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Contents June 2 - 8, 2018
Volume II, No. 61
IFAD associate vice-president visits Project ConVERGE in Agusan del Norte DOE NEWS ASEAN NEWS DOE mulls oil reserve; to ASEAN, China to hold talks on require oil firms to unbundle 21 7 South China Sea code in August prices REGIONAL NEWS Measles immunization program benefits over 300K kids in Caraga
8 DSWD introduces YakapFramework to help drug 9 Bayan surrenderers in Caraga region 10
SSS NEWS to rush release of checks 23 SSS for claims, loans
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MINDANAO NEWS Westmincom, PRO-9 vow 24 to continue working vs.
POPCOM’s KATROPA on Hardcourt to feature Ateneo schools
PROVINCIAL NEWS City CWDs attend semi12 Bayugan nar on SRPs, Bagwis Award 13
Bayugan City LPCC meets; council gets updates on price, supply of basic consumer goods
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DTI-Agusan del Sur prepares producers for ACT
15
Civilian auxiliaries complete military training in Siargao
criminality
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Army recruits to train as
25 peace builders NATIONAL NEWS
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10th Eco-Sports Festival winners
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30,000 poor Igorots to get free college education
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Maranao youth wows UN peace building meeting
16 bared 17
DAR Agusan del Norte turns over P2.5 M farm-equipment to farmergroups
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Operatives tear down 15 mini sawmill plant in Agusan
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NC Las Nieves conducts financial literacy, simple bookkeeping for IPs
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NEWS BRIEFS The members of the Provincial Culture & Arts Council convened this afternoon, at the PGO Conference Room, Surigao City to discuss cultural planning seminar workshop; proposal to establish a Special Unit on Culture & the Arts; Bayay Suriganon a Museum on Surigaonon Social History; and other matters.
Agusan del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) head Razel Montemor, and Cecile Lisondra facilitated the giving of financial assistance to the 23 Former Rebels at the PSWD Office in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. All the FRs put their trust and submitted themselves to start a new beginning back to the arms of the government through the efforts of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion led by LTC Rhoderick Parallag. (Source: 1Lt. Vincent Hagonia, CMO Officer, 3SFBN/401st Bde)
tIn Support to the National Greening Program of the government and in connection to the World Environment Month celebration, the 402Bde and 23IB, Philippine Army had successfully planted six hundred (600) Mahogany seedlings at Sitio Dalao-an, Brgy Rizal, Buenavista, ADN. The activity is in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Buenavista, PNP, BLGU and other Stakeholders. (Source: Cpt Al Anthony B Pueblas, CMO Officer 402Bde)
Anchored on the theme, “Go! Go! Go! Organic Asia! One Big Family on Innovations and Sustainability,� the Organic Asia Congress in Bislig City would like to bring the people of Asia together in one place, to share and exchange their best practices particularly in organic agriculture development. It also aimed to discover some common grounds on how to improve the organic sector forward.
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cover
IFAD associate vice-president Agusan del Norte
BUTUAN CITY, (PIA) -- The International Fund for Agricultural Development or IFAD, an international development financing institution based in Rome, Italy, visited SIUFMULCO or San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Agusan del Norte The delegates led by Charlotte Salford, IFAD Associate Vice JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
President for External Relations and Governance Department and Ms. Wei Wang, IFAD Director for APL and Special Adviser to the IFAD President were very pleased to hear the success story how SIUFMULCO has grown over the years. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Andre Atega, 4
story
t visits Project ConVERGE in said that delegation visited Project ConVERGE or Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Development, which is investing around P180 million to assist more than a thousand abaca farmers in the municipalities of Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago (TUJAKITSAN) cluster.
The project implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform aims to develop the abaca industry to increase profitability of agrarian reform beneficiaries and small holder farmers involving SIUFMULCO and 20 other Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in the cluster.
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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ASEAN
ASEAN, China to hold talks on South China By: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora Sea code in August
MANILA -- The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are set to convene negotiations for the crafting of the code of conduct (COC) on the South China Sea in August, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano announced Friday.
Cayetano, however, admitted that all parties are still facing challenges on the substance of the COC, but assured that the Philippines is keen on pushing for a substantial document.
overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.
“We only have the framework as of now, but this August, there will be a meeting of the Ministers. This time around, like what we had last year, it won’t be just the ASEAN but also our dialogue partners, our strategic partners, they’re all included,” he said in Filipino.
