Caraga InFocus –May 28-June 3, 2022 by Caraga InFocus

8 10 11 12

KABABAIHANG MANOBO SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, IBINAHAGI ANG KANILANG MAYAMANG KULTURA, SINING AT PAGAWA NG MGA BASKET NAKUMPISKANG ILEGAL NA DROGA SA CARAGA REGION, SINIRA AT SINUNOG NG PDEA KASAMA ANG IBA’T-IBANG SECTOR

SP RESOLUTION SA PARTNERSHIP SA LGU BUTUAN UG JOBSTREET.COM, APROBADO NA DOH-13 TO RECOGNIZE VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS

PROVINCIAL NEWS 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28

POPCOM CARAGA BEEFS-UP ANTI-HUNGER DRIVE HUGOT NGA SUPORTA SA LGUS, TUMONG SA POPCOM

IPS SA BARANGAY MANILA DE BUGABOS, NAKABENEPISYO SA LIBRENG SERBISYO NGA GITANYAG SA LGU BUTUAN PAGPATAAS SA CIVIL REGISTRATION SA MGA MARGINALIZED AREA SA BUTUAN CITY, GITINGUHA MULTI-SECTORAL FOREST PROTECTION COMMITTEE NG CARAGA REGION PATULOY ANG PROGRAMANG PROTEKTAHAN ANG KALIKASAN POPCOM CARAGA, CABADBARAN INTENSIFIES CAMPAIGN AGAINST TEENAGE PREGNANCY

POPCOM CARAGA, CABADBARAN GIPAKUSGAN KAMPANYA BATOK SA PAGMABDOS SA KABATANONAN PNP-AGSUR HOLDS ITS 2ND QUARTER FAMCON NPA FINANCE STAFF, OTHER WANTED PERSON ARRESTED IN CARAGA REGION FEATURE: A REWARDING CASH GIFT FOR 101 YEAROLD LOLO JOSE IN AGSUR TOWN

ODETTE HIT-MSMES IN DINAGAT ISLANDS RECEIVE LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE KEEPING THE TSOKOLATE TRADITION WITH LISBOS CACAO TRADING TOP 10 MOST WANTED IN ZAMBOANGA COLLARED IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE; ANOTHER 2 ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF LOOSE FAS NPA FINANCE STAFF ARRESTED IN SURIGAO NORTE

29 30 31 32 34 35

DAR, DENR SIGNS AGREEMENT TO TRANSFER 1,153 HECTARES SIPLAS PROPERTY FOR COVERAGE UNDER 1CARP THROUGH EO 75 SURIGAO NORTE AGRARIAN ORGANIZATION RECEIVES DA GRANT DA CARAGA PRESENTS HYBRIDIZATION START-UP HYBRID TECHNO DEMO AND MODEL FARM TO FARMERS IN LORETO TOWN EARTHQUAKES JOLT SOME PARTS OF SURSUR AND NEARBY PROVINCES, NO DAMAGES WERE REPORTED LIANGA BAY SA SURSUR NAGPABILIN NGA POSITIBO SA RED TIDE TOXIN LGU-TANDAG CHALLENGES TANDAGONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE “NO SMOKING DAY” ON MAY 31

37 39 42 43 44

CONTENTS

REGIONAL NEWS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Volume VI, No. 22 May 28-June 3, 2022

NATIONAL NEWS FILIPINO SEA GAMES MEDALISTS HONORED, GIVEN INCENTIVES 2.46M FILIPINOS GET FREE COLLEGE EDUC UNDER DUTERTE ADMIN

COVID-19 NEWS NEARLY 71M PINOYS FULLY VAXXED VS. COVID-19 DOH AWAITS WHO RECOMMENDATION ON MODERNA USE FOR AGES 6-11 FATE OF PANDEMIC PROGRAMS, VAX DRIVE UP TO NEXT ADMIN: DOH

the confiscated illegal drugs and paraphernalia are all accounted for and will never be recycled. The agency along with other law enforcement agencies is serious in putting a stop to this menace,” said Rosales.

PDEA leads destruction of dangerous drugs, paraphernalia

Director Rosales further stressed that PDEA continues to monitor the barangays and intensifies its advocacy campaign to put a stop to any illegal drug operation, as well as to protect the well-being of the populace, especially the youth who are mostly affected by these illegal drugs.

“For our local constituents, please help us in our campaign and should you have knowledge on any illegal

drug operation in your respective barangay, let us know and we will give appropriate action,” added Rosales. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Through the intensified campaign of the government against illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga along with the different sectors from the government led the destruction of different confiscated dangerous drugs and paraphernalia worth P7.8 million.

These illegal drugs were properly disposed through incineration in a facility of a plywood corporation in Butuan City.

Emerson Rosales, the destruction and burning of the illegal drugs such as shabu, marijuana, and paraphernalia is in accordance with Republic Act 9165 or The PDEA chemists the Comprehensive conducted thermolysis Dangerous Drugs Act of prior to the destruction of 2002, and Dangerous the illegal drugs. Drugs Board Regulation No. 1 series of 2002. According to PDEA Caraga regional director “We assure you that all Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

News Briefs As we celebrate the National ICT Month this June with the theme: “Spark, Strengthen, Sustain: Advancing the PH Digital Agenda”, the Department of Information and Communications Technology - Caraga Region offers our Free Webiner Series for everyone to gain in-depth knowledge about the opportunities in the digital gig economy. xx

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office No. 103 - Butuan City is holding the second raffle draw of its “Resibo Mo, Panalo Ko!” Raffle Promo. Entries for the month of May will be drawn at BIR RDO 103 Grounds, Butuan City.The “Resibo Mo, Panalo Ko!” is a raffle promo launched by RDO 103 in April 2022 under the Taxpayers’ Awareness Program of BIR to encourage consumers to ask for receipts/sales invoice in their purchases/transactions. Ten winners will receive limitededition BIR freebies while one lucky winner will receive Php2,000 worth of grocery package. Proclamation No. 1521, series of 2008, declared the month of June 2008 and every year thereafter as “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) MONTH”. The event calls for the recognition of the vital role of ICT in nationbuilding. The Department of Education is expecting for a 100 percent resumption of in-person classes when the school year 2022-2023 begins later this year.Secretary Briones reported that as of May 26, up to 34,238 public and private schools have been nominated to hold limited face-to-face classes.

