Caraga InFocus – December 5-11, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

Volume IV, No. 50 December 5-11, 2020

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REGIONAL NEWS 93RD MALASAKIT CENTER OPENS IN LANAO DEL NORTE BISAYA PROGRAM AIDS CDO SCHOOLS IN DISTANCE LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION

SAAD CARAGA FARMERS UNDERGO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING CAPTURING AGRICULTURE’S ESSENCE THROUGH PHOTOS

PROVINCIAL NEWS PDL SA AGUSAN DEL SUR PROVINCIAL JAIL, 15 11NAKA-QUARANTINE DAHIL SA COVID-19 16 6 NPA MEMBERS YIELD TO GOVERNMENT IN AGSUR IP-OSYS COMPLETE COMPUTER LITERACY 18 49TRAINING IN AGSUR TOWN PROVINCIAL BUDGET PARA TUIG 2021 20 P1.4B GIAPROBAHAN SA SP SA SANTIAGO MIPASIUGDA OG GARDENING 22 SKCONTEST NATIONAL NEWS MOLUPYO SA HILIT NGA LUGAR SA AGUSAN 23 MGA NORTE NAABTAN OG AYUDA SA PROBINSYA ANDANAR LAUDS DA CALAMITY RESPONSE 40 EFFORTS FOR BUKIDNON FARMERS 125 IPS, FRS BENEFIT TRAINING SKILLS FROM TESDA 24 IN SURSUR ANDANAR TO PUBLIC SERVANTS: BE MORE PATIENT IN PROMOTING PROGRAMS ADDRESSING CAUSES 42 SURSUR PROVINCIAL SK AIDS MARGINALIZED OF INSURGENCY 25 STUDENTS AMID PANDEMIC STORIES OF ASSISTANCE AND GROWTH, SHARED IN REMOTE VILLAGES IN SURSUR RECEIVE LIVELIHOOD 44 GOVT’S ANTI-HUNGER PROGRAM ANNIVERSARY 26 AID FROM GOV’T

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SURSUR COVID-19 PROTOCOLS REMAIN STRICT AMID REOPENING OF LOCAL ECONOMY DISPLACED MANOBO COMMUNITY IN SURSUR SWEARS ALLEGIANCE TO PH LAW

MINDANAO NEWS MINDANAO MEDIA HUB CONDUCTS PILOT LIVE BROADCAST; BONG GO LAUDS PCOO’S EFFORTS AS HE PROPOSES ANOTHER MEDIA HUB IN THE VISAYAS IT’S JUST PURE COMMON SENSE: BAUNGON CORN GRAINS SILOS SOLVING AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM

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NOGRALES

EDUCATION REFORM MUST INCLUDE IMPROVED TEACHING SKILLS, TRAINING - NOGRALES PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP YIELDS 10K FREE NOCHE BUENA KITS FOR DISTRIBUTION - NOGRALES TASK FORCE ZERO HUNGER CONDUCTS SERIES OF CONSULTATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS - NOGRALES TASK FORCE YOLANDA, NHA TURN OVER 1,354 HOUSING UNITS IN CAPIZ - NOGRALES KING OF SAUDI ARABIA SENDS DONATION TO PRC FOR MARAWI REHABILITATION

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REBUILDING HOUSES, BUILDING HOPE: PRC AIDS CATANDUANES AND CAMSUR FOLKS AFFECTED BY TYPHOON ROLLY PRC ACCOMPLISHES TWICE-HIGH MEASLESRUBELLA AND POLIO VACCINATION PRC TO DISTRIBUTE CASH GRANTS AND SHELTER KITS TO TYPHOON AFFECTED IN BICOL GORDON SPONSORS BILL SIMPLIFYING LAND TITLING TO HELP FARMERS PH RED CROSS OPENS MOLECULAR LAB IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE PRRD TO CAREFULLY REVIEW 2021 BUDGET: PALACE SKIP FESTIVITIES AT LEAST FOR THIS YEAR, PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS FILIPINOS GOV’T TO PROVIDE ORDINARY TRAVELLERS WITH FREE COVID-19 TESTING PALACE NOTES IMPROVEMENT IN TELCO SERVICES, URGES COMPANIES TO BE WORLD-CLASS DND KEEN ON ACQUIRING MORE BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS PRRD WANTS HOTELS USED AS COVID-19 QUARANTINE FACILITIES

COVID-19 NEWS RICH NATIONS WILLING TO SHARE COVID-19 VACCINES TO LESS DEVELOPED NATIONS, SAYS SECRETARY GALVEZ PH TO GET COVID-19 VACCINES FROM 3 MANUFACTURERS SITUATION WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL THRU ‘BAYANIHAN’: GO

CONTENTS

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COVER

Caraga

ANDANAR LEADS 1ST STATE-OF-THE-ART M

Nearly three years since its construction, the Mindanao Media Hub (MMH) is finally ready to serve Mindanaoans, expanding further the reach of government media in regions across the island. During the ceremonial opening here

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on Saturday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said that the “state-of-the-art” facility will provide an opportunity to develop the countryside. Part of the official opening of the MMH

was the airing of its first TV broadcast which featured the regular 11 a.m. Laging Handa Public Briefing with Secretary Andanar as host here while PCOO Undersecretary Rocky Ignacio as co-host from the People’s Television (PTV) headquarters in Caraga INFOCUS

T TV BROADCAST OF MINDANAO MEDIA HUB Quezon City. Secretary Andanar was joined live in the studio by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado. “The Mindanao Media Hub will now serve as the government’s main broadcast hub for regions 10 to 13 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to expand our areas of coverage and help deliver truthful news and information tailored for the region and its people,” he said in his message. “Not only that, this facility will also help contribute to regional development, as well as serve as the training ground for the wave of next-generation media practitioners and professionals for our country,” he added. Caraga INFOCUS

The P700-million facility houses the PCOO’s satellite office in Davao, and its attached agencies such as PTV, Radyo Pilipinas, Philippine News Agency (PNA), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Secretary Andanar also reiterated plans to expand government media this time to reach out Filipinos in the Visayas, through the construction of a Visayas Media Hub by 2022. “May the success

of the Mindanao Media Hub contribute and serve as a pilot initiative for us to establish the Visayas Media Hub, so that we can work towards our goal of having all three major islands covered by the government’s news, information, and communications agencies,” he said. “The realization of this goal will go a long way to promote civic engagement and awareness among all Filipinos on relevant December 5-11, 2020 |

national issues and inform them of the government’s services and programs,” he added. Meanwhile, Senator Go expressed support for the said project, and assured the public that Filipinos in the Visayas will not be left behind on this bid for development. “Marami pong mga munisipyo...probinsya na hindi po naabot ng signal, lalung-lalo na ho sa panahong ito na hindi po nakakalabas ng bahay ang ating mga kababayan. Malaking

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tulong po ito [There are many municipalities and provinces where the signal can’t reach, especially now that the people are not able to go out of their house. This Mindanao Media Hub is a big help],” Senator Go said. Aside from the media hubs, PCOO is also eyeing to build the Government Strategic Communications Academy in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Although its construction was already set for

this year, its fund was reprogrammed to augment the COVID-19 response budget of the country. The said training facility will help address the lack of communications paradigm among government offices by providing an avenue for information officers to be trained and be introduced to more communications technologies that will help them deliver information more efficiently and effectively.

Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs To ensure food security and to make the country’s agriculture sector viable, efficient, and globally competitive, Republic Act no. 11203, otherwise known as the “Rice Tariffication Law” was promulgated. The law created the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) or Rice Fund to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst liberalization of the Philippine rice trade policy that lifted quantitative restrictions on rice imports and replaced it with tariffs, among others. xx

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga received the certificate of recognition from the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga during today’s celebration of the International Day Against Trafficking and 18-Day Campaign to end VAW Culmination Day at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City.

Sexual abuse is a painful traumatic family secret that has rippling effects upon the entire family. Let’s end the culture of silence. Speak up and report to authorities. Members of the RTF-ELCAC Cluster on local gov’t empowermentbasic services-infrastructure and resource management convened today, Dec. 9 to present the members’ accomplishments during the year in order to provide input for the task force’s ways forward for FY 2021.

REGIONAL NEWS

93RD MALASAKIT CENTER OPENS IN LANAO DEL NORTE

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales Indigent and needy families in Kapatagan town and in nearby areas in the Lanao del Norte province can now have ease of access to medical and financial assistance offered by the government through the Malasakit Center established in the Kapatagan Provincial Hospital, which was officially opened on November 24, 2020. With the need to said agencies in one roof. as it is also free of charge. create better health As featured “We have created a services in the country, the in the Bisaya Gyud standard system of government enacted the program episode on availment of assistance Republic Act No. 11463 or Saturday, December for our people who will the Malasakit Center Act 5, with Presidential greatly benefit from the of 2019, the pet bill of Sen. C o m m u n i c a t i o n s medical and financial Christopher Lawrence Operations Office assistance offered by the “Bong” Go. The center (PCOO) Sec. Martin government and other serves as a one-stop- Andanar, Senator Bong institutions, particularly shop for all government Go himself, along with the indigent. Just medical and financial Presidential Assistant approach the center for assistance offered by the for the Visayas Sec. your medical needs,” the Department of Health Michael Lloyd Dino, local senator said. (DOH), Department government officials, and The Malasakit of Social Welfare and hospital staff attended Center established in Development (DSWD), the launching. Kapatagan town is the Philippine Charity Advocating for the country’s 93rd center Sweepstakes Office welfare of the poor, Sen. and the 5th in Northern (PCSO), and other Go urged Filipinos to avail Mindanao. (DMNR/PIAinstitutions, housing the the services of the center, Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

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BISAYA PROGRAM AIDS CDO SCHOOLS IN DISTANCE LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales Through their Bond Paper Gift Project, the ‘Bisaya Gyud’ program donated reams of bond paper to public schools in Cagayan de Oro City in support of distance learning implementation. ‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. Initially launched to help underprivileged Bisaya Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the program’s scope has progressed to serving Bisaya Filipinos nationwide since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, delivering grassroots information on the efforts of local and national governments to address the people’s needs during the health crisis whilst launching their own initiatives through the ‘Operation Tabang’. Receiving the latest batch of donated

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reams of bond papers were teachers from the West Central Elementary School (West CCS) in Brgy. Carmen and Cagayan de Oro City High School (CDOHS). The Bisaya gyud team visited both schools not only to hand out the donations but also to assess the teachers’ plight during the pandemic. Eldenne German, a teacher in West CCS, recounted the challenges they have been facing since the implementation of distance learning, in particular their efforts to sustain the needs of each of their learners. “Others would say that teachers have less to work on considering that classes are not conducted physically, which is completely false. We put in just as much effort in our work. We physically report to our school to make sure that each child is given what they need to continue

learning at home,” said German. Meanwhile, CDOHS Grade 8 teacher Jesser Pairat recalled the adjustments the school made to assist especially the night shift students. “The implementation of blended learning forced students to figure out how to continue learning their own, which is a drastic shift from the traditional face-to-face conduct of learning. Despite this, we make sure to let them know that we are still here should they need help by regularly contacting them and checking on their situation. In this way, not only are we helping them with their problems related to academics but also ease their anxiety somehow as they adjust with the changes in the new modes of learning,” said Pairat. Both teachers expressed their gratitude for the donated bond Caraga INFOCUS

papers and lauded the Bisaya Gyud team for their support to the education sector during the pandemic. Amid the challenges, teacher German encouraged his colleagues to persevere and continue to do their work for the children ‘with love’. “I encourage my colleagues to view the pandemic not as a setback but an opportunity to do better for our learners and help them each step of the way. Let us unite and continue to do our service with dedication for the betterment of our nation,” said German. The ‘Bisaya Gyud’ program is aired every Saturday on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/bisayagyudph. Apart from providing grassroots information on the pandemic, the program also explores Bisaya music and artists and features Bisaya success stories. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

SAAD CARAGA FARMERS UNDERGO FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING By Mark Angelo Pineda

Forty-eight (48) farmer-partners of the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program underwent online training on financial management and agricultural entrepreneurship on December 3-4, 2020. The two-day training among representatives from 17 SAAD-funded farmerassociations in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur elaborated on the

entrepreneurial mindset to help farmers to be decisive, responsive to challenges, and futureoriented. Financial literacy was also discussed the following day, which included properly allocating funds, assessing financial limitations, and taking proactive actions. Training resource speaker Rey U. Frias of the DA-Caraga Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) emphasized that agriculture is in itself a December 5-11, 2020 |

business. With the farmers’ lead role in the country’s agriculture sector, financial management and entrepreneurship are fundamental skills for them to thrive in their endeavors. With the SAAD Program’s end-goal of helping the said farmers to become established agri-preneurs by 2022, capability-building training centered not only on production knowhow but also on financial management has been rolled out. D A - C a r a g a

Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, during his welcome message, stressed that farmers need to be innovative, opportunity-driven, and creative to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. “By empowering the local farmers, we shall see a progressive Caraga Region,” he added. As described by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), entrepreneurship is an elaborate skill; there is no single training that

can turn farmers into entrepreneurs overnight. However, recognizing the role farmers play in the success of their projects, the SAAD Program continuously rolls out training that will equip farmers to be actionoriented. With this, two separate training on effective organizational communication and leadership are set to take place during the first quarter of 2021. (DA-SAAD Caraga/PIA Caraga)

CAPTURING AGRICULTURE’S ESSENCE THROUGH PHOTOS An American photographer, Berenice Abbott, once said “Photography helps people to see.” To showcase the abundance of the agriculture and fishery sectors in Caraga and at the same time intensify the promotion of agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through the Regional Agriculture & Fishery Information Section

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By Vanessa P. Sanchez (RAFIS) conducted Agri Galing Year 2: Mobile Photography Competition. The competition ran for one month. And on December 1, as one of the highlights of the culmination of the celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month and the Organic Agriculture Month, the Awarding Ceremony of the said competition was conducted.

