Caraga InFocus –July 3-9, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 28 July 3-9, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS DOST-PHIVOLCS HIGHLIGHTS SCIENCE-BASED INFO DISSEMINATION, REPORTING ON VOLCANORELATED ACTIVITIES DA REVIEWS MIDYEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, EYES 8 CARAGA FARMERS ENTERPRISE BY 2022 DOLE CARAGA: GRATEFUL OF DILG’S MOVE TO REQUIRE PESO INSTITUTIONALIZATION FOR LGU SEAL NAPC INKS MOAS WITH 19 LGUS IN BID TO HALT POVERTY

NANAY SA CARAGA REGION MAS PINAIGTING PA ANG KAMPANYA SA BREASTFEEDING NG MGA BATA NGAYONG MAY COVID-19 PANDEMIC

PROVINCIAL NEWS CITY JOINS 47TH NUTRITION MONTH 18 TANDAG CELEBRATION RELEASES P4M CASH AID TO TUPAD 19 DOLE BENEFICIARIES IN BISLIG CITY LUGAR SA SA SURSUR, NAPABILANG SA 20 ILANG ‘HIGH-RISK’ DAHIL SA COVID-19 POLICE ENGAGE IN MUSHROOM 21 BUTUAN PRODUCTION SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 22 ECOLOGICAL SA CABADBARAN STRIKTONG IPATUMAN MOHATAG OG MGA BENEPISYO ALANG SA 23 RTR BCDW NANGUNA SA PAGLUSAD SA KAMPANYA 24 AGNOR PAG-ATIMAN SA BATA PAGPIRMA SA MOU SA BANANA 25 OTORIDAD PROCESSING CENTER SA SANTIAGO, APROBADO NA REGULATE SA SABUNGAN SA NASIPIT, 27 PAG GIPAHUGTAN X-RAY SA MGA POSIBLENG NAAY TB NATIONAL NEWS 28 LIBRENG GIPADANGAT SA AGNOR BLUE CRABS I-REGULATE NA SA CHIEF PROMOTES A MORE UNIFIED SURIGAO 34 PCOO 29 GRAVID DEL NORTE PROVINCE CABADBARAN ANDANAR URGES AHON BENEFICIARIES 37 SECRETARY MINDANAO NEWS TO USE ASSISTANCE AS A STEP TOWARDS RECOVERY AT LEAST P200,000 WORTH OF AID ALLOCATED FOR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR BANGSAMORO SIARGAO TOWNS THROUGH AHON CONVERGENCE 38 31 ITALY GOVT PROGRAM SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION TO INCREASE DUTERTE’S AHON PROGRAM OFFERS 32 LANAO FARMERS’ YIELD OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES IN 40 ENTREPRENEURIAL SIARGAO ISLAND

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42 45 47 50 52 54 55 57 58 59 60 63 64 65

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

AMID DIFFICULTIES CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC, FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK IN SIARGAO ISLAND GET SUPPORT FROM BONG GO’S TEAM BONG GO’S TEAM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO DISASTERHIT COMMUNITIES IN SURIGAO DEL SUR; SENDS AID TO TAGBINA AND HINATUAN TOWNS FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK IN DEL CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL NORTE RECEIVE AID FROM BONG GO DURING HIS VISIT TO SIARGAO

MORE FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK IN SANTA MONICA, SURIGAO DEL NORTE RECEIVE AID FROM BONG GO AS PART OF HIS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT STRUGGLING SECTORS AMID THE HEALTH CRISIS BONG GO VOWS TO SUPPORT MORE AFFECTED SECTORS AMID PANDEMIC AS HIS TEAM DISTRIBUTES ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK IN SOCORRO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE NOGRALES STRESSES CONTINUED FOCUS ON ZAMBO PENINSULA AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION DURING PANDEMIC ‘MAY LABAN NA ANG MAMAMAYAN!’ GORDON FIGHTS FOR THE POOR AS PROBE ON DELAYED IMPLEMENTATION OF MOTORCYCLE CRIME PREVENTION LAW RESUMES PRESIDENT DUTERTE SADDENED BY DEADLY SULU PLANE CRASH, VOWED TO AID VICTIMS

US, JAPAN VACCINE DONATIONS SEEN TO BOOST PH’S MASS INOCULATION DRIVE PRESIDENT DUTERTE ISSUES WARNING ON ILLICIT SALE OF COVID-19 VACCINES PRESIDENT DUTERTE CALLS FOR SUSTAINED DIALOGUE, PEACEFUL ENGAGEMENT WITH CHINA

COVID-19 NEWS

JAPAN PROVIDES P308-M COLD CHAIN GRANT AID TO PH GOV’T TO IMPOSE STRICTER BORDER CONTROL VS. LAMBDA VARIANT: DOH OVER 11.7M NOW VACCINATED IN PH

125th Malasakit Center open Siargao Island as Bong Go v better access to public heal services in far-flung commu In his visit to Siargao Island on July 3, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the launch of the country’s 125th Malasakit Center. He cited that this is a big step towards improving access to public health services in far-flung communities. The newest Malasakit center was established at the Siargao District Hospital, which has recently been upgraded and converted into the Siargao Island Medical Center with the enactment of a law that Go sponsored in the Senate last year. “Sinabi ko talaga na pupunta ako dito sa Dapa (town) para mabuksan at magamit na ng mga pasyente, lalo na ng mga nangangailangan ng tulong, ang Malasakit Center na ito,” Go began in his remarks. The new Malasakit Center is the second in the province and third in the

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Caraga region, after the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City, Surigao del Sur.

Go said that this will help patients get the treatments and medications they need without worrying about the costs since medical assistance from In his message, the Senator the government will be lamented that many conveniently available Filipino patients do not for them in the Malasakit have health insurance Centers to cover for their coverage and are often left to pay for their medical hospital and medical related bills. bills. With the launching, Caraga INFOCUS

ns in vows lth unities

“Lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center at tutulungan kayo ng mga ahensya para wala na kayong babayaran sa ospital. Kung may balanseng naiwan, may pondong iniwan din si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para kung kaya ay maging ‘zero balance’ ang billing The Malasakit Center niyo. Kung kailangan brings together under niyo ng tulong, gaya ng pamasahe, pwede its roof the medical kayong lumapit sa DSWD assistance programs offered by the Department rin dito,” explained Go. of Health, Department The Malasakit of Social Welfare Centers program was and Development, institutionalized under Philippine Health Republic Act No. 11463, Insurance Corporation, also known as the and Philippine Charity Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Go principally Sweepstakes Office. Caraga INFOCUS

authored and sponsored the bill in the Senate prior to President Rodrigo Duterte signing it into law in December 2019. “So far, we have assisted around two million … wala itong pinipili na pasyente. Para ito sa mga Pilipino lalo na sa mga poor at indigent patients,” continued Go. “Sa mga helpless, hopeless at walang matakbuhan, dito kayo pumunta sa Malasakit Center dahil para ito sa inyo. Kapag hindi kayo tinulungan, sabihin niyo ‘hoy, Pilipino ako. Karapatan ko ito’,” he added, stressing that the Malasakit Centers are for July 3-9, 2021 |

all Filipinos.

“Dumaan ako sa butas ng karayom para As Chair of the Senate ipaglaban ang mga Committee on Health, Go batas para i-upgrade vowed to work together ang mga pampublikong with local leaders to ospital natin dahil alam improve public health ko ang mga mahihirap services in the island. In ang makikinabang dito. 2020, Go sponsored a Minsan may mga ospital bill which later became na umaabot ng 400% Republic Act No. 11500. ang occupancy rate. Sa The law, which Rep. Bingo isang kama, may apat Matugas authored, sought na pasyente. Paano sila to upgrade the capabilities gagaling kung ganyan of the Siargao District ang sitwasyon?” asked Go. Hospital and rename it into the Siargao Island “Hindi ako ‘yung klase na Medical Center. This also pulitiko na mangangako increases the hospital’s ng hindi ko kaya gawin. bed capacity from 50 to Pero makakaasa kayo na 100 beds and places it magseserbisyo ako sa abot under the supervision of ng aking makakaya. Sa the DOH. It also directs mga doctors, nurses at iba the upgrading of its pang frontliners dito, ‘wag professional healthcare kayong mag-alala dahil services and facilities and ipaglalaban ko kayo,” he authorizes the increase of reiterated. its medical personnel.

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The Senator’s team handed out meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 115 frontline health workers after the ceremony. Selected beneficiaries were given bicycles while others received pairs of shoes. Some also received computer tablets for their children’s education. The DSWD also provided qualified rank-and-file hospital employees with financial assistance in a separate distribution. Similar aid was likewise extended to 25 indigent patients. “Kung kailangan niyo ng tulong para magpagamot sa Maynila …hindi niyo na kailangan mag-alala sa gastusin. Gagawin namin ang lahat maka-salba ng Caraga INFOCUS

buhay. Tutulungan namin kayo, lalo na ang mga sa far-flung areas, gaya ng Siargao Island, kung saan nakahiwalay ang lugar at mahirap mag-avail ng medical services,” said Go. Meanwhile, Go encouraged residents to get vaccinated in accordance with the national vaccine program guidelines. He assured local leaders that he will help coordinate with the national government so that they would be able to get sufficient vaccines for their constituents. Among those present during the activity were Secretary Michael Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, 1st District Rep. Matugas, Governor Francisco T. Matugas, Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, Chief of Hospital Dr. Ester Tan, and other local officials. Also present were Board Members Constantino Navarro IV, Nathaniel Plaza, Edgar Andanar, Guillermo Boncaros, and Julecs Sunico; Burgos Mayor Emmanuel Arcena, Del Carmen Mayor Proserfina Coro, General Luna Mayor Cecilia Rusillon, Pilar Mayor Caraga INFOCUS

Liza Resurreccion, San Benito Mayor Ma. Gina Menil, San Isidro Mayor Lamberto Domiños, Sta. Monica Mayor Fernando Dolar, and Socorro Mayor Felizardo Galanida, among others. To boost economic opportunities in the island, Go supported the funding for the construction of a diversion road from Dapa Port to Barangay 13 and flood control embankment in Boulevard Area in Barangays 2 and Barangay 6. He also supported efforts for the concreting of roads, rehabilitation of recreational facilities, construction of multipurpose buildings, improvement of bridges, and other infrastructure

projects in Siargao Island. After the launch, Go and his team then proceeded to the Dinakpan Gym in Del Carmen where they distributed aid to farmers and fisherfolk. More forms of aid were provided through the government’s Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program for vulnerable sectors. As Go traversed the island, he also interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and extended his help based on their needs. He provided tablets to some of the children to help them pursue their schooling amid the ongoing pandemic. July 3-9, 2021 |

News Briefs “Rest assured that we will give fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to our NVOC-RVOC members in the country. By November, we are optimistic that we would be able to achieve at least 70% herd immunity. So, let’s continue to fast-track the conduct of vaccination in the regions,” said Sec. Carlito Galvez during today’s joint virtual meeting of the National Vaccination Operations Center - Regional Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC-RVOC) via Zoom platform. xx

The Philippines has administered more than 12 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine as of July 07, 2021. With a total of 12,179,437 vaccine doses administered, the Philippines remained 2nd in the vaccination administration among 10 ASEAN countries, 11th out of 47 countries in Asia, and 26th out of 200 countries globally. The country also maintained the 2nd spot among ASEAN countries in terms of Average Daily rate with 95,901 doses administered and now 2nd place in the 7-day average rate with 248,004 doses. At present, the Philippines is vaccinating its healthcare workers and immediate family members, senior citizens, individuals with comorbidities, and the indigent population (A1 to A5). There are now 2,971,367 fully vaccinated Filipinos. The country has administered 1,736,030 vaccine doses in the past 7 days.

