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CONTENTS
Surigao City airport runway rehab ‘on track’
31 August - 06 September 2019
Volume III, No. 55
REGIONAL NEWS 8 9 10 11 12 14
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DOH Caraga enjoins Caraganons to help end TB 100 IPs in Caraga receive PhilHealth cards WCO kicks-off in Caraga Tourism chief in Caraga supports WCO 2019 DSWD recognizes community volunteers in Caraga region
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WCO 2019 HOTS grateful to TESDA
PROVINCIAL NEWS 17 18 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 30 34
AgNor town to implement striker measures to fight dengue Agusan, MisOr tribal leaders unite to end insurgency
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NPA terrorist killed, 1 captured with war materials in AgSur town Army intensifies security awareness in Surigao Norte DENR-13 launches ‘Task Force Siargao’ All set for Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2019
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Dinagat Islands guv signs order for intervention on dengue epidemic World Surgical Foundation to conduct surgical outreach program in Surigao Norte Disgruntled rebels surrender in Surigao Sur
MINDANAO NEWS
Marawi bouncing back from rubbles Davao Region farmers urged to plant ‘NextGen’ rice varieties
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NATIONAL NEWS
PCOO’s ‘legacy campaign’ to highlight achievements of President Duterte DA, DSWD to convert 4Ps’ P600 rice subsidy into rice DepEd to hire 10K teachers, 5K non-teaching staff in 2020
News Briefs National Public Inquiry - Focus Group Discussion facilitated by the Commission on Human Rights in Butuan City, Atty. Twyla Rubin discussed the Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights Center to the participants composed of women and PWDs.
DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga said the Regional Science and Technology Week celebration helps empower people to build a brighter future where different science developments can also be found. 1st PNP Caraga Film Festival awarding ceremony, PRO13 Regional Director PBGen. Gilberto DC Cruz thanked the students and their school administrators for supporting the said project. BGen. Cruz said that over 40 schools in Caraga have submitted their stories & only five finalists were chosen from high school & another five from college.
According to Dr. Lester Suntay, president ng World Surgical Foundation Philippines, the ongoing free surgical operation at the Provincial Hospital, Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte is the first surgical mission that he and his medical team have conducted. Varied cases such as thyroid and breast mass, cleft pallet and hernia are being catered with patients ranging from ages 4 months to 70 years old.
Cover Story Surigao City airport run
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URIGAO CITY, Surigao de Norte - The repair of the Surigao City Airport runway remains on track, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
During the second site inspection on the rehabilitation progress led by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and CAAP Surigao Manager Junelito Abrazado on Friday, the contractors have affirmed the November 2019 completion target for the initial 400-meter repair, and the full 700-meters by February 2020.
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“So ngayon, right on track ang pangako sa ating lahat na Surigaonon ni CAAP general manager, ang ating pong CAAP director-general, at ang ating DOTr assistant secretary [Giovanni] “Banoy” Lopez,” Andanar said.
The runway’s partial operation
August 31-September 6, 2019
nway rehab ‘on track’ on a weekly basis, said that one hurdle for the project was already cleared out. Andanar relayed the message of the DOTr that the variation order (VO) for the initial 400-meter runway reblocking was already signed by the new contractor Pacific Concrete last August 28. The VO will allow Pacific Concrete to take over the scope of the obligations of the previous contractor, Herbana Builders. The widening of the Surigao Airport runway began in October 2015 but did not proceed as planned as Herbana Builders declared bankruptcy and left the project hanging. Then in February 2017, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit Surigao City that damaged the runway, only being able to use 1,000 meters from the original 1,700 meters. of 1,400 meters, from 1,000 meters currently, will accommodate seven weekly Philippine Airlines flights between Manila and Surigao.
“To complement the required budget of the VO by around P10 million, some conventional asphalting works of the original contract were reduced through value engineering,” Lopez said in his message to Andanar.
Andanar, who assembled an ad-hoc communications team to Moreover, Pacific Concrete said coordinate with the DOTr and CAAP that the establishment of the concrete about the progress of the rehabilitation and batching plant for the rehabilitation August 31-September 6, 2019
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project is expected by the second week of September, which will speed up the runway reblocking and asphalting for the initial 400 meters expected to be completed by November and the full 700 meters by February next year. Meanwhile, the second contractor VT Lao is already 10.26 percent completed with the asphalt overlay for the slope correction of other parts of the runway. The contractors began work on the runway’s rehabilitation last August 7. In June this year, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Surigao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. adopted separate resolutions asking their fellow Surigaonon to elevate the issue to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade. “As a Surigaonon, I go here because it is the interest of our province to have a workable airport na makalanding ang eroplano hindi lang to Cebu, but also sa Manila. So we’re doing out best from our end, in my office, we constantly communicate with the [CAAP] general manager and the DOTr,” Andanar said. “We just need to constantly check the repairs. Coordinate closely with my office and ad hoc team I created for the Surigao City Airport news update, and let us continue to communicate,” he added. (PCOO/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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August 31-September 6, 2019
REGIONAL NEWS
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DOH Caraga enjoins Caraganons to help end TB
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY With the aim to stop the spread of Tuberculosis or TB, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region enjoins Caraganons to help in finding the missing cases of TB to prevent its spread. Arlene Serrano, TB program coordinator of DOH Caraga said that even knowing the fact that TB medicines are effective and TB is curable, still an estimated 60 Filipinos die of TB every day have been recorded. With this, Serrano emphasized the importance of seeking consultations and have themselves screened if they have a cough that lasts for more than two weeks and to religiously finish the six-month treatment for TB if found positive for it.
At present, there are 88 DOTS or Directly Observed Treatment – Short Course facilities and 124 laboratories in Caraga region where TB patients may seek diagnosis and treatment, Serrano added.