REGIONAL NEWS

Kababaihang Manobo sa Agusan del Norte, ibinahagi ang kanilang mayamang kultura, sining at pagawa ng mga basket

(CADT) 092 Puting Bato ng Cabadbaran City. Ipinagmalaki naman ng estudyante na si Juvy Ann Leorna, na laking Manobo rin, ang mayamang kultura at tradisyon ng kanilang tribu. Ayon kay Leorna, masaya siya at nagkaroon sila ng pagakakataong maibahagi ang kanilang sining sa ibang tao, at umaasa siyang marami pang kabataan ang gustong matuto ng paghahabi at maging

ang pagawa ng iba pang arts and crafts ng IP community. “Mahalaga ang ganitong pagtitipon kung saan naibabahagi ng tribung Manobo ang aming kultura, tradisyon at livelihood. Malaki ang naging epekto ng pandemic sa aming kabuhayan doon sa aming lugar, kaya sana ay suportahan nyo po ang IP community,” ani ni Leorna. Nanawagan naman si Dr. Randy Rosas, Development

Management Officer V at acting chief ng admin and finance ng NCIP Caraga sa publiko na maging culture-sensitive. Nararapat lamang na bigyang-halaga ang kontribusyon ng mga IP sa pag-unlad ng bawat komunidad. “Ating igalang at irespeto ang karapatan at kapakanan ng mga IPs. Huwag po natin silang maliitin dahil marami po silang pwedeng maitulong at maiambag sa pagunlad ng ating bayan,” dagdag pa ni Rosas. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Sa pakikipagtulungan ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga at National Museum Eastern-Northern Mindanao Regional Museum sa lungsod ng Butuan, tinuruan ang mga estudyante mula sa iba’t-ibang paaralan

kung paano isinasagawa ng mga kababaihang Manobo ang kanilang mga basket na kanilang kabuhayan. Napukaw ang interes ng mga mag-aaral sa paghabi ng mga basket habang ipinapakita ng mga kababaihang

Manobo ang bawat hakbang sa pagawa nito. Sina Bae Mila Leorna, Bae Cleofe Austral, at Bae Leonida Rebollo ang nagsilbing mga kinatawan ng tribong Manobo sa Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Nakumpiskang ilegal na droga sa Caraga region, sinira at sinunog ng pdea kasama ang iba’t-ibang sector Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Ayon kay PDEA Caraga regional director Emerson Rosales, ang pagsunog ng mga ilegal na droga tulad ng shabu, marijuana at mga paraphernalia ay alinsunod sa Republic Act 9165 o ang Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 at Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1 series of 2002. Tiniyak ng opisyal na ano mang ilegal na droga na kanilang nakokompiska ay hindi narerecycle at lahat ay accounted ng ahensiya. “Lahat po na ating nakompiska na illegal drugs ay accounted mula sa pinakamaliit na grams hanggang sa malalaking grams nito. Dumadaan po lahat sa proseso at wala pong nakakalusot na mga illegal drugs at paraphernalia,” ani ni Rosales.

Binigyang-diin din ni Director Rosales na patuloy nilang tututukan ang mga Sa patuloy na kampanya ng gobyerno barangay at mas paiigtingin pa ang laban sa ilegal na droga, ilang dangerous kanilang advocacy campaign upang drugs at paraphernalia na nakompiska tuluyang masugpo ang ano mang ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ilegal drug operation at maprotektahan (PDEA) mula sa matagumpay nitong ang mga residente lalo na ang mga operasyon sa rehiyon ang sinira at kabataang madalas nabibiktima nito. sinunog ng ahensiya kasama ang ibang pang sektor ng gobyerno. “Nananawagan po tayo sa ating mga kababayan na magreport po sa PDEA o Abot sa P7.8 milyong halaga ng ilegal na sa Philippine National Police (PNP) kung droga ang sinira sa loob ng pasilidad ng sakaling may alam kayo na illegal drug isang plywood corporation sa butuan. operation sa inyong mga barangay upang agad din pong matugunan ng Bago ito, dumaan muna sa thermolysis ating kawani,” banngit ni Rosales. (JPG/ ang mga ilegal na droga. PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

SP resolution sa partnership sa LGU Butuan ug Jobstreet.com, aprobado na Gi-aprobahan na ni Vice Mayor Jose Aquino II ang SP Resolution No. 190-2022 o ang resolusyon nga nagtugot sa City Government sa Butuan pinaagi ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada sa pagpirma sa Memorandum of Agreement tali na sa Jobstreet.Com Philippines, Inc. kabahin sa partnership sa paghatag og trabahong oportunidad sa mga Butuanon sulod sa tulo ka tuig. Kini nga partnership nagtinguha nga matabangan ang mga negosyante sa syudad nga makabangon nga walay gasto sanglit makahatag og daghang trabaho sa katawhan. Ang Jobstreet.Com Philippines Inc. usa ka korporasyon nga giorganisa nga anaa nagpailawom sa Philippines laws. Nakalatid sa MOA nga ang Jobstreet. Com Philippines Inc

magahatag og free job posting credits sa employers ug dunay free access sa employer ug career resources samtang ang City Government sa Butuan magahatag sa Jobstreet.Com og link gikan sa homepage sa website ug himuong opisyal nga online partner sa tanang job fairs nga may

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

kalambigitan sa mga aktibidad sa syudad. Ang nasangpit nga resolusyon gipangamahanan ni City Councilor Ferdinand Nalcot uban hiniusang pwersa sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ug Vice Mayor Aquino. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DOH-13 to recognize voluntary blood donors

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga will recognize the contribution of voluntary and unpaid blood donors for their life-saving deed on June 14, 2022. June 14 of every year is the World Blood Donor’s Day. Voluntary donors are given recognition for selflessly donating their blood to people unknown to them. This celebration aims to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products. With this year’s theme “Donating blood is an

act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives.” the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga, encourages everyone to commit to regularly undergo blood donation and share the good message of the said selfless act.

This will also help the donor’s production of new red blood cells and will result to better health. Blood donation observes a three-month interval.

Meanwhile, apart from the regular conduct of Mobile Blood Donation All stakeholders are also in local barangays, a encouraged to conduct special one-day Mobile advocacy activities in Blood Donation will be line with the celebration conducted by the City to sustain voluntary and Health of Butuan on non-renumerated blood June 14 at 10:00am in SM donation. City Butuan as support to the said celebration. Donating blood does not (DOH-Caraga/MFC/PIAonly benefit the receiver. Caraga) Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

PROVINCIAL NEWS

POPCOM Caraga beefs-up antihunger drive

Hugot nga suporta sa LGUs, tumong sa POPCOM

The Commission on Population and Development continues its strong commitment in an interagency campaign against hunger and poverty in the region. The Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) coordinated with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aims to address key challenges in social and economic inclusive growth to ensure food security and improve the quality of life among

Aron masiguro ang padayon nga suporta sa mga lokal nga kagamhanan sa pagpahaum sa mga programa kalabot sa population and development, ang Commission on Population and Development – Caraga Region magpahigayon ug 2022 2nd Quarter Regional Population and Development Conference (RPDC) karong Hunyo 15, 2022.