The National Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) holds this afternoon a coordination meeting for the conduct of Bike for Peace and Justice event this July 2021. Stakeholders will discuss relevant issues and concerns, as well as updates and their commitment to make this activity successful. Be Alert! There is a fake UnionBank email asking you to click on a link for free COVID vaccine and Ayuda. DO NOT CLICK the link. Should you receive a suspicious email or message, please report it to customer.service@unionbankph.com

REGIONAL NEWS

DOST-PHIVOLCS highlights science-based info dissemination, reporting on volcano-related activities Ma. Antonia Bornas of DOSTPHIVOLCS discussed thoroughly the science of volcanoes including its classification. “A volcano is a vent, hill, or mountain which molten or hot rocks with gaseous material have been ejected. In the country, there are 300 volcanoes wherein most are inactive and 24 are considered active,” she cited.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) convened the media and the information officers from the different regions of the country during the InfoPress via Zoom platform. This is to promote science communication and update the media and the public on the science of volcanoes. DOST Usec. Renato Solidum, OIC-PHIVOLCS, emphasized the need to have a better understanding of the science of volcanoes and the right/ appropriate measures/ response to be undertaken during volcanic activity. He also expressed gratitude to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)

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for facilitating the InfoPress with participating media and information officers from the different regions of the country. Solidum also thanked all the media and information officers for their active participation and reiterated that the media play a vital role in inculcating to the minds of the people the right information about the volcanic eruption and how they would be able to survive from it. He added that the media have been a constant partner of DOST-PHIVOLCS in disseminating factual and reliable information to the public and in promoting the agency’s advocacy and IEC materials. “Should you need any other information, you may visit the DOST-PHIVOLCS website,” added Solidum.

Winchelle Ian Sevilla of DOSTPHIVOLCS also elaborated that the public should rely only on information materials about volcanoes that are sciencebased. “We should avoid reading and sharing fake news. This will only give us wrong concepts, perspectives on things like this that we need to know about,” he bared. Sevilla also encouraged everyone to download the DOST-PHIVOLCS mobile application to learn more about safety tips during any disaster. In her closing message, Dir. Ma. Florinda Princess Duque of PCOO highlighted that the PCOO with all its attached agencies will continue to share and disseminate relevant information and updates from DOST-PHIVOLCS to make the general public well informed and alert citizens. (JPG/PIACaraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

DA reviews midyear accomplishments, eyes 8 Caraga farmers enterprise by 2022

“The DA-SAAD is resultoriented. Meeting our target deliveries is just a portion of it. At the end of the day, our goal is to improve the lives of our farmer-partners,” emphasized Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga during the mid-year review and assessment of the program.

Program convened in a virtual meeting to discuss the program’s progress for the first semester of CY 2021. In his message, Dir. Monteagudo elaborated on the yardstick for assessing the program’s impact.

and animal production projects for its 32 farmers’ associations in 2019, and guiding the same groups in sustaining their projects since 2020, has entered its enterprise management phase this year. Project updates

Among the “SAAD should be able accomplishments to touch the lives of our reported by the program farmers. Dapat may area coordinators in pagbabago sa buhay Agusan del Sur (AdS) Halfway through 2021, the nila [There should be an and Surigao del Sur (SdS) regional and provincial improvement in their living included the conduct implementers of the status],” he said. of various crop and DA-Caraga’s Special animal production and Area for Agricultural The DA-SAAD Caraga, management training Development (SAAD) after establishing crop within the first half of 2021. Caraga INFOCUS

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In AdS, a series of training on abaca pre-and postharvest handling were conducted among farmers in Veruela, San Luis, Rosario, and Talacogon. San Luis farmers also underwent training on nursery management while Rosario farmers learned about chicken and cacao production.

some associations have also ventured into side projects, such as the Meanwhile, in SdS, select abaca production of P-7 farmers in the municipality Panaosawon Farmers of Lingig participated Association the peanut in hands-on training on production of Balete Corn treating goats. Bislig Growers’ Association in farmers also zeroed in on Bayabas, SdS. good animal husbandry practices and chicken Target enterprises production. Since 2019, the DA-SAAD Select farmers in Bayabas Program has reached were also trained on 1,016 individuals who are peanut production, now members of the 32 which was followed beneficiary associations up with a farm visit. from AdS and SdS. From Carmen farmers, through the said associations, the assistance of the eight are eyed to Department of Trade become established and Industry (DTI), were agripreneurs in 2022. also trained on product packaging, labeling, and The FAs included in pricing of camote chips. Agusan del Sur are In AdS, the DA-SAAD the Cosep People’s livelihood projects are Organization (Rosario), mostly crop-related, Cecelia Abaca Corn while Surigao del Sur Planters (San Luis), and is dominantly animal Candiis SAAD Farmers Association (Veruela), production. This year, to diversify the farm produce all managing the SAADfunded native chicken of the beneficiaries,

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File photo Monteagudo

production projects. Meanwhile, in SdS, the Cancavan Corn Growers Association (Carmen), Balete Chicken Growers Association (Bayabas), Burboanon Native Chicken Raisers’ Association (Bislig City), and Rajah Cabungsuan Farmers Association (Lingig) are expected to continue selling chickens to their target markets, further solidifying their entrepreneurship. Members of the Maguumang Manobo sa Hinapoyan Association (Carmen), as well, are expected to mass produce camote chips next year. As part of its targets for the CY 2021, the DA-SAAD Program has allotted Php 1.6 million for capability building of its farmer-partners. (Mark Angelo Pineda, DA-SAAD Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DOLE Caraga: Grateful of DILG’s move to require PESO Institutionalization for LGU Seal The recently issued memorandum of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Memorandum Circular No. 042 series of 2021, requires the institutionalization of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as one of the criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, municipalities of Sibagat and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, municipality of Del Carmen in Surigao del Norte, and the municipality of Barobo, Surigao del Sur. Further, 15 PESOs are already partially institutionalized.

The SGLG recognizes the The initiative rooted from good performance of the encourage the LGUs the recommendation local government units. to institutionalize their of DOLE to have LGUs The 10 governance areas institutionalized their PESOs respective PESO. The assessed in the LGUs under SGLG will be a significant to qualify for the SGLG. RA 11292 or the Seal of motivator for PESO DOLE Secretary Silvestre Good Local Governance institutionalization. Bello III, on his statement Act of 2021 included on June 13, 2021, stressed financial sustainability, out that this development Highlighting the drive social protection, of DOLE Caraga for a is a milestone of DOLE’s disaster preparedness, strengthened employment health compliance advocacy to capacitate facilitation in the region, and strengthen PESOs to and responsiveness, the DOLE provincial offices sustainable education, become more efficient continuously conduct thru its institutionalization. peace and order, tourism advocacies to the LGUs and culture development, and capacity buildings DOLE Caraga is pleased youth development, to PESOs in relation to and thankful of this environment its institutionalization. To development. As noted management, and by DOLE Caraga Regional date, 7 PESOS are fully business competitiveness. institutionalized out of 87 Director Chona M. The new criterion of PESOs in the region. Mantilla, the initiative PESO institutionalization is of DILG is good news expected to take effect These are PESOs in the especially in the efforts this year. (DOLE-Caraga/ provincial governments of the department to PIA-Caraga) Mantilla

Caraga INFOCUS

July 3-9, 2021 |

NAPC inks MOAs with 19 LGUs in bid to halt poverty The government’s coordinating agency against poverty on Tuesday signed a milestone Memorandum of Agreements with 19 local government units in Mindanao as part of a nationwide bid to take down poverty by 14 per cent in 2022. “It is high time to cut down poverty if we are to lessen its impact on the lives of our people during the pandemic,” said Secretary Noel K. Felongco of the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Felongco signed the MOAs with the LGUs through a zoom conference hosted by the NAPC’s Mindanao field office under Augustus Tapia. Mindanao is host to 23 provinces listed among the country’s poorest provinces in terms of poverty incidence among population. Government security forces tagged poverty in the island as a stimulus to insurgency. Felongco described as very significant the MOAs entered with the 19 LGUS because “it provides us a deeper commitment and stronger partnership in eradicating poverty.” The NAPC lead convener said LGUs hold the key to ensuring that poverty-reduction prioritizes land tillers and fisherfolk. “Priority should also focus on

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geographically-situated and disadvantaged areas (GSDA) so that no one should be left behind,” he said. He said LGUs are in the best position to reduce poverty simply by channeling their resources to programs aimed at uplifting the lives of people. Poverty reduction should be everybody’s business, he said. Under the MOAs, the LGUs will undertake the implementation of NAPC’s Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanan (3S) program that sought to address poverty in 40 priority provinces. The LGUs are obligated to help tap volunteers to ensure that government services are uplifting the lives of the oppressed and the marginalized. Republic Act 8425 has mandated NAPC to coordinate with different national and local government agencies to ensure full implementation of social reform and poverty alleviation programs. Those who signed the MOAs representing their LGUs included Mayor Kerkhar S. Tan of Jolo, Sulu; Mayor Abdulbaki J. Ajibon of Omar, Surlu; Mayor Nurshamier A Halun of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu; Mayor Al-Frazier Abdurajak of Panamao, Sulu; Mayor Vic Paul Salarda of Alabel, Sarangani; Mayor Floro Sak Gandam of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato;

Felongco

Mayor Sulpicio Villalobos of Sto. Nino, South Cotabato; Mayor Alexis Quina of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental; Mayor Agne V. Yap of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental, Mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar of Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Mayor Fruto Dandasan of Dangcagan, Bukidnon; Mayor Jerry Canoy of Kadingilan, Bukidnon; Mayor Jay Albert Puertas of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental; Mayor Alicia Rama-Ty of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental; Mayor Gomer Sabio of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; Mayor Jennie Rosalie T. Uy of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental; Mayor Daniel Dormitorio of Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur and Mayor Eddie Quimbo of Labason, Zamboanga del Sur. Under the MOA, the NAPC will assist the LGUs in helping channel the delivery of services to the poor and the deprived. (NAPC/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

Nanay sa Caraga region mas pinaigting pa ang kampanya sa breastfeeding ng mga bata ngayong may COVID-19 pandemic By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Kasabay sa selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Nutrisyon, mas pinaigting pa ang information drive sa benepisyong naibibigay ng breastfeeding ng nanay sa mga bata sa pangunguna ng National Nutrition Council (NNC) kasama ang grupong tinatawag nilang ‘Breastfeeding Nanays sa Caraga.’ Caraga INFOCUS

Para kay Rhea Carampatana na isang working mom sa kanyang tatlong anak, at isa sa mga natatanging nanay na bumubuo sa nasabing grupo, mahalaga na may oras ang mga nanay sa kanilang supling at ang exclusive breastfeeding nito mula 0-6 months at hanggang

dalawang taon dahil nakapagbibigay ito ng sapat na nutrisyon at nagpapatibay ng immune system. Maganda rin aniya ang naidudulot ng breastfeeding sa mga nanay para maiwasan ang ibat-ibang sakit tulad ng cancer, osteoporosis, heart July 3-9, 2021 |

disease, at iba pa. “Hindi lang ito nakatutulong sa kalusugan ng ina at ng kanyang anak, malaking tulong rin ito sa pamilya na makapag-ipon dahil mas praktikal ito at hindi pa nakakasira sa kapaligiran. Kaya dapat bigyang-suporta ng bawat pamilya ang mga nanay na nagpapadede at kanilang supling,” ani ni Carampatana. Nanawagan din siya sa lahat na iwasan ang diskriminasyon sa mga nanay na nagpapadede ng kanilang anak sa pampublikong lugar. Ipagpatuloy din aniya

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ng mga nanay ang pagbigay tugon sa pangangailangan ng kanilang anak lalo na ngayong may COVID-19 pandemic. “Para naman po sa mga donors, iwasan po nating magbigay ng mga artificial milk lalo na ngayong may health emergency crisis tayo dahil hindi po ito nakakatulong sa mga breastfeeding nanay,” dagdag ni Carampatana. Ayon din kay Retsebeth Laquihon, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator ng NNCCaraga, maraming

pwedeng maibahagi ang mga Caraganon upang mapigilan ang insidente o kaso ng malnutrisyon lalo na ngayong mga COVID-19 pandemic. Lumagda din ang iba’t-ibang sektor sa pledge of commitment tarp bilang suporta sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang impormasyon at adbokasiya para mas mapaigting pa ang pagbibigay at implementasyon ng mga programang magpapalago sa kalusugan at nutrisyon sa ibat-ibang probinsya sa caraga region. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Tandag City joins 47th Nutrition Month celebration By Nida Grace P. Barcena

The city government here through the City Nutrition Office successfully conducted the virtual forum on the First 1,000 days of life in time with the 47th Nutrition Month Celebration with the theme, “Malnutrition Patuloy Na Labanan, First 1000 Days Tutukan” on Friday, July 2, 2021. Tandag City Nutrition Office chief Reyveen john Geli said the said forum was highlighted with the launching of the dietary supplementation for pregnant women and salt iodization. During the forum, the discussion focused on the importance of health and nutrition during the 1st 1000 days of life and the vital role of iodine in the body, especially during pregnancy. Identified pregnant women from Barangay Awasian have received the dietary supplements (Nutri-paks for pregnant mom) and a pack of iodized salt.

