C O V E R
New Butuan City mayor bares 10 priority impact projects
CONTENTS 2 -8 July 2016
Volume 1, No. 14
REGIONAL NEWS Army distributes school kits to recipient pupils, schools in Caraga PNP-13 registers decreased crime rate in Caraga region Caraga RDRRMC leads 2016 NDCM celebration
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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14 DA Caraga turns-over modern corn drying facility to Agusan farmers 15 PRC Agnor-Butuan chapter bares accomplishments 16 Gov. Plaza: Advanced education continues to improve in AgSur 18 DAR AgSur conducts pre-membership education seminar; distributes titles to farmer beneficiaries 19 People-based projects will continue in AgSur, assures Cong. Plaza 20 Army holds bloodletting drive in Surigao Norte 21 DTI conducts product development training in Surigao Norte town 22 DTI holds training to Surigao org to improve local products, services 24 Kalahi-CIDSS, SurSur town ink MOA for partnership on community driven development program 25 722 planters join 2016 Arbor Day celebration in SurSur 26 DTI SurSur hosts 2016 CMCI roadshow 28
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AgNor guv bares list of completed infra projects
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao leader receives senior honors from PNoy
NATIONAL NEWS
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34 Bring Alternative Learning System (ALS) to more learners -DepEd 35 Palace names country’s top drug lords
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News Briefs The Dept of Trade & Industry (DTI) - Consumer Protection & Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) under the Consumer Protection Group released another new Suggested Retail Price (SRP) guides for basic necessities & prime commodities as of June 1, 2016. This is the 3rd time this year that the CPAB made such SRP releases. Agusan del Sur 1st dist. rep. Ma. Valentina Plaza expressed her warm thanks and gratitude to all the Agusanon constituents for their support, cooperation & trust to the activities & programs of the provincial government. She further emphasized that the local government units of the province will be more equipped with the necessary logistics & support for the different programs and services that will benefit the local citizens. The good congresswoman who also have the love & sympathy for the lumads, reassured that the IPs in the province will benefit more from the programs of the government. It can also be recalled that Cong. Plaza immediately responded to the death of the lumads who were recently shot to death by the NPAs. She shouldered the expenses for the decent burial of the killed lumads. The local government unit of Mainit in Surigao Norte was awarded as the Most Outstanding LGU in the region for being the top earner in the tourism industry, while Surigao City Tourism Council was awarded as the Most Outstanding Tourism Council during the 3rd Regl Tourism Stakrholders Summit held in Tandag City today. The Police Provincial Office (PPO) of Agusan del Norte was awarded plaque of recognition during the 21st Police Community Relations (PCR) celebration as outstanding PPO in the implementation of the PCR plans and programs that significantly contributed in the attainment of the overall mission and objectives of the Philippine National Police.
Cover Story
New Butuan City mayor bares 10 priority impact projects By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
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CARAGA INFOCUS
COVER STORY
n time with the inauguration and oathtaking ceremony of the newly-elected officials here on Thursday, newly-elected city mayor Ronnie Vicente Conde Lagnada also bared his ten Priority Impact Projects that his administration wanted to accomplish for the first 100 days.
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Among these are: 1) Bright Butuan (to include street lights; 2) Clean Butuan (campaign on solid waste management will be intensified); 3) Orderly Butuan (peace and order situation); 4) Progressive Barangays (no barangay will be left behind in the development); 5) Peoplefriendly City Hall; 6) ExcellentDriven City Hall; 7) Clean Water (with upgraded water facilities); 8) Fast and Efficient Licensing in Butuan; 9) Transparent City Hall; and 10) Save Butuan.
“We will see to it that the change that we have been longing to see and experience will be realized 2 -8 JULY 2016
The aforementioned newlyelected officials belong to one political party during the May 2016 elections. 2 -8 JULY 2016
CARAGA INFOCUS
Meanwhile, along with mayorelect Lagnada who took oath are Agusan del Norte 1st District Cong. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun; Vice Mayor Jose Aquino II. 10 city councilors also took their oath, to wit: Glenn Carampatana; Ferdinand Nalcot; Rema Burdeos; Derrick Plaza; Cromwell Nortega; Omar Andaya; Cherry Mae Busa; Vincent Rizal Rosario; Ehrnest John Sanchez; and John Gil Unay.
COVER STORY
by this administration. We will work together to achieve our common goals for the betterment of our city and our people,� stressed Lagnada. The newly-elected mayor also asked the public to help the city government on its advocacy campaign that will also lead to the development of the city.
