Caraga infocus June 16 - 22, 2018 by Caraga InFocus

Contents An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 63

June 16 - 22, 2018

SAP Bong Go visits AgSur

P. 4

ASEAN News: DOH to hold 8th DOE News: PH, Japan INK ASEAN Dengue Day in Palawan Energy Cooperation Deal

SSS News: SSS members urged to secure PRN for realtime posting of payments

Regional News PHL IOs, journalists learn China’s 8 social media platforms 9 10

Caraga farmers, ﬁsherfolk receive P77M worth of interventions POPCOM successfully serves women wanting FP

Provincial News 13 SurSur guv earns praise for SOPA

Mindanao News Martial law in Mindanao bars 27 terrorists from making ‘tan-

Agusan Norte features Himig DRRM during NDRM celebration

AgNor SP requests HLURB to establish regional ofﬁce in Caraga

AgNor SP approves college educational assistance fund program

Bayugan City market vendors appreciate bookkeeping

SAP Go distributes cash, relief aid to Sampaloc ﬁre victims

Bayugan PWDs acquire new skill for business

20 22

25 AgSur MSMEs now enrolled in KMME 2018 OWWA-Caraga holds OFW reintegration caravan in Siargao

246 priests, religious leaders seek permit to own, carry ﬁrearms

gible gains’

Roque: ARMM, Cotabato City

28 register highest employment rates

National News

News Briefs Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase of Caraga Conference for Peace & Development (CCPD) & acting chairperson of Agusan River Basin Governing Board (ARBGB) is presiding today’s meeting with other government agencies held at the Bishop’s Home, Butuan City. The team reviews the ARBGB Manual of Operations, & further discuss updates on the conduct of Lower Agusan River Sub-Basin Summit cum Strategic Planning Workshop & Middle ARB Council Meeting cum Strategic Planning Workshop. Mayor Nena I. Ladaga-Quijano officiated the oath-taking of the 160 newly elected and re-elected Barangay Officials and new SK Officials of the 10 barangays in the municipality during the oath-taking ceremonies held at the Maximo L. Omandam Sports & Training Center, Loreto, Dinagat Islands. Prior to the oath taking ceremonies, the Commission on Human Rights Caraga Region spearheaded the discussion on the Basic Human Rights and Magna Carta of Women. (Dario Frack C. Apole, MIO-Loreto)

A former Squad Leader of Squad 1, Platoon 1, Guerrilla Front Committee 14 (GFC14) identified as Joseph Piodos Panocillo alias ‘Ivan’, 23 years old and resident of Sitio Triump, Brgy. Sta Cruz,Rosario, Agusan del Sur, voluntarily surrendered to the Community Support Team deployed at Sitio Bahi, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, and Intel Operatives of Charlie. The former rebel surrendered a homemade M79 Grenade Launcher To raise the bar on disaster preparedness and resiliency, the Adella Serra TY Memorial Hospital in Tandag, Surigao del Sur is identified as the ceremonial venue for this year’s 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill in Caraga region wherein a comprehensive evaluation on its Building Emergency Evaluation Plan will be conducted The Provincial Health Office of Dinagat Islands in partnership with Caraga Regional Hospital Blood Bank recently conducted a Mass Blood Donation held at Meja Canteen, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. A total of 47 prov’l employees and staff from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) voluntarily donated their blood. (PIO-Dinagat Islands) 3

Cover Story

SAP Bong Go visits AgSur

By: Jennifer Gaitano and Venus Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, – In time for the Naliyagan Festival celebration in the province of Agusan del Sur, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go visited the municipality of Prosperidad where various activities were held for the said celebration from June 12 to 17, 2018. On June 15, 2018, SAP Go arrived at the camp of 401st Brigade, Philippine Army via and was received by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Ofﬁce (PCOO), together with Governor Adolph Edward Plaza, 401st Brigade commander BGen. Andres Centino, and other local ofﬁcials. SAP Go and team then proceeded to Gov. Plaza’s residence, where he met with the members of the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) and asked their concerns that ACE wanted to bring up to the president. He also attended the Naliyagan Street Dance Competition held at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center on the same date. In his engagement with the Agusan del Sur 4

