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[ Contents 1 - 7 June 2019
Volume III, No. 42
Mindanao LGUs hail Geo-SAFER Program
REGIONAL NEWS
AgNor readies opening of 7 DepEd classes with more than 75k students supports regional launching of 8 DSWD DepEd’s 2019 Brigada Eskwela 9 PNP Caraga gets 13 motorcycles Caraga to hold 24th Migrant 10 OWWA Workers Day in Cabadbaran City
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
12 AgNor town gets drug-free status 13 NPA frees 3 captives in SurSur places first, makes 14 Butuanon international debate history partners LGU for 59th Araw ng 16 TESDA SurSur Norte tribes declare CPP-NPA 17 Agusan persona non-grata
MINDANAO NEWS
solons laud Congress 20 Mindanao approval of Islamic banking bill residents defend DSWD’s 22 Marawi Bautista
NATIONAL NEWS
safer streets reasons why 25 Optimism, 44% of Pinoys ‘very happy’ vows continued support for PH’s 26 EU health projects Communications Chief Underscores 28 PH Role of Regional Cooperation
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News Briefs This year’s Environment Month celebration is anchored on the theme “Beat Air Pollution.”
In celebration of the National ICT Month, The Department of Information and Communications Technology Mindanao Cluster 2 in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Freelancers’ Weekend at DICT Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City. During the 2019 Regional Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance, the Bayugan National Comprehensive High School in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur got the 1st place in the Schools Category (Public Secondary/High School).
OWWA Caraga will spearhead the Migrant Workers Day celebration in Caraga region at the Cabadbaran City Gym, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte to be participated by some 600 individuals composed of OFWs (active & inactive) and their families, social partners and other invited guests.
Cover Story
Mindanao LGUs hail Geo-SAFER Program By Jennifer P. Gaitano
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UTUAN CITY - The Geo-Informatics for the Systematic Assessment of Flood Effects and Risks Toward a Resilient (Geo-SAFER) Mindanao program has gained support from local government units (LGUs) of different regions in Mindanao, in its contribution to the creation of a highly detailed flood hazard map as a useful tool for the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) during typhoon events, which are expected to bring heavy rains and cause floods, especially in areas near the river banks.
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Eric Rosillo, PDRRM Officer of their disaster preparedness measures Davao del Norte stressed the need for to maintain a zero casualty during any local residents in barangays calamity or disaster event to be well informed on like typhoons, fires, and flood hazard maps earthquakes. to have a better appreciation on “We will also their uses. He cited share this down to that the map was the barangays so created thru the use they will be aware of light detection and would be more and ranging (LiDAR) alert especially in and interferometric times of disaster,” synthetic aperture Manliguez said. radar (IFSAR) technologies. Meanwhile, RDRRMC chairperson and Office of “I think this program is very Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga important for the local government Regional Director Liza Mazo urged units like my province because the LGUs thru the LDRRMCs to be well Davao del Norte is perennial trained on this technology, so in flooding, so we need an they are more equipped updated map like this,” and capable in their said Rosillo. function to make critical decisions when facing “We can use disaster events. that during our pre-disaster risk The Geo-SAFER assessment in times of Agusan Project is a possible flooding, and component of the for policy guidelines if Geo-SAFER Mindanao there’s a need to relocate Program with Caraga these communities or if State University (CSU) as the there’s a need to evacuate implementing higher education these communities,” he added. institution that will guide the LGUs in the implementation of the project. Local DRRM Officer Jover It aims to conduct geo-informatics Manliguez of Las Nieves, Agusan del based approaches for the systematic Norte is also thankful for this initiative by assessment of flooding in the different Geo-SAFER Mindanao and encouraged watersheds of Caraga region. (JPG/ the locals in the barangays to intensify PIA-Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
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DepEd AgNor readies opening of classes with more than 75k students By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY The Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Norte is already prepared for the opening of classes today, June 3, 2019, with more than 75,000 students.
During the recent convergence meeting for the Oplan Balik Eskwela, schools division superintendent Arsenio Cornites, Jr., together with various stakeholders, clarified that schools under their supervision are now ready as well as teachers who would handle incoming students for the school year 2019-2020. Cornites added that books for the students are also set to be released this week. DepEd-Agusan del Norte Division is composed of 19 school district offices, 179 elementary schools, 55 secondary schools, and more than 2,900 teachers.
