Caraga InFocus –June 11-17, 2022 by Caraga InFocus

8 9 10 PROVINCIAL NEWS 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28

ARMY RESERVE FORCE UNDERGOES BASIC FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING

DOLE-CARAGA’S JOB FAIR GET 410 NEWLY-HIRED WORKERS ANIMAL DISEASE MOLECULAR LABORATORY NG DA, BINUKSAN SA CARAGA REGION

PHILRICE RECOGNIZES THE EFFORTS OF SURSUR PROVINCE AND 2 MORE LGUS DA, PROV’L GOV’T INKED MOA FOR PAFES IMPLEMENTATION IN SURSUR DA TURNS OVER 2M WORTH OF COFFEE PROCESSING FACILITY IN TAGBINA TOWN

MOTORPOOL RICE MILL IN TUBOD UPGRADES FACILITY THROUGH P2.5M IFUND ASSISTANCE FROM DOST SURIGAO NORTE ARBOS RENEW MARKETING AGREEMENT WITH INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS MATAAS NA KALIBRE NG BARIL AT MGA PAMPASABOG NG NPA, NAKUMPISKA NG KASUNDALUHAN SA SURIGAO NORTE

3-ADLAW DRRM AND HEALTH PLANNING WORKSHOP GIPAHIGAYON SA DINAGAT ISLANDS

NATIONAL NEWS

SIARGAO MARITIME GATEWAY GETS SAFETY SEAL DOLE AGSUR LAUNCHES BOYAD ROADSHOW, HOTLINE TO INTENSIFY CAMPAIGN VS CHILD LABOR ANOTHER 2 CTG’S MILITIA NG BAYAN SURRENDER TO 65IB IN AGSUR

AGUSAN DEL NORTE CELEBRATES PRIDE DAY OF LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

AGUSAN DEL NORTE MISUPORTA SA PAGHATAG AYUDA SA MGA BATAN-ON NA INAHAN HUGYAWAN SA MGA EMPLEYADO NAGMALAMPUSON

MINDANAO NEWS

PAGPALIG-ON SA ORGANISASYON UG KATAKUS SA PEDERASYON SA MGA ORGANISASYON SA MGA MAG-UUMA SA GULAY, GIPAHIGAYON

BAMBOO: SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT, SUSTAINING LIVES

PAGBATON OG DUGANG MGA SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, GIPAHILUNA ALANG SA MAS TAAS NGA ESTADO SA EKONOMIKANHONG PAGLAMBO

AGNES DAKUDAO LOCSIN: 6TH MINDANAWON NATIONAL ARTIST (DANCE)

35 37 38 40 42 44 45

PRESIDENT DUTERTE HOPES NEW SPORTS ACADEMY COULD PRODUCE OLYMPIANS, CHAMPIONS FILIPINOS CAN ENJOY FREEDOM WITHOUT BEING DIVISIVE, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE PRESIDENT DUTERTE HOPES NEXT ADMIN TO CONTINUE PURSUING BIG PROJECTS PRESIDENT DUTERTE LEADS COMMISSIONING OF PCG’S NEWLY ACQUIRED VESSEL

COVID-19 NEWS CONTINUE WEARING FACE MASKS, PALACE TELLS PUBLIC ANEW PH COVID-19 DAILY CASE AVERAGE UP BY 30.4% JUNE 6-12 OVER 420K GET 2ND COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOT

CONTENTS

REGIONAL NEWS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Volume VI, No. 24 June 11-17, 2022

DOST-NRCP to fund significant research proposals from Local Universities and Colleges (LUC) the DOST will be the one to provide the salary of the RDLeader within one year. After thorough screening, submitted research proposals will have the opportunity to be funded by DOST-NRCP for implementation. “Scientists and Researchers are all over the country and we need to reach them. With the big brother and small brother approach, then we can capacitate scientists and researchers in the countryside,” bared Sumagaysay. By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Teachers and students are now enticed to produce more research proposals now that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) and Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) was

pushed through for the implementation of the Research Development Lead (RDLead) Program. The RDLead Program aims to help develop and strengthen further the research capabilities of the academe, research and development institutions, and other government line agencies

With this program, significant and potential research proposals will funded by the DOSTNRCP.

Dr. Letecia Salas, CEO of SJIT in Butuan City, thanked the DOSTNRCP for choosing their institution as one of the partner-beneficiaries under the RDLead program.

According to Dr. Marieta Bañez Sumagaysay, executive director of DOST-NRCP, they have already assigned an RDLeader for SJIT, and

“Thank you for having this program with us. I know that within the duration of this research program, SJIT will soar high,” said Salas.

nationwide.

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

DOST-Caraga regional director, Engr. Noel Ajoc, urged the students to explore and to enhance their capabilities in coming up with various research proposals that could also address the concerns in the community.

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

“I am encouraging our faculty and students to explore and create meaningful research proposals that will also address the pressing issues and concerns in our community,” Ajoc said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

News Briefs During his inaugural speech, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. expressed his gratitude to all the Agsurnons for the support, trust, and confidence that they have given to him especially in the implementation of all the programs under his watch. xx

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items in Caraga reached 115.9 index points in May 2022. This shows that the average retail prices of commodities in the market basket was higher by 15.9 percent compared to its prices in 2018, the reference base year. This month’s CPI for all goods and services was higher by 5.6 index points than the 110.3 CPI in May 2021. All commodity groups posted an increase in CPI compared to their previous year’s CPI (May 2021) except for Education Services and Financial Services. Among these commodity groups, alcoholic beverages and tobacco had the highest CPI in the region with 152.4 index points. Financial services followed with 144.8 index points. (PSA-13) On housing support, Governor Dale B. Corvera said during Governor’s Report that the province, with the support of the Office of Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba, facilitated the entry of support from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and other entities. A total of 985 lots have so far been acquired by the province in five sites during the period, many of which are for former rebels who went back to their communities to live normal lives.

Naliyagan Festival at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with people from the different municipalities of the province and nearby provinces of Caraga Region.

REGIONAL NEWS

Army Reserve Force undergoes Basic Fire Fighting Training

DOLE-Caraga’s Job Fair get 410 newly-hired workers because I now have a job. I hope this kind of activity will continue to help more jobless Filipinos get employed),” the new sales clerk of Robinsons Supermarket said.

