Volume IV, No. 48 November 21-27, 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
8 11 13 15 PROVINCIAL NEWS 18 20 23 24 25 28 30 32 33 35 37
Butuan youth launches relief drive for typhoon victims in Luzon NGO donates bond papers, printers to Butuan schools
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Organic agriculture in Caraga region on rising trend 91st Malasakit Center opens in Antique province
AgNor residents benefit from ‘Amomang Agusanon’ program
AgNor village chief grateful for PRLEC-initiated projects
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Construction of dike in Agusan Norte town continues Cassava: A promising crop for Caraga
Surigao Norte town mayor welcomes former rebels in LASICAM villages
DOT welcomes reopening of PH’s surfing capital
CTG member killed in Surigao City shootout Most wanted persons, drug peddler nab in Caraga
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Female NPA rebel surrenders in Surigao Norte Fishers’ group starts to reap fruits of their labor
Bislig SK forms council for youth development
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MINDANAO NEWS
NATIONAL NEWS
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Secretary Andanar urges FOI Stakeholders to leave “Noteworthy” Legacies to Filipinos
4 virtual plays highlight Mindanao Week of Peace celebration
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PCOO: FOI “Revolutionizing” Approach on Public Information Disclosure
From Sea to Mountains: Forward planning key to Philippine food security
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PCOO receives new communication equipment from Megawide
Environment-Friendly Farming - Managing a new industry: Mindanao’s Hass avocado
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52 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 70 72 74
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#NasaPusoKoAngPangulo trends on social media Nograles lays out gov’t plans, programs to fight hunger and poverty amid pandemic 1,000 free housing units distributed to Yolanda victims in Iloilo - Nograles Task Force Zero Hunger, NIA launch anti-hunger campaign drive in Nueva Ecija - Nograles Korea donates close to P10-M to Philippine Red Cross for recent typhoons’ victims Red Cross’ ‘Amazing Grace’ Sails to Catanduanes, keeps torch of hope burning for typhoon victims Prevent Flooding in MM, nearby Provinces, Desilt Laguna de Bay – Gordon PRRD okays 2020 Investment Priorities Plan President Duterte pitches for free, open trade in Asia-Pacific PRRD commits to uphold arbitral award on West PH Sea claim Country must fortify evacuations centers, President Duterte tells lawmakers Gov’t to spend P73.2-billion loan for COVID-19 vaccine procurement
COVID-19 NEWS Obey health protocols to avoid post-holiday Covid-19 surge: PRRD Gov’t, private sector to ink deal for 2-M AstraZeneca vaccines DOH assures funds to buy Covid-19 vaccine
CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
RED CROSS BRINGS “AM TO CATANDUANES
“The Philippine Red Cross has always been about alleviating human suffering, bringing them essentials and not only that – bringing them hope. As the MV Amazing Grace delivers to Catanduanes, it is a
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message that there is deliverance from despair through the mercy of God and through the thousands of people who are with the survivors of Typhoon Rolly. We are in this together,” says PRC Chairman and CEO Sen.
Richard Gordon. The M/V Amazing Grace, the country’s first and only humanitarian vessel, which the Philippine Red Cross commissioned as an ambulance and disaster response ship, is set to Caraga INFOCUS
MAZING GRACE”
deliver much needed relief and assistance to Catanduanes, November 25, Wednesday. The 195-foot military prototype vessel has the capacity to carry 20 ambulances or six trucks loaded with cargo. The ship can weather extremely choppy seas and operate as a cargoCaraga INFOCUS
loaded barge that can bring itself to the shore. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed teams to the Bicol Region in response to Typhoon Rolly (internationally known as Goni), the most powerful storm of 2020, which slammed into Catanduanes on November 1 causing
massive destruction. Amazing Grace is to deliver 1,000 kitchen sets, 1,000 jerry cans or water containers, 1,000 hygiene kits and 500 sets of nonfood items. It will also bring to Catanduanes 2 additional vehicles for better delivery of service and assistance – a minivan and a Willy jeep. Alongside PRC’s Typhoon Rolly operations in Bicol, the Philippine Red Cross has just recently launched another typhoon response as Ulysses caused enormous floods in many areas of the country, submerging most parts of Isabela and Cagayan. PRC is no stranger to typhoons and has acquired vehicles and equipment in order to respond quicker and deliver faster to any disaster, anywhere in the country. Based on its Typhoon Yolanda experience, the team experienced difficulty in delivering goods by land and by air, leading them to acquire a ship which could ferry goods, people, equipment and vehicles to the affected areas. November 21-27, 2020 |
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News Briefs The province of Agusan del Norte was recognized by the Department of Agriculture Caraga as an outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit for its exemplary contribution and support in the implementation of RA 10068 and achievement of the Organic Agriculture Program in Caraga Region. The award was received by OIC Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan. xx
President Rodrigo Dutertr gave his nod for Advance Market Commitment, which would allow the government to start negotiating with big pharmaceutical companies developing COVID-19 vaccines. The government eyes to secure commitments from China’s Sinovac, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. If the government can secure advance commitments from the three vaccine developers, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government can have 60 million doses next year.
You can now raise your concerns and requests to the government by texting the 8888 Complaint Hotline. Just text 8888 for details. Text to 8888 is free of charge. Surface contamination is currently assessed as a probable transmission mode for COVID-19 virus. It is likely to occur when an individual touches a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touches one’s mouth, nose or eyes. Follow the gov’t advice on health protocols.
REGIONAL NEWS
BUTUAN YOUTH LAUNCHES RELIEF DRIVE FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS IN LUZON By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales With thousands of families in Luzon left distressed in the aftermath of typhoons Rolly (Goni) and Ulysses (Vamco), the youth of this city spearheaded various relief drives to aid these families. Youth members of the Akbayanihan Foundation, a non-profit organization, launched a donation drive called ‘Akbayanihan sa Butuan’,
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in partnership with local universities and university organizations. “We felt the need to spearhead this project because we saw that the Butuanon youth, who are affiliated with other organizations, are active in responding to times of crises. This project is a great opportunity to make use of that attitude towards volunteerism
whilst using the youth as a catalyst for change,” said project head Shem Cordova. Proceeds will go to the victims in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly in Caloocan, Catanduanes, Bicol region, and Cagayan Valley. Since its launching on November 12, the relief drive has received Caraga INFOCUS
500 boxes of donated clothes, food, and nonfood items, and 100 liters of water for the relief packs. The team also launched a fundraising drive, hoping to collect at least PhP10,000 to donate for the victims, which they were able to raise successfully. According to Cordova, they will be seeking the assistance of the Philippine Air Force to transport the in-kind donations to the typhoonstruck areas.
as important to shed light and provide assistance as well to the needs of these vulnerable groups,” she said. The kits contain underwear, sanitary napkins, toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, and comb, and washing powder. Donations can be in-kind and in cash. As of November 24, 2020, the youth group has already accumulated PhP 12,705.
Gender and disasters
When the whole nation joined hands for the typhoon victims, youth entrepreneurs Angielyn Maregmen, Gemrose Arcenal, and Lindsay Cedro decided to take part and find ways to donate to those affected by the disaster. With the network they have established through their business called ‘Idol Alley’, where they sell merchandise items mostly for K-Pop fans, at their advantage, they launched a raffle for a cause “80 for a TV”, where participants purchase a raffle ticket for PhP80 to get a chance in winning a 40” television. “As people who are
Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of the city launched a donation drive to create Basic Dignity Kits which contain hygiene products and toiletries for women and children. SK Federation President Cynth Zephanee Nietes said they chose to focus on the unique needs of these sectors, as they are overlooked during crises. “The intimate needs of women and special needs of children do not vanish even during disasters. In addition to providing them their basic necessities, it is just Caraga INFOCUS
‘Our youth, our future’
capable of helping and doing more, we decided to help in ways we can,” said Angielyn Maregmen. Apart from customers, friends, loved ones, and friends of friends also joined the raffle and since its launch on November 14, their little project is now able to accumulate PhP4,000. Some of the funds collected were in part monetary donations from anonymous individuals. The young entrepreneurs also accommodate in-kind donations and will be sent to Akbayanihan Sa Butuan. When asked about their motivator to pursue their initiative, they imparted their belief in the importance of the youth’s actions in the development of not just the community, but of the whole nation. “It has always been said that the youth is the future and that belief can definitely be manifested in helping our countrymen. Today’s youth is enriched with information and experiences, which makes them more suitable agents of change. I also believe that how we use that privilege helps November 21-27, 2020 |
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determine the fate of this nation,” Maregmen said. Arcenal furthered that the change this nation needs lies in the hands of the youth. “By taking part in causes, not only are we igniting hope for these people but also catalyze change. Our capability to help is highly important in generating the change we’ve always yearned for. Taking action guarantees progress, which is what our country truly needs,” she said. Donations are still welcomed by the said groups. To take part in the relief drive of the Akbayanihan
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Foundation, cash donations can be sent via GCash through 0967-804-3296 (Shem Cordova); via bank deposit through the BPI account number of Jade S. Ampong, 8689170464; or Paypal, paypal.me/ jadeampong. For queries, contact Imi Espina, 0956-245-4534, or Shem Cordova, 0930952-3121, or email them at akbayanyouthbxu@ gmail.com. To donate to the SK Federation’s cause, cash donations may be sent via GCash through 0917-122-7764 (Cynth Zephanee 2) and inkind donations may be
dropped off or delivered to New SP Building, City Hall Complex, J. P. Rosales Ave., Brgy. Doongan, Butuan City. For queries, contact 0930-360-3909/0910-8910149/0977-110-8315, the SK Federation Hotline, 0951-881-3555, and/or the SK Federation Landline, 817-8480. To learn more about the mechanics of the ’80 for a TV’ raffle, visit bit.ly/80ForATV. Cash donations may also be sent via GCash, 0956-7643144 (Lindsay Cedro), or via Paypal, PayPal.me/ Idolalley. (DMNR/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS
NGO DONATES BOND PAPERS, PRINTERS TO BUTUAN SCHOOLS By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
An international charity donated a total of 860 reams of bond papers and 18 units of printers to 18 elementary and secondary schools, this city, in support to the implementation of blended learning. The Red Dog Caraga INFOCUS
Book Drive, USA is an international charity founded by the Filipino community in the United States that aims to lend help to their ‘kababayans’ in the Philippines. The charity started out with the goal of promoting literacy among children
in Butuan City and in 2013, they donated books contained in eight balikbayan boxes to various recipients in the city. Their cause continues to evolve with the pressing societal issues that Filipinos face November 21-27, 2020 |
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daily and currently, the charity decided to assist schools in the city. With educators facing a lack of resources to produce learning materials for students, event organizer Joy Buque saw the need to spearhead a donation drive to aid them with their needs in the implementation of distance learning. “Some of our beneficiaries are in a remote place and their having a problem about their printing, their modules for the learners. It’s a big help for them to print out their modules especially for the teachers.” Smiles are etched in the faces of school heads and teachers who attended the turnover ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Riverside Central Elementary School in Brgy. Baan
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Riverside, as they receive the donated items. Pinamungkulan Elementary School principal Edna Barbajo was glad to have her school as one of the beneficiaries. The bond papers and printer they received will be used to produce printed modules for over 600 students enrolled at the school. “I feel grateful and relieved for the donated items. This is a huge help to us especially since our resources have been exhausted in the production of previous batches of modules,” she said. In August, the charity, with the help of the school alumni, previously turned over 675 reams of bond paper and 14 units of bond papers to Agusan National High School to support its students enrolled in the
Senior High program. They also donated laptops to the three highest-ranking students in each strand. In addition, two students in 6th grade in Brgy. Bading were each given a single unit of laptop. Donations kept coming and in October, they were able to turnover 350 reams of bond papers and 14 units of printers to ten schools. The city government lauded the efforts of the group. City Councilor Cromwell Nortega highlighted of the efforts of the group and vowed to support them in their endeavour. “Christmas in this pandemic will definitely not be so lonely anymore for our educators who received the kindness of the charity which the city government is truly thankful for. We will continue to support you in your advocacy to help our children in ways we can.” The charity plans to make donations to other schools that are yet to receive their aid. Joy Buque hinted that they are still looking for sponsors for their future projects. (DMNR/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN CARAGA REGION ON RISING TREND By Aurelius P. Arais Organic agriculture in Caraga Region is now gaining ground with the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to Cindy Burdeos, Organic Agriculture (OA) Program focal person, the number of farmers adopting and practicing an organic way of farming is on an increasing trend. “As of the latest monitoring, we have recorded in Caraga Caraga INFOCUS
Region around 13,000 hectares of organic farms with 6,000 organic farmer practitioners,� she revealed. She added that two products were already 3rd party organic certified in the region, the organic fertilizer of Caraga Agricultural Business Corporation of Pianing, Butuan City, and organic rice produced by CRV Rice Mill of Alegria, Surigao del Norte.
