Caraga InFocus – May 22-28, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 22 May 22-28, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

8 9 11 12 13 14 16 18 PROVINCIAL NEWS 21 22 23 25 26 27 29 30 32 34 36 37

DSWD PERSONNEL JOIN COMMUNITY ORGANIZING TRAINING IN BUTUAN

OWWA-NRCO OPENS BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION FOR SEAFARERS 2021

DSWD ORIENTS USHERS, ESCORTS OF DRMD GUIDELINES

FOCAL PERSONS UPDATE REGIONAL PLAN FOR RCDA, RIAC-SC CARAGA GOV’T AGENCIES ENHANCE 2022-2025 WORK PLAN FOR FILIPINO FAMILY

THE CHALLENGES OF FLEXIBLE LEARNING MODALITY

EDUCATION: A BEACON OF OPTIMISM FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD FROM LUCRATIVE PROFESSIONS TO FARMING BY CHOICE

SIBAGAT LCE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF MASTER PLAN FOR VACCINATION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AGSUR MEDIA PERSONALITIES RECEIVE GOLDEN HERON MEDIA AWARDS LORETO SKS ADVOCATE ANTI-TERRORISM ACTIVITIES IN AGSUR

AGSUR LGU REVIVES ABACA INDUSTRY, EXPANDS PRODUCTION PUBLIC URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS VS COVID-19 P25-M LIVELIHOOD AID GIVEN TO INTERNALLY DISPLACED FAMILIES MRF PADAYON NGA GIPANGHATAG SA MGA BARANGAY SA LUNGSOD SA SAN FRANCISCO, AGSUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS NG MGA RESIDENTE TINUTUTUKAN NG LGU-ROSARIO, AGSUR

LOCAL SK HIGHLIGHTS COVID-19 INTERVENTIONS, INFO DRIVE VS FAKE NEWS CULTURAL PROPERTIES DISPLAY OPENS IN SURIGAO CITY

DINAGAT ISLANDS LGU EYES CLOSING BORDER AMID RISE OF COVID-19 CASES DA 13 REVIEWS ADDITIONAL SUB-PROJECTS IN PLACER, CANTILAN

38 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55

NEW MGB-13 CHIEF ASSUMES POST NPA’S TEAM LEADER SUCCUMBS TO GOVERNMENT DTI LAUNCHES 2ND SSF PROJECT IN DINAGAT ISLANDS BIOCON EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE FOR CROP PEST MANAGEMENT POPULATION PROGRAM ADDRESSES LOCAL POPULATION ISSUES POPCOM PUSHES RELIABLE DATABASE AGAINST COVID-19 POPCOM STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH CSOS, LGUS HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION CENTER SA LAS NIEVES GIMUGNA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT UG LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS GILUSAD SA ZAPANTA VALLEY 36 KA PERSONAHE SA KAPITOLYO, MIGRADWAR SA PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID PROBINSYA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, UBANG AHENSYA NAGPADANGAT OG AYUDA SA SITIO TAGBUAYA ‘DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION CLUB’ GILUSAD SA LUNGSOD SA MAGALLANES 12TH ECO-SPORTS FESTIVITIES POSTPONED DUE TO SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN TANDAG PINAKADAGHANG MORTALITY TUNGOD SA COVID–19, NAITALA SA ASTMMC 3 KA MGA EMPLEYADO SA SURSUR COOP NAGPOSITIBO SA COVID-19

MINDANAO NEWS

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CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

SECURING PEACE GAINS: PRRD DIRECTS MINDA TO HELP EX-FIGHTERS WHO LOST JOBS MINDANAO RISING: MINDANAO AGRI-AQUA SECTOR GETS P3.1-B EU GRANT FUNDS

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO’S LAGING HANDA DOKYU WINS AT 15TH UPLB GANDINGAN AWARDS PCOO BRINGS LOCAL, INT’L MEDIA TO REHABILITATED SITES IN MARAWI DAR, NUTRITION COUNCIL POOL EFFORTS TO FIGHT HUNGER – NOGRALES 3,000 FAMILIES IN CARLES, ILOILO GIVEN FREE HOUSING - NOGRALES

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS RECEIVES FOOD TRUCK DONATION FROM THE KOREAN GOVERNMENT BARANGAY CAPTAINS REMISS OF THEIR DUTIES ON PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES WILL FACE ARREST, PRESIDENT DUTERTE WARNS PRESIDENT DUTERTE COULD HELP ADDRESS VACCINE HESITANCY, SAYS VACCINE CZAR LONG-TERM PROGRAMS NEEDED TO FIGHT COVID-19, FUTURE SCOURGE, SAYS HEALTH CHIEF

COVID-19 NEWS DOH SAYS ALMOST 4.5M FILIPINOS VACCINATED AS OF MAY 25 4M DOSES OF PFIZER, ASTRAZENECA VAX EARMARKED FOR PH THRU COVAX PRC COVID-19 TESTS NATIONWIDE EXCEED 3 MILLION

PCOO chief lauds AgSur med advocating truth, accurate in By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time with the conduct of the first Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) Philippine National Police (PNP) Press Corps Golden Heron Awards Ceremony held on May 14, 2021, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) who served as one of the invited guests lauded the recipients of the awards for their sincere commitment, dedication and passion in advocating for truth and accurate information to the general

| May 22-28, 2021

public. Andanar stressed, in his video message, that while people continue to face the challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the media play a vital role in communicating the right information to the general public and fight against the spread of fake news. “The world is experiencing a crisis, unlike anything it has ever faced before. It is a crisis of global proportions that affects

everyone equally: young and old, rich and poor. You might be thinking about the covid-19 virus, that dreadful calamity that swept across the world, and you would be right -- but only partially. As damaging as that catastrophe continues to be, there is another crisis hidden in the shadows, unnoticed and unremarked. This crisis, ladies and gentlemen, is the crisis of false information. As events and situations unfold, we must deliver accurate and factual information, Caraga INFOCUS

dia for nformation so that we are equipped with the right things to make our judgments on,” he underscored. Andanar called on all the media partners in Agusan del Sur and Caraga region to continue serving the best interest of the people and giving their best efforts in performing their functions and responsibilities, as expected from them. “False information is abundant. It spreads in social media, in the mouths of people above and below, and spread in unverified internet links that speak of conspiracies. The world, in turn, has become muddy. Fact is difficult to tell from the false. Facts are sometimes worse than lies. Truth is reality, but it can be harsh, and so people try to muddy the waters to make themselves feel better. But people can take advantage of this. Oppression thrives on lies. Lies fuel corruption. Thus, we need trustworthy individuals that wade Caraga INFOCUS

above the mud. We need brave and courageous souls that are willing to navigate the dirty waters, take the precious time and effort needed to keep themselves free from corruption and bias. Much like the heron, which steps on the mud, but is not overcome by it,” said Andanar. “It is, therefore, my highest honor to bestow this Golden Heron award to the recipients, for showing exemplary service. The shining white feathers of the heron symbolizes purity despite adversity, just like the values encouraged in the media industry of today. And just like the values that we have seen you brave men and women display in the service of the people. Congratulations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Richard Grande, the president of Agusan Media Club and organizer of the said event, expressed the team’s heartfelt gratitude for Sec. Andanar for taking time to share his words to all the AgSur media who constantly deliver relevant and right information on the government’s programs and initiatives to the general public. “Thank you, Sec. Martin Andanar for recognizing the vital role of the media and for partnering with us in all the government’s endeavors. Here in Agusan del Sur, we will continue to serve the people with the right knowledge they need to know and will fight against the spread of fake news on various platforms,” said Grande. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 22-28, 2021 |

News Briefs Dr. Dioharra Aparri of DOH Caraga during today’s media forum said that as of May 28, 2021, four (4) areas in the region are being identified as high risk in COVID-19 cases, these include Bislig City, Butuan City, PDI and Surigao City. xx

With the launching of the Government Emergency Communications System - Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS-MOVE) in Butuan City, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has also partnered with the World Food Program (WFP). Mats Persson, WFP deputy country director expressed the organization’s support to DICT especially in the operation of the GECS-MOVE in Caraga region. “With the technology that is being placed here, the national and local governments could understand better what is happening on the ground during disasters. We know that communications is extremely important.”

The Department of Health clarifies a circulating video claiming that vaccines contain magnet and microchips. Hindi naglalaman ng magnets, micropchips, at “trackers” ang mga bakuna. Ang compilation videos na ito ay walang katotohanan at fake news lamang. The Department reminds the public to always verify information available online with legitimate sources. Maging BIDA, alamin ang tamang impormasyon! (DOH) (VACCINATION ROLLOUT UPDATE) A total of 100,009 individuals are now vaccinated in Caraga region as of May 27, 2021 DOH Caraga reports.

REGIONAL NEWS

DSWD personnel join community organizing training in Butuan The technical staff of the Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga actively participated in the Three-day Community Organizing Training on May 1820, 2021 at the Grand Convention of Prince Hotel, this city. This said training was aimed to holistically equip the staff in their competence on community facilitation and organizing in view of the agency’s objective to leg up in building more selfreliant and empowered

| May 22-28, 2021

communities especially in the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) interventions. “This training is really helpful to our personnel especially in their continued coordination with the people in the communities regionwide. This would also make their work more convenient and accessible as they now know how to handle the implementation of the CCAM interventions,” bared DSWD-Caraga regional director Ramel Jamen. The resource speakers include Ms. Ester V.

Villamor, PDO V, and Ms. Melanie G. Juan, DRRS Head. They highlighted the significance of Community Organizing; its goals, objectives, and principles are emphasized. The participating technical staff are underway on upgrading their skills on Community Facilitation for Community Development; including the leveling off of the roles and responsibilities of the Project Stakeholders. On the last day of the training, the CCAM Team Planning was also undertaken by the same group. (DSWDCaraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

OWWA-NRCO opens Business Plan Competition for Seafarers 2021

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration – National Reintegration for OFWs (OWWANRCO) Caraga invites Caraganons to join the special edition of this year’s contest which was renamed as The OWWA-NRCO Business Plan Competition. The Caraga INFOCUS

Competition is open to all interested seafarers and their families intending to venture into start-up business while staying for good in the country. Prizes will be the following: a) Top 1 : Php 150,000.00; b) Top 2-6 : Php 100,000.00 x

5 = Php 500,000.00; c) Consolation Prizes (Ranks 7-11): Php 20,000.00 x 5 = Php 100,000.00. Special Awards are the: d) Viewer’s Choice Award: 10,000.00 (Poster), and e) Bagong Tuklas Award: 10,000.00. There should be one May 22-28, 2021 |

contestant, one entry. All submissions must be sent to nrco.bpc2021@ gmail.com on or before June 30, 2021. Confirmed contestants will undergo the Mentoring Round through an online platform. Seafarers can join solo, pair or group (3-5 members). Active or inactive (maximum of 5 years) seafarers are welcome to join. For the seafarers who are currently on duty and are unable to attend presentation and coordination activities related to the Competition, including attendance to the mentoring session, must have at least one official representative, (must be an immediate family member) who will handle all the tasks and activities required in the Competition. Mentoring round is scheduled to be conducted in July 2021. It will be shared through the NRCO Facebook page so the general public may participate as viewers of this Competition. After the Mentoring Round, all contestants will submit their own initial market

| May 22-28, 2021

pitch in video form (maximum 3 minutes). The videos will be rated through the following: · Content of the proposed business including business idea and social purpose - 30 points · Impact on the community - 20 points · Financial viability - 30 points · Clarity and presentation of the business - 10 points · Drive and determination of the business ownerentrepreneur - 10 points · TOTAL = 100 points The judges will choose the first Top 11 market pitches to advance to the Final Round. The Top 11 will re-submit an enhanced or reformulated business plan in preparation for the Final Round which will also be conducted through an online platform. The public, through the NRCO Facebook page, can also participate in the voting who among the contestants has the most “catchy poster”. The contestant with the most number of votes shall win the Voter’s Choice Award. The freshest and most

innovative business idea will be awarded the Bagong Tuklas Award. Each will be given 20 minutes: 10 minutes for the pitching, and 10 minutes for the Question and Answer. Meanwhile, winners will be announced thereafter. Certificates and/or cheques will be forwarded to the RWOs. RWOs will award them to their winners. A postevaluation activity will be conducted by the RWOs, including the monitoring of businesses of the winners. The Top 11 are expected to pursue their business plan proposals. An agreement will be signed between the OWWA and finalists regarding this matter. To register click the link below: https://www. cognitoforms.com/.../_20 21OWWANRCOBUSINESS PLA... For more information, the OWWA can be reached at telephone number (085) 8151894 and cellphone numbers 09503057533 (TNT) / 09551884858 (TM). (OWWA-Caraga/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DSWD orients ushers, escorts of DRMD guidelines The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through its Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD) has conducted the one-day Orientation for the Identified Ushers and Escorts of DRMD on the Decorum and Guidelines for the Facilitation of Delivery of the Humanitarian Cargoes to local government units held at Grand Palace Hotel, this city. On top of the agency’s objective on ensuring the availability, accessibility, and readiness of resources, Caraga INFOCUS

as well as administrative support necessary before and during disaster operations, the orientation also underscored the importance of focusing the facilitation of technical assistance to the staff who are identified to usher and escort the food and in-kind items being requested by the LGUs.

as ensuring the safety and the completeness of cargoes throughout the travel and until its delivery.