During the ASEAN Foreign Minister’s Retreat in February 2018, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan admitted that the COC negotiation will be “very complicated” and will require all parties to “ultimately exercise political will” to resolve sensitive “We intend to push it to get as far as we issues, adding that territorial claims will not be can, as fast as we can,” he added, adding resolved with the COC alone. that the Philippines expects no less than an “effective COC.” For his part, Cayetano said he is confident that Singapore, as the current ASEAN chair, “We want an effective COC, something will steer a fruitful COC negotiation. that we can rely on because the DOC (Declaration of Conduct), a lot has happened “As I’ve said, Singapore is the perfect (to) it, so we want the COC clear. For example country to lead us now. (It) is a perfect country on the environment, how do we protect (it), to negotiate all of this because they are what will be the arrangement and how do we open-minded and they have this mindset of implement (it),” Cayetano said. no nonsense, get things done,” he said. (PNA) Last year, the ASEAN regional bloc and China adopted the COC framework under the Philippines’ chairmanship, where both parties welcomed the adoption as a sign of progress after 15 years since the 2002 DOC was signed. China, Taiwan and some ASEAN member states including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam have
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
Photo Gallery
DENR Environment Month Press Conference DENR Regional Office XIII Training Center June 4, 2018
JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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Regional News
Measles immunization program benefits over 300K kids in Caraga Nora C. Lanuza Molde BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region, together with the city government of Butuan, through the City Health Office here, launched the Ligtas Tigdas Plus: Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) at Barangay Baan Km. 3 covered court here. t According to DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., a total of 300,133 children, aged six to nine months old are the targets of this year’s MR SIA in Caraga region starting May 9 to June 8, 2018. The MR SIA is aimed to halt the transmission of measles among the young population, especially unvaccinated children. “We cannot underscore quite enough the value of protection over cure. As parents or guardians of eligible children, we call upon those who have the power to protect their children from measles to have their kids vaccinated against this disease,” Dr. Llacuna said. A door-to-door measles immunization will be conducted in the region, he added. Llacuna also urged parents/ guardians of eligible children to have their kids vaccinated against measles disease. Of the total 300,133 children, 32,177 are from Agusan del Norte; 71,278 from Agusan del Sur; 36,483 from Surigao del Norte; 50,810 from Surigao del Sur; 12,312 from Bayugan City; 10,883 from Bislig City; 38,615 from Butuan City; 8,436 from Cabadbaran City; 16,990 from
Surigao City; 6,489 from Tandag City; and 15,660 from the Province of Dinagat Islands. Dr. Llacuna said their agency has always been advocating for the protection of children from various vaccine-preventable diseases, and measles being one of them. “We have seen the resurgence of several suspected and confirmed measles cases in Mindanao and in the region. That is why we are once more intensifying our campaign for measles immunization. It is very saddening to hear on the news about children dying and families grieving for the deaths in other places we could have prevented though immunization,” said Dr. Llacuna. He added that as of May 5, 2018, they have 82 reported suspect measles cases coming from the region with 18 laboratory confirmed cases by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. No death attributed to measles was reported, Dr. Llacuna said. “Have your children vaccinated – have your children protected,” added Dr. Llacuna. (NCLM/DOH/PIA-Caraga)
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
Regional News
DSWD introduces Yakap-Bayan Framework to help drug surrenderers in Caraga region
fBUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- In response to the growing number of drug dependents who have surrendered since the Duterte administration began its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the government, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has been undertaking convergent efforts to provide support for the treatment and rehabilitation of recovering drug users. To further support these initiatives, the DSWD introduced the Yakap-Bayan Framework to help the drug surrenderers in Caraga. According to DSWD Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Jose Antonio R. Hernandez, who personally provided here an orientation recently about Yakap, the strategy has been tried in some regions in the country including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and was successful as it transformed a number of drug surrenderers. “Yakap Bayan is a framework to embrace drug surrenderers and assist them to become volunteers, advocates, and community leaders from being considered cancers of society,” bared Asec. Hernandez. JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
The one-day orientation was attended by members of the regional technical working group (RTWG) on Reintegration and Rehabilitation Cluster (RRC), local social welfare and development officers (LSWDOs), health officers, representatives from the Local Anti-Illegal Drug Council, and staff from DSWD-Caraga. Aside from the Yakap Bayan orientation, some members of the RTWGRRC shared accomplishments and selected local government units presented good practices on assisting drug surrenderers. Chief Administrative Officer Ramel F. Jamen, who delivered the welcome message, shared that the orientation was conducted to guide the frontline workers in the provision of sustainable rehabilitation, aftercare, and reintegration support services to former drug users in the region. “It has been the concern of our local social welfare officers and direct service workers of the Department on how to handle the cases of persons who use drugs. Hence we are thankful that the office on Special Concerns has called for the orientation on Yakap Bayan,” Jamen said. “This is only the first batch of orientation. We will be calling another round of orientation for the rest of the LSWDOs to equip them of this framework,” he added. Through the issued Executive Order No.15 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on March 6, 201, this mandated the creation of an Interagency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) and Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force to suppress the drug problem in the country. This is pursuant to Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
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Regional News With the EO, agencies are grouped into four clusters, namely, (1) Enforcement Cluster, (2) Justice Cluster, (3) Advocacy Cluster, and (4) Rehabilitation and Reintegration Cluster.
