07 - 13 January 2017
Volume 1, No. 41
REGIONAL NEWS
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Firecracker-related cases decrease in Caraga region
contents
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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156 Shared Service Facilities serve MSMEs in Caraga
Hinatuan announces temporary closure of enchanted river due to maintenance
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PNP Caraga records notable accomplishments in 2016
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HEALTH NEWS
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Use iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorder
28 MINDANAO NEWS
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Davao City prepares for first meeting of 2017 ASEAN Summit
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COVER
16 Fire, fight and faith: A soldier’s 17 verve 20 21
NFA Surigao Norte opens for renewal of NFA license DTI facilitates back to back skills training in Siargao Island Former rebels in AgSur receive cash assistance anew
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Dureza encourages IP leaders to form advisory council for peace talks DOF expects inflation to remain favorable this year
PDRRMC Agusan del Norte achieves 2016 target
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News Briefs DOH Caraga is now accepting nominations for this year’s Red Orchid Award, an annual Search for 100 percent Tobacco-free Environment. The search, which is now on its 7th year will highlight the achievements in tobacco control in the different categories, to include the LGUs (province, chartered cities, and municipalities), govt hospitals, govt offices, & DOH Center for Health Development & DOH hospitals.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order aimed at ensuring that the government meet the needs of Filipino families for appropriate family planning support. The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is aprotected area in the Philippines declared by the former President Fidel V. Ramos. The marshland acts like a sponge, as it is nestled in the midwaters of the Agusan Riverdrainage basin. Within its lakes, several floating communities can be found. The sanctuary was home to the 20.24 feet (6.17 meter) saltwater crocodile Lolong, the world’s largest captive crocodile.
Cover Story
Fire, fight and faith: A soldier’s verve By: Venus L. Garcia
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UTUAN CITY – Behind the audacity, vigor and skillful tactics of a soldier is a habit of mind and heart to exude faith as evinced in his kindness and love for his fellowmen and the Supreme Being. For Lieutenant Colonel Rey Pasco, commanding officer of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army,
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“being a uniformed personnel serving the government doesn’t imply a privilege you can claim, but a duty you must perform. There’s no other option
and moral courage to surpass the challenges. When we pledged for genuine public service, we mean carrying out our job wholeheartedly even by risking our lives for others,” he added. The reward of valor Keeping the confidence in his ability to perform well under the difficult and demanding conditions of battle, LTC Pasco and his comrades in the armed service exemplified an indomitable spirit worthy of emulation. than to uphold the ethical and legal standards in the execution of tasks and fulfillment of missions.” It means standing your ground and acting on it to support the interests of the republic and its citizens and ensuring local and national security, enunciated Pasco. “We often hovered between life and death situations and that entails extraordinary bravery
With his vast experience in the field of combat operations, LTC Pasco courageously spearheaded his troops in maneuvering and assaulting enemy position amidst heavy hostile fires. This led him to receive a gold cross medal for his conspicuous courage and gallantry in action during an encounter against more or less fifteen dissident terrorists at Sitio Bagang, Brgy. Kamuayan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental in October 1998.
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Another gold cross medal was accorded to him on July 2000 for his combat skills, bravery, teamwork and timely execution of operation plan during an encounter against more or less 230 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels at Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. He and his cohorts defended the area through face-to-face combat fighting with the strong first line of defense of the enemy. “As I left the tour of duty for taking actions to defeat insurgency, I sit in relief for I managed to hurdle and undertake what I am called on to do. Nothing feels exhausting when you are passionate about the profession you pursue,� underscored Pasco. A man of military bearing with a tenacity of legendary warriors, a bronze cross medal was awarded to him in March 2002 for possessing the highest degree of professionalism and exceptional courage in the face of danger. He bravely and actively
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participated and supervised in the conduct of special intelligence operations resulting to the successful neutralization and apprehension of Muhammad Kiram, the local contact of arrested Indonesian national Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi also known as Abu Saad, a member of an international organization called Jammal Islameah, an Islamic Terrorist Group who has link with the Al-Queda terrorist group. Imbued with the high sense of professionalism and dedication to duty, he and his comrades effectively carried out their assigned tasks by exerting maximum efforts to ensure the accomplishment of the mission. The extraordinary traits, tailored with proper intelligence training and background displayed, the coordinated efforts and utmost enthusiasm coupled with perseverance, significantly contributed to the success of the operation. This laudable achievement has brought credit not only for himself and the group but for the entire Philippine Army.
Cover Story The fight for peace progresses and this doesn’t stop him from moving ahead. In March 2006, Pasco was further awarded with a bronze cross medal award for acts of heroism involving risk of life while serving as the intelligence officer/intelligence operative of the 401st brigade, 4th Infantry Division. It eventually yielded positive results during the conduct of combat operations at Nasipit and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
life under unpredictable instances despite proficiency in my bailiwicks. And in seeking for divine protection and guidance, I opted to be ruled by His command and power over men,” modestly admitted Pasco.
