Caraga Infocus - October 20 - 26, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 82

October 20 - 26, 2018

Higaonon coffee growers learn new techniques, skills in producing quality beans

SSS News: SSS disburses more DOE News: DOE asks Mindanao ASEAN News: PH Navy wins energy players to address ASEAN-China maritime than P442-M for EC pension Mindanao partial blackout exercise comms drill challenge benefit adjustments

Regional News 9 10

Popcom holds AHD Caravan in Butuan 90 residents participate in DSWDCaraga’s KAP survey

Provincial News

Mindanao News

DTI launches 10th Negosyo Center in Surigao Norte

AgSur NC II holders receive SMAW project starter kits

3 NPA terrorists surrender in SurSur

AgNor LGU approves financial assistance to rice farmers

ARMM police get 30 new patrol vehicles

Dureza underscores media role in creating safe environment

National News

PRRD institutionalizes PH’s antiillegal drugs strategy

DICT partners with Kaspersky to boost cybersecurity in gov’t

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

News Briefs

• The Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) - Caraga convened at the PDEA-Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City for possible declaration of the remaining barangays of Surigao del Sur as drug-cleared areas. Forty-eight (48) barangays from the province of Agusan del Sur may also be declared by the BDCP ROC 13 if found to be compliant with DDB Reg. No. 3, s. 2017. The ROC chaired by PDEA-Caraga Regional Director Aileen T. Lovitos came up with a quorum with 7 present out of 10 members. (Source: Dindo Abellanosa, PDEA Caraga)

• As part of the work plan for the implementation of Bottom-up Budgeting projects of the municipality of Buenavista, the Negosyo Center in the municipality has recently conducted a “Labeling and Packaging Seminar Workshop” for the Brgy. 1 Women’s Organization, Buenavista Women’s Federation, and local producers of the municipality. • The stakeholders of the Negosyo Center (NC) - Trento discussed in the recently held meeting the performance of the center as of September 30, 2018. 14 guests from the different offices of the local government unit of Trento, small businesses, associations and micro-financing institutions attended said meeting. Jamaica Arenal, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur presided the meeting. Mark Edison A Bogani, NC staff, also reported, that NC Trento has assisted a total of 997 existing, new and potential MSME engaged on processing, manufacturing, servicing and retailing. Most of the services provided to the groups were: skills trainings, Product labelling and Packaging, entrepreneurial motivation seminar, simplified bookkeeping and other trainings related to business operation. • SPO1 Levie G Husain, PCR PNCO under the supervision of PSupt Diomedes B Cuadra, Jr., chief of police of Surigao City Police Station conducted a bandilyo/ recoreda on anti-criminality tips (pick pocketing) and personal security tips at the Bus Terminal, Brgy. Washington, Surigao City. It is aimed at keeping the travellers aware of the safety and security measures. (Surigao City Police Station) • The joint AFP-PNP Community Support Teams under 401st Brigade and Surigao del Sur PPO, Local Government Unit of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur and the people of Tagbina hold a peace rally on Saturday, at the gymnasium of the said Municipality. The peace rally was aimed to inform the farmer participants and barangay officials of the different programs of the LGU and other government agencies. The activity also highlighted the united stance of the people of Tagbina against CPP-NPA’s recruitment in the countryside and atrocities against the people. Moreover, participants of the event showed support to the government’s implementation of martial law in Mindanao which resulted in a more peaceful communities. (Source: CMO Officer, 401st Brigade, PA) • The LGU-Dinagat Islands thru the Prov’l Information Office has conducted a 1-day gathering on Empowering Information Officers and Correspondents thru Practical Approach on News Reporting using Quad-Media. Said activity aims to empower IOs on News Reporting using Quad-Media held at Ushers Bldg, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. Participants are employees coming from different offices of LGU Dinagat Islands, selected employees from National Line Agencies, students from different National High Schools in the province and Municipal Information Officers of 7 Municipalities. (Audie Dodz Alipayo, MIO-Cagdianao)

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cover story

Higaonon coffee growers learn new techniques, skills in producing quality beans ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur -- Kalabuan Higaonon Farmers Organization (KAHIPO), a group of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Esperanza of this province have recently attended the two-day Skills Training on Coffee Harvesting and Green Coffee Beans Quality Improvement in the remote barangay of Kalabuan.

