Caraga InFocus –Volume VI, No. 50

CARAGA VAW DESK OFFICERS JOIN REGIONAL QUIZ BOWL

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Around twenty (20) Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk Officers and Punong Barangays from the different provinces of Caraga region actively took part during the Regional Quiz Bowl held on Monday, December 12 at the Events Center of SM City Butuan.

Most of the questions raised during the quiz bowl talked about laws protecting women and children, Safe Spaces Act, and other related information. The said activity was

spearheaded by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACATVAWC) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, which formed part of the culmination for this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End VAW which runs from November 25 until December 12.

According to Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of Protective Services Division of DSWD Caraga, the regional quiz bowl

for VAW Desk Officers has been a regular activity of the committee for the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. “This has started in year 2019 wherein the local government unit of Bayugan City was hailed as the First Regional Quiz Bowl for VAW Desk Officers winner, followed by LGU Bislig City of Surigao del Sur, and LGU Claver of Surigao del Norte,” she recalled.

Aranas highlighted that VAW Desk Officers have been continuously undergoing capacity building for them to become more equipped in knowledge and skills especially in handling VAWC cases in their respective areas.

She also emphasized that through collaboration with the different stakeholders in the region, the campaign against trafficking and VAWC have intensified through the years and women have become more empowered and welloriented of their rights.

Aranas further stressed that the committee will continue to promote the rights and welfare of the women and children sectors by initiating various significant programs and activities in the next year.

For this year, the following were declared winners for the same competition:

1st Prize - Province of Agusan del Norte/LGU Cabadbaran City (Team 1) 2nd Prize - Province of Agusan del Norte/LGU Cabadbaran City (Team 2) 3rd Prize - Province of Surigao del Norte/LGU Anaoawon

All the winners received plaques of appreciation from RIACAT-VAWC, as well as cash prizes and tokens.

Meanwhile, partner agencies also received certificates of appreciation for constantly supporting the lined-up activities for the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

News Briefs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga’s Cash for Work Program with the support of PSWD and LGU La Paz, Agusan del Sur, during the cash pay-out amounting to P3,200 for the 1,100 beneficiaries.

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Media Briefing and Pasasalamat spearheaded by the Philippine Health (Philhealth) Insurance Corporation, at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City. Philhealth Regional Vice President Michael Jibson Hernandez, welcomed all the participating media including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, and thanked them for their constant support and participation in all the advocacy and activities of Philhealth.

During th launching of the Listahanan Database Year 3 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City, POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano, expressed his message of support to the development of the Listahanan 3, which he stressed is very useful for POPCOM in the implementation of their thrusts and programs particularly in responsible parenthood and family planning.

The members of the Regional Committee on Devolution (RCommDev) and local government units (LGUs) revisited the latest updates on the transition to full devolution and exchange insights and ideas about the subject matter, during the recently held Regional Fora on Full Devolution, at the Pavilion, Watergate Hotel, this city, and live streamed online via Zoom.

Intended as a platform for sharing knowledge about the transition, the activity further enabled the LGUs to maximize their preparations following the creation of their respective Devolution Transition Plans (DTPs). Likewise, the NGAs were able to share the various forms of assistance they could provide in lieu of the transition, especially in building the capacities of LGUs.

Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, shared that 100% of the LGUs in the region complied with the creation of the DTPs. The challenge now lies with ensuring that the LGUs are equipped with the appropriate capacities to deliver the devolved functions, services, and facilities (FSFs).

LGUs validated the need for strengthened capacity development through the concerns they raised in the interactive question-andanswer part of the program. Local officials and functionaries shared that the anticipated decrease in the national tax allotment is a prime challenge in sustaining the demands of full devolution. In response, the DILG upheld the need for heightened capacity development and

prioritization of devolved FSFs.

“As the harmonizer of the region’s capacity development interventions, the DILG highly encourages our partner agencies to share the menu of technical assistance they can provide so we can properly address our LGUs’ needs and match them to the appropriate CapDev market,” explained Annabel Yangson, Capability Development Division chief of DILG Caraga.

Similarly, the NGAs echoed the sentiment of the LGUs and assured them that they will keep on offering their support as the transition continues.

“We will always face the challenge of having ample resources to meet our demands, but we can overcome these hurdles when we face the future together and work as one,” affirmed Chief Economic Development Specialist Junjie Crisante of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga.

Meanwhile, DILG Caraga Assistant Regional Director Donald Seronay, closed the activity by citing the significance of properly guiding the LGUs to make sure that they can withstand the challenges, especially the anticipated reduction in the national tax allotment.

Moving forward, the members of the RCommDev earnestly committed to working with the DILG in shaping the capacities of the LGUs by enhancing the capacity development framework of the region vis-à-vis full devolution. (LGOO II Estela Marie M. Vallespin, DILG-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signs the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023 amounting to PhP5.268 trillion, in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on December 16, 2022.

