Caraga InFocus – August 7-13, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 33 August 7-13, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

11 13 14 16 17 19 20 21 PROVINCIAL NEWS 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 38

PCOO CHIEF CALLS ON FILIPINOS TO UNITE AS ONE NATION TO END COVID-19 PANDEMIC

CARAGA TRADE FAIR EXPO TO OPEN ON AUG. 15

RTWPB DECLARES 9 PRODUCTIVITY OLYMPICS REGIONAL WINNERS

DBP PARTNERS WITH DA TO BOOST CASH AID DISBURSEMENT

NEW BREED OF COFFEE MENTORS AIM TO INCREASE ROBUSTA PRODUCTION IN CARAGA

OWWA CARAGA GETS SAFETY SEAL CERTIFICATION

DSWD CARAGA STAFF UNDERGO QRT REFRESHER TRAINING MAS KOMPORTABLENG BIYAHE SINIGURADO NG DOTR AT PPA SA CARAGA REGION

LGU-CLAVER RELEASES AID TO ASF-AFFECTED HOG RAISERS GOAT, NATIVE CHICKEN PRODUCTION TO BENEFIT DINAGAT ISLANDS FARMERS

LGU-CLAVER ACQUIRES ADDITIONAL COVID-19 VACCINES

IKA-24TH CARAGA BUSINESS CONFERENCE, INILUNSAD NG SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DA TURNS OVER P3-M MODERNIZED AGRICULTURE FACILITY TO BISLIG CITY

DA TURNS OVER 40 HEADS OF GILTS TO SURSUR LIVESTOCK FARMERS GIDAGHANON SA MGA FULL VACCINATED SA COVID-19 SA TANDAG CITY KAPIN 8-MIL NA

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PRDP ROADS UNLOCK FARM OPPORTUNITIES IN AGSUR

AGSUR IPS RECEIVE P2.3M WORTH OF SUPPORT FOR ABACA, BANANA PRODUCTION

ARMY IN AGSUR AFFIRMS ADHERENCE TO IHL

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AGNOR SCHOOL GETS DOST’S STARBOOKS, INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

CABADBARAN MOHATAG AMNESTIYA SA BUHIS

MINDANAO NEWS BARMM STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF P5-M WAREHOUSE IN MAGUINDANAO LANAO TOWN BUILDS LGU-FUNDED SOLARPOWERED WATER SYSTEMS

NATIONAL NEWS SECRETARY ANDANAR SUPPORTS CALL FOR CREATION OF PH VIROLOGY INSTITUTE SEC. ANDANAR: WITH LOWER CRIME VOLUME, IT’S NOW SAFER TO LIVE IN PH DUTERTE LEADERSHIP SETS BENCHMARK ON GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR SUCCEEDING ADMIN

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

STATEMENT OF SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE 11.8% GDP GROWTH RATE OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2021

DBM APPROVES P200-M FUND FOR VISAYAS MEDIA HUB SEC. ANDANAR: TANGIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS SUPPORT HIGH APPROVAL RATING OF PRESIDENT DUTERTE MANOBO TRIBE IN CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL SUR REBUILDS TRADITIONAL WEAVING

ADD’L FUNDS FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR ECQAFFECTED AREAS IN NCR, LAGUNA AND BATAAN APPROVED; BONG GO URGES LGUS TO ENSURE TIMELY AND EFFICIENT DISTRIBUTION BONG GO EXTENDS SUPPORT TO HUNDREDS OF MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS IN SANTIAGO CITY AND CORDON, ISABELA BONG GO CONTINUES AID FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS IN BOHOL, THIS TIME IN DANAO AND LOBOC, IN RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS GOVERNMENT LISTENING TO EXPERTS AND ADAPTING TO DELTA THREAT, SAYS NOGRALES GORDON BACKS URGENT PASSAGE OF BILL GRANTING PREFERENTIAL TAX RATES ON PRIVATE SCHOOLS

COVID-19 NEWS

LATEST PFIZER DELIVERY FOR AREAS WITH HIGH COVID-19 CASES NTF STRENGTHENS CRISIS ACTION PLAN VS. EMERGING COVID-19 VARIANTS DELTA, COMMON COVID-19 CASES HAVE SIMILAR SYMPTOMS: DOH

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Bianca Pagdanganan and Yuka Saso’s performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Congratulations Bianca and Yuka for the solid performance that you both showed in the Women’s Golf Competition! Pinahanga ninyo kaming dalawa sa ipinakita ninyong galing ng mga atletang Filipina! Both of you didn’t only display our known qualities of grit and determination, but also our Filipino spirit of sportsmanship and excellence. Maraming salamat sa pagpapakilala sa buong mundo ng talentong Pilipino di lamang sa Olympics, pati na rin sa iba’t ibang international golf competitions! We are all very proud of you!

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Communicating the D

Grassroots communication works. And to say that this has greatly contributed to why President Rodrigo Roa Duterte enjoys a high approval rating from the public is not a onetime thing, but a series of unrelenting efforts to campaign for a more aware and informed citizenry. The Presidential Communications

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Operations Office (PCOO), under the leadership of Secretary Martin Andanar, has made significant institutional reforms that brought government media to new heights. As the lead communications arm of the government, Andanar pushed for the digitization of government media platforms, including that of its attached agencies, bringing closer to the people the messages of

the President. The Internet has made the PCOO more effective in campaigning for good governance and informing the public in the span of five years. Social media platforms offer a more dynamic way to connect with a wide range of people across the world. For the Philippine government, this was an opportunity to reach out to more Filipinos and Caraga INFOCUS

Duterte legacy part 1 promote the programs that will become the legacy of “tapang at malasakit” of the Duterte administration. The technological landscape was favorable to disseminating the efforts of the administration, shaping the awareness of the people that the government is at alltimes at #WorkWorkWork, resounding much like its ambitious infrastructure program “Build, Build, Build.” This strategy of using digital platforms helped gain more support from Filipinos present online and earned the admiration of foreign allies, because information was able to reach the people in real time wherever they are in the world. The openness of the government and its maximized presence online have made it more susceptible to scrutiny and criticisms, but it “did not succumb to the attacks, and neither did it allow criticisms, however intense, dampen its determination and initiatives.” It remained confident because the purpose was “pure, unpolluted.” Caraga INFOCUS

Apart from leveling with private media on the use of social media to deliver timely news, it has also encouraged public participation. Strong communication fosters trust among people, which in return inspires citizens to become involved in their communities. With the government’s public discourse and

other platforms of communication, Filipinos gain the assurance that their national government, through the leadership of President Duterte, is wellequipped to manage emergencies and other crises. This is reflected in surveys on trust and confidence expressed by the public for the President and the Cabinet. In the recent survey conducted

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by PUBLiCUS Asia, President Duterte had an approval rating of 58 percent and a trust rating of 55 percent. In Pulse Asia’s last survey recorded in September 2020, the President got an approval rating of 91 percent, and the poll firm said ratings of the President haven’t changed until today. Pulse Asia even cited Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s big lead in the latest presidential survey can be attributed to President Duterte’s popularity. In fact, analysts shared unanimously the same view that President Duterte is the most popular post-Marcos president. Let’s also not forget that it was PCOO that initiated the landmark policy Freedom of Information (FoI), which was made effective under Executive Order 2 signed in 2016. This furthers the promotion of free access by the media and the general public to transactions, data and information under the Executive branch. It has established an agenda for good governance and transparency. Through RadioTelevision Malacañang, the government was able to air “live” the pronouncements of the

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President — his State of the Nation addresses, media interviews, meetings and other significant gatherings with local officials. These engagements are being amplified by the Philippine

Information Agency’s 90plus strong social media pages, other state-run and private media making him the “most visible and accessible” president in the country’s history. Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs To ensure the health and safety of farmers, fishermen, and other ‘frontliners’ of the country’s food value chain during this Covid-19 crisis, the Department of Agriculture issued safety guidelines which include good hygiene practices, cleaning and sanitation, storage, distribution and transport, and personnel hygiene and fitness to reduce possible transmission among employees, and maintain healthy business operations and work environment. xx

The super-spreader Delta variant of COVID-19 have indeed disrupted the supposed recovery of the economy not just in the Philippines but of the whole world, said PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar during an interview via Bombo Hanay Bigtime segment anchored by Rey Brangan of the Bombo Radyo Butuan. “That is why President Rodrigo Duterte ensures to make it a part of his legacy by focusing the remaining 11 months of his term on the serious exertion of efforts to address the problems and challenges hounding the nation at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) turns over Aug. 9, 2021 housing assistance worth P450,000 each to the 17 former rebels/beneficiaries of the province of Agusan del Norte held at the Almont Inland Resort in Bituan City. With regard to the efforts of the government in the fight against COVID-19, PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar bared during his interview over Bombo Radyo Butuan today that per the World Health Organization (WHO) the Philippines as a developing country is really doing good. He consequently supported this by citing the latest data in which there are already 38,000,000 million doses of vaccines that have arrived in the country.

REGIONAL NEWS

PCOO chief calls on Filipinos to unite as one nation to end COVID-19 pandemic By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) called on the Filipino people from the different parts of the country to unite as one with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and as one nation in the fight against the dreadful coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “We heal as one as a nation. Let us fight together and go with the direction of President Duterte so we could altogether end this Caraga INFOCUS

pandemic. We could not do this alone, we need all your support and cooperation,” he said. In time with the secretary’s radio interview over Bombo Radyo Butuan’s Bombo Hanay Bigtime program hosted by Rey Brangan, the communications chief also appealed to the Caraganons and the Filipinos, in general, to continuously give their support to President Duterte and his administration until he finishes his term. Secretary Andanar

further emphasized that the president still has a lot to be done and more developmental programs and projects will be completed to give people an improved way of life. In the fight against COVID-19, he stressed that the Filipino people should not be complacent considering that the Delta variant is still recorded in some parts of the country. “Whether you are in the remotest areas or in other parts of the country, please August 7-13, 2021 |

be careful and take precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 especially with this Delta variant,” he said. With regard to the efforts of the government in the fight against COVID-19, Sec. Andanar bared that per the World Health Organization (WHO) the Philippines as a developing country is really doing good. He consequently supported this by citing the latest data in which there are already 38,000,000 million doses of vaccines that have arrived in the country. “In our fight against the spread of COVID-19, the best thing to do is still to follow the health

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protocols imposed by the World Health Organization and the Department of Health. The government’s vaccination program is also aimed to protect the people from the dreadful virus,” Andanar said. According to the secretary, the superspreader Delta variant of COVID-19 has indeed disrupted the supposed recovery of the economy not just in the Philippines but in the whole world. “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has done his best in addressing all the issues and concerns of the Filipino people. He continued to lead us the way for the next 11

months until we could fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since his assumption in 2016 until the present, the president has been true to his commitment to solve criminalities, including corruption, the poverty incidence from 24% down to about 14%, but because of this pandemic and some lockdowns, unfortunately, the level turns out high again. However, despite these challenges, we still need to move forward and let us be one with the president and as one nation because if we will not do this, nothing good will happen to us,” Andanar added. (JPG/ VLG/DMR, PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Caraga trade fair expo to open on Aug. 15

The Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., in partnership with DTI-Caraga, is set to conduct a trade fair as one of the featured events for the 24th Caraga Business Conference. This will run from August 15 to 19, 2021 every 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Atrium of SM City Butuan. The fiveday regional trade fair features the food and non-food products that are locally made by producers from different provinces in the region. Caraga INFOCUS

Everyone is invited to visit and choose from a variety of items on display. All owners of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region are encouraged to participate by showcasing their products during the trade fair. The public are also urged to support and patronage the local products that are truly quality-reliable and capable of competing in any market. (VLG/PIA-Caraga) August 7-13, 2021 |

RTWPB declares 9 productivity olympics regional winners

The Productivity Olympics is a biennial national competition for best Productivity Improvement programs of Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. The nine regional winners are: Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Bislig Massage Therapists Association, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolks and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFFISCOMPC), Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Amparitas Integrated Farm, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Southway College of

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Technology (SOCOTECH), San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; JIDA Aqua Resources, Butuan City; Almont Hotel, Inc, Butuan City; Cake Miss, Butuan City; and San Isidro Upland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO), Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

champion from DOLESurigao del Norte scored and rated the nine establishments with these criteria; Business Continuity, Employee Engagement and Employment Reservation.

