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[ Contents 20 - 26 July 2019
Volume III, No. 49
LTFRB calls on LGUs to submit local public transpo route plan REGIONAL NEWS
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8 10 11 13
PopCom, partners to address RH, fertility concerns Caraga stakeholders tackle strategies, mechanisms for EO 70 implementation BCPO, SMA to boost establishments’ security in Butuan
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Women, children’s laws tackled in Pantawid 1st paralegal training Caraga farmer’s associations benefit mechanical rice transplanters from DA
PROVINCIAL NEWS
15 17 18 19 21
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39 FRs complete TESDA training in Agusan Norte
2 NPA terrorists killed in Agusan del Sur Army commanders in Caraga discuss peace efforts with SurSur guv 20 FRs, supporters surrender in SurSur town Gigaquit wins in search for outstanding coastal community
NATIONAL NEWS
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MINDANAO NEWS
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SSS Davao optimistic to meet P1.7-B target this year
Biz leaders expect 4th SONA to focus on Mindanao’s needs
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26 28 29
Infra, cultural exchanges key in nation-building
Duterte to Congress: Help me lift 6M Pinoys out of poverty
DepEd lauds PRRD call for passage of state workers’ pay hike
News Briefs Caravan on “Luwas Pilipinas: Ang Kahibalo sa Syensya, Yawe sa Kaluwasa,” of the DOST Caraga and PCIEERD held at Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City will be attended by DOST Usec. Brenda L. Nazareth Manzano and DOT Asst Secretary Myra Paz V. Abubakar.
The DAR Surigao del Norte joins the DTI’s 32nd Sandugo Trade Expo. Different products from assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations are on display and for sale. The expo is slated from July 24-28, 2019 at the Island City Mall, Tagbiliran City, Bohol. DA-Caraga has recently turned-over three units of mechanical rice transplanters, 40 bags of both inbred and hybrid seeds, 240 bags of fertilizer inputs and 12,000 pieces of rubber planting materials. Farmer associations and cooperatives from Rosario, Agusan del Sur were grateful for the intervention they received from the Department.
The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) holds this afternoon in Butuan City the culmination program of this year’s observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month highlighting the Regional Awarding of the 2019 Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance.
Cover Story
LTFRB calls on LGUs to submit local public transpo route plan By Jennifer P. Gaitano
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UTUAN CITY - To ensure the security of traveling passengers and smooth flow of traffic in Caraga region, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) emphasized to all the local government units of the region the importance of having a local public transportation route plan for the public utility vehicles. 4
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JULY 20-26, 2019
With this, LTFRB-Caraga OIC- Transportation (DOTr). regional director Kristina Cassion called on local government units (LGUs) to Meanwhile, the official stressed comply and submit the required plan. that the LTFRB intensifies its campaign and monitoring against ‘colorum’ She said, their office has yet to vehicles illegally operating in the region. receive it from different LGUs and She emphasized that passengers should should they need technical assistance, ensure their safety by riding only in the LTFRB will guide them to complete registered Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs). the said plan. Cassion, further, lauded the Despite having a delay in the active support of the transport submission, Cassion is still hopeful that sector in the implementation of the all LGUs would be able to submit it PUV Modernization Program of the within the year. government. Cassion added that if in case the LGUs still could not provide the route plan in spite of constant reminder and assistance, they will seek the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as indicated in the joint circular of DILG and Department of
Under this program, several units of new vehicles will soon be launched in the two routes of Butuan City and three in Siargao islands. Apart from that, the first 100 taxis will also be operating in Butuan in the coming months. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
PopCom, partners to address RH, fertility concerns By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY – With the aim to address reproductive health and fertility concerns among the growing children – the adolescents of the region, the Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga has partnered with different government agencies, civil society organizations and church. PopCom Caraga Regional Director Alexander Makinano is hopeful that with the partnership, the adolescents will help the adolescents become responsible especially in saying no to early sexual activity to prevent teenage pregnancy.
Makinano said. However, urban areas are higher in cases compared to the rural due to unregulated accessibility pornographic materials including social media access of young people, he said. “The higher the exposure among our growing children to pornographic materials, the higher the probability they would engage in sex,” Makinano added.
According to Makinano, the partnership has a started a year ago and they are looking forward for a result a year from now with the hope that there will be no unplanned pregnancy among our teenagers in future. Makinano also said that there is a resolution by the Caraga Regional “As of now, teenage pregnancy Development Council requesting is increasing in both rural and urban government offices concerned to areas as per Philippine Statistics closely supervise, monitor and even Authority Demographic Survey Result,” restricts the minors especially during JULY 20-26, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities school hours from using the internet, and not allow owners to maintain closed cubicles in their internet cafes. Moreover, Makinano said that parents still hold the responsibility to monitor their children’s activities. Meanwhile, Department of Health Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr. said that giving the right health information is very important. He urges partner media, the press to disseminate the correct information on health especially on family planning. The government is doing its part in providing good health but it is the responsibility of every individual to maintain it, he said. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)
Caraga stakeholders tackle strategies, mechanisms for EO 70 implementation By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Led by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the member-agencies of the Regional Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict or (RTF-ELCAC) convened and discussed the strategies and mechanisms to intensify the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole of nation approach to end insurgency in Caraga region. According to Director Manuel Orduña of NICA, government agencies should work together in identifying the issues and concerns in the communities, as well as the root causes of armed
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conflict, and address all these. Planning on specific ways and means should also be determined in order to achieve peaceful resolutions and sustainable development.
JULY 20-26, 2019
Regional News I Empowering Communities He also said that the task force would strengthen the areas covered under the peace and development zones, where government’s programs and services will continuously be provided to them. The needs of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) would also be given due attention as they are the ones directly affected by the conflict caused mainly by the new people’s army.
have constant engagement and development activities with the IPs.
Meanwhile, in the field of communication, Capt. Viernes highlighted that the army in Caraga would continue to enhance their skills on the responsible use of social media and other platforms in disseminating relevant information, including the accomplishments of the task force, so people would not be deceived by Capt. Aldim Viernes, civil military the false information and propaganda operations officer of 401st Brigade, which the communist-terrorist groups Philippine Army emphasized that they circulate online. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
JULY 20-26, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
BCPO, SMA to boost establishments’ security in Butuan By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - The Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) facilitated and organized the Security Managers Association (SMA) Election of officers held on July 15, 2019 at the Butuan City hall. Police Col. Albert Magno, city from the foreknowledge of BCPO director, expressed his warmest about the fast rising economic state of congratulations and support to the the city,” cited Magno. newly elected officers of SMA. In his message, he emphasized the necessity of building a willing and cooperative organization that would aid the police force in maintaining and ensuring public safety.
He has also foreseen the influx of tourists, transients, consequent to the opening of SM mall and Vista mall, that would further led to the expanded population in the city.
“Business will boom, proportional “The idea of establishing the said association of business owners and to that is the higher crime volume,” he managers of Butuan City materialized said.
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JULY 20-26, 2019
Regional News I Empowering Communities With these facts, the city director asked the SMA newly elected officers to be cooperative to the police in preventing and solving crime e.g. expedite investigation by giving access to CCTV, and the like.
local organizations to act with us,” Magno said.
The city police director further expressed that this undeniable cooperation and provision coming from business sectors made the entire He also assured that BCPO look police force thankful. after the establishments’ safety as one of the unit’s top priorities. “With this strong bond between “We were never hesitant to strike if the PNP and Security Managers needed so but in order to be effective Association, a safer Butuan could and efficient with our safe keeping we certainly be attained,” he said. (BCPO/ need a fully functional and organized PIA-Caraga)
Women, children’s laws tackled in Pantawid 1st paralegal training By Joana Rica P. Millama
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) equipped its selected case managers and field workers in handling women/children in especially difficult circumstances (W/CEDC) through the conduct of its first-ever paralegal training on women and children’s laws held recently in this city. JULY 20-26, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities Crislea Celeste, 4Ps regional program coordinator, relayed the need of the Pantawid staff to improve better compliance to the Program in their respective areas based on Gender and Development (GAD) laws, legal protocols, and referral pathways. “This is also important for promoting social justice in our national development. Since we are serving our clientele who has less in life, they should have more at least in law,” added Celeste. Lawyer Josefe Sorrera-Ty, dean of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU)College of Law, served as the subject matter expert in orienting the Pantawid staff on GAD laws that provide the legal framework for managing W/CEDC. These laws include Republic Act 8552 (Adoption Law), 10165 (Foster Care Act), 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act), 7610 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), 8353 (AntiRape Law of 1997), 9262 (Anti-VAWC Law), 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), and 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Law). Although these laws are similarly constructed, Ty discussed the difference by providing situational scenarios to the participants. She stressed that all reported cases of violence, harassment, or sexual abuse should be depicted clearly by the witnesses or the social workers who are part in handling the case.
you,” saidTy after she narrated the adversities our Filipino lawyers have experienced in crafting the Revised Penal Code which was patterned from the Spanish Civil Code. Moreover, she said that public employees should be granting their fellowmen, especially women and children, access to social justice at all costs, emphasizing that “Public office is a public trust,” as stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Celeste expressed the interest of the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) to sit down with FSUU’s Urian Legal Assistance Program (ULAP) to possibly fortify partnership and present these laws on women and children during Family Development Sessions (FDS) and possible provision of legal assistance to those who are in need. DSWD and ULAP are still to finalize these plans, and will meet on another date for this breakthrough partnership. On the third day, Jessie Catherine Aranas, DSWD-Caraga Protective Services division chief, discussed the procedures in filing gender-based violence (GBV) and other genderrelated cases and grievances. These include filling-out the GBV intake sheet, crafting a social case study report, and filing a referral letter.
An action plan and evaluation was done to formally close the threeday training. At least 40 field workers have participated and a second batch is expected next week. (Social “The fruits of your burden will be Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office the blessing of those who come after Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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JULY 20-26, 2019
Regional News I Empowering Communities
Caraga farmer’s associations benefit mechanical rice transplanters from DA By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The farmers in Caraga are thankful to the assistance provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA). Some 110 farmers associations in the region received the 110 rice transplanters from the DA worth P30.4-million. According to Felisa Hambala, chairperson of Bayugan 3 Irrigators Association in Rosario, Agusan del Sur, the rice transplanters provided to them would help the sector minimize their expenses in farming.
Apart from the transplanters given to the farmers, DA-Caraga also oriented the beneficiaries on how to use it well and take good care of it.
DA-Caraga regional technical director for operations Alberto Ocampo, “Through this machine, the labor Jr. said that aside from minimizing the cost in farming was minimized, thus, our expenses and time to consume in profit increased,” said Hambala. farming, the machines could also help the farmers increase their production Roman Padilla, Jr., chairperson and their profit. of Mambotua Farmers Association, incorporated in Magallanes, Agusan With this development, DAdel Norte, is also thankful being one of Caraga is determined to change the the beneficiaries of the said program. traditional way of farming in order to increase productivity and make farmers He said, the machine makes their more competitive with the use of the work easier and help them increase mechanized farming technologies. productivity. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) JULY 20-26, 2019
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
39 FRs complete TESDA training in Agusan Norte By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga, in partnership with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion and 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion under the operational control of 402nd Infantry Brigade together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, awarded certificates of completion to 39 former rebels (FRs) for the Technical for Works Scholarship Program (TWSP) at the 29IB headquarters, Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on July 19, 2019. The 39 FRs, considered as special clients, completed the training in Food Processing and Wellness Massage “Hilot� training.
Program (E-CLIP) of the government in capacitating the FRs in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.
This is part of the Enhanced- One of the FRs from 23IB alias Comprehensive Local Integration Mars, expressed his gratitude to the JULY 20-26, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities government for the assistance they Meanwhile, Dr. Ashary Abanto, provided to them. Regional Director of TESDA, stressed that “the TESDA together with other “Dako kayo ang akong government agencies continuously pasalamat sa gobyerno tungod sa conducts trainings for special clients FRs ilang tabang nako. Niadtong anaa to help them have better lives as they pa ko sulod sa kalihukan, grabe nga go back to the mainstream society.” kalisod ang akong natagamtaman Likewise, Rep. Ma. Angelica mao nga nakahuna-huna ko nga mobalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno Rosedell Amante-Matba of Agusan kay wala gyod koy kaugmaon kung del Norte as the guest of honor and mopadayon ko sa NPA. Pagsurender speaker, said the government is always nako, wala ko nagdahom nga hatagan willing to help them “but we beg you kog importansya sa gobyerno ug to value everything we gave to you. gitabangan gyod ko aron sa pagbaton Don’t waste it for nothing.” Moreover, 23IB Commanding Officer Lt. ug bag-ong kinabuhi ug mas hayag Col. Francisco Molina Jr. expressed his nga kaugmaon pinaagi sa ilang mga extreme gratitude to the government programa (I am so grateful to the and to the FRs. government for helping me. When I was still in the underground movement, “We will continue encouraging I experienced too much hardship until I the remaining victims of the CPP-NPA decided to go back to the folds of the to return to the folds of the government. government. The time I surrendered, It’s not yet the end of their time. I didn’t expect that the government Especially now that all government will give me an importance and agencies are working together towards encouraged me build a new life),” said this endeavor,” he said. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) alias Mars.
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JULY 20-26, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
2 NPA terrorists killed in Agusan del Sur
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur Two terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in clash with the government troops in Barangay Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019, after the 75th Infantry Marauder Battalion (75IB) conducted security operations in the area due to the reports of the concerned citizens on the presence of armed men in Sitio Sta Monica, Bunawan Brook, collecting money and foodstuffs to the residents. The 15-minute clash erupted after the NPA fired upon the patrolling soldiers while clearing the vicinity of the Sitio Sta. Monica, which resulted to the death of two terrorists and the recovery of one Norinco AK 47 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, empty magazines of AK47 and M16, backpacks and personal items, while there was no reported casualty on the government side. According to Lt. Colonel Jaime Datuin, commanding officer of 75IB,the encounter was the result of the joint efforts of 75IB and the concerned residents of So. Sta Monica.
“Without the efforts of the residents themselves in giving us timely and accurate information, we cannot pinpoint the exact location of these terrorists. And because of that, we were able to decisively engage them, stopping them on their extortion activities to the residents, and preventing them to conduct more atrocities in my Area of Operations,” he said. Based on the report, the two terrorists killed belonged to the NPA’s Weakened Guerrilla Front 14 under Arnold Orlanes Conejar, alias Jorlan, operating in the boundary municipalities of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities “We will continue to intensify our security operations in the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility to neutralize the remaining members of this terrorist NPAs to boost the confidence of our local government units in facilitating the localized implementation of EO 70 in the province. We now have three neutralized NPAs and four high powered firearms recovered just this week, and I strongly believe, this will send a strong message to these terrorists,” Colonel
Allan Hambala, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, pointed out. “Avail now of the government’s amnesty initiative or die later. You are free to choose,” Col. Hambala added. The cadavers were brought to Dolete Funeral Homes in Trento for identification and proper disposition. (75IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Army commanders in Caraga discuss peace efforts with SurSur guv
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The commanders of the 401st and 402nd Infantry Brigades of the Philippine Army covering the province of Surigao del Sur paid courtesy call to Governor Alexander Pimentel and discussed the current peace and order situation, and security and development efforts held recently at the provincial capitol, this city.
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JULY 20-26, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities Colonel Allan Hambala and Colonel Maurito Licudine, Brigade Commanders of 401st and 402nd Brigade, respectively, together with the Battalion Commanders of 75th Infantry Battalion (IB), 36IB and 3rd Special Forces Battalion paid visit to the newly-installed chief executive of the province to formally introduce themselves and update the governor on the security and development efforts being undertaken by the Army units on the ground.
According to Colonel Hambala, the visit was just the start of a frequent engagement between the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur and the 401st Brigade, as the unit covers Bislig City and the seven municipalities of Surigao del Sur.
“With the implementation of Executive Order 70 in the region, Surigao del Sur, which has 12 municipalities identified as the Peace and Development Zones (PDZ), must fully take advantage of the opportunities Surigao del Sur is one of the eight that will be brought by this initiative,” provinces covered by the Army’s 4th Hambala said. Infantry Diamond Division based in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, “With a strong political will Cagayan de Oro City. and continuous commitment of our new local chief executives in Sursur The two cities and 17 spearheaded by Governor Pimentel, municipalities of the province are I am very sure that the localized further geographically subdivided by implementation of EO 70 will become three infantry battalions which confront effective and successful in the whole the terrorist groups of the New People’s province,” Hambala added. (26IB/PIAArmy. Agusan del Sur)
20 FRs, supporters surrender in SurSur town
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
CARMEN, Surigao del Sur - A total of 20 former rebels (FRs) and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) team of Charlie Company, 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), in close coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Carmen on July 14, 2019 in Brgy. Hinapuyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, an army official confirmed. JULY 20-26, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities Lt. Jonald Romorosa, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 36IB, said the surrenderers were composed of eight regular members, one courier, two organizers, one medic, one collector, and seven contact members, all residents of Carmen town. During the interrogation, the FRs and NPA supporters have pledged their sincere commitment to go back to the fold of the government and vowed to withdraw their support from the NPA terrorist. “For the longest time, we thought that the NPA will help us. But, we were just deceived, we were made to believe that supporting the terrorist NPA will improve our lives. We thanked the Army CSP for opening our eyes on the deceptions and lies of the CPPNPA-NDF organizations,” said one of the surrenderers.
“The pledge of allegiance manifests the peace-loving Carmenanon’s withdrawal of support and rejection of the NPA terrorists from the communities,” Mayor Plaza added. The 20 FRs will be processed and validated for their enrollment to the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government intervention package for former rebels. (with a report from 36IB/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)
During the mass surrender, Carmen Mayor Jane ValeorozoPlaza administered the pledge of allegiance to the government with the presence of Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Commanding Officer-36IB and TESDA Caraga Regional Director Ashary Banto. Mayor Plaza stressed that the people of Carmen are already awakened of the NPA’s deception.
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JULY 20-26, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
Gigaquit wins in search for outstanding coastal community By Salve Moreno-Dinolan
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Caraga region takes pride in the national scene once again when the municipality of Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte was awarded second runner-up in the third season of Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) 2018: National Search for Outstanding Coastal Community held on July 19, 2019 in the island of Siquijor. Out of the 14 national contenders for the outstanding coastal community, Macrohon in Southern Leyte was named grand winner, while Alaminos in Pangasinan bagged the first place award.
(DA) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which gives recognition and incentives to outstanding coastal communities and their efforts in coastal resource management.
Macrohon will get 30 million worth of agri-fishery livelihood assistance, while Alaminos and Gigaquit will receive 18 million and 10 million, respectively.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, who attended the MMK awarding, is optimistic that the program would contribute to the food sufficiency efforts for every Filipino.
The winners were assessed based on five criteria: no illegal fishing; observance of off-fishing season; declaration of marine protected areas; clean coastal waters without any garbage or industrial effluence flowing to the sea; and effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program.
“It is not just about today, but an insurance that the next generation will survive with the sustainable use of the marine resources,” he said.
The municipality of Cortes in Surigao Del Sur was inducted into the MMK Hall of Fame last year for consistently being an outstanding coastal community. The MMK is an annual program (Information Officer, BFAR 13/VLG/PIAby the Department of Agriculture Surigao del Norte) JULY 20-26, 2019
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MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
SSS Davao optimistic to meet P1.7-B target this year
DAVAO CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) covering Davao Region and Bislig is optimistic of meeting the 2019 target of PHP1.7 billion. Rizalito Alberto de Leon, acting SSS vice-president, said they hope to reach the corporate targets vis-a-vis collection, coverage and extending of benefits and other programs to the members.
whether the employer is delinquent through AMS, though he added that not all companies will be visited considering the limited manpower. An employer becomes delinquent upon failure to remit payments after a month, he explained, adding corresponding cases will be filed if an employer fails to settle obligations within three months.
In Davao City, De Leon said they have about 10,000 employers while the whole of Davao Region has 16,000 private employers doing business in their area of responsibility. Estimated employees in the city is pegged at “While we are doing this 100,000 while the whole of Davao campaign, we put on hold the filing of Region is at 160,000 employees. cases,” De Leon said. He said the employers involved are being monitored either through their Accounts Management System (AMS) or an actual visit to the different establishments.
Currently, he said they have already filed 78 cases against delinquent employers that may still avail of the condonation program.
SSS expects to collect PHP75 million He warned that SSS would know from local delinquent employers. (PNA) JULY 20-26, 2019
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
Biz leaders expect 4th SONA to focus on Mindanao’s needs By Digna Banzon
DAVAO CITY- Mindanao’s business leaders said they expect Mindanao’s development to take center stage when President Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2019 on Monday (July 22).
Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) chairman Vicente Lao said he also hopes the completion of the Mindanao Railway System (MRS) during the term of President Duterte. The Mindanao Railway System is a 2,000-kilometer railway with two segments that will connect various provinces in Mindanao.
Mindanao. “I wish the President good health so he will finish his term and complete his plans for the country and for the Filipino people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Nathaniel Dalumpines said he is optimistic the President’s SONA on Monday Pilipino Banana Growers and would focus on Mindanao’s peace and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Executive development initiatives. Director Stephen Antig said he expects “We are also looking forward to the SONA to emphasize support for agriculture, especially on the export hearing directives from the President sector. Antig said the banana industry that will effect a long-term and inclusive hopes government action on tariffs, as development for Mindanao,” he said. well as other assistance such as subsidies He particularly cited the President’s in terms of farm inputs. He also hopes for ongoing support for the revival of barter the removal if not the reduction of some trading between our island-provinces government fees. and their counterparts in the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines Davao City Chamber of Commerce East Asean Growth Area). and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan said local businesses want Dalumpines said based on the to see the implementation this year of highlights from the Pre-SONA fora the government’s flagship projects in the conducted this month, the Duterte countryside. administration remains to be focused Aside from the Mindanao Railway, Milan said focus should also be given to the Davao Airport Modernization Project, the Davao Samal Connecting Bridge project, and other big-ticket projects in
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on providing a comfortable life for every Filipino by providing more jobs and opportunities, prioritizing catalytic infrastructure projects, and bringing development closer to the countryside. (PNA)
JULY 20-26, 2019
NATIONAL NEWS
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National News I Empowering Communities its physical infrastructure.
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
Infra, cultural exchanges key in nation-building
“Our President Rodrigo Duterte envisions his government from this fundamental premise and the Peoples’ Republic of China has responded, invested in our massive infrastructure program known as the Build, Build, Build,” he said. Andanar added the BRI is the most significant program of China and the Philippines, including the diplomatic discussion of the West Philippine Sea. “This is where the understanding of universal harmony and peace are. The trade routes are the roads of dialogue, the language of merchants become inadvertently the language of communication,” he said.
MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar stressed on Friday the importance of infrastructures and cultural connection in the realization Andanar also reported that the of the country’s development goals. PCOO has had several memoranda of Andanar said Peoples’ Republic understanding with the national radioof China President Xi Jinping launched television administration and state the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) council information office of China with to allow member-countries to be sharing of audio-visual links, exchange internally productive and trade goods, visits of each other’s staff and regular services and technology with other sharing of programs. member-countries. Recognizing the value of “It allows countries to do expanding platform for information Andanar stressed that progressive business across nations sharing, data and cultural and to strengthen people to people intellectual are effective cultural exchanges for the best appreciation possible understanding and unity of communication avenues. diverse societies,” he added. “Ultimately, we all need mutual Citing that the BRI is the best understanding from mutual ties through alternative to war, Andanar noted communication, dissemination of that building a nation means building truthful information we can ensure
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JULY 20-26, 2019
National News I Empowering Communities
harmony and peace in our time misunderstandings in areas of conflict, despite our differing cultures,” he said. foster media transparency between each other, and in turn build trust and In a think tank and media dialogue open doors for cooperation,” she said. sub-forum, News and Information Bureau and Philippine News Agency “With so much happening in our head, Director Virginia Arcilla-Agtay surroundings, it is best if the public is highlighted that media plays a pivotal always kept informed of all the sides to role in strengthening partnerships each story—including its cultural and between states. country-specific roots. In this manner, we will be able to foster a greater “Its main purpose, which is to understanding not only between the inform and connect people with current Philippines and China but also with our affairs, promotes better understanding future partners. Hence, we must work between states and their citizens. It is in towards a vision where our countries this manner that Philippine and Chinese will freely converse and support each media can work together to promote other because trust has already mutual understanding. We can keep been built and is continually being each other up to date regarding strengthened by media cooperation,” relevant current events, dispel further she added. JULY 20-26, 2019
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National News I Empowering Communities
Duterte to Congress: Help me lift 6M Pinoys out of poverty By Azer Parrocha
MANILA President Rodrigo R. Duterte has appealed to Congress to pass measures that will help government lift 6 million Filipinos out poverty. Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Duterte said poverty incidence fell from 27.6 percent in the first half of 2015 to 21 percent in the first half of 2018.
pass the remaining packages of the tax reform program.
“I, therefore, implore Congress to immediately pass Package 2 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, However, the government’s or the Trabaho bill, which shall gradually challenge now is to lift some 6 million poor Filipinos out of poverty by the end lower the income -- corporate income tax, and rationalize and improve fiscal of his term in 2022. incentives,” Duterte said. “The most important number, though, is the 6 million Filipinos we need Duterte said the Trabaho bill would to pull out from poverty. Kindly help energize micro, small, and medium me on this,” Duterte told Congress in enterprises (MSMEs), encourage them his fourth State of the Nation Address to expand their business to generate 1.4 (SONA) on Monday (July 22). million jobs in the coming years Duterte While government has pursued also asked Congress to approve a new tax reforms to fund its poverty reduction version of the Salary Standardization programs, he asked Congress to also Law to include teachers.
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National News I Empowering Communities “Ngayon na (It has to be now) And to the teachers, alam mo dito (you know, here) who toil and work tirelessly to educate our young,” Duterte said. He also urged Congress to review and pass the Government Rightsizing Bill to reconfigure the existing Metro Manila-centric bureaucracy; streamline government systems in order to deliver services without delay and within a short timeline.
program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve the health, nutrition, and education aspects of their lives. Send them to jail
Duterte acknowledged that corruption still exists in the government thus encouraged Congress to investigate departments or officials Meanwhile, he encouraged involved in the practice and send them them to hasten the establishment of a to jail. Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) ”As I said, corruption is everywhere. to focus on the natural hazards and climate change, which he described You are free to investigate. I don’t take offense. If there is anything wrong in as “poverty creators.” my department, the Executive, you are On April 12, Duterte signed into free to open the investigation anytime,” law the Magna Carta of the Poor (RA Duterte said.
11291), which is meant to uplift the “You do not have to call me. standard of living and quality of life of Call the idiots, expose them, and send impoverished Filipinos. them to jail. You are helping me. Do not Five days later, Duterte also signed be... I am not... I’ve been a prosecutor. into law an act institutionalizing the I know how it works. Feel free. Feel Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program free to expose anything that is not in (4Ps), the national poverty reduction accordance with law,” he added. strategy and human capital investment (PNA)
DepEd lauds PRRD call for passage of state workers’ pay hike
By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for calling on members of the 18th Congress to pass a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL). JULY 20-26, 2019
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In a statement, the agency said Duterte’s direction is “consistent with Secretary Leonor Briones’s commitment to ensure an equitable and sustainable pay hike and to continue the efforts that have expanded the scope of welfare of the department’s teaching and non-teaching personnel”.
pass a new SSL that would increase the salary of public school teachers and other government employees.
“The Department hopes that this gain will help to further uplift the professional and personal condition of teachers as DepEd continues to work from enhancing access to improving the quality of basic education,” it added.
On Tuesday, Budget and Management Officer-in-Charge Janet Abuel said studies are ongoing for the proposed increase in the salaries of government workers, with the first of three tranches likely to start next year.
“To the teachers who toil and work tirelessly to educate our young, kasali na po dito ‘yung hinihingi niyo…hindi masyadong malaki pero (your request is included here... it’s not too much) it “The new SSL will increase the will tide you over,” Duterte said. compensation of government workers, including public school teachers whose In February 2016, former president work and toil shape the mind of the Benigno Aquino III signed Executive youth and build the foundation of a Order 201 which mandated a salary strong country,” the DepEd statement hike for state workers which was given read. in four tranches until 2019.
She said the plan is to implement In his fourth State of the Nation the salary increase within a three-year Address, Duterte urged Congress to period or from 2020 to 2022. (PNA)
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