Both are duly certified by a 3rd party certifying body the Negros Island Certification Services (NICERT). So far in the Philippines, there are only two certifying bodies, the NICERT based in the Visayas and the Luzonbased Organic Certifying Center of the Philippines (OCCP). On the other hand, a private firm, Celebes Corporation is an November 21-27, 2020 |
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internationally certified, producing coco and banana based-products exported to the United States and Europe. A certification is a guarantee that the product is carefully monitored and inspected to assure that the farming processes of such grower conform within Philippine National Standards for Organic Crops. Burdeos said that there are three levels of organic certification in the country, the first, the second, and the thirdparty certification. “The first party means the producer claims that his or her product is organic while the second party means
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somebody would stand or witness as the product is organic in support to the claim of the producer, while the third party refers to somebody or agency that will confirm the product as organic after a thorough assessment based on the standards set,” she explained. However, there is an ongoing move to amend the Republic Act 10068 to allow the localization of the certification through the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). Under PGS, a reputable institution or group advocating organic agriculture can certify the product as organic to hasten the certification process and
lessen the costs. As of now, only third party certified products are allowed to label as organic. Aside from technical and production support, DA-Caraga also helps the organic producers market their products through the Organic Agriculture Trading Post (OATP) situated in different parts of the region. To bolster DA’S campaign for organic agriculture, every November of the year is observed as an Organic Agriculture Month under Proclamation No. 1030 signed on May 21, 2015, by then President Benigno Aquino III. According to the proclamation, the practice of organic agriculture, as a farming system, is an effective tool for development, e n v i r o n m e n t a l conservation, and health protection of farmers, consumers, and the general public. This year’s theme, “Sa Pagsasakang Organiko, Ani at Kita ay Sigurado, Kalusugan ay Garantisado.” (DA Caraga/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
Opening of the 91st Malasakit Center at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista in Antique province. Photo by OSBG
91ST MALASAKIT CENTER OPENS IN ANTIQUE PROVINCE By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales The country’s 91st Malasakit Center opened at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista City, Antique on November 13, 2020. As reiterated by Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Assistant Secretary Jonji Gonzales during the ‘Bisaya Gyud’ program episode on Saturday, November 21, with Presidential Communications Caraga INFOCUS
Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, this is the province’s 11th Malasakit Center and the 22nd in the Visayas. Around PhP5 million is allocated every month for the Malasakit Centers in the province. Present during the center’s virtual launching were Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Sec. Michael Lloyd Dino, Antique Governor Rhodora
Cadiao, and other officials of the province. The Malasakit Center serves as a onestop-shop facility that will accommodate the medical needs of every Filipino, especially the “poorest of the poor”, who serve as the center’s priority clientele. The Malaskit Center is manned by the personnel from the Philippine Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare November 21-27, 2020 |
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and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Department of Health (DOH). A total of 47 Malasakit Centers are established in Luzon while 22 are located in Mindanao. ‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed
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live on its official Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ bisayagyudph, every Saturday. The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Its ‘Operation Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and
food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials. The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
AGNOR RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM ‘AMOMANG AGUSANON’ PROGRAM By Nora C. Lanuza Over 500 Agusanons from Barangay Olave in the Municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte expressed gratitude to the provincial government for reaching their area and for providing them
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with needed services and relief goods. Punong barangay Jerry Daal Escobilla of Olave thanked the government and the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) for the support provided to the residents to improve
their way of life. “I am thankful to the government for supporting the residents by giving their needs and I assure the government that we will also do our part in supporting their efforts in attaining lasting Caraga INFOCUS
peace and development in the area,” Escobilla said. According to 23rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, the outreach program conducted in the different barangays in the province of Agusan del Norte is part of the government’s effort to eliminate insurgency and improve the peace and order situation in the area. During the activity, the residents received relief packs containing vitamins for the children and pregnant, canned
Caraga INFOCUS
goods, hygiene kits and many more. The said activity also formed part of the Amomang Agusanon Program and the anniversary celebration of the AGUSAN UP, the 8-Point Development Agenda of the province under Governor Dale B. Corvera. Gov. Corvera also expressed his full support for the passage of the NTF-ELCAC budget in order to totally eliminate the insurgency in the country. It can be recalled that Governor Corvera issued Provincial
Resolution No. 514-2020 entitled “Resolution Expressing Strong Support for the Inclusion in the General Appropriations Act for CY 2021 the Funding for the Identified Recipient Barangays Under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the Amount of Twenty Million Pesos (P20,000,000.00) per Recipient as part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Initiatives and Programs.” (NCLM/PIAAgusan del Norte)
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AGNOR VILLAGE CHIEF GRATEFUL FOR PRLECINITIATED PROJECTS By Robert E. Roperos San Antonio Barangay Captain Helario Sajulan is grateful to the projects that are initiated by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the province of Agusan del Norte. In an interview
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with Brgy. Capt. Helario Sajulan of Brgy. San Antonio, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte, he said that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has informed him that the machineries needed for the establishment
of green charcoal production is now ready. Brgy. Capt. Sajulan said with these machineries that will soon to be delivered in Brgy. San Antonio, the residents were very excited and eager to start the production of green Caraga INFOCUS
charcoal. “Tungod kay naa na man ang maong mga makinarya, andam na gyud usab ang atong mga residente dinhi sa among barangay ug excited na kaayo sila aron maka-mass produce na og green charcoal (Since the machineries are already available, the residents of our barangay are also ready and excited to undergo mass production of green charcoal),” Sajulan said. It was learned that the local residents have already undergone training on green charcoal production with trainers in DOSTCaraga and has made sample products. “Kung madeliver na sa ato ang maong mga makinarya,
Caraga INFOCUS
daghan na gyud ang atong ma-produce ug mabaligya sa merkado (If the machineries will be delivered to us, the local residents can have mass production for selling in the markets),” he said. Also, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave a capital amounting to some P1 million to start the production. “This is the agency’s way of supporting the beneficiaries so that they can use the knowledge they have obtained during the training,” Sajulan said. The official further said, though the mass production is set to commence, he said they are optimistic that
they can market the said products through the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Caraga as the agency has also committed to help. Sajulan also stressed that there are already residents who have finished the training in Tour Guiding. He added that with the pandemic that is slowly decreasing the number of those who were infected in the province and in this city as per information of the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga, local tourists have started to visit again the Tagnote Falls, one of the tourist destinations in the region. He also pointed out that with this
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development, the newlylaunched San Antonio Agri-Tourism Enterprise Village will be a good venue for the local residents to gain income. It can be recalled that the said PRLEC-initiative project was launched last October 29, 2020 and has started to make a significant contribution to the lives of the local residents in the area. For the animal production, Sajulan said the 35 heads of piglets were already delivered to them by the Department of Agriculture (DA)Agusan del Norte. The beneficiaries also enjoyed taking care of the piglets. This was also the commitment of the agency during the launching two weeks ago.
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Likewise, fingerlings of different varieties were also delivered to them during the launching and was already turnedover to the beneficiariesfarmers who will maintain the fishpond. DA-Caraga and the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMF) provided the said fingerlings. For those who have already finished training on food production such as sapin-sapin (bibingka, suman, etc.), Capt. Sajulan said there are already beneficiaries who have gained income because they are now accepting orders. “During a program of the Agusan Up!, a program initiated by LGU-Agusan del Norte, the graduates were tapped to provide the sapin-sapin and
catering and were paid,� he added. Furthermore, Sajulan said the demo farm which is strategically located at the lower portion of the Tagnote Falls was already planted with vegetables. Accordingly, the seeds were given by DA-Agusan del Norte. Sajulan is also thankful to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) thru their Foodfor-Work Program. He added the local residents were encouraged to plant and maintain the demo farm because of their program. Sajulan explained this is because as soon as they will go home in the afternoon, they can bring the food packs given by the PSWDO. Overall, the official said the local residents of Barangay San Antonio were very inspired because of the numbers of projects that the government has given them thru the PRLEC. He said this is a proof that the government is longing to achieve peace and development in their area. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
CONSTRUCTION OF DIKE IN AGUSAN NORTE TOWN CONTINUES The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is undertaking the construction of a dike that will protect the long stretch of a tertiary road leading to the municipal proper of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. “The construction of flood control infrastructure has always been one of the priority projects greatly considered by the Department especially in areas that are more susceptible to overflowing of river and flooding,” said Secretary Mark Villar. In 2019, DPWH Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office implemented the construction of a 455 linear meter dike with concrete revetment Caraga INFOCUS
along PandanonMagallanes Road, completed last May 2020, and 120.4 linear meters continued this year under the CY 2020 Regular Infrastructure Program. In addition, another concrete dike with a length of 400.3 linear meters is being constructed across the 2019 dike project not only to protect the road from scouring due to the high rise of water and strong river current, but most importantly protecting the residents living nearby. The municipality of Magallanes in Agusan del Norte is surrounded by mountains and bounded by the two rivers, Baug and Agusan River. The elevation of the area is
below sea level, the town center is in the river delta, and the people living along the coastal areas are always endangered by the threats of rising water from the rivers and flash floods during heavy rains and typhoons. “We used to be really terrified whenever there’s a typhoon because our area is prone to storm surge. We are really thankful for this dike project because our homes are now protected and we can live in peace,” says Chelsea Lavador, resident of Barangay Caloc-an, Magallanes. The ongoing project is targeted to be fully completed by February 2021. (DPWH/PIA-Agusan del Norte) November 21-27, 2020 |
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CASSAVA: A PROMISING CROP FOR CARAGA By Aurelius P. Arais There is money in cassava! This was the unanimous yell of the farmers in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte after learning that there is a big market waiting for their produce. Members of the Lingayao-Kahayagan Cassava Farmers Association are now starting to harvest after seven months of nurturing their crop with the hope of additional income for their family.