Chairperson Abellana, in her message, congratulated all the winners for overcoming The declaration of and surviving difficulties. regional winners was She said that, “amid done during the monthly pandemic, this years’ Board Meeting held in Productivity Winners Butuan City. The Regional did not stop placing Screening Committee productivity in the headed by Chairperson workplace. They Naomi Lyn C. Abellana preserved jobs and they together with the RTWPB- did not just preserved Caraga Board Members jobs but also they and Mr. Cornelius B. remained compliant to Mahinay, a productivity the Labor Standards as Caraga INFOCUS

well as the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.” “Together, let us bounce back and let us bounce back better than before,” she added. Executive Director of National Wages and Productivity Commission, Maria Criselda R. Sy, also said that at first NWPC had doubts in finding enterprises who can inspire others to conquer their fears, to absorb and to adopt to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and execute decisions with unthinkable speed. But after she looked at the winners of Caraga Region, with certainty she can say that there are many more like them because Filipino entrepreneur is hardworking, resilient, agile and most of all a fighter and a survivor. “The threat of pandemic still remains and its imminent and that is why we at the NWPC together with Regional Boards nationwide, remain committed, vigilant and aggressive Caraga INFOCUS

in reaching out and providing enterprises with the necessary training and technical assistance that will help ensure their recovery and transition to a better, stronger and more productive next normal, she said. More so, she thanked and congratulated the Caraga Board for believing and pursuing resolutely the search for the resilient and innovative enterprises in Caraga.

were all grateful to the board for the opportunities given to them and recognizing their ways in implementing Productivity Programs introduced and shared by RTWPB. The nine regional winners including the Board are hoping to advance in the next round as National Finalist and will bring home the glory and pride to Caraga.

During the activity, RB Caraga also able to She also congratulated acknowledge and gave the Regional Winners a plaque of recognition for demonstrating and appreciation to courage, determination its institutional partners and creativity amid in delivering its plans, the debilitating effect programs, services of Covid. To end and targets towards her message, she achieving its vision, to encouraged all to always include the following: keep the productivity Mr. Keith C. Duran, Mr. spirit high in Caraga Maximo C. Magallen, Jr., Region. Ms. May C. Velonta, Ms. Genebelle B. Bal, and Board Secretary VI, Mr. Ms. Buhawe C. Correa, Earl D. Dela Victoria all from DOLE Agusan del officially announced Norte Provincial Office; and declared the 2021 Abner M. Caga and Nora Productivity Olympics L. Molde of Philippine Regional Winners by Information Agency; and reading the resolution Mr. Leonidas Dingding signed by the Regional of Bislig City Chamber of Screening Committee. Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc.. (RTWPB The Regional Winners Caraga/PIA Caraga) August 7-13, 2021 |

DBP partners with DA to boost cash aid disbursement Herbosa added that in line with this agreement with DA, DBP will also be working closely with the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines and various EMIs for the efficient implementation of this project.

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to facilitate the disbursement of financial assistance to the agriculture sector.

“DBP and DA will continue to work on an expanded alliance to promote the growth potential of agribusinesses towards gainful economic growth for local communities,” Herbosa said.

Under the MOA, beneficiaries of various DBP President and DA programs may receive Chief Executive Officer their funding assistance Emmanuel G. Herbosa said via direct credit to their that under the agreement, DBP accounts and/or the bank shall provide the other banks’ accounts/ disbursement channels to Electronic Money Issuers implement DA’s initiatives (EMI) and other Bangko on direct cash or loan Sentral ng PIlipinasinterest rate subsidy and Supervised Financial other forms of assistance Institutions through to qualified agri-fishery electronic fund transfer enterprises, agriculture channels such as PhilPASS, cooperatives, farmers, and DBP-accredited fisherfolk, and other payout outlets. agricultural workers.

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He said DA would also be introducing an ‘Interventions Monitoring Card’ that will serve as an identification card to access government assistance for farmers enrolled in the farmer’s registry, starting with the second round of the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance worth P5,000 each, that would be disbursed in the last quarter of the year. “DBP shares the mission of the DA in promoting the socio-economic well-being of all Filipinos especially those in the agricultural sector,” Herbosa said. “We are committed to provide faster, more reliable and more secure disbursement channels to facilitate the delivery of much-needed financial interventions from the National Government.” (DBP/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

New breed of coffee mentors aim to increase Robusta production in Caraga As Mindanao holds the title of having the largest coffee production in the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in partnership with the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) immersed 20 Caraga coffee farmers into a 3-day training conducted by the Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise Project (PhilCAFE) on August 4-6. Trained as coffee mentors, these farmers are expected to extend knowledge on Coffee Production, Farm Management, Integrated Pest and Disease Management, and Rejuvenation of Robusta to fellow farmers in Tungao, Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; Bayugan City and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Caraga INFOCUS

Farmers were equipped with the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) of Robusta to increase the variety’s national production average from .5-MT/ha to 1-MT/ha, making the Philippines coffee-sufficient. In Caraga Region, around 4,740 were planted with Coffee.

of the topics including Coffee Establishment, Care, and Maintenance; Factors Influencing Coffee Yield and Quality; Site Preparation and Field Planting. “As the next trainers, you should be a model of the GAP. Farmers would not instantly believe in these new practices, so you should show them by actually doing it and making them see the benefits and improvement of applying GAP,” Ludovico said.

PhilCAFE Regional Coordinator Ludovico Ramirez Jr. highlighted that the training promotes site-specific practices which only endorse Robusta production as the ideal coffee variety in Aside from production, Caraga. He covered most Ludovico also

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a model to them,” said Estodillo. Farmers presented a re-entry plan which covered an activity design on how and when they will conduct a reecho training to their community.

encouraged farmers to see coffee as a potential business enterprise, teaching them how to harvest excellent Robusta coffee beans for a higher market value. Liquidating farm expenses and operations even from the smallest details was also stressed out. An actual field activity in Simbalan, Agusan del Norte let farmers experience an actual demonstration of the proper coffee planting, rejuvenation, care, and maintenance of coffee. They also collected pests and diseases in the area and prepared a biocontrol agent for coffee pests such as the white muscardine fungus.

in Caraga including the PRDP Enterprise Proponent Group, Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc (CAWFAI). Rogelio O. Estodillo, CAWFAI Chairperson pointed out that the training has introduced them to a deeper knowledge of Robusta coffee production which will be helpful to their soon Green Coffee Bean Production and Marketing Project.

PRDP’s Proponent Group signs up

“As soon as I go back to my hometown, I will apply the things that I have learned in the training, especially now that my coffee is in the stage of rejuvenation. Through this, my fellow farmers will see the difference between the old practices and the good agricultural practices taught here.

Participants come from various cooperatives

As a coffee mentor, I will teach them while being

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Robusta coffee only for Caraga Among the four coffee varieties in the Philippines, PhilCAFE emphasized that Robusta coffee is the best choice to plant in Caraga. It is ideal in elevations 200 to 900m above sea level since it’s less vulnerable to pests and weather conditions. Unlike Arabica coffee, Robusta can grow in direct sunlight. Robusta is also the highest coffee produced in the Philippines which accounts 72.7% of the total production based on the 2021 Philippines Statistics Authority. Mindanao makes 80% of Robusta along SOCCSKSARGEN as the top producer with a 36% share. Robusta is mainly used in instant coffee and brewing. (Zenny G. Awing, DA-PRPD13/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

OWWA Caraga gets safety seal certification

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga received a Safety Seal certification issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga after an ocular inspection was completed at the Regional Welfare Office Caraga on Thursday, August 5. Handed by the Safety Seal Inspectors/Validators themselves, LGOO V Marissa M. Mones of DILG Caraga, FO3 Eric Alvin Gayon of BFP Caraga, SPO4 Winfel Villaruel Caraga INFOCUS

of PNP Caraga to the OIC-Regional Director of OWWA Caraga, Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling with the presence of the OICPSD/OWWO III Rodel P. Deligero, and OWWO II Jean Mary R. Ladion. The Safety Seal certification, signed by LGCDD Division Chief Charissa T. Guerta of DILG Caraga, serves as a recognition that the office abides to the minimum public health standards; it is granted to offices or establishments that have complied with all the Safety Seal Certification checklist in compliance to the minimum health safety protocols against

coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This intervention is an interagency effort among the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which aims to increase the compliance of both public and private offices/establishments in promoting the strict implementation of Public Health Standards to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19. (OWWACaraga/PIA-Caraga) August 7-13, 2021 |

DSWD Caraga staff undergo QRT refresher training

The Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga conducted a two-day Quick Response Team (QRT) Refresher Training for its staff on August 5-6, 2021 at Amontay Beach Resort, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. The activity was conducted to provide avenue for the QRT members to help them review information, and to learn new skills needed for their respective functions

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during emergency operations. It would also provide them aid to keep important key points in the monitoring during operations and as keep them informed about the new developments and updates. As the vice-chair for disaster response, the agency intends to equip its staff to expedite the humanitarian response or operations to meet the given time of service delivery as mandated in Republic Act 11032. During his opening

message, OIC-Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen challenged the participants to assess previous relief operations to know the areas that need improvements and strategies to work on. “I challenge everyone here today to look back, assess ourselves on what we need to work on and improve - what strategies we need to improve our operations. I hope we are here today with one common aim and that is to improve for more efficient services,” stated OIC-RD Jamen. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Mas komportableng biyahe sinigurado ng DOTr at PPA sa Caraga region

Patuloy man ang banta sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), hindi ito naging hadlang para tapusin ang mga infra projects sa Caraga region. Kabilang dito ang port expansion sa Cantilan Port, Surigao del Sur at Malasakit Hall sa Bancasi Airport, Butuan City. Caraga INFOCUS

Ang Cantilan Port expansion project ay nagkakahalaga ng mahigit P198 million na sinimulan noong Septyembre 2018 at natapos noong Septyembre 2020. Dahil dito, inaasahang mas aangat pa ang negosyo sa rehiyon dahil mas nadoble pa ang kapasidad ng

shipment ng kargamento at semento mula sa ibat-ibang lugar at mas madali nang makakagalaw dahil sa lawak nito. Ayon kay Secretary Art Tugade ng Department of Transportation (DOTr), parte ng development projects sa Cantilan port ang construction ng reinforced concrete pier, August 7-13, 2021 |

back-up area at port lighting system. “Maraming benepisyo ‘yan. Mayroong employment potentials. Nagkakaroon ka rin ng convenient mobility. Napalawak ‘yung puerto, mga kargamentong pisikal, ‘yung mga semento at kargamento mas madali at mas malawak ang kilos mo diyan.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago na malapit na ring matapos ang infra projects sa mga pantalan ng Masao, Nasipit, Lipata, maging ang Jubang Cruise Terminal, Cargo Terminal at Donya Helene Port ng Siargao.

Sa madaling salita, makakadagdag sa negosyo mo ‘yan. Kung mayroon kang pasilidad na ganito at magiging mas malawak ang objectives mo, magkakaroon ka rin ng connectivity,” ani ni Tugade.

“Tuloy-tuluy ang pagimprove natin sa mga pasilidad natin dito sa Caraga region. Sisikapin po natin na bago matapos ang termino ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte ay marami po tayong nakumpletong proyekto for the convenience and comfort of our fellow Filipinos,” tugon ni Santiago.

Siniguro naman ni

Samantala, marami na

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ring ang makikinabang sa Malasakit Hall sa Bancasi Airport dahil mayroon na itong clinic, childcare room, lounge para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), prayer room, wash room at concession space sa mga biyahero. Binigyang-diin ni Director-General Jim Sydiongco ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) na susunod na ang expansion project para sa passenger terminal building ng Bancasi Airport para madoble na rin ang kapasidad ng pasahero. Target nitong masimulan sa October 10, 2021 at matatapos sa May 23, 2022. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

LGU-Claver releases aid to ASF-affected hog raisers

The local government unit of Claver releases indemnity assistance worth P1,108,000 to 40 local hog raisers on August 4, 2021. The said aid was distributed in order to compensate for the income loss caused by the depopulation of hogs affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).

received by farmers ranges from P3,000 to P15,000 depending on the age classification of their hogs affected. A total of 150 heads of hogs were affected by ASF and depopulated last May and June 2021 from barangays Bagakay, Sapa and Ladgaron, respectively.

The distribution of the said cash assistance The amount of assistance was supported by

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Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolution No. 114 which declared the entire municipality under state of calamity due to ASF outbreak. It was complemented by an Executive Order No. 15 series of 2021 which adopted the required procedures and protocols in lieu of preventing the spread of ASF in the municipality. (LGU-Claver/VLG/PIASurigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Goat, native chicken production to benefit Dinagat Islands farmers

The growing consciousness in producing safe and quality food prompts the farmers in a fifth-class town in the province of Dinagat Islands to venture into organic farming.

Organic Agriculture (OA) Program delivered 24 heads of upgraded goat and 180 heads of native chicken to the General Aguinaldo Farmers Association (GAFA) in the municipality of Libjo on July 29, 2021.

In support, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the

This intervention has a total worth of P459,000 and is part of the production support

Caraga INFOCUS

services of the OA Program. DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the distribution of the animals aims to provide livelihood assistance to the 28-membered association and this will also serves as a production area for August 7-13, 2021 |

organic goat and native chicken in the municipality. GAFA Chairman Syrus Malbacias said that the project will give them additional income aside from growing crops such as vegetables, rice, and corn on the island. “We are grateful for these interventions from the DA-Caraga. We are excited because this will also serve as a new enterprise venture for the association,” said Chairman Malbacias. Also, Regional Organic

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Agriculture Focal Person Cindy Burdeos said that part of the intervention for GAFA is to train them on feed formulation. “Feed formulation utilizes the locally available materials of the association. Thus, there is no need to buy commercial feeds from the market which makes it sustainable,” said Burdeos. Farm animals require a good diet for efficient production, growth, and maintenance. Organic Farming systems aim at growing and producing

most of the animal feeds in the farm to sustain production and minimize the risk of contamination of these feeds by chemicals that may be in use at other sources where such feeds were procured. “Production of animal feeds also promotes the achievement of the basic objective of organic farming which is the use of low external inputs,” Burdeos added. (Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II, DA-Caraga, RAFIS/PIADinagat Islands)

Caraga INFOCUS

LGU-Claver acquires additional COVID-19 vaccines The first batch of PfizerBioNtech vaccines was finally delivered by the Department of Health to the local government unit (LGU) of Claver and was personally received by Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee on August 7. This, after the LGU has put in place the newly acquired ultra-low temperature freezer ideal for handling Pfizer vaccines. A total of 1,170 doses are made available which will be dispensed sooner by the LGU through its local health office. “These vaccines will be administered to 585 recipients that comprises priority groups A1 to A5,”

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mayor Gokiangkee said. According to mayor Gokiangkee, the arrival of the additional vaccines will allow more Clavernons to get inoculated against COVID-19. “We need to be more aggressive in fighting back against our common enemy, the coronavirus. Today we should allow

ourselves a smile because we have acquired additional vaccines, but we must not drop our guard. Getting vaccinated is good for you and for the entire nation. So, please get a jab now!” urged mayor Gokiangkee. Present also during the turn-over of vaccines are Meriam O. Ceredon, Pharmacist II of the PDOHO- SDN; Lyn Ivonnie De Chavez of the DOHDoongan warehouse; other representatives from DOH Caraga and FDA; and Hazel Jean M. Precillas, DMO IV of the Provincial DOH Office together with the frontliners from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) to witness the event. (LGU-Claver/ VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) August 7-13, 2021 |

Ika-24th Caraga Business Conference, inilunsad ng Surigao del Norte pamahalaan, academe, at local chamber members, na talakayin ang mga isyu na magbibigay daan sa pagbuo ng mga rekomendasyon at resolusyon.

Inilunsad ng Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry ang 24th Caraga Business Conference. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng Department of Trade and Industry, lokal na pamahalaan ng Surigao del Norte at Surigao City, itinakda ang three-day event o hybrid conference na gagawin sa ika-17 hanggang 19 ng Agosto ngayong taon, sa pamamagitan ng online platform, live streaming, virtual plenaries, at trade fair exhibit. Sa temang “Business beyond COVID-19: The path to the new normal” na angkop sa kalagayan ng ekonomiya sa gitna ng pandemya ay may layuning pasiglahin at patatagin ang business industry sa buong rehiyon. “Daku gyud kini og tabang sa

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ordinaryong katawhan unsaon pag palambo sa ilang tagsatagsa ka panginabuhi, kay thru this business conference we will be sharing the best practices used by successful big corporations through the years na ato ipasabot sa ordinaryong katawhan para dili kita ma iwit sa kalamboan (Malaking tulong ito sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan, kung paano mapalago ang kanilang negosyo. Through this business conference, we will be sharing the best practices used by successful big corporations through the years, para hindi tayo mapagiwanan sa pag-unlad),” sabi ni Willie Gan, presidente ng Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ang gagawing onlive events ay magsisilbi ring daan para sa negosyante, representante ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng

“So, number one namo concern is mapaabot sa national government na kaning mga negosyante mabalik ang ilang mga negosyo or to support the financial needs sa industry mao gyud sila ang number one namo nga concern (Ang pinakaunang concern namin ay maiparating sa national government na itong mga negosyante natin ay tulungan makabangon and if we can support them with their financial needs, yan ang talaga ang concern namin),” ani Julie Senense, PCCI regional governor for eastern Mindanao. Samantala, bubuksan na sa publiko ang Caraga Trade Fair expo sa Butuan City simula Agosto 15 hanggang 19, at ang Agri Trade Fair sa Surigao City grandstand sa Agosto 17-19. Hinihikayat naman ang lahat ng mga micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) na sumali sa nasabing exhibit para maibenta ang kanilang mga produktong may kalidad. (VLG/Surigao del Norte)

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DA turns over P3-M modernized agriculture facility to Bislig City of the Plant Plant Plant Program, a DA program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A P3 Million worth of Modernized Agriculture Facility was formally received by the city government of Bislig through Mayor Florencio Garay from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga, during the turnover ceremony held on Friday, August 6, 2021, in the city. The project was funded under the DA–Caraga’s High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) through the Caraga INFOCUS

He also said the nursery which has a capacity of 50,000 seedlings will be very useful in the city government’s initiative of distributing planting materials to households for them to plant in their backyards. Mayor Garay, on the other hand, said they would provide support to Photo credit to: DA Caraga ensure the sustainability of the project. The Urban Agriculture official hopes that the Program under the Bayanihan to Recover as project’s use would be maximized and that it One Act (Bayanihan II). will contribute to the development of the The said facility is the agriculture sector in the first in Surigao del Sur city. established at the Organic Agri-Fishery Tourism Complex in Sian, Sta. Cruz, Bislig City, one of the five projects installed in the region. According to DACaraga HVCDP Coordinator Marco Antonio Morido, the project is also in support

The facility features a Hydroponics System, an agriculture greenhouse, and a nursery with Automated Fertigation System. It has also a component of a seasonlong training that will run for 16 weeks. (DA/PIASurigao del Sur) August 7-13, 2021 |

DA turns over 40 heads of gilts to SurSur livestock farmers

Photo by: DA Caraga

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through its livestock program turned over 40 heads of gilt pig to four clustered associations in the province of Surigao del Sur on August 8.

of feeds were also CorTanTaBaySanmi, distributed amounting to received by Mathew P417,418.00. Plaza III. For the third cluster from MaCaSaL, According to Regional received by Virgilio Livestock Program A. Dalman, and for Coordinator Jekem the fourth cluster from Sanchez, 10 gilt pigs will BiBaHiLiTa, received by be apportioned to every Bryan Salazar. four clusters of Surigao The gilt pigs amounting del Sur. The staff from the to P1.3 million would Office of the Provincial serve as additional stock Ten gilts were handed Agriculture Surigao del for the swine industry over to the first cluster Sur was also present under the Livestockfrom CarCanMadLan during the turnover based and Enterprise represented by their ceremony, represented Development Program. President, Florante by Livestock Coordinator Sugian. For the Catalino Segismar. (DAMoreover, 319 bags second cluster from Caraga)

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Gidaghanon sa mga full vaccinated sa COVID-19 sa Tandag City kapin 8-mil na Muabot na sa 8, 719 ang gidaghanon sa mga fully-vaccinated nga mga indibidwal gikan sa A1, A2, ug A3 Priority Group subay sa nagpadayon nga coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination Roll Out dinhi sa siyudad sa Tandag. Sa pakighinabi sa Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, gibutyag ni Dr. Ruth Arraz, City Health Officer ning Siyudad, nga ang maong numero gamit na ang tulo ka mga brand sa bakuna nga mao ang AstraZeneca, Sinovac, ug Johnson&Johnson. Gawas niini, miabot na usab sa 6, 552 ang nakadawat sa ilang 1st dose gamit ang AstraZeneca ug Sinovac Vaccines lamang nag-edad 35-anyos hangtud kung diin nagpadayon pa usab ang 59-anyos subay sa patakaran sa pagpamakuna karon alang sa ilang Department of Health. 2nd dose. Haom matud pa kini alang sa mga Samtang sugod karong adlawa, OFW nga nakatakdang mugawas sa sugdan na usab nila ang nasud nga mabakunahan na labi na pagpamakuna gamit ang Moderna karon nga wala pa’y naka – schedule Vaccine. nga pagpamakuna sa 1st dose gamit ang AstraZeneca ug Sinovac. Sumala pa nga adunay sila’y nadawat nga 150 doses sa maong Subay niini, alang niadtong gustong bakuna nga alang sa A2 ug A4 magpabakuna sa Moderna, muadto Priority Group dinhi sa siyudad. lang sa City Administrators Office sa Apan gipahibalo niini nga ang City Hall alang sa pre-registration. mabakunahan lang sa Moderna (Raymond Samson Aplaya - RP1 ilawom sa A4 Priority Group kadto Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

