ICT Bayanihan: Creating communications strategic highway, building resiliency
COVER
CONTENTS
Volume 1, No. 17
9 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 30 31 33 35 37 40 41
23 - 29 July 2016
REGIONAL NEWS Army commander recognizes reserve force as most dependable partner in pursuing peace, development Army files charges vs left-leaning activists PAGASA says Caraga region is vulnerable to La Niña Caraga agri chief commits to deliver President Duterte’s promise 640 new police recruits take oath
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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402nd brigade now covers Surigao Norte, Dinagat Islands
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Tandag City celebrates annual nutrition month culmination 204 SurSur barangays cleared from rebel influence Surigao Norte town strengthens support to Army’s peace, development outreach program Surigao Norte to host 25th Mindanao Business Conference Surigao Norte tourist arrival improves La Paz PNP confiscates marijuana plants AgSur guv gives ‘grace period’ to prov’l employees on illegal drug test Army conducts Youth for Peace Movement workshop
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AgNor PPO gets outstanding PCR award Bit-os ES bags Brigada Eskwela 2016 award DTI launchers 3rd Negosyo Center in AgNor Police burn P36 million worth of marijuana in Butuan
MINDANAO NEWS
International forum features Mindanao envi payback scheme
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NATIONAL NEWS
President Duterte leads city, provincial leagues oath-taking Carbon producers ordered to respond to allegations of human rights abuses from climate change
News Briefs President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared Thursday, August 2, 2012 as a special non-working holiday in Butuan City, through Proclamation No. 383 to mark the celebration of the 62nd “Adlaw Hong Butuan�. The PNP elements of La Paz Municipal Police Station, together with members of SHIELD of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur successfully confiscated the believed to be Marijuana plants with estimated weight of 10 kilos and approximate market value of 11,600.00 pesos at Sitio Pinili, Km. 39 Brgy. Valentina, La Paz, Agusan del Sur, just 40 km away from the said police station. It can be recalled that on July 25, 2016, a certain Bryan Manguinimba Padrones, member of SHIELD, and resident of Brgy. Valentina, La Paz reported that several hills of Marijuana plants were sighted thereat and immediately thereafter at 11:30 a.m. of same date, the team then proceeded to the abovementioned area and successfully located the marijuana plants at the center of newly harvested corn crops and subsequently uprooted 58 hills of Marijuana plants. The uprooted plants were brought to PNP Regional Crime Laboratory for examination and proper disposition. The Agusan National High School (ANHS) in Butuan City is now offering a free training on basic sign language. ANHS invites teachers, deaf and mute students, and interested individuals to join the Basic Sign Language training every Saturday, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., starting July 23 to August 27, 2016 at the ANHS SPED Resource Room.
Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel has ordered the Anti-Smoking Task Force to strictly implement Ordinance #2 of 2015 or the Comprehensive Anti-smoking Ordinance of Tandag City.
Cover Story
ICT Bayanihan: Creating communications strategic highway, building resiliency By: Venus L. Garcia
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CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
n giving emphasis on the unity of efforts of all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) key players using the existing domestic and international legal frameworks, guidelines, agreements and programs in the country, and to establish a common command and control mechanism for communication, electronics and information flow in times of disaster and calamities, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Caraga through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), in partnership with SMART Communications, spearheaded the conduct of the two-day Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Summit: ICT Bayanihan held in Butuan City recently.
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The participants of the summit are those with experience in emergency telecommunications at strategic level with delegated decision-making authority or recommendatory functions.
during disaster response operations under the leadership of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC).
According to OCD-13 and Caraga RDRRMC chairperson Manuel Luis Ochotorena, communication is the backbone of all operations. “Relaying of necessary information/ data has always been a predicament during calamities/disasters, and so enhancement of emergency telecommunications system is much more needed to improve the response and delivery of services,” he said.
Learning from the many lessons of the aftermath brought about typhoon Yolanda and other natural calamities experienced by Filipinos in the country, the endeavor to enhance ICT and emergency response capabilities to transform into more proactive policies and programs became integral for building resiliency.
REGIONAL NEWS
As once mentioned by former Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, “an integrated communication flow between the national and local DRRMCs is considered as an important element in the achievement of our ultimate goal: to save lives.”
CARAGA INFOCUS
ICT Bayanihan will be established to address the concern on communications interoperability, commonality and inter-comparability with an objective to create a framework for strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of ICT
Resiliency for zero casualty
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CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
With this, the ICT Bayanihan will be replicated to the provinces, municipalities and barangays, and it will redound to timely response operations as well as efficient decision-making prior and in emergency situations in order to achieve nil casualty.
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international volunteers in coordination with the Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) of the NDRRMC. This aims to establish an effective and efficient ICT systems and equipment connectivity from affected areas to national level and vice versa during disaster response operations.
“The implementation is viable since it’s already part of the Caraga In principle, RETT personnel RDRRMC’s financial plan,“ assured deploying in disaster operations Ochotorena. mission will be in uniforms. The overall responsibility for providing adequate Operationalization of Rapid Emergency security remains with the Philippine Telecommunications Team (RETT) National Police (PNP) and/or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The OCD through the National DRRMC has mobilized the RETT. It takes Meanwhile, with a purpose to the lead in the conduct of installation, spread commitment and dedication operations, and maintenance of ICT and to strengthen the communication systems and equipment to identified system capabilities, Ochotorena said Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) that the conduct of ICT Bayanihan and the Incident Command Posts (ICPs) will help them identify compatibility in disaster-affected areas. of communication equipment and protocols applied by operation At the regional levels down to centers, and have an inventory of the provinces, municipalities and communication resources used for barangays, the leadership in the conduct emergency/disaster response. of RETT mission shall be determined by the local RDRRMCs as mandated in the In his subject presentation on Republic Act 10121 based on the Rule the Response Cluster Emergency 11, Section 1 implementing rules and Information System, Christopher Grajo, regulations. “The LDRRMCs shall take managing director of the Emergency the lead in preparing for, responding Response Integration Center (ERIC) to, and recovering from the impacts of underscored that they push technology disasters,” it said. to its limits for disaster response, collecting data where there are no Also, as indicated in the key power, no connectivity, no hardware, operational concepts for use of RETT, no systems, and no experts. its operations will be conducted through coordinated operations with It was also learned through the other support agencies, local and discussion of Lt. Col Edwin Sadang, GSC,
Conception revealed that the conduct of ICT Bayanihan in Caraga Private Stakeholders Cooperation region is the 7th in a row summit that they held to several regions in the It can’t be denied that country. She added that they are communication plays a very significant also in support to the humanitarian role in all relief and rehab operations, connectivity charter. and this is where the synergy of private sectors comes into the picture in terms of Meanwhile, Rupert Ambil, pursuing their corporate responsibilities Executive Director of MovePH, Rappler, by getting involved in the nation’s discussed the “Project Agos and Role undertakings on preparedness in facing of Social Media during Disasters.” the challenges during emergencies, disasters and calamities. The participants who comprised the technical working group (TWG) Nova Concepcion, senior presented their workshop outputs. manager, Community Partnership Hand-over of deliverables to OCDDepartment Public Relations Group of 13 head and RDRRMC chairperson SMART Communications said that they Ochotorena, delivery of impressions fully support the ICT Bayanihan summit. by the participants, and a pledge of She further expressed her strong belief commitment concluded the summit. that communications system in the (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
REGIONAL NEWS
locality will be more stable and stronger especially during disasters. She also assured that they have a wide range of communications sulutions, as well as pre-disaster platforms through its ‘infocasts.’
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Philippine Army that the ICT Bayanihan is the national collaborative information environment management program (NCIEMP). It is the active and core ICT program of the NDRRMC, anchored on the concepts of the “Whole-of-Nation” approach through combined efforts of people and agencies.
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Photo Gallery Closing Ceremony - 37th National Reservist Week Butuan Convention
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
July 24, 2016
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23 - 29 JULY 2016
REGIONAL NEWS Army commander recognizes reserve force as most dependable partner in pursuing peace, development
This was the statement of Lieutenant General Leonardo Guerrero, Eastmincom commanding general of the Philippine Army read on his behalf by deputy commander 23 - 29 JULY 2016
BGen. Ronnie Evangelista during the closing ceremony of the 37th National Reservist Week celebration held on Sunday at the Libertad Sports Complex, this city.
CARAGA INFOCUS
BUTUAN CITY – “The Philippine reserve force is the most dependable partner of the government in pursuing peace and development in the region, and in the country as a whole.”
REGIONAL NEWS
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
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Guerrero further underlined that the reserve force should be recognized as they continue to take the challenges and help in protecting the lives and welfare of the people. Meantime, Lt. Col. Georgito Posesano, PAF (RES), in his welcome message, emphasized the relevance of the reserve force in government activities. “You have an active partner of the government in all its endeavors and you contribute a lot to nationbuilding as professional individuals,� he cited.
Meanwhile, the said activity was also highlighted with the Pass-in-Review of the reserve force. A reservist is a person who is a member of a military reserve force. They are otherwise civilians, and in peacetime have careers outside the military. Reservists usually go for training on an annual basis to refresh their skills. This person is usually a former active-duty member of the armed forces, and they remain a reservist either voluntarily, or by obligation. (PIA-Caraga)
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
Also, BGen. Evangelista reiterated that the real challenge of being a reservist is to be developed, trained, and organized. He further recognized the efforts of the reservists to become
trained and equipped to respond to the call of their duties for humanitarian service and rescue, and encouraged them to continue to assist in advancing peace and development.
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23 - 29 JULY 2016
Army files charges vs left-leaning activists BUTUAN CITY – In a recent development of the legal action taken by Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion Commander and executive director of the 4th Infantry Division’s Advance Command Post Lt. Col. Rey Pasco against the left-leaning activists who staged a picket in front of the Bancasi Camp in the city, the rallyists now confront a criminal case filed before the trial court.
According to Pasco, aside from the absence of permit for them to conduct a peaceful protest, they willfully and maliciously caused damages to the military’s property by deliberately vandalizing and marking out several loud and foul words at the concrete fence of the camp’s vicinity discrediting the uniformed men in the service. “With the kind of intolerable actuations and nuisance demonstrated by these activists, we are compelled to treat their unjust behavior the proper way, and that is through the legal act of filing a case to address this concern,” said Pasco. 23 - 29 JULY 2016
Pasco added that they are here to serve, to safeguard the people and nation, and to advance peace and order activities, and not to endanger their fellow Filipinos as alleged. Hence, in supplement to the resolution made on November 2015 and upon careful perusal of the records of the case, a probable cause against the respondents was found for the crime of alarm and scandal and malicious mischief to the following individuals identified as Isaias Genorga, Proseso “Sesoy” Torralba, Elaiza Rose “Elay” Pangilinan, Rosalinda Cunsad, and Ateliana “Atel” Hijos, among others. Also, Pasco is encouraging those who encountered the same situation of harassment to speak out and bring the case into the proper proceeding to keep the accused aware of their offense, and be given appropriate justice of their illegal and undesirable acts. (PIA-Caraga)
REGIONAL NEWS
It can be recalled that it was sometime in October 2015 when the militant group carrying placards aggressively assembled for protests regarding their allegations of involvement among the military forces in the unjust killings of the ‘lumads’ (natives) in Surigao del Sur.
CARAGA INFOCUS
By: Venus L. Garcia
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PAGASA says Caraga region is vulnerable to La Niña By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY – Caraga region is the most vulnerable region in terms of La Niña event, state weather forecaster said.
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In a press conference held during the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), assistant weather services chief Anthony Joseph R. Lucero of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Service Division said the region belongs to Climate Type 2 which means that the region does not experience dry season but experiences rain all year round and will likely experience the La Niña event.
possible at the end of September and the La Niña event may occur at the end of December,” Lucero added. Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) advised the public in advance on the possible consequences of the La Niña phenomenon and urging the public to be ready for the possible effects like flooding and landslides.
La Niña is associated with wet and above average rainfall and might “Caraga has only wet and very bring to more than 600 mm of rain in a wet climate, and La Niña condition is month. (PIA-Caraga) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
Photo Gallery AgNor PDRRMC Short Film Making Contest
CARAGA INFOCUS
Buenavista - Evaluation for Best Performing ADACs
REGIONAL NEWS
Carmen - Evaluation for Best Performing ADACs
23 - 29 JULY 2016
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Caraga agri chief commits to deliver President Duterte’s promise By: Emmylou T. Presilda
Photo from: DA RFO-13
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY - Following the mantra of the new administration “Change is Coming,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Caraga welcomes its new director Renato P. Manantan vice Edna Mabeza.
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As per Special Order 629 signed by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, Manantan was appointed as OfficerIn-Charge Regional Executive Director effective July 1, 2016.
and projects in line with the vision of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through the leadership of Secretary Piñol which focused on providing available and affordable food for all.
Manantan have had a short stint in Caraga 11 years ago but was transferred after 6 weeks to Region 3. He was then assigned as Director of Region 4B. His most recent assignment before Caraga was the Regional Director of the newly created Negros Island Region.
“We need to continue to be strong and harness together the good in agriculture. Our Secretary is going to operationalize what the President has promised, therefore we need to work doubly hard,” said Manantan.
During the turnover ceremony on July 15, Manantan vowed to continue the accomplishment of the region which now have a 54 percent utilization of its annual budget. He also emphasized he will prioritize the implementation of programs
Manantan’s priority includes harmonizing DA’s interventions to identified priorities of the local government units by revisiting provincial profiles. This, according to Manantan, would enable the DA to provide the needed and appropriate support for the development of the farming sector. (DA-Caraga) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
640 new police recruits take oath By: PSI Charity S Galvez Photo from: PIO PRO Caraga
BUTUAN CITY - A total of 640 new police recruits took their oath of office at the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) parade grounds Saturday.
The new police personnel were chosen after a tough screening process conducted by the Regional Screening Committee on Recruitment. After their oath-taking, the new police recruits, which will be divided into two, will further undergo one year training at the Regional Training School 13 in Lipata, Surigao del Sur and Silang, 23 - 29 JULY 2016
Felix further advises the young policemen and policewomen that “you will have an authority granted to you as an officer. Be careful that you always use it wisely and well.” The hiring of the 640 applicants completes the PRO 13’s first cycle regular recruitment program for the year. (PNP-Caraga)
CARAGA INFOCUS
Cavite. “You took the oath and finally joined in the ranks of police officers. Remember that an oath of office is the mortar that binds us to the foundations and provisions of our government. Since you entered the realm of law enforcement, you have opted to follow a higher standard of Felix said of the 640 new police integrity and conduct. Let us therefore recruits, 481 are males and 159 are make this as our stance– what is right females. All were given the rank of must be kept right; what is wrong must Police Officer 1 (PO1). be set right,” the director said.
REGIONAL NEWS
Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, PRO 13 director, administered the oath of office of the recruits following their presentation by Senior Inspector Venus Nelmida, OIC Chief of the Regional Police Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD).
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Photo Gallery Final KBP Meeting & Broadcastreeing Ocular Inspection
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
Bancasi, Butuan City 27 July 2016
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23 - 29 JULY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
402nd brigade now covers Surigao Norte, Dinagat Islands
“The area of responsibility of 402nd Infantry Brigade has been expanded to Surigao del Norte including the province of Dinagat Islands effective July 1. We took over the area of Task Force Diamond,� Col. Purisima said.
The brigade headquarters will still be based in the city, being the center of the elongated areas of responsibility covering three provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat
CARAGA INFOCUS
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Colonel Isidro Purisima, brigade commander of the 402nd Brigade confirmed during the press briefing conducted on Thursday here that their area of responsibility (AOR) has now expanded to include the two other provinces of the region, effective July 1.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
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Islands, and the cities of Surigao, recorded on the first and second Tandag and Bislig, Purisima clarified. quarters has been reduced compared to the previous year. Accordingly, two brigades are operating the region, the 401st Infantry According to 402nd brigade civil Brigade, which covers the provinces of military operations officer Capt. Reggie Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte, Go, the brigade arrived in Surigao including Butuan City and the 402nd del Sur last April 8, 2015 and assumed brigade. the responsibility over the province of Surigao del Sur on April 10 of the same Purisima revealed that the New year. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur) People’s Army-initiated incidence
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Tandag City celebrates annual nutrition month culmination
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TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The city government here celebrated the 42nd Nutrition Month through a culmination program held on Wednesday, July 20 at the mega gymnasium, this city. This year’s theme is “1000 days ni gynecologist, was the keynote baby pahalagahan para sa malusog speaker during the event. na kinabukasan!” It was learned that several free Dr. Reyna Marie Herrera, OB nutrition services were offered to the 23 - 29 JULY 2016
target clients during the activity such as: pre-natal, ultra sound, laboratory services among pregnant women such as Hepa B profile, U/A and RBS; Dental Exam; FP Provision; cooking demo; vitamin distribution; ‘serbisyong pagwapa,’ and mass feeding.
the target beneficiaries, which were earlier identified, came from vulnerable communities of the city.
On July 12, the Search for Health Mommy and Healthy Baby Contest was conducted in time with the opening ceremony of the month-long According to Reyveen John celebration. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Geli of the City Health Office here, Sur)
204 SurSur barangays cleared from rebel influence By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan
23 - 29 JULY 2016
CARAGA INFOCUS
Colonel Isidro Purisima, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army bared that through the collaborative efforts of the different stakeholders thru “Bayanihan” conducted to the different communities and by bringing the government services closer to the people,”we have awaken most of the masses to withdraw (CPP) here. their support with the New People’s It can be recalled that Surigao Army (NPA).” del Sur was the favorite hub of the NPA “Also, with the conduct of the in their celebration for 15 consecutive series of Youth Leadership Summit to the years. young adults. We have empowered Further, Col. Purisima said that them and created awareness on their numerous NPA camps were already role in nation building,” he added. seized by the troops under his area of Col. Purisima also confirmed that responsibiltiy with 63 firearms gained the NPA has failed to hold the 47th and 115 CPP-NPA rebels neutralized founding anniversary celebration of or surrendered. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del the Communist Party of the Philippines Sur)
PROVINCIAL NEWS
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A total of 204 barangays of this province have been cleared of rebel influence by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
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Photo Gallery Motorcade-MSMED Week 2016 July 25, 2016
2016 Rescuers Summit & Rescue Group Exercise
Rescue Group Exercise “Team Building Activity” July 27, 2016
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
July 25-28, 2016
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It can be recalled that residents from Brgy. Tinago had evacuated to Malimono Municipal Gymnasium upon order by the NPA commander 23 - 29 JULY 2016
who also threatened them to suffer from the planned attack if they will refuse. However, the circulated reports deceptively appeared to be that
CARAGA INFOCUS
BUTUAN CITY – The municipality of Malimono in Surigao del Norte through its Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) has intensified the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP’s) Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) to end conflicts and pursue peace, order and security in its locality.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Surigao Norte town strengthens support to Army’s peace, development outreach program
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CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
residents were afraid of soldiers and that they wanted the military men to withdraw their presence in the barangay. To verify the veracity of the situation, 1Lt Ryan Layug, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of 30IB led a Quick Reaction Team to engage the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on July 12-13, 2016. “When I asked Tinago residents if it is true that they wanted the soldiers out of their barangay, majority vehemently denied the allegations,” Layug said.
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and maintain security,” addressed Lt Col Rico Amaro, 30IB commander before the members of the MPOC.
“It’s time to put an end to the presence of NPAs in Malimono. This is a 5th class municipality, we will not move forward with their presence because we don’t want to be referred as red flagged municipality. Investors already denied us and we must not allow for the next generations of our kin to face difficulty in finding a job just because they came from an NPA-influenced town. We will implement and support Meanwhile, reports were tipped PDOP,” Mayor Wallace Sinaca said to the soldiers, policemen and local after soliciting the views of barangay government unit (LGU) that a rally was chairpersons and the MPOC. being organized secretly on July 13 to support the demanded pull-out of According to reports from soldiers in Malimono by the IDPs. Media concerned residents, the NPA is outlets were invited by Naghiusang desperate to maintain its hold in Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Norte Malimono because of the small-scale (NAMASUN) to cover the rally that was illegal mining where they usually got simultaneously conducted with the a share. Also, the farmers, fisherfolks, scheduled MPOC meeting. store owners, jeepney operators, government employees and other “Some barangay chairpersons are businesses in Malimono are being now being manipulated by the NPAs. collected with revolutionary tax. I will commit one company of soldiers (VLG/1Lt. Ryan D. Layug, 30IB Philippine here in Malimono to remove your fear Army/PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Norte to host 25th Mindanao Business Conference SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The province of Surigao del Norte is the venue of the 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) on August 24 to 26, this year. The event carries the theme: “Mindanao: Asian’s Emerging Economic Hub.”
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The MinBizcon is a forum for discussion of economic issues, policies, and opportunities concerning the socioeconomic welfare of the island President Rodrigo Duterte will region. keynote the said event, it was learned. She also added that the event serves Recognized as the most relevant as a venue to explore business growth business gathering in Mindanao, and expand international relations with Pacqueo said that it bridges the Pres. Duterte. organization to local counterparts in the domain of trade and cooperation. Just recently, the members of the (John Glenn A. Platil, PGO-SDN/PIA2nd Steering Committee met recently Surigao del Norte) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
at the Governor’s Conference Hall to revisit and fine-tune the program flow on top of the proposed measures and policy reforms, which will be endorsed to the president.
CARAGA INFOCUS
Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Concepcion Paqueo said that this year’s MinBizCon will be very important as it marks the silver anniversary of a great journey toward sustainable economic development of Mindanao as a global leader in business and innovation.
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Surigao Norte tourist arrival improves
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The province of Surigao del Norte is experiencing tourist arrival increase in the last three years. The increase, per record, averages 10 to 12 percent annually for the last three years.
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According to Provincial Tourism Coordinator Arturo Cruje, this has been attributed to the increase in the number of accommodation facilities in the city and Siargao Island, and the strengthened tourism marketing and promotions campaign. Based on the data released by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the province has the most number of foreign arrivals and foreign residents among the provinces and cities in Mindanao.
“So much pressure is placed on the host communities and the provincial government. Peace and order, and security of the foreigners are the utmost concern,� Cruje said. He lauded the governance of Governor Sol F. Matugas as she placed development as catalyst for revenue and employment generation which is one of her strategies for poverty alleviation. (John Glenn A. Platil, PGOSDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
It can be recalled that on July 25, 2016, a certain Bryan Manguinimba Padrones, a resident of Barangay Valentina reported that several marijuana plants were sighted. Immediately thereafter at 11:30 a.m. of same date, the team then proceeded to the said area and successfully located the marijuana plants at the 23 - 29 JULY 2016
center of newly harvested corn crops and subsequently uprooted 58 stalks of marijuana plants. The uprooted plants were then brought to PNP Regional Crime Laboratory for examination and proper disposition. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
CARAGA INFOCUS
LA PAZ, Agusan del Sur - The Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel of La Paz Municipal Police Station successfully confiscated marijuana plants with estimated weight of 10 kilos and approximate market value of P11,600 in Sitio Pinili, Barangay Valentina, of this municipality, just 40 kilometers away from the said police station.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
La Paz PNP confiscates marijuana plants
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AgSur guv gives ‘grace period’ to prov’l employees on illegal drug test
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By David M. Suyao
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Santi B. Cane, Jr.
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza gave a “grace period” to all the provincial government employees for the conduct of illegal drug test but also emphasized that he will not hesitate to remove anybody from service found to be positive using the illegal drugs in spite of the “grace period” given to them. “The immediate conduct of drug test to our employees in the provincial government without warning them to stop or advising them to submit themselves voluntarily means hostility. If they will be found guilty of using the
illegal drugs, of course they will be penalized or to the extent of removing them from service. In this case, we are no longer helping our colleagues in the government service but instead, we are adding problems and burden 23 - 29 JULY 2016
“We have already organized a team of experts that conducts screening to all who submitted themselves as drug users and pushers province-wide. At the same time, the team also conducts intensified information campaign province-wide on the ill effects of illegal drugs and the ways to avoid them. Temporarily, the team is occupying an office at the back of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development “Do not be ashamed to open Office ready to address drug related yourselves for a psychiatric examination. issues,” Gov. Plaza said. People who understand you will even appreciate you for saving yourself and Presently, the provincial your family from the evil of drugs and government is fast tracking the other vices. There is nothing better than establishment of the Outreach Drop-In to be a normal and productive citizen,” Center at the Provincial Government Gov. Plaza said. Center that will cater seriously affected victims of illegal drugs. For mildly According to Gov. Plaza, people affected, they will be treated in their who suffer depression and anxiety should own municipalities. (AgSur PIO/PIAseek the help groups called alcoholic Agusan del Sur)
Army conducts Youth for Peace Movement workshop PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The 42nd Civil Military Operations (CMO) “Panaghiusa’’ Company, 4th CMO Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army recently facilitated the conduct of planning and workshop of the Youth for Peace Movement-POINTY (YFPMP) held at the 42CMO headquarters here. 23 - 29 JULY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
During the conduct of orientation on substance use recovery and enlightenment (SURE) program, Gov. Plaza advices participants to shamelessly and voluntarily submit themselves to psychiatric examination if they feel themselves under depression and anxiety because these body disturbances are one of the main causes that a person would shift and become dependent to drugs.
anonymity or the narcotics anonymity for services, unity and recovery where the provincial government will soon establish upon the establishment of the Outreach Drop-In Program.
CARAGA INFOCUS
to them and their families. But if found guilty after the grace period, I think it is already fair that we act on them,” Gov. Plaza said.
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Diamond Troopers
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Joshua Bebis, the lead conveyor of Youth for Peace Movement (YFPM)Caraga, shared the background and rationale of said planning which is aimed to provide a productive and excellent youth leaders. “The active youth students, as well as the out of school youth are the participants of said activity,” he said.
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The activity also helps the youth to be empowered and trained to become a leader of peace advocate, strengthen the bond of relationship by getting to know its other, develop their leadership skills and uplift their talents they possess and be effective leaders with action and discipline. “We are happy that the Armed Forces of the Philippines supported us in this leadership planning for our youth. We believe that through this effort our youth will be equipped with the right information and education
about the government’s thrusts and programs, enough to make them more productive in their respective communities and cannot be recruited by groups or individuals who are just taking advantage of their very idealistic and young minds. And as youth, we are the hope of our nation. We should devote our time and best effort to learn from this planning,” Bebis highlighted. Meanwhile, 42nd CMO company commanding officer Capt. Edwin Fuertes encouraged the participants to give their full commitment and dedication to participate in the said planning. “As your partner in molding our youth into a much productive leaders of our future, we will always be here ready to assist you. Such convergence of effort is the best way in advocating and promoting sustainable peace and development in our community,” he stressed. (42CMO, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
Photo Gallery
ARBGB Strategic Development Planning Workshop
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Agusan River Basin Governing Board (ARBGB) Strategic Development Planning Workshop Pueblos Farmer Training Center, Pigdaulan, Butuan City July 26-28, 2016
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AgNor PPO gets outstanding PCR award By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY – The Police Provincial Office of Agusan del Norte (PPO-ADN) was awarded plaque of recognition during the 21st Police Community Relations (PCR) celebration held at the Police Regional Office (PRO-13) here during Monday’s flag raising ceremony.
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The celebration highlights the the agency as the back-to-back winner crucial role of the community in crime in PCR. prevention and crime solution. In accordance with Presidential The recognition was given to Proclamation No. 764, the month of July the PPO-ADN for its outstanding every year has been declared as Police accomplishments in the implementation Community Relations (PCR) Month of the PCR plans and programs with the National Police Commission that significantly contributed in the (NAPOLCOM) as the lead agency and attainment of the overall mission and the PNP as the implementing agency. objectives of the Philippine National Police (PNP). This year’s PCR month is celebrated with the theme, “Matatag na Ugnayan, It was the second time PPO-ADN Ligtas na Pamayanan.” (PNP-Agusan received the same award, thus making del Norte) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
Bit-os ES bags Brigada Eskwela 2016 award By: Jonas H. Jomonong
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BES garnered 4th place for the 2016 Division Search for Brigada Eskwela Best Implementing Schools small school category and top 20 schools elementary level for the 2016 Division ranked 1st in the large schools category followed by Banza NHS, Libertad NHs Search for Most Prepared Schools. and BCSAT respectively while Agusn Other elementary schools that NHS for the exceptional schools. received the awards for the Brigada The composite evaluation Eskwela best implementing schools were: for the small schools, Villa Kananga teams came up with the following ES (1st), Bugabus ES (2nd), Amparo CES observations during their rounds for (3rd), Doongan ES (5th), Banza ES (6th), the Search for Brigada Eskwela Best West Central ES (7th), Alviola Village Implementing Schools such as nonCES (8th), Silad-Mahogany ES (9th) observation of proper protocols, and Taligaman ES (10th). On the other incomplete reporting, non-observance hand, Ong Yiu CES bagged 1st place of correct format/template of reports, for large schools followed by Obrero ES non-classification of diverse volunteers, (2nd), Libertad CES (3rd), JT Domingo delayed submission of school reports to CES (4th) and Maon ES (5th) and Butuan name some and they recommended CES for exceptional schools category. to use proper format/templates, ontime submission of reports, protocol For the secondary schools, Alviola observation, consistency of reports and National High School (NHS) ranked 1st in all schools were required to submit the the small schools category followed by documents with no exception. Lumbocan NHS (2nd), Agusan Pequeno NHS (3rd), Butuan City Comprehensive All the winning schools were awarded HS (4th), Pedro Duncano NHS (5th), with plaque and certificates during the Ampayon NHS (6th), La Soledad NHS 7th Division Management Committee (7th), Bilay NHS (8th), Anticala NHS (9th) Conference held recently at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center. (DepEd and Cabcabon NHS (10th). Furthermore, Taligaman NHS Butuan City Division)
PROVINCIAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY - Bit-os Elementary School (BES), a 15-teacher school with 468 pupils of the city bagged a major award in the recently concluded 2016 Division Search for the Brigada Eskwela Best Implementing Schools.
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Photo Gallery
Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte - Butuan City 2016 Awards Ceremony
Don D. Cabalquinto of Caraga Ham Volunteers Amateur, Inc. (CHAMVA) & PIA Caraga Regional Director Abner M. Caga 25 July 2016
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Robinson Place, Butuan City 29 July 2016
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DTI launchers 3rd Negosyo Center in AgNor By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY – Another Negosyo Center of the province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City has been launched and inaugurated in the municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte recently.
Also, DTI provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo thanked the LGU Nasipit for the free space provided for the Negosyo Center. Tidalgo also stressed on the different investment opportunities seen for the town and encouraged everyone to promote and make use of the center.
During the launching, Nasipit mayor Enrico R. Corvera expressed gratitude on the setting up of the center. “I consider this establishment as among the answers of my dreams of spurring economic activity in the locality and fostering birth and growth of business enterprises in the municipality,” mayor “Now that the DTI services have Corvera said. been brought to your doorstep, take advantage of the different services During the launching DTI Caraga offered by it,” Tidalgo said. assistant regional director Lolit P. Dorado commended the outstanding Tidalgo assured that the center will performance of the local government be offering very fast and efficient unit (LGU) of Nasipit it its revenue processing of business registration and collection and for being the fourth delivery of services to would-be and most competitive municipality last 2015 existing entrepreneurs. (PIA-Caraga) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
for the 3rd to 6th category while at the same time securing the top spot under the economic dynamism pillar.
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According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo, the Negosyo Center is the third in the province of Agusan del Norte and 9th in Caraga region.
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Photo Gallery
AgNor PDRRMC Full Council Meeting Province of Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
2nd Quarter Full Council Meeting Provincial Training Center, Butuan City 28 July 2016
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Police burn P36 million worth of marijuana in Butuan
PRO 13 regional director PCSupt. Rolando Felix spearheaded the activity together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 13, local government unit, and media personalities. The marijuana stalks and plants were recovered from the towns of Loreto and La Paz, Agusan del Sur during the intensified campaign of Caraga police 23 - 29 JULY 2016
force. In his message, PCSupt. Felix lauded the support of the local government units and the community which contributed to the success. Police force in Caraga is making headway in its implementation of Project Double Barrel, an all-out antiillegal drug campaign of the Philippine National Police. (PNP-Caraga)
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BUTUAN CITY - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 recently burned uprooted marijuana plants and stalks worth about P36,193,500 at the quarry site in barangay Bonbon, this city on Thursday.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: PSI Charity S Galvez
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Photo Gallery
PSA Caraga News Conference: 2015 Report on the Economy of Caraga @ Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City July 28, 2016
Press Conference with DOLE-RCC Caraga
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
@ Alberto’s Function Hall, Butuan City July 28, 2016
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MINDANAO NEWS International forum features Mindanao envi payback scheme
DAVAO CITY - An incentivebased environmental program in Mindanao was featured as having one of the best practices for reducing emissions at a recently concluded international forum in Hanoi, Vietnam.
In the implementation of PES, farmers or landowners who have agreed to manage natural resources such as forests, watersheds, rivers, and streams are given incentive payments Speaking at the international for rendering ecological services such forum, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, as replanting of trees and ensuring chair of the Mindanao Development the survival of the trees planted. Authority (MinDA) introduced PES as one of the government initiatives being The Mindanao PES initiative implemented to allow Mindanao’s will form part of the activities under environment keep up with the region’s the LEDS Mindanao program, which rapidly growing economy. MinDA will undertake in partnership with the Building Low Emission “As the island-region pursues Alternatives to Develop Economic inclusive socioeconomic growth and Resilience and Sustainability Project development, we believe that it must of the US Agency for International also sensibly manage its environment Development (USAID) – Philippines. 23 - 29 JULY 2016
MINDANAO NEWS
and natural resources to sustain them into the future,” said Antonino while adding “we are currently working on the adoption of the PES among our local government units.”
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At the ASIA LEDS Forum 2016, a premier gathering of policymakers, donors, practitioners, and other experts involved in promoting Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) and climate-resilient development in Asia, the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Mindanao was featured as a mechanism designed to maintain environmental integrity in the islandregion.
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In one of the forum’s deepdive sessions, MinDA’s executive director, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz highlighted the gains of the PES program, particularly in the municipality of Naawan in the province of Misamis Oriental.
CARAGA INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
“Through an ordinance issued by the local government of Naawan to adopt PES, households were required to pay certain fees for every cubic meter of water that they consume. As a result, the local government was able to raise a sizeable fund that was utilized for the municipality’s reforestation program,” Lopoz explained.
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vision of a diversified energy mix for the region, which were hampered back then when power deficiency issues hit the region a year years back. “While Mindanao’s economic performance steadily increased, its power generation industry was not moving at a parallel pace. Intermittent supply of energy led to losses in income and brought a lukewarm reception for other investments,” she said. In achieving the OSFMC target, Antonino added that MinDA is proactively working with partners to ensure that Mindanao meets its energy needs with the end-view of securing ecological balance. MinDA created the center in partnership with the Department of Energy and USAID through the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee.
The PES mechanism is also seen to enhance the protection of ecosystems that provide environmental goods such as food, freshwater, fuel, and other natural resources that are used as inputs to the production process The PES and OSFMC are among that help move the economy. the mechanisms implemented through MinDA’s flagship programs In addition to the PES initiative, to fulfill its mandate to promote, the delegation from Mindanao also coordinate and facilitate the active presented the One Stop Facilitation and extensive participation of all and Monitoring Center (OSFMC), a sectors to effect socioeconomic project designed to encourage the development of Mindanao. development of renewable energy (RE) sources in the region. The center Asia LEDS Forum 2016 is aims to accelerate the application supported by USAID, United Nations process of permits needed for the Development Programme, Climate establishment of RE projects in the and Development Knowledge region. Network, LEDS Global Partnership and its Working Groups, German Federal Antonino underscored the Ministry for Economic Cooperation role of the OSFMC in revitalizing and Development and the German socioeconomic growth in Mindanao Society for International Cooperation. as well as in fulfilling the long-term (MinDA)
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Photo Gallery
Visit of TESDA Caraga Agusan del Sur Provincial Director Braulio Dela Peña & Company at PIA Caraga Regional Office 27 July 2016
Regional Awarding of Gawad KALASAG 2016
CARAGA INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
29 July 2016
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NATIONAL NEWS
NATIONAL NEWS
MANILA - “We cannot build a nation over the dead bodies of our citizens,” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said in his speech about building a lasting peace in the country during the oath taking of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) officers inside the Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace.
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President Duterte leads city, provincial leagues oath-taking
The President told the story of how criminality sprouted in Davao City’s past due to a surplus of illegal weapons and the rise of the drug trade. He said that his tough stance against criminality created a fear amongst criminals that helped curb the lawless in the city.
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He also spoke about the corrosive power of money, saying that even the highest officials can be corrupted. He reiterated his warning against those who would attempt to destroy the Philippines and the country’s youth through criminality. 23 - 29 JULY 2016
President Duterte also revealed that the information he has about the Philippine illegal drug hierarchy came from the intelligence of a friendly foreign country. He also admitted the hardships he felt about his new role as president, saying; “If you ask me if I’m happy, I’m not… Mahirap talaga ito, mabigat.” He added that it is his love for the Philippines that enables him to continue. The necessity and importance of the youth was also discussed by the President, saying that for people like him who do not have a lot of money, support for children is necessary in the later years. “It’s our very existence ang naka-pusta dito,” he added. President
also
said
The LCP is represented by the respective mayors of each city and the LPP by the governors of each province. Both leagues aim to voice issues affecting their government administration and to secure solutions to these issues through proper legal that means. (PCOO)
Carbon producers ordered to respond to allegations of human rights abuses from climate change MANILA - Companies responsible for the majority of fossil fuel products that have been manufactured, marketed, and sold since the industrial revolution and have contributed the lion’s share of cumulative global emissions of industrial CO2 and methane, have been ordered to respond to a legal petition that triggered the first-ever national human rights investigation concerning climate change. The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHR) on Wednesday sent copies of the complaint (1) filed by the Petitioners, including disaster 23 - 29 JULY 2016
survivors, community organisations and Greenpeace Southeast Asia, (2) as well as an official order, (3) to the headquarters of the world’s largest
NATIONAL NEWS
The
He also talked about increasing the salaries of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), saying, “I cannot run a country with a corrupt police.”
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he is willing to end his term early if federalism is pushed through and applied as the Philippines’ new system of government, but he also advised not to go into full parliament and to instead “copy the French set up.”
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NATIONAL NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS
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investor-owned fossil fuel and cement producers. The order enjoins the companies to submit answers to the Commission within 45 days.
complaint also asks the Commission to monitor people and communities acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
“We’ve been affected for so long by storms, droughts…by extreme weather, now made worse by climate change. We just want to live a decent and peaceful life, without fear and being at the mercy of big corporations that only care for their profits. Our only choice is to defend our rights. We want those most responsible to be held accountable. We want justice and to regain the ability to protect the little that we have left for our children”, said Veronica “Derek” Cabe, one of the petitioners from Bataan, where communities are fighting against coal storage facilities and proposals for a new coal-fired power plant and where one of the community leaders advocating against coal was shot dead on 1 July 2016. (4) The Commission launched a probe in 2015 looking into whether the world’s largest carbon producers (5) are violating or threatening to violate the human rights of all Filipinos by significantly contributing to global climate change and failing to reduce emissions, despite having the capacity to do so.
“Ultimately, those who have profited most from pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere must bear the burden of preventing the havoc already being wreaked by climate change. This is the first step in that process. The courageous Filipino people are the first to put the world’s largest carbon producers on notice that they must account for their emissions,” said Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International. The Commission’s actions are unprecedented. For the first time, a national human rights body is officially taking steps to address the impacts of climate change on human rights and the responsibility of private actors. After the company responses are received, the Petitioners anticipate hearings will commence in the Philippines in October 2016.
The Petitioners are calling the companies’ business plans into question and asking governments around the world to keep fossil fuels in the ground. This is another signal to the fossil fuel The Petitioners have asked the producers from people that they Commission, among other things, to cannot continue business as usual. require the companies to submit plans on the steps they will take to eliminate, There is a growing global climate remedy and prevent the devastating justice movement working to strengthen effects of climate change, in a country the capacity of people around the known to be one of the world’s most world to take action inside and outside vulnerable to these effects. The the courts. (GREENPEACE) 23 - 29 JULY 2016
Photo Gallery HOW THE WEST PHIL. SEA WAS WON FSUU-CBE
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NATIONAL NEWS
San Francisco St., Butuan City July 26, 2016
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