Volume VI, No. 06 February 5-11, 2022
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REGIONAL NEWS DEPED-13 LAUNCHES ONLINE RESEARCH REPOSITORY OCD LEADS MULTI-AGENCY COLLAB ON POSTDISASTER REHAB AND RECOVERY, URGES LGUS TO JOIN R2R BATCH 6
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OWWA CARAGA RELEASES P8.58M LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE DOT CARAGA TO LAUNCH OFFICIAL TAGLINE 120 STUDENTS QUALIFY AS GRADE 7 SCHOLARS OF PISAY CARAGA REGIONAL CAMPUS PIDS STUDY PROVIDES HEALTH SYSTEM-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS CHRONIC MALNUTRITION IN PH
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DBP TO FUND SEEDBANK FOR NATIVE TREE SPECIES ENHANCED INTERVENTIONS KEY TO AGRI DEVELOPMENT: DA-CARAGA DA-CARAGA UPDATES MEDIA PARTNERS ON THE EFFECTS OF ST ODETTE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
PROVINCIAL NEWS 22 24
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VOLUNTEERISM DRIVES REBUILDING EFFORTS IN DINAGAT ISLANDS
HIGH-VALUE INDIVIDUALS BUSTED IN BUY-BUST OPS IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN
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DEPED SIARGAO TO RECEIVE 4 DISASTER-RESILIENT CLASSROOMS FROM KAPUSO FOUNDATION LEVEL 2 ACCREDITATION GIPUNTING ALANG SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL DECOMPOSING CADAVER OF NPA MEMBER FOUND IN AGNOR
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HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS, MATERIEL SEIZED IN AGNOR CLASH 3 CNTS DESIRE A PEACEFUL LIFE YIELD TO ARMY NAWAD-AN OG BALAY TUNGOD SA BAGYONG ODETTE, MAPASALAMATON SA BAYANIHAN TEAM
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PAGPADANGAT OG AYUDA SA MGA APEKTADO SA BAGYONG ODETTE SA CABADBARAN, NAGPADAYON PHILSYS CENTER OPENS IN BISLIG CITY
CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
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NATIONAL NEWS BG PARTYLIST INKS PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE CRIMINOLOGY PHILIPPINES TO PUSH LEGISLATIVE AGENDA PALACE THANKS PUBLIC FOR PRRD’S VERY GOOD NET SATISFACTION RATING
COVID-19 NEWS GOV’T EYES 70M FILIPINOS FULLY VAXXED BY MARCH 31 GOV’T TO DEVELOP ‘NEW NORMAL’ ROADMAP VS. COVID-19 PANDEMIC GOV’T PREPARING FOR ENDEMIC COVID-19 SCENARIO IN PH
LGU-Butuan calls on loca residents to create a communal vegetable ga for extra income By Jennifer P. Gaitano
The local government of Butuan City called on farmers, vendors and local residents to create their own communal vegetable gardens, which would be of great help for them to gain extra income or livelihood, and sustain their daily consumption especially during this time of health crisis. According to Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven, Butuan City Agriculturist, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020, the local government unit initiated
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a plan which would directly address the concerns of affected locals particularly on the loss of employment and livelihood. Joven emphasized that through the city’s AgriBoost program, local farmers and vendors will have a systematic way of selling produce from their communal garden to different establishments. “For our vendors, we are providing them technology and capacity development to facilitate a faster and more convenient Caraga INFOCUS
way of selling their produce to the public markets,” said Joven. Joven also stressed the need to gear up vegetable production as the city only produces 20% of vegetable varieties. “The City’s Agriboost Program aims to increase the number of vegetable production of the local farmers and improve their livelihood. This is also to ensure food security especially during emergencies and
disasters,” Joven added. The LGU has also started the implementation of the “Gulay sa Komunidad” Program in different barangays and has opted to continue the said initiative to produce more greens and sell them to various markets. The city has recently gained international recognition for its AgriBoost Program through the 2021 Bloomberg Philantrophies’ Global Mayors Challenge. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
al
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News Briefs (ADVISORY) DepEd Siargao reminds all its employees to refrain from engaging in partisan political activities. This coming May 9, 2022 local and national elections, the said schools division office urged its personnel to “free yourselves from possible sanctions and let politics take its course”. xx
(LANDBANK ADVISORY) Beware of phishing attacks that use the name and logo of LANDBANK to deceive clients and email scams that request you to update your account information. Do not click on the links provided by suspected phishing email and do not provide personal financial information such as User ID, Password OTP, CVV, PIN, and Answers to Security Questions. Thank you. No Messages? Send STOP to 21583463 In view of the ongoing rehabilitation and recovery of the hard-hit areas caused by Typhoon Odette in the Caraga Region particularly the Siargao Islands, Dinagat Islands, and Mainland Surigao Del Norte, the DICT Caraga Region in collaboration with World Food Programme will still continue in providing support to the LGUs in their internet connectivity needs through our Konek Tawag centers/VSAT Operations. Ten (10) units of VSAT from WFP arrived at Surigao City on February 1, 2022. DICT Caraga Region proposed to deploy seven (7) units VSAT to Loreto, Tubajon, Cagdianao, San Jose Port (replacing DICT-MC3 VSAT) for Dinagat Islands; San Isidro and Burgos for Siargao Islands and DPWH Surigao City (replacing DICT-MC3 VSAT).
(COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE) As of Feb. 10, 2022, DOH Caraga records a total of 1,294,185 individuals fully vaccinated regionwide.
REGIONAL NEWS
DepEd-13 launches online research repository monitoring, implementation, and research management. Nuñez said that the collaboration between Dr. Caroline Guerta, the regional research coordinator, and Marcelino Ahon Jr., the ICT Unit head, was the key to the creation of the system.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga, through the Information and Communications Technology Unit (ICTU) and the Policy Planning and Research Division (PPRD), launched an innovative online repository of research works called the Research Information System (RIS) Tuesday, February 8. The system aims to provide a facility wherein all research information can be stored and accessed by authorized personnel anytime and anywhere using internet connectivity. The research information includes the number of final and draft researches and their corresponding budgetary allocation.