August 7-13, 2021 |

PRDP roads unlock farm opportunities in AgSur

Farmers and consumers can now meet halfway to sell and buy fresh produce after the turn-over of the 13.3 km Concrete Bucac-MarcelinaMahapag-San Vicente Farmto-Market Road held on August 5, 2021. The P210 Million project funded by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DAPRDP) targets to support the rubber industry and farm products in Bayugan City and its neighboring municipalities. The FMR reduces the travel time of transporting cup lumps to the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility from 20 to 10 minutes. It also lessens post-harvest losses and transportation costs, thereby increasing farmers’ income. Considered as the 2nd longest FMR funded by PRDP with a 10% counterpart from

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the Provincial Government, this Package 2 project covers barangays Marcelina and Katipunan in Bayugan City; and Mahapag and Anislagan in San Luis, Agusan del Sur. A farmer and Barangay Kagawad of Katipunan, Bayugan City, Rogelio O. Estodillo Jr. expressed his joy with the turn-over of the FMR. “I am greatly thankful now that buyers can come directly to our barangay since our road is already passable. Unlike before, our crops are now guaranteed fresh,” said Estodillo. Aside from transporting goods, access to services and facilities is just one ride away from the residents in the recipient barangays. Going to the hospitals and acquiring essential needs became convenient.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo led the turnover of the project to the Province as received by Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. Director Monteagudo also reminded the farmers that government interventions are always present. Officials just have to work together and give their counterparts to make dreams happen. Likewise, Governor Cane lauded the DA for the outpouring of support and interventions that are given to their farmers and the community. The turn-over was attended by the barangay, municipal, and provincial officials of Bayugan City and Agusan del Sur. (Zenny G. Awing / DAPRPD13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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AgSur IPs receive P2.3M worth of support for abaca, banana production Monteagudo said.

In time for the World Indigenous Day celebration, a P2.3 million support for abaca and banana production in Sibagat of this province was turned over by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) Program to CADT 093 or Wawa Sectoral Tribal Council (WSTC) in Bagat Site Landmark, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on August 8, 2021. DA Regional Executive Caraga INFOCUS

Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the intervention will greatly help the tribal council and the LGU since the commodity requires less crop care and maintenance and can thrive with just enough sunlight and water. “This can produce so many financial returns for the farmers. In terms of processing, a semimechanize approach will be a big difference compared to the manually cleaned and harvested,” Dir.

Municipality of Sibagat Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista also said that Abaca is the municipality’s onetown-one-product and presently requires more support to boost its production. “Over 90 percent of the inhabitants of Sibagat come from the CADT area which covers 20 out of 24 barangays. Through a dialogue we had with different agencies and the local farmers, I am very happy that our tribal council is very interested in boosting the production of the commodity pushing us to be one of the best producers of abaca in the region,” she said. Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Datu Lumad II Samuel Behing also shared his words of commitment saying that the council is delighted to accept responsibility August 7-13, 2021 |

Part also of the implementation of the 4Ks Program in the region is the involvement of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) – Caraga spearheaded by Atty. Marlon Bosantog.

for boosting the abaca and banana production in the municipality. “The council asked for this project so we take full responsibility along with the assistance from the LGU, the DA, and the NCIP. The LGU targets 2,000 hectares of abaca production and we can be of help with our 20 hectares, and another 20 hectares also allocated for banana production,” Datu Behing said. DA-4Ks Focal Person Edelmira Luminarias said that of the P2.3 M production inputs, P600,000 was apportioned for 20,000 pieces of banana suckers; P600,000 for 20,000 pieces of abaca

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suckers; P600,000 for 1,200 sacks of organic soil ameliorants; and P500,000 for farm tools such as pole pruner, bolo, a hole digger, and shovel. “Last 2019 even before the 4Ks Program was implemented, CADT 093 had already indicated its interest for the assistance of their banana and abaca production. However, due to its big requirement, it was not lodged into the regular program. Until 2020, the 4Ks Program was installed making CADT 093 as one of our pioneer recipients,” Luminarias said.

“One of the most important partner of the NCIP is the DA since the program that we have right now, looking forward and moving forward, is food security. The DA and the National Government have seen that we have at least 48% of the land and water area in the Philippines that are owned by the different tribes. Five million of which were already given titles and the remaining millions of it, even though they still have no title yet, are is still owned by them,” RD Bosantog said. Before the ceremonial turnover of the production inputs, a thanksgiving ritual was done first by the tribal leaders of the Wawa Sectoral Tribal Council. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, DA-RAFIS13/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Army in AgSur affirms adherence to IHL In observance of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army once again affirmed its adherence to IHL through a joint lecture and open forum on IHL with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)Caraga held recently at the Battalion Headquarters, Barangay Mahayahay, San Luis, this province. The IHL is known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict. It is a set of rules which seeks for humanitarian reasons to limit the effects of armed conflict, protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 134 of 1999, August 12 of every year is designated as the IHL Day with this year’s theme: “Upholding the Law of Armed Conflict Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protecting Humanity for Healing and Recovery”. “As duty bearers, it is our obligation to respect and protect the rights of our fellowmen in preserving human dignity. We all have rights, and we need to exercise those rights

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responsibly while respecting the rights of others,” said MiAn C. Taglucop, Information Officer III of CHR-Caraga, emphasized during her lecture to the troops of 26IB. The best practices of the Battalion were also discussed during the lecture. As recalled from a previous encounter, a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was captured by the troops of 26IB. Following the mandate of IHL, the wounded NPA was given a first aid immediately by the unit’s medical team and was brought to Talacogon District Hospital for his proper medical treatment. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB affirmed the adherence of the unit to IHL. “It is our duty to care for the wounded and sick, regardless of whether they are wounded fighters of non-state armed groups,

uniformed personnel or civilians. As we strengthen our counter-terrorism measures in our area of operations, we ensure that the Ever Onward troopers are performing their duties in accordance with stated policies, guidelines and procedures on IHL in all operations against known enemies of the state,” he underscored. “Aside from the threats imposed through armed conflict, an unseen threat, the COVID-19 pandemic is still on the rise. And it is even more important to ensure that all those affected by these threats are respected and protected. We, in the Philippine Army, continue our commitment to the promotion and implementation of IHL while securing our land and serving our people,” added Goce. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

August 7-13, 2021 |

AgNor school gets DOST’s STARBOOKS, internet connectivity

The Simbalan National High School (NHS) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte received one set of desktop computer installed with stand-alone digital library, the Science & Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It will serve as the school’s main learning platform for digitized S&T resources, in addition

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to the few available reference materials from the school’s library. Moreover, STARBOOKS will aid teachers in enhancing their learning materials using available modules on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from the system. Also known as a “library in a box,” the deployment of STARBOOKS was initiated by the Science and Technology Information

Institute (STII) of DOST which aims to provide access to science and technology information for students, teachers, and researchers, especially for schools in remote areas throughout the Philippines. Internet connectivity was also provided to Simbalan NHS which shall open opportunities for the school to access unlimited resource materials to be used in the delivery of quality Caraga INFOCUS

education for its students. It shall further allow them to get connected with the fast relay of communication in the new normal and cope up with demands of today’s distance learning. Thru the utilization of different online platforms, teachers and students of the school can now actively participate in the different S&T-related trainings and other relevant activities which are being conducted online. The school is located within the heart of Brgy. Simbalan, approximately 40 kilometers from Buenavista’s center of economy. The provision of quality education

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for the students of the community has been challenged with the absence of access to fast communication, to include internet connectivity and telecommunication signal.

education.

This initiative is part of DOST’s implementation of the program, “Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology,” for Brgy. Simbalan. The The school’s situation interventions provided was even made more will significantly difficult with the COVID contribute to the 19 crisis which compelled school’s continued schools to adopt distant pursuit in providing learning strategies. quality education for the students in the Students and educators barangay, and to in the barangay were eventually increase the greatly deprived with youth’s appreciation on sufficient educational how science, technology resources, and with the and innovation work updated science and for the development of technology information their community. (DOST to help increase the students’ awareness Agusan del Norte/PIA and interest on S&T Agusan del Norte)

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Cabadbaran mohatag amnestiya sa buhis

Paghatag sa amnestiya sa buhis alang sa anaa nay interest sa tanan delinquent real property taxes sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ubos sa City Ordinance No. 2021-011 gi-deklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 330-2021. Ubos sa maong ordinansa sa pagpangamahan ni SP Member John Paul C. Famador, adunay amnestiya ug / o kahupayan alang sa natipon nga mga silot sa tanan nga buhis sa yuta sa Syudad sa Cabadbaran nga bayaran sa Disyembre 31, 2020, apan ang mga buhis alang sa tuig 2021 hingpit nga pabayran na. Ang mga kabtangan nga apil mao ang mosunud:

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2.1 Those which are undeclared and subject to back taxes; 2.2 Those which are declared but the real property taxes thereon have not been completely paid; 2.3 Those included in the public auctions conducted by local governments, this city, but were not purchased by private persons or entities, provided, however that the title or tax declaration thereto has not been transferred to the local government unit concerned; and 2.4 Real properties subject of pending cases in court for real property tax delinquencies. Kini aron maseguro ang makabenipisyo ang mga tag-iya sa real estate sa

syudad sa Cabadbaran nga nagpaayo pa sa mga kalisud sa ekonomiya nga dala sa karon nga pandemya tungod kay ang amnestiya sa buhis o tax relief makatabang sa ilang mga lakang sa rehabilitasyon, ingon man maminusan ang palasanon sa mga tag-iya sa yuta. aron ma-areglo ang ilang mga nakalapas nga buhis sa real estate, sa ingon niini matabangan ang mga magbubuhis nga mabawi ang kalig-on sa panalapi taliwala sa pandemya ug makadani kini sa mga magbubuhis nga magbayad Nahiuyon usab kini sa mga probisyon sa Republic Act No. 11469 o ang “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, nga nagdeklara nga usa ka state of national emergency sa tibuuk nga nasud aron makontrol ang pagkaylap sa makamatay nga COVID-19. Ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 330-2021 giduso sa Committee on Ways and Means diin tsirman si Provincial Board Member Francisco Y. Chan, Jr. atol sa ika-101st regular session. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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MINDANAO NEWS

BARMM starts construction of P5-M warehouse in Maguindanao Some 300 rice farmers, including former members of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), are set to benefit from a government warehouse project in the so-called “SMPS box” in Maguindanao. The SPMS box is a military term for the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan town), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha, where the BIFF operates. “This is to further usher in development and help the farmers store their palay harvests in the area,” Minister Mohammad Yacob of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform– Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) said Monday. Yacob said the PHP5million warehouse project, equipped with a vast pavement solar drier, will be set up at Barangay Bialong in Shariff Aguak town. Yacob and other MAFARBARMM officials broke ground on the site of the

