Caraga InFocus –July 10-16, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 29 July 10-16, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS CARAGANONS UNITE IN A CALL TO CONDEMN CPP-NPA-NDF’S ATROCITIES THRU BIKING EVENT

VACCINE CZAR ASSURES FILIPINOS IN ISLAND PROVINCES TO BE PRIORITIZED IN THE VACCINATION UN CLIMATE FUND BODY TAPS DBP FOR CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION FINANCING CARAGA COUNCIL FOR DISABILITY AFFAIRS READIES ACTIVITIES FOR 2021 NDPR WEEK DSWD CARAGA JOINS NUTRITION MONTH CAMPAIGN DSWD’S SFP CONTINUES TO SERVE PEOPLE AMID PANDEMIC

STAKEHOLDERS PLANT SEEDLINGS IN TIME WITH SLP’S 10TH ANNIV CELEBRATION

PROVINCIAL NEWS 18 UNITY PROPELS COFFEE GROWERS’ GROWTH WINS BACK GUERILLA BASE IN AGNOR 20 GOV’T TOWN CONFERS BATTLE STREAMER AWARD TO 22 AFP ARMY BRIGADE FOR DISMANTLING NPA FRONT IN

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AGNOR-MISOR AREA FALLEN SOLDIER OF C-130 LAID TO REST, GIVEN HONORS BY HIS COMRADES

BLANKETING REKINDLES BAYANIHAN OWWA TRAINS BISLIG OFCS ON AGRI-FARMING NPA MEMBER SURRENDERS IN SURSUR TOWN MGA NAKAHAN-AY NGA MGA AKTIBIDADES SA PAGSAULOG SA NDRM, APEKTADO SA MECQ STATUS SA SURSUR BED OCCUPANCY RATE SA ASTMMC COVID-CCU, MAS MIKUNHOD PA VOTER REGISTRATION SA TANDAG, IBALIK PAGPAHIGAYON KUNG MAPAILAWOM NA SA MGCQ O GCQ SSF ON MOBILE MARICULTURE PLATFORM LAUNCHED IN SIARGAO TOWNS

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FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD SINIMULAN NA SA BAYAN NG GIGAQUIT, SURIGAO DEL NORTE MODERNIZING AGRICULTURE THROUGH FARM MECHANIZATION

MINDANAO NEWS MINDA BRINGS VEGETABLE DERBY TO BIRTHPLACE OF MORO REBELLION COTABATO RICE FARMERS VOLUNTEER TO HELP DEVELOP TARAKA RICEFIELDS

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CONTENTS

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COVER

Caraga

NATIONAL NEWS PCOO RECEIVES MULTIPLE AWARDS FROM INTERNATIONAL AWARD-GIVING BODY

128TH MALASAKIT CENTER OPENS IN LIANGA, SURIGAO DEL SUR AS BONG GO URGES HOSPITALS TO EXTEND ALL POSSIBLE MEDICAL AID TO POOR AND INDIGENT PATIENTS PCOO’S COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE FEATURED IN 7TH EPISODE OF LAGING HANDA DOKYU BONG GO’S OUTREACH TEAM DELIVERS HELP AND HOPE TO AFFECTED COMMUNITY IN MUNTINLUPA CITY FIRE INCIDENT

129TH MALASAKIT CENTER LAUNCHED IN TONDO AS BONG GO PUSHES FOR IMPROVED HEALTH CARE ACCESS ESPECIALLY IN URBAN POOR COMMUNITIES ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS IMPROVED DURING DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION, SAYS BONG GO AS HE CALLS ON FILIPINOS TO HELP CLEAN GOVERNMENT OF CORRUPTION BONG GO EMPHASIZES NEED TO FAST-TRACK VACCINE ROLLOUT TO REACH POPULATION PROTECTION PRIOR TO ALLOWING FACE-TOFACE CLASSES BONG GO SENDS AID TO DISPLACED WORKERS IN LASAM AND SANCHEZ-MIRA IN CAGAYAN PROVINCE PRESIDENT DUTERTE ACCEPTS WORLD BANK’S APOLOGY, EXPECTS MORE ACCURATE EDUCATION ASSESSMENT STRONG PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATION BEHIND PH’S EFFECTIVE IMMUNIZATION ROLLOUT – VACCINE CZAR AFP PRAISED FOR DISMANTLING COMMUNIST GUERILLA UNITS

COVID-19 NEWS INCREASE IN VACCINATION RATE EYED IN SUCCEEDING WEEKS: GALVEZ 43% OF FILIPINOS NOW WILLING TO GET VACCINATED: PALACE DELTA, LAMBDA COVID-19 VARIANTS CAUSE OF CONCERN: PRRD

Andanar to LGUs: Go the e in public service delivery Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday urged his fellow public servants to go the extra mile to ensure that the public programs and projects are delivered to people at the grassroots. In his message during the launching of the 128th Malasakit Center at the Lianga District Hospital, Secretary Andanar reminded local government unit officials to likewise intensify the fight against corruption. “Sa akong mga kauban sa serbisyo publiko ug sa atong mga lokal government units, usa lang ang among hangyo: ayaw intawon ninyo lisod-lisoda ang atong isig ka Pilipino. Magtinabangay ta arun mas mulambo pa ang atong mga komunidad [To my fellow public servants and to our local government units, we only ask one thing from you: Do not put

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our fellow Filipinos in a difficult situation. Instead, let us help each other in order to have a more progressive community],” he said. “Pahingusgan usab nato ang kampanya batok korapsyon. Let’s go the extra mile to serve the public better and more

efficiently [Let us also intensify the campaign against corruption. Let’s go the extra mile to serve the public better and more efficiently], he added. Secretary Andanar represented Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, Chairman of the Senate Caraga INFOCUS

extra mile

The assistance may be monetary aid for burial, transportation, and outof-pocket expenses that are not currently paid for or sufficiently covered by insurance benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Committee on Health and Demography, at the said event. “Ang panahon nga sige pa kamo pila The Malasakit Center para makahanap ug was institutionalized pambayad o assistance, through Republic Act tapos na! kay ang 11463, which aims to malasakit center mao establish a one-stopang motubag sa inyong shop for medical and kinahanglan [Those financial assistance days where you have to indigent patients. to line up in various Caraga INFOCUS

agencies for assistance are over. The Malasakit Center is the answer to your needs],” Secretary Andanar said as he encouraged patients there to avail of the services. “Inyuha ning kwarta ug gibalik lamang ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte ug Senador Bong Go sa inyuha busa pahimusli ninyo [This is your money and President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go is only returning it to you, so make use of it],” he added. July 10-16, 2021 |

News Briefs The local government units in Caraga region support the conduct of “Bike for Peace and Justice” on July 17, 2021, which is a nationwide social mobilization activity to be participated by the members of the Regional Task Force - Ending Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), Bikers Association, Youth Organizations, and other stakeholders. This is to strongly condemn the use of anti-personnel landmines, a violation of the International Humanitarian Law, and the brutal killing by the CPPNPA to the Absalon cousins in Masbate earlier this June 2021. xx

“The Early Childhood Care and Development is a field of endeavor that aims to support the rapid development of children during their early years. Per Republic Act 10410 (Early Years Act) Section 4, ECCD System refers to the full range of health, nutrition, early education and social services development programs that provide for the basic holistic needs of young children from age 0 to 4 years to promote their optimum growth and development,” bared Retsebeth Laquihon, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNCCaraga during virtual meeting of ECCD-TWG members.

Individuals who are scheduled for their 1st or 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination are patiently queueing July 15, at the designated vaccination centers in Butuan City. Many Caraganons have also flocked at the center hoping to get available slots as replacement from those who are not able to physically show up. A simulation of Sputnik vaccine is also scheduled. “Majority of our cities and provinces have decreased number of COVID-19 cases for the past two weeks. Yet, we still have to intensify the conduct of testing in our molecular laboratories to monitor the results of the specimens,” cited Dr. Diohara Aparri of DOH-Caraga during blended Press Conference.

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraganons unite in a call to condemn CPP-NPA-NDF’s atrocities thru biking event the region, the “Bike for Peace and Justice” event is scheduled on Saturday, July 17, 2021 with participants from the Bikers Associations, youth organizations, and private stakeholders. This will be conducted simultaneously in different provinces of Caraga region. Participating sectors will be wearing blue shirts, wristbands, and flaglets as they bike for this cause.

Disheartened by what had happened to Keith and Novelene Absalon cousins and young cyclists from Masbate who had high hopes in achieving their dreams yet killed by the communist terrorist group, the Caraganons felt the need to level up efforts to end the abuses and atrocities caused by the Communist Party of the Philippine – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), and intensify campaign and activities to call for justice on the brutal killing of the youth. With the support of the local government units in

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This is also a nationwide social mobilization activity to be participated by the members of the National and Regional Task Force - Ending Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), to strongly condemn the use of anti-personnel landmines, a violation of the International Humanitarian Law, and the brutal killing by the CPP-NPA to the Absalon cousins earlier this June 2021. The Provincial Police Office along with its different Police Stations in the province of Agusan del Sur ensures that the conduct of “Bike for Peace and Justice” in different municipalities/city will be safe and systematic. All the participants will also be following the minimum health standards to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

The province observes a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) from July 16-31, 2021. Streamers/tarpaulins for this event are hanged at their respective offices and other strategic areas to show support for this cause. PNP Agusan del Norte provincial director PCol. Martin Gamba, together with the different municipal police stations in the province commits full support of said activity. He also called on all sectors in the society to unite in solving NPA violence and atrocities and to coordinate with their office or any government offices of any violent or illegal activities that they noticed in their areas. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte provincial director Ellen Vee Chua has coordinated and directed all local government units in the province to support and also to hang tarpaulins in their municipalities. Director Chua also said that the provincial government will also display tarpaulins at the provincial capitol in Butuan City as a form of support to the event. (JPG/NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Vaccine czar assures Filipinos in island provinces to be prioritized in the vaccination to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he cited.

During the joint virtual meeting of the National Vaccination Operations Center – Regional Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC-RVOC) via Zoom platform, Secretary Carlito Galvez, vaccine czar, emphasized that the island provinces of the country will also be prioritized for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and vaccine administrators should be able to establish a more systematize conduct of vaccination. “Let’s ensure that the vaccines in the island provinces are properly Caraga INFOCUS

Secretary Carlito Galvez

handled/managed by the LGUs to maintain the efficacy of the vaccines. We should also see to it that these are consumed as targeted,” bared Galvez. Galvez also elaborated that every LGU should be allocating a buffer of the vaccines for those in the eligible priority A4 group particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) among other government workers. “Many of the PNP who are in the frontline had been infected with COVID-19, so we want our frontliners

“Rest assured that we will give fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to our NVOC-RVOC members in the country. By November, we are optimistic that we would be able to achieve at least 70% herd immunity. So, let’s continue to fast-track the conduct of vaccination in the regions,” he added. Galvez further revealed that starting the month of March up to July 8, 2021, a total of 12,695,215 doses of vaccines were administered in the different regions of the country, broken down as follows: March 777,908; April - 1,141,943; May - 3,328,507; June - 5,455,346; and July - 1,876,112. “There are about 8-10 million vaccine doses are being targeted for the month of July 2021,” he said. (JPG/ NCLM, PIA-Caraga) July 10-16, 2021 |

UN Climate Fund body taps DBP for climate mitigation and adaptation financing State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has secured the accreditation of a United Nations-backed institution that provides financing support for environment and climate-related programs and advocacies in line with the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol, a top official said.

change mitigation and adaptation projects on a global scale,” Herbosa said.

for climate action in developing countries. Herbosa said that DBP is one of only 113 accredited AEs globally, 57 of which are national agencies, which would allow the bank to channel support of up to US$250-million per project or program.

DBP is the sixth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and He said DBP is in talks with DBP President and Chief community development. potential development Executive Officer Emmanuel partners who can work with G. Herbosa said DBP is The GCF was created in the bank in formulating and only the second Philippine 2010 by the UNFCCC, along implementing responsive institution, and one of 10 with 194 governments, projects centered on green foreign institutions, approved to provide financing energy, energy efficiency, recently as Accredited and technical support to Entities (AE) of the Green developing countries to shift waste management, and Climate Fund (GCF), an to low-emission and climate disaster resilience projects, among others. international fund created resilient development while by the United Nations helping vulnerable societies “We envision GCF as Framework Convention on adapt to the inevitable Climate Change (UNFCCC) impacts of climate change. an additional source of highly-concessional loans to support climate mitigation or even grants to expand and adaptation initiatives in Under the mechanism, the the reach and to scale developing countries. GCF may be tapped by AEs and delivery partners, up DBP’s environmental “We are honored to be which work directly with and climate-related in the select roster of developing countries programs and advocacies,” international and national for project design and Herbosa said. “This commercial banks; implementation. GCF includes complementing multilateral, regional and provides financial support the programs of other national development through a combination government and nonfinance institutions; and of grants, concessional government agencies in line civil society organizations, debt, guarantees or equity with the “Build Back Better” among others, that are instruments to leverage strategy and “whole-ofworking together for the blended finance and government” approach. implementation of climate crowd-in private investment (DBP/PIA Caraga)

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Caraga council for disability affairs readies activities for 2021 NDPR week During a special meeting of the Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) Caraga, the members from various government agencies and local government units had finalized the activities set for this year’s 43rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week on July 17-23. The RCDA enjoins different sectors in Caraga region to hang the NDPR tarpaulin on July 16 at their respective agencies/offices as their way of support and recognition to the persons with disabilities (PWDs). The PWDs, together with the members of RCDA will be celebrating the kick-off thru a Thanksgiving Mass on July 19, 2021. A short program will follow in the afternoon of same day via online platform. On July 22, 2021, the PWD focal persons from the different local government units, PWDs and Person with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) will join in the webinar sessions: Communication Disorder and Motor Disability; Early Detection and Prevention;

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and Disability Inclusive Recovery: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Programs for PWDs. A webinar dubbed “Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office: Its Establishment and Functionality is scheduled on July 23, 2021 to be spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Civil Service Commission (CSC). Also, on July 23, the RCDA will hold the virtual culmination activity thru the conduct of the following: Awarding of winners, Presentation of RCDA accomplishments, and Showcasing of PWD success stories.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) is also set to hold the Capacity Building on Leadership and Management for Persons with Disability Federation on July 28, while the Department of Health (DOH) and Butuan City Health Office will lead the Training Session with the local Program Handlers and Service Providers in Handling Children with Disabilities on July 28, 2021. Proclamation No. 361, declares the third week of July as the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week which shall culminate on the birthdate of the sublime paralytic: Apolinario Mabini on July 23 each year. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

July 10-16, 2021 |

DSWD Caraga joins nutrition month campaign

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Caraga (DSWD FO Caraga) joined with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in the campaign of raising awareness on the nutrition issue by educating the public on the first 1000 days and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition through its weekly radio program conducted on

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July 9, 2021. This year’s 47th Nutrition Month Celebration is centered on the call of continued action to combat malnutrition amidst the pandemic and encourage parents to invest in the first 1000 days of the child – from pregnancy to infancy stage. This is also an opportunity to step up collaborated interventions of various

stakeholders and inform the public on the most relevant nutrition issue as to how it can be addressed. “We have been hearing a lot of food misconception these days. To keep track of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022, let us also advocate on taking seriously the first 1000 days of life,” Nutritionist Caraga INFOCUS

and Dietician Ma. Lea Alegarbes emphasized during the discussion. The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 20172022 gives priority to nutritionally affected individuals coming from low-income families and communities with less access to resources and health, nutrition, social, and other essential services. One of its strategic thrusts is the Early Childhood Care and Development in the First 1000 Days Intervention Package Program. According to Raphael Ochavo, Nutrition Officer II of NNC Caraga, the nutritional problems affecting the Filipinos today like stunting, wasting, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies and, hunger and food insecurity are caused by poor nutrition in early life. “During the First 1000 days which spans from conception up to 2 years old, this is an establishing stage for children in terms of their health, nutrition, and developments. If we Caraga INFOCUS

take heed on the call of having good nutrition, we can help the child’s cognitive and behavior aspect development,” Alegarbes added.

year’s Nutrition Month, may we work hand in hand to combat malnutrition as we educate and uphold good choices of food thru the Department’s Hence, the department, Supplementary together with various Feeding Program. So stakeholders, is as the agency social intensifying its effort in services provider, I am the nutrition campaign encouraging other guided by the PPAN as agencies to promote an overall framework and advocate for driven by its objectives to reduce levels of all forms healthy diets for mothers, infants, and young of malnutrition. children in the first 1000 days,” Jamen stated. As a matter of fact, DSWD FO Caraga’s OIC Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen expressed his message of support in combating malnutrition during the launching of the Nutrition Month Celebration. “As we celebrate this

Simultaneously, the FO Caraga’s 11th Cycle Supplementary Feeding Program also commenced during the kick-off of the monthlong celebration of the Nutrition Month. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) July 10-16, 2021 |

DSWD’s SFP continues to serve people amid pandemic individuals.

“Wow! Yay! Is that fresh milk mama?” This is the enthusiastic greeting of Baby Tamarah to her Mama Lutche Balmocena every time the latter gets home from a weekly milk distribution. As part of the government’s thrusts in strengthening and maximizing the PublicPrivate Partnerships

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along with the implementation of various programs and projects, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) implemented the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) in partnership with Local Government Units and non-government organizations to improve the nutritional status of the targeted undernourished

Despite the blended learning approaches in schools amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the feeding program continues. Gloria Jalandoni Rulona, a Child Development Worker from Barangay Dagohoy, Butuan City, gladly shared her observation of her pupils as they received their share of fresh milk. “The kids are always excited! They even want to get their share in advance or take more than one serving in a day. They are smarter and quicker to answer,” she said. The fresh milk distributed contains vitamins and minerals that could contribute to the growth and development of the child. Mother Lutche Balmocena is swift to notice the improvements in her daughter Tamarah since the child began drinking the milk. “Niwang man akong anak. Sa pila ka semana, Caraga INFOCUS

nabantayan nako nga nibug-at siya sukad nga gainom siya anang fresh milk. Makaingon ko nga kining fresh milk ang hinungdan tungod kay wala man ni siya nag-vitamins gud (My daughter is quite skinny. But in just a few weeks, I noticed that she gained weight since she began drinking the said milk. I can say it’s because of the fresh milk because she doesn’t take any vitamins),” Lutche said. DSWD-SFP’s 10th cycle implementation is considered to be successful. One of the factors that strongly contributed to the success of the implementation is how it has impacted its children-beneficiaries. Parents of these children couldn’t help but express their gratefulness to the government’s program for undernourished children. “Okay gyud kaayo ni nga programa. Salamat sa DSWD sa pagpangga sa mga kabataan labina sa akong anak kay ni-improve siya ug mas ni-active siya kumpara sauna (This is Caraga INFOCUS

a great program. Thank you DSWD for showing care to the children, especially my child. Compared to before, she has improved and became more active),” Annaliza Salvador, a parent, shared.

trying times. Every time we get home, my child would get excited as soon as we open the milk. Thank you, DSWD, for the love you give to the children),” Reynaldo Ernest P. Malaluan, father of one of the beneficiaries, said.

“Salamat! Ilabina run nga panahon imbes nga amo pang paliton amo na lang i-save ang kwarta kay naa may libre nga hatag sa DSWD. Maexcite gyud permi akong anak gusto dayon niyang ablihan ang gatas pag-abot sa balay. Salamat DSWD sa inyong pagmahal sa mga bata (Thank you! Instead of buying, we’d rather save the money and avail of the free provision of DSWD, especially during these

The Supplementary Feeding Program is a program that initiates the addition of nutritious food to the regular meals of children currently enrolled in child development centers. Children are given food supplementation in the form of fresh milk during snacks or meals five days a week for 120 days. As of February 2021, SFP Caraga has already served 72, 332 children. (DSWD-Caraga/PIACaraga) July 10-16, 2021 |

Stakeholders plant seedlings in time with SLP’s 10th anniv celebration To celebrate the Sustainable Livelihood Program’s 10th Anniversary, the DSWD Field Office Caraga’s Sustainable Livelihood Program-Regional Program Management Office with the different participating sectors converged for the tree-growing activity in Barangay Mandamo, this city. Through the commitment of the Butuan City Environment and Natural Resources Office, a total of 100 Mahogany and Acacia seedlings were provided and planted during the activity. DSWD Caraga OICRegional Director Ramel Jamen and SLP Regional Program Coordinator Mary Ann Manla led the planting of the seedlings. “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to instill the spirit of volunteerism and be

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an active advocate in the development and protection of our environment by planting more trees which will soon benefit our younger generations. As we take care of each other’s health during this pandemic, we should also take good care of our environment,” cited Dir. Jamen. The Barangay Local Government Unit of Mandamo also showed their support to DSWD by providing the Agency with a designated area to plant the seedlings. A few members of the barangay council also

joined the activity and assisted the FO staff. Further, the FO eyes to officially adopt the area provided by the barangay and conduct more tree-growing activities in the future. For now, discussions regarding this partnership project are still ongoing to ensure that the project will sustain and grow. The FO initiated the tree-growing activity to increase its participation in the protection and restoration of the environment. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Unity propels coffee growers’ growth What used to be an individual undertaking is now the collective endeavor of coffee growers in Sitio Antipolo, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Gerry Obsid, Chairman of the Sitio Antipolo Farmers Association of Buenavista, Inc. (SAFABAI), recalls that many of the residents in the community have been into coffee farming even when he was still young. However, everyone tended to their farm on their own. It was only in September 2016 that they organized themselves upon the encouragement of the agricultural technologist assigned in their area. It was then that SAFABAI was born. Obsid shared that they really saw the difference between farming on their own from having an organization. Before, their knowledge especially on new farming technologies

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was quite limited. They also lacked the necessary farm equipment since most of them could not afford to buy it on their own. They also had difficulty in marketing their produce since they did it individually.

drums, nets, sprayers, crates, and a moisture meter. They also received UV plastic which they used for the dryer they constructed. They were also given coffee dehuller and depulper to ease their post-harvest operations.

When they were already organized, various interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga came in. They received farm inputs including planting materials, fertilizers,

“We used to take our harvested coffee to another town for dehulling, but now that we have our own dehuller, it is easier for us because we can dehull our coffee anytime,” Obsid shared. Caraga INFOCUS

In addition, the farmers also saved P5 - P7 per kilo which is what they used to pay for hulling back when they did not have their own machine yet. The association also earns since there are other farmers who at present take their coffee to SAFABAI for hulling. Recently, the DACaraga also turned over to SAFABAI a hauling truck which they said is a big help to them in transporting their produce to their buyer. They no longer have to wait for the traders to come but they can now deliver themselves and even choose which buyer to take their produce to. Another development for the members of the SAFABAI that helped them grow is the Caraga INFOCUS

learnings they gained from the various trainings they attended. “The additional technical knowledge we learned helped us to improve our farming practices,” he added. Obsid said they know better now the things to do to obtain quality coffee such as harvesting only the ripe berries and attaining the appropriate moisture content in drying the beans. On the other hand, the capability-building trainings, he said, taught them a lot in managing their association. With the growing number of members, it is not unusual for misunderstandings to happen occasionally, but they are able to resolve them right away.

From 15 original members, SAFABAI now has 58 members. They now have a total of 200 hectares planted with coffee. Obsid said that they plan to engage in roasting and sell their own coffee product in the future. According to Obsid, although their main reason in forming their association was for them to be able to avail of government interventions, they gained more than that. He said that being part of the association helped them to do better and overcome obstacles easier as they drew strength from each other. Indeed, in unity there is strength. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA13-RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte) July 10-16, 2021 |

Gov’t wins back guerilla base in AgNor town

The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte and the Higaonon tribe participated in the inauguration of interim barangay officials held in Sitio Bokbokon, Barangay Lawan-lawan on Friday, July 9, 2021.

The induction was led by Mayor Avelina Rosales together with the tribal leaders of Higaonon tribe and 23IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo. Sitio Bokbokon was once a guerilla base of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) but was won over by the government. It is considered vulnerable to the exploitation and manipulation of the CNTs. For years, the IP residents in the area have suffered from armed conflicts due to

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the terroristic activities and became peaceful after the residents openly denounced and withdraw their support to the communist movement. Series of immersion activities, including Serbisyo Caravans, were conducted by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Agusan del Norte last March 9-10 2021 in the said Sitio. The immersion activities were made possible through the convergence of the Province of Agusan del Norte led by Gov. Dale B Corvera, the LGU of Las

Nieves, the 23IB, and the different line agencies of the government. The activities were aimed to make the residents of Sitio Bokbokon feel the presence of the government including its programs and services. Mayor Rosales, in her message, recognized the overall performance of the 23IB and appreciated the efforts of the military unit in addressing insurgency threats in the province of Agusan del Norte while at the same time helping far-flung communities by conducting civilmilitary operations Caraga INFOCUS

(CMO) activities. The Las Nieves mayor added that they have facilitated the implementation of programs and projects in the remote areas of Las Nieves, including the construction of farm-to-market roads. These roads, she emphasized, linked the far-flung communities to other villages and town centers and attracted better opportunities such as investments and livelihood programs for the people in the area. The roads also allowed government services to reach villagers who for years were blinded by the false propaganda of the CNTs, Rosales said. Datu Ronald S. Manhumosay, the IP Mandatory Representative of CADT 118 thanked the government for the never-ending services that helped their community eradicate the causes of communist insurgency. “Ang pag paningkamot nato nag bunga ug maayo. Ang pag pahiyom sang matag-usa ka myembro naghatag sa kinatibok-an ug dakong kalamposan ug inspirasyon para magpadayon sa atoang gi panumpaan na obligasyon para makab-ot ang kalinaw ug kalamboan sa atoang kuminidad,” Datu Manhumosay said. Lt. Col. Paulo emphasized the sincerity of the government in ending the decades of insurgency and help uplift the lives of the people in IP communities in Agusan del Norte. “The sincerity of the government to end local armed conflict is also Caraga INFOCUS

one way of preventing the CNTs’ deceptive recruitment in the area as well as to prevent their recovery of efforts from their former mass bases. The intensified development and peace-building initiatives like these anchored in Executive Order No. 70 paved the way to an inclusive and sustainable peace we all aimed for,” Paulo said. “With everyone on board, we can make our job as protector of the community and people easier. Let us continue to inculcate a culture of cooperation towards a peaceful and progressive area,” he added. He also urged the LGU officials and the Higaonon tribe to strengthen their ties with the unit in securing peace through sustainable development in Las Nieves and the rest of Agusan del Norte. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) July 10-16, 2021 |

AFP confers battle streamer award to Army Brigade for dismantling NPA front in AgNor-MisOr area

The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conferred the Battle Streamer Award to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade and its Operational Control (OPCON) units on July 7, 2021, during its 2nd Command Conference CY 2021 held at GHQ, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City for dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) Guerilla Front 4A of North Central

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Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in Agusan del Norte Misamis Oriental area. The units involved in achieving this feat are the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, 4th Military Intelligence Battalion, 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company, and Tactical Operations Group 10 of the Philippine Airforce. It can be recalled that

on May 10, 2020, along the boundary of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental, more than 17 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members were killed in a series of armed confrontations against the troops of 402nd Bde, particularly the 23IB and the 4 SRBn with the members of the Guerilla Front 4A. With the continuous pursuit operation in the area, remnants of the said NPA unit decided to leave Caraga INFOCUS

the armed group and return to the folds of the law which led to the dismantling of the said NPA unit. In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, Commander, 402nd Brigade, said that the dismantling of Guerilla Front 4A was made possible because of the concerted efforts of the units under its operational control. “This remarkable achievement is a manifestation of commitment and dedication of my men in the ground in responding to their call of duty as peacemakers and protector of the people,” he added. He also lauded the local government units of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental thru the Task Force ELCAC and other stakeholders for doing their part and supporting the Philippine Army in combating the CTGs and heeding the call of the President for a Whole of Nation Approach in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict. Caraga INFOCUS

“Their bravery and courage in leading the fight in ending the communist armed conflict is a call beyond extraordinary duty. Let us continue our journey until such time that our people will have equal opportunities to experience the fruits of our labor and the blessing of democracy,” BGen Licudine said. “Those NPA members who went back to the folds of law is ensured to receive all

the benefits provided in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and I urge those remaining NPA Combatants in the armed conflict to give peace a chance, give up your arms and I will ensure your safety and security until you are reintegrated back to your normal lives in the loving arms of your families,” said BGen. Licudine. (Cpt Jonald D Romorosa, CMO Officer, 402nd Bde/ PIA Agusan del Norte) July 10-16, 2021 |

Fallen soldier of C-130 laid to rest, given honors by his comrades

mourn for his death and extend sympathy and comfort to the family including representatives from the Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff Engr. Ruel Casiño, Kitcharao Municipal Mayor Aristotle Montante, 29IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col Aristotle Antonio and 901st Brigade Commander BGen. George Banzon.

Late Private Raymar Carmona or better known as “Dodo” to his family and friends who died in the tragic plane crash in Patikul, Sulu has been given military funeral honors by the troops of the 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Battalion (29IB) of the 901st “Fight ‘em” Brigade under the operational control of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army, and was laid to rest at Kitcharao Cemetery, Lapukon Barangay Crossing, Agusan del Norte on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

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Troops of 29IB extended assistance to the bereaved family by bringing the remains of late Pvt Carmona home, assigning vigil guards, a wreath for the wake, and goods for the family. Also, the Office of the President came and provided financial assistance. With this, the government promised to extend support to the family through educational, health, and housing assistance. More than a hundred relatives and friends attended the necrological service to

Likewise, BGen. Banzon also represented the President of the Philippines in the conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu and Rank of Kalasag which was received by his bereaved mother, Genie Marites Carmona. A three-volley gun salute rendered by the troops of 29IB to honor him before his body be laid in its final rest. “Sa panghitabo ni Raymar nakuratan gyud ko sa ingon ana nga nakabati kos istorya nga nadisgrasya kuno sa eroplano sa C130, dili Caraga INFOCUS

ko kasabot sa akong gibati naay nag ingon nga naKIA sya dili nako halos madawat nga ingon ana diay. May gani kay naatiman man dayon siya sa 29IB nga gitabangan usab pud mi sa pagpahigayon nga nauli sija. Wala sya nasunog bisan gihapon ug napatay nakit-an gihapon iyang lawas nagpasalamat sab pud ko sa gobyerno kay wala pud nila mi pasagdi naa man silay gitabang sa amoa sama anang gihatag nila nga ayuda sa amoa. Unya sa paghatod pud sa lawas sa akong anak gamit ang sakyanan gipauli gajod nila. Nagpasalamat gihapon ko sa gobyerno nga nakahatag sila sa ayuda ug benepisyo hangtod sa paglubong naa sila gihapon nagsuporta gihapon sila sa amoa. Salamat kaayo (In Raymark’s case, I was actually shocked to hear the story of the alleged crash of the C130 plane, I couldn’t explain my feelings when I heard them say that he is included in the Killed-in-Action (KIA), I couldn’t even accept it. Caraga INFOCUS

Thankfully, 29IB took care of him right away and helped us in transporting him back home. He was not burned, even though he is dead but we are still thankful that his body was found. I am also thankful for the government because they have extended aid and support for us all throughout and until he’s already been buried. Thank you so much),” said Nanay Genie, Rayma’s mother. “On this occasion our President of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, wants to be here for all the soldiers who died

while in the line of duty so that he can personally give the Order of LapuLapu. an order that is given to all the officers of the government, civilians, private sector, be it uniformed personnel who rendered invaluable service to the nation. It just shows how much our leader loves all the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. On behalf of our President Rodrigo Duterte, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and parents on the death of Dodo,” said BGen. Banzon. (2Lt. Roselyn M. Matulac, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) July 10-16, 2021 |

Blanketing rekindles bayanihan The Rice farmers in Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur have found an opportunity to earn extra income amid the challenges brought by the pandemic. The local government unit (LGU) of Cantilan offered its farmers P7.50 per rat-tail under its program Oplan Rat Blanketing in a bid to contain rat infestation that affects rice areas in the town.

campaign has been implemented since 2016 during the land preparation and Cantilan has a total rice harvesting season. area of 1,800 hectares For this year, the LGUcultivated by 3,833 Cantilan allotted farmers. P100,000 in their fight to save their crops from “Digging, flooding, the ravages of the and trapping are the common approaches for high rat population. Aside from the reward rat control in rice fields system, farmers received but these measures are P100,000 worth of not enough. Instead, rodenticides for free. actions should be coordinated through an “The campaign aims to rekindle the ‘bayanihan’ effective, communityspirit among the farmers based management strategy,” said Municipal with the collective action this will lead to reducing Agriculturist Caesar the losses brought by Blanco. rat infestation,” Blanco added. The community rat

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The program encourages the participation of the 46 farmers’ associations and cooperatives in the municipality. Among those who stood out is the Tigabong Farmer Association. They submitted 2,552 rat tails with an equivalent amount of P19,140. Alberto A. Ortega, president of the association, said he and the members search the field for rats usually at night time. “Rats like to hide and burrow in weedy areas near major irrigation canals, so we know where to find them. The Caraga INFOCUS

money we earn will be shared among members for our daily expenses,” said Ortega.

International Rice Research Institute study that farmers lose an estimated average of 5-10% of their rice crop As of June, a total of associated with rat 7,430 rat tails surrendered damage every year. to the Municipal Agriculture Office with “The solution must be a total payment of holistic. If we put effort to P55,725. increase palay yield, we must likewise put effort According to to prevent the rats from Department of decreasing the yield,” Agriculture (DA) Parina said. Regional Integrated Pest Management Synchronous planting, Coordinator Francis improved sanitation, Louie Parina, one of and community action the factors preventing are the practices that the rice sector from farmers should adopt. reaching its full potential These recommended in production is the pest management practices and diseases infestation will reform farmers to and one of the major become proactive pests identified is the rat. rather than reactive. The DA continues Parina cited the to strengthen crop

protection services to deliver more efficient and sustainable management technologies and enhance farmers’ decision-making capacity in managing emerging or recurring plant pests and diseases. (Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II DA-Caraga, RAFIS/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

July 10-16, 2021 |

OWWA trains Bislig OFCs on agri-farming

Photo credit to OWWA-Caraga

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Caraga (OWWA Caraga) has just concluded a two-day activity training on a separate occasion for vegetable farming and egg production last July 6 and 7, respectively, in this city. The said activity was participated by 65 members of Overseas Filipino Workers Family Circles (OFCs) OFWReturnees in Bislig (OFWRIB) and the OFC Tabon Overseas Filipino Workers

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Association (OFCTOFWA).

to the program for the Bisliganon beneficiaries.

OWWA Caraga Regional Director Ma. Ireen Cambaling, in her message, emphasized the overview of the said activity to which the participants can look forward, like to equip the OFC groups with their livelihood enterprise in the future.

As part of the agency’s ongoing information drive campaign, the Tulong PUSO (Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa PagUnlad ng Samahang OFWs) guidelines and procedures were announced and elaborated to the participants. Also, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) will spearhead the conduct of periodic monitoring and evaluation. The program

On behalf of Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, LGU-Executive Assistant Oscar Macua, delivered the message of support

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was made available for: Livelihood Start-Up, Livelihood Expansion, and Livelihood Restoration. The Tulong PUSO program is a one-time livelihood financial grant that supports the proposed business plan of the OFW Groups that are duly recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). During the first day of the program, Myshl Yungcat, Agri-tech of the City Agriculture Office-Bislig tackled the Nursery Establishment and Operation. Good accessibility is a requirement for a nursery area so that delivery of nursery materials and transportation of seedlings to the planting sites is easy and safe, the speaker said. The OFC members of OFW-RIB under the leadership of Eddie Saballa were also given a chance to explore the project site of the Caraga INFOCUS

vegetable farming area in Bislig as part of the training activities for additional learning together with OWWA Caraga officers and CAO representatives. On the second day, Egg Production training took place at Tabon Barangay Hall in Barangay Tabon of Bislig with the OFC TOFWA members under Celestino T. Mundas Jr., Jovil Lumantas of PILMICO, and Dr. Marjorie S. Cambronero of the City Veterinary Office who discussed the basic concepts of layer production, and health management when venturing into the poultry business.

Some points to consider during the layer management were elaborated by the facilitators such as the proper cleaning and disinfection of layer house, feeding space, and watering space. As much as possible, disease should be prevented, one of the speakers emphasized. The resource speakers also gave a site evaluation to the egg production area in Bislig City for the participants to witness the actual egg production as part of the training activity. (OWWACaraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur) July 10-16, 2021 |

NPA member surrenders in SurSur town Another member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), Philippine Army on Sunday, July 11, 2021. Based on the report, the surrenderee was identified as AKA Rose surrendered along with him one (1) CZ 858 AK 47 Rifle; one (1) Springfield 5.56 rifle; one (1) steel long magazine; and four hundred forty-six (446) live ammunition. He was reportedly under the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad, Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. He narrated that he did not understand their situation, as he cited the experienced they have while living with the terrorist group. “Gikapoy na gyud kami ug maayo sa akong kauban ug dili na kami makasabot sa among kahimtang labi na sa nahitabo kanamo nga sige na lang kami huna-huna ug kahadlok (we are really tired with my company and we could no longer understand our situation especially of what happened to us, that we just kept thinking in fear),” the surrenderee narrated in

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Photo credit to 75IB, PA

a local vernacular. “Gusto na nako makauban akong ginikanan ug magpuyo nga malinawon (I want to be with my parents and live peacefully),” AKA Rose further said. Lt. Col. Jelso Buyuccan, Commanding Officer of 75IB, emphasized the importance of the concerted efforts between the government and the stakeholders against insurgency in the province. “With the concerted effort of our troops, government, and other stakeholders, together we can defeat the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the province of Surigao del

Sur,” Lt. Col Buyuccan said. “Rest assured, the 75th Infantry Battalion as part of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) will always support the government’s endeavor in eradicating the insurgency for the community to live peacefully,” Lt Col Buyuccan added. Meanwhile, AKA Rose will undergo the process for enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national government. (with a report from 75IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Mga nakahan-ay nga mga aktibidades sa pagsaulog sa NDRM, apektado sa MECQ status sa SurSur Gihulatan pa karon sa buhatan sa Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) dinhi sa Surigao del Sur ang mamahimong sunod nga quarantine classification ning probinsya sa musunod nga mga adlaw.

Sa pakighinabi, gibutyag ni Abel de Guzman, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) ning probinsya, nga kini aron nga makadesisyon sila sa mga nahibiling adlaw ning bulana subay sa National Disaster Resilience Month (NDR) Month Celebration ning bulan sa Hulyo. Sumala pa, nga daghan unta sila’y mga nakahan-ay nga mga aktibidades karong bulana apan tungod sa pagpailawom sa Modified Enhanced Caraga INFOCUS

Community Quarantine (MECQ) Status ning probisya, ila una kining gikansela. Usa na niini mao ang pagpahigayon sa ilang mga skills training susama sa Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, Emergency Operation Center (EOC), ug uban pa.

Gani adunay ubang mga local government units nga nagpahigayon og mga aktibidades nga nagsubay lang gihapon sa basic health protocols kontra COVID-19.

Usa na niini mao ang pagpahigayon og mga virtual activities susama sa mga poster and slogan making contest, jingle contest, Apan taliwala sa easy-writing ug quiz pagpailawom sa tibuok bee contest pinaagi sa probinsya sa MECQ, social media. (Raymond mihimo gihapon sila og mga pamaagi aron ilang Samson Aplaya - RP1 Tandag/PIA-Surigao del maselebrar ang maong Sur) kasaulogan. July 10-16, 2021 |

Bed occupancy rate sa ASTMMC COVID-CCU, mas mikunhod pa Misaka na karon sa 501 ang kinatibuk-ang gidaghanon sa mga kumpirmadong kaso sa coronavirus disease 2019 kun COVID-19, ang naitala sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC). Subay kini sa COVID -19 Situational Report No. 451 nga gipagawas sa nasangpit nga balay tambalanan kagahapong adlawa, Hulyo 14, 2021. Nasayran sa maong report nga muabot na usab sa 411 ang gidaghanon sa mga nakarekober nga mga pasyente niini samtang 77 ang miresulta sa pagkamatay. Dugang pa sa maong report, nasayran nga anaa nalang sa 4 ka mga pasyente ang naka – admit karon sa ilang COVID – 19 Critical Care Unit (CCU) human kini nadugangan og isa ka bag-ong admission. Tungod niini, mas mikunhod pa sa 36% ang

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Bed Occupancy Rate karon sa ilang COVID – CCU. Samtang adunay 11 ka mga pasyente usab ang naka-admit sa ilang COVID-19 Ward human kini nadugangan og tulo ka mga bag-ong admission. Tulo ka mga pasyente usab ang na-

discharged gikan niini. Tungod sa maong sitwasyon, anaa nalang usab sa 37% ang Bed Occupancy Rate karon sa COVID-Ward sa ASTMMC. (Raymond Samson Aplaya - RP1 Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Voter registration sa Tandag, ibalik pagpahigayon kung mapailawom na sa MGCQ o GCQ

Comelec Tandag City

Gipamahayag ni Florephi Botona, Election Officer sa Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Tandag City, nga kung mapailawom na sa Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) o kaha sa General Community Quarantine (GCQ) ang Surigao del Sur, balik na usab sila sa pagpahigayon sa ilang Voter Registration. Caraga INFOCUS

Sumala ni Botona, naapektuhan ang ilang serbisyo sa pagpailawom sa Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) kung diin nahunong ang rehistrasyon ug adunay naoktabang aktibidad sama sa Election Registration Board hearing. Matud niya, gikonsiderar nila karun ang

kinahanglang apason nga mga rehistrasyon, ug gihan-ay na nila ang posibleng pagpahigayon sa satellite registration. Gipanghinaut ni Botona nga maabot pa ang target nga gibana-bana sa 41,000 hangtud 42,000 ka mga botante sa syudad sa 2022 elections. (John Cuadrasal, DXJSRP Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) July 10-16, 2021 |

SSF on mobile mariculture platform launched in Siargao towns

It is a big day for the returning Overseas Filipino Workers and Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) Del Carmen Management Staff, and members of Dapa Coastal Barangays Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (DACOBAFFIA) when the Shared and Service Facilities (SSF) on Mobile Mariculture Platform was launched recently in the towns of Del Carmen and Dapa, Siargao Island. The said Shared Facilities on Mobile Mariculture is the Department of

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Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) project to response to the Balik Probinsya Program of the government for returning OFWs, farmers, and fisherfolks as one of the beneficiaries. The activity aims at informing the public of the presence of the platform as an instrument to improve the productivity of the fisherfolks in the said municipalities. The event was led by DTI OIC-Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo, Del Carmen Municipal

Mayor Proserfina M. Coro, Dapa Mayor Elizabeth T. Matugas, Dr. Romy Jun A. Sunico, Kapitolyo Nan Siargao Administrator Mr. Lauris E. Congreso representing the offices of Congressman Bingo Matugas, and Governor Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and participated by DACOBAFFIA President Jielson T. Alvior, SB members, Municipal Agriculturists and Municipal Administrators of Dapa and Del Carmen. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Farm-to-market road sinimulan na sa bayan ng Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

Bagong pag-asa ang hatid sa komunidad ng barangay Mahanub sa bayan ng Gigaquit ang farm-to-market road na programa ng task force to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) ng pamahalaan.

hanggang sa sentro ng nasabing barangay.

Ayon kay Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion, parte ito ng whole-ofnation approach upang Pormal na isinagawa bigyang diin ang layunin ang groundbreaking ng pamahalaan na activity para sa nasabing isulong ang kaunlaran farm-to-market road lalung-lalo na sa mga na may 774.5 metrong peace-challenged haba at 2.5 metrong barangays sa buong lapad mula sa bundok bansa. Caraga INFOCUS

Anya, ang nasabing proyekto na nagkakahalaga ng 20 milyong piso mula sa local government support fund ay bahagi ng Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ng DILG sa pamamagitan ng Support to Barangay Development Program o SBDP. “Our heartfelt thanks to president Rodrigo Duterte for this Executive July 10-16, 2021 |

Order No. 70 that made this project possible. Hindi lamang ito ang proyekto na darating, kundi ito lang ang nauna. Sa DILG, maraming salamat for approving this project, which made this project significant sa mga tao dito sa Brgy. Mahanub,” sabi ni Mayor Chandru Bonite ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Gigaquit. Matatandaan na una ng inanunsyo ng panlalawigang pamahalaan ng Surigao del Norte ang pagsisimula at pagsasagawa ng

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mga proyekto sa mga barangay na dating kabilang sa armed conflict areas at naideklarang “cleared” mula sa impluwensya ng terorismo.

ang mga residente, mapaunlad ang hanapbuhay ng mga magsasaka at mapadali ang paghahatid ng mga pangunahing serbisyo mula sa gobyerno.

“Suportahan natin na masugpo ang npa. Hindi lang dito sa Brgy. Mahanub kundi sa buong probinsya ng Surigao del Norte para hindi na sila makapanggulo,” ani Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas.

“Dito talaga ako ipinanganak, kaya nagpapasalamat talaga ako na maayos ang daan na ito dahil napakahirap nitong daanan lalo na sa panahon ng tag-ulan,” sabi ni Segundino Polan, Sr., dating punong barangay at residente ng Brgy. Mahanub. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Inaasahang dahil sa proyekto ay mabibigyan ng kaginhawaan

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Modernizing agriculture through farm mechanization

In its quest to modernize agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga continuously implemented the farm mechanization program.

The recipient of the said tractors was Sta. Irene Sta. Irene Integrated Farmers Association (SIIFARMAS) of Brgy. Sta. Irene in the town of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, and MALCATRIVO On July 7-8, 2021, DACorn Farmers Association Caraga Regional Corn of Brgy. Osmeña, Program turned-over two Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. units of four-wheel drive farm tractors amounting “The said interventions to P2.45 million each were based on the corn farmers association needs of the farmers as in the provinces of stipulated on their cluster Agusan del Sur and development plan to Surigao del Sur. make corn farming Caraga INFOCUS

more productive and help attain economies of scale,” said Melody Guimary, Field Operations Division Chief of DA-Caraga. Ruben Lacasaca, chairperson of the MALCATRIVO said that the equipment they received is a blessing for them, who dream of it for quite some time. “Once this is a dream but now comes to reality, we need farm tractor to fast track land preparation,” July 10-16, 2021 |

he shared.

expenses and more free days to attend to other important matters,” Antonio Martil, Jr., chairperson of SIIFARMAS said.

He added that farm tractor is a big saving for them since a hectare of field using the traditional carabao would take one week to plow but with Earlier, the same the tractor, it would take equipment had also only at most of 2 hours. been distributed to Trento, Agusan del Sur The rent for a carabao through its recipient and a man would costs Trento Poblacion Corn around P700.00 a day or Farmers Association. a total of P4,900.00 for a week job while on the Regional Technical tractor the payment is Director Rebecca only P2,300.00 and it can Reyes Atega explained be done in just two hours. that nowadays giving of interventions, not “With this farm tractor, only farm tractor but our members would be to include other needs encouraged more to of the farmers is now cultivate their land since focused on clusters in it is a big sigh of relief line with the Farm and from land preparation Fisheries Clustering

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and Consolidation (F2C2) Program or the Bayanihan Agri Clusters (BACs) of the agriculture department. “Through clustering, a group of farmers has been organized to maximize the resources of the government and in the process harnessing their potential to be agripreneurs,” Atega stressed Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo of DA-Caraga said that Bayanihan Agri Clusters (BACs) is one of the 18 key strategies under the One DA Reform Agenda of Secretary William D. Dar. (Aurelius P. Arais/ DA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

MinDA brings vegetable derby to birthplace of moro rebellion

“We could climb mountains, cross deep rivers and walk the rugged roads to chase the dream of a better life for our people.”

As a team leader, I am very pleased that many of those who joined me in government shared this passion of walking an extra kilometer to serve.

This is the battlecry which I have always embraced since I joined public service as Mayor of my birthplace, Mlang, Cotabato in 1995 and the governance mindset which I had shared with those who worked with me since that time up to when I was Governor, Secretary of Agriculture and now, Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority.

The other day, I was touched by photos which showed a MinDA team led by Director Joey Recimilla in a motorboat which brought them from the main town of Pagalungan in Maguindanao Sur Provijce to a riverside village, Pagalungan, one of Layog. the oldest towns in Central Mindanao, is The team engaged the the ancestral home town of Pagalungan in of Cotabato’s most staging the first MinDA beloved Governor,

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Vegetable Derby in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Pagalungan Mayor Salik Mamasabulod had asked MinDA to consider his town as the site of the MinDA Vegetable Derby, a season-long on-site demonstration and technology transfer of modern vegetable farming.

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gather in Layog for the season-long MinDA Vegetable Derby. The vegetable varieties which would be propagated during the activity belong to the so-called “Pinakbet” Group which includes Eggplants, Okra, Stringbeans, Squash, Tomatos and other lowland vegetables.

the late Datu Udtog Matalam, who governed an Empire Province which has now been divided into six provinces - North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, Maguindanao Norte and Maguindanao Sur.

Pagalungan is also the hometown of the late Ustadz Hashim Salamat, founder of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which split from the MNLF and recently forged a peace agreement with the government.

The soil of Pagalungan What makes Pagalungan is alluvial and very fertile but the farming system historically significant has remained primitive is the fact that it was with farmers suffering from in the town where the the perrenial flooding due Mindanao Independence to the backflow of water Movement was organized from the marsh during the by Governor Matalam rainy season. a few months after the Jabidah Massacre in Layog is inhabited 1968. by a mix of native The MIM is believed to have influenced the organization of the Moro National Liberation Front with Nur Misuari as one of the prominent rebel leaders. Caraga INFOCUS

Maguindanaos and Ilocano settlers some of whom came to the area before World War II. Next month, August, the country’s top vegetable seed companies will

At the end of the Vegetable Derby, outstanding farmers will be awarded with prizes along with their partner seed companies while buyers of the “Pinakbet” vegetables will be invited to forge marketing agreements with the farmers. The modern-day Pagalungan could yet prove to be the base of a new brand of revolution, one which would transform the town into a model of science-based farming system which could address poverty and improve productivity. This is all because there are workers of government who could cross rivers, climb mountains and walk the long rugged roads just to serve. July 10-16, 2021 |

Cotabato rice farmers volunteer to help develop Taraka ricefields

As the town of Taraka, Lanao del Sur prepares for the operationalization this month of six Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems, a group of Muslim and Christian farmers from Cotabato has volunteered to help prepare some 600-hectares of rice fields for planting and share their deep knowledge in rice farming to Maranao farmers. The volunteer farmers are products of the “Salam” Brotherhood Farming Program which I implemented when I was Governor of North Cotabato which involved technology transfer and sharing of farm experiences between the Muslim farmers of Pikit and the Christian farmers of M’lang and Tulunan, all municipalities of North Cotabato. When the program was introduced, the water from the Mal-Mar Irrigation System had flowed for the first time into the ricefields of Pikit, mostly owned

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by Maguindanao farmers. The Muslim Maguindanao farmers were brought to the rice farms owned mostly by Christians in Mlang and Tulunan where they were exposed to modern rice farming. This was followed through with an immersion program of Christian rice farmers in the Muslim rice farming communities served by the Japanese-government-funded MAL-MAR Irrigation System. With the expected opening of the Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems in Taraka, I thought of reviving the “Salam Brotherhood Farming” Program where Muslim and Christian rice farmers from Cotabato would help Maranao rice farmers in preparing the ricefields in time for the opening of the SPIS units on July 29. The Mindanao Development

Authority (MinDA) which is helping the town of Taraka develop its rice farming industry through the use of SolarPowered Irrigation Systems will present the offer of help to Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan and the rice farmers of Taraka this week. MinDA will also assist the Taraka LGU in accessing funds for the acquisition of rice farming equipment, including a modern rice processing complex equipped with rice dryers. The concept of Complete Value Chain in rice farming which starts with the planting, harvesting, processing and marketing of the rice produce is being introduced by MinDA to Taraka LGU. This is aimed at helping Taraka rice farmers produce milled, packed and branded quality rice instead of selling their fresh paddy rice to traders.

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NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO receives multiple awards from international award-giving body

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) accepted seven prestigious awards during the 2021 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards virtual ceremony on Wednesday, July 14.

which paved the way for a more proactive daily delivery of news and information to the Filipino public.

This is the first time that the PCOO was recognized internationally for its commitment to serving This year’s Stevie® Awards the public through the honored Presidential dissemination of relevant Communications Secretary information and initiatives Martin M. Andanar with a during this global health “Media Hero of the Year” crisis. Award for innovations and leadership in the In his virtual message, management of PCOO Sec. Andanar, a veteran

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news anchor, emphasized that the awards and recognition bestowed to the PCOO are “proof of our commitment to fulfilling our mandate to the Filipino people, particularly that of providing timely, relevant, and life-saving information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” “The inspiration and motivation these recognitions have provided, not only for me but also for the rest of my team at the PCOO, will Caraga INFOCUS

Communications/ Public Relations Category. In addition, the PCOOproduced Laging Handa Dokyu series, now on its 3rd season, also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Documentaries under the Awards for Innovation in Video Category. be reflected through our continued commitment to informing the Filipino people,” he said. Meanwhile, PCOO Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (PCOOOGMPA) Assistant Secretary JV Arcena bagged two individual Gold Stevie® Awards as “Government Hero of the Year’’ and “Media Hero of the Year” For Asec. Arcena, a former journalist and media strategist, the PCOO has been working since day 1 of the pandemic to inform the public through the “Laging Handa” or “Always Ready” communications campaigns as well as creating top-caliber documentaries and social media content. “Thank you very much to the Stevie® Awards Caraga INFOCUS

for recognizing the efforts, innovations, and commitment to public information of our organization and my team who have sacrificed so much and worked tirelessly even during this difficult time,” Arcena said. “This proves our unwavering commitment to serve the country by providing timely and relevant information amidst the pandemic,” he added. PCOO’s awarding-winning programs Established in 2018, ‘The Virtual Presser and Virtual Reporting Tour’ bagged a Silver Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media, Visual Communications and Entertainment and a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media Relations under the Awards for Innovation in

The PCOO Laging Handa COVID-19 Communications Digital Campaign also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Best Use of Social Media-COVID-19related Information, for producing digital content such as infomercials (National Action Plan and Community Quarantine videos), explainer videos (the VAXplainer), social cards, and infographics, to keep the public informed on the government responses in this time of the pandemic. US-based Stevie® Awards is a premier business award that recognizes innovations in the workplace since 2002. The 2021 Stevie Awards, nicknamed the Stevies or the Greek word for “crowned”, received a total of 900 nominations from different countries across the Asia-Pacific region. (PCOO/PIACaraga) July 10-16, 2021 |

128th Malasakit Center opens in Lianga, Surigao del Sur as Bong Go urges hospitals to extend all possible medical aid to poor and indigent patients Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his warm congratulations to the people of Surigao del Sur on the launch of their first and the country’s 128th Malasakit Center at the Lianga District Hospital in Lianga town on Saturday, July 10. The Malasakit Center is the fourth in the Caraga region, after the Siargao Island Medical Center (which opened on July

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3), Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City in Surigao del Norte, and the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. “Masaya ako na mayroon na tayong 128 na Malasakit Center na handang tumulong sa mga Pilipino. Kakabukas lang natin last week sa Siargao Island sa Surigao del Norte. So, natutuwa ako na nadagdagan ang locations sa

Mindanao at patuloy ang pagbubukas natin sa buong bansa,” Go started in his remarks. The Malasakit Center aims to make medical assistance programs more accessible by putting together all concerned agencies under one roof, including the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Caraga INFOCUS

Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Its primary task is to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering various patient services and expenses, pursuant to the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.

can obtain the care that they require at the larger health facilities in Metro Manila or Davao City.

“Kung kulang pa ang tulong ng mga ahensya, (may) pondo rin ang Office of the President dyan. Wala ng dahilan para hindi natin sila tulungan. Gamitin niyo ang pera ng gobyerno sa mga kapos palad natin na pasyente,” “Para ito sa mga poor directed Go. at indigent patients. “Ngayon, kung may Pakiusap sa mga hospital hindi kayang operahan staff at social workers, diyan, magsabi lang tulungan ninyo ang kayo at kami na ni mga kababayan nating Pangulong (Rodrigo mahihirap. Huwag niyo Duterte) ang sasalo silang pababayaan. sa kanila. Kaya ayaw Bihira naman pupunta magpa-check up ang mga mayayaman at lumalala ang sa mga pampublikong kondisyon ng maraming ospital. Ang pupunta Pilipino dahil wala dito ay ‘yung mga silang pambayad. mahihirap na walang Magtutulungan tayo matakbuhan,” appealed para masalba sila. Go. Iyan naman ang trabaho namin, ang The Senator, who is makatulong,” he Chair of the Senate continued. Committee on Health, further urged public Concluding his remarks, hospitals to use their Go thanked and funds wisely to provide recognized the medical medical care to its community for all their poor patients. He also hard work and sacrifices offered his assistance to during this pandemic. those who cannot be He assured them that treated locally so they the national government Caraga INFOCUS

is fast-tracking the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program throughout the country so it can vaccinate as many Filipinos as soon as possible and minimize community transmissions of the virus. The Senator stressed that getting vaccinated not only protects an individual but also reduces their risk of getting severe symptoms. He reminded concerned authorities to follow the vaccination priority framework in order not to jeopardize the success of the vaccine drive. “Habang patuloy tayong nagbabakuna, ‘wag tayo maging kumpiyansa dahil delikado itong COVID-19. Target natin ma-achieve ang population protection this year at ang herd immunity by early next year para unti-unti na natin fully mabuksan ang ekonomiya. Iyan ang hiling namin palagi ni Pangulong Duterte,” said Go. “Ang importante ay buhay tayo at July 10-16, 2021 |

malampasan natin ang pandemyang ito. Kailangan natin magmalasakit at magbayanihan. Hindi namin kaya ng Pangulo ito kung hindi tayo magtutulungan,” he ended. After the launch, Go’s personnel distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to 96 medical frontliners. Select frontliners were given new pairs of shoes while others received bicycles for their daily commute. Some were likewise provided computer tablets to help their children with their school activities. In addition, representatives from the DSWD also distributed financial assistance to 82 rank-and-file hospital employees. Similar assistance were also extended to 35 indigent patients.

walang-wala talaga kami. Maraming salamat kay Senator Bong Go at sa mga iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para sa programang ito,” said Evelyn Cocon.

Hospital Dr. Josenita Quisil.

To boost infrastructure development in the province, Go supported the funding of several projects in Surigao del Sur The ceremony was including the concreting also attended by or construction of roads Secretary Michael Dino in Barobo, Cagwait, of the Office of the Carmen, Madrid, Presidential Assistant for Marihatag, San Agustin, the Visayas, Presidential Tago and Tandag City; Communications construction of an Secretary Martin Indigenous People’s evacuation center and “Nagpapasalamat kami Andanar, Assistant para sa Malasakit Center Secretary Girlie Veloso of multi-purpose center in the Office of President, Hinapoyan; construction dahil nakahingi kami ng Governor Alexander of a public market in tulong sa mga ahensya Pimentel, Lianga Mayor Lanuza; and purchase of para sa pampagamot Novelita Sarmen, Tandag ambulances for Lianga, ng aking anak. Walang City Mayor Roxanne Lanuza and Cortes, trabaho ang aking Pimentel, and Chief of among others. asawa ngayon at

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The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Duterte administration’s commitment in delivering truthful news and information directly to the public, will be showcased in the Laging Handa Dokyu series episode 7 entitled “Ang Pamana: Working PCOO .” In 2016, Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar was appointed to lead the main communications arm of the government. Since then, the government’s platforms in providing the public with needed information and updates on current affairs and happenings in the government, has been

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streamlined. According to Secretary Andanar, he applied everything that he learned about traditional radio, media, as well as new media during his term to reform the PCOO and its attached agencies. “Tayo naman ay maswerte na meron tayong isang Pangulo na binibigyan tayo ng elbow room na makagalaw at nang mareporma ‘yung ating government media [We are very lucky that we have a President who gives us enough elbow room to take action and reform our government media],” the communications chief said. Secretary Andanar also shared that President

Rodrigo Roa Duterte fully supports the Mindanao Media Hub which was inaugurated last March 18. The building with its stateof-the-art facilities aims to serve as the broadcasting hub of Regions 10, 11, 12, 13 and the BARMM. “Napabayaan ito noon e (PCOO facility). Ang sabi ko naman, kailangan best foot forward parati ang ating bansa. At gaya ng sinabi ko this is the window to the world, e kailangan maganda ‘yung bintana mo [This was neglected before (PCOO facility). What I said is we should always put our best foot forward for our country. And like the saying goes this is the window to the world, so that window needs to be pleasing],” Sec. Andanar

July 10-16, 2021 |

bared.

Andanar, nag-o-oversee ng implementation ng FOI “I am very confident na at tinutulungan natin ang lahat ng mga nagawa ng libo-libo nating mga FOI aking mga kasamahan officers na nagkalat sa mga dito sa PCOO pwedeng ahensya para matugunan ulitin ‘yung achievement nila ang mga tanong ng na ‘yon and I think that ating mga kababayan is the biggest legacy of [The PCOO created the President Rodrigo Roa Project Management Duterte for the Presidential Office, under the leadership Communications of Sec. Martin Andanar, Operations Office [I and tasked it to oversee am very confident that the implementation of everything my coworkers FOI and we also help our accomplished here in thousands of FOI officers PCOO, those achievements scattered in various can be repeated and I think government agencies to that is the biggest legacy help the public with their of President Rodrigo Roa questions regarding the Duterte for the Presidential government],” said Usec. Communications Ablan. Operations Office],” Sec. Andanar added. Moreover, the Office of the President together with President Duterte’s first the PCOO created the Executive Order was the Presidential Task Force on creation of Freedom of Media Security (PTFoMS), Information (FOI), which to protect the life, liberty, ensures that the public has and security of the media access to public documents workers in the country. and transactions of the government. The FOI PTFoMS is headed by Project Management Executive Director, Office is led by Atty. Michel Undersecretary Joel Sy Kristian Abalan, CESO II, Egco, he emphasized that an Undersecretary for it was only in the time of Administration, Finance, President Duterte where and FOI. the violence against media sectors were addressed. He Undersecretary Ablan said said that the Philippines is that they have received the only country who has around 95,000 to almost a task force dedicated to 100,000 FOI requests. protect and uphold their “Bumuo ng Project rights and freedom in a Management Office democratic country. ang PCOO sa lilalim ng pamunuan ni Sec. Martin “For the longest time tayo

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‘yung sinasabing one of the most dangerous country for journalists in the world so minabuti po ng ating mahal na Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na i-address itong problema na ito. In fact, ito ‘yung kauna-unahang Administrative Order nya that makes the PTFoMS very historic, [it is] the only task force in the world of its kind [For the longest time they have been saying that our country is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in the world, so President Rodrigo Duterte made sure that we addressed this problem. In fact, this was his first Administrative Order that makes PTFoMs very historic, [it is] the only task force in the world of its kind],” Usec. Egco said. Catch Laging Handa Dokyu 3.0 episode 7 titled “Ang Pamana: Working PCOO” on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 9:30 PM on PTV and IBC-13. It will also be livestreamed on the Presidential Communications Operations Office Facebook page, as well as other government-affiliated social media pages. Media outlets are free to share and use our video materials and short documentaries. For inquiries, please e-mail us at pcooglobalmedia@pco. gov.ph.

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Bong Go’s outreach team delivers help and hope to affected community in Muntinlupa City fire incident

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s personnel on Thursday, July 15, delivered meals and relief assistance to the two families in Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City who were forced to evacuate their homes after a fire broke out last June 10, and are facing additional challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Mayroon po akong mga ipinadala para sa inyo. Kung may maitutulong pa kami, magsabi lang kayo at handa kami ni Caraga INFOCUS

Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na magserbisyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” Go began in a video message.

The Senator’s personnel provided each family with meals, financial assistance, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields at the barangay “Pakiusap namin, hall in strict compliance magtiwala tayo sa with the health and safety gobyerno. Huwag muna protocols to prevent the tayong lumabas kung hindi spread of COVID-19. kinakailangan at sundin natin ang mga iba pang Furthermore, paalala dahil delikado ang representatives from the panahon. Mahirap man, Department of Social kailangan natin sumunod Welfare and Development sa gobyerno dahil para also provided them naman ito sa kapakanan with separate financial ninyo,” he reminded. assistance as part of an extensive effort by the July 10-16, 2021 |

national government to assist individuals in crisis situations. In his message, Go also offered to help any family member who may be suffering from injuries or other medical concerns. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in the said city where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance. The center serves as a onestop shop for the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The program has assisted over two million particularly poor and indigent patients since its launch in 2018. The Senator went on to thank and recognize the local officials, first responders and volunteers for their quick response and support after the incident. Among those he specifically thanked were Representative Rufino Biazon, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, and Punong Barangay Rafael Sevilla. He vowed to push for the

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passage of a bill that seeks to establish an evacuation center in every local government unit that can support the needs of the evacuees. Filed in 2019, Senate Bill No. 1228 provides for the construction of fullyfunctioning evacuation centers throughout the country and furnishes a minimum set of requirements, such as its accessibility, amenities and operation, among others. “When disaster strikes, it is the poor who suffer. Kailangan natin magpatayo ng mga dedicated evacuation centers na may basic

facilities at sapat na emergency supplies, gaya ng tubig, gamot at relief goods, para hindi na sila nagsisikipan sa mga covered courts o paaralan,” explained Go, who principally authored the bill. As part of his continuing commitment to the people of Muntinlupa City, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for the construction of a new stand-alone dialysis clinic at the Bureau of Corrections. His office also organized an activity for the fire victims in Brgy. Alabang last June 5. Caraga INFOCUS

129th Malasakit Center launched in Tondo as Bong Go pushes for improved health care access especially in urban poor communities

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the launch of the country’s 129th Malasakit Center at the Tondo Medical Center in Tondo District on Friday, July 16, as the facility, which began operations in 1971, marked its fiftieth year of unwavering commitment to the Caraga INFOCUS

health and welfare of the residents of Manila City.

Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

The TMC is the 26th hospital in the National Capital Region and fifth in the city to open a Malasakit Center, in addition to the Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital and

The Senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged in a speech delivered during the ceremony that while health facilities and medical services are generally better in urban areas, such health July 10-16, 2021 |

advantages are often not enjoyed by lower income groups.

Standardization Law V “Halimbawa, may na nag-increase ng mga dagdag na gastos ang sahod niyo,” he continued. pasyente na hindi covered ng PhilHealth, diyan na He recounted his years In 2019, Go principally papasok ang mga ibang of experience helping authored and sponsored ahensya. Ngayon, kung indigents who need a measure that became kulang pa ang tulong, medical attention. This Republic Act No. 11463 ang bawat center ay strengthened his desire to which institutionalized may replenishable na help government agencies the Malasakit Centers funds mula sa Office develop initiatives to program. The law of the President para improve access to streamlines the provision pangdagdag tulong. affordable and quality of medical assistance Target ng Malasakit Center health services to the poor from the government na maging ‘zero balance’ and marginalized. by bringing together ang inyong hospital bill the relevant agencies para wala na kayong “Nung mayor pa si under one roof, namely babayaran,” he clarified Pangulong Rodrigo PhilHealth, PCSO, further. Duterte ng Davao City, the Department of maraming residente Social Welfare and The Senator called on the o hindi residente ang Development, and the hospital administration pumupunta ng city Department of Health. to maximize the hall para humingi ng government’s funds in tulong para sa kanilang The primary aim of the order to provide poorest pampagamot. Lunes, Malasakit Center is to help patients who are most pipila ‘yan sa PhilHealth reduce a patients’ hospital in need with affordable at Martes sa [Philippine bill to the lowest possible to free medical care. Charity Sweepstake amount by covering He noted the increased Office]. Ubos na oras various patient services psychological distress nila sa biyahe, ubos pa and expenses, such as experienced by patients pera nila sa pamasahe,” surgeries, laboratories and their families at this recounted Go. and medicines through time and appealed for existing medical assistance more compassion and “Sabi ko sa sarili ko bakit programs. understanding, especially ba natin pinapahirapan for the disadvantaged. ang Pilipino? Dapat “Marami pang Pilipino tayo, ang gobyerno, ang hindi nakakaalam “Isa lang ang bilin namin ni ang lumalapit sa kanila. sa Malasakit Center Pangulong Duterte sa mga Responsibilidad natin kaya sabihan niyo ang doctors at social workers, ibalik ang pera nila sa mga kapitbahay niyo ‘wag niyo pababayaan pamamagitan ng mas na mayroon na din kayo ang mga kababayan mabilis at maayos na dito sa Tondo. Wala itong natin na helpless, hopeless serbisyo. Kaya nung pinipili. Karapatan niyo at walang matakbuhan. naging Senador ako, ito bilang Pilipino ang makaMaraming pasyente ang unang batas na aking avail ng serbisyo nito,” ang takot at maikli ang ni-file kasama ng Salary maintained Go. pasensya sa panahong

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ito but, please, extend your patience. And do not extend the number of patients,” said Go. In the end, he reminded the medical community to stay vigilant against the spread of new and possibly more contagious variants of the coronavirus which could spark another uptick in new cases in Metro Manila. Go stressed the need for cooperation, emphasizing that one’s health and well-being is also dependent on the overall health of the community. “Nakakabahala na recently, may na diskubre na 16 na kaso ng Delta variant… Napakaimportante na ma-contain natin ito agad. Huwag maging kumpiyansa dahil hindi natin kakayanin kung tataas muli ang bilang ng mga kaso. Marami ang maapektuhan at mawawalan ng trabaho kung magsasara tayo muli,” said Go. “Nakakatakot talaga ito. Nagsasara na ang mga ibang bansa dahil dumadami ulit ang mga kaso nila. Sa ngayon, ginagawa namin ni Pangulo ang lahat para balansehin ang ekonomiya at public health. Ayaw namin may Caraga INFOCUS

nahihirapan pero ang magiging pangunahing konsiderasyon namin sa bawat desisyon ng gobyerno ay ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he concluded. After the ceremony, Go and his personnel distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,125 frontline health workers. Selected beneficiaries were given bicycles while others received new pairs of shoes. Some were also provided computer tablets which their children can use for educational purposes. Similar forms of aid were extended to 200 indigent patients. The DSWD likewise provided 579 rank-and-file hospital employees with financial assistance in a separate distribution. “Nandito ang anak ko dahil sa (urinary track infection). Bago ko siya dalhin dito, hindi siya makakain at mataas ang lagnat niya. Pinoproblema namin ngayon kung saan kami kukuha ng pambayad sa ospital. Nawalan kasi ng trabaho ang asawa ko na isang konduktor ng bus,” said Maricel Paras, 45, a resident of Caloocan City.

“Malaking bagay ang Malasakit Center sa aming mahihirap. Marami itong matutulungan na mahihirap na may sakit at mga taong nangangailangan. Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Senator Bong Go na nagkaroon siya ng ganitong programa. Nagpapasalamat din kami kay Pangulong Duterte sa tulong na pinagkaloob niya sa aming mga mahihirap,” she continued. The ceremony was also attended by Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chair Greco Belgica, Undersecretary Jonjie Gonzales of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, DOH Usec. Roger Tong-an, Assistant Secretary Girlie Veloso of the Office of the President, Mike Lopez representing 1st District Representative Manuel Lopez, and Medical Center Director Dr. Maria Estrella, among others. To boost the infrastructure development in Manila City, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, earlier supported the funding for the structural improvement of the public buildings and construction of evacuation centers near the Department of Justice compound, among others. July 10-16, 2021 |

Anti-corruption efforts improved during Duterte administration, says Bong Go as he calls on Filipinos to help clean government of corruption Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is optimistic that the government’s anti-corruption efforts have improved under the Duterte Administration, and he continues to encourage Filipinos to report any kind of wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities and assist in the fight against corruption. In an ambush interview after he personally attended the launch of the 129th Malasakit Center at the Tondo Medical Center in Manila on Friday, July 16, Go stressed the determination of

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President Rodrigo Duterte to eradicate corruption in the government. “Magiging biased naman po ako kay Pangulong Duterte dahil malapit po kami pero sa pagkaalam ko sa pagiging serious po ni Pangulo sa kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, kampanya laban sa katiwalian sa gobyerno, kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, tuluy-tuloy po ‘yan from Day 1 hanggang ngayon patapos na ang kanyang termino, tuluy-tuloy po ‘yan, hindi po ako naniniwalang lumala,” said Go.

“Naniniwala po ako na mayroong improvement po at talagang seryoso po ang ating mahal na Pangulo na sugpuin po ‘yun dahil siya po mismo nagiging halimbawa po siya sa Pilipino. Diyan, matagal kami sa Malacanang, totoo ‘yung sinabi niya ni piso po, any government transaction, hindi po nakikialam si Pangulong Duterte at hindi po kami nakikialam,” he added. Senator Manny Pacquiao, Go’s colleague, filed a resolution on Thursday calling for a Senate inquiry into the Department of Social Welfare and Caraga INFOCUS

Development’s alleged inability to distribute PhP10.4 billion in Social Amelioration Program funds. Previously, the DSWD denied that amounts of money were missing from the delivery of financial aid to low-income households who bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown restrictions. The DSWD has stated that it is prepared to face any investigation into Pacquiao’s allegations. Meanwhile, Go has urged all Filipinos to report any instance of government corruption to proper agencies, saying that he is also willing to listen to them in confidence and pursue appropriate actions to hold accountable those at fault. “Gaya ng sinabi ko… you cannot easily totally eradicate corruption in government. Napakahirap po… kung hindi po kayo magsusumbong sa amin, kay Pangulong Duterte, sa PACC (Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission). Nandito naman po si Chairman Greco Belgica, mayroon Caraga INFOCUS

po kaming grupong Truth and Justice Coalition, isumbong niyo po sa amin,” said Go. The Truth and Justice Coalition was founded in October 2018 as a result of Go and the PACC’s initiative to assist the government in fighting corruption by assisting with fact-finding inquiries, lifestyle checks, and other investigations. It collaborates with lawyers, retired public officials, religious leaders, the private sector, and other government institutions to create platforms for citizens to report corruption and reward those who do so. “Handa po kaming makinig sa inyo with confidentiality po, kung hindi niyo po isusumbong at hindi po kayo makikipag cooperate sa ating mga otoridad, eh wala pong mangyayari,” Go added. Meanwhile, Go said he welcomes any investigation on alleged anomalies in order to bring out the truth. He also stressed that rather than just throwing baseless criticisms, critics should help fellow Filipinos in need while also helping

the government fight corruption. “I welcome any investigation po para lumabas po ang katotohanan. Kasama tayo diyan para labanan ang korapsyon sa gobyerno kung mayro’n man po,” said Go. “Katulad nitong mga nasa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) natin. Nagsasakripisyo po ito. Araw-araw po itong lumalabas at pinagdududahan pa po,” he added. That said, the Senator also affirms his and Duterte’s support for his colleagues who want to tackle government corruption. “Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay kaisa n’yo po kami. Kahit sino pang kasamahan ko sa Senado, kaisa n’yo po kami labanan ang any form of corruption, any form of anomalies, lalabanan po namin ni Pangulong Duterte ‘yan,” assured Go. “At hindi po kami titigil. Magkasama po tayo na sugpuin po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno,” he ended. July 10-16, 2021 |

Bong Go emphasizes need to fast-track vaccine rollout to reach population protection prior to allowing face-to-face classes Echoing the sentiments of President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains firm on his stand that face-toface classes in schools must be put on hold first until more Filipinos are vaccinated to reach population protection and eventually herd immunity amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

vaccination program before considering the resumption of face-toface classes as the next school year nears.

“Imbes na nakatutok ang ating mga “Let’s focus sa rollout government personnel sa ngayon at kapag sa pagbabakuna, nakamtan natin ang pupunta na naman herd immunity, I’m sure sa eskwelahan, itepapayag ang Pangulo at ako ay sang-ayon kay tracing na naman saan nanggaling, busy na Pangulong Duterte na naman po,” he said. bawal muna ang faceto-face classes dahil “We should focus right delikado pa,” Go said. now sa pagbabakuna. “Ang importante Importante po tuluysa amin ni Pangulo Go said that amid the tuloy ang kaalaman ay ang buhay ng ongoing pandemic, ng mga kabataan bawat Pilipino,” Go he continues to favor bagama’t distance emphasized. the implementation (blended) learning of blended learning, tayo,” he added. Go said in an interview emphasizing that the He also mentioned that at the Tondo Medical government cannot the government does Center on Friday, July 16, afford to put children’s not want to waste the during the launch of the health in danger if progress it has made 129th Malasakit Center in case a COVID-19 in the fight against that the government outbreak happens in COVID-19 by taking the should first focus on the schools.

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poorer students who cannot afford to buy computer gadgets and those residing in remote places without or with limited internet connectivity as online class is one of the approaches under the blended learning set-up.

risk of conducting face- learning will be utilized to-face classes this early. for School Year 20212022, just as it was for the “Importante po tuloyprior school year. tuloy ang kaalaman ng mga kabataan. May The DepEd is optimistic distance o blended that the implementation learning naman tayo, of blended learning will importante po pumasa improve in the coming sila, umabot sa another school year, after level po ang mga making improvements in estudyante… pasado at the previous academic natuto sila,” he added. year to address some problems. President Duterte just approved Last year, Go also the Department appealed to education of Education’s authorities as well as recommendation to those in government start the school year media to utilize various 2021-2022 on September approaches and tools 13. Due to the COVID-19 in order to lessen the pandemic, blended burden of particularly Caraga INFOCUS

The Senator stressed the importance of ensuring the health and safety of the students, teachers and wider community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague the nation. Go, however, agreed that the education of the students cannot be put on a standstill. He urged DepEd and other concerned authorities to exert all efforts possible in improving further the blended learning system while face-toface classes remain prohibited. “Kawawa naman po mga bata, napipressure po ‘yung bata, malaking epekto po iyon sa kanila. Ang importante po, walang masayang na taon. Ang importante po matuto sila,” reminded Go. July 10-16, 2021 |

Bong Go sends aid to displaced workers in Lasam and SanchezMira in Cagayan Province

As Filipinos struggle to make a living amid the global pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, provided assistance to hundreds of beneficiaries in Lasam and SanchezMira in Cagayan on Wednesday, July 14. “Mga kababayan ko,

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kaunting tiis lang po. Alam kong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ni Pangulong Duterte ay nahihirapan din po. Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin para malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” said Go in his video message. Separate distribution activities were conducted at Allanay Multi-Purpose

Hall in Lasam for 123 beneficiaries, and at Gymnasium and Evacuation Center in Sanchez-Mira for 231 recipients where necessary safety and health protocols were followed. Go’s team, then, divided the beneficiaries into smaller batches and handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Caraga INFOCUS

As Go aims to provide indigent students access to quality education, some recipients were given computer tablets that their children could utilize for their classes under the implemented blended learning setup. Additionally, select recipients received new pairs of shoes, and bicycles that they can use. Representatives from DSWD, then, conducted an on-site evaluation where qualified beneficiaries will be given livelihood assistance grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program. “Salamat po sa DSWD sa programang SLP-LAG. Bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin niyo po ang inyong negosyo,” expressed Go. One of the struggling workers, Rafael Atable conveyed his appreciation towards Senator Go, saying, “mahirap po ang buhay, nawalan ng trabaho kaya tiyaga tiyaga muna para may pangkain sa pamilya. Kaya yung nakuha ko po dito (mula DSWD) ay ipandadagdag puhunan ko po para po kahit papapano ay magkaroon ng kaunting negosyo. Caraga INFOCUS

Maraming salamat po, President Duterte sa tulong na ito at kay at Senator Bong Go para sa kanyang serbisyo.” Meanwhile, as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered additional assistance to those with medical needs as he encouraged the beneficiaries to visit the nearby Malasakit Center at Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City to conveniently avail of medical assistance. Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all hospitals managed and administered by the Department of Health, and the Philippine General Hospital. To date, there are now 129 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

“Mga kababayan ko, focus muna tayo ngayon dito sa pagbabakuna. Mamaya na po ‘yung pulitika dahil baka wala na po tayong pulitikang paguusapan ‘pag hindi natin malampasan itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” said Go. To boost the economic opportunities and further improve the delivery of public service delivery in Cagayan, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for the construction of a multi-purpose building hall in Sanchez-Mira; improvement of roads in Aparri, Amulung, Baggao, Calayan, Gonzaga, Iguig, Santa Teresita, Enrile, and in Tuao.

Concluding his message, Go gave recognition to Representative Samantha Louis Vargas-Alfonso, Governor Manuel “Manny” To put an end to Mamba, Vice Governor the pandemic, Go Melvin “Boy” Vargas encouraged residents Jr., Lasam Mayor Dante to get inoculated as he Dexter Agatep and Vice reiterated that vaccination Mayor Randy Cambe, is the country’s key to Sanchez-Mira Mayor returning to normalcy. He, Asela Sacramed, and many other local leaders then, reassured that the for spearheading their government continues to strive to get sufficient doses community to recovery amid the national health of vaccines to reach herd crisis. immunity. July 10-16, 2021 |

President Duterte accepts World Bank’s apology, expects more accurate education assessment

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has accepted the apology of the World Bank (WB) on Monday after the financial institution prematurely published an assessment of Filipino students’ academic ability, noting, however, that he wanted to know the true assessment of the students’ performance. The World Bank has

| July 10-16, 2021

apologized for issuing a report revealing 80 percent of Filipino children do not have the essential math and reading skills they should have depending on their academic level. In his public address, President Duterte said the Department of Education (DepEd) is focusing on a new set of data that will be

soon presented to the financial institution so that they can amend their statistics and data inputs. In welcoming the World Bank’s apology for its report, the President said he hoped the organization would be more cautious in the future. “I would not want Caraga INFOCUS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

to begrudge World Bank. But itong mga international whatever bodies working on the problems of the world should be very careful in their statistics,” President Duterte said. “It is not good to, you know, commit a wrong internationally.” The World Bank has published a study reflecting the low performance of Filipino students without giving DepEd the chance to provide inputs. The report was based on three assessments the Philippines previously participated: the Program for International Student Assessment in 2018, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in 2019, and the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics Caraga INFOCUS

also in 2019. Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the report “insulted” and “shamed” the Philippines and she had requested the World Bank to issue an apology. The President commended Secretary Briones for calling out the World Bank on the issue hoping that a more accurate report based on the latest data will be made. “I am sure that the Department of Education is working on a new set of data to be submitted to them so that they can correct their figures and data inputs,” he said. “On that note and for the sake of the transparency and policy direction, we would like to know the latest

assessment matrix of student performance and achievement, as well as the latest national data and figures in terms of learning outcomes, especially during the pandemic, so we can identify which gaps need to be addressed,” he added. The President said budgetary constraints have been preventing the country from improving on all facets of governance, promising to continue working to boost the country’s economy. He also expressed hope that the next administration will be “more competent than us, more bright than us, and more productive than us” so that it can address the current challenges. “Hindi ako nag-aano kung may mataas pa sa akin in performance. If it is true, well, I would encourage them, I would cheer them up, and I would be on the sidelines giving inputs of what I can provide for as an advice,” he said. PND July 10-16, 2021 |

Strong public-private sector collaboration behind PH’s effective immunization rollout – vaccine czar The Philippines has breached the 13 million mark of administered coronavirus vaccine doses merely four days after administering 12 million doses, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday night, attributing the country’s aggressive vaccination to the close cooperation between the government, private sector, and multilateral agencies. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting on government’s COVID-19 interventions, the vaccine czar said close ties with domestic and

| July 10-16, 2021

international development partners have helped the Philippines a lot in enforcing vaccination and COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The nation’s strong collaboration with the private sector, national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and GAVI, among others, has given the country added leverage in

handling the pandemic, he explained. “We have now the massive vaccination through Focus and Expand demand, and also the Secretary of Health, together with our expert also the InterAgency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Diseases (IATF-EID), have a stronger surveillance and border control,” said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19. “Isa po tayo sa model… Tayo lang po ang mayroong strong collaboration. They are

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helping us a lot. So ‘yon po ang parang motto po natin: ‘United We Stand Against COVID-19,’” he added. Citing WHO, the vaccine czar said under President Duterte’s leadership, the Philippines has received a positive rating for having done “a good job” at mitigating the health and socioeconomic crisis brought about by the pandemic. WHO’s representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe particularly highlighted the lower rate of COVID-related deaths in the country despite not having the same capacity and resources of First World countries. Galvez said President Duterte’s leadership and close cooperation with various sectors has made Philippines’ PDITR (Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate) “really effective” in managing the devastating impact of the pandemic. “Despite our limitation and great challenges, we were able to respond and mitigate the damage brought about by this pandemic. And I believe with your leadership, Mr. President, we have this positive rating because we

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have implemented a PDITR strategy that really, really been very, very effective,” he noted. Meanwhile, the vaccine czar said the Philippines expects to receive more than 16 million doses of vaccines this month through donations and government and private sector procurements.

agreed to upscale its deliveries to 8.4 million. In addition to donations by the COVAX facility and government and private sector procurements, the Philippines may receive at least 16.5 million coronavirus vaccine doses next month.

The vaccine czar said they are also eyeing to inoculate teachers before Sinovac will deliver 2.5 the end of August for them million doses on July 14 and to prepare for possible 17, while 1.1 million doses reopening of face-toof AstraZeneca is set to face classes. Apart from arrive on July 18. teachers, uniformed personnel and other state The US is also scheduled workers are also among to donate, through the the priority. WHO-led COVAX facility, 3.2 million doses of Johnson At the same time, Galvez & Johnson’s single-dose said that he, along with Janssen vaccine on July the country’s vaccine 19. team, will continue to visit different surge areas across Pfizer will deliver 562,770 the country to personally doses on July 19, while assess the situations and Moderna will provide “reconfigure prioritization” 250,800 doses on July 21 or reallocate vaccines to to 27. An additional 2.5 more vulnerable areas if million doses from Sinovac necessary. will be delivered on July 24 to 25 as well as another At present, among those 375,570 doses of Pfizer on who have received the July 26. Before the month first dose are: 1.5 million ends, Sinovac is expected healthcare workers to deliver 2.5 million more and 209,193 of their doses. family members; 2.6 million senior citizens; 3.2 Galvez also expressed million individuals with optimism in steady supply comorbidities; 1.6 million of vaccines for the month economic frontliners; and of August, noting that 307,450 individuals from China’s Sinovac has indigent communities. PND

July 10-16, 2021 |

AFP praised for dismantling communist guerilla units Communist insurgency will eventually be defeated in the country with the aggressive counterinsurgency campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Monday. “I’d like to thank again, the Armed Forces of the Philippines for continuing the dismantling of so many guerilla fronts throughout the country,” President Duterte said in a public address on government interventions on COVID-19. “I would like to say that it is a job well done and if this continues, the CPPNPA-NDF is in the throes of death. We might be able to hopefully dismantle all by the time I get out of this office.”

to work the dismantling of other CTGs such as the Tarlac-Zambales KLG and the South Party Committees,” he reported. With regard to internal peace, security, and development in Central Luzon, Nograles said the government continues to carry out its multi-pronged strategies and initiatives. In the fight against illegal drugs, more than 50 percent of the barangays in the region have been declared free of the drug menace and the government’s campaign is continuing.

In his report to President Duterte, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles said Central Luzon’s Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) has dismantled Meanwhile, President the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya- Sierra Madre or KLG Duterte expressed his gratitude to the local Sierra Madre in Region III. community and individuals who rushed to the crash site “And the AFP continues

| July 10-16, 2021

in Sulu and tried to save as many lives as they could. “Now, these people in the vicinity or in the area were mostly Tausugs at sabi ko salamat naman sa inyong tulong. Shukran,” he said. He also acknowledged the assistance of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to the families of those who died in crash of Philippine Air Force’s C-130 plane. The President said Quiboloy will extend P20,000 cash assistance to the families of the soldiers and civilians who perished in the incident. Chinese- Filipino Ivan Yao also gave P5,000 worth of gift certificates to the families of the crash victims. PND Caraga INFOCUS

Increase in vaccination rate eyed in succeeding weeks: Galvez Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19, is optimistic that the country will be able to increase its vaccination rate in the succeeding months, as more life-saving vaccines will be pouring in starting this month. Galvez, also the vaccine czar, on Monday reported that the Philippines hit the 13 million mark in the vaccination program on July 10, despite some delays in the vaccine deliveries. “We expect to increase our throughput or the administration of the jabs in the succeeding weeks and months, with the expected arrival of more than 11 million of vaccines this July,” Galvez said during the Talk to People of President Rodrigo Duterte. More than 4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines will be delivered next week, he said, including 2.5 million doses of Sinovac, 1.17 million doses of AstraZeneca, and 3,239,400 doses from the “donation sharing” initiative of the COVAX facility and the United States of America. In August, the Philippines is slated to receive a total of 16,570,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines – 8.4 million doses

| July 10-16, 2021

VACCINATION RATE. National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar, Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., speaks during the Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night (July 12, 2021). Galvez said he is optimistic that the country will be able to increase its vaccination rate in the succeeding months, as more life-saving vaccines will be pouring in beginning this month. (Screengrab)

of Sinovac, 1.17 million doses of AstraZeneca, 2 million doses of Pfizer, 1 million doses of Moderna, and 4 million doses from the COVAX facility, he said.

Among these areas are the Samar and Palawan provinces, as well as the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

So far, the Philippines has a total of 20,779,910 doses in the stockpile, of which 9,180,310 are donated vaccines.

“We will start visiting them next week. We will also discuss the updates on the variants of concerns on the region and the ongoing preparation to address this variant and also our way forward in our pandemic response and massive vaccination,” he said.

Meanwhile, Galvez said officials of the NTF and InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) are set to visit areas in Visayas and Mindanao that are currently experiencing a surge of Covid-19 cases.

Galvez said they might visit Region 3 (Central Luzon) over the weekend. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

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43% of Filipinos now willing to get vaccinated: Palace

File photo

Malacañang is pleased with the results of a survey which showed that a “significantly higher” percentage of Filipinos are inclined to get vaccinated against Covid-19. According to a Pulse Asia survey conducted from June 7 to 16, some 43 percent of respondents said they are willing to get inoculated with a Covid-19 jab if the shot is available. Back in February 2021, the pollster noted that only 16 percent of Filipino adults said they are willing to get vaccinated once vaccines become available to the public. Caraga INFOCUS

“With the start of the vaccination program in March 2021 and medical front liners, senior citizens, and those with underlying health problems getting the first Covid-19 jabs, the percentage of Filipino adults inclined to get vaccinated goes up to 43 percent in June 2021,” the survey released on Monday said. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque welcomed these results and urged the public to get vaccinated, noting that this is the only solution to the pandemic. “Nagagalak po tayo diyan at talaga namang pong bakuna ang

magiging solusyon natin dito sa pandemya. At ito po ang tanging paraan para tayo po’y makapag balik buhay (We are happy about that and vaccines will definitely be our solution to this pandemic. And this is the only way we can come continue to earn a living),” Roque said in a press briefing in San Juan City on Monday. Results of the Pulse Asia survey showed that 43 percent of the 2,400 adult respondents said they willing to get vaccinated against Covid-19, 36 percent are not inclined, 16 percent are undecided, and 5 percent were already vaccinated. 96% worried about contracting Covid-19 The survey also showed that 96 percent of the adult population in the country expressed concern that they or any member of their household will get sick with Covid-19, with 69 July 10-16, 2021 |

percent very much worried about the possibility.

Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the Philippines, including 3.5 million who have been fully inoculated as of July 11.

Only 1 percent of Filipino adults are not concerned while 2 percent are undecided on the matter, No booster shot initiative it added. yet The Pulse Asia survey also said 75 percent of the general adult population expressed the sentiment that members of their community should get vaccinated against Covid-19. Concern about vaccine safety is the leading reason why some Filipino adults are not inclined to get vaccinated while others said they are concern about the vaccine’s efficacy, the survey said. However, the poll also showed that “seeing that those they know who have been vaccinated are safe would convince pluralities of those who are disinclined to get vaccinated (35 percent) and those ambivalent about vaccination (44 percent) to get a Covid-19 jab.” The Department of Health on Monday said a total of 13,196,282 doses of

| July 10-16, 2021

Meanwhile, Roque said there is no such initiative being done by the country’s pandemic task force to study efforts to give “booster shots” to Filipino medical workers administered with China’s Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine. Thai senior health official Sopon Iamsirithawon last week said an expert panel has recommended a third dose to trigger immunity for healthcare workers who are at risk of contracting the virus.

actually condemned the headline that ‘Hundreds of Thai medical workers infected despite Sinovac vaccinations’ because the report actually said that only 618 out of 677,348 who received two doses of Sinovac were afflicted with the disease,” Roque said. In a Facebook post, Salvaña slammed the Reuters report, stressing that they should have done a “better job” of objective reporting. He explained that Reuters failed to highlight data from April to July which showed that of the 677,348 medical personnel who received two doses of Sinovac, only 618 became infected with Covid-19.

“Come on Reuters. Do a Citing infectious disease better job of objective expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña, reporting. You guys Roque said the Reuters are killing vaccine report that more than confidence-that will 600 medical workers cost lives. What’s the who received China’s vaccine effectiveness Sinovac have been for those numbers? infected with Covid-19 What’s the infection rate seems to “undermine” the and death rate among effectiveness of vaccines. unvaccinated? You guys can do better than that. “No such initiative so We expect better. The far. What I do know is a vaccines are working very post of Dr. Edsel Salvaña well,” Salvaña said. (PNA/ and you know he Azer Parrocha) Caraga INFOCUS

Delta, Lambda Covid-19 variants cause of concern: PRRD New Covid-19 strains like the Delta and Lambda variants are a cause of concern and the government is closely monitoring the country’s border to prevent local transmission. President Rodrigo Duterte made the assurance after health authorities worldwide raised alarm over Lambda, a Covid-19 variant that has spread rapidly through parts of South America. Delta variant, first detected in India, has already been found in some 100 countries. Local health authorities, however, said there is no local case yet of the Delta variant in the Philippines. Duterte renewed his call for the public to get vaccinated against Covid-19, noting that it is the best form of protection against respiratory disease. “Our best defense is still to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said in a pre-recorded meeting Talk to the People. “I reiterate my appeal: Please get vaccinated as soon as possible. The life you’ll be saving is not only your own, but of your loved ones and the people around you.” He also lauded the pace of the country’s Covid-19 vaccination drive.

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“I am pleased to know that as of July 11, more than 3 million Filipinos have received the second dose and with the total of more than 13 million doses so far administered in the country,” he said. Duterte reminded the public to continue observing minimum public health standards such as wearing face masks, face shields, hand-washing, and physical distancing. In the same meeting, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo assured that even if the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines is reduced due to the emergence of more infectious variants, they remain effective against these new strains. The Covid-19 vaccine brands that are currently part of the Philippines’ inventory and have been cleared for emergency use are Sinovac,

AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sputnik V, and Moderna. “Ang mga variant po, nababawasan ng konti yung effifacy ng vaccine pero hindi naman po siya nawawala. Nagiging very useful pa rin po (The variants have reduced the efficacy of vaccines but they are still very useful),” Domingo said. Duterte, in response, said it is “consoling” to hear that the vaccines still have a “fighting chance” in preventing deaths and severe illness due to Covid-19. “It seems that we are a little bit safe. Not really totally safe, but I said it is very consoling to hear from you that the present vaccine[s] we are using are as effective although not to its full degree, but rather could give us a minimum of comfort that there is available vaccine and it can be used against the variants,” he said. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

July 10-16, 2021 |

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Caraga InFocus –July 10-16, 2021

Articles inside

COTABATO RICE FARMERS VOLUNTEER TO HELP DEVELOP TARAKA RICEFIELDS

MINDA BRINGS VEGETABLE DERBY TO BIRTHPLACE OF MORO REBELLION

MODERNIZING AGRICULTURE THROUGH FARM MECHANIZATION

FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD SINIMULAN NA SA BAYAN NG GIGAQUIT, SURIGAO DEL NORTE

SSF ON MOBILE MARICULTURE PLATFORM LAUNCHED IN SIARGAO TOWNS

VOTER REGISTRATION SA TANDAG, IBALIK PAGPAHIGAYON KUNG MAPAILAWOM NA SA MGCQ O GCQ

BED OCCUPANCY RATE SA ASTMMC COVID-CCU, MAS MIKUNHOD PA

AFP CONFERS BATTLE STREAMER AWARD TO ARMY BRIGADE FOR DISMANTLING NPA FRONT IN AGNOR-MISOR AREA

BLANKETING REKINDLES BAYANIHAN

OWWA TRAINS BISLIG OFCS ON AGRI-FARMING

FALLEN SOLDIER OF C-130 LAID TO REST, GIVEN HONORS BY HIS COMRADES

MGA NAKAHAN-AY NGA MGA AKTIBIDADES SA PAGSAULOG SA NDRM, APEKTADO SA MECQ STATUS SA SURSUR

NPA MEMBER SURRENDERS IN SURSUR TOWN

GOV’T WINS BACK GUERILLA BASE IN AGNOR TOWN

CARAGA COUNCIL FOR DISABILITY AFFAIRS READIES ACTIVITIES FOR 2021 NDPR WEEK

UN CLIMATE FUND BODY TAPS DBP FOR CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION FINANCING

VACCINE CZAR ASSURES FILIPINOS IN ISLAND PROVINCES TO BE PRIORITIZED IN THE VACCINATION

STAKEHOLDERS PLANT SEEDLINGS IN TIME WITH SLP’S 10TH ANNIV CELEBRATION

DSWD CARAGA JOINS NUTRITION MONTH CAMPAIGN

UNITY PROPELS COFFEE GROWERS’ GROWTH

CARAGANONS UNITE IN A CALL TO CONDEMN CPP-NPA-NDF’S ATROCITIES THRU BIKING EVENT

DSWD’S SFP CONTINUES TO SERVE PEOPLE AMID PANDEMIC