Caraga InFocus –November 19-25, 2022

Orange balloons signal enduring support to women

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Two years past since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) Caraga has never failed to initiate lined-up activities for the annual observance of the 18Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12.

For this year, the RGADC chaired by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga highlighted the conduct of “Orange your Vehicle” Motorcade within the thoroughfares of Butuan City going to Philippine Science High School - Caraga Region Campus open court, where a short program was also held.

As participants from the different sectors traversed the national highways with orange balloons decorated outside their vehicles, it caught the attention of the locals and grasped the message of protecting the rights and welfare of the women and children.

government agencies in addressing VAW and various gender issues.

Atty. Aurora Luanne CembranoRamos, Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga and former RGADC chair, reiterated that the Orange your Icon Campaign endeavored to strengthen the VAW advocacy by encouraging new audiences to participate in ending VAW.

and capacity development sessions to improve service delivery for their clients; develop monitoring and evaluation strategies to assess the service to your clients’ supporters; and let people know that they provide the services. “We need to inform the public that there are government offices that they can turn to and trust to assist them towards healing and seeking justice,” she added.

Hence, the float highlighted the continuous call to end different forms of violence against women, and highlight the efforts/mandates of the

“With the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), this initiative enjoins government offices and private organizations nationwide to color its major landmarks or icons with orange from November 25 to December 12 of every year in line with the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. Since 2015, this initiative aims to attract and spark public’s curiosity which provides opportunities for advocates to explain and to declare their support to the antiVAW advocacy. This will also serve as a springboard for public discourse, and for disseminating the message of zero tolerance for VAW,” relayed Atty. Ramos.

She also encouraged the government employees to equip themselves with apt trainings

With the new RGADC chair in the person of Regional Director Alexander Makinano of POPCOM Caraga, who is also an active advocate of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE), the member-agencies are looking forward for another fruitful year in 2023 with new set of meaningful activities.

Dir. Makinano stressed that family planning and responsible parenthood would create a better environment for children and couples, and prevent possibilities of getting involved in domestic violence. “This is why we continue to promote programs on family planning and responsible parenthood to every family in the barangays and educate them of the consequences should they cause

any harm to women and their children,” he said.

Also, along with other government agencies in the region, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by Regional Director Venus Garcia, has intensified its efforts and maximized the Agency’s platforms to reach more vulnerable sectors and inculcate in them the consciousness of good family ties and prevent any family member experience any form of violence and abuse.

“We will continue to intensify our concerted efforts in promoting women’s rights and empower them in any way possible, as well as innovate programs and activities that will encourage our children and youth to stand for their rights and become responsible citizens. We, in PIA Caraga, strongly support advocacy of our partners that contribute to the general well-being of the women and children,” bared Dir. Garcia.

PIA Caraga has also put in place its Orange your Corner inside the regional office, to remind every

employee to respect each other and their spaces, and continue to work harmoniously amidst difference of personalities.

Other lined-up activities

Starting November 28 to December 2, the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) has also partnered with SM City Butuan for the setting up of the Orange Help Desk and “Sanina Ko, Pagbuo Ko” exhibit. On the following day, November 29, the RGADC also spearheaded the Regional Orientation on Men Oppose to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) Year 2 via Zoom platform.

A Regional GAD Resource Pool (RGRP) Return Demonstration was also scheduled on December 1-2, 2022 by RGADC in Butuan City.

The RIACAT-VAWC also initiated the following activities in the month of December: 1) Buntis Congress to 100 Pregnant Pantawid Pamilya and Non-Pantawid Women in the Province of Dinagat Islands on December 6;

2) Regional Quiz Bowl for VAW Desk Officers and Barangay Captains and Culmination Activity at the Events Center of SM City Butuan on December 12.

Meanwhile, posting of Safe Spaces streamers in Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited Tourism establishments was successfully conducted within the duration of the campaign.

About 18-Day Campaign to End VAW

The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. By virtue of Republic Act 10398 or the Act declaring November 25 of every year as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC, government agencies are mandated to raise awareness on the problem of violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

Globally, the 16-day

action against genderbased violence has been acknowledged to support the international campaign that originated from the first Women Leadership Institute at Reuters University, New Jersey, USA in 1991. The observance of this campaign started on November 25, which is the International Day to Eliminate VAW up to December 10, which is the International Human Rights Day, to emphasize that VAW is a human rights violation and to ensure better protection for survivors and victims of violence.

In 2002, the Philippine Government, through the

Philippine Commission on Women and key stakeholders joined the global campaign, initially to push for laws and the establishment of institutional mechanisms to address VAW.

In 2006, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation 1172, extending the national campaign to 18 days, thereby including December 12, a historic date that marked the signing in the year 2000 of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children,

to supplement the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes.

The campaign was further strengthened in 2008 when the United Nations Secretary General launched the UNiTE to End VAW Campaign, which envisions a world free from all forms of violence against women and girls. For the UN, this vision can only be realized through meaningful actions and ongoing political commitments of national governments, supported by adequate resources. (JPG/PCW/ PIA-Caraga)

News Briefs

pag-gabay, at sa oportunidad na matuto ng basic sign language.

A team from Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, participating and covering kickoff activities for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) in Butuan City.

