8 NCIP-13 to hold series of service caravans for ICCs, IPs 10 NIA Caraga continues rehabilitation of irrigation facilities 18 Some 120 Bisliganons avail SPES program 19 20 National evaluation on LGU-Cantilan as finalist for MMK 21 Philippine Tarsier spotted in Carrascal town 22 DA Caraga gikatakdang moapod apod og “fuel discount “ alang sa mag-uuma sa mais sa SurSur 23 DTI Dinagat Islands, BOI conducts CapDev on Investment Promotion Volume V1, No. 32 August 6-12, 2022 CaragaINFOCUS8CONTENTS ARTICLES REGIONAL NEWS 19 Reservist commander elaborates the benefits of joining ROTC to NEMSU students 14 23 16 238 ka PWDs sa Agusan del Norte, makapahimulos sa libreng operasyon 17 P12 M Supplemental Budget No. 3 sa Nasipit aprobado na 11 Organic Congress strengthens OA advocates’ linkage 35 PBBM wants improved coordination on food supply chain production, distribution 36 PBBM vows to address public health sector challenges 38 PBBM lauds, vows continued support for heroic health researchers 40 Blinken hails Pinoy nurses as ‘angels’; PBBM ‘terribly proud’ of health workers COVER34 PBBM highlights full support to BARMM; presides over oath-taking of new execs NATIONAL NEWS 42 Easing of Covid restrictions depends on PH ‘wall of immunity’ 43 72M Filipinos fully vaccinated; 16.8M receive 1st booster shot 44 DOH to propose anew redefinition of ‘fully vaccinated’ COVID-19 NEWS 3534 28 Proposed Economic Zone, Airport, Water Source og E-Car Battery Plant sa Dinagat Islands gisusi pinaagi sa Aerial Survey 27 DOST Dinagat Islands conducts virtual Training on Socila Media Marketing and Basic Infographics for MSMEs 24 LGU Bacuag launches CBDRP 25 Lakeview Bakery in Mainit signs MOA with DOST for its 2nd SETUP 26 PPO Dinagat Islands culminates 27th PCR Month celebration PROVINCIAL NEWS 14 AgSur FRs avail 10-day TESDA training MINDANAO NEWS 32 MinDA’s ‘VolunTurismo’ seeks to revive Siargao’s tourism 31 Mindanao biz group to visit, forge ties in Singapore
It was also learned that each housing unit is worth PhP450,000. Thirtyfour (34) more housing units are already being processed for the second batch of FRbeneficiaries. A total of
Some 17 former rebels (FRS) from the province of Agusan del Norte will receive free housing units from the Throughgovernment.draw lots, the first batch of FRbeneficiaries was assigned one housing unit each from the National Housing Authority (NHA) where they will live with their families whom they reunited with following their surrender.
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 20224 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 5
17 FRs in AgNor to receive housing units from NHA
Meanwhile,project. following the recently uncovered highpowered firearms of the NPA during an operation by the 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Col Jason Saldua, commander of 29IB, stressed that this is a manifestation that many of the locals including the members of the CPPNPA have now realized the senseless cause and ruthless acts of the CTGs.
“To all those who are still hiding in the mountains, I hope they will have the courage to surrender to the government and end the armed conflict in our country,” Sublay said.
“I am thankful to all our concerned citizens who helped us by providing information in order for us to locate the four highpowered firearms and one Improvised Explosive Device,” bared (JPG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)Saldua.
Elvis Sublay, a Mamanwa who was in the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPPNPA) for eight years, is now a government soldier and is sincerely serving the country. He is thankful to the government and called those who are still in the communist-terrorist group (CTG) to surrender in order to live a peaceful life.
Alias Ren, who has a child, looks forward to living in their new house within a safe community in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, where the housing project is situated. “I could now experience real peace and happiness, which is priceless because now I’m able to experience the good intentions of our government,” said alias Ren. By Jennifer P. Gaitano
109 housing units are expected to be put in place for the said
An Alliance to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was launched on Tuesday in Caraga region to encourage young students to pursue STEM studies. The Philippine Science High School Caraga Region Campus, Department of Science and Technology Caraga, Caraga State University, and Butuan City government, all committed to a strong partnertship and promote STEM learning in the region.
The first International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was officially celebrated in August 1995. The day had been brought into existence when the 49/214 resolution was passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 23, 1994. August 9 was chosen as the commemorative date because that was when the first meeting of the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights was held. August 9 of Every year, honored by governments and organizations holding education forums and conferences to meet and discuss the social issues faced by indigenous groups worldwide.
Philippine Statistics Authority Caraga officials & personnel, Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) council member agencies, members of the Regional Statistics Committee, and media representatives joined today’s CBMS press launch in Caraga region, held in Butuan City. The Home for Girls (HFG) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Caraga forged a marketing agreement with the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Bancasi Association, through the Department’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program.
REGIONAL NEWS
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News Briefs
“The residents herein are prone to misinformation and insurgency, are
Katutubo: NCIP-Caraga Service Caravan”, legal consultation, medical and dental check-ups, birth registration, and other basic services will be availed of the by the participating ICCs/IPs in the Agusan and Surigao provinces for free. They will also receive over-thecounter medicines and vitamins while IP children will also be given goods. In a statement, NCIPCaraga Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero, Jr. said that the service caravan is just one of the various activities and programs they have conductingbeenwith partners and stakeholders to help bring basic government services to the ICCs/IPs especially those situated areasandgeographically-isolatedindisadvantaged(GIDAs). to hold series of service caravans for ICCs, IPs Photo
Norte.provinceJamiguitan,Salaysayon,servingSeptemberculminateNCIP-CaragaSeptemberLuisBarangayatSeptemberdelSanBarangayareastheCaragaIn23,samealsoSurigaoSison,Barangayprovince.theBonifacio,SitioAugustwillThesaidvulnerablechallenged,economicallyandtodisasters,”DirectorRocero.seriesofcaravanscommenceon10,2022atSubait,BarangayLasNievesinAgusandelNorteICCs/IPsinGacepan,provinceofdelNortewillbereceivingtheservicesonAugust2022.September,NCIP-willbeholdingcaravansintheSuratSitioSarakag,Causwagan,Agustin,SurigaoSurprovinceon6,2022andSitioKamalangan,Binacalan,SaninAgusandelSuron20,2022.willtheactivityon27,2022byICCs/IPsatSitioBarangayNasipit,ofAgusandel
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga will be holding series of service caravans for indigenous cultural governmentofyeartoregion(ICCs/IPs)indigenouscommunities/peoplesacrossthefromAugustSeptemberofthiswiththesupportpartnernationalagencies and offices. In the “Kalinga Alay sa
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 20228 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 9
The Mandayas are from Davao Region and predominantly reside in Surigao del Sur while the Talaandigs are from the Bukidnon province who migrated to Caraga. Despite sharing roots with the Talaandigs, the Manobo, which is one of the seven tribes who originally inhabited the province of Bukidnon, is the most widespread IP group in Caraga, with communities settling in the Agusan Valleys and both Surigao (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)provinces.
NCIP-13
Caraga Region is home to six IP groups, namely the Banwaon from San Luis, Agusan del Sur; Higaonons, who are living in the forested interior planes and mountainous areas of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur and Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen in Agusan del Norte; and Mamanwa, whose members are scattered across portions of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Two IP groups, the Mandaya Talaandig,andoriginate from neighboring areas.
