Volume V1, No. 28 July 9-15, 2022
INFOCUS
ARTICLES
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REGIONAL NEWS
BFS to Ease Impact of Rising Costs of Inputs Rice farmers sa Butuan, gipailawom sa pagbansay sa pagdumala sa pinansyal ug pagpataas sa kita
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Persons Deprived of Liberty receive training from TESDA-AgNor
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Government Agencies Mold Youth through Leadership Summit in Agusan Norte
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POPCOM Caraga commemorates Population Day DBM, DILG to check LGUs’ devolution plan POPCOM Caraga supports PBBM to lead agriculture department POPCOM lauds VP Duterte as DepEd exec POPCOM Caraga links responsible parenthood to nutrition Nasipit District Hospital makadawat og ambulansya gikan sa DOH POPCOM Caraga, DKT ipalig-on ang serbisyo sa Family Planning
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COVID-19 NEWS Bislig City hosted Gala Night dinner to welcome the Chinese Consulate delegation Two schools benefit SURSECO-I “Ambag ng Kooperatiba project” ATI 13 validates LGU-Carrascal swine AI for barangay program application Commander RCPA attends the First Flag Raising ceremony of the New Administration of Dinagat Islands Port Cops, Guards Cleaned Up Seaside ‘Baywatch’ through Fatigue Duty DA Caraga turns over farm machineries to farmers associations in Dinagat Islands PMO Surigao Leads Multi Sectoral Groups in a Cleanup Drive at Surigao Port Area Electric scooter gitunol sa mga kapitanes sa Dinagat Islands
NATIONAL NEWS PBBM pushes for more tourism-driven infra projects Marcos admin supports review of education curriculum to address jobs mismatch PBBM asks LGUs to support booster vaccine drive
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Covid close to endemic phase; declaration ‘just a matter of time’ Senators propose measures to boost Covid-19 vax campaign Covid-19 vax sites soon up in schools, public markets: DOH
COVER
CONTENTS
Caraga
Deped Butuan City Division intensifies conduct of Brigada Pagbasa Caravan are able to improve their reading proficiency. That’s why we have been engaging with other sectors to realize and achieve what we always wanted our children to become as they grow,” she said. With collaborations from the different government agencies, local government units, and private sector, there have been notable programs established such as the “Basa Batang Butuanon Drive” and the Project VIBER or the Virtual Intervention for Beginning Reader, among others.
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
The Department Of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division does not only ensure that pupils are getting proper nutrition but also seeing to it that reading comprehension is being improved. This was emphasized during the conduct of Brigada Pagbasa
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Caravan in Butuan City.
Division has initiated the establishment of According to Dr. Marilou various programs and Dedumo, Schools Division interventions to improve Superintendent of DepEd the performance of the Butuan City Division, learners and make them there are still pupils and more productive not only students not only in the in academics but also in elementary level but also their daily life. in the secondary who have difficulty in reading. “We need to step up and double our efforts in The DepEd Butuan City ensuring that our learners Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Meanwhile, the DepEd also urged parents to take time reading with their children and make it a habit at home. “Reading with your children would not only make them love reading as a habit, but also create close ties with them,” added Dedumo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
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News Briefs The Human Resource Development Division of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in coordination with the Office of Legal Affairs, Civil Service Commission (CSC), conducts a “Webinar on the Salient Points of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) via Zoom and I-Hayag. xx
National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month, spearheaded by the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga. This activity is facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, an active member of the RIACATVAWC. Media partners from the different provinces also took part and raised issues and concerns, and queries on the TIP cases filed in the region and the ongoing programs of the agencies comcerned in addressing TIP. FDA Advisory No.2022-1259. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns all healthcare professionals and the general public NOT TO PURCHASE AND CONSUME the following unregistered food supplements: 1. GNC PROBIOTIC SOLUTIONS MULTI-STRAIN PROBIOTIC WITH VITAMINS C & D, ZINC, ECHINACEA & ELDERBERRY DIETARY SUPPLEMENT 2. DIETICA SLIMMING TABLET DIETARY SUPPLEMENT 3. VICKS ZZZQUIL NATURA SLEEP Read more:->https://bit.ly/3aCnbif
(OWWA CARAGA ADVISORY) To all aspiring OWWA scholars for SY 2022-2023. Please be informed that OWWA Regional Welfare Office XIII-Caraga will be accepting applications for EDSP and ODSP this SY 2022-2023 starting on July 15 to August 15, 2022.
REGIONAL NEWS
BFS to Ease Impact of Rising Costs of Inputs
doable and adaptable for them. In line with the promotion of the BFS, the DA-Caraga conducted an Information Caravan on Abonong Swak on July 5-8 in Butuan City, Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur, Tandag, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao City respectively.
