Caraga InFocus –Volume VII, No. 01

Caraganon riders join DOT’s Motourismo Campaign

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

With the easement of travel restrictions and re-opening of different establishments and leisure places in Caraga region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga has also launched the “Riders Recharge Year 3: Motourismo Campaign” to boost the tourism industry development and encourage more tourists to visit the region and enjoy its known tourist destinations.

Butuan City to Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Norte.

According to DOT Caraga Regional Director Nelia Arina, this is a way to promote the tourism of each municipality/stopover areas during the loop which took them about more than 400 kilometers.

Around one hundred fifty riders who are also vloggers themselves have voluntarily registered and joined in the Motourismo Campaign by discovering the scenic spots of the different municipalities, cities and provinces from

“This year’s Motourismo Campaign aims to support and strengthen domestic tourism encouraging tourists to visit and explore once again the different known tourism destinations in the region, and highlight the new normal travel option through cycle and motorcycle leisure riders,” she said.

Syra Concha, 24 years old and one of the female riders from Tandag City, expressed her support to the DOT’s initiative and vowed to share in their social media platforms the wonderful places in Caraga, which they visited. She said it was a leisure ride activity that brought riders memorable experience where they witnessed the beauty of the different parts of the region that were part of the loop.

“This was my first time to join the Caraga loop and I am delighted to have experience not only the beauty of Caraga region, but the meaningful ride that we took for this year’s Motourismo Campaign along with the riders not

only from Caraga but including other regions who actively participated in the activity,” shared Concha.

Reynald Maglinte, 32 years old from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, and Mindanao Director of Philippine Intercontinental Golden Wings – Riders and Humanitarian Organization, also encouraged other motorists/riders the promote Caraga region’s tourism and tourist destinations by participating in the next Motourismo Campaign and other related activities of DOT.

excitement, and really love seeing different places of Caraga will surely enjoy the travel, as well as the company and camaraderie with other participants,” Maglinte said.

Meanwhile, Police Major Andrew Ponay, Provincial Officer of Highway Patrol Group (HPG) – Surigao City, reiterated that riders should always have to follow the rules and regulations imposed during the ride for the loop, to ensure their safety and prevent any untoward incident.

discipline and order during the long ride, and ensure that they do not violate any traffic rules. We also have other personnel assigned at the different stop-over areas in the region to look after the security and safety of participants,” explained Ponay.

“Riders like me who are passionate and have great

“In activities such as this, the Motourismo Campaign, we give orientation to all the participants to instill

The DOT claimed that this year, the number of participating riders have increased compared to the previous years of the Motourismo Campaign, which the Department considered a good sign and manifestation that more are interest to take active part in promoting the tourism industry of the region. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

News Briefs

Three master weavers from Mindanao namely Ambalang Auhum Ausalin, Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, and Yabing Masalon Dulo were proclaimed Manlilikha ng Bayan for 2016 by the virtue of Proclamation No. 126 s. 2017.

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga spearheads 75th Regional Vaccination Operations Center (RVOC) and Response Cluster Meeting via Zoom platform with members from the different government agencies and local government units in Caraga. The team discusses updates on the COVID-19 situation; vaccination accomplishments and other matters.

The Department of Education issued DEPED Order No. 34 series of 2022 requiring all public and private school teachers, staff and students including the community learning centers for the resumption of classes from the holiday season on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. The said issuance entitled, “School Calendar and Activities for the School Year 2022-2023,” indicated a total of 203 school calendar days beginning on August 22, 2022 and to end on July 7, 2023. Private schools and state/ local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) offering basic education have the choice to implement or deviate from the school calendar subject to certain requirements.

Catch us at the Kapihan with PIA this January 13, 2023 at SM City Butuan to discuss the SIM Registration Act (SRA) with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Caraga and giant telcos Smart Communications and Globe Telecomm.

PSA CARAGA LINES UP CONDUCT OF SURVEYS, CHIEF ENJOINS PUBLIC SUPPORT AND ASSURES CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga regional office has scheduled the conduct of surveys for the year 2023. Surveys include the Labor Force Survey (LFS), Farm Price Survey (FPS), Enhanced Rice and Corn Stocks Survey for Households and Commercial (RCSS:H/C).

In order to gather a sufficient and accurate data from the surveys, PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda C. Apura enjoins cooperation and support from sample households and respondents and assures them of the confidentiality of the data gathered.

According to director Apura, for the period of January 9 to 31, PSA will hold the LFS with an approximately 2,144 sample housing units in the region to be conducted by the 47 statistical researchers (SRs) and field personnel employing an integrated ComputerAided Data Collection System.

The LFS, according to director Apura is a nationwide quarterly survey of households to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population.

Also, during the last 10 days of every month of this year, PSA will conduct the Farm Price Survey (FPS) covering the major and priority crops with a maximum of 25 farmers per commodity per province. It will gather price information for the last transaction of the sample farmer happening within the survey month, said director Apura.

During the first quarter of this year, PSA will also conduct the Enhanced Rice and Corn Stocks Survey: Household/Commercial (RCSS:H/C) that aims to generate rice and corn stocks inventories for the household and commercial sectors at the national and regional levels and assess the stocks levels compared to the same period in the previous year, and months as well.

“The RCSS:H will employ the same sampling design of the current RCCS:H but with an improved estimation procedure, a sampling frame for non-farming households source out from the 202 Census of Population and Housing,” said director Apura.