Also, stakeholders and partner
government agencies bared their plans and preparation for the opening of classes, which include securing traffic flow, reiteration of the proper solid waste segregation, and ensuring that classrooms are presentable and conducive for learning, among others. Meanwhile, Engr. Lolita Vinalay, chief meteorological officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Butuan also reminded the school children to always bring umbrella or anything that could protect them from the scorching heat of the sun, as El NiĂąo phenomenon is still felt in the region and is expected to last until the end of this year. (JPG/NCLM, PIA-Caraga)
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
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DSWD supports regional launching of DepEd’s 2019 Brigada Eskwela
By Joana Rica P. Millama
LIANGA, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Education (DepEd), together with its partner stakeholders including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, has recently launched the regional kick-off ceremony of the 2019 Brigada Eskwela held at Anibongan National High School of this municipality with the theme “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan.” Along with the launching, an Information Caravan was conducted by DSWD through the Social Marketing Section with the assistance from the Provincial and Municipal Operations Office of Pantawid Pamilya, where they distributed materials such as flyers, brochures, and newsletters highlighting the gains of its programs and services – one of these is the Bata-Balik Eskwela (BBE) campaign flyer.
through a more focused approach and intervention where children can be reached out, motivated, and helped to develop the confidence and interest to return to school.
During the ceremony, DepEd Assistant Regional Director Dr. Fidela M. Rosas shared that volunteering in the week-long Brigada does not only help the school, but also the students, by providing them with a conducive The BBE campaign aims to environment to nurture their academic address the number of Pantawid performance and extra-curricular children beneficiaries identified as Not engagements. Attending School (NAS). It shall sustain the children’s attendance in school “A lot of you here might be asking
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why we chose Anibongan as the venue of our regional launching. It is because this school won the National Search for the Brigada Eskwela Best Implementer in 2018 – Medium Category. This year, we are hoping that we qualify again,” Rosas said. Recently, the school’s Kamayo student athletes bagged eight gold, four silver, and two bronze medals during the Palarong Pambansa – Wrestling Cadet Category; which positioned
Regional News I Empowering Communities Caraga as the country’s newest source of wrestling aspirants. The Brigada Eskwela on May 20-25 is the National Schools Maintenance Week that aims to bring together all education stakeholders to participate and contribute their time, effort, and resources to prepare public school facilities for the opening of the school year in June. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP Caraga gets 13 motorcycles BUTUAN CITY - Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 received additional mobility asset during the ceremonial turnover and blessing, after the traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony here.
Police Brigadier General Ernesto V. Flores, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, spearheaded the blessing and turn-over of 13 units of brand new 125cc Honda XRM motorcycle to be distributed to Provincial Mobile Force Companies of the region. Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO), Agusan del Sur PPO, Surigao del Sur PPO, Surigao del Norte PPO, and Dinagat Islands PPO will receive two units each of Honda XRM, while Butuan City Police Office will receive one unit.
The arrival of the mobility asset from the National Headquarters is part of the PNP’s Capability Enhancement Program. “Our mobile forces have now additional mobility asset to be used during the conduct of activities, performance of law enforcement functions and other policing works. We will reciprocate this blessing through more improved police services,” PBGen. Flores said. He urged the police personnel to ensure the proper maintenance and cleanliness of the motorcycles. (PNP Caraga/PIA Caraga)
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
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OWWA Caraga to hold 24th Migrant Workers Day in Cabadbaran City
BUTUAN CITY – The Migrant Workers Day celebration in Caraga region is all set on June 8, 2019 at the Cabadbaran City Gymnasium, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. The event will be spearheaded prizes, and other fun-filled activities that by the Overseas Workers Welfare will bring forth excitement, dynamism, Administration (OWWA) Caraga. and merriment among the participants. Approximately 600 individuals are expected to attend the said event composed of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) - active and inactive and their families, social partners and other invited guests. The program aims to provide our OFWs relevant activities promoting the importance of spending quality time and togetherness amongst OFWs and their families.
Furthermore, partner government line agencies like Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Employees Compensation Commission, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Home Mutual Development Fund and Social Security System will provide substantial information on its various program and services that will be of help to the participants.
