Caraga InFocus –July 2-8, 2022 by Caraga InFocus

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REGIONAL NEWS POPCOM CARAGA, DKT INK MOA

PROVINCIAL NEWS 11 13 14 15 16

AGSUR, SURSUR FARMERS AVAIL DA’S FARM MECHANIZATION

AGSUR CITIZEN SOLDIERS SEND MEDICAL, SUPPORT SERVICES TEAM CONTINGENTS TO PDI

PPA SURIGAO RE-ORIENTS SOLAR LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE CITY STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

DA CARAGA SUPPORTS DINAGAT ISLANDS AGRI

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DRRMAZING RACE GINAWA SA PAGBUBUKAS NG NATIONAL DISASTER RESILIENCE MONTH SA PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE

KAMPANYA SA PAGPALAMBO NGA AGUSAN UP, IPADAYON NI GOB. MATBA

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DILG: 13 BARANGAYS PASS THE 2021 SGLGB IN SURSUR CARRASCAL TO HOLD PROMOTIONAL VIDEO CONTEST 15 MICRO-ENTERPRISES GRADUATED UNDER KMMEMME FROM SURSUR TANDAG CITY COMMEMORATES NUTRITION MONTH

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CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Volume VI, No. 27 July 2-8, 2022

NATIONAL NEWS PBBM MAKES AGRICULTURE TOP PRIORITY; VOWS TO CURE SECTOR’S PROBLEMS FUEL SUBSIDY, TO COVER TRICYCLE DRIVERS, OPERATORS, SAYS PBBM

COVID-19 NEWS PBBM WANTS FURTHER STUDY OF COVID-19 ALERT LEVEL SYSTEM: DOH HEALTH EXEC SAYS BOOSTER SHOTS NOT MANDATORY 70.8M FILIPINOS FULLY VACCINATED, 15M WITH 1ST BOOSTER

Caraga RDRRMC inks partnership with private orgs to strengthen DRRM

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

To strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) tapped seven more private/volunteer organizations to help boost its manpower and

resources in times of disaster. These seven organizations are the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles Caraga Region II, Rotary Club of Central Butuan, Hearts for Paws, Philippine Emergency Telecommunications Search and Rescue

Action Group (PETRASAG), Calaghan Association of Radio Specialist (CARS) Inc., Philippine Technological Council - Young Engineers Section (PTCYES), and Balangay Disaster Resiliency Operators. RDRRMC Chairperson Liza R. Mazo said the Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

partnership, which was recently formalized through a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, is part of the Council’s efforts to further capacitate all aspects of its disaster operations.

sa Paglambo (SIKAP) Inc. chair.

“Ang membership naman ng RDRRMC per law is mostly [composed of] government agencies and tatlong na private organizations. So what we did was inextend natin ‘yan through partnership (The membership of RDRRMC per law is mostly composed of government agencies and three private organizations. So what we did was to extend it through partnership),” said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director.

“Maraming aspeto ng disaster ‘yung matutulungan nila. In terms of disaster preparedness, pwede silang mag-facilitate ng training through our help and tayo ‘yung magpapa-conduct ng training na sila ‘yung participant. Pwede na din natin maabot ‘yung mga sektor na nirerepresentahan nila dahil kadalasan, mga LGUs lang ‘yung nakakaabot sa kanila (They can help with different aspects of disaster operations. In terms of disaster preparedness, they can facilitate training through our help and they can also participate in our training. We can now reach sectors that they represent, which are usually accessible to LGUs),” said the RDRRMC

The three existing partner organizations are the Caraga Alliance of DRRM Officers (CADRRMOs), Rescue and Emergency Service Provider and Disaster (RESPOND) Inc., and Sibog Katawhan Alang Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

Mazo said these seven new partner private/ volunteer organizations specialize in various fields of disaster response, from volunteer work to animal welfare.

Animal welfare group Hearts for Paws has been operating in Butuan City since 2017, advocating for animal care and responsible pet ownership. They also rescue abandoned and impounded animals and set them up for adoption. Five years into their operation and with only over 20 active volunteers, Hearts for Paws has been officially recognized by the city government of Butuan as their partner in promoting animal welfare. The group is also working on spreading awareness on the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (Republic Act No. 8485), which, according to founder Tweety Butao, is still not well-implemented in the country. “During disasters, there are many animals that are neglected, ignored, left behind. Of course, human lives are the top priority but animals also have lives,” she said.

