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Contents June 9 - 15, 2018
Volume II, No. 62
Negosyo Center Butuan conducts briefing on entrepreneurship Asean News ASEAN enter into new era 7 China, of bilateral ties in various fields Regional News conducts SGLG regional ori7 8 DILG entation in Caraga Caraga farmers to pursue onion 9 production 10
4Ps OTC payout scheduled within 2nd Quarter CY 2018
Provincial News
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Dinagat province initiates FDP meeting
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SAP Bong Go to grace 58th Araw ng Surigao del Sur fete
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DOE News 21
DOE Consults public on direct remittance of benefits from energy power projects
SSS News SSS offers 2nd loan
23 restructuring program
Mindanao News 24
Airstrike destroys BIFF IED factory in Liguasan Marsh
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ARMM gov’t distributes aid for 10K displaced residents
National News 26
TESDA allots 3K scholarship slots for MILF, MNLF members
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DSWD augments P300K medical assistance to Agusan del Norte PHO
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‘I’m willing to walk an extra mile to achieve peace’: Duterte
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NC Las Nieves holds dialogue with local CSOs, POs
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PNP: Ardot Parojinog wants NBI to handle his case
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AgNor town, 23IB hold IP Youth Summit
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SSF cooperators get updates, plan strategies for full utilization of managed facilities
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Beneficiaries of AFP, PNP’s KIA, WIA members acquire skills, entrepreneurial inputs to start business
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Sibagat IPs start tocino, longganisa business
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NEWS BRIEFS In his engagement with the Agusan del Sur local officials, SK leaders and other Agusanon friends, SAP Bong 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 LGU of Agusan del Sur thru Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza for the warm welcome during his visit in the province. Officials of the province of Agusan del Norte headed by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, heads of government agencies and other stakeholders attended the Change of Command Ceremony of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion held at the Headquarters of 29IB, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The officials welcomed the newlyinstalled commanding officer LTC Warren Munda.
The 3-day MinECon 2018 (Mining Engineers’ Convention 2018) kicked off this morning in Surigao City with a thanksgiving mass, motorcade and opening of booth exhibit. The formal opening program was held at the Grand Convention of Gateway Hotel, Surigao City. This year’s convention is anchored on the theme, “Mineral-Based Industrialization: Key to Philippine Economic Progress” Surigao del SurVice Gov Manuel Alameda presided this afternoon’s 86th Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session with the presence of the 2 representatives, Cong. Prospero Pichay & Cong Johnny Pimentel, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads from the different government agencies, stakeholders, AFP officials and PNP, & Bishop Raul Dael. Gov.Vicentel Pimentel Jr. is expected to deliver his State of the Province Address.
As the father of Butuanons, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada emphasizes three important points during today’s 120th Philippine Independence celebration in the city to embrace the freedom to choose; freedom to dream; & freedom to progress. He further urges to safeguard the attained freedom; have the right heart to serve; & keep pushing forward to start anew. 3
Cover Story
Negosyo Center Butuan conduct
BUTUAN CITY, June 11 -- A total of 261 students and faculty from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNAR) of the Caraga State University (CSU) recently gathered for a briefing on entrepreneurship and possible business opportunities in their area of study.
and organized by the college’s student local government.
Engr. Rey Corvera of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)– Agusan del Norte and Negosyo Center (NC) - Butuan said they conducted an entrepreneurial mind- setting session and briefed them on business opportunities This was on the occasion of the and actual successful businesses in CASNAR Days and Agro Fair held agriculture and natural resources 4
JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
ts briefing on f in the country.
The inputs, according to Corvera, were aimed at widening the student’s choices between job or business and made them appreciate that indeed there is money in agriculture.
showcasing the products from the college’s different programs.
Through this, the students were given the chance to display what they have made and draw comments and suggestions to improve their products. (DTIAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del The two-day Agro Fair Norte) also featured a small bazaar
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ASEAN
China, ASEAN enter into new era of bilateral By: Zorayda Tecson ties in various fields
to import US24 trillion worth of goods in the neighboring countries, including the Philippines. He also noted China’s hosting of the first international import and export expo set in November this year.
