CONTENTS 19 - 25 November 2016
Volume 1, No. 34
REGIONAL NEWS
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‘Orange Your Icon’ reinforces advocacy to end VAWC DPWH Caraga, media inspect Diosdado Macapagal Bridge using drone camera GAP: Farmer’s road to ASEAN market
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Buenavista’s far flung communities to benefit Peace Caravan set in December 2
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AgNor boosts agriculture programs
AgNor farmer-groups 14 13 participate in records keeping, file management seminar
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3 NPA rebels in AgSur surrender to government
Caraga joins the 17 OWWAPangadu Festival Jobs fair in
HEALTH NEWS jumpstarts good 24 Malunggay nutrition for better health
MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao expects 20% rise in tourist arrivals year-on-year
COVER Three farm business schools launched in AgSur
NATIONAL NEWS reform plan to help free 30 Tax 6-M Filipinos from poverty
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Bamboo, tool to mitigate climate change, driving force for sustainable economic development
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AgSur
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Surigao Norte hosts regional development plan consultation
Surigao Norte to 20 PEEDMO hold youth convergence activity
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Dinagat holds forum on 21 PSA population census elect SURSECO II 22 Consumers BODs responders undergo 22 60 contingency planning for emergencies in Bislig
News Briefs The Blood Services Committee under Phil. Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter reported that they were able to collect 672 units of blood in the month of September 2016, including those acquired from bloodletting activities. For blood processing fee, the said committee also collected the total amount of P1,224,200.00.
The Philippine Government has declared the month of December as the National Volunteer Month (NVM) through Presidential Proclamation No. 55, series of 1998. This year’s theme is “Volunteer for Sustainable and Inclusive Development: Isulong, Ibahagi, Iugnay, Isagawa!” in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The month of November is declared as the Clean Air Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1109, s. 1997. The ‘Serenata’ a choral concert for a cause proceeds will benefit the construction of the OAD retreat house.
Cover Story
Three farm business schools launched in AgSur
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By: Renato Bashir Ilupa
he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office here has launched three Farm Business Schools (FBS) in the province since 2015. DAR-Agusan del Sur information officer Rachel Besonia explained that FBS is a DAR-initiated program that aims to teach farmer-ARBs new farming techniques and technology and most of all teach them to operate their farms as business enterprise. “We go to their farms and conduct them lectures that include financial
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REGIONAL NEWS management, bookkeeping, Agusan del Sur, FBS was first launched accounting, business, market trends in in the municipality of Esperanza in April the hope of increasing their income,” 2015. Besonia explained. The FBS beneficiaries there were FBS was pilot-tested in Nueva Ecija some 30 ARBs who are members of in 2013 and when it had a remarkable the Crossing Luna Beawan Esperanza result as shown in the farmers’ increased Vegetables Production Multi Purpose income, it was replicated in other Cooperative (CROBE VMPC). In August provinces. FBS is done in a period of six 2016, another FBS was launched in months but the enrolee-beneficiaries Novele, Rosario with 30 members of the meet with the facilitators once a week, Novele Vegetable Growers Association she added. as beneficiaries. Last November 19, 2016 some 68 members of Rizal DAR’s partners in the FBS include Multi Purpose Cooperative, based the Department of Agriculture (DA), in the municipality of San Francisco, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), graduated from the FBS. (AgSur/PIADTI, and the concerned LGUs. Here in Agusan del Sur)
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Photo Gallery NGCP BUTUAN-PLACER 138KV TRANSMISSION LINE 2 PROJECT Watergate Hotel, Butuan City 21 November 2016
By: Venus L. Garcia
REGIONAL NEWS
‘Orange Your Icon’ reinforces advocacy to end VAWC
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Tourism in Caraga, through its campaign initiative to end violence against women and children (VAWC) dubbed ‘Orange Your Icon’, seeks to promote a VAWfree community in the tourism sector.