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Photo Gallery JOINT FLAG CEREMONY
- Joint Flag Ceremony of 4ID CMO PA, AFPSLAI and PIA Personnel - Blessing of CMO’s three (3) units KM450 vehicles - Boodle Fight
CARAGA INFOCUS
@ 4ID Advance Command Post/Camp Bancasi, Butuan City 4 July 2016
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2 -8 JULY 2016
REGIONAL NEWS
Army distributes school kits to recipient pupils, schools in Caraga
The school kits were given to recipient pupils of the city and Civil Military Operations (CMO) officers of Caraga region who will then distribute the kits to their respective recipient municipalities and schools.
different schools of the region. During the ceremonial distribution, two schools from Butuan City – the Consuelo Elementary School and Bancasi Elementary School have received a total of 360 and 422 school The school kits are intended to kits and were received by Sylvia B. pupils from Kinder to Grade six from the Cabrera and Rosilda B. Bacon, school 2 -8 JULY 2016
CARAGA INFOCUS
BUTUAN CITY – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army (4ID, PA) on Thursday spearheaded the ceremonial distribution of 20,670 ‘Project Shoebox’ school kits to recipients pupils and schools at camp Bancasi here.
REGIONAL NEWS
By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
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principals of respectively.
said
schools,
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
Capt. Angelo Jose Gomez, CMO officer of the 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) has received 2,689 project shoebox school kits intended for the recipient schools in the municipalities of Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago, Agusan del Norte.
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Miguel, Surigao del Sur were received A total of 5,000 project shoebox by 2nd Special Forces Battalion CMO school kits intended for the recipient officer Capt. Rommel Salve. schools in the municipalities of Cagwait, Marihatag and Tago, Surigao del Sur Also, the municipality of Sibagat were also received by CMO officer of and Bayugan City school recipients in the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion 2Lt Agusan del Sur received a total of 789 Johngie Siatanan. project shoebox school kits through 3rd Special Forces Battalion CMO officer For the municipalities of Carmen, Capt Ray John Labiao. Cantilan and Cortes, Surigao del Sur, a total of 2,503 project shoebox school The distribution of school kits kits were also received by 16IB CMO was attended by 4ID assistant division officer 2Lt Edelyn Glarian. commander BGen. Paul Atal, Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional CMO officer of the 75th Infantry director Abner M. Caga, National Battalion 1Lt Miguel Borromeo Commission on Indigenous Peoples also received the 2,910 project Caraga regional director Atty. Pinky shoebox school kits intended for the Grace P. Pabelic, assistant regional municipality of Barobo and Bislig City director Dr. Ramir B. Uytico of the in Surigao del Sur. The municipalities Department of Education (DepEd) of Bacuag, Alegria, Mainit, Malimono, - Caraga, and Department of the Tubod, Gigaguit and Sison in the Interior and Local Government Caraga province of Surigao del Norte assistant regional director Donald received 3,162 project shoebox Seronay. school kits through 30IB CMO officer Capt. Rofhel Pacheco. The Project Shoebox is an initiative and partnership of the Armed Forces The 2,650 project shoebox school of the Philippines, DepEd, National kits intended for the recipient schools Bookstore Foundation, SM and 2GO of the municipalities of Tago and San Express. 2 -8 JULY 2016
PNP-13 registers decreased crime rate in Caraga region
This was revealed in the presentation of accomplishments during the 87th Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga meeting held in this city, while other agenda also include the following: State of the Region and RDC Accomplishments under the leadership of Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas; 2015 Regional Development Report; 2015 Annual Regional Economic
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Situationer; Reorganization of RDCGADCC; Millennium Development Goals Final Report; and Updates on the K-12 Implementation. Meanwhile, commanding general of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army MGen Benjamin Madrigal disclosed that they have recorded 77 encounters, 75 firearms gained, and 74 enemies neutralized.
CARAGA INFOCUS
BUTUAN CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP)-13 deputy for operations PSupt Rudy Elandag said recently that there is a decrease by 22 percent in the crime volume in the region for the period January to May 2016 which totaled to 4,616 as compared to the same period last year with 5,884 crimes recorded.
REGIONAL NEWS
By: Venus L. Garcia
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MGen Madrigal said that the 402nd Brigade was able to neutralize the New Peoples Army’s (NPA) shadow government in Surigao del Sur. He added that 38 barangays in the region were already cleared from NPA for the first semester of this year and 157 more are still to be cleared. “Our campaign against the leftleaning groups is on the right track and gaining headway, and that the ‘Bayanihan’ is the suitable formula to beat the New Peoples Army (NPA). The consistent high engagement rate will weaken the rebel enemy’s fighting power, with the integration also of the
military’s peace and development activities, and socio-economic programs of other government agencies,” said Madrigal. Meanwhile, as chair of the RDC Caraga for six years in her term, Surigao del Norte governor Sol Matugas expressed that she is very lucky to have been elected to lead the RDC. She also assured that with the coming new administration, she will continue to support the council and give her best to assist in anyway she can in order to sustain and achieve a more peaceful, secured and developed region.
Caraga RDRRMC leads 2016 NDCM celebration
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
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BUTUAN CITY – In time with the kick-off celebration of this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM), the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) briefed the media partners on disaster-related updates and other undertakings of the council. In Caraga region, said observance kicked-off with a thanksgiving mass, motorcade and a short program at the Agusan del Norte provincial covered court. Right after the program, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga also facilitated a press conference held at the provincial
governor’s conference room with the regional heads of the OCD, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), 2 -8 JULY 2016
With regards to preparedness on the silent calamity earthquake, Ochotorena reiterated that the council has continuously capacitated the responders with skills on search, rescue and retrieval. He said that contingency planning is always part of the preparation, and they are going to conduct emergency Ochotorena also thanked the telecommunication simulation partner agencies for their constant exercises.
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REGIONAL NEWS
RDRRMC chair and OCD Caraga regional director Manuel Luis Ochotorena asked the help of the media partners to help the council disseminate relevant disaster-related information and updates to the localities especially with the La Niña phenomenon. “The council is conducting the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) days before a typhoon is expected to hit the area, in order to strategize plans for appropriate preparations and response,” stressed Ochotorena.
cooperation. As in-charge in coordination, he bared that the council stays comprehensive in promoting strategic platforms approved by the council. “We are also into humanitarian assistance and the council is not digressing but progressing in terms of performing the directives in advancing efforts in calamity/disaster mitigation and prevention,” he said.
CARAGA INFOCUS
PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as panelists.
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Regional director Abner Caga of PIA Caraga reiterated that the agency has established a portable radio equipment and developed a system that can manage communications even during disaster/calamity. “The 107.8 Power FM/ Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network of PIA Caraga has tested its functionality and effectiveness during the Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. It is ready to be utilized even in extreme weather condition,” he highlighted. Vice chair for Disaster Preparedness and DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion emphasized that policies on disaster preparedness are strictly implemented and monitored in the different local government units in the region.
to respond to any eventualities/ emergencies. They are also equipped with necessary facilities and have been continuously capacitating its personnel thru trainings. Also, Angelita Amista of DSWD Caraga reiterated that the department has already established a system that will immediately respond to the needs of the local citizens during disaster/ calamity. At any given time, they have a standby relief packs of 30,000. Meanwhile, in anticipation of La Nina, Dr. Ernesto Pareja of DOH Caraga revealed that their agency has already prepositioned teams to respond to any possible effects of said phenomenon. A quick response team to focus on La Nina and other disasters that the region will encounter has been proposed.
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
LTC Rey Pasco, executive director The 2016 NDCM is anchored on of 4th Infantry Division Advance the theme, “Kahandaan at Pagtugon Command Post, Philippine Army also sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa.” emphasized that they are very ready
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2 -8 JULY 2016
2016 Nutrition Month Celebration
Theme: “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagaan para sa malusog na kinabukasan.” NUTRITION MONTH FORUM
Photo Gallery
Luciana Convention Center, Butuan City 4 July 2016
HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) Meeting & Orientation on HIV/AIDS for the Newly Elected Officials of Butuan City
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
8 July 2016
2 -8 JULY 2016
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
AgNor guv bares list of completed infra projects By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY – Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba recognizes that economic development can be hastened if appropriate public infrastructures are in place in the province.
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In year 2015, 105 different infrastructure projects with a total cost of P891,229,765 were completed in the province, said governor Matba during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) held on Friday in one of the convention centers here.
sidewalks were maintained, governor Matba added. “The province has also substantially completed two major projects – the Construction of Cabadbaran Putting Bato Road coasting P84,843,219.06 and a road network traversing PoblacionHinimbangan in the municipality of Kitcharao costing P150 million which will soon be completed,” said governor Matba.
According to governor Matba, road improvement and rehabilitation were implemented along the AgusanBukidnon Road/Buenavista Section, Nasipit-Buenavista-Masao Port Coastal Road, the Nasipit Port Road and the Pre-implementation documents improvement of the provincial roads. like preliminary engineering surveys and detailed engineering designs for Also, other improvement works 11 projects costing P371,907,048 were such as slope protection, drainage and also completed, she said.
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DA Caraga turns-over modern corn drying facility to Agusan farmers By: Aurelius P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY - To help corn farmers attain premium quality of their produce, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga turned-over another Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center to the farmers through the local government unit of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last June 1.
“There are reports based on laboratory test results that some areas are having high aflatoxin level of corn produce which is caused by delayed drying after harvesting,� she said.
According to corn quality parameter, aflatoxin level of corn for feed purposes must not exceed the tolerable limit of 50 parts per billion (pbb) and for human consumption of DA Caraga regional director not more than 20 pbb. Edna Mabeza said that modern drying facility helps to eliminate poor quality Las Nieves Mayor Avelina Rosales 2 -8 JULY 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
The facility will process either freshly harvested corn in cob or shelled kernels that need further drying just for a very minimal fee.
of corn that may pose health hazard to human and animal due to aflatoxin.
CARAGA INFOCUS
The second unit established in the said town and third in the region, the Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center situated in Brgy. Pinana-an, is a modern drying and shelling facility worth P3.5 million and has a capacity of processing 10 tons of corn.
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extended her gratitude to DA Caraga designed to dry palay thus making it for supporting their corn farmers and more advantageous for the farmers. vowed to implement measures to ensure sustainability of the project. The first two Village Type Corn Postharvest Processing Center funded “I am urging the farmers to help by the DA is located at Brgy. Tiniwisan, maintain the facility because it is a this city and Brgy. Malicato of Las multi-million peso project from the Nieves, Agusan del Norte. government and be cooperative on the policy that we are going More of this kind is on the pipeline to implement to make this project for completion in various parts of sustainable,” she said. the region as implemented under AgriPinoy Corn Program. (DA-Caraga) Aside from corn, the facility is also
PRC Agnor-Butuan chapter bares accomplishments
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
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BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter in its regular Board of Directors meeting held Tuesday here bares the accomplishments of the six different committees for the month of May 2016. 2 -8 JULY 2016
On Blood Services, the committee was able to collect 578 units of blood including those acquired from blood letting activities. Donors are categorized as walk-in, patientdirected, replacement, mobile blood donation, and units acquired from other blood service facilities. On the Safety Services, the committee conducted Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Professional Provider Training Course and produced 23 graduates from the members of the Agusan National High School (ANHS) Senior Red Cross Youth (SRCY). A total of 157 graduates from the members of ANHS SRCYs, employees of Coca-Cola and Solaris Shell Gas Station also graduated from the Occupational First Aid and Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for 2 -8 JULY 2016
Also, 103 students attended the lecture discussion on First Aid and Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Meantime, the Committee on Health Services has attended the Epidemic Control for Volunteers Training of Trainers Course which aims to capacitate volunteers in handling epidemic emergencies. Senior Health Volunteers were also mobilized during the 2016 national and local elections to assist in First Aid and Health Emergencies. The Welfare Services also referred 123 clients to different agencies for blood processing assistance. The Red Cross Youth/Volunteer Service also conducted two batches of the Leadership Development Program Training Course and trained 100 SRCY of ANHS. Twenty one SRCY of Saint James College were also trained and 25 SRCY from the Caraga State University-Cabadbaran Campus Laboratory High School and Cabadbaran National High School.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Also, the committee conducted a Training of Trainers of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for the Department of Education teachers and children to the five municipalities of Surigao del Sur under the Save the Children Project held in Tandag City.
Adult Lay Rescuers Training Course.
CARAGA INFOCUS
For the Disaster Management Services, the chapter was able to conduct a three-day International Humanitarian Law Training for Disseminators for Red Cross Action Team 143 held at the RCY development training center here.
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Gov. Plaza: Advanced education continues to improve in AgSur By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – “Advanced education continues to improve in 2015 as a result of the Scholarship Program that the provincial government has been implementing. A total of 447 individuals have availed of the Scholarship program in 2015,” stressed Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) held recently at the Naliyagan Cultural Center Main Stage in the province.
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Gov. Plaza emphasized that the early education has improved from 21,847 in 2014 to 23,284in 2015, as a result of construction of day care centers. “As of 2015, there are now 501 day care centers that have been constructed. Around 4,000 children have benefitted from the provision of ne school facilities and supplies under the PAGTUON Program in 2015,” he said.
and nutrition are also prioritized.
“Key milestones have been achieved in health and nutrition: Prevalence rate of underweight children reduced from 6.04 percent in 2014 to 5.59 percent in 2015; Top 3 High Performing Province in the Philippines in Immunization; Top 1 High Performing Province in Immunization in Caraga; Best Provincial Leadership in Governance Program Site; Zero Also, the good governor added Malaria Case; Filaria-Free Province; that as the provincial government and TB-DOTS Achiever,” enumerated addresses the educational needs of Gov. Plaza. the children in the province, their health 2 -8 JULY 2016
DAR AgSur conducts pre-membership education seminar; distributes titles to farmer beneficiaries By: Hazel Hope Bautista
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Forty seven farmers attended the pre-membership education seminar (PMES) conducted recently at Brgy. Mambalili, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
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It was also emphasized to the participants that the CLOAs that will be handed over to them at the end of the seminar are authentic, which should not be sold or leased within the first ten years upon registration of the said titles to the Registry of Deeds (ROD). “Because integrated support services reaches the ARBs faster than when it is provided individually, ARBs are encouraged to join in any existing Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) or create a new, registered one,” bared Municipal
PROVINCIAL NEWS
These new Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) were invited to attend the said seminar aiming to promote cooperative membership and thus increase number of ARBs reached. The basics of cooperative movement were being discussed including the rights, rules and policy guidelines to which cooperativism is
molded upon, as stipulated in RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008.
CARAGA INFOCUS
Of the forty seven, forty one received the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA/Titles) distributed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur. The CLOAs covered a total of 82.0000 hectares which is part of Lot No.2 – SWO100302-00269-AR under the Kaunlaran Settlement – Bunawan side.
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Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Merla Guhao. “We are thankful to DAR that we already received our titles. We promise
to strive harder to continue to cultivate the land that is awarded to us,” expressed Saripa Walingan, participant and now farmer beneficiary of DARAgSur. (DAR-Agusan del Sur)
People-based projects will continue in AgSur, assures Cong. Plaza By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - “I will continue to implement people-based projects in Infrastructures, Education, Protective Services Program, Peace and Order, Environment Protection and Health Services of which the greater populace of Agusanons benefited on this endeavor since the 15th and 16th Congress. Your undying support to us in public office for three consecutive terms is also our strength in pursuing our dedication in serving our beloved and awesome province of Agusan del Sur.”
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This was the statement of Agusan del Sur 1st district representative Ma. Valentina Plaza, during her oathtaking ceremony held recently at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Hall, this town. Cong. Plaza expressed her warm thanks and gratitude to all the Agusanon constituents for their support, cooperation and trust to the activities and programs of the provincial government. She further emphasized that the local government units of the province will be more equipped with the necessary logistics and support for the different programs and services that will benefit the local citizens.
“I take my oath of office, to one of our many multi awarded Barangay Captain of Gamao, Hon. Climaco C. Rosauro in the City of Bayugan. I give a very high regard to our barangay leaders because they are the public sergeants who are closest to people. By taking an oath to Hon. Barangay Captain Rosauro symbolizes that our hard work is dedicated to the frontliners of progress and development of our people,” Plaza underlined. This will be the last term of office of Cong. Plaza as member of the 17th Congress representing the province’s first district, it was learned. 2 -8 JULY 2016
Army holds bloodletting drive in Surigao Norte By: Lt. Ryan D. Layug
his wife, son and daughter who is on vacation from Baguio City. “This is teaching our children the essence of humanitarian service on a voluntary basis. Teaching them to understand our life as public servants,” According to 30IB commanding Amaro added. officer LTC Rico Amaro, the said activity is the soldier’s way to share part of their During the said activity, PRC life to their fellowmen. administrator Marilou Talingting explained that any person 16 years Col. Amaro who is a regular blood old and above, at least 50 kilograms, donor led the list of donors including physically healthy as determined by
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CARAGA INFOCUS
With the theme, “Dugo para sa Kababayan, Alay ng Kasundaluhan sa Araw ng Kalayaan,” the bloodletting activity was held recently at the 30IB headquarters in Sta. Cruz, Placer, this province.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Twenty three (23) units of blood were extracted from the army volunteers in the recent mobile blood donation activity in line with the 118th Independence Day celebration spearheaded by the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) under its Mobile Blood Donation program.
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doctor on duty can donate blood, vibrant relationship is encouraging, and a person can donate blood every just last February our soldiers from 30IB three months. also donated blood. Thank you very sir for your support,” said Talingting. Talingting then thanked the 30IB (CMO-30IB, Philippine Army) for its support to the program. “Our
DTI conducts product development training in Surigao Norte town
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: Lyza D. Trapal
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CLAVER, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office in partnership with the Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Claver conducted recently a two-day Product Development Training cum Packaging and Labeling Training Workshop held at the TMC Training Center, Barangay Taganito, this town. The event aims to the existing knowledge women producers of barangay by inculcating the entrepreneurship and
enhance of the the said to them marketing
aspects (packaging and labeling) in their existing food processing activities. The two-day activity benefited 20 members and officers of Root Crops 2 -8 JULY 2016
On the other hand, the packaging and labeling training encouraged the participants to create and innovate their own package and labels for their cassava chippy and jolly rolls. The expertise of the trainer, Mhea Villacartos, a freelance designer complemented by the enthusiasm and eagerness of the participants paved way for the creation of various packaging sizes and designs (cellophane and boxes).
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CARAGA INFOCUS
In the end, the new entrepreneurs were able to produce complete package of two new products lines from rootcrops specifically the cassava – cassava chippy and cassava jolly roll The first day of the training which are made available not only to was allocated for short lectures TMC personnel guests but also to LGU on entrepreneurial awareness of guests, as well. which the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency level of the participants Before the training ended, were assessed/measured and the skills the chairperson of the Rootcrops training on Cassava Chippy and Dried Producers of Urbiztondo, Carolina Cassava Grates processing /making. P. Esteban, expresses her heartfelt thanks to TMC, DTI and the Municipal The training outputs paved Agriculture Office of Claver for the the way for the kicking off of the convergence effort of helping them packaging and labeling training on augment their income and hoped the second day. that the said project will be sustained and will provide them with additional Expected outputs of the skills earnings for their respective families. training are cassava chippy and (DTI-Surigao del Norte) the dried cassava grates but due to the eagerness and enthusiast of the participants to learn new product line, they were able to produce jolly roll using dried cassava grates with the assistance of the trainer Vilmore Aliguay.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Producers of Urbiztondo who are currently engaged in processing some rootcrops called “Kakanin” sold at TMC and schools canteen.
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DTI holds training to Surigao org to improve local products, services
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently conducted a series of trainings and activities to the members of Ima Women Initiated-Community Association (IWICA) of Barangay Ima, Sison, this province.
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IWICA is a recipient of DTI’s 2014 BuB (Bottom up Budgeting) Lemon Grass Processing Project. The association produces hydrosol and essential oil form processed lemongrass and they enthusiastically believe that the mentioned products are viable for business.
Trainings on financial literacy, simple bookkeeping, and business operations planning and equipment usage demonstration and skills coaching were conducted recently to better prepare them with their enterprise venture. It was learned that the DTI also assists them through business consultation services.
to ready their products for market in the municipality of Sison, and other neighboring municipalities. IWICA is now confident to go into business after the provision of several assistance and support from different agencies like DTI, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and local government unit to their new business endeavor but still, they are willing to learn to continually improve their business.
IWICA’s hydrosol and essential oil will be sold in trade fairs regularly and they will also join every selling activities and ensure presence of their products in busiest stores in the The association was also provided province. (DTI-Surigao del Norte) with packaging materials and labels 2 -8 JULY 2016
Kalahi-CIDSS, SurSur town ink MOA for partnership on community driven development program By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan
“This is a welcome development for the people of San Agustin…the people of this town will again benefit from the program just as it reaped the profits of KALAHI-CIDSS a few years back,” said San Agustin Mayor KALAHI-CIDSS Sub-Regional Libertad Alameda. Program Coordinator for Cluster 3 & 4 Maredith Julve discussed the overview “Our municipality was a of the program, and elaborated the recipient of the KALAHI-CIDSS PODER roles and functions of the different modality in 2005-2010, so when the stakeholders including the delivery of opportunity came for the program to services. be implemented in the town this year,
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CARAGA INFOCUS
It was learned that an orientation was also conducted on same day that emphasized that importance of collaboration to ensure for the success of its implementation.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS) and the local government unit of San Agustin signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as partners for the implementation of the Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP) held recently at the Family Resource Training Center in this town.
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we really grabbed the chance as or their respective barangays. involvement to helped the people here,� Alameda added. The said activity was attended by Surigao del Sur provincial administrator According to Marko Davey Efren Rivas representing governor Reyes of DSWD Field Office, KALAHI- Johnny Pimentel, Sangguniang Bayan CIDSS is a program that utilizes the members headed by vice mayor Community-Driven Development Mamerta Milo, local department Approach, where the community heads and staff, barangay officials, is given activie participation in and representatives from the civil identifying and implementing society organizations. (PIA-Surigao community sub-projects which will del Sur) address the community’s needs in
722 planters join 2016 Arbor Day celebration in SurSur
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: Johny S. Natad
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TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Some 722 planters planted a total of 16,994 seedlings to 10.21 hectares during the recent Arbor Day simultaneous tree planting activities within four identified planting sites in the province spearheaded by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENROSurigao del Sur) and its field offices on June 24, 2016. 2 -8 JULY 2016
College, among others. The CENRO Lianga registered 190 participants who planted 4,998 seedlings to 3.0 hectares at Barangay Rizal in Barobo town during the same activity. In CENRO Bislig, a total of 71 planters joined the simultaneous tree planting at Sitio San Nicolas, Barangay San Jose in Bislig City who planted with 2,000 seedlings to 1.21 hectares while under CENRO Cantilan there were 160 planters who joined the same event with 1,666 seedlings planted at Barangay Bocaue in Lanuza town. (PENRO-PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
PENRO National Greening Program (NGP) Coordinator Forester Nannette QuinoĂąes bared that 5.0 hectares with 8,330 seedlings were planted at Barangay Mabuhay in the city under PENRO-Surigao del Sur, which was participated by 301 registered planters composed of LGU-Tandag City personnel headed by City Mayor Roxanne T. Pimentel, employees from the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, LGUBarangay Mabuhay, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department and Public Works and Highways, King Cooperative, City Water District, Mabuhay Rural Workers Organization, students from St. Theresa
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DTI SurSur hosts 2016 CMCI roadshow By: Sarah P. Estrada
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A total of 70 representatives from 18 of the 19 local government units (LGUs) in Surigao del Sur attended the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Roadshow hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Sur held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city.
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Composed of mayors, vice mayors, sangguniang bayan members, planning and development coordinators, municipal engineers, local economic and investment promotion officer designates, business permit and licensing system officer designates and staff of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DTI, the participants were presented with an analysis of the 2015 CMCI results. A discussion was also made to unlock difficulty in complying with the 2016 CMCI Data Capture Form and to appreciate the 2016 Seal for Good
Local Governance criteria. “LGUs should strive to be more competitive as this increases their chances to qualify for DILG’s Seal for Good Local Governance and Infrastructure projects like bridges and roads,” emphasized DILG provincial director Pedrito Alacaba. Alacaba’s words did not fall on deaf ears because last April 30, 2016 there was a 100 percent submission of LGUs of their duly accomplished 2016 CMCI Data Capture Forms, including annexes and other supporting documents. (DTI-Surigao del Sur)
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Photo Gallery Regional Evaluation Gawad Kalasag
Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) GAWAD KALASAG REGIONAL EVALUATION Provincial Governor’s Conference Room 4 July 2016
Second Rdrrmc Full Council Meeting
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
July 7, 2016 Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City
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MINDANAO NEWS
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MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao leader receives senior honors from PNoy
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DAVAO CITY – President Benigno Aquino III conferred Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino with the Order of Lakandula, one of the highest honors granted by the Republic of the Philippines to individuals who have “demonstrated dedication to the welfare of society.” Secretary Antonino was given the rank of Gold Cross Bayani together with 23 other cabinet secretaries of the president during a ceremony on June 23 at the Malacañan Palace.
prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people. President Aquino also bestowed the Presidential Medal of Merit on other senior officials who have rendered outstanding service to the country.
The Order of Lakandula is awarded for political and civic merit “I think it is incumbent upon me to in memory of Lakandula’s dedication give official recognition to those who to the responsibilities of leadership, have gone above and beyond our 2 -8 JULY 2016
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expectations,” said President Aquino in of Environment and Natural Resources, a statement delivered at the awarding a Guinness World Record for Most ceremony. Trees Planted Simultaneously in an hour was achieved by the Philippines During President Aquino’s term, on September 26, 2014. The record, Secretary Antonino through MinDA dubbed as TreeVolution: Greening launched numerous banner programs Mindanao, facilitated the planting of aimed to strengthen drivers of inclusive 4 million trees across Mindanao’s six and sustainable growth, following the regions. strategies and directions set in place by the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Under Antonino’s leadership, Development Framework Plan. The MinDA launched the Mindanao plan is considered as the region’s Collective Trademark (MCT), a socioeconomic roadmap for 2011 to system designed to enhance 2030. the competitiveness of products originating from the region. Once fully Among these projects include utilized, the MCT will give Mindanao the Mindanao Development Corridors, agri-products a certain distinction aimed to bolster infrastructure and in the global markets. The MCT was connectivity within the island-region launched in partnership with the to facilitate its transformation as a European Union-Philippines through cohesive and integrated economy its Trade Related Technical Assistance participating in the international Project 3. community. The corridors program was endorsed by key national Over the past six years, MinDA government offices, ensuring budget also forged partnerships with the for key infrastructure projects in Philippine Business for Social Progress Mindanao. for the conduct of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program; the The MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Waters Program, a project designed Industry for an investment promotion to ensure that Mindanao’s natural and policy formulation agreement; resources are properly managed is the Asian Development Bank and also being currently implemented by the US Agency for International MinDA. The project utilizes the “ridge- Development for the implementation to-reef” approach, a strategy that of infrastructure projects and feasibility requires the protection, utilization, and studies in the South Central Mindanao rehabilitation of the environment from Corridors; and the Philippine Institute for the mountains to the seas. Development Studies for the promotion of policy research in Mindanao and Through the MindaNOW Program the establishment of the Mindanao and in partnership with the Department Knowledge Center, among others.
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MINDANAO NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS
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In 2012, the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) was organized by MinDA and the Department of Energy to address Mindanao’s power situation. Since its inception, the committee has facilitated the improvement of the region’s power capacities and secured more than 347 megawatts of power supply to the Mindanao grid. Additional power supply of 639 megawatts are expected to come online within the year.
Antonino is the first woman to take leadership of the agency that serves as the Philippine government’s principal planning and coordinating agency in Mindanao. As MinDA secretary, she performs a broad range of responsibilities that includes addressing critical issues involving Mindanao, and those that require national representation or presidential intervention. Antonino was appointed as MinDA Chair by President Aquino in 2010.
The MPMC also opened the One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center to accelerate the approval of permits for renewable energy projects to cut one to two years from the three to five year requirement. A focused target to keep the region’s energy mix diversified with emphasis on renewable energy is being pushed by MinDA through the MPMC.
She also sits as a board member of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and serves as the chairperson the agency’s infrastructure committee. As the infrastructure committee chairperson, Antonino pushed for higher tourism infrastructure budget for Mindanao, and facilitated the completion of several tourism projects across the island-region. (MinDA) 2 -8 JULY 2016
Photo Gallery Oath-taking Ceremony of Agusan del Sur Rep. Ma. Valentina Plaza
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NATIONAL NEWS
Blessing & Turn-over of 1 unit 2-storey/6 classroom SHS Building
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NATIONAL NEWS
NATIONAL NEWS Palace names country’s top drug lords
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MANILA - Malacañang, on Thursday, revealed the names of the country’s top drug lords, according to the information received by President Rodrigo Duterte. Solicitor General Jose Calida made the announcement in a press briefing at Malacañang, two days after President Duterte identified active and retired police generals allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade.
the three top drug dealers as Wu Tuan, alias Peter Co; Herbert Colangco, alias Ampang; and Peter Lim, alias Jaguar.
Co and Colangco, Solicitor General Calida said, are high profile inmates at the New Bilibid Prison. Co is reportedly the head of the Bilibid 19, The Solicitor General identified a group of convicted drug offenders 2 -8 JULY 2016
detained at the NBP. “There are five levels depending on capability of drug pushers to sell. Level five is top tier of drug hierarchy,” Calida said.
Calida also explained retired Deputy Director-General Marcelo Garbo Jr.’s alleged role in the drug trade, being the supposed coddler of Lim.
“According to the briefing Co is reportedly responsible for the we received earlier, he’s level five drug trade in Luzon and Metro Manila. associate/protector. In short - coddler,” Lim, who is abroad, is reportedly the one said Calida. behind the drug trade in the Visayas. “A coddler is one who protects the “According to information, drug trafficking activities of drug lords. Peter Lim is outside the country and You can find it in Dangerous Drugs Law. the President has warned him that if Penalty will be given to a drug lord, he steps in at NAIA, he will be killed,” trafficker and coddler - same penalty,” Calida said. he added. (PIA)
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Photo by: Greatest Gift From Heaven Foundation, Inc.
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PASIG CITY Newly-sworn in Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor M. Briones is pushing for a more vigorous implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to bring education to more learners across the country.
NATIONAL NEWS
Bring Alternative Learning System (ALS) to more learners -DepEd
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Herself a product of informal basic education during World War 2, Briones said her passion for ALS is shaped by the advocacies of a non-government organization Social Watch Philippines where she was Lead Convenor, as well as her own life experiences. Social Watch’s main thrust is increasing people’s awareness and participation in promoting social development concerns with government.
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Speaking before DepEd employees during her first flag ceremony at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, Briones said that one can get educated in a non-traditional way. “The Department of Education had not invented ALS then but my own experience showed that one can get educated without formal schooling,” she recalled.
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She shared that when the Japanese came to invade the Philippines, a university in Southern Philippines founded by American missionaries closed its facilities and its American and Filipino faculty fled to the hills. The teachers set up a jungle university and continued to teach the mountain communities. Amidst the war, they never lost sight of the fact that they were primarily school teachers. She said that her family also escaped to the hills where her mother, a teacher, gathered the children from the mountain villages and taught them how to read and write. “My mother,
who was a teacher, did not let the horrors of war deter her from teaching,” she explained. Her students used banana leaves with their natural lines as writing pads and sharpened bamboo sticks as their improvised pen. She was then three years old and listened to the lessons which her mother imparted. When the war was over, children were tested to determine their grade equivalences. “The district supervisor tested me and decided to promote me by two grades. And I was not even enrolled!” Briones enthused. ALS is a kind of education delivery in a non-formal setting. Learning space can be a covered court, barangay hall, church yard or any other common area in a community where the learners are. The ALS facilitators deliver lessons based on the capability of the learners. ALS is open to all learners and does not discriminate against age, gender, or ethnicity. Graduates of ALS’s who passed the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test can get either an elementary or high school diploma and proceed to formal schooling if they so choose. (DepEd) 2 -8 JULY 2016
Photo Gallery KBP Officials’ visit to PIA Caraga
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Officials’ visit to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga 8 July 2016
Meeting with OCD Regional Director Manuel Luis Ochotorena, Caraga Ham Volunteers Amateur, Inc. Founder Don Cabalquinto & PIA Caraga regional director Abner M. Caga
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NATIONAL NEWS
PIA Caraga Regional Office 8 July 2016
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