BEIJING, China -- An official of the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China said that China and member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN), including the Philippines, have entered into a new era of mutual cooperation and deeper understanding in various fields. Chen Yao, deputy director general of the International Liaison Bureau of the State Council Information Office, said since China started to open into the outside world, a new era of mutual ties between China and the ASEAN countries evolved in the fields of trade and commerce, tourism and mass communications.
In the people-to-people exchanges, he said the new era of deeper linkages was also noted with the increasing number of students studying either in China and the ASEAN countries. “It is rapidly the
increasing steadily past years,“ Chen
and said.
In the field of tourism, he also noted the rising number of tourists from China visiting the ASEAN countries or vice-versa. “China is becoming the largest source of tourists for the Philippines as well as Thailand and other ASEAN countries. Likewise, there is a rising number of tourists from ASEAN countries, including the Philippines visiting China,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chen underscored the important role of media that could further boost mutual cooperation and understanding “(This is) through goods and people- between the Philippines and China. to-people exchanges. Since Chinese “Media plays a very important role in our government embarked on a policy of friendship and cooperation,” he said. opening to the outside world, it provided vast opportunities to our neighboring countries, Chen further said the State Council including the Philippines, that enhance Information Office is happy and ready to mutual cooperation and understanding,” promote the bilateral relationships of the Chen said during the recently-concluded Philippines and China not only in films, 2018 Seminar for Information Officers videos, but also in joint coverage of events. and Journalists from the Philippines. “With more news that can be He particularly cited last year’s heard, read and watched, and also trade volume between China and ASEAN interactive and shareable, I hope we can countries which exceeded to USD500 billion. together present a more colorful, more united and more hot news on China and In the next 15 years, Chen said China is expected Philippines relationships,” he added. (PNA) JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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Regional News
DILG conducts SGLG regional orientation in By Venus L. Garcia Caraga
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) -- To make stakeholders more familiar with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga recently conducted the regional orientation on the operational guidelines in the implementation of the 2018 SGLG held in this city. The adoption of ‘all-in’ approach posed a greater challenge for the resource persons to elaborate the different indicators along financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, peace and order, business friendliness and competitiveness, environmental management, and tourism, culture and the arts. Representatives from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also gave valuable inputs in discussing the indicators. According to DILG-Caraga LGOO Davejane Nuñez, pre-evaluation and post evaluation workshops were done to review and assess the participants on the implementation of the program. She said that DILG-Caraga regional
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director Lilibeth Famacion made emphasis for all stakeholders to be cooperative, compliant, and excellent in this year’s SGLG assessment. The activity was joined in by DILG provincial and city directors, outcome and program managers, and all city and municipal local government operations officers. “Regional line agencies which have stake on the program were also invited to discuss implementing parameters of the 2018 SGLG as mandated by Memorandum Circular No. 2018-49,” Nuñez said. SGLG is a progressive yearly assessment system implemented by DILG to recognize the local government units (LGUs) with remarkable performance across areas. It is open to the hierarchy of LGU sub-division from the municipal, city and provincial levels. It also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 framework through the principles of “Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-Unlad” imbibing “inclusive growth, high trust society and a globally-competitive knowledge economy.” (Davejane Nuñez, LGOO II, DILG-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
Caraga farmers to pursue onion production
BUTUAN CITY -- Farmers from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur are optimistic that onion production in their town will be a profitable venture. The farmers recently underwent training on “Good Agricultural Practices on Onion Production” conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga, in coordination with the Local Government Unit of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Municipal Agriculturist Viña Ranoco shared that some of the products sold in the local market are from the other provinces and even from other regions. She encouraged the farmers to put to good use what they have learned from the training so that the town will soon be producing their own onion. She said that this way, they will no longer have to source out from other places. In addition, they can also contribute to the country’s drive to cease importation of onion through sufficient local production. Resource Person Noe N. Parocha, East-West Seed Field Marketing Supervisor for Mindoro/Visayas/Mindanao, said that the bulk of the onion production in the Philippines is
