Caraga InFocus – December 12-18, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

Volume IV, No. 51 December 12-18, 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

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COMMS TEAM NG DILG-13, NAGSASANAY PARA MAPABUTI PA ANG SERBISYO

SURIGAO SK LAUNCHES INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AMID PANDEMIC

PROVINCIAL NEWS VALLEY IP CHIEFTAIN VOWS TO SUPPORT 13 ZAPANTA GOV’T-INITIATED PROJECTS ARBOS TINULUNGAN NG DAR SA AGUSAN DEL 15 13NORTE DISTRIBUTES P3.5 WORTH OF FARM EQUIPMENT, 16 DAR FARM INPUTS TO AGNOR ORGS FARMERS SA LAS NIEVES NAGSUGOD NA 18 CASSAVA SA PAG-ANI SA 30-EKTARYAS NGA DEMO FARM 19 TESDA CHIEF VISITS ZAPANTA VALLEY QUARANTINE AT TREATMENT FACILITY 21 COVID-19 NG AGUSAN NORTE MAGBUBUKAS NA NGAYONG DISYEMBRE LUNA SA YUTA ALANG SA FRS UG IPS 22 MGA GISUBDIVIDE NA FERTILIZER ASSISTANCE STARTS IN CARAGA 23 RRP REGION DINAGAT ISLANDS, DOLE NAKIGPULONG SA 24 LGU STA. CRUZ FISHERFOLKS SCS, PWDS RECEIVE HOLIDAY TREATS 25 INDIGENT FROM TANDAG CITY GOV’T

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CTG LEADER IN MINDANAO KILLED IN SURSUR 17 FRS RECEIVE CASH ASSISTANCE IN AGSUR

MINDANAO NEWS

YOUNG TALAANDIG TRIBE FARMER IS MINDANAO CARROT KING 2020

MINDANAO POURS IN P628M IN ENTERPRISE SUPPORT

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO-FOI RELEASES GUIDELINES ON VEXATIOUS REQUESTS

ANDANAR: FOOD SECURITY, A PATHWAY TO PEACE

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38 39 40

PRC RECEIVES ANOTHER GREEN LIGHT FOR ITS MOLECULAR LAB IN PASSI

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REOPENING OF ECONOMY, RESTORATION OF LIVELIHOODS TO HELP EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HUNGER, SAYS NOGRALES

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SENATE APPROVES GORDON’S BILL THAT SIMPLIFIES LAND TITLING TO HELP FARMERS Statement regarding information allegedly coming from the Philippine Red Cross regarding covid-19 medical and safety protocol matters

PRESIDENT DUTERTE WARNS OF TRB REVAMP FOLLOWING RFID GLITCH GOV’T CONSIDERING VACCINES FROM GAMALEYA, SINOVAC FOR NEXT YEAR’S ROLLOUT PUBLIC WARNED ANEW ON POSSIBLE SURGE OF COVID-19 CASES PRESIDENT DUTERTE WELCOMES NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO, JAPANESE AMBASSADOR STATEMENT OF NATIONAL TASK FORCE AGAINST COVID-19 CHIEF IMPLEMENTER AND VACCINE CZAR SECRETARY CARLITO GALVEZ JR PRRD OKAYS API SYSTEM TO ENHANCE BORDER CONTROL 2020 GAA, BAYANIHAN 2 EXTENSION PUSHED AS SEN. GO CALLS ON AGENCIES TO ENSURE PROGRAMS ARE FULLY IMPLEMENTED

COVID-19 NEWS HOUSE ALLOTS P50-M FOR COVID-19 VACCINES OF EMPLOYEES PH NOW HAS 192 COVID-19 TESTING LABS; 5.8M INDIVIDUALS TESTED GOV’T ASSURES ENOUGH QUARANTINE FACILITIES FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

PRC CALLS FOR BLOOD D AS HOLIDAY SEASON PEA

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) calls for blood donors as the holiday season approaches to help fill the blood reserves. As people prefers to stay home fearing coronavirus infection, PRC assures all that health protocols are

| December 12-18, 2020

being observed to keep donors safe. PRC is expecting a surge in demand for blood supply and reserves during the holiday season. With this, PRC Chairman and CEO Chairman Sen. Richard

Gordon urges the public to donate more blood to replenish the reserves in case of emergencies. “Ang pangangailangan sa dugo ay hindi tumitigil. (The need for blood doesn’t stop.)” PRC Chairman & CEO Sen. Caraga INFOCUS

DONORS AKS

concern in this season. PRC will be open to help,” Gordon assured. “To better work during any untoward incident, PRC calls on donors too, to give blood as we all know that this season is the leanest month and our donation drives will surely slow down. We encourage people to donate blood for this will be a great help in our efforts to provide aid to the most

vulnerable,” he added. For the location of the blood centers and available schedule, people may visit this link: https://redcross.org. ph/give-blood/ In the National Capital Region, PRC blood banks are located in its national headquarters at 37 EDSA corner, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City; and in its Manila blood bank at Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.

Richard Gordon said. The Philippine Red Cross calls on the people to keep in touch with PRC’s 103 chapters and 98 blood centers or call 143 for urgent blood concerns. “We know that blood will be a top Caraga INFOCUS

December 12-18, 2020 |

News Briefs The One Town, One Product (OTOP) PH Hub Caraga partners (GDH Caraga Inc., CReATE Food Inc., and Binuhat Arts and Crafts Trading) were presented during today’s grand launching of the two hubs established at the SM City Butuan. A memorandum of agreement [MOA] signing also followed. xx

The Caraga regional office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) was awarded as this year’s Best Regional Office during the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Virtual Awarding Ceremony. Said award is to recognize the office’s excellence in regional operations and for showing unparalelled commitment in implementing programs of the agency which provided the benchmark in accomplishing the mission of the agency worthy of emulation and recognition.

The members of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC) Caraga from various government agencies are participating in today’s Juvenile Justice Administration Dialogue via Zoom platform. Said activity is hosted by the DSWD-Caraga. Today is International Migrants Day. Let us promote unity in all nations. May the spirit of #hope and #acceptance continue to bind us all together as we shape a much safer and brighter future for all. Remember we learn together, create together, work together, sing, dance and play together. We live together.

REGIONAL NEWS

COMMS TEAM NG DILG-13, NAGSASANAY PARA MAPABUTI PA ANG SERBISYO Sumailalim sa two-day skills enhancement ang mga communication at information technology (IT) personnel sa regional at field offices ng Department of the Interior and Local Government o DILG Caraga upang mas lalo pang mapahusay ang kakayahan para maipaabot

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By Venus L. Garcia ang importanteng impormasyon tungkol sa mga programa at proyekto ng pamahalaan gamit ang angkop na pamamaraan sa gitna ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Bahagi ito sa pagtugon ng nasabing ahensya sa hamon ng pagbabago o â&#x20AC;&#x153;paradigm

shiftâ&#x20AC;? sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa at at iba pang inisyatibo ngayong new normal. At dahil nga may pagbabawal pa ang pagtitipon-tipon para magsagawa ng information education and communication (IEC) campaign, tinuruan at sinanay sila sa graphic Caraga INFOCUS

designing at lay-outing para makapagproduce rin ng epektibong infographics maliban sa karaniwang pagsusulat ng mga press release. “There is a need to respond to the call of the times. Thus, the planning and communication teams have to play a bigger, more active role in DILG plans, programs and activities (PPAs) implementation,” sabi ni Donald Seronay, assistant regional director ng DILGCaraga. Tinalakay ng resource person galing sa Philippine Information Agency - Caraga kung paano bumuo ng contents para sa social media materials. “This is also our proactive response by capacitating them with the strategies and techniques for right messaging and delivery of information to the local government units,” ani Seronay. Ayon kay Seronay, makakatulong din anya ito sa pagbuo ng campaign materials ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) at collaterals ng Mandanas Ruling. Caraga INFOCUS

Ang mga virtual participants na nasa kanikanilang probinsiya ay sumabay din sa practical hands-on exercise gamit ang tools ng photo at design software. “This training will surely equip them with the skills and knowledge that will be most advantageous in popularizing the programs of the DILG,” sabi ni Seronay. Naging sentro rin ng pagtalakay ang management of webinars, teleconferences at social media management. Ang mga output naman sa paggawa

ng infographics ay iprenisenta ng bawat online participant para sa critiquing. “I am very thankful that I’m able to learn a lot of techniques. It has given me the idea on how to improve the messaging of the office. Malaking tulong talaga ito sa amin lalo na ngayong may pandemya kasi we need to maximize the use of social media para maipaabot ang mensahe ng DILG sa LGUs at publiko. Masaya ako na napasali sa training na ito,” sabi ni Ednon John Aparicio, LGOO III ng DILG-Agusan del Sur. (VLG/PIA-Caraga) December 12-18, 2020 |

SURIGAO SK LAUNCHES INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales AMID PANDEMIC

Various initiatives have been launched by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Washington in Surigao City in support of the government’s programs amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. During his guesting at the ‘Bisaya Gyud’ program on November 28, the barangay SK chairperson Junrey Sarco discussed with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar the activities that the youth group launched, from initiatives concerning the pandemic to advocating for citizen’s rights. To provide assistance to the village residents during the

