[
[ Contents 15-21 June 2019
Volume III, No. 44
Bayugan City hosts 2nd quarter NSED REGIONAL NEWS
7 8
DOH records increase of measles cases in Caraga DAR-Caraga calls on youths to deepen knowledge on the importance, benefits
PROVINCIAL NEWS
coop to supply rice to Bislig 11 AgSur Hospital 12 75 FRs get assistance from government employment cluster 14 Livelihood, identifies programs for tribal to lead NDRM celebration in 15 PDRRMC AgNor 16 Farmers disown NPA in Agusan Norte
MINDANAO NEWS
states seek increased trade, 19 EU business ties in Mindanao
20
7 11 16
Mindanao’s youth IP leaders vow support for EO 70
NATIONAL NEWS
wants higher budget for hajj 24 PRRD Andanar
to present PH as good investment 26 PRRD destination: DTI chief poverty falls to record low 27 Self-rated 38%: SWS
26
20
News Briefs In line with the annual observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in July, the Caraga RDRRMC has programmed significant and meaningful activities to promote the significance of disaster resilience pertaining to the ability of individuals, communities, organization and states to adapt to and recover from the effects of hazards and disasters through effective DRRM.
The highlights of this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) celebration in the province of Agusan del Norte is the conduct of the “DRRM Hero”, an activity honoring all health care providers in the provincial and district hospitals as the unsung heroes and front liners of care during crisis, emergencies and disasters. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga is working closely with the DICT, other related government agencies, and media partners as part of their commitment to document and disseminate real-time information during the conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in Bayugan City set on June 20, 2019. The Department of Information and Communications Technology thru its Tech4Ed Project conducts a three-day Center Manager Training (CMT) for Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur at the DICT Agusan del Norte Training Center Post and Telecom Bldg, Butuan City on June 19-21, 2019, respectively. The training aims to strengthen the partnership, to capacitate the knowledge and skills of every Center Manager in terms of Tech4ED Center Management in the community that will enlighten their mind in coping up with the modern technology. (DICT)
Cover Story
Bayugan City hosts 2nd qu
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - It was well planned and organized. These were most of the comments received by the local government unit, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and other groups who worked hard and applied their skills for the successful conduct of the 2nd quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held on June 20 with Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur as the ceremonial site. The drill was aimed at testing the efficiency and usefulness of the preparedness, response and recovery plans, systems and policies developed in various localities. It also aims to showcase the interoperability of plans among concerned agencies including the LGUs, civil society organizations (CSOs) and even the communities in ensuring the safety and security of everyone in order to attain a zero casualty during any calamity like earthquake. There were five engagement areas in the drill which included the Sacred Heart Parish Church, Bayugan City Hall, Bayugan National Comprehensive High School, Taglatawan Bridge, and Atis Street, where an electric post fell out of place. Aside from students, teachers, employees of LGU-Bayugan and residents
4
uarter NSED
from nearby barangays, persons with disability, senior citizens, pregnant and lactating mothers were also seen participating and executing the duck, cover and hold when the loud siren sounded that signalled the start of the drill. “I’ve learned a lot by staying alert and performing well in the Duck, Cover and Hold. By doing that during earthquake, I know I could be saved. It really help if one practices that kind of drill,” said Jayvel Lig-onan, a grade 8 student of Bayugan National Comprehensive School. RDRRMC chair and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Liza Mazo emphasized the significance of intensifying the preparedness measures among locals for them to be proactive and more vigilant. She also highlighted the close coordination among barangay rescuers that greatly contributed to the smooth flow of the entire drill scenarios. “So far, the LGU rescuers and other response teams worked well in the drill and we appreciate the mayor himself as he was so active and sincere in doing his function as the incident commander. We hope that the locals would continue to be resilient at all times,” said Mazo. Meanwhile, City Mayor Kim Lope Asis expressed his warm thanks to all the teams involved and recognized all the sectors’ contribution in the success of the NSED. Several officials from the national line agencies also attended and witnessed the drill. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
5
REGIONAL NEWS
6
15-21 June 2019
Regional News I Empowering Communities
DOH records increase of measles cases in Caraga
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - More than 1,200 cases of measles have been recorded in the Caraga region. This is based on the latest data released by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga. From January 1 to June 22, 2019, campaign particularly in areas which cases of measles have already reached have the high number of measles. to 506 percent higher than 199 percent of the same period last year. Based on DOH’s record, Caraga was declared above alert level due According to DOH Caraga to the increasing number of cases regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., wherein for June 2019 alone, some 20 the department continues to combat individuals have already died due to against said disease by providing measles, 18 of which are from Agusan vaccines and intensifying advocacy del Sur particularly in the municipality of
7
Regional News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
San Luis with two fatality; municipality He said aside from lack of vaccine, of Loreto with three fatality; and four in malnutrition is also a contributory factor, Talacogon. where individuals easily get sick and infected. Dr. Maria Wilda Silva of DOH central office also encouraged the The DOH-CHD also noticed that government agencies and private most of those affected by measles are companies to extend support and help the indigenous peoples. fight the spread of measles. Meanwhile, DOH Caraga is Dr. Achyut Shrestha, medical continuously monitoring the status officer of the World Health Organization of the measles-affected areas in the (WHO), revealed that there are several region. (NCLM/JPG/PIA-Caraga) reasons for one to acquire the disease.