Also, Romelyn Torralba, the health information officer of DOH Caraga said that awareness campaign for TB is ongoing in the region, it focuses on its transmission, signs, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment and In 2018, Serrano said that a prevention measures. total of 252 deaths related to TB were recorded. To avoid deaths, Serrano “Cooperation and working said that it takes the participation together in finding the missing cases and to voluntarily submit one’s self to of TB in the region will help end TB,” screening and treatment. Torralba said. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)
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August 31-September 6, 2019
Regional News I Empowering Communities
100 IPs in Caraga receive PhilHealth cards
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - The indigenous peoples (IPs) have been known for their great contribution in maintaining peace and order in their respective communities, hence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga recognized their effort and has partnered with the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation for the distribution of PhilHealth cards to be used by the IPs in their medical needs.
This was in time with the 118th Each of the tribal leaders received Police Service Anniversary celebration the PhilHealth cards intended for their respective tribal members. of PNP Caraga held in Butuan City. Led by PNP Caraga regional director Police Brigadier General Gilberto Cruz, together with Herzon Zenon Leonardo Malate, the acting regional vice president of PhilHealth Caraga, and Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa, deputy chief PNP for operations, some 100 PhilHealth cards were distributed and received by the respective tribal leaders from the different provinces of the region.
In his message, Cruz highlighted the significant role of the IPs in nationbuilding. He stressed that specific programs intended for the IP sector should be enhanced and sustained. Meanwhile, Gamboa thanked all IPs in Caraga region for their active support, cooperation and participation in the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to stop the insurgency in the country. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
August 31-September 6, 2019
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WCO kicks-off in Caraga
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY - The World Café of Opportunities (WCO) simultaneously opened on Aug. 25, 2019 in different provinces of Caraga Region.
For the province of Agusan del “because skills training should not Norte and this city, the activity was be disregarded and should not be conducted at the Covered Court of underestimated,” Dir. Banto said. the Provincial Capitol here. The TESDA chief of Caraga also Speaking before the crowd, pointed out that our ASEAN neighboring Technical Education and Skills countries have institutionalized TechDevelopment Authority (TESDA)- Voc to produce skilled workers. Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto underscored the importance Republic Act No. 10970 provides of Technical Vocational (Tech-Voc) in that the 25th day of August in every nation-building. year is hereby declared as National Tech-Voc Day wherein TESDA being “We are doing our best so that one of the Lead Agencies shall prepare TESDA will become a major player in and implement an annual program of our educational system despite the activities and advocacy campaign. fact that TESDA is the youngest among the tri-focalized education agency of To make the activity more the country,” he said. inclusive, TESDA Memorandum No, 14, series of 2018 was issued to conduct Dir. Banto likewise said that the a two-day National TVET Enrollment conduct of the activity is an avenue to Day, Jobs Fair and other matters push the agency’s mandate towards every August 25. (TESDA Caraga/PIA the paradigm shift of the country Caraga)
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August 31-September 6, 2019
Regional News I Empowering Communities
Tourism chief in Caraga supports WCO 2019 By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY Department of Tourism (DOT)Caraga Regional Director Maria Anna T. Nuguid expressed an all-out support during the conduct of the 2019 World Café of Opportunities (WCO) in celebration of the National Tech-Voc Day 2019 held recently here. Nuguid said the DOT is excited to help and support as part of the WCO being the partner of TESDA in developing the human resources in the tourism industry.
(NLP), and Guidance and Training for Employment (GTEP).
For Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, the WCO prioritizes sectors in the Construction and Tourism. The activity “We want you to feel the DOT’s was conducted at the Agusan del presence in promoting the essential Norte Provincial Covered Court, this tourism efforts of the country,” Nuguid city. said. One of the objectives of the The official likewise lauded the WCO is to facilitate the provision of officials, personnel and stakeholders employment and training including of TESDA-Caraga for the successful upgrading to the TVET graduates/ conduct of the activity. alumni. The WCO program operationalizes the four delivery platforms of the Job Linkaging and Networking (JOLINS) namely: Blue Desk Platform, Information Education Communication Platform (IECP), Networking and Linkaging Platform
It also increases awareness of the employment and scholarships of the training programs of the private and government line agencies available for the job seekers. (TESDA Caraga/ PIA Caraga)
August 31-September 6, 2019
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DSWD recognizes community volunteers in Caraga region By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized the community volunteers for their constant support to the programs and projects under the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Caraga region. This was in time with the conduct of the 3rd National Community Volunteers’ Congress and 5th National Bayani Ka! Awards held in Butuan City.
relevance of helping people and its impact to the communities, as well as the role of the social workers and community volunteers as they serve as silent heroes for their effort to help uplift Led by DSWD Secretary Rolando the lives of the Filipino people. Bautista, awardees received a plaque and were encouraged to continue Bautista also acknowledged the their humanitarian and voluntary works active participation of the officials from in the communities. the local government units.
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Bautista
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“We believe that the projects that
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have been established in the different communities address the needs, issues, and concerns of the populace. With this, we thanked the local government units for continuously embracing the processes and principles of KALAHICIDSS to ensure the provision of relevant programs and projects to the Filipino people,” said Bautista. There were eight awardees from Caraga region. These are: 1) Barug Kababaihan Sa San Roque Association in Trento, Agusan del Sur (gender and development category); 2) Bayogo Tribal Community in Madrid, Surigao del Sur (IPs welfare category); 3) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Zillovia in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur (promotion of just peace category); 4) Bayogo Tribal Community in Madrid, Surigao del Sur (youth category); 5) Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee of Bayugan 3 in Rosario, Agusan del Sur (person with disability welfare category); 6) Barangay Local Government Unit of San Ignacio in Trento, Agusan del Sur (improved local governance category); 7) Barangay
Sub-Project Management Committee of Antao, Carmen, Surigao del Sur (environment protection category); and 8) Las Nieves Poblacion Rural Water Works and Sanitation Association (LAPRUWASA) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte (sustained community volunteers group category). Meanwhile, beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude for having availed of the different projects from the KALAHI-CIDSS. Joan Montañez, president of Barug Kababaihan of Trento, Agusan del Sur highlighted how the women sector has become empowered through the programs of the government and how their livelihood has increased and helped their families. “Our organization will expand and will help more women in our community,” she said. “Our life has significant changes and we hope that the government will continue to provide us more developmental projects,” said Delfina Angeles – Grol, IP welfare from Madrid, Surigao del Sur. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
August 31-September 6, 2019
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WCO 2019 HOTS grateful to TESDA By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY - Hired on the Spot (HOTS) during the conduct of World Café of Opportunities (WCO) here are grateful to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). John Paul B. Bernasor, 18 from Brgy. Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte said he is happy because he did not expect that he will be hired on the spot by Fit Cars Service Center of this city as a mason. When asked what might be the reason why he was immediately hired, he said “I was hired by the company because I believe that the employers who were here knew that I really know the work and I am capable of the skills that they are looking for.” Bernasor is a graduate of Alternative Learning System (ALS) and also finished Carpentry NC II from the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) in Matabao, Agusan del Norte, whose mother is working abroad.
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“My new job now can really help my family in the financial aspect and this is also a way for me to pay my mother in return who is working abroad to earn a living,” Bernasor said. Bernasor likewise said he is very much thankful to TESDA for the knowledge and skills that they have imparted to him. “Because of my trainers, I was able to have an opportunity to help my family and prove to myself that I can do it and be an asset to my community,” he said. Also, Michael V. Pande of Brgy. 1, Purok 6, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte is a 23-year-old ALS Graduate and holder of Carpentry NC II.
He
August 31-September 6, 2019
said
because
of
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Regional News I Empowering Communities encouragement of one of the faculty members of NMSF, he came here today not expecting that he will be able to find a job as he was one of those who were hired on the spot also by Fit Cars Service Center as Mason. “Aside from the fact that I already have a lot of experience in the construction field, I feel that the knowledge and skills that I have obtained from my trainings in TESDA are a big factor why I was hired on the spot,” he said when asked why the company hired him.
in PTC-Agusan del Norte. “I went here hoping for an opportunity… and I really got it because I was hired on the Spot by New Rosario’s Foods Corporation, Butuan City,” he added. Unlike the other applicants, Ortuyo said he has high hopes of being hired on the spot. “I expected to be hired as Food and Beverage Associate because I am equipped with knowledge and skills that I have obtained from my training in PTC-Agusan del Norte and with this, I am confident of coming here,” he added.
Pande said his new employment Because of his new employment, now is a big help to his family especially he pointed out that this can help his that they are in financial crisis right now. family specifically in financial needs. “I am thankful to TESDA especially the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) through Mr. Romel M. Natad, Vocational School Administrator II because though I am an ALS graduate, they gave me a warm welcome and offered an opportunity that can transform not only mine but more importantly, my family… To TESDA, thank you very much,” he said.
“The 17-kilometer distance from Cabadbaran City to Butuan City is not a hindrance to my new work… What is important is to have self-determination and to believe that I can survive in all the challenges that may come to my life,” he added.
“I am very much grateful for the opportunity that TESDA has given me that will change my life and transform Meanwhile, Lance Oliver P. my well-being as a skilled worker,” Ortuyo, 21 of Batitang Subdivision, Ortuyo said. Cabadbaran City 21 is a two-year Air Craft Maintenance Technician TESDA Memorandum No. 14, series graduate of Asian International School of 2018 directed all TESDA Regional of Aeronautics and Technology, (AISAT) Davao City. He is also a holder of and Provincial Offices to conduct Cookery NC II at PTC-Agusan del Norte. Sectoral WCO through Job Linkaging and Networking (JoLINS), a strategy to Ortuyo said he learned this activity increase impact and build the image from one of his friends who is also his of TESDA as a caring institution. (TESDA classmate during their Cookery Class Caraga/PIA Caraga) August 31-September 6, 2019
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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AgNor town to implement striker measures to fight dengue By Justine Lumonsod
BUTUAN CITY - The local government unit of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte will implement striker measures to fight dengue virus due to the rising incidence of dengue cases in the said municipality. In order to control the transmittal of dengue virus effectively and efficiently, the said municipality adopted a mechanism such as mandatory removal of vectors breeding, conduct of information drive campaign and creation of Anti Dengue Task Force which is tasked to monitor the incidence of dengue cases in 19 barangays and submit monthly report.
owners, managers, and caretakers of households, schools, vacant lots, abandoned houses, tire trading/ merchandiser are mandated to get rid of vectors breeding ground, particularly stagnant water to avoid mosquito larvae.
Any person who violates the provisions of the ordinance will be The said measures will be penalized. implemented under the Municipal The ordinance was approved Ordinance No. 005-2019, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Raul A. through Sanggunian Resolution No. Olario. 018-2019 thru the efforts of Honorable Elizabeth Marie R. Calo. (LGU Agusan Under the said ordinance, all del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) August 31-September 6, 2019
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Agusan, MisOr tribal leaders unite to end insurgency By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - A total of 55 tribal leaders of Higaonon, Banwaon and Manobo from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental spoke out their stand to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) on August 24, 2019 at the headquarters of 23rd Infantry Battalion, Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The activity was conducted to define the roles of tribal leaders in relation to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) institutionalizing the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to end local communist armed conflict.
Hence, the different tribal leaders expressed their desire to fight the CPP-NPA to finally end insurgency and other armed struggles. Present during the meeting were Agusan del Norte 2nd district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, NCIP Caraga regional director Ferdaussi Cerna, and provincial indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) of Agusan del Norte Datu Bawang Eddie Ampiyawan.
