Caraga InFocus – May 8-14, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 20 May 8-14, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

12 13 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PROVINCIAL NEWS 26 27 28 28 29 32 33 34

LINKING SEAWEED GROWERS ORG TO FINANCING INSTITUTION DA-13 INAUGURATES BROADCAST STUDIO, LAUNCHES ‘AGRIKULTURA SA CARAGA ONLINE’

DSWD CARAGA EXPEDITES SOCIAL PENSION PAYOUT FOR SENIORS ONLINE CARAVAN ON UPDATED PDP TO BE LAUNCHED IN CARAGA

PNP CARAGA BUY BUST YIELDS P11K WORTH OF ILLEGAL DRUGS; PUSHER ARRESTED PNP CARAGA TO HIRE 100 NEW COPS

122 ROOKIE POLICE FINISH PUBLIC SAFETY BASIC RECRUIT COURSE

1,700 SENIOR CITIZENS NABAKUNAHAN BATOK COVID-19 SA BUTUAN PLASTIC POLLUTION GIHINGUSGAN NGA MAPUGNGAN SA CITY ENRO NING PANAHON SA PANDEMYA KOOPERASYON GIKINAHANGLAN ARON DILI MAKASULOD ANG ASF SA BUTUAN CITY LGU-BUTUAN, NANGHATAG OG LIBRENG BINHI SA HUMAY SA MGA MAG-UUMA

AGSUR LCE VOWS TO FAST-TRACK ESTABLISHMENT OF IP TRIBAL HOUSE

AGSUR LGU SHOWCASES IPS’ PRODUCTS DURING KALIGA-ON FESTIVAL

CARAGA’S FIRST MONOLITHIC DOME NOW UNDERWAY POPCOM CONDUCTS FAMILY PLANNING MONITORING ON AGSUR HOUSEHOLDS

LISTAHANAN HEROES: COMPASSION TO SERVE OVERSHADOW HARDSHIPS

35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

‘BUSINESS UNUSUAL’ PROGRAM CHALLENGE TO LGUS: BUILD YOUTH-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES

CABADBARAN MOHATAG ECONOMIC WELFARE ASSISTANCE ALANG SA JO UG COS SAPAT NA SUPPLY NG PAGKAIN SA CARAGA REGION,TINIYAK SA KABILA NG BANTA NG COVID-19 ASF-AFFECTED SWINE RAISERS RECEIVE INDEMNIFICATION SURSUR LGUS INTENSIFY DRIVE VS TEEN PREGNANCY OCD-13 CONDUCTS PSCP TRAINING MAGSASAKA AT MANGINGISDA, BIDA SA KABILA NG PANDEMYA ‘DANAWAN ISLAND ADVENTURES,’ MULING INILUNSAD NG SURIGAO CITY

MINDANAO NEWS

AGSUR IPS RECEIVE BENEFITS FROM DSWD, LGU

NPA MEMBER DIED, 3 HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS SEIZED DURING ENCOUNTER IN AGSUR

GROUND BREAKING GIHIMO SA COCONUT PROCESSING UPGRADING PROJECT SA JABONGA

46 49

FUTURE EARTH PHILIPPINES HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES, INITIATIVES 6 SOLAR IRRIGATION PROJECTS RISING IN LANAO DEL SUR TOWN

52 53 55 56 58 59 61 63 64 66 67 68 70 71 72

CONTENTS

53 63

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO WINS 7 MAJOR AWARDS IN THE 2021 STEVIE AWARDS ANDANAR HONORS MOMS’ UNMATCHED SACRIFICES ON MOTHER’S DAY ADDITIONAL 600 FREE HOUSING UNITS DISTRIBUTED IN ILOILO – NOGRALES CREATION OF DOFIL, OFW WELFARE TOP PRIORITY OF DU30, SAYS NOGRALES NOGRALES HONORS CARAMOAN FOR STEADY DECLINE IN STUNTED GROWTH RATES COUNTRY GAINING UPPER HAND IN COVID-19 FIGHT, SAYS HEALTH CHIEF PHL EXPECTS SECURING 20 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES NEXT MONTH

PRESIDENT DUTERTE HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS IN IMPLEMENTING HEALTH GUIDELINES PRESIDENT DUTERTE DECLARES YEAR-LONG STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO AFRICAN SWINE FEVER PHL EXPECTS 21.8 MILLION VACCINE DOSES IN INVENTORY BY END-JUNE

LGUS MUST HAVE NECESSARY INFRA FOR AN EFFECTIVE VACCINE ROLLOUT—PRESIDENT DUTERTE

PRESIDENT DUTERTE PLACES NCR PLUS UNDER GCQ WITH HEIGHTENED RESTRICTIONS FROM MAY 15 TO 31

COVID-19 NEWS HEALTH EXEC CONFIDENT 2M ASTRAZENECA VAX USED BEFORE EXPIRATION

DOH, NAYONG PILIPINO SET TO SIGN DEAL FOR MEGA VACCINATION SITE INOCULATION OF VULNERABLE SECTORS TO LOWER HOSPITALIZATION RATES

Statement of Secretary Martin Andanar on the celebration of Eid’l Fitr We extend our greetings of peace, joy, and harmony to our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines and across the globe as they celebrate Eid’l Fitr or the Festival of Breaking the Fast. As the challenges brought by the COVID-19 prevented everyone from sharing meals and praying together throughout the blessed month of Ramadan, Allah’s constant love, affection, and mercy have given you the strength and courage to obey all His commandments, while facing adversities. May your renewed spiritual attainment strengthen your commitment and dedication to the exemplary Islamic virtues, especially at this time of a global health crisis. As we continue with our national vaccination program, we ask everyone to continue observing all health measures and protocols, for us to be on our way towards our collective recovery. We wish you all a meaningful Eid’l Fitr!

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

PCOO wins prestigious international awards

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) bagged seven major awards, including Media Hero of the Year and Government Hero of the Year, in the 2021 Stevie® Awards. The Stevie® Awards recognized the innovations and continued commitment of the PCOO to serving the public by providing relevant information and impactful initiatives during these challenging times. Considered the world’s premier business

| May 8-14, 2021

awards, the Stevie® Awards has conferred recognition for achievement in programs such as The International Business Awards® for 19 years. The AsiaPacific Stevie® Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar received a “Media Hero of the Year” Award for his innovations in the agency, and proactive daily delivery of news and information to the Filipino public. Caraga INFOCUS

It was made possible by Laging Handa Dokyu, Network Briefing News, and Public Briefing #LagingHandaPH programs even at the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Along with these are other programs delivering to the public straight news and information about the disease. “It is an honor for the PCOO to be recognized by a prestigious award-giving body like the Stevie Awards. Winning multiple awards is an even greater compliment for the work that we do. The recognitions are a testament to our mandate as the government’s premier communications arm,” Andanar said. Aside from Andanar, PCOO-Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (OGMPA) Assistant Secretary JV Arcena bagged two individual Gold Stevie® Awards after he was hailed as “Government Hero of the Year” and “Media Hero of the Year” for his innovations in communicating the government’s policy messages and Caraga INFOCUS

engaging the international and local media, and for risking his own life to show to the public, via Laging Handa Dokyu series, the actual situation on the ground amid the pandemic. “Winning these Stevie Awards is truly an achievement for the work that we do as individuals and as an organization. It is a validation of the effort that we have been making to inform the public with vital facts and information, particularly those related to Covid-19 and those related to the programs and policies that benefit the public,” Arcena said. ‘The Virtual Presser and Virtual Reporting Tour’ The PCOO’s The Virtual Presser and Virtual Reporting Tour (TVP-VRT) won Silver Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media, Visual Communications & Entertainment under the category of Awards for Innovation in Product Design and Development. The aforementioned May 8-14, 2021 |

program also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Media Relations under the Awards for Innovation in Communications/ Public Relations Category.

pandemic -- without the media leaving their desks.

The PCOO-OGMPA pioneered the first virtual presser in the country in 2018, long before the pandemic. PCOO then created the platform to connect Philippine government policymakers with the international media and foreign audiences.

The PCOO-produced Laging Handa Dokyu series, now on its 3rd season, also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Innovation in Documentaries under the Awards for Innovation in Video Category.

In 2020, the virtual presser was repurposed to focus on the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming the main platform for the government to disseminate vital information.

‘Laging Handa Dokyu: Ito ang Totoong Kwento’

The Laging Handa Dokyu is a series of experiential and informational short documentaries which highlight the lives of healthcare workers and other front-liners, as well as all aspects of the response of the government against Covid-19. Arcena, who is also the production head/ executive producer/host of the Laging Handa Dokyu, said PCOO will continue to inform, educate, and enlighten the citizenry in the midst of the pandemic.

PCOO-OGMPA, in cooperation with Radio Television Malacañang, also launched the virtual reporting tour to show to the local and international media the situation on the ground -- such as the “I share these awards and recognitions response of the government against the with my PCOO-OGMPA team and

| May 8-14, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

colleagues in the government who are working tirelessly to fight the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. ‘PCOO Laging Handa Digital Campaign’ The PCOO Laging Handa Covid-19 Communications Digital Campaign also received a Bronze Stevie® Award for Best Use of Social Media-Covid-19-related Information. Under this campaign, the PCOOOGMPA produced various digital content such as infomercials on the National Action Plan against Covid-19 and community quarantine, explainer videos (the VAXplainer), social cards and infographics, to keep the public informed about the pandemic and the response of the government. Andanar emphasized that these multiple Stevie Awards are proof that PCOO employees and the institution itself are committed to providing the public the information they need. “Our wins are solid proof of the quality and hard work put in by our dedicated personnel and their professionalism in performing their tasks and in serving the public, by providing them with timely, truthful, and useful information,” Andanar said.

content and information.

“Boosted by these notable wins, people can expect more innovation and creativity from our office in delivering updates and reports to the whole “Winning these Stevie Awards has inspired nation,” Arcena said. us to be even more committed and unwavering in carrying out our duties The 2021 Stevie Awards, nicknamed the and responsibilities to the Filipino people, Stevies or the Greek word for “crowned”, especially during this crucial time of considered a total of 900 nominations Covid-19 pandemic,” he added. from different countries across the AsiaPacific region. Arcena, for his part, assured the public that PCOO will continue to live up to its The awarding of winners will be held international recognition of innovative through a virtual ceremony on July 14. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS

May 8-14, 2021 |

News Briefs Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19 and active persistent opposition of the CTGs, the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) Caraga continues to perform its mandate to end the local communist armed conflict and attaining peace and development in our country. xx

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has already released P60.36 billion in unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) as of December 2020 to beneficiary-households of the Duterte administration’s social mitigation program under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. The amount reported completes 62.88% of the total target amount of the 3-year UCT distribution, which is at P96 billion. Read: bit.ly/2RcPJVL Under the TRAIN Law, the UCT program is the biggest social mitigating measure which provides cash grants annually for 3 years to 10 million identified poor households and indigent senior citizens.

Pag-IBIG Fund/HDMF ADVISORY) Handog ng Pag-IBIG Fund sa manggagawang Pilipino! Exclusive offer sa lahat ng Pag-IBIG Fund members*. Sa halagang P120 lang, makakakuha ka ng Lockton Kaagapay Program - isang 8-benefit micro-insurance package na naghahatid ng dagdag-proteksyon at benepisyo laban sa: • Motorcycle accident • Accidental death • Accidental disablement • Fire or lightning • Natural death • Unprovoked assault • Hospitalization Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, pumunta sa www.kaagapayprogram.com. *Initially available to members with a Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card or Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus. Upang malaman kung paano makakakuha ng Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus, bumisita lamang sa www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/loyaltycardPlus/ People living with HIV started the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in 1983 and since then there have been thousands of yearly events organized across the world by community-based organizations.