For those individuals whose heroism, noble and substantive acts that were never known to many, they deserve to earn homage for being in the line of unsung heroes who unconditionally take charge on matters with commitment and conviction.
He pointed out further the unseen heroic deeds and astounding sacrifices of soldiers, the enormous costs to personal safety of their own lives and their families, the coping measures from anguish of leaving their loved ones behind, and the mixed emotions of confronting the probability of getting injured or even death. “With my fellow armies, we were able to hurdle all these according to our faith, individual convictions, and sacred devotion to duty and the Almighty,” he said.
The sacred devotion
Rededicating army’s spiritual home
The stern discipline reflects a stiff Following the zest and motivation soldier always ready to conquer an to lead and function as a dedicated opponent amidst danger and toil. serviceman comes the transcendence that creates more meaningful impact. In almost half a golden year of blitz and aggressive fire and fight maneuvers The genuine camaraderie to defeat the enemy and those who displayed by Rev. Fr. Joshue Cadorna are in armed resistance against the of the Order of Discalced Augustinians government, LTC Pasco never omit his (OAD) as the spiritual mentor of LTC spiritual and moral obligation which Pasco has truly inspired him to take he ought to perform not only as a a forward stride in pursuing warfare uniformed official in service but as a in a sphere different from that of the person of holistic human portrayal. battlefield. This is when the circle of Christian armies at the 4th Civil Military “It is vital to recognize the Operations Battalion proceeded in authority of Christ. I wrestled all my combined action for the rehabilitation
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Cover Story of the brigade chapel at the 4ID OAD led the blessing of the brigade Advance Command Post, Camp chapel. “I am really grateful for the Bancasi. dedicated heart of Lt. Col. Pasco and his troops in the realization of this It was three decades ago, project. Everything was made possible September 7, 1986 to be exact, when through the generous support from the the construction of the brigade chapel private individuals and military friends started and was inaugurated under the of the brigade,” stressed Fr. Cadorna. then command of Col. Renato Palma. He also said that “more than With the generous help of the the ideal execution of the game civilian friends, devotees and close allies plan among the cream of chivalrous in public service such as the Philippine soldiers, the spiritual nurturance Information Agency Caraga team led should also be given utmost priority in by regional director Abner Caga, the order to spell a proper disposition and Beata Virgine del Santo Rosario (Our a perfect conditioning of mind, body Lady of the Holy Rosary) Chapel was and soul.” successfully renovated on September 1, 2016 and a rededication was held The drive for volunteerism on October 30, 2016. Built inside a 48-hectare vicinity It was graced by 4th Infantry utilized by the Philippine Army in Brgy. Division, Philippine Army commander Bancasi, this city, the Beata Virgine del Major General Benjamin Madrigal, Santo Rosario Chapel erects beautifully Jr. and other officials. “Such and sturdily, showing how the accomplishment is a manifestation infatigable hands of the people who that wonderful things can be achieved voluntarily spent their time and efforts through teamwork and bayanihan,” for the completion of the project. underscored Madrigal. The bayanihan, as a thrust of Philippine Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), encaptulates the idea of cooperation in order to achieve real change and development. “Truly, the spirit of bayanihan is alive in Caraga,” stated Madrigal. Meanwhile, Fr. Cadorna, delegated chaplain and prior of the
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Cover Story Confronted with a dilemma of almost losing a child for battling a cancer illness, Adlawan gradually regain his divine belief and was back on his feet, creating a sense of worthiness and self-esteem. He became known for his sacrificial commitment by being literally nailed on the cross and went walking under the scorching heat of the Inspired also by the kindness of sun for seven months following the route heart and humility, Antolin Lara Adlawan, from Agusan del Norte in Mindanao to together with other volunteers, offered Manila metropolis. in all sincerity their services by physically That’s when his total doing the construction works. transformation began. He engages The involvement of Adlawan tells himself in evangelizing as a Catholic an inspiring story of a wealthy and faith defender (CFD). Out from the wise man who enjoys the perks of life natural brilliance of his mind and until he unpleasantly experienced a learned experiences, he’s able to live a renewed life. turnaround of his fortunes. Apart from the benevolence of persons who provided the materials needed for he renovation, the chapel now captures the minimalistic element of its design that suits the serene environment through the artistic contribution of local artists, namely, Ronald Rudinas and Chito Alegre.
“Life for me was so easy then as I gamble but I have to be candid with this. Money is a very good servant but a very bad master. When money speaks, everybody listens. Until such time, I lost my faith and discredit my Creator,” bluntly admitted Adlawan.
“In the eyes of a flying eagle, there is no difference between an islet and a continent. Now, I prefer a simple but productive life serving the community and the church. To be successful in life, you must have the four Ds – desire (to serve), devotion, determination and discipline to achieve fulfillment in life,” expressed Adlawan. There are many fecets of life where an individual can reveal his full potentials. Not only does it propel volunteerism or motivate others, but also permeate positivity and provide wisdom and enlightenment. Hence, a fully geared up soldier knows dominion over his opponent and keeps a dosage of faith and prayer. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
Firecracker-related cases decrease in Caraga region By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY – The number of firecracker-related injuries in Caraga Region decreased last 2016, figures of Department of Health (DOH) showed. In a report released by the agency, there was a 74 percent-drop in fireworks-related incidents during the period of December 21, 2016 up to January 5, 2017. According to DOH Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., a total of 21 cases were reported during the monitoring period. This is 74 percent lower compared to the 81 cases tallied in year 2015, Llacuna said.
The province of Agusan del Sur had the highest number with seven cases; six of these came from the municipality of Prosperidad. Surigao del Norte also has a total of six cases coming from Gigaquit, Socorro and Placer, Llacuna added. He further said that majority of the cases (18.86 percent) were active users involving illegal fireworks. Seventeen (81 percent) injuries were caused by piccolo where most cases involved the hand, he said. The provinces and cities with zero case during the monitoring period include Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Cabadbaran City, Tandag City and Bislig City. “We are grateful to everyone, to our partner agencies, to the authorities, to the local government units because this was a joint effort. We could not have done it alone,” said Llacuna. “We were able to celebrate a merry, happily and safe Christmas and New Year with an immense decrease of firecracker related injuries,” added Llacuna. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News
156 Shared Service Facilities serve MSMEs in Caraga
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – “The Department of Trade and Industry has extended 156 Shared Service Facilities for the use of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Caraga.” This was the statement of Director Brielgo Pagaran of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga during a briefing held recently at the regional office here. Pagaran bared that from 2014 to 2016, the department has approved and release P85-Million worth of Shared Service Facilities (SSF) to enhance business operations of the region’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “These SSF support the following sectors: processed food, arts and crafts, creative industry, bakery and other agri-processing. The equipment provided also includes product
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packaging and labeling. This project is implemented through people’s organizations’ participation with the non-government organizations, industry associations, schools, and local government units,” relayed Pagaran. The good director also revealed that to date, there are more than 7,000 enterprises that have benefitted from the various shared service facilities establishd in the region. These facilities, which are operated and managed by the partner-cooperators, are available for use by the enterprises with a minimal fee to cover operating and maintenance cost. (JPG/DTI-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
Regional News
PNP Caraga records notable accomplishments in 2016 By: PCInsp Charity S Galvez
BUTUAN CITY - The combined efforts of police force in Caraga region and other stakeholders had resulted in several notable accomplishments against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, illegal logging, loose firearms, and illegal firecrackers in 2016. Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 reginal director CSupt Rolando Felix disclosed that Caraga PNP had already accomplished 99.73 percent in Project Double Barrel. PRO 13 and accounted a total of 9,080 drug personalities out from the target of 9,104 regionwide. He added that amid the continuing efforts against illegal drugs, 1,142 operations, were conducted which resulted in the arrest of 1,158 drug suspects and confiscation of P120,081,833 worth of shabu and marijuana. Then, 53 drug personalities
were killed in the process of anti-drug operations. In the war against illegal gambling, PRO 13 recorded a total of 126 operations throughout the year. A total of 117 had been arrested; 141 illegal gambling machines were confiscated, and 42 illegal number games were tallied. Confiscated cash reached to P178,157. Meanwhile, Felix also divulged that the PNP and its partner agencies had made significant strides against
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Regional News
illegal logging. P7,644,078 worth of confiscated logs and lumber measuring a total volume of 466,248 board feet were confiscated during the 186 operations in the entire region. In terms of accomplishments against loose firearms, PRO 13 had documented a total of 1,054 surrendered and confiscated firearms during the successful conduct of 308 police operations. Based on the data, 300 arrested suspects were charged with the violation of Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition. On the other hand, during the strict implementation of the selling of illegal firecrackers and other pyrotechnic
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devices, the police force in Caraga confiscated a total of 671,006 pieces with estimated value of P287,644.40. Only 19 firecracker-related incident were recorded in the entire region. This has reflected a 98.25 percent decreased compared with last year’s 80 incidents. No record of indiscriminate firing and injuries due to stray bullet all throughout the yuletide season. Year 2016 had been a challenging year but with successful activities and accomplishments of PRO 13, the region’s top cop is hopeful to sustain these figures and breakthrough results in the coming years with continues support of partner agencies and other stakeholders, said Felix. (PNP PRO 13)
SURIGAO DEL SUR
Hinatuan announces temporary closure of enchanted river due to maintenance By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The enchanted river in Hinatuan town, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Surigao del Sur, will be temporarily closed to public for a maintenance. Hinatuan Tourism Officer and Community Development Information Officer (CDIO) Gemma Millan revealed that the temporary closure is scheduled from Jan. 9 until Feb. 3, 2017. Millan added that the normal service operation of the river would resume on Feb. 4. This is one of the strategies thought out by the local government unit of Hinatuan to allow and let the river refresh and revitalize, letting it having a breather from tourism, it was learned. For further queries, they may text or call the Enchanted River Management Office at 0909-955-3077. The enchanted
river is about 144 kilometers away from the city. The river is famous of its clear waters in different shades of blue. At noontime, the caretaker of the river will ring a bell requesting everyone to get out of water as it is “feeding time.” The caretaker will then play the “hymn of Hinatuan,” then a massive school of fish will come out of nowhere and will gather at the mouth of the river. The caretaker will then feed the fishes. No one is allowed to swim and disturb the “feeding time.” When feeding time is over, the school of fish disappear and goes back to the underwater cave. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE
NFA Surigao Norte opens for renewal of NFA license By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The provincial office of the National Food Authority (NFA) - Surigao del Norte is now open for the renewal of grains NFA retailers license at the NFA Provincial Office located at Km. 10, Barangay Quezon, this city. NFA provincial manager Gleen P. Echin encourages all rice and grains businessmen in the municipalities of Alegria, Mainit, Sison, Taganaan, and Tubod to renew their license this whole month of January to avoid surcharge and other penalties.
