25 Feb. - 03 March 2017 Volume 1, No. 48
REGIONAL NEWS
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DENR chief asserts for area dev’t approach in Caraga provinces
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Butuan City champs in 2017 Caraga Reg’l Athletic Meet PNP officers’ ladies club gives relief assistance to earthquake victims DSWD-Caraga clarifies Pantawid Pamilya additional cash assistance, rice subsidy to the recipients
contents
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Agusan Norte approves major plans, programs for 2017
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Cabadbaran corn growers receive seeds Agusan del Norte reigns special games Bayugan Negosyo Center conducts entrepreneurial awareness among sari-sari store owners
COVER
Sec. Lopez targets green economy jobs for closed mine districts in Caraga
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DTI reminds consumers, businessmen of price freeze in quake-hit Surigao
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HEALTH NEWS
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MINDANAO NEWS
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NATIONAL NEWS
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256 workers in the informal sector in SurSur town receive financial aid from DOLE
10 farmers take oath in SurSur
DOE consultations show wide support for WESM Mindanao establishment
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Dinagat Islands LGU deploys response team, donates cash assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao Norte Surigao quake damage reaches P688 million
75IB new commanding officer assumes post
Teens strongly advised to continue drinking milk
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BOI approves Php1.1B Biomass Project
34 DOST assures PHL’s commitment to Paris Climate Change Pact
News Briefs The RGADC sub-committees have identified specific objectives, activities and budgetary requirements in order to address the issues on gender and poverty, violence against women and children (VAWC), & gender and health & environment.
CHR Caraga regional director & RGADC chair Atty. Jerefe Bacang said that human trafficking is considered a case under the Violence Against Women and Children if the victims are women and children. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office has released an advisory on the investment scam that circulates and victimizing people. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office has released an advisory on the investment scam that circulates and victimizing people.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands has intensified its campaign against criminality, corruption and illegal drugs through the conduct of provincial orientation on MASA-MASID (Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomaliya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga)
Cover Story
Sec. Lopez targets green e for closed mine districts By: Venus L. Garcia
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UTUAN CITY – In over two years of utilizing a 200-hectare land by the displaced mine workers in the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, both in Caraga region, around 10,000 households generating a net income of P40M is targeted to benefit from the livelihood systems, envisioned Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez. 4
Cover Story
conomy jobs in Caraga
Lopez said the she is optimistic that mining-affected communities will be able to cope even when several mining companies will be closed. She assured that the department is working on with projects that will benefit them and will give them sustainable livelihood.
biodiversity, and mine site revegetation. “Healthy forests, fuel and power from biomass, healthy rivers that can provide power are also among the priorities. Caraga is a beautiful region that’s why we are crafting plans that would help preserve its green resources and provide alternative means of livelihood for the Dinagatnons and Surigaonons. Green economy jobs that create community empowerment and sustains ecosystem integrity are better be realized,” said Lopez.
Included in the future programs and projects set for implementation that were revealed are improved ecotourism that gives jobs with dignity, agricultural opportunities that flow into health and wellness products from
As enumerated by DENR chief Lopez during a press conference here on Saturday, the green economy jobs envisioned for closed mining districts are mine site rehabilitation; ecotourism; fuel for cooking from charcoal briquettes
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Cover Story from agri-wastes; bamboo, rattan, nipa product lines; timber and other forest products for homes and industry; and health and wellness products from biodiversity.
On illegal mining, Lopez said that their agency has formed a group to monitor illegal logging activities in the region. “The Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Justice and other agencies concerned are on tight monitoring of the illegal logging activities in the different identified regions, apart from its monitoring on mining. Illegal logging should be stopped, thus, the government has taken measures to address this concern,” underscored Lopez.
Lopez assured that the department will turn Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte into forested areas. In her comprehensive engagements and consultations with communities in mined-out areas and with the pro-mining entities, Lopez saw the pressing concerns of the affected individuals, hence, DENR has prepared immediate, short-term, and long term Meanwhile, Lopez encouraged livelihood projects and programs. the media partners to help the department in reporting those DENR “The region will truly benefit and personnel who are involved in illegal will have sustainable development activities in Caraga region. (VLG/JPG/ even without the mining industry,” NCLM/PIA-Caraga) stressed Lopez.