Filipinos. POPCOM Caraga, represented by Ms. Rutchie C. Saluta, Information Officer III, recently joined the Regional Convergence Team Meeting conducted by EPAHP Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) via Google Meet. The said meeting highlighted the EPAHP Implementation Updates, presentation of Bureau of Fisheries

and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Training Institute (DAATI), and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as the new additional partner agencies and introduction of the new EPAHP RPMO staff. The collaborative efforts of the EPAHP partners signify unity and harmony of essential service for the success of this program in Caraga region. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Muapil sa maong kalihukan ang mga Provincial Population Officers, Municipal Population Officers, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers, Nutrition Action Officers ug Pantawid Pamilya Field Officers sa tanang lokal nga kagamhanan sa rehiyon. Matud ni Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano, ang nasangpit nga kalihukan ipahigayun tungud kay

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

ang mga lokal nga kagamhanan naay importante nga bahin sa pagpatuman sa mga estratehiya sa Philippine Population and Development Program (PPDP). Ang mga LGUs mao ang magpaluyo sa mga serbisyo ug mga interbensyon kalabot sa pagdumala sa populasyon ilalum sa Devolution Transition Plan. (Gabrielle Paolo M. Mordeno, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

IPs sa Barangay Manila de Bugabos, nakabenepisyo sa libreng Serbisyo nga gitanyag sa LGU Butuan

Pagpataas sa civil registration sa mga marginalized area sa Butuan City, gitinguha

Gidala sa local government unit (LGU) Butuan ang mga serbisyo sa mga nagkadaiyang opisina alang sa mga residente sa Barangay Manila de Bugabus sa gipahigayong Community Outreach.

Aprobado na ni Butuan City Vice Mayor Jose Aquino II ang SP Resolution No. 189-2022 nga naghatag pagtugot sa City Government sa Butuan pinaagi ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada ang pagpinirmahay sa Memorandum of Agreement ug sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Agusan del Norte kabahin sa pagpatuman sa Philsys Birth Registration Assistance Project ug uban pang katuyuan.

Nahatagan sa libreng serbisyo sa Lokal nga Panggamhanan pinaagi sa Office of the Indigenous Peoples, Culture, Heritage and Arts, katambayayong ang ubang buhatan ug ahensya sa gobyerno, ang mga Indigenous People kon IPs sa Barangay Manila de Bugabus. Suportado ni Konsehal Cromwell Nortega ang sama niini nga mga kalihukan sa Lokal nga Panggamhanan asa personal niya nga gibisita ang mga IP members sa mga barangay aron madungog ug mahatag ang mga gikinahanglan sa ilang lugar. Padayon ang paghatag ni Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada uban sa Sangguniang Panlungsod og suporta sa mga kaigsoonang IP sa syudad sa Butuan. Daghan nga mga opisina ang misanong sa community outreach aron magmalampuson ang

mga serbisyo nga angay sa mga IPs. Anaa ang 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, TESDA-Caraga, PhilHealth nga katambayayong nga ahensya sa Lokal nga Panggamhanan. Anaa usab ang mga opisina sa LGU-Butuan sama sa City ENRO, CSWD, OSCA, BCMTC, City Legal Office, City Civil Registrar, City Vet, City Health Office, Butuan Medical Center, City Agri, City Coop, CTIIPO, ug City Accounting. Daghan sa mga IPs ang nagpa late registration sa City Civil Registrar ug lakip na usab ang libreng notaryo hatud sa City Legal Office. Ang City ENRO usab nanghatag og binhi

sa mangosteen ug durian. Ang City Agriculture usab naghatag og mga binhi para sa backyard gardening. Lakip usab naghatag og libreng tupi ang BCMTC sa mga kabataan sa lugar. Ang City COOP ug CTIIPO nagtanyag og libreng kahibaluan kalabot sa kahugpungan sa lugar nga adunay mga negosyo o kooperatiba. Ang partner agency usab sa LGU-Butuan sama sa TESDACaraga, nga nagtanyag og mga pagbansay nga pwede kuhaon para sa skills training sa usa ka indibidwal ug PhilHealth nga naghatag og assistance kalabot na sa mga pangutana sa ilang ahensya. (Butuan city PIO/ LGU Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Kini nga pagtambayayong sa City Government sa Butuan ug PSA nagtinguha nga mutaas ang civil registration sa mga marginalized nga komunidad ilabina ang mga nahimutang sa mga dapit sa Indigenous People kun IPs, Muslim Filipinos ug uban pang dapit sa syudad asa daghan ang nagpuyo nga mga kaigsoonang kabus nga maglisod

ug dako ang gasto sa transportasyon. Kini nga programa mao na ang mupaduol ug muhatod sa serbisyo aron wala nay rason nga dili makaparehistro ang mga kaigsoonang naglisud sa syudad sa Butuan. Aron mamahimong hapsay ang papatuman sa proyekto gikinahanglan ang koordinasyon sa asosasyon o Punong

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Barangay ug uban pang ahensya aron hingpit kining mapatuman. Ang nasangpit nga SP resolusyon gipangamahanan ni City Councilor Ferdinand Nalcot uban sa tibook pwersa sa mga myembro sa Sangguniang Panlungsod. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Multi-sectoral forest protection committee ng Caraga region patuloy ang programang protektahan ang kalikasan

POPCOM Caraga, Cabadbaran intensifies campaign against teenage pregnancy

Bamboo plantation ang nakitang sagot at ngayo’y focus ng mining companies sa Caraga region para mas lalo pang maalagaan at mapanatili ang kagandahan ng kalikasan. Sa pangunguna ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) Caraga ang pagtatanim ng kawayan sa mga mining areas na kung saan mahigit 836 ektaryas ang nakalaan sa buong rehiyon. Ayon kay Christie Apale ng MGB Caraga, kahit panahon ng COVID-19 pandemic ay patuloy pa rin ang mga mining companies sa kanilang commitment ng bamboo plantation.

na ng kawayan ang nasa mahigit 250 ektarya, nitong first semester ng taong 2022. “Bamboos are interplanted with the other tree species of the mining companies as rehabilitation measures. Ang purpose is not for economic but for rehabilitation sa area, ” ayon ni Apale.

Sa ulat naman ng Sa ngayon ay natamnan National Greening

Program coordinator sa caraga region na si Forester Luis Gonzaga, umabot na sa mahigit 183 thousand ektarya ang nataniman ng iba’t ibang species ng kahoy sa rehiyon. “Base sa seedling production target namin sa 2022 na 10,704,622, meron na kaming accomplishment na 5,297,967,” tugon ni Gonzaga. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

The Commission on Population and Development- Caraga supports the initiative of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte to address the alarming surge of teenage pregnancies in the city through package of service and information. Cabadbaran District Hospital will conduct Usapang Buntis Kasama ang Mahal sa Buhay activity to pregnant teenagers on May 27,

2022 and June 10, 2022 at Cabadbaran City. The said activity aims to provide proper maternal healthcare, new born care and family planning. Also, this will be a venue for sharing of experiences, challenges, and establishing future plans as a mother and individual. Janus Anthony H. Raganas, Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RP-FP)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Program Coordinator of POPCOM Caraga, will share his expertise on the topic of family planning to pregnant adolescents to protect them from physical, emotional, and financial burden of unplanned pregnancy. POPCOM vows to continue its push towards curbing out unwanted teenage pregnancy in the region. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

