Caraga Infocus - November 10 - 16, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

November 10 - 16, 2018

Volume II, No. 85

259 Caraga cops undergo annual physical examination 07

ASEAN News: Palace hails PH’s SSS News: SSS disburses more DOE News: Energy Investments are Top Priority – role in ASEAN-China ties than P442-M for EC pension Cusi benefit adjustments

Regional News 8

Caraganons urged to avail free surgical mission

Provincial News 12

P13.4M road turned-over to AgSur farmers

DAR project to open access road in Surigao Norte town

Agusan del Norte to construct halfway house for former rebels

Mindanao News LGUs to ink MOA for 17 DOTr, Mindanao railway funding 12

Maute remnant, NPA rebel surrender to military

National News 20

PRRD directs gov’t agencies to take active role in drug war

PCOO chief recognized for ‘outstanding’ work in gov’t

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

News Briefs

• PIA CARAGA: the Emergency Operations Center Training for volunteers in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte & Butuan City, with active members of the Caraga RDRRMC held in Butuan City, regional director Liza Mazo challenged all the participants to take said training seriously & to put into action all the learning that they gain from it when need arises. She also expressed her hopes that all will enjoy the 3-day training & work productively in its group activities.

• PIA AGUSAN DEL NORTE: As part of the capacity building and benchmarking activity, members of the Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Airshed Governing Board and TWG visited DOST-PHIVOLCS earthquake station of Bislig City. The station will record earthquakes’ data e.g. size, depth. • PIA AGUSAN DEL SUR: BGen. Andres Centino, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, presented the 43 former members of the CPP-NPA in 401st Brigade AOR in the southern part of Surigao del Sur to DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu, chairperson of Task Force Balik Loob, and Agusan del Norte Gov Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, chairperson of RPOC 13 during the recently held awarding of E-CLIP benefits in Tandag City. The FRs received cash, livelihood and other assistance from different government agencies during the event. • PIA SURIGAO DEL NORTE: An ‘Ugnayan’ activity was conducted by the National Food Authority-Surigao del Norte. The forum was aimed at disseminating information to all stakeholders especially the grains businessmen of the General Guidelines on suggested retail price (SRP) for milled rice and prescribed labelling of rice boxes and price tags. It was attended by 70 participants from different municipalities of Surigao del Norte including those in the province of Dinagat Islands. Apart from the Info Dissemination on SRP, the GAD Awareness and Panatang Makapalay recitation/Brown Rice tasting in Celebration with National Rice Awareness Month were also integrated during the event. • PIA SURIGAO DEL SUR: The provincial government of Surigao del Sur headed by Gov Vicente Pimentel Jr. will lead the Task Force Balik-Loob Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Interation Program awarding of assistance with DILG Sec Eduardo Año as Guest of Honor and Speaker held at the VML Hotel in Tandag City. •PIA DINAGAT ISLANDS: The members of the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Council of Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands attended the Roll Out Training on People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) Online Database System (PODS) and Legal Skills Enhancement conducted at the Gateway Hotel, Surigao City. (Audie Dodz Alipayo, MIO-Cagdianao)

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

Cover Story

259 Caraga cops undergo an

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 259 cops consonance with the PNP regular fitness assigned in the different police units in program. Caraga underwent the Annual Physical Examination, Wednesday morning. “It is important for us to determine whether we are physically fit or we Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, need medications. Not only that our Regional Director of Philippine National uniforms are snappy but also we must be Police (PNP) Caraga, led the annual physically fit and capable to perform law check-up for police personnel at the enforcement functions,” RD Cruz said. PNP hospital in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City. The region’s top cop also urged the police officers to engage in athletic The physical examination is a activities or sports and maintain a proper mandatory test every year for PNP diet to be physically fit. (PNP-Caraga/ personnel aged 40 and above in PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

Cover Story

nnual physical examination

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

sss news

SSS disburses more than P442-M for EC pension benefit adjustments

pensioners will be given the benefit. Funds were already released to our partnerdisbursing banks on October 19, 2018 ,” Dooc said.