coming from Luzon with Nueva Ecija claiming the top spot. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that in 2016, the country had a production volume of 122,594 metric tons with Central Luzon accounting for 76.1 percent, followed by Cagayan Valley with 13.8 percent, and Ilocos Region with 6.1 percent, while the rest of the onion-producing areas chipped in a total of 4.0 percent. Parocha said that the country’s current production is not enough to meet the demand, thus, it is quite welcome that the other regions, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, are now showing interest for this crop. “Through proper management, onion will thrive in Mindanao,” he said. Parocha further added that he saw the willingness among the farmers and noted also the support by the local government and the DA, so it is really doable. Aside from discussions on onion production, the participants also had a hands-on training on seedbed preparation and seed sowing. Elena Espina, Chairman of the Alegria Vegetable Farmers Association, said that she is thankful for the opportunity to have undergone the training since onion production is relatively new to most of them. However, she is confident that if they just set their mind to it, nothing is impossible. “I am looking forward to the day that onion production in our town will prosper because it will not only be economically good for us but it will also be our pride that we were able to do it,” Espina added. (DA-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
4Ps OTC payout scheduled within 2nd Quarter CY 2018
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, through its partner conduits, is set to release within May 16 to June 30, 2018 the Period 6 cash grants of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries whose mode of payment is over-the-counter (OTC). The grants under Period 6 (January 2018) will be released along with the P2,400 cash grant under the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT). DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim explained that the month-long delay of the release for OTC transactions was caused by the synchronized payout for the 4Ps grant and UCT. “This includes the incompletion of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and processing of release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) for the UCT,” Lim said.
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“We are not the only region affected by these system problems. Other regions are also waiting for the resolution of some technical problems encountered at the national level,” she added. The UCT is a social mitigating measure to protect the disadvantaged, poor, and vulnerable sectors who will not benefit from the lower income taxes but will be adversely affected by the rising prices due to the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. As stipulated in the TRAIN Act, the government will provide monthly cash grant of P200 in 2018 and P300 in 2019 and 2020 for the 10 million poor households/individuals, 4.4 million of which are 4Ps beneficiaries. In Caraga, about 180,000 households are recorded to be active 4Ps beneficiaries. (Joana Rica Millama, DSWD-Caraga/PIACaraga)
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Photo Gallery
120th Independence Day Celebration Surigao City, Surigao del Norte 12 June, 2018
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Provincial News
Surigao del Norte
Dinagat province initiates FDP meeting
SAN JOSE Dinagat Islands, (PIA) -The Provincial Information Office (PIO) of the province of Dinagat Islands initiated the conduct of Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) meeting held at the Provincial Administrator’s Office, Barangay Cuarinta, here.
properties, liquidation upon the conduct of activity, and transparency on turningover of any equipment and facility from the government into beneficiary.
Currently, the province has 712 job order workers as of the first quarter and 476 Provincial Information Officer Millard P. regular, casual and co-term employees in the Tawakal said the meeting aimed to organize province. the guidelines and policy of FDP. The said meeting was attended by He said that FDP is a government policy representatives and heads of concerned that requires local officials of the province offices from the Provincial General Services and municipalities to fully disclose particular Office, Provincial Planning and Development financial transactions of the local government Office, Provincial Governor’s Office, Provincial unit (LGU) to keep their constituents informed Treasury Office, Provincial Human Resource of how the LGU budget was disbursed and Office, Provincial Budget Office and used. Accounting Office. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/ PIA-Dinagat Islands)t The concerns and issues tackled during the meeting were clearance for government
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Provincial News
Surigao del Sur
SAP Bong Go to grace 58th Araw ng Surigao del Sur fete
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, June 12 – Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is going to be the guest of honor and speaker during the kick-off rites of the 58th Araw ng Surigao del Sur on June 15, 2018. In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas, Gov. Vicente “BB Pimentel, Jr. said “SAP Bong Go was eyed to grace the occasion since he could always be of help to the province aside from being close to President Rodrigo Duterte.” The governor indicated that Surigao del Sur still needed a lot of support in terms of development.