The 8th Mindanao

Peace Studies Conference

hosted by Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan City from November 22 to 23, 2022, hopes to bring scholars and key persons together through a face-to-face conference with the goal of exchanging relevant trainings and experiences in the context of resilience and harmonizing peace efforts in Mindanao.

xx Regional Career Advocacy Congress held at the LMX Convention Center in Butuan City is anchored on the theme “Learn. Adapt. Thrive: Rising Above Employment Challenges of Post-Pandemic Future.” This activity is initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga headed by Atty. Joffrey Suyao, in collaboration with other government agencies to include the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The Department

Mga kawani ng CHR caraga, natuto ng basic Filipino sign language

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -Nagtapos sa dalawang buwang pagsasanay sa Filipino Sign Language (FSL) ang mga kawani ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga sa tulong ng Agusan National High School (ANHS) at Butuan Deaf Association (BDA).

Sa culmination activity na nataon sa commemoration ng Deaf Awareness Week na ginanap sa isang mall sa Butuan City, ipinakita ng mga kawani ng CHR Caraga ang kanilang

natutunan sa pamamagitan ng pag-interpret ng sayaw gamit ang sign language.

Isa si Ace Jefferson Labita, Special Investigator ng CHR Caraga sa mga kalahok at siyang naging valedictorian sa nasabing pagsasanay.

Sa kanyang mensahe, ipinaabot niya ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga lecturers maging sa mga estudyante na kabilang sa deaf community dahil sa kanilang pagta-tyaga sa pagtuturo at

Ayon kay Atty. Aurora Luanne Cembrano-Ramos, Regional Director ng CHR Caraga, mahalaga na maging inclusive ang ipinapatupad na mga programa at serbisyo ng gobyerno at makinabang dito ang persons with disabilities o taong may kapansanan.

Sa pagkakaroon aniya ng kasanayan sa sign language, mas magiging madali ang komunikasyon ng bawat ahensya at mga kliyente nitong may kapansanan lalo na ang mga bingi at pipi.

“Napapanahon na para tayo po sa gobyerno ay magkaroon ng mas epektibong mekanismo na inclusive para sa lahat ng sektor kabilang na ang ating mga Persons with Disabilities o PWDs,” ani Atty. Ramos.

Samantala, nanawagan din si Christine Podadera, Special Education Teacher ng ANHS sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan na maging sensitibo at maging maayos sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga PWDs.

“Hindi man magiging madali ang pagiging hasa at sanay sa paggamit ng sign language pero mas maigi pa ring may alam tayo sa paggamit nito sa ating pakikipag usap sa mga PWD lalo na sa mga bingi at pipi,” banggit ni Podadera.

Lumagda rin sa isang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) ang CHR Caraga kasama ang ANHS at BDA upang maipagpatuloy ang pagsagawa ng training sa FSL hanggang sa susunod pang tatlong taon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

of Health (DOH) Caraga, National Tuberculosis Program holds the 4th quarter meeting of the Regional Coordinating Committee, participated by different partner agencies, health offices’ representatives, and other stakeholders.

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Mga riders sa Caraga region nakiisa sa Motourismo Campaign ng DOT

Nasa isang-daan at limampung (150) mga Caraganon-riders ang nakiisa sa “Riders Recharge Year 3Motourismo Campaign” ng Department of Tourism (DOT) sa Caraga region na layong maipakita at mapalawig pa ang kaalaman ng mga turista sa magagandang lugar sa rehiyon.

Dagdag pa ni Director Arina, malaki ang tulong na maiaambag ng mga riders sa pag-promote ng turismo ng caraga region lalo na at karamihan din sa mga ito ay vloggers.

kagandahan ng mga tourist destination ng ating rehiyon,” ani Dir. Arina.

ako na madiskobre at makita ko mismo ang magagandang tourist destinations ng mga probinsya kasama ang aking mga kaibigan at bagong kakilalang riders,” banggit ni Concha. “Magiging masaya ang ride na ito at tiyak na marami kaming makikitang magagandang lugar sa mga probinsyang dadaanan naming,” dagdag ni Concha.

Ayon kay DOT Caraga Regional Director Lina Arina, isa itong libreng leisure ride ngayong new normal at hindi kompetisyon kaya dapat na i-enjoy lang ng mga kalahok ang biyahe.

“Pangatlong taon na natin itong ginagawa at masaya tayo ngayon na mas marami na ang nakalahok. Noong kasagsagan ng COVID-19 pandemic, konti lang ang nakasali na abot lang sa isang-daan, habang nasa 150 na tayo ngayon. Umaasa rin tayo na mas mapalawak pa natin sa tulong na rin ng ating mga riders ang

Hinikayat din nina Sayra Concha mula sa Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, at Reynald Malinte mula sa San Francisco, Agusan del Sur na kabilang sa mga aktibong lumahok, ang iba pang riders na sumuporta at tuklasin ang magagandang lugar sa rehiyon at ibahagi ito sa mga turista.

“First time ko pong sumali sa Rides Recharge Motourismo Campaign ng DOT at excited

Para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng lahat at maiwasan ang aksidente, pinaalalahanan din ni Police Major Andrew Ponay, Provincial Officer ng Highway Patrol Group ng Surigao City ang lahat ng mga kalahok sa mga alituntunin at traffic rules.