This is the government’s response to the great contribution of our OFWs in keeping the economy vibrant through their sacrifices and endurance in working overseas. The celebration is pursuant to Republic Act 8042 otherwise known In line with this, OWWA Regional as Magna Carta for OFWs which was Welfare Office Caraga will undertake enacted on June 7, 1995, and recently various activities such as the OFW amended by virtue of R.A. 10022 Singing Idol dedicated only to member- declaring every 7th day of June as the OFWs with active and inactive OWWA Migrant Workers’ Day. (OWWA/PIAmembership status, parlor games, raffle Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
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AgNor town gets drug-free status By Arvin Reyes Silvosa
JABONGA, Agusan del Norte - The Municipality of Jabonga in the province of Agusan del Norte was declared as “Drug-Free Municipality” by the Barangay Drug Clearing Program Regional Oversight Committee (BDCP-ROC) in a ceremony held Monday, here. Thirteen barangays of the municipality of Jabonga were declared Drug-Free on April 29, 2019 by virtue of ROC Resolution No. 04-24 Series of 2019. The two Barangays of San Jose and San Pablo were validated as drugcleared, in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The addition of the 13 barangays brought the total of 15 barangays now officially declared “drug-free,” making the municipality in a drug-free status. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga Region awarded the Certificates of DrugCleared Barangays to the Punong Barangays as the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Chairpersons.
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Consequently, the Certificate of Drug-Free Municipality was also conferred to Mayor Jasmin F. Monton as the Chairperson of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC). Jabonga is the third town declared as drug-free municipality in the Province of Agusan del Norte. Mayor Monton expressed gratitude to the BADACs and the MADAC for their commitment towards intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs as well as ensuring that compliance with the law prevails. She emphasized that all stakeholders should always put premium on observing and adhering
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
to due process and the rule of law in order to ensure that the future of the youth and the community as a whole is safe and secured and free from all forms of abuse and danger.
municipality, consisting of the 15 barangays, was found to be compliant with the parameters set forth in declaring a drug-free community and are monitored every three months.
Presenting the certificates in lieu of PDEA Caraga Regional Director Aileen T. Lovitos was Assistant Regional Director Irvin John R. Coderis together with IA I Majorie M. Veso, PDEA Agusan del Norte Provincial Officer and staff.
Said parameters include having existing anti-drug campaign programs; community-based drug rehabilitation program; and education awareness program.
The ceremony was facilitated by Arvin Reyes Silvosa of the DILG Jabonga Municipal Office. The ceremonial declaration was subsequently endorsed to the Sangguniang Bayan of Jabonga during its regular session through a resolution adopting the drug-free status of the municipality.
According to ARD Coderis, the
He emphasized that all sectors of the society must work hand-inhand to maintain this drug-free status through constant and vigilant monitoring and reporting as well as legwork in intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs, or else the LGUs may lose their drug-free status and may be subject to an anti-illegal drug operation to apprehend personalities indicated in the watch list. (DILGJabonga, Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
NPA frees 3 captives in SurSur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Three civilians who were kidnapped by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) last May 30 were released Monday morning. Barangay Captain of Brgy. Mampi Danilo Duaso relayed the information to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Lt. Jonald Romorosa, spokesperson of 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), said the relentless combat and pursuit operation of the 36IB to rescue the kidnapped victims forced the CNTs to The victims, Wendil Delicuna, release Delicuna, Delicuna and Duazo. Jeffrey Delicuna and Angelo Duazo, were released at the vicinity of Sitio However, the CNTs still held Banahao, Brgy. Maitom, Tandag City. captive Ryard Badiang who is now
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
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being used as a human shield against pursuing government troops. Earlier, the military reported that there were seven civilians abducted by the CNTs at the Tandag City River while drifting the cut logs. Later on same day, four of the seven captives were released. Romorosa clarified that prior to the abduction of seven civilians on May 30, a certain Jeffrey Delicuna was first captured by the CNTs around 7:30 AM on the same day. Romorosa added that the victims are all residents of Sitio Ibuan, Mampi, Lanuza, the first community in the province that declared the CNTs and their organizations as persona nongrata on March 2019. Meanwhile, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said “the CNTs are clearly trying to recover Sitio Ibuan by threatening the community thru kidnapping.”