The National Rice Awareness Month aims to raise awareness on the benefits of buying and consuming locally produced rice and also urges the public to support local farmers. On the other hand, the Organic Agriculture Month theme “OA4K: Organikong Agrikultura sa Kumikitang Kabuhayan para sa Kalusugan at Kapaligiran” calls for a food-secure Philippines Caraga INFOCUS

with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk through the organic agriculture way. Through the mobile photography contest which is part of the DACaraga’s Agri-Youth Campaign, the DA hopes to establish a stronger connection with the youth and encourage their participation in agricultural endeavors. With the theme “Survive. Reboot. Grow”, the participants presented their take on the various initiatives and undertakings of the agriculture and fishery sectors in the region. Some of the awardees were physically present to receive their awards while those who could not make it physically, participated Caraga INFOCUS

virtually through google meet. D A - C a r a g a Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega thanked the participants for joining the competition and for helping to spread awareness about the agriculture sector through their photos. In addition, she said that the participants also served as instruments in inspiring others to support the development of agriculture. The winners for the Gen Z Category are: 1st Place – Aaron Dax Ucat, 2nd Place – Jobert Cordero, and 3rd – Jan Edcel Man-on. For the Millennial Category, the winners are: 1st Place – Charmagne Dela Peña,

2nd Place – Ribeth Morgado, and 3rd Place – Garald Rago. Special awards were also given away. For Gen Z, Most Shared Photo was won by ZapMorgado while the RAFIS Choice Award was given to Kristine Gaid. For the Millennial Category, the Most Shared Photo was the entry of Jezreel Salino while the RAFIS Choice Award was given to Claire Oblimar. The Millennial Category winner Charmagne Dela said that she joined the competition because she saw it as an opportunity to show that agriculture is very much alive in their town despite the pandemic. (DA13-RAFIS/ PIA Caraga) December 5-11, 2020 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

11 PDL SA AGUSAN DEL SUR PROVINCIAL JAIL, NAKA-QUARANTINE DAHIL SA COVID-19 Naka-quarantine ngayon ang labing-isang Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) sa loob ng Agusan del Sur Provincial Jail na unang nagkaroon ng sintomas ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). May hiwalay silang lugar para di na makahawa pa ng iba matapos masuring positibo sila sa virus. Naging mabilis naman ang aksyon ng Provincial Health Office kaya agad naagapan ang pagkalat pa ng virus sa loob ng piitan. Ayon kay MaryAnn Padagas, Nurse I ng provincial correctional security management office (PCSMO)-Agusan del Sur, tinututukan ng mga doktor ang kondisyon ng mga apektadong PDL. “Sa ngayon, nakita at nasuri na sila ng ating mga doktor mula sa Provincial Health Office at wala na silang sintomas na nakita. Nakapagbigay na rin Caraga INFOCUS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano ang ating mga doktor ng medical supplies at vitamins para sa mga apektadong pdls,” ani ni Padagas. Tuloy-tuloy din ang pagsasagawa ng contact tracing hindi lang sa mga nasa loob ng piitan, maging sa mga kawani ng Provincial Jail. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng COVID-19 sa Provincial Jail. “ B a g a m a t sumusunod tayo sa health protocols at iba pang measures na pinapatupad sa ating provincial correctional security management office, hindi kasi natin nakikita ang kinakatakutan nating virus, kaya talagang nagulat din ako kung bakit ganun ang nangyari,” banggit ni Gilbert Ga, acting head ng PCSMOAgusan del Sur. Hindi naman mailipat sa mga quarantine facility sa labas ng kulungan ang

mga nagpositibo dahil na rin sa dadaanang proseso ng mga ito at kailangan pa ng court order bukod pa sa kinakailangang seguridad. “Ginagawan na namin ng paraan ang pagkuha ng court order, depende na ito sa korte kung papayagan nilang mailipat ang mga apektadong pdls sa provincial quarantine facility,” dagdag ni Padagas. Ang mga may ihahatid ay di na pinapapasok at hanggang sa entrance ng nasabing pasilidad lamang nila maaaring ibigay ang mga ito dahil na rin sa mahigpit na seguridad at para maiwasan na ang pagkalat ng virus. Sa Disyembre a-siete nakatakdang matapos ang pag-quarintine sa 11 PDL na positibo at asymptomatic o walang sintomas ng sakit. (JPG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) December 5-11, 2020 |

6 NPA MEMBERS YIELD TO GOVERNMENT IN AGSUR By 2Lt. Cecille Tappa Six members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to the government’s fold and peacefully laid down their firearms to the forces of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army at its headquarters in Agusan del Sur.

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The surrenderees were identified as alias ‘Barungos’, six years in the armed struggle; alias ‘Jemuel’, with two years of experience as squad leader; alias ‘Labtik’, a former Militia ng Bayan (MB) member; alias ‘Dondon’, an MB member for seven years together with his wife alias

‘Denden’, an extortion collector and MB and; alias ‘Banjie’, a platoon medic for seven months and was impregnated by her colleague. All of them belong to Guerilla Front (GF) 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) operating in the municipality of San Caraga INFOCUS

Luis and some parts of La Paz, all of Agusan del Sur. After realizing the senseless cause of their armed struggle, said surrenderees peacefully laid down six firearms to the government forces. The surrendered firearms composed of one AK47, one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle and one M1 carbine rifle, one Cal 45 pistol and one Cal 38 revolver. Also, other surrendered items included a total of seven magazines and 77 ammunition. The voluntary surrender of these former rebels (FRs) was made possible through the joint efforts of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade and the Intelligence Section of 26IB in collaboration with the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development (PLED) Support Team Cluster of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Caraga INFOCUS

Armed Conflict (MTFELCAC) of San Luis, Agusan del Sur. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, commended the six surrenderees for their courage and eagerness for returning back to the folds of law. “Welcome back to the mainstream society. You’ve just made the best decision in your life before this year ends. I am happy to commend all of you for coming back to the folds of law without fear and hesitation,” he said. “We are calling our brothers and sisters who are still in the armed group to lay down your arms in order to live peaceful and meaningful lives together with your loved ones especially this coming Christmas. The five decades of armed

struggle have brought senseless death and miseries to hundreds of thousands of our countrymen. Surrender now and we will aspire for a peaceful country,” added Goce. Meanwhile, the unit of 26IB also conducted Custodial Debriefing to the surrenderees who were processed for the enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits, a government program that aims to help the rebel members of Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and MB to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government. (CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur) December 5-11, 2020 |

49 IP-OSYS COMPLETE COMPUTER LITERACY TRAINING IN AGSUR TOWN By 2Lt. Cecille Tappa Some 49 Indigenous Peoples – Out-of-School Youths (IP-OSYs) of Esperanza, this province have completed their 30-day Mobile Computer Literacy (MCL) Training through a closing ceremony held at the Esperanza National High School, Barangay Poblacion, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. The said training was the first ever launched in the province of Agusan del Sur and was made possible through the initiative of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army with the support of the Local Government Unit

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(LGU) of Esperanza and in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Department of Education (DepEd). The said training was aimed to provide the appropriate and basic knowledge and skills for the IP-OSY from the farflung areas to operate a computer which is very essential in this generation where technology is already a part of people’s daily lives. Originally, there were 21 OSYs in attendance during the opening of the training

and an additional of 28 OSYs registered before the start of the training. Cherry Mae O. Ligcuban, one of the students from Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, expressed her gratitude to the LGU and Army troopers for the wonderful opportunity that was given to the IP community. “Daku kaayo among pasalamat sa tanan nga nagpasiugda niining maong programa kung diin kami gitudloan ug nakakat-on sapag operate sa computer ilabi na kay gamit kaayo ni nga kahibalo sa panahon karun. Ug kini usa lamang sa mga Caraga INFOCUS

pipila ka libreng serbisyo sa goberno alang sa katawhan ilabi na sa mga wala naka human sa pagtungha sa taas nga edukasyon tungod sa kalisod (I’m thankful to all the agencies involved in this program. We learned a lot especially on how to utilize and operate the computer which is really useful during this time. This is just one of the many services that the government has for the people particularly those who were not able to finish their education due to poverty,” she said. Esperanza Mayor Leonida Manpatilan lauded the efforts of the concerned agencies and the Philippine Army and vowed to support them in all their developmental endeavors. “Thanks to the Armed Forces and to all supporting agencies for the enormous effort in the implementation of government programs particularly the Mobile Computer Literacy Training for the IPs that would greatly contribute to their knowledge and development. Rest assured, the local government will always look for rooms for more project to its constituents,” Caraga INFOCUS

she bared. Likewise, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, commended the actions and undertakings of the LGU-Esperanza and emphasized the importance of bringing the government closer to the people in the farflung areas especially the IPs. “This activity connotes the importance of winning the trust and confidence of the people, providing what the locals needs to grow and foster in this rising modern community. It is one amongst the benefits of having Executive Order Number 70 or the “Whole of a Nation Approach” where the concerned agencies work hand-inhand in providing services and sociological needs of the people especially in CTG vulnerable areas,” he said. Col. Cerilo C. Balaoro, Deputy Brigade Commander of 402nd Brigade emphasized that the CTGs have been exploiting the minds of the youth for their communist cause discrediting the government efforts in attaining peace and development in our country. “As one of the

vulnerable sectors in our society, the young minds of the youth are being exploited and poisoned by the deceptions and propagandas of these terrorists. They become NPA combatants fighting in the jungle for their futile struggle,” he underscored. “You are here to be trained and to be more educated. This training will prepare and transform you to become productive citizens of the community. The government will continue its efforts in supporting the needs of the youth and the IP communities. Education is the solution, not armed revolution. As advocates of peace, we are now peace partners. Let’s protect the future of our nation by protecting the youth sector against the ambitions of the communist-terrorists. The youth must be in classrooms studying and learning for a brighter future and become useful citizens of our country for they are the future leaders and hope of the coming generations,” Col. Balaoro ended. (CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur) December 5-11, 2020 |

P1.4B PROVINCIAL BUDGET PARA TUIG 2021 GIAPROBAHAN SA SP By Ramon Joma R. Bungabong Giaprobahan sa ikaduha ug ikatulong pagbasa sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte atol sa sesyon regular kaniadtong Disyembre 1, ang Proposed Provincial Appropriation Ordinance No. 0-3982020 nga naggahin og P1,455,307,471.00 sa General Fund ug P9,027,281.00 sa

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Economic Enterprise Fund para sa operasyon sa kagamhanan sa Agusan del Norte sa sunod tuig 2021. Ang maong sugyot ordinansa gipangamahanan ni Bise Gobernador “ RamBu” Bungabong isip principal author, inubanan nila Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo ug Board Member Virgilio R.

