Caraga InFocus –July 31-August 6, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 312 July 31-August 6, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS

EXPANDED CANTILAN PORT ENHANCES MARITIME CONNECTIVITY, MOBILITY IN MINDANAO DOH CARAGA SAYS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY VS DELTA VARIANT NRCG RENEWS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN MSME RESILIENCE DA, ATI, BAFS TRAIN PGS CORE GROUP IN CARAGA

PROVINCIAL NEWS TOWN MAYOR BARES ONGOING EFFORTS 18 AGSUR VS COVID-19 ORG IN AGSUR ADVOCATES VS ILLEGAL 20 YOUTH DRUGS, TERRORISM MODERNIZED AGRICULTURE FACILITY 22 AGSUR’S YIELDS FIRST HARVEST 23 AGSUR TRAINS FORMER REBELS CARAGA TURNS OVER WATER REFILLING 25 DSWD STATION PROJECT TO AGSUR BENEFICIARY SIKAT HOLD I-FIT WORKSHOP IN SIARGAO 26 BFAR-13, ISLAND ACCEPTS ENTRIES FOR OUTSTANDING 28 BFAR-13 COASTAL COMMUNITY ATTACKS MINING FIRM, BURNS P50-M WORTH 29 NPA OF MINING EQUIPMENT SURFING CAPITAL: A HOME TO NUMEROUS 30 PHFLORA AND FAUNA NG NTF-ELCAC PORMAL NA INILUNSAD SA 32 SBDP SURIGAO NORTE PARTNERS JOIN 2021 ENVIRONMENT MONTH 34 MGB, CELEBRATION MAGSASAKA NAKINABANG SA LIBRENG 36 8K‘IRRIGATION SERVICE FEE’ SA SURSUR TANDAG NANAWAGAN NA MAGPABAKUNA 37 LGU NA NG 2ND DOSE GIPADANGAT SA HILIT NGA SITIO SA 38 AGUSERBISYO AGUSAN DEL NORTE VALIDATION ALANG SA ‘VEGETABLE DERBY’ NAGPADAYON 40 SITE

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MINDANAO NEWS UNIFRUTTI, MADC SHARE FORMULA IN CONTROLLING ‘PANAMA DISEASE’ BALIK PROBINSYA ZAMBO NORTE: 2ND MINDANAO MODEL VILLAGE RISES IN FORMER REBELS LAIR

NATIONAL NEWS

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR: ON FAKE NEWS CIRCULATING ONLINE CLAIMING PRES. DUTERTE IS USING COVID-19 VACCINES TO “DEPOPULATE” THE PH ANDANAR PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE PRESIDENT AQUINO, ATTENDS OFFICIAL P-NOY STAMP LAUNCH SECRETARY ANDANAR: LOCAL GOVERNMENT VIEWS ON DUTERTE ADMIN’S FOCUS AREAS REMAIN IMPORTANT

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CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

ANDANAR: MALASAKIT CENTER REFLECTS DUTERTE ADMIN’S GENUINE MALASAKIT TO INDIGENT FILIPINOS TUBAJON, DINAGAT ISLANDS LGU SEEKS HELP IN FUNDING CONSTRUCTION OF MUNICIPAL PIER LAZI MAYOR ENCOURAGES CONSTITUENTS TO ENGAGE IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATING THE DUTERTE LEGACY (1)

HUNDREDS OF STORM SURGE VICTIMS IN ILOILO CITY RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM BONG GO AS HE CONTINUES TO PUSH FOR THE CREATION OF A DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE

BONG GO WELCOMES RELEASE OF FUNDS TO COVER SEVERE ADVERSE REACTIONS FROM COVID-19 JABS; ASSURES PUBLIC THAT THE THREATS POSED BY COVID-19 OUTWEIGHS THE UNLIKELY RISKS THAT MAY COME FROM VACCINES BONG GO COMMENDS PRRD APPROVAL OF FUNDS FOR CONTACT TRACERS GORDON UNDERSCORES NEED TO END SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN, TO SPONSOR MEASURE INCREASING AGE OF SEXUAL CONSENT IN PH

NEWLY ENACTED LAW TO SPEED UP RESOLUTION OF CASES IN TRIAL COURTS

COVID-19 NEWS

DUTERTE CITES UK ENVOY’S ROLE IN IMPROVING PH VAX ACCESS INDIGENTS PRIORITY FOR DEPLOYMENT OF MODERNA JABS: GALVEZ NO AREAS WILL BE NEGLECTED IN VAX DEPLOYMENT: PRRD

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the death of Ms. Arlene de Castro We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI) General Manager Katherine Chloe de Castro and her family, friends, and loved ones on the passing of her mother Arlene de Castro. Having worked for different Philippine broadcast media such as the Maharlika Broadcasting System and ABS-CBN, Arlene de Castro has cemented her legacy as a tough boss but a generous leader, as her former colleagues have recalled. May her legacy in the media industry as well as public service inspire the next generation of broadcaster, journalists, and media workers to have the courage, bravery, and empathy to undertake their passion for the media industry. Our prayers are with the de Castro family, their friends, and loved ones in this time of grief.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Senator Go calls on indig assistance from Malasak In time with the launching of the 131st Malasakit Center in the province of Agusan del Sur, Senator Bong Go called on indigent AgSurnons to avail of the services should they need medical assistance. Senator Go gave emphasis how significant it is to the lives of the Filipino people to have easier access to medical needs. “The government led by President Rodrigo Duterte is serious in addressing the needs of the populace. Kahit ano mang layo ang lugar, basta kaya lang namin, pupuntahan po ng gobyerno para maipaabot sa inyo ang mga serbisyo (no matter how far the area, as long as we’re capable of going, we in the government will do everything to bring the needed services in your place),” he cited. Senator Bong Go ssaid the Malasakit Center

|July 31-August 6, 2021

targets to serve the most vulnerable sectors, the underprivileged, and ensure that they get the medical care they need in the most convenient way. He also asked the medical doctors manning the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital to take good care of the patients and accommodate those who would be asking for

help. “Basta Pilipino, pwedeng mag-qualify sa ating Malasakit Center. Target natin ang Zero balance para sa mga pasyente. ‘Yung uuwi sila sa kanilang mga bahay mula sa ospital na wala nang aalalahanin pa (As long as the person is Filipino people, he/ Caraga INFOCUS

gent AgSurnons to get kit Center By Jennifer P. Gaitano

to municipal, city and down to the barangays for constantly providing public service to their respective constituents especially during this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

The senator further urged all the AgSurnons to get vaccinated and maintain practicing the health protocols against the transmission of COVID-19 to keep

she could qualify from getting assistance at the Malasakit Center. Our aim is to ensure zero balance bill for the patients. We want them leave the hospital and go home at peace),” Go said. He also thanked all the local officials from the provincial government Caraga INFOCUS

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

everyone safe. “Pakiusap po namin sa inyo, habing nandiyan po ang Delta variant, mas magingat po tayo at kung maaari ay siguruhing napabakunahan po ang ating mga pamilya. Libre po ito kaya huwag po nating sayangin ang pagkakataong ito (I appeal to everyone to be very cautious considering the presence of the Delta variant. Let’s make sure that our family gets vaccinated. This is free, so let’s not miss this opportunity),” he said.

sa ating kapwa. Kaya po nating malampasan ang lahat ng ito (Let’s continue the spirit of Bayanihan and take good care of everyone. We will surpass all these),” added Go. Go also announced that the 126 patients at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Agusan del Sur, as well as the more than 300 frontliners will receive grocery packs, vitamin supplements, face masks and face shields from his office.

“Magbayanihan po tayo, He also encouraged the magmalasakit po tayo students to study well in

|July 31-August 6, 2021

order to achieve their dreams. Some bikes and shoes were also distributed after a raffle at the venue. Go also highlighted that the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital will receive a replenishment worth P3-million every month. “Apart from this, the Office of the President will also provide a one-time download of medical assistance for indigentpatients worth P10-million for the 1st semester and another P10-million for the 2nd semester of this year,” he said. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs (INFOcus) August 1 to 7 of every year was declared as World Breastfeeding Week in accordance with international practice, and in consonance with the international standard of ethics, to be celebrated nationwide (Proclamation No. 1113 issued in 2006). xx

The challenges of the pandemic has been a wake up call to all of us as an individual and most of all as a family. We are called to rethink how we plan for our families and our future. This is why one of the most important ways for us to achieve a healthy family life is to consider “Proper Family Planning’’. Today, let us stop for a moment and talk with our loved ones about the importance of planning for the future and the family.

The Philippine Information Agency entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with The Daily Tribune for their collaborative effort to disseminate accurate, timely, and relevant information to the public. (SSS ADVISORY) Check-less na ang SSS Funeral Benefit! Diretso na sa inyong bank account, e-wallet o M Lhuillier account ang Funeral Grant, basta’t nasa PESONetparticipating bank ang account ninyo at may record ang SSS ng mobile phone number ninyo. Fast, safe at convenient!

REGIONAL NEWS

Expanded Cantilan port enhances maritime connectivity, mobility in Mindanao The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade, along with Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago, led the inauguration of the expanded Cantilan Port, located in Cantilan town,Surigao del Sur. The expansion project encompasses the construction of the Reinforced Concrete (RC) Pier, back-up area, and port lighting system. Caraga INFOCUS

During the event, Secretary Tugade laid out the long-term, and essential benefits of the recently-completed expansion project at the Cantilan Port, particularly for the handling of cargoes and cement shipments. “Napalawak ‘yung pantalan, mga kargamentong pisikal, ‘yung mga semento at kargamento mas madali at mas malawak ang kilos mo diyan (The port

was already widened, and equipped with other facilities. Cargoes are easily mobilized and port personnel could easily move),” Sec. Tugade said. “‘Yung pagbiyahe from one point to another mas okay. Kung pinag-uusapan ang connectivity, ‘yun po ang hangarin natin kaya binabago natin at naglalagay tayo ng continuing improvements upang sa July 31-August 6, 2021 |

ganun yung objective na connectivity ay mapalawak (The transportation from one point to another has been improved. When we talk of connectivity, that is our target the reason why we continue to make improvements to widen more our connectivity),” he added. Sec. Tugade said the capacity of Cantilan port was improved. “In fact, the neighboring areas such as Carrascal, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza in Surigao del Sur are also benefitting from this development,” he said. With the realization of the project, the port can now handle over

|July 31-August 6, 2021

25,000 to 30,000 bags of cement shipments a month, and can handle twice its current cargo volume.

here in Caraga region. We do repair works and expansion at the ports of Surigao and Masao, and Nasipit Port Management Office),” For his part, GM Santiago GM Santiago said. said that apart from the With the roll-out of these expansion project for port projects in the the Cantilan Port, more region, Secretary Tugade seaport improvement commended the utmost and development efforts and efficient projects are well management of GM underway, and will Santiago. continue. Apart from becoming a vital key for socioeconomic growth and development, the Cantilan Port will also be able to bring comfort, Tuloy-tuloy din ang repair convenient and seamless works at expansion service to its clients, and sa Ports of Surigao at will open an array of job Masao, at ang Nasipit opportunities, not just Port Management in the province, but the Office (We continue to entire Caraga region. improve our facilities (DOTr/PIA-Caraga) “Tuluy-tuloy ang pagimprove natin sa mga pasilidad natin dito sa Caraga region.

