CONTENTS Caraga Infocus
21 - 27 December 2019
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REGIONAL NEWS Caraganons suportado ang pagpapatupad ng Disiplina Muna advocacy campaign
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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8 Caraga EMB intensifies 12 protection of Taguibo 13 watershed forest reserve 15 17
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DSWD-Caraga on red alert ahead of ‘Ursula’ landfall
Volume III, No. 71
Over 38 rebels surrender in AgSur town 100 porsyento nga kooperasyon gikinahanglan alang sa katumanan sa mga proyekto sa AGUSAN UP! - Cong. Angel Mabulokong pasko ug suporta sa iyang mga programa gipanghinaut ni Gob. Corvera sa mga empleyado Caraga PADACs receive award for outstanding anti-illegal drug drive Army initiates mass wedding for former rebels 123 CNT members, supporters surrender to Army in SurSur
MINDANAO NEWS
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MinDA invites private firms to BARMM peace partners’ caucus
2nd Mindanao pride parade highlights SOGIE, HIV awareness
NATIONAL NEWS
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Gov’t programs to benefit Filipinos in 2020: Andanar 79% of Pinoys satisfied with drug war, wake-up call to critics Comfortable life for all Pinoys still Duterte’s top priority
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News Briefs During the Media Forum conducted at Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Butuan City, some of the negative social implications brought about by terrorism were discussed. In addition to the terrifying child recruitment conducted by left-leaning groups, terrorists in the country have also been hostile to business-affiliated people by coercing them to hand over their revolutionary tax. They also use such people as pawns to expand their social network. In relation to the relentless counterinsurgency campaign of the military and the police forces in the country, Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) Caraga issued a statement on the indignation rally against the CPP-NPA-NDF launched December 26, in which he highlighted the burning of flags of the terrorist groups by the people to signify their condemnation of the groups. “Our people are fed up with the human rights violations of these terrorist groups,” he added.
Currently, there are 56 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide with 22 centers in DOH-run hospitals, 33 centers in LGU-operated hospitals and one center at the Philippine General Hospital. The LTO Caraga reported an increase of P23.4 million in its revenue collection from January to November of this year. DOTr Caraga regional director Nordy Plaza said the intensified campaign of LTO in provinces and municipalities of the region lifted the agency’s collections this year.
Cover Story
Caraga EMB intensifi Taguibo watershed By Venus L. Garcia
B
UTUAN CITY Underscoring the significance of implementing water quality protection and preservation of the Taguibo watershed as the primary source of potable water in Butuan City, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Caraga through the Taguibo River Water Quality Management Area (TRWQMA) Governing Board conducted a training on the Philippine Clean Water act of 2004. It was attended by the local officials of the barangays near the Taguibo watershed and representatives from different government agencies.
who are living near the watershed. We gather the inputs from the stakeholders and representative of the respective barangays and have developed action plans,� said Engr. Albert Arcamo, “We have done a lot to preserve regional director of EMB Caraga. and protect our watershed. In fact we conducted our regular meetings Rogelio Dumadag, barangay and discussed the issues and concern captain of Taguibo, cited the need of the communities especially those to intensify information campaign to
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December 21-27, 2019
fies protection of forest reserve that affect water sources.
He also encouraged residents and nearby barangays to help in keeping the waterways clean and for the public to refrain from forest exploitation and inappropriate land use practices. “Collective action and intensified efforts of the locals are needed. Everyone must exercise proper waste disposal; help in maintaining the surroundings clean; and to avoid illegal cutting of trees,” said Rogelio Dumadag, barangay captain of Taguibo. According to Glenn Betco of the Butuan City Environment and Natural Resources, the conduct of said training is most beneficial in crafting a better watershed management plan. This is to ensure improved access make the public more aware that to clean and safe water and to maintain healthy watersheds are essential to the water quality classification of the the development and survival of the Taguibo river watershed forest reserve. community. “This training is very helpful in order Dumadag also asked the EMB to for us to learn more on how to gather closely monitor the watershed area in significant data. We know that properly order to resolve issues particularly on managed watersheds offer a multitude the improper solid waste disposal and of ‘free’ benefits,” said Betco.” (VLG/ lack of toilet facility in some households MFC/PIA-Caraga) December 21-27, 2019
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
Caraganons suportado ang pagpapatupad ng Disiplina Muna advocacy campaign By Nora C. Lanuza
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN Hinikayat ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga ang kanilang mga kababayan, partikular na ang mga lokal na opisyal na pagigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng displina sa kani-kanilang lugar. Ito ay kasunod ng paglagda ng mga opisyal at stakeholders sa isang pledge of commitment bilang suporta sa disiplina muna campaign sa rehiyon ng Caraga.
pamamahay lalong lalo na sa mga pamilya at mga anak.