Some forty personnel coming from the Headquarters, Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Companies of 1501st Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn) undergone the Basic Fire Fighting Training facilitated by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Butuan City Station on 11 June 2022 at the Headquarters 1501st Community Defense Center (CDC), 15th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), Camp Romualdo Rubi, Bancasi, this city. The said training aimed

to give the participants the necessary skills and knowledge that will enable them to identify the conditions capable of causing fire; know how to utilize a fire extinguisher; respond appropriately to fire emergencies and follow the fire evacuation plan/protocol; and adequately implement fire emergency procedures. “This training is in line with the Reserve Force mission of assisting the Local Government Units during calamities and disasters,” said Major

Frances Belarmino, director of 1501st CDC. Belarmino added that the training was also conducted to enhance the inter- operability operations between the Reserve Force and the BFP. The one-day activity ended at around 3:00 p.m. with the participating reservists who are now equipped with the right knowledge on basic firefighting and now serve as a force multiplier of the Bureau. (1501CDC, 15RCDG)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Four hundred ten jobseekers were Hired-On-theSpot (HOTS) during the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga’s 2022 Kalayaan Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK) Job and Business Fair in two venues – Robinsons Place Butuan and Naliyagan Grounds, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Seventy-five employers offered 21,340 job vacancies: 2,406 from 65 local companies and 18, 934 from 11 overseas recruitment agencies. A total of 1,189 applicants were registered: 1,080 local and 109 overseas. Out of those registered, 915 got qualified: 880 for local employment and 35 overseas jobs. The Job Fair recorded a HOTS rate of 44.8% which is beyond and above the

regional target of 15%. To ensure the safety and health of both employees and employers, the newlyhired workers received from DOLE Caraga free RT-PCR coupons which they can avail of from any of the department’s partner testing centers: MJ Santos Hospital, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, and Caraga Regional Hospital.

In his opening message, DOLE Caraga Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao extended his appreciation to Butuan City Mayor Hon. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, represented by Butuan City Councilor Hon. Joseph Omar O. Andaya for partnering with DOLE in staging the TNK event in Butuan and the local and overseas employers for their continuous support to DOLE’s employment facilitation programs. He also lauded DOLE Caraga’s partner agencies for providing pre-employment and other frontline services to the job seekers and the general public.

“I would like to thank the entire DOLE Caraga family and our partners for the Ms. Lala Cabidog, one of the support in making the 2022 first applicants hired on the Kalayaan TNK Job and spot, expressed her heartfelt Business Fair an astounding gratitude to the department. success. We hope that “Nagpasalamat ko sa DOLE our collective efforts in job fair kay naa na koy facilitating productive and trabaho. Unta magpadayon decent employment for pa ni inyong activity ug the Filipino citizens will result daghan pa na mga jobless to a vibrant labor market ang inyong matabangan ug and a stronger economy in pangitag trabaho (I am really the region,” RD Suyao said. thankful to DOLE’s job fair (DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Animal disease molecular laboratory ng DA, binuksan sa Caraga region Mas mapapadali na ang surveillance at detection ng mga animal diseases sa Caraga region dahil sa pagbubukas ng Animal Disease Molecular Laboratory ng Department of Agriculture (DA) sa Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City ngayong buwan. Naniniwala si DA Caraga regional executive director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, na ito ay malaking tulong upang lalo pang maisulong ang livestock industry ng rehiyon, maging ang kalapit lugar nito at sa buong bansa. “Ang naranasan natin noon na tatakbo pa tayo sa GenSan, Cagayan at central office para sa mga samples natin, ngayon ang mga diseases kagaya ng african swine fever, hog kolera, avian influenza lahat dito na masusuri,” ayon ni director Oñate. Ang nasabing pasilidad ay isang katuparan upang mas maiangat pa ang kaalaman ng ahensya lalo na ang kapasidad gamit ang Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction o RT-PCR.

Ayon kay Dr. Esther Cardeño, ang hepe ng Regional Animal Diagnostic Laboratory ng DA Caraga, ang diagnoses technique ay pwedeng mag-identify ng bacteria at Viral Deoxyribonucleic Acid o DNA at Ribonucleic Acid o RNA. Ayon kay Dr. Cardeño, “this is not just an indentification of the virus, bacteria or any parasite but we are dealing on the dna level of diagnosis.” Dagdag pa ni Cardeño, sa pamamagitan ng molecular laboratory, maari na silang makapagbigay ng laboratory services para sa African Swine Fever,

Classical Swine Fever o Hog Cholera, Avian Influenza, Porcine Parvo Virus, Porcine Respiratory Syndrome, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneunomia at Surra. Ang molecular laboratory ay magbibigay serbisyo at makatutulong sa mga farmers at hog raisers at pati na rin sa mga studyante at researchers. “Malaking tulong ito para sa lahat ng magsasaka at sa kabuuang mamamayan sa Caraga region,” dagdag ni director Oñate. Ang proyekto ay nagkakahalaga ng 7.2 million pesos. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PhilRice recognizes the efforts of SurSur Province and 2 more LGUs

DA, Prov’l Gov’t inked MOA for PAFES implementation in SurSur

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The PhilRice-Agusan led by Director Caesar Joventino Tado awarded the province of Surigao del Sur as the Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Partner among the 27 provinces in Mindanao, under the Large-Scale Category.

The Plaque and Certificate of recognition received by Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, and Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico, during the kick-off celebration of the 5-day event for the 62nd Araw ng Surigao del Sur, at the Surigao del Sur Sports The recognition centered Complex in Tandag City on its exemplary efforts on June 15, 2022. extended in helping the Department of The LGU-Barobo (for Agriculture (DA)Small-Scale Category) PhilRice program and LGU-Tago (Largeimplementation, citing Scale Category) all in the Rice Competitiveness Surigao del Sur were Enhancement Fund also awarded as (RCEF) or Rice Fund Best LGU Partners by during the 2022 dry the PhilRice Agusan, season. for their exemplary

effort of support to its implementation in the RCEF-Seed and Extension Program in their respective coverage area. Barobo Mayor Joey Pama, with Johnny Ramos of LGU-Barobo and Mun. Administrator Herbert Luna with 1st District Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and newly-elected Tago Vice Mayor Henrich Pimentel of LGU-Tago received the award from the PhilRice Agusan on the same day and venue. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

To bring extension services to the grassroots level, the Department of Agriculture (DA) -Caraga headed by Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oñate, Jr. in partnership with the provincial Government of Surigao del Sur headed by Gov Alexander T. Pimentel, signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the adoption and implementation of Provincial-led Agriculture and Fishery Extension Systems (PAFES), in time of the kick-off celebration of the 62nd Araw ng Surigao del Sur held at the Surigao del Sur Sports Complex on June 15, 2022. The agreement tied between the DA-Caraga and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur signaled the official kickoff of the implementation of PAFES in the province, which aims to bring extension services to the grassroots level, as part of the OneDA Reform Agenda that would underscore the province’s role in securing food production. The activity was also joined by the different partners-stakeholders representatives/officials

who have contributed to the development of the Agri-fisheries sectors concerns, witnessed by CWS Representative and 1st District newly-elected Representative Romeo Momo, and some other current and newly elected officials who graced the event. Governor Pimentel expressed his commitment to make agriculture as the top priority anchored with the OneDA Reform Agenda. He recognized the province as a predominantly agricultural area and commits to preserving and protecting its environment. “In my term as governor of this province, I will no longer allow mining to take place in areas where it can affect the rice

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

granaries of the province. Our resolutions would only allow mining in Carrascal which was declared as a mining-reserved area by the President.”, Governor Pimentel noted. Surigao Sur Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) chief Marcos Quico was grateful for the good news declared and emphasized by Gov. Alexander Pimentel in his message, that the municipalities of Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza all in the northern part, are considered rice granaries of the province. The said areas are all recipients of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program and a major producing area for hybrid rice it was learned. (PIASurigao del Sur)

DA turns over 2M worth of coffee processing facility in Tagbina town The Two Million worth of coffee processing facility was turned over by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga to San Nicolas Development Cooperative in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur on June 9, 2022. The said project was funded by the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). Eight hundred thousand of the fund was intended for the building construction. While the remaining Php1.2 Million was for the purchase of facilities including the dryer. The said cooperative is composed mostly of women based in San Nicolas, Doña Carmen, Tagbina, town. The members were grateful as they received their most awaited request, a coffee roasting facility. DA Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca Reyes Atega, expressed optimism that the facility will enhance the livelihood through coffee processing motivated by the members’ passion of the product. “These coffee farmers aim to develop the best aroma from the Arabica coffee harvested through proper roasting techniques,” she said.

Motorpool Rice Mill in Tubod upgrades facility through P2.5M iFund assistance from DOST The Motorpool Rice Mill in Tubod, Surigao del Norte successfully upgraded its multi-pass rice mill facility.

DA-Caraga Regional Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr urged the association to look beyond and extend help to other farmers through consolidation. “Nowadays, we need to have an economy of scale through consolidation of products for better market advantage, so more farmers will be encouraged to plant more coffee to support the DA’s Plant Plant Plant Program or Agri4Ps,” he noted. On the other hand, HighValue Crops Development Program Regional Coordinator Marco Antonio Morido, emphasized to the farmers that they need to follow the right technology for coffee production to maintain a high quality of produce. “As we are urging our coffee farmers to follow the right technology, we at DA-Caraga is also embarking on a production enhancement through

rehabilitation, rejuvenation, and fertilization of the coffee farms in the region,” he said. Morido added that they are working with local government units to help boost the coffee industry in their respective locality. Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the volume of production of coffee in the region is recorded at 1,622.24 metric tons wherein the province of Surigao del Sur has an 85% contribution to the production. Other officials who graced the occasion were Tagbina Municipal Mayor Generoso L. Naraiso, Provincial Agriculturist Marcos M. Quico, Municipal Agriculturist Warlito D. Untua , officials from DTI Provincial Director Romel Oribe, CDA, and other partner stakeholders. (NGPB/DA-Caraga/PIASurigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

The said rice mill was upgraded through the procurement of a brand new mist polisher and dust collector amounting to P2,500,000.00 funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) with the project entitled “Technology Upgrading technology, and of Motorpool Multi-Pass innovation. Rice Mill through S&T Intervention”. To highlight, the equipment provided will This initiative is in line yield high quality milled with the Department of Science and Technology rice and maximizing (DOST) efforts to provide the mill’s production capacity which will lead support mechanisms for to better efficiency and startups, MSMEs (Micro market competitiveness Small and Medium of the milling services. Enterprises) and the rice SETUP enables firms to mill industries. address their technical problems through The upgraded facility is expected to address the acquisition and transfer of technology technological gaps of the firm through science, interventions. Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

The DOST-Surigao del Norte is also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. For those interested to avail the program just message the page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte to know more about its benefits and requirements. (DOSTSurigao del Norte/PIASurigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte ARBOs renew marketing agreement with institutional buyers The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office in Surigao del Norte facilitated on June 15, 2022 the renewal signing of Marketing Agreement (MA) between three Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) and government institutional buyers under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) project of DAR. With the Agreement, San Pedro Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SPARBECO) of Alegria will supply Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) 40 sacks of well-milled rice every month for a period of one year. SPARBECO was represented by their chairperson Dionesia Gonzales and Dr. Cheryl A. Gotinga, Medical Center Chief I signed the MA in behalf of CRH. The Surigao City’s Mabini Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative

(MABARBECO) Chairperson Restituto B. Tenazas, Jr also signed the Agreement with Warden Jail Chief Inspector Roberto C. Gotico of the Surigao Norte Bureau of Jail Management and Penology provincial office. MABARBECO will provide the latter with 50 to 100 kilos of assorted vegetables per month for over a year. Meanwhile, Villaflor Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (VARBA) of Gigaquit and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Surigao City office also forged a oneyear marketing agreement

Mataas na kalibre ng baril at mga pampasabog ng NPA, nakumpiska ng kasundaluhan sa Surigao Norte

for the former to supply the latter with a monthly volume of 50 to 100 kilos of assorted vegetables for one year. Mrs. Jenita Larong represented VARBA and Warden Jail Chief Inspector Joel G. Calimbo represented BJMP Surigao City. Under EPAHP project, the DAR aimed to partner with different government agencies to provide assistance to its assisted agrarian organizations and farmer beneficiaries through direct market linkages and access to programs and funding. (DAR-SDN/PIA- Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Isang sagupaan ang naganap sa pagitan ng mga kawani ng 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) at teroristang grupo ng New People’s Army o mga NPA sa bulubunduking bahagi ng Sitio Tigbao, Barangay Balite, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte nitong umaga ng ika 14 ng Hunyo 2022. Nangyari ang nasabing bakbakan pagkatapos makatanggap ng ulat

mula sa mga sibilyan tungkol sa presensya ng armadong grupo na nagsasagawa ng pananakot at pangingikil sa nasabing lugar. Rumesponde ang kasundaluhan mula sa 30IB pagkatanggap sa nasabing ulat at habang nagsasagawa ng pagpapatrolya sa komunidad upang kumpirmahin ang nasabing sumbong ay pinaputukan sila

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

ng mga NPA na pinaniniwalaang grupo ng Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16B ng Guerilla Front (GF) 16 ng North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) na pinamumunuan ni Pablo Logatiman o mas kilala bilang alias “Lucas” at agad gumanti ng putok ang mga kasundaluhan na nagresulta sa tatlumpung minuto na bakbakan.