With the theme “Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development Towards a Vibrant Economy,” Gov. Pimentel also called on everyone to join the entire duration of the five-day affair especially during the opening program that would take place at the Tandag City Gymnasium. The 58th Araw Ng Surigao del Sur celebration will culminate on June 19, 2018, declared as “special non-working holiday in the entire province” through R.A. No. 7671 on January 10, 1994, it was learned. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Provincial News
Agusan del Norte
DSWD augments P300K medical assistance to Agusan del Norte PHO By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, with the assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Field Office XIII, augmented its health services and medical assistance for patients in the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital. Through the efforts of Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba, the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital can now provide better medical assistance through a credit limit amounting to P300,000.00 for all indigent patients in the hospital. For proper and immediate implementation of the program, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized the governor to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DSWD Field Office XIII. Under the said MOA, the program is in the form of a credit line where the Provincial
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Hospital can charge the billings and costs of services rendered to the indigent patientbeneficiaries to the account of DSWD where the maximum credit line of the said hospital shall be P300,000.00. The program promotes fast and effective provision of the indigents’ immediate social services on their medical and surgical needs at the PHO being a partner-health service provider of the said agency. This aims to strengthen the agency’s social services component by providing medical assistance to deserving indigent members of society. The Committee on Social Welfare, Population Development and Health and Nutrition, chaired by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, pushed for the approval of the said grant of authority and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 094-2018. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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Provincial News
Agusan del Norte
NC Las Nieves holds dialogue with local CSOs, POs
LAS NIEVES, Agusan del Norte -- Some 35 participants representing 23 civil society organizations (CSOs) and people’s organizations in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte attended the consultative dialogue called by the Negosyo Center (NC) – Las Nieves, recently. Among the common needs identified The dialogue was held to brief the CSOs during the dialogue were start-up capital, preon the programs and services of the center business seminar and financial managementas well as to generate their possible business- related trainings. Others also identified specific related needs and to work with them on the needs like equipment, packaging and label possible action plans to address those needs. for their existing products. NC Las Nieves Center Manager NC Las Nieves noted that all the needs Ramabe Montilla said the center is counting that were surfaced for inclusion in the center’s on the CSOs and their individual members to work agenda for the year. Some non-businesshelp promote the services of the center. related needs were still processed for referral to the appropriate offices. The initiative was aimed at developing a stronger link with the CSOs and POs as a group NC Las Nieves Project Staff Niel John B. and the existing and potential entrepreneurs Dapat facilitated the NC dialogue while the among their members, he added. needs assessment and action planning were handled by NC Las Nieves Center Manager Montilla also said that the organized Montilla at the Mayor’s Conference Room groups have the potential to become job in the Municipal Hall, this municipality. (DTIcreators and economic drivers of the country Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) through successful entrepreneurial initiatives. JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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Provincial News
Agusan del Norte
AgNor town, 23IB hold IP Youth Summit
By: 1Lt Kevin B Gordolan, (QMS)
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -The 23IB “Masigasig” troopers and the local government unit of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte recently conducted the 1st Buenavista Higaonon Indigenous Peoples (IP) Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2018 in Brgy. Agongong, here. The YLS was participated in by 50 IP youth from the four barangays of Simbalan, Olave, Sangay and Guinabsan, all of Buenavista. The conduct of the three-day summit was anchored on the theme “Gugma ug Panaghiusa sa Kabataan, Dalan sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan.”
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According to Battalion Commander Ltc Emil J. Cruz, the activity aimed to inculcate positive values, attitudes and behavior that will ultimately develop a character-based leadership among the IP Youth. It also fostered unity of different IP communities and youth groups leading to synergy and commitment to community development. “It also enabled the youth to discover, affirm and further use their inherent leadership attributes that will later create a positive impact to the society,” Ltc Cruz added. (PA Civil Military Operation, 23IB/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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Provincial News
Agusan del Sur
SSF cooperators get updates, plan strategies for full utilization of managed facilities AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 1 (PIA) -- Thirteen cooperators of the Shared Service Facility (SFF) Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur (AdS) recently acquired additional inputs to ensure maximum utilization of the facilities they managed. These cooperators, associations, cooperatives, and groups of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are currently producing abaca fiber, abaca handicrafts, processed meat, bread and pastries, organic products, coco-coir and other value-adding products using SSF equipment. During the SSF Consultative meeting held recently at SAFRAGEMC Event Hall in San Francisco, the DTI-ADS facilitated in getting feedbacks and other issues and concerns from the cooperators. Before the day ended they agreed to maximize the use of the facilities, to give feedback on the status of their equipment, and they also signed the amended SSF documentations.