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City Councilor John Paul C. Pimentel representing City Nutrition Committee Chairperson Mayor Roxanne Pimentel said the city government is committed to address all forms of malnutrition in the city and vowed to support the 1st 1000 days of life program. Retsebeth Manuel Laquihon, CNC Caraga Nutrition Program Coordinator, commended the city government through the Tandag City Nutrition Office and the members of the Local Nutrition Committee for

scaling up the nutrition program through the formulation of the Local Nutrition Action Plan. It included the nutrition budget, issued nutritionrelated policies, nutrition program implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. The event was participated by the members of the Barangay and City Nutrition Committee, Provincial Nutrition Office employees, Nutrition Program implementers, and the National Nutrition Council of Caraga Region. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

DOLE releases P4M cash aid to TUPAD beneficiaries in Bislig City The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Surigao del Sur has released P4,108,800.00 in cash assistance to 856 residents here under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD Program. Based on the report released by the City Information Office of Bislig, the cash payout was disbursed last week by the DOLE personnel held at the Bislig City Cultural Sports Center (BCCSC). The beneficiaries, who are from the 16 barangays of the city, each received PHP4,800 cash. Second District Representative Johnny Pimentel, Governor Alexander Pimentel together with Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay led the ceremonial distribution. The qualified TUPAD Caraga INFOCUS

Photo credit to CIO Bislig

beneficiaries are coming from the following barangays: • Bgy. Labisma (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Mangagoy (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Mone (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Poblacion (56 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Pamaypayan (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Sibaroy (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Bucto (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Sta.Cruz (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. San Isidro (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Comawas (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Tabon(50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. San Fernando (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Caguyao (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. San Jose (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Burboanan (50 beneficiaries) • Bgy. Coleto (50 beneficiaries) The implementation of the program was funded under the office of Rep. Pimentel, while the qualified beneficiaries were endorsed by their barangay captains, it was learned. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) July 3-9, 2021 |

Ilang lugar sa sa SurSur, napabilang sa ‘high-risk’ dahil sa COVID-19

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

Sampung lugar (siyam na bayan at isang syudad) sa lalawigan ng Surigao del Sur ang napabilang sa hanay ng “high-risk” o may matatas na datus ang naitala na nagpositibo sa COVID-19. Sa panayam kay Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Eric Montecalros, kinumpirma niya na sa pamamagitan ng “national standard average daily attack rate” (ADAR) computation, napabilang ang isang syudad at siyam na bayan sa Surigao del Sur na high-risk areas simula Hunyo 20 hanggang Hulyo 3, ng kasalukuyang taon. Ang mga naihanay sa high risk ay ang sumusunod: ● Tandag City, ● Bayabas, ● Cantilan, ● Carmen, ● Carrascal, ● Lanuza, ● Madrid, ● Marihatag, ● San Miguel , and ● Tago. Nagpaabot naman ng kanyang mensahe si Dr. Montesclaros sa mga local chief executives ng sampung lugar na napabilang sa mga high risk areas, na wag itong mamasamain, dahil ito ang pinagbabasehan ng kanilang

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Montesclaros

mga rekomendasyon sa mga dapat gawin para mapaibsan o makontrol ang patuloy na pagtaas ng mga kaso sa mga nabanggit na lugar.

ang buwan ng Hunyo ng kasalukuyang taon, muli na naman inerekomenda ang pagpapalawig ng MECQ sa lalawigan hanggang Hulyo 15.

Dagdag pa ni Dr. Montesclaros, ang deklarasyon ng Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine o MECQ sa buong lalawigan ng Surigao del Sur ay isa sa mga paraan o hakbangin upang maibsan ang local transmission ng COVID-19 sa probinsya.

Nanawagan din si Dr. Montesclaros sa lahat ng residente sa Surigao del Sur na tumulong at gawin ang tungkulin sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa mga patakaran para labanan ang COVID-19 at malimitahan na ang lokal transmisyon nito.

Matatandaan na mismong si President Rodrigo Roa Duterte na ang mismong nag anunsyo sa rekomendasyong isasailalim sa MECQ ang ilang probinsya sa Caraga, at kasama na napabilang ang probinsya ng Surigao del Sur, simula Hunyo 15 hanggang Hunyo 30. At bago matapos

Base sa ipinalabas na datus noong Hulyo 3, ng Provincial Health Office, umabot na sa 4,878 ang kaso sa buong lalawigan. Nasa 811 ang mga nasa isolation o naka kwarentina, habang 3,881 ang mga nakarecover, at 186 naman ang mga binawian ng buhay. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Butuan police engage in mushroom production the DA-Caraga Del Monte Lowland Rainfed Research Station back in the month of May this year. Members of the SAC and other Barangay Officials attended the training.

Not just peacekeepers, the police are also feeding the people now. In a bid to extend beyond their duty of keeping the peace and order of the barangays under their jurisdiction, the Butuan City Station 5 personnel have engaged in a mushroom production project to show the community how they can earn a living. Station 5 covers 11 barangays that include Amparo, Bitan-agan, Tungao, San Mateo, Florida, Mandamo, Nongnong, MJ Santos, Manila de Bugabus, Dankias, and Dulag. According to Police Major Roland Orcullo, the head of Station 5, the Station Action Council (SAC) wanted to

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come up with a project to help the livelihood of the residents of the covered barangays. The SAC is composed of representatives of various sectors including education, business, health, and agriculture. Orcullo said they wanted something that is doable and not costly so they chose mushroom production. Oyster mushroom is an edible mushroom. Considered a vegetable, it is rich in protein, vitamins B and C, minerals, and low in fat. To realize the project, the SAC sought the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga and requested a training on mushroom production. The training was conducted at

After the training, the DA provided them with 1,000 oyster mushroom fruiting bags to start their project. The fruiting bags were placed in the old health center in Brgy. San Mateo. The personnel of the Station 5 takes charge of its care and maintenance. Last week, they have started harvesting. Orcullo said now that they have seen that it is easy to manage, he wants the project to be replicated in other barangays under Station 5. “This project will be a big help to the people especially since have lost their jobs due to the pandemic,” he said. On the other hand, DACaraga Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega said that she is happy that even the police force has also taken the initiative to help produce food for the people. She assured Major Orcullo that DA is willing to assist such initiatives. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA 13-RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

July 3-9, 2021 |

Ecological Solid Waste Management system sa Cabadbaran striktong ipatuman Aprobado na sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang City Ordinance No. 2020-033 sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang “Ordinance Enacting the Ecological Solid Waste Management System of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, declaring prohibited Acts, providing penalties thereof, appropriating funds and for Other related purposes.” Unod sa maong ordinansa ang ipatumang solid waste management system sa syudad sa pagpanginahan

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ni Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Inez Rosario A. Amante sa tumong nga maprotekatahan ang kinaiyaan sa lungsod ug aron pagdisiplina sa usab sa mga residente sa insaktong paglabog sa ilang mga basura.

basura ug tanan nga uban pang kalihokan sa pagdumala sa basura nga dili makadaot sa kalikopan.

Kini gi-aprubahan sa mga paningkamot ni Bokal James T. Reserva, pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 268Ang Ecological Solid 2021, subay sa R.A. No. Waste Management 9003, o Ecological Solid nagtumong sa Waste Management sistematikong Act of 2000 ug Article XI pagdumala sa (Ecological Solid Waste mga kalihokan Management) of the nga nagtagana Environment Code of alang sa paglain the Province of Agusan sa gigikanan, gilain del Norte. (Jessica O. nga transportasyon, Mellejor, LGU Agusan del pagtipig, pagbalhin, pagproseso, pagtambal, Norte/PIA Agusan del ug paglabay sa solidong Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

RTR mohatag og mga benepisyo alang sa BCDW and for other purposes, in the Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.”

Gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte bag-ohay pa lamang ang Municipal Ordinance No. 349-A2021 sa Sangguniang Bayan sa Remedos T. Romualdez, “Granting benefits and incentives to Barangay Child Development Workers and for Other Purposes, in the Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.” Ang mga insentibo ug benepisyo nga makadawat sa mga rehistradong BCDW mao ang mosunod: PHILHEALTH Insurance Coverage, Free Legal Caraga INFOCUS

Assistance, Additional Cash Incentives, Loyalty Incentive, Assistance to Indigents in Crisis Situation, Use of Government Facilities ug BCDWs’ Convention.

Tumong sa maong ordinansa nga masiguro ang pagpadayon sa mga benepisyo ug insentibo nga gipahimuslan sa mga Barangay Child Development Workers sulod na sa usa ka tuig ug mahatagan dugang nga mga benepisyo ug insentibo aron maaghat sila sa pagpadayon ug, kung kinahanglan, mapaayo pa ang ilang nahimo ug mga serbisyo.

Ang maong ordinansa, nga gipanginahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Juvy P. Soliva, nahiuyon sa RA 6972 nga gitawag nga “Barangay Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act”;, ug nahisubay usab sa Municipal Ordinance No. 349-A-2021, “An Ordinance Granting Benefits and Incentives to Barangay Child Development Workers

Kini gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa ika 96th Regular Session pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 293-2021 sa pagpanginahan ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, tsirman sa Committee on Social Welfare and Population Development. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) July 3-9, 2021 |

AgNor nanguna sa paglusad sa kampanya pag-atiman sa bata Nanguna si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera paglusad dinhi sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa 47th Nutrition Month nga gipadagan sa National Nutritional Council ubos sa pananawagan niining tuiga nga “Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1,000 Days Tutukan!”. Gibuksan ang maong aktibidad sa usa ka Nutrition Exhibit sa SM Butuan, gipasabot ni Gob. Corvera nga ang maong kampanya naghatag og opurtunidad nga ipasabot ang kamahinungdanon sa sa saktong nutrisyon. “Nutrition is a very important nga buluhaton sa atong nasud aron mahimong usa ka lig-on ug healthy nga nasud,” matod ni Gob. Corvera. “Good nutrition is actually a good foundation for a good society,” dugang sa gobernador. Niini, buot ni Gob. Corvera matutokan ang maong kampanya pinaagi sa hugot nga pagtambayayong sa nagkalain-laing ahensya sa probinsya ingon man sa rehiyon. Ang kampanya sa “First

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1000 days of Life,” sumala ni Retsebeth M. Laquihon, ang Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, nagtutuk sa and growth development sa bata aron makabaton og hustong nutrisyon ug aron mapugngan ang nagkataas nga malnutrisyon sa nasud. “This is one way to promote and increase awareness among the general public on the importance of nutrition in the First 1000 Days … the First 1000 Days starts from the infancy are the most critical period in growth and development and they are vulnerable during this time sa pandemic,” pasabot ni Laquihon. Gipanghingusgan ubos

sa maong kampanya nga labanan ang malnutrisyon pinaagi sa pag sunod sa “ABKD” nga nangahulogan: A-lagaan ang mga buntis; B-reastfeeding kay baby; K-omplementary feeding na sapat, ug; D-apat lahat suportado ang Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition [PPAN]. Magkaabag ang Probinsya sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP)DSWD ug ang SM City Butuan sa pagpahiluna sa maong exhibit. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Otoridad pagpirma sa MOU sa Banana Processing Center sa Santiago, aprobado na

Giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Bayan (SB) sa lungsod sa Santiago, Agusan del Norte ang resolusyon nga naghatag of otoridad kang Mayor Franklin D. Lim nga mopirma sa Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) tali sa probinsya ug uban pang stakeholders aron hiniusang ipahiluna ang Banana Processing Center sa lungsod.

Center magsilbing core processing project sa lungsod sa Santiago, kabahin sa 15 ka core processing projects nga ipahiluna sa probinsya sa mga lungsod ug sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ubos Process! Process! Process! Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel AmanteAng Banana Processing Matba. Caraga INFOCUS

Sa diskusyon panahon sa sesyon diin nagsilbing presiding officer si SB Sulpicio Dedumo, gipasabot sa personahe AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center nga ang proyekto mag-apil sa 4,000 ektaryas nga expansion sa kasamtangang kapin sa 3,000 ektaryas nga uma sa saging sa tibuok probinsya ubos sa kaluhang proyekto sa Process! Process! Process nga mao ang Plant! Plant! Plant. July 3-9, 2021 |

Magsilbi usab ang proyekto nga market development center sa presko o gi-prosesong saging unya. Mahimong sentro usab ang proyekto sa pagproseso sa saging sa tibuok probinsya. Ang nakitang inisyal nga mga produkto nga iproseso sa proyekto mao ang banana catsup ug banana flour. Mosuporta usab kini sa processing activities sa mga naggama og banana chips karon. Dugang pasabot sa personahe sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center nga sa proseso, mugnaon ang usa ka corporate setup nga mag-apil sa mga organisasyon sa mag-uuma sa saging, munisipyo, sa mga probinsyal nga buhatan sa nasudnong ahensya sa probinsya aron magsilbing entity nga magpadagan sa proyekto. Inisyal nga gisandig sa proyekto nga akohon sa munisipyo mao ang yuta nga butangan sa pasilidades sa

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proyekto isip kabahin sa investment niini. Giako usab sa probinsya ang pagtampo og seed fund subay sa makitang panginahanglan kung mahuman na ang business plan. Ang mga ahensya gilantaw nga makatampo og mga makinarya ug mga pagbansay sa pagproseso. Sa bahin sa mga maguuma, ang nakitang magsilbi nilang investment mao ang kabahin unya sa balor sa suplay sa saging nga ibahug unya sa pagproseso. Gilantaw usab nga mokampanya ang proyekto ug pribadong investor aron ma-cover kung naay kakulangon sa gikinahanglang puhonan unya. Kasamtangang gitutokan sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center ang detalye sa business plan sa proyekto. Gilantaw nga mahuman na kini sa unang semana sa Agosto ug dinhi

masugdan na ang mga kalihukan sa pagpabarug niini. Mahinumduman nga una na nga nakapanukad sa milabay’nag mga bulan ang laing mga core processing projects sama sa “Food Basket” sa Kitcharao, “Beyond Rice” sa RTR, “Coffee Net” sa Buenavista ingon mang ang “Moringa Processing” ug “Coconut Processing Complex” sa Jabonga (nga kasamtangang gitutokan sa Philippine Coconut Authority isip nag-unang ahensya). Padayong ipahiluna usab sa mosunod nga mga bulan ang “Orchard Stop” sa Carmen, “Chocolate City” ug “Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate” sa Nasipit, “Feed Mill” sa Las Nieves, “Wasteto-Energy Power Plant” sa Magallanes, “Mineral Processing” sa Tubay ug “Abaca Processing Village” sa Cabadbaran. (Karen Decamotan with reports from Janicesa Dramayo, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Pag regulate sa sabungan sa Nasipit, gipahugtan

Suportado karon sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang ordinansa nga gikan sa lungsod sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte human gideklara niini nga balido ang Municipal Ordinance No. 2021-008 nga nag unod sa pag-establisar og sabungan ug pag-regulate sa operasyon nga adunay sabong sulod sa maong lungsod. Giluwat sa maong lungsod ang mga kinahanglanon sa mga bag-ong negosyante nga mokuha og prangkisa sa pagtukod ug naglatag kini og mga requirements para sa pag renew sa maong cockpit. Pagpaabot sa mga General guidelines, lagda ug regulasyon, mga gibawal sulod sa sabungan ug pag imposar og mga bayrunon niini.

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Mahibaloang mokabat sa Usa ka gatos ka libo (P100,000) ka pesos ang mamahimong franchise fee sa kinsa mang gusto mo operate og sabungan. Gitugotan ang maong cockfighting sa mga lisensyadong sabungan sa adlawng domingo, legal holidays ug panahon sa fiesta. Mamahimong operatibo usab kini kung adunay ipahigayon nga municipal agricultural, commercial o industrial fairs, carnival nga dili mo lapas sa tulo ka adlaw. Gipaabot usab nga walay ipahigayon nga sabong matag December 30 (Rizal Day), June 12 (Independence Day, November 30 (National Heroes Day), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, election o Referendum Day ug lain

pang holidays nga ideklara sa National Government. Ubos usab sa maong ordinansa, koliktahon ang maong bayad matag soltada, singkwenta pesos (P50.00) para sa hackfight ug usa ka gatos (P100.00) sa derby. Si kinsa mang makita sa paglapas pagahamtangan og duha ka libo ug lima ka gatos ka pesos (P2,500) o pag kansela sa permit niini ug lisensya. Ang pag-aproba sa maong municipal ordinance pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No.295-2021 sa pagpaningkamot ni Bokal James T. Reserva, tsirman sa Committee on Laws, Ethics and Good Government. (SVDeligero, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

July 3-9, 2021 |

Libreng X-ray sa mga posibleng naay TB gipadangat sa AgNor Nagpadangat niadtong Hulyo 5, og libreng chest X-ray screening ang Probinsya sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa buhatan sa Provincial Health Office sa Barangay La-Union ug Barangay Mabini, Syudad sa Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. Inisyal nga na-cater sa maong serbisyo ang 80 ka residente sa Brgy. La-Union ug 20 sa Brgy. Mabini. Gawas sa libreng x-ray nakadawat usab ang mga nagpa-xray ug hygiene kits. Mahinumduman nga nagsugod ang maong libreng Chest X-ray sa PHO sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Odelio Ferrer niadtong Hulyo 2 sa Barangay Calibunan diin 111 ka pasyente ang na-cater. Matod ni Arman-Emm C. Escatron, personahe sa PHO ug National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) Coordinator sa probinsya, nga ang tagsatagsa ka Rural Health Unit [RHU] sa probinsya ang nag identify sa mga prayoridad nga

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indibidwal. Priority sa maong serbisyo ang mga indibidwal nga prone sa TB sama sa senior citizens, diabetic, close contact sa TB patient, manigarilyo, alcoholic ug gi-ubo nga kapin duha sa ka-semana.

“Ang target sa DOH sa Agusan del Norte dapat naay ma treat na 2,300 plus ka new tb cases in every year kay according to studies, daghan kaayo gi-TB sa Pilipinas,” dugang ni Escatron.

Gawas sa mga pasyente sa Cabadbaran, kapin sa 1,200 ka indibidwal ang nahatagan og kahigayonan sa libreng chest x-ray screening sa nagka lain-laing munisipyo gikan sa Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, Las Nieves, Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga ug Kitcharao.

Kaabag sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang Department of Health sa Caraga ug tagsatagsa ka munisipyo ug sa syudad sa Cabadbaran sa maong kalihukan.

Tumong sa maong kalihokan nga mosaka ang detection sa adunay TB aron daghan ang matambalan niining sakita.

Nakatakda usab ugmang adlawa, Hulyo 6 ang libreng chest X-ray sa lungsod sa Buenavista. (Shena Mae Pabia with a report from Arman-Emm C. Escatron, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Gravid blue crabs i-regulate na sa Cabadbaran

kasag, lambay, masag ug alimasag nga klase sa alimango.

I-regulate na sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang gravid blue crabs ug crablets basi sa gi-aprobahang City Ordinance No. 2021-012 nga gipangamahan ni Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Celson A. Sanchez. Gi-aprobahan ug gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang maong city ordinance pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 270-2021, sa pagpaningkamot ni Bokal James T. Reserva. Ubos sa Seksyon 1 sa maong ordinansa, gidili na ang pagpanguha, pagpamaligya, pagpanag-iya, o pagpalit Caraga INFOCUS

sa gravid blue swimming crabs ilabi na kadtong wala pa niabot sa saktong kabug-aton gikan sa kadagatan ug mangrove swamps nga sakop sa teritoryo sa syudad sa Cabadbaran. Gidili usab ang paggamit og pukot nga ubos sa 12 sintemetro ang mesh size lakip na ang pagpangisda sa lugar ubos sa 10 metros ang kalawmon aron maprotektaran ang mga alimangong gagmay pa. Laing gidili ang BSC fishery nga walay permit nga gi-issue gikan sa City Agriculture Office sa Cabadbaran City. Ang gravid blue swimming crabs mao kadtong egg bearing crabs nga

Silotan kadtong si bisan kinsa nga musopak sa ordinansa pinaagi sa multa ug pagkapriso: Ang 1st Offense - pagsaway; 2nd Offense - multa nga 1,500 ug pagsuspinde sa permit nga dili molapas sa traynta (30) ka adlaw ug ang gravid crab ug mga juvenille crab ang kumpiskahon ug ibalik sa natural nga puy-anan; ug ang 3rd Offense – usa ka multa nga kantidad nga 3000 o pagkapriso sa pito (7) ka adlaw o pareho nga multa ug pagkapriso sa paghukum sa korte ug pagkumpiska sa mga gamit sa pangisda ug pagdakup ug pagbawi sa permit. Kung ang nakasala naglambigit sa pagkansela sa fish vending sa business permit sa negosyo dugang sa gilatid nga pagkapriso sa pagbuot sa korte. Naaprobahan ang Sanggunian Resolution No. 270-2021 atol sa ika-14 sesyon regular sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

July 3-9, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

Italy pledges support for Bangsamoro Govt Italy officially becomes the first foreign government to make a formal offer of public and private sector support for President Rody Duterte’s vision to develop the Bangsamoro Region. Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Manlio Di Stefano conveyed his government’s interest in supporting and funding development programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during a call on the Philippine Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol on Tuesday at the Department of Agriculture Central Office in Manila. Undersecretary Di Stefano was accompanied by Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, Giorgio Guglielmino, and officials of Italy’s private financing groups. Among the areas of interests mentioned by Undersecretary Di Stefano were the development of the farming and fishery sectors, the financing and construction of rural road networks and the dredging of the Rio Grande de Mindanao, a gargantuan task which could address perennial flooding in Central Mindanao. With the dredging of the Rio Grande de Mindanao, floodwaters are expected to subside making arable hundreds of thousands of hectares of rich farmlands surrounding the Liguasan Marsh. “We would like to be involved in the whole value chain of agriculture and fisheries,” Di Stefano said during his call.

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“We will bring with us technology and corresponding funding coming from both the public and private sectors of Italy,” he said. Di Stefano said recent developments in the Philippines, specifically President Duterte’s relentless and serious campaign against bureaucratic red tape and corruption, generated interest from both the public and private sectors in Italy to invest in the Philippines. He also congratulated the Agriculture Secretary for building the reputation of the DA as a corruption-free agency of government. “We have a huge foreign investments portfolio of about $175-B and we will be willing to invest part of this in the Philippines,” he said. The Italian Government had earlier made an offer to modernise the facilities of the National Food Authority (NFA) offering to build typhoon and flood resistant grains processing and storage facilities. With the passage of a new law reducing NFA’s role in the grains

(Photos by Larry Nuestro, DA AFID) industry to just buffer stocking, the proposal was effectively shelved.

Di Stefano said that with the recent pronouncements of President Duterte directing the Agriculture Secretary to assist the newly-organised BARMM develop the region, the Italian government would now like to shift their offer of support to the area. “We will follow wherever you go,” he told the Agriculture Secretary during the meeting. The Italian officials were informed that the DA is now helping the BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) in crafting a 10-year Agriculture Master Plan. It will involve the participation of all sectors in the region and the plan is expected to be completed before the end of August. “By then, we would already be able to identify where you could possibly come in to support the region’s development,” the Agriculture Secretary told the Italian officials.

July 3-9, 2021 |

Solar-powered irrigation to increase Lanao farmers’ yield

IRRIGATION. Taraka, Lanao del Sur’s first-ever local government-funded Solar Powered Irrigation System will open on July 29. 2021. It is the first such facility under the Mindanao Water Supply Program launched by the Mindanao Development Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Development Bank of the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of MinDA SPIS)

Rice farmers of Taraka, Lanao del Sur, an old town beside the 34,000-hectare Lake Lanao, will be able to plant a second crop in one year with the opening of the first-ever local governmentfunded Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) on July 29. In a statement Sunday, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said the six units of SPIS, funded through a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), compose the first batch of solarpowered irrigation built in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

and Local Government, and DBP, the agencies involved in the crafting of the MinDAWater Program. MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Taraka Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan and Vice Mayor Odin Sumagayan will lead the opening of the water pipes from the SPIS units designed to irrigate between 600 to 1,000 hectares of farmlands. “Mayor Sumagayan is also building a Solar-Powered Water Supply System to provide potable water for the 25,000 population of the town which had relied on their water needs from the Taraka River which meanders through the town proper and dislodges in Lake Lanao,” he added.

It is also the first SPIS to be established under the Mindanao Water Supply Program launched by MinDA, Farmers had relied only on Department of the Interior rainwater to irrigate their

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rice farms, resulting in low productivity. “For the rice farmers of Taraka, this will be a historic event as they had traditionally planted only once a year even if the water of Lake Lanao is just a few kilometers away,” Piñol added. MinDA is also introducing a complete value chain concept for the Rice Industry of Taraka, where the farmers will plant, process, and market the rice they will produce. MinDA will invite BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim, BARMM-MAFAR Minister Mohamad Yacob, and DBP officials led by its president, Emmanuel Herbosa, to attend the ceremonial opening of the irrigation valves. (PNA/Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo)

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NATIONAL NEWS

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

With an eye toward an inclusive development and commonly agreed objective to accelerate and harmonize aid and humanitarian assistance to the most affected and vulnerable communities, communications chief Secretary Martin Andanar has been stopping by in various municipalities in Surigao del Norte province to communicate and deliver the services under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program along with other concerned implementing

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government agencies. Sec. Andanar Given the opportunity to engage unreservedly with the locals, Sec. Andanar has seen and heard as they narrated in their own voices the struggles they are facing especially in the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and economic crisis which is unprecedented in its scale.

their hopes for a great escape from confronting human struggles,” Sec. Andanar articulated.

That is why the government, he said, is focusing in the mobilization of the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate responses and measures in a timely manner in order to address the enormous negative “I have been reminded of impacts brought about many of their challenges. I by the devastating found myself dealing with pandemic and other their sentiments and even emergencies. Caraga INFOCUS

Sec. Andanar furthered that the government could not afford to be complacent about the people’s health and is firm in making an all-out effort as the nation continues to battle against COVID-19 that triggered economic and social disruption and gravely wounded the economy, country, and its people.

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

As a Siargaonon and Surigaonon himself who hails from the country’s most beautiful island of Siargao, Sec. Andanar has the keen longing for a unified, all-inclusive, whole-of-society approach in keeping the province intact.

“I acknowledge the abundant diversity of cultures in Surigao del He then underscored Norte province, in Caraga Sec. Andanar, however, the importance of strong cited that mining depletes region and everyone working relationships the finite resources and in deserves to be treated among the local with respect and kindness. a strict sense, therefore, government units in the Being a Surigaonon everyone must be more province and act as myself, I am more inclined responsible and avoid in cohesive forces bridging continually exhausting the of creating consciousness resilience and mitigating of unification by available supply of these the risks posed by the introducing strategies that resources. virus. would promote social integration rather than “Technically sound “Intergovernmental segregation, solidarity exploration and relations in the local level instead of disharmony,” responsible mining must shall be upheld since stressed Sec. Andanar. be seriously practiced. interactions among local Since mineral resources government units are as This, he mentioned are finite within a human important as establishing as there are parties lifetime, it is crucial to strong linkages in according to him that take constructive steps advancing provincial are interested in creating to diminish the threats development,” quipped Siargao Island as a we face. And it is in this Sec. Andanar. separate province. context that we give more value to our neighboring In his most recent visit in He said that history has it, towns and island the municipality of Claver, and the National Historical municipalities because Surigao del Norte after Institute (NHI) even they will be among the the series of AHON events recommended that the primary lines of support in the island of Siargao, first and official flag raising when everything in your Sec. Andanar spent a occurred in Surigao. time with the local officials place will be put to the Hence, the Filipino’s challenge,” Sec. Andanar struggles for freedom and describing to them pointed out. how he captured the justice can be related Caraga INFOCUS

July 3-9, 2021 |

underscored that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the local government continues to work on implementing strategies that push for development.

Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee

best to the present endeavors of fostering one solid province comprising the mainland and island towns. “Aduna tay mga kalahian, apan ang atong gugma sa atong pinayangga nga probinsya nagpatigbabaw. Magampo kita, mag-ambit kita, magtinabangay kita labi na para sa atong mga kababayan nga nagkinahanglan (We may have some lingering and underlying differences but the love for our beloved province surpassed it all. Let’s continue praying, sharing, and helping especially the least of our breathren),” said Sec. Andanar. Meanwhile, Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee of

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Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee

the municipality of Claver thanked the national government and Sec. Andanar as the head of the government’s communication arm for continuing to uphold public awareness of the government’s actions on pressing concerns in the country, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccination program. “Letting people understand about the government’s plans for its people has always been a great challenge especially with a pandemic going on. But the PCOO has consistently launched various platforms to strengthen the government’s information drive,” Mayor Gokiangkee said.

The lady mayor

Also, Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee of the province of Surigao del Norte lauded the efforts of the local government of Claver to foster the recovery of the local economy of the municipality and laying out its plans postpandemic. He also underscored the efforts of the LGU to provide education for its youth. “We are proud that despite the setbacks our economy is facing, access to education for the youth of Claver was made possible through the efforts of the LGU and that is truly a lasting legacy,” the vice governor said. Sec. Andanar likewise mentioned that more clever leaders just like in Claver are needed who would remain committed and be instrumental for favorable progress. (VLG/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Secretary Andanar urges AHON beneficiaries to use assistance as a step towards recovery Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday urged beneficiaries of the various programs under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program to use the assistance they have received wisely. “Kining AHON para ni makatabang sa aton na mu-ahon o makalingkawas gikan sa kalisod tungod sa pandemya [AHON will help us recover from the difficulties brought by the pandemic],” Secretary Andanar said during the turnover of assistance here. “Ang ako lang panghinaot nga ang dawat ninyo nga tabang gikan sa DSWD, DTI, ug DA atong panigkamutan nga magasto sa insakto. Kung para sa negosyo, atong igasto sa pagnegosyo

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para mutubo [I am hoping that you will wisely use these assistance that you will receive from DSWD, DTI, and DA. If it’s for business, then roll it over so that your business will grow],” he added. Secretary Andanar said that the AHON Convergence Program is an initiative pushed by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go in order to reach more calamity-stricken communities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the vice-chair agency of the AHON Convergence Program. According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Victor Neri, the total amount of assistance for Socorro town under the AHON Program reached P1,674,800. He noted that the

government will not just provide emergency financial assistance to more Filipinos affected by the pandemic and calamities. He also assured that programs to ensure health and livelihood opportunities are available and ready to be given to beneficiaries as part of the recovery measures of the government. The DSWD provided aid under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program, giving out up to P3,000 to 100 qualified beneficiaries. The Department of Agriculture (DA) also turned over its programs to farmer cooperatives there, which include financial grants under DA’s Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program, and initiatives under its National Livestock Program.

July 3-9, 2021 |

At least P200,000 worth of aid allocated for Siargao towns through AHON convergence program

More programs from national government agencies under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program have been allocated for the towns of Burgos and San Benito in Surigao del Norte. This is the second wave of assistance provided by the inter-agency initiative. In a meeting here this morning, Presidential

| July 3-9, 2021

Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said that at least P200,000 worth of aid has been allotted for the said towns under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “Dapat lang mapakita nato sa tibook nasud nga seryoso gyud ang gobyerno sa paghatud

aning mga karajawan [We have to show to the whole country that this government is serious about delivering this assistance to you],” he said. According to Secretary Andanar the said assistance was made possible through the help of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who visited the island on Saturday, July 3, 2021 for the opening of the 125th Caraga INFOCUS

Malasakit Center at the Siargao Island Medical Center, in Dapa town. On top of this assistance, the Department of Agriculture also pledged at least P100,000 for every barangay as working capital for agrientrepreneurs under its Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program for the towns of Burgos and San Benito.

The AHON Convergence Program was created through Executive Order 137 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 24, 2021.

Andanar

Trade and Industry “Hindi po natatapos (DTI) also introduced sa pagtatanim ang their programs, agrikultura. Dapat po including the Livelihood turuan natin ang ating Seeding Program mga kababayan na – Pangkabuhayan magnegosyo [Agriculture sa Pagbangon at does not stop in planting. Ginhawa (LSP-PBG), We have to teach our a livelihood seeding people to do business],” and entrepreneurship DA Assistant Secretary development program Kristine Evangelista said. aimed at supporting micro-enterprises “Tulungan niyo po kami affected by calamities na maipamigay sa mga and emergencies like the magsasaka at livestock COVID-19 pandemic. raisers ninyo dito na may kakayahang palaguin “Gi-awhag namo ang itong mga ibibigay mga dagko ug gagmay namin [Help us distribute nga mga negosyante this assistance to those nga mutake advantage farmers and livestock gyud sa among mga raisers who can roll over programa [Note: this assistance],” she translate please],” DTI added. Assistant Secretary Reveree Niño C. The Department of Contreras said. Caraga INFOCUS

San Benito Vice Mayor Wellybel Requirme received the assistance and extended the gratitude of the local government for the attention the national government has given to San Benito. “Ngayon pa lang nangyari na ang Presidente at ang national government bumababa dito sa aming bayan. Dati nararamdaman namin na hindi kami nakikita sa mapa. Pero ngayon labis po ang aming kasiyahan dahil nakikita pala kami ng national government sa pangunguna ni Presidente Duterte [This is the first time it has happened that the President and the national government has come to our town. Before, we felt like we were not being seen on the map. But now, we are very happy because it turns out that the national government sees us],” he said. July 3-9, 2021 |

Duterte’s AHON program offers entrepreneurial opportunities for families in Siargao Island

In the second round of assistance for residents in the town of Santa Monica Surigao del Norte on Friday, July 2, under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program, the national government agencies focused on augmenting the livelihood opportunities of farmers and fisherfolk there.

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Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said that immediate action to address the needs of the Filipinos is a trademark of the Duterte administration. “Sa administrasyon ni Duterte aksyon agad. Hindi puro salita may ginagawa agad

[Under the Duterte administration we immediately take action. It is not lip service, we really do something],” he said. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) brought with them their Livelihood Seeding Program – Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (LSP-PBG), Caraga INFOCUS

Assistance Program of the agency worth P1.1 million.

Secretary Martin Andanar

a livelihood seeding and entrepreneurship development program aimed at supporting micro-enterprises affected by calamities and emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency has allocated P500,000 for the municipality where eligible beneficiaries can receive assistance of up to P10,000. The same assistance was also offered to other municipalities visited by the representatives of the national government agencies this week, including Pilar, General Luna, Dapa, and San Isidro. DTI is currently validating the list of beneficiaries that can receive aid from the program out Caraga INFOCUS

of the 100 farmers and fisherfolk that were encouraged to venture into agribusiness during the turnover event. “Maganda po ang hapon na ito, knowing na ang gobyerno natin, si Presidente Duterte hindi tayo pinabayaan sa gitna ng pandemya [It is indeed a good afternoon, knowing that our government, that President Duterte, looked after our welfare, in the midst of the pandemic],” DTI Assistant Secretary Reveree Niño C. Contreras said.

DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista also announced DA’s partnership with the local government of Santa Monica to establish a P14-million fish port that can be used by local fisherfolk. She added that cold storage facilities can also be added there once it is finished. “Yan po ang ating objective. Mapadali at gumanda ang kita ninyo sa pamamagitan ng [programa sa] agrikultura [That is our objective. To make it easy for you to earn and to improve your earnings through agricultural programs],” she said.

“Sisiguraduhin namin na makakarating sa inyo ang bawat programa na ipinaglaban sa Senado. Ito po ang pamahalaan na laging handang tumulong. Ito po ang pamahalaang bisyo The Department of ang magserbisyo [We Agriculture (DA), on the will make sure that all other hand, allocated a the programs that we financial grant under the pushed for in the Senate Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani reaches all of you,” she at Kita Financial Grant added. July 3-9, 2021 |

Amid difficulties caused by the pandemic, farmers and fisherfolk in Siargao Island get support from Bong Go’s team On Wednesday, June 30, farmers and fisherfolk in Pilar and General Luna, in Siargao island, Surigao del Norte received assistance from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as part of his efforts to help various sectors cope with the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Go’s staff organized separate distribution activities at Pilar National High School in Pilar, and at General Luna Municipal Gym in General Luna for

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around 100 beneficiaries at each venue while strictly implementing the necessary safety and health protocols. “Mga kababayan, magtulungan lang tayo. Alam kong mahirap ang panahon ngayon at maraming apektado na mga farmers, na mga fisherfolk dahil dito sa krisis na kinakaharap natin. Magbayanihan tayo at magmalasakit sa kapwa para malampasan ang mga pagsubok na ito,” Go expressed in his message

to the residents. The beneficiaries, then, received meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins from Go’s outreach team. There were also selected recipients who were given new pairs of shoes and bicycles. Lito Merly, one of the fishermen, said that the bicycle he received will be of great help for him to go to his work or get their family’s daily needs, saying “nagpapasalamat Caraga INFOCUS

ako kay Senator Bong Go, lalo na sa ating Presidente, maraming salamat dahil mayroon na akong pang-service pag namimili ako.” The Senator also gave computer tablets to selected recipients to help their children participate better during their classes under the blended learning set-up. Also in his video message, Go expressed his appreciation towards various government agencies for providing additional assistance to help the farmers and fisherfolk overcome the difficulties caused by the crisis on their lives and livelihoods.

may benefit from their respective livelihood programs. Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority evaluated beneficiaries who will be given scholarship grants and the opportunity to take part in their livelihood and skills training. Furthermore, the beneficiaries in Pilar were also provided with medicines from the Department of Health.

Financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development was given to each beneficiary, while the Department of Agriculture provided vegetable seeds.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar was also present during the relief activities and led the provision of financial assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk through the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment conducted an assessment where qualified individuals

The AHON Convergence Program is an interagency initiative to extend aid and social services to the mostaffected communities in times of calamities,

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emergencies and as part of the response to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Go encouraged the public to support the national vaccine program and get vaccinated once eligible in accordance with the rollout guidelines of the government especially for economic frontliners. “Kung mahal ninyo ang inyong mga pamilya magpabakuna na rin po kayo. Dahil ‘yan po ang susi o proteksyon upang unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” Go said. “Ang importante po ay ‘yung population protection at herd immunity po ngayong taong ito para naman po makabalik na tayo sa normal na pamumuhay at bumalik muli ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya,” added Go. To further provide underprivileged communities easy access to quality healthcare services, Go informed those needing July 3-9, 2021 |

renamed it as Siargao Island Medical Center. Under RA No. 11500, the hospital will be placed under the supervision of the DOH, its bed capacity will also increase from 50 to 100 beds. The law also mandates the upgrade of its professional heathcare services and facilities, and authorizes the increase of its medical personnel. medical attention that there will now be a Malasakit Center in the Island as the newly opened Center was launched in Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa this Saturday, July 3. This is the 125th Malasakit Center established nationwide. The center is a onestop shop designed for Filipinos, particularly poor and indigent patients, to give them convenient access to medical programs offered by DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To help Siargao

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Go, then, acknowledged Representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, Governor Francisco Matugas, Pilar Mayor Atty. Maria Liza Resurreccion and Vice Mayor Edito Salvaloza, General Luna Mayor Cecilia Rusillon and Vice Mayor Veronico Solloso, and many others, for their continuous support to struggling sectors amid the pandemic.

Island and boost its development, Go has also helped in the funding of several infrastructure projects in the island. In Pilar, the Senator extended his support in the water system rehabilitation, national roads reconstruction, and many others; while there will be several road concretion and possible expansion of Paseo de Cabuntog and Municipal “Sana makatulong ito sa pag-unlad ng inyong Park in General Luna, probinsya. Magdasal among others. po tayo at lagi ninyong tandaan na mahal Go also sponsored in namin kayo ni Presidente the Senate a bill that Duterte. Lagi po kayong became Republic mag-iingat mga Act No. 11500 which kapitbahay ko diyan upgraded the sa Surigao Del Norte,” capabilities of Siargao ended Go.” District Hospital and

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Bong Go’s team continues to provide support to disasterhit communities in Surigao del Sur; sends aid to Tagbina and Hinatuan towns In continuation of its relief operations for the victims of recent calamities in Surigao del Sur, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted another series of activities on Thursday, July 1, this time for the residents of Hinatuan and Tagbina who are still recovering from the effects of Typhoon Vicky that hit months ago. “Patuloy kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na tumutulong sa mga tinamaan ng bagyo dahil para sa amin, walang tulog dapat ang serbisyo. Wala kaming pinipiling araw para puntahan kayo para magbigay ng solusyon sa mga problema at magiwan ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” Go reassured in a video message. Caraga INFOCUS

is personnel handed out meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 27 beneficiaries, including two fire victims, at their respective municipal gyms. The activities were held in batches to ensure all health and safety protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed. Moreover, representatives from the National Housing Authority also provided

each beneficiary with financial assistance through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program. “Naanod at nasira ang bahay namin. Naawa ang Diyos at natutuwa kami na hindi kami pinabayaan ng gobyerno. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Panginoon, kay mayor at barangay captain dahil hindi nila kami pinabayaan sa gitna ng July 3-9, 2021 |

sa bakuna. Kapag nasa priority list kayo, magpabakuna na kayo. Iyan ang susi upang unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” he explained.

lahat na nangyari,” began possible amount. Patients Emanuel Lamay, a resident may conveniently avail of of Tagbina town. aid from various agencies, including the Department “Talagang hindi Niya of Health, Department tayo pababayaan. of Social Welfare Nagpapasalamat kami and Development, na walang nawala sa Philippine Health pamumuhay namin. Insurance Corporation, Importante talaga ngayon and Philippine Charity ang pagdarasal sa Sweepstakes Office. Panginoon,” he continued. “Ginagawa ng gobyerno The Senator, during ang lahat upang his message, also i-balanse ang mga encouraged those seeking pangangailangan at medical treatment to enlist kalusugan niyo. Siyempre the assistance of his office. pinaka-importante ang He informed them that buhay ng tao pero they may conveniently naiintindihan namin avail of medical assistance na kailangan niyo rin from the government maghanapbuhay, lalungthrough the Malasakit lalo na ‘yung mga ‘isang Center at the Butuan kahig, isang tuka’,” Medical Center in Butuan continued Go. City. “Kaya mga kababayan, The center is a one-stop tulungan niyo ang shop which aims to reduce pamahalaan at a hospital bill to the lowest magtiwala tayo

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Ending his remarks, the Senator thanked Hinatuan Mayor Shem Garay, Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso and all local officials for their dedication and untiring service to their communities during these trying times. He has supported the funding for the purchase and installation of street lights in Hinatuan and construction of a new multi-purpose building in each town to support their development. From June 23 to 25, over six thousand residents affected by Typhoon Auring in San Miguel were likewise provided muchneeded aid by Go’s personnel. Go also personally visited neighboring Surigao Del Norte province on Saturday, July 3 for the launch of the 125th Malasakit Center in Dapa town and distribution of aid to Farmers and Fisher Folks in Del Carmen. Caraga INFOCUS

Farmers and fisherfolk in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte receive aid from Bong Go during his visit to Siargao

After the launching of the 125th Malasakit Center at the Siargao Island Medical Center, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go took time to interact with residents, listen to their concerns, and provide assistance to 100 farmers and fisherfolk in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte on Saturday, July 3. In his speech, Go expressed his recognition of the farmers and fisherfolk who continue to work hard to help their communities even at the Caraga INFOCUS

height of a global health crisis. The relief operation was conducted at the Dinakpan Gym where Go, together with his team, distributed grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries as they were grouped into smaller batches while strictly following the necessary safety and health protocols. Selected beneficiaries

were given new pairs of shoes, while others were given bicycles for a more convenient commute considering the limited public transportation options. To improve access to quality education despite the restrictions caused by COVID-19, Go gave computer tablets to some beneficiaries to help their children access educational materials and engage better in blended learning being July 3-9, 2021 |

implemented in schools. “Kahit na distance learning tayo ngayon ang importante ay makapagtapos kayo ng inyong pag-aaral. Pangalawa, matutuwa ang inyong magulang kapag nakapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral. Ikatlo, kayo ang kinabukasan nitong ating bayan, ‘yan lang din ang puhunan natin kaya magaral kayo ng mabuti mga kabataan,” said Go. Several government agencies were also present during the activity as the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each qualified beneficiary with financial assistance. The Department of Health, in turn, gave supplies of medicines and

vitamins. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted an onsite evaluation to provide livelihood support to qualified recipients, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority determined

eligible beneficiaries for their scholarship grants. To further help fisherfolk recover, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources gave two units of patrol boats, three units of 7.5 HP diesel marine engines, and four bundles of polyethylene net for sea urchin culture. Similarly, the Department of Agriculture led the provision of 40 carabaos, supplies of vegetables seeds, and seven boats. DA also committed to construct a rice processing center to support more farmers. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar was also in attendance during the said event where he and Go spearheaded the distribution of additional

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assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk through the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program. The Senator proudly mentioned the newly inaugurated Malasakit Center at Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa, which he personally attended earlier that day. Since the establishment of the first Malasakit Center in 2018, there are now 125 Malasakit Centers nationwide. He, then reached out to beneficiaries with health concerns and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center where concerned agencies, such as DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, will assist them with their medical expenses and help reduce it to lowest amount possible. “Kung hindi kayang operahan dito sa Siargao, kami na ang sasalo. Nag-usap na kami ni Congressman at ni Mayor na kapag may mga pasyente dito, ipadala sa Maynila,” said Go. “Huwag na kayong magalala sa bayarin ninyo Caraga INFOCUS

sa Maynila, kami na ang bahala,” he added. Earlier, Go also sponsored a measure now signed into law as Republic Act No. 11500 which seeks to upgrade the capabilities of Siargao Island Medical Center. Under the said law, the hospital will be under the supervision of DOH, and its bed capacity will also increase from 50 to 100 beds. The law also mandates the upgrade of its professional healthcare services and facilities, and authorizes the increase of its medical personnel. “Ngayon nandito ako ngayon sa Surigao, patuloy ang aking opisina sa paghatid serbisyo. Alam ko mahirap ang panahon ngayon, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho marami ang nagsara na negosyo, pati dito marami ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay sa mga farmers, mga mangingisda apektado talaga kayo, ang turismo apektado rin dito,” Go acknowledged. Go expressed his support to numerous infrastructure projects in Del Carmen to help accelerate its economic development. Among the projects are construction of Tuburan water system, widening

of Taytay Bridge, and construction of Kaduyukan Bridge. He also supported efforts for the concreting of roads, rehabilitation of recreational facilities, construction of multipurpose buildings, improvement of bridges, and other infrastructure projects in Siargao Island. “Gusto ko lang malaman ninyo na kami ni Presidente Duterte ay nandito lang at handang magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya kaya magtulungan lang tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayo lang naman mga kapwa natin Pilipino. Tayong tagaMindanao magkapitbahay lang tayo,” he added. Go, then, recognized the hard work of Representatives Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, and Sergio Dagooc; Governor Francisco Matugas, Mayor Proserfina Coro, Vice Mayor Alfredo Coro II, and other local government officials, as they continue to serve their constituents amid difficult times. “Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po, magtulungan lang tayo malalampasan rin natin ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go ended. July 3-9, 2021 |

More farmers and fisherfolk in Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte receive aid from Bong Go as part of his commitment to support struggling sectors amid the health crisis As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit more underprivileged communities in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to provide assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte on Friday, July 2. To protect the well-being of the 100 beneficiaries in attendance at Sapao Central Elementary School, the Senator’s team grouped the recipients into smaller batches as they strictly followed necessary safety and health protocols recommended by the government. Go’s staff, then, gave meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the farmers and fisherfolk. Some beneficiaries also received new pairs of shoes that they can use while others were given bicycles.