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AGRO-WAREHOUSE PROJECT. MAFAR-BARMM Minister Mohammad Yacob (center) leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the PHP5-million warehouse project with a solar drier at Barangay Bialong, Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao on Aug. 5, 2021. The project, once completed, is expected to benefit some 300 farmers at the so-called SMPS box, comprising the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan town), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha in the province. (Photo courtesy of MAFAR-BARMM)

warehouse project on Aug. 5 upon the request of the Salindao Farmers Marketing Cooperative in the area that has over 100 rice farmer-members. “Farmers from Barangay Bialong of Shariff Aguak, the municipality and nearby villages from other nearby towns may use the facility for safe storing and efficient drying of their produced agroproducts,” he said. “Their area is vast, which is why the ministry chose them as the beneficiary of the project. They are also centered inside the SPMS box where the paddy field

is extensive.” Yacob said the project is expected to be fully completed by February next year due to existing health protocols brought about by the pandemic. “The farmers really need this project as it stores at least 1,000 bags of their harvested palay products. Despite their vast area, they do not have such a large warehouse,” he added. Yacob said the MAFAR Engineering Division would be closely monitoring the construction of the facility. (PNA/Noel Punzalan)

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Lanao town builds LGU-Funded Solar-Powered Water Systems

The small town of Taraka, Lanao del Sur (Pop. 25,000) on Tuesday commissioned two of its six units of Solar-Powered Water Systems to irrigate some 700-hectares and provide potable water for its constituents under an Economic Enterprise Program which allows it to recover its investments. Taraka thus becomes the first local government unit in the country to operate a business enterprise by providing irrigation and Caraga INFOCUS

water services to its constituents, exercising the corporate powers of the LGU stipulated in the Local Government Code. The SPIS units will now enable rice farmers to plant twice a year and improve their production from 3.5 metric tons per harvest once a year to at least 8 metric tons twice a year. This will also mark the beginning of the Taraka Rice Industry to produce, process and market

premium rice. Two private seed companies, Seedworks Phils. and Ramgo Seeds International have pledged to support the program by providing hybrid high-yielding seeds to produce long grain premium rice. PhilRice, PhilMech and the Department of Agriculture Northern Mindanao Region are also supporting the program. This all started with August 7-13, 2021 |

the launching of the Mindanao Water Supply Program on Dec. 6, 2019 which was conceptualized by the Mindanao Development Authority and supported by the Dept. of Interior and Local Government and the Development Bank of the Philippines. Taraka Mayor Nashiba Gandamra Sumagayan, a former professor of the Mindanao State University, and officials of the town asked MinDA to enrol the town in the program. Even at the height of the COVID 19 Pandemic, MinDA staff started the ground work early in 2020 while DBP processed a loan package for Taraka town which included the acquisition of roadbuilding equipment. MinDA staff led by Northern Mindanao Area Management Office Director Olie Degala, backed by planners and staff of MinDA based in Davao City prepared the Master Plan for the Development of Agriculture in Taraka and the establishmet of a data base.

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In January this year, construction of the six Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems and a SolarPowered Water System with a Filtration System started. On Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, six months after the start of the construction, the first two units of the Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems were commissioned. The Solar-Powered Water Ssytem with a Filtration Facility is expected to be completed by November this year. Attending the commissioning of the SPIS units and the ceremonial planting

were MinDA officers and staff, Development Bank of the Philippines President Emmanuel G. Herbosa, Director Jeanie Sandoval and DBP officers, BARMM-MAFAR Deputy Minister Ammal Solaiman, local officials led by Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan, Vice Mayor Odin Sumagayan, council members, barangay chairmen and farmer leaders. Taraka now stands as MinDA’s model of a selfreliant local government unit which will be replicated in other parts of the region to spur its economic development, boost productivity and address rural poverty. (MinDA) Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar supports call for creation of PH Virology Institute Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday expressed his support for the creation of a Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). The said institute will upgrade the country’s capacity to develop its own vaccines, likewise be a premier research institute in virology and diseases in humans, animals, and plants. “Dalawang sakit ang hinaharap natin. Una ay ang COVID-19, na nakahahawa sa ating mga tao. At pangalawa ay ang ASF, na ang tinatamaan ay mga hayop – at ang apektado ay ang hog industry natin. Laban sa dalawang virus na ito, bukod sa pag-iingat upang di mahawaan, ang solusyon ay nasa bakuna [We are battling against two diseases. One is the COVID-19 that is contagious among people. And the second is the ASF, which targets animals – and this is directly affecting our hog industry. Aside from ensuring safety against the spread of these viruses vaccine is the solution],” Secretary Andanar said. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his last State of the Nation Address, endorsed the

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Andanar

passage of a law creating the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines. “Masaya po tayo at agad inaksyunan na ng Kongreso ang planong Virology and Vaccination Institute of the Philippines. Sana nga ay agaran nang maisabatas ito upang masimulan na rin ang kanilang trabaho [We are happy that there was a quick action from Congress on the plan to create a Virology and Vaccination Institute of the Philippines. We are looking forward to its passage so that we can work on it right away],” Secretary Andanar said. Agriculture Secretary William Dar sat as a guest during the Cabinet Report, where he provided updates on their initiative to find a vaccine against the outbreak of the African Swine Fever in the country. Secretary Dar said that they sought the help of the United States Department

of Agriculture (USDA) to connect with private pharmaceutical companies in the said endeavor. The study is currently at its phase 1 trial. “This is a good start because after 100 years no one from advanced countries has developed a vaccine for ASF,” he said. “We are excited because just like the COVID-19, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” he added. The agency is targeting to vaccinate the country’s hog inventory of about 9.7 million for free, should the government agree to shoulder the expenses for the purchase and the vaccination process in the future. The decision of whether to push for the use of the vaccine is yet to be given by the end of 2021, according to Secretary Dar. For now, the agency will continue to implement its biosecurity measures and employ its Task Force Bantay ASF.

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Sec. Andanar: With lower crime volume, it’s now safer to live in PH With all the peace and order initiatives undertaken by the government in the past five years, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that living in the Philippines is now much safer. He said this noting that the legacy accomplishments of the Duterte administration in maintaining and securing public safety, peace, and order across the Philippines is critical Caraga INFOCUS

in the continued growth of the country. “We have given back the streets to our people. It’s safer now to live in the Philippines because we’ve managed to bring down the crime incidence. There’s lesser petty crimes reported like theft. There’s no more “laglag bala” scheme,” he said during an interview. In the recent presentation of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cabinet Cluster (SJPCC), Gallup’s 2020 law and order index said

that 8 out 10 Filipinos felt secure based on their own experiences with crime and law enforcement, placing the Philippines among the top 50 countries with good peace and order, at par with New Zealand, Australia, Serbia, and Poland. The total crime volume in the country dropped in 2020 to 383, 189 from 520,641 in 2017. Secretary Andanar said that the unrelenting promotion of the antiillegal drugs campaign August 7-13, 2021 |

country’s economy expanded in the second quarter this year with 11.8% growth, ending the recession.

PNA photo

of the administration also contributed to the effectiveness of preventing crime. Over 21,000 barangays have been cleared from the influence of illegal drugs across the country and more than P59 billion worth of illegal drugs were confiscated.

Organization (WHO). “The World Health Organization commended our government for doing a good job in managing the pandemic,” he said.

“In spite of being a developing country and relatively, if you compare Secretary Andanar our health system to also said that while the that of the first world government continues its countries we are far campaign, its attention is from them. But we have now also on addressing managed to maintain the impacts of the a low mortality rate of COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19. So, we are He said that the country doing the right thing,” he is further promoting added. the vaccination of all Filipinos against the virus. He encouraged the public to take part The PCOO chief and support the also noted that the government’s push government is also for recovery amid the doing well on managing pandemic. The Philippine the pandemic as told Statistics Authority (PSA) by the World Health has reported that the

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“For the legacy to continue, let’s walk hand in hand with President Rodrigo Duterte in his remaining 11 months so that we will be able to attain economic prosperity, which we have gained prior to the pandemic,” he said. “We have seen in the last four years of his administration that he knows what he is doing and we’re treading in the right direction,” he added. The orderly and timely rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program is also crucial especially since Filipino voters are expected to flock to voting precincts for next year’s national elections. “We need to be able to conduct elections in a clean, honest, and orderly way. And we can only achieve this if we are already vaccinated,” Secretary Andanar said. Caraga INFOCUS

Duterte leadership sets benchmark on good governance for succeeding admin It is important to report to the Filipino people the improvements that the country has gained under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar stressed on Wednesday. Andanar Doing so will set the benchmark for the succeeding administrations and serve as a challenge for them either to continue the legacy of good governance for the public’s welfare or surpass the Duterte administration’s achievements. Caraga INFOCUS

“Ang Duterte Legacy ay ang communications campaign ng pamahalaan para maipaalala natin sa mga Pilipino kung ano yung mga legasiya ni Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa kanyang anim na taon na panunungkulan [The Duterte Legacy is a communications campaign of the government to remind the Filipino people of the legacies that Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte has made in his six years in office],” he said during this morning’s radio interview. “Sa mga nakaraang administrasyon, walang naging legacy

campaign so minarapat natin na magkaroon tayo nito para magawan natin ng benchmark ng panunungkulan [In the previous administrations, there were no legacy campaigns. We made sure that we have one so that we can set a benchmark in governance],” he added. Through the communications initiative dubbed as the Duterte Legacy campaign, the PCOO and its attached agencies are currently amplifying the notable accomplishments of the government. It highlights legacies on peace and order, infrastructure August 7-13, 2021 |

and development, and poverty alleviation, as well as the government’s COVID-19 response. “Ang dahilan kung bakit natin ni-rollout itong Duterte Legacy is really for the nation to appreciate what the President, what this administration has done for the entire country, at para din bigyan ng sukatan ang Pilipino kung ano dapat at sino ang karapat-dapat na maging susunod na Pangulo sa 2022 [The reason why we rolled out the Duterte Legacy is really for the nation to appreciate what the President, what this administration has done for the entire country, and also to give Filipinos a measure to which they can compare who deserves to be the next president in 2022],” the PCOO chief said. Given the limitations in physical interactions and gatherings due to the pandemic, Secretary Andanar said that they have strengthened their partnership with various media entities. “The best way to be able to reach the wider

|August 7-13, 2021

Filipino audience and deliver the messages of the President, especially during this pandemic, is through strengthened partnership with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), who is broadcasting the Laging Handa communications programs that we are undertaking,” he said.

Laging Handa Dokyu, among others.