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DOH Caraga says no room for complacency vs Delta variant

In time with the 19th Regional Vaccination Operations Center (RVOC) and Response Cluster Meeting via Zoom platform, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga warned Caraganons to be more cautious and not to be complacent even when the region was placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) for the whole month of August.

on Delta variant. He urged all to intensify public awareness; practice of health protocols; and conduct of vaccination in the region.

region to avail of the free vaccine from the government and help achieve the target of at least 70% herd immunity.

“The vaccination is ongoing and we hope “The Delta variant is those who were among rapidly spreading around the priority sectors the world. It appears to would have themselves be more transmissible vaccinated for their and may be associated protection and for with different symptoms. people that surround People are more likely them,” said Cassion. to be hospitalized with the Delta variant,” said He also called on the DOH-Caraga regional Cassion. residents to take all director Dr. Cesar the required doses of Cassion emphasized that Cassion urged the a vaccine to build full people should not be different eligible priority immunity. (JPG/PIAcomplacent especially sectors in the different Caraga) with the cases recorded provinces of the Caraga INFOCUS

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

NRCG renews commitment to strengthen MSME resilience The national MSME Resilience Core Group (RCG), co-chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and other partners, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the disaster resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during an online event last July 29. More than 250 participants from the MSME sector, government and local representatives, academe, and the general public attended the 2021 MSME Resilience E-Forum with the theme “Trabahong Sigurado, Negosyong Matatag, Kabuhayang Nagpapatuloy.” The e-forum presented the accomplishments and best practices of

|July 31-August 6, 2021

the MSME RCG and did a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding among all the members of the group as they reaffirmed this publicprivate partnership and mapped out next steps to support small businesses.

pandemic. Resource speakers including Engr. Cherrys Abrigo of Sierreza, Vice President Jaypee Soliman of UnionBank of the Philippines, and Dir. Nigel Ebba of Bellevue Hotels and Resorts shared their resilience initiatives and highlighted the Another part of the benefits of communityforum showcased stories supported agriculture of hope and innovation and the importance in adapting to the of advancing fintech impacts of the COVID-19 to support MSME Caraga INFOCUS

resilience and ensuring productivity through workplace safety. PDRF President Rene Meily enumerated some of the tools and resources developed to support small businesses including the MSME Guidebook for Disaster Resilience, the SIKAP (Synergizing Recovery Initiatives, Knowledge, and Adaptation Practices for MSMEs) digital hub, the Katatagan-in-a-Box mobile app, and the DIMATINAG comic book spotlighting business continuity. “Here in the Philippines, if we can work together to promote and protect small businesses, we can save many of our fellow Filipinos from despair and desolation and lead them into the sunlight that surely awaits us all once this pandemic ends,” said Meily.

that the members can sustain, build on, and share what they have learned about dealing with adverse impacts of crises. “In the Philippines, we cannot deny that natural hazards are really part of our DNA as a country because of our location. Nevertheless, we hope that when the time comes, we pass this test with flying colors,” said Aure. In her keynote address, DTI Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona presented the current initiatives of the DTI aimed at supporting Filipino MSMEs. She emphasized the need for enhanced management and labor capacities and improved access to technology and innovation.

“Let us be mindful that resilience and PCCI Chairman Apolinar disaster management E. Aure described the is a multi-agency, multistruggles endured by stakeholders’ concern. the group to reinforce No one is safe until their advocacy and everyone is safe. All of expressed his hope us are expected to act Caraga INFOCUS

proactively to ensure the resilience of our businesses, livelihood, family, and community. We encourage everyone to access related programs and interventions both from the public and private sectors and maximize their benefits,” ” said Usec. Lantayona. Established in 2016, the MSME Resilience Core Group is composed of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster ManagementPhilippines, and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. The group aims to strengthen the disaster resilience of MSMEs in the Philippines through the national roadmap and action plan. (PDRF/ PIA-Caraga) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

DA, ATI, BAFS train PGS core group in Caraga participants will be exposed to farm sites to conduct a mock inspection and familiarized with the different key elements, features, and characteristics of the PGS. DA Caraga Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega encouraged the participants to give their serious attention and effort for the said training to be DA’s help to empower and boost the interest of farmers to venture to the healthy culture or organic agriculture. In 2020, the Republic Act No. 11511 the act amending RA 10068 (Organic Agriculture Act of 2010) was enacted to recognize the PGS as an alternative and complementary tool to thirdparty certification.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), together with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), is now equipping 25 organic farmer practitioners and local government units agriculture extension workers in Caraga region through the Training of Trainers on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

phases which started on July 26 - August 6. Its primary objective is to create a pool of experts or trainers to capacitate PGS groups on the establishment and operations of the PGS consistent with the organic agriculture standards and corresponding technical regulations and in preparation for their application and accreditation.

The PGS training has two

In the two-week training,

|July 31-August 6, 2021

PGS plays a vital role in organic agriculture development, and farmer empowerment through active engagement to the farmers in the whole process of verification, decisionmaking, and marketing. With its recognition by law, organic farmers will be able to get training and certification for their produce, without incurring heavy costs. (DA-Caraga, RAFIS/PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgSur town mayor bares ongoing efforts vs COVID-19 By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local government unit (LGU) of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur led by Mayor Pauline Marie Masendo revealed initiatives and efforts of the LGU and various stakeholders in the fight against the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), during the Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). As part of its preventive

|July 31-August 6, 2021

measures, the LGU has strengthened its information dissemination in the barangays, letting the locals know more about the virus and how to prevent it. “We have a strict implementation of our ordinance on health protocols and issued local executive orders to ensure that all are guided and will not be violating any rules,” she said. “Our BHERTs are functional. We also remind our barangay officials of their functions, at the same time we

remind our constituents that the Delta variant is different and not all COVID tests detect the highly transmissible Delta variant because it carries a distinctive biological matter,” added Masendo, who is also a registered nurse by profession. For those Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (ROFWs), Masendo appealed for their understanding that a negative RT-PCR test result is not a guarantee that they can safely go home in the municipality. Caraga INFOCUS

“The respective LGUs of destination are allowed to have local protocols so we enforce our protocol on quarantine,” she said. When asked about the vaccination rollout in the municipality, the lady mayor said that vaccination target is 28,410 and they are now at 17.44% accomplishment of that figure. “We try to convince our Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) and tribal leaders for them to get immunized first, and we are receiving positive feedback from them,” she said.

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Meanwhile, Sec. Andanar encouraged Mayor Masendo to bring their issues and concerns and request for assistance to Senator Bong Go, as the latter has been reaching out to the provinces of Caraga region and providing services and assistance particularly on the medical needs of the people during this time of COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Masendo also shared that she is thankful to the support already extended by Sen. Go in the municipality, as well as the recent launching of the 131st Malasakit Center at the D.O.

Plaza Memorial Hospital, wherein he provided financial assistance, groceries, vitamin supplements, face masks and face shields, among others. “Last Saturday, the 131st Malasakit Center was inaugurated here in Agusan del Sur and I personally thanked Senator Bong Go for his assistance, especially for COVID because last year he also gave P10 million and this year, we received P3 million in the first quarter which we used to buy equipment and create structures for our vaccination sites,” said Masendo. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Youth org in AgSur advocates vs illegal drugs, terrorism

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a youth organization in the province of Agusan del Sur has been active in advocating against the proliferation of illegal drugs and terroristic activities in the communities, and encouraged them to actively participate in the campaign and save more youth from being victims of these kinds of menace in the society. During the Network

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Briefing News on Monday hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson Jayson Barola shared that the SK officials in Barangay Los Arcos, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur are continuously reaching out to other peers in different barangays ang get them involved in the organization with

they call as “Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo” (KKDAT), wherein the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) of the municipality have also been assisting the youth in their activities. “During our dialogue with the youth in the different barangays here in our municipality, we introduced to them what the KKDAT organization is all about and its objectives. The KKDAT is under Caraga INFOCUS

the supervision also of the PNP, and in every Katipunan ng Kabataan assembly in every barangay here, we urged the youth to be more aware of the ill effects of illegal drugs and to be more mindful not to be deceived and join and support the communist terrorist group,” said Barola. Barola highlighted that as a leader and peace advocate, he is also an active member of the Propelling our Inherited Nation Through our Youth Inc. (POINTY) which is under the Youth for Peace Development Movement of the

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Philippines in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Kabataan’ General Assembly and discussed issues and concerns on COVID-19, vaccination, “The youth is the hope and other topics. “I am of the nation, that’s why also encouraging all we must take action to the eligible youth to get ensure that we could vaccinated not only for also have a better future their protection but also ahead. We want to with those people that make sure also that our surround them,” he said. efforts will not be put to waste, and soon we Meanwhile, Sec. will gain the fruits of our Andanar was labor as one nation,” appreciative of all the Barola cited. efforts extended by the SKs to the youth in the When asked about communities to keep the initiative of the SKs them well-informed in the government’s and updated and vaccination program, active in the activities Balora revealed that and campaign of the the SKs had conducted government. (JPG/PIAthe ‘Katipunan ng Agusan del Sur)

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

AgSur’s modernized Agriculture facility yields first harvest The Modernized Agriculture Facility of Agusan del Sur has recently yielded its first harvest of lettuce through a ceremonial harvesting facilitated by the Provincial Agriculture Office. The facility is a project funded under the Department of Agriculture (DA)– Caraga’s Bayanihan II program and costs a total of P3 million. The establishment is located within the provincial capitol grounds. The Modernized Agriculture Facility features a Hydroponics System, agriculture greenhouse, and a Nursery with Automated Fertigation System. It also has a component of a season-long training that will run for 16 weeks. Provincial Agriculturist Armando Valiente shared that the facility serves as a show

|July 31-August 6, 2021

window of various modern agricultural technologies that can further help develop the agriculture sector. He said that it aims to establish a resilient food system to ensure food availability and accessbility, promote urban agriculture, and provide an opportunity for farmers to generate income. Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Santiago B. Cane said that they will definitely sustain the project. He said the program which will ensure food availability will help solve the problem on hunger and malnutrition. He also said he will encourage all municipalities of the

province to have the same facility in their areas. On the other hand, DA–Caraga Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega commended Agusan del Sur for being the first to harvest their planted crops in the facility despite being the last to start the establishment of the facility. He also assured Governor Cane that the Department will continue to support the endeavors of the Local Government Units for the development of agriculture in the region. The harvested lettuce was then sold at P120 per kilo. (DA-Caraga/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

AgSur trains former rebels

The Provincial Economic and Enterprises Development Office (PEEDO) of Agusan del Sur in collaboration with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army conducted a 3-day livelihood training to the former rebels (FRs) of the municipality of San Luis on July 27 to 29, 2021 held in Barangay Doña Maxima, San Luis, this province. The said training was conducted in support to the Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70), a government policy on “Institutionalizing Caraga INFOCUS

the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace mandating all government agencies to prioritize the delivery of basic services in marginalized communities.

to help sustain the needs of the former rebels for them to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives especially during this time of health crisis,” said Mayor Phoebe L. Corvera.