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heightened community quarantine protocol, the SK allotted Php200,000 to help with the financial assistance provided by the Sangguniang Barangay, which aided 746 families. They also assisted in the production and distribution of relief goods provided in part by the city government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga. The SK also provided hygiene kits and washable face masks to frontline workers to provide additional assistance in their personal protective equipment (PPE). Youth engagement was also tackled amid the pandemic through the various contests and activities they launched

online. Winners were given prizes such as grocery items, face shield, and Php 50 worth of load. The youth officials also took part in the implementation of blended learning in the village elementary school, providing reams of bond papers to be used in producing printed learning modules. SK Chair Sarco also elaborated on the cleanup drive launched in September in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “The project is in support of the Community Support Program (CSP). We intend to impart to the public that caring for our environment and Caraga INFOCUS

maintaining its cleanliness are still important despite the health crisis,” he said. He added that the program was a great way to promote camaraderie among the people. Apart from these programs, the youth council pursued political campaigns involving the youth. They continued to implement their advocacy campaign “Citizen’s Rights,” which aims to educate the general public, particularly the youth, on their basic rights, particularly the rights they hold as citizens of this country. The initiative is a brainchild of the SK chairperson himself, who is a Political Science graduate. “Advocating for the rights of our people has always been a passion of mine. Educating them of these rights and their rights as citizens of this country is the first step in upholding such rights and help them avoid abuse especially during the pandemic,” said Sarco. In line with cultivating a pro-government youth, the youth council and the village youth took part in the declaration of Persona Non-Grata to Caraga INFOCUS

the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the country. According to the youth leader, the youth remains susceptible to the negative influence of these leftist groups, which have spurred nothing but countless unspeakable atrocities and complete violation of the people’s right to live in a peaceful and secure environment. “The youth denouncing these groups is an act of them standing up for themselves by refusing to be abused by these radical leftist entities,” said Sarco. As the segment ended, the SK chairperson imparted a brief message to his fellow youth, stating that they remain responsible in their own households. He also urged them to speak up and raise their concerns by contacting them through Surigao City’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/SangguniangKabataan-Surigao-DelNorte-107483667498569/. ‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin

Andanar aired every Saturday on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/bisayagyudph. The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Its ‘Operation Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials. The program also explores Bisaya music and artists and features Bisaya success stories. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) December 12-18, 2020 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

ZAPANTA VALLEY IP CHIEFTAIN VOWS TO SUPPORT GOV’T-INITIATED PROJECTS Datu Lando Anlagan of the Mamanwa tribe recently vowed to support governmentinitiated projects. This development came after Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) visited Sitio Zapanta Valley, Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte to grace the groundbreaking ceremony Caraga INFOCUS

By Robert E. Roperos of the Zapanta Valley Enterprise Center and a site visit to Zapanta Valley Agri-Tourism Enterprise Village. Speaking before the attendees composed of members of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC)-Agusan del Norte, Barangay Bangayan officials, and IP communities, Datu Anlagan stressed that with the government’s

initiatives of bringing the services to their community, there’s no reason why they will not give their all-out support. “Ako nanghinaut nga dili gayud pasagdan sa gobyerno kaming mga miyembro sa tribu kay kami nakig-uban na man gayud sa atong panggamhanan… ug tungod kay nakita man pud namo ang sinsero nga serbisyo sa atong mga ahensya nga December 12-18, 2020 |

anaa dinhi karon, kami usab sa among tribo nakighiusa alang sa kalinaw ug kalambuan sa pamuyo dinhi sa Sitio Zapanta Valley (I hope that the government will not forsake the tribe members like us because we are already one with the government… And since we also see that government agencies are sincere with their services, we from the different tribes are one in attaining peace and development here in

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Sitio Zapanta Valley),” Andagan said. Datu Andagan likewise said that because of what they have experienced for the past years living in a war zone, “we now want peace not war because we believe that development can only be achieved if there is peace in the area,” he added. Andagan is one of the three datus living in Sitio Zapanta Valley who earlier received the Tribal Hall which was turned-

over by the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte. The PRLEC-initiated projects have been made possible thru the support of the Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, and Kitcharao Mayor Aristotle E. Montante. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

13 ARBOS TINULUNGAN NG DAR SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE Bilang tugon sa epekto ng pagbabago ng klima sa mga magsasaka sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte, nasa 13 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations o ARBOs ang nakatanggap ng mga farm equipment at farm inputs. Laking pasalamat ni Welito Mante, ang chairperson ng Basag Irrigatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association sa suporta galing sa Department of Agrarian Reform o DAR dahil mas napadali ang kanilang trabaho sa pagsasaka at Caraga INFOCUS

By Nora C. Lanuza natugonan ang epekto ng climate change sa kanilang mga sakahan. Dagdag din ni Raul Hermoso, ang provincial coordinator ng Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project o CRFPSP ng Agusan del Norte, ang mga farm equipment ay nakatulong upang maging mas matatag ang mga magsasaka sa ano mang epekto ng pagbabago ng klima. Kahit paman sa banta ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

pandemic, patuloy pa rin ang DAR sa pamamahagi ng mga farm eqipment at farm inputs sa mga ARBOs upang malabanan ang mga epekto ng climate change at matulongan sila sa kanilang mga pangangailangan sa panahon nga pandemya. Sa taong ito nakapag-allocate ang DAR ng P3.5 million para sa CRFPSP project para sa makinaryas at farm inputs. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) December 12-18, 2020 |

DAR DISTRIBUTES P3.5 WORTH OF FARM EQUIPMENT, FARM INPUTS TO AGNOR ORGS By Gil E. Miranda In response to the plight of the farmers from the effects of climate change, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte provided farm machineries and livelihood support to 13 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP).

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According to DAR Agusan Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Andre B. Atega, the CRFPSP is one of the flagship programs of the department dealing with the problem of food shortage caused by climate change. PARPO II Atega said that the DAR-CRFPSP provided the farmers with needed support services comprising

farm machineries and livelihood support in the form of farm inputs aimed to address poverty challenges brought by climate change. He explained that this year, the DAR allocated P3.5-Million for CRFPSP project comprising farm machineries and farm inputs, worth Php2,473,500 and 1,038,300, respectively. The farmers living in as Caraga INFOCUS

front lines of crises ranging from extreme weather conditions brought by climate change to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DAR Agusan del Norte PARPO I Rodrigo B. Bitangcor underscored that the intervention is a grant for those farmers living in vulnerable areas where farmers endured the effects of the weather brought from climate change. “The agency successfully delivered the farm equipment and farm inputs to the ARBOs despite the reported delays due to office lockdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic,” Bitangcor said. Ellen Torralba, officer-in-charge Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of DAR-Agusan del Norte, said despite the pandemic the department remains committed to help improve the farmers’ organizations. Torralba said the majority of ARBOs are involved in rice and vegetable production. She emphasized the role Caraga INFOCUS

of the ARBOs to take care of the project as these will enhance their efficiency and productivity. According to CRFPSP provincial coordinators Raul N. Hermoso, in an interview, that this intervention significantly improved the living condition of the agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations. “The unpredicted weather was also a hindering factor, which affect farmers’ farming activities, but with the much-needed equipment the farmers become resilient,” Hermoso added. In an interview with Welito T. Mante, Chair of the Basag Irrigator’s

Association (BasagIA), he was grateful to the department for its endeavor to extend various farm equipment and farm inputs. This was also the collective voice of the farmers’ groupleaders who benefitted from the project. “It is an answered prayer. Pasalamat gyud mi sa DAR, sa ilang package of intervention, dako ni’g tabang sa panginabuhian sa among grupo (We are very much grateful for DAR’s package of intervention, it could be a great help to increase income to our group),” said Mante. (DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) December 12-18, 2020 |

CASSAVA FARMERS SA LAS NIEVES NAGSUGOD NA SA PAG-ANI SA 30-EKTARYAS NGA DEMO FARM By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola

Nagsugod na og ani sa ilang abot sa cassava ang mga mag-uuma sa Las Nieves partikular ang mga mag-uuma sa Brgy. Lingayao, ang sentro sa model farm sa 30-ektaryas nga uma sa balanghoy. Ning nakalabay nga Nobyembre 27 lang, gihimo ang usa ka technical briefing alang sa mga makinaryas nga gitunol sa Department of Agriculture kun DA Caraga sa mga maguuma alang sa ilang pag-ani ug pagproseso sa abot. Sumala ni Miguel Velasco, ang corn and cassava production coordinator sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), gitudloan ang mga maguuma sa mga paagi kung unsaon paggamit sa mga makinaryas nga gitunol kanila.

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Ang mga ekipos ug makinaryas nga gipadangat sa DA-13 naglangkob sa 2 ka unit sa cassava granulator, 2 units sa cassava chipper, pulverizer, digger, corn sheller, tractor, vacuum pack sealer ug corn planter. Dako kini og ikatabang sa mga maguuma sa balanghoy ilabi na sa gilantaw nga pagproseso sa ilang abot, subay sa programa sa Agusan UP ubos sa Process! Process! Process! ilabi na nga moabot og 20 kilos ang anihon matag punoan sa balanghoy. Sigon ni Jemuel Madelo, Agriculturist sa PAO, kung sumahon mokabat sa 6,000 metric tons sa balanghoy ang maani sa 30 ka ektaryas sa maong demo farm, diin nakaatang na usab ang potensyal nga buyer

niini. Dumduman nga bulan sa Disyembre sa nakalabayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ng tuig, gisugdan ang pagpahiluna sa maong demo farm sa panagtambayayong sa DA-Caraga, PAO, Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) sa Las Nieves, ang unang tikang sa pagpatuman sa programa sa Plant! Plant! Plant! sa Agusan UP!. Ubos sa maong programa, gipunting nga mahimong sustinido ang paglambo sa industriya sa balanghoy, diin gilantaw nga matamnan ang 3,000 ektaryas sa maong crop sa mosunod nga pito ka tuig ug makamugna gyod og processing ug paggama ug uban pang produkto gamit ang balanghoy. (LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

TESDA CHIEF VISITS ZAPANTA VALLEY Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday visited Sitio Zapanta Valley in Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. He is the first TESDA secretary to have visited the area which is formerly known as a war zone in the province. In his keynote Caraga INFOCUS

By Robert E. Roperos speech, the secretary emphasized the importance of the whole-of-government approach, which aimed to help the community to achieve long-lasting peace and development. Sec. Lapeña also emphasized that the government is doing everything to end war and achieve long-lasting peace and development

and this is also attuned to what the local residents of Sitio Zapanta Valley want. “For this reason, we need to go handin-hand… we need to help each other. The government is always here to listen to your request, that is why memberagencies of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster December 12-18, 2020 |

(PRLEC) are here to bring the government services closer to you,” Sec. Lapeña explained in Tagalog dialect. The TESDA chief also stressed that in as far as skills training is concerned, the agency is always committed to provide trainings to

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the community and transform the lives of every individual. “Kung kailangan n’yo ng trainings, magsabi lang po kayo dahil handa po ang aming ahensya na kayo ay isanay upang baguhin ang inyong pamumuhay (If you need trainings, just

inform us because our agency is ready to train you and transform your lives),” he said. Sec. Lapeña graced the ground-breaking ceremony of the Zapanta Valley Enterprise Center and visited the site where the Zapanta Valley AgriTourism Enterprise Village will be established. He also awarded Certificates of Training Completion to graduates of different skills trainings in Buko Halo-halo (36 graduates); Perform Basic Haircutting (15 graduates); Perform Pedicure (26 graduates); Perform Manicure (26 graduates); Small Engine – Service Motorcycle (33 graduates); and Prepare Bakery Products (25 graduates). Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Agriculture Office has spearheaded the conduct of Training in Vegetables and Farming as a Business Management Concept with 25 graduates who also received training certificates from Sec. Lapeña. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

By Nora C. Lanuza Patuloy ang pagtutok ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte sa kaso ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ayon kay Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kahit may mga positive cases na patuloy na naitala, pero mataas naman ang recoveries at mababa ang occupancy rate sa mga hospital. Tugon ni Gob. Corvera, upang mas matugonan pa ang mga pangangailan ng mga Agusanon, inihanda na ang lahat ng mga requirements upang makapagsimula na sa kasalukuyang buwan ang operasyon ng 50-bed COVID-19 quarantine at treatment Caraga INFOCUS

COVID-19 QUARANTINE AT TREATMENT FACILITY NG AGUSAN NORTE MAGBUBUKAS NA NGAYONG DISYEMBRE monitoring facility ng probinsya na itinurn-over ng Department of Public Works and Highways na matatagpuan sa lungsod ng Carmen. Plano din ng probinsya na gawin itong extension ng kasalukuyang Nasipit District Hospital COVID facility. Ayon din kay provincial health officer, Dr. Odelio Y. Ferrer ang nasabing pasilidad ay accredited ng Department of Health at Philhealth at inaasahang makakatulong sa mga COVID-19 patients na may mild cases. Ito ay pangangasiwaan ng Provinical Health Office

at ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ng probinsya. Nananawagan din si Gob. Corvera sa mga Caraganon lalo na sa mga Agusanon na iwasan muna ang pagdalo ng mga kasiyahan sa panahon ng pasko upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19. Dagdag pa ni Gob. Corvera na manatiling malinis, malusog at sundin ang BIDAsolusyon upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 lalo naâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mataas ang local transmission sa rehiyon. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) December 12-18, 2020 |

MGA LUNA SA YUTA ALANG SA FRS UG IPS GISUBDIVIDE NA By Shena Mae Pabia Gisugdan na pagsubdivide ang mga luna sa yuta nga gitagana sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa pangpangusog ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera ug ni Representante Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba alang sa mga Former Rebels (FR) ug Indigenous Peoples (IP) aron mapahiluna na ang pagpabarug sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka balay. Kini ang nahibawan gikan sa Provincial Assessors Office (PASSO) ug sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office [PSWD] nga maoy nagtan-aw sa proseso. Ang mga luna nga giandam mao ang mosunod: Mosuma sa tulo ka ektarya sa lungsod sa Jabonga â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sa Barangay Bangonay nga gipanag-

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iya sa probinsya ug sa Barangay Tagbuaya nga gi-donate ni Rep. Amante-Matba; Tulo ka ektarya nga napalit sa probinsya sa lungsod sa Carmen; 1.3 ektarya sa Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City nga gi-donate ni Rep. Amante-Matba ug laing 1.4 ektarya nga gidonate sa San Roque Metals, Inc. (SRMI) ngadto sa probinsya. Nahibaw-an nga naay 146 ka-pamilya nga mga FRs og IPs ang kwalipikado karon ubos sa Housing Assistance sa National Housing Authority ilawom sa Task Force Balik Loob [TFLB] ug inisyal nga makapahimulos ning maong proyekto ubos sa Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program [ECLIP] Committee. Sa pagkakaron gi-

survey na ang maong mga luna, gi lay-out og gi-subdivide ngadto sa tag 80 sq. meter per household, sumala pa ni Junie Vinatero, ang provincial assessor. Gawas sa tabang nga makapanag-iya og balay ang mga FRs ug IPs, hatagan usab sila og oportunidad nga makaapil sa nagka lainlaing pagbansay pinaagi sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aron mapalapdan ang ilang kahibalo ug mahimo silang hanas ilabina sa mga bag-ong teknolohiya karon nga magamit sa ilang pagpanarbaho o kaha pagpahiluna og kapanginabuhian. (Agusan UP, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

RRP FERTILIZER ASSISTANCE STARTS IN CARAGA REGION The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) under the Rice Program started its fertilizer assistance component in the region. The assistance was provided through reimbursement scheme to the farmers which started on December 7 until the end of the month. The distribution of the notice of claim, which serves as the Caraga INFOCUS

reference number for the farmer-beneficiaries have already started in the province of Surigao del Norte for 184 farmers amounting to P356,715.16. This was followed by a distribution in the province of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur on December 15 for 1,942 farmers amounting to P5,393,055.50 and 5,237 farmers for P14,666,779.00, respectively.

Moreover, the distribution in the province of Surigao del Sur is set to happen in the third week of December. Farmer beneficiaries may personally appear at the government financial institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (GFI) authorized payout outlets and present the unique transaction reference number and unexpired valid ID, to claim the refund. (DA-Caraga/PIASurigao del Norte) December 12-18, 2020 |

LGU DINAGAT ISLANDS, DOLE NAKIGPULONG SA STA. CRUZ FISHERFOLKS Nakigpulong kang Gobernador Kaka Bagao ug Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Dinagat Islands Senior Labor and Employment Officer Verlan Diaz ang Purok 3 Sta. Cruz Fisherfolks Workers Association nga gipangunahan sa ilang presidente nga si Junie Candinato inubanan sa mga opisyal ug pipila ka membro sa asosasyon niadtong Disyembre 8, 2020 didto sa Barangay Sta. Cruz, San Jose, ning probinsya. Ang Sta. Cruz Fisherfolks Workers Association nagsugod sa gamay nga grocery store og karon aduna na silay bugasan tungod sa ilang pagpaningkamot ug pagtinabangay nga mapalambo kini. Sa kasamtangan,

| December 12-18, 2020

gipadayag sa grupo ang ikatulo nga negosyo nga gusto nilang sudlon nga mao ang usa ka bakery diin mihangyo sila ug pondo sa DOLE alang sa pagsugod niini. Atol sa ilang panaghisgot, gisuta ni Gobernor Bag-ao kung pila ang net income sa ilang asosasyon aron mahibal-an kung namonitor ba kini nila. Gitambagan usab sila ni Gob. Bag-ao nga maghimo og financial report o statement diin plastar ang report sa grocery ug bugasan aron nga dili na sila maglisod kung puhon matuman na ang ilang gi-propose nga bakery isip dugang nila nga negosyo. Gidasig usab sila sa paghatag og tahas sa matag miyenbro aron

nga mapadayon ang kooperasyon sa ilang asosasyon. Agig tubag sa ilang plano, gi-imbitahan sila ni Gob. Bag-ao sa iyang opisina alang sa sunod nilang panagpulong aron sila matabangan ug makapasidad dala ang gikinahanglan nga dokumento sa ilang project proposal adisir nila sugdan ang pagbakery kauban ang buhatan sa DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), ug Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO) nga maoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y maggiya kanila sa mga angayang buhaton. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIADinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS

INDIGENT SCS, PWDS RECEIVE HOLIDAY TREATS FROM TANDAG CITY GOV’T By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The city government of Tandag led by Mayor Roxanne Pimentel continued this year the gift-giving activity dubbed as “Pamaskong Handog” amidst the pandemic brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of December 15, 2020, a total of 400 food packs, and grocery items were given to indigent senior citizens (SCs) and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the barangays of Maitom, San Jose, San Isidro, Maticdum, Quezon, Bioto, and Caraga INFOCUS

Dagocdoc. A total of 11 wheelchairs, 13 canes, five walkers, and one crutch (long stick) were given to qualified beneficiaries. The “Pamaskong Handog” is an annual event initiated by Mayor Pimentel, where she visits the less fortunate and vulnerable constituents in the 21 barangays to extend gifts, as Christmas time is fast approaching. In the past years, caroling was usually done before the giftgiving, however due to

the pandemic, and the issuance of the recent Executive Order No. 121 prohibiting caroling, the usual activity was skipped. Meanwhile, Mayor Pimentel has surprised the contact tracers with a “Pamaskong Handaog” in Barangay Mabua on December 14. They were given a t-shirt, 500-peso worth of coupons, and Php 200 cash. She thanked them for diligently doing their part in the fight against COVID-19 in the city. (PIASurigao del Sur) December 12-18, 2020 |

CTG LEADER IN MINDANAO KILLED IN SURSUR

A high-ranking leader of the communist terrorist group (CTG) was killed after he allegedly retaliated with the local authorities during an operation in Tandag City in Surigao del Sur early morning of Thursday. Authorities identified the CTG leader as Alvin Loque, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front - Mindanao, who died in a shootout with the 401st Brigade and Caraga police who tried to serve several warrants against him at the Hermenias Resort, Barangay San Agustin Sur, in Tandag City around 1:15am.

| December 12-18, 2020

Loque is the subject of four separate arrest warrants for cases of murder (2 counts), kidnapping, and serious illegal detention under Criminal Case Nos. 13507, 4611, and 4575. Accordingly, Loque and his companion reportedly opened fire on the law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate. He and his unidentified companion were killed as a result. Based on the report, the law enforcers recovered the following at the crime scene: a. One (1) Cal. 45 Remington 1911 pistol chamber loaded

with a magazine and live ammunition b. One (1) Fragmentation hand grenade c. One (1) 40mm HE d. Five Hundred (500) rounds 7.62 ammo for AK47 e. One (1) blasting cap f. One (1) battery g. One IED firing mechanism and more or less 15-meter electric wire h. NPA flags and i. Subversive documents. Loque a.k.a. Joaquin Jacinto/Cordero was a member of the Executive Committee and Spokesperson of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), according to the military. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

17 FRS RECEIVE CASH ASSISTANCE IN AGSUR Seventeen former rebels (FRs) who voluntarily surrendered to the forces of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army have recently received cash assistance amounting to P10,000.00 each from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Office held at the PSWD Office, Patinay, Prosperidad, this

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By 2Lt. Cecille Tappa province. The PSWD released the cash assistance as part of the livelihood program under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which is designed to provide livelihood benefits for the former members of the Communist Party of the Philippine – New People’s Army – National

Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government. Aside from the cash assistance, the FRs also received food packs and goods. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat tungod sa sunod sunod nga benepisyo nga among nadawat gikan sa gobyerno. Kining maong

December 12-18, 2020 |

kantidad daku na kaayo ug gikatabang sa among pamilya aron kami maka sukad sa among pag plastar sa among bag-o nga kinabuhi (I’m thankful for the benefits provided to us from the government. This amount could already help our family start a new life),” alias Jack said. The 26IB under the command of Lt.Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, in collaboration with the PSWD led by Razel Montemor facilitated the enrollment of the FRs to the E-CLIP which will cover their reintegration, immediate, livelihood, educational and housing

| December 12-18, 2020

benefits. “We are committed to help and assist the needs of our brothers and sisters who went back to the fold of law in their new beginning. The government will help you in providing what you need to start a new life,” said Montemor. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Goce expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in its active and unending support in implementing the Executive Order No. 70. “The PTF-ELCAC of Agusan del Sur is exhibiting its good character by

showing full commitment in implementing the EO70. As our peace partners, we are glad working with the Provincial Government of ADS in attaining lasting peace in our province,” he said. “The government is more than willing to assist those who want to come back in the folds of law. Once they surrender, we will be providing them the government programs and initiatives that would help them in re-building a more peaceful life together with their loved ones,” Goce ended. (CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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MINDANAO NEWS

YOUNG TALAANDIG TRIBE FARMER IS MINDANAO CARROT KING 2020 A young farmer who belongs to the Talaandig Tribe of Northern Bukidnon is the Mindanao Carrot King 2020 for posting the best quality Carrots and producing 20.5-metric tons from a one-hectare farm after 3 months valued at P1.1-M at current prices. Ryan Danio, an Agronomy graduate from the Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon, was one of the two members of the Indigenous Peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Community who romped off with the major prizes in the recently concluded Mindanao Vegetable Derby organized by the

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Mindanao Development Authority. Danio, whose father is a Talaandig tribal leader in Miarayon, is also the president of the Miarayon Highland Farmers Association which was engaged by the Department of Agriculture as early as 2017 in many of its activities. In 2019, Danio participated in the Potato Development Program of the DA in partnership with the Universal Robina Corporation which donated planting materials of potato from Canada. After a season-long

trial in his farm, Danio posted the highest harvest of potato in the Philippines recorded at 50-metric tons which had a market value of P2.5-million. The other winners were Igorot womanfarmer Beatriz Homonlay of Sumilao, who was crowned Mindanao Cabbage Queen, and Rey Resullar of Impasug-ong who won the Mindanao Ombok King Title. A farmer from Lantapan, Raul Jamito, was honored as the outstanding farmer for the Champion Crops for consistently producing Caraga INFOCUS

quality Carrots, Cabbage and Chinese Cabbage. The season-long activity, which started in July this year and ended with the 3-day Vegetable Festival on Saturday, aimed to introduce new farming technologies, good seeds and market linkage to the high value crop farmers in the four vegetable growing towns of Bukidnon - Impasug-ong, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan or IMTASULA Complex. Seed companies participated in the activity and partnered with local farmers in establishing demonstration farms supervised by technicians provided by the

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companies. At the end of the season, the farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; produce were evaluated to determine which seeds grow well in specific locations and what farming practices were adaptable to the area to produce quality vegetables. The Mindanao Vegetable Derby was supported by Bukidnon

Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri and the mayors of the towns of Talakag, Impasug-ong, Sumilao and Lantapan, the Department of Agriculture, private seed and vegetable companies and non-government organizations. The 2nd Mindanao Vegetable Derby will again be held at the same time next year.

December 12-18, 2020 |

The Mindanao Clusterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enterprise development component now covers a total of 108 approved subprojects worth P628.56 million. The Investment in Rural Enterprise and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity

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or I-REAP component of the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project provides support and various interventions to different Proponent Groups (PGs) or eligible cooperatives from targeted project areas

based on Commodity Investment Plan (CIP) for each province. There are a total of 54 subprojects worth P84.86 million under the micro enterprise category which cover 54 proponent groups and 5,098 beneficiaries. For Caraga INFOCUS

small enterprises, there are 40 subprojects worth P310.47 million distributed to 97 proponent groups and 10,203 beneficiaries. Lastly, there are 14 subprojects for medium enterprise worth P233.23 million with 54 proponent groups, and 12,201 beneficiaries. Most of these subprojects included the provision of financial assistance such as working capital to help proponent groups expand their operations. Project beneficiaries also received technical assistance such as EOM, business plan review, skills training, market linkage, and credit facilitation. PRDP also provides input provisions and infrastructure support to these proponent groups through the establishment of warehouses, solar and mechanical dryers, fermenting facilities, and other infrastructure component that is needed in the production and processing. In the past six months following the 10th World Bank Mission, the Project Support Office Mindanao’s I-REAP component continued to assist the Regional Caraga INFOCUS

Project Coordination Offices (RPCO’s) and the different proponent groups (PG’s) in order to continue project implementation. The use of PRDP tools such as geotagging and online conferences aided in the fast-tracking of projects in order for the project recipients to enjoy the benefits as soon as possible. This strategy has resulted in a positive outcome where additional six (6) subprojects are completed within the six-month period worth P57.52 million. This includes two (2) medium enterprises worth P31.61 million, three (3) small enterprises worth P23.16 million, and one (1) micro enterprise worth P2.75 million. This makes the total completed subprojects of Mindanao Cluster to 48 subprojects worth P181.63 million. Mindanao cluster also has 10 newly approved subprojects worth P87.82 million which is included in the 108 total subprojects. These include one (1) medium enterprise worth P16 million, six (6) small enterprises worth P62.41

million, and three (3) micro enterprises worth P9.41 million. Region 10 ranked first with the highest number of approved portfolios with 39 subprojects worth P93.55 million, followed by Region 12 with 18 subprojects worth P216.57 million. Region 11 comes in third with 17 subprojects worth P152.28 million, followed by Region 13 with 13 subprojects worth P99.21 million, Region 9 with 11 subprojects worth P43.68 million, and BARMM with 10 subprojects worth P23.26 million. One good thing about PRDP’s enterprise subprojects is it ensures the involvement of women in the project. Based on the 27,502 enterprise subproject beneficiaries, 11, 245 of these are women. As to the positive impact of the project, women are directly benefiting from enterprises where more women are encouraged to participate in the livelihood programs of the community and their involvement also boost the income of their family. (JMM / DA-PRDP) December 12-18, 2020 |

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO Assistant Secretary and FOI Program Director Kristian Ablan

Contributed photo

PCOO-FOI RELEASES GUIDELINES ON VEXATIOUS REQUESTS

To address the growing number of vexatious requests cloaked under the citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Right of Information, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), through the Freedom of Information - Project Management Office (FOI-PMO), has issued detailed guidelines for all FOI implementing agencies. Under the FOI Memorandum Circular No.5, s. a request can be considered vexatious if it is frivolous, malicious, Caraga INFOCUS

made in bad faith, intends to harass, vilify or embarrass, and poses an actual or imminent danger to the office, its officials or employees. The new FOI policy also provides government agencies, including Local Government Units (LGUs), the standard evaluation criteria in determining whether a request can be considered vexatious. The policy also recommends agencies to proactively clarify to the requesting party the nature and purpose of his/her request, instead of

an outright denial of it. It is advised that agencies must extend assistance to the requesting party so that a valid FOI request may be filed. PCOO Assistant Secretary and FOI Program Director Kristian Ablan said that while this Memorandum was able to provide safeguards to agencies against vexatious requests, it still ensures that the freedom of information is still afforded to citizens with legitimate requests. (PCOO PR) December 12-18, 2020 |