Accordingly, the advocacy initiative aims to raise awareness and consciousness in ending VAW through “oranging” famous and prominent tourism sites or attractions in the country. This creative advocacy effort also hopes to convey a message that the DOT together with its stakeholders in the industry encourages genderresponsiveness in Philippine tourism, which among others endeavors to promote safe and non-exploitative tourism activities. Other organizations can participate by finding major landmarks or icons in specific area or community. The icon can be historical places, statues, monuments or buildings; talk to heads of agency, local government, corporate heads or building
administrators to get support and ensure that they are willing to join the global activity for a cause; put orange decorations on chosen icon; use flags, streamers or banners or even paint the landmark into orange if possible, or use orange spotlights during the night. Aside from employing creativity, an Orange Your Icon banner, which can be in printed in tarpaulin or sintra board, shall be displayed where the icon is located throughout the campaign period. Participating agencies or local government units may develop information, education and communication (IEC) materials related to the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW that can be given out or made visible to people visiting the area.
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REGIONAL NEWS
Orange Your Icon aims to strengthen the anti-VAW advocacy by enjoining new audiences to join the cause. The idea is to attract the public’s curiosity on why major landmarks or icons nationwide are colored orange, thereby providing opportunities for advocates to explain the Anti-VAW advocacy. This way, it can raise the awareness and consciousness of a wider audience in taking action on VAW as a public issue. “By participating in this initiative, your organization is declaring your support to the anti-VAW advocacy and
bringing the message of zero-tolerance for VAW to the public’s attention,” reiterated DOT officer-in-charge Mary Jean Camarin. The advocacy campaign enjoins everyone to pursue the common vision of a VAW-free community and gives emphasis on everyone’s commitment and contributions in ending VAW. Also, DOT actively supports the collective effort to pursuing the vision of a VAWfree community by steering tourism sector involvement in the advocacy. (VLG/Phil. Commission on Women/PIACaraga)
DPWH Caraga, media inspect Diosdado Macapagal Bridge using drone camera
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
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Said inspection was in line with the department’s implementation of its project improvement on quality management for highways and bridge construction and maintenance (Phase III). According to Hideo Nagao, Team Leader of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Expert Team explained the status/condition
of the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge based on the photos taken using the drone camera. “There are parts of the bridge that need repairs and this drone camera helps us see the details. It would be easier for us to inspect the delicate parts of the bridge without risking the lives of our technical staff,” Nagao emphasized. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
REGIONAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY – Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga, together with representatives from government agencies and media gathered on Tuesday at the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge in Butuan City for a site inspection with the use of a drone camera. The drone camera allowed them to get a full 360° view of the area.
GAP: Farmer’s road to ASEAN market By: Aurelius P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY - The sure ticket for Filipino farmers to seize the opportunities of the ASEAN market is through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
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REGIONAL NEWS 10
Supervising Agriculturist Isabelita Ocampo of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga said that quality is the name of the game on ASEAN market. “If your product is not GAP certified you can’t access the ASEAN market,” she said. GAP is the common parameter for ASEAN products wherein member countries can market their products as long as it conforms the standards. To broaden the understanding of Caraga vegetable farmers on GAP, DA-Caraga conducted a training on GAP as one of the highlights on recently concluded Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing Exposition (CARAT Expo) 2016. Farmers, students, consumers and traders participated the training. GAP focal person Johnny Concon emphasized the importance of conforming the GAP standards as it ensures safe and quality food products.
GAP approach aims at applying available knowledge to addressing environmental, economic and social sustainability dimensions for on-farm production and post-production processes, resulting in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural products. To encourage Caraga farmers to be GAP certified, Concon said that DA will assist those interested. “GAP certification is free and DACaraga is ready to assist the farmers,” Concon said. The certification is open to individual, associations or cooperative with basic requirements such as GAP training certificate, farm map and location, and farming practices records. As of now, the Antongalon Farmers Association of Caraga Incorporated (AFACI) of Butuan City is so far the lone GAP certified group in the region. (DACaraga)
Photo Gallery Inspection at Diosdado Macapagal Bridge by DPWH-13 Brgy. Villa Kanangga, Butuan City 22 November 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Buenavista’s far flung communities to benefit Peace Caravan set in December 2 By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY – Elementary pupils, secondary students and members of the indigenous families of Barangay Sangay in Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte will benefit the basic services during the Peace Caravan scheduled on December 2, 2016. The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with different partner agencies will reach out the far-flung communities in the said town to provide basic services, it was learned. According to 23IB community relations officer Capt. Edwin Leo Francisco, the services to be provided will include free medical, dental, distribution of medicines and vitamins; distribution of school supplies, awarding of Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) and certificate of enrollees of TESDA skills training; distribution