The PEEDO-AgSur is As intended beneficiaries one of the government of the EO 70, 19 FRs from agencies that provide the said municipality livelihood training underwent training on and seminars to the Meat Processing and local communities Calamansi Juice Making. encouraging them to be “Through the EO 70, resourceful with the local the local government products to become units and agencies are consumable according working together in to the demand of serving various initiatives the consumers. “Our July 31-August 6, 2021 |

goal is to provide inevitable knowledge and techniques in entrepreneurship with their local products readily available according to the highest economical standard in the market, as well as to open opportunities to those who are planning to start a small business on their own,” bared Honelyn L. Husian, Technical Staff of PEEDO.

ug calamansi juice kung diin pwede namong mahimo produkto nga ikabaligya sa mga dagkong tindahan. Kini pipila lamang sa mga programa nga gihatag alang kanamo aron kami matabangan sa pagpaningkamot alang sa among panginabuhian sa among pag balik sa sabakan sa panggamhanan (Thank you to all the agencies Alias ‘Shaolin’, one involved in this training of the FRs, expressed wherein we learned how his gratefulness to the to process meats like government. “Daghan longanisa and tocino. salamat sa tanan nga We also learned how to nagpasiugda aning produce calamansi juice maong training kung diin which could also be sold gitudluan mi ug unsaon to big stores. These are paghimu ug longanisa, just some of the many mga tocino ug uban programs offered to us pang produkto gamit as we return to the folds ang karne ug dili lang of the law,” he said. kana gitudloan usab kami unsaon paghimu Meanwhile, Lt. Col.

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB commended the PEEDO for such initiative. “I am glad that the local government agencies in AgSur were adopting and implementing EO 70 as mandated by President Duterte. This action will surely amplify in addressing the socioeconomic issues that are used by the CPP-NPA in poisoning the minds and hearts of our people,” he shared. “This is a re-integration strategy that empowers the FRs and their families to be more economically-resilient and it will provide opportunities for them to be economically active citizens of their community. With the continuous collaboration and cooperation of the different line agencies to unite and act as one, this will manifest that this armed conflict will soon come to an end. Teamwork is the key to attain a more peaceful and progressive community,” added Goce. (2Lt Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

DSWD Caraga turns over water refilling station project to AgSur beneficiary

The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has recently turned over a Water Refilling Station Project to the Poblacion Association Water Refilling Station in Barangay Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Through the DSWD-SLP’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) funding, about 44 Caraga INFOCUS

members of the association will benefit and enjoy the said project. The Local Government Unit of Sibagat also contributed to the project’s implementation by providing a lot for the water refilling station. While the PAMANA-SLP Association also gave a counterpart of P25,000 to complete the project. Association President Pedro Fenis Jr. pledged

that their group would work closely together to sustain the project. “We will take good care of this project entrusted to us and we will make this grow,” he cited. Aside from the establishment of the water refilling station, the PAMANA-SLP livelihood project also includes one delivery truck and three units of motorized tricycles. (DSWD-Caraga/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

BFAR-13, SIKAT hold I-FIT workshop in Siargao Island

The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, together with Sentro ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT, Inc.), the partner and support non-government organization (NGO), recently conducted an assessment workshop using the Philippine Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Index and Threat Assessment (I-FIT) tool among the nine municipalities in Siargao

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Island. I-FIT focal persons presented the different components of the said tool - prevalence, vulnerability and response of IUU fishing to readily fill-out the indicator and annex forms. Training participants actively engaged in the sessions such as arranging of focuser statements that gave them the idea of what the workshop was all about and identifying IUU

fishing activities present in their respective areas of jurisdiction. They also worked together in providing inputs on the questions required to assess IUU fishing activities in their municipal waters. They were also encouraged to proactively coordinate and support each entity to solve the problem of IUU fishing. To sustainably manage the fisheries resources and find long-lasting solutions to IUU fishing Caraga INFOCUS

threats, the I-FIT tool was developed and designed by Fish Right Program and DA-BFAR in efforts to reduce and eliminate IUU fishing in the country using a science and knowledgebased approach. This requires an in-depth understanding of the context of IUU fishing in municipal waters and in a given area. This set of tools enables to assess prevalence, vulnerability and responses to IUU fishing in specific areas starting with the municipal waters of an LGU and

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use this information to identify opportunities to address IUU fishing to develop targeted and focused strategies and interventions. Using the tool will enable law enforcers to come up with standardized and comparable tracking of progress in a given area and the entire country in reducing IUU fishing over time. The said workshop assessment convened municipal agriculturists, agricultural technologists for fisheries, municipal

environment and natural resource officers, FARMC chairpersons, representatives from the ‘Bantay Dagat’ group, fisherfolk organizations and Philippine National Police from the nine municipalities in Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte. The first batch ran from June 22-23, 2021 with participants from four municipalities, and on June 24-25, 2021 for the second batch with participants from five municipalities. (DA-BFAR Caraga FPLEG/PIASurigao del Norte)

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

BFAR-13 accepts entries for outstanding coastal community

The top three regional winners will receive P2 million, P1 million, and P500 thousand worth of fisheries livelihood projects, respectively. Also, the top three national winners will receive P30 million, P18 million, and P10 million worth of fisheries livelihood projects, respectively. Interested local government units are advised to submit their application documents to their respective Provincial Fisheries Office. The deadline for submission of entries is on August 6, 2021.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga is still accepting entries for this year’s National Search for Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan or MMK: Search for Outstanding Coastal Community.

For more details, the MMK guidelines can be downloaded via this link: bit. ly/MMKSearch2021 and feel free to contact the DA-BFAR XIII Fisheries Resource and Management Section at frm.bfarregion13@gmail.com for other queries and concerns.

The MMK is the banner program of the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources which aims to promote fisheries protection and conservation, centers It has five general criteria: 1) no illegal on the significance of sustainably fishing; 2) observance of closed fishing managing our fisheries and aquatic resources, and promotes stakeholder’s season; 3) establishment of marine engagement to the cause of resource protected areas; 4) clean coastal waters without domestic and industrial protection and conservation. (DABFAR Caraga/VLG/PIA-Surigao del wastes; and 5) effective mangrove protection and rehabilitation program. Norte) It aims to recognize the outstanding initiatives and contributions of coastal municipalities/cities to sustainable fisheries management.

|July 31-August 6, 2021

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NPA attacks mining firm, burns P50-M worth of mining equipment

demand might be the reason of torching the heavy equipment,” BGen. Caramat said. He also ensured that there will be no let-up on operations until the perpetrators are caught to answer for the commission of crime.

Security forces are in pursuit operations against the desperate New People’s Army (NPA) who set ablaze half a dozen of heavy equipment worth P50 million on July 15 in Brgy. Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte. Police BGen. Romeo Caramat, Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, lambasted the attack of an estimated 20 fully armed members of Guerilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee under alias Jacob at Platinum Groups Mining Corporation compound around 12:00 noon.

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Investigation revealed that four backhoes owned by Cagdianao Construct Development Inc. and two backhoes owned by Queens Contractor were destroyed in the attack causing fear to the workers and nearby residents. “The desperate act of terror of the NPA shows that they have truly lost their ideology and concern among the people. They targeted a legitimate company which is one of the sources of livelihood of the people in the area. The resistance of the company to give in to their extortion

NPA terrorists, a threat to the development of the country’s mining industry, have vigorously conducting extortion through their usual modus operandi of destroying the properties. On June 24, 2021, the NPA also burned heavy equipment and killed a civilian in Brgy Zone 2, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur when the reds barged into the bunkhouse of MR1 construction and set two backhoes on fire. PRO13 is calling on all the Caraganons to help the government troops in foiling the attack of the enemies of the state by providing relevant information to save more lives and properties. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, PIO, PRO13/PIA-Suriago del Norte)

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

PH surfing capital: A home to numerous flora and fauna be considered for its conservation and sustainability. The identified species of animals are the 11 amphibians, 14 mammals, 23 reptiles, 52 birds, and 81 marine fish. It was found that nine species of plants and 34 species of terrestrial vertebrates are endemic to the Philippines. In addition to this, 45 species of plants and 17 species of terrestrial vertebrates are not yet assessed for their conservation status. The Philippines surely has a rich diversified ecosystem.

by National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) members of Division V (Biological Siargao Island, the Sciences) led by Dr. Surfing Capital of the Cecilia Banag-Moran, Philippines, is recorded to has found remarkable be a home to hundreds plant and beach forest of species of flora and species and possible fauna. The municipality new species of frog, rat, of Del Carmen alone has tarsier, insects, marine recorded a total of 110 fish and decapod species of plants and crustaceans in Del 403 species of animals Carmen, Siargao. With from the aquatic and this rich diversity, a terrestrial habitats. move for the global importance of Del A study conducted Carmen, Siargao should

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Also, according to the NRCP study, the amphibians and reptiles in mangroves and surrounding habitats are in excellent condition that is why the project researchers recommend the need to place protection measures in the area. On the other hand, the highly diverse Del Carmen mangrove forest is home of interesting species, host to unique Caraga INFOCUS

floral assemblages, and a haven of high floral diversity. According to the study, out of the 54 mangrove species in the world, Del Carmen is composed of 19 or 35.19% of the world species. There is also a remarkable record of new 90 species of marine flora, thus, the need for continuance of correct and diversified mangrove planting.

a threatened and endemic flora and fauna and possible new species, aside from the high diversity Overall, this data will in the area is sufficient support the request for support for the Del Del Carmen, Siargao Carmen Mangrove to be listed as a new Forest to be listed under RAMSAR site in the Ramsar for its longPhilippines. Ramsar is term conservation and a global treaty whose sustainable utilization. primary aim is to Aside from the move to conserve and sustain the consider Del Carmen as utilization of wetlands. It a new Ramsar site, the also seeks to recognize project recommends for the significant ecological policy conservation and roles played by the protection of Siargao wetlands and their ecosystems and its scientific, recreational, biodiversity resources. cultural, and economic significance. To date, This study was under there are six (6) wetland the SAKLAW (Saklolo habitats in the Philippines sa Lawa – Sustainable that have been Communities) of the designated as Ramsar National Integrated wetlands of international Basic Research Agenda importance. (NIBRA) spearheaded by the NRCP. It was The presence of conducted in response Caraga INFOCUS

to Siargao LGU’s request for scientific evidence to support their bid for Ramsar. The study assessed the biodiversity of the mangrove forests in Del Carmen, Siargao Island through biological field surveys. A three-pager Photoguide of the Birds of Del Carmen Siargao has been produced under the study. The comprehensive results of the project were presented by the researchers during the stakeholders meeting which was attended by the heads of the Municipality of Del Carmen, Mayor Proserfina M. Coro and Vice Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II, on January 6, 2021 via online. (DOSTNCRP/PIA-Surigao del Norte) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

SBDP ng NTF-ELCAC pormal na inilunsad sa Surigao Norte

Limang Barangay ng probinsiya ng Surigao del Norte ang mabibigyan ng opurtunidad upang suportahan ang ninanais na kaunlaran sa pamamagitan ng inilunsad ng Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict o PTF-ELCAC na Local Government Support Fund para sa Support to the Barangay Development Program (SBDP).

o magiging benepisyaryo ng nasabing programa ay ang mga barangay ng Dugsangon at Camboayon na parehong sakop ng bayan ng Bacuag at ang mga barangay na Mahanub, Lahi at Camam-onan na sakop ng bayan ng Gigaquit. Ang mga nasabing barangay din ay nadeklarang ‘cleared’ mula sa presensya ng mga Communist Terrorist Groups o CTG.

Surigao del Norte na mapabuti at mapalakas ang partisipasyon ng buong katauhan upang maipalaganap ang tinatawag na wholeof-nation approach na naglalayong buwagin na ang kaguluhan na hatid ng terorismo ay nagsagawa ng PTFELCAC symbolic launching kamakailan na ginanap sa tanggapan ng Provincial Governor sa Kapitolyo ng Surigao del Norte.

Ang mga barangay na unang makakatanggap

Sa pagnanais ng lokal na pamahalaan ng

Ito ay para rin sa pagbibigay ng local

|July 31-August 6, 2021

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government support fund upang matugunan ang mga proyekto sa ilalim ng Barangay Development Program. Isa sa mga pangunahing ginawang paglulunsad ay ang paggawad ng P20 milyong piso sa mga kapitan ng limang barangay bilang suporta sa kanilang mga proyekto at mapadali ang pagunlad at pagbangon ng mga komunidad sa mga naturang barangay. Sa kabuoan, may 49 mga barangay sa probinsya ng Surigao del Norte ang napagkalooban ng P20 milyong piso para sa mga development projects sa pamamagitan ng SBDP ng NTF-ELCAC. Ayon kay Gov. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas ng Surigao del Norte, malaking tulong ang pagpapatupad ng programang ito ng pamahalaan para sa pagpapaunlad ng kanilang mga barangay. “Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa national government lalo na kay Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte para sa kanyang mga pangako Caraga INFOCUS

na nararamdaman natin na kanyang tinutupad upang wakasan na ang kaguluhan dala ng terorismo sa ating lalawigan. Hindi lamang limang barangay ang makakatanggap ng suporta mula sa LGSF kundi may apat na put siyam tayong barangay na makikinabang para sa suporta sa mga proyekto na nakapaloob sa BDP.

mga ground breaking ceremonies sa susunod na mga buwan na gaganapin sa mga nasabing recipient barangays sa buong probinsya ng Surigao del Norte.

Ang nasabing programa ay dinaluhan din nina Brigadier General George L. Banzon, commander ng 901st Brigade; Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G. Nawa’y ang pondo na ito Callanta, commander ay magsilbing panimula ng 30th Infantry Battalion; ng isang barangay opisyal ng SDN Provincial tungo sa pag-unlad at Police Office; Julito P. pagbabago. Hindi dito Go ng Brgy. Mahanub, nagtatapos ang ating Romualdo M. Moreno layunin na tapusin ang ng Brgy. Dugsangon; insurhensiya sa kada Jevelyn D. Abad ng Brgy barangay kundi marami Camboayon; Indayflor B. pang programa ang Bangga ng Brgy. Camamnaghihintay para sa onan, at Carmen D. kanila,” ani Gov. Matugas. Peruda ng Brgy. Lahi. (30IB, Phil. Army/PIAMagkakaroon ng Surigao del Norte) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

MGB, partners join 2021 environment month celebration initiatives, making ecofriendly choices, and raising the voices to intensify awareness of environmental issues and concerns and create an impact that will eventually lead to nature’s restoration. Heradez also highlighted the environmental protection and enhancement efforts of the Caraga mineral industry as well as its all-out support to the government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amidst the continuous threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 and the Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc. recently spearheaded the 2021 Environment Month Celebration Culmination Program of the Caraga Minerals Industry via Zoom platform. This year’s celebration is

|July 31-August 6, 2021

anchored on the theme, “Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom. Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan.” In his message, MGB-13 OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez enjoined everyone to be inspired by the national government’s pursuit of development which is anchored on the commitment to “Malasakit at Pagbabago” or True Compassion and Real Change by taking

He expressed his hopes that the virtual celebration will inspire all participants to constantly work together for authentic socioeconomic and environmental transformation that will lead to the enrichment of human life. On his part, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo mentioned the various activities of the recently concluded 2021 Environment Month Celebration which again Caraga INFOCUS

reminded everyone of the importance of environment and natural resources in the lives of people. “We should always keep in mind that every day is Environment Day. And this year’s theme basically calls for a collective action and a united movement which shows that in working together we could create ripples of effect that would lead to the earth’s healing. We can all be part of the solution. And as our Secretary kept on saying, we should be one with nature,” Dir. Tamayo said.

unimaginable outcome. Nothing is impossible if we work together for the betterment of our environment and natural resources not only for this present but also for the future generation,” Tamayo added. As part of the program’s environmental protection efforts and in support of DENR programs, Senior Environmental Management Specialist Forester Enjie PacillosCañete gave a very engaging presentation on Ecological Solid Waste Management Program.

Meanwhile, the He appreciated the celebration also Environment Month encouraged the Celebration of the MGB-13 mining companies and and the Caraga minerals host communities to industry and commended take sustainable and the reforestation efforts progressive actions for the of the mining companies environment and move in support of the DENR forward to its restoration projects. through the Green Musings Photography and “Our mandate to Environmental Message protect and conserve Competition and Proudly our environment and Caraganon Commercial natural resources is such Making Competition. a gargantuan task. We need the participation The Green Musings of as many people Competition encouraged as there are for us to the participants to achieve the mandates nurture their visual of our department. And talents, creativity, and if we work together, communication skills we can achieve an while promoting and Caraga INFOCUS

advocating sustainable mining and environmental protection in support of the Tayo ang Kalikasan (TAK) campaign of the DENR. While the proudly Caraganon competition was aimed to tap the creative potentials of participants to campaign for authentic social development and environmental protection initiatives of the company. The winners for the Green Musings Photography and Environmental Message Competition were Greenstone Resources Corporation1st place, Philsaga Mining Corporation-2nd place and Hinatuan Mining Corporation-3rd place. For Proudly Caraganon Commercial Making Competition, 1st place went to Cagdianao Mining Corporation (Isla Valencia), 2nd place was awarded to Taganito Mining Corporation (Caspia for a Greener and Healthier Claver), and 3rd place went to Philsaga Mining Corporation (Women Weaves of Consuelo). (Queeniebeth L. Plaza, MGB-13/PIASurigao del Norte) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

8K magsasaka nakinabang sa libreng ‘irrigation service fee’ sa SurSur

File photo

Tinatayang di-bababa sa 8,000 bilang ng mga magsasaka ang nakikinabang sa libreng irrigation service fee sa ilalim ng Duterte Administration sa Surigao del Sur. Ayon kay Engineer. Dexter Sablaon, manager ng Provincial Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) ng National Irrigation (NIA) dito, ito ay mula nang lagdaan noong Pebrero 2018 ni Pang. Rodrigo

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Duterte ang R.A. 10969 na pinamagatang “An Act Providing Free Irrigation Service.”

bilang rice granary ng probinsiya. Sa mahabang panahon ng tag-init at madalang na pag-ulan iniugnay ang problema.

Subalit nilinaw na tanging para lang ito sa may sinasakang di-hihigit Malaking hamon din sa walong ektarya. aniya kung paano ang mga magsasaka Samantala, aminado sa nabanggit na lugar ang opisyal na malaking na mahikayat para lugar ng palayan ang sumunod sa itinakdang hirap silang tustusan cropping calendar. ng patubig sa ngayon (Greg Tataro, Jr. - DXJS sa may bayan ng RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao San Miguel na tinuran del Sur)

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LGU Tandag nanawagan na magpabakuna na ng 2nd dose

Nanawagan ang lokal na pamahalaan sa lungsod ng Tandag sa mga residente nito na lumagpas na sa skedyul para sa kanilang 2nd dose ng COVID-19 Vaccine na magpabakuna na. Sa ipinalabas na Public Advisory No. 90 ng lokal na pamahalaan sa Lungsod ng Tandag sa pamamagitan ng social media, lahat na tumanggap ng 1st dose sa COVID-19 Vaccine na lumagpas Caraga INFOCUS

na sa kanilang skedyul para sa ikalawang pagbabakuna na pumunta lamang sa entrance gate ng Saint Theresa College sa nasabing syudad ngayong araw, Agosto 5.

ng bakuna sa Sinovac o AstraZeneca.

Samantala, nagpalabas din ng advisory ang lokal na pamahalaan sa lungsod na wala ng munang gagawin na vaccination (1st and 2nd dose) simula Huwebes Lahat ng kwalipikadong ng hapon, Agosto 5, magpapabakuna para hanggang Agosto 8, sa kanila second dose 2021. Nag abiso din ito ay inabisohan na rin na na antayabanan nalang dalhin ang kanilang mga muna ang susunod vaccination card bilang na advisory para sa pagpapatunay na susunod na skedyul nito lehetimong tatanggap ng pagbabakuna. (PIApara sa ikalawang turok Surigao del Sur) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

AguSerbisyo gipadangat sa hilit nga sitio sa Agusan del Norte

Sunod sa gisaad ni Kong. Angel Amante Matba ug Gob. Dale B. Corvera sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa ilang pag-adto sa lugar sa milabay’ng semana nga atimanon ang mga naay sakit sa Sitio Casagayan, Pangaylan, Santiago, Agusan del Norte, giadtoan kini og balik sa mga medical personnel sa probinsya alang sa usa ka medical mission. Sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Odelio Ferrer, ang hepe sa Provincial Health

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Office (PHO), mosuma sa 10 ang gipailawom sa minor surgeries, 25 ang nagpahimulos og dental services, 22 ang miagi og pap smear, 51 ang nagpa-sugar test, 50 ang nagpatuli ug ubay-ubay nga nagpa-check up.

Development Office (PSWDO) ubos sa provincial officer niini nga si Silver Joy Tejano og 50 ka eyeglasess.

Sa kinatibuk-an 550 tanan ka mga residente ning usa sa mga hilit nga sitio sa probinsya Anaa usab sa 100 ang ang nakapahimulos sa nahatagan sa PHO maong kalihukan, apil og mosquito net aron na ang gipadangat nga malikay sa mga sakit nga food packs, nga kabahin dala sa lamok. gihapon sa immersion o “AguSerbisyo” Nakapadangat ubos sa Amomang usab ang Provincial Agusanon Flagship Social Welfare and Program sa AGUSAN Caraga INFOCUS

UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Amante-Matba. Ubay-ubay na ang mga hilit nga sitio ang napaabtan sa maong mga serbisyo sugod sa milabay’ng tuig ug magpadayon kini sumala pa ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey S. Laurito, representante ni Gob. Corvera, sa maong kalihukan. “Serbisyo nga kinasingkasing gyod ang mahatagan mi og pagtagad,” kini ang nasulti ni Maricel Taan, usa sa mga residente sa Casagayan sa maong serbisyo nga gipaabot gyod nila Gob. Corvera ug Kong. AmanteMatba bisan sa kalayo sa ilang lugar. Sama usab sa gipadayag ni Barangay Captain Roy S. Porogoy sa personal nga pagbisita sa duha ka dagkung lider sa probinsya sa milabay’ng semana, mapasalamaton kaayo siya sa saad nga ilang gituman. Caraga INFOCUS

“Isip usa ka Barangay Captain daku ang akong kalipay ug pasalamat kang Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba ug kang Gob. Dale B. Corvera nga gitagaan mi nila og pagtagad ilabina sa akong hangyo nga matagaan mi og bugas ug sa gipadala nga mga Doctor alang sa pag medical sa mga masakiton,” sumala ni Brgy. Capt. Porogoy. Apil usab sa mitabang nga mapadangat ang nahisgutang mga serbisyo mao ang Provincial Engineering

Office, mga kapulisan nga gi pangulohan ni PCol. Martin M. Gamba, kaabag ang Clan leader o chairman sa Mamanwa Manobo Farmers Association [MMFA] sa Sitio Casagayan nga si Datu Layson Sandag, mga sakop sa 29th Infantry Battalion, sa First Battalion PNP Special Action Force, barangay officials ug mga magtutudlo sa eskuwelahan sa Casagayan. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Arnfe Flores, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Site validation alang sa ‘vegetable derby’ nagpadayon Security Enhancement Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba nga gitutokan sa PAO. Kabahin usab kini sa proyektong “Food Basket”, usa sa mga Core Processing Projects sa Process! Process! Process! Project ubos sa AGUSAN UP! Nagpadayon kagahapong adlawa, Agosto 3, ang site validation alang sa proyektong “Vegetable Derby” nga gipasiugdahan sa probinsya sa sa Agusan del Norte pagpanguna sa buhatan sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO). Ubos sa derby i-develop sa apil sa indigay ang labing ubos usa ka ektarya nga luna nga tamnan og 10 ka klase nga gulay. Ang maong indigay giapilan sa upat ka lungsod nga girepresentahan sa mosunod nga mga sites: Brgy. Kauswagan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran; Brgy. Tagbuyacan sa Santiago; Sitio Zapanta Valley sa Kitcharao, ug; Brgy. Lingayao sa Las Nieves. Ang kalihukan gisugdan

|July 31-August 6, 2021

niadtong Abril ug kamulo na ang mga Technical Working Group sa pag-monitor sa vegetable production sa mga nasangpit nga sites. Tumong sa pagpahigayon og vegetable derby nga ma-improve pa ang sistema sa vegetable production sa probinsya, mapalambo pa ang mga proyektong sama sa gulayan sa paaralan/ tahanan, demo farms, provision of tools and inputs ug uban pa. Gipunting usab sa maong indigay nga maka-impluwensya pa sa mga mag-uuma aron madugangan pa ang ilang existing crops aron mapalambo pa ang ilang panginabuhian. Ang pagpahiluna og mga gulayan kabahin sa Food

Nagpunting ang “Food Basket” nga matamnan ang 500 ektaryas nga gulayan sa tibuok probinsya hangtud sa tuig 2027 ug makamugna og vegetable processing activities sa lungsod sa Kitcharao sulod sa maong higayon. Kuyog sa maong site validation ang mga personahe sa Mindanao Development Authority kon MinDA. Kaabag usab sa maong proyekto ang buhatan sa Department of Agriculture [DA] -Region, Municipal Agriculture Offices, ubang mga ahensya sa gobyerno ug mga vegetable seeds companies. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Jim Rasonabe, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Unifrutti, MADC share formula in controlling ‘Panama Disease’ The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will launch a field learning program for Cavendish Banana farmers who would like to discover the formula used by Unifrutti Philippines in controlling and preventing the spread of “Fusarium Wilt,” a soilinhabiting fungus which has devastated thousands of hectares of banana farms in Mindanao. This program will be undertaken following the offer of Unifrutti Philippines and its officers in the Manupali Agri Development Corp. farm in Valencia City, Bukidnon to share the farm practices which were applied to control the devastation and spread of “Fusarium Wilt,” commonly known as the Panama Disease. It was Unifrutti Philippines President Alberto Bacani during a visit to the abandoned La Fruttera farm in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao in June this year who shared with MinDA the information on their successful experiment in controlling the spread of the virus which in 2014 had destroyed the 286-hectare MADC farm and dislocated some 1,000 workers. On Wednesday, I personally visited the farm and met with the Unifrutti team which undertook a 6-year field experiment to control the spread of Fusarium Wilt led

|July 31-August 6, 2021

by Jose Barrosa and plant pathologist Lalaine AlbanoNarreto. Barrosa, general manager of MADC, said the story of the success of the farm in controlling Fusarium Wilt had already spread to as far to the Cavendish growing countries of South America. In fact, he said, banana industry stakeholders in at least two South American countries had already visited the MADC Farm and documented the practices undertaken by the field scientists of Unifrutti. Narreto said that since 2016, when the first proofs of a successful trial were seen, Unifrutti and MADC had started sharing the farm practices with local government units of Davao del Norte, one of the areas hardest hit by Fusarium Wilt, and other banana corporations. “Dugay na namu na ginabuhat Secretary. Other companies started benchmarking since 2016 and ng suon na dayun ang ubanhangtud mga LGU’s na sa

DaVnor,” she said. (We have been doing that. Others followed the benchmarking including the LGUs of Davao del Norte.) Narreto said that aside from introducing a new variety, UCL4, the company also retained its old variety, the Tall Williams, after it was established that even Fusarium Wilt-susceptible varieties could be protected using efficient farm practices developed over the last six years. The Panama Disease had devastated many Cavendish Banana Farms in Mindanao over the last decade leading to the closure of farms and dislocation of workers. Unifrutti and MADC’s farm practices which they are willing to share with other stakeholders and farmers could lead to the recovery of the banana industry and boost Mindanao’s economic recovery. MinDA’s engagement with Unifrutti and MADC aims to include local government units with vast banana farms.

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Balik Probinsya Zambo Norte: 2nd Mindanao model village rises in former rebels lair The second model village of the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-asa Program in Mindanao is now rising in the former territory of rebels and bandits in Kalawit, Zamvboanga del Norte. The start of the construction comes less than a year after Kalawit, one of the newest towns of the province, was identified as the second location for the BPBP Model Village and the needed groundwork was completed. The first BPBP Village was established in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte where the construction of 200 housing units is ongoing and would be ready for occupancy before the end of this year. The Kalawit BPBP Model Village is being established in a former Pagkain ng Bayan production area which was abandoned years ago because of the presence of armed bandits. Mayor Salvador Antojado, a retired officer of the Philippine Marines who saw action in the area before deciding to stay and run for the top political post of the

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town, cleared the area of rebels.

a wider area for high value crops production.

When MinDA asked Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Alberto Uy to identify a proposed area for the Balik Probinsya Model Village, he volunteered Kalawit.

Among the products identified to be introduced to the returning families is the planting of high value coconuts, especially the Sweet and Aromatic variety, for the high-end market and for export.

The Kalawit Model BPBP Village is located in a 200-hectare area which will accomodate 200 families who are returning to Zamboanga del Norte from Metro Manila. While the Kauswagan BPBP Village residents will be involved in poultry raising and vegetable production because of the smaller area of 6-hectares, the Kalawit BPBP occupants will have

Senator Chistopher Lawrence Go, who initiated the BPBP Program, National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Marcelino Escalada and officials of other agencies involved in the project are expected to visit Kalawit soon for the launching of the BPBP Village.

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

NATIONAL NEWS

Statement by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar: On fake news circulating online claiming Pres. Duterte is using COVID-19 vaccines to “depopulate” the PH There is no truth to circulating social media posts that the COVID-19 vaccines are being used by the Duterte administration to “depopulate” the Philippines. For detractors or critics to spread lies and claims that the Duterte administration and other officials is involved in such a sinister plot is laughably ludicrous and reeks of nutty conspiracy theory. Our government has been working hard to achieve population protection through our national COVID-19 vaccination program so that we can protect everyone against the virus and minimize mortality by developing an immune response to it. Caraga INFOCUS

Such an attempt to misinform the Filipino public and induce paranoia when factual scientific basis support the safety and efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 is malicious

and ill-natured, and should not be tolerated. We ask the public not to believe these posts and use sound judgment when encountering other similar false information. July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Andanar pays tribute to late President Aquino, attends official P-Noy Stamp Launch The Duterte Administration continues to uphold and promote the democratic foundations of liberty, sovereignty, and justice as it was with the Aquino administration and the previous administrations.

|July 31-August 6, 2021

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanr said on Monday as he joined the Philippine Postal Corporations (PhilPost)

in its Official Stamp Launch for the late former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, at the Manila Central Post Office Building. The said event paid tribute to the legacy of the former head of state that Caraga INFOCUS

coincided with the 40th day after his death. “We’ve gathered here today for the successful launching of the Philippine Postal Corporation’s official P-Noy stamp to pay tribute and celebrate the legacy and public service he had imparted to each one of us,” Secretary Andanar said in his speech. The PCOO chief further said how the previous administration’s “Daang Matuwid” campaign ushered economic growth and development in the country. It was also in his time when the Philippines earned its title as “Asia’s Rising Tiger” attributed to the country’s macroeconomic stability. Despite differences in leadership style, he noted that the Duterte administration and the Aquino’s have the same advocacy for upholding the democratic foundations in the country. “It is also noteworthy to remember how P-Noy fought for and promoted Caraga INFOCUS

our democratic foundations of liberty, sovereignty, and justice, which the Duterte administration shares and continues to uphold,” he said. “Ating ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulan at naiambag ni P-Noy para sa ating bansa. Let us continue to embody the bravery and love for the country that he showed to each one of us [Let us continue the contributions of P-Noy in our country. Let us continue to embody the bravery and love for the country that he showed to each one of us],” he added.