Escaseñas, Jr, isip coauthors. Giduso ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaniadtong Oktobre 14 sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang calendar year 2021 Local Expenditure Program. Human sa unang pag basa atol sa sesyon, giintrigo kini ngadto sa Committee on Finance and Appropriation nga Caraga INFOCUS

nagpahigayon dayon og walo ka adlaw nga expanded committee meetings, tinambungan sa mga board member, mga sakop sa Local Finance Committee ug mga hepe sa mga opisina kansang alokasyon ilang gidepensahan. Ang badyet sa General Fund sa sunod tuig 8.7% nga mas dako kay sa badyet karong tuiga. Samtang ang badyet sa Economic Enterprise sa sunod tuig mikunhod og 10% tali sa badyet karong tuiga. Naa usab sa 82% sa tinubdan sa badyet sa sunod tuig langkaton gikan sa gawas kun external sources samtang 18% ra ang mapundohan gikan sa local income. Sama sa kadaghanang LGU, ang Agusan del Norte nagsalig sa Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) nga sa sunod tuig moabot og P1,184,697,471.00. Social services ang gipahatan og pinakadako 45%, gisundan kini sa general services 31% ug ikatulo economic services 24%. Ang personal services account kun gahin para sweldo sa mga opisyal ug kawani sa lalawigan moabot og P942.5 Million Caraga INFOCUS

kun 30.4%, sa kinatibukang badyet. Samtang ang Maintenance ang Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) mokabat tanan og P286.2 Million kun 19.6% sa annual budget. Dako ang gialokar para sa programang Agusan UP: 1.) Amumang Agusanon, P654.4M (45% ubos sa social services); 2.) Hiniusang Lihok Agusan, P457.5M (31%

ubos sa general services); 3.) Agusan 3Ps, P343.7M (24% ubos sa economic services. Ang badyet para sa Provincial Economic Enterprise Devlopment Office (PEEDMO) pagakuhaon gikan sa usab sa kaugalingong kita niini sa mga patigayon nga giapilan sa lalawigan. (LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) December 5-11, 2020 |

SK SA SANTIAGO MIPASIUGDA OG GARDENING CONTEST Gipahigayon karon bulana sa Disyembre sa Sangguniang Kabataan [SK] Federation sa Santiago ang garden competition alang sa mga kabatan-onan og sa mga Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Apil sa maong contest ang walo kabarangay sa lungsod sa Santiago. Magpahiluna ang kabtan-onan sa matag barangay og entry nga garden ug hukman kini sulod sa tulo ka bulan. Gi-awhag ni Steven Monte Orillaneda, SK Federation President sa maong lungsod nga mo-partisipar ang mga

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By Shena Mae Pabia kabatan-onan sa matag barangay sa maong indigay. Tumong sa maong indigay nga makakat-on ang kabtan-onan unsaon pagpananum, sumala pa ni Orillaneda. Tumong sa usab maong nga kalihukan nga makatabang sa labing nanginahanglang mga IPs sa lungsod, ilabina sa mga walay permanenting panginabuhian og padayong nakasinati sa kalisud tungod sa pandemya nga dala ang coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Kaabag sa garden

competition ang Municipal Agriculture Office [MAO], Sangguniang Kabataan [SK] Officials, Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) og Barangay Officials. Ang himoong indigay sa gulayan sa lungsod kabahin sa Plant! Plant! Plant! Program ubos sa Flagship Program sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera inubanan sa buhatan ni Congw. Angel M. Amante-Matba. (LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MGA MOLUPYO SA HILIT NGA LUGAR SA AGUSAN NORTE NAABTAN OG AYUDA SA PROBINSYA

By Shena Mae Pabia

Mga molupyo sa hilit nga lugar sa Agusan Norte naabtan og ayuda sa probinsya By LGU Agusan del NortePublished on December 11, 2020 Laing hilit nga sitio ang giadto sa Team Amomang Agusanon sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte niadtong Disyembre 4, aron makapadangat og food packs ug laing ayuda sa mga molupyo niini. Sa maong pagbisita sa Sitio Cadahondahonan, Poblacion 2, Santiago, gipadangat sa probinsya ang food packs sa 130 ka pamilya sa Indigenous Peoples (IP) og 100 ka fruit trees nga ilang gihangyo aron itanum sa ilang lugar. Caraga INFOCUS

Nanguna sa pagapod-apod sa maong mga ayuda ang buhatan ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera pinaagi sa mga personahe sa Agusan Up Coordinating Center, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office [PSWDO] og sa Environmental and Natural Resources Division [ENRD]. Ang tagsa-tagsa ka-food packs nagbaton og lima ka-kilo nga bugas, upat ka-lata ng sardinas, duha ka-lata nga corn beef og upat kabuok nga noodles. Ang fruit tree seedlings nga gihatag mao ang durian, rambutan, pomelo og lanzones nga gitanom karon adlawa. “Daku ang akong

kalipay nahitabo ni dinhi sa among sitio, niabot ang project ni Gov. Corvera, dili lang ako nalipay, kondili kaming tanang katawhan dinhi sa sitio”, sumala pa ni Violeta C. Cubol, purok chairman sa Cadahondahonan. Ang pagpadangat og ayuda kabahin sa programang Amomang Agusanon og Lunhaw’ng Agusan sa probinsya ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo ubos sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera inabagan sa buhatan ni Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedel M. Amante-Matba. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) December 5-11, 2020 |

125 IPS, FRS BENEFIT TRAINING SKILLS FROM TESDA IN SURSUR By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Contributed photo

Some 125 beneficiaries, composed of indigenous peoples (IPs) and former rebels (FRs) who benefitted from the training on Organic Agriculture Production National Certificate II of the Technical Education Skills, and Development Authority (TESDA) through the Montañez AgriVentures, Inc., are set to receive a certificate of completion in Barangay Umalag, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on Monday, December 14, 2020, at 9:30 am. According to TESDA Provincial Director Julius Sol Jamero, the said training is under the Special Training for Employment Program

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(STEP), which aims to empower the IPs and residents of the rebelaffected barangays towards the establishment of livelihood/enterprises and other income opportunities for the marginalized sectors. Each scholar availed the free training, free assessment, support fund worth P160 per day, personal protective equipment (PPE) worth P500.00, internet allowance worth P500.00, and a one-year accident insurance coverage from the GSIS. Director Jamero added that during the graduation of the 125 trainees, the establishment of the

“Organic Agriculture Village Enterprise” would also be launched on the same day, in collaboration with the various agency members of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC). This is a onestop-shop production of organic vegetables, organic hog, organic chicken, herbs and spices, and abaca plantations. The implementation of the skills training is in line with the program of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Task Force to End local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) chaired by Governor Alexander Pimentel. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

SURSUR PROVINCIAL SK AIDS MARGINALIZED STUDENTS AMID PANDEMIC By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

The Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Surigao del Sur donated Php500,000 worth of tablets to the Department of Education (DepEd) office in the province as part of their support to the implementation of distance learning. “Seeing the plight of the education sector as well as the students in the implementation of distance learning in the province, we wanted to extend assistance and somehow ease the implementation Caraga INFOCUS

of the new modes of learning and helping underprivileged students in the province,” said Provincial SK Federation President Charles Arreza during his guesting at the Laging Handa Network Briefing episode on Tuesday, December 7, with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Asst. Secretary JV Arcena. Reams of bond papers were also donated by the youth group to various schools

across the province, especially in indigenous people (IP) communities. The youth group president also hinted other initiatives they will be launching to provide further assistance to the educators and learners in the province. “We plan on giving out pocket Wi-Fi with load to less fortunate and deserving students. Right now, we are still making the needed preparations to accomplish that plan,” he said. (DMNR/PIACaraga) December 5-11, 2020 |

REMOTE VILLAGES IN SURSUR RECEIVE LIVELIHOOD AID FROM GOV’T By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur continues to provide livelihood assistance to hinterland barangays in the province. “With 313 barangays in the province, majority of which are located in the hinterlands, access to basic services, infrastructure, and livelihood remains a problem to communities in these areas,” said Provincial Governor Alexander Pimentel during his guesting in the Laging Handa Network Briefing episode on Tuesday, December 7, with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Asst. Secretary JV Arcena. With this, the provincial government appropriates Php 20 million a year from their budget to provide

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Php500,000 to 40 barangays, particularly the priority barangays identified by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC). To ensure that funds are used for the intended purpose, the governor and his team personally conduct visits to barangays to consult with them the kinds of assistance the community members need. “Each community should be given the right tools fit for their environment and their resource at hand which is why in addition to funding, we also make use of participatory governance and be personally involved with our people’s affairs and needs,” the governor said. Communities near bodies of water were given assistance to establish livelihoods

in aquaculture and fishing while those in the hinterlands opted for farming, planting crops, and poultry and hog raising. Some communities also ventured into merchandising and buyand-sell businesses. With issues on livelihood being addressed, the governor says they are slowly addressing other pressing needs of remote communities. “Residents have been clamoring for the establishment of farmto-market roads and access to clean water. We are now trying our best to address these with the help of national government agencies,” he said. During the program, he also appealed for additional assistance from the national government to address the said concerns. (DMNR/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

SURSUR COVID-19 PROTOCOLS REMAIN STRICT AMID REOPENING OF LOCAL ECONOMY By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales While COVID-19 cases to travel once again to distancing and wearing continue to rise in the province’s tourist sites, of face masks. Caraga region, local some of the prominent “As much as governments are forced travel destinations in the we want to continue to reopen economies to country. Establishments being strict in imposing bounce back from the and businesses have also protocols, we don’t have impact of the pandemic. resumed operations. much of a choice. This In an effort to hasten But the easement is now a ‘survival of the the economic recovery of protocol did not come fittest’ scenario and those of the province of Surigao without consequences. who will fail to follow del Sur, provincial borders The public has become protocol will inevitably have been officially more complacent, failing contract the disease. opened on November 15 to abide basic health However, we will continue to welcome local tourists protocol such as social to do our part to ensure Caraga INFOCUS

December 5-11, 2020 |

the safety of the people,” said provincial governor Alexander Pimentel during the Laging Handa Network Briefing episode on Monday, December 7 with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary JV Arcena. However, local government units in the province are still given the authority to continue imposing certain measures as they see fit for their local health situation. While requiring negative COVID-19 test results upon entering provincial borders had become ineffective, some cities and municipalities such as towns of Cantilan, Carrascal, and Madrid continue to require the presentation of the said test results upon entry in their area. Meanwhile, the city of Tandag requires individuals coming from high-risk areas to undergo quarantine upon arrival while the city government of Bislig requires visiting individuals to undergo varying levels of quarantine depending on the duration of their stay in the city. The governor also

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acknowledged the efforts of the health care workers and non-medical frontline workers such as the police and barangay personnel in responding and helping maintain order in the province. Efforts to intensify testing in the province were also made through the establishment of a molecular laboratory in the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC), the province’s COVID-19 referral hospital and one of the region’s referral hospitals that accommodate severe cases. Governor Pimentel said that preparations are still being made for the laboratory and staff members are still undergoing training. The molecular laboratory is expected to become operational next week. Discussing the measures imposed for the influx of tourists during the holidays, the governor said they are requiring tourists from outside the region, especially from high-risk areas, to undergo quarantine. In preparation for scenarios where there might be a surge of confirmed

cases, the provincial government has ordered that the third floor of the ASTMMC be vacated. Non-COVID-19 patients confined in the said part of the hospital were transferred to Governor Vicente Pimentel Social Hall. Upon the conclusion of his guesting, Provincial Governor Pimentel appealed for additional support for the province, especially for equipping their COVID-19 facilities. “With our current situation, we can definitely say that the pandemic is far from over. With that, we wish to have enough resources to sustain the needs of our people in terms of shielding themselves from the disease and capacitate our local government units down to the barangay level in terms of detection and isolation.” As of December 6, the province of Surigao del Sur now has a total of 552 confirmed cases, 214 of which are from Bislig City, 114 cases are from Tandag City, and 224 in the remaining areas in the province. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DISPLACED MANOBO COMMUNITY IN SURSUR SWEARS ALLEGIANCE TO PH LAW Lumad and non-lumad community members of Purok Tubod and in adjacent communities of Sitios Babaraas, Bishop, Nalindog, Tandungan, and Nahikyad wilfully sworn their support to the Philippine Constitution during the joint ceremony of the closing of the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) Caraga INFOCUS

operation by 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion (75IB) on Saturday, Nov. 27, and the start of the Retooled CSP (RCSP) by the San Miguel Local Government at the open grounds of Purok Tubod, Brgy. Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. This was the communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; way of retracting their support

and membership in the underground mass organization that was established by political officers of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) Guerilla Front 19 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), which are comprised predominantly by the Manobos. Two years ago, these December 5-11, 2020 |

same Manobos were duped to participate in the “Taktikang Bakwit” of the CNTs and stayed for around a year at the Capitol Grounds of Surigao del Sur. During the residency in the area, their children were sent to Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), non-DepEd learning institutions established in Surigao del Sur. The schools were used by the CNTs to divert intensified military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA), and use as a front to collect funds and resources from foreign donors. After the IPs’ stay in the bakwit site, they