ANDANAR: FOOD SECURITY, A PATHWAY TO PEACE

Citing a pattern of success when people work together to help farmers boost production, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday led the caravan of government agencies all the way up to barangay Kalabugao in Impasugong, Bukidnon. Composed of the Department of Agriculture (DA), National

| December 12-18, 2020

Irrigation Administration (NIA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Information Agency, Impasugong local government unit (LGU), and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the group turned over farm equipment units and postharvest facilities worth P15.86 million to

farmers in that remote rural plateau. It is near the border of Gingoog, Agusan del Norte and Bukidnon province. Most of the inhabitants are indigenous folks. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, who is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Northern Mindanao, in speech said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Food Caraga INFOCUS

security is a pathway to peace and we know how food security contributes to peacebuilding.” The government’s P15.86 million worth of farm inputs and equipment support to Kalabugao farmers were turned over to Impasugong town mayor Anthony A. Uy. These postharvest facilities and crop-raising aid include units of mobile flash dryer and mechanical rice thresher; loads of fertilizer; corn and vegetable seeds; hybrid rice and sorghum seeds; irrigation system; and multi-purpose drying pavement with shed. The livestock agribusiness interventions also include poultry egg incubators, farm animals and other barnyard fowls. Three groups will then manage these government’s agricultural support: One is the 1,000-strong AGHIMICU (Agtolawon-HigaononMintapod-Cumadon) organization; Hagpa Women’s Organization (HWO) and the other is the equally strong Movement and Alliance for Advocacy of Men in Action (MAAMA). Encouraged by the outpouring of support Caraga INFOCUS

from the government, Impasugong town mayor Anthony Uy said “As the agencies and communities work together, the government’s efforts in ensuring food security— through the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or TFELCAC—is paying off.” “The TF-ELCAC, in coordination with Impasugong LGU and all concerned government agencies, have started pouring assistance in Kalabugao. This would help make our IP lives easier, hence, they will become productive members of their respective communities,” the mayor said. Secretary Andanar, on the same occasion, graced the unveiling rite of the conceptual framework to start the setting up of the Indigenous Peoples Economic Zone (IPEZ). Connecting roads also form part of the IPEZ. “I am happy to know that the Lumad and settlers here in barangays Kalabugao and Hagpa are in Bayanihan in carrying out the goals of the IP Economic Zone, which will soon be the

commercial hub of the IPs,” Andanar said. D e p a r t m e n t of Agriculture Asec. Christine Evangelista, Brig. General Oliver Vesliño, Brig. General Ferdinand Barandon, and Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr, also did their share in inspiring farmers during the turnover ceremony and IPEZ launching at the village’s covered court— along with the regional directors, the media, Kalabugao Punong Barangay Jesus Chavez, Punong Barangay Eber Suday of Hagpa, and barangay folks. The program ended, and as the departing caravan winds a bend, Kagawad Eutropio Jamilo and farmer Alex Dupeno commented, “Secretary Martin Andanar is the only Malacañang official who has visited Kalabugao.” It could be so, because the litany of unfinished roadworks, steep cliffs, and deep precipice along narrow and winding mountainside ways are no walk in the park for anyone. But CORDS Sec. Martin Andanar went up there. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA Bukidnon) December 12-18, 2020 |

PRC RECEIVES ANOTHER GREEN LIGHT FOR ITS MOLECULAR LAB IN PASSI The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) passed again another proficiency test for its molecular laboratory to open soon in Passi, Iloilo. “This will be our 13th installment nationwide; we only await for the completion of requirements after passing the test last December 14, 2020, in compliance with the Department of Health,” PRC Chairman & CEO Sen. Richard Gordon said.

| December 12-18, 2020

The newly built molecular laboratory, which will service the entire province of Iloilo and its nearby areas for faster testing, and is equipped with two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines and one ribonucleic acid (RNA) extractor which can process up to 1,000 tests a day. “The Philippine Red Cross continues to establish more molecular laboratories to support our

people with accessible health facilities. With the completion of the Passi molecular laboratory, we pave the way to testing more people and helping to stop the spread of the virus,” the Chairman added. The PRC recently opened a new molecular laboratory in Surigao. These two new laboratories will further boost the testing capacity for COVID-19, which is currently at 44,000 tests a day. Caraga INFOCUS

SENATE APPROVES GORDON’S BILL THAT SIMPLIFIES LAND TITLING TO HELP FARMERS The Senate passed on Tuesday Senator Richard J. Gordon’s bill that simplifies the procedure and requirements in granting land titles to help rural farmers secure land certificates easily. Senate Bill No. 1931 was certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 15 “to allow the continuous titling of public alienable and disposable agricultural lands beyond December 31, 2020 and ultimately preserve the security of tenure of land claimants and farmers.” The certification authorized the Senate to approve the bill on second and third reading on the same day, allowing for faster passage of the measure. “We want to manifest that we have reviewed the proposed measure. We find it necessary and urgent, and we have no questions and interpellations,” said Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon, who was among those who expressed intention Caraga INFOCUS

Senator Richard J. Gordon

of co-authoring the bill. Gordon thanked the senators for backing the proposed act and expressed gratitude for the support of the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) that advocates for tenure security, agricultural productivity and welldefined property rights. On the other hand, FEF President Calixto Chikiamco conveyed his appreciation to Gordon thru a text message. “Thank you so much. The country salutes you for another landmark law,” he said. Senate Bill No. 1931 aims to address the difficulties encountered in

proving ownership since 1945 by removing the need for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary’s certification and the barriers of proving ownership. It also synchronizes and shortens the period of possession required for perfection of imperfect titles from 74 years to 30 years. Another objective of the bill is to disregard the deadline set on December 31, 2020 for the filing of application of agricultural free patents. “If no law is passed to extend or remove the period of application, no new agricultural free patent will be issued by DENR and poor rural farmers may not be able to title their lands. If we allow our farmers to have property rights by securing land titles, we are giving them an opportunity to improve their lives as they can use land as collateral in order to borrow more capital and further improve their lot,” said Gordon. December 12-18, 2020 |

STATEMENT REGARDING INFORMATION ALLEGEDLY COMING FROM THE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS REGARDING COVID-19 MEDICAL AND SAFETY PROTOCOL MATTERS SEN. RICHARD J. GORDON Chariman and CEO The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is a humanitarian organization whose primary task during this pandemic has been to provide testing services, support communities and persons who have been affected by COVID-19, and frontline healthcare workers. It is not in our purview to release medical or scientific information about the virus or about restrictions on the activities and movement of our people. Only the Department of Health and the InterAgency Task Force on

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COVID-19 have the authority to do so. I understand that PRC Governor John Tiong has already corrected his earlier statements on the matter and has apologized for any misunderstanding that may have arisen. I am sure he meant no malice and only wanted to make certain that everyone stays safe during the holiday season. Having said that, let this be a lesson in the responsible use of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communications and social media platforms.

We reiterate that only the undersigned, the Secretary General, and other duly designated persons with clearance from the undersigned are authorized to issue official statements on behalf of the PRC. Let us all remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our families by keeping good health practices and complying with all safety protocols issued by the government. Thank you and stay safe. Have a blessed and safe Christmas. Caraga INFOCUS

REOPENING OF ECONOMY, RESTORATION OF LIVELIHOODS TO HELP EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HUNGER, SAYS NOGRALES While some progress has been made to reduce the number of families that have experienced involuntary hunger in the fourth quarter of the year, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Wednesday said that “much work still has to be done to return to and improve on the country’s pre-pandemic hunger figures.” Nograles, head of Caraga INFOCUS

the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, said that the government viewed the 14 percentage point-drop in total hunger between September 2020 and December 2020 as an indicator that government efforts to reopen the economy have helped provide families with the income necessary to provide for their basic needs, such as

food. “We believe that survey data shows that as Covid-19 restrictions have eased and more of our countrymen have been able to return to work, the income streams of more families have been restored, thereby allowing family breadwinners to better provide for their families’ essentials, one of which is December 12-18, 2020 |

food,” said Nograles. In a survey recently released by Social Weather Stations (SWS), 16% of 1,500 respondents around the country polled from November 21 to 25 said they had experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months. This figure is lower than the results yielded by a similar poll conducted in September 2020, at 30.7%. “While in terms of raw numbers the number of families have almost been halved–– from 7.6 million families

| December 12-18, 2020

in September 2020 to four million families in November 2020––these also serve to remind us that we have more work to do, in terms of both our anti-hunger initiatives, as well as efforts to safely reinvigorate our economy.” According to Nograles, “the adoption of health protocols that willl allow more of our countrymen to work while keeping them safe, and the forthcoming availability of Covid-19 vaccines, bode well for government efforts to revive livelihoods

that the pandemic had momentarily extinguished––livelihoods that are critical to putting food on the tables of millions of Filipinos.” The former legislator pointed out that the goverment is cautiously optimistic that industries that had been adversely affected by the pandemic––such as tourism, services, and transportation––would rebound and contribute to job creation and growth once the threat posed by the pandemic has been dealt with.

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE WARNS OF TRB REVAMP FOLLOWING RFID GLITCH

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has warned officials of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) that he would carry out a revamp if there will be another glitch following a public backlash on the implementation of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system. “Ito may system but actually it’s flawed, and the people behind this are really incompetent,” President Duterte said in a televised public address Wednesday night, expressing dismay over the chaotic implementation of the RFID system. RFID system is an ID system using wireless Caraga INFOCUS

communication that enables data transfer between RF tags and antenna. Toll regulators should have conducted a trial run first and anticipated possible problems that might occur, according to the President. The issuance of RFID tags in the tollways has created monstrous traffic jams, exacerbating the misery of the commuters and motorists, he said. “And on the day of the implementation, anak ka ng p***. Saan ka makakita doon pa ilagay ‘yung mga sticker while the traffic --- the queuing was almost also exponential? Hanggang

puwet na. Dumating na sa Maynila.” The Chief Executive asked Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to call the attention of the TRB to address the problem. The DOTr has accelerated the adoption of cashless toll payment system after 270 employees at the tollgates contracted COVID-19, Tugade said. “Kasi it was not only our desire to have a good flow of traffic in the tollways, it was our desire also to minimize the spread of COVID. Iyon po ang nagtulak sa amin,” he told President Duterte. PND December 12-18, 2020 |

GOV’T CONSIDERING VACCINES FROM GAMALEYA, SINOVAC FOR NEXT YEAR’S ROLLOUT

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. reported to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday that he is working with the country’s vaccine experts to analyze the data of Russia’s Gamaleya and China’s Sinovac for a possible first quarter rollout in the Philippines. During a meeting with President Duterte, Galvez said he has

| December 12-18, 2020

communicated with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and with the health and technical advisory groups to study the records of Gamaleya and Sinovac. “Kung magiging successful tayo po sa Sinovac at saka Gamaleya kasi initial nila puwede sila sa first quarter,” Galvez told the President.

“Kaya po ang ginagawa namin pinapaanalyze naming mabuti sa ating vaccine expert ‘yung performance po ng Sinovac at saka ‘yung Gamaleya, ‘yung kanilang history at saka ‘yung potential adverse event at saka ‘yung mga record ng mga kanilang clinical trial.” A “mini rollout” in the first quarter of next year is Caraga INFOCUS

just fine, Galvez said, as the country could learn from the experiences of other countries that has conducted mass inoculations. For instance, the Philippines can learn from UK’s experience, which has already conducted immunizations using a vaccine developed by American pharmaceutical company Pfizer. “So kung paano mag-deploy ang Pfizer ganun po ang gagawin po natin para magkaroon tayo ng lessons learned at saka mawalan po

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tayo ng tinatawag na mga spillage at saka ‘yung mga wastage ng mga vaccine kasi very sensitive po ‘yung Pfizer,” he said. Galvez said they are expecting major vaccine deliveries of around 10 to 15 million doses by the end of the second quarter or at the start of the third quarter next year as manufacturers cope with huge demand. Pharmaceutical companies struggle to produce vaccines since securing raw materials takes some time, according to the country’s vaccine czar. “So talagang ang production line po ay talagang nahihirapan din sila kasi mataas po ang demand.” But aside from Gamaleya and Sinovac, the Philippine government is also negotiating with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. It also has discussions with Moderna and Sinopharm. Once contracts are sealed, the country could secure more than 60 million doses, which will be available in tranches next year, Galvez said. (PND) December 12-18, 2020 |

PUBLIC WARNED ANEW ON POSSIBLE SURGE OF COVID-19 CASES

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, December 16, once again appealed to the public to obey health standards during holiday celebrations to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while the government prepares the country’s healthcare system for the possible uptick in the number of infections.

| December 12-18, 2020

“Christmas time is about a few days from now. Sundin lang natin ‘yung culture. But remember the word ‘but’, but there are rules to be followed at this time of our national life,” President Duterte said during a public address and meeting with officials on government’s COVID-19 response. While the country celebrates Christmas

and New Year, President Duterte said citizens should still follow the minimum health standards such as social distancing, frequent handwashing, and wearing of masks to protect themselves and their families from the highly contagious coronavirus. “So kayong mga mag-asawa, kayong mga may mga anak: Be careful. If your spouse got Caraga INFOCUS

it and you do not know, you sleep together, and both of you get infected, then that’s the end of the story of your life. Ang sama ang ending. Ang akin diyan ‘yung mga bata,” he said. “I’ll repeat: Please continue to obey the protocol,” he stressed. “Kayong mga kababayan ko, sumunod ho kayo sa mga patakaran ng gobyerno. Para sa inyong lahat ito. Kaunting tiis na lang. Nandiyan na ang bakuna.” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who was also present during the meeting, said the Department of Health

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(DOH) continues to scale up the country’s healthcare capacities in preparation for a possible increase in the number of COVID-19 cases during the holiday season. Duque said the country’s One Hospital Command Center and other health facilities, under the leadership of Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, are working to increase hospital utilization rates by providing more beds and mechanical ventilators. Duque added that they have coordinated with laboratories conducting COVID-19 tests to continue

operating during the holidays. The Philippines is currently negotiating with pharmaceutical companies producing COVID-19 vaccines and mass inoculation could begin in March next year, according to vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. The country has 452,988 confirmed COVID-19 cases after the DOH reported 1,156 additional cases on Wednesday. The total death toll is at 8,833, while recoveries stand at 419,282. Of the total number of cases, 24,873 are active. PND

December 12-18, 2020 |

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte watches as Apostolic Nuncio-Designate of the Holy See Most Reverend Charles John Brown, who is shown on-screen, presents his letter of credence to the President during the virtual presentation of credentials at the Malacañang Palace on December 14, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT DUTERTE WELCOMES NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO, JAPANESE AMBASSADOR President Rodrigo Roa Duterte accepted the credentials Monday, December 14, of Vatican’s new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines and Japan’s new ambassador to the country, hoping for stronger cooperation with those states in the coming years.

| December 12-18, 2020

In accepting the letter of credence of Most Reverend Charles John Brown in Malacañang, President Duterte said he looks forward to working closely with the Holy See to further advance the shared advocacies of migrants’ protection and climate action. “For the Philippines,

these issues are a matter of uplifting human dignity and securing the lives of the most disadvantaged,” he told the new Papal Nuncio. “There are an estimated 10 million Filipinos overseas with close to 3,500 in the Vatican City. The Holy See’s call for all countries Caraga INFOCUS

to protect the dignity of human life including of migrants regardless of the status is much appreciated.” The President welcomed Pope Francis’s declaration of a global climate emergency and the need for a collective response anchored on the principles of equity and social justice. He also appreciated the Pope’s expression Caraga INFOCUS

of solidarity and prayers for the Filipino people who were affected by Typhoon Ulysses. The Philippines and Vatican will celebrate next year 70 years of diplomatic ties and 500 years of Christianity in the country. The President also welcomed Japan’s new Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, recognizing

Japan as the Philippines’s strategic partner and “one of our most important partners in trade and investments and development cooperation”. President Duterte described Japan as a friend that is closer than a brother, noting the Asian economic giant occupies a singular and special place in the Philippine foreign relations. At the same time, he thanked Japan for its assistance in the country’s fight against COVID-19 and for supporting the administration’s development agenda through the years including the Build, Build, Build program. Japan’s development assistance to Mindanao is also much appreciated, he added. The Philippines and Japan will mark next year the 65th year of normalization of ties and the 10th year of strategic partnership. “Let us celebrate our collective gains even as we recommit to our shared aspirations for greater peace, progress and prosperity for our countries and the region,” he said. PND December 12-18, 2020 |

STATEMENT OF NATIONAL TASK FORCE AGAINST COVID-19 CHIEF IMPLEMENTER AND VACCINE CZAR SECRETARY CARLITO GALVEZ JR

The Philippine government is determined to acquire safe and effective vaccines for all Filipinos, regardless of brand or their country of origin. With this as our guiding principle, it is our duty as public servants to carefully study and evaluate all documents relative to the procurement and acquisition of candidate vaccines, especially when the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and safety are at stake. As we take responsibility

| December 12-18, 2020

for our actions, we cannot afford to engage in fingerpointing or buck-passing at this crucial stage. These kinds of discussions are unproductive and will only distract us from carrying out our crucial mandate. Since we started our negotiations with the pharmaceutical companies and the embassies of their respective governments, all the decisions and actions we have made are in accordance with the careful process of

scientific evaluation and selection of the Vaccine Expert Panel. The process of selection is based on safety, efficacy, costeffectiveness, the track record of the vaccine maker, complexity of handling and logistics, after-sales and life cycle services, production capacity and early delivery, and longterm commitment. The Philippine National Vaccine Road map also created a Task Group for Adverse Effect to monitor that these vaccines are safe. This is to ensure that everything that we do will redound to public health safety and the lasting benefit of the Filipino people. This measure is part of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s due diligence coming from the controversies that the country has suffered from the Dengvaxia issue, which caused unnecessary fear and stigma among the public. Caraga INFOCUS

Let me reiterate, no “bus” was missed or no “ball” was dropped because we are focused on our main goal, and that is, to secure an equitable share of the vaccines. In reality, negotiations on many occasions will reach stalemate and gridlock when legal challenges, public interest and safety are at stake. The CDA or the Confidential Disclosure Agreement is just one of the many phases of the negotiations. We want to assure our countrymen that we are on track in the implementation of our Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap and there have been maybe some delays in our negotiations but still we were able to make up. We must learn to face certain realities and that is, we are struggling to get a fair share of the vaccines in the global market given that 80% of the vaccines have already been procured by the manufacturers’ country of origin and countries now in the height of the “second wave”. We want to Caraga INFOCUS

assure the public that all transactions the government has entered into are being done with utmost transparency, sense of fairness, and accountability. The main mode of procurement we have utilized in acquiring the vaccines has been through multilateral arrangements with Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and other global financing agencies. Our fund managers such as the World Bank and the ADB have laid out very stringent regulatory requirements and processes we need to follow such as WHO accreditation of the vaccines and Stringent Regulatory Authorization of foreign countries like the US, UK, Canada, or Singapore. We would also like to emphasize that no government official has access to the funds for vaccine procurement. All deals will be made through international procurement agreements and all payments for the vaccines will be managed by our multilateral partners with the Department of Finance on the lead.

To give you a clear picture of the process of vaccine procurement and allay the fears of some quarters, the Department of Health leads the government’s preparation for the Agency Procurement Request (APR). Meanwhile, as Vaccine Czar, my role is primarily focused on negotiating directly with the vaccine companies to make sure we get the best deal possible in terms of cost, volume, time of delivery, and supply agreement. After the draft contract is agreed upon by parties, it will be submitted to the Department of Finance, which will scrutinize and ensure the provisions in the document are in accordance with the FDA and multilateral regulatory requirements. Once cleared, the contract will be forwarded to our multilateral partners or fund managers for further review and validation to ensure the integrity of the contract. We are now in the advanced stages of negotiations with various vaccine manufacturers. While our vaccine expert panel and the Food and Drug Administration December 12-18, 2020 |

(FDA) continuously assess the safety and efficacy of each of the candidate vaccines, we are also trying to get the best price possible to ensure costefficiency and equitable access for the poor. Payments will only be done once all the regulatory requirements for Emergency Use Authorization from FDA and the originating country are secured. We want to make it clear that the prices released to the media are all commercial prices. These are not the negotiated prices given to us by the companies. The negotiated price of a dose of vaccine is mostly at a cost since most of the companies believed that during this pandemic our moral obligation and global interest is to save lives and humanity. Our negotiation is always being guided by the Department of Finance in allocating Php 73-75 billion for the inoculation of 6080 million Filipinos and which will allow the country to achieve the WHO’s standard for herd immunity. Likewise, we hope to seal deals similar to the

| December 12-18, 2020

tripartite agreement we signed with Astrazeneca, wherein 2.6 million doses of the vaccine were sold to the private sector at no profit, which were in turn, donated to the government at no cost. We are eyeing to strike a deal with vaccine manufacturers by the end of this year or early January 2021. We are confident that given the time line of production, initial deliveries will be made by March of next year and the inoculation program may commence within that period. I will say it again that all vaccines will pass FDA approval to ensure safety and efficacy. The delivery of all vaccines regardless of their country of origin and manufacturer will be made in tranches or on a staggered basis, which is the same mode of delivery for developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Again, we want to assure the public that the government will not compromise our vaccine selection, negotiation, and procurement process. No deal will be finalized without

the corresponding regulatory approval from their country of origin and Emergency Use Authorization from our FDA. The ball is being passed not because there are those who are abrogating responsibility but because we want it to reach the goal --- to close deals and obtain vaccines for all Filipinos so that we can implement our national vaccination program at the most appropriate time. These unfounded accusations and unnecessary noise that may derail us from pursuing our goal of securing safe and effective vaccines, we call on the entire Filipino people to unite and move forward. Let us focus all our energy to build back a better and stronger Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte’s clarion call during UN General Assembly’s 31st Special Session guides us in our negotiations: “If any country is excluded by reason of poverty or strategic unimportance, this gross injustice will haunt the world for a long time.” Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

PRRD OKAYS API SYSTEM TO ENHANCE BORDER CONTROL By Azer Parrocha President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the implementation of the Advance Passenger Information (API) System to strengthen border control through the strict and intensified enforcement of Philippine immigration laws. Duterte on Tuesday signed Executive Order No. 122 pushing the adoption of the API System (APIS) which refers to an electronic communications system that collects biographic Caraga INFOCUS

data from machine readable passports, other official travel documents or basic details provided by commercial carriers. “An APIS may either be interactive or noninteractive/batch style and shall include other program or system authorized or recommended under pertinent international standards and guidelines,” the order read. Aside from strict enforcement of

immigration laws to enhance the Philippine border control, Duterte emphasized the upgrading of screening capacity “to enhance border integrity, manage international traffic flow amidst dramatic growth in passenger numbers, and ensure public safety and security.” Under the EO, the captain, master or agent, or owner of a commercial carrier whose vessel or aircraft is arriving in or departing from any port December 12-18, 2020 |

within the Philippine territory shall provide the Bureau of Immigration (BI) the API of its passengers, and those of the crew and non-crew members. The API shall serve as initial security vetting of passengers, crew and non-crew members to effectively facilitate and expedite the arrival and departure process of legitimate travelers during primary inspection. This, however, shall not exempt any passenger, crew or non-crew member from submitting to physical primary inspection at the immigration counters of the ports of entry or departure. The EO also states that the BI may share information contained in the API in furtherance of regional or international security. The API may also be provided to the following law enforcement agencies in furtherance of maintain national security, law enforcement, immigration, intelligence, and counter-terrorism functions, as may be required for public safe and order: --Department of FinanceBureau of Customs;

| December 12-18, 2020

--Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Office for Air Transport Security; --DOTr-Philippine Coast Guard; --Department of HealthBureau of Quarantine; --Department of JusticeNational Bureau of Investigation; --Department of Interior and Local GovernmentPhilippine National Police; --Department of National Defense; --National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; --Armed Forces of the Philippines; --National Security Council; and --Anti-Terrorism Council; Any unauthorized disclosure, sharing, publication or use of the information considered as API shall be punishable in accordance with the relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 as well as criminal and civil service laws, rules, and regulations. The captain, master or agency, or owner of a commercial carrier shall be liable for the payment of appropriate administrative fines under Commonwealth Act No. 613 and its implementing rules and regulations,

for failure to provide API to the BI or to include a passenger, crew or noncrew member in the API. Such penalty shall be imposed regardless of whether the BI eventually cleared the person for entry into the country, and is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate administrative, civil and/ or criminal charges pursuant to existing laws, rules, and regulations. Crew or non-crew members not included in the API shall be dealt with in accordance with immigration protocols under relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Passengers may be similarly treated if it can be shown that they were complicit in the omission of their names and other data from the API. Unless the information is classified as terrorism or crime-related, data collected in the APIS shall be maintained for a period of not more than 12 months from the date of collection. The data shall thereafter be erased, destroyed, or disposed of in accordance with rules and regulations that the BI shall issue within 60 days for the EO 122 implementation. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

2020 GAA, BAYANIHAN 2 EXTENSION PUSHED AS SEN. GO CALLS ON AGENCIES TO ENSURE PROGRAMS ARE FULLY IMPLEMENTED Senator Bong Go called on concerned agencies to ensure their various programs are fully implemented and also reminded them to immediately release financial aid to intended beneficiaries in accordance with the laws. Photo by OSBG

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on concerned agencies to ensure their various programs are fully implemented and also reminded them to immediately release financial aid to intended beneficiaries in accordance with the laws. Go emphasized that as the fiscal year comes to an end and a new budget for 2021 has been prepared, agencies must ensure that the provisions in Republic Act No. 11494 or the ‘Bayanihan to Recover as One Act’, and R.A. 11465 or the Caraga INFOCUS

‘General Appropriations Act of 2020’ are also properly implemented. He added that government support through its various programs must reach the people, particularly those most in need, and that public funds must be spent properly with no amount wasted. “Nandiyan po ang pondo at sinigurado nating maipasa ‘yang mga batas na ‘yan para makaresponde sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Huwag dapat sayangin dahil marami pong kailangan tulungan

at umaasa sa serbisyo ng gobyerno,” he emphasized. “Siguraduhin natin na makakarating ang tulong sa pinakanangangailangan at pinaka-apektado nating mga kababayan… Huwag nating sayangin ang oras, lalo na pagdating sa pangangailangang pangkalusugan. Umaksyon tayo agad dahil bawat minuto, buhay ng kapwa nating Pilipino ang nakasalalay,” Go added. To guarantee that the available funds, especially those December 12-18, 2020 |

allocated for the COVID-19 response are properly utilized, he joined calls by other members of Congress seeking the extension of the effectivity of the Bayanihan 2 and 2020 GAA. The Senator also asked President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the following legislative measures as urgent: (1) House Bill No. 8063 which extends the effectivity of the Bayanihan 2 until March 27, 2021, and (2) H.B. 6656 which extends the availability of the 2020 appropriations until December 31, 2021. The Department of Budget and Management reported that the Bayanihan 2 Act, which shall expire on December 19, 2020, still has unreleased appropriations. The legislation, signed last September 11, provides the resources needed to assist Filipinos adversely affected by the pandemic, boost economic recovery, and strengthen the fight against COVID-19. It finances various government programs, including the implementation of a

| December 12-18, 2020

cash-for-work program, provision of economic relief to industries, improvement of the national healthcare system, and procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, among other interventions. Additionally, unused funds from the 2020 GAA is also set to be reverted to the National Treasury when the legislation expires on December 31, 2020. Many projects under the 2020 GAA were delayed as a result of the imposition of community quarantine measures earlier this year. “Kung kaming mga legislators ay nagovertime para maipasa ang Bayanihan 2 at ang budget noon, dapat mag overtime din ang mga executive agencies para mapondohan at maimplementa ang mga probisyon na nakasaad sa mga batas na ito,” Go had demanded. Following various calls for the immediate release of the funds, Secretary of Budget and Management Wendel E. Avisado issued marching orders to the DBM to act on all budget requests within 24 hours upon receipt if the requirements

are complete. He, however, maintained that proper processes must be followed to ensure transparency and accountability in the transactions. Should the Bayanihan 2 and 2020 GAA lapse within the month, new legislation will be required to give the executive branch the authority to access the funds for its programs and projects. The two chambers of Congress will adjourn for the holiday season on December 18 and resume session on January 18, 2021. “Every single peso counts, especially in times of crisis, and in every minute wasted, lives are at stake. Any delay in the implementation of government programs and aid to affected sectors will be detrimental to the country’s path to recovery,” Go had stressed. “Siguraduhin natin na magagamit ang pera ng bayan ng tama at siguraduhin natin na walang pinipiling oras ang ating pagtulong at pagserbisyo sa bayan,” he added. (OSBG) Caraga INFOCUS

HOUSE ALLOTS P50-M FOR COVID-19 VACCINES OF EMPLOYEES Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (File photo)

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Wednesday said the House of Representatives will set aside PHP50 million from its internal funds to vaccinate its employees and their immediate family members against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) once a vaccine becomes available next year. In a media forum, Velasco said keeping the House employees safe and free from the virus would be necessary to help keep the legislative mill running.

| December 12-18, 2020

By Filane Mikee Cervantes “Five of their immediate family members will be included mainly because we just want the legislative mill to be grinding,” Velasco said. Velasco said members of the media covering the House will also get vaccines. “Naisip ko rin po na ang ating (I also include our) media friends, we consider you as our family, we will include our media friends to be part of the vaccines,” Velasco said. “Kapag may natira (if there are

more vaccines), that’s the time we will use them for the House members and their families.” Next year, Velasco said the House will focus on giving solutions to bring back normality in the lives of the people. “We are talking about ending the pandemic, and definitely we see the distribution of vaccines already in different countries. I believe that the IATF has already ordered roughly around 20 to 30 million vaccines for the country,” Velasco said. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

File photo

PH NOW HAS 192 COVID-19 TESTING LABS; 5.8M INDIVIDUALS TESTED By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Health on Monday said the country now has a total 192 licensed coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) testing laboratories nationwide that have tested more than 5.8 million Filipinos for the disease. As part of the prevent and detect pillars under the PreventDetect-Isolate-TreatCaraga INFOCUS

Reintegrate strategy of the government against Covid-19, the DOH has placed importance on strengthening the nation’s testing capacity. “As of today, every region has a licensed RTPCR laboratory. Meron na po tayong (We already have) 147 real-time RTPCR laboratories and 45 GeneXpert laboratories across the nation,” Health

Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said. He said the two laboratory types process both reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests but only differ on how the laboratory samples are processed. “Bukod pa rito (Aside from these), there are 55 laboratories applying for accreditation that are December 12-18, 2020 |

already on Stages 3 and 4 or the compliance and proficiency testing stages. Eto po ay 68 percent ng kabuuang bilang ng mga laboratoryong nag-aapply kaya makakaasa po tayo na mas lalawak pa ang testing capacity ng bansa (This is 68 percent of the total laboratories that applied and we expect to further boost the country’s testing capacity),” Duque said. To date, DOH recorded a total of 6,236,830 cumulative samples tested and 5,874,023 individuals tested. Meanwhile, the cumulative positivity rate is at 8.7 percent as of Dec. 12. While the DOH noted an increase in

laboratories, Duque warned the public to still be cautious on the threat of the pandemic. “Bagama’t patuloy na lumalawak ang ating kakayahan na ma-test ang mga close contact at mga symptomatic, mariin pa rin po naming ipinapaalala na your test result is not your immunity passport. Kahit negative ang result ng inyong swab test ay maaari pa rin po kayong mahawa kung hindi kayo mag-iingat (Though we increased our capacity to test close contacts and asymptomatic, we still remind that your test result is not your immunity passport. Though your swab test is negative, you can still contract virus if

you are not careful),” Duque said. Duque reminded the public to always observe the minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields, washing of hands, and physical distancing. “Sumunod din po tayo sa mga ordinansa na ipinapatupad ng national at lokal na pamahalaan. Manatili po tayong maingat sapagkat andito pa rin ang virus at (Let’s follow ordinances being implemented by the national and local governments. Let’s keep protecting ourselves because virus still here and) prevention is always better than cure,” he said. (DOH PR)

Sec. Duque Contributed photo

| December 12-18, 2020

Caraga INFOCUS

National Policy against Covid-19 deputy chief implementer and the country’s testing czar, Sec. Vince Dizon (file photo

GOV’T ASSURES ENOUGH QUARANTINE FACILITIES FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS By Lade Jean Kabagani The country has enough isolation centers and quarantine facilities for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients, National Policy Against Covid-19 deputy chief implementer, Sec. Vince Dizon said on Friday. Dizon, also the country’s testing czar, said the Department of Public Caraga INFOCUS

Works and Highways (DPWH) is non-stop in building more quarantine facilities to isolate more Covid-19 patients. “Ngayon po marami diyan ay patapos na rin para lang sigurado tayo na handa tayo na kung tumaas ang mga kaso ay mayroon tayong paglalagyan ng ating

mga kababayan na magkakasakit (Most of the facilities are about to be completed just to make that we are ready once the [Covid-19] cases will increase, we can immediately isolate those infected ones),” Dizon said during a virtual Laging Handa public briefing. December 12-18, 2020 |

The government is also working on the deployment of doctors and nurses to these newly built isolation facilities, he said. “Kung tumaas ang mga kaso lalung-lalo na ngayong Kapaskuhan eh ready tayo para alagaan ang ating mga kababayan na magkakasakit (If ever the Covid-19 cases will spike, especially this Christmas season, we are ready to treat those who will be sick),” Dizon added. Dizon said the move is part of government efforts to improve the country’s capability to isolate more patients away from their communities, as it expects a surge in Covid-19 cases after the holiday season. Meanwhile, Dizon cited the importance of testing and detection strategies to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, Dizon said more than six million tests have been conducted in the country. While noting the huge improvement in the country’s testing capacity, Dizon reminded anew the public not to be complacent because

| December 12-18, 2020

the virus is still there. “Kailangan handa tayo lagi na mag-test para siguraduhin na hindi masyadong dadami ang mga mahahawa ng Covid-19 at hindi ito masyadong lalaganap sa ating communities (We should always be ready to test more, to ensure the Covid-19 infection will not increase too much and it will not further spread in the community),” he said. He added that the government is ready to address a possible surge in Covid-19 cases. “Kasi nandiyan pa rin ang [Covid-19] at ready naman tayong i-deploy ang ating mga testing capacity kung kinakailangan (The Covid-19 is still there and we are ready to deploy our testing capacities if necessary),” said Dizon. Dizon said the government’s PreventDetect-Isolate-TreatReintegrate (PDITR) strategy provided a significant drop in the number of Covid-19 infected individuals in the middle of July and August. He also urged the public to continue adhering to the minimum health standards

including wearing of face mask and face shield, regular hand washing, as well as observing physical distancing. While the improvement of the country’s testing capacity is notable, Dizon said there is a need to increase this capacity in some areas of Mindanao that lacked testing laboratories including in the cities of Tagum, Digos, and Bislig in Surigao; Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte; Valencia in Bukidnon; as well as in Borongan, Samar; Bicol Region, and Sorsogon City. On the other hand, Dizon cited the vital role of the local government units (LGUs) to effectively slow down the spike of Covid-19 cases in the country. Apart from the LGUs’ efficient role to contain the Covid-19 cases in their own localities, Dizon said the LGUs could also be an effective partner of the national government once the Covid-19 vaccination will roll out in the country. Dizon reminded the public to keep safe from risks of Covid-19 infection, particularly during the holiday season. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

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Caraga InFocus – December 12-18, 2020

Articles inside

2020 GAA, BAYANIHAN 2 EXTENSION PUSHED AS SEN. GO CALLS ON AGENCIES TO ENSURE PROGRAMS ARE FULLY IMPLEMENTED

PH NOW HAS 192 COVID-19 TESTING LABS; 5.8M INDIVIDUALS TESTED

STATEMENT OF NATIONAL TASK FORCE AGAINST COVID-19 CHIEF IMPLEMENTER AND VACCINE

CZAR SECRETARY CARLITO GALVEZ JR PRRD OKAYS API SYSTEM TO ENHANCE BORDER CONTROL

COVID-19 NEWS

PRESIDENT DUTERTE WELCOMES NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO, JAPANESE AMBASSADOR

PUBLIC WARNED ANEW ON POSSIBLE SURGE OF COVID-19 CASES

Statement regarding information allegedly coming from the Philippine Red Cross regarding covid-19 medical and safety protocol matters

GOV’T CONSIDERING VACCINES FROM GAMALEYA, SINOVAC FOR NEXT YEAR’S ROLLOUT

PRESIDENT DUTERTE WARNS OF TRB REVAMP FOLLOWING RFID GLITCH

REOPENING OF ECONOMY, RESTORATION OF LIVELIHOODS TO HELP EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HUNGER, SAYS NOGRALES

SENATE APPROVES GORDON’S BILL THAT SIMPLIFIES LAND TITLING TO HELP FARMERS

PRC RECEIVES ANOTHER GREEN LIGHT FOR ITS MOLECULAR LAB IN PASSI

27

MINDANAO POURS IN P628M IN ENTERPRISE SUPPORT

MINDANAO NEWS

17 FRS RECEIVE CASH ASSISTANCE IN AGSUR

INDIGENT SCS, PWDS RECEIVE HOLIDAY TREATS FROM TANDAG CITY GOV’T

RRP FERTILIZER ASSISTANCE STARTS IN CARAGA REGION

LGU DINAGAT ISLANDS, DOLE NAKIGPULONG SA STA. CRUZ FISHERFOLKS

CTG LEADER IN MINDANAO KILLED IN SURSUR

MGA LUNA SA YUTA ALANG SA FRS UG IPS GISUBDIVIDE NA

COVID-19 QUARANTINE AT TREATMENT FACILITY NG AGUSAN NORTE MAGBUBUKAS NA NGAYONG DISYEMBRE

TESDA CHIEF VISITS ZAPANTA VALLEY

CASSAVA FARMERS SA LAS NIEVES NAGSUGOD NA SA PAG-ANI SA 30-EKTARYAS NGA DEMO FARM

13 ARBOS TINULUNGAN NG DAR SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

DAR DISTRIBUTES P3.5 WORTH OF FARM EQUIPMENT, FARM INPUTS TO AGNOR ORGS

ZAPANTA VALLEY IP CHIEFTAIN VOWS TO SUPPORT GOV’T-INITIATED PROJECTS

COMMS TEAM NG DILG-13, NAGSASANAY PARA MAPABUTI PA ANG SERBISYO

SURIGAO SK LAUNCHES INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AMID PANDEMIC