REGIONAL NEWS

LINKING SEAWEED GROWERS ORG TO FINANCING INSTITUTION The Hinatuan Seaweed Producers Association (HSWPA) has officially forged a financial partnership with the Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolks and Community MultiPurpose Cooperative (MAFFISCO-MPC) through the assistance and facilitation of the Fisheries Coastal Resource and Livelihood (FishCORAL) Project. The HSWPA has open access to up to 20 tons per month of raw dried seaweeds (RDS) by the CEAMSA Asia, however, it has been a challenge for the organization to

| May 8-14, 2021

meet its volume because Project Manager of the lack of buying Rolando Leopoldo, capital. witnessed the execution of the Memorandum of With the P1 million credit Agreement between the line financial assistance HSWPA and MAFFISCOMPC on May 5 in from MAFFISCO-MPC, Mangagoy, Bislig City, the HSWPA has now the Surigao del Sur. opportunity of buying unlimited RDS and could The HSWPA is one of ship to CEAMSA Asia the beneficiaries of the even at least twice a FishCORAL Project. With month. the project, seaweed farmers in Hinatuan who were used to dry Department of their seaweeds on Agriculture - Bureau of the ground, are now Fisheries and Aquatic using the solar dryer Resources (DA-BFAR) provided for them by the Caraga OIC Regional FishCORAL Project, thus Director Nilo Selim improving the quality Katada, together with of the drying of their Hinatuan Mayor Shem seaweeds. (DA-BFAR Garay and FishCORAL Caraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DA-13 INAUGURATES BROADCAST STUDIO, LAUNCHES ‘AGRIKULTURA SA CARAGA ONLINE’ By Kent Warren H. Fugoso

To expand the agricultural services, activities, technologies, and advisories in and outside the region using the new media, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s communication arm, the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS), inaugurated on Monday the DA Broadcast Studio in conjunction with the launching of the online live streaming platform called ‘Agrikultura sa Caraga Caraga INFOCUS

Online.’ The blessing of the studio was held first which was attended by Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Technical Director (RTD) Nicandro Navia Jr., and RTD Rebecca R. Atega, the division and section chiefs of the regional office, and representatives from attached agencies from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation

(PCIC) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). This was then followed by a live viewing of the Agrikultura sa Caraga Online’s first program called ‘Bahandi sa Kaumahan’ where RED Monteagudo serves as the guest. DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) OIC Regional Director Dr. Nilo Katada and DAPhilippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice-Agusan) May 8-14, 2021 |

Supervising Research Specialist Dr. Genevive Nemeño also attended the live viewing. In his message, RED Monteagudo highlighted the importance of having this kind of initiative as it does not just help boost the programs, policies, initiatives of the department but its attached agencies as well, reaching more farming and fishing communities in Caraga region and even beyond. RAFIS Chief Emmylou Presilda also expressed her gratitude for the utmost support of the department for the establishment of the Broadcast Studio.”As a starter, we will be launching a teleradyo format program that will be live-streamed through our official Facebook page but we are hopeful

| May 8-14, 2021

that we will be able to establish a full-fledged radio channel soon so that we could cater to more and more audience... one day we will dominate the airwaves in Caraga Region,” Presilda said. Moreover, Agriculture Secretary Dr. William D. Dar gave his support through a video message, “I am delighted with your initiative which is anchored on our Key Strategies for 2021, this

is one of the highlights of your public service as you give value to the communication initiatives of the department for the development of the agriculture sector in the country,” Dar said. To complete the celebration, a celebratory toast was initiated by RTD Navia. The ‘Agrikultura sa Caraga Online’ will air every Mondays to Fridays, this is composed of five programs such as the ‘Bahandi sa Kaumahan’; ‘Teknolohiya sa AgriCOOLtura, Storyahan Ta!’ of the Research Division; ‘Kabataang AGRIsibo, Progresibo,’ a youth-oriented show; ‘Palay at Teknolohiya, Palaywakin Pa’ of the DA-PhilRice; and ‘AgriKa sa Negosyo’ of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. (DA-13 RAFIS/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DSWD CARAGA EXPEDITES SOCIAL PENSION PAYOUT FOR SENIORS The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Caraga region, is currently conducting the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program payout/distribution of the stipend grants for the First Semester of 2021. As of April 26, 2021, DSWD Caraga has a total amount disbursed of Php239,775,000.00 distributed to the 23,134 senior beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte; 34, 808 in Agusan del Sur; and 21,983 beneficiaries Caraga INFOCUS

in Surigao del Norte. This brings the total to 79,925, or 53 percent of the total 170,000 targeted beneficiaries for the region have received their grants.

or new applicants. But with the determination of the Department in delivering its services 14,723 have already been validated as of this writing. DSWD workers have been augmented Relative to the generation to expedite the validation of payroll and schedule process and ensure of payouts, an ongoing that all payouts for the validation to the non1st semester will be validated active completed by June. beneficiaries across Caraga region is also Based on the Omnibus being conducted. The Guidelines in the Field Office still has 38,000 implementation of the active beneficiaries for Social Pension for Indigent validation/revalidation, Senior Citizens Program, which is composed of to ensure effective and temporary replacement efficient implementation senior citizens and of the program, one waitlisted individuals of the steps in the May 8-14, 2021 |

generation of the payroll is actual validation as proof of qualification for the beneficiaries. DSWD is trying all efforts to explain to those who are yet to receive their pension since they are yet to be part of the current payroll, pending validation. DSWD explains that after they will be validated, another payroll will be prepared and a special payout will be scheduled for them to receive their pension by June. For those who have received their pension, they are all thankful for the timely payout by the Field Office. Conception Cordita, 87 years old beneficiary from Cabawa, Dapa, Surigao del Norte expressed her thanks saying “Dili gyud nako kapugngan ang kalipay nga akong gibati. Nag-agad lang mi sa pension nga among madawat kay among mga anak tua na man sa lagyo nagpuyo. Salamat DSWD sa inyong pagtagad namong mga seniors (I Can’t contain the happiness I felt. We depend on the pension we get from Social Pension since our children

| May 8-14, 2021

are already living far from us. Thank you DSWD for your thoughtfulness to us seniors),” she happily shared. For bedridden beneficiary Zenaides Solana of Cabawa, Dapa, Surigao del Norte who received her grants through houseto-house release, she could not help but be overwhelmed by the act of the paymasters who really went out of their way to give her the pension.

makadawat na mi sa among pension (Thank you so much DSWD for all your sacrifices to give me my pension. We do not have any source of income to sustain our daily needs. To get through the day, would sometimes borrow money or get some goods from neighbor’s store then pay them once I receive my pension),” Solana shared.

Republic Act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” institutionalizes social “Oy, Salamat kaayo protection to senior sa inyo DSWD sa citizens by providing inyong sakripisyo aron government assistance mahatagan ako sa through the Social akong pensyon. Wala Pension for Indigent gyud mi pangita para Senior Citizens (SPISC) makasustinir sa among Program, of which they inadlaw adlaw nga are entitled to a Php500 panginahanglanon. Para monthly pension that aims masustinar among matag to augment the daily adlaw, manghulam kog subsistence and other kawarta o kaha magkuha medical needs of the lang ko sa tindahan unya beneficiaries. (DSWD-13/ bayaran ra nako inig PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

ONLINE CARAVAN ON UPDATED PDP TO BE LAUNCHED IN CARAGA By Rhea Mae C. Mendez

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will conduct the Caraga leg of the virtual caravan on the updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 on May 18, 2021, via Zoom teleconference and Facebook Live to strengthen stakeholder engagement and gain wider support for the PDP. The updated PDP 20172022 is anchored on the 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda of the Duterte Administration and the first medium-term plan geared towards the AmBisyon Natin 2040, which envisions a middle-class Philippines with a life for all that is “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag.” This employs a wholeof-society approach for economic recovery amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic while staying on course in achieving the Filipino dream. Participating Caraganons are to gain awareness on how the updated PDP 2017-2022, as a Caraga INFOCUS

national blueprint for development, takes into account both the medium-term needs and the long-term aspirations of the Filipinos. The event hopes for participants to realize that each one can do something purposeful and contribute solutions to the challenges that we face in attaining our aspirations. Hence, the Caravan is dubbed, “Tayo Na, Bumangon Para sa AmBisyon,” which is a call to action – let’s get up and go for our ambition. No less than Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua will grace the event to give the rationale of conducting the caravan. The strategies embodied in the updated PDP 20172022 will be discussed by NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon. Two

reactors from Caraga will share their thoughts on the PDP and how said Plan has helped in providing direction in their respective sectors. After which, the participants will be asked to express their support for the Updated PDP and AmBisyon Natin 2040 by committing positive actions in their respective sectors. For Caraganons who are interested to participate in the Caravan, please register at https://forms. gle/nsXK27JPUQif5Swr6 and follow the NEDA Caraga Facebook Page www.facebook. com/neda13caraga for updates. The NEDA would like to encourage each Caraganon to pause and reflect: “Ano ang taya ko para sa AmBisyon?” (NEDA-Caraga/PIACaraga) May 8-14, 2021 |

PNP CARAGA BUY BUST YIELDS P11K WORTH OF ILLEGAL DRUGS; PUSHER ARRESTED By PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak

The intensified campaign against illegal drugs of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 resulted in the confiscation of Php11,800.00 worth of illegal drugs and arrested a pusher during a buybust operation in Butuan City on Monday. Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., Regional Director of PRO13 identified the accused as Juanito C. Ybañez, alias Amay Ybañez, 35 years old, resident of Purok 3, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City.

| May 8-14, 2021

The region’s top cop disclosed that personnel of Butuan City Police Station 2 - Drug Enforcement Unit together with City Intelligence Unit-City Drug Enforcement Unit (CIU-CDEU) and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok 3A-1 Barangay Holy Redeemer around 7:40PM. A sachet of one gram of shabu, genuine cash

money worth Php200, marked money worth Php1,000, one bogus Php200 and Php1,000 bills and a cellular phone were confiscated by the operating team during the operation. “Arrested suspect is now in the custody of Butuan City Police Station 2 and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” PBGen. Caramat, Jr. said. (PIO, PRO13/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

PNP CARAGA TO HIRE 100 NEW COPS The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 is calling on all highly qualified and worthy individuals to become part of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as hiring continues to fill up the 100 quota for Attrition Recruitment under PNP CY 2021 Recruitment Program. “PRO13’s recruitment will be based on qualifications and not on ‘palakasan or padrino system’ because we will choose only the best for the PNP and for the Filipino people,” said PBGen. Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., Caraga police director. The attrition recruitment quota is intended to replace uniformed personnel losses due to separation from service such as retirement, resignation, death, dismissal from service, and absence without leave. Applicants shall reach the Caraga INFOCUS

website: www.recruitment. pnp-dprm.com to file their application through the PNP Online Recruitment Application System (PNP ORAS), a web-based and central recruitment application system.

pictures indicating the applicant’s name; Transcript of Scholastic Records and Diploma duly authenticated by the school registrar; Clearances issued by Barangay and the PNP or National Bureau of Applicants must possess Investigation; Certificate a formal baccalaureate of Good Moral Character degree from a recognized issued by the applicant’s learning institution; has collegiate school; medical eligibility (NAPOLCOM certificate issued by local Entrance, CSC or PRC); has health officer; and copy of no criminal record; good two government-issued IDs. moral character; and a height of at least 1.62 Applicants would centimeters (cm) or 5’4” undergo a series of tests for male and 1.57 cm or or examinations such as 5’2” for female. psychological, psychiatric, physical, mental, and Mandatory requirements dental. for the application are duly accomplished Civil Service “These will be done in Commission Form 212; Birth stages and the results will certificate authenticated be carefully evaluated by by Philippine Statistics our competent selection Authority; report rating of and recruitment board,” eligibility authenticated RD Caramat, Jr. said. by issuing authority; two (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, pieces “2x2” colored PIO, PRO13/PIA Caraga) May 8-14, 2021 |

122 ROOKIE POLICE FINISH PUBLIC SAFETY BASIC RECRUIT COURSE A total of 122 new police officers graduated from their Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) at the Regional Training Center 13 today.

Patrolwoman Ana Mae F Zafra, who hailed from Veruela, Agusan del Sur topped the class with 92.41% rating while Patrolwoman Felmar A Dumaum from Las Nieves, The “SIDLAK-ALAB” Class Agusan del Norte ranked of 2020-04 will carry on the second with 91.75% and organization’s mandate to Patrolwoman Manuela M enforce the law, prevent Panaligan from Tagbina, and control crimes, maintain peace and order, Surigao del Sur placed third with 91.49%. and ensure public safety and internal security with The 93 patrolmen and 29 the active support of the patrolwomen finished the community. six months basic training program and will be Police Regional Office13 turned-over to Regional Chief of Regional Staff, Police Colonel Jose D. Special Training Unit 13 to Manalad, Jr. represented undergo Public Safety Field PRO13 regional director Training Program (PSFTP) for Police Brigadier General another six months where Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. they will be stationed in the as the guest of honor and different police stations in speaker. the region.

| May 8-14, 2021

“You will be soon facing the real world of policing works where there is no room for mistakes. Never engage yourself in any illegal activities, and whatever trials you face in life, in your family, and in your profession, always call on the Lord for guidance. In times when fate tests us, only He will give us the strength to continue to fight,” RD Caramat, Jr. reminded the graduates. He also reiterated the Chief PNP, Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar’s message to PNP personnel that when a police officer does the right thing, everyone benefits but when they do wrong, everyone also suffers. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, PIO, PRO13/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

1,700 SENIOR CITIZENS NABAKUNAHAN BATOK COVID-19 SA BUTUAN Daghan na nga senior citizens ang nabakunahan sa tulo ka vaccination posts sa nilabay nga upat ka adlaw. Niabot kini og 1,700. Alas siete pa lang ganinang buntag gidagsa na ang vaccination posts sa Father Saturnin Urios University (FSUU), Morelos Campus, Robinsons Place Butuan, ug SM City Butuan.

sila sa pagpabakuna alang sa ilang kaugalingong proteksyon, sa ilang pamilya, ug sa komunidad. Nakaapil usab og pabakuna ang tulo ka persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) niadtong niaging adlaw human sila nahatagan og court order.

Limitado ang mga bakuna mao nga dili pa tanan mabakunahan dayon. Sayo ang mga senior citizens ug taas Busa, giawhag ang tanan nga kung ang interes nga magpabakuna. iskedyul na sa inyong barangay, dili palabyon ang oportunidad ug Sa upat ka adlaw, lahi lahi ang estado magpabakuna gyud. (Butuan City sa kinabuhi sa mga senior citizen nga PIO/PIA-Caraga) nabakunahan. Apan nagkahiusa Caraga INFOCUS

May 8-14, 2021 |

PLASTIC POLLUTION GIHINGUSGAN NGA MAPUGNGAN SA CITY ENRO NING PANAHON SA PANDEMYA Ning panahon sa pandemya mas midaghan ang basura gikan sa disposable products sama sa plastic face masks, hand sanitizer bottles ug alcohol nga kasagarang makita sa kalsada ug sa mga dagat. Epekto usab sa gipatumang social distancing ang pagbaha sa mga produktong gina deliver kada adlaw sa mga panimalay sama sa gipangputos sa pagkaon labi na kay kadaghan sa mga tawo ga online shopping ug mas pilion ang take out services aron makalikay nga mataptan sa Covid-19.

| May 8-14, 2021

Giawhag sa Butuan City Environment and Natural Resources ang publiko nga hiposon ug ilain ang mga basura ug dili kini ipanglabay lang sa kalsada. Adunay gilusad nga basura patrol ang City ENRO aron maoy maglibot libot sa mga barangay. Tahas nila ang pag dokumento ug pagpahi balo sa mga punong barangay sa mga makita nga basura nga gipanglabay kilid sa kalsada. Sa Butuan City, dugay nang gina regulate ang paggamit og plastics pinaagi sa SP Ordinance No. 5334-2017.

Ilawom sa balaud, gidili ang paggamit og plastic isip packaging material ug sudlanan sa dry goods, paggamit og plastic pouches ug drinking straws alang sa mga imnonon sama sa softdrinks juice, gulaman ug uban pa. Wala na usab gitugot ang paggamit og mga plastic flaglets ug “banderitas” sa mga okasyon. Gi-engganyo sa syudad ang paggamit og eco-bags aron dili na modaghan ang plastic pollution. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

KOOPERASYON GIKINAHANGLAN ARON DILI MAKASULOD ANG ASF SA BUTUAN CITY Gihangyo sa City Veterinary Office ang kooperasyon sa Liga ng mga Barangay pinaagi sa paghatag impormasyon kabahin na sa African Swine Fever kon ASF. Kini aron malikayan ang pagsulod sa ASF sa Butuan City. Sumala ni City Veterinary Chief Dr. Mancio Alegado, nakasulod na sa Caraga Region ang ASF busa angayan lang nga mahimung mabinantayon ang tanan. Sa pagkakaron, nagpadayon sa pagmonitor ang City Veterinary Office ug nakig alayon sa buhatan sa Philippine National Police nga maoy manguna sa

Caraga INFOCUS

gibutang nga checkpoint aron mapugngan ang pagsulod sa mga baboy nga dunay ASF. “Aduna kitay na establish nga mga checkpoints diin maoy mupugong sa pagsulod sa baboy nga

gikan sa agusan del sur kay nahibal-an naman nato nga infected na ang agusan del suraron malibre gayod kita niana nga sakit,” sumala ni Dr. Mancio Alegado sa City Veterinary Office. Ang pagkaylap sa ASF hinungdan sa economic loss, shortage sa supply sa karneng baboy ug nitaas nga presyo sa merkado nga nakadugang sa kalisod sa katawhan hinungdan gipaningkamutan sa city government sa Butuan nga dili kini makasulod sa syudad sa Butuan. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 8-14, 2021 |

LGU-BUTUAN, NANGHATAG OG LIBRENG BINHI SA HUMAY SA MGA MAG-UUMA

iyang basakan sa libreng binhi tungod naminusan ang iyang gasto. Gihingusgan ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada pinaagi sa City Agriculturist Office ang pagpadako ug pagpalambu sa produksyon sa bugas sa dakbayan aron masiguro ang luwas ug lokal nga supply sa bugas sa dakbayan.

Nang apud-apod og libreng binhi sa humay ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa Butuan sa mga maguuma sa syudad. Niabot og 1,000 Certified Inbreed Rice Seeds ang gidawat sa halos 700 ka mag-uuma gikan sa Barangay Basag, Antongalon, Ampayon, Bobon, Cabcabon ug Tiniwisan alang sa cropping season sa umaabot Hunyo hangtud Nobyembre tuig 2021. Kini nga

| May 8-14, 2021

Ang Butuan City dunay 8,000 ektarya sa rice area. Unang nahatagan sa binhi ang nasangpit nga mga barangay tungod mao kini ang unang naskedyulan programa naglayon nga buhian og patubig nga mapadayon ang sa National Irrigation panginabuhian sa mga kaigsoonang mag-uuma Administration kun NIA. Nakatakda sab hatagan isip economic recovery intervention sa nasinating og binhi ang ubang mga barangay sa syudad. kalisod tungod sa Ang libreng binhi gikan nagpadayong sa Rice Competitiveness pandemya. Enhancement Fund RCEF nga hugtanung Mapasalamaton si gipatuman sa City Dioscora Novo, usa ka rice farmer sa barangay Agriculturist Office katambayayong ang Bobon sa nadawatang PhilRice ug Department binhi gikan sa LGUButuan. Alang niya daku of Agriculture-Caraga. (Butuan City PIO/PIA na kining tabang sa Agusan del Norte) iyang pag-ugmad sa Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AGSUR LCE VOWS TO FAST-TRACK ESTABLISHMENT OF IP TRIBAL HOUSE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local government unit of San Luis, Agusan del Sur is gearing up its efforts to fast-track the construction of the tribal house for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the municipality. During the Network Briefing News on Monday, Mayor Phoebe Corvera emphasized that the LGU wanted to help and assist the IPs especially those who are in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and need to travel far just to reach the town proper. “We are hoping for it to be finished this year because IPs really need to use it since they are from GIDAs. They need to travel for four hours to get there; our fare costs as much as a plane ride. They can use the tribal house whenever they need to stay here or if they need to accompany a patient,” bared Corvera.

| May 8-14, 2021

When asked about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in the municipality, Mayor Corvera revealed that the LGU has already conducted mass testing since Friday and they no longer have active cases. “On April 2021, the second surge of San Luis started but we were able to manage the local transmission. We have active contact tracers so we could contain everyone, with the help of the team in the LGU, they are very focused in monitoring,” Corvera said. Also, in the implementation of the government’s vaccination program, Corvera underscored that prior to the vaccination, the LGU has conducted series of information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in the barangays to let them know of the advantages of the vaccine against the deadly virus. “In the beginning, the LGU

had difficulty because there was a lot of resistance, yet after strengthening the information campaign about the vaccination in the barangay, people have become optimistic and we are one with the provincial government in our target to achieve the 70 percent herd immunity,” said Corvera. The municipality of San Luis is a 1st class municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 32,109 people. San Luis was created into a municipality on June 15, 1968, when the barrios of San Luis, Santa Inez, Nuevo Trabajo, Cualision and Baylo were separated from the municipality of Esperanza and constituted into the new town, through Republic Act 5262. Since the 1970s, the town’s economy has been largely based on logging industries. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

AGSUR LGU SHOWCASES IPS’ PRODUCTS DURING KALIGA-ON FESTIVAL By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the local government unit of San Luis, Agusan del Sur led the celebration of the Kaliga-on Festival with the presence of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who actively participated in showcasing their locally-made products, rituals, and ethnic dances, among others. According to municip al Mayor Dr. Phoebe Corvera during the Network Briefing News program, the IPs have been their constant partner in this annual celebration. “We used to celebrate Kaliga-on festival for days during the pre-COVID and last year, we tried to celebrate it because that’s when our tribes come together,” Caraga INFOCUS

she cited. She added that this year, this festival becomes more meaningful as the IPs and the LGU work together to maintain the real essence of this celebration amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “In San Luis, we have the Talaandig, Banwaon, Manobo tribes so we tried to have even a simple celebration because what’s important is that we showcase and preserve our culture,” added Corvera. The lady mayor also highlighted the LGU’s One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) Pasalubong Store, where different products including the work of the IPs are displayed.

“This was supposed to be opened last year but because of the pandemic, it was prolonged. We have an association that was given the opportunity to display their products, including rattan bags and baskets. This is what we are piloting now, and the store is open to everyone. With this, we are also inviting all the small businesses here in San Luis to display their products,” bared Corvera. The Kaliga-on Festival is celebrated every 15th day of June. It is a festivity of thanksgiving and praising the ‘Magbabaya’ for the good harvest, abundant blessings, and a gift of life. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 8-14, 2021 |

CARAGA’S FIRST MONOLITHIC DOME NOW UNDERWAY By Vanessa P. Sanchez

By Charina May Lagunde

Taking one step closer to realizing the establishment of the first monolithic dome in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA)Caraga and the local government unit (LGU) of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur conducted a groundbreaking on May 7 this year.

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga continues its thrust of enabling Filipinos to access information and services on responsible parenthood, family planning, and reproductive health and rights.

The groundbreaking signals the official start of the construction of the monolithic dome cold storage facility in the said town.

This, despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the region.

Cold storage is a facility that is like a large refrigerator that helps in keeping the freshness of the perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits by slowing down the deterioration process which prolongs its shelf life for several weeks and thus decreasing losses. The monolithic dome cold storage and packing facility is an air-tight, super-insulated, and disaster-resistant structure that offers absolute protection against calamity. It will be constructed on a 1,000 square meter land area in Barangay 1 in the town of San Francisco. The project is under the DA-Caraga’s High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). It costs P25,000,000.00 with P20,000,000.00 funded by the DA-Caraga and P5,000,000.00 as the LGU of San Francisco’s counterpart. Municipal Mayor Solomon Rufila said he is thankful that the efforts of the LGU to help uplift the lives of the farmers are paying off. He said he is thankful for the cold storage project which the farmers of the town would really benefit from. On the other hand, DA-Caraga Regional Technical Director Nicandro M. Navia, Jr. said that San Francisco is a strategic area for the project and that hopefully, the facility will really aid the farmers as well as the advancement of the agriculture sector. (DA 13–RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

POPCOM CONDUCTS FAMILY PLANNING MONITORING ON AGSUR HOUSEHOLDS

| May 8-14, 2021

Anent to this, the program assistants of POPCOM Caraga, together with the staff of the Municipal Population Offices (MPO) and Rural Health Units (RHU), conducted its regular household visitation and monitoring to the family planning households in the municipalities of Sibagat, Rosario, La Paz, Veruela, and Loreto in Agusan del Sur. The aim of these household visitation and monitoring is to check on the status of family planning (FP) users, and to closely monitor the implementation of FP programs at the household level. Standard health and safety protocols were observed during these visitation and monitoring. Under the said monitoring, there are about 46 couples who became active users and advocates of various FP methods in the said municipalities of Agusan del Sur. With this number, 15 of them have expressed their satisfaction with the different modern family planning methods. Also, 23 couples have been successfully referred to and served with various FP methods, from traditional methods to the modern FP method of their choice. At present, POPCOM Caraga is rollingout these regular household visitation and monitoring in other provinces of the region. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

LISTAHANAN HEROES: COMPASSION TO SERVE OVERSHADOW HARDSHIPS People are thirsty for the services from the government –- quality services that would help uplift their lives especially in this time of pandemic where crisis is being felt all over the world. Every program or service, whether how big or small it may be, during dire times, would eventually be appreciated by those who need them the most. Just like other offices in the government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga unceasingly provided undeniable intervention to poor people who are greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From the higher officials down to the staff and field workers in every municipality, they team up to get the work done quickly especially in providing timely services to the people. However, there are field workers who, even in the midst of the pandemic, continue to do their job but are not recognized due to the fact that people are focusing on Caraga INFOCUS

cash and goods provision for their needs. DSWD Listahanan enumerators, those seen doing the rounds in poor communities in their blue vests and carry along their attaché cases with essential documents – they are the silent heroes of the department. They visit and interview households, even in the far-flung areas, to collect pertinent data for the Listahanan Database of poor households. And no matter how near or far they go, every completed assessment would earn them fifty (50) pesos – yes, Php50.00 for every completed form. 50 pesos every household In line with the Executive Order (EO) 867, the conduct of household assessment is done every 4 years. Thus, the department hires Area Supervisors, Enumerators, Encoders, and Verifiers who will serve as front liners in carrying out the implementation at the regional level during the validation and finalization phase of the Listahanan. Each of them has different roles and functions but everyone

serves an important role in the completion of the 3rd Round Listahanan household assessment. Among those field workers, the enumerators are likely to be in the field most often. They are the ones who visit households and interview eligible respondents or household members even in the farflung areas. They are not sitting in an air-conditioned office, rather, they are in the field enduring the scorching heat of the sun, or the unpredictable weather. “Bisan gamay ra ang 50-pesos matag interview, andam nako adtoon ang mga lugar bisan unsa kalayo ug kakapoy. Wala nako isipa ang kantidad tungod kay andam ko mo serbisyo sa mga tao nga nagkinahanglan kay sa kana nga pamaagi nakatabang ko. (Even though Php50.00 is a small amount for every interview, yet, I am ready to visit the households despite distance and exhaustion. I am ready to give my service to the people who are in need because in that way I can help them),” Leziel Hayagan, May 8-14, 2021 |

enumerator assigned in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, said. Moreover, the team assigned in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur had a dreadful experience in going to remote areas in exchange for the Php50.00 they will earn for every completed household assessment, but this did not stop them to do their job. “Kung nagtan-aw lang mi sa kantidad nga 50 pesos nga among madawat human sa interview, dili mi mu-risgo sa among kinabuhi labina na kadtong nitabok mi sa suba nga grabe ka dako ug kasulog sa tubig. Maskin ang barangay officials sigeg pangutana sa amoa kung mudayon mi tungod sa ka-delikado sa tubig. Apan, disidido kayo mi nga nitabok padulong sa komunidad bisan aduna mi kahadlok. (We are not after the 50 pesos we will receive after the interview, because if we did, we will not risk our lives in traversing the strong current and chest-deep water in the river. Even the barangay officials asked us many times if we will go further, still, we decided to traverse going to the community even though it was frightening),’’ Cristopher Cabellero,

| May 8-14, 2021

enumerator assigned in Esperanza, narrated. The said municipality has 47 barangays of which 14 are categorized as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) due to physical and socio-economic factors such as challenges for transportation, presence of vulnerable sectors, unreachable and underserved communities. Using the Household Assessment Form (HAF), the interview will last about 1520 minutes depending on the family size. Information collected would range from socio-economic status, household roster, and health status are collected and inputted on the HAF. This information is very vital as these will become the basis for the computation that would determine whether a family falls under the category of Poor or Nonpoor household. Reaching unreached people A long walk along mountain trails, muddy roads, a lengthy drive in a skylab (motorcycle with wings), or a wet bamboo raft ride under the heat of the sun or pouring rain was a journey towards giving hope to poor

families for the Listahanan enumerators. These are common scenarios experienced by the enumerators every day during the Listahanan household assessment in the region. One of the most important responsibilities of an enumerator is to reach the unreachable households. Every household missing out on the assessment would mean they will miss the chance to be included in the list of poor households who will be served or will enjoy the anti-poverty programs of the government. This has been emphasized by the Department during the series of trainings for the field workers. And, this has been proven by the enumerators since day 1 up until the end of each validation activity. “Gi-assign ko sa akong Area Supervisor sa Barangay Rajah Cabungosoan apan sa dihang nakabalo akong papa nahadlok siya tungod sa ka-delikado ug kalayo sa area. Pero walay nakapapugong sa akoa nga nipadayon sa maong dapit bisan nibati ko og kahadlok. Pag-abot nako sa dapit, halos kalasangan among naagian og kung naay balay, labaw pa sa social distancing. Naa pay Caraga INFOCUS

isa ka balay nga kapig usa ka oras among gibiyahe sakay ang habalhabal nga miagi sa grabe ka-batohon nga dalan para lang ma-interview. Pero sa dihang niabot mi, grabe ang kalipay ni Tatay kay naay taga DSWD nga niabot sa ilang lugar. Nahuman nako ang interview nga aduna poy kalipay sa akong kasingkasing. (My Area Supervisor assigned me in Barangay Rajah Cabungsoan but when my father knew about my area of assignment, he was afraid of the danger it might bring considering the distance and the place itself. Yet, no one can stop me from doing my job, and even I was also frightened. When I arrived, all there was are forest covers and houses were too far from each other. There is one household where we travelled more than an hour on habalhabal just to conduct an interview. When we arrived, immeasurable joy was felt by Tatay after seeing that DSWD workers visited him. I ended the interview with a joy in my heart too,” Tessa Castro, enumerator assigned in Lingig, Surigao del Sur, shared. Glimmer of Hope The smile in their eyes Caraga INFOCUS

and the gladness on their faces were common scenarios witnessed by the enumerators as they were welcomed by the households especially those who are living in far-flung areas where public transportation is inaccessible. A Manobo resident testified how he is grateful for DSWD-Listahanan workers who gave priority to LUMAD people living in Agusan del Sur. “Pasalamat mi kay bisan unsa kalayo sa among dapit, naka abot mo para makita lang mi. Salamat sa inyong paghatag pagtagad. (We are thankful that you came just to see us despite the distance of our place. Thank you for valuing us),” Jomix Manpinsahan, a Manobo resident of Sitio Kalampayan, Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz Agusan del Sur, shared. Another testimony from an enumerator whom, despite the exhaustion, experienced going to places she never visited before, not even thinking that family lives in such areas. She witnessed the joy and hope of the households she interviewed. “Sa akong pagka-

enumerator, nakita gyud nako mismo ang kahimtang sa pamilya nga wala nako damha nga naa pa diay magpuyo niining dapita tungod sa kalayo ug kalisod sa mga dalan unya pila pa ka oras among gibiyahe ug gibaklay. Nakita pud nako ang kalipay sa matag pamilya ug paglaum na unta maapil sila sa mga pamilyang kabus. (Being an enumerator, I have personally seen the different economic statuses of the households that I’ve never thought existed because of the distance and difficulties of traveling to their places. I have also witnessed the joy in their faces as they saw with hopes to be included in the list of poor households),” Sandra Bacocho, enumerator assigned in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, shared. These are the DSWDListahanan field staff, an example of truly devoted workers who work even in the midst of the pandemic just to make sure that every household will be assessed; not mindful of the challenges they face for Php50.00 they would earn per completed household assessment. (Social Marketing Section, DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 8-14, 2021 |

AGSUR IPS RECEIVE BENEFITS FROM DSWD, LGU

Two livelihood projects funded under Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP) were recently turned over to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of San Luis, Agusan del Sur. The first project is the Tumalog Bugasan Store Association, located at Sitio Tumalog, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur, which is 50 kilometers away from the town proper.

The association passed a resolution compelling its members that their rice subsidy will be used to purchase rice at their store. The second project is the Talaandig General Merchandise, that will address the food needs of the IP beneficiaries. “Karon nga nahatag na sa amo ang

proyekto, sulit ang among paglahutay sa pagpaabot niini. Mapasalamaton kami sa DSWD sa pagsalig nga gihatag kanamo, ug amo isaad ang pagamping sa tindahan (Now that the project has been turned over to us, the waiting was worth it. We are thankful to DSWD for the trust, and now we promise to take care of the store),” said Datu Man-asunto Bucalas Andayan, Talaandig association president. The 2-in-1 project turnover was headed by Crislea D. Celeste, division chief of 4Ps, in partnership with the local government unit of San Luis, Agusan del Sur represented by Municipal Mayor Phoebe L. Corvera. (DSWD-Caraga/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

They sell two varieties of rice - Honey Rice and Well-Milled Corn. Nine sacks of rice and one sack of well-milled Corn were purchased to serve as start-up inventory.

| May 8-14, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

NPA MEMBER DIED, 3 HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS SEIZED DURING ENCOUNTER IN AGSUR By 2Lt Cecille Tappa

One member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and three highpowered firearms were seized by the troops of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion under the operational control of 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army during an encounter while conducting focused military operations at the hinterlands of Sitio Tamyang, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on May 8, 2021. The encounter transpired at around 8:00 a.m. and the firefight lasted for 15 minutes that resulted in the seizure of three highpowered firearms which consisted of one AK47 rifle, one M14 rifle, and one Garand rifle. Various war paraphernalia were also recovered such as one Baofeng Commercial radio, one cellular phone, and other personal belongings. The fatality is still an unidentified male NPA Caraga INFOCUS

combatant and believed to be a member of the SYP Platoon, Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. His fellow wounded NPA comrades abandoned his body while withdrawing from the encounter site. The 26IB had been receiving reports from concerned citizens compromising the presence of the armed group in their community, as a response, the unit relentlessly deployed its military forces in its Area of Operations in order to disrupt the planned atrocities of the rebel group. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, extended his gratitude to the concerned residents of Barangay Binicalan. “Life during this pandemic crisis is really challenging, and will not allow these lawless elements to extort all what you have. Through your reports, we were able to immediately

disrupt the planned atrocities of these terrorists. We thank you for continuously cooperating with us,” he said. Goce further called on all other NPA members to surrender and peacefully lay down their arms to the government, return to the folds of the law and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and start a new life away from violence and terrorism-related activities. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family for the loss of their loved one. We understand your pain but you must also understand that we were just doing the right thing to protect the future of our country from the shattering ideology of the terrorists. Our only intention is to give everyone the right to live in abundance and peaceful community,” Goce added. (CMO Officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur) May 8-14, 2021 |

‘BUSINESS UNUSUAL’ PROGRAM CHALLENGE TO LGUS: BUILD YOUTH-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES By Charina May Lagunde

The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in the Philippines began its “Business Unusual” Program, challenging the local government units to commit in building adolescent and youthfriendly communities to reduce unwanted teen pregnancies. This is a joint initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health (Gates Institute), Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), in collaboration with the Commission

| May 8-14, 2021

on Population and Development (POPCOM), the program aims to energize the LGUs in developing key programs on family planning, adolescent sexuality, and reproductive health (ASRH) in the grassroots level. Part of the challenge, TCI will provide technical assistance to participating LGUs in adopting proven intervention methods, with the end goal of replicating global best practices in

building youth-friendly communities. In the Philippines, the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, and Dipolog were the first LGUs to have undergone the TCI stages. At present, these LGUs are now up for the fourth (4th) and final phase of the approach. Here in Caraga region, the POPCOM-Caraga is taking the lead in inviting LGUs to shape-up for the challenge. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

GROUND BREAKING GIHIMO SA COCONUT PROCESSING UPGRADING PROJECT SA JABONGA By Karen Decamotan

adlaw. Usa ang Agusan del Norte sa 11 ka probinsya nga napili nga ipahiluna ang maong proyekto gikan sa 81 ka probinsya sa Pilipinas.

Gihimo bag-ohay pa lamang ang ground breaking sa Integrated Coconut Processing Center sa Libas Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LFMPC), ang convergence project nga gipangunahan sa Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) ug nagsilbing core processing project sa Jabonga ubos sa Process! Process! Process! Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba. Caraga INFOCUS

Gihimo ang maong groundbreaking human gi-turn over sa PCA ngadto sa Municipal Government sa Jabonga ang Php17 million nga tseke nga gastohon alang sa building ug mga ekwipo sa maong proyekto.

Ang Php17m million nga suporta sa PCA sa maong proyekto bunga sa paningkamot sa mga opisyal sa probinsya nga naghago paghangyo niini gikan sa nasudnong ahensya. Sumala ni Gob. Corvera nga nanguna si Kongw. Amante-Matba sa maong paningkamot.

Dugang sa gobernador nga napadangat usab niya ang maong hangyo sa buhatan ni Cabinet Secretary Carlo Nograles, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development Ang maong proyekto nga and Security kon CORDS gihimo sa PCA ubos sa sa Caraga. Iyang dugang Convergence in Coconut nga natawagan siya Farming Communities mismo ni Sec. Nograles Towards Sustainable Rural nga mapundohan ang Enterprises Project niini maong proyekto ubos sa nagpunting pagpataas Bayanihan 2 Fund. sa katakus sa produksyon sa LFMPC gikan sa 200 ka Padayon ni Gob. lubi lang matag semana Corvera nga ang iyang ngadto sa 10,000 matag buhatan mismo ang May 8-14, 2021 |

Amante-Matba

nagrekomenda nga ang LFMPC maoy himoong beneficiary organization sa maong suporta tungod kay sulod sa katuigan na kining nag-operate. Mapasalamaton usab ang gobernador nga napadangat gyod kini sa maong kooperatiba. Sa bahin ni Kongw. Amante, gipasabot niya ang mga sakop sa LFMPC nga ayohon pagpadagan ang maong proyekto. Iyang dugang nga iyang nakita nga ang programa karon naa gyoy kapaingnan ug saktong direksyon kumpara sauna nga maglibog ang mga maguuma. Padayong ginakompleto pa sa Technical Working Group (TWG)

| May 8-14, 2021

ang business plan sa proyekto ug gilantaw nga mapahiluna na kini sa dili pa ang upgraded operation sa proyekto. Gihangyo usab ni Gob. Corvera nga tabangan gyod sa mga ahensya ang organizational development ug capability building work alang sa LFMPC aron maseguro nga mahimong lig-on ang organization and management sa proyekto. Gipasalig usab sa gobernador nga kaabag ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) nunot nga suportahan niini ang market development efforts sa proyekto. Nasayran nga taudtaud na usab ang suporta sa DTI sa maong proyekto apil na ang pagpahiluna

Corvera

nga makabaton kini sa kasamtangan niining mga ekwipo. Usa usab sa mga ahensya nga nagtabang sa organization development of capability building sa LFMPC mao ang Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) sa probinsya. Apil sa nagtabang karon isip TWG sa proyekto mao Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Cooperative Development Authority ingon man ang LGUJabonga. (Karen Decamotan, hulagway kuha ni Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

CABADBARAN MOHATAG ECONOMIC WELFARE ASSISTANCE ALANG SA JO UG COS By Jessica O. Mellejor

Ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte nag-apruba bag-ohay pa lamang sa City Ordinance No. 2021004 sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Cabadbaran, ning lalawigan, “Granting Economic Welfare Assistance to Job-Order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers of the City Government of Cabadbaran atol sa ilang ika 87th nga sesyon regular. Ang mga JOs ug COS makadawat sa economic welfare assistance sa kantidad nga Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) matag bulan ug ihatag matag Disyembre sa tuig, Kwalipikado modawat matag bulan ang mga JOs ug COS nga nakahatag 4 ka bulan nga serbisyo ug kadtong wala makaabot og upat (4) ka bulan mahatagan apan pro-rate. Ang maong ordinansa, nga gipangamahanan Caraga INFOCUS

ni Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Alan M. Asio, gipatin-aw ang makahuluganon nga katuyoan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Cabadbaran ang hinungdanon nga papel sa tanan nga mga trabahante sa padayon nga pag-uswag niini, ug pinaagi niini maila, gipasalamatan ug gigantihan ang ilang paghago pinaagi sa paghatag kanila usa ka tabang pinansyal. Ang pagpatuman sa City Ordinance isip tubag sa hangyo ni City Mayor Judy Chin Amante nga ipaabot ang tabang pinansyal sa mga JOs ug COS nga gikonsidera ang hinungdanon nga papel

ug kontribusyon sa padayon nga paghatud sa mga serbisyo sa LGU, sa ingon giila ang pagdayeg ug pagganti sa ilang kahago pagtrabaho sa pagagi sa nasangpit nga ordinansa sa lungsod. Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 201-2021, sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. tsirman sa Committee on Human Resource Development, Labor and Employment kauban ang mga coauthors nga si Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo ug Board member Rodulfo A. Pitogo. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) May 8-14, 2021 |

SAPAT NA SUPPLY NG PAGKAIN SA CARAGA REGION,TINIYAK SA KABILA NG BANTA NG COVID-19 By Nora C. Lanuza

Dahil sa hamon na hinaharap sa sektor ng agrikultura, patuloy ang Department of Agriculture (DA) na matugonan ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-introduce ng mga solusyon para dito lalong-lalo na ng mga bagong stratehiya para makadagdag sa puhunan at ani. Sa ginawang regional food security summit sa lungsod ng Butuan, hinikayat ng ahensya ang mga partisipante na galing sa agricultural enterprises, farmers’ associations, national at local government units na kilalanin ang kanilang mga pangangailangan upang matugonan ang

| May 8-14, 2021

mga ito at magkaroon ng solusyon para dito. Sa ginawang food security summit, kinilala ni Kevin Robert Ocampo, nagmamay-ari ng poultry farm ang malaking tulong ng gobyerno upang maiangat ang iba’t ibang sektor sa lipunan lalo na sa food security. Anya ang pagtutulongan ng pamahalaan at private sector upang makapagsupply ng pagkain ay napakahalaga. Nagpasalamat din si Ocampo sa gobyerno at nabigyan sila ng panahon upang maipaabot ang kanilang mga concerns

sa negosyo. Kahit paman sa banta ng COVID-19, ayon kay DA Caraga regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo, mataas pa rin ang rice production volume sa nakaraang taon, maayos din ang supply ng gulay at isda at bumaba na rin ang presyo nito sa merkado. Sinang-ayunan din ni Gobernador Dale Corvera ng Agusan del Norte na ang matibay na tulungan ng iba’t-ibang sektor ang magbibigay ng masiglang ekonomiya lalo na sa agrikultura. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

ASF-AFFECTED SWINE RAISERS RECEIVE INDEMNIFICATION By Vanessa P. Sanchez

into giving more support to help revive the livestock industry in the town.

To help the swine raisers in Barangay Matho of Cortes, Surigao del Sur, who have been affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) make a comeback, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga turned over the indemnification fund to the Local Government of Cortes, on Tuesday, May 11. The cash assistance for the 61 households amounted to Php785,000.00 covering 157 pigs culled during the conduct of depopulation in November of last year. Barangay Matho was the first area in the region with a reported case of ASF. Cortes Municipal Mayor Josie Bonifacio, who received the indemnification fund, thanked the DA for keeping its commitment Caraga INFOCUS

to provide the cash assistance to help the affected swine raisers get back up from the setback. “I personally saw how they were affected when their pigs, which were their means of livelihood, were taken away to be culled. But thankfully, because the situation and the protocol were explained well to them, they cooperated,” Mayor Bonifacio said. On the other hand, DA Carga Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega, who led the turnover, said that aside from the cash assistance, the DA also initially gave 10 heads of chicken to every affected household and will be giving additional 20 heads more. She also said that the DA is still looking

After the turn-over, Dr. Toni Rose Barroga of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Central Office discussed briefly the swine repopulation guidelines. She emphasized on following the procedures that include cleaning and disinfection, downtime and bioassay, and placing of sentinel animals before the area can be released from quarantine. Cleaning and disinfection are done within 30 days after depopulation. After cleaning and disinfection, a downtime of 30 days shall be implemented to decrease the area’s bacterial load and the risk of ASF virus residue. The ASF Composite Team which includes staff from the Bureau of Animal Industry - Central Office and Mindanao Cluster (Regions 11,12 and 13) is in the region and will be conducting site validation and similar briefing to areas affected by ASF in the region. (DA 13 – RAFIS/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) May 8-14, 2021 |

SURSUR LGUS INTENSIFY DRIVE VS TEEN PREGNANCY By Charina May Lagunde

discussions on teenage pregnancy, its truths and myths, and how to prevent the same.

Four local government units (LGUs) of Surigao del Sur have strengthened their campaign on Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) to curb unwanted teen pregnancy in their area. In the reports submitted to Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga Region, these are the municipalities of Tagbina, Barobo, San Agustin, and Lingig, all of this province, following the strict health and safety protocols have conducted AHDP Sessions with 258 youth participants, out of

| May 8-14, 2021

which, 115 were male and 143 were female. The population workers together with their partners shared their expertise on topics ranging from adolescent sexuality to reproductive health and rights. The central theme to this advocacy was the

Meanwhile, POPCOM Caraga reported 2,337 cases of teen pregnancy aged 15-19 for the first quarter and 2,081 for the second quarter respectively both year 2020. POPCOM vows to continue its push towards curbing out unwanted teenage pregnancy in the region, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (PopCom Caraga/PIASurigao del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

OCD-13 CONDUCTS PSCP TRAINING By Venus L. Garcia

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga recently conducted a five-day online blended training course on Public Service Continuity Planning (PSCP). A total of 51 participants completed the 31 technical training hours course and were awarded with a certificate of completion.

disruption. “As the entire nation The technical personnel of OCD Caraga and the continues its battle against COVID-19, Department of Science OCD Caraga deems and Technology (DOST) it necessary that PSCP Caraga served as the trainers/facilitators of the shall be developed by the national/regional online blended training line agencies and course. local government units (LGUs) to guarantee The said training is one the continuity of their of the capacity-building operations amidst activities identified the pandemic,” she by OCD Caraga in its Annual Plans and Budget emphasized. (APB) for 2021. With the newly-trained In her message during the opening program, OCD Caraga regional director Liza Mazo pointed out the importance of ensuring the continuous delivery of quality public services during an emergency, disaster, or any other Caraga INFOCUS

PSCP champions of Caraga region and with the existing public health emergency, all government entities are expected to start implementing public service continuity management as a relevant mechanism to address and reduce the impact and adverse effects to their service delivery and continue to perform their essential functions. (VLG/PIASurigao del Norte)

May 8-14, 2021 |

MAGSASAKA AT MANGINGISDA, BIDA SA KABILA NG PANDEMYA By Jayvee P. Masilang

Nakikiisa ang Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) sa buong bansa sa pagdiriwang ng “Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda” ngayong Mayo.

COVID-19. Ang bawat isa ay maaari ring maging parte ng selebrasyong ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa “Thank A Farmer and Fisherfolk Today” campaign kung saan hinihikayat ang lahat na batiin at pasalamatan ang mga makakasalamuhang magsasaka at mangingisda bilang simpleng sukli sa kanilang kasipagan at dedikasyon.

Sa pamamagitan ng temang, “May pandemya man o wala, ang magsasaka’t mangingisda, maaasahan ng bansa,” tampok ang kontribusyon ng ating mga bayani sa bukid at palaisdaan upang magkaroon ng sapat na pagkain ang bawat Tumutok lamang sa mga Pilipino sa kabila ng social media account nararanasang epekto ng ng ATI at ng Department

| May 8-14, 2021

of Agriculture para sa mga aktibidad ukol sa “Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda”. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bumisita sa www.facebook.com/ dacentralphilippines/. Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay alinsunod sa Presidential Proclamation No. 33, s. 1989, na kumikilala sa natatanging kontribusyon ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa bansa. (DA-ATI/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

‘DANAWAN ISLAND ADVENTURES,’ MULING INILUNSAD NG SURIGAO CITY By Venus L. Garcia

Hanap mo ba ay snorkeling destination? At balak mong umikot sa malawak na dalampasigan, na puno ng pinong buhangin? Gusto mo ring makakita ng makukulay na isda at coral reefs? Isali na sa inyong summer bucket list ang mas pinabuti at pinagandang ‘Danawan Island Adventures’ sa barangay Danawan, lungsod ng Surigao. “Ang Danawan island ay isa sa mga island barangays ng Surigao City. Kalahating oras lamang ang layo nito galing sa city proper sakay ang bangka. This year, Danawan island became one of the priority attractions that the City Tourism Office has been trying to promote because we see its potential for tourism,” sabi ni Roselyn Armida Merlin, hepe ng Surigao City Tourism Office. Nag-aalok din ang isla ng iba pang libangan gaya ng regulated leisure Caraga INFOCUS

fishing ngunit dahil nga sa patuloy na pandemya ay limitado pa rin muna sa mga local tourist ang pagbisita sa nasabing lugar. “Ang mountainous area nito ay may mahigit anim na ektaryang man-made forest and also a good trekking site so pinupromote din namin ito. Kung di naman nila gusto mag snorkeling or mag fishing, or if they just want to see the island pwede rin nilang i-experience ang sunset or sunrise watching,” dagdag pa ni Merlin. Naging sentro ng muling paglunsad

ang groundbreaking ng Tourism Pavilion at panunumpa sa tungkulin ng mga bagong opisyales at miyembro ng Association of Danawan Island Community-based Tourism. Kasabay din sa nasabing okasyon ang turn over ng 20 sets snorkeling gears, 10 camping tents, at 15 life jackets sa Danawan Tourism Council, at 31 pirasong first aid kits naman ang pinamigay sa lifeguards and community guides. Bago pa man muling binuksan ang Danawan, ay isang five-day training on standard first aid at May 8-14, 2021 |

village, Surigao river, Pagkawasan beach, Buenavista cave, Sagisi beach, Batttle of Surigao StraitMemorial and Museum, at syempre pa ang Danawan island, at may bonus pa na Alegria Bats Sanctuary.

basic life support ang isinagawa sa tulong ng Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte. Layunin nitong ihanda at mabigyan ng tamang kaalaman ang mga residente sa pagresponde sa anumang kalamidad at sakuna. Ang paningin sa kagilasgilas na underwater ecosystem ay tunay na hindi malilimutang karanasan sa Danawan island. Ayon kay Merlin napagusapan na rin anya nila ng Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga ang planong rural tourism sa nasabing lugar. “The community, the

| May 8-14, 2021

people in the area are also very hospitable. You will experience rural tourism, that is why Danawan island is perfect for piloting rural tourism. If you want to experience rural life, it could be the best place kasi walang sasakyan doon you can’t even see a single motorcycle in that island barangay pero marami silang mga bangka. Life is simple in the area and then its really very safe,” sabi ni Merlin.

Samantala, bahagi ng kanilang observance ng Heritage Month ngayong buwan ng Mayo ay siniguro rin ng lokal na pamahalan ng Surigao City and City Tourism Office na mamulat pa lalo ang mga Surigaonon sa mga heritage assets nito.

“We make sure that everyone will be aware of and is encouraged to preserve our heritage. So, we have a simple showcase of Surigaonon cultural properties that were discovered during our cultural mapping in the different barangays in the city. There you can see in our display a tadyao, banga, and other heritage items that Ibinahagi rin ng Surigao were kept by Surigaonons City Tourism Office ang sampung magagandang for more than 50 years, making them part of lugar ng lungsod na the great treasures of pwedeng puntahan. Surigaonons,” sabi ni Ito ay ang Mabua Rock Merlin. (Venus L. Garcia/ and Stone Beach, Looc Bebble Beach, Silop Cave SDR/PIA-Surigao del Complex, Day-asan water Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

FUTURE EARTH PHILIPPINES HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES, INITIATIVES

Secretary Piñol of MinDA, stressed the importance of sustainable agriculture to preserve the environment and develop the local economy.

Hosted by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), the Mindanao Regional Future Earth Community Mobilization Workshop highlighted various sustainability issues and initiatives. The event was held via Zoom on April 26 and 28, 2021 with the theme, “Synergizing knowledge and governance for sustainable development in Mindanao in the age of disruptions.” Around

| May 8-14, 2021

140 representatives from different sectors such as the academe, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, and other members of the civil society participated. “Economies and cultures differ, and societies vary in their needs as well as in opportunities, resources and degrees of development. What then is a better way to be inclusive, responsive, and sustainable if not

to go local? There is no other way but to belong,” shared Dr. Marieta Bañez Sumagaysay, NRCP Executive Director. Likewise, national scientist Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz, Future Earth Philippines (FEP) Project Leader, introduced the said program and stressed the importance of regional workshops to better understand the local setting and encourage participation from the ground. Caraga INFOCUS

Sustainability researches, case studies in Mindanao To promote sciencebased approaches in sustainability implementation, different researches and case studies were presented by NRCP members: Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)Region XI Director, presented the “Status of Development Efforts and Implications on Sustainable Development of Mindanao in the Context of the New Normal.” He shared some strategies in building a resilient and sustainable Mindanao such as improving digital infrastructure, and conducting an integrated biodiversity conservation program. Stressing the issues concerning Lake Lanao, Dr. Sukarno Tanggol, Chancellor of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), shared the socio-ecological importance of Lake Lanao in his talk, “Lake Lanao Sustainability Challenges, Resources, and Opportunities.” Among the recommendations he cited to preserve the lake are: restoring the Caraga INFOCUS

degraded forests, conduct of continuous research, and establishment of the Lake Lanao Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Mario J. Aguja, Professor at MSU-General Santos City, discussed “Sustainable Management of the Ligawasan Marsh Transitional Peace.” He mentioned that addressing the degradation of Ligawasan Marsh entails the resolution of the ongoing conflicts between the government and rebel groups. With his talk titled, “Sustaining the energy imperatives of Mindanao for development,” Dr. Randell U. Espina, Professor at Ateneo De Davao University, mentioned the potential of Mindanao for renewable energy sources. He enthused the need to optimize the utilization of free water from the river basins through small to medium-sized hydro power plants. Meanwhile, Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, Professor Emeritus at Central Mindanao University, highlighted the rich flora and fauna of Mindanao in his talk, “Biodiversity Inventory and Conservation Assessment in Mindanao.”

He encouraged the participants to create conservation programs, citing that a healthy biodiversity ensures a healthy community. Government initiatives to promote sustainability Del Carmen Vice Mayor Alredo M. Coro II presented their activities to conserve the mangrove areas in the island, considered as the largest in the country. He cited ecotourism as one of their strategies given the island’s international reputation as a tourism hub. Coro also partnered with the NRCP to study the mangroves in Siargao towards generating approaches to preserve them. To address future challenges, Coro proposed the need for a blended finance that would ensure sustainable growth and equitable development in the island. On the side of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol, shared the importance of Mindanao in boosting the country’s agricultural development and how this can be done without compromising the forests. He reiterated the need May 8-14, 2021 |

to connect farming communities to the market and to push for renewable energy sources. Likewise, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said that achieving a sustainable and inclusive economic security entails the strengthening of linkages between markets and production areas.

to their ancestral domains. He cited that without the collective opposition of the Lumads and other IPs against extractive industries, no forests would remain in Mindanao.

“We, the IPs, have long been misunderstood and were even considered as backward and primitive but the international community recognizes “We need to establish that we play an integral more physical linkages role in protecting the in Mindanao through planet and addressing building and improving our climate change,” said infrastructure, transport and Mansayagan. communication facilities,” added Pimentel III. Mansayagan expressed alarm over various Pimentel also underscored proposed mining attempts the need to generate within their ancestral sustainable jobs for the domains. communities and to promote peace and “Noong nalogging at security. nakalbo ang aming mga kabundukan, Indigenous Peoples as nakita naman ng mga stewards of Mindanao’s kapitalista ang mga environment ginto sa aming lupang ninuno. Ngayun, gusto Stressing the critical role nilang kunin (After logging of indigenous peoples and deforesting our (IPs) in Mindanao’s mountains, the capitalists sustainability, Timuey now want to mine the Jimid P. Mansayagan, gold underneath),” said a Manobo tribal leader Mansayagan. and the Chairperson of the Governing Council of To address the plight Lumad Mindanao People’s of the IPs and arrest Federation, narrated how forest degradation in colonial and post-colonial Mindanao, Mansayagan policies and programs proposed “partnership have ushered devastation and cooperation” with

| May 8-14, 2021

the government. He then called on the FEP proponents to raise their proposal to the national level. Sharing of SDG Practices from the Ground Aside from the lectures, the event also featured a digital talk show, wherein, representatives from the eight (8) identified LGUs shared their practices related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These LGUs are Davao, Iligan, Cagayan De Oro, Butuan, Zamboanga, General Santos, Marawi, and Cotabato. During the second day, the participants were grouped according to LGUs and were tasked to identify sustainability issues using Problem Tree Analysis and propose solutions via Objective Tree Analysis. They then filled out a Log Framework, specifying the key strategies and timelines for the proposed solutions. According to Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, NAST President, the problems and solutions raised during the workshops can serve as a baseline of the LGUs in initiating programs that would boost Mindanao’s sustainability. (MinDA) Caraga INFOCUS

6 SOLAR IRRIGATION PROJECTS RISING IN LANAO DEL SUR TOWN

While other towns splurge their funds on barangay gymnasiums, tarpaulins announcing awards received and endless fiesta celebrations, the old town of Taraka, Lanao del Sur decided to invest on six units of the SolarPowered Irrigation System (SPIS) and a huge SolarPowered Water System (SPWS) costing over P100-M. The SPIS is expected to irrigate at least 600-hectares of fertile lands in the periphery of Lake Lanao while the SPWS will provide safe drinking water for the town’s 25,000 residents Caraga INFOCUS

who for ages relied on the unsafe water of Taraka River for their household needs. Taraka, one of the oldest towns of Lanao del Sur, is the first enrollee in the Mindanao Water Supply Program initiated by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) which links local government units with the Development Bank of the Philippines to enable them to build solar irrigation and water systems for remote Mindanao communities. Shortly after the Dec. 6, 2019 launching

of the MinDAWater Supply Program, a joint undertaking of MinDA with the Dept. of Interior and Local Govt. and DBP, officials of Taraka were the first to ask MinDA for inclusion in the program. MinDA assisted the Taraka Local Government in preparing the Master Plan for Development of the town and packaged the loan proposal which was submitted to DBP and processed even at the height of the COVID 19 lockdown. A loan fund of P215-M, which included the purchase of road building May 8-14, 2021 |

equipment for the town, was approved and released by DBP late in 2020. In January this year, MinDA officials, DBP President Emmanuel Herbosa, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and other stakeholders, joined the proud leaders and farmers of Taraka in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the SPIS and SPWS. By the second week of June, Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan, who gave up her professorial chair in the Mindanao State University to take over the mayorship of the town from her husband, Odin, now the vice mayor, expects the SPIS units to start pumping out irrigation water to allow farmers to plant five times every two years. That would boost local rice production from the current 2 to 3 metric tons per hectare once a year to 12 metric tons two harvests per year or an estimated income of P168,000 per hectare per year at P14 per kilo from a very low P42,000. The Taraka Solar-Powered

| May 8-14, 2021

Water System which is equipped with a filtration equipment is expected to be completed before the end of the year. To support Taraka’s Rice Production Program, MinDA has included the establishment of a modern Rice Processing Facility in the European Union Funded MINPAD RISE Program. The Rice Processing Facility will complete the value chain in the Taraka Rice Production Program aims to produce milled and packed quality rice both for the local market and for supermarket chains.

MinDA has chosen Taraka as the model town for rural development through self-reliance, the first of several municipalities which would be selected and supported in the Bangsamoro Region to serve as inspiration for others. When the first gush of irrigation water would flow out of the SPIS pipes by June this year, Taraka will show to other towns the correct direction of governance which aims to lift people from poverty through the proper identification of needs and efficient use of resources. Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

| May 8-14, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

ANDANAR HONORS MOMS’ UNMATCHED SACRIFICES ON MOTHER’S DAY By Azer Parrocha

As mothers around the world celebrate Mother’s Day, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday took the opportunity to honor mothers for their “unmatched sacrifices”. “We greet all the mothers out there a happy Mother’s Day. Caraga INFOCUS

Today is a special occasion to express our endless gratitude, utmost admiration, appreciation, and respect for these exceptional women. Their unmatched sacrifices for us all, whether they may be mothers by birth, adoption, or foster care, are something we can never repay,” Andanar said in his Mother’s Day message.

He recognized mothers for teaching their children what it means to be human. “It is through our mothers’ unwavering love, support, and guidance that we first experience happiness, comfort, and the wonders of life,” he said. Andanar commended mothers who had to be away from their families May 8-14, 2021 |

to fight in the frontlines against Covid-19. “On this special day dedicated to them, we value the contribution of all mothers, especially those working in the frontlines, to nation-building and our fight against Covid-19,” he said. He also remembered mothers who are no longer there to celebrate with their children. “During this opportune time, may we also remember those mothers who are no longer with us. Their lasting presence and spirit continue to live on within the generations they helped shape and

form,” he added. Meanwhile, he encouraged everyone to make sure their mothers feel their love and gratitude even after the occasion.

“Let us celebrate our mothers and make sure they feel our unending love and gratitude for the gift of life and for the deep affection and care, this day and every day,” he said. Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated in countries throughout the world in honor of mothers. In the Philippines, “Mama, Nanay, and Inay” are just some of the different names being used to call their mothers. (PNA)

| May 8-14, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

ADDITIONAL 600 FREE HOUSING UNITS DISTRIBUTED IN ILOILO – NOGRALES Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led officials from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the beneficiary LGU in turning over 600 additional housing units in Ajuy, Iloilo last May 7, 2021 as part of the Duterte administration’s promise to finish all its housing commitments to victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Since assuming the chairmanship of the InterAgency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolandaaffected Areas, Nograles has turned over 35,986 units to different cities and municipalities in Region 6. Complete housing units have been distributed in the following areas in Western Visayas: Ajuy, Iloilo (3,615 units), Carles, Iloilo (10,708 units), Culasi, Antique (1,974 units), Altavas, Aklan (393 units), Panit-an, Capiz (572 units), Estancia, Iloilo (3,242 units), Laua-an, Antique (1,267 units), Ivisan, Capiz (672 units), Concepcion, Iloilo (1,000), Jamindan, Capiz (535 units), Dumangas, Iloilo (1,993 units), Pilar, Caraga INFOCUS

Capiz (1,354 units), Pontevedra, Capiz (1,168 units), Pandan, Antique (1,000 units), Panay, Capiz (1,543 units), Barotac Viejo, Iloilo (822 units), Roxas City, Capiz (1,533 units), Anilao, Iloilo (364 units), Banate, Iloilo (1,631 units) and the latest additional 600 housing units again in Ajuy.

Escalada Jr., together with Regional Manager Engr. Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Fe Jamoyot for ensuring the project’s timely completion. Everybody worked as a team, and this is reflected in the excellent result for the benefit of the people of Ajuy.”

During the virtual turnover for the Adcadarao People’s Village, Barangay Adcadarao, Ajuy, Iloilo site, Nograles praised the NHA leadership and staff as well as the local government unit for their support and cooperation in seeing the project through despite the challenges brought by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Nograles, chair of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, emphasized that all the houses they have built are located in new communities complete with all the basic amenities for quality living, stressing that the resettlement areas contain community farms that will provide the nutrition needs of families and possible livelihood opportunities.

“We are thankful for the efforts of the municipal officials of Ajuy, led by Mayor Jett Rojas, Vice Mayor Robert Villaruz, Sangguniang Bayan members and employees and staff for making this dream of free housing a reality,” the Malacañang official said. The Cab Sec added, “we likewise recognize the dedication of the NHA, particularly General Manager Marcelino

Mayor Rojas, for his part, spoke on behalf of the LGU and thanked President Rodrigo Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for “giving us this privilege of free housing. The people of Ajuy will forever be grateful for this gift and we will do everything to deserve the benefits that have been given to us by the Duterte administration. We have fully experienced the government’s concern.” May 8-14, 2021 |

CREATION OF DOFIL, OFW WELFARE TOP PRIORITY OF DU30, SAYS NOGRALES The creation of a Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFIL) that merges the functions and mandates of various offices and bureaus that address the concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad is a top priority of the President, a line department formed specifically to respond to the needs and clamor of Filipinos overseas. This was stressed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles at a joint hearing of the Senate committees on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development;

| May 8-14, 2021

Foreign Relations; Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation; and Finance called to deliberate on the proposed measure.

Nograles pointed out that the model for the DOFIL “is uniquely Filipino and is crafted in response to the needs and clamor of the Overseas Filipino Workers.”

In his opening statement, the Palace official addressed two issues regarding the creation of the DOFIL: the specific model for the proposed department and the operational set-up of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs), Social Welfare Attaches and the Assistance to Nationals Unit (ATN Unit) under the proposed DOFIL.

He reiterated that the proposed agency “brings together, under one command, all the government entities and sub-units serving Filipinos overseas, by consolidating and merging all their functions, resources, personnel, budgets, into one Department.” This, according to the Davao native, is reflected Caraga INFOCUS

in the operational set-up of the ATN unit, the POLOs & the Office of Social Welfare Attaché (SWAT) under the DOFIL. The former legislator explained that Section 15 of Senate Bill No.1949 provides that “all programs and services for employment, community empowerment, and assistance to Filipinos in distress shall be consolidated under this onsite office of the Department, which shall be attached to Philippine Embassies and Consulates.”

arising out of employeremployee relationships including violation of work contracts, conditions of employment such as non-payment of wages The ATN Office, in and other benefits, illegal particular, “shall absorb dismissal, and other all the powers, functions, similar cases; (2) verify and personnel of the employment contracts POLOs, ATNUs, and and other employmentSWATs.” related documents; and (3) monitor and report to These ATNs will have two the Secretary situations major units: the Labor and and policy developments Employment Facilitation in the receiving country Unit and the Welfare that may affect Overseas Assistance and Service Filipinos in particular and Unit. Philippine labor policies, in Among the tasks of general. the ATN Labor and Employment Facilitation The Welfare Assistance Unit are, among others, to and Service Unit, on (1) ensure the promotion the other hand, is and protection of the mandated to, among welfare and interests of others, (1) provide social overseas Filipinos and and welfare programs assist them in all problems Caraga INFOCUS

and services to Filipino nationals, including social assistance, education and training, cultural services, financial management, reintegration, and entrepreneurial development services; (2) provide prompt and appropriate response to global emergencies or crisis situations affecting Filipino nationals; and (3) manage cases of OFWs and other Overseas Filipinos in distress needing psychosocial services, such as victims of trafficking or illegal recruitment, rape or sexual abuse, maltreatment and other forms of physical or mental abuse and cases of abandoned or neglected children. ### May 8-14, 2021 |

NOGRALES HONORS CARAMOAN FOR STEADY DECLINE IN STUNTED GROWTH RATES Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles recognized the efforts of the Caramoan local government towards mitigating incidences of stunted growth among its child population during the ceremonial launch of the ‘Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program’ on Wednesday by the Task Force Zero Hunger and National Nutrition Council. “I am thrilled by this accomplishment because from 46.54 percent in 2016, the number of children who are experiencing stunted growth in your municipality has now been reduced to 18.5 percent just last December,” the secretary said. “This proves that if we will focus our attention on a problem, we can respond to it successfully. We need to expand on this achievement hence we are launching our ‘Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program’ in different regions for our pregnant mothers and younger children,” Nograles added. The ‘Tutok Kainan’ of the Zero Hunger Task Force is just one of the

| May 8-14, 2021

many programs and interventions by the state under the current National Food Policy aimed at confronting numerous problems attributed to hunger and malnutrition. Apart from the schoolbased feeding programs, other ongoing projects listed under the said policy include the Infant and Young Child Feeding, Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition, National Dietary Supplementation, Micronutrient Supplementation and Mandatory Food Fortification programs. According to Nograles, ‘Tutok Kainan’ is one way of responding to what the Zero Hunger Task Force said is missing in many state-funded programs, concentrating on the ‘First 1000 Days of Life,’ which is crucial towards helping our nation achieve its target productivity rate two decades from now. Nograles said there is no known cure for stunted growth and it will be a wasted opportunity if the state will not intervene to help address this issue

in the first two years of a child’s life. He added that leaving this problem unaddressed will affect the economy in the long run. “That’s why the state is focusing on expanding this program despite the challenges of the pandemic,” Nograles said. The program has already been set in motion earlier in Pateros, Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. In Bicol, the province of Camarines Sur hosted the launching, where Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang of the National Nutrition Council, Governor Miguel Villafuerte, Mayor Marco Chavez, and various regional agencies and local government representatives attended. The ‘Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program’ is the latest flagship program of the Zero Hunger Task Force following its Mandatory Food Fortification program and the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty that focuses on connecting various state feeding programs for the farmers and fishermen nationwide. ### Caraga INFOCUS

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III listens as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on May 10, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

COUNTRY GAINING UPPER HAND IN COVID-19 FIGHT, SAYS HEALTH CHIEF Country gaining upper hand in COVID-19 fight, says health chief The country is gaining momentum in the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the Philippines is put at low risk with the drop in the twoweek growth rate of COVID-19 infections last week, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Caraga INFOCUS

on Monday. Reporting to President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting in Davao City, Duque said the country has recorded a -22 percent two-week growth rate at 6.85 of the average daily attack rate per 100,000 population. The National Capital

Region (NCR) is at moderate risk with a -39 percent in twoweek growth rate in the average daily attack rate per 100,000 population, dropping to 19.02 from a high of 30.98, he noted. Despite the improving overall condition, Duque said there is no room for complacency because there are May 8-14, 2021 |

areas with positive two-week growth rates, which include Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Caraga. Also, there are five regions with high average daily attack rate namely NCR, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. COVID-19 cases have been decreasing in the NCR, Duque said. He reported that from 48 percent, total cases from the NCR dropped to 31 percent.

percentage points from a peak reported last April 13.

compared with the peak day estimate, the health secretary said.

“Tingnan po natin ‘yong isolation beds. Noong nag-peak po tayo, 51 percent po ang gamit ng ating mga isolation beds,” Duque told the President.

“At sa kabila nito, nananatiling nasa critical at high risk ang ICU utilization rate ng ilang lokalidad sa NCR. Kaya naman po aming hinihikayat ang mga NCR hospitals sa tulong ng One COVID Referral Center na panatilihin ang kasalukuyang healthcare capacities lalo na po ang ICU capacities upang manatili tayong handa sa mga surge na maaaring mangyari muli,” he noted. Duque also provided an update on the ongoing vaccine rollout. He said that the country received 1.5 million doses from China’s Sinovac, two million doses of AstraZeneca jab from the COVAX facility, and 15,000 doses from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute.

“Ngayon, nasa 43 percent. So bumaba po sa makatuwid ng walong porsyento. At ang ating COVID-19 ward beds, from a peak of 57 percent utilization rate, bumaba po ito to 49 percent. So ganoon din po bumaba ng walong porsyento.

Highlighting the importance of ICU beds, Duque said that from a 68 percent peak utilization rate, the country has recorded 61 percent decline, improving by 7 percent The healthcare utilization points. On the use of rate nationwide is also mechanical ventilators, improving, according to it dropped to 40 percent the health chief. from 48 percent. With the recent He reported that from deliveries, the country 4.7 percentage points The healthcare utilization now has a total of 7.5 recorded last week, the rate in the NCR has million vaccine doses. healthcare utilization also seen a decline, PND rate dropped to 7 dropping 17 percent

| May 8-14, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. gives updates to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on May 10, 2021. TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PHL EXPECTS SECURING 20 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES NEXT MONTH The government is eyeing to secure 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of June with the expected arrival of more than nine million coronavirus vaccine doses next month, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said for the month of June, they expect shipment of 1.1 million Pfizer vaccine doses; 4.5 million from Sinovac; 250,000 from Moderna; 1.3 million from AstraZeneca; and two million from Russia’s Sputnik V.

alone will be enough to inoculate most, if not all, of the country’s priority sectors in the government’s ongoing mass vaccination program particularly medical frontliners, senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities.

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,

Vaccine supplies acquired for June

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of

Caraga INFOCUS

May 8-14, 2021 |

the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said vaccine supplies are being delivered to the Philippines “not in trickles but in volumes,” noting its positive impact in government’s plans to expand and fasttrack the inoculation of the country’s adult population. Galvez said the Philippines is implementing “Focus and Expand – Center of Gravity” vaccination strategy which has nine focus areas including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, while other regions in the country are grouped under “expansion areas”.

prevent delays. “So pagka naaddress po natin, nastrengthen natin ang ating vulnerabilities at the same time we strengthen our economic strength, iyon po ang center of gravity po natin,” he said. “The main purpose of this supply and demand vaccine rollout is that to finish the vaccination at the earliest possible time and maximize the resources that we have without any wastage,” he added.

The Philippines’ stringent efforts to vaccinate target sectors put the country in second place among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) The center of gravity member countries in refers to the Philippines’ terms of daily rate of economic centers which administered doses. The are vulnerable areas at country ranked 15th in the same time, Galvez Asia. explained. To reach the goal, focus areas Citing data from will receive a steady the World Health number of vaccine Organization (WHO), supplies to maintain Galvez said vaccinating steady rollout and at least 25 million of

| May 8-14, 2021

the country’s most vulnerable population will help the Philippines reach initial herd containment; while inoculating 58 million to 70 million will help reach herd immunity. Once COVID-19 vaccines for children are made available, Galvez said the Philippines can target vaccinating the entire 110 million population, halting the highly contagious respiratory disease. At present, the Philippines administers around 65,879 daily average vaccine doses with a total of 2,409,235 doses administered to medical frontliners, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and economic frontliners. The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 6,846 new coronavirus infections on May 10, bringing the country’s total number of cases to 1,108,826 with 1,030, 367 recoveries and 18,562 deaths. PND Caraga INFOCUS

PRESIDENT DUTERTE HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS IN IMPLEMENTING HEALTH GUIDELINES President Duterte highlights role of local officials in implementing health guidelines President Rodrigo Roa Dutere reminded local officials Monday of their duties being persons of authority especially in enforcing the law in maintaining the current health protocols. In a public address, the President said mayors, municipal and barangay officials are persons in authority and are mandated by the state to enforce the law with the help of the police. “So ganoon ho ang takbo kaya ang barangay captain you are called upon and will be held liable for the failure of implementing the law in your territory. Iyan ho kasi magsabi bakit ibigay sa amin ‘yan? Anak ng --- hindi ninyo alam, iyan ‘yan,” he explained. “That is the reason why. You have to enforce the law ‘yong barangay captains sa iyong lugar mo, you are the person in authority.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on May 10, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

comply may face criminal of administrative charges. In his report to the President, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said that from May 6 to 10, a total of 18,862 individuals violated the health protocols. “Patuloy po nating ipapatupad ang inyong pag-uutos na mag-aresto po ng mga hindi po sumunod sa pagsusuot ng face mask,” he told the President. “Sa mass gathering naman po, ipinatutupad natin din ang inyong ipinagutos sa pamamagitan ng Memo Circular 2021-015 na inilabas po ng DILG. Mayroon po tayong 280 violators.”

Año also reported on the ongoing distribution of aid to low-income families and individuals affected by quarantine restrictions in NCR Plus, saying a total of P18.82 billion was distributed to 18,822,713 beneficiaries. The President previously instructed mayors A total of P9.2 billion was distributed in and barangay officials to enforce strict health guidelines particularly wearing face Metro Manila; Bulacan, P2.4 billion; Cavite, mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in P2.5 billion; Laguna, P2.5 billion; and Rizal, their jurisdictions, warning those who will not P1.9 billion. PND Violently confronting government officials could be a direct assault against persons in authority, according to the President.

Caraga INFOCUS

May 8-14, 2021 |

PRESIDENT DUTERTE DECLARES YEAR-LONG STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO AFRICAN SWINE FEVER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared through a proclamation a state of calamity throughout the country for one year due to African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. The President’s Proclamation No. 1143 mandates all government agencies to cooperate with each other and to

| May 8-14, 2021

mobilize the necessary resources to curtail the spread of ASF as well as to address the supply deficit of pork products, reduce retail prices, and jumpstart the rehabilitation of the local hog industry. It also directed all law enforcement agencies, with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

to carry out measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas. ASF was first reported in the Philippines in 2019 and has so far spread to 12 regions, 46 provinces, and 493 cities in the country. New cases are still being reported despite the government’s interventions. Caraga INFOCUS

The contagion has significantly reduced the country’s swine population by around three million hogs and resulted in P100 billion losses to the local hog sector and allied industries, leading to increased retail prices pork products. The continuing spread of ASF compelled the government to address its adverse impacts, kickstart the rehabilitation of the hog industry and ensure the availability and affordability of pork products in the country. With President Duterte’s declaration, the national government and local government units (LGUs) will have more leeway in utilizing appropriate funds, including Quick Response Fund (QRF) in their ASF response initiatives. President Duterte also issued Executive Order 133, which increases the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork meat under the Caraga INFOCUS

Agricultural Tariffication Act. Under the President’s order, last year’s MAV of 54,210 metric tons of pork meat will be increased to 254,210 MT provided that any unavailable balance last year is not carried over this year. EO 133 mandates the MAV Management Committee to ensure fair volume allocation to all importers of pork

meat in accordance with the existing rules and regulations and agricultural MAV guideline. The spread of ASF in 12 regions of the country led to reduction in the local swine inventory of three million heads. The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates that the country’s pork shortage this year could be around 388,790 MT. PND May 8-14, 2021 |

PHL EXPECTS 21.8 MILLION VACCINE DOSES IN INVENTORY BY END-JUNE noted, adding Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine performance is good and that it is now used by millions globally. The vaccine czar also reported that aside from the 15,000 doses of Sputnik vaccine that arrived on May 12, another 300,000 doses will be delivered next week.

The government is expecting a total inventory of 21.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of June, which will be enough to cover a segment of the population on the government’s priority list, the country’s vaccine czar said on Thursday.

local government units (LGUs) will be arriving soon, he noted.

Reporting to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said that vaccine negotiations are going smoothly, adding that the country expects full procurement of around 158 million doses and 44 million from the global COVAX program.

Galvez also said that there will be a signing between the government and Pfizer on the head of terms for the supply of 40 million vaccine doses.

“Total po na ano natin dati ang ating computation is only 148 dahil nakuha natin mababa ‘yong presyo. Ngayon po makukuha po natin na ‘yong 202 million doses. Ito po ang mabibili po natin at ibibigay po sa atin ng COVAX,” Galvez told the President. Negotiations with Sinovac and AstraZeneca are also good and the vaccines ordered by the

| May 8-14, 2021

Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute will deliver 1.3 million doses this month, while a shipment of 250,000 doses from America’s Moderna will be coming this June.

“And then ‘yong Novavax, bukas po ipa-finalize po namin ang agreement kasi gusto po ng LGU at saka po ng private sector na makihati po sa 30 million. So paghahatian po namin kung ilan po ‘yong para sa atin at saka para po sa national government,” he reported. “And then ‘yong Johnson & Johnson, iyon lang po ang inaano po namin at magkakaroon na rin po kami ng at least final na sa mga agreement natin,” Galvez

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said the country would get additional doses of Pfizer vaccines from COVAX. He said that instead of just 1.2 million doses of Pfizer vaccines, the country will be given 2.2 million for the month of May. “Kaya tuwang-tuwa po tayo dahil kasi nadagdagan po tayo ng 1.2 ngayong month. And then sa coming June, mayroon po tayong darating na almost two million po na AstraZeneca. Ito po ‘yong pang-second dose doon sa nauna po na 2 million ng COVAX,” he said. The bulk order will be 4.5 million doses including 500,000 doses being procured by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII). These also include 250,000 doses from Moderna, 1.3 million from AstraZeneca, and two million doses from Gamaleya. “For a total po na makukuha po natin sa May is 7 million. Dito po sa June is 10 million,” Galvez said. PND

Caraga INFOCUS

LGUS MUST HAVE NECESSARY INFRA FOR AN EFFECTIVE VACCINE ROLLOUT-PRESIDENT DUTERTE Local government units should have the necessary infrastructure to conduct mass inoculation drive and avoid wastage, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Thursday. “We know that you can do it but see to it that the mechanism, ‘yong infrastructure ninyo sa baba kailangan must be able to come up with the numbers required kasi itong mga bakuna may expiry date. It cannot be effective forever. The efficacy loses in a less period of time than other medications,” President Duterte said during his public address on government response on COVID-19. “So kailangan pagdating doon sa inyo mapatakbo na kaagad ninyo ‘yong administrative pati siguro mga local --- may mga hospital. Magtulung-tulungan na lang so that we would not waste the vaccines because we were not able to deliver it on time.” It would be a problem if the vaccines expire due to lack of infrastructure on the part of the LGUs who are supposed to facilitate giving the shot to the targeted population on time, the President said. Some vaccines are so sensitive that require certain temperature to maintain their efficacy such as Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna. “I am just saying this because I do not want to lose the battle here through negligence,” he stressed. “Alam ninyo, you ---

Caraga INFOCUS

mga doktor all throughout alam nila ‘yan. It’s a very simple way of explaining to the people. The only problem is you are not able to administer the vaccines on time because there is a limited period of time for their effectiveness.” The national government has presented to the private sector and LGUs its focus and expand strategy, aimed at prioritizing areas with high economic, social, and health risks, Secretary Carlito Galvez said in his report to the President. Health experts have already identified those areas, Galvez said, noting the government will provide steady supply of vaccines in those jurisdictions once the bulk of supplies arrive. Among those areas include the so-called NCR Plus, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao. For the NCR Plus, the vaccine czar said there’s a need to allocate 3.3 million every month. For Davao and Cebu, the allocation should be 400,000 each month.

He predicted that once this monthly allocation is reached, herd immunity could be achieved by November or by December. Similar initiatives will be done in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Cagayan de Oro City, Baguio City, Cagayan Valley, CAR and Zamboanga. “Ang gagawin po talaga natin is ‘yong tinatawag nating for focus targeting para ‘yong centers of gravity iyon kaagad ang ating i-strengthen para ‘yong risk mawala po, sir, ang risk,” he said. “Mawala rin ang economic risk at puwede na po tayong magopen ng ating economy. Iyon po ang ating strategy po na gagawin, Mr. President.” The government has so far administered 2.6 million doses with a nationwide daily average of 83,000. The government has a total vaccine inventory of 7.7 million doses and was able to put up 3,458 vaccination sites. PND

May 8-14, 2021 |

PRESIDENT DUTERTE PLACES NCR PLUS UNDER GCQ WITH HEIGHTENED RESTRICTIONS FROM MAY 15 TO 31 Religious gatherings and necrological services can be conducted at 10 percent venue capacity. Also in his address, President Duterte warned everyone not to ignore the minimum public health protocols especially during this time of fiestas in the country.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved on Thursday the recommendation of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to loosen the restriction in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces placing them under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from May 15 to May 31. In an announcement during President Duterte’s Talk to the People, National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite will be placed under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions. Other areas that are put under GCQ includes Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Quezon, Puerto Princesa, Iligan City, Davao City, and Lanao del Sur. Meanwhile, Santiago City in

| May 8-14, 2021

Isabela, Quirino, Ifugao and Zamboanga City will be under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), while modified GCQ was imposed for the rest of the Philippines. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that although the quarantine restriction has loosened up, some prohibitions will remain to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease. Individuals aged 18 to 65 years old can leave their household in GCQ areas but for essential purposes only. Indoor dine-in services are allowed but with 20 percent seating capacity only, while outdoor or al fresco dining will be permitted at 50 percent capacity. Outdoor tourist attractions, personal care services such as salons, parlors, and beauty clinics are allowed at 30 percent capacity.

“I do not attribute it in any other particular religion or what but there are a lot of fiestas kasi predominantly Catholic country ito. So ang hinihingi ko is that you only not tone down but forgo kasi may batas. Forgo to congregate, to crowd and to hold,” he said. “Eh walang problema alam ng Diyos na love natin siya pero ang problema ang --- the unnecessary consequence of it all. So be mindful of that because we are still in the pandemic and there is no way of knowing how long this would last in this planet,” he added. The President reiterated that he would not allow any violations in the government-mandated guidelines, warning local officials that he would hold them accountable. “So, you have to enforce it because if you want this country to recover from the onslaught of COVID-19, you have to be mindful of the what is going on and how to prevent it,” he said. PND

Caraga INFOCUS

A senior citizen getting vaccinated. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

National Task Force Against Covid-19 Special Adviser, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa is confident the Philippines will be able to use the two million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines recently delivered through the COVAX Facility before they expire in June and July. “Ako sa tingin ko walang masasayang diyan kasi ‘yong kalahating milyon diyan ibibigay na natin as second dose para sa mga nabigyan natin nong una (I believe this won’t be wasted because half-million is already allocated for those having their second dose),” he said in a radio interview on Thursday. The first 525,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine delivered last March were already administered as the first dose for frontliners, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities, he said. Of the two million fresh batch of donations, Herbosa noted that 1.5 million are expiring on June 30 and the remaining 500,000 on July 31. Herbosa said the COVAX Facility would not release the said amount of vaccines if it thinks the Philippines would not be able to roll them out as soon as possible.

HEALTH EXEC CONFIDENT 2M ASTRAZENECA VAX USED BEFORE EXPIRATION By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

analyze ng COVAX or WHO (World Health Organization) ‘yong absorptive capacity ng isang country (COVAX won’t give them if they think the Philippines cannot utilize them because there are a lot of countries also asking for said vaccines that’s why COVAX or WHO analyzes the absorptive capacity of a country first),” he said. “So nakita nila na maganda ‘yong ating vaccine deployment program at iyon nga mayron tayong mga mayor na naghihintay ng dose nila dahil mabilis silang magbakuna (I think they saw our vaccine deployment program and another thing is that we have mayors who are really waiting for additional doses),” he added. Herbosa said the country has about 3,200 vaccination sites, soon to be augmented by the construction of mega vaccination facilities.

“Ilagay mo lang ‘yon sa 100 vaccinees a day, 300,000 a day na ang kaya nating bakunahan so ‘yong problema ng supply na nagiging reklamo nung ibang mga mayors noon ay hindi na natin magiging problema sa dami ng na-deliver sa atin “Hindi ‘yan ibibigay ng COVAX kung sa (Say you get to vaccinate 100 a day that’s tingin nila’y hindi kayang ubusin ng Pilipinas already 300,000 daily so I think the supply kasi maraming bansang nanghihingi so ina- won’t be an issue anymore),” he said. (PNA)

| May 8-14, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

DOH, NAYONG PILIPINO SET TO SIGN DEAL FOR MEGA VACCINATION SITE By Lade Jean Kabagani

The Department of Health (DOH) is set to sign a deal with Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) to put up a mega vaccination facility in Parañaque City, Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday. Duque, who is one of the primary signatories of the agreement, said legal paperwork for the agreement is currently being readied. “But we are ready to sign the memorandum of agreement to convert the Nayong Pilipino site into a major/huge vaccination site,” he said during the ceremonial rollout of US-made Pfizer vaccines at the Makati Medical Center in Makati City. Meanwhile, Duque confirmed that there is a downward trend in the number of Covid-19 cases. “We need to work together to sustain the downward trend, the goal is to bring it down to lower than 2,000 cases per day -- which was the pre-surge number,” he said. The DOH wants to bring down cases to less than 500 within Metro Manila, he added.

Caraga INFOCUS

PFIZER VAX ROLLOUT. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III administers the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to an 87-year-old dialysis patient Juana Ramos during the ceremonial rollout of the US-made jabs at the Makati Medical Center on Thursday (May 13, 2021). He said the goal of the government is to bring down the Covid-19 cases to less than 2,000 a day nationwide. (PNA photos by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

“Kaya natin (We can do it),” Duque noted. Duque thanked the public for adhering to the minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and face shields, practicing regular handwashing, and avoiding crowded places. He further noted the public’s discipline has contributed a lot to the decline of coronavirus cases, particularly in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 deputy chief implementer and testing czar Vince Dizon also lauded the local government units (LGUs) for being at the forefront of Covid-19 pandemic responses. “If the LGUs and national government did not intervene -- with the cooperation of the public -- that could have been just sky-rocketed uncontrollably and we’ve seen it in countries, we’ve seen it in India, we’ve seen it in Latin America, we’ve seen it in many other countries throughout the world, even

Japan is now going through the increase of cases,” he said. Dizon noted that LGUs’ interventions to address the previous Covid-19 surge have worked. The Metro Manila’s positivity rate of 30 percent is now down to 11 percent, he said, while the Philippines’ positivity rate that reached 26 percent, is now down to 12 percent. Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to the Philippines, also reminded the public of the need to observe health protocols even after getting vaccinated. “We only know that the vaccines are effective against preventing severe diseases and death so it still important that even though we are vaccinated we continue to follow the minimum public health standards of hand hygiene, wearing of masks and face shields, physical distancing, avoiding crowded or congested settings,” Abeyasinghe said. (PNA)

May 8-14, 2021 |

INOCULATION OF VULNERABLE SECTORS TO LOWER HOSPITALIZATION RATES By Lade Jean Kabagani

However, Cayetano said they want to eliminate vaccine hesitancy, a bigger problem than brand preference. To cope with the hesitancy issues, Cayetano said community and religious leaders help convince the residents to avail of vaccines.

Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines (Photo courtesy of Taguig-PIO)

Prioritizing the most vulnerable sectors, the A2 (elderly) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) groups, will reduce hospitalization rate and secure gradual economic recovery amid the pandemic, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano said Thursday. The city targets to vaccinate 650,000 residents – 400,000 of which have already signed up.

| May 8-14, 2021

Some 35,000 residents have been inoculated, so far. The Taguig vaccination bus brings recipients, especially senior citizens, to the sites. “If we protect A2 and A3 pwede na ho magbukas ang ekonomiya (the economy can open up) because our hospitalization will go down,” Cayetano said during a press briefing at the Lakeshore vaccination hub.

“We want to make our vaccination safe, fast, comfortable and we will take care of the vaccines that will be administered to you,” he said. “But we constantly try to earn the trust of our citizens – whether that is Pfizer, Gamaleya, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac – the City of Taguig has proof that we can administer it swiftly and safely.” More vaccination sites will be opened, according to Cayetano, but taking cue from the Department of Health, “we are advised to prioritize the health workers.” (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES Regional Office

KAREN DECAMOTAN KENT WARREN H. FUGOSO LADE JEAN KABAGANI CHARINA MAY LAGUNDE JAYVEE P. MASILANG JESSICA O. MELLEJOR RHEA MAE C. MENDEZ AZER PARROCHA JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA VANESSA P. SANCHEZ PMAJ. DOROTHY M. TUMULAK 2LT CECILLE TAPPA DA-13 RAFIS, DSWD-13 NEDA-CARAGA, PIO, PRO13 BUTUAN CITY PIO, DA-BFAR CARAGA POPCOM-CARAGA, CMO OFFICER, 26IB LGU AGUSAN DEL NORTE DA-ATI, MINDA, PNA, PND

Business Managers

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

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

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

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City

(085) 815-1991

pia.northagusan@gmail.com

PIA Agusan del Norte

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

0917-723-3455

pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph

PIA Agusan del Sur

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

(086) 826-9450

piasurigao@gmail.com

PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

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