“With our RIS, finally, we now have the so-called archiving facility for all the researches conducted in our region, especially those researches funded by the Basic Education Research Fund,“ she said. The online launching was participated in by schools division superintendents, assistant schools division superintendents, SGOD chiefs, and the research coordinators of the 12 Schools Division Offices in the region and were oriented of the functionalities and features of the RIS. – (Nerison S. Pitogo, DepEd-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
PPRD OIC-Chief Dr. Violeta Nunez said the RIS has long been in the pipeline of projects focusing on research
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OCD leads multi-agency collab on post-disaster rehab and recovery, urges LGUs to join R2R batch 6 Various national agencies and regional offices joined the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in speeding up the recovery efforts and aligning priorities for rebuilding following the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette in December 2021. “Late last year, Typhoon Odette struck our country and affected regions MIMAROPA, 6, 7, 8, and 10 with damages so broad that combining support for recovery still seems challenging. However, this does not prevent us from delivering our best service and support that we can. These are the very kinds of scenarios that we have been preparing for,” said Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Caraga INFOCUS
executive director and Civil Defense administrator. “Early last year, in preparation for possible disasters or calamities, the OCD, in partnership with the World Bank, launched the Ready to Rebuild Training Program with the goal to speed up and improve the recovery process of affected areas in the aftermath of a disaster. The training also serves as a guide for the regional government agencies, local government units, and
stakeholders in crafting their local rehabilitation and recovery plans,” he added. To date, the Ready to Rebuild Program for LGUs already had five training batches which were held among a total of 197 provinces, cities, and municipalities from all 17 regions. This translates to 924 governors, mayors, DRRM managers, planning and budget officers, and other technical staff who have improved their capacity to deal with the aftermaths of disasters. February 5-11, 2022 |
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Course participants, Cordero also added that it is now their opportunity to maximize the Ready to Rebuild Program as they go through the process of rehabilitation and recovery for the Odette-affected communities. OCD also led the three-day Ready to Rebuild Executive Course on January 12 to 14, 2022 and brought together more than 150 government officials and staff composed of disaster risk reduction and management experts, policymakers, planners, and implementers across the country. As a specially designed capacity building program, the Executive Course served as a platform to review the rehabilitation and recovery process and discuss challenges in light of Typhoon Odette through the Ready to Rebuild Program lens. It also gave them the opportunity to share experiences and best practices from different regions when it comes to building back better
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after calamities. “Learning from the experience of Typhoon Yolanda, where the Government had to quickly produce a rehabilitation and recovery plan within a tight deadline, and now the same with Typhoon Odette, my key takeaway is that we really need a playbook for key stakeholders to rebuild resiliently and quickly,” said Atty. Lesley Jeanne Y. Cordero, World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist. “We support OCD’s efforts to ensure that national government agencies and local governments are able to prepare for the aftermath of disasters in advance.” Addressing the Executive
“I ask you to encourage as many affected provinces, cities, and municipalities as possible to participate in the Ready to Rebuild Program so you can assist them in developing their recovery plans, implementing reconstruction projects, and accessing and leveraging funding sources. These will help affected communities build back better and pursue a green, resilient, and inclusive recovery,” she added. The 6th batch of the R2R program will be held from February 21 to March 11, 2022. Registration is now open but only with limited slots. Local governments and designated participants are encouraged to register via bit.ly/ R2RSignUpNow. (OCD/ PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
OWWA Caraga releases P8.58M livelihood assistance
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), through its Regional Welfare Offices, released PhP8.58 million livelihood assistance under the “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” (BPBH) Program to the distressed and displaced OFW returnees in the region for the entire period of year 2021. A total of 476 eligible beneficiaries were granted with the said assistance after a thorough evaluation process based on the program guidelines. The Caraga INFOCUS
provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur have the highest number of recipients both accounting for 112 recipients, 96 from Agusan del Norte, 83 from Agusan del Sur, 69 from Butuan, and 4 recipients from the Province of Dinagat Islands. Under the amended guidelines of BPBH, the financial assistance shall vary on the membership status of the OFW applicant; a livelihood assistance grant in a form of cheque worth PhP20,000 for active
member-OFWs, PhP10,000 for non-active memberOFWs with more than one contribution and PhP5,000 for non-active member-OFWs with one contribution. Eligible beneficiaries of the program are those who were displaced by hostilities or wars or political conflicts, policy reforms or changes by host governments; victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking or other distressful situations; those who are at the distressed wards at the Migrant Workers February 5-11, 2022 |
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As per BPBH monitoring unit, the majority of the applicants in Caraga opt for ventures in merchandising and agricultural business. Since it has been observed that e-commerce is changing the course of entrepreneurship, some applicants emerged their business to online platforms.
and Overseas Filipino Resource Centers who are due for repatriation. They are entitled to receive a package of livelihood assistance grant in a form of cheque, Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT), and other access to capability building training to broaden their knowledge in honing their entrepreneurial skills. Apart from the livelihood assistance for the distressed and displaced OFW returnees, a loan facility, which is on a collateral basis, is also available for OFWs who want to engage in business enterprise in either start-up or additional capital for an existing business venture. The business loan
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program is in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines that determines and provides the amount of loan grant, which offers lower interest rates. Meanwhile, OWWA shall provide the training on business enterprise under this partnership. BPBH is one of the core programs of the agency, and it is expected to provide constant services to the qualified applicants even amidst the pandemic crisis. Last February 4, 2022, OWWA Caraga conducted a webinar on EDT via Zoom to 34 distressed OFW participants. This online training aims to equip the OFWs with the necessary information and skills prior to their business undertakings.
For non-members or undocumented Filipino migrant workers, corresponding assistance is provided by the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO) Caraga. Their program varies from counseling, job search assistance, enterprise development, skills training and capability enhancement and assistance to distressed OFWs. To know more information about the Livelihood Assistance Program, interested applicants may visit OWWA Caraga located at Nimfa Tiu Bldg. II, J.P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City, or contact the hotline numbers 09503057533/ 09551884858/ 09123289262. (OWWACaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
DOT Caraga to launch official tagline By Jennifer P. Gaitano
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga is now ready to officially launch the tagline under the new normal, “Caraga Na” on February 16-18, 2022 at SM City Butuan. “Caraga Na” is a callto-action for a more proactive campaign for domestic tourism. It is a neologism of the word “gana” which means nice, great and can be defined as appetizing in local dialect. According to DOTCaraga regional director Nelia Arina, the new tagline is an invitation to all tourists to visit and explore what Caraga has to offer from its mountainous terrain,crystal clear waters, breathtaking landscapes and various adventures that are sure to give adrenaline rush. Caraga INFOCUS
“This event aims to launch the newlycreated tagline for the region, sustain the DOT’s efforts to promote regional circuits and tourism-related activities through a new tagline for the new normal and make sure that tourism products embody the new face offering of the region,” said Arina.
of the region (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands), and six cities (Butuan, Bayugan, Bislig, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag). Product presentations of the LGUs will be showcased during the event.
