Caraga Infocus - October 13 - 19, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 80

October 13 - 19, 2018

DAR distributes CLOA to Caraga farmers

SSS News: SSS reminds selfemployed, voluntary members to pay using PRN

DOE News: DOE brings 7th E-Power Mo to Iloilo

ASEAN News: PH, Vietnam leaders talk on delineation of maritime boundaries

Regional News 12

Caraga region is rich in tuna

350 new police recruits take oath in Caraga

Provincial News 18

DAR steps up LinkSFarM project in Agusan Norte

Mamanwa folks upgrade skills in handicraft making

DAR steps up LinkSFarM project in Agusan Norte

P34-Million FMR Expands Agri Commodities

Mindanao News

Expansion of shrimp farms in Sarangani, GenSan pushed

‘Palapa’-making tops new initiatives in Mindanao peace promotion

National News

NCRPO to deploy 3K cops for ‘Undas’

PEZA chief open to hike in GIE perk under TRABAHO bill

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

News Briefs

• A total of 30,957 or 47.40% of college students in Caraga Region enjoy Free Higher Education in 1st Semester, Academic Year 2018-2019. These students are enrolled in Agusan del State College of Agriculture and Technology, Caraga State University, Surigao del Sur State University, Surigao State College of Technology, Philippine Normal University-Mindanao, USEP-Bislig and Hinatuan Southern College. (Source: Engr. Ramil Sanchez, CHED Caraga)

• The 26th Infantry “Ever Onward” Battalion troopers under LTC Romeo Jimenea, commander of 26IB, together with Municipal Mayor Myrna Mondejar of Veruela, Agusan del Sur successfully conducted the conduct of 2nd Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) with the theme: “PADAYON SA PAGBAG-O VERUELA”. This activity was aimed to develop the leadership qualities of the young leaders and empower them to lead a certain youth organization. The activity was attended by some 50 youths from different barangays of Veruela. (Source: Pvt Lascay, 26IB/401st Bde) • Troops under 401st Brigade, Phil. Army actively participated in the Consumer Fun Run activity held at Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) to raise awareness on consumer’s welfare in line with the commemoration of this year’s Consumer Welfare Month.

• Surigao Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers recently filed a bill amending Rep. Act No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration & Inclusion (TRAIN) which would repeal Sec. 43 of the said law. He said prices of fuel have increased significantly & will be much higher on the next tranche of implementation of TRAIN in 2019 & 2020 and it affects the prices of basic goods & services as producers or manufacturers mat pass production costs to consumers. Barbers added that while RA 10963 is laudable, it should be adaptable to change, especially that the prices of commodities have gone high that greatly affected the marginalize sector. • The IP communities in Surigao del Sur are gathered at the Tandag City Gymnasium for the celebration of 21st Anniversary of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371) w/ the theme, ”IPRA @21: Convergence to IP Empowerment Towards Comfortable Life.” • 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)

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

COVER STORY

DAR distributes CLOA to Cara By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 2,097 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Caraga region received their certificates of land ownership (CLOAs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at the Agusan del Norte provincial capitol covered court here. Agrarian Reform Secretary John R. Castriciones, with Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, led the distribution of the titles to the farmers from the different municipalities of the region. The CLOAs covered a total land area of 2,878.4621 hectares of agricultural land 4

with 2,310 CLOAs or the documents evidencing their ownership of the land granted to the beneficiaries. Castriciones challenged the farmers to make their land productive and use them to uplift their living condition.

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aga farmers Of the 2,097 ARBs, 221 come from the province of Agusan del Norte, which covered 318.5105 hectares (Buenavista, 20 with 12.4969 hectares; Butuan City, 58 with 61.8962 hectares; Carmen, 17 with 42.2024; Jabonga, 77 with 111.2423; Kitcharao, 8 with 11.1638; Las Nieves, 10 with 17.3322; RTR, 19 with 41.0879; Santiago, 12 with 21.0888).

(Bayugan, 28 with 35.6501 hectares; Bunawan, 25 with 35.2787 hectares; Esperanza, 39 with 62.5291 hectares; La Paz, 129 with 263.6930 hectares; Loreto, 57 with 95.9301 hectares; Prosperidad, 168 with 268.4935 hectares; Rosario, 9 with 13.5980 hectares; San Francisco, 138 with 155.1285 hectares; San Luis, 23 with 34.5592 hectares; Sibagat, 15 with 25.1401 hectares; Sta. Josefa, 13 The province of Agusan del with 21.5642 hectares; Talacogon, 14 Sur had 796 ARBs who received with 19.0034 hectares; Trento, 93 with CLOAs covering 1,257.2320 hectares 151.8592 hectares; and Veruela, 45

Caraga Infocus â&#x20AC;˘ October 13 - 19, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume II, No. 80

with 75.3449 hectares). The province of Dinagat Islands had 242 ARBs who received their CLOAs comprising 293.1693 hectares (Basilisa, 45 with 58.8562 hectares; Cagdianao, 10 with 15.0967 hectares; Dinagat, 59 with 63.0884 hectares; Libjo, 11 with 10.5871 hectares; Loreto, 13 with 17.4370 hectares; and Tubajon, 104 with 128.1309 hectares).

60.4033 hectares; Surigao City, 40 with 49.2212 hectares; Tubod, one with 2.6096 hectares).

Surigao del Sur had 263 ARBs with CLOAs comprising of 409.2590 hectares (Barobo, eight with 14.5292 hectares; Bislig City, 26 with 58.0000 hectares; Cagwait, 10 with 13.0348 hectares; Hinatuan, 44 with 71.3658 hectares; Lianga, one with 0.9313 hectares; Lingig, four with 8.7298 hectares; Marihatag, Surigao del Norte had 575 ARBs 22 with 21.4565 hectares; San Miguel, with CLOAs covering 600.2643 hectares 32 with 36.2222 hectares; Tagbina, 85 (Bacuag, 31 with 24.6429 hectares; with 134.0359 hectares; Tago, 26 with Claver, 21 with 26.7909 hectares; Dapa, 49.4884 hectares; Tandag City, five 13 with 15.7133 hectares; Del Carmen, with 1.4651 hectares). eight with 9.7219 hectares; Gen. Luna, nine with 17.2532 hectares; Gigaquit, Also, during the distribution one with 2.4702 hectares; Mainit, 36 of CLOAs, Secretary Castriciones with 38.0438 hectares; Malimono, 314 distributed farm machineries and with 318.6064 hectares; San Benito, six equipment under its Agrarian Reform with 13.4505 hectares; San isidro, 14 Community Economic Support Services with 21.3371 hectares, Sison, 81 with (ARCESS) and Climate Resilient Farm 6

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COVER STORY Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP) PhP247,520. to farmers. The JAMAFO Agrarian Reform Under the ARCESS, the Southern Beneficiaries Cooperative of Kitcharao, Agusan Seed Producers Cooperative Agusan del Norte; Oil Palm Growers (SASEPCO) in the municipality of Trento, Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Butuan Agusan del Sur received one unit of City; Magaud Agrarian Reform Combined Harvester and one unit of Beneficiaries Cooperative of Loreto and Mechanical Rice Transplanter. Gamao Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Bayugan, both from the province of In the province of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur; Cantapoy Agrarian the Alipao Multi-Purpose Cooperative Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative of (ALMUCO) in the municipality of the municipality of Malimono and Alegria received one unit Combined Ima Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries harvester and one unit Mechanical Association of Sison from Surigao del Rice Transplanter. The San Isidro Multi- Norte; Balilaycar Farmers Marketing Purpose Cooperative (SIMPUCO) in Association of Tago and Bayabas the municipality of Gigaquit and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Rural Improvement Club Producers Association of Bayabas in the province Cooperative (RIPROCO) of Surigao of Surigao del Sur all received one unit City also received one unit Mechanical each of 4WD Tractor under the CRFPSP Rice Transplanter each. of DAR. The Combined Rice Harvester The 4WD Tractor is worth is worth PhP1,859,520 while the PhP1,050,000 each. (NCLM/PIAMechanical Rice Transplanter is Caraga)

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Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

SSS SSS reminds self-employed, voluntary members to pay using PRN

MANILA -- The Social Security System (SSS) reminded self-employed and voluntary members to pay their monthly contributions using the Payment Reference Number (PRN) to ensure instantaneous posting to their accounts. The SSS, in a statement Friday, clarified that it will only accept payments without PRN only on exceptional basis like in cases of members who have limited access to the internet. Members paying without PRN will be asked to provide their mobile numbers for updating of their records in the agency’s database. SSS said it will then send their PRNs for the succeeding schedule of contribution payments to the mobile number they have registered.

SSS members can generate their PRNs in three ways: (1) thru their My.SSS online account found in the agency website, (2) thru the PRN inquiry facility of the collection partners of SSS, or (3) thru any of the SSS branches nationwide. Once paid using the PRN, contribution payments of the members will be posted instantaneously. They will also receive SMS notifications that their contributions have been posted. Under the Real-Time Processing of Contributions (RTPC) program implemented in January this year, members’ contributions paid using the PRN are immediately posted, thus, allowing the members to avail of their benefits and privileges on time. (SSS PR)

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

PHOTO GALLERY SAP. Bong Go Malasakit Center Launching @ BMC

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

REGIONAL Caraga region is rich in tuna Photo Courtesy of MindaNews

Commercial fishing of tuna and the tuna processing industry in General processing is one of the potential Santos. investment opportunities in Caraga Region. “Caraga is blessed with various tuna species such as skipjack or Visa Tan-Dimerin, the new commonly called Tulingan, Yellowfin, Regional Director of the Bureau of Bluefin, Albacore and other,” Dimerin Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said. Caraga, said that the region is rich in high-value fish such as tuna. Currently, there are small-scale processors of tuna in the region for “We have an abundance of tuna bottled tuna products and semiin Caraga Region but the bulk of our processed. catch goes to other places in Mindanao where post-harvest and processing “We are promoting our region to centers are located such as in General investors to consider Caraga Region Santos City,” the director said. particularly in the fish processing industry so our local catch would be processed Dimerin said that Surigao del Sur here since we have an abundance of is one of the sources of fresh tuna for fish,” she said. 12

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

REGIONAL The director revealed that Caraga Region posted an 88 percent sufficiency level of fish, however, that part of Caraga’s catch has been accounted in another region. “Based on statistics parameters, accounting for fish is based on landing or where it is being unloaded. So in the case of fresh catch from Caraga Region being unloaded outside the region, the data will be credited to the said area,” Dimerin explained.

Yellowfin, in particular, has been exported to other countries such as Japan and China, hence, the cold storage facility is necessary to maintain its quality and such big facility are located in other regions. To boost the fishing industry in the region, BFAR has been conducting training for the fisher folks, provision of fishing paraphernalia and facility for fish processing, and stringent implementation of fishery laws.

Dimerin disclosed that 90 percent BFAR is an attached agency of the of tuna catch in Surigao del Sur Department of Agriculture. (Aurelius P. particularly from Bislig area are bound Arais, DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) for General Santos tuna processing.

350 new police recruits take oath in Caraga Photo Courtesy of CaragaPulis Pio

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 350 new police recruits of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 took their oath here recently before the PRO13 director, Chief Supt Gilberto DC Cruz. Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

REGIONAL The new recruits, comprised of 251 male and 99 female, surpassed the thorough examination and screening for the 2018 Police Officer 1 (PO1) Regular Recruitment Program.

The region’s police chief also reminded them to build their foundation on integrity and credibility, and never to engage in illegal activities.

“Remember that an oath of office is the mortar that binds us to the foundations of our government. Since you entered the realm of law enforcement, you have opted to follow a higher standard of integrity and conduct,” Cruz said.

During the ceremony, members of the Regional Screening Committee were accorded with plaques of appreciation for their efforts in efficiently supervising the selection process, while families, relatives, and friends witnessed the oath taking of the new police officers. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

As new cops, they will be brought They will each receive a basic to the Regional Training Center 13 in monthly salary of Php29,668 aside from Surigao City to undergo the six months other allowances. mandatory training.

Photo Courtesy of CaragaPulis Pio

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

DOE DOE brings 7th E-Power Mo to Iloilo By Jaime S. Cabag, Jr.

ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA, is bringing the 7th leg of its E-POWER MO Energy Consumers and Stakeholders Conference to Iloilo as part of its continuing efforts to invest knowledge and sound information to energy consumers and stakeholders. The E-Power Mo Energy Conference will highlight energy programs, opportunities, development plans and policies, financing and best practices, as well as the energy supply and demand outlook. The venue is Grand Xing Imperial Hotel here. 16

Top DOE officials will attend the event, especially during the Conference program, plenary and breakout sessions on October 9, along with experts in the energy sector and other resource persons. The second day, Oct. 10 will be devoted to the Energy 101 Seminar for media, which will bring together a panel of experts in the energy sector and senior media personnel to share insights on diverse topics such as the role of responsible reporting, energy access, energy laws, urban energy efficiency, and energy finance.

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Natural Gas Sector, Upstream Sector, The Seminar on Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy (RE) Sector, Power in Government Buildings slated on Sector, Alternative Fuels and energy the third day, Oct. 11 will provide Efficiency Sector, Consumer Sector. a forum for the presentation of the revised implementing guidelines of A plenary session will commence the Government Energy Management and wrap up the Conference on Program (GEMP), results of the energy opening day wherein Iloilo Governor savings done on 161 government Arthur Defensor is expected to welcome agencies on air-conditioning and the guests and participants coming lighting and practical tips to improve from the organizing institutions, energy energy efficiency in buildings, energy sectors and other stakeholders. efficiency and conservation roadmap 2017-2040 and energy efficiency The theme of the forthcoming and conservation opportunities in event is “Empowering Filipinos Through government buildings. Informed Energy Plans and Policies”. The program of activities will start at Like in the previous E-Power Mo, 8:00 a.m. (PIA6) there will be six sectoral breakout sessions on Downstream Oil and

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

agusan del norte

provincial news DAR steps up LinkSFarM project in Agusan Norte By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- Some 103 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and smallholder farmers underwent a threeday training workshop on Product Selection, Supply Assessment and Market Chain Study under the LinkSFarm or Linking Small Farmholder to Market conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte.

The LinkSFarM project organized 22 clusters of several smallholder-farmers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) involving eight Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from different Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) within the target project areas of Butuan City.

“The training also emphasized the importance of market chain study to gather market information of the intended buyers. This activity enhances the farmers’ knowledge to formulate agroenterprise objectives for collective marketing,” Balibay added. Reynaldo Villarama, one of the participants, said the training helped farmers learn entrepreneurial skills and establish strong business relations with buyers.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Andre B. Atega said that the project is a convergence approach among the DAR, Local Government Unit of Butuan, farmer groups and various stakeholders LinkSFarM specific objective is to engage farm business by way of to make smallholder farmers increase collective marketing approach. agricultural productivity, and effectively manage their agricultural production According to LinkSFarM Provincial applying value chain process. Agro Point Person Juanita Balibay, the training enterprise development approach is helped the farmers fully understand the adopted for them to identify supply cluster’s capacity to supply selected demands and access to market chain. products to the market. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 18

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

surigao del norte

provincial news Mamanwa folks upgrade skills in handicraft making

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) - Some 16 members of the Mamanwa tribe in Brgy. Cantugas, Mainit, this province were trained on handicraft making through the One Town One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next GEN) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

To help the Mamanwas meet their assignment, starter kits and tools were given for their processing activities.

OTOP Next GEN is DTI’s program to capacitate of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through product development initiatives, training, referral, and other capacity The indigenous people (IPs) were building activities with the goal of trained to produce mats, bags, baskets, leveling up the products in the areas of and other handcrafted products using design, quality, volume, among others. indigenous materials which are growing prominently in the area. The outputs of this activity will be market-matched in the local The materials include palm and regional market and will also be strips, nito, malawlaw and golden sika showcased in the Sikat Pinoy National (sayabay). Arts and Crafts Fair October Edition SM Gina Bagasbas, a member of the Megamall, Mandaluyong City. (Mardel pool of regional designers of the DTI Allen G. Delanto, DTI-Surigao del Norte/ Caraga, served as the consultant who PIA-Surigao del Norte) supervised the week-long activity. Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

agusan del sur

provincial news P34-Million FMR Expands Agri Commodities said Manpatilan.

AGUSAN DEL SUR - The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo has recently turned-over the P34-million farmto-market road (FMR) to Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Director Monteagudo shared that the government is working hard to support the farmers with not just road for easy transportation of agricultural produce, but also to equip the farmers and farmers’ associations with the necessary tools and equipment to increase production.

Sitios Lumbia and Mabao are the areas in Barangay Dakutan where some farmers also plant Rubber trees other than just growing corn. “The seemingly isolated area before is now a place of production with many farmers planting corn, high value crops and Rubber trees,” said Barangay Captain Rolando The 2.9-kilometer Lumbia-Mabao Jaum. FMR directly benefits 3,036 individuals or 885 farming households. This The turn-over activity was intervention from the government is participated by the DA-PRDP team in the built to support the Rubber industry in region, Provincial Project Management the province and the farmers planting Implementing Unit (PPMIU) of Agusan high value crops in the locality. del Sur headed by Deanna Fudalan, LGU-Esperanza officials headed by “All of us have worked so hard Mayor Leonida Manpatilan, Barangay for the realization of this project. We Dakutan officials and the farmers in the will make sure that this road will be area. preserved up to 100 years so that many generations can benefit,” said Mayor DA-PRDP’s Infrastructure Leonida Manpatilan. Component helps the producers, traders and the rural population Manpatilan said that the LGU is through constructing FMRs, bridges, working hard to develop not just the irrigation and potable water systems corn industry but also the high value that are identified in the value chains crops that many farmers are also of the products or commodities of the planting. “This road creates a good province or region. (Fretcher Magatao, reason and zeal to produce more,” RPCO-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 20

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surigao del sur

provincial news Army promotes 108 enlisted personnel By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – A total of 108 enlisted personnel under the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion, Philippine Army were promoted to next rank during the donning of rank held recently at the Camp Jaime Ferrer here. Out of the 108 promoted enlisted personnel, two are ranked Captains, one is Major, and 105 are Private First Class. Due to the call of duty, only 62 personnel attended the ceremonial event with Second District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, and 401st Brigade Commander BGen. Andres Centino as guests. “It is truly a great pleasure seeing you stepping forward and continuously progressing into more developed, highly trained professional army troopers who are capable and reliably effective in various tasks and mission. Your remarkable performance have shown your dedication and eagerness in putting yourself in a position far beyond your call of duties,” said 75IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin.

“Be an inspiration to your juniors, batch mates, and even to your senior enlisted personnel and officers. You received this kind of promotion because of the cooperation with your co- enlisted personnel,” Lt. Col. Datuin added. Meanwhile, Rep. Pimentel also extended his warmest and sincerest congratulations to the newly promoted personnel for their well-deserved promotion. He also stressed that the provincial government is very much thankful for the efforts made by the Philippine Army in eradicating insurgency in the province. “It is about time that we should put that out together, we should work together, the government sector and the army. Tapusin na natin to, para makamit na natin ang kapayapaan,” Rep. Pimentel said. (NGB with a report from 75IB,PA/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Lt. Col. Datuin also acknowledged the determination and the loyalty of the newly-promoted personnel as they assumed their new task. “May this promotion would serve as a motivation and continue to keenly serve the people to win our mission,” he said. Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

asean news PH, Vietnam leaders talk on delineation of maritime boundaries By Jelly Musico

BALI, Indonesia -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc discussed the delineation of maritime boundaries when the two leaders met on Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting here.

gas deposits. Other claimant countries are China, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.

During their full side meeting, Duterte and Phuc have also expressed commitment to work closely in achieving progress and stability in the “This has something to do with region. delineation of our boundaries. And I told him that in due time, but we will “We both committed to work take a longer period for we have to more closely to achieve shared goals establish even our continental shelf for stability in the region,” the Filipino limits,” Duterte said in his arrival speech leader said. at the Davao International Airport late Thursday night. At the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting, Duterte called on his fellow leaders The Philippines and Vietnam are to confront all the challenges “head two countries that have maritime and on” to achieve the 2030 Sustainable island claims in the disputed West Development Goals (SDGs). Philippine Sea or South China Sea, which is said to be rich in oil and natural “At the end of the meeting, the Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

asean news

Philippines remains committed to work closely with ASEAN and key global institutions to ensure a peaceful, secure and stable environment that promotes the greater common good,” Duterte said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go led the symbolic handover of the USD500,000 (PHP27 million) in cash and in-kind humanitarian assistance consisting of generators, water, and medical kits to Duterte also held a bilateral Indonesia. meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Duterte assured Widodo that The President personally conveyed to the ASEAN stands with the people of his Indonesian counterpart Philippines’ Indonesia in responding to disasters. condolences to Indonesian people who suffered successive earthquakes After the Leaders’ Gathering and and tsunami. his bilateral meetings with Phuc and Widodo, Duterte attended the gala “In times of need, Indonesia was dinner hosted by the Indonesian leader ready to help. Now, we are giving back. before returning to the Philippines. That’s the ASEAN way. That’s our duty as brother and a neighbor,” he said. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Duterte said Widodo welcomed World Bank President Jim Yong-kim the humble assistance that the and United Nations Secretary-General Philippines coursed through the ASEAN António Guterres have attended Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian the meeting themed: “Achieving Assistance on Disaster Management Sustainable Development Goals (AHA Center). and Overcoming Development Gap through Regional and Global On Thursday, Department of Collaborative Actions”. (PNA)

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mindanao news Expansion of shrimp farms in Sarangani, GenSan pushed GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Shrimp industry stakeholders here and in nearby Sarangani province are pushing for the development of more production areas to cope with the expanding markets.

Roger Rivera, past president of the SarGen Shrimp Stakeholders Association Inc., said Thursday that efforts are underway for the expansion of shrimp farms in viable sites along the coastal areas.

The area’s shrimp production grew to around 12,000 metric tons (MT) this year from 8,000 MT in 2016. It is targeted to increase to around 25,000 MT in the next three years.

According to industry records, Sarangani currently hosts around 800 hectares of shrimp farms while this city has some 50 hectares.

Rivera, who chairs the RDEX Foods here, said local shrimp farms are primarily backed by several feed mills and production or processing plants.

These farms are operated by at least 35 growers and companies, among them the RD Corporation, Alsons Aquaculture Corporation, SAFI and Eastern Aqua Ventures.

Sarangani and this city are currently hosting the two-day 2nd Mindanao Shrimp Summit at the SM Trade Hall here.

Aside from topping the country’s Rivera said the move aims to shrimp production, Rivera said the further increase the area’s shrimp area’s farms are currently leading the production, which accounts for about industry in terms of technology. 60 percent of shrimp supplies in the country. He said growers from Luzon and Visayas frequent local shrimp farms to “We supply around 10 tons daily study their adopted production and to Metro Manila alone,” he said. processing technologies.

The summit, which is joined In Sarangani, the shrimp farms by around 600 delegates, focuses are located in the coastal areas of the on discussions of various issues and municipalities Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, concerns, as well as strategies to help Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum. sustain the development of the industry. (PNA) Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

mindanao news "Palapa" making tops new initiatives in Mindanao peace promotion By Jigger Jerusalem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--The production of a local food condiment, “Palapa,” is this year’s highlight for a non-government organization (NGO) engaged in peace and rehabilitation effort in Mindanao. The “Palapa sa Lumba” is a livelihood enterprise of 30 out-ofschool youth and mothers of Barangay Bacolod II in Lumba-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur. The project is just one of the 31 livelihood initiatives selected by the Naawan Helps Inc., a local NGO, in partnership with the United States Embassy in Manila, under the #ForMindanao initiative. The “Super Lumba” group was equipped with the knowledge on backyard farming and build a business around the production of “Palapa,” a condiment popular among the Maranaos made from white scallion, ginger, and chili.

organizers as a grant to kickstart the project. From that amount, the group bought equipment such as grinder and grater. Another PHP20,000 was awarded to the group during the first pitching of its product. Sapiin, a community development officer in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said they envision Lanao del Sur to be known for spices production and plantation, prompting the group to go into Palapa-making. Since the palapa is a product of the Meranaw ethnic group, she said it should be owned by the Meranaw. Promoting it is one way of getting that recognition, she added.

“At first, we were laughed at. According to Jalilah Hadji Sapiin, Nobody believed that Palapa could 27, the Palapa sa Lumba project head, be sold,” the young Maranao said. they were given PHP80,000 by the 26

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mindanao news Through the social media, Sapiin said their Palapa brand slowly became popular that they could not cope with the demand during the recent Ramadan and Hajj, two major Muslim events.

it happen, then it’s a pretty good partnership,” the Embassy official told reporters during the #ForMindanao summit held at a resort in Opol, Misamis Oriental over the weekend.

He admitted the amount the One of the team’s innovations, American government has granted she said, was to make a variety of to the #ForMindanao initiative wasn’t Palapa flavors ranging from beef to even “not enough.” chicken to smoked fish. They even made a “dodol”-flavored palapa. “This is only PHP18.5 million and Dodol, whose main ingredients are rice there are only 31 projects. The needs flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar, is a are pretty profound. That’s why the Maranao delicacy. partnership doesn’t end with this particular program--it’s going to Sapiin said they also came up with continue,” he added. the idea of adjusting the level of their Palapa’s spiciness so that those who The #ForMindanao initiative has don’t like a chili-laden Palapa can still gathered groups representing mostly enjoy it. the women and youth sectors involved in promoting peace through various U.S. Embassy Public Affairs endeavors were given recognition Counselor Philip Roskamp said the as they continue to impact their American government gave out PHP8.5 communities in a positive way, million to bankroll the locally-initiated especially in the war-torn Marawi City #ForMindanao projects in response and some areas in Lanao del Sur and to the request of the Filipino alumni of Lanao del Norte. the various United States-sponsored exchange programs. The initiative was launched last year as a form of assistance to mostly Roskamp said the U.S. government the internally displaced persons (IDPs) merely provided the funding but it was and those who have been helping the communities that conceptualized them since the war in Marawi erupted the projects. on May 23, 2017. The second wave took off in February and focused mostly on “These were all self-generated Marawi and its surrounding towns. projects, like, the US Embassy didn’t say, “you need to do X or you need to The program provided funding do Y.” It was the best kind of project, and technical support to locally-led where you have an idea and if we projects that mobilize communities in could provide a few means and make Mindanao. (PNA) Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

national news NCRPO to deploy 3K cops for 'Undas' By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) on Monday said it will deploy 3,409 police officers to ensure peaceful and orderly commemoration of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.

Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).

Eleazar said the NCRPO has already started its close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines NCRPO chief, Police Director (AFP), local government units and other Guillermo Eleazar, said under the “Ligtas concerned government agencies. Undas 2018”, the policemen would be assigned to their posts as early as Oct. “We tapped the support of other 31 until Nov. 2. This would double police government agencies and counterparts visibility in cemeteries to ensure public such as the AFP, the Metropolitan safety. Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Fire and Protection, In Metro Manila alone, there local government units and volunteer are around 80 cemeteries and 30 groups to serve as force multipliers in columbaries, the biggest of which is the providing maximum security and public Manila North Cemetery. safety, including motorist assistance and traffic management along routes “The deployment of NCRPO leading to different areas of interest personnel will serve as augmentation such as cemeteries, terminals, train in the conduct of preventive patrol stations, seaports and airports,” Eleazar operations, anti-criminality and anti- said. drug campaigns,” Eleazar said in a statement. Beat patrollers along with the K9 handlers and explosive ordnance “I already instructed all the experts will also be posted to secure five district directors for the full key security areas and vital installations implementation and supervision of all to prevent terrorist activities most likely its resources from personnel, mobility at the four biggest cemeteries in the and other logistical requirements for region. the smooth and successful deployment and operation on their respective area “We assure, we supervise and of responsibility,” he added. we continuously coordinate with other stakeholders as well as strict The five districts covered by the implementation of security coverage NCRPO are Manila Police District (MPD), and public safety operations,” Eleazar Quezon City Police District (QCPD), added. (PNA) Northern Police District (NPD), Southern 28

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

national news PEZA chief open to hike in GIE perk under TRABAHO bill By Kris Crismundo

Photo courtesy of The Philippine Star

MANILA — Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza on Thursday reiterated her call to legislators not to scrap the gross income earned (GIE) incentive under the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities or TRABAHO bill, but the agency is willing to increase the tax rate of this perk.

increase the share of local government units (LGUs) from the taxes of PEZAregistered companies, she added.

Plaza added that in the 5-percent GIE rate, 3 percent goes to the national government, while the remaining 2 percent is for the city or municipality that is hosting the economic zone. Plaza said by increasing the GIE rate to Plaza told reporters that PEZA 7 percent, the provincial government is amenable to increasing the GIE could also gain taxes from PEZA incentive to 7 percent from the current locators. 5-percent rate. She said the agency is also “We can increase it to 7 percent. amenable to set a period for granting We have been consulting our locators. the GIE incentive. They are amenable to increase it to 7 percent,” she said during the EU- The agency, she said, can provide Philippines Business Summit. a perpetual GIE perk to its locators as long as they are operating within the Raising the GIE rate could also PEZA ecozones. (PNA) Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

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Caraga Infocus • October 13 - 19, 2018 • Volume II, No. 80

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