga INFOCUS

“Naabutan po ako ng lockdown sa Maynila. Kakarating ko lang nitong March at kababalik ko lang rin sa aking trabaho. Mahirap talaga pero go lang. Tiis lang rin sa hirap kahit ganito ang panahon. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go para sa aking mga natanggap at sa mga matatanggap pa namin,” said Bernabe Abadella, a resident who received aid from Go’s team. The Senator recognized various local officials for their untiring service and exemplary leadership amid the various crises communities are facing. Among those that Go acknowledged were 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, 2nd District Rep. Vincent Garcia, Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Councilor Che-Che Justol, barangay officials Remedios dela Luz, Robert Diaz, and Lita Empis, among others. “Kami ni Pangulong Duterte mahal namin kayong lahat. Huwag kayong mahiya sa akin, magkapitbahay lang tayo… Nandito lang kami at magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Magsusumikap kami na

ating malampasan ang krisis na ito,” Go assured. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various infrastructure initiatives in Davao City to improve public service delivery and boost economic opportunities in his hometown. Among these are the improvement of the Leon Garcia Sr. barangay hall; the construction of various multi-purpose buildings and local roads in different barangays around the city including a Day Care Center, and many more. Other major initiatives include the construction or rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, flood control structures, as well as the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building and acquisition of ambulances, among others. On July 23, the Senator’s team also assisted some 1,000 flood victims in Brgy. Talomo River. The beneficiaries were grouped into batches to ensure the strict enforcement of the safety and health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Vulnerable communities from Talibon, Getafe, Buenavista, San Isidro, Inabanga and Clarin in Bohol gets boost from Bong Go’s humanitarian efforts As he always committed to cater his services to more struggling communities amid pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to hand over assistance to various sectoral groups in the towns of Talibon, Getafe, Buenavista, San Isidro, Inabanga, and Clarin in Bohol

|August 28-September 3, 2021

province on Wednesday, in his video message. September 1. The Senator gave “Sana maging recognition to a masaya ang ating combined total of 1,433 Pasko ngayong taon, essential workers for their basta makabalik tayo determination and hard sa ating normal na work as they continue pamumuhay pauntito contribute immensely unti. Pero magtulungan to the economic tayo, kailangan ang development of their kooperasyon at respective communities. disiplina,” Go expressed Caraga INFOCUS

Go reminded the public that health should be a top priority especially since new variants of COVID-19 cases continue to rise. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go then encouraged the beneficiaries to take part in the national vaccination program to protect them from the threat of the virus.

Go. Select beneficiaries were also given new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use.

Go’s staff organized five separate distribution activities at Bisu Clarin Activity Center in Clarin; Community Gymnasium in Buenavista; Balintawak Covered Court in Talibon; Municipal Session Hall in San Isidro; and Municipal Gymnasiums in Inabanga and Getafe.

Staff from several agencies were also present as they provided different forms of aid to further boost the livelihood conditions of the essential workers.

The beneficiaries were grouped into smaller batches and necessary safety and health protocols were strictly observed all throughout the relief operations to prevent the further spread of the virus. All essential workers then received meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins from Senator Caraga INFOCUS

In addition, computer tablets were given to some recipients to ensure that their children can participate better during classes as they pursue their education under the blended learning set-up.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development gave livelihood assistance grants to all beneficiaries while the Department of Trade and Industry provided further livelihood support to qualified recipients. Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted their assessment wherein chosen individuals will receive scholarship grants.

“Sobrang hina po ng benta ko ngayon kumpara noong bago ang pandemya kaya po nagpapasalamat ako ng lubusan kay Senator Bong Go, sobrang laking tulong po sa amin nito na dagdag puhunan po,” Genalyn Prencia, a 33-year-old vendor, shared in an interview. In line with his appeal to the public to prioritize health and well-being, Senator Go encouraged locals to take advantage of the medical assistance programs that are available in any of the two Malasakit Centers in the province. The center is a one-stop shop where partnered agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, will provide convenient assistance to particularly poor and indigent patients to help them reduce their hospital expenses by covering various patient services and fees. The Malasakit Centers in August 28-September 3, 2021 |

purpose buildings in Dauis, Loay, Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia-Hernandez, Guindulman, Loon, Valencia and Tagbilaran City; construction of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; and improvement of existing roads in Baclayon and Loay, among others.

the province are located at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, and Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Go also extended support to several infrastructure projects in each municipality to ensure economic recovery. Projects include the construction of a municipal slaughterhouse and

|August 28-September 3, 2021

improvement of waterworks system in Inabanga; improvement of road network and construction of roads in Talibon; installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe; improvement of public market and acquisition of mini-dump truck in Clarin; and construction of a multi-purpose building and concretion of several farm-to-market roads in Buenavista. Other projects he supported are the construction of multi-