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of livelihood kits and free haircut services; information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on government programs; and other related services. Partner agencies include the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Health (DOH), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and others. (NCLM, PIA-Agusan del Norte)
By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY In its thrust to improve and expand the agriculture program, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte continues its harmonious ties with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to boost animal production and agriculture production and is set to receive donations from the latter. Just recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba through Sangguniang Resolution No. 053-2016, to sign the Deed of Donation for and in behalf of the province with the DA the availment of two units semiair tight canvass-lined seed storage (SACLOB) with a capacity of one metric ton (50 bags at 20 kgs/bag). On the other hand, another Sanggunian Resolution No. 054-2016, authored by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr., authorized Gov. Amante-Matba to sign the Deed of Donation with the DA relative to the provision of six heads swine, five heads gilt and one head boar as breeder
PROVINCIAL NEWS
AgNor boosts agriculture programs
stocks of the province. During the deliberation of the committee meeting of the Committee on Cooperative, Community Organizations, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Indigenous People’s concern, chaired by PBM Escasiñas, Jr., it was found out that the terms and conditions of the donation were mutually agreed upon and that the province has all the rights and interests of the donated ownership free from all liens and encumbrances, thus recommended to authorize the provincial governor to sign the deeds of donation as this is in line with the development agenda of the province particularly on agriculture. (LGUAgusan del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
13 AgNor farmer-groups participate in records keeping, file management seminar  By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY - At least 200 Agrarian Reform Farmer-Beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte attended the series of seminars on records keeping and file management conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at the different villages in Agusan del Norte in the months of September to October, 2016. According to Section Head Juanita Balibay of Social Infrastructure and Local Capability Building (SILCAB), the said 200 seminar attendees belong to 13 different Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in the province, namely, Tagbuyacan
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Farmers Marketing Cooperative, Rural Improvement Club, Tagbuyacan Upland Farmers for Development, Colorado Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Tirador Beneficiaries Farmers Association, Marcos Calo Agrarian Farmers Association,
Bonifacio Agrarian Reform Cooperative And Dona Rosario ARB Association (DARBA). The activity is part of DAR’s capability building program for the ARBOs and made response to the need to organize records to meet the requirement for transparency and accountability. “The seminar is not only to improve the productivity but also to make the workplace more pleasant, improves the safety and quality of work and ensures public satisfaction,” Balibay added. Ponciano Nino, chairperson of Tagbuyacan Farmers Marketing Cooperative said that he was satisfied with the results of the topics of the training. “Pasalamat kami niini nga records
PROVINCIAL NEWS
management seminar kay libre kini gihatag sa DAR ug sa partner niini nga Propegemus Foundations Inc. (we are thankful for the records management seminar because its free to us from DAR and its partner Propegemus Foundation, Inc.),” Nino added. Olegario Aguillon, chairperson of Colorado Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Jabonga said that “Tukma ug haum gyud ang among nahibaluan, daghan mig nakat-unan sa records management training (The topic was very appropriate, we learned a lot from the records management training).” The seminar was in partnership with the DAR and the Propegemus Foundation Inc., an accredited training provider of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). (DAR-Agusan del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
3 NPA rebels in AgSur surrender to government By Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Sur voluntarily surrendered to the 401st Brigade units in two separate areas bringing along with them a total of four high-powered firearms. On November 9, 2016, one member of SRDG Southland (name not given for security reason) voluntarily submitted himself to the members of 3rd Special Forces Battalion with his M16 rifle. His return was made possible through the joint efforts of the 26th Infantry Battalion and the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office who helped him realize his plan of leaving the armed movement to live a normal life. He thanked everyone behind his successful return. “Daku gayud ang akong pagpasalamat sa tanang tawo nga nitabang sa akoa. Makaingon na gyud ko karon nga dunay paglaum
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sa akong mga pangandoy ilabina sa pangandoy nga maayong kinabuhi para sa akong pamilya (I thank all the people who helped me along the way. I could finally say that there is indeed hope to all my dreams especially the dream of a happy life for my family),” he remarked after being presented to Gov. Adolf Edward Plaza at the Agusan del Sur provincial capitol. The following day on November 10, 2016, two more NPA members, a squad leader of Guerrilla Front 88 and a member of Guerrilla Front Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional
high hopes in our Bayanihan efforts and in our quest to attain just and lasting peace. To our three brothers, we will ensure that you will receive all the necessary support you needed as you return to your respective families. The whole nation is proud of you,” he underlined. “Once again we had to positively respond to the call for help by our brothers who want to live peacefully and do what they believe is best for their family, to every Filipinos, and to our beloved country,” Madrigal added. It was learned that support is now being processed by the 401st Infantry Brigade through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government. (401st Phil. Army/PIAAgusan del Sur)