“Palaging isaisip ang traffic rules sa ating byahe para maging ligtas ang lahat at makabalik tayo nang maayos. May mga personnel din tayong nakaantabay sa iba’t-ibang stop over areas para tiyakin ang ating seguridad,” pahayag ni MPaj Ponay.

Mula Butuan City, nilibot

ng Caraganon-riders ang mga lugar ng Agusan del Sur - Surigao del Sur

-

Surigao del Norte - at Agusan del Norte. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

ADN governor challenges LGUs on Crisis and DRR Management

well, we are not only going to save resources, we are going to save lives” Gov. Amante reiterated.

“We are here because we have to learn, and our learnings, we have to implement it. That is really for Agusan del Norte” emphasized by governor Amante to the participants.

DA-RAFC CARAGA ENTERS PARTNERSHIP WITH BUTUAN DIOCESE

Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante of the province of Agusan del Norte, encouraged and challenged the Local Government Units in the province to develop an accurate in-depth plan with regard to Crisis and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Management with the help of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) through trainings and seminars for the effective implementation of their respective Crisis and DRR Management.

In her message during the recent Crisis and DRR Management: Codesign Workshop for the Development of Local Risk and Resilience Index for the Province of Agusan del Norte, governor Amante said that there are some areas in the province where facilities and establishments are built

along frontline and danger zone areas.

“I have my first clients earlier, who have been displaced because of the rising tide that we cannot control. They are fisherfolk and we have to relocate them. Problems like this can be prevented if there is a right planning in our municipalities” the governor said.

“If we will not plan ahead in an anticipation of the danger zones in our areas, your resources will be eaten up by all of these problems” she added.

Gov. Amante emphasized the importance of the said training and seminar on how it can help the LGUs to create a plan and implement it in their respective areas.

“If we are going to plan it

The 2-day seminar and workshop covered the following discussions: a) Assessing Resilience-What does it mean for Philippine LGUs?; b) Exposing Exposure and Making Sense of Sensitivity; c) Measuring Risk Reduction Capacity and Recovery Potential; and d) All Together Now: Coming Up with a Composition Index.

The workshop also covers Validating Initial List if Resilience Indicators; and Testing the Local Resilience Index for Agusan del Norte LGUs.

Present at the said event were Lead Facilitator Dr. Kristoffer Berse, DILG Provincial Director Ellen Chua, Board Member Nieva Famador, President of Mayors League Zenaida Lim, and among others. (Karen Decamotan, photos by RFA, LGU Agusan del Norte)

The Department of Agriculture Caraga, through the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) on Monday sealed a partnership with the Diocese of Butuan’s Diocesan Renewal Center Inc. to engage faith-based organizations in optimizing unutilized land and enabling them to generate income that bolsters food security at the household level at the DA-Caraga.

RAFC-Caraga Chairperson Christopher Lindo together with RTD Rebecca Atega and Butuan City Agriculturist Engr. Pierre Anthony D. Joven signed the partnership agreement with the Diocese of Butuan Archbishop Most Reverend Cosme Damian R. Almedilla, D.D., and the Diocese of Butuan Director for Social Action Center – Justice and Peace Rev. Stephen M. Brongcano.

The partnership plays an important role in capacitating the basic ecclesial communities or the gagmayng katilingban in terms of agri-fishery activities that not just help attain food security but provide a livelihood to residnets. The program campaign will be facilitated by the Butuan Diocesan Renewal Center, Inc. (BDRCI), which serves as a representative and ministerial body of different groups within the parish.

“This project will be cascaded in all parishes of the two provinces, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. It will be part of a component that should be prioritized since this is for food security and additional livelihood as well,” Archbishop Most Rev. Almedilla said.

RAFC-Caraga Chair Lindo also added that the council’s policy agenda is leaning towards becoming a ‘one store has it all’ program where technology, innovation, and information can be accessed in just one stop.

The DA-RAFC Caraga’s Agrikultura ug Pangisda sa Parokya Program is one of the three priority policy agendas laid by Mr. Lindo since he took the post of Farmer Director earlier in May this year.

The alliance is expected to pave the way for considerable progress in addressing food security and to deepen the private-public partnership’s commitment to agriculture and fisheries development. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, DA13-RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PROVINCIAL MEN’S DAY, GISALUOG SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Gisaulog sa Probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang ika5 ka tuig nga Provincial Men’s Day nga selebrasyon sa nagkadaiyang local government units (LGUs) sa probinsya sa pagpanguna sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) ubos sa programa sa Commission on Population and Development (PoPCom).

Subay kini sa nasudnong selebrasyon sa International Men’s Day ingon man ang Provincial Men’s Day.

Tumong sa maong aktibidad, maka-mugna

ug kaamgohan sa mga kalalakin-an mahitungod sa ilang dakung kontribusyon sa ilang pamilya ingon man sa katilingban.

Ang usa ka semana nga selebrasyon gisugdan niadtong Nobyembre 15 sa lungsod sa Jabonga ug Buenavista; Nobyembre 16 sa RTR ug Magallanes; Nobyembre 17 sa Santiago ug Cabadbaran City; ug sa Nobyembre 18 sa Provincial Covered Court.

Kalabot sa maong selebrasyon, mi-agi usab ang mga kalalakin-an sa

LGU Personnel, Uniformed Personnel, Barangay Tanods ug pagtuon kun pagbansaybansay mahitungod sa family planning, awareness among men’s challenges ug concerns ug uban pa.

Nakadawat usab sila og mga foodpacks, bugas ug uban pa gikan sa Probinsyal nga Panggamhanan.

Ang maong selebrayon nahimong institutionalized subay sa Provincial Ordinance Number 2017447. (Karen Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PASIAW SA KATIGULANGAN, MALIPAYONG GIPAHIGAYON SA RTR

Daku kaayo ang kalipay sa tanang mga senior citizens sa tagsa-tagsa ka barangay sa lungsod sa Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte human kini nagsaulog sa ilang Pasiaw Sa Katigulangan cum Assembly uban ni Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante kaniadtong Huwebes, Nobyembre 24 sa Municipal Gymnasium sa maong lungsod.

Mokabat sa kapin isa ka libo ka mga katigulangan ang miduyog sa maong selebrasyon ug nagpasundayag sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka talento ang matag barangay pinaagi sa Indigay sa Pagsayaw, Kanta ug Balak.

Nagmalipayon usab si Gob. Angel Amante tungod sa nakita niya nga aktibo nga partisipasyon ug suporta sa matag usa.

“Happy kaayo ko karon nga nakita mo nga nagmalipayon. Daku kaayo mo nga kabahin

ngano naay RTR. Kay kamo gyud ang nagsugod. Wala ang RTR kung wala mo” matud pa sa Gobernador.

Gawas sa mga nasangpit nga pasundayag, nagpahigayon usab ug Medical Mission sa susamang adlaw sama sa Dental, General nga Konsultasyon sa random blood sugar, x-ray, ug pagpanghatag og eye glasses, mosquito net ug minor surgeries.

Atol sa maong aktibidad, mihatag usab si Gob. Angel Amante ug ang buhatan ni Kong. Dale B. Corvera og pahalipay nga P1,000 matag usa sa adunay presentasyon. Ug laing P20,000 nga kantidad matag barangay isip regalo sa mga senior citizens alang sa pagsaulog sa kapaskohan.

Mapasalamaton usab ang tanang katigulangan nga mitambong sa maong kalihokan. (Karen Decamotan, hulagway kuha ni Reuben Te, LGU Agusan dle Norte)

DISABILITY AFFAIRS OFFICES NG PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE, NAKATANGGAP NG COMPUTER SETS

MULA NCDA

Patuloy ang suporta, pagtunton at pagrehistro ng mga persons with disabilities o PWDs sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte upang mabigyan ng karampatang tulong at matugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan.

Sa tulong ng National Council on Disabilities Affairs o NCDA, binigyan ng tig-iisang desktop

computer set ang bawat local government ng Agusan del Norte upang patuloy na marehistro ang lahat ng kanilang mga PWDs. Laking pasasalamat ni governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amnate sa ibinigay na tulong ng NCDA, kaya’t hinikayat nya ang mga opisyales ng mga PWDs na magtulong-tulong upang matunton ang lahat na mga PWDs ng

probinsya at magbigay ng up-to-date, kompleto at tamang impormasyon.

Ayon kay Amante, mahalaga ang mga PWDs kayat karadapdapat silang bigyan ng importansya at tamang atensyon.

Aminado din si Melchor Polea, ang PWD provincial federation president na may

kakulangan pa ang kanilang mga ginagawa ngunit gagawin nila ang lahat upang maabot nila ang kapwa nila mga PWDs. Taos-puso ang kanyang pasasalamat sa NCDA, sa provincial government at sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office sa todong suporta na ibinibigay sa kanila. Tinuruan din ang mga PWDs kung paano gamitin ang Philippine Registry Online for PWDs gamit ang bigay na computer set kung saan lahat ng mga PWDs ay nakatala.

Nangako din si NCDA executive director Joniro Fradejas na patuloy ang suportang ibibigay sa mga PWD sa probinsya at nangako din siya

namakakatanggap din ng tablet ang mga studyanteng PWDs sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

KAMPANYA BATOK SA PAGPANGABUSO

SA KABABAKHIAN, HUGTANG GIPATUMAN SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Gisubhan karong adlawa, Nobyembre 25, sa Provincial Capitol lobby, ang 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women nga nagtala sa nasudnong kampanya nga gitawag og “United for a VAW-FREE Philippines” niing tuiga.

Ubos sa kadumalahan ni Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Dale B. Corvera, ang maong programa gipangunahan sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) sa pagpangulo ni Silver Joy Tejano.

Sumala pa ni Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Calo, isip representante ni Gob. Angel Amante, gipasabot niya nga mahuman lamang kini nga kampanya kung mahuman na usab ang pagpangabuso batok sa kababainhan. Dugang niya, nanginahanglan kini og suporta dili lamang sa mga kababainhan lakip na usab sa mga kalalakinhan.

Gipunting sa probinsya subay sa nasudnong kampanya nga mapakita ang talagsaong

panaghiusa sa matag indibidwal uban sa pakigtambayayong sa tanang ahensya sa panggamhanan aron makab-ot ang tinguha nga mahimong VAW-FREE ang lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ingon man ang tibuok nasod.