POPCOM Caraga, Cabadbaran gipakusgan kampanya batok sa pagmabdos sa kabatan-onan

Ang Commission on Population and Development – Caraga hugot nga gasuporta sa inisyatabo nga gipangunahan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa siyudad sa Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte para masulbad ang makalilisang na pagdagsang sa mga batan-ong mabdos sa siyudad pinaagi sa serbisyo ug impormasyon. Niining bahina, ang Cabadbaran District Hospital magpasiugda og Usapang Buntis Kasama ang Mahal sa Buhay nga aktibidad

para sa mga batan-ong mabdos karon Mayo 27, 2022 ug June 10, 2022 sa Cabadbaran City. Ang tumong sa maong aktibidad ang pagtudlo sa hustong pag-atiman sa panglawas sa inahan, pag-atiman sa bagong natawo ug family planning. Dugang pa niini, ang nasangpit nga aktibidad ang paagi sa pagpaambit sa mga kasinatian, mga hagit ug pagmugna sa mga umaabot na plano isip usa ka inahan ug indibidwal. Si Janus Anthony H. Raganas, ang

Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) Program Manager sa POPCOM Caraga magpaambit sa iyang kahanas sa hilisgutan sa family planning sa mga batan-ong mabdos para sa pagpanalipod sa ila sa pisikal, emosyonal ug pinansyal nga palasonon sa wala planoha nga pagmabdos. Ang POPCOM misaad nga magpadayon sa pagduso nga mapugngan ang pagmabdos sa mga batan-on sa rehiyon. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

PNP-AgSur holds its 2nd Quarter FamCon Through the approved memorandum signed by the Acting Provincial Director of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO), Police Colonel Jovito Canlapan, the provincial-wide personnel of Police Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) lead by Police Lieutenant Colonel Jude Cres Milan held its 2nd Quarter Family Conference on May 19, 2022 at Nerians Place, New Leyte, Barangay Awa, Prosperidad, this province. Highlight of the activity was the conduct of OneDay Workshop on Video Production conducted by PTV8 Agusan del Sur thru Mr. Alexis G. Cabardo, News Chief. The said workshop was in line with the directive of Directorate for Police Community Relations (TDPCR) directing all PPOs, City/Municipal Police Station and Mobile Forces to develop a 3-minute Audio Visual Presentation (AVP) weekly to highlight the Unit’s Weekly Accomplishments and be uploaded to

their respective Official Facebook pages, Youtube accounts and other social media platforms. The said workshop was realized through the joint efforts of ADSPPO PCADU, PTV Agusan del Sur as lecturers and facilitators, and the support of Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur headed by Mayor Frederick Mark P. Mellana and Vice Mayor Jesusimo L. Ronquillo. A total of 41 CAD personnel attended the said activity where they were given practical exercises on three different camera manipulations: Camera Shots, Camera Angles, and Camera Movements. Presentation of outputs were reviewed

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

and evaluated by the technical teams of PTV8 Agusan del Sur. The workshop ended after the delivery of impressions made by the participants. PLtCol Milan delivered announcements and guidance to all CAD personnel on the performance of all Police Stations and Mobile Force Companies, which gave due recognition to those performing teams, while reprimanding the challenged units. This activity is in line with the Learning and Growth perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 under the Objective, to develop a competent police personnel and organization. (ADSPPO/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

NPA finance staff, other wanted person arrested in Caraga Region

A rewarding cash gift for 101 yearold Lolo Jose in AgSur town Lolo Jose is in the care of his daughter-inlaw, Sabina Inso. According to Sabina, Lolo Jose has never suffered any major illness other than minor infirmities due to his body’s wear and tear. When asked about Lolo Jose’s unprecedented run to 100 years old, Sabina shared that “Isa sa iyang unahon permi, pagkaon. Ginasigurado gyud niya nga mukaon sa saktong oras ug likayan nga mapasmo. Sa batan-on pa siya, ganahan siya mag joker-joker (He makes sure that he eats properly, and that he eats on time – he doesn’t want to skip meals. When he was younger, he loved to joke around).”

Two wanted persons were arrested during police operations in Caraga Region, a New People’s Army (NPA) officer with multiple charges and the other is a sexual offender. They were arrested on May 26, 2022. Police Brigadier General Romeo M Caramat Jr, Police Regional Office-13 Director, announced the successful apprehension of Eliamar Elecito Monter, alias ‘Gab/Teo’, supply and finance officer of SYB16A, Guerilla Front16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), who is operating in the area of Agusan del Norte, particularly at Jabonga, Kitcharao, and Santiago. Monter joined the movement in 2016, and his arrest was part of Caraga’s campaign against criminality and high vigilance to arrest a criminal. The accused Monter was arrested through warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region, Branch 34, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte for Multiple Frustrated Murder with

Criminal Case No. 2021347; Homicide with Criminal Case No. 2021-357; and Multiple Attempted Murder with Criminal Case No. 2021345, with recommended bail bond of Php440,000 for the three criminal cases. He is one of the suspects who shot the member of the 29th Infantry Brigade Philippine Army (IB, PA) conducting a combat operation on June 21, 2021, at Palo11, Poblacion 2, Santiago, Agusan del Norte (ADN). While on May 31, 2012, at Sitio Ilonilong, Poblacion, Santiago Agusan del Norte, two army personnel were killed during the combat operation and causing injuries to four other soldiers.

Meanwhile, a wanted person, Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL), was arrested in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, for statutory rape. The police operation stemmed from a warrant of arrest under criminal case number 7221 issued by Regional Trial Court, Branch 7, Bayugan City, with no bail bond recommended after the accused feloniously raped a minor on July 2021. “Rest assured that we will continue to strengthen our efforts to hunt down wanted individuals hiding from the arms of the law,” said Caramat. (PMaj. Dorothy Tumulak, PIO, PNP-Caraga/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Under the Centenarian Act of 2016, all Filipinos reaching a hundred years are entitled to receive a centenarian cash gift. Thus, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, Love and attention are essential in taking through its Centenarian Program, handed good care of the old people. Frail, fragile, over the cash gift to Jose Inso. As Lolo Jose and delicate as they are, they need all the holds the cash, teary-eyed, he can’t help respect and admiration for their long and but ask, “Akoa ni tanan? Na, salamat ipalit rich experiences as they continue with life’s journey. And what wonder to meet someone ko ni’g bugas (Is this all mine? Well, thank who has reached the big 1-0-0. Well, you will you, I’ll buy milled rice with this money).” definitely admire Jose Inso of Prosperidad, Sabina, who has been with Lolo Jose for a Agusan del Sur once you meet him. long time promised to buy nutritious food for him using the money that Lolo Jose received. Born on January 18, 1921, Lolo Jose turned “Pagkaon ang mas daghanon nakog palit 101-year-old this year. He maybe is in a labina nga kada taod2 sa isa ka adlaw wheelchair but this does not negate the mangayo gyud ni siya’g ma sima-sima (I will innate perkiness and hilarity he has to offer. make sure that there will be enough food When told about the cash grant he’d receive, his reply cracked up everyone – “Oy for him, especially that he frequently ask for sige maghubog ta’g tunga sa adlaw (Okay, food),” Sabina said. let’s go get drunk for half a day)” he said with a big smile. The Centenarian cash gift is a reward given to Filipinos reaching the age of 100 years old His demeanor and positivity in life are as an expression of gratitude by the National somewhat factors on his looks and how he Government for their contribution in shaping feels – this is the reason why he looks and and in putting up the Filipino values and behaves younger than his current age. culture. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Odette hit-MSMEs in Dinagat Islands receive livelihood assistance Ferdinand, Sto. Nino, Doña Helene, and barangay Melgar.