With the increasing prices of farm inputs including fertilizers, our farmers are crying out for help. With this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying the promotion of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy. The Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) also known as Abonong Swak is a fertilization strategy that advocates the correct use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to meet the nutritional needs of crops and ensure the soil’s fertility. The BFS aims to address the problem on the continuing increase of prices of fertilizers. It emphasizes the
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importance of following the right EAT or Element, Amount, and Timing in fertilizer application to avoid wastage and lessen expenses. Moreover, the BFS is advocating for the use of organic fertilizer together with inorganic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers will improve soil structure, texture, and aeration resulting to increase in the soil’s water retention abilities. Furthermore, the BFS offers three combos of fertilizer application recommendations and protocols which the farmers can choose from, depending on what is
Rice farmers sa Butuan, gipailawom sa pagbansay sa pagdumala sa pinansyal ug pagpataas sa kita
The Info Caravan was attended by Provincial, City, and Municipal Agriculturists, Provincial/City/Municipal Rice Coordinators, and Agriculture & Fishery Council Provincial chairpersons. DA-Caraga Information Section Chief Emmylou T. Presilda underscored the importance of briefing the Local Government Units (LGU) on the campaign since they are the frontliners in the field as well as the DA’s partners in program implementation. Ven Rea Cabuga of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and Jehru Magahud of PhilRice Agusan served as Resource Speakers. Other members of the Abonong Swak Technical Working Group were also present to address all concerns during the Info Caravan. (Vanessa P. Sanchez / DA13-RAFIS/PIA Caraga) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Gipailawom sa duha ka adlaw nga pagbansay ang mga Rice Farmers sa Butuan City kabahin sa Good Agricultural Practices on Rice Cum Financial Literacy (GAP Rice) aron mas mapalapdan ang kahibalo sa mga rice farmers mahitungod na sa pagpataas sa kita ug matudluan sa maayong pagdumala sa pinansyal ilabina ang pagkab-ot nga mamahimong malampusong Agri-Enterprise. Sa nasangpit nga pagbansay nahisgutan sab ang impormasyon sa safe rice production, storage, maayong transportasyon sa humay, nahisgutan sab
ang estado sa rice industry sa syudad sa Butuan, importansya sa GAP, farm location, farm environment, farm structure ug maayong pasilidad sa maintenance, farming practices, workers health and safety, farm management, guidelines, palay check system ug financial literacy asa unang makabenipisyo niini ang mga mag-uuma. Nahimo sab nga kabahin sa pagbansay ang importansya sa maayong pamatasan isip mga Filipinong mag-uuma. Ang GAP for Rice nakasentro usab sa consolidated safety ug quality standards nga giporma sa Department of
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Agriculture alang sa taas nga produksyon, pagdumala sa harvest time ug ang drying ug storage sa humay. Tungod niini nga pagbansay na-engganyo ang mga mag-uuma nga muadopt sa mga best practices ug technology aron mas sayon ug dali na kanila ang pagugmad sa tagsa-tagsang kabasakan. Gipangunahan sa City Agriculturist Office ang kalihukan nga hugot sab nga gisuportahan ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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Persons Deprived of Liberty receive training from TESDA-AgNor
PROVINCIAL NEWS
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Agusan del Norte (TESDA-AgNor) recently conducted a three-day skills training in Slippers Making to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at Butuan City Jail-Male Dorm, Butuan City. A total of 32 PDL were trained to make slippers. This would help them acquire knowledge and skills helpful for them as they reintegrate themselves back to the society. In his message, TESDA
AgNor provincial director Rey Cueva encouraged the PDL to be hopeful and to still dream of greater things regardless of their situation. “Skills training would not only keep you busy, but would make you productive citizens. With this, you can still earn income and help your families despite being deprived of liberty”, he said. The activity is a partnership between TESDA-AgNor, Butuan City Jail headed by the City Jail Warden, J/CINSP Diovin C
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Auza and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Regional Office XIII headed by the Regional Director, J/CSUPT Jolly C Taguiam Jr, represented by J/INSP Margie Canangcaan. TESDA-AgNor’s continuous support to BJMP in transforming lives is in line with TESDA Caraga’s mantra “Caraga CARES” headed by Regional Director, Tarhata S. Mapandi. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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Government Agencies Mold Youth through Leadership Summit in Agusan Norte
The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion in partnership with the Local Government of Unit of Kitcharao and different line government agencies have molded another batch of young leaders through a 3-Day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) Kitcharao 2022 held at the Municipal Agricultural Manpower Development Center, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte from July 9 to 11, 2022. The YLS aims to enhance
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the leadership skills of the youth for them to become catalysts toward a peaceful nation-building and fostering a drug-free and crime free community. Rico, one of the YLS participants said in his message, “Mapasalamaton ko sa mga ate ug kuya pati sa mga lecturer kay nagtudlo sila para sa kaayuhan namo aron dili mi mapadulong sa kadautan. Daghan kaayo ko ug natun-an
tungod ani nga seminar unta naa pay musunod.” (I am thankful to the personnel who act as our Ates’ and Kuyas’ and to the lecturers because they have taught us what’s good for us so that we will not thread the wrong path. I have learned so much because of this training, I hope there will be more trainings.) Meanwhile, Hon. Jenry E. Montante, Municipal Mayor of Kitcharao, said, “Sa ginaingon pa ni Jose