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Committee, voluntarily surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Pagayon, Commanding Officer of 26th Infantry Battalion and Mayor Jesryl Masendo of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur bringing along their three firearms (one AR18, one carbine, and one garrand). The two surrendered after realizing the futility of their armed struggle. They also heed to the call of the president for national healing and reconciliation. Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army congratulated everyone including the three NPAs for their decision to go back to mainstream and live a peaceful life. “I congratulate everyone for your wholehearted effort to help our brother NPAs to join us in our quest for peace. This is why we have
OWWA- Caraga joins the Pangadu Festival Jobs fair in AgSur BUTUAN CITY - In response to the continuous effort of paving ways for employment to localities, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga has recently joined in the Municipal Jobs Fair at San Agustin, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
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PROVINCIAL NEWS The local government of Talacogon through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) celebrated its 4th Pangadu Festival and the conduct of the jobs fair was one of its highlights alongside with the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS). Several recruitment agencies were present offering employment here and abroad. A total of 11,319 job vacancies across Asia and Middle East were offered by four manpower agencies. Meanwhile, job vacancies
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within the region from various local private companies were also offered. OWWA-Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid together with Ronilo Maningo, the Family Welfare Officer of Agusan del Sur, were present in support of the said fair. Remegio I. Remedio, the Municipal PESO Manager, in sheer delight noted how thankful he was for the event to finally materialize for he believed that people are anticipating it. “This event was actually anticipated. Every now and then a number of locals were visiting our PESO office asking for job vacancies. So, for their convenience, we gave to them what they really needed- a jobs fair” said Remedio, in local dialect. He also stressed how he wish for those job-seekers from the neighboring municipalities to grab this opportunity as well knowing that the capital city is quite far from their municipality. Furthermore, through the OWWA’s help-desk, a number of queries from young people on the agency’s programs and services were also catered to. (OWWA-Caraga/PIAAgusan del Sur)
By: Susil D. Ragas
According to Provincial Information Officer Mary Jul Escalante, the discussion of the council meeting was focused on the long-term vision of President Rodrigo Duterte dubbed as “Ambisyon Natin 2040,” through Executive Order No. 5 and the necessity to formulate priority local government development plans align to the programs of the national government.
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The provincial government of Surigao del Norte hosted the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting and Surigao City Consultation on the RDC Plan 2017-2022 held on November 15, 2016 at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Surigao Norte hosts regional development plan consultation
She further said that the provincial government was able to present its 2016 to 2019 priority programs focused on education, health, environment, agriculture and aquaculture, and economy, among others.
“On the part of the city government, they were able to present their vision and developments anchored on ‘With blessings of the Divine Providence, “Based on the report of NEDA, the Surigao in 2025: a model city for good President wants the first draft of the said governance, economic dynamism, development plan to be finished before and environmental quality,’” Escalante the end of the year,” said Escalante. added. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
PEEDMO Surigao Norte to hold youth convergence activity By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The provincial government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Economic Enterprises Development and Management Office (PEEDMO) is set to hold a Youth Convergence Activity dubbed “Jari Na Kami!” on Dec. 3, 2016 to be held at the Provincial Sports Complex, this city. The activity is anchored on the theme, “Pagtambayayong nan mga Batan-on para sa Karadjawan nan Surigao.”
Mante said. She further said that the event will also celebrate the 3rd anniversary of YSEAli Younified, a youth event PEEDMO Officer Graciela Mante celebrated all over the ten ASEAN said the activity aims to revitalize the zeal countries. of the youth in contributing to various significant causes in the province, Other lined-up activities include and will create awareness and bloodletting, baking class, food booth, intensify engagement to development booksale/swap/donation, garage programs in education, environment, sale, free haircut, variety show, and economic empowerment, civic liveband. governance, sports and wellness. Expected participants are 18 “The event will be the first of its 35 years of age from the following kind which will have exhibit booths from sectors: students, out-of school youth, various organizations, sports clinic like youth with disabilities, youth in interfaith karate, crossfit, frisbee and running. organizations, youth in conflict-affected There are also live band and lecture areas and young professionals. (SDR/ series, and other worthwhile activities,” PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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By: Meltzimar Piquero
PROVINCIAL NEWS
PSA Dinagat holds forum on population census
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Dinagat Islands conducted recently a Data Dissemination Forum on the 2015 Census of Population held at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol Compound, Brgy. Cuarinta, this municipality. PSA Caraga representative Melchor B. Bautista disclosed that the total population of Caraga region as of August 1, 2015 was 2,596,709, it increases to 167,485 compared with the population 2.43 million in 2010.
Islands had the smallest population with 127,000 thousand, and Surigao del Norte was the fastest growing province in the region, with an average annual Population Growth Rate (PGR) of 1.76 percent during the period 2010-2015, while Dinagat Islands He said the region’s population posted the lowest provincial Population increased by 1.28 percent annually, Growth Rate of 0.05 percent. on average, during the period of 2010 to 2015 compared to the 2000 to 2010 Meanwhile, the municipalities rate that is higher at 1.49 percent. of Tubajon, Loreto, and Dinagat of the province of Dinagat Islands were Bautista further said that among included in the top 10 least populous the five provinces of the region, Agusan cities and municipalities in the region. del Sur had the biggest population (Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands) in 2015 with 701,000 while Dinagat
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Consumers elect SURSECO II BODs By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Member-consumers of the Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative (SURSECO) II recently elected the members of the Board of Directors of the said electric cooperative in four separate elections. Pepe Urbiztondo was elected on Nov. 5 to represent the town of Cantilan while Gil Orillaneda was voted last Nov. 6 to become the board of director of Lanuza.
and Rey Sindo of Lianga were elected on Nov. 12 and 13, respectively.
According to SURSECO II information officer Aguinaldo Jaluag, the four incumbent directors won Marilyn Alameda of San Agustin unopposed. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
60 responders undergo contingency planning for emergencies in Bislig By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Some 60 participants from the Bislig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) and Task Force LIB or Local Incidence of Bislig underwent a three-day Seminar Workshop Formulation for Contingency Planning for Earthquake held at Highland Function Farm, John Bosco District, Mangagoy, Bislig City.
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PROVINCIAL NEWS Photo from Yuri Sango According to Surigao del Sur Provincial DRRM officer Abel de Guzman, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Provincial DRRMO facilitated the activity, which started on Nov. 7 until Nov. 9.
office said that considering that Bislig City is about 200 kilometers away from the Philippine trench, the possibility to experience severe structural damages, fire incidents, and locally generated tsunami is high if magnitude 8 tectonic earthquake During the planning workshop will take place. activity, the group was able to formulate the contingency plan for earthquake Meanwhile, Bislig City DRRMC with secondary effect to structural members recently finished the level damages, fire and tsunami. four on Incident Command System (ICS) Training on All Hazard Incident One of the participants, Management Team (AHIMT) held in Youreallylove Sango of city DRRM Davao City. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Photo from Yuri Sango
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HEALTH NEWS
Malunggay jumpstarts good nutrition for better health Are you missing your kids riding a bike, running around, dancing and jumping during playtime lately? It is usual to see children tired after doing vigorous activities. But, what if their energy is always on the slump, the sparkle in their eyes disappears and their boisterous laughter starts to wane? Should you take it as ordinary mood swings or should you start to worry? Neglecting these “low-batt� signs can possibly lead to serious nutrition problems. Weakness, fatigue, poor vision and lack of concentration may indicate that your kids are experiencing hidden hunger. Hidden Hunger: Modernized Micronutrient Deficiencies Relatively new to the ears of most, hidden hunger has been a persistent antagonist in the public health sector. Hidden hunger is the modernized term for micronutrient deficiencies that affects infants and children in the country.
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These micronutrients, if not supplemented adequately in your child’s diet, may eventually delay normal growth, mental development and overall health.
food fortification, supplementation and nutrition education, practical solutions that can done at home still need to be developed. FNRI-DOST’s Plan of Action Related to this researchers from the FNRI of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) led by Miss Leah A. Perlas evaluated the consumption of vegetables widely available in the country.
HEALTH NEWS
According to the 2008 National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), micronutrients like iron, vitamin A and iodine are commonly lacking in the diet of Filipino children.
How will parents protect Malunggay: The Wonder Gulay children from hidden hunger? Moringa oleifera, locally Though the government known as malunggay, easily actively supports programs grows in the backyard and is alleviating hidden hunger through economical. Often added in soupy Filipino favorite dishes like chicken tinola and chicken binakol, malunggay has evolved in form and use. Leaves may be served raw or dry.
Packed with iron, vitamin A, B-vitamins, calcium and other micronutrients, malunggay is recognized as a potent food source that can help ease micronutrient deficiency. Thus, malunggay is gaining popularity as the “wonder gulay”. MLP Fortification The malunggay leaves powder (MLP), as used in a study by the FNRI, can easily blend with various dishes without affecting overall flavor.
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HEALTH NEWS 26
The study included 121 school children 8 to 12 years who are underweight, anemic or both. The subjects were then divided into two groups.
only in animal foods.
Nonetheless, more than half of the MLP group that were classified as severely thin improved in nutritional status compared to For 120 days, half of the the non-MLP group. group was fed with snack foods containing 3 grams of MLP while JUST Add 3 Grams! the other group was given nonMLP, fortified preparations. The findings of the study support malunggay’s potential in Arroz caldo, ginataan mais, improving the micronutrient levels macaroni soup, pancit canton in a child’s diet. and polvoron were the selected snack foods fed to children under With malunggay, parents the supervision of the researchers now have a better choice of an to ensure validity and accuracy of additional ingredient in enhancing feeding. their child’s health and nutritional well-being. All foods were weighed before serving. Just by adding 3 grams of malunggay leaves powder, we Those with additional 3 can help our children pave the grams of MLP were individually way to a better future. mixed onsite, while polvoron was prepared ahead of time. Of course, it is still best to feed them with a variety of nutritious After 3 months of feeding, foods with lots of tender loving children who consumed MLP care as they grow up to become fortified snack foods recorded an healthy adults. increase in their vitamin A intake, height, weight, hemoglobin levels For more information, and serum and red cell folate contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, compared to those who consumed Director, FNRI-DOST, General non-MLP fortified snacks. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telefax Numbers: 837-2934 Both groups had increased and 837-3164; email: mvc@fnri. retinol levels while no effect was dost,gov, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; observed in terms of their riboflavin website: http://www.fnri.dost. and calcium parameters. Retinol gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media is pre-formed vitamin A. present Service/PIA-Caraga)
DAVAO CITY Tourist arrivals in Mindanao are expected to rise by 10 to 20 percent year-on-year if backed with logistic support from concerned government agencies, a tourism official said.
Department of Tourism-Mindanao (DOT-Mindanao) Assistant Secretary Eden David noted that she sees this possible with the creation of a Mindanao Tourism Agenda (MTA) to go on a full-blown scale by next year. “The target that has been set is to at least increase it by 10 to 20 percent but it be dependent upon logistic support when it comes to infrastructure,” David said in a press conference in Davao City.
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao expects 20% rise in tourist arrivals year-on-year
be started by 2017. There would be a MOA (memorandum of agreement) that would be undertaken next week and hopefully by end of the year we have initial draft to submit to Malacanang,” David said. Data from DOT Mindanao showed that the island acquired around 8.5 million tourist arrivals in 2015 with the bulk of these arrivals coming from the Davao Region (Region 11) with around 2.8 million arrivals.
DOT earlier said that the MTA is expected to complement the department’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).
Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) acquired around 800,000 arrivals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) acquired around 2.7 million arrivals, Soccsksargen (Region 12) “The Mindanao plan will have to acquired around 1 million arrivals and
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MINDANAO NEWS
Caraga (Region 13) acquired around Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an 1.2 million arrivals. attached agency of the DOT, will meanwhile set up information centers DOT Secretary Wanda Teo vowed to a house souvenir shop, a mini to boost Mindanao tourism under her restaurant, shower, restroom, locker term especially since she herself and and even a prayer room. President Rodrigo Duterte hails from the same region. David said that routes for the first phase will cover Davao-Bukidnon “My focus is always Davao and Cagayan de Oro and Davao to Butuan. Mindanao because I feel like Davao has She also assured the safety of tourists. been left behind,” Teo said. “Palawan, The next set of buses — around 60 of Boracay, Cebu are already known. them — will arrive next year. Now, it’s Davao’s turn.” DOT-Mindanao is also working Bus tours on increasing road connectivity within Alongside the agenda, DOT- the Davao Region by 80 percent next Mindanao will also be offering missionary year through the construction of a tours through Davao Metro Shuttle Samal Circumferential Road and a Company’s Go Mindanao Tourist Bus bridge connecting Davao City to the by March next year. Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) or simply, Samal Island. The company will invest in 400 luxury bus units, which will be strategically David said that the budget will located all over Mindanao, to transport be coming from the Tourism Road Infra tourists to around 300 tourist destinations Program (TRIPC), a joint project of the within the island. DOT and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). (PNA) The Tourism Infrastructure and BNB/ANP
Kim B. Oblimar
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Photo Gallery 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Provincial Training Center, Butuan City 22 November 2016
NATIONAL NEWS
Tax reform plan to help free 6-M Filipinos from poverty
MANILA - Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that congressional approval of the proposed tax reform program would help the Duterte administration realize its vision of reducing the poverty level to just 14 percent and free six million Filipinos from the shackles of poverty over the next six years. Dominguez said the Philippines is now at a “critical juncture” where it can either choose the old and easier path of sustaining high growth accompanied by economic exclusion and high poverty rates, or the new and more challenging road towards reforms that will ensure high growth with equity for all Filipinos.
bring relief to all Filipinos burdened with oppressive tax rates,” said Dominguez. “At the same time, we must raise enough revenues to close the infrastructure gap that makes production costlier in our economy than in others in this region, as well as enough revenues to provide the social protection needed by our poor and vulnerable.”
“Our mandate is to take on the Dominguez said the government more challenging path. Building on solid must take advantage of “the beneficial fundamentals, we must immediately point in our country’s economic history,”
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said the Philippines must sustain a growth rate of at least 7 percent annually for a generation, which can be done only if the economy shifts from consumptionto investment-led growth.
“This is the time to act boldly,” he said. Dominguez said that over the next six years, the government intends to reduce poverty rates from the current 21.6 percent to 14 percent to bring the Philippines on the par with Thailand and China in terms of per-capita gross national income by 2022.
He noted that the Philippines currently invests only 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while its high-growth neighboring economies invest between 30 percent and 40 percent of GDP.
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characterized by the following positive factors: abundant capital, low interest rates, benign inflation, high business confidence, impressive credit ratings and strong regional support.
“Studies show that in order to sustain high and inclusive growth, we need P1 trillion more in investment on top of the current P1.3 trillion. Expanded direct investments from our neighbors, a more aggressive public-private partnership program, and deepened social protection and human capital investments will ensure that,” Dominguez said.
“That translates into liberating 6 million Filipinos from the grip of poverty. We intend to transform our country from a lower middle-income to an upper middle-income economy. That will mean raising per-capita gross national income from $3,100 to $4,000 by 2022. That is the level of Thailand and China today after decades of sustained economic expansion in those These investments, he said, economies,” he said. require a series of revenue-enhancing packages, the first of which was If this momentum is sustained, submitted to the Congress last Dominguez said that by “the end of this September under the Department of administration, the Philippines should be Finance ( (DOF)-proposed Tax Reform well on its way to eradicating poverty for Acceleration and Inclusion Act that completely by 2040 or a generation aims to generate a net gain of P174 hence.” billion, equivalent to 1 percent of the GDP in 2018. “By that time, we should have moved into the ranks of the world’s “It seeks to lower personal income advanced nations with a per-capita tax rates to be at par with the region, income of $12,000. This is where South expand the VAT base by limiting Korea and Malaysia are at today,” the exemptions to necessities such as raw finance chief said. food, education and health care, as well as other items with good economic To achieve these goals, Dominguez rationale while increasing excise taxes
