Caraga InFocus –July 17-23, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 30 July 17-23, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

12 14 16 18 19 20 PROVINCIAL NEWS 22 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 36 37 38 40 41 42

RTF HOLDS CEREMONIAL VACCINATION OF GOV’T EMPLOYEES UNDER A4 MAYA INTERNS: GOING BEYOND THE PRINCIPLES 402ND BRIGADE IN CARAGA INSTALLS NEW COMMANDER

OCD TO HOLD 1ST INT’L DISASTER RESILIENCE FORUM

YOUTH ORG TAKES STEP FOR NEW MILESTONE IN CARAGA

BIGGEST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY NG MINDANAO MATATAGPUAN SA BUTUAN CITY

AGSUR BIKE ENTHUSIASTS JOIN NATIONWIDE ‘BIKE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE’

ELCAC INFRA PROJECTS PAVE WAY TO END INSURGENCY IN AGSUR, SURSUR AREAS

NPA MEMBER ABANDONS 21 YEARS OF FUTILE STRUGGLE

ARMY, PNP CAPTURE WOUNDED NPA REBEL IN AGSUR DA, AGNOR LGU EMBRACE PAFES

AGNOR COFFEE FARMERS ADOPT DOST’S CAPE PROGRAM

AGNOR MSMES COMPLETE DOST’S CONSULTANCY FOR PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM DA CARAGA GITURN-OVER ANG MGA LISO SA GULAY ISIP TAMPO SA FOOD BASKET PROJECT SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

50 KA PROYEKTONG IMPRASTRAKTURA SA PROBINSYA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, APRUBADO NA

VLOG COOKING CONTEST ALANG SA MGA MABDOS HIMOON ISIP KABAHIN SA PAGSAULOG SA NUTRITION MONTH CARAGA HOLDS FIRST SBDP PROJECT GROUNDBREAKING IN MINDANAO

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARENESS SEMINAR BENEFITS SURIGAONON IPS DTI ORGANIZES PROCESSED FOOD INDUSTRY CLUSTER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL IN DINAGAT NPA ATTACKS MINING FIRM, BURNS P50M WORTH OF MINING EQUIPMENT

43 45 46 47 48 50 51

38 PROYEKTONG IMPRASTRAKTURA SA ILALIM NG PROGRAMA NG NTF-ELCAC, SINIMULAN NA SA SURIGAO DEL NORTE MINDA, LGU-BISLIG HOLD 1ST VEGETABLE DERBY COMELEC VOTER REGISTRATION TO CONTINUE IN SURSUR SURSUR HOLDS DRRM ORIENTATION TO NEWLYHIRED LDRRM STAFF, PARTNERS ASTMMC NAKATALA OG FATALITY TUNGOD SA COVID-19

MINDANAO NEWS

MINDA MOVES TO BOOST MINDANAO TREE FARMING ‘BIGGEST’ CARABAO IN MINDANAO FOUND IN SARANGANI

54 56 57 58 60 62 64 67 69 70 71 73 74 76

CONTENTS

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COVER

Caraga

NATIONAL NEWS

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE’S LAST STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

SECRETARY ANDANAR REMINDS LOCAL RADIO TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE SECRETARY ANDANAR HELPS ENDORSE ANTIINSURGENCY PROJECTS OF SIATON, NEGROS ORIENTAL TO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARY ANDANAR HAILS ANTI-INSURGENCY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SECURITY, PEACE, AND JUSTICE CABINET CLUSTER SECRETARY ANDANAR: DUTERTE ADMIN TO CONTINUE TO OPEN MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FILIPINOS IN LAST FULL YEAR ON LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF DELTA VARIANT

BONG GO PUSHES FOR ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE, INCENTIVES FOR FILIPINO ATHLETES COMPETING IN TOKYO OLYMPICS AS HE ASSURES THEM OF FULL SUPPORT FROM GOV’T PRESIDENT DUTERTE WARNS PUBLIC ON RISKS POSED BY COVID-19 DELTA VARIANT

PH HAS SUFFICIENT VACCINE SUPPLY, COULD LAST UNTIL AUGUST — VACCINE CZAR NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING IN CLARK, SEEN TO BENEFIT NORTH, CENTRAL LUZON

PDP-LABAN MUST REMAIN FOCUSED ON UPLIFTING LIVES OF FILIPINOS, PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS PARTY MATES

COVID-19 NEWS

NEW SINOVAC DELIVERY RAISES PH VAX TOTAL TO 29.9 MILLION GOV’T SECURES 164M DOSES OF COVID-19 VAX FOR 2021 VAX STOCKPILE GOOD UNTIL AUGUST; MORE SUPPLIES COMING

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE DEATH OF FORMER CEBU GOVERNOR EMILIO “LITO” OSMEÑA We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones on the passing of former Cebu governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña. His commitment to public service will be remembered by the constituents he served throughout his tenure, and everyone he has helped along the way, especially the underprivileged. He has done much to serve and help the growth and development of his province, particularly when he advocated for and initiated CEBOOm, which led to the rapid economic development of Cebu in the early 1990s. May his legacy continue on and may he continue to be a source of inspiration to all Cebuanos, for the continued progress of the province, especially in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for his family, friends, and loved ones to find strength in this time of grief.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

PCOO chief promotes a mor Surigao del Norte province By Venus L. Garcia

With an eye toward an inclusive development and commonly agreed objective to accelerate and harmonize aid and humanitarian assistance to the most affected and vulnerable communities, communications chief Secretary Martin Andanar has been stopping by in various municipalities in Surigao del Norte province to communicate and deliver the services under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program along with other concerned disease 2019 (COVID-19) implementing pandemic and government agencies. economic crisis which is unprecedented in its Sec. Andanar scale. Given the opportunity to engage unreservedly “I have been reminded with the locals, Sec. of many of their Andanar has seen and challenges. I found heard as they narrated myself dealing with their in their own voices sentiments and even the struggles they are their hopes for a great facing especially in the height of the coronavirus escape from confronting

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human struggles,” Sec. Andanar articulated. That is why the government, he said, is focusing in the mobilization of the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate responses and measures in a timely manner in order to address the Caraga INFOCUS

re unified

continues to battle against COVID-19 that triggered economic and social disruption and gravely wounded the economy, country, and its people. He then underscored the importance of strong working relationships among the local government units in the province and act as cohesive forces bridging resilience and mitigating the risks posed by the virus.

enormous negative impacts brought about by the devastating pandemic and other emergencies. Sec. Andanar furthered that the government could not afford to be complacent about the people’s health and is firm in making an allout effort as the nation Caraga INFOCUS

fauna and natural resources, encompassing pretty much all the pride of the province. Known for its extensive mineral deposits, large part of the municipal land area of Claver is a mining reservation which includes the nickel ore loading port at barangay Taganito.

Sec. Andanar, however, cited that mining depletes the finite resources and in a strict sense, therefore, “Intergovernmental everyone must be more relations in the local level responsible and avoid in shall be upheld since continually exhausting interactions among local the available supply of government units are as these resources. important as establishing strong linkages in “Technically sound advancing provincial exploration and development,” quipped responsible mining must Sec. Andanar. be seriously practiced. Since mineral resources In his most recent visit are finite within a human in the municipality of lifetime, it is crucial Claver, Surigao del Norte to take constructive after the series of AHON steps to diminish the events in the island of threats we face. And Siargao, Sec. Andanar it is in this context that spent a time with the we give more value to local officials describing our neighboring towns to them how he and island municipalities captured the promising because they will be places abound with among the primary captivating flora and lines of support when July 17-23, 2021 |

This, he mentioned as there are parties according to him that are interested in creating Siargao Island as a separate province. He said that history has it, and the National Historical Institute (NHI) even recommended that the first and official flag raising occurred in Surigao. Hence, the Filipino’s struggles for freedom and justice can be related best to the present endeavors of fostering one solid province comprising the mainland and island towns. Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee

everything in your place will be put to the challenge,” Sec. Andanar pointed out.

of cultures in Surigao del Norte province, in Caraga region and everyone deserves to be treated with respect As a Siargaonon and and kindness. Being Surigaonon himself who a Surigaonon myself, hails from the country’s I am more inclined of most beautiful island of creating consciousness Siargao, Sec. Andanar of unification by has the keen longing for introducing strategies a unified, all-inclusive, that would promote whole-of-society approach in keeping the social integration rather than segregation, province intact. solidarity instead of disharmony,” stressed “I acknowledge the Sec. Andanar. abundant diversity

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“Aduna tay mga kalahian, apan ang atong gugma sa atong pinayangga nga probinsya nagpatigbabaw. Magampo kita, mag-ambit kita, magtinabangay kita labi na para sa atong mga kababayan nga nagkinahanglan (We may have some lingering and underlying differences but the love for our beloved province surpassed it all. Let’s continue praying, sharing, and helping especially the least of our breathren),” said Caraga INFOCUS

Sec. Andanar. Meanwhile, Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee of the municipality of Claver thanked the national government and Sec. Andanar as the head of the government’s communication arm for continuing to uphold public awareness of the government’s actions on pressing concerns in the country, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination program. “Letting people understand about the government’s plans for its people has always been a great challenge especially with a pandemic going on. But the PCOO has consistently launched various platforms to strengthen the government’s information drive,” Mayor Gokiangkee said. The lady mayor underscored that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government continues to work on implementing strategies that push for development. Caraga INFOCUS

Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee

Also, Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee of the province of Surigao del Norte lauded the efforts of the local government of Claver to foster the recovery of the local economy of the municipality and laying out its plans postpandemic. He also underscored the efforts of the LGU to provide education for its youth. “We are proud that despite the setbacks our economy is facing,

access to education for the youth of Claver was made possible through the efforts of the LGU and that is truly a lasting legacy,” the vice governor said. Sec. Andanar likewise mentioned that more clever leaders just like in Claver are needed who would remain committed and be instrumental for favorable progress. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) July 17-23, 2021 |

News Briefs Employees of the member agencies of the Caraga Regional Task Force (RTF) for COVID-19 gather, July 23, at SM City Butuan for a ceremonial vaccination of the RTF members. They belong to the A4 priority group which are frontline workers in essential services. The event, which supports the government’s vaccination rollout, aims to encourage other individuals belonging to the said priority group as well as the general public to get vaccinated. xx

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar highlighted anew the significant role of media workers in spreading correct and timely information and updates on the government’s national COVID-19 vaccination program. During the Network Briefing News on Friday, Secretary Andanar encouraged media workers in Caraga region to register for vaccination, considering that they are frontliners under the A4 category of the vaccine priority list. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga is spearheading the Caraga MOVERS Meeting, July 22. Caraga MOVERS is also known as Multisectoral Organization Envisioning an Empowered and Resourceful Society through Nutrition, which is the media arm of NNC Caraga. This is a strategic group that could aid in the effective dissemination of good health and nutrition practices. At 6:30 am, July 17, the bikers from various sectors assembled at the municipal ground of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur for today’s “Bike for Peace and Justice” event. The PNP personnel of San Francisco Municipal Police Station secured the route of the 65 participating bikers.

REGIONAL NEWS

RTF holds ceremonial vaccination of gov’t employees under A4 By Doreen Marielle Rosales

In an effort to promote the vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Caraga Regional Task Force on COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) conducted a ceremonial vaccination for employees of government agencies who are part of the A4 priority group on Friday, July 23, at SM City Butuan.

the best way to combat COVID-19. We don’t know when this pandemic will end but we are sure that the vaccination is a tool to prevent and to decrease the transmission of this deadly virus,” said RTF COVID-19 Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Liza Mazo.

These agencies are members of the task force that provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dir. Mazo and the remaining 20 employees from various government agencies such as the OCD, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Information and Communications

“We launched it as a way of promoting the COVID-19 vaccines, that these are safe and that getting vaccinated is

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Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DOST – Pagasa, Department of Agriculture (DA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) who participated in the ceremony received Caraga INFOCUS

units are preparing for the vaccination of outbound OFWs, who are now part of A1. Through a conversation with Dir. Cambaling, the LGU Nasipit in the province of Agusan del Norte confirmed that they are now preparing for the vaccination of their OFWs. Cambaling

Russia’s flagship two-dose COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V.

Mazo

OWWA Caraga OICRegional Director Ma. Ireen Cambaling, who also received her jab during the ceremony, was one of the few office heads who sought the national government’s intervention to begin the vaccination for its office employees who continue to serve inbound overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This puts her staff at great risk.

In addition to the existing Prevent-Detect-IsolateTreat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategies to curb the transmission, the task force chair, being a strong advocate for vaccination, stressed the importance of availing COVID-19 vaccines especially for the said frontline workers given the nature of their “We’re at the frontlines, jobs involving face-to-face relentlessly serving our contact with their clientele. OFWs so it is crucial for our employees to get “This added layer of vaccinated. Our willingness protection can also help to receive the jab is your body fight the virus also necessary for us to better once you get achieve herd immunity infected. This is our best which is why we have to weapon against this take the lead to have our disease. Also, getting sector vaccinated,” Dir. vaccinated is our way of Cambaling said. convincing the people to get inoculated, especially While vaccination is still if you are under the priority ongoing for the A1 to A3 groups that are currently priority groups, the OWWA receiving the jabs,” Mazo regional director said said. some local government Caraga INFOCUS

Meanwhile, varying efficacy rates of various vaccines from various manufacturers have been pinpointed as a factor for vaccine hesitancy. Dir. Mazo quickly cited findings and recommendations from medical experts, reiterating that the vaccines now made available are all safe regardless of their efficacy rate. “Science has shown that lahat itong mga vaccines are safe and effective enough to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. All vaccines made available in the country are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization so please, let us not give in to hearsays. This makes us even more anxious and fearful of the vaccine but in response to all of these, numerous studies have been published showing proof,” she added. (DMNR/PIACaraga) July 17-23, 2021 |

MAYA Interns: Going Beyond the Principles

Early March this year, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) opened up an internship program that attracted numerous agriculture graduates across the country. The quote, “many have tried but only a few are chosen,” emerged as the selection of interns was cut by 793 from the pool of 3,000 applicants. Sixteen of which were the chosen few from Caraga region. Given the existing landscape of challenges in the agriculture sector, the Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness or MAYA was established to expand a new gamut of the agriculture sector that

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is profitable, lucrative, and enticing. That is the reason why the internship program was created in order to develop a competent, highly-skilled, and employment-ready youthful workforce. It has also been noted that the workforce in the sector has been aging – the reason why MAYA seeks to take on the challenge. Challenge disguised as opportunity Ready to take on the challenge were the 16 interns from four provinces in the region. One intern that outstands her batch because of her drive to innovate technology for Cacao is Ana Fe Daal from Buenavista, Agusan del

Norte. Daal was not new to internship programs since she was one of the agriculture students all over the Philippines, that was sent to Israel to further her capability on the field when she was still in her undergraduate studies. “During my college days, I was one of the chosen agricultural students that were sent to Israel to improve what I learned in the field. But even though I can say that I collectively had all the knowledge needed, I still have that urge to improve on my craft. That is the reason why I applied to MAYA and luckily garnered a spot out of thousands of applications,” Daal said. Daal who chose the Entrepreneurship Track of the program envisioned to improve technology and processing on Cacao commodity. However, she no longer has to envision as she clinched one of the ten spots for the Best MAYA Intern Business Proposal Competition that was held last June where she focused on Tablea Processing and Marketing. “One of the reasons that pushed me to pursue tablea is because, as a daughter of a cacao

Caraga INFOCUS

farmer, i have seen the opportunities that we can get out of it. Through correct processing and marketing, it will create a ripple effect in the community I live in and more opportunities on tablea processing will come through,” Daal said.

employment in the sector. “Others may find solace in agribusiness but for me, I want to serve the country and the people, so I want to work in the government. I am just waiting for opportunities to knock on my door,” he added.

Discipline creates success

Once in a lifetime opportunity For Jirah Balinton of Talocogon, Agusan del Sur, opportunities do not come twice hence she grabbed that opportunity tightly making her one represent Caraga region among hundreds of hopeful applicants. As a graduate of Animal Science, she was able to experience what is it like to work in the livestock sector.

To reach your goals, discipline must be set forward, that is how Michael Troza who chose Employment Track from Los Angeles, Butuan City built his path towards success. Among the 16 interns, Troza was recognized as the Best MAYA Intern from his batch during the MAYA Awards. He recalled that his willingness and discipline made him notable among his peers. “After being awarded as Best MAYA intern, I thought of it as not just a mere recognition but a role that I must embody as a licensed agriculturist. I was glad but I was more challenged given the load of the recognition. My edge among my batch mates was the pure willingness with the work that I do and respect to the hustle my mentors have been doing just to improve our knowledge,” Troza said. When asked about his plans after his stint in the program, Troza blissfully said that he wanted to pursue

Caraga INFOCUS

“As an animal science graduate, we were taught the basic procedures on taking care of pigs, cows, and other livestock animals but when I had my deployment in Del Monte Research Station, I realized that it wasn’t just about taking care of them, it is all about understanding the animals. All of these were far behind from the theories we’ve learned during college, this MAYA opportunity was an actual experience where we indulged into the real world of farmers,” Balinton said. Different procedures and actual field demonstrations

were taught in the span of 3 months to the MAYA interns. Some of these include blood sampling, ear tagging, and leg banding, supplementation on ruminant livestock, vaccination of poultry animals, deworming, and weaning of piglets. Excluded are the technical lessons and demonstrations of different crops and commodities. The future awaits For Ana, Michael, Jirah, and the rest of the first batch of MAYA interns in Caraga, the program opened life lessons and knowledge they can enjoy in their future endeavors. Their experiential learnings will level up the sector beyond its productionfocused orientation, the entire input production, farm operations, processing, marketing, and trading to name a few. These interns are the chosen few that are harnessed in making agriculture an entrepreneurial choice among them. Badged with enough knowledge and courage to be the next prime mover in agriculture, these interns are transformed to go beyond. From principles to practices, the future awaits. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso/DARAFIS13/PIA Caraga)

July 17-23, 2021 |

402nd brigade in Caraga installs new commander

The Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade hosted the Change of Command Ceremony on Tuesday, July 20, at the headquarters in Barangay Bancasi, this city. Major General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army presided over the turnover of leadership from the outgoing commander, Brigadier General Maurito L. Licudine to Colonel

|July 17-23, 2021

Adonis Ariel G. Orio as the new commander, Colonel Orio was installed as the 34th commander of the 402nd Brigade. He is a native of Cagayan de Oro City and a member of Philippine Military Academy “TanglawDiwa” Class of 1992. The new commander is not new to Caraga Region and in Northern Mindanao since these areas were among his first assignments as a young 2Lt. way back in 1992.

From then on, he held various positions in the 4ID units from Company Commander, Battalion Commander of 29th Infantry Battalion and staff at all levels from tactical to operational military echelons. In total, Col. Orio had spent 17 years in 4ID area. In his assumption speech, Col. Orio said hoped that 402Bde can still obtain warm support of the LGUs and stakeholders in Northern Mindanao Caraga INFOCUS

and Caraga Region. “I count on your help in implementing E.O. No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach towards the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace through the National Task Force to Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict to the Regions,” he said.

Distinguished Service Star Award for his meritorious and invaluable service “I am confident that I can rendered in a position chart more significant of major responsibility gains not for myself but as the commander of for the Stingers’ Troopers 402Bde which effectively and the people whom addressed the peace we serve in this area. and security operation in After all, this Brigade’s its area of responsibility commitment is geared that resulted to the towards peace and dismantling of Guerilla development,” Col. Orio Front 4A and Guerilla added. Front 88 all of North Central Mindanao He further called on the Regional Committee active participation of (NCMRC). all stakeholders and local chief executives In his remarks, BGen. (LCEs), and the entire Licudine extended his populace of the province immense gratitude to the of Agusan del Norte, LCEs and stakeholders Agusan del Sur, and that the brigade cannot Misamis Oriental in the stand alone and march towards the long accomplish its mission and much-desired peace and goals without their in the Brigade’s area of supports. responsibility. “The Brigade was able During the ceremony, to shape its area of BGen. Licudine was responsibility and progress awarded with the Military in its campaign. We have Merit Medal interim to improved the security Caraga INFOCUS

situation providing our people a secured environment where they can freely go on with their way of life. This was made possible because we worked together. I am humbled and grateful for helping us achieve our mission objectives,” BGen. Licudine said. Also, BGen. Licu dine conveyed a message to the newlyinstalled 402nd Brigade commander. “To my successor, a lot still needs to be done to realize our goal of ending the local communist armed conflict in this part of the country. We are at the endgame of our campaign and time is running out. We have to increase further our operational tempo and put an end to this 52-year old scourge,” BGen. Licudine said. (Cpt. Jonald Romorosa, CMO Officer, 402 Infantry Brigade,PA/PIA-Caraga) July 17-23, 2021 |

OCD to hold 1st Int’l Disaster Resilience Forum The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will hold its first International Disaster Resilience Forum (IDRF) on July 29 to 30, 2021 as part of the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM). This forum serves as a venue for sharing best practices in the strengthening of disaster resilience; understanding the importance of governance, citizenparticipation and global partnerships towards disaster resilience; and reinforcing cooperation between stakeholders.

disaster resilience and sustainable development in the New Normal will be discussed through various sessions. Leaders, policymakers, executives, experts, and civil society groups are invited to participate in the forum. This event will be shown live through Civil Defense PH Facebook page and Youtube and participants may register through these links:

The IDRF will tackle integrated and interconnected solutions through information sharing and discussions on Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation and Plenaries, Open/Closing Disaster Resilience from experts and practitioners Ceremonies - tinyurl. com/IDRF-POC around the world. Session 1 - tinyurl.com/ IDRF-DRR2021 Trends, best practices, Session 2 - tinyurl.com/ and strengthening

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IDRF-PR Session 3 - tinyurl.com/ IDRF-BBB The OCD also launched a set of webinars every Friday dubbed as the “Resilience Hours”. So far, three webinars were already conducted which centered on Stories of Resilience, Faces of Resilience, and approaches on Making Cities and Municipalities Resilient. The fourth and last webinar titled “Pathways to Resilience” under Resilience Hours will be held this Friday, July 23, 2021. (OCD/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Youth org takes step for new milestone in Caraga The Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through our Youth Incorporated (POINTY Inc.) and the 15th Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command (15RCDG, ARESCOM) conducted a formal signing of Memorandum of Understanding at 15RCDG, Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City on July 17, 2021. The activity’s objective is to strengthen the partnership of POINTY and 15RCDG in pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region of Caraga through youth lead initiatives. 15RCDG Group Commander Col. Diosdado Peji, 15RCDG Executive Officer LTC Joseph Bugaoan, 15RCDG operations officer Maj. Frances Belarmino, chairman of the Board of Trustees of POINTY Inc. Mr. Roberto Laurente, Jr., POINTY Inc. Central Office President Engr. Christian Kier M. Betito and, the Directors and Chief Clerks of the four Community Defense Centers in the Caraga INFOCUS

Caraga region attended the said event. “With our mandated mission and your vision, together we can create something more than a legacy,” said LTC Bagaoan on his welcome address. Engr. Christian Kier M. Betito, COO President of POINTY Inc. expressed his gratitude to the 15RCDG for granting the organization a haven for planning and sustainment of peace and development activities, and a place where they can call home. “During the pandemic there is no certainty that the recruitment of the youth to join the armed struggle

have stopped,” he said. Betito then empowered the youth leaders of POINTY Inc. to continue the advocacy despite challenges they come up against. Meanwhile, Peji expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the organization for initiating such a momentous signing memorandum of understanding. He emphasized that we cannot win the war through armed struggle, but by subduing the enemies to win peace. “The only way to find peace is through understanding,” he added. (POINTY, Inc./PIACaraga) July 17-23, 2021 |

Biggest university library ng Mindanao matatagpuan sa Butuan City

Masayang ibinahagi ni Caraga State University (CSU) president Dr. Anthony M. Penaso ang isang state-of-the-art university library - ang Elisa R. Ochoa learning commons ng university na matatagpuan dito sa lungsod. Ayon kay Dr. Penaso, ito ay inaasahang makakatulong sa mahigit 2,000 learners sa iba’t ibang panig ng Mindanao maging sa buong bansa at tinaguriang the biggest state university in Mindanao.

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Ipinagmamalaki din ni Dr. Penaso ang nasabing university library dahil ito ang unang library sa bansa na may locator maps, automated book drop system at nap pads. May tatlong palapag at iba’t ibang amenities, unique services, coffee shops, decision theater, exhibit area, museum, auditorium, discussion rooms, activity lofts, story telling area at marami pang iba. Ang university na nagkakahalaga ng mahigit 254 milyong peso

at bubuksan sa publiko upang makatulong sa mga pangangailan ng mga learners, may 48 CCTVs at wall of merits kung saan lahat ng mga board of examination topnotchers ng university ay mailagay. Ang CSU ang kaunaunahang state university ng Caraga region na may mahigit 9,000 mag-aaral kasali na ang mga mag-aaral sa Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte campus. (NCLM/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgSur bike enthusiasts join nationwide ‘Bike for Peace and Justice’ Bikers from various municipalities and city in the province of Agusan del Sur had actively participated in “Bike for Peace and Justice,” a nationwide event on July 17, 2021, which calls for justice for the death of cousins Kieth and Novelene Absalon in June 2021 by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Some 65 biking enthusiasts composed of San Francisco Bikers Club, Agusan del Sur Bikers Club, and 1301st Regional Mobile Force Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Cutlog Base, Barobo, Surigao del Sur joined early morning in the event held in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. With common cause, 80 bikers from the municipality of Veruela, Agusan del Sur also joined the personnel of Veruela Municipal Police Station for the event that started at 5:30 a.m. from Poblacion to Sampaguita. The local government unit of Veruela also expressed support and thanks to those who stand for peace and justice for the Absalon cousins and in the fight against terrorism. Same with the municipality of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, where the Philippine National Police (PNP) secured the route of the bikers as support to them as they call for justice for the brutal killing of the Absalon cousins, as well as for all the victims of the abuses and exploitation of the communist terrorist groups. The “Bike for Peace and Justice” is a civilinspired event, largely participated by private stakeholders, especially by families and communities affected by the crimes

|July 17-23, 2021

and atrocities of the CTG-CPP-NPA-NDF, to call on for true and lasting peace in their local communities. This one-day, nationwide event is the 40th day after the death of Keith and Novelen Absalon (July 16 is 40th day but on a Friday). Participants from the cycling groups in the city/provinces, families from their homes, third-party organizations and other stakeholders took videos and photos of themselves, and tagged the event’s campaign and messaging as content while uploading the materials to their respective social media accounts using the hashtags: #BikeForKiethPH #NagBikeAkoForKieth #NagBikeAkoForPeaceAndJustice #BiieForPeaceAndJustice #JusticeForKieth #JusticeForAbsalons #StopTheCommunistTerroristKillings #NoMoreCommunistTerroristViolence #PeaceWithoutCPPNPANDF #NoMoreCPPNPANDF. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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ELCAC infra projects pave way to end insurgency in AgSur, SurSur areas The infrastructure projects of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) under the Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) will pave the way in ending insurgency in Caraga region particularly in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur areas. Various stakeholders including the local populace were present during the Caraga’s RTFELCAC groundbreaking ceremonies of the two road projects in Barangay Villa Ondayon, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; and Sitio Simowao (KM9), Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Caraga INFOCUS

Sur on July 15 and 16, respectively. A kilometer of local access road from Purok 4 to Sitio Ibo-ibo, Brgy Villa Ondayon in Bayugan City, ADS will be upgraded while a 1.2 kilometer Farmto-Market Road from Sitio Simowao (KM9) to Purok 7 of Brgy Diatagon in the Municipality of Lianga, SDS will be constructed. Each project will be worth 20M pesos. Punong Barangay Hon. Mercidita Maluenda of Villa Ondayon and Hon. Renegio Pareja of Diatagon, thanked their respective provincial government, ELCAC Officials, 65th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Special Forces Battalion under

the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army for recommending the projects in their barangays that were once influenced by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). Said barangay officials claimed that together with their constituents, they were restrained by the CTG to give their consent and approval for any government projects out of fear. With the Army’s persistence to drive away from the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT), the road projects they longed for will be finally realized and relief overwhelmed them as it will greatly benefit their communities as their farm products will now be easily transported. July 17-23, 2021 |

Director Lilibeth Famacion, the chairperson of RTFELCAC Technical Working Group and Regional Director of DILG Caraga, disclosed that 191 recipient barangays with 357 priority projects that were cleared from CTG influence in Caraga region are provided with P20M each for a total of P3.82 Billion allocated as fund support to the various infrastructure projects and social services. “Bayugan City has nine recipient barangays out of the 45 recipient barangays in Agusan del Sur with 78 total priority projects worth P900 million while in Surigao del Sur, there are 46 recipient barangays with 60 priority infrastructure projects worth P900 million as part of sustaining the initiative towards peace and development in the barangays,” she added.

be committed and must intensify its support on this endeavor to sustain the program.

Also, Brigadier General Allan Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander, revealed that barangays Villa Ondayon and Diatagon are former strongholds of the CTG wherein influence of their Sectoral Front Organizations are extensive. “We were able to make the people understand that the Army together with other partner agencies are in their communities to promote their welfare and help them improve their lives. We believe that the bottom line of this problem is governance. Who will govern best could win the support of the people. Hence, the continuous progress of the communities brought Meanwhile, Surigao del by the implementation Sur Governor Alexander of ELCAC projects will Pimentel and Agusan del naturally prevent the Sur Governor Santiago people from joining the Cane, Jr., are one in saying CTG,” he disclosed. that the BDP under the NTF ELCAC budget will In his statement, Major address the commonly General Romeo Brawner, exploited issues utilized Jr., Commander of the 4th by the CTG to recruit the Infantry (Diamond) Division, local populace. They said also bared that the whole that the local government Diamond troopers will units, national and local continue to support the RTF government agencies and ELCAC in order to improve other stakeholders must the well-being of the

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people and protect them from the CNTs. “We thank our partner agencies in Caraga region for their active involvement in ending the communist armed conflict in this part of the country. We shall continue to clear remaining barangays from CTG influence thru our CSP so that the peace and development projects under the RTF ELCAC’s LGSF-SBDP program will be delivered to the conflict affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to pave the way in ending insurgency,” said Brawner. Brawner further revealed that the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WNA) is working in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region. The WNA, he said, is not just about burden sharing, it’s about understanding that peace and order is a shared responsibility. The Barangay Development Program is the government’s priority program to usher development and deliver basic services in conflictaffected barangays that lagged due to the terror caused by the CNTs. (Major Francisco Garello, Jr., DPAO, 4ID, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

NPA member abandons 21 years of futile struggle

Another member of the communist terrorist group surrendered to the government’s fold. He was identified as Edgar Dagpin y Dobrea alias ‘Adel’, a resident of Sitio San Agustin, Brgy. San Vicente, Prosperidad, this province and vice commander of Former Guerilla Front 8 (FGF8), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Caraga INFOCUS

who voluntarily abandoned his 21 years of futile struggle on July 19, 2021, bringing three AK47 rifles and 11 pieces of steel magazines.

and destroy the future of the youths. Physical exhaustion, weakened party leadership, and dwindling mass bases contributed to his decision to yield to the government and be with his son. He also realized that being a Communist NPA Terrorist only made his life more miserable.

Alias ‘Adel’, a former CTG leader laid down his arms when he noticed that his 21 years of armed struggle seemed going nowhere but continued “Sa akong mga to prevent progress kanhi na kauban nga

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of the 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade expressed his admiration to the troops who helped alias ‘Adel’ to lay down his arms and join the mainstream society.

nagpadayon nga naglihok sa armadong pakigbisog naglaum ako nga mobalik na kamo sa sabakan sa atong panggamhanan samtang dili pa ulahi ang tanan. Dili na ninyo paaboton nga adunay mahitabo kaninyo nga daotan samtang nagpadayon kamo sa pagsuporta sa walay hinungdan nga pakigbisog batok sa atong gobyerno, aron matabangan nato ang atong pamilya ug

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anak (To my comrades who are still in the movement, I hope that you could also realize that returning to the folds of the law is the best and right thing to do. It’s not too late. Do not wait that your family will suffer the consequences while you are fighting for the wrong cause against the government),” shared alias ‘Adel’. BGen Allan Hambala, Brigade Commander

“I’m glad that Adel finally left the armed movement and realized that he was following a futile cause and chose to live a peaceful life with his son. We were able to give him another chance and hope to start a new life destroyed by the NPA. We are hoping that more NPA members will follow his footsteps, abandon an irrelevant ideology and be productive citizens of our country,” said Hambala. Alias ‘Adel’ will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government’s intervention program for former rebels. (1Lt RomalynvIsaga, CMO officer, 401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Army, PNP capture wounded NPA rebel in AgSur

After a report from a concerned resident and through the joint intelligence efforts of the military and police, a wounded Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was recently captured in Sitio Kimambukadyang,

Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, this province. The wounded NPA was identified as Ruben Camangyan alias ‘Robert’, a resident of Purok 1, Brgy. Comota, La Paz, Agusan del Sur

and a member of the remnants of Guerilla Front (GF) 88, SRC 3 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) who was hit on his backhead and right thigh during the previous encounter of troops of 26IB against the combined elements of the Sub-Regional SDG Banglas and remnants of GF88 in the hinterlands of So Kimambukadyang last June 22, 2021 that resulted to the seizure of seven (7) highpowered firearms, personal belongings, war paraphernalia and subversive documents with high intelligence value. With respect to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Commission of Human Rights (CHR), the wounded NPA was immediately treated by the unit medical team and brought to Talacogon District Hospital for his medical needs. Alias ‘Robert’

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July 17-23, 2021 |

revealed that some of their comrades was killed and missing while Rexon Guinar alias ‘More’, Squad Leader of the said armed group, was hit on his left hand wounded during the said encounter. Camangyan had warrants of arrest for attempted homicide, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and other charges issued by courts in the province of Agusan del Sur. After being appraised of his constitutional rights, Camangyan was properly turned over to San Luis Municipal Police Station (MPS) for proper disposition. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB affirmed the adherence of the troops to human rights. “With respect to humanity, we will always respect human life and treat the wounded during armed conflict. Rest assured that the Ever Onward troopers will continue to adhere in accordance with stated

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policies, guidelines and procedures on human rights in all their operations against known enemies of the state in order to respect and protect the rights of every Filipino citizen,” he said.

lay down your arms, avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits and start a peaceful life,” Goce ended.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and “We are grateful for its armed wing, the NPA, the cooperation of our is listed as a communist fellows in the community, terrorist group by the through your reports, we Philippine Government, were able to capture United States, European the wounded rebel and Union, United Kingdom, saved his life. Australia, Canada and New Zealand. (2Lt To our brothers and Cecille Tappa, CMO sisters who are still on officer, 26IB, PA/PIAthe ranks of the NPA, Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

DA, AgNor LGU embrace PAFES

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is now on its journey to take the wheel of the agriculture and fishery sector towards development. This is after the Provinceled Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) was formally launched last July 19, 2021, with Agusan del Norte as the pilot province for Caraga Region.

of the agricultural extension program to the local government unit starting 2022. As part of the pilot phase, DA-Caraga, the provincial local government unit (PLGU) of government, academe, private sector, and other agricultural stakeholders inked the Memorandum of Agreement to complement each other particularly on technical and funding support in the implementation of proposed co-financing projects identified by the province.

Governor Dale Corvera accepted the challenge to be a model province among the provinces in the region as part of the transition period before the full implementation “This is a timely of the devolution process development as we Caraga INFOCUS

in the province is at the height of the implementation of our provincial initiative, the Agusan-UP, aiming to level up agricultural and fishery sector by increasing production and establishing processing centers in the province,” Governor Corvera said. “I enjoined every stakeholder to unite and walked together in propelling the agriculture and fisheries sector towards a resilient and food-secure Philippines with prosperous farmers and fisherfolks” said Undersecretary for Operations Ariel T. Cayanan of the July 17-23, 2021 |

of Secretary William Dar with his One DA Reform Agenda. this is timely for the the full implementation of the Mandanas and Garcia Ruling that will significantly boosts the financial capabilities of LGUs to implement agricultural programs and projects. Department of Agriculture who virtually graced the momentous event. Through PAFES, LGU will be at the center in delivering extension services to the farmers such as the conduct of technology training, provision of farm machinery, production and infrastructure support, downstream researches, and others. “With PAFES, LGU will now be the center of mobilizing agricultural projects and programs but still with support from the DA, and its attached bureaus and agencies, academe, local policymakers, and private sector,” Rebecca Reyes Atega, Regional Technical

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Director for Operations of The 2018 Supreme Court DA-Caraga said. ruling, on the petitions In setting the direction, the agricultural program from the national, regional to local levels will be harmonized through the Collaborative Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program (CAFEP) integrated into the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP).

PAFES is an initiative of DA under the leadership

of Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas and former Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr., stated that the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of LGUs should be coming from all national taxes collected and not just from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). (Aurellius Arais, DA13RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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AgNor coffee farmers adopt DOST’s CAPE program

The members of the Durian Farmers’ Association (DUFA) from Brgy. Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte are now seeing healthier new verticals of their coffee trees after the implementation of the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Extension (CAPE) program, initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, thru the Provincial Science Caraga INFOCUS

and Technology Center (PSTC) of Agusan del Norte. The program assisted a total of 15 coffee farmers with more than 40 hectares of coffee plantation in total, multicropped with other plant commodities. Due to inaccessibility, these farmers have been using traditional practices in maintaining their coffee trees,

without having sufficient knowledge on the appropriate science and technology-based methods of effectively cultivating a coffee plantation. Coffee trees were infested with pests, with no proper plantation maintenance which significantly decreased the production of quality green coffee beans. The area is also affected by existing armed conflicts, which July 17-23, 2021 |

greatly hampered their sustainable livelihood opportunities and the community’s economic potentials on coffee production and processing. Thru the CAPE program, DUFA members were provided with technical interventions through the conduct of series of consultation activities which started in November 2020 and concluded in June 2021. Interventions

included trainings on good agricultural practices, plantation rejuvenation, control measures, maintenance of coffee trees, and farm management to help decrease infestation and eventually improve the production of quality green coffee beans. The team of Balahay Coffee Pro’s Roastery and Consultancy headed by Mark Anthony Balahay served as the consultant for this

engagement. With the community’s interest and acceptance of the S&T interventions, farmers have successfully rejuvenated their coffee trees which are now becoming healthier and are continuously producing new verticals. These improvements show an expected increase in yield in the next coming harvest seasons. In addition, the creation of the farmers’ Goal Action Plan served as a clear guide for the farmworkers and increased the efficiency of the farms’ operation. DOST Caraga, thru PSTC – Agusan del Norte headed by Provincial S&T Director Meriam B. Bouquia, will continue monitoring the impact of the CAPE interventions, with the cooperation of the association and the entire barangay. A coffee processing facility will also be established by the DOST in the community that will soon produce quality coffee products using locally harvested green beans. (DOST Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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AgNor MSMEs complete DOST’s consultancy for productivity program

A total of 10 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the province of Agusan del Norte completed one of the consultancy programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) on July 21, 2021. The MPEX graduation was conducted virtually which officially announced the successful implementers and reported the initial impacts of the science and technology interventions recommended after completing the six-month Caraga INFOCUS

period that started in January 2021. These firms included: 1. Papelemento Visual Arts and Scenography; 2. Janikka’s Catering; 3. Via Prints; 4. Raserproject Arts and Designs; 5. Chris Food Products; 6. D’ Paul Sign Fabricators; 7. Raquel’s Calamansi Juice; 8. McLoy Cycle Parts and General Merchandise; 9. Lovely Bakeshop; 10. Zandy’s Goodies MPEX is one of DOST’s consultancy services, which aims to improve the overall efficiency

and profitability of MSMEs by producing better products and services; reducing operational expenses; attaining more productive and safer workplaces; and developing more appropriately skilled manpower. DOST Caraga tapped the expertise of the Summit Consultancy and Research Services (SCRS) headed by Engr. Baby R. Lim, together with her competent team, who served as the program’s consultant. The intervention included a six-monthlong consultation July 17-23, 2021 |

and implementation of the consultant’s recommendations based on the firm’s science and technology needs and existing systems. The program looked into the different priority areas of the firms’ operations, which included: Capacity Utilization; Product Design and Packaging; Production Planning and Control; Materials Management System; Quality Control Assurance System; Financial Systems and Control; Machine and Equipment Utilization; Cleaner Production Technologies; Safety and Housekeeping Practices; Layout; Manufacturing System; Work Organization; Human Resource Utilization; Processes and Operations; Plant Maintenance; Energy Audit; Food Safety; and Wastage Levels. Among the participating firms of the province, Zandy’s Goodies was hailed the Best MPEX Implementer after conforming with the consultant’s recommendations and eventually showed

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significant increases on the enterprise’s sales, labor productivity and production volume, market expansion, and improvement of other areas in its operation. Lorina Margate of Zandy’s Goodies shared that it is through the consultancy program that greatly helped increase their sales amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The proprietor further looks forward to continue implementing all the changes and recommendations provided by the consultants for the sustained efficiency and productivity of the firm. The above-mentioned firms received their certificates of completion for the MPEX program, while the implementation of the consultants’ recommendations stated in the final report shall continuously be monitored by the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of Agusan del Norte.

According to Imelda S. Mezo, office-in-charge for the Office of the Regional Director, DOST Caraga, they are hoping that the MPEX beneficiaries will continue to implement the recommendations given by the consultants. Moreover, DOST Caraga Assistant Regional Director Ricardo N. Varela expressed his commitment, along with the efforts of the regional staff and the PSTCs, to continue the effective implementation of DOST’s consultancy services for the benefit of the region’s production and manufacturing sector. Thirty-five (35) firms from the other provinces in Caraga also completed the said program. Since 2012, there are already 357 firms across the region which benefited the MPEX consultancy service of DOST. These MSMEs are at the same time recipients of DOST’s flagship program, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). (DOST Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DA Caraga giturn-over ang mga liso sa gulay isip tampo sa Food Basket project sa Agusan del Norte juices, nutrition packs ug uban pang preparasyon sa gulay ingon man ang pagpahiluna og mga marketing facilities and networks sa probinsya, sa Caraga ug sa gawas sa rehiyon”.

Gi-turn over sa Department of Agriculture – Caraga kon DA Caraga sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa Agusan Up Coordinating Center ang nagakalainlaing liso sa gulay nga magsilbing tampo niini sa “Food Basket” project nga hiniusang gipahiluna sa probinsya, sa munisipyo sa Kitcharao ug sa mga maguuma sa gulay sa lungsod mismo. Ang maong mga liso gitagana alang sa pito sa napulo ka ektaryang mga luna sa Kitcharao ug uban pang mga lungsod sa probinsya, ang inisyal nga gidak-on sa gulayan nga inisyal nga ipalambo ubos

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sa proyekto. Ang “Food Basket” mao ang Core Processing Project sa lungsod sa Kitcharao. Kabahin kini sa Process! Process! Process! Project ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba. Kabahin sa proyektong “Food Basket” ang pagpalambo og 500 ektaryas nga gulayan sa tibuok probinysa hangtud sa tuig 2027, pagmontar og vegetable processing facilities nga mogama og vegetable powder,

Gawas sa DA, sa probinsya, sa munisipyo ug mga maguuma sa gulay, motabang usab ang Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Norte, ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Agusan del Norte ug uban pang mga ahensya pagpahiluna sa maong proyekto. Apil sa nagsugod na og tanum og gulay karon mao ang mga sakop sa Small Coconut Farmers Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative, Zapanta Valley Bisaya Organization, Zapanta Valley Farmers Association, Zapanta Mamanwa Manobo Association, San Isidro Farmers Association ug mga mag-uuma sa Hinim Bangan ug Mahayahay. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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50 ka proyektong imprastraktura sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte, aprubado na lungsod sa Nasipit. Brgy. San Isidro sa lungsod sa Santiago. Barangay Tagmamarkay ug Doña Telesfora sa lungsod sa Tubay ug barangay Tagbungabong ug barangay San Antonio sa lungsod sa RTR.

Suportado karon sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 300-2021 nga nag unod sa paghatag og otoridad kay Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa pagpirma sa Contract Agreement tali sa probinsya ug sa mga mamahimong kontraktors nga modaog sa biddings nga maoy mangamot sa pag implementar sa Singkwenta (50) ka mga prayoridad nga programa ug proyekto nga i-establisar sa matag barangay nga sakop sa nagkalain-laing munisipyo ning probinsya sa Agusan del Norte. Ang mga nag-unang programa ug proyekto nga adunay kinatibukang kantidad nga P660,000,000.00 mao ang pagpaayo sa kadalanan o pagpalambo sa Farm-to-Market Road sa mga partikular nga barangay sa piling munisipyo,

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pag instalar og street lights ug portable water system level II ug konstruksyon sa Barangay Health Station. Ang pipila sa mga prayoridad nga mga barangay nga pagatagaan sa budget mao ang Brgy. Lower Olave, Giunabsan, Sangay, Simbalan ug Macalang nga sakop sa lungsod sa Buenavista. Sa lungsod sa Carmen mao ang Brgy. Cahayagan,Manoligao, Poblacion, Rojales ug Brgy. Tagcatong. Sa lungsod sa Jabonga mao ang Brgy. Baleguian, A. Beltran, Libas, Maraiging ug Brgy. Cuyago. Sa lungsod sa Kitcharao usab mao ang Brgy. Bangayan, Hinimbangan, San Isidro, Jalionong ug Canaway. Sa lungsod sa Las Nieves mao ang Brgy. Ibuan, Durian, Kasiklan, Lingayao ug Maningalao. Brgy. Camagong, Aclan ug Jaguimitan nga sakop sa

Ang nasangpit nga mga proyektong imprastraktura pagapundohan ubos sa Local Government Support FundSupport to the Barangay Development Program kun LGSF- SBDP diin ang maong mga imprastraktura adunay budget nga P20,000,000.00 milyon ka pesos matag barangay. Kini tubag sa mga panginahanglanon sa mga Agusanon nga makabaton kahapsay ug sayon nga agianan ngadto sa mga silingan nga sitio o barangay. Ang paghatag otoridad kang Governor Corvera sa pagpirma sa maong Contract Agreement giduso aron mapatuman sa kagamhanang opisyal ang paghatag og igong serbisyo ug programa sa kalamboan sa imprastruktura sa probinsya. Ang maong resolution giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa rekomindasyon sa Committee on Public Works sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona. (SV Deligero, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Vlog Cooking Contest alang sa mga mabdos himoon isip kabahin sa pagsaulog sa Nutrition Month Nagpahigayon ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) og Pinggang Pinoy Vlog Challenge o Vlog Cooking Contest alang sa mga kababayen-ang mabdos o buros isip kabahin sa pagsaulog sa ika-47th Nutrition Month. Dala sa maong contest ang tema o panawagan sa maong pagsaulog niining tuiga nga mao ang “Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1,000 Days Tutukan!”. Gipadagan ang pagsaulog sa National Nutritional Council kaabag ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte. Sa nasangpit nga indigay mag record og video ang mga pregnant women nga tag duha ka-representante sa matag lungsod og syudad sa probinsya samtang magluto og mga sustansiyado nga pagkaon gamit ang mga local ingredients o mga sagol nga naa ra sa probonsya. Ang mga mananaug makadawat og 1st Prize – P10,000.00, 2ndPrize

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– P8,000.00, 3rd Prize – P5,000.00 Gi-hatagan og dakung pagtagad sa maong indigay ang kababayen-ang mabdos tungod kay usa sa pinaka crucial nga stage sa nutrisyon sa bata naa sa gisabak pa sa inahan ang bata hangtod sa duha katuig (first 1,000 days). “Ni-come up mi ani kay atong target beneficiary or participants ang mga pregnant women in relation sa atong nutrition month theme karon nga first 1,000 days, na belong man diha ang mga pregnant gikan sa conception up to 2 years,” pahayag sa personahe sa PSWDO.

“Importante sila kay in terms sa atong nutrition very important and crucial ang first 1,000 days para ma prevent (angmalnutrition) kay increasing ang malnutrition, specially ang stunted. Sa first 1,000 days kung di maagapan ang nutrition sa mother mo-result gyod na siya sa anak,” dugang sa personahe sa PSWD. Mahinumduman nga opisyal nga gilusad ang 47th Nutrition Month niadtong Hulyo 2 sa Almont Inland, Butuan City ug gibuksan sa usa ka Nutrition Exhibit sa SM Butuan niadtong Hulyo 6, SM Butuan City. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Caraga holds first SBDP project groundbreaking in Mindanao del Norte 1st District representative Cong. Bingo Matugas; Gigaquit Mayor Chandru Bonite; and DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion.

The Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) recently held the groundbreaking of the P20 million worth farm-to-market road project in Barangay Mahanub, an insurgencycleared barangay in the municipality of Gigaquit of this province, marking it the first Barangay Development Project (BDP) groundbreaking activity in the entire Mindanao. The project is one of the 357 projects in the region totaling to P3.8 billion funded by the Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program

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(LGSF-SBDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

In the pre-recorded message of NTF-ELCAC Vice Chairperson and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, he congratulated the barangay for the quick response in transforming their community from the influences of the CPP-NPANDF.

“We all know that your barangay was once considered as a The ceremony was geographically isolated attended by the and disadvantaged Department of the Interior area (GIDA) wherein it is and Local Government hard to be reached by (DILG) Executive Order No. government programs, 70 Project Management making your barangay Office Director Rene prone to the influence Valera; NTF-ELCAC Director of the NPA. Now, it is the of the BDP Committee start of the day that Brgy. Monico Batle; NTF-ELCAC Mahanub will not anymore Supervising Director for be considered as GIDA Caraga and Poverty because your barangay is Reduction, Livelihood, and the first to respond to the Employment Cluster Maria call of transforming your Lourdes Santelices; Surigao community by creating del Norte Governor and sustaining peace Francisco “Lalo” Matugas; through the completion Vice Governor Geed of all (EO 70) processes,” Gokiangkee; Surigao Secretary Esperon said. Caraga INFOCUS

Meanwhile, in the testimony of punong barangay Julito Go, he expressed the sincere gratitude and excitement of the barangay officials and residents for the construction of the road. “Our lives used to be very difficult with the presence of the NPA. But thanks to the active support of the police and armed forces and the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, we are in a much more peaceful situation now. We are hoping that more projects will be implemented in our barangay through the ELCAC initiative,” the punong barangay shared.

swift and transparent implementation of the project. She also shared that there are other windows that the local government units can apply for the funding of their priority projects, such as the Financial Assistance to LGUs (FALGU). “As your DILG, we will keep on working hard, together with our partners, to make sure that Brgy. Mahanub will finally enjoy the fruits of

sustainable and inclusive peace and development. With the kick-off of the implementation of the project through this ceremony, we expect to do the same in the other BDP projects in the region. This only proves that the fight to end local communist armed conflict in Caraga region has been very successful,” said Dir. Famacion. Mahanub is one of the 191 barangays in Caraga region that received a P20 million worth of funding assistance for FY 2021 for the implementation of their priority projects following the identification of their issues and concerns through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). (DILGCaraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

As the Head Secretariat and Chairperson of the RTF-ELCAC Technical Working Group, Director Famacion assured the people of Mahanub that the DILG will work hard to ensure the Caraga INFOCUS

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Entrepreneurial awareness seminar benefits Surigaonon IPs The indigenous peoples (IPs) from Claver town have benefited from the one-day entrepreneurial awareness cum artisan’s training recently led by the Community Relations Division of Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation thru its Binayloay Livelihood Project. The activity was funded by the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of THPAL in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Surigao del Norte provincial office to help create, enhance, promote and sustain its entrepreneurial transition as not just a mere livelihood but one of the bustling handicraft sources of the province thru the traditional means of a barter system, hence the term “Binayloay” handicraft output from the IPs. The handicrafts being bartered include duyan, baskets, bags, and among others made of rattan and will exchange with items such as rice, footwear, apparel, dressed chicken, pots and pans, canned

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goods, and other items.

municipality of Claver.

Liza Maynagcot, the owner of Rattan and Palm Handicrafts and currently the Rural Improvement Club chairperson of Agusan del Sur was the trainer of the one-day training and led the leg works for the Mamanwa brothers and sisters who attended the said training.

The Local Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (LEEDMO) through its Investment Promotion Unit was present on behalf of Municipal Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee to signify its support to this one-ofa-kind way of highlighting the cultural roots.

During the training, 10 pieces of strippers amounting to P20,000 were provided as startup kits to the Mamanwa beneficiaries, including training materials such as uway, nito, pangtud and baliw, all found in the

The activity ended with a tour to Taganito Training Center, the barter venue, and where the various bartered products were housed for showcasing. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIASurigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DTI organizes processed food industry cluster leadership council in Dinagat

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Dinagat Islands led recently the organizational meeting for Dinagat Islands’ Processed Food Industry Cluster Leadership Group Council via Zoom platform. The activity was aimed to establish a sustainable provincial group of processed food producers in the island and eventually become Caraga INFOCUS

suppliers of processed foods to other provinces. With the establishment of the said group, the packaging problems of the producers were addressed and enhanced their processed food products. Jessie Julio of Miss J Food Products was elected as the chairperson of the council.

Industry Cluster Coordinator Freedcarmariam Gonzaga and Annette Anduyan, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI Caraga served as the resource speakers of the said activity that was attended by representatives from different national line agencies and stakeholders. (DTIDinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands) July 17-23, 2021 |

NPA attacks mining firm, burns P50M worth of mining equipment Security forces are in pursuit operations against the desperate New People’s Army (NPA) who set ablaze half a dozen of heavy equipment worth P50 million on July 15 in Brgy. Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte. Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 lambasted the attack of an estimated 20 fully armed members of Guerilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee under alias “Jacob” at Platinum Group Mining Corporation compound around 12:00 noon. Investigation revealed that four backhoes owned by Cagdianao Construct Development Inc. and two backhoes owned by Queens Contractor were destroyed in the attack causing fear to the workers and nearby residents. “The desperate act of terror of the NPA shows that they have truly lost their ideology and concern to the people. They targeted a legitimate

|July 17-23, 2021

company which is one of the sources of livelihood of the people in the area,” said BGen. Caramat. He also disclosed that the resistance of the company to give in to their extortion demand might be the reason of torching the heavy equipment. BGen. Caramat ensured that there will be no let up on operations until the perpetrators are caught to answer for the commission of crime. NPA terrorists, a threat to the development of the country’s mining industry, have vigorously conducting extortion through their

usual modus operandi of destroying the properties. On June 24, 2021, the NPA also burned heavy equipment and killed a civilian in Brgy. Zone 2, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur when the NPA terrorists barged into the bunkhouse of MR1 construction and set two backhoes on fire. PRO13 is calling on all the Caraganons to help the government troops in foiling the attack of the enemies of the state by providing relevant information to save more lives and properties. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, Public Information Officer, PRO13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Proyektong imprastraktura sa ilalim ng programa ng NTF-ELCAC, sinimulan na sa Surigao del Norte Naghatid ng bagong pag-asa sa mamamayan ng Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte ang ginawang seremonya ng Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict o PTF-ELCAC para sa proyektong pagsasagawa ng farm to market road (FMR) para sa komunidad noong ika-8 ng Hulyo 2021. Ang nasabing FMR construction ay kabilang sa mga proyektong nakapaloob sa Barangay Development Program (BDP) ng Barangay Mahanub na napondohan ng P20 milyon mula sa Local Government Support Fund para suportahan ang nasabing proyekto. Matatandaan na noong nakaraang ika-29 ng Hunyo ay pormal na inanunsiyo ng Probinsiya ng Surigao del Norte ang pagsisimula ng Caraga INFOCUS

pagsasagawa ng mga proyekto sa mga barangays sa nasabing probinsya, kabilang din dito ang Retooled Community Support Program projects pagkatapos na maideklarang ‘cleared’ mula sa mga impluwensiya ng terorismo and nasabing barangay. Kung kaya, ngayon ay pormal nang inilunsad ang Ground Breaking

ceremony para sa gagawin na FMR kung saan sesementuhin at papagandahin ang kalsada mula sa sentro ng Barangay Mahanub na may sukat na 774.5 metro at 2.5 metrong lapad para buuin ang dalawang linya nito. Ang nasabing daanan ay magbibigay ng katiwasayan lalo na sa mga magbubukid at mga katutubong mamamayan na July 17-23, 2021 |

naghahanap buhay at mapapadali na din nito ang paghahatid ng mga pangunahing serbisyo mula sa gobyerno sa mga lugar na mahirap madaanan. Nagpapasalamat naman si Gigaquit Mayor Chandru Bonite sa lahat ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno lalo na sa national government dahil hindi mangyayari ang nasabing proyekto kung wala ang kanilang tulong.

Isa lamang itong patunay na ang ating minamahal na Gigaquit ay patungo na sa pagunlad at pagbabago,” dagdag pa ni Mayor Bonite. Inihayag din ni Gobernador Francisco ‘Lalo’ Matugas, ang kanyang pasasalamat sa lahat ng nasa likod ng proyektong gagawin. “Labis ang aking pasasalamat sa ating mahal na Pangulong

Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa kanyang pagsuporta sa ating probinsiya. Ang kalsadang ito ay isa sa mga napili para maging proyekto ng barangay Mahanub sapagkat sakop nito ang daan patungo sa lugar ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo. Matutulungan natin sila mapadali ang kanilang pamumuhay. Mas-mapapadali na ang kanilang pagpunta sa ating poblacion,” ani Gob. Matugas. Dagdag pa niya na simula pa lamang ito ng pagbabago ng probinsya ng Surigao del Norte at marami pang proyekto ang naghihintay upang tuluyan na din matapos ang terorismo sa probinsya. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIASurigao del Norte)

“Dahil dito mabigyan natin ng maayos na kalsada ang ating mga kababayan dito sa Barangay Mahanub. Bilang pinuno ng munisipyong ito, labis din ang aking pasasalamat dahil madami ang magiging benepisyaryo ng nasabing proyekto sa mga barangay.

|July 17-23, 2021

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MinDa, LGU-Bislig hold 1st vegetable derby The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chaired by Sec. Emmanuel Piñol in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Bislig City through the City Agriculture Office successfully conducted the culmination program of the 1st Vegetable Derby held at the demo farm of Sitio Mabog, Barangay San Roque, this city on July 15, 2021. The implementation of the said project gained full support from the private seed company, US Seedworks. Photo credit to CIO-Bislig There were four participating teams in the derby composed of farmer cooperators and seed company (Pombo Selection, Paghasian Selection, Misagal Selection and Seedworks Company). Each team was given areas in demonstrating the performance of the most commonly grown vegetables in the area such as amplaya, Caraga INFOCUS

string beans, eggplant, watermelon, tomatoes and many more. The Pombo Selection was the chosen winner as Ampalaya King while Panghasian Selection as the Stringbeans King and Seedworks Company winner of Eggplant King. The program commenced with inspiring messages delivered by Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, Governor Alexander T. Pimentel and Congressman Johnny T. Pimentel ably represented by MinDA consultant Dr. Patma

Idris, Executive Assistant IV Jose S. Candia, and Board Member Atty. Conrad Cejoco, respectively. The event was also attended by respected guests and visitors. The significant project of MinDA in collaboration with LGU Bislig City is expecting an improvement of vegetable quality and productivity of the local farmers and with its purpose to introduce quality and high yielding seeds, along with the proper farming practices to the farmers in the area of Sitio Mabog. (CIOBislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur) July 17-23, 2021 |

COMELEC voter registration to continue in SurSur This includes the event to conduct satellite registration, where COMELEC personnel will visit the barangays to accept applicant/s for voter registration.

Palanan

The voter registration process continues at the office of the Commission on Election or COMELEC in Surigao del Sur province effective July 16. This is after Malacañang announced that the province of Surigao del Sur’s quarantine classification to be downgraded from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until July 31 of the current year.

|July 17-23, 2021

Atty. Ernie Palanan It can be recalled, the acceptance of applicants to register the qualified voters across the province was temporarily suspended, after the entire was placed under MECQ from June 16 to July 15. In an interview, Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Ernie Palanan revealed that their office will accept applicant/s for voter registration in the upcoming elections in 2022.

Palanan added that they will also provide more information for their clients regarding satellite registration schedules, including the minimum health protocols while still in the pandemic period due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). He also called on individuals who have not yet registered to visit the COMELEC office located in each municipality or city in the province and bring with them the necessary documents needed. According to him, the process of accepting voter registration will run until the month of September 2021. (PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

SurSur holds DRRM orientation to newly-hired LDRRM staff, partners By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is holding a two-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Orientation held at the La Entrada Resort and Restaurant, Britania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on July 22-23, 2021. The said activity was aimed to enhance the knowledge of each participant on DRRM and Climate Change Caraga INFOCUS

Adaptation (CCA). “This orientation seeks to widen and enhance the knowledge of the participants on the DRRM and CCA concepts,” PDRRMO chief Abel de Guzman said.

per session. For the day-1, the participants are the newly-hired local DRRM office staff, while on the day-2, it will be participated by the volunteers and partners.

De Guzman said the activity was divided into two batches with participants from the Northern-tip municipality of Carrascal up to the Southern-tip municipality of Lingig to meet the required minimum health protocol. They are targeting 55 participants

The activity was previously scheduled last June, but due to the declaration of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in the entire province, it was postponed to a later date. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) July 17-23, 2021 |

ASTMMC nakatala og fatality tungod sa COVID-19 pasyente ang naka– admit karon sa ilang COVID–19 Critical Care Unit (CCU) human kini nadugangan og isa ka bag-ong admission. Mitala usab kini og tulo ka discharged nga mga pasyente ug isa ang namatay. Sa karon, nagpabilin gihapon sa 36% ang Bed Occupancy Rate sa COVID–CCU sa ASTMMC.

Misaka na karon ngadto sa 521 ang kinatibuk-ang gidaghanon sa mga kumpirmadong kaso sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 ang naitala sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center kon ASTMMC. Subay kini sa COVID–19 Situational Report No. 455 nga gipagawas sa nasangpit nga balay tambalanan niadtong

|July 17-23, 2021

Hulyo 18, 2021. Nasayran sa maong report nga muabot na usab sa 419 ang gidaghanon sa mga nakarekober nga mga pasyente niini samtang 79 ang miresulta sa pagkamatay. Dugang pa sa maong report, nasayran nga nagpabilin gihapon sa upat (4) ka mga

Samtang misaka karon ngadto sa 20 ka mga pasyente ang naka– admit sa ilang COVID–19 ward human kini nadugangan og lima ka mga bag-ong admission. Usa usab ka pasyente ang na-discharged gikan niini. Tungod sa maong sitwasyon, misaka ngadto sa 67% ang Bed Occupancy Rate karon sa COVID-Ward sa nasangpit nga ospital. (Raymond Samson Aplaya - RP1-Tandag) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

MinDA moves to boost Mindanao tree farming The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is set to take steps to protect Mindanao’s tree farmers from exploitation and restrictive forestry laws by organizing the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming Development Council (MITFADC). The move is also aimed at boosting the MinDAinitiated Green Mindanao Program which promotes the planting of Bamboo, high-value fruit trees and industrial trees in the deforested highlands of Mindanao. The council will be composed of industrial tree farmers (Falcata, Gmelina, Acacia Mangium, Agarwood and others), processors and other stakeholders. It will strengthen the industry by addressing issues and problems faced by stakeholders such as the control and manipulation of pricing of logs, including restrictive and redundant policies of government on forestry products leading to corruption. MinDA also aims to involve Government Financing

|July 17-23, 2021

Institutions in the program by providing loaning package for tree farming, including the establishment of farmers-owned processing facilities. MinDA believes that a wellorganized and supported Industrial Tree Farming Sector could trigger the growth of Mindanao’s Green Economy while at the same time promote environmental protection. Earlier this year, MinDA also led the organization of the Mindanao Bamboo Development Council. Many Mindanao farmers had been drawn to Tree Farming because of the promise that they would

become millionaires in 8 to 10 years. Restrictive and redundant Forestry Laws and manipulative marketing system, however, have made things difficult for the tree farmers, many of whom belong to the Indigenous People’s communities. Others plant Falcata as an intercrop to Coffee and Cacao because of the nitrogen fixing properties of its leaves. MinDA Undersecretary Janet Mendiola Lopoz has been directed to form a team and designate a team leader to handle the MITFADC organization.

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THE ‘BIGGEST’. Mindanao Development Authority chairperson, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol (right), sees for himself the huge carabao owned by 88-year-old farmer Flaviano Tamba (left) in a visit to Barangay Pangi, Maitum town, Sarangani province on July 13, 2021. Measuring 141 inches long from nose to tail and 61 inches tall, it won an online fun search for the biggest carabao in Mindanao initiated by Piñol. (Photo courtesy of Maitum Community Development Information Office)

‘Biggest’ carabao in Mindanao found in Sarangani The province of Sarangani is home to probably the biggest carabao in Mindanao. An 18-year-old carabao owned by a farmer in Barangay Pangi, Maitum town has won an online fun search for the biggest traditional farm animal initiated by Mindanao Development Authority chairperson, Caraga INFOCUS

Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. It measures 141 inches long from nose to tail and 61 inches tall, much larger than the 50 inches to 54 inches average for a male Philippine carabao or domestic swamp-type water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). “This is the biggest that

I’ve seen in my entire life,” Piñol said in a video posted on YouTube on Friday. He visited Barangay Pangi on July 13 to see the huge carabao and its owner, 88-year-old farmer Flaviano Tamba. The former agriculture chief launched a “fun game” through his Facebook page in July 17-23, 2021 |

May to search for the biggest carabao/bull in Mindanao in line with the celebration of Farmer’s Month. A report from the Sarangani Information Office said Tamba’s son Lorenzo sent photos of his father’s massive carabao with some grandchildren on top and “it won the contest hands down.” Tamba said he bought the young bull for PHP30,000 in 2005 when it was only three-andPiñol had promised to a-half years old from a farmer in Barangay Lebe, give the winner of the fun contest some 60 Kiamba town. heads of “Manok Pinoy” as prize and came to He took care of the Maitum to deliver them. carabao well and it eventually became He turned over to the sturdy, making other farmers want to buy it at Tamba family 50 female and 10 male free-range a higher price but were chickens, all two-and-aall thumbed down. half months old, which were bred at his farm in Tamba, who originally hails from Culasi, Antique Kidapawan City, North and settled in Maitum in Cotabato. 1958, said the enormous “This will help them start bull has been helping their own backyard them with various work chicken-raising at their seven-hectare program,” he said in the farm, which is planted video. with coconut trees, bananas, and palay Piñol, who popularized (unhusked rice).

|July 17-23, 2021

the “Manok Pinoy”, said the chicken is a crossbreed of a female from America and a locally bred male. He advised the family to allow the chickens to acclimatize with the area before releasing them to their surroundings. They can place them in a space covered by nets, with ample feed and water, he said. “This is my personal prize for him (Tamba). I’m also here to show that we in the government keep our promise,” Piñol said. (PNA/Allen Estabillo) Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Statement by Secretary Martin Andanar on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address

File photo

Like the rest of the nation, those under the Duterte administration highly anticipate the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte this coming July 26, 2021. This administration has come so far under the leadership of President Duterte since it started in 2016. It has opened doors, broken barriers, and overcame problems, it has made achievements for the country that only this administration has been

|July 17-23, 2021

able to realize. With regard to the Philippine economy, DuterteNomics has paved the way for unprecedented socioeconomic reforms and developments which helped in alleviating poverty as well as sustaining economic growth. It has promoted the 25year long-term Ambisyon Natin 2040, which envisions a prosperous Philippines where a predominant

middle-class society enjoys long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative, and lives in a high-trust society. This administration has also breathe new life to our long neglected infrastructures, with spending on public works rising 5 to 6% relative to our GDP, ushering in the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” for the country. This can be compared to the lesser spending at 1.6% to GDP from 2001 to 2010 and 3% to GDP from 2011 to 2016. Caraga INFOCUS

Under the Build, Build, Build Program, we have completed projects related to airports, seaports, transport terminals, flood mitigation structures, roads, bridges, highways, mass public transportations, evacuation centers, and classrooms, among others. It has also generated 6.5 million jobs from 2016 to 2020 to support our labor market and contribute to our collective rise as a developing nation. The Duterte administration has also initiated and enacted laws and orders which support social services that impact not only the current generation but future ones, such as the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). We also take pride in the peace and security efforts of the Duterte administration. We have witnessed this in the creation of BARMM, through the Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the region can prosper with peace and stability. Under this administration, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was signed to give the country more teeth in Caraga INFOCUS

curbing threats and acts of terrorism, given the risks posed by domestic and international terrorism. It has also aimed to capacitate all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines such as the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Army, by embarking on a proactive and aggressive modernization program that will protect and ensure our country’s sovereignity and territorial integrity from any threat. Our anti-illegal drugs campaign also witnessed groundbreaking achievements. We have seized a total of PHP 59.93 billion worth of illegal drugs, dismantled 789 drug dens and 18 clandestine laboratories, cleared 22,093 barangays of illegal drugs, and rescued 3,736 children from the threat of drug-related activities, among others, as of May 2021. These are just some of the major achievements the Duterte administration has realized over five years of truthful, efficient, effective, and proactive public service. And we can expect the continuation of this exemplary public service in the final year of this administration.

The President’s last SONA will highlight the Tatak ng Pagbabago that he will leave behind for all Filipinos, by discussing the administration’s accomplishments and legacies on multifaceted governance. He will be cover economics, social services, infrastructure, peace and security, and our independent foreign policy, among others. It will further include where we are with regard to these aspects to provide the people a clear picture of our current situation. It will also be an opportunity for the President to set out the directions and plans of the government for the remaining year as we continue to be a source of change for the better while addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured we will continue to open doors, break barriers, and overcome difficulties in our final year of service under President Duterte’s leadership, and we will continue to work in order to achieve and realize our aims and goals of collective development as a nation. July 17-23, 2021 |

Secretary Andanar reminds local radio to help raise awareness on the COVID-19 vaccine from radio and television. “Hindi ako naniniwala na galing talaga sa radyo kundi galing sa kapwa mga Sagaynon na nakukuha nila sa mga news galing sa social media,” he said.

Andanar

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar reiterated the civic duty of local radio and news reporters to allow their programs to be an avenue for more Filipinos to understand the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.

in Sagay, Camiguin, and now causing vaccine hesitancy among residents there.

According to Mayor Uayan, the local government did a “personalized” approach information drive in nine barangays there to encourage more residents to get the COVID-19 jab, as a protection against the more serious threats of the virus. He also encouraged barangay leaders to get vaccinated first so that their constituents will have concrete proof that some information they read on social media is not true.

During the Network Briefing News on Thursday, Secretary Andanar said that they should be deliberate in the information that they release to the public because this could hamper the rollout of the vaccination program.

“Ang mga brodkaster po natin, lalo na yung mga kaibigan natin sa Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas ay talaga namang pinagiingatan ang pagkalat ng fake news – lalo na patungkol sa COVID-19 [Our broadcasters, especially our friends at the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas are careful against spreading fake news, especially about COVID-19],” Secretary Andanar said.

“I do house visits. Part of this (info drive), I gave instructions to my barangay captains that they should take the lead in correcting the misconception of the people,” he added.

He said this in response to a piece of misleading information allegedly reported by a local radio that’s heard

Mayor Joseph Uayan shortly responded that such information would likely come from social media rather than

“Updated po yung mga tao ko. Doon po nag-umpisa yung pagbabago sa isipan nila,” he said.

|July 17-23, 2021

With the rekorida lead by the local government, Mayor Uayan said that it helped more residents there to stay updated on the latest COVID-19 situation in their town.

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Secretary Andanar helps endorse anti-insurgency projects of Siaton, Negros Oriental to national government All agencies of the national government are closely working together to ensure that communities can have programs and services that will usher development and peace, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday. During the Network Briefing News, Secretary Andanar offered to help the local government unit of Siaton, Negros Oriental in endorsing to the national government their projects dedicated for their conflict-afflicted areas there. Siaton Mayor Cezanne Fritz H. Diaz has sought the help of the PCOO chief, noting that some of its barangays have not received any infrastructure programs, such as farm-tomarket roads, which make it difficult for farmers there to have decent incomes. “Nakita ko naman dun yung mga taga-bundok dito they are very hardworking pero kung mag-ani sila ng mga mais nila at magpa-mill, lugi sila kasi

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sa transportasyon pa lang ng habal-habal, talo na sila. Kasi around 5 hours ang pagbaba nila [I’ve seen how hardworking people from the hinterlands are, but come harvest time for corn and they mill their produce, they already lose potential income to costly transportation expenses alone. They have to travel 5 hours in motorcycles],” he said. Mayor Diaz further said that creating roads leading to far flung communities would mean more access to transport goods and products from farms. “Hoping yung mga tao dito kasi for many years, hindi pa nakatikim ng daan na matino. They are using horses. Kaya ‘pah may doktrina yung NPA doon, eh syempre totoo yung sinasabi ng NPA kasi hindi naman umaabot yung gobyerno doon [The people here are hoping, because for many years we do not have concrete roads there They are using horses. That is why there is NPA presence there, and they can say that government presence is not felt there],” he

added and noted that the LGU is also trying its best to deliver services to its constituents. Secretary Andanar read a text message by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marlo Iringan responding to the request of Mayor Diaz. “For 2021, walang beneficiary barangay sa Siaton, Negros Oriental. Actually there are no beneficiary barangays in all of Region 7. But for 2022 SBDP, there are three proposed barangays in Siaton to be covered namely Barangay Tayak, [Barangay] Apoloy, and Barangay Mantiquil,” the message read. Secretary Andanar offered to lend the local government a hand by following up other concerned agencies where they can direct their requests. He also said that he would raise their request to be included in the Barangay Development Program (BDP) to National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.

July 17-23, 2021 |

Secretary A hails anti-i accomplish of Security and Justice Cluster

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar commended the efforts of the Security, Peace, and Justice Cabinet Cluster (SPJCC) in leading the programs of the government against armed groups and insurgents.

SPJCC at the Armed Forces of Philippines Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) this morning. He lauded the fact that despite the pandemic, the cluster remained steadfast in ensuring that the needs of Filipinos everywhere in the country were being addressed.

Secretary Andanar moderated the Pamana ng Pagbabago: The 2021 “The dedication and Pre-SONA Forums of the command of the leaders

|July 17-23, 2021

of every agency under the Security, Peace, and Justice Cluster are truly admirable. The projects established under this administration are testimonies to how the government is a “government for the people”, and how “Tapang is always matched with Malasakit,” he said The discussion was led by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Caraga INFOCUS

Rodrigo Roa Duterte sat in office.

Andanar insurgency hments y, Peace, e Cabinet

The initiative is known as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Progam (E-CLIP) of the Task Force Balik-Loob.

“Kahit abala sa pademya, ginagampanan ng aming kagawaran ang pangunahin nitong tungkulin na tiyakin ang seguridad ng bansa mula sa anumang banta sa labas o loob man nito. Ang diskarte ng ating pamahalaan na labanan ang insurhensya at lokal na terorismo na Delfin Lorenzana, hindi gumagamit ng who discussed bala o solusyong militar accomplishments in ay naging matagumpay establishing peace and [Even though we are order in conflict-affected busy responding to areas. the pandemic, the department continues According to Secretary to carry out its mandate Lorenzana’s report, of ensuring the security the DND through the of the country from any Armed Forces of the form of threat, whether Philippines (AFP) and external or internal. partner agencies have offered social services The strategy of the to encourage rebels to government to fight return to the fold of the insurgency and local government. Over 18,000 terorrism which does former rebels have been not resort to a militaristic reintegrated into the approach has been society since President successful],” Secretary Caraga INFOCUS

Lorenzana said. “By offering social assistance to rebels who returned to the fold of the law, we have greatly reduced threats from armed groups, which have been hampering inclusive economic development and growth for more than 50 years now,” he added. Of the 18,433 former rebels that were reintegrated, 623 have joined the AFP, 748 were given resettlement and housing assistance, and 21,549 former rebels and their dependents have graduated from skills training. Because of the success, the government also launched the TUGON Program for former rebels in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). “Lahat ng rehiyon ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad walang iwanan [All regions will have the opportunity to grow and develop. No one will be left behind],” Secretary Lorenzana said. July 17-23, 2021 |

The government has gone far under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in providing more opportunities for economic growth and overcoming challenges, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday. In a statement, Secretary Andanar outlined the significant accomplishments of the Duterte Administration which opened doors, broken barriers, and overcame problems in a bid to uplift the quality of

|July 17-23, 2021

life of Filipinos. These include the promotion of the 25-year long-term Ambisyon Natin 2040, modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other policies that promoted the pillars of President Duterte’s leadership on anticriminality, anti-narcotics, anti-insurgency. Likewise, the notable rise of massive infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build Program across the country have generated 6.5 million jobs from 2016 to 2020, contributing to

the steady rise of our economic growth and ushering in the “Golden Age of Infrastructure” for the country. “These are just some of the major achievements the Duterte administration has achieved over five years of truthful, efficient, effective, and proactive public service. And we can expect the continuation of this exemplary public service in the final year of this administration,” Secretary Andanar said. The PCOO chief said that the anticipated last State of the Nation Address Caraga INFOCUS

of President Duterte will highlight the Tatak ng Pagbabago that he will leave behind for all Filipinos. He further said that it will cover economics, social services, infrastructure, peace and security, and independent foreign policy, among others. “It will also be an opportunity for the President to set out the directions and plans of the government for the remaining year as we

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continue to be a source of change for the better while addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Secretary Andanar said.

as a nation,” he added. President Duterte will have his last SONA on July 26, 2021 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“Rest assured we will continue to open doors, break barriers, and overcome difficulties in our final year of service under President Duterte’s leadership, and we will continue to work in order to achieve and realize our aims and goals of collective development

Guests who will be physically attending the event should be vaccinated for COVID-19 already and be able to submit a negative RT-PCR test result undertaken not more than 48 hours prior to entering the House plenary building.

July 17-23, 2021 |

On local transmission of Delta variant

Bukas po ay nagpatawag ng pagpupulong si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte kasama ang ilang IATF members, mga economic managers, at health experts para pag-aralan po itong planong maging mas istriktong border patrol para maiwasan po ang pagpasok ng Delta variant dito sa ating bansa.

lalo ang mga existing health and safety protocols natin. May kumpirmasyon na ang DOH na meron ng local transmission ng Delta variant sa Pilipinas. Sinabi ko na ‘yan noon noong ‘local cases’ pa lang na mag-ingat tayo lalo dahil malaki talaga ang possibility ng local transmission.

Now that it is confirmed, Dahil sa banta ng the more we should pagkalat ng Delta variant caution our fellow Filipinos. cases ng COVID-19 sa While we continue to bansa, nananawagan balance our health and ako sa gobyerno na economic interests, magsagawa ng agarang the priority always is to aksyon upang mapaigting save lives! Mag-ingat po

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tayo, ‘wag po tayong magkumpiyansa. Kailangan po namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang tulong, kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat mamamayanang Pilipino. Ayon sa DOH, tumaas muli ang hospital occupancy rates sa NCR. Ayaw nating bumalik ulit sa lockdown kaya habang maaga pa, agapan na natin agad ang pagkalat ng COVID-19, itong Delta Variant, dahil mas delikado talaga ito. Nakita naman po natin ang nangyayari ngayon sa ibang bansa. Kaya nga po sinarahan muna ang pagpasok mula sa bansang Indonesia, at ngayon lang po, pinasara Caraga INFOCUS

na po ni Pangulong Duterte ang mula sa bansang Thailand at Malaysia. Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Health, nagkausap kami ni Pangulong Duterte at inatasan niya ang mga awtoridad na mas paigtingin pa ang ating border control, hindi lang sa mga major airports and seaports, kundi sa lahat po ng entry points sa bansa, lalo na ang ating backdoor border in southern Philippines. Patuloy rin ang pagmomonitor ng sitwasyon sa ibang bansa kaya nag-i-implement tayo ng stricter travel restrictions sa mga galing sa high risk countries tulad ng Indonesia, Malaysia at Thailand. Dito naman sa atin, dapat mas higpitan ang pagpapatupad ng mga kasalukuyang health and safety protocols, katulad ng tamang pagsusuot ng mask at face shield, palaging paghuhugas ng kamay, pagsunod sa social distancing at hindi paglabas ng bahay kung hindi naman kinakailangan. Kailangan ding mas Caraga INFOCUS

palakasin ang ating testing, contact tracing, and isolation and quarantine capacity, kasama na ang genome sequencing. Mas bilisan din ang vaccine rollout upang mas maraming mga Pilipino ang mabibigyan ng kaukulang proteksyon gamit ang bakuna. Patuloy naman po ang pagdating ng mga supply sa ating bansa. Sa ngayon, may higit 29 million doses na tayo at inaaasahang madadagdagan pa ito. Kaya sa mga kababayan ko, kapag oras n’yo nang magpabakuna ayon sa ating vaccination guidelines, pag nasa priority list na po kayo, huwag nang magalinlangan pa! Magtiwala po kayo sa bakuna. Huwag po kayong matakot sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon ngayon upang unti-unti tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay, at makamtan natin ang population protection at herd immunity. Proteksyunan natin ang ating sarili at ang ating komunidad para mas makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay kaysa

bumalik muli tayo sa mas mahigpit na quarantine measures. Patuloy ring pinapalakas ng gobyerno ang ating COVID-19 response measures tulad ng pagtataas ng kapasidad ng ating healthcare facilities, pagdadagdag ng mga ICU beds, pamamahagi ng lifesaving medicines and equipment at dagdag na pasilidad para sa isolation at COVID-19 care units. Patuloy tayong maging disiplinado sa pagsunod sa mga patakaran. Tulungan natin ang ating gobyerno at mga medical frontliners. Ang inyong kooperasyon at disiplina ay makakapagsalba ng buhay ng ating kapwa! Marami ng mga pagsubok tayong dinaanan noon na sumukat sa katatagan ng ating pagiging Pilipino. Ngayon ay muli na namang hinahamon ang ating kakayahan na malampasan ang mga pagsubok na ito. Kaya magbayanihan at magmalasakit tayo sa kapwa nating Pilipino para mas mabilis tayong makabangon bilang isang mas matatag at nagkakaisang bansa! July 17-23, 2021 |

Bong Go pushes for additional allowance, incentives for Filipino athletes competing in Tokyo Olympics as he assures them of full support from gov’t Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports Christopher “Bong” Go showed his and President Rodrigo Duterte’s untiring commitment to promote the welfare of Filipino athletes by pushing for additional support for Team Philippines who will be competing in the Tokyo Olympics. Following the request of the Philippine Sports Commission coursed through Senator Go, the Office of the President will provide additional allowance to athletes competing

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in the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mahal na Pangulo, sa Office of the President, dahil inaprubahan nila ang ating apela na dagdagan ang allowances ng ating mga atleta na lalahok sa Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics,” said Go who, together with PSC, recommended the allowance increase to the President. “Ako, ine-expect ko na makakuha tayo ng

ginto. We wish them good luck at ako naman po ay tiwalang kakayanin nating manalo at makakuha ng ating inaasam na gold medal para sa ating bayan. Dito lang po kami nagbibigay ng full support sa ating mga atleta,” he added. Notably, an additional allowance worth PhP100,000 was granted by the President “as token and to celebrate the achievement” of the athletes qualified for the Olympics and Paralympics as suggested by Go. Caraga INFOCUS

Earlier, initial allowances and provisions have already been given to the athletes and coaches including US$1,000 per person, delegation supply of competition equipment and uniforms, plane tickets, billeting, and delegation uniforms through the efforts of the PSC. There are presently 19 Filipino Olympians qualified to compete in the Olympics which will take place from July 23 to September 8 and five Filipino Paralympians qualified for the Paralympics, which will take place from August 24 to September 5.

also expected to provide additional cash incentives to all medalists. “I’m sure, si Pangulong Duterte, handa rin pong magbigay ng dagdag na insentibo kung makakuha tayo ng medalya. Known naman po ang mga Pilipino na matatapang, magigiting at lumalaban. Let’s give the best, ang Pilipino lumalaban talaga ‘yan,” said Go previously in a radio interview.

preparations. Earlier, Go also successfully appealed to the government to include in the priority list for COVID-19 vaccination the Filipino athletes and other delegates who will be competing or participating in the upcoming Olympics.

During the imposition of enhanced community quarantine measures in most parts of the country last year, Go urged Go ensured that concerned agencies adequate funding is to help athletes whose included in the PSC’s training and livelihood budget to support had been hampered athletes’ preparations by the pandemic. for the Olympics and The Department of other international Social Welfare and Under Republic Act No. events as Vice Chair of Development, in 10699, Olympic medalists the Senate Committee coordination with the would be awarded on Finance and Chair of Games and Amusement PhP10 million if they win the Senate Committee Board and the PSC, a gold medal; PhP5 on Sports. Specifically, he provided financial million for a silver medal; pushed for an additional assistance and other and PhP2 million for a 100 million pesos to be forms of aid to athletes bronze medal. On the included in the 2021 in various parts of the other hand, Paralympic budget which was later country upon the medalists would get PhP5 on increased further to recommendation of million for a gold medal; 250 million pesos under Senator Go. PhP2.5 million for a silver the PSC for Olympic medal; and PhP1 million preparations. As for the He has also pushed for for a bronze medal. Paralympics, Go earlier legislation to safeguard supported the allocation athletes’ welfare as part According to Go, of an additional PhP7.945 of the country’s sports the President is million budget for their development programs. Caraga INFOCUS

July 17-23, 2021 |

Previously, he expressed his support for the Philippine Sports Training Center in Bataan. Signed by President Duterte in February 2019, Republic Act No. 11214 provides for the creation of the PSTC which seeks “to promote and develop sports in the country, to achieve excellence in international sports competitions, to ensure success in the country’s quest to achieve competitiveness in the Olympic Games and to promote international amity among nations.” Go highlighted that together with the

National Academy of Sports, both institutions are gifts from the government to national athletes. In June of last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA No. 11470, which established the NAS. Go was one of the measure’s authors and co-sponsors.

consultant services. “Ngayon na meron nang National Academy of Sports, mabibigyan na ang mga kabataang atleta ng pagkakataon na mag-training at makapag-aral sa isang world-class na pasilidad at eskwelahan,” he added.

He also commended President Duterte for approving the funding for the development of the NAS’s facilities and amenities in a timely manner. The government has set aside P729 million for building expenditures, which include civil works, fittings, furnishings, and equipment, as well as

Go also urged promising young Filipino athletes to join the National Academy of Sports Annual Search for Competent, Exceptional, Notable and Talented Student-Athlete Scholars (NASCENT SAS) as the deadline of submission of applications had been extended to July 31.

Photo from One Sports’ livesream/MB

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President Duterte warns public on risks posed by COVID-19 Delta variant President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, July 19, warned the public on the threat posed by COVID-19 Delta variant, saying the government may reimpose more stringent health measures to contain the mutated variant’s possible spread. During his weekly Talk to the People, Caraga INFOCUS

President Duterte cited a Department of Health (DOH) report saying as of July 16, there were 16 new cases of Delta variant in the country. “That should give us a --put us in grave concern because ang sabi na nga na it is aggressive, vicious, and more virulent, and can cause death faster than,” he

said, noting the Delta variant is believed to be 60 percent more transmissible than the Alpha variant. “In comparison with Alpha, positive person can infect four to five persons while the Delta one can infect eight persons. So more than three.” July 17-23, 2021 |

The Chief Executive noted that the reported local cases of the Delta variant are a cause for serious alarm and the government may need to reimpose stricter restrictions to avoid mass gathering and prevent superspreader events.

In his report to the President, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that so far, the country has a total of 36 cases of the Delta variant, which he said, may be higher due to the difficulty in pinpointing actual “Pagka nandito na kung cases through the use of sakali man it will spread, ordinary test kits. I hope it will not, then “Kaya we’ll have to go again to stricter measures,” he nangangailangan nang mas matinding pagsaid. iingat ang lahat,” he said. Several countries were forced to impose lockdowns to contain the spread of the Delta variant. These countries include Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The President urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the existing protocols with greater urgency and necessity. “It is only by imposing these restrictions that we can fight the threat of Delta variant,” he said.

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According to the interior chief, the DILG will release a memorandum reminding local government units (LGUs) on the need to prepare their strategies as soon as possible for possible local transmission of the COVID-19 Delta variant. He made an assurance that the government has a contingency plan in case there’s a surge in cases. LGUs and the PNP will implement all the laws, ordinances and IATF omnibus guidelines as well as community

quarantine protocols to ensure public welfare, he said. Border controls will also be strengthened especially in the country’s international airports and seaports, he added. At the same time, Año said the local chief executives will also lead the aggressive PreventDetect-Isolate-TreatReintegrate (PDITR) plus vaccination strategy. And in preparation for a possible spike in cases, the interior chief also said that the government will put up more quarantine and isolation facilities as well as healthcare facilities. Everyone, he said, should diligently follow the minimum public health standard and advised the people to get vaccinated whenever they have the opportunity. “Ito ang pinakamahusay na panlaban sa COVID lalo na sa COVID-19 Delta variant,” he said. PND Caraga INFOCUS

PH has sufficient vaccine supply, could last until August - vaccine czar The government has secured ample supply of COVID-19 vaccines that could be administered throughout August as the country received a total of 27.9 million doses of the jabs out of the 164 million doses for procurement, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday. “So mayroon po tayong ample na supply na hindi po tayo kakabahan sa month ng August. Ang tinitingnan po natin ngayon ‘yung month ng September,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Davao City. Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said they expect to receive the remaining 136.1 million doses or 83 percent within six months. Of the total number of vaccines delivered, 15.1 million doses were administered; 10 million as first dose and 4.7 million as second dose, according to Galvez. “And then ‘yung ating stockpile, doses to be administered on stockpile on the different warehouses is 12.8 million. Nasabi na po

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natin na ‘yung 12.8 million ay equivalent po ‘yan sa 32 days na gagamitin po natin na ang average is 400,000 a day,” he told the President. So far, more than 4.7 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated after the Philippines has breached the 15 million mark of administered COVID-19 vaccine doses last July 17, he stressed. It only took government three days to administer one million jabs after it reached 14 million last July 14. “Meaning, ibig sabihin po, Mr. President, is sa tatlong araw nakapagbabakuna po tayo ng isang milyon. Iyon po ang na-accomplish po natin ngayon, Mr. President.” The government also reached the highest throughout last July 15, with 391,283 jabs. It also achieved the highest number of jabs administered on a weekly basis after administering 1.8 million doses last week, he reported. Galvez said the arrival of more vaccines in the country is the reason why more Filipinos are receiving their jabs in the past few days. Last month, the Philippines

only received 9 million doses, but this month, it already had more than 10 million doses considering it’s just mid-July, the vaccine czar said, adding they expect to receive an additional 9,353,340 doses. In total, the Philippines already acquired 27.9 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The government deployed last week 3 million doses of AstraZeneca donated the World Health Organizationled COVAX facility and Japan and one million doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac procured from China. Another 3.2 million dosages of Johnson & Johnson vaccine are also being deployed to different areas. Since the detection of the Delta variant in the country, the government has prioritized sending vaccines to areas of concern — Northern Mindanao, National Capital Region (NCR), Western Visayas, and those under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). PND

July 17-23, 2021 |

New airport terminal building in Clark, seen to benefit North, Central Luzon President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday led the inspection of the newly completed passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport (CRK), another major infrastructure project under his administration’s Build, Build, Build Program. Speaking during the event held in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, President Duterte said the newly completed structure reflects the administration’s unyielding commitment to improve the quality of life of every Filipino by providing big ticket infrastructure projects that will improve connectivity, mobility, create jobs, and disperse economic activity to the regions. “This development will also certainly boost economic growth in North and Central Luzon and provide these regions their own gateway to the rest of the Philippines and

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the world,” he said. “As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to a new normal, may we all look forward to a safer, easier, and more comfortable travel experience here at the Clark International Airport.” President Duterte commended the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and all government partners from the private sector for the major achievement. The newly completed terminal building is another major component of the administration’s Build, Build, Build Program that will benefit the people, he said. The facility is the first hybrid public-private partnership (PPP) project completed under the Build, Build, Build program.

It can accommodate eight million passengers a year, twice the airport’s current average capacity of more than four million passengers every year. The completion of the new terminal building will ease traffic at the busy Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and at the same time provide locals and tourists a better flying experience. The CRK is envisioned to be one of the biggest aviation complexes in Asia and the next premier gateway in the region. Also present Saturday were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz, and other government officials. PND

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PDP-Laban must remain focused on uplifting lives of Filipinos, President Duterte tells party mates President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged Saturday the officials and members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to remain focused on their mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos as the country grapples with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let us not be blinded by our own ambitions and let us not allow this party to be used to advance personal interests,” President Duterte said in a speech during the National Assembly of PDP-Laban in Clark, Pampanga. “Considering the magnitude of the responsibility that awaits the next batch of the elected officials in 2022 elections, we must remain focused on how to continue the reforms that we have instituted in the last five years.” He encouraged his party mates not to lose sight of the founding principles upon which PDPLaban was built on, and not to forget the party’s end goal of improving welfare of the Filipino people. Everyone must always keep in mind that it is only through a united front that PDP-Laban can achieve its objectives and lead the nation towards lasting progress, he said.

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The President also expressed his gratitude to his partymates for answering the call to convene the party’s National Assembly. Their presence, he said, sends a clear and resounding message to everyone that the Party is as strong as ever and the members are united in further consolidating their ranks until the end of his term and beyond. “Despite all the challenges that we are facing, your unwavering support for this administration’s priorities—especially our campaign against illegal drugs, terrorism, corruption, and poverty—is truly reassuring,” he stressed. “I am grateful for PDP Laban’s continued trust and confidence in my leadership. I also deeply appreciate your commitment to support whatever my decision may be for the 2022 National Elections.”

PDP-Laban gained new momentum when President Duterte was elected president in 2016. The party has grown big as more members come in, with the President saying PDP-Laban can now compete with other national parties. President Duterte threw his support to party members running for reelection, vowing to campaign for them for next year’s election. “Totoo ‘yan. Kayong mga nagtatakbo, I will --- I commit to you. Talagang pupunta ako city por city, province por province, kakampanya ko kayo,” he said. The PDP was officially launched on February 6, 1982 during its founding convention in Cebu City. On July 1982, Laban party coalesced with PDP, making PDP-Laban a national party. PND

July 17-23, 2021 |

New Sinovac delivery raises PH vax total to 29.9 million Despite inclement weather, the shipment of 1.5 million doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine arrived without hitch at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday morning. The delivery brought to 29,985,130 the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses of the country, including more than 17.5 million doses. Of the total doses, 16 million are Sinovac vaccines, including one million donated by China. The government secured 26 million Sinovac shots this year. As of July 18. more than 15 million doses have been administered nationwide, with 4,708,073 individuals already with full doses. An average of 271,426 doses was administered daily for the last seven days. Caraga INFOCUS

NEW SHIPMENT. Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. poses with the Sinovac vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday morning (July 22, 2021). A total of 1.5 million doses arrived to raise to 29,985,130 the total number of vaccine doses delivered to the Philippines. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. led the officials who welcomed the shipment.

Galvez told the media that the government is pinpointing crucial areas to prevent a surge in infections and is targeting more vaccination sites to make it more convenient for the public now that the wet season has started. “Despite the bad weather, people are getting vaccinated and

that is a good indication. We hope using malls as vaccination sites will help,” he said.

Galvez also said they are investigating a reported incident in Muntinlupa where an alleged storage facility issue resulted in spoilage of vaccines. “We will investigate what happened but vaccine allotment will continue, especially to meet the requirements of those already awaiting a second dose,” he said. (PNA/Benjamin Pulta) July 17-23, 2021 |

Gov’t secures 164M doses of Covid-19 vax for 2021 The Philippines will have a “steady supply” of Covid-19 vaccines in the next six months as the national government has secured 164 million doses through procurement while sourcing additional shots from the COVAX Facility and bilateral donations. This was the assurance given by National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chairperson, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and NTF chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., during the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Forum participated by memberagencies of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster on Wednesday. “We are now awaiting the delivery of 136.1 million additional doses. On track in our vaccination program implementation, we are looking forward to having a better Christmas this year,” Lorenzana said. As of July 21, a total of 28,485,130 doses have been delivered out of the 164 million doses secured by the country. Out of these deliveries, over 16 million were procured by the national government, 2.2 million were purchased by the private sector and local government units (LGUs), 10.2 million doses were COVAXdonated, and 2.1 million doses came from bilateral donations.

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OFFLOADING PFIZER VAX. The cargo containing some 562,770 doses of governmentprocured Pfizer vaccine is offloaded from a DHL plane that arrived on Wednesday night (July 21, 2021) at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. This latest shipment brings to 28,485,130 the total number of vaccine doses delivered to the Philippines since February. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

The 164 million doses are composed of 26 million government-procured Sinovac doses, 40 million Pfizer-BioNTech doses, 13 million Moderna doses, and 10 million Sputnik V doses. Meantime, the private sector and LGUs have procured seven million doses of Moderna and 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines. Around two million doses will come from bilateral donations, while 44 million doses have been committed by the COVAX Facility. In addition, the Philippine government and COVAX have agreed on a costsharing agreement for the procurement of five million doses of Johnson & Johnson

vaccine. “Maganda ang nakikitang (We see good) figures of supply and delivery. Kaya masasabi nating (We can say) we are on track. Primary factor is that we have a steady supply,” Galvez said. “Second, the LGUs’ capacity of administering 500,000 to 700,000 daily. Despite some delays on the deliveries, we were able to breach almost 400,000 [jabs] in a day,” he added. As of July 20, the country has administered 15,616,562 doses of Covid-19 vaccines nationwide. Around 10.5 million doses were administered as the first dose, while more than five million individuals have been fully vaccinated.

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Transition vaccine supply Galvez said the NTF is now looking beyond the next six months of this year, as it explores ways on how to secure a more sustainable supply of vaccines until 2022. “Though we have the 164 million secured supply this year, we are still negotiating for 26 million doses more for our transition to 2022,” Galvez said. “We are now venturing on the possibility of including in our procurement the transition supply so we will not have any zero quarter.” Galvez said this strategy would allow the government to continue its vaccination program and avoid what happened in the first quarter of 2021 wherein the country only received about two million doses. “Ang programa ng ating Pangulo ay magkaroon ng (Our president’s program is to have) continuity o annual program on vaccination against Covid-19 so we can ensure the inoculation of all Filipinos,” he said. “Kaya dapat tuloy-tuloy ang programa (So the program should continue) and we will prepare the transition supply from 2021 to 2022,” Galvez added. The 26 million doses under negotiation are composed of 10 million doses of Sinovac, 10 million doses of Novavax, and six million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Strong diplomatic relations

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Galvez underscored the impact of the Duterte administration’s independent foreign policy on the country’s vaccine supply for both procured and donated doses. He said the principle of “being a friend to all, enemy to none” has enabled the Philippines to secure more than 12 million doses from COVAX Facility, including the US government’s donation and the more than two million doses from Japan and China. Galvez bared that the UK government notified the NTF of their donation of 415,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines that are expected to arrive within this month. GAVI, a non-profit group founded to get vaccines to the world’s poorest nations, also informed him that three million doses of Moderna vaccine will be donated by COVAX and the US government. In addition, countries from the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, have expressed their intention to send Covid-19 vaccines to the country. Exercise prudence prior to procuring vaccine supply Despite the continuous arrival of vaccine supplies, Galvez cautioned the private sector and LGUs to be “prudent” in procuring vaccines. “Pinapaalala ko po sa inyo lalo na po sa ating mga LGUs at private sector na huwag tayong padalos-dalos sa pagbili ng mga vaccines (I remind our LGUs and the

private sector to be prudent in buying vaccines),” he said. “Ang laki ng mga prospects sa mga nakukuha nating vaccines ngayon. At tignan rin po natin ang global situation ng mga manufacturers (We have huge prospects in the vaccines we are getting now. Let’s look at the global situation of the manufacturers, too),” Galvez said. He said procuring entities must consider various factors prior to finalizing deals with vaccine makers such as their capacity to produce the committed volumes amidst the high global demand, the manufacturer’s credibility, the price of the vaccines, as well as the vaccine’s reputation in the countries where they are being used. “So ‘yung mga ganitong mga issues kailangang tignan natin nang mabuti (We should look at these issues carefully). Based on our discussion with vaccine experts, you have to get the vaccines which have been proven and being widely used in the country of origin and other countries,” Galvez said. Galvez cautioned LGUs and private sector not to provide advance payment to manufacturers sans multiparty agreement with the Department of Health and the NTF as it violates Republic Act No. 11525 or the Covid-19 Vaccination Law. All vaccines are still under Emergency Use Authorization and not commercial products. The law also prohibits the reselling of vaccines. (PR)

July 17-23, 2021 |

Vax stockpile good until August; more supplies coming The National Task Force (NTF) assured enough supply of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines until next month. The government is also working on the delivery of more supplies for September, NTF Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday. “So mayroon po tayong ample na supply na hindi po tayo kakabahan sa month ng August. Ang tinitingnan po natin ngayon ‘yung month ng September (We have an ample supply so we don’t have to worry until August. We are working on the supply for September),” Galvez said in his report during the weekly Covid-19 public briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City. The Philippines has already received 27,922,360 doses -- procured by the government and the private sector as well as donations from other

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DONATED JABS. The shipment of the single-dose Janssen Covid-19 vaccine arrives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Saturday afternoon (July 17, 2021). An Emirates flight delivered 1,606,600 doses to complete the 3.212 million donation of the US coursed through the Covax Facility. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

countries.

gagamitin po natin na ang average is “PH already reached its 400,000 a day (We have desired stockpile level 12.8 million doses in of above 10 million. Sa the stockpile which is ngayon po, sumobra equivalent to 32 days of pa po tayo na (So far usage with an average we have exceeded to) of 400,000 daily),” Galvez 12,826,099 which can last told the President. up to 32 days or up to August 17,” he said. He likewise highlighted the administration of As of July 18, the one million jabs in three Philippines has days early this month, a administered 15,096,261 result of the whole-nation doses, with 4,708,073 approach with the local already fully vaccinated. government units and the private sector. “And then ‘yung ating stockpile, doses The Philippines recorded to be administered, the highest daily on stockpile on the vaccination rate of different warehouses is 391,283 doses on July 15, 12.8 million. Nasabi na while 1.8 million doses po natin na ‘yung 12.8 were administered last million ay equivalent week. (PNA/ Lade Jean po ‘yan sa 32 days na Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS

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Caraga InFocus –July 17-23, 2021

Articles inside

‘BIGGEST’ CARABAO IN MINDANAO FOUND IN SARANGANI

MINDA MOVES TO BOOST MINDANAO TREE FARMING

ASTMMC NAKATALA OG FATALITY TUNGOD SA COVID-19

COMELEC VOTER REGISTRATION TO CONTINUE IN SURSUR

SURSUR HOLDS DRRM ORIENTATION TO NEWLYHIRED LDRRM STAFF, PARTNERS

PROYEKTONG IMPRASTRAKTURA SA ILALIM NG PROGRAMA NG NTF-ELCAC, SINIMULAN NA SA SURIGAO DEL NORTE

MINDA, LGU-BISLIG HOLD 1ST VEGETABLE DERBY

NPA ATTACKS MINING FIRM, BURNS P50M WORTH OF MINING EQUIPMENT

DTI ORGANIZES PROCESSED FOOD INDUSTRY CLUSTER LEADERSHIP COUNCIL IN DINAGAT

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARENESS SEMINAR BENEFITS SURIGAONON IPS

CARAGA HOLDS FIRST SBDP PROJECT GROUNDBREAKING IN MINDANAO

50 KA PROYEKTONG IMPRASTRAKTURA SA PROBINSYA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, APRUBADO NA

VLOG COOKING CONTEST ALANG SA MGA MABDOS HIMOON ISIP KABAHIN SA PAGSAULOG SA NUTRITION MONTH

AGNOR COFFEE FARMERS ADOPT DOST’S CAPE PROGRAM

AGNOR MSMES COMPLETE DOST’S CONSULTANCY FOR PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM

DA, AGNOR LGU EMBRACE PAFES

DA CARAGA GITURN-OVER ANG MGA LISO SA GULAY ISIP TAMPO SA FOOD BASKET PROJECT SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

ARMY, PNP CAPTURE WOUNDED NPA REBEL IN AGSUR

NPA MEMBER ABANDONS 21 YEARS OF FUTILE STRUGGLE

AGSUR BIKE ENTHUSIASTS JOIN NATIONWIDE ‘BIKE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE’

YOUTH ORG TAKES STEP FOR NEW MILESTONE IN CARAGA

OCD TO HOLD 1ST INT’L DISASTER RESILIENCE FORUM

402ND BRIGADE IN CARAGA INSTALLS NEW COMMANDER

BIGGEST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY NG MINDANAO MATATAGPUAN SA BUTUAN CITY

ELCAC INFRA PROJECTS PAVE WAY TO END INSURGENCY IN AGSUR, SURSUR AREAS

RTF HOLDS CEREMONIAL VACCINATION OF GOV’T EMPLOYEES UNDER A4

MAYA INTERNS: GOING BEYOND THE PRINCIPLES