Caraga InFocus –Volume VII, No. 05

22 Resolusyon sa Haleth Promotion Framework Strategy aprobado na sa SP Butuan

CTG member with 8 warrants of arrest falls to authorities in SurSur

30 DAR distributes farm machinery and inputs to Sursur ARBOs

NTC LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE REGISTRATION IN TAGBINA AREA FOR CARAGA

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) successfully facilitated the Nationwide Launch of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration in Remote Areas in which the municipality of Tagbina is the pilot area in Caraga Region, held at the Municipal Gymnasium of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur on January 27, 2023.

NTC Caraga Regional Director Ferdinand Mortera revealed that the Nationwide Launch of the SIM Registration in Remote Areas was scheduled from January 25 to

27. He further elaborated that the primary purpose of the law is to mandate all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) to require the registration of SIM cards prior to their sale and activation.

Mortera shared that they expected some 300-500 individuals from the different barangays of Tagbina and nearby municipalities who

registrants on the salient features of the Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act.

NATIONWIDE SIM

AS PILOT

would be registering their SIM cards through the help of the PTEs such as Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and DITO Telecom.

During the activity, the personnel from the NTC Caraga and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga briefed the

They highlighted the importance of having the end users’ SIM cards registered to prevent the incidence of fraud and scams, and the corresponding penalties stipulated in the said law.

The NTC also distributed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials for participants to read and understand during the event.

The local government unit of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur headed by Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete, on the other hand, extended full support, as the municipality was chosen to host the event.

Rhodora Millan of P3 San Jose, Barangay Poblacion, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur was delighted to experience a fast, convenient and successful SIM registration after several failed attempts from the websites/links of

the different telcos. She appreciated the initiative of the NTC for helping her fellow Tagbinanhons complete their SIM card registration.

Millan is optimistic that any complaint due to fraudulent calls and texts from scammers will be addressed and can be identified easily.

Due to unstable

internet connection, Wilfredo Pandeling, a resident of P-5 Barangay Maglambing, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, benefitted from the government assistance rendered as he lined up early on the day of the registration. “Sa akong nasayran importante nga marehistro ang SIM nga atong ginagamit aron dili kini mablock o madeactivate human sa

deadline karong April 26, 2023. Importante usab nga marehistro aron dili kita dali mabiktima sa mga pagpangilad pinaagi sa pagtext ug tawag sa atong mga cellphone numbers (It is important to have our SIM registered on or before the deadline on April 26, 2023 as the NTC will automatically deactivate all unregistered SIMs. Apart from that, it is

important that we will not become victims of scams),” he said.

As the communication arm of the government, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by Regional Director Venus L. Garcia, and its Surigao del Sur Provincial Information Center strongly support the initiatives of the NTC and the Department

of Information and Communications Technology in the feasible implementation of the law.

Meanwhile, the activity conducted was a collective effort of the following government offices and agencies namely: NTC, National Privacy Commission (NPC), DICT, Department of Education (Deped),

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philip Army (AFP-PA), PIA and LGU-Tagbina to address the challenges in the implementation of the SIM Registration Act to remote areas in the country. (NGPB/PIASurigao del Sur)

News Briefs

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and stakeholders were gathered for a spectacular finale of the Mindanao Tourism Expo Gala Night wherein a fashion show highlighting the elegant and sophisticated Mindanao’s regional costume and attire in support to the local weaving communities of the island.

(INFOcus) Rare Philippines is an international organization with a mission to help communities adopt sustainable behaviors toward their natural environment and resources. Rare is a global leader in driving social change for people and nature. For over 45 years, across 60 countries, the organization has inspired and empowered millions of people and their communities to shift their behaviors and practices to protect our shared planet. (Rare)

The members of the Regional Vaccination Operations Center (RVOC) and Response Cluster Meeting from various government agencies and local government units are in attendance during, Zoom meeting presided by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga.

Agenda of today’s meeting include the following: COVID-19 situation in the region; vaccination accomplishments; and other matters.

Turn over of the 0.6 km farm-to-market road at Poblacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur. The said FMR covers the Vetrebuns Arc Cluster Rice Processing Complex which also the recipient of the forklift from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur Provincial Office.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies and bureaus continue to pour out more financial resources to boost the Caraga region’s rice industry.

Oñate Jr.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. said that to optimize the government interventions, collaboration and coordination with the rice stakeholders are necessary to align the programs and interventions intended for the region’s rice farmers.

All programs and projects for the rice sector are being lined up to ensure a stable supply of safe and nutritious rice. It also aims to increase farm household income in consonance with the directives of the President and Secretary of Agriculture Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

In Caraga Region, the DA Rice Program allocated P260.85 million worth of agriculture interventions to

DA allots P538M intervention to Caraga Rice Farmers

rice farmers for CY 2023. This is a 76% increase in budget allocation compared to last year’s P148 million.

This year, the budget is allocated to the following interventions: P178.95 million for production support; P54.48 million for extension support, education, and training; P6.71 million for research and development; P6.94 million for agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities; and P13.75 million irrigation network services.

Aside from the regular Rice Program, DA-Caraga is set to release P156.7 million in fertilizer discount vouchers (FDV) that would enable rice farmers to meet the recommended urea fertilizer

requirement, and, in turn, increase their production. This is part of the additional funding of the government’s fertilizer subsidy program that covers the 2022–2023 dry planting season.

In addition, the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute— Agusan has a target allocation of 158,630 bags of certified seeds amounting to P120.55 million, under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for the 2023 dry season.

The implementation of these interventions will be closely coordinated with the Local Government Units through the City/Municipal Agriculture Offices. (Rhea C. Abao, DA Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Kapihan with PIA Caraga at full throttle

By Renelle L. Escuadro

Indeed, the finale episode of the Kapihan with PIA Caraga for the year 2022 entitled, “Let’s Talk about AIDS” ended on a high note.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga made it sure that even on its last episode, it would

continue to prioritize and highlight the agency’s institutional mandate by leading the information drive and dissemination of the World AIDS Day Celebration every December 1.

As a mindful member of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC),

PIA Caraga hopes to contribute to end the social stigma on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This institutional mandate was successfully delivered with its Kapihan episode for World AIDS Day, where PIA Caraga invited

the subject matter experts on HIV/AIDS from the Department of Health and Butuan Medical Center as the accredited testing center of the local government unit.

As the speakers emphasized, HIV testing is a right that all Filipinos should be afforded.