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returned to their original community in Sitio Nalindog, but eventually went deeper inland and settled to Purok Bugbog which they thereafter renamed as Purok Tubod. The oath-taking took place during the Grand Pulong-pulong and Serbisyo Caravan in the area, officiated by Town Mayor Hazel H. Elizalde and witnessed by the Philippine Army, representatives from national government agencies and staff of the provincial government. A mass wedding, dubbed as “Kasalan sa Barangay” was conducted prior to the event, where 25 Manobo couples of different ages were united in matrimony. Rain poured throughout the day but it did not

dampen the excitement and joy of the couples, their entourage, and the whole community. During the Grand Pulong-pulong, Ltc Jeffrey Villarosa, 75IB Battalion Commander rendered the report and expressed his gratitude to provincial and municipal governments and all members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC) for their unconditional partnership which greatly contributed to the successful conduct of CSP. “Our strong partnership significantly contributed to winning back the support of our populace. From here on, San Miguel RCSP Team will take the lead Caraga INFOCUS

in the whole-of-nation approach to provide our communities with government services that are peculiar to them,” Villarosa stated. Datu Leonilo “Tatay Eloy” Wagdos, Purok Bugbog Chairman, was emotional when he addressed the good Mayor and all other visitors from the different agencies of government. He was very thankful for not giving up on his and the community’s “notoriety.” “Sa pila ka tuig nga nagpuyo ko diri sa among yutang kabilin, walay nagpaka bana kanamo maong kami walay mahimo ug nailad jud sa mga New People’s Army (NPA). Pero sa tabang sa pag abot sa presensya sa mga kasundaluhan sa 75IB dinhi sa among lugar mura kami ug nahulugan ug anghel gikan sa langit nga maoy nakaluwas kanako og sa akong mga katribu, naghatag og kadamlag sa sayup nga pagtoo batok sa atong gobyerno. [In my many years of stay here in our ancestral domain, I did not feel nor receive any support from the government. They are reasons why Caraga INFOCUS

we got easily deceived by the NPAs. The soldiers of 75IB are angels sent from heaven to save me and my tribesmen. They enlightened our minds of the wrong perception about our government),” Wagdos said. He was more thankful for the visitors’ presence and for seeing for themselves the condition of their community. He was grateful to the Department of Education (DepEd) for immediately sending teachers to their more than a hundred learners the people behind the construction of a clean and secured water system, communal fishpond, and the basketball court. He also conveyed to the concerned government agency the community’s desire to have better access basic necessities such as a school for the lumad, infrastructure, electricity, and livelihood program and opportunities. C o n c e r n e d government agencies such as the National Commission on the Indigenous People (NCIP), the Regional Health Unit (RHU), the Provincial Agriculture

Officer, the Chief of Police of San Miguel, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MWSDO), Surigao Electric Cooperative (SURSECO), and the DepEd enunciated their commitment to fulfilling the appeal of the tribal leader. In his message, San Miguel IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Datu Rico Maca, lauded the local government and the Philippine Army for their commitment to ending insurgency in the area. “Despite the inclement weather and unpleasant road condition, you came here to provide my fellow Manobos the attention that they need which I know will be translated into concrete actions. I am a staunch believer of our government and I will continue to be against CPP-NPA Terrorists because they continue to deceive, exploit, and kill my fellow tribesmen and all other IP tribes in our country. After all, we refuse to be used and exploited by them,” said Maca. Mayor Elizalde acknowledged the December 5-11, 2020 |

hardships the community members endured and vowed to serve them better. “Tubod occupies a big space in my heart and I will do all I can to alleviate your condition. The resources of our municipality are limited but Purok Tubod will be among my priority because I know you are among those who need them most. Under my watch, no one will be left behind,” Elizalde said. Datu Rudy “Baning” Miranda, a highly respected elder of the community, also conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the community and recounted their experiences during their displacement. “We are like goats who got astray. While we were wandering, we fell into a pond and were trying to swim

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to stay afloat. We are very fortunate that the troops from 75IB came. They came and saved us just before we all got drowned,” he said. The Provincial Police Office, through the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), distributed gifts to the learners of the School of Living Tradition while municipal government turnedover the basketballs and volleyballs. Food packs courtesy of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the provincial government were also distributed to the communities. Upon the conclusion of the event, Lt. Col. Villarosa reaffirmed the commitment of the government and the Philippine Army to serving conflict-affected areas

and securing peace and order in the entire province. “Security and development is a tandem that is inseparable. The Marauder Troopers will always be at the forefront to ensure that there are security and peace in our communities, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged conflict-affected communities such as Purok Tubod and its adjacent communities. As we work on our mandate, we closely partner with all stakeholders so that muchneeded interventions can be immediately delivered. Our task here is nowhere close to being over. We are just glad that the “whole-ofnation” is at work in our Area of Operation,” he concluded. (DMNR/75IB/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

MINDANAO MEDIA HUB CONDUCTS PILOT LIVE BROADCAST; BONG GO LAUDS PCOO’S EFFORTS AS HE PROPOSES ANOTHER MEDIA HUB IN THE VISAYAS Senator Christopher “Bong” Go congratulated the Presidential Communications Operations Office led by Secretary Martin Andanar on the first television broadcast of the People’s Television Network from the newly inaugurated Mindanao Media Hub (MMH) located in Davao City. He particularly highlighted PCOO’s role in empowering communities by improving access to relevant information to benefit the public. “Congratulations sa inyong bagong Mindanao (Media) Hub. Ala-BBC [News] na po itong ating

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Mindanao hub. Nandito na ang print, radio, online, so kumpleto na at hindi na nahuhuli ang Mindanao,” Go said in an interview for Laging Handa during the pilot broadcast on Saturday, December 5. “Congratulations sa PTV, sa lahat ng namumuno headed by General Manager [Katherine S. de Castro], lahat kayo sa likod ng PTV ng Mindanao hub, ng Laging Handa at si Undersecretary [Raquel] Rocky Ignacio. Napakalaking improvement ang ginawa niyo....Congrats sa lahat ng Pilipino, inyo ito. Government station ito

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on the newly inaugurated Mindanao Media H

para sa taumbayan,” he declared. The Senator also recognized PCOO Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Joseph Garcia and PTV Chair of the Board Maria Fe Aliño for the untiring service they provided to make the hub possible. The MMH is the first media hub of the PCOO outside Metro Manila. It shall soon be home to the units and attached agencies of the PCOO, including the Philippine News Agency, National Printing Office, APO Production Unit and the regional Caraga INFOCUS

e first television broadcast of the People’s Television Network from the Hub (MMH) located in Davao City. Photo by OSBG.

office of the Philippine Information Agency-XI. The broadcasting facilities and studios of PTV and Radyo Pilipinas are also located within the six-storey facility. The MMH will deliver news and programs of interest to Regions 10 to 13 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The facility cost an estimated P700 million and is equipped with a 10kW terrestrial transmitter and a 1kW digital transmitter to strengthen its signal within its areas of coverage. It also has a digital satellite news-gathering system to Caraga INFOCUS

streamline the sourcing of news. The Senator noted during the interview the heightened demand of the public for greater access to information during these challenging times. He expressed confidence that the MMH is a big step towards transforming the quality of government communication and information services in Mindanao and the rest of the country. Go shared President Rodrigo Duterte’s hopes that the PTV shall grow into the size and standard similar to the British

Broadcasting Corporation with a transformational impact on the media sector towards building a more informed citizenry. The Senator disclosed that he had discussed the possibility of opening a similar media hub for the Visayas with Secretary of Budget and Management Wendel E. Avisado, a proposal which the former believes the President would be open to. “Ika nga mala-BBC na nga po ito. Ito ang pinangarap ng ating Pangulo na magkaroon din dito sa ating bansa, ala-BBC na programa. Kumpleto, malakas ang signal, maganda pati ang inyong pasilidad,” he began. “Sana ay hindi nagtatapos dito ang mga ideya na ito, mga proyekto ay napag-usapan nga namin ni Secretary Martin. Sana ay magkaroon din ng Visayas hub para sa mga kababayan nating Bisaya sa Cebu, Leyte, Region [Western Visayas], [Central Visayas] and [Eastern Visayas],” added Go. Secretary Avisado, who was also present during the interview, reassured that the Department of Budget and Management would fully back the venture. (OSBG) December 5-11, 2020 |

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JUST PURE COMMON SENSE: BAUNGON CORN GRAINS SILOS SOLVING AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM

By the Second Cropping of 2021, farmers in the corn-producing town of Baungon, Bukidnon will be freed from the fear of low prices and the absence of drying facilities. Last week, after a 3-day workshop sponsored by the Mindanao Development Authority, Baungon

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Municipality, under its young Mayor Giovanni Dahino, applied for a P100-M loan from the Development of the Philippines to build the first-ever local government-owned Corn Grains Storage Silos with a storage capacity of 4-million kilos per cropping.

The establishment of Corn Grains Storage Silos in the corn producing municipalities of Mindanao is an advocacy of the Mindanao Development Authority aimed at addressing an age-old institutional problem affecting the farmers and stunting the growth Caraga INFOCUS

of the Corn Industry in Mindanao. The problems are very basic and everybody in the Corn Industry knows this: 1. Absence of Drying Facilities which affects the quality of the corn production and deprives farmers of a premium price; 2. Absence of storage facilities at peak harvest season whivh results in the manipulation corn prices by traders; 3. Absence of a system which could protect farmers from predatory trading practices. The end results of these unanswered problems are: 1. Low production due to profitability issues; 2. Fluctuating prices of corn thus affecting the prices of end products like livestock and poultry feeds; 3. High poverty incidence in the farming sector. To be operated by an Economic Enterprise Office of the local government unit, the Mindanao Corn Grains Storage Silo System (MinCOGSSS) will offer farmers a virtual refuge Caraga INFOCUS

from very low prices during peak harvest season. Using the “Quedan” system used by the Sugar Industry, a corn farmer may opt to “deposit” his produce in the MinCOGSSS facility and just get a partial payment based on the prevailing market price or a price set by the Economic Enterprise. Assuming that the farmer deposits 20-metric tons, he could get an advance of P10 per kilo or P200,000 and a “Quedan” document covering his corn deposit. At off-harvest when the price of corn is expected to rise to say P15 per kilo, the farmer could surrender his “Quedan” and get the difference between the advanced amount and the selling price, less the drying and storage fees to be charged by the Economic Enterprise. The MinCOGSS Program is being proposed by MinDA for inclusion in the Mindanao Rise Program funded by the European Union. Four pilot areas have been identified. With Baungon town as the pilot area

and model, MinDA’s Mindanao Corn Industry Development Program aims to establish Corn Grains Storage Silos with dryers in all cornproducing towns of Mindanao. All of these MInCOGSSS membermunicipalities will be linked up through a digital platform which would provide stakeholders an update on available supply and pricing on a daily basis. The MinCOGSSS is expected to increase corn productivity in Mindanao as farmers would be assured of a good return for their produce. This would also make the poultry and livestock industry competitive. Most of all, this would empower Mindanao Corn Producers who for the first time could dictate the price. Some may ask: Why was this not done before or when Manny Piñol, the main proponent of the concept, was Agriculture Secretary. The answer would be an indictment of a lumbering bureaucracy which is slow to adjust to problems in the field. December 5-11, 2020 |

Any innovation in Agriculture would take years before being adopted as it would have to go through intense scrutiny by people who do not even understand agriculture. A perfect example of this is the Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) program introduced by the Department of Agriculture and embraced by the farmers. Even with a

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standing offer from the Israeli Government for a low-interest loan of P44-B to fund SPIS units intended to irrigate 500,000-hectares, the program is still in limbo. Any new program which goes through the national bureaucracy will take years before adoption and implementation. On the other hand, local government

units, given their fiscal autonomy, are more flexible. New programs and innovations could be implemented by simply enacting an Ordinance adopting it and allocating funds using available budget or loan proceeds. In Mindanao, SelfReliance and ProblemBased Innovations are the guiding policies and the battle-cry. (Minda) Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar joined the ceremonial turnover of agricultural interventions to farmers in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.