For the RCCS:C, a new sampling design and sampling frame will be used for establishments engaged in palay, rice and/or corn trading from the 2021 Updated List of Establishments, director Apura added.

For both the RCSS household and commercial, the collection of data will be undertaken from the first day to the fourth day of the months of January, February and March by the hired SRs and/or regular staff through face-to-face paper and pencil interview (PAPI).

Director Apura also assured that before the conduct of the surveys, hired SRs will undergo orientation and training to have a uniform understanding of the concepts, definitions and terminologies used in the survey. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

YOUNG MOMS NAKADAWAT OG TABANG PINANSYAL GIKAN SA POPCOM

CARAGA

Nakadawat ang 50 ka mga young moms sa sakbayan sa Butuan og cash ug food packs ilawom sa Provision of Conditional Financial Assistance for Adolescent Health and DevelopmentSocial Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children sa Barangay Doongan Covered Court, miaging semana.

Sa mensahe nga gipaabot ni Konsehal Cherry Mae Busa, Committee Chair sa Family, Women, and Children’s Welfare nga dili mo sugot ang Lokal nga Panggamhanan sa Butuan

lakip na ang uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno nga pasagdahan na lamang ang mga young parents lakip na ang mga bata nga nahimugso sa kalibutan. Tungod niini dunay mga interbensyon nga nabuhat para suportahan ug dili mapasagdan ang mga kabataan labi natong dunay sayo nga responsibilidad.

Mapasalamaton si Nics, dili niya tinoud nga pangalan, tungod wala siya nagdahom nga dunay programa para kanila. Plano niya sa kwarta nga nadawat nga ipalit og nag-unang panginahanglanon sa bata. Si Nics usa ka grade

10 student ug naningkamot para sab sa iyang anak.

Adunay kwalipikasyon ang programa ug kinahanglan nahilakip sa Indigent Family, (verified sa DSWD), buros o dunay anak, 18 years old paubos, ug mo comply sa Personal Development Plan kun PDP.

Nanguna sa aktibidad ang Commission on Population and Development-Caraga pinaagi kang Regional Director Alexander Makinano kauban ang presensya sa City Population Office. (Butuan City PIO) #ButuanON #ACityAscending

Mayor Plaza warns illegal gold panner in Carmen

Local Chief Executive Jane Valeroso-Plaza of the Local Government Unit of Carmen, Surigao del Sur, accompanied by Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Alain Cabanilla led the investigation on the verbal report that reached the mayor’s office regarding the alleged illegal gold panning, also known as “biling-biling” happening in some areas of Barangay Hinapoyan on January 4, 2023.

The surprise visit of the lady executive along the river confirmed the validity of the reported alleged small scale mining involving certain individuals doing the illegal activity, “biling-biling”.

Mayor Plaza warned everyone, as she talked and convinced directly to the people present in the area, to stop their illegal activities.

“If we allow mining in Carmen, it’s a shame for us that we are not able to protect the beauty of Carmen and pass it on to future generations,” the lady executive emphasized.

The LGU under the administration of Mayor Plaza has a strong stand on antiillegal mining, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological balance within its domain. As an immediate action, the

mayor requested the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to investigate the identified areas and issue a cease and desist order for the illegal activities.

The LGU is committed to fulfil its duty to protect its natural resources and to promote the general welfare of the people.

Meanwhile, the LCE appeals to everyone to strengthen the engagement with government agencies and other civil society organizations to protect and nurture the forests and watersheds. (LGU-Carmen/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

TAGBINA FA RECEIVES DRYER FROM DA

The Department of Agriculture – Caraga through the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) successfully turned over the two (2) units of All Weather Dryer to the Hinagdanan-Soriano Farmers Association.

The Hinagdanan-Soriano Farmers Association with 30 members is a Farmers Association (FA) of the Local Government Unit of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur that is engaged in

coffee production in a 138 hectares of coffee plantation.

The All-Weather Dryer has an utraviolet stabilized cover to address the limitation of sun drying during intermittent rain. The design protects the coffee from the rain and at the same time, the plastic cover also intensifies the drying temperature thereby reducing drying time.

The drying method is one of the factors that affect the quality of coffee since drying duration affects the fermentation process of coffee.

Present during the turn over were DA-Caraga Field Operations Division

OIC Melody M. Guimary, Dailinda M. Mamalis of the DA-HVCDP, Municipal Agriculturist Warlito D. Untua, the FA’s Chairman Carmelito Q. Pilapil, and the association members. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigaso del Sur)

3 NPA MEMBERS WITH

POWERED FIREARMS YIELD IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

Three members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion under the operational control of 901st Brigade at Brgy Comagascas, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on New Year’s Day.

The three Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) personalities were identified as Maximo Fuentes Vibas Sr., alias Joey, together with his live-in partner Jennifer

Tison Gagbo alias Angel, and Nelboy Nanoy Yubos, alias DJ who brought along one (1) 5.56 Magpul rifle. The three are all regular members of the New People’s Army’s Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) of the weakened Guerilla Front 16 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID).

Alias Angel said, “Kapoy na sad kaayo magsige rag lihok sa kabukiran, gimingaw na kaayo mi sa among pamilya. Karon kay bag-ong tuig naman

panahon na siguro aron magbag-o para sad sa akong pamilya.” (I am too tired to continue moving in the mountains. I missed my family so much. Now that it is new year, I guess this is the right time to change for my family’s sake).