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Rizal nga ang kabataan maoy pag-asa sa atong nasod. Dako pud among pasalamat sa 29IB kay nagahatag sila ug mga pagtulon-an sa atong mga kabataan. Gigiyahan nila ang atong kaabataan para dili matumpawak sa dautan ilabi na sa atong statistics karon sitenta poryenso ang rekruitment sa pikas. Kini nga seminar, usa lamang kini nga angang sa inyo mga kabatan-onan alang sa inyong pagpadagan sa kaugmaon. Kay kini mao kini ang sumbanan ug ehemplo para sa kaayuhan.” (According to Dr. Jose Rizal, the youth is the hope of our country. I am grateful to the 29IB for teaching the youth. They are guiding the youth so that they will not take the wrong path, since, according to statistics, 70% of the young people are recruited by the terrorist group. This seminar is only a step for you, the youth, on how you manage your future. This will serve as an example or your model for your own good.) Also, Hon. Ma Angelica
Rosedell M Amante, Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte, in her message to the YLS Graduates, She said, “Choice. Desisyon natong tanan, ninyo, kada usa ninyo. Desisyon ninyo unsay mahitabo sa inyong ugma. Dili ta pwede muingon nga ang gobyerno ang nakasala. Desisyon gyud nato ang tanan. Kamo nga niagi sa training, swerte mo pero dapat dili lang muhunong sa inyo. Kamo naman ang lider kamo naman ang mahimong tingog nato sa Agusan para masalbar nato ang mga
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
batan-on sa inyong barangay.” (Choice. It is all our decision, yours and everyone else’s. We cannot say that the government is the one who is at fault. It is really our decision. You who have received this training are extremely fortunate, and it should not end there. You are now the leader and you will be the one who will be the voice of Agusan so that we can save those young people who are in your barangay.) (2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova (QMS) PA, CMO Officer, 4ID PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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POPCOM Caraga commemorates Population Day
The Commission on Population and Development Caraga joined in the commemoration of the World Population Day (WPD) on July 11, 2022, with the local theme “110 Milyong Solusyon: Tungo sa Pagkamit ng Potensyal ng Bawat Pilipino.” This year’s celebration of WPD aims to gather and to tap the potentials of the Filipinos who are instrumental towards the country’s attainment
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of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal. In light with the celebration of WPD, POPCOM Caraga, spearheaded by Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano, have lined up activities which include communication campaign to various Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) to consider the following activities: Sharing in their official/ personal Facebook account FB posts of
POPCOM Central / Regional Office about the WPD celebration, and hanging of streamers with the logo and theme in their offices following the provided template. POPCOM Caraga hopes that with this celebration, everybody will be united to better respond to the challenge of time and to continue to uplift the lives of every Filipino family. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
DBM, DILG to check LGUs’ devolution plan The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Regional Devolution Transition Committee, respectfully shall oversee and monitor the preparation and implementation of the Local Government Units (LGUs) Devolution and Transition Plans (DTPs) per Executive Order (EO) 138 and its IRR. responsibilities. The LGUs shall design their DTP All provinces, cities, based on the National municipalities, and Government Agencies’ barangays shall prepare (NGAs) DTP, reviewed their respective DTPs and approved by DBM. pursuant to Executive As of press time, DBM Order (EO) No. 138. has approved the DTP of The DTP will serve as only two NGAs, POPCOM a handy reference to is one. carry out organizational The LGU DTP preparation strengthening efforts shall be undertaken in and to upgrade the institutional capacities in close coordination with the next three years and the NGAs concerned such as the Commission monitor the progress of the transition towards full on Population assumption of devolved and Development Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
(POPCOM). The monitoring and performance assessment of the LGUs will be guided by DBM, DILG and NGAs concerned. It will undergo initial evaluation for general compliance, in-depth evaluation of strategic and functional shifts, and evaluation of Organization for Energy Planning (OEP) before approval. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)
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POPCOM Caraga supports PBBM to lead agriculture department POPCOM Caraga supports PBBM to lead agriculture department The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga is very optimistic, and sees opportunity for collaboration to President Ferdinand “Bong-bong” R. Marcos, Jr. action as the secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), placing the agency as his administration’s top governance and budgetary priorities. POPCOM Caraga Regional Director, Alexander A. Makinano, said that rapid population growth is one of the major development challenges coupled with land degradation. RD Makinano continued that POPCOM as a partner of DA in bringing Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) to communities in the region, more livelihood opportunities
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POPCOM lauds VP Duterte as DepEd exec The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga Region expresses full support to the thrusts and direction of Vice President Sara Duterte – Carpio, as the Secretary of Education starting July 1st.
Makinano
for farmers and fisherfolk will be provided.
personally, this will carry out reforms in the agency to improve If this opportunity the quality of life of complements efficient the present and future agricultural policies and generations. The sectors strategies, the growing said that the agriculture population can access industry can now adequate yield for home heave a sigh of relief consumption as well as that domestic food household income, RD production and logistics Makinano explained. will be given priority in the new administration. Many sectors are (Dian Joy L. Martinez, hopeful that with PBBM POPCOM Caraga/PIA administering the DA Caraga) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
The Regional Director of POPCOM Caraga, Alexander A. Makinano hoped that VP Duterte can proactively address population growth and educational issues. RD Makinano explained that the higher the population, the more teachers, buildings, and facilities are required, fostering positive attitudes about education and learning can be hard to do if students are experiencing school overcrowding; issues on population growth in the educational system shall be corrected to prevent dropouts and encourage continued learning.
Makinano
In her inaugural address on June 19, VP Duterte said that a “strong, loving, happy family sets down all the basic foundation essential in the development and growth of a child.” VP Duterte also highlighted in her address, which states “we should never forget that it is the duty of each Filipino family to emphasize that
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
education begins at home”. POPCOM will work for the establishment and efficient use of demographic data in development planning, policy and program formulations and resource allocation at all sectors and levels, including the education sector. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)
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POPCOM Caraga links responsible parenthood to nutrition
Nasipit District Hospital makadawat og ambulansya gikan sa DOH
Makinano
The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga emphasized in its various demand generation activities the impact of Responsible Parenthood to the overall health and nutritional status of the children and of the entire family. As the Vice Chairperson of the Regional Nutrition Council and Technical Working Group, POPCOM Caraga works with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to eliminate the spike in teen pregnancy that leads to malnutrition and risk to the mother and her baby. There is a need
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to expand Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning services in order to address shortage of health care services that endanger mothers and their children. The Regional Nutrition Technical Working Group (RNTWG) convened on June 14, 2022 via blended approach at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City.
implementation. Furthermore, plans and activities for the upcoming 2022 Nutrition Month Celebration were presented. The body also agreed to submit a nutrition month plan before the end of June per agency in line with the celebration of Nutrition Month.
As a partner agency, The meeting discussed POPCOM Caraga nutrition updates of the is enthusiastic in its different sectors, the nutrition advocacies to second semester activities, shape a healthy and the Republic Act (RA) better nutrition to every 11148 and other relevant Caraganon. (Dian Joy concerns regarding L. Martinez, POPCOM nutrition program Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Usa sa mga recipient ang Nasipit District Hospital (NDH) sa lungsod sa Nasipit ning lalawigan ang makadawat og usa ka unit nga ambulansya nga lakip na ang mga equipment niini gikan sa Department of Health (DOH) Caraga.
pirma si Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante sa Deed of Donation, tali sa Provincial Government ug Department of Health alang sa paghatag sa maong ambulansya ngadto sa NDH.
Gi konsiderar nga ang paghatag sa usa ka Ang maong ambulansya unit nga ambulansya nagkantidad og ug uban pang mga P1,987,000.00 ubos kagamitan niini para sa sa programa sa DOH ospital sa lungsod, aron nga Health Facilities kini mapalambu ang Enhancement Program katakus sa pagdumala kun HFEP. sa maong ospital ug paghatod sa insaktong Andam na nga mo kalidad nga serbisyu ug Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
health services ngadto sa mga katawhan sa lungsod sa Nasipit. Sa pagpangamahan ni Vice Governor Enrico R. Corvera, giaprobahan kini pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 007-2022, nga ang paghatag og katungod ni Governor Amante para pag pirma sa maong Deed of Donation atol sa Inaugural session niadtong Julyo 12, 2022. (Ramil L.Pasco, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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POPCOM Caraga, DKT ipalig-on ang serbisyo sa Family Planning
Ang Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga kauban ang DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. mipirma ug Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) isip kauban sa implementasyon sa family planning information ug service provision sa mga lalaki ug babaye nga adunay unmet need para sa moderno na family planning sa Caraga region. Sa MOA nga gipirmahan ni POPCOM Caraga Regional Director, Alexander A. Makinano ug Ms. Loida M. Almendares, Head of Programs, DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc., ang POPCOM Caraga maghatag ug suporta sa kalamboan
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ug implementasyon sa pagbag-o sa sosyal na kinaiya ug mga inisyatibo sa komunikasyon sa lokal na lebel; ug maghatag ug Family Planning methods sama sa IUD, condoms, injectables ug pills para sa mga bag-o ug kasamtangang tiggamit, sa mga lalaki ug mga babae of reproductive ages, uban sa dugang nga pagtutok sa Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ug Indigenous Peoples (IPs) sa panahon sa demand generation nga kalihokan; samtang. Ang MOA nagmando usab sa DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. nga maghatag sa mga kinahanglanon nga suplay sa POPCOM Caraga
sumala sa kasamtangang nasyonal ug rehiyonal nga mga giya sa pagkunhod sa unmet need alang sa modernong family planning na mga pamaagi ug mga serbisyo; ug maghatag sa gikinahanglan nga teknikal nga tabang ingon man ang koordinasyon sa mga (Local Government Units) LGUs para sa pagmonitor sa mga katugbang nga mga kalihokan. Ang POPCOM Caraga naghimo dayon ug plano para sa pagpahigayon og refresher course, demand generation ug service provision sa mga lain-lain na komunidad sa rehiyon. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Bislig City hosted Gala Night dinner to welcome the Chinese Consulate delegation
The Bislig City Government hosted a Gala Dinner for the Chinese Consulate General delegation led by Consul General Li Lin, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta, Chinese entrepreneurs, and other distinguished guests on July 11, 2022, held at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center (BCCSC).
development in the City of Bislig.”, Mayor Garay in his speech during the Gala Night.
Highlighting the event, Assistant City Planning Coordinator, Engr. Edilberto Carmen presented investment opportunities in Bislig before the delegation. MinDa Secretary Acosta, Consul General Li Lin, and 2nd District On behalf of the City Government of Board member of Surigao del Sur Atty. Bislig, Mayor Florencio Garay expressed Conrad Cejoco delivered their speeches his gratitude to ConGen Li Lin for granting during the event. the rare opportunity to visit the Chinese Consulate General in Davao City last The attendees were also entertained by June 21-22, for allowing the Local cultural performances from Bislig’s talents. Government Unit of Bislig City to present its flagship project. Also, joining the event were the LGU-Bislig officials and department heads, MinDA “We believe that your interest to invest representatives, Bislig City Ecozone in the richness of our city in terms of Technical Working Group, and other natural resources and tourism will be invited guests and visitors. (CIO-Bislig/PIAwritten in history that China is part of Surigao del Sur) the exponential and accelerated Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
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Two schools benefit SURSECO-I “Ambag ng Kooperatiba project”
In line with its 51st Anniversary Celebration, Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative I (SURSECO-I) rolled out its “Ambag ng Kooperatiba para sa Brigada Eskwela” – an undertaking of the Coop’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program, on July 7, 2022. Two schools, Mamis Elementary School in Barobo, and Tuburan Elementary School in Carpenito, Tagbina of the 2nd District of Surigao del Sur, were the beneficiaries of free electrical connection correction and repair
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and installation of new electrical materials. The report stated that the activity cost was a total amount of Php15,000.00 covering the electrical materials and the building wiring electricians’ labor fees. This activity accordingly, has been the Coop’s contribution to DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela for several years. However, it was stopped due cancelation of face to face classes brought about by the pandemic. Since resumption of face-to-face classes
is now in place, the preparation of school facilities particularly the efficient supply of electricity is necessary for more conducive learning. SURSECO-I gives importance to the learning of our youth today, and the Ambag ng Kooperatiba project is a timely endeavor as the Coop celebrates another 50 years of committed service to Member-ConsumerOwners (MCOs) in its franchise. (SURSECO-I/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
ATI 13 validates LGU-Carrascal swine AI for barangay program application The Agricultural Training Institute – 13 (ATI-13) headed by Center Director Mr. Fil Victor A. Babanto, conducted a validation of the local government unit (LGU) of Carrascal for its application for Swine Artificial Insemination for Barangay (SWAIB) Program in Carrascal Multiplier Farm Barangay in Tag-anito, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, today, July 14, 2022. The ATI is implementing the “AI sa Barangay” a program/ project under the National Livestock Program of the Department of Agriculture to improve the swine population amidst the threats brought by African Swine Fever (ASF). The LGU as the direct recipient of the program if all attaching documents will be complied with and will pass the validation, it can avail of the following:
1. Bio- secured Housing and Facilities (including animal house, AI laboratory, and waste management facility); 2. 10 breeder boars (6 GP boars, 4 terminal boars); 3. AI laboratory equipment; and 4. Feeds for the investment year. Said structure, equipment, and logistics have estimated costs of almost Php 4,000,000.00 including all modifications set
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
to ensure biosecurity measures. The recipient’s counterpart for the establishment of the AI Center includes lot and other facilities, labor and consumables for the operation of the AI Center, and certain funding to sustain the operation and ensure that the services will reach the targeted beneficiaries. (Carrascal FITS Center/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Commander RCPA attends the First Flag Raising ceremony of the New Administration of Dinagat Islands
Major General Fernando V. Felipe, the Commander of Reserve Command, Philippine Army attended the first flag raising ceremony of the new administration of the Province of Dinagat Islands on July 11, 2022 headed by Governor Noli P Demery, other elected and LGA officials. In the ceremony, Major Felipe was given the opportunity to
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deliver his message where he reiterated the importance of fast tracking the force buildup of our reservists in the province as part of its resiliency efforts.
operations during the onslaught of Odette.
“ROTC and Reservist trainings are ways of molding our people to become model citizens that showcase discipline, The province has unity and compassion for already experienced the our people and country. dreadful devastations This is our investment in of strong typhoon and the community that we that they are blessed can depend and rely on for having the reserve during emergencies and force on the ground who calamities,” Maj Gen immediately responded Felipe said. (RESCOM, to the relief and rescue PA/PIA- Dinagat Islands) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Port Cops, Guards Cleaned Up Seaside ‘Baywatch’ through Fatigue Duty
Operatives of the Port Management Office (PMO), Surigao’s Port Police Division and volunteer security guards recently cleaned up a seaside facility after it was badly damaged by Super Typhoon Odette.
facility to its former glory employees. through the collective efforts of the Port Police “With the help of PMO Division on ‘fatigue duty.’ Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla, Fondly referred to as who is instrumental in ‘Baywatch,’ the facility establishing this facility, is a coastal training the Port Police Division center and recreation considers it as a valuable area located near the legacy and commits Scores of assorted debris Lipata Ferry Terminal. It to restore ‘Baywatch’ washed up from the sea was built and developed to its former glory,” and deposited to the in the 1990s as a training Acting PMO Surigao Port beach as well as fallen, center/exercise area for Police Division Manager scattered trees were Elvis Daguman said. painstakingly cleaned up Port cops and guards, (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIAand gathered for proper as well as a recreation venue for PMO Surigao del Norte) disposal to restore the Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
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DA Caraga turns over farm machineries to farmers associations in Dinagat Islands
PMO Surigao Leads Multi Sectoral Groups in a Cleanup Drive at Surigao Port Area In response to the call of the newly-elected Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao for a clean and orderly city, the Port Management Office of Surigao led the multi-sectoral group and organizations in cleaning up the streets of the Surigao port area.
The Department of Agriculture - Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. recently handed the certificate of turn-over of machinery to farmers associations and cooperatives in Dinagat Islands. The intervention is part of the Department’s Farm Mechanization Program to boost farmers’ income through the help of modernized technology. This is part of the P41.66 million agri-
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support allocated to the province. Present during the turnover were Provincial Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr., OICProvincial Agriculturist Rico Galinato and Agricultural Program Coordination Office Chief - Dinagat Islands Rey Frias. The beneficiaries of the said rice and corn machineries are the Upper Laguna Corn Farmers Association
(Cagdianao); Panaad Farmers Association (Basilisa); Malian Integrated Sustainable Farmers Association (Tubajon); Montag Farmers Association (Basilisa); Cabungaan Mabungahon Farmers Association (Cagdianao); Cabalawan Farmers Association (Libjo); and General Aguinaldo Farmers Association (Libjo). (DA- Caraga/PIADinagat Islands) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Armed with broomsticks and garbage bags, PMO Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla led the organic and outsourced personnel in cleaning up the sidewalks and streets from the Port of Surigao’s Gate No. 1 in the City Boulevard (P. Reyes Street) up to the whole stretch of Borromeo Street leading towards the Punta Bilang Bilang Basin. Joining them are the Philippine Navy Reservists under the 722nd Naval Squadron Reserve headed by LTJG Threlcie Villaces PN(Res), LGU of Barangay Taft represented by
Kagawad Eleonor YuipcoBonono and her team composed of Banat Boys and Alpha Kappa Rho members , personnel from the Globalport Terminal, Inc. and members of the Surigao Porters Association and Sagittarius Security Agency.
boxes and other discarded materials.
“This activity is part of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and in support of Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao’s Executive Order No. MPD-003 series of 2022 entitled AN The cleanup drive ORDER IMPLEMENTING successfully collected CLEANLINESS AND more than 400 kilos of ORDERLINESS IN THE various waste and debris CITY OF SURIGAO,” made up of soil and sand, Acting PMO Surigao Port plastic, wood scraps, Manager Froilan Caturla damaged Styrofoam said. (PPA-PMO Surigao)
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
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Electric scooter gitunol sa mga kapitanes sa Dinagat Islands
Ang buhatan sa Prrovincial Government sa Dinagat Islands mitunol sa electic scooter ngadto sa mga kapitanes sa probinsya. Gipangunahan ni Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. ang pagtunol sa maong mga bag-ong electric scooter ngadto sa mga kapitan sa managlahing lugar sakop sa maong probinsya. Sumala pa ni Governor
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Demerey Jr. nga iyaha kining ipang apud-apod ngadtosa mga Kapitanis aron magamit nila nga service vehicle kung duna may galing lakaw ang maong opisyal. Ang mga kapitan nga anaa nahimotang ang ilang barangay layo sa kadagatan hatagan niya og mga electric scooter samtang pumpboat usab ang itunol ngadto sa kapitanes nga anaa sa kaislahan.
Sumala pa ni Governor Demerey Jr. na iyaha kini ipanghatag agi usab og pasalamat ngadtu sa ilang walay puas nga pag supporta ngadtu na kaniya. Ang ipang tunol nga mga electric scooter gikan sa Kress Philippines nga adunay 2 ka oras nga rechargeable hours og mulungtad kini sa 12 ka oras pataas depende sa kalayuon sa paggamit. (DPC News/ PIA-Dinagat Islands) DPC NEWS “KABOSES” Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
NATIONAL NEWS
PBBM pushes for more tourismdriven infra projects President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday cited the need to improve policies and infrastructure to strengthen the tourism industry in the country.
Marcos admin supports review of education curriculum to address jobs mismatch
In a Cabinet meeting that he presided virtually, Marcos noted how Singapore fared in the tourism sector even with limited natural resources. He said the city-state showed how policy and infrastructure are “so important” in giving a boost to tourism. “That means that it can be done. We just have to support the plan to develop all of these enabling environment – the policy, conditions, and infrastructure,” Marcos told his Cabinet. Marcos also noted that the equivalent of ease of doing business in tourism includes “ease of getting here, getting around, arranging for tours, getting drivers… finding a hotel.” The chief executive also discussed how healthcare facilities in big tourist destinations like Boracay could be improved as he cited the arrangement implemented in beaches in
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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. presides over the second Cabinet meeting virtually on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, while Cabinet members gather at the Premier Guest House in Malacañang.
Hawaii and Thailand. “[Sa] beach, maraming police and everything…So, if anything happens along that stretch, meron silang tatakbuhan kaagad. The lifeguards know exactly where to bring them,” he said. “That is supported by the local industry. Toka-toka sila, to keep a doctor there, to keep a nurse there.” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the Philippines is “certainly not at a disadvantage” with regard to the availability of natural resources and wealth of talent as well as products and people.
“But certainly, many measures could be improved as far as policy regulations, both on the national and local level, and proper coordination – to be able to focus on the overall tourist experience from the time that he arrives to the point of entry to the time that he gets to his point of destination,” Frasco said, noting that Singapore has “really mastered this.” “Certainly, to benchmark their policies in this regard would be the direction that we would take per your instructions,” Frasco added. (PND) Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
Members of the Cabinet listen to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as he speaks during his virtual participation to the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Cabinet members gather at the Premier Guest House in Malacañang.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is fully supportive of proposals to look at the country’s education curriculum in order to equip students with skills required by different industries and address the existing job
mismatch. In a statement, Press Secretary Trixie CruzAngeles said concerns about workers’ skills, competencies, and the way the Philippines produces its graduates were raised during the
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “Among the suggestions to address these standing issues include a reform of the current curriculum since the rise of automation has posed a threat to many jobs,”
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Pascual cited the case of the National University of Singapore which offers focused but short courses on certain technology and awards students with micro-credential, which is similar to a diploma but for a short course. Secretary Angeles said. The President presided Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting via teleconferencing since he is still in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. Marcos told his Cabinet members that basic education skills and knowledge must be improved to prepare students as they pursue higher level of learning. “That’s exactly what is happening. That is why we have to look at the curriculum as well. Not only of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), but also even our diploma courses,” Marcos said. In his PowerPoint presentation, Trade
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The DTI secretary also suggested the need for the Philippines to send Filipino teachers abroad for training.
Secretary Alfredo Pascual underscored the need for a review of the country’s curriculum particularly the basic and tertiary education.
“Vietnam, for example, sends teachers to the United States and Europe for advanced studies,” he said.
Basic skills must be instilled on students, Pascual said, adding that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ramping up efforts to help universities develop microcredentialing systems to catch up with fastchanging technological advancements.
To address the current job mismatch, Pascual said the DTI should collaborate closely with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and TESDA.
“We’re developing or helping universities develop this system of micro-credentialing because technology is changing very fast. There is a need for workers to update themselves, to reskill or upskill,” Pascual said.
“We will also collaborate with the said entities or authorities, the skills development, reskilling and upskilling of Philippine workforce through our own Philippine Skills Framework,” Pascual said. (OPS)
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
PBBM asks LGUs to support booster vaccine drive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday asked local government units (LGUs) to support the booster campaign rollout in order to safely resume face-to-face classes and fully reopen the economy. “I hope that you will be part of the effort that we have to bring us back to normal. This is really part of the effort to bring us back to normal,” Marcos said in a virtual speech before newly elected governors and city mayors. Marcos is currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. In his message, Marcos stressed the importance of inperson learning for students as well as opening up the economy with people not worrying about reimposition of lockdowns. “Gawin natin itong booster rollout at makakatiyak tayo [na] wala nang lockdown at ayaw na ayaw na naming magkaroon ng lockdown. Kaya’t ito naman ang magiging pang-counter natin diyan sa pagkalat na naman nitong Omicron and its variants,” he told local officials. He asked them to help
agencies in replicating the massive COVID-19 vaccine rollout conducted last year and praised them for the “very, very good job.” Marcos wants LGUs to conduct large-scale immunization drive for booster shot targeting school children so they can safely go back to school either August or September. Marcos said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio plans a phased return to the face-toface classes, starting initially from two-day, or three-day weekly class schedule.
At the same time, the government may consider relaxing the alert level and make masking optional. “Pero hindi po natin gagawin ‘yan hanggang maliwanag na maliwanag na safe na talaga. Dahil although so far maganda naman ang takbo, hindi naman napupuno ang mga ospital. Ngunit kung hindi tayo maingat, mapupunta na naman tayo doon,” the President pointed out.
Among the highlights of Friday’s event include the briefing presentation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government If the massive vaccination on LGU’s efforts on drive becomes successful, booster administration, the the government could allow children to return to full face- Department of Education’s to-face classes and open the presentation on the resumption of face-to-face rest of the economy, which classes, and the Department Marcos said could send a signal to the rest of the world of Health’s (DOH) plan on that the Philippines is opening vaccination mobilization. (PND) up for business.
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
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Covid close to endemic phase; declaration ‘just a matter of time’ The Covid-19 situation is moving toward the endemic phase considering the Covid-19 metrics, an infectious disease expert said Thursday. In a televised public briefing, Dr. Edsel Salvaña said in an endemic phase, the damage brought about by a certain disease is predictable. “Ang endemic naman hindi ibig sabihin ay wala nang pinsala ang isang bagay (Endemic [phase] does not mean something can no longer cause damage),” he said. “Ang ibig sabihin lang ng endemic is predictable na ‘yung pinsala ng isang disease na meron na tayong gamot, meron na tayong bakuna, at kaya na ng ating healthcare systems (Endemic means the damage caused by the disease is predictable and we already have treatment, medicine and our healthcare system can address it),” he added. Health experts say there are endemic diseases like dengue and tuberculosis which still circulate and
Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña (PPD photo)
claim lives worldwide. However, the main problem with Covid-19 is mutation and the risk of having a new variant that is more difficult to deal with. “But, overall the vaccines are keeping the number of severe cases low, so, papunta na ‘yan sa endemicity, it is just a matter of time kung kailan ‘yan ide-declare ng (it’s moving to endemicity, it’s just a matter of time when it will be declared by the) WHO [World Health Organization],” Salvaña said. “And we can help that along by getting vaccinated and getting
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
boosted and wearing masks para mas makarating tayo sa point na ‘yun (so we can quickly reach that point),” he added. To date, the country remains under the low-risk classification for Covid-19 despite the continued increase in cases as the healthcare utilization rate remains below 50 percent. About 71 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, 15.3 million individuals have an up-to-date vaccination or have received their first booster and over 954,000 have received their second booster shot. (PNA/By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
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Senators propose measures to boost Covid-19 vax campaign Senators see the need for more coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccinations and booster shots as the number of cases in the country starts to rise again.
The Department of Health (DOH) is setting up vaccination sites in areas commonly visited by the public, such as schools, public markets and churches within a community, to ramp up the Covid-19 booster shot uptake.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday urged the government to strengthen its information campaign on Covid-19 vaccination, saying this should cover as many qualified individuals as possible. “We have done well the past year in acquiring sufficient vaccine supply but we must amplify these efforts further in order to reach areas with low vaccination rates,” he said. Go also wants Filipinos to be provided with all the right information they need to make the right decision in having themselves vaccinated. “Bukod sa sapat na supply, awareness and access sa mga bakunang ito ang kailangan upang hindi masayang ang ating pinaghirapan. Kung pwede ay dalhin natin ang tamang impormasyon at mismong bakuna sa mga kabahayan lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar (Apart from ample supply, awareness and access to these vaccines are needed so that our efforts would not go to waste. If possible, let us bring the right information
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Covid-19 vax sites soon up in schools, public markets: DOH
(Photo from the City Government of Davao)
and the vaccines to their doorsteps, especially in remote areas),” he added. As of July 10, a total of 71,055,752 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated and 15,342,652 of them have already received their booster shots, the Department of Health recorded.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada agreed with the proposal but preferred to require it only for adults.
The department further said a total of 10,271 new cases have been logged from July 4 to 10, which is about 39 percent more than the cases reported the previous week. With this, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante suggested during Monday’s Laging Handa briefing that the country’s general population should be required to get Covid-19 booster shots for added protection at work and school.
“We have already proven that Covid vaccines protect us against the worst case of coronavirus infection. Now that we are seeing again an increase in cases and the positivity rate, as we also expect the waning of (the) potency of vaccines, which were administered six months ago, it is the duty of the government to decide swiftly (upon the advice of our health experts),” Estrada said in a statement on Tuesday. The returning senator warned that if urgent measures would not be implemented, another wave of economic recession and hardships could result from another Covid-19 surge. (PNA/Wilnard Bacelonia)
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
In an online media forum on Tuesday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH intended to implement a “settings approach” or establishment of inoculation sites in public spaces to bring the first booster doses closer to the target population. “So, when we say settings approach, this can be the schools, this can be the workplaces, this can be in the community,” she said. “Within the community, isasama pa ho natin diyan ‘yung iba’t ibang lugar sa public katulad po ng mga palengke, katulad po ng mga simbahan at iba pa pong (we will include other places like markets, churches, and other) public spaces in the community.” As of July 11, only about 15.3 million have an up-to-date vaccination status or have received the first booster shot. About 71 million are fully vaccinated or have completed the primary series and more than 954,000
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (File photo)
Filipinos have received the second booster shot. “Aside from implementing this settings approach, we are going to do our mapping up especially of the primary series, at ang gusto natin, mas high impact ang gagawin natin (and we want it to have higher impact), because we would like to at least have achievement of our coverage within this first 100 days of the current administration,” Vergeire said. The DOH would look for the elderly and individuals with comorbidities who have yet to receive the primary series of Covid-19 vaccines. On Monday, infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said the boosted population is “still very low” at less than 20 percent of the
Caraga Infocus • July 9-15, 2022
target population. He said it was “high time” to mandate the booster vaccination to the general population. Citing the vaccination numbers of neighboring Southeast Asian countries, Solante said Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have reached more than 50 percent of the target population for the booster doses. “Kailangan, mandatory na siguro para lang ma-increase natin ang (Maybe, it should be mandatory just to increase the) protection, especially now we’re preparing for the face-to-face classes in November, and the workplaces are also open now,” he added. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
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