News Briefs Proclamation No. 2, signed by Executive Secretary Victor D. Rodriguez in Malacañang declares July 9, 2022 (Saturday) as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of the Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). xx

“Through this partnership, through our group, we are trying to spread awareness on how to prevent loss of lives during these situations,” she added. PETSARAG, a volunteer action group based in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur province, specializes in swift water and high-angle rescue and emergency telecommunications. Its 30 active members are not only skilled in search and rescue operations and disaster response, but also in providing training.

years later, this group of volunteers would then be eventually known as PETSARAG. For PETSARAG founding president Dante E. Sayon, the partnership with RDRRMC will help the group expand its services to communities across Caraga Region and boost its credibility as a volunteer action group.

“Nakilala na ‘yung PETSARAG, hindi lang sa city at provincial level pati na sa regional level. Mas maganda ‘yon, pero malaki na din ‘yung responsibility namin kasi The group started in partner na so kailangan 2010 with only a few members who provide talagang magrespond volunteer services to kung kinakailangan communities in Bayugan (PETSARAG is now City during disasters. Four recognized not only in

the city and provincial levels but also in the regional level. This is great but this also means we now hold a greater responsibility since we are considered partners, so we have to respond when needed),” he said. With this new development, RDRRMC is hoping to encourage more groups to collaborate with them. “Maaasahan ninyo na kami sa RDRRMC ay tutulong din sa inyong activities para mas masustain ‘yung mga programa ninyo (You can count on us in the RDRRMC to help with your activities to sustain your programs),” Director Mazo said. (DMNR/PIACaraga) Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

Proclamation No. 1021 of 1997 declared the month of July as Blood Donors Month. The Code of Ethics for Blood Donation and Transfusion states that blood donation shall only be voluntary. President Fidel V. Ramos wished for every Filipino to inspire and give a part of himself in the form of blood donation. Pursuant to the Office Order No. 2022-07, s. 2022, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region XIII Extension Office will be implementing the Hybrid Work Arrangement of four (4) day work on-site (Monday to Thrusday) while Friday shall be on a work-from-home (WFH) effective July 4, 2022. With this, CDA Region XIII Extension Office will be serving the public virtually every Friday. According to Philippine Statistics Authority’s report on Wage Differentials in Major Industries and Occupations for 2020, these are the top five industries with the highest median monthly pay in the Philippines.

POPCOM Caraga, DKT ink MOA

REGIONAL NEWS

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. as partners in the implementation of family planning information and service provision to men and women with unmet need for modern family planning in Caraga region. In the MOA signed by POPCOM Caraga Regional Director, Alexander A. Makinano and Ms. Loida M. Almendares, Head of Programs, DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc., POPCOM Caraga Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

shall provide support in the development and implementation of social behavior change and communication initiatives at the local level; and provide FP methods (such as IUD, condoms, injectables and pills for new and current users) to men and women of reproductive ages, with added focus on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) during demand generation activities; The MOA further stated that the DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. shall provide the indispensable supply to POPCOM Caraga

according to the existing national and regional guidelines on reducing unmet need for modern family planning methods and services; and provide the necessary technical assistance as well as coordinate with the Local Government Units (LGUs) for the monitoring of the corresponding activities. POPCOM Caraga immediately mapped out a plan for the conduct of the refresher course, demand generation, and service provision in the various communities in the whole region. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

AgSur, SurSur farmers avail DA’s farm mechanization

PROVINCIAL NEWS

To further boost the corn and cassava industry in Caraga region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has turned-over a total of P5.7 million worth of various agricultural machinery and equipment to the two farmer associations in the region. During the visit of DA’s National Corn Program Director Milo Delos Reyes on June 27-30, 2022, he spearheaded the turnCaraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

over of four agricultural machineries. The Mapulian Farmers Association composed of cassava farmers in Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur received the P1.89 million worth of hauling truck. The Bangsud, Anahaw, Bag-o, Kinabigtasan Farmers Association (BAKIFA) of Tago, Surigao del Sur also received one unit of Combine Harvester, Corn Planter, and Pump and Engine