The resource person, Mark Anthony Balahay (Coffee Quality Grader and Coffee Farm Consultant) said that coffee has promising opportunities in the market but farmers need to be extra careful in the production because 4

coffee can be attacked by insects and fungi. He gave tips on what type of pesticide to use and the proper way of growing coffee.

Reonel Aninon, Trade and Industry Development Specialist and Provincial Coordinator of the DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program in Agusan del Sur updated the group about the status of the proposed “Monitored type Tunnel Dryer” which is designed to fast-track the production of coffee beans.

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

KAHIPO has been growing coffee for quite some time as one of their sources of income. Their produce is sold in the locality and outside the province. Joining the team in Barangay Kalabuan were Bernalou Balan of the Esperanza Municipal Agriculture Office and Charles Palen of the Negosyo Center. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus â&#x20AC;˘ October 20 - 26, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume II, No. 81

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

SSS News

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

QUEZON CITY -- The state-run Social Security System (SSS) on Monday said more than P442 million was disbursed to more than 17,000 Employees Compensation (EC) pensioners following President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of the EC benefit increase last May. SSS, the administrator of EC claims for private employees, said more than P442.38 million was disbursed to 17,619 EC pensioners in additional benefit of P1,150 starting January 2017 until October 2018 including the 13th month pension for the year 2017, and in additional carer’s allowance of P425 per month starting May 2018 to October 2018.

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

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

SSS News Dooc said. “Nearly all qualified EC pensioners have received their additional benefit thru their respective banks as we have already requested our partner banks to credit the additional benefit to the bank accounts of the pensioners immediately,” he added. Based on Executive Order No. 54. s. 2018 signed on May 8 this year, President Duterte approved a P1,150 across-theboard increase in EC monthly disability pension of all EC permanent disability pensioners and qualified beneficiaries in the private sector.

public and private sector from P575 to P1,000 per month. “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.

“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 The EO also increased the amount additional contributions,” it added. of carer’s allowance granted to EC permanent disability pensioners in the

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

Regional News

Popcom holds AHD Caravan in Butuan Memorandum of Agreement and Executive Order, followed by the soft launching of the school’s teen center where the various sports equipment and musical instruments stationed for students’ recreational activities. These undertakings were witnessed by LGU officials, school board of trustee, teachers, ABC president, SK Federation President, heads and representatives from concerned regional line agencies, students and other guests. BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -Hundreds of participants attended the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) caravan conducted recently by the Commission on Population (Popcom) - Caraga, in close partnership with the City Population Office of Butuan.

Butuan City Councilor lawyer Rema E. Burdeos, Committee Chairperson on Social Welfare, Family, Women and Children, emphasized the need and importance of the initiative as it will discourage adolescents to engage in non-sexual and sexual risky behaviors as well as educate them to maximize their potentials for development.

The event was held in one of the major private schools here. Popcom Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano also highlighted The activities during the caravan, the important role of the parents and which were backed-up by the Timber teachers on the lives of the young City Academy Board of Trustees, people in guiding them and become include AHD Film Dissemination, U4U effective partners with adolescents Teen Trail, New Sexually Healthy and in dealing with their sexual and Personally Effective (SHAPE) Module reproductive health concerns. session, Parent-Teen Trail, and the Learning Package on Parent Education On his part, Director Jose R. on AHD (LPPEAHD) session. Llacuna, Jr. of the Department of Health-Caraga, vowed to support the Prior to the simultaneous activities initiative in line of his agency program of was the signing of AHD-Information Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive and Service Delivery Network (ISDN) Health as he asked the students to Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

Regional News submit themselves voluntary HIV testing. provinces of Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Sur. Earlier, the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Butuan passed SP Pre-requisite of the giving of said Resolution No. 405-2018 authorizing Hon. equipment is the establishment of teen City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada center whether in community or in to enter into a MOA with POPCOM and school. other partner agencies on AHD-ISDN. ISDN will also be mobilized for the To further hone the skills, potentials operation of the teen center to ensure and the total well-being of the harmonized and well-collaborated adolescents in other areas, POPCOM planning, coordination, funding, Caraga had also given various sports implementation, and monitoring of equipment and musical instruments AHD-related and outcome-based to different secondary schools in cities interventions across levels. (Popcom of Butuan, Tandag, Surigao and in the Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

90 residents participate in DSWD-Caraga’s KAP survey

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - A total of 90 residents of Barangay Patin-ay of this municipality had recently participated in the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga through the Social Marketing Section (SMS). 10

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

Regional News KAP Survey is a form of communication research that enables social marketers to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the communication tactics employed by the Department directly from the stakeholders.

performance in delivering programs and services to the community.