The whole-of-nation approach requires the participation of not only the different agencies of the government but the different sectors of the community in addressing the very long existing insurgency caused by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP- Ampiyawan extended his NPA) which hinders development, gratitude to the local government particularly in the countryside. unit of Agusan del Norte and the 23rd
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August 31-September 6, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities Infantry Battalion (23IB) for helping the indigenous peoples (IPs)/lumads and for hearing their grievances against the CPP-NPA terrorists who continuously sow terror in their communities. “I encourage all tribal leaders to support the government to end insurgency. Let us be one in fighting the CPP-NPA for us to have a peaceful community. We will not allow them to deceive and manipulate anymore our families and become victims again of their evil interest,” Ampiyawan said. Moreover, Matba expressed her appreciation for holding the activity as a support to the efforts of the government in implementing EO 70 particularly in the province of Agusan del Norte. “I know that there are many IPs who were deceived and recruited by the NPA rebels. I can’t take it if lumads will fight against each other. Let us work hand-in-hand, converge
our efforts to end insurgency,” Matba said. Likewise, Cerna said that the best contribution that tribal leaders can extend to end insurgency in Caraga is to inform the people that there is only one government. “We shall support only the duly constituted government. Let us not be deceived by the CPPNPA because they destroy the lives of our people. They had caused disintegration among the indigenous peoples,” he said. Further, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Molina, Jr., commanding officer of 23IB expressed his appreciation to the tribal leaders for their passion in helping the government in ending local communist armed conflict. “Insurgency is not only the concern of the AFP and PNP, but it is the concern of every Filipino. With your cooperation and support, we can achieve peace and development in our communities,” said Molina. (23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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NPA terrorist killed, 1 captured with war materials in AgSur town BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed and another one was captured while several war materials were recovered in a series of encounters between troops of 23rd Infantry Battalion and Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPPNPA) terrorists on August 29, 2019, in Barangay Segunda, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. A platoon of 23IB encountered more or less five communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of weakened Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in the mountainous area of said barangay after civilian residents reported the presence of fully armed men conducting teach-in and indoctrination. According to Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr., 23IB commanding officer, “the CNTs did not expect that the residents in the area will disclose their whereabouts. After a five minute
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firefight, the troops found the body of the dead NPA and subsequently captured another one after troops surrounded the area.” He added that the troops recovered one .22 caliber rifle; one anti-personnel mine; and 20 meters electrical wire at the encounter site. “Around 5:10 in the afternoon of same day, a pursuit operation was conducted in Brgy. Segunda, which resulted to a 25-minute firefight between troops of 23IB and more or less ten CNTs believed to be members of the same group encountered by said unit earlier
August 31-September 6, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities that day. Reports revealed that there was no casualty on the side of the government while it was undetermined from the terrorist’s side. Moreover, one AK-47 rifle, one caliber 22 rifle and several war materials such as 18 magazines for AK-47 rifle; 2,000 rounds of Ctg 7.62mm ammunition for AK-47 rifle; 500 rounds Ctg. 5.56mm ammunition for M16 rifle; three bandoleers; 19 ponchos, two cellphones with SIM cards; one medicine kit; one kilo ammonium nitrate; and various subversive documents with high intelligence value were recovered after troops cleared and searched the area,” Molina said.
Licudine reiterates his call to the remaining CNTs to surrender and live peacefully with their families. “There are many ways in solving our differences and armed revolution is certainly not one of them. With the support of the civilians on our side, we shall relentlessly pursue you. You either surrender or be killed,” Licudine added.
The cadaver of the dead NPA was appropriately turned over to the local government unit of Esperanza while the captured NPA was remanded to the Municipal Police Station of Esperanza for proper disposition. Upon confirmation of their identities, respective families will In his statement, Col. Maurito be notified. Licudine, commander of 402nd Since July of this quarter, the Infantry Brigade said, “We have been monitoring the movement of said group 402nd Brigade intensified the campaign against the CNTs resulted to the in the area. We laud the courage of the surrender of 455 CNTs and members of residents of Brgy. Segunda that despite underground movement organizations the threat, they still provided information (UGMOs) and 18 encounters which on the presence of the CNTs. We shall resulted to the recovery of eight not stop going offer the CNTs because firearms and killing of several CNTs to they only bring hardship and misery to include two recovered dead NPA in the people. They destroy families and the encounter site. (402nd Brigade, PA/ hamper peace and development.” PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Army intensifies security awareness in Surigao Norte SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army recently conducted a Security Awareness Symposium to the Civic Welfare Training Services (CWTS), Literacy Training Services (LTS) and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) held at the SSCT Main Campus, this city. August 31-September 6, 2019
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The one-day activity is in partnership with the SSCT and 1503rd (Surigao del Norte) Community Defense Center, 15th (Caraga) Regional Community Defense Center Group (15RCDG), Army Reserve Command. This was conducted to the incoming freshmen students during the National Service Training Program (NSTP) General Orientation and Registration, as part of the school’s curriculum. Civil-Military Operations Acting Officer 1Lt. Wilfredo F. Quilang of 30IB enlightened the students regarding the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) infiltration in the schools.
“The youth is among the target sectors for radicalization to pursue the CNTs’ agenda. We must protect them from being used by the terrorists, please bear in mind that the CNTs do not believe that there is an Almighty God that’s why they are not afraid of their evil acts. Love of God must be our priority so that we will not be swayed by their deceptions and lies, “ Lt. Quilang said. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Villarosa, commanding officer of 30IB said that “the youth is the hope of the nation, and in partnership with key stakeholders, we must help enlighten the minds of the young people so that they will not be easily swayed by the sweet promises of the terrorist groups.”