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Computer tablets were also given to few beneficiaries so that their children would engage better during their classes under the blended learning approach. Go also urged the public to trust and support the vaccination program and get inoculated once they are eligible. “Ang target po natin makamtan ngayong taong ito ay population protection at herd immunity po para naman po untiunti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” reminded Go. “Mga kababayan ko, habang patuloy na pong dumarating ang mga bakuna, pakiusap lang ho namin ni Pangulong Duterte magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna,” Go said. “Sa mga LGUs natin, nakikiusap po ako. Suyurin po ang dapat suyurin para po mabakunahan na po ‘yung mga senior citizens natin na hindi po nakakalabas ng bahay,” he added.

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Go, then, commended various government agencies which offered additional assistance to further help elevate the lives of essential workers who were greatly affected by the national health crisis. Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted each beneficiary with financial assistance, while the Department of Agriculture handed out supplies of vegetable seeds.

them to visit any Malasakit Center in the region. The following day after the distribution of assistance, Go personally witnessed the launching of the Malasakit Center at the Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa town where the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, will assist them to lower their medical expenses.

Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all DOH-run hospitals, and The Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippine General Hospital to conducted an assessment where qualified ensure that Filipinos, particularly poor individuals will be given livelihood and indigent patients, can conveniently support through their Pangkabuhayan sa access medical programs offered by the Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program. concerned agencies. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment evaluated recipients who will have the opportunity to be compensated after rendering community work under their Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program.

To boost economic development in Surigao del Norte, go supported several projects, such as the construction of a farm-to-market road in Claver, improvement of Baoy River flood control in Gigaquit, rehabilitation of a multi-purpose building in Pilar, and many more.

Personnel from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, then, determined beneficiaries who can take part of their scholarship programs and livelihood trainings.

To further improve the capabilities of Siargao Island Medical Center, Go sponsored Republic Act No. 11500 which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte recently. Under the said measure, it seeks to enhance the efficiency of SIMC by increasing its bed capacity from 50 to 100, upgrading professional healthcare services and facilities, and allowing to hire more medical staff.

Through the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide Convergence Program, more forms of support were given to the farmers and fisherfolk as part of the government’s efforts to provide necessary aid to the most affected communities in times of calamities and emergencies. To further help beneficiaries or their loved ones with health concerns, the Chair of Senate Committee on Health advised

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Concluding his message, Go lauded Representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, Governor Francisco Matugas, Mayor Fernando Dolar, Vice Mayor Arwela Dolar, and other local officials for their service to their constituents amid crisis situations.

July 3-9, 2021 |

Bong Go vows to support more affected sectors amid pandemic as his team distributes assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Socorro, Surigao del Norte As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expands his outreach program to the country’s struggling communities, he sent aid to a hundred farmers and fisherfolk in Socorro, Surigao del Norte on Monday, July 5. Go’s team conducted the distribution activity at Brgy. Taroc Covered Court where they strictly implemented safety and health protocols as they grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches to further prevent the spread of the virus. Recipients, then, received various essentials, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Additionally, Go’s staff handed out new pairs of shoes to some beneficiaries that they can use. Considering that access to public transportation remains limited, the Senator also sent bicycles to selected recipients to help ease their commute situations.

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In his video message, Go expressed his commitment to provide poor and indigent students the access to quality education as select beneficiaries received computer tablets to help their children pursue their studies while under the blended learning set-up implemented in schools. He reassured the beneficiaries that the government continues to exert efforts to provide sufficient and safe vaccines for the Filipinos. Go, then, encouraged everyone to get inoculated as soon as they become eligible in compliance with the national vaccination program guidelines. “Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo

sa COVID-19. Bakuna po ang kailangan natin ngayon para po makamtan natin ang herd immunity ngayong taong ito para naman po sumaya ang ating Pasko,” said Go. “Magpabakuna na ho kayo, kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga pamilya dapat po’y protektado kayo. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna,” he added. To further help the beneficiaries recover, several government agencies were also in attendance and provided additional assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk. The Department of Social Welfare and Development granted financial assistance to each beneficiary, while

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inyo hangang maging zero balance ang inyong billing. Para ito sa mga poor and indigent patients, puntahan lang ninyo,” Go said. Apart from the assistance provided, Go also conveyed his support for several road constructions and rehabilitations in Socorro, including roads in Brgy. Sudlon, Brgy. Navarro, Brgy. Nueva Estrella, and many more, as part of his pledge to accelerate economic development in all regions.

the Department of Health gave supplies of assorted medicines. In turn, the Department of Agriculture provided packs of vegetable seeds. Staff from the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Labor and Employment evaluated recipients who can benefit from their respective livelihood programs. Meanwhile, scholarship grants and livelihood trainings await recipients who were evaluated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. In addition, more forms of support were provided through the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide Convergence

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Program as part of the government’s commitment to support affected communities during times of calamities and emergencies. Go, then, reached out to beneficiaries with health concerns who are reluctant to seek medical attention as he encouraged them to visit Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa, Siargao Island where there is a Malasakit Center that will assist in their medical expenses. “Mga kababayan ko, kung kailangan niyo ng tulong sa pagpapa-ospital, puntahan lang ninyo ang Malasakit Center, batas na ito at nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, Philealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD, na handang tumulong sa

Furthermore, the Senator earlier sponsored the Republic Act No. 11500 which seeks to improve the capabilities of Siargao Island Medical Center by increasing its bed capacity, upgrading its healthcare services and facilities, and authorizing to employ more medical personnel. Go commended Representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, Governor Francisco Matugas, Mayor Felizardo Galanida, Vice Mayor Gilberto Dacera and other local officials for providing much needed support to help their community build back better. “Mga kababayan ko, marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, marami pong nagsara na negosyo, marami pong naghihirap sa panahon ngayon. Magtulungan lang po tayo mga kababayan ko,” Go ended.

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Nograles stresses continued focus on Zambo Peninsula agriculture and nutrition during pandemic

“We’re implementing a comprehensive roadmap to achieve zero hunger. We’re particularly focused on collaborations with the private sector and groups such as Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) which share the same advocacy of ending poverty and malnutrition in both our cities and in the countryside,” the Malacañang official explained.

Nograles

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles took time to highlight the government’s agriculture and nutrition programs in the Zamboanga Peninsula at the time of the pandemic during the 12th holding of the Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series at Zamboanga City last July 8, 2021. During the event, the Cab Sec was joined by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, CORDS for Region IX and DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, PIA Director General and PCOO Usec Ramon Cualoping III, as well as DOH-Region IX Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes who all served as resource speakers. The Pre-SONA gathering was being conducted in various regions as part of preparations for the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte this coming July 2021. Its main objective is to inform constitutents of the various achievements of the administration, including plans for the remainder of the President’s term. The event also serves as an opportunity to report measures being undertaken to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic under the National Vaccination Deployment Plan (NVDP). In his speech, Nograles, who also serves as Task Force on Zero Hunger head, laid out the various successful initiatives addressing hunger and malnutrition in Region IX, which were all part of the Duterte administration’s “whole-of-government approach” under the National Food Policy.

“All Zamboanga Peninsula provinces are considered priority areas during the pandemic. We’re prioritizing families and communities that need assistance most, knowing that that their nutritional requirements are foremost concerns during this health emergency.” The former Davao legislator and Mindanao development advocate encouraged more stakeholders and sectors to join the government’s anti-hunger campaign, noting that “Kailangan natin magtulungan. We can be more effective in solving the country’s problems if both government and the private sector act on shared, common goals, especially for undernourished children. Focusing on the needs of vulnerable sectors in Mindanao is indispensable to the area’s development.”

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‘May laban na ang mamamayan!’ gordon fights for the poor as probe on delayed implementation of motorcycle crime prevention law resumes Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, stressed on Thursday that the public should be protected from unscrupulous motorcycle dealers who take advantage of the current sales scheme by not providing buyers with ownership papers such as the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration.

for the needs of their families. “Kailangang proteksyunan ang mamamayang Pilipino. Imagine, nangangarap kang makabili ng motorsiklo para hindi ka na mamamasahe, hindi ka na matatraffic sa pagpunta sa trabaho at maipapasyal mo ang iyong pamilya, pero ‘yun pala, may bitag. Kapag hindi ka nakabayad, hihilahin na lang ang motor mo. Wala kang magawa dahil wala kang Certificate of Registration,” Gordon said as he again brought up the unjust practices by some motorcycle dealers.

During the resumption of the Blue Ribbon investigation on the delayed implementation of RA 11235, authored by Gordon, he said that the scheme, tagged as the MAIRDOEs (manufacturers, assemblers, importers, rebuilders, dealers, and other entities) system, oppresses the poor buyers who “Hindi dapat mahihila ang motorsiklo save hard to buy a motorcycle so they kung may Certificate of Registration can move about and work to provide na ibinibigay sa kanila ngunit hindi Caraga INFOCUS

July 3-9, 2021 |

‘yan naibibigay kaya maraming motorsiklo ang nahihila lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya dahil marami ang nawalan ng trabaho at walang maibayad sa binili nilang motorsiklo. Kaya ang pinaghirapan nila ay nawala na lang bigla at si Juan ay lalong naghirap,” he added.

thus, his motorcycle was impounded.

Gordon disclosed that he received numerous complaints from motorcycle owners that some MAIRDOEs get the installment money without giving the buyer ownership papers.

Meanwhile, Gordon stressed that the public should be given access to credit facilities of the government to help them pay for their liabilities especially during times of pandemic.

One of the complainants, Ramil Baraquil, appeared during the investigation. According to him, he bought a motorcycle unit in May 2019 from Premio Corporation in its Naga Branch in Cebu. He paid on installment basis, however, due to the pandemic, he lost his job as a service crew in a local fast food chain and was not able to pay for the amortization fees for several months,

“Dapat ang gobyerno, buksan ang Landbank, ang development o rural banks, na kung hindi makabayad ang mga tao during this time, makahiram doon. ‘Yan ang naiisip kong legislation para hind malulugi ‘yung nagbebenta ng motorsiklo at ganun din ang buyer dahil bilang gobyerno, aalalayan niya ang mamamayan. Ang gobyerno ay dapat para sa tao,” said Gordon.

Gordon then introduced Maricris Lopez, Vice President for Sales and Marketing of Premio to discuss the matter and come out with the most suitable solution to Baraquil’s predicament.

“May loan moratorium of 60-day The issue on the system was grace period from September to first brought up during the December 2020. Pagbigyan naman initial investigation on the late natin na kahit papaano, hintayin implementation of RA 11235 last nating makatapos tayo sa COVID February 8. pero dapat mayroong kasulatan. Ang gusto niya (Baraquil) lang, Through the Land Transportation Office makapaghanapbuhay. Kung hindi (LTO) Administrative Order AVT 2014siya makakapaghanapbuhay, hindi rin 024, the motorcycle manufacturers, kayo mababayaran. Each one of you assemblers, builders, dealers, and will have to lean over backwards,” he other groups were put together under told Lopez. the MEIRDOEs system, under which dealers are accredited to process Lopez then invited Baraquil to come the registration of newly-purchased to their Naga branch to discuss his vehicles, including motorcycles. payment options.

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President Duterte saddened by deadly Sulu plane crash, vowed to aid victims President Rodrigo Roa Duterte extended his condolences Monday to the families of those who perished in the crash of a military plane in Patikul, Sulu, over the weekend, promising assistance to those who died and to the injured. “I commiserate with you. I am as sorrowful as you. And as Commander-inChief, ako ‘yong pinaka --pinakanasasaktan sa buhay na nawala,” President Duterte said in a brief speech during his visit to Zamboanga City where some of the dead soldiers lie. “I am at a loss of words so that I will end up here, or else I will end up crying also like you.” The President said the soldiers “died for our country and, for that, I am very grateful”. He promised to extend all help needed by the families of those who died and for those who are still recuperating in the hospitals, adding the soldiers did not die in vain.

the benefits when they retire. “I hope we finish this before I make my exit na malagyan kayo ng isang GSIS for your mga --- lahat na, retirement and everything, and you have your own bank. Ang ano lang nito is I will sell a part of Bonifacio,” he said. “We are still working at it pero gusto ko lang maiwan, gusto kong maglagay ng malaking pera para sa Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

The chief executive also promised to raise money for the benefit of the members of the military before he steps down as president.

“Iyan lang ang mabawi ko sa sundalo ko lalo na ‘yong namatay, that they will --- their families will be protected, that their families will be comfortable at ‘yong daily living and education of the children will be assured.”

He mentioned the sale of a portion of Fort Bonifacio that will be used to put up a bank for the soldiers and to pay for

He assured the soldiers that as long as he is the chief executive, he “will add more benefits for your family.”

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During the event, President Duterte also posthumously conferred the Order of LapuLapu, rank of Kalasag, on some of the soldiers who died in the plane crash. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that 47 military personnel were killed when a Philippine Air Force C-130 plane crashed in Sulu on Sunday. All 96 passengers have been accounted for, it said. Aside from the soldiers who died in the mishap, three civilians on the ground were also killed, bringing the overall death toll to 50, the AFP said. Forty-nine military personnel and five civilians were also injured. The C-130 aircraft overshot the runway at Jolo airport then crashed in Patikul town. The military plane was carrying troops to help fight insurgents in the island. PND

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US, Japan vaccine donations seen to boost PH’s mass inoculation drive More than 3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be donated by the United States while Japan will send more than one million doses, which could prop up the country’s mass immunization drive as well as address distribution disparity. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting on government’s COVID-19 interventions on Tuesday, Food and Drug Administration Chief Rolando Enrique Domingo said the FDA has already issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Department of Health (DOH) to accept possible donations of Janssen vaccines from the US, and AstraZeneca doses from Japan. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine is uniquely known for being a single-dose coronavirus vaccine unlike most vaccines that require two separate doses, said Domingo. The US will donate this month more than 3 million Janssen doses through the World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility.

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Japan on the other hand, will ship more than one million doses of AstraZeneca jabs, the second most widely used vaccine in the Philippines. The FDA chief also expressed optimism to begin pediatric vaccination in the country, noting that Pfizer now has the EUA to inoculate children aged 12 years old and above. Apart from Pfizer, Domingo said China’s Sinovac has also applied for an amendment of their EUA to include children aged three to 17 years old. The FDA is continuously negotiating with various vaccine manufacturers to add more sources where the Philippines can purchase COVID-19 jabs, said Domingo, citing Novavax and China’s Minhai Biological Technology as new prospective vaccine sources. Meanwhile, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who was also present in the meeting, said the Philippines has already breached the 12 million mark of administered jabs as a result

of the country’s aggressive vaccination campaign. “This is the first week that we have 2 million that we have reported for this week… Nagpapatunay ito na tumataas na rin ang kapasidad ng ating local government units at saka ‘yong sa ating mga probinsiya,” said Galvez. Galvez, who is also the National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer, said the country is set to receive this July 16 million coronavirus vaccine doses through a government and private sector procurement tie up as well as from donations. Around 14 million COVID-19 jabs will also be delivered to the country by the end of August, he said. The country has so far vaccinated 1.6 million health workers and 119,770 of their family members, 2.5 million senior citizens, 3 million individuals with comorbidities, 1.4 million economic frontliners, and 272, 036 indigents. PND

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on July 6, 2021. ACE MORANDANTE/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Duterte issues warning on illicit sale of COVID-19 vaccines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made renewed warning on Tuesday saying unscrupulous individuals illegally selling COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination slots will face the full force of the law. “Again, this is a warning and you know how it is, when you are caught, you are arrested, and you are detained, and you have to answer the charges in court,” President Duterte said in issuing the warning during a public address. The President said he was alarmed upon learning the illegal sale of COVID-19 vaccines by a health worker, who was Caraga INFOCUS

arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

government are not for sale. They are given to our poor people for free. Not only to the poor but to the rich so they opt to have vaccinations in the vaccination centers.”

It came a few weeks after reports of vaccination slots being peddled by some unscrupulous individuals in A nurse and two others were apprehended last Mandaluyong City. month by the agents of the NBI for allegedly “This is very alarming. selling 300 doses of We condemn these Sinovac vaccine for acts, and we will not P1 million. The health allow perpetrators to go worker is employed at unpunished,” he said. the Gat Andres Bonifacio “I order every relevant Memorial Medical Center authority to investigate in Manila. this matter thoroughly and press charges According to the NBI, the accordingly.” suspects were part of a group selling COVID-19 “Again, let me reiterate to jabs to the public everyone: The COVID-19 especially to Chinese vaccines given by the workers. PND July 3-9, 2021 |

President Duterte calls for sustained dialogue, peaceful engagement with China China will play an important role in global affairs in the coming decades, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said, as he called on the Asian economic giant for a sustained dialogue and peaceful engagement to attain mutual benefits. In his virtual participation to the Communist Party of China and World Political Parties Summit Tuesday, President Duterte said China has realized its dream of progress and prosperity

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for its people adding, however, that great power entails immense responsibility. “There won’t be any turning back. China has risen and will play an important role in global affairs for decades to come,” the President said. “The world faces tremendous challenges – from COVID-19 to climate change and various security threats. While we see difficulties, we also glean many

opportunities for greater cooperation and solidarity.” The Filipino leader extended his gratitude to the Chinese government for its timely assistance to the Philippines to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and restart its economy. To further build mutual trust and confidence, the President said the two nations must sustain their constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement. “This is crucial as the Caraga INFOCUS

bilateral relations between our two countries expand and deepen. We count on China as a friend and partner for peace and development,” he stressed.

China on its Centennial Founding Anniversary. Through the Communist Party of China’s visionary leadership, the Asian behemoth made an extraordinary rise to prosperity, lifting over 800 million Chinese out of extreme poverty and driving global growth in the process.

“We trust in the collective wisdom of the great Chinese nation — that China will use its newfound strength in defense of what is good This unique achievement and just for all humanity.” was made possible by the collective and Nations exist in one dedicated efforts of global village and the Chinese people therefore their destinies under the leadership of are inextricably linked the CPC, according to with each other, President Duterte. President Duterte said. Therefore, peace and The Communist Party prosperity must be of China and World shared and enjoyed by Political Parties Summit is all, he added. an important multilateral diplomatic event The Philippine president organized as the CPC also congratulated the marks its centenary. Communist Party of the People’s Republic of The summit aims to Caraga INFOCUS

strengthen exchanges between the CPC and political parties from other countries and mutual learning in governance, enable joint responses to challenges like the current pandemic, as well as enhance the capability of improving people’s well-being. It also seeks to advance world peace and development, and promote the creation of a community with shared future for mankind. The summit has for its theme “For the People’s Wellbeing: The Responsibility of Political Parties.” PND July 3-9, 2021 |

Japan provides P308-M cold chain grant aid to PH The Japanese government signed on Tuesday the 687 million yen (approximately PHP308 million) grant aid to provide the country much-needed cold chain transport and ancillaries for its vaccine rollout. Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko signed and exchanged notes with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. for the Japanese grant assistance called “Programme for Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support,” to be implemented across the country. “With the distribution of vaccines to the provinces a top priority of the Philippine Government, the cold chain facility system will boost efforts in the nation’s vaccination program. This will not only ensure safe and efficient vaccines delivery but also preserving the integrity and quality of vaccines,” the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement. The signing came on the heels of Tokyo’s announcement to donate one million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine Caraga INFOCUS

COVID-19 RESPONSE AID. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko signs the exchange of notes for the implementation of the Programme for Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support. The 687-million-yen grant aid will be implemented throughout the Philippines with the provision of cold chain transport and ancillaries. (Photo courtesy of Japanese Embassy in Manila)

manufactured in Japan. According to the Embassy, this is part of the one billion yen cold chain development assistance to the Philippines mentioned during the Japan-Philippines Summit Telephone Talk between Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and President Rodrigo Duterte last May. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Japan has continuously provided comprehensive support to the Philippines, ranging from the grant aid for the procurement of

medical equipment and establishment of laboratory surveillance sites, technical assistance for cold chain development, provision of Avigan tablets, as well as big-ticket yen loan assistance through the Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Loan (CRESL) and the Post-Disaster Standby Loan Phase 2. “As has been before and until now, Japan remains committed to provide a steady stream of support to the Philippines’ goal of herd immunity,” the Embassy said. (PNA/Joyce Ann L. Rocamora) July 3-9, 2021 |

Gov’t to impose stricter border control vs. Lambda variant: DOH

bio-surveillance that our Philippine Genome Center is doing),” Duque said. He emphasized that all returning Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers must follow strict quarantine protocols, wherein they will undergo quarantine for at least 10 days and take a swab test on the seventh day since their arrival.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (File photo)

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday said the government would impose stricter border controls to prevent the entry of the Lambda Covid-19 strain, which remains to be a “variant of interest”. In a Palace briefing, Duque said the Lambda variant, which reportedly originated in Peru and has spread in 35 Latin American countries, has not yet been detected in the Philippines based on the genome sequencing of the Philippine Genome Center from 7,000 samples. Duque also noted that

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the Lambda variant has not yet been classified as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization. “So iyan po ang paigtingin natin, ang border control – ibig sabihin po nito (So in our assessment, the border control – meaning) 14-day quarantine – 10 in the government identified quarantine facility, test on the 7th day and completion of the remaining 4 days in their home, LGU (local government unit) or residents and of course iyong bio-surveillance natin na ginagawa ng Philippine Genome Center (the

Duque noted that border controls have so far been effective, particularly against the highly infectious Delta variant with no local case or local transmission recorded yet in the Philippines. “So, kaya kinakailangan talaga bantayan po natin ito dahil baka biglang maging variant of concern. So, ano ang gagawin natin? Patuloy na paigtingin ang ating border control (So, we need to really monitor this because it might become variant of concern. So, what shall we do? Let’s continue intensifying our border control),” he said. (PNA/By Filane Mikee Cervantes) Caraga INFOCUS

Over 11.7M now vaccinated in PH A total of 11,708,029 individuals have been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the Philippines, the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 said on Monday. The latest NTF data shows a total of 8,839,124 individuals have received their first dose while 2,868,905 others have completed their two doses of Covid-19 vaccine as of July 4. In the past 18 weeks of the national vaccination program, the government has reached a record high of 1,778,989 doses being administered. The average daily vaccination rate in the last seven days is at 254,141 doses, with 1,197 average number of active reporting vaccination sites. The NTF reported that 1,714,313 health care workers have already received their first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine Caraga INFOCUS

while 1,156,220 are fully vaccinated. Some 2,524,204 senior citizens under A2 category of priority groups, 2,993,197 persons with comorbidity (A3), and 1,350,979 essential sector (A4) and 256,431 indigents (A5) have received their first dose.

File photo

other eligible populations belonging to priority groups A1 to A5 to register for the Covid-19 vaccination program. Those who received their dose are encouraged to complete the required number of doses as scheduled.

The public is also urged On the other hand, some to keep practicing 788,630 of A2, 897,719 the minimum public of A3, 26,109 of A4, and health standards as the 227 of A5 are now fully transmission of infections vaccinated against the is still possible regardless disease. of vaccination status. (PNA/ Lade Jean The government urged Kabagani) July 3-9, 2021 |

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