During the initial interview, alias Joey said that they decided to surrender because they were already exhausted and experienced hunger due to the continuous military operations in the area and their food

supplies had been cut off.

Subsequently, Alias Joey revealed two (2) separate locations of arms cache where they hid some of the firearms and volunteered to guide government troops in the area. Wasting no time, the troops of 29IB proceeded to the hinterland areas of Brgy. Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte and recovered (5) M16 rifles, one (1) M4 rifle, one (1) 40mm grenade launcher, and one (1) Genset (10i color red).

These newly surrendered NPAs are now at the custody of 29IB for further interview and processing of the Enhanced Comprehensive

Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits due them.

BGen George L Banzon, PA, Commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade commend the troops of 29IB under the leadership of LTc Cresencio C Gargar, PA for their continuing effort in running after the remaining members of the terrorist NPA operating in the province of Agusan del Norte. “This accomplishment is another breakthrough in our relentless effort in pursuing the diminishing numbers of NPA following the series of neutralization of seasoned NPA cadres in the province.”

government authorities is one of the best decisions you made in your life for you don’t know what would be your fate once you engage with the government troops pursuing after you,” Banzon said to the former rebels.

“Your decision to submit yourselves to the

“Once again, my plea to the remaining NPA members, do not waste your life getting involved in a fruitless armed conflict waged by communist terrorists. Abandon the armed struggle now while you still have time. We will not cease to go after you, we will intensify our focused military operation in the triboundary of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur where most of the remaining and remnants of weakened guerilla fronts in Caraga Region are currently hiding and seeking refuge as revealed by newly surrendered active NPA regulars, until the last NPA member will be caught or surrendered,” the General said in his closing statement. (901st Infantry Brigade, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

UPAT KA MIEMBRO SA CPP-NPA SA LAS NIEVES, MISURENDER

Personal nga nakigpulong si Mayor Karen Rosales sa upat ka mga miembro sa walhong grupo atol sa ilang pormal nga pagsurender ngadto sa panggamhanan.

Kauban ni Mayor Karen ang ubang lokal nga opisyales sa Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte ug ang mga miembro sa kapulisan nga giulohan ni PCapt. Auriel Lumasag.

(SRSDG) Sagay, sa SubRegional Committee 3 (SRC-3), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) sa New People’s Army (NPA).

Ang laing tulo ka mi surrender pulos mga babaye nga giila lamang sa ilang mga alyas nga “Dindin”, “Jamby”, ug “Nicky”.

Sila si Alias Jamby ug Alias Nicky pulos mga mabdos atol sa ilang pagsurrender. Ila usab gi turnover sa atubangan ni Mayor Karen ang duha (2) ka mga AK-47 rifles ug laing duha (2) ka mga .38 revolvers.

Sa upat ka mga mi surrender, usa kanila ang residente sa Las Nieves nga nailhan nga si Cesar Corilla, Squad Leader, Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad

Si Alias Dindin nagsilbi isip legal officer sa grupo sa mga mag-uuma ilalum sa Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) sa NPA samtang sila Alias Jamby ug Alias Nicky mga miembro sa SRSDG Sagay, SRC-3, NCMRC.

Gipadayag ni Alias Dindin ang tumang kalisud nga ilang nasinati sa kabukiran samtang nakiguban pa sila sa NPA, ang armadong pwersa sa Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ug sa National Democratic Front (NDF).

Iyang gidugang mga misamot pa ang ilang

kalisud sa dihang hugtanong gipatuman sa panggamhanan ang Executive Order No. 70 ilalum sa administrayon ni kanhing Presidente Rodrigo Duterte.

Ang EO 70 nagmando sa kinatibok-an, hiniusa ug nasudnong pagningkamot sa tanang ahensiya sa panggamhanan, kauban ang mga lokal nga panggamhanan, sa pagwagtang sa mga teroristang grupo sa Pilipinas, ilabi na ang CPP-NPA-NDF.

“Tungod sa tumang

kalisud, midangop kami sa Barangay Consorcia pinaagi ni Kapitan Wennie Loquinte aron mapahibalo sa awtoridad ang among pagsurrender,” matud pa ni Alyas Dindin. Iyang gidugang nga buot na usab siyang mouli sa iyang pamilya aron makauban ang iyang mga anak nga dugay na niyang wala makita.

Mayor Karen ang mga kanhing rebelde uban sa pagdayeg sa ilang nahimong desisyon nga bag-ohon na ang ilang kinabuhi.

“Magbag-o na ko para sa akong mga anak. Ang importante alang kanako karon mao ang ilang kaugmaon,” gidugang pa ni Alias Dindin. Mainitong giabi-abi ni

“Nakita na gyud nato ang bunga sa atong mga pagpaningkamot, ilabi na sa Municipal Peace and Order Council sa Las Nieves nga mao ang nagpaduol sa mga serbisyo sa gobyerno ngadto sa mga lagyong barangay,” matud pa ni Mayor Karen.

Kung kahinumdoman, kaniadtong nobyembre 2022 lamang

gipahigayon ang Las Nieves Cares Community Immersion Serbisyo Caravan sa lungsod diin isa sa mga barangay ang nahatagan sa serbisyo mao ang Barangay Consorcia.

