Volume VI, No. 05 January 29-February 4, 2022
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REGIONAL NEWS CARAGA IDP CLUSTER RESPONDS TO ODETTE VICTIMS
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62 BENEFICIARIES OF PROJECT-EASE TO RECEIVE P10K EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR A.Y. 2021-2022 OWWA CARAGA RELEASES LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO DISPLACED OFWS DSWD CARAGA CONDUCTS CONSULTATIONDIALOGUE TO PDI LGUS 120 ESTUDYANTE NAG-QUALIFY SA PISAY CARAGA PARA SA SY 2022-2023 MAHIGIT 2 MILYONG KATAO ANG NABAKUNAHAN NA SA CARAGA REGION; HEALTH PROTOCOL MAHIGPIT PA RING IPINAPATUPAD RELIEF GOODS SA DSWD CARAGA, PLASTAR NGA GINAPANGHATAG SA MGA APEKTADONG RESIDENTE SA BAGYONG ODETTE
PROVINCIAL NEWS 17 18 19 21 22 23 24
DTI DINAGAT ISLANDS DISTRIBUTES LIVELIHOOD KITS TO TYPHOON-HIT MSMES IN PDI
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DINAGAT ISLANDS IMT BOLSTERS EFFORT FOR DISASTER RESPONSE
DA MINDANAO CLUSTER CONVERGE RELIEF EFFORTS FOR AGRI PARTNERS IN SURIGAO NORTE AND PDI DA CARAGA ALLOTS P245M FOR POST-DISASTER REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY PLAN CARAGA RNC CLUSTER DISCUSSES HEALTH, NUTRITION SITUATION IN DINAGAT ISLANDS CARAGA RNC CONDUCTS POST-DISASTER ASSESSMENT IN DINAGAT ISLANDS
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IBA’T-IBANG SEKTOR SA PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL SUR NAGKAISA PARA SA ‘PROJECT BUHAY SA KALIKASAN’
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIP, BUDGET SA BUENAVISTA GIOKEHAN 6 HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS SEIZED IN AGNOR CLASH CACAO PROCESSING CENTER GIINTRIGO SA MUNSIPYO SA NASIPIT NGADTO SA ORGANISASYON SA MGA MAG-UUMA SA CACAO DA-13 TURNS OVER SENTINEL PIGLETS TO 2 SURSUR TOWNS AFFECTED BY ASF
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MINDANAO NEWS STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN MINDANAO DA SENDS OVER P153-M AID TO DAMAGED AGRICULTURE IN CARAGA
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NATIONAL NEWS STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE NCR AND 7 PROVINCES TO BE PLACED UNDER ALERT LEVEL 2 STARTING FEBRUARY 1
COVID-19 NEWS ALMOST 76% OF PH’S TARGET POPULATION NOW FULLY VAXXED OVER 59M FILIPINOS NOW FULLY VAXXED VS. COVID-19 PH GETS P48.7-M AUSSIE AID FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE
CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
Siargao farmers replant their farms after ‘Odette’
As livelihood recovery efforts continue, farmers in Siargao Island and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte are optimistic that the upcoming harvest can help them rebound from the devastating impacts of Super Typhoon Odette. The municipalities of Dapa, General Luna, Del Carmen, Burgos, Pilar, Sta. Monica, San Benito, and San Isidro, all in the first district of
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the province, are now starting to rehabilitate their damaged farms through the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Around 5,000 sweet potato cuttings, 2,564 pouches of vegetables, 50 bags of certified rice seeds, 300 bags of corn seeds, and 200 bags of fertilizer were distributed to the farmers in the island.
in the coming months. It is expected that the production will provide food for each family as well as to the community in Siargao after three to four months,” said DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr.
To fast-track the rehabilitation efforts and to ensure the readiness of the areas, the DA“Our main goal is to help Caraga deployed its the residents in the Island farm machinery on the not to rely on relief goods island which started on
| January 29-February 4, 2022
Caraga INFOCUS
January 11. Two fourwheel-drive tractors with implements like the disc plow, trailing harrow, and rotavator were used to simplify the work and increase speed and efficiency for the recovering farmers. Director Oñate said that mechanization is an essential input for agricultural crop production. “More tasks can be completed at the right time and greater areas can be farmed to produce greater quantities of crops. Without timely and adequate support the production capacity of the farmers could
Caraga INFOCUS
be compromised,” he added.
climate change adaptation and mitigation measures In its second week of will further strengthen operation, around 20 the Agency’s efforts hectares were cultivated to address current in the municipalities agriculture challenges of Dapa and General like climate change by Luna. More areas will be introducing agriculture assisted in the coming climate-resilient days as the rehabilitation technologies. workforce doubles its efforts in assisting more Moreover, DA-Caraga farmers. is allocating around P245 million worth of The Department interventions for the continuously pours rehabilitation and its support to the recovery plan for the affected communities province of Surigao by intensifying the del Norte. This includes implementation of production support and the OneDA reform financial assistance from agenda key strategies. DA – Agricultural Credit Modernization of Policy Council. (DAagriculture through Caraga/PIA-Surigao del mechanization and Norte)
January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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News Briefs The first 11 months of 2021 saw more registered deaths across the Philippines, which stood at 768,504—higher by 154,562 than all of 2020. This number hiked the country’s mortality rate to 6.98 per thousand, as against 5.8 per thousand in 2020, according to the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), with initial data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). xx
The local government unit of Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, through SB Resolution No. 308 series of 2021, has given recognition and honor to Mr. Eutiquio B. Flores, Jr, a local fallen hero, for his bravery, gallantry, and heroic acts in saving the lives of the evacuees of Purok-5, Gawad Kalinga Pangarap Village, Brgy. Lobogon, Del Carmen during the wake of Typhoon Odette on Dec. 16, 2021 at Gawad Kalinga. The said award, which was given earlier today, February 3, is Del Carmen’s first local hero recognition and a manifestation of honoring fallen local heroes who save a lot of lives during Super Typhoon Odette and the values these heroes emulating. (LGU Del Carmen)
Presidential Proclamation No. 731 series of 1996 declares every 2nd week of February as National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation or CSAAW. This year’s theme is same as last year, “WE MUST PROTECT BOYS JUST AS WE PROTECT GIRLS”. Also, Safer Internet Day (SID) is observed every February 08, 2022. (RCWC/RIACAT-VAWC) The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga received a plaque of recognition for the significant contribution of the agency as the the Vice Chairperson of the Regional Nutrition Committee and Technical Working Group and Member of Bantay Asin Task Force.
REGIONAL NEWS
Caraga IDP cluster responds to Odette victims
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, being the chair of the different working committees in the region to include the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Cluster, immediately provided assistance to families affected by the onslaught of typhoon Odette. It may not be evident from their faces, but disaster victims are going through a lot of emotional and psychological baggage from their ordeal. This is the case for the Super Typhoon Odette victims who have been through traumatic experiences as the strong typhoon ravaged their homes, leaving them broken and helpless. Though DSWD is normally seen as a provider of food
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and non-food items to disaster-affected families, the agency is also the lead agency in the IDP Cluster and the Camp Coordination, Camp Management Cluster. This means DSWD also takes charge in addressing other needs of IDPs in and outside of evacuation centers, including physical, psychological, and emotional health needs of affected families. With this, DSWD Caraga has fielded psychological first aid teams to the different cities and municipalities affected by Odette to provide psychosocial activities to ease the traumatic burdens of the IDPs. Different sessions for adults and children have been conducted to assess the emotional
| January 29-February 4, 2022
and psychological status of the affected families/ individuals for appropriate interventions. The teams have also included Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) topics in their discussions, which usually is a serious concern for the health of IDPs during disasters. DSWD Field Office Caraga will continue to provide much needed assistance to the affected families of Super Typhoon Odette, not just the provision of food and non-food items coursed through the LGUs, but much needed psychosocial first aid to address psychological and emotional needs of the affected individuals/ families. (PFAiders/DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
62 beneficiaries of Project-EASE to receive P10k educational assistance for A.Y. 2021-2022 Some 62 maintained beneficiaries of ProjectEASE in Caraga Region are set to receive educational assistance under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)’s Educational Assistance by Scholarship in Emergencies or Project-EASE. Of the said number of recipients, 21 are dependents of OFW applicants belonging to the land-based category while 41 are affiliated with OFWs in the sea-based category, hailing from the different provinces in the region: 26 in Butuan City, 16 in Agusan del Norte, two in Agusan del Sur, six in Surigao del Norte, 10 in Surigao del Sur, and two in the Province of Dinagat Islands. The recipients will claim their educational assistance amounting to PhP10,000 in cheque for Academic Year 2021-2022. Six beneficiaries have already received their educational assistance for A.Y. 2021-2022 as part of the activity during 2021 Caraga INFOCUS
Family Day. Accompanied by their parents/guardians, the recipients expressed their gratitude and immense joy, for the cash assistance will aid them in their studies and other tools they need for online classes. Launched in August 2020, OWWA’s ProjectEASE offers educational assistance to a qualified college dependent of an OFW affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and holds an active OWWA membership that was repatriated since the outbreak of the virus in February 2020 by providing educational aid of PhP10,000 per year to qualified recipients who
are enrolled in the current school year with no failing grade and no existing scholarship grants under EDSP, ODSP, CMWSP, and ELAP education. Qualifying dependent or beneficiary can either be a child of a married OFW or an OFW who is a single parent or a sibling of a single OFW who is in college level. Project EASE was designed with an online application wherein interested applicants could access the portal, however, it was already closed last July 2021 which also marked the end of the submission of application. (OWWACaraga/PIA-Caraga) January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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OWWA Caraga releases livelihood assistance to displaced OFWs
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The Regional Welfare Office (RWO) Caraga together with The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) Caraga, through its focal persons OWWO II Jean Mary R. Ladion and the NRCO Regional Coordinator/ LEO III Anne Jane M. Hallasgo, relentlessly provide the necessary reintegration services in a form of livelihood projects, entrepreneurial webinars, and cash assistance to enable qualified OFW returnees from the different provinces in the region to be entrepreneurs as they reintegrate back to the mainstream society.
for OFW Reintegration (LPOR) is a program of the OWWA-NRCO for returning undocumented OFWs and those who do not qualify under OWWA’s livelihood program which aims to enable livelihood protection and improve livelihood promotion in aid of OFW reintegration. The said program consists of two components/ interventions: the Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) and the Balik PINAY, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program. Both programs must be availed within three years from the OFWs’ latest arrival in the country.
The Livelihood Program
An undocumented
| January 29-February 4, 2022
OFW is defined as those who acquired their passports through fraud or misrepresentation; those who possess expired visa or permits to stay; those who have no travel documents whatsoever; those who have a valid but inappropriate visa; or those employment contracts which were not processed by the POEA or subsequently verified and registered on-site by POLO, if required by law or regulation. The Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP) was established in 2011 through the Administrative Order No. 77 series 2011 Caraga INFOCUS
which aims to provide livelihood assistance to returning OFWs. It has been reformulated in 2014 to accommodate undocumented OFWs. For Balik PINAY! Balik Hanapbuhay, qualified are those displaced and distressed women OFW returnees with priority given to distressed women domestic workers and those who were sheltered at the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Resource Centers (MWOFRCs) of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) and those who were repatriated through amnesty programs i.e. grant of Amnesty Program of the host country. The qualified applicants are required to comply with pertinent documents to the nearest National Reintegration Center for OFWs office in their area. The beneficiaries will receive Php10,000 worth of livelihood starter kits in the form of a cheque. They are also required to attend the Small Business Management Training and Financial Awareness Seminar to prepare them for managing a small business enterprise as a prerequisite in receiving assistance under the LPOR. For the Balik Pinas! Balik Caraga INFOCUS
Hanapbuhay! (BPBH) Program, which is part of the core program of OWWA that is the Reintegration Program, is a package of livelihood assistance consisting of cash assistance, Entrepreneurship Development Training, and other services to help returning distressed and displaced OFWs to start their own business here in the Philippines. Under the Amended Implementing Guidelines of BPBH (MOI 003 series 2019), the cash assistance will amount to PhP20,000 for active member-OFWs, PhP10,000 for non-active member-OFWs with more than one contribution and PhP 5,000 for non-active member-OFWs with one contribution effective February 28, 2019. Eligible beneficiaries under the program are those
who were displaced by hostilities or wars or political conflicts, policy reforms or changes by host governments; victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking or other distressful situations; those who are at the distressed wards at the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Resource Centers who are due for repatriation; and those OWWA members who were employed by foreign employers which are facing financial difficulties due to economic conditions. For interested applicants, you may visit OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga located at Nimfa Tiu Bldg.2, JP Rosales Ave., Butuan City, or contact these hotlines: 095030575 33/09551884858/09123289 262. (OWWA-Caraga/PIACaraga) January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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DSWD Caraga conducts consultation-dialogue to PDI LGUs
To ensure that the affected families of Super Typhoon Odette continue to be served, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted consultation-dialogues with the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) Congressional Office and the municipal local government units (LGUs) to assess the requests of the LGUs for another round of provision of food and non-food items. With the assistance
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of the Emergency Operations Office (EOC) staff through DSWD Field Office Caraga OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, requests, queries of the LGUs, especially for the provision/augmentation of family food packs and non-food items the affected families were addressed immediately. ARDO Parajes provided clarifications on pending concerns, especially on the provision of non-food items - the
| January 29-February 4, 2022
provision of which is based on prioritization of the most affected, and depending on assessment of specific needs of the affected families. The team also provided assistance to Care International (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) personnel who have delivered sacks of rice from the World Food Programme (WFP) to the different LGUs in PDI. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
120 estudyante nag-qualify sa PISAY Caraga para sa SY 20222023
Umabot sa 120 ang naging qualifiers para sa incoming Grade 7 scholars ng Philippine Science High School sa Caraga Regional Campus o PISAY Caraga para sa SY 20222023. Ang nasabing mga qualifiers ay kabilang sa mahigit 1,000 estudyanteng sumubok sa entrance examination at umasang maging scholar ng PISAY. Ayon kay Engr. Ramil Sanchez, PISAY Caraga campus director, nadagdagan ng isang Caraga INFOCUS
section ang dating tatlong sections ang kanilang scholars sa darating na pasukan. Sa ginawang Regional Recognition of Qualifiers and Partners ng PISAY Caraga ay binati ni NEDA regional director Priscilla Sonido ang mga qualifiers at hinikayat niya ang mga ito na magtiyaga at pagbutihin ang kanilang pag-aaral. Sa mensahe ni Geian Migel Casio, ang top one qualifier sa SY 20222023, nagpaabot ito
ng pasasalamat sa mga magulang para sa kanilang suporta para sa mga qualifiers at binati ito ang kanyang kapwa scholars. Banggit niya, ito ay bunga ng kanilang pagsisikap at dedikasyon sa hangaring maging PISAY scholar. Pinasalamatan din ni Engr. Sanchez ang mga sumusuportang partners upang ipaabot ang programa ng PISAY sa iba’t-ibang parte ng rehiyon. (NCLM/PIACaraga) January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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Mahigit 2 milyong katao ang nabakunahan na sa Caraga region; health protocol mahigpit pa ring ipinapatupad Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano
Sa layong maabot ang target na herd immunity, mas pinaigting pa ngayon ng Department of Health (DOH) kasama ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa Caraga region ang pagbabakuna ng iba’tibang eligible priority groups. Base sa tala ng DOH, as of January 24, nasa 2,580,598 na ang total administered doses ng vaccines sa rehiyon. May 1,296,480 pa na indibidwal ang kakailanganing bakunahan. Ayon kay DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Cesar Cassion, bagamat may pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa iba’t-ibang probinsya ng rehiyon, malaking tulong pa rin ang mga bakuna upang hindi ganun kalala ang epekto ng virus sa mga indibidwal na may sintomas. As of January 26, may kabuuang 54,498 na kompirmadong kaso ng
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Cassion
COVID-19 sa Caraga 4,038 ang nasa isolation; 48,527 ang naka-recover; at 1,933 ang naitalang namatay. Mahigpit pa ring ipinapatupad ang contact tracing ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)Caraga, maging ang temporary treatment and monitoring facilities o quarantine facilities. Kung sa high risk province o city naman ang paguusapan, as of January 23, ang health care utilization ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte at Surigao del Sur ay nasa safe zone; nasa moderate risk naman
| January 29-February 4, 2022
ang Butuan City; high risk sa probinsya ng Surigao del Norte; at critical risk sa Agusan del Sur. Dahil dito, patuloy pa ring pinaalalahanan ang publiko na sumunod sa health protocol at agad na sumangguni sa health facility sakaling may maranasang sintomas ng COVID-19. Mahigpit rin ang mga malls sa lungsod ng Butuan at ang mayroong vaccination card lamang ang kanilang pinahihintulutang makapasok sa loob ng pasilidad. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS
Relief goods sa DSWD Caraga, plastar nga ginapanghatag sa mga apektadong residente sa bagyong Odette Tungod sa kakulangon sa mga family food packs (FFPs) boxes nga gigamit sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga sa mga relief goods, adunay gi-augment nga mga FFPs ngadto sa mga requesting nga mga lokal nga panggamhanan nga naka-cellophane ug nakaeco bag. Ang buhatan anaa pa sa proseso sa pag-procure sa mga boxes/cartons apan dili pwede nga mohunong sa pag repack sa mga FFPs kay kini gikinahanglan sa mga apektadong pamilya ni Bagyong Odette, mao nga gigamit usa ang mga cellophanes/ eco bags aron padayon nga mahatag sa mga apektadong pamilya. Ang maong mga FFPs aduna gihapon 6 kilos nga bugas, 10 ka mga de lata (corned beef/beef loaf, canned tuna/sardines), 5 ka kape/malt drink, ug 5 ka energy drink - susama sa sulod sa mga naka box/ Caraga INFOCUS
carton nga FFPs. Susama sa mga naka-box nga mga FFPs, bawal ang pagbahin-bahin sa mga sulod niini. Sumala sa DSWD, kung adunay madawat nga FFPs nga dunay kulang sa mga sulod niini, mamahimo nga i-dokumento kini nga maong insidente ug i-report sa DSWD Caraga pinaagi sa pag-mensahe sa DSWD Caraga messenger o i-duol sa pinaka-duol nga DSWD Office sa ilang mga lugar. Sa katapusan, buot usab
nga ipahibalo sa ahensya nga dili lang ang DSWD ang gahatag ug mga FFPs. Ang LGU aduna pud mga pagpangandam, ug duna usab mga donors/organizations nga nitunol ug mga FFPs ug mga hinabang sa mga apektadong pamilya. Dili i-kumpara ang mga sulod niini nga mga FFPs kay lahi usab ang contents o sulod sa ilang mga FFPs. Busa sa dili pa kita moreklamo, kinahanglan nga susihon usa ug sa DSWD ba gayud nga FFPs ang inyong nadawat. (DSWD-Caraga/PIACaraga) January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
DTI Dinagat Islands distributes livelihood kits to typhoon-hit MSMEs in PDI
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Dinagat Islands rolls out the first batch of Negosyo Kits to micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
government services According to DTI Dinagat closer to the people Islands provincial director through partnerships Elmer C. Natad, the between relevant local Negosyo Kit includes government units and groceries, kitchenware, DTI officials. tools and equipment that serves as fresh Present during the inventories to aid them distribution were San restart their businesses. Jose vice mayor Felix A total of 40 beneficiaries Portullano, Sangguniang received their Negosyo Director Natad said Bayan Committee on Kits worth PhP8,000 under that the LSP-NSB is a Trade and Industry the Livelihood Seeding program of DTI that member Julmore Pesito Program - Negosyo allows a wider reach of and Director Natad. Serbisyo sa Barangay business development (SDR/DTI-Dinagat Islands/ (LSP-NSB). assistance by bringing PIA-Dinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS
January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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Dinagat Islands IMT bolsters effort for disaster response
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines joined the Incident Management Team (IMT) predeployment briefing. An incident management team is usually dispatched or mobilized during complex emergency incidents in order to provide a commandand-control infrastructure to manage the operational, logistical, informational, planning, fiscal, community, political, and safety issues associated with complex incidents such as Super Typhoon Odette.
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As part of the strategy to harmonize disaster response efforts, Dinagat Islands IMT coordinated and provided latest and relevant information to the various disaster response clusters and response units deployed in the province as communication remains one of the challenges brought about the destruction of electrical and telecommunication lines.
the seven municipalities in the province and assessed the nutritional situation of the most affected areas in each of the municipalities, as well as structural condition of the evacuation centers, Barangay Health Centers and Stations, Rural Health Units and hospitals.
The result of the assessment and ocular visit served as one of the The strategy included the bases for the immediate assignment of response nutrition and health clusters, including the response and also served nutrition cluster, to as one of the references specific areas mostly for the long-term affected by Typhoon interventions for nutrition Odette. and health in the province. (RPOchavo, The Caraga Regional NNC-Caraga/PIANutrition Cluster visited Caraga)
| January 29-February 4, 2022
Caraga INFOCUS
DA Mindanao Cluster converge relief efforts for agri partners in Surigao Norte and PDI
The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional offices and its employees’ association in Mindanao have stood by the Caraganons in these difficult times and initiated emergency relief actions for those affected in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands provinces. The DA Mindanao Cluster, consisting Caraga INFOCUS
of regional offices in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCKSARGEN, converged and mobilized the relief efforts in coordination with the DA-Caraga and its provincial agriculture offices. Assistant secretary for Mindanao Arlan M. Mangelen, together
with the Mindanao Cluster regional heads personally handed the PhP1.82 million worth of cash assistance and assorted relief goods comprising of rice, drinking water, vegetables, canned goods, and used clothing to Surigao del Norte provincial agriculturist Ruby Ann Lagahit. January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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Mangelen was accompanied by DADavao Region regional technical director (RTD) Maria Lucernas and DASOCKSARGEN RTD Levi Fortuna. ASec. Mangelen said that the convergence of the Mindanao regional offices is part of the humanitarian assistance of the DA and its employees’ association to help the agri-fishery partners in Caraga.
affected areas.
DA-Caraga regional executive director “Aside from the DA’s Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. rehabilitation assistance expressed his gratitude for the sector, we also to the generosity and give importance to the welfare of our agriculture immediate actions of the regional directors frontliners, our extension headed by Asec. workers in the field who have been also affected Mangelen. by the onslaught of “The support is typhoon ‘Odette’,” said overwhelming, the spirit Asec. Mangelen. of bayanihan is alive as the DA regional offices The DA regional office team up to respond to in coordination with the needs of affected the local government agri-fishery stakeholders units, national in Caraga. Rest assured government offices, that the Department will and non-government pour its support to the organizations are continuously conducting affected communities assessments on damage by intensifying the implementation of the and losses and is working on providing the OneDA reform agenda strategies,” said Director necessary support for the total rehabilitation of Oñate.
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| January 29-February 4, 2022
On the other hand, DA-Caraga RTD for Operations Rebecca R. Atega said that interventions for the affected areas in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur will also be distributed in the coming days. “The 1,010 bags of quality rice seeds, 750 bags of corn seeds, and 8,000 assorted vegetable seeds are now positioned for distribution to the affected farmers in the region in coordination with the local government units. We are expecting additional quality seeds for rehabilitation from DA Mindanao Cluster regions,” said RTD Atega. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS
DA Caraga allots P245M for post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery plan
The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga is allocating around PhP245 million worth of interventions to the farmers in the province of Surigao del Norte who were affected by Super Typhoon Odette last December 16, 2021. DA Caraga regional technical director for operations Rebecca Reyes Atega, during the meeting, presented the rehab and recovery Caraga INFOCUS
plan for the province emphasizing on a quicker way to recover through production of food staples, cash crops, and free range chicken that could be grown in just 3 to 6 months’ time. “The interventions include production support such as seeds, fertilizers, poultry stocks, tools and equipment as well as financial assistance dubbed as ‘SURE Aid’ through
the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) and conduit banks,” Atega said. She added that the said amount is taken from 2021 generated savings, 2022 Quick Response Fund, 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), and DAMindanao Cluster relief assistance. (DACaraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands) January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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Caraga RNC Cluster discusses health, nutrition situation in Dinagat Islands Following the devastation in the province of Dinagat Islands brought about by Super Typhoon Odette, the Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO) through officer Joanna Jessica A. Yasay, provided a quick briefer to the members of the Regional Nutrition Cluster on the current situation of the municipalities and discussed the geographical makeup of the province. It was learned that Dinagat Islands are a group of islands constituting a province in Caraga Region with seven municipalities and 100 barangays. The province can be reached via 1-2 hour sea travel on either fast craft or roro vessels commonly from Surigao City. Due to its geographical location, quick response for disasters, such as Typhoon Odette, is challenging, coupled also with the increasing cases of COVID-19. According to PNAO Yasay, the municipalities of San Jose (capital town), Cagdianao, and Basilisa are reportedly the most affected areas and have numerous evacuation centers. As of January 6, 2022, according to the Health Situation Update of the Health
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Emergency Management Staff of Dinagat Islands, an estimated number of affected families reached 27,399. The aforementioned municipalities have island barangays that makes relief operations and nutrition and health response difficult during the first weeks of the disaster. PNAO Yasay added that due to the effects of Typhoon Odette to the telecommunication lines in the island, communication and coordination is yet to be fully established and made accessible, which adds up to the challenges faced by the responders.
| January 29-February 4, 2022
As part of the Nutrition in Emergencies – Information Management, relevant and updated data relative to health and nutrition is crucial as this will be the basis to bolster the relief efforts to address the immediate needs of the affected population, especially the nutritionally at-risk children and pregnant and lactating women. The quick briefer of PNAO Yasay to the Regional Nutrition Cluster was also used as the basis for the cluster for visiting the most affected areas to conduct nutrition initial needs assessment. (RPOchavo, NNC-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga INFOCUS
Caraga RNC conducts postdisaster assessment in Dinagat Islands provide immediate and initial assessment of the nutrition situation among the affected population particularly among the nutrition vulnerable groups, i.e. children 0-59 months, pregnant and lactating women, women of reproductive age, elderly, and persons with disabilities after onset of emergency or disaster. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, in close collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines, conducted a post-disaster nutrition initial needs assessment at the Province of Dinagat Islands on Day 22 after Super Typhoon Odette ravaged the area. NOII Raphael Ochavo, together with UNICEF Philippines Nutrition Officer Pete John Biscarra and Programme Assistant Leah Tacsan. paid a courtesy visit to Dinagat Islands Health Cluster headed by the PHO II Caraga INFOCUS
Also, part of the deployment mission is to scout for storage facilities and coordinate for the delivery of Ready-toUse Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Micronutrient The deployment mission Powder for the target of the Regional Nutrition beneficiaries in the Cluster (RNC) to the province. The RNC will Province of Dinagat continue to coordinate Islands was to gather data through the Nutrition the implementation of nutrition and health Initial Needs Assessment responses of the national (NINA) tool to generate information regarding the government agencies and international nutrition situation of the province and to conduct humanitarian organizations in the rapid case finding of nutritionally at-risk children affected areas of Typhoon Odette. and pregnant women. (RPOchavo, NNCCaraga/PIA-Caraga) NINA tool is designed to Dr. Jillian Francise Lee, together with PHO I Dr. Juan Javier Garchitorena, and PNAO Joanna Jessica Yasay.
January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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Iba’t-ibang sektor sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur nagkaisa para sa ‘Project Buhay sa Kalikasan’ Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano
Nagsagawa ng Tree Planting activity sa pangunguna ng Agusan Media Club at Philippine National Police (PNP) bilang kontribusyon sa pagpapanatili ng maayos na kalikasan at maaliwalas na kapaligiran. Ayon sa PNP-Agusan del Sur, layon ng iba’t-ibang sektor na maprotektahan ang Mt. Magdiwata na siyang pinagkukunan ng tubig sa lugar. “Nagpapasalamat kami na naging parte ang PNP sa tree planting activity na ito. Ang Mt. Magdiwata na siyang pinagkukunan natin ng tubig ay mahalaga, kaya naman ang PNP ay committed na protektahan ito,” ani ni PCol. Ruben Delos Santos, dating provincial director ng PNP-Agusan del Sur. May ilang kabataan ang sumama kagaya ng magpinsan na sina Samantha at John Ruiz dahil naniniwala sila na mapapakinabangan din nila ito at maging ng
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susunod na henerasyon. “Masaya po ako na nakasali ako sa tree planting na ito,” ani ni Samantha Ruiz. “Umaasa po ako na lalaki pa ng ilang taon itong mga seedlings na aming itinanim,” banggit naman ni John Ruiz. Nakilahok din ang ilang representante mula sa pribadong sektor. “Hindi lang po ito para sa amin, kung hindi pati rin po sa aming mga anak at mga apo sa susunod pang henerasyon para rin po maprotektahan ang ating kalikasan at ang ating watershed area,”
| January 29-February 4, 2022
pahayag ni Mari Cris Inson na mula sa pribadong sektor. Ibinahagi rin ni Richard Grande, presidente ng Agusan Media Club, na naging tradisyon na ng iba’t-ibang sektor sa probinsya na magtanim ng mga punla malapit sa watershed. “Ang pagtatanim ng puno ay buhay. Ang pagprotekta sa Mt. Magdiwata ay buhay. Kung may mga punong kahoy, may mapopondo na tubig at marami pang ibang magandang naibibigay nito sa atin,” sabi ni Grande. (JPG/PIAAgsuan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS
Supplemental AIP, budget sa Buenavista giokehan line with the LGU’s 7th Supplemental AIP for CY 2021 under Sanggunian Resolution No. 385-2021.
Aron hingpit nga mapatuman ang nagunang prayoridad sa lungsod sa Buenavista giokehan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan bag-o pa lamang ang mga Supplemental Annual Investment Plan ug Budget nga gipangusgan ni Bise Gobernador Ramon Alejandro G. Bungabong, ang chairperson sa Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Tungod sa kamahinungdanon sa mga proyekto, programa ug aktibidad nga kinahanglan na nga ma-implementar giaprobahan sa SP ang mga mosunod: • Appropriation Ordinance No. 06-2021, authorizing the Supplemental Budget No. 03, Series of 2021 for Public Market in the amount of
Caraga INFOCUS
One Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred Eighty-Two Pesos and Seventy-Three Centavos (P 149,882.73) of the Municipality of Buenavista, Province of Agusan del Norte, for CY 2021, in the line with the LGU’s 6th Supplemental AIP for CY 2021 under Sanggunian Resolution No. 390-2021. • Appropriation Ordinance No. 07-2021, authorizing the Supplemental Budget No. 04, Series of 2021 for Public Market in the Amount of Hundred Eighty Thousand Pesos (P 180,000.00) for the grant of Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for the Public Market personnel of the Municipality of Buenavista, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 45 of the President of the Philippines, dated December 24, 2021 in
• Appropriation Ordinance No. 20-2021, authorizing the Supplemental Budget No. 11, Series of 2021 in the amount of Forty Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Pesos ( 40,250.00) of the Municipality of Buenavista, Province of Agusan del Norte , for CY 2021, in line with LGUs 6th Supplemental Budget AIP for CY 2021 under Sanggunian Resolution No. 390-2021. • Appropriation Ordinance No. 20-2021, authorizing the Supplemental Budget No. 12, Series of 2021 in the amount of Two Million, Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Pesos (2,380,000.00) for the grant of Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) to the employees of the Municipality of Buenavista, for CY 2021, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 45 of the President of the Philippines, dated December 24, 2021, in line with LGUs 7th Supplemental Budget AIP for CY 2021 under Sanggunian Resolution No. 385-2021. Ang maong Supplemental AIP ug budget giaprobahan atol sa 120th sesyon regular niadtong Enero 10. (LGUAgusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)
January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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6 high-powered firearms seized in AgNor clash The 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) under the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Diamond Division, in coordination with 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and Cabadbaran City Police Office, was able to seize six high-powered firearms and assorted food supplies after an encounter within the vicinity of Sitio Ancili, Brgy. Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, January 25. The troops were conducting combat operations in the area when they encountered more or less 15 CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) who were believed to be members of SRC Northland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) under alias Chong. After the eight-hour encounter with the CNTs, the troops seized one EMTAN 5.56mm rifle, one M16A2 rifle, one M653 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher rifle, two AK47, along with three long magazines with 60 ammunition, four magazines AK47 with 44 ammunition, nine ammunition 40mm grenade launcher, and one bandolier. The troops also seized one Nokia cellular phone, assorted food
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supplies and other personal belongings with subversive documents containing high intelligence value. "Mga kaigsoonan nako nga naglihok pa gihapon sa armadong pakigbisog kontra sa gobyerno, musamot mo ug kagutom diha sa taas kay ang tanang ahensiya sa gobyerno sundalo man o pulis pati pa ang mga sibilyan nga gisumhan na sa kagubot, ginabuhat ang tanan aron maundang na ang insurhensiya busa kanaog na mo diri. Naa pa moy panahon nga magbag-o og musurrender balik nganhi sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Ayaw mo ug kahadlok nga mudool sa mga kasundaluhan namo
| January 29-February 4, 2022
kay aron matabangan mo sa daling panahon (My brothers and sisters who are still in the armed struggle against the government, you will continue to experience hunger because all the government agencies, soldiers, police and civilians who are already fed up with chaos are doing their best to stop insurgency. Do not miss the opportunity while you have the chance to change and surrender. Return to the folds of the law. Do not hesitate to approach our government so that you will be given aid as soon as possible)," said LtCol. Jason Saldua, commanding officer of the 29IB. (2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova, 23rd IB, PA/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Caraga INFOCUS
Cacao processing center giintrigo sa munsipyo sa Nasipit ngadto sa organisasyon sa mga mag-uuma sa cacao
Gi turnover na sa lungsod sa Nasipit ang Cacao Processing Center nga nahimutang sa Kinabjaban, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte ngadto sa Nasipit Cacao Farmers Venture Association Inc. (NACAFAVA). Gipangunahan ang maong turnover ni Lydia Apatan, ang Caraga INFOCUS
Municipal Agricultural Officer sa lungsod isip representante ni Mayor Enrico R. Corvera ug Merlyn Lomocso, ang president sa NACAFAVA, nga maoy midawat sa mga pasilidades. Ang center magsilbing suporta sa munisipyo sa mga mag-uuma sa cacao sa lungsod nga nakadawat na
og Shared Service Facilities (SSF) gikan sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) apan nagkinahanglan og luna nga kabutangan sa mga makinarya ug magsilbing processing center sa lugar. Ang maong pasilidades adunay duha ka compartments diin mahimutang ang pag January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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roast sa tableya, shell, pag winnow o tahop, pag galing ug ang molding area. Ang pag turnover sa processing center gihimo atol sa pagsaulog sa NACAFAVA sa 5th Annual General Assembly niini nga nagdala sa tema nga “Cacao Outstanding Vision into Development - Forwarding Resiliency UP!, ang kampanya on Emerging Economy sa pagpalambo sa (COVID-FREE)”. administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag Ang NACAFAVA ang buhatan ni Kong. naay kapin sa 40 ka Angel Amante-Matba. miyembro ug gilantaw Usa ang NACAFAVA nga modaku pa nga nagsilbi na karon kini ilabina ubos sa nga partners sa AGUSAN gipahiluna karon sa UP! sa pagpatuman probinsya nga himoong proyektong Plant! Plant! lokasyon ang Nasipit sa Plant! niini diin gipunting proyektong “Chocolate nga makatanum og high City”, usa sa mga core value crops, usa niini processing projects ang cacao sa 125,000 ubos sa proyektong ektaryas pag-abot sa Process! Process! tuig 2027. Process! sa AGUSAN
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| January 29-February 4, 2022
“Dako gyud akong pasalamat sa mga suporta nga gipang hatag… ilabina kay Governor Dale Corvera ubos sa iyang programa sa AGUSAN UP! nga mapalambo, in fact wala silay hunong sa pag suporta sa mga mag-uuma,” sumala ni NACAFAVA president Lomocso. Mitambong usab sa maong seremonya ang mga representante sa DTI ug sa Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Department of Agriculture - Agusan del Norte (DA-ADN), ug uban pang ahensya. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Ydheil Brando Zagado,Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
DA-13 turns over sentinel piglets to 2 SurSur towns affected by ASF
affected hog raisers. According to Regional ASF Coordinator Dr. Apple C. Jaromahum, the municipalities of Cortes and San Miguel were the first areas where the virus was detected, however, the areas were quick to contain and mitigate the further spreading of the virus.
As a prelude for hog repopulation on the African Swine Fever (ASF)hit municipalities in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga Regional ASF Task Force delivered “sentinel piglets” to the Municipalities of Cortes and San Miguel, in the province of Surigao del Sur on Friday, January 28. The sentineling program or protocol is a science-based approach, which ascertains if a virus or disease is still present in a certain area. For an ASF-hit area to be endorsed for sentineling, there should be no detected
Caraga INFOCUS
cases and reports of related swine deaths for approximately 12 months. The piglets will undergo a 40-day experimental period including its downtime and environmental swabbing guaranteeing that affected hog raisers must conform to the Biosecurity Level 1. Once completed, the area will then be subjected to repopulation. In Barangay Matho, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, 16 piglets were distributed to eight hog raisers while in Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, 17 piglets were apportioned to 17
Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega also lauded the efforts of the municipalities of Cortes and San Miguel for their quick response and cooperation. “On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, we congratulate our LGUs for being supportive and compliant with all of the regulatory measures and the quick assistance to our affected hog raisers. And most definitely to our hog raisers who gave their utmost cooperation and for being extra patient despite the circumstances and losses. That’s why we are very optimistic that this will be successful because of your efforts,” said RTD Atega. Apart from the piglets, the Livestock Program also apportioned feeds and necessary drugs, biologics, and antiviral agents for the recipients. (DA-CAraga/PIASurigao del Sur)
January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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MINDANAO NEWS
Strengthening agricultural development in Mindanao
MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta met today with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Regulations Engr. Zamzamin Ampatuan to discuss partnerships on agricultural development for Mindanao at the DA PRDD- Project Support Office (PSO) in Lanang, Davao City, 29 January 2022. USec. Ampatuan presented to Secretary Acosta key priority areas for potential synergistic collaboration between DA and MinDA. This includes strengthened organic farming promotion, integration of high-value crops, intervention on crucial export products, more Caraga INFOCUS
substantial implementation of agricultural regulatory policies, and agricultural development with local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao. Meanwhile, Secretary Acosta shared during the meeting the planned site visits of MinDA to the CARAGA region for ground monitoring and inspection on the Odetterelated recovery efforts for affected residents and communities in the islands of Siargao and Dinagat in Surigao del Norte and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte. Also, another focused intervention during the visit is the response on the local coconut and vegetable
industries for the farmers in the said areas. MinDA also requested a scheduled technical partnership meeting with DA on various Mindanao-related agricultural development programs and projects such as Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), Mindanao Inclusive Agricultural Development Project (MIADP), and Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), among others. Also in attendance are DA XI Regional Executive Director Abel James L. Monteagudo and DA XI Assistant Regional Director Marila L. Corpuz. January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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DA sends over P153-M aid to damaged agriculture in Caraga The Department of Agriculture – Caraga (DA13) has so far provided PHP153,834,840 worth of assistance to farmers in the region who were badly hit by Typhoon Odette in December last year. In a press conference Friday, DA-13 Executive Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. said of the total funds released for immediate responses, PHP12,762,430 was sourced from the available resources of DA-13 and assistance from the other DA offices in Mindanao. A total of PHP141,072,410 was taken from the Quick Response Fund for Typhoon Odette that was approved by the DA Central Office, he said. “These responses were aimed to help our farmers recover from the devastation of Typhoon Odette through the rehabilitation of their damaged farms,” Oñate said. The DA-13 rehabilitation responses, done with the Philippine Coconut Authority, included the provisions of rice, corn and vegetable seeds, planting materials, fertilizers, and insecticides to the farmers. For the affected fishery
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sector, the rehabilitation efforts, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, were in the form of provision of fingerlings and seaweed propagules. “The responses made by the DA-13 and its attached agencies were conducted in close coordination with the local government units in provinces and towns affected by the recent typhoon,” Oñate said. Data provided by DA-13 indicated that “Odette” left a total of PHP2,225,209,990 damage to the agriculture sector in the Caraga. The province of Surigao del Norte incurred the biggest damage with PHP1,527,293,080; followed by the Province of Dinagat Islands (PHP364,557,350); Agusan del Sur (PHP157,565,907); Agusan del Norte (PHP136,395,024);
| January 29-February 4, 2022
and Surigao del Sur (PHP39,396,627). With a total of 20,252 farmers affected in the region, 12,301 are into high-value crops planting; rice, 7,617; and corn, 334. Damage to rice crops is placed at PHP169,058,227 covering 13,003 hectares, and losses reaching 5,083 metric tons (MT). A total of PHP142,992,620 worth of damage is also recorded in corn production, covering 3,863 hectares, and 6,940 MT losses. Losses also included PHP602,806,055 for the high-value crops; followed by coconut trees (PHP745,253,883); livestock (PHP109,413,430); fisheries (PHP157,263,820); agricultural infrastructures (PHP285,419,955); and agricultural machineries and equipment (PHP13,000,000). (PNA/Alexander Lopez)
Caraga INFOCUS
NATIONAL NEWS
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| January 29-February 4, 2022
Caraga INFOCUS
Statement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte I view with grave concern an apparent effort at the Senate to put in bad light recent developments involving the Malampaya Gas Field. This casts undue, undeserved, and unwarranted aspersion on the part of some of our key government officials. This is grossly unfair to them and to the public. The government values the critical role and contribution of the Malampaya Gas Field to energy security. I will not allow this valuable resource to be jeopardized and embroiled in the political antics of some members of the Senate. I have seen the report on the sale and purchase of the stock of Chevron Malampaya LLC. Based on this, I am convinced that this was a private transaction between private entities that must be respected. I am likewise convinced that, in this case, the national interest has been protected and the rights of the government remain intact. I will make it clear once more: investments, foreign and local, are vital to our economy. We compete for them with other countries, and our ability to do so requires me to create and maintain an environment conducive to the entry of investors. I am calling on our legislators to ensure that our ability to compete is not jeopardized by political intrigues and innuendoes. Leave business transactions in the capable hands of the business sector. Let us respect their business decisions while we protect our national interests. I acknowledge the power of the Senate to conduct investigations in aid of legislation. I believe this power must be exercised with prudence and circumspection, devoid of reckless accusations, and focused on improving existing laws and the execution thereof. Let me reiterate: Energy Secretary Cusi has my full trust and confidence and shall remain at the helm of the department he heads.
PRES. RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE Republic of the Philippines Caraga INFOCUS
January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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NCR and 7 provinces to be placed under Alert Level 2 starting February 1 The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has placed the National Capital Region and seven other provinces under Alert Level 2 beginning Tuesday, February 1. The other areas placed under Alert Level 2 are Batanes, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal in Luzon; Biliran and Southern Leyte in the Visayas; and Basilan in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the following cities and provinces have been placed under Alert Level 3: · Cordillera Administrative Region: Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga and Mountain Province; · Region I: Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan; · Region II: City of Santiago, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino; · Region III: Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales; · Region IV-A: Batangas, Laguna, Lucena City and Quezon Province; · Region IV-B: Marinduque, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro
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Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles
and Puerto Princesa City; · Region V: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Naga City and Sorsogon. · Region VI: Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras; · Region VII: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor; and · Region VIII: Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar and Western Samar. · Region IX: City of Isabela, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay; · Region X: Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte,
| January 29-February 4, 2022
Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental; · Region XI: Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro; · Region XII: General Santos City, North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat; · Region XIII: Surigao del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Butuan City; and · Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Maguindanao, Cotabato City and Lanao Del Sur. These respective Alert Levels shall be in effect from Tuesday, February 1, 2022 until February 15, 2022. OPS
Caraga INFOCUS
Almost 76% of PH’s target population now fully vaxxed immediately, without having to return for a second dose.
CUSTOMS CHECK. A Bureau of Customs personnel inspects the boxes containing the newly delivered Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine shortly after it arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Wednesday (Feb. 2, 2022) night. The latest vaccine delivery, a total of 455,130 doses, is procured by the national government. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)
A total of 59,120,367 individuals nationwide or 75.7 percent of the target population are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), according to the National Task Force Against Covid-19. In an interview Wednesday night, National Task Force Against Covid-19 consultant Dr. Maria Paz Corrales said the number is 53 percent of the total Philippine population. More are expected to receive the life-saving shots as the national government further ramps up its vaccination campaign, expanding it to children aged 5 to 11 years old starting February 4, and in provinces badly hit by Typhoon Odette last year. Corrales said a total of 780,000 doses of reformulated Pfizer vaccine for this age group would arrive February 3.
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She added that the government is planning to hold another round of the national vaccination days for the young age group that would also cover booster doses. “Meron tayong pinaplanong (We are planning a) national vaccination day that will cover the pediatric population, that’s 5 to 17, and then for the senior citizens, and the booster. We have to ramp up the three so the government is planning to have a national vaccination days para tumaas ang (to increase the number of) vaccination. We hope to achieve 90 million by June,” Corrales said. In areas stricken by “Odette”, Corrales said the use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson and the Sputnik Light vaccines are recommended since they get protected against the disease
| January 29-February 4, 2022
“The problem is ‘yung mga Odette stricken areas, may ibang may problema pa sa storage kasi ‘yung iba wala pang kuryente, may iba naman, ‘yung mga vaccinators apektado dahil sa (There are areas with storage problems since some are still without power. There are also some vaccinators affected by the) Omicron surge but they have fully recuperated and they are going back to work. The government is doing all its efforts to help build again those Odette stricken areas,” Corrales said. The country was at the height of its national vaccination days in December when “Odette” struck provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, causing massive flooding and power outages that went on for days, disrupting the vaccination program in many areas. Corrales was among the officials who welcomed the arrival of 455,130 doses of government procured Pfizer vaccine Wednesday night at the NAIA Terminal 3. Corrales said the latest vaccine shipment was intended for the adult population and does not include the reformulated Pfizer jabs for children 5 to 11 years old. (PNA/Marita Moaje)
Caraga INFOCUS
Over 59M Filipinos now fully vaxxed vs. Covid-19 Medical Center, and
National Children’s Hospital, SM North EDSA’s Skydome, all in Quezon City; Fil Oil Gymnasium in San Juan and in Manila Zoo. This will be expanded in other vaccination sites in Metro Manila and nearby provinces after a week.
(File photo)
Over 59 million Filipinos received full doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, as of Wednesday. The latest data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard showed the Philippines has already administered 127,163,606 doses of Covid-19 vaccine nationwide.
Covid-19 infection. Meanwhile, the government will start the Covid-19 vaccination program for children aged 5 to 11 years old on Friday.
At the Laging Handa public briefing, Dr. Ted Herbosa, medical adviser of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, said the pilot Of the total administered administration of lowerjabs, 60,466,380 doses dose Covid-19 jabs were used as first shots, for kids will be done in 59,120,367 as second jabs, select hospitals and and 7,576,859 as booster local government-run shots or additional doses. vaccination sites within More than 7.5 million Metro Manila. adolescents, or children aged 12 to 17 years, are These include the likewise fully protected Philippine Heart Center, against the dreaded Philippine Children’s Caraga INFOCUS
Herbosa urged more parents to allow their children to get protection against Covid-19 infection, noting that the Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc. and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, have already recommended the vaccination program for a much younger population. Parents and guardians are reminded to bring necessary requirements on the scheduled day of their children’s vaccination. Eligible Filipinos may also avail of the booster shots at select pharmaceutical stores in Metro Manila. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani) January 29-February 4, 2022 |
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PH gets P48.7-M Aussie aid for Covid-19 response The Philippines on Friday received PHP48.7 million worth of cold chain equipment and other assistance from the Australian government, through the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) Philippines. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said the Australian government has been a long-time ally of the Philippines and has provided technical, logistical, and inkind assistance throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. “These are life-saving equipment indeed critical in our pandemic response and also including some supplies and consumables, which have already arrived last year,” Duque said during the ceremonial handover of the donations at the Goetz Cargo Center in Parañaque City. The Philippines received 30 solar-powered vaccine refrigerators, eight walk-in cold rooms equipped with generators, 106 sets of spare parts, and 20 sets of personal protective equipment. Unicef Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said rural health units located within geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Davao region will get a solar-powered vaccine refrigerator each.
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DONATION. Unicef Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson (from left) witness the ceremonial handover of PHP48.7-million worth of cold chain equipment and other assistance to the Philippines at the Goetz Cargo Center in Parañaque City on Friday (Jan. 28, 2022). The donation was made by the Australian government through Unicef-Philippines. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)
The Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga regions are the beneficiaries of other equipment.
quantities of vaccines. “It will help ensure that those most at risk and other vulnerable members of the population have equal access to vaccines,” Robinson said.
“This partnership is exemplary for our joint commitment to strengthen the national health system and making sure that health services and Covid-19 and routine immunization reach families in the Philippines,” Dendevnorov said.
He added that the Australian government is committed to supporting the Philippines increase its cold chain capacity, improving information management, and expanding the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.
Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson said the donation would augment the Philippines’ goal to fast-track the Covid-19 vaccination program in remote areas by providing cold storage facilities that can store large
DOH Undersecretary Ma. Carolina Taiño, immunization specialist Dr. Carla Orozco, cold chain officer Benme Bersola, and Unicef Health section chief Dr. Malalay Ahmadzai also graced the event. (PNA)
| January 29-February 4, 2022
Caraga INFOCUS
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 815-1991 pia.northagusan@gmail.com PIA Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur 0917-723-3455 pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph PIA Agusan del Sur
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City (086) 826-9450 piasurigao@gmail.com PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur
