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[ Contents 25 - 31 May 2019
Volume III, No. 41
UP-Diliman turns-over one environment-friendly technology for mine extraction to DOST-Caraga REGIONAL NEWS
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DOH Caraga: Follow effective mosquito control at home to prevent dengue PDEA Caraga joins Brigada Eskwela TESDA-Caraga orients partners, stakeholders on EO 70 Youth calls on public to properly segregate solid wastes DOH Caraga intensifies advocacy drive on kidney disease prevention
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Lumad leader killed by NPA rebels laid to rest Army: NPA terrorists recruit minors as red fighters 1,741 passed 2018 ALS A&E Test in SurSur Division Banwaon tribe declares NPA persona non-grata Fishery art exhibit showcased in ‘One Surigao’ celeb
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DENR-CENRO Bislig leads World Water Day river clean-up LGU-Lianga prepares for municipal eco-park launching Cantilangnons celebrate Earth Day 2019 DENR-PENRO AgSur to conduct river clean-up for Ocean Month celebration
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MINDANAO NEWS
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Davao City eyes boost in trade, tourism ties with ASEAN cities DepEd hails Davao’s good showing in teachers board exam
NATIONAL NEWS
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PRRD order to eliminate red tape paying off: ARTA chief PRRD signs into law Sagip Saka Act
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News Briefs As per Dengue Bulletin of DOH Caraga in Morbidity Week 21, there were 5,676 Dengue cases reported to the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance and Statistics Unit from January 1 to May 25, 2019. Cases were 386.4 percent higher compared to cases of the same period last year.
The DepEd-Surigao del Sur Division headed by Schools Div. Supt Marilou Dedumo is holding today a Division Cluster Workshop on Instruction, Supervision, & Directions Setting joined by the school heads from the municipality of Barobo, Hinatuan, Tagbina, & Lingig held at My Dungs Convention Center in Bislig City.
The 402nd Brigade, Phil. Army, together with the personnel of DENR Caraga and other government agencies participate in today’s coastal clean-up held at Masao Beach in Butuan City. This is a simultaneous activity in celebration of the Month of the Ocean (MOO) with the theme “Free the Sea from Marine Debris.” The Department of Information and Communications Technology, through its Government Online Services Division (GOSD) and the DICT Agusan del Norte provincial office, concluded the five-day trainers’ training for the government web hosting service (GWHS) template with web accessibility for Caraga region. Participants from the different local and provincial government units, national government agencies, and state universities and colleges were tasked to develop a website in application to what they have learned.
Cover Story
UP-Diliman turns-over one technology for mine extra By Jennifer P. Gaitano
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UTUAN CITY - With the aim to help the small scale miners in Caraga region, particularly those in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte province, the University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman has officially turned-over an environment-friendly technology for mine extraction to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga. 4
e environment-friendly action to DOST-Caraga According to UP-Diliman professor Dr. Herman Mendoza, the said technology is capable of extracting 80 to 90 percent of gold, higher than the regular 40 to 60 percent, without the use of cyanide and mercury.
The DOST would also facilitate a training for the small-scale miners for them to learn how to effectively use the technology to improve their income and way of living.
There are groups identified to The project is called Community- be beneficiaries of said project, and Led Integrated Non-cyanide, No director Mallonga hopes that they Mercury Gold Extraction Method or would cooperate and work closely with CLINN-GEM. the department, as this would bring bigger opportunities for the miners. It has been 10 years since this concept has been formulated and The CLINN-GEM Project is worth established. P35-million, and Caraga is one of the four regions in the country that will benefit DOST Caraga regional director from this facility, which can be found in Dominga Mallonga bared that their Barangay del Pilar, Cabadbaran City agency will take charge of the project’s in Agusan del Norte. (NCLM/JPG/PIAoperation. Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
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DOH Caraga: Follow effective mosquito control at home to prevent dengue By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga has called on the public to take precautionary measures and destroy possible mosquito breeding sites at home, which causes the increase of Dengue cases in the region. In time with the upcoming National Dengue Awareness Month in June, the department reminded the public to practice the 4-S campaign against dengue.
clean environment away from diseases through various campaign, programs, and services from the regional down to the barangay level. As per Dengue Bulletin of DOH Caraga in Morbidity Week 21, it was learned that there were 5,676 Dengue cases reported to the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance and Statistics Unit from January 1 to May 25, 2019. Cases were 386.4 percent higher compared to cases of the same period last year.
The Enhanced 4-S campaign stands for Search and destroy mosquitobreeding sites, Secure self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and correct use of mosquito repellent, Seek early consultation for any of the signs and symptoms of dengue, and Support fogging/misting only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered Majority of the cases were male for two consecutive weeks to prevent with 3,026. Some 5,417 or 95 percent of outbreak. cases were classified as suspect or those persons with acute febrile illness of two The department also reiterated to seven days duration plus two of the that one best way is to remove any following: headache, body malaise, space or container that can hold myalgia, arthralgia, retro-orbital pain, unnecessary stagnant water, which anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, may become breeding sites of flushed skin, rash (petechial, Herman’s mosquitoes. sign). The DOH Caraga led by regional There were also some 2,356 or 41.5 director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr. has percent of cases that were classified as constantly been advocating for a Dengue with warning signs. These are
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people with acute febrile illness of two to seven days duration plus any one of the following: abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, clinical signs of fluid accumulation, mucosal bleeding, lethargy, restlessness, liver enlargement, and/or laboratory increase in Hct and/or decreasing platelet.
cases. This is higher compared to 1,167 total of dengue cases of the same period last year.
From January 1 to May 25, 2019, Dengue cases in Caraga region are as follows: Agusan del Norte (526); Agusan del Sur (1,247); Bayugan City (228); Bislig City (135); Butuan City (1,161); Cabadbaran City (202); Dinagat Islands (190); Surigao City (449); Surigao del Norte (444); Surigao del Sur (927); and Tandag City (167), totaling to 5,676
With this, the DOH Caraga urged the public to participate in barangay/ community efforts to prevent dengue in their area as community effort is needed to eradicate dengue by simultaneously destroying mosquito breeding places and by adapting the 4S strategy. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)
Sixteen deaths were also reported: Agusan del Norte (3); Agusan del Sur (6); Butuan City (4); Surigao del Norte (1); Surigao del Sur (1); and Tandag City (1).
PDEA Caraga joins Brigada Eskwela By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - In time with the conduct of Brigada Eskwela in Ambago Central Elementary School of this city, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga inculcates to the minds of the school children and the youth the significance of upholding unity among sectors and active participation of the youth in the communities.
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To set a good example in government service, the personnel of PDEA Caraga made their debut in Brigada Eskwela, pursuant to the directive of Undersecretary Aaron Aquino, director-general, to intensify its community service efforts especially for caraganons.
Regional News I Empowering Communities
assistance extended by the PDEA.
The official added that PDEA’s existing programs for the youth will continue to keep the school children and the youth away from the perils posed by people involved in the illegal drug trade. She also plead to the locals in the barangays to cooperate Apart from the cleaning and help the agency in its fight against materials they donated, government’s illegal drug activities. lead anti - narcotics agency also distributed information, education “Rest assured that we will continue and communication (IEC) materials our task in clearing the community or to increase awareness on the harmful the barangays in Caraga on illegal effects of illegal drugs. drugs. Together with the Philippine “Our regular programs for the National Police and other law youth will continue, as well as the enforcement agencies, we will build conduct of lectures in the different a safer community, free from illegal schools to orient students of the harmful drugs,” said Lovitos. effects of illegal drugs to them,” Lovitos Meanwhile, Helenna Palen, said. principal of Ambago Central Elementary The Libertad Central Elementary School, expressed her warm thanks School, Gabriel Elementary School, and to PDEA and all other government Pedro Duncano Elementary School are agencies that took time to lend a hand among the public schools in the city to the school and its students. (JPG/ that benefitted from the presence and PIA-Caraga)
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TESDA-Caraga orients partners, stakeholders on EO 70 By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga today orients partners and stakeholders on Executive Order 70 in one of the local convention centers here. In his speech, TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. pointed out the importance of convergence, saying that in every cause, for it to succeed, there must be a convergence effort by and among concerned groups and individuals.
The TESDA chief of the region also underscored that the activity is also the agency’s response as member of the national task force to end local communist armed conflict and therefore attaining peace and development in the country thru community-driven Technical Vocational Education and Sunico further said that since TESDA Training (TVET). is the lead agency of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Under the cluster are: Department Cluster, there is a need to orient the of Agriculture (DA), Department of cluster members. Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department
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of Trade and Industry (DTI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), National AntiPoverty Commission (NAPC), National Food Authority (NFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (Phil-FIDA). Executive Order 70 series of 2018 institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government, facilitating societal inclusivity, and
Regional News I Empowering Communities ensuring active participation of all sectors of the society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda. The said EO is in sync with the Joint Communique signed by ASEAN Member States during the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Manila last August 5 2017, which reaffirms the importance and effectiveness of the Whole-of-Nation approach (as opposed to a purely military option) in combating terrorism and violent extremism). Moreover, the EO provides that in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace, government policy should recognize that insurgencies, internal conflicts, disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats are not only military and security concerns, but are symptomatic of broader social, economic and historical problems, such as poverty, historical injustice, social inequality, and lack of inclusivity. (TESDA-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)
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Youth calls on public to properly segregate solid wastes By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Several trash such as plastic bottles, disposable glasses and cellophanes were found along the seashore during the conduct of coastal clean-up and mangrove tree planting which is the main highlight of this year’s Ocean Month celebration. During the event, a baby dolphin she urged the public to practice proper was found dead near the seashore of segregation of garbage and avoid Barangay Manapa, Buenavista, Agusan throwing it elsewhere. del Norte. “Let’s follow proper solid waste This was believed to be coming segregation to save our environment from the business establishments in the and the marine life. This will not only area as well as from the tourists. benefit us but also the next generation,” emphasized Boiser. Together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Kariza Mae Semblante, Municipal (DENR) Caraga and other government Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) President agencies, the youths expressed their and SK Chairperson of Barangay Manapa sentiments and asked the public to be also emphasized that this is not the first more responsible and follow proper solid time where they joined the government waste segregation, as this have brought agencies in this activity. destruction to marine life. She said, the government’s efforts According to Alejandra Boiser, in rehabilitating the ocean like what was CENRO of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, the done in Manila bay and Boracay had said creature might have been affected greatly helped in protecting the marine by the harmful effects brought about by life. the garbage thrown in the seas. Hence,
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“We appreciate the efforts of the government in ensuring safety and protection of the marine life. We hope to sustain this by proper segregation of our solid wastes,” said Semblante.
also said that Caraganons especially those who are operating business establishments should instill discipline in keeping a clear area through an effective solid waste management. Several were already penalized due to Meanwhile, Forester Rosendo violations of environmental laws. (JPG/ Asunto, PENRO of Agusan del Norte PIA-Caraga)
DOH Caraga intensifies advocacy drive on kidney disease prevention
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – In celebration of National Kidney Month this June 2019, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga intensifies its advocacy campaign on proper care of human kidneys and prevention of kidney disease. Together with the National Kidney And Transplant Institute (NKTI), the department leveled up its efforts particularly in the dissemination of its information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on how people could take good care of their kidneys and taking consideration of the food that also contributes to the cause of said disease.
the right and accurate information on health concerns that they need to know. It can be recalled that by virtue of Presidential Decree 184 declaring June as National Kidney Month in the Philippines, and declaring the NKTI as the lead Hospital in the celebration, NKTI leads the whole nation in celebrating awareness of kidney diseases and their prevention.
DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr. reminds the public to be The National Kidney and Transplant health conscious and observe proper diet. Institute (NKTI) is a government-owned and controlled corporate tertiary specialty He also advises everyone to keep center attached to the Department of fit and active; keep regular control of Health. blood sugar level; monitor blood pressure; eat healthy and keep weight in check; Its mandate is to specialize in the maintain a healthy fluid intake; and avoid prevention, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and smoking, among others. treatment of kidney and allied diseases through dialysis and transplantation. Also, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga as a constant It also focuses on service, training, partner of DOH and NKTI in all its advocacy, and research in the field of renal diseases is maximizing the utilization of its platforms and organ transplantation. (JPG/PIAin order to reach the grassroots and deliver Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Lumad leader killed by NPA rebels laid to rest
JABONGA, Agusan del Norte - The remains of a Mamanwa tribal leader killed by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army was finally laid to rest in the public cemetery of Barangay Libas, Jabonga town, Agusan del Norte, Friday morning, May 24.
Datu Boklas was kidnapped by the rebels on May 20, 2019 in the mountainous area of Sitio Tagbuaya, Brgy. Bangonay, Jabonga and was found dead a day after with several stab wounds.
the tribal leader who strongly refused to join in the armed struggle.
“The death of Datu Boklas widowed his wife and orphaned his four sons and three daughters. The entire police force condemned in the Based on the investigation strongest manner the cruel killing of a conducted by Jabonga Municipal peace-loving Lumad leader in Agusan Police Station, the victim and his wife del Norte,” said Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director. The burial of Rodito Lapugan Boklas or “Datu Boklas” was attended by his family, tribal members, friends and local officials who were crying for justice for the fallen leader. Police and army personnel were also present to express their condolences to the were cultivating their farm when five bereaved family. (PNP Caraga/PIA heavily armed NPA rebels snatched Agusan del Norte)
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Army: NPA terrorists recruit minors as red fighters
TAGO, Surigao del Sur – The 36th Infantry Battalion (36th IB), Philippine Army, said the Communist Party of the Philippines –New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists (CNTs) are recruiting minors as fighters following a recent clash at Barangay Cancavan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur last May 19, 2019. Lt. Jonal Romorosa, 36th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer, said four CPP-NPAs were killed during the encounter. One of them was identified as Dylan Ghem P. Jimenez alias “Gareb,” 18, a resident of Barangay Adlay, Carrascal town, Surigao del Sur province who was wounded and rushed by government troops to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
act defining and penalizing crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity, organizing jurisdiction, designating special courts, and for related purposes, it prohibits the recruitment and participation of children in arm conflict. In which the state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights, including the rights of indigenous cultural communities and other vulnerable groups, such as women and children,” Romorosa said.
According to the mother of Jimenez, her son left home when he The recruitment of minors are in was 17 years old and was recruited by violation of the “Special Protection of the NPA as a regular fighter. Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act” or Republic Act. No.11188. “The communist terrorist are held liable for violation of RA No. 9851, an Under the law, children are
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declared as “Zones of Peace” which Evidently, the CNTs violated the rights must extend beyond territorial or of children to live peacefully and geographical boundaries. should not be allowed to take part in the hostilities. The CNTs leadership must The law recognized that children be held accountable and liable for are entitled to dignity and respect as this act of crimes against minors. We human beings in need of protection will facilitate the filing of appropriate from degradation and to prevent charges to this action of the CNTs.” the recruitment, re-recruitment, use, displacement of, or grave child rights “We call on the peace loving violations against children involved in people of Surigao del Sur to condemn armed conflict. this. Let us protect our children at all cost. To the remaining CNT, stop recruiting In his statement, Lt. Col. Xerxes A. and exploiting minor. Surrender now Trinidad, commanding officer of the 36th and return to the fold of the law and IB, said that “it is a clear manifestation avail of the government’s Enhance that the CNTs are recruiting minors Comprehensive Local Integration to participate in an armed conflict Program (E-CLIP),” Trinidad added. in pursuit of their disillusioned cause. (36IB CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
1,741 passed 2018 ALS A&E Test in SurSur Division By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A total of 1,741 have passed the 2018 Alternative Learning System Accreditation & Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test from the Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) Surigao del Sur Division. Based on the report, a total of 333 or 84.3% have passed out of 395 takers for the elementary level, while for secondary level, 1,408 individuals or 90.8% passed out of 1,550 takers. The passers of the A&E Test were given a certificate/diploma, bearing the DepEd seal and the signature of the Secretary, certifying their competencies as comparable graduates of the formal school system.
The passers are qualified to enroll in secondary and post-secondary schools, it was learned. The ALS A&E Test, formerly known as the Non-formal Education A&E Test, is a paper and pencil test designed to measure the competencies of those who have either attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Banwaon tribe declares NPA persona non-grata
SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur – Another indigenous community made a firm stand as the Banwaon tribe has recently declared the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) and its affiliated organizations as persona nongrata in their own tribal territory. With the support of the tribal leaders and elders of the Banwaon tribe, the Barangay Council of Balit pushed for the declaration of persona non-grata against the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPPNPA) and its allied organizations inside their territories. The declaration was made thru a resolution signed by the barangay council during the Barangay Assembly which, were participated
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by 258 residents of the barangay. Datu Antonio “Loay-Loay” Mangkogbahan Otacan, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative of the Banwaon tribe, together with other tribal leaders and elders, expressed his support to the undertakings of the Council, which according to him is the only path towards the total transformation of the barangay away from its bad image.
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“We must support our Barangay Leaders for this action without any second thoughts. Being the first barangay leader of Balit to experience the communists influence in 1986, I was blinded on the wrong doings of my fellow tribe members in cooperating with the communist NPAs,” he said.
Provincial News I Empowering Communities that we are no more ‘masa’ of the terrorists NPAs,” she said. “We want Barangay Balit to experience the true development themselves, and with the newly constructed CAFGU Detachment in their barangay, we are sure that one step at a time, we can achieve our mission of bringing the government much closer to them. Their declaration of persona non grata against the CNN is a big contribution towards achieving that goals,” Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Jimenea, Commander of 26IB emphasized to the residents.
Brarangay Balit as a former CNN influenced barangay, its residents used to support the “Taktikang Bakwit” orchestrated by the Communist Terrorist Groups displacing an estimated 1500 IPs from the hinter sitios of the municipality and confined them inside Balit Infirmary Compound for almost three months, in order to Colonel Allan Hambala, 401st hamper the conduct of community Brigade Commander, expressed outreach program. his appreciation to this move of the barangay council stressing that “for In her statement to enlighten the almost 33 years of being under the residents of her barangay, Punong shadow of these terrorist CPP-NPA, this Barangay Eliza Gaud explained is the right time to do such significant that this act of the council was an move, and I commend the Barangay indispensable move in order to end Council of Balit together with the the long history of the barangay Banwaon Tribal leaders in coming up being tagged as the center of with the resolution of making these gravity of CNN in the whole province terrorists restricted in Balit. With the of Agusan del Sur. institutionalized Whole of Nation Approach of our government, every “In as much as I wanted to bring Local Government Unit must also do development in our barangay, it is their part on this campaign.” necessary that we must first rebuild our name and stop the misconceptions “Your effort is the most important of other Agusanon about Balit that part of the plan, and with your active we were a solid communists mass involvement on this mission, we are supporters. We are indeed a truly very sure to end this local communist peace-loving people. And by this armed conflict in no time,” Hambala declaration, I strongly believe that added. (26IB/401st Brigade, PA/ PIAwe are giving a strong message to all Agusan del Sur)
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Fishery art exhibit showcased in ‘One Surigao’ celeb By Salve M. Dinolan
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - In time with the 118th Founding Anniversary of “One Surigao” on May 14-15, 2019, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Caraga featured several photos and paintings through a fishery art exhibit. BFAR, together with other stakeholders from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, participated in the Agri-Aqua Trade Fair.
The celebration also highlighted the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Rare Philippines represented by its vice president Raquel Sanchez Tirona and BFAR-Caraga through regional director Visa Tan-Dimerin for the Fish Forever/
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Fishing for Climate Resilience Project. Fish Forever is Rare’s comprehensive and communityled solution to revitalizing coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses; protecting biodiversity; and securing the livelihood of the coastal communities. “One Surigao” event was hosted by the provincial government office of Surigao del Norte held at the Surigao Sports Complex. (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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DENR-CENRO Bislig leads World Water Day river clean-up By Lovely May B. Uriarte
BISLIG CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesCommunity Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENRCENRO) here recently led the river clean-up drive as part of this year’s celebration of World Water Day.
A total of 287 volunteers from 11 Poblacion, Bislig City. government agencies and residents of the host barangays actively joined the A total of 129 sacks or an clean-up operation. estimated 4,442 kilograms of garbage were collected in all stations. CENR Officer Victor Sabornido urged all volunteers to continuously Also, the DENR-CENRO Bislig has participate and support the recently conducted series of Information, advocacy for the rehabilitation of Education and Communication (IEC) the said river since it is also a nominee campaigns within the clean-up sites in of the Recognizing Individuals/ order to raise awareness on Ecological Institutions towards Vibrant and Solid Waste Management Act (R.A. Enhanced Rivers (RIVERs) for Life 9003) and Clean Water Act (R.A. 9275). program of the DENR. This river is classified under Class C, where fish The area as a nominee of RIVERs for can propagate and thrive. Life program would not be protected, conserved and rehabilitated for this The clean-up sites considered one-day event thus, clean-up will be were downstream of Bislig River which sustainable. (DENR-CENRO Bislig/PIAcovers Barangay San Fernando and Caraga)
LGU-Lianga prepares for municipal eco-park launching
BUTUAN CITY – The local government unit (LGU) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur is now on its final preparation for the launching of the alternative technology for waste disposal site termed as eco-park.
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities During the quarterly Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) meeting, Engr. Edgar Najera, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO)designate and presiding officer of the meeting, recalled impediments of the transfer of new disposal site due to the delay of budget downloading and finalization of development plan. All required documents and budgetary were already set.
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for its maintenance,” Najera elaborated. Meanwhile, Forester Septianne Rose Moreno, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) representative suggested a local ordinance to regulate the usage of plastic bags to minimize its generation. “Production of solid wastes cannot be resisted yet can be minimized and regulated,” she said.
Najera added that the eco-park is scheduled to operate on this month of As support to the launching of the May or June of this year. eco-park, a joint barangay-to-barangay information drive between the LGU and “The current open dumpsite will DENR is scheduled every week to intensify totally be phased-out once the operation the implementation of Republic Act No. of new dumpsite starts; and that the 9003 otherwise known as “Ecological operation must be realized as soon as Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.” possible provided that the budget is all set (CENRO-Lianga/PIA-Caraga)
Cantilangnons celebrate Earth Day 2019 By Shekinah L. Rojo
CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Community of Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Cantilan, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire of Protection (BFP), other government agencies, Cantilangnons and stakeholders, has showed unity in celebration of this year’s Earth Day. The celebration was highlighted with the conduct of Mangrove Tree Planting and Coastal Clean-up activity at Barangay Magosilom, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. A total of 1,000 mangrove propagules were planted of mixed bakauan babae and bakauan lalaki and 25 sacks of garbage was collected
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by the participants. Earth Day is celebrated annually, every 22nd day of April. Its core purpose is to raise awareness on the present status of the environment and to educate the people on ways to mitigate the causes of climate change.
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“Earth Day celebration is just one avenue for us to show our care for the environment, but if we want to make a lasting legacy and change, we must practice discipline in our everyday life. How? Through proper disposal of our waste and teaching
Provincial News I Empowering Communities our children to do the same,” CENR Officer Ruel Efren stated. This year’s Earth Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Protect our Species.” (DENR-CENRO Cantilan/ PIA-Caraga)
DENR-PENRO AgSur to conduct river clean-up for Ocean Month celebration By Chello M. Tanjay
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - In celebration of Month of the Ocean (MOO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) in Patin-ay, Prosperidad this province will conduct a river clean-up at Minabang creek, San Francisco on May 24, 2019.
The clean-up activity, that is set to start at 6:00 a.m., will be participated in by approximately 200 volunteers from national and government agencies, local government units , students and residents of the four barangays adjacent to the creek.
global ocean concern posed by plastic pollution.
The MOO is celebrated annually in the Philippines during the month of May by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 157, which aims to highlight the importance and significance of the conservation, Forester Jerome Albia, PENRO protection and sustainable management incharge, encouraged the volunteers to of country’s coastal and marine resources. bring clean-up tools such as sticks, rakes and used sacks and to wear appropriate The law also mandates the DENR and the working attire with rubber gloves and Department of Agriculture through the boots. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to spearhead the activities of They are also advised to bring MOO in collaboration with the different tumbler in lieu of single-use plastics as the sectors of the society. PENRO will only provide water for refill. As one of the agency’s interventions in This year’s theme “Free the Sea From sustaining the effective management Marine Debris” is centered on the rising of the country’s environment and issues concerning marine debris and its natural resources, PENRO Agusan del Sur effects to coastal and marine biodiversity. embolden all Agusanons to be responsible and to actively participate in this endeavor. This initiative aims to help address the (PENRO-ADS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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Davao City eyes boost in trade, tourism ties with ASEAN cities
By Lilian Mellejor
DAVAO CITY - Following the successful tourism and trade roadshow in Seoul, Korea last week, the city government said it will increase its engagements with foreign neighbors not only to boost trade and tourism industry but also find a market for local entrepreneurs. Lemuel Ortonio, the chief of the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC), said the city government is eyeing more international trade and tourism activities to showcase Davao City’s products.
The forum was organized by the Philippine Embassy aimed at highlighting the investment opportunities in Davao.
Ortonio, who led the Davao delegation composed of city government officials and representatives from the local business sector and tour operators, cited the well-attended Davao City Business Forum with over 50 Korean businessmen at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
City Chief Information officer Jefry Tupas said the Seoul trade and tourism roadshow was not the first for this city.
According to Ortonio, the products that the Koreans were interested in are the cacao beans and nibs supply from DCIPC is the prime marketing arm Davao, seaweeds trading and pet of the city government in generating bottle recycling machines. investments and promoting the city as today’s best investment destination in The delegation also met with the Philippines. Korean tour operators and participated Ortonio said DCIPC still plans to in the investment meeting with the do more trade and tourism roadshows Korea Chamber of Commerce and between Davao and Korea after the Industry, visited the Seoul Food Expo successful three-day roadshow held and the Kintex International Convention recently in South Korean capital. Center.
Tupas said the city government held previous similar engagements in Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. (PNA)
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DepEd hails Davao’s good showing in teachers board exam DAVAO CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) in Davao Region lauded the new teachers who hurdled the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), especially those who landed in the top places.
“We are happy and our congratulations go to the educational institutions who molded them and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for this policy of professionalizing the teachers,” said Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson of DepEd-11 in a phone interview on Sunday.
Visayas. In the LET for secondary level, 19 from Davao Region are in the 10 top placers. Overall, there were only 19,659 or 27.28 percent of the 72,054 who took the LET for elementary level passed.
In the secondary level, there were In the latest result of the LET exam 22,271 or 25.95 percent of those who released by the Professional Regulation took the LET passed. Commission (PRC) on Saturday, majority of those in the top 15 of passers are from Atillo reminded the new teachers Davao Region. that teaching does not only require intelligence but emotional quotient, Stephanie Apple M Piodo of because they are dealing with children. Compostela Valley State College- “It is difficult to be a teacher. Children Montevista, topped this year’s LET for are very delicate population,” he said. elementary level with a rating of 93.29 percent while Honey Gracielle D. Asked if there are possible Baclayo of the University of Mindanao- vacancies for new teachers, Atillo Davao City topped the LET for secondary said there are, among others, new level with 93.40 percent rating. items approved by the Department of Budget and Management. Aside from Piodo and Baclayo, 13 other LET passers from Davao Region Usually, Atillo said DepEd-11 opens are in the top 10 for the elementary an average of 1,000 positions every level while five are from Manila and the year. (PNA)
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NATIONAL NEWS
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PRRD order to eliminate red tape paying off: ARTA chief By EJ Roque
MANILA - President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive to eliminate red tape in government has been paying off, the head of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said on Wednesday. This, as the Philippines improved its ranking in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2019 published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). “The Authority sees our improved ranking as a positive indicator that the President’s directive to eliminate the red tape problem and to promote the ease of doing business in the country Perez said this will happen once is already paying off,” ARTA officer-in- charge, Director General Ernesto V. the Implementing Rules and Regulations are approved by the permanent Perez said in a statement. ARTA Director-General, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary, Perez said the full implementation and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Chairperson. Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery that created ARTA will “The full implementation of attract more economic activities, foster the law is however premised on the an enabling business environment, issuance of the Implementing Rules generate more jobs, and ensure an and Regulations, the draft of which is inclusive growth for the country. ready for approval at any time by the regular Director General who is yet to “The Authority hustles to have be appointed by the President,” he the Ease of Doing Business Law fully added. implemented within the next three Perez said the country still needs years,” he said.
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to catch up to be at par with the hastened the processing time for performance of its neighbors. government transactions, and Administrative Order 13 removing non “As such, we are resolute in tariff barriers in importing agricultural monitoring and ensuring the compliance products. of concerned government agencies to the Ease of Doing Business Law, which The President also signed is pivotal to streamlining our current Executive Order 43 creating Presidential government services and procedures Anti-Corruption Commission and later and to eliminating corruption,” he said. issued another EO (73), expanding the commission’s powers to recommend to He expressed confidence that the the ARTA the filing of charges against full implementation of the law will further officials tagged in corruption for further improve the country’s chances to an investigation. improved competitiveness ranking in the coming years. From last year’s 50th spot, the Philippines jumped to 46th in terms of “With its passing, we look competitiveness, measured by using forward to shaping the Philippines four factors: economic performance; as a competitive landscape where government efficiency; business businesses, foreign and local alike, efficiency; and, infrastructure. from SMEs (small, medium enterprises) to large businesses, can thrive with the The country climbed to 38th from help of a government they could trust,” 50th in terms of economic performance, he said. 41st from 44th in the government efficiency factor, to 32nd from 38th in The President earlier issued business efficiency, and 59th from 60th Memorandum Circular 44 which in the infrastructure factor. (PNA)
PRRD signs into law Sagip Saka Act
By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Sagip Saka Act to help increase farmers’ and fishermen’s income and reach their full potential. Duterte signed Republic Act 11321 “the comprehensive set of objectives, on April 17, 2019 yet reporters only got targets, and holistic approach in a copy on Monday (May 27). promoting the establishment of enterprises involving agricultural and The new law establishes the fishery products.” “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Program” which refers to The program shall be integrated
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and be made consistent with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Plan. The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall be the implementing agency of the program, which shall tap the assistance, expertise and resources of the following agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority, National Dairy Authority, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Agriculture Training Institute, Agricultural Credit and Policy Council, and the Bureau of Agricultural Research. The law also entails the creation of the “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Council� to oversee the proper implementation of the program. It shall be composed of (a) the Secretary of the DA or his duly authorized representative who is at least an Undersecretary, who shall be the Chair (b), a representative of the Department of Trade and Industry, who shall likewise at least be an Undersecretary; (c) a representative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; (d) a representative of the Department of Finance; (e) a representative of the Cooperative Development Authority;
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(f) a representative of a national organization of farmers cooperatives or association; (g) a representative of a national organization of fisherfolk cooperatives or association; and (h) two representatives from the agriculture, food, restaurant and business sectors. Within 60 days from the date of effectivity of the Act, the DA, in consultation with the DTI and the DOF shall formulate the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. The law was passed by the House of Representatives as House Bill 8857 on January 28, 2019 and wasadopted by the Senate of the Philippines as an amendment to Senate Bill 1281 on February 6, 2019. It will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)
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