Seventy (equal number of 4Ps and non-4Ps respondents) answered a five-page questionnaire with the help of the SMS staff who served as data collectors.

Responsible for undertaking advocacy, social marketing, and networking activities, the SMS conducts the KAP survey annually to ensure that messages embodied in the vision, mission, and goal of the Department are effectively communicated to the general public. (Abegail R. Alvarez/ Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

The other 20 participants participated in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) later in the afternoon where the SMS staff listened to a more in The survey, which was given to depth discussion with the respondents. 45 4Ps beneficiaries and 45 non-4Ps beneficiaries, aimed to determine Social Marketing Servicethe awareness of the stakeholders Communication Development and on DSWD’s core programs (Pantawid Research Divisions (SMS-CDRD) shall Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, consolidate the accomplished survey Sustainable Livelihood Program, forms and perform analysis on the data and Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- gathered. Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services or Kalahi-CIDSS), and The result of the survey and the basic services such as Assistance to FGD will serve as basis for the SMS in Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and enhancing its communication strategy Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), ang in making it more effective and among others. efficient to the community.

The questionnaire focused on stakeholders’ knowledge on DSWD programs and services and described their attitude towards DSWD’s

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

doe News

DOE asks Mindanao energy players to address Mindanao partial blackout

Photo Courtesy of Investvine

TAGUIG CITY -The Department of Energy (DOE) is investigating the occurrence of a major power interruption in parts of Mindanao early this morning. “We are validating the cause of the partial blackout in the Mindanao region and we are taking steps to secure the electricity services in Mindanao,” Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi stated.

At 1:56 pm of the same day, the NGCP declared the Mindanao Grid at a “normal state” after all the lines were restored, except Agus 2 – Baloi Lines 1 and 2.

According to the initial report of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), a partial blackout in Mindanao occurred today (Thursday, November 8) at 10:38 am that isolated Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and the Zamboanga Peninsula and affected parts of Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Davao City.

In Zamboanga, Western Mindanao Power Corporation Diesel-fired Power Plant was able to synchronize to the grid and the NGCP substation was able to be back to normal operations.

“We are asking the NGCP and other stakeholders to explain the cause after further investigation to prevent the incident from happening again,” The NGCP report stated that the Sec. Cusi stressed. tripping was caused by an “intentional toppling” of vegetation to the lines The DOE assures the public that it in between the Baloi-Agus 2 138kV has been monitoring the situation with transmission line which led NGCP to the other energy stakeholders and will call the red alert status in the Mindanao hold a conference to thoroughly discuss Grid. a comprehensive plan to secure the Mindanao Grid. (DOE) Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

photo gallery

CSU Career Fair 2018

Caraga State University Main Campus, Ampayon Butuan City

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

provincial News

surigao del norte

DTI launches 10th Negosyo Center in Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – There are now 10 Negosyo Centers across the province of Surigao del Norte where micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can visit to avail business development programs and services. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched its 10th Negosyo Center (NC) in Surigao del Norte in the Municipality of Placer on October 29, 2018. This is also the 39th Negosyo Center in the region.

to services for MSMEs. Negosyo Centers are currently present in Surigao City, Bacuag, Claver, Dapa, Del Carmen, Mainit, Placer, San Francisco and Socorro. In her message during the Negosyo Center launching, DTI Caraga Assistant Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo urged the MSMEs present to take advantage of the services of the negosyo centers especially in the areas of access to finance, market access and product development.

The establishment of the Negosyo Centers was aimed to promote ease of Further, she said that DTI services doing business and facilitating access are now more accessible because Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

provincial News

surigao del norte

of the presence of the NCs in the the market access. municipalities. Republic Act 10644 or the Go Placer Vice-Mayor Reynaldo R. Negosyo Act mandates the creation of Seeto thanked the DTI Surigao del Norte Negosyo Centers in every municipality, for setting up a Negosyo Center in the city and province throughout the municipality as he believes it will boost country to help grow the micro, Placer’s local economy. small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector which accounts for around 99 Philippine Chamber of Commerce percent of registered businesses in the and Industry Regional Governor and Philippines. Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council MSMEs are important economic Chair Concepcion R. Paqueo also growth driver, as they stimulate encouraged the micro enterprises domestic demand through job present during the launching to creation, innovation and competition. constantly produce their products (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del because the chamber will help them in Norte)