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Photo Gallery DENR Community Consultation & Engagement
Press Conference with DENR Sec. Gina Lopez
Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City 25 February 2017
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REGIONAL NEWS
DENR chief asserts for area dev’t approach in Caraga provinces By: Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY – In confronting the perceived challenges that mine workers in Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will be dealing with, where majority of the mining operations that were ordered for closure are located, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Gina Lopez specified during the press conference held on Saturday here that the department plans to adapt an area development approach where the income goes around the local economy. “Ninety-five percent from what has been invested and earned in Dinagat and Surigao areas goes out of the local economy, that is why this integrated approach to create local economic zones can help generate employment, livelihood and income-
generating activities in communities where they operate,” underscored Sec. Lopez. Earlier on that same day, an aerial survey and site inspection to the municipalities of the said provinces was
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Regional News
conducted where the lady Secretary had personally witnessed the extent of destruction in the once forested areas and how it greatly affects the communities nearby. A video taken from Sec. Lopez’ cellphone showing the actual footage of their aerial ocular inspection was presented during the press conference so media representatives can see how mining areas in Caraga look like. The secretary also emphasized that mining has really brought damages to the environment. Lopez cited the positive impacts for socioeconomic development if proper management and implementation of targeted plans will be given priority and ultimately influence the people in getting involved in economic activities that they themselves would reap the benefits from it. Under the DENR’s area development approach, “we will be helping the entire community that’s affected after the mining has stopped. The DENR will be assisting you in the best way we can through the plotted viable programs to make things right without the expense of our natural environment,” said Lopez. Included in the future programs/ projects set to be implemented in Dinagat Islands and Surigao that Sec. Lopez revealed are improved
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ecotourism that gives jobs with dignity, agricultural opportunities that flows into health and wellness products from biodiversity, mine site revegetation. Immediate, short-term, and longterm livelihood programs are likewise devised. Meanwhile, in time also with the visit of Sec. Lopez was the conduct of Community Consultation and Engagement for Affected Mining Areas and Communities in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte wherein different line agencies of Caraga region presented their programs and plans to support the communities affected by the mining closure in the region. (VLG/JPG/PIACaraga)
Regional News
Butuan City champs in 2017 Caraga Reg’l Athletic Meet By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Butuan City Division Athletic Delegation was proclaimed as champion in the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) 2017 held here last Feb. 12-17, 2017. Based on the results released by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Butuan City Division garnered 103 Gold, 61 Silver and 43 Bronze medals in different events. Agusan del Norte Division athletic delegation ranked 2nd with 40 Gold, 37 Silver, and 63 Bronze medals. Despite the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City the night before the CRAM starts, the Surigao City Division Athletic Delegation still performed their best putting them on the 3rd rank, garnering 39 Gold, 29 Silver, and 24 Bronze medals. The Surigao del Sur Athletic Delegation, the host province of this year’s event, ranked as 4th with 36
Gold, 47 Silver, and 58 Bronze medals. Meanwhile, the Tandag City Division, which has 20 Gold, 41 Silver, and 26 Bronze medals and Bislig City Division with 20 Gold, 21 Silver and 38 Bronze medals ranked as 5th and 6th, respectively. Agusan del Sur delegation ranked as 7th, Cabadbaran City ranked 8th, Province of Dinagat Islands 9th; Surigao del Norte ranked 10th; Bayugan City ranked 11; and Siargao Islands ranked 12th. A total of 12 schools divisions coming from the five provinces of Caraga Region competed in the annual event. The winners will represent the Caraga Region Athletic Delegation for the Palarong Pambansa. (PIASurigao del Sur)
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Regional News
PNP officers’ ladies club gives relief assistance to earthquake victims
BUTUAN CITY - The Officers’ Ladies Club (OLC) of Police Regional Office 13 in partnership with the Convoy of Hope distributed food packs, medicines, and hygiene kits to around 300 earthquake victims in Surigao City on Sunday.