They have poisoned the minds of the innocent civilians for them to stop their support to the government particularly in the operationalization of CAA patrol base in their community. Moreover, our units in the area are continuously conducting pursuit operations to rescue the remaining civilian who is still being held and used as human shield by the CNTs,” he added. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Butuanon places first, makes international debate history By Kim Christian T. Matildo
A team of debaters from Timber City Academy (TCA) in Butuan City recently joined one of the largest international debate competitions in the world. The team was composed of Lemuel Dela Cruz Ang (Grade 12), Aleister Subla Busico (Grade 12), and Adonis Joshua A. Po (Grade 11).
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
The 4th Parliamentary Debate Association - World Highschool Debate Congress was held at Osaka, Japan on January 18-20 2019, with debaters coming from various countries and nationalities. It includes those from Mongolia, Korea, Mexico, Chile, Sweden, Malaysia and many more. It was sponsored by many groups such as THE TOKYO CLUB, The Nippon Foundation, and KDDI Foundation. At the end of the competition, the entire team was hailed as World Quarter finalists. But the team captain of the group - Lemuel Dela Cruz Ang, stood out from the rest of the competition. He was awarded as the 1st Best Speaker of The Congress, making him the first and only Filipino to earn the distinction in the competition. He was likewise also awarded as the 4th Best Point of Information Speaker for his ability to interpolate other competitors.
of Talents in 2017 and 2018 prove the character and capability that he has as a world-class debater. Not only that, he was awarded as Runner-Up in a public speaking competition hosted by the Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) and sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) just a week after his competition in Japan.
According to Ang, his interest in Ang’s success is anchored on debate really started when he won his his years of experience in competitive first debate contest in 2015. debating and public speaking. In the “My first win in the 8th edition of 8th and 9th edition of the Caraga Parliamentary Debate Championship the Caraga Parliamentary Debate (Atty. Law Fortun Cup), he won the Championship (CPDC) was what really Best Speaker/Debater Award easily by inspired me to continue honing my earning it two times, consecutively. In language and critical thinking skills. I the 11th Visayas-Mindanao Debate founded the TCA Debate Society, now Championship (VMDC), he was named known as the TCA Debate League as the 3rd Best Highschool Speaker of right after that competition because Visayas-Mindanao. In the 35th edition I wanted our school to have a formal of the Mindanao Parliamentary Debate debate and public speaking group Championship (MPDC), he was likewise for students interested in fields such as awarded as the 3rd Best Highschool these,” he said. Speaker of Mindanao. And his back “Debate really helped me a lot. It to back win in the POPDEV Debate Competition in the Division Festival enabled me to become more critical
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities on controversial issues, and made me realize how important it is to be wellinformed on what’s happening around the world,” he added. Due to this achievement, Ang and his team were awarded at the 3rd Gawad Galing at Talino, sponsored by the Local Government of Butuan
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City for their exceptional success in representing the country. Moreover, Ang was also a recipient of the Outstanding Butuanon Student Award in the Senior High School Category as a Finalist for his performance in academic and extra-curricular activities. (Timber City Academy/PIAAgusan del Norte)
TESDA partners LGU for 59th Araw ng SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur provincial office has partnered with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) for the upcoming 59th Araw ng Surigao del Sur on June 15-19, 2019 to be held at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center, this city. During the recent meeting, TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva met with Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico and discussed the agency’s programs and services for the agricultural sector.
the skills enhancement training and free assessment related to Agriculture during the upcoming event to showcase and advocate government programs geared towards the agriculture sector.
