CONTENTS
REGIONAL NEWS
9 11 12
RTWPB-13 launches ‘2017 Productivity Olympics’ in Butuan City Caraga RLECC to go digital Caraga MSMEs undergo biz operations management training, consultancy
PROVINCIAL NEWS
14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 25
DOLE allots 2.3M TUPAD program to 8 SurSur LGUs 92 PWDs benefit auxiliary devices in SurSur town
An empowered woman empowers her countrymen
NPA rebels attack AgNor town; 89 families displaced Agusan Norte OKs inter-agency convergence for abaca commodity Female NPA killed in Agusan del Norte KaagapMuCo, producer of Coco-Geonets: DTI Agusan Sur’s Coffee Table Book Entry Surigao Norte GADCC joins National Women’s Month Celebration
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DTI Surigao Norte, SEC remind public on investment scam DTI Surigao Norte conducts consumer education seminar
News Feature: Dried beans and nuts, cheap but good protein sources
MINDANAO NEWS
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COVER
IFAD project ConVERGE seen to boost farmers’ income in Agusan Norte
HEALTH NEWS
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Volume 1, No. 51 18- 24 March 2017
Chinese leader’s Davao visit ‘brightens’ realization of Mindanao railway project- exec
NATIONAL NEWS
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Duterte’s Thailand visit highlighted by signing of bilateral agreements
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NFA steps up palay buying strategies
News Briefs The Department of Energy (DOE) is readying measures to ensure the sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the years to come, especially during the summer when the power supply is traditionally lean. A regional official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga Region has denied the existence of a 67-year old Caraganon who was reportedly among the 14 new cases of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) recorded in December 2016 in the region.
The Provincial Agrarian Reform Office of Agusan del Norte conducted training on Credit and Lending Policy Crafting and Enhancement for the leaders of five selected Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) from different agrarian reform communities in the province of Agusan del Norte held last March 16-17, 2017 Local chief executives of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines and Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the promotion and development of organic agriculture.
d e r e w o p m s e r e n A w o p m e n a m n wo e m y r t n u o c r e h
Cover Story
omen ent of w
is th
erm es mpow e e D. Rey h y T e “ v a oD nan & Mark n a Kofi An b a N. W
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By: Ap
t is often said that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation. This is a recognition not just of women’s significant impact to community development but also to acknowledge women as crucial agents of positive change for every nation. That is why a woman’s power of influence should not only be limited to her traditional role in the family but should also extend in her partake in local development projects. For a country to attain sustainable development, it must be inclusive and responsive to gender needs. 4
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This is one of the primary objectives of the Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Services program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It employs the Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy to facilitate community empowerment by capacitating and ensuring that all sectors in the community can contribute to create opportunities, fully participate in local governance, and decision making. Jean E. Cordita, a longtime Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteer and Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson of Barangay Punta, Pilar, Surigao del Norte, is a prime example of how an empowered woman can
help empower her countrymen. She is also part of the barangay women’s organization and a full time Day Care Worker. But even with these responsibilities, she has always taken the initiative in guiding and leading her community to participate in every activity conducted by Kalahi-CIDSS. Having attended several capacitybuilding trainings of the program, she was able to enhance her facilitation and leadership skills which she maximized during their barangay assemblies and sub-project implementation. Sharing the learnings she gained from the seminars, she was able to help train other community volunteers which has immensely contributed in the completion of their sub-project.