“Nearly all qualified EC pensioners have received their additional benefit thru their respective banks as we have already QUEZON CITY -- The state-run Social Security requested our partner banks to credit the System (SSS) on Monday said more than additional benefit to the bank accounts of P442 million was disbursed to more than the pensioners immediately,” he added. 17,000 Employees Compensation (EC) pensioners following President Rodrigo Based on Executive Order No. 54. s. Duterte’s approval of the EC benefit increase 2018 signed on May 8 this year, President last May. Duterte approved a P1,150 across-theboard increase in EC monthly disability SSS, the administrator of EC claims pension of all EC permanent disability for private employees, said more than pensioners and qualified beneficiaries in P442.38 million was disbursed to 17,619 EC the private sector. pensioners in additional benefit of P1,150 starting January 2017 until October 2018 The EO also increased the amount including the 13th month pension for of carer’s allowance granted to EC the year 2017, and in additional carer’s permanent disability pensioners in the allowance of P425 per month starting May public and private sector from P575 to 2018 to October 2018. P1,000 per month. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that as of November 2, nearly 100 percent of the additional benefit has been given to EC pensioners thru their respective partner bank.

“There is a need to continually improve benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) to make them more responsive to the welfare and development needs of occupationally disabled workers,” the order reads.

“As soon as we have received the notice that President Duterte had approved the additional benefit for EC pensioners, we immediately updated our systems to identify and enable the disbursement of the additional benefit. We have to fully align our system so that the correct number of

“The results of the actuarial studies of the SSS (Social Security System) and GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) show that the SIF (State Insurance Fund) can finance the increases without affecting the stability of the SIF and without requiring additional contributions,” it added.

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

regional news

Caraganons urged to avail free surgical mission

BUTUAN CITY -- Patients from the different parts of Caraga region are encouraged to avail of the Free Harelip, Cleft Palate and Goiter Surgical Mission at the Holy Child Colleges of Butuan Hospital, Guingona Subd., Butuan City

On the other hand, police provincial offices and municipal police stations in Caraga are tapped by the foundation to help identify patients especially those who belong to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community and less fortunate families.

The surgical mission will be conducted by the Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. of PNP Caraga director Chief Supt Davao City in cooperation with Smile Train Gilberto DC Cruz, has ordered the police International. units to disseminate the upcoming surgical mission to the communities and coordinate The operation will be free of charge with the local government units for the including the doctor’s fee, medicines, transportation of the patients. (PNPsnacks and meals which are all sourced Caraga/PIA-Caraga) out from the local sponsors. Photo Courtesy of DXBN Radyo ng Bayan Butuan

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

DOE news

Energy Investments are Top Priority – Cusi The DOE chief also highlighted the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program for petroleum (PCECP), which entices investors to “Explore, Explore, Explore” the 14 pre-determined areas (PDAs) for oil and gas exploration in the country.

Likewise, Sec. Cusi mentioned the new option to nominate development areas outside of the 14 PDAs. “You will nominate TAGUIG CITY – Department of Energy (DOE) and apply for it, then we will process it Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today emphasizes accordingly.” that the call to invest in the energy sector is the Duterte Administration’s top priority. On natural gas prospects, Sec. Cusi announced that the DOE continues to “Ensuring reliable, sufficient and affordable welcome proposals for the establishment of electricity in the country entails close an integrated liquefied natural gas receiving cooperation and collaboration with all our and distributing facility, and storage facilities partners in the industry,” Sec. Cusi said. that would support the emergence of a strong strategic petroleum reserve for the “We need to step up to further country. strengthen and sustain our partnership, especially in terms of building energy resilient Sec. Cusi made these pronouncements infrastructures, as well as in the exploration during his keynote address at the 2018 and development of our indigenous energy Energy Investment Forum with the theme, resources,” he added. “Transcending Investments: Role in Encouraging”, held at the Shangri-La at As a policy support to the Ease of Doing the Fort as part of the National Energy Business Act, the DOE is closely working with Consciousness Month celebration. the legislators for the passage of the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS), which enables Also present in the investment forum as the streamlining of the permitting process of panelists are Ako Bicol Partylist Representative energy projects for their entire project cycle. Rodel M. Batocabe, DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Energy Regulatory Sec. Cusi laid down the needed Commission‘s Judith L. Mangosing, National investments for the country, including the Grid Corporation of the Philippines‘ Darryl power requirement of a total of 43,765 Lon A. Ortiz, Board of Investments’ Nestor P. megawatts of additional capacity by Arcansalin and Asian Development Bank’s 2040. He underscored the DOE, National Andrew Jeffries. Electrification Administration and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives’ strengthened DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy collaboration to provide electricity to closed the progam by emphasizing the wide unserved and underserved areas by 2020, range of business ventures to explore in the as well as initiatives to develop mini-grids. Philippines.