TESDA Specialist Lee Escobal said The skills enhancement program both officials have agreed to conduct will take place on June 14, while the
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
two-day free assessment program II; and Heavy Equipment Operation thru the Competency Assessment and (HEO): On Highway Dump truck NC-II. Certification for Workers (CACW) will be conducted on June 17-18. Meanwhile, a skills demonstration on meat processing like embotido and Escobal said TESDA will offer the tocino and how to make buko pie following courses: Agricultural Crops will also be included in the lined-up (AgriCrops) Production NC-I, and NC- activities. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) III; Bookkeeping NC-III; Driving NC-
Agusan Norte tribes declare CPPNPA persona non-grata By 1Lt Roel T Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - Twenty six tribal leaders of Higaonon, Manobo and Banwaon tribes of the province of Agusan del Norte have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), their allied organizations, other terrorist groups and their supporters as persona non-grata during an Indigenous Peoples (IP) Leaders Forum on May 26, 2019. The declaration was made thru a resolution initiated and unanimously approved by the tribal leaders during the IP Leaders Forum in Barangay Alubihid, here. The recent killings of tribal leaders in other provinces perpetrated by the CPP-NPA ignited the Higaonon,
Manobo and Banwaon Leaders to declare the CPP-NPA as persona nongrata in the two provinces of Agusan and Magsaysay of Misamis Oriental. The CPP-NPA murdered Datu Buklas a Mamanwa, last May 20, 2019;
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities killed CAA Ronald B. Contemplo last May 21, 2019; shot Datu Silaw Ryan Hunyog Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Carascal, Surigao del Sur last May 22, 2019.
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uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR), Katribu, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Karapatan, Anak Pawis, Anak Bayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas During the forum, Datu Manlighud (KMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Piston, Manandog Victor D. Manpatilan, Kabataan, and other terrorist groups Supreme Datu of the four provinces, and their supporters. Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon and Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Datu Bawang Eddie Ampiyawan, IPMR Francisco L. Molina Jr., Commanding of Agusan del Norte put forward the Officer, 23rd Infantry Battalion, stressed need to declare the CNT as persona that “the resolution issued by the tribal non-grata in all the Ancestral Domains leaders declaring the CPP-NPA and of Higaonon, Manobo, and Banwaon. their cohorts as persona non-grata in the communities of Higaonon, Manobo The declaration makes the CPP- and Banwaon is a manifestation that NPA and their allied organizations they don’t want this terrorist group to and supporters not welcome in their thrive in their ancestral domains.” communities. “I also encourage other tribal The different CPP-NPA allied leaders to follow suit and disown the organizations which were specifically CNTs until they are flushed out away included as perona non-grata are: from tribal communities,” Molina Union sa Mag-uuma sa Agusan del added. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA) Norte (UMAN), Nagkahiusang Mag-
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MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao solons laud Congress approval of Islamic banking bill By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA - The current and former representatives of the Anak Mindanao (AMIN) party-list group on Tuesday hailed the passage of a proposed measure authorizing the establishment of Islamic banks in the country, saying the enactment of the measure will greatly help the Philippine economy as it pursues financial inclusion for Filipino Muslims in the Bangsamoro region. Reelected AMIN Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan said House Bill 8281, or “An Act Providing for the Regulation and Organization of Islamic Banks,” is set to be transmitted to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature after the Senate adopted the measure. Sangcopan said once enacted into law, the measure will attract more investments in the country’s banking sector and complement the newlycreated Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
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Eid’l Fitr tomorrow (Wednesday). This will help Filipino Muslim businessmen to have access to banking and financial services that are attuned to the principles of Shari’ah or Islamic law,” she said. HB 8281 refers to an Islamic bank as a business whose objectives and operations do not involve interest (riba), which is prohibited by the Shari’ah and which conducts its business transactions in accordance to Shari’ah principles.
“This is good news as we celebrate
Sangcopan
said
the
House
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
of Representatives welcomed the Senate’s adoption of its version, “We’d like to invite everyone, dispensing the need for a bicameral Muslim and non-Muslims, to take conference committee. a closer look at Islamic banking as an alternative-financing modality, “With the imminent passage of instrument and facility,” she said. this measure into law, Laos will be the remaining country in the ASEAN region “This is very good for the economy, which has no Islamic banking system,” considering the enormous potentials she said. of the halal industry. As we enter the ASEAN integration, we need to attain Meanwhile, former AMIN Rep. Sitti financial inclusion for the Muslims in the Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the principal country,” Turabin-Hataman said. author of HB 8281, thanked the senators, led by Sen. Francis Escudero who HB 8281 seeks to regulate and sponsored the measure in the Senate, organize Islamic banks by mandating for adopting the House version without the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) amendments. to supervise, license and regulate the operations of Islamic banks like universal Turabin-Hataman stepped banks. down from her post last October 2017 after filing the measure to return to Aside from authorizing the community service, and was replaced establishment of Islamic banks, it also by Sangcopan. allows conventional banks to engage in Islamic banking arrangements - “I thank my colleagues for including structures and transactions, the passage of this measure. through a designated Islamic banking Congratulations everyone! No words unit within the bank -- provided that the are enough. Prayers are all I can utter,” Islamic banking unit is separate from its she said. conventional banking transactions. The incoming mayor of Isabela City in Basilan said the measure will support the mandate of the Bangsamoro government to promote and develop the Islamic banking and financial system in the country.
