Religious leaders join interfaith dialogue to end local communist armed conflict

Religious leaders join interfaith dialogue to end local communist armed conflict P ovincial News

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The religious leaders were united in an interfaith dialogue and discussed the role of the religious sector in the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s Sectoral Unification and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Clusters held recently at the Kalinaw (Peace) Building, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion in Barangay Noli, this city.

Lieutenant Col. Sahisa T. Adzramen (Chaplain Service), 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division postIslamic Chaplain; 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Col. Joey Baybayan INF (GSC) PA with religious leaders from the Catholic, Islam, United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP), Seventh-day Adventist Church and Iglesia Independiente Filipina (IFI) attended the event. First Lieutenant Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, 3SFBn Civil-Military Operations Officer, oriented the participants in the Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as a peaceful concept to end any armed conflict by focusing on peace and development interventions in conflictaffected areas to address root causes of conflict and in advocating the E-CLIP to induce peaceful surrenders.

Punsalan also encouraged the participation of the religious sector in Deradicalization program for former rebels through values formation, and strengthening of spiritual dimensions to denounce violence in resolving conflict, the promotion of Family and reconciliation, and the conduct of intensified information drives among youth ministries and their respective members to protect the religious and other faith-based organizations from communist and other terrorist groups’ infiltration which can destroy their credibility and corrupt their faith. P ovincial News

LTC Adzramen further emphasized that a true religious leader who believes in God leads his followers to the path of peace and the goodness of life. same mistake again),” the chaplain said.

LTC Baybayan called on the participants to promote reconciliation to end conflict and prevent the unnecessary loss of lives. “We greatly hope that you could help us promote peace and reconciliation to induce more peaceful surrenders. The country has already suffered enough and as the President said, we cannot afford to pass this communist armed conflict to the next generations,“ he said.

“Ang tunay na alagad ng Panginoon ay hindi kumakanlong ng kasamaan at kaguluhan. Kung ang tao ay naging masama, tungkulin nating akayin sila pabalik sa kabutihan at ibalik sa tamang landas para hindi na ulit sila maligaw (The real follower of Christ are those who do not engage in wrong doings to cause conflicts. If an individual has become the person he/she shouldn’t be, it is then our responsibility to help them be at the right path and never let them do the Meanwhile, the Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment Cluster of Executive Order No. 70 shall engage, unify, capacitate, empower and mobilize all sectors (including the religious sector) of society to be free and resistant to Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTG) mass base building operations and infiltration activities, to reinforce good governance, enduring peace and sustainable development. (KAP/3SFBn/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) February 29-March 6, 2020 Caraga Infocus 20

Gov’t turns over water supply system in AgNor P ovincial News

By 1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte with the support of other partner stakeholders conducted recently the turn-over and oath-taking ceremony on the construction/rehabilitation of the water supply system level II at So. Cadahondahonan, Brgy. Poblacion 2, Santiago and So. Ancili Brgy. Puting Bato, this city.

The said water system projects were funded under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process- Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (OPAPP- PAMANA) Program. The said areas were those identified as Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) influenced or the ConflictAffected Areas (ConAAs) where primary issues such as problems of

water supply were being exploited by the CNTs to deceive and recruit the community.

Agusan del Norte Gov. Dale B. Corvera, and Agusan del Norte Rep. Maria Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba led the turn-over and the oathtaking ceremony.

Gov. Corvera said he was glad that despite the opposition of the enemies against peace and development, “the government is still willing to provide us with wonderful projects such as this. As Filipinos, we should recognize that we only have one government whom we need to respect and give support to because it’s only the true government who could help us and not the NPAs.” Meanwhile, Rep. Matba assured the public that the government is doing its best to help them. “But my only appeal is that we all be united in helping our government because as leaders we cannot do it alone. We need your continuous help and support also,” she said.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding officer of 29IB, also urged the community to support the causes of the military.

“But just as they are pleading as leaders of AgNor, we too are asking and pleading for your support. How? Simple. Stop supporting the NPAs. Stop feeding them. We assure you that they will not survive if you will not allow them to enter and take advantage of the resources in your areas,” he said. (CMO Officer, 29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgNor bags international P ovincial News

award on RABMis

BUTUAN CITY - The Province of Agusan del Norte coveted one of the highest awards on Rabies Management Information System (RABMis) during the 11th International Conference on Environmental and Rural Development held in Siem Reap, Cambodia held on February 28 - March 1, 2020.