Naniniwala si Nami na ang tagumpay na kanyang tinatamasa sa ngayon ay dahilan sa disiplina Ayon kay DILG Caraga regional ng kanyang mga magulang. Ang director Lilibeth Famacion mahalaga pamilya ni Nami ay hinirang bilang ang papel ng mga LGU sa pag-iral isang PNP model family sa taong 2019. ng disiplina sa kanilang nasasakupan para makamit ang inaasam na Bilang isang media practitioner kaunlaran. ibinahagi naman ni Alexander Lopez, ang bureau chief ng Philippine News Ayon din kay police staff sargeant Agency ng Caraga region ang Mashul Nami, Jr, ang disiplina muna kanyang karanasan sa kanyang arawregional ambassador ng Caraga, araw na gawain, simula sa simpleng kung ang lahat ay may displina sa mga alituntunin na ipinapatupad sa sarili walang imposible. mga sasakyan at pampublikong luga, anya ang lahat ng ito ay may malaking Ayon pa sa kanya, ang disiplina kontribusyon sa pagpapalago ng ay dapat magsimula sa loob ng lipunan. (NCLM/PIA Caraga) December 21-27, 2019
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Regional News
DSWD-Caraga on red alert ahead of ‘Ursula’ landfall By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga) is on red alert as Severe Tropical Storm Ursula is set to make landfall in Eastern Samar on Christmas Eve. In a statement on Tuesday, DSWD13 assured that food packs are ready for distribution if affected residents need to be evacuated from areas that the incoming storm might hit.
have been prepositioned in warehouses in strategic areas in the region, such as Surigao City in Surigao del Norte with 1,500 packs (PHP540,450); San Jose in PDI with 2,500 packs (PHP1,019,550); Tandag City, Surigao del Sur with 1,500 Dinagat Islands and Surigao del packs (PHP540,450); and Patin-ay, Norte, particularly Siargao and Bucas Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with 600 Grande Island, have been placed packs (PHP216,180). under Signal No. 1. A total of 8,988 FFPs amounting “Ursula” was located 315 km. east to PHP3,238,376.40 have also been of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 5 a.m. on prepositioned at the Tiniwisan Tuesday. It was moving west-northwest Warehouse of the Department of Public at a pace of 30 kph, with maximum Works and Highways 13 in Butuan City, winds of 95 kph and gustiness of up to the DSWD-13 reported. 115 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and It said non-food items amounting Astronomical Services Administration to PHP1,866,970.90 are available, along (PAGASA). with a standby fund of PHP3 million. “Ursula” is expected to make DSWD-13 said it has activated its landfall in Eastern Samar on the evening Quick Response Teams to render 24of December 24, PAGASA said. hour duty to monitor updates on the effects of “Ursula” in the region. DSWD-13 said a total of 15,088 family food packs (FFPs) amounting It said it was coordinating with to more than PHP5 million have been DSWD field offices in provinces and readied for distribution. municipalities, as well as various disaster risk reduction councils at the provincial It said 6,100 FFPs worth PHP2,100,450 and municipal levels. (PNA)
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December 21-27, 2019
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
Over 38 rebels surrender in AgSur town By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY - Through the joint efforts of the La Paz Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) and the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Philippine Army, the voluntary surrender of 38 rebels from different left-leaning groups was induced on December 17 in La Paz, Agusan del Sur.
Among those who surrendered were two regular members of the Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), two on lay low members, eight active members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB), eight former members currently in support, and 18 mass supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA). Upon surrender, firearms and ammunition were also yielded from the rebels such as four cal. 45 pistols, one KG-9 sub machine gun pistol, one ARMSCOR shotgun, two homemade rifles known as “surit”, over 65 ammunitions, and five magazines. The mayor of the said municipality Michael D. Lim officiated the recitation of the Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine Constitution and assured the surrenderees that they will be assisted by the local government in establishing their new lives as law-abiding citizens of
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the Philippine law. “Through the mandate of the Executive Order No. 70, we will implement all the necessary livelihood programs in your community that will help you improve your economic status and relieve you from poverty,” he said. Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, Commanding Officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion, also lauded the task force for such an accomplishment, citing it as a marker of the effectiveness of the executive order in combating insurgency. “We have already made great progress in our campaign against insurgency. With the cooperation of everyone and other agencies, creating conflict-resilient communities will be more than just a goal, it will indeed become a reality,” he added. (26IB/ PIA-Caraga)
December 21-27, 2019
Provincial News
100 porsyento nga kooperasyon gikinahanglan alang sa katumanan sa mga proyekto sa AGUSAN UP! - Cong. Angel By Angel F. Gaviola
DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN - Walay makab-ot nga tiunay nga kalambuan kung dili ihatag ang 100 porsyentong abilidad ug kooperasyon sa matag empleyado sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan ilabina sa gipunting nga mga proyekto ubos sa AGUSAN UP! Kini ang nagsilbing mensahe sa pasko ni Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba atoll sa gihimong Christmas party sa kapitolyo kagahapon, Disyembre 19.
Dugang ni Cong. Matba nga “blessing� sa probinsya nga si Gob. Dale B. Corvera ang nahimong gobernador niini. Kampante siya nga naay maayong kasing-kasing si Gob. Corvera alang sa katawhan. Apan Sumala pa sa kongresista nga unsaon man sa gobernador kung dili nahibawo siya nga panahon karon sa 100% ang suporta sa mga empleyado pasko apan usa kini ka higayon aron sa iyang mga programa. ma-remind niya ang mga empleyado sa kapitolyo. “Tan-awa ta karon we have new program nga AGUSAN UP!. We Pasabot sa kongresista nga giila can only do that if we are able to niya nga ang mga empleyado sa collectively work together and unify kapitolyo maoy kalig-on sa probinsya our commitment to the leadership ug kung mahatag nila ang 100% sa ilang not only of Gov. Dale and Vice abilidad ug suporta walay katarungan Governor(Ramon A.G. Bungabong), nga dili kini samot pang molambo. but sa isa isa nato, when we work we December 21-27, 2019
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Provincial News always give our best. Kay bisan the best si Gov Dale and all the others will only give 50% of their commitment and the rest will only give 25% ang outcome ana will never satisfy the people that we serve,� dugang pasabot ni Cong. Matba. Sa iyang bahin gipasalig sa kongresista nga hatagan niya og dakung pagtagad aron makatabang nga ma-implementar ang mga programa sa AGUSAN UP!
Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang walo ka punto nga development agenda sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera. Punting niini nga makunhoran ang poverty incidence sa probinsya gikan sa 34% ngadto sa 15% pinaagi sa paghimo niini nga agriprocessing ug special economic zone sa Caraga pag-abot sa tuig 2027. (Agusan UP, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Mabulokong pasko ug suporta sa iyang mga programa gipanghinaut ni Gob. Corvera sa mga empleyado By Angel F. Gaviola
DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN - Usa ka panghinaut alang sa usa ka mabulokong pasko ug hiniusang pagsuporta sa iyang mga programa sa mosunod nga mga tuig ang gipaabot ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo atol sa Christmas Party nga gihimo kagabii, Disyembre 19. Gihimo sa gobernador ang maong mga panghinaut samtang gi-anunsyo niya ang mokabat sa Php38,000 nga mga benepisyo nga madawat sa kapin kon kulang 1,500 nga regular, casual ug contractual nga mga empleyado sa kapitolyo niining paskuha ug pagsaka sa minimum nga sweldo sa mga job orders gikan sa
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Php305 ngadto sa Php400 matag adlaw sugod sa milabay’ng Nobyembre. Sa iyang hangyo nga suportahan ang iyang mga programa gipasabot sa gobernador nga nagdagan karon ang kampanya sa kalambuan sa probinsya ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang walo ka punto nga development agenda nga
December 21-27, 2019
Provincial News tutokan sa iyang administrasyon. “Duna tay dakung programa nga gihimo karon, ang AGUSAN UP!. In fact duna tay usa ka grupo nga mo-focus niini aron atong makab-ot ang tinuoray nga kalamboan sa atong probinsya,� sumala pa ni Gob. Corvera. Dugang sa gobernador nga sa suporta ni Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba, ni Bise Gob. Ramon A.G. Bungabong ug sa mga sakop sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, mga ahensya sa nasudnong panggamhanan ug sa mga Agusanon siya nagtuo nga makab-ot ang gipunting nga haruhay nga pagpuyo. Gihimo sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo sa Christmas Party pinaagi sa mga sayaw, diin miapil si Gob. Corvera ug Congresswoman Matba mismo, kanta ug raflle sa gatusan nga mga regalo. (Agusan UP, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Caraga PADACs receive award for outstanding anti-illegal drug drive By Jason Ryan R. Lam
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The provinces of Agusan del Sur and Dinagat Islands of Caraga region were among the top 155 local government units (LGUs) that received an award in the 2nd National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award held in Manila on December 16, 2019. December 21-27, 2019
Caraga Infocus
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Provincial News
The National ADAC Performance Award was given to LGUs who achieved one hundred points or perfect score with an adjectival rating of ideal (high functionality) based on the 2018 ADAC Performance Audit.
(DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019117 dated July 24, 2019).
On the other hand, the 2018 ADAC Performance Audit contains the following major criteria: 1) Organized local ADAC; 2) Conduct of quarterly meetings; 3) Allocation of funds for the Implementation of anti-illegal drugs activities as indicated in the POPS Plan; 4) Implementation of ADAC plans and programs; 5) Support to ADACs in component LGUs; and 6) Innovations
The awarding activity was successfully conducted with the participation and support of the local chief executives and representatives of the LGU awardees, DILG Central Office key officials, DILG regional/provincial/ city directors, and ADAC regional focal persons and Project Management Office. (LGOO V, DM, DILG-Caraga/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
The awarding ceremony was attended by DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año as the guest of honor. In his message, he encouraged all local The award recognizes the leaders to think outside the box and exemplary efforts of the LGUs, act against illegal drugs. through their respective ADACs, in complementing the national “One hundred fifty-five LGUs is government’s efforts in eradicating just a small portion compared to the the country’s illegal drug problem per thousands of LGUs nationwide but it is Department of the Interior and Local a good start. The ADACs are one of the Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2019-208 dated December avenues for good governance in our society,” he said. 10, 2019.
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December 21-27, 2019
Provincial News
Army initiates mass wedding for former rebels By Cpt Edwin Leo Francisco
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), Philippine Army initiated a wedding ceremony to the former New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels, as one of the highlights of the battalion’s 29th founding anniversary held at the 75IB headquarters on December 18, 2019. The seven couples, composed of three former NPA rebels and four former NPA rebels turned into soldiers, were from the dismantled Guerilla Front 14, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF14, NEMRC).
Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army with Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay and wife Second District Board Member Margarita Garay, who served as principal sponsors of the newlywed couples.
The couple tied the knot in Families, visitors, and friends were a ceremony officiated by Major invited to witness the holy matrimony Dionesio Acaso, Division Chaplain, 4th of the couples. Other visitors were December 21-27, 2019
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Provincial News Hinatuan Mayor Hon Shem Garay; representatives from the Presidential Management Staff-Caraga, Philsaga Mining Corporation, API Group of Company, SSS Bislig City, Rotary Club of Bislig, The Fraternal Order Club of Eagles, Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Inc (FPPI), Southern Technology Institute of the Philippines (STIP), Conception Basic Builders Incorporated (CBBI), PCSO Bislig City and Radyo Bandera. Meanwhile, alias Vladimir got teary-eyed during the entourage. He then expressed his gratitude to the 75IB and other stakeholders who facilitated “I honor the 75IB in upholding the the activity. traditions of love, inspiring unity and cooperation through this Christmas “Nagpasalamat mig utro uban season. May the celebration nurture akong asawa sa suporta na gihatag solidarity, objectives, and goals for the sa 75IB sa amo. Karon, bag-ong dalan benefit of the Filipino people, particularly na ang among agion, ang dalan the people of Bislig. If there’s no peace, kung asa mi magtukod ug pamilya we will not achieve progress,” Mayor nga malipayon ug hapsay. Salamat Garay said. sa atong gobyerno ug sa 75IB sa ilang pinakamalipayong pinaskohan Further, Lieutenant Col. Warren na among nadawat karon. Salamat Munda, Commanding Officer of 75IB, sa inyong suporta ug paghigugma expressed his gratitude to the city (Again, we express our thanks together government of Bislig, stakeholders, and with my wife for the support given to us the Marauder troopers for the untiring by the 75IB. Now, we have a new path, support displayed by everyone. the way we build a happy and orderly family. Thank you to our government “We’ll work together with unity and the 75IB for the happiest Christmas in promoting our vision and mission for that we ever received. Thank you for peace and development. The 75IB will your support and love),” AKA Vladimir always be proud to pursue the Philippine said in a local dialect. Army’s vision towards professionalism to serve better and people whom we are In his message, Mayor Florencio mandated to serve. Thus, we always Garay of Bislig City congratulated leave up to the Army Slogan of being the 75IB for keeping its Area of at your service across the land,” added Responsibility(AOR) peaceful and Lt. Col. Munda. (75IB CMO/PIA Surigao likewise congratulated the newlyweds. del Sur)
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December 21-27, 2019
Provincial News
123 CNT members, supporters surrender to Army in SurSur By Capt. Jonald Romorosa
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A total of 123 Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) members and their supporters voluntarily surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) teams of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB) from the third and fourth quarters of the year 2019 in the province of Surigao del Sur. Of the 123 surrenderees, 10 of them are NPA regulars on lie-low status, 32 were Milisya ng Bayan, five Sanga sa Partido sa Localidad (SPL) and 76 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members.
Inadan of Barangay Magroyong, all in San Miguel town. The said locations were identified as conflict-affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where the communities are vulnerable to the recruitment of the CNTs through their lies and deceit to join their futile cause.
Accordingly, they were from Sitio Banahao of Barangay Maitom in Tandag City; Sitio Cadlum of Barangay Cabangahan in Tago town; and Sitio Baroboan of Barangay Carromata, Sitio Kiskis of Barangay Siagao, and Sitio
CSP teams deployed in Sitio
December 21-27, 2019
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Provincial News
Banahao, Barangay Maitom facilitated a total of 71 surrenderees; 11 surrenderees in Sitio Inadan, 24 in Sitio Kis-kis, eight in Sitio Cadlum, and nine surrenderees in Sitio Baroboan. One of the regular NPA members expressed his resentment to the CNTs for the miserable life he suffered inside the organization. He realized that the NPA is fighting a lost cause, while their leaders are enjoying a better life through extortion and revolutionary taxes.
of the military’s relentless combat operations against the CNTs and the deployment CSP teams in the identified conflict-affected areas with the help of the LGU and other stakeholders within the 36IB area of operation.
“The CNTs are weakening and have been losing mass base support which is their lifeblood in advancing their objectives. The growing numbers of surrenders and shifting of support of the masses to the government is a manifestation that they are already awakened on the deception strategy “Life there is so difficult, every day and the futile arm struggle of the CNT’s,” we roam in the mountains looking and the army official added. seeking for an answer on our cause. I voluntarily surrendered because I The 123 CNT members and was afraid that maybe one day my supporters who surrendered will undergo life will be in danger and a possibility the process of validation for them to that someday I cannot see my family qualify and avail for the enrollment anymore,” he said. of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), In a statement, Lt. Col. Jezreel a government intervention program Diagmel, 36IB Commanding Officer intended for the formal rebels. (36IBsaid, the mass surrender is the result CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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December 21-27, 2019
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News
MinDA invites private firms to BARMM peace partners’ caucus By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan
COTABATO CITY - To sustain the gains of the Mindanao peace process, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will host a Peace Partners’ Caucus in Davao City next month, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Thursday.
The gathering aims to give opportunities for private individuals, companies, and corporate executives to contribute to sustaining peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
the Bangsamoro region, especially in the field of agriculture,” he said in a statement.
“I thought of holding the Peace Partners’ Caucus two days after President Duterte publicly instructed me to fast-track the development of
The President was at the BARMM compound here Monday where he distributed certificates of land ownership to 912 farmer-beneficiaries.
Piñol noted that the President was right when he emphasized the need to develop the BARMM’s agriculture and fisheries sector because of the region’s Piñol said the caucus would be vast resources. a venue to present possible areas of involvement by the private sector to “You focus on BARMM agriculture,” sustain the peace gains made by the Piñol quoted Duterte as telling him in the administration of President Rodrigo presence of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Duterte. “Murad” Ebrahim last December 23.
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December 21-27, 2019
Mindanao News Piñol said the Peace Partners’ Caucus would just be a simple matching of BARMM farmers and fisherfolk to potential supporters and buyers from the private sector. For starters, he said, feed mill companies would be asked what raw materials they need in feed formulation that could be sourced from the BARMM and the volume required.
Supermarket chains could also provide BARMM vegetable farmers, especially those from Lanao del Sur who have been trained by groups like “Go Negosyo”, with access to the market.
With BARMM officials led by Ebrahim and regional agriculture and fisheries minister Mohammad Yacob supporting the Halal Meat and Poultry As previously announced, MinDA Production Program in the region, will launch the Sorghum Development MinDA will also link up cattle, goat, and Program in Mindanao to produce grains poultry farmers to potential buyers. for food and animal feeds. Piñol said MinDA would also link Piñol said a Thai agricultural firm BARMM fishermen’s groups to buyers of based in the Philippines, CP Foods their produce. Philippines, has pledged to purchase sorghum from Mindanao, especially the With the production-marketing BARMM. agreements forged, MinDA will tap government financing institutions, Farmers from the BARMM could such as the Development Bank of also produce corn, cassava, copra the Philippines and Land Bank of the meal, fish meal, and carrageenan as Philippines, to fund the programs. added feed components. (PNA)
2nd Mindanao pride parade highlights SOGIE, HIV awareness
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Mindanao Pride, an organization of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queer, intersex, asexual and others (LGBTQIA+) in Mindanao organized the second “Pride Parade” on Sunday. In a statement on Sunday, awareness on Sexual Orientation and Mindanao Pride said the parade--now Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) on its second year--sought to raise and the menace of the human December 21-27, 2019
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Mindanao News
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
thus we are still on the side and excluded in decision and policy-making Mindanao Pride said the march processes,” Chanjueco added. of LGBTQIA+ advocates, human rights activists, and allies also aims to advance Aside from demanding the the LGBTQIA+ rights and agenda passage of the Sogie Equality Bill in “through grassroots-driven and locally Congress, he said the group is also inherited approaches”. pushing for an anti-discrimination ordinance in Cagayan de Oro City, as While pride parades are usually well as the stricter implementation of associated with a “festive” mood, the the HIV Law. organization said Sunday’s march of around 200 people was a “peaceful Several participants also shared and quiet mobilization”--a “silent their stories of discrimination, abuse, protest”. and other types of violence being experienced by the members of the “Silence is the loudest way to LGBTQIA+ community. protest, and through silence brings clarity and deeper understanding to Chanjuecos said the annual pride the issues that we wish to put forward to march “seeks to redefine LGBTQIA+ the public,” said Hamilcar Chanjueco activism by highlighting inclusivity and Jr., founder of Mindanao Pride. synergy. It pushes for the rights and welfare of the LGBTQIA+ community in “But unfortunately, silence is also Mindanao while reinforcing the need to how the government and society include their narratives into the national answer to the community’s problems conversations”. (PNA)
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December 21-27, 2019
NATIONAL NEWS
National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
Gov’t programs to benefit Filipinos in 2020: Andanar MANILA – The policies and programs of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration will further give “beneficial gains and advantages” to Filipinos in 2020, as well as in succeeding years, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on Saturday. Andanar gave the assurance after learning that around 93 percent of Filipinos want to face 2020 “with hope,” based on the Dec. 3 to 8 poll by Pulse Asia. “We are one with all the Filipinos who are looking forward to 2020 with high hopes and prospects. This is after a [survey by] Pulse Asia Research Inc. showed that nine out of 10 or 93 percent of Filipinos are optimistic for the incoming 2020. The said number is
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higher than the 91 percent recorded last 2018,” the Communications chief said in a statement. “With 2019 reaching its end, the Duterte Administration has implemented numerous policies, initiatives, and programs that have translated to beneficial gains and advantages for the Filipinos throughout the year. These undoubtedly will influence them through 2020 and for years to come,” he added. Andanar noted that the country’s robust economy, which was driven by the effective implementation of socio-economic reforms under the so-called “DutertEnomics,” is among the developments that would bring advantages to the nation in the coming years. He also cited the government’s management of the inflation rate, as well as its efforts to reduce crime, poverty, and unemployment rates. The Communications Secretary also took note of the country’s improved standing in the Global Corruption Perception Index and the Global Innovation Index. Andanar also noted that Filipinos would have a better life in 2020, considering that there is an effective anti-narcotics campaign; prioritization of the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program; local peace talks to end
December 21-27, 2019
National News
communism; and expansion of universal As 2019 is about to end, Andanar asked his fellow Filipinos to “remain healthcare and other social services. positive, keep our hopes up, and “All of these have truly benefited continue to support the government, and continue to benefit every Filipino,” and welcome a new year set with a vision of collective progress and he said. development.” “With foundations set in place for “There is much to look forward to the years to come, the administration will continue to provide each and every for the coming year,” Andanar said. Filipino the much-needed support and service in all aspects of public “And with further improvements and expansions for plans and policies, administration,” Andanar added. development projects, and social Andanar also said Filipinos can services, we will see to it that this expect a continued high economic optimism is maintained not only until the growth in 2020, following the 6.5 end of President Duterte’s term but also percent to 7.5 percent forecast of the for the succeeding years as part of this Development Budget Coordination administration’s legacy,” he added. (Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos/PNA) Committee. December 21-27, 2019
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National News
79% of Pinoys satisfied with drug war, wake-up call to critics By Azer Parrocha
MANILA Malacañang on Monday hailed the results of a survey which showed that majority of Filipinos are still satisfied by President Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the survey results should serve as a “wakeup call” against foreign groups and personalities who spread lies to discredit his campaign against illegal drugs.
entities to take their cue from the genuine sentiments of the Filipino people and cease from their continuous affront against our sovereign state with their pretended or feigned concern about human rights,” he added.
“Once again, this is a loud and clear repudiation of the rambunctious political opposition and cantankerous detractors of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his Administration,” Panelo said.