“Pinagsama natin ang government media facilities sa isang direksyon sa ilalim ni Presidente Duterte. Napalakas natin ang Philippine News Agency, PTV, Philippine Information Agency, Bureau of Communications The PCOO chief noted Service, RTVM and the that the Laging Handa PCOO itself. And we now Communication have broadcast facilities campaign, which that we never had was created in before [We were able to 2016, prepared the integrate in one direction government media in our government communicating the right media facilities under information during crisis President Duterte. We situations. also strengthened the Philippine This strategy is often used News Agency, PTV, in times of calamities and Philippine Information disasters. And with the Agency, Bureau of COVID-19 pandemic, Communications it has proven effective Service, RTVM and the in providing timely and PCOO itself],” Secretary accurate information to Andanar said. the public. He also said that PCOO It gave birth to various will push through with approaches of providing its Duterte Caravan information including nationwide, alongside initiatives such as the the visit of President Laging Handa Public Rodrigo Duterte to Briefing, the Network personally extend his Briefing News, COVID-19 gratitude to Filipinos who PH Radio, VAXplainer, have supported him. Caraga INFOCUS

Statement of Secretary Martin Andanar on the 11.8% GDP growth rate of the Philippines for the second quarter of 2021 We are delighted by the 11.8% expansion of our GDP for the second quarter of 2021. This is a good indicator of the strategic balance and management being employed by the Duterte administration in reopening the economy, while responding and addressing the impacts generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With businesses, commerce, and the rest of the private sector ramping up their trade and economic activities, the government will continue its economic recovery policies, Caraga INFOCUS

programs, and reforms, particularly the three-pillar strategy of accelerating the vaccination program, safely reopening of the economy while strictly adhering to public health protocols, and the full implementation of the recovery package, in order to assist the whole private sector in adapting to the new normal. As we are now out of recession, for the time being, and our strong economic recovery in 2021 remains prospective,

we continue to remind everyone that it’s only by working together and doing our part by observing all health protocols being promulgated by the government that we will be able to maintain the current economic momentum. We also encourage everyone to participate in the government’s Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate, and Vaccinate (PDITRV) strategy, so that we may fully heal from the COVID-19 pandemic as one nation. August 7-13, 2021 |

DBM approves P200-M fund for Visayas media hub The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the budget for the construction of another state-of- the-art media facility that will boost the capacity of government media in Visayas. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday that the DBM has already approved the allocation of P200 million for the construction of the Visayas Media Hub. “We are happy that the President finally approved this shortly after our success in constructing the Mindanao Media Hub, the largest government media facility outside of Metro Manila, and the largest in the country to date, which is under the Duterte administration,” he said during an interview.

|August 7-13, 2021

Andanar

The Visayas Media Hub will start its construction soon within the 3,000-square meter property of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City. Secretary Andanar said that such an initiative would level the field in terms of allocating programs and projects in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It also proves that the government, especially the current administration is stressing the importance of

communication to development. “Sa departamento ko masasabi ko na patas ang ating pagpapagawa ng radio station, mga TV station and now we have the Visayas Media Hub that basically will become the biggest media facility in the Visayas [In my department I can say that we have a level playing field in fixing radio stations, TV stations, and now we have the Visayas Media Hub that basically will become the biggest media facility there in the Visayas],” he said. Caraga INFOCUS

Mindanao media hub (File photo)

A Government Communications Academy is also expected to rise in Manolo Fortich Bukidnon soon.

Duterte. And because of this we were able to facilitate serving justice for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre case,” he said.

He also emphasized the other policies of the PCOO which support the open governance and free press that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his administration continue to promote, despite criticisms. Adding that these form part of the Duterte administration’s legacies in PCOO.

He said that this was the reason that the Philippines was removed by French-based Reporters Without Borders from its list of most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

“This Presidential Task Force on Media Security only happened under the term of President Caraga INFOCUS

The PCOO also championed the Freedom of Information, which revitalized civic participation in fighting against corruption. “The Executive Order

No. 2 which created the Freedom of Information gave us essentially the weapon to open documents under the national government for scrutiny of not just the media but the rest of the Filipino public. It only made the government more transparent in the fight against corruption,” Secretary Andanar said. He also mentioned the Media Welfare Bill which has already hurdled Congress approval and whose Senate version is currently pending. “For the first time, the PCOO participated in the policymaking process,” he added. August 7-13, 2021 |

Sec. Andanar: Tangible accomplishments support high approval rating of President Duterte

Detractors, claiming fake news on the rollout of the Duterte Legacy campaign, are welcome to verify the accomplishments of the administration through concerned government agencies and those communities directly benefiting from its programs. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary

|August 7-13, 2021

Martin Andanar said this on Friday, stressing that these policies and programs support the high approval and trust ratings of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

communities,” he said during an interview.

“Siguro naman pwede niyong i-check yung mga classrooms na 150,000 sa DepEd at DPWH. Papaano naging “We can always verify kasinungalingan iyon? these. We can visit those Pwede mo ding tingnan piers, airports, and road sa DBM at NEDA kung projects that are now magkano ang naging completed. We also infrastructure spending have over 21,000 drug ng ating pamahalaan. cleared barangays, From an average of 2% where we can talk to the nung mga nakaraang residents on how they administrasyon ay halos are now living in safer 5% of GDP. Napakalayo Caraga INFOCUS

naman ng sinasabi ng ating detractors [They can also check those 15,000 classroom built through DepEd and DPWH. How is that a lie? They may also verify with DBM and NEDA our country’s infrastructure spending. From an average of 2% from previous administrations, now we have almost 5% of the GDP. It’s even far from what our detractors are claiming],” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte has maintained high approval and trust ratings despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a recent independent and noncommissioned survey by the PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. conducted on July 13-19, 2021. Fifty-eight percent of 1,500 Filipino respondents approve of President Duterte’s work performance, while 55 percent continue to trust the Chief Executive.

Andanar

Pulse Asia survey result released last October 2020. The Chief Executive also topped on the list of bets for vice president for the 2022 Pulse Asia polls validating the Filipinos’ satisfaction and confidence in his leadership. Secretary Andanar said that President Duterte’s strong political will remains a great factor in accelerating the country’s economic status through the massive infrastructure projects, socio-economic reforms, and maintaining the peace and order.

He noted that having critics, who can freely Amid the outbreak of the COVID-19, President express their opinions on Duterte’s approval rating any platform, is proof that democracy is alive rose to 91% based on Caraga INFOCUS

in the country. “Ganoon talaga ang demokrasya mayroon kritiko. Mayroon ding ibang kritiko na sadyang ayaw tumingin sa mga magandang pagbabagong nangyayari sa ating bansa at gusto lamang paniwalaan ang sariling press release. Kahit andyan na sa harapan ay bulag-bulagan pa rin [That’s how democracy works. There will always be critics. There are also those critics who intentionally refuse to look at the positive changes that’s happening in our country and would rather believe their own press releases. Even if it is happening right in front of them, they still choose to turn a blind eye],” he said. August 7-13, 2021 |

Manobo tribe in Carmen, Surigao del Sur rebuilds traditional weaving The Manobo tribe residing in Carmen, Surigao del Sur has expressed their willingness to cooperate with their local government unit to revive traditional weaving. During the Network Briefing News on Friday, Mayor Jane ValerosoPlaza shared that the LGU visited the tribal community yesterday for its initial discussion of their project in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “Yung mga IP’s dito sa Carmen nawala po sa kanila yung weaving. Matagal-tagal na po na panahon, pero naalala po ng mga matatanda ngayon [Our IP’s here lost their traditional weaving a long time ago but the adults can still remember the practice],” she told host Presidential Communications

|August 7-13, 2021

Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

abaca products. Their livelihood project will start in September.

“We are excited kahapon sinabi nila na gusto nilang ibalik yun part of their culture na mag-weave [We are excited because yesterday they told us that they wanted to bring back their tradition of weaving],” she added.

This will boost not only the local culture but tourism as well. Mayor Valeroso-Plaza also mentioned their tourism master plan, which includes the development of a Hubason Adventure Trail.

Mayor Valeroso-Plaza said that the indigenous people there were encouraged to join the initiatives of the LGU because this will help add value to their

The LGU is also promoting the national government’s COVID-19 vaccination program to the IP communities. At present, Mayor Valeroso-Plaza said that only 5% of the tribe are vaccinated. Caraga INFOCUS

BONG GO

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for recently approving the grant of P3.783 billion assistance to local government units in the National Capital Region, and the provinces of Laguna and Bataan. “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay Pangulong Duterte sa pag-apruba ng dagdag na tulong pinansyal para sa mga apektadong Pilipino sa LGUs na nasa ECQ ngayon,” said Go. Caraga INFOCUS

Add’l funds for financial aid for ECQaffected areas in NCR, Laguna and Bataan approved; Bong Go urges LGUs to ensure timely and efficient distribution “Kaya bilisan agad dapat ang pagdistribute. Kailangan ito ng mga mahihirap. Nagmamadali tayo dito. Habulan ito — laban kontra COVID-19 at laban sa kagutuman,” he added. Go reiterated that government should always provide the necessary social protection to low-

income families to mitigate the adverse impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 global health crisis. “Habang nilalabanan natin ang COVID-19, tulungan rin natin ang ating mga kababayan na labanan ang hirap at gutom. Siguraduhin nating walang maiiwan sa ating muling pagbangon,” he said. August 7-13, 2021 |

This came after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases reverted the National Capital Region to the most stringent Enhanced Community Quarantine starting last August 6 until August 20. Laguna and Bataan were also placed under the same ECQ status from August 6-15 and August 8-22, respectively. These were intended to contain the further spread of COVID-19 whose spikes in cases are suspected to be caused by the more contagious Delta variant. “Hindi natin pababayaan ang mga pinakamahirap na nangangailangan ng pantawid habang naka ECQ sa lugar nila. Sila naman ang apektado dito, ang mga ‘isang kahig, isang tuka’, na talagang walang matakbuhan. Ito ang mga umaasa pong lumabas at magtrabaho araw-araw, sila po ang pinakaapektado dito,” he said. Upon the approval of the President, the Department of Budget

|August 7-13, 2021

and Management will be augmenting the Local Government Support Fund of LGUs amounting to P2.23 billion while another amount of P1.55 billion from excess revenue certified by the Bureau of Treasury will be released through Unprogrammed Appropriations. The assistance will be released directly to the concerned LGUs which will be in charge of distributing the same to their qualified beneficiaries. Similar to previous assistance granted to LGUs after the successful appeal of Go, the LGUs will be required to submit their Fund Utilization Reports. Earlier, Go appealed to the national government to grant financial assistance to the lowincome households of the NCR, comprising 80% of the population. President Duterte approved the said recommendation of DBM and National Economic and Development Authority, amounting to P10.894 billion for affected individuals

in Metro Manila. The additional funds shall augment this amount in order to match what was provided in March to these LGUs. “Binabalanse natin ang lahat lalo na ang pagprotekta sa kalusugan at pag-ahon ng ekonomiya. Palagi nating inuuna ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino upang masigurong walang maiiwan tungo sa ating muling pagbangon bilang isang mas matatag na bansa,” Go assured. Reiterating his appeal to LGUs tasked to disburse the funds, Go urged concerned authorities to quickly put the necessary mechanisms in place in order to prevent any administrative delay in distributing the financial aid to qualified individuals and households. “Dahil direktang idadownload ang mga pondo sa mga LGUs sa NCR, Laguna at Bataan, ang apela ko naman sa mga lokal na pamunuan ay siguraduhing Caraga INFOCUS

poverty is a vital part of any successful mitigation strategy.

maibibigay kaagad ang ayuda sa mga tamang benepisyaryo sa isang maayos, mabilis at ligtas na paraan na walang katiwalian,” he emphasized. Last March, the Senator had successfully appealed to government to provide assistance to the lowincome residents affected by the imposition of ECQ in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

affected by ECQ restrictions. “Nagpapatupad ng ECQ sa mga kritikal na lugar upang maagapan ang problema at maiwasan ang lalong pagkalat ng sakit. Kumbaga, nais nating patayin ang sunog bago ito maging ‘out of control’. Pero kasabay nito ay kailangan din nating maagapan ang hirap at maiwasan ang gutom sa ating mga komunidad,” Go said.