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photo gallery BIR OPLAN KANDADO (Butuan City)

CHIBA FURNITURE & EXPORT COMPONENT Purok 7, Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City 13 November 2018

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

Provincial news

Agusan del sur

P13.4M road turned-over to AgSur farmers PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The most awaited road that is expected to lessen the mobility cost of goods and services and provide easy access to market for farmers was recently turnedover to farmers during the Project ConVERGE’ Midterm Review Mission held recently at Barangay Concepcion Covered Court, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur.

Jerry Pacturan, Country Programme Officer of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the rehabilitation/concreting of the 4.139km farm-to-market road (Phase 1) that will connect the Barangays PoblacionConcepcion-Sayon. With him were other members of the Mission team - International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Management Consultant Gomer Tumbali, IFAD USA Carmina Marquez, IFAD Rural Infrastructure Consultant Ike Payumo, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Officer Mark Gatdula, together with Sta. Josefa Vice Mayor Richard Plaza. The total project cost of PhP13,496,000.00 million with an LGU equity of PhP1,619,520 million is set to benefit more than 2,000 farmer beneficiaries including IPs. Pacturan congratulated the recipients of the project and urged them to properly make use of the project. “You are privileged to have given this opportunity so you must put your heart into it because this will bring forth better

opportunities in the future,” he said. In his response, Sta. Josefa Vice Mayor Plaza told the recipient farmers to cooperate in maintaining the road so that it will continuously uplift their well-being. The road concreting is under the Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (Project ConVERGE) which is implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and funded by the IFAD and the Government of the Philippines (GOP). Prior to the turn-over, the mission team participated in the scheduled dialogue with the Provincial Project Management Officers where PARPO II Leoncio Bautista presented the accomplishment and challenges encountered for the past three years and the possible interventions that would be helpful for the remaining years of the implementation process. (Rechel D. Besonia, DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

Provincial news

surigao del norte

DAR project to open access road in Surigao Norte town

BUTUAN CITY -- The Project Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (Project ConVERGE) will open access from the national highway to Sitio Sohoton in Barangay Mabini, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

This after officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) held the groundbreaking ceremony for the 2.1 km farm-to-market road last November 17, 2018. “The road opening will facilitate access to the farmers in the area, especially those engaged in the coconet enterprise,” says DAR Regional Director Leomides Villareal. Project ConVERGE supports the coconet enterprise in the CLAGIBAPLA area covering agrarian reform community clusters in the municipalities of Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag and Placer, all in Surigao del Norte. According to Surigao Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Elizabeth de Guzman, the road project will benefit approximately agrarian reform beneficiaries and smallholder farmers in the area.

and the IFAD Mission Team composed of Management Consultant Gomer Tumbali, Rural Infrastructure Consultant Engr. Ike Payumo, Carmina Marquez of IFAD-USA and Mark Gatdula of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and was part of the major activities during the Project Midterm Review Mission conducted by IFAD. Also during the mission, twining machines provided by the project were checked. The midterm review mission aims not only to assess the progress but also to review policies relating to implementation. Under Project ConVERGE, agrarian reform beneficiaries and smallholder farmers in the CLAGIBAPLA area are provided support through the Coconet and Bio Fertilizer Enterprise.

Earlier, the mission also visited the Villareal furthers said this endeavor is project site and conducted dialogue with still part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust the lead and participating organizations of improving the lives of the farmers in the and other major key enterprise farmers of countryside. the abaca project in Agusan de del Norte. The ground-breaking ceremony which was attended by Placer Mayor Michael Jose Patiño, Project converge National Project Director Faisar Mambuay,

Project ConVERGE is implemented by the DAR and jointly funded by the IFAD until 2021. (Joie Ceballos, DAR-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

provincial news

Agusan del Norte

Agusan del Norte to construct halfway house for former rebels By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, led by provincial governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba, is set to construct a Manpower Development CenterHalfway House for former rebels within the vicinity of the 402nd Brigade Camp in Barangay Bancasi, this city. Gov. Matba was authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the implementation of the said construction. The move was in response to Executive Order No. 3, series 2001, which calls for the pursuit of a comprehensive, integrated and holistic peace process to address the internal armed conflicts with the implementation of programs to address the status and security of former rebels, as well as the community-based assistance to respond to their social and psychological rehabilitation needs. Under the said MOA, the AFP will provide a lot area of 1,000 square meters within the vicinity of the camp to be utilized as a site for the Manpower Development Center-Halfway House including the former rebels in the duration of the stay during the

processing of the livelihood assistance, while the provincial government shall provide a funding of Php10,000,000.00 for the said construction and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will give funding assistance in the amount of Php5,000,000.00. The measure is in line with the Joint Memorandum Order No. 2014-01 of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and OPAPP for the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) for former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. The authority to sign was approved through Sanggunian Resolution No. 3142018, authored by Provincial Board Member Aquino W. Gambe, during the 101st regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

asean

Palace hails PH’s role in ASEAN-China ties

By Jelly Musico

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the formal announcement of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the designation of the Philippines as the new Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. “Prime Minister Lee made the announcement during his opening remarks at the 21st ASEAN-China Summit, wherein he expressed confidence in the Philippines’ ability to continue bringing ASEAN’s relations with China to greater heights,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

as Country Coordinator.

“In our role as Country Coordinator of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations until 2021, we are committed to work with all concerned parties in the substantive negotiations and early conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct,” Duterte said. On Thursday, Duterte reiterated his Panelo said the Philippines will assume commitment to do his best to push for the role as Country Coordinator until year early conclusion of the COC which seeks 2021. to govern activities and ensure peace and stability in the disputed territory. “With the President’s pragmatic, transparent and diplomatic orientation in his “I made a very strong statement foreign policies, our country’s designation yesterday about the urgent need for a will significantly play a pivotal role in bridging COC so that everybody will know. Because a more solid partnership between ASEAN when you claim an ocean, the whole of it, and China, particularly as both commit to then that is a new development in today’s the expeditious conclusion of an effective world,” Duterte said. and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea that is agreeable to “So, any sense, it would also change all parties concerned,” Panelo said. --- radical changes in the laws of governing international waters, particularly the right In his speech during the 33rd ASEAN of free passage or the right of innocent Summit Working Dinner last Tuesday, Duterte passage,” he added. (PNA) said the Philippines is prepared to do its part

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

mindanao news

DOTr, LGUs to ink MOA for Mindanao railway funding By Lilian Mellejor

Photo Courtesy of Business World

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and several local government units in Region 11 will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on November 29 for the PHP5.6 billion budget covering the first segment of the Mindanao Railway System (MRS) project.

“Pinag-usapan ang valuation ng lupa (The valuation of properties is being discussed). Probably they (affected households) will meet halfway with the government,” Manigo told reporters during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao Annex.

Engr. Arnulfo Manigo Jr, Tagum City Planning and Development coordinator, said the funds are intended for the administrative cost and acquisition of properties affected by the railway project covering the cities of Tagum, Davao, and Digos (TDD).

He said the MOA was necessary to ensure that government funds are spent properly.

Tagum City will host the railway’s 10-hectare main depot, which is scheduled for groundbreaking in February 2019. A total of 158 households will be affected by the Asked for the total value of the land project in that city alone. acquisition, Manigo said: “We cannot just float any figure. Under the Terms of Manigo said Tagum local officials Reference, we refer to just compensation and the DOTr have been conducting and prevailing market value of property.” consultations with affected households, particularly in Barangays Mankilam and

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mindanao news

San Isidro where the depot will be located. time from Tagum to Davao City and Digos. It will have eight stations: Tagum, Carmen, He said some of the areas are Panabo, Mudiang, Davao Terminal, Toril, classified as agricultural and planted with Sta. Cruz, and Digos, with the construction rice, banana, and coconut, but only 60 expected to begin by the third quarter of percent are productive. 2018. Manigo said the amount for the first segment has reached PHP97 billion from PHP35 billion due to changes in alignment and design.

The Mindanao Railway is one of the 12 flagship projects proposed for Chinese grant financing through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA)--the Chinese body responsible for “Everything will be finalized by the administering foreign aid and development RDC (Regional Development Council),” he assistance to other countries. added. The entire Mindanao Railway System The railway project aims to spur will run for a total of 1,530-km, connecting growth and development in Mindanao and Davao provinces, Iligan, Cagayan de improved connectivity. Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga. It is targeted for completion by 2021. (Lilian The TDD segment covers 105 kilometers C Mellejor/PNA) of rail line that is expected to reduce travel

Maute remnant, NPA rebel surrender to military By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

For security reasons, the military authorities only identified the Maute group member as Budo, and the NPA squad leader as a certain Jhon-Jhon. Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion commander, said Budo surrendered in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A remnant of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group and a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel surrendered to units under the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, officials said Thursday.

“Budo was involved in the harassment of the Pantar Detachment in June 2017 during the height of the Marawi siege as a diversion while the bulk of the IS-inspired Maute terrorists are fighting in the main battle area,” he said.

