CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 8
1 - 7 February 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
20 22 24 26 28 30 31 Butuan fire victims 33 receive aid from gov’t 34 35 36 37
8 10 11 13 14 15 17
Volume IV, No. 06
Butuan City forms ASF task force
POPCOM eyes monitoring of migrants, inhabitants POPCOM to heighten strategies for development POPCOM challenges LGUs for quality family
POPCOM Caraga, LGUs target livelihood programs for women, children
First TF-ELCAC facility in Caraga inaugurated in Bayugan City Young learners visit Army camp Soldiers undergo IP cultural sensitivity awareness 15 NPA with 17 guns yielded in AgSur PPOC immersion benefits over 1,200 Agusanons
DENR Dinagat partners with LGU in the management of Sambunotan watershed
Army troopers recover landmines in AgNor
OWWA Caraga scholar graduates, now Licensed Professional Teachers
Army welcomes daycare pupils to military camp in Bislig City Agri-related training for IP CAFGUs launched in SurSur DPWH SurSur completes Consuelo seawall LGU Dinagat inks partnership with gov’t agencies for several programs MGB-13 joins workshop for automated information system Claver fisherfolk beneficiaries receive 15 motorized FRP boats
MINDANAO NEWS
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Davao Oriental to create task force vs. 2019nCoV
MinDA web series to showcase Mindanao potentials
NATIONAL NEWS
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Drop in corruption index motivation for PH to improve: PCOO Gov’t readies over 5K housing units for Taal eruption victims Gov’t vows more ‘high-quality’ jobs for Filipinos
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News Briefs Governor Dale Corvera of the province of Agusan del Norte has issued Executive Order No. 7, s. 2020 creating the Agusan del Norte 2019-nCoV response team. The order sets precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus and established guidelines to assess, monitor, contain, control and prevent the spread of the virus.
Butuan City mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada welcomed the attendance of PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar during today’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Institute Conference held in Butuan City. Sec. Andanar discussed with Mayor Lagnada the Duterte Legacy and the Youth for Truth - Dismiss Disinformation Campaign of the government, among others.
The members of the Poverty Reduction Livelihood & Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in Surigao del Sur chaired by TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva convene today, Feb. 7 to formulate the PRLEC Work Plan for 2020 held at the 9th SF Company Headquarters, St. Christine, Lianga. African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, which is responsible for serious economic and production losses. This transboundary animal disease (TAD) can be spread by live or dead pigs, domestic or wild, and pork products. (OIE)
Butuan fire victims receive aid from gov’t By Jennifer P. Gaitano
B
UTUAN CITY - Different government agencies in Caraga region took part in mobilization efforts by promptly responding to the needs of the fire victims in Barangay Mahogany, this city. 4
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and National Housing Authority (NHA) in the region have extended financial assistance and other basic needs to some 62 families or 212 individuals affected by the recent fire incident in the area. Edita Porras, who lost everything after a fire had engulfed her house emotionally shed tears as she expressed gratitude to the government for its urgent response and concern through the provision of their daily necessities after the incident. “Despite this tragic experience, we never lose our hope. We are glad that the government immediately responded to us and gave us the things we need to survive this,� cited Porras. According to Caroline Catalan, social welfare officer of the disaster response management division of DSWD-Caraga bared that the department has distributed food packs, family kit, hygiene kit, sleeping kit and cash assistance to all the recorded victims of the fire incident. She added that concerned agencies are continuously monitoring the condition of the affected residents and extending aid to them. February 1-7, 2020
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Punong Barangay Jesus Rodriguez of Mahogany also appealed to the local government to provide a proper relocation site for the fire victims.
also visited the said barangay and personally assessed the situation and condition of the fire victims and handed in financial assistance to all the families affected. He likewise guaranteed to Hearing the sentiments of the shell out an amount intended for the affected residents, Butuan City Mayor uniform expense of the students. Ronnie Vicente Lagnada gave the assurance that the local government Senator Go further stressed that the unit is ready to relocate them in a safer Malasakit Centers of the government place and would provide a sustainable in the different areas nationwide are livelihood for them. all ready and prepared to help the Filipino people who require medical Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go assistance. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
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February 1-7, 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
Butuan City forms ASF task force By Nora C. Lanuza
BUTUAN CITY - Following the announcement of the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) case in Mindanao particularly in Davao Occidental on January 31, the Butuan City ASF Task Force convened for an emergency meeting on Tuesday at the City Mayor’s Conference Room to discuss contingency plan for the prevention of the local swine population. It can be recalled that the city has created an ASF task force through Executive Order No. 009, series of 2019 in October last year signed by mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada. The said task
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force is composed of four teams to focus on surveillance and monitoring; quarantine; information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign; and disease updates and policy review.