ANDANAR LAUDS DA CALAMITY RESPONSE EFFORTS FOR BUKIDNON FARMERS P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday lauded efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on continuing delivery of programs and projects to their farmer beneficiaries in the province amid crisis situations. The DA, through its regional counterpart here, turned over P15.8 million worth of

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agricultural interventions to farmers, sourced out from its program for rice, corn, livestock, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and COVID-19 response. Secretary Andanar, the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), expressed his support for similar initiatives to be extended to other local

farmers, as well. He noted that these will greatly benefit farmers, and can be used as tools to encourage more members of the communist terrorist groups to surrender the armed struggle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Isip Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security diri sa region 10, nanghinaot ko nga kining gihatag karun nga mga agri-interventions makatabang nga mutaas Caraga INFOCUS

pa ang atong abot matag harvest season [As Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in region 10, I trust that these agriinterventions will help increase the income of our farmers every harvest season],” he said. Secretary Andanar hoped that this will aid in the country’s bid for food security, and promote livelihood programs for the people as they recuperate from the impacts brought about by calamities and threats of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Kani nga mga ekipo usab ang musagakay sa mga benepisyaryo nga mga farmers’ group sa ilang pagbangon

Caraga INFOCUS

gikan sa epekto sa mga kalamidad ug sa COVID-19 [These equipment will also assist our beneficiaries as they recover from the impacts of recent calamities and the COVID-19],” he added. He assured that the government will continue to look after the welfare of the agriculture and fishery sector. Aside from the turnover of farm machineries and equipment to farmers’ cooperatives and organizations in the town of Impasug-ong, the LGU and its stakeholders also unveiled the proposal to establish an Indigenous Peoples Economic Zone.

This will be a center for investment and livelihood opportunities for members of tribal groups in the municipality. On a separate occasion, Secretary Andanar also attended the turnover of resettlement units for former rebels (FRs) and, at the same time, witnessed the demonstration of adlay processing by FR beneficiaries of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade. The DA introduced the cultivation of adlay as an alternative staple crop and became part of the projects integrated by the 403rd IB as a livelihood program for former rebels.

December 5-11, 2020 |

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar led the meeting of the Northern Mindanao Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC X) in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, December 7, 2020. Photo by PCOO.

ANDANAR TO PUBLIC SERVANTS: BE MORE PATIENT IN PROMOTING PROGRAMS ADDRESSING CAUSES OF INSURGENCY P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday encouraged government employees to extend their patience while implementing programs addressing the root causes of insurgencies in the countryside. Secretary Andanar led the meeting of the Northern Mindanao Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC X) here, where he underscored government

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assistance undertaken amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “While we were unprepared, with persistence and determination and the blessing of our Almighty, we have been able to address and continue to attend to the various consequences of COVID-19. We emerged stronger and more resilient because of the Filipino bayanihan spirit,” he said. “I encourage everyone to be more patient, considerate, and

caring to one another especially to the public we serve. We have to create positive changes in our society especially in improving the lives of the least, the weak, the poor, and the unreachable, which I believe is our ultimate purpose in life,” he added. The meeting outlined efforts and delivery of services of regional line agencies, including the creation of the Northern Mindanao Regional Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Action Plan, the updated Caraga INFOCUS

Regional Development Investment Program 20172022 and FY 2022 Annual Investment Program of the Security Sector; and the Updated Regional Development Investment Program 2017-2022 of the Security Sector. The committee also discussed the status of the CAPDev initiatives enrolled in the web-based geospatial technology IPALAMDAG for the last quarter of the year, and updates on the One Map for Conflict Resolution of Tenurial Claims. IPALAMDAG stands for Innovative Platform for Programs, Projects, Activities’ (PPAs) Location Assessment, Monitoring, Investment Programming, and Budgeting for Development Planning and Governance. Continuous aid for increasing number of rebel surrenderees In the same meeting, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 10 (DILG 10) said that additional funds have been realigned for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program Caraga INFOCUS

(E-CLIP) in response to the increasing number of rebel returnees. DILG Regional Director Arnel Agabe bared that they have requested the Department of Budget and Management for this and a partial requested fund has already been downloaded through DILG Central Office. “The E-CLIP appropriations at the DILG Central level is already exhausted by as early as the middle of this year. That is why we, DILG region 10 and the Department, already requested the Department of Budget and Management for the realignment of our funds of our PPAs so we could provide funding for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” he said. “Upon approval by Malacañang, a portion of our submitted request for E-CLIP funding allocation have already been downloaded. This is the reason why we have started again to give the necessary assistance to our former rebels,” he added.

The E-CLIP is an initiative to restore the allegiance to the government of former members of the communist terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) and provide them better opportunities. “A considerable number of surrenderees have already been provided with the necessary DILGadministered package of financial assistance,” he said. “Many lives have already been transformed from being wanted by the government or from being pursued by our government law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to being free again and now living with the hope that their aspirations will be realized,” he added. As of December 7, 2020, DILG 10 has already distributed around P12 million to more than 240 former rebels. A ceremonial awarding of financial assistance was conducted for 5 former rebels who surrendered to the authorities in Misamis Oriental. (PCOO) December 5-11, 2020 |

STORIES OF ASSISTANCE AND GROWTH, SHARED IN GOVT’S ANTI-HUNGER PROGRAM ANNIVERSARY - NOGRALES

Key officials of partner agencies participating in the Duterte administration’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program met a year after its creation to assess and formulate directions for the anti-hunger and antipoverty initiative. “It was December 9 of 2019 that we signed a MOU for EPAHP, which is the banner program

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of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger,” recalled Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Task Force head. “We established this to achieve higher agricultural yields among our farmers, increase their revenues, ensure food security and proper nutrition, as well as address hunger in both urban and rural areas throughout the country,” the Malacañang official

said. EPAHP started with three agencies: the DSWD, DA, and DAR. Its success spurred expansion and eventually engaged the active involvement of 29 other government offices and development partners, including the OCS, DepEd, NIA, NAPC, DOST, DOH, NNC, DTI, DILG, BJMP, POPCOM, TESDA, LBP, UN FAO, WFP, DICT, DOST-FNRI, BFAR, DBM, DBP, NFA, PCA, Caraga INFOCUS

ATI, CDA, PCC, NDA and PCIC. The online anniversary celebration was attended by DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, NIA Administrator (Ret.) Gen. Ricardo Visaya, DAR Usec Emily Padilla, DA Usec Ariel Cayanan, DTI Usec Blesila Lantayona, POPCOM Usec. Juan Perez III, BJMP Chief National Director Allan Iral, DSWD/EPAHP NPMO Director Restituto Macuto, NNC ED Azucena Dayanghirang, DBM Dir. Mary Ann Dela Vega, DOST-FNRI OIC Dir. Dr. Milflor Gonzales, LBP First Vice President Emillie Tamayo, LBP Asst Vice Pres Edgardo Luzano, CDA ED Rey Elevazo, PCC OIC ED Claro Mingla, FAO Ad Interim Representative Ms. Hang Pham, WFP Country Director Matts Persson, NAPC rep Mr. Ronald Mateo and other reps from government offices. Aside from its core objectives, EPAHP seeks to assist community-based organizations and local farmers groups through increased capital and market access. One organization that benefited from the Caraga INFOCUS

program, the Bulacan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, thanked the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Commission of Urban Poor “for their assistance and patronage of local produce from Bulacan farmers.” Daisy Duran, the coop’s president, noted that “coop members were given easy access to markets that would have been difficult to penetrate without government’s help.” The leaders of the KAPATIRAN, INC. SLP Association from Antique and the Tibal-Og United Cook Association from Davao del Norte, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the DSWD for benefits granted leading to the setting up of community stores that supplied poultry products

for supplemental feeding programs of Day Care Centers in their areas. Nograles stressed that the coordinated and sustained efforts by EPAHP program partners and stakeholders ensured the long-term viability of the initiative. “The positive testimonies of beneficiaries and the continuing hard work of our agency partners ensure the growth of EPAHP as a core policy tool in combatting hunger and poverty. This gains more importance during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We are inspired and humbled by the success one year after we launched EPAHP. We will work harder to push all efforts forward, with the goal of eradicating poverty and hunger, no less,” the Cab Sec stressed. December 5-11, 2020 |

EDUCATION REFORM MUST INCLUDE IMPROVED TEACHING SKILLS, TRAINING - NOGRALES “We need to improve the quality and skills of our teachers if we truly want to raise the standard of our educational system to world-class levels, or at least to be at par with our Asian neighbors.” This was the statement of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles during the Senate Committee hearing on the Teacher Education Council (TEC) last Thursday, December 10, 2020, in connection with Senate Bills No. 1887 and 1893.

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Nograles was invited as one of the resource speakers. Senate Bill No. 1887 is authored by Senator Win Gatchalian while Senate Bill 1893 is authored by Senator Bong Revilla. Both measures aim to amend Republic Act No. 7784 or “An Act to Strengthen Teacher Education in the Philippines by Establishing Centers of Excellence, Creating a Teacher Education Council for the Purpose, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and For other Purposes.”

The Malacañang official thanked the senator-members of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture and the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education for their efforts to institute much-needed reforms in teaching quality. “Education reform, which includes better equipping our teachers, is a top priority of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. This is included in the Caraga INFOCUS

Philippine Development Plan 2017-2020 and in our collective long-term vision — Ambisyon Natin 2040,” Nograles said. Malacañang, through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, has pushed for various education reforms. It called for a meeting with the DepEd, CHED, and the Research Center for Teacher Quality in July 2017 to discuss concrete means of improving education from a teacher quality perspective. This resulted in the creation of a Technical Working Group for Teacher Quality, an inter-agency body tasked to address the matter. “When I was appointed Cabinet Secretary in 2018, we continued the dialogues with the TEC, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, COCOPEA, PNU-RCTQ and other stakeholders. Last year, the President himself directed us to implement a national plan for quality basic education, one that ensured strategic links between pre-service and in-service teacher education,” said the former legislator. The measures pending at the Senate Caraga INFOCUS

have undergone extensive review under the Technical Working Group of members of the Teacher Education Council. TEC was created through RA 7784 in 1994 to focus on reforms recommended by the Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM. “We urgently seek to address the perceived decline in the quality of teaching based on national and international assessments. For example, a 2018 study ranked young Filipino students at the bottom when it came to reading, Mathematics and Science. We need to level up both our

teachers’ and students’ training to better prepare them for the challenges of the future.” N o g r a l e s emphasized that the proposed amendments at the Senate will provide a more solid framework for improvements moving forward. “The enhanced Teacher Education Council will implement systemic, holistic and sustainable solutions, replacing the shortsighted and piecemeal solutions of the past. This is the most effective way we can realize comprehensive changes to the way we teach,” the official explained. December 5-11, 2020 |

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP YIELDS 10K FREE NOCHE BUENA KITS FOR DISTRIBUTION - NOGRALES “Congratulations to our partners in the private sector for reaching 10,000 Noche Buena kits for the Brand Aid: Noche Buena Para sa Lahat initiative which will benefit needy Filipino families this Yuletide season.” This was the statement of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles after realizing the goals set for the distribution of the aid and assistance effort with program partners. Brand Aid: Noche Buena Para sa Lahat is the multi-sectoral brainchild of several institutions including Rise Against Hunger Philippines, Unilever Philippines, RFM Corporation, Dole Philippines, Century Pacific Food, Inc., and Lazada. Brand Aid has been