Gisulong usab karun sa probinsya nga suportahan nga mahimong gender-based sexual harassment-free (GBSH) ang matag establisemento subay sa Republic Act 11313 o ang Safe Spaces Act.

Gisugdan ang maong kalihokan og usa ka motorcade ug nagtanyag usab ang probinsya ug libreng Health and Wellness Caravan alang sa tanang empleyado sa kapitolyo agi og pakigtambabayong sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) ug Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Miduyog usab ug suporta sila Board Members Inez Rosario-Amante, Nieva Famador, Rodulfo Pitogo, uban sa mga hepe ug empleyado sa kapitolyo. (Karen Decamotan, hulagway kuha ni Reuben Te, LGU Agusan dle Norte)

MHIDUSDMA CORN CLUSTER IN TAGBINA RECEIVES FARM TRACTOR

FROM DA-CARAGA

TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur -- The Maglatab, Hinagdanan, Doña Carmen, Ugoban, Sta. Maria, Sta. Juana (MHIDUSSMA) Corn Cluster of Tagbina received a unit of farm tractor with complete set of implements worth P2.250M from the Department of Agriculture-Caraga headed by Regional Executive Director (RED) Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate Jr, recently.

witnessed by APCO Surigao del Sur Provincial office chief June Anthony S. Ouano, Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete, Vice-Major Generoso Naraiso, Barangay Officials of Doña Carmen, Faculty staff of Doña Carmen National High School, Officers and members of MHIDUSSMA Corn cluster.

The officials and members of MHIDUSSMA Corn Cluster were grateful as they received the unit.

RED Onate led the ceremonial turn over in Barangay Doña Carmen, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

The turn over was

DA-Regional Corn Program Focal Person, Melody M. Guimary highlighted the different responsibilities of the parties in maintaining the smooth operation of the unit and maximizing its capability.

“The wait is over as we now have the farm tractor which we dreamt for so long” MHIDUSSMA Chairman Roberto T. Laolao said during his acceptance speech. According to Laolao, the farm tractor will expand their production area which will result in the increase of their yield while reducing the production cost. (NGPB/ APCO-SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PRDP CARAGA RPAB APPROVES

P141M AGRI PROJECTS FOR SURSUR

Three proposed agricultural enterprise subprojects received an approval from the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Philippine Rural Development Project Caraga (PRDP).

The approved subprojects are as follows:

1. Tuna Processing and Marketing of Mangagoy Farmers Fisherfolk and Community Multi-purpose Cooperative (MAFISCO-MPC) in Bislig City;

2. Consolidation and Processing of Green Coffee Beans of San Nicolas Development Cooperative (SANIDECO) in Doña Carmen, Tagbina;

3. Abaca Fiber Production, Processing and Marketing of Kababayenhan Alang sa mga Malamboong Panginabuhian (KAMAANAN) in Brgy. Pakwan, Lanuza. Tuna Processing and Marketing has a

total project cost of Php 125,628,300, while the consolidation and processing of Green Coffee Beans amounting to Php 9,337,425 and the Abaca Fiber Production and Processing is worth 6,729,695.

The funds will come from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), Local Government Units, and the counterpart of the proponent groups authorized to implement and sustain the projects.

The proponent groups expressed their gratitude to the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) and the DAPRDP. They are very hopeful that these projects will boost productivity, livelihood, and employment in their respective lgu and the province of Surigao de Sur. (OPAG-SDS/PIASurigao del Sur)

CARRASCALANONS RECEIVE RECOGNITION DURING AGRI-AWARDS 2022 IN BUTUAN CITY

Emily P. Nimes, owner of Emily Integrated Farm in Barangay Gamuton, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur received a plaque of recognition as 2nd runner up for the Outstanding Rural Women in Agriculture and a cash prize during Agri Awards 2022 at Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City last November 25, 2022.

Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the said activity aimed to

encourage women in the country as partners in agriculture development.

Women’s distinction and efforts which involve farming and other agrirelated initiatives will serve as the foundation for regaining interest in farming and cultivation.

Mrs. Nimes showed her passion shifting from teaching to farming - her first love as a job.

public school teacher and invested her time and money in establishing a diversified farm eventually she collaborated with the local agriculture on some technical input to be in tune with her passion.

She resigned as a

As such, she was recognized because of her best farming practices and capability to teach others with the same interest. (Carrsacal FITS-Center/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DOLE, PRC TRAIN FIRST AIDERS IN AGUSAN DEL SUR

In coordination with the Philippine Red Cross-Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-Agsur), the Department of Labor and Employment Agusan del Sur Field Office (DOLE ADSFO) recently trained some fifty (50) representatives from 16 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as Occupational First Aiders, held at Mabe’s Savory Place, San Francisco, this province.

PRC-Agsur Chapter Service Representative Leopoldo C. Pinco, conducted the First Aid Training which included Basic Life Support Training, CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Artificial External Defibrillator (AED) Training, Bandaging Techniques, and Basic Knowledge of Occupational health diseases.

The participants were also oriented on Department Order (DO) 198: Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11058 Entitled “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” by DOLE ADSFO Labor and Employment Officer Rey P. Dumalaba.

One of the attendees, Mr. Keejay Brian P. De Jesus of Premio CorporationBarobo, commended the department for continuously conducting safety and health trainings in the province. “Thank you to DOLE Agusan del Sur for this initiative and for facilitating the conduct of Safety Officer and First Aid trainings,” De Jesus said.

The two-day training was concluded by the conduct of actual examinations, presentation of learned training techniques, and simulation of scenarios that may reflect in everyday events. All participants were graded based on their performance thru-out the course.

Complementary to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Personnel requirement, establishments earlier attended Safety Officer 1 Training conducted last October 24,2022, in the same venue. Trained Safety Officer 1 and Certified First Aider are the basic requirements for OSH Personnel for low-risk establishments as per RA 11058 and D.O 198. (RPD, LEO III/DOLE ADSFO/PIAAgusan del Sur)

PBBM EYES TO BRING DOWN RICE PRICES THIS CHRISTMAS

him, President Marcos said, was the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) on the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) of San Miguel Corp. and Meralco, which could raise electricity rates.

PBBM: SURVEY SHOWING MOST PINOYS BELIEVE PH ON THE RIGHT PATH ‘VERY ENCOURAGING’

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr on Tuesday said he hopes the nationwide implementation of the “Kadiwa ng Pasko” project could lower rice prices this holiday season.

“The 20 pesos was really the goal, the dream is paabutin natin ng 20 pesos. We are trying to do… we are continuing with the transfer payments that we have begun with. We are going to widen the scope of the Kadiwa,” President Marcos said in an interview with the media in Los Baños, Laguna.

“The Kadiwa was always conducted sa LGU at ang LGU level, individually.

Ngayon, ginawa na naming national program. Sinama na natin lahatlahat nung mga Kadiwa. I’m hoping that we can – we will see some adjustment in prices for Christmas and it looks like baka naman swertehin tayo,” the President pointed out.

The “Kadiwa ng Pasko” project is seen to benefit thousands of farmers and fisherfolk by providing them additional profits.

Through the nationwide launch of Kadiwa centers, farmers will be freed from the control of unscrupulous traders and middlemen. But what’s bugging

The administration is working to find ways to prevent power prices from increasing at least during the Christmas season to avoid imposing additional burden on the people, according to the President.

“If we could postpone and padahan-dahanin lang natin kung tataas naman. Dahan-dahanin ang pagtaas. Masyado nang mahirap – masyado nang nahirapan ang tao,” Marcos said.

The government fears the temporary suspension of the PSA implementation will consequently expose registered Meralco consumers in the National Capital Region and other areas in Central Luzon and Calabarzon to higher cost of electricity. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday described as “very encouraging” the latest survey showing a big majority of Filipinos believe the country is headed in the right direction under his administration.

“Well, of course, it’s very encouraging that people think that we are moving in the right direction,” the President told the press during his visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna.

Based on the 4th quarter of 2022 Tugon ng Masa survey of OCTA, 85 percent of Filipino adults strongly agree that the Philippines is headed in the right direction, with only 6 percent expressing disagreement.

President Marcos said it is vital for government policies and programs to be felt by Filipinos across all socioeconomic classes.

“It crosses demographics, the number is more or less the same across the demographics. So that is important to me because

every class of society must feel that they are being served by the government,” the chief executive pointed out.

“And with that kind of statistic, then it looks like we have at least — we have made the government felt at every level of society. That’s what’s important to me,” the President said.

According to the OCTA survey, 91 percent of Filipino adults in the Visayas believe the chief executive is steering the country well, while 87 percent in Balance Luzon and 84 percent in Mindanao affirmed this.

Capital Region believe the country is headed in the right direction under the Marcos administration.

By socio-economic classes, Class D or the lower middle class registered the highest agreement that the country is headed in the right direction, registering 86 percent.

The OCTA survey was conducted on Oct. 23-27 with 1,200 adult respondents.

Meanwhile, 70 percent of Filipino adults in the National

Filipino respondents were asked the question: “Based on the policies and programs presented and implemented by the current administration, do you think the country is leading in the right way?” | PND

PBBM SEEKS SUSTAINABLE RICE

VALUE CHAINS; REAFFIRMS VOW TO MODERNIZE RICE INDUSTRY

is, according to the President.

“The pandemic and the situation in Ukraine have been a glaring reminder of how fundamental the agricultural sector is and food supply is to not only in the Philippines but to the entire world,” the chief executive said.

over the years in the development of climateresilient, high-yielding rice varieties and farming technologies that significantly improved farmers’ productivity, profitability, and competitiveness all over the world.

the President said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday rallied stakeholders to support the government in elevating the current condition of the Philippine rice industry and pushing for sustainable rice value chains.

vibrant agri-food industry in the Philippines.

In his visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna, President Marcos raised the need to adopt supportive policies to modernize the rice sector as part of a

“There are new technologies that address the problems that we are facing, and that those technologies are beginning to be disseminated down to the local farmers,” the President said in his speech.

“We hope to strengthen those partnerships because we very much need — not only to be able to disseminate or to provide these new varieties, the new techniques — but we also have to have a more focused approach to how we deal with the agricultural sector to the rice lands in the Philippines,” the President pointed out.

“I think that there is no way that I could overstate the importance of the work that you were doing. And so you – I have received so many thank yous from all of you. And I feel that perhaps it should I, it should be us from the Philippines who should be thanking you for the continuing thirst for knowledge that you have shown,” Marcos said.

In his visit to the IRRI, President Marcos was briefed about the various initiatives being done to improve crop resilience, which includes direct seeding of rice, which is the process of putting up a rice crop from seeds sown in the field. It offers a more sustainable and environmentfriendly option, reducing the labor and cost of rice production while significantly lowering water use and greenhouse gas emissions.

such as spillage, animals, weather, and vehicles running over the grains.

For seed storage, President Marcos was briefed about the Hermetic Storage System, wherein airtight seed storage containers in various sizes help reduce oxygen and moisture penetration, minimizing losses from insects and rot and helping preserve grain quality for longer.

Global issues, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, reminded the world of “how fundamental” the agriculture sector

The President, who as head of the DA and is also an ex-officio member of IRRI’s Board of Trustees, recognized IRRI’s vigor and success

President Marcos said agricultural technologies are being pursued as rice crops face risks from higher fertilizer prices and challenges in water management.

Laser Land Leveling (LLL), on the other hand, is a laser-guided mechanized system to redistribute soil across a field for a leveled and uniform cultivation area, significantly improving water and input efficiency and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions of paddy farming.

IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. It has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa and employs more than 1,000 staff.

“And as I’ve said, it gives me hope to see the research that we were doing is headed exactly in those directions that we feel are going to be necessary — that we have to develop further,”

Solar Bubble Dryer, meanwhile, is a lowcost seed drying technology that can be set up anywhere, eliminating losses from traditional sun drying

The IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers and protecting the ricegrowing environment for future generations. | PND

PBBM’S FISHCORE PROJECT TO BENEFIT MORE THAN 350,00 FISHERFOLK IN 24 PROVINCES

areas (FMAs).

FishCoRe’s project components include supporting the development and implementation of appropriate fisheries management policies, establishing support facilities for the rehabilitation of coastal and maritime habitats and improving institutional capacities for strengthened enforcement.

MOST PINOYS BELIEVE PH ON THE RIGHT TRACK UNDER

PBBM ADMIN

Most Filipinos believe the country is headed in the right direction under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the latest survey results released by OCTA Research showed.

Some 354,905 registered fisherfolk in 24 provinces are expected to benefit from the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, which was designed to address the problems in the fishery sector, reducing poverty incidence and ensuring food security.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who also heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), is fully supportive of the project as this will “benefit the poorest of the poor” among the fisherfolk in 24 provinces.

Aside from the 26,877 jobs that could be created, proponents of the FishCoRe Project expect it to contribute to the Marcos administration, whose main thrust is ensuring food security and resiliency through improved aquaculture production, increased fish stocks, provision of diversified livelihood opportunities and higher incomes for fisherfolk.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has approved P11.2 billion to finance the FishCoRe project, which will be covering coastal and marine areas of about 32 million hectares

scattered in 24 provinces where fishing communities abound.

Of the P11.2 billion total project cost, P9.6 billion will come from the official development assistance (ODA) provided by the World Bank (WB).

The remaining P660.6 million will be shouldered by the government through the DA’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while the remaining P1.16 billion will come from private sector partners and beneficiary groups or cooperatives.

The FishCoRe project was conceptualized to address the problems in the fishery sector, such as declining fish catch, high postharvest losses, and high poverty incidence among fisherfolk.

The seven-year investment will support the implementation of reforms in fishery and aquaculture management in the Philippines aimed at improving the management of the country’s fishery resources and enhancing the value of fisheries production in selected fisheries management

FishCoRe also seeks to establish fisheries infrastructure and facilities and provide livelihood and enterprise development assistance to Filipino fisherfolk.

President Marcos fully backs the FishCoRe project and he made this known during his first meeting with NEDA officials in Malacañang last Thursday.

The President said it is projected that a few decades from now, there will be more saltwater fish cultivation as a result of overfishing, noting the timeliness of the FishCoRe project.

“So we have to get into the industry. We’ve been pushing it since we started using fingerlings to the Pangasinan aquaculture.

‘Yung grow-out doon sa amin… after the grow-out, we will send them to Pangasinan,” Marcos told NEDA officials.

“For some reason hindi nagfoflourish ‘yung aquaculture, hindi na nade-develop. That’s why this is important for me. I think this is where — if not all, it will be part of our food supply. It will give very good income for our fisherfolk,” Marcos pointed out. #

Based on the 4th quarter of 2022 Tugon ng Masa survey of OCTA, 85 percent of Filipino adults said the Philippines is headed in the right direction, with only 6 percent expressing disagreement.

direction under the Marcos administration.

In the major areas, 91 percent of Filipino adults in the Visayas believe the chief executive is steering the country well, while 87 percent in Balance Luzon and 84 percent in Mindanao affirmed this. Meanwhile, 70 percent of Filipino adults in the National Capital Region believe the country is headed in the right

By socio-economic classes, Class D or the lower middle class registered the highest agreement that the country is headed in the right direction, registering 86 percent.