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provincial News

agusan del sur

AgSur NC II holders receive SMAW project starter kits PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Agusan del Sur Provincial Office has recently released P1-million worth of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Project Starter Kits including welding machine and accessories to 75 unemployed youth National Certificate (NC)-II holders. The project was conceptualized through the collaboration of the DOLE, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Provincial Public Employment Service Office of Agusan del Sur. “Dako kaayo among pasalamat isip mga un-employed youth nga na hatagan og prebelihiyo nga makadawat ani nga project. Dako kaayo ning tabang para maka tukod kami og gamay nga negosyo nga welding shop. Isip graduate sa TESDA og Shielded Metal Arc Welding magamit jud namo among abilidad sa pag welding para maka income kami og maka tabang sa among mga pamilya. Isa pud ni nga rason nga dili na kami mo langyaw pa og laing nasod para manarbaho as welder kay naa naman me kaugalingon nga machine nga magamit para sa among etukod nga welding shop(As unemployed youth, we are very much grateful to be recipients of this project. This project will be very helpful for us to establish our

own small business which is a welding shop. Now, we can make profit from what we have learned as a Shielded Metal Arc welding graduates of TESDA. We do not have to work abroad because we now have our own welding shop),” Valent E. Lopez, one of the beneficiaries said. The turnover ceremony was attended by DOLE Caraga Regional Director Chona M. Mantilla, CESO III, DOLE Agusan del Sur Provincial Head Jocelyn L. Bastareche, DILEEP Focal Maximo C. Magallen, Jr., Sanguniang Panlalawigan Member Hon. Santiago B. Cane, Jr., TESDA Provincial Director Braulio P. Dela Peña, Jr. and Provincial Agusan del Sur PESO Manager Divina P. Lagumbay. DOLE-Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) aims to help the informal sectors in the entire region to generate income through this program from the Department. (DOLE-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

provincial News

surigao del sur

3 NPA terrorists surrender in SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Three New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists surrendered to the military in Surigao del Sur recently.

explosive device (IED) such as one M653 with one steel long magazine loaded with ammunition, one cal. 30 US Carbine M2; one homemade cal. 9mm Ingram; and one CAP4 anti-personnel The surrenderees were identified mines. as Richard Rojas a.k.a. Adan (45 years old), a resident of Bunawan, Agusan Capt. Francisco added that the Sur; Mario Silades a.k.a. Telik (41 yrs old); three surrenderees will undergo the and Jimmy Juyamag a.k.a. Camote proper validation and assessment (35 yrs old) both residing in Barangay process for them to avail the Enhanced Doña Carmen, Tagbina town. Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national Capt. Edwin Leo Francisco, Civil government. Military Operations Officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB), said the NPA The E-CLIP includes the following fighters coming from the Guerilla benefits: Php 15,000.00 for immediate Front 14, turned themselves in at the cash assistance; Php 50,000.00 for headquarters of the Army’s 75th Infantry livelihood assistance; and Php 90,000.00 Battalion in Bislig City. - Php 95,000.00 for firearms (depending on the type of firearm) and access to They also surrendered high- other government assistance. (PIApowered firearms and improvised Surigao del Sur) 18

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provincial News

agusan del norte

AgNor LGU approves financial assistance to rice farmers By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently approved the establishment of an assistance program to marginalized rice farmers in the province as embodied in Provincial Ordinance No. 494-2018. Under the ordinance authored by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr., the provincial government shall provide financial assistance to farmers’ associations, which amount shall be based on the approved project proposal not exceeding Php3,000,000.00, which in turn, will be utilized for re-lending to the members in the form of farm inputs amounting to Php35,000.00 per hectare cost in one cropping period.

farmers in the province in order to provide them the needed funds and inputs to ensure agricultural productivity. The overall goal is to increase productivity and production of quality rice as well as improve the farmers’ income and quality of life. The assistance covers the small or marginalized rice farmers enrolled under the Kapalayapaan Program and other small farmers in the province.