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Regional News During the meeting presided by city administrator Reynante Desiata, action plans of each of the teams were presented to properly address and prevent the local swine from being infected by the ASF disease. Desiata cited the important role of the ASF Task Force as it will help to properly monitor and address the impending threat of the ASF to the local swine population of the city. He said the local government through the City Veterinarian Office will coordinate with nearby local government units for contingency measures. Also, City Veterinarian, Dr. Mancio Danilo Alegado and team will conduct monitoring and even help law enforcers especially those who were assigned in the checkpoints before entering the city proper identify or even check entry of swine, swine meat and other possible carriers of the ASF. Part of the immediate actions of the task force to be taken by the surveillance and monitoring team are the inventory of backyard and commercial farms; conduct of surveillance and monitoring of piggeries of both backyard and commercial; conduct early detection of infection in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture 13; monitor animal health programs in all backyard and commercial farms; monitor meat and meat by-products sold in the market and food establishments; conduct of antemortem and post-mortem inspection in the slaughterhouse; and to conduct a continuous and
stricter monitoring of all national Meat Inspection Service accredited Cold Storage Warehouse of the city. The Quarantine Team also prepares to set-up checkpoints in all the strategic areas on both entry and exit points of the city; to hire personnel to man the quarantine areas/checkpoints; and implement a strict quarantine in all airports and seaports. During the emergency meeting, the IEC campaign team also identified immediate actions to employ this month, like the conduct of the IEC campaign in all barangays targeting the semi-commercial and commercial swine raisers and barangay officials and its backyard swine raisers; distribute ASF campaign materials; and conduct of ASF-related IEC campaigns among local radio stations and different social media platforms. The disease updates and policy review team also suggested the regulation of swill feeding especially in urban hotels and restaurants; enforcement of the quarantine measures; creation of quick response team; strict implementation of the zoning of 1-7-10 protocol during occurrence in the locality in managing, containing and controlling the suspected disease. Because of the important role and functions of the task force, the group also agreed to possibly conduct a monthly meeting to appraise each member on the status of the ASF. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)
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Regional News
POPCOM eyes monitoring of migrants, inhabitants By Angelita B. Antonio
BUTUAN CITY - Regional Director Alexander Makinano of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)-Caraga made public the rolling out of the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM) in 2020 to the participating barangay captains of the Liga ng mga Barangay Meeting - Butuan City Chapter on January 29, 2020. Starting 2020, POPCOM-Caraga, through the City Population Office, will start orienting and implementing the RBIM in different barangays of
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Butuan City, registering all inhabitants and migrants in all barangays into a database. This database will be used for monitoring of residents mainly at
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Regional News the barangay and city level. RBIM will be useful in designing and developing plans, policies, and programs tailored to the needs of the populace.
(SONA) directing all concerned agencies on the full compliance and implementation of the RPRH Law, which is also a main component of the current administration’s 10-Point As emphasized by Director Socioeconomic Agenda. Makinano, RBIM is among the initiatives under the Philippine Population Gemma Tabada, Liga President, Management Program (PPMP). called all barangay captains to adapt Making sense of the population the initiative not only in compliance with dynamics, which is the target of RBIM, the provisions of the Local Government is an important step to the country’s Code of 1991, but more importantly as growth and development, touching among the prerequisites under the Seal on social, economic, and infrastructure of Good Local Governance. development. Butuan City Population Office As a component of the Philippine (CPO), led by Dr. Josephine C. Population Management Program Chua, commits to prioritizing RBIM’s and the Responsible Parenthood and implementation in all 86 barangays in the Reproductive Health Law of 2012, the city. By providing the right information implementation of RBIM is deemed and tools, POPCOM-Caraga and “necessary and relevant.” Echoed by Butuan CPO urge all barangay captains President Rodrigo Duterte in his last to comply accordingly. (POPCOM four State of the Nation Addresses Caraga/PIA Caraga)
POPCOM to heighten strategies for development BUTUAN CITY - Amidst the various issues that the country is currently facing, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) is optimistic with new perspective and prospects of positive change and innovations this 2020 and beyond, as the agency reboots its work plans for population and development leaving behind limited population planning. In his directive to all regional offices of POPCOM, Undersecretary for Population and Development and Executive Director of POPCOM, Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III said the agency
shall focus intensely on population and development. Under its strategic plan, POPCOM strengthens coordination
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Regional News and networking to lower birth rates in achieving the early gains from the demographic dividend in a comprehensive manner. POPCOM is eyeing that the huge young population to become productive working men and women helping the attainment of the country’s inclusive growth and development. “As the lead agency of the population and development, our entire organization must lead and sustain the initiative nationally and regionally to make sure member national agencies and their regional offices are fully on board on the National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP).” Perez addressing all POPCOM Regional Directors. In the intensified implementation of the NPPFP, POPCOM ensures essential allies, local governments and their population structures for the agency’s presence and strong support for their work and stand shoulder to shoulder with them in agreed priority areas and communities.
such as adolescents and teen mothers, workers, urban poor, farmers, fisher folks and those in the last frontier to ensure inclusive development and that no one is behind.” As emphasized by the good undersecretary, POPCOM will strongly take the lead in mobilizing the private health sector and work with civil society and different health organizations and enterprises related to ensure universal access to family planning and reproductive health services for every Filipino family and individual.
POPCOM disclosed that through NPPFP they must be able to build, strengthen, and mobilize institutional partnerships and networking with development partners, civil society, and private sector to fill in the gap when local efforts and resources are inadequate.
Along with its relevant partners from national down to the local level, POPCOM continuously strengthens programs and interventions to address increasing numbers of unintended and repeated pregnancies among adolescents and unmet need for modern family planning among couples and individuals… for a well-managed, Usec. Perez directed all regional well-planned, and empowered Filipino offices: “We continue to reach out to families and communities. (POPCOM/ the marginalized population groups PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
POPCOM challenges LGUs for quality family By Angelita B. Antonio
BUTUAN CITY - The regional office of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) summoned the population officers and workers of the provinces, cities, and municipalities in Caraga region to concentrate all their efforts and resources on changing the lives of women, children, and adolescents for the better. In the program assessment and planning workshop held earlier, POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano pointed out that by putting people’s needs and aspirations upfront these will contribute to the achievement of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that includes no poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequality, climate action, and partnerships to achieve the goal. This major transition, among others, is expected to contribute to POPCOM’s PPMP targets that involve (1) enabling couples and individuals
to plan their number of children in the context of responsible parenthood, (2) preventing early and repeated pregnancy among adolescents, and (3) enabling regional, sectoral, and local government agencies to integrate population factors and dynamics in development interventions. Carrying over the programs on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RP-FP), Adolescent Health and Development (AHD), and Population and Development (POPDEV) integration entails that local population offices in the region will administer programs and activities
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Regional News with POPCOM regional office of the Philippine Population providing supervisory and monetary Management Program (PPMP) and the assistance. National Program on Family Planning (NPPFP), POPCOM will mobilize POPCOM-Caraga continues to Local Government Units (LGUs) by provide technical and logistical support operationalizing its major program to LGUs in making demand generation thrusts at the grassroots. and service delivery, particularly among women with unmet needs on modern This new scheme covers family planning from poor households POPCOM’s thrusts from 2020 to 2022. and communities. It is set to roll out in the succeeding meetings and conferences that will This forms part of the continuing involve its stakeholders. (POPCOM effort to intensify the implementation Caraga/PIA Caraga)
POPCOM Caraga, LGUs target livelihood programs for women, children
BUTUAN CITY - Per directive of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), population officers and workers of the provinces, cities, and municipalities in Caraga region are to concentrate all their efforts and resources on bettering the lives of women, children, and adolescents. The major transition is expected to contribute to POPCOM’s Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) targets that involve enabling couples and individuals to plan their number of children in the context of responsible parenthood; preventing early and repeated pregnancy among adolescents; and enabling sectors, regional and local government agencies to integrate population factors and dynamics in development interventions.