Salvacion National High School; 7) Office of the Economic Enterprise-Prosperidad; 8) Barangay Local Government of San Isidro, Trento; 9) Marcelina National High School; 10) Kaagap Multi-purpose Cooperative Development (KAAGAPMUCO); and 11) Municipal Agriculture Office-San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
Of these cooperators, eight were awarded for their prompt submission of monthly reports. They were as follows: 1) Office of the Economic Enterprise-Prosperidad; 2) Barangay 2 Women’s Association; 3) Municipal Agriculture Office-San Francisco; 4) Marcelina National High School; 5) Noli National High School; 6) Novele National High School; 7) KAAGAPMUCO; and 8) Barangay To date, the Agusan del Sur SSF Local Government Unit of San Isidro-Trento, cooperators are: 1) San Martin Farmers Agusan del Sur. Multi-purpose Cooperative (SAFAMCO); 2) Barangay 2 Women’s Association; 3) Sibagat SSF program aims to provide the MSMEs Federation Women’s Association Incorporated the machinery, equipment, tools system, (SFWAI); 4) Ago Magsaysay Agrarian Reform skills and knowledge that can be shared Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative; 5) and implemented in both government, nonNoli National High School; f) Dakutan Bag government and private association that Makers Association; g) Foundation of the encourage productivity and business. (DTIDevelopment of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI); 6) Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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Provincial News
Agusan del Sur
Beneficiaries of AFP, PNP’s KIA, WIA members acquire skills, entrepreneurial inputs to start business
AGUSAN DEL SUR, May 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur (AdS) is taking part in equipping the beneficiaries of the Killed in Action (KIA) and Wounded in Action (WIA) members of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) by providing inputs on Entrepreneurial Mind Setting, Packaging and Labeling, and Visual Merchandising.
financial literacy, to educate the 13 trainees in managing their finances. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also provided skills training in meat processing (tocino, beef tapa and longganisa) which can be their option to engage in business.
KIA beneficiaries will receive an amount Recently, the said inputs were integrated of P500,00.00 while P200,000.00 for WIA. in the two-day training conducted at the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades under The activity was organized by TESDA, the “Comprehensive Social Benefit Program in partnership with the Department of the (CSBP),” a program for the dependents of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), BSP, killed and wounded members of the AFP and Presidential Management System (PMS), PNP, the PNP in battle or on duty. AFP, Department of National Defense (DND) and DTI. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Aside from entrepreneurial inputs, the Sur) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) discussed
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Provincial News
Agusan del Sur
Sibagat IPs start tocino, longganisa business
SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur, May 20 -- About 33 chieftains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and local food processors in this municipality recently learned the principles and concepts of saving, investing, and budgeting.
This learning experience was acquired during the seminar on financial literacy held recently at the Wawa Tribal Hall, Poblacion, Sibagat Agusan del Sur. It can be recalled that just this March, engagement of the Negosyo Center (NC) Sibagat with this group started. NC staff Caryl Joy Zapanta, through IP chairman Samel Bejing joined in one of their meetings and came up with agreements, to provide trainings to the group to develop
businesses.
A month ago, training on meat processing was also conducted, and there had been trainees producing tocino and longganisa and made it as a business. These IPs expressed their gratitude for the assistance provided to them as they have gained additional knowledge on how to manage their finances effectively and that they look forward to have a business, own a house and support their family’s needs. A Training on ‘banana chips making’ is scheduled for the group as another option to earn income. (DTI-Agusan de Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Provincial News
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Agusan del Sur
DOE News
DOE consults public on direct remittance of benefits from energy power projects
(TAGUIG CITY). - The Department of Energy- Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (DOE-EPIMB) on Wednesday held a public consultation on the rules governing the direct remittance of financial benefits for communities hosting energy projects.
Held at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, the consultation was meant to get the comments and suggestions of various stakeholders to improve the existing policy on the administration of funds under Energy Regulation 1-94 (ER1-94).
the EPIRA-IRR and other issuances related to the administration of the said financial benefits under the ER1-94 program.
The distribution utilities will be the recipient of the electrification fund and while the local government units (LGUs), indigenous peoples or indigenous cultural communities (IPs/ICCs). The corresponding share of the host communities shall be in accordance with the sharing under existing laws will be the recipient of the development and livelihood fund (DLF) and the reforestation, watershed management, health and environment enhancement fund (RWMHEEF).
A total of 345 participants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao attended the event, including 165 representatives from local government units (LGUs) of the host communities, 34 representatives from distribution utilities (DUs) and 146 generation companies (GenCos).
The move is meant to accelerate socio economic development, ensure more effective and efficient utilization of funds, and Under ER1-94, the generation facilities enforce the immediate provision of benefits or energy resource development projects to the host communities through the annual required to provide one-centavo per kilowatt- work plans to be submitted by the host hour (P0.01/kWh) of their electricity sales shall communities to the generating companies be remitted directly to the host communities. and power resource developers.
The DOE said it continues to encourage wider stakeholder involvement. For this purpose the DOE will accept the public’s comments and suggestions on the proposed The consultation specifically discussed Department Circular on or before 22 June the proposed amendments to Rule 29 (A) of 2018.
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Social Security System
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SSS News
SSS offers 2nd loan restructuring program
By: Joann Villanueva
noting that the LPR will be done to allow more borrowers clean up their obligations. Citing SSS records, Dooc said there are about 250,000 SSS members who have past due account of at least six months. It also shows that employers’ delinquency amounts to around PHP13 billion. To date, SSS has about 36 million members but only 15 million are active members, Dooc said.
MANILA -- Some 250,000 Social Security System (SSS) members are expected to avail of the agency’s second loan restructuring program (LRP), which is projected to bring in PHP1.2 billion in the pension fund’s coffers. In a briefing Thursday, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Dooc said the six-month loan condonation program, which will run from April 2 to October 1, 2018, will be conducted to allow members in disaster-hit areas pay their loans.
The SSS chief said there are members who have been clamoring for the extension of the first LPR, which was done for a year and ended in April 27, 2017. He, however, said they cannot extend it without the authority of Malacanang or Congress. “Kaya minarapat namin na i-reimplement ito. Dumulog kami sa Malacanang upang bigyan kami uli ng pagkakataon na maisagawa ito with President’s approval. So, for the second time only we are offering the second LRP. (That’s why we decided to re-implement it. We requested Malacanang to give us another chance to implement it with the President’s approval. So for the second time only we are offering the second LRP),” he said.
Among those who are qualified to avail of the program are those living or working in areas affected by the siege in the cities of Dooc said about 850,000 SSS members Marawi and Zamboanga and the eruption of availed of the first loan condonation program, Mayon Volcano. which allowed the agency to collect about PPHP6 billion worth of loans and penalties. Under the second LRP, memberborrowers will be allowed to settle their unpaid He said they are doing their best to overdue loan principal and interest in full or by collect unpaid dues to be able to efficiently installment. service the needs of their members without tapping the funds for investments. “We encourage borrowers to take “This year, expected benefit payout is PHP191 advantage of this opportunity,” Dooc said, billion,” he said. (PNA) JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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Mindanao News
Airstrike destroys BIFF IED factory in Liguasan Marsh By: Noel Punzalan
“With the successful operation, government security forces were able to negate death, destruction, and panic the IEDs could have caused to peaceful communities,” Encinas said. The assault troops composed of soldiers belonging to the 33rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Harold M Cabunoc, 61st Division Reconnaissance Company led by 1Lt. Ruel Fortuna, and the Philippine National Police’s Fourth Special Action Battalion led by Supt. Darwin Padla.
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao-A military airstrike on Sunday successfully destroyed the bomb-making factory of the ISlinked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Liguasan Marsh, an Army official said Monday.
Encinas said government forces made sure that BIFF members were confined in a specific area to prevent a possible spillover to nearby towns.