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The group is the project-cooperator of the 30-hectare cassava model farm of the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Agusan del Norte and the Local Government Unit of Las Nieves. DA-Caraga with the LGU counterparts provided production and technical support.
Model farms are aimed to showcase appropriate technology as an avenue for learning for the farmers and other stakeholders in the community. During the Cassava Production Field Day on November 18, 2020, farmers were also elated with the turn-over of P4.8 million worth of farm equipment from DA-Caraga’s Corn and Cassava Program to the Caraga INFOCUS
farmers in the said town. The equipment consisted of two unit cassava granulator, two units cassava chipper, and one unit each of pulverizer, digger, corn sheller, 4WD tractor, vacuum pack sealer, and corn planter to LingayaoKahayagan Cassava Farmers Association, Lingayao-Maningalao Corn Growers Association, and Malungtarung West Las Nieves Farmers Association. The turn-over was graced by DA-Caraga Regional Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega with Provincial Corn Coordinator Melody
Caraga INFOCUS
Guimary, Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan, Municipal Mayor Avelina S. Rosales, and barangay officials. “We were encouraged to plant cassava upon learning that our products will be purchased by a big company, hence we are sure of our market,” Roberto Calapre, chairperson of the L i n g ayao-Kahayagan Cassava Farmers Association said. Dir. Monteagudo challenged the farmers to be proactive partners for agricultural development. “Continue tilling your land, the government is always there for you. DA and LGU is working
hand in hand to support your noble profession, the farming,” he said. Eyeing the potential of cassava, Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Aclan bared that cassava has been identified as one of the priority commodities of the provincial flagship project dubbed as Agusan-Up. “To further boost the cassava industry in Agusan del Norte, the program is planning to establish a feed mill in support of the livestock industry,” he said. Aside from human consumption, cassava is an important raw material for feed and other industrial products. (DA Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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SURIGAO NORTE TOWN MAYOR WELCOMES FORMER REBELS IN LASICAM VILLAGES By Susil D. Ragas A total of nine members of the New People’s Army (NPA) regulars together with 22 Milisya ng Bayan members voluntarily surrendered without firearms to the Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army in Barangay Camamonan, Gigaquit town on November 22, 2020. The LASICAM (Lahi, Sico-sico, Camamoman) complex can be considered as one
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of the bastions of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area. The surrenderees were members of the Sandatahang Pampropaganda sa Platun (SPP) 16C, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRC) under Roel T. Neniel aka “Jacob” operating in LASICAM complex. A formal surrender ceremony was held during the Grand PulongPulong (GPP) officiated
by Gigaquit Mayor Chandru T. Bonite with the presence of around 200 individuals of the Mamanwa tribe from the hinter areas of LASICAM. In his message, Mayor Bonite welcomed the surrenderees and promised that LGU Gigaquit will provide support to them and will take every effort in seeking further assistance from other government agencies for the support that could be provided to the surrenderees and their families. Caraga INFOCUS
“Isip injo Mayor, Nalipay ko kay inyo gidawat ang programa sa atong gobyerno alang sa kalinaw. Manghinaut ko nga sugod karon, magtinabangay ta aron makab-ot nato ang atong gipangandoy nga kalinaw ug kalamboan dire sa LASICAM (Being your Mayor, I am very glad that you truly accepted the program of the government towards attaining a lasting peace. Henceforth, let us help each other to achieve lasting peace and progress here in LASICAM),” Mayor Bonite said. He also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Army especially to the 30IB for ensuring the safety and security of his constituents and as a great partner in progress and development in the area. Jonas, one of the surrenderees who was recruited way back in 2016, expressed his disappointments and frustrations to the leadership of the CTG. “Puro kabakakan, igo ra me sologoon sa suyod wala jud kaugmaon, nag ingon sila nga naay suporta Caraga INFOCUS
nga ila ihatag sa amo pamilya pero suyod sa tuyo ka tuig nako sa organisasyun, bisan sentimo wayay nadawat among pamilya (Nothing but all lies, we were used just like slaves inside, no future, they said they will support our family but for the past three years in the organization, not even a single cent was given to our family),” said Jonas. He also thanked the soldiers of 30IB for their assistance. “Magpasalamat me sa 30IB sa ilang pagkamaayo, sila ang nitabang aron kmi makamata sa kamatuoran (Thanks to 30IB, we owe our new lives to them for their kindness. They helped us realized the truth),” he added. Meanwhile, on his
part, 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Ryan Charles Callanta, assured that they will ensure that the surrenderees had made the right decision to avail the E-CLIP program and benefits of the government not only to help them start their new and peaceful lives but to show them how serious the government in its quest for “peaceful reconciliation.” “I also commend the efforts of our soldiers doing the Community Support Program for a job well done. Thus, we are expecting an avalanche of surrenderees in the coming days or weeks, and we will peacefully welcome them,” Lt. Col. Callanta said. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIASurigao del Norte) November 21-27, 2020 |
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DOT WELCOMES REOPENING OF PH’S SURFING CAPITAL The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes and supports the reopening of one of the premiere destinations Siargao Island. The teardropshaped island, known as the Philippines’ Surfing Capital, started welcoming local tourists to its world-class white sand beaches, natural rock and cave pools,
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| November 21-27, 2020
romantic sunsets, and wild water surf sites again on Monday, November 23, as confirmed by Mayor Cecilia L. Rusillon of the municipality of General Luna, Surigao del Norte through a local executive order. “This is encouraging news for everyone who loves the sea, especially the surfers. As Siargao reopens to travelers,
subject to minimum health and safety standards, the people of the island will regain their livelihood and share their paradise to our kababayans once more with the same level of hospitality they have always been known for,” Secretary Puyat enthused. As flights to Siargao resume on December 1, tourists can visit the Caraga INFOCUS
country’s most wellknown surf spots through Sayak Airport near the barangays of Del Carmen and General Luna and discover a variety of hidden attractions. With its towering limestone hills, shorelines of white sands and tiny shells, mystical caves with crystal formations, and clear waters, Siargao has become the buzzword for surfers and nature travelers over the years. Aside from surfing, other popular leisure activities include island hopping, kayaking, nature trekking, bird-watching, and leisure swimming. The local government unit of Siargao has set minimum health and safety standards and COVID testing requirements before tourists arrive on the island, in compliance with inter-agency task force (IATF) directives and local COVID-19 management procedures. Tourists arriving via Surigao City/Sayak Airport will be required an e-Health Pass with valid ID; negative RT-PCR result taken within 48 hours from point of origin; a five-day confirmed booking from an accommodation Caraga INFOCUS
Contributed photo
establishment with a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) or Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate (PCAO) from the Department of Tourism, and a round-trip ticket/ travel details. If RT-PCR is taken more than 48 hours of departure from point of origin, a negative antigen swab will be required on the day of arrival. Meanwhile, tourists from the province of Surigao del Norte will be required to present an e-Health Pass with valid ID; certificate from barangay captain that traveler
is not a close contact; confirmed booking from an accredited DOT-accommodation establishment (AE). For hotels and resorts, requirements to operate are Business Permit; Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) from the DOT; E-Health System Registration; E-Health Pass or QR Code reader and new normal protocols approved by the Municipal Health Office. Curfew is also be enforced from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. (DOT/PIASurigao del Norte) November 21-27, 2020 |
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CTG MEMBER KILLED IN SURIGAO CITY SHOOTOUT By PCpt. Dorothy M. Tumulak Ignacio M. Arevalo alias “Tukoy,� 59 years old, a member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and chairperson of Purok-13, Barangay Mat-i, this city was killed during the implementation of the search warrant for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act on Nov.