The event will feature a three-day booth display at SM City Butuan which will be participated by the five provinces
After the launching, a press briefing is scheduled at 4:40pm in the same venue. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga) February 5-11, 2022 |
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120 students qualify as Grade 7 scholars of PISAY Caraga Regional Campus By Jennifer P. Gaitano
Some 120 studentapplicants have qualified as the incoming Grade 7 scholars of the Philippine Science High School - Caraga Regional Campus or PISAY Caraga for the School Year 2022-2023. The qualifiers were among the more than 1,000 students who took the entrance examination for the PISAY scholarship. According to Engr. Ramil Sanchez, Caraga Campus Director, they allotted another section in addition to the three existing sections to accommodate the incoming scholars for this school year.
took the opportunity to greet and congratulate all the qualifiers, and encouraged them to persevere and work hard in their studies.
“All of you have worked hard to be included in this group out of the thousands of applicants. With that, I applaud all of you as well as your family Also, during the Regional who helped you in any Recognition of Qualifiers means possible for you to and Partners, regional be part of the Philippine director Priscilla Sonido of Science High School the National Economic family,” said Sonido. and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Geain Migel Casio, one
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of the top qualifiers, expressed his gratitude to all the parents of the exam passers who have been very supportive, and lauded his peers for giving their best to become part of the new batch of PISAY scholars. Engr. Sanchez also thanked all the partner stakeholders who continue to support the institution and help disseminate the programs of PISAY to different parts of the region. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS
PIDS study provides health systemspecific solutions to address chronic malnutrition in PH The economic and health consequences of chronic malnutrition in the country are “too enormous and extreme” and need critical and urgent attention. This was highlighted in a recent study of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) authored pregnancy, child by PIDS Research Fellow nutritional deficiency, Valerie Gilbert Ulep. and repeated infection or disease are some of Citing the 2021 Joint the stresses that increase Child Malnutrition the risk of stunting. Estimates, Ulep said “about a third or 3.5 Compared to countries million of Filipino children with similar income levels, under five years old the rate of decline of are stunted,” which is stunting in the Philippines a marker of chronic was “relatively slow” at malnutrition. 0 to 1 percent annually, according to Ulep. Well“Stunting is a result of performing countries, chronic and recurrent such as Viet Nam, had stresses that the child a 5- to 6-percent annual encounters during a decline. critical period, which starts at pregnancy until To help address this, the first 1000 days of life,” Ulep emphasized the he explained. need to look at chronic malnutrition using a Undernutrition during health system lens. Caraga INFOCUS
The study identified issues and challenges in three health system components: health financing, health service delivery, and health governance. On health financing, the government should “cover a comprehensive package of costeffective health and nutrition interventions”. However, the study revealed that nutritionrelated expenditures from 2017 to 2019 were approximately PHP 1,504.06 per capita only or 0.92 percent of gross domestic product and 7.70-percent of February 5-11, 2022 |
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total government expenditures. These figures show that the country’s public spending for nutrition is “low compared to other countries”.
on Population and Development (POPCOM), have “limited” capacity to perform these functions.
Similarly, LGUs have varying capacities to Moreover, Ulep noted deliver health services, the importance of a while the Philippine health facility network for Health Insurance health service delivery. Corporation (PhilHealth) In the Philippines, primary has limited capacity to care facilities, such as finance comprehensive barangay health stations packages. (BHS) and rural health units, and hospitals are Ulep recommended not integrated. Hence, long-term solutions referral systems are not to address chronic institutionalized. malnutrition in the country. About 10 percent of primary care facilities One is for the do not have medical government to doctors. There is also accelerate the a limited number of implementation of the community health Universal Health Care workers. Act, particularly the expansion of a wellOn health governance, costed outpatient the roles and capacities benefit package. of agencies should be clearly identified. Another However, agencies recommendation is for tasked to finance PhilHealth to pay for and deliver health a network of facilities and nutrition services instead of reimbursing in local government individual hospitals or units (LGUs), such as facilities to facilitate the Department of the continuous delivery Health (DOH), National of health and nutrition Nutrition Council (NNC), interventions. Using and Commission PhilHealth to pay and
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incentivize quality and uptake of nutrition and services could also be explored. There is also a need to accelerate the rationalization of DOH, NNC, POPCOM, and PhilHealth functions. Given the urgency of chronic malnutrition, the author also provided short-term solutions. Ulep said the government should rationalize the use of its resources by classifying provinces and highly urbanized cities based on capacity and burden of chronic malnutrition. “Given the variability of performance and capacity of LGUs, the national government must provide the type of grants depending on [their classification],” he pointed out. In low capacity or fragile areas, the government should “explore tapping private nonprofit entities to deliver the entire package of health and nutrition interventions for a given period”. (PIDS/ PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
DBP to fund seedbank for native tree species State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to launch the DBP Seedbank Project, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that seeks to preserve the genetic diversity of Philippine Native Trees, a top official said. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the initiative would organize and establish plant nurseries that will conserve, propagate, and cultivate native trees and flora to help restore upland watersheds and forest cover. “As a bank for the environment, DBP recognizes the importance of supporting initiatives that promote ecological restoration and climate change mitigation,” Herbosa said. ‘’This project envisions to develop viable small-micro-medium forests and encourage the establishment of agrienterprises to jumpstart rural economies.’’ DBP is the fifth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises;
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environment; social services and community development. BPI is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) tasked to collaborate with plant industry stakeholders to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds and advanced farming technologies, maintain the safety and integrity of plant food, and support the export industry through proactive biosecurity. Herbosa said that under the project, DBP would grant funds to eligible local government units or national government agencies, cooperatives or organizations for the payment of native seeds or wildings, as well as for their germination
and propagation, while BPI would provide the technical expertise for site identification and development. He said the seedbank project would enhance the capacities of local communities in preserving and developing the forest landscape including nature-based infrastructure development for forest protection, while providing them with livelihood opportunities as project partners. “The bank will continue to invest in more local communities as we endeavor to further empower them both economically and in the fight against environmental degradation,’’ Herbosa said. (DBP/PIA-Caraga)
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Enhanced interventions key to agri development: DA-Caraga Caraga, the techno demos for the above-mentioned commodities are focused mainly on fertilization to address the issue of low productivity due to minimum and insufficient inputs. Another one of its objectives is the attainment of high quality yield through proper management including the practice of Good Agricultural Practices.
