Volume V, No. 7 February 6-12, 2021
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PCOO, PIA TO HOLD INFO CARAVAN ON GOVERNMENT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM IN CARAGA
PROVINCIAL NEWS STAKEHOLDERS TO JOIN PCOO-PIA IN INTENSIFYING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON 13 AGSUR VACCINATION PROGRAM
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MGB 13, CMEMCI HOLD TURNOVER CEREMONY AND INDUCTION OF OFFICERS DA CARAGA DISTRIBUTES CASH, FOOD SUBSIDY IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE CHR, COMMUNITY SLAM NPAS ON WOUNDING OF CIVILIANS, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DA GEARS UP FOR 2021, ALLOTS P58.3M FOR SURSUR, AGSUR OPERATIONS
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TEMPORARYONG TERMINAL SA TRICYCLES, PUVS GIPLASTAR SA MAGALLANES EKIPOS GIPADANGAT SA MGA MAG-UUMA SA ABACA SA CABADBARAN
MINDANAO NEWS REMOTE MINDANAO ISLANDS TO GET FREE WI-FI: DICT MINDA AIDS DAVAO NORTE FISHERFOLK
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NATIONAL NEWS LAGING HANDA DOKYU 2.0 3RD EPISODE PRESENTS LEARNING AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC MEDIA CAN HELP BOOST PUBLIC TRUST IN COVID-19 VACCINE: ANDANAR ANDANAR DONATES PPE TO CARAGA REGIONAL HOSPITAL ANDANAR HOPES FOR GLOBAL RECOVERY FROM PANDEMIC THIS YEAR EXTENSION OF LIFELINERS’ BENEFITS TO 2051 TO HELP EASE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THE POOR– NOGRALES GORDON EXPOSES LTO PRACTICE THAT PUTS MOTORCYCLE OWNERS IN PERIL GORDON DEMANDS RESIGNATION OF LTO PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING MOTORCYCLE CRIME PREVENTION LAW PRC PARTNERS WITH BERT LINA COMPANIES TO PROVIDE VACCINATION TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES THROUGH PRC BUS 143 PHILIPPINES TO REMAIN NEUTRAL AMID HEIGHTENED GEO-POLITICAL TENSION, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE
COVID-19 NEWS PDRF, DOH PARTNER IN COVID-19, VACCINE INFO DRIVE PRRD TO INK EO EXPEDITING LGUS’ VACCINE PROCUREMENT ‘IF NEED BE’ VACCINE ROLLOUT TO HAVE ‘POSITIVE’ IMPACT ON ECONOMY
CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the passing of Bro. Eli Soriano We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, loved ones, and followers of Bro. Eliseo “Eli” Soriano. As the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International, Bro. Eli led his followers to spirituality and morality through the teachings that he has imparted over the years and the commitment and dedication he has shown towards his faith and service. May his legacy and teachings continue to live within the hearts and minds of his followers. We pray for his eternal repose and for his family, loved ones, and followers to find strength in this time of grief.
- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR
Andanar: Filipinos assured o productive public service un admin ends term The Duterte administration assures proactive and productive public service for every Filipino as it enters its last full year of leadership, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday.
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Duterte (We promise to remain productive and proactive in serving our fellow Filipinos as we enter the last full year of the Duterte administration),” he said in his message.
Secretary Andanar was here for the last leg of the Pagdu-aw sa Caraga: Explain, Explain, Explain on the National Vaccination Roadmap of the national government.
He said that in support to this, the PCOO continues to operate its Laging Handa Information and Communications Campaign. This is to assure the public that the Duterte administration is on top of the COVID-19 situation in the country.
“Nagpabilin kami sa among saad nga padayun nga mahimong produktibo ug proactive sa pag-alagad sa mga Pilipino hangtud sa ulahing bahin sa administrasyong
Secretary Andanar noted that, together with attached agencies, PCOO will continue to disseminate and reiterate the need to observe health protocols and precautionary
| February 6-12, 2021
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She noted that creative solutions had to be made to encourage her constituents to cooperate with the imposed community quarantine measures through cascading the correct information to them.
of proactive, ntil Duterte measures, to dispel false information, and to advocate for preparedness and vigilance and harnessing solidarity, especially in getting vaccinated and immunized from COVID-19. During the said event, Sison Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia shared the best practices of the local government unit to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in their municipality. “The LGU plays an indisputable critical role in crisis management, especially in the pandemic. As an optimist in local governance, we have to be feisty, bold, and fearless to secure the health and welfare of our people,” she said
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Despite being a fifth class municipality and having the lowest Internal Revenue Allotment in the province amounting to P71 million, Mayor Fetalvero-Paronia said it did not hamper them to deliver the basic services to the people. 70% of the Filipino population to be vaccinated, rebels included Meanwhile, during a pocket engagement with members of the media here, Secretary Andanar highlighted that Pagdu-aw sa Caraga: Explain, Explain, Explain is an expression of support of the national government to the LGUs. “The town of Sison needs special attention not only because of COVID-19 but also because there were attacks by New People’s Army rebels. It’s also one way for the national government to show support to Surigao del Norte,” he said. But despite the atrocities perpetrated by members of the communist groups, Secretary Andanar said that they are part of the Filipino population, and they are also part of the roll out of the immunization program.
February 6-12, 2021 |
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News Briefs The PCOO-PIA turned over Bida Solusyon hygiene kits, courtesy of DOH, to the media partners who attended today’s Media Engagement at the Lanuza Surf Camp in Surigao del Sur. The PCOO also donated a unit of 32-inch flatscreen TV to KBP Surigao del Sur in support to their advocacy in upholding the welfare of media workers in the country. xx
Sec. Martin Andanar of PCOO emphasized the need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to “save yourself from COVID-19.” “The vaccine will help us have immunity from the disease thus stopping the transmission of the disease. In this way, not only are we saving ourselves, we are also saving everyone around us.” The communications added that the government understands the people’s hesitation to be vaccinated but he clarified that only safe and effective vaccines will be given to the public.
The Dept. of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) will be distributing today farm machineries under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund amounting to a total of P226.794 Million at the Integrated Laboratory Compound, Taguibo, Butuan City. A total of 302 units of various machineries will be turned over to different farmers associations from the identified RCEF Provinces in Caraga Region. In support to the Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagduaw sa Caraga by the PCOO-PIA teams, Department of Agriculture has provided the host LGUs with assorted vegetable seedlings and hybrid rice seedlings for distribution to the identified beneficiaries.
