CONTENTS
Volume 1, No. 58 06 - 12 May 2017
REGIONAL NEWS
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Butuan City determined to increase highvalue crops production
COVER
2 new lawyer-cops receive commendation medal
Caraga RDP geared towards attainment of ASEAN development goals
Caraga RAFC chair assumes DA farmer-director
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Army condemns NPA violation of CARHRIHL in Surigao Norte DTI, DPWH converge for infra development program DENR launches biochar project, promotes green economy Free tuli benefits 107 boys in SurSur town
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P1.9B infra projects to be implemented in Agusan Norte AgNor to provide medical assistance to provincial workers AgSur guv encourages unity of purpose, action among rubber planters in Caraga Region AgSur flood victims receive cash shelter assistance
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HEALTH NEWS
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Tips in buying safe cooked food
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PNP upgrades crime laboratory in Mindanao
MINDANAO NEWS NATIONAL NEWS
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Pag-IBIG offers lowest-ever 3% housing interest rate to minimum-wage earners Economic managers say weaker peso has benefits for PH
News Briefs The province of Agusan del Norte will celebrate People’s Day on June 17, 2017 at the Caraga State University Cabadbaran campus gym in Cabadbaran City where 4,000 constituents are expected to receive various government services. Agriculture research specialists from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) continue to improve its mutant varieties of Adlai or Job’s Tears, an alternative source of food to its better-known cousin crops such as rice and corn.
Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada of Butuan City announced that ‘BUTUAN ON’ is a movement towards a vision. Lagsik na Dakbayan (Alive City) is that vision; our end state. “BUTUAN ON is the rebirth, rediscovery, & rebuilding of our city towards that vision. My fellow Butuanons, we have big dreams for Butuan. We want it to be a competitive, livable, sustainable, & smart eco city,” he added. Two police officers in Caraga, who were among the recent 3,747 bar passers received the Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal) during the flag-raising.
Caraga RDP geared towards attainment of ASEAN development goals By: Venus L. Garcia
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UTUAN CTY - As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries envisioned to achieve greater economic cooperation in the areas of financial policies, trade, and human capital, the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) is likewise focused on the long-term development plan that is anchored on a long-term vision and grounding in the hallmark of President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s three main pillars – Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad. 4
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Cover Story As enunciated by National growth. There are 105,000 indigenous Economic Development Authority people population in Caraga region (NEDA) -Caraga regional and that they are given priority director Mylah Faye Aurora in the RDP,” said Cariño. Cariño in her talk about Meanwhile, as the the Caraga Regional guest of honor during Development Plan the forum, Philippine (RDP) during the Information ASEAN Campus Agency (PIA) Forum held deputy directorin this city on g e n e r a l Thursday, the G r e g o r i o region aims Angelo Villar for peace and underscored prosperity and that ASEAN thus health and is all about productivity opportunities and have a bearing that communities in the economy, have to take such that health is advantage of the important in pursuit of many prospects for development. She cited that progress. even if the people are healthy and not productive, still “For instance, development is hard to economic integration achieve. provides opportunities to boost economic In her stability in the discussion, Cariño region,” said Villar. shared that the RDP, as the In view of the blueprint of the ASEAN theme, region’s target, is ‘Partnering for comprised of the Change, Engaging many strategies in the World’, Villar attaining the inclusive made emphasis on and accelerating the role of government economic growth. leaders and of every Filipino in advocating “The challenge is the need for positive change through to diversify the economy to sustain its collaboration with the neighboring 06 -12 May, 2017
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Cover Story countries. “It is not about finishing the race but a matter of how many communities raced together to achieve the goal,” he underlined. According to Villar, the agency is not only campaigning for awareness about the ASEAN but also to bring closer to the youth sector the services, programs and policies of the government. Interfacing with the student-participants, Villar also encouraged them to be more cooperative and active in advancing development because as millenials they can engage themselves in spreading the concept and benefits of ASEAN utilizing the social media platform. “This is not just a project of the PIA but a project of the entire government wherein it aims to impart information regarding the ASEAN, the RDP, and all other vital pieces of information. And we are pitching support from our partner stakeholders and all sectors in the community to be our partner for change and progress,” said Villar. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery Operation Tuli
Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City 10 May 2017
50th Araw ng Agusan del Norte Preparatory Meeting Provincial Capitol Training Center, Butuan City 10 May 2017
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ASEAN News
President Duterte arrives in Cambodia for WEF on ASEAN 2017
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte arrived here on Wednesday, May 10 to participate at the World Economic Forum (WEF) for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017. The Chief Executive’s plane touched down at the Phnom Penh International Airport at 5:49 p.m. (6:49 p.m. in Manila).
and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, He was accompanied by Public and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Works Secretary Mark Villar, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Transportation Upon arrival, the President was Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Energy welcomed by H.E. Khieu Kanharith, Secretary Alfonso Cusi. Minister of Information, Minister in Attendance and H.E. Sieng Bunvuth, Also part of the President’s official Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry delegation are National Economic of Foreign Affairs. 06 -12 May, 2017
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ASEAN News Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher Montero, Myca Magnolia Fischer, First Secretary and Consul General; Col. Pablo Lorenzo, outgoing Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache; and Col. Josel Zuniga, incoming Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache also welcomed President Duterte.
on ASEAN where he will be joining Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc of Vietnam, and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos.
The Chief Executive will also attend the ASEAN Regional Business Council Special Session on DuterteNomics and ASEAN with business leaders.
In Hong Kong, the President is expected to meet overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as he underscored their contributions to national development.
“Together we will be able to highlight accomplishments and developments of the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila,” the President said in On Thursday afternoon, Duterte his departure statement. will attend the Opening Plenary: ASEAN at 50 years at The Ballroom, The forum will be an opportunity Sokha Hotel. for them to engage the larger region in discussing the common vision for He will then proceed to the Southeast Asia and its people, the Informal Gathering of World Economic President said. Leaders and to the Multilateral Meeting with the ASEAN Regional Strategy ‘Duterte to advance Philippine Group. development goals in China’
The President will go to the Cultural After his stop in Hong Kong, the Soiree to be hosted by the Royal President will participate in the Belt Government of Cambodia. and Road Program for International Cooperation in Beijing upon the President Duterte departed invitation of Chinese President Xi on Wednesday afternoon for his Jinping. official visits to Cambodia and China and a working visit to Hong Kong In the forum, the President aimed at enhancing cooperation said they will explore opportunities and economic ties with those Asian for supporting infrastructure neighbors. development, trade and economic cooperation, energy development, In Phnom Penh, the President will financial cooperation, ecoattend the World Economic Forum environment initiatives, and people-
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ASEAN News to-people exchanges. “I will work to build greater mutual interest and confidence in the region by meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, and Mongolian Prime Minister,” he said.
and high-level exchanges, according to the President. “I am eager to engage my counterparts to establish stronger ties of amity with other countries in the Asia Pacific. In my engagements, I shall observe and expect full respect for sovereign equality,” the President said.
In his meeting with Chinese officials, he said they will review New appointments political-security developments, economic, cultural, and people-to- Also, the President said people relations. Wednesday in a media interview that he signed the appointment paper of The recent exchanges between Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as the the Philippines and China and updates new Secretary of the Department of on economic cooperation since his Foreign Affairs (DFA). State Visit to China in October 2016 will also be discussed, he said. President Duterte also announced that Armed Forces of the Philippines His meeting with the Mongolian Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año is Prime Minister will focus on a review set to assume the post as the secretary of bilateral relations, particularly on of the Department of Interior and Local enhancing economic cooperation Government (DILG).
Palace says RP manufacturing and stock market remains robust Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced on Tuesday, May 9, that the Philippine manufacturing sector remains the second best performing economy among ASEAN countries. Abella said under the recent Nikkei ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, the country’s manufacturing sector scored 53.3 indicating a solid increase in output for the month of April. It is
second to Vietnam. Meanwhile, Abella also said the January 2017 Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority’s showed that the largest 06 -12 May, 2017
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ASEAN News percentage of employment can be Program subject to the inclusion of attributed to the manufacturing sector. the comments and inputs of the Secretaries of the Department of Social “Hence, this is consistent with Welfare, DSWD, and the PCOO on the Duterte administration’s goal of the possible relocation of government generating 1.2 million jobs annually as it offices located near the West Valley continues to accelerate growth in the Fault system and the organization of manufacturing sector,” Abella said. a comprehensive communications campaign on National Earthquake Abella also underscored Preparedness,” Abella said. that two year record high by the Philippine Stock Exchange which Meanwhile, Public Attorney’s surged to 7,962.33 last Monday Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta reflects the growing market and announced on Tuesday in the same investor confidence in the Duterte briefing that President Duterte has administration. granted the payment of long awaited monetary gratuities due to public “The Philippine economy is said defenders who reached retirement to have likely grown 7% in the first age in 2010. quarter of 2017 and we are optimistic that we will reach our target of “Umaabot po ng more or less 178 sustained and inclusive economic million ang kanilang five year lump sum growth for the rest of the year as we total at kasama na rin po dito ‘yung begin to roll out our Build-Build-Build limang pamilyang na namatayan. infrastructure campaign,” Abella Kabilang sa aming PAO44 ‘yung limang said. pamilya. Pamilya ni Atty. Rody Alonzo, Atty. Daoas, Atty. Savellano, at may The Duterte administration has dalawa pa. At may recent din pong started to lay down the foundations of namatay si Atty. Wilfredo Mayol ng bringing prosperity to all Filipinos. Bohol,” Acosta bared. Abella said Duterte presided over a meeting with his Cabinet secretaries Monday to discuss several issues, including the roadmap to federalism and the country’s preparations for the Big One.
Retired PAO lawyers had initiated legal action regarding the benefits during the previous administration. “Nanalo po kami noong February 14 ng taong ito sa Sala ni Judge Maria Gilda Loja Pangilinan, Branch 230 ng Quezon City,” the public defender explained.
“The Cabinet accepted the proposal of NDRRMC on the The PAO retirees are claiming National Earthquake Preparedness benefits similar to those received by
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ASEAN News
their counterpart prosecutors-lawyers undergo Career Executive in the National Prosecution Service. Officer (CESO) certification.
Service
“(N)agwagi po ang PAO retirees. Karapat-dapat pong bigyan ng retirement equivalent to the retirement of the NAPROS and their counterparts in the judiciary,” .
“(P)agpapasalamat sa Supreme Court sapagkat lumabas na po ang kautusan na panalo po ang PAO doon sa CESO Case. Hindi po kailangang mag-CESO ang mga public attorneys kagaya ng mga hukom at mga “So ito po ang hinihintay namin piskal,” Acosta said. na kasabay ng pagdating ng bagong Pangulo na naging pag-asa po ng Acosta added there is sufficient maralitang Pilipino, Mayor Duterte,” legal protection for an accused under Acosta said. Philippine law and urged human rights advocates to consider the The PAO chief also announced travails facing law enforcers facing that Supreme Court ruling which well funded highly organized criminal said public attorneys need no longer syndicates in the country. 06 -12 May, 2017
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PIA Ca
ASEAN Cam
FSUU CBE Function 11 May
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REGIONAL NEWS
Butuan City determined to increase high-value crops production By: Regal C. Oribia
BUTUAN CITY – With an aim to raise the production of highvalued crops such as cacao, banana and palay, the Butuan City Agriculturist Office is set to hold a profiling activity and Rice Crop Management Training among the 86 barangays of this city. According to Engr. Alberto Buca, head of the City Agriculturist Office, it is one of the priorities of the local government wherein greater opportunities were seen due to the potential for high value-chain of these products. Said unit will also conduct a visitation to various farmlands within the city to determine the degree of production and vastness of the planted
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areas. Also, programs for rice crop management is also given focus with an objective to identify and recommend appropriate grains and materials to achieve an optimum rice production. This was done on April 27 until the last day of May, this year, targeting around 350 farmers from 26 different barangays. (RCO/ VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Regional News
2 new lawyer-cops receive commendation medal BUTUAN CITY - Two police officers in Caraga, who were among the recent 3,747 bar passers received the Medalya ng Papuri (PNP Commendation Medal) during the flag-raising here on Monday. Chief Supt Rolando Felix, Caraga police director, spearheaded the giving of awards to SPO1 Leomille Elicano and PO3 Junyvil Tumbaga after passing the 2016 Bar examination.
Office 13 in our crime solving efforts since they can provide better legal opinions or advice to our police units. May this feat serve as inspiration to other police personnel to take a step higher for their personal and Elicano is assigned to the professional advancement,” Felix Discipline, Law, and Order Section said. of the Regional Personnel Human Resource Development Division while Felix added that the lawyer-cops Tumbaga is an investigator of Agusan may become commissioned officers del Norte Provincial Investigation and with the rank of Police Senior Inspector Detective Section. if they would apply and pass the requirements of the PNP’s Legal Service They finished the Bachelor of Laws lateral entry program. at Father Saturnino Urios University. They will take their oath as lawyers “Their expertise in law can on May 22, 2017 at the Mall of Asia eventually help the Police Regional Arena. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 06 -12 May, 2017
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Regional News
Caraga RAFC chair assumes DA farmer-director By: Aurelius P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY - Recognizing the significant role of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), the Department of Agriculture (DA) has empowered them by designating the RAFC Chair as Farmer-Director for the month of May in time of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration. During the flag ceremony on May 2, 2017, Caraga RAFC Chair Pedro T. Lim was formally introduced by DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo as Farmer-Director for the whole month of May.
affect the government accounting rules and procedures as well as the civil service rules and regulations.
The Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) is the mechanism for private and public sector partnership in the development processes of the The designation of Lim is in agriculture and fisheries sectors at the pursuant to the Memorandum Order regional, provincial and municipal duly signed by Agriculture Secretary levels. Emmanuel Piñol in recognition of RAFC’s contribution in agricultural AFC which is now in its 30 years development and to further strengthen of existence, conducts monitoring and the partnership between DA and the recommends agricultural projects, as private sector. well provide policy recommendations for the government decision makers. As Farmer-Director, Lim will assume the roles and tasks of a DA-RFO The celebration of May as Director in the implementation and Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s month is dissemination of key programs of the in pursuant to the Department of agency. Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88 series of 2005 giving due recognition However, their authority shall to the contribution of farmers and be limited to non-policy determining fisherfolk in national development. activities which should not in any way (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Army condemns NPA violation of CARHRIHL in Surigao Norte
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army joins the local government officials, the clergy, the civil society organizations and the peace advocates in strongly condemning the violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) for the continuous use of land mines by the New People’s Army (NPA). In a report, the army troopers while responding to extortion complaints from civilians encountered more or less seven communist terrorists which resulted to the recovery of an improvised land mine planted near Sitio Kauyangan, Brgy Camam-onan, Gigaquit, this province.
foodstuffs.
“These communists have been there for a week conducting extortion to poor masses despite of the conditions of President Duterte to Stop NPA extortions before the resumption of Peace Talks. We also received reports that this group is conducting recruitment to minors on the said The said encounter happened barangay,” said 30IB Civil Military Monday morning, May 8, 2017 which Operations Officer 2Lt Jonel Castillo. lasted for ten minutes that also led to recovery of other war materials and It can be recalled that President 06 -12 May, 2017
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Provincial News Duterte set conditions which include the cessation of extortion activities conducted by the NPA rebels before the resumption of Peace Talks last March of this year. “It is clear that these communists do not want peace for the communities. They continue conducting extortion to poor people, harassing communities and recruiting
minors to join their group,” said 30IB Commanding Officer Col. Rico Amaro. “It is also a violation of the NPAs on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) regarding the use of land mines,” Amaro added. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
DTI, DPWH converge for infra development program By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) rolled out a new convergence program that would develop infrastructure leading to manufacturing and economic zones in the bid to attract more business to these areas
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Provincial News According to DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan the program, dubbed as, “Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade� (ROLL IT) will align DPWH projects with that of DTI projects in support to local industries. He said an instructional and orientation briefing was conducted on April 25, 2017 at Hotel Tavern to help the participants familiarize with the guidelines and techniques of the program. The said orientation was participated by representatives from different local government units of Surigao del Norte, key industry players and other concerned agencies and stakeholders. Negapatan said that aside from the orientation, the two agencies
plan to conduct a writeshop for the said program to engage the LGUs in drafting their own proposals in preparation for 2019 ROLL IT implementation. The ROLL IT program envisioned to further fuel the recent high growth of domestic investments as well as the surge in foreign direct investments of the country through more road projects. Through better road infrastructure connecting the industries, industrial and regional development strategies can be realized and these will further facilitate balanced development, dispersal of industries away from urban areas towards the rural areas, creating more jobs and income opportunities to more Filipinos. (DTISurigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
DPWH
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SURIGAO DEL SUR
DENR launches biochar project, promotes green economy By: Johny Natad
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Su The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officially launches Biochar Community Enterprise Project as one of the Green Economy Model (GEM) of the agency held at Ecopark, Barangay Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte on April 18, 2017. DENR Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez, who led the project launching ceremony with the cutting of ribbon, encouraged the participating household members (PHM), local government units, and other community partners to be involved in green economy through biochar project.
No. 2017-05 signed on February 23, 2017 provides the guidelines in the implementation of the biochar program in conjunction with the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) approach of the agency program on reforestation, mine rehabilitation, green energy, pollution mitigation, ecotourism, agro-forestry, The Biochar Enterprise Project is rehabilitation of coastal environment, one of the DENR interventions aimed among others. to remediate environmental problems and promote community enterprise. The Biochar is charred biomass from agricultural wastes like rice hull, rice DENR Administrative Order straw, bagasse, corn stovers produced
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Provincial News by high heating of these materials with very limited oxygen similar to charcoal but where biochar is meant for soil amendments and charcoal is for cooking. Biochar is very useful to unsanitary landfills, unsanitary livestock raising, unsanitary sewage disposal, greenhouse gas emission from agriculture and landfills, and heavily degraded land from mining. It also address the acidification of forest lands, supports better survivial of
seedlings and tress in the reforestation program, removal of heavy metal from soils, removal of oil spills from mangroves and coastal water and areas, improving indoor environment from molds and air borne toxin, reduce illegal tree cutting for charcoal making, preserving fruits and vegetables without the use of electricity, reducing flies and cockroaches in homes and buildings, composting kitchen and household biomass waste for landfill reduction. (PIO-PENRO Surigao del Sur/PIA-Surigao del Sur).
Free tuli benefits 107 boys in SurSur town By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – One hundred seven (107) school-aged boys benefited a free circumcision dubbed “summer operation tuli” held on Tuesday at the Cagwait Elementary School in Cagwait town of this province. According to 36th Infantry Battalion spokesperson Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, aside from circumcision, other services such as shoe repair and haircut were also offered to the local residents.
aged boys. Pueblas added that it was realized thru the sponsorship of the Cagwait Teachers and Employees Cooperative (CAGTEC) in collaboration with the 402nd Pueblas said the activity was Brigade and the 36th Infantry aimed to cater to the physical needs Battalion, Phil. Army. (PIA-Surigao del and holistic development of school- Sur) 06 -12 May, 2017
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AGUSAN DEL NORTE
P1.9B infra projects to be implemented in Agusan Norte By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY - A total of P1,940,000,000 infrastructure projects will be implemented in the province of Agusan del Norte soon. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign in behalf of the province the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and among the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Regional Office XIII and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Regional Office XIII under the DTI-DPWH Convergence Program. The local government unit of Agusan del Norte is a recipient of the said program and is set to implement the following; Concreting of Barangay Lingayao-Interim Barangay Lawan-lawan Road in Support to the LASBUENASCAR Sustainable AgroForestry Development Project in the municipality of Las Nieves worth P800,000,000; Concreting of Jct. Daang Maharlika (Surigao-Agusan Section)-Zapanta Valley, in the municipality of Kitcharao amounted
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to P60,000,000; Construction of Access Road leading to NasipitAgusan del Norte Industrial Estate -Special Economic Zone (NANIE-SEZ) in the municipality of Nasipit with scope of work that included road opening worth P600,000,000, road concreting in the amount of P450,000,000 and bridge construction – P30,000,000. Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona, author of the
Provincial News three Sanggunian Resolution Nos. 090-2017, 091-2017 and 092-2017 granting authority to Gov. Angel, stressed that the MOA is needed to ensure the efficient implementation and execution of local road projects
within the jurisdiction of the province under the DTI-DPWH Convergence Program for the welfare of the province and its people. (LGUAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
AgNor to provide medical assistance to provincial workers By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to provide medical and dental assistance up to P10,000 to its qualified officials and employees per approval of Provincial Ordinance No. 444-2017. Under the said ordinance, authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, provincial workers can avail of the following: Financial Assistance for Medical and Dental Examinations – all kinds of medical and dental examinations including executive medical examination being done whether by a private or public medical practitioner in a public or private hospital or clinic. This shall include all laboratory examinations as well as the provision of auxiliary aids such as dentures; Financial Medical Assistance in Cases of Hospital Confinement – financial assistance to a government worker who is admitted or confined to a hospital anywhere in the country for treatment of an injury or sickness/illness for certain inclusive days; Financial assistance for ophthalmology concerns.
However, the province will not extend financial assistance to government workers who met an accident after office hours and do not have travel orders from the Provincial Governor or Vice Governor as the case may be. The provincial government will not also afford any financial medical assistance to any of the following conditions: self-inflicting injuries; the official or employee is under the influence of liquor, prohibited drugs or substances during which the injury may occur; injury as a result of willful participation of any crime/activity punishable under existing laws. The province will set aside P2,500,000 for the implementation of the said ordinance. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 06 -12 May, 2017
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AGUSAN DEL SUR
AgSur guv encourages unity of purpose, action among rubber planters in Caraga Region
AGUSAN DEL SUR - “We must think as one to justify the result of this workshop.” This was the statement of Governor Adolph Edward Plaza in his message during the Rubber Industry Cluster Roadmap Localization Workshop held recently at Mabe’s Savory Place, San Francisco, this province.
the same for support by the national government. Doing so, he said will greatly aid the rubber farmers.
The governor also expressed his advocacy of empowering and giving voice to the farmers to have their needs addressed. This includes a Gov. Plaza opted that the review of technical processes vis-à-vis accreditation process of nurseries be actual needs of the industry. simplified. He exhorted both public and private industry stakeholders to The workshop was intended to draft the best roadmap for the rubber create a regional rubber industry industry in the region and present roadmap.
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Provincial News In attendance during said activity were some of the industry cluster’s (IC) prime movers: Dr. Ismael Elevazo, chair of Caraga Rubber Industry Federation, Inc. (CRIFI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Rubber IC coordinator and assistant regional director Lolita Dorado, together with representatives from enabling agencies – National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) project team, Provincial Agriculture Office, VPORosario Agro-Industrial Development Corporation, farmer cooperatives and individual growers. Some 70 stakeholders attended said event, which was jointly organized by DTI-Caraga and DTI-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
AgSur flood victims receive cash shelter assistance By: Abegail R. Alvarez
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga through the Disaster Response Management Unit has recently distributed the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) cash grant to 55 families in the municipality of Loreto, this province. 06 -12 May, 2017
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Provincial News
The said families were affected by flash flood after series of heavy rains and Low Pressure Areas (LPAs) that hit the region for the past few months.
will be granted to partially damaged houses with the same amount. However, proper documentation such as photos and receipts will be submitted to prove the construction/ Under ESA, families whose rehabilitation of their houses. houses are partially damaged received P10,000 while families whose ESA is a cash grant provided houses are totally damaged received to families whose houses are either P30,000. The total amount disbursed totally or partially damaged. It may during the distribution sum up to be released in cash or in the form of P1,250,000. construction materials, dependent on the situation favourable to the Also, for totally damaged houses, beneficiaries and the timelines set for 10 days cash for work assistance the project implementation. (Social at P210 per day will be given to the Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office families, while five days assistance Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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HEALTH NEWS
Tips in buying safe cooked food By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso
Cooked and street foods are and water to prevent diarrhea and easy to find in the carinderia, outside other food-related and water-borne the school premises, churches, parks diseases.� and even in malls. Here are simple tips to prevent However, there are safety issues food and water-borne diseases: in buying cooked and street foods. - Buy cooked food from known Are these foods safe to eat? safe sources. These foods are safe to eat provided that the food handlers have the proper knowledge and training on food handling and services, food preparation, personal hygiene and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- Avoid foods with mayonnaise or similar dressings. These spoil quickly. - Avoid buying foods cooked in tomato sauce and coconut milk because they also easily spoil.
- Buy frozen or refrigerated fresh The sixth message of the 2012 cooked food like embotido or morcon. Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) emphasizes that “consume safe foods - Buy only newly-cooked foods 06 -12 May, 2017
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Health News and avoid foods that have been long- For more information on food standing. and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food Examples of these are foods and Nutrition Research Institute, cooked in the morning and sold until Department of Science and the afternoon, or evening or on even Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; the following days. trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: Remember the 6th message in mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@ the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri. Filipinos (NGF), consume safe foods dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media and water to prevent diarrhea and Service/PIA-Caraga) other food and water-borne diseases.
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MINDANAO NEWS
PNP upgrades crime laboratory in Mindanao
By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has upgraded its crime laboratory here to better aid crime investigation works across Mindanao. Part of the improvement is the acquisition of a high-end functional test DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), which can determine hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.
package for the PNP. The other equipment is with the Cebu crime laboratory. Manuel said that for DNA testing, they will serve the six police regional offices in Mindanao.
Superintendent Georby Manuel, PNP crime laboratory director, said Aside from the equipment, the the upgrading of their equipment is crime laboratory is also moving to its part of the PHP98 million equipment new building constructed at a cost 06 -12 May, 2017
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Mindanao News of PHP50 million. The construction is Branch, said the use of the facilities already in the finishing stage. would be free of charge for criminal investigation but they will charge In an interview during the PHP20,000 for a DNA test to determine launching of the DNA equipment the biological resemblance of a yesterday, Manuel said the upgrade father or mother to a child. would boost their crime investigation work compared to the old ones, which “But our priority is criminal cases,” are operated manually. she stressed. “These are high tech, state-of- In Camp Crame, the crime the-art equipment and will give us laboratory gets an average of 600 100 percent accuracy on results,” requests annually for DNA tests and Manuel said, adding they can now do a bigger number for chemical and automated fingerprinting. physical examinations. During the launching, personnel of the Davao crime laboratory were briefed by personnel from Camp Crame on hosw to use the new equipment.
Among the notable cases for DNA are the identification of terrorists who were neutralized by authorities and sensational cases such as rape or sexual assault.
Chief Inspector Lorna Santos, Results, she said, could usually be chief of the Camp Crame DNA Analysis known after 30 working days. (PNA)
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NATIONAL NEWS
Pag-IBIG offers lowest-ever 3% housing interest rate to minimum-wage earners QUEZON CITY - A lowest in the market housing loan interest rate is now offered to Pag-IBIG members who are minimumwage earners. We are happy to announce that the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees approved the lowering of interest rate under Pag-IBIG’s affordable housing for minimum-wage earners to just 3 percent. This would allow more opportunities for low-income workers to realize their dream of home ownership,” said Cabinet Secretary and Pag-IBIG Chairman Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. The new rate is 33 percent lower than the previous 4.5 percent interest rate under the Fund’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Minimum-
wage workers in the National Capital Region not earning more than P15,000 gross monthly income, and workers in other regions with a gross monthly income of P12,000 are eligible to avail of the new interest rate for a loan not exceeding P450,000. Pag-IBIG Fund Officer-in-Charge Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti said that the move to reduce further the housing loan interest rate under the program is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to give the underserved sector equal access to housing opportunities. 06 -12 May, 2017
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National News Moti explained that Pag-IBIG Fund is able to subsidize the interest rate of minimum-wage earners mainly because of the savings the Fund earns from its tax exemptions status as provided for in its charter. He likewise cited the reforms the Fund implemented in recent years as contributing factors in the lowering of the interest rate.
greatly improved, reaching 90.55% as of March this year, from just 75 perent a few years ago,” Moti said.
“The reforms we have implemented particularly the outsourcing of collections has, for the first time, resulted in a single digit 9.45 percent, Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Ratio of the Fund. This means that PagIBIG’s Performing Loans Ratio (PLR)
“Pag-IBIG’s achievements redound to the advantage of PagIBIG members. A stronger Pag-IBIG Fund means more benefits for PagIBIG members, including the low interest rate for housing loans,” Moti concluded.
Pag-IBIG has achieved unprecedented accomplishments recently, according to Moti, which reinforced the Fund’s standing as the top home financing institution in the country today.
Economic managers say weaker peso has benefits for PH MANILA - The government’s economic managers have said that the weaker peso should not worry Filipinos as this would even translate into higher tax revenue and additional monetary benefits for overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) and the country’s thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.
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National News Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that even with a stronger dollar, imports of capital goods continue to increase which translates into higher revenue collections for the Bureau of Customs.
OFW remittances, contribute about $50 billion a year to the Treasury.
“So a one-peso depreciation means there is P50 billion more of potential demand. And as you know, this money goes into buying apartments, He said that the main driver educating the kids, buying cars. So it’s of the foreign exchange rate are actually beneficial to us, more beneficial speculations over the planned three- I think than negative,” Dominguez said. phase increase in interest rates by the US Federal Reserve, which has But Dominguez assured lawmakers prompted investors to migrate their that the government’s fiscal managers dollars to the United States and resulted are “looking at the peso depreciation in a drop in demand for the Philippine carefully and are aware that the peso peso. has depreciated over the last few months.” “Our imports have been increasing, and the reason they are Budget Secretary Benjamin increasing is mainly not for consumer Diokno said that at the macro goods but for capital goods. So economic level, a one-peso there are more factories being set depreciation would yield a net gain up and more equipment, especially of P7.2 billion for the state coffers electrical equipment, being imported,” because revenues will increase by P9.2 Dominguez said at a recent hearing of billion as a result of higher collections the House ways and means committee by the Bureau of Customs, while the on the proposed Comprehensive Tax foreign debt service will only have a Reform Bill (CTRP) bill of the Duterte corresponding increase of P2 billion. administration. “So the net gain will be P9.2 billion “The demand for those are quite in additional revenues minus P2 billion high because there are opportunities in higher debt service, (which gives us) for providing more electricity, more P7.2 billion,” Diokno said. factories locally. So although it will affect somehow the imports, the demand for Dominguez also pointed out that the imported capital goods is still very as a percentage of GDP, the country’s strong,” he added. debt service has been on a downtrend, from a high of 90 percent of GDP to only Dominguez said another 40 percent. beneficiary of the peso depreciation is the BPO sector, which combined with “So we are in a very good position 06 -12 May, 2017
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National News debt-wise,” he said.
pockets, they will use that to consume. But part of that also will be recovered in Diokno agreed, saying that “The terms of higher value-added tax (VAT) traditional rule of thumb is that if you collection because value-added tax have a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60 percent is a tax on consumption. So it’s a net or lower, you’re in good shape.” gain,” Diokno said. Diokno and Secretary Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that their projection is to bring down the debtto-GDP ratio to only 35 percent by 2022, which they both said is attainable despite the deficit.
Dominguez said that while oil prices are likely to increase with a weaker peso, the international price of crude has not moved significantly to dramatically affect pump prices. “Internationally, crude oil (price) is going up and down also because of demand. There’s more crude in the market than there was in the past. So prices have been very moderate abroad. So there will be some increase but it’s not going to be that significant,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez said the country’s strong fiscal and debt-to-GDP position amid a peso depreciation has been recognized by international markets, which bought $2 billion worth of 25year global bonds at a low interest rate of 3.7 percent issued by the Philippine government last January 20, the first Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez fund-raising activity under the Duterte said a peso depreciation would act as administration. a sort of protection for local industries and a boon for exporters. “Even though interest rates had gone up worldwide already, we are “As we have experienced in still paying at a lower interest rate the manufacturing sector, as long than other countries because they as the depreciation is gradual, the recognize that our financial system is depreciation is also benefiting and very strong and that our debt is very, increasing consumption spending. very manageable,” Dominguez said. It spurs economic activity, more Diokno said a peso depreciation would purchases, as we’ve experienced a be advantageous to families of OFWs as consumer spending uptrend whenever they get to consume and spend more, there is a depreciation,” Lopez said. and thus, would bring more money into the economy. Pernia said that the Philippines’ robust service exports has helped “As the peso depreciates, the OFW contribute to the country’s positive families will have more money in their external current accounts. (DOF)
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Photo Gallery 30th Balangay Festival Grand Kick-Off Ceremony Alberto’s Function Hall, Butuan City 10 May 2017
Diocese of Butuan 50th Anniversary Press Conference
FSUU CBE function hall, Butuan City 10 May 2017
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