local officials, SK leaders and other Agusanon friends, SAP Go expressed his willingness to serve the Filipino people. He said working with and for the public has been a routinary activity for him just like taking his regular meals daily. Thus, he thanked the local government unit of Agusan del Sur thru Gov. Plaza for the warm welcome during his visit in the province. Also, SAP Go, in his message, recognized the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the Marawi seige a year ago. He said the declaration of Martial Law by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte was a wise decision to end the terroristic acts. “The Office of the President is open to serve the people. It is incumbent for the elected officials to work for the good interest and welfare of the people. In his presidency, President Rodrigo Duterte has doubled the compensation of police officers, and it has truly uplifted their morale,” said Go. The government is also working for the increase of salary of the teachers, he added. After attending the Naliyagan Street Dancing Competition, where SAP Go was also able to converse with the crowd and supporters of his 3-pointer basketball game, he then departed Agusan del Sur and proceeded to Mati, Davao Oriental for another engagement. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

ASEAN DOH to hold 8th ASEAN Dengue Day By: Celeste Anna Formoso in Palawan Walang Lamok, Walang Dengue: Mag4S Kontra Dengue.”

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Department of Health (DOH) will be holding the 8th ASEAN Dengue Day in Palawan as a nationwide advocacy event to increase public awareness and to call on all sectors to join forces in the ﬁght against dengue. Mario Baquilod, DOH Mimaropa Ofﬁcer-In-Charge regional director, said in a letter, received by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday, that Puerto Princesa will be the host city for the event.

The 4s stand for search and destroy possible breeding areas in the surrounding; self-protection measures by using insect repellents and avoiding short skirts and other attires; seek early consultation by going to the doctor immediately after two days when rashes start to manifest on the skin; and say no to indiscriminate fogging, which means it should only be done when there is an outbreak. Different activities, he said, have been lined up for specifically targeted individuals to highlight the theme, such as the forum on the dengue program implementation, a documentary film competition for school children, and the ASEAN Dengue Walk. Last April, Romalyn Racho, DOH Mimaropa Health Education and Promotion Officer, said “with 129 cases of dengue recorded in the first quarter mostly in Puerto Princesa, Palawan remains to be the province in the entire region with high dengue prevalence.”

“The aim of this celebration is to Racho attributed the trend to raise awareness among the general the failure of many communities and public on the preventive measures and households to maintain cleanliness of the burden of dengue,” he said. their surroundings, allowing them to be breeding grounds of dengue-carrying To emphasize this, he said, this mosquitos. (PNA) year’s observance theme is, “Kung

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Regional News

PHL IOs, journalists learn China’s social media platforms By: Jennifer P. Gaitano people said the use of WeChat and Sina Weibo mobile applications are very useful to them. “Founded in 2009, the Sina Weibo as of June 2017, has about 536 million registered users, and each user has an average of 200 friends or connections. There are more than 120 million daily active users. Another app is the WeChat, which is a smartphone application that consists many useful features,” relayed (PIA) -- On the Guan.

BEIJING, China fourth day of the ongoing “Seminar for Information Ofﬁcers and Journalists from the Philippines” being held in Beijing, the 22 delegates learned about Chinese social media platforms and there utilizations. Juanjuan Guan, deputy director of News Service/ China Radio International, one of the lecturers, said that based on YouGov survey of over 70,000 online news consumers in 36 countries and regions including the US and UK, more than half of all online users across the 36 countries and regions (54 percent) say they use social media as source of news each week.

Guan further revealed that through WeChat, media organizations could create their ofﬁcial account where netizens can follow their updates, which they also ﬁnd more accessible and convenient. There are many helpful features in the said application apart from the messaging system. “Almost all government agencies – national and local have Sina Weibo and WeChat accounts for information release or news coverage, even all other major media organizations,” underscored Guan.