The Kapihan with PIA is an institutional network and capability program of the Agency. All regional offices of PIA continue to include this best practice in their accomplishments and

these offices have the volition to revamp and modify the program according to their eccentricities whilst keeping its core.

For PIA Caraga, the monthly Kapihan is a talk show that serves as a venue where the Agency can spotlight its institutional mandates and priority areas for communication and allow government agencies and offices discuss their essential and current programs and activities to the general public and the media with the intention that all these

will reach the grassroots. A question and answer segment is done after the discussion where local media outfits and the audience are given time to raise their questions to the guests.

There is no better place to conduct a talk show than to have it in a location complete with amenities, well-ventilated, reliable security system, and powered by Dolby digital sound system. SM City Butuan is exactly the right venue for the Kapihan.

Its public relations office

remains accommodating even during requests for special episodes where we conduct more than once in a month.

To this day, the Kapihan with PIA has consistently showed strong media engagement. This has encouraged the strong support and of the Agency’s partners in the dissemination of factual news.

Flexibility in the new normal

When Covid-19 struck the country, PIA Caraga ensured that information will not be on lockdown as well. With high adversity quotient, the regional office committed to conduct the activity

every month, embraced the new normal and consistently complied with the health protocols.

Passionate to deliver accurate, timely and relevant information which was most needed during the pandemic, the caliber information officers of PIA Caraga dolled up and geared with face shield and face masks to host the activity. Program hosts and guests dutiful to participate in the informative talk show whilst observing the sixmeter physical distancing protocol. Going digital

What was once a media relations and fora only,

the Kapihan with PIA Caraga expanded its horizon to include its digital audience. Thereafter, the activity has been livestreamed through the Facebook pages of PIA Caraga.

The teaser, which is shared to all digital platforms of PIA Caraga, allows the audience to watch and participate online at the comfort zone.

The reach and engagement were boosted by the online audience participation who raise their inquiries and questions in the aired episode.

Kapihan with PIA Caraga is added proof that

technology can bridge distance and physical presence, reaching not only its target clients in the country but also across international boarders.

Accomplishment wrap up

Goal focused, PIA Caraga was determined that the episodes of the Kapihan with PIA Caraga would bring the message clearly that while the government is a work in progress, it did its best to provide and deliver services to the Filipino people especially to the grassroots.

For 2023, the Kapihan with PIA Caraga featured the SIM card registration, the most trending in

social media and a public buzz.

Republic Act No. 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act mandated the registration of all existing SIM cards starting December 27, 2022.

All corners of the argument were guarded by the content masters from the regional office of the National Telecommunications Commission and public affairs officers of the two giant telecommunications companies Smart and Globe.

The first episode continues to provide the team extensive content for the production

and dissemination of information, education and communication materials for both traditional mass media and digital media.

‘’As a government information network that can reach the grassroots, we in PIA Caraga, with the sustained efforts of our content curators continue to bring the government closer to the people through public information and dissemination and collaboration with partners and stakeholders made possible through the Kapihan with PIA,’’ said PIA Caraga Regional Director, Venus L. Garcia. (RLE/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga PNP evaluates performance of R-PSB

By Renelle L. Escuadro

The Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) recently conducted the Regional Summingup Activity of the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) presided by PLTGen Filmore B. Escobal, commander of the Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao (APC-EM), at PRO13 Multipurpose Center, Camp Col Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City.

The activity highlighted the updates on the PRO-13 deployment of R-PSB and its support to the Barangay Development Program, the hallmark program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) that aims to bring development to former conflict-ridden communities through the implementation of various socioeconomic development projects for

barangay beneficiaries.

“After the Armed Forces of the Philippines dismantled a strong insurgency movement in a priority barangay, it is the mandate of the PNP to sustain the peace and order of the said barangay through the Revitalized - Pulis sa Barangay,” Escobal emphasized to the police personnel and invited guests from the different government agencies and local government units.

The official underscored that the program is important for sustainable peace and order in priority barangays from insurgency where PNP personnel undergo immersion to the areas to ensure that terrorist movements will not go back or return and infiltrate the place again. The deployment of the police force has a longer

timeline through longer police visibility in the priority barangays.

Escobal shared the value of the program as R-PSB bridges the gap in the mandates on peace and order and good governance especially in the countryside. He recalled that R-PSB is a best practice in Southern Mindanao which has been credited to be a major factor in the collapse and defeat of the New People’s Army (NPA) insurgency in the said region.

The provincial teams presented some engagement and

immersion activities under the R-PSB program including the formation and strengthening of the barangay tanods as force multiplier. Police officers highlighted the need for access to government services in the priority barangays such as civil registry documents and medical services.

In Caraga Region, the implementation of R-PSB is still a work in progress. With some areas in the region having attained a low deployment rate, concerned police officials are directed to look into the program implementation in their area to meet the

minimum requirement of R-PSB, which is to deploy at least three police personnel in priority areas.

Since Dinagat Islands is still the insurgency free province in the region, PRO-13 affirmed the commitment to prioritize the deployment of personnel under the R-PSB to 248 priority barangays in Caraga.

PLTGen challenged the PRO-13 to promptly build up the program and he is positive that this will be another success story in the region. (RLE/PIACaraga)

ATI patuloy ang pagbibigay gabay sa mga magsasaka sa Caraga

Mahigit isang daang magsasaka, mangingisda at maging mga learning site accredited operators ng Caraga region ang kakailan lang na binigyang gabay sa isinagawang Techno Gabay Program Summit sa Butuan City.

Layunin nitong mapalago pa ang pagsasaka at pangingisda sa rehiyon na pinangunahan ng Agricultural Training Institute o ATI.

Si Elvis dela Merced, isang magsasakang siyentista at isa ring learning site accredited operator ng San Jose, Dinagat Islands ay masayang ibinahagi ang kanyang matagumpay na karanasan bilang magsasaka. Anya napakahalaga ang tulong at suporta ng ATI sa patuloy niyang farm school. Dahil din sa kanilang tulong ay patuloy ang kanyang pagsasaka at ibinabahagi din nya sa iba ang

kanyang mga natutunan at kaalaman.

Dagdag pa ni dela Merced, mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng kaalaman kaya’t laking tulong ang programa ng ATI sa kanila.

Sa panig din ng ATI, ayon kay director Remelyn R. Recoter, patuloy silang magbibigay gabay sa mga magsasaka at kinilalang malaki ang kanilang

kontribusyon sa ecokomiya ng bansa.

“Patuloy kaming (ATI) na gagabay sa ating mga magsasaka, sa teknolohiya, kaalaman at maging sa siyensya.

Sa ginawang summit, lahat ng partisipante ay aktibong nakilahok sa ginawang workshop, pagtalakay at benchmarking activity.

(NCLM, PIA Caraga)

FRs receive cash assistance from Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte

FRs receive cash assistance from Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte

Two former rebels, Jennifer Gabo and Maximo Vibas Sr, together with LtCol Cresencio C Gargar, Commanding Officer of 29IB recently paid visit to Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante at her office in Provincial Capitol, Agusan del Norte.

Governor Amante warmly welcomed the former rebels and gave them PhP100,000.00 cash assistance while they are waiting for the cash and livelihood assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“Ikaw ra ang driver sa imong kinabuhi. Ayaw mo ug sugot nga mailad na pud mo sa mga propaganda anang mga NPAs. Luoy kayo inyong mga kauban na nangamatay sa maling ideolohiya ug ang uban padayon pang nagkalisod sa bukid samtang ang mga Commanders anang mga NPA ang mas samot nag kadato. (You are the driver of your own life, don’t be deceived again with propaganda of the

CTGs. We feel sorry for your comrades who died believing in the wrong ideology and for those comrades who still sacrifice there in the mountains while your Commanders are the ones getting rich),” said governor Amante to the FRs.

It can be recalled that last January 1, 2023, live in partners Jennifer Gabo and Maximo Vibas Sr voluntarily surrendered to 29th IB and revealed their arms cache. After their return from the retrieval operation of the arms cache, Jennifer emotionally opened up that she had a son whom she left in the hands of the CNT’s Mass supporters and which she hasn’t seen for 4 years.

After hearing her statement, the 29IB immediately facilitated her visit to her

son in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. Afterwards, their emotional reunion turns into a happy occasion as they celebrated the son’s 6th birthday on January 16, 2023.

LtCol Gargar also calls on the remaining member of the Communist Terrorist Group, return to the folds of law and stop the useless armed struggle and come home to your family. “Your family and loved ones are already deprived of your presence since you entered the armed struggle. Have the chance to be with them and fulfill your responsibility as a father, as a mother, a sister or brother, and as a son,” he said. (1Lt. Jade Bryce G. Buñe, CMO Officer 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Sustaining partnership with DepEd AgNor, key to peace and security

The Department of Education - Agusan del Norte (DepEd-ADN) headed by Dr. Lorenzo “Dodong” O. Macasocol, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) visited the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) for continuous collaboration of the DepEd-ADN and 23IB through Alternative Learning System (ALS) – DepEd’s second chance education program for out-ofschool youth and adult.

Said program envisions every community to be awakened, empowered, informed and transformed into a productive, selfreliant, responsible, humane, and upright citizen who can contribute

to the betterment of the family, community, and country. It also helps to alleviate poverty and sustain social and economic growth via the development of employable skills and the generation of self-employment.

Dr. Macasocol commits to maintain the close coordination to work hand in hand and to provide opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education especially in the farflung communities through the Mobile Computer Laboratory (MCL) Van of the Provincial Government of Agusan

del Norte that was launched last December 1, 2022.

Macasocol also inspires the Former Rebels (FRs) by citing his experiences in life that brings him to what he is now. He shares that it takes a lot of efforts and hard work in order to reach your dreams as long as you don’t lose hope, you will surely succeed in life.

The activity was also graced by Assistant School Division Superintendent, Ms. Emma Love Sudario, Ms. Glorina L Siclon, SGOD, Chief Education Supervisor, Ms. Rayfrocina Abao, CID Chief Education Supervisor, ALS Focal Person, Mr. Nilo Verdon, and ALS Education Program Supervisor, Ms. Marjorie Castillo.

Meanwhile, 23IB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey P Balingao expressed his gratitude to SDS Dr.

Macasocol and DepEd-ADN for their unending support and advancing the welfare of the FRs and the community.

“The immense support of the DepEd-ADN in our fight towards peace and progress was never in vain. We thank all of them for helping us end insurgency. Peace and progress for the community to prosper is an integral part of development. If the community is peaceful, progress will follow. It’s not only the AFP alone that must address the issue on peace, security, and insurgency, it should be the whole nation where all stakeholders take part in it. Peace, Security, and Development is a shared responsibility,” Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey P Balingao added. (2Lt. Paoula P. Ledesma CMO Officer 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgNor ARBs receive CLOAs, SPLIT e-Titles

By Nora C. Lanuza

“I waited for 12 years, finally, I have in my hands this very important document, the Certificate of Land Ownership (CLOA),” said Pepito Amparo, Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) from barangay Ambacon from the municipality of Las Nieves who received his CLOA on Wednesday.

Amparo narrated that when the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through its Agusan del Norte provincial office informed him that they will distribute CLOAs, he was so excited and happy to know that at last he would be receiving the CLOA for his two (2) hectares of land.

Amparo is just one of the 162 Agrarian

Reform Beneficiaries of the province of Agusan del Norte who received the CLOAs on Wednesday, February 1 at Philrice in Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.

“I am now confident and I feel secure of my land ownership with this certificate,” he said Sebastian Bermudez, Jr. of the Agila-Puyo Farmers Irrigators Association (APFIA) located at Barangay Magsasysay, Jabonga cited the big help of the 35hp 4WD Tractor that his

members. This will improve and make our farming efficient and will surely increase our production and income,” Bermudez added.

Also, the Tagbuyacan Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative (TAFAMCO) organized in 2016 at Barangay Tagbuyacan, Santiago town received one unit of Rice Combine Harvester. Ponciano Niño, member of TAFAMCO is thankful to DAR, expressed his happiness, “This is a big help to the cooperative during harvest season of palay. This will benefit us especially during rainy days when palay is due for harvest because it will only take us an hour to harvest the palay using this harvester.”

As support to the ARBs of the province and DAR, governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante joined the DAR officials in the distribution of documents and farm machineries and equipment and asked the beneficiaries to take good care of them. Amante also called the beneficiaries of the CLOAs to make their land productive and useful.

organization received from DAR. “I am thankful to the President, because even if i am still in my sixth month of being President, we can see how important are the farmers to the president, and we are very happy for giving us this kind of attention,” Bermudez said.

“This farm machinery which is a 35hp 4WD Tractor is a big help to our association which is composed of more than 100 farmers and

Governor Amante also challenged and informed the farmers during the distribution that government officials are doing their best to address their needs, and in return, the government also expects their cooperation.

The distribution of CLOAs, Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) e-TITLES, farm machineries and equipment was led by Sec. Conrado Estrella III through his undersecretaries, regional and provincial DAR officials, provincial governor, local chief executives and other representatives from different offices in the region. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Resolusyon sa Health

Resolusyon sa Health

Promotion Framework Strategy aprobado na sa SP Butuan

Promotion Framework Strategy aprobado na sa SP Butuan

Gi-aprobahan na sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Butuan City sa pagdumala ni Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun ang SP Resolution no.010-2023 o ang resolusyon nga pag adopt sa Health Promotion Framework Strategy sa tuig 2030 sa City-Wide Health System sa Butuan City pinasubay sa RA no. 11223 o ang Universal Health Care Act.

Ang resolusyon gipangamahanan ni City Councilor Eduardo Gonzalez uban sa hiniusang pwersa sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa syudad sa Butuan sa hugot nga suporta ni Vice Mayor Fortun aron mapalambo ug matutukan ang sistema sa paghatag sa nag-

unang gikinahanglang health services sa tanang komunidad sa syudad sa pagpanguna sa City Health Office subay sa direktiba ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada sa pag-abag sa DOH, lain-laing sektor, academe ug organizations.

Paagi sab kini aron mapromote ang health literacy ug healthy lifestyle sa komunidad ug ang pagprayoridad sa paghatag sa mga interbensyon aron matubag ang mga risgo isip paagi nga malikayan ug makontrola ang mga sakit.

Sa pagpatuman ug pagpalambo sa health services sa kinatibuk-an magsumikad kini sa national health promotion roadmap asa himuong basehan ang

tanang palisiya sa health promotion, programa ug lain-laing aktibidad gikan sa national, regional ug local levels nga langkuban sa diet and physical activity, environment health, immunization, substance abuse apil ang pagamit sa tobacco, alcohol ug illicit drugs, mental health, sexual ug reproductive health ug violence ug injury prevention.

Mahinumduman nga ang City Health Board hiniusang giaprobahan pinaagi sa resolution no. 07 series of 2022 ang pag adopt sa Health Promotion Framework Strategy 2030 sa City-wide health system sa Butuan. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Nasipit port tas-an ang security ug sanitation fee

Hugot ng ma-imposar sa lungsod sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte ang bag-ong fees ug charges sa Nasipit Port alang sa tanang pasahero nga mosakay sa bisan unsang barko nga padulong sa bisan asang pantalan sa Pilipinas.

Kini maoy unod sa Municipal Ordinance No. 004-2022 nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Arcelo P. Tamayo, nga patas-an ang Security ug Sanitation fee gikan Singko ka pesos (P/5.00) ngadto sa baynte ka pesos (P/20.00).

Angay matod pa patas-an ang fee aron masiguro nga mamentinar ang

sanitasyon sa palibot niini ug masiguro ang seguridad sa publiko ilabina sa tanang mga pasahero niini.

Ang lakang subay sa Section 129 sa Republic Act 7160 o Local Government Code of 1991 ug otorisado ubos sa Section 447 (3)(i) sa susamang code.

Base sa rekomendasyon sa Committee on Ways and Means diin tsirman si Bokal Francisco Y. Chan, Jr., ang nasangpit nga ordinansa naaprobahan atol sa sesyon regular niadtong Enero 10. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Bislig City awards Best Implementing Barangay for DRRM 2022

Bislig City mayor

Florencio Garay led the awarding ceremony of the Annual Search for the Best Implementing Barangay for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) from the 24 barangays of the local government unit.

The annual competition is categorized into two namely, urban and rural. All of the barangays were assessed through their respective DRRM practices using the quality assessment tool of the BDRRM Plan.

Barangay Sta Cruz got

Caraga

the highest rank under the rural category, followed by Barangay Sibaroy and Bucto as second and third placers.

For Urban Category,

Barangay Mangagoy got the highest rank, while Barangay Maharlika ranked 2nd place, while

Poblacion as 3rd place respectively.

The winners received cash prizes worth P75,000 (1st), P50,000 (2nd), and P25,000 (3rd) respectively, in both categories, In addition, they received Certificates of Commendation for

the Rural Category and Certificate of Appreciation for the Urban Category.

The winners were awarded by the City Mayor, Hon. Florencio C. Garay, the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod

(SP) Members, SP DRRM Chairman, Hon. Winston Y. Sia and City DRRM Officer, Jessril A. Oval held at Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center (BCCSC) on January 30, 2023. (NGPB/with the report from CIO-Bislig/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

LGU-Carmen presents CaSAAD program to Gov Pimentel for commitment, support

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Local Government Unit of Carmen under the leadership of Mayor Jane V. Plaza, together with LGU officials and department heads, paid a courtesy visit and presented the Carmen Sustainable Agro-forestry and AgroIndustrial Development Program (CaSAAD) to Provincial Governor Alexander

T. Pimentel

on February 1, 2023, at the Provincial Governor’s Office, Capitol, Tandag City.

Mayor Plaza led the team and discuss the framework of the CaSAAD program of the LGU and formally asked for support and commitment from the provincial governor, with the presence of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) chief Marcos Quico.

In the presentation, the CaSAAD Program will serve as the LGU’s key strategy in realizing the vision of becoming the agro-industrial hub in the province through the promotion of agro-forestry in all upland areas and the number of hectares expected to develop. The agro-industrial

projects including the establishment of either abaca or bamboo industry are among the priorities mentioned in the program presented.

Accordingly, three major development goals were presented by the LGU. These are the reduction of poverty, generating employment for its constituents, and ensuring the sustainability of its forest resources within the LGU.

Lastly, the Local Chief Executive and team expressed their gratitude to the governor and OPag chief for their commitment and unending support for the people of Carmen and the sustainable development of the LGU. (NGPB/with a report from LGU-Carmen/PIASurigao del Sur)

Travel and tour operators from VisMin visit Bislig City

Bislig City, of this province is included in the familiarization tour destinations of the Mindanao Department of Tourism (DOT) together with the travel and tour operators from the Visayas and some from Mindanao, headed by their team leader Ms. Cherylou Junio from Dawn ‘n Dusk Travel and Tours.

This is an offshoot activity from the Mindanao Tourism Expo (MTEx) hosted by Mindanao DOT recently held in Davao City.

Anchored on the theme,

“Sustaining the colors of Mindanao” which aims to promote Mindanao as a safe and fun destination, the participants explored the City of Bislig.

The Local Government Unit of Bislig City led by Mayor Florencio C. Garay, through the City Information Office chief Mr. Napoleon L. Velez, together with Tourism Operations Officer Lorelei Teresa D. Lim, facilitated the conduct of the familiarization tours of the said guests to showcase the various tourist destinations in the LGU.

The team accordingly visited the famous Tinuyan Falls and Lawigan Beach Resorts, and they experienced the city nightlife at Ramz Square.

The guests include the travel and tour operators, DOT Region 8 representative, Bing Lumbre, Lemuel Palejano- of DOT Region 5, and DOT Region 13 headed by Ms. Ivonnie B. Dumadag, CESE, Regional Director with Ms. Tiara Julia M. Santos, Chief Tourism Operations Officer represented by Mr. Benjie Bona. (CIOBislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Photo credit to: S.P. Salazar

CTG member with 8 warrants of arrest falls to authorities in SurSur

A suspect with eight (8) warrants of arrest for murder was apprehended in a joint operation conducted by Carmen Municipal Police Station and 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) at P4 Barangay Hinapoyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on January 28.

Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Dennis Siruno identified the arrested person as Charmaine Ravelo Coquilla a.k.a. “Nelmar/Ating”, 21 years old, female, single and a resident of Tabing Dagat, Mabua, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Coquilla according to the report was a regular member of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG), Platoon 2, Guerilla Front 30 headed by the late “Kumander Megan” operating in CarCanMadCarLan areas comprising of the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza all in the Northern part of the province.

The said operation was launched by virtue of eight warrants of arrest for murder against the suspect all issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC), 11th Judicial Region, Branch 41, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur dated July 19, 2022.

The arrested person is facing charges for the crime of murder under criminal case (CC) nos. 1965; 1818; 1826; 1966; 1953; 1957.

In addition, she is charged with Frustrated Murder under CC no. 1954 with Php100, 000.00 bails recommended and Attempted Murder under CC no C-1828 with Php100, 000.00 bails recommended.

Further, Coquilla was the Most Wanted Person at the Municipal Level under Manhunt Charlie and the 4th CTG Priority Target at the Provincial Level.

The Surigao del Sur Police force together with other law enforcement agencies will remain strong and committed to putting these wanted persons behind bars, said Police Colonel Siruno.

“I am encouraging them to abandon their radical ways and return to the folds of the law,” Colonel Siruno noted. (NGPB/SDS-PPO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DAR distributes farm machinery and inputs to Sursur ARBOs

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) successfully turned over the farm machinery equipment and farm inputs to the different agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Surigao del Sur held at the North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) Gymnasium in Tandag City on February 2, 2023.

The distribution is an implementation of the DAR program to boost the capacity of the farmers and to bring government services closer to them as support to the President’s goal to improve the lives of the Filipino farmers.

DAR Secretary Conrado

Estrella III was ably represented by USec Field Operations Office Atty. Kazel Celeste who led the distribution, together with some DAR officials from the national and regional offices , First District Congressman Romeo S. Momo, and Governor Alexander T. Pimentel.

The Farm Machinery Equipment and Farm Inputs were distributed to ARBOs in

the local government units:

1. Cagwait:

* 2 units of three-wheeled Cargo Vehicles;

* unit Multi-purpose Shredder;

* 1 set Generator;

* 1 sets Portable Generator; and

* 2 units Floating Tiller (Mud Boat)

2. Tandag City:

* 1 unit Hauling Truck, and

* 30 sacks of rice

3. Tago:

* 1 unit Hand Tractor with complete accessories, and

* 15 sacks of Complete fertilizers

4. San Agustin:

* 21 sacks of Complete fertilizers

* 20 sacks of Amosol fertilizers; and * 16 liters of pesticides

5. San Miguel:

* 22 sacks of Complete fertilizers;

* 20 sacks of Amosol fertilizers; and

* 16 liters of pesticides

6. Lianga:

* 1 unit three-Wheeled Cargo Vehicle

7. Hinatuan:

* 1 unit three-Wheeled Cargo Vehicle, and

* Rain Water Collector

* 2 knapsack sprayers; * 10 bolos; * 20 rakes; and

* 20 pikos

8. Lingig:

* 56 sacks of Fertilizers, and * 67 bags of rice

9. Bislig City:

* 1 unit Floating Tiller (Mud Boat);

* 20 sacks of Complete fertilizers;

* 20 sacks of Amosol fertilizers; and

* 16 liters of pesticides

10. Barobo:

* 20 sacks of Complete fertilizers; * 20 sacks of Amosol fertilizers; and * 16 liters of pesticides.

Meanwhile, funded under Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS), Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), the program increasess and sustain the agricultural productivity of farmers’ organizations, by providing them with farm machinery equipment, farm inputs, and livelihood activities that will uplift the lives of the beneficiaries in the different agrarian reform communities (ARCs) of the province. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

One (1) most wanted person and three (3) others were collared within Surigao del Sur recently in separate law enforcement operations conducted by the operatives of Caraga Region.

Surigao del Sur Police

Provincial Office (SDSPPO)

Director Police Colonel Dennis Siruno identified the arrested suspect as Alex Rivas Atigan a.k.a. Lilek Atigan, 42 years old, male, married, farmer, and a resident of Purok-4, Barangay Buatong, San Agustin this province.

Other personalities fall into the hands of the authorities were the following:

* Beverly Llanos Vocales a.k.a. “Palang”, (CTG Non-PSR listed) under WGF-19, SRC Southland NEMRC, 37 years old, female, married, and a resident of Purok-17 Tubod, Brgy. Bolhoon, San Miguel, SDS;

* Joel Bacalles Sinday, 62 years old, male, married, fisherman, a resident of P-6, Brgy Liatimco, Lianga, SDS; and

* Ronald Parian Villegas, 35 years old, with a live-in, farmer, a resident P-4, Brgy Burboanan, Bislig City, SDS.

Atigan was nabbed in a joint operation of San Agustin Municipal Police Station and 1304th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (MC RMFB)-13 by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest, issued by RTC Eleventh Judicial Region, Branch 28, Lianga for the crime

Multiple Frustrated Murder, docketed under Criminal Case No. 18-3293 with bail bond recommended amounting to

Authorities arrested

Most Wanted Person and 3 others in SurSur

Php200, 000.000.

In addition, Atigan was listed as the top most wanted person under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) Municipal Level. He was arrested by the operatives of San Miguel MPS together with the personnel of Regional Intelligence Unit 13 (RIU 13) for the crime of Murder docketed under Criminal Case Number 8663-22 with no bail bond recommended.

In a separate operation, Sinday was collared by a Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Illegal Fishing, docketed under Criminal Case No. 09-CR-016-B, with bail bond recommended amounting to Php4,000.00 while Bislig personnel arrested Villegas by Warrant of Arrest issued by RTC, Branch 14, 11th Judicial Region, Bislig City

dated January 26, 2023, for the Violation of Sec 5 (A) (two counts) of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, docketed under Criminal Case Nos. 287-FC-B and 288-FC-B with bail bond recommended amounting to Php2,000.00 each.

Meanwhile, Col. Siruno lauded the operating unit for the successful operations against those lawless identified personalities.

“I laud our operating unit for another successful law enforcement operations and the implementation of the warrant of arrests against these lawless elements. We will intensify more our police presence in the community to reduce crimes and to fight all forms of criminality,” Police Col. Siruno said. (SDS-PPO/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

port police officer on duty, did not waste time in locating the presumed owner as indicated in the identification card found inside the bag.

Security

screeners return bag with cash, valuables

The culture of honesty is indeed alive and visible among the security screeners manning the baggage X-ray machines at the Port of Surigao.

Over the weekend, Security Screeners Dylene Nabi, Ghenlyn Tartar and Jessa C. Pabalate found and turned over to the Port Police Officer on Duty, a “Black Sling Bag” left at the Port of Surigao Baggage X-Ray Machine. The bag contained P12,000 cash, identification cards and other valuables.

PPO1 Edmar Senados, the

Within minutes, Ms. Lorena E. Mindana, Administrative Assistant III of Siargao District Hospital, and a resident of Brgy. 1, Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, showed up to claim the bag.

Upon proper verification, the bag was returned to the owner. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Siargao Island wetland takes center stage in World Wetlands Day 2023 celebration

A wetland located within the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) will take center stage as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau led this year’s Philippine celebration of the World Wetlands Day (WWD).

WWD is celebrated every 2nd of February to raise global awareness on the vital role of wetlands for the planet and its people. The date marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.

Presidential Proclamation No. 74, series of 1999, also declares February 2 of every year as National Wetlands Day in recognition of the immense importance of wetlands to the welfare of the Filipino people and the protection of global biodiversity.

This year’s WWD theme, “It’s Time for Wetland Restoration,” highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration and the steps needed to revive and restore degraded wetlands.

According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests as more than 35 percent of wetlands globally have

been degraded or lost since the 1970s.

If this trend continues, the world will lose valuable ecosystems which deliver unrivaled benefits to humanity such as source of fresh water, natural carbon sink, livelihood and food, and increased protection against storms and floods.

In line with this year’s global theme, the WWD 2023 national celebration will be held at SIPLAS to highlight the role of wetlands in disaster risk reduction and post-Typhoon Odette wetland restoration and rehabilitation efforts.

Highlight of the event is the national declaration

Caraga

of the Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve, a portion of SIPLAS situated in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte as a Wetland of International Importance. This is a precursor to its nomination for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, or as a Ramsar Site.

Wetlands of International Importance are wetlands that hold significant value not only for the country in which they are located but for humanity as a whole. By being recognized as such, the government must commit to take the necessary steps to ensure the maintenance of the wetland’s ecological character.

The WWD 2023 national celebration is in collaboration with DENR–CARAGA, PENRO Surigao del Norte, Protected Area Management Office of SIPLAS, and the municipal government of Del Carmen, as well as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes project, DENR-United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility (UNDP/GEF) Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines project, the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor project and the Foundation for the

Philippine EnvironmentUNDP/GEF Seventh Operational Phase of the Small Grants Programme in the Philippines or SGP7 project.

All DENR regional and field offices led the celebration of WWD in their respective localities.

Other national government agencies, local government units, the private sector, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the academe and the Filipino community celebrated WWD to show support for wetland restoration and to inspire action for Philippine wetlands. (DENR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Local MSMEs meet with expert for packaging solutions

The Department of Science and Technology boosts competitiveness of our micro, small, and medium enterprises by providing packaging and labelling (P&L) services to help them create and establish their identity, enhance product quality and safety, and have a marketing leverage.

The P&L services include packaging solutions, through consultations with an accredited P&L expert, specifically in the design, selection and execution of appropriate labelling and packaging materials to increase shelf-life, protect products, and make them more appealing to consumers.

In the Province of Surigao del Norte, an exclusive one-on-one meeting between the Proprietors and the hired accredited P&L Designer-Consultant of DOST Caraga, Mr. Elpsalms David Franco,

was conducted on January 17, 2023, at the DOST-SDN Office, Surigao City.

Separate consultations were conducted with Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing owned and managed by Mrs. Gemma S. Rebuta; Gellan’s Sweets, Cakes & Pastry Needs by Ms. Genievive Camporedondo; and, with Mr. and Mrs. Tirso and Rosanna Lisbos of Lisbos Cacao Trading.

DOST Caraga provides P&L service to MSMEs in the region in the forms of (1) packaging materials based on technical requirements of the food products to improve shelf-life, (2) printed labels containing

information required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and (3) nutritional facts and shelf-life analyses assistance.

Nutritional facts analysis provides detailed information about the food’s nutritional content such as the amount of fat, sugar, sodium, and fiber it contains.

Shelf-life testing is a detailed laboratory analysis that measures the number of days until a product is safe and of good quality for consumption. These analyses are required by the FDA on most packaged food and beverage products. (DOSTSDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PBBM, NEDA tackle status of PPP, ODA projects

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday met with the board members of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to discuss projects funded through partnerships with the private sector and the Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Marcos convened the 3rd NEDA Board Meeting at Malacañan Palace’s State Dining Room to receive updates on the new and existing public-private partnership (PPP) and ODA-funded projects, based on a Facebook post by the Office of the President (OP).

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the 3rd National Economic and Development Authority Board meeting, where the status of Public-Private Partnership projects and Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, both new and existing, were discussed,” the OP said.

It said the meeting also

focused on NEDA’s compliance with Marcos’ directives, as well as other relevant topics for the country’s economic development and progress.