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Cover Story Her advocacy to improve their community (especially access for schools and roads for the children in the community) has garnered her the respect of the rest of the community. With these, her barangay has been a top performing barangay in the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, not only in Pilar, but in the whole of Caraga. Hence, she was awarded as the “Best Volunteer” of the program during the region’s DSWD 66th anniversary celebration held recently at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City. Jean believes that true change can be attained through the partnership of the government and the different key players in the community. It is in this belief that she aims to be a productive citizen, one that brings meaningful change in the community, and aids in the improvement of local governance. She underlined this in her inspirational speech during the program’s awarding ceremony. “Dako kini nga hagit sa ako ang magdumaya sa usa ka sub-project ug manguyo sa pagkumbinse sa katawhan nga sila makiglambigit sa mga kalihukan nga makahatag ug gahum nga kami mga katawhan makahimo ug desisyon para sa kalambuan sa komunidad. Dili kini sayun nan responsibilidad apan inibanan sa suporta nan MLGU, BLGU, MCT, ACT ilabi na ang komunidad, ang paglambo ato kini maabot (It is a great challenge for me to manage a sub-project and lead in persuading
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people to be involved in activities which can give them the power to make decisions for the community’s development. This is not an easy task but with the support of MLGU, BLGU, MCT, ACT, and especially the community, we can achieve progress),” she shares. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery Commission on Population (KATROPA) VCDU Prince Hotel, Butuan City 22 March 2017
Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) Caraga 2017 Productivity Olympics Launching
Alberto’s Bed & Dine T. Calo Ext., Butuan City 23 March 2017
REGIONAL NEWS
RTWPB-13 launches ‘2017 Productivity Olympics’ in Butuan City By: Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY – With the objective to intensify national awareness and commitment to quality and productivity and to showcase the best productivity improvement practices, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Caraga Region (RTWPB-13) launches today in this city the 2017 Productivity Olympics. “It is a biennial national competition for best productivity practices of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. This is done to encourage them to adopt productivity improvement programs,”
said Earl dela Victoria, board secretary of RTWPB-13. Qualified MSMEs who may join the Search for the Best Productivity Improvement Program are those that
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Regional News are duly registered with the appropriate government agencies (e.g. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Local Government Units (LGU)); must have a productivity program, existing for at least two years; and never been a recipient of the Productivity Olympics award at the national level of the same category. “The award categories for MSMEs are agribusiness, service and industry. And the criteria include best in business excellence (total productivity - 25 percent, expansion and growth – 20 percent, awards/recognition/ certification – 5 percent) and best in resource management (people – 35 percent, system, technology and green – 15 percent),” mentioned dela Victoria. The regional screening committee (RSC), composed of the RTWPB and an external quality and productivity champion in the region, shall review all MSME applicants according to the prescribed criteria. The RSC shall select the regional nominees from whom the national screening committees (NSC) shall select the list of national finalists for submission to the national judging panel (NJP). Dela Victoria said that the NJP, tripartite in composition and headed by the DOLE Secretary, shall likewise select the national winners. “Awarding will be in October, in time with the
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25 FEBRUARY - 03 March 2017
celebration of the National Quality and Productivity Month,” he added. The winners will be receiving trophy, certificate and cash award. They too will be given the privilege to use the Productivity Olympics 2017 Award logo for publicity purposes for three years (2017-2019), and the priority endorsement to other training programs and services of the NWPC/ RTWPBs and other DOLE agencies. Interested MSMEs may fill out and submit the nomination form not later than May 30, 2017 to the RTWPB having jurisdiction over the place where the applicant is located. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Regional News
Caraga RLECC to go digital By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – “The Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) in Caraga is the first RLECC in the country to go digital, as we utilize various digital platforms in doing our communication operations.” This was the statement of regional director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, the chairperson of the Sub-committee on Public Information during the subcommittee meeting held on Tuesday at the regional office here. RD Caga emphasized that there is a need for the sub-committee to craft a communication plan to guide member agencies in all their activities and for them to assess whether existing plans and activities are effective and useful, thus, it will also serve as their basis to pursue with existing activities or platforms in the next coming months.
Caga shared the background of how media works in the region, as well as the trend of the technology these days. He said the sub-committee will be tapping the media and the memberagencies will just have to provide relevant information for broader reach of recipients. The good director underlined how PIA operates and disseminates timely, accurate and relevant information. He also enumerated the different platforms of the agency, which include press and photo releases, SMS/textblast, Caraga INFOcus electronic news magazine, Advance
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Regional News Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) communication facility, Facebook pages and other social networking sites. RD Caga also presented special platform of the agency like the One Mindanao mobile application, where anyone can download it conveniently for free thru their smartphones. “We can always put an RLECC icon in PIA’s mobile application if the subcommittee opted to have it included. Updates of the sub-committee and its
partners will be posted there,” he said. The sub-committee then agreed to draft the communication plan during its next meeting. Caga expressed his confidence that the subcommittee is capable and assertive of doing its functions and responsibilities. “We will discuss this further again and we’ll place every detail in our communication plan,” Caga stressed. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Caraga MSMEs undergo biz operations management training, consultancy By: Gabrielle Espinosa
BUTUAN CITY Forty-five (45) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) all over the region went through a comprehensive training and consultancy on Business Operations Management on March 15-17 this city, as part of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – a program that assists MSMEs in the manufacturing sector to attain and sustain higher productivity.
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25 FEBRUARY - 03 March 2017
Regional News The training intended to review how the business is run and how to control the labor force. It primarily focused on the factors to consider in diagnosing a business. According to Engr. Andre Paolo Lim, chief MPEX consultant in Caraga, there are 13 factors to consider when analyzing the status of a business’s operations management – Administrative and Personnel Management, Marketing Activity, Research and Development, Packaging, Financial Management, Production Layout, Production System, Materials Management, Waste Management, Machineries and Equipment, Materials Handling, Housekeeping, Sanitation and Safety. “We make business to earn money and increase manufacturing productivity. An MSME should always put in mind that good business always works and operates for profit. These factors should regularly be checked as it will always affect profit,” he emphasized. Engr. Lim and his team of consultants from the Summit Consultancy and Research Services is DOST Caraga’s partner in promoting manufacturing productivity in the region. DOST concentrates more on the aspect of Research and Development for the MSMEs through the updating of relevant operation and production technologies, relevant product offerings, product differentiation and the development of other relevant business components.
The consultants carried out a one-on-one consultation with the MSMEs in the assessment of how their business is managed. Summit consultancy also provided detailed recommendations in all aspects of the Operational Management. Prior to the training, the consultants made an on-site visit to the firms for a baseline study on how these firms operate their business on the ground. The consultancy also served as a progress monitoring report – an updating of how these MSMEs by-far achieved effective operations management. Aside from its MPEX Program, DOST also provides technological services to MSMEs through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Microbiological, Physical and Chemical Analysis, Packaging and Labelling Service, Nutrifacts Analysis and Shelf-life Analysis. (DOST-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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SURIGAO DEL SUR
DOLE allots 2.3M TUPAD program to 8 SurSur LGUs
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Caraga Regional Office allotted P2.3 Million for the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). DOLE Surigao del Sur Provincial Director May Velonta said that the amount is intended for the province of Surigao del Sur particularly those areas affected by floods during the rainy season last January 2017.
Lanuza, Lianga, Carmen and city of Tandag. The said local government units were both affected by floods and have reports with families who were displaced based on their validation, Bactol said.
Labor and Employment Officer Romelyn Bactol said total of 44 barangays from eight local government units of this province has benefited the said program.
Bactol said the TUPAD program is part of DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.
Bactol added that it is a community-based (municipality/ These are the municipalities of barangay) package of assistance, San Miguel, Cagwait, Hinatuan, Tago, which provides emergency
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Provincial News employment for displaced workers, Government Service Insurance System underemployed, and unemployed (GSIS) insurance for the duration of poor. their employment. Bactol further said that each beneficiary would be paid P280.00 per day and provided with TUPAD t-shirt as their personal protective equipment (PPE). The workers are also enrolled in a social protection program with the
The said program is designed to be implemented with a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed the maximum of 30 days. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
92 PWDs benefit auxiliary devices in SurSur town By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
CARRASCAL, Surigao del Sur – Some 92 members of Carrascal Association of Persons-withDisabilities (CARPWD) coming from the 14 barangays of Carrascal town benefited the auxiliary devices during the recent turn-over ceremony here.
The said project costs around P650,000 under the Bottom-Up Budgeting of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with counterpart fund from the local government unit. The provision of the Auxiliary Social Services for PWDs project aims to provide assistive devices appropriate to the physical needs of the PWDs and
to make easier for them to undertake daily activities. The auxiliary devices are composed of the following items: 51 telescopic mini canes, five crutches for adults, 26 wheelchairs for general use/ standard for adults, six wheelchairs for children and four prosthetic legs. (PIASurigao del Sur)
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AGUSAN DEL NORTE
IFAD project ConVERGE seen to boost farmers’ income in Agusan Norte By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte intensifies its effort to advance the implementation of Project ConVERGE (Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment) under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) framework. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega dis closed during the Monday convocation that the total estimated allocation amounted to more than P354 Million based on the revised Feasibility Study (FC) is now on finalization stage. Since 2016, DAR-Provincial Project Management Office in this province was conducting series of planning and information gathering involving the local government units, stakeholders and the participating ARBOs for the
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identification and selection of project beneficiaries and specific project areas and appropriate interventions. The project aimed to increase agricultural productivity and promote marketing for abaca fiber industry through value-chain enhancement for certain crops and products of the farmers in TUJAKITSAN cluster (Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago). According to Planning Officer Annelyn R. Chan, “by providing the
Provincial News ARBOs with this project ConVERGE, an estimated of 3,350 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in TUJAKITSAN cluster are expected to improve their production and income.” The TUJAKITSAN cluster consists of 20 participating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) lead by San Isidro Upland Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) of Santiago town.
Based on the revised FS under Project ConVERGE, P33 million has been allotted for the farm-to-market road in Santiago that includes the rehabilitation of Barangay San Isidro to Calasunahan and Sarog road; P199 million for Abaca Processing and Trading Operation; P77 million for the Increase Agricultural Production; and P45 million for Capacity Enhancement of the ARBOs. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)
NPA rebels attack AgNor town; 89 families displaced
By: 2Lt. Ashley Mae del Rosario
CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – The New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked the community of Brgy. Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte forcing 89 families to evacuate at the municipal gymnasium of Brgy. Crossing, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on March 15, 2017. Accordingly, the NPA guerrillas attacked the soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army who are conducting development support and security operations in
Barangay Hinambangan in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. According to the residents, the NPA rebels forced the school faculty to
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Provincial News cancel their classes while other NPA guerillas indiscriminately fired upon the houses in the community. “Once again, the NPAs have violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which is the only document that was duly signed by the GRP and NDF when they indiscriminately attacked the said community that caused the eventual and force evacuation of the people,” said 29IB Battalion Commander LTC Glenn Joy Aynera. “Our troops were there to help the LGU in identifying the needs of the community in order to alleviate their living condition. However, this terroristic attack of the NPAs sowed fear among the people in that community. Rest assured that together with the PNP we will defend the community and will
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bring back the peace and order in the area,” Aynera added. Meanwhile, the 29IB troopers coordinated with the local government unit of Kitcharao to address the basic needs of the displaced families in the area. Likewise, they also distributed relief goods and food packs together with the Municipal Social Welfare Development. “Despite the incident, we are still thankful that the people in that community still vowed to fully support the development programs of the government especially that it will benefit their families. With this, the 29th Infantry Battalion will continue its efforts in solving the insurgency situation that hinders the peace and development in the area,” Aynera concluded. (PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Provincial News
Agusan Norte OKs inter-agency convergence for abaca commodity By: Aimee B. Sienes
This is now adopted and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Provincial Resolution No. 034-2017, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, during its 25th regular session recently. The program contract for abaca commodity incorporates the identified priority programs and projects of the province for inclusion in its list of projects for the year 2017 in line with the implementation of the PCIP. Under this program, the Caraga State University (CSU) shall align
BUTUAN CITY The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is into Program Contract for an Inter-Agency Convergence for Abaca Commodity to institutionalize support for the implementation of the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) in the province. the province’s programs, projects and activities through research and development, knowledge management, industry/commodity profiling, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Information Education Campaign (IEC) and industry forum. Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba endorsed the said program contract to the SP to concretize the plans that are in line with the agriculture and economic development thrusts of the province. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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Provincial News
Female NPA killed in Agusan del Norte By: Capt. Jasper Gacayan
A female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed following an encounter with goverment troopers under 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (29IB) in Agusan del Norte on Saturday, Mar. 18. A report from the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army revealed that the encounter took place in Brgy Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte at 3:45 p.m. Saturday. The identity of the dead NPA is yet to be determined. An AK-47 was also recovered from her, said a report. Her body was turned over to the Kitcharao police for proper disposition. “The NPA group was earlier
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reported by the residents to be scaring their barangay, which forced the community to evacuate to the town proper,” said 29IB commanding officer LTC Glen Aynera. Col. Cristobal Zaragoza of 401st Brigade directed the 29IB to conduct hot pursuit operation for the remaining members of the said terrorist group who scampered to different directions during the firefight leaving their fatality. (401st Brigade/PIA-Caraga)
AGUSAN DEL SUR
KaagapMuCo, producer of Coco-Geonets: DTI Agusan Sur’s Coffee Table Book Entry PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur From a small group of 16 doing whole nut and copra buying to 158 workers involved in various coconut value-adding activities at present – this is how Maximino N. Robles, Jr., General Manager summed up the journey of Kaagap Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KaagapMuCo).
It now produces 11 products, namely - coco flour, vinegar, coco honey, Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), charcoal brickets, organic fertilizer (granules), organic fertilizer (liquid), coco peat, coco hanks, coco logs and coco geonets. “The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s shared service facility (SSF) for coco coir processing doubled or even tripled our production capacity in barangay Hubang, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. As of today, we have an average production of 1,000 geonets per month to be supplied to 22 markets in the region,” Robles shared. KaagapMuCo’s coco coir business earned for the group major awards and citations at the provincial,
regional and national level for the years 2014 to 2016. Its remarkable performance was also hailed not only for the financial returns to its members but also for contribution to the creation of jobs and poverty alleviation among members in the communities where the group is operating. The cooperative has also become a destination for study missions and technology benchmarking for cococoir processing with visitors coming from the other provinces within and outside the region. The information Robles provided will be inputted to the upcoming publication which shall be circulated soon to target offices and market promotion channels. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surigao Norte GADCC joins National Women’s Month Celebration By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Surigao del Norte Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (GADCC) joined the nation in the observance of the National Women’s Month Celebration this whole month of March.
This year’s celebration carries the mass followed by a motorcade theme, “We Make Change Work for around the city and opening program Women.” proper at the Provincial Police Office Gym, this city. This special celebration is aimed to highlight the vital role and important Right after the opening program, contributions of women to the society. a forum on Solo Parent Act was conducted led by Committee on The celebration kicked-off this Gender Women, Family Development morning, March 8 with a thanksgivng chairperson Board Member Leonila P.
