Caraga InFocus –Volume VI, No. 48

Duty-bearers, Butuan stakeholders join Children’s Month kick-off celebration

Agency Caraga strongly support this advocacy, not because we are obligated to, but because we truly believe in the importance of putting our children’s mental health first. We can do so by implementing policies and programs that focus on promoting their well-being complemented by a strong information drive to create greater awareness of its importance,” said Garcia.

hand towards the promotion of children’s rights and their protection against all forms of violence.

development of our youths,” he said.

Heads and representatives from various government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, youth sector, and residents from this city, actively took their part during the kick-off celebration of this year’s National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration through a program on November 4 at Robinsons Place.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga being the chair of the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC)

spearheaded the program.

DSWD Field Office Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Atty. Faizal Padate delivered the opening message on behalf of Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga. He reiterated that the NCM celebration is anchored on the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) Goals to progressively realize the rights of children across the world.

Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!” which calls for public support to prioritize the availability of necessary interventions to support the mental health and overall well-being of children amid the pandemic and post-pandemic effects,” Padate bared.

Regional Director Venus Garcia of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, stressed the need to amplify the advocacy on instilling in the national consciousness the importance of promoting the welfare of children, by protecting them and ensuring that their rights are respected.

Also, Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, highlighted the efforts of the local government units in implementing programs, plans, and activities for the children sector, hence, conforming to the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (SCFLGA) in the region.

She also urged all sectors to continue to work hand in

Meanwhile, Regional Director Pablo Gacayan Labra II of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, emphasized the value of children in the society and vowed for their protection from all kinds of violence and abuse, as well as to support the nation’s programs that ensure their safety and protection of their rights.

“We at PNP Caraga will work hard to guarantee the safety of all youths. Our continuous collaboration with parents, teachers, churches, private and government agencies and all people will help us achieve this. I also urge anyone to unite and work together so that we can ensure a peaceful, safe, and orderly community for the

All the participating sectors also affixed their signatures at the “Panatang Makabata” tarpaulin, as their way of support to the programs and services intended for the children; and to promote their rights and overall wellbeing.

The annual month-long celebration is one of the major avenues of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) to promote the rights of the child and call the attention of various stakeholders on issues and concerns affecting children. It engages duty-bearers and right-holders to further their level of awareness on child rights issues and empower them to take actions to improve their lives and develop the culture of care and protection for, by, and with children. (JPG/PIACaraga)

“For this year, the theme of the celebration is “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at

“This year’s National Children’s Month celebration puts emphasis on all sectors working together to promote the overall health of our children. We, in the Philippine Information

Garcia

News Briefs

The 4th day of FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION and “Sinina Ko, Pagbuot Ko” Exhibit with Atty. Kahlil L. Lamigo of Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office of Nasipit, Philippine National Police and Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga at SM City Butuan.

xx World AIDS Day celebration in Caraga region, the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a Song Composition Contest with the theme “End HIV, Act for Equality Para Sa Healthy Pilipinas”. The competition revolves on encouraging the youth and community to help in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, to put an end to the stigma, to fight against discrimination and to show support to People Living with HIV.

Local chief executives of the 64 local government units who will be awarded in today’s National Awarding for the 22nd Gawad KALASAG Seal for LGUs participate in the processional march to mark the commencement at Almont Inland Hotel, Butuan City. Some vice mayors and Sangguniang Bayan/ Panlalawigan members also attended on behalf or alongside their LCEs.

500 INDIBIDWAL TUMANGGAP NG MAAGANG PAMASKO MULA SA TASK FORCE ELCAC SA SURSUR

Tinatayang mahigit 500 katao ang dumalo at nakiisa sa isang aktibidad pangkapayapaan at nabigyan ng maagang regalo sa isang Peace Building Information Drive at Pamaskong Handog 2022 ng Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict na ginanap sa Covered Court, ng Barangay Hinapoyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, Disyembre 6, 2022.

Matatandaan na mula sa Sitio Gacub ng naturang barangay ang limang hinukay na pinaslang ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) noong ika-30 ng Oktubre ng kasalukuyang taon.

Ibahagi ang Dokumentaryo ng iDocu Team ni John Paul Seniel na may pamagat na “Hinagpis ng limang (5) Byuda sa Hinapoyan” sa mamayanan ng barangay kasama ang tatlong (3) sityo ng Gacub, Tabinas, at Bayabas.

Sa naturang dokumentaryo, nilahad dito ang mga pangyayari sa mga pinatay na maglalapnisan at hinilom ang mga panawagan ng mga naiwang kapamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng

maagang pamasko sa mga Taga-Carmen. Hinimok ni Mayor Jane V. Plaza sa naturang aktibidad na mamulat ang lahat sa totoong gawain at pakay ng makakaliwang grupo sa mga Carmenanon at ipinahayag ang pakikiisa sa kapayapaan at siguridad ng Indigenous Peoples Community.

Sa pakikiisa ng mga Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative at Tribal Chieftain ng Hinapoyan ay winaksi nila ang Communist Party of the Philippines -New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) sa kanilang tribu at kinondena ang mga abuso, pagpatay, at panghihikayat ng mga terrorista sa kanilang komunidad na umanib sa mga ito.

Layunin ng Peace Building Information Drive na mapabuti, mapaunlad, at mabigyan ng panibagong pag-asa ang mga taga-Hinapoyan upang hindi na maulit ang trahedya na nangyari sa naturang kumunidad mula sa karahasan at kalupitan ng komunistang grupo. (2Lt. Shirly Fatima Lim, CMO-36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

The representatives from various government agencies are gathered December 2, for the 4th Quarter Joint Meeting of the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) and Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) Cum Year-end Thanksgiving at Watergate Hotel, Butuan City.

4 CTG MEMBERS SURRENDER TO THE GOVERNMENT IN AGSUR

Some four (4) regular members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) bringing along their firearms with magazines and live ammunition yielded to the 26th Infantry Battalion on November 30, 2022. The unit’s intensified military operations, support of the locals and strengthened partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and tribal leaders significantly contributed to the voluntary surrender of the four regular members of Platoon Sagay, SubRegional Committee 3 of the North Central

Mindanao Regional Committee operating in the hinter areas of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. They also surrendered two (2) AK47 rifles, one (1) KG-9 sub-machine gun, and one (1) Carbine rifle.

Fear for their lives, hunger, longingness for their families and children, and broken promises of their recruiters fueled them to return to the folds of the law. Likewise, Lieutenant Colonel Sandy Majarocon, Commanding Officer of said unit, welcomed the

surrenderees and appreciated them for choosing the path of peace and reconciliation with the government.

The surrenderees will undergo various assessments and documentation validation for their enrolment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government and availment of other programs for their reintegration into the mainstream society and to be able to start better lives. (Kayce Abuan, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

LGU-CARMEN, PHIL ARMY ORGANIZES PEACE BUILDING INFODRIVE AND GIFT GIVING FOR BRGY. HINAPOYAN

To raise awareness to the Indigenous Peoples Community on the deceptive propaganda and manipulative strategies of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and how to effectively counter them, the Local Government Unit of Carmen, Surigao del Sur in collaboration with 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB), Philippine Army successfully organized the Peace Building Information Drive and “Handog Pamasko” program in Barangay Hinapoyan.

Testimonies from family members of the slain victims and from respected government personnel were shown through a video

presentation condemning the barbaric acts of the terrorist group.

In her speech, Local Chief Executive Jane Valeroso-Plaza, highlighted the government’s firm commitment to helping the communities promote peace and security especially the IP community.

“Our youth is one of the most vulnerable sectors in our society. Hence, we must protect them from being lured into joining the CTG and used as pawns to perpetuate their false ideology, human rights abuses, and other terroristic activities,” said Mayor Jane Valeroso-Plaza.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Carmen has been visiting remote and geographically inaccessible communities since 2016 to fulfill the responsibilities of the government in providing outstanding services and fostering peace.

The event was graced by LGU officials headed by Mayor Jane V. Plaza, Brigadier General George L. Banzon of the 901st Brigade, 36IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Michael Reuyan, PNP Provincial Director PCOL Dennis A. Siruno, Barangay Council, other government agencies, and NonGovernment Agencies. (LGUCarmen, SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Mga bata sa malayong barangay

ng Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, masayang tumanggap ng mga regalo mula sa RCWC Caraga

Mahigit isang daan at limampung (150) mga bata ng Barangay Sabang Gibong sa bayan ng Talacogon, Agusan del Sur ang tumanggap ng regalo mula sa iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan na siyang bumubuo sa Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) Caraga sa pangunguna ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), kasama ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), at Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Kasama rin ng RCWC ang mga kawani mula sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) office ng Agusan del Sur, at Foundation for the Development of

Agusanons, Incorporated (FDAI).

Tinanggap ng mga bata at kanilang magulang ang school supplies, hygiene kits, mga laruan at pagkain na nagbigay ngiti at saya sa kanila lalo na’t buwan ng mga bata ngayon.

Para kay Joebert Morta, isang ama na may dalawang anak sa elementarya, lubos ang kanyang kasiyahan at kabilang ang kanyang mga anak sa nakatanggap ng regalo.

“Maraming salamat sa gobyerno sa pasalubong na kanilang dala para sa mga bata,” ani Morta.

Morales, residente rin ng nasabing barangay. Nagpaabot din ng pasasalamat ang mga opisyal at guro ng nasabing barangay.

“Lubos ang aming tuwa na bumisita kayo dito sa aming lugar at may dalang regalo para sa mga bata. Hindi nila ito malilimutan lalo na ngayong buwan ng mga bata,” ani Ricardo Asis, isang kagawad ng Brgy. Sabang gibong, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

sa inyong lugar. Sana’y makatulong itong mga regalo sa inyo lalo na sa ating mga bata,” pahayag niya.

“Maraming salamat sa ating gobyerno na bumisita rito at nagdala ng pasalubong sa amin lalo na sa mga bata,” banggit din ni aling Maria

Binigyang-diin din ni Krysta Antoni - De Jose, regional coordinator ng RCWC Caraga na hangad ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno na makapagbigay saya sa mga bata, kahit malayo man ang kanilang lugar. “Maraming salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap sa amin dito

Tiniyak din ng PSWDO sa Agusan del Sur na magpapatuloy ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga residente ng Barangay Sabang Gibong. Mula sa sentro ng Talacogon, abot sa tatlong oras ang biyahe bago marating ang nasabing barangay sakay ng bangka. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Philippines: A far-flung community finally gets its own health clinic

The day Mariel Havana has long been waiting for is finally here. After years of struggle, her village, Kasapa II in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, now has its own clinic where residents can seek medical care without delay and without the risk of having a long distance travel to seek for immediate medication.

As a midwife, Havana was particularly

concerned about the lack of access to quality health-care services that the villagers – many of whom were displaced by armed conflict – suffered over the years. When someone had to see a doctor, they would have to take an hour-long motorcycle ride through mucky roads to the nearest health centre, located 40 kilometres away in the center of La Paz municipality. Trekking to the next town was equally risky because of

the unpaved roads that get very slippery in the rains. Recognizing the need, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) built a health station in the village, which was officially handed over in October 2022. “When the ICRC came here, I immediately requested for a barangay (village) health station because it was a basic necessity for us,” Havana said.

Time is of essence

The absence of a nearby health-care facility has had dire consequences on the community members, shared Dormito Manlangit, the village chief. “One time a pregnant woman who was bleeding profusely was taken to the hospital in La Paz on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, she died before reaching the facility,” he said.

Travelling to La Paz can be expensive too, costing as much as 1,500 Philippine pesos ($26) from Kasapa II. “Those who were ill would usually wait and selfmedicate using herbal medicines because a trip to the hospital was both difficult and expensive. Often, by the time they would go to the hospital in La Paz, their condition would have worsened,” Manlangit added. With the opening of the new clinic, Manlangit can breathe a sigh of relief.

Ray of hope

Villagers of Kasapa II can now receive medical services such

as immunization, preand postnatal care and consultations at the new three-room facility, where medicines and medical kits will also be stored.

The 15 health-care workers in the village will man and serve the 1,500 residents more efficiently, encouraging people to make the most of the available resources and seek medical help in time.

“Those who are sick will no longer have to worry or wait because the station will always have health workers,” Havana said.

Residents at peace

Raya Cogit, a barangay health worker, is as excited as Havana. Before the health station opened, patients used to visit her house for consultations, where her six-year-old son was at risk of exposure to various diseases.

Cogit can now meet her patients at the healthcare facility instead. “Our patients will also feel more comfortable now when we attend to their medical needs,” she said.

peace knowing that there is a clinic nearby where she can safely deliver her baby in December.

“I would definitely prefer giving birth in a health facility. It is risky to deliver my baby at home without proper medical equipment, especially if there are any complications during delivery. I am relieved that the midwife can now assist me in giving birth at the health facility directly,” she said.

Building capacities of health workers

Pregnant with her second child, Cogit is at

Opening the barangay health station was just one step in improving health-care services in Kasapa II. The Philippine Red Cross, the ICRC’s primary humanitarian partner, conducted a first aid and basic life support training programme for Cogit, Havana and other health-care workers in the village. These training sessions help the workers become better equipped to respond to health emergencies. (Contributed by Melrick Lucero, ICRC communication field officer based in Butuan City/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

MINDANAO NEWS

Beyond beliefs, culture, and even religion, the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace should be a goal for every Filipino, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III said Thursday as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) joined the nation in the observance of the 25th celebration of the event.

“The week-long celebration is a reminder for all Filipinos – regardless of one’s status in life, religion, or culture – should always strive to achieve lasting peace, unity, and harmony,” Estrella said in a statement.

“We are all Filipinos, whatever our faith, or political and religious affiliations. When we are united as one nation, we can achieve genuine sustained national development,” he added.

Estrella expressed hope

Mindanao Week of Peace, celebration beyond religion: Estrella

that lasting peace can be achieved in Mindanao especially since the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is bent on sustaining the gains of the comprehensive Philippine peace process. He added that as mandated by Marcos, the peace and development in Mindanao, which was once besieged by wars and conflicts, has been set into motion and is gaining traction.

Meanwhile, DAR Office of Mindanao Affairs Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan cited the country’s need for more peace warriors to strengthen the peacebuilding initiatives under the banner of unity of President Marcos.

“Nothing that is great comes easy, but by truly uniting for a common goal, I strongly believe that even the

impossible can be achieved. Peace in Mindanao will not only depend on the action of our government, it also rests heavily on the commitment of our fellow Mindanaoan who most aspire for it,” Sangcopan said.

Mindanao Week of Peace is celebrated from the last Thursday in November to the first Wednesday of December through Proclamation Order No. 127, issued by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to “recognize the common aspirations of Mindanaoans to live in peace, unity, and harmony with each other regardless of status in life, religion or culture”.

The celebration is also aimed at bringing people together to promote a peaceful atmosphere not only in Mindanao but throughout the country. (PNA)

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III (PNA file photo)

PSC seeks sustainable sports dev’t programs in Mindanao

SPORTS DEV’T. Dr. Jezreel Abarca, the chairperson of the UPMin Department of Human Kinetics, underscored Monday (Nov. 28, 2022) during the ‘Panaghisgot’ forum in Davao City the need for the establishment of the Mindanao Sports Development Program. She said it is key to sustaining sports development programs in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of UP-Min)

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the University of the PhilippinesMindanao (UP-Min), academe and other government agencies convened here Monday for a two-day event to push for sustainable sports development programs in Mindanao.

In a forum here dubbed “Panaghisgot,” PSC project development officer Alona Quinto said the Nov. 28-29 gathering seeks to address various concerns, particularly in the sports development programs on the island.

“Mindanao was never a less priority of the PSC. They have a big part of the programs as we produced promising athletes from Mindanao,” she said in an interview.

Quinto said the forum would explain the framework of PSC Chairman Noli Eala as he focused on the grassroots program wherein promising athletes hail from the various local government units.

“It is always partnership when it

comes to developing athletes, Chairman Eala said we will never stop supporting, financially or on the technical aspect. That is the direction of PSC, to help the LGUs promote their sports program,” she said.

As part of the effort, Dr. Jezreel Abarca, the chairperson of the UP-Min Department of Human Kinetics, underscored the need for the establishment of the Mindanao Sports Development Program.

Abarca said a holistic program would provide accessible quality academic degree programs and produce culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, globally competitive graduates and sports specialists in Mindanao.

“With this, we can also promote Mindanao-specific research for sustainable programs in sports development, sports science, sports education, physical fitness and well-being,” she said.

The program, she said, would also strengthen the sports programs of the Department of Education, Commission on

Higher Education, and LGUs in Mindanao through sharing of technical expertise and facilities.

Jimmy Musa, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) development management officer and focal person for Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMPEAGA) Sociocultural and Education (SCE) Pillar, said his office commits to support sustainable sports development in Mindanao, particularly in the context of BIMP-EAGA subregional cooperation.

“We have been playing a key role in coordinating and facilitating the participation of sports athletes and players from various Mindanao LGUs in the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games since 1996,” he said.

Currently, he said MinDA has provided technical inputs to the terms of reference of the creation of the Youth and Sports Development Working Group as the third strategic priority sector of the BIMP-EAGA SCE Pillar. (PNA/Che Palicte)

PBBM TO NEW ENVOYS: LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS, PARTNERSHIPS FOR PH

executive added.

The President said it is important for the Philippines to seal partnerships especially as the country “navigates out of this pandemic economy.”

“And in this time, I think it is very important that those partnerships are created and strengthened,” he said.

that is also a good thing for us,” he said.

Different mission amid current challenges

During the courtesy call, the chief executive talked about the very different tasks of ambassadors in advancing the interest of the Philippines particularly as the world grapples with multiple challenges.

For instance, the President said, they have to look for ideas and partnerships with other countries offering assistance on climate change and other things that can be helpful to the Philippines.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on newly appointed and confirmed Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to “continuously look for opportunities” for business and partnerships for the Philippines.

The President made this remark during a courtesy call of the newly appointed ambassadors at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

In his message, the President urged the diplomats to continue to communicate, promote the interest of the Philippines and “foster partnerships

with all our neighbors.”

“And whether or not they are allies, whether or not they are friendly, nonetheless, it is very important that we continue to communicate, that we continue to engage, that we continue to have a way to explain what the Philippines is trying to do, how the Philippines sees its role in the community of nations,” the President pointed out.

“I think it is important [that] we now look and be very, very conscientious about finding opportunities for the Philippines that might be good for the Philippines,” the chief

“It is important that we have partners as we try to navigate out of this pandemic economy, out of the crisis that we have had to attend to and deal with as an effect of the Ukraine conflict,” President Marcos pointed out.

As representatives of the Philippines, the President said ambassadors should serve as instruments in helping the Philippine economy and pursuing opportunities to woo more investors.

“When we endorse and assist the private sector in partnerships with whoever the investors from outside,

“So it is a different kind of mission. You no longer are concerned solely with the diplomatic contact and the diplomatic exchanges. We are no longer limited by distance, by geographical and physical positioning,” President Marcos said.

“This is something that we have to recognize now. And that is what, as I said, we look to our envoys to be able to achieve to one, consistently make known to all our friends, all our own partners, the position of the Philippines on all the aspects of the world discussion that we are all part of,” the President pointed out.

The country’s envoys, Marcos said, have to also continuously talk to people, corporations, and entities and look for opportunities and programs that could benefit the Philippines.

“That’s why I think that probably is the newest feature of an envoy’s duties as I see. So that I see, well, it is a new world out there; we must adjust,” the chief executive said.

“And I believe that for the Philippines, for the national interest, that this is the way to adjust,” he added.

The President also pointed out that the country benefits from a government-togovernment level of negotiation as well as mediating with the private sector in terms of investment tie-up with foreign investors.

Filipino ambassadors have to consider these things so the country could maximize its resources and partnerships to effectively manage the economy and to help the Filipino people have a better life as the nation slowly emerges from all of its present challenges, the President added.

The Filipino envoys included Ambassador Grace Tolentino CruzFabella for the Argentine Republic; Ambassador Jaime Victor Badillo Leda for the Kingdom of Belgium; Ambassador Joseph Gerard Bacani Angeles for the Federative Republic of Brazil; Ambassador Eduardo Martin Ramos Meñez for the Czech Republic; Ambassador Gina Alagon Jamoralin for the Republic of Indonesia; and Ambassador Pedro Ramirez Laylo Jr. for the State of Israel.

The list of newly appointed and confirmed ambassadors also includes Ambassador Nathaniel Garcia Imperial for the Italian Republic; Ambassador Mylene De Joya Garcia-Albano for Japan; Ambassador Wilfredo Cunanan Santos for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Ambassador Lilybeth Rodriguez Deapera for the United Mexican States; Ambassador Lilibeth Velasco Pono for the State of Qatar; Ambassador Medardo Antonio Gonzales Macaraig for the Republic of Singapore; and Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver for the United Arab Emirates. | PND

PBBM SATISFIED WITH PERFORMANCE OF OFFICERS-INCHARGE OF DOH, DND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he is happy and satisfied with the performance of the temporary heads of different agencies, foremost of which are the Departments of Health and National Defense.

The President made the remarks when asked by reporters, on the sidelines of the Kadiwa ng Pasko caravan in Quezon City, for an update on the appointments of several officers-in-charge in different agencies.

“Wala, we just go to the process. Wala pa kaming DOH. Wala pa kaming nino-nominate. Usec. (Ma. Rosario) Vergeire is doing a fine job. Kasi we are still not out of the pandemic. So we have to continue to be careful,” the President said.

“Sa DA (Department of Agriculture), sa DND (Department of National Defense), no, I think… Happy ako with the situation as it is now. We’ll see. These things are revisited, especially every year at the end of the

first year. I don’t think that’s a secret to anyone that at the end of the first year, ‘yung mga ibang kandidato, they will now join the mix of possible nominees,” he added.

The current DND-OIC is Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino, a former Armed Forces chief of staff and member of Philippine Military Academy’s “Maringal Class” of 1988.

The President asked for the public’s patience, noting his concern is doing the job at hand. So far, he said he is satisfied with the performances of the people he appointed.

In an interview in Los Baños, Laguna, early this week, the President was asked if he would appoint a secretary to the Department of Agriculture. The President, who concurrently holds the agriculture portfolio, said he has a timetable in DA, and there are certain things that he would like to achieve before leaving the department.

There are names being considered to head the agriculture department, Marcos said, adding that hopefully, when the time is right, he could make a nomination for a DA chief.

PBBM: PH-US DEFENSE TREATY CONTINUOUSLY EVOLVING

meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris last week.

“Yes, we covered that and many more subjects. But essentially, on the security, ‘yun tinitingnan natin ‘yung kanilang pinopropose, ‘yung mga joint exercises, and EDCA, the use of our bases, all of these. We are in the middle of that,” said the President.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty of the Philippines with the United States is “continuously under negotiation and under evolution.”

The President made this remark in an interview with the press during his attendance at the Kadiwa ng Pasko project in Quezon City.

“Well, the Mutual Defense Treaty is continuously under negotiation and under evolution. I always call it it’s an evolution because things are changing,” said the

President. According to the chief executive, there have been “many requests and proposals” from the Americans, especially under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“So all of that is under study now to see what is really feasible and what will be the most useful for the defense of Philippine territory,” the President pointed out.

President Marcos said concerns on security and defense were among those tackled during his

During her visit to the country, Vice President Harris said attacks made against Philippine forces in the South China Sea would invoke the US mutual defense promises. National Security Adviser Secretary Clarita Carlos earlier stated that the government has already created a group to study and review the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

The group, according to Carlos, is composed of officials from the National Security Council (NSC), the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). | PND

PBBM WANTS ‘KADIWA’ TO CONTINUE BEYOND CHRISTMAS SEASON THRU LGU TIE-UPS

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday he wants the Kadiwa ng Pasko project to become a national program through tie-ups with local government units (LGUs) so it will be implemented even beyond the holiday season.

In his remarks during the Kadiwa ng Pasko caravan in Quezon City, President Marcos praised the city government for pioneering the project, which became a model for other LGUs in Metro Manila.

Through the Kadiwa project, the prices of basic products became cheaper, benefitting the consumers and at the same time providing market to local agricultural producers as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Marcos said.

The government wants to lower the price per kilo of rice to P25 through the Kadiwa project implementation, President Marcos said, adding this prompted the administration to implement the program throughout the Philippines.

“Hindi lamang sa mga LGU. Magtutulungan na ang Office of the President at ang ating mga LGU para lahat dahan-dahang kumakalat ang dami nito. Kaya’t ‘yan po ang ating dapat ipagpatuloy,” Marcos said.

The President further said: “At masasabi ko na kahit pagkatapos na ng New Year ay hindi naman namin ititigil

‘yung Kadiwa ng Pasko. Patuloy nang patuloy na ‘yan. Hangga’t maaari ay patuloy ang Kadiwa para naging national program, para lahat ng buong Pilipinas ay makikita naman nila at makakatikim naman sila nung savings doon sa kanilang mga binibili.”

The Kadiwa project is the best Christmas gift that the government can extend to the public, Marcos said, adding that “it is the gift that keeps on giving.”

The President said Quezon City LGU has been the government model in the Kadiwa implementation and if a large city like Quezon City can successfully carry it out, other localities could do the same.

“Kaya kung kakayanin nung sistema ninyo ang Quezon City, eh kakayanin ‘yung mas maliliit.

Kaya’t we were looking and seeing ano ‘yung mga kung tawagin ay best practices ay tinitingnan namin para maging mas maganda,” Marcos said.

The chief executive said: “Kaya’t nandito po ako para tingnan na maayos naman ang patakbo dito sa Quezon City ‘yung ating Kadiwa ng Pasko, at mukha namang nagiging maayos at may nararamdaman naman na savings ang ating mga kababayan.”

The Kadiwa ng Pasko program aims to provide a market to local farmers and fishermen for their produce, and to small business enterprises selling basic necessities.

Organizers expect them to have better income and, at the same time, provide the public access to more affordable, accessible and high-quality merchandise.

Support agencies for the project include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). | PND

MAJORITY OF PINOYS APPROVE, TRUST

PBBM

A great majority of Filipinos approve of and trust President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., based on the latest survey of the OCTA Research released on Wednesday.

OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa poll showed the chief executive registering an 86 percent trust rating and a 78 percent performance rating.

According to the survey, only 4 percent expressed distrust in President Marcos, while 5 percent were not satisfied with his performance.

In terms of geographical areas, President Marcos’ trust rating ranged from 82 percent to 92 percent.

The President’s highest trust rating was in Mindanao at 92 percent, while he registered an 82 percent trust rating in the National Capital Region.

In terms of socioeconomic classes, the chief executive’s trust ratings ranged from 78 percent to 90 percent.

Marcos got the highest boost from adult Filipinos belonging to Class E, or

the “poorest of the poor” registering 90 percent.

The chief executive’s performance ratings ranged from 74 percent to 85 percent, with the highest performance rating registered in Mindanao at 85 percent.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte also earned majority trust and approval scores at 86 percent and 80 percent, respectively.

In terms of awareness, 100 percent of adult Filipinos are aware of Marcos and Duterte-Carpio, according to the OCTA survey.

OCTA Research conducted its latest survey from Oct. 23 to 27 with 1,200 adult respondents across the country.

OCTA earlier reported that 85 percent of Filipino adults strongly agree that the country under the Marcos administration is headed in the right direction, with only 6 percent expressing disagreement.

President Marcos described it as “very encouraging,” saying it is vital for government policies and programs to be felt by Filipinos across all socioeconomic classes.

DOH backs audit of Covid-19 vax deals

The Department of Health (DOH) said Friday it supports the conduct of a special audit of loans granted by lending firms for the procurement of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid)-19 vaccines.

Covid-19 jabs.

“We will support and cooperate with this audit process,” she said. “We just need to ensure that we won’t violate the signed non-disclosure agreement”.

He added that the state audit body is not bound by non-disclosure agreements, according to its legal office.

In a media forum, DOH officer-in-charge

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire disclosed they have requested the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special audit of the procurement deals for

Earlier, COA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba said they might issue a notice of disallowance on the Covid-19 jabs procurement if the DOH keeps related documents confidential.

COA defines disallowance as disapproval in the audit of a transaction in whole or in part.

In a previous budget deliberation in the Senate, Senator Chiz Escudero also requested a detailed audit of the government’s Covid-19 jabs procurement. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

DOH officer in charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (File photo)

PRIORITIZE HEALTH WORKERS’

ALLOWANCE, GO TELLS COLLEAGUES

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go on Thursday urged the bicameral conference committee to ensure that allotment for the One Covid-19 Allowance (OCA) or the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for healthcare workers is prioritized.

Go said the bicam committee has vowed to reconcile the proposed budget for the release of unpaid allowances and continue to provide it to health workers next year.

“Dapat ibigay sa kanila ang nararapat. Napakaliit po na halaga ito sa sakripisyong ginawa nila. Hindi po natin mararating itong ating kampanya laban sa Covid-19 kundi po sa tulong ng ating mga healthcare workers na nagsasakripisyo at nagbuwis pa ng kanilang buhay para lang malampasan itong krisis na ito (They should get what is due them. This is just a very small amount compared to the sacrifices they have made. We would not have achieved this campaign against Covid-19 if not for the help of our healthcare workers who

sacrificed and have even gave their lives so we can survive this crisis),” Go said after the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center and distribution of aid to indigents and flood victims in Biñan Citym Laguna.

The Department of Health recently sent a letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) asking for an additional PHP27 billion for HEAs. Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health vowed to find ways to include the funding of the allowances in the 2023 national budget.

“Ako po ay nakikiusap sa mga kasamahan ko sa bicam, sa senado, sa kongreso, ang even sa executive na pagdating ng panahon, unti-unti

ay dapat na maibigay sa kanila ang kung ang nararapat (I am asking my colleagues in bicam, the Senate, the Congress, even the executive that when the time comes, little by little they should be given what they deserve),” the lawmaker appealed.

The DBM approved in October this year the release of around PHP11.5 billion for OCA and HEA claims to over 1.6 million qualified beneficiaries for January to June 2022.

DOH officer-in-charge

Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire hopes that the unpaid allowances will be released before Christmas. (PNA/Wilnard Bacelonia)

More than 31 million shots or PHP15.6 billion worth of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines were wasted so far, a health official said Monday.

In a radio interview, Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge

Maria Rosario Vergeire said 24 million doses were wasted because of short shelf life while the remaining 7 million were discarded due to temperature excursion or opened but unused.

“This 31 million po ‘pag tiningnan po natin ‘yung kabuuan, almost 70 percent po dito ay ‘yun pong na-procure ng private sector at saka ng (When we look at the totality of this 31 million, almost 70 percent here, almost 70 percent of this were procured by the private sector and the) local governments,” Vergeire said.

She explained the early batches of Covid-19 jabs only have a shelf life of

six months from their manufacturing date. Earlier, the DOH disclosed that vaccine hesitancy and complacency among Filipinos are two of the factors that led to low booster shot coverage nationwide.

As of Nov. 20, a total of 73,707,875 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and 20,866,539 have received their booster dose. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA file photo by Nef Luczon)

(PNA file photo)

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