DILG, PARTNERS TO FOCUS ON STRENGTHENING CAPACITY OF LGUS IN CONTINUED TRANSITION TO FULL DEVOLUTION

DILG CARAGA CONFERS 2019, 2021

CLFGA LGU-PASSERS

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga conferred seven (7) passers for the year 2019 and 26 passers for the year 2021 for the Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) in the region held on November 28, 2022.

The event was in time with the conduct of the National Children’s Month Culmination Activity held

at the Events Center, SM City Butuan.

DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Regional Director Mari-flor DollagaLibang, together with Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) Regional Coordinator Krysta Ryedel Antoni-De Jose, handedover the Seal/Certificates

to all LGU passers.

The Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and Local Social Welfare and Development Officers accompanied by DILG City/Municipal Local Government Operations (C/MLGOOs), DILG Provincial Directors and DILG Provincial Focal Persons received the award for the concerned LGUs. For 2019, the following are the CFLGA passers:

Surigao del Sur (3) - Cagwait - Hinatuan - Lianga

At the regional level, the audit is conducted by the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RITMF) led by DILG together with DSWD Caraga, RCWC Caraga, Department of Health – Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, Department of Education (DepEd)

Caraga, National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, Civil Society Organization (CSO)Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Incorporated, and CSOPropegemus Foundation, Incorporated.

The CFLGA is an assessment of the performance of LGUs

designed to gauge the level of performance of LGUs in implementing child-friendly programs and services intended to promote and uplift the welfare of children.

Further, the LGUs were assessed based on the indicators categorized under the four core rights of children, which are survival, development, protection, participation, plus governance. (LGOO II Dorothy Jill D. Peros, DILG XIII – Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Agusan del Norte (3) - Buenavista - Cabadbaran City - Tubay

Dinagat Islands (1) - San Jose

Surigao del Norte (3) - Claver - Gigaquit - Mainit

In 2021, it showed an increase among CFLGA passers in the region and

they are the following: Agusan del Norte (4) - Buenavista - Cabadbaran City - Jabonga - Tubay Agusan del Sur (11) - Bayugan City - Bunawan - La Paz - Loreto - Prosperidad - Rosario - San Luis

- Sibagat - Talacogon - Trento - Veruela Dinagat Islands (3) - Basilisa - Cagdianao - San Jose Surigao del Norte (5) - Claver - Gigaquit - Mainit - Sison - Tubod

Mga sumukong rebelde sumailalim sa deradikalisasyon sa tulong ng lokal

na pamahalaan sa Caraga Region

Walang pagdadalawang isip na lumahok ang may dalawampu’t tatlong (23) mga dating rebelde sa mga pagsasanay na isinagawa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan sa caraga region bilang parte ng kanilang deradikalisasyon o ang pagsiguro na tuluyan na nilang tatalikuran ang New People’s Army (NPA) – communist terrorist group (CTG) at mamuhay nang payapa sa kani-kanilang komunidad.

kanilang pangkabuhayan. Isa si alyas Nomie, 29 taong gulang na may dalawang anak mula sa bayan ng San Luis, Agusan del Sur, sa mga aktibong lumahok at nagpahiwatig ng kanyang intensyon ng pagbabagong buhay na malayo sa kapahamakang dulot ng npa at matutukan ang pagpapalaki ng kanyang mga anak.

mga tulad kong babae na aktibo pa sa kilusan, mas marami pa tayong magagawang mabuti na may maidudulot na kabutihan sa mga tao,” ani Nomie.

Pinangunahan ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) sa Agusan del Norte ang pagbibigay ng psychosocial services para sa mga former rebels, kasama ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), at iba pa, para naman sa

Aniya, sa siyam na taong paninilbihan niya sa teroristang grupo, naging masalimuot ang kanyang karanasan. Nabago aniya lahat nito ang kanyang paniniwala na naging dahilan ng kanyang pagsuko sa gobyerno.

“Para sa mga nasa bundok pa ngayon, piliin niyo ng sumuko at magbalik-loob sa gobyerno. Napatunayan ko mismo ang senserong malasakit ng gobyerno sa atin at totoong marami tayong benepisyong mapapakinabangan. Sa

“Sa mga kabataan, huwag kayong magpalinlang sa NPA. Mag-aral kayong mabuti at magsumikap sa buhay. Huwag niyong pahirapan ang inyong mga sarili sa pagsanib sa makakaliwang grupo,” saan din ni alyas Aguilos, 44 taong gulang na ilang taon din na naging rebelde at nanilbihan sa NPA. Pagtitiyak din ng PSWDO-Agusan del Norte na siyang namamahala sa halfway house ng 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, na patuloy ang paggabay ng mga kinauukulang ahensya sa mga former rebels at pagbibigay nito ng karampatang tulong.

“Layon ng ating

gobyerno na matulungan ang mga former rebel sa kanilang pagbabalikloob at makinabang sa mga programang nakalaan para sa kanila,” banggit ni Dhelma Alaan, Social Welfare Officer I ng PSWDO-Agusan del Norte. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Kongresista Corvera, gipaneguro ang suporta sa mga irrigators ug sa convergence sa mga ahensya nga gimugna pagtabang kanila

Gipaneguro ni Agusan del Norte Kongresista Dale B. Corvera atol sa irrigators congress ang iyang suporta sa pagpalambo sa mga sistema sa patubig sa rehiyon ug sa nasud aron, makabot ang food security ug moangat ang kahimtang sa pagpuyo sa mga mag-uuma

labina sa humay.