Police Regional Office 13 regional director Chief Supt. Rolando Felix and his wife Maria Jojilyn Felix together with Clarissa Manuel, Convoy of Hope’s Assistant to the President led the distribution at Margarita Memorial Elementary School in Brgy. Luna. Aside from the relief goods, feeding activities and free blood pressure check were also conducted. Also, on Saturday, the OLC turned over boxes of relief goods to the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office
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(ADS PPO) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. ADS PPO will distribute these boxes to the flood victims in the towns of Talacogon, San Luis, and Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur. OLC is comprised of the wives of Police Commissioned Officers in Caraga while Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that is conducting feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Regional News
DSWD-Caraga clarifies Pantawid Pamilya additional cash assistance, rice subsidy to the recipients
BUTUAN CITY The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) clarified the details of the additional cash grants for rice subsidy.
With the numerous questions received by the regional management on the abovementioned issue, the field office confirmed the following: All active and compliant partnerbeneficiary shall receive a rice subsidy, additional to their monthly cash grants; Rice subsidy is in a form of cash amounting to P600.00 per month; and Guidelines on the rice subsidy are already drafted and are subject for approval (Central Office Level). DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim called on all Pantawid Pamilya partnerbeneficiaries to wait for official notice
from the City/Municipal Link Officer as information is channelled through them officially. “I encouarged all Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries to wait for official notice from the City/ Municipal Links on rice subsidy to avoid misinformation,” said Lim. Meanwhile, the Regional Program Management Office of Pantawid Pamilya has already released a memorandum addressed to all field staff to clarify this concern at the local level. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery Commission on Election Satellite Registration Brgy. Pangabugan, Butuan City 02 March 2017
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
Agusan Norte approves major plans, programs for 2017 By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently adopted and approved the proposed major economic development programs, projects and activities (PPAs) as priority projects of the province of Agusan del Norte. Under Provincial Resolution No. 036-2017, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, the body approved Provincial Development Council (PDC) Resolution No. 04, series 2017, containing the major development PPAs that included: Agusan del Norte Special Economic Zone (ANSEZ) – full development of the Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate (NANIE), tubay Agricultural Processing Center (TAPCEN) and Buenavista Special Economic zone (BSEZ); Agusan del Norte sustainable Agro-Forestry and Dairy Stockfarm Project; LASBUENASCAR Sustainable Agro-Forestry Development Project (Co-Management); Magallanes Fishpond Estate Development; Lake Mainit Integrated Area Development Project; Bana Grass Plantation; Solar Renewable energy
Development Project; Implementation of Responsible Mining IndustrySustainable Development Mining Program 9SDMP) fund and corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Capitol Business Park; Nasipit Port Expansion; Mindanao Infrastructure Linkage (MinLink) – Construction of BuenavistaImpasug-ong Road (Bukidnon Road); Construction/Rehabilitation of Irrigation Projects; and Malaysian ALIF/AGIE Palm Oil Development Project. Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba believed that the immediate implementation of the province’s identified major economic and infrastructure PPAs are expected to bring economic benefits to the province and its constituents. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)
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Provincial News
Cabadbaran corn growers receive seeds By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – The Corn Growers Association of this city receives 20 sacks of corn seeds during their recently held monthly meeting. Mayor Katrina Marie Mortola says the seeds would serve as a support to the city’s program to have a common farming for the corn growers. Mortola also encourages the corn growers to report directly to her or to the City Agriculture Office whatever problems the association will encounter. “I am with you in you in your cause of having a beneficial corn
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production in the city,” she says. Also discussed during the meeting and turnover ceremony, attended by the group members from the barangays of Mabini, Comagascas, Katugasan, Bay-ang and Putting Bato and personnel of the City Agriculture Office, the qualifications and ways on corn farming. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Provincial News
Agusan del Norte reigns special games By: Lyoid Hunahuna
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur  - The special games of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic (CRAM) winded up with triumphant smiles from the special children, coaches and delegation officials from the division of Agusan del Norte as they were hailed as over all champion of the CRAM special events garnering a total of 15 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals. Receiving their medals and trophies, the CRAM partakers with special needs together with their coaches of Agusan del Norte expressed their happiness as they stood on the victory stand signifying their triumph in the different athletic events over the other 11 delegations despite their disabilities.
