Caraga Infocus - September 8 - 14, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 75

8 - 14 August, 2018

Cover Story: Pisay Caraga scholars bring home medals

SSS News: 100-day paid maternity leave hurdles House on ﬁnal reading

DOE News: DOE BRINGS ENERGY INVESTMENT FORUM TO VISAYAS

ASEAN News: Tarlac showcased as ‘city of charm’ in 15th China-ASEAN Expo

Regional News 8

DILG-Caraga conducts consultative meeting with local resource institutes

Search is on for 2018 Model OFW Family in Caraga Region

Provincial News 13

Bislig City to host 3rd Organic Asia Congress

Mindanao News

DAR scales up abaca enterprise in Agusan Norte

Cotabato, Maguindanao suspend classes due to ‘Ompong’

KMME mentor shares ‘STEPS’ to become successful entrepreneur

MILF leaders register as ﬁrsttime voters

Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group wins in Bonok-Bonok Festival 2018

Talacogon 4Ps beneﬁciaries trained on entrepreneurship, consumerism

Lower joblessness proves economy remains strong: Palace

Bunawan food producers learn food safety concepts, good manufacturing practices

17K councilors unite for PRRD’s federalism push

National News

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

News Briefs • The Regional Inter-Agency Committee against Trafﬁcking & Violence against Women & Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga will have its 3rd quarter Meeting cum Technical Sharing Session on Sept. 27-28, 2018, 8:30am at Prince Hotel, Villa Kanangga, Butuan City. Agenda of said meeting include discussion on the 18-Day Campaign to end VAW & IDAT celebration, Buntis Congress, & orientation/technical sharing session on Gender Fair language & Cybercrime Awareness & Internet Safety.

• BGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 402nd Brigade commander underlined that the Phil. Army does not only protect the lives of the people, but also promotes their welfare. He added that respect for human rights & rule of law have been an imperative of the Phil. Army. With the Community-Based Dialogu (CBD) Core Group comprising various government agencies & civil society organizations, BGen Gacal said that the group welcomes community visits & fact-ﬁnding mission in the region.

• A Leadership Skills Training for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with the theme “Upgrading skills, improving lives to the development and to enhance on how to handle the organization,” is conducted today at the evacuation center in Brgy. 4 San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Said activity is spearheaded by the LGU-San Francisco, in partnership with the Loving Presence Foundation Inc., and participated by PWDs from 27 barangays of the municipality. •The Provincial Health Ofﬁce of Dinagat Islands conducted a 2-day consultative meeting/workshop on the Establishment of Functional Two Way Referral System in the province held recently at the Prov’l Guest Center, Brgy. Cuarinta San Jose, Dinagat Islands. The activity aimed to establish functional referral network of transferring and receiving clients from one health facility on one level of care to another facility/ level care within and outside the service delivery network (participating health facilities/ sectors within and outside inter-local) • In line with the upcoming International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM)-3rd Organic Asia Congress (OAC) on September 2018 in Bislig City, the city government of Bislig headed by Mayor Librado Navarro spearheaded a Press Conference held at the Highland Function Farm, Mangagoy, Bislig City. The panelists are: Dr. Zhou Zejiang-IFOAM President; Jennifer Chang- Executive Dir.; Mayor Navarro; & City Councilor Gines Ricky Sayawan. (CIO)

• The Cagdianao Municipal Police Station led by PSI Romeo Sentinta received 2 Mountain Bikes from Cagdianao Mayor Adolfo Longos thru the program dubbed “Kape Uban ni Hepe.” The said mountain bikes will be used in crime prevention and PNP night patrolling around the municipality. (Audie Dodz Alipayo-MIO Cagdianao)

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Cover Story Pisay Caraga scholars bring home medals By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Team Philippines A from Philippine Science High School – Caraga region Campus (PSHS-CRC) ﬁnished fourth in the recently concluded 7th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT-JSO) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

and technology for the young students ag year.

The event is designed specifically to and talented young individuals in the fi technology and to nurture future scientists This year, the competition focused on the th The team, that brought pride to and Societal Wellbeing. the nation, is composed of three scholars namely Krystil Maureen A. Tupas, Grade According to Maique, the compe 10; Jo Dee B. Salise, Grade 10; and Shaina the Philippines regain its victory, after two Delia G. Tomaneng, Grade 9 with their the Overall Champion for this year’s APT J coach, Jay Maique. Philippine Team B from PSHS – Soccsksargen made it on top. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga) Of the 19 teams that joined in the annual competition, Maique is very thankful for getting it to the 4th place. They received Gold Medals in the Great Science Quest, Silver Medals in the Great Science Ideas, and another Silver Medals in the Great Science Pitch. The team also won in the Most Liked Video on the Great Science Ideas, Maique said. The competition was joined by the different ASEAN+3 countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Republic of Korea. The ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) is an annual educational event in the field of science 4

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

ged between 13 to 15

o develop the gifted ﬁeld of science and and engineers. heme: Good Health

etition also made o years by being JSO competition. Region Campus

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

100-day paid maternity leave hurdles House on ﬁnal reading

SSS News

By Filane Mikee Cervantes MANILA -The House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved on ﬁnal reading a bill seeking to increase the paid maternity leave period to 100 days for female workers in the government and private sector.

Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN News

With 191 affirmative votes, zero improving maternal and children’s health negative vote and no abstention, the in just one move. lower chamber approved on third reading Herrera-Dy highlighted that the House Bill No. 4113, otherwise known as the proposed measure also effectively allows 100-Day Maternity Leave Law. additional paternity leave, noting that The bill also grants mothers an option the bill provides that part of the maternity to extend for an additional 30 days their leave may be availed of by the spouse maternity leave without pay. or the kin or the partner, who will help the working mother take care of her baby. Present laws allow women who had normal delivery to take 60 days of maternity The bill also provides that Social leave; and 78 days if by caesarian section. Security System (SSS) members who have paid at least three monthly contributions in House committee on women and the 12-month period before the semester gender equality chairperson Bernadette of their childbirth or miscarriage shall be Herrera-Dy, sponsor of the bill, said the paid their daily maternity benefit. increase in the paid maternity leave to The Senate version has already been 100 days is a “historically significant” step. approved on third and final reading last House Bill 4113 will directly impact year. (PNA) on our sustainable development goals by

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Regional News

DILG-Caraga conducts consultative meeting with local resource institutes BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga conducted here on August 28, 2018 a consultative meeting with selected local resource institutes (LRI) in Caraga for the crafting of Capacity Development (CapDev) Intervention for the local government units (LGUs) in the region.

The CapDev Intervention being developed is the response of DILG Caraga to the pressing competency gaps and needs that majority of the LGUs in the region are facing in the planning and implementation of local development projects. “One of the reasons behind the problems encountered by LGUs in the implementation of local development projects is the lack of technical knowledge of some LGU personnel. This pitfall stems from the fact that most LGUs have poor planning skills that need to be addressed immediately as possible,” said Engr. Jojo A. Serenado of the DILG Caraga Regional Project and Development Unit (RPDMU). For her part, Dr. Elvira V. Chua of PNU Mindanao said, “we are very willing to be part in the module development of this CapDev that is responsive to the needs of the LGUs. Not just the development but also its delivery and implementation.”

Based on the consultative meeting, the training implementation of Enhancing Local Government Unit Capacity on Planning and Implementation of Local Development Projects will commence on the last week of September 2018. It will be implemented by two local research institutes project managers who will implement the capacity development program in two clusters of LGUs. Cluster 1 composed of the municipalities in the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will be handled by the Siargao Islands Institute of Technology (SIIT), while Cluster 2 composed of the municipalities of the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur will be handled by the Saint Paul University Surigao (SPUS). (Ednon John E. Aparicio, Community Development Ofﬁcer, DILGCaraga/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Regional News

Search is on for 2018 Model OFW Family in Caraga Region BUTUAN CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Ofﬁce in Caraga has formally opened the search for this year’s Model OFW Family of the Year Award for Caraga Region.

organizations/associations may nominate their Model OFW Family who met the basic qualiﬁcation requirements, as follows: the OFW is the head of the nuclear family, could be the father or mother, including widow/widower; he/she may be presently employed overseas or former OFW; he/ she is/was an OWWA member;he/she has at least four (4) years of work experience as an OFW; that he/she has returned to the country for good no longer than 10 years at the time of nomination; and with no derogatory record.

Regional director Maria Ireen Cambaling of OWWA Caraga said the Model OFW Family of the Year Award – Parangal sa Matatag na Pamilyang OFW or MOFYA, is an annual search of giving due recognition to the outstanding accomplishments of the Overseas Filipino Workers and their families and upholding their best practices in handling family Accordingly, nominations from challenges. overseas may be accepted provided the family of the nominee is in the Philippines “Two outstanding OFW families from and the OFW family is known as a solid and Caraga region will be chosen, one from the stable family in the community, financially Land-Based sector and one from the Sea- stable and actively involved in community Based sector, and will represent OWWA projects. Caraga in this year’s National MOFYA search,” she said. The criteria for selection includes the wholesomeness of OFW Family with 50% Cambaling also clarified that points, success in Education or Profession previous regional MOFYA nominees can be of OFW and/or Family member/s with 20% nominated for the second time only after points, success in Managing Family Finances two years; must not be related up to the with 10% points, and civic/Community third degree of consanguinity and affinity Involvement of OFW and Family with 20% to officials and employees of OWWA, points. Department of Labor and Employment and its attached agencies, and social partners The deadline for submission of of MOFYA; and must not be a holder of an nomination will be on September 15, 2018. elective/appointive position in national/ local office at the time of nomination. For more information, the OWWACaraga office is situated at Nimfa Tiu Bldg. II, It was also learned that OFW Family J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City or contact Circles (OFCs), Registered Non-government their office at (085) 815-1894/09399259895 Organizations (NGOs), People’s (smart)/09173150590 (globe). (AJMH/ Organizations (POs), Religious Organizations OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) and Community-based socio-civic

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Regional News

DOE Brings Energy Invesment Forum to Visayas

CEBU CITY – More energy investments are expected in the Visayas region with the Department of Energy (DOE) holding of the 2018 Visayas Energy Investment Forum on Thursday, 13 September 2018, at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City.

an energy project.

ASec. Delola presented the Philippine energy situation, Visayas power situation and the investment needed. This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic “Transcending Investments: Role “We are aggressive in linking investors in Encouraging Investors in the Energy with various sector partners in order for us Sector.” to speed up the materialization of energy The panel discussants were projects, not only for the Visayas but for the entire country,” said Energy Secretary composed of DOE ASec. Delola, National Alfonso G. Cusi in a message to the Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ Engr. forum participants read by DOE Assistant Christian B. Ereño, Department of Agrarian Reform’s Atty. Jamila Bunsa, Regional Secretary Redentor E. Delola. Development Council-Infrastructure The forum aims to update stakeholders Development Committee VII Glenn on the investment opportunities in the Anthony Soco and Atty. Marissa P. Anino of energy sector, ﬁnancing facility available the Development Bank of the Philippines. for energy projects, the government’s role Other energy investment fora are in facilitating the implementation of energy projects and private sector experience in slated for Mindanao on 11 October and the development and implementation of Luzon on 4 December.

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

photo gallery

Core Group MOU Signing & Media Brieﬁng

NEDA Caraga Regional ofﬁce, Butuan City 12 September 2018

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

provincial News

Surigao del Sur

Bislig City to host 3rd Organic Asia Congress By Nida Grace P. Barcena The host organic city of Bislig led by City Mayor Librado Navaro is now ready to welcome both foreign and local participants, delegates and guests for the upcoming series of activities. “Our journey towards organic agriculture started last 2015 with its vision to be the ‘model city for organic agriculture in the Philippines by 2020.’ We are on halfway towards the attainment of its vision,” Mayor Librado said.

Mayor Librado also urged not only the Bisliganons but the whole province of BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The Surigao del Sur to join them in their journey. city government of Bislig is all set to host Meanwhile, based on the program the 3rd Organic Asia Congress (OAC) on September 18 to 21, 2018 to be held here. of activities released, the Organic Youth Forum is set on September 16 to 18 to With this year’s theme, “One Big be held at the Surigao del Sur I Electric Family For Innovation and Sustainability,” Cooperative, Inc. hall; the 6th Asian this annual event is organized by the Organic Rice Conference and ALGOA International Federation of Organic Philippines Member’s Forum will be on Agriculture Movements in Asia (IFOAM September 18, and the highlight of the Asia) with the support of the local event - the 3rd OAC is set on September government units in Asia. It is also an 19 to 21, 2018. annual gathering of IFOAM Asia afﬁliates, Other activities include Pre-Forum including Asian Local Governments of Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) members, Tours and Organic Trade Fair on September and their partners in Asia to discuss and 18 to 21. share the developments in the organic Presently, Bislig City has its own City sector in the region. Organic Agri-Fishery Complex (COAFC), a The OAC will work to institutionalize the 27-hectare facility for Organic Agriculture mechanisms of enhanced cooperation, Education, Training, and Research. (PIAwhich will move forward organic food Surigao del Sur) systems and consumption across Asia, it was learned.

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Agusan del Norte

provincial News

DAR scales up abaca enterprise in Agusan Norte By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- Some 427 abaca farmers in far-ﬂung communities in Agusan del Norte are set to expand their abaca farms to boost local production of abaca ﬁber through the abaca value chain project under Project ConVERGE (Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment), implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte.

Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago (TUJAKITSAN Cluster) in Agusan del Norte.

The project ConVERGE supports in scaling up the abaca value chain enterprise of San Isidro Upland Multipurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) as the lead proponent group of 21 participating groups consisting of 2,035 members; of which 460 (24 percent) are Indigenous Peoples (IPs) living across the four municipalities of

Under the integrated enterprise enhancement for abaca value chain, the projects have released around PhP55.6million since it was launched in 2016, which composed of capability enhancement trainings; 12 units stripping machines; one unit 10-wheeler hauling truck; and planting materials and inputs covering 383

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Ofﬁcer (PAPRO) II Andre B. Atega urged the local farmers and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) engaged in abaca value chain to produce quality ﬁber in order to compete with the market standard that will result to increased household income.

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

provincial News

Agusan del Norte

hectares distributed to at least 10 farmer- farm management. groups comprising 427 beneficiaries. “Presently, the demand of abaca has Project ConVERGE Coordinator been increasing. We are now delivering Annelyn Chan said that from the PhP55- an average production of 200 metric tons million budget, 43 percent or PhP23.5- per month. We are projected to double million is still in the pipeline to be into a compounded annual growth rate of implemented within 2018. This included around five percent in the next five years,” the proposed Phase I, which entailed the Mila said. 1.6667-km. farm-to-market road from NRJ Poblacion 2 to Sitio Cadahon-dahonan in “We are very grateful through the Santiago. support of DAR under Project ConVERGE and complementation efforts of various SIUFMULCO Manager Leonora stakeholders. The farmers could slowly Mila admitted that for several years, the fill the gap on the abaca fiber supply cooperative had experienced downfall shortage in the province,” Mila further of abaca production, due to widespread added. (NLM/Gil E. Miranda, DAR-Agusan diseases and lack of adequate skill on del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

KMME mentor shares ‘STEPS’ to become successful entrepreneur other mentees who comprised the third batch of the program. Handling the ﬁrst module on “Entrepreneurial Mind-setting and Values Formation” for this run is Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) accredited local mentor April Dabalos. Dabalos said that among the highlights of her own entrepreneurial journey were a few “failures” from which she derived lessons from and these helped BUTUAN CITY -- “Never give up, but rather her become what she is today. give in to your passion” She currently owns and manages This statement encapsulated what Tinkerville Playhouse and is now in the thick Module 1 was for Apolonia Foods owner of preparations for an expansion. Nenita Baybay who attended the ﬁrst She shared with the mentees her session of the Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprises (KMME) program along with 24 so-called “STEPS” to become a successful

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Agusan del Norte

provincial News

entrepreneur, among others.

have one leg up because of these favorable values: resilience, diligence, “S”, she said, stands for starting up. At this close family ties, debt of gratitude riskstage, she said one needs to be honest in taking, and good interpersonal relations answering questions such as: “Do you have (management and labor). what it takes?”, “Are you good with duct tape (a euphemism for resourcefulness KMME is a targeted and focused and innovation)?”, “Do you have assistance to a group of pre-selected micro, insatiable curiosity?”, “Open-minded?”, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) “Always looking for better?”, “Do you like called mentees through weekly coaching taking on risks and do not mind getting hit and mentoring sessions by business in the face (perseverance)?”. owners and practitioners on the different functional areas of entrepreneurship. “T” is actually comprised of three elements: talent, time and treasure, Dabalos said. After the mentoring which will run These elements mean knowing how to for 10 weeks, the mentees are expected turn your passion into profit. to become more confident, more knowledgeable and armed with their “E” requires you to know your environment business improvement plan ready for to be able to seek out opportunities, while implementation. “P” stands for product such as what people want to buy and not want you only want Implementing the over-all facilitation to sell. of this program was DTI Agusan del Norte Negosyo Center (NC) and KMME Provincial “S” is for service – quality, consistent – Coordinator Myra Gavero, in coordination nothing less. with the provincial office’s NC staff and personnel from the Butuan City Trade, Dabalos also discussed the risks and Industry and Investment Promotion Office. rewards of entrepreneurship. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) She added that Filipinos already

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provincial News

Surigao del Norte

Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group wins in Bonok-Bonok Festival 2018 By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) The Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group from the municipality of Placer, Surigao del Norte was declared as champion in the Bonok-Bonok Festival of Festivals (BFF) while Mat-i National High School (MNHS) of Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City was proclaimed grand winner in the Bonok-Bonok Based category (BB) in the recently concluded 34th BonokBonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival held at the Provincial Sports Complex, this city. In this year’s competition, the Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF) and MNHS (BB) contingents brought with them Php500,000 plus trophy as their winning prize.

Cultural Group (BFF), Best in Street Dancing went to Sumayajaw nan Clemetians – C.V Diez Central Elem. School (BB) and Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BFF), for Best in Choreography went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group (BB) and Mat-I National High School (BFF), and for Best in Musicality the 1st place went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group, 2nd place went to Mt. Sioan Academy of Gingoog City and 3rd place went to Kulturang Capalaynon Performing Arts.

In his message during the opening of the competition, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Laurence “Bong” Go lauded the ofﬁcials of the The Sumayajaw nan Clementians city and province for the successful - C.V. Diez Memorial Central Elementary celebration. School (BB) and Mt. Sioan Academy of Gingoog City (BFF) Barangay Anomar were He assured the Surigaonons that declared 1st runner-up with Php350,000 the government under the leadership of cash prize plus trophy and the 2nd runner- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is always at up went to Surigao City National High the service of the Filipino. (Susil D. Ragas/ School Special Program for the Arts (BB) PIA-Surigao del Norte) and Kulturang Capalaynon Performing Arts of Barangay Capalayan, Surigao City (BFF) with Php200,000 cash prize plus trophy. The special awards for Rayna ng Bonok-Bonok went to Buyawanong Placer Cultural Group, Best in Contingent ID went to Lipata Elementary School in coordination with Lipata National High School, Best in Costume went to Sumayajaw nan Clementians – C.V Diez Central Elem. School (BB) and Buyawanong Placer

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

Agusan del Sur

provincial News

Talacogon 4Ps beneﬁciaries trained on entrepreneurship, consumerism

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – Some 60 beneﬁciaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have recently attended the training on Entrepreneurial Mind-setting and Consumer Rights and Responsibilities held in this municipality.

basic needs, safety, information, choose, education, redress, representation and healthy environment.

She enumerated and discussed the consumer’s responsibilities that include critical awareness, action, social concern, The activity, which is one of the environmental awareness and solidarity. 4Ps Family Development Sessions, was Narvasa also encouraged the designed to educate and encourage the group to go into business and understand participants to exercise their rights in order fair business practices in dealing with the to help the business sector to become competitive. consumers. Meanwhile, Municipal Link Lovely Mae Corpuz of the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) expressed her gratitude over the opportunity given to their assisted group to gain inputs that would prepare them as beneﬁciaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) next In addition, the participants were year. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del briefed about consumerism by Jardynne Sur) R. Narvasa of Consumer Protection Team focusing on the basic consumer rights to Louida Legaspi of Negosyo CenterTalacogon discussed the difference between livelihood and enterprise andexplained the Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies and the regulatory requirements in engaging into business.

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

provincial News

Agusan del Sur

Bunawan food producers learn food safety concepts, good manufacturing practices

BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur – Some 110 members of the ﬁve associations that are engaged in food processing enterprises in this municipality have recently gained knowledge on Food Safety Awareness (FSA) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) through the training held at Mabe’s Savory Place in San Francisco, this province.

the association members. The PhilSaga Mining Corporation (PMC) through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) assisted the participating organizations: 1. Empowered Women of San Teodoro Association (EWSTA); 2. San Andres Selected Women Association (SASWA); 3. San Marcos Fisher folks; 4. ConWECo; and 5. 3 B’s Bakeshop.

Dina Lyra Pantaleon, a Microbiologist Their products are processed meat, resource person, discussed Food handling, Food safety hazards, Steps in Cleaning dried ﬁsh, pineapple marmalade, bread and Sanitation, Cooking, Packaging and and puriﬁed water. Storing of food and using proper wardrobe. The said training was organized “Thank you Department of Trade by Philsaga Mining Corporation and DTI and Industry and Philsaga Mining Agusan del Sur through the facilitation Corporation for this seminar, now we know of Connie Derro and France Tumulak of the pros and cons in food processing and Negosyo Center – Bunawan. (DTI-Agusan food handling. We will apply this in our del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) production,” said Rodulfo Montes, one of

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

asean News

Tarlac showcased as ‘city of charm’ in 15th China-ASEAN Expo By Greggy Eugenio

GUANGXI, China — Philippine ofﬁcials showcased the province of Tarlac as the country’s “city of charm” during the 15th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), which opened Wednesday at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC). In her speech in front of Chinese investors, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Nora Terrado said Tarlac is a “progressive and promising province that encapsulates in a single location a sustainable and globally competitive agriculture sector, industrial developments and attractive tourist destinations.” Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, meanwhile, said aside from being the country’s home of sugar and rice, Tarlac is a promising province that has sustainable and globally competitive agriculture, industrial development, and tourist destination. “We hope to partner with you in developing harmonious cooperation

between our countries. With your help, we shall be able to achieve global competitiveness linking business opportunity, eco-tourism, and investment promotion development for the progress of our country,” Yap said. Terrado, meanwhile, also introduced the Philippines’ seven investment promotion agencies (IPA) in the expo — the Bureau of Investment (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

asean News

More than 2,700 exhibitors from the ASEAN and China are participating in the expo themed “Jointly Building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Forging the ChinaASEAN Community of Innovation.”

as the special guest country, in the ﬁeld of various products centered on artiﬁcial intelligence, building a smart city, and upholding environmental protection.

Forums and exchange programs will This year’s expo features exhibitions focus on innovations. of the 10 ASEAN countries and Tanzania, Biggest Pinoy products, services After 13 years of joining in the CAEXPO, this year marks another milestone for the Philippines as it presents its biggest and boldest delegation so far — with 70 companies from the food, home and fashion, services, and health and wellness sectors.

bilateral trade valued at USD25.48 billion, recording an increase from USD21.9 billion in 2016. 2017 also marked the ﬁrst time that the Philippines shipped a huge amount of sugar to China.

This is also the ﬁrst time that the “The Philippines also recorded an country’s commodity pavilion managed increase of 50 percent in fruit exports to to occupy an entire hall space in the expo. China last year, particularly bananas, and pineapple ever since the ban was lifted According to Terrado, China has in 2016. In tourism, the two countries have emerged as the country’s top trading witnessed booming exchange of people partner in 2017, the ﬁrst full year of President as China now stands as the second largest Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, with total origin of tourists travelling to the Philippines.

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

asean News

Each week, there are around 300 flights attended the 2018 CAEXPO. shutting between Chinese and Philippines He is one of the entrepreneurs tasked cities,” Terrado added. to create a business association for ChinaPauline Suaco-Juan, Executive ASEAN countries, a first in the expo. Director of the Center for International “I am here to form China-ASEAN Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), took the exhibit as another step closer in Entrepreneur Confederation. It is the very building a better trade and investment first time the businessmen will be group relationship between the Philippines and together to join the Chinese government China, as well as with other Southeast in pursuing the business activities, Asian countries. opportunities to the sear of the economy,” he said. “It has always been a strategic “Today, we are going to form that platform to showcase what the Philippines can offer to the world from our lucrative and we will talk about the organization later investment packages to our premier export today, especially about the agriculture, products from various sectors. These are how are we going to proceed, that is the among the many milestones that have main topic we will talk about today,” he made Philippine companies in the food added. and other sectors bullish on the renewed The 15th China-ASEAN Expo will run prospect in the Chinese market,” Suacountil September 15. It is co-sponsored by Juan said. the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Meanwhile, Dr. Francis Chua, and the 10 ASEAN member states as well Honorary Chairman and Director for as the ASEAN Secretariat, and is organized Internal Trade Affairs of Philippine Chamber by the People’s Government of Guangxi Commerce and Industry (PCCI), also Zhuang Autonomous Region. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

mindanao News

Cotabato, Maguindanao suspend classes due to ‘Ompong’

By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan

In Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, classes in all levels have also been deferred due to the inclement weather. “In times like this, families should be intact so parents need not worry about their kids in school amid the heavy rains,” Pigcawayan Mayor Eliseo Garcesa Jr. said over a local radio station. COTABATO CITY – This city and four other local government units in Maguindanao and North Cotabato have suspended classes Thursday due to bad weather caused by Typhoon Ompong. Aniceto Rasalan, the secretary to the city mayor, announced the suspension of classes in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary levels in both public and private schools due to heavy rains that prevailed since early Thursday. “A weather update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said rain showers would prevail from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. so we have to think of grade-schoolers who are susceptible to respiratory illnesses,” Rasalan said on behalf of City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

In Maguindanao, the towns of Buldon, Sultan Kudarat, Datu Odin Sinsuat have likewise suspended classes in kindergarten and elementary levels due to torrential rains. Meanwhile, disaster management ofﬁcials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) met here Thursday to monitor the effects of the storm and ensure the safety of constituents in its component cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur. Light to moderate rains greeted early Thursday the entire ARMM, forcing education ofﬁcials and local government executives to suspend classes in elementary and high school levels.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said light to moderate, yet continuous rains, and light winds forced education He also called on city residents to ofﬁcials in his home province of Basilan to report instances of ﬂooding and landslides suspend Thursday classes in elementary, high school and college institutions. in their respective communities.

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

mindanao News

“Preparation is the key so we can Rescue workers of the Police Regional save lives and properties,” Hataman said Office-ARMM, as well as soldiers under the here Thursday afternoon following his Western Mindanao Command, have also meeting with disaster officials. been alerted for any eventuality. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Hataman said he is closely monitoring which covers the whole of Maguindanao, the situation through the Humanitarian Sultan Kudarat and part of North Cotabato Emergency Assistance and Response and Lanao del Sur, also prepared rapid Team (HEART), which has personnel across deployment units to respond to flash the region. floods, strong waves, and landslides. (With reports from Noel Punzalan/PNA)

MILF leaders register as ﬁrst-time voters By Noel Punzalan

COTABATO CITY -- Moro Islamic Liberation that the special voters’ list up was going on Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, smoothly. along with another group leader, on “So far, so good,” he said as the special Wednesday registered with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as legitimate voter registration entered its second day. for the ﬁrst time in Camp Darapanan, Sultan “For Cotabato City, we have registered Kudarat, Maguindanao. almost 400 new voters on Tuesday and we are Ebrahim’s real name was not expecting to add to the list some 500 more today (Wednesday),” said Jimenez, who immediately made available. helps oversee the conduct of the list up here. Sammy Almanzor, also known as Sammy In Camp Darapanan, a minor problem Gambar, MILF’s vice chair for military affairs, also registered a day earlier. His real identity is on shortage of application forms cropped up Abdulrauf Abdul Macacua. Tuesday but was immediately addressed. BOL provides for the establishment of “I feel very happy now that I could now participate in the country’s political exercises, an expanded political entity known as the particularly in the Bangsamoro plebiscite early Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim next year,” Macacua said. Mindanao (BARMM), replacing the decadesold ARMM set up. On Tuesday, the Comelec kicked off Being proposed for inclusion in the in this city and 15 other venues in Mindanao a three–day (Sept. 11-13) special satellite BARMM are all the areas under the current registration in connection with the conduct of ARMM – the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and a plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur, and 39 barangays (BOL) slated in January next year. in North Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez del Norte, and the cities of Cotabato, and told the Philippine News Agency Wednesday Isabela in Basilan. (PNA)

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national News

Lower joblessness proves economy remains strong: Palace By Jelly Musico

He said the SWS survey is consistent with recent data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which indicate that July 2018 employment rate improved to 94.6 percent. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the PSA data is the highest in the past 10 years among previous July rounds. “Patunay po na patuloy na napakalakas ng ating ekonomiya (This proves that our economy remains very strong),” Roque said.

MANILA -- Malacañang on Thursday welcomed a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that showed joblessness went down by 4.2 percent in the second quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, the Palace also welcomed the inauguration of the Rapid Exit Taxiways (RETs), which is expected to reduce the number of delays for aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) According to the SWS survey, joblessness and the Manila International Airport declined from 23.9 percent in March to Authority (MIAA) inaugurated the new RETs this week. 19.7 percent in June. The pollster estimated the June 2018 adult joblessness at 8.6 million compared to 10.9 million in March this year, marking a drop of 2.3 million. “Ito po ay patunay na bagaman may problema sa inflation, nanatiling malakas po ang ating ekonomiya (This proves that although we have an inflation problem, our economy remains strong) as evidenced by the reduction of joblessness,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said during a Palace press briefing.

“The DOTr noted that the addition of RETs is expected to shorten aircraft spacing requirements for air trafﬁc control and improve runway occupancy time,” Roque said. The DOTr also said RETs will provide quicker exit for aircraft going to the taxiway and pave the way for quicker release of ﬂights taking-off. “We are expecting that these new exit taxiways will reduce the number of delays for aircraft,” Roque said. (PNA)

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national News

17K councilors unite for PRRD’s federalism push

MANILA -- Almost 17,000 city and municipal councilors nationwide now support the administration’s advocacy for a federal shift.

information down to the community level. So to OIC Año, we are here to commit ourselves behind the DILG’s leadership in this program,” Dayanghirang said.

On Sept. 10, city and municipal councilors from all over the Philippines pledged to help the information campaign of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the DILG and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL).

PCL will conduct information campaign activities to ensure the success of the federalism advocacy. The DILG, on the other hand, will capacitate and certify the trained speakers of federalism-related activities of the league.

“With this agreement, our Federalism “The PCL has been the first organization thrust will have a wider and deeper scope and league to be coordinating with the in terms of information dissemination,” DILG in our programs,” DILG Assistant DILG Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said Secretary Jonathan Malaya said. in a news release issued Wednesday. Next week, the DILG will be tapping Año said public awareness is key to the Union of Local Authorities of the convincing people to vote for federalism Philippines (ULAP) to help in the advocacy. in the 2019 plebiscite. The DILG has been tasked by President “Imagine, we now have 17,000 Rodrigo Duterte to spearhead the public advocates all over the country,” he said. awareness campaign for federalism and has been visiting the regions to showcase The PCL, with a membership of the draft federal Constitution crafted by 16,764 councilors nationwide, has agreed the Consultative Committee. (PR) to sponsor local laws and ordinances that would promote federalism in communities. The MOU signing was attended by PCL national chairman Danny Dayanghirang, PCL national president Luis “Chavit” Singson, and other PCL officers. “Let it be known to the DILG that the 17,000 councilors nationwide are behind the administration’s campaign for federalism. We are here to flatten out the

Caraga Infocus • September 8 - 14, 2018 • Volume II, No. 75

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