Dr. Joseph P. Dargantes, Veterinarian IV of the Provincial Veterinary Office and the representative of the province, was awarded the Excellent Paper Award during the said international conference.

Dr. Dargantes presented his paper “Integration of Rabies Management Information System (RabMIS) through One-Health Approach into the Rabies Prevention and Control Program in the Province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines: An Evaluation.”

Attended by more than 100 researchers all over the world, the main objective of the conference was to discuss and develop sustainable and effective processes and strategies for

sustainable rural development taking into account the agricultural and environmental aspects in developing countries.

The conference was organized by International Society of Environmental and Rural Development Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation, Japan and coorganized by United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability collaborated with Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, Bohol Island State University, Philippines, Association of Environmental and Rural Development, Thailand. The paper presented was the research study of Dr. Dargantes when he obtained and graduated his master’s degree at Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand last June 2019. The research was funded by GREASE (Gestion des Risques Emergents en Asie du Sud-Est) and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD).

Rabies Management Information System (RabMIS) is a novel initiative by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte in its record-keeping of pertinent data of its rabies program. It was co-developed by Mr. Paul Cupay of Management Information System (MIS) of the province. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Army lauds DepEd move vs. NPA recruitment in schools P ovincial News By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Army in Agusan del Norte welcomed the recent move of the Department of Education (DepEd) in recognizing the threats of the continuing recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPA) in schools.

Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, the commander of 23rd Infantry Battalion told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that top officials of DepEd Agusan del Norte convened on March 3 the 2nd Division Management Committee Conference to discuss the issues and concerns on NPA recruitment in schools.

“I was present during the conference where I told the top DepEd officials in the province about the result of our surveys and the outcomes of the series of information drives we conducted in different schools,” Molina said. Molina added that it was the first time top DepEd officials in Agusan del Norte discussed the insurgency problem and the degree of NPA recruitment inside school campuses.

In February this year, a series of information drives were held by 23rd IB in different schools in the towns of Nasipit, Las Nieves, Carmen, and Buenavista in Agusan Del Norte.

Molina thanked DepEd officials in Agusan del Norte for convening the conference that provided schools heads the information on the degree of NPA recruitment in schools. February 29-March 6, 2020 Caraga Infocus 25

P ovincial News He said the conference, joined by 364 participants to include supervisors, school heads and guidance councilors, was held on Tuesday. school campuses, especially from the manipulations of the NPAs, by inculcating not only academics but also good moral values,” Molina said.

Pagbigay ng financial assistance sa mga SK officials ng AgNor, nilagdahan na “The participants now realize the extent of NPA recruitment in their schools and the danger it posed to their students,” Molina said.

He added that the conference was also graced by Agnes “Lola” Lopez, the national president of People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment Inc. (PeACE, Inc.), an organization of former rebels in the country.

“Lopez urged the teachers in Agusan Norte to protect the students being their second parents inside the During the conference, Lopez urged the teachers to solidify the sacrifices of the parents, value the efforts of the government, and encourage the children to finish their studies.

“Lopez called on the teachers, especially those who are members of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT Partylist) to refrain from recruiting innocent children to join the armed group, instead, be the good role model to students, as their future depends on how the teachers encourage students to reach their goals in life,” Molina said. (PNA)

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Ikinalugod ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan o SK officials ng Agusan del Norte ang paglagda ng isang ordinansa na layong mabigyan sila ng tulong pinansyal sa panahon na sila ay magkasakit.

Ayon kay Kefee Blue Leonar, ang SK federation president ng Agusan del Norte, malaking tulong ang P10,000.00 na tulong sa mga kabataan sa panahon na sila ay magkasakit at maospital. Ito ay isang motivation upang mas maengganyo pa ang mga ito na magtrabaho para sa kapakanan ng probinsya. kaalaman para sa kaayosan ng probinsya.

Ang pagpirma ng Provincial Ordinance No. 544-2020 sa pamamagitan ni Gob. Corvera ay dinaluhan at sinaksihan ng mga SK officials mula sa iba’t ibang munisipyo at lungsod ng probinsya.