On the other hand, 81 percent of those under Class E, or the “poorest of the poor,” and 79 percent of Classes ABC, composed mostly of upper middle class, believe the country is on

the right track under the current administration. The OCTA survey was conducted on Oct. 2327 with 1,200 adult respondents. Filipino respondents were asked the question: “Based on the policies and programs presented and implemented by the current administration, do you think the country is leading in the right way?”

According to OCTA, the margin of error of the survey is ±3 percent.

Covid-19 cases may reach 2.3K per

day by end of December: DOH

The country’s tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections could be as high as 2,294 per day by the end of December, according to the Department of Health’s (DOH) projection.

In a Kapihan forum on Tuesday, DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea de Guzman said if the public’s current minimum public health standards (MPHS) compliance remains the same, the average daily cases would only be around 429 by December.

“If our MPHS compliance further decreases, our daily cases will probably range from 1,140 to as high as 2,294 by the end of December and our active cases may also reach a total of 18,000 as of December and these are national numbers,” she added.

Increased public interaction, decreased social distancing and optional wearing of masks during the holidays contribute to reduced MPHS compliance.

The rise in cases would not necessarily translate to a significant increase in the hospital utilization rate if no new variant of concern enters the country.

“The highest number that we will see is actually around 800 admissions and these are NCR data,” De Guzman said.

“Nung Delta ang ating highest number of admissions is around 1,270. Anong ibig sabihin? (During Delta, the highest number of admissions is around 1,270. What does that mean?) Yes, with the more transmissible and immune escaping variant, our hospitalizations will increase but it will not reach the height or the peak of Delta,” she added.

She also noted that improving the vaccination rates when there is a more transmissible variant may decrease peaks by as much as 20 percent.

As of Nov. 27, about 73,592,319 individuals have been fully vaccinated and 20,718,469 have received their booster shots.

The country’s daily average cases from Nov. 21 to 27 was 1,147 -0.3 percent higher than previous week’s 1,147.

About 21.6 percent or 526 out of the 2,430 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in use, while 25.2 percent or 5,169 of 20,508 non-ICU beds are utilized as of Nov. 28.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the PhilippinesEpiscopal Commission on Health Care (CBCP-ECHC) reminded the public to continue to follow the minimum public health standard during gatherings this holiday season.

“Let’s just be prudent in whatever

we do with extra care. Because if we have extra care, somehow we also have safety nets against the threat of this Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” CBCP-ECHC chairperson Oscar Jaime Florencio said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

The Catholic prelate also reminded the faithful to be grateful for the blessings they received, especially for God’s continued protection against the disease.

“Let’s give thanks to the Lord and let’s ask the Lord for help because if he doesn’t help us, no matter what we do, we will really get into the big problem of the threat of Covid,” he said.

Earlier, the Archdiocese of Manila issued a reminder for continued compliance with minimum public health standards against Covid-19 while attending Eucharistic celebrations and other gatherings in churches under the archdiocese. (with Ferdinand Patinio/PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

People walking under the so-called light tunnel at the Quezon Memorial Circle (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

DOH DETECTS 1ST 14 CASES OF BQ.1 IN PH

DOH STUDIES BENEFITS OF 3RD BOOSTER, BIVALENT JABS AS ADD’L DOSE

The Department of Health (DOH) is still looking into pieces of evidence showing the benefits of administering a third booster shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In a media briefing on Friday, DOH officer-inCharge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government ensures the effectiveness and safety of Covid-19 vaccines, especially for the vulnerable population through the studies by the country’s health experts.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday confirmed that it has detected the “highly transmissible and immuneevasive” Omicron BQ.1 subvariant in the country.

In a media forum, DOH officer in charge Maria Rosario Vergeire reported 14 new cases of the BQ.1 subvariant have been recorded to date.

“What we know so far from this BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 would be that it is more transmissible and also it is highly immune-evasive compared to the other

subvariants of Omicron,” she said.

Thirteen of the recorded cases are local cases from the Cordillera, Ilocos, and Central Visayas regions, as well as the National Capital Region.

The DOH has yet to disclose where the remaining case came from.

BQ.1 is an offshoot of the BA.5 Omicron subvariant, which caused the increase in cases in August nationwide, according to health experts. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

“Pero kailangan tanggalin natin sa isip natin, even though there are a lot of vaccines still there in our warehouses, the original ones ay kailangan na natin magbigay kahit wala pang ebidensya (But we need to remove from our thinking, even though there are a lot of vaccines still there in our warehouses, the original ones, we need to administer them despite lack of evidence),” she said.

In Australia, health authorities have recommended against the administration of a third booster shot of Covid-19 vaccine despite reported increase in new infections there.

This, after an evidence from Singapore showed that severe cases and deaths among the fully vaccinated during the recent spike in cases and a third booster shot provided minimal effect on the transmission of coronavirus.

“In terms of giving the third boosters after the second booster, ang tinitingnan ho natin ngayon (what

we’re looking at now) would be this incoming or this second generational vaccines, if we can provide this vulnerable population for the immunocompromised and the healthcare workers,” she added.

Earlier, the DOH said the Health Technology Assessment Council has started the initial discussions on Moderna’s bivalent vaccine against Covid-19.

Moderna has committed to deliver their jabs as early as November or December.

(PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

Ma. Teresa Montemayor

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