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mindanao news

Villanueva was referring to the five- they will enroll Jhon-Jhon to the Enhanced month siege of Marawi City by Maute Comprehensive Local Integration Program group militants. (ECLIP) of the government. He said the surrender of Budo brought ECLIP provides financial and livelihood to 22 the number of Maute members who assistance and other benefits to rebels who surrendered to Joint Task Force Ranao return to the folds of the law. troops in Lanao del Sur last October. Maj. Gen Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, Infantry Division Commander, commended Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion commander, the efforts of the troops for the successful said that Jhon-Jhon surrendered in Tambulig, surrender of the Maute member and NPA Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday. rebel. Severo said Jhon-Jhon was the team leader of an NPA unit operating under the rebel group’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

“We will continuously encourage NPAs and IS-inspire Maute members to surrender in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in our area of responsibility,” added Murillo, who is also the Task Force Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, commander Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, said Lanao) commander. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85

national news

PRRD directs gov’t agencies to take active role in drug war By Azer Parrocha

MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has directed the entire government to take an “active role” in the administration’s war against drugs more than a week after the chief executive bared his plan in a lecture at Malacañang.

released to media on Monday.

“It is hereby directed that all government offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and SUCs, to immediately mobilize their assets and take an active role in the government’s Under Memorandum Circular No. anti-illegal drugs campaign, in accordance 53, Duterte directed all government with their respective mandates,” the offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, memorandum read. including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities The memorandum added that “the and colleges (SUCs) to take an active role drug problem continues to degrade the in the anti-illegal drugs campaign. moral fiber of society undermining the rule of law and has evolved as a national The memorandum was signed by security problem.” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of the President on Nov. 12 but It also recognized the policy of the

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national news State to pursue an effective campaign against trafficking and use of dangerous drugs through an integrated system of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-illegal drug abuse policies, programs, and projects. At present, the main government agencies at the forefront of the crackdown against illegal drugs are the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) among other concerned agencies.

formulated by the DBB. Last year, Duterte issued Executive Order No. 15, creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) and the National Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force to address the drug problem in the country

Section 4 of EO No. 15 provides the National Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force composed of members of law enforcement agencies, including members of the institutions called upon for assistance, shall undertake sustained anti-illegal drug The DDB was established under operations. Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Executive Order No. 66, meanwhile, Act of 2002”, as the policy-making and institutionalized the Philippine Anti-Illegal strategy-formulating body in the planning Drugs Strategy (PADS) by directing all and formulation of policies and programs government offices, including GOCCs, and on drug prevention and control. SUCs to implement the PADS in accordance with their respective mandates. The PDEA was created pursuant to RA 9165 to be responsible for the efficient Earlier, Duterte said he also plans to and effective law enforcement of all the create an anti-illegal drug task force after relevant provisions on dangerous drugs some PHP6.8 billion worth of shabu slipped and/or controlled precursors and essential past the Bureau of Customs last August. chemicals, including the implementation (PNA) of the national drug control strategy

PCOO chief recognized for ‘outstanding’ work in gov’t By Jelly Musico

MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Public Servant’ during the 2nd Diamond Golden Awards held Saturday at Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas in Pasig City.

Government Assistant Secretary Marjorie Jalosjos and other individuals from the media and entertainment industry have also been given awards.

Baby Go, a businesswoman and an indie film producer, formed the Diamond Aside from Andanar, other public Golden Awards to recognize individuals who servants including Senator Cynthia Villar, support the PC Good Heart Foundation. Quezon City second district congressman Alfred Vargas and Interior and Local The foundation provides medical

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national news assistance and scholarships to less fortunate President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO Filipinos. 02 on July 23, 2016, otherwise known as Freedom of Information (FOI), mandating PCOO Assistant Secretary Ramon full public disclosure of all offices under the Cualoping III received the award on behalf executive branch. of Andanar who is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation attending the Asia- On the other hand, Duterte dedicated Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) his first administrative order for the creation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New of the Presidential Task Force on Media Guinea. Security (PTFoMS) mandated to protect the life, liberty and security of media workers Last month, Andanar received and their families. AO No. 1 was signed on recognition from the National Press Club Oct. 11, 2016. (NPC) for his ‘unstinting’ support to press freedom and welfare of the Philippine Under Andanar’s leadership, the media community. PCOO’s attached media agencies particularly People’s Television Network The NPC commended Andanar for (PTV), Radyo ng Bayan, Radio-Television the central role he played in the issuance Malacañang (RTVM) and Philippine News of landmark Executive Order No. 02 and Agency (PNA) have improved significantly Administrative Order No. 01. in just less than two years. (PNA)

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Caraga Infocus • November 10 - 16, 2018 • Volume II, No. 85