schedule from January until June for the following municipalities: Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit and Placer (February); Surigao City (March); all municipalities of Siargao Island (April); all municipalities of Dinagat Islands (May); Malimono and San Francisco (June).
Echin said they have also She also encouraged those who implemented staggered licensing are interested to apply for NFA license
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Provincial News to just visit the NFA provincial office or at contact the NFA Hotline at telephone: the Tan Warehouse located at Bilang- 0932-8681554/0917-8258302. (NFA-SDN/ Bilang, Borromeo Street, this city or PIA-Surigao del Norte)
DTI facilitates back to back skills training in Siargao Island
By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently facilitated a simultaneous Cocosugar Production Skills Training and Training on Seashells Craft Making cum Packaging and Labeling in Barangay Don Paulino in Dapa town, Siargao Island. According to DTI Trade and Industry Development Specialist Ninebeth A. Romo-Balighot, the activity, which was participated by identified women group/association in the locality, aimed to develop and enhance the skills of the women in making cocosugar and shell craft products. Balighot said the Sta. Fe Women Association and Don Paulino CraftMakers Association are both recipients of the Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) Program funded by the DTI.
produce their respective products then initially sell them in the locality for the locals and tourists. Balighot further said that BuB program aims to increase beneficiaries’ household income and reduce poverty in the locality through sustainable economic activities.
“There are still upcoming BuB projects to be conducted and implemented in Siargao Island for the year 2017, such as skills and entrepreneurial trainings, capability She said beneficiaries were building and provision of starter kits,” provided with the starter kits and Balighot added. (DTI-SDN/PIA-Surigao expected to continually process and del Norte)
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AGUSAN DEL SUR
Former rebels in AgSur receive cash assistance anew PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Some 13 Former Rebels (FRs) enrolled in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government received their Livelihood Assistance and Immediate Cash Assistance amounting to P50,000 and P15,000, respectively held recently at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Capitol, Patinay, this municipality. Vice Governor Samuel Tortor who was assisted by DILG Provincial Director Arlene Anne Sanchez, PSWDO Razel Montemor, and 26IB Commanding Officer LTC Rommel Pagayon personally handed over the cash assistance with a total amount of P65,000 for each beneficiary. Two of them who surrendered an extra M16 and a Garand rifle, aside from their own rifles, also received additional 90,000 cash as additional firearms remuneration. The surrender of the former NPAs was made possible by the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), 3rd Special Forces Battalion and 401st Brigade with the Agusan Sur PNP Provincial Office.
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At present, there are more than 300 FRs in the province who have benefited from the CLIP and have started a new life with their love ones. They are calling their former NPAs comrades to go down with their firearms so that they will have something to start with and prove to themselves that they were treated well by the soldiers who were in fact too accommodating and helpful to them. “This is an opportunity for them to go back to their families and start a new life. The province has a program to complement what is due them from the CLIP and the Army will also help,” said 401st Brigade Commander Col. Cristobal Zaragoza. (401st Brigade, Phil. Army/PIAAgusan del Sur)
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
PDRRMC Agusan del Norte achieves 2016 target By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY - Agusan del Norte is not among the top ten provinces prone to devastating disasters. Typhoons seldom occur in the province but when it strikes Northern Mindanao especially in the neighboring provinces, it causes the Agusan River bank and other nine rivers within the province to overflow which results to flash floods. The lessons learned from the past disasters became the province’s drive to exert efforts in ensuring that our communities will be well prepared and disaster-resilient. As mandated by Republic Act 10121 also known as the
Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction, the province headed by governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba continued to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is proactive in lessening the socio-
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Provincial News economic and environment impacts of disaster and promotes the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders at all levels to specifically respond to the different aspects involved in disaster risk management. For the year 2016, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte has successfully achieved its targeted goals and earned commendable accomplishments in the implementation its plans and programs geared towards a disaster resilient communities. PDRRMO officer Erma Suyo said, the achievements and awards could not be possible without the support from the municipal DRRMCs, partner government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and other support groups such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army. Among the notable 2016 accomplishments that the PDRRMC has achieved are as follows: ON DISASTER PREVENTION AND MITIGATION A risk financing mechanism was implemented together with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) with a total of 375 farmers now insured, having 374.75 hectares of rice land and 54 herds livestock amounting
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to P630,974.57. The initiative was realized due to the council’s recognition that disasters can cause not only loss of lives and damage to properties but also impairing economic activity of the affected community. Environmental Management. Due to the council’s acknowledgment on the importance and protection of the environment and natural resources and to avoid degradation and combat the effects of climate change, the council through its PDRRMO facilitated a tree growing activity at Libas Relocation Site during the Araw ng Agusan del Norte that was participated by the provincial employees. Infrastructure Resilience. To have a resilient infrastructure, a construction of Slope Protection Project was also completed at Brgy. Lapucon in the municipality of Kitcharao. ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Development and Establishment of DRR Database. A risk profile was made through the facilitation of the staff from Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP), which is part of the formulation of the Provincial DRRM Plan CY 20172021. Five municipalities participated in the risk profiling namely: Cabadbaran City, Jabonga, Carmen, Magallanes and Las Nieves. The PDRRMO through the Training Section has started to establish the
Provincial News database on trained responders, with completion on the said plan is waiting around 50 percent completion. for the finalization of the cluster plans by the different cluster lead agencies For 2017, PDRRMO also proposed and offices of the province. to develop a Provincial DRRM Database by employing enumerators to do data In support to other LGUs, the field collection to 11 component LGUs council through PDRRMO sent staffs to of the province. This initiative will result to facilitate Brgy. Contingency Planning having a web-based DRRM information Workshop for the 19 Barangays of the system in the future. municipality of Nasipit. Provincial DRRM Plan. The Also, the PDRRMC provided support formulation of the Provincial DRRM to the various DRR-CCA programs to Plan CY 2017-2021 also started with a include the institutionalization of the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) and YOUNG-ADNERT (Youth Operative in Scoping Report Validation Activity last Urgency Nurturing Goodwill – Agusan December of 2015. del Norte Emergency Response Team). On April 14-16, 2016 at CSU Cabadbaran As a result of the TNA, series of campus, the YOUNG ADNERT has leveling off activities were conducted established province-wide set of officers by the CDP on March 2016, which leads having Ms. Franchettee Marie Adlao as to DRRM Planning Workshop on May the federation president. and Writeshop on June 2016. These results to 90 percent completion of the During the observance of the DRRM plan with some data needed National Disaster Consciousness Month to be collected from the remaining last July, a Youth Forum held at Provincial LGUs who have not participated in the Training Center was conducted and process. was attended by the YOUNG ADNERT members coming from the different Contingency Plan. A Contingency schools in the province. Plan formulation workshop was also conducted on October 18-21, 2016 and Aside from that, a Province-wide was facilitated by the OCD. The result Quiz Bee and DRR Short ‘Film Making of the workshop is a draft Contingency Contest were also conducted which Plan for Typhoon, which leads to the was participated by 35 participating conduct of series of cluster meetings to schools for the Quiz Bee and 12 finalize the cluster, plans which are the participating schools for the Short Film main component of the Contingency Making. This endeavor is in partnership Plan. As of the moment, a 50 percent with Department of Education - Division
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Provincial News of Agusan del Norte and Cabadbaran A Bansay-13 Project also initiated City Division. the first activity, which is the conduct of CBDRRM, which were participated Trainings. A CBDRRM Training of by the community representatives Trainers (TOT) was also conducted for from Brgy. Mat-i, Brgy. Poblacion NSTP students of Agusan del Norte as and Brgy. San Roque. The conduct well as the School DRRM Coordinators. of this CBDRRM is in partnership All the trained students and teachers with PhilDHRRA who handled the will be part of the pool of trainers as documentation of the said activity. additional workforce of Agusan del Those community volunteers from Las Norte PDRRMC in conducting CBDRRM Nieves who underwent CBDRRM TOT to the secondary schools as well as were now being tapped as one of the to different communities within the facilitators and were given modules province. for discussion, which were then being monitored by the Provincial Another CBDRRM TOT was and Municipal CBDRRM trainers. The conducted in partnership with Bansay-13 Project is a convergence PhilDHRRA last September to October of 13-riverside barangays of the at Amontay Beach Resort in Nasipit and municipality of Las Nieves. was participated by five barangays coming from the municipalities of Institutionalization of Incident Las Nieves and RTR. These barangay Command System. The province officials and community volunteers will initiated the conduct of clustered now be hands on in capacitating their ICS training in order to organize the respective barangays while having Local DRRMCs in handling disaster opportunities to be of help to other response with coordinated actions neighboring barangays in ensuring that with different groups. Applying ICS no community will be left behind in at all levels will help the province in DRRM capacity enhancement. avoiding the same mistakes did in the past incidents. Also, the Provincial CBDRRM Training Team together with the trained In 2016, the council institutionalized NSTP students went hand in hand in the Incident Command System to the conducting CBDRRMP to the high-risk barangay level through the conduct barangays such as: Brgy. San Roque, of ICS Executive Course for all brgy. Kitcharao; Host barangays of Agata Captains and kagawad, which was Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI); Paz Y held, last March 18 at Provincial Desarrollo beneficiary barangay; and Training Center with attendance of 71 Social Action for Justice and Peace participants from different LGUs of the beneficiary barangay. province.
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Provincial News The council also realized the importance of having another set of Provincial Incident Management Team (IMT) in order to support the first batch of IMT. Therefore, the Basic ICS Training was conducted for ADNERT and PDRRMC members and was followed by 29th Infantry Battalion’s training on Map Reading and Land Navigation all for IMT members. Basic ICS training was conducted also for PNP Special Action Force at Santiago in order for them to have basic orientation on how they as a group would blend into an ICS organization whenever they will be deployed to an incident. For the first batch of Provincial IMT, they conducted their Team Building and Table Top Exercise in order to review their functional responsibilities on various positions as well as enhance teamwork within an IMT organization. One of the most important things that the Council is trying to do is to incorporate awareness messages across all programs to ensure that communities, public and private institutions are aware of their risks and understand that there are ways to protect themselves. The PDRRMC is an active partner in conducting fire and earthquake drills and simulations to municipal LGUs, line agencies, business establishments and schools within the province. In the relevant year, the province supported the conduct of Quarterly National
Simultaneous Earthquake Drills into different ceremonial sites such as Santiago Municipal Hall, Buenavista Municipal Hall, DPWH Agusan del Norte and Provincial Health Office respectively. Another drill called flood drill was also conducted at Brgy. La Paz, Santiago that was participated by the barangay council and community members of La Paz. Bomb Threat Awareness and Drill was also being performed in the Provincial Capitol through the PNP Bomb Squad of the province. Just recently, the 4th Provincewide Rescue Exercise was conducted and attended by 10 participating teams of YOUNG ADNERT and four teams from partner line agencies. These annually conducted activity aimed to hone the skills and enhance the rescue capabilities of all trained response teams, YOUNG ADNERT members and partner agencies by comparing and competing with others and established rapport and camaraderie. Search for Disaster Resilient LGUs (Localized Gawad Kalasag). Another initiative of the PDRRMC is the facilitation of the Search for Disaster Resilient LGUs dubbed as Localized Gawad Kalasag. For year 2016, the participating entries were as follows: (Municipal Category) – Las Nieves (who got Silver), Cabadbaran City (who got Silver), Carmen (who got Bronze) and Magallanes and Kitcharao (for Citation); (Barangay Category)
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Provincial News the Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao is the only participating barangay which will also be awarded a Certificate of Citation; and for the (School Category) the Santiago CES got the first place by default. A Table Top and Field Validation was conducted on April to May 2016 while the Awarding of Deserving Winners being part of the ANGELL awarding was moved to January of 2017. In line with its vision for a disasterprepared and responsive province with sustained climate change resilient communities, the province conducted several capacity trainings and DRR-CCA activities, as follows: The emergency responders of the municipal LGUs were supported with capacity building programs such as Basic Life Support, Standard First Aid and Mass Casualty Incident Management to equip them with proper knowledge in responding emergency situations. This was conducted to AMVI coastal barangays as well as to Cabadbaran District Hospital Nurses; training for the Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE) was conducted on March to April by the instructors of Program for Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER) and was attended by a total of 30 responders coming from the ADNERT and LGU emergency response teams. The province of Agusan del Norte is the first in the Caraga Region who had an MHPSS pool of trainers.
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In order to support the component LGUs in their DRR activities, the provincial training team facilitated the Rapid Damage and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training for the Municipal RDANA team of the municipality of Nasipit. ON DISASTER RESPONSE The PDRRMC Operation Center was activated and manned on a 24/7 basis when Tropical Depression “Marce” crossed the province. A Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment was also made and ICS was activated by PDRRMC chair governor Matba issuing public advisories in accordance with the standardized protocols and ensuring public’s safety and immediate public response. A standardized protocol in the submission of situational report has been followed starting from the municipalities to the province then submitted to OCD every eight hours as required was also maintained. “The province of Agusan del Norte continuously does the effort to be on the forefront of advocacy to maximize its capacity towards disaster preparedness. It is just hope that these communities be able to withstand the strongest winds by working hand-inhand in facing every trial and took the strength from each other during the most challenging times,” Suyo said. (NCLM with reports from PRDDMO Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Photo Gallery Regional Peace and Oder Council 1st Quarter Meeting Big Daddy’s Hotel & Convention Center, Butuan City 12 January 2017
HEALTH NEWS
Use iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorder Did you know that iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) affects Filipino in all population groups? This is according to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage. It is one of the main causes of impaired cognitive
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Health News development in children. The Philippine government proactively regulated an act promoting salt iodization nationwide and for related purposes, otherwise known as the ASIN Law or Republic Act 8172 to address this concern. The seventh recommendation in the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) is to use iodized salt to prevent IDD. With the joint efforts of the government and private sector in eradicating IDD in the country, we are hopeful to expect a productive citizenry and progressive economy. Let us all work together to eradicate IDD by using iodized salt in our daily cooking. For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRIDOST S&T Media Service/PIACaraga)
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MINDANAO NEWS
Davao City prepares for first meeting of 2017 ASEAN Summit
DAVAO CITY - is gearing up for the launching of the first meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the country assumes chairmanship this year. The city has been preparing for the ASEAN meeting which will be held at Although the city’s role will be the SMX Convention Center in Lanang minimal, Domingo said authorities on January 15. are working hard to help the National Organizing Committee for the ASEAN Assistant City Administrator for Summit. Administration Tristan Dwight Domingo “Our preparation is only minimal said the city has gathered volunteers to since the National Organizing work “behind the scene” of the ASEAN Committee is in charge of it, but in the Summit here. past months, we already started our
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Mindanao News preparation by identifying the people regarding the country’s summit hosting who will work on that day,” he said. and its benefits. Domingo said they have asked The ASEAN 2017 is also significant several schools to send students who because it coincides with its 50th year are willing to volunteer as usherettes anniversary. during the event. Andanar said the Presidential “We have identified 70 usherettes Communications Office (PCO) will who will work voluntarily. It will be pure be the lead committee on media volunteerism since the city will not affairs and communications to spread be handing them allowance for the awareness and educate the public event,” he said, adding that 30 city about the ASEAN. hall employees will be assisting foreign leaders during their stay here. Andanar noted that while 81 percent of ASEAN citizens have heard of Domingo said the people have the regional grouping, only 24 percent been training for the event. have a basic understanding of what it is and its purpose. “The city also helps in the preparation of the airport, we will To heighten awareness, PCO will be putting up designs or help in the roll out roadshows nationwide. maintenance and cleanliness of the airport for the visitors. Streamers will also Andanar said representatives from be put up in different parts of the city PCO will deliver talks, conduct seminars next week,” he said. and distribute reading materials written in different Philippine dialects. While Domingo is clueless on the schedules of the foreign leaders, he Among the ASEAN 2017’s priorities said they are prepared to tour them include people-oriented and peoplearound the city’s must-see sites. centered initiatives, peace and stability, maritime security and cooperation, This year marks the Philippines’ inclusive and innovative-led growth, assumption as chair of the ASEAN with ASEAN resiliency and ASEAN as model President Rodrigo Duterte taking the of regionalism. helm of the country’s leadership. The ASEAN 2017 theme for this year Presidential Communications is, “Partnering for Change, Engaging Secretary Martin Andanar said the the World.” (PNA) FPV/LCM/FUNNY launch this year will help raise awareness PEARL A. GAJUNERA/LDP
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NATIONAL NEWS
Dureza encourages IP leaders to form advisory council for peace talks
PASIG CITY- Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza asked the leaders from different indigenous peoples (IP) groups in the province to come up with an advisory council, which will aid the peace process with different rebel groups in tackling various IP concerns. “You understand your situations the best; therefore, you are also the ones who can suggest the best solutions. But for this to happen, you also need to come together as one,” Dureza emphasized in Bisaya during an IP peace table conversation on Tuesday, January 3, in Midsayap, North Cotabato. The advisory council will provide voices and assure key roles for the
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so-called “national minorities” in the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front and the implementation of Bangsamoro agreements with the Moro fronts. Earlier, Dureza underscored that creation of an IP advisory council is a guarantee for a more inclusive and transparent peace process under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
