Caraga InFocus – May 16-22, 2020

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7

16 - 22 May 2020

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REGIONAL NEWS Hydroponics, a good way to be productive during community quarantine 60,000 Caraga farmers to benefit from DA’s rice resiliency project Health worker in Caraga tested positive for COVID-19 DOH confirms 4th COVID-19 case in Caraga New LTO registration, license scheme start in Butuan Operasyon ng ARBOs sa Caraga, patuloy kahit may banta ng COVID-19 PNP-13 advisory body gives aid to excops amid pandemic

Volume IV, No. 21

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Pedicab drivers benefit from PNP’s ‘Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko’ program

AgSur farmers serve food amid COVID-19 ARBs lead by example in time with COVID-19 crisis DAR-AgSur links farmers’ goods as LGU’s aid during COVID-19 Higit P100,000 halaga ng smuggled na kahoy, nakumpiska sa Rosario, AgSur Agusan Norte coop gets P1.2-M equipment from DAR Coop gives food aid to ‘Pakyawan’ workers, janitors at Surigao port PMO Surigao turns idle areas to vegetable gardens Surigao Sur town starts ‘oplan sundo’

IP community receives relief goods in Caraga LGUs gear up SurSur town MINDANAO NEWS implementation of ‘Balik P3.56-B 2020 budget for Marawi rehab 33 approved: TFBM chair Probinsya Program’ ‘Balik Probinsya’ pushes rural dev’t

35 NATIONAL NEWS 37 39 40 44

Andanar touts TV-based learning using gov’t networks P16.4-B subsidies released to 2.1M small business workers Launching of BP2 shows Duterte’s political will, commitment: Go Fund for federalism returned to boost Covid-19 funding: Andanar

COVID-19 NEWS

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Medialdea says PH not on 2nd wave of Covid-19 Private sector to lead Covid-19 infection rate study PRRD wants immediate purchase of Covid-19 vaccine once available Marikina subjects returning employees to Covid-19 testing PRRD adviser pushes use of RTKs to test asymptomatic persons

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News Briefs The LTFRB issued guidelines on public transport operations across the country with principal consideration on safety of the public and compliance to public health standards, said LTFRB chairperson Atty. Martin Delgra during the Laging Handa Public Briefing.

Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (Community Action Towards Development) (SIKAP), a local civil society organization (CSO), and the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) have expressed their commitment to help the DOH in communicating to the communities thru leaflets and other IECs on how to help protect the pregnant women and all other vulnerable sectors in this crisis situation on COVID-19. SIKAP also cited that they are providing dignity kits (containing hygiene and sanitary items) to pregnant women in the different barangays.

PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar underscored the crucial role of the information officers in combatting COVID-19. He said that as communication frontliners, they not only gather data and provide correct and relevant information to the public buy also fight against the proliferation of false information about the virus.

On Public Transport Guidelines under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ), the DOTr said that with the new normal, wearing of face mask and social distancing measures shall be observed at all times in the seaports, airports, trains, and other transport facilities and PUVs.

Caraga LGUs gear up implementation of ‘Balik Probinsya Program’

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

B

UTUAN CITY - The local government unit (LGU) of San Fancisco in the province of Agusan del Sur has recorded more than 40 individuals who were fetched at the provincial boundary from the nearby provinces.

They comprised the third batch of the list of stranded local individuals, and have undergone the required health protocols and other preventive measures of the said LGU.

With the help of the PHILTRANCO, the company provided several bus units that were used by the respective LGUs in fetching the stranded individuals and these buses also complied with the required protocol including social

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distancing for its passengers.

The LGU-La Paz of said province was also able to fetch stranded locals from the high risk areas of the country and brought them back to

their hometown in Caraga region. The the processes on the health protocols establishment of quarantine facilities is that you have to undergo when you also underway. reach our town,” said Lumanta.

More than 100 individuals have also returned safely to the municipality of Trento, Agusan del Sur through the help of the LGU, and facilitated the conduct of rapid testing to each of them.

Allen Joe Lumanta, information officer of LGU-Trento also reminded stranded local individuals to closely coordinate with their barangay officials before returning or traveling back to their hometown.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Caraga also continues to implement the government’s “Hatid Estudyante Program”, wherein more than 500 students who comprised the first batch were able to benefit the said program and safely returned home. These were the students of the Mindanao State University (MSU) from the cities of Marawi and Iligan.

“To all the stranded Trentohanons, please closely coordinate with your respective barangay so they could also help facilitate your safe return. The local government unit will also do its part in ensuring your safety and will facilitate

LTFRB-Caraga regional director Ma. Kristina Cassion emphasized that this program really helps the students who were stranded since march of this year due to COVID-19 pandemic.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga) May 16-22, 2020 |

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REGIONAL NEWS

Hydroponics, a good way to be productive during community quarantine

By Vanessa P. Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY - In the midst of a global pandemic, a man turns a negative situation into a positive one.

With the city of Butuan placed Tingas turned into backyard vegetable under community quarantine, forcing gardening to put his time to good use. people to stay at home to prevent the spread of the COVID 19, Bryan Tingas said that when the May 16-22, 2020 |

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community quarantine was implemented last March, their office also implemented a work from home policy. It was then that he decided to utilize the vacant space in their yard to have a vegetable garden.

Since the space is limited, he also used some empty containers and planted them with vegetables. In addition, he put up his own hydroponics, a method of gardening that uses no soil, but instead grows plants in a solution of water and nutrients.

Tingas said that he thought of having the hydroponics since this planting method is less laborious and does not require a lot of time for management which he said would be good once work resumes and he would have less time to tend to his garden.

“With hydroponics, there is no need to water the plants daily so you save time as well as water,” Tingas shared.

protect them from too much heat. He also said that he did not spend much on the materials since he just asked for the Styrofoam boxes from fruit vendors.

“Although the space is limited, I was still able to plant various vegetables, you just need to be resourceful in doing things,” Tingas said.

Tingas said that their garden has served as their own food source. “We have since been harvesting vegetables from our garden and I am glad that I am able to support the food security advocacy of the Department of

He said that he researched Agriculture,” he said. on the internet on how to establish hydroponics. He then prepared Moreover, Tingas said that he the needed materials such as the hopes to inspire other people to also styrofoam boxes, paper cups, the have their own backyard vegetable nutrient solution, seeds, and the nets gardens so that they too can provide he used for shading. Tingas said that nutritious and chemical-free foods for the roofing or shade is necessary if their families. (DA Caraga-RAFIS/PIA you are planting leafy vegetables to Caraga)

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60,000 Caraga farmers to benefit from DA’s rice resiliency project BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) accelerates its support to boost rice productivity in the Caraga region under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP).

As part of the DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program (Agri4Ps), also known as the Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat kontra COVID-19, the RRP targets to increase the local rice production amid global trade uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.

For the year 2020, Caraga region is expected to increase its yield by at least 0.58 metric tons per hectare or an equivalent of 55,295 metric tons yield increment with the P207 million allocations under the RRP.

be implemented including the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund

Around 60,000 local rice farmers in (RCEF) Enhanced, the Expanded Inbred the region will benefit the intervention. Rice Production, and the Expanded Three subprojects of the project will Hybrid Rice Production.

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Rice farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) will be able to avail of the farm input subsidies under RRP.

“COVID-19 is a major threat to our food security, but DA took the challenge to continue to implement resiliency programs and projects. The distribution of high-yielding seeds and fertilizers is strategically distributed by the five provinces in the region in coordination with the local government units,” said DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo.

Under RCEF Enhanced, areas in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur will receive inbred certified seeds. A total of 96,116 bags of fertilizers will be distributed to complement the distribution of inbred seeds covering the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) targeted 48,058 hectares of rice areas.

This will be distributed strategically in suitable areas.

Further, the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) registered hybrid and inbred rice varieties recommended for the season and locality will be procured by the DA while the fertilizers will be

The Expanded Inbred Rice obtained by the national office.

Production subproject is intended for Achieving higher productivity in the farmers not included in the RCEF program. Certified seeds for 6,030 rice would entail the use of high-quality hectares will be distributed to farmers seeds and sufficient fertilization based alongside with 12,060 bags of fertilizer. on scientific soil study.

Provision of fertilizers to farmers who use good seeds or home-saved seeds is included about 3,824 bags will be distributed for 1,912 hectares rice area for this wet planting season.

Including in the intervention is the distribution of hybrid seeds under the Expanded Hybrid Rice Production subproject for 7,976 hectares with 23,928.

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“Aside from the RRP intervention, the Department will also work to improve the support infrastructures for the rice farmers such as the small-scale irrigation systems, machinery, and postharvest facilities and access to credit and financing to ensure the increased rice production in the region,” said Director Monteagudo. (DA Caraga/ PIA Caraga)

Health worker in Caraga tested positive for COVID-19

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

BUTUAN CITY - A health worker in Caraga tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), as confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga.

The patient is a 37-year-old female and a health worker in Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH), one of the two COVID-19 referral hospitals in the region.

The number of cases in the region has now totalled to four. The first three cases have recovered from the disease.

The health department reports that the patient remains asymptomatic and is now isolated and admitted to the said hospital for needed observation, monitoring, and follow-up tests.

The CRH is now ensuring the full implementation of conducting tests to at-risk health care workers that have been exposed to the disease, as mandated by the DOH Department Memorandum 2020-0180. The DOH National has also extended human resource augmentation and will be deploying 19 health workers in the said health facility.

the samples of suspected cases in the region has tested negative. The 15 suspected cases are presently admitted to CRH, Butuan Doctors’ Hospital, Butuan Medical CenterAnnex, D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, Manuel J. Santos Hospital, and Nasipit Meanwhile, the latest batch of District Hospital. (DMNR/PIACaraga) May 16-22, 2020 |

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DOH confirms 4th COVID-19 case in Caraga BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga confirms the fourth COVID-19 case in the region based on the RT-PCR results received from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

The fourth confirmed case is a 37 year old, female, and a health worker from Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH). Per hospital protocol, all health workers are required to undergo strict facility quarantine following the tour of duty from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) dedicated ward. The health worker remains asymptomatic after fourteen days of strict health facility quarantine but is now admitted to the said health facility for observation, monitoring and follow-up test.

“We are doing all means to protect, isolate and actively monitor the condition of the affected individual,” DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said.

Pursuant to DOH Department Memorandum 2020-0180, at-risk health care workers with no symptoms but has a relevant history of contact to COVID-19 will be tested. Thus, CHDCaraga fully implemented such policy to protect health care workers and

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their families.

“Likewise, the DOH National has granted our request to provide nineteen health care workers in CRH as human resource augmentation while we ensure that all health care teams have enough personal protective equipment,” the health chief stressed.

Meanwhile, 15 RT-PCR laboratory results from suspect cases are negative for COVID-19. These cases are from patients admitted at Butuan Doctors’ Hospital, Butuan Medical CenterAnnex, D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, Manuel J. Santos Hospital, Nasipit District Hospital, and Caraga Regional Hospital.

As of this time, DOH Caraga has already recorded a total of four confirmed COVID-19 cases in which the first three have already been discharged and recovered. (DOH Caraga/PIA Caraga)

New LTO registration, license scheme start in Butuan

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY - After more than a month of temporarily ceasing operations following the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Land Transportation Office in Caraga Region (LTO-13) said its district office here has already resumed operation.

RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS. Department of Transportation-Caraga Acting Director Nordy Plaza (right) and Land Transportation Office-Caraga operations chief Urbano Maglines Jr. discuss to reporters the new issuances and circulars being implemented by the agency after the resumption of their operations on May 13, 2020. The agency temporarily ceased operations following the community quarantine imposed in the entire region to contain the coronavirus disease 2019. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

“The operation of all district offices of LTO here reopened last May 13 with the implementation of the new registration and licensing scheme at the district office in Butuan,” said Engr. Nordy Plaza, the Acting Regional Director of the Department of Transportation in the Caraga Region (DOTR-13) in an interview Thursday (May 21).

Transportation Management System (LTMS), applicants for new licenses will have to undergo 15 days of schooling in driving before they are given student permits (SPs).

“There are 24 pilot sites all over the country where the LTMS is being implemented and LTO Butuan City is among them,” he said, adding that Plaza said that under the new Land other LTO districts in the region will May 16-22, 2020 |

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continue to follow the usual scheme in issuing registrations and licenses.

Plaza also told reporters that in the week since resuming their operations, LTO-Butuan City has already collected around PHP2 million in revenues with 1,337 registration of motor vehicles.

In the Agusan del Sur district office in Prosperidad town, a total of PHP1.5 million revenues were already collected during the period with 662 motor vehicle registrations.

“Other LTO districts have not yet submitted their reports as they are still consolidating their data,” Plaza said.

He also reminded the public to follow the protocols set under the general community quarantine (GCQ) as they come to LTO offices to transact business.

“Always wear your facemasks, apply disinfectants in your hands and observe physical distancing while transacting business at LTO and other offices of DOTr in the region,” Plaza said.

Meanwhile, Urbano Maglines Jr., the chief of operations of LTOCaraga, also told reporters Thursday that the law enforcement division of LTO-Caraga and in the district offices are now implementing the provisions of Memorandum Circular No. 2002185 that sets regulations on roads and highways during the imposition of GCQ.

enforcement personnel and staff were dispatched in quarantine checkpoints as front-liners while the others were tasked in the free-ride program of LTO for health workers,” Maglines said.

With the implementation of the GCQ, law enforcement personnel of LTO-13 are now tasked to check the licenses and other pertinent papers of drivers based on the provisions of the new circular, he added.

The circular also requires drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to wear face masks and gloves and follow safe physical distancing, Maglines said.

He said the same rule applies to commuters of PUVs and to the drivers of public, private and government “During the lockdowns, our law vehicles. (PNA)

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Operasyon ng ARBOs sa Caraga, patuloy kahit may banta ng COVID-19

By Nora C. Lanuza

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Kahit may banta ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa rehiyon ng Caraga, patuloy pa ring kumikita ang mga Agrarian Reform Beneficiries Organizations o ARBOs. Ito ay batay na rin sa record ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Patuloy ang paghatid ng ARBOs ng kanilang mga produkto kagaya ng bigas, gulay, itlog at marami pang iba sa iba’t ibang market centers ng rehiyon lalo na’t nakaquarantine ang mga tao. Base sa record ng DAR noong

Mayo 8, 2020, umabot sa P51,803,696 ang naging kita sa buong rehiyon.

Sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte na may 1,430 ARBs umabot ito ng P16,855,740.70; Agusan del May 16-22, 2020 |

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Sur na may 9,895 ARBs ay umabot sa P32,867,466.30; sa Surigao del Norte at pati na rin ang probinsya ng Dinagat Islands na may 201 ARBs ay umabot din sa P1,304,081.20; at ang Surigao del Sur na may 446 ARBs ay umabot din sa P776,408.00 ang kita.

putol ang tulong at aktibidades na ibinibigay ng DAR sa mga ARBs kahit paman may COVID-19 pandemic.

Maliban sa social amelioration ng gobyerno nagbigay din ang DAR ng food packs sa mga ARBs at patuloy din ang pagbibigay ng mga pahiram sa tulong na din ng Department of

Ayon pa kay DAR Caraga Agriculture at iba pang ahensya.

Director Leomides Villareal, patuloy nilang tinutulongan ang mga ARBOs Nagbigay din daw ang mga ng rehiyon, upang patuloy din silang ARBs sa mga local government units kikita kahit paman sa COVID-19 ng kanilang mga produkto kung kaya’t pandemic. mas lalong tumaas ang kanilang mga kita dahil sa kanila kumukuha ang mga

Dagdag pa ni Villareal, walang ito. (NCLM)

PNP-13 advisory body gives aid to ex-cops amid pandemic

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine National Police Regional Advisory Council in Caraga Region (PNP-RAC-13) has reached out to retired PNP personnel, giving them food packs amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

Ryan Culima, the vice-chairman of PNP-RAC-13, told the Philippine News Agency Saturday that the outreach activity started Friday with the visit to the families of five retired police personnel in here.

of Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), handed over five kilos of rice, canned goods, and packs of noodles.

“The activity last Friday was the opening of this continuing reach out program for the retirees of the PNP in

During the visits, Culima and Col. the region,” Culima said, pointing out Jerry Protacio, the regional chief of staff that the PNP retirees are also affected

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REACHING OUT. Members of the Philippine National Police Regional Advisory Council in Caraga Region, led by vice-chairman Ryan Culima (right), and Col. Jerry Protacio (left), the regional chief of staff of Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), hand over food packs to a retired PNP police officer in Butuan City on Friday, May 15.

The initiative is part of the council’s effort to help police retirees amid the 2019 coronavirus disease crisis. (Photo courtesy of PNP-RAC-13)

by the pandemic.

donations of private persons and civic groups in Butuan and other parts of the

“Considering their ages, they now region. have medicines for maintenance and required to have a good diet. With the “Most of the retirees we visited quarantines imposed, most of them, as Friday were teary-eyed upon seeing senior citizens, are no longer allowed PNP personnel in uniform. They recalled to go out. Reaching out to them is very the days when they were still active important nowadays,” Culima said. in their duties rendering services to communities and residents in Caraga

Aside from handing out food Region,” Culima said. packs, PNP-RAC-13 members also expressed PNP’s recognition and He said that aside from the retirees, gratitude for the services of the retirees. the council also distributed food packs to poor families living near the

Culima said part of the funds used headquarters of PRO-13 in Barangay to purchase food packs come from Libertad, Butuan City. (PNA) May 16-22, 2020 |

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Pedicab drivers benefit from PNP’s ‘Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko’ program

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – A total of 26 “padyak” or pedicab drivers have benefited from the relief goods distributed by the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADS-PPO), under the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” or “My Fellow, My Responsibility” Program of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This program aims to help the drivers and their family cope with their daily needs of food supply amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

are affected by the crisis and are busy securing people’s safety against lawless elements and invisible enemy the COVID-19.

Police Colonel Ringo Zarsozo, provincial director of PNP-Agusan del Sur and Police Captain Joselito Delos Santos led the distribution of food packs to the driver-beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries were delighted to receive the food packs which were personally handed to them by the PNP personnel. They were also thankful for the assistance since there would now be available food for their respective According to Police Captain Delos families.

Santos, their personnel and officers had contributed from their own pocket and

They were thankful to the PNP were able to collect the certain amount for their assistance even if they too and bought some basic commodities May 16-22, 2020 |

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intended for more than 100 indigent The official added that while they beneficiaries, who are affected by the perform their duties and responsibilities COVID-19 crisis. as frontliners, they also help those who are in need especially in this trying

“This is a concerted effort of our times. personnel and officers through their financial contribution that enabled us The team would also distribute to buy the basic commodities which some relief goods to the indigent we intend to distribute to the indigent- families in the different barangays families in our area of responsibility,� within their area of responsibility. (JPG/ bared Delos Santos.

PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AgSur farmers serve food amid COVID-19

By Rechel D. Besonia,

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has started, and with the imposed community quarantine, one scene has been common -- some food shelves in the grocery stores were empty as people flock to buy food for their families.

As regular shoppers stock rice, harvesting the nation’s food supply bread, meat, and other commodities, often without sick pay or health farmers are in the fields, planting and insurance.

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The farmers face the same daunting difficulties as those in the front lines. Behind every grain and food in our table are farmer’s blood sweat and tears. They sacrifice their lives for us to survive. And yet, they are the ones who are most affected at this trying time.

kung makalusot pa ba me ug ma deliver ba namo ang among bugas paingon sa Bislig (We are really worried at first because we never know if we can pass through and deliver rice to Bislig),” chairperson Reynaldo Maido said.

The worst humanitarian crisis in the world today is upsetting, well beyond the immediate health threat. It is evolving day by day with an undefined future, subverting the economy at large and pushing more farmers closer to the edge.

However, prior to the scheduled delivery, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur through the instruction of PARPO II Jamil P. Amatonding Jr. has helped the coop secure their food pass.

The dropdown of buying price of commodities, the impeded movement caused by lockdown, the submission to health protocols at the checkpoints, the difficulties of securing food pass, the absence of a potential market, are but some of the few struggles our farmers have to face nowadays.

“We are reminded by DAR Regional Director Leomides Villareal upon instructions of Secretary John R. Castriciones, in line with the call of President Duterte for food sufficiency and lessen the burden of the farmers in selling their farm produce,” he said.

The implementation of food passes is to ensure unhampered delivery of food and other agricultural commodities to various areas and markets amid the enforcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The La Fortuna Multipurpose Cooperative (LAMUPCO) in Veruela, Agusan del Sur, under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) has an existing contract with Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital in Bislig City for the supply of rice, hence, they are ensured of a market that is “Daku kaayo ang among much secure than the others. pasalamat sa tabang sa DAR aron kami makakuha ug food pass para

However, with the existing ma deliver namo ang among bugas situation nowadays, the coop fear for sa Bislig, mapadayon ang income sa the effect of the crisis, especially with among kooperatiba ug makatabang the established health protocols at the pud me ug dako ngadto sa hospital checkpoints.

(We are thankful to DAR for helping us in securing our food pass so that we

“Dako jud ang among kabalaka can continue to deliver rice to Bislig sa primero tungod wala kami kabalo and maintain the coop’s income, at May 16-22, 2020 |

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the same time we can be of help to the Veruela, Agusan del Sur. hospital),” said LAMUPCO Chairman Reynaldo Maido.

PARPO Amatonding said that the department will never stop extending

It can be recalled that on March help to the farmers especially in this 25, 2020, LAMUPCO was able to deliver trying time. “We would like to assure a total of 66 sacks of rice to Andres our farmers that we value their heroic Soriano Memorial Hospital (ASMH) in deeds despite the hurdles and that we Bislig City, 50 sacks to Barangay LGU of are behind them as they exist to feed La Fortuna and 200 sacks for Barangay the world,” he said. (DAR-Agusan del LGU of Sampaguita and Poblacion, Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

ARBs lead by example in time with COVID-19 crisis

By Rechel D. Besonia

Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances hit us for which we simply cannot prepare. The health crisis nowadays causes unspeakable pain to everyone especially for those unfortunate individuals earning daily.

When people are searching for meaning and a reason to hope, there is, however, some organizations that begin to heal by taking actions that demonstrate compassion towards each other.

The Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Inc. (FPPI) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ARB MPC), an organization assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform

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(DAR) in the province has unleashed a compassionate response to some 681 members who were also ARBs by giving them their economic benefits amounting to P10.2-million.

Coop Manager Jocelyn Palen said that the distribution of the benefits is supposed to be held at the time of the General Assembly, which is yet to be conducted due to the prohibition of mass gatherings following the

Enhanced Community (ECQ) period.

Quarantine daily needs of their respective families.

“Kasagaran sa GA jud namo ipanghatag ang mga maayuhon sa mga membro pero tungod kay nakita namo ang kalisod karong panahuna, among nasabutan nga amoa na ipang apud apod aron makapalit ang mga membro sa ilang mga panginahanglan taliwala sa kapit-os sa panahon karon tungod sa COVID-19 (Usually, we will distribute the benefits during the General Assembly, but because we see the need of our members nowadays we have decided to give what is due for them now so that they can buy the needs of their family),” she said.

For the ARBs, the distribution of economic benefits earlier than expected is indeed an answered prayer for them especially now that they are stricken hard on how to deal with the

“Dako gyud ni nga tabang sa amoa karon nga panahon kay ang akong panginabuhian isip usa ka panday naundang man tungod sa COVID-19. (This is a big help for us since I have just recently lost my job as a construction worker due to COVID-19),” said Lolito Damasing, one of the ARBs.

Apart from the cash received by the ARBs, they were also given two liters of cooking oil and a polo shirt. For those ARBs residing outside Caraga, their share was sent through Palawan Express Padala or through their ATMs.

PARPO II Jamil P. Amatonding Jr., on his part, commended the coop for leading a good example and for showing gestures that are comforting to the affected ARBs. (DAR-Agusan Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DAR-AgSur links farmers’ goods as LGU’s aid during COVID-19

By Rechel D. Besonia

ROSARIO, Agusan del Sur – As the nation faced the challenge brought by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur has initiated to help the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) to become economically sustainable by linking them to possible buyers for their produce.

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This initiative is an answer to the call of President Duterte under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act (RA 11469) while placing the nation in a state of national calamity.

The Farmers Alternative for SelfReliance MultiPurpose Cooperative FASRMCO), in partnership with the La Fortuna MultiPurpose Cooperative (LAMUPOCO) has recently delivered a total of 2,000 sacks of milled rice to the local government unit of Rosario, Agusan del Sur, which will be used as an aid for the affected constituents of the Municipality while the province is placed under the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

FASRMCO Manager Ruben Isiderio himself is thankful for the assistance of DAR as the move has benefited more than 500 farmer-beneficiaries. “Thank you very much, DAR, for helping us in finding ways to dispose of our produce.

This is a big help to our members who were also an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries,” he said.

“Thank you as well to Mayor Jupiter Abulog for considering our ARBO to supply the rice demand of your Municipality, indeed this is a big help to the farmers like us in this time of crisis,” Isiderio added.

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PARPO Jamil P. Amatonding Jr., has always emphasized prioritizing the farmers and reach out to their needs especially that in this time of crisis, they are the ones who are the most affected.

“We have partnered our ARBOs to the local government units and other entities to supply the demands of their respective Municipalities to ensure that the farmers will not be left behind while the rest are fighting against this dreadful virus,” he said.

DAR Provincial Investment and Marketing Assistance Officer (PIMAO) Corine G. Munion said that they are currently working on helping other ARBOs to partner with other Municipalities. “We are scheduled to deliver another batch of milled rice to Prosperidad in the coming days, thus we encourage other rice-producing ARBOs to participate,” said Munion.

(DAR-Agusan Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Higit P100,000 halaga ng smuggled na kahoy, nakumpiska sa Rosario, AgSur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Sa isang retrieval operation kasama ang militar at Philippine National Police (PNP), nakumpiska ng mga kawani ng Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) ang 42 piraso ng illegally-cut lauan flitches o kahoy na nagkakahalaga ng P118,625.

Natuntun ito sa libilib ng Sitio bunawan.

Kosep, Barangay Bayugan 3 sa Bayan ng Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

Pinasalamatan din ni Albia ang kawani ng Municipal Environment

Ayon kay CENRO Jerome Albia Office dahil sa kanilang aktibong ng Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, ang partisipasyon sa isinagawang retrieval mga nakompiskang lauan na kahoy operation. ay nasa kanilang kustodiya na ngayon sa barangay kalingayan sa bayan ng Binigyang-diin din niya ang May 16-22, 2020 |

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suportang ipinakita ng mga mamamayan sa nasabing komunidad na may malaking kontribusyon sa matagumpay na operasyon.

Dagdag ng opisyal, mula Enero hanggang Abril ngayong taon, nasa mahigit 200,000 board feet ng illegallycut logs at lumber products na ang kanilang nakumpiska at ito ay aabot

Samantala, ayon naman kay na sa mahigit P8-milyong halaga.

Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix Alicer ng Department of Environment Kasabay nito, may 23 kaso na and Natural Resources (DENR) ang nai-file sa korte kung saan 40 na Caraga, inutos na niya ang agarang indibidwal ang humaharap sa mga imbistigasyon dito at nang makasohan kasong ito dahil sa paglabag nila sa ang nasa likod ng ilegal na gawaing forest protection laws ng bansa. (JPG/ ito.

DENR-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Agusan Norte coop gets P1.2-M equipment from DAR

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – A cooperative, whose members are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Norte, recently received a tractor worth PHP1.2 million.

Provincial agrarian reform program officer Andre Atega told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday that the equipment’s provision is part of the DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPSP).

Change Act.

Under the program, DAR’s interventions to the ARBs include capacity building for adaptation and mitigation practices and the provision of farm equipment and machinery aimed at building resiliency at the ARC

Atega said the CRFPSP is DAR’s levels, he said. response to the risks of climate change to agrarian reform communities (ARCs) Atega noted that DAR-Agusan del and complies with the provisions of Norte turned over the farm equipment on Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Monday to the Avanceña Beneficiaries

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| May 16-22, 2020

NEW TRACTOR. Provincial agrarian reform program officer Andre Atega (4th from left) of the Department of Agrarian Reform - Agusan del Norte on Monday (May 18, 2020) leads the turnover of a brand-new farm tractor to the Avanceña Beneficiaries and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, through its chairman Sergio Baguhin (2nd from right), in Butuan City. The four-wheel-drive power-35 HP tractor, with attachments that include a rotary tiller and trailer, is worth PHP1.2 million. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ABFMPC), a DAR-assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) in Agusan del Norte and one of the successful cooperatives in the area.

She said the provincial agrarian reform office remains committed to providing more support services to the ARBs in Agusan del Norte through their respective ARBOs.

Data provided by engineer Raul Hermoso, CRFPSP coordinator in DARAgusan del Norte, indicated that a total of 19 ARBOs have already benefited from the program from 2017 up to this year.

Ellen Torralba, officer-in-charge chief agrarian reform program officer of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of DAR-Agusan del Norte, said the equipment released to ABFMPC is a four-wheel-drive power-35 HP tractor

Hermoso said about PHP11 with attachments that include a rotary million worth of pieces of machinery tiller and trailer. were already released to the ARBOs that benefited some 1,400 ARBs in the

“The equipment will help the province. members of ABFMPC increase their farm productivity, especially in palay In a separate interview on farming,” Torralba said.

Tuesday, Sergio Baguhin, chairman of May 16-22, 2020 |

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ABFMPC expressed gratitude to DAR- and technical support to officers and Agusan del Norte for the release of the members of ABFMPC in the field of equipment to their cooperative. management and technology transfer.

“This will help our members, He noted that despite the threats especially those in palay production,” posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 Maguhin said.

(Covid-19), the provincial agrarian reform office did not cease to stop

Established on April 17, 1992, the providing support to the ARBs and ABFMPC has a total of 105 members, ARBOs in Agusan del Norte. with 70 percent engaged in palay farming and 30 percent in upland “During the lockdowns, we joined farming. the other DAR-assisted cooperatives in ensuring food supplies in the markets

The ABFMPC is based in Barangay and to the local government units Sanghan, Cabadbaran City, Agusan (LGUs),” Baguhin said. del Norte and is currently serving other barangays in the area through In April, he said the ABFMPC its programs, including the palay earned about PHP1.4 million through production loan, palay trading, rice mill, the delivery of 700 sacks of well-milled and the provision of farm production rice to the LGU of Cabadbaran City. equipment and post-harvest facilities.

Baguhin said during the lockdown,

Aside from the provision of farm the ABFMPC also provided food support equipment, Baguhin said DAR-Agusan to its members and other families in the del Norte also provided education area. (PNA)

Coop gives food aid to ‘Pakyawan’ workers, janitors at Surigao port

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Continuing the ‘Bayanihan sa Pantalan’ spirit, dockworkers hired on ‘pakyawan’ basis and janitors serving the port of Surigao and the Lipata Ferry Terminal get food packs from the Philippine Ports Authority Surigao Employees Service Cooperative (PPA SESC).