DSWD is part of the rehabilitation and reintegration cluster. (Eunice Montaos Plaza, Social Marketing UnitDSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
and plugging about its program advocacy. The agency, in close coordination with local government units, will bring first the KATROPA on Hardcourt to the Municipalities of Esperanza on May 3; Santiago, May 4; Tubay, May 5; Talacogon, May 9; and Sibagat, May 10. Right after Butuan City, another schedule is set on May 24-25, in Lianga, Surigao del Sur for the first POPCOM Caravan. Simultaneous activities will be done and various reproductive health information and services will be provided to adolescents, mothers, husbands and even to the elderly of the said area, in partnership with the local program partners. The agency highlights the importance of these activities for these will help men become advocates of the Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) program, thus, contributing to the goal of promoting responsible parenting and reducing maternal deaths. Likewise, young people will become more equipped with life skills on sexuality such as critical thinking and making good decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Recently, POPCOM Caraga brought its advocacy in the same platform to the towns of Carmen, Nasipit, Buenavista, Kitcharao, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte and in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
POPCOM’s KATROPA on Hardcourt to feature Ateneo schools
BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga will bring its “Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya” or “KATROPA on Hardcourt” to another level this May 22-23 at FSUU Main Gymnasium, this city, as it will feature basketball players of the famous Ateneo schools - Ateneo de Davao University and Xavier UniversityCagayan de Oro City, as advocates for male involvement on reproductive health. POPCOM Caraga regional office further disclosed that this exhibition game is co-presented by Butuan City Sports Office, making it as one of the highlights of this year’s Balanghai Festival KATROPA on Hardcourt is an advocacy for men in another platform through an open commercial basketball tournament for known players and this was launched in 2016. POPCOM maximized the gathering of huge crowd by repeatedly showing its short films
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
Agusan del Sur
Provincial News
Bayugan City CWDs attend seminar on SRPs, Bagwis Award non-compliance on SRPs, DTI will issue a letter of inquiry to the concerned store. While businesses have to comply with laws related with business, compliance is also rewarded. This is provided under the DTI Bagwis Awards.
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, -Eighteen Consumer Welfare Desk Officers (CWDs) of this city recently participated in a seminar on the implementing guidelines of Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) and the granting of Bagwis Award.
Shared during the seminar, the CWDOs were informed on the provisions of Bagwis Award. Granting of Bagwis Award is one of DTI’s initiative to give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business where consumers indeed get value for money It has been noted, that there are already qualifiers for Bagwis from among the attendees. DTI will conduct the screening and will provide the list of requirements the establishments need to submit.
The activity was one of the capability development seminars that aimed to equip the key officers in the business establishments to ensure compliance on fair trade laws.
The group will again undergo another capability development seminar in June. The activity was organized by the Consumer Protection Unit of DTI The attendees were briefed on the Agusan del Sur, in partnership with list of products under the basic necessities the Negosyo Center Bayugan. (DTIand prime commodities with SRPs, mostly Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) sold in groceries and supermarkets. Products with SRPs include: canned sardines, condensed, evaporated and powdered milk, coffee refill, bread, instant noodles, detergent and laundry soap, bottled water (distilled, purified and mineralized), candle, luncheon meat, meat loaf, corned beef, beef loaf, vinegar, ‘patis’, soy sauce, toilet soap and batteries. They were further informed that stores supplied by the distributors have to comply with the SRPs. If there were JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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Agusan del Sur
Provincial News
Bayugan City LPCC meets; council gets updates on price, supply of basic consumer goods
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur -The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Sur announced that the prices of basic necessities (BN) and prime commodities (PC) in this city remain stable and within the suggested retail price (SRP) DTI-Agusan del Sur (AdS) made this update during the 2nd quarterly meeting of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) held recently at the Mayor’s conference room, City Hall, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur The council discussed the current prices of basic consumer goods and other concerns in the public market.
City Farmers Association, also expressed that the presence of Timbangan ng Bayan in the market is helpful to the consumers, as business operators ensure themselves to give exact weight of the products they sold. He mentioned that business operators are becoming more responsible in doing business. The meeting was attended by the LPCC members: Godofredo Curie, City Agriculturist; Almer Paloma of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO); Carlito Lavapiz of Land Transportation Office (LTO); Anita Dy of the City Economic Enterprise Office (CEEDO); Bebelita Trillo of the City Planning Office; Judie Alfeche, President of the City Farmers Association; Jardynne Narvasa, Rodel Bendan, and Cerila Inson of DT-AdS.
In her report, Dy mentioned that prices of agricultural products in the city are fluctuating. She suggested that the council The group will again meet on July may do some strategies to stabilize the prices 11, 2018 for the 3rd quarter meeting. especially for the products locally produced. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Judie Alpeche, the president of the
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
Agusan del Sur
Provincial News
DTI-Agusan del Sur prepares producers for ACT
and
Elah
Woodcraft
(driftwoods).
Also, these were the producers that engaged into food processing: Pidol Miki Factory (dried pancit); IP LORAMSECA (Katmon Ja, Libas Jam, Cookies); Womens Faith Organization (processed meat: longganisa, tocino); JAYMRRS Food Products (Tableya); Radin Food Products (Salt Fermented Anchovies); Elrio Rural Improvement Club (Kamote and Karlang Chips); AMARBEMCO (Tableya); and Grace Beefcharon (Chicharon).
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, (PIA) -- Some 20 producers in the province were assessed for OTOP (One Town One Product) Next Gen screening and also attended sessions on Consultancy and Triage (ACT). The screening was recently organized at the Negosyo Center-Provincial Hub, Patinay, Prosperidad, this province. The qualifiers had also attended a two-day session in the Regional Product Assessment, Consultancy, and Triage (ACT) held at Sarnimian Inland Resort, Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
One-on-one consultation between the producer and the consultants/ designers was also conducted, as well as discussion and assessment in the areas of quality, design, standard, compliance, the marketability and the quality. Recommendations will also be given to improve the products and new variation for a better product. These products will then be promoted to trade fairs. (DTIAgusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
The following producers in the province engaged in handicrafts: San Francisco Agsam handicraft Producers (agsam handicraft); Miljoy Handicraft (rattan baskets); Caimpugan Livelihood on Water Hyacinth Womens Association (water hyacinth slippers); Manobo Banwaon Talaandig United for Peace (bags, mat); Bai Lagahun Beads Accessories (beads accesories); Panagangan womens Association (rattan baskets); Juliet Handicraft (rattan baskets); Torah Tour and Travels (manobo handicrafts); Jhea’a Handicraft (romblon bags); Panaghiusa sa Kaugalingon ug Kalingkawasan, Inc. (romblon and water hyacinth bags); JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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Surigao del Norte
Provincial News
Civilian auxiliaries complete military By: John Glenn A. Platil training in Siargao
Photo Courtesy of Roberto Parada SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, -- Around 120 strong Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) men under Class 46 and 47 of this year had successfully complied the requirements of Basic Military Training on June 3, 2018 in Siargao Island.
tourist destination to handle,” Matugas said.
Matugas also added that from only a few flights last year, they now have nine flights a day which will increase to 12 flights by July of this year. He said he already requested the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) In his message, Surigao del Norte First to issue control on excessive commercial District Representative Francisco Jose flights since the number of tourists at present is “Bingo” Matugas recognized the graduates already a challenge that they need to keep as protectors of Siargao Island who will be up and manage appropriately. working alongside with regular Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops. With more tourists arriving in the island, Matugas further explained the need of “Thank you for volunteering to help trained peacekeepers who will be vigilant in securing our local communities and in and protective of the people. maintaining peace and security in our island. Know that by sacrificing your time and energy “I count on you to be at the forefront it would mean protecting your own family of rescue operations during emergency and your own locality,” said Matugas. situations and calamities, particularly those involving our tourists also. Being a typhoon and Siargao, according to Matugas, “is storm surge prone island, we need you to be known to be a safe island with no record of available at all times; to help and protect our insurgencies.” people and your own families,” said Matugas. “With Siargao gaining immense popularity recently, and after the moratorium in Boracay The CAAs underwent a 45-day training with international tourists, our tourist arrivals from April 16 to May 30, 2018 in the municipality surged to 33 percent that at the moment is of San Isidro. (John Glenn A. Platil, PGO-SDN/ still beyond our capacity and capability as a PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
Surigao del Sur
Provincial News
10th Eco-Sports Festival winners bared By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- The organizers of the 10th EcoSports Festival, spearheaded by the city government of Tandag through the City Tourism Office, unveiled the winners from the different competitions held on May 25-27, 2018 at the Pimentel Beach Resort in Barangay Mabua, this city. According to City Tourism Office Florence Abis, the said activity was in line with the Ocean Month celebration conducted annually.
Photo Courtesy of Sure Balita
Abis said, for this year, the event started on Friday with the coastal clean-up joined in For the Sand Art competition, Team “Atlantis” by several partner stakeholders from both won the competition; while Team “Dan Events” government and private organizations. got the second; and Team “Beta” declared as the third. For the Frisbee competition, The formal opening of the program was Team “Boray 1” won the game; while Team officially launched on Saturday, followed by “Boray 2” got the second place; and Team the different competitions, while awarding of “Unexpected” ranked as third. prizes took place during the evening. For “Sayaw Kalikasan” Neo-Ethnic Dance For the Urban Adventure Race competition, Contest, TVC Family won the competition; the Team “Walay Forever” was declared as while Danoan Dancers got second place; champion, followed by the Team “Tempura” and ERMs Dancers was proclaimed as third. as second prize winner and Team “Ultra” which The winners received cash prizes amounting bagged the third prize. Winners received cash to P5,000.00, P3,000.00, and P2,000.00 for the prizes worth P6,000.00; P4,500.00; and P3,000.00 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively. for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively. Meanwhile, for the Kite Flying Contest, the For the Beach Volleyball, Team “Hinatuan” organizers declared entry # 40 owned by was adjudged as the champion; Team Joselyn Llano as the Most Artistically Designed “Pacific Rim” got the second prize; and the Kite; while entry # 16 owned by Jolomar third place went to Team “POINTY”. While for Vasques won the “Biggest Kite” category, the Women’s Category, the Champion was and entry # 38 owned by Ariel Lamanilao the Team “Cagwait”; followed by Surigao captured the prize as the Highest Flight. The del Sur State University (SDSSU) as the second winners received P3,000.00 each. (PIA-Surigao prize winner; and Jacinto P. Elpa National del Sur) High School (JPENHS) which settled for third.
JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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Agusan del Norte
Provincial News
DAR Agusan del Norte turns over P2.5 M farm-equipment to farmer-groups By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte provincial office recently turned-over farm-machineries and equipment worth P2.5 million to the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) and Manapa Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Community Cooperative (MARBCC) funded under the Climate Change Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP). Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega, CESO V, in an interview said, these farm implements would improve the operations of the farmerorganizations. These farm implements increase farm productivity and sustains livelihood of the farmers considering the occurrence of climate change in the province. SIUFMULCO received abaca baling press and 10 stripping machines roughly P2.2 million for their abaca fiber enterprise. Meanwhile, the MARBCC received the farm-equipment amounting to more than P296 thousand consisting two turtle power tillers, hand tractor with diesel engine, thresher with diesel engine and accessories, trailer, water pump, and sprayer with accessories.
DAR CRFPSP Coordinator Engr. Raul Hermoso said that the farm-machineries and equipment will benefit more than a thousand abaca farmer-members comprising 21 participating ARBO-members lead by SIUFMULCO while MARBCC is composed of 143 ARB-members. DAR Chief Josephine Yordan, Acting CARPO-ARBDSP, emphasized the value of maintenance to ensure positive gains in improving the said organizations. SIUFMULCO Manager Leonora A. Mila and MARBCC Board of Director Ramon B. Naipa were both thankful for DAR’s efforts in providing, not only common service facilities, but also, the trainings to make their organizations achieve economy of scale. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
Agusan del Norte
Provincial News
Operatives tear down 15 mini sawmill plant in Agusan By: Herzon Gallego
BUTUAN CITY -- The reinforced operatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)–led Anti-Ilegal Logging Task Force (AITF) have stumbled upon a stockyard of undocumented sawn lumbers of a furniture shop with an estimated value of about P1.5 million during the two-day relentless drive against illegal logging and timber poaching activities that began on Saturday in Caraga Region. The campaign which is being carried out by 20 teams composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, CIDG , NBI and DENR personnel from Regions 10, 11 and 13 were responding to a directive from the President through DENR Secretary Roy S. Cimatu to stop illegal logging and mining activities in Mindanao. DENR 13 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer said field reports reaching the “Operation Center” at the DENR Regional Office have indicated encouraging results in the first wave of operation with at least 15 illegally-operating mini-sawmill plants that have been torn down and padlocked by the government operatives. But what was surprising to note is the unexpected find of large volumes of hidden JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
wood materials at the Topway Furniture Shop in Barangay Sumilihon, in Butuan City by a team headed by Forester Jed Lagura. The report said the management of the Topway Furniture Shop had failed to show documents that would justify their legitimate operation since their Wood Processing Plant (WPP) permit has expired on February 8, 2011. Neither did the DENR found a valid lumber permit from the operator of the furniture factory. DENR-13 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer, who was monitoring the operation, said about 10,106 pieces of lauan, mahogany and gmelina species of logs with an estimated value of P 1,576,951.5 and volume of 52,565.02 board feet have been apprehended by the operatives from the furniture shop. The team also confiscated six units of table saw, six units bandsaw, two planers, three lumber trimmers, two moulding machines, two jointers and two kiln dryers. The CENR officers Norman Asugan in Nasipit, Vince Estopito in Tubay, both in Agusan del Norte and CENRO Alejandara Boiser and Achilles Ebron in Talacogon have dispatched their personnel to do the scaling work on the apprehended lumber products at the erring wood milling plants to determine the total volume of apprehended forest products. RED Alicer said more illegal lumber products are expected to be apprehended by the different teams as they move on in the second day of the operations. Personnel manning the operation center have monitored the results of the operation with indication of more mini saw mill plants being dismantled and closed down by the operatives. Secretary Cimatu during his visit in Butuan City on Tuesday said DENR is
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Agusan del Norte
Provincial News
resolved to get into the heart of the problem. He even stressed that those WPP that were found to have no proper documents will be closed permanently. The DENR Secretary has also given specific instructions to the members of the AFP and the Philippine
National Police (PNP) to run after the financiers, the local officials and NPA terrorist who make illegal logging as their “ milking cow”. He said that as possible “the DENR will prevent these culprits from felling a tree in the forest”. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
LAS NIEVES, Agusan del Norte -The Negosyo Center (NC) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte conducted a financial management cum simple bookkeeping seminar for Nagkahiusang Tribong Higaonon Mag-uuma sa Lawan-lawan (NTHML). The session was attended by 30 members of the two organizations in the area the Higaonon Pugpalaw Nauyonan (HPN) and Lawan-lawan Sustainable Livelihood Program Beneficiaries (LSLPB) and participants from the both indigenous peoples (IP) organizations. Las Nieves Agricultural Technician Rosie Monta, who facilitated the group’s request with NC Las Nieves, said the event is a preparatory intervention for better management of present and future funding assistance from government and/or other organizations. “The activity is important so that the IPs will know how to handle money and to better understand the importance of recording so there will be no questions among members of the group,” Monta said. It will likewise prepare them should they be handling an income generating project, she added. The participants welcomed the activity and during the reflection session, they appreciated the process of learning because it was fun and light and this allowed them to understand the big lessons.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Agusan del Norte (AdN) NC Provincial Coordinator Myra Luz Gavero has partnered with DTI and Senior T and I Specialist Gemma Clarin to facilitate the seminar using the Business-Expenses-SavingsTraining or BEST Game tool. This tool used simulation and experiential learning methods. Aside from financial literacy and recording, Gavero and Clarin also taught them that timely business planning/financial planning is essential for the business to achieve what it wants. Clarin and Gavero were joined by over-all activity coordinator Niel John Dapat, NC Las Nieves Project Staff. The activity was recently held in Barangay Lawan-lawan, Casiklan. (DTIAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
NC Las Nieves conducts financial literacy, simple bookkeeping for IPs
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JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
20
DOE News
DOE mulls oil reserve; to require oil firms to unbundle prices By: Ma. Cristina Arayata
and other countries as alternative oil sources. It said the PNOC-EC is expecting to get the first shipment this month. Local oil firms are required to maintain a stock good for 30 days for crude and products for refiners, 15 days for importers or bulk suppliers, and seven days for LPG sellers. Meanwhile, the DOE is consulting with different stakeholders in developing a policy for unbundling petroleum product prices. In a previous interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), DOE spokesperson Felix William Fuentebella explained that unbundling the product prices will ensure that consumers get the right quality of oil products, and give them advice, such as where they can get good quality products and where they can get more affordable ones.
Photo Courtesy of Arabianbussiness.com MANILA -- The Department of Energy (DOE) said Saturday it is planning to establish an oil reserve in the country, and will also require oil firms to unbundle Fuentebella said the DOE will check the or itemize petroleum product prices. unbundling of the base prices of petroleum products, from the port up to the retailing. Among the areas being considered This is something that the DOE has not done for the oil reserve storage are Subic, before the Duterte administration, he noted. Phividec Complex, and Quezon. The DOE will also check the Earlier, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi quality of shipped petroleum products instructed the Philippine National Oil Company for the protection of the oil companies. - Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to look “What we’re doing is also for the at products from non-OPEC members and protection of the industry, because sell these products to independent petroleum we are going to check the quality of dealers and public utility transport groups. petroleum products,” Fuentebella said. The move aims to protect consumers from the rising oil prices in the international market. For two consecutive weeks, pump prices had a more than one-peso-per-liter increase.
Once the policy on the unbundling of petroleum products prices is issued, he said, the DOE will require oil firms to provide a weekly notice of the pump price adjustments alongside with the computation Sourcing products from non-OPEC of their products’ components, based on members also aims to enhance competition the elements involved in the international among industry players, Cusi said. price movement, the biofuels cost, and the capital or operational cost recovery. (PNA) So far, the DOE is looking at Russia
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Social Security System
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SSS News
SSS to rush release of checks for claims, loans By: Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The state-run private pension fund Social Security System (SSS) on Saturday announced that it will release all delayed checks for loans and claims to concerned members within one to two weeks.
Learning from the experience, the SSS is studying its system for possible improvement to prevent such problem from recurring, she said. Sebastian advised concerned members to contact the SSS member relations office for queries they might have.
In a television interview, SSS Media Affairs head, Ma. Louisa Sebastian, said their check printer that malfunctioned The check printer malfunction on had already been fixed on Friday night. Friday led to a delay in the release of checks for salary loans, death, disability, “We are saddened by this issue. retirement, sickness and maternity benefits It’s the first time that SSS had a check to some 106,950 members and beneficiaries. printer malfunction. We’re requesting for further understanding from our members,” The highly-specialized check printer Sebastian said in Filipino, expressing hope uses a special ink that keeps the checks from that the problem would not happen again. being easily duplicated or falsified. (PNA)
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Mindanao News
Westmincom, PRO-9 vow to continue working vs. criminality By: Teofilo Garcia, Jr ZAMBOANGA CITY--Top military and police officials vowed to continue working together in the fight against all forms of criminality and in the maintenance of law and order in Region 9.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, and Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, made the commitment on Monday as the latter invited the former as the guest of honor in the flag raising ceremony at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan. well as for the support being extended to them by military units in the region. Camp Abendan houses the PRO-9 headquarters in Barangay Mercedes in this city. “I vow to improve further the quality of police service and strengthen “Once again, we renew our the character of the PNP founded commitment of support in terms of operations, on compassion,” Beltran added. manpower, logistics, and resources to the campaigns of the PNP (Philippine Dela Vega, as the invited guest, National Police). You can count on all AFP led the awarding of medals to 22 officers (Armed Forces of the Philippines) units. In and policemen, who excelled both in unity there is strength,” Dela Vega said. police operations and administration. Beltran cited the recent successes of the joint efforts of PRO-9 and Westmincom, including the peaceful conduct of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, rescue of the police hostages, neutralization of lawless elements and other campaigns against various crimes.
to 9
Dela Vega expressed his gratitude the men and women of PROand commended the awardees.
“That is a manifestation that PRO-9 is doing its mandate, and I thank you for all your support and contributions to Western Mindanao Command’s mission accomplishment. Beltran, who is celebrating Monday Malaki ang pasasalamat namin dahil his second year as PRO-9 director, expressed magkatuwang tayo,” Dela Vega said. (PNA) his gratitude to all police personnel, as JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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Mindanao News
Army recruits to train as peace builders By: Edwin Fernandez
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao-The military here said Wednesday that the latest Army recruits who will undergo a six-month basic military training will also be trained as peacemakers to help protect people of various faiths.
Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the 285 candidate soldiers, 29 of whom are women, will have special lectures on peace advocacy in complex communities they are going to serve in Central Mindanao.
Sobejana, himself a peace advocate, said outside military duties, the soldiers of the 6ID are trained peace-builders as well, giving primacy on the peace process between the government and Moro rebels.
Sobejana said the candidate-soldiers will be trained about insights on peacebuilding to prepare them to engaged in areas where Muslim-Christian and Lumad settlers co-exist.
The 6ID covers the provinces of The second batch of candidate Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and parts of soldiers had started their rigid military training North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur. (PNA) at the Division Training School in Barangay
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national News
30,000 poor Igorots to get free college education By: Pamela Mariz Geminiano
With the new law, Casipit noted, poor locals need not sell their families’ farms anymore just to get a college degree. “Sa ilang taon kong pag-stay dito sa Cordillera, napansin ko kasi na napakaraming miyembro ng IP dito sa Cordillera na ngangailangan ng tulong pinansyal. Sa sobrang kahirapan, hindi sila makapag-aral. Pero sa initiative ni Pangulong Duterte, marami talaga ang matutulungan(In my several years of stay here in Cordillera, I’ve noticed there are lots of IP members, who need financial assistance. Because of extreme poverty, they cannot go to school. But with the initiative of President Duterte, a lot of them will get help),” Casipit said.
BAGUIO CITY — Around 30,000 poor members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) or Igorots in Cordillera will benefit from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of She said at least 5,000 students 2017, the regional office of the Commission would be accommodated in each of on Higher Education (CHED) has said. the state colleges and universities in the region, but on certain conditions. CHED-Cordillera Officer-In-Charge Ma. Geraldine Casipit told the Philippine “Per SUC, may estimated tayong News Agency in an interview Monday 5,000 na students, pero flexible yan gaya that Republic Act (RA) 10931, also known ng sabi ko kanina, kasi naka depende yan as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary sa students namakakapasa sa admission Education, will benefit the six major State policies ng mga SUCs natin, at syempre Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region. sa carrying capacity. (For each SUC, we estimate about 5,000 student beneficiaries, Benefitting from the program are the but like I said, that is subject to change, Ifugao State University in Ifugao; Mountain depending on the students passing the Province State Polytechnic College in Bontoc, admission requirements and the SUC’s carrying Mountain Province; Kalinga State University in capacity.) Students also need to comply Tabuk City, Kalinga; Benguet State University with the retention policy,” Casipit explained. in La Trinidad, Benguet; Abra State Institute of Science and Technology in Bangued, Abra; She said the government project and Apayao State College in Apayao province. gives poor members of the IP get an education for a brighter future. Locals who are financially incapable of going to the cities to study opt to go She added the Department of to the state schools in their hometowns. Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is coming up with a list of students, who JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
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national News could avail of the free college education. higher education institutions established by the local government units. “They will be checking the enrollees and make sure that those who can avail are Casipit said the national government classified as poorest of the poor,” she said. has allotted PHP40 billion for the “We are appealing to our media partners and implementation of the free college education friends to help us disseminate this information, to in SUCs, but the actual allocation would help us inform the lower class of our society that depend on the number of the enrollees who they can go to school despite their poverty.” pass the admission policy of each SUCs. Over the weekend, the organization Student Financial Assistance System (UniFAST) did an information caravan in the city to inform the public of the free college education in SUCs.
In his recent visit in Mountain Province as guest speaker at the 47th commencement exercises of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque informed Lawyer Carmelita Yadao-Sison, UniFAST parents that President Rodrigo Duterte officer-in-charge, said earlier there are 112 had ordered the allocation of funds for SUCs and 78 Local Universities and Colleges the free college education in SUCs. The (LUCs) all over the country, but the priority fund will cover the tuition as well as the of the law are the poor students in SUCs. miscellaneous fees of the students. (PNA)
LUCs
are
CHED-recognized
Maranao youth wows UN peace building meeting By: Filane Mikee Cervantes
Farah Ali Ghodsinia, who hails from Marawi City, said the handwoven fabric represents how crucial meaningful participation of women is in conflictprevention and peacebuilding. “This malong is actually handwoven by the women of my community in Lanao. Like the presence of you and women today, I believe that we actually recognize the importance of integrating more women in the decision-making processes of peacebuilding,” Ghodsinia said in her speech.
MANILA -- A Maranao, speaking at a recent high-level meeting on peacebuilding last month in New York City, earned a warm applause from the crowd after she introduced the indigenous handwoven piece “malong” as a symbol of inclusivity to peacebuilding.
“Aside from that, we also recognize that conflict tends to create a greater adverse result or adverse effects on girls and women. Thus, we should also actively shape policies that are gender sensitive,” she added.
She said including more women in
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national News general in the decision-making process provides message that the youth is the “missing a vital representation of their communities. piece” in tackling global challenges. She recounted how the devastated Marawi was wrought by armed conflict, which she described as “one of the worst devastations that happened in my country.”
“I believe it is important for us to support young change makers not only in providing organizational support but also financial support so the future of today depends on what we actually do now,” Ghodsinia said.
She, however, noted that the government has been vigorously “I believe that investing in our pushing for the rebuilding of the war- youth and seeing them partners of torn city and regional development. peace and security would be of benefit to all of us, to the old ones, young ones “Recently, a war actually happened and to the future to come,” she added. in my region and our city today Marawi is completely in ruins... And now our government Ghodsinia said the malong, with is actually working hard to rebuild our city all its interwoven threads and colors, and to also forward other causes such represents how people can stand united as the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” she said. in peace and security amidst diversity. Ghodsinia, the tenth president of the National Youth Parliament, also called for the greater empowerment of youth, citing the United Nations (UN) youth envoy’s
JUNE 2 - 8, 2018
“By integrating, and weaving together different stakeholders and different factors then we can better attain and sustain peace,” she said. (PNA)
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