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Carrying over the programs under Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RP-FP), Adolescent Health and Development (AHD), and Population and Development (POPDEV), the integration entails that local population offices in the region will administer programs and activities with POPCOM regional office providing supervisory and monetary assistance. In addition, the agency continues to work on operationalizing its major
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Regional News program thrusts at the grassroots by mobilizing local government units (LGUs) through the provision of technical and logistical support to the public, especially to women with unmet needs on modern family planning from poor households and communities.
enable the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to create a poverty-free world; upholds gender equality and climate action; and promotes good health and well-being of the citizens. (POPCOM Caraga/PIAThe said directive is foreseen to Caraga)
DENR Dinagat partners with LGU in the management of Sambunotan watershed By Herzon Gallego
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The Department of Environment and Natural Resorces (DENR) through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and the Municipal Government of Loreto and Tubajon in the province of Dinagat Islands have agreed to jointly manage the 2,820.99 hectare-Sambunotan Watershed ending an old political feud and saved the mountain landmark from environmental deterioration. “It was a wise decision for both local leaders to agree in partnership with each other with the DENR –PENRO in their midst in the management of the Sambunotan Watershed to save and protect its natural resources,” said DENR 13 Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer. RED Alicer and Dinagat Islands Governor Arlene Bag-ao have both stood witness while Municipal Mayor of Loreto Doandre Bill A. Ladaga and the municipal mayor of Tubajon
Simplicia P. Pedrablanca and PENRO Agapito T. Patubo were signing the Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) that highlighted the 7th Foundation Anniversary of PENRO Dinagat. RED Alicer and Governor Bagao have, likewise, witnessed the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by PENRO Patubo with the Mayor of Tubajon and the Barangay Chairperson of Mabini in that town Radito L. Bagacay over the establishment of the DENR-PENRO
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Dinagat Islands Satellite Office.
barangays of Mabini, Diaz, Roxas, San Roque, Sta. Cruz and Sta. Vicente in “We have a commitment to Tubajon. the people to reach and serve them according to the mandate given us by Both Loreto and Tubajon towns the DENR Secretary,� PENRO Patubo benefit from the waters it provide for said. irrigation and drinking water purposes. He said Barangay Mabini is a strategic place for the satellite office so that the government can effectively service the people in the towns of Loreto, Tobajon and Libjo.
The DENR, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Department of Agriculture have established a National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Sambunotan watershed is Rural Development selecting the considered a critical watershed that Sambunotan watershed as a pilot site. provide potable waters in the six (DENR-13/PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
OWWA Caraga scholar graduates, now Licensed Professional Teachers BUTUAN CITY - Twelve graduate scholars under the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office Caraga took their oath as Licensed Professional Teachers on February 2, 2020 at the Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. They were among the 83,152 passers of the September 2019 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
The following scholars are: Dean Albert P. Manla (Surigao State College of Technology – Surigao City), Jenny E. Bacor (Surigao del Sur State University – Lianga campus), Jenny-Vi B. Logronio (Philippine Normal University Mindanao), Rojohn S. Logronio (Surigao del Sur State University – Cagwait campus),
Ariane E. Liwat (Philippine Normal University Mindanao), Cris Queen N. Llano (Surigao State College of Technology – Surigao City), Jessamae B. Batolanon (Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology – Butuan City), Lovelle Joyce Gemma N. Mindoro (University of Southern Philippines – Bislig City
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Regional News Campus), Michelle M. Bago (Caraga State University), Queenie P. Olarte (Caraga State University), Ronald L. Bajenting (Philippine Normal University Mindanao) and Suzette T. Pacon (Bukidnon State University – Gingoog Campus). With their achievement, OWWA RWO Caraga is proud and honored for what they have accomplished and let them be an inspiration to their fellow scholars who are still in the process of attaining their dreams and aspirations. The OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP) of OWWA provides Php10,000 financial assistance per semester to qualified legal dependents of an active OWWA member-OFWs with a monthly salary of US$ 600.00 or below, regardless of job category. The applicant must be an incoming 2nd year to 5th year college student, intending to enroll or currently enrolled in any 4-5 year baccalaureate degree of their choice in any CHED accredited State Colleges or State Universities. For the calendar year 2019, OWWA RWO Caraga has 99 new ODSP scholars aside from the 91 maintained or currently enrolled in the different state colleges or universities and a total of 58 graduates under the said scholarship program. OWWA is not all about repatriation, welfare cases, reintegration, and
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the likes. The agency has also other programs that complement the need of its member-OFWs such as the education and training assistance. OWWA believes that by supporting the desire of the client OFWs to provide a better education for their kids, they are helping the migrant workers achieve their dreams for their children and families. For more information about the scholarship program, interested applicants may visit OWWA RWO Caraga office at Nimfa Tiu, Bldg II, JP Rosales Ave., Butuan City or contact the Education and Training Unit at telephone number 815-1894 and hotline number 09508211225. (AJMH/ OWWA RWO Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
First TF-ELCAC facility in Caraga inaugurated in Bayugan City
By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary for Security Operations Alexander L. Macario, together with Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis led the inauguration and blessing of the Kalinaw Building held on February 6, 2019 at the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion headquarters in Barangay Noli, this city. The Kalinaw Buidling is the first interagency facility to support the initiatives of the whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), as it will house the conduct of deradicalization and reintegration programs for Former Rebels (FRs) in the Caraga region. “Tama na, sobra na. (We had enough, this is too much.) We need to end insurgency, especially here in Bayugan City. Before the deployment of the 3rd Special “Arrowhead” Battalion
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in our city, we ranked 113th among the competitive cities in the Philippines. After the conduct of Bayanihan Team Activity (BTA) and Community Support Program (CSP) from 20162018 by the Special Forces, our ranking significantly increased making us number 12 as of this date. We are grateful for our partnership with the 3rd SF Battalion to bring the basic and social services to the farthest barangays, as we continue to address the root causes of insurgency. That is why, we supported
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Provincial News and approved this project,” said Mayor Asis. “This, I think, is the first of its kind, in the Philippines and I will bring this to the attention of the National Task Force-ELCAC so that they can challenge the local chief executives and local government units (LGUs) nationwide to do the same,“ underscored Asec. Macario. “Kung gugustuhin ng LGU na tapusin ang insurgency, magagawa ito. Political will talaga and commitment ang kailangan para umunlad pa lalo ang bawat lugar sa Pilipinas. (Should the LGU wants to end the insurgency, it is possible and doable. With great political will and sincere commitment, every region in the country will progress). I commend the City of Bayugan for this peace and development project, which was borne out of the collective ideas of the members of the Bayugan City Peace and Order Council, the Sangguniang Bayan Members and the Mayor,” Macario added. The Kalinaw Building is a fully furnished three-storey facility that also aims to promote interagency collaborations to produce developmental and synergistic ideas that can greatly contribute in building lasting and genuine peace not only in
Bayugan City but in the whole Caraga region. This will also be an instrument of good governance as this will house the conduct of various stakeholders’ capability and capacity building through training and education such as the Retooled Community Support Program orientation to further implement the Executive Order (EO) 70 in the city. Also present during the said activity included BGen. Lincoln Francisco T. Tagle, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Maurito L. Licudine; 401st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Allan D. Hambala; 3SFBn Commanding Officer LTC Joey B. Baybayan; Bayugan City officials and stakeholders; and the officers, men and women of the 3SFBn. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Young learners visit Army camp By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - The 26th Infantry “Ever Onward” Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army warmly welcomed the kindergarten pupils of the National Development Center, together with their parents, as they entered the camp’s premises on Thursday morning, January 30, 2020. The said center is located at Barangay Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
A total of 48 pupils from the said institution participated in the said visit. According to Eileen Jane C. Descaya, kindergarten teacher, the said activity was aimed to expose the children to the diverse community places and meet the public servants who worked
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in different departments and offices in the government. Descaya further emphasized that the community tour was part of the kindergarten curriculum. “This activity will inspire our young learners
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Provincial News on what they would like to be when they grow up and provide awareness and appreciation of the natural and physical environment of each office as they wore different attires of the different government offices including the Philippine Army,” she said. Happiness was noticeable in the little faces of the pupils as they enjoyed the various exhibits, distribution of souvenirs and other activities such as pictorials, face painting and photo booth. “Dako among pasalamat sa 26IB nga ilang gihatagan ug pagtagad kining aktibidad alang sa mga bata. Simple lang kine nga activity apan dako na kini ug impact alang sa among mga anak (We are thankful to the 26IB for this opportunity that they shared with the school children. This is just a simple activity, yet it creates a big impact to their minds and hearts),” one of the parents said. Meanwhile, the 26IB expressed its gratitude to the faculty of the school and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) for bringing their children to the modern and institutionalized army facility, be closer to the armies and be their inspiration, as it would create a huge impact to the children’s
perception and win their trust. “As we continue our reform initiatives through the implementation of the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), we actively support, advocate and participate in different peacebuilding discourse in the country. These include consultations and dialogues from various sectors, in the fulfillment of its support role in the government’s peace thrust,” said 26IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea. “This educational tour creates a huge impact in the minds of young learners as we instill in them the concept of soldiers being modern heroes and friendly neighbors. In addition, being patriotic and loyal to our government is very essential in their growing stage for they are the hope and heirs of our nation,” Jimenea added. (CMO Officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Soldiers undergo IP cultural sensitivity awareness By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - Prior to their deployment, the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the Philippine Army has undergone series of lectures regarding the native’s customs and traditions in the area of operation, held recently at the 26th Infantry “Ever Onward” Battalion (26IB) Headquarters.
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Provincial News
Carlos M. Otacan, alias Datu Balobagyo, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, together with other IP leaders actively joined in the said activity. Otacan discussed briefly the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) laws while the other tribal leaders discussed the different customs and traditions of their respective tribes namely Manobo, Higaonon, and Banwaon, among others. “Respect begets respect. If you respect the natives’ way of life and beliefs, surely you will earn their respect too,” Otacan said. According to Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea, the commanding officer of 26th IB, the said lecture was part of the retraining program for the CSP teams before their immersion in the community, to serve as their diplomatic weapon in dealing with the IP communities. He further said that the knowledge that
they will acquire from the lectures is very necessary for winning the trust and confidence of the populace. “Respect the IP members, be kind and set good examples because you will represent the government. If you learn to adapt their customs and traditions, you will win the hearts and minds of the IP community,” said Jimenea. “We belie all issues of the leftist group that the CSP is part of militarization in the countryside. The objective of the CSP is to serve as a bridge between the community and concerned government agencies, to deliver basic services and address the community’s concerns. If we accomplish all of these, for sure, there will be no more victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPPNPA’s) deception and propaganda,” Jimenea added. (CMO Officer, 3SFBn/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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15 NPA with 17 guns yielded in AgSur
MACO, Davao de Oro - After around 15 days of focused military operations and dialogues, six regular New Peoples Army (NPA) members, and nine Militia ng Bayan (MB) members have surrendered on Monday, February 3, 2020 in La Paz town, Agusan del Sur. The communist combatants submitted with them 17 high and low powered firearms, and other war materiels during their surrender to La Paz Mayor Michael Lim.
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Also present during the surrender were 1001st Infantry Brigade Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Glenn Jun Calambuhay, and 60th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer
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Provincial News Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Sarmiento. concerned citizen last December 2019. According to reports, one of the surrenderers approached the municipal and army officials during the Pulongpulong at Barangay Kasapa 2, La Paz town at around 9:00 a.m., tipping them that he and his comrades wanted to lay down their arms. Around an hour later, some 15 men came and surrendered, bringing with them 10 garand and homemade rifles, one shotgun, six pistols, and assorted magazines. With such action, Brigade Commander Colonel John Oberio of the 1001st Infantry Brigade stressed that the group will be processed and eventually, receive the cash benefits under Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). He said that skills enhancement and livelihood programs from government agencies will also be provided to the surrenderers in the implementation of Executive Order No 70 or utilizing the whole of government and whole of nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC). During the surrenderers bared among the surviving last encounter in the 26, 2020.
The information said that around 100 armed men started to converge at the hillside of the province, probably to celebrate the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26. However, the army was curtailed to pursue the communist group back then due to ceasefire implemented by the Republic of the Philippines last December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020. It was just on the middle of January 2020 that the military started a focused military operation. Brigade Commander Colonel Oberio appreciated the the bold actions of the residents, which contributed to the significant development of peace and security in the municipality. “This turn of events is a clear manifestation that the residents are already tired and exhausted of the intimidation and coercion conducted by the communist group,” Col. Oberio said. He added that the army troops are still pursuing the remaining elements of the communist group on the ground.
interview, the that they are “The 1001st brigade continues to elements of the execute its mandate to uplift the peace area on January and security situation in our area while remain relentless in our efforts to crash down this communist terrorist group The military operations in the up to its last member,” he said. (1001st province of Agusan del Sur was Infantry Brigade/mlu/PIA-Agusan del triggered by an information from a Sur) February 1-7, 2020
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PPOC immersion benefits over 1,200 Agusanons By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY - In line with the counter-insurgency measures implemented in Caraga, the Provincial Peace and Order Committee (PPOC) of the province of Agusan del Norte conducted its community immersion in Barangay Rojales, Carmen, Agusan del Norte on January 24. Over 1,200 residents in the said barangay and the neighboring communities gathered at the barangay’s covered court to avail of the different services offered by various government agencies such as health and grooming services. Special services were also accessed by children, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
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In addition, the activity also paved the way for additional economic opportunities for the residents such as small-scale business start-up ideas and assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and scholarship programs offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
February 1-7, 2020
Provincial News Lea Mae Lauro, a resident of the barangay who is currently completing her undergraduate studies, was able to enroll under TESDA’s tailoring course. She expressed her gratitude to PPOC for providing the residents various opportunities to improve their lives. “Through this scholarship, I can now maximize my knowledge in tailoring and even make a living out of it,” she affirmed.
Moreover, the event will serve as a reminder for the people that the government is doing their best to deliver the promise of a better life for every Filipino which is contradictory to For Juanilio Salazar, a senior citizen the false perception propagated by who was able to avail the services communist terrorist group (CTG). such as medical check-up, medicines, and even livelihood assistance, the Agusan del Norte 2nd district immersion is one of the most effective representative Ma. Angelica Amanteprojects of the government since Matba called for the continued support services are delivered and accessed of the people to the government’s right away. projects, viewing it as a major contributor Agusan del Norte governor Dale B. Corvera emphasized that the activity is to provide Agusanons opportunities to avail the services of the government, especially for those who live in far-flung communities. “This activity serves as evidence that the Philippine government is not abandoning its people and in fact is doing their best to serve them,” Corvera added.
to end insurgency in the region.
“The problem is that people rely on the government for solving the many problems faced by our nation. The government cannot do the work alone. We need your cooperation to bring an end to the issues that are encountered by our county especially in the campaign against insurgency,” said Matba. (Doreen Marielle N. Rosales/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
February 1-7, 2020
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Provincial News
Army troopers recover landmines in AgNor By 1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo
CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte - Troops of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army recovered three anti-personnel mines at Sitio Ancile in Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, this province recently. Based on the report, a concerned resident of the said area while going to his farm noticed a suspicious item on the ground which he verified to be a land mine. The said resident immediately went to the 29IB troopers stationed at Zapanta Patrol Base to report what he had discovered. The troops, after immediately validating the given information, proceeded to the area and found the said improvised anti-personnel mines with detonating cords weighing 33 pounds each which can inflict great casualties not only to
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the soldiers but also to civilians and properties near the area. The said recovered mines were brought to the 29IB headquarters in Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City for safekeeping and proper disposition. It can be recalled that last January 16, 2020, in the same barangay and municipality, the 29IB troopers encountered the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) which resulted in the recovery of anti-personnel mines and other valuable war materials.
February 1-7, 2020
Provincial News A certain Datu Lando, a Mamanwa tribal leader, said that they were already tired with the series of conflicts in their area. “Gikapoy nami makadungog ug makakita’g gubat ug panagbangi sa among lugar. Ang gusto lang namo malinawong kinabuhi dinhing dapita, mao ng naglaum ko nga dili na mubalik ang teroristang NPA ug mugubot sa pa amo. Wala silay lugar dinhing dapita (We are tired already of hearing and seeing wars and conflicts in our area. What we only want is to have a peaceful life here, so I hope those CNTs never come back and trouble us anymore. They have no place here),” he said.
According to Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, the CNTs proved by their actions that they truly do not have any respect for human rights. “They don’t care about who might be affected by their destructive landmines as long as they could do their wicked plans,” he said. “I am grateful to the concerned resident who provided us valid information without which, great damage would surely have been inflicted in the area,” Criste added. (CMO Officer, 29IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Army welcomes daycare pupils to military camp in Bislig City
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), Philippine Army welcomes a group of daycare pupils of Barangay Tabon, this city during its tour conducted at 75IB Headquarters on January 27, 2020. February 1-7, 2020
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The said activity was conducted to impart awareness to the pupils and parents guardians about the Philippine Army contributions and functions in nation-building and to somehow help the children envision of what they want to become in the future, a military official said.
their children during the tour as she imparted impressions on what and who the soldiers are.
Meanwhile, 75IB commanding officer Lt. Colonel Warren Munda also expressed his appreciation to the pupils, teachers, and the parents/guardians for visiting the camp, and emphasized Captain Leo Francisco, 75IB civil- the services they rendered for the military operations (CMO) officer, nation. revealed that the tour started with an orientation to the pupils and parents “Instill it to the mind of your children facilitated by Sergeant Michel Diamos, that the soldiers are the modern heroes public affairs non-commissioned officer. and could serve as an inspiration to They observed the demonstration on others,” Lt. Col Munda said. basic assembling and disassembling of various firearms used by the Philippine “Tell them what the soldiers do, Army. that is to serve the people and to secure the land, for the country to be A lady officer, assistant CMO peaceful and well-developed,” Lt. Col. Lt. Jezreel Bajar, extended gratitude Munda said. (75IB CMO/PIA Surigao del to the parents who accompanied Sur)
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February 1-7, 2020
Provincial News
Agri-related training for IP CAFGUs launched in SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Philippine Army will conduct an Agri-related training for the troops of the 401st Infantry Brigade and 402nd Infantry Brigade in Surigao del Sur. The proposed program is in line with the “TESDA Abot Lahat” platform of TESDA, and the DA’s “Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo” (4Ks) funded by the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD). Both programs are part of the government’s effort of empowering the Indigenous People (IP) to alleviate their lives from poverty. According to TESDA Surigao del Sur Information Officer Lee Escobal, their office will facilitate the threeday agriculture-related TESDA training Army, specifically the Citizen Armed in Native Chicken and Vegetable Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Production this coming February. Active Auxiliary (CAA) members - the target beneficiaries of the program The DA, on the other hand, will under the two brigades, Escobal said. take their part under the 4Ks - the provision of assistance in the form The beneficiaries, accordingly, will of agriculture and fisheries-related acquire and/or enhance agri-related livelihood opportunities. skills and to put up related livelihood projects/enterprises, thus augmenting The said training aims to their sources of income, Escobal added. capacitate the troops of the Philippine (PIA-Surigao del Sur) February 1-7, 2020
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Provincial News
DPWH SurSur completes Consuelo seawall
BUTUAN CITY - To provide protection to the people and properties along the seashores of Consuelo, Surigao del Sur, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering Office (1st DEO) has constructed a Consuelo seawall located in Brgy. Consuelo, Surigao del Sur. The seawall which has a total length of 302.4 lineal meters will now prevent flooding, storm surge, and strong water current from causing destruction in the said barangay with more than 1,000 residents.
welcoming relief of protection for the residents,� said DPWH Caraga Regional Director Pol. M. Delos Santos.
The construction of the seawall costs over P70 million which began in “With the community always March 2018 and was completed on facing the threat of flooding and December 2019. (DMR/DPWH Caraga/ possible tsunami, the seawall is a PIA-Caraga)
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February 1-7, 2020
Provincial News
LGU Dinagat inks partnership with gov’t agencies for several programs By Susil D. Ragas
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has officially signed a partnership for the implementation of different projects during the 7th anniversary celebration of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dinagat Islands. These projects include the Sabunotan Watershed Management; installation of DENR-PENRO Dinagat Islands Satellite Office in the municipality of Tubajon; 2020 Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) and Resilience Program (RP) Implementation of Dinagat Islands; and Tiger Grass Planting for Soft BroomMaking located at Barangay Rosita, Libjo town. The signing was led by Governor Arlene Kaka Bag-ao, together with DENR-PENRO officer Agapito T. Patubo, DTI Dinagat Islands Provincial Director Arnold D. Faelnar, TESDA Provincial Director Florante L. Herrera, and DOLE Provincial Head Verlan V. Diaz. It was
witnessed by Libjo Vice Mayor Zoltan Arnel S. Edera, McArthur Farmers Entrepreneur Association (MAFEA) President Mamerto C. Grande, Provincial Administrator designate Dr. Aimee A. Jimeno, Provincial Cooperative Development Officer Alvin B. Dela Cruz, Provincial Community Affairs Officer (PCAO) Jay G. Benitez, and Provincial Agriculturist Oswaldo T. Borja. In her message, Governor Bag-ao lauded the efforts of the national line agencies in forging and consolidating commitments to protect the environment and help improve the lives of all Dinagatnons. (Susil D. Ragas/ Dinagat Islands-Provincial Information Office/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
February 1-7, 2020
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MGB-13 joins workshop for automated information system By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The personnel of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Field Office XIII participated in the Active Directory Domain Services Training-Workshop from January 29 to 31, 2020 held at the MGB Central Office, Manila. The activity is in line with MGB’s vision of a fully automated information system by 2023 and as part of the plan, it has already completed the Phase I of the improvement of MGB’s network by deploying the infrastructure and network development.
such as users, computers, printers, and services. With this service in place, administrators can easily manage and store information about resources from a network as well as application data in a distributed database.