It is said that for things to grow and progress, there should always be room for improvement. With this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) –Caraga, in its pursuit of boosting agricultural development in the region, conducted a Re-Orientation and Updating of Techno Demo Guidelines for High Value Crops commodities particularly coffee, cacao, banana, rubber, mango, and vegetables. The establishment and rehabilitation of techno demos are among the interventions under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). It showcases certain technologies that aim for improved productivity and
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enhanced quality. DA-Caraga HVCDP coordinator Noli G. Orog said that it has been noted that in the implementation of techno demos in the previous years, some of the provisions in the approved guidelines. He added that it is important to follow the guidelines to attain the sought after outcome. “Since we are after certain outcomes from these techno demos and so as not to compromise our program intervention, we should keep in mind the purpose of having these techno demos which is to showcase a particular technology and promote its adoption,” he said. Orog further said that in
After the presentation of the existing guidelines, the group discussed matters to be modified to update the said guidelines based also on recent technology updates. The establishment or rehabilitation of techno demos is one of the support interventions for the One DA Reform Agenda’s 18 Key Strategies to transform agriculture particularly on empowerment of partners. The activity was spearheaded by the HVCDP last February 3 and 4 in Butuan City and was attended by HVCDP provincial coordinators, DA – Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) chiefs, DA-Research personnel and other DA personnel. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA Caraga–RAFIS/ PIA-Caraga)
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DA-Caraga updates media partners on the effects of ST Odette on agriculture and fisheries
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga recently held a press conference to update the local media partners related to the effects of Super Typhoon Odette on agriculture and fisheries and the corresponding One DA Rehabilitation Plan.
the estimated damage on the agri-fishery sector in the region as of January 27, 2022, is around PhP2.2 billion, of which coconut posted the highest loss at PhP745 million, followed by highvalue crops at PhP602 million; and damages of agricultural infrastructure, rice, corn, livestock and poultry, fisheries, and farm machinery and equipment, respectively.
According to the data presented by Girlie Antipaso, the alternate focal person for the Regional Disaster Risk Moreover, the province Reduction Management, that was highly affected Caraga INFOCUS
by the onslaught of the typhoon is Surigao del Norte, with a total affected area of 9,143 hectares equating to PhP1.5 billion of agricultural damages, followed by Agusan del Norte, with 5,041 hectares amounting PhP136 million; Agusan del Sur with 4,069 hectares amounting to PhP136 million; Dinagat Islands with 2,511 hectares amounting to PhP364 million; and Surigao del Sur with a February 5-11, 2022 |
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total affected area of 639 hectares amounting to PhP39 million. As an immediate response, numerous interventions were placed, which included the provision of available resources particularly the 1,020 bags of rice seeds, 850 bags of corn seeds, 8,000 pouches of vegetable seeds, and other farm inputs like rodenticides, dewormer, and vitamins which sums up to a total amount of PhP7,355,000. In addition, the DA Mindanao Clusters also assisted the affected areas by providing 1,900 bags of rice seeds, 891 bags of milled rice, 7 tons of banana, 5.1 tons of assorted vegetables, food packs, canned goods, water, and cash assistance with a total amount of PhP4.9 million. DA-Quick Response Fund also released support for the banner programs with a total amount of PhP141 million. This pertains to the provision of seeds/ planting materials and fertilizer/soil ameliorants for the Rice, Corn, and High-Value Crops
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Development Program, and for the provision of free-range chicken, feeds, supplements, drugs and biologics for the Livestock program. Moreover, a total amount of PhP150 million has been allocated for the SURE-AID Calamity Fund to be disbursed to the 6,000 farmers in the different provinces of Caraga region. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also presented their rehabilitation plan for the 11,238 affected fisher folks in the region in which the budget has a total amount of PhP397 million for the interventions such as the provision of fingerlings, seaweed farm implements, motorized and non-motorized FRP boats, fishing gears, lobster cages, floating assets, and survival equipment.
of incentives, seed nuts/ coconut seedlings, vegetable packets and fertilizer, and banana seedlings. Regional Executive Director of DA - Caraga Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. together with Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations and ILD Nicandro Navia, Jr., Regional Manager of PCA - Caraga Joel B. Oclarit, and Senior Agriculturist Edgardo P. Balambao of BFAR Caraga served as the panelists of the presscon wherein they addressed the concerns and queries of the media practitioners during the open forum.
RED Oñate also thanked the OneDA family for the support that was rendered to the affected individuals. “I am so thankful to the OneDA family including our DA - Mindanao clusters that supported us through On the other hand, extending their help for the Philippine Coconut immediate giving of food Authority (PCA) provided packs as well as agriinterventions amounting production inputs such to PhP24.7 million for the as seeds, and even cash 5,542 affected farmers assistance,” he added. in the region which (Jezreel Sudario, DAincludes the distribution Caraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Volunteerism drives rebuilding efforts in Dinagat Islands
Volunteerism drives rebuilding efforts in Dinagat Islands SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- Almost two months after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, residents of Dinagat Islands are taking it upon themselves to construct and rebuild destroyed homes to combat the prevalent
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problem of homelessness were totally destroyed in in the Province. the aftermath of Odette. Residents, with the help of civil society organizations and the Office of Congressman Alan 1 B. Ecleo, constructed a Pahina Village in Barangay Boa, municipality of Cagdianao to help families whose homes
“Well-entrenched in our culture is the practice of pahina, or our local version of bayanihan, where we offer to each other voluntary labor as a form of service to our communities. It is a common sight in many of our municipalities Caraga INFOCUS
for all kinds of people, young and old alike, to offer parts of their week to serve the community by working together as an expression of our devotion to God and one another,” Cong. Ecleo said.
National Government to provide us with the According to DSWD, necessary budget to Typhoon Odette fully rehabilitate Dinagat affected 37,033 families Islands, we cannot let in Dinagat Islands, totally our fellow Dinagatnons destroying 16,336 homes. remain homeless,” said Ecleo. Cong. Ecleo recently proposed House “Whereas others are still Pahina Villages aim Resolution No. 2464, planning, Dinagatnons to provide shelter to which aims, among through the Pahina homeless Dinagatnons others, to alot Village have already while ensuring that they PhP,418,621,433.23 to started construction will not be separated provide emergency through our people’s from their places of shelter assistance, cashspirit of volunteerism, work and livelihood. He for-work programs, unity, and love for one said it is important for family food packs, and another in times of crisis,” fisherfolk and farmers financial assistance to Ecleo added. (Cong. to maintain proximity to families. Alan 1 B. Ecleo, Dinagat their sources of income Islands/PIA-Dinagat as we continue to rebuild “As we wait for the Islands) and revive our local Congress and the
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economy.
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High-value individuals busted in buy-bust ops in Surigao Norte town with an estimated weight of 0.1 grams amounting to PhP1,180; and one black pouch. A body search was also done in the presence of Brgy. Tayaga officials. All confiscated items were brought to the authorities for documentation and proper disposition.