File
NIA Caraga continues rehabilitation of irrigation facilities
Thus,challenges.globalcompeteis“Organicagriculture.agricultureoneofourwaystoagainsttheproblemsandtheprogram
prioritizes certification of the GuaranteeParticipatorySystem (PGS), the establishment of Organic Connect Hubs, the mass production of organic fertilizers and soil ameliorants, an inventory and promotion of matured organic agriculture technologies, and the designation of Organic Agriculture (OA) zones per municipality or city,” San Juan said. In connection with this, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture & Fisheries Standards (BAFS) recently conducted a pre-inspection in the Caraga region to assess and verify the level of compliance of the Core PGS Farmer-Members of the Partnership-CaragaPrivate-Public State University Farmers’ Land Renter’s Association, Inc. and San Isidro Parish Binucayan Farmers Coop.
The National therepairCaragaAdministrationIrrigation(NIA)continuestoandrehabilitateTaguibodam,one of the worst hit by typhoon Odette last December 16, After2021.Typhoon Odette hit the region, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Caraga recorded a total of P 105 million in damage to the irrigation facilities (dams, canals, drainage, IA halls, servingIrrigation(CabTRIS),RiverCabadbaran-Taguiboetc.).IrrigationSystemaNationalSystemisatotalof2,891 farmer-beneficiaries and has a service area of 3,606.32 hectares. It has two dams located in Cabadbaran City and Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City, all in Agusan del Norte. The dam located in Barangay Taguibo,, Butuan City is one of the worst hit facilities that needed urgent repair given the extent of the damage and to reduce the economic loss of the farmers and community in the area. The repair with a total cost of 33 million that started last May 25, 2022, and is expected to be completed on November 20, 2022. According to Jane Huqueriza, Public Relations Officer, as of August 5, 2022, the repair completion is at 49.3%. She also added that despite the extent of the damage caused by the typhoon, NIA is able to provide water services to all the farmers in the
Thearea.National Irrigation Authority coordinated(NIA)with the Taguibo River Water Quality Management Area (TRWQMA) on the schedule of the release of water from the Butuan City Water District (BCWD) dam to ensure the safety of the personnel working in the area.
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202210 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 11
The advocates of organic agriculture in the Caraga region gathered to share and exchange best practices in the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Program through the 6th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) via the virtual platform on Friday. This year, Agriculture-Caraga,Departmenttheof in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs), brings forth the representatives from Provincial/Municipal/Citythe Agriculture Offices and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) to discuss the ways to move the sector forward.
Bernadette F. San Juan, DA-National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) Coordinator, stated that the congress promotes stakeholdersprivatefarmerthecollaborationcloserbetweengovernment,organicpractitioners,sectors,andalltofurther promote, propagate, and develop organic
Organic Congress strengthens OA advocates' linkage
MFC/PIA-Caraga)(NIA-Caraga,
PROVINCIAL NEWS Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202212
Cindy actualpreparationrecommendationsregulationswithfarmers’compliancefurtherpre-inspectionPerson,RegionalBurdeos-Bangod,OAFocalsaidthattheseekstodeterminetheorganicfarmingandprovideinfortheinspectionfor certification of BAFS. Moreover, establishmentthe of the P10 million Organic Connect Hub in the municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur is now in its planning phase in preparation for its operation in 2023. In partnership with the DA-Bureau of Soils & Water will(BSWM),ManagementtheProgramcontinuetodistribute
Small-Scale Composting Facilities (SSCF) to FCAs and LGUs as the machinery to transform their farm waste into organic fertilizer. The advocacy of the DA-Caraga started only with a hundred organic farming practitioners in early 2000, but today almost 6,000 farmers, including tribal groups, are now involved in achieving the principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care. As of August recordedroughlyanfarmshectaresapproximately2022,26,000oforganicwerecultivated,increasefromthe2,000hectaresin2010.
“Organic agriculture in the Caraga Region is always on a rising trend. The ordinancesvariouscreated by the LGUs assure that the promotion of organic agriculture in the region will continue,” Rebecca R. Atega, Caraga)Caraga(Rheafarmer-practitioners.engagementLGUsinvolvementvarioustheimplementationtooneAtegasaid.DirectorOIC-RegionalDA-CaragaTechnicalforOperationsaddedthatofthekeysasustainableofOAProgramistheinitiativesandoftheandtheactiveoforganicC.Abao,DA-RAFIS/PIA
“Isip representanti sa katawhan sa Talacogon, ako ug uban sa akong kaubanan sa local nga
for the unified effort in the implementation of government programs and services to the most vulnerable sectors in the community. She also mentioned the TESDA “Abot Lahat Services” for the front runners, and explained to the FR participants the skills training and seminars for their developmentlivelihoodwhich will improve their lives. Also, Acting Provincial Director Novelita A. Dispo of TESDA-Agusan del Sur, also applauded the strengthened partnership with the AFP unit and the LGU for the trainingdiscussedprogramimplementationsuccessfuloftheandfurtherthe10-dayrationaleand
benefits of taking the said Shetraining.reminded the participants to take and complete the training seriously, “Ako lang hangyo sa inyoha nga kung pwede ato lang tiwason ang training, kay dili mani para sa amoa kundi para sa inyoha. In fact, nagpasalamat me nga nibalik namu sa sabakan sa gobyerno alang sa kalinaw ug kabag-ohan sa atong kumunidad (I am asking all of you to persevere and complete this training because this is not for us, but for your welfare),” she Meanwhile,said.
Some fifteen Former Rebels (FRs) of the 26th Infantry Battalion are set to undergo the Tenday Land Preparation for Agricultural Crops Production leading to Agricultural Crops Production NCIII Training, which commenced on August 9, 2022 at the Main Command Post, 26IB, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon, this province. The training covers seven (7) days of land preparation for agricultural crops production and three (3) days of entrepreneurship training that aims to empower the FRs to be more
Preparation for Agricultural
AgSur FRs avail 10-day
Lt. Col Sandy R Majarocon, Commanding Officer of this unit commended and thanked the agencies who dedicated their selfless support for the FRs, “Ako mapasalamaton sa LGU-Talacogon ug sa TESDA alang sa gipahigayon nga Land Crops Production Training alang sa mga LocalLocalhandagenciesThesociety),”livelivelihoodthemandrebels.intendedProductionforthisTESDAtokomunidadlumulupyomaayoaronilangkiningsanahibalikkaigsuonangsasabakangobyerno.Dakunatabangkanilasapanginabuhiansilamamahimongugmabungahongsaatong(IamthankfulLGU-TalacogonandforconductingLandPreparationAgriculturalCropsTrainingforourformerThisisabighelpopportunityfortohavetheirownastheynowinthemainstreamhesaid.localgovernmentareworkinginhandthroughtheTaskForcetoEndCommunistArmed
theTalacogon,yourFormeratongpanginabuhianprogramasagobyernonanahigmataatongpanginahanglanngapanahon,dapitugmahatagnaninguhapanggamhananngaangkalinawkalambuansaatongsulodsataasngaandamkamimusuportasamgasamgakaigsuonangugnibaliksasabakansapang-pinaaginagkalain-laingalangsasamgakaigsuonangRebels(Asrepresentativeinmeandlocalgovernment TESDA training unit want to maintain peace and order, and development in our municipality for a longest time, and we are ready to help provide the needs of our former rebels who voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the law, through the various programs and livelihood of our government),” said Hon. Pauline Marie R Masendo, R.N, Municipal Mayor of Talacogon, as she delivered her inspirational message during the toexpressedofSRegionalceremony.openingDirectorTarhataMapandi,CESOIIITESDACaraga,hergratitudethelocaltaskforce
wasThesustainablecapabilityindividualandresilienteconomically-byenhancingdevelopingtheirskillsandtowardlivelihood.openingceremonyattendedbysenior
Conflict (ELCAC) in serving various initiatives to help sustain the needs of the FRs for them to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives, especially in this pandemic crisis. (2Lt Kayce M Abuan, acting CMO Officer, 26IB/ PIAAgusan del Sur)
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202214 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 15
government officials of Talacogon headed by Hon. Mayor Pauline Marie R. Masendo, R.N, and Hon. Vice Mayor Melchor P. Demegillo as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) led by Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, CESO III, and Acting Provincial Director Novielita A. Dispo.
Mokabat sa 238 ka mga Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang maka-benepisyo sa nagkadaiyang libreng operasyon agi sa inisyatiba sa probinsyal nga ma-operahanogPWDsubay-ubaysaCapitolAssessmentScreeningSaDavaoTebowpakigtambayayong(PSWD)andProvincialpinaaginiubospanggamhanansaadministrasyonGob.AngelAmantesabuhatansaSocialWelfareDevelopmentubansasaCureHospitalsaCity.nahitabongFreeBone&MedicalsaProvincialCoveredCourtSyudadsaButuan,kamgaangmahatagankahigayonanngasamga medical experts gikan sa Davao City sama sa harelip/cleft palate (bungi) - 177, hernia - 17 ug orthopedic (sakit sa bukog) – 44. Sumala pa ni Dr. Silver Joy Tejano, hepe sa PSWDO, gibuhat kini nga kalihukan aron matabangan ang mga PWDs sa probinsya nga walay kapasidad nga makapatambal sa ilang kaugalingon ilabina sa MotabangsaPWDsangCorporationHealthmembrokinahanglansaPasabotpagpa-opera.niya,subayprosesoniini,ngasaPhilippineInsurance(PhilHealth)nasangpitngamgaaronmaka-availmaongoperasyon.usabang LGUs nga mo-pasilitar nga ma-enroll sa PhilHealth pananglitan dili pa kini sila membro. Dili usab mabalaka ang nasangpit nga PWDs tungod libre ang transportasyon niini padulong sa Davao nga maoy abagan sa matag LGUs, dugang ni Tejano. Ang maong kalihukan kabahin sa pagselebrar sa 44th National Disability Prevention and AgusanAgusanMayPagpapalakasatnasa“Pamahalaanubos(NDPR)RehabilitationniagingsemanasatemangkabalikatPagtupadngPantayEdukasyon,TrabahoKabuhayan,tugonsangTaongKapansanan.”(LGUdelNorte/PIAdelNorte) 238 ka PWDs sa Agusan del Norte, makapahimulos sa libreng operasyon P12 M Supplemental Budget No. 3 sa Nasipit aprobado na Gideklarang balido sa AgusanPanlalawiganSangguniangsadelNorte bagohay pa lamang ang Appropriation Ordinance No. 003-2022 nga gikan sa Sangguniang Bayan sa lungsod sa Nasipit ning probinsya nga nagtugot sa Supplemental Budget No. 3, sa kantidad nga gikanHulyoSaP12,064,143.06.sulatpinitsahan7,2022ngasaSecretary to the Sanggunian sa Sangguniang Bayan sa Nasipit, nangayo kini og rekonsiderasyon para sa pag diklarar sa Supplemental Budget No. 3 sa Munisipyo sa Nasipit nga operatibo sa kinatibuk-an diin gideklarar kini nga ‘operative in part’ ubos sa Sangunian Resolution No. 250-2022. Sa gihimo nga pagverify sa Committee on Finance saindorsementsaEnricotsirmanAppropriationanddiinsiViceGovernorR.Corvera,nakitakomitengaang2ndlettergikanProvincialBudget Officer, nga ang maong mga programa nakalista na ug makita sa LGU’s Supplemental Annual Investment Program for CY 2022 sa maong LGU, nga mao ang mosunod: • Extension of dirty Kitchen, MDRR Bldg., Municipal •=P72,755.00Brgy.•P156,900.00compound=GeneralmerchandiseSta.AnaRepaintingofMICand MSWD office=P110,000.00 • Construction of rest room and septic tank in Brgy. 5 Apil usab Supplementalsa Budget No.3 alang sa mosunod: • Norte)Norte/PIAPasco,Panlalawigan.SessionatolVicepagpangamahanNo.SangguniangipalabangAAmontay=P6,000,000.00Danuco•Ata-atahon=P5,000,000Marine•Brgy.2=P2,000,000.00DrainageofConstructionConcretingCanal,ProposedMulti-SpecieHacherySite,Brgy.ConcretingofRoad,St.,Brgy.ngmaonglakangpinaagisaResolution019-2022saniGovernorCorverasa2ndRegularsaSangguniang(RamilL.LGUAgusandelAgusandel Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202216 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 17
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12,
Reservist commander elaborates the benefits of joining ROTC to NEMSU students It also preparesleadershipdevelopsskills;theyouth for non-combat duties such as humanitarian and disaster response during emergencies and calamities; great opportunity to become a military officer; automatically enlisted into the reserve force of the Philippine Army; and scholarship and cash incentives for advance ROTC Program. Aside from the benefits mentioned, Col Peji further said that the ROTC program prepares the youth for national security such as wars and invasion, and will help them to stay away from deceptive recruitment of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). “The ROTC Program will teach our youth to voluntarily perform their duties for our country.
The SPES is DOLE’s family’ssummerdisplacedofyouth,students,totemporaryprogramemployment-bridgingyouthaimedtoprovideemploymentpoorbutdeservingout-of-schoolanddependentsdisplacedorwould-beworkersduringtoaugmenttheincometohelp
Some 120 Bisliganons avail SPES program
ensure that beneficiaries are able to pursue their education. (CIO-BIslig/PIASUrigao del Sur) The Group Commander Colonel Diosdado E Peji of 15th Command,Group,CommunityRegionalDefenseReservePhilippine Army, stated the benefits of joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) during his talk at the Class Opening and Orientation of North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) on Monday, August 08, 2022, in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. ROTC, as one of the three components of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), is offered in colleges and universities. During his talk, Col Peji highlighted the vital role of the ROTC program in developing youth’s nationalism and patriotism, and in nationAsbuilding.aproduct of ROTC himself, Col Peji elaborated on the benefits of the ROTC AccordingProgram. to him, the ROTC promotes discipline, respect, love of country, and resiliency among youth.
Some 120 Bisliganons were hired as beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students They(SPES).were designated to work in the different offices in the Local Government Unit of Bislig City and barangay LGUs. Prior to their deployment, the SPES beneficiaries underwent a 2-day Orientation conducted last July 28 to 29, 2022, at the Brgy. bysuccessfullyCity.Gymnasium,PoblacioninBisligTheactivitywasfacilitatedtheBisligCity government headed by Mayor Florencio C. Garay, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), headed by Senior Labor Employment Officer, Ms. Laine S. Elechicon, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)Surigao del Sur Provincial Office. The resource speakers discussed various topics, like Health Awareness, Covid-19 Updates/ Protocol, and Sex Education; Work Values, and Ethics; and the SPES program was elaborated. Ms. ELechicon on the other hand tackled the LGU Government Employees’ Work Policies/Guidelines and Deployment was also tackled by Ms Elechicon during the Orientation.
18 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 19
“(Source: PFC Sur)15RCDG/PIA-SurigaoMendoza,del 2022
Each of the beneficiaries completing the 20-day work period will receive a salary amounting to Php 9,846.40. The LGU-Bislig will shoulders the 60% of their salary and the DOLE will provide the remaining Also,40%. face masks, alcohol, and snacks were distributed to the participants during the conduct of the SPES orientation. DOLE-Surigao del Sur Provincial Director Genebelle B. Bal, graced the said activity.
21
following MMK criteria, the field interviews and on-site assessments were conducted from August 1 to 4, 2022: (1) absence of illegal fishing, (2) observance of offfishing season, (3) declared marine protected areas, (4) clean, coastal waters without any garbage or industrial effluents flowing to the sea, and (5) effective mangrove protection rehabilitationandprogram.
Further,conservation.tarsiers are protected under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Surigao(CENRO-Cantilan/PIA-punishablecatchingProtectionConservationResourcesandAct,thusthemisbylaw.delSur) 2022
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202220 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12,
consistentlyCaragaFormanagement.straightsixyears,regionhasbeenclinchingits spot in the top five (5) finalists of the annual national search for “Malinis at PIA-SurigaoKaragatan.”Masaganang(BFAR13/delSur)
Carrascal town
MMK is the banner program of DA-BFAR that gives recognition and incentives to boost the efforts of the local government units on sustainable fisheries
Cantilan as finalist for MMK
The national evaluators for the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) program of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) experienced firsthand the best practices in coastal fisheries resource management of the Local Government Unit of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur as the 2021 MMK regional champion in TheCaraga.national MMK evaluation team led by Chief Aquaculturist Sandra Victoria R. Arcamo of DA-BFAR Fisheries conductedManagementResourcesDivisionafour-day field evaluation in the municipality of Cantilan as one of the top five (5) finalists for the 2021 MMK national search for outstanding coastal particularlybestTocommunities.evaluateCantilan’spractices,onthe
National evaluation on LGU-
Philippine Tarsier spotted in
The Department of Environment and Natural andCommunityResources,EnvironmentNaturalResources Office (DENR-CENRO)Cantilan headed by Gay P. Resullar through the Protected Area, Biodiversity, and Ecotourism Unit (PABEU) spotted one (1) Philippine Tarsier Therecently.tarsier also known as Tarsius syrichta was detected during the conduct of the 3rd Quarter, CY 2022 Tarsier Population Survey in Sitio Kabadiangan, Barangay Babuyan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. The primate was found clinging to shrubs around 6:37 pm during the night opportunistic survey on August 11, 2022, in the aforesaid barangay where Tarsiers are reportedly sighted by locals per Key Informant Interview (KII). It is also noteworthy that Barangay Babuyan is within the proclaimed Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves (CWFR). As predators, these tiny primates help structure insects and underloss.huntingthreatenedasHowever,population.impactwhenprey,communitiesotheroftheirandconversely,preyedupon,theytheirpredatorscharismatictheyare,tarsiersarebyillegalandhabitatTheyarelistedOtherThreatened Species (OTS) in DENR Admin Order 2019-09 hence, assessment and monitoring of the area they inhabit are needed for their rigid
On his part, Governor Nilo P. Demerey is thankful to DTI for conducting the said event to train the LGUs in investment-related laws, which will be helpful in the coming of investors in the province. He also shared updates on the meeting he had with the president of the San Miguel Corporation, Mr. Ramong Ang. Accordingly, the meeting resulted in the location of an EV Battery Plant in the Municipality of Cagdianao, which will have its DinagatDinagat(SusilSpecialistSeniorandDirectoractivityAlsoGov.maayongpadulong“TabangiceremonygroundbreakinginSeptember.miogbugsaysaamongkaugmaon.”Demereysaid.presentduringthewereProvincialElmerM.NatadMr.KeenArsenio,InvestmentsofBOI-CDO.D.Ragas,PIA-Islands/DTI-Islands)
Ms. Lourdes Ellen N. Kionisala, Chief Investments Specialists of BOI, discussed the Overview of Investments Promotion Strategies, the Roles of the LGUs in Investment Promotions, the Importance of the Local Investments, and Incentives Code, and the updates of the different investmentrelated laws. She emphasized that the goal of Local Economic Promotion is to eradicate poverty and improve the community’s quality of life.
DA Caraga gikatakdang moapod apod og “fuel discount “ alang sa mag-uuma sa mais sa SurSur Ang Department of Agriculture sa Caraga mipahibalo sa pagpang-apod-apodgikataktadang sa “fuel discount” ubos sa programang Fuel Subsidy for the Farmers and Fisherfolk (FDFF). Ang mga mag-uuma sa mais nga mokabat sa 184 gikan sa upat ka mga lungsod sa probinsya sa Surigao del Sur ang AgostoprebelihiyomahatagannakatakdangsakaSumalabenepisyaryo.mamahimonggikatakdangmgapa,angupatmgalungsodprobinsyangasamaongamoang:10,2022 ●Barobo ●Tagbina(47)(47) Agosto 16 & 17, 2022 ●Carmen (42) Agosto 15 & 16, 2022 ●Tago (48) Nahibaloan nga ang maong nakatutokprogramaunasa pagkakaron sa mga mag-uuma sa mais nga rehistrado sa Registry System for Basics Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) og makapamatuod nga migamit o nanag-iya ug Kaubanmakinarya.ang lokal nga panggamhanan pinaagi sa Municipal Agriculture Office sa pagpahigayon og beripikasyon sa mga kwalipikadong mga Mamahimongmag-uuma. moadto sa inyong Municipal Agriculture Office aron masayran ug anaa sa listahan sa mga Surigaolugar.ngaCardpagkuhae-walletmagdalagikinahanglanmgaAnggikinahanglan.dukumentaryopagprosesomapasayonmatabanganbenepisyaryo,kwalipikadongaronngasaangmgangamgakwalipikadongmag-uumangaogvalidIDugnumberaronsasaFuelDiscountsaUSSCBranchna-assignsainyong(DA-CAraga/PIAdelSur)
The Department of Trade & Industry-Dinagat Islands in partnership with the Board
DTI Dinagat Islands, BOI conducts CapDev on Investment Promotion
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IncentivesInvestmentsrespectivewillrelatedupdatingcapacitateThecumGovernmentforonCapavityrecentlydeInvestments-CagayanofOro(BOI-CDO)conductedtheDevelopmentInvestmentPromotionDinagatIslands’LocalUnits(LGUs)InvestorsServicing.activityaimstoLGUsininvestment-laws,whichhelpupdatetheirLocalandCode.
The local government unit of formallyBacuaglaunched the province.Poblacion,theAugustProgramDrugCommunity-BasedRehabilitation(CBDRP)on9,2022heldatMunicipalGym,Bacuag,this LGU Bacuag Officials under the leadership of Mayor Felicisimo C. Cebedo worked relentlessly to help People Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) to recover and to be productive in life. Around 70 PWUDs from different barangays of the activity.participatedmunicipalitythesaid Surigao del Norte Police Office Director Police Colonel Renato C. Mercad, in his said.change.”Ittoyourdrugformay“ThePNP.constantgratefulofprogramsPolicethepolicecooperationthewholeheartedlymessagepledgeduntiringsupportandoftheforceparticularlyBacuagMunicipalStationinallplans,andactivitiestheLGUandwastotheLGU’ssupporttotheroadtorecoverynotbealwayseasy,thoseaffectedwithusebutweareherePNPalwaysreadyhelpandassistyou.isnevertoolatetoPColMercado LGU Bacuag launches CBDRP The lauching was highlighted with the covenant signing and pledged of support among all government O.ViceSBCBDRPSheilaPastorDistrictDr.ledAgencyDrugMabaunag,RepresentativeCebedo,BoardMisamiswereAttendedprogram.implementationansectororganizations,non-govermentagencies,religiousandacademeasintegralpartintheofthetheactivity2ndDistrictOccidentalMemberEduardoDOHTRCJuvylPhilippineEnforcementpersonnelbyPaulEstalani,ElenaM.Navallo,Supervisor,BernardLYap,MaeD.Banzon,Consultant,allmembersheadedbyMayorSheilaMaeCebedo,Headsof Office, Welivie C. Diola, MLGOO, and Force Commander PLCol Reuel C. Belza. (Susil D. Ragas, PIA- Surigao del Norte/ MPS- Bacuag) Lakeview Bakery in Mainit signs MOA with DOST for its 2nd SETUP The Department of Science and Technology – Caraga (DOST-Caraga), through its Provincial Science and Technology Center – Surigao del Norte (PSTC-SDN), signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Lakeview Bakery on August 5, 2022. The Memorandum of Agreement is for the project entitled TheMr.ownedproprietorshipdulyLakeviewUpgradingSmalltoprojectwithTechnology)throughofQualityEnhancement“ProductivityandProductImprovementLakeviewBakeryS&T(ScienceandIntervention”anapprovedcostamountingP573,000.00undertheEnterpriseTechnologyProgram(SETUP).BakeryisaregisteredsinglebusinessandmanagedbyAlanAngeloL.Mozar.proprietorhasextensive experience and knowledge in sales, marketing, and management as he runs the bakery for almost three decades now. Mr. Mozar and his wife are active participants of the Mindanao WOFEX (World Food Expo) held annually. Their attendance started on the year 2001 but stopped in year 2020 due to the community quarantine and pandemic lockdown. The firm availed of the DOST SETUP in 2014 with P1 million iFund assistance for technology adoption of bakery equipment to boost the firm’s productivity and competitiveness. However, the existing equipment has already depreciated due to mass production of bread daily. With the continuous increase in demand, the firm recognized the need for technology upgrading to improve its overall operations. Thus, Lakeview Bakery sought for its second availment of SETUP iFund assistance from DOST. During the MOA signing, DOST-Surigao del Norte and Lakeview Bakery pledged to extend their full support and commitment for the effective implementation of the aforementioned SETUP project. SETUP enables firms to address their technical problems acquisitionthroughandtransfer of technology interventions. We are also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. Message our page Department of Science and TechnologySurigao del Norte to know more about the benefits, requirements, and identified priority sectors. (DOST-SDN/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202224 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 25
The Police Provincial Office (PPO) of Dinagat Islands culminated the 27th Police Community Relations Month Celebration in the province. The activity is anchored on the theme, “Ugnayang Pulisya at Komunidad Tungo sa Mapayapa, Maayos at Maunlad na Pamayanan.”
The activity was participated by deserving Individuals and StakeholdersOrganizationalAwardees, PNP personnel, and Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) members who immensely contributed to the attainment of the mission and vision of the Philippine National Police. In his message, ViceGovernor Benglen B. Ecleo emphasized the importance of forging partnershipstrongerandcommunity support in peace making, and how crucial the role of the community in crime prevention efforts. He said that the Provincial Government is expressing its full support for the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office in joining the nation in revitalizing the crucial role of the community in peacekeeping and nation Higlightingbuilding. the activity was the giving of awards to Libjo Municipal Police Station as an Outstanding Municipal Police Station. Also, individual outstanding awards were given to Police Staff Sergeant Joseph Q. Geltura as Outstanding PCAD Junior PNCO; NUP Tracee Joy O. Brace, NUP Jeia M. Tubo, NUP Maria Dian R. Simogan, NUP Edcyl T. Litang, NUP Mitchel A. Rodriguez and NUP Charissa T. Rubio as Outstanding PCAD Meanwhile,NUP. stakeholders from Sanny D. Seco, Pastor Arnel S Sarion, Cagdianao Mining Corporation, Libjo Mining Corporation Oriental Vision Mining Corporation, San Roque Metals Incorporation and Sinosteel Philippines HY Mining Corporation were also given certificates of appreciation for their invaluable support and unwavering commitment to all the community activities of Dinagat Islands. PPO thereby contributing to the attainment of the Mission and Vision of the Philippine National Police. (Susil D. Ragas, PIA- Dinagat Islands/ PPO- Dinagat Islands)
DOST Dinagat Islands conducts virtual Training on Socila Media Marketing and Basic Infographics for MSMEs
The Provincial Science and Technology Center of Dinagat Islands recently conducted the virtual Training on Social Media Marketing and Basic Infographics for MSMEs (Micro Small Medium Enterprises) as part of the CY 2022 series of technology trainings for the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). A total of 15 participants from DOST Dinagat Islands SETUP and community project beneficiaries are trained by the experts from the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST STII) and several MSMEs from the province of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur also attended the said training. With the uncertainty of small businesses coping up on this health crisis, the training aims to teach the MSMEs the opportunity in engaging with customers through social media to increase brand awareness and sales. It drives to teach participants the use of infographics for content or product shareability and business branding. The series of technology trainings under SETUP are crafted to provide MSMEs under the food sector, machinery and engineering, agriculture, and others the key knowledge, and skills for business
VisitTalkaboutWantimprovement.productivitytoknowmoreSETUP?tous!DOSTDinagat Islands’ Provincial Office at Purok 4, Don Ruben, San Jose, PDI or message us through our Facebook Page for more info. (DOST- Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Dinagat Islands)
PPO Dinagat Islands culminates 27th PCR Month celebration
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kini nga lakang ni Governor Demerey isip dinalian nga sulosyon sa padayong nasinati nga krisis sa tubig ilabi na sa lungsod sa San Jose. Gitan-aw usab ang sugyot nga luna nga pagatukuran unya sa International Airport ug Proposed Economic Zone nga mahimutanganaasa lungsod sa Basilisa ug kung balikan paglantaw, 40 ka adlaw gikan sa iyang paglingkod isip bag-ong Gobernador sa lalawigan sa Dinagat, daghan na ang mga lakangmahinungdanonnahimongngaugplanoang nabuhat ni Governor Demerey sa Islands/ProvincialRagas,nga“RemedyniinipinaagiindibidualsolusyonpaghatagingonPangisdaIndustrialisasyon,prioridadpangatungdanan,iyangniiniangTurismo,ugPanguma,manangogdinaliangsamgangasuliransagimugnangagitawagngaActionCenter”bukas24oras.(SusilPIA-Dinagat Islands)
Battery Plant sa Dinagat Islands gisusi pinaagi sa Aerial Survey
Pinaagi sa kamanduan ni Governor Nilo P. Demerey gipahigayonJr.ang usa ka aerial survey sakay sa usa ka
Proposed Economic Zone, Airport, Water Source og E-Car
nga niadtong bulan sa Hulyo 2022, personal nga nakigkita ug nakig storya ang gobernador sa inilang negosyante nga si Ramon Ang didto sa kaulohan aron hisgutan ang kagustuhan niini nga mugahin og pundo sa kantidad nga mosobra mukulang P500 milyon dolyares para matukod ang giingon nga magsugdanKungplanta.ugalingna kini nga planta, dako ang ambagmamahimongniinisanatad sa panarbaho tungod kay nagkinahanglan kini sa mosobra 10 milyon ka mga empleyado. Sa susamang bahin, lakip nga gisusi sa aerial survey ang kahimtang sa Del Pilar Dam nga nahimutang sa Barangay Del Pilar lungsod sa Cagdianao nga diin una nang nasabutan sa mga miyembro sa Dinagat Islands Water Council nga maoy posibling makuhaan sa suplay sa tubig alang sa pito ka mga lungsod sa Mahinungdanonlalawigan.
Information OfficeDinagat
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ProvincialIslandsResourcesEnvironmenthelekopterpribadongsilaProvincialandNaturalDinagatZacariasValesugCommunity Affairs Officer Jay Benitez niadtong Agosto 9, 2022. Una ug personal nang gimapa mismo ni Governor Demerey ang mamahimong rota sa aerial survey adiser ang actual ug lakip sa mga buot makita sa Gobernador ang luna nga pahimutangan sa pagatukoron nga planta sa baterya alang sa mga Electronic Cars nga nahimutang sa Barangay Mabini sakop sa lungsod sa MahinumdumanCagdianao.
MINDANAO NEWS Mindanao biz group to visit, forge ties in Singapore A group of businessmen from Mindanao will visit Singapore this week for a trade and investment mission, the andforfertilereturnsinpositionMindanao’s“Wedestination.asinawarenessactivitiesaismarket,majorWithbusinessandinvestmentfacilitiesseaports,inconducting23group,BelenChairpersonIn(MinDA)DevelopmentMindanaoAuthoritysaidTuesday.astatement,MinDAMariaAcostasaidtherepresentingcompanies,willbesiteinspectionsSingapore’smarkets,andprocessingtoidentifyviableopportunitiesbenchmarkvariouspractices.SingaporebeingahubintheglobalAcostasaidMinDAalsosettoconductseriesofpromotionaltoraiseandinterestMindanao’spotentialaprimeinvestmentwanttopresentcompetitivewhereinvestmentstheareayieldhighthankstoitsvastlands,idealclimateagriculturalproduction,skilledlaborforce,” she Partsaid.ofthe promotionalMinDAactivities is a business forum on August 10 where the Mindanao delegation and their Singaporean counterparts can explore areas for MinDApartnerships.Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said the business forum aims to send a message that Mindanao is “back in business” with its robust economic performance despite the setbacks brought about by the “Ourpandemic.agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors being able to display positive growth even during the peak periods of the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis make a strong case for Mindanao’s capacity as an investment area, especially for agri-based industries,” he said. (PNA/ Che Palicte) Acosta Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 31
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is set to launch its anddirectorJoeyTyphoontheareaondel“VolunTurismo”projectonSurigaoNorte’sSiargaoIslandAugust16tohelpthebouncebackfromdevastationbroughtbyOdettelastyear.Recimilla,MinDA’sforpolicy,planning,projectdevelopment office, said Friday that “VolunTurismo” is a combination of volunteer and tourism, whereby travelers participate in voluntary work, typically for charity.
REGAINING MOMENTUM. Siargao Island is poised to regain its tourism vibe through the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) project “VolunTurismo,” set to launch on Aug. 16, 2022. MinDA officials said Friday (Aug. 12, 2022) the initiative aims to capacitate stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the island’s natural resources following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Odette. (Photo courtesy of www.pia.gov.ph) capital of the Philippines, Siargao Island,” Recimilla Insaid.collaboration with the Department of Tourism and local government units in Siargao, the premise of the project is for visitors to enjoy the island while volunteering to help rebuild its communities. At least 100,000 tourists are targeted to join “VolunTurismo” and participate in agriculture activities, psychosocial support, and community building, such cleanup.treealsoThedestroyedinfrastructurespaintingreconstructingasandmanyofSiargao’sthatwerebythetyphoon.line-upofactivitiesincludesmangroveplantingandbeach
Meanwhile, stress debriefing and municipalworkshopconductInorganized.andcontest,suchinterventionspsychosocialforchildren,asaposter-making‘palarongPinoy’,storytelling,willalsobeaddition,MinDAwillatourismplanningwithSiargao’splanning and tourism officers as participants. (PNA/Christine Cudis)
MinDA’s ‘VolunTurismo’ seeks to revive Siargao’s tourism
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“This is part of the rehabilitation and recovery initiatives being pushed by MinDA to help the local economy of Siargao recuperate,” he said. He said the project also intends to concernedcapacitateparticipants in ensuring the sustainability of the islands’ natural resources, through an integrated area development approach. “On behalf of MinDA, I am cordially inviting everyone to join the launching of VolunTurismo in the surfing
PBBM highlights full support to
PND President “Bongbong”FerdinandMarcos Jr. on Thursday raised the need to foster better coordination mechanisms between the national and local governments in the area of food supply. “We have to coordinate our efforts on food supply. We cannot just allow ‘bahala na kayo’,” Marcos said during his meeting with members of the League of Provinces of the ThePhilippines.chiefexecutive also noted the importance of planning, saying it will give the idea of the provinces’ cropping schedules, yield, soil problems, and use of “Butfertilizer.this has to be part of a plan, and that is why, more than ever, the President needs the help of the governors. Dati, ang agriculture, for example, was really under the national government,” he Asidesaid. from food supply, PBBM wants improved coordination on food supply chain production, distribution
the President also sought strengthened coordination in the field of digitalization, noting that provinces have done a better job than the national government in this “Maramiarea. sa inyong medyo progressive, inunahan niyo na ang wherethat’sinterconnected.“Wesaid.havesaagency,isanginformationtogether.havegovernment.nationalNow,wetobringthesystemKailangan‘yungnahawakngprobinsya,ngisangaccessibledoonkabilaaslongastheyauthorization,”hehavetobeliterallySoanotherareawearehoping that we can strengthen the cooperation – the planning, the coordination between Presidentgovernment,”governmentnationalandlocaltheadded.
President “Bongbong”FerdinandMarcos Jr. on Friday pledged his full support to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as he recognized the important work that the interim government needs to complete in three Speakingyears. before the newly sworn-in members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), Marcos acknowledged the “great deal of work” that the body should accomplish in three years, from the enactment of basic laws and fiscal policy to the conduct of “Suchelections.important laws to be passed in three years is not an easy task, and that’s why I will be here as head of the national government to support BARMM,” he said in his speech as he administered the oath of office of the BTA members in a ceremony in Malacañang. During his speech, the President mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic made it “very, very difficult” for the BTA to do its “Wework.are given another chance because of the extension of the Transition Authority. We are given another chance, but we have three years, and three years is not a long time for this rather basic and fundamental and highly important pieces of legislation that have to be produced now by the Transition Authority,” he said. He further underscored the need to complete the work in 2025 as there will no longer be any extensions. “In 2025, we no longer will have any extensions to the authority, and we will conduct elections,” he Republicsaid.
BARMM; presides over oath-taking of new execs
Act No. 11593 reset the first regular elections in BARMM and would now be synchronized with the 2025 national elections. The law also extended the transition period and allowed the BTA to continue as the interim government in the region. It also mandated the President to appoint 80 new members who shall serve up to June 2025. Meanwhile, the chief executive underscored the importance of representation in the BTA. “It is important that we’re going to give a voice to all the stakeholders, to all the parties that are involved,” he said. The President also conveyed his confidence to the new appointees. “But I’m confident because I have seen the list of the new appointees, the new members, and I believe that everyone has come on to be part of this process with a sincere desire to get BARMM back into the normal fold of life in the Philippines,” he said. |
In his first State of the Nation Address, the President discussed his administration’s plan for digital transformation. This includes the rollout of National IDs, implementationtheof the National Broadband Plan and the common tower program, as well as PNDBandviaandgeographicallyconnectingisolateddisadvantagedareastheso-called‘BroadngMasa’project.|
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He also suggested the institutionalization of nursing aides and nurse practitioners in a nursing act being discussed in Congress, incorporating provisions such as improved salaries and benefits for nurses.
Increase compensation for health workers Aside from callednursingtoscholarshipsprovidingandincentivesnursingschoolsandstudents,PSACforareviewofthe
PBBM vows to address public health sector challenges
“Quick wins” under the administration’s first 100 days were also spelled out during Thursday’s meeting. These include the development of a vaccine procurement plan for new COVID-19 variants and Monkeypox, the commissioning of a study on the feasibility of local vaccine manufacturing, and a third-party review of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.
President proposalhisJr.“Bongbong”FerdinandMarcosonThursdaythrewsupportbehindthetoimplement a “ladderized” program for nurses to address the brain drain and strengthen the country’s health sector. Marcos made the remark in his meeting with members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) in Malacañang, where they discussed the challenges confronting the Philippine health sector, particularly the exodus of nurses and other health “Iprofessionals.liketheladderized idea for the nurses because that’s really becoming a problem – the brain drain that we are suffering,” Marcos said during the “Theymeeting.are so good everybody wants them, and they are willing to pay for it, and we are not, or we’re not able. So we have to come up with some strategies for that.”
salaries and benefits of Currently,nurses. nurses employed in government hospitals get higher salaries than those working in the private sector. The advisory council said the government could come up with a policy mandating equal pay for nurses working in both the public and private sectors. The DOH said there is a total of 617,000 licensed nurses in the country, with 28 percent working in both public and private health facilities, or about 172,000. Fifty-one percent or 316,000 have already migrated, while 21 percent are working in other areas other than healthcare.
Acknowledging the problems posed by brain drain in the health sector, the President said the government cannot hold back people if there are better opportunities for employment overseas. He suggested that one of the programs that could help keep doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners from leaving the country is to provide Departmentscholarships.ofHealth (DOH) Officer-in-Charge, Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, told the President during the PSAC meeting about the ladderized program being carried out by the University of the PhilippinesManila and select local government units (LGUs). Under the program, UP Manila offers a two-year scholarship for midwives who, upon completion,coursecome back to the community to serve. Once they experience,gainthey go back to UP Manila, where they get to study nursing for another two years. “So this said.nursingyoulikedothatimproves‘yungIG,anotherthey“Whatmonths.inwhoandmonthsaidPSACPaolosector.thistappedAuthorityandTheNursingmadami,”produceeventuallyofhavegovernmentshavegovernment.counterpartprogram,ladderizedthereisthiswithlocalSowenowacoupleoflocalthatwepilotedthiswith.Butcourse,thiswouldbe–paramakapag-tayonangVergeiresaid.aidecoursesTechnicalEducationSkillsDevelopment(TESDA)wasalsotohelpaddressconcerninthehealthMaximoBorromeo,Healthcarelead,TESDAoffersasix-nursingaidecourseproducesgraduatescouldbedeployedhospitalsafterafewthehospitalsdoistrainthemfurther,30daystodotodophlebotomy,ornasal–NGT.Andittheratioofbedsnurses[are]abletoinhospitals.Quickwinthatiseasytodoifcanencouragemoreaides,”Borromeo
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Also(Philhealth).included in the talks were the institutionalization of ladderized nurse categories with ascending skills sets, piloting telehealth in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) and other LGU PPPs for capacity building, and revisiting the mentioned.medicinesgeneralofandDrugdigitalizestudytheDrivenLGUThe(UHC).UniversalsectorrequirementsregulatoryforprivateparticipationintheHealthCoverageestablishmentofPerformance-IncentivePlan,commissioningofatoreviewandfullytheFoodandAdministration(FDA),theimprovementawarenessofthepublicongenericwerealso|PND
Theon.”assystems,evidenced-basedtheexecutiveMeanwhile,Evidence-basedenjoyed.systemsthechiefunderscoredimportanceofdescribingthem“somethingwerelyPresidentsaidoneof the most significant jobs of government is to provide “actual good information and guidance for what people should be able to do so that they can mitigate the effects.” He further noted that risk communication is crucial during health emergencies and “Whatdisasters.are
continuing sacrifice and hard work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “I always start with a note of gratitude and of thanks for your sacrifice and for the risks that you take, and all that you have been able to do to help us through this pandemic,” Marcos said in his speech at the 15th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration in Pampanga.
PNDDiseaseandCentercreationofpresentedThemenlivessolutionscooperationcollaborationcommunityFilipinoenvironmentcreatethathealthtoWithtothanmuchtodisseminatetheHowandapproachespracticaltopreventingmitigatingharm?canweprepareFilipinopeopleandinformationvulnerablesectorsmoreeffectivelywehavebeenabledosofar?”hesaid.this,Marcosvowedcontinuesupportingresearchers“sotogetherwecananenablingfortheresearchthatfostersandthatwillyieldthatwillmakebetterforourfellowandwomen.”PresidentsaidhehastobothHousesCongresstheproposedoftheVirologyofthePhilippinesthecountry’sownControlCenter.| Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202238 Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 2022 39
“It is nothing less than having you have helped to keep millions of people alive. There is nothing more heroic in my mind than what you have achieved,” he said. The chief executive recalled that he was one of the “very early sufferers” as he had tested positive for COVID-19 after coming home from Europe in the second week of March “Thank2020. you not only from me as a sufferer of COVID, but for all the millions who somehow have reaped the benefit of your hard work,” he Hesaid.recalled it was the first time in the country’s experience that doctors were clueless about what was happening as well as the cure for the novel “Therevirus. was a total lack of information, of knowledge about this new pandemic. And that is why the work that you did that developed the genome sequencing so that we could follow and identify and detect the different strains as they came about, the test kits that you were able to develop for the local community, the modeling that was done,” he said. “This was all a fruit of your partnership, and it is something that has never been seen before,” he Duringadded.his speech, the President commended the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development for organizing the event along with the Philippine National Health Research HeSystem.likewise recognized the Central Luzon Health Research and ConsortiumDevelopmentforhosting the coordinationthementionedThecelebration.chiefexecutivethatorganization’sand
PBBM lauds, vows continued support for heroic health researchers
leadership in their field of study will help ensure that Filipinos “can utilize the maximum economic and social benefits that stem from the MarcosresearchRemoveanddevelopmentsrapidinsciencemedicine.”barriersinalsomentioned the significance of removing barriers in scientific researc h and “Aexchange.informationkeyelementof this, the work that you do, is the cooperation that you — the different agencies that have come together and have removed all the barriers in terms of the course of scientific research, of exchange of information, of help in facilities, help in using all of the laboratories so that we are able to maximize our efforts,” he said. “This has not only happened here in the Philippines. It happened also around the world whereas we saw for the first time, I think in the history of different countries, we could see that the research institutes were not very jealous of their information, and it was shared at an unprecedented rate,” he Insaid.addition, the President said the openness of mind and continuing flow of information among agencies have been crucial, critical, and keys to successes
President researcherstributeJr.“Bongbong”FerdinandMarcosonThursdaypaidtoFilipinohealthfortheir
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday hailed Filipino nurses working in the United States, calling them “angels” who are “caring in so many ways.” “There are not so many angels in the world. But if there are angels in the United States, among the angels are the Filipino nurses who are caring in so many ways all throughout our country for our fellow Americans,” Blinken said during his courtesy call on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Blinken said Filipino nurses have compassion,“profoundlydemonstratedtouching”something his own family has experienced. “And I have to tell you, I have felt that in my own family with different experiences in the past. And that, on a most human level, is profoundly touching,” Blinken told the chief executive. For his part, Marcos said he is “terribly proud” of all healthcare workers who are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on all fronts. “We are so terribly proud of our healthcare workers, the doctors and nurses, the Filipinos who have been working in the United States and the way they performed in the face of COVID,” said “WeMarcos.were here watching them and saying again that we Filipinos are playing a global role in combatting this pandemic,” he added.
Blinken hails Pinoy nurses as ‘angels’; PBBM ‘terribly proud’
Marcos said the dedication shown by Filipino healthcare workers is a value every Filipino should be proud of. “Again, it makes us remind ourselves that there are qualities of Filipinos that we should be very proud of,” he Blinkensaid. said Washington is proud to be Manila’s partner in diverse global issues, including efforts to fight COVID-19 and the need to address climate change. “We have been proud to be your partner in working on that and protecting all of our people. Whether it’s climate and the need to deal with that existential challenge or whether it’s the impact of all these new technologies on the lives of our people,” Blinken said. Joining Blinken in the meeting were US MaryKayAmbassadorLossCarlson, Asst Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, Director of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff Salman Ahmed, Spokesperson Ned Price, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Thomas Sullivan, and Political Counselor Brett Blackshaw. |
of health workers
PND Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202240
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Easing of Covid restrictions depends on PH ‘wall of immunity’
“Thecontinue.NCR [National Capital Region] Plus Areas and Mindanao show slight uptick in cases while the rest of Luzon and Visayas are showing signs of plateauing,” she said. The NCR shows a slight downward trend with almost 1,300 cases per Theday.country remains under low-risk classification for Covid-19 with an average daily attack rate of 3.51 cases per 100,000 population. However, the national positivity rate increased to 18.5 percent this week from 18 percent last week. (PNA/ Ma. TeresaMontemayor)(PNAphoto by Ben Briones) 2022
More than 72 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as of August 11, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday. In a media forum, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said 6.8 million among the fully vaccinated are senior citizens, 9.8 million are adolescents, and 4.3 million are children. More than 16.8 million individuals have received their first booster dose and almost 1.7 million got their second booster shot. Vergeire encouraged the unvaccinated to receive their primary series of increasesvaccinesCovid-19ascaseinmost areas
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Some of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) restrictions could be lifted if the country is able to increase its “wall of immunity” through vaccination, specifically the administration of booster shots, a health official said Friday. “This came also from the President himself, he said he can ease restrictions, pero may kondisyon, dapat tumaas ang pagbabakuna (but there is a condition, the vaccination rate must increase),” said Department of Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a media forum. “For us to increase the wall of immunity, we need to provide at least 80 percent of the eligible population with their first booster Vergeireshot.”saidaround 47 million persons have to receive the first booster
72M Filipinos fully vaccinated; 16.8M receive 1st booster shot
Asdose.ofAugust 11, DOH Department of Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire (PNA photo by Avito Dalan) data showed that more than 16.8 million individuals have received their first booster dose and almost 1.7 million got their second booster shot. Citing that Covid-19 is deemed to stay, Vergeire said Filipinos must have a “shift in mindset” which includes focusing their attention on the number of severe and critical cases, deaths, and health care utilization rate. “Aside from government interventions, kailangan, ang tao, alam nila kung paano proteksyunan ang kanilang sarili (people must know how to protect themselves),” she added. The country remains under low-risk classification despite continued increase in Covid-19 infections at an average of 4,025 daily and 18.5 percent positivity rate -- both higher than the previous week. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
The Department of Health (DOH) is proposing anew to the Office of the President the redefinition of the term “fully vaccinated” which currently include the primary series or first two doses of Covid-19 Invaccine.atelevision interview on Wednesday, DOH officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the agency proposes to include the first booster shot in the definition of “fully vaccinated” as the population’s immunity continues to wane with the increase of Omicron subvariant cases. As of August 8, DOH data show about only 16.6 million Filipinos have received their first booster shot while more than 1.5 million health care workers, senior citizens, and persons who immunocompromisedare or have comorbidities have received their second booster dose. More than 71.9 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated or have completed their primary series of Covid-19 jabs.
READ: Expiry date on vax cards ‘good strategy’ to push booster shot. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration would administer booster shots to 23 million eligible Filipinos during DOH to propose anew redefinition of ‘fully vaccinated’ its first 100 days. “They [Filipinos] are already confident with their first two doses and that [is] because there are not much severe and critical [cases], so, they say that enough na ‘yung two doses nila (their two doses are enough),” Vergeire said. “So, we are very hopeful that even though cases are increasing, we can still manage and our healthcare system will not be overwhelmed,” she added. About 27,982 new Covid-19 cases have been logged nationally from August 2 to 8. The country’s daily average number of cases is 3,997 in the recent Moreover,week.the national weekly positivity rate has increased to 18.6 percent from last week’s 16.7 Philippinepercent.Federation of Professional Associations Vice President Dr. Benito Atienza echoed Vergeire’s statement on the importance of booster shots as vaccine immunity wanes over time. “Malaking bagay ito, kahit na kayo ay magka-Covid ay hindi kayo matatamaan ng moderate to severe, kundi ay iyong mild lang (Boosters are beneficial, you might still get Covid but you won’t have moderate to severe [symptoms], only mild [symptoms]),” he said in a televised public briefing. “Actually, ang marami ngayon na nagkakaroon ng Covid, ito na iyong mga nabigyan ng first booster, pero nakikita natin na napakalaking bagay ang nabigyan ng booster dose, kasi parang napaka-mild ng symptoms nila (there are some Covid-19 cases who have received the first booster dose, but they only have very mild symptoms),” he added. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor) (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)
Caraga Infocus • August 6-12, 202244
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