DAR-Caraga calls on youths to deepen knowledge on the importance, benefits of agriculture By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga has called on the youths to deepen their knowledge on family farming and agriculture, as well as the significance of having a land where they could increase productivity of rice grains and ensure food security in the market, as this would greatly help in sustaining productive farming in the country.
8
15-21 June 2019
This was emphasized by the agency during the 31st anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), where it featured in a photo gallery of its programs and projects that reached different sectors in the communities, dubbed “Harvest and Blessing of Reformed Agrarian.”
Regional News I Empowering Communities invited several schools in Butuan City, as well as from other provinces of the region for a study tour to their photo gallery installed inside a mall, where success stories of their agrarian reform beneficiaries were featured.
“We hope to see next year that the young ones would be the ones According to DAR-Caraga holding and claiming for the CLOAs,” regional director Leomides Villareal, he said. due to constant exposure of the youths to the new technology, they become Villareal further elaborated that less engage in doing the traditional DAR, together with other government things. agencies, is continuously reaching Villareal stressed that there is a need for the youths to learn more on the advantages and benefits that they could get from the agriculture sector, and the extent of farm productivity they could create for the country. “We want to inculcate in the minds of the youths that they still have to involve themselves in the traditional things even if we are now in the socalled millennial. They should not be too dependent on what the new technology could do for them,” said Villareal.
The official added that they also
out to the grassroots and deliver the needed programs and services to the sectors, in support also of the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte. It can be recalled that the CARP was put into law in June 1988 under the Social Justice Program of then President Corazon Aquino. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
9
PROVINCIAL NEWS
10
15-21 June 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
AgSur coop to supply rice to Bislig Hospital
By Rechel D. Besonia and Jennifer P. Gaitano
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Sur, together with the officials of Medical Mission Group of Hospitals and Health Services Cooperative of the Philippines (MMGHHSCP) Federation, board of directors (BODs) of Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital Cooperative (ASMHS) and the BODs of La Fortuna MultiPurpose Cooperative (LAMUPCO) in Veruela, Agusan del Sur convened for a signing of marketing agreement under the bundling project, the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) and the Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Development (Project ConVERGE) on June 17, 2019 at the ASMHS, Brgy. Cumawas, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. This bundling initiative of DARAgusan del Sur was realized after the federation, in its aim to promote the economic empowerment of the farmers through sustainable partnership go down to the grassroots and help capacitate the farmers and urge them to supply with their products and
services at a price higher than their traders were buying. “We consider helping our farmers by assuring them of a ready market of their products and services,� said Dr. Jose Tiongco, CEO of MMGHHSCP during his message.
11
Provincial News I Empowering Communities “For me, it is somewhat a symbiotic relationship wherein we come to benefit from each other. Through this strategic partnership with DAR, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries shall get better returns of their investments while consumers have access to quality food products,” said Dr. Dionisio De Castro, BOD chair of ASMHC.
15-21 June 2019
“Dako among pasalamat sa DAR sa kanunay nga pagtabang kanamo nga mga mag-uuma aron kami makaangkon ug dugang pang income para sa among mga pamilya (I am thankful to DAR for constantly extending assistance for the farmers, so we could have additional income to provide for our families),” Maido said.
Part of the agreement is the commitment of LAMUPCO to supply the rice requirements of the hospital which is two sacks of 50 kilos per day or 60 sacks in a month at a price way higher than the usual. This way, LAMUPCO will no longer settle in selling their produce to the traders.
PARPO II Leoncio Bautista have high hopes for the farmers of LAMUPCO and the federation. “I am hoping that the partnership will last long enough to help other farmers who are in dire need of the same help. For years, the department had continuously find avenues to help our people. I hope that the farmers of LAMUPCO will also LAMUPCO chairperson Reynaldo help us by taking the government’s Maido is thankful for this initiative of assistance seriously,” he said. (DARDAR in linkaging them to the hospital. Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
75 FRs get assistance from government By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Some 75 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have received financial and livelihood assistance from the government during the conduct of Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Awarding of Assistance held recently at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
12
15-21 June 2019
Each beneficiary received livelihood and immediate assistance totalling to P65,000.00, and another amount depending on the firearm they surrendered to the government. Other government agencies also extended help to former rebels (FRs). The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga has promised to grant a scholarship to former rebels’ dependents; and PhilHealth membership for one year, which will be shouldered by the local government unit.
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
“I regret joining the rebel group, where I had awful experiences,� cited Tejano. Tejano added that despite of his involvement in the rebel group, he is still thankful to the government for giving him another opportunity to experience a peaceful life with his family, and would no longer cause harm to other people in the community.
Meanwhile, Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu of the Department of National Defense (DND), also commended the efforts of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur for their continued Aside from this, another P5,000.00 support and implementation of the cash assistance and food packs, as program of the national government well as vegetable seedlings from the under the Duterte administration. provincial government will be given to them. This initiative is a way of bringing the government closer to the people, According to Marcelo Tejano, a particularly to the former rebels who former member of the rebel group, he surrendered to the government and are has terrible experiences when he joined now back to the mainstream society. (NGB/JPG/PIA-Caraga) and became member of the NPA.
13
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
Livelihood, employment cluster identifies programs for tribal community in SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena
LANUZA, Surigao del Sur - The Provincial Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of Surigao del Sur chaired by Director Rey Cueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has identified programs to implement in Sitio Ibuan, Mampi, Lanuza town of this province during the consultation dialogue recently. The activity was facilitated by the 36th Infantry “Valor� Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad in line with the inclusive and sustainable peace agenda of the national government under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
of whom are from the Mamanwa tribal community. As a solution to the issues gathered from them, the provincial PRLEC team has identified programs and interventions including livelihood intended to former rebels that would be implemented soon such as: Spiritual and values training; Skills and livelihood During the peace dialogue, issues programs on Tilapia Production, and concerned were raised directly Duck Raising, Abaca Production and collected from the residents, majority Processing; Native Chicken Production;
14
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
and Vegetable Production. Other programs identified intended for former rebels are the establishment of a “habal-habal” spare parts store and vulcanizing shop; and twine rope production (coco net). The PRLEC member-agencies that were present during the activity
included the representatives from TESDA, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Coconut Authority, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, local government unit of Lanuza, and Barangay Council of Mampi. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
PDRRMC to lead NDRM celebration in AgNor By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY - In line with the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) on July 2019, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte has lined up activities for the month-long celebration.
The PDRRMC will spearhead the kick-off ceremony on July 3, Wednesday, at the Capitol Covered Court, showcasing the conduct of the “DRRM Factor” and “Best in Chant and Rescue Uniform.” According to Erma Suyo, PDRRMO chief, this year’s celebration will highlight the conduct of the “DRRM Hero,” an activity honoring all health care providers in the provincial and district hospitals as the unsung heroes and front liners of care during emergencies, and disasters. Also, Merry Chris Cabonce of PDRRMO said that on July 5, a DRRM contests will be held to include the jingle competition which is open to all public secondary schools (Grades 7 to 12 students); poster making contest to be
participated by all public elementary (Grades 4 to 6 pupils), and secondary (Grades 7 to 12 students); quiz bee open to all public secondary schools (Grades 7 to 12 students); and essay writing contest to interested public secondary schools (Grades 7 to 10 students only). On July 9 to 12, the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee will also hold a trainingworkshop on Forecasting and Weather Observation and Data Interpretation on Early Warning Signals to be held in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur where a Doppler radar is located. A DRRM/Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Documentary Video Clip Making to be participated in by the different public secondary schools of the province is also scheduled on July
15
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
19 for the pre-screening and the final will also be held on July 25-26 to be judging will be on July 23 at the PDRRM participated by the council members, office. students, and other stakeholders. The DRR/CCA documentary video clip making contest must run for 7 to 11 minutes only preferably in Cebuano or Tagalog with subtitle in English. The entry should evolve within the best practices in DRR-CCA of the local community where the school is located.