REGIONAL NEWS
PCOO, PIA TO HOLD INFO CARAVAN ON GOVERNMENT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM IN CARAGA By Jennifer P. Gaitano
To further increase public awareness on the government’s vaccination program and its roll-out efforts, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), together with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga is set to hold the “Pagdu-aw” or visit with the different stakeholders, following strict health protocols at the Pavillion Function
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Hall of Watergate Hotel, this city. Dubbed as #Inform, Inform, Inform and #Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagdu-aw sa Butuan, the PCOO and PIA intent to provide a platform for local government and national agencies to discuss their policies in helping the communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Caraga INFOCUS
“This forms part on the continuation of our efforts to provide stronger support to local government units, and update the public on the locality’s current situation by explaining the minimum health protocols, safety nets, and updates on the vaccines, to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the grassroots,” bared Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, Director-General of PIA. Cualoping further revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine for Caraga region is expected to be deployed within the first quarter of this year since it is fortunate that the situation in the region is manageable. “For the entire country, the government targets to vaccinate 80-90 million Filipinos. Although the challenge is on how to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine, as some are still reluctant to get vaccinated. But as I’ve
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said, we are assuring everyone that the government is procuring safe and effective vaccines,” he emphasized. The official added that the government ensured that the vaccines, which will soon become available in the country have passed the necessary processes and evaluation to test their safety and effectiveness. “These vaccines will help us fight COVID-19. No one is safe until everyone is safe. Therefore, it is important to have ourselves vaccinated,” he cited. Meanwhile, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar will also join the team from Butuan onto Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; and Sison in Surigao del Norte. The secretary urged Caraganon stakeholders to actively take their part in this effort and help encourage their constituents to have themselves inoculated. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
February 6-12, 2021 |
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
AGSUR STAKEHOLDERS TO JOIN PCOO-PIA IN INTENSIFYING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON VACCINATION PROGRAM By Jennifer P. Gaitano The different stakeholders in Agusan del Sur will participate in the information roadshow dubbed #Inform, Inform, Inform and #Explain, Explain, Explain: Pagduaw sa Prosperidad on February 10, 2021 at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center. This event is spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). According to Undersecretary Ramon Cualoping III, DirectorGeneral of PIA, the PCOO and PIA intent to provide a platform for national and local government agencies to discuss their policies in helping the communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Cualoping assured the Caraganons that President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration will provide not only safe but effective vaccines for the people to be safe and could live a normal way of life. The government has allocated P80-P90 billion for the procurement of vaccines to be administered to the Filipino people. He also emphasized that with the government’s vaccination program, at least 70 percent of the population in the country
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will be vaccinated. The LGUs have also vowed to allocate funds for the procurement of the vaccines along with the national government. The provincial government of Agusan del Sur through Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., has immediately prepared all the necessary logistical support for the scheduled Pagdu-aw in the province. This is also in close coordination with the local government unit of Prosperidad led by Mayor Frederick Mark Mellana, as the host LGU, who also took charge in the preparation and invitation of the different sectors involved such as the barangay officials, youths, academe, and civil society organizations, among others. With the hope of ending the spread of the deadly virus, Governor Cane
urged everyone to actively participate in the campaign and always follow strict health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield, and regularly washing of hands. Apart from these, he also encouraged everyone to avail of the free vaccine from the government, which will soon become available in the country. After the main event of Pagdu-aw, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and PIA Director-General Ramon Cualoping III will also meet with the AgSur media at the same venue, as partners in communicating and intensifying public awareness on the government’s vaccination program to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and ensure herd immunity. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)
February 6-12, 2021 |
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MGB 13, CMEMCI HOLD TURNOVER CEREMONY AND INDUCTION OF OFFICERS By Reyana Dawn U. Garcia The Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc. (CMEMCI), in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 held a virtual cum face-toface turnover ceremony and induction of new CMEMCI Officers on January 25, 2021 held at the MGB 13 Training Center, this city. The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments and activities of CMEMCI with different organizations and government agencies from CY 2015-2019 presented by the outgoing CMEMCI President, Engr. Robert T. Francisco.
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Representative of Dinagat Islands; EnP. Jameson O. Bandala, Provincial Representative of Surigao del Norte; For. Manuel A. Torres, Provincial Representative of Surigao del Sur; For. Noel A. Ibarra, Provincial Representative of Agusan del Norte; and For. Gladess Dianne S. Buot, Provincial Representative of Agusan del Sur were also given Service Awards. MGB Caraga Regional Director Engineer Glenn Marcelo C. Noble administered the oath taking ceremony of new CMEMCI Officers and Board of Directors.
It was then followed by the distribution of Service Awards to the outgoing Officers, namely Engr. Robert T. Francisco, President; EnP. Jesalyn A. Guingguing, Vice President; EnP. Alex C. Canonoy, Secretary; Ms. Yones Rae A. Lumba, Treasurer; and Mr. Shaun L. Guingguing, Auditor.
The new set of CMEMCI Officers and Board of Directors are President EnP. Jjam S. Cutillas, Vice President Mr. Shaun L. Guingguing, Secretary EnP. Phoebe Jean Alac, Treasurer Engr. Robert T. Francisco, Auditor Mr. Junel Garcia, Public Relations Officer EnP. Jesalyn A. Guingguing.
The outgoing Board of Directors, namely EnP. Jjam S. Cutillas, Provincial
The Board of Directors (Provincial Representative) are Dinagat Islands Engr.
