Caraga Infocus - January 5 - 11, 2019 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

Contents Cover Story P. 4

Caraganon youth, IPs join Regional Youth Leadership Summit 8

Fireworks-related injuries down in Caraga

AgSur town declares NPA terrorist persona non grata

DOH Caraga chief calls for community effort to combat dengue

SurSur vice guv takes oath as new provincial guv

Dating miyembro ng NPA, isa nang aktibong miyembro ng youth org sa Caraga

PCOO chief bats for ‘more specific’ travel advisories

Still safe to travel to Mindanao: Palace

AFP exerting efforts to prevent repeat of Cotabato bomb attack

New Year’s gift of fortitude: Help protect the environment

Duterte declares last Monday of January as ‘National Bible Day’

New cops told take active role in ensuring public safety

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

January 5 - 11, 2019

Volume II, No. 93

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

News Briefs

PIA CARAGA: Some 160 youths & IPs are gathered today, Ja 10 for this year’s Regional Youth Leadership Summit held at t Caraga State University (CSU) Gymnasium, Butuan City. Said activity serves as an avenue for the youth leaders to increas their knowledge/ awareness on how to develop their leader skills as they will tackle various topics & issues & concerns in respective community & come up with a plan on how they c contribute in solving pressing issues. PIA AGUSAN DEL NORTE: A total of 102 individuals composed of lumads, out-of-school youth, LGU employees and other local professionals graduated in TESDA’s Mobile Computer Literacy Program after successfully completing the training requirement held in the municipal grounds of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. (1Lt Edmar C Colagong, S7 29IB PA)

• PIA AGUSAN DEL SUR: The DTI-Agusan del Sur re (SREs) in the province to renew their shop accredi penalties. Accreditation of repair shops aims to en reliable and competent service and repair shops. repair shops operating in the province and check previous year are reminded to renew their accred about it were advised to visit the nearest DTI office 4

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

an. the d se rship n their could

• PIA SURIGAO DEL NORTE: Cebu Pacific Airlines in partnership with DOT Caraga, DENR, 1st Congressional District of Surigao del Norte, LGU Surigao del Norte and municipality of Gen. Luna, Siargao Island will launch the “Juan Effect” program at the Boulevard, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island.

• PIA SURIGAO DEL SUR: The government employees of Surigao del Sur mourned as they honor the late Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. for the last time during the flag ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds this morning followed by a concelebrated mass at the New Cathedral in Barangay Rosario. The late governor will be laid to rest at the Tandag City Memorial Garden.

eminds the owners of Service Repair Enterprises itation on or before January 31 to avoid nsure adequate protection of the customers and . The Consumer Protection Unit has started visiting ked their accreditation. Shops accredited in the ditation. Those shops which are not yet aware e to apply for accreditation. Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

Cover story

Caraganon youth, IPs join Regional Youth L 6

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

BUTUAN CITY - Some 160 youths and Indigenous Peoples gathered recently for this year’s Regional Youth Leadership Summit held at the Caraga State University (CSU) Gymnasium, this city. Said activity served as an avenue for the youth leaders to increase their knowledge on how to develop their leadership skills as they will tackle various topics and issues and concerns in their respective community and come up with a plan on how they could contribute in solving pressing issues. “These trained youths from the different provinces of Caraga region could greatly help in bringing the government closer to the people,” said Roberto Laurente Jr., President of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (Pointy) Incorporated On behalf of Dr. Anthony Penaso, president of Caraga State University (CSU), vice president for academic affairs Dr. Rolando Paluga shared to the participants some tips and important skills, which could help the youths become more responsible and productive in their fields. He emphasized that having the right character in any circumstance and knowing how to communicate well will allow them to overcome challenges. Also, Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 402nd Brigade emphasized that the youths continue to play a vital role in promoting peace and development initiatives not only in the region, but also in the country in general. “In this summit, the youths will draft their action plan that will respond to the issues and concerns on peace and order, illegal drugs, environment, and other social concerns. We are preparing these youths to become the future leaders of our country,” BGen. Gacal said. The representatives of Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) from the five regions of Mindanao also joined in the said event, where the 13 members were warmly welcomed by all other participating stakeholders. The three-day Regional Youth Leadership Summit, which is spearheaded by the 401st and 402nd Brigades of Philippine Army, together with other partner government agencies, is anchored on the theme “Filipino Youth: Future Leaders of the Country.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Leadership Summit Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

REGIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Fireworks-related injuries down in Caraga By Nora L. Molde

Photo courtesy of Balay.ph

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga region has recorded a significant decrease of fireworks-related injuries (FRI) during its Aksyon Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) Campaign.

influence of alcohol during the incident and were sent home after treatment, Llacuna added.

Also, in this year’s APIR campaign, Llacuna said there are no Piccolo-related injuries reported. The three cases were According to DOH-CHD Caraga reported on January 1, 2019 – New Year’s Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., the Day. The two cases were due to the use of region only recorded three FRI during the Triangle while one was due to sparkle, he period. said. “We believe that our campaign has reached our people well, it was re-echoed Last year, there were 13 FRI recorded by our local government units in the effort while three for this year, having a very to minimize if not put a stop to the FRI in our significant decrease of 76.92 percent. region,” said Llacuna. “Although we have not achieved zero case According to Llacuna, the cases of FRI, we are still thankful to our stakeholders, recorded came from various reporting national line agencies, and most especially units in the region. All the three cases were our local government units,” Llacuna said. males who were involved in active use of firecrackers in their respective homes. Llacuna also thanked the parents and those who heeded the call of the Two of the cases came from Surigao department to protect the children against del Norte while one came from Agusan FRI. (NCLM/DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) del Sur and all cases were not under the

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

REGIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

AgSur town declares NPA terrorist persona non grata By 401st Brigade

SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur – The local government unit of Sibagat of this province has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist as persona non grata through a Municipal Resolution Number 137-18 dated Dec. 21, 2018.

them psychologically and mentally disturbed.”

Moreover, the local officials as representatives of the people condemned the atrocious acts as they cited on the resolution that “the kidnapping and abduction perpetrated by the NPAs is a manifestation of Municipal Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista betrayal of achieving peace, thus disrupting and all the members of the legislative council the peace and security of the community.” signed the resolution. The LGU also sighted the demands of the The declaration was due to the raid of families of abducted CAAs and soldiers for the the NPA terrorist of the New Tubigon Patrol unconditional release of their loved ones. Base at dawn of Dec. 19, 2018, where they abducted the 12 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries Reached for comment about the resolution, (CAAs) and two soldiers, aside from carting BGen. Andres Centino, Commander of 401st away several firearms from the soldiers and Brigade said that “we welcome the declaration CAAs. of the LGU of Sibagat with the CPP-NPA as ‘persona non grata.’ This shows that the CPP The abducted soldiers and CAAs NPA already lost their support from the people. were, later on, used as hostages by the CPP- These terrorists only confirm their true color as NPAs while demanding ceasefire from the the enemy of the people and that nobody is government. supporting their lost ideology.” (401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur) The resolution stated that “the incident made the families of the hostages in chaos leaving Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

REGIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

DOH Caraga chief calls for community effort to combat dengue By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY – With the significant increase of dengue cases in Caraga region, Department of Health (DOH) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. urges the communities especially barangay councils to help combat dengue.

Search and Destroy, Use of Self Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation and Saying No to indiscriminate fogging campaign in their barangays. Llacuna also said that in the case of the increasing dengue cases in the region, the DOH Center for Health has extended the Code White Alert from January 4 up to February 14 in an effort to decrease the number of dengue cases.

As per data from DOH Caraga as of January 10, 2019, 11:00 a.m., a total of 153 patients with suspected dengue have been confined in the different hospitals of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, majority of which are admitted at the Butuan Medical “Dengue fast lanes have been Center in Butuan City. implemented in all different hospitals in the region to give chance for those who In a statement from Dr. Llacuna, are being suspected of dengue especially during a press conference held recently in the referral cases from the rural health units Butuan City, he is asking the community to to be given priority in the DOH and other lead an intensified 4S campaign. health facilities,” Llacuna said.

The 4S campaign, he said, includes

For the year 2018, a total of 7,529

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

REGIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES suspected cases have been reported to the del Norte. Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, this is 186.2 percent higher compared “In times like these, responsibility to the 2,631 total cases in the year 2017. towards protecting the community falls on the shoulders of every member of the Among the provinces and cities, community. Collective effort and unity majority of the cases came from Surigao are needed to combat dengue disease,” del Sur with 2,197 and Bislig City with 539. Lacuna said. Hot spot barangays identified in the region include: Taglatawan and Poblacion of Also, the DOH Service Delivery Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; Doongan, Network Helpline is also open to cater to Ambago, Barangay 21 of Poblacion, Dengue queries from Monday to Sunday Mahogany and Libertad in Butuan City; from 8:00 a.m. up to 5:00 p.m. through Doyos of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; contact numbers 0945 3592632 for Globe/ Tagasaka, La Casa Poblacion and Roxas of TM and 0948 2241857 for Smart/Tnt/Sun. Hinatuan and Sabang of Lingig in Surigao (NCLM/DOH, PIA Caraga) del Sur; and Rizal in Surigao City, Surigao

SurSur vice guv takes oath as new provincial guv By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Vice Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr. was sworn as the new governor of the province of Surigao del Sur, a day after Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. succumbed to cardiac arrest on Dec. 25, 2018.

2010 to 2016, and completed his three terms as Governor of the province from 2001 to 2010, and elected again on the same post on 2016 up to the present. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Alameda took his oath of office before Presiding Judge Edwin Malazarte of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 27 in Tandag City. Replacing as the province’s new vice governor is Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Eleonor Momo, who also took her oath on Dec. 27, 2018. The event was held at the Session Hall, Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol in Tandag City, witnessed by some members of the provincial legislators, stakeholders and the local media partners. Governor Pimentel served as mayor of Carrascal town from 1992 to 2001, and Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

PHOTO GALLERY | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

DAR Turn-Over Ceremony of Hauling Trucks Department of Agrarian Reform Turn-Over Ceremony of Hauling Trucks Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Service (ARCCESS), Almont Inland Hotel Butuan City

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

REGIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

TAGALOG NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Dating miyembro ng NPA, isa nang aktibong miyembro ng youth org sa Caraga By Jennifer P. Gaitano

ang aking mga ka-tribu sa mga meeting para may matutunan din sila. May malaking kaibahan talaga ang buhay ko noon sa bukid at buhay ko ngayon sa MIPYO,” sabi ni Datu Igtudan. Ayon sa kanya, matagal na daw ginagamit ng NPA ang tribu upang masakop nila ang komunidad nito at magamit ang tribu sa pangingikil ng NPA sa kalapit na lugar, pagpatay ng mga inosenteng indibidwal at maging sa walang saysay na pagra-rally sa kalsada.

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Sa isinagawang Regional Youth Leadership Summit kamakailan dito sa lungsod, boluntaryong ibinahagi ni Roel Hayahay Gano o Datu Igtudan na tawag sa kanyang mga kasama sa Manobo Tribe na nakabase sa Agusan del Sur, ang kanyang kasalukuyang pamumuhay sa tribu taliwas noong nasa kilusan pa siya ng New Peoples Army (NPA). Isa si Datu Igtudan sa 13 miyembro ng Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) na umiikot sa ibat-ibang rehiyon ng bansa para maipalaganap ang kanilang adbokasiya. Ngayong nagbalik-loob na siya sa gobyerno, malaya na niyang nakakasama ang iba pa niyang mga ka-tribu sa mga dinadaluhang okasyon sa rehiyon at nakakapaglahok sa mga imbitasyon mula sa national government.

Sariwa pa umano sa kanyang alaala ang pang-aabusong ginagawa ng teroristang grupong NPA, maging ang pagkitil ng buhay ng NPA sa ilan niyang mga kamag-anak. Magsilbing leksyon daw sa ibang kabataan ang kanyang masaklap na karanasan kasama ang mga NPA. May panawagan din siya sa lahat ng kabataan. “Sa tingin ko, ang maitutulong ng grupo namin ay ang pagkumbinsi sa ibang tribu, yung nakapasok na sa NPA na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno at para naman sa hindi pa nakasama sa NPA ay dapat na mamuhay nang maayos,” dagdag ni Datu Igtudan.

Binigyang-diin din ni Datu Igtudan na malaking tulong sa kanila ang pinapatupad na Martial Law sa Mindanao dahil sa “Sa totoo lang, naging maayos na pinaigting na seguridad at proteksyon ng ang aking pamumuhay nang nagbalik- Philippine Army. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) loob ako sa gobyerno. Nakakasama ko na

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

THE SECRETARY

PCOO chief bats for ‘more specific’ travel advisories By Azer Parrocha

bilateral relations between the PCOO and the information ministries of other countries,” Andanar said. “The good relations between PCOO and different information ministries in ASEAN, Japan, China, Australia, US, brings our department closer to them,” he added. Andanar is set to fly to Bangkok, Thailand this week to sign a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ministry of information there on journalism education exchange.

MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said he will encourage tourism leaders to issue travel advisories that are “more specific” to areas in the Philippines affected by security issues to avoid other “That MOU will have educational destinations from suffering economically. exchanges between journalists in the Philippines and journalists from Bangkok,” Andanar made this remark in a recent Andanar said. press conference in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, ensuring that he will direct his “It’s the same MOU that I signed with agency’s newly-established Office for China. I think some of our colleagues in Global Media Affairs with the task of pushing the Philippines are beneficiaries of these for fair travel advisories. scholarships,” he added. “I will make sure that in my future meetings I will stress on the importance of removing, in my own little way, travel advisories, or be more specific in the provinces or the cities that are affected by terrorism,” Andanar said.

Last week, the United Kingdom and Australian governments issued advisories, warning their nationals against traveling to Mindanao in wake of a bomb attack in Cotabato City last December 31.

“I made it a point that I started the job, I created an international division in my office and that international division in my office takes care of strengthening the

The Palace said it was “natural” for any government to be concerned about the welfare and the safety of their citizens. (PNA)

Malacañang, however, assured Andanar cited the role of the PCOO’s the international community that it is still Office for Global Media Affairs in cultivating safe to travel to Mindanao noting that the better tourism relations between the bomb attack, which killed two persons and Philippines and other countries. wounded 34 others, is an “isolated case.”

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

MINDANAO NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Still safe to travel to Mindanao: Palace By Azer Parrocha

MANILA -- Malacañang on Thursday assured the international community that it is still safe to travel to Mindanao amid international security warnings issued in the wake of the bomb attack in Cotabato City last December 31.

because of the bombing incident in Cotabato),” he added.

Panelo, however, noted that the bomb attack, which killed two persons and wounded 34 others, is an “isolated case.” “In so far as the national defense secretary Presidential Spokesperson Salvador is concerned, it’s very safe to travel in Panelo made this remark after the United Mindanao,” he said. Kingdom (UK) and Australian governments issued advisories, warning their nationals Department of National Defense against traveling to Mindanao. (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said “there is nothing new” with the advisories “It’s natural for any foreign since governments regularly issue them to government, or any government for that their citizens who are overseas. matter, to be concerned for the welfare, the safety of their citizens,” Panelo said in Andolong said governments simply a Palace briefing. want to remind their citizens to take precautions when traveling to countries “We cannot blame them kung that have the presence of bandits and nagkaroon sila ng ganyang pananaw terrorists. sapagkat nagkaroon ng bombahan sa Cotabato (if they have that impression Earlier, UK’s Foreign and Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

MINDANAO NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised its citizens against travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgents.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, meanwhile, advised its citizens to avoid travel to western and central Mindanao, to reconsider travel to eastern Mindanao, and exercise a “high degree of caution” when traveling to the The FCO also advised against all Philippines. but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat The Philippine National Police said and Siargao Islands) and to the south of the situation in Cotabato City has now Cebu province, up to and including the normalized and that its forces are currently municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, focusing on preventing a repeat of the due to the threat of terrorism. incident. (PNA)

AFP exerting efforts to prevent repeat of Cotabato bomb attack

By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal assured the public that security forces are doing everything they can to prevent a repeat of the blast in Cotabato City, which killed two people and wounded 34 others.

response to the travel warning issued by the United Kingdom, which cautioned its citizens against traveling to Mindanao.

“It’s their prerogative to issue such (an) advisory, the AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) are doing everything to prevent peace spoilers and terror groups to Madrigal made the remark in undertake their criminal activities,” he said

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

MINDANAO NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES in a message to reporters Wednesday. When asked if the AFP is taking such threats seriously, Madrigal said troops are advised to intensify their efforts against such security threats. “Of course, we advise our troops to double their efforts to prevent these violent incidents from happening so that we can encourage foreign investments and tourism in Mindanao,” he added.

travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. The FCO also advised against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands) and to the south of Cebu province, up to and including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, due to the threat of terrorism.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, meanwhile, echoed Madrigal’s remarks. “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the Philippines, including in “No, we dont have indications that Manila. Terrorist groups continue to plan there will be other bombings. The British attacks and have the capacity and the advisory is an automatic & default warning intent to carry out attacks anytime and of governments to their nationals like we anywhere in the country, including in also do when these things happen in other places visited by foreigners, like airports, countries. It is normal and ordinary. We shopping malls, public transport, including hear about these advisories all the time,” the metro system, and places of worship. Lorenzana said in a message to reporters. You should remain vigilant at all times and Earlier, UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth report anything suspicious to the local Office (FCO) advised its citizens against all authorities,” the UK FCO added. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

DIRECTOR GENERAL | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

New Year’s gift of fortitude: Help protect the environment By Harold E. Clavite

In 2018, we started banning single-use plastic in the Philippine Information Agency. This is our institutional response to critical conditions of our environment where the main culprit is man’s irresponsibility and inability to care for the environment due to limited information.

United States and several other countries, as part of company milestones and/or public celebrations. While organizers claim that the event was designed not to hurt the environment, this is a manifestation and indication of the inability to see what is beneficial and what is not for the environment. There are several balloons falsely advertised as “biodegradable latex” and regardless of all claims, they end up polluting places where they end up and are usually mistaken by animals as food causing their death. See how BalloonsBlow.org clearly points this out: https://balloonsblow. org/latex-balloons-still-kill/.

On a planned New Year’s Eve event in Manila to obtain a Guinness world record on the largest balloon drop, which private entities Cove Manila and Okada Manila eventually cancelled due to public outcry, around 130,000 latex balloons were prepared to be released. Balloon drop is a practice of many businesses, not only in the Philippines but in many parts of the

Such acts can be seen as irresponsible

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

DIRECTOR GENERAL | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES and may send the message that entertainment and sales take precedence over the welfare of the environment. Unfortunately, a single uninformed decision on these matters may compromise attempts to protect the environment by governments and non-profit organizations.

Gone are the days where man is unable to understand the connection between waste management and a sustainable world. The ability to decipher what is wrong or right for the environment is a decision one has to urgently make. Most, if not all, would choose to live in a better world— let us choose to extend it a bit longer so that it would not Our commitment this year is to not only benefit ours and our children’s family only talk about environmental advocacies lines but several more future generations. within our organization but to continue to support, in terms of publicity and Whether they are government promotion, the National Environmental or private sector-led, companies, Health Action Plan (NEHAP) 2017-2022. Our organizations, and communities must goal is to increase the number of people consider the environment in its decisions and communities who understand this plan and in the conduct of celebrations, and we continue to work closely with the occasions, and even down to its day-to-day Environmental Management Bureau and activities including printing of documents relevant government and private entities and ordering food. to push for these advocacies. Secondly, our support to promote the Sustainable Since 2019 is an election year, Filipinos Development Goals (#SDGs) shall continue must be able to identify with and support and, in particular, to use public information leaders who can present a doable plan and communication strategies to promote of action to protect the environment. As a urgent action against climate change and Filipino citizen and a government official, its impact. Our work plans this year would see I demand for political agenda that is an increased public engagement through focused on environmental protection and forums, consultations, and multi-sector immediate action on climate change, interactions and include environment as among other equally important societal an important point of discussion, in addition concerns and issues. to several other relevant issues. It is never too late. We cannot keep At the same time, we call on every repeating the same mistakes and we citizen to take important steps to be part of must decide to make it right this time. Let this advocacy. It is a must for everyone to us continue to be the responsible citizens fully understand the Ecological Solid Waste that we are now and become watchdogs Management Law in the Philippines and for ourselves to ensure we contribute to making people to fully embrace it. Just recently, this world truly better and sustainable for a senate bill has been filed— the Single- our children and our children’s children and Use Plastics Regulation and Management for many more generations to come. Act of 2018, which aims to regulate the manufacturing, importation, and use It is not going to be very easy but we must of single-use plastic products. While we endure all difficulty and begin this new await creation and enforcement of new year with fortitude by showing altruistic laws, we must do our share to avoid or motivation to help protect our environment. eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste. Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93

NATIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Duterte declares last Monday of January as ‘National Bible Day’ By Azer Parrocha

MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte amendment to House Bill No. 7544 on Oct. has declared the last Monday of January 10, 2018. every year as a special working holiday, in observance of the National Bible Day. Senator Manny Pacquiao, the bill’s author and sponsor in the Senate, said his Under Republic Act 11163 he signed measure calls for all Christians to “unite on Dec. 20, 2018, the President recognized altogether and celebrate the Holy Bible as the value of the Holy Bible as the core of the cradle of human faith.” Christian faith, especially in a predominantly Christian nation. He said the proposed holiday was necessary for the “betterment of the country “As a predominantly Christian nation through God centered governance and and the largest Christian nation in the Asia people centered services.” Pacific, this Act recognizes the value of the Holy Bible as the core of Christina faith,” the Moreover, the senator-boxer also R.A. read. noted that the 1987 Constitution itself calls on government “to support efforts to The law emphasizes the policy of the strengthen the ethical and spiritual values state that the government shall aid and and to develop the moral character and encourage the development of the moral spiritual foundation of every Filipino.” character and spiritual foundation of the Filipino people. The act will take effect 15 days after its complete publication in the Official It was passed by the Senate as Senate Gazette or at least in two newspapers of Bill No. 1270 on Feb. 5, 2018 and adopted general circulation. (PNA) by the House of Representatives as an Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

NATIONAL NEWS | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

New cops told take active role in ensuring public safety

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA -- National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head, Director Guillermo Eleazar, has called on the 366 newlyappointed Police Officers 1 (PO1) to take an active role in the fight against criminality, corruption, terrorism, and illegal drugs to ensure public safety and security. In a statement Friday, the NCRPO said Eleazar administered the mass oathtaking of new police recruits, composed of 85 females and 281 males, at the NCRPO grounds of Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City on Thursday afternoon. The new police officers have sworn to serve the public with honor, justice and integrity as they are about to begin their basic training to become effective members of the police force. Eleazar said he is confident that this batch of police recruits will reinforce the dedicated and committed members of Team NCRPO in its intensified campaign against any form of criminality to include the Internal Cleansing Program.

The NCRPO chief also reminded the new recruits to strongly uphold their sworn duties and put it into action to serve and protect the nation. On the other hand, Chief Supt. Allan M. Cuevilla, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management Division (DPRM), said the recruits who have temporary rank status as PO1 will only become permanent once they have successfully completed the yearlong training. These rookie policemen will undergo the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) training for the duration of six months at the Regional Training Center (RTC) and another six months of Field Training Program (FTP). During the training, the recruits will be exposed to police science, combat and tactics, and operations and traffic procedures, among others. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus â&#x20AC;˘ January 5 - 11, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume II, No. 93

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor

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JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE RONNIE E. MADANGUIT Contributors

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Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 815 - 1991; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga

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ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2019 • Volume II, No. 93

Caraga Infocus • January 5 - 11, 2018 • Volume II, No. 93