State-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), in another Facebook post, said the meeting was attended by NEDA Board members.

The board consists of NEDA director general and Socioeconomic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary

Benjamin Diokno, Public Works Secretary

Manuel Bonoan, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Transportation Secretary

Jaime Bautista, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Budget Secretary

Amenah Pangandaman, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor

Francisco Dakila Jr.

Special Assistant to the President Secretary

Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Chief

Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil were also present during the meeting, RTVM said.

On Jan. 27, Marcos acknowledged the importance of attracting more investments to sustain the growth of the Philippine economy.

Meeting with renewable energy developer

Meanwhile, Marcos also had a meeting with renewable energy developer San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corp. (SIERDC) at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, the OP said.

It said SIERDC briefed Marcos on the company’s 440-megawatt Peak Solar Power Project in Isabela.

“The meeting provided the President with an opportunity to gain insights into the progress and potential impact of SIERDC’s renewable

energy project in the region,” it said.

SIERDC, the RTVM noted, is currently developing more than 440 megawatts of solar photovoltaics and hydro projects in Northern Luzon through a business venture that is expected to bring in PHP18 billion in investment and provide employment to roughly

4,500 workers.

Joining Marcos at the meeting were Lagdameo, Lotilla, and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the RTVM said.

SIERDC is part of the Nextnorth Energy Group, which specializes in developing solar and

hydro projects in Northern Luzon.

It is involved in the design and construction of renewable energy plants, such as solar and biomass power generation, as well as maintenance and operation of facilities, various inspections, and consulting services. (PNA/ Abbey Gita-Carlos)

INVESTMENT PROJECTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presides over the 3rd National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at Malacañan Palace’s State Dining Room on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2023). During the meeting, Marcos and NEDA Board members discussed projects funded through partnerships with the private sector and the Official Development Assistance. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of further bolstering the cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US).

This was after he reaffirmed the two countries’ “strong relations’ during his meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“I’ll be stating the obvious to say that our longest partner and ally has been the US,” Marcos told Austin who paid him a courtesy call. “I have always said, it seems to me the future of the Philippines and for that matter, the Asia Pacific, we’ll always have to involve the US simply because those partnerships are so strong.”

Marcos also thanked Austin for sharing his views on several geopolitical issues, especially in the Asia Pacific, saying the region “can only navigate properly with the help of our partners and our allies in the international sphere.”

“Thank you for finding your time to come and be with us and perhaps exchange some ideas

PBBM reaffirms ‘strong’ US-PH partnership

PBBM reaffirms ‘strong’ US-PH partnership

and thoughts and comments and information on the current situation geopolitically, and of course more specifically here in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Before his meeting with Marcos, Austin had a dialogue with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo at the Palace’s Aguado Mansion.

Austin’s visit to Manila is expected to strengthen the two nations’ alliance and existing defense agreements.

This is the second time Austin visited the Philippines. In April 2022, he came to the country to enhance the alliance between Manila and Washington DC.

Marcos, during a courtesy call of the US-Philippines Society at Malacañan on Monday, said the partnerships between the two countries “have become as important as ever.”

“And that is when we once again look to our friends and partners in the United States to be our treaty partner, and of course, our neighbors in ASEAN

(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the entire Asia Pacific extending up to the IndoPacific,” he said.

In his remarks, Austin relayed US President Joe Biden’s commitment to further boost the two nations’ ties “in every way possible.”

The US, Austin said, considers the Philippines as an “important ally.”

“You made a number of comments about the strength of our relationship, I echo those comments. We do have a strong relationship and my goal, and certainly President Biden’s goal is to strengthen that relationship in every way possible,” Austin said.

Austin also pledged to boost the US’ defense cooperation with the Philippines.

“You are a key ally, an important ally, and so from the defense perspective, we will continue to work together with our great partners to build and modernize your capabilities as well as increase our interoperability,” he said. (PNA/ Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (right) (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

(Feb. 1, 2023).

PBBM orders continuation of health workers’ Covid-19 allowances

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that healthcare workers will continue to receive their allowances despite the expiration of the state of calamity declared in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Marcos made this remark in a meeting with DOH officials at Malacañan Palace. The state of calamity expired on Dec. 31, 2022.

“Tuloy-tuloy ‘yan... Yung inaalala ko dati na hindi matutuloy ang compensation para sa ating health workers… ‘Yung allowance nila ay pinag-aralan namin nang mabuti kahit hindi itinutuloy ang state of calamity ay hindi maapektuhan ang pagbayad doon sa ating mga health workers ng kanilang mga benefits (That will continue. I used to be concerned that the compensation for our health workers would not continue…We carefully

studied their allowances and even if the state of calamity is not extended, their benefits will not be affected),” he said.

Proclamation No. 929, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, declared a state of calamity across the country in March 2020, when Covid-19 began to spread in the country.

The state of calamity was supposed to last for six months but was extended for a year up to Sept. 12,

STATE OF CALAMITY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a meeting with officials of the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday

Marcos ordered the DOH to ensure that healthcare workers will continue to get their allowances despite the expiration of the state of calamity on Dec. 31, 2022. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)

1021, and was extended for a second time through Proclamation No. 1218.

DOH officer-in-charge

Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said her agency earlier sought an extension of the state of calamity but said it will respect Marcos’ decision on the matter.

Enough vaccines

Meanwhile, Marcos also assured that the country currently has sufficient supply of Covid-19 vaccine doses.

“Pababa naman nang pababa ang ating cases, pababa nang pababa naman ang ating hospitalization, ‘yun ang binabantayan natin. So titingnan natin (Our cases and hospitalization rates

what we’re monitoring. We will have to see),” Marcos said.

“Hindi na kailangan kagaya ng 2021 na lagi tayong nagmamadali makakuha ng vaccine dahil pabawas na ‘yung risk, so dapat naman eh mag-adjust din tayo doon sa kung ano ba talaga ang scientific na assessment doon sa sitwasyon ng Covid (The vaccines aren’t as necessary as they were in 2021 when we were scrambling to get them because the risk is lower now so we should adjust based on the scientific assessment of the Covid-19 situation),” he added.

He, likewise, welcomed the decline in the number of Covid-19 infections in the country.

Data from the DOH

1,206 new Covid-19 cases were recorded during the week of Jan. 23-29.

The average number of new cases per day during the period stood at 172, reflecting a 36 percent decline from the cases logged on Jan. 16-22.

The DOH has so far vaccinated 73 million individuals, or 94.54 percent of the target population, while 21 million individuals have received their booster shots.

A total of 6.9 million senior citizens, or 79.47 percent of the target A2 population, have received the primary series of Covid-19 vaccines, while 2.76 million senior citizens had their booster shots.

(PNA/Azer Parrocha)

PBBM receives credentials of Oman, Canada envoys

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday received the credentials of newly-appointed ambassadors from Oman and Canada.

State-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) shared several videos of the ceremony on the two new diplomats’ presentation of credentials held at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Ambassadors Nasser

Said Abdullah Al Manwari (Oman) and David Bruce Hartman (Canada) were given arrival honors before presenting their credentials to Marcos, based on the video

uploaded by RTVM’s official Facebook page.

The two ambassadors also signed the Palace guest book.

Hartman started his diplomatic post in the Philippines in November 2022 when he replaced former Canadian ambassador James Peter MacArthur. He worked as a special assistant to a member of Canada’s Parliament before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1998.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines

and Canada began in 1949.

Over the years, the relations between the two countries have expanded significantly in areas of mutual cooperation such as trade and investments, maritime security, marine environmental protection, agriculture and education, among others.

Meantime, Nasser was appointed as Oman’s new ambassador to the Philippines in December 2022.

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Oman were established in 1980.

Oman’s Embassy to the

NEW ENVOYS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. receives the credential of newlyappointed Oman Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2023). Marcos also received the credential of Canada Ambassador to the Philippines David Bruce Hartman. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)

Philippines was officially inaugurated in 2013.

The two nations developed a progressive partnership in political, economic and cultural fields.

Seeking diplomatic community’s support

Meantime, Marcos, in a Vin d’honneur at Malacañan Palace, called on the members of the diplomatic community to support the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 20232028, which will serve as the country’s blueprint in its economic and social transformation in the next six years.

Marcos made the call, as he expressed high hopes for the country’s continued positive progress which cushioned the shocks of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on the Philippine economy.

“I urge our friends in the Diplomatic Community to work with us in achieving our development goals as laid out in the Plan through partnerships and cooperation with your respective governments

and also your business sectors. Let us discuss opportunities where our countries can participate,” he said.

The traditional Vin d’honneur is an official reception hosted by the Philippine president at Malacañan Palace on New Year’s Day. Vin d’honneur comes from the French practice, which means “wine of honor,” and traditionally takes place at the end of inaugurations, speeches and ceremonies.

Marcos stressed that the Philippines’ foreign policy aims to pursue international engagements on the basis of the country’s national interest, adding that his administration intends to elevate ties with bilateral and multilateral partners. He also acknowledged that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to be a cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy, and vowed that as a staunch champion of multilateralism, the Philippines will continue to work with its partners in building a stronger United Nations.

During the event, Marcos touted the country’s economic growth in 2022, as well as the tax collection and investment figures that are “also moving upwards.”

“With the current growth momentum, the Philippines is poised to reach upper middleincome status very soon,” Marcos said, adding that the plan is “achievable.”

Post-Covid-19 realities, Marcos said, demand recalibrating strategies and focusing on urgent concerns, which include food security, job generation, poverty reduction and management of inflation.

Marcos said the strategies entail “new thinking” that puts premium on “operational efficiency, sound fiscal management and good governance.”

He said the initiatives that his administration will pursue would help draw investments in agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, expressing optimism that opportunities and investment leads and pledges would translate into actual projects. (PNA/ Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

PBBM eyes creation of P1-B housing subsidy

PBBM eyes creation of P1-B housing subsidy

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday bared that he is eyeing a PHP1 billion housing subsidy fund for the recipients of the government’s low-cost housing units.

Marcos made the pronouncement during the groundbreaking ceremony of the housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program and

walkthrough of the Batasan Development Renewal Plan at the Batasan Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (BaTODA) Terminal in Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

He said he and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)

Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar are studying the creation of the subsidy fund to help beneficiaries

who could not afford the monthly amortization of the housing units.

“We are still left with a fact that many of our beneficiaries will still not be able to afford the monthly amortization of these units,” Marcos said, reiterating his vow to provide “decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family.”

“Pinag-aaralan namin ni Secretary Acuzar ang

HOUSING SUBSIDY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (3rd from right) attends the groundbreaking ceremony of the housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program at the Batasan Hills in Quezon City on Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2023). During the event, he announced his plan to create a PHP1 billion housing subsidy for the future tenants of the government’s low-cost housing units. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)

pagtatayo ng subsidy fund para dito sa ating housing program. Siguro, maglalagay tayo diyan, ‘pag nakahanap tayo ng pera, mga PHP1 billion to start with para meron tayong subsidy na ibibigay para sa ating magiging tenant (Secretary Acuzar and I are studying the possibility of establishing a subsidy fund for our housing program. Perhaps, if we find a funding source, we will allot PHP1 billion to start with the distribution of subsidies for our future tenants),” he added.

Marcos thanked the DHSUD for leading the national government’s flagship housing program, as well as the Quezon City local government for its support and allocation of land and financial resources for the housing project.

He expressed hope that Congress would heed his call to make the housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations for the coming years.

“The government is

committed to secure the needed housing interest support for 2023,” Marcos said. “I now call on Congress for your support, including housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations for the succeeding years.” He emphasized that the development of sustainable human settlements would help his administration realize its bid to build “better, more resilient, and more equitable communities.”

The Batasan Development Urban Renewal Master Plan, spearheaded by the DHSUD, will see the completion of three main sites at the Batasan Road Development, NGC-West Controlled Economic Zone, and the Manotoc Property.

The first phase of the Batasan area’s redevelopment will include the construction of two 33-story buildings with a total of 2,160 housing units planned to become both commercial and residential. The plans include the

use of the lot’s ground floor for the improved BaTODA terminal, the biggest Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in the Philippines.

The BaTODA members will be among the priority beneficiaries of the project. Marcos said the groundbreaking of the first phase of the Batasan Development Urban Renewal Plan is “only the beginning of the one of the largest projects” under the government’s flagship housing program.

“Slowly but surely, we will be able to achieve our greatest aspirations for the nation, including the dream for a decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family,” he said.

“Those living here in the surrounding areas will have complete access to markets, to schools, to hospitals and various means of making income so they will prosper and get to see their goals and dreams come to life.”

(PNA/Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos)

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