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| November 21-27, 2020
25. Arevalo fired upon the operating troops which caused them to retaliate to defend themselves, thus, resulting to the death of the suspect. Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat, Jr, PRO13 regional director, disclosed that joint operating troops of Surigao City Police
Station, 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, 901st Infantry Brigade, and 29th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army implemented Search Warrant No. 2020-002 for violation of RA 10591 issued by Executive Judge Leonila P. Gorgolon, RTC, Branch 30, Surigao City. Arevalo is the president of Caraga INFOCUS
N a g k a h i u s a n g Ginagmay Minero (NAGAMI), a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – New People’s Army (NPA) Mass Union Organization (CAMO), and an alleged member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) under Guerilla Front 16B, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. Confiscated during the operation were one unit of MKN Colt .45 caliber pistol with one magazine and four live ammunition;
Caraga INFOCUS
two fired cartridge cases of caliber .45; four fired cartridge cases of 9mm; one fired bullet of 9mm, one fragment of fired bullet; one improvised electrical wire; one improvised black switch; one improvised C4; and one hand grenade. “Around 500 meters away from the place of operation, the withdrawing government troops were fired upon by members of the CTG. No casualty was recorded on the government side during the exchange
of firefight which lasted for 15 minutes,” PBGen. Caramat, Jr. disclosed. With the continuous efforts of PNP Caraga on the campaign against insurgency, the region’s top cop urges the active members of the terrorist group and its supporters to return to the folds of the law and avail the benefits from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (PIO, PRO13/PIASurigao del Norte)
November 21-27, 2020 |
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MOST WANTED PERSONS, DRUG PEDDLER NAB IN CARAGA
As the Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 continues to intensify its campaign against wanted persons and illegal drugs, the operatives were able to capture six wanted persons including the four most wanted persons and a drug peddler on November 25. In the campaign against wanted persons, six were arrested by virtue of Warrants of Arrest issued by the local court during separate police operations. They were identified as follows: Mark Niel M. Rosales, 27 years old, of Brgy.19, Poblacion, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental for rape and listed as Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Municipal Level with bail bond recommended amounting to Php120,000. Jericho P. Cabatingan, 23 years old, of P-3 Brgy. 1, RTR, Agusan del Norte for carnapping and listed as Top 5 Most Wanted Person in Provincial Level with bail bond recommended amounting to P300,000. Hurry S. Labiste, 42 years old, of Sitio Lambago, Brgy. Lapasan, Cagayan
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| November 21-27, 2020
de Oro City for violation of Republic Act No. 9262 also known as “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004” with recommended bail bond fixed at P100,000. Rodelyn C. Ruaya, 36 years, of P-3, Brgy. Bonot, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur for Violation of PD No. 1602 also known as Illegal Gambling and listed as Top 7 Most Wanted Person in Municipal Level with bail bond recommended amounting to P24,000. Alfredo C. Fuentes, 38 years, of Brgy. Mabini, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte for resistance and disobedience to an agent of a person in authority with a recommended bail bond of P2,000. Cristy A. Ortiz, 18 years old, of P-2, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur and Relyn L. Agosto, 21 years old, of P-3, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur for Violation of Republic Act No. 9271 also known as The Quarantine Act of 2004. Meanwhile, Drug Enforcement Unit of Magallanes Municipal
Police Station, Agusan Del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO), together with Provincial Intelligence Unit-ADNPPO and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga arrested John Laurence Frias Plaza, 22 years old, of Brgy. Soriano, Cabadbaran City through a buy-bust operation. Confiscated from his possession were six sachets of suspected Shabu with an estimated weight of 3.5 grams with Dangerous Drug Board value of P41,300 and P500 marked money. All arrested suspects are in police custody for proper disposition. “The success of our police operations against wanted persons and illegal drugs has been sustained due to the support and cooperation of the public in our anti-criminality drive. There is no slowing down in our efforts to ensure public safety and internal security despite this pandemic,” said Police Brigadier Gen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. (PRO13/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS
FEMALE NPA REBEL SURRENDERS IN SURIGAO NORTE An active member of New People’s Army (NPA) finds her way back to the mainstream after she successfully surrendered to the Community Support Program Team in Barangay Quezon, Surigao City on November 12. Based on the report, the said personality was identified as alias Leilan (true name is being withheld for security), 19 years old, a regular member of SYP16B, Guerilla Front 16, NEMRC, and a resident of Purok Avocado of the same barangay. In her return to the folds of the law, she turned over one Caliber .45 and a hand grenade to the Caraga INFOCUS
combined elements of Charlie Company, 29th Infantry Battalion, 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13. Regretful of her involvement with the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG), she disclosed that she joined the underground movement hoping that it will give her a better status of living. She said that the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT) are using lies such as financial support and scholarship to encourage the youth to join and support their agenda. She further revealed that
her first involvement with the said group includes joining the underground mass organization in their locality wherein they are being mobilized in mass actions and rallies. She also said that she served as a courier of the armed group before she was formally recruited to be a regular NPA member. Leilan cited that she was radicalized together with other young recruits through indoctrinations and “teach-ins” about communist ideology and propaganda to inculcate culture hatred against the government. Realizing her mistakes, she said that for several times she asked November 21-27, 2020 |
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permission to return home but her superiors prevented her to do so. She admitted that she was only allowed to leave the group when she got pregnant by her team leader. For months, she went on hiding until she decided to surface and formally surrender to be reunited with her family and live a normal life. Meanwhile, Colonel George L. Banzon, commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade, said that he was grateful of the decision of the former rebel to totally abandon the armed struggle. Taking the case of lias Leilan, Col. Banzon stressed that it is a clear manifestation of
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| November 21-27, 2020
communist’s exploitation of the youth. “The communist terrorists are opportunists who capitalize on the vulnerabilities of our youth and the case alias Leilan was a classic example of this. By luring her to join the violent armed struggle, the CTG deprived her with the opportunity to have a better future. Indeed, her situation is difficult knowing that she is now facing the responsibilities and challenges of being a parent after she was exposed into a situation where she was not supposed to be in,” he said. In coordination with the local government unit (LGU) and other government agencies,
Col. Banzon said that they will help the victim to avail of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). “The government door is always open for those who will choose to surrender. Through our local task force to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), we will help her to avail the government programs intended for them so that she will have a new lease of life after her miserable experiences with the CTG,” Col. Banzon said. Meanwhile, Col. Banzon reminded the local populace to be careful and watchful against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA - National Democratic Front’s (NDF’s) deceitful tactics so that they will not fall into the communist’s trap. “We are hoping that the surrender of alias Leilan may serve as a reminder for everyone, especially to the parents to be vigilant so that their children will not end up victims of the CNTs,” said Col. Banzon. (901st Infantry Brigade/PIASurigao del Norte Caraga INFOCUS
FISHERS’ GROUP STARTS TO REAP FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR By Vanessa P. Sanchez As the saying goes, what you sow is what you reap. For the members of the Anunang Gamut Fishermen’s Association (AGFA), life is definitely making a turn for the better now that they have started harvesting from their Bangus Production and Marketing project Caraga INFOCUS
under the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development (DA-PRDP) Enterprise Component. The AGFA is a Fisherfolks’ Association from Sitio Anunang, Brgy. Gamut, Barobo, Surigao del Sur. Association Chairman Manuel Cahilis
said that most of the residents in their area rely on fishing for their livelihood. H o w e v e r , according to Cahilis, prior to availing the project from the DA-PRDP, the people went on with their fishing activities individually. Because of November 21-27, 2020 |
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this, marketing of their Bangus was limited to local buyers since their harvest was just minimal. Wayback in 2011, the AGFA availed of a livelihood project through the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) under the Mindanao Rural Development Program. With their Bangus Production Project, they were granted one loaded fish pen. Their supply was still not sufficient to meet the demand for the said fish in the markets. Hence, they applied for an expansion of the said endeavor
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| November 21-27, 2020
through the project under the DA-PRDP. “Now that we have this project, it has really made a big difference. With the additional fish pens, we have more harvest and we can be sure to meet the demand of our contracted buyer. This also means more income for us members of the association.” Cahilis said. Bangus Production and Marketing Project was implemented early this year. The AGFA was granted 2 units of fish pen and was linked with a buyer from Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, Roy
Bokingo. A total of 30,000 fingerlings were released on the two fish pens in June of this year. On November 16, the AGFA had their first harvest from one of the pens and got 2,456 kilos which amounted to P270, 210. They will be harvesting again once they receive the order from the buyer. Cahilis said that their Bangus project really made a difference in the lives of the members of AGFA. “Our way of living now is a lot better thanks to this project,” he said. (DA-PRDP13InfoACE/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS
BISLIG SK FORMS COUNCIL FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales In addition to doing their part in helping the youth cope with the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur pursued other initiatives to cultivate local youth development by forming a local youth council. “The council was formed to tackle various youth development concerns such as health, education, and other centers of participation for youth development,” Caraga INFOCUS
SK Federation President and SK –Brgy. Poblacion chapter chairperson John De Jesus said during his guesting in the ‘Bisaya Gyud’ program with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday, November 14. Through the council, concerns such as sports development and issues faced by youth learners with the resumption of classes will be given greater attention. The youth leader
also made mention of their initiatives for the city’s residents in response to the pandemic. Each SK chapter used their funds to produce and distribute relief goods. As support for the implementation of distance learning, reams of bond papers and school kits were donated to schools in the city. “Majority of students in the city opted for modular learning which is why we provided these items to our schools,” the SK president said. Upon the conclusion of the segment, De Jesus November 21-27, 2020 |
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imparted to the youth the importance of remaining resilient amid the health crisis. “We have to come to terms with the changes that have taken place in this new normal and never make it a hindrance to our pursuits in life, especially those involved in helping our countrymen. Life must go on even when facing this adversity,” he said. ‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin
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| November 21-27, 2020
Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ bisayagyudph, every Saturday. The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Its ‘Operation
Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials. The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY FARMING - MANAGING A NEW INDUSTRY: MINDANAO’S HASS AVOCADO The news that a source for Hass Avocado planting materials has finally been found in a backyard in Bukidnon spread like wild fire yesterday and elicited hundreds of requests for scions and planting materials from all over. Sorry folks but the Mindanao Hass Avocado
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| November 21-27, 2020
Project which is part of the Mindanao Development Authority’s Green Mindanao Program will not work that way. We are not going to introduce a program which will later end up in a mess with a deluge of complaints rather than stories of success.
This means that not everybody interested to plant Hass Avocado will be given access to the planting materials. This will not be another “Banana Q Boom and Bust” story where everybody plants and sells the same thing simply because people say it is Caraga INFOCUS
profitable. In implementing the Mindanao Hass Avocado Program, MinDA will consider the following: 1. Clear definition of purpose for the project which is to provide economic activities for poor families in the highlands and to promote the planting of fruit trees in the deforested areas of Mindanao; 2. A scientific identification of the ideal areas to be planted with the help of consultants who will be engaged by MinDA early next year; 3. A scientific study of the absorptive capacity of the local market for Hass Avocado so that the area to be planted will not produce a volume that would be beyond it and cause a collapse in prices; 4. Prospective growers /farmers will be identified according to the suitability of their farms for the planting of Hass Avocado who will be linked to the off-taker or a direct buyer with a corresponding marketing agreement; 5. All the growers/ farmers identified will be included in database indicating their farm location and size and Caraga INFOCUS
will undergo technical and financial capability training; 6. MinDA’s banking partner, the Development Bank of the Philippines, will be brought in to provide support funds for the program. These are the protocols which will be observed in introducing this new agricultural industry which I believe could boost the economy of Mindanao and address the poverty in the highlands populated
mainly by the Indigenous Peoples. We have learned so many lessons in the past where poorly planned undertakings like the planting of Ramie, Jathropa and others were introduced to farmers without the benefit of a careful study. The result was economic disaster for the poor and gullible farmers. The Mindanao Hass Avocado Program will not go down the same road. November 21-27, 2020 |
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4 VIRTUAL PLAYS HIGHLIGHT MINDANAO WEEK OF PEACE CELEBRATION By Allen Estabillo Four virtual plays highlighting the current peace initiatives in Mindanao will take center stage in the week-long celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2020 that will formally open on Friday. Hosted by the provincial government of Sarangani and the Mindanao State University (MSU)-General Santos, the annual celebration is expected to draw substantial participation from local stakeholders despite the ongoing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Jennifer Kamid, manager of Sarangani’s Sulong KapayapaanKalinaw program, said Thursday they decided to hold the event virtually or via online platforms due to the restrictions on mass gathering.
