Volume IV, No. 52 December 19-25, 2020
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PROVINCIAL NEWS TD VICKY LEAVES 7 DEAD, 1 MISSING IN SURSUR 4 AGRARIAN ORGS GET FDA-LTO APPROVAL PMO SURIGAO EXCEEDS TARGET REVENUE DESPITE COVID-19
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PPA SURIGAO NORTE PERSONNEL PLAY SANTA TO ‘PAKYAWAN’ WORKERS, JANITORS DA CARAGA TURNS OVER CASSAVA GRANULES PROCESSING, MARKETING PROJECT SEC. LAPEÑA GRATEFUL TO PRLEC-AGUSAN DEL NORTE FOOD PACKS GIPADANGAT SA LGU MAGALLANES SA MGA RESIDENTE HINIUSANG TEAM NAGTUON PAGPAHILUNA SA FOOD BASKET PROJECT SA KITCHARAO IPs SA TUBAY MALAUMONG MAPASIULI ANG KALUNHAW SA KABUKIRAN SA LUGAR
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90 o 100 YEARS OLD SA MAGALLANES MAKADAWAT OG MILESTONE AWARD INSENTIBO SA MGA BNS, BHW, DAY CARE WORKER SA CABADBARAN GIUSBAWAN
MINDANAO NEWS
WE NEED THIS NOW: CONGRESS URGED TO PASS MINDANAO RIVER BASINS ACT MINDA EYES ESTABLISHMENT OF BAMBOO DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
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NATIONAL NEWS
MESSAGE OF SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS SHARE BLESSINGS THIS CHRISTMAS, ANDANAR URGES FILIPINOS ‘BE HOPEFUL OF BETTER DAYS AHEAD,’ DUTERTE TELLS FILIPINOS PHILIPPINE GOV’T MAY SEAL DEAL WITH ASTRAZENECA THIS MONTH PRESIDENT DUTERTE EXPECTS AFP TO PROTECT CONSTITUTION, UPHOLD SOVEREIGNTY AS IT CELEBRATES 85TH ANNIVERSARY GOV’T HAS DUTY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AGAINST FIRECRACKER USE, PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS
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STATEMENT OF VACCINE CZAR CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR. ON RUMORS SURROUNDING INDIVIDUAL RESERVATION FOR COVID-19 VACCINES
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GO WELCOMES GROWING SUPPORT FOR BILL ESTABLISHING A DEPARTMENT FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS
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BONG GO STRONGLY CONDEMNS BRUTAL KILLING OF MOTHER AND SON IN PANIQUI, TARLAC; URGES AUTHORITIES TO BRING JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS
COVID-19 NEWS
ONLY GOV’T AUTHORIZED TO PROCURE COVID-19 VACCINES: GALVEZ BONG GO SAYS GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO EXPLORE MULTIPLE SOURCES OF VACCINES; STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF DETERMINING SAFETY AND EFFICACY REGARDLESS OF SOURCE NO NEW COVID-19 STRAIN IN PH: DOH
CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
TESDA RECOGNIZES FRS’ By Robert E. Roperos
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office has recognized the efforts of some 918 former rebels (FRs) for putting back their trust to the government. This, after 28 members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) and
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| December 19-25, 2020
890 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) surrendered and withdraw their support to CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) in a ceremony held recently at Brgy. Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. According to the FB page of the Philippine Army’s 23rd
Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), the FRs also voluntarily handed over three-caliber 22 rifles, three-caliber 357 revolvers, one-caliber 38 revolver, one homemade 357 revolver, four home-made shotguns, and one power generator. In his message, Caraga INFOCUS
TRUST TO GOV’T
TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva said that TESDA is willing to help the local government unit of Las Nieves to revive the training center in Brgy. Mat-i, Las Nieves. The official also vowed to facilitate the requirements needed in order to add TESDA programs in the said training center. “In this way, more skills/ qualifications can be chosen by the residents,” Caraga INFOCUS
Dir. Cueva said. He also stressed that TESDA will again provide scholarship slots as well as skills and livelihood programs so that more residents of Las Nieves including the FRs can avail of skills trainings that will somehow help improve and even transform their lives. Dir. Cueva also pointed out that a pulongpulong has been already set by the memberagencies of the Poverty
Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in Agusan del Norte on January 2021 to identify and assess the needs of the residents so that skills and livelihood interventions will be provided. Cueva further said the FRs move to surrender and giving their trust back to the government is a step towards achieving a long-lasting peace and development in the municipality of Las Nieves in particular, and the province of Agusan del Norte in general. The mass surrender and oath of allegiance activity was graced by Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales; Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Commanding Officer of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion; Agusan del Norte Board Member Dick Victor Carmona; Lt. Col, Quintin T. Casabar Jr., Force Commander of the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company; and barangay officials, it was gathered. (TESDA Agusan del Norte with reports and photos from 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army) December 19-25, 2020 |
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News Briefs The Caraga RTF COVID-19 convenes today, Dec. 23, for the task force’s 23rd Meeting held virtually. To be discussed in the meeting are updates from the RTF Recovery Cluster, implementation of minimum public health standards for COVID-19 in the region; seasonal weather outlook for December 2020 to March 2021; COVID-19 health updates; Surge Capacity Plan of the local government unit of Butuan City and other related matters. xx
Some 33 former rebels (FRs) from Agusan del Norte and Butuan City were awarded in today’s Awarding of Assistance to FRs and Interfacing of RTF ELCAC and RTF COCS with the department secretaries held in Butuan City. Awarding the FRs are DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III, and OPAPP Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Representative of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, and attending local chief executives. The said FRs will receive various forms of assistance offered under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) such as livelihood assistance.
A total of 91 beneficiaries from Basilisa in Dinagat Islands received Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) worth P15,000 each from DSWD Caraga. (LGU-Basilisa) The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) In Caraga region received an Agri Partnership Award today, from the Department of Agriculture for being an active partner in disseminating information and advocacies for the development of the agricultural sector in the region.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
TD VICKY LEAVES 7 DEAD, 1 MISSING IN SURSUR Tropical Depression (TD) Vicky left seven persons dead, one missing and forced thousands to flee their homes on Friday. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Office Chief Abel de Guzman identified the casualties as: Nilo Lagura, 53 years old, Male, from Patong-patong, Madrid town; Elizer Jalapit , 54 years old, male, from Diatagon, Lianga; Corsino Bohol Bongcayao, 61 years old, male, from Brgy. Mabahin, Cortes; Rodelo W. Laurente, 36 years old, male, from,
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By Nida Grace P. Barcena Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel; Princess Oquias, 3 years old, female, from Barangay, Tabon, Bislig City; Jorcel B. Laurente, 2 years old, female, from Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, and Tropio Bacor, 62 years old, male, from Barangay Rajah Kabungsoan, Lingig. The search and retrieval operation for one missing person identified as Bernabe Montes, 56 years old, male, from Barangay Poblacion, Bislig City is still ongoing, according to De Guzman. Per PDRRMC report
dated Dec. 21, some 4,574 families were displaced and sheltered to 144 evacuation centers from 135 barangays of the 17 local government units (LGUs) of the province. Most of the displaced families have already returned to their homes safely over the weekend, except those few families in Barobo, and Tagbina towns who just returned yesterday. The LGUs have already distributed relief goods to the displaced families. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS
4 AGRARIAN ORGS GET FDA-LTO APPROVAL Four assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DARSDN) acquired recently their Licenses to Operate (LTO) from the Food and Drugs Administration through the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Village Level Farmfocused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project. The ARBOs are Garcia ARB Cooperative (GARBECO) of Sta. Monica, Honrado Caraga INFOCUS
By Daryll M. Tumbaga ARB Cooperative (HONARBECO) of San Francisco and Trinidad ARB Cooperative (TARBECO) of Surigao City all of Surigao del Norte; and Jacquez Agra Multipurpose Cooperative (JAMPCO) of San Jose in the province of Dinagat Islands. With the FDA approval, the ARBOs have secured licenses for their processing centers to produce their agri-based products, namely: turmeric herbal powder, salabat, malunggay powder,
sambong powder and lagundi powder of GARBECO; pure tableya of HONARBECO; banana chips and papaya pickles of TARBECO; and turmeric and ginger powder of JAMPCO. GARBECO chairperson Tessie M. Vertudazo said they have waited for this moment that they will be given licenses to operate of their processing centers. She said that it will be a big opportunity for GARBECO that they can now cater to customers globally knowing that December 19-25, 2020 |
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their products are FDALTO-approved. The DAR and Department of Trade and Industry’s synchronized and worked together in improving the products of these agri-based organizations. As such, the ARBOs underwent trainings on good manufacturing practices, promotional packaging, product labeling and pricing. Lilibeth Arce, chairperson of TARBECO also expressed her gratitude, she said that after many months of preparation and complying with all the necessary requirements, including incurring additional costs, finally
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they are granted LTOs. Aside from the rigorous and laborious trainings, the said ARBOs also embarked on the renovation and improvement of their processing centers to comply with the standards of FDA. Meanwhile, DAR Provincial Office of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands led by PARPO Maria Elizabeth L. De Guzman together with CARPO Alfredo Alvarez took pride in these significant achievements of the said ARBOs for acquiring the LTOs for their micro-enterprises. In her message, FDA representative Virginia Delani said it is a feat that
should be celebrated because the said processing centers of the ARBOs were the first of its kind to have secured LTOs in both provinces the Surigao Norte and Dinagat Islands. On his part, CARPO Alvarez said that is their goal that the rest of their assisted ARBOs will have their processing centers FDA-LTO-certified. “Our next steps will be guiding the said ARBOs to access operation capitalization from financing institutions leading to national and global markets,” said PARPO De Guzman. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Caraga INFOCUS
PMO SURIGAO EXCEEDS TARGET REVENUE DESPITE COVID-19 The Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao del Norte has a lot to be thankful for this year as it surpassed its target revenue. Despite the challenges wrought upon by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the PMO not just managed to surpass target revenue, it went on to register its highest annual income since it was established in 1977. As of December 2020, PMO Surigao reported earnings of P622 million, representing Caraga INFOCUS
By NC Nusog an increase of around 8% from last year’s collections. Rising ship calls and cargo throughout, along with the expiration of the Board of Investments (BOI) privileges of some private ports, fueled the increased collections and managed to meet revenue targets as early as November. In his remarks during the Thanksgiving Fellowship held on Friday, Dec. 18, PMO Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla acknowledged
the overwhelming contributions of PMO Surigao personnel, particularly to the frontliners who kept the PMO up and running despite the risks and challenges of COVID 19. “Although we cap off the year with no festivities and parties, we are gathered here today to honor our frontliners and all those who have displayed wondrous performance in the midst of the pandemic,” Caturla said. (PMO-PPA/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) December 19-25, 2020 |
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PPA SURIGAO NORTE PERSONNEL PLAY SANTA TO ‘PAKYAWAN’ WORKERS, JANITORS Christmas came early for ‘pakyawan’ workers, outsourced personnel, security guards and utility workers at the Port of Surigao as gift packs were shared by organic employees of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in gratitude for continued blessings. Some 40 food packs were distributed to ‘pakyawan’ work gangs on Dec. 18, 2020 while earlier in the week, gift packs were also given
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to outsourced personnel, security guards and utility workers. Acting PMO Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla said this holiday season, the PMO personnel commit to bring happiness to their less fortunate colleagues. ‘Pakyawan’ workers are dockhands who used to provide cargo handling work for motor launches serving the island routes from the City Boulevard.
With the transfer of shipping operations at the city wharf to the Port of Surigao earlier this year, the said work gangs were hired on a ‘pakyawan’ basis by the Philippine Port Authority- Surigao Port Services (PPA-SPS). The PPA-SPS is a Special Take-Over Unit operating cargoes handling services at the Surigao Baseport. (NC Nusog, PMO-PPA/PIASurigao del Norte)
Caraga INFOCUS
DA CARAGA TURNS OVER CASSAVA GRANULES PROCESSING, MARKETING PROJECT The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga Philippine Rural Development Project has turned over recently the Warehouse and Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) Project in Barangay Cayetano in Dinagat town. The project is part of the Cassava Granules Processing and Marketing Caraga INFOCUS
Project under the DAPRDP IREAP component to the proponent group, the A & M Multi-Purpose Cooperative in the said town. The said project amounting to P10 million also includes two units of flatbed dryer, a brand new truck, weighing scale, and cassava