The setup of servers, network equipment, and other hardware relating In addition, assigning and to the endeavor were emplaced in the enforcing security policies for all central and regional offices. computers and installing or updating software can be implemented with During the training-workshop, the ease. participants prepared for the Phase II of the improvement of MGB network such On the first day of the trainingas the implementation of the Microsoft workshop, Jeffrey Ledesma, ICT officer Active Directory Domain Services (AD of Information Systems Group-Planning, DS). Policy and International Affairs Division of MGB Central Office, discussed the As the foundation for distributed objectives of the training-workshop. networks built on Windows server operating systems that use servers as Also, a review of the AD DS training domain controllers, AD DS provides that was conducted in 2018 at NTT secure, structured and hierarchical Data Philippines was carried out as a data storage for objects in a network refresher for all participants especially
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February 1-7, 2020
Provincial News the newly hired IT Specialists. The participants also prepared a domain user master list including user information and official email accounts. At the end of the workshop, the participants were able to accomplish
all the requirements for AD DS including policies, organizational unit master list and an inventory of software licenses and subscriptions. Similarly, a timeline of AD DS deployment must also be finalized for presentation to the management. (MGB-XIII/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Claver fisherfolk beneficiaries receive 15 motorized FRP boats
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - It was a great way to start the year when about 15 fisherfolk beneficiaries from the municipality of Claver in Surigao del Norte formally received on January 10, 2020, a total of 15 fiberglassreinforced plastic (FRP) boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Caraga. February 1-7, 2020
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Provincial News The distribution was headed by BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin together with Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee of Claver. The turnover ceremony was also attended by the members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Barangay Urbiztondo local officials, and BFARCaraga F/B Pagbabago focal person Restituto Bautista.
is implemented for livelihood and to increase the food production or harvest, and to increase the income, Aside from the 22-footer FRP as emphasized also by Department boats, the recipients also received of Agriculture Secretary William Dar in 7.5 horsepower diesel marine engines his concept on the ‘new thinking’ for each. agriculture. In her message, Gokiangkee expressed how they direly needed Dimerin also assured the these programs for the fisherfolk’s participants that BFAR-Caraga will livelihood. continue to support the municipality of Claver through various training and “To the beneficiaries, unta provide the beneficiaries with fishing magmalampuson kamo sa inyo nets for better catch and income. panginabuhi. Awhaga ang inyong kaubang mangingisda nga gamiton Bautista, the F/B Pagbabago ang baroto sa legal nga pamaagi focal person, conducted a six-day lamang (To the beneficiaries, I hope hands-on training on the construction that you will be more successful in your of FRP boats in Claver from November livelihood. Encouraged your fellows 26 to December 1, 2019. to use the boats properly and legally as intended for their purpose),” said BFAR provided the materials and Gokiangkee. trainers while the local government unit of Claver provided the working area, On the other hand, Dimerin water, and electricity. The fisherfolk challenged the beneficiaries not to sell beneficiaries built the boats and are their boats and accessories because expected to maintain them. (BFARthe ‘Banka Ko, Gawa Ko’ program Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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February 1-7, 2020
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News
Davao Oriental to create task force vs. 2019-nCoV By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY - The provincial government of Davao Oriental is set to form an inter-agency task force on the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019nCoV) amid its outbreak that has created an international alarm, an official said Sunday Karen Lou Deloso, Davao Oriental provincial information head, told Philippine News Agency that Governor Nelson Dayanghirang will be convening concerned provincial agencies.
the task force is also in response to the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) advising all local government units to form a task force “to implement Department of Health (DOH) protocols and guidelines “The governor is set to call a and extend full cooperation to the DOH meeting next week to all concerned and other government agencies to meet agencies to discuss preparedness and the world health emergency”. proactive measures to stop the spread of the disease,” she said. Provincial Health Officer (PHO), Dr. Herminigilda Nartates, said that through Deloso added the creation of an executive order which will be issued
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February 1-7, 2020
Mindanao News by the governor, a technical working group, which will be composed of various concerned agencies, will be formed as soon as possible to ensure the implementation of proper measures in relation to the novel coronavirus outbreak. The PHO called on the public to take precautionary measures which include proper hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers, avoid close contact with sick people, and covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
to panic as he urged them to get information only from credible sources and emphasized that false information will only cause unnecessary panic. “Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our constituents. We will do everything we can to minimize the risk of spreading the virus,” he added. The novel coronavirus outbreak was declared on Friday by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health emergency.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Dayanghirang called on his Sunday reported that 24 more patients constituents to be calm but also vigilant. under investigation (PUIs) tested negative for the virus while the second confirmed He appealed to the public not case died on Saturday. (PNA)
MinDA web series to showcase Mindanao potentials By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY - The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will debut a web series on February 9 that will highlight Mindanao’s beauty and economic strengths. Dubbed as “The Beauty and Bounty of Mindanao”, the first episode will feature the Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato, which will be viewed through MinDA’s official Facebook and YouTube pages.
The falls is known for the water that gushes out of the sides of a cliff and showers the headwaters of the Libungan River in Cotabato, flowing to the vast Liguasan Marsh that covers the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao,
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Mindanao News
and Sultan Kudarat.
Sayyaf, BIFF, New People’s Army, and the bombings. We produce 56 In a statement, MinDA said the percent of the country’s total food show would serve as a social media requirements and our economic campaign that seeks to project a more growth of 7.2 percent is almost two positive image of Mindanao. notches higher than the national record,” he added. “The lack of deeper knowledge of Mindanao and the fear created by Succeeding episodes will feature the negative media reporting have the Sheik Karim al Makhdum in Simunul, stunted the growth of the islands,” said Tawi-Tawi, which is known as the oldest MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who mosque in the country; various tuna will host the show. fishing and processing plants; the gas deposits in the Liguasan Marsh; the Piñol said that despite Mindanao’s municipality of Turtle Islands; and Lake strong economic performance, a Lanao. negative image remains attached to the island-region due to some incidents “We hope this will result in greater that he considers as “minor aberrations” attention given by our economic to what Mindanao can offer. planners to the development of Mindanao so that the peace gains “There is more to Mindanao of the Duterte administration will be than the Marawi Siege, Maute, Abu sustained,” Piñol said. (PNA)
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February 1-7, 2020
NATIONAL NEWS
National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
Drop in corruption index motivation for PH to improve: PCOO MANILA Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said the Philippines’ lower ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) last year will serve as a motivation for the government to “improve” in its efforts to curb corruption.
our anti-corruption drive, as the dealing with these offenses become tougher and require bolder actions…However, we will use this as a motivation for us to further improve the initiatives in our fight against corruption,” Andanar said in a statement. Andanar also dismissed a Jan. 24 article published by American business magazine Forbes which claims the Philippines is now “more corrupt” under the Duterte administration as “malicious, poorly-researched, and distorted”. He further said the article was meant to discredit and undermine the efforts and initiatives of the Duterte administration in curbing corruption. The Forbes’ article titled “The Philippines is getting a more corrupt and less democratic state under President Rodrigo Duterte” cited the Philippine ranking in the CPI.
It claimed that corruption and political oppression in the Philippines stay “intact,” supposedly preventing the country from “developing modern infrastructure, attracting foreign Andanar made this comment capital, lowering unemployment, after the Philippines fell by 14 notches sustain(ing) economic growth, and in the 2019 CPI, ranking 113th out of escap(ing) poverty.” 180 countries from 99th in 2018. Contrary to the report, Andanar The Philippines got a score of 34 said the Duterte administration on a scale of zero to 100, where zero has placed several mechanisms is “highly corrupt” and 100 is “very and initiatives to curb corruption, clean”. including the creation of bodies such as the Freedom of Information “We may have hit a roadblock on (FOI) Office, Anti-Red Tape Authority,
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February 1-7, 2020
National News reiterated that weeding out corruption remains one of the Duterte administration’s utmost priorities since it is also the root cause of the proliferation of illegal drugs and extreme poverty. On Sunday, P r e s i d e n t i a l Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chair Dante Jimenez also belied the Forbes article saying and Presidential Anti-Corruption that contrary to the Commission, among others. report, the President’s anti-corruption campaign has come to fruition. He said Duterte has also ordered investigations and suspensions of Jimenez also said that in just three government personnel linked to years since Duterte assumed office in anomalous acts, and bureaucratic 2016, the fight against corruption has reshuffle and abolishment if needed. become “very successful.” Citing other rankings, Andanar said the Philippines has improved and placed 95th in the World Bank 2020 Ease of Doing Business and 3rd in CEO World 2019 Countries Best to Invest and Do Business.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, for his part, admitted that there is a “struggle” to fight corruption because due process made the firing of crooked officials much more difficult.
He also pointed out that the country achieved a 4.5 percent unemployment rate in December 2019, the lowest on record since 2005 and lifted 5.9 million Filipinos out of poverty, as it dropped to a 14-year low in October.
Before firing corrupt officials, Panelo said there had to be enough evidence before charges are filed against them.
He also belied critics’ allegations that the administration’s fight against corruption is a failure. (Azer Parrocha The PCOO chief, meanwhile, /PNA) February 1-7, 2020
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National News
Gov’t readies over 5K housing units for Taal eruption victims By Lade Jean Kabagani
MANILA - The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is readying some 5,448 housing units to be given to families residing within the seven-kilometer radius danger zone near the restive Taal Volcano. House Settlements Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said Thursday the National Housing Authority (NHA) is working on the repair of the houses and the installation of electricity and water connection.
in one of the project sites located in Ibaan, Batangas.
“The president will be giving these house units for free, in full grant and the occupants are not going pay anything upon the transfer,” del Rosario said, He said some 187 families have adding that the rehabilitation of some already occupied the housing units units would be done within one to two
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February 1-7, 2020
National News months. Some 5,000-6,000 households national and regional offices of DHSUD near the danger zone are affected, he and NHA, along with local officials added. of Batangas, is working to establish a mechanism for the resettlement of President Rodrigo Duterte earlier the residents, particularly those living said residents living within Taal Volcano’s on Taal Volcano Island and in the danger zone would be permanently municipalities of Talisay, Agoncillo, and relocated to the unoccupied housing Laurel. units originally allotted for military and police personnel. He said only those qualified internally displaced families can avail Del Rosario said a team from both of the housing units. (PNA)
Gov’t vows more ‘highquality’ jobs for Filipinos By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - The government vowed to create more “high-quality” jobs for Filipinos after a survey showed that there were fewer jobless Filipinos in the fourth quarter of 2019. February 1-7, 2020
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National News “We commit to continue creating an environment conducive to growth that generates more highquality jobs to the greatest number of Filipinos,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Wednesday.
positive development in wholesale and retail trade, transportation and storage, construction, education, accommodation and food service activities, and public administration and defense, and agriculture, particularly fishing and aquaculture.
On Tuesday, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released a survey which showed that adult joblessness eased to 17.5 percent in December 2019 which is equivalent to 7.9 million adults.
Panelo said economic growth has become “robust, sustainable, and inclusive” due to Duterte’s independent foreign policy direction which allowed more foreign direct investments and ultimately provided Filipinos with more This figure is a 4-point decline in jobs. adult joblessness rate from 21.5 percent in September 2019 or 10 million adults. He also assured that the government would provide better Panelo welcomed the survey knowledge and skills training to the result, which also found urban public as part of efforts to strengthen joblessness in December 2019 as the the labor market. lowest in 15 years at 15.3 percent. The SWS survey, fielded from “The Palace welcomes the December 13 to 16, found a 4-point latest results of a survey by the Social decline in the national joblessness rate Weather Stations showing a drop in due to decreases in the joblessness rate adult joblessness from 21.5 percent in Metro Manila (10 points) and Balance in September 2019 to 17.5 percent Luzon (8 points). Joblessness, however, in December 2019,” Panelo said in a increased in Visayas (4 points) and statement on Wednesday. Mindanao (1 point). He said the Duterte administration recognizes the importance of the country’s labor as a means of improving the overall standard of living of Filipinos. He also emphasized the importance of attracting domestic and foreign investments as key to a vibrant labor market and progressive economy. In December last year, Panelo described the Philippine labor market under the Duterte administration as “vibrant” citing
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It found a higher adult jobless rate among women than men at 30.8 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively. The pollster also found that adult joblessness rose by 2 points among the 35-44 age group but fell among other age groups. On the other hand, it fell by 13 points among the 18-24 age group, 10 points among the 25-34 age group, and 2 points among those aged 45 years and above. (PNA)
February 1-7, 2020
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