Kapitan Loquinte sa nahimong desisyon sa mga kanhing rebelde.

Development Office.

Ang maong programa pinasikad gihapon sa EO No. 70 nga gitambongan sa nagkadaiyang ahensiya sa panggamhanan nga midala sa ilang mga serbisyo ngadto sa kabarangayan sa Las Nieves.

Mipadayag usab og kalipay si Barangay

“Dako akong pagtimbaya nga ang atong mga kaigsoonan nga nakabig sa walhong grupo andam na gyud nga moanib sa gobyerno,” matud pa ni Kapitan Loquinte.

Mainiton usab nga gidawat sa mga opisyales sa Las Nieves ang mga mitahan nga mga rebelde. Isip suporta kanila, adunay gihatag nga mga foodpacks ug assistance gikan sa Municipal Social Welfare and

Human sa pakigpulong kang Mayor Karen, ang upat ka mga kanhing rebels pormal nga gi turnover ngadto sa 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) alang sa dugang pag proseso.

Ang 23IB maoy mopahigayon sa ilang pagpangandam aron sila ma enroll ngadto sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) sa panggamhanan. (LGU Las Nieves/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Surigao Norte MSMEs join the DOST-Caraga 2022 consultancy program

The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are considered the backbone of the economy for they constitute the highest percentage in the total number of business establishments and greatly contribute to the gross domestic product of the country.

Given the impact of MSMEs in the Philippine economy, their growth and expansion are of strategic importance.

The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST)

consultancy service is one of the government’s initiatives to assist MSMEs in realizing their potential. The Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) Program assists MSMEs to attain higher productivity through improvements in the overall operation of the firm.

It is a consultancy service which taps a pool of experts and consultants to examine major areas like the manufacturing process, plant and equipment design, product planning and control system,

materials management system, quality control and assurance system, safety and housekeeping practices, financial control system, human resource, and support services utilization.

While the Cleaner Production Technology Assessment involves the identification of waste sources, causes, and appropriate cleaner production or CP options in a manufacturing enterprise. These CP options are opportunities that will help the facility to reduce waste generation and at the same

time, increase its productivity.

Finally, the Energy Audit is a technical consultancy service provided by DOST using effective assessment techniques for energy related operations. It involves a critical examination of an energy consuming facility. It is a starting point for implementation and control of an Energy Conservation Program.

In CY 2022, ten manufacturing firms from the province of Surigao del Norte availed the MPEX program that include the RGC Charcoal Trading, Gigaquit Nipa Wine Shared Service Facility, VTA Link Printing Services, Guindulman Hollow Blocks

Manufacturing, SRS Industrial Trading, Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing, Llano Rice Mill, AP Solid Blocks, Mary Grace Litson Manok and Bakery, Kapihan sa Mainit.

While twelve firms availed of the Cleaner Production Technology and Energy Audit consultancy service namely: RGC Charcoal Trading Cardinal Bakeshop, French Bread House, CJ Machine Shop, VTA Link Printing Services, Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing, Gellans Sweets, Cakes & Party Needs, SRS Industrial Trading, Guindulman Hollow Blocks Manufacturing, Gold Ribbonette Bakeshop, JF

Roofing and Accessories Revil Rice Mill.

The DOST-Caraga consultancy programs are implemented in partnership with the Summit Consultancy and Research Services.

DOST will continue to make a positive difference for the MSMEs all over the country through science, technology, and innovation. Follow our official Facebook page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte and our Instagram account www.instagram. com/dost.sdn to be updated with our programs, projects, and activities in the province. (DOST- SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PPA SURIGAO CITY SECURITY SCREENER DOES IT AGAIN, RETURNS SLING BAG WITH CASH

For Security Screener

John Rey Yap, honesty is a virtue that must define his first day at work for the new year.

For the second time around, Yap found a sling bag containing around P11,590.00 cash and IDs left behind at the port’s Baggage X-ray Machine while on duty at the Port of Surigao’s Passenger Terminal Building security inspection area late afternoon on January 2, 2023.

Yap again immediately sought help from the Port Police Officer on duty, who then tried to locate the owner based on Identification Cards found inside the bag.

Within minutes, a grateful Oiram M. Urbiztondo, showed up at PMO Surigao’s Port Police Division Headquarters to claim the bag. Urbiztondo got his belongings back after having been verified as the rightful owner.

It may be recalled that

on July 3, 2022, Yap successfully returned P80,000 in cold cash contained inside a bag left behind in the Baggage X-ray Machine Conveyor at the Port of Surigao Passenger Terminal Building. The security screening unit is under the direct supervision of PMO Surigao’s Port Police Division. (PPA- PMO Surigao/PIA- Surigao del Norte)

DOST SURIGAO NORTE HOLDS FOOD SAFETY TRAINING AND INSPECTION FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS IN GENERAL LUNA, SIARGAO ISLAND

As tourists around the world visit and enjoy the diverse and worldclass cuisine of Siargao Island, food handlers in the Local Government Unit of General Luna are also equipped with food safety standards through proactive conduct of food safety awareness seminar and similar

initiatives.

The Department of Science and Technology – Caraga (DOST-Caraga), with the assistance of its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Surigao del Norte recently conducted the food safety training and inspection for food

establishments in General Luna, Siargao Island.

The activity was initiated by the LGU in partnership with the DOST to capacitate the participants with knowledge on food safety and good manufacturing practices.

The resource person, Engr. Emman Lliam L. Prisco, Science Research Specialist II and a member of the Caraga Food Safety Team (CFST), introduced the principle of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and encouraged the participants to employ up-to-date technologies and food processing systems.

the participants the sanitation guidelines to ensure food safety and quality and also discussed the proper way of cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces, as well as the food safety hazards and prevention of cross contamination.

He presented to

food safety and good manufacturing standards. The inspection findings and recommendations of the CFST were then discussed with the owners and managers in order to improve their facility and food processing system. DOST and LGU-General Luna expressed their gratitude to the food handlers for their

cooperation in the activity. DOST hopes to sustain the food safety initiative in the municipality to help improve the economy and tourism industry in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

DOST-SDN also encourages MSMEs, whose operations are located within the province and

are engaged in the manufacture of food products, food service, and marketing and trading to avail of the services under our program. Follow us on Facebook Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte for more updates about the DOST Caraga Food Safety Program. (DOSTSDN/PIA- Surigao del Norte)

After the training, the DOST-Caraga Food Safety Team conducted a 2-day inspection

on November 18 to 19, 2022 to 20 food establishments in General Luna. The team was accompanied by Ms. Madelyn F. Veedor, General Luna Assistant Tourism Officer, and Dick E. Oraliza, Municipal Health Representative. The local carinderias, restaurants, and resorts inspected were thoroughly evaluated and examined in accordance with

DTI -11 rakes in P7-M sales in 2022 Mindanao Trade Expo

The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11), in partnership with the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc., ended 2022 with a trade fair that raked in PHP7.2 million in sales.

furniture and fixtures, and processed food. The Buy Local By Lokals theme is based on the endless campaign of the agency to entice people in supporting local products,” Ambi said.

trade fairs and widen their markets, DTI11 has provided them with intensive product development packages, seminars and training activities, she said.

MINDANAO NEWS

In a statement Wednesday, DTI-11 Director Maria Belenda Ambi said the amount represents the total sales for retail, booked and under negotiation.

The MTE Christmas Edition, dubbed as “Buy Local By Lokals”, on Dec. 14 to 18 here was participated in by at least 130 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Their products range from fashion accessories to gifts, decors, and

At least 61 of the featured exhibitors from the region were Kapatid Mentor Me graduates, who occupied the 12 booths provided by DTI for each of its six provincial and field offices throughout the Davao Region.

“The key goal here is to boost their entrepreneurial capacity through improved access to mentorship, money and market,” Ambi added.

To prepare small-scale entrepreneurs for

“We at DTI ensure that we provide interventions according to our MSMEs’ needs. Aside from our in-house specialists on the different facets of the business, we have also partnered with various industry leaders and experts to prepare and improve them more,” she said.

As of December 2022, DTI 11 has assisted a total of 26,036 MSMEs in the region or some 103 percent of the agency’s annual target. (PNA/ Che Palicte)

LOCAL PRODUCTS. Various local products are showcased during the Mindanao Trade Expo on Dec. 14 to 18 in Davao City. The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region reported Wednesday (Jan. 4, 2023) that the event raked in PHP7.2 million in sales. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

Shear line rains, floods damage

36 schools in Mindanao: DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) assured Monday it would assist all affected schools in Mindanao following the flooding due to shear line-induced torrential rains.

In a Viber message, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said at least 36 schools – 25 from Northern Mindanao, 10 in Caraga Administrative Region, and one in Zamboanga Peninsula –reported damage to their structures.

Poa said PHP363.5 million worth of recovery funds are needed to repair the 36 affected schools. Also, Poa reported that eight learners sustained injuries while 2,548 were displaced. He said the department would provide response interventions to affected students and personnel.

could not provide complete figures yet as they are still awaiting reports from the field.

“The schools being used as ECs (evacuation centers) have increased due to continuous rains and flooding experienced in some areas,” Poa said.

The DepEd, meanwhile, said the number of schools used as evacuation centers has increased. Poa, however,

“For Caraga, the number of schools currently being used as ECs as of today is 86. We will probably have a clearer picture in a couple of days,” he said. (PNA/ Stephanie Sevillano)

FILE: Department of Education (DepEd) spokesperson Michael Poa. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

PBBM SECURES $22B IN INVESTMENT PLEDGES FROM CHINESE INVESTORS

Chinese investors have committed USD 22.8 billion in investment pledges after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met them during his state visit to China. These investment commitments include USD 1.72 billion for agribusiness, USD 13.76 billion for renewable energy (RE), and USD 7.32 billion for strategic monitoring (electric vehicle, mineral processing).

During the roundtable discussion Thursday

with agribusiness chief executive officers (CEOs) in Beijing, President Marcos appreciated the contribution of all the participating companies in the Philippines’ move toward a more modern and sustainable agricultural sector.

In the agribusiness roundtable meeting, trade deals were based primarily on the signing of the protocol on market access for Philippine durian to China. Investments were also sealed in coconut

and food processing; development of durian production; and processing and marketing, as well as alternative green technology for animal feeds and other agriculture related products. Two cooperative agreements were also sealed to ensure a sustainable supply of agriculture inputs, especially fertilizers.

According to the President, the country’s agricultural sector possesses

a huge potential to drive economic development with its thriving agribusiness ecosystem, abundant land, and fishery resources, rich pool of competent manpower, local availability of raw materials, favorable policy environment, as well as strong government support.

He welcomed the intention of some Chinese companies to invest in coconut, durian production, and the Philippine livestock sector, which he said could generate much-needed employment, enrich the sector’s research and development activities, enhance domestic and international trade, and ensure food security.

On renewable energy, the roundtable meetings noted an increase in investment pledges in Philippine Renewable Energy (RE) projects due to the lifting in December 2022 of foreign ownership on RE generation projects.

wind, but also includes manufacturing of equipment such as wind turbine generation towers, foundations, and also blades, and other wind turbine parts.

The country also welcomes investors in photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind turbine generation, waste-to-energy, and other renewable energy projects.

In his remarks during the roundtable with Chinese businesses on the renewable energy sector, the President said there are investment opportunities for them in the Philippines as energy demand continues to grow and keep pace with the country’s projected strong economic growth.

“We look forward to more Chinese investments in renewable energy pursuits such as in solar and wind, as well as in related sectors including battery energy storage systems and off-grid power supply systems,” he said.

In meeting CEOs on mineral processing and e-vehicles (EVs), President Marcos said the Philippine economic fundamentals remain strong and have been steadily improving.

“I assure you that our government is committed to support your business activities in the country,” he told the CEOs.

He invited them to explore investment opportunities in mineral processing and battery precursor production, assembly of EVs, and manufacture of EV parts and components.

Investment interest is mainly in solar and

Chinese investors may also find potential in the manufacturing of renewable energy project parts and equipment, he said, hoping they can help the Philippines develop expertise in power generation equipment manufacturing.

At the same time, the President encouraged investment cooperation on green development in green technology and technological innovation platforms such as R&D centers, innovation centers, laboratories, and incubators.

PH, CHINA AGREE TO SURPASS PRE-PANDEMIC BILATERAL TRADE, EXPAND AREAS OF CAPITAL MARKET COOPERATION

The Philippines and China have agreed to further increase a more balanced bilateral trade and expand capital market cooperation.

In a joint statement released following the meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping, both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in trade, agriculture, infrastructure, and other areas.

“The two leaders highlighted the importance of promoting more balanced trade between the two countries by facilitating greater market access for Philippine exports into China,” the statement said.

Both sides also welcomed the updating of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the Philippine Stock Exchange, further expanding the areas of capital market cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also welcomed the signing of numerous agreements between the business sectors, contributing to economic growth and development for both countries.

“Both sides will continue to promote sustainable and inclusive trade bilaterally and regionally, enhance cooperation in the areas of digital economy and green development,” it said.

The two countries also agreed to cooperate further on agricultural development, with the two leaders witnessing the signing of several agreements on agriculture such as the Action Plan on Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperation (20232025), the handover certificate of Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural TechnologyTechnical Cooperation Program Phase III, and the Protocol Agreeing on the Phytosanitary Requirements for Philippine Fresh Durian Exports to China.

At the same time, the Philippines extended appreciation to the Chinese government for providing urgently needed agricultural inputs.

In infrastructure development, the two countries agreed to carry forward high-quality projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program to spur economic growth.

Both countries signed an updated MOU on the BRI, and the Framework Agreement on Priority Bridges Crossing Pasig-Marikina River and Manggahan Floodway Bridges Construction Project, and two handover certificates on successfully completed Chinese-funded Philippine infrastructure projects.

They also discussed loan agreements that would support Philippine infrastructure development.

PBBM GETS $13.7B INVESTMENT PLEDGES FROM CHINESE COMPANIES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s meeting on Thursday with Chinese chief executive officers (CEOs) on renewable energy (RE) yielded USD 13.76 billion in investment pledges for the Philippine energy sector.

During the roundtable with Chinese businesses on RE, President Marcos said there are investment opportunities for them in the Philippines as energy demand continues to grow and keep pace with the country’s projected strong economic growth.

“We look forward to more Chinese investments in renewable energy pursuits such as in solar and wind, as well as in related sectors including battery energy storage systems and offgrid power supply systems,” he said.

They may also find potential in the manufacturing of renewable energy project parts and equipment, he said, hoping they can help the Philippines develop expertise in power generation equipment manufacturing.

At the same time, the Philippines also welcomes investors in photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind turbine generation, waste-to-energy, and other renewable energy projects, the President said.

Other areas include investments in the more specialized areas of hydrogen production and storage, energy storage systems, and off-grid energy systems, he noted.

Also during the roundtable meeting, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla promised to address issues confronting the Philippine energy sector, assuring investors that the government is working on them.

One of which is the connection to the grid, which the energy department is currently working on, to ensure that the connection to the grid will be there, especially for offshore wind.

And with the State Grid of China’s 40 percent interest in the national grid company of the Philippines, Lotilla said it is important for the Philippines to

work together with China.

“So we look forward to continued cooperation on your part and we would like to assure you that working together with our Department of Trade and Industry, we will provide you with full support in order to hasten the cooperation between the Philippines and China,” he said.

Lotilla also echoed during the meeting the Marcos administrations’ objectives of attaining 35 percent renewable energy by 2030, and 50 percent by 2040.

To meet those targets, he said an additional 52,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2040 will be needed.

“And of the 52,000 [energy demand], 27,000 megawatts will be from solar and another 16,000 megawatts from wind,” he said.

“But this does not take into account right now the total offshore wind potential of 178 gigawatts or 178,000 megawatts for the Philippines as a whole,” he added.

PBBM OPENS DOOR

FOR MORE PH FRUIT EXPORTS TO CHINA

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday opened the country’s door for more Philippine fruit exports to China as he cited the agricultural sector “at the forefront” of the post-pandemic economic recovery strategy.

“As the protocol for the export of fresh Philippine durian was signed yesterday, the market for this fruit is now open to Philippine exporters and Chinese importers,” President Marcos said in his remarks at a roundtable discussion with chief executive officers (CEOs) from the agriculture sector in Beijing, China.

President Marcos was referring to Manila and Beijing’s agreement on a protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh durians from the Philippines to China between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and China’s General Administration of Customs.

USD 2.09 billion in purchase intentions for Philippine fruit exports secured by the Marcos administration also covers coconut and bananas, among others.

The President said at least four companies had expressed their intention to purchase more Philippine tropical fruit products, especially durian.

Fresh fruits, including Cavendish bananas, have been the top drivers for Philippine agricultural exports to China.

The chief executive noted the

agriculture sector’s vast economic potential and assured business leaders that durian growers, represented in the meeting by the Davao Durian Industry Association, “have long waited for this opportunity and are ready to meet the demands of the Chinese market.”

The Davao region covers 78 percent of the total durian production in the country.

It was noted that Chinese people have an appetite for durian that in 2021, total durian imports from Thailand amounted to USD 4 billion, more than triple the total Philippine agricultural exports to China in the same period.

President Marcos also welcomed the intention of several Chinese companies to invest in coconut, the livestock sector, and develop durian as a plantation crop.

“These will generate muchneeded employment, enrich the sector’s research and development activities and capabilities, enhance domestic and international trade, and ensure food security at affordable prices,” said the President.

The Philippines’ Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan is also expected to facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of the Philippine coconut industry, according to the President.

The plan aims to provide the catalyst needed to enable more coconut products from the Philippines to enter the Chinese market.

President Marcos also noted the “great potentials” of the country’s coconut products once exported to the Chinese market.

In the same meeting, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual touted the Philippines as a “highly promising production base for agribusiness, a source also of products for export to China.”

“We invite you to firm up your interest to make [an] investment destination in the Philippines for plantation development and building of processing facilities,” he told businessmen.

The trade chief also noted the country’s “large working age population and growing pool of skilled workforce.”

In 2021, 58 percent of the country’s exports to China was composed of fresh fruits, dominated by Cavendish bananas, followed by fresh pineapples, Lady Finger bananas, Solo papayas, Hass avocados, and young green coconuts.

However, the bulk is Cavendish bananas at 75 percent of total fresh fruit exports.

PBBM, CHINA NPC CHAIR SEEK

TO RAISE LEVEL OF COOPERATION IN TRADE, ECONOMY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met with China’s National People’s Congress chairman Li Zhanshu in a bid to strengthen the relationship between Manila and Beijing.

During the meeting, which was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Marcos stated the need to raise the level of cooperation between China and the Philippines, particularly as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

The strong connection between the two countries has become more and more infinite as time goes on, the President said, highlighting the increasing trade and economic cooperation between the Philippines and China.

President Marcos told Li that their two countries must look upon the next few years as years of opportunity and that the two nations have been given an opportunity to remake their global economy together under a new normal.

According to the Philippine leader, he always believes that the relationship in the next few years will be partnerships that will stabilize and strengthen both economies to be able to face various challenges.

And with China being involved in government-to-government

cooperation with the Philippines and its private sector in trade and infrastructure programs, President Marcos said he hopes China will continue to invest in the Philippines.

Although there are some disagreements, Marcos said the two countries must not allow them to be “the sum” of their relationship.

The relationship must extend to commerce, culture, education, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people exchanges, the President stressed.

President Marcos said his meeting with the officials and with the President of China “reaffirm our commitment to the friendship between the Philippines and China.”

The meeting was also aimed at reaffirming the Philippines’ policy to continue to strengthen

that relationship and to consider the strategic partnership not only for the Philippines and for China but for the entire region of the Asia Pacific.

President Marcos expressed his gratitude to Li for the hospitality that China has shown to him and the members of his delegation.

Among those who accompanied the chief executive were First Lady Louise AranetaMarcos, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Imee Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo.

DOH warns vs. disinformation on Omicron XBB symptoms

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned the public against the dissemination of inaccurate information on Omicron XBB subvariant symptoms.

The department said the public should be cautious with the messages they receive through texts and social media, citing DOH Memorandum No. 2022-0578 intensifying surveillance activities amidst a fresh surge of coronavirus disease in China.

“The said document was issued to intensify surveillance activities amidst rising Covid-19 cases abroad,” the DOH said in an advisory.

The agency explains that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) generally exhibits flulike symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain and diarrhea among others.

It urged the public to consult a physician or

to head to the nearest health facility for the proper diagnosis of symptoms.

To help prevent the further transmission of Covid-19, the public is advised to continue observing proper sanitation, masking, distancing, good ventilation and getting vaccinated.