To culminate the month-long celebration, a NDRM Bae competition will be held at the Robinsons Place Butuan on July 30.
This year’s celebration has a theme “Kahandaan sa Sakuna’t Peligro Para Sa Tunay Na Pagbabago.” (NCLM/PIA Aside from the different contests, Agusan del Norte) the 2nd Provincial DRR-CCA Convention
Farmers disown NPA in Agusan Norte
By 1Lt Roel T Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - More than 200 members of Union ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), a New Peoples Army (NPA) allied organization, disowned the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) terrorist group and took their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government during a peace consultation dialogue on June 22, 2019 at the covered court of Brgy. Tungao, Butuan City. The peace consultation dialogue was conducted thru a convergence effort of the Barangay Council of Barangays Tungao and San Mateo and the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion to
16
address the issues and concerns of the residents and the UMAN members. These include security of land tenure, livelihood and employment, youth recruitment and peace and order.
15-21 June 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
Moreover, after the open forum, the officers and members of UMAN, as well as the residents of the barangay, took their oath to dismantle UMAN as an organization, to stop supporting the CPP-NPA and will not succumb to any group who will organize them except the government. UMAN is a farmers’ organization being used by the CPP-NPA to recruit farmers by promising them that the latter will receive the land that they are tilling. A monthly due is being collected by the group from the members. According to Rheda (true name withheld for security reason), a member of UMAN, they joined the UMAN hoping that the organization would help them with their problems regarding the security of land tenure, livelihood and employment, and help them with their basic social needs. That, if they will join UMAN, the lands they are tilling will be given to them. They are also paying monthly dues to UMAN. Another member, Elvira (true name withheld for security reason) said, “Karon nakabalo na mi kung unsay tinuod sa UMAN, muondang na mi pag-apil sa ilaha ug bungkagon nanamo sila karon. Muderetso nalang mi sa ahensya sa gobyerno kung aduna mi mga problema (Now that we are aware of the intention of UMAN, we will stop joining them and dismantle their group. Instead, we go straight to the government whenever we have issues).”
soldiers of the Philippine Army under 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) for protecting and saving the barangay from the threats of CPP-NPA. “Atong ampingan ang atong barangay para walay musolod na dautang grupo na. Dili na ta magpailad sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA (We have to take care of our community so that there will be no more unscrupulous group who will enter. We will not support the CPPNPA anymore, Salboro added).”
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr., Commanding Officer, 23IB, is optimistic with the efforts of Barangay Officials of Barangays Tungao and San Mateo, the former officers and members of UMAN, and other residents of the two barangays that they will dismantle UMAN in their areas and will not anymore givein to the CPP-NPA terrorist group. “Let us work together in restoring peace in your area. We must not allow any group to sow havoc in our community. Towards Moreover, the chairman of this end, development will surely come Barangay Tungao, Melchor Salboro in,” Molina added. (CMO Officer, 23IB expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
17
MINDANAO NEWS
18
15-21 June 2019
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
EU states seek increased trade, business ties in Mindanao By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA - A number of European Union (EU) envoys will visit Davao City to explore business opportunities in the southern Philippines, the EU Delegation in Manila said on Wednesday. “Our visit is a reaffirmation of our commitment and willingness to identify possible investment ventures or trade partnerships between the EU and the Southern Philippines,” said EU Ambassador Franz Jessen in a statement announcing their visit. The envoy together with Hungarian Ambassador Jozsef Bencze, Dutch Ambassador Saskia de Lang, Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries, Romanian Charges de Affaires, a.i. Mihai Sion and Special Envoy to the EU Avelino Cruz will attend this year’s Davao Investment Conference from June 20 to 21. Diplomats from the embassies of Belgium and France will also attend the said conference.
regions such as in Mindanao. He also highlighted the “very promising prospects” between the two partners in terms of business and trade relations. “The EU continues to see the Philippines as a large, fast-growing market although there is further room for the latter to intensify and to mobilize EU traders and investors in line with the size and potentiality of the Philippine market,” Jessen said. Meanwhile, Jessen urged Filipino businessmen to take advantage of the trade benefits brought by the EU Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)+ preferential scheme for Filipino exports to EU member states.