He emphasized the CNTs deceptive tactics and how they use deceit and lies to organize the folks in the barrios and the students in school Lt. Col. Villarosa added that the campuses. national security awareness campaign of the Philippine Army is part of the He also said that one of the duties symposium where participants will be of the Philippine Army is to educate and informed and be made aware of the inform the young people regarding the local terrorists groups that exist in the nature of the CNTs and their deceptive country. (30IB-Philippine Army/PIAand manipulative recruitment strategy. Surigao del Norte)
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August 31-September 6, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
DENR-13 launches ‘Task Force Siargao’ By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga has launched recently the Task Force Siargao in the municipality of General Luna, Siargao Island. The Task Force Siargao was created as per DENR Regional Special Order No. 0132, series of 2019 that primarily aims to conduct monitoring and assessment as to compliance to environmental laws, rules, and regulations by the local commercial and other establishments in the island.
establishments without water permit; and 361 establishments violated easement rule.
According to Alicer, the function hall of Cabuntog Resort which is managed by the local government of General Luna was voluntarily demolished as it violates easement DENR Caraga regional director zone. Felix S. Alicer, on his update during the meeting of the Regional Task He said since the creation of Force to End Local Communist Armed the task force, the SIPLAS PAMB has Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) held here on passed a resolution authorizing the August 27, 2019, said that since 2018 regional executive director of DENR they already prepared an action plan Caraga to issue cease and desist for the rehabilitation of the Siargao order to the municipalities operating Island ecotourism areas and the task open-dump sites operation. force has already inspected a total of 1,298 establishments located in eleven Alicer added that the barangays of General Luna town and launching was highlighted with about 671 of those inspected facilities the ribbon cutting and formal are tourism-related establishments. opening of Residual Containment Area (RCA) in barangay Malinao, He said the task force surveyed General Luna spearheaded by DENR and recorded a total of 400 Secretary Roy A. Cimatu together accommodation establishments with DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, without environmental compliance Congressman Francisco Jose F. certificate (ECC); 90 establishments Matugas II, Governor Francisco T. with generator sets; 82 establishments Matugas, and Mayor Cecilia Rusillon. without permit to operate; 780 (PIA-Surigao del Norte) August 31-September 6, 2019
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All set for Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2019 By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Now on its 35th year, the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival with the theme, “Sadjaw Pagdayeg sa Dios nan Surigao,” will take center stage here on Monday, September 9. 2019. This year’s Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Festival Day will start with the thanksgiving mass, 5:30 a.m. at the Surigao City Cathedral Church followed by the street dancing from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and dance showdown from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Provincial Sports Complex. As announced by the BonokBonok Maradjaw Karadjaw committee, the search for Rayna Nan Bonok-Bonok 2019 and Musical Showdown will be held
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on September 8, 2019 form 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the NEMCO Quadrangle. A total of eight contingents will be competing for this year’s BonokBonok based category, namely: Taft National High School; Hingas San Juan Performing Arts of Barangay San Juan; Capalayan National High School, Barangay Capalayan; Barangay Mabua; Barangay Anomar Folkloric Ensemble; Surigao City National High School Special Program for the Arts;
August 31-September 6, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities Sumayajaw Nan Canlanipa Central Elementary School in cooperation with Barangay Council; and Lipata Elementary School.
city government, Surigao del Norte provincial government and the Surigao City Tourism and Cultural Development Council, Inc.
For the Bonok-Bonok festival of festivals, a total of five contingents will be competing namely: Banza National High School of Banza, Butuan City; Barangay Mananum of Daan Medina, Misamis Oriental; Mat-i National High School in cooperation with Mat-i Barangay Council; Siargao Island; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
Other lined up calendar of activities for the month-long celebration include 1st Bonok-Bonok Mindanao-wide HipHop Competition and Bonok-Bonok Theatre Festival on September 10 (7:00 p.m. at the Provincial Gymnasium); Submission of Photo Contest on September 12-17 at the City Tourism Office; 10th Kalagan Caraga Culinary Show on September 24-25 at the SSCT Surigao; and the Awarding of Photo Contest 2019 on September 27 at the Luneta Kiosk, Surigao City. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
The competition is part of the city’s annual fiesta celebration on September 10 in honor of patron Saint Nicolas de Tolentino, sponsored by the
Dinagat Islands guv signs order for intervention on dengue epidemic By Susil D. Ragas
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - Dinagat Islands governor Arlene “Kaka” Bagao just recently signed Executive Order No. 08-001, an order establishing interventions and directing the participation of all local government units and agencies, offices of the provincial government and the general public to address the dengue epidemic in the province of Dinagat Islands. Bag-ao issued the said executive order in relation to the recent declaration of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III of the National Dengue Epidemic due to the alarming and continuous increase in dengue cases throughout the country, and to protect the welfare and ensure the safety of the public.
Under the said executive order, all seven municipal government units of the province are directed to conduct “Deng-get Out” activities or programs to complement the existing initiatives of the national and provincial governments, including the formulation of a dengue epidemic action plan; mobilization of
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities Rural Health Units (RHUs) for the conduct of free dengue testing; massive information dissemination on the declaration of a National Dengue Epidemic and its implications to its constituents; and release of daily media advisories on dengue prevention and reports on the status of dengue cases under the concerned municipality, disseminated through TV, radio, and online media.
The executive order also enjoined the general public to participate in the campaign against dengue through the practice of regular check-up or visit their nearest rural health unit (RHU) in their area; to clean-up the surroundings; and to take extra care by applying mosquito repellent as an added measure to prevent mosquito bites. (Dinagat IslandsPIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
World Surgical Foundation to conduct surgical outreach program in Surigao Norte By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – A three-day surgical outreach program will be conducted on Sept. 4-5, 2019 at the Provincial Hospital in Bad-as, Placer town and on September 6, 2019 at Dapa District Hospital, Siargao Island. The three-day outreach program is to be spearheaded by the World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) in collaboration with Megawide Foundation/Sunlife Foundation, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine
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Information Agency - Caraga and the local government unit. The said outreach program at the Provincial Hospital will target around 200-250 patients with major and minor surgery cases and 120 minor surgery
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities cases at Dapa District Hospital.
of Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists According to WSFP President Dr. and Operating Room Nurses of the Marcus Lester Suntay, they will bring Philippines. around 40 to 45 surgeons and medical specialists and they will be providing The list of cases of major and minor all the needed medicines, surgical surgery for Pediatric and Adult are: supplies, anesthetics for all patients inguinal hernia/hydrocele, umbilical before and after the procedures. hernia, undescended testis, imperforate anus, Hirschsprung’s disease, tumors, He also said they will bring all the abscess formation, fistula in ano, thyroid needed equipment to augment the surgery, breast masses and cancer, existing hospital machines. gallstones, hemorrhoids, cleft lip and palate, parotid and ENT, and minor Dr. Suntay added that the medical cysts and lipoma. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del and surgical teams are members Norte)
Disgruntled rebels surrender in Surigao Sur By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur - The loss of the will to fight in the futile struggle of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists or CNTs is the reason to the surrender of two regular NPA members of the Guerilla Front Committee 30 (GFC 30), CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on August 22 in Barangay Bolhoon, interior town of San Miguel of this province. August 31-September 6, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities They surrendered to the troops of the 7th Special Forces (Spartans) Company under the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion (3SFBn) of the Philippine Army. The surrenderers were identified as Ka Queen, 28 years old and a regular NPA; and Ka Arnel, 42 years old, a designated supply officer of GF 30, NEMRC, both residents of Barangay, Kabangahan of the said town. They brought with them one Armscor shotgun and one caliber 38 pistol with defaced serial numbers along with two shotgun ammunition. With the President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) enjoining all Filipinos to take part in the ‘whole-ofnation’ approach to end insurgency, the local government units (LGUs), concerned government agencies and even local residents became more active in propagating the President’s message to topple the CNTs.
of the government and the residents work hand-in-hand with us (military) to achieve a common goal towards lasting peace in our area of operations. We know that our tactical footprints and presence degraded the CNTs’ mass base and its support structures that is why some of their elements are returning into the folds of the law. So, we encourage all other CNT members that our door is always open if they want to surrender. It is better to live peacefully with your families than being fooled for a useless cause,” said Lieutenant Colonel Joey B Baybayan, commanding officer of the 3SF Battalion.
The 3rd Special Forces Battalion, in coordination with the LGUs, is poised to further intensify their campaign towards the realization of ending local communist armed conflict in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and The surrenderers will be enrolled Surigao del Sur. in the Enhanced Comprehensive Currently, CSP teams are already Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), immersed in the identified priority areas a complete assistance package for peace and development of the under the government’s program for former rebels and will undergo series said provinces. of consultations and counseling as “Knowing that the fight to end part of their transition process in the insurgency is the responsibility of all mainstream society. (3SF BattalionFilipinos, it feels great to see all units CMO/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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Marawi bouncing back from rubbles By Divina Suson
MARAWI CITY - Mayor Majul Gandamra said economic activity in the city is coming back as more sectors have been cleared by the military. “This is a testament that we are “For being strong and resilient, for slowly recovering from the scars of a their courage and determination that fierce battle,” Gandamra said. someday, life will get better. For coming back, for showing what Marawi means Addressing his people during the to you and your families,” Gandamra 79th charter anniversary of Marawi, an said. emotional Gandamra said: “I would like to thank each and every Marawi An emotional Gandamra said citizen and everyone who believes in Marawi should not be called as a ghost Marawi, every man, woman and child city. in Marawi, for caring, for striving, for doing what is good for the city.” “People should look around. The
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities Most Affected Area (MAA) is just 25 hectares of the whole city. Look around. We are here, people are alive, people have returned to their normal routine. We are not ghosts,” the mayor said. Gandamra said the ongoing rehabilitation projects inside and outside the most affected area (MAA) or the “ground zero” are proof that the city “will rise again.”
The diversion road earned the monicker of “dream road” because no one would believe that the promised road by the late Lanao sel Sur Govenor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Sr. would still be realized.
Saguiran municipality, which used to be a “sleepy” town, is now generating economic activity since the temporary shelters of the displaced families are located in border village of “Twenty-four months to move in Sagonsongan village. from the rubble is not enough. Losing loved ones, devastated and shattered Safety dreams cannot be undone in two years. What is paramount is the love to live a A report by Project Rise on new life with a hope of a strengthened August 8, 2019 showed that a total of community that is based on everyone’s 330 explosive remnants of war (ERW) support and cooperation,” Gandamra were recovered and were already said. neutralized and disposed of. The mayor said the ongoing recovery of “unexploded ordnance” (UXO) and the demolition of properties have contributed to the delay in the rehabilitation timeframe.
Project Rise is a government body tasked in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
A total 70 UXOs were also found mostly by the members of debris Gandamra said safety and management in coordination with security is the utmost consideration in Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the clearing operations. six of which were detonated while 42 others are for detection and recovery. But even while rehabilitation is ongoing, some projects are now Sectors 1, 2 and 3 are 99 percent bearing fruits, the mayor said. cleared of UXOs while Sector 5 is already 80 percent cleared. “What was once a dream before is now reality,” he said, citing the flood Consent control project right before the Mapandi bridge at the center of Marawi and the The mayor said the refusal of some diversion road from from Saquiran town property owners to allow the demolition to the poblacion of Marawi City,” the of their properties also contributed to mayor said. the delays in the rehabilitation. August 31-September 6, 2019
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities “Getting their consent took so long, because most of them are not residing here while others have yet to decide what to do with the space,” he pointed out.
A stronger Marawi Gandamra said all these developments will never happen without the help of government.
Gandamra said residents were allowed to visit their properties to assess whether their houses or buildings can still be repaired or should be demolished.