The DOH also urged the public to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms. (PNA/Ma. Teresa

Montemayor)

Department of Health (PNA file image)

PH GOV’T READY TO HELP FILIPINOS

IN CHINA AMID COVID SURGE

The Philippine government is on top of the situation to ensure the safety of Filipinos in China amid the reported surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in one of the world’s most populous nations, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime Florcruz said.

cases.

“Tuluy-tuloy naman po ang pagtulong ng gobyerno sa kung sinuman ang nangangailangan (The government will continue to provide assistance to anyone),” he said.

In an interview on Wednesday, Florcruz said the Philippine Embassy in China is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos who will be affected by the spike in Covid-19

“Nandiyan ang embassy na tumutulong sa kung sinuman ang may kailangan. At inaadvise sila na mag-ingat hangga’t kaya (The embassy is there to help everyone who is in need

(File photo)

of assistance. And there is an advice for them to be careful as much as possible),” Florcruz added.

To date, there are an estimated 14,000 members of the Filipino community in China, Florcruz said.

A “high-level” meeting between World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese officials was held on Dec. 30, 2022 to get further information about Covid-19 situation in

China.

During the meeting, officials from China’s National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration briefed WHO on the Chinese government’s Covid-19 pandemic response.

WHO, on the other hand, asked for regular sharing of “specific and real-time” Covid-19 data.

the public is to continue wearing mask, avoid large crowds, and live with Covid),” Florcruz said.

to China in a “bubble” arrangement to minimize the risk of exposure to Covid-19.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday flew to China for a threeday state visit.

However, the Covid-19 situation in China prevented Marcos to hold a meeting with the Filipino community.

Meanwhile, FlorCruz said members of the Filipino community in China are also doing fine despite the developments in the contested South China Sea.

Covid-19 cases ‘under control’

Florcruz said the Covid-19 situation in China “seems to be under control.”

Despite this, he advised the Filipino community in China to stay cautious and follow the health protocols.

“Kumakalat pa rin sa buong China kaya maingat pa rin ang mga tao. Advice sa mga tao na mag-mask pa rin, umiwas sa malalaking crowds pero ina-advise na sila to live with Covid (It’s still spreading to other parts of China, that’s why the people here remain careful. The advice to

While some Filipinos were “disappointed,” they understood that the reason not to schedule a meeting with them during Marcos’ stay in China is valid, Florcruz said.

“Naiintindihan naman nila na una, maikli lang ang bisita, ikalawa, maraming protocols na kailangang sundin, lalo na health protocols. Kaya naiintindihan naman po ng community dito (They understand that [Marcos’] visit [to China] is just a short trip and that there are so many protocols, including health protocols. That’s why the Filipino community understand),” he said.

Marcos and the Philippine delegation traveled

“Hindi naman po naapektuhan ang kanilang buhay, ang kanilang trabaho, at seguridad. Wala po naman tayong nababalitaang masamang pangyayari. Hindi po sila naapektuhan (Their lives, jobs and security are not affected. We have not received any untoward incidents involving them. They are not affected),” he said, adding that Chinese nationals treat Filipinos well and with respect.

“Respetado po ang mga Pilipino dito. At ganoon po ang nakikita natin sa ground dito sa araw-araw na buhay (The Filipinos here are respected and that’s what we observe on the ground),” he added. (With a report from Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA/ Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

FEW COVID-19 PATIENTS

ADMITTED IN HOSPITALS OVER HOLIDAYS: DOH

Hospitals nationwide admitted only a few patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) over the holiday season, a health official said Tuesday.

In a radio interview, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag said the hospitals are not overwhelmed with coronavirus patients. He however did not disclose the number of patients undergoing treatment in facilities.

“Kami’y masaya, bagama’t may mga pasyente po na sa mga ospital, ay hindi naman ganun kadami at masasakripisyo ang serbisyo ng ospital para sa ibang karamdaman (We’re happy, although there are patients in hospitals, there were not a lot, the services of hospitals for other diseases are not sacrificed),” Tayag said.

On Monday, the DOH reported three new severe and critical

cases which brought the tally to 433.

The figure represents 10.7 percent of the total Covid-19 admissions in hospitals from Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023.

The daily average of new Covid-19 cases went down to 494 from last week’s 813.

Tayag urged the public to get tested for Covid-19 as the number of cases go down.

“Inaasahan natin na mayroon pa ring kasi [hindi] naire-report (We’re expecting that there are still unreported cases),” he said.

“Sana, sa mga kababayan natin, kung may mga sintomas po kayo at nagdududa kayo na Covid, magpa-test po kayo para nalalaman natin ang dami ng bilang ng Covid [cases] sa ating bansa (To our fellowmen, if you have symptoms and you’re thinking it’s Covid, get tested so we know the number of Covid cases in the country),” Tayag said.

No vax activities in Parañaque for now

Meanwhile, the Parañaque City Public Information Office on Tuesday announced that it is temporarily suspending Covid-19 vaccination activities until further notice.

In a social media post, the city government advised the public to also monitor announcements on the social media page of the Ospital ng Parañaque in connection with announcements on Covid-19 vaccination schedules.

It also announced the vaccination hub at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay will remain closed until further notice.

The city on Monday announced one new case, bringing its active case count to 17. Three recoveries and no new death were recorded.

Nearly 99 percent of the city’s 56,891 Covid-19 cases have recovered. (with Benjamin Pulta/PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(File photo)

Regional Office

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

Information Centers

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 815-1991 pia.northagusan@gmail.com PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR

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