 On the other hand, the special athletes from Siargao Islands ranked as over-all 1st runner up copping 15 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals while Cabadbaran City racked up eight gold, seven silver and three bronze medals, and landed as 2nd runner up. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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AGUSAN DEL SUR
Bayugan Negosyo Center conducts entrepreneurial awareness among sari-sari store owners PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Negosyo Center (NC) in Bayugan City has opened its doors to some of the city’s sari-sari store (small convenience stores) owner to discuss entrepreneurship. They were also briefed on the benefits and requirements on the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise Registration (BMBE). BMBE qualified registrants – i.e, those with less than P3 million assets and issued a certificate of authority by the Department of Trade and Industry may avail of incentives such as income tax holiday and exemption from the minimum wage law requirements. These can be availed upon application with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Labor and Employment, respectively. The seminar had the group discussing on the basic skills of an entrepreneur and on how to enhance
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their competencies and attitude in handling their businesses. The sari-sari store owners shared their experiences and thanked the facilitator for their new learnings. They said that they now realize and understand that an entrepreneur must have competencies to become successful, must have a plan, be conscious on savings and spending and must continue to acquire skills in retaining and reaching more customers. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Photo Gallery Commission on Election Forum with Election Stakeholders Fr. Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City 02 March 2017
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
DTI reminds consumers, businessmen of price freeze in quake-hit Surigao By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office reminds the public and businessmen of the price freeze in the city following the city government’s declaration of a state of calamity per Resolution No. 23-2017 dated Feb. 11, 2017.
DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan said that all prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices, which shall be the average price of the basic necessity within a month from the occurrence of the state of calamity. He explained that under Republic Act 7581 as amended, basic necessities include the following: rice, corn, bread, fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, fresh and processed milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergents, firewood, charcoal, candles, drugs classified as essentials by the Department of Health, potable water in bottles and containers,
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fresh fruits, locally manufactured instant noodles, households liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and kerosene. Negapatan further explained that unless sooner lifted, the price freeze under R.A. 7581 shall remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about but not for more than 60 days, provided that for household LPG and kerosene the duration shall not be more than 15 days. “All concerned are warned that violators shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for a period of one year to ten years, or a fine ranging form P5,000 to P1,000,000 or both at the discretion of the court aside form applicable administrative penalties,” Negapatan added. (DTI-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Provincial News
Dinagat Islands LGU deploys response team, donates cash assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao Norte
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) deployed a response team tagged as “Dinagat Islands Volunteers� for a humanitarian mission to help the earthquake victims in Surigao City and affected municipalities of the province during the 6.7 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 10, 2017.
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Provincial News
The response team being deployed composed of three groups with 70 members for a humanitarian mission for the survivors of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake. Three groups were assigned on different areas: Group 1- composed of 20 providers for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services; Group 2 – composed of five PICE accredited Structural Engineers to assess the structural integrity of commercial and residential buildings and Group 3 with 25 composite members from Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Dinagat Islands Search and Rescue in-charge for water rationing.
On the other hand, more or less 2,000 purified drinking waters were distributed to different barangays in the city and province, while 30 buildings and houses were assessed by Structural Integrity Assessment Group. The week-long humanitarian mission that started on Feb. 13, 2017 ended with an expressive arts psychosocial activity in Brgy. Poblacion, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte considered to be the severely affected barangay by the said quake.