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coordinating with the Duterte administration’s Task Force Zero Hunger through its Pilipinas Kontra Gutom program. Nograles heads the Task Force. “An estimated 7.6 million Filipinos experience involuntary hunger and have been listed as living below the poverty line. They belong to families who may not be able to enjoy the normal material trappings of Christmas, including having Noche Buena with loved ones,” the Malacanang official said. “The spirit of giving this Christmas season has gained added significance and resonance among our stakeholders because of the economic limitations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hunger and

poverty have been exacerbated by the ongoing health crisis,” he added. Private sector leaders of Brand Aid, meanwhile, called on their peers in the industry, the academe, civil society, learning institutions and NGOs to join the Noche Buena drive, explaining that both corporations, groups and individuals can sponsor packages costing from between P100 to P1,500. “We call on the charity and generosity of everyone. Let’s all do our share and help our less fortunate kababayans. After all, giving and sharing are what’s important, the true meaning and essence of the holiday season,” Nograles stressed. Caraga INFOCUS

TASK FORCE ZERO HUNGER CONDUCTS SERIES OF CONSULTATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS - NOGRALES The Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, headed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, conducted a series of consultations from November 26 to December 4 with stakeholders in government and the private sector on the National Food Policy which is intended to address the priority concerns of hunger and poverty. The Task Force was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 101 which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on January 10, 2020. “We conducted a five-part consultation series involving various agencies and private groups and asked for inputs, comments and suggestions on the government’s National Food Policy which was launched last October 16,” Nograles said. Caraga INFOCUS

The Kasapatan at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan sa Akmang Pagkain At Nutrisyon or KUMAIN Consultation Series is divided into five segments, which were all attended by development partners and international organizations including the World Bank, JICA, World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, UNICEF, World Health Organization, and the ECCP. Representatives from the academe, NGOs, CSOs, religious organizations and LGUs likewise participated. The Malacañang official stressed that the core aims of the initiative were to objectively address hunger and poverty, improve nutrition among Filipino families, ensure food

security, and establish a sustainable system of local agriculture. “We conducted the KUMAIN consultations thoroughly with as many partners as possible because we wanted a comprehensive and doable set of solutions. We also wanted all stakeholders to actively participate in enforcing the NFP based on their own inputs.” Nograles further emphasized that they expected “a solid collaboration between the public and private sectors in implementing all their plans of action”. “Hunger and poverty elimination are priorities of the Duterte administration. The NFP is another tangible tool we will use to address these twin priorities,” the official explained. December 5-11, 2020 |

TASK FORCE YOLANDA, NHA TURN OVER 1,354 HOUSING UNITS IN CAPIZ - NOGRALES Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led the online turnover of free housing units to beneficiaries in Pilar, Capiz last December 1, 2020 in coordination with Task Force Yolanda, the National Housing Authority and local government leaders under the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project for Region 6. Nograles heads the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Unified

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Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolandaaffected Areas. The 18th virtual turn over of housing units was made in the following areas: Morcita Ville Phase 1 (988 units) and Morcita Ville Phase 2 (366 units). “We’re grateful to the LGU officials and employees of Pilar under the leadership of Mayor

Arnold Perez, Vice Mayor Doujie Jack Cantiller, Sangguniang Bayan Members and municipal officials and staff in seeing this project through and for working double time for the interest of the beneficiaries,” the Malacañang official said. Nograles likewise expressed gratitude to the regional office of the NHA, saying “we’re very thankful to the leadership of General Manager Caraga INFOCUS

Marcelino Escalada, Regional Manager Engr. Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Dominica San Diego who all provided the direction which our local government leaders followed to complete this project. They all ensured that the people of Capiz would be protected this time around from future onslaughts of devastating weather, and they did it with the current challenges posed by the pandemic.” According to the NHA, as of October 2020,

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out of the planned 123,535 housing units for Region 6, 89,491 have already been completed, with the remaining 22,869 units undergoing construction. LGU officials led by Mayor Perez, for their part, were profuse in their apprecitation for the timely assistance of the Duterte administration. “This proves that the President cares and listens to the pleas for help of the people of Capiz. We are grateful to Cab Sec Karlo Nograles for facilitating communication and

coordination with all stakeholders,” Perez expressed. Nograles ended by stating that “despite the pandemic, we will finish all pending Yolanda-related constructions. That’s the clear directive of the President. The Duterte administration acts and provides concrete solutions to the people of Region 6, especially since this is a known typhoon area. We will continue our work until all the Yolanda housing commitments are concluded.”

December 5-11, 2020 |

KING OF SAUDI ARABIA SENDS DONATION TO PRC FOR MARAWI REHABILITATION

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre donates USD 495, 865 to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to further expand our humanitarian interventions to the most vulnerable families in Marawi City. The agreement was signed on November 30, 2020, and virtually attended by PRC Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon, Saudi Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Abdulah Al-Bussairy, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and

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Relief Centre Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, and other officials from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Al Rabeeah recalled how Saudi Arabia and the Philippines built their diplomatic ties. The surgeon poignantly remembered that he was the surgeon who operated on Filipino conjoined twins Princess Mae and Anne. With the help of PRC Chairman Gordon, this became the first medicinal feat for the kingdom which led to a stronger bond for the two countries. “Certainly an organization such as yours would not function well unless you have the leadership of people like you and I am glad to know that Doctor Abdullah Al Rabeeah, himself participated in an act of supreme humanitarianism by separating the conjoined twins. Not only do I appreciate and admire your skill but certainly your heart is good and in the right place. Certainly, humanitarian works uplift the dignity of the people

and alleviate human sufferings.” Gordon said. In an interview, PRC Chairman Gordon said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has helped PRC numerous times. “The aid that we are going to receive today adds to the already significant amount that the Kingdom of Saudi has given us,” he added. In the last decade, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has supported 40 projects amounting to more the 45 million US Dollars and is committed to continue supporting the Philippines in times of need. Three years after the standoff caused by the armed conflict between Philippine government forces and an alliance of pro-ISIS militants which resulted in the death of over 1,200 individuals, the People in Mindanao have not recovered from the damage brought by the siege. With the help of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, PRC is ready to assist in the rehabilitation of Marawi City. Caraga INFOCUS

REBUILDING HOUSES, BUILDING HOPE: PRC AIDS CATANDUANES AND CAMSUR FOLKS AFFECTED BY TYPHOON ROLLY The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in partnership with American Red Cross, USAid, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and Qatar Red Crescent, conducted relief efforts to aid the typhoon-affected families in Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, distributing cash grants and shelter tool kits beneficial to their recovery. With the unbearable damage brought by the typhoons to the province, PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon visited Caraga INFOCUS

the region for the third time to ensure consistent rehabilitation efforts for the residents. In this recent visit, PRC Ambassador and Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray accompanied the PRC Chairman, volunteers, and staff to personally assess the situation and development of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur. The humanitarian organization distributed PHP 500,000 worth of shelter tool kits and galvanized iron sheets to 61 families whose homes have been hit hard by the

successive typhoons. PRC also provided tarpaulin and sleeping kits as part of its shelter rebuilding efforts. Moreover, 200 families in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, and 364 families in Brgy. Palnab Del Sur, Virac, Catanduanes received PHP 3,500 cash grant each from PRC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This cash assistance will jumpstart the livelihoods of the affected families in Bicol. After the typhoons which hit their area, this relief provision can ensure their recovery and help them start anew,â&#x20AC;? Gordon said. December 5-11, 2020 |

PRC ACCOMPLISHES TWICE-HIGH MEASLES-RUBELLA AND POLIO VACCINATION

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) achieved twice the target for the supplemental vaccinations for measlesrubella and oral polio, offering protection for the children from these life-threatening diseases. PRC continued its mass immunization program; and from October 26 to November 25, it achieved 110,354 vaccinations in Luzon and Mindanao which is 129% over its target of 50,000 vaccinations. In spite of the challenges of ravelling to far-flung places with quarantine protocols still

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up in some areas, PRC was able to mobilize and deploy 715 volunteers and 84 staff to select regions of Luzon and Mindanao to achieve such percentage. “The Philippine Red Cross puts a high premium on the health and welfare of children. We are always in pursuit of maximizing the number of children immunized because this ensures not only their well-being but also their future,” PRC Chairman & CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon said. In Luzon, PRC reached 99,417

households with 31,565 vaccinated for measlesrubella immunization and 43,943 for oral polio. While in Mindanao, Red Cross visited 115,234 households and administered measlesrubella immunization to 32,846 children. “These numbers reflect how quick and efficient PRC volunteers and staff are. A heartful run, as their dedication to mass immunization keeps on getting better and better. We are thankful for their hard work time and time again,” PRC Chairman Gordon said. Caraga INFOCUS

PRC TO DISTRIBUTE CASH GRANTS AND SHELTER KITS TO TYPHOON AFFECTED IN BICOL

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will be distributing multipurpose cash grants and shelter tool kits to the residents of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur badly affected by Typhoon Rolly on December 5. PRC Chairman & CEO Chairman Gordon leads the distribution of PHP 1.274 million worth of multipurpose cash grants which will benefit 364 families in Virac, Catanduanes. “Our goal is to alleviate the suffering

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of the people whose lives were disrupted by the succession of typhoons which hit their area by providing them the opportunity to reestablish their lives prior to the calamities that befell them,” PRC Chairman Gordon said. Aside from the cash grants, PRC will be giving shelter tool kits and galvanized iron sheets to 58 families in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. Each family will be provided a shelter tool kit and ten

sheets of galvanized iron sheets. On November 29, the country’s first and only humanitarian vessel, the M/V PRC Amazing Grace arrived in Catanduanes to bring galvanized iron sheets, non-food items such as hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, 10-liter and 20-liter jerry cans, and vehicles needed to reach farflung households as part of Red Cross efforts to help the most vulnerable.

December 5-11, 2020 |

GORDON SPONSORS BILL SIMPLIFYING LAND TITLING TO HELP FARMERS

Senator Richard J. Gordon on Wednesday sponsored Senate Bill No. 1931 that aims to improve the confirmation of imperfect titles by simplifying the procedure and requirements in granting land deeds to help rural farmers and those who are unable to afford legal representation to secure land titles. “Tulungan natin ang mga magsasaka at mahihirap na mabigyan ng titulo ang lupang kaakibat ng kanilang kabuhayan at pagunlad para mayroon man lamang silang maipamana sa kanilang mga anak o maipautang

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sa mga bangko para makapagpalawak ng kanilang hanapbuhay at ito’y napakalaking tulong upang maiangat natin ang kalidad ng buhay nila (Let us help our farmers and underprivileged to get title for the land they farm so that they will have lands they given to their children or use as collateral to borrow money from the bank to improve their farm output for their families),” Gordon said in his sponsorship speech at the plenary. The present law governing land titles in the country requires the production of a copy of the original classification approved

by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, as well as a City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Certification, that should be accompanied by an official publication of the DENR Secretary’s issuance declaring that the land is alienable and disposable. These requirements have been difficult to secure that the demands to present proof of property rights before the courts are stringent. “The first primary objective of this bill is to address the difficulties encountered in proving ownership since 1945 and Caraga INFOCUS

the strict standards set by the Supreme Court in the judicial confirmation of imperfect titles. While the courts impose stringent requirements, it should be emphasized that the document certifying that the land is within alienable and disposable lands will not show the relative location of the land,” Gordon said. Under Gordon’s proposed bill, the need for DENR Secretary’s certification and the barriers of proving ownership will be removed. It also synchronizes and shortens the period of possession required for perfection of imperfect titles from 74 years to 30

years. Another objective of the bill is to remove the fixed term set on Dec. 31, 2020 for the filing of application of agricultural free patents as stated under Republic Act 9176. After this period, titling of agricultural lands through free patent will expire, which will result in an impasse where unregistered owners of agricultural lands will no longer be able to formalize their ownership. “If no law is passed to extend or remove the period of application, no new agricultural free patent will be issued by DENR and poor rural farmers may not be able

to title their lands. Under this proposed bill, we now remove the deadline for the application through free patent, making it available at any time, for qualified beneficiaries,” Gordon said. Gordon emphasized that land title is a clear proof of ownership and is important to protection of one’s property rights. “Property rights are important to the country’s growth and development. Unclear and unenforceable rights to property could lead to underinvestment, undervalued properties, land grabbing, fake titling, lack of access to credit and certainly, poverty,” he said. (PR)

File photo

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December 5-11, 2020 |

Philippine Red Cross chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon

PH RED CROSS OPENS MOLECULAR LAB IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) opened on Thursday its molecular laboratory in Surigao Del Norte after passing the proficiency test last Dec.9. The newly built molecular laboratory, which will service the entire Caraga Administrative Region and its nearby provinces for faster testing of the residents, is equipped with two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines and one ribonucleic acid