“We are hurt if people in Manila said Marawi is a ghost city. We are slowly building our lives back. We were never abandoned by government. President Duterte made true his promise As of August 7, Project Rise to rebuild Marawi,” Gandamra said. reported that a total of 2,804 property owners have already consented for Housing and Urban Development their establishments be demolished. Coordinating Counicl (HUDCC) chair Eduardo del Rosario said “the The government has already torn government is not sleeping, we are down a total of 1,875 structures and doing as planned with the support of 1,720 of which already cleared with the people.” debris. Hasmina Dipatuan, an official of Project Rise recorded a total Mindanao State University said: “You of 5,403 actual structures in the nine can see many housing units here inside affected sectors in the city. the teachers Village here in Marawi, dumarami ang pumupunta dito, makita Project Rise reported a 52.48 nya..tingnan nyo ang paligid, iba na percent accomplishment as of July 31, ang Marawi ngayon, natutuwa kami 2019 based on the timeline of Marawi’s dahil may military na, sana huwag na rehabilitation. silang kukunin dito sa Marawi.” As scheduled the dates of reentry: Sector 1 - end of July; Sectors 2/3-end of August; Sectors 4/5-end of September; Sectors 6/7- end of October and Sectors 8 and 9 - end of November. Eric Ybañez, the Marawi rehab project engineer from the NHA, said they are working as scheduled and are “doing as planned and with caution because we cannot compromise the security of the people.”
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“Those saying that Marawi is a ghost city are people not from Marawi, it hurts us, we are here we are not ghosts, we do not understand why they speak in our behalf to tell lies, they should stay and live here, so they will know, we are here,” she added. For Concepcion Semante, 62, who once enjoyed the booming business inside the Marawi Commercial Complex, the Marawi siege is a lesson learned.
August 31-September 6, 2019
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities “We lost our business, but we will by the NHA which will also undertake rise again,” Semante said. the land development while the construction will be financed by the San Rebuilding Marawi Miguel Corporation (SMC) Foundation. Gandamra said the government “The instruction of the President is did not turn its back on the Marawi clear: the NHA works on the temporary people. shelter and permanent houses, for us also to supervise the debris management. In fact, the mayor noted that We have the marching order and National Housing Authority (NHA) we are working as scheduled,” said Manager Marcelino Escalada “is always Escalada, who is also secretary-general here, he makes sure that everything of the Housing and Urban Development is properly coordinated and is done Coordinating Council. according to the plan which they presented during the public hearing on Escalada said the funds were only April.” released in 2018 to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management “Hindi kami pinabayaan ni Council (NDRRMC) to finance the President (Rodrigo) Duterte, lahat ng rehabilitation and restoration of Marawi gusto niya pinapaabot sa amin ni Mr. after the series of assessments in the Escalada, at lahat nga stakeholders area. kinoconsulta (President Duterte did not neglect us. All his plans for the city were NHA is tasked to build temporary coursed through Mr. Escalada and all and permanent shelters in Marawi, aside of the stakeholders were consulted,” from clearing the area of explosives he added. and debris. The mayor said delays can always Escalada said the process of be expected in the rehabilitation rehabilitation “must be structurally because certain protocols and sound and culturally sensitive.” processes have to be observed to keep everybody secure and safe. “We have the blueprint, the new Recently, NHA and Marawi one, this is drawn of the consultations City led the groundbreaking for the and discussion with Marawi residents construction of the 2,000 permanent and stakeholders, it is craft from the shelters that are set for completion in culture of Meranaws and we agree on March 2020. it,” he added. The 2,000 housing units will be built United in the 39-hectare land that will cater to 2,000 families, the land was purchased Gandamra said the Teachers August 31-September 6, 2019
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities Village inside the MSU is a testament Marawi was besieged by a that Meranaws are one in rebuilding five-month armed conflict between their city. government forces and elements of the rebel Maute group and gunmen “So how are we a ghost city?” the affiliated with the Islamic State (IS). mayor added. The clashes resulted in the death The mayor said the big help of the of over a thousand people, mostly soldiers’ presence and the imposition of extremists who were killed in the gun martial law in Mindanao by the national battles and forced thousands out of government. the city. (PNA)
Davao Region farmers urged to plant ‘NextGen’ rice varieties By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY - The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (Region 11) urged rice farmers in the region to plant the next generation or ‘NextGen’ varieties. Jissel Cardines, DA-11 NextGen are climate-resilient and resistant to focal and science research specialist, pests and diseases. told Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday (Aug. 31) that said varieties He said it is an elite inbred and
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities hybrid rice lines developed to attain desirable traits such as high-yielding ability, disease resistant, flood, drought, heat or salinity tolerant.
the right source, amount and timing of fertilizer application, favorable climate, and good irrigation NextGen varieties yield can reach 9-10 tons per cropping for hybrid and 8-9 tons per cropping for Cardines bared that elite rice inbred,” she explained. varieties were meticulously monitored from planting to harvesting with farmers If not planting the NextGen using their indigenous knowledge and varieties, Cardines said the normal experience. production ranges from 5-7 tons both hybrid and inbred with the common Sensory evaluations were practice of farmers on rice farm also conducted to ensure that said management. varieties are also palatable and will be acceptable to the consumers. On the other hand, Melani Rice varieties (such as NSIC Rc 216, Provido, DA research chief, said Rc160, Rc222) bred by the Philippine farmers including millers and traders Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and should keep an open mind on the Rc 300 produced by the International emergence of the said varieties not Rice Research Institute (IRRI) were the only on its yield performance but also top four most preferred rice varieties its high acceptability among local rice of Filipino farmers in irrigated lowland consumers. fields nationwide, both for dry and wet seasons. “We urged our partners from the local government as well as our seed Cardines, who led the NextGen producers to promote these varieties research team, said their 2017-2019 for our farmers to plant it and rise above field trials resulted to three emerging the challenges that confront our local varieties in terms of its superior quality rice industry,” Provido said in one of the and adaptability to most of the region’s recent Field Day on Next Generation ecosystem. These are Rc222, Rc216 and Rice Varieties. Rc160 which are also recommended by PhilRice. NextGen is a product of recent advances in plant breeding and However, Cardines also clarified subjected to multi-location testing that inbred varieties such as Rc402, both by scientist and farmers to identify Rc436, Rc480, Rc 27 and special and select best performing varieties for purpose rice Rc218SR are also good particular ecosystems. varieties based on their studies, which is suitable in Davao Region’s ecosystem. It became the grain of hope where the local farmers can thrive “Cost on pesticides can be amid the entry of unlimited rice in the reduced. As to the production, given country. (PNA) August 31-September 6, 2019
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NATIONAL NEWS
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National News I Empowering Communities SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PCOO’s ‘legacy campaign’ to highlight achievements of President Duterte
“Essentially, we will be communicating, promoting all of the legacies of the President and all of his policies and projects for the next two and a half years. We plan to launch different activities every week from September,” he added. Andanar said JV Arcena, head of the Office of Global Media Affairs, has been assigned as project manager of the Duterte legacy campaign. Arcena, he added, will announce the projects starting third week of September. Malacañang earlier said the President has forged the country into a “better and constantly improving” state in the past three years in office. Among the “countless and incomparable feats” highlighted by Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo are the lower crime rate, robust economic growth, low inflation, expanded social services, and improved infrastructure network.