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Provincial News Gorgolon. A zumba exercise wrapped for Rural Health Unit personnel (year up the morning activities. round); Consumer Education Seminar on March 13-17 at Go Negosyo Center, Also, as part of the celebration, Simtoco Building; Community Eye the Commission on Election (COMELEC) Health Program on March 14 infront of Surigao del Norte provincial office Provincial Gym; GAD Team Building/ led by Provincial Election Supervisor Laro ng Lahi on March 18 at Kuya’s Atty. Geraldine Samson and the local Beach Resort. government units of Placer and Dapa conducted a special registration for Sukailang: Farm Tourism women in hospitals. Promotion and Day-asan: Food Handling Training on March 23-24; Prior to the kicked-off activity, a Barangay Danawan/Buenavista: flag raising and hanging of tarpaulin Beach clean-up then leaisure fishing/ was conducted on March 1. On March swimming/culmination activity and 6, the Provincial Women’s Center GAD Focal Point System Forum on (PWC) hosted the Monday Morning March 30; Municipal Wide-Women’s Sharing activity held at the Provincial Month Culmination Program on March Convention Center here. 31; Radio Program every Monday 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at CMN-DXSN PWC Officer Florian T. Trinidad and every Friday 2:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m. said that other lined-up activites for the at RPN-DXKS; and Zumba for Senior month-long celebration include: Buntis Citizens every Friday 4:00 p.m. at the Day on March 10 at Barangay San Surigao City Luneta Park. (PIA-Surigao Jaun, Surigao City; Free Pap-smear del Norte)
DTI Surigao Norte, SEC remind public on investment scam SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte has posted its latest advisory from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the companies SUREADZ/SUREADZ, J.I. JOE Marketing, 7Seals Trading and Fazcoin Marketing Services.
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Provincial News
The said companies are engaged in illegal solicitation of investments by enticing the public to invest in its Revenue Profit Shares/ Revenue Shares Investment and Hybrid Marketing Compensation Plan for a minimum amount of P1,000 or up to P1,000.000 for a promise of 100 percent return/profit upon maturity date or expiration of term (either 60day term or 30-day term) as preferred by the investor plus 10 percent commissions at the end of the term.
or invest in the said venture or other investment contracts or securities to the public maybe held criminally liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized, in accordance with the Supreme Court decision in the case of SEC vs. Oudine Santos (G.R No. 19554, March 19, 2014).
The public is hereby advised to stop investing and recruiting other people to invest money into such scheme and to take the necessary precautions in dealing with the Per verification by the above-named entities and their Commission, said companies are not representatives. authorized to solicit investments from the public as these entities did not The SEC is requesting the public secure prior registration and/or license to call their office at SEC Cagayan or permit to solicit investments from de Oro Extension Office at Telephone SEC as required under Section 8.1 of Numbers (088) 857-4235 or 857-7225 the Securities Regulation Code. for more information regarding the operation of the said entities. (SEC/ The SEC also added that those DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del who invite or recruit other people to join Norte)
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Provincial News
DTI Surigao Norte conducts consumer education seminar By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office conducted a Consumer Education Seminar on March 15, 2017 held at the 3rd Floor of Simtoco Business Center, Burgos Street, this city. According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, the activity is in line with the annual celebration of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), which will provide information to the consumers regarding digital/online shopping, how to stay safe as consumers online
and what are the consumer rights in relation to digital products. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Buildiing a Digital World Consumer can Trust.” (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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HEALTH NEWS
Dried beans and nuts, cheap but good protein sources By: Regina M. Pagaspas Did you know that Filipino household members are not getting enough protein? This is based on the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) which is 80 percent of the Recommended Energy and Nutrient lntake (RENI). This was reported by the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research lnstitute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST). Protein is a nutrient needed by the human body for growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues.
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While meat, fish, poultry and
Health News eggs are excellent sources of high combination with a litfle pork and quality protein, these foods may not be unripe jackfruit; take the very popular affordable to many Filipino households. laho which is also made from soybeans along with other products such as Consumption of beans and nuts in soymilk, soy sauce, and others; make any form may therefore be a cheaper snacks from the more popular mungbe but good substitute for the expensive an or munggo like buchi, hopia protein sources. munggo, turon munggo and ginataan munggo; saute mungbean sprouts or lf you are among the many togue as viand or as lumpia for snack Filipinos that lack protein in the diet, make delectable sweets from other take advantage of the many types of beans like kidney beans and chick beans and nuts and the many ways pea or garbanzos; snack on the ever and forms to prepare and eat them: popular fried peanuts. use tokwa and tofu, which come from soybeans or utaw in preparing While these foods are plantvarious ands and in combination based protein, adults with kidney with vegetables; try the llonggo dish problems, arthritis or elevated uric called KBL, which is made of kadyos, acid levels, individuals with allergies baboy, and langka, uses kadyos in to beans, nuts or legumes should limit consumption of these food items and consult their doctor or nutritionist. Eating any of these dried beans and nuts everyday can add to the daily protein intake of Filipino households that are lacking in this nutrient. For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax no.: 837-2934, 837-2071 local 2295; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov. ph; mar_v_capanzana@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http//www.fnri.gov. ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIACaraga)
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Photo Gallery Department of Health - Caraga Monthly Media Forum
Goat 2 Geder Hotel & Restaurant, Butuan City 21 March 2017
Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) Public Information Butuan City 21 March 2017
MINDANAO NEWS
Chinese leader’s Davao visit ‘brightens’ realization of Mindanao railway project- exec DAVAO CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority-Region 11 (NEDA11) has expressed optimism the recent visit of China’s vice premier here will lead to the realization o five key development projects, including the Mindanao Railway System. Maria Lourdes Lim, NEDA-11 director, said that China’s Third Vice Premier Wang Yang expressed his country’s interest to develop the five development projects presented to him last Saturday. The five projects presented to Wang were the 23.3-kilometer Davao City Expressway Project worth PHP24.5 billion; the Davao City Coastal Road project worth PHP34.5 billion; the Davao Coastline and Port Development Project worth PHP38.95 billion; the PHP31.3 billion Mindanao Railway Project; and the PHP40.57 billion Development, Operations and Maintenance project of the Davao Airport.
Lim said that among the five projects, it is only the Davao Coastal Road that has an initial government funding of PHP2 billion for the road-right-of-way renumeration. She announced they will present to the NEDA investment coordination board the study on the Mindanao Railway project by the third quarter. The proposed Mindanao Railway covers a 2,000 kilometer loop line that will connect the key cities of
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Mindanao News Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and General. The project is anchored on the Mindanao Special Strategy framework. The railway project would involve the construction of modern railway tracks, terminals in strategic areas and trading post. Lim said the first segment of the construction covers the TagumDavao-Digos line with an estimated cost of about PHP31 billion, to be financed through Official Development Assistance (ODA) or through Public-Private partnership and to boost development in the (PPP). countryside. The interconnection of six regions A follow up visit by Chinese would strengthen the economic and physical linkages and enhance the Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao delivery of basic services and disperse Jianhua is expected on March 24 to economic opportunities in urban, rural further discuss the proposed projects and the island-provinces in Mindanao. that the Chinese government will invest in. Wang also made site visits to the During his visit, the Chinese Vice Davao International Airport and the Premier inked deals worth USD6 billion, Sta. Ana wharf. mostly involving agriculture exports to �We are hoping that this will turn China. out positive. He expressed interest on Wang was the highest Chinese the projects that we have presented,� government official who visited the Lim said. hometown of President Rodrigo Besides the Chinese government, Duterte. He opened several economic Lim said the Japanese government and investment projects as the also showed interest on the Mindanao Philippines and China renewed their Railway Project, which have been a relationship after Duterte visited Beijing long-time plan of the government to last year. (PNA) BS/LCM/FUNNY PEARL interconnect major cities in Mindanao GAJUNERA/LDP
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NATIONAL NEWS
Duterte’s Thailand visit highlighted by signing of bilateral agreements
BANGKOK, THAILAND -Â President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha witnessed the signing of documents on areas of cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Thailand at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, March 21. The signing ceremony covers the agreement on areas of cooperation namely, Science and Technology; Tourism, and Agriculture specifically Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) of the Republic of the Philippines on Swamp and Dairy Buffalo Production.
Both leaders gave a joint press statement following their meeting and the signing ceremony. President Duterte in his speech after the signing ceremony, rallied for support from Thailand in moving
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National News
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Both countries also recognized forward to a future of greater peace, the importance of cooperation in progress and prosperity. agriculture where there have been “As countries facing similar significant advancements in this area. challenges and as brothers in ASEAN, “We look to greater cooperation we have a joint stake in keeping our relations always vibrant, always strong and exchange of best practices in and always geared towards upholding irrigation, artificial rain, livestock and the greater and collective interests of fisheries, and application of technology our countries and our region,” he said. for soil and water conservation,” he said. Duterte also stressed the need to address traditional and emerging In the area of tourism, the threats to the region’s collective Philippines looks forward to activities security and stability. such as promotion of joint tourism destinations to harness this key sector These include transnational of growth. crimes such as terrorism and violent extremism, piracy at sea, as well as the Duterte stressed the need to trafficking in persons, and in illicit drugs. maintain peace and stability in the region, including the South China Sea. “We stressed the importance of our defense cooperation to achieve “We recognized too, that these goals and looked forward to the respect for freedom of navigation inaugural Joint Committee on Military and overflight in the South China Sea Cooperation this year,” he said. is in the interest of all counties within and outside the region,” he said. On the issue of economic interest, the President said economic reforms Both sides emphasized the are being instituted in the Philippines. need for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration “With our emphasis on of the Conduct of Parties in the combatting corruption, eradicating South China Sea and expressed criminality, and dismantling the illegal determination to complete the drug trade apparatus, we are hopeful Framework of the Code of Conduct of more investments coming from in 2017. Thailand,” the President said. In closing, Duterte thanked The Philippines and Thailand Thailand’s continuing key role for the have vibrant economic relations, with growth and stability of the Association. a trade value of over 9 billion (dollars) (PND) in 2016.
National News
NFA steps up palay buying strategies
MANILA - With the onset of the summer harvest season, the National Food Authority has made it easier for famers to sell their palay to the agency and take advantage of the good buying price it offers. NFA Administrator Jason Laureano Y. Aquino said that the food agency has simplified its procedures and payment scheme to encourage more farmers to sell their palay produce to NFA.
to closely coordinate with the local government units and farmers’ organizations to reach farmers even in far-flung areas. We want to protect our local farmers by giving them a ready market “As part of our aggressive for their palay and at the same time buying strategies, we have already offer them a better return on their remitted the funding requirements investments,” Aquino said. to our field offices especially those in rice producing areas. Mobile Based on the monitoring procurement teams are deployed reports by NFA’s field offices, there
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National News are some areas in the country such as Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental in Western Visayas, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon in the Bicol Region, Bohol and Negros Oriental in Central Visayas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon in MIMAROPA, Compostela Valley and Davao City in Davao Region where palay buying price is lower than the government support price of P17 per kilogram. The food agency buys palay at P17 /kg clean and dry with an additional P0.20/kg drying incentive and P0.20 – P0.50/kg delivery incentive. For farmers organizations (FOs) an additional P0.30/kg is given as cooperative development incentive fee (CDIF). NFA buying price ranges from P17.70-P18 /kg. In selling their palay harvest to NFA, an individual farmer only needs to secure a passbook to prove that he is a legitimate farmer. The passbook is given free of charge. A farmer needs to submit a farmer’s information sheet with identification picture, and certification from the Barangay Captain, Municipal Agriculturist, Municipal Agrarian Officer or National Irrigation Administration where his farm is located. For farmers’ organizations, a master passbook must be secured by submitting their certificate of registration, assembly resolution and masterlist of members.
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But even without a passbook, a
farmer can still sell his produce to NFA up to 200 bags for the first time. In less risky areas, NFA will pay palay deliveries in cash on the same day. NFA targets to buy 4,607,350 bags or 230,367 metric tons for this year to boost the government’s buffer stock and rice distribution requirements. A total of 94,373 bags were already procured as of 14 March 2017. (NFA)
Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte Provincial Women’s Forum Provincial Training Center, Capitol Compound, Butuan City 22 March 2017
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Awarding Ceremony GSIS Butuan Branch Office 24 March 2017
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