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(RNA) extractor that can process up to 2,000 tests a day. “This is our 12th molecular lab and it will become operational soon after running a successful proficiency test and is just waiting to complete the requirements in compliance with the Department of Health (DOH),” PRC chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon said. “After being hit by consecutive typhoons,

we must remember that we have a bigger enemy ahead of us which is the virus. With the completion of the Surigao molecular laboratory, we can pave the way to test more people and help stop the spread of the virus,” he added. The PRC is also set to open a new molecular laboratory in Passi, Iloilo to further boost the testing capacity for Covid-19, which is currently 44,000 tests a day. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo R. Duterte (File photo)

PRRD TO CAREFULLY REVIEW 2021 BUDGET: PALACE By Filane Mikee Cervantes

Malacañang on Thursday said the early passage of the proposed PHP4.506trillion national budget for 2021 in Congress would give President Rodrigo Duterte ample time to thoroughly review it. In a news briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace will “take all steps necessary” to enact the 2021 General Appropriations Bill on time to avert a reenacted Caraga INFOCUS

budget scenario amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. “Ang bibigyan po natin ng kasiguraduhan eh bibilisan naman po ng Palasyo ang pagsusuri sa budget para malaman kung mayroong mga specific line item na ibiveto ang Presidente. Pero siyempre po lahat iyan mangyari ngayon na dahil kinakailangan magkaroon tayo ng budget pagdating ng

a-uno ng Enero (What we assure is the Palace will fast-track the scrutiny of the budget to know if there is specific line item that the President will veto. But of course, it will happen now because we need to have budget before January 1),” Roque said. Roque assured that Duterte will still exercise his power of review and his power of line veto. “Pero hindi po December 5-11, 2020 |

isasakripisyo o isusurrender ng Palasyo, ng Presidente, ‘yung kanyang kapangyarihan na pag-aralan ang budget at siguraduhin na walang dapat na item ng appropriation na dapat ma-veto (The Palace, the President will not sacrifice or surrender his power to study the budget and make sure to exercise his power of line veto),” he said. Both chambers of

Congress ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the 2021 budget, which will support the country’s calamity and coronavirus responses, including PHP72.5 billion for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines. Earlier, budget deliberations were stalled due to the speakership tussle between thenSpeaker Alan Peter

Cayetano and his successor, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco. Under the termsharing deal brokered by Duterte, Cayetano would serve as the House Speaker for the first 15 months, or until October 2020, while Velasco would take over and assume the position for the remaining 21 months or until the 18th Congress ends in 2022. (PNA)

SKIP FESTIVITIES AT LEAST FOR THIS YEAR, PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS FILIPINOS President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday has appealed to Filipinos to refrain from attending Christmas parties and large gatherings at least for this year’s holiday celebration to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, which the government said could result in possible surge in the number of infections. “You might think that this is too much. Government does not control us. Of course, we cannot control you

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individually if what you do is what you want. The problem is we are preventing you from getting other people sick. So that’s the problem,” President Duterte said in his weekly address to the nation. “Almost in your adult and younger years, you had parties every Christmas. Would you be kind enough just to skip the — not really frivolous but the festivities, iwasan na muna ninyo. You avoid it because it is for your

own good and for the good of the community and eventually for the good of the country,” he added. He apologized for the government curtailment of so many things that the public used to do during Christmas time. But the President wants Filipinos to look at it in a different way. “All of the Christmas of your lifetime, ngayon lang naman ito isang beses hinihingi ng gobyerno para sa iyo. Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on December 7, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Ang ano dito is para sa iyo, hindi para sa gobyerno,” he said, adding the government is just adhering to the will of the general population to remain healthy. The President also expressed a message of commendation for the country’s frontliners against COVID-19 — the doctors and nurses who take care of sick people. “We salute you many times and please continue to do so and may God bless you,” he said. In his report to the President, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said the current focus of the local government Caraga INFOCUS

units (LGUs) is to carry out strict implementation of the minimum health standard and quarantine protocols during the holiday season. Año said the Philippine National PoliceJoint Task Force COVID Shield, under Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag, is assisting the LGUs in implementing the health protocols. “Kanina nga po ay nagkaroon ng pagpupulong ang DOH, DILG, at NCR mayors para sa mga paghahanda na ito. Sapagkat nage-expect po tayo na baka magkaroon ng surge pagkatapos po ng holidays dahil ang tendency ng mga tao ay

magsaya, lumabas, magmalling, kaya kailangan po ay nakahanda kaming lahat,” Año told the President. Metro Manila’s local chief executives agreed to allow 18 to 65 years old to go out although 15 to 65 years old are free to roam in public particularly in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ). Mass gatherings such as Christmas parties, carolings and reunions are strictly prohibited, Año said. He advised people to celebrate the holiday only with their immediate family or household members. PND December 5-11, 2020 |

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on December 7, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

GOV’T TO PROVIDE ORDINARY TRAVELLERS WITH FREE COVID-19 TESTING

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants the government to provide free coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing especially for those who cannot afford expensive coronavirus screening

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procedures. In his weekly public address Monday night, President Duterte said he would talk to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and National Task Force Against COVID-19

chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. on how to come up with a cheaper COVID-19 testing for travellers or for those returning to their home provinces. “Ang problema Caraga INFOCUS

noon in the early days ang sa airport which was really a mandatory thing for me na nagpunta doon,” he said. “So ‘yung iba, tamang-tama lang ‘yung pera especially the marginalized — I mean is ‘yung tamang-tama lang, mga estudyante. So pam-pamasahe pauwi airport, they are really — contend with the extra expenses.” The President said he would look for money to fund the free testing, which he said will be available in all government hospitals or health centers. He wants the Department of Health (DOH) to come up with a program in the first or second quarter of next year. In his meeting

with the President, Secretary Duque said the government was able to set a price range for COVID-19 testing in accordance with President Duterte’s executive order issued last month. In private laboratories, COVID-19 testing ranges from P4,500 to P5,000. In government laboratories, testing rate is at P3,800, according to the Health chief. “At ang PhilHealth naman ay patuloy na nagbabayad. Ang pinakamataas pong bayad ng PhilHealth is P3,409. So maliit na lang po ‘yung idadagdag iyong out of pocket parang 400 pesos na lang po,” he told the President. For those who will

be tested positive for the virus, the President wants vacant hotels to accommodate them. “I’ll leave it to the city government and we will talk about it later. Itong mga hotel na bakante tutal pagkatapos niyan, you can always decontaminate the rooms,” he said. “We will do it for you. Arrange with the hotels na puwede mo munang gamitin lalo na sa panahon na ito.” President Duterte appealed to hotel owners to help their fellow Filipinos in this time of national emergency, adding he would ask lawmakers to come up with legislation in order for hotels to get the appropriate compensation. PND

Contributed photo

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December 5-11, 2020 |

PALACE NOTES IMPROVEMENT IN TELCO SERVICES, URGES COMPANIES TO BE WORLD-CLASS P r e s i d e n t i a l Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr. conducted a special press briefing on Tuesday, December 8, a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law as Republic Act No. 10966, to provide an update on the state of the telecommunications industry in the country. This is in view of President Duterte’s remarks for telecommunications companies to improve their services before December this year. “Kung inyong matatandaan, noong

| December 5-11, 2020

ikalimang State of the Nation Address ni Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte, kanyang sinabi, and I quote, ‘Kindly improve your services before December, tell us now if you cannot really improve on it, because I will work…. The next two years will be spent improving the telecommunications of this country without you,’” Secretary Roque said. The Palace spokesman said that the President is aware of the complaints of the Filipino people with regards to the services of the telecoms companies. This is why President Duterte asked local government units (LGUs)

to fast-track the release of permits for telecoms companies to be able to build more towers and improve their services. NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said that President Duterte’s political will to see improvement in the country’s telecoms industry evidently resulted in some improvement in telecoms companies’ services. Commissioner Cordoba reported that from July to November 2020, construction permits issued to Globe has increased to 590 percent, while for Smart, the increase was 190 percent. This has brought the total number of construction permits issued to telcos to 4,644 Caraga INFOCUS

from July to November this year. According to the NTC, with the increase in issuance of construction permits, telcos were able to built more telecoms towers, bringing to 2,510 the total number of additional towers or physical sites built by the telcos within the period from July to November. Both Smart and Globe agree though that there is still room for further improvement as both telcos aim to initiate several more changes to their products and services next year. Smart President Al Panlilio said that they have already built some 10, 069 cell sites, 58, 538 base stations, and 29, 526 4G base stations. Panlilio reported that Smart’s investments in the past five years has reached P260-Billion, and in 2019 alone, the company has invested P73-Billion. He added that Smart will invest more in fiber services and wireless coverage in the coming years. For the part of Globe, President Ernest Cu said that the company had invested some P255Billion in terms of total Caraga INFOCUS

capital expenditure in the last six years, and that in 2020, Globe spent P50-Billion for capital expenditure. Cu said that with President Duterte’s directive to LGUs to fast-track the issuance of permits, Globe was issued a total of 1,857 permits from July to November 2020 that allowed the company to build new cell sites and upgrade sites to 4G/LTE. Globe’s new cell sites increased by 18 percent in the current year compared to last year, while the sites upgraded to 4G/LTE exceeded by 15 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. Meanwhile, Atty Adel Tamano, Chief Administrative Officer of Dito presented key developments in their franchise, including having built already over 1,900 towers. Tamano’s presentation also showed that Dito’s testing for 5G calls in the NCR has already been completed, as the company hopes to have its commercial launch in March 2021. Internet Service Provider Converge likewise presented some of its accomplishments

including the roll-out of high speed fiber ports by regions. Converge Chief Operating Officer Jesus Romero said that they already have 3.5 million high speed fiber ports and plans to add some 1.8 million ports in 2021. Romero said that the company is also continuously building its backbone, including a domestic submarine backbone with a bigger capacity. On the part of the Palace, Sec. Roque said that the government acknowledges the improvements that the telcos have done for the telecoms industry. Roque however reiterated that the telcos’ franchises are a privilege and reminded them that it is the right of the people to be given good telecoms services. “I think we are one in recognizing na we need to be worldclass and that is where what Commissioner Cordoba’s statement is relevant. Let us know what you need from government dahil ang importante po mabigyan ng world-class service ang sambayanang Pilipino,” Roque said. OPS-PCOO December 5-11, 2020 |

COMBAT CHOPPERS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) and PAF chief, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes (right) lead the acceptance ceremony for the first six S-70i “Black Hawk” combat helicopters for the Philippine Air Force at the Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga on Thursday (Dec. 10, 2020). The remaining 10 of a total of 16 helicopters acquired by the DND from Poland are set to be delivered to the country next year. (Photo courtesy of DND Defense Communications Service)

DND KEEN ON ACQUIRING MORE BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS The Philippines may acquire another 16 S-70i “Black Hawk” combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Thursday. Lorenzana said PAF chief, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes told him that it would be more advantageous for the Air Force to be operating a single specific type of

| December 5-11, 2020

By Priam Nepomuceno

helicopter as it would be easier for them in terms of maintenance and training. “Hindi ko masabi kung bakit (I cannot exactly say the reason) but we actually still (have) funds remaining to procure helicopters sa ibang mga, ibang (from different) companies, sabi niya (Paredes) mas maganda na yung pareho para yung maintenance and pilot,

hindi na mag-aaral (ulit) saka yung ano mo, yung supplies yung spare parts pareho-pareho lang, mas madaling i-maintain yung fleet ng lahat ‘Black Hawk’ kesa yung halohalo di ba (He told me that it would be better to just have the same type of helicopter because of the maintenance and pilot training aspect. You won’t have to study again and your supplies and spare parts would just Caraga INFOCUS

be the same. It would be easier to maintain a Black Hawk fleet instead of different aircraft types),” Lorenzana told reporters at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga during the acceptance, blessing and turnover of the first six Polish-made helicopters delivered last month. Lorenzana said Paredes told him that the PAF wants another 16 Black Hawk choppers to beef up its helicopter fleet. “The chances of that being fulfilled are very big actually, so we’ll see. These brand-new combat utility helicopters will be used for missions such as transport of cargoes and personnel, medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, aerial reconnaissance, disaster relief operations, troop insertion and extrication, combat resupply, combat searchand-rescue, and limited close air support,” he added. Lorenzana said the newly acquired helicopters would help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its operations. “Equipped with the Black Hawk our Air Force Caraga INFOCUS

can now provide prompt and sustained day and night tactical lift as well as combat and noncombat search-andrescue operations,” he added. The first five S-70is were delivered via the Antonov An-124 heavy cargo aircraft to Clark Air Base last November 9 while the sixth unit arrived aboard a ship on November 27. The remaining 10 are set to be delivered to the country next year. The helicopters were acquired from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o and manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA for USD241 million (around PHP11.5 billion). The helicopters were procured through a government-togovernment transaction with Poland. The negotiations were completed in 2019. The acquisition of the Polishmade S-70i Black Hawk combat helicopters is part of Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program. The Philippines shifted into the purchase of the Polish-made helicopters after the contract for the acquisition of 16

combat helicopters from Canada was scrapped when it was about to be implemented in February 2018. “The cancellation of that contract brought us back to square one. we have to start with the procurement process again and we were racing against time before we lose the money to other projects. Today, I feel the exact opposite. I’m so happy and proud to have with our possession six of the 16 units of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters we ordered from PZL (Mielec) of Poland. the remaining 10 Black hawks will be delivered early next year. All helicopters will come with the initial integrated logistics support package,” Lorenzana added. He said the cancellation of the PHP12 billion contract for the Bell 412 combat utility helicopters was a blessing in disguise as the S-70is are the more capable aircraft due to its greater payload, longer range, and cheaper. Aside from that, the DND chief said the Black Hawks were delivered ahead of time. (PNA) December 5-11, 2020 |

PRRD WANTS HOTELS USED AS COVID-19 QUARANTINE FACILITIES President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday asked the local government units to tap hotels in their areas as coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) facilities, citing the scarcity of space for those suspected of having the virus. “Marami mang hotel ngayon --- there’s a dearth --- dearth not hindi --- a dearth is kulang (While there are a number of hotels now, there’s still a scarcity). There’s a dearth of space for people who are suspected of having the virus,” he said in his public address. Duterte said he will leave the decision to the local government units, including identifying vacant hotels or inns that could accommodate asymptomatic patients

| December 5-11, 2020

within their areas. “So ‘yung mga local governments are put on notice that I have directed you to make necessary arrangements with the vacant motels, hotels na patirahin muna ninyo ‘yung mga Covid patients (to accommodate temporarily the Covid patients),” he noted. Meanwhile, he appealed to hotel owners to offer their establishments and “to accommodate the Filipinos who are in need of help.” This as he provided assurance he will “personally see to it” that they are paid on time. “I will assume the full responsibility of paying you pagdating ng panahon (when the

time comes). I will ask Congress, I will plead sa kanila na hanapan ng paraan bayaran kayo (with them to find a way to pay you). And I will personally see to it that you are paid on time,” he said. In Metro Manila, some 144 hotels are currently being used as facilities for overseas Filipinos who must undergo quarantine upon arrival in the country. As of Dec. 7, the Philippines’ active Covid-19 case count has reached 24,125, about 84.6 percent are mild, 6.4 percent are asymptomatic, 2.9 percent are severe, 0.32 percent are moderate, and 5.8 percent are in critical condition. (PNA/ Joyce Ann L. Rocamora ) Caraga INFOCUS

RICH NATIONS WILLING TO SHARE COVID-19 VACCINES TO LESS DEVELOPED NATIONS, SAYS SECRETARY GALVEZ Wealthy countries that secured vast inventories of COVID-19 vaccines are willing to give less developed nations with inoculation after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made a call for an equitable access in his recent United

| December 5-11, 2020

Nations (UN) address, the country’s coronavirus task force chief implementer said Monday. During his meeting with President Duterte, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. reported

that developed nations have secured around 80 percent of the vaccines to be manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. “Kaya nga po napakaganda po ng mga speeches niyo po sa ating UN na dapat Caraga INFOCUS

na katulad po natin ay mabigyan po tayo ng accessible sa equitable access doon sa vaccine, sir,” Galvez told President Duterte. “Maganda po ‘yung panawagan na ‘yon at maganda po na iyong mga ibang bansa na nakabili ng more than their population, they are more than willing to share it with us particularly po ang Australia, sir, at saka ‘yung ibang bansa.” China, he said, is also willing to provide the Philippines with COVID-19 vaccines. In his virtual UN address last weekend, President Duterte urged other countries to cooperate with the UN in ensuring universal access to COVID-19 vaccines that are under development. The Philippine leader called for a unified action to tackle the spread of the coronavirus during his second address to the UN General Assembly this year. He said “collective initiatives in the UN and other multilateral frameworks are our best chance to defeat the pandemic”. Also on Monday, Caraga INFOCUS

President Duterte has assured the public that the vaccines being developed by several pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and by Chinese developers are safe. “Puro approved ito at puro mabisa ito lahat. I mean to say that they are not the cure but they can be the prevention and eventually make the nation healthy again,” he

said. “Iyong lahat na bakuna nabili ni General Galvez maski saan-saang countries na gumagawa. China, it could be Australia, pero puro okay ‘yan.” A certain portion of the country’s population expressed apprehension about getting COVID-19 shot, particularly after false information about the vaccine circulated on social media. PND December 5-11, 2020 |

PH TO GET COVID-19 VACCINES FROM 3 MANUFACTURERS By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said the Philippines will be getting its supply of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine starting next year from three manufacturers -Sinovac Biotech, OxfordAstraZeneca, and PfizerBioNTech. Roque said the earliest possible inoculation program in

| December 5-11, 2020

the country is expected to use China’s Sinovac vaccine, while PfizerBioNTech’s shots will come in the second or third quarter of 2021. “The target remains that Sinovac will be the first that we can use to vaccinate our people and it will be in the first quarter of next year,” he said in a virtual Palace briefing.

Despite previous bribery allegations against Sinovac, Roque said Malacañang is confident Filipino officials will not get involved in a similar controversy concerning the eventual entry of coronavirus vaccines. He said the country remains consistent that only “safe” and “effective” vaccines Caraga INFOCUS

could secure approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Buong-buo po ang tiwala ni Presidente kay (FDA director general) Dr. (Eric) Domingo, so pagdating po diyan sa mga allegations, allegations on bribery, tingin ko po ay hindi mangyayari iyan sa Pilipinas (The President has full trust in Dr. Domingo, so I think those allegations on bribery won’t occur in the Philippines),” he said. For the OxfordAstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs, the country has secured some 2.6 million doses via a tripartite agreement with the private sector and the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company last month. “(For Pfizer’s vaccine) we are also sure because the agreement with Pfizer was brokered by the DFA, no less than (Foreign Affairs) Secretary (Teodoro) Locsin (Jr.) and (US) Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo. But Pfizer will come in the second and the third quarter,” Roque said. As wealthier nations secure enough doses to vaccinate their entire population, Roque Caraga INFOCUS

recognized that supply could potentially become an issue, especially for developing countries. “Pero mayroon naman tayong mga pamamaraan. At hindi naman po katanggap-tanggap kay Presidente na hindi tayo magkakabakuna dahil siya nga iyong parang kauna-unahang lider sa buong daigdig na sinasabing nandiyan na ang bakuna at matatapos na itong pandemyang ito (But we have our ways. The President will not allow the Philippines to miss out since he himself assured that vaccine is coming),” he said. In terms of financing,

Roque said the PHP72.5 billion appropriated for Covid-19 vaccines would be enough to purchase necessary doses. The government is aiming to inoculate 60 to 70 million Filipinos within three to five years. Roque added that Manila could easily tap both the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank’s loan facilities for vaccine. “EU will also have a lending facility, iyan nga po iyong tinatawag nating mga (that’s what we call) bilateral agreements with the lending institutions from the countries that manufacture the vaccines,” he said. (PNA) December 5-11, 2020 |

MALASAKIT CENTER. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go delivers his message during the launch of the country’s 94th Malasakit Center at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union on Dec. 4, 2020. The Center is the first in La Union and third in Ilocos Region. (Contributed photo)

SITUATION WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL THRU ‘BAYANIHAN’: GO With the continuing “bayanihan” (community support) to confront tremendous challenges plaguing the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed optimism that the situation would soon return to normal. Go made this remark as he led the launch of the country’s 94th Malasakit Center

| December 5-11, 2020

in San Fernando City, La Union on Friday. The Malasakit Center was the first to be established in La Union and third in Ilocos Region. In his speech, Go reassured that President Rodrigo Duterte is doing everything he can to address the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the recent natural

and man-made disasters to the country’s economy. “Hindi kayo pinapabayaan ni Pangulong Duterte kaya huwag kayo maniwala sa mga sinasabi ng iba. Alam ko mismo na nagtatrabaho ‘yan… ang importante mayroon tayong tao na nagpapagitna sa panahon ng krisis na ito kasi kung walang matibay Caraga INFOCUS

na nagpapagitna, magkakagulo tayo (President Duterte is not neglecting us so don’t believe to what other people say. I know very well that he is working. What important is we have someone intervening in this time of crisis because if not, there will be chaos),” Go said. Once a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available, he assured that Duterte will give priority to the poor and vulnerable. “Kumapit tayo at magtulungan. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan dito sa La Union (Let’s help each other. You will not be neglected here in La Union,” he vowed. “Pag mayroon ng safe na vaccine, uunahin namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang lahat ng mahihirap at vulnerable para makabalik na kayo agad sa normal ninyong pamumuhay (Once vaccine becomes available, President Duterte will prioritize the poor and vulnerable so that you can go back to your normal lives).” He said frontliners, medical workers, uniformed personnel, and teachers will also be given Caraga INFOCUS

priority once vaccine becomes available. As chair of the Senate committee on health, Go recognized the sacrifice and dedication of the country’s frontliners, most especially the health workers who are treating the sick and the uniformed personnel who are ensuring order despite the threats posed by the pandemic. He urged everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize their health by complying with the government-issued guidelines and protocols. He reminded them to stay at home when possible and to wear mask and face shield as well as to practice physical distancing when in public. “Mag-ingat po tayo at sumunod sa mga patakaran bilang pagmamalasakit rin sa ating kapwa. Kung patuloy tayong magbabayanihan, mas mabilis nating malalampasan ang mga pagsubok na ito (Let’s take care of ourselves and follow the guidelines to show our concern for others. If we will continue to work together, we will soon hurdle these

challenges),” he said. He also thanked individuals who extended their support to the Malasakit Centers and continue to fulfill their respective mandates to serve their constituents. Among those who attended the event were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando D. Bautista, Budget and Management Secretary Wendel E. Avisado, Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III, Vice Governor Mario C. Ortega, 1st District Rep. Pablo C. Ortega, San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Vice Mayor Alfredo R. Ortega, and San Juan Vice Mayor Manuel R. Ortega Jr. Go also acknowledged other representatives of national agencies who joined the launch like DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Castillo, Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Valeriano Lopez, PhilHealth representative Jerilyn Felipe, Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) representative Lalaine December 5-11, 2020 |

Martos, and Department of Tourism Regional Director Jeff Ortega. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop wherein Filipino patients can conveniently apply for medical assistance from the relevant government agencies. These agencies are the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and PCSO. Go said all 94 Malasakit Centers in the country are ready to assist every Filipino, particularly

| December 5-11, 2020

the poor and indigent patients, who are in need to pay hospital bills. Under Republic Act 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, all hospitals run by the DOH all over the country and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila are mandated to establish their own Malasakit Centers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tuluy-tuloy po itong Malasakit Center dahil para sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte, hindi dapat natin

pinahihirapan ang mga pasyente. Kundi dapat tulungan natin sila para hindi na sila pa pila-pila sa iba-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para humingi ng tulong (Malasakit Center will stay because for us, including President Duterte, the patients should be assisted in asking help from different government agencies),â&#x20AC;? Go said. For his part, Avisado gave his assurance that sufficient funding is allocated for the continued operations of all Malasakit Centers as well as for the existing medical assistance programs of various agencies. After the event, Goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff distributed meals and food packs to 100 poor patients while the DSWD provided each beneficiary with separate financial assistance. Some members of the hospital staff received bicycles from Go so they can commute to work with ease amid limited transportation options. Others were given tablets which their children can use to better participate in blended learning being implemented in schools. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS

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