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Queeniebeth L. Plaza, Surigao del Norte EnP. Alex C. Canonoy, Surigao del Sur Ms. Yones Rae A. Lumba, Agusan del Norte Noel A. Ibarra, and Agusan del Sur Gladess Diane S. Buot. On his part, Director Noble gave his inspirational message to the outgoing Officers and Board of Directors. He commended their proactive efforts and heartfelt service to the council which inspired the environmental stewards of the Caraga minerals industry in keeping the environment clean and healthy. Director Noble said that the Officers and Members are the sentinels and front liners in the implementation of environmental programs in the region. He then challenged the new Officers and Board of Directors headed by EnP. Jjam S. Cutillas to sustain and even achieve beyond the accomplishments of the former council officers. (MGB13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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DA CARAGA DISTRIBUTES CASH, FOOD SUBSIDY IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE A total of 175 farmers from Surigao City and municipalities of the province received the assistance from the Cash and Food Subsidy Program for Marginal Farmers and Fisherfolk (CFSMFF) of the Department of Agriculture, January 27, 2021. The CFSMFF, which is funded under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), aims to augment the impacts brought about by the pandemic to qualified farmer-beneficiaries from the sectors of coconut, sugarcane, fishery, including the Indigenous Caraga INFOCUS
Peoples (IPs). Around 65 Indigenous Peoples, 101 fisherfolks, and nine coconut farmers received financial assistance worth P5,000.00 and P3,000.00 of this is in cash voucher and the remaining P2,000.00 is for food subsidy composed of 25-kilo of rice, two trays of eggs, and a dressed chicken. The implementing agencies from DA-Corn, Philippine Coconut Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and National
Commission on Indigenous Peoples also continued rolling out assistance in Carmen, Agusan del Norte listing a total of 174 beneficiaries (33 beneficiaries from Corn Program, 33 beneficiaries from the NCIP and 108 from the BFAR). According to Melody M. Guimary, OIC-Chief of the Field Operations Division/Corn Program Coordinator, the target cash out of assistance to qualified beneficiaries is until February 21, 2021. (DA-Caraga/PIASurigao del Norte) February 6-12, 2021 |
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CHR, COMMUNITY SLAM NPAS ON WOUNDING OF CIVILIANS, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) cites on a 12-page case resolution that the communist New Peoples Army (NPA) who killed Datu Jumar Bucales and his companions on October 4 last year indeed violated human rights. “By launching an attack, the NPA violates the principles of distinction and precaution. In gist, the principle of distinction requires that parties to
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an armed conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants. Attacks must not be directed against any civilians. On the other hand, the principle of precaution directs the parties to undertake constant care to spare civilians. Unfortunately, the NPA failed to do this. As such, they committed human rights violations by killing Datu Jumar Bucales, Alberto Dela
Pena, and Artemio Muldez and wounded several others. All of these acts are expressly prohibited under RA 98.51… Wherefore, premises considered, the Office finds human rights violation in this case,” stated in a report approved and signed by CHR Caraga Regional Director Atty. Jerefe D. Tubigon-Bacang. On a separate report, residents, who requested Caraga INFOCUS
three civilians were also wounded after the NPAs lob a grenade at Sitio Emerald (Kilometer 10) in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur in a desperate attempt to terrorize residents and force another evacuation scheme (Taktikang Bakwit) to evade government forces and use civilians as human shields.
Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan file photo
anonymity, in their complaints recently, hit Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) under Rizaldy Sumonod, alias Mansoy/ Eman for wounding a civilian, Braeil Salinas, 26 years old, farmer and resident of Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur during their harassment in the said barangay’s patrol base last January 29. Salinas suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach. About more or less seven CNTs fired upon the patrol base prompting the government forces to defend. The civilian who was hit by the CNTs was rescued by the troops Caraga INFOCUS
and Search and Rescue (SARAS) Agusan del Sur immediately responded to evacuate the injured civilian at D.O. Plaza Memorial hospital for medical attention and surgery. The victim is now in a stable condition. “Talagang hindi na kami papayag na alisin ang patrol base dito dahil sa ginagawang pananakot at pang-abuso ng mga NPA dito sa lugar namin. Sana tuluyan na silang mawala dito sa amin dahil wala naman silang mabuting dulot,“ a complainant, said. It can be recalled that on February 2020,
“The CNTs’ attacks on civilians and unarmed individuals only proved that they are desperate and violating the CAHRIHL to terrify the people. They are on the brink of losing their mass base since the Whole-OfNation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Without the masses, the CNTs will die a natural death,” said Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn). “We thank the CHR for their prompt response and resolution on the human rights violations committed by the NPA terrorists. With CHR’s help, the truth about NPAs’ human rights violations by killing and injuring helpless civilians will be put injustice,” Baybayan added. (CMO, 3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur) February 6-12, 2021 |
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DA GEARS UP FOR 2021, ALLOTS P58.3M FOR SURSUR, AGSUR OPERATIONS By Mark Angelo C. Pineda
Monitoring ensures effectiveness. This is how the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo emphasized during his visit to the farmer-partners of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in Bislig, City, Surigao del Sur. As the DA-SAAD program enters its enterprise management phase, sustained visits and monitoring in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur are required to strengthen the Program’s link to its stakeholders. “Partnerships among stakeholders are more attainable if we go to the ground and assess the situation. More than providing sustainable interventions, we, at the DA, aim to make connections with our partners and listen to their stories that will guide us of our actions,” said Director
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Monteagudo. Together with SAAD Caraga Deputy Focal Person Jekem D. Sanchez, RED Monteagudo met with the Goat Raisers Association of Sitio Sanyata (GRASS) and the Chicken Raisers Association of Burboanon (CRAB), recipients of the FY 2019 Goat and Chicken Production Projects at Barangay San Roque and Barangay Burbuanan, Bislig City. Both GRASS and CRAB are composed of 20 members. As of January 2021, GRASS reported 13 goat stocks (10 does, two bucks, and a kid). While increasing their breeder stocks, GRASS sells their goats’ manure to earn additional income. CRAB, on the other hand, has yet to sell its poultry products. They only received their 180 chickens in December 2020. This year, CRAB will receive poultry production materials and drugs and biologics worth P251,050. 2021 directions
Capability-building activities, designed to guide and equip the farmer-partners in their transition from subsistence to entrepreneurial farming is in the works. These include entrepreneurial mindsetting and organizational communication. The DA-SAAD program allotted P58.3 million for its 2021 implementation in the Caraga Region; P33.8 million for food production and livelihood projects and P1.6 million for capabilitybuilding in the municipal and regional levels. The program will no longer establish additional groups this year but will continue supporting all 32 associations established in 2019 and 2020. Expanding of SAADfunded production areas and increasing breeding stocks (multiplier farms) are among the priorities of the program this year as it gears for its entrepreneurial phase. (Information Officer, DA-SAAD Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
TEMPORARYONG TERMINAL SA TRICYCLES, PUVS GIPLASTAR SA MAGALLANES By Jessica O. Mellejor
Giaprubahan ug gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 018-2021 nga nagdeklara nga balido ang Municipal Ordinance No. 026-2020 gikan sa Sangguniang Bayan sa Magallanes, ning lalawigan, “An Ordinance Designating Temporary Land Transportation Terminal for Tricycles Registered or Franchised both in the Municipality of Magallanes and Cabadbaran City and all other types of 4-wheeled Utility Vehicles and providing regulations thereof, subject for refinement.” Ang nag-una nga Caraga INFOCUS
katuyoan sa Municipal Ordinance No. 026-2020 nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Diomiel A. Basnig, mao ang mapauswag ang kahamugaway ug dali nga pagbiyahe ug kahilwasan sa mga publiko nga magbiyahe; masilsil ang disiplina sa mga operator / drayber sa mga motor nga traysikol ug mga publikong gamit sa publiko; masiguro nga ang mga operator / drayber mosunud sa mga regulasyon nga giisyu sa nasyonal ug lokal nga gobyerno; mapauswag ang maayong relasyon sa mga operator / driver ug likayan ang kompitisyon taliwala nila; ug mokita ang local government unit (LGU).