Jessen said the EU supports the government’s focus on rural and regional In 2018 alone, the delegation economic development especially in bared that almost EU2 billion worth of
19
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
Philippine products, mostly agri-food environmental protection and good items, were exported to the EU at zero governance. tariffs. While in Davao, the European Under the GSP+ scheme, the ambassadors and diplomats are Philippines is allowed tariff-free exports expected to pay a courtesy meeting of over 6,000 local products to the on Davao Mayor Sara Duterte and to EU since December 2014 under the discuss with business executives from condition that it would comply to Southern Mindanao Business Council 27 core international conventions led by chairperson Tony Peralta. that cover human and labor rights, (PNA)
Mindanao’s youth IP leaders vow support for EO 70
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Young indigenous peoples (IP) leaders from across Mindanao threw their support behind the implementation of the Duterte Administration’s “Whole-Of-Nation” Approach under Executive Order No. 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC). The more than 200 participants to the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Youth Assembly committed to helping the national government implement the initiative which primarily aims to address the decades-long communist rebellion in the country. “We, the representatives of this assembly, declare our full and unequivocal support to the national government’s Whole-Of-Nation
20
Approach, which is a centerpiece of the Duterte Administration’s Peace and Development Agenda,” the delegates said in a resolution passed on June 15. “We believe that this approach is the best solution to the communist insurgency that has ravaged our communities, and provide us, the youth, the opportunity to work hand in hand with the government to achieve this goal.”
15-21 June 2019
They pledged not to be used and abused by the communist insurgents, and will utilize our voices to speak out and convince members of our communities not to support the organization’s distorted ideology,” the resolution added.
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities Acts (IPRA) as part of the national government’s policy agenda in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Through this declaration, we envision the IPRA’s full implementation to significantly impact on the lives of our indigenous peoples, specifically by allowing us to completely enjoy the four bundle of rights as stated in the IPRA,” the resolution said.
President Rodrigo Duterte has formed NTF ELCAC to work out a mechanism to help end the decadesold communist insurgency, and institutionalize a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an “inclusive According to Dante Tumanding, and sustainable peace.” political officer of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization The Whole-Of-Nation Approach (MIPYO), they can contribute a lot to mandates all concerned agencies of the Whole-Of-Nation approach. government to work in a holistic and integrated manner to deliver much- “We are the frontlines and are needed services to underdeveloped, the first ones affected whenever there conflict-affected communities. is armed conflict in our communities,” Tumanding said. Through its Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment This is the reason, Tumanding Cluster with the Office of the Presidential said, why the conduct of the peace Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) assembly, organized by OPAPP in as a member, the NTF-ELCAC has collaboration with MIPYO, is both timely started to engage various peace and relevant. stakeholders to jumpstart the process. “We wanted to equip our youth IP leaders across Mindanao with the The approach will utilize localized skills and knowledge they will need to peace engagements wherein local support the implementation of EO 70,” government units and other community he said. members situated in conflict-affected areas will take the lead in providing Meanwhile, James Binayao, solutions to best resolve the nation’s MIPYO chairperson, said the youth insurgency problem. assembly will enable them to advocate for the full implementation of IPRA law. In the same resolution, the youth leaders also urged President Duterte to The IPRA is a peace covenant declare the full implementation of RA between the national government 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights and indigenous peoples that aims to
21
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
promote and protect the welfare and Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr, called rights of IPs. on the delegates to be strong and committed, as she urged them to use Since its passage in 1997, there their voices to express their sentiments. has been a growing sentiment that IPs have not truly reaped the dividends “Do not be afraid to speak out. of the landmark measure and as a There will be instances when your result, have remained in the fringes of resolve will be tested. But if you believe development. in yourselves, you will succeed,” PadillaSalvan said. “The youth can help push for the She also advised the participants full implementation of the IPRA. This to remain on the side of truth, listen is the only law that fully recognizes to their elders, and be a partner of the rights of the indigenous peoples,” government. Binayao said. “You have the power in your Through the Whole-Of-Nation hands. Use this power with all your Approach, he said the IP youth will be strength. We at OPAPP will remain by empowered and can serve as a bridge your side as you make your journey between the national government and towards long-lasting peace and indigenous communities. development,” Padilla-Salvan said. “This assembly has given us the chance to speak up and be involved in the discussions. And now that the IP youth are united, we already have the confidence to tell the government what is in our hearts and minds,” Binayao said.
The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Youth Assembly was also supported by the NCIP, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, National Youth Commission and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 4th Infantry Division, 401 Brigade, 402nd Brigade, 403rd Brigade, 901st Brigade, 19th Infantry Battalion, At the same event, OPAPP 72Ist Brigade, 3Ist Brigade, 3rd Special Director Pamela Padilla-Salvan, who Forces Battalion, and 1st Special Forces spoke on behalf of Presidential Peace Battalion. (OPAPRU PR)
22
NATIONAL NEWS
23
National News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR
try to perform at least once in lifetime as one of the five pillars of Islam, is administered in the Philippines mainly by the National Commission Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PRRD wants higher budget for hajj - Andanar COTABATO CITY – Amid the controversy over the use of P5million Marawi rehabilitation fund for hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca, President Rodrigo Duterte wants a budget increase that would enable more Filipino Muslims to travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
Sec. Andanar was referring to President Duterte’s pronouncement during the 2019 Eid’l Fitr Celebration in Davao City on Thursday, during which he appealed to the Commission on Audit (COA) to reconsider its findings against the diversion of P5-million worth of rehabilitation funds to send some displaced Muslims of Marawi to the hajj last year. The President shared a general belief in the Islamic world that an ordinary Muslim, who has undergone atonement and other solemn rituals in the Holy shrines of Macca, would gain higher propensity to be peaceful and amiable.
He said government funds spent for hajj of financially strapped Muslim Filipinos should be viewed as part of “investments on peace.” Police and military authorities have earlier pointed to Muslim communities in the country “…The budget, I believe, will be as a prime source of extreme militancy increased dahil naniniwala si Presidente leading to violent activities. na ang isang Muslim …would rather be able to go to Mecca para doon sa Hajj Sec. Andar and the President kaysa magkaroon ng… Isa o dalawang did not specify what category of hajj mansion. That is nothing compared to assistance-related fund should be being able to go to Mecca para sa increased. isang pilgrimage,” Andanar said. The President mentioned P10 The annual hajj, which all Muslims million to P15-million subsidy that
24
15-21 June 2019
National News I Empowering Communities
Malacañang has been providing for the annual hajj since the creation of NCMF, an agency under the Office of the President, through R.A. 9997 in 2010.
against over a dozen of NCMF rand and file personnel due to alleged misuse of “overtime” fund amounting to over P1million.
NCMF replaced the defunct Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA), which evolved from the Marcos governmentestablished Philippine Pilgrimage Authority (PHILPA).
During last year’s hearing of the NCMF budget, the Senate, on recommendation of Senator Panfilo Lacson as chair of the Finance Committee, increased the agency’s 2019 budget to 618,884 million pesos (broken down as P469-M for personnel salaries, P110.8 million for maintenance and other operating expenses, and P39-million for capital outlay) from its 2018 allocation of P573,961,000 without a capital outlay.
Under PHILPA and OMA, the Palace annual subsidy used to be handled by an amirul hajj (head of Philippine pilgrims delegation) designated by Malacanang. Under R.A. 9997, the setting secretary/CEO is automatically serving as amirul hajj. In July 2018, President Duterte named lawyer and former Lanao del Sur Governor Saidame Pangarunan as NCMF secretary/CEO reportedly with a mission to “fix” the agency’s operations, including hajj management, beset allegedly by cases of graft and corruption.
Datu Ramos said the NCMF has proposed a P1.12-billion proposed budget for 2020 that encompassed two tiers – Tier 1 for 803,581,000 pesos and Tier 2 for 22 new programs worth 308,419,000 pesos. Among the 22 proposed projects are enhanced and reformed processes in hajj pilgrimage, a campaign preventing or countering violent extremism, an improvement in Madrasah system, and the halal industry, he said.
In less than a year in office, Sec. Pangarungan has instituted drastic reforms in bureaus and divisions under his jurisdiction, dismissing from service some middle management executives found remiss in their functions, said The President admitted at the NCMF spokesman Jun Alonto-Datu Ramos, who was also appointed by Eud’l Fitr dinner facilitated jointly by NCMF and Malacanang officials last President Duterte earlier in 2018. Thursday that he had sent Muslims to Datu Ramos confessed having Mecca when he was mayor of Davao filed administrative and criminal cases City for several years.
25
National News I Empowering Communities
15-21 June 2019
PRRD to present PH as good investment destination: DTI chief By EJ Roque
MANILA - President Rodrigo R. Duterte is set to present the Philippines as a good investment destination to Thai businessmen while in Bangkok for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, the head of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
In a press conference Friday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the President is scheduled to meet with Thai businessmen, members and leaders of the federation of Thai industries, business chambers, as well as private companies who are in banking, food manufacturing, agriculture, agribusiness, and real estate.
said. Lopez said Duterte will guarantee the protection of Thai investments.
The President is also expected to present credit rating, reforms being undertaken with respect to investments, banks, financial reforms, and liberalization of foreign investment, “It will be an open discussion that he said. will basically allow the President to present the Philippines as a very good “The Philippines has one of the investment destination,” he said. vibrant economies in the region. In fact, we are the second fastest-growing in Lopez said some of these the Asean region, so we would like to investment companies are already reemphasize that,” he added. operating in the Philippines. Duterte will be among the 10 state “So we are basically asking them leaders expected to attend the 34th to be more active and increase their Asean Summit on Saturday and Sunday exposure and their investments,” he in Bangkok, Thailand. (PNA)
26
15-21 June 2019
National News I Empowering Communities
Self-rated poverty falls to record low 38%: SWS By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA - Fewer Filipinos consider themselves poor based on the results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for the first quarter of 2019. Of the families surveyed in their polls Balance Luzon, while it recorded a huge from March 28 to 31, 2019, a record-low 38 decrease in Mindanao from 49 percent in percent or an estimated 9.5 million families December to 37 percent this March. consider themselves as poor. In the Visayas, it fell by six points from “This is 12 points below the 50 percent 61 percent in December to 55 percent. (est. 11.6 million) in December 2018, and In Metro Manila, it fell by two points from 4 points below the previous record-low of 30 percent in December to 28 percent in 42 percent in September 2016 and March March. The same survey also found a new 2018,” the SWS reported. record-low 27 percent (est. 6.8 million) of Filipinos rating their food as Mahirap or According to the polling firm, this Poor, termed by SWS as Food-Poor. new record-low Self-Rated Poverty score is “a continuing recovery from the 10-point “This is seven points below the 34 rise within the first three quarters of 2018.” percent (est. 7.9 million) in December 2018, and two points below the previous The proportion of Self-Rated Poor record-low of 29 percent,” it said. families rose from 42 percent in March 2018, to 48 percent in June 2018, and 52 Among others, the March 2019 percent in September 2018. It subsided by survey concluded that 15.3 percent of two points to 50 percent in December and Filipino families are newly out of poverty. fell to 38 percent in March 2019. Of the 62 percent Self-Rated Non According to the SWS, the Self- Poor families, it said 15 percent used to be Rated Poverty was down in all areas and poor 1-4 years ago (newly non-poor) and record-low in Mindanao. It attributed the 20 percent used to be poor five or more overall decline to decreases of 16 points years ago (usually non-poor). in Balance Luzon, 12 points in Mindanao, six points in the Visayas, and two points in The March 2019 Social Weather Metro Manila. Stations Survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults From 51 percent in December 2018, aged 18 years old and above nationwide: the Self-Rated Poverty went down to 360 each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, 35 percent in the first quarter of 2019 for the Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA)
27
For more info. contact: Tel. No.: (085) 225-9219 / 300-0722 Cell Nos. 0908-875-9185 / 0917-580-2609 / 0925-556-2417 Email: inkboxinnovation@gmail.com
ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists
RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
SUSIL D. RAGAS
Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands
RECHEL D. BESONIA 1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA EJ ROQUE CMO OFFICER, 23IB 4ID, PA DAR-AGUSAN DEL SUR OPAPRU PR PNA Business Managers
ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer
ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur