Caraga InFocus – May 15-21, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 21 May 15-21, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS DOH DETECTS 9 ADDITIONAL COVID-19 VARIANTS IN CARAGA OVER 26K SENIOR CITIZENS IN CARAGA RECEIVE COVID-19 JABS AGRI CHIEF BACKS RESEARCH ON TRANSBOUNDARY CROP PESTS, DISEASES ETHNIC SOUVENIR DOLLS NA GAWA SA PAPEL TAMPOK SA TRADE FAIR AT EXHIBIT SA BUTUAN CITY

PROVINCIAL NEWS TURNS OVER 2 TRIBAL CENTERS IN AGSUR 15 DSWD TOWN DISTRIBUTES CASH, FOOD VOUCHERS TO 18 PCA BAYUGAN COCO FARMERS NORTE RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORT 19 PCG-SURIGAO IN CORAL REEF FARM PROJECT GUARD DONS RANK TO NEW AUXILIARY 20 COAST OFFICER INAUGURATES SEARCH, RESCUE BASE IN 22 PCG SIARGAO M-NAV SOLUTIONS INC. INSTALL BUOYS IN 24 PCG, PH RISE SOLON COMMITS TO SUPPORT PCG 25 SURIGAO PROGRAMS CHIEF REMINDS COAST GUARDIANS TO LIVE 26 PCG UP TO IDEAL PUBLIC SERVICE POLITICAL OFFICER KILLED IN SURIGAO DEL 27 NPA NORTE CLASH SPEARHEADS LPCC CONSULTATIVE MEETING IN 29 DTI SIARGAO CARAGA TURNS OVER JETTY PORT, FISH 30 BFAR LANDING CENTER TO SURSUR TOWN EXECS NAB MOST WANTED NPA OFFICER IN 31 AUTHORITIES SURSUR TOWN NORTE BUMALANGKAS NG KANILANG 32 AGUSAN PDRRM PLAN SERVICES PROVIDER’ SA CARAGA 33 ‘ECONOMIC GIAGHAT NI GOB. CORVERA

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SENIOR CITIZENS SA CABADBARAN CITY NAGEDAD 86 MAKADAWAT OG MILESTONE AWARD ‘MONTH OF THE OCEAN’ GISAULOG SA AGNOR KONSTRUKSYON SA CONCEPCION BRIDGE, SUGDAN NA

MINDANAO NEWS

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HIGH ELEVATION TRIBAL LANDS FOR HASS AVOCADO FARMING NEW BUS ROUTES SEEN TO BOOST MINDANAO ECONOMY

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CONTENTS

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COVER

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NATIONAL NEWS

VCO TO HELP MILD COVID CASES RECOVER FASTER, EASE BURDEN ON HEALTH SYSTEM–NOGRALES 4TH LEG OF REGIONAL PRE-SONA SERIES SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN SOUTH COTABATO - NOGRALES CAR, ILOCOS REGION LGUS NAGHAHANDA NA SA MANDANAS RULING — NOGRALES PRESIDENT DUTERTE CALLS FOR FAIRNESS IN POST-PANDEMIC RECOVERY INITIATIVES PRESIDENT DUTERTE TACKLES SOUTH CHINA SEA, SECURITY ISSUES WITH JAPANESE PM SUGA PHL WILL NOT WITHDRAW FROM CONTESTED WATERS IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS CHINA

PRESIDENT DUTERTE VOWS TO PROTECT BENHAM RISE

FORMER SENATE LEADER LAUDS PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S APPROACH IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA GOV’T TO PRIORITIZE POOR FAMILIES, POLICEMEN IN MASS INOCULATION DRIVE HEALTH CHIEF REPORTS CONTINUING DECLINE IN COVID-19 CASES

COVID-19 NEWS PH GETS 500K MORE CORONAVAC VACCINE DOSES PH VACCINATION PROGRAM EXCEEDS 3 MILLION FILIPINOS REMINDED TO OBSERVE HEALTH PROTOCOLS IN VAX SITES

Sea, sand and sun in Danawan By Venus L. Garcia

Are you looking for a snorkeling adventure? Look no further. Your next underwater exploration is calling and waiting for you. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler looking for a big adventure, or consider yourself a beginner, Danawan Island in Barangay Danawan, Surigao City offers the best experience of witnessing the parade of thriving marine life as you hover above the colorful patches of abundant coral reefs. “Danawan island is one of the island barangays

in Surigao City. It’s only a half an hour drive from the city proper via ‘bangka’ (or various native watercrafts). This year, Danawan island became one of the

priority attractions that the City Tourism Office has been trying to promote because we see its potential for tourism,” said Roselyn Armida Merlin, department head of the Surigao City Tourism Office. In the island, the pristine seawater, fresh wind blown from the sea, and other several activities such as the regulated leisure fishing certainly provide a breathing space. However, due to the pandemic and stricter implementation

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of travel protocols nowadays, the visits are limited only to local tourists until such a time that the international or even unrestricted domestic tourism activities resume. “Its mountainous area has a six-hectare manmade forest and also a good trekking site. And if they don’t feel like snorkeling or fishing, or if they just simply want to see and be on the island then they can enjoy witnessing the beautiful daybreak that can bring joy into their mundane life,” said Merlin. The groundbreaking of the Tourism Pavilion and the oath-taking of the newly-elected officers of the Association

of Danawan Island Community-Based Tourism highlighted the occasion and a much more improved Danawan island adventure package was introduced.

Council, while 31 first aid kits were also distributed to the lifeguards and community guides. Prior to the relaunch of the Danawan tourist attractions, a five-day training on standard first aid and basic life support Meanwhile, 20 sets of was conducted by the snorkeling gears, 10 Coast Guard Station camping tents, and 15 life Surigao del Norte. jackets were turned over to the Danawan Tourism It aimed at preparing and providing the residents with the right knowledge on how to appropriately respond during emergencies and calamities. The encounter with nature’s diversity and underwater safari will certainly be an unforgettable experience in Danawan island. According to Merlin,

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Silop Cave Complex, Day-asan water village, Surigao river, Pagkawasan beach, Buenavista cave, Sagisi beach, Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial and Museum, and Danawan island, and a bonus destination at Alegria Bats Sanctuary. Also, as part of their observance of the National Heritage Month of this year, the local government unit of Surigao City and City Tourism Office ensured to keep the locals aware of their heritage assets.

the City Tourism Council and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office had already talked about the plan on rural tourism in the said place. “The community, the people in the area are also very hospitable. You will experience rural tourism, that is why Danawan island is perfect for piloting rural tourism. If you want to experience rural life, it could be the best place

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kasi walang sasakyan doon you can’t even see a single motorcycle in that island barangay pero marami silang mga bangka. Life is simple in the area and then its really very safe,” described Merlin. The Surigao City Tourism Office also shared the top 10 wonderful tourist spots in the city to add to the summer bucket list. These are the Mabua Rock and Stone Beach, Looc Bebble Beach,

“We make sure that everyone will be aware of and is encouraged to preserve our heritage. So, we have a simple showcase of Surigaonon cultural properties that were discovered during our cultural mapping in the different barangays in the city. There, you can see in our display a tadyao, banga, and other heritage items that were kept by Surigaonons for more than 50 years, making them part of the great treasures of Surigaonons,” said Merlin. (Venus L. Garcia/SDR/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed full support to the newly-launched “E-Sumbong: Sumbong Mo, Aksyon Ko” system initiated by new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar as “this will significantly boost reporting of crimes and even violations committed by PNP personnel.” xx

The Department of Health (DOH) invites everyone to join the rest of the world in observing the International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) and World Thyroid Day (WTD) 2021, with the theme “Mother-BabyIodine: The Importance of Iodine on the Woman and her Baby”, through the week-long webinar lectures. This campaign aims to raise awareness on Iodine Deficiency Disorders on women of reproductive age, especially pregnant and lactating mothers, and on children during their first 1000 days of life from conception.

(INFOcus) Dubbed as “Tayo na, Bumangon Para sa AmBisyon,” the Virtual Caravan on the Updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 aims to provide awareness on how the updated PDP 20172022, as a national blueprint for development, takes into account both the medium- and long-term needs and aspirations of Filipinos and how participants can contribute solutions to the challenges in achieving these aspirations. The activity is a call for action for Filipinos to get and go for their ambition. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) holds today, the Webinar on 2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions and Agency Merit Selection and Promotion Plan. This is a three-day activity.

REGIONAL NEWS

DOH DETECTS 9 ADDITIONAL COVID-19 VARIANTS IN CARAGA The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) Caraga on Thursday announced the detection of another batch of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant cases in the region based on the results received from the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center. Of the samples sequenced, nine tested positive for COVID-19 variants of concern: eight (B.1.351 (variant first detected in South Africa) and one B.1.1.7 (variant first detected in the UK) cases. The confirmed B.1.351 cases are locals of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (1), Butuan City (1), and Province of Dinagat Islands (6). Among the eight (B.1.351 variant cases, five were close contacts of confirmed positive cases; two had travel history from NCR+ Areas; and one neither had a travel history nor a close contact of a confirmed positive Caraga INFOCUS

case. All of these cases have completed their prescribed quarantine period and were discharged from their isolation facilities. Currently, all cases are asymptomatic. On the other hand, the B.1.1.7 variant case is a resident of Cabadbaran City, a 101-year old, female, with no travel history and was not a close contact with a previously confirmed case. She was admitted due to pain at her left side with general weakness and anorexia. As the health facility’s standard procedure for admission, the patient was tested for COVID-19. Her result came in positive and was tagged as a severe case. A day after, the patient died. “Moreover, we are closely monitoring and coordinating with the health authorities of the Local Government Units concerned for implementation of appropriate actions and national protocols for

these identified variant cases,” said DOH-CHD Caraga Regional Director Cesar C. Cassion. Based on current studies, these variants of concern have increased transmissibility. Meaning, more people will get infected, which poses a risk for those people with a weak immune response. If left uncontrolled it will create a domino effect, overwhelming our health care system. “To prevent such scenario, we strongly urge the public to consistently and strictly practice the BIDA Behaviours. The existing minimum public health protocols remain effective against the new variants of concern. Moreover, our vaccines against COVID-19 give an added layer of protection, the more people we vaccinate, the higher chance of halting the transmission across the population. Let us work together to beat this pandemic,” Dir. Cassion added. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga) May 15-21, 2021 |

OVER 26K SENIOR CITIZENS IN CARAGA RECEIVE COVID-19 JABS By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

received Sinovac vaccines while 29.47 or 15,854 received AstraZeneca. The DOH Caraga also noted that 18,204 HCWs have already received their second dose of the vaccines and have now completed their vaccination.