Assorted goodies and toiletries were also given to children and adults who joined the said expressive art social activity. The Province of Dinagat Islands The Psychosocial Group debriefed also handed a financial assistance worth a total of 317 personnel of Caraga P200,000 each to the Municipality of San Regional Hospital as well as the quake Francisco and Surigao City. (PDRRMOtrauma patients. Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
Surigao quake damage reaches P688 million By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Surigao del Norte has released its damage assessment following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that occurred on Feb. 10 here. PDRRMO officer-in-charge Engr. Marlyn Pono said the total damage caused by the quake and its aftershocks reached P668 million. Pono said the damage to school facilities is estimated at P176.5 million while damage to
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infrastructure is pegged at P194.8 million. The damage to various provincial government buildings reached P104.3 million. Basic utilities like the electric power reached P7.3 million and water
Provincial News
supply was reported at P2.3 million. The Caraga regional hospital was also affected by the strong quake with cost of the damage is P488,000 while the damage on national roads and bridges was P201.8 million. During the recent press briefing, Governor Sol Matugas has ordered to fast track the distribution of relief goods to badly affected families especially in isolated communities where supplies remain scarce. She recommended that there should be a regular evaluation of public and private infrastructures such as buildings, bridges and other structures to ensure that they can withstand strong earthquakes and enjoined Phivolcs and barangay officials to determine open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and craft evacuation plans that would help the people find out the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas. Gov. Matugas encouraged residents of the city and affected municipalities to remain calm and alert with the safety of their families as their primary concern because aftershocks are still expected. When asked why there is an aftershock and how long does it last, Phivolcs Science Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez said that aftershocks are normal after a strong earthquake and this could last for days or weeks.
Perez also said that a total of 185 aftershocks were recorded in Surigao Norte, as of 4pm, Feb. 15, of which 88 were plotted and 18 were reportedly felt. Meanwhile, Provincial Social Services Office (PSSO) officer-in-charge Arlene Tongco appealed to those who want to donate that the priority needs for the earthquake victims are food packs, medicines, flashlights, tents for temporary shelter for evacuees in camps, financial assistance, portable generators, kitchen utensils, beddings, potable water and housing materials. Tongco said volunteers for psychosocial needs and stress debriefing are also badly needed by the affected families. (PDRRMO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Photo Gallery Department of Energy Public Consultation on the Draft Department Circular “Declaring the launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao & Providing for Transition Arrangements� Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City 28 February 2017
SURIGAO DEL SUR
256 workers in the informal sector in SurSur town receive financial aid from DOLEÂ By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Some 256 workers in the informal sector from Hinatuan town were the direct beneficiaries of the financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Caraga.
According to Romelyn Bactol, DOLE Integrated Livelihood Project and Emergency Employment Program Focal Person, the financial assistance was turned over to the local government unit of Hinatuan amounting to P2.5 Million intended for the five projects of the informal sector workers association. One of the five projects identified is the acquisition of additional equipment and vermin facility for the improvement of production of organic fertilizer through vermin culture and composting of the Hinatuan Skilled Workers Association (HINASKI) with P834,900.00 worth of financial assistance. Another one is the meat processing project for the Upper Talisay Habitat Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (UTHAREBECO) amounted to P143,960. Other project identfied was the acquisition of Coconut Handicraft Mechanization Equipment for the Dugmanon United Coconut Farmers Association (DUCOFA) worth P440,350.
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Provincial News
They have also included the acquisition of rice harvester for Sasa United Farmers Association worth P960,000.00; and the provision of tools and equipment for use in coco handicrafts production and marketing to New Guiwan Association of Coconut Farmers and Handicrafts Workers worth
P173,750.00, respectively. A total of 16 livelihood projects have already been assisted and monitored by the DOLE and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Hinatuan from 2013 up to 2016. (PIASurigao del Sur)
75IB new commanding officer assumes post By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Lt. Col. Wilfredo Amoma is the new commanding officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion (IB), 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in Bislig City. Amoma replaced Lt. Col. Haron Akaz who led the 75th troopers for more than two years as he assumed on duty last Jan. 27, 2017. The change of command ceremony was presided by 6ID commander BGen. Arnel dela Vega at the 75IB headquarters in Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City, Thursday morning.