Ang lokasyon sa temporaryong Land Transportation Public Terminal mahimutang sa kanto sa Cuenca Avenue ug Pandanon Road Purok-3 Barangay Marcos sa nahisgutang lungsod. Ang lakang giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution Number 018-2021 sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Erwin L. Dano kauban sa mga co-authors nga si Hon. Francisco Y. Chan, Jr. ug Hon. Dick Victor B. Carmona. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) February 6-12, 2021 |
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EKIPOS GIPADANGAT SA MGA MAG-UUMA SA ABACA SA CABADBARAN By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola
(MAMIPO) sa Barangay Del Pilar, Sitio Pirada sa nasangpit nga siyudad. Kabahin ang mga nasangpit nga organisasyon nga nikometer sa AGUSAN UP! ilawom sa Plant! Plant! Plant! program aron palapdan pa ang pagpananom sa abaca sa probinsya partikular sa Cabadbaran, diin gipunting nga matamnan karong tuiga ang anaa sa 500 ektaryas alang sa maong crop. Samtang laing makinaryas nga nagkantidad og Php4 milyon ang napalit na usab sa LGU-Cabadbaran pinaagi sa CAO, kini mao ang Rice Suportado sa lokal nga panggamhanan Combine Harvester with Loader sa Cabadbaran ang mga mag-uuma Rotavator ug Harvester Carrier alang sa abaca, human gipadangat ang sa mga mag-uuma sa humay sa mga bag-ong ekipos aron mosuporta dakbayan. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan sa ilang pag-uma ug ani. del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) Bag-uhay lang upat ka units sa Abaca Spindle-Type Stripping Machine nga adunay kompletong kasangkapan ang giturn-over sa local government unit (LGU) sa Cabadbaran nga mikantidad og P600,000 sa upat ka mga organisasyon sa mga mag-uuma sa abaca pinaagi sa City Agriculturist Office (CAO)-Cabadbaran. Sumala ni City Agriculturist Ma. Arcelle Soria, sa CAO, ang mga benepisyaryo sa maong mga ekipos gilangkoban sa Lusong Farmers Association; Ancili Tribal Farmers Associaton, Inc; Puting Bato Farmers Association sa Barangay Puting Bato; ug Mamanwa Manobo Indigenous Peoples Organization
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Caraga INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
REMOTE MINDANAO ISLANDS TO GET FREE WI-FI: DICT Residents of some remote islands in Mindanao will soon be able to connect to the internet for free after the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) completes its installation of free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) terminals. In a press release on Thursday, the DICT said it is set to deploy Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) facilities by March and was made possible through partnership between the DICT Mindanao Cluster 1, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Transportation and
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Communication. DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan said the provision of these free Wi-Fi terminals is part of the DICT’s intensified roll-out of free Wi-Fi sites in remote and underdeveloped areas and is meant to provide more opportunities and to “better adapt to the new normal.”
in Mapun, and one each in Languyun and Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi province.
It will also provide four desktop computer packages to the local government unit of Taganak Island, four more for the Mapun Island LGU, and 21 thin client (computers that runs resources stored on a central server instead “Wherever you are in the of a localized hard drive) country, your DICT will strive packages will be given to reach you,” Honasan to Mapun National High said. School and Turtle Islands National High School. These VSAT facilities will be installed in Sumisip, To ensure safety and Lamitan, Isabela, and Tipsecurity during the Tipo in Basilan province; installation of these two terminals in Jolo, facilities, it said the three in Patikul, and one Western Command of each in Parang and Luuk the AFP under Maj. Gen. in Sulu province; three in Corleto Vinluan Jr., will Bongao, three in Panglima be providing security and Sugala, three in Sitangkai, facilitate the deployment two in Turtle Islands, two of DICT teams. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS
MINDA AIDS DAVAO NORTE FISHERFOLK FISHERFOLK ASSISTANCE. Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol (4th from left) hands over a check worth PHP300,000 to Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib (3rd from right) as financial assistance to the fishermen. The agency is partnering with the provincial government to craft Davao del Norte’s Agriculture and Fisheries Master Plan. (Photo courtesy of MinDA)
A series of consultations with the agriculture and fisheries sectors are set to take place for Davao del Norte’s “Agriculture and Fisheries Master Plan,” the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said in a statement Wednesday. MinDA said it provided PHP300,000 in cash assistance to Davao del Norte fisherfolk Tuesday as part of its partnership with the provincial government to boost the area’s agriculture and fisheries industry. “While MinDA has limited funds, it has extended financial support to the local government units in Mindanao to pump prime activities which would contribute to the improvement of the socioeconomic condition of the areas,” MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol was quoted as saying, referring to the aid
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provided to the province. According to Piñol, the Davao del Norte AgriFisheries Master Plan would identify the province’s strengths and resources and provide direction to develop its fisheries and agricultural sectors. MinDA’s strategic and “surgical interventions,” he said, seek to address problems that have stunted the growth and productivity of communities in Mindanao. Earlier, MinDA released PHP400,000 to the Metro Kidapawan Water District for the city’s 25-year-old Water Supply Master Plan. Another PHP200,000 was released to the Bamboo Workers of North Cotabato to purchase equipment and machines to process bamboo into high-value products.
In an interview Tuesday evening, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib underscored the province’s need to engage in high-value fruit trees and vegetables in the highlands, cattle breeding and fattening, goat raising, free-range chicken farming, corn development, and modernizing its fisheries sector. “We thank MinDA for their support, and right now, we are waiting for the request of the beneficiaries as to what project they want with the amount,” he said. Known as a major producer of Cavendish bananas for export, Davao del Norte’s economy is affected by the devastation caused by the Fusarium wilt or Panama Disease, destroying hundreds of hectares of banana plantations. (By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo/PNA)
February 6-12, 2021 |
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NATIONAL NEWS
LAGING HANDA DOKYU 2.0 3RD EPISODE PRESENTS LEARNING AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), through the Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs, puts a spotlight on the narratives of public school teachers and students about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the learning process, in Laging Handa Dokyu Season 2 third episode entitled “Edukasyon sa Gitna ng Pandemya.”
is proof that if there’s willingness to learn, we can always find a way,” Sec. Andanar added.
According to PCOO Secretary Martin M. Andanar, the national government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that young learners nationwide, especially those in far-flung areas, can continue to pursue their academic dreams.
Taking into consideration the health and safety of our academes while ensuring continuous academic excellence, the DepEd created the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. It consists of Modular Distance Learning, Online Distance Learning, and TV or RadioBased Instruction, all set to aid teachers and students in holding ‘new normal’ classes all over the country, even in the far-flung areas with no internet connection.
Through the coordination of various government agencies with the local communities, we can be sure that the education of our youth under the ‘new normal’ will not be sacrificed,” Sec. Andanar said. “Education remains to be a top priority for the Duterte administration even during this COVID-19 pandemic. This short documentary
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On March 13, 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend classes in all schools nationwide to avoid COVID-19 virus transmission among students and faculty members.
According to DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio, they needed to streamline the curriculum for the 2020-2021 academic year. “The public opinion has to
be somehow addressed and [we] somehow succeeded in persuading the public that the Department of Education is offering basic education services to the youngsters of the Philippines. We made sure that we will protect the learners and teachers,” said Usec. Antonio. Furthermore, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s ‘Karunungan sa Kulungan’ Project will also be included in the same episode, featuring the story of an inmate teacher, who continues his passion for teaching kindergarten, with the children of his fellow inmates as his pupils. Catch “Edukasyon sa Gitna ng Pandemya” on Sunday, February 7, at 9:30 PM on PTV and IBC. It will also be livestreamed on the PCOO and the NTF COVID-19 Facebook pages, as well as other government-affiliated social media pages. Media outlets are free to share and use our video materials and short documentaries. For inquiries, please e-mail us at pcooglobalmedia@pco. gov.ph.
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MEDIA CAN HELP BOOST PUBLIC TRUST IN COVID-19 VACCINE: ANDANAR Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar believes that the media can help boost the confidence of the public in the government’s vaccination program for Covid-19. In a brief media engagement here on Tuesday, Andanar encouraged members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Butuan Chapter to use their influence to encourage others to be vaccinated. He noted that members of some media groups in Northern Mindanao, where he sits as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS 10), have expressed their willingness to be inoculated as well. “Let us face the fact na ang mga broadcasters, mga writer, mga reporter, you have more influence than the ordinary worker. Because nagbo-broadcast kayo eh, automatically you talk
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| February 6-12, 2021
to [thousands of] people. The audience listens to you because they like you (Let us face the fact. Broadcasters, writers, and reporters, you have more influence than the ordinary worker. Because you are broadcasting, you automatically talk to [thousands of] people. The audience listens to you because they like you),” he said. “So kung magpavaccinate ka (if you get vaccinated), you could one way or another influence others to do so.” Andanar stressed that private media workers should be inoculated alongside government media personnel since they are essential workers working in high-risk areas. “Coming from the context that 47 percent of our people are hesitant about the vaccine, we have to walk our talk,” he said, as he noted that he is willing to be inoculated once approved vaccines are available.
Philippine Information Agency Director General Ramon Cualoping III also joined the engagement backing the PCOO chief’s call for support from the group to cascade the accurate information to the grassroots level. “We are asking for your help to ‘Explain, Explain, Explain’ the good narrative of the Covid-19 vaccine,” he said. “Because the problem is that before, people were often asking when the vaccine would be available. But now that it is underway, people are scared. That is why we are here in Caraga, to correct misinformation, to dismiss disinformation, and to spread the good news of the greatest Duterte legacy and the Covid-19 vaccine.” Cualoping assured that the Duterte administration is on top of the situation to ensure that only safe and effective vaccines will be distributed in the country. (PR)
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ANDANAR DONATES PPE TO CARAGA REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has responded to the call of some medical workers in the Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) for additional supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential needs for them to continue the fight against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
the social media page. Remolado said that they were anxious, fearing for their health and those family members who were exposed to them. In his recent visit to Caraga, Secretary Andanar turned over 50 sets of PPE and other medical supplies including surgical gloves and face masks to Remolado on behalf of Chief Medical Technologist Elry P. Borja and the rest of the medical frontliners of the said regional hospital.
The medical workers sought help through the Bisaya Gyud Facebook page last January to augment their supply for PPE, stressing the risk they are under while looking after COVID-19 patients. “This is our commitment to provide aid to our Bisaya kababayans during this Irelyn Sara-Remolado, a registered Medical pandemic. And we will continue to link Technologist assigned at the Emerging and more Filipinos to the programs of the Re-emerging Infectious Diseases Ward of government through Bisaya Gyud and other the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao platforms that we have,” the PCOO Chief City, requested this through a message in said. Caraga INFOCUS
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ANDANAR HOPES FOR GLOBAL RECOVERY FROM PANDEMIC THIS YEAR
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday expressed hope that all the countries hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic would recover this year.
Andanar issued the statement, as he wished everyone a “prosperous, safe, and healthy” Chinese Lunar New Year. “May 2021 be the year for our collective recovery from the virus and the effects it has had on our lives, as we continue to undertake measures to ensure our commitment in this regard,” he said in a press statement. Andanar acknowledged that last year, everyone around the globe was challenged “in many ways” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CRH is a Level 2, state-run hospital in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte and is one of the two COVID-19 referral hospitals in Caraga that accommodates confirmed COVID-19 cases. Bisaya Gyud, a weekly public service program hosted by Secretary Andanar, is aired on RMN radio stations every Saturday, 4:30 - 5:00 PM, and streamed live on the Bisaya Gyud Facebook page. The program was launched in January 2020 with the aim of providing assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by linking them to concerned government agencies to address their concerns.
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“However, we have all strived to endure these challenges together,” he said. Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 12 and is declared a special non-working day through Proclamation 986. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Metal Ox. Metal ox is characterized as being healthy and fit, Chinese Zodiac experts have said. Andanar was confident that health protocols would be observed during the celebration of Chinese New Year. “As we celebrate this occasion, let’s be reminded of the health protocols and minimum health standards to minimize the transmission of the virus,” he said. “Happy Lunar New Year, Xīnnián kuàilè to everyone!” (PNA)
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EXTENSION OF LIFELINERS’ BENEFITS TO 2051 TO HELP EASE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THE POOR– NOGRALES “The poor should not be powerless.” This, said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Sunday, is the rationale behind the President’s approval of Department of Energy (DOE) recommendations that seek to ease the financial burden of power consumers with little or no incomes. Nograles had earlier announced that the President had ordered the extension of the nodisconnection policy of “lifeliners” or households that consume minimal amounts of electricity a month, as well as urged Congress to extend the benefits of lifeliners until 2051. According to the Palace official, “an important, critical benefit are the discounts that lifeliners currently enjoy under Republic Act 10150,
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a law that amended the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act ) and extended the implementation of the lifeline rate until June 2021.” “This is why we welcome the action Congress has taken on pending legislative proposals to extend the lifeline rates, particularly its decision to extend the rates for another 30 years, just as the President requested. The discounts, explained Nograles, depend on the amount of electricity consumed by households, and vary from area to area. “The government believes that power is a basic need that Filipino families cannot live without, which is why we believe that steps should be taken to make it more accessible to our less fortunate countrymen,” stressed the former legislator
from Davao. Nograles pointed out that DOE estimates “show that providing these discounts to underprivileged households will not hurt the bottomlines of power distributors, as lifeliners account for only 3% of electricity sales.” “As a consequence of extending the lifeline rates, low-income households will not have to spend much for electricity––and instead will be able to spend more for other basic needs, like food,” added Nograles. “Malaking tulong po ito, at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mga kasama natin mula sa Kongreso. Pinapakita lang po dito na kailangan natin magtulungan upang tugunan ang problema ng kahirapan––upang mapagaan ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan.”
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GORDON EXPOSES LTO PRACTICE THAT PUTS MOTORCYCLE OWNERS IN PERIL Senator Richard J. Gordon on Friday took the Land Transportation Office to task as he exposed an arbitrary action by the agency that favors motorcycle dealers and places owners in peril. Gordon disclosed that some MAIRDOES (Manufacturers, Assemblers, Importers, Rebuilders, Dealers, Other Entities) get the installment money without giving the buyer ownership papers. Instead of registering a motorcycle after it has been sold, the dealer holds the registration so that if the owner fails in paying the monthly amortization, they will repossess the motorcycle and sell it again as a demonstration unit. “Magbebenta ng motor ang dealer pero hindi muna bibigyan ng rehistro hanggang makompiska ang motor. Kapag nabawi ang motor, ibebenta ulit nila as demo units, at magpapatakbo na naman ng installment scheme na
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walang rehistro, kikita na naman sila,” the senator exposed during the first hearing of the motu proprio investigation called by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in connection with the LTO’s delay in implementing Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.
kalaban-laban ang tao dahil sa mga arbitrary na ginagawa ninyo na pinapayagan niyo ang dealer. Ang dealer ang nagahahari,” the chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee said.
“Di po ba lugi ang may-ari ng motrosiklo na hindi sila makakuha ng insurance? Gordon reprimanded Samakatwid, delikado ang the LTO for allowing the tao. Di ho ba delikado MAIRDOES hoodwink poor sila na kapag nabangga buyers who save hard to sila, walang insurance na buy a motorcycle so they magbabayad sa kanila? can move about. He added O pag ninakaw ang motor motorcycle owners are also nila, there is no proof of endangered because they ownership. Ni hindi po cannot get an insurance mailagay sa register of since they have no proof of deeds para mailagay sa ownership. annotation, may instalment ditong payment para at “Di ho ba natutulungan least merong color of title. niyo yung mga dealers na Inaapi ang mga hindi nagbibigay, dapat ordinaryong tao kasi binibigay nila ang rehistro nagbayad na nga sila at plaka? Kinukuha nila ng installment para ang pera pero wala silang sa motor wala pa binibigay, walang plaka, silang dokumentong walang papel, puro sales magpapakita ng invoice. Kawawangownership,” he added. kawawa ang tao, walang
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GORDON DEMANDS RESIGNATION OF LTO PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING MOTORCYCLE CRIME PREVENTION LAW With the number of killings by riding-in-tandem assassins totaling almost 9,000 from 2010 to 2020 and continuously increasing daily, Senator Richard J. Gordon demanded the resignation of pertinent officials and employees of the Land Transportation Office for the delay in the implementation of Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act. Gordon made the call during the first hearing of the motu proprio investigation that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee called to get to the bottom of the delay in implementing the law, which was aimed to prevent criminals from using motorcycles as getaway vehicles by imposing bigger, readable and color-coded number plates to facilitate tracing of motorcycles used in the commission of crimes. “Enough is enough. We can no longer tolerate the situation where nothing is happening except people are being killed without the protection of the law. If
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they cannot do that, then I demand the resignation of all the people of LTO na may kinalaman diyan. Hindi biro ‘yang ginagawa ninyo, people are dying, people are losing their motorcycles to thieves, people are losing their bags, their cellphones dahil wala kayong ginagawa. Andaming dugo sa kamay ng mga tao sa LTO at mga dealer habang hindi niyo ginagawa yan. The people of this country will not take it,” the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee said in his opening statement. “Nilakihan natin ang mga plaka para mas madaling makita at maireport. Naglagay tayo ng Operations Center para madali makapagreport lahat ng tao kapag may nakitang motor na walang plaka. Pag may nasaksihang krimen ay makakapag-issue agad ang pulis ng look out bulletin. If people don’t report the loss of their license plates, they will be jailed. Pero hanggang ngayon hindi pa din pinapatupad ang batas na ‘yan,” he added.
Records from the Philippine National Police showed that a total of 36,848 people had been victimized by riding-intandem criminals from 2010 to 2020, of which 8,805 were killings. The Blue Ribbon chairman said that a dispute between two suppliers of number plates have caused the ballooning of the LTO’s backlog in the production of number plates. The problem is further exacerbated by the anomalous practice in the registration process and distribution of number plates that he also bared. “Kinukuha ang pera ng nila pero walang proteksyon ang taumbayan. Kawawa ang mga may-ari ng motorsiklo at panahon na para tanggalan ng maskara ang mga nasa LTO na nagpapanggap na public servants ‘yung ilan…Binayaran na ng mga tao pero wala silang natanggap na plaka Ang laking panloloko ang ginagawa sa taumbayan para kumita lang ang iilan,” Gordon said.
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PRC PARTNERS WITH BERT LINA COMPANIES TO PROVIDE VACCINATION TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES THROUGH PRC BUS 143
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The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with UBE Express of the Bert Lina Group of Companies, conducted a mobile vaccination for measles in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City on February 6, 2021.
According to PRC Chairman & CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon, with the partnership of Bert Lina Group of Companies, PRC can reach more communities and provide vaccines even in far-flung areas.
UBE Express made available a newly designed bus to PRC. Christened PRC Bus 143, the unique design is tailored to the needs of vaccination as well as other mobile health services. PRC Bus 143 can also be used for vitamin A administration, well-baby clinics, outpatient consultations for hypertension and diabetes, TB diagnosis and pre-natal care.
“This new transportation by PRC and the Bert Lina Group of Companies will be consistent in providing vaccines to communities. PRC Bus 143 also ensures a secure place for vaccination. The bus itself has a cliniclike setup,” PRC Chairman Gordon said.
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PRC Bus 143 will be manned by a driver on a 14-day duty, a doctor who will serve as
the team leader, six nurses, one med technologist, four assistants for the IT/medical records, communications officer, logistics officer, and a security officer. As of February 5, 2021, PRC have vaccinated 108,184 children against MeaslesRubella and Polio exceeding its target accomplishment for this month. With around 1,363 volunteers, PRC also reached 449 communities in 78 cities/ municipalities through 33 chapters with the support of the IFRC, American Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, and Netherland Red Cross. After the success of its pilot rollout in Quezon City the PRC Bus 143, as assured by PRC Chairman Gordon, will also reach Visayas and Mindanao. “We will bring PRC Bus 143 anywhere in the Philippines – whether Visayas or Mindanao. We are focusing on vaccination for measles and polio to prepare also for the vaccination for COVID-19,” Gordon said.
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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the inspection of the newly delivered air assets for the Philippine Air Force at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on February 12, 2021. SIMEON CELI/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
PHILIPPINES TO REMAIN NEUTRAL AMID HEIGHTENED GEO-POLITICAL TENSION, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Friday he is in a tight balancing act insisting, however, that his government will remain neutral and his allegiance will be for the Filipino people in the midst of the tense geo-political environment in the AsiaPacific region. Speaking during the inspection of newly delivered air assets to
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the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, President Duterte said the country cannot afford to get involved in a conflict and must opt not to take sides in the US-China rivalry. “I am walking on a tightrope, actually. I cannot afford to be brave in the mouth against China because, well, we are avoiding any confrontation
--- a confrontation that would lead to something which we can hardly afford, at least not at this time,” he said in his message. With regards to the Americans, the President said, “we asked so much of them because they have taken so much from us.” He noted, however, that he opposed getting too close to the US because
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he wants the country to remain impartial. While he does not want to be aligned with any competing countries, he said that since the exigency of the moment requires US presence, he is okay with it. President Duterte also conveyed a message to the US government saying its presence in the Philippines through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) must come at a price. “Well, they have to pay. It’s a shared responsibility, but your share of responsibility does not come free. Because after all, when the war breaks out, we all pay,” he stressed. “You, kami, we are nearest to the garrison there where there are a lot of arsenals of the Chinese armed forces.”
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the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for successfully procuring additional air assets that will play an important role in safeguarding the country. “Recently, I have approved the proposal to acquire more combat utility [helicopters for] the AFP. With our recent gains against various terror groups, I am confident that our efforts under the AFP Modernization Program are already paying off,” he said. He told the troops that he wants to add five or six more helicopters to the PAF’s fleet of air assets before he steps down from power. PAF has 32 helicopters for procurement under its modernization program.
At the same time, he said the American government must keep its promises, especially with regards to agreements aimed at boosting the country’s defense capabilities.
The President was also pleased with the military’s efforts to eliminate terrorist groups in Northern Luzon, which he said, have led to genuine peace and sustainable progress in the area, and fostered greater camaraderie among government security forces operating in the region.
Also during his address, President Duterte congratulated the Department of National Defense (DND) and and
Also during the event, the chief executive led the conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu, with the rank of Kamagi, to outstanding
| February 6-12, 2021
officers and enlisted personnel who fought Islamic militants in Sulu in November last year. “Your gallantry, bravery and courage are truly exemplary,” he told the awardees. “I hope that your fellow soldiers will look up to you as their source of inspiration and strength, especially when it is their turn to face the battlefield.” On display Friday were the first one of the two C-130H aircraft granted by the US government through the Security Cooperation Assistance, and several units of brand new Black Hawk choppers brought by the Philippines from Poland under a $241.5-million governmentto-government contract. Also present during the event were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, PAF Commanding General Allen Paredes, and Pampanga local officials. (PND)
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PDRF, DOH PARTNER IN COVID-19, VACCINE INFO DRIVE By Lade Jean Kabagani
The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and the Department of Health (DOH), along with various private groups, will actively promote the “Ingat Angat” campaign aimed at promoting accurate information about the pandemic and vaccines while pushing for economic recovery. Through the “Kalinga para sa Kalusugan ng Komunidad” (Project K3), the PDRF commits to providing a localized communication approach, amplifying existing messages, and innovatively supporting the national communication campaigns. Project K3 is an initiative of the PDRF and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Program that targets to strengthen the health care capacities of local government units (LGUs), health care institutions, and other local communities nationwide to respond to the public health crisis and other emerging needs amid the pandemic.
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Among the activities planned are the training of some 10,000 local health care system stakeholders and the distribution of 5,000 sets of personal protective equipment to select health care facilities. It also aims to facilitate risk communications and community education through the distribution of localized information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. Margot Torres of McDonald’s Philippines cited the need to develop a grassroots approach to reach out to communities at the barangay level, particularly those sectors that are wary of getting vaccinated. “I think you’re targeting the right people and having a grassroots campaign is important. That’s a gap that you’re able to see,” Torres said during a recent virtual meeting among Project K3 participants. DOH Director Beverly Ho expressed her support for the PDRF’s communication goals “to go from
information awareness to behavioral change and eventually paradigmshifting.” “What we want to do in health promotion, at least, from the health sector point of view, is to go beyond IEC, because before, when people think about our office, they think about all the printouts, the tarps, etc. But the reality is we actually use the healthy people, healthy places framework,” Ho said. “The norm, the culture has to be enabling of the action that we want people to take.” Through the PDRF’s private sector network and massive on-ground partnering within communities, Project K3 is eyed to amplify the reach of existing communication material by both the DOH and the “Ingat Angat” campaign. The PDRF’s online digital learning platform – iADAPT or the Innovations Academy for Disaster Awareness, Preparedness, and Training – will also be used to expand Project K3’s objectives in capacity building. (PNA)
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PRRD TO INK EO EXPEDITING LGUS’ VACCINE PROCUREMENT ‘IF NEED BE’ President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, “if need be,” will sign an executive order (EO) allowing local government units (LGUs) to purchase vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) sans going through the process of public bidding, Malacañang said on Thursday. “Kung kinakailangang po, walang problema ‘yan dahil ang posisyon ni Presidente, kung Caraga INFOCUS
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
kinakailangang i-issue iyan (If it’s really necessary, there will be a problem with that because the President’s stance is he will issue [an executive order] if need be),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser. Roque issued the statement when quizzed if Duterte would heed the LGUs’ call for the issuance of an EO that would authorize them to skip public bidding when
buying Covid-19 vaccines. He also welcomed the lawmakers’ move to file a measure that seeks to fast-track the local governments’ procurement of Covid-19 vaccines by doing away with public bidding. The measure, he said, would help prevent the possible delay in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines in the country. February 6-12, 2021 |
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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“Merong mga hakbang na ginagawa sa Kongreso para magpasa po ng batas na magkaroon ng exemption doon sa government procurement para nang sa gayon ay makabili nga po ng walang sagabal ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ng kanilang mga bakuna (Congress is taking steps to pass a bill exempting local governments from certain procurement requirements to ensure that the immunization drive would not be hampered),” Roque said. At present, LGUs may purchase Covid-19 vaccines through tripartite agreements with the national government and vaccine manufacturers. On Feb. 8, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco filed House Bill 8648 which provides exemptions to compliance by LGUs
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with the procurement requirements under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. The bill aims to waive the requirement of Phase IV trials for Covid-19 medication and vaccine stipulated in the Universal Health Care Law to expedite the procurement, provided that these are recommended and approved by the World Health Organization and other internationally recognized health agencies. It also allows concerned LGUs to make advance payment not exceeding 50 percent of the contract amount for the procurement of Covid-19 drugs and vaccines unless directed by the President. Following the advance payment for the supply of vaccines, the
foreign manufacturer, in consideration of its agreement with the concerned LGU, shall undertake to deliver the supply of vaccines within six months from the date of perfection of the contract. The procurement, importation, storage, transport, distribution, and administration of Covid-19 vaccines by LGUs shall be exempt from customs duties, value-added tax, excise tax, and other fees, provided that the vaccines acquired shall only be used for their residents and constituents and not for commercial distribution, according to the bill. A similar measure was filed at the Senate by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri. The Philippines targets to inoculate around 50 million to 70 million Filipinos this year. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS
VACCINE ROLLOUT TO HAVE ‘POSITIVE’ IMPACT ON ECONOMY By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Wednesday expressed confidence that the government’s mass vaccination program will yield a “positive” impact on the Philippine economy. “Inaasahan po natin na pagdating ng mga bakuna natin, eh meron itong positibong impact na tinatawag sa ating pangkalakalan o ating ekonomiya (We expect that there will be positive impact on our economy, once the vaccines arrive in the country),” Panelo said during his commentary show “Counterpoint.” Panelo issued the statement a day after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed “concerned” over the current state of the country’s economy which suffered contraction due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Once the government starts its free immunization drive, Filipinos will have the
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confidence to resume more economic activities, Panelo said. “‘Pag yung consumers natin, pag nabakunahan na, medyo kumpiyansado ka na, may tiwala ka nang lumabas dahil syempre, nabakunahan ka na (Our consumers, once vaccinated, will be confident to go out),” he said. Acknowledging that the Philippine economy is “sinking deeper and deeper,” Duterte vowed on Feb. 1 to keep it afloat. The country’s economic team sees a possible rebound of the economy this year as the government targets to launch its mass vaccination program this month. ‘Big help’ In an interview with state-run PTV-4, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the vaccination program would be a “big help” to revive the economy. “Syempre malaking tulong iyan (Of course, it would be
a big help),” Nograles said. “After the vaccination, mas magkakaroon ng (there will be confidence to move goods and people.” On Monday, Roque said the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines from drugmakers Pfizer-BioNtech and AstraZeneca secured through the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access facility would arrive in midFebruary. Roque added that the Duterte government is ready to begin its Covid-19 inoculation drive by Feb. 15. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said around 117,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer will be the first to arrive in the country and will be delivered in one tranche. The delivery of Pfizer vaccines would be followed by the arrival of some 5,500,000 to 9,290,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine in the first and second quarter of this year, Galvez said. (PNA)
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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists
RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
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