Keeping the Tsokolate tradition with Lisbos Cacao Trading

Ms. Ann Clover Vales, a representative on behalf of Mayor Ozzy Reuben Ecleo, attended the event with DTI- Dinagat Islands Provincial Director Elmer M. Natad.

A total of P1.6 million worth of livelihood kits were distributed to 127 identified Typhoon Odette-hit Sari-Sari Store Owners in Basilisa town in Dinagat Islands through the Livelihood

Seeding Program (LSP)Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG). The 127 Sari-Sari Store Owners were from Barangay Tag-abaca,

According to Provincial Director the said LSPPPG is a post-disaster response program that addresses the needs of ongoing economic activities through the provision of livelihood assistance to business enterprises affected by fire and other calamities. (DTI-Dinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands)

Who can resist and say no to a fresh, homemade pure tablea? What about the rich flavor and aroma of a Filipino style hot chocolate in an early cozy morning? Lisbos Cacao Trading produces Bacuag’s Best Homemade Pure Tablea, the number one traditional homemade unsweetened pure tableya from 100% quality cacao beans. It offers a variety of high-quality products to choose from, starting with their Unsweetened Pure Tablea, Roasted Unsweetened Cacao Nibs, Candied Nibs, Yema Tableya

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Chocolate Spread, up to traditional tsokolateras and batirols. Their products are always freshly made and are noted for the rich flavor and aroma wrapped with attractive and clean packaging. The business started simple when they needed to make their own tablea after their supplier could no longer meet their orders due to health conditions. Their first customers were close friends and colleagues from work. In 2019, DTI Surigao del Norte recognized Mrs. Rosanna Lisbos

Top 10 most wanted in Zamboanga collared in Surigao del Norte; another 2 arrested for possession of loose FAs The intensified anti-criminality campaign of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 led to the arrest of the top 10 most wanted in the town of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte and other two suspects for possession of loose firearms in separate police operations in the province of Surigao del Norte on Friday, May 27.

as one of the Successful Women Entrepreneurs in Caraga. Despite the challenges in the beginning of the pandemic, their food products were on high demand online. In 2021, Lisbos Cacao Trading availed of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, through its Provincial Science and Technology Center – Surigao del Norte, to procure their processing equipment. On the same year, the enterprise was awarded as Best Firm Implementor under the DOST Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program and received their License to Operate from the Food and Drug Administration for their manufacturing facility. For more information about Lisbos Cacao Trading and their products,

follow them on Facebook @ lisbostablea. You may contact them through their mobile number 0917174-3370 and/or email them at bacuagsbestlisbostablea2018@gmail. com. You can also browse their website https://bacuagstablea.webph. biz/ or visit them at Bacuag’s Best Homemade Pure Tablea in Gloria St., Poblacion, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. Patronizing their products will definitely keep the tsokolate tradition flourishing. We are also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. Message our page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte to know more about the benefits, requirements, and identified priority sectors. (DOST- SDN/PIA- Surigao del Norte) Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

PRO 13 director Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. disclosed that Danilo S. Anadon, 39 years old, construction worker, and a resident of Barangay Pacifico, San Isidro, Surigao del Norte, was arrested around 4pm at Barangay 6, Poblacion, Dapa, same province, by personnel of the Dapa Municipal Police Station (MPS) together with the troops from Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO), and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9. Anadon was apprehended through a warrant of arrest for attempted murder under Criminal Case No. L-002326 dated January 28, 2015, with bail bond amounting to Php120,000, and for the crime of physical injuries in relation to the Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, under Criminal Case No. L-002197 with bail bond recommended amounting to Php80,000 dated April 29, 2015. Both warrants

were issued by Regional Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 28, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte. Meanwhile, personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office, together with Placer MPS arrested two small scale miners who were caught in possession of a caliber .45 pistol with three ammunition and a caliber .38 revolver with four ammunition in the vicinity of Manila Mining located at Purok New Mine Site, Brgy. Magsaysay Placer, around 4:05pm. PBGen. Caramat, Jr. identified the arrested individuals as Carlo R. Valdez, 40 years old, and Marvin M. Dumanacal, 41 years old. Both are residents of Purok 4, Brgy. Aurora, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte. The operation stemmed from a report of a concerned citizen regarding the two possessing

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

firearms. Both failed to present registration and license of the said firearms. “We are now preparing to file a case for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and of the COMELEC Resolution 10728 or the ban of bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons during the election period, against the arrested suspects,” he added. The region’s top cop lauded the efforts of Caraga cops to clean up the streets from the threats of wanted criminals and individuals with loose firearms. Further, he continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report to the police any illegal activity in the locality or presence of individuals sought by the law. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, Police Regional Office-13/PIASurigao del Norte)

NPA finance staff arrested in Surigao Norte 10th Judicial Region in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, joint elements from the AFP and PNP arrested Eliamar Monter alias “Gab”/”Teo”, a notorious NPA leader who used to lead an NPA unit in Agusan del Norte and now a finance staff of the SubRegional Committee of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, who was found hiding in a safehouse in the vicinity of Brgy Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte. Immediately after the arrest, Monter was made to undergo medical check-up prior to turning him over to Placer Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. Monter is also facing multiple criminal charges such as frustrated murder, homicide and attempted murder.

A former New People’s Army (NPA) commander and now a finance staff of the communist-terrorist group (CTG) was apprehended by the joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Brgy. Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte, at around 5:45 in the afternoon on Thursday, May 26. Through the cooperation made by the concerned citizens and by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by the presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 34,

“We would like to extend our gratitude to our peace-loving communities for the strong support in our campaign to end the local insurgency in the province. With active support and participation of the community, the total collapse of the CTG is already imminent. These CTGs have been disturbing the lives of the populace who wish to live peacefully. That is why we encourage everyone to support the government for us to attain inclusive peace and development in the area, “ said Brigadier General George Banzon of the 901st Infantry Brigade, which oversees Placer as part of its area of responsibility (AOR). BGen Banzon also reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CTGs to abandon the armed struggle and stop wasting their lives on an ideology that could kill them one day. (901st Infantry Brigade, PA/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

DAR, DENR signs agreement to transfer 1,153 hectares SIPLAS property for coverage under 1CARP through EO 75 The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently signed a deed of transfer to enable the coverage of a portion of the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) area in Siargao, Surigao Del Norte under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by virtue of Executive Order No. 75, series of 2019. DENR Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo and Regional Director Leomides R. Villareal led the signing of the Deed of Transfer. DAR-Caraga Regional Director Leomides R. Villareal said that based on the review and findings of the DAR validation committee, some portion of the SIPLAS are considered alienable and disposable (A & D) agricultural government-owned land (GOL) under the DENR and are no longer utilized for its purpose, and therefore, can be covered under the CARP, through EO 75, subject to final delineation and precise survey. “Today I’m going to receive formally the deed of transfer containing an aggregate area of 1,153.3644 hectares of land in the municipalities of Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Isidro, Burgos, and Socorro,” Villareal said.

The Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape is the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. On October 10, 1996, the terrestrial, wetland, and marine areas of Siargao and its surrounding islets in the northeastern part of Mindanao, province of Surigao del Norte are declared as a protected area under the category of protected landscape and seascape, through the Proclamation No. 902, by the President of the Philippines. SIPLAS contains an approximate area of 278,914.131 hectares as a protected landscape and seascape. Executive Order No. 75, series of 2019 was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte directing all government instrumentalities to identify idle lands owned by the government suitable for agricultural purposes which

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

will be distributed to qualified beneficiaries of CARP. Once transfer is complete, DAR will proceed with the process of land acquisition and distribution. Qualified beneficiaries are farmers, tillers, or farmworkers who are landless or who own less than three hectares of agricultural lands; Filipino citizens; residents of the barangay (or the municipality if there are not enough qualified beneficiaries in the barangay) where the landholding is located; at least 15 years of age at the time of identification, screening, and selection of the farmer-beneficiaries; and with willingness, aptitude, and ability to cultivate and make the land as productive as possible as provided under Section 22 of Republic Act No. 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), as amended. (DAR- Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte agrarian organization receives DA grant The Alipao Multipurpose Cooperative (ALIMUCO) received financial grant from The Department of Agrarian Reform, Surigao del Norte through the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program on May 16, 2022 in Butuan City. The ALMUCO received a P611,400.00 peso financial grant as an additional funding for its palay and rice trading that started on 2018. The said coop will buy the palay direct from rice-farmer members and non-members then process it into milled rice and sell it to its partner organizations, national institution, and its consumer store. Because of this entrepreneurial activity, ALMUCO was identified by the DA to be its recipient of the Kadiwa Project that will ensure the supply and availability of basic and prime agricultural commodities as well as services to the community especially during this Covid-19

pandemic. Part also of the grant will be used to finance the completion of ALMUCO’s warehouse construction. Through the warehouse, ALMUCO members and non-member rice farmers will ensure safety of their harvest while waiting to be milled and also waiting for the right palay prices to go up before selling. The warehouse will also be used in housing other farm produce that ALMUCO will buy from farmers like root crops and livestock. “This is a big blessing to us. We are very much grateful to the regional office of the Department

DA Caraga presents Hybridization start-up Hybrid Techno Demo and Model Farm to farmers in Loreto town

of Agriculture in Caraga region” said Ms. Venancia S. Signar, chairperson of Alipao Multipurpose Cooperative (ALMUCO) of Barangay Alipao, Alegria, Surigao del Norte. As an assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organization (ARBO) of DAR Surigao del Norte organized in 1994, ALMUCO has been a top performing ARBO in the province. Recently, it received one unit of Bongo hauling truck that costs P598,000.00 pesos under DAR’s Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets with Microfinance (LINKSFARMM). (Daryll M. Tumbaga, DAR-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

The Department of Agriculture(DA) - Caraga through the Municipal Agriculture Office recently presented its Hybridization start-up Hybrid Techno Demo and Model Farm programs to farmers associations in Loreto town. Municipal Agriculturistdesignate, Thelma P. Berador said that the Department of Agriculture explained the significance of the projects and how the adaptation on hybrid technology will contribute to the rice sufficiency level in Loreto. She expressed her gratitude

to the DA for the pragrams that may pave way to an abundant rice harvest and higher income of our farmers. Meanwhile, Focal/Seed Coordinator and Senior Agriculturist Nilo Orog discussed the coverage of the program. He said farmers will be provided farm inputs such as different hybrid palay seeds, fertilizers, foliars as well as technical assistance recommended for a particular hybrid seeds. Orog, added that the active

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

cooperation of the farmers will contribute to the success of the programs. This will positively result to food adequacy, higher income and wider selection of hybrid palay suitable in the municipality. Around 100 members of rice farmers from Nagkahiusang Mag-Uuma sa Carmen, Bugwak Irrigators Association and Escrola Cansim-ong Irrigators Association attended during the presentation.(Susil D. Ragas, PIA-Dinagat Islands/ Municipal Agriculture OfficeLoreto)

Earthquakes jolt some parts of SurSur and nearby provinces, no damages were reported

Reported Intensities recorded:

By: Grace P. Barcena

● Intensity III in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; and Rosario, Agusan del Sur

● Intensity IV in Cagwait, Bayabas and San Agustin all in Surigao del Sur province;

The Instrumental Intensities also reported: ● Intensity III in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro ● Intensity II in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte ; while At least two earthquakes rocked parts of Surigao del Sur province and nearby provinces first felt around 7:55 P.M. on June 2, and 2:54 A.M. on June 3, 2022, respectively.

East of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur.

It has revealed the reported Intensities as follows ●Intensity IV in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur Based on the Earthquake ● Intensity III in Rosario, Information No.1 dated Agusan del Sur June 2, 2022 (07:55 PM) a 4.8 Magnitude, tectonic Instrumental Intensities in origin with a depth also reported as: of 059 kilometers was ● Intensity I spotted in the 08.98°N, in Tandag City, Surigao 126.30°E - 002 km N 55° del Sur;

Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Another shock was felt at around 2:54 A.M. on June 3. Earthquake Information No.2 dated June 3, 2022, revealed that it has a Magnitude of 5.6, with 016 km in depth, located in the 08.94°N, 126.58°E - 031 km N 85° East of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

● Intensity I recorded in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; Surigao City; Abuyog, Leyte; and Malungon, Sarangani. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) record revealed, that after the second tremors on the dawn of June 3, there were 15 earthquakes recorded with a magnitude of 2 as the lowest and 3.8 as

the highest magnitude, 14 of which originated or were located in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur and one in Tandag City, as of 9:15 A.M today, June 3. However, no intensity recorded in the province. The Provincial Disaster

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Council of Surigao del Sur thru the PDRRM Office acting officer Alex Araña confirmed that no damage has been reported in the affected areas in Surigao del Sur as of 10 AM today. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

Lianga Bay sa SurSur nagpabilin nga positibo sa Red Tide Toxin

LGU-Tandag challenges Tandagons to participate in the “No Smoking Day” on May 31 The Local Government Unit of Tandag headed by Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, will commemorate “World No Tobacco Day” as it remains steadfast in raising awareness of the deadly and harmful tobacco use, and the undesirable health effects of second-hand smoke exposure, amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

Subay sa pinaka ulahing taho nga gipagawas sa buhatan sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources kon BFAR sa Rehiyon sa Caraga, ubos sa pakig alayon sa local nga panggamhanan, ang kinhason nga nakolekta sa kadagatan sa Lianga Bay sa Surigao del Sur nagpabilin nga positibo sa paralytic shellfish poison o red tide nga lapas sa regulatory limit.

Kini basi sa Shellfish Bulletin No. 10 Series of 2022 pinetsahan Mayo 27, 2022 nga giisyu sa DA-BFAR. Sumala pa sa taho, lakip niini nga nagpositibo sa Red Tide Toxin ang mga kinhason nga nakolekta sa kadagatan sa Bolinao sa Pangasinan; Milagros sa Masbate; Dauis ug Tagbilaran sa Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay sa Zamboanga del Sur; og Litalit Bay sa San Benito,

Surigao del Norte. Tanang matang sa kinhason ug mga alamang nga makuha gikan sa maong dapit DILI LUWAS nga kaunon. Ang mga isda, nukos, pasayan, ug alimango pwede nga kaunon sa tawo apan kinahanglan nga lab-as ug hugasan ug maayo, ug ang mga lamang loob sama sa hasang ug tinai kuhaon una lutuon. (DA-Caraga/ PIA Surigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

This year’s theme for the celebration, “Tobacco, Threat To Our Environment”,aims to raise awareness on the negative environmental effects of tobacco, how it pollutes the earth and how it damages people’s health. To give meaning to the celebration, the said LGU calls on every Tandaganons’ to participate in the “NO SMOKING DAY CHALLENGE” on May 31, 2022. The oneday activity challenges All to give their lungs the most deserving break of at least a day from smoking. Cigarette smokers, e-cigarettes/vape users, as well as non-smokers, are enjoined to participate in the challenge by posting individual and/or group

photos (“selfie” or “groufie”) or videos on their Facebook accounts and/or pages using the hashtag #WNTD2022 #NoSmokingDayChallenge #SmokeFreeTandag, and mentioning the City Government of Tandag in the caption.

3rd Place – P1,000 respectively. Two (2) entries per category will luckily receive the Globe and Smart/TNT prepaid cell cards as consolation prizes.

The challenge shall be in two categories - the Photo and the Video.

Participants may opt to join in one category only. Submission of entries shall start at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm on May 31, 2022.

For the Photo Category, the prizes are 1st Place (Best Photo) – P1,500; 2nd Place – P1,000; and 3rd Place – P500, while for the Video Category: 1st Place (Best Video) – P2,000; 2nd Place – P1,500; and

The winners shall be posted and announced on the official Facebook page of the Local Government Unit of Tandag on June 1, 2022. (NGPB/with a report from LGU-Tandag City/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Filipino SEA Games medalists honored, given incentives

NATIONAL NEWS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for a photo opportunity with the 31st SEA Games medalists during the recognition ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on May 31, 2022. Joining them are Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino. ACE MORANDANTE/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the recognition ceremony Tuesday for Filipino athletes who participated in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, commending them for bringing honor to the country.

good job in the recent regional multi-sports event. “I am very happy with the results. It is not really in the winning but going there just to give the country an image. Though maligaya ako na maraming medalya ang nakuha natin,” he said.

In his speech during the event in Malacañang, “I deeply thank you President Duterte praised for representing the the athletes for doing a country with resiliency, Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

excellence, and sportsmanship, and for bringing pride and honor to the Filipino people amidst the challenges that you had to face in these uncertain times.” The President encouraged the Filipino youth to engage in sports and other productive activities to learn the distinct Filipino values and at the same time, uphold

2.46M Filipinos get free college educ under Duterte admin fees,” he said.

the country’s distinction as among the most competitive athletes in the global community. He also recognized the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and all the coaches for their unwavering support in ensuring that the country’s athletes were in their prime condition to compete at the 31st SEA Games. While the government remains steadfast in supporting the country’s athletes, he called on the PSC and other sports bodies to continue extending their full assistance to keep Filipino athletes motivated in their future endeavors. “As we unite our efforts

to achieve real and lasting change in our society, it is my hope that, even beyond my term, our athletes will continue to uphold the competence, discipline, and commitment that we Filipinos are known all over the world,” he noted. During the recognition rites, Rubilen Amit, Nathaniel Perez, and Janelle Mae Frayna represented the medalists for the symbolic awarding. Amit won two gold medals in billiards (9 and 10 balls women); Perez, silver medal in fencing (Foil Individual Men); and Frayna, bronze medal in chess (Women’s individual Blitz).

All in all, the country garnered 52 golds, 70 silvers, and 104 bronze medals in 37 sports out of 39 participated in by the Filipino athletes. Almost P35 million in incentives were awarded to the medalists, with the total cash incentives reaching almost P52 million, including those given to the coaches. Also during the program, 178 medalists were awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu by the President. The PSC has recognized President Duterte’s consistent backing of the Filipino athletes, highlighting it as the key in their recent successes in the 31st SEA Games. PND

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Besides this, the administration has also implemented the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the Tulong Dunong programs, with around 364,168 beneficiaries this year. LONG-LASTING LEGACY. Jade Baguna, a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiary, now serves as Social Work Instructor at the Western Philippines University, after ranking eighth in the Board Examination. Baguna is one of the millions of young Filipinos benefitting from the “most longlasting legacy” of the Duterte Administration, the Commission on Higher Education said during the Duterte Legacy Summit on Tuesday (May 31, 2022). (Screengrab)

Alleviating poverty Jade Baguna, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Social Work through the TES program, shared in his Duterte Legacy testimonial how helpful the policy had been to his life and his family.

Giving 2.46 million students access to free college education during the academic year 2021 to 2022 is one of the “most long-lasting” legacies of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said on Tuesday.

education was put into motion under the Duterte administration, with the passage of Republic Act 10931… This landmark legislation that is truly, boldly, and exclusively a Tatak (mark) Duterte, because it started in the Duterte administration,” he said.

During the second day of the Duterte Legacy Summit, CHED Commissioner Prospero de Vera said the passage of the Free College Education Law has improved access to and the quality of tertiary education in the Philippines.

During the launch of free higher education, beneficiaries all over the country have amounted to over a million.

Baguna recalled hard times walking at least three kilometers just to reach their school in Palawan, and even making the best out of a PHP5 allowance per week during his high school days. But it was through this program that he was able to finish his degree, secure the eighth spot in the Board Examination, and serve as a Social Work Instructor.

“The Tatak Duterte is from zero, meaning all are paying for their tuition, then to 1.19 million students in 2018 who stopped paying tuition and miscellaneous

“This is a very huge help, because this is where I’m getting my source to pay for the boarding house, daily allowance, even the needs in which my

“The intergenerational dream of getting an

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

parents did not need to be continually troubled seeking for source, nor to bear the long-day heat, I thank you very much, because of this program, I was even able to send my parents money for the school needs of my four other siblings,” he said. Baguna is just one of the millions of students targeted by the Duterte administration’s anti-poverty program. “Whom we are helping are those who are truly in great need. If you notice the regional distribution of TES beneficiaries, it’s in the regions where poverty is most prevalent,” De Vera said in mixed Filipino and English. In 2018, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which has the highest poverty incidence, accounted for the highest number of TES beneficiaries, reaching 55.9 percent.

De Vera noted that the Philippines has increased its participation rate in higher education, as well as exhibited a 300-percent hike in the ranking of “top universities” worldwide. “It’s no longer surprising that when we started this administration, we only had four or five universities ranked among the best in the world… [But] In the last ranking of Higher Education, there are now 15 Philippine universities ranked among the best in the world. You no longer need to go to Manila to access quality education. Our universities all over the country are now ranked among the best in the world, under this administration,” he said.

Education quality

To implement developed curricula and teaching methods, the administration has started financing the scholarship of higher education institutions (HEIs) personnel’s graduate studies, through the Staff and Instruction Knowledge Advancement Program or SIKAP.

Part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal is ensuring “access to quality education,” hence

At least 188 faculty scholars are also sent to the best graduate schools abroad for training programs while

BARMM is followed by the Caraga Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Visayas, and Soccsksargen, among others.

the huge investment of the administration to achieve excellent programs through developed curriculums and more trained professors.

sustaining international linkages to 1,515 worldranking universities. “We also provided, under this administration, the biggest budget so that our faculty members can get their masters and PHDs, our annual appropriation under the SIKAP is now PHP2.159 billion so faculty members can finish their graduate education,” De Vera said. All these efforts remained resilient when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, with institutions immediately adapting to flexible learning methods. The CHED, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the rest of the Inter-Agency Task Force, has worked to resolve the long-halted in-person classes. “Because of DOH, in relentless efforts, it’s very hard to come up with the guidelines, but the test of the guidelines is that until today, in all face-toface classes, the infection rate is less than 1 percent, nationwide,” De Vera said. To date, more than 89 percent of the HEI personnel were vaccinated against Covid-19, with over 3 million students nationwide also jabbed. (PNA/Stephanie Sevillano)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Nearly 71M Pinoys fully vaxxed vs. Covid-19

DOH awaits WHO recommendation on Moderna use for ages 6-11

The Philippines has fully vaccinated a total of 70,917,708 Filipinos against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) with 14,197,202 receiving a third dose or first booster shots as of June 1.

The Department of Health is awaiting the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the use of Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for children ages 6 to 11 years old.

The latest data from the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) showed that some 152,012,792 jabs have been administered out of the 245,233,560 total vaccine doses acquired by the government, both procured and donated, since February 2021. The country’s average daily vaccination rate in the last seven days is 107,452 doses. In a televised virtual briefing on Thursday, Dr. Benito Atienza of the Philippine Medical Association urged the remaining unvaccinated population to avail of the two primary Covid-19 doses as well as those fully vaccinated to get their booster shots. “Alalahanin po natin na nag-wane na ang ating immunity para sa Covid-19 kasi lampas na po iyan ng four to six months kaya po dapat po ay napapamigay na ang first boosters (We

NECESSARY PAIN. A woman gets her Moderna booster shot from a nurse volunteer of the Philippine Red Cross at a mall in Marikina City on Friday (May 27, 2022). The second booster shot is currently only for the immunocompromised, elderly, and medical front-liners. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

should be reminded that our immunity against Covid-19 is waning because it has already exceeded four to six months, that’s why the first boosters should be given already),” he said. The fourth Covid-19 dose or second booster shot is now available for immunocompromised individuals, senior citizens, and healthcare workers. Atienza also urged the parents to allow their children to get protected against Covid-19 as the government plans a 100 percent resumption of faceto-face classes in the next school year. There are still enough

supplies of reformulated Covid-19 vaccines for the pediatric population aged five to 11 years old, he added. Atienza said the Philippine Medical Association is closely collaborating with the Department of Health to assure that those remaining unvaccinated individuals could get their primary doses, especially the provision of first and second booster shots to eligible individuals. Atienza also reminded the public to continue the strict adherence to minimum health protocols amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

On May 20, the Food and Drug Administration granted an amendment to the emergency use authorization of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, allowing its Bureau Director Beverly use as a primary series vaccine for the said age Ho said Tuesday in an online media forum. group. “Inaantay lamang natin ang WHO recommendation para sa paggamit ng Moderna para sa batang (We’re just waiting for the WHO recommendation for the use of Moderna for children) 6 to 11 years old and HTAC [Health Technology Assessment Council] recommendation I should say,” the Department of Health - Health Promotion

Ho noted that the WHO recommendation would guide the HTAC in its independent evaluation. The DOH and the National Vaccination Operations Center will start the rollout of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine once HTAC gives a positive recommendation based on evidence. Consequently, the local

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

(File photo)

government units would perform the ground implementation of the vaccination nationwide. “Ngayon, mayroon available vaccines pa rin tayo for our Pfizer doses habang inaantay ito (We still have available vaccines for our Pfizer doses while waiting for this),” she said. To date, about 2.7 million children ages 5 to 11 years old are already fully vaccinated against Covid-19. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

Fate of pandemic programs, vax drive up to next admin: DOH started endorsing the pandemic responses to its different concerned bureaus “to institutionalize” the works of the NVOC, including the works of the IATF.

(File photo)

The National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) will let the next administration decide on the fate of the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) inoculation program. Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, who also chairs the NVOC, said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, and the vaccination cluster will endorse all the programs to the next administration. “We will leave it up to them. But the IATF,

as the overall head of the NTF and even our vaccine cluster, is prepared to hand over the documents and to brief. We just await kung ano iyong directions ng susunod na (what will be the directions of the next) administration,” Cabotaje said during a televised public briefing. “Of course, we will also defer to whoever is the new Secretary. Alam naman natin (We also know) that the IATF is lodged with the Department of Health (DOH) and then the measures and the vaccination are largely with the department.” She said the DOH has

Cabotaje added that the health department has also introduced the mandate of the Response, Vaccination, and Integration clusters so that the gains of the pandemic responses would be sustained. “Bahala na po ang susunod na administration kung ano po iyong direksiyon, kung magkakaroon sila ng inter-agency, (kung) itutuloy ba iyong parang structure ng NTF o gagawa sila ng panibagong (It is up to the next administration to decide on the direction, whether they would have an interagency or continue the NTF structure or create a new) structure,” she said. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani)

Caraga Infocus • May 28-June 3, 2022

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (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