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According to Civil Military Operations officer Captain Reggie Go of 402nd Brigade, Lt. Col. Amoma is a native of Tacloban City and was formerly assigned at the Headquarters Service Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, G2 Office before he assumed as the new commanding officer of 75IB. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Provincial News
10 farmers take oath in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Surigao del Sur provincial office has confirmed some 10 qualified farmer-beneficiaries of the DAR’s Land Tenure Services program involving an area of 20.4377 hectares of agricultural land. According to DAR Information officer Myra Yu, the beneficiaries, who were all from the municipality of Tagbina, took their oath at the Municipal Trial Court in Bislig City as part of the requirement of the program. The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) as partner on the implementation also required them to undergo the process as one of the requirements in the processing of Voluntary Offer to Sell Claim Folders (VOSCF) and /or Compulsory Acquisition Claim Folders (CACFs).
from Barangay Sayon, Tagbina, said that she was nervous during the oath taking and wondered at first why they have to undergo the process…”but after the Judge explained to us the purpose, I now fully understand the importance of the oath.”
Yu said the oath-taking ceremony is important to ensure that the identified farmer-beneficiaries have underwent a selection process conducted by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Office as stipulated in section 22 of Republic Act No. 6657 known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. During the activity, Criselda L. Enoy, (PIA-Surigao del Sur) 22 years old, one of the beneficiaries
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Photo Gallery 90th Regional Development Council Meeting NEDA Caraga Bldg., J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City 02 March 2017
HEALTH NEWS
Teens strongly advised to continue drinking milk By: Celina Ann Z. Javier Calcium makes bones and teeth dense and strong. lt also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth. Calcium is not only important to infants but also to adolescents and adults, as well. During adolescence the need for calcium is high because 45o/o because it contains highly absorbable of their bone mass is formed during calcium. lt is usually consumed by infants, toddlers and younger children, puberty. but it is not a popular drink among the Sources of calcium include green teenagers. leafy vegetables, small fishes with bones The 7th National Nutrition Survey that can be eaten, and milk and milk (NNS) conducted by the Food and products. Nutrition Research lnstitute of the Milk is the most important source Department of Science and Technology
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Health News
(FNRI-DOST) in 2008 revealed that there is a low consumption of milk among the adolescents, only 15 percent of males and 29 percent of females are drinking milk. This low milk consumption is accompanied by a high intake of caffeine rich beverages such as coffee and softdrinks.
in which bones become brittle and more prone to fractures. Milk should be a part of the daily diet from childhood to old age to prevent weak bones and frequent fractures later in life. Milk drinking should also be vigorously promoted among teenagers because it is during this time that they learn to drink other beverages such as softdrinks and coffee, which often replaces milk in their diet.
The 7th NNS listed the top 30 most commonly consumed food items of adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old, were coffee and softdrinks landed in the 6th and lh spots, respectively. Consumption of milk and milk products, however were not even in the list. lf milk drinking is not practiced, it is equally important to consume calcium Caffeine can lower calcium rich foods as advocated by the 2012 absorption in the body and as a result, Nutrition Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF). an adolescent can have lower calcium in the body because of low calcium Let us follow message number five intake and high caffeine intake. of the NGF which states: “Consume milk, milk products and other calcium-rich Based on the 7th NNS, calcium is the foods, such as small fish and shellfish, least consumed nutrient by adolescents everyday for healthy bones and teeth.� with only 0.33 percent meeting the 80 percent of the dietary requirements for For more information on food calcium. and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and It is important for adolescents to Nutrition Research Institute, Department continue drinking milk because at this of Science and Technology, General stage, the body is continually undergoing Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. bone building until about the age of 30 E-mail: MVC@fnri.dost.gov.ph. This years. e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled What are the consequences of not to view it, Telefax: 837-2934 and 827getting enough calcium by this age? 3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov. As people age, bone loss exceeds ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIAbone-building. Thus, older people are Caraga) more at risk to osteoporosis, a condition
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MINDANAO NEWS
DOE consultations show wide support for WESM Mindanao establishment BUTUAN CITY - Given the excess in power generation capacity in Mindanao, preparatory activities for the launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao are being undertaken by the Department of Energy (DOE). This is in coordination with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
The DOE has already completed two public consultations this month in Cagayan de Oro and in Zamboanga City. It focused on a draft circular that will govern the operation of WESM Mindanao in fulfillment of the DOE’s mandate to ensure the security, reliability and availability of transparent and reasonably-priced electricity in the country. The above-mentioned mandate of the DOE, under the stewardship of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, is underlined in Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
The
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public
on the draft circular “Declaring the Launch of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Mindanao and Providing for Transition Arrangements” gathered together energy experts and power industry participants, as well as investors, consumers, members of the academe and other stakeholders. The consultation participants were united in expressing confidence that with a stable and competitivelypriced energy source, Mindanao can experience and sustain an economic boom under the Duterte Administration’s 10-point socio-economic program.
consultations
The establishment of WESM in
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Mindanao News Mindanao is a high priority agenda of Cusi targeting its commercial operation by June 26, 2017. The DOE is set to conduct three more public consultations in Davao City on February 21, Butuan City on the 28th, and General Santos City on March 7.
commercial operations of additional 1,208 MW this year.
Despite the additional supply, there remains power interruptions in Mindanao especially in the franchise areas of distribution utilities which do not have sufficient power supply agreements For decades, Mindanao has to cover their increasing demand for lagged behind Luzon and the Visayas in electricity. economic development under the past Administrations with their Manila centrist In the absence of such contracts, policies which the Duterte Administration power generation companies are has seen as one of the root causes of hesitant to operate their plants without poverty and strife in Mindanao. an approved supply contract or any compensation mechanism duly The objective of the public approved by the Energy Regulatory consultations is to solicit the views of Commission. all stakeholders on how to improve the circular which will lay down the policies Thus, the establishment of the WESM for the establishment of WESM Mindanao. will serve as the mechanism to efficiently tap the excess capacities in the area To be able to reach more to avoid rotating brownouts and ensure participants, the DOE forged a partnership 24-hours continuous electricity service. with the Mindanao Development Authority which, together with the PEMC From the two consultations, the DOE and NGCP, will undertake an intensive recognized that most of the concerns and massive Information, Education and were operational in nature rendering Communication (IEC) drive. the need to move forward with the IEC drive. The information drive will help more Mindanaoans better understand Through the IEC, the DOE hopes to WESM and to appreciate the benefits it address also occasional opposing views will bring about in sustaining investments which can be attributed to the lack of in Mindanao, which needs a robust deeper understanding of the WESM. power sector to support a booming economy. The draft circular was posted at the DOE and PEMC website last January In 2016, Mindanao had an 24. Comments and suggestions will be additional generating capacity of 782 processed until March 14, 2017. (DOE/ megawatts (MW) and is expecting the PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery Commission on Human Rights Roll-Out of Gender Ombud Guidelines in Caraga Region Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 03 March 2017
NATIONAL NEWS
BOI approves Php1.1B Biomass Project
MAKATI - The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the application of Satrap Power Corporation as Renewable Energy Developer of Biomass Energy Resources under the Special Laws List (Renewable Energy Act of 2008) of the current Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). MAKATI - The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the application of Satrap Power Corporation as Renewable Energy Developer of Biomass Energy Resources under the Special Laws List (Renewable Energy Act of 2008) of the current Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). The Php1.16 Billion project involves the development, construction, and
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operation of a 10-Megawatt (MW) power plant in Barangay Nagpanaoan, Santa, Ilocos Sur. Satrap will utilize municipal solid wastes and agricultural wastes to generate electricity at a rated capacity of 3MW and 7MW, respectively. It has already executed a feedstock supply agreement with the various local government units (LGUs) in the
National News
province. The company expects to get 86 tons of municipal solid wastes and 200 tons of agricultural wastes from LGUs. Commercial operations are scheduled to be in place by April 2019 with 30 personnel manning the plant. The power generation process comprises wastes transported to the tipping area where these are sorted and segregated. Leftovers undergo drying and shredding to produce pellets. The pellets are then fed to gasifier/boiler to produce syngas or steam to power the gas turbine/steam turbine blades. All of the generated electricity are expected to be sold to the National Grid in accordance with the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system of the RE Act. The Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ISECO) is also being considered as a market. “This project boosts the Ilocos region as a hub for renewable power and complements the wind power plants already in the region. The addition of biomass projects will spur further development of renewable energy sources in the area as we continue our march towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels over time,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said. Figures from the Department of Energy (DOE) as of June 2016 showed that the country has a total installed power capacity of 20,055 MW with a dependable capacity of 17,925 MW.
