Caraga Infocus - November 3 - 9, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

November 3 - 9, 2018

Volume II, No. 84

Pumping stations to reduce flooding in Butuan completed

SSS News: SSS collects over P6-B in Central Luzon

DOE News: DOE Donates 150 Units of E-Trike to Muntinlupa City

ASEAN News: PRRD to reiterate PH stance on WPS in ASEAN Summit

Regional News 8

DILG-Caraga trains LGUs on planning, dev’t projects implementation

Provincial News 13

Consumers, biz sector join 2018 ConBiz Forum

Government agencies extend assistance to 96 former rebels in SurSur

Agusan Norte orders resting chairs inside establishments

PDI’s registered rural workers associations benefit DILEEP

Mindanao News

Philippine Heart Association holds CPR training in Zamboanga

Army settles bloody clan war between 2 families

National News

Rice traders, retailers warned vs. SRP violations

PCOO seeks KBP’s help in promoting gov’t programs

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

News Briefs

• PIA CARAGA: Regional director Aileen Lovitos of PDEA Caraga said that the conduct of surprise drug test among bus drivers in the Butuan City terminals is one way to ensure safety of passengers travelling. She further stressed that PDEA with other law enforcement agencies will run after those bus drivers being involved or using/pushing illegal drugs.

• PIA AGUSAN DEL NORTE: 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. • PIA AGUSAN DEL SUR: Zillovia Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ZWMPC) organized a financing forum to its target borrowers of the recently acquired Financing under the Pundo para sa Pababago at Pagasenso (P3) program of Small Business Corporation. Some 175 potential borrowers engaged in small businesses in Talacogon and San Luis have joined in the forum held recently in San Agustin, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. ZWMPC, now a P3 conduit partnered with the Negosyo Center-Talacogon to reach more responsible business operators in their area to avail of their financing program. Those who wish to avail of the program are required to attend in their Premembership Seminar. • PIA SURIGAO DEL NORTE: To strengthen and nurture the Filipino culture, values & ideals, Proclamation No. 479 s. 1994 declares November of every year as #FilipinoValuesMonth. The theme for this year is “Mahusay at Epektibong Pakikipagkapwa-tao, Daan Tungo sa Maunlad at Mapayapang Mundo.” • IPIA SURIGAO DEL SUR: According to Brigadier General Andres Centino, 401st Brigade launched a security operation in Andap Valley complex, particularly in the hinterlands of Lianga and San Agustin, Surigao del Sur in response to the reported presence of CPP-NPA terrorists who started to consolidate as early as first week of October as part of its plan to conduct atrocities against the government forces in line with the CPP-NPA’s “Red October” plot. (Source: 401st Infantry Brigade) • PIA DINAGAT ISLANDS: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Dinagat Islands conducted recently the Provincial Cave Committee (RCC) meeting held at DENR Training Center, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. The RCC members discussed the concerns on cave updates, cave assessment and on-going implementation of management plan for the protection, conservation and proper management of caves and its resources. (PIO-Dinagat Islands)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

Cover Story

Pumping stations to reduce flooding in Butuan completed

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 13, through the Regional Project Management Office (RPMO), has completed the construction of the Lower Agusan Development Project (LADP) Flood Control Component (FCC) Stage I, Phase I and II, Urban Drainage System Construction of Relief Pumping Station at Collector Drain (CD) 1 and 2.

usually occurring in the last and first months of the year, thereby reducing occurrence of flooding.

For decades, flooding has been a looming danger in the highly urbanized city of Butuan that is geographically situated below sea level where agriculture, property and even lives are at constant risk of being under water or swept away gravely in the recent years due to the effects of climate The construction of the relief pumping change. stations is designed to discharge a combined (CD 1 & 2) 70 cubic meter per Construction of CD 1 and 2 began minute of flood water impounded along on June 29, 2017 and was completed the commercial districts of Butuan City and on August 22, 2018 with a total cost of released into the Agusan River in the event P96,499,611.33. that level of water rises due to continuous rain and other weather disturbances, These pumping stations are located in

Caraga Infocus â&#x20AC;˘ November 3 - 9, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume II, No. 84

Department of Public Works and Highways

the West Bank of the Agusan River – where CD 1 is upstream at Brgy. Silongan and CD 2 is 300 meters away, downstream at Brgy. Urduja.

When history had it on record about Butuan’s harrowing flooding experience, the DPWH had it in priority as a solution and to lessen its devastating effects by conceptualizing and implementing flood DPWH conducted a trial run on mitigation projects around this low-lying October 26, 2018, and although CD 1 is city. (DPWH-13/PIA-Caraga) working well, the flood wall along CD 2 needs to be dug up/opened to provide easier access for the flood water to enter the inlet to sump pit. Once the final inspection and certificate of completion are done, these projects will be turned over to the City Government of Butuan for operation and maintenance with the supervision under DPWH.

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

SSS news

SSS collects over P6-B in Central Luzon

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- The Social Security System (SSS) collected PHP6.01 billion in members’ contributions under its Luzon Central 2 offices during the first nine months of 2018, up by 10.7 percent from PHP5.43 billion in the same period last year.

members jumped by 27.4 percent to PHP596.55 million. However, there was a slight decrease in collection from our selfemployed members. That’s why we are conducting this multi-sectoral forum to increase awareness among members of cooperatives to inform them of the benefits SSS President and Chief Executive of SSS and encourage them to pay their Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said in a monthly premiums regularly,” Dooc said. statement on Friday almost 85 percent or PHP5.09 billion worth of contributions Dooc further explained that selfcame from employee-members, followed employed members, especially the by voluntary and self-employed members informal sector workers, are having difficulty at PHP596.55 million and PHP322.14 million, in immediately remitting their contributions respectively. due to time constraints, considering their nature of work and earning capacity. Broken down, 62 percent or PHP3.72 billion in contributions during the nine- “Given the assumptions, we thought month period came from branch accounts that tapping organized groups in Central while the remaining 38 percent or PHP2.28 Luzon to facilitate SSS transactions could billion came from large accounts. be one of the many strategies in bringing SSS services closer to our self-employed “Contributions from voluntary members,” Dooc added. (SSS PR)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

regional news

DILG-Caraga trains LGUs on planning, dev’t projects implementation In her opening message, DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion said the “27 years after the passage of the Local Government Code, it has been observed that the LGUs are still lacking with the necessary competency in the implementation and managing of the projects being given to them. “Through the tool developed by the Local Government Academy which was administered to our LGUs in a Focus Group Discussion, it was identified that most are still lacking in the necessary capacity in the areas of project identification and development; project procurement and contract management; project implementation and management; and project sustainability planning,” she added. Famacion also said that it was a unique training because they have tailor-fitted it according to the gaps identified through the tool and the resource speakers have been carefully selected to really address BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of the these gaps. Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Caraga recently conducted a training on The first day of the capacity Enhancing Local Government Units’ (LGUs) development intervention banked on Capacity on Planning and Implementation carefully selected modules about project of Local Development Projects held here. identification and development with the technical experts from DILG-Caraga as T h e t h r e e - d a y a c t i v i t y w a s resources speakers on some modules. participated in by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairpersons, municipal Engr. Mark Obani and Local planning and development coordinators Government Capability Development (MPDCs), municipal engineers and civil Division Assistant Chief Cherry Vitor gave a society organization (CSO) representatives discussion on Tips on Project Identification from 45 local government units of the five and Gender Responsive Proposal. provinces of Caraga Region. Moreover, Local Resource Institute

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

regional news

partners from the Philippine University Mindanao, Prof, Cornelio L. Labao Jr., and Dr. Elvira V. Chua gave a detailed presentation on what is a project, the project cycle, and the logical framework. Also, Supervising EDS Graziella C. Harting from NEDA-Caraga wrapped up the first day with a discussion on project development.

Monitoring Team.

A revisit on the 2016 Revised IRR of the R.A. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, was conducted in the morning of the second day of the activity.

On the third and last day of the training, community development officer Ednon John E. Aparicio gave a short briefer on the salient features of the DILG MC 201889 or the “Guidelines on Engagements with Civil Society Organizations.”

As a closing module for the day, DILG-Butuan City Director Charissa T. Guerta introduced the concept of Peace Development Zone (PDZ) which is the program of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

Because of the many issues related to procurement, the participants were It is the latest issuance from the clustered in half so as to substantially department requiring CSOs who wish to address their concerns on the matter. engage in the implementation of DILG programs, projects and activities to be Chief Budget and Management accredited or certified. Officer Carlito P. Leyson of DBM-Caraga Meanwhile, Engr. Jojo A. Serenado, team served as the resource speaker for the leader of RPDMU tackled the basics of participants from the provinces of Dinagat Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation. Islands and Surigao del Norte, while Vice President for Administration and Finance The highlight of the third day was Dr. Florife O. Urbiztondo from Surigao del the detailed presentation of Dr. Raquel Sur State University served as the resource M. Balanay of Caraga State University on speaker for the participants from the Project Sustainability Planning and the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del alignment of Sustainable Development Sur, and Surigao del Sur. Goals. During a plenary in the afternoon, topics related to R.A. 9184 was tackled by Atty. Anthony P. Vitor of KitcharaoJabonga Municipal Circuit Trial Court. He also discussed the topics on project procurement and contract management.

“It is not enough that LGUs and even other project implementers to just devise a way to produce a project, they should see to it that the project is sustainable – that it will not be a dead investment rather one that truly creates benefits,” said Balanay.

After which, DMO Emily M. Gatillo and Engr. Jesreel B. Yañez from the DILG Regional Project and Development and Management Unit (RPDMU) gave a presentation on the results of the Project Monitoring Committee Survey and the ‘how-tos’ of organizing a functional Project

DILG-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay also urged the participants to translate the lessons they learned into more effective and efficient implementation of the projects in their respective LGUs. (Ednon John E. Aparicio, DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

DOE Donates 150 Units of E-Trike to Muntinlupa City

Muntinlupa City - The Department of Energy (DOE) formally turned over 150 units of e-tricycles to the City Government of Muntilupa through Mayor Jaime Fresnedi at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. The turnover ceremony highlights the effort of the DOE to promote energyefficient and alternative technologies in the transport sector.

doe news

Last June, the DOE and the mayors of the cities of Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Pateros, and Valenzuela signed a memorandum of agreement on the donation of e-trikes at the DOE headquarters. Recently, the DOE likewise transferred similar units to the local government of Malay, Aklan. The e-trike units shipped to Malay, Aklan is one of DOE’s contribution to the rehabilitation of Boracay Island. Separate units will also be made available to Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO), an indigenous tribe in Aklan, for their livelihood.

“The DOE is consistent in its drive of enhancing the energy users’ power of choice. This is our way of encouraging the use of environment-friendly transportation services, like the e-trike,” Secretary Alfonso Muntinlupa City is the first of the four G. Cusi stated. cities in NCR to receive the e-trikes from the DOE.

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

PHOTO GALLERY

DOH Mental Health Care Fair

Almont Inland Hotel Butuan City, 9 November 2018

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

Agusan Norte PPO is PRO13’s best performing police office

BUTUAN CITY - The Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has been named as the over-all best performing Police Provincial Office during the first 10 days as Regional Director of PCSupt Gilberto DC Cruz.

arrested persons; and then Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office under PSSupt Marlou Martinez as third in rank with 11 accomplishments.

RD Cruz, who assumed his post on September 11, has directed the unit commanders to double their efforts in the conduct of law enforcement functions and public safety services.

RD Cruz acknowledged the efforts given by Caraga cops to attain a safer place to live in.

With the total number of successful operations conducted and suspects The award is in recognition of the arrested in the continuing war on drugs, unit’s successful anti-illegal drug operations Agusan del Norte PPO ranks as first, followed and campaign against wanted persons in by Agusan del Sur PPO as second and the region. Butuan City Police Office as third in rank.

In the campaign against wanted persons, Butuan City Police Office under the command of PSSupt Albert Magno, with 14 arrested persons, ranks first; followed by Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office under PSSupt Ramir Perlito Perlas with 12

“Giving due recognitions to the performing units is essential in boosting the morale of my men and women in uniform. On the contrary, this also serves as warning to the non-performing units to do more and better,” RD Cruz said. (FEA/PRO-13/PIACaraga)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

Agusan del norte

Provincial news

Agusan del sur

Provincial news

Another 7 NPA terrorists surrender to gov’t. in Agusan Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Seven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under Guerilla Front 14 have voluntarily surrendered to the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), Philippine Army along with their firearms at Sitio Cosep, Barangay Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur recently.

Integration Program (E-CLIP) which includes the following benefits: Php15,000.00 for immediate cash assistance; Php50,000.00 for livelihood assistance; and Php90,000.00 - Php95,000.00 for firearms (depending on the type of firearm) and access to other government assistance.

The surrenderers were identified as alias ‘Nina’, alias ‘Pitong’, alias ‘Bal’, alias ‘Cisar’, alias ‘Barako’, alias ‘Renny’ and alias ‘Kamandag’, and all are residents of Sitio Cosep, Brgy. Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

“The successive numbers of surrenderers in our battalion are all assisted with the benefits they destined to receive from the support of the government leaders for their livelihood assistance,” said Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, 75th IB Commanding Officer.

They brought along with them one Meanwhile, Brigadier General Andres caliber 38 Pistol and one improvised shotgun Centino, 401st Brigade Commander, and three improvised caliber 22 rifles. commended the marauder troopers for another excellent job well done. (75IB/PIA It was learned that the said Agusan del Sur) surrenderers will be processed for them to avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

Loreto commemorates 74th anniversary of historic landing By Susil D. Ragas

Photo Courtesy of LGU Loreto Dinagat Islands

LORETO, Dinagat Islands (PIA) – The local government unit (LGU) of Loreto recently commemorated the 74th anniversary of the historic Loreto landing at the Black Beach No. 2, Sitio Campintac, Barangay Panamaon, Loreto town.

followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the monumental marker.

In his message, Loreto Vice Mayor Erwin Hazel Ompod San Juan lauded the efforts of all stakeholders who made the commemoration successful and extended The local government here commemorates his snappiest salute to the fallen heroes of every year the historic landing of the the historic landing 74 years ago. American forces in Sitio Campintac, the very isolated place where the first landing Municipal and barangay officials, school of the American liberation troops took heads, representatives from different place on October 17, 1944. government agencies, the Boy Scout of the Philippines, and the Department The event started with the raising of the of Tourism also participated in the said flags of Japan, Australia, United States of commemoration activity. (SDR/PIA-Dinagat America and the Philippines and this was Islands)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

surigao del norte

Provincial news

surigao del sur

Provincial news

Over 400 Lumads in SurSur town benefit free basic services By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – More than 400 Lumads from the upper communities of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur have benefitted from the free basic services offered by the different stakeholders during the conduct of the Peace Caravan spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of San Miguel in partnership with the 36 Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB) held on Barangay Bitaugan.

for peace), Civil Military Operation (CMO) Officer Captain Francisco Garello Jr. said the Peace Caravan was derived from the concept of bringing the message of peace and the government closer to the people.

“It anchors on the principle of peace by presenting the government interventions through the delivery of basic services to include information education campaign, The local folks who joined the event and the community dialogues to address availed free medical, and dental services peace and security issues,” said Capt. with free medicines, vegetable seeds and Garello. Falcata seedlings. Also, Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, They also received food packs and commanding officer of the 36IB, said the benefited Porridge Feeding, and free activity conducted was a response to haircut during the event. address peace and security concerns in the area. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) With the theme “Panaghiusa Para sa Kalinaw Ipatigbabaw” (Uphold unity

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

asean news

PRRD to reiterate PH stance on WPS in ASEAN Summit By Azer Parrocha

MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte will reiterate the “principled positions” of the Philippine government concerning the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and other issues during his participation at the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Duterte is expected to engage with leaders of ASEAN Dialogue Partner countries “to further enrich partnership in key areas of cooperation.” On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), based at The Hague in the Netherlands, released a landmark decision that invalidated China’s nine-dash line map which China uses to claim nearly the entire West Philippine Sea.

Malacañang, in a statement, said the Philippine government looks forward to exchanging views on ASEAN communitybuilding and discussions on regional and global developments that impact regional peace, security and stability. Duterte chose to temporarily shelve an international arbitration court’s decision, “The President will reiterate the nullifying China’s nine-dash line map, to Philippines’ principled positions on matters give way to friendly and peaceful bilateral concerning the South China Sea and talks between both countries. transnational and transboundary issues such as terrorism, violent extremism, The President, however, would likely trafficking in persons, illicit drugs and raise again the PCA decision before his term disaster risk reduction and management,” expires in 2022 despite China’s rejection of the statement read. the ruling. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

mindanao news

Philippine Heart Association holds CPR training in Zamboanga By R. G. Antonet Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) on Friday launched the “CPR on Wheels and Wings (CWW) Caravan” here. The caravan aims to equip individuals like policemen, barangay officials and staff, and tourism workers knowledge on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

savvy towards a CPR-Ready community and a CPR-Ready Philippines by 2021, and to place the country on the international CPR-Ready countries map.

The trainees of the CWW Caravan held at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) included health workers, students, and village watchmen, aside from policemen and barangay officials.

On the other hand, the goal of the DOH is to make 20 million of the 106 million Filipinos CPR-Ready by 2021.

“We all share the goal in making Zamboanga CPR-equipped and in playing “Since these people are always out a key role in putting the CPR-ReadyPh.21 on the streets, they are the first witnesses Campaign a notch higher,” Supnet said. or respondents to health emegencies, like sudden cardiac arrest (SDA) or drowning “We are keen on bringing CPR to cases,” Dr. Francis Lavapie, chairperson of every Filipino home by making at least the PHA council on CPR. one family member in every household CPR-savvy,” she added. Lavapie said the activity is part of the yearly simultaneous Nationwide Mass “Training and tapping people from CPR Training pioneered by the PHA and various sectors will inspire and motivate adopted by the Department of Health every man on the street that he or she can (DOH). be a rescuer and not a mere bystander or onlooker,” Lavapie further added. Dr. Kristine Hashim Bantala-Supnet, president of the PHA 9 (Zamboanga To date, the PHA CWW has been to Peninsula) chapter, said PHA aims to 23 sites and has trained at least 110,000 make at least one family member CPR- lay people. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

mindanao news

Army settles bloody clan war between 2 families

By Edwin Fernandez The Pandapatans and Ayups who are related by blood have been fighting ownership of about ten hectares of rice farm in Barangay Lumabao, Gen. SK Pendatun, Maguindanao.

Photo Courtesy of Retired Analyst

BULUAN, Maguindanao – While providing security to civilians and running after lawless elements, the Army’s 33rd Infantry “Makabayan” Battalion has been setting trends in this part of Mindanao -- settling bloody feuds among warring families.

Cabunoc said clan elders failed to subdivide the property before their demise that led to misunderstanding among the relatives.

Cabunoc said Pandapatan told him that his grandparents originally owned the parcel of land. On the other hand, Ayup told the Army official that Pandapatan was given 2.5 hectares of land but wanted the whole ten hectares instead, which started Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, the 33IB the conflict. chief, On Thursday said their unit has so far settled five clan wars involving armed In 2013, a settlement was reached families in the Maguindanao and Sultan but Pandapatan supposedly did not honor Kudarat provinces since last year. it, triggering sporadic skirmishes between the two families. “It shows our conflict management capability,” Cabunoc said. Ayup, an official of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is backed by The 33IB hosted a “Kanduli” armed men while Pandapatan had the (thanksgiving party) at its headquarters in Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Barangay Tual, President Quirino, Sultan as his armed unit. Kudarat, where the families of Mamadsali Pandapatan, 50, and Jorge Ayup, 55, Cabunoc said both sides have agreed to end the bloody hostilities. incurred casualties during the conflict that started in 2013. “Mediating among families locked in bloody clan wars is now a trend among us,” Mangudadatu and Cabunoc Cabunoc said, adding that the initiative witnessed the warring families swearing demonstrates the military’s ability to address before the Qur’an that they will never the root causes of armed conflict problem engage in armed confrontation again to find the most suitable solution. and religiously abide by the Army-initiated settlement. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

national news

Rice traders, retailers warned vs. SRP violations By Leslie Gatpolintan

Photo Courtesy of NewsinthePhilippines

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) reiterated its warning that traders and retailers caught selling rice at prices higher than the government’s suggested retail price (SRP) stand to lose their business licenses.

He said the SRP program for Metro Manila and the Greater Manila Area was implemented on Oct. 27, although the penalties and fines could only be enforced 15 days after the publication of the guidelines as approved by the NFA The government on Friday started Council. imposing sanctions on rice retailers caught selling over the SRP, as it implemented The agriculture chief further said the mechanism in cities and provinces the following SRPs for rice covering the nationwide to benefit more consumers. provinces were set: local regular milled rice -PHP39/kilo, local well-milled rice “The NFA (National Food Authority) -PHP44/kilo, local premium rice -PHP47/kilo, will cancel their licenses to engage in rice imported well-milled rice-PHP39/kilo, and trading and retailing,” DA Secretary Manny imported premium rice -PHP43/kilo. Piñol said in his Facebook page. Piñol said the use of fancy names Piñol said SRP violators could also for rice like “Senandomeng”, “Super suffer penalties of a jail term of between Angelica”, “Double Diamond”, and others four months to four years, and a penalty of which mislead the consumers, will also be between PHP2,000 to PHP1 million. stopped. (PNA)

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national news

PCOO seeks KBP’s help in promoting gov’t programs By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

which was published by the Presidential Task Force on Media Security. Andanar stressed that the Presidential Communications Operations Office is active on pursuing safer environment for broadcasters and journalists.

MANILA -- Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday solicited the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas’ (KBP) assistance in disseminating and promoting further the government’s programs, particularly the implementation of the national identification system.

“I’m proud to say that for the last two years, there had been improvements in the country’s environment in terms of the government making sure that our media personnel are safe,” he said. Andanar attributed this to President Rodrigo Duterte’s “sincere and dedicated approach” to journalists.

“This is because of the President’s sincere and dedicated approach to journalists and his belief na kailangan The Philippine Statistics Authority talaga natin na respetuhin ang (that we (PSA) will start the registration of one million need to respect the) freedom of speech individuals under the Unconditional Cash at (and) freedom of the press.” (PNA) Transfer (UCT) in March 2019. Andanar made the appeal during a short remarks at the KBP’s Top Level Management Conference in Marriott Hotel, where KBP regional chapters were awarded. On behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, he thanked and recognized the organization as the “bastion of objectivity” in the Philippines. At the same time, he distributed copies of the Handbook on Personal Security Measures for Media Practitioners,

Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84

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Caraga Infocus • November 3 - 9, 2018 • Volume II, No. 84