The Monetary Board may also authorize a foreign Islamic bank to establish banking operations in the Philippines under any of the modes of entry provided under Republic Act 7721 or “An Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations of Foreign She added that the passage of Banks in the Philippines and for Other the measure will encourage the influx of Purposes”, as amended. more investments from Islamic investors in the Middle East and other parts of Islamic banks may perform the the world. following services: accept saving
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities accounts for safekeeping or custody with no participation in profit and loss except unless otherwise authorized by the account holders to be invested; act as correspondent of banks and institutions to handle remittances or any fund transfers; accept drafts and issue letters of credit or letters of guarantee, negotiate notes and bills of exchange and other evidence of indebtedness; provide financing with or without collateral by way of leasing, sale and leaseback, cost-plus profit sales arrangements, and other Shari’ah compliant financing contracts and structures; and other banking services as may be authorized by the Monetary Board.
Islamic banks created under the
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Act shall comply and conform with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations applicable to private corporation engaged in banking, such as the Corporation Code of the Philippines, and the requirements of the respective regulatory agencies. It shall also be the responsibility of an Islamic bank to ensure its compliance with Shari’ah principles. An Islamic bank shall also constitute its Shari’ah advisory council composed of persons who are qualified in the Shari’ah or who have knowledge or experience in Shari’ah banking, finance, law or such other related disciplines. (PNA)
Marawi residents defend DSWD’s Bautista By Divina Suson
ILIGAN CITY - Some Meranaws in Marawi City have thrown their support for retired army general and now Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista after he was berated on air by popular radio personality for supposedly failing to grant an interview request.
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Bautista, who was the overall ground commander during the Marawi siege in 2017, is a beloved figure among Marawi residents who expressed their support for the DSWD chief on social media. Media personality Erwin Tulfo berated Bautista and called the latter names when the DSWD official begged off an interview as he was on a meeting with an ambassador when the request was made.
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities Aslani Montila, executive director of Siyap ko Pagtaw, a civil society group in Marawi City, also gave his support for Bautista on social media, saying it was during Bautista’s time as DSWD secretary that the relief assistance was converted into cash.
It can be recalled that displaced families have been asking the DSWD to convert their relief goods to cash so that they could buy fish and vegetables for their meals, instead of repeatedly eating canned goods and noodles in Zia Alonto Adiong, assemblyman evacuation centers. of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, on Friday said he strongly Bautista, a member of the Philippine vouches for Bautista’s “ability to deliver Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of on the basis of his stellar performance 1985, retired as commanding general of and unquestionable credibility as a the Philippine Army in October 2018. decorated soldier and an effective He was the first commander of the public servant”. Presidential Security Group (PSG) under Adiong was the spokesperson the administration of President Rodrigo of Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Duterte and was later appointed him as Management and Coordination Center DSWD secretary after his retirement.
during the five-month siege in Marawi Adiong said that when Bautista City, working alongside with Bautista. took over the department, he “placed Marawi’s internally displaced persons “He didn’t only engage the central in his office priorities and terrorists head-on inside the main battle extended to qualified beneficiaries” area throughout the entire course of the 53,000 pesos Transitory Family the conflict but had parallel programs Support Package (TFSP), the PHP20,000 with local youth groups to institutionalize Livelihood Settlement Grants (LSG) his vision for a tolerant and welcoming and the PHO1,359 worth of provision of society free from violent extremists and “pabaon” relief pack.” radicals, Adiong said in his Facebook post. Jamila Taha, an employee of DSWD in Marawi City, also chided Tulfo Adiong added Bautista believed in a Facebook post. “in the capacity of our youth to become “When you insulted our secretary active partners of the government in (Bautista), you insulted the whole maintaining a secure and safe environs institution,” Taha said. (PNA) for all.”