BIFF members traded fires with the 33rd IB troopers but were outmaneuvered after an Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s hour of firefight, prompting Ali and his wife to 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said the surrender, Cabunoc said. operation also resulted to the arrest of BIFF bomb-maker Ustadz Anwar Ali, 22, and his Confiscated from the couple were wife Asnaya, 20. a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle and an M4 Carbine rifle. “At least 15 BIFF were killed in action, eight were wounded, a number of Improvised “The suspects threw their weapons Explosive Devices (IEDs) recovered in addition and improvised bombs in the water when we to the arrest of the bomb maker and his wife,” blocked all their escape routes. Ustadz Anwar Encinas said. is known as Abu Omar, a bomb expert in the group,” Cabunoc said. On Sunday, military helicopter gunships, backed by artillery fire and ground troops, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s launched a 2 a.m. “surgical” operation on 6ID commander, said the strike has somehow BIFF positions in the borders of Pagalungan eased the fear of local residents even as he and Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun towns in assured them that safety procedures were Maguindanao. undertaken and deliberately planned by giving due concern to the safety of the civilian The operation eradicated the targeted populace. BIFF IED factory located in southern part of the vast Liguasan marshland area of “Appropriate coordination was made Maguindanao, the military said. with Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and
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Mindanao News
the targeted areas were confined to locations The Army soldiers hoisted the national far from local communities,” Sobejana said. flag after defeating the terrorists in their remote marshy hideout in the Liguasan marshland, “I am very determined to defeat these a 220,000-hectare wetland situated in threat groups and prevent them from doing the boundaries of Maguindanao, North terroristic activities to bring about peace in Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces in Central Mindanao,” he added. Central Mindanao. (PNA)
ARMM gov’t distributes aid for 10K displaced residents By: Noel Punzalan
Henry said that ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, concurrent regional social welfare chief, led the distribution at relief goods comprising of rice, bread, noodles, mineral water, malong (Muslim tube garment), and hygiene kits that could last for the next three days. In Pagalungan alone, at least six villages were affected, namely Buliok, Bagoenged, Dalgan, Bulod, Kalbugan, and Kudal. “Separate ARMM–HEART teams were also dispatched to look into reports of evacuation from the towns of Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun in Maguindanao and Pikit, North Cotabato,” Henry said.
COTABATO CITY – Relief workers have begun distribution Monday of food packs to 1, 793 families or some 10,000 individuals affected by Sunday’s military operation against ISlinked elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic On Sunday, thousands of evacuees Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao. fled to safety as military helicopter gunships, backed by artillery fire, launched a pre-dawn Myrna Jocelyn Henry, information attack on BIFF positions in the marshland officer of the Autonomous Region in Muslim bordering the towns of Gen. Salipada K. Mindanao – Humanitarian Emergency Pendatun and Pagalungan in Maguindanao, Assistance Response Team (ARMM-HEART) and Pikit in North Cotabato. said they have initially served three evacuation centers in Pagalungan town where the 1,793 The miitary said the strikes against the families are temporarily housed. BIFF led to the destruction of a bomb-making factory, death of 15 terrorists and wounding “The evacuees are housed in of eight others, as well as the capture of BIFF evacuation centers set up at Mahad, the bomb maker Ustadz Anwar Ali alias “Abu Poblacion market, and the town’s covered Omar”, and his wife Asnaya. (PNA) court,” she said.
JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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National News
TESDA allots 3K scholarship slots for MILF, MNLF members By: Ma. Cristina Arayata
various government programs,” he added. Those who will avail of the scholarship can choose from such courses as agriculture, automotive, construction, tourism, metals and engineering, heating, ventilation, airconditioning and refrigeration, semiconductor, electronics, furniture and fixtures, garment and textile, health, and social services. These courses can be taken within 40 days or less, according to TESDA.
The agency eyes MILF and MNLF MANILA -- The Technical Education members from Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga to allotting 3,000 scholarship slots for members benefit from this program. They will also be of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and provided with training support fund. the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). All they have to do is to go to the TESDA “This is the first time we have allotted office in their areas, and enlist themselves. scholarship slots for them,” TESDA Deputy Director General Alvin Feliciano told the Meanwhile, TESDA had also provided Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday. scholarships for communist rebel returnees. Feliciano said the move aims to help uplift the lives of members of the MILF and MNLF, by providing them free training and assessment.
