Volume V, No. 49 November 27- December 3, 2021
REGIONAL NEWS
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PCOO’S TRANSPARENCY ROADSHOW TO LAUNCH IN SURIGAO CITY 44K CARAGA RICE FARMERS TO RECEIVE P5K CASH ASSISTANCE
PROVINCIAL NEWS TOWN MAYOR JOINS MEDICAL TEAM FOR 13 SURSUR BAYANIHAN, BAKUNAHAN HINILING SA SENADO NA PANATILIIN ANG 14 SURSUR PONDO NG NTF-ELCAC PARA SA 2022 KA VACCINATION SITES ANG 15 UNOM GIPAHIMUTANG SA LGU-TANDAG ALANG SA
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NATIONAL VACCINATION DAYS 30 SIARGAO FARMERS FINISH DAR’S FARM BIZ SCHOOL
PAGLUSAD SA KASAULOGAN SA NCM GIHIMO SA KOMUNIDAD SA MGA IP PAGPADANGAT SA CASH INCENTIVE SA MGA PWDS UG MATAG SENIOR CITIZEN SA AGUSAN NORTE, GIPADANGAT SA PROBINSYAL NA PANGGAMHANAN
MINDANAO NEWS SUSTAINING ENERGY IN MINDANAO MINDA LOOKS TO EXPAND COOPERATION WITH NEW ZEALAND
NATIONAL NEWS SECRETARY ANDANAR: WITH MORE ACCESSIBLE COVID-19 VACCINES, ROAD TO RECOVERY IS AT HAND
COVID-19 NEWS GOV’T MUST CONTINUE MOMENTUM IN VAX ROLLOUT 2.5M DOSES ADMINISTERED IN ‘BAYANIHAN, BAKUNAHAN’ FIRST DAY 46M VAX DOSES SLATED FOR DELIVERY IN DECEMBER
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CONTENTS
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INFOCUS
COVER
Caraga
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Message of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the commemoration of Bonifacio Day We are one with the whole Filipino nation in commemorating the 158th anniversary of the birth of Gat Andres Bonifacio. Gat Andres Bonifacio’s profound courage and fervor in pursuit of our country’s independence and emancipation from its colonizers have truly and greatly contributed to the freedoms we are relishing today. Let us all pay tribute to the Father of Philippine Revolution by emulating his patriotism, bravery, and sense of camaraderie, that helped awaken in our forefathers’ the desire for liberation and self-determination. May it also ignite in our hearts the collective will to respond to societal ills and challenges, such as poverty, insurgency, terrorism, corruption, illegal drugs, and the COVID-19 pandemic for our nation’s progress and development. May this desire propel our nation towards justice, prosperity, a comfortable life for all Filipinos, and our recovery as one nation. We wish everyone a meaningful celebration of Bonifacio Day!
- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR
Davao City, private par Covid-19 Cluster Clinic
The Davao City government and its agency partners opened on Friday the first 24/7 Covid-19 Cluster Clinic at Doña Vicenta Village, Bajada further enhancing the city’s response to the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The Doña Vicenta Village Covid-19 Cluster Clinic is the first of eight
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clinics to be opened by the city government to provide services for all Covid-related concerns, free of charge and open for 24 hours. The Covid-19 Clinic starts serving Dabawenyos on Monday, December 6, 2021. Spearheading the opening of the Covid-19 clinic was Davao City
|November 27-December 3, 2021
Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio, who was joined by representatives from partner agencies and the Chargé d’ Affaires, ad interim of U.S. Embassy Manila, Heather Variava. The city government has partnered with Reach Health-U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Caraga INFOCUS
rtners open first 24/7 for the realization of the Covid-19 Cluster Clinic. In an interview on Bida Bakunado Radio Program over the Davao City Disaster Radio Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said that the clinic is a one-stop-site offering free contact tracing, consultation and medicine, swab test, quarantine or isolation, transportation, and food for suspected, probable, or confirmed Covid-19 cases.
illness (ILIs) can also be assessed in the Covid Cluster Clinic.
“Wala ni siya’y limitation sa patients. We have enough doctors to “Tanan-tanang serbisyo address their concerns. related to COVID-19 management is already (The clinic does not limit there, all will be provided in terms of the number of patients. We have sa atong patients (All enough doctors to services related to Covid-19 management is address their concerns),” there. All will be provided Schlosser said. to our patients),” The clinic will also utilize Schlosser said. telemedicine that people can consult She added that the and communicate with close contacts of doctors on Covid-related Covid-19 positive and matters in the safety of persons with Covid-19 their homes. related symptoms or those with influenza-like- The opening of the Caraga INFOCUS
first clinic is only a part of the commitment of Mayor Sara, who in August bared the city’s plan to establish cluster clinics to enhance the services of the city health districts that have been functioning for both COVID-19 related and the regular or established health programs amid a limited workforce. Mayor Sara said the establishment of the Covid-19 Cluster Clinics addresses the need to further boost the city health Covid-19 response without affecting the regular health services. CIO
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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News Briefs The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) headed by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga aims to ensure the sustainability of the implementation of the ASIN Law (RA 8172) and local ordinances and guarantee the iodization of all salt being produced, sold or traded and utilized in the region. xx
DTI, in partnership with Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom, brings ALL REGIONS together to recognize the most competitive cities and municipalities in this year’s 9th Regional Competitiveness Summit. Show your competitive spirits and tune in to CMCI’s official Facebook page on December 14 & 15 to find out who among the participating cities and municipalities will be hailed as the MOST COMPETITIVE. “Through our ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today in implementing our Freedom of Information (FOI) programs in schools and the turn-over of FOI materials, we are one step closer towards a more transparent and accountable Filipino community for our collective development and progress,” highlighted PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar during today’s Transparency Roadshow at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: Strengthen your efforts for Women’s Rights. During the pandemic, women may experience different forms of VAW while locked down in their homes with the perpetrators, with tension rising from uncertainties in health, security, and economy creating a perfect storm. We call on everyone to take part in ending violence against women.
REGIONAL NEWS
PCOO’s Transparency Roadshow to launch in Surigao City the implementation of the FOI Program in Schools. A message of support will be given by Dr. Gregorio Gamboa, Jr., president of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT).
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
To promote the government’s Zero Hunger Campaign, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles will share the updates on the Task Force’s operations and accomplishments on Zero Hunger, as well as on COVID-19, and the transparency initiatives of the Office of Cabinet Secretariat (OCS).
Andanar
The Presidential Communications Operations Office’s (PCOO)’s fourth leg of Transparency Roadshow is finally set on December 2, 2021, after its postponement last August 26 due to stricter quarantine guidelines imposed in Surigao City. According to A tty. Kristian Ablan, PCOO Undersecretary and Freedom of Information (FOI) Program Director, the Transparency Roadshow aims to inform and engage representatives from the national and local governments, civil society, academe, media and the general public on the government’s responses against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other services and programs of the government. During the said event, Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco Matugas will deliver his welcome message. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar will also lead the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for
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|November 27-December 3, 2021
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga regional director Ramel Jamen will present the department’s transparency initiatives and COVID-19 subsidy programs and services. The National Housing Authority (NHA)’s transparency initiatives and government infrastructure and housing projects will be presented by Regional Manager Engr. Erasme Madlos. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), will discuss “Safeguarding Mass Media and Press Freedom, and Transparency Initiatives of PTFoMS. USec. Ramon Cualoping III, director-general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), will also #InformInformInform and #ExplainExplainExplain the Duterte Legacy and Transparency Programs of the agency. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of Alert Level 2 status in Caraga region, the LGU concerned and all other government agencies involved ensured that strict health protocols will be observed during this activity. (JPG/PIACaraga)
Caraga INFOCUS
44K Caraga Rice farmers to receive P5K cash assistance The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga started the release of the P5,000 cash aid to 44,452 qualified rice farmers in the region through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) on November 16. The release of the financial assistance in the region is in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) conduitaccredited remittance center Universal Storefront Services Corporation.
augment farmer’s production needs. We continually encouraged farmers to enroll in the farmer’s registry so that they can avail a wide range of interventions from the government,” said Director Oñate.
Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. signaled the start of the distribution through a ceremonial turn-over of the Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC) to Jenny Lara, who represented the 3,292 recipients in Butuan City. Director Oñate said that IMC is a card that serves both as identification and a cash card to access government assistance for farmers enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
Under the Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL), of the total tariff collected annually, PhP5 billion is automatically appropriated for the provision of farm machinery and equipment, PhP3 billion for certified inbred seeds, PhP1 billion for credit, and P1 billion for training and extension or a total of PhP10 billion.
“The low farmgate price of palay is still among the primary concerns in the country and in our region through RCEF-RFFA this can
Caraga INFOCUS
The excess tariffs funded the RCEF-RFFA to make smallholder rice farmers more productive and competitive. Rice farmers tilling two hectares or less and registered in RSBSA are the priority of the financial assistance. Jennifer G. Mabras, 37,
and Leonardo T. Lara, 73, from Butuan City attested that enrolling in RSBSA help them to easily avail the assistance such as quality rice seeds, fertilizer subsidy, farm mechanization through their membership of Farmer’s Cooperative and Association, and financial assistance like RFFA from the DA. “I will use the P5,000 cash assistance to purchase fertilizers and other inputs for my 2-hectare rice area. Some of it will be added as working capital for my native chicken production. The assistance is timely and truly a great help,” said Mabras. In Caraga region, the 7,203 rice farmers who will be receiving the assistance are from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, 16,307 Agusan del Sur, 8,101 in Surigao del Norte, 11,375 in Surigao del Sur, and 1,741 rice farmers in the Province of Dinagat Islands. (DA-Caraga/PIACaraga)
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
SurSur town mayor joins medical team for Bayanihan, Bakunahan
Photo credit to LGU-Cortes
Aimed to serve her constituents as a medical health practitioner by profession and the mayor of the small town of Cortes, Surigao del Sur province, Dr. Josie Bonifacio joined the medical team for the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” National COVID-19 Vaccination Days. The mayor along with her daughter, Dr. Maria Caraga INFOCUS
Criselda B. Uy, joined the team to fast-track the screening process of the local constituents who were patiently waiting for their turn to avail the free vaccine for COVID-19 in the Cortes Municipal Gymnasium. The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported that 855 people in Cortes town or 106.88% were vaccinated during
day one, exceeding their daily target of 800 while a total of 1,302 people or 162.75% were given shots against COVID-19 on the second day. The numbers for the third and final day of the campaign are yet to be disclosed. The town has a total population of 16,804, the report said. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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SurSur hiniling sa Senado na panatiliin ang pondo ng NTFELCAC para sa 2022
Sa pamamagitan ng Resolution No. 1984-21 noong Nobyembre 23, hiniling ni Surigao del Sur Board Member Conrad Cejoco sa Senado na panatiliin ang pondo ng NTF-ELCAC sa 2022 National Annual Budget ayon sa orihinal na isinulong ng Office of the President. Ang tungkol sa bagay na ito ay mariin ding ipinagtanggol ni SP Member Henrich Pimentel, chairman ng Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety dito. Ani Pimentel, sana bago gumawa ng hakbang ang Senado ay nangunsulta muna. Katwiran pa nito, malaking ginhawa ang dulot
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|November 27-December 3, 2021
ng NTF-ELCAC dito na isa sa matinding ginupo ng problema ng insurhensiya. Magpasalamat din aniya ang bansa na nagkaroon ng pangulong tulad kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na masinsinan sa layuning ganap na matuldukan ang higit 50 taon ng problema. Pulitika ang tinitingnang dahilan kaya nagawa aniya ng Senado ang pagtapyas sa PhP28.12 bilyon na naging PhP4 bilyon na lamang. Inalmahan din ni Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico ang ginawa ng Senado. (DXJS RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS
Unom ka vaccination sites ang gipahimutang sa LGU-Tandag alang sa National Vaccination Days
Unom (6) ka vaccination sites ang giandam sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Tandag ubos sa pakig-alayon sa Department of Health (DOH) sa gikatakdang tulo ka adlaw nga pagpahigayon sa “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” nga nagsugod sa adlaw’ng Lunes, Nobyembre 29. Mismong si Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel ang miatender sa gipahigayon nga simpleng seremonya sa pagbukas sa unang adlaw nga gipahigayon didto sa City Gymnasium Caraga INFOCUS
sa maong syudad. Hugot ang panawagan sa maong opisyal sa mga residente sakop sa maong syudad nga magpakabana pinaagi sa pagpabakuna. Sa gipagawas nga Advisory No. 107 sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Tandag pinaagi sa opisyal nga account sa social media page, nagpahibalo kini sa publiko sa mga lugar diin ipahigayon ang pagbakuna batok sa COVID-19. Sumala pa, ang tulo ka adlaw nga aktibidad ipahigayon sa mga
musunod nga mga lugar: * Barangay San Agustin Sur Covered Court; * Tandag Gymnasium; * Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC); * Barangay Mabua Covered Court; * Barangay Salvacion Covered Court, og; * Barangay San Isidro Covered Court Nakalista na usab ang mga target barangays sa matag vaccination sites. Ang pagpahigayon sa maong aktibidad gikatatakda hangtud sa Disyembre 1, 2021. (PIASurigao del Sur)
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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30 Siargao farmers finish DAR’s farm biz school After many setbacks and challenges encountered because of the global emergency crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, farmer-members of Nuevo Campo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (NUCARBECO) have finally graduated from Farm Business School (FBS) in Barangay Nuevo Campo, San Benito town, this province. A total of 30 farmermembers of NUCARBECO have finally graduated from their Farm Business School (FBS) in a ceremony held recently in Barangay Nuevo Campo, San Benito town initiated by the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Norte. The FBS is one of the agency’s Partnership Development Programs which started last March 10, 2021. The business school
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pushed through 25 learning sessions and meetings intermittently whilst taking every precautionary measure against COVID-19. During the graduation ceremony, the graduates received
|November 27-December 3, 2021
machetes (bolo) and harvest materials from DAR-Surigao del Norte. In his message, NUCARBECO chairperson Alejandro C. Balabala acknowledged the efforts the DAR Caraga INFOCUS
has extended to the cooperative.