Paambit ni Kongresista Corvera nga buot gyod niya nga mapalapdan pa ang kayutaan nga naay irigasyon aron modaku ang produksyon sa humay sa panahon nga gobernador pa siya sa Hulyo 2019-Hunyo

2022. Apan, iyang dugang, naay kakulangon sa pundo unya mihapak ang pandemya mao nga wala kaayo mapursige ang mga pamaagi ang pagsulbad sa mga kakulian.

Dugang sa Kongresista sa iyang mensahe nga gibasa

sa representante sa iyang Congressional District Office nga ipursige niya ang maong target karon nga kongresista na siya ubos sa iyang gipadayon nga “Food Security Enhancement Project”. Apan, padayon sa kongreista, pipila ka mga concerns ang kinahanglang matubag aron makab-ot kini.

Sa nag-una sa mga concerns sa irrigators karon kalabot sa nakatakdang pag-turn over sa halos tanang irrigation systems sa nasud ngadto sa Local Government Units (LGU) sunod sa mando sa Mandanas Law, suporta si Kongresista Corvera sa nagdagan karon nga sugyot sa mga irrigators ug LGUs nga i-repair usa ang daghan sa mga irigasyon nga nanginahanglan niini mao pa

kini i-turnover.

Apan iyang tan-aw nga daghan pa ang nakalambigit niini nga concerns nga kinahanglang tugkaron aron komprenhesibo ug mas epektibong matubag. Niini mohimo siyag mga inisyatiba nga mahisgutan ang maong mga concerns sa mga kongresista sa Caraga, unya sa ubang mga distrito, aron makasugyot sa ilang makita nga angay maayong buhaton.

Suporta usab si Kongresista

Corvera sa inisyatiba sa National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Caraga pagmugna og convergence sa mga nasudnong ahensya pagtubag sa nagkadaiyang concerns sa mga irrigators, apil na ang mga suporta diha

sa posibleng pagproseso ug pagbaligya sa bugas humay.

Butyag sa sa kongresista nga ginahimo usab sa iyang buhatan ang susamang lakang sa convergence ug tun-an niya ang lain pang mga lakang nga mahimo aron makatabang nga mahimo kining epektibo.

Alang kang Kongresista

Corvera ang paghatag og venue sa pagbayloay og mga huna-huna tali sa mga irrigators, sa mga ahensya ug mga opisyal sa gobyerno ug ang convergence nga namugna ang labing positibong aspeto nga nakabot sa nahitabong irrigators congress. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Outstanding LGUs, gov’t workers sa probinsya gipasidunggan sa 8th ANGELL Awards

Pinaagi sa 8th ANGELL Awards, gipasidunggan sa panggamhanang probinsyal ang mga local government units (LGUs), konseho, ug mga trabahante sa gobyerno sa ilang talagsaong nahimo sa ngalan sa serbisyo publiko sa gihimong awarding ceremony.

“Once again, we are all gathered here in this hall to give recognition to deserving winners of the different categories for this yearly ANGELL Award. The sole purpose of holding this event is to encourage each of us to be innovative and responsive to the needs of our constituents. It is making government’s existence relevant because people see that we are effective in the implementation of all our goals and programs and at the same time that we in the government are reliable”, kini ang mensahe ni Gob. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante atubangan sa mga mipartisipar niadtong adlawa.

Ang maong prestihiyosong award gikuha sa iyang dagnay nga ‘Angel’.

Dugang pa sa gobernador nga ang mantra sa probinsya mao ang kun mosulti kitag Agusan del Norte, nagpasabot sa pulong nga ‘excellence’. Ug ang mga best practice niini kinahanglang macascade ngadto sa mga munisipyo ug mga barangay sa tibook probinsya.

Iyang gihagit ang tanan nga mopuyo sa maong mantra sa ilang pagpanarbaho isip public servants nga walay laing tinguha kundi alagaran ang katawhan sa Agusan del Norte sa kinasing-kasing. Niining tuiga, ang mga nidaog sa ANGELL Awards mao ang mosunod:

Most Disaster Resilient LGU: Fully Compliant LGUs -Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Magallanes, Buenavista, Nasipit, ug Carmen; Beyond Compliant LGU – Tubay, R.T.R, Las Nieves ug Cabadbaran City.

Best Performing Anti-Drug Abuse Council: 4th-6th Class Barangay Category – (1st place) Brgy. Tinigbasan, Tubay, (2nd place)

Brgy. Katugasan, Cabadbaran City, (3rd place) Buhang, Magallanes; 1st3rd Class Barangay Category – (1st place) Brgy. A. Beltran, Jabonga, (2nd place) Brgy. Kinabjangan, Nasipit, (3rd place) Brgy. Talo-ao, Buenavista; Municipal Category – (1st place) LGU Jabonga, (2nd place) LGU Las Nieves, (3rd place) LGU Santiago.

Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa: 4th-6th Class Barangay Category – (1st place) Brgy. Tagbuyacan, Santiago; (2nd place) Brgy. Basilisa, R.T.R., (3rd place) Brgy. Poblacion, Kitcharao; 1st-3rd Class Barangay Category – (1st place) Brgy. Mabini, Cabadbaran City, (2nd place) Brgy. Aclan, Nasipit, (3rd place) Brgy. Macalang, Buenavista.

Most Child-Friendly LGU: Rural Barangay Category – (1st place)

Brgy. Libas, Jabonga, (2nd place)

Brgy. Aclan, Nasipit, (1st place) Brgy. Humilog, R.T.R.; Urban Barangay Category – (1st place) Brgy. Poblacion, Carmen, (2nd place) Brgy. Mabini, Cabadbaran City, (3rd place) Brgy. Buhang,

Magallanes; City/Municipal Category – LGU Jabonga, (2nd place) LGU Cabadbaran City, (3rd place) LGU Las Nieves.

Most Functional Nutrition Council: (1st place) LGU Nasipit, (2nd place) LGU Santiago, (3rd place) LGU Carmen. Outstanding City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer: 1st place – Belen Estroso (Santiago), 2nd place – Idaline Balanay (Nasipit), 3rd place – Corazon Gonzales (Carmen). Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars: 1st place –Gladys Escalante (Nasipit), 2nd place – Janeth Battalier (Jabonga), 3rd place – Alma Cangmaong (Las Nieves).

Outstanding Municipal Population Officer/Brgy. Population Volunteer/ Municipal Program Coordinator: Municipal Outstanding Population Officer - Sheilah R. Tembrevilla (Nasipit), Municipal Outstanding Population Program Coordinator –Rosalynda D. Ramon (Las Nieves), Outstanding Brgy. Population Volunteer – Mylin A. Zapanta (Tinigbasan, Tubay).

Best Vegetable, Herbal and Flower Garden: 1st place – Brgy. Taod-oy, Magallanes (Hon. Bienvinido Eroa), 2nd place – Brgy. Panaytayon, R.T.R. (Nieves L. Bacquial), 3rd place – Brgy. Casilan, Las Nieves

(Hon. Edwin C. Paquito). Best Gulayan sa Paaralan Program Implementer: Central Category: Jabonga Central Elementary School, Non-Central Category: Ata-atahon Elementary School; Multi-Grade Category: San Jose Elementary School; Rural Category: Balang-Balang National High School; Urban Category: Santaigo National High School; Tahanan Category: Zapanta Elementary School – Anacleto Msangkay (owner), March Elyzer N. Campado (Principal).

Best Ecological Solid Waste Implementer: High School Category – (1st place) Santiago National High School, (2nd place) Jabonga National High School, (3rd place) Cahayagan National High School; Elementary Category – (1st place)

Santaigo Central Elementary School, (2nd place) Mateo B. Abao Central Elementary School, (3rd place) Santa Ana Elementary School.

Highest Percentage of Real Property Tax Collection based on Municipal Target: (1st place)

Magallanes – Mr. Geymar S. Monsales, (2nd place) Nasipit – Ms. Raineria C. Mendribe, (3rd place)

Tubay – Ms. Genara A. Abamonga.

Best Performing Municipal Treasurer: 1st place – Ms. Amor P.

Remonte (Kitcharao), 2nd place –Ms. Thelma D. Pitogo (Buenavista), 3rd place – Ms. Wilma M. Bungaos (R.T.R.).

Best Office: Hospital – Nasipit District Hospital (Dr. Gertrudes R. Cembrano; Non-Hospital –PDRRMO (Erma R. Suyo). Best Employee: Supervisory – Mr. Jorge Vincent G. Pagaran; NonSupervisory – Mr. Geno Matondo.

Ang Accelerating New Dimensions on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL) Program namugna pinaagi sa Provincial Ordinance No. 396-2015 aron hatagag pagila kadtong adunay exemplary performance ug best practices nga mga LGUs, local leaders, barangay officials, provincial officials ug mga empleyado sa panggamhanang probinsyal sa lain-laing kategorya sa award. Sugod niadtong tuig 2016, nahimo nang tinuig ang maong award.

Niadtong adlawa gihatagan usab og tribute si DILG Regional Director Lilibeth M. Famacion nga maoy nahimong guest speaker sa maong okasyon tungod sa iyang umalabot nga pagretiro sa serbisyo publiko. Sa bahin ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera iyang gipahayag nga dili sayon ang maapil sa top performers tungod kini nagkinahanglan og dedikasyon dili lang sa usa kundi sa tanan aron makab-ot ang gitinguhang tumong. Sa susamang okasyon, mitambong usab sila si Bise Gobernador Enrico R. Corvera nga mihatag sa iyang closing remarks, ang mga miyembro sa 19th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, mga mayor, bise mayor ug SB members sa mga munisipyo ug syudad sa probinsya, Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, mga hepe sa panggamhanang probinsyal, mga miyembro sa Technical Working Group ug evaluators nga maoy nilibot sa tibook probinsya aron pilion kadtong angayan sa award. (Jay Vincent V. Demain, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

SURSUR TOURISM TO DECLARE PROVINCIAL WINNERS FOR BEST

PUBLIC TOILET ON THURSDAY

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Provincial Government Unit of Surigao del Sur under the administration of Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel through the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Mary Vil C. Chan is set to award the winners of the 2022 Provincial Search for Best Public Toilet through ASEAN Standard on December 15, 2022, in Tandag City.

The on-site evaluation for the first round of elimination to the participating LGUs was conducted November 29 to December 1, 2022, as follows:

Public Toilet - Terminal Category 1. Lingig, 2. Hinatuan, 3. Tagbina,

4. Barobo, 5. San Agustin 6. Madrid, and 7. Tandag City 8. Bislig City

Public Toilet - Gasoline Station Category 1. Bislig City 2. Hinatuan, 3. Tagbina, 4. Barobo, 5. San Agustin, and 6. Tandag City

The final judgment for the top three finalists was completed on December 13, 2022 in two categories namely,

PUBLIC TERMINAL Category:

LGU-Tagbina LGU-Madrid, and LGU-Hinatuan

GAS STATION Category:

LGU-Bislig City

LGU-Tagbina, and LGU-San Agustin Meanwhile, the program implementation since 2021 is primarily designed to strengthen the tourism industry in Surigao del Sur and to offer the best travel experience, with the anticipation that local and foreign tourists have to use the toilet when visiting the province. A basic yet considered vital component in the tourism industry.

“These toilets need to be clean, hygienic, complete with various amenities and facilities, located conveniently, well maintained, and have proper waste management systems, “ Chan noted. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SURSECO-II EMPLOYEES UNDERGO CAPABILITY BUILDING ON

RA 11552

To produce, institute and equip employees the knowledge on Republic Act No. 11552 entitled, “Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of Lifeline Rate”, the Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative II (SURSECOII) spearheaded the Orientation Workshop on the New Procedures and Business Flow on the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate Discount recently held at the Bayay Tapukan, SURSECO II main Office in Tandag City.

of RA 11552, electricity consumers living below the poverty line will continue receiving lifeline rate discounts until 2051. This law also aims for the fair and equitable distribution of the lifeline subsidy among qualified beneficiaries.

The SURSECO II’s current lifeline rate and corresponding discount as approved by the ERC are given to residential consumers using 1 to 20 kWh only per month.

With the enactment

The “lifeline rate” or the socialized pricing mechanism for marginalized end-users is to be set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with recommendation from respective distribution utilities.

The ERC, Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in consultation with the PSA and other public and private stakeholders, issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA11552.

(SURSECO-II/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

MINDANAO

MinDA boosts partnership among PH Ambassadors

To provide a strong partnership with relevant institutions, especially with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) welcomed on Friday the 17 newly designated and confirmed Philippine Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary here.

In a statement Saturday, Secretary Maria Belen Acosta said the gathering paved the way for advancing popular growth and development in Mindanao.

The Ambassadors visited the city as part of their Onsite Economic Diplomacy Program before they assume early next year their respective posts and assignments in various parts of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.

Acosta said it is seldom that Mindanao is visited by a group

of Philippine Ambassadors and that is why “we are truly delighted with your presence here today knowing fully well of your strategic role in promoting and marketing our country as a promising investment and tourism destination in the international field.”

MinDA, as the Philippine Country Coordinating Office for Brunei Darussalam – Indonesia – Malaysia –Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Mindanao’s arm for international cooperation, has been requested by DFA Manila – Office of International Economic Relations and DFA Mindanao to co-organize the visit of the Ambassadors.

“This is our collective duty as we respond to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring back the Philippines to the highest pedestal of

international representation,” Acosta said.

With the Ambassador’s representation, Acosta is optimistic about the expansion of the good reputation of the Philippines in the ranks of the nations.

“And we recognize the ambassadors’ role in promoting our rich culture, history, and tradition; our unique products, and various places for investments and international partnerships, as well as for tourism,” she added.

Highlighted during the event was the support to various initiatives that will facilitate the strengthening of ongoing trade and investment agreements and cooperation with other countries, and the promotion of Mindanao’s economic potential and investment opportunities to the rest of the world. (PNA/ Che Palicte)

PH AMBASSADORS. Mindanao Development Authority officials led by Secretary Mabel Acosta (13th from left) pose with the 17 newly designated and confirmed Philippine Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday (Dec. 9, 2022) in Davao City. The Ambassadors visited the city as part of their Onsite Economic Diplomacy Program before they assume early next year their respective posts and assignments in various parts of Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. (Photo courtesy of MinDA)

UNHCR to partner with MinDA in the Durable Solution Strategy for IDPs in Mindanao

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will schedule a courtesy call to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson, Sec. Maria Belen S. Acosta, CESE, to discuss further possible engagement with respect to the durable solution strategy for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mindanao.

UNHCR sees MinDA as a potential partner based on Administrative Order No. 286 series of 2010, “Mandating the Mindanao Development Authority to coordinate efforts for internally displaced persons in Mindanao.”

A dinner meeting was recently held as part of exploratory discussion on the social protection concerns of IDPs in Mindanao, due to protracted displacements, human induced and natural disasters. Led by UNHCR Head of National Office, Atty. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo and staff, with MinDA Legal Division, Atty. Kristine Quibod, together with AMO-WM Office Head Carlos Cerezo, presented the UNHCR’s collaborative efforts with key government agencies, in the crafting of the Durable Solution Strategy for IDPs in Mindanao and Protection Mainstreaming, and Protection Information Management.

PBBM ORDERS GRANT OF INCENTIVE, RICE ALLOWANCE TO GOV’T EMPLOYEES

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued administrative orders granting service recognition incentive (SRI) for employees in the executive department as well as one-time rice allowance to all government employees for this year.

The President’s order authorizes the grant of a one-time service recognition incentive at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000 for executive department personnel. Those who are entitled to receive the incentive include civilian personnel in national government agencies (NGAs), covering those in state universities and colleges (SUCs), governmentowned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), regular, contractual or casual employees, members of the military and the police, as well as fire and jail personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local

Government (DILG).

Personnel from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) are also entitled to get the service recognition incentive.

Based on the President’s order, employees of both houses of Congress, the Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman and Constitutional offices may likewise be granted a one-time SRI by their

respective heads of offices at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000. Employees in local government units (LGUs), including those in the barangays, may also receive the incentive depending on the LGU’s financial capability, subject to limitation in LGU budget under the Local Government Code of 1991.

The incentive for NGAs, SUCs, and military and uniformed personnel will be funded by the available released

Personnel Services (PS) allotment under Republic Act No. 11639 or the 2022 national budget.

Separately, President Marcos also issued an order authorizing the grant of a onetime rice assistance for government personnel.

Those who are entitled to receive the rice subsidy include civilian personnel in NGAs, including those in SUCs, GOCCs, government financial institutions (GFIs), government

instrumentalities with corporate powers, and government corporate entities occupying regular, contractual or casual positions. Military, police, fire and jail personnel are also entitled to receive the rice assistance.

Bucor, PCG, and NAMRIA employees will also receive the support.

The order also authorizes the release of the assistance to individuals and groups of people

whose services are engaged through job orders (JO), contracts of service (COS) or other similarly situated working arrangement defined under a Commission on Audit’s circular order.

The rice assistance for NGAs, military and uniformed personnel will be funded by the Contingent Fund under R.A. No. 11639. For GOCCs, funding will come from their respective approved operating budgets for fiscal year 2022.

PBBM APPROVES NEDA’S PH DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 2023-2028

pointed out.

The PDP 2023-2028 aims to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on the high-growth path and push for efficient economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society.

PBBM SIGNS P5.2 TRILLION 2023 NATIONAL BUDGET

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday signed the P5.2 trillion 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which will fund the administration’s recovery plan next year as the country emerges from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday approved the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 in a bid to bolster deep economic and social transformation while reinvigorating job creation and steering the economy forward.

development plan for the Philippines and we have included all of the priority areas,” President Marcos said in a message.

The PDP was prepared by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board which the President chairs.

The chief executive enjoined agencies to employ a whole-ofnation approach in the implementation of the PDP 2023-2028 and steer government instrumentalities into the “same direction.”

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, in a release last week, said the PDP “offers an inclusive way forward, identifying the program priorities, strategies, and targets — as well as enabling policies and governance mechanisms — toward a ‘matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay’ for all Filipinos.”

Among the priority sectors under the administration’s first national budget are education, public works, health, social welfare, agriculture as well as transportation.

In his speech during the ceremonial signing of the GAA in Malacanang, President Marcos said its passage is essential because it will serve as a roadmap of what the government intends to do next year.

shown to still be able to express that kind of support, that kind of solidarity with the Executive,” the President said.

The government, Marcos said, has listed its plans for next year and it is now slowly moving toward realizing its goals such as carrying out all the needed structural changes.

that we move forward,” Marcos said.

The President expressed his gratitude to the members of the legislature and all those who worked hard for the passage of the 2023 national budget.

“I’m happy to announce that today, at the NEDA board meeting, we approved the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028 and this sets out the framework of the

“This will facilitate the coordination and the alignment of all departments and all agencies in government to a single plan so that we are all working in the same direction,” the President

“Addressing inflation and the constraints to rapid economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in the new normal requires a wholeof-government and wholeof-society approach,” Balisacan said.

With the approval of the development plan, it will be ready for immediate implementation in 2023.

“And to see the rapidity of the passage is significant because it means that this budget, the roadmap that we have proposed from the Executive, is fully supported by our legislature. And that is very, very important indeed,” Marcos said.

“Because it is what is essentially or sometimes regarded as a long, difficult, long-drawn-out process…

The signing into law of the General Appropriations Act is important because it will provide the government with a tool to transform the economy, the chief executive noted.

“It is always very important that the GAA has been put together in consonance with all of the plans of the Executive. And that kind of coordination and that kind of synergy that we will gain from that is going to be an essential part of the way

According to President Marcos, the legislature has been very cooperative in making amendments that were necessary in terms of investment as well as financial policy.

“All of these elements that are important for us to position ourselves in the new — I nearly said new society — in the new economy after the pandemic,” Marcos said. The President also thanked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for its efforts in passing the government spending program for next year.

PBBM ISSUES EO ADJUSTING DIVIDEND

RATE OF DBP

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order (EO) adjusting the percentage of net earnings to be declared by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

from 50 percent of its annual net earnings to zero percent, pursuant to Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7656.

Based on the law, the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Finance, may adjust the percentage of annual net earnings to be declared by a governmentowned and controlled corporation (GOCC) “in the interest of national economy and general welfare.”

The finance secretary has recommended the downward adjustment of the percentage of the net earnings that shall be declared by the DBP as dividends to the National Government for the Calendar Year 2021, as what the law provides.

PBBM’S PRODUCTIVE ASEAN-EU SUMMIT PARTICIPATION YIELDS

P9.8-B IN INVESTMENT PLEDGES

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reported a successful trip to Europe, his first visit to the continent since he became president, securing P9.8 billion worth of investment pledges.

“I am also pleased to announce that European business confidence in PH is high as evidenced by the expansion plans of European companies that were met in the sectors of fast-moving consumer goods, shipbuilding, renewable energy and green metals,” President Marcos said in his arrival statement following his attendance to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-European Union (EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

recent milestones in ASEANEU relations – the adoption of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2023 to 2027, as well as the signing of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

Summit, the President said he was pleased to share the Philippines’ perspective on deepening ASEAN-EU trade through efforts in sustainable development, which is the theme of the Business Summit.

According to the EO signed December 9 by the President, the percentage of net earnings to be declared and remitted by the DBP to the national government for Calendar Year 2021 is adjusted

R. A. 7656, otherwise known as the Dividend Law, requires all government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to declare and remit at least 50 percent of their annual net earnings such as cash, stock or property dividends to the national government.

“The Secretary of Finance recommended the downward adjustment… in order to support the capital position of the DBP, allow it to comply with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulations, and sustain its role in the economic recovery of industries adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the President’s EO read.

The presidential plane carrying the President and the Philippine delegation arrived 6:58 p.m. at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

During the gala dinner hosted by the EU, the President said he exchanged views with his counterparts on ASEAN-EU cooperation, particularly on connectivity, trade, green and digital transition, food security, as well as geopolitics.

According to the President, he was honored to deliver one of the opening remarks during the Commemorative Summit, where he presented the

“I also welcomed the adoption of the Joint Leaders’ Statement at the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit, which is the product of intensive discussions between ASEAN and EU Member States through our Ambassadors to ASEAN in Jakarta,” the President noted.

“This is a very significant development that EU has turned very, very distinctly towards the Asia-Pacific region when it comes to the driving force behind the new global economy,” President Marcos pointed out.

At the 10th ASEAN-EU Business

On the sidelines of the summit, President Marcos was granted a Royal Audience with King Philippe of Belgium and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Spain, which all ended up well for both the Philippines and its partners.

Also during the summit, the President took the opportunity to meet Filipinos in Belgium, which he describes as fulfilling because he was “able to hear their concerns and update them regarding the priorities of my administration.”

PCUP, DOH to ink pact for better health services for urban poor

The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Department of Health (DOH) are set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide better health services for urban poor families.

The signing of the MOA was discussed during PCUP chairperson Undersecretary Elpidio Jordan, Jr.’s recent virtual meeting with Gloria Balboa, director of DOH’s Health Emergency Management Bureau.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PCUP said Jordan and Balboa expressed their commitment to providing immediate response to health emergencies in urban poor communities.

“It was established that both the PCUP and DOH will be pushing for a more committed memorandum of agreement that would set the tone for their collaboration in providing health service to the PCUP’s clientele, as provided for in its mandate under the poverty alleviation program of the Marcos administration,” the PCUP said.

The PCUP noted that Jordan, during his meeting with Balboa, stressed the importance of giving the marginalized and underprivileged sectors easier access to the DOH’s healthcare programs, especially amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and other health concerns.

Jordan also thanked Balboa and the DOH for supporting the

PCUP’s pro-poor programs and initiatives.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DOH na patuloy na sumusuporta sa aming mga programa upang matulungan ng husto ang ating mga urban poor para mabigyan sila ng ayuda sa kanilang mga pangangailangan sa kalusugan, lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya at ibang pang krisis na kanilang naranasan, tulad ng paglaganap ng dengue at iba pang sakit (I thank the DOH for their continued support to our programs aimed ay helping the urban poor, especially amid the pandemic and other health issues, including the proliferation of dengue),” he said.

The meeting between Jordan and Balboa was held on Nov. 11 through video conferencing application Zoom, according to the PCUP’s Facebook post. Apart from the signing of the MOA, the PCUP’s four banner poverty reduction programs were also presented during the

meeting with the DOH.

The four PCUP programs which are expected to be launched in 2023 include the “Piso Ko, Bahay Mo” housing program, resource mobilization Lingkod Agapay Maralita (LAM), urban poor data generation and collaboration and the partnership program.

Jordan and Balboa discussed the anti-poverty programs for possible collaboration with DOH’s current programs and services, including the distribution of medicines and food packs.

The PCUP has also inked a MOA with the Department of Labor and Employment and local shipping firm Archipelago Philippine Ferries corporation to provide better services to urban poor groups.

The PCUP has also renewed its cooperation with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to enhance pro-poor programs.

(PNA/Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

WHO HOPES COVID WILL NO LONGER BE GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY IN 2023

table.”

WHO officials said more vaccination is needed to combat Covid-19, but in China, where there has been an upsurge, only about 60 percent of the population has been jabbed.

Since the first cases became known, the WHO has had more than 645 million confirmed cases, almost 6.64 million deaths, and over 13 billion vaccines administered against the disease, which was first reported in China at the end of 2019.

DOH TO LGUS: STICK TO GUIDELINES WHEN GIVING 2ND BOOSTER

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reminded local governments to stick to the guidelines when giving the second booster shot against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said there is no evidence yet that administering a second booster to the general public would increase their protection from respiratory illness.

Vergeire added that people who have recently received the fourth shot might not get the bivalent vaccine booster soon.

She reiterated that the guidelines currently in place are “based on science and evidence”.

millions of jabs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said it is hopeful that Covid-19 will no longer a global health emergency at some point next year.

In a news conference in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the past year had been another challenging one for the health of the world’s people.

“One year ago, omicron had just been identified and was starting to take off,” Tedros said.

Covid-19 killed 50,000 people each week at that time, while less than 10,000 people lost their lives last week.

“That’s still 10,000 too many – and there is still a lot that all

countries can do to save lives –but we have come a long way,” Tedros said. “We’re hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency.”

At the end of January 2020, the WHO declared Covid-19 a public health emergency of international concern – the highest alarm level under international law.

At that time, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths were reported outside China.

‘Share the data’

“We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies that we have requested to understand the origins of this virus better,” Tedros said.

“As I have said many times, all hypotheses remain on the

The criteria for declaring an end to the emergency will be among the topics of conversation when the Emergency Committee meets in January, Tedros said.

“Of course, this virus will not go away,” he said.

“It’s here to stay, and all countries will need to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses, including influenza and RSV, both of which are now circulating intensely in many countries,” the WHO chief added.

He said only one in five people in low-income countries had been vaccinated.

“Access to diagnostics and life-saving treatments for Covid-19 remains unacceptably unaffordable and unequal,” Tedros said. (Anadolu)

The official said the country is moving to secure the Omicronadapted jabs, which contain components of the original virus strain and the Omicron variant for better protection against Covid-19.

“Isipin natin na tayo po ay bumibili na ngayon nitong bivalent vaccine (Remember that we’re already securing the bivalent vaccine),” she said in a press briefing.

“Kapag dumating ‘yong bivalent vaccine at nabigyan niyo ng second booster ‘yong inyong mga kababayan ngayong time na ito, baka hindi pa rin sila maging eligible as soon for this bivalent kasi may number of months tayong bibilangin bago sila mabigyan (Once these arrive and you’ve already administer the second booster to your constituents at this time, they may not be eligible for bivalent as soon because we will count months before we could administer it),” she added.

But the DOH, she said, continues to work with experts so that it could start another rollout as soon as enough evidence that says a fourth shot would add protection to the general population has been gathered.

“We are bound with procedures which are based on the laws of the country. When we amend a recommendation or indication for a specific vaccine, we again go through FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and HTA (Health Technology Assessment Council),” she said.

At present, only individuals aged 18 to 49 years old with comorbidities and adults aged 50 and above are eligible for a second booster or fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

‘Bakunahang bayan’

Vergeire, on the other hand, reported that low vaccine uptake remains a challenge in the vaccine rollout, causing expiration for

The vaccine uptake improved in the latter part of 2021 but started to wane in the first quarter of the year, she said.

“Hindi natin maitago ng mas matagal ang mga bakuna natin... Almost lahat ng bakuna natin less than one year ang shelf life (We cannot shelve them for a long time... Almost all of our vaccine has less than one year of shelf life),” she said.

The DOH, for its part, continues to ramp up its vaccine and booster rollout for the eligible population.

On Dec. 5, the agency kicked off a three-day national vaccination campaign meant to increase protection for the pediatric population.

In a Laging Handa briefing, Vaccine Expert Panel chairperson Nina Gloriani advised the eligible population to get the vaccine as soon as possible given the emergence of new variants. (PNA)/Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

An elderly man receives his Covid-19 vaccine in Cavite. (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Anadolu)

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