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As operations of motor launches plying the island routes are transferred from the city boulevard to the port of Surigao for the safety and security of island-bound cargo and passengers in the light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) crisis, additional dockworkers were hired on ‘pakyawan’ basis to augment existing cargo handling manpower.

Pomoy said that this undertaking is in line with the cooperative’s social responsibility program and sourced from its community development fund.

“Extending the cooperative’s help to co-workers particularly to our janitors and ‘pakyawan’ workers is unanimously agreed by all of our members in support of the ‘Bayanihan sa Pantalan,’” Pomoy said. (By Noli C. Nusog /PPA-PMO/PIAPPA SESC Business Manager Roed Surigao del Norte)

PMO Surigao turns idle areas to vegetable gardens

By Noli C. Nusog

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - To somehow ease concerns over food security amidst the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), idle areas at the Port of Surigao were turned into vegetable gardens to produce healthy food and vegetable products.

Launched over the weekend, the pilot site at the Surigao Baseport is just the first of the many vegetable gardens planned to be establish at idle areas in ports under the Philippine Ports Authority - Port Managment Office (PPA-PMO) Surigao.

With no less than PMO Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla as lead ‘farmer,’ the Surigao Baseport garden is initially planted with eggplants, string beans, spring onions and lemon grass.

He added that putting up gardens is good for the environment too, aside from the benefit of having a ready supply of nutritious food.

“This greening project is also a great help for us in attaining safe and healthy environment since plants lessen carbon dioxide and produce more oxygen. More oxygen means cleaner air,” Manager Caturla said. (PPA-PMO/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) May 16-22, 2020 |

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Surigao Sur town starts ‘oplan sundo’

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur Hinatuanons who have been stranded in Davao City for the past weeks arrived on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

They were the first batch of returning Hinatuan residents from Davao City.

They were fetched by the local government unit (LGU) vehicle with Hinatuan Municipal Mayor Shem Garay, personally meeting them at the designated pick-up point in coordination with the provincial government officials.

Following the protocol, they were dropped off at the municipality’s designated quarantine facility wherein they would be housed and isolated for the next 14 days.

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Family members were not allowed to meet or visit them during the whole duration of the quarantine period as the local government unit of Hinatuan will provide their meals and other needs.

They were mostly students and employees affected by the coronavirus pandemic, it was learned.

Health personnel and Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) will monitor their situation 24/7.

(PIA-Surigao del Sur)

IP community receives relief goods in SurSur town

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The far-flung community of Sitio Lucnodon, Barangay Mahaba in Marihatag town, this province, an identified Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) barangay, received the relief goods amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, information officer Lee Escobal of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) confirmed.

Escobal said the relief-giving activity is a partnership from TESDA Surigao del Sur headed by Dir. Rey Cueva, Philippine Army, the local government unit of Marihatag led by Mayor Justin Marc Pelenio and the TVET Association of Surigao del Sur (TVETASS) through the M&N Patorgo Ventures led by their President, Margaret Pacita Patorgo-Nunnink.

A total of 50 Indigenous People (IP) families or 300 individuals received the relief goods comprising of 10 sacks of rice, 250 tins of canned goods (sardines, and corned beef), 150 packs of instant noodles, and 450 pieces of eggs, which were all sourced out from the aforementioned partnerships. (PIASurigao del Sur) May 16-22, 2020 |

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MINDANAO NEWS

P3.56-B 2020 budget for Marawi rehab approved: TFBM chair

By Lade Jean Kabagani

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson and Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario announced Thursday the approval of the 2020 budget for the Marawi rehabilitation amounting to PHP3.56 billion.

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario. (Photo from DHSUD’s Communications Development and Media Relations Division)

Del Rosario said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has also provided Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to the task force’s implementing agencies.

The various implementing agencies under the TFBM, he said, can now focus on their timelines and carry out measures to hasten their projects intended for the rehabilitation of Marawi.

“This serves as a huge boost for implementing agencies as they now have the funds needed to complete their respective projects aimed at rebuilding Marawi following the May 2017 siege perpetrated by the Maute terrorist group,” he said in a statement.

Out of the total approved budget, he said, PHP1.91 billion will be given to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the continuation of the temporary and permanent housing programs in Marawi City.

May 16-22, 2020 |

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About PHP155.7 million, he said, is allocated for the Marawi Permanent Shelter Program of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC).

The Marawi City government, del Rosario added, will receive PHP558.2 million to spearhead the construction of several public facilities and infrastructures inside the most affected area (MAA) or the ground zero.

PHP80.2 million intended for road repair and reconstruction works in Marawi, while the Department of Education had been allocated PHP3.3 million for the distribution of learning kits,” he said.

The task force has also allocated a budget amounting to PHP20.9 million, he said, for the construction of a 1,500-linearmeter fence across the Mindanao State University, “which can further protect students against potential security

These include the Marawi Museum, threats.” the Grand Padian Central Market, and the construction of health center and “PHP48.5 million for the Department madrasah each for the 24 barangays of the Interior and Local Government, inside the MAA. through the Philippine National Police, (is) intended for the construction of a tourist

The TFBM has allocated PHP91.3 police building and a maritime building in million for improving the productivity of Marawi,” he said. farmers and fisherfolks in the war-torn city, he said.

The construction works and other infrastructure projects, he said, will

Through the Bangsamoro resume by July 2020. Del Rosario said Autonomous Region of Muslim the TFBM and its member agencies “are Mindanao-Ministry of Agricultural Fisheries prepared to exhaust all means in meeting and Agrarian Reform, del Rosario said their respective timelines for project Marawi farmers and fisherfolk will be completion” amid the coronavirus provided of agricultural services from the pandemic. regional government — which include Islamic Microfinance, dispersal of livestock The TFBM was created under poultries, the establishment of multiplier the administrative order No. 3 issued farms such as goat and native chicken by President Rodrigo Duterte on June as well as providing market posts for the 28, 2017, to ensure collaboration and farmers and fisherfolk. convergence among national agencies and the local government units. TFBM

The TFBM has allocated PHP766.5 facilitates the rehabilitation, recovery million to the Local Water Utilities and reconstruction efforts in Marawi.

Administration (LUWA) to ensure potable water supply inside the MAA.

It also seeks to help displaced families to recover from the tragedy

“The Department of Public Works brought by the Marawi siege in May 2017. and Highways had been earmarked (PNA)

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‘Balik Probinsya’ pushes rural dev’t

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Saturday the “Balik Probinsya “ program is a proof that previous government planners and economic managers were wrong in concentrating development in urban centers while neglecting the needs of the poor in the countryside.

In a Facebook post, he said that it access. He pointed out that more economic is not just a recycled program “throwing opportunities must be created in rural areas poor families back to the countryside” as with appropriate government incentives. described by a former UP Chancellor.

“This is the very reason why right after

Piñol added that the program Sen. (Christopher Lawrence) Go announced which now employs the “whole-of-nation- the “Balik Probinsya” Program, I and MinDA, approach” with 22 government departments the agency which I head, immediately and agencies involved is not just a reaction jumped in and started working,” he added. to the problems seen in the containment of a pandemic like the coronavirus disease He also said that in order to implement 2019 (Covid-19) in over-populated areas the program, government economic but an admission by the government of planners and budget managers will have to flawed policies in the equitable sharing of increase Mindanao’s share of the national government resources. budget pie from the current 12 percent (16 percent according to the national

“This has resulted in a massive government) to a more equitable share. migration to the big cities, or even overseas, and stunted the development of the “I and MinDA have long fought for this countryside causing very low productivity from the time I was Governor of Cotabato and widespread poverty. This program is the and President of Mindanao Governors and start of the shift of development efforts to Mayors League up until I became Secretary the countryside where it is most needed and of Agriculture and now MinDA Chairman,” where the poverty level is high,” he said.

Piñol said.

To ensure the success of “Balik Probinsya,” Piñol said the government has to focus more resources like funds for farm to market roads, irrigation, storage, and processing facilities and ensure market

Soon, there may be no need for the women from Mindanao to work in the Middle East and there will be no need for us to depend on foreign sources for our food supply, he said. (PNA) May 16-22, 2020 |

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NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Andanar touts TV-based learning using gov’t networks

Andanar was referring to the state-owned People’s Television Network (PTV-4) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC13), which could both be tapped as “broadcast distance education channels” for pupils especially now that face-to-face instruction is not feasible due to the threat of COVID-19 infections.

The PCOO boss underscored before the solons “the importance of the recommendation to increase our state TV’s analog transmission capability to help us decrease the transmission power of COVID-19.”

During the joint hearing, at least three House measures geared toward blended methods of learning or virtual education were on deck–House Bill (HB) No.6708 filed by Manila Teachers PartyList Rep. Virgilio Lacson, HB No.6691 filed by Deputy Speaker and Sorsogon 1st district Rep. Evelina Escudero, and House Resolution (HR) No.780 filed by South Cotabato 1st district Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar described the COVID-19 pandemic as a wake-up call to boost the country’s public broadcasting “There’s so much possibilities for capabilities for purposes of the House Bills before us, particularly education.

HB 6708. But allow me to speak about

the limitations also….of government TV. There is a limitation with our government TV stations in terms of reach. Both stations would be in a better situation if it could broadcast from, say, 60 to 100 kilowatts (kW) at least in the National Capital Region,” Andanar said.

“The is actually a wake up call that government should be strengthening, investing in both TV network agencies that we have,” Andanar told the House Committees on Basic Education and Culture and on Higher and Technical Education during a virtual hearing Thursday afternoon.

“Currently PTV transmits between May 16-22, 2020 |

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30 to 45 kW while IBC is broadcasting at less than 20 kW with both channels having outdated towers. But this is not to say that we cannot solve this problem,” noted the former media practitioner.

powerful enough to reach students in the National Capital Region (NCR) “and perhaps Region 3 and 4-A.”

He also stressed the need for DepEd “to partner with a direct to home

According to him, upgrading a satellite TV company or companies to network’s transmitter by one kW would supply our students in the provinces cost an estimated P600,000 to P1 million. with satellite boxes so they can attend classes through television.”

“We’re talking about analog television. So if we’re looking at adding As for the needed money, 50 kW to IBC’s transmission power for Higher and Technical Education panel instance, an investment of about P50 chairman, Baguio lone district Rep. million. Plus around another P50 million Mark Go said: “These two committees more to make it a complete turnkey could recommend putting up funding solution.” for IBC…P100 million is very small compared to the impact it will have to Blessing in disguise the students all over the country.”

Andanar told the joint panel “It could either be government that he personally prefers to use IBC- 13 for broadcast distance education, funded or some private firm [could] being the more underutilized channel partner with DepEd and invest in IBCbetween the two. More importantly, 13,” Andanar said. he cites the good fortune that Despite his support for TV-based government hasn’t been able to sell learning, Andanar pointed out a off the network. key difference between that and

“We are still working on privatizing its online counterpart, which uses the network. So perhaps this is a blessing videoconferencing tools. in disguise also. We still need this “Analog television as we all frequency to serve the entire nation. If the DepEd (Department of Education) know is a one way street, a one-way uses this, then this entire frequency can communications platform. And this be dedicated solely to DepEd,” he told would require a completely different Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd solution. And I would leave this to district Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., who DOST (Department of Science and Technology), DICT (Department of asked about the status of IBC-13.

Information and Communications

Andanar said a P100-million Technology), our private telco and investment on IBC-13 would make it tech solutions partners,” he said.

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P16.4-B subsidies released to 2.1M small business workers

MANILA – The first tranche of a two-month wage subsidy package has been credited to the accounts of more than 2.1 million qualified beneficiary-workers of the Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) program, jointly implemented by the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Social Security System (SSS).

The SBWS was designed to support qualified workers who were not able to receive their salaries for at least two weeks due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and other containment measures imposed by the national and local governments since middle of March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This SBWS initiative is one of the intervention programs that the Duterte administration has rolled out in support of low-income families, workers of small businesses, and other vulnerable sectors that are hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic’s economic fallout.

The SBWS interagency task force is chaired by the DOF, represented by Assistant Secretary Antonio Joselito Lambino II, and with SSS President A total of about PHP16.4 billion CEO Aurora Ignacio and BIR Deputy worth of subsidies were credited to Commissioner Arnel Guballa as the accounts of SBWS beneficiaries members. as of May 12, equivalent to PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 per qualified worker, Lambino said MLhuillier Kwarta depending on the minimum wage level Padala, through the Development in his or her region.

Bank of the Philippines (DBP), is the partner-remittance center of the SSS in

SBWS subsidies are either the disbursement of wage subsidies to credited to the beneficiaries’ bank or unbanked beneficiaries.

PayMaya accounts or sent through cash remittance via MLhuillier financial The task force decided to tap services. the DBP because of its experience May 16-22, 2020 |

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in delivering subsidies via money remittance to beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program, many of whom do not have bank accounts.

around 2.94 million employees have been approved according to program criteria. This represents around 86 percent of the program’s target of 3.4 million small business employees,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ignacio said “almost 160,000 employers submitted applications for the program as the applications ended on May 8, 2020.”

Payouts for the first tranche of the SBWS subsidies began on April 30, one day ahead of the announced May 1 to 15 schedule of release.

“The SSS is currently processing Payouts for the second tranche them, but so far, the applications for are scheduled for May 16 to 31. (PR)

Launching of BP2 shows Duterte’s political will, commitment: Go

By Jose Cielito Reganit

MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday lauded the official launching of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program as a testament of President Rodrigo Duterte’s political will and his administration’s commitment to help poor urban families return to their home provinces and start anew with new-found hope for a better life.

The BP2 program was launched in Quezon City with a send-off of the first batch of 112 individuals returning to the province of Leyte.

In an interview at the send-off ceremonies, Go pointed out while there were similar programs under past administrations, it is only under

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the present administration that the program got fully underway.

“Ngayon lang po merong political will ang ating gobyerno, si Pangulong Duterte, na i-implementa ang programang ito. Pinirmahan niya ang executive order para po magtulungan ang lahat ng resources ng gobyerno

President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Senator Bong Go (Presidential photo)

para po makatulong sa mga kababayan natin na gusto nang umuwi (It is only now that our government has the political will, President Duterte, to implement this program. He signed the EO to coordinate government resources help our countrymen who wished to return to the provinces),” he said.

Balik Probinsya proponent, said the launching of the BP2 program came in the most opportune time as many “probinsyanos” (province folks) living or working in urban areas, particularly Metro Manila, have expressed their willingness to go home after their painful experiences during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The BP2 program was institutionalized after President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 114, to “ensure balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities through policies and programs that boost countryside development and inclusive growth; provide adequate social services; and promote full employment, industrialization and an improved quality of life in rural areas.”

As a probinsyano himself, Go said he understands the fascination of the people with Metro Manila as a center of education, employment, as well as entertainment.

on

“Halos lahat kami fascinated dito sa Metro Manila. Pero bakit ngayun marami ng gustong umuwi? Kasi marami na pong nadala. Ngayon po sila apektado at naipit sila sa sitwasyon dito (Almost all of us were fascinated with Metro Manila. But why is it that Go, chair of the Senate Committee many wanted to go home now? It’s Health and Demography and because many have had it. They were May 16-22, 2020 |

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affected and stranded by the situation transportation assistance, food packs, here),” he said. hygiene kits, family kits, and other nonfood items.

Go, however, clarified that the program is not mandatory for those Go said his office, along with who wished to stay in the cities. several private entities, have also extended additional financial support

For those who will avail of to the returnees. the program, he assured that the government is there to assist them with Upon their arrival in their home all their needs. destination, their respective local government units (LGUs) will be on

“Bibigyan po kayo ng Duterte hand to welcome them and endorse administration ng bagong pag- them to the regional offices of national asa pag-uwi nyo po sa inyong mga government agencies for assessment probinsya. Ang gagawin nyo lang on what type of livelihood or job they po ay umuwi kayo at trabaho na po are most fitted. ng gobyerno kung papaano kayo papauwiin (The Duterte administration Go said the housing needs of BP2 will give you fresh hope upon your beneficiaries would also be provided return to your provinces. All you have under the long-term phase of the to do is go home and it will be the program. responsibility of government on how you could get home),” Go said, citing “Sa abot po ng makakaya the provisions provided by various ng ating gobyerno, gagawin po national government agencies for the namin ang lahat (The government first batch of BP2 beneficiaries. will do everything to the best of its capabilities),” he stressed.

Under EO 114, almost all agencies of the Executive department are part As a legislator, Go likewise of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa assured that he will continuously think Council. of legislative measures that would help Duterte’s BP2 program succeed.

The returnees to Leyte underwent testing and other quarantine protocols Already pending in the Senate is a from the Department of Health (DOH) proposed measure seeking to provide to ensure that they would not be carriers additional incentives to investors and of the dreaded virus to their respective businesses that would invest in the communities. countryside.

They were provided by the “Pag dumami ang mga factories, Department of Social Welfare plants, o mamumuhunan sa probinsya, and Development (DSWD) with mas maraming trabaho na pwede

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nilang ibigay para sa mga bablik sa probinsya (If factories, plants or investors increase in the countryside, there would more employment opportunities to the returnees),” Go said.

He has also filed Senate Bill No. 203, or the “National Housing Development, Production and Financing (NHDPF) Act of 2019,” which aims to significantly reduce the country’s housing backlog through continuous funding support.

mga Bisaya, Ilonggo, Ilocano, sa mga uuwi sa probinsya, huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, nandito naman po ang gobyerno. Kailangan lang po natin ng kooperasyon ng bawat Pilipino para malampasan po natin itong nangyari sa atin (To my fellow Filipinos, Bisaya, Ilonggos, or Ilocanos, to those going back to the provinces do not lose hope, the government is always here. All we need is a little cooperation from every Filipino to overcome this problem),” he said.

Go, however, admitted that there is no assurance that BP2 beneficiaries “Basta kami po ni Pangulong would not go back to Metro Manila or Duterte at sa adminsitration, lahat other urban centers. ng mga agencies na kasama sa BP2 program, magtutulungan po tayo

Nevertheless, he urged his fellow at makauwi po kayo sa inyong mga probinsyanos to avail of the program probinsya na ligtas (President Duterte and stay in the province, since and everyone of us in the administration, government will always be there to including all the agencies that are part help them. of the BP2 program, we must all work together and you will safely return to

“Sa mga kapatid kong Pilipino, sa your provinces,” he added. (PNA) May 16-22, 2020 |

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Fund for federalism returned to boost Covid-19 funding: Andanar

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA – The remaining funds earmarked for roadshows promoting the government’s proposed federalism have been returned to the Bureau of Treasury to augment the budget for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.

”Any downloaded roadshow funds from the past year have either already been spent or have been returned to the country’s treasury to financially assist the programs and actions against Covid-19,” Andanar said in a statement.

the Senator the facts of the matter at hand. It is inaccurate to state that the government is spending on and conducting federalism roadshows amid the Covid-19 crisis in the country and that the PCOO and DILG have failed to come up with and implement a communication plan for the Covid-19

Andanar made the remarks crisis. We strongly state that this is not as he refuted the claim of Senator the case,” he said.

Nancy Binay that the PCOO and the Department of the Interior and Local Binay, in a statement on Monday, Government (DILG) are focused on urged PCOO and DILG to drop its the signature campaign for Charter signature campaign for Cha-cha Change (Cha-cha). and instead focus on an aggressive informative drive on Covid-19.

Andanar said that while the government is open to constructive She added that PCOO and criticisms, it needs to correct Binay’s DILG should redirect their federalism “inaccurate” statement. roadshow budgets and prioritize public health interests to prevent a possible

“We would like to clarify with surge of Covid-19 infections.

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Andanar said that no part of the especially in this time of the Covid-19 2020 budget or any fund has been used pandemic, has never wavered nor for any roadshow intended to promote strayed,” he said. the proposed federalism.

Andanar also emphasized that the

He also clarified that the online PCOO has been actively engaging the signature campaign was not managed public by producing numerous virtual by the DILG nor the PCOO. materials about the government’s initiatives and response to the Covid-19

He said it was instead supervised pandemic since January this year. by the two agencies’ partners, the civil society organizations, that are He said his office is holding voluntarily conducting the online public briefings, creating social media initiative. content, managing Laging Handa’s Covid-19 one-stop website, and

“The said initiative is also not conducting virtual pressers hooked up pushing for charter change but focuses to other private media networks for on core which is about amendments more amplification. and not revisions,” Andanar said.

“With that in mind, one cannot Efforts refocused say that the PCOO has not been able to carry out its obligations of keeping

Andanar assured Binay that the public informed of government the government has minimized its programs and policies,” Andanar said. engagements on promoting the proposed federalism since the start of There were reports that the DILG 2020. supposedly ordered its regional offices to continue gathering up to two million

He said the current administration signatures over the next two months is now focused on helping the to back amendments to the 1987 government in its fight against Covid-19 Constitution. by raising public awareness.

Local Government Secretary

“We have refocused all our efforts Eduardo Año merely branded the towards mitigating the dire effects reports as “fake news”. brought about by the pandemic.

Therefore, no active engagements are President Rodrigo Duterte, during in place as we continue to undertake his fourth State of the Nation Address in front-line responsibilities to our citizens. July 2019, did not mention his proposed We would also like to assure the Senator shift to federalism but said talks on Chathat the PCOO’s efforts towards fulfilling cha are “better left in conferences its mandate of engaging the public in that are not allowed to be open to the matters of governance and consensus, public”. (PNA) May 16-22, 2020 |

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Medialdea says PH not on 2nd wave of Covid-19

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday said the Philippines is not on the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (File photo)

“Wala pa tayo sa second wave. Eh dinadasal natin. Malakas ho siguro tayo magdasal (We’re not on the second wave yet. We’re praying. Perhaps we pray hard),” Medialdea said in a media interview on the sidelines of the launch of the Balik Probinsiya program.

Medialdea distanced Malacañang from the earlier statement of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, saying the country has yet to experience a second wave.

‘yan ng Presidente ‘yan or ano. Kailan ba lumabas yung second wave (You know, that is not the President’s pronouncement. When did the second wave start)? That we will have to see,” he said.

Medialdea, meanwhile, said Filipinos should not think that a second wave could take place in the country after quarantine protocols have been eased.

“Wag natin i-expect, wag nating “Alam mo hindi pronouncement asahan puwede ba (Let’s not expect May 16-22, 2020 |

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or anticipate it),” he said.,

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who was present in the same event, admitted that a second wave would take a toll on the country’s Covid-19 response efforts.

“Mahirapan tayo pag nasa second wave (We will have a hard time if we go through a second wave),” he said.

Physician Tony Leachon, adviser to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19, also disagreed with Duque.

happened sometime in January noong nagkaroon tayo ng three Chinese nationals from Wuhan (The first wave happened sometime in January when we had three Chinese nationals from Wuhan),” he said, referring to the first batch of infections detected in the country.

He, however, did not clarify when the second wave began.

Last Saturday (May 16), Metro Manila and other parts of the country at risk of Covid-19 infections transitioned to a less stringent modified enhanced community quarantine with more industries allowed to open.

“When you say second wave, it means you have flattened the first one.

Only the cities of Cebu and We’re still on the first wave,” he said.

Mandaue remain under enhanced community quarantine while the rest

In a hybrid Senate hearing on of the country are under general Wednesday, Duque told senators that community quarantine. “actually” the Philippines is currently on the second wave of the Covid-19 As of May 20, there are 13,221 outbreak. confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection in the country, of which 842 are deaths

“Yung first wave natin nag-umpisa, and 2,932 are recoveries. (PNA)

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Private sector to lead Covid-19 infection rate study

By Kris Crismundo

MANILA – Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said the private sector will be leading a study to determine the level of infection rate of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Metro Manila and Laguna.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Wednesday, Concepcion said the zero prevalence test is part of the private sector-led Project ARK (antibody rapid test kits) initiative in coordination with National Policy Against Covid-19 deputy chief implementer Vivencio Dizon, Metro Manila mayors, and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

A prevalence test would determine the number of infected people in a particular population at a given time.

“So every month, we will see if we are improving — if the level of infection is increasing or declining,” Concepcion said.

May 16-22, 2020 |

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He said the study will be done for He underscored the need to do a period of four months. more testing before Metro Manila’s transition from modified enhanced

“The 16 cities of NCR (National community quarantine (MECQ) Capital Region) plus Laguna will be taking this part of study (so) that we to general community quarantine will measure the level of infection (GCQ). using rapid test kits. This is going to be However, Concepcion said the supervised by PSRC (Philippine Survey and Research Center) research firm,” current test capacity of the government using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) he added. is not enough so the rapid test kit can

Once the study becomes be used to determine the number of successful, Concepcion said they infected individuals. target to expand this by conducting PCR tests are also more expensive zero prevalence tests in the entire Luzon and can be extended to critical which cost from PHP4,000 to PHP8,000, parts of the country with more donors while rapid test kits only cost around PHP400, he added. (PNA) to support this initiative.

PRRD wants immediate purchase of Covid-19 vaccine once available

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – As soon as a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is available, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would want the government to purchase doses right away.

“(Pag) nakahanap na sila, kailangan may pera ako niyan kasi bili kaagad tayo (Once they have developed one, we need to have money because we would purchase it immediately),” Duterte said in a taped public address aired late Tuesday night.

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He said since many countries are on the verge of developing a vaccine, he was hopeful that one would be available by early 2021.

“Malapit na sila sa vaccine (They’re close to developing a vaccine). I’m sure that they have made a lot of progress

in finding the vaccine,” he said.

Duterte expressed optimism over news that clinical trials for an experimental vaccine being developed

by US biotech company Moderna, Inc. were showing promising early results.

“A pharmaceutical called Moderna… I don’t know what is the legal residence of this corporation, but mayroon na silang (but they have) tests showing positive results,” he said.

If the vaccine is successful by President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential photo) 2021, it would provide many Filipinos anak ninyo. Kindly, lahat kayong mga with immunity against the disease, the nanay, pati tatay, see to it that your children are vaccinated (There are President said. those in the provinces who still do not want to get their kids immunized. To Get vaccinated all mothers and fathers, kindly see to it

Meanwhile, Duterte reiterated that your children are vaccinated),” he that the public is still at risk of catching said.

Covid-19 amid the relaxed quarantine Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson protocols being implemented in Harry Roque assured that the national different parts of the country. government is ready to implement an

“Hanggang hindi ka matusukan immunization plan should a Covid-19 ng vaccine (Until you get injected with vaccine roll out in the future. the vaccine), you are still in danger.

He explained that a plan has been And even if you are really vaccinated, you are still put at risk if you are not in place, not just for existing vaccines really careful. The corona(virus) will not but also in anticipation of a vaccine to disappear. It is here for all time,” he prevent Covid-19 infection. said.

Currently, there is no approved

Duterte also urged parents to treatment or vaccine for Covid-19. get their children vaccinated for 25 However, there are ongoing clinical debilitating or life-threatening diseases, trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of new and existing drugs, such as tetanus and diphtheria. such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and

“Mayroon pang iba sa probinsya anti-malarial agents, in the treatment na ayaw ipabakuna ’yung ang mga of patients. (PNA) May 16-22, 2020 |

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Marikina subjects returning employees to Covid-19 testing

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA – Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro on Friday ordered the conduct of mass testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) for all employees of private companies who are scheduled to return to work as Metro Manila transitions to a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) beginning Saturday.

RAPID TEST. Personnel from the Marikina City government conduct rapid testing for Covid-19 on workers of some private companies in the city on Friday (May 15, 2020). The government has allowed some industries to resume operations under the modified enhanced community and the general community quarantine beginning May 16. (Photo courtesy of Marikina PIO)

An initial, 1,000 private employees “Sinisigurado natin na ligtas ang were subjected to Covid-19 testing mga manggagawa natin (mula) sa using rapid test kits.

Covid-19 kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng ganitong testing bago mag-simula

These workers are from shoe ang operations ng mga factory, mga manufacturer C-Point, Philip Morris industrial, manufacturing, at ang shoe Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC), Inc., industry natin (We want to make sure and Armscor Global Defense, Inc. Test that our workers are safe from Covid-19 who underwent tests conducted by so we are doing this testing before the the city government. start of the operations of factories, industrial offices, manufacturing and

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| May 16-22, 2020

our shoe industry),” he added.

Teodoro said the government and the private sector should work together to prepare for the “new normal” or MECQ, primarily taking into consideration the health of employees in their workplace.

He said that the mass testing will be regularly conducted, adding that the LGU will also conduct regular random testing by sampling to ensure in the future that their places are still safe.

“This is what we call surveillance

He added they are currently testing,” Teodoro added. balancing the biosafety and economic aspect of the community.

All employees that will test positive for Covid-19 will be immediately brought

Teodoro also said they are still to a quarantine facility so that they facing challenges as the MECQ, can be isolated and given supportive which meant the easing of quarantine treatment so that their health will not protocols, does not bring back be affected. (PNA) everything to normal.

PRRD adviser pushes use of RTKs to test asymptomatic persons

By Kris Crismundo

MANILA – Rapid test kits (RTKs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will help the government to contain the spread of the virus as RTKs can also test asymptomatic persons, an adviser to President Rodrigo Duterte said.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Thursday, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said about 500,000 RTKs ordered by over 200 companies arrived in the country and will be used for the next two weeks to test their employees for free under the private sector-led Project ARK

(antibody rapid test kits).

“All these testing will be done today until the next two weeks,” Concepcion, who is also the founder of Go Negosyo, said.

As the government allowed more May 16-22, 2020 |

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businesses to open under a modified enhanced community quarantine status and general community quarantine status, companies are advised to test their employees especially those with illness or symptoms through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

But under the Department of Health testing protocols, only those with Covid-19 symptoms can undergo PCR testing.

As the country still lacks equipment and facilities for PCR, Concepcion using RTKs and can help in determining added RTKs will help the government asymptomatic individuals infected with to increase its level of Covid-19 testing, Covid-19. including those who are asymptomatic.

She added that with an estimated

According to experts, PCR testing 40 percent incidence of asymptomatic is the gold standard for Covid-19 testing individuals in the population in a as this is more accurate than RTKs. country, doing an RTK mass testing with 15 percent false-negative result

However, PCR testing is more is better than the 40 percent with no expensive costing between PHP4,000 mass testing at all. to PHP8,000, than using RTKs that cost only PHP400.

Quimbo cited an incidence rate of asymptomatic Covid-19 infections

PCR testing is also more complex in Iceland which is at 50 percent, 30 as it needs bigger investments, such percent in China, 25 percent in South as accredited laboratories, machines, Korea, and up to 50 percent in the and training medical staff to handle United States. the testing process.

“But the question is which is higher:

In an online forum Wednesday, 40 percent or 15 percent? Clearly, Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz 40 percent is higher, right? If you Quimbo supported the use of RTKs for don’t do testing you’re stuck with 40 Covid-19 testing but added the need to percent asymptomatic (population). also ramp up capacity for PCR testing. If you do testing, the 15 percent falsenegative you are down to 15 percent

Quimbo said even RTKs reportedly (asymptomatic). Of course, 15 percent have a false negative result rate of 15 is still high but certainly lower than 40,” percent, more individuals can be tested she added. (PNA)

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