Guzman congratulated the farmer-graduates and commended their “On behalf of perseverance despite NUCARBECO, I would like the health risks. She to express my deepest challenged them to gratitude to DARapply what they have Surigao del Norte for the learned from the biz additional knowledge school and become the and for upskilling us in our farmer-entrepreneurs as vegetable production what they were trained and marketing through for. this farm business school,” said Balabala. De Guzman also hoped that through their According to him, sustainable vegetable the FBS created production, NUCARBECO opportunities for their will be able to supply the members to collectively vegetable requirement pursue and carry out of the whole of Siargao business and market Islands in the near future. opportunities to make NUCARBECO sustainable. During this time, NUCARDECO sold Meanwhile, Provincial 40 kilos of assorted Agrarian Reform vegetables to the Bureau Program Officer Maria of Jail Management Elizabeth L. De and Penology (BJMP) of
Caraga INFOCUS
Dapa. A representative was present during the FBS graduation ceremony to show their support to the farmers. “This is our way of staying true to our commitment in supporting our local farmers by patronizing their farm produce,” said JO3 Joel Joseph R. Mengote, Food Service Supervisor of BJMPDapa. FBS aims to help farmers learn how to make their farming enterprises and overall farm operations profitable and able to respond to market demands in their local environment where they can work in small groups at their own pace. (Daryll M. Tumbaga, DARSurigao del Norte/PIASurigao del Norte)
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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Paglusad sa kasaulogan sa NCM gihimo sa komunidad sa mga IP
Gipalapdan pa ang pag-amoma nga gipabati sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte sa mga kabataan pinaagi sa pag-abli sa pagsaulog sa National Children’s Month (NCM) sa komunidad sa mga indigenous peoples (IPs) sa Sitio Dinarawan, San Pablo, Jabonga kagahapon, Nobyembre 24. Sa maong okasyon,
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150 ka kabataang IPs miapil sa mga kalihukan, apil ang pagpaambit sa ilang mga talento ug nakadawat sila og mga premyo ingon man ang mga serbisyo sa probinsya nga mao ang pagpadangat og school supplies, story book, coloring set, foodpacks ug gift giving. Naghatag usab ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Caraga og mga clothing isip kaabag sa maong
|November 27-December 3, 2021
okasyon. Nalingaw usab ang mga kabataan sa padula nga gipahigayon sa Philippine National Police (PNP). Ang pag-atiman sa kabataan nga gipadagan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) kabahin sa Amomang Agusanon Flagship Program ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa Caraga INFOCUS
administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. Ang Sito Dinarawan, sumala pa ni Jeanette Paredes, ang focal person sa Children and Welfare sa PSWD, nailhang adunay ubayubay nga kabataan nga IPs ug kabahin sa napili nga Most ChildFriendly Barangay. Niini, napili ang sitio nga maoy pinaka-unang hilit nga sitio sa probinsya nga gi-selebrar ang maong okasyon. Si Gob. Corvera, pahayag ni Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito nga maoy
Caraga INFOCUS
nagrepresenta kaniya sa maong okasyon, daku kaayo ang pagamona nga buot ipabati sa kabataan tungod kay nakita niya ang mahimong daku nilang papel isip mamahimong sumusunod nga mga lideres sa umabot nga panahon. Niini, pasabot ni Laurito, dili lamang nga magpabilin sa naandan nga i-selebrar ang maong okasyon sa mga syudad