Agad din namang tumakbo papalayo ang mga armadong NPA dala ang kanilang sugatan na kasama at nakumpiska ang isang M16 na baril, dalawang ilegal na pampasabog, 195 na iba’t-ibang uri ng bala ng baril, mga personal na kagamitan, mga subersibong dokumento, dalawang poncho tent, tatlong backpacks, mga kagamitang pangmedisina, kalahating sako bigas, siyam na pirasong baterya, isang electrical tester, at dalawang rolyo ng electric wire. Samantala, nagpadala agad ang Philippine Air Force ng dalawang 520MG Attack Helicopters upang tutulong sa mga napasabak sa bakbakan na tropa ng pamahalaan. Walang nasaktan sa mga kasundaluhan sa nangyaring engkwentro. Matatandaan na nitong Enero 24, 2022 nang magsimulang magkaroon ng Community Support Program (CSP) sa Barangay Balite.

3-adlaw DRRM and Health Planning Workshop gipahigayon sa Dinagat Islands

Dahil dito ay naging mabilis ang aksyong pangseguridad sa komunidad, ang mga mamamayan ay nagdeklara din ng pagbawi ng suporta sa mga armadong grupo ng NPA. Ito ay dahil ayaw na din ng mga tao ng kaguluhan. Ayon sa pahayag ni Lt Col Ryan Charles G. Callanta, ang pinuno ng 30IB, lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat sa ibinigay na tiwala at suporta ng mga sibilyan, “Nagpapasalamat kami sa tiwala at suporta ng mamamayan sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon tungkol sa presensya ng armadong grupo dahil sa kanilang

pakikipagtulungan at kooperasyon sa ating kampanya laban sa terorismo. Ito ay nagpapakita lamang na ayaw na nila ng kaguluhan at pang-aabuso sa pamamagitan ng ekstorsyon at pananakot,” ani ng opisyal. “Muli kaming nananawagan sa mga natitirang miyembro ng NPA na sana’y pakinggan nila ang hinaing ng kanilang pamilya na bumalik na sa kanilang piling at mamuhay ng tahimik,” dagdag pa niya. (1LT Benjamin Elisand De Dios (OS) PA, 30th Infantry Battalion/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Usa ka 3-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management ug Health (DRRM-H) Planning Workshop gilangkuban sa mga buhatan sa Provincial Health Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, ug ang pito ka Municipal Health Office sa nagkadaiyang lungsod ning probinsya ang gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang. Usa ka proseso nga

pagtuon ang DRRM-H planning nga may kalambigitan sa mga hazard, vulnerabilities, ug risks sa mga area. Usa usab kini ka sistematiko, istratehikong evidencebased, ug konsultatibong proseso sa lebel sa regional, provincial, city, municipality, barangay, ug hospital alang sa pagsiguro sa Resilient Health Systems. Aktibong nipartisipar usab ang mga nisalmot

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

na personahe sa Municipal Health Units sa pagpresenta sa ilang mga datos ug plano sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga lungsod. Pagpangandam usab kini nga seminarworkshop aron mas mapadali ang pagtubag sa mga nanginahanglan sa panahon sa umaabot na kalamidad ug uban pang mga katalagman. (Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIA -Dinagat Islands)

Siargao Maritime Gateway Gets Safety Seal

The Port of Dapa in the resort island of Siargao got its Safety Seal Certificate earlier this month. The Port of Dapa applied for the Safety Seal Certification to ensure the safety of the

public by complying with the required health standards set by the government.

the clients and port users of Siargao’s principal maritime gateway of its compliance to the health and safety The Terminal protocols, and to help Management Office the government reopen (TMO) of Siargao applied its economy. (PPA- PMO for the certification to Surigao City/PIA- Surigao provide assurance to del Norte) Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

DOLE AgSur launches Boyad Roadshow, hotline to intensify campaign vs child labor

In celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL), the Department of Labor and Employment Agusan del Sur Field Office (DOLE-ADSFO) launched the Boyad Roadshow with its first leg at the heart of the province, Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in the Capital Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. “Boyad”, a literal Manobo translation of “hand” depicting the theme of this year’s WDACL, is a campaign that aims to increase the appreciation and awareness of the department’s Child Labor and Prevention

and Elimination Program (CLPEP) in the said province. Kaalam kits containing leaflets, merchandise like fridge magnets and stickers, hand clappers, and snacks as well as infographics about CLPEP and other DOLE programs were provided to the participants of the event. The participants were also involved in fun and interactive activities such as stamping their hand prints on the commitment wall, joining trivia games, and taking pictures at the event’s photo booth. “The provincial government of Agusan

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

del Sur supports the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program of DOLE. To all concerned employers, I just want to give emphasis that the provincial government is against Child Labor and other forms of abuse. Should you be caught getting involved in Child Labor, our office will respond appropriately. We will continue to promote the ‘No to Child Labor, Yes to Children Education’ campaign,” Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. said, as he led the pledging of commitment and hand print stamping. CLPEP aims to remove children from child labor, especially in its worst forms. The program is the department’s contribution to the Philippine Program Against Child Labor of the national government. The launching of the said event was simultaneously held with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day and the opening of the province’s Naliyagan Festival. (DOLE-Caraga/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Another 2 CTG’s Militia ng Bayan surrender to 65IB in AgSur

operations.

Through the continuous conduct of intensified military operations of the 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, under the operational control of 901st Infantry (Fight ‘Em) Brigade, have led to another surrender of two (2) CTG’s militia on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. The said surrenderers were both members of the People’s Militia (Militia ng Bayan or MB) under the Sub-

Regional Committee (SRC) Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) operating in the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Following the surrender, said MB led the troops of 65IB to an arms cache which contained two (2) M16 Rifles with magazines and several ammunitions buried at the hinterlands of Brgy Tagbongabong,

Remedios T Romualdez, Agusan del Norte. It can be recalled that a few weeks ago, four CTG members with firearms also surrendered to 65IB because of hardship and their resentment against the CTG’s false promises. While, just recently, another three CTG members with high powered and low powered firearms decided to surrender out of fear of the successive

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

The efforts of 65IB through the focused military operations, the engagement of all family members of the CTG and the series of Civil Military Operations activities have resulted in the surrender of seven CTG members and two MBs bringing along with them a total of eight firearms in a period of less than two months. 65IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Emerson P. De Vera said that the two MBs are residents of a hinterland barangay in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and revealed that they decided to abandon the armed struggle after witnessing

other surrenderers were not harmed, well taken cared of and treated with utmost respect by the 65IB.

struggle.

“Rest assured that the 65IB will strictly adhere and respect on human rights and international “They realized that the humanitarian law. organization they were We shall provide and strongly supporting has continuously facilitate led them to a miserable needed assistance life and will never bring for all former rebels a bright future for under the Enhanced them. With that, they Comprehensive are fighting for a lost Local Integration cause with no sense of Program (E-CLIP) of the direction.” Lt. Col. De government. Various Vera said. assistance and programs will be given to those Lt. Col. De Vera added who will decide to return that the 65IB will to the peaceful path relentlessly continue its drive against the terrorists and take the chance and urged the remaining to return to mainstream society with their family CTG members to lay and loved ones,” Lt. Col. down their arms and finally abandon the De Vera added. (65IB, senseless armed PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Agusan del Norte celebrates Pride Day of LGBTQ+ Community The Province of Agusan del Norte under the administration of Governor Dale B. Corvera, on Monday celebrates the Pride Day 2022 for the LGBTQ+ Community at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court, this city. The Pride Day 2022 is a program recognizing diversity and equality amongst gender facilitated by the office of the Provincial Human Resource and Management under the Gender and Development [GAD] Program, as mandated thru Provincial Ordinance No. 604-2021, celebrates the occasion every year. Among the free services offered during the celebration include manicure, pedicure, massage and haircut from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), free HIV test from Provincial Health Office and a photo booth. Present were Provincial Board Member Elizabeth

Calo, Provincial Social Welfare and Department Officer Silver Joy Tejano and Edson B. Alijo of the Commission on Human Rights as speakers. Alijo tackled the issues on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) orientation, biological characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV awareness. According to Board Member Calo, the province would like to institutionalize the Pride Day of Agusan del Norte, to ensure that activities recognizing the LGBTQ+ in the province and its development is sustained.

“Ipakita ang mga contribution sa LGBTQ+ sa province para mahatagan og pagatagd ang ilang mga needs (We will show the contributions of the LGBTQ+ to the province, to be recognized and we will also consider their needs,” board member Calo said. The event was also attended by the Garbo representatives from the different City/ Municipalities of Agusan del Norte which later on participated in the different competitions in the part of the program dubbed as “Garbong Agusanon” (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Agusan del Norte misuporta sa paghatag ayuda sa mga batan-on na inahan

Ang Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) pinaagi sa Provincial Development Council sa Agusan del Norte nag-awhag sa puno ug hugot na implementasyon sa Conditional Fund Assistance (CFA) alang sa mga batanong inahan ug ang ilang mga anak sa Cabadbaran City ug ang napulo ka munisipyo sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa pag-aproba sa Provincial Development Council (PDC) sa

Agusan del Norte sa Social Development Committee (SDC) – Resolution No. 04, Series of 2022 on May 31, 2022.

gobernador sa Agusan del Norte, sa giingon na adlaw sa Provincial Training Center, Butuan City.

Kabahin niini, si Alexander A. Makinano, ang Regional Director sa POPCOM Caraga, gipatin-aw ang pagpasabot sa pinansyal na ayuda pinaagi sa Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children (SPPAMC) niadtong PDC Full Council meeting nga gipangulohan ni Hon. Dale B. Corvera,

Pinaagi sa pagsuporta sa SPPAMC sa mga lokal na panggamhanan, mapadasig ang mga batan-ong inahan nga mobangon sa ilang kasamtangan nga kondisyon ug mamahimong mga produktibong lungsoranon. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Hugyawan sa mga empleyado nagmalampuson Malampuson nga gisaulog ka gahapong adlawa Miyerkules, Hunyo 15, 2021 ang Employees Day sa Agusan del Norte nga gipahigayon sa Capitol Ground, Butuan City. Daghang mga aktibidadis ang nakalatid sa usa ka adlaw nga selebrasyon. Adunay pampering services sa buntag alang sa mga empleyado, sama sa mga gupit, foot ug body massage, footspa, manicure, pedicure, medical ug dental check-up, Aduna usab libre nga pakaon sama sa siomai, bodbod, biko, bingka, cochinta, kwikkwik, fish ball, bread roll, buko juice, kalamansi juice ug ice cream ug adunay usab gipanghatag nga mga tambal og bitamina gikan sa Provincial Health Office (PHO) ug ang Department of Health (DOH) nanghatag og Water Galloon, Mosquito Net ug artificial contraceptive. Pagkahapon niini gipahigayon ang padula sama sa BINGO, raffle draw nga adunay dagkong mga papremyo gikan sa 1,500, 2000, 3000, 5000, 20,000, 35,000 hangtod sa 50,000.00. Ug adunay sugba sugba nga bangus nga gipasiugdahan sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) sa

pagpanguna ni Mr. Alvin P. Aclan. Sa pagka gabie niini, adunay mga presentation, tribute para sa atong Gobernador agi’g pasalamat nga gitambungan sa mga provincial officials ug mga empleyado kauban nila Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera, Vice Governor Ramon A G. Bungabong, PBM Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, PBM Rodulfo A. Pitogo ug mga Head of Offices.

pag angat aron mopalambu pa ang mga katawhan sa Agusan ug mapasalamaton usab ni gobernor Dale ngadto sa mga empleyado sa pagtabang sa iyang pagdumala. Ug sa lain bahin usab nagpasalamat si Vice Gobernor Bungabong sa pagsaulog sa mga empleyado bisan usa lamang kaadlaw aron maipakita ang paghiusa.

Ug natapus kini nga puno Matod pa sa gipaabot nga og kalipay kay ubay ubay mensahi ni Gobernor Corvera usab ang gipalad nga dako niya og pasalamat nakadawat og mga premyo. sa higayon nga nahimo Daku usab nga pasalamat siya og gobernador bisan sa mga empleyado kay dili sa usa lamang ka termino man tanan gipalad pero tungod kay iyang gibuhat daku gihapon ang kalipay o napakita ang tinuoray ang natagamtaman sa nga pagserbisyo sa Agusan tanan. (Jessica O. Mellejor, del Norte. Dugang niini nga LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA anaay mga kabag ohan sa Agusan del Norte) Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Pagpalig-on sa organisasyon ug katakus sa pederasyon sa mga organisasyon sa mga mag-uuma sa gulay, gipahigayon Gipahigayon, ang Organizational Development ug Institutional Capability Building (ODICB) sa mga organisasyon sa mga mag uuma sa gulay sa proyektong “Food Basket” sa Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. Ang “Food Basket” usa sa 15 ka core processing projects nga inisyal nga gipahiluna sa proyektong Process! Process! Process! ug kaluhang proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant! sa AGUSAN UP! ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gov. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Cong. Angel Amante-Matba. Katuyoan sa ODICB nga palig onon ang mga organisasyon pinaagi sa pagmugna og corporate set-up diha

sa pagpalambo sa ilang mga ekonomikanhong kalihukan. Mosuma sa 20 ka partisipante ang nitungha ning kalihukan sa mga nakatakdang mo display og gulay sa “Agus Tabo”, usa ka kalihukan sa kasaulogan sa “Araw ng Agusan del Norte” sugod karong Domingo isip kabahin sa pagpalambo sa proyektong “Food

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Basket”. Sa maong higayon, nang apod-apod usab ang mga personahe sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center og libreng assorted vegetable seeds nga nagsilbing tampo sa Department of Agriculture sa maong proyekto. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Pagbaton og dugang mga Special Economic Zones sa Agusan del Norte, gipahiluna alang sa mas taas nga estado sa ekonomikanhong paglambo Una na usab nga napresenta sa Cabadbaran City ang proyketong Sports Complex niini alang sa prosibleng partnership tali sa MTD.

Gikonsidera sa usa ka panagtigum sa mga Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDC) sa mga lungsod sa Agusan del Norte ang mga yuta nga posibleng himoon nilang Special Economic Zone (SEZ) nga kapanukaran sa valueadded ventures, apil na ang mga agricultural processing activities nga maoy gilantaw nga kab-oton alang sa mas taas pa nga estado sa ekonomikanhong

paglambo pag-abot sa tuig 2027.

sa Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate (NANIE) nga naproklama Ang kalihukan nagsilbing na isip SEZ niadto pang follow through sa mga 1998. Isip follow through kasabutan tali sa probinysa nga lakang, nagdala ug sa Philippine Economic na si Director General Zone Authority (PEZA) aron Charito B. Plaza sa PEZA mapahiluna ang mga og possible developer, processing activities sa ang Malaysian Thai probinsya. Development (MTD) sa Una na’ng napahiluna ang miaging semana ug naa na karon sa pagbayloay partnership sa probinsya, ug impormasyon alang sa sa PEZA ug sa lungsod detalyeng pagplano sa sa Nasipit aron ipursige proyekto. na ang pag-develop Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Sa panagtigum ganiha gikonsidera sa lungsod sa Magallanes ang 20 ektaryas nga area nga gipanag-iya sa lungsod sa may fish pond areas niini aron himoong Aqua Marine Park. Nagdagan usab karon ang kasabutan alang Public-Private Partnership tali sa munisipyo ug sa usa ka energy company pagmugna og pasilidades alang sa Waste-to-Energy facilities isip kabahin sa proyektong Proces! Process! Process! sa AGUSAN UP! Development Campaign. Plano usab sa Jabonga nga himoong SEZ alang

sa mga pasilidades sa turismo ang parte sa Lake Mainit. Nagdagan usab karon isip kabahin sa AGUSAN UP! ang Coconut Processing Expansion Project sa maong lungsod nga posibleng padakan aron mahimong SEZ sa pagproseso sa lubi sa tibuok probinsya. Alang sa Las Nieves, gilantaw ang kabahin sa lapad nga site sa Regional Dairy Stock Farm nga posibleng mahimong lokasyon sa agricultural processing complex, apil na niini ang giplano na’ng daan nga Feed Processing Complex, laing kabahin sa AGUSAN UP! Plano usab sa probinsya nga mugnaon ang IT Park sa bahin sa luna niini sa bag-ong kapitolyo sa syudad sa Cabadbaran. Ang laing mga lungsod magbaton pa og luna

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o makigsabot pa sa pribadong indibidwal, grupo o korporasyon aron makamugna og SEZ sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka lugar, apil na niini ang pakigpartner sa mga Indigenous Peoples (IP) pag-alokar sa parte sa ilang ancestral domain aron magsilbing luna alang sa valueadding ventures nga makamugna og trabaho ug dugang bahandi sa ilang lungsod ug sa probinsya. Gipahiluna usab ang mosunod nga lain pang mga core processing projects sa mosunod nga mga lungsod ug nanginahanglan usab ug luna: Country Wood ug Chocolate City sa Nasipit; Coffee Net ug Sardine Processing sa Buenavista; Beyond Rice sa RTR; Abaca Processing Complex sa Cabadbaran; Mineral Processing sa Tubay; Banana Processing Complex sa Santiago; Moringa Processing Expansion sa Jabonga, ug; Food Basket sa Kitcharao. Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Bamboo: Sustainable Investment, Sustaining Lives

MINDANAO NEWS

One of bamboo’s best known qualities is its strength (flexural and tensile), making it a viable material in its natural form and as a component to various furniture, architectural and landscaping designs. Given its characteristics as a fast growing, natural and extremely strong material, there is heightened interest in using bamboo as a workable material for homes, buildings and other structures. In a presentation during

the Mindanao Bamboo Summit, it was highlighted that bamboos could be utilized in its entirety or parts. The leaves could be used as extracts, medicines, manure or fodder. Twigs could be transformed into brooms or cloths. The top can be reproduced into chopsticks, toothpicks, bamboo poles and scaffoldings. The middle upper can be manufactured as blinds, mats, carpets and handicrafts while the middle lower part as

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flooring. Shoots can be prepared and eaten as a vegetable dish. Meanwhile, the leftovers are processed as charcoals, fiber boards, lumbers and fuel, among others. With this usage, leaving no parts to waste, there are a number of bamboo products feasible for business opportunities, therefore creating sustainable investment, livelihood and income to Mindanaoans. As one of Mindanao

Agnes Dakudao Locsin: 6th Mindanawon National Artist (Dance)

Development Authority’s flagship programs, the Bamboo Development Program aims to promote the bamboo industry, creating marketing strategy for bamboo products to boost production and create jobs for those involved in mass production. According to MinDA partner Mr. Roderico R. Bioco, Chairman of the Bukidnon Giant Bamboo Resources, Corp., the Mindanao Bamboo Program can address various sustainable development goals. “The Mindanao Bamboo Program aims to address all 17 of 17 sustainable development goals which include no poverty, no hunger, good health, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, clean energy, good jobs and economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption, protect the planet, life below water, life on land, peace and justice, and partnerships for the goals,” said Mr. Bioco. MinDA engaged in various bamboo development activities such as the conduct of the Mindanao

Aside from these accomplishments, she is also a recipient of the CCP’s 2013 Gawad Para Sa Sining, CCP’s 2020 Gador Award, Davao City’s 2000 Datu Bago Award, and 2013 Alfonzo T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Arts for her book “Neo-ethnic Choreography: A Creative Process.”

Bamboo Expo, business matching , lectures on Bamboo farming, processing and financing, and support to projects on production of bamboomade local products to provide jobs and income to bamboo farmers. MinDA handed over equipment and working table to Bamboo workers group as a production start-up. The Bamboo Expo showcased Mindanao products like furniture, treated and laminated bamboo blocks and panels, huts, bamboo house, cutlery and kitchen tools among others. The featured bamboo house, which is more resilient to earthquakes

than a concrete house and estimated to cost between PhP. 80,000.00 to PhP. 120,000.00, is also promoted in the expo to reach a wider market. MinDA is also majorly contributory in the development of the bamboo industry and organization of the Mindanao Bamboo Industry Development Council, created to fully utilize the facilities and in the process boost the development of bamboo farming in Mindanao. As a commonly used product in Mindanao, Bamboo is truly a culturally and economically significant commodity made strongly to sustain livelihood and alleviate lives.

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Locsin

Mindanawons are celebrating the conferment of Dabawenya dance maestra and choreographer Ms. Agnes Dakudao Locsin as the 6th National Artist for Dance by President Rodrigo R. Duterte through Proclamation 1390 on 10 June 2022. Locsin is well-known in the world of dance both nationally and internationally, because of her unparalleled works on advancing neo-ethnic choreography. She garnered various awards and recognition for her works such as the Igorot (1987) and La Revolucion (1996).

Locsin’s work gained attention from the socio-cultural sector of the country due to her dance choreography. It incorporates immersive and interactive learning of dance movements from indigenous communities highlighting their culture, traditions, and ways of life. In the academe, she became a faculty member of the University of the Philippines Dance Program. From 1989 t0 1999, she led the Ballet Philippines in the Cultural Center of the Philippines as Artistic Director. Hailing from Davao City, she is the daughter of Carmen Dakudao Locsin, who founded the Davao’s Locsin Dance Workshop where she also acted as its Artistic Director. She is an AB English alumna of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU). She

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obtained her Masters of Arts at Ohio State University in the United States. She shares the prestigious national recognition with other 7 National Artists namely Salvacion LimHiggins for Design (Fashion); actress Nora Villamayor or Nora Aunor, screenwriter Ricardo “Ricky” Lee and the late filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya for Film and Broadcast Arts, Gemino Abad for Literature, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio for Music, and the late actor Antonio “Tony” Mabesa for Theater. Established under Proclamation No. 1001 s. 1972, the National Artist Award is the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to the development of the Philippine arts, culture, and overall socio-cultural landscape. She is now part of the roster of national outstanding Mindanawons in the field of culture and arts for being the 6th National Artist from Mindanao. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and all Mindanawons are very proud of the achievement of Ms. Locsin.

President Duterte hopes new sports academy could produce Olympians, champions

NATIONAL NEWS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the inspection of the National Academy of Sports in Capas, Tarlac on June 14, 2022. VALERIE ESCALERA/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed optimism Tuesday that the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City (NCC) in Tarlac could hone world-class athletes and champions who will bring honor to the country and spur sense of nationalism among Filipinos. In his speech during the inspection of the main

campus of the academy, President Duterte said the NAS is envisioned to be a world-class facility that will serve as a forefront in the country’s efforts to provide a conducive environment for the academic, sports training, and character development for young Filipino athletes. “It is therefore my hope and maybe my prayer that the pioneer batch of

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student-athletes become well-rounded Olympians and champions who will carry our flag in the international sports arena and inspire a deep sense of patriotism among Filipinos,” he said. “Let us continue to work with one another to sustain our present golden era of sports— even beyond my term— keeping in mind that the

Filipinos can enjoy freedom without being divisive, says President Duterte

legacy we are building will not be ours alone but also for the succeeding generations to come.” He cited the feat of Hidilyn Diaz, who beat the odds and paved the way for more aspiring athletes to excel and win medals for the country.

us, let us come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation.”

Diaz made history two years ago by winning the most-coveted gold medal in the Olympics — the firstgovernment and private ever for the Philippines. partners that contributed to the construction of the The success of Diaz new institution despite the in weightlifting has limitations brought by the encouraged the public, coronavirus pandemic. especially the youth, to take notice of the The NAS was many talented athletes institutionalized by virtue who are making waves of Republic Act (RA) No. in international sports, 11470 to recognize and according to the develop talented students President. from all sectors, including “It is thus an opportune time for me to help them maximize their potential with constant comprehensive projects and activities that promote the welfare and development of our athletes,” the President pointed out. President Duterte also commended the NAS, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and all

those from indigenous communities and persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalized groups.

COVID Response and former BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, BCDA Officer-in-Charge and President-Chief Executive Officer Aristotle Batuhan, Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Sherwin Gatchalian, and former House Speaker and Senator-elect Alan Peter Cayetano.

Philippine Olympic Committee President and Cavite 8th District Rep. Abraham Tolentino, Taguig 2nd District It is an attached institution Rep. Maria Laarni of the Department of Cayetano, Valenzuela Education (DepEd) City 2nd District Rep. in partnership with Eric Martinez, Philippine the Philippine Sports Sports Commissioner Commission (PSC). Ramon Fernandez, Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap, and Joining the President National Academy of were Education Sports Executive Director Secretary Leonor Briones, Josephine Joy Reyes were Presidential Adviser for also present. PND Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

More than a century ago, Filipinos have shown the world their collective force and will as a people by compellingly repudiating colonial subjugation, the President said.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte raises the Philippine Flag as he leads the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebration themed “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” in Rizal Park, Manila on June 12, 2022. The President is joined by Manila Mayor-Elect Honey Lacuna, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Andres Centino, and NHCP Chairperson Rene Escalante. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Filipinos can exercise their freedoms and engage in healthy discourse without sowing division despite their differences, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Sunday said, as he called for national unity during the 124th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. In his message released by the Palace, President Duterte asked Filipinos to let their constant discernment in the continuing process of nation-building make them

realize that their liberties should make them wiser and not to prove that they are superior to others. “Even in exercising our most cherish freedoms, our differences can move us to engage in healthy yet meaningful discourse without sowing hatred and division, as well as push our country towards the right direction,” he said. “In the spirit of patriotism and love of the motherland exemplified by those who came before

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Although the Philippines’s path to true freedom has been long and tedious, the country’s forefathers have walked the mile and made Filipinos pioneers of republican democracy in Asia. According to President Duterte, the shared narrative that Filipinos have weaved throughout history has never ceased in teaching them what values to hold and which lessons to remember. “While we draw strength from learning our past, we must continue believing that there is still wisdom to be gained from our present choices, decisions and actions so we can shape a better future for our people,” he noted. PND

President Duterte hopes next admin to continue pursuing big projects

Philippines.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the lowering of the tunnel boring machine and inspection of the subway depot of the Metro Manila Subway Project in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City on June 12, 2022. ALBERTO ALCAIN/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Sunday that he hopes the next administration will sustain big-ticket infrastructure projects that his government initiated to aid the country’s economic recovery, as he witnessed the lowering of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) of the country’s first-ever Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Valenzuela City.

In his speech during the event, the President said he is hoping that the incoming Marcos administration will build on the foundations that his government has laid down in terms of infrastructure projects. “I now call on my fellow workers in government — especially those who will take on the reins of power and those who will remain once I step

ahead of office — to continue to dream and pursue big-ticket projects that will sustain our ongoing economic recovery and realize goals and aspirations of our people,” the President said. “Let us then look to the future with courage, optimism, and confidence as we move towards a more progressive and robust

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President Duterte congratulated the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its partners for achieving significant progress for the MMSP and expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for partnering with the Philippines to make the project a reality. “I am also grateful to have the Japan International Cooperation Agency as an ally in nation-building, particularly in initiatives that will benefit our citizens and accelerate

our country’s economic development,” he said. According to President Duterte, the project will truly benefit the commuters especially those coming from Quezon City going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as they experience the convenience and comfort of a fast, efficient, and modern transportation system.

on other endeavors. The MMSP is one of the monumental projects under the Build, Build, Build Program of the Duterte administration. The Phase 1 of the subway project is currently under construction and will have 13 underground stations traversing the cities of Valenzuela, Quezon, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Parañaque in the National Capital Region (NCR).

At the same time, it will allow travelers to save much time and energy, giving them opportunities It will further extend to the north and south of to become more productive and focused Metro Manila. PND

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President Duterte leads commissioning of PCG’s newly acquired vessel President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the commissioning Sunday of the Barko ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas (BRP) Melchora Aquino of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is expected to improve its capability to monitor the country’s costlines. During the commisioning in South Harbor in Manila, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for a job well done. “The Coast Guard has an excellent record and participation even sa struggle sa Mindanao. You have helped government a lot maintaining its independence and integrity as a republic. So bilib ako sa inyo,” he said. “And I said at no other time na ang Coast Guard binigyan ng importansiya. At I can only thank my classmate, Arthur Tugade, for husbanding the entire agency sa Coast Guard.” The President read the commission order

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the commissioning of Barko ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas (BRP) Melchora Aquino, the Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) 9702 of the Philippine Coast Guard, at Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila on June 12, 2022. TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

before the MRRV 9702 commanding officer and granted the official permission, commencing BRP Melchora Aquino’s official duty as a commissioned vessel.

vessel will conduct sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

Named after Filipino revolutionary Melchora Aquino, who was considered the Mother of Katipunan, the MRRV 9702 is one of the two largest white ships acquired by the DOTr for the PCG through its Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase 2. The newly commissioned

The BRP Melchora Aquino is modeled after the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigamiclass vessel that has a maximum speed of not less than 24 nautical miles per hour and endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. It is similar with BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), another vessel acquired by the government. PND

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Continue wearing face masks, Palace tells public anew

On Monday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the InterAgency Task Force for the Management and Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) face mask policy, which was approved by Duterte, is more binding than Garcia’s local directive. Andanar echoed Guevarra’s statement, saying the IATF-EID’s resolutions on the mandatory wearing of face masks will prevail over local government ordinances.

(File photo)

The proper wearing of face masks must be observed amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang told the public on Tuesday. In a press statement, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar reminded the public that there is no directive from President

Rodrigo Roa Duterte to lift the mandatory use of face masks. “The Chief Executive’s directive is clear: Continue wearing face masks,” Andanar said. Andanar’s statement came after Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on June 8 issued Executive Order (EO) 16, making the wearing of face masks optional

in well-ventilated areas and open spaces. Under EO 16, the wearing of face masks is required only in close and airconditioned places. The use of face masks in crowded outdoor areas is still encouraged. The signing of the local ordinance came even though Cebu province remains under Alert Level 2.

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“We reiterate and support the legal opinion of the Justice Secretary that the Inter-Agency Task Force resolution on the mandatory wearing of face masks shall prevail over the executive orders by local government units, including the one issued by the provincial government of Cebu,” he said. Andanar added that there is a standing order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure the full implementation of the

existing policy which requires the use of face masks in open and closed spaces. “The Department of the Interior and Local Government has instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the existing IATF resolution on wearing of face masks accordingly,” he said. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the PNP will continue to “confront, apprehend, and arrest, if necessary,” all violators of IATF guidelines and minimum public health standards in Cebu province. Duterte reiterated that he is not keen on ditching the requirement

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of wearing face masks until his term ends on June 30. Under the existing IATFEID guidelines, the public are still mandated to wear a well-fitted face mask at all times, “whether outdoors or in indoor private establishments.” Face masks can only be removed when people are eating and drinking; participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained; and practicing outdoor sports or exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained. (PNA/Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos)

PH Covid-19 daily case average up by 30.4% June 6-12

Over 420K get 2nd Covid-19 booster shot

(File photo)

The country’s daily average of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases went up by 30.4 percent for the period June 6 to 12, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday. From 185 per day on May 30 to June 5, Covid-19 cases reached 340 daily from June 6 to 12.

However, alert levels are unchanged, including Level 1 in Metro Manila, as cases are manageable and health care utilization remains normal.

For the same period, eight cases were added to the tally of severe and critical infections, which went down to 498 from the previous week’s 599. The latest case bulletin of Only 16.6 percent or 345 the DOH showed there out of the 2,078 intensive were 1,682 new cases in care unit (ICU) beds are the recent week and five in use, while 20.3 percent verified deaths. or 3,189 of 15,706 non-

ICU beds are utilized. To date, about 69,759,711 million or 77.51 percent of the country’s target population (90,005,357) are vaccinated against Covid-19, including 77.42 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens. As of June 12, a total of 14,526,648 have received booster shots out of the total 69,487,920 who are fully vaccinated. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayo)

Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

Over 425,000 individuals have received their second booster shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, a health official said Friday. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said almost 14.5 million individuals have an upto-date vaccination or have received their first booster shot while 69.7 million are fully vaccinated as of June 9.

an online media forum. The country has seen a slight increase in cases for the week of June 2 to 8 at 197 which is 9 percent higher than the 180 cases logged in the previous week.

since May 25. Despite increase in cases, the daily attack rate remains at less than one case per 100,000 population,” she said.

Currently, the national hospital admissions are on a plateau with a slight increase of 268 Vergeire said the slight admissions or six percent increase “is not observed -- from 4,820 to 5,080. to be sustained” but the national positivity rate The total bed utilization increased to 1.3 percent. slightly increased by “We have already one percent while the intensive care unit almost 9.4 million fully “Nationally, we’re utilization is at a plateau inoculated adolescents remaining under lowat 16 percent and lowalong with more than risk classification with risk classification. (PNA/ three million children fully positive one-week and Ma. Teresa Montemayor) vaccinated,” she said in two-week growth rates Caraga Infocus • June 11-17, 2022

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