Maliban sa binigay ng benipisyo, hinikayat din ni Gobernador Dale Corvera ang mga SK officials na magkaroon ng regular na mga aktibidad ang mga ito upang mas magkaroon pa ng panahon na maibahagi ang kanilang mga Ang financial assistance ay isa lang sa mga benipisyong bigay ng probinsya sa kasalukuyan, positibo din si Leonar na mas marami pang magagandang planong nakalaan para sa kabataan sa susunod na buwan. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

HR groups intensify advocacy campaign in Dinagat Islands P ovincial News

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Caraga, BALAOD Mindanaw and Philippine Alliance Human Rights Advocate have intensified their human rights advocacy campaign with the conduct of a forum together with the different human right groups in the province.

The said groups initiated the forum to educate and inform the people regarding human rights and to establish a training center for the conduct of workshops and immersion programs on human rights concerns.

CHR Caraga Regional Director Atty. Jerrefe Bacang encouraged the people of the province to create and institutionalize a People’s Council for Dinagat Islands with the support of the local government units to monitor, assist and immediately address human rights concerns.

On her part, Governor Arlene Kaka Bag-ao said laws on human rights were created not only to help the poor and deprived individuals but also served as a lookout to safeguard government integrity and no abuse of power. Meanwhile, Tambuyog Development Center, Inc. Executive Director Dinna L. Umengan vowed to assist the local fishermen improve their livelihood through a just and fair municipal ordinance on illegal fishing.

There is also a need to formulate a comprehensive development plan that will protect the interest of the people, the community and the environment as a whole, added Umengan. (Dinagat Islands-Provincial Information Office/ PIA-Dinagat Islands) By Susil D. Ragas

P ovincial News SP employees capacitate on Budget Control System version 2.0

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The employees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Surigao del Norte recently participated in the orientation cum workshop on the Budget Control for Appropriations, Allotment releases and Obligations using version 2.0 of the Budget Control System (BCS) for offices.

The said orientation workshop, which was facilitated by the Provincial Budget Office, primarily aimed to capacitate its employees on the 2.0 version of the new budget control system.

Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee said through the said orientation, employees can have better knowledge and system on the execution of the fiscal year 2020 Annual Budget in accordance with existing rules, laws, and regulations.

He said the execution of the 2020 annual budget is the 4th phase of the budget process in local government units of the province. Gokiangkee said the budget process involved the usual recording of appropriations in the proper registries, the release of allotments and the recording of actual obligations and disbursements of funds for approved projects, programs and activities (section 305 of Republic Act 7160 and Budget Operation Manual for LGUs, 2016 edition).

The improvement of the budget system is to complement the implementation of enhanced e-Budget/ e-NGAs version 2.0 of the Commission on Audit (COA). (Susil D. Ragas/Sangguniang PanlalawiganSurigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

MGB-13 joins spatial data information, analysis workshop P ovincial News

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Personnel of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 13 were reorientated recently on spatial data information and analysis of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR’s) priority programs and projects. By Esperidion Y. Amper, Jr.

The reorientation workshop was conducted in Butuan City by the DENR’s Planning Management Division Geographic Information System (GIS). The said activity was aimed to generate a spatial data information and analysis based on strategic location and area covered in a map with their CY 2019 priority programs and projects target. Focal Persons of the DENR 13, Environmental Management Bureau-13 and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices and City Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Caraga Region also took part in the said workshop.

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Focal Person of MGB-13 was tasked to generate a location and area covered maps assessed by the local government units concerning geohazards, groundwater resources, and responsible mining.

Also shared during the activity included the inventory of people small-scale mining or the Minahang Bayan, and sand and gravel; Proposed Minahang Bayan; Geological assessment for risk reduction and resiliency program; Updating of 1:10,000 scale geohazard map; Geologic quadrangle mapping; and Groundwater resource and vulnerability assessment.

The map generated, which also served as an output during the workshop, was then collected by the Central GIS database for Spatial Data Information and Analysis of the DENR13. (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

P ovincial News Quality education, not

revolution: Surigao Sur tribal leader

BUTUAN CITY- A tribal leader has welcomed the government’s plan to put up a school in an upland village in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga that the military considers a hotbed for the communist insurgency. By Alexander Lopez

Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, alleged that the two tribal schools currently operating in Barangay Diatagon have links to the New People’s Army (NPA). “Our tribe wants our children to access quality education with the hope that someday, we can produce professionals who can uplift and help our tribe preserve our culture and traditions,” Bucales told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday. “We need quality education, not revolution,” he added.

Bucales joined top government officials led by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel and Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Director Francis Cesar Bringas during the site inspection for the establishment of a government-run tribal school in Sitio Kilometer 9, Barangay Diatagon, on Monday (March 2).

On the same day, the team also February 29-March 6, 2020 Caraga Infocus 31

conducted an ocular inspection in the neighboring Barangay Mahaba, Marihatag town, where another tribal school is being planned. P ovincial News

Bucales said the establishment of government-accredited schools in the area has been requested by the predominantly Manobo residents for years.

He said parents are worried because the two tribal schools in Diatagon--the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV)--are reportedly operating without DepEd permits.

Worse, he alleged that the two schools “are only disguising as alternative learning schools for the IP children. TRIFPSS and ALCADEV only produced cadres for the communists NPA movement”.

“They radicalized our children and sowed hate in their hearts. These divided our tribe and caused more conflict and exploitation. We believe, as elders of the tribe, that DepEd schools will be our hope for our children and for the betterment of our tribe. The Manobo tribe is tired of being used as props for the communists’ political ambitions,” Bucales said.

Over the weekend, Bucales and military officials in the area denounced the NPA and the leftist indigenous people’s organization, Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), for allegedly orchestrating harassments and intimidation that forced some 35 Manobo families from their homes.

“This is an old strategy of the CNTs (Communist New People’s Army Terrorists) and MAPASU. First, the CNTs will harass civilians, then MAPASU will trigger evacuation, then, put the blame on the military and demand for their pull-out in order to delay the implementation of the government’s development projects for the IPs and recover their mass base,” Bucales said.

1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, civil-military operations officer of the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), said Monday “the quest of the Manobo tribe for the establishment of more government IP schools in Surigao del Sur” has the military’s backing.

“The government IP schools is for the future of the children of the Manobo tribe. These children now are also their future. The Army will continue to support them especially in the establishment of these schools,” Punsalan said, adding the Army’s 544th Engineer Battalion will help construct the planned tribal schools.

Also were present during Monday’s ocular inspections were Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen, Marihatag Mayor Marc Justine, and Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur Mayor Kirk Asis, who is the Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson on Social Services. (PNA)

DAR-Surigao Sur

beneficiaries get over P25-M aid in 2019

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY- The Department of Agrarian Reform in the province of Surigao del Sur (DAR-SDS) facilitated the release of PHP25.175 million worth of livelihood assistance to 33 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from 25 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in 12 municipalities of the province.

The livelihood assistance was released through the Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for ARBs Project (CLAAP), a program being implemented by DAR in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Esteban Dumagan, the OICchief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) for Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Development Support

P ovincial News Program (ARBDSP), told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday (March 3) that a total of 1,007 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) belonging to 33 ARBOs directly benefited from the project.

Dumagan said that CLAAP is a collaborative effort of DAR and DSWD aligned with the poverty alleviation program of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Each of the ARBOs received PHP435,000 assistance last year in the form of livelihood packages with a total amount of PHP15,105 million.

Dumagan said another PHP10,070 was allotted for training and capability building activities for the ARBOs to manage properly their livelihood projects. He added that the series of capability building activities and training were conducted from October to December last year.

“We are confident that our ARBOs, most of which are cooperatives, are already capable and competent to sustain their livelihood projects,” Dumagan said. one ARBO into goat production with dispersal to its members.

Each of the 14 ARBOs received 58 piglets with feeds and vitamins for piggery project, the data showed. The remaining ARBOs, especially the cooperatives were provided with agricultural and veterinary supplies, fertilizers, seeds, and sacks of rice for their retailing businesses.

In a statement on Tuesday, Leoncio Bautista, Jr., DARSDS OICProvincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARO II), said that CLAAP is an initiative of the government to help increase the income of ARBs in Surigao del Sur.

Data provided by DARSDS indicated that three ARBOs ventured into egg production and were provided with 683 heads of layers each; and, Bautista also expressed optimism the project will provide assistance to more ARBs and ARBOs in the province this year. (PNA) February 29-March 6, 2020 Caraga Infocus 34

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