“We have offered the same program to the members of the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army),” Feliciano said, pointing out that this time, the agency has allotted slots for the MILF and “We want them to get jobs or livelihood, MNLF. (PNA) and also to make them active participants of
‘I’m willing to walk an extra mile to achieve peace’: Duterte By: Jelly Musico
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte Spanish rule. has expressed willingness to walk an extra mile to achieve peace in the land by continuously Duterte first travelled to Kawit, Cavite reaching out to the enemies of the state. to lead the morning’s flag-raising ceremony and then delivered a speech interrupted by a The President made this promise in two group of protesters who repeatedly shouted occasions on Tuesday as he led the nation in “fake freedom”. celebrating its 120th Independence Day from
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
National News “I will walk (an) extra mile to have peace in our land,” Duterte said in front of a big crowd who braved the monsoon rains. Later in the day, Duterte went to Pampanga for the oath-taking of the newlyelected village leaders in Region III and assured the local leaders of his willingness to talk peace with the communist and Moro rebels.
that at the end of the day, on our sunset days, we need to push for peace,” Duterte said. He said government and the enemies of the states cannot fight forever, stressing that he is not a wartime President. “I have no business going to war against my own people. I told them, let’s talk. Violence is one thing that I must avoid at all cost,” the President said.
“I am not a soldier, I am not a policeman. I am a government worker elected by the Duterte is hoping that the two people to search the elusive peace for our houses of Congress – Senate and House of nation,” he said. Representatives - will pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Duterte repeated his invitation to Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) Though the heroes of the past founding leader Ma. Jose Sison to come had liberated the nation from “foreign home and talk peace within 60 days. subjugation,” Duterte said the Filipinos are still facing modern challenges such as poverty, “I will talk to the enemies of the state in corruption, environmental degradation, search of peace and that is why I have invited terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs. Sison to come home peacefully, and I will guarantee his personal safety and security” “At this crucial juncture in our history, we he said. need to draw strength from the lessons of our past to ensure that these ills do not cause any The popular Filipino leader, however, more damage to our future,” Duterte said. said if the peace talks fail, he will escort Sison out of the country. tDuterte vowed to pursue his fight against corruption and illegal drugs as well as “Should the peace talks prevail, then criminality and terrorism. (PNA) we would be lucky and I would thank God for it. But if not, I said, I will personally escort him to the airport and I will see to it that he will fly out alive,” Duterte said. “Now as to he’s coming back, that’s out of the question because he is facing charges,” he added. Duterte said he is also building peace with Moro rebels particularly with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari. “I’m talking to Murad, the BBL. Then to Nur Misuari. Nur Misuari, maybe he realizes JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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National News
PNP: Ardot Parojinog wants NBI to handle By: Benjamin Pulta his case MANILA -- Fugitive Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog has been sending feelers to have the cases filed against him handled by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) instead of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Speaking to newsmen Wednesday, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the Ozamiz City councilor, who is one of the few remaining members of the Parojinog drug cartel, has sent a letter asking the NBI to take over the case against him.
being said that) no visitors allowed, not even the Taiwan police are authorized to visit him,” he added. The police said they will abide by the decision of the prosecutors handling the case on whether to allow the transfer of the case from the PNP to the NBI. “(W)e will respect the decision of DOJ (Department of Justice),” Albayalde said. (PNA) Photo Courtesy of Eaglenews.ph
Ardot was detained by Taiwanese police who had been asked by their Filipino counterparts to extradite him to face charges here. “But as of this time, walang sagot naman yung PNP diyan (the PNP has yet to answer that). But until now, kami pa rin ang merongcommunication sa (we are the ones communicating with the) Taiwan police. And until now, hindi pa rin naman siya pwedeng bisitahin dahil nandon siya (he cannot be visited because he is still there),” Albayalde said. “Wala kasi siya sa custody ng (He is not in the custody of the) Taiwan police, nasa custody siya ng prosecutor nila (he is in the custody of their prosecutor). 28
That’s why yung sinabing (what is JUNE 9 - 15, 2018
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