granulator. The turn-over ceremony was attended by Dinagat Islands Governor Arlene J. Bagao, IREAP Component Head Lynn A. Pareñas, other local officials, and the A & M Coop officers and members. (DACaraga/PIADinagat Islands) December 19-25, 2020 |
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SEC. LAPEÑA GRATEFUL TO PRLEC-AGUSAN DEL NORTE By Robert E. Roperos
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary and Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) National Chairman Isidro S. Lapeña expressed his gratitude to members of the Agusan del Norte PRLEC. Speaking before the residents of Sitio
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Zapanta Valley in Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, Sec. Lapeña underscored the contributions that each PRLEC member-agencies has made in order to deliver the services of the government. “Nais kong ipaabot ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat sa 25 na mga ahensyang
kasapi ng PRLEC na pinamumunuan ng TESDA dahil sa kanilang walanag sawang pagsuporta sa lahat ng mga proyektong inilaan ng cluster para sa ikauunlad ng taumbayan lalo na dito sa Sitio Zapanta Valley (I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the 25 memberagencies of PRLEC led Caraga INFOCUS
by TESDA because of their unending support to all the projects lined-up by the cluster to further improve the lives of the people especially here in Sitio Zapanta Valley),” Sec. Lapeña said. The secretary also pointed out the significant contribution of the military and PNP personnel so that peace is achieved in the area which is previously known as a battleground or war zone in Agusan del Norte between the New People’s Army (NPAs) and the government troops. In other development, Sec. Lapeña assured
Caraga INFOCUS
the residents of Sitio Zapanta Valley that the government is always there to listen and give actions on the requests of the community. The official said that with the services offered by different government agencies, there is no reason why peace and development will not be achieved in Sitio Zapanta Valley. Further, Sec. Lapeña emphasized the value of knowledge transfer. He encouraged trainees who have received training certificates that day to apply what they have learned from their trainings so that
their communities – the Mamanwas and Bisaya communities will benefit from it. After the visit in Sitio Zapanta Valley, the secretary together with Deputy Director-General for TESD Operations Lina C. Sarmiento, District Director Juliet O. Orozco of the Pasay-Makati District Office, and Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of the National Capital Region headed here for a meeting with the personnel of TESDACaraga Regional Office and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
December 19-25, 2020 |
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FOOD PACKS GIPADANGAT SA LGU MAGALLANES SA MGA RESIDENTE Mokabat sa 4,460 ka balay ang nakabenepisyo sa gipang-apod apod nga foodpacks sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Magallanes sa walo ka mga barangay sa lungsod nga gisugdan niadtong Disyembre 10 hangtod sa Disyembre 19. Sumala ni Krizelle Mae F. Penaso, Public Information Office incharge sa lungsod, nga ang maong programa lambigit sa implementasyon sa Executive Order 70 kun
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By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola Whole of the Nation Approach in Attaining Sustainable Peace Cum Consultation, ug usa na usab kini ka paagi ni Mayor Cesar C. Cumba Jr, aron masusi ang kasamtangang kahimtang sa iyang mga constituents luyo sa nasinati nga pandemya. Dugang ni Penaso nga prayoridad nga makadawat sa foodpacks ang mga molupyo sa lungsod nga nawad-an og panginabuhian tungod
sa pagkuyanap sa coronavirus disease 2019 kun COVID-19. Ang nasangpit nga relief goods adunay sulod nga 5 ka kilo bugas, usa ka tibuok nga manok, lima ka itlog, 2 ka de-lata ug gatas. Mipadangat usab og hygiene kits si Mayor Cumba sa mga kabataan nga nag-enroll sa daycare ug ang mga malnourish dunay libreng vitamins. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
HINIUSANG TEAM NAGTUON PAGPAHILUNA SA FOOD BASKET PROJECT SA KITCHARAO By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola Sa tuyo nga mapalambo ang industriya sa gulay sa Agusan del Norte, usa ka hiniusang team sa mga personahe sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Unit ug sa munisipyo sa Kitcharao, ingon man sa mga mag-uuma sa maong lungsod ang gipadala ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa usa ka study mission sa nagpadayon karon nga Caraga INFOCUS
unang Vegetable Derby ug Harvest Festival sa Talakag, Bukidnon. Sa pagtambayayong sa probinsya, sa munisipyo ug mga mag-uuma sa Kitcharao gipahiluna karon ang Food Basket Project o ang pagtanum og gulay ug pagproseso sa kabahin niini sa maong lungsod ug tan-aw ni Gob. Corvera nga daghan ang maka-
onan ang grupo gikan sa maong kalihukan sa Bukidnon. Ang maong proyekto kabahin sa Plant and Process Program sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera inabagan sa buhatan ni Congw. Angel M. Amante-Matba. Molungtad og tulo December 19-25, 2020 |
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ka adlaw ang maong pinaka unang Vegetable Derby ug Harvest Festival sa Bukidnon nga gipasiugdahan sa Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) sa pagpanguna ni MinDA Sec. Manny PiĂąol ug sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Bukidnon. Sulod sa tulo ka adlaw, sayron sa grupo ang mga modernong teknolohiya ug klase sa binhi nga haom itanom sa nagkadaiyang matang sa yuta, partikular sa mga mag-uuma sa upat ka lungsod sa Bukidnon nga mao ang Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao ug Lantapan. Mahimo usab nilang itudlo ang ilang makat-onan sa mga mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte aron mapalambu ang produksyon sa ilang umahan. Sa impormasyon ni Jusyl Rose Amoncio, Agriculturist sa Agusan UP, ang nasangpit nga aktibidad nakatutok sa pagpaila sa tulo ka dagkong variety sa gulay nga mao ang carrots, chinese pechay ug cabbage, pinaagi sa unom ka mga seed company nga gidapit aron maoy motunol sa
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ilang kahibalo sa mga mag-uuma sa tibuok Mindanao. Sa unang adlaw, gipasundayag sa mga mag-uuma gikan sa nagkalain-laing bahin sa Mindanao ang ilang mga abot sa umahan ug ang mga produkto nga naproseso gikan sa maong abot. Sa ikaduhang adlaw, mao ang AgriTrade Fair ug ang pagshowcase sa nagkalainlaing seed companies sa ilang ani sama sa carrots, cabbage ug chinese pechay, ingon man ang business matching ug pagtuon paggama og kimchi. Sa ikatulong adlaw mao ang pagbansay sa paggama og carrot cake dungan sa closing
program diin dinhe hatagan og pasidungog ang mga mag-uuma sa Mindanao nga dunay pinakamaayong paagi sa pag-uma gamit ang organic farming. Ang mga makat-onan sa grupo makatabang usab sa bag-ohay pa lang gipahigayon nga groundbreaking sa Zapanta Valley AgriTourism Village Enterprise aron maugmad ang dakong potensyal nga umahan sa lungsod pinaagi sa pagtanum og nagkadaiyang klase sa prutas ug gulay nga mosuporta sa itukod usab nga Gulayan Bagsakan sa lugar. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
IPs SA TUBAY MALAUMONG MAPASIULI ANG KALUNHAW SA KABUKIRAN SA LUGAR Gumikan sa kahadlok nga maupaw ug maapektuhan sa operasyon sa mina ang ancestral land sa mga Indigenous Peoples (IPs) sa Brgy Binuangan, lungsod sa Tubay, buot mananum og kahoy ang mga lumad sa tabang sa Lunhaw’ng Agusan Program ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera inabagan sa buhatan ni Congwoman Angel Amante-Matba. Sa gihimong area validation sa CADT-237 sa Agusan UP Coordinating Center, niadtong Disyembre 14, mikometer Caraga INFOCUS
si Datu Dario Plasquita, ang nangulo sa maong area, nga motanum ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Project sa Agusan UP! sa inisyal nga 40 ektaryas sa ilang ancestral land og saging, abaca ug agroforestry. Sumala ni Datu Plasquita nga nabalaka siya sa posibleng dangatan sa kabukiran sa maong barangay kon mobalos na sa pagpanukot ang kinaiyahan rason nga malaumon kining matabangan sa Agusan UP aron mapasiuli ang kalunhaw sa bukid, og mihangyo kini og mga binhi sa mangium ug mahogany nga itanum.
Adunay kinatibukang 3,000 ektaryas sa ancestral land ang nahisakop sa lugar og kapin 600 ektaryas niini ang production area samtang ang nahibilin mao ang minahan ug protection areas. Dugang pa ni Datu Plasquita nga nabahin ang pangita sa ilang komunidad sa pangisda ug panguma sanglit ang Brgy Binuangan anaa man kini nahimutang sa baybayon, diin oras nga mokusog ang haros sa balod ug dili sila makapangisda, didto kini sila mag-uma sa bukid isip alternatibong pangita sa mga lumad. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) December 19-25, 2020 |
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90 o 100 YEARS OLD SA MAGALLANES MAKADAWAT OG MILESTONE AWARD
By Jessica O. Mellejor
G i - a p r u b a h a n sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ug gideklara nga balido ang Municipal Ordinance No. 015-2020, gikan sa lungsod sa Magallanes, ning lalawigan, “An Ordinance Granting Milestone Award to ninety (90) years old and above senior citizens in the municipality of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte�, with suggested refinement.� Pinaagi sa maong ordinansa, sa pagpanginahan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Marilou M. Cumba, ang pagpanghatag sa milestone award sa mga senior citizen pamaagi sa paghatag pasidungog
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ug pagdayeg sa mga tigulang nga lungsuranon sa munisipyo nga nakatampo sa pagpalig-on sa pamilya o institusyon, ingon man ang pag-uswag sa komunidad. Makadawat ang 90 years old og kinse mil pesos (Php15,000.00) atol sa iyang adlaw nga natawhan. Samtang, singkwenta mil pesos (P50,000.00) usab alang niadtong nagsaulog sa ilang ika 100 nga edad sa iyang adlaw nga natawhan. Ang kwalipikado sa Milestone award mao ang mosunod: 1. Ang tagtungod nagsaulog sa iyang ika 90 o 100 nga edad sa maong tuig;
2. Residente sa lungsod sa Magallanes; 3. Bonafide holder og valid senior citizens ID nga gi-isyu sa OSCA head o MSWD Officer sa lungsod sa Magallanes. Ang nasangpit nga ganti tabang sa mga hamtong alang sa personal ug medikal nga panginahanglanon galastuson. Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 522-2020, sa pagpanginahan ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, tsirman sa Committee on Social Welfare and Population Development. (LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
INSENTIBO SA MGA BNS, BHW, DAY CARE WORKER SA CABADBARAN GIUSBAWAN Gi-usbawan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang insentibo sa mga Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), Barangay Health Workers (BHW) ug Day Care Workers. Sa sesyon regular sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan giaprubahan ug gi-deklara nga balido ang City Ordinance Nos. 536, 537 ug 538-2020, gikan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, alang sa maong pagusbaw. Makadawat na ang mga Barangay Nutrition Caraga INFOCUS
By Jessica O. Mellejor Scholar (BNS) matag bulan og honorarium nga usa ka Libo ka pesos (P1,000.00 ) gikan sa Eight hundred pesos (P800.00) samtang ang mga Barangay Health Workers makadawat og honorarium nga usa ka libo ka Pesos (P1000.00) matag usa kada bulan ug ang honorarium sa Child Development Worker gikan sa usa ka libo lima ka gatus ka pesos (P1,500.00) matag bulan himoon na nga duha ka libo lima ka gatus ka pisos (P2,500) matag usa kada
bulan. Gi-aprobahan ang maong lakang pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 536-2020, 537-2020 ug 538-2020 sa pagpanginahan ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, tsirman sa Committee on Social Welfare, Population Development, inubanan sa mga myembro nga sila Provincial Board Members Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr. ug Nieva C. Famador. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) December 19-25, 2020 |
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MINDANAO NEWS
WE NEED THIS NOW: CONGRESS URGED TO PASS MINDANAO RIVER BASINS ACT As floodwaters rampaged through the agricultural areas in the Agusan and Davao Plains for two days now, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has renewed the call for the creation of the Mindanao River Basins Development Authority (MRBDA) to come up with a Caraga INFOCUS
comprehensive approach to the recurring flooding in the region. The proposal for the MRBDA, first presented 10 years ago, was again discussed in the recent Mindanao River Basin Development Council Meeting held last month. Following the
meeting, North Cotabato First District Congressman Joel Sacdalan filed a measure in Congress calling for the immediate creation of the agency following the massive floods in Luzon. The urgency of the measure is once again highlighted by the floods December 19-25, 2020 |
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which hit the Agusan and Davao River Basins this week. While Mindanao has eight river basins, only the Agusan and Central Mindanao River Basins have been in the limelight as these are the areas where massive floods occur almost every year. There are only two active River Basins Management Council Agusan and Cotabato both headed by
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| December 19-25, 2020
religious leaders with local executives and national agencies as members. Both function independently of each other. The creation of the MRBDA is aimed at integrating all efforts to address the flooding, including a review of the government’s policies on forestry and mining. Mindanao’s six other river basins are the Agus River Basin, Cagayan de
Oro River Basin, Tagoloan River Basin, TagumLibuganon river basin, Davao river basin and Buayan-Malungon river basin. The Mindanao River Basin (Cotabato) and Agusan River Basin in the Caraga region are among the two largest river basins in the island region. While Mindanao is endowed with rich ecosystems with fertile river basins, its watersheds are threatened by extractive industries such as logging and mining. The Mindanao 2020 report said that watershed degradation if not addressed, is feared tol give rise to food security threats and hamper economic development. “Mindanao’s total forest cover has also been rapidly denuded from 70 percent in the 1900s to 23 percent in 1988 and down to six percent,” the 10-yearold report said. The creation of the MRBDA is an urgent measure which needs to be enacted immediately to start a comprehensive effort to address environmental degradation in Mindanao which causes the destructive flooding. Caraga INFOCUS
MINDA EYES ESTABLISHMENT OF BAMBOO DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will initiate the organization of the Mindanao Bamboo Industry Development Council next year as the agency pursues its Green Mindanao Project which promotes environmentfriendly agricultural production. S e c r e t a r y Emmanuel Piñol, MinDA chairman, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday the organization of the bamboo council supports the private sector’s move with the Caraga INFOCUS
By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo recent establishment of a bamboo processing facility in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. “The Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Resources Corp. (BGB) has established post-harvest facilities for bamboo “to treat, dry and process into slats, while doing integrated production from plantation to manufacturing of finished engineered bamboo products such as lumber/ beams and boards, building materials (doors, jambs, moldings, etc) and furniture using the
most modern technology in the wood-working industry,” he said. He said Roderico Bioco, BGB chairman, has shared with him information about the bamboo processing facility that they have established in Malaybalay. “After the informal briefing, I and Bioco agreed to work on the organization of the Mindanao Bamboo Industry Development Council to fully utilize the facilities and in the process boost the December 19-25, 2020 |
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development of bamboo farming in Mindanao,” Piñol said. He added that BGB is expanding postharvest and manufacturing facilities in Impasugong, Talakag, Cabanglasan, and Manolo Fortich (Bukidnon) and Claveria (Misamis Oriental). “Core to the advocacy of BGB is
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| December 19-25, 2020
engaging individual farmers and IP communities to expand bamboo propagation as an alternative source of income while able to address environmental concerns, especially the REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) program of our government to meet
GHG emission reduction commitment under the Paris Agreement. BGB is also pursuing its own bamboo plantation,” Bioco said in a text message, according to Piñol. “Our aim is to create a solid corporate platform of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) to address at least seven of the 17 SDGs, reforest 100,000 hectares, mitigate the impact of global warming, improve water security and uplift the living standard of 100,000 families,” Bioco added. Piñol said the organization of the bamboo council is part of the MinDA Industry Development Philosophy which aims to develop agriculture and fisheries by organizing and uniting the stakeholders who will be assisted through financing and market access. He said ragtag farmers and fishermen’s groups are now being organized and provided with technical and financial capability training then provided with access to credit and finally marketing. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
NATIONAL NEWS
MESSAGE OF SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS Christmas is the time of the year when we remember and celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This joyous occasion is often spent celebrating with families, loved ones, and friends, but the current situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic calls for us to virtually celebrate this holiday season or have our gatherings at a limited capacity. May everyone keep
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| December 19-25, 2020
in mind and observe the necessary health protocols and minimum health standards during the Yuletide season, in line with our fight against COVID-19, for us to heal and recover as one nation. Let us also take time from our merrymaking to solemnly reflect and ponder over the lessons and morals we can learn from the Bible about
Christ’s birth, and practice the humility, compassion, and kindness Christ has displayed. Let us impart His love and blessings to others through the spirit of bayanihan and by giving to those in need. With this, we extend our warmest greetings to all the Filipinos here and around the world as we celebrate Christmas today. Caraga INFOCUS
SHARE BLESSINGS THIS CHRISTMAS, ANDANAR URGES FILIPINOS
P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Officer (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday encouraged Filipinos to share their blessings with the less fortunate and the needy in need in his Christmas eve message to Filipinos. “Christmas is the time of the year when we remember and celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ... Let us impart His love and blessings to others through the spirit of bayanihan and by giving to those in need,” Andanar said. “Let us also take time Caraga INFOCUS
from our merrymaking to solemnly reflect and ponder over the lessons and morals we can learn from the Bible about Christ’s birth, and practice the humility, compassion, and kindness Christ has displayed,” he added. Andanar, however, also reminded the public to follow the government’s health protocols as they celebrate Christmas. “May everyone keep in mind and observe the necessary health protocols and minimum health standards during the Yuletide season, in line with our fight
against COVID-19, for us to heal and recover as one nation,” the PCOO chief said, as he urged families to be mindful of “gatherings at a limited capacity” because of the coronavirus threat. “This joyous occasion is often spent celebrating with families, loved ones, and friends, but the current situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic calls for us to virtually celebrate this holiday season or have our gatherings at a limited capacity,” he added. (PIA NCR) December 19-25, 2020 |
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‘BE HOPEFUL OF BETTER DAYS AHEAD,’ DUTERTE TELLS FILIPINOS President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday encouraged his fellow Filipinos to remain optimistic despite the challenges that confronted them this year. “May we all have a meaningful celebration and let us be hopeful of better days ahead. Maligayang Pasko sa ating lahat (Merry Christmas to everyone),” Duterte said in his message on Christmas Day. The President made the call as he acknowledged that 2020 has been a tough year. “This year has been difficult for all (of) us. So many lives lost, countless families separated, even great economies collapsed, and yet we are still waiting for a vaccine against the disease,” he
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| December 19-25, 2020
President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)
said. Duterte, however, told his countrymen not to lose hope and instead look forward to new opportunities. The Christmas season, he said, should serve as a reminder that there is always hope. “When we find ourselves on the verge of despair and hopelessness, let us turn to the narrative of the birth of Christ, which came in the night and happened in the most obscure and humblest of places – in a manger. It reminds us that we should always have hope, even in darkness, poverty, and suffering,” Duterte added. He said Filipinos should find inspiration from Jesus Christ who, as the child in the manger, “brought light to the town
of Bethlehem and to the whole of humanity.” “May that light bring love and cheer to everyone, not only to our families and friends, but also to our front-liners, those who lost loved ones, and those who are most in need,” he said. Duterte is currently in his official residence in Davao City to celebrate Christmas with his family. It is the fifth time Duterte is spending Christmas in his hometown since he became president in 2016. This year’s Christmas celebration is different from the previous years as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has restricted the people’s movement. (By Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos/PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
PHILIPPINE GOV’T MAY SEAL DEAL WITH ASTRAZENECA THIS MONTH The Philippine government may sign a deal with UK’s AstraZeneca by the end of this month for the supply of COVID-19 vaccine once the British government issued a health regulatory authorization, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government and AstraZeneca could sign a deal this December 28 or 29 for 20 million and 10 million doses for the local government units (LGU) and the private sector, respectively. This is once Britain’s Ministry of Health Regulatory Authorization Caraga INFOCUS
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on December 21, 2020. RICHARD MADELO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
is approved, Galvez said. AstraZeneca pegged its price to only five dollars or more or less P500 for two jabs of COVID-19 vaccine intended for an individual. The government is also negotiating with Serum Institute of India for the supply of vaccine. Under a tie up with American’s Novavax Inc., the vaccines will be manufactured in India. The Indian pharmaceutical company, which promised to deliver 30 million doses, will comply with RA 9184 and will not ask for cash advance, giving the government more flexibility, according to Galvez. “So all in all po, kung magkakaroon po tayo
ng pirmahan this coming month, mayroon po tayong 60 million for the second quarter at saka third quarter po,” he told the President. President Duterte assured the public that the government has money intended for vaccine procurement. “Sabi ni Avisado may pera daw. Sabi ni Dominguez may pera. Oh ‘di kaya natin. So walang problema. Ano ba ang problemahin natin?” he said, advising the people not to listen to intrigues. “Makinig lang kayo sa akin tutal ako man ang pinili — ‘di ba ako ang hinalal ninyong Presidente? So I am supposed to solve problems for you, for the people,” he added. PND December 19-25, 2020 |
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PRESIDENT DUTERTE EXPECTS AFP TO PROTECT CONSTITUTION, UPHOLD SOVEREIGNTY AS IT CELEBRATES 85TH ANNIVERSARY President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, December 21, joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in celebrating its 85th anniversary expecting the organization to remain committed to its sworn duty of protecting the Constitution and upholding the country’s sovereignty.
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| December 19-25, 2020
In a speech during his virtual participation to the AFP event, President Duterte recognized the contributions of the country’s security forces in battling the coronavirus pandemic. “This year, we were faced with the most daunting health crisis in recent history. This invisible enemy –
COVID-19 – caused a global pandemic that swept across the world and radically changed our way of life,” President Duterte said. “Despite its very insidious nature, the entire nation witnessed how the AFP fought proudly at the frontlines alongside our valiant health workers.” The AFP, he Caraga INFOCUS
said, played a crucial role in crafting the National Action Plan Against COVID-19 and complemented it by deploying military personnel at various quarantine and swabbing facilities and local communities to contain the virus. Aside from battling the contagion, the members of the AFP also played an important role in disaster response after the country was ravaged by numerous typhoons and other natural calamities. “In the middle of these disasters, you bravely shielded our people from harm and helped them rise above the ruins, risking your lives in the process,” President Duterte told AFP personnel. “On behalf of a grateful nation, I express my most profound gratitude to you for your willingness to serve at the frontlines as our nation faced these natural disasters, calamities, and a global pandemic.” AFP’s involvement in those efforts enabled the government to remain on top of the situation and maintain order, he added. Also during Caraga INFOCUS
his speech, the President reiterated his commitment to pursue the full implementation of the AFP Modernization Program. He vowed to continue enhancing the skills of AFP members through capacity building initiatives and the procurement of modern equipment that will enable them to fulfill their mandate with the highest degree of expertise and professionalism. Despite the current health emergency, it is also a fitting time to celebrate the founding of the AFP – an institution that was built to withstand
these hardships and serve the Filipino people at all costs, the President said. “Let us look forward to the coming year without losing sight of all that we have been through as a nation. May the history of our struggle for freedom, peace and inclusive progress rekindle the patriotism in your hearts that made you join this elite organization,” he stressed. “As we celebrate this milestone, I ask you to remain committed to your sworn duty to protect the Constitution, uphold our sovereignty, and look forward to healing and genuine progress.” PND December 19-25, 2020 |
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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on December 21, 2020. RICHARD MADELO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
GOV’T HAS DUTY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AGAINST FIRECRACKER USE, PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS The government has a duty to protect public interest and health, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said, as he responded to the concerns of firecrackers manufacturers over his announcement for a complete ban on firecracker use.
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| December 19-25, 2020
In a public address Monday, President Duterte said he sympathizes with Bulacan firecracker manufacturers over loss of livelihood with the impending ban. “I might even sympathize with you. Loss of earnings and you are driven Caraga INFOCUS
out of business. But the problem is the higher duty of government to protect public interest, public health,” the President said. The problem with locally-made firecrackers, he said, is that these are not wellregulated and many do not comply with safety standards. Products are also not properly marked making it hard for the government to go after manufacturers in case of accidents. “Kaya sinabi ko it’s a health issue kasi
Caraga INFOCUS
‘pag na-ospital ka doon and nabulag ka o na --- you get burned all over, walang mag-ano eh. Nobody except for government because it’s our job. But actually, nonchalant ‘yon. We don’t care. Basta binili na, tapos na,” he said. “Hindi puwede ‘yang ganoon eh. Dapat diyan with every product that is sold to the public, government must have an intervention or to interdict something which is really not good.” With the imposition of a nationwide ban on
firecrackers, President Duterte suggested that it may be time for local firecracker makers to look for other sources of livelihood. Bulacan authorities asked the President not to enforce a national prohibition on the sale of firecrackers as they hope to recover foregone revenues because of the coronavirus pandemic. Early this month, the President has raised the possibility of a nationwide firecracker ban to protect public health and safety. (PND)
December 19-25, 2020 |
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STATEMENT OF VACCINE CZAR CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR. ON RUMORS SURROUNDING INDIVIDUAL RESERVATION FOR COVID-19 VACCINES Reports have reached our office regarding alleged individual reservations being made for COVID-19 vaccines here in the Philippines. According to these reports, people can reserve a vaccine if they paid a fee of $22 before
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| December 19-25, 2020
9:00 a.m. of December 21, 2020. The said vaccine will be available by the third quarter of 2021. We would like to remind the public that only the Philippine government is duly authorized to procure COVID-19 vaccines and
administer them. Any other offers of guaranteed access to any of the vaccines is not only illegal, but also lifethreatening. Coordination is being made with concerned agencies to identify those responsible Caraga INFOCUS
for this misinformation and for their possible prosecution. The government, through the Vaccine Expert Panel and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still in the process of evaluating the clinical trials of the candidate vaccines, and therefore, Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) have not been issued. As such, it should be made clear that none of these vaccines should be sold to the the public pending the issuance of EUAs. All vaccines that are reportedly being sold
through the black market are deemed illegal. Due to the proliferation of false information regarding the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and procuring them through private means, the public is requested to be discerning in what they share, especially those coming from social media platforms. Let us keep in mind that the spread of false information during this critical time may cost lives. This is to assure our countrymen that the
government is exerting all efforts to secure safe, effective, and costeffective COVID-19 vaccines for Filipinos at the most appropriate time. May I appeal to our countrymen to be patient and exercise good judgement, as we await the arrival of the vaccines. THE VACCINE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL FILIPINOS FOR FREE. Safety should be the responsibility of each and every Filipino so we can protect our loved ones and everyone around us, as we recover and heal as one.
Contributed photo Caraga INFOCUS
December 19-25, 2020 |
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GO WELCOMES GROWING SUPPORT FOR BILL ESTABLISHING A DEPARTMENT FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS
Senate President Vicente Sotto supports the passage of Senate Bill No. 1949 with the goals of rightsizing the government and improving the delivery of its various services. Photo by OSBG.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed a recent statement made by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III in which the latter expressed his openness to support the establishment of a single department for overseas Filipinos. “Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senate President Tito Sotto sa kanyang pahayag at pagsangayon sa kahalagahan ng pagtatag ng Department of Overseas Filipinos. Creating DOFil is pursuant to our twin goals of rightsizing
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| December 19-25, 2020
the government and improving the delivery of its various services,” stated Go. In an interview given on December 19, Sotto said he was ‘inclined to support’ the Senate passage of Senate Bill No. 1949 which shall ‘rightsize’ the Department of Labor and Employment. He added he would discuss the matter with his fellow lawmakers once congressional sessions resume on January 2021. “Sapol ito eh... tatamaan mo pa ‘yong concern ng bansa, which
is ‘yung mga OFW... Kaya medyo magandang pag-usapan dito. Sa lahat ng departamento na gustong gawin, ito ‘yong inclined ako na suportahan,” Sotto said. The Senate President, who is also pushing to streamline and rightsize the bureaucracy, previously pointed out that a significant bulk of the country’s annual national budget is used to fund the wages of government employees as opposed to government projects and programs. Caraga INFOCUS
In response, Go emphasized that the establishment of the DOFil would help ‘rightsize’ the bureaucracy by streamlining and rationalizing the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration. “[It is] about time that we create a Cabinet-level, secretaryled department that will protect the rights and advance the interests and welfare of about ten percent of our population,” reasoned the Senator. SBN 1949 is the third iteration of a measure filed by Go in 2019. The latest version of the bill ‘represents the unified position of the entire Executive branch of the government’ including the agencies which will be affected by the reorganization. To ensure the efficient delivery of government services, the new Secretary has the authority to transfer, delineate, reassign or reorganize the functional areas or responsibilities of each departmental Caraga INFOCUS
office or operating unit. The measure also consolidates the Legal Assistance Fund and Assistance to Nationals Fund, which are administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, into a single fund that will be administered by the DOFil. Moreover, SBN 1949 notably improves the provision of the One Country-Team approach by putting all officers, representatives, and personnel of the Philippine government posted abroad, regardless of their mother agencies, on a per country basis, under the leadership of the Ambassador or the Consul General. The DOFil bill has been certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte, thereby allowing the Senate to fast-track its passage. A counterpart measure has also been passed in the House of Representatives. “My proposed measure, SB 1949, is in response to the longdelayed clamor of overseas Filipinos and their families and other stakeholders,” said Go. “Kaya, patuloy ang aking panawagan
sa aking mga kapwa mambabatas na aprubahan ang panukalang ito.” Through a whole-ofnation effort initiated by Go, various concerned agencies and private donors, Malik Darimbang, an overseas Filipino worker who was stuck in Saudi Arabia for six years due to a legal battle, and was successfully repatriated last week. “Masaya ako na makakapiling na niya ang kanyang pamilya… dahil sa suporta ng iba’t ibang ahensya at ng mga pribadong indibidwal na kusang tumulong sa ating kababayan,” he said. “Pero sana, magkaroon tayo ng mas maayos na mekanismo para dinggin at rumesponde sa iba pang mga Pilipino na may hinaharap na problema abroad. Tungkulin nating protektahan at alagaan sila kahit nasaan man sila sa mundo,” he stressed. Go emphasized that the establishment of DOFil will strengthen government mechanisms in response to various crises being faced by distressed OFWs and further protect the rights of all overseas Filipinos, such as Darimbang. (OSBG) December 19-25, 2020 |
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BONG GO STRONGLY CONDEMN KILLING OF MOTHER AND SON I PANIQUI, TARLAC; URGES AUTH TO BRING JUSTICE FOR THE VIC Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his strong condemnation over the reported killing of Sonya Gregorio and her son, Frank Gregorio, in Paniqui, Tarlac on Sunday, December 20, by Jonel Nuezca, a police officer officially assigned in Parañaque City but is residing in Paniqui. “Galit rin si Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte sa nangyari. Mananagot ang bumaril,” Go said in a recent message to the media. In his Talk to the People Address on Monday night, December 21, President Rodrigo Duterte said that Nuezca will not be able to escape the consequence of his
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| December 19-25, 2020
actions. “Isa lang itong klase ng pulis na ito. May sakit ito sa utak. Topak,” Duterte said, adding, “pati ako napanga-nga… brutal masyado.” “You do not follow the law, mag-salvage ka, mag-patay ka, then I’m sorry. That is not part of our agreement on how we should do our work,” Duterte stressed, reminding the police to do their duty and their actions must be in accordance with the law that they are mandated to enforce. During a radio interview earlier that day, Go condemned the killing of the mother and son and said that he will not let the incident
slide. “Talagang hindi katanggap-tanggap ‘yung pagpatay ng brutal nung pulis sa maginang Sonya at Francis sa Paniqui, Tarlac kahapon. Hindi natin palalampasin po ito,” Go said. He also extended his sympathies to the family of the victims, adding that he and President Duterte will provide any form of assistance needed. He also assured them that justice will be served. “Nakikiramay po ako sa naulilang pamilya at nagpaabot na po ako na tutulong po kami ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte. Papadala po ako ng tao dun. Kung ano po ang kailangan nila sa pagpapalibing at kung ano po ang kailangan ng Caraga INFOCUS
NS BRUTAL IN HORITIES CTIMS pamilya nila ay tutulong po kami,” he said. “Sisiguraduhin natin na mabibigyan po ng hustisya ang walang katuturang krimen na ito,” Go mentioned, adding that the internal cleansing of the Philippine National Police must continue to weed out errant cops from the good ones who make up the majority. “Nananawagan po ako sa otoridad at, alam mo, malaki ang tiwala ko sa ating kapulisan na hindi po sila papayag na ma-whitewash po itong ganitong ginagawa ng kanilang kabaro dahil alam natin mga pulis ngayon ay talagang ginagalang at nirerespeto na,” he said. “Malayo na po ang Caraga INFOCUS
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his strong condemnation over the reported killing of a mother and son in Paniqui, Tarlac on Sunday, December 20, by a police officer.
narating natin upang ibalik ang dignidad ng kapulisan at mas lalong paigtingin ang kakayahan nila na gampanan ang kanilang
tungkulin,” he added. While Go and Duterte continue to give their support to the police, Go said that they will not allow a few, December 19-25, 2020 |
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abusive ones to imperil the government’s reform and cleansing efforts of the police force and harm the progress that had been made. “Buo po ang aming suporta ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga pulis. Full support po kami sa kanila basta in line of duty at kung ginawa niyo po ang trabaho niyo bilang isang pulis na poprotekta sa kapakanan ng nakararami,” Go said in an earlier statement. “Pero hindi natin hahayaan na may mga mapang-abusong tulad nito na sisira sa mga reporma na ipinaglalaban natin,” he emphasized. Meanwhile, Go defended Duterte’s order to allow police officers carry firearms, saying that they also need to protect themselves. He, however, stressed that this privilege comes with limits and responsibilities and they are not allowed to use their guns against innocent civilians. “Hindi po pwedeng gawin lang po bastabasta ng isang pulis ‘yan, armado sila, pinayagan
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nga sila ni Pangulong Duterte na magdala ng armas dahil marami pong mga pulis natin na walang kalaban-laban na-a-ambush po, minsan pag sumakay sila sa pampublikong sasakyan, eh, may mga lugar na rebelde ay sila po yung walang kalaban-laban na binabaril,” he said. “ N g a y o n , pinayagan silang magdala, ‘pag pinayagan kayong magdala, huwag niyo pong gamitin ‘yan sa pang-aapi po ng mga inosenteng sibilyan tulad nito,” he added. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has also condemned the incident, saying that it was an “isolated” crime and that “the sin of Nuezca is not the sin of the entire Philippine National Police”. Go also emphasized the important role of the country’s police force in maintaining peace and order in the country. “Hindi po magiging successful ang peace and order campaign
ni Pangulong Duterte, lalung lalo na po itong kampanya laban sa droga kung hindi po sa tulong ng pulis, eh, sila po malalapitan natin. Kaya nakakauwi ‘yung mga anak natin sa gabi ng peacefully dahil alam natin nandiyan ang mga pulis natin, talagang nagta-trabaho at nalalapitan at ginagalang.” Go, however, said that with this support, the police is expected to do their job well by properly enforcing the law and making sure the suspect will rot in jail. “Away po ito na hindi naman po dapat humantong sa pagbubuwis po ng buhay. Kaya kung gaano po kami ka-full support ni Pangulong Duterte sa pulis — ngayon, talagang suportado namin ni Pangulong Duterte na mabulok po ito sa kulungan,” said Go. “Kung mainit ang ulo mo, huwag kang mandamay ng inosente, sana inuna mo munang barilin ang ulo mo para mawala ang init,” he ended. (OSBG) Caraga INFOCUS
ONLY GOV’T AUTHORIZED TO PROCURE COVID-19 VACCINES: GALVEZ By Lade Jean Kabagani National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday reminded the public that only the Philippine government is duly authorized to administer the procurement of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines in the country. “Any other offers of guaranteed access to any of the vaccines is not only illegal but also life-threatening,” Galvez said in a statement after receiving reports that some alleged individuals were able to reserve guaranteed access for Covid-19 vaccines online for only USD22 dollars. “According to these reports, people can reserve a vaccine if they paid a fee of USD22 before 9:00 a.m. of December 21, 2020. The said vaccine will be available by the third quarter of 2021,” said
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| December 19-25, 2020
Galvez. Galvez said authorities are now investigating the reports. “Coordination is being made with concerned agencies to identify those responsible for this misinformation and for their possible prosecution,” he said. Galvez noted that the Vaccine Expert Panel and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are still in the process of evaluating the clinical trials of the candidate vaccines. He said the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) has not yet been issued. “As such, it should be made clear that none of these vaccines should be sold to the public pending the issuance of EUAs,” Galvez said. “All vaccines that are reportedly being sold through the black market are deemed illegal.” Galvez appealed to
the public to be careful in sharing information. “Due to the proliferation of false information regarding the availability of Covid-19 vaccines and procuring them through private means, the public is requested to be discerning in what they share, especially those coming from social media platforms,” Galvez said. Meanwhile, Galvez assured the public that the government is exerting all efforts to secure safe, effective, and cost-effective Covid-19 vaccines for Filipinos. “May I appeal to our countrymen to be patient and exercise good judgment, as we await the arrival of the vaccines,” Galvez appealed to the public. Galvez emphasized that the vaccine will be given for free to Filipinos. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
BONG GO SAYS GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO EXPLORE MULTIPLE SOURCES OF VACCINES; STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF DETERMINING SAFETY AND EFFICACY REGARDLESS OF SOURCE Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that the government is exploring multiple sources of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure access of Filipinos to safe and effective vaccines to overcome the ongoing pandemic. Go also mentioned that the private sector has also been raising funds so they may assist the country in acquiring sufficient number of Caraga INFOCUS
vaccines for Filipinos. “Ang private sector, magre-raise din po. May iba pa. Pinag-aaralan na po, it doesn’t matter kung saan manggagaling as long as safe and effective,” said Go. Go also mentioned that the country is aiming to finalize its negotiations with Sinovac Biotech to acquire 25 million doses of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine for delivery by
March next year. During a radio interview on Friday, December 20, Go said that vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. is presently in advanced discussion with the vaccine company to strike a deal that would be beneficial to the country’s fight against COVID-19. “Ngayon, marami na pong kinakausap ang ating vaccine czar. Meron December 19-25, 2020 |
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na silang advanced discussion sa Sinovac, possible shipment March 2021, twenty five million doses,” Go said. Go stressed that he does not believe that the procurement of vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac has anything to do with preference, stressing that market availability is the primary consideration of the government for conducting negotiations with the company for the vaccines. “‘Di po ako naniniwala kung ano koneksyon nito, sa China man. May pandemya, magtulungan tayo. Sabi nga, no one is safe until everyone is safe, depende na po ito sa availability sa market,” explained Go. The Senator said that Galvez is also in talks with several other vaccine companies that can supply the country with the COVID-19 vaccines. “Nakapag-usap na rin sila sa Gamaleya, ongoing talks, ‘di pa masabi kung kelan. Pfizer po, advanced discussion. Johnson & Johnson, (confidentiality disclosure agreement) being finalized, AstraZeneca, for another twenty million,” he explained.
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| December 19-25, 2020
“Siguraduhin nating priority ang mahihirap, vulnerable at frontliners, safe and effective dapat, saan man ito kukunin,” he added. Meanwhile, Go repeated his challenge to Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Galvez to inject themselves first with the vaccine to allay the fears of some people and build their confidence in its safety and efficacy. “Kung ‘di natin maattain ‘yan, takot ang Pilipino, kaya nga po kina Sec. Duque at Galvez, mauna sila,” he said. “(This is) to encourage naman po at mawala ang takot ng mga tao, pero dapat unahin natin ang poor, vulnerable, and frontliners, of course. Sila ang nangunguna sa labang ito — sundalo, guro, medical workers. Huwag rin natin pabayaan ang mga senior citizens natin na vulnerable and, especially, ang mga mahihirap na kailangan lumabas at magtrabaho — dapat po libre ito sa mahihirap,” mentioned Go. In earlier interviews, Go said that a national vaccine roadmap has
already been prepared for a systematic distribution of the vaccine once it is deemed safe and effective. He encouraged concerned agencies to properly communicate and implement the vaccine program to assure the public that the government is doing its best to restore normalcy amid the ongoing pandemic. “ N a p a k a importante po sa vaccine na ito ang issue ng affordability at accessibility. Unang una, pagdating sa availability — dapat po unahin ang mahihirap nating kababayan,” he reiterated. Once the vaccines are available, Go emphasized that members of poor and vulnerable sector should be prioritized in the immunization against COVID-19. As for government officials and those who can afford, Go said that many of them are willing to pay for their own vaccinations as long as it is proven safe and effective. This is the reason why the poor and the vulnerable must be prioritized. (OSBG) Caraga INFOCUS
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. (File photo)
NO NEW COVID-19 STRAIN IN PH: DOH By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
There is no new strain of coronavirus in the country based on the latest report of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), a health official said Monday. “According to RITM, sa ngayon wala pa silang nakikitang bagong strain na mayroon tayo dito sa ating bansa (they have not seen a new strain in our country) based on their monitoring,” Health Undersecretary Maria Caraga INFOCUS
Rosario Vergeire said during an online media forum. Vergeire was responding to speculations that the “mutation” of a Covid-19 virus, which caused the second wave of cases in the United Kingdom (UK), is similar to the variant the Philippine Genome Center has detected in August. “But of course we will be furthering this
monitoring baka nga kung sakali kailangan natin mapag-igting para kung mayroon mang ganyan dito sa ating bansa ma-identify natin (as there might be a need for stricter monitoring to identify anything like that in the country),” she said. Based on preliminary data, the variant detected in the UK could be up to 70 percent more infectious and has become a prevalent December 19-25, 2020 |
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Contributed photo
strain in its capital. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said it is analyzing Britain’s data to see if the increase of infections there is the result of a more potent strain. Vergeire noted that the UK has already imposed travel restrictions on its borders. “Dito naman po sa ating bansa, ang ating pinapapasok pa lang natin dito sa ngayon ay (Here in our country, what we’re allowing to enter are) diplomats and those with official businesses here in the country,” she said. “So, the restriction,
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| December 19-25, 2020
I don’t think that would be required at this point, although, of course, we are strengthening our measures to prevent the entrance of infection here that’s why the monitoring of ports with the testing with the quarantine of all those coming in are being implemented,” she added. As of 4 p.m. Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that the country’s overall Covid-19 case tally has reached 461,505; the recovered cases, 429,207; and deaths at 8,957. Since last week, the DOH has been warning the public against the
possible surge of cases this holiday season as many people engage in celebrations with family and friends outdoors, attend Simbang Gabi, and visit night markets. The agency continues to encourage the public to have safe holidays by observing the minimum health standards, especially when going outdoors - the proper wearing of face masks and face shields, avoiding cramped places where physical distancing is impossible and avoiding staying outside for a long period. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
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