Results of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that 79 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with Duterte’s war on drugs, only 15 percent were dissatisfied, and the remaining 6 percent were undecided.
“This too shall serve as a wake- This gives the President’s drug war up call against foreign countries and a net satisfaction rating of +64, classified
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National News by SWS as “very good.”:
drug war is that drug suspects have lessened at 42 percent, followed by This figure is similar to the “very drug suspects have been arrested at good” rating in September 2018 to 18 percent, and crime has lessened at March 2017 which ranged from +63 to 11 percent. +66 but 6 points below the “excellent” +70 rating in June and March 2019. Rounding the top five reasons are: it diminished the drug trade at 8 The pollster said that net percent, and protected the youth from satisfaction with the anti-narcotics drugs 6 percent. campaign has always been either very good or excellent in the past 12 survey The SWS survey, fielded from rounds. September 27-30, 2019, was done using face-to-face interviews of 1,800 adults The campaign recorded its nationwide. highest satisfaction rating in December 2016 at excellent +77. Local and foreign human rights groups have condemned the Duterte By area, net satisfaction with the administration’s war on drugs, saying drug war is highest in Mindanao at it is creating atrocities and a culture of excellent +74, followed by very good impunity. levels in the Visayas at +69, Metro Manila at +67, and Balance Luzon at The government has denied +55. claims that the killings were statesponsored and that cases are filed The most common reason against police proven to be guilty of respondents remain satisfied by the abusing their powers. (PNA)
Comfortable life for all Pinoys still Duterte’s top priority By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - From the signing of anti-poverty laws to chastising water concessionaires, President Rodrigo Duterte marked the year fulfilling his campaign promise to bring a “comfortable life” to all Filipinos with only over two years left until he steps down in 2022. December 21-27, 2019
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The Duterte administration’s efforts to significantly cut down poverty rates are moving full steam with the signing of laws such as the Magna Carta of the Poor.
“With the continued adoption of the DutertEnomics and socioeconomic reforms, the poverty rate will be continuously reduced,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said Before the law was signed, data in a statement. from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that some 5.9 million The Magna Carta of the Poor Filipinos were pulled out of poverty in (Republic Act No. 11291), signed on 2018, as poverty incidence fell to 16.6 April 12 mandates the State “to adopt percent from 23.3 percent in 2015. an area-based, sectoral and focused intervention to poverty alleviation At this rate of development, where every poor Filipino must be Socioeconomic Planning Secretary empowered to meet the minimum Ernesto Pernia said it is “possible for basic need through the partnership of poverty incidence to further drop to the Government and the basic sectors”. “10 to 12 percent” by 2022, which is slightly lower compared to the current Duterte also signed on April 17 administration’s target to bring it down an act institutionalizing the Pantawid by 14 percent by the end of Duterte’s Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) term. (R.A. No. 11310), the national poverty
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National News reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve the health, nutrition and education aspects of their lives. Accessible social services To ensure that every Filipino, especially, the poor have equal access to quality healthcare, Duterte signed the Universal Healthcare Act of 2019 (R.A. 11223) which automatically enrolls all Filipinos under the government’s health insurance program. Under the law, coverage will be expanded to include free consultation fees, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic services.
in all public hospitals in the country. To cut bureaucratic red tape in government, Duterte also ordered state offices to finish all transactions in just hours. For the farmers To open up the country’s rice market, Duterte signed the Rice Tariffication Law (R.A. 11203) on February to switch the current quota system in importing rice into a tariff system, where rice can be imported more freely. On November, Duterte ordered the National Food Authority (NFA) to increase the country’s emergency buffer stock from 15 days to 30 days by buying more palay (unhusked rice) from farmers and help them cope up with higher price of palay.
Duterte also signed into law a bill (R.A. 11210) that extends the maternity leave of female workers in the country The country’s rice industry from 60 to 105 days with full pay. is expected to thrive with the implementation of the programs under All working mothers in the the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement government and private sector are Fund (RCEF), a component under the guaranteed with 105 days of paid Rice Tariffication Law aimed at making maternity leave credits, with 7 days Filipino farmers more efficient and transferable to fathers while an productive so they can compete with additional 15 days of paid leave will be their counterparts in Southeast Asia. granted to single mothers, according to the law. Under the Duterte administration, some 120,889 hectares of land have Complementing these measures been distributed while farmers with is the Malasakit Center Law (R.A. machinery, seeds and farm animals to 11463), which expands the accessibility maximize the use of agrarian lands. to the government’s medical and financial healthcare services’ through Duterte also issued Executive the Malasakit Centers, that will be built Order No. 75 mandating all government December 21-27, 2019
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National News agencies to identify government- After temporarily shelving the owned lands suitable for agriculture for arbitral ruling in 2016 to give way distribution. to friendlier relations between the Philippines and China, Duterte finally Easing traffic invoked the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling won by Refusing to beg Congress for the Philippines against China during his emergency powers, Duterte said he visit to Beijing on Aug. 29. would rather allow EDSA to rot if some Despite having raised the arbitral lawmakers insinuated that he would ruling while discussing concerns on the use it for corruption. West Philippine Sea, Chinese President In June, Duterte promised to cut Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s position travel time from Makati and Edsa to five that it is not recognizing the ruling. minutes by yearend but was unable to Duterte maintained his position to do so. push for its claims in the disputed waters, but maintained that the issue should Presidential Spokesperson not be the sum total of the relationships Salvador Panelo, however, said failure between the two countries. to fulfill Duterte’s promise does not mean it was not attainable under the Aside from the arbitral ruling, current administration. Duterte also brought up the 60-40 The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned state agencies have been ordered to introduce innovations to ease traffic congestion in the country’s metropolis. Among others, the Duterte government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program is seen as a solution to address traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
sharing arrangement on the proposed joint exploration for oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea.
The June 9 Recto Bank (Reed Bank) maritime incident where a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed and abandoned a Philippine fishing boat at sea was also discussed in the meeting between the two leaders. Panelo has insisted that holding bilateral negotiations between the Philippines and China is currently the “most effective” way to resolve the dispute over the West Philippine Sea.
Around PHP9 trillion has been earmarked for the implementation of around 100 big-ticket infrastructure projects and over 10,000 small infrastructure projects under the “Build, Water woes Build, Build” program. Invoking the arbitral ruling
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Alleged
“onerous”
provisions
National News found in water concession agreements entered into by government with Maynilad and Manila Water angered Duterte, who refused to allow the government to pay the two water firms for damages. Duterte began questioning the alleged onerous provisions after the Singapore-based Permanent Court of Arbitration issued separate decisions, compelling the Philippine government in 2017 to pay PHP3.4 billion to Maynilad and in November 2019 to compensate PHP7.39 billion to Manila Water for the losses the two firms allegedly suffered due to non-implementation of increases in water rates.
the 25-year concession deals signed in 1997 is considered ineffective. The President will make a major announcement in relation to the alleged onerous contracts on Jan. 6, 2020, according to Malacañang. Peace talks situation Duterte permanently terminated the government’s peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on March 18 saying the communist guerillas could talk peace with his successor instead.
The CPP-New People’s Army (NPA) has been tagged as a terrorist organization by the United States, the Saying the water deals “mirror” European Union, United Kingdom, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Law or Republic Act 3019, Duterte the Philippines. threatened to sue them for economic sabotage. Duterte later created a new panel, to include representatives from different Duterte asked the Department sectoral groups, local government units, of Justice and Office of the Solicitor and the military, to supervise localized General to craft new water concession peace engagements. agreements that are “favorable to the The Retooled Community State and the Filipino people” and also floated the idea of ordering the military Support Program is continuously being to take over the operations of the two implemented in areas with vulnerable populations to ensure the improved water concessionaires. delivery of basic services. The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) had revoked the approved 15-year extension of concession agreements with Manila Water and Maynilad that are supposed to expire in 2037 which means the two firms only have until 2022 to operate since the 2009 resolution extending
However, Duterte on Dec. 5 bared that he has directed former government chief negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello to talk peace with CPP founder Jose “Maria” Sison hopeful to re-open negotiations with CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).
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Bello said that peace talks could resume by the second or third week of January 2020, but the government and the communist rebels have yet to agree on the negotiation’s venue.
on May 23, 2017 after the Islamic Stateinspired Maute group laid siege in Marawi City in Lanao de Sur province.
Congress extended the initial 60day martial rule three times upon the No 4th Martial law President’s recommendation to help state forces quell the insurgency in Despite possible attacks by Mindanao. communist guerillas in the future, Duterte, on Dec. 10, backed security Security officials, however, are officials’ recommendation not to counting on proposed amendments to extend the martial law, following the the Human Security Act of 2007 to give weakening of the terrorist and extremist them more teeth to fight terrorism. rebellion. Among the proposed Even without martial law in place, amendments to this law include Duterte was optimistic that the state increasing the number of days a forces can maintain peace and order suspected terrorist can be detained in Southern Philippines. from the current three days and to allow regional trial courts to issue To recall, Duterte placed the authorizations and to wiretap suspects whole of Mindanao under military rule from 30 days to 60 days or longer. (PNA)
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