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| November 21-27, 2020
Kamid said the virtual plays, which will be performed by students of MSU General Santos, and other activities will run until Dec. 3 via dedicated Facebook and YouTube pages or accounts (Kilos Kalinaw at 33rd SFDA or Season and Festival of Dramatic Arts). “The plays underscore the lessons and the continuing challenges of the peace efforts, not only in Mindanao but in the global scene,” Kamid said in a statement. She said these will specifically tackle topics on interfaith dialogue, peace and conflict, healing and reconciliation, and violent extremism. The first play, John Jay Morido’s “Ang Bigkas ng Pagkakabigkis,” will open the event at 1:30
p.m. on Friday and will be followed by Norman Ralp Isla’s “PanDasal.” On Dec. 1, Karen Umadhay’s “May Tala sa Lupa” will be featured at 1:30 p.m., followed by Jaydee Paid’s “Tunglo.” Kamid said each presentation will be followed by an interactive discussion dubbed “Talkback” that will be joined by professors of MSU General Santos and several peace advocates. Aside from the virtual plays, she said there will be video presentations showcasing success stories of the peace initiatives in Sarangani communities, among them the experience of Moro women weavers of Barangay Pinol, Maitum town and Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan. Gerald Faciol, Caraga INFOCUS
PEACE CELEBRATION. Photo shows two of the four virtual plays that will be featured in the weeklong celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2020 that will open on Friday, Oct. 27. The annual event, which runs until Dec. 3, 2020, is hosted by the Sarangani provincial government, in partnership with the Mindanao State University-General Santos (Photo courtesy of Kilos Kalinaw)
Saragani assistant provincial administrator, said they decided to push through with the event amid the Covid-19 pandemic to help sustain the peace efforts in Mindanao. Faciol cited the need to counter propaganda advocating violent Caraga INFOCUS
extremism and efforts supporting terrorism. “We can address that by recognizing and putting forward our common aspirations as Mindanaoans to live in peace, unity and harmony with each other, regardless of faith or
religion and ethnicity,� he said in a radio interview. The Mindanao Week of Peace celebration is based on Presidential Proclamation No. 127 that was issued in 2001 by then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (PNA) November 21-27, 2020 |
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FROM SEA TO MOUNTAINS: FORWARD PLANNING KEY TO PHILIPPINE FOOD SECURITY Two years before the South Korea Sweet Strawberries which are now being propagated in the highlands of Bukidnon are expected to be produced in commercial volume, a plan on how to bring the berries to the market fresh is already being crafted. Shortly after a visit to the fishing grounds of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Friday, the team of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Sanden Philippines travelled to Talakag, Bukidnon to lay out a Cold Chain and Storage Plan for Mindanao’s high value products. Sanden Cold Chain Systems Philippines, led by its President, Osamu Ikeda, Chief Operating Officer Larry Cruz and Field Officer Almar Maruggay made
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an on-site assessment on the post-harvest requirements for the highvalue products coming out of the 50,000-hectare IMTASULA Complex of Bukidnon. IMTASULA stands for Impasugong, Talakag Sumilao and Lantapan, the four highland towns of Bukidnon producing vegetables and high value crops. While the Department of Agriculture has already allocated P14-million for a cold storage facility in Miarayon, Talakag, there is a need for an integrated Cold Chain System given the potentials of the area. The Sanden Phils. President, Ikeda, was deeply impressed by the vast potentials of the area and projected that it could be a major source of vegetables and high value crops in
the ASEAN Region. He, however, emphasized that the key to the success of the MinDA initiative is a wellplanned Cold Chain System and Logistics Strategy. Just as with the Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Program, Sanden Phils. offered to draw the Cold Chain System based on the actual requirements of the area. Similar plans will also be crafted for the highlands of other Mindanao Provinces like Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao. The key to the development of these areas for high value crops production is forward planning. MinDA Caraga INFOCUS
NATIONAL NEWS
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER P r e s i d e n t i a l Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday urged public servants to exert effort in promoting transparency, good governance, and integrity as these are noteworthy legacies that will benefit the Filipino public. The PCOO held the 4th annual Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards, recognizing significant strides of its stakeholders in upholding the public’s right to information. Secretary Andanar opened the recognition event, assuring participants the agency’s commitment to fulfill President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s promise of providing Filipinos access to vital information. “Through FOI– Project Management Office (FOI-PMO), the
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SECRETARY AN STAKEHOLDERS LEGACIES TO F
PCOO, as the lead agency in the implementation of the FOI Program, has been tirelessly doing its job to keep people informed of the plans, targets, and actions that our President has laid out for the nation,” he said. He commended FOI stakeholders who supported the government’s pursuit of transparency and accountability. “We recognize the important role of efficient and broad information dissemination, which the PCOO has delivered to the public through projects, capacity building activities, social media engagements, as well as through agencyproduced TV and radio programs,” he said. “Our accomplishments for this year would have not been possible without
our partners and FOI implementers in the executive branch. I sincerely express my gratitude to all FOI champions, decision makers, receiving officers, civil society organizations, and government partners who have been the pillars of our efforts in public service delivery, especially during this time of crisis,” he added. Recognizing the challenges and risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Andanar stressed that information should not be a right that has to be demanded by the public, instead Filipinos should be provided with timely and relevant information. With this, the PCOO chief also reiterated calls for lawmakers to step up and pass the FOI Bill currently pending in the Congress, saying the policy is a Caraga INFOCUS
NDANAR URGES FOI S TO LEAVE “NOTEWORTHY” FILIPINOS legacy beneficial to society. “The institutionalization of the FOI Program is crucial, especially as we near the home stretch of this administration. I am looking forward to an encompassing FOI mechanism that shall be implemented across all branches of government and down to the local government units,” he said. “I strongly believe that initiatives involving transparency, good governance, and integrity shall shape the future of our country. We, as public servants, must be bold and strive tenfold, so that we may leave noteworthy legacies that will benefit the present and future generations,” he added. The major categories for the FOI awards are: top departments; Caraga INFOCUS
government agencies; government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC); state universities and colleges (SUCs); and Local Water Districts (LWDs). The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was awarded as the department champion, with runners up Department of Energy (DOE) and Department
of Transportation (DOTr). The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) maintained its champion status for government agencies since 2019, while The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) came in as first and second runners up, respectively. November 21-27, 2020 |
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The National Housing Authority (NHA) was recognized as the champion for the GOCC, while the Freeport Area of Bataan and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) landed as the first runner-
up and second runnerup, respectively. The Davao City Water District landed as the champion, followed by Tagum Water District as first runner up, and Zamboanga City Water District as the second
runner up. FOI champions for the SUC category were the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines System, and Nueva Ecija University of Science And Technology.
PCOO: FOI “REVOLUTIONIZING” APPROACH ON PUBLIC INFORMATION DISCLOSURE The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) continues to advocate for open governance as it marks the fourth year of conducting the 2-day Freedom of Information Summit that started on Monday afternoon. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said that this year’s theme focuses on the narrative of guaranteeing to deliver the right to information to the people even in the time of challenges. “The PCOO, through the FOI Project Management Office
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(FOI-PMO), will continue to strengthen its efforts to guarantee this principal right to the citizens. Our word hinges on the belief that transparency, accountability, and citizen participation are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy and that it is not only our right, but that we are also dutybound to preserve and protect them,” he said. According to Secretary Andanar, the summit features three main rallying points: Commit, Respond, Revolutionize. “Commit?that
government institutions shall continue to uphold the people’s right to access information and initiate important discourses in bridging current policy and implementation gaps; Respond?that government institutions shall pursue to make critical and informed decisions based on timely, credible, and verified information and take on an active role in addressing disinformation; and, “Revolutionize”?that government institutions shall seek and adopt Caraga INFOCUS
innovative methods in building and reconstructing better systems and approaches which facilitate the effective disclosure of information, all amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. The summit was held virtually in compliance with safety guidelines against the spread of COVID-19. Secretary Andanar assured that the PCOO maintains its support for the passage of the FOI Bill, while urging more local government units to issue their own ordinances outlining the value of transparency in public governance. “Corollary to the heightened need for Caraga INFOCUS
information in response to the health emergency, and the commitment of the President in strengthening the government’s fight against fake news and corruption, an FOI Law should be a powerful addition to the government’s transparency and accountability toolbox,” he said. “Furthermore, let us also amplify the calls to our respective local government units in the passage of its own FOI Ordinance so granular data and information that is only stored and retrieved in our localities can be disclosed to the citizens with much ease,”
he added. The PCOO Chief stressed that access to relevant and accurate information is a basic right that should be readily available anytime. “May this year’s celebration be a reminder that whether there is an emergency or not, the citizens must enjoy a regular flow of timely, vital, and accurate information and the government should carry out this duty with dedication,” he said. “May it also bring forth a realization that the people’s Constitutional right to access information is non-negotiable and at all times shall be protected,” he added. November 21-27, 2020 |
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PCOO RECEIVES NEW COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT FROM MEGAWIDE Private consortium Megawide engaged in government projects has donated new communications equipment to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in support of its crisis communications program. On Monday, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar led the ceremonial signing and turnover of donations of equipment, such as satellite phones, portable radios, and generator sets that will be utilized for the Laging Handa Program. “Indeed, the importance of public-private partnership cannot be overemphasized, amidst the pandemic that we, as a people, are battling.
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The government is playing its part by doing its utmost, in order to ensure that the health and safety of the people are protected and secured,” Sec. Andanar said. “However, we also have to recognize that even the government has its limitations, specifically, in terms of resources. That’s where the private sector steps in; that’s when their assistance becomes a vital element of governance,” he added. The engineering and infrastructure conglomerate has been a partner of the Duterte Administration’s Build, Build, Build Program and one of the biggest private allies in responding to and mitigating the effects
of the COVID-19 in the country. Megawide also fielded volunteers and subcontractors to build quarantine facilities around Metro Manila, along with other partner organizations, to help decongest hospitals. Secretary Andanar expressed gratitude for the support of the Megawide Foundation in highlighting the importance of information in times of emergencies. “The equipment that Megawide Foundation has donated shall greatly contribute to the Communications Disaster-Response of the PCOO through the Laging Handa platform, led by Director Princess Duque,” Sec. Andanar Caraga INFOCUS
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar poses with Megawide Construction Corp. Assistant Vice President Jason Torres during the ceremonial signing and turnover of donations on Monday, November 23, 2020. Photo by PCOO.
said. “The Foundation donated satellite phones, portable radios, generator sets, among others, which shall help the Laging Handa Team in communicating timely, accurate, and relevant information to and from the people,” he added. Megawide Construction Corp. Assistant Vice President Jason Torres, commended PCOO for coming up Caraga INFOCUS
with the Laging Handa communications platform, likewise noting that the donation represented their modest support to help mitigate the impacts of disasters. “Megawide subscribes to the principle of mitigating, if not eliminating, risks in the workplace. And just like in the workplace, we want to be of help in making our country a lot safer for
Filipinos,” he said as he recounted the calamities that hit the country, while COVID-19 persists. “We hope that through this donation, we can spread that principle to a wider audience and contribute to the elimination or mitigation of the impact of disaster. This way, we can reduce the human and economic costs,” he added. (PCOO) November 21-27, 2020 |
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TALK TO THE PEOPLE. President Rodrigo R. Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Tuesday night (Nov. 17, 2020). #NasaPusoKoAngPangulo trends on social media as netizens show support for Duterte. (Presidential photo by Toto Lozano)
#NASAPUSOKOANGPANGULO TRENDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Filipinos turn to social media to express their support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte and to debunk misconstrued narratives of his absence from public eye throughout government responses for victims of successive typhoons that visited the country. In a statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar thanked the public for continued support to the administration amid persistent discrediting attempts of critics and the opposition. “Despite the relentless and absurd posts and comments by some individuals and groups on social media regarding the President’s supposed absence throughout the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses, we thank the public for the continued support they have shown on social media,” he said on Wednesday.