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NATIONAL NEWS
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National News I Empowering Communities
Optimism, safer streets reasons why 44% of Pinoys ‘very happy’ By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - Malacañang on Tuesday hailed a survey which showed that 44 percent of Filipinos are “very happy” and 37 percent are “very satisfied” with their lives. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo credited the first quarter Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which also showed that 49 percent of Filipinos are “fairly happy”, to the ‘meaningful change’ that the government has achieved under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
conditions of the country where streets are safe from crimes and drugs, cities are booming with massive infrastructure buildup, and the economy is on a positive turnaround,” said Panelo in a statement.
“There is genuine, visible and meaningful change under the administration of President Rodrigo “We attribute these results to Roa Duterte as validated by public the optimistic and cheery disposition sentiment,” he added. of Filipinos, and to the prevailing
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Panelo said the Duterte Filipinos who consider themselves “very administration is committed to continue satisfied” is a three-point increase from bringing comfortable and peaceful 2018 fourth quarter’s 34 percent. lives to over 106 million Filipinos. Mindanao had the most number According to the survey of “very happy” Filipinos at 58 percent conducted from March 28 to 31, the and “very satisfied” at 49 percent. 44 percent of Filipinos who consider themselves “very happy” is a 5 percent The survey showed that only 7 higher compared to the 39 percent percent of the 1,440 adult respondents recorded in December 2018. have said they are “not very happy”, while 1 percent are “not at all happy”. Meanwhile, the 49 percent of (PNA)
EU vows continued support for PH’s health projects
By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA - The European Union (EU) on Monday expressed its continued support to the Philippines to achieving universal health care (UHC) through its partnership with the World Health Organization.
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In his speech at the EU Health Programs presentation in Manila, EU Ambassador Dr. Franz Jessen said the union would continue to support the country’s health sector in its aim to provide access to quality health care for Filipinos.
The EU has been one of the Philippines’ major development partners for more than 40 years. From 2006 to 2018, it has provided financial support to the country’s health sector amounting to approximately PHP7.2 billion.
“This shows the very high level of trust we have between the EU and the Department of Health (DOH), and without that high level of trust, that kind of budgetary support is not possible,” Jessen said.
In 2006, the EU launched the Philippine and Mindanao health sector policy support program which focused on the strengthening of 29 priority provinces.
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It also launched the Maternal and Child Health of Indigenous People in Mindanao Project which supported the National Council of Indigenous peoples for strengthening mother and child health care services for indigenous peoples in Mindanao. In 2010, the EU initiated a budget support program, the Health Sector Policy Support Program and a second budget support program, the Philippine Health Sector Reform Contract, which was finalized in 2018. “The objectives of the support programs were to contribute to the health-related millennium development goals and universal health care through improved financial capability of the government to achieve sector policy, improved health sector governance and improved quality and accessibility of health service delivery,” Jessen said. The EU evaluated the results of the two budget support programs for health from April to May 2019. “The feedback from both parties is that both programs largely achieved its objectives and attained success stories, more than these achievements today, I know that EU supports the country through the development of the universal health care law,” Jessen said.
National News I Empowering Communities both programs help the DOH achieve its priorities which include increase of population covered by the PhilHealth from 62 percent in 2010 to 92 percent in 2018; establishment of recovery of out-patient drug recovery clinics offering evidencebased drug abuse medical treatment in a voluntary and confidential setting that preserves human dignity; strengthening management and financing service delivery networks; and improving sexual and reproductive health care services as measured through facility-based deliveries, increased steadily from 44 percent in 2008 to 92 percent in 2018; deliveries attended by a skilled birth attendant, increased from 22.2 percent in 2008 to 94.1 percent in 2018; and modern contraceptive prevalence rate increased from 33.9 percent in 2008 to 56.7 percent in 2018. Jessen said the EU would also continue to support the country’s fight against HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and to provide health and basic services in Mindanao. He also lauded the Philippines for the approval of the UHC law which he called a “legacy law”.
“The universal health care law, in our view represent crucial steps towards improving access to quality health care to all Filipinos particularly the He added the positive results poor and the vulnerable and the more would have not been possible “without disadvantaged,” he said. its excellent partnership with the Department of Health, the Philippine “I would like to thank the DOH Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Secretary (Francisco Duque III) for his and the Department of Foreign Affairs”. commitment, his leadership and for taking the institutional responsibility for all According to the EU’s reports, the support programs,” he added. (PNA)
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National News I Empowering Communities SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PH Communications Chief Underscores Role of Regional Cooperation in Adopting Digital Technology During Media Summit Philippines Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar participated in the 16th Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 12, where he discussed the competitive environment in media amid the digital revolution, and how developing countries can not only catch up, but also move beyond technology. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen opened the summit with a keynote speech, along with messages from Cambodian Minister of Information Kheiu Kanharith, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and Asia-Pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development President Fayyaz Sheheryar. Along with Andanar, communications ministers of Cambodia, South Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Samoa also shared their best practices
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and policies in the adoption of digital technology. During the plenary session, Andanar highlighted the importance of technological advancements in covering simultaneous events, as it saves time and effort in terms of administration and management in the media industry. “Technological advancements therefore, serve as tools for communication and information dissemination, because of the speed, the clarity, the algorithmic convergence of simultaneous events, the simulcasts of occurrences, the instantaneous reportage as the coverage is happening, the facilities for recording, editing, reproduction and storage, and several other sophisticated applications that are already possible. Every day, there are new discoveries, new systems, new methods, that make transmittal at the tip of one’s fingers, and quite dexterously,” Andanar said in his speech. “We all aspire for a condition, where the facility and ease of broadcasting and printing, would be done with electronic comfort, by machines that would perform the work of consolidating a variety of reports, organizing sequential data, supplying research materials, and most importantly, transmitting the finished product instantaneously to as large an audience as possible. Powerful and wealthier countries already enjoy this advantage,” Andanar said. He said that sharing this advantage through various modes of cooperation would not only support lagging economies in the region, but also provide a catalyst in establishing a platform of connectivity — in line with the goal of a seamless and
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comprehensive integration in ASEAN. “Competition lies in the capability to acquire and to own the latest and most advanced of these technological tools. Would developing economies of developing countries have the logistics to move into the high-end platforms of the more advanced nations? This is where cooperative ventures and partnerships become the best possible manner by which the sharing of technology among the nations of our region can achieve an ideal regional landscape of governmentto-government synchronicity,” he said. “At best, all our peoples would be served and elevated to an understanding of each country’s life, culture, politics, economics, and the binding spirit of the ASEAN. We should not be apprehensive about the adaptation to new technologies,” he added.
National News I Empowering Communities the truth, on facts that are verified, on data that is confirmed. News cannot be manufactured, nor fabricated; it simply covers the what, the where, the who, and the how. Let there be no complications regarding these,” Andanar said. Moreover, the Secretary shared the initiatives of the Duterte administration in enhancing the media landscape of the Philippines — which he said that the Philippines is willing to share with neighboring countries. “This is the Freedom of Information Order which covers the public’s accessibility to the records of the government’s executive departments. Every program and expenditure of the executive branch can be looked into by every citizen, with the exception of national security and highly classified intelligence information. This has brought about the condition of a well-informed citizenry,” Andanar said.
Nevertheless, the PCOO Secretary said that stories go beyond technology, stressing that the narratives written “In tandem with this, is the Media and spoken are what makes content Security Order, that guarantees not significant in the media industry. only the security in the practice of the profession, but also the immediate “But there is a common threshold medical and hospital assistance for for both the advantaged and the urgent cases. We are most willing to share disadvantaged media networks. And this the methodology of these government is: the use of words. Words are the life- policies,” he added. blood of the world wide web technology. Words are the essence of the condition “New technologies will always be and the spirit that relates to all humankind,” advancing, well beyond our capabilities Andanar said. to decipher, the increased complex operations of the zeros and the ones “Beyond technology and all its in our computers. The state-of-the-art continuing improvements, our words are instruments we use for communication basically the fundamental ground of and information dissemination may be anything and everything that operates transforming the manner of transmittal, technology,” he added. but it is only you and I, all of us, who can undertake the transformation of our lives,” “Content for news is based on Andanar concluded.
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