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[ Contents 16 - 22 February 2019
Volume III, No. 27
Caraganons join in a massive river cleanup REGIONAL NEWS
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DOH-CHD Caraga intensifies immunization drive against measles PNP’s ‘Oplan-Katok’ nets 328 firearms
PROVINCIAL NEWS PDRRMC holds camp 12 AgNor management training
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AgSur trainees graduate from 13 447 TESDA’s skills training CHO collect 100 blood bags in 14 75IB, Bislig City
MINDANAO NEWS key to Mindanao’s 16 Collaboration progress: MinDA exec to tackle repackaging of 18 NEDA Mindanao Railway-TDD segment
NATIONAL NEWS
signs Universal Healthcare Care 21 PRRD law signs law creating Human 22 PRRD Settlements and Urban Department
News Briefs President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Expanded Maternity Leave bill into law, which grants working mothers in government and private sector 105 days of paid maternity leave with an option to extend their leaves for another 30 days without pay.
Purple Fridays is an advocacy activity in calling women & men advocates to advance women’s rights & gender equality, break gender stereotypes & stop gender-based violence & discrimination against women.
Per Proclamation No. 157, the month of February every year thereafter is declared as National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. DOH-CHD Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. urges media partners during forum to continually inform the public that vaccination is the only way of protecting children from measles and it is given free at the rural health centers and city main health centers in the region.
Cover Story Caraganons join in a massive river cleanup By Venus L. Garcia
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UTUAN CITY - Volunteers from private and government sectors, including the students from the entire region, flocked at the identified sites through a solidarity walk to join the regionwide simultaneous River CleanUp activity spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Caraga. There, they started collecting piles a clean surroundings,” said Job Marfa of trash and overflowing man-made of the Karancho, Inc. marine debris. DENR Caraga regional director These have made some of the lawyer Felix Alicer said the activity is creeks and rivers in Caraga region in compliance with the directive of appeared to be a garbage dumpsite Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu due to improper practice of waste after seeing an outstanding outcome disposal among the locals. of the rehabilitation done in Boracay, and currently, in Manila Bay. “My group is glad to be part of this noteworthy undertaking. We are doing “The value of this exercise is the this wholeheartedly for our environment message that it carries that we wanted and the people because we believe to emphasize to the residents living close that a healthy environment starts with to the creeks and rivers, that it is also
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their responsibility to manage the solid waÂste. It is not only the responsibility of the DENR, local government units (LGUs) and government agencies but it would take the whole community to address the problem on solid waste,â€? Alicer said. Alicer added that they will do an assessment and determine the pollution sources within the community in order to implement specific course of action to address the problem. He also encouraged the public to practice and apply proper solid waste management. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
DOH-CHD Caraga intensifies immunization drive against measles By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY- Aside from the parental care and protection given by the parents to their children, the government and the Department of Health - Center for Heath Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga still want to ensure that they will not acquire measles and suffer from its complications. Latest data from the DOH-CHD Caraga showed that from January 1 to February 14 this year, there are 159 cases of measles recorded in the entire region, of which Surigao City has the higest number of 52 cases; 32 in the province of Agusan del Sur; 29 in Surigao del Norte; 24 in Surigao del Sur; seven in Dinagat Islands; six in Agusan del Norte; and other nine cases in different cities.
Since DOH-CHD Caraga noted an upward trend in the number of individuals affected with measles, it has intensified its campaign in the region to curb increasing cases of this communicable disease. “Our local health offices have already conducted a house to house visit for immunizing six to 59 months children as our targets individuals for
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
16 - 22 February 2019
immunization,” said Dr. Jose Llacuna, have their children vaccinated. Jr., DOH-CHD Caraga regional director. According to Llacuna, Llacuna said that measles is a immunization remains the most highly contagious virus and can spread effective means of prevention of to others through coughing and infectious diseases such as measles. sneezing. “So, I am calling all the parents to Common signs and symptoms for go to the regional health units (RHUs) suspected measles typically include to have their children vaccinated. We fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and can assure you of accessible supplies sore throat, followed by a rash that and adequate vaccines,” he added. spread all over the body. Measles fast lanes were also “It may be a self limiting disease but activated in hospitals intended for what we fear most is the complication patients with suspected cases of that sets in, and notably these are measles. pneumonia, encephalitis and diarrhea which can cause dehydration,” Also, the DOH-CDH and Llacuna said. Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga are set to conduct a selective He, however, admitted that there immunization, targeting Grade I to is a certain decline in the immunization Grade VI pupils. rate last year particularly in the areas where many measles cases were When you get vaccinated, you’re reported, the reason why the DOH-CHD protecting yourself and your family, Caraga is appealing to the parents to said Llacuna. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
PNP’s ‘Oplan-Katok’ nets 328 firearms
BUTUAN CITY - Since the start of campaign period and implementation of COMELEC gun ban last January 13, 2019, a total of 328 gun-owners, who are holding expired licenses for their guns, responded to the ‘Oplan Katok’ of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as of February 27, 2019. Oplan Katok is a PNP program wherein authorities go house-to-house visit to firearm holders who have not renewed their firearms license yet, to get them renew their firearm permits, or have these guns stored in police vaults for safekeeping. Of the 328 firearms now kept safe in police vaults, 45 of which were surrendered by political aspirants. Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PNP 13 Regional Director, had repeatedly issued a warning to gun owners to turn in their firearms to nearest Police Stations pending the application of License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) at Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU).
Ammunition Regulation Act: “All types of licenses to possess a firearm shall be renewed every two years. Failure to renew the license on or before the date of its expiration shall cause the revocation of the license and the registration of the firearm/s under said licensee.”
Pursuant to Section 19 of Republic The registration of the firearm shall Act (RA) 10591, otherwise known as be renewed every four years. Failure to the Comprehensive Firearms and renew the registration of the firearm on
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Regional News I Empowering Communities or before the date of expiration shall cause the revocation of the license of the firearm. The said firearm shall be confiscated or forfeited in favor of the government after due process.
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before the date of the expiration of such license or registration. “We want to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly conduct of 2019 mid-term elections. These 328 surrendered firearms mean 328 less firearms in the street which might be illicitly used in the commission of a crime,” saidCruz.
Under RA 10591, the failure to renew a license or registration within the periods stated above on two occasions shall cause the holder of the firearm to be perpetually disqualified from applying for any firearm license. “If gun owners will not surrender their firearms, the PNP will apply for a The application for the renewal search warrant against the registered of the license or registration may be gun owner and file appropriate charges submitted to the Firearms and Explosives in court,” Cruz warned. (PNP Caraga/ Office of the PNP, within six months PIA-Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
16 - 22 February 2019
AgNor PDRRMC holds camp management training By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY - The Disaster Response Committee of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of the province of Agusan del Norte will hold a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) on April 8 to 10, 2019 here. According to Silver Joy Tejano, vice chairperson of the Response Committee and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the activity will help the council and concerned personnel on CCCM.
that the training will help concerned personnel and officials develop and implement standard operating procedures on response levels.
The training is an avenue for skills development, capability-building and The activity also aims to provide establish an institutional mechanism life preservation and meet the for disaster response operation to its basic subsistence needs of affected committee members, Suyo added. population in the province of Agusan del Norte based on acceptable The ToT will be participated in standards during and immediately by more than 50 focal persons from after a disaster. different offices and municipalities of the province. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del PDRRMO chief Erma Suyo also said Norte)
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
447 AgSur trainees graduate from TESDA’s skills training
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
PROPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Director-General Isidro Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) witnessed the recently-held graduation ceremony of some 447 trainees who are now graduates of the skills training they have availed under the various scholarship programs of the agency. In his message, Lapeña emphasized that there is a need to increase people’s awareness on the existing skills training and scholarship programs of TESDA, so more people could also benefit from it and could have the chance to experience a better life with their family.
the graduates to visit their local TESDA offices to assist them in their job hunting opportunities here and abroad.
Meanwhile, in time with the graduation ceremony of the trainees, DG Lapeña also led the inauguration of the newly-built administration building of the Agusan del Sur School He said this is one way of inspiring of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) in Patinother people to visit and approach ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur worth TESDA and avail of any skills training P3.8-million. and enhance their own skills. It was learned that the said building Lapeña clarified that anyone was completed thru the Training-cumcould apply for any training offered Production Program of TESDA Caraga. by the government. He also advised (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
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75IB, CHO collect 100 blood bags in Bislig City By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur) - The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion, in partnership with the city government of Bislig through the City Health Office (CHO), has accumulated 100 bags of blood during the conduct of the bloodletting activity held at the Gaisano Capital, Mangagoy, Bislig City on February 15, 2019. Anchored on the theme “Dugong Handog Para sa Kapayapaan,” the activity aims to motivate and create awareness among the people on the importance of blood donation.
Group (TMG) participated in the event. The volunteers and donors have rendered their time and effort during the activity with a goal to help in saving lives, said Captain Edwin Leo Francisco, The spirit of volunteerism also Civil Military Operations Officer of 75IB. exuded from the good-hearted individuals who joined the activity. Meanwhile, Lt. Col Jaime Datuin, 75IB commanding officer, expressed Government employees, his gratitude to those who participated stakeholders, reservist and the event. representatives from civic organizations such as Philippine National Police “I am very grateful for your support. (PNP), Fraternal Eagle’s Club, Tau Your gesture of generosity through Gamma Fraternity, Gaisano Capital- blood donation manifests your care Bislig City, City Health Office, BIslig and love to our fellow citizens. Thus, District Hospital (BDH), University I also encourage everyone to show of Southeastern Philippines (USP), great concern in many ways for the Southern Technological Institute of the good and welfare of our community,” Philippines (STIP), Traffic Management said Datuin. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
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Collaboration key to Mindanao’s progress: MinDA exec By Lilian Mellejor
DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) remains committed to working with its partners to further push the transformation and development of Mindanao. Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, MinDa deputy executive director, said Wednesday that concerted effort has been key to Mindanao’s progress and transformation in the last 30 years since the creation of its forerunner--the Mindanao Economic Development Council, which was formed in 1992 via executive order.
Mindanao to “accelerated growth, inclusive and sustainable development—and the realization of the President’s dream of fulfilling the Mindanao’s promise.”
During the 9th anniversary celebration of MinDA on Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the agency to pursue more progressive and inclusive strategies for growth in Although MinDA has recorded the region. gains over the years, Montenegro said “there is still so much work to do for Duterte highlighted MinDA’s role Mindanao to catch up with national in the implementation of viable sociodevelopment and poverty reduction economic programs in Mindanao, targets.” especially as the island enters a new period of peace and development Montenegro said the same with the ratification of the Bangsamoro formula of cooperation will take Organic Law (BOL).
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The President noted that MinDA is the primary coordinating agency in the affairs of the Brunei DarussalamIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which also celebrated its 25th year.
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities of our local government units to deliver excellent public service and promote good governance, especially in Mindanao. MinD A Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto said that under the current administration, the agency is able to further strengthen its integrated approach in the formulation and implementation of various Mindanaowide inter-regional development plans, programs and projects.
“By facilitating the active involvement and participation of all relevant sectors in your initiatives, you have enabled the institution of effective mechanisms for sociocivic endeavors, launched political education campaigns, and the establishment of agro-economic Alonto highlighted one of zones across the nation,” Duterte MinDA’s flagship program – the said. Mindanao Development Corridors, a spatial development strategy aimed Duterte underscored the power at increasing the competitiveness of collaborative efforts in realizing of Mindanao industries by providing peace and sustainable growth across common service facilities. (PNA) Mindanao, even as he counted on MinDA’s “commitment to contribute further” in his administration’s goal on improving the people’s lives through peace and development. Duterte expects that MinDA will continue to lead the creation of more viable opportunities in trade and investment, transportation, agri-business, tourism, energy, and environmental protection and management, among others, not only in the region but in the entire BIMPEAGA corridor. Duterte vowed that his administration “will remain resolute in building the capacity
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
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NEDA to tackle repackaging of Mindanao Railway-TDD segment
DAVAO CITY – The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board is set to tackle the proposed PHP97-billion repackaging and realignment of the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) of the Department of Transportation (DoTr). NEDA-11 Director Ma. Lourdes Lim said the proposed repackaging of the first phase which covers the TagumDavao-Digos segment originally cost PHP34-35 billion which can be funded by the national government.
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DoTr repackaging of the TDD segment in terms of the project cost and project scope. This has not been approved yet,” Lim said in an interview.
According to her, if the repackaging will be approved, the “The Board will again consider national government will consider
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
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Overseas Development (ODA) financing.
Assistance houses that will be affected in the original design.
She noted that the Chinese government has expressed willingness to finance not only the TDD segment but the whole MRP.
The association represented by its vice president, Dr. Victor Espino, said more than 40 houses will be affected. If modified using property in front of the subdivision, lesser properties will be If ODA will be considered, Lim affected. said, negotiations will follow with the Chinese government such as through “We appeal, we are not against exchange of letters. the project. We’re just for a realignment of the project,” Espino told the city “The Chinese government is council. waiting on the side for the negotiations for loan financing,” Lim said. Lim said the request of the Another PHP6 billion was also set homeowners has been submitted to for road-right-of-way, site acquisition the DoTr and might be tackled when for the train station and depot. the DoTr convenes in a meeting. Lim said the DoTr Project Management Office (PMO) is overseeing the negotiations and meetings with the consultants and the local government units.
The TDD segment covers a 102km stretch which is expected to reduce travel time from Tagum City, Davao del Norte to Digos City, Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to 1.3 hours.
So far, she said the DoTr and LGUs of Tagum, Panabo, and Carmen in Davao del Norte, Digos, and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur have already signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for road-right-of-way.
DoTr said the MRP-TDD is expected to not only make travel faster, but also safer, more convenient and comfortable for passengers in the said corridor. It will have eight stations located in Tagum, Carmen, Panabo, Mudiang, Davao Terminal, Toril, Sta. She added that Davao City has Cruz and Digos. A 10-hectare depot not signed the MOA yet because of will be built in Tagum. the ongoing realignment discussion. The rail line will be built with a single During last Tuesday’s regular track, with provisions for future tracks session, the homeowners’ association and electrification. It will have six 5-car of Monteritz Classic Estates in Maa passenger trains (Diesel Multiple Units) asked for the help of the city council with three spare cars, four locomotives for the modification of the project in and 15 freight cars. (PNA) Davao because there would be many
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NATIONAL NEWS
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National News I Empowering Communities
PRRD signs Universal Healthcare Care law By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday signed the Universal Health Care Act into law which will automatically enroll all Filipinos under the government’s health insurance program. Duterte signed the landmark legislation in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, saying the new law will surely make a positive impact in the lives of the people.
Under the legislation, all Filipino citizens, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), will be enrolled into PhilHealth, which will have a coverage expanded to include free consultation fees, laboratory tests and other “By automatically [enrolling] diagnostic services. our citizens into the National Health Insurance Program and expanding It also aims to improve doctorPhilHealth coverage to include free to-patient ratio, upgrades hospital medical consultations and laboratory bed capacities and equipment and tests, the Universal Healthcare Law that established more hospitals in remote I signed today will guarantee equitable areas. access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos,” Earlier, Duterte certified the Duterte said in his speech. measure as “urgent,” expressing
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National News I Empowering Communities
his desire to provide Filipinos with how to source funds in accordance affordable, quality health services. with the Constitution,” Panelo said. Once the law is released, concerned agencies will draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the law.
The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed the signing of the UHC Act describing it as a “critical step towards health for all Filipinos.”
Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the UHC program may be implemented “gradually” since Congress has yet to draft a final bill raising tobacco taxes.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes this development as it is excellent proof of commitment to improving access to high quality health services at the least cost to families,” the WHO said in a statement.
Panelo said the executive can make do with the PHP3.8 trillion budget “We commend the Philippines for for 2019. taking this step in the right direction,” it added. (PNA) “I’m sure our government will know
PRRD signs law creating Human Settlements and Urban Department By EJ Roque
MANILA President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed a law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
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Under Republic Act No. 11201 signed by Duterte on Feb. 14 and released to the media on Tuesday, the new department will be responsible for establishing Housing One-Stop Processing Centers (HOPCs) in the regions to centralize the processing of housing-related documents.
National News I Empowering Communities The new law also established bureaus that deal with Environmental, Land Use and Urban Planning and Development, Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation, and Homeowners Associations and Community Development.
The policies and program developments The law cited the need for of attached agencies will now be underprivileged and homeless Filipinos under the National Human Settlements to have access to safe and affordable Board. (PNA) housing. “The State shall, by law and for the common good, undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of housing and urban development which shall make available at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas,” the law read. “The State shall ensure that poor dwellers in urban and rural areas shall not be evicted nor their dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law,” it added. The DHSUD will consolidate the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Under the new law, adjudications in the HLURB will now be transferred to the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission.
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