The Claver Municipal Police Station, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), conducted a buybust operation which led to the arrest of the high-value individual (HVI) priority target in the Municipal Level at Purok-6, Brgy. Tayaga, Claver, Surigao del Norte on January 31. Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office director PCol. Renato Mercado identified the suspect as Jason Samontina Zapanta, 31 years old, student, and a resident of Purok-6, Brgy. Tayaga, Claver. During his apprehension, Zapanta attempted to flee, but failed, after noticing
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that he was dealing with a police officer who had disguised himself as a poseur buyer and threw away his cellphone and pouch containing the money from the transaction. No items were confiscated from his possession but joint operatives were able to retrieve several items during a search in the area such as one Android cellphone; one five hundred peso bill (marked money); four heatsealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 0.8 grams amounting to PhP9,440; one heatsealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu bought by the poseur buyer from the suspect,
The arrested person was informed of the nature of his offense and was apprised of his Constitutional Rights under the Miranda Doctrine and Anti-Torture Law in the dialect known to him. PCol. Mercado noted that these efforts are part of the law enforcements’ dedication to carry out the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign amid a health crisis. “This serves as a stern warning that despite the height of this pandemic, we will continue to strengthen our campaign against illegal drugs,” the police official added. (PNP-Surigao del Norte/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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DepEd Siargao to receive 4 disaster-resilient classrooms from Kapuso Foundation duly escorted by the Philippine Army Engineer troop led by Commander Macalintangui.
The GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. staff spearheaded by its Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Rikki EscuderoCatibog, Senior Project Officer Tina Dungca, Marketing Supervisor Tracy Cruz, and Senior Project Engineer Edgar Eniego conducted an ocular inspection to the six shortlisted schools recommended by the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office in Caraga INFOCUS
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province for the construction of four typhoon-proof and earthquake-resistant classrooms.
The schools visited by the team for onsite validation were Mabuhay Elementary School, Tigasao Elementary School, Baybay Elementary School, Matin-ao Elementary School, Bagacay Elementary School, and Cabitoonan Elementary School.
From the six inspected elementary schools, Catibog said the school with a good number of enrollees that can During the inspection on justify the number of Saturday, February 5, the proposed classrooms, GMA Kapuso Foundation and has a water supply staff was accompanied and internet connection, by SDO-Siargao Schools is most likely to be Division Superintendent considered in granting (SDS) Dr. Nelia Lomocso, the said project. Engineer Neil Espenido, “Mamimili kami ng isang and Division Disaster Risk school mula sa anim Reduction Management na inirekomenda ng (DRRM) coordinator inyong tanggapan. Ang EPS Catherine Landao, talagang pipiliin naming February 5-11, 2022 |
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All grade learners will also receive a bag full of grocery items through their “Give a Gift” project.
ay yung mga mahihirap at malalayo that’s why we don’t go central (We will choose one school from the six schools recommended by your office. We will choose the poorest school and one that is situated in a far-flung area that’s why we don’t go central),” said Catibog to Dr. Lomocso. “Ang maganda sa classrooms na ‘to is that, it can withstand the 8-intensity earthquake and can resist the 300-kilometer-per-hour wind speed like the ones we built in Catanduanes (What’s great about this classroom is that it can withstand an 8-intensity
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earthquake and can resist a 300-kilometerper-hour speed, like the ones we built in Catanduanes),” she added. Catibog anticipated that the construction of classrooms will start in June, and the groundbreaking will follow in October of this year. She also asked the total number of enrolments throughout the Siargao Division from Kindergarten to GradeII for the provision of school supplies through their foundation’s “Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan” program.
“Lalahatin na namin para at least hindi malulungkot yung ibang schools na hindi papalarin sa ocular inspection. Magsasagawa din kami ng libreng tuli at mamimigay ng roofing materials sa ibang bayan ng Siargao para spread yung blessings (We will include all schools that have not been included in the ocular inspection so that they won’t be left out. We will also conduct free circumcision and distribute roofing materials in other towns in Siargao to spread the blessings),” said Catibog. Dr. Lomocso was truly delighted to GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. for considering DepEd Siargao in their project. “We consider it as a great assistance for the learning continuity here in our beloved Schools Division of Siargao,” Dr. Lomocso said. (DepEdSiargao/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
Level 2 accreditation gipunting alang sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital Hugot nga giduso karon sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ang accreditation sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital nga mahimong Level 2 ospital aron mapaangat pa ang kalidad sa serbisyong medikal alang sa mga Agusanons ilabina sa pagtambal sa mga pasyente sa COVID-19. Sumala pa sa personahe sa Provincial Hospital, gitutokan karon sa kasamtangang administrasyon nga ma-comply ang mga rekisitos gikan sa Department of Health (DOH) alang sa pagupgrade sa klasipikasyon sa maong ospital. Lakip na niini ang pagbaton ug abanteng mga ekwipo nga kinahanglan sa maong pasilidad. Subay niini, adunay bag-ong Automated Microbial Detection Caraga INFOCUS
System Machine ug Identification and Susceptibility Testing System Machine balor Php7 million nga gidonar sa buhatan sa DOH-Caraga. Ang nasangpit nga mga ekwipo mao ang ulahing rekisitos aron sugdan na og operate ang ICU ug NICU sa hospital. Gawas niini, adunay usab laing gi-donar ang maong ahensya nga dedicated anesthesia machine balor Php1.8
million ug Php400,000 nga biosafety cabinet. Ang pagpaangat sa serbisyo medikal usa sa mga prayoridad sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ubos sa programang Amomang Agusanon sa AGUSAN UP, ang kampanya sa pgpalambo sa probinsya kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba. (Karen Kie Decamotan, LGUAgusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte) February 5-11, 2022 |
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Decomposing cadaver of NPA member found in AgNor security personnel in Brgy. Maraiging last September 29, 2021.
The 29th Infantry Battalion, under the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Diamond Division, together with 1305th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 and the barangay local government unit of Maraiging in coordination with Philippine National Police Jabonga, conducted a retrieval operation to recover the human remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) member at Brgy. Maraiging, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on
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Monday, February 7. Despite being in a state of decomposition upon retrieval, the remains were identified as Elmer Delarmente Maisog alias @Ebok/Tawtaw, Vice Commanding Officer (VCO) of SYP16C2, GF16, NEMRC, Periodic Status Report (PSR) listed, a resident of Brgy. Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. He was killed and left behind by NPA members after the attack of the Critical Infrastructure and Investment Protection Security Operations (CIIPSO)
On February 5, 2022, a former rebel alias @ Dondon surrendered to the 29IB Headquarters. In his confession during the custodial debriefing, he said that he had direct participation during the attack to the security personnel of Brgy. Maraiging. He also stated that they buried the dead body of @ Ebok/Tataw somewhere in Brgy. Maraiging. Based on the custodial debriefing report, the revelation of alias @ Dondon, the 29IB came up with a decision to exhume the human remains together with 1305th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13. LtCol. Jason Saldua, the battalion commander of 29IB said in a statement that the discovery of the remains is proof of the NPA’s cruelty to its Caraga INFOCUS
members even upon their deaths.