Available capacity is 13,877 MW. Peak demand during the period reached 13,197 MW. Newly installed operational capacity was 1,271 MW. Committed projects expected to be operational by end of 2016 topped 6,179 MW with indicative capacities of up to 13,853 MW. RE constituted the largest share of the total installed power capacity in the country with 34.3 percent share, closely followed by coal with 33.2 percent and natural gas (14.3 percent). Hydro was the biggest in the RE with 18 percent share of the aggregate capacity, followed by Geothermal (9.56 percent), Solar (3.4 percent), the Wind (2.1 percent) and Biomass (1.2 percent). The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 otherwise known as Republic Act No. 951 was enacted with the aim of accelerating the exploration and development of renewable energy resources such as biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and ocean energy sources, including hybrid systems, to achieve energy self-reliance, through the adoption of sustainable energy development strategies to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and minimize the country’s exposure to price fluctuations in the international markets, the effects of which spiral down to almost all sectors of the economy. The law aims to increase the utilization of renewable energy by
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National News
institutionalizing the development of national and local capabilities in the use of renewable energy systems and promoting its efficient and cost-effective commercial application by providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. The government also continues to encourage the development and utilization of renewable energy
resources as tools to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and balance the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of health and the environment while establishing the necessary infrastructure and mechanism to carry out the mandates specified in the Act and in line with other existing laws. (BOI)
DOST assures PHL’s commitment to Paris Climate Change Pact
MANILA - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said his agency will focus on programs that will ensure the Philippines’ commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
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National News
“I understand that the DOST was a major participant in the development of our stand in the Paris Agreement and so whatever difficulties we may encounter, we are bound to extend our support so I think it is doable if all sectors will cooperate,” Dela Peña said in a press briefing in Malacañan on Wednesday, March 1.
really a big commitment,” Dela Peña explained. “We have to intensify our research on renewable energies, on energy conservation, and in other areas... So we have to improve our programs,” he said.
“Of course, education will also President Rodrigo Duterte signed be an important part,” Dela Peña said. the Paris Agreement last Tuesday, February 28. According to Dela Peña, human resource development is one of the key “For example, we have made a priorities of the DOST, adding that the commitment that between the years DOST is providing scholarships to high 2000 to 2030, we have to reduce our school students with the completion of carbon emissions by 70 percent. That’s Philippine Science High School (PSHS)
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National News
campuses all over the country.
Dela Peña said that while there should be a new director for PHIVOLCS “We have opened the last two to replace Solidum, there are ongoing regional campuses of Philippine projects in PHIVOLCS that would need Science High School with the opening his supervision. last August of the regional campus in MIMAROPA located in Romblon Meanwhile, Presidential and the regional campus for the spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in the Zamboanga Peninsula located in same press briefing, said President Dipolog,” Dela Peña said. Duterte wants to sit down with jeepney drivers and operators who held a strike “We really would like to contribute last Monday. to the President’s shall we say, desire of reducing inequality, of creating “The President assured the opportunities, and of expanding our workers’ group that he would be potentials for growth,” he added. holding a separate meeting with the jeepney strikers who held a national The DOST chief said it is the first strike on the controversial plan to time that a President of the country phase out old jeepneys,” Abella said. “has included the promotion of science, technology, and innovation Abella said President Duterte’s in his priority agenda.” meeting with labor groups last Monday, which lasted for three hours, had been Dela Peña also presented the “free-flowing, frank and cordial.”(PND) DOST’s 12-point agenda for research and development (R & D) to address pressing issues on top of the list. High on the R & D list are medicine discovery and advancement in food and nutrition, food production and developing better varieties of local poultry and livestock. Meanwhile, Dela Peña said Dr. Renato Solidum, who was recently assigned as DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Affairs, will remain as the officer-in-charge of PHIVOLCS.
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Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) Women’s Month Press Conference NEDA Caraga Conference Hall, Butuan City 01 March 2017
Photo Gallery Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Caraga Region Technical Working Group and Regional Selection Committee Joint Meeting Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 03 March 2017
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