Kapalayapaan Program is a program for the farmer sector which means “There is peace in rice farming,” a convergence project with the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army gearing for increase farm production, promoting organic farming and introduction of The value of farm inputs to be new farming techniques. provided to the farmer-recipients is under the “Grant-Recovery-Roll Over As an added eligibility, farmers Scheme,” where the association shall enrolled under the Kapalayapaan undertake the collection of payment Program shall be endorsed by the after harvest and same will be deposited Philippine Army. to the association’s bank account for the procurement of farm inputs for the There is a need for a Memorandum next cropping season. of Agreement (MOA) signed and entered into by and between The farmer association may the province of Agusan del Norte impose a service fee and other charges represented by Provincial Governor to defray the administrative cost in Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amantemanaging the fund. Matba and the farmers’ association represented by its president. (LGU The ordinance aims to grant Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del financial assistance to the small rice Norte) Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

asean News

PH Navy wins ASEAN-China maritime exercise comms drill challenge By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN), through its Naval Task Force 88, was hailed as the champion in the communications drill spearheaded by the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN-N) during the last day of sea-sub phase of the firstever ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise (ACMEX) last Oct. 26.

readiness in cooperating with other NTF head Commander Sherwin navies. Respeto said the results were revealed during the after-action assessment at “The confidence brought about the Ma Xie Naval Base, Zhanjiang, China by the said exercise will enable the PN on Saturday. to better perform its mandate,” Respeto added. This was followed by the closing ceremony with Vice Admiral Wang BRP Dagupan City and the 200Hai, Commander of the Naval Forces man contingent aboard her left Sangley Southern Theatre Command, as the Point, Cavite last Oct. 17, and arrived in speaker. Zhanjiang, China on Oct. 20 to participate in the ACMEX. “The Naval Task Group 88, with the efforts of the command team and the It is hosted the People’s Republic of support of both of the BRP Dagupan China and Republic of Singapore Navy. City (LS-551) personnel and task group crew, were able to easily respond to BRP Dagupan City has a the communications challenges sent displacement of 4,265 tons at full load, over the radio network, besting other are 273 feet long, has a draft of 12 feet participants, as part of testing the integrity and has a top speed of 12 knots. of the communications established during the series of exercise briefings,” It was commissioned in PN service Respeto said in a statement Saturday. during the 1990s. He added that ACMEX 2018 has proven the PN’s capabilities to interoperate with its partners as it modernizes. Moreover, the PN’s participation in a multi-lateral exercise is aimed at evaluating its inter-operability and

Earlier, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the proposal for a joint ASEAN and Chinese naval exercise was submitted during the ASEAN Defense Minister Meeting in Singapore last February. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

mindanao News

ARMM police get 30 new patrol vehicles By Edwin Fernandez

Photo Courtesy of Hukbo.com

CAMP SALIDAPA K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao – The capability of police authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is expected to improve with the acquisition by the regional police office of 30 new patrol vehicles. “The vehicles would surely boost the proficiency of the police in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to fight criminality and ensure people are protected from violence,” Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, director of the Police Regional Office – ARMM, said.

“This is part of the continuing effort of the PNP to upgrade facilities and equipment of the local police force under its capability enhancement program,” Mijares said, adding that each patrol car costs PHP1,116,500. The recipients of the new patrol vehicles are the Police Provincial Offices of Maguindanao (8 units), Lanao 8 (units), Basilan (3 units), Sulu (Units), Tawi-Tawi (6 units) and one (1) unit for the regional headquarters.

Mijares said the arrival of the 30 brand new vehicles is very timely for Mijares led on Wednesday the blessing the upcoming Bangsamoro Organic and ceremonial turnover of a Toyota Law and May 2019 Midterm elections. Hi-Lux vehicle at the grounds of these camp. He said the vehicles were from “These mobility resources should the Philippine National Police (PNP) be used carefully. Directorate for Logistics. 22

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mindanao News

Dureza underscores media role in creating safe environment By Lilian Mellejor OPPAP Photo

had to face threats to stop reporting on issues yet can still “write truthfully and factually.” He conceded that in some areas in Mindanao, the lives of community journalists remain at risk “but it should not stop them from factual writing.” “If we live in critical areas, would that make us less accurate or truthful? No. If we cannot continuously practice our basic hugot as journalist huwag na lang mag journalist (then don’t be a journalist),” he maintained.

DAVAO CITY – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on Thursday emphasized the role of journalists in building an environment conducive to exercising free speech and protecting human rights. Dureza also defended left-leaning journalists, saying their rights must also be “If journalists can do that, journalists protected as they are part of the Fourth can exercise the basic tenets of journalism Estate. – to be truthful and bold in their work,” Dureza said. Edith Caduaya, the president of Mindanao Independent Press Council Dureza spoke at the two-day (MIPC) that organized the summit, said Mindanao Media Safety and Security journalists are facing more challenges in Summit at Eden Nature Park here, where the age disinformation. he reminded Mindanao-based journalists “not only practice their profession but Fake news, Caduaya said, has must also see to it they are not negligent become a tool against the working press. on their protection”. “It imperative that we stand He added: “You must also help together, unite our ranks to protect create an enabling environment to ourselves,” she said. human rights and exercise of free speech.” She said the summit aims to increase people’s awareness on the Dureza, a former press secretary critical role of the press to ensure the and a journalist during Martial Law, continued preservation of democracy in recalled how some mediamen in his days the Philippines. (Lilian C Mellejor/PNA)

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national News

PRRD institutionalizes PH’s anti-illegal drugs strategy By Jelly Musico

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order institutionalizing the Philippine AntiIllegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) which outlines balanced efforts of the government to boost its campaign against illegal drugs. Under Executive Order No. 66 signed on Oct. 29, Duterte directed all government departments and offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to implement PADS. In line with their mandates, the government departments and agencies, including GOCCs and SUCs, are directed to formulate 24

their respective implementing and operational plans relative to the PADS and submit them to Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) within 60 days. The local government units (LGUs) are “encouraged” to support and implement the PADS. Non-government organizations, civil society groups and private institutions are also urged to actively support PADS’ projects and programs. Duterte directed the government entities as well as LGUs to formulate and adopt their drug-free workplace programs and conduct “authorized” drug testing among their respective officials and personnel.

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national News Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shall On the other hand, the conduct a nationwide survey every Department of Labor and Employment three years to determine drug abuse (DOLE) has been instructed to ensure prevalence in the country. the formulation and implementation of the programs. The DDB formulated the PADS to update and develop the existing Aside from formulating their own National Anti-Drug Plan of Action 2015plans, the LGUs are encouraged to 2020 as part of the country’s contribution establish anti-drug abuse councils and to international efforts to combat implement PADS and barangay drug worldwide illegal drug problem. clearing operations in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement The 2009 Political Declaration and Agency and Philippine National Police. Plan of Action adopted by the United The Department of the Interior and Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Local Government shall monitor the Drugs provides that UN member states implementation of PADS at the LGUs’ are fully aware the drug problem level. “requires effective and increased international cooperation”. (PNA) According to EO 66, the DDB and

DICT partners with Kaspersky to boost cybersecurity in gov’t By Aerol John Pateña

The DICT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kaspersky, which will enhance capacity development and institution building on cybersecurity within the public sector during the first Philippine International Cybersecurity Conference held in Davao City last week. MANILA -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has partnered with international cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky Lab, to strengthen cybersecurity efforts in the government.

“Our experience at Kaspersky Lab alone shows how a collective approach in battling cybercrime is very effective at demystifying the most complex of cyberthreats and keeping ahead of the cyber criminals. With our cybersecurity

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national News expertise, we hope to support the Philippines the best way we can as we do with other governments around the world,” Stephan Neumeier, Kaspersky Lab Asia Pacific managing director, said in a statement on Tuesday.

country’s efforts in identifying and preventing cybersecurity threats. “We hope that this holistic private-public cooperation will be a fine example of how information and expertise-sharing will be highly beneficial to the public ultimately. We are confident that this partnership will bring forth a positive impact not just on the Philippines’ national cyberdefenses but also on the lives of ordinary Filipino citizens,” Cabanlong said.

The MOU states that both parties will establish tuition-based training programs for the government, research and competence centers, as well as universities, to boost information technology security skills and support cybersecurity awareness drive on online security in the country. The Philippines was the ninth most attacked country in terms of They will also share relevant online threats worldwide, according to information, intelligence and data; Kaspersky Lab’s cyberthreat report for and assist each other in cybercrime the second quarter. investigations through the DICT National Cyber Intelligence Center. Around 10.6 million web infections were recorded for the period, 39 For his part, DICT Assistant Secretary percent of which were against Allan Cabanlong said the partnership individual Internet users and 11 percent with Kaspersky will strengthen the against businesses. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • October 20 - 26, 2018 • Volume II, No. 81

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