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on oil and automobiles. Taken together, He said increasing fuel excise all these will make our tax system more taxes and indexing them to inflation progressive,” Dominguez said. is, contrary to misconceptions, a progressive measure, as the top 200,000 “We can no longer maintain high households, comprising 1 percent of income tax rates. Our people expect the population, consume 20 percent relief from them. We cannot attract the of oil products and the top 10 percent, investments we need until we bring our or 2 million households, account for 60 tax rates to the regional average. To percent of oil consumption based on compensate for lower rates, we intend the latest estimates. to broaden the tax base and introduce new revenue measures. The entire “The rich will bear the brunt of package needs to be passed to ensure increased excise for oil products,” gains in revenues to fund the President’s Dominguez noted. 10-point socioeconomic agenda and maintain our strong macroeconomic Dominguez said that besides fundamentals,” he added. adjusting fuel excise taxes, the Duterte administration has also proposed A targeted transfer program restructuring the excise tax system for benefiting the bottom 50 percent of automobiles with certain exemptions. the population is already built-in under the tax reform package to cushion “More expensive cars will be the impact of the revenue-enhancing charged higher excise taxes to ensure measures on the country’s most progressivity. Higher taxes on expensive vulnerable sectors, Dominguez noted. vehicles will likewise help relieve traffic congestion,” he said. He said this social protection measure will deliver up to 40 percent of As for the lifting of VAT exemptions incremental revenues from oil excises to except for vital necessities such as the poorest 50 percent of the population raw food, medicines and education, through unconditional cash transfers of Dominguez said this measure would up to P6,000 a year and an improved channel the tax savings generated to “pantawid pasada” program for public fund social pensions for indigent seniors utility vehicles, so that they can offset and better health services for the higher oil prices and reduce pass-on disabled. charges to commuters to a minimum. “Our consultations with these “This is the clearest illustration of vulnerable groups reveal there is support the superior efficacy of shifting from for replacing blind subsidies that mostly blind subsidies to targeted, transparent benefit the rich with targeted transfers and more accountable protection for benefiting the poor,” Dominguez said. the poor,” Dominguez said. (DOF)
QUEZON CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the Climate Change Commission and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, hosted a symposium and exhibit showcasing bamboo as a strategic tool to mitigate the effects of climate change and a driving force for sustainable economic development. With the theme, “Bamboo for Resilience,” the day-long National Symposium and Exhibit on Bamboo and Climate Change was held on Monday, November 21, at the Hotel Sofitel in Pasay City.
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Bamboo, tool to mitigate climate change, driving force for sustainable economic development
The ENGP aims to rehabilitate an estimated 7.1 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands from 2016 to 2028. Lopez is a member of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, which was created under Executive Order No. 879 signed in 2010 by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to promote the development of the country’s bamboo sector.
Environment Secretary Gina Lopez delivered a keynote address to discuss the DENR’s plan to establish one million hectares of bamboo plantation in critical watershed areas and other sites covered by the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP) within the The next six years. bamboo
national brought
symposium on together some
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200 experts, policymakers and key stakeholders in the bamboo sector to discuss the role of bamboo in climate mitigation and how to increase its promotion as a suitable replacement for timber and other materials in construction and other works. Other speakers included Senator Legarda, Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman of CCC, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Ilocos Sur Rep. Victorino Savellano.
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the root system survives and continues Among the topics discussed to store carbon as the harvested stems were Bamboo Biology, Bamboo are being replaced. Utilization, Bamboo Enterprise, Bamboo Of the 1,000 species of bamboo on Post-Harvest Technologies, and Policy the planet, 49 of them grow abundantly and Advocacy Support for Bamboo. in the Philippines. This gives the country Participants had the opportunity the potential to become the second to witness the various uses of bamboo largest bamboo producer in the world, and learn about the opportunities in next only to China whose current the bamboo value chain, particularly in market share is around 50 percent. the establishment of community-based In 2009, the Philippines ranked enterprises in rural areas. sixth as the biggest exporter of bamboo Bamboo is among the fastest- products worldwide, with a total export growing plants, growing at up to one value reaching US$30 million. meter a day. It is considered a high The international market value of value for mitigating climate change given its fast biomass production and commercial bamboo reached US$20 billion in 2015, owing to the growing renewability. demand for eco-friendly alternative to The resource plant has been wood to conserve the world’s remaining proven to sequester more carbon at 400 forests. percent per unit area and gives off 35 Bamboo can reach maturity percent more oxygen than other trees. The bamboo dies if left unattended for in five years and can be harvested once every two years for about 100 to more than 10 years. 120 years. It belongs to the Poaceae However, if bamboo stems are (Gramineae) family of grass, just like harvested properly and at the right time, sugarcane and corn. (DENR)
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Photo Gallery SEMI-ANNUAL WATER DISTRICT MANAGERS’ CONFERENCE Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 22 November 2016
Mindanao Peace Studies Conference II PEACE & DEVELOPMENT
CBE Function Hall, FSUU, Butuan City 22 November 2016
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