With all the other social media platforms apart from WeChat and Sina Weibo, Guan stressed that the new “More than one in ten (14 percent) media has really helped people get now say social media is still the main more relevant updates not only inside source of news,” she added. China, but also from other countries. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) Guan also cited that in China, 8

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Regional News

Caraga farmers, ﬁsherfolk receive P77M worth of interventions By: Vanessa P. Sanchez

Photo Courtesy of DXBN 792 AM

BUTUAN CITY -- In celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga turned over on Friday a total of P77 million worth of various farm machinery and other agricultural and fishery interventions to 219 farmers’ associations. DA-Caraga Regional Executive BFAR-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Abel James I. Monteagudo Director Eduardo Balambao said that said that there is a purpose why DA not everyone is privileged to receive provides these interventions. the interventions so the recipients should also be responsible for handling “The purpose of DA’s distribution and managing the equipment. of interventions is to improve productivity and increase farmers’ The agricultural interventions income. Hopefully, these machines distributed included 13-4WD tractors, will really be useful in your farming 22 Hand tractors, 14 Walk-behind endeavors,” Monteagudo said. “I transplanters, eight Combine harvesters, urged you to take good care of the 10 rice threshers, 16 corn shellers, 15 machines so that these will last longer Pump and Engine sets, five floating and the government’s resources will be tillers, one vertical dryer, eight Cassava maximized,” he added. Chipper, four Mini Corn mill, Cassava pulverizer, vegetable seeds, coffee The Bureau of Fisheries and hullers, cacao and coffee roasters, 217 Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also gave out Water plastic Drums, 17 Egg Incubators, Fiber-reinforced plastic boats and post- nine Portable Ultrasound for Animals harvest support for fisherfolk amounting (turned over to Provincial/City Vets), P1.9 million. Drugs and Biologics, three Pinawa Rice Huller, six Vaccum Pack Sealer, grass

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Regional News cutters, and 20 Vermi Tea Brewer. Two to the government for heeding the warehouses were also inaugurated as needs of the farmers. Their organization storage areas for Rice and Corn Seeds. received a transplanter which he said will be a big help to them not just in Junie Tiñoso of Bunawan, Agusan minimizing their work but also their del Sur who received a farm tractor expenses. is grateful for the assistance their About 700 farmers and ﬁsherfolk association received saying that it will come in handy to them because now attended the activity at the DA they have easy access to the machine Integrated Laboratories in Taguibo, which will lessen their farming expenses. Butuan City. “We used to pay as much as DA celebrates May as Farmers P5,000 per hectare for renting a farm and Fisherfolk’s Month during which tractor and now that we have our own, time the men and women of this sector the cost will be cut in half,” Tiñoso said. are given due recognition for their role in the country’s economic development Meanwhile, Roger Agurto, and for feeding the whole nation. (DARAFID/PIA-Caraga) Chairman of Tidman Farmers Association, said that he is thankful

POPCOM successfully serves women wanting FP BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) recently provided Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL) to women all over the region who wanted to stop childbearing and Progestin-only Subdermal Implant (PSI) to those wanting to space births. POPCOM disclosed that they served only the couples and women with unmet need for modern FP who are fecund and sexually active and want to limit or space their children but are not using any modern method of contraception. 10

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Regional News Family Planning program, as one of the major components of the Philippine Population Management Program, enable couples and individuals to have their desired number, timing and spacing of children within the demands of responsible parenthood and principles of informed choice.

Alexander A. Makinano, POPCOM Caraga Director, underlined the importance of providing accurate information and effective family planning services to couples or individuals and in accordance to their beliefs and circumstances through legally and medically acceptable POPCOM further heightened that family planning methods, for this is a great way of helping them build a the PPMP and its agenda and strategies are implemented and pursued happy and well-provided family. to achieve the overall Philippine RD Makinano also pointed-out that Development Plan goal of “Matatag, prior to the FP service provision, clients Maginhawa, at Planadong Pamilyang underwent ﬁrst the individual counseling Pilipino” towards Ambisyon 2040. facilitated by the service provider using ffThe FP mission was done in close the G-A-T-H-E-R approach which is an efﬁcient process for FP counseling as it partnership with the Friendly Care considers client’s rights to well-informed, Foundation, Incorporated, and the voluntary decision-making on family local government units of Cabadbaran, Butuan, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat planning. Islands. (POPCOM/PIA-Caraga) The Responsible Parenthood and Photo courtesy of Grey Advertising

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Photo Gallery Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, Adella Serra Ty Memorial Hospital Tandag City, 21 June, 2018

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Provincial News

Surigao del Sur

SurSur guv earns praise for SOPA By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

Photos Courtesy of Real Tandag

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Governor Vicente “BB” Pimentel, Jr. has earned all praises for his State of the Province Address (SOPA) from both solons of the province of Surigao del Sur.

In his SOPA during the 86th Regular Session of the 18th Sangguniang Panlalawigan held at the Legislative Building Session Hall on June 14, 2018, Gov. Pimentel made it a point to highlight the “most signiﬁcant achievements” of Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr. his administration citing encompassing and Johnny Pimentel, respective range. congressmen of the 1st and 2nd Districts of the province in the lower chamber, With the theme “SHARE IT: Inclusive had expressed admiration for the Growth and Sustainable Development governor owing to his feat of doing Towards a Vibrant Economy,” he stressed everything as an effort to up the ante. in his 20-page report an embodiment of “development framework, summarized Both representatives had also as SHARE IT.” reiterated their full support.

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Provincial News The governor bared what each letter of “SHARE IT” stood for. According to him “S represents for Security and Safety, H for Health, Sanitation and Social Welfare, A for Agriculture and Food Security, R for Roads and Other Infra, E for Education and Skills Development, I for Interconnectivity, and T for Tourism and Livelihood.” Citing facts and ﬁgures being “regularly monitored” for their impact on development efforts, the governor had started to give a detailed account of his works from “Indicators of Inclusive Growth” until he wrapped up.

Surigao del Sur Also, Gov. Pimentel had put premium on the much improved peace and order situation citing a “12 percent reduction in crime volume and a decrease in crimes against persons and properties.” “But even with inclusive governance strategies, inclusive growth is not possible without peace and order,” he added. Acknowledging all the recent and incumbent ofﬁcials in the uniformed service, the governor said at length, “Allow me for a moment to stress its importance.”

“We are optimistic that by the “We have, therefore, maintained end of 2018, we would have improved close coordination with the PNP and further given our robust economy and AFP,” he pointed out. improved governance,” he noted. He likewise included in his SOPA the success of the anti-drug campaign One of the best that Gov. Pimentel here. had taken pride in was a “testament” in the “thriving banking industry”.“Based Quoting Helen Keller, “a legendary on a Central Bank Report, in Tandag City ﬁgure of the 20th Century,” he made alone, the total aggregate deposits in sure to recognize efforts of everybody the different banks amounted to more before ending his report, “Alone we than Php 7.0 Billion which is second can do so little, together we can do so highest among LGUs in Mindanao,” he much.” (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIAsaid. Surigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte

Agusan Norte features Himig DRRM during NDRM celebration By: Nora L .Molde

BUTUAN CITY -- With the theme “Disaster Prepared and Responsive Province with Sustained Climate Change Resilient Communities,” the province of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) will be hosting the 1st Himig DRRM during the month-long celebration of the National Disaster Resilient Month (NDRM) come July 2018. According to PDRRMO chief Erma Suyo, the 1st Himig DRRM is a song writing composition and interpretation open to all local Filipino amateur composers, songwriters and/or lyricist. Song entry must be in Caraganon dialects and Bisaya or Cebuano or a combination of both.

disaster recovery and rehabilitation,” Suyo added. Entries will be judged according to its Originality (30%); Creativity (20%); Style (20%); Reﬂection to the theme (15%); and Impact (15%. Cash prizes await winners - 1st place winner will get P15,000 and a plaque; 2nd place – P10,000 plus a plaque; 3rd place – P5,000 and plaque; consolation prizes of P3,000 will also be given to seven participants/entries. Other awards also include Best Musical Score and Best Composer with P3,000 and P2,000 prizes and a certiﬁcate, respectively.