Set worth P3.83 million. According to Director Delos Reyes, the said interventions aim to help the farmers cope with the challenges in the agricultural sector not just in the region but in the whole country as well. He emphasized the importance of regenerative agriculture, an approach that leads to better, more resilient crops grown through

AgSur Citizen Soldiers send Medical, Support Services Team contingents to PDI

sustainable methods, and, at the same time fight the crisis that threatens food security in the country. “With this new equipment, we continue to improve in farming and produce more to cover the high demand in crops. As you may have more crops grown, and start to reap the fruit of your labor, don’t ever forget the environment, practice regenerative agriculture,” he said. Delos Reyes urged the farmers’ association to strive more and never stop tilling their land since government agencies are closely assisting them. With the One DA Reform Agenda, DA commits to assist the farmers to increase production through the mechanization program and other programs and projects the farmers may avail. “Optimize the use of the equipment given by our government, follow the recommended operation and maintenance procedure to make it serviceable

in the longest possible time,” Rebecca Reyes Atega, DA-Caraga’s Regional Technical Director for Operations appealed. Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the farm machinery were grateful to the government for the equipment they received. “Our association is grateful for the new machinery. It is our long dream to have this kind of equipment but now it has been

realized through the DA. It is a big help for our livelihood to ease and expedite our work, lessen our expenses, and earn more,” Richard Virtudazo, BAKIFA Chairperson said. Director Delos Reyes also visited farms and projects on corn, cassava and soybeans in Esperanza Agusan del Sur; Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; and Tago and San Agustin in Surigao del Sur. (Lovely Joy L. Saludez, DA-Caraga/PIAAgusan del Sur) Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

The Medical Team of the Headquarters Company, 1502nd (Agusan del Sur) Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn) composed of doctors and nurses led by its Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ma. Teresa P Baylon, were utilized as part of the Medical Team and Support Team contingents of the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG) during a Medical Mission and Feeding Program in the Province of Dinagat Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

Islands. The Medical Mission is one of the highlights during the Peoples’ Fair and Launching of One Dinagat Movement with the theme “Celebration and Thanksgiving of Life and New Beginning” held on July 4, 2022 at the Capitol Grounds, Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. The said Medical Team headed by Dra. Susan Marañon, conducted medical consultations, referral for

laboratory procedures and endorsement to specialists for treatment and management of patients. Moreover, they also conducted lecture-demo on proper tooth brushing, fluoride varnish application and distribution of dental health kits and vitamins. Meanwhile, the Support Team assisted the serving of food during the feeding program. (2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Ex-O, 1502 CDC, 15RCDG/ PIAAgusan del Sur)

PPA Surigao Re-Orients Solar Lamps to Illuminate City Streets and Sidewalks The streets of Surigao City port areas are now amply illuminated with re-oriented, bright solar lamps installed at the Port of Surigao perimeter fences.

Eleven (11) pairs of LED lamps are installed at P. Reyes Street (from the corner of Borromeo

Determined to raise farmers’ profitability and competitiveness, the Department of AgricultureCaraga continues to provide interventions for the benefit of agri frontliners in Caraga region. DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. personally led the handover of vegetable seedlings, free-range chicken, farm machinery, and equipment amounting to P41.66 million to 13 rice & corn-based farmers associations and to Local Government Units in the Province of Dinagat Islands on July 4.

To maximize the use of the newly-installed solar lamps, the Port Management Office of Surigao has chosen to reorient the outdoor-type solar LED lamps installed at the port’s perimeter fences to help illuminate the sidewalks of P. Reyes and Borromeo Streets of the Surigao City port area. Mounted high on steel lamp posts, each of these solar LED lights emit at least 200 to 500 lumens which are bright enough to amply illuminate these vital thoroughfares.

DA Caraga supports Dinagat Islands Agri

Street leading to the City Boulevard) while twenty five (25) pairs are installed at the stretch of Borromeo Street from corner P. Reyes up to the Punta Bilang Bilang basin. These installed lamps are sufficient to brighten up the sidewalks and streets of the Surigao City port area.