National News “We cannot solve your problems for you because we do not know what your problems are. That is why there is a need for you to sit down and discuss them and the possible solutions.” “We cannot promise to deliver all the needs you have mentioned, but what we can promise is that we will present your concerns during the negotiations,” the peace adviser underscored. Dureza also reminded the leaders that they can start working on their concerns even prior to a final peace agreement. “We must not solely rely on the peace agreements. If we can act now for the betterment of your welfare, we can do so and not wait anymore for the signing of peace pacts,” he pointed out. The meeting with the IP leaders is part of the continuing consultation process of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process with the “bigger peace tables” to discuss their concerns and participation in the peace process. “The negotiating table is a smaller table and only involves the government and the rebel groups. The ‘bigger peace table’ is the general public, which will be affected by the issues tackled in the smaller table. It is, therefore, important
to listen to the bigger table,” Dureza explained to the leaders. As a continuing engagement, there are upcoming peacebuilding conversations with different stakeholders in Surigao del Norte and Compostela Valley on January 12, Thursday. Dureza also assured the indigenous groups of their representative in the new and expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which will draft the enabling law for the implementation of all Bangsamoro peace deals and other pertinent measures including the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997. Government Implementing Panel Chair for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords Irene Santiago was also present in the said peacebuilding conversation with IP groups. Aside from being in the event, OPAPP Undersecretaries Diosita Andot and Ronald Flores and Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso also joined Dureza in visiting the municipalities of Alamada, Midsayap, and Carmen, where the peace adviser led the inauguration of a 42-kilometer road project under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, the government’s peace and development program, and the distribution of relief goods for the communities affected by two explosion incidents in Midsayap and Aleosan on 24 and 28 December 2016 respectively. (OPAPP)
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National News
DOF expects inflation to remain favorable this year MANILA - The Department of Finance (DOF) expects the rate of increase in consumer prices to remain favorable this year after inflation dipped to its lowest level in almost three decades in 2016. DOF undersecretary and its chief economist Gil Beltran said that ensuring sufficient food production through investments in infrastructure is crucial to keeping the country’s favorable inflation rate. Beltran also said the government needs to ensure that credit and insurance coverage are available to agriculture stakeholders. “The country’s inflation rate remains favorable; the average annual inflation rate of 1.8 percent for 2016 is the lowest in 29 years,” Beltran said in his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.
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“Food production is crucial to maintaining this favorable macroeconomic scenario. Support to production through infrastructure development, credit availability and insurance coverage is necessary to sustain this,” he added. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier reported that inflation in December grew at its fastest pace in two years owing to higher food and transportation costs. Inflation was at 2.6 percent last December, up from 1.5 percent in the same month in 2015, and 2.5 percent in November, bringing the full-year 2016 rate to 1.8 percent.
National News
But the full-year inflation was below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s target range of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent. “For two consecutive years, the average inflation rate has fallen below 2.0 percent, largely on the back of lower fuel and energy prices,” Beltran said. “Stable rice prices also muted inflationary pressures.” In the past two years, food contributed 1.1 percentage point to the inflation rate, while the share of non-food items doubled from 0.2 to 0.5 percentage point. Meanwhile, Beltran said inflation would continue to manageably pick up in the coming months because of the normalization of oil prices in the world market. “In the foreseeable near-term, the general price increase may be above 2.0 percent as indicated by above 2.0 percent core inflation, [which is] an indicator of inflation outlook,” Beltran said. Amid the expected higher inflation, Beltran said the BSP has “significant credibility” in managing price expectations, aided by the newly implemented interest rate corridor system that will make its operations
more efficient. “This and the government’s prudent fiscal management will continue to help maintain macroeconomic stability in the country, which in turn fosters a conducive environment for generating investments,” Beltran said. Last December, the general price increase for food and nonalcoholic drinks further rose to 3.6 percent from 3.3 percent, contributing 1.1 percentage point to inflation. Vegetable prices accelerated by 11.5, while the cost of rice increased 1.6 percent. But year-on-year, rice inflation fell 0.3 percentage point. “Rice inflation has dropped due to production recovery and timely importation,” Beltran said. “Programs to enhance vegetable farming are needed to temper the double-digit inflation in this sector which has continued for more than a year now.” Meanwhile, prices of alcoholic drinks and tobacco declined to 6.3 percent from 6.5 percent in November; health decreased to 2.5 percent from 2.6 percent; while housing, utilities and fuels remained at 1.3 percent.
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National News Likewise, furnishing, household and equipment remained at 2.4 percent; transport jumped 1.9 percent from November’s 0.5 percent; clothing and footwear down to 2.5 percent from 2.6 percent; restaurants & miscellaneous services maintained the 2.1 percent level. On the other hand, communication (0.1 percent) and education (1.8 percent) were steady while recreation and culture were slightly up to 1.7 percent from 1.6 percent. Last month, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) for an average of 300 kilowatts-per-month consumption slightly increased to P8.70 from P8.60
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in November, but still lower than P8.90 a year ago. Meralco’s generation rate per kWh also increased to P3.90 during the month from P3.80 in November, but still below P4.10 in the previous year. Also, the average price of diesel in Metro Manila among the “big three” oil companies jumped to P29.10 per liter from P27.30 in the previous month, which is also higher than the P23.90 registered in the same month in 2015. Average price of gasoline during the month also increased to P44.80 per liter from P42.70 in November and P41 a year before. (DOF)
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