Finalists will be showcased and judged on July 31, 2018 at Robinsons Suyo said the activity is aimed to Mall, Butuan City. spread DRRM and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) awareness through For more information and singing and creative interpretation. inquiries, those interested may contact Jorge Vincent Pagaran at Agusan del “It will also promote lasting Norte PDRRM Ofﬁce with telephone cognizance in the four important numbers (085) 817-1856; +63939 thematic aspects of DRRM – disaster 9248326/+63977684 4430. (NCLM/PIApreparedness, disaster prevention Agusan del Norte) and mitigation, disaster response and

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte

AgNor SP requests HLURB to establish regional oﬀice in Caraga By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently requested the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) Central Office, through its Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Lloyd Christopher A. Lao for the establishment of a regional office in Caraga region. This is embodied in Sanggunian Resolution No. 093-2018, authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 78th regular session. It was learned that the HLURB office in Butuan City was transferred and merged with HLURB Cagayan de Oro City on June 7, 2010 after 13 years of operation in Caraga region as a regional office. In the year 2011, the Regional Development Council in Caraga region requested through a resolution the HLURB Manila to establish a satellite office in the city of Butuan and the HLURB Manila responded with the establishment of an HLURB desk that was manned by a skeletal force of 16

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte

only two staff in Butuan City to address the mounting complaints and requests from the developers and homeowners’ associations in the housing sector. These staff cannot answer all queries and request for applications and other concerns needing HLURB processing but forward them all to HLURB Cagayan de Oro once a week.

services closer to the clients and hasten the development of the housing and land sector programs in the region.

They believed that local government units (LGUs) need assistance from the HLURB in the identification and processing of lands for socialized housing resettlement areas for immediate and future needs The Regional Development of the underprivileged and homeless Council Plan 2017-2022 revealed that residents; thus, clamoring for close there are more than 100 thousand coordination with nearest HLURB office. informal settler families in the region, wherein these informal settlers live The local government of Agusan del in danger zones such as ‘esteros’, Norte is one of the LGUs that need bridges, river ways, shorelines and immediate attention, action and other government projects that are coordination from HLURB considering not suitable for settlement and need its housing programs for the poor immediate attention. constituents, hence, the importance of establishing the HLURB Regional Office Provincial legislators saw the need in Caraga region. (LGU-Agusan del to establish the HLURB Regional Office Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) in Butuan City to bring government

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte

AgNor SP approves college educational assistance fund By: Jessica O. Mellejor program BUTUAN CITY-- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently approved the Municipal Ordinance No. 015, series of 2017, or the “College Educational Assistance Fund Program (CEAFP) Ordinance” of the municipality of Nasipit, this province.

del Norte. The provincial lawmakers of Agusan del Norte approved the said municipal ordinance based on Section 1, Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution that states “the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all “.

The ordinance aims to provide educational assistance to poor but deserving students of the municipality. It also aims to promote and institutionalize the municipal education program It was approved during the 73rd which is an important aspect of regular session through Sanggunian improving student education. Resolution No. 053-2018, authored by Under the program, qualiﬁed Provincial Board Member Aquino W. students can continue to enroll in any Gambe. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIAschool within Butuan City and Agusan Agusan del Norte)

Photo courtesy of www.georgetrueviews.com

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

Bayugan City market vendors appreciate bookkeeping

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur -- The Negosyo Center (NC) here has recently organized a seminar on simple bookkeeping to the market vendors here in order to equip them with basic skills on record keeping in business and how to use it in store operations.

seminar.

She introduced the basics of bookkeeping, the accounting cycle, journalizing, posting, preparation of trial balance, worksheet, income statement, balance sheet, adjusting and closing entries, and the postAbout 19 storeowners joined closing trial balance. in the seminar and learned about bookkeeping to understand the The participants did a workshop requirements, the flow of their business on the accounting cycle, analysis on and the obligations with the regulatory business transactions and preparation of financial reports. At first, the participants agencies which shall be complied. felt the difficulty of documenting the transactions but later they already Merlie Peñalver, accredited mentor of the Philippines Center for appreciated the process. (DTI-Agusan Entrepreneurship (PCE), facilitated the de Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

Bayugan PWDs acquire new skill for business were discussed to the participants, which also included the demonstration of the procedure. The participants also joined in the mixing and appreciated the process as it was simple and easy. Jerry Micabalo of PeWDBaFI expressed his gratitude to DTI, NCBayugan City and CSG as they learned BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur-- a new skill. Thirty four members of the Persons-withHe added that this will be another Disabilities of Bayugan City Federation, Inc. (PeWDBaFI) are now equipped with opportunity for them to earn and start a new skill that can help them establish a business. CSG is a Non-Government Organization (NGO), which provides a business. training like detergent powder making. The participants were trained It was CSG that selected PeWDBaFI as on how to make detergent powder the participants. making in an activity held recently at PeWDBaFI is a beneďŹ ciary of a the Senior Citizen Function Hall, this city. Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) project The training was organized by the - Metal craft and furniture shop. They Negosyo Center (NC)-Bayugan City, were interested on detergent powder in partnership with the Confederate making as they have members that can be their market. (DTI-Agusan de Sentinels Group (CSG) Inc. Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Techniques, steps and procedures

25 AgSur MSMEs now enrolled in KMME 2018 TRENTO, Agusan del Sur, May 21 -- Twenty ďŹ ve entrepreneurs from Agusan Del Sur are now enrolled in the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for 2018. 20

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

“As mentees you share your knowledge like a member of the DTI family after graduation,” Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona of DTI challenged the enrollees in her welcome message during the launching of the KMME held recently in Trento, this province. About 122 participants coming from the business sector and government ofﬁces joined in the launching. Asec. Lantayona hoped that these 25 mentees will ﬁnish their course as batch 3 of KMME Agusan del Sur and become a fruitful member of the DTI.

weekly coaching and mentoring. This is a joint program of DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo, which entails a 10-module program that covers: 1) Entrepreneurial Mind-setting and Values Formation, 2) Marketing, 3) Product Development and Market Growth and Expansion, 4) The Business Model Canvas, 5) Operations Management, 6) Supply and Value Chain, 7) Human Resource and Organization Management, 8) Entrepreneurial Accounting and Financial Management, 9) Taxation, and 10) Business Law: Basic Obligations and Contracts.

Assistant regional director Gay Tidalgo also mentioned that these mentees were fortunate as KMME is Before graduation, these mentees free and it is not just a training, rather will present their respective business it is a course. She further encouraged improvement plan, incorporating them to strive hard in doing business. the learning from the lectures and mentoring sessions. Municipal administrator Albert Businesses that will qualify for this Salas, who represented Mayor William program are those enterprises which Calvez, expressed that they are has an asset of P3 million and below, honored that KMME was done in Trento. operating for at least one year. He further said that the municipality of Trento was awarded as one of the most competitive municipalities in Agusan del Sur, ranking 3rd place in the region and 110th in the entire Philippines in 2017.

The KMME Batch 1 for 2018 is in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), LGU Trento, PCE and the DTI. (DTI-Agusan de Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur)

“That is how DTI made us the number 1 municipality in the province,” he added. KMME is a program that aims to assist the micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) scale up and sustain their businesses through the

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Caraga Infocus

Provincial News

Surigao del Norte

OWWA-Caraga holds OFW By: Venus L. Garcia reintegration caravan in Siargao gains of overseas employment through local employment/re-employment or business/enterprise development facilitation.

SURIGAO CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Caraga, in partnership with the provincial government of Surigao del Norte and other government line agencies, recently conducted an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Reintegration Caravan to around 100 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents held at the Women’s Center in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Partner agencies like the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted various program and services campaign in relation to reintegration services that member-OFWs can avail of in their respective agencies.

It was highlighted by the Ice Cream Making training in which participants were given time to try the actual mixing of the ingredients and the whole process. They were able to produce two tubes of ice cream for the whole day which they all shared together.

The Reintegration Program is a package of interventions and mechanisms developed and implemented to facilitate the productive return of the OFWs to their families and communities upon their completion of overseas employment. These services include Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program, Enterprise Development and livelihood Program (EDLP), Organizational Development Trainings and other Techno-Skills Training interventions to capacitate them as well as provide them with viable livelihood undertaking.

The activity also provided the OFWs and their families with opportunities fro accessing projects and services that would help them mitigate the social cost of migration and cushion the impact of forced repatriation due to unexpected events. It also aimed to maximize the

OWWA, being at the forefront in promoting the welfare of the member-OFWs, is strengthening the implementation of its program and services particularly its reintegration programs for the returning OFWs. (OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

DOE News

PH, Japan INK ENERGY COOPERATION Deal TOKYO, JAPAN - The Philippines entered into a technical cooperation agreement with Japan to improve electric infrastructure and power generation efficiency in the country. Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and Kazuhisa Kobayashi, Deputy Director-General of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), signed the letter of intent (LOI) for the deal at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in central Tokyo on Wednesday. The technical cooperation involves the identification of issues and remedial measures based on Japanese experience and knowledge; proposal of institutional arrangements to propel the installation of facilities with reliable performance; provision of training for the Philippine government and independent power producers to enhance operations and maintenance quality of existing thermal power plants; and sharing of the rehabilitation diagnosis results carried out in line with the action plan.

and METI ofﬁcials to resolve power sector issues. The plan is also based on METI’s study on the Philippine supplydemand outlook, current electricity tariff, electriﬁcation rate, and disaster resiliency that complement the DOE’s performance assessment and audit of power generation, transmission, and distribution systems and facilities. The technical cooperation deal is in accordance with the DOE’s function to disseminate information resulting from energy research programs for the optimal development of various forms of energy production and utilization, as indicated in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

“The technical assistance is needed for Filipinos to get more value for their money, in terms of investment, energy development and utilization. In the end, it should address the overall The plan resulted from a series of drive towards energy efﬁciency,” Cusi coordination meetings between DOE emphasized. 24

Caraga Infocus

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Social Security System

SSS News

SSS members urged to secure PRN for real-time posting of payments By: Leilanie Adriano credited,” said Lopez conferenceWednesday.

in a press

In previous years, Lopez admitted that it took time for the agency to post the individual’s contribution payments, especially if the business owners use a different number and later on submit the list of their employees. A PRN will be used to pay contributions through payment channels, such as tellering facilities in SSS branches, banks and non-bank collection facilities. LAOAG CITY -- The Social Security System (SSS) here has urged employers and voluntary members to secure their payment reference number (PRN) to facilitate the real-time posting of contribution payments (RTPC). SSS Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Benjamin Lopez said the RTPC aims to eliminate the slow process of manual posting and veriﬁcation, which is a common problem being encountered by members. “Since Jan. 16, we started the electronic Collection System (e-CS) to facilitate the real-time posting of SSS contribution payments. So, immediately after the printing of the Payment Reference Number (PRN), it now requires the list of employees whom the paid contribution is automatically 26

Lopez said employers and individual members who have computers at home with internet can register their own electronic billing system and every time they pay their contribution, it will now be automatically posted online. Private and government collecting agents and banks will now also be required to be PRN-compliant, which means they are not accredited to accept SSS payment contributions if they cannot issue PRN. Under SSS Circular No. 2017-010, all employers, including household employers, and individual members such as self-employed, voluntary and overseas Filipino workers, are now required to register with My.SSS on the SSS website www.sss.gov.ph. (PNA)

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JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

Mindanao News

Martial law in Mindanao bars terrorists from making ‘tangible gains’ By: Azer Parrocha With the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, the Maute Group and other terrorists will have a difﬁcult time making “tangible gains”, Malacañang said on Monday. Photo Courtesy of Phil. Star need for martial law in Mindanao),” “Dahil nga sa martial law na Roque said. umiiral ‘no ay mahihirapan din talaga magkaroon ng tangible gains ang He, however, allayed fears of ating mga kalaban (Because of martial another Marawi siege and assured law, our enemies will have a hard time civilians that the Armed Forces of the making tangible gains),” Presidential Philippines will be ready to protect spokesperson Harry Roque said in a them. Palace brieﬁng. Roque made this remark following “Hindi naman po dapat ikabahala reports of a military operation ito, dahil ang puwersa nila ay kakaunti conducted over the weekend against na lang (I don’t think this is a cause for suspected Maute gunmen in Tubaran concern because only a few of their town in Lanao del Sur. forces are left),” Roque said. “Ito po siguro nagpapatunay na talagang may kalaban pa tayo diyan sa Mindanao, kaya nga po dahilan na naririyan pa ang martial law (This proves that there are still enemies in Mindanao, which is why there is still a

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

“Handa naman po ang ating Hukbong Sandatahan para protektahan ang ating mga sibilyan diyan sa Lanao Del Sur (Our Armed Forces are ready to protect our civilians in Lanao Del Sur),” he added. (PNA)

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Mindanao News

Roque: ARMM, Cotabato City register highest employment rates By: Noel Punzalan

poorest in the country. “Change has indeed come for what used to be one of the poorest regions in the country,” Roque said. Likewise, he acknowledged Cotabato City as the country’s leader in the Halal industry.

“We are pleased to announce that the city has the great potential on leading the country in the global Halal COTABATO CITY--The Autonomous industry,” the Palace official said. Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has registered the highest employment rate He said such was made possible in the country for the month of January through the Department of Science this year, Presidential Spokesperson and Technology regional office that Harry Roque said Tuesday. piloted the development of Halal premium brands locally. “The ARMM recorded the highest employment rate of 97.4 percent. Roque also lauded the Department That means only 3.6 percent are of Agriculture for partnering with the unemployed in the region,” Roque said Halal program management office in in a press conference here, referring developing the industry as this would to records provided by the Philippine help much the Halal trade in the Statistics Authority. Philippines and enhance its capabilities in global competitiveness. Tailing the ARMM is Cotabato City, which posted 96.2 percent Roque was in Cotabato City as employment rate. “This is above the special guest to the graduation rites of national average of 94.7 percent,” close to 2,000 tertiary level students of Roque noted. the state-run Cotabato City Polytechnic College, during which, he encouraged He congratulated both ARMM and learners to take advantage of the Cotabato City for the achievement, government’s free tertiary education noting the positive turnaround of program in state colleges and the area once labeled as one of the universities. (PNA) 28

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JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

National News

SAP Go distributes cash, relief aid to Sampaloc fire victims By: Ferdinand Patinio MANILA – Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go kept his promise to come back and give additional assistance from the national government to more than 1,700 people who were displaced by a fire in Sampaloc, Manila on Sunday. The top presidential aide led the distribution of financial and relief assistance to over 300 families temporarily occupying the Moises Salvador Elementary School in the said city on Tuesday afternoon. He explained that he was sent Go was at the site located about 40 by President Rodrigo Duterte since meters away from the evacuation the Chief Executive cannot visit all the center, immediately after the fire was places in the country. placed under control and initially provided food to the victims. “Pinapadala po ako ng ating Pangulo, kapag may nangyayaring “I was here last Sunday after the ganito kasi hindi naman lahat ng lugar ay fire has been controlled. It was dark, kaya pa niyang libutin. Itong Sampaloc there was no electricity. I promised them nung malaman ko, papunta pa lang that I will return to bring the assistance ang Pangulo dito sa Manila, tumuloy na from the national government,” he said agad ako dito since kapitbahay natin in an interview before distributing the ito, nung nakikita may mga bumbero financial and relief assistance to the fire na tumatakbo, alangan namang hindi victims. mo bisitahin (The President sends me whenever there are occurrences like “It’s only a small amount. But, we this because he cannot visit all places. are here together with the Presidential This one in Sampaloc, when I learned Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), about it, the President was on the way the Department of Health (DOH), to Manila. I came here since it is a Department of Social Welfare and neighboring place from mine. I have Development (DSWD) to help provide seen firemen who are rushing to the the things they need,” Go added. place so I am here),” Go added.

JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

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National News

246 priests, religious leaders seek permit to own, carry ﬁrearms By: Benjamin Pulta

Photo Courtesy of PinoyTrend.net

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has so far received 246 requests for ﬁrearms licenses from religious leaders.

call for priests, as well as other private individuals at risk, to report threats to their safety and coordinate with local police units. He also said the PNP is willing to In a press briefing in Camp Crame, provide firearms proficiency training for PNP chief Director General Oscar interested parties. Albayalde noted that the number is composed of 188 applications from Albayalde explained that like Catholic priests while the rest were filed other private individuals applying for by pastors and leaders of other religious a License to own and possess firearms denominations. (LTOPF) and permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFORs), priests The PNP chief said the permits are entitled to own up to two firearms would be handed down to applicants depending on the category applied. who are duly qualified and subject to Automatic rifles and so-called long compliance with requirements. firearms are not covered by the permits. (PNA) Albayalde also reiterated his 30

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JUNE 16 - 22, 2018

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