would like to express our deepest gratitude to alias @Dondon and “We were saddened concerned civilians who about the gruesome tipped the troops. Their death of @Ebok/Tawtaw, cooperation had led to another life was wasted a successful recovery due to the deceitful of the remains and that and wrong belief that we can give alias @ poisoned the minds of all Ebok/Tawtaw a decent NPA members. This act burial,” he added. is a clear manifestation that shows how immoral “To all others, I plead the NPA’s are, for simply with you once again to leaving the dead bodies surrender while there of their comrades is still time. If you want without giving respect to surrender, our doors to the families of those are always openedpersonalities whose lives ready to accept you for were sacrificed in the the betterment of your wrong ideology of the future with your families. CPP-NPA-NDF,” LtCol. Waging war is never Saldua said. the solution to obtain “On the other hand, we peace. The government Caraga INFOCUS
is waiting for you to return to the folds of law. It is extending its arms to support you in your desire for a better life with your family through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Just return to the folds of the law and mainstream society, for we are the same Filipinos hoping for the betterment of our country.” As of report date, the unit is finding the next of kin to claim the remains of the latter. (2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/ PIA-Agusan del Norte) February 5-11, 2022 |
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High-powered firearms, materiel seized in AgNor clash
High-powered firearms and materiel were recovered after a successful focused military operation (FMO) of the troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army against the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at the hinterlands of Sitio Tud-ol, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City on Friday, February 4. The troops were
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conducting combat operations in the area when they encountered more or less 15 CNTs who are believed to be members of Platoon SAGAY, SRSDG 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) led by a certain alias XJ. The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, after which the enemies scampered towards
the north direction. The encounter resulted to the recovery of four AK47 rifles, one M14 rifle, five anti-personnel mines, two blasting caps, one Rifle Grenade, six AK47 Magazines, two 20-L containers of assorted ammunition, assorted medical supplies, personal belongings, subversive documents, and other materiel. The said operations was Caraga INFOCUS
launched through the directive of Gen. Andres C. Centino, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to fast-track the dissolution of the remnants of the CNTs in Caraga Region. Ltc Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commanding officer, 23IB credits the locals for the success of the said military operation. “The continuous recovery of materiel and high-powered firearms was achieved because of a successful FMO and the reliable information from the locals. The people are now unafraid to divulge to the security forces the location of these CNTs. It is a proof that the community, especially those in the hinterlands that were previously frequented visited by the CNTs, have now realized that they were deceived by these communist terrorists,” the army official said.
rejected them while their high-ranking leaders are either neutralized or are already allies of the government. Meanwhile, BGen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the commander of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, lauded the successful FMO of the 23IB, adding that the continuous surrenders is also a result from the NPAs witnessing the government’s sincerity to reach out to them through its programs.
“Our capacity to locate other members of the CNTs and conduct intensive military operations to drive them He also pointed out away from communities that at this point, it is can be attributed to apparent that the CNTs have nearly zero chance the growing trust of some NPA members of winning this war now in the government, that their former mass not only because of bases have already Caraga INFOCUS
our programs for their former comrades but also the delivery of basic services to the people living in far-flung areas. This recent encounter is a manifestation of their crumbling leadership and the fall of their mass bases, which served as pillars of their operations,” BGen. Orio said. The recent accomplishment, he added, is part of the ramped-up efforts as the military hastens to defeat the CNTs. “With this, we can meet the deadline set by the President as we reach the end-point of insurgency,” BGen. Orio added. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIAAgusan del Norte) February 5-11, 2022 |
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3 CNTs desire a peaceful life yield to Army
Three regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who desired to have a peaceful life, voluntarily surrendered on February 5, 2022 at the Headquarters 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion stationed at Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The said rebels were identified as alias Zhia, 27 years old, Vice Commanding Officer
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(VCO)/ Political Instructor (P.I) of SYP16B, GF16, NEMRC, PSR listed surrendered with her father alias Jing, 53 years old, Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member of SYP19B, GF19, NEMRC and alias Dondon, 29 years old, armed member of SYP16A, GF16, NEMRC.
Rifle with scope. According to alias Zhia, they were encouraged by their mother to surrender and attain their hopes to live peacefully.
“Gusto na gyud mi mamuyo ug malinawon. Giagni sad mi ni mama nga musurrender aron The surrenderees brought dili nami magsige with them one serialized ug puyo sa bukid, AK47 Rifle, one serialized magtago-tago sa mga Armscor shotgun, and kasundaluhan. (We one serialized Garand already want to live Caraga INFOCUS
in peace, my mother encouraged us to surrender so that we will not live in the mountains and not continue to hide from the government forces),” Zhia said. Alias Dondon also recounted the challenges they faced in the mountains and how this, and his desire to give his son a better future, motivated him to surrender. “Kapoy kayo among kahimtang didto sa bukid, gutom mi didto, dungag pa ang kakapoy nga akong nasinatian kung maglakaw mi. Nisurrender ko kay para sad sa akong anak aron sad mudako sya nga kumpleto mi ug matagaan sad ako sya ug maayo nga kaugmaon. (Our experience there in the mountains is so tiresome. We have suffered hunger and the extra fatigue hile on mission. I have surrendered for the sake of my son so that he can grow with a complete family and that I can give him a better future),” the surrenderee added. Caraga INFOCUS
LtCol. Jason M Saldua, commanding officer of 29IB, said in a statement that he thanked the rebels for heeding the call of the government to surrender. “Kabalo ko nga dili sayon magsige ug lakaw-lakaw sa bukid, magtago-tago labi na sa kasundaluhan. Sakto sila sa ilahang desisyon nga munaog ug musurender diri sa amoa. Matagaan sila ug higayon nga mabag-o ang ang ilahang kinabuhi layo sa kakapoy, kagutom, kadelikado sa bukid. Nagpalamat kami sa ilahang pagnaog. (I know that it is not easy to
walk in the mountains, to hide especially from the government troops. Their decision to surrender is right. They will be given a chance to change their lives away from hunger, tiredness and danger. We thanked them for heeding our call),” LtCol. Saldua said. “To all others, I am calling you once again to surrender while there is still time. Our unit is always open to embrace you as you will change your future for the better,” the army official added. (2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIAAgusan del Norte) February 5-11, 2022 |
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Nawad-an og balay tungod sa bagyong Odette, mapasalamaton sa Bayanihan Team
giapilan sa 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte, SR Metals Incorporated (SRMI), 29th Infantry Battalion ug sa Municipal Government sa Jabonga. Isip kaagapay, nagpadala ang probinsya og mga personahe nga mo-repair sa mga panimalay. Naghatag usab kini og mga materyales para sa atop ug nagtabang paghatag og pagkaon alang sa mga trabahante pinaagi sa pundo nga gi download ngadto sa mga munisipyo.
“Salamat.” Kini ang nabungat ni Jeva Indiano, diin iyang pamilya ang usa sa 500 ka pamilya sa Barangay Colorado, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte nga apektado sa bagyong “Odette” nga mihapak sa probinsya niadtong Disyembre. Usa sab ang balay ni Indiano sa mga 40 nga naay totally damaged nga balay, sa dihang gibisita kini sa AGUSAN UP! Info Team niadtong Enero 31. “Wala namo gidah om nga ing-ato, nga dili muabot sa punto nga mawad-an mi og balay… kay wa namo gi expect nga ing ato ka kusog ang bagyo… pero parehas ani karon,
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pasalamat gyud mi sa mga nitabang sa amo nga naay bayanihan nga ing ani nga nahitabo,” sumala ni Indiano. Kasamtangang gitabangan siya sa mga sakop sa “Bayanihan Composite Team” sa pagpabarug sa mahimo unya niyang balay ug alang niya ang pagpasalamat ra gyod ang bug-at niyang mapaabot og balik sa mga mitabang niya aron makabangon gikan sa katalagman. Ang “Bayanihan Composite Team” ang usa sa mga inisyatiba sa probinysal nga pangggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa liderato Gob. Dale B. Corvera,
Sa pakighinabi kang barangay chairperson Angelo Moran sa Barangay Colorado, nahibaw-an nga gitakdang ipabarug ang 40 ka 6X5 o 30 metro kwadrado nga balay alang sa mga panimalay nga naay totally damaged nga pinuy-anan sa ilang barangay sa tunga sa ektarya nga luna sa ilang barangay nga gipanag-iya sa munisipyo. Niini mapasalamaton si kapitan sa nagkadaiyang ahensya, sa gobyerno man o pribado, ilabina kang Gob. Dale Corvera ug ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba tungod kay daghay nahitabang nila sa Barangay Colorado. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGUAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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Pagpadangat og ayuda sa mga apektado sa bagyong Odette sa Cabadbaran, nagpadayon Nagpadayon ang pagpanghatag og Php1,000 nga financial assistance sa mga lumulupyo sa mga lugar nga labing apektado sa bagyong “Odette” sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, ning higayona, alang sa mga lumulupyo sa Barangay Bayabas ug Mahaba. Sumala ni Annabella O. Cadigal, City Local Government Operations Officer sa DILGCabadbaran, mosuma na sa 1,558 ka severely affected individual ang nahatagan sa maong ayuda sa nagkalainlaing barangay sa syudad. Ang pagpadangat og financial assistance base sa DILG-DSWD-DND Joint Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2021. Mahinumduman Caraga INFOCUS
nga gisugdan ang pang apod-apod og financial assistance sa mga personahe sa City Social Welfare and Development (CSWDO), City Treasurers Office (CTO), 4P’s
workers, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ug uban pa ngadto sa mga benipisyaryo niadtong Enero 31. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) February 5-11, 2022 |
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PhilSys center opens in Bislig City
• February 2-5 - LGU employees, PNP, BFP, TMG, and LTO personnel • February 7-9 - BDH and CHO staffs, COAFC, DENR, Philippine Postal Corp., COMELEC, BIR, and CEEDO personnel.
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Registration Center of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)Surigao del Sur is now open to serve Bisliganons as it officially opened on February 1, 2022.
posted by the City Information Office in their official Facebook page, the Registration Center caters applicants/registrants by appointment only and will accommodate a maximum of 180 per day.
Schedule for barangay/ district will be posted soon in the CIO’s Facebook page, and official information will be disseminated to all the concerned local officials for them to inform their constituents under their area of responsibility. Walk-in clients or applicants will not be entertained. All the applicants/ registrants are encouraged to bring their own pen, wear appropriate attire, and follow the health protocols.
According to PSAThe newly established Surigao del Sur chief Center is located at the In the early phases of the Ruel Dres, the operation 2nd floor, ABC Building., operation, the center of the Registration Montero St., Poblacion, will accommodate the Center will last until they Bislig City. following applicants on finish registering all the the following dates: residents of the City. (PIABased on the information • February 1 - Teachers Surigao del Sur)
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| February 5-11, 2022
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NATIONAL NEWS
BG Partylist inks partnership with one criminology Philippines to push legislative agenda
The BG Partylist on Monday has high hopes that its partnership with safety and security advocate One Criminology Philippines will fortify legislative platforms geared for the welfare of Bisayas alike. A ceremonial signing of the manifestation of support of One Criminology Philippines to the national campaign of 108 BG Party-List was done in the presence of both organizations. According to the partylist such a decision seeks “to formalize the spirit of cooperation and solidarity between the two organizations,” rcoginzing that both has mutual advocacies on education, livelihood, and security. The partylist’s President, Victorino Garay, stressed ensuring peace and
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order is a vital component in the successful delivery of programs and services of the government, which in turn will bring growth to target communities. “Our event here today is the fruit of two organizations sharing the same advocacies that draw their drive from the same place of charity, service and compassion to improve the lives of their countrymen. All these to exert our fullest efforts in providing security and livelihood to our stakeholders,” he said. “There is still much to be done in the service to our countrymen, and we couldn’t have chosen a better partner for this task,” Garay said. The OCP delegate was headed by National Chairman Gerry Cano. Caraga INFOCUS
Palace thanks public for PRRD’s very good net satisfaction rating Malacañang on Tuesday thanked the public for giving President Rodrigo Roa Duterte a “very good” net satisfaction rating of +60 based on the December 2021 survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS). “Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa sambayanang Pilipino sa patuloy ninyong suporta at tiwala sa liderato ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte (We are very grateful to the Filipino people for your continued support and trust in the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte),” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, also acting presidential spokesperson, said in a Palace press briefing. Nograles assured that Duterte would continue serving the country to the best of his ability until his term ends in June. “Asahan po ninyo na patuloy na gagawin ng Pangulo kung ano ang ikakabuti ng mas nakakarami hanggang sa huling araw ng kanyang panunungkulan (Do expect the President to continue to do what is best for the majority until the last day of his term),” he added. According to the SWS survey, Duterte has continued to enjoy the highest net satisfaction rate among the country’ top officials His +60 net satisfaction rating is 8 percent higher than his rating in September 2021 but 19 percent lower than in
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Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (File photo)
November 2020. Duterte’s high net satisfaction rating is due to his strong base of support, his perceived decisiveness, and his administration’s actions in addressing poverty and the drug war, according to SWS president and chief executive officer Linda Luz Guerrero. In a prerecorded public address aired Monday night, Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Jacinto Paras bared that many local officials continue to have “full support” in the Duterte administration’s handling of the prevailing health crisis. Duterte, in response, said he thinks he does not deserve his popularity, saying the real stars in the country’s Covid-19 response are his Cabinet members. “I am not taking any credit
without bringing in the entire entourage who has helped me in my work as President,” Duterte said in a prerecorded public address. He said he is “lucky” to have a “good team” who are committed to their jobs, even though the Philippines lacked resources at the beginning of the pandemic and relied on other countries for assistance. “Ako (Me), I do not think that I deserve that popularity. I would rather share it with all of the department secretaries and the directors doing the job promptly and as fast and the number one exhibit thanks to Secretary Dizon, Secretary Galvez, Secretary Año, Secretary Lorenzana. Nakikita mo ang resulta ng trabaho (We can see the result of their work). And to think that we had nothing at the start,” he added. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)
February 5-11, 2022 |
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Gov’t eyes 70M Filipinos fully vaxxed by March 31
(PNA File photo)
The government targets to complete the administration of two Covid-19 primary doses to at least 70 million Filipinos by March 31.
70 percent ng ating population para fully vaccinated (It is very important to fully vaccinate 70 million or 70 percent of our total population),” Herbosa Dr. Ted Herbosa, the said in a virtual interview special medical adviser over the Laging Handa of the National Task Force briefing aired over state(NTF) against Covid-19, run PTV news channel. said fully vaccinating at least 70 million individuals The government on is crucial to achieving Thursday started the third population protection “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” in the entire country, massive vaccination complementing the drive to simultaneously government’s exit plan to inoculate at least the pandemic. five million Filipinos nationwide, until Friday. “So very important maabot natin by March Herbosa reiterated that 31 iyong 70 million or the initiative aims to Caraga INFOCUS
capacitate the local government units (LGUs) that are still lagging in their vaccination drive, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Caraga region, Mimaropa, Soccsargen, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Visayas, the Bicol Region, and Central Visayas have likewise vaccinated below 70 percent of their total population, based on the data from the National Vaccination Operations Center, as of January 23. So far, a total of 59,899,717 Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, including those who received single-dose Janssen vaccine and Sputnik Light jabs. Of the total fully vaccinated individuals, 8,011,994 of them got booster doses. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani) February 5-11, 2022 |
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Gov’t to develop ‘new normal’ roadmap vs. Covid-19 pandemic the data, that vaccination is our really the ultimate solution to turn the page and close hopefully soon the chapter. So far, he said, more than 60 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Dizon said the government targets to provide Presidential adviser on Covid-19 response Vince Dizon (PPD photo) Presidential adviser on forward to dealing with the complete doses to at least 90 million Filipinos by the Covid-19 response, Vince dreaded virus, and finally end of Duterte’s term in Dizon, said the government exit to the pandemic. June this year. mulls the development
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of a strategic roadmap to the new normal so that the country can start “beating” the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Dizon said the NTF targets to lessen the active cases to pre-Omicron levels of recording less than 1,000 infections daily for this month.
During the Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night, Dizon said they are now discussing with key officials of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19, including NTF chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, and NTF chairperson Delfin Lorenzana, about the crafting of the new normal roadmap, a way
“We strive to bring down cases, especially within this month. While we are doing that, we will also start to develop and mapping out a road to the new normal,” The government will also open vaccination he said. soon in various clinics, As the government targets schools, and other private establishments, he added. to reduce the number of
| February 5-11, 2022
Covid-19active cases in the country, Dizon said they will also continue to ramp up the massive vaccination drive across the country.
“We really see, based on
“We will continue to pursue innovative ways to bring the vaccines closer to the Filipinos,” he said, adding that more pharmacies nationwide will start participating in the government’s ‘Resbakuna sa Botika’ vaccination drive.
The Covid-19 vaccination program is now being expanded to a much younger segment of the country’s population. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS
Gov’t preparing for endemic Covid-19 scenario in PH Government officials on Friday laid out new plans for the country’s transition to a ‘new normal’ and the possible shift from a pandemic to endemic approach to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a virtual press briefing in Malacañang, acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the government is currently formulating the National Action Plan (NAP) Phase V that would include shifts in protocols and policies on how the country would deal with Covid-19. He noted that the alert level system and minimum health protocols will likely stay in the near future and vaccination will continue to ensure the protection of the public against Covid-19. National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the NAP Phase 5 will have the “same organization, organization structure” as the government’s previous NAP and is meant to guide the country into the transition to the new normal. “Ang gusto kasi namin is maempower iyong bawat Filipino, bawat mamamayan natin kung paano ang pagbasa nitong mga information na ‘to at paano sila dapat—how they will act accordingly para magtuluy-tuloy na talaga itong ating, as you say, iyong
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pagbalik natin sa new normal (What we want is to empower every Filipino on how to read this information and how to act accordingly during the transition to the new normal),” Edillon said. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, meanwhile, said the country is now transitioning to the NAP Phase V that will prepare the country to cope with the possibility of Covid-19 being endemic in the country. She explained that an endemic state is when cases of a disease are “stable,” “constant,” or “predictable” but it does not equate to a milder form of the disease. “There is that equilibrium between the level of transmission and the level of immunity of an area. So, having said that, ibig sabihin po ng endemic state natin, best example iyong atin pong sakit na tigdas (What endemic state means, its best example is the measles),” Vergeire said. She said Filipino children are regularly vaccinated against measles until the country
(File photo)
reaches a point where only a few cases of the disease occur, but outbreaks still do happen when the immunity of a portion of the population begins to wane. “With the NAP Phase 5, we are now transitioning. Piniprepare na po natin iyong ating sistema para pagdating po nung point na talaga ang state is endemic na (We are preparing our system so that when the time comes that we’re at an endemic state), we will be able to cope and we are resilient and we are prepared,” Vergeire said. Earlier, the government has allowed the entry of foreign nationals into the country for business and tourism purposes as the Covid-19 situation in the country and the international stage continues to improve.
To date, Metro Manila, Batanes, Bulacan, Cavite, Biliran, Southern Leyte, and Basilan have been put under Alert Level 2 as the number of new and active cases continues to drop as well as a declining number of hospitalized individuals due to Covid-19. (PNA/Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)
February 5-11, 2022 |
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Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 815-1991 pia.northagusan@gmail.com PIA Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur 0917-723-3455 pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph PIA Agusan del Sur
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City (086) 826-9450 piasurigao@gmail.com PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur