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#NasaPusoKoAngPangulo topped the Philippines’ trends on Twitter as Duterte addressed the nation Tuesday night. “As a proof of this support, #NasaPusoKoAngPangulo trended number 1 last night on Twitter as President Duterte explained to the public his actions and responses throughout the consecutive typhoons and amidst the pandemic,” he added. Andanar appealed to the public to remain vigilant against misinformation on government responses. “We ask everyone to remain vigilant against misinformation, and be reminded of the division that its proliferation can cause,” he said. “Rest assured the Duterte administration continues to respond to the calamities that affect us all and to the needs of Filipinos in general.” (PR) Caraga INFOCUS
NOGRALES LAYS OUT GOV’T PLANS, PROGRAMS TO FIGHT HUNGER AND POVERTY AMID PANDEMIC Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a radio interview over the weekend that government would concretely address issues arising from the pressing problem of hunger and poverty in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The hunger problem is worldwide. According to the United Nations, 690 million individuals suffer from Caraga INFOCUS
hunger on a daily basis, and the situation will worsen with the possible addition of 83 to 132 million undernourished people as a direct result of Covid-19 and the global economic slowdown.” The Malacañang official, however, made assurances that the Duterte administration has concrete plans in place to address the matter.
Based on the Global Hunger Index which was released last month, the Philippines belongs to the “moderate level”, down from the “serious level” hunger in 2019. The country likewise improved one slot, now occupying the 69th position in worldwide rankings. “There was an increase in the rate of uncertainty of access to food, from 53.9% in 2018 to November 21-27, 2020 |
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64.1% last year as per the DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS). LIkewise, according to the latest SWS Mobile Survey, a 30.7% hunger rate covers an estimated 7.6 million Filipino families as of September 2020,” the Cab Sec explained. “There’s reason for hope and optimism, however. Our incidence of involuntary hunger was at its lowest since 2005 at 8.8% pre-pandemic. We are addressing that number with anti-hunger programs in both the countryside and in urban areas.” Nograles said they are implementing the National Food Policy and
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enlisting the help of key government agencies as well as the private sector in its drive to combat hunger. “For example, we are actively pushing through with the “Pilipinas Kontra Gutom” and “Brand Aid: Noche Buena Para sa Lahat!” initiatives with private groups and individuals. We have also enlisted the active participation of Gawad Kalinga for its “Kusina ng Kalinga” project which provides for the nutritional needs of children in different communities, public schools and disaster-affected areas.” The Task Force’s banner campaign is the Enhanced Program Against Hunger and
Poverty (EPAHP) program, which aims to increase agricultural production, augment the incomes of farmers and various agricultural sector workers, ensure food security, and directly address the twin issues of hunger and poverty. “At this point, we give special attention to vulnerable age groups and sectors including children below two years old, pregnant women or lactating mothers, and senior citizens who all have specific nutritional needs to enhance their health especially during this period of pandemic,” the former Davao legislator explained. The Cab Sec finally emphasized that “government is taking the lead in the antihunger and anti-poverty effort, but we will not fully succeed without the help of the private sector. Everyone is a stakeholder in this campaign to rid the country of hunger and poverty. We do this for every Filipino family and for the children most particularly, who deserve a healthy and nutritionally-secure future.” Caraga INFOCUS
1,000 FREE HOUSING UNITS DISTRIBUTED TO YOLANDA VICTIMS IN ILOILO - NOGRALES Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led national and local officials in the 15th virtual turnover ceremony of Typhoon Yolanda housing units, this time in Iloilo last November 20, 2020 under the auspices of the Yolanda Permanent Caraga INFOCUS
Housing Project. Norales chairs the Inter-agency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolandaaffected Areas.
In his online message, Nograles thanked LGU and agency partners for their cooperation and commitment in ensuring the timely completion of this important legacy project of the Duterte administation. “This turnover of November 21-27, 2020 |
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Contributed photo
1,000 housing units was made possible through the tireless effots of the municipal officials and employees of the LGU in Concepcion headed by Mayor Raul Banias. Their focus and dedication ensured the timely completion of the Yolanda Permanent Housing Project in Bacjawan Sur People’s Village,” the Malacañang official noted. “Special mention also to the inspiring leadership of NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada, Regional Manager Engr. Antonio Del Rosario and District Manager Fe Jamoyot who saw the project through until the last brick was layed
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and all the fittings were installed. They deserve commendation as true and dedicated public servants, doing their job fully despite the difficulties posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “ According to NHA figures, as of October 2020, out of a planned 123,535 housing units for Region 6, 89,491 units have already been completed. The remaining 22,869 units are undergoing construction. N o g r a l e s emphasized that they intend to finish all turnovers before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. On the part of Mayor Banias, he thanked the President, Nograles and the NHA, expressing “We
will forever be grateful for this blessing. A roof under one’s head is one of the most precious gifts anyone can receive. The beneficiaries and our LGU will never forget this effort by our national and regional officials.” Nograles ended his message by assuring the people of Iloilo that “we in the national government are there for you. We also want to allay your concerns about future destructive weather disturbances because now, you have solid and permanent housing that will keep you safe. These houses will also hopefully become the strong foundations of a vibrant local community.” Caraga INFOCUS
TASK FORCE ZERO HUNGER, NIA LAUNCH ANTI-HUNGER CAMPAIGN DRIVE IN NUEVA ECIJA - NOGRALES The government’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program was launched virtually in Nueva Ecija last November 20, 2022 through the initiative of Malacañang’s Task Force on Zero Hunger and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, head of both the Task Force and the NIA Board, thanked the irrigation agency for conducting 12 EPAHP program orientations in different regions starting May of this year. According to the official, despite having signed MOUs and Marketing Agreements in other Region 3 provinces with EPAHP agency partners such as the DAR, DOH and the BJMP, it was important to explain the core objectives of the program to Nueva Ecija farmers and Irrigators Associations. Caraga INFOCUS
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles
“It’s crucial that we educate stakeholders about EPAHP and let them know what the program aims to achieve for them. That’s why these orientations conducted by the NIA are significant. We want our farmers’ active engagement and participation and we want to fully reach out to them,” Nograles said. The online launch and convergence meeting was attended by NIA Administrator
General Ricardo Visaya (Ret.), Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali, Institutional Development Division Manager Dr. Leo Gallego, NIA Department Manager Engr. Rosalinda Bote, Acting EOD Manager Engr. Vivencia Dela Cruz, Institutional Development Section Chief Gloria Loren Hipolito, Division I Acting Manager Engr. Felix Teaño, Division II Action Manager Engr. Alvin Manuel, Division III Acting Manager November 21-27, 2020 |
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Engr. Elenita Toquero, Division IV Manager Engr. Wilfredo Balauro, Division V Manager Engr. Leonardo Ramos, Division VI Manager Engr. Jose Ariel Domingo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Head Bernie Valdez, DILG Provincial Director Engr. Renato Bernardino, DTI Provincial Director Brigida Pili, TESDA Provincial Director Ava Heidi Dela Torre, DOST OIC Provincial Director Leidi Mel Sicat, DSWD Provincial Extension Office Head Remedios Torres, Landbank Nueva Ecija Lending Center Vice President Eduardo Reyes, Jr., Agricultural Training Institute Center Director Veronica Esguerra, BJMP Jail Chief Inspector Voltaire Gerard Pace, NFA Cabanatuan Provincial Manager Antonio Puno, DOH Medical Officer Dr. Edwin Santiago, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Regional Manager Melba Manalo, Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center Chief Dr. Huberto Lapuz, DAR PARPO Engr. Romeo Cordero, representatives from LGUs in Talavera, San Isidro, Gapan, Peñaranda, Cabiao, and Talugtug, Nueva Ecija,
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and San Miguel, Bulacan, officers and members of 15 Federations and Irrigators Associations, as well as various attendees from different national, regional and provincial government offices. According to Nograles, “through EPAHP, our partner agencies are able to directly offer assistance to farmers and communitybased organizations in areas of market access, credit assistance, food production training and networking.” The program is tied to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and related issuances of President Rodrigo Duterte, which are all aimed at reducing poverty incidence to 14% before his term ends. As per the Malacañang official, EPAHP enjoys the full support and participation of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Commission on Population and
Development (PopCom), Landbank of the Philippines, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). “A key component of EPAHP is the KUMAIN Webinar Series where we encourage Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) tied to the DTI, the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), LGUs and State Universities and Colleges to all participate in our Zero Hunger Initiatives,” explained Nograles. “We want more groups and individuals to participate. We’re accelerating our orientations and webinars in order to get more stakeholders involved. Our short term objective is to educate them about the need for increased agricultural production so we can achieve the longer term goal of food security and the elimination of hunger and poverty.” Caraga INFOCUS
KOREA DONATES CLOSE TO P10-M TO PHILIPPINE RED CROSS FOR RECENT TYPHOONS’ VICTIMS The Philippine Red Cross was the recipient Monday of an almost P10-million donation from Korea as humanitarian aid for families and communities affected by the typhoons that hit the Caraga INFOCUS
country recently, such as Rolly and Ulysses. Senator Richard J. Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO, personally received a check for $200,000 from outgoing South Korean envoy to the
Philippines, Ambassador Han Dong Man, during a dinner Monday night. “We thank you for the humanitarian aid and we will make sure that this will go directly to the people. November 21-27, 2020 |
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Kamsahamnida!” he said. Gordon also expressed his and the PRC’s gratitude to the outgoing ambassador for the numerous donations made by the South Korean government during his stint in the country. “You have done so much to further strengthen the ties between our nations which will definitely be a legacy. On behalf of the
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staff and volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross, we wish you safety on your next journey and a life full of happiness ahead. You will always have a second home in the Philippines,” he said. Korea, through its embassy here, has always made donations to the PRC whenever disaster strikes any part of the country to help fund the humanitarian operations that they conduct in the area concerned.
Its donations for the past five years include a P5-million donation for Marawi in July 2017 for 20 portable toilets that served more than 4,500 individuals in four evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. In February 2018, they also donated P10-Million for the PRC’s Mayon operation, for the distribution of hygiene and health kits for 4,000 persons in four evacuation centers, among other assistance. In September 2018, Korea also donated P16million for PRC’s Typhoon Ompong operations, which was used to provide affected households with a livelihood assistance amounting to P10,000 each. When a series of strong earthquakes jolted different parts of Mindanao last year, Korea also donated P5-million for PRC’s Mindanao Earthquake Recovery Phase. In January this year, too, it also donated P10-Million to facilitate relief operations in communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, which displaced some 45,000 residents. Caraga INFOCUS
RED CROSS’ ‘AMAZING GRACE’ SAILS TO CATANDUANES, KEEPS TORCH OF HOPE BURNING FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) sends its M/V Amazing Grace to the province of Catanduanes today to provide much needed relief and assistance to the survivors of recent typhoons that hit the country. PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon leads the Caraga INFOCUS
send-off ceremony for the ship, which was commissioned by the PRC in 2017, the same year when the country’s foremost humanitarian organization celebrated its 70th founding anniversary. According to Gordon, the M/V Amazing Grace, formerly owned
by Matanuska-Susitna Borough from Alaska, was acquired to serve as an ambulance and disaster response ship to effectively perform the PRC’s humanitarian work in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific Region. “The Philippine Red Cross has always been about alleviating November 21-27, 2020 |
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human suffering, bringing them essentials and not only that – bringing them hope. As the M/V Amazing Grace delivers to Catanduanes, it is a message that there is deliverance from despair through the mercy of God and through the thousands of people who are with the survivors of Typhoon Rolly. We are in this together,” says Gordon. M/V Amazing Grace, the country’s first and only humanitarian vessel, is bringing non-
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food items for the affected families and communities including hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, 10-liter and 20-liter jerry cans, galvanized iron (GI) sheets for roofing, and kitchen sets. It is also bringing additional vehicles such as mini van and Willy jeep to be used for assessing the situation in the area and for the delivery of services. “M/V Amazing Grace’s travel to
Catanduanes is its first humanitarian deployment. We will continue to help our fellowmen in the province until they are fully recovered and stable again. The Red Cross is not only here to give food and emergency aid, but most importantly, we want to help the people restore their dignity once again and get their lives back on track. Amazing Grace hopefully becomes a symbol of hope for our people,” says Gordon. Caraga INFOCUS
PREVENT FLOODING IN MM, NEARBY PROVINCES, DESILT LAGUNA DE BAY – GORDON With the recent massive flooding caused by Typhoon Ulysses in Metro Manila and the province of Rizal, Senator Richard J. Gordon called for desilting the Laguna De Bay to avoid flooding of Metro Manila and nearby Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). Gordon pointed out that desilting the Laguna De Bay would increase Caraga INFOCUS
the lake’s holding capacity for rainwater and floodwater, which would spare surrounding communities from being submerged during the typhoon or rainy season. “It’s about time that we desilt Laguna De Bay. Kung ide-desilt, lalalim ‘yan. Noong nananalanta ang bagyong Ulysses, umabot ng 13.6 above sea level na lagpas na sa maximum critical level
nitong 12.50 meters kaya nakadagdag pa ito sa pagbaha,” he said. Gordon said the bay should be rehabilitated and cleared of fish pens so it could be developed into a tourism attraction and an alternate mode of transportation. “Kasi unang una, napaka-polluted n’yan. Madumi d’yan so dapat ayusin na ang Laguna De Bay. Ang narinig ko November 21-27, 2020 |
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mayroong $30-Million assistance na ino-offer ang Hungary para sa rehabilitation ng Laguna Lake. Napakaganda ng offer na ‘yan. I suppose na kay (Foreign Affairs) Sec. (Teodoro) Locsin na ‘yan at sa kinauukulan kung tatanggapin nila,” he said. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said his government has proposed a $30-million assistance to the Philippine government for the rehabilitation and water treatment of Laguna Lake. He added a formal offer was
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made during his bilateral meeting with Locsin. Hungary is known to have the expertise and capability in terms of water management and treatment. It has been credited for successfully improving water condition in Lake Balaton, a fresh water lake in the country’s western region and the largest in Central Europe. Lake Balaton has since been transformed into a bustling tourist destination. Laguna de Bay, which has a total surface area of 900 square kilometres, is the biggest
lake and one of the most important inland bodies of water in the country. It is also the second biggest inland freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Over the years, efforts to rehabilitate Laguna Lake have been delayed due to legal challenges and setbacks. In 2012, former President Benigno Aquino junked an P18.7-billion rehabilitation deal entered into by his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, with Belgian firm Baggerwerken Decloedt En Zoon (BDC), citing irregularities. Caraga INFOCUS
PRRD OKAYS 2020 INVESTMENT PRIORITIES PLAN By Fayette C. Riñen Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed on Wednesday, Memorandum Order No. 50 approving the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), as a major push to bring the economy forward amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Central to the administration’s agenda are activities in overcoming the health Caraga INFOCUS
crisis, which includes the production of medical supplies and provision of services but not limited to the establishment of test facilities and laboratories, crematoriums, health waste treatment and disposal, quarantine facilities and hospitals. To propel the economy, the government will support
investments in the areas of agriculture, telecommunications, i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , manufacturing, energy, mass housing, fishery and forestry, and the environment including climate change-related projects. The IPP also supports the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa” November 21-27, 2020 |
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Program or the BP2 that aims to decongest metropolitan areas of informal settlers. Under the BP2 Program, informal settlers are given the chance to go back to their respective home provinces, but the government must also provide basic necessities such as employment opportunities, skills training, and housing, among others. In Central Visayas, BP2 applicants already reached 5,506 as of October 20, 2020,
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according to Ruth Cruz of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7). Bohol has the highest number of BP2 applicants with 2,291 or 41.6 percent share, followed by Negros Oriental at 1,821 or equivalent to 33 percent. Cebu placed third with 1,271 applicants while Siquijor came last at 2.2 percent or 122 applicants, said Cruz during this morning’s 4th Quarter Meeting of the Regional Development Council-Infrastructure
D e v e l o p m e n t Committee. Among the proposed interventions are the facilitation of employment matching and technical skills training according to their chosen skills, and providing start-up capital support. The Philippine economy is expected to grow between 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2021, based on government projections. (fcr/PIA7) Caraga INFOCUS
PRESIDENT DUTERTE PITCHES FOR FREE, OPEN TRADE IN ASIA-PACIFIC
Member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should maintain free and fair trade to attain sustained economic recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Friday. In his intervention during the 2020 APEC Caraga INFOCUS
Economic Leaders’ Meeting, President Duterte recognized APEC’s role in spurring economic growth and prosperity that has lifted millions of people out of poverty in the Pacific Rim region. Despite the current hurdles being confronted by APEC members, the President said they should
not be discouraged and must recommit themselves to bolder and more concrete ways to ensure the region’s economic vitality. Through the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, APEC members reaffirm their support for a free and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization November 21-27, 2020 |
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(WTO) as its vanguard. “We commit to address the widening income inequalities between the countries. And we aim to empower ourselves to face the disruptive impact of a new globalization, driven by digitalization and innovation,” the President said. “We convey our deepest appreciation to the eminent experts who crafted the recommendations for our new Vision,” he added, noting the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 gives the economic bloc renewed confidence in its collective effort to build better, healthier, and more prosperous societies. Recognizing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as the
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defining challenge of the present generation, the President spelled out areas of cooperation for APEC member economies. APEC, he said, should ensure the unimpeded flow of medical supplies and technologies, especially COVID-19 vaccines. There’s a need to defeat the virus everywhere so strengthening partnerships in vaccine development is necessary, he noted. “Several modalities are available. Aside from bilateral and multilateral cooperation, tripartite arrangements can be made between the government, private sector, and multilateral financial institutions,” the Philippine leader said. “There is no other
way. Let us resolve to act decisively on universal vaccine access and maximize these mechanisms.” President Duterte said giving the public unfettered flow of information is also the key to effective response and mitigation efforts. In this regard, he welcomed Malaysia’s initiative to establish the COVID-Live online portal aimed at sharing best practices among member economies. The APEC forum launched Putrajaya Vision 2040 Friday, promising cooperation to build an open, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific region. In a statement about Putrajaya Vision 2040, the economic grouping vowed to work together to achieve a free, open, fair and nondiscriminatory trade and investment environment. The bloc also highlighted the need to pursue multilateralism to counter rising unilateralism and protectionism and has thrown its support to the WTO to deliver a wellfunctioning multilateral trading system. PND Caraga INFOCUS
PRRD COMMITS TO UPHOLD ARBITRAL AWARD ON WEST PH SEA CLAIM By Melinda T. Quinones
At the virtual plenary session of the 37th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit today, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strongly emphasized the country’s position on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea claim, consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to maintain peace and order in the region. “The 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is an authoritative interpretation of the application of UNCLOS. It is now part of international law. And its significance cannot be diminished nor ignored by any country, however big and powerful,” he said. He urged regional leaders to remain united Caraga INFOCUS
towards achieving ASEAN Centrality, which he believed could only be assured if all member states would work for it to deserve it. “ASEAN Centrality is not, however, a constant given. We have to work for it to deserve it. We have to enhance our credibility as an independent actor able to engage all regional stakeholders with vision and strategic coherence. We must, therefore, remain united,” Duterte said. Duterte also advised leaders to resist some external forces that are attempting to divide the region. “Dictated by zerosum logic, external powers will continue to maneuver to get us to choose camps. And this we must resist –
consistently and firmly,” he said while adding that as leaders of their respective countries they are the master of the region’s destiny. As the ASEAN Country Coordinator for China, the Chief Executive reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in South China Sea in its entirety and to work towards conclusion and adoption and effective substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, with the theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN,” is hosted by Viet Nam. (MTQ/PIA-IDPD) November 21-27, 2020 |
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President Rodrigo Duterte asked lawmakers to prioritize the construction of sturdy evacuation centers to provide shelter to vulnerable population during disasters. Photo by PND.
COUNTRY MUST FORTIFY EVACUATIONS CENTERS, PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS LAWMAKERS The government should prioritize the construction of sturdy evacuation centers to provide shelter to vulnerable population during disasters, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Tuesday as he asked lawmakers to act on it.
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“Alam mo, it is high time that government consider really, of course, in the government units facing the Pacific Ocean, gamit na gamit ito na we build a strong structure, stronger than a typhoon that would come their
way para mapuntahan ng mga tao, and maybe small rooms with many comfort rooms where people can really stay for a while,� the President said in a public address on government response on the coronavirus Caraga INFOCUS
pandemic. At present, schools and public buildings are being used as evacuation centers, which the President said creates “an aberration in the movement or in the development” of governmental functions and education. “Iyan nga ang sanang tugunan ng Congress, Senator Bong Go, kasi pagka itong ganitong a deluge, they tend to go to places for shelter and relief,” he said. Assessing typhoon damages, the President said that despite the ferocity of the weather disturbances, the government was able to manage the disaster well because of the commendable performance of security forces and government agencies. The President said that comparing the impact of Typhoons Rolly, Siony, Tonyo and Ulysses to previous typhoons, the damages and casualties left by the recent calamities were comparably smaller, adding that this is due to the administration’s extensive preparations Caraga INFOCUS
prior to the typhoons’ impact. “But despite of its fury, we were able to manage. Hindi naman… I know that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth to say that minimal ang namatay. Pero hindi kagaya ng Ondoy,” he said. President Duterte praised government troops for their rescue efforts, lauding Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for taking the lead in the planning and deployment of government personnel. The government’s initiative to buy new equipment for security forces such as rubber boats has helped save more lives during rescue operations, he pointed out. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, who is also present during the meeting, said the impact of the typhoons was mitigated by the President’s order for government agencies to conduct early coordination and planning as well as deployment of troops and other personnel. Striving for zero
casualty in calamities in the future, Año said government agencies including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) are committed to further improve their disaster management and strategies. On November 1, Super Typhoon Rolly, internationally known as Typhoon Goni, battered the Bicol Region and Southern Luzon. It was followed by Typhoons Siony and Tonyo. And on November 11, Typhoon Ulysses, internationally known as Typhoon Vamco, devastated Quezon Province, Central Luzon, and the Bicol Region with heavy precipitation and strong winds. The successive typhoons that ravaged the country left billions worth of damages in agriculture and infrastructures in its wake. (PND) November 21-27, 2020 |
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GOV’T TO SPEND P73.2-BILLION LOAN FOR COVID-19 VACCINE PROCUREMENT
The government will use P73.2 billion financing coming from different sources to fund the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine as the government targets to inoculate 60 million Filipinos. During a meeting with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government has three sources of funding that include multilateral agencies as well as domestic and bilateral sources. The government estimates the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB) could provide around P40 billion low-cost and longterm loans, Dominguez said. Domestic sources of financing such as Land
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Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and governmentcontrolled corporations can provide P20 billion, according to the Finance chief. The Duterte government will also negotiate with bilateral sources to secure a P13.2 billion loan, Dominguez said, adding it depends on the source of vaccine, possibly Britain or US. “It’s almost fixed. Most of it is already fixed, 13.2 billion hindi pa completely negotiated. So 73.2 billion pesos,” he told President Duterte. Based on their estimate, Domiguez said the average cost of the COVID-19 vaccine will be around $25 per dose, per person. It will be around P1,200 more or less with
some vaccine prices are lower, and some are higher, Dominguez added. “But let’s say 25 dollars or 1,200, 72 --- 73.2 billion pesos is good for 60 million people to be vaccinated, around 60 million people. So that is more or less what we have in line.” To attain herd immunity, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country has to immunize 60 to 70 percent of the population, citing guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). “So if we’re able to reach that, we’re going to pretty much arrest the spread of this and mawawala ‘yung COVID-19 sa atin pong lipunan.” PND Caraga INFOCUS
President Rodrigo R. Duterte (File photo)
OBEY HEALTH PROTOCOLS TO AVOID POST-HOLIDAY COVID-19 SURGE: PRRD By Jelly Musico As people started to fill shopping centers to avoid the holiday rush, President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his call to strictly follow minimum health protocols to prevent a post-Christmas holiday surge of the coronavirus
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| November 21-27, 2020
disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. “So mga kababayan, importante the washing of hands, social distancing, ‘wag na lumapit (So, my countrymen, washing of hands is very important,
social distancing, don’t get closer),” Duterte said after listening to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s reports about the government’s mitigation response against the Covid-19 pandemic during his talk Caraga INFOCUS
to the nation from Davao City on Monday night. Duque reported that the country’s Covid-19 cases continue to decrease and the recovery rate has now reached 92 percent. “Mr. President, this 92 percent recovery rate ay dahil po sa dumaang pang panahong, ang ating mga kababayan ay naniwala sa (is because the people believed in) minimum health standards like wearing of face mask and face shield, washing of hands, physical distancing and disinfection,” Duque told the President. He added that the DOH has issued a circular reiterating the importance of following the minimum health protocols, especially during the Christmas holidays. Duterte urged the public to help the military and police stop the Covid-19 infection by staying inside their homes if there are no reasons for them to venture outside. “As I have said, try to understand the police and military. They are really the errand boys of the republic. Huwag na ninyo pahirapan mga Caraga INFOCUS
Contributed photo
police kung wala na kayong gagawin. ‘Wag na kayo mag-inom tapos magkagulo (Don’t make life difficult for our police if you have nothing to do outside. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages that will result in chaos),” Duterte said. He said people should consider the sacrifices that the military and police have done especially during the successive typhoons that devastated the country. “Ponder on the things that they have done in the past several days and you would really understand they are the true workers of the
government, sila nauna sa bagyo, landslides, naghuhukay, lahat (They go out first during typhoons, landslides, digging, everything). You love your police and military,” Duterte said. On Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 135 new recoveries, increasing the overall tally of Covid-19 recovered cases nationwide to 386,604. The DOH also logged 1,799 new cases and 50 new deaths. These figures brought the total number of active cases to 25,837 and the death toll to 8,173. (PNA) November 21-27, 2020 |
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National Policy against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (Screengrab from PCOO)
GOV’T, PRIVATE SECTOR TO INK DEAL FOR 2-M ASTRAZENECA VACCINES By Lade Jean Kabagani National Policy against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday announced the government and the private sectors are
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set to sign a tripartite agreement for two million doses of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine. In a virtual palace briefing, Galvez said the deal is set to be signed on Friday, allowing
the country to buy the Covid-19 vaccine developed in the United Kingdom. “Kasama po natin ang mga pribadong sektor na nag-donate nito (We will be with Caraga INFOCUS
the private sectors who donated it),” he added, noting that the two million doses of vaccine are separate from around 20 million doses targeted to be procured using public funds. Galvez said the government also continues to negotiate with other pharmaceutical companies to acquire equitable access to the Covid-19 vaccine. He also urged the public to continue observing minimum health standards such as wearing of face mask, face shield, and practice regular hand washing, even if the vaccine becomes available. He said the government, in partnership with the private sector, intends to vaccinate 25 to 30 million Filipinos per year. “Ang atin pong target ay magkaroon po tayo ng herd immunity na ma-vaccinate po natin ang more or less 60 to 75 million [Filipinos] para ma-contain po natin ang (Our target is to acquire herd immunity that could vaccinate more or less 60 to 75 million Filipinos to contain the) virus effectively with the herd Caraga INFOCUS
immunity,” Galvez said. The government is initially targeting about 75 percent of the Filipino population to be vaccinated for Covid-19, he added. Galvez said the targeted number for the vaccination program per year will be depending on the world market. “Kasi po yung vaccine magiging available lang po yan either yung best case scenario nga po ay sa (Since the vaccine might become available on its best-case scenario on) May, June and July so meaning wala po tayong available na (there will be no available) vaccine this first and second quarter at ang rollout po natin (and we might rollout) most likely late secondquarter up to end of the year [2021],” he said. He noted that the regular immunization program in the country per year could only capacitate about five million Filipinos. While targeting the “simultaneous and massive” rollout of vaccination, Galvez said the government also considered its limitations on establishing cold chain
storages for the vaccine. Meanwhile, Galvez noted that the opening of tourism in some areas in the country did not cause any increase in Covid-19 cases. He said the spike of Covid-19 cases is mostly recorded in Mindanao areas. Galvez said the increase of Covid-19 cases is generally manageable. “Generally, ‘yung (our) active cases ay pababa po (are lowering down),” he added. Galvez recommended stricter enforcement of the minimum health standards during the holiday seasons. He then reminded the business owners to continue imposing stringent health protocols within their establishments. “We are expecting, it’s very imminent that the cases will spike,” he said. Galvez said the Metro Manila mayors have been cautious in easing quarantine restrictions as they recommended shifting from general community quarantine to modified general community quarantine only by next year, after the holidays. (PNA) November 21-27, 2020 |
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DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (PNA file photo)
DOH ASSURES FUNDS TO BUY COVID-19 VACCINE The Department of Health (DOH) assured on Saturday that it has funds to buy the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine once available. In the Laging Handa public briefing aired over the state-run PTV4, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they also have assurance
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By Marita Moaje from the House of Representatives for additional funds in case it is needed. “Kung sa pera meron tayong na approve na PHP2.5 billion sa aming general appropriations bill at nag commit naman ang ating mga legislators that we will be adding some more
sa budget ng vaccine (on the funding we have already an approved PHP2.5 billion under the general appropriations bill and the legislators have committed that they will be adding some more budget for the vaccine),� Vergeire said. She said their initial estimate then was at Caraga INFOCUS
PHP3 billion when other information regarding the other Covid-19 vaccines were not yet available. “We estimated that we are going to procure about 22 million doses times two for 22 million population,” she said. She added that part of the PHP3 billion is the PHP1.3 billion that will be allocated for the cold storage for the vaccines. Now that information regarding other Covid-19 vaccines being developed by other manufacturers to which the country may negotiate, Vergeire said they are updating their estimate. She also gave the assurance that the DOH will inform the public on the revised estimation. Vergeire clarified that clinical trials that will be done in the country will not have any effect on the DOH procurement plan. She said the DOH is currently looking at two options -- first are the vaccines that will have clinical trials in the country, and second is the vaccines that may be procured but will not be conducting their clinical trial here. Caraga INFOCUS
Contributed photo
Vergeire said the country is open for manufacturers planning to conduct their clinical trials here. “We are open to that and it’s not going to affect our procurement plan, it will be part of that plan wherein after the clinical trial and the result is good then we may include that among the list of vaccines that we may procure,” Vergeire said. She added that clinical trials are to check if a new technology or in this case, a new vaccine, is safe and efficacious. In case the Covid-19 vaccine becomes available, she said the health care workers will be prioritized. This will be followed by the senior citizens and the indigents. She said the prioritization is based on the recommendation
of the World Health Organization (WHO). The DOH does not want to refer to the flattening of the curve anymore. Vergeire said what they can say is that the number of Covid-19 cases in the country is on a downward trend based on the number of cases being reported daily. She added that it can also be noted that the critical care utilization facilities for Covid-19 patients in the country have improved and that there are more available facilities now. However, Vergeire said there are also some provinces with a higher number of reported cases. She said the DOH is monitoring these areas and reminded the public not to be complacent despite the numbers going down. (PNA) November 21-27, 2020 |
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