“Apart from providing enhanced security to the Surigao Port Community, solar-powered lamps promote renewable energy and significantly lessen the carbon footprint of the Port of Surigao in line with our Green Ports Initiative,” said Acting PMO Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla. (PPA- PMO Surigao)

The interventions were officially received by Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr and Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo during the Provincial People’s Fair and Launching of One Dinagat Movement. “The province depends on agriculture and fishing as the key sources of economy and employment. The DA and its attached agencies and bureaus in collaboration with the Local Government Units will continuously deliver essential programs and services in restoring the

Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

livelihood and local economy on the island,” said Director Oñate. Intended to boost food production in the province DA-Caraga’s Rice Program turned over 1 rice thresher, 2 floating tillers, 2 grain collectors, 1 rice mill, and 1 rice combine harvester with a total worth of P3.79 million. In addition, the Corn Program turned over 1 corn mill, 1 cassava chipper, and 2 corn husker-sheller with a total worth of P1.16 million. The High-Value Crops Development Program in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office headed by OIC- Provincial Agriculturist Rico Galinato distributed vegetable seeds/ seedlings, and farm tools worth P1.82 million.

The Livestock Program also handed a total of 5 Egg Incubators worth P300,000.00. In collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Aimee Jimeno distributed 600 free-ranged chickens to women’s associations in the province. Meanwhile, the Farm to Market Road Development Program awarded P34 million for the concreting of 2 barangay FMRs. Director Oñate was accompanied by OICRegional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Agriculture Program Coordination Office - PDI Chief Rey Frias, and Banner Program Coordinators and DA-Caraga Personnel. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

DRRMazing Race ginawa sa pagbubukas ng National Disaster Resilience Month sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte

gathered here with diffirent LGUs to promote and strengthen our camaraderie between all and among LGUs of Agusan del Norte,” dagdag ni Manliguez.

“This is a new approach sa pag-impliment sa ating DRRM dahil sa ating LDRM plan we are using thematic kaya dapat ang pagimpliment ng mga programs and plans thematic din,” ayon ni Pagaran.

Bumida sa pagbubukas ng National Disaster Resilience Month sa Agusan del Norte ang mga kakaibang paraan upang maibahagi ang iba’t ibang approaches sa pag-implementa ng mga Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) programs sa komunidad, kung saan nakatutok ito sa apat na

DRRM thematic areas. Isinagawa ang DRRMazing Race na nahati sa apat na grupo, ang disaster preparedness, disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster response at disaster rehabilitation and recovery, kung saan sila ay magpapakita ng

kani-kanilang kaalaman na nakabase sa kanilang thematic areas. Ayon kay Jorge Vincent Pagaran, ang hepe ng training division ng Provincial DRRM Office, ito ay isang kakaibang paraan ng pagtuklas at pagbbaahagi ng kaaalaman ng mga myembro ng council. Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

dahil sa COVID-19. Hinikayat din nya ang kapwa DRRMOs na magkaisa. “We are happy that after two years we are

Biningyan din ng malaking importansya ni governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante ang kahalagana ng pagiging handa, kinilala din nya ang kahalagahan ng mga youth responders ng probinsya, ang mga Young ADNERTs. “The best preparation is any disaster is investing in trainings,” she said. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Masaya rin si Jover Manliguez, presidente ng League of Ngusan del norte DRRMOs na nabigyan silang mga DRRM officers na muling maipakita ang kanilang kakayahan kasama ang ibang mga myembro ng PDRRM Council lalo na ang kahandaan at sa panahon na may disaster, dahil unti-unting nagbabalik na sa normal ang buhay pagkatapos ng dalawang taong Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

Kampanya sa Pagpalambo nga Agusan Up, ipadayon ni Gob. Matba

nga daku usab kaayo og hagit sa Hiniusang Liderato o ang mga elected nga mga opisyales sa Agusan del Norte tungod taas ang ekspektasyon sa katawhan sa maong liderato. “We went around and set our pace that people will vote for us. And these are the things that we will do,” matud pa sa gobernador.

“AGUSAN UP!, we will continue it.” Kini ang gipadayag ni incoming Governor-elect Angel Amante-Matba sa katawhan sa Agusan del Norte sa Ceremonial Turn-over and Awarding Ceremony nga gihimo niadtong Byrnes, July 1 sa Butuan City. Sumala pa ni Gov. Amante-Matba, mubo lang ang panahon nga gihatag sulod sa ilang termino sa pagpanerbisyo sa katawhan sa probinsya isip public official. Pasabot niya, tungod niini, nanginahanglan kini og paspas nga

pagpanerbisyo ug pagpadangat og serbisyo ngadto sa katawhan sa Agusan.

papel sa panaghiusa sa direksyon ug vision nga mahimong “AgriProcessing Center in the Caraga Region by 2027” “The AGUSAN UP, we pinaagi sa AGUSAN UP will continue it because development campaign we have already started nga gisugdan na sa it. Maayo ang mga kanhing administrasyon programs sa Agusan Up, ni outgoing Governor therefore we cannot ug Congressmango back to square one, elect Dale B. Corvera kung asa na siya karon. tali sa probinsyal nga I want to know what will panggamhanan, be the second step, third Congressional Office step until we reach the ug mga munisipyo goal for the province” ug syudad aron matud pa ni Gov. mahimong paspas Amante-Matba. ang pagpadangat og serbisyo ug kalambuan Nakita sa gobernador sa Agusan del Norte. ang daku ang mahinungdanon Pasabot sa gobernador Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

Gawas sa mga elected officials, daku usab og hagit ngadto sa empleyado sa kapitolyo nga mahimong han-ay ang sistema niini. Ang sistema nga mamahimong makahatag og dakong demands sa pagpanghatag og mga serbisyo. Gipaniguro usab ni Congressman Dale B. Corvera ang iyang dakung suporta isip working partner aron masiguro ang kalambuan sa panginabuhi sa katawhan sa Agusan del Norte. “Mo ingon ko nga usa ko ka karon sa mga Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

leader nga mo biya pagka gobernador but I will leave you with something worth continuing. A vision worth completing and a dream worth fulfilling. But I assure you that I will be your working partner in Congress to ensure the good future of the people of Agusan del Norte” sumala pa ni Cong. Corvera. Hangyo usab ni Gov. Amante-Matba nga sa umaabot nga panahon makita ug madumduman sa mga tao ang gibuhat nga maayong serbisyo sa ilaha. “There will come a time,

that we will also end but let us end it with legacy nga madumdoman ta sa tao that during our incumbency we gave the best for them and they have a very good future to look up to,” paambit niya. “This is a new chapter, a new challenge for all of us, there is a reason why we all won overwhelmingly. The challenge now is we have to deliver the goods for the people of Agusan del Norte,” panapos ni Gov. Amante-Matba. (Karen Kei Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DILG: 13 barangays pass the 2021 SGLGB in SurSur

Carrascal to hold Promotional Video Contest

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga announced the 13 Barangay Passers of the “2021 Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay” (SGLGB) in the Province of Surigao del Sur.

The Local Government Unit of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, through the Municipal Tourism Office in partnership with LANTAW Creatives (Carrascal Association of Digital Artists) will present “Promotional Video Contest 2022” in celebration of the Pahinungod Festival 2022 from July 14 to16, 2022.

Based on the report, the following are the Barangay passers: ● Barangay Poblacion, Barobo; ● Barangay Bacolod, Cagwait; ● Barangay San Vicente, Carmen; ● Barangay Gamuton, Carrascal; ● Barangay Telaje, Tandag City; ● Barangay Burgos, Cortes; ● Barangay Payasan, Lianga; ● Barangay Alegria, Marihatag; ● Barangay Kauswagan, San Agustin; ● Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel; ● Barangay Santa Cruz, Tagbina; ● Barangay Badong, Tago; and ● Barangay Mansailao, Lingig Based on the guidelines, the implementation of the 2021 Pilot Testing of the SGLGB was designed to encourage and challenge the barangays to scale up their performances and practices of good governance to the principles of accountability, transparency, performance, and effectiveness. It is in line with the role of the barangay in the overall development and transformation of the community and of the nation. Accordingly, the initial pilot testing of