Senator Go then expressed his gratitude towards the local officials of Talibon, Getafe, Buenavista, San Isidro, Inabanga, and Clarin for providing immeasurable service to their constituents and making certain that they are given all the necessary support needed to cope with challenges caused by the pandemic. “Mga kababayan, magtiwala lang kayo sa inyong gobyerno, magtiwala kayo sa bakuna at magtulungan lang tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang din kapwa nating Pilipino,” Go appealed. Caraga INFOCUS

Continuing bayanihan efforts towards economic recovery exemplified as Bong Go, gov’t agencies provide support to residents in Victorias City, Negros Occidental On Wednesday, September 1, thousands of residents in Victorias City, Negros Occidental were given additional support by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as part of his commitment to help boost the economic recovery of struggling communities amid the ongoing pandemic. “Mga kababayan ko, nasa krisis po tayo dulot ng COVID-19. Marami po ang nawalan ng trabaho, marami po ang nagsara ng negosyo dahil po sa pagsara ng ekonomiya dahil tumataas po ang kaso. Kaya naman nakikiusap po kami sa

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inyong kooperasyon upang malagpasan natin ang krisis na kinakaharap,” Go appealed in his video message. To be able to cater to a total of 6,359 beneficiaries, Go’s outreach team conducted simultaneous distribution activities at Victorias City Coliseum and Victorias City Cultural Center during which health guidelines against COVID-19 were strictly imposed. The recipients were also split into smaller groups to further safeguard them from the threat of the virus. Go’s team then handed out relief items, such as meals,

masks, face shields, and vitamins. New pairs of shoes and bicycles were also given to select recipients while others brought home computer tablets for their children’s educational use. Continuing his message, Senator Go extended his gratitude towards several government agencies for providing additional forms of assistance to further help various sectoral groups overcome challenges caused by the health crisis. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to each beneficiary while the

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

anak, magpabakuna na po kayo, parating naman po ang mga bakuna,” Go expressed.

Department of Agriculture namin,” Perez expressed. provided the community with a 30-footer fishing boat. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Meanwhile, the and Demography, Go Department of Trade further offered assistance and Industry determined to residents with health potential recipients for concerns as he encouraged their Pangkabuhayan sa them to visit Corazon Locsin Pagbangon at Ginhawa Montelibano Memorial Program. Lastly, the Regional Hospital in Technical Education and Bacolod City where there Skills Development Authority is a Malasakit Center that gave scholarship grants to will assist them with their qualified individuals based medical expenses. on their evaluation. The Senator likewise Carlos Perez, a 66-yearurged residents to get old farmer, shared in an inoculated according interview how he continues to the vaccination to struggle to make a program guidelines. Go living since the global then reassured that the pandemic started as there government continues to are restrictions in delivering get sufficient vaccines to harvested goods to make certain that more consumers. Filipinos get their protection against the coronavirus. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga tulong na “Kung ano ho ‘yung ibinigay ni Senator Bong nandiyan na bakuna Go at President Duterte. sa harapan ninyo, Natugunan ang mga magpabakuna na po pangangailangan naming kayo, magtiwala ho kayo. mga mahihirap, may Kung mahal niyo po ang pangtustos na po kami inyong pamilya, mahal sa mga pang-araw-araw niyo po ang inyong mga

|August 28-September 3, 2021

Go then thanked Representative Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Mayor Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca, Vice Mayor Jerry “Didi” Jover, and other local officials for going beyond in serving their constituents during these difficult times. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported the construction and improvement of a multi-purpose building in the city to help boost its economic development. Go also supported several projects in the province, such as road maintenance in Bago City, and Bacolod City; construction of a multi-purpose building in Calatrava, and Himamaylan City; construction of Infectious Diseases Wing in Teresita J. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital at Silay City, and many others. “Importante sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang buhay po at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Buhay po natin, pangalagaan po natin. Kalusugan po natin, pangalagaan po natin,” he ended.

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Gov’t responded with urgency as lives were at stake: Galvez

ARRIVAL OF PROTECTIVE GEAR. Philippine Air Force personnel unload the boxes of personal protective equipment that arrived from China in March last year. Vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the government responded with a sense of urgency at the start of the pandemic, as the national government procured coronavirus response supplies, including personal protective equipment for medical workers. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the government responded with a sense of urgency at the start of the pandemic last year, as the national government procured coronavirus response supplies, including personal protective equipment for medical workers.

|August 28-September 3, 2021

“When the pandemic started, our main objective was to save lives and protect our healthcare workers who are at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19,” Galvez said during an online interview on Wednesday. “Wala tayong face masks, walang test kits, walang PPE pero ang mga namamatay,

parami nang parami (We don’t have face masks, test kits, PPE but more are dying). We needed to bring in the supplies as quickly as possible and in larger volumes,” he added.

Galvez said each medical grade PPE set, priced at PHP1,700, was composed of medical grade cover-all, gloves, head cover, shoe Caraga INFOCUS

cover, goggles, N95 mask, surgical mask and surgical gown. He recalled that when he was designated as NTF chief implementer, they initially intended to procure three million sets, which at the time, would only meet the requirements of Covid referral hospitals. However, Galvez said the number of hospitals across the country requesting for PPE continued to increase on a daily basis. “During March and April (2020), nagmamakaawa ‘yung mga ospital dahil wala silang PPE. Walang magamit ang kanilang mga healthcare workers (The hospitals were begging for PPE. Their healthcare workers had nothing to use),” he said.

Based on the initial evaluation of the capacities of NTF member-agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), which did not have the manpower to purchase a huge volume of PPE as more than half of its assigned personnel were infected with Covid-19. Galvez said the NTFResource Management and Logistics Cluster members, including the DOH, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Office of the Civil Defense, and Procurement ServiceDepartment of Budget and Management (PSDBM), convened to ensure that the national government would be able to secure the PPE.

he said. “Kaya we asked PS-DBM to look for supplies. First, an initial 3 million sets then 6 million or even 10 million sets,” Galvez added. Lives at stake When the DBM’s procurement service found a supplier from China that had the capacity to meet the bulk requirement for PPE, the NTF did not waste time in finalizing the deal and arranged the shipment through military aircraft.

“’Yung procurement plan, buong NTF at IATF ‘yan. That was a collective decision kasi nakita natin ‘yung urgency. Kasi kapag hindi pa natin gagawin ‘yon, mas marami pang mamamatay (The procurement plan was “With the help of Senator “We looked at domestic the whole NTF and IATF. It Pia Cayetano, we were production, pero mahina was a collective decision able to get the number (but it’s minimal). We because we saw the of PPE we need to also asked the private urgency. Had we not procure in order for us sector for assistance. done it, more would to have enough supply We inquired with other have died),” Galvez said. to be distributed to the agencies including the whole country, which diplomatic corps how Galvez said no other is more or less 16 million we can produce the company can produce sets,” Galvez added. needed number of PPE,” in a few days medical Caraga INFOCUS

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

Galvez

grade PPE. “That’s why it’s very unfair to be accused that we pre-planned the transfer of funds to PS-DBM. No money was diverted to corruption. How can one think of corruption when people are dying and many have been criticizing that the government is unprepared and slow,” Galvez said. NTF deputy chief Implementer and testing czar Sec. Vince Dizon added that the transfer of funds from the DOH to the PS-DBM was part of the whole-ofgovernment approach to efficiently respond to the pandemic. Judicious process Galvez said the PPE underwent emergency procurement and

|August 28-September 3, 2021

the payment was processed “judiciously” in observance of existing laws such as Republic Act 9184 and relevant Government Procurement Policy Board issuances in line with RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. The prices of PPE procured by the national government during the pandemic were significantly lower than those purchased by the past administration prior to the health crisis sometime between 2015 and 2016, he added. The PPE at that time cost PHP3,500 and PHP3,864 per set. “Nag-research din po kami. ‘Yung PHP1,700 na presyo during this pandemic kung saan kulang na kulang ang supply,

kung titignan natin ay napakababa pa. Kulang pa sa kalahati. Kaya napakababa na ng pricing na ito (We did our research. The PHP1,700 price during this pandemic, at a time when supply is limited, when we look at it, is still cheaper, less than half. These are actually lower priced),” he said. Galvez appealed to the public, including lawmakers, to look at the issues objectively. “Wala po muna sanang presumption of guilt para makita at matukoy natin kung ano ang naging pagkukulang namin (I hope there is no presumption of guilt so that we can see and determine where we lacked),” Galvez said. “The NTF and the IATF are willing to listen sa aming mga pagkukulang para amin itong mai-correct (We are willing to listen so that we can correct our mistakes and improve on what we lack). We are in a pandemic and we are asking for unity. We cannot fight this Covid when we are divided,” he added. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS

700K Pfizer vaccine intended for regions with high cases: Galvez

LATEST DELIVERY. Airport personnel unwraps= the latest shipment of government-procured Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that arrived Wednesday (Sept. 1, 2021) at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The 703,170 doses of Pfizer vaccine will be distributed to various regions with high coronavirus cases. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

The 703,170 doses of government-procured Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that arrived Wednesday night will be distributed to the different regions with high coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, according to the National Task Force Against Covid-19. Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., NTF Against Covid-19 Caraga INFOCUS

chief implementer and vaccine czar, said areas that have not received a Pfizer vaccine would also get a share of the latest delivery. “Also, those areas that have never been reached by Pfizer because we want all the municipalities can have that sort of dry run so that when the

majority of the Pfizer will come by October -- more or less of which will be delivered each month during October, November, December -- they are already knowledgeable on how to handle critical supplies like the vaccine of Pfizer,” he said in an interview with reporters shortly after the vaccine arrival Wednesday night August 28-September 3, 2021 |

at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Pfizer vaccine requires a subzero storage facility, sensitive handling logistics and also prone to spoilage. Majority of the vaccine allocation will be given to regions with high Covid-19 cases such as Regions 4-A (Calabarzon), 3 (Central Luzon), 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 7 (Central Visayas), 11 (Davao), 6 (Western Visayas) and 9 (Zamboanga), Galvez added. He acknowledged the US government, through US Embassy Charges d’Affaires John Law, for helping the Philippines secure the much needed vaccine supply. “First of all we would like to thank Pfizer for delivering a new supply more than 700,000 plus and we would like to thank the US government for being faithful of really assisting us to have that access and I also

|August 28-September 3, 2021

Contributed photo

want to thank John Law for never missing to be here to receive our deliveries that only represents the strong alliance between the US and the Philippines and the friendship we had since we have have our alliance with the US,” he added. The government is expecting 25 million vaccine doses to arrive this month from different sources.

PR1811. Law said their government is ready to help the Philippines in fighting the pandemic. “Just like what Secretary Galvez said every time you see a delivery of these vaccines where hundreds of millions of vaccines are coming in, that means hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in a few days are going to be better protected against this pandemic,” he added.

READ: Over 137-M doses of Covid vax set to arrive “Secretary Galvez in PH until year-end mentioned that we’re allies, the American Of the latest vaccine and Filipino people, shipment, 600,210 we’re also friends, so we arrived via Air HongKong continue to do all that flight LD456 while 51,480 we possibly can, working doses arrived in Cebu with Secretary Galvez at 6:35 pm via LD45. The and his team to help the remaining 51,480 doses Philippines confront this is expected to arrive pandemic,” he added. in Davao Thursday via (PNA/By Ferdinand Philippine Airlines flight Patinio) Caraga INFOCUS

Vaccination of general public, children at-risk eyed next month The National Task Force against Covid-19 (NTF) is eyeing to expand the country’s vaccination program to the general public and children with comorbidities by October.

In an interview at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum on Wednesday, NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government is already preparing for the expansion of the vaccine rollout to other sectors of society. “Kasi mataas na po ang vaccination dito sa Metro Manila ang ginagawa po natin ay nagkaroon na po tayo ng equitable distribution based doon sa unvaccinated population (Because we already have high vaccination rate in Metro Manila, what we are doing is we are having an equitable distribution of jabs based on the unvaccinated population),” said Galvez, also the country’s vaccine czar. He said administering Covid-19 jabs to healthcare workers (A1), senior citizens (A2), persons with comorbidities (A3), essential workers (A4), and indigent sector (A5) is already open nationwide. “Nagkaroon na po kami

Caraga INFOCUS

VACCINATION DRIVE. A medical health worker administers the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to a man at the Department of Health-Calabarzon Office at the Quezon Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City on Wednesday (Sept. 1, 2021) during the vaccination of employees and their families. The national government has been ramping up its vaccination drive to achieve mass population protection against Covid-19. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

ng pronouncement na lahat po ng bayan at saka probinsya ay pwede na pong mag-accelerate ng kanilang targeted population from A1 to A5 and we are proposing by October maggeneral population na po tayo (We already had our pronouncement to all towns and provinces that they can start accelerating their vaccination of their targeted population from A1 to A5 and we are proposing to vaccinate the general population by October),” he said.

our volumes are nearing to saturate. That means the demand and also the supply has already been met. So kailangan mag-open up na po tayo ng additional sector para hindi ma-saturate ang ating mga vaccine (we need to open up to additional sector to prevent vaccine saturation),” he said. Galvez assured an equitable distribution of Covid-19 jabs in various regions and provinces nationwide.

He said the country might have enough supply of vaccines next month. “Because we believe by October, mayroon na po tayong (we will have) enough supply [of vaccines] and

The government’s primary consideration in the vaccine deployment, he said, is based on the areas’ number of unvaccinated individuals from their target eligible population for the Covid-19 vaccination program. (PNA/ By Lade Jean Kabagani)

August 28-September 3, 2021 |

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Caraga InFocus – August 28-September 3, 2021

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