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will launch a “legacy campaign” highlighting the programs and other achievements of President “The President has been working Duterte starting September. tirelessly that he made several firsts in
the last three years of his presidency,” PCOO Secretary Martin Panelo said. Andanar said the “Duterte legacy communications campaign” would run In the remaining years in office, until the remainder of the President’s Panelo said the best is still to come after term. the President’s achievements. “The PCOO, we are very busy preparing the Duterte Legacy Communications Campaign. This will be a campaign that will last for two years and a half until the end of the Duterte presidency,” he said over government radio.
“Much has been done in the past three years. The Filipino people can expect the same number of significant achievements, if not more, in the remainder of the President’s term,” he said.
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DA, DSWD to convert 4Ps’ P600 rice subsidy into rice By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - Instead of distributing a PHP600 rice subsidy per month, families under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will be given actual rice under a new proposal. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar bared that his agency is working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to convert the latter’s PHP600 subsidy into rice to help farmers amid lower prices of palay.
memorandum of agreement (MOA) by October.
“The final discussions are being made, so that this quarter starting of course September and the next quarter ay puwede na silang magbigay ng bigas (they can already start giving “Last week, we have been in rice),” Dar said. touch-base with the Secretary of DSWD (Rolando Bautista). Sabi namin, “Bibilhin nila iyong bigas galing ang (We said, the) proposal, why not sa mga provincial governments na give rice this time around and they are magnenegosyo at saka galing sa open,” Dar said in an economic briefing (They will buy the rice from provincial in Malacañang. governments engaged in business and the) National Food Authority. Dar said the two agencies are already holding “final discussions” Dar said his agency is also on the proposal and are set to sign a coordinating with the legislative branch
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National News I Empowering Communities to include it as a provision in the law.
“I directed the administrator na the leases with private sector has to end and we’ll give priority to provincial governments that that will engage in palay buying -- in milling or in marketing of rice,” Dar said.
“Kasi kung naisabatas iyan at konti ang (because if it is enacted into a law and has little) flexibility, we will suggest na mas maganda kung bigas; iyon ang position natin (it’s better if it’s rice. That’s our position),” Dar said. On April 17, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law institutionalizing “At irirekumenda natin na (And the 4PDs of the DSWD. we will recommend that) this is a permanent policy,” he added. The 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital Dar said he has directed investment program that provides administrators to ensure that conditional cash transfer to poor warehouses of the National Food households for a maximum period of Authority (NFA) will be leased to seven years to improve the health, provincial governments instead of the nutrition, and educational aspect of private sector. their lives. (PNA)
DepEd to hire 10K teachers, 5K non-teaching staff in 2020 By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the Department of Education plans to recruit 10,000 public school teachers and 5,000 non-teaching personnel under its proposed 2020 budget.
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National News I Empowering Communities In a press conference at the SEAMEO INNOTECH in Quezon City, Briones said the move is part of the agency’s commitment to further improve teacher-to-student ratio, enhance learning, and ease the workload of its personnel with the increase in enrolment in public schools nationwide. “More than being part of our 10-point agenda, we want to stay true to our word that the department is relentless in finding ways to enhance personnel welfare, while at the same time improving the delivery of quality education,” Briones said.
In 2020, DepEd’s Computerization Program (DCP) will receive PHP8.99 billion, a 105.4 percent increase from DCP’s PHP4.38-billion budget in 2019. It will cover 4,300 e-classroom packages and 42,010 multimedia packages for schools which seek to aid teachers in enhancing the delivery of learning in the classrooms.
To finance personnel recruitment, DepEd is allocating PHP1.28 billion for the creation of 5,000 new non-teaching positions and PHP1.27 billion for the hiring of 10,000 teachers for the next school year. “We recognize the need to provide our teaching and non-teaching Briones reported that the DepEd personnel with work conditions that was able to lower the teacher-to- will enable them to deliver quality student ratio to 1:35 for elementary basic education for all. Steadily, we’re and 1:43 for secondary schools in 2016 ensuring that they are unburdened and the change “enabled teachers to of ancillary tasks and equipped with respond better to the varying learning necessary tools and materials to needs of their students”. develop lifelong Filipino learners,” Briones said. To improve the teachers’ working condition, Briones said the agency The DCP provides the appropriate requested from the Department of technologies to all public schools to Budget and Management last year enable both teachers and learners to to create non-teaching positions in meet the challenges of the 21st century. schools based on the type and amount It also provides relevant information of ancillary tasks being undertaken by technology structure, networking teachers. facilities, and information systems to all levels of governance of the DepEd. Computerization program (PNA)
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