Also present during the launching were Philpost Chairman Norman Fulgencio, Malabon City Mayor Antolin Oreta, Malabon City Vice Mayor Bernard Dela Cruz, 2nd District Malabon City Councilor Jose Lorenzo Oreta, Director Liberty Avila of the Post Office Board of Directors, Assistant Postmaster General for Operations Engr. Joel Zamudo, Assistant Postmaster General for Management Support Services Maximo Sta Maria III, Assistant Postmaster General for Finance and Administration Francis Cereno. July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Secretary Andanar: Local government views on Duterte admin’s focus areas remain important Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Saturday that the national government continues to recognize the views of the local government, especially on its focus areas of illegal drugs, peace and order, COVID-19 response, and Build, Build, Build Program.

|July 31-August 6, 2021

During the episode of the Cabinet Report, the PCOO chief assured that the national government will continue to reach out to those LGUs outside Metro Manila. “Tapos na ang SONA. Now, it’s back to work. Patuloy tayo sa pagtatrabaho tungo są progreso – habang, siyempre, sabay-sabay pa rin nating pinag-

iingatan ang banta ng pandemya [The SONA is over. Now it’s back to work. We will continue to work towards progress while, of course, ensuring the safety of everyone front he threats of the pandemic],” Secretary Andanar said. “Kayo’y makaka-asa na patuloy pa rin ang ating adbokasiyang pagbibigay ng boses Caraga INFOCUS

sa mga munisipyo, lungsod, lalawigan at rehiyon – lalo na yung mga nasa labas ng NCR, na madalas, dahil sa kalayuan nila sa mga media centers natin, ay di nabibigyan ng pansin. Patuloy pa rin ang ating adbokasiyang bigyan ng kahalagahan ang lokal na pananaw [Rest assured that we will continue our advocacy of providing a voice for our municipalities, cities, provinces, and regions, especially those outside NCR, that are at times neglected due to their distance from the media centers. Our advocacy to give importance to local perspectives will continue],” he added. During the program, Secretary Andanar interviewed some heads of the local government units to discuss the programs that they expect to be continued by the Duterte administration in its final term, and likewise seek their views on the programs and projects of the national government in their locality. Caraga INFOCUS

For Quirino Governor Dax Cua, the campaign against illegal drugs has greatly sent waves of positive change in his province. “Inaasahan ko na hindi yan magwi-waver, na that would be strong until the end of his administration. It has achieved great strides in our community, and different provinces including Quirino province and magiging sayang yung gains para sa ‘ting future na mga kabataan [We are hoping that this will not waver, that it will remain strong until the end of his administration. It has achieved great strides in our community, and different provinces including Quirino province, and it will be a waste of gains made for the future generations, otherwise],” Governor Cua said. For the provinces of Capiz and Agusan del Norte, the national government’s proactive response against the impacts of the pandemic is a testimony

to the genuine concern of the administration for the people. “Without the national government’s assistance, mahihirapan po kami. Maliit lang ang probinsya and we owe it to the national government na nakaya namin. At hanggang ngayon, ramdam pa rin namin ang mga tulong [Without the national government’s assistance, it would have been very difficult for us. We are just a small province and we owe it to the national government that we were able to make it. And until now, we can still feel the outpour of assistance to us],” Capiz Governor Esteban Evan Contreras said. “Kami dito sa local government, hindi nakakalimot sa mga tulong ng administrasyong Duterte [Us, here in the local government, we never forget the assistance provided to us by the Duterte administration],” he added. July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Andanar: Malasakit Center reflects Duterte admin’s genuine malasakit to indigent Filipinos

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Opening more Malasakit Centers across the country is providing more accessible and convenient means for Filipinos to seek financial and medical assistance, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday. Two more Malasakit Centers were officially inaugurated in CARAGA in the past week, which was attended by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. The 131st and 132nd Malasakit Centers at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center. “With the successful launching of the 131st and

|July 31-August 6, 2021

132nd Malasakit Centers at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, the people of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur respectively, now have efficient and convenient access to different medical assistance programs provided by government agencies that were once elusive, especially to our indigent patients.” The Malasakit Center Act of 2019 mandates the establishment of a one-stopshop where indigent patients and their families can access financial and medical assistance from government agencies, including the

The first Malasakit Center opened at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City on Feb. 12, 2018. And as to writing, there are now 133 Malasakit Centers, with the latest at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center, Virac, Catanduanes inaugurated on Monday, August 2, 2021. “The establishment and the rise in the number of Malasakit Centers nationwide reflect the Tapang at Malasakit campaign and the people-centered service and commitment of Senator Bong Go and the whole Duterte administration to the Filipinos,” Secretary Andanar said. “In our last year in office, we in the Duterte administration will continue to open more Malasakit Centers that will cater to everyone’s medical needs and ensure everyone’s right to healthcare with dignity, respect, and compassion,” he added.

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Tubajon, Dinagat Islands LGU seeks help in funding construction of Municipal pier The Network Briefing News continues to bridge local government units and national government agencies, as it responded to the request of Tubajon LGU in Dinagat Islands province. During the Thursday episode, Tubajon LGU requested from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) a budget allocation for their proposed municipal wharf. Mayor Simplicia Pedrablanca said that this year was their third time to request for the inclusion of the project in the agency’s budget. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, the program host, relayed the message of DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Vice Admiral Narciso A. Vingson, Jr. “Based on our records, DOTr received the transmittal letter from Tubajon LGU, including the attached resolution on May 31, 2021. Our fiscal year 2022 budget proposal was submitted to DBM earlier in May. Nonetheless, considering that Tubajon is a 5th class municipality, the proposal can be evaluated for possible inclusion in our

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next budget programming cycle, subject to the LGU compliance of documents required by DBM and formal endorsement of their RDC to the DOTr,” he read. Asec. Vingson said that DOTr’s Water Transport Planning Division will be evaluating and assisting the LGU for their documentary requirements on this matter, which need to be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). PCOO Secretary also pledged to help the LGU follow up on the request for funding on other local projects there. The town of Tubajon is known for its rich seafood products which are being transported to the mainland in Surigao

City. They also deliver in parts of Cebu, Leyte, and Davao. Mayor Pedrablanca also thanked the national government for its continued support for the local government unit, including the provisions under the Bayanihan Laws in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also hopes that the administration will continue to extend their assistance to them as the country recovers from the health crisis. “First of all I would like to thank DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado, especially kay President Rodrigo Duterte for granting our request for a new multi-purpose building last year. We are also grateful for the Bayanihan 1 and 2 because it has helped us during this time,” she said.

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Lazi Mayor encourages constituents to engage in business our tourism sector],”he said.

The town of Lazi is also a recipient of various local road projects undertaken by the Department of Works and Highways.

Lazi, Siquijor Mayor James Monte urged his constituents working abroad to invest in local businesses in their hometown to help it recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Monte said this during the Friday episode of the Network Briefing News hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar where he was a guest. “Nais kong ipanawagan at humihingi ako ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan sa iba ibang panig ng mundo na tayo ay magtulungan sa aspetong pinansiyal o materyal o mga kaalaman upang mas mapalago pa natin ang ating bayan. [I am encouraging and asking for help from our constituents from different parts of the world to help us in the aspects of financial, material, or knowledge in further developing our town],”Mayor Monte said. “Nais ko pa rin pong hingiin

|July 31-August 6, 2021

sa inyo na mag invest kayo sa negosyo upang mapalago ang ekonomiya at makapagbigay tayo ng trabaho at serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan [I am asking you to invest in putting up businesses here and create employment opportunities and services to our people],” he added. Mayor Monte is eyeing to strengthen the livestock production of the municipality, noting that Lazi is now one of the suppliers of beef in Cebu. “Ako ay nagpupursige sa pagplano ng iba pang maaring mapagkakakitaan ng aking mga kababayan. At ang plano ko ay ang beef, pork, chicken meat and egg production dahil ito’y patok sa pangkomersyo at kitang-kita ang paglago ng ekonomiya at turismo nito [I am pursuing plans to add more income generating opportunities for our people. I am planning to boost the production of beef, pork, chicken meat, and eggs because it is obvious that this can actually help our economy and probably soon

Mayor Monte was thankful to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go for responding to the request of the town to be given funding for the construction of a steel bridge in Barangay Kinamangadan. The said barangay is among the attraction sites in the municipality because of its multi-tiered waterfalls. He also reminded residents there to look after infrastructures that were granted to them by the national government. “Bilang Mayor ng bayan, proud ako na magkaroon ng partnership sa ating mga kababayan. Para sa lokal kong mga kababayn ang hiling ko po na mahalin ninyo ang mga infrastructure at gusali na naitayo na [As the mayor of this town, I am proud that there’s a partnership thriving among the people here. To our local residents, I hope that you will take care of the infrastructures and buildings that we have here],” he said. Lazi is also known for its old San Isidro Labrador Church which was nominated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List under the serial nomination of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 2014.

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Communicating the Duterte legacy (1) Grassroots communication works. And to say that this has greatly contributed to why President Rodrigo Roa Duterte enjoys a high approval rating from the public is not a onetime thing, but a series of unrelenting efforts to campaign for a more aware and informed citizenry. The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), under the leadership of Secretary Martin Andanar, has Caraga INFOCUS

made significant institutional reforms that brought government media to new heights. As the lead communications arm of the government, Andanar pushed for the digitization of government media platforms, including that of its attached agencies, bringing closer to the people the messages of the President.

and informing the public in the span of five years. Social media platforms offer a more dynamic way to connect with a wide range of people across the world. For the Philippine government, this was an opportunity to reach out to more Filipinos and promote the programs that will become the legacy of “tapang at malasakit” of the Duterte administration.

The technological landscape was favorable to disseminating the efforts of the administration, The Internet has made shaping the awareness the PCOO more effective in campaigning of the people that the government is at allfor good governance July 31-August 6, 2021 |

times at #WorkWorkWork, resounding much like its ambitious infrastructure program “Build, Build, Build.” This strategy of using digital platforms helped gain more support from Filipinos present online and earned the admiration of foreign allies, because information was able to reach the people in real time wherever they are in the world. The openness of the government and its maximized presence online have made it more susceptible to scrutiny and criticisms, but it “did not succumb to the attacks, and neither did it allow criticisms, however intense, dampen its determination and initiatives.” It remained confident because the purpose was “pure, unpolluted.” Apart from leveling with private media on the use of social media to deliver timely news, it has also encouraged public participation. Strong communication fosters trust among people, which in return inspires citizens to

|July 31-August 6, 2021

become involved in their communities. With the government’s public discourse and other platforms of communication, Filipinos gain the assurance that their national government, through the leadership of President Duterte, is well-equipped to manage emergencies and other crises. This is reflected in surveys on trust and confidence expressed by the public for the President and the Cabinet. In the recent survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, President Duterte had an approval rating of 58 percent and a trust rating of 55 percent. In Pulse Asia’s last survey recorded in September 2020, the President got an approval rating of 91 percent, and the poll firm said ratings of the President haven’t changed until today. Pulse Asia even cited Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte’s big lead in the latest presidential survey can be attributed to President Duterte’s popularity. In fact, analysts shared unanimously the same view that President

Duterte is the most popular post-Marcos president. Let’s also not forget that it was PCOO that initiated the landmark policy Freedom of Information (FoI), which was made effective under Executive Order 2 signed in 2016. This furthers the promotion of free access by the media and the general public to transactions, data and information under the Executive branch. It has established an agenda for good governance and transparency. Through Radio-Television Malacañang, the government was able to air “live” the pronouncements of the President — his State of the Nation addresses, media interviews, meetings and other significant gatherings with local officials. These engagements are being amplified by the Philippine Information Agency’s 90-plus strong social media pages, other state-run and private media making him the “most visible and accessible” president in the country’s history. Caraga INFOCUS

Hundreds of storm surge victims in Iloilo City receive support from Bong Go as he continues to push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience Hundreds of storm surge victims in Iloilo City receive support from Bong Go as he continues to push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team for another batch of relief efforts for the storm surge victims in Iloilo City on Saturday, July 31, as he continues to advocate for better disaster resiliency measures in the country. Following their outreach Caraga INFOCUS

program for victims in neighboring Oton town, Go’s team organized a distribution activity at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office in Iloilo City for 221 families who were grouped into smaller batches and followed necessary health protocols for their safety against COVID-19. Go expressed his concern for affected families through his video message as he reassured them that he will continue to push

for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 205, otherwise known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to create a highly specialized agency with a clear unity of command and tasked with ensuring adaptive, disaster-resilient and safe communities. The creation of the said department shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and July 31-August 6, 2021 |

recovery and building forward better.

Go also appealed to the local officials to inoculate residents “Ito pong once vaccines are departamentong ito, dispatched. On top of cabinet secretary level. Furthermore, the DSWD that, Go requested local Mayro’n pong maggranted the beneficiaries leaders to closely assist aasikaso at makikipagwith financial assistance elderly residents and coordinate with LGUs. while the Department perform the vaccination Bago pa dumating ang of Trade and Industry in their own homes, if bagyo, naka-preposition assessed some of them possible. na po ang goods, ilikas for their Pangkabuhayan po ang ating mga sa Pagbangon at “Mas maigi na pong kababayan sa mas ligtas Ginhawa program. matapos natin itong na lugar, at pag-alis po pandemyang ito at ng bagyo ay restoration The Technical Education tuluy-tuloy po sana of normalcy kaagad, ” and Skills Development ang pagbabalik natin said Go. Authority offered sa ating normal na scholarship programs pamumuhay,” Go The proposed measure or special trainings for reminded. has been reiterated eligible individuals. Lastly, by President Rodrigo the National Housing “Kaya nakikiusap po Duterte during his Authority committed kami sa inyo, please recent State of the to provide housing lang po, disiplina po Nation Address as assistance to potential ang kailangan at one of the priority beneficiaries. kooperasyon ng bawat legislative agenda of the isa,” he added. administration. The Senator also reminded the families In line with his priorities to Meanwhile, the Senator’s to participate in the look after the health and team handed out relief national vaccination well-being of the Filipinos, items to the victims, such program once eligible Go also mentioned in his as grocery packs, meals, to ensure the country’s message that there are masks, face shields, and eventual return to two Malasakit Centers vitamins. There were normalcy. He, then, in the province that the also some recipients of reassured that the beneficiaries may visit if new pairs of shoes and government is doing they may need to seek bicycles. great efforts to make medical assistance. The sure that vaccines are nearest is at the Western As he continued to delivered immediately to Visayas Medical Center support measures to local government units, located in the city, and improve access to especially those located the other is at Don Jose quality education, Go in critical areas. Monfort Medical Center

|July 31-August 6, 2021

gave selected recipients computer tablets for their children’s educational use.

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Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo. The center is a onestop shop where lowincome Filipinos may conveniently avail of the medical assistance offered by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are now 133 Malasakit Centers nationwide. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported infrastructure development in the city to ensure its economic progress. Such projects he supported include Caraga INFOCUS

the construction and improvement of multipurpose buildings in Brgy. GuzmanJesena in Mandurriao and Brgy. Loboc in Lapuz; completion and rehabilitation of Barangay Health Stations at Brgy. Navais in Mandurriao, Brgy. South Fundidor in Molo, Brgy. Gustillo in La Paz, Brgy. Dungon B in Jaro I, Brgy. Quintin Salas in Jaro II, Brgy. Conception at City Proper, Brgy. San Isidro in Jaro, Brgy. Don Esteban in Lapuz, Brgy. Tabu, Brgy. Quintin Salas, and Brgy. Baldoza. He also supported the completion of a twostorey Health Center

at Brgy. Sto. RosarioDuran in City Proper; completion of the Bo. Obrero Health Center; completion of the Calumpang Health Center; completion of Molo District Health Center; and the construction of Zone 7 Brgy. San Isidro Road. Concluding his message, Go acknowledged the hard work of Representative Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, Mayor Jerry Treñas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, and other local government officials, for making certain that their community recovers from the global pandemic. July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Bong Go welcomes release of funds to cover severe adverse reactions from COVID-19 jabs; assures public that the threats posed by COVID-19 outweighs the unlikely risks that Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for approving the may come from release of the COVID-19 National Vaccine Indemnity Fund, a vaccines trust fund that will compensate Bong Go

anyone inoculated through the COVID-19 Vaccination Program in the event of death, permanent disability, or hospitalization due to any severe adverse effect following immunization. “I applaud the President for approving the release of funds to PhilHealth for the COVID-19 National Vaccine Indemnity Fund, which will be used to compensate our kababayans who will have serious adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Go. “Patunay po ito sa commitment

|July 31-August 6, 2021

ng pamahalaan na pangalagaan ang mga Pilipino at siguruhing may masasandalan sila anumang hamon ang harapin nila sa gitna ng COVID-19 pandemic,” he added. Section 10 of Republic Act 11525, also known as the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, authorizes the provision of PhP500 million for PhilHealth for the Indemnity Fund. It will come from the FY 2021 Contingent Fund under RA 11518, or the General Appropriations Act of 2021. Caraga INFOCUS

The Indemnity Fund will be administered as a separate fund from the Social Health Insurance Fund under the National Health Insurance Program, with separate accounting, financial management and actuarial analysis. The benefit cap for claims under the COVID-19 Vaccine Injury package is P100,000 per beneficiary. Hospitalization coverage shall be based on the actual hospital charges after the deduction of mandatory discounts as applicable and other PhilHealth benefits; permanent disability and/or death benefits shall be paid as a lump-sum amounting to P100,000 per beneficiary. Claimable cases include hospitalization due to anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, blood clots, and others that may be determined by the PhilHealth; disability, such as loss of sight for both eyes, loss of two limbs at or above the ankle or wrists or permanent complete paralysis of two limbs, brain injury resulting in incurable imbecility or insanity, and such other cases as may be determined by the PhilHealth; and death. Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill 2057, or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program bill, in February, which was ultimately approved into law by Duterte as RA 11525. The law created the vaccine indemnity fund and expedited the purchase of COVID-19 vaccinations. Some vaccine producers required the Caraga INFOCUS

establishment of indemnity and liability frameworks, which include establishing an indemnification fund backed by legislation. They may not be able to supply the vaccine unless indemnity legislation is passed. “Kaya suportado ko ang panukala hinggil dito para maging mas handa tayo sa kung meron mang hindi kanais-nais na epekto sa tao ang paggamit ng COVID-19 (vaccine),” said Go during his co-sponsorship speech in February for the measure. “Malaking parte ito ng ating National COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap at kailangan ito upang tuloy-tuloy na ang pag-roll-out ng mga bakuna sa ating bansa,” he added. Go then encouraged Filipinos not to fear COVID-19 vaccines but the deadly virus itself, as they are covered in the event of severe adverse reactions. He added that the risk of severe adverse reaction is very unlikely as compared to the threats posed by COVID-19. “Huwag po kayong matakot sa bakuna dahil safe po ang mga ito. Matakot kayo sa COVID-19. Bilang kasiguraduhan, covered naman po ito ng PhilHealth dahil sa indemnity fund,” said Go. “Ang bakuna po ang pag-asa natin dito. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” he concluded. July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Bong Go commends PRRD approval of funds for contact tracers Bong Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has commended President Rodrigo Duterte for approving the proposal to continuously engage and hire some 15,000 contact tracers from August 2 to December 31, highlighting their critical role in the government’s pandemic response operations. “Kinokomendahan ko po ang ating gobyerno sa pag-apruba ng ating suhestyon na patuloy na i-engage at dagdagan pa ang

|July 31-August 6, 2021

bilang ng contact tracers sa ating bansa dahil napakahalaga ng kanilang papel sa ating laban kontra COVID-19, said Go. “Our contact tracers play an important role in managing the pandemic and not squandering the chance for early preparation,” he added. Many Filipinos want to help put an end to the pandemic, according to the Senator. He added that hiring more contact

tracers is a practical way to provide livelihood to those in need while giving them the opportunity to contribute to the bayanihan efforts against COVID-19. “Ang pagiging contact tracer ay isang mainam na paraan para makatulong. At the same time, makakapagbigay pa tayo ng trabaho para sa mga Pilipinong nawalan ng kabuhayan,” he explained. “Habang nakakatulong Caraga INFOCUS

sila sa laban kontra COVID-19, matutulungan rin natin ang mga contact tracers na maitawid ang kanilang mga pamilya laban sa gutom at kahirapan,” Go added.

increased contact tracing and genome sequencing, in addition The government to stricter community estimates that hiring and quarantine and border engaging 15,000 contact control measures. tracers from August 2 to December 31 will cost “Maliban sa istriktong almost 1.7 billion pesos. community quarantine Contact tracers conduct Such number of contact guidelines, mas case interviews and risk tracers is expected to paigtingin din natin ang assessments, monitor meet the Department border control at travel close and general of Health’s required restrictions sa bansang contacts daily for at least contact tracer-tomaraming kaso ng Delta 14 days, and preserve individual ratio. variant. Hinihimok ko accurate records rin ang pamahalaan of those contacts in Notably, the Interna mas palakasin pa addition to detecting Agency Task Force on ang contact tracing at suspect, probable, and Emerging Infectious genome sequencing sa proven COVID-19 cases. Diseases has agreed to bansa,” said Go. put NCR on ECQ from “Marami po sa ating August 6 to August 20 “Patuloy din nating mga kababayan ang to combat the spread dagdagan ang gustong tumulong. of the Delta variant. kapasidad ng mga Pwede silang maging With this, Go has also healthcare facilities contact tracers kung called for the continuous at, higit sa lahat, bibigyan sila ng expansion of healthcare mas pabilisin ang karampatang training facilities, speedier pagbabakuna,” he at kompensasyon, vaccination rollout, added. bilang kabuhayan na Caraga INFOCUS

rin sa mga nawalan ng trabaho,” he said.

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Gordon underscores need to end sexual abuse against children, to sponsor measure increasing age of sexual consent in PH Emphasizing the need for an urgent response to child sexual abuse and exploitation in the country, Senator Richard J. Gordon will sponsor a bill defining the crime of statutory rape and other acts of sexual abuse from 12 to the international standard of 16 years of age. “Keeping 12 as the age of consent endangers children and makes them more vulnerable to sexual abuse. The Congress must uphold the right of every child to freedom from sexual exploitation that’s why we introduce Senate Bill No. 2332,” said Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Gordon pointed out that the Philippines has the lowest age of sexual consent in Asia and one of the lowest in the world. “The rape statistics in our country that involved children also remain

|July 31-August 6, 2021

troubling, so, we strongly support the increase of age of sexual consent as thousands of children are robbed of their youth,” Gordon stressed. Another significant provision of SBN 2332 is that men and women may be charged with statutory rape. The proposed law, as Gordon explained, will address this issue by giving equal protection to boys. “The sexual orientation of the offender is of no importance as we find that perpetrators of sexual abuse against boys are given much lesser sentences than those found guilty of raping girls,” he added. During the deliberation and review of the proposed bills of various Senators, including Senate Bill No. 1853 or the ‘Age of Statutory Rape and Other Sexual Abuse Act’ filed by Gordon, he said that the first National Baseline Study

Gordon

on Violence Against Children conducted in 2015, led by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), revealed that one in every five Filipino children aged 13-17 years old experienced sexual violence, while one in 25 of all respondents experienced forced consumated sex during childhood. The study further showed that the offenders are often family members. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, where the Philippines is a signatory, recommended to the government to increase the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old. “We are hoping to pass amendments with regard to child sexual abuse as this daunting task will help improve child protection in our country,” Gordon said.

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Newly enacted law to speed up resolution of cases in trial courts Resolution of cases in trial courts will be expedited as Republic Act No. 11576, authored and sponsored by Senator Richard J. Gordon, was passed into law on Wednesday. Gordon, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said the law will help de-clog the dockets and speeds up the disposition of cases of courts by expanding the jurisdictional threshold. “RA 11576 will equalize the burden between the first level courts and the second level courts. It will address the delay in the disposition of cases due to overloading of cases assigned per judge,” said Gordon. “If we bring down the load of second level courts and give some to first level courts, the process of law will be faster,” he added. According to the Office of the Court Administrator of the Supreme Court, there are 21,269 pending Caraga INFOCUS

Gordon

civil cases at the first level courts (Municipal Trial Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities), while there are 108,484 pending civil cases at the second level courts (Regional Trial Courts) as of December 2018. Under the RA 11576, the jurisdictional threshold of our first level courts was expanded, and the following must be implemented:

Pesos (P400,000.00); - Admiralty and maritime actions where the demand or claim does not exceed Two Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00); and - Civil actions and probate proceedings, testate and intestate, where the value of the personal property, estate, or amount of the demand does not exceed Two Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00).

“With the introduction - Civil actions involving of the amendments, we title to, or possession of hope that this will help real property, or any with the speediness of interest therein where the resolution of cases, the assessed value of the and help our judges to property does not exceed de-clog their courts,” said Four Hundred Thousand Gordon. July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Duterte cites UK envoy’s role in improving PH vax access FAREWELL CALL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction on outgoing Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Philippines Daniel Robert Pruce who paid a farewell call on the President at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (Aug. 4, 2021). Duterte hailed Pruce for his “personal role in improving the Philippines’ access to Covid-19 vaccines. (Presidential photo by Simeon Celi)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday lauded outgoing UK ambassador Daniel Pruce for his “personal role in improving the Philippines’ access to Covid-19 vaccines. In a statement from the Office of the President, Duterte credited Pruce for his contribution that led to the signing of a tripartite agreement between the national government, local government units (LGUs), and private sector for the procurement of UK’s AstraZeneca vaccines. To date, the UK has donated a total of 415,000 doses of AstraZeneca that contributed to the country’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccination program. Duterte credited Pruce for the revitalization of UK’s economic and political presence in the Philippines through high-level exchanges and dialogues. He also renewed his call for the finalization of a memorandum of understanding between (MOU) the Philippines and United Kingdom on the recruitment of Filipino healthcare professionals. Duterte explained that the memo is expected to ensure fair, ethical, and sustainable recruitment and employment of Filipino healthcare

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professionals in the UK. He reiterated the Philippines’ support for the UK’s Presidency of UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) this year, recognizing the UK’s commitment as it steers the global climate agenda towards urgent climate action. Duterte also conferred on Ambassador Pruce the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, for his accomplishments. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with outgoing Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Philippines Daniel Robert Pruce during a farewell call on the President at the Malacañang Palace on Aug. 4, 2021. (Presidential photo by Simeon Celi) Meanwhile, Pruce thanked Duterte for all the support

given by the Philippine government in the efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties across a broad range of areas, including political and defense cooperation, trade and investments, people-to-people exchanges, and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. He thanked Duterte for the Philippines’ support of the UK’s dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Pruce stressed the importance placed by the UK on its relations with the Philippines and further underscored that the Philippines-UK bilateral cooperation will continue to grow from strength to strength. The two leaders acknowledged that this year marks a milestone in Philippines-UK relations as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

Indigents priority for deployment of Moderna jabs: Galvez A large portion of the newly delivered 3,000,060 doses of Moderna vaccine on Tuesday will be dedicated to the indigent Filipinos. National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said the latest vaccine shipment is part of the donations of the United States (US) government to the Philippines through the COVAX Facility led by the World Health Organization (WHO). The US government has initially donated 3,213,200 doses of Johnson&Johnson’s singledose Janssen Covid-19 vaccine delivered in July.

MORE JABS. President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes the arrival of 3,000,060 doses of the Moderna vaccine at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday (August 3, 2021). The newly arrived jabs, donated by the United States government through the COVAX Facility, brought the country’s total Covid-19 vaccine to 37,275,780 doses. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

the pandemic,” Galvez said in a sideline interview during the arrival of the Moderna vaccine at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

The vaccine czar echoed President Rodrigo Duterte’s recommendation to use the newly arrived jabs for indigent citizens.

Galvez, also the vaccine czar, thanked the US government for “generously” providing free Covid-19 vaccines to the Philippines.

Galvez noted that the US government gave the Philippines a “leeway” to decide where the vaccine should be given.

“We would like to thank the US government for their generosity. We would like to thank the US government in this endeavor and for not leaving us during this time of

He, however, said the utilization of the vaccines will be in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and the country’s vaccination plan.

“At least 500,000 or more will be given to our indigent Filipino people kasi matagal na niyang sinasabi na ang mga vaccine ay talagang ibibigay natin (because he has been saying that the vaccines should be given) for free, particularly in poor communities and vulnerable sectors. With this, we will comply with President’s guidance,”

|July 31-August 6, 2021

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Galvez said. The bulk of the US-donated vaccine, he said, will be deployed in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Metro Davao, and Metro Cebu--collectively known as National Capital Region (NCR) Plus 8 bubble. He added those areas having a surge of Covid-19 cases such as Region 3 (Central Luzon), Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Region 6 (Western Visayas), including other parts of Visayas and Mindanao like cities of Gingoog, Cagayan de Oro, in Leyte and even Ilocos region--will also get a huge volume of newly delivered vaccine. “Ang guidance po natin dito ay ibibigay po natin sa mga areas na nagkakaroon ng surge at sa NCR naman they will use the ECQ to inoculate more people (Our guidance here is that we will deploy the vaccines in areas that are having a surge of cases while the NCR is expected to use the imposition of the ECQ to inoculate more people),” said Galvez, noting that the country is “racing against time.” The government targets to acquire about 22 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in August, but for now, Galvez said around

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16 million will surely be delivered this month.

diminished. As much as possible pagsumikapan pa rin natin yung (let’s strive hard) and we have to be patient with the seniors,” he said.

“We are still negotiating for more [jabs]. So for me, the deployment of around six million vaccines in the NCR Plus 8 and in other provinces Galvez said if the LGUs could be possible,” he could do a house-to-house added. vaccination for A2 and A3, then, they have to do so. Galvez also announced the Chinese government “We would like to is set to deliver its one encourage our LGUs, million doses of donatedparticularly those who are Sinopharm vaccine “most now in ECQ and MECQ to likely” on August 10. maximize their time and efforts and to exploit the Prioritization in vax program condition of the stringent restrictions and prioritize our While the government vaccination program,” he commits to immediately said. vaccinated indigents, Galvez said prioritizing the Galvez commended the inoculation of senior citizens “Bakuna nights” being done (A2) and persons with coin Quezon City, Taguig and morbidities (A3) is still crucial Valenzuela despite having for the country--to reduce a limited vaccine supply, hospitalization and fatality rates among vulnerable “I think it’s more than sectors. enough kasi nakikita natin yung target nila nakukuha He urged the local ngayon (because we government units (LGUs) can see that the target to maximize their efforts is being met),” he said. in encouraging A2 and “Immediately, we will A3 priority groups to get deploy tomorrow this vaccinated as soon as Moderna and hopefully we possible. will fast track the deliveries of other vaccine deliveries “Once that we have these coming weeks.” already accomplished the A2 and A3 sectors, like what The latest shipment brings Mandaluyong have done the country’s total Covid-19 vaccinating 100 percent vaccine to 37,275,780 of the elderly population, basically the hospitalization doses. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) and deaths will gonna be

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

No areas will be neglected in vax deployment: PRRD

VACCINE SUPPLY. President Rodrigo Duterte assures no areas will be neglected in the vaccine distribution during his Talk to the People on Monday (Aug. 2, 2021). Duterte said vaccine supply in the country is not yet stable. (Presidential photo by King Rodriguez)

It’s not that the government is neglecting some areas in the deployment of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines nationwide, President Rodrigo Duterte said, noting the country is still coping with limited supply delivered in the Philippines. “Let me just assure anybody, anywhere in the Philippines that the vaccines that we are giving are for all Filipinos. It’s just a matter

|July 31-August 6, 2021

of priority – kaya dito sa mga hotspots gaya ng Maynila na nandito lahat yung tao so ‘yung transmission ay mas mabilis. Pero kung sabihin mo mabigyan sila, mabibigyan sila (here at the hotspots such as in Manila where many people are here, so the transmission of the virus is faster. But if they would ask if they will be given vaccines, they will receive it),” Duterte said during his pre-recorded Talk to the People on Monday night.

Duterte assured that no areas will be neglected in the vaccine distribution, but said the vaccine supply in the country “is not yet stable” to expand further the local deployment. “Ang problema talaga ng Pilipinas eh wala tayong supply na maganda kasi kung meron maibigay natin sa lahat. If we have numbers – sufficient vaccines – hindi na sila maghintay, ibigay na natin kaagad Caraga INFOCUS

(The problem in the Philippines is that we don’t have enough supply. If only we have more supply then we will give it to them. If we have sufficient vaccines then they don’t have to wait, we will give them immediately) It’s just a matter of handling. Our worry is the handling and how the efficacy of the vaccine is protected,” he said.

crowd, less transmission,” he said. All local government units (LGUs), he assured, will be given Covid-19 vaccines as much as they needed it. “It’s not a matter of this national government forgetting you. We are always conscious of our duty to protect all Filipinos,” he said.

Galvez will see to it na darating yung mga bakuna doon Ang amin lang is ang handling niyan kung gaano kalayo ang lugar ninyo (that vaccines will get there. We just want to make sure about the handling in your far communities) because this vaccine is fragile. It’s handled with the utmost care,” he added.

Duterte called on the Duterte added that the The government LGUs to get prepared distribution will be done should hold vaccine with the arrival of immediately after the deployment accordingly, vaccines in their localities bulk will be delivered in he said. so possible jab wastage the coming months. could be prevented. “Kailangan natin na With limited supply, dahan-dahan lang. The government, he Duterte said the Inuuna natin yung mga said, is “very conscious government should maiinit na lugar tapos of its duty and fair to prioritize those high(We have to do it slowly everybody”. risk areas where the and prioritize the hot dreaded virus can spots) as the supplies Duterte, meanwhile, be more contagious, come in, we are buying-- announced he is set to particularly in the we have the money,” he personally welcome the populated and dense said. deliveries of about 3 communities. million doses of Moderna Duterte said all LGUs, vaccines donated by the “Gusto namin pagdating including those in the United States of America ibigay na kaagad, far-flung communities, to the Philippines within unahin lang natin yung will get their part from this week. maiinit na lugar na large volumes of the maraming tao (We want government-procured To date, the Philippines to distribute the vaccines vaccines set to arrive in has 34,275,740 doses of after arrival, we will just the coming months. Covid-19 vaccine and prioritize those populated administered a total of hotspots). More persons, “We will see to it, I’m 20,863,544 doses. (PNA/ more transmission. Less sure Secretary [Carlito] Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS

July 31-August 6, 2021 |

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