As the Chair of the The national government Senate Committee also provided assistance on Health, he to the residents of Iloilo acknowledged the need province, Iloilo City, for stricter restrictions to Cagayan de Oro City curb the spread of new and Gingoog City, infections. Go, however, Misamis Oriental who stressed that addressing had been likewise the issues of hunger and Caraga INFOCUS

“Huwag nating hayaang may mapapabayaan dito. Importante habang tuloy-tuloy ang pagbabakuna ay ‘wag tayo magpakakumpiyansa. Ulitin ko, ‘wag nating sayangin ang momentum ngayon ng ongoing vaccine rollout at sa pagbalanse ng kalusugan at ekonomiya,” stressed Go. “Pakiusap po, sumunod po tayo sa mga patakaran at magpabakuna na bago maging huli ang lahat. Ang inyong disiplina at kooperasyon ay makakapagligtas ng buhay ng kapwa nating Pilipino. Konting sakripisyo ito katumbas ang mga buhay na mapoproteksyunan natin,” he added. Go assured that the government is prepared to overcome these challenges as long as Filipinos cooperate and remain united towards the collective goal of protecting lives. August 7-13, 2021 |

Bong Go extends support to hundreds of microentrepreneurs in Santiago City and Cordon, Isabela

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured micro-entrepreneurs that the government is ready to help them overcome the COVID-19 crisis in a video message for a series of relief activities in Santiago City and

|August 7-13, 2021

Cordon, Isabela on Tuesday, August 10. Go added that the government is working hard to balance their health and safety and need to earn a living, and advised them to

use responsibly the assistance they received to improve their families’ lives. “Mga kababayan, magtulungan at magmalasakit tayo sa ating kapwa. Ginagawa Caraga INFOCUS

BONG GO

ng gobyerno ang lahat upang mabalanse ang ekonomiya at ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said. “Ngayon, tuturuan at bibigyan kayo ng gobyerno ng puhunan sa pagne-negosyo. Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Masarap sa pakiramdam ‘pag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan niyo ang inyong kita. Sana gamitin niyo ito sa tama at dalhin niyo ang kita ninyo sa inyong mga pamilya,” continued Go.

Community Center in Santiago City and Kapirpiriwan Community Center in Cordon. Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes. Others were given bicycles so they can travel to work with ease or computer tablets to help their children with their education.

To offset the financial impacts of the pandemic, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance through its The Senator’s team Sustainable Livelihood distributed meals, Program to help them vitamins, masks and face engage in and maintain shields to a total of 381 thriving livelihoods. micro-entrepreneurs at the Barangay Rizal “Dati po akong tricycle Caraga INFOCUS

driver. Napakahirap nung nagsimula ang pandemya dahil nagpapagatas pa ako nun. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako kukuha ng pera nang natigil ‘yung pasada. Nagpapasalamat ako na kahit papano, may naitulong ang gobyerno sa akin nun. Ginamit ko ‘yun para makapagsimula sa panibagong buhay at bagong negosyo,” said Domingo Lanoria Jr., an online seller from Santiago City. “Natutuwa ako ngayon dahil mayroon na namang bagong tulong para sa aming nawalan ng trabaho. Idadagdag ko ito sa maliit na negosyo ko para makatulong sa aking August 7-13, 2021 |

pamilya,” he added.

Senate Committee on Health, ako ay lubhang To reduce their risk of nababahala kung hindi having severe symptoms natin maagapan at of COVID-19, the Senator magawan ng paraan offered further assistance upang mapigilan ang to beneficiaries with mabilis na pagtaas health-related concerns. ng bilang ng kaso,” He advised them to continued Go. seek the services of the Malasakit Centers “Hirap na nga tayo sa located at the Southern pagkuha ng bakuna Isabela Medical Center para sa may edad in Santiago City and at dahil sa limitadong the Gov. Faustino N. Dy, supply. Baka kailangang Sr. Memorial Hospital in maghanap na naman Ilagan City. tayo ng mga bakuna para sa mga menor The Malasakit Center de edad. Sa patuloy is a one-stop shop na pananalasa ng where poor and mas nakakahawang indigent patients may Delta variant, ako conveniently avail ay umaapela na medical assistance from sundin natin ang mga relevant government health protocols,” he agencies, namely the appealed. DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Ending his message, Insurance Corporation, Go thanked the and Philippine Charity public officials for their Sweepstakes Office. service at this time, The centers have now specifically 4th District benefited more than Representative Sheena two million Filipinos Tan Dy; Governor nationwide. Rodolfo Albano III; Vice Governor Faustino Dy “Kamakailan ay naiulat III; Santiago City Mayor na halos umaabot Joseph Tan; and Cordon ng 30% ang pagtaas Mayor Lynn Zuniega and sa bilang ng mga Vice Mayor Jane Ngipol, batang natatamaan ng among others. COVID-19 ayon sa datos To boost infrastructure ng DOH. Bilang Chair ng development and

|August 7-13, 2021

provide more economic opportunities, the Senator has supported the funding of several projects in Santiago City, including the construction of a flood control structure in Barangays Dubinan East, Nabbuan, Sinsayon, and Santo Domingo. He also supported other initiatives in Isabela province, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Cauayan, Echague, Naguilian, Quezon, San Pablo and Ilagan City; construction of bridges in Benito Soliven, Jones, Mallig, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Guillermo, San Mariano and Ilagan City; and concreting, upgrading or rehabilitation of existing roads throughout the province. The previous day, August 9, Go’s team distributed aid to 500 typhoon victims in Mallig. The activities were conducted in batches to ensure strict adherence to the governmentissued health and safety procotols against COVID-19. Caraga INFOCUS

BONG GO

Bong Go continues aid for vulnerable groups in Bohol, this time in Danao and Loboc, in response to the needs of communities in crisis

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in the midst of the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, appealed for more support for vulnerable populations, particularly victims of disasters, as his team arranged a series of events for atrisk families in Bohol on Tuesday, August 10. At the towns’ respective municipal gyms, his team gave meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 1,244 individuals from several sectors. Some of the recipients received new shoes, while others Caraga INFOCUS

received bicycles. Others received tablet computers to assist their children in accessing educational resources.

Talagang ang hirap (dahil sa pandemya) dahil pati trabaho, wala.”

“Solid talaga kaming “Salamat po kay Senator Duterte at kay Bong Go,” Bong Go sa aking she added. natanggap na bisikleta,” said James Rortiso, one Financial support was of the beneficiaries. separately distributed by personnel from Dionesia Piacbet, a the Department of beneficiary from Loboc, Social Welfare and also thanked President Development through its Rodrigo Duterte, Go, Assistance to Individuals and the rest of the in Crisis Situation government for the program. assistance she received, saying “Sa ngayon, Potential beneficiaries caretaker ako ng isang for the Department of bahay ng foreigner. Trade and Industry’s and August 7-13, 2021 |

the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s respective support programs were also assessed.

from COVID-19.

“Mga kababayan, nag-umpisa na po ang pagbabakuna ng mga senior citizens, persons The Senator, who is also with comorbidities, the Chair of the Senate economic frontliners Committee on Health, at mga indigent. advised persons who are Magpabakuna na kayo eligible for immunization para protektado kayo to register and get their at maiiwasan niyo ang shots so they can protect mga grabeng sintomas themselves and others ng COVID-19. Huwag

|August 7-13, 2021

magkumpiyansa at may mas delikadong variant na tinatawag na Delta variant,” said Go. “Halos araw-araw, tumataas ang kaso sa buong Pilipinas dahil mabilis na kumalat ang variant na ito. Kaya pakiusap namin ni Presidente Duterte, kailangan namin ang kooperasyon ninyo. Caraga INFOCUS

Ginagawa ang lahat ng ito ng gobyerno para sa kapakanan ninyo,” he continued. Individuals with health problems were offered medical assistance by the Senator. He urged them to seek assistance if needed at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City or the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay, which both have fully operational Malasakit Centers. Go authored and sponsored the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, after securing a seat in the Senate in 2019. The measure, which was signed into law by the President in December 2019, brings together all of the government agencies that provide medical aid to poor and impoverished patients under one roof. The DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Caraga INFOCUS

are among the entities involved.

Valencia and Tagbiliran City; construction or improvement of Ending his remarks, Go evacuation centers in recognized and thanked Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, various local officials Carmen, Corella, for their leadership and Garcia-Hernandez commitment to help and Valencia; and constituents overcome improvement of existing the COVID-19 pandemic. roads in Baclayon and Among those were 2nd Loay. District Representative Aris Aumentado; 3rd He also supported District Representative the construction of Kristine Tutor; Governor slaughterhouses in Arthur Yap; Vice Loay and Inabanga; Governor Rene improvement of the Relampagos; Danao public markets in Bilar, Mayor Joe Cepedoza Clarin, Cogon, Lila and Vice Mayor Al Vitor; and Sagbayan; and Mayor Leon Calipusan construction of a fish and Vice Mayor Bebot port in Jagna, among Sumampong; and many others. more. On August 9, Go also As Vice Chair of the distributed assistance Senate Committee on to 943 beneficiaries at Finance, Go continues the Panglao Cultural to support infrastructure Center, Dauis municipal development around gym and Barangay the country to improve Baluarte covered court public service delivery in Baclayon. They also and provide more provided the same aid economic opportunities. to 248 storm surge victims For Bohol, he pushed at the Loay municipal for the construction gym. of multi-purpose buildings in Dauis, Loay, Each activity was Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, conducted in batches to Batuan, Buenavista, ensure strict compliance Danao, Dimiao, Duero, with the health and Garcia-Hernandez, safety protocols against Guindulman, Loon, COVID-19. August 7-13, 2021 |

Government listening to experts and adapting to Delta threat, says Nograles

be effective in preventing cases from ballooning.”

Nograles

The country has overcome spikes in COVID-19 cases before, and it will do so again by listening to health experts and adapting accordingly.

and credited the vigilant monitoring of COVID variants by the Department of Health (DOH), as well as the ability of the government to quickly act on its recommendations, This according to Cabinet for the appropriate Secretary Karlo Nograles, interventions now being who on Monday said that the implemented to prevent government had decided further increases in the to institute the stringent number of cases. restrictions beginning Friday, August 6, as it had “Given what we know anticipated a possible about the Delta variant, increase in COVID cases due the increases in the cases to the virus’ more virulent the past few days and the Delta variant. increase in the positivity rate were not unexpected, Nograles, co-chair of the and we understood that if Inter-Agency Task Force decisive steps were not taken on the Management there would even be more of Emerging Infectious cases,” said Nograles. Diseases (IATF), agreed Nograles said “we hope the with assessments that the public recognizes that such implementation of the steps are necessary at this Enhanced Community point, and that these circuitQuarantine (ECQ) in breaker quarantines have Metro Manila was timely, been proven in the past to

|August 7-13, 2021

The OCTA research group has commended the government for taking swift action to address the increase in COVID cases, and said that if the decision to implement the ECQ was delayed to Aug. 15, “NCR would have breached 4,500 new cases per day, which would likely extend the lockdown and cause more negative impact on people and the economy.” Nograles reissued a call he had made at the beginning of the pandemic, appealing to the public to leave their homes only for essentials. “Bahay muna, buhay muna. This is even more important now given how this Delta variant works,” stressed the Palace official. “At kung kailangan lumabas, wag kalimutan mag face mask at face shield. With the cooperation of the public, we were able to reduce the number of cases before and we were able to loosen the restrictions to allow more economic activity,” he added. “Nagawa natin dati sa tulong at kooperasyon ng ating mga kababayan, at magagawa natin yan muli.”

Caraga INFOCUS

Gordon backs urgent passage of bill granting preferential tax rates on private schools

Gordon

Senator Richard J. Gordon, co-author of Senate Bill No. 2272 or An Act Amending Section 27 (B) of the National Internal Revenue Code, pushed for the immediate passage of the measure to guarantee stability of the country’s education and to help private learning institutions survive during the pandemic.

Gordon stressed that the 25% tax rate imposed on Proprietary Educational Institutions will make many private schools at risk of closure as they are struggling with their financial condition since last year because of COVID-19.

endorsing the immediate passage of SBN 2272 as we support the development of our children by making sure that schools operate and recover from their economic losses and we believe that education is the most important tool for accelerating human resources,” he added.

“We want to help them recover from their Sen. Gordon financial downturn that’s “We support the why under the CREATE urgent enactment of Law, we reduced the the bill as we realize 10% special tax rate the fundamental role imposed on proprietary of education as an educational institutions element of social and to 1% until June 30, economic development. 2023,” Gordon said. We must ensure that the education sector is “The current health stable especially now crisis and the slow that we currently face economic recovery a health crisis to avert are exacerbating the long-term disruptions of Philippine education the education system,” system. We are

On August 9, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), an umbrella organization of 2,500 educational and learning institutions in the country, called for a timely intervention of the Senate and expressed hope that it will soon pass SB 2272 granting preferential tax rates to educational institutions amid the pandemic.

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he said.

August 7-13, 2021 |

Latest Pfizer delivery for areas with high Covid-19 cases The bulk of governmentprocured Pfizer vaccine that arrived Wednesday night is intended for distribution to areas with high coronavirus cases, an official of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 said. A total of 813,150 doses arrived in the country via Air Hongkong flight LD456 at around 8:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The delivery is the biggest shipment of Pfizer vaccine so far to the country. NTF Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr., who welcomed the vaccine arrival, said the vaccine would be distributed in areas with reported cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant. “Pfizer vaccines will be distributed to the surge areas especially to the highly urbanized centers including the NCR,” he said in a press briefing. The shipment was the third batch of Pfizer vaccines procured by the Philippine government. The first delivery arrived on July 21 with a total of 562,770 doses while the second batch arrived in the country last July 26 with 375,570 doses.

US Embassy Charges d’Affaires John Law and NTF Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Jr. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

government for giving us the large volume, one of the largest volume shipment that we had together with the 3.2 million of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) that many areas geographically, isolated and challenging areas were given most of the dosage of the J&J and Moderna. So this Pfizer vaccines will be given, as I’ve said to the NCR and other urbanized centers,” he said.

to see the vaccines continuing to arrive in large numbers in the Philippines. As you know we’ve been working very closely with Secretary Galvez and his outstanding team they are doing extraordinary work to bring as many vaccines as quickly as possible into the Philippines to help ensure the widest possible access,” he said.

The latest vaccine delivery brings to almost 40 million doses the total number of vaccines in the Philippines, Galvez said.

“We really believe that the path out of this pandemic is to provide as many vaccines as possible and the United States, as I mentioned at the arrival last week is determined to do all that it can to support the Philippines in these efforts and we’re just so pleased to see the extraordinary results of Secretary Galvez’s excellent work,” Law added.

“We have now 39.5 million and we are reflecting to have more and we are very thankful that Pfizer is one of our manufacturers that really provided us early deliveries,” he added.

Galvez thanked the US government for the supply of the vaccines.

US Embassy Charges d’Affaires John Law, who was also present during the vaccine arrival, vowed to support the country in its fight against the deadly virus by providing more vaccines.

“We are very thankful to the US

“The United States is very happy

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The country uses several vaccines including Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer, Moderna and J&J. The first delivery of Sinopharm also arrived in the Philippines Wednesday. (PNA/Ferdinand Patinio)

August 7-13, 2021 |

NTF strengthens crisis action plan vs. emerging Covid-19 variants

CRISIS ACTION PLAN. National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Chairperson and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana updates Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday (Aug. 9, 2021). Lorenzana said the NTF has ramped up its pandemic response strategies to further prevent the spread of coronavirus variants of concerns in the country. (Presidential photo by Robinson Niñal)

The National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 has ramped up its pandemic response strategies to further prevent the spread of coronavirus variants of concerns in the country. Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, who is also NTF chairperson, reported that the government has established a controlled community transmission and system capacity to

|August 7-13, 2021

prevent the emerging Covid-19 strains. “Ito po crisis action plan ay magiging batayan natin para mapaghandaan at pigilan ang pagtaas ng kaso ng Covid-19 Delta variant (This crisis action plan will be our basis to prepare and prevent the increase of Covid-19 Delta variant cases),” Lorenzana said during the pre-recorded Talk to

the People of President Rodrigo Duterte aired Monday night. Under the crisis action plan, Lorenzana said the government will implement contingency operations to prepare for the possible spike of Covid-19 cases due to the emerging variants of concerns, such as the Delta variant. Each implementing Caraga INFOCUS

cluster of the task force is ordered to continue implementing their assigned responsibilities, he noted. The government has restructured the aligned policy operations of the task force focusing on the response strategies to contain new Covid-19 variants. Lorenzana said they have intensified the operations of the response cluster focusing the government’s strategies on three aspects including communities, international borders, and health facilities. The government has established a four-door strategy for Covid-19 control. The Door 1 strategy or the ‘point of origin’ pushes limited movements through travel bans and restrictions will be implemented. The Door 2 strategy or the ‘point of entry’ wherein the screening, quarantine, and testing of inbound and Caraga INFOCUS

outbound travelers will be intensified. The Door 3 strategy or the ‘point of care’ wherein the government will further ramp up the existing Prevent-DetectIsolate-Test-Reintegration strategy accompanied with the aggressive nationwide vaccination program. Lorenzana said the government will also push further the community-based active case finding and immediate isolation of those with exposure or symptoms to contain local transmission of Covid-19 infections. He emphasized the proactive implementation of stricter measures can

be a solution to prevent the possible devastating Covid-19 situation due to the Delta variant. Lorenzana urged the public to intensify their own protection by strictly adhering to the imposed health and safety protocols. “Ano man pong variant ang makapasok sa bansa, ang minimum public standards ay dapat laging nandyan at magpapatuloy din ang pagababakuna (Whatever variants will enter in the country, the public should observe minimum public standards as the government will boost its vaccination program),” he said. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) August 7-13, 2021 |

Delta, common Covid-19 cases have similar symptoms: DOH

It is impossible to distinguish Delta variant cases from regular Covid-19 infections based on symptoms as they have similar common flu-like manifestations. In its latest public advisory Sunday, the Department of Health (DOH) noted that the variant first detected in India has the same indications -headache, sore throat, runny rose, and fever. The mutated Delta variant, however, is more transmissible, evades immunity protection, and reduces antibody neutralization. “Viruses naturally undergo mutations as they reproduce. Some mutations might not have significant effects, but other mutations may make

|August 7-13, 2021

the virus more transmissible,” the DOH stated. Noting that a Delta variant case can infect up to eight persons, the DOH said it has contributed to increasing cases nationwide, together with the Alpha variant which can infect three at the most and the Beta variant that is known to infect four to five persons. Getting infected can be avoided through the strict observance of minimum public health standards like proper wearing of masks and face shields, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, physical distancing of at least one meter, and proper ventilation. The DOH advised the public

to do self-isolation upon experiencing symptoms and seek early consultation. “Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and complete the required doses,” the agency advised. While further studies are needed to determine vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant, the DOH emphasized that data show fully vaccinated individuals are protected from the severe symptoms of Covid-19 that lead to hospitalization or death. So far, the country has confirmed 450 Delta variant cases, with all 17 cities and town in Metro Manila with at least one case. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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Caraga InFocus – August 7-13, 2021

Articles inside

DUTERTE LEADERSHIP SETS BENCHMARK ON GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR SUCCEEDING ADMIN

SEC. ANDANAR: WITH LOWER CRIME VOLUME, IT’S NOW SAFER TO LIVE IN PH

BARMM STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF P5-M WAREHOUSE IN MAGUINDANAO

SECRETARY ANDANAR SUPPORTS CALL FOR CREATION OF PH VIROLOGY INSTITUTE

LANAO TOWN BUILDS LGU-FUNDED SOLARPOWERED WATER SYSTEMS

CABADBARAN MOHATAG AMNESTIYA SA BUHIS

AGNOR SCHOOL GETS DOST’S STARBOOKS, INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

ARMY IN AGSUR AFFIRMS ADHERENCE TO IHL

GIDAGHANON SA MGA FULL VACCINATED SA COVID-19 SA TANDAG CITY KAPIN 8-MIL NA

PRDP ROADS UNLOCK FARM OPPORTUNITIES IN AGSUR

AGSUR IPS RECEIVE P2.3M WORTH OF SUPPORT FOR ABACA, BANANA PRODUCTION

DA TURNS OVER 40 HEADS OF GILTS TO SURSUR LIVESTOCK FARMERS

DA TURNS OVER P3-M MODERNIZED AGRICULTURE FACILITY TO BISLIG CITY

GOAT, NATIVE CHICKEN PRODUCTION TO BENEFIT DINAGAT ISLANDS FARMERS

IKA-24TH CARAGA BUSINESS CONFERENCE, INILUNSAD NG SURIGAO DEL NORTE

LGU-CLAVER ACQUIRES ADDITIONAL COVID-19 VACCINES

LGU-CLAVER RELEASES AID TO ASF-AFFECTED HOG RAISERS

MAS KOMPORTABLENG BIYAHE SINIGURADO NG DOTR AT PPA SA CARAGA REGION

NEW BREED OF COFFEE MENTORS AIM TO INCREASE ROBUSTA PRODUCTION IN CARAGA

OWWA CARAGA GETS SAFETY SEAL CERTIFICATION

DSWD CARAGA STAFF UNDERGO QRT REFRESHER TRAINING

CARAGA TRADE FAIR EXPO TO OPEN ON AUG. 15

RTWPB DECLARES 9 PRODUCTIVITY OLYMPICS REGIONAL WINNERS

DBP PARTNERS WITH DA TO BOOST CASH AID DISBURSEMENT

PCOO CHIEF CALLS ON FILIPINOS TO UNITE AS ONE NATION TO END COVID-19 PANDEMIC