One of the resource speakers, Mr. Angel Bert Casimilio, SWO-II, highlighted that their task does not only start and end on simply accompanying the humanitarian cargoes but it also entails a lot of responsibilities such

To encapsulate its cause, the event will highlight the worker’s Integrity and Work Ethics; including the undertaking of their commitment. (DSWDCaraga/JPG/PIACaraga)

“We have to take all the necessary procedures/ processes to make sure that all is handled well and these cargoes are properly stored and/ or delivered,” cited Casimillio.

May 22-28, 2021 |

Focal persons update regional plan for RCDA, RIAC-SC Caraga By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) being the chair of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) and Regional InterAgency Committee on Senior Citizen (RIAC-SC) will convene its members from the different government agencies, private sector, academe and non-government organizations for the twoday Capacity Building

| May 22-28, 2021

and Strategic Planning activity scheduled on May 25-26, 2021 at Amontay Beach Resort, this city.

COVID-19 pandemic. According to DSWDCaraga regional director Ramel Jamen, this activity aims to capacitate members on the committee functions; map the committee’s concerns, existing responses, and resources in the regional context; establish committee rolling work plan for 2022-2025; and discuss issues and concerns and update the plan of activities of RCDA and RIAC-SC for the 2nd quarter.

“The committee members wanted to ensure that our regional plan is relevant and timely of the This meeting is in time needed responses and with its 2nd quarterly meeting and participants intervention that would continually promote the are divided into two welfare of the persons – those at the venue with disability and the physically and other older person amidst the via Zoom platform. This COVID-19 pandemic,” is to ensure that health said Jamen. (JPG/PIAprotocols are observed Caraga) during this time of the Caraga INFOCUS

Gov’t agencies enhance 2022-2025 work plan for Filipino Family By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In order to make the regional plan for the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) and Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC), the members of the two committees from various government and non-government entities are set to convene on May 27-28, 2021 for its Capability Building and Strategic Planning at Amontay Beach Resort, this city. According to DSWDCaraga regional director Ramel Jamen, with this activity, the members would be able to discuss different relevant issues and concerns of the two sectors considering the COVID-19 pandemic and provide resolutions to it. “The focal persons will prepare important information concerning Caraga INFOCUS

Filipino families such as the data, situational analysis, and the like. A list of the PPAs which can be included in the unified and harmonized plan will also be presented,” cited Jamen. Jamen added that the two committees continue to promote the welfare of the Filipino

family and the children, hence, they will establish a rolling work plan for 2022-2025. “We are always thankful for the active support of our partner stakeholders in the implementation and monitoring of the programs and services intended for the two sectors,” Jamen said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) May 22-28, 2021 |

The challenges of flexible learning modality By Noel M. Cubillas

We are, as we all know, in the grip of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) scourge. It has been more than a year since this unwelcome occurrence. It has had an impact on several societal components such as the economics, social structure and more, including governmental institutions such as school closures. As a result, face-toface schooling was terminated. A multiplicity of problems have arisen as a result of the new teaching approaches, which include the online class and the modular class affecting the students’ performance, as well as the parents’ and the teachers.

that not everyone has access to this sort of education.

This form of learning is only available to the fortunate few who have access to sufficient materials to make it practicable. Despite the fact that several studies Starting with the concept have demonstrated that of online learning. There remote learning may be are several aspects to as excellent as or better consider while using this than in-person learning sort of learning method. for students who choose Being still a developing it, we cannot ignore the country, we recognize screams of the many.

| May 22-28, 2021

Regardless of the fact that there has been a lot of favorable feedback regarding the notion of online learning, there have also been a lot of studies that show the opposite. Experts predict that when distance learning becomes more prevalent in the long run, the mental, emotional, and academic consequences will be difficult. According to Amy Bintliff, a developmental Caraga INFOCUS

psychologist and professor in the Department of Education Studies at the University of California, San Diego, mismatches between anticipation and reality can be problematic for adolescents. Part of this is due to the fact that essential features, such as commencement, cannot take place as planned. The youth may be most affected by the loss of personal perceptions. Diving into the notion of modular classes, as much as online learning concerns both teachers and students, it has also resulted in an excessive amount of adjustment. Although it is unavoidable not to adjust, especially given our current circumstance, it is upsetting to observe such difficulties. In comparison to what was given and done during face-to-face sessions, the situation has quadrupled both the instructors’ and students’ workloads. Several causes Caraga INFOCUS

have led to the pupils’ unintentional procrastination. Because of the abrupt modifications, the greatest result of both parties cannot be guaranteed 100 percent since everyone understands that there will be flaws on both sides -shortcomings that cannot be wholly placed on any one party. Of course, there are advantages to this new learning mode, such as students’ responsibility for controlling their schedule, but various objections have arisen criticizing students’ lack of enthusiasm to learn as a result of self-studying.

them in order to get the necessary information for future purposes such as the struggles of graduating students right now. Everyone has suffered greatly as a result of the pandemic. That is indisputably true. For the time being, all we can do is pray and hope that this distressing phenomenon would disappear as soon as possible.

That would be the only way we will be able to live our lives regularly and normally as we did previously. For now, we must have the confidence to face the obstacles of the Although many people new modified norms. understand it, there is not (Buhangin Elem. School, much that can be done. DepEd-Butuan City Everyone is concerned Division/PIA-Caraga) about how this will assist May 22-28, 2021 |

Education: A beacon of optimism for the future of the world By Noel M. Cubillas

Education is a complex process in which a person learns about numerous elements of life, comprehends other views, and attempts to apply what they have learned in their everyday lives. Indeed, it is critical for children, people, and society as a whole. People gain knowledge of the world around them through education, which transforms it into something better. It enables individuals acquire a view on the world, as well as thoughts and points of view on a variety of topics or issues that we get to encounter everyday. Education comes in many forms, and we don’t even realize it. Starting with forming our own personal beliefs on many subjects and progressing to revising them as we observe and

| May 22-28, 2021

sympathize with others’ perspectives. Even the simplest of tasks, such as cooking, can be challenging. We wouldn’t be able to develop an excellent product with just about everything if we weren’t given the incentive to und erstand. A simple piece of advice from a friend or family member is also a type of education. Exploring more about the topic, education is also one way of boosting a person’s confidence and nurturing his or her self-esteem by making him or her aware of his or her surroundings. It also

aids an individual’s ability to speak and express himself/herself more effectively. Proper education and training help to mature the intellect. An individual can determine what is righteous and immoral. Education makes a person selfsufficient and enables him to follow the laws of the nation. Education raises people’s level of living. It also assists people in understanding their requirements and provides a means for them to get them. Education lays the groundwork for a Caraga INFOCUS

More research will be performed, which will result in new discoveries such as medications and other commodities that will be critical to the lives of millions of people. As a prolific individual and engaging citizen of the world, and to be able to garner respect from the international community, one should always be learning new things and learning new stuff in school. respectable living. If one is educated, he or she can work in industry or another professional service. In an era where modernization abounds, of course, we all are aware for the fact that education takes a huge toll of this socalled advancement. Starting with current advancements such as automobiles, which are always developing as a result of study. Newly built buildings and residences, modern technology that this generation uses on a daily basis for job, education, etc. Caraga INFOCUS

Education is responsible for the growth of everything through time. It is an important component of our everyday life. It is a part of our history, our present, as well as our foreseeable future. This civilization will strive to advance as new skills are developed.

We will be able to take a step forward as a result of this, whether it is slow or rapid; progress is progress. Acquiring knowledge entails having faith in the future. As long as we have this, there is still hope for what is to come. (Buhangin Elem. School, DepEdButuan City Division/PIACaraga)

May 22-28, 2021 |

From lucrative professions to farming by choice By Perry Irish H. Duran

Owing to production challenges, such as unstable prices and climate-related stresses, many farmers might have been contemplating on leaving rice farming. But for Leo Franco L. Ebardo of Bayugan City and Terencio R. Oquendo, Jr. of Esperanza, both in Agusan del Sur, their choice is to join this bumpy ride of producing more rice. Truth to tell, they have joined the Esperanza Seed Growers-Farmers’ Association (ESEGFA), which was born in 2018 through DA-PhilRice’s Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) Community Program that aims to transform farmers into agripreneurs. Ready, set, plant! RiceBIS Agusan started to take root in 2017 with the Dacutan Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (DAFAMCO). Project lead Sharen T. Rivas explained DAFAMCO was chosen as beneficiary because its business capabilities could still be improved despite its existence for many years. “The cooperative had unutilized assets like the rice milling machine provided by the government. Capitalizing

| May 22-28, 2021

on this, we introduced the milled rice business to the cooperative. While we are not yet able to fully realize this owing to various circumstances, some clusters are already engaged in it,” Rivas narrated. Looking at this business still from a distance, RiceBIS Agusan introduced another agroenterprise, the rice seed production and marketing. They trained capable farmers and invited even non-cooperative members who were interested. In 2018, Leo and Terencio were separately invited to the training on seed production. That was the first time Terencio came to know about RiceBIS. “I remember that because if not for RiceBIS, I would have continued sailing overseas. I wouldn’t be a seed grower now,” Terencio opened up. Terencio, 34, was a seafarer for eight years. Providentially, his first venture in seed production paid off and though he did not entirely plan to abandon the seas, rice seeds became his means to be with his family for good. His manning agency kept on calling him to go back overseas but he chose to

continue his newfound job. “As a seafarer, homesickness is inevitable. You just can’t help wishing you were with your family. That’s why I decided to stay with them for good and be a full-time rice farmer instead,” Terencio shared. Leo, 29, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and learned rice farming at an early age from his farmerfather. When his father had a heart attack in 2013, Leo and his younger brother took over their farm. While he did not get to practice his degree, what he learned from school came in handy in his farm management and recordkeeping chores. Leo admitted that he and his family had been wanting to become seed growers and RiceBIS helped make it happen. “We asked the local agriculture office and we were instructed to join an association and wait for the next update. Eventually, we were informed about the training on seed production by RiceBIS,” Leo recalled. After the training, Leo and

Caraga INFOCUS

Terencio, together with the participants who decided to become seed producers, deemed it necessary to create their own cooperative solely for seed production and marketing, thus ESEGFA was established with Terencio as the chairperson. Now, the association has 27 members and is set to be registered as a cooperative this year. Becoming competitive Terencio became more competitive as he engaged in various agroenterprises, such as seed growing and machine servicing. Terencio participates in RiceBIS activities because he wants to keep himself updated on the current trends in the rice industry. He learned to value-add and beat the low-palay-price fear. “In RiceBIS, we are presented with opportunities for additional income. Effective marketing and future market prices are also forecasted like the effects of the Rice Tariffication Law enabling us to find ways to ease its impact,” Terencio disclosed. Terencio also provides combine harvester services. He estimated that his income from machine servicing and growing and marketing rice seeds from his 11-hectare farm now ranges P150,000 - P183,000 per month compared with P70,000 P80,000 when he was still a

Caraga INFOCUS

seafarer.

members.

Leo, on the other hand, confided that his net income goes as high as P400,000 per cropping season from his 5-hectare farm.

To enhance business efficiency, RiceBIS also established a Farm Business School (FBS) for its farmercooperators in the first quarter of 2019.

During its first business cycle in the 2019 dry season, ESEGFA sold 521 bags of seeds at 40kg/bag amounting to P755,450. In the second and third cycles, it partnered with the Butuan Seed Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative to supply seeds to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)Seed Program, which provides free seeds to farmers. At 20kg/bag as required by RCEF, 9,742 bags were sold for the 2020DS and 9,775 bags for 2020WS seed distribution. This time, the association’s gross income reached P7,403,920 and P7,429,000, respectively. Aside from market linkage, ESEGFA members also enjoy easier access to government programs and services. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), through RiceBIS, is set to grant the association with machines such as the combined harvester, rotovator, and mudboat. With this, ESEGFA plans on engaging in other enterprises to include the use of machines for custom hiring, financing, and provision of farm inputs subsidy to its

“I learned how to integrate better business practices in rice production after attending the FBS. Before joining RiceBIS, I only sold fresh harvests. Now, I process them and fatten my profit. Aside from that, RiceBIS encouraged us to engage in other sources of income like vegetable production. For this, I allotted 0.75ha of my farm,” Leo shared. Though the process required more work, Leo said the modern farming practices taught in the association, such as the use of highquality seeds, right timing of fertilizer application, and proper diagnosis of diseases, gave him a 20% yield increase and 40% income increment. “I became more competitive,” the computer engineer turned farmer exclaimed. Despite the many challenges, Leo and Terencio were grateful they had ever started their new journey with RiceBIS as seed producers. Though initially uncertain, for them, they never regret abandoning their wouldhave-been lucrative careers. (DA-PhilRice/PIA-Caraga)

May 22-28, 2021 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Sibagat LCE highlights importance of master plan for vaccination program implementation By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur highlighted the significance of having a municipal master plan in the implementation of the government’s vaccination program to ensure that the vaccines are given to the eligible priority groups and consumed as targeted. “We made a municipal master plan on what to do for the arrival of vaccines and the support required from us, especially since many of our people will come from remote barangays,” cited Evangelista during the Network Briefing News aired on Friday.

the barangay health workers went around to do information dissemination as there had been mixed reactions and perspectives about the vaccines -- there are people who are very positive about it and there are also people who are afraid not knowing the after-effects of the vaccine.

The lady mayor also revealed that the health personnel in their municipality, along with

“We are capacitating our health workers and divided them into teams for the arrival of

Caraga INFOCUS

the vaccine; so far, it’s manageable. There were already 987 who received their first dose. We continue to implement the guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19 up to the region and province especially that we are in between two cities (Butuan and Bayugan), so most of our residents’ transactions are in the city,” bared Evangelista. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 22-28, 2021 |

AgSur media personalities receive golden heron media awards By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Different media personalities were recognized for their exemplary performance in their respective fields in the industry, particularly in upholding righteous and accurate information to the general public thru the recently concluded first Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) Philippine National Police (PNP) Press Corps Golden Heron Media Awards. Of the media practitioners in the province, the Best of them were chosen for the following categories: Best Newscaster Male/Female Category (TV and Radio); Best News and Public Affairs Program; Best Field Reporter; Best TV Reporter; Best Station ID; and Social Media Award for News and Public Affairs. According to Richard Grande, president of the PNP Press Corps, it is high-time

| May 22-28, 2021

that the media practitioners could be given recognition and awards for their sincere commitment and dedication in performing their duties and responsibilities. “This is the first time that we conduct this prestigious event in the province amid the pandemic. We want our media peers to know that their efforts are recognized and not put to waste. We want our good working relationship along with other stakeholders to continue as we continue also the services we provide to the public,” cited Grande. For Alexis Cabardo, who was awarded Best in Newscaster Male Category, this award was meaningful and one-ofa-kind prestige. He said this will serve as inspiration for him to work better and be a good example to others who are also in the same field.

During the event, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO); Agusan del Sur 2nd District Representative Adolph Edward Plaza; and Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., shared their inspirational and congratulatory video messages to all the recipients of the 1st Golden Heron Award. All the guests and participants of the 1st Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADS-PPO) PNP Press Corps Golden Heron Awards had undergone antigen test before they are allowed entrance at the ADS-PPO covered court, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. This is to ensure that all are safe and to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Loreto SKs advocate anti-terrorism activities in AgSur By Jennifer P. Gaitano

During the Network Briefing News aired on Friday, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the municipality of Loreto in Agusan del Sur expressed their support for the government’s efforts in ending local communist armed conflict in the province. Nicka Juliet Rafanan, SK Federation President of said municipality bared that there is a need for the youth to understand better the disadvantages of joining the communist terrorist group. She elaborated on the negative impacts of the terroristic acts in society. Caraga INFOCUS

“This is very important because some barangays here are under monitoring for terrorist presence because some youth are easily recruited. Others really lack the right knowledge on the government’s programs and services that’s why they are easily deceived by the communist group,” said Rafanan. She further recognized the efforts and initiatives of the concerned government agencies in reaching out to the sector to provide for their needs and promote their rights and welfare. “The government

has been constantly reaching out to the youth particularly in the far-flung barangays and we as young leaders in our municipality really support this kind of activities which could help improve the way of life of our constituents,” she underscored. When asked about their counterpart in the implementation of the government’s vaccination program, Rafanan revealed that many of the target priority sectors in their municipality expressed that the vaccination is really helpful to protect them from May 22-28, 2021 |

the transmission of the deadly virus. The information campaign of the LGU is also intensified and the SKs are active in the advocacy in their respective barangays.

also conducted an information dissemination campaign in our barangays, most of the youth here are willing to get vaccinated,” cited Rafanan.

“As to the preparation for the vaccination by the SK councils here in Loreto, it went well. Many got vaccinated, almost all SK chairpersons and they only felt minimal side effects. Since the Rural Health Unit of Loreto

Meanwhile, on the increasing number of teenage pregnancy, she emphasized the need to gear up information drive efforts on sex education among youth and other activities that will enhance their interest and become

| May 22-28, 2021

more productive academically and in other curricular activities. “We give the youth awareness on sex education through an information education campaign and give them activities for team building. We also conduct guidance counseling so they can fight off negative or unhealthy thoughts,” she said. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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AgSur LGU revives Abaca industry, expands production As Sibagat, Agusan del Sur envisions to become an organic agricultural land municipality, Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista also wanted to revive the Abaca production and has plans to expand it. “Abaca was identified as the One Town, One Product of Sibagat before. There had been many interventions introduced but when I assumed office in 2016, I discovered that it was slowing down and farmers had many concerns,” bared Evangelista. She added that currently, the municipality has a little more than 6,000 hectares of Abaca. “We really want to revive it and really expand production. We are the capital in terms of Abaca. We also give support to the women who used to weave ‘sinamay’ products, and produce fine fabrics called Abaca Pinukpok,” she said. “Our vision is for Sibagat to be an organic Caraga INFOCUS

municipality. Since we started our advocacy in 2017, the feedback from farmers has been positive. As of now, we have 4,000 hectares of agri land and this is what we are targeting to be converted into an organic agricultural land,” elaborated Evangelista.

waterfalls with eco-tourism potential, and hopefully, the construction of the road leading up to them will start this year. We’re also giving out capability building on what can be manufactured here, and we’re targeting to have it developed by 2023 or 2024,” she underscored.

The mayor further said that since 2016, they studied the assets of Sibagat to identify what they could show to the rest of the country. “We are rich in natural resources so we drafted the Municipal Tourism Development Plan. We’ve identified two

The economy of Sibagat in the province of Agusan del Sur is dependent heavily on subsistence agriculture. Its major agricultural products are coconut, corn, coffee, cacao, fruits, vegetables, and root crops. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 22-28, 2021 |

Public urged to be cautious vs COVID-19 By Jennifer P. Gaitano

As she shared how Sibagatnons strive to survive from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur during the Network Briefing News aired on Friday urged everyone to be cautious and follow the minimum health standards to prevent further spread of the deadly virus. She emphasized that the locals in her municipality, in general, are following the health protocols to prevent the

| May 22-28, 2021

transmission of COVID-19. She also recognized the collaborative efforts of the barangay officials for seriously taking responsibility in addressing their respective issues and concerns and for taking care of their constituents.

We reinforce the information dissemination, education and we institutionalized through a local ordinance the minimum health protocols like using face masks, face shield, and social distancing,” she said.

“With this ongoing health crisis, let us help and protect each other. We have 36 COVID-19 positive cases; 2 are active; and 1 death case. We should always be cautious in everything that we do and help ourselves.

The municipality of Sibagat is a 1st class municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 30,442 people. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

P25-M livelihood aid given to internally displaced families

A total of Php25,000,000 livelihood grants have been distributed to some 1,259 internally displaced families in the Caraga region by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Through this intervention, the DSWD-SLP aims to help the families have a stable income and get back on their feet after being displaced due to various reasons such as fire and earthquake incidents, road widening activities, and typhoons.

Fund-releasing for these beneficiaries began on February 2, 2021, while The livelihood assistance, the most recent payout amounting to Php20,000 was conducted on April per family, serves as start- 23, 2021. up capital to rehabilitate the families’ existing small DSWD-SLP has already businesses or finance a released the funds in new livelihood project. the cities/municipalities Caraga INFOCUS

of Butuan City, Buenavista, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Cabadbaran City, and Magallanes (Agusan del Norte); and the municipalities of Trento, Bunawan, Rosario, San Francisco, Prosperidad, Talacogon, La Paz, Sibagat, Esperanza, and the city of Bayugan (Agusan del Sur). In Surigao del Sur, eligible beneficiaries from Bislig City, Barobo, Lianga, San Agustin, San Miguel, Tago have also been served with the said assistance. The same May 22-28, 2021 |

assistance has also been received by fire victims in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. A province-wide payout was also administered in the province of Surigao del Norte, covering the areas of Alegria, Gigaquit, San Francisco (Anao-aon), Sison, Surigao City, Tagana-an, and Tubod. After receiving the monetary assistance, these program beneficiaries are monitored by the DSWD-SLP field staff to be certain that the recipients were able to use the aid in establishing their livelihoods. These beneficiaries are also instructed to submit the receipts of their purchases needed in putting up their livelihoods such as raw

| May 22-28, 2021

materials to the DSWDSLP Provincial Offices. Through the provision of livelihood assistance, the DSWD-SLP hopes that it will allow the affected families to improve their socio-economic conditions, sustain their livelihood, and become

financially independent. As stipulated in the DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 11, Series of 2018, the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program is delegated to provide seed capital fund to internally displaced persons or persons displaced by disaster due to armed conflicts, or any forms of disaster, may it be natural or man-made. In addition, only one member of the family is eligible to receive financial assistance. (DSWD-Caraga/PIAAgusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

MRF padayon nga gipanghatag sa mga barangay sa lungsod sa San Francisco, AgSur By Laurence Baladad Tinampay,

Padayon nga gituman sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa San Francisco, Agusan del Sur ang una na niining commitment nga makahatag ug Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) sa matag barangay sa dapit. Gi turn-over, Biyernes, Mayo 28, 2021, ang tagusa ka MRF ngadto sa tulo ka mga Barangay nga mao ang San Isidro, Karaos ug Alegria. Ang nagamit nga budget alang sa tulo ka pasilidad mikabat sa PhP1,289,031.75 nga kinuha gikan sa 20 porsyento gikan Municipal Development Fund (MDF) sa San Francisco. Sa pagdawat sa gasa nga pasilidad, si Punong Barangay Jason Dellomes sa San Isidro, mipasalamat kang Mayor Solomon T. Rufila sa maong proyekto, kay kini daku ug matabang ilabi na sa pagdisiplina sa ilang katawhan ug pagsunod sa segragation

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sa ilang mga basura. Nagpasalamat na usab siyang daan sa umaabot nga bonggo nga maoy kargahan sa mga basura, nga nauna nang gisaad sa mayor. Sa iyang pamulong, si Punong Barangay Blandina Rufila mipasalamat usab nga na turn over na ang maong proyekto ug gidugang ang pagpasalig nga ilang paningkamotang nga ma mentenar ang kalimpyo sa ilang komunidad, pinaagi sa pag segregate sa basura. Sila ni counterpart usab alang sa dugang nga mga kinahanglanon nga mga materyales alang sa mag panindot ug mahimong accessible alang sa mga tao nga molabay ug basura sa maong MRF. Sa usa ka hamubong mensahe, si Mayor Rufila dili kini pag komplemento lamang nga mga proyekto kay kini dako ug ikatabang sa mga katawhan alang sa

kalimpyo sa communidad ug magamit gayod sa kabarangayan sa ilang tinguha sa maayong panglawas ug sanitasyon lakip na usab ang pagprotekta sa kinaiyahan. Nagpasalamat usab si Mayor Rufila sa mga SB members tungod sa ilang kasibot sa pagsuporta sa mga proyekto aron dili kini malangan labina kay kini alang sa kaayuhan sa mga katawhan. Mitambong sa programa sila SBM Dandan, SBM Retuerto, SBM Tandog, SBM Dayondon, Mun. Admin. Mr Barry Maurice Montilla, opisyales sa konseho sa Brgy Alegria, mga magtutudlo sa Alegria Elementary School kauban ang ilang Principal nga si Mrs Narcisa Ranes. Anaa usab si Punong Brgy Federico Gerodias, Sr. kauban ang mga opisyales sa konseho sa Brgy karaos. (LGU-San Francisco, PIAAgusan del Sur)

May 22-28, 2021 |

Health and wellness ng mga residente tinututukan ng LGU-Rosario, AgSur By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Sa kabila ng kinakaharap ngayon sa COVID-19 pandemic, hindi pa rin tumitigil ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagbibigay ng programa at serbisyo para sa mga apektadong mamamayan. Ang health and wellness ang isa sa mga tinututukan ngayon ng local na pamahalaan ng Rosario sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur para mapanatiling nasa maayos na kondisyon sa pangangatawan ng mga lokal na residente. Aktibo ang mga kabataan sa mga larong tulad ng darts, mobile legends, billiard, badminton, table tennis, chess, scrabble at word factory. Para naman sa mahilig magbisekleta, may fun ride at mountain bike competition rin na tinawag nilang “Sikad Tu Rosario.”

| May 22-28, 2021

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Ayon kay Alberto Picot, Jr., Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chair ng Brgy. Poblacion, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, nais nilang ipakita sa mga kapwa kabataan maging sa mga may edad na ang kahalagahan ng malusog na pangangatawan at pagiging aktibo sa sports. “Isang malaking hamon para sa mga kabataan na maging aktibo pa rin kahit pa man may COVID-19 pandemic. Kailangan nating magkaisa at magtulungan na

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malampasan ang krisis na ating kinakaharap. Tulungan natin ang ating mga sarili na makagawa pa rin ng mga makabuluhang aktibidad,” ani ni Picot. Ayon naman kay Joel Bantilan, punong barangay ng Poblacion, suportado nila ang ginagawang Palarong Pambarangay – SK Summer League sa new normal ngayong buwan ng Mayo. “Ang BLGU-Poblacion ay sumusuporta sa mga aktibidad ng Sk at mga kabataan dito para sa kanilang ikabubuti at

ikauunlad,” banggit ni Bantilan. Sa mga palarong ito, kaagapay din ang iba’t-ibang ahensiya sa pagpapanatili din ng kaayusan at pagpapatupad ng health protocol upang maiwasan pa rin ang pagkalat ng COVID-19. Ang Poblacion ay isa sa mga barangay sa nasabing bayan na patuloy rin sa pagbibigay ng COVID-19 vaccines sa kanilang mga constituents na kabilang sa eligible priority groups. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

May 22-28, 2021 |

Local SK highlights COVID-19 interventions, info drive vs fake news By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Combating fake news has been one of the primary agenda of the current administration and in the frontlines are the nation’s youth. In the Province of Dinagat Islands, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Brgy. Aurelio in the municipality of San Jose continues to be a massive advocate for ending the proliferation of disinformation and promoting the importance of giving and receiving verified information.

| May 22-28, 2021

And for SK Chairperson Mark Antony Bacara, this campaign could not have been more relevant especially as controversies on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and the vaccination rollout are still out in the open.

the community against fake news about the vaccine,” he said during his guesting at the Network Briefing News on Wednesday, May 26, with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar.

“The SK council has a big contribution in the fight against fake news. And with the ongoing vaccination rollout, we will conduct an information drive in

This is currently one of the main agenda of the barangay youth council as views on the COVID-19 jabs are still divided among the youth. Caraga INFOCUS

“Some youth are willing to be vaccinated because they are afraid of COVID-19. Some are afraid of the vaccine because of what might happen to them if they got vaccinated.” Meanwhile, during the show, the barangay SK leader mapped out their COVID-19 response. For this year, they plan on providing basic COVID19-related medical articles to residents and helping the education sector, which faces great challenges in continuing the delivery of education amid the health crisis. “This year we have planned programs like distribution of hygiene kits, sanitary kits, face shields, and face Caraga INFOCUS

masks to the youth and residents of the barangay. We also plan to provide support to the education sector during the blended modular learning through the provision of bond papers and other school supplies,” SK Chair Bacara elaborated. Since the pandemic, the SK of Brgy. Aurelio has actively provided support for the local government’s COVID-19 response. These include

providing assistance in the distribution of food packs to community members and manned the checkpoints during heightened community quarantine implementation. They also assisted in the establishment of the barangay containment and care center and even carried out the burial of non-COVID-19 patients. With more interventions set to eradicate the effects of the pandemic, the youth leader called out fellow SK leaders to launch initiatives that will address the needs of the youth. He also urged the youth to continue abiding minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields and observing physical distancing. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

May 22-28, 2021 |

Cultural properties display opens in Surigao City By Venus Lim-Garcia

As part of the celebration of the National Heritage Month, the Surigao City Tourism and Cultural Affairs opens the first-ever cultural properties exhibit dubbed as “Mga Kabilin Surigaonon.” It aims to create more awareness and interest in the artifacts of cultural and historical value that played a crucial part in bringing history to life. The exhibit is also one way of promoting and preserving local cultural property and

| May 22-28, 2021

rendering it accessible to Surigaonons so that its significance will become part of the lives of people who also may gain consciousness of their own cultural identity and dignity. “We make it a point that people, especially the Surigaonons will become more aware of our heritage. We do encourage them to preserve our heritage that’s why we intend to showcase or display some of the Surigaonon cultural properties which we have discovered

during our cultural mapping in the different barangays of the city,” said Roselyn Armida B. Merlin, head of the Surigao City Tourism Office. Included in the display are tadjaw, banga, and other heritage properties and items that were kept and preserved by the Surigaonons for more than 50 years already. “This has become a treasure of Surigaonons. So, we do encourage people to come and visit these display at Caraga INFOCUS

the Luneta Park at the ground floor of Surigao Reading Hub Center,” ani Merli. Part also of the celebration of the Heritage Month was the painting competition among high school students. The “Pintal Surigaonon” was joined by the contenders from the Canlanipa National High School, Taft National High School, Surigao City National High School, and Caraga Regional Science High School. Meanwhile, an online songwriting competition was also held for

elementary students from several participating schools which include Navarro Memorial Central Elementary School, B. Vasquez Memorial Central Elementary School, Talisay Elementary School, Special Science

Elementary School, Surigao City Pilot School, at Mariano Memorial Elementary School. “As young Surigaonons, we are happy and grateful because this exhibit has showcased our rich tangible cultural heritage. Magandang paraan ito para mas lalo pang mapahalagahan ang mga ito,” said Bruce P. Custodio, a student of NEMCO. With the ongoing pandemic, the local government unit of Surigao City is reminding the public to constantly practice the minimum health standards as the best defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). (VLG/SDR/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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May 22-28, 2021 |

Dinagat Islands LGU eyes closing border amid rise of COVID-19 cases By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

In response to the rise of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the municipality, Municipal Mayor of San Jose in the Province of Dinagat Islands Yngwie Hero Ecleo said Wednesday the local government unit might reimplement closed borders policy. This, he said during his guesting at the Network Briefing News with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar. As of May 24, 2021, the town of San Jose has a total of 234 confirmed cases, with 109 active cases, 122 recoveries, and three deaths. Six residents of San Jose town have also tested positive for the South African variant of COVID-19. In a Facebook post made by the LGU, one confirmed case had a travel history in Metro Manila while the rest contracted the new variant locally. All cases have been declared

| May 22-28, 2021

clinically recovered after undergoing 10-day isolation at the Provincial Care and Containment Center and the Dinagat District Hospital (DDH).

24/7.

While new measures are still being formulated to regulate the transmission of the new variant, Mayor Ecleo said they continue to implement granular lockdown in affected barangays to contain the spread of the virus. Despite the lack of needed health facilities, the LGU remained proactive in its COVID-19 responses. The municipal gymnasium and three schools were utilized as isolation facilities for mild COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 helplines were also established across the municipality and are on-call

Mayor Ecleo emphasized the need for locals to actively partake in putting an end to the pandemic which they can show primarily by religiously abiding health protocols. “We need to unite because what else can we do if we do not follow protocols? This is for your own good. We are thankful to those who do their part and listen to the authorities. And for those who still refuse to follow, we will not stop making you understand the seriousness of this crisis,” he furthered. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

Stricter monitoring of the residents’ movement will also be enforced, the mayor added.

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DA 13 reviews additional sub-projects in Placer, Cantilan

I-BUILD focal person Rhidge Berdera, the I-PLAN has to initially evaluate the documents so it can proceed to Geomapping and Governance Unit that will check its location.

A thorough document review was done by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project Caraga (DAPRDP) for the additional three subprojects of the I-BUILD or Infrastructure component. The proposed subprojects under the additional financing of PRDP will be presented during the prioritization run on May 28, which will secure them a budget spot. The PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) sat together with the local Caraga INFOCUS

government officials of Placer town in Surigao del Norte and Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur in a joint Technical Review to help iron out the documents needed. The proposed establishment of the 30 tons ice plant with ice storage of Placer, and improvement of Tigabong Portable Water System Level II and construction of the 3 units watch Tower for Cantilan have to undergo every component of PRDP to check if it has passed the set parameters. According to the

This will be endorsed to the Social Environmental Safeguard that will then review the project’s environmental feasibility and safety. The Economics will then examine its practicality and if all the parameters of each component are met. Then, I-BUILD will endorse the documents to the prioritization run, if not, it will automatically dismiss the proposal. Compliance with the documents is still ongoing. Moreover, this will be included in the Regional Program Advisory Board (RPAB) on May 27. The RPAB approval is also a requirement for the prioritization run. (DA-13/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) May 22-28, 2021 |

New MGB-13 chief assumes post

In a simple turnover ceremony held recently at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City, DENR Undersecretary for Enforcement, Mining and Muslim Affairs Jim O. Sampulna officiated the turnover of leadership for the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 between outgoing Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble and incoming OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez.

| May 22-28, 2021

The said ceremony was held in compliance with MGB Special Order No. 2021-055 dated April 15, 2021 issued by MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano and DENR Special Order No. 2021-238 dated May 7, 2021 issued by DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu reassigning RD Noble to MGB MIMAROPA and designating Engr. Heradez as the OIC-RD of MGB Regional Office 13. DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Nonito Tamayo said

the installation of MGB’s directorship is contained under DENR Administrative Order No. 2018-18 which is the establishment of a Centralized Management and Coordinative Mechanism at the Regional Offices of DENR, MGB and EMB and Designation of the DENR Regional Director as the Regional Executive Director providing the overall command of Regional Operations for the efficient implementation of programs and rules and regulations pertaining to the environment. “I count on your cooperation and in return you can count on our support including our PENROs and CENROs just as we are counting on you in the implementation of rules and regulations pertaining to mining laws. Together with the more than 1,000 men and women of DENR Caraga INFOCUS

added.

Caraga, We welcome you! We are always there to provide you help,” said Director Tamayo. On his part, Dir. Moncano delivered words of gratitude and encouragement for the two officials. “Assuming the position of Regional Director is a very important experience for any official of the MGB or DENR for that matter. My congratulations to the incoming OIC-Regional Director, Engr. Larry Heradez! I would also like to thank Engr. Glenn Noble for taking care of MGB Regional Office No. XIII for almost 3 years. RD Noble has made a lot of improvements in Caraga INFOCUS

organizational matters and has managed all the pressures well. And my expectation is that incoming OIC-Regional Director Larry Heradez will also do the same,” said Dir. Moncano. “Being the Regional Director of any Regional Office comes with responsibility, authority and accountability. And these are the standards that the Regional Directors are measured. And for those who will be doing well, of course, there will be promotions or recognition but all of us officers in government are measured on these three parameters,” he

He also said that there are high expectations for the mining sector as it might be one of the saviors of the battered Philippine economy according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. With that in mind, he mentioned that MGB has prepared the projects classified as priority projects phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 on the line in order for the sector to contribute to the recovery of the economy. Furthermore, Director Moncano expressed his hope that MGB Regional Office 13 will expedite the processing of mining applications as the mining capital of the country. He encouraged the personnel to apply and comply with the Ease of Doing Business Law and that he has high expectations for the MGB Regional Office 13 to be the lead region in terms of contribution to the mining economy. (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte) May 22-28, 2021 |

NPA’s team leader succumbs to government Delta Coy, 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army retrieved the said firearms on May 24, 2021.

A team leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist group surrendered to Police Provincial Office (PPO) of Surigao del Norte and availed the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on May 23, 2021 in Barangay Pautao, Bacuag town, this province. Police Provincial Director Colonel Noel C. Espinoza identified the surrenderee as AKA JR, 28 years old, a resident of Bacuag town and (Alpha) Team Leader of Dragon Platoon, Sentro de Grabidad, Guerilla

| May 22-28, 2021

Front 16 Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and listed in the periodic status report. Intelligence report disclosed that JR joined the NPA on September 2014 and revealed that on 2019, he secluded firearms in a cave on the mountainous parts of Sitio Palilihan, Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit town. Joint elements of Surigao del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st and 2nd SDN Provincial Mobile Force Company, Gigaquit Municipal Police Station together with Palilihan Patrol Base

Among the recovered weapons were one AK47 Rifle, one Stoeger Shotgun (PNP property) with serial number 018466 (which was forcibly taken by the NPA during the attack in Alegria Municipal Police Station on July 10, 2014), eight K47 Magazines without ammunition and two black bandoliers. The former rebel is now under the custody of the PPO and being coordinated and evaluated for subsequent enrollment to E-CLIP. In his message, PCol. Espinoza lauded the troops for this intervention. “I also encourage the rest of these groups to avail the E-CLIP to access government assistance and services,” PCol. Espinoza said. (PPO-SDN/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DTI launches 2nd SSF project in Dinagat Islands The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched recently the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project on Cacao Processing in Barangay Plaridel, Libjo town, this province. The DTI SSF Project on Cacao Processing worth P1,340,000.00 aims to help the Dinagat Islands Pure Organic Farmers Association (DIPOFA) in the production of tablea.

Dinagat Islands during the Cacao conference who The DIPOFA association, would like to plant cacao which currently produces tablea, is composed of 350 in the island. Now, it’s nice to know that after five members and registered years, I’m here launching with the Department of the SSF on Cacao that Labor and Employment aims to help the same in March 2018 and has group of people I met already planted cacao years ago. You could trees on 82 hectares of see the development of land where 20,000 cacao trees have already started the industry here,” Dir. Banquerigo said. to bear fruits. In his message, DTI Caraga Regional Director Edwin O. Banquerigo praised the group for maintaining the passion founded years ago.

Meanwhile, Elmer M. Natad, OIC-Provincial Director of DTI Dinagat Islands, hopes to see the result of the program using the machinery.

“Cacao industry is close to my heart. Five years ago, I’ve met people from

“SSF is a flagship program of DTI which turn our manual jobs into

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mechanized work and eventually improves our business and economic situation. That is our aim in DTI,” said Natad. SSF project is meant to improve MSME competitiveness by providing machinery, equipment, tools, systems, accessories, and other auxiliary items, skills, and knowledge under a shared system. The launching was attended by Vice Governor Nilo P. Demery, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members Ali Adlawan and Carlos Boa, and Barangay Officials of Plaridel. (DTIDinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands) May 22-28, 2021 |

Biocon effective alternative for crop pest management By Rhea C. Abao

Farmers’ struggle against pests and diseases is real. The devastating effects of the outbreaks of insect pests and diseases add to a farmer’s distress and probable losses. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, pests and diseases have historically affected food production either directly or indirectly through losses in food crop yield. These losses are worsening by the changing climate, and its increasing volatility, threatening food security

| May 22-28, 2021

and rural livelihoods across the globe. With this the Department of Agriculture (DA)Caraga Regional Agriculture and Fishery Information Section (RAFIS) together with the Crop Pest Management – Regional Technical Working Group conducted the Information Caravan on the Prevention and Control of Emerging Pest and Diseases on Rice and Corn in the Municipalities of Las Nieves, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Buenavista, and Nasipit, Agusan del

Norte on May 11, 18, and 20. The campaign aimed to capacitate and strengthen farmer’s decision-making ability and pests and disease management practices through the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). DA also emphasized the use of Biological Control Agents (BCA or Biocon) in optimizing the production of the region’s major commodities. According to Science Research Specialist II Maricel Jabao-Didal of Caraga INFOCUS

10,000 trichocards of Trichogramma, and 50,000 adults of earwig. Thus, the regionwide information caravan reinforces the knowledge of the farmers about pest management.

the Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC), BCA is a friendly organism that is used to manage different pests. It is considered the best alternative to pesticides, efficient and safe for humans and also the environment. “Farmers should know that there are effective environment-friendly alternatives to pest management such as the use of Biocon. RCPMC provides these services for free from technical assistance to the distribution of biological control agents such as parasitoids like Trichogramma sp., pathogen like Metarhizium anisopliae, Trichoderma sp, Beauveria bassiana, Nuclear Polyedrosis, and predators such as Chilocorus nigrita, earwig, green lacewing, and Caraga INFOCUS

assassin bug which are beneficial in managing pest,” said Didal. Most farmers rely heavily on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides without knowing the environmental pollution caused by the excessive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. This leads to the decline of the area’s biodiversity such as the natural enemies and microorganisms in the field. “The RCPMC is into mass production of these useful Biocon agents to be a reliable partner of the farmers for crop pest management,” Didal added. This year, RCPMC targets to distribute a total of 6,000 packs of Metarhizium anisopliae, 6,000 packs of Trichoderma sp.,

For Narcie B. Rosales, a rice farmer from Barangay Poblacion, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, knowing how to deal with pests and diseases in her area is a big help. “The identification of beneficial and harmful insects on rice is very important because this will help me to decide which appropriate prevention and management control measures in the field I should use. I have now a better option knowing the benefits of BCA,” said Rosales. Aside from imparting awareness to farmers, DA believes that interpersonal communication, even amid the pandemic, is vital in changing the mindset of the farmers on chemical use and rather use the biological control agents in managing pests and diseases. (DACaraga RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 22-28, 2021 |

Population program addresses local population issues By Matt Joe Ian F. Gonzaga

The Commission on Population and Development Caraga (POPCOM) came out with the 2020-2022 thrust of the Philippine Population Management or PPMP to primarily address key population issues in their locality. In the full implementation of Supreme Court Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, POPCOM Caraga took the lead in preparing the necessary financial and logistical assistance to LGUs to ensure the long-term implementation of its key strategies, particularly at the grassroots level. POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano expresses his gratitude to local government units that took the initiative in ensuring the agency’s program mandate has a solid foundation and encourages all local

| May 22-28, 2021

Makinano

chief executives and population officers to continue their duties and responsibilities in promoting empowered families and communities. The Philippine Population Management Program enables couples to achieve their desired number and spacing of children while adhering to the demands of responsible parenthood. POPCOM is campaigning that If every Filipino family becomes well-planned, they will have a

greater opportunity and capacity to innovate for each family member’s well-being and development. Each Filipino becomes a more empowered human resource as a result. The PPMP will be pursued through the main program components of: Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP), Adolescent Health and Development, and Population and Development (POPDEV) Integration. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

POPCOM pushes reliable database against COVID-19 By Matt Joe Ian F. Gonzaga

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) of Caraga advances the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants, or RBIM, to the barangays in the region as a baseline of managing responses against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in household level.

and Migrants is also a tool for monitoring internal migration for growth planning and policy formulation purposes. During the profiling process, basic information such as migration data, health indicators, employment variables, and household information is gathered.

based information and profile system for each barangay in the region through the RBIM. POPCOM developed RBIM and the Demographic Vulnerability Tool to assist Local Government Units in managing their responses to any pandemic, including COVID-19.

POPCOM is offering help The Registry of Barangay Inhabitants to create communityCaraga INFOCUS

As of press time, 86 barangays of Butuan City, 25 barangays of Buenavista, and for a few barangays in the region have already after the agency’s face-to-face and online workshop forwarded by POPCOM Caraga. Lately, the municipalities of Bacuag and Sison in the province of Surigao del Norte have submitted a letter of intent to the Commission for the conduct of training and seminars on the Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants Registry. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga) May 22-28, 2021 |

POPCOM strengthens partnership with CSOs, LGUs The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga strengthened its program’s campaign by working with civil society organizations (CSOs) to provide quality information and services to couples and individuals about Responsible Parenthood – Family Planning and to young people about Adolescent Health and Development at the community level. POPCOM Caraga entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sibog Katawhan alang sa Paglambo Inc., Friendship Goals Society Caraga, and Hope Radio Philippines Butuan early this year to conduct a massive demand generation

| May 22-28, 2021

activities to various communities in the region.

Gateway UHF Television Broadcasting, while Digital Broadcasting Corporation owns its Sibog Katawhan Alang radio stations. Founded Sa Paglambo (SIKAP), and launched on Inc. was born in 2006 out September 26, 2010, in of the genuine aspiration the South Philippines. of its founding partners The agency is currently for transformative and broadcasting to their genuinely sustainable radio stations thru community development DXIM 93.5 Hope Radio work. The professed Philippines, Butuan. aspiration was borne out of founding partners’ Meanwhile, the first-hand knowledge of Friendship Goals Society and actual experiences Caraga Butuan is a working with vulnerable Non-Government communities as the Organization whose latter demonstrated their vision and mission are desire for respectable to create a harmonious and improved quality of society for adolescents living. and youth by providing necessary information Hope Radio Philippines and knowledge to is a religious network youth leaders to mentor of the Seventh-day others. (Matt Joe Ian Adventist Church in F. Gonzaga, POPCOM the Philippines. Its TV Caraga/PIA Caraga) stations are owned by Caraga INFOCUS

Human Rights Action Center sa Las Nieves gi-mugna Gimugna sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa lungsod sa Las Nieves ang Las Nieves Agusan del Norte Human Rights Action Center kon LANHRAC nga mabutang sa opisina sa Municipal Mayor ubos sa Municipal Ordinance No. 507-2021. Gikauyunan ug gideklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang maong ordinansa subay sa 1987 Constitution ug Local Government Code of 1991. Namugna kini aron mapalig-on ang estratehiya sa Human Rights Action Center ug Rule of Law sa Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ug sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ug gikonsidera ang nagpadayon nga mga kalapasan sa tawhanong katungod nga nagakahitabo matag adlaw. Nakita sa Sangguniang Bayan ang panginahanglan nga magbutang usa ka Human Rights Action Center sa ilawom sa opisina sa Caraga INFOCUS

Munisipyo sa Lungsod alang sa padayon nga programa sa pagpanukiduki, kasayuran ug edukasyon aron mapaayo ang pagtahod sa panguna sa tawhanong mga katungod. Ubos sa maong ordinansa, nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan Member Larry F, Bautista adunay LANHRAC Team mao ang mosunod: Chairperson: Municipal Administrator Co-Chairperson: Municipal Vice Mayor As Co-Chairperson: SB Chairman Committee on Human Rights Members: - Philippine National Police Human Rights Officer - MSWD Officer - Municipal Health Officer - President of the Barangay

Human Rights Action Officer (BHRAO) - Four members nominated by Civil Society Group, Non-government organization/People Organization accredited by CHR -School District Supervisor or a DepEd Representative -Municipal Environment & Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) -Municipal Public Information Officer. Giduso kini sa Committee on Laws, Ethics and Good Government sa pagpangusog ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, atol sa ika 90th Regular Session niadtong Mayo 17, 2021. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 22-28, 2021 |

Skills development ug livelihood programs gilusad sa Zapanta Valley Gilusad sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) kagahapon, Mayo 26, ang nagkalain-laing skills development and livelihood programs aron mahimong sustenidong kasandigan sa panginabuhian sa mga residente sa Zapanta Valley, Bangayan, lungsod sa Kitcharao. Sa maong okasyon nausa usab ang tulo ka organisasyon nga maginambitay sa unsa man ang mahimong ayuda sa gobyerno ug hiniusang palamboon kini alang sa kabulahanan sa tagsa-

| May 22-28, 2021

tagsa nila ka sakop. Ang maong mga organisasyon mao ang mosunod: Zapanta Valley Manobo Mamanwa Association (ZAMMA) nga girepresentahan sa chairman nga si Datu Lando Anlagan, Zapanta Valley Bisaya Organization (ZAVBIOR) nga girepresentahan sa chairman nga si Jerry Espanola ug ang Zapanta Valley Farmers Association (ZAVAFA) nga girepresentahan sa chairman nga si Anacleto B. Masangkay III. Unang giambitan sa tulo ka organisasyon kaganiha ang pagtanum

sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka luna sa inisyal nga 2,000 ka seedlings sa abaca ug mga prutas. Inisyal nga nasabutan sa mga organisasyon nga hiniusa nilang tamnan ug abaca ang mosuma sa 100 ka ektarya. Gisugdan usab kaganiha sa TESDA ang Cake Making Training. Gipahibalo usab ni TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva nga masugdan na sa bulan sa Hunyo ang mga gipangcommit sa iyang buhatan nga trainings sama sa carpentry ug masonry ug uban pang mga pagbansay. Caraga INFOCUS

Dugang ni Cueva nga ongoing na usab ang procurement alang sa mga equipment sa bakery, habal-habal mini spareparts store, barbershop ug beauty parlor. Ubos usab sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba, laing gatusan ka ektarya usab ang una na’ng nasabutan tali sa mga mag-uuma tamnan og nagkalainlaing high value crops sa mosunod nga pito ka tuig ug sugdan na kini sa Hunyo. Ubos gihapon sa AGUSAN UP!, apil ang mga maguuma sa Zapanta Valley sa ilusad sa ikaduhang semana sa Hunyo ang gipasiugdahan sa Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) nga “Vegetable Derby”, indigay sa mas produktibong gulayan sa upat ka mga areas sa probinsya, butang nga mobansay sa mga maguuma niini aron mahimong hanite sa produksyon sa gulay. Caraga INFOCUS

Dungan sa maong vegetable derby ang paghimo sa mga residente nga kabahin sa mag-uuma nga mo-develop ug mosustiner isip kasandigang ekonomikanhong tinubdan sa una nang nalatid nga hiniusang proyekto sa mga maguuma og gulay sa Kitcharao, sa munisipyo ug sa probinsya nga mao “Food Basket.” Ubos sa “Food Basket” ipalambo ang 500 ektaryas nga gulayan sa tibuok probinsya (labing daku niini sa Kitcharao), mopahiluna og Bagsakan ug Mobile Marketing Units, ingon man ang pagmugna og vegetable processing center. “Karon, atong paningkamotan nga mahimong vegetable capital ang zapanta valley sa Kitcharao ug sa Agusan del Norte” sumala ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey S. Laurito isip mensahe ni Gob. Corvera. Sa iyang mensahe, gihangyo sa Barangay Kapitan sa Bangayan nga si Joseph V. Senones ang tanang lumulupyo sa Zapanta Valley nga amomahon ug ampingan

ang mga proyekto nga gipadangat sa gobyerno aron mas molambo ang ilang lugar ug mabulahan ang mga tawo niini. Isip tubag mikometer ang mga lider sa tulo ka organisasyon sa mga panawagan sa panaghiusa ug pagpalambo sa gipadangat nga mga proyekto sa gobyerno. Apil usab sa mitambong sa maong okasyon si Dr. Raul del Agua, Municipal Administator ug Municipal Agriculturist sa Kitcharao isip representante ni Mayor Aristotle Montante, TESDA PTC Administrator Engr. Ruben Carduza, Sr., Major Roger Gersava sa 29th Infantry Battalion, PLTCol. Ritchie Yatar sa PNP. Mitambong usab sila si Wendilin Abuloc sa PhilFIDA, nga maoy mipadangat sa mga seedling sa abaca, mga personahe sa AGUSAN UP!, sa Provincial and Social Welfare Development Office [PSWDO], Provincial Agriculture Office ug Municipal Agriculture Office. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Ydhel Brando Zagado, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 22-28, 2021 |

36 ka personahe sa kapitolyo, migradwar sa Psychological First Aid By Shena Mae Pabia

Katloan og unom ka personahe sa probinsyal nga panggamhan sa Agusan del Norte ang migradwar sa tulo ka adlaw nga Psychological First Aid Training and Coping Strategies on COVID-19 pandemic nga gihimo sa syudad sa Butuan. Ang pagbansay gipasiugdahan sa probinsya ubos sa Provincial Disaster Risk

| May 22-28, 2021

naay mga tawo sa kapitolyo nga naay katakus pagtabang nga mahupay ang kahingawa sa mga pasyente sa COVID-19. Ang ideya mao nga mokontak sila sa mga natakbuyan sa maong sakit, naka-quarantne man o wala, pinaagi sa cellular phone o digital phone aron pangutanon sa ilang mga nasinati ug makatambag aron makasugakod sila sa posibleng anxiety disorder o depresyon. Reduction Management Office [PDRRMO] nga gipangulohan ni Erma Suyo ug ni Jorge Vincent Pagaran isip focal person sa maong kalihukan. Gitambongan usab kini ni Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo isip representante ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera. Tumong sa maong pagbansay nga

“Dakung tabang ug additional knowledge sa amo na nakaapil sa training para makatabang sa mga tao nga nag-need og help labi na pag naa silay bation nga mental disorders,” sumala pa ni Nibika May Calixtro, personahe sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center nga partisipante sa maong pagbansay. (LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Probinsya sa Agusan del Norte, ubang ahensya nagpadangat og ayuda sa Sitio Tagbuaya Nakadawat niadtong Mayo 25, ang mga lumulupyo sa Sitio Tagbuaya, Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte og food packs isip tubag sa hangyo sa mga opisyal sa maong barangay. Ang pag apod-apod og food packs sa maong sitio gipasiugdahan sa probinsya sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) ni Silver Joy Tejano, lakip ang pagpanghatag ang buhatan sa Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) - Jabonga ug ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). “Ako nagpasalamat, ug ang barangay council sa effort ug pagsanong sa among hangyo sa sa provincial government nga kini nga benepisyo para sa mga nagkinahanglan,” sumala ni Barangay Captain Marwin Serrano sa maong barangay. Sa iyang bahin, gipasabot ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Laurito sa mga lumulupyo nga gipadala gyod ni Gob.

Caraga INFOCUS

Dale Corvera ang nagkalainlaing ahensya sa gobyerno aron ma-atiman ang mga lumulupyo sa maong sitio sa higayon sa ilang panginahanglan. “Kung unsay mga programa sa gobyerno mo cooperate gyud ta, kay ang atong halangdong gobernador Dale B. Corvera gipaanhi man gyud ta tanan para atimanon ang Sitio Tagbuaya,” sumala pa ni Laurito. Kauban usab ni Laurito

sa maong pagbisita ang personahe sa nagkalainlaing opisina sa kapitolyo, si Provincial Director Rey Cueva sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), mga personahe sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PLTCol. Ritchie M. Yatar, Major Roger N. Gersava ug mga personahe sa buhatan ni Mayor Napoleon M. Montero sa Jabonga. (Shena Mae Pabia with a report from Jhenny Fabian, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

May 22-28, 2021 |

‘Diabetes and Hypertension Club’ gilusad sa lungsod sa Magallanes Padayon ang paghatag og social services ngadto sa tanang diabetic ug hypertensive nga mga senior citizen sa lungsod sa Magallanes, Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa paglusad sa Diabetes and Hypertension Club, sa Sto. Rosario aron makunhoran ang maong sakit sa maong lungsod ingon man sa tibuok probinsya. Ubay-ubay ka social services nga gihatod sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa Amomang Agusanon sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa probinsya ilawom sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba. Kapin 300 ka membro sa mga senior citizens nga nag edad og 60-89 anyos ang nakadawat sa mga serbisyo sama sa libreng tambal, pagkuha sa blood

| May 22-28, 2021

sugar ug timbang, X-ray ug pagpahigayon og adbokasiya sa Sexually Transmitted InfectionsAids. Gikatakda usab ilusad ang susamang aktibidad sa uban nga mga munisipyo sa umaabot nga mga buwan sa pagpanguna sa buhatan sa Provincial Hospital kaabag ang AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center.

Mahinumduman nga gilusad usab ang maong aktibidad sa buwan sa Mayo didto sa Tagcatong, Carmen ug malipayong midawat ang katiguwangan sa mga serbisyo nga napadangat sa probinsya. (Karen Decamotan kauban si Nibika May Calixtro, hulagway kuha ni Nibika ug Jenny Fabian, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

12th eco-sports festivities postponed due to spike in COVID-19 cases in Tandag By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Several activities for the EcoSports Festival, an annual event in Tandag City, are postponed due to increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city.

province of Surigao del Sur.

Though the 1st Barkada Siklista MTB Challenge and the 1st Tandag Enduro Trail Competition have already started last May 22, other Based on the Advisory activities such as its formal No. 63 released by the city opening, kite flying contest, government of Tandag, and neo-ethnic dance contest a number of activities are scheduled on Saturday, May postponed until further notice 29, 2021, and fireball dance due to the unexpected rising contest, and culmination of COVID-19 cases in Caraga program scheduled on May 30 Region, which included the are postponed.

Caraga INFOCUS

However, the city government of Tandag clarified that the scheduled Coastal Clean-up on May 28 in Barangay San Agustin Sur Coastal Area and a twoday Surf Clinic on May 29-30, 2021 held at Avila Resort will proceed accordingly. As of May 24, 2021, the city government has recorded 40 active cases of COVID-19. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

May 22-28, 2021 |

Pinakadaghang mortality tungod sa COVID–19, naitala sa ASTMMC

Mitala sa pinakaunang higayon ang Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC ) og walo (8) ka mortality tungod sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sulod lang sa usa ka adlaw. Sa pakighinabi, gibutyag ni Dr. Janice Pagaran– Alcordo, Medical Center Chief sa nasangpit nga balay tambalanan, nga naitala kini niadtong Mayo 25, kung diin sa maong numero, pito (7) ka pasyente ang taga– Surigao del Sur ug isa ang

| May 22-28, 2021

taga–Agusan del Sur. Sumala pa nga tungod sa maong panghitabo, nanghinaot nalang kini nga dili na mutaas pa ang mortality sa COVID–19 sa ilang ospital sa mga musunod nga adlaw labi na nga sa karon, nagpabiling puno kini sa mga COVIDrelated patient. Sa karon, ila unang gilikayan ang pagpangdawat og mga referral nga mga pasyente gikan sa laing mga ospital. Una na nga gibutyag ni Dr.

Alcordo nga sa karon, mag–average sila og duha ngadto sa upat ka mortality matag adlaw tungod sa COVID–19. Subay niini, padayon kining nanawagan ngadto sa publiko nga gikinahanglan gihapon ang pagsunod sa minimum public health and safety protocol bisan paman nga nagpadayon na ang pagpamakuna kontra sa maong sakit. (Raymond Samson Aplaya - RP1 Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur ) Caraga INFOCUS

3 ka mga empleyado sa SurSur coop nagpositibo sa COVID-19 Gikumpirma ni Esmeraldo Raymundo, Acting Provincial Administrator sa Surigao del Sur, ug kasamtangang Chairperson sa Board sa Surigao del Sur Community Initiative Multi – Purpose Cooperative (SCI-MPC) nga aduna sila’y tulo ka mga empleyado nga nagpositibo sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19). Sa pakighinabi, gibutyag niini nga ila kining nasayran human migawas ang resulta sa swab test niadtong milabay’ng adlaw. Caraga INFOCUS

Tungod niini, daling gidala sa Quarantine Facility dinhi sa siyudad sa Tandag ang maong mga empleyado dungan sa pagpasirado sa opisina sa ilang Lending ug rason sa temporaryong pagpahunong sa operasyon sa ilang Canteen. Hinuon giklaro niini nga nagpadayon gihapon ang operasyon sa ilang Lending tungod kay taliwala paman nga nakasirado ang ilang opisina ug naka – Quarantine sa sulod ang

ilang mga personahe, padayon gihapon sila nga nagapangdawat og mga aplikasyon alang sa loan gikan sa ilang mga miyembro pinaagi sa gipahimutang nga mga drop box sa gawas nga bahin sa ilang opisina. Sumala pa nga human maproseso ang aplikasyon alang sa loan, i- diretso na sa pagsulod ngadto sa mga ATM ang loan proceeds sa mga aplikanteng miyembro. (Raymond Samson Aplaya - RP1 Tandag/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) May 22-28, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

Securing peace gains: PRRD directs MinDA to help ex-fighters who lost jobs President Rody Duterte has directed the Mindanao Development Authority to resolve a potentially explosive situation in Central Mindanao after the closure of three huge banana farms dislocated almost 4,000 workers, mostly former rebel combatants.

in Maguindanao. The displaced workers were formerly employed by three banana companies identified with John Perrine whose companies suffered financial difficulties after failing to access loan funds from government financing institutions.

fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberatiom Front and the Moro National Liberal Front, while During a Virtual exploring ways to reopen Conference organized the plantations. by MinDA on May 14, the Office of the Presidential The instructions were Adviser on the Peace issued by the President Process warned that the to the MinDA during the failure of government command conference to resolve the problem held in Awang, Odin could threaten the Sinsuat on May 11 peace and security in The President tasked following the eruption the area. MinDA in initially of atrocities involving extending assistance to the Bangsamoro Islamic The OPAPP said that the displaced workers, Freedom Fighters in Datu given the volatility of the most of whom are former Paglas and other areas situation, the displaced Caraga INFOCUS

May 22-28, 2021 |

former combatants could be vulnerable to the offers of support by the small terror group, BIFF. During the said conference, the different agencies of government were represented. Sec. Emmanuel F. Pinol, Usec. Janet M. Lopoz and Asec. Cherry Santos Akbar and the MinDA staff represented MinDA while John Paul Perrine, Chairman, La Fruittera Inc. and Edgar Bullecer, Manager, Paglas Corp., represented the banana companies. Usec. Ricardo Jalad of the Office for Civil Defense, represented Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and was supported by Dir. Bernardo “Raffy” Alejandro IV, Dir. Minda C. Morante and Susana Quiambao. Director Farrah Grace V. Naparan represented OPAPP while Col. Glenn Caballero, represented OG7, 6 th Inf. Div. Phil. Army. Usec. Fel Budiongan rerepsented DSWD, along with Dir. Raylindo Aniñon and Bonifacio

| May 22-28, 2021

Silva, Jr. Asst. Reg. Director- DSWD 12 Others who participated were Peter Paul Gomez, DTI, CPAB and Ismail Guiamel, Director, BARMM-MAFAR. The participating agencies agreed that while MinDA is working on the resolution of the issues involving the revival and rehabilitation of the banana farms, assistance will be extended to displaced workers of the

companies. The DSWD, with the support of MinDA, had already extended food assistance to the displaced workers while other agencies committed support until the resolution of the problem. MinDA is scheduled to hold today another meeting with the Perrine group to explore options on how to revive the banana farms. Caraga INFOCUS

Mindanao Rising: Mindanao agri-aqua sector gets P3.1-B EU grant funds The Mindanao Development Authority in partnership with the German Development Agency GIZ and the European Union Delegation will implement starting this year the Mindanao Peace Caraga INFOCUS

and Development Program which aims to improve agricultural productivity, reduce poverty and support the peace gains of the Duterte Administration in Mindanao. Last week, the EU

Delagation, represented by Xavier Canton, the GIZ and MinDA finalized the details of the MINPAD RISE Program which would involve agriculture and fisheries development programs totaling about P3.1-B. May 22-28, 2021 |

The virtual meeting last week marked the beginning of a 4-year-period of implementation of the EU Grant Fund and the end of a lengthy negotiations process for loan availment. The projects identified by MinDA will address poverty, increase productivity and immediately restart the Mindanao economy which MinDA will manage and implement through its development partners, GIZ and World Bank though the Philippine Rural Development Program.

included representatives of the different sectors conducted by MinDA since last year.

be undertaken by its development partners.

Of the €35.5-M Fund, €20-M will be for projects Grains silos and milling under the World facilities for rice and corn The loan documents were signed last year Bank Philippine Rural production areas, ice Development Program plants and cold storages by the Philippine Government represented (PRDP) while the for fishing communities, by Finance Secretary remaining €15.5-M will be processing facilities for Carlos Dominguez III handled by the German coconut and possibly a and the European Development Agency manufacturing facility Union Delegation led by GIZ. for Mindanao’s natural Charge d’Affairs Thomas rubber produce are Wearning and Enrico MinDA will organize a among the specific Strampelli. Project Management projects included in the Office (PMO) to list of priorities identified While MinDA is the identify the projects by MinDA. implementing agency to be funded and of the Mindanao Peace directly supervise and The identification of and Development oversee the project the projects was made Rise Program (MinPADimplementation. (MinDA) during a planning Rise), the projects will workshop which

| May 22-28, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO’s Laging Handa Dokyu wins at 15th UPLB Gandingan Awards The Presidential Communications Operations Office – Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs’s Laging Handa Dokyu won a major award at the Gandingan Awards 2021 of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. This year’s Gandingan 2021: The 15th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multi-media Awards organized by the UP Community Broadcasters’

| May 22-28, 2021

Society named the Laging Handa Dokyu as the ‘Most Development-Oriented Public Service Program’. The UP Community Broadcasters’ Society announced the winners through the Online Gandingan Awards which was livestreamed via Facebook on May 22, Saturday. Gandingan Awards is the recognition program

of UP that highlights the value of development communication and the contribution of both national and local or community-based media practitioners and organizations in changing the lives of the Filipinos. “It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. I am very grateful for the recognition given by the people behind the Gandingan Awards.

Caraga INFOCUS

This affirms the PCOO’s tireless commitment to communicate and inform the public during this pandemic,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said. He added that COVID-19 has greatly affected how Filipinos communicate and how much they rely on digital media to remain informed. He also underscored that the “PCOO has initiated alternative means to showcase the dedication and passion to serve as shown by our Filipino healthcare workers and frontliners who are putting their lives at risk in the fight against COVID-19,” “Other than the usual reportage, we have taken it a notch higher, by providing the public with documentaries on stories that matter and on issues that allow the public to be empowered and to take action,” the PCOO chief said. Meanwhile, PCOOOGMPA’s Assistant Secretary JV Arcena, who is also the executive producer/production head/ host of the Laging Handa Dokyu, assured that the PCOO will continue to produce more content and documentaries that promote accessible information for the Filipino people.