A total of 26,076 senior citizens (A2) in Caraga Region have already been vaccinated for COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga reported. As of May 19, 2021, some 3,071 in Butuan City have been inoculated; 5,080 in the province of Agusan del Norte; 4,860 in Agusan del Sur; 3,873 in Surigao del Norte; 7,933 in Surigao del Sur; and 1,259 in the Province of Dinagat Islands. “This constitutes 12.38% of the 210,616 masterlisted eligible population under the said priority group in the region,” said Cheryl Mary Plaza from the Family Health Cluster of the DOH Caraga during the 32nd

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Caraga Regional Task Force against COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) Meeting Thursday, May 20. Around 14,491 or 6.88% were inoculated with the Sinovac’s CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccines while 11,585 or 5.50% with AstraZeneca. Meanwhile, vaccine rollout for the priority groups A1 (healthcare workers) is still ongoing. The health department reported that 43,554 HCWs have already received their first dose of the vaccines, making up 80.95% of the 53,802 total masterlisted vaccine recipients. Of the total number, 51.49% or 27,700

Vaccination for persons with comorbidities or the A3 priority group has also commenced in the region, with 3,202 having already received their first dose of the vaccines. Around 4.11% or 2,939 received AztraZeneca vaccines, which comprises the majority, while 0.37% or 263 received the Sinovac vaccines. At least 71,441 under the said priority group are expected to receive jabs. The region’s vaccination efforts have resulted in the inoculation of a total of 72,842 recipients. Local health authorities are now doubling their efforts in order to vaccinate a total of 333,859 masterlisted eligible populations from the three priority groups. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

AGRI CHIEF BACKS RESEARCH ON TRANSBOUNDARY CROP PESTS, DISEASES By Rita dela Cruz

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will continue to support research for development (R4D) efforts to effectively control and manage transboundary crop pests and diseases that adversely impact Philippine agriculture. “We believe it is the opportune time to reshape the country’s crop pest management program, led by the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ National Crop Protection Center (UPLB-NCPC),” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar in his virtual message during the agency’s 45th founding anniversary on May 17, 2021. He said the NCPC is considered as the country’s transboundary center in crop pests and diseases management, and thus the Department of Agriculture will continue to support it in whatever way it can. Caraga INFOCUS

Sec. Dar

“We are here not only to catalyze your growth in research but also to support this new thinking that we need to put in place today for the future. With more than four decades of existence, the NCPC has become the country’s beacon of hope and vast wellspring of development-oriented research and concrete innovative outputs,” Sec. Dar said. According to the DA chief, most of your

research outputs have been utilized in a big way, and it would be good for the NCPC leadership to conduct an impact assessment of your top 10 research outputs. “This will give the center the opportunity to really say ‘Yes, the NCPC continues to be relevant!’ Hence, it deserves additional financial support to do more developmentoriented research today and in the future,” Sec. Dar said.He also May 15-21, 2021 |

urged the agency to continue training and capacitating researchers, noting that many have seen that even the non-important pests are now becoming important due to climate change, and today more virulent pests are affecting our crop industry. “Clearly, the mandate of NCPC in tandem with the DA’s Regional Crop Protection Centers are more than relevant. We hope you will have the capacity to look not only at present concerns on pest management, but also on foresight analysis or future thinking,” he said. Sec. Dar said the agriculture sector faced major challenges last year, but it proved as the most resilient among the country’s economic sectors. This simply means agriculture can be one of the pillars to fuel the country’s economic recovery. “We need to enhance higher levels of food sufficiency and security, because of the global distortion that is happening due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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We believe that the academic and science sector, like the UPLB and NCPC, need to be continuously relevant in helping transform Philippine agriculture, in general,” he said. The spread of transboundary plant pests and diseases has increased dramatically in recent years due to globalization, trade, climate change, and reduced resilience in production systems, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Transboundary plant

pests and diseases can easily spread to several countries and reach epidemic proportions. Outbreaks and upsurges can cause huge losses to crops and pastures, threatening the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers and the food and nutrition security of millions. Locusts, armyworm, fruit flies, banana diseases, cassava diseases, and wheat rusts are among the most destructive transboundary plant pests and diseases, the FAO said. (DA Stratcomms/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

ETHNIC SOUVENIR DOLLS NA GAWA SA PAPEL TAMPOK SA TRADE FAIR AT EXHIBIT SA BUTUAN CITY By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Kamangha-manghang ethnic souvenir dolls na gawa sa papel ang isa sa mga produktong tampok sa limang araw na Trade Fair at Exhibit sa isang mall dito sa lungsod. Agaw-pansin din ang mga damit na isinuot sa mga ito na sumisimbolo sa mayamang kultura at tradisyon ng mga Indigenous Peoples (IPs) sa Caraga region. Ayon kay Jaguilen Bucong, business councilor ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Negosyo Center sa Cabadbaran City, nasa 1,500 pesos ang isang ethnic doll na pwedeng pangsouvenir, token o regalo, o dekorasyon sa bahay o opisina. “Ito ay produktong ito ay mula sa Cabadbaran at may mga coordinators tayo para sa mga doll makers. Ito ay gawa sa papel at may kemikal na ginamit para mabuo siya. Ito namang mga damit na duot nila ay Caraga INFOCUS

hinabi mismo ng mga IPs sa Barangay Mahaba tulad ng Manobo at Mamanwa. Ang detalye ng beads na inilagay ay gawa rin mismo ng mga IPs,” ani ni Bucong. Binigyang-diin din ni assistant regional director Gay Tidalgo ng DTI-Caraga na ang paglunsad nito sa mga malls ay isa lamang sa marami pang inisyatibo at programa ng pamahalaan para sa mga Micro-Small and Medium Entreprenuers (MSMEs) na apektado rin ng COVID-19 pandemic. “Dito makikita ang mga produktong dumaan sa pagsusuri ng DTI na dumaan lahat sa product development, packaging and

labelling at sinigurado ang kalidad ng bawat produkto, maging ang mga desinyo, kulay at iba pang kailangan matugunan. Target talaga natin na makakuha ng at least 1-million pesos na kita para sa limang araw na Trade Fair at Exhibit. Sigurado akong malalampasan natin ang target sa tulong na rin ng ating kapwa Caraganons at maging sa ibang nasa karatig bayan,” pahayag ni Tidalgo. May kabuuang 95 MSMEs ang aktibong lumahok sa trade fair para sa non-food, arts and crafts, at food processing. (JPG/PIACaraga) May 15-21, 2021 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DSWD TURNS OVER 2 TRIBAL CENTERS IN AGSUR TOWN beneficiaries in the said barangay.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has officially turned over two tribal centers, which are subprojects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHICIDSS), Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Indigenous Peoples-CommunityDriven Development (IP-CDD) program Cycle 2, to the Manobo tribal communities of Barangay Sta. Cruz and Barangay Maligaya in Rosario town of Agusan del Sur. The turnover ceremonies in Barangay Maligaya and Barangay Sta. Cruz were held on May 11 and April 29, 2021, respectively. Caraga INFOCUS

In Barangay Sta. Cruz, the 89 square-meter Himunanan Tu Tribu (tribal center), which cost Php2,856,924.00, has two restrooms, an office, and a small kitchen. It is complete with a rainwater collector, split-type inverter air conditioning unit, Wi-Fi, three wall fans, a water dispenser, two office tables, fire extinguishers, and 50 monoblock chairs. The building amenities are in-kind counterparts from the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Cruz. The facility is built not just for the Manobo tribal community but including the non-Indigenous Peoples in the barangay. The project, which was completed on December 12, 2020, is expected to serve 206 household

Hawudon Gawahon Emeliano Pugosa, Sta. Cruz Community Sub-Project Management Committee chairperson, said that the IPs have a huge role in nation-building, adding that many IPs join the leftist movement due to lack of government projects or services in the far-flung tribal communities. “Dako ang role sa tribu sa community. Ang atong nasud hinay ang pag-usad sa ekonomiya tungod sa insurgency. Almost 70% tribu ang nabiktima, tungod kay ang tribu is a vulnerable sector sa atong society, tungod kay usahay dili maabot ang serbisyo sa goberno sa pinaka ubos ug layo nga lugar sa komunidad. Mapasalamot mi nga gihatagan kahigayunan, pinakusgan sa atong Presidente Duterte ang ELCAC (The tribal community has a huge role. Our country experiences slow economic growth due to insurgency. Almost 70 percent of the IPs, which is a vulnerable sector in our society, [fell victim to the communist ideology] as the government’s projects May 15-21, 2021 |

and services could not reach the remote areas in the country. We are thankful that we were given a chance through President Duterte’s strong push for ELCAC),” Pugosa said. The country is experiencing over 50 years of communist insurgency and is now doubling its effort to combat and quash the rebellion through the “whole-ofnation” approach by the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). DSWD Caraga PAMANA IP-CDD focal person Annabella Madelo, during the turnover ceremony last April 29, said that the project was completed because of the cooperation and unity of the community as well as the contribution of the LGU.

pa gyud pinaagi sa inkind nga counterpart sa munisipyo ug sa barangay. Gi-acknowledge na sa Departamento (This building won’t be completed without the cooperation of all the stakeholders in Barangay Sta. Cruz. Since I started in DSWD, it is only now that I saw a building of KALAHI-CIDSS that has an air conditioning unit and is fully-furnished. The Department acknowledges the fact that the LGU has even given more than what was in the plan for the project),” Madelo said.

“On behalf of our OICRegional Director Ramel F. Jamen, gipaabot namo among mainiton nga congratulations sa katawhan sa Barangay Sta. Cruz ug mainiton nga pasalamat sa LGU sa Rosario, ug sa suporta sa tribung Manobo (we would like to extend our “Kabalo ko nga dili ni ma warmest congratulations ingani ang hitsura kung to the residents of wala ang pagtinabangay Barangay Sta. Cruz as well sa tanan stakeholders as our warmest gratitude nga nagpuyo dri sa Sta. to LGU of Rosario and the Cruz ug sa municipality sa support of the Manobo Rosario. Karun pa ko kakita tribe),” she added. og usa nga building nga gi-implementar namo sa “Ang kaning subproject KALAHI-CIDSS nga adunay pakapin lang kini sa atong aircon ug fully-furnished. proseso. Sa KALAHI-CIDSS, Sa among gihatag nga ang giimplemtar gyud plan, gipasobrahan namo sa ang proseso

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nga CDD (CommunityDriven Development). Kung mo-ingun gani ta CDD, ang komunidad ang modesisyon kung unsa gusto nila nga kalambuan ug kung unsaon nila pagamit sa pondo nga gihatag sa OPAPP pina-agi sa DSWD (This subproject is just a bonus. In KALAHI-CIDSS, what we really implement is the CDD process. When we say CDD, it is the community who decides what development they want and on how to use the fund given by OPAPP through the DSWD),” Madelo further elaborated. In the mountain barangay of Maligaya, an 89 sq.m. tribal center was also turned over, complete with two restrooms, an office, a small kitchen, a rainwater collector, wall fans, and a water dispenser. The construction of the tribal center, which costs Php3.4 million, started on September 11, 2020, and was completed on December 22, 2020. The subproject targets to benefit 98 household beneficiaries in the area. “Ang proyekto dili sa DSWD. Ang proyekto naggikan sa inyo. Mao na Caraga INFOCUS

“Ang ato local government, ang ato municipal mayor, kami sa legislative, andam gyud kami mag-suporta kung unsa mga kakuwangon (The local government, the mayor, and we at the legislative body are ready to support what will be needed for the project),” Rosario Councilor Rex Fuentes said during the turnover ceremony in Barangay Maligaya.

nga ang kaakuhan inyo gyud na nga ipadayon. Kay sayang proyekto nga nagkantidad og P2.6 million kung dili maatiman (The project does not belong to DSWD, but to the people. Thus, it is important for you to continue the responsibility of taking care of the project so that Php2.6 million won’t just go to waste),” KALAHI-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager Ester V. Villamor told the Manobos in Barangay Maligaya. Rosario Municipal officials were thankful to the government for the Caraga INFOCUS

Himunanan Tu Tribu and commit to taking care of the said tribal centers. “Ang commitment nako ani isip amahan sa lungsod sa Rosario is pag-suporta ra gyud. Kung unsa man na inyong gusto mahitabo sa inyo nga mga programa, 101% suporta gyud mi (My commitment as mayor of Rosario is that I will support. Whatever programs you will implement, I will 101 percent support,” Rosario Mayor Jupiter C. Abulog said during the turnover ceremony in Barangay Sta. Cruz.

The PAMANA, under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), is the government’s framework for peace and development. It is implemented in conflictaffected communities, as well as in areas covered by existing peace agreements. Meanwhile, KALAHI-CIDSS falls under the second strategic pillar of the PAMANA framework, which is building resilient communities. The project objective is to improve the access of KALAHICIDSS areas classified as conflict-affected barangays (CABs) to basic social services and responsive, transparent, and accountable local governments. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 15-21, 2021 |

PCA DISTRIBUTES CASH, FOOD VOUCHERS TO BAYUGAN COCO FARMERS The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Agusan del Sur personnel conducted distribution of cash and food vouchers to 137 marginalized coconut farmers from different barangays of Bayugan City held at the covered court of Barangay Wawa, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on May 14, 2021.

in the venue. The cash and food assistance program aims to aid marginal farmers and fisherfolk who were severely affected by the pandemic, provide

market support to the local rice and poultry industries, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises. (DAPCA Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur)

Thru the QR card voucher, each farmer received P3,000.00 cash and P2,000.00 worth of rice, dressed chicken and fresh eggs. The food packs were delivered by Bayugan Achievers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAMPCO)

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PCG-SURIGAO NORTE RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORT IN CORAL REEF FARM PROJECT

Commander Elaine R. Pangilinan of the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Surigao del Norte was given a Certificate of Recognition by the JCI Surigao Nickel in recognition towards outstanding contribution and generous support to JCI Surigao Nickel’s Coral Reef Farm Project in Brgy. Mabua, Surigao City on May 20, 2021. Caraga INFOCUS

Said project was successfully conducted last March 27, 2021 spearheaded by the JCI Surigao Nickel wherein several artificial coral reefs were laid out at the seawaters off Brgy. Mabua, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte purposely for the temporary shelter of marine creatures in the area.

Pangilinan expressed her sincere gratitude to JCI Surigao Nickel for such a significant endeavor and stressed that the PCG in Surigao del Norte will continuously render full support and cooperation for the best interest of the public and for a safer and cleaner maritime domain. (PCG-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) May 15-21, 2021 |

COAST GUARD DONS RANK TO NEW AUXILIARY OFFICER

Admiral George V. Ursabia, Jr., commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), led the donning and oath-taking of Surigao del Norte first district representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II as the newest Auxiliary Commodore of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron on May 12, 2021. In his speech, Matugas

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expressed his gratitude for becoming part of the PCG that is in the first line of defense, especially in the promotion of safety of lives and properties at sea, as well as in the protection of the country’s rich marine resources. “Rest assured that as a member of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, I will continue to push for measures in support

of the programs of the PCG, especially those that affect our people and our province. May God bless our plans and actions in the PCG as we together continue to guard lives and territories, especially now that we are in a world war against the pandemic,” he said. For his part, Ursabia thanked Matugas for partnering with the PCG, especially in lobbying for Caraga INFOCUS

the expansion of Coast Guard infrastructure and the recruitment of sufficient number of PCG personnel in various parts of the country to be able to delivery quality public service to all Filipinos. “The PCG is relatively young. We separated from the Navy in 1998 and acquired our enabling laws in 2010. Technically, we are only 11 years old and with 18,600 personnel to date, we have yet to achieve our initial goal of having one PCG personnel in every kilometer of our 37,000-kilometer coastline, excluding our internal waters and exclusive economic

zone,” Ursabia said. “That is why I have been saying that the PCGA is our secret weapon for they are helping us in addressing such shortage in manpower, especially in this time of the pandemic.

Nevertheless, we need to have permanent solutions to resolve this gap. I am grateful that first district representative, and now Auxiliary Commodore Matugas assured that he will continue to rally behind us to achieve such goal,” Ursabia furthered. Also present during the ceremonies held in Barangay Libertad, General Luna, Surigao del Norte were Reverend Father Julian Dayola, Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco “Lalo” Matugas, and Commodore Luisito Sibayan of the PCG District North Eastern Mindanao. (PCG/PIASurigao del Norte)

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Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard

PCG INAUGURATES SEARCH, RESCUE BASE IN SIARGAO The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has inaugurated its first-ever search and rescue (SAR) base in the country situated in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on May 12, 2021. The PCG Base Siargao is a 600-squaremeter and four-story building constructed in a 5,000-square meter lot in Siargao Island donated by the provincial government. It is equipped with an automatic identification system (AIS) monitoring equipment, watch tower, helipad, and an elevated base defense

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zone, among others. During the ceremony, PCG commandant Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., shared the challenges that the PCG encountered in pursuit of the PCG SAR Base located in a world-class tourist destination in the country. “It is not easy to look for an area, more so that for it entails significant amount of investment. Hence, Siargao Island is truly blessed dahil kayo ang kauna-unahang nagkaroon nito. If this will be a success story, our lawmakers will be

easily convinced that we should have more of this kind of facility nationwide,” Admiral Ursabia said. With such accomplishment, Admiral Ursabia assured that competent and skilled locals of Siargao Island will be given opportunities to become part of the PCG and serve their fellow Surigaonons at the PCG Base Siargao. “We will certainly be recruiting locals to be members of the PCG not only in Siargao, but in the entire Caraga Caraga INFOCUS

region. In order for us to be effective, it is better for us to get locals and train them to become patriotic, compassionate, and God-fearing public servants,” the Coast Guard commandant said. Admiral Ursabia furthered that two to three units of 40 fast patrol boats that will be acquired by the PCG will be assigned at the PCG Base Siargao to strengthen maritime law enforcement and improve disaster management. More importantly, the Coast Guard Admiral said that the newly-constructed PCG infrastructure will also serve as a radar station to safeguard the island and nearby vicinity waters against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

value government assets and effective tools for us to protect our waters,” Admiral Ursabia said. Also, Admiral Ursabia reaffirmed the PCG’s commitment to support the tourism industry by working with the local government in ensuring safety in the conduct of water sports and other water-related activities in accordance with international standards.

“We will certainly cooperate and collaborate, as we “We need to have a expect local and radar station here in international tourists to Siargao Island so we come here after the can monitor and control pandemic. This island is fishing operations in a paradise rich in natural our maritime domain in resources and a home this part of the country of good people. Rest remotely. These are high- assured that we will be Caraga INFOCUS

stewards of Siargao Island’s vast marine environment, and advocates of safety of lives and properties at sea,” Admiral Ursabia said. Also present during the inauguration were Auxiliary Commodore Congressman Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II of the First District of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco “Lalo” Matugas, Commodore Luisito Sibayan of the PCG District North Eastern Mindanao, and Commander Ellaine Pangilinan of the PCG Station Surigao del Norte. (PCG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) May 15-21, 2021 |

PCG, M-NAV SOLUTIONS INC. INSTALL BUOYS IN PH RISE The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and M-NAV Solutions, Inc. successfully installed three state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys in the Philippine Rise on 14 to 16 May 2021. The buoys were transported by vessel, MV Morning Light from the Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures Inc. Shipyard in Mandaue, Cebu to the Philippine Rise on 12 May 2021. The vessel arrived in said vicinity waters on 14 May 2021 when the two-day installation commenced. According to PCG commandant Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., the presence of buoys in the Philippine Rise communicates that said vicinity waters is considered a special protected zone. Hence, mining and oil exploration are strictly prohibited to preserve its rich natural resources. The buoys are equipped with modern marine aids to navigation lanterns,

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Photo courtesy of MV-NAV Solutions, Inc.

specialized mooring systems, and a remote monitoring system that uses satellite technology to transmit data to the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila. The PCG Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) said seven more state-of-the-art lighted ocean buoys will arrive

in the country this year to mark other vicinity waters inside Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The PCG is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) under the leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade. (PCG/PIASurigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

SURIGAO SOLON COMMITS TO SUPPORT PCG PROGRAMS “Rest assured that as a member of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, I will continue to push for measures in support of the programs of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), especially those that affect our people and our province,” expressed Congressman Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II of the First District of Surigao del Norte as he formally became the newest Auxiliary Commodore of the PCG Auxiliary Executive Squadron during a ceremony held in Barangay Libertad, General Luna, Surigao del Norte on May 12, 2021. “May God bless our plans and actions in the PCG as we together continue to guard lives and territories, especially now that we are in a war against the pandemic,” he furthered. For PCG commandant Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr., the PCG Auxiliary is the Coast Guard’s secret weapon, most especially in this unprecedented time when the men and women of the PCG are seen anywhere and everywhere to assist concerned agencies and local government units in upholding public health and safety. These pandemic-related

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initiatives need not only assets and resources, but more importantly the selfless commitment of each and every frontline personnel in implementing the whole-ofnation approach in curbing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite the limited budget, manpower, and assets, the PCG continues to provide public service with utmost humility and genuine compassion - made possible through sustained assistance from civilian volunteers of the PCGA. PCGA members willingly provide necessary equipment and supplies and offer their time, expertise,

and connections to help the Coast Guard in the performance of its mandates to the Filipino people. With congressman and auxiliary commodore Matugas as the recent addition to the pool of government officials who are actively rallying behind the PCG, the humanitarian armed service is confident that the Coast Guard presence in Surigao del Norte, especially in the Siargao Island, will be intensified all for the promotion of safety of lives and properties at sea, and marine environmental protection. (PCG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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PCG CHIEF REMINDS COAST GUARDIANS TO LIVE UP TO IDEAL PUBLIC SERVICE

Admiral George V. Ursabia, Jr., commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), once again reminded coast guardians to embrace and live up to the ideals of genuine PCG as they continue to serve fellow Filipinos amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. “As public servants, let it be our culture to serve with humility and compassion,” Admiral Ursabia said during the donning and oathtaking ceremonies of Congressman Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II of the First District of Surigao del Norte as

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the newest member of the PCG Auxiliary Executive Squadron. It was followed by the inauguration of the firstever PCG search and rescue (SAR) base in the country situated in Siargao Island. “Let it be our culture to be patriotic to our motherland; compassionate to the people we are expected to serve; and Godfearing, for nobody is great, but God,” he furthered.

meter lot for the construction of the PCG Base Siargao, Admiral Ursabia assured the people of Siargao Island that the PCG will actively support the growth of their tourism industry, promote maritime safety, and advocate marine environmental protection.

“I am happy that the PCG is now an active partner of Siargao Island in protecting God’s creations. Rest assured that we will be committed stewards of To express his sincere this beautiful paradise gratitude to the and its good people,” provincial government Admiral Ursabia said. of Surigao del Norte for (PCG/PIA-Surigao del donating a 5,000-square- Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

NPA POLITICAL OFFICER KILLED IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE CLASH

A ranking cadre of Guerilla front 16 died in an encounter with the government forces at the vicinity of Sitio Pingaping, Barangay Motorpool, Tubod, Surigao del Norte on May 12. The encounter ensued between the operating troops of 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion (30IB) and members of SYPC2, GF16 under Alberto Castaneda alias ‘JD’ when the soldiers responded to the report Caraga INFOCUS

regarding the presence of the said armed group in the area.

four Baofeng VHF radios, assorted ammunition and magazines, personal belongings, hammocks The said firefight lasted and subversive for about 25 minutes and documents. No casualty resulted to the death of was reported on the Christopher John Trugelio government side while alias ‘Krokis/Ajet,’ a pursuit operation is still political instructor of ongoing. SYP16C2, Guerilla Front 16 and a resident of KM According to Lt. Col. 10 Purok Rosal, Barangay Charles Ryan G. Quezon, Surigao City. Callanta, commanding officer of 30IB, they Seized from the immediately launched encounter site were the operation when one 9mm pistol, one they received the improvised explosive, information regarding May 15-21, 2021 |

the family of the dead NPA rebel. He said that another life had gone to waste because of a senseless armed struggle being waged by the CPP-NPA-NDF. He further said that the use of violence in resolving societal issues will never be an option.

the whereabouts of the CTG. “We are determined to go after the said group because we want to ensure the safety and security of communities within the vicinity. The initial information revealed that the said group may possibly conduct atrocity in the said area,” he said. Meanwhile, Brigader General George L Banzon, commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade, expressed gratitude to the local residents who gave their full trust and untiringly support the soldiers by

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giving timely information that led to the successful operation. “As we always say, the information coming from the localities are very vital. The outcome in the recent encounter clearly manifests that our soldier can promptly act on the arising situation if the community will give their utmost cooperation. Our main objective is to prevent this armed group from entering the community and disrupting the lives of the people,” he said. On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Banzon expressed his condolences to

“The use of violence will never resolve our problems and it will just make things complicated. The recent encounter that led to the untimely demise of another NPA may serve as a wake-up call for those CTG members who are still blinded by the wrong ideology,” he said. He likewise gave assurance that the operating troops will continue to be relentless in conducting security operations so that the communities will be safeguarded from the threat of the CTG who capitalizes violence to pursue their agenda. (901st Infantry Brigade, Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DTI SPEARHEADS LPCC CONSULTATIVE MEETING IN SIARGAO

The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Surigao del Norte through its Consumer Protection Unit recently spearheaded the conduct of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) Consultative Meeting in Dapa and General Luna town in Siargao Island. DTI Provincial Director Arnold Faelnar said that in the interest of public service, and in the light of the implementation of suggested retail prices (SRPs) of Basic Needs and Prime Commodities (BNPCs), all local government units (LGUs) Caraga INFOCUS

are strongly encouraged to strengthen and amplify their Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) to address or forestall and to monitor exorbitant, excessive and unreasonable price increases of essential and prime commodities. Such action is urgent considering the magnitude and the depth of harsh impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the country. He said that both municipalities have expressed their commitment on reactivating their LPCCs, creation of monitoring

task force, enforcement of regular monitoring and consistent coordination with the implementing agencies (IAs) to establish harmonious execution of power and functions of the LPCCs. “The above activities recently conducted in Siargao Island municipalities generally aimed to strengthen partner government agencies, stakeholders and citizen-based organizations in efforts to shield consumers from possible price hikes and profiteering,” said Faelnar. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) May 15-21, 2021 |

BFAR CARAGA TURNS OVER JETTY PORT, FISH LANDING CENTER TO SURSUR TOWN EXECS Vice Mayor Tuscano also assured that the municipal government has already appropriated funds amounting to Php 700,000.00 intended for the operationalization and maintenance of the inaugurated facilities. The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga has formally turned over on Friday, May 14, the 5.3-million worth of fisheries projects in the municipality of Cagwait, this province. DA-BFAR Caraga Regional Director Dr. Nilo Selim Katada, together with Regional Fisherfolk Director Eddie G. Matula, led the inauguration and turn-over ceremony of the community fish landing center (CFLC) and jetty port in the said municipality. In his message, RD Katada congratulated the local government unit of Cagwait for coming up with the operational plan for the newly completed facilities. “The purpose of these facilities is to serve as

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a consolidation area for the fish catch in the municipality, and to help facilitate in science-based monitoring of the local fish production,” RD Katada added. Municipal Agriculturist Gilbert L. Bautista said that “the newly completed CFLC and jetty port in Cagwait will provide space for fishers to converge and trade their catch to buyers, much like a trading center that may enable poor fishers to better set the price range for their catch and lessen post-harvest losses which could increase their income.”

The ceremonial turnover was graced by the Regional Project Management Officers of the Fisheries Coastal Resource and Livelihood (FishCORAL) Project, SDS Provincial Fisheries Office headed by PFO Noel Pugoy, PLGU SDS Provincial Fishery and Aquatic Resource Office headed by Bernesita Rojas, and the municipal and barangay key officials, traders and fisherfolk leaders in Cagwait.

The CLFC is funded under DA-BFAR’s Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation in the Fishery Sector (TARGET) Honorable Mayor Lillian Yu- Program, while the jetty port is funded by the Lozada ably represented International Fund for by Vice Mayor Melchie C. Tuscano thanked DA-BFAR Agricultural Development (IFAD) under FishCORAL and to everyone involved Project. (BFAR-Caraga/ in the realization of the PIA-Surigao del Sur) said fisheries projects.

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AUTHORITIES NAB MOST WANTED NPA OFFICER IN SURSUR TOWN A New People’s Army (NPA) finance and liaison officer listed as number 20 most wanted in the regional top priority target was nabbed by the authorities through a warrant of arrest around 4:30 A.M., May 14, 2021, in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Based on the report, a joint composite team of the Regional Intelligence Unit 13, Butuan City Police Office Intelligence Unit, Butuan City Mobile Force Company, Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDS-PPO) Intelligence Unit, 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, and 7th Special Forces Company, Philippine Army launched the operation based on the decision of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region, TubaySantiago, Agusan del Norte under criminal case number 3197.

active member of the Sub-Regional Committee under the Southland Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee fell to the hands of the authorities as the operation was safely enforced in Barangay Bayan.

Based on the report, Diaz was identified as one of the assailants in the shooting of Private First Class Junrel Cornelio and CAFGU Active Auxiliary Emiliniano Sajol Jr., both members of 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army while in a combat patrol operation in Sitio Manhupaw, Brgy Charged with attempted Poblacion 2, Santiago, homicide, Marcela B. Agusan del Norte on Diaz a.k.a. Silay Diaz, an November 21, 2020. Caraga INFOCUS

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Regional Director PBGen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. said the successful operation of Diaz has initially given justice to the government troopers who risked their own lives. “We commend the joint efforts made by the police and the army amidst the intensified counterinsurgency drive in the region. Her arrest will initially give justice to our troops who continue to risk their own lives in pursuit of genuine peace,” PBGen. Caramat said. (with a report from PRO-13/PIASurigao del Sur) May 15-21, 2021 |

AGUSAN NORTE BUMALANGKAS NG KANILANG PDRRM PLAN By Nora C. Lanuza

at activities ng probinsya hanggang sa mga local DRRM Councils. Binigyan din ng pagkakataon ang mga local DRRM Councils upang maipahayag ang kanilang mga issues at concerns at mabigyan ng appropriate funding ng probinsya bilang suporta sa mga local government units. Bilang paghahanda sa pagtugon sa anumang sakunang darating sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte, binigyang panahon ng mga myembro ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) ang reformulation o pagbuo ng kanilang provincial DRRM plan para sa taong 20222027. Ayon kay Jover Manliguez, kasalukuyang presidente ng League of Agusan del Norte DRRM officers at municipal DRRM officer sa lungsod ng Las Nieves, madalas silang binibisita ng sakuna na nagdudulot ng pagbaha sa lugar kaya malaki ang tulong ang gagawing DRRM Plan ng probinsya dahil dito mabibigyan

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ng prayoridad ang mga dapat unahing proyekyo na makakatulong base na rin sa ginawang workshop kung saan tinukoy ng iba’t ibang sektor ang dapat na unahin at pondohan ng probinsya. Ayon din kay Merry Chris Cabonce, ang chief ng research and planning division ng PDRRM Office ng Agusan del Norte, ito ay isang mahalagang basehan upang ma-align ang mga DRRM programs

Dagdag din ni Cabonce, kahit paman capacitated na ang mga DRRMCs, may mga thematic areas din na kailangan ng improvement lalo na sa disaster prevention and mitigation at ma-align din ang mga prayoridad sa Provincial Develoment Agenda – ang AGUSAN UP sa layuning matupad ang isang progresibong probinsya na may sustained climate change community. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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‘ECONOMIC SERVICES PROVIDER’ SA CARAGA GIAGHAT NI GOB. CORVERA

Giaghat ni Agusan del Norte Gobernador Dale B. Corvera ang mga negosyante ug providers of economic services sa gobyerno atol sa okasyon sa pag-abli sa “Buy Caraga, By Caraga” Trade Fair, nga ipahiluna ang mga proyekto nga makagama og mga produkto nga naay mas taas nga value added ug naa nay lapad nga pumapalit. Pasabot sa gobernador nga nakita niya ang dakung prospects nga ang mga produkto nga naa karon makaagni gyod og pumapalit tungod sa trade fair. Caraga INFOCUS

Apan mas daghan pang produkto nga mahimo gikan sa mga hilaw nga materyales sa rehiyon nga naa nay lapad ug madugangan pa gyod ang pumapalit. “Akong na obserbahan,” pasabot ni Gob. Corvera, “nga dinhi sa Caraga region, limitado lang ta sa atong mga production. Kutob lang ta sa atong gitawag nga products of primary to secondary level processing”. “Take for example sa kape, coffee,” padayon sa gobernador. “Nindot ang quality sa atong

coffee dinhi sa Caraga region. Pero our farmers primarily sell dried beans, result of primary processing. Some go further into producing and selling ground coffee. Kutob ra diha sa secondary processing level. But none has gone to the third level of production nga mao ang instant coffee nga mao gyud halinon”. “Ikaduha,” dugang ni Gob. Corvera, “let’s take cacao as another example. Nindot pod ang na produce nga cacao dinhi sa caraga region. Apan our products are primarily May 15-21, 2021 |

Sama ra kini sa kahimtang sa nga produkto sa cacao. Samtang nag-ilogay ang mga processor sa probinsya sa limitado nga merkado sa tableya, bisan asa naka-display ang chocolate sama sa tobleron, choc nuts, nips ug daghan pang uban.

Dale B. Corvera

limited to dried beans at the primary processing level ug tablea at the secondary level. Dapat ma-encourage pa gyod nato sila nga maka produce gyod sama anjng tobleron ug uban nga mga produkto nga maoy halinon kaayo.”

pa nga makita nato diha sa All Home, Wilcon. Kutob rata sa lumber ug plywood. I think diha pod siguro ta mo-focus pag encourage or pagagni pa og investors nga mububo og capital para moabot ta og ing-ana nga level.”

“Third example, wood,” sumpay sa gobernador. “Kahoy, kay abundant ang Caraga sa kahoy. Pero kung imong tanawon, we are only producing, lumber and plywood. Of course stable ang market niini. Enjoy kaayo ta og ing-ani kay mahalin man dayon. But nabitin ta sa mga dagko nga entrepreneurs nga diin nag produce sila og ready-to-assemble tables, cabinets ug uban

Ang nakita sa pagtuon sa AGUSAN UP! nga samtang nag-ilogay ang mga processors sa brewed coffee sa probinsya sa limitado ra mga merkado sa brewed coffee, ang mga dagkung producers sa instant coffee gikan sa gawas daghang og halin sa instant coffee (mix, pure) nga gibaligya sa halos bisan asang kanto, apil na niini ang mga sarisari stores sa kasilinganan.

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Sama ra usab niini ang kahimtang sa produkto gikan sa kahoy. Makahalin man tuod ang producers sa Caraga og lumber ug plywood apan iya ra usab sa mga producers gikan sa gawas ang suplay sa knock down parts. Subay sa nahisgutang kahimtang gibutyag sa gobernador nga nagsugod-sugod na ang Agusan del Norte pagpahiluna nga makapanukad sa third level nga processing pinaagi sa kamapanya sa pagpalambo sa iyang administrasyon, kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba, nga mao ang AGUSAN UP!. Gipaambit ni Gob. Corvera nga subay sa panglantaw sa Agusan del Norte nga Caraga INFOCUS

mahimong “Agro Processing Center in the Caraga Region by the year 2027”, gipahiluna karon sa probinsya ang 15 ka inisyal nga Core Processing Projects nga magpunting paggama og mga produkto hangtud sa third level processing gikan sa mga hilaw nga materyales nga abunda sa probinsya. Usa sa mga Core Processing Projects, sumala ni Gob. Corvera, mao ang “Coffee Net.” Iyang gibutyag nga ipahiluna sa proyekto nga makamugna ug “Agus Blend” dili lang sa brewed kon dili apil na sa instant coffee nga magpunting sa mass market isip pumapalit. Ipahiluna usab sa probinsya ang “Chocolate City” aron mogama og mga produkto nga kinaham sa kabataan ug kababayen-an ug i-display dili lang sa mga malls kon dili apil na sa mga sari-sari stores. Ang lain pang ipahiluna mao ang “Country Wood” aron makagama dili lang sa plywood Caraga INFOCUS

gikan sa mga planted species kon dili sa mga ready-to-assemble nga mga kabinet, lamesa, silya ug uban pang knockdown parts. Gipahibalo usab ni Gob. Corvera sa maong okasyon nga kabahin na sa pagpahiluna niini karn ang mga probinysal nga buhatan sa mga nasudnong ahensya, apil na ang buhatan sa DTI sa Agusan del Norte. Ug isip chairperson sa Regional Development Council (RDC) sa Caraga mihangyo siya sa mga

regional line agencies nga suportahan ang maong mga lakang. Ug ang maong aghat ni Gob. Corvera nakakuha og commitment gikan sa DTI-Caraga, ang nagpasiugda sa maong regional trade fair. “Challenge accepted,” sumala pa ni Gay Tidalgo, ang Assistant Regional Director sa DTI-Caraga. (Sinulat ni Karen Kei Decamotan ug hulagway kuha ni Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 15-21, 2021 |

SENIOR CITIZENS SA CABADBARAN CITY NAG-EDAD 86 MAKADAWAT OG MILESTONE AWARD By SVDeligero

lokal nga panggamhanan isip pagpakita og pagdayeg sa mga katigulangan nga nahimong kaabag sa paguswag sa syudad.

Adunay pagbag-o sa ordinansang gilusad sa syudad sa Cabadbaran mahitungod sa pagpahinungod og milestone award alang atong mga katigulangang niabot sa edad nga 86 pataas human gikauyonan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte nga balido ang City Ordinance No. 2021-003 nga nagtugot paghatag sa milestone award. Ang nahisgutan nga ordinansa sa syudad nagtinguha nga mainstitutionalize ang paghatag og milestone award aron mas daghan ang mahatagan nga mga kwalipikadong mga Senior citizen nga angayang makadawat sa pasidungog ug ma revise ang City Ordinances

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No. 2013-014 ug City Ordinance No. 2019-008 “Granting Milestone Award to 90 years old and above Senior Citizens in the City of Cabadbaran.” Ubos sa section 2 sa maong ordinansa, ang mga kwalipikadong makadawat mao ang mga mosunod: a. Octogenarian - mga nag edad 86th paduong 89th makadawat og Baynte mil (P20,000.00) ka pesos. b. Nonagenarian - 90th paduong 99 nga edad makadawat pag usab og Traynta mil (P30,000.00) ka pesos. c. Centenarian – mao ang mga niabot sa edad nga 100, makadawat og Singkwenta mil (P50,000.00) ka pesos. Kini usa ka pahinungod sa

Ang monetary award usab magsilbing dakong tabang sa mga hingtundan alang sa matag adlaw niini nga panginahanglan. Ang awardee kinahanglan rehistrado ug active member sa pagbayad sa membership dues sulod sa lima (5) ka tuig sa Barangay Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines kun BSCAP ug sa Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines. Sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, tsirman sa Committee on Social Welfare Population Development, gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinance pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 221-2021 atol sa ika 89th regular session sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

‘MONTH ‘MONTH OF OF THE THE OCEAN’ OCEAN’ GISAULOG GISAULOG SA SA AGNOR AGNOR By Shena Mae Pabia

Gipahigayon sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang coastal clean-up activity alang sa pagsaulog sa ‘Month of the Ocean’ niadtong Mayo 14, sa Brgy. Tolosa, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Ang ‘coastal clean-up activity’ gipasiugdahan sa buhatan sa Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office [CENRO]-Tubay ubos ni CENR Officer Nelson B. Caranzo kaabag niini ang Agusan del Norte Parole and Probation Office nga gipangulohan ni Jener C. Supnet. Gisaulog ang ‘Month of the Ocean’ matag tuig sa bulan sa Mayo pinasikad sa Presidential Caraga INFOCUS

Proclamation No. 57 issued in 1999. Ang maong kalihukan gihimo sa kapin kon kulang 500-meter coastline area sa maong barangay. Mosuma sa 125 ka indibidwal ang miapil sa kalihukan nga gilangkuban sa mga parolees ug probationers gikan sa mga lungsod sa RTR, Tubay, Santiago Jabonga ug syudad sa Cabadbaran. Mokabat sa 40 ka-sako ang nakolekta sa mga basura sa maong cleanup. Naglangkob ang maong mga basura og plastic wrappers, plastic bottles, ginamit nga sanina, surgical masks, diapers ug uban pa. Tumong sa maong kalihukan mapanalipdan

ang kinaiyahan pinaagi sa hustong paglabay sa mga residente og basura sa palibot ilabina diha sa lawod. Ang CENRO-Tubay padayong nagdasig sa mga agusanon sa pagtuman sa lima (5) ka R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ug Repurpose. Himoon usab sa CENRO-Tubay ang maong coastal cleanup activity sa mga coastal municipalities ug barangays. Apil usab sa maong kalihukan ang mga personahe ug mga opisyales sa barangay ug ang kapulisan. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 15-21, 2021 |

KONSTRUKSYON SA CONCEPCION BRIDGE, SUGDAN NA Gihimo sa pagpanguna nila Gob. Dale Corvera ug Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba kagahapon, Mayo 20, ang groundbreaking sa Php163-million Concepcion Bridge ug ang component nga road concreting niini. Niini, gipaambit ni Gob. Corvera ang iyang kalipay alang sa mga lumulupyo sa Barangay Concepcion kansang hangyo gitabangan nila ni Kong. AmanteMatba pagpahiluna nga mapadangat gyod sa nasudnong panggamhanan. “Nalipay gyod ko nga nia na, matuman na gyod ang inyong proyekto,” pahayag ni Gob. Corvera. Gipahibalo usab sa gobernador nga kabahin ang concreting sa 929 metros nga kalsada sa maong proyekto. Nagpahayag usab si Mayor Judy Chin

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Amante sa katumanan sa maong proyekto. “Nalipay ko kay nia na gyod ang tubag sa dugay na gyod natong gidamgo diri sa barangay Concepcion. Nia na ang tulay kay kada muuwan diri mao gyud ni ang atong problema,” sumala pa ni Mayor Amante.

ilang lugar nga lisud nang matabok tungod kay dali ra kaayong molapaw ang tubig sa suba sa mga panahon nga kusog ang ulan.

Nanguna usab sa maong groundbreaking si Pol M. Delos Santos, ang regional director sa Department of Public Works and Highways Pipila sa mga lumulupyo sa Caraga, city ug sa Barangay nakasinati barangay officials, mga diha kalisod sa pagtabok personahe sa PNP ug sa tulay ilabina pag abot mga residente sa maong sa mga kalamidad ug barangay. katalagman tungod sa paspas pag-apaw sa Mahimong kaabag sa tubig. konstruksyon sa maong tulay ang ARQ Builders. Makita usab sa (Sinulat ni Shena Mae panagway sa mga Pabia, hulagway kuha residente ang kalipay ni Sonny Montilla, LGU sa pagpatuman na Agusan del Norte/PIA gyod sa proyekto sa Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

HIGH ELEVATION TRIBAL LANDS FOR HASS AVOCADO FARMING National Commission on the Indigenous People Chairman, Sec. Allen Capuyan, will present in the First Mindanao Convention on Hass Avocado and Jackfruit Industry on Monday May 17, Mindanao tribal lands with an elevation of over 600 meters above sea level as potential sites for Hass Avocado production. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) spearheads the introduction of these new crops

| May 15-21, 2021

as part of its Green Mindanao Advocacy in the denuded and deforested highlands, most of which are Ancestral Domain of the many tribes of Mindanao.

in Mindanao.

“We are very excited about this new projects of the MinDA because NCIP has been searching for sustainable programs for our Indigenous People’s communities,” In my initial conversations he said. with Sec. Capuyan last week, he said that the During the convention, introduction of Avocado both face-to-face and and Jackfruit as part virtual, Sec. Capuyan of Mindanao’s Agrowill present maps of Industrial Development the different Ancestral could bring the much Domain Areas with needed livelihood elevation higher than activities in the largely 600-meters above sea under-utilized tribal lands level. Caraga INFOCUS

Most of these areas are located in Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental and Oriental, North Cotabato, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Caraga. These areas will be validated by a technical team composed of Hass Avocado experts who will conduct studies on soil suitability, and availability of water supply. In introducing the new agro-industrial crops, MinDA is ensuring a complete value chain where the landowners and producers will be provided technical and financial support, infrastructure and assurance of a market. While the First Mindanao Avocado and Jackfruit Convention will be open and accessible to the public via ZOOM and Facebook Livestreaming, those invited to directly participate are farmers and landowners, government financing institutions, support agencies of Caraga INFOCUS

government, local buyers and exporters. Hass Avocado is mainly produced by South American countries and the U.S. and exported to Europe, China, Japan and other progressive countries.

For Jackfruit, an endemic fruit tree in the Philippines, the country’s food processors import an estimated P500-M worth from Vietnam and Thailand every year.

MinDA targets the development of an The biggest exporter estimated 100,000 of Hass Avocado hectares for Hass is Mexico with over Avodado in the next 100,000-hectares while 5 to 10 years in a wellthe Philippines started planned production exporting a small volume program which would two years ago to China protect farmers by with production from ensuring government three small plantations of support and access to Dole Philippines. the market. (MinDA) May 15-21, 2021 |

NEW BUS ROUTES SEEN TO BOOST MINDANAO ECONOMY By Jigger Jerusalem

The opening of new bus routes in Mindanao will further reopen economic activities in the island’s regions, the chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-in Region 10 (LTFRB-10) said Wednesday. Among the newest opened to the riding public was the Cagayan de Oro-Cotabato City route that passes through some parts of Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato, and Maguindanao, said Aminoden Guro, LTFRB-10 director. “The opening of the new route and launching of PUBs will also contribute to the gradual recovery of the economy in the region,” Guro said, adding that it also gives inter-regional access to public commuters in Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. LTFRB-10 granted a provisional authority

| May 15-21, 2021

supported with a special permit to Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) for 15 bus units to ply the new route, passing through Talakag town in Bukidnon, Wao town in Lanao del Sur, the municipalities of Banisilan, Alamada, Libungan, Pigcawayan in Cotabato; and Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao. Guro said the LTFRB-10 can grant RTMI another permit for additional bus units that will ply the same route if there is a need, such as an increase in population. “They can still file a petition for additional units if there is an increase in demand from the riding public,” he said. Celer Estologa, Yanson Group of Bus Companies

(YGBC) legal and media relations manager, said this new route will not only benefit the riding public “but would also boost the economic activities and tourism of the local government unit”. Estologa said the new route is three hours shorter than the usual Cagayan de Oro-Cotabato City via the Kabacan trail, which takes five to six hours of travel time. “We look forward to the coming years of providing reliable and safe transportation to the riding public and our continuing commitment to improve the quality of life of our workforce as well as of the community,” he said. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

VCO TO HELP MILD COVID CASES RECOVER FASTER, EASE BURDEN ON HEALTH SYSTEM-NOGRALES Even with heightened restrictions in the National Capital Region Plus bubble to help continue the downward trend in COVID-19 cases in the area, efforts should be made to ramp out treatments for mild COVID-19 cases in order to help ease the stress on the hospital system in the NCR and its neighboring provinces. This according to Cabinet Secretary

| May 15-21, 2021

Karlo Nograles, who over the weekend led the distribution of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to Level 1 hospitals in Bulacan tasked to treat COVID-19 cases with mild symptoms. Four hospitals treating a total of 46 COVID-19 patients––Dr. Yanga’s Hospital, Inc., Malolos San Vicente Hospital, Mary Immaculate Maternity and General Hospital, and La

Consolacion University General Hospital–– received VCO as part of a personal initiative of Nograles, who also co-chairs the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Nograles pointed out that “studies conducted by the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) indicate that VCO Caraga INFOCUS

can help those with COVID-19 recover faster.” “Right now it would benefit our hospital system and even our medical frontliners if we could both reduce the numbers of those infected and reduce the treatment time of COVID patients,” said Nograles. “This way, the resources of our medical facilities will not be overly stretched beyond their intended capacities.” The Palace official said the government recognizes that health workers and medical frontliners in the NCR Plus Bubble “have had to work multiple shifts, and really work overtime to care for those who have contracted COVID-19.” “We recognize their dedication and the sacrifices they have made. So if we can do something to lighten their burden, dapat gawin natin. Kailangan natin magtulungan.” Prior to the four Bulacan hospitals, three other Level 1 hospitals in Caraga INFOCUS

Bulacan likewise received VCO supplies: Ospital ng Guiguinto, Romel Cruz Hospital, and Guiguinto Polymed Hospital, Inc. Nograles revealed that he has tapped the help of the media and other concerned parties to encourage individuals that have contracted COVID-19 to try VCO because of its potential benefits and practically zero side effects.

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are advised to take one tablespoon of VCO after each meal for three straight days. If tolerated well, they are then advised to double the dosage from the fourth day onward, until the patient tests negative. Patients may also rub VCO on their nostrils and gargle with VCO to help alleviate symptoms. May 15-21, 2021 |

4TH LEG OF REGIONAL PRE-SONA SERIES SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN SOUTH COTABATO - NOGRALES Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led the successful holding of the fourth leg of the Kasama sa Pamana: Regional Pre-SONA Series in Koronadal, South Cotobato last May 18, 2021. The event was attended by officials from national government agencies, local chief executives and other stakeholders. This was part of preparations for President Rodrigo Duterte’s sixth and

| May 15-21, 2021

last State of the Nation Address on July 2021, led by the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat (OCS) and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Regional Development Councils (RDCs), chairpersons of the Cabinet Clusters, members of the Cabinet and the Office of the Executive Secretary.

The activity, which was held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, aims to inform constituents in different regions of the various achievements of the Duterte administration, including plans for the remainder of the President’s term. It featured a comprehensive report on measures taken to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic under the National Vaccination Deployment Caraga INFOCUS

Plan (NVDP). Nograles was joined by TESDA Director General and Secretary Isidro Lapeña, PCOO Undersecretary and PIA Director-General Ramon Cualoping III, as well as DOH-Region XII Director Dr. Aristides Tan who all served as resource persons. One of the key issues Nograles discussed was how the Task Force Zero Hunger, which he chairs, was able to focus on programs addressing hunger, poverty and malnutrition in the country, stressing the “importance of proper implementation of the National Food Policy because it will serve as the roadmap to our #GoodbyeGutom advocacy and aims to show the effectivity

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of our whole-of-nation approach involving development partners from the private sector, academe, civil society, people’s organizations and various stakeholders’ groups.” The Malacanang official added that he was focusing on expanding the coverage of the anti-hunger projects in

regions and provinces, foremost of which is the Enhanced Program Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) effort to elevate the livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk and other community-based orgs in the countryside. “Whether we are in Mindanao, in the Visayas, or in Luzon, our fight against hunger and poverty takes primacy. That’s why we actively pursue partnerships with the private sector. Kailangan natin magtulungan. Government cannot do the task alone. We must collaborate for better and more lasting results, all for the benefit of the Filipino people.” May 15-21, 2021 |

CAR, ILOCOS REGION LGUS NAGHAHANDA NA SA MANDANAS RULING — NOGRALES malawakang training at capacity building upang ihanda ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa tuluyang debolusyon ng mga ahensya ng national government. “Hindi ito ganun kadali ngunit tiwala tayo na kapag sapat ang pagsasanay at kahandaan ng mga pinunong lokal, maayos nating maisasakatuparan ang desentralisasyon at debolusyon ng mga serbisyong pambayan,” ayon kay Nograles.

Nograles

“Nakita nating mataas na ang antisipasyon ng mga Mayor dito sa Northern Luzon sa inaabangang pagpapatupad ng Mandanas Ruling na siyang magpapalawak ng partisipasyon ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa delivery ng basic services sa ating mga kababayan.” Ito ang naging pahayag ni Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles na siyang naging pangunahing tagapagsalita sa isinagawang 2021 Regional Planning Conference ng League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) para sa Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at Ilocos Region na isinagawa sa Vigan, Ilocos Sur noong Miyerkules. Ayon sa kalihim ng Gabinete, kinakailangan ang isang

| May 15-21, 2021

Magiging susi umano sa tagumpay nito “ang mga isasagawang malaliman at komprehensibong pagsasanay ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at ang mga sangay na isasalokal ang pangangasiwa.” Bagama’t kulang pa ang mga impormasyon hinggil sa pagpapatupad ng desisyon ng Korte Suprema ukol sa lokal na pangangasiwa ng basic services na kasalukuyang nasa kamay ng national government, nagpahayag naman ng kahandaan ang mga alkalde mula sa CAR at Ilocandia na makibahagi sa mga pagsasanay at “structural and financial reforms” na malaking bahagi ng nasabing desisyon. Ayon sa alkalde ng

Narvacan, Ilocos Sur na si Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson, “handa kaming makipagtulungan sa national government tungkol dito basta bigyan lang kami ng kapasidad na ipatupad ito ng maayos.” “Ikinagagalak naming makasama ngayon si Cabsec Karlo Nograles at mga kasama niya mula sa DBM at DILG bilang pangunang hakbang sa implementasyon ng ruling ng Supreme Court dahil marami sa aming mga kasamahan ang nais matukoy ang dapat nilang gawin sakaling matuloy na nga ang debolusyon,” ayon sa alkalde na, kasama ang anak na si Gov. Ryan Singson, ay ang nagsilbing host ng pagpupulong. Si Mayor Singson ang National President ng LMP, ang organisasyon ng mga alkalde sa buong bansa. Sa nasabing pagpupulong na dinaluhan ng 120 mga mayor mula sa dalawang regiyon sa Norte, inilatag din ni Nograles ang mga programa ng Zero Hunger Task Force na kanyang pinamumunuan, at ang pinakahuling mga polisiyang binalangkas bilang tugon sa pandemyang Covid19 ng Interagency Task Force on the Management of emerging Infectious Diseases, na nangangailangan ng masusing partisipasyon ng mga lokal na pamalaan.

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE CALLS FOR FAIRNESS IN POST-PANDEMIC RECOVERY INITIATIVES Post-pandemic recovery efforts by great powers must not come at the expense of smaller nations, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said, stressing the development of these powerhouses must adhere to international law and norms. In his keynote address during the Nikkei Future of Asia Conference on Friday, President Duterte said the pandemic has not halted the eastward shift of power, noting early recoveries in Asia accelerated it. “We seem to be Caraga INFOCUS

hurtling back to an era of heightened big power competition. This adds another layer of complexity to longstanding security issues in the region,” he said during the conference.

And if Asia is to serve as an engine of global recovery, the Philippine president said all have to act responsibly within a system of norms, commitments, and obligations.

“We have to resolve “Great powers must resist our disputes peacefully the temptation to pursue according to interests at the expense international law. We of smaller countries, have to work together – in plain defiance of not against each other international law.” – to achieve common The pandemic has ends. This is the only way shown nations that zero- to realize the promise sum approaches are self- of a prosperous Asian defeating and futile, the century.” President said, adding what hurts one ends up The President also hurting everyone else. recognized the impacts May 15-21, 2021 |

To address the contagion, he called for greater solidarity for collective, coordinated and comprehensive responses. Inwardlooking policies are counterproductive, he added.

of the pandemic especially in the economic sphere. The global health crisis has accelerated the de-globalization process, he said, noting the lack of connectivity in many parts of Asia can reinforce fragmentation and may possibly result to lost opportunities for trade expansion among developing countries. The Philippines is not blind to the geopolitics of diversification and decoupling, he said, stressing, however, that the country does not see the need to take sides in the ongoing geoeconomic competition among big powers. “We maintain that deficiencies in world trade must be urgently

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addressed. We reaffirm our support for a free and rules-based multilateral trading system,” the President said, believing that the key to recovery and shared prosperity remains the free movement of goods, capital, and services, as well as valuable human resources.

The Philippines, he said, supports all avenues for increased production of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, adding the country has consistently championed universal, fair, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

He also said that equitable access to vaccines is a shared responsibility of nations with the Philippines taking such commitment “The Philippines is ready seriously and at the to be a competitive same time expects actor in an open and fair similar response from its global economy. partners. Despite the pandemic, opportunities for growth remain.”

During the conference, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to Japan and other President Duterte also partners in the COVAX tackled the current fight facility, which, he against COVID-19, saying said, benefited many nations can draw many developing countries lessons from the ongoing including the Philippines. global health crisis. PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga discuss matters during a phone call at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on May 19, 2021. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT DUTERTE TACKLES SOUTH CHINA SEA, SECURITY ISSUES WITH JAPANESE PM SUGA President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discussed the South China Sea and regional security issues during a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Malacañang said in a statement Wednesday. During the phone conversation, President Duterte emphasized the need for cooperation on promoting domain awareness, maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight and maritime connectivity and commerce. At the same time, the Filipino leader underscored the need to recognize and work for the peaceful settlement of disputes, stating that the

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eruption of conflict in the Asia-Pacific region would be harmful to regional interest. Alliances and partnerships, he said, must redound to greater stability in the South China Sea and uphold the broader collective interest of the Asia-Pacific region. The President also expressed his gratitude to Japan for its generous assistance to fight COVID-19, including the 20 billion yen initially approved out of the 50 billion yen PostDisaster Standby Loan. This is on top of 1 billion yen provided by Japan for cold chain development in the Philippines. Prime Minister Suga, for

his part, recognized and expressed his support for the Philippine government’s efforts to address the pandemic. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitments to further strengthen bilateral ties as the Philippines and Japan celebrate this year 65 years of normalized relations and 10 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Suga was supposed to visit the Philippines but postponed his trip to address Japan’s COVID-19 situation. President Duterte expressed the country’s solidarity with the Japanese people in combating the pandemic. PND

May 15-21, 2021 |

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on May 13, 2021. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Philippine maritime assets will continue patrolling the country’s territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has said, reiterating he will not compromise national sovereignty. In his taped address to the nation Thursday, President Duterte described the 2012 standoff in the Scarborough shoal “a poor man’s gamble,” where the Philippines lost control over the sea feature to China. “Kaya ako sabihin ko sa China ngayon, as I’ve said before to repeat: I am not ready to withdraw. I do not want a quarrel, I do not want trouble, I respect your position and you respect mine. But we will not go to war,” President Duterte said. The President insisted there’s nothing wrong in admitting the country’s inferiority in

| May 15-21, 2021

terms of might and power, but this shouldn’t give China the right to bully smaller nations like the Philippines. “Hindi naman masama magprangka ka, ito lang talaga ang kakayanan ko. Pero huwag mo naman akong kayahin. Ngayon, hindi talaga ako aatras. Patayin mo man ako kung patayin mo ako, dito ako. Dito magtatapos ang ating pagkakaibigan.” With regard to the possible intervention by the Americans, in which the Philippines maintains a mutual defense pact, the President said he has no intention of toeing the US’s line. “Please do not include me with you. Baka tingin ninyo sa akin kagaya nitong mga insurektos na ito. Hindi mo ako mapasunod diyan. Basta sinabi ko, you stay put. I die

PHL WILL NOT WITHDRAW FROM CONTESTED WATERS IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS CHINA there, we die there,” he said. The Philippines sent coast guard assets after Chinese vessels entered and remained anchored for some period of time in the country’s territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the President that the Philippine sea assets continue to patrol the area. “Paikot-ikot diyan sa may bandang Kalayaan Island Group natin, Mr. President, hanggang diyan sa Mischief Reef, ‘yong maraming shoal doon, nagpaikot-ikot sila doon,” he said. The President considers China a friend, particularly after the Asian economic giant donated COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines in March. Vaccines from pharmaceutical firm Sinovac continues to form part of the country’s inventory of COVID-19 jabs. PND

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE VOWS TO PROTECT BENHAM RISE The choice is either go to Europe and get technology and capital to explore and exploit the energy resources in the economic zone in West Philippine Sea, or to deal directly with China. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday said the Benham Rise is exclusively Philippine property, stressing he would not allow other nations to intrude in the area except for innocent passage of foreign vessels. Benham rise became a topic for discussion after former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile suggested that the Philippine government exploit the area using resources from economic dealing with China. “I have made it clear to all, to the world, that I will not allow any intrusion there. Well, of course, the right to innocent passage is everybody’s privilege,” President Duterte said during his weekly public address. “But to allow anybody, even to just try to exploit or to even to look in, you know, I will not allow them to do that because that belongs --- Philippine Rise belongs to the Filipino people.” Enrile, who was a guest during the President’s Talk to the People, suggested that whatever the country can get from China on the West Philippine Sea, it must be used to strengthen the Philippine military capability and to exploit Benham Rise. The former Senate leader said that assuming there’s no dispute about the country’s right over exclusive economic exploitation of West Philippine Sea assets, it still needs foreign money to make it a source of wealth for the nation.

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China, he said, is now very advanced in terms of energy exploration, having major operations in Africa and elsewhere. “As far as I am concerned, we will not gain anything by antagonizing China. I’m not proChina. I’m not... I do not have any interest in China,” he said. “But as a Filipino, I will take this position to protect my countrymen, to protect our core territory, to protect our economy. Maybe we can get better by talking with China instead of being aggressive.” Benham Rise is a 13 million hectare under sea region east of Luzon and is 35 meters underwater at its shallowest point off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela. In April 2012, the United Nation (UN) officially approved and recognized the claim of the Philippines in strict compliance with the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Wider than the entire Luzon, Samar, and Leyte combined, it became official part of the Philippines because it is the only country within 200 nautical miles of the plateau. UN’s recognition enables the Philippines to extract abundant mineral, oil and natural gas of Benham Rise, which is believed to have mineral and gas deposits, providing the country with its own energy source. PND

May 15-21, 2021 |

FORMER SENATE LEADER LAUDS PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S APPROACH IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s balanced approach in dealing with China amid the yearslong dispute over contested territories in the West Philippine Sea has helped the country survive difficult periods, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said on Monday. “Mr. President, I congratulate you for your effort to see to it that the country will survive in these critical times. Hindi dapat gamitin ang mainit na kaisipan na kagaya ng mga kritiko natin. Dapat balanced lang approach natin at mahinahon,” Enrile told President Duterte in a meeting about the West Philippine Sea issue. The former Senate president, who was a guest during the President’s Talk to People aired Monday night, said the West Philippine Sea is being coveted by different claimants because of its strategic importance economically and militarily. Enrile, who also served as the country’s defense minister in the 70s, said 7 billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas were proven to lie underneath the West Philippine Sea, making it a treasure cove of rich natural resources. Being one of the leading

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Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile shares his narrative with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte regarding the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea prior to the President’s talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on May 17, 2021. ALBERTO ALCAIN/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

countries in energy exploration, he explained that by maintaining friendly relations with China, Philippines could strike a good deal to tap its energy resources. Otherwise, Philippines would need to borrow money from foreign banks to fund energy exploration, he pointed out. “We’ll lose more if we antagonize China. We have no choice except to negotiate with China,” said Enrile. “Maybe we can get better by talking with China instead of being aggressive.”

you very well. If I were in your place, I would have --- I would have done the same thing. What else can a President of this country do under our present national circumstance?” he told the President. For his part, President Duterte said he did his best in pushing the country’s best interests with regard to foreign policy. As a result, he said, Philippines secured its first tranche of coronavirus vaccine from China through donation.

At the same time, Enrile said that the President, being elected by the Filipino people, has the sole duty to frame the country’s foreign policy, and this is true to true to other nations.

Noting the country’s efforts being met with harsh criticism from the opposition, the chief executive said the best way to move forward is to downplay administration critics and for him to just continue fulfilling his mandates as president.

It is the highest political act of a president, and the former lawmaker wondered why people keep talking without understanding this system. “Only history will judge you. And I think that history will judge

“Well, maybe I will just ignore my critics so to not derail me from my official duties. And I will just say that well, after talking to Senator Enrile, I --- you guys have become irrelevant to me,” he said. PND

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GOV’T TO PRIORITIZE POOR FAMILIES, POLICEMEN IN MASS INOCULATION DRIVE Poor Filipinos, the members of the police and the military should also be prioritized in the ongoing government mass immunization drive against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has said. In a public address aired on Tuesday, the President reminded National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. that police officers, as well as soldiers, should be put on the priority list, adding vaccines should be immediately administered to people to avoid wastage. “Sundalo pati pulis, lahat. Pati itong --- kung madala ‘yang pamilya nila, okay na, tutal nandiyan na ‘yong mga bakuna,” he said. “Kaya as many as we can, kung maaari lang day and night para we will not have a stock of spoiled medication. Dito nga sabi ko unahin ko na ‘yong --- pauna ko ‘yong mga pulis pati military because sila ‘yong asahan ko.” The President underscored the importance of the role of the members of the police

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and the military in keeping peace and order, and protecting the country. “They group together, so they must have the vaccine. So sabi mo ngayon na give them the priority. Pati ‘yong pamilya nila okay na rin… As long as there are the vaccines, we will give it to everybody.” People in poor communities should also be prioritized because of their vulnerabilities of contracting the virus, given the cramped condition in informal settler areas, the President said. “Ito namang mga squatters ang bahay nila dikit-dikit, so the transmission is really as fast as the virus can travel,” the President said. “At saka, they --- alam mo na, they tend to forget the protocols.” He argued that wealthy families living in “well-off” subdivisions are less exposed to COVID-19 because they have more living space and can easily isolate. He made an assurance, however, that they will be vaccinated in

due time. The reason why indigent families must be on the top list, President Duterte said, is because of the emergence of more infectious COVID-19 strains, which were already detected in the country. The India variant, believed to be another contagious strain, appeared in genome sequencing done by experts tracking dominant COVID-19 variants. The government reported that the new variant was detected from Filipino workers returning to the Philippines. Prioritizing the poor will give the government elbow room to shield them from the virus considering their financial inadequacies, according to the President. He also underscored that it is the government’s “sacred duty” to look after the poor Filipinos first, especially since they are always at the mercy of their poverty particularly in terms of medical care. PND

May 15-21, 2021 |

HEALTH CHIEF REPORTS CONTINUING DECLINE IN COVID-19 CASES Government interventions seemed to start having an effect after the country’s health chief has reported a declining number of COVID-19 cases in the country. In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country’s two-week growth rate last week fell to negative 24 percent from negative 22 percent while the average daily attack rate (ADAR) dropped to 5.95 cases per 100,000 population.

“At nananatiling nasa moderate risk naman ang NCR (National Capital Region) kung saan negative 46 percent na from negative 39 percent ang kanilang two-week growth rate,” he said in his report.

Despite the improving situation in Metro Manila, Duque has observed an uptick in COVID-19 infections in 10 regions nationwide.

“Ibig pong sabihin nito, bumabagal na po ang pagdagdag o ang paglaki ng kaso at ang two-week growth rate at ang 13.44 naman ang ating ADAR mula po sa 24.9 cases per 100,000 population.”

These regions include Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, Zamboanga Peninsula and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Duque also reported that the healthcare utilization rate in the Philippines had decreased from 54 percent in April to 46 percent as of May 16.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said the government should continue to improve its COVID-19 programs in the face of new coronavirus variants.

He noted a 23 percent drop in the healthcare utilization rate for NCR – from 68 percent last month to 45 percent as of May 16.

With the emergence of more dangerous COVID-19 variants, the chief executive said the country must prepare for the worst.

He said that the ICU bed utilization rate in the NCR has dropped from 88 percent to 56 percent.

“If at all, and with the advent of new variants, it is good to prepare for a more serious attack,” President Duterte said.

The NCR Plus was put under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from May 15 to May 31 in a bid to curb the virus.

According to the President, the Philippine government is maintaining and recalibrating its preparedness in response to the threats posed by the mutated variants.

Duque encouraged local government units (LGUs) to continue enforcing localized or granular lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“Kung medyo palapit nang palapit na at marami nang tinatamaan, then we will go full blast in making everything operational,” he added. PND

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Duque

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PH GETS 500K MORE CORONAVAC VACCINE DOSES By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MORE VAX. The Philippines on Thursday (May 20, 2021) received 500,000 more doses of government-procured CoronaVac, bringing the country’s total stockpile of the vaccine so far to 5.5 million. The latest batch arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 7:35 a.m. via a commercial Cebu Pacific flight. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

The Philippines on Thursday received 500,000 more doses of CoronaVac, the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech, bringing the country’s total stockpile of the vaccine so far to 5.5 million.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque and Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary Robert Borje, welcomed the arrival of the new Sinovac jabs.

In an interview with The latest batch of reporters, Duque said government-procured the presidential directive CoronaVac arrived at the is that there should be Ninoy Aquino International no more choosing of Airport at 7:35 a.m. via a the brand of Covid-19 commercial Cebu Pacific vaccines as it potentially flight. delays the vaccinations

| May 15-21, 2021

and the goal of achieving herd immunity. “Kaya ako po ako ay nakikiusap sa ating mga kababayan ‘wag na po tayo mamili dahil lahat po ng bakunang ito ay talagang nasuri. Napaka-malawakang at malakihang pagsusuri ang ginawa para siguraduhin na sila ay ligtas, dekalidad, epektibo (I am appealing to our countrymen, let us not choose vaccines. These vaccines all underwent Caraga INFOCUS

a study to ensure that these are safe, good quality and effective),” Duque said. “Lahat po yan ay garantisadong maayos (All vaccines are guaranteed good quality).” He said people intentionally delaying getting vaccinated suffer the risk of contracting Covid-19 the more time they wait. “Kasi magaantay ka kung ano gusto mo. So mapupunta ka ulit sa pinakahuli. Between the waiting time at tsaka yung mahuhuli ka, pwede ka magka-Covid (if you wait for the vaccine that you prefer, you have to wait for your turn at a later time. Between the waiting time, you could contract Covid-19),” he warned. The Philippines has so far received over 8.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, including 5.5 million Sinovac jabs, 2,556,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, 30,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, and 193,050 doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine. Vaccination program exceeds 3 million-mark Caraga INFOCUS

National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the Philippines has breached the three-million mark in its Covid-19 vaccination program.

A5 groups. Government-procured vaccines will be for A1 to A4. Next deliveries The COVAX Facility will deliver 2.2 million of PfizerBioNTech and two million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines between May and June, according to Galvez.

Out of a total of 3,299,470 administered vaccine doses, 2,512,942 Filipinos have received their first shot, while 786,528 are fully vaccinated. “We are glad that we are seeing a quite stable On May 15, the Philippines delivery of vaccines,” he recorded the highest one- said. day utilization of 120,529 doses. The government has allocated PHP82.5 billion The government for the procurement of is focusing on the vaccines, with PHP58 immunization of residents billion borrowed through of the National Capital the Asian Development Region, Bulacan, Laguna, Bank, World Bank, and Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, Asian Infrastructure and Batangas, as well Investment Bank. as from Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. “We have already spent about PHP4.5 million The inoculation of priority for Sinovac jabs and groups under categories advance payment for A4 (government and the Gamaleya vaccines, other front-liners) and and also our advance for A5 (indigent) may begin Moderna. We also have in June once a steady ongoing financing and we supply is available. haven’t released it yet,” Galvez said. Vaccines from the COVAX Facility will be used for the The government targets to A1 (healthcare workers), vaccinate 50 to 70 million A2 (elderly), A3 (persons this year to achieve herd with comorbidities), and immunity. (PNA) May 15-21, 2021 |

(Photo courtesy of NTF Facebook)

PH VACCINATION PROGRAM EXCEEDS 3 MILLION By Lade Jean Kabagani

The Philippines has breached the threemillion mark in its Covid-19 vaccination program. At the Palace press briefing on Tuesday, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said that 3,114,847 doses have been administered nationwide since March 1. On May 15, the Philippines recorded the highest one-day

| May 15-21, 2021

utilization of 120,529 doses. Another 500,000 doses of Sinovac jabs are also arriving on Thursday. The government’s stockpile will reach 7,753,450 doses this month and 10,050,000 next month. “So far, we are holding grand preparation to achieve herd immunity through the focus and expand strategy at the centers of gravity,” Galvez said in Filipino.

The government is focusing on the immunization of residents of the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, and Batangas, as well as from Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. The inoculation of priority groups under categories A4 (government and other front-lines) and A5 (indigent) may begin in June once a steady supply is available. “We will announce next Caraga INFOCUS

week, just in case we will start vaccinating A4 and A5,” he said. Vaccines from the COVAX facility will be used for the A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (elderly), A3 (persons with comorbidities), and A5 groups.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The COVAX facility will deliver 2.2 million of Pfizer-BioNTech and two million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines Maintain safety protocols Further, Galvez noted between May and June, that while the production according to Galvez. NTF Deputy Chief Implementer and testing of various vaccine makers is increasing, the “We are glad that we czar Secretary Vince delivery of Covid-19 jabs are seeing a quite stable Dizon also appealed to in the country is getting delivery of vaccines,” he the public to continue stable. said. adhering to minimum health standards “So far, the delivery Galvez also noted that while the nationwide of COVAX facility is there is a significant vaccination program is currently stable and our increase in the ongoing. other procured vaccines vaccination capacity of are coming in,” he said, local government units. Dizon said the noting that the delivery Department of Health volume of Covid-19 “So far, we have will issue guidelines vaccines will increase recorded more than for the A4 and A5 next month. 120,000 jabs a day. It vaccination in the is very promising,” he coming days. “Between March and added. Everyone who wishes April, the vaccines came to avail of Covid-19 in trickles but now the The NTF is divided jabs are urged to vaccines are being into three mandates register for the Covid-19 delivered in millions,” he operating through vaccination program. said. response cluster, vaccine cluster, and recovery “We will make it Next deliveries cluster. (PNA) (registration) easier Government-procured vaccines will be for A1 to A4.

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and more simplified so we can fast-track the vaccination program,” said Dizon.

May 15-21, 2021 |

FILIPINOS REMINDED TO OBSERVE HEALTH PROTOCOLS IN VAX SITES By Kris Crismundo

The National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) has reminded Filipinos to strictly observe minimum health standards in vaccination sites following the incident in a mall in Parañaque City where people crowded to get vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine. In a Palace briefing Tuesday, NTF deputy chief implementer Vivencio Dizon said the recent incident showed improving confidence on Covid-19 vaccines. “I think what happened in the Parañaque, and happening elsewhere, is that we are already seeing that the confidence of our people to get vaccinated is increasing. But of course, we can’t help but some of our countrymen have biases as to what vaccine they want to receive,” he said in Filipino.

| May 15-21, 2021

File photo

Dizon assured Filipinos that all the vaccines that have been arriving in the country are safe and effective. As the incident in a Parañaque mall also implies that more Filipinos prefer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Dizon challenged the vaccine manufacturer to ramp up its supply. Some 193,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines arrived in the country last week. “It is important to get all of us vaccinated quickly. But when we go for our vaccination, we must never forget to follow the minimum health standards—wearing of face mask, face shield, and proper distancing,” Dizon said.

Meanwhile, the NTF official said the vaccine cluster and the Department of Health will soon release the guidelines for the vaccination of economic and national government front-liners under the A4 priority list. Dizon said the registration for the A4 category will be simplified to accelerate the vaccination for this priority group. He said the A4 group will be getting the vaccines purchased by the government. He added the vaccine cluster, other agencies, and local government units (LGUs) should intensify their cooperation with private sector companies for the vaccination of the A4 category. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

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