Based on the mechanics, the said contest is open to all amateur/professional Filipino videographers as long as they can come to Carrascal town. The employees of LGUCarrascal and the members of LANTAW Creatives are also eligible to participate in the contest. Each group must have a maximum of three (3) members. All video entries must be between five (5) to seven (7) minutes both in the preliminary and final rounds

the SGLGB was conducted in 2019 to 1,034 barangays nationwide. Considering the recommendations of SGLGB partner stakeholders and the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020, the DILG Office conducted the second round of pilot testing this year, still covering one barangay per city/ municipality, it was learned. (PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

Interested videographers must register online only via this link https://forms. gle/zgsuejFQ9jzyPBzcA and pay the registration fee of P250.00 per organization.

The deadline for submission of entries will be on July 12, 2022 at 12:00 PM, and must be sent by email to lantawcreatives@ gmail.com with the format in the email subject header: <NAME OF THE GROUP> <TITLE or CAPTION>.

The grand winner will receive a cash prize of P30, 000.00 and a plaque. The There will be a preliminary round where all nonwinners will also receive consolation participants will feature their place (town/ prizes of P10, 000.00 each and a city). The video presented will tell a story certificate. about the subject place (town/city). For more information and queries, Only the TOP-5 participants will proceed interested participants can message to the final round, which is an actual directly on the official Facebook Page: video contest presented during the Carrascal Tourism Culture and Arts or Pahinungod Festival 2022 that will capture LANTAW Creatives. (LGU-Carrascal/PIAthe 3-day celebration. Surigao del Sur) Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

15 micro-enterprises graduated under KMME-MME from SurSur

Tandag City commemorates Nutrition Month

Some 15 micro-enterprises from Surigao del Sur (SDS) graduated under the 2022 Kapatid Mentor Me-Money Market Encounter (KMMEMME) Online Batch 1 after successfully completing the program, yesterday, July 4, 2022. There were 5 mentees who were recognized for presenting excellent Business Improvement Plans (BIPs) as follows: 1. Mr. Rey Anthony Malacaste (Maker’s Avenue Printing Services) Cagwait, SDS, 2. Ms. Judith Morado (Morado’s Food Product Manufacturing) Tandag City, 3. Ms. Marissa Morales (Besties Convenience Store) Bislig City, 4. Ms. Marineth Pingol (Mee Samuel Rice and Corn Trading) Madrid, SDS, and 5. Ms. Kristine Dawn Salazar (Jonas Agrivet Supply). Ms. Marivic Orig - Orig Bookkeeping Services, of Madrid, Madrid, SDS on the other hand was awarded as Best BIP. The KMME-MME is a regular program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) to train micro-enterprises through a 10-module mentorship program in order to boost their entrepreneurial capacity. The program started in 2017 but due to pandemic, its implementation is conducted online. DTI-CARAGA facilitates its implementation, the PCE provides the mentors, while the 5 DTI Provincial Offices of Caraga provide the mentees from their

respective areas. A total of 16 micro-entrepreneurs from Surigao del Sur enrolled, completed the module, and prepared the Business Improvement Plan but only 15 were able to present the BIP. The remaining mentee will be presenting her BIP in the next batch. In her message, Ms. Marivic Orig said, “My fellow KMME graduates, let us grind and shine our businesses. Always remember what we learned from our mentors and be the channel of blessings to others and never hesitate to share this amazing and lifechanging opportunity. See you at the top! To DTI and PCE, thank you and Mabuhay ang KMME!” The 15 KMME-MME Online Batch 1 graduates of Surigao del Sur shall now compose the 116 KMME graduates of the province, it was learned. (DTI-SDS Provincial Office/PIASurigap del Sur) Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

The City Government of Tandag through the Office of the Tandag City Nutrition Council under the leadership of Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel conducted the 2022 Nutrition Month Opening Salvo held on July 01, 2022 at the Executive Lobby, City Hall, Barangay Awasian, Tandag City. Anchored on the theme, “New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang gawan ng Solusyon!”, the monthlong event highlighted the following activities during the day-1: 1. 2022 Nutrition Month Forum; 2. Ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Fiesta Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

sa Nayon: A Nutrition Month 2022 Photo Exhibit/ gallery of the Tandag City Nutrition Program Best Practices and showcasing the different kinds of native and healthy local delicacies; and 3. Zumba. The opening salvo was joined by the City Nutrition Committee members, different offices and agencies in the City Government of Tandag, and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars of the 21 Barangays of Tandag City. City Vice Mayor Hon. Eleanor Momo ably represented by Ms. Lourdes Louella Escandor, Secretary to the Sangguniang

Panlungsod (SP), delivered her Opening Remarks. She emphasized the importance of good nutrition during this time of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Mayor Pimentel has presented during her inspirational message the 10 “Kumainments” (Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos) as a key to having a better quality of life. Mayor Pimentel has also mentioned her utmost support for the city’s wellness program that will benefit the LGU employees, it was learned. (NGPB, with a report from LGU-Tandag City/PIASurigao del Sur)

PBBM makes agriculture top priority; vows to cure sector’s problems President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is committed to provide long-term solutions to the problems hounding the country’s agriculture sector as a key to building a strong economy. Speaking to reporters during a Malacañang press briefing, President Marcos, who heads the Department of Agriculture (DA) in a concurrent capacity, said the agriculture sector has a production shortfall in palay, corn, livestock and fisheries.

NATIONAL NEWS

“That is why I made agriculture the single, the highest priority of everything that we are doing. Because you cannot build a strong economy unless you have a foundation of a robust agricultural sector, which assures food supply even in emergencies. And that’s what we’re working towards,” he said. “We need long-term solutions. Solutions that can take care of this problem. We no longer take care of the symptoms, we take care of the disease. And that’s what we are trying to do in agri. We have a ways to go.” Part of the short-term solutions, on the other hand, include increasing production for the rest of the Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

year, with farmers targeting to plant this last cropping season.

production, the plan is to increase local production, the President said.

Among the thrust is to address gaps in the value chain, which the President said, already exist in the current system.

“So if we are able to increase production sufficiently, then hopefully the importation… We really do not… It’s not really an import substitution measure,” he said.

Although some of the elements are present, there is a need for integration. “So bubuuin — ‘yan ang gusto nating gawin, buuin natin ‘yun para may savings. When you vertically integrate, ang daming savings all along the line. And that’s — hopefully gets to the point that we can retail these agricultural products at a good price that’s affordable to people,” he pointed out. With regard to grain

“It is a strategic food supply measure. But of course, if it’s — nagkaka-import substitution, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. So that’s the plan.” Regarding pork and chicken supply, President Marcos said the country has to rely on importation because of the effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the swine industry and high feed cost brought about by the conflict in Ukraine. PND

Fuel subsidy, to cover tricycle drivers, operators, says PBBM The government will continue providing fuel subsidies for the transport sector but the program will be expanded to cover tricycle drivers and operators, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday. President Marcos told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang that among the issues discussed during the first Cabinet meeting include the management and funding source for the additional fuel subsidies for the sector. “We have enough budget I think to last for most of this — for this year and a little bit beyond. But we still have to find that money if we’re going to continue,” he said. The government’s Libreng Sakay program will also continue but only for the students as they go back to school this September, the

President said.

and quick results.

“We’ll phase it out because we cannot afford to keep that going. But students will ride for free on LRT 2, which is going to the university belt,” he noted.

“I give you a relatively free hand in deciding who you want to hire and how you want to change the structure of your department, if indeed that’s what you want to do. But Talking about his do it soon because we directive to the members have work to do and of his Cabinet, President we have to get to work Marcos said he wants a immediately,” he said. streamlined bureaucracy PND Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

PBBM wants further study of Covid-19 alert level system: DOH

Health exec says booster shots not mandatory

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to further study the Covid-19 Alert Level System to make it more appropriate for the country’s current situation.

The government and the Department of Health have not released a statement that administration of Covid-19 vaccine booster shots is mandatory, a health official said Thursday.

In a televised public briefing Friday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH presented the Covid-19 Alert Level System and its metrics to Marcos during their meeting earlier this week. “And he had some form of guidance for us, mayroon po siyang mga komento, in-analyze niya kung ano ‘yung mga metrics natin ngayon (he had some comments, he analyzed our current metrics),” she said. “And, binigyan niya po kami ng instructions to further study this alert level [system] para mas maging (he gave us instructions to further study this alert level [system] so it will be more) appropriate for our

(File photo)

situation,” she added. While the country continues to log an increase in Covid-19 cases, its classification for Covid-19 remains to be low risk.

were tested positive in our country),” she added.

When asked if the operations of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the National Most of the active positive Task Force Against cases are classified as Covid-19 would continue, mild and asymptomatic, Vergeire disclosed that Vergeire said. they did not discuss the matter during the “In our latest recorded data, lumabas na almost meeting with Marcos. 97 percent are mild and “And I think, it will be asymptomatic cases appropriate if it is going among those who were to be the Office of the tested dito po sa ating President to provide bansa (it showed that more details on this,” she almost 90 percent are mild and asymptomatic said. (PNA/Ma. Teresa cases among those who Montemayor) Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

“Gusto po nating klaruhin ano, wala pong binigay na statement ang ating gobiyerno, ang kagawaran na ang atin pong pagbabakuna ay mandatory (We would like to clarify, the government, the department, did not give any statement that vaccination is mandatory),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum. Vergeire was reacting to reports which said the “previous administration’s policy would only make it mandatory for work.” “We also did not give any statements that boosters will become mandatory. Wala po iyan sa ating direksiyon, wala po iyan sa ating mga pronouncements (That is not included in our direction, that is not in our pronouncements),” she said. “Ang atin lang pong sinasabi, kailangan lang Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

PNA file photo

po talaga maitaas ang antas ng booster doses uptick dito po sa ating bansa, dahil nakikita po natin (What we’re saying is we need to increase the booster doses uptick in our country because we see) and even our experts are saying that our immunity for our population is already waning,” she added. As of July 5, more than 70.8 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated, including 9.3 million adolescents and 3.6 million children. Over 15.2 million individuals have also received their first booster doses and more than 895,000 healthcare workers, senior citizens, immunocompromised and persons with comorbidities

got their second booster shots. “We are now working with the rest of the government agencies para maitaas natin ito, maipatupad natin ang mga stratehiya, saka instructions and guidelines na naibigay sa atin ng ating Presidente kahapon (so we can increase our booster doses coverage, implement the strategies, instructions, guidelines the President gave yesterday),” Vergeire said. The DOH aims to vaccinate 90 percent of the A2 population or senior citizens and to administer booster shots to 50 percent of the eligible population. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

70.8M Filipinos fully vaccinated, 15M with 1st booster The Philippines has already administered 154,237,449 doses of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine nationwide, with 70,853,659 Filipinos receiving complete coronavirus primary series and 15,017,716 getting their first booster doses, National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) said Saturday. The latest report from the NVOC also showed that 801 individuals aged 12 to 17 with underlying comorbidities have been given their first booster doses. “As provided for in [Department of Health] DM No. 2022-0263, the roll-out of the first booster/third dose for all adolescents ages 12 to 17 may proceed as soon as the Local Vaccination Operations Centers (LVOCs), implementing units, and vaccination sites/teams are ready,” the NVOC said in a statement.

COVID-19 VACCINATION. Lilia Butao, 65 received her 1st Pfizer booster shot during the Covid-19 mass vaccination at the MetroPlaza Mall in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang-Kanan, Caloocan City on Thursday (June 23, 2022). Butao is one of the 100 recipients of Pfizer booster in the area. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

The NVOC also reported that all regions in the country have already fully vaccinated more than 40 percent of their target population for senior citizens (A2 priority group), with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) having the lowest with 46 percent. On the other hand, the Cagayan Valley Region and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have the highest coverage of fully vaccinated elderly at 92.8 percent and 90.7

percent, respectively. Meanwhile, the DOH said it is closely coordinating with the proper offices to collate the final report on the number of doses expiring soon. Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said that the World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility will replace all of the country’s expired vaccines. The COVAX Facility also pledged to deliver at least 17 million more doses of Covid-19 jabs to the Philippines. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani)

Caraga Infocus • July 2-8, 2022

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