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“Rest assured, the PCOO will continue to promote accessible information for all. We will also continue to fulfill our mandate and ensure that we keep the public informed and aware of government programs and services that benefit them,” he said. Asec. Arcena, a finalist for Best TV Program Host, bared that other Laging Handa Dokyu episodes, such as Red Zone, Repatriation, Baguio: Contact Tracing and Oragon, were also recognized as finalists at the Gandingan Awards 2021. Sec. Andanar was also a finalist for Best AM Radio Program Host for his programs CORDS-X and Cabinet Report. On Laging Handa Dokyu ‘Hot Zone’ The Laging Handa Dokyu is a series of short informative documentaries that focuses on the lives of healthcare professionals and other frontline workers, as well as all the facets of the national government’s proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hot Zone episode showed one of the most dangerous places at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was inside the emergency room and

Intensive Care Units of one of the COVID-19 referral hospitals, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City. The hospital was where the severe and critical COVID-19 patients were admitted and treated by our modern-day heroes – the healthcare workers. The documentary highlighted how healthcare workers risk their lives to fight the dreaded virus. At the same time, the episode showed how COVID-19 patients fought for their lives. ‘Hot Zone’ also showcased the actions of the national government in addressing the rising cases of COVID-19 by increasing the number of treatment and isolation facilities in the country, as part of the national COVID-19 response strategy. The PCOO-produced Laging Handa Dokyu also won a prestigious international award at the recent 2021 Stevie Awards. The said documentary program received a Bronze Stevie award for Innovation in Documentaries. Laging Handa Dokyu, now on its third season, airs every Sunday, 9:30pm, on PTV, IBC, and PCOO pages.

May 22-28, 2021 |

PCOO brings local, int’l media to rehabilitated sites in Marawi

Inside the ongoing construction in Marawi City’s Grand Mosque, TFBM Chairperson and DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, alongside Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul U. Gandamra, PCOO-OGMPA Assistant Secretary JV Arcena, TFBM Asec. Felix Castro, and Marawi Sultanate League Chairman Sultan Nasser Sampaco Al Hajj pose for a group photo with members of the media.

Members of the international and local media witnessed the significant progress of the government’s rehabilitation program for the conflict-affected city of Marawi, during the Marawi City Week of Peace Reporting Event. The Presidential Communication Operations Office, through the Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (PCOO-OGMPA), in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Radio Television

| May 22-28, 2021

Malacañang (RTVM), brought members of the international and local media in Marawi City from 22nd to the 23rd of May 2021 to allow the media to see firsthand the onthe-ground situation of the rehabilitation efforts of the national government and local government, as well as its development partners, in the Islamic city.

the locals benefiting from government policies and projects.

First launched in 2018, PCOO reporting events aim to provide accurate information and narratives not only from the Philippine government officials, but also from

“It is within the promise of a comfortable life that this commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his administration to finish rebuilding Marawi City before this term ends is

According to Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar, the Duterte administration is committed to its promise of rebuilding the besieged city and bringing Marawi back to its former glory before the term ends.

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embedded. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the reconstruction continues to be robust for the gentle and peace-loving people of Marawi, while ensuring health protocols are being followed,” said Secretary Andanar. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and TFBM chairman Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario said that all of the infrastructure projects, some of which started in July last year, will be completed by December 2021. The housing czar estimated that infrastructure projects, which started July last year, are about 65% complete and that these projects are expected to be finished by December of this year.

On the first day of the reporting event, the members of the media witnessed the inauguration of the Tolali Barangay Hall Complex, and the almost completely rehabilitated Disomangcop Mosque. They also covered the inoculation of locals at the Marawi City Hall, many of the vaccine recipients were senior citizens and persons with comorbidities. The TFBM also brought the media to the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of eight (8) four-storey school buildings which houses 200 classrooms, located in Barangay Moncado Colony Kadingilan, part of the Most Affected Areas (MAA) of Marawi.

The media also witnessed the groundbreaking “Now, we can stand ceremony of the proud and tell the world, Sarimanok Complex to the public, that we are and Marawi Convention on the right track and we Center, led by the are doing it right, and we National Housing will complete substantially Authority. The complex the rehabilitation by is a multipurpose fourDecember of 2021…Thus, hectare sports stadium Marawi will rise again as that features a tracka prosperous city,” said and-field oval; a Sec. Del Rosario during the football field; basketball, media tour at the Grand volleyball, badminton, Mosque. and tennis courts; with a Caraga INFOCUS

3,700 maximum seating capacity. The one-hectare Marawi Convention Center, meanwhile, features an auditorium, exhibit area, meeting rooms, conference rooms, offices, and quarters, and has a total maximum capacity for 1,700 individuals. TFBM also showed the media the ongoing repair works for the Grand Mosque, considered as the center mosque of the city and was left devastated when it was used as a camp by the armed terrorist group. The repairs for the mosque are 69% complete and expected to be fully rehabilitated by October 2021. According to Marawi City Mayor Atty. Majul U. Gandamra, the facilities that are continuously being built, will help the people of Marawi to shy away from engaging in violent extremism and terrorism. “The completion of these projects will certainly change the face of Marawi, and would create a lasting impact to the lives of our constituents and even May 22-28, 2021 |

our local economy. This will be a legacy of our government, of our President, to us Maranaos,” said Mayor Gandamra during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sarimanok Complex.

Jr., emphasized that all of the temporary and permanent shelters for all internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City, are expected to be complete before the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ends.

Members of the media were also brought to the Gadungan housing site which has 1,800 permanent shelters being built for families displaced by the Marawi siege. The site comes complete with a health center, wet market, livelihood center, school building, a multipurpose covered court, police outpost, daycare center, transport terminal, a mosque in the center of the village, and a materials recovery facility.

“We are very much on time with our temporary shelter, in fact we are close to 95% already done. The 2,000 permanent shelters is around 65% complete already, we hope to deliver that before the end of [the] term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” said General Manager Escalada.

The media also visited the Hidaya Village, opened February of this year, where 109 families currently live. The villagers, along with the TFBM, led the planting of 168 golden trumpet tree seedlings each representing a fallen military or uniformed personnel who sacrificed their life to regain Marawi City. National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada,

| May 22-28, 2021

On the second day of the reporting event, the TFBM alongside officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police, and the local government, held a wreath-laying ceremony to remember the sacrifices of state forces to reclaim the city for the people of Marawi four years ago. To end the week-long peace remembrance, the PCOO held a press briefing with the TFBM. It was also participated by officials including

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Marawi Sultanate League Chairman Sultan Nasser Sampaco Al Hajj, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Deputy Chief Minister Ali Solaiman. The PCOO first held a reporting event in Marawi in 2019 to commemorate the second Marawi City Week of Peace. Another reporting event was held in October of the same year to commemorate the second anniversary of the city’s liberation from terrorists, and to show the rehabilitation efforts. Other PCOO reporting events have brought local and international media in Samar to cover the return of the Balangiga Bells in 2018, as well as in Cotabato to report on the BOL Plebiscite in 2019. The PCOO-OGMPA is in charge of creating engagements and connecting our government policymakers with the international media, and foreign audiences. Caraga INFOCUS

DAR, Nutrition Council pool efforts to fight hunger – Nograles Cabinet Secretary and Task Force Zero Hunger head Karlo Nograles announced recently that the Task Force, together with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 3 office and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) - NCR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program to Caraga INFOCUS

address the nutritional needs of pregnant women and small children. The signing was held last Thursday, May 20, at Clark Marriot, Mabalacat, Pampanga and included the DAR, NNC-NCR and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) to ensure supplies for the Tutok Kainan: Dietary Supplementation

Program (DSP) of the National Nutrition Council. “We need more of this kind of collaboration among agencies and stakeholders, especially since the NNC’s Tutok Kainan is among the banner programs of Task Force Zero Hunger. Our aim is to provide for nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women for 90 days, and for 6 to 23-month old children for 18 days to address their dietary needs,” the Malacañang official explained. Nograles likewise stated that there was an urgent May 22-28, 2021 |

need to strengthen farmers’ incomes, stressing “the 240 ARBOs that are part of the EPAHP program earned PhP 148,863,818.80 for the produce they sold up to December 2020.” The Office of the Cabinet Secretariat was joined during the virtual MOU signing by DAR Secretary John Castriciones, Usec. Emily Padilla, Usec. Virginia Orogo, Asec. Milagros Isabel Cristobal, DAR Region 3 Regional Director Atty. Maria Celestina Tam, NNC Executive Director Azucena Dayanghirang, NNC NCR Coordinator Milagros Elisa Federizo, the president of the Santo Tomas San Luis Farmers Association, representatives from other partner agencies and ARBO members. EPAHP was launched to respond to urgent needs relating to food and poverty. Partner agencies include the DILG, DepEd, DOH, DOST, DTI, NAPC, NIA, TESDA, PopCom, LANDBANK, Philippine Coconut Authority, National Dairy Authority,

| May 22-28, 2021

Philippine Carabao Center, DBP, DICT, CDA, BFAR, DBM, PCIC and the NFA. Technical support has been provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP). NNC Executive Director Azucena Dayanghirang expressed gratitude to the Task Force and to DAR for pushing the program, acknowleding the widespread benefits to intended beneficiaries particularly during

the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Nograles for his part acknowledged that it was an honor for him to lead the Task Force and be at the forefront in the fight against hunger and poverty. “This is among my personal advocacies, one I have been actively pushing even before joining the executive department, when I was still in Congress as Davao representative.” Caraga INFOCUS

3,000 families in Carles, Iloilo given free housing - Nograles Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led officials from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the beneficiary LGU in turning over additional 2,957 free housing units in Carles, Iloilo last May 21, 2021 as part of a series of turnovers in the province for victims of Typhoon Yolanda, in fulfillment of the Duterte administration’s commitment “to give affected families a new lease on life and an opportunity to rebuild.” The virtual turnover Caraga INFOCUS

ceremony was for the Nalumsan People’s Village Sites 1, 2 & 3, Guinticgan People’s Village, Barosbos People’s Village 2, and St. John the Baptist Ville Site 1.

units to different cities and municipalities in Western Visayas.

These Yolanda Permanent Housing Projects can be found in the following areas in Region 6: Ajuy, Iloilo Since assuming the (4,215 units); Carles, Iloilo chairmanship of the (13,665 units); Culasi, Inter-Agency Task Antique (1,974 units); Force for the Unified Altavas, Aklan (393 units); Implementation Panit-an, Capiz (572 and Monitoring of units); Estancia, Iloilo Rehabilitation and (3,562 units); Laua-an, Recovery Projects and Antique (1,267 units); Programs in YolandaIvisan, Capiz (672 units); affected Areas, Nograles Concepcion, Iloilo (1,000 has turned over 39,263 units); Jamindan, Capiz May 22-28, 2021 |

(535 units); Dumangas, Iloilo (1,993 units); Pilar, Capiz (1,354 units); Pontevedra, Capiz (1,168 units); Pandan, Antique (1,000 units); Panay, Capiz (1,543 units); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo (822 units); Roxas City, Capiz (1,533 units); Anilao, Iloilo (364 units); and Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units). In his keynote message, Nograles thanked the local government unit leaders, led by Mayor Siegfredo Betita, Vice Mayor Arnold Betita III and municipal officials and staff who all contributed to the effort of ensuring the smooth turnover of the housing units to the beneficiaries. The latest distribution adds to earlier units turned over by IATFYolanda and the NHA: 2,500 units in November 2019; 3,208 units in October 2020; and 5,000 units last March 17, 2021. The Cab Sec added, “we likewise recognize the dedication of the NHA, particularly General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., together with Regional Manager Engr. Antonio

| May 22-28, 2021

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles

Del Rosario and District Manager Fe Jamoyot for the project’s timely completion. The NHA officers and staff worked as a team, finishing the job despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.” Nograles, who likewise heads the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, assured the beneficiaries that the houses and the community are complete in basic amenities and facilities. Community gardens are being set up to help families earn and learn how to be productive. According to the Malacañang official, these steps are in line with his personal and the Task Force’s advocacy to fight hunger and

poverty in Yolandaaffected areas. “Kailangan natin magtulungan. We have engaged the participation of the private sector and concerned individuals for the creation of livelihood and nutritional opportunities in the resettlement sites.” Mayor Betita, for his part, spoke on behalf of the LGU and thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for “the precious gift of housing. We’re proud that CabSec Nograles has prioritized our repeated requests for assistance. We would forever be grateful for this effort to address our housing needs here in Carles.” Caraga INFOCUS

Philippine Red Cross receives food truck donation from the Korean Government The government of South Korea donated on Wednesday a food truck to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its “Hot Meals on Wheels” program that provides aid to the most vulnerable in times of disasters, conflicts and pandemic. PRC held a ceremonial turnover of the mobile kitchen led by PRC Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard J. Gordon, PRC Secretary-General Elizabeth Zavalla and Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City. The donated food truck was equipped with an industrialsize rice cooker, warmers,

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ovens, and burners where meals can be cooked and served right away to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected people in times of need. The government of South Korea and the PRC has been active partners in providing aid in response to disasters and emergencies. “Bayanihan is at the heart of Korea’s assistance for the Filipino people, in particular for those affected by natural disasters or in predicament. Korea is glad to partner with you even with the Philippine Red Cross in implementing its various humanitarian assistance efforts in the Philippines, “ Ambassador Inchul Kim said. In 2019, the Republic of

South Korea supported families displaced by Mayon Volcano’s eruption and donated USD 200,000, equivalent to 10 million pesos, which helped the PRC reach thousands of individuals in Albay. In that same year, the Korean government also donated an ambulance and a water tanker that will aid the most vulnerable communities needing immediate assistance. PRC currently has 15 food trucks nationwide ready to serve the most vulnerable. “We thank the Korean Embassy for its continuous humanitarian assistance and trust provided to PRC and we will make sure that those most in need are directly benefitted,” Senator Gordon said.

May 22-28, 2021 |

Barangay captains remiss of their duties on public health guidelines will face arrest, President Duterte warns

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 26, 2021. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Fed up by reports of mass gatherings amid government efforts to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte warned barangay captains anew saying they may face arrest if they fail to prevent public gatherings that could be considered “super spreaders.”

“Talagang ang unang ipakulong ko ‘yong barangay captain having committed a crime of dereliction of duty under the Revised Penal Code,” he said. “Kasi magpabarangay captain kayo, persons in authority tapos wala kayong gawin, hindi kayo tumulong sa national government, you are not doing anything, then I will order your Failing to enforce the law, arrest.” particularly community quarantine restrictions, “Iyong barangay is considered dereliction captain, if you are really of duty and punishable worth your status there, under the Revised kung ayaw ninyo, umalis Penal Code, President kayo... I’m ordering Duterte said Wednesday the police to arrest the night in a meeting on barangay captain and government’s COVID-19 bring him to the station, interventions. investigate him for being

| May 22-28, 2021

a derelict, of dereliction of duty having failed to enforce the law,” he added. Duterte said barangay captains must personally see to it that large gatherings such as fiestas, cockfighting, and other public events remain strictly prohibited in their jurisdictions. Multiple infections can result from a single public gathering, the President said, underscoring the dangers posed by social events on public health. “Pasaway eh. Iyan ang problema. Much as we would like to reduce the COVID cases, eh kung Caraga INFOCUS

ganoon ang ginagawa ninyo, walang katapusan na ito kasi lahat kayo naghahawaan na naman and you know the danger of congregating or getting together so close to each other, nagsasayawan pa, nagpipiyesta pa,” he said. “‘Di ba sinabi na sa inyo na delikado ‘yan?” Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, who was also present during the meeting, said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its part, will release a memo circular indicating barangay captains’ additional responsibilities in enforcing minimum public health standards to mitigate coronavirus infections. Año said the memo circular will mandate barangay captains to form their own barangay COVID-19 operation center as well as a barangay tanod health patrol that would conduct regular health patrols in their barangays including public places especially on weekends and public holidays. The memo also mandates Caraga INFOCUS

barangay captains to ensure that the public refrain from congregating in social activities. These include drinking of alcoholic beverages, cockfighting, fiestas, parades, processions, and other public events, said Año. Meanwhile, President Duterte admonished local government units (LGUs) which reportedly expressed preferences for COVID-19 vaccine particularly for US brand Pfizer, noting that being selective is not feasible in light of the global supply shortage. According to the President, equality must be followed in the country’s vaccine distribution. Allowing some localities to administer a single brand of vaccine to their constituents would agitate other LGUs and make similar demand, he explained. “I cannot administer exclusive Pfizer sa isang lugar to the exclusion of other Filipinos. Kaya hindi puwede ho ‘yang ano --- eh kailangan talaga i-mix ‘yan at saka ‘yong blind ang tao sa anong

binibigay. Basta may bakuna,” he said. Pfizer is just one brand among many that the Philippines is procuring from COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, the President said, noting vaccine brands do not vary in efficacy. “Vaccine is vaccine, walang pilian ‘yan. And the best bakuna is really the one that’s available for you,” he said. The Philippines is presently negotiating for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines from World Health Organizationled COVAX facility and pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Gamaleya Research Institute, Novavax, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Johnson & Johnson, among others. Last week, the Philippines’s aggressive vaccination efforts put it at 36th place out of 196 countries with average daily vaccination rate, and ranked 4th among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries. PND May 22-28, 2021 |

President Duterte could help address vaccine hesitancy, says vaccine czar 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 26, 2021. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said he believes President Rodrigo Duterte could encourage people especially senior citizens to take COVID-19 vaccine at a time that the government is struggling to convince Filipinos to have the shot. During a meeting with President Duterte on Wednesday, Galvez said they are encouraging the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs) to work double time to increase people’s vaccine confidence as

| May 22-28, 2021

well as public uptake. “At malaki po ang magiging ano po kung talaga pong iaannounce po natin, Mr. President, na ‘yong mga senior citizens dapat po talaga magkaroon po talaga ng vaccine kasi sa ngayon po 11 percent pa lang po ang nagpapa-vaccine na mga senior citizens,” he said, adding more than 60 percent of the casualty figure belongs to older population. “So kami po nagaano po kami ni Secretary Duque na kasi po kayo po ang

pinakikinggan ng ating mga ano po na kayo po nakapagbakuna na po ng --- sa para maging protektado po tayo,” he noted. “At ‘yon po tinitingnan po namin na talagang dapat po mahikayat po natin ‘yong ating mga senior citizens at saka mga people with comorbidities na magkaroon po talaga ng lakas na magkaroon talaga ng bakuna.” Some LGUs are having a hard time convincing people to get the shot, particularly those from D and E economic groups, Galvez reported. There Caraga INFOCUS

is higher vaccine uptake, the second quarter. however, for groups A, B He told the President and C. that vaccines that are supposed to be “Sa mga kalooblooban delivered this May would ng mga congested arrive next month. area doon po tayo nahihirapan ng mga These include jabs from tinatawag natin na Russia’s Gamaleya ‘yong more or less 40 Research Institute, which percent or sa 40 percent is expected to deliver 1.3 parang ayaw pong million doses. The Russian magpabakuna,” he said. vaccine manufacturer will send smaller volume, To address vaccine just 300,000 doses, hesitancy, Galvez said Galvez said. they are conducting town hall meetings with The shipment from Pfizer Department of Health was also moved from (DOH) with the help of May to June 7 to 11, the private sector. according to Galvez. Meanwhile, the vaccine czar reported new schedule of deliveries for Caraga INFOCUS

The government will likely receive vaccines from AstraZeneca both

from the global COVAX program as well as the 1.3 million doses ordered by the private sector. “Moderna po more or less mga May --- June 21 po darating. At ang Sinovac ay more or less mga June 6 darating ang 1 million, pero mayroon po tayong inaasahan na 4.5 million doses for June, with a total of 12,250,000 na doses for June,” Galvez reported. “So ito po ang inaano po namin na most likely kung sana po may awa ang Diyos na makuha po natin ‘yong 12 million this coming June.” PND May 22-28, 2021 |

Long-term programs needed to fight COVID-19, future scourge, says health chief Long-term actions are needed to prepare the country for possible future surges of COVID-19 and other pandemics in addition to the current initiatives being implemented by the government, the country’s health chief said. In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III spelled out several measures aimed at fortifying the country’s defenses against COVID-19 and future pandemics. These measures include improving the local surveillance capacity by providing sufficient human resource and modern information system, enhancing the referral systems and strengthening financing mechanisms through PhilHealth and the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to provide Filipinos with affordable health services. Duque also suggested the need for the country to build vaccine self-reliance. He also reported the

| May 22-28, 2021

Duque

current COVID-19 situation in the country. Based on the present data, he said there is a notable drop in COVID-19 transmissions in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in the whole country. Although there is a decreasing number of cases in Luzon, infections are spiking in the Visayas and Mindanao, the health chief said, as he warned the public against complacency. Following governmentmandated health protocols is so important, he said, noting non-adherence to health guidelines usually results in surge in cases and imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), which is devastating for the economy.

“Kaya naman po aming paulit-ulit na hinihingi ang kooperasyon ng publiko sa pagsunod sa tamang pagsuot ng mask, face shield, distansya ng isang metro o mahigit, palagiang paghuhugas ng kamay, at pag-iiwas sa matataong lugar upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” Duque said. “Kaugnay nito, hinihingi rin namin ang tulong ng mga ibang sektor partikular na ang ating transportation sector, trade, and tourism sector, among others, upang siguraduhin po na ligtas at protektado ang ating mga mamamayan.” The country has recorded 46,037 active cases as of Wednesday, May 26, with 1,127,770 recoveries and 20,169 deaths. PND

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DOH says almost 4.5M Filipinos vaccinated as of May 25 By Ma. Teresa Montemayor MORE PINOYS PROTECTED. A man gets his first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in this undated photo. As of May 25, a total of 4,495,375 Filipinos have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, 1,029,061 of them now fully protected. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

A total of 4,495,375 Filipinos have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, 1,029,061 of them now fully protected, a health official said Wednesday. In a televised public briefing, Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations chairperson Myrna Cabotaje said as of May 25, about 3,466,314 individuals have received their first dose. Among those who have been fully vaccinated, about 581,797 are health services front-liners, 195,952 are senior citizens, 250,777 are individuals with comorbidity, and 535 are essential sector front-liners. “Most of those we’ve vaccinated, those in priority

| May 22-28, 2021

group A1, we’re already at 85 percent, first dose who are master-listed, second are the senior citizens at 12 percent only so we need to promote the A2 and A3 (groups),” Cabotaje said. The highest number of jabs administered on a single day was 238,888 on May 21 due to the increased supply of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, she said. “Tinatantiyang first week of June ang umpisa ng A4 (The vaccination of A4 may start on the first week of June), symbolic was May 1st for our OFWs and labor force who belong to the A4. But we’ll just do this in what we call NCR Plus 8, so that’s NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Cebu and

Davao only, while the other regions continue with A1 to A3,” she added. During the surge in March and April, the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal collectively known as NCR Plus, registered the highest number of coronavirus cases. The cases gradually declined, prompting government officials to ease movement restrictions. Cabotaje said sectoral prioritization is not exclusive in the Philippines as some countries like the United States and Israel put on the top list their healthcare workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities. (PNA)

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4M doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca vax earmarked for PH thru COVAX The Philippines is set to receive additional 4 million doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines through the COVAX facility in June, an official of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday. “We are expecting up to two million of Pfizer doses to come in before the end of June, maybe as early as within the next ten days. We don’t have specific days at this point of time, we are not clear whether all 2 million doses will come in one shipment or we expect 1 million doses first and next 1 million later on,” WHO country representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe said in a televised Palace briefing. Abeyasinghe said some two million doses of AstraZeneca

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will also be delivered to the country in June. “So that’s what we have right now, that earmarked for the Philippines from the COVAX Facility,” he said. To maximize the impact of the Covid-19 vaccines against the pandemic, Abeyasinghe urged the government anew to observe the prioritization plan especially when administering the jabs from the COVAX facility. “We do understand that there is a need to start protecting the other groups. But, when we see that coverage, particularly in the A2 group is around 10 percent, it’s still premature from our perspective to agree to use COVAX vaccines to any of the

other groups because while recognizing the other groups are important, it is clearly defined that the largest number of deaths and severe cases are from the A2 group,” he said. Earlier, the WHO reminded the country to follow the prioritization list to ensure “a smooth delivery of vaccines” from the COVAX facility. The Philippines has so far received 2,556,000 doses of AstraZeneca and 193,050 Pfizer vaccines through WHOled COVAX facility. As of May 23, a total of 4,097,425 doses have been administered nationwide to priority groups A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities). (PNA)

May 22-28, 2021 |

PRC Covid-19 tests nationwide exceed 3 million The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has exceeded three million swab and saliva RTPCR (reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction) Covid-19 tests nationwide, only three months after it hit the 2-million milestone in February 2021. There were 3,010,432 tests done as of Sunday morning, according to PRC chair and CEO Senator Richard Gordon. “We at the Red Cross continue to remain diligent against this invisible enemy, by testing 24 percent of the country’s nationwide output and even accounting for 40 percent of total tests conducted during the recent surge,” Gordon said in a news release. “If we did not go into testing, 250,000 Covid-19 positive cases would have gone undetected and unknowingly spread the virus.” PRC constructed its first molecular laboratory for Covid-19 RT-PCR testing in

| May 22-28, 2021

its national headquarters in the PRC introduced the saliva just 14 days to support the RT-PCR testing in the country government’s efforts to stem in January 2021. the advance of the virus. The faster, cheaper, and nonIt was accredited by the invasive alternative to nose Research Institute for Tropical and throat swabbing is also Medicine on April 14, 2020, being rolled out in shopping or a month after the World centers to make it more Health Organization declared accessible. the virus a pandemic. The humanitarian This was quickly followed by the organization is also mobilizing establishment of laboratories its 103 chapters nationwide in the PRC Logistics and to augment the national Multipurpose Center and PRC government’s vaccination Port Area, the latter being the efforts. biggest molecular laboratory in the country with more than It is currently seeking a million tests conducted. accreditation for its Bakuna Centers from the Department To date, the PRC runs 13 of Health, as well as training molecular laboratories volunteer doctors, nurses, and nationwide, processing one staff to administer vaccines. out of four tests. “Our Red Cross staff and “The country’s battle against volunteers detect the virus, Covid-19 is far from over, and take care of the Covid-19 the Red Cross will continue positive individuals in isolation to improve and innovate to and the families they would reinforce our defense against leave behind, and treat those the virus,” Gordon said. who need immediate care in our field hospitals,” Gordon Under Gordon’s leadership, stated. (PR)

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES Regional Office

RHEA C. ABAO RAYMOND SAMSON APLAYA NOEL M. CUBILLAS SVDELIGERO PERRY IRISH H. DURAN JHENNY FABIAN JESSICA O. MELLEJOR MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR SHENA MAE PABIA LAURENCE BALADAD TINAMPAY YDHEL BRANDO ZAGADO, DSWD-CARAGA, OWWA-CARAGA DEPED-BUTUAN CITY DIVISION DEPED-BUTUAN CITY DIVISION DA-PHILRICE, LGU-SAN FRANCISCO ADS DA-13, MGB-13, PPO-SDN DTI-DINAGAT ISLANDS POPCOM CARAGA, LGU ADN RP1 TANDAG, MINDA, PND, PNA

Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City

(085) 815-1991

pia.northagusan@gmail.com

PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

0917-723-3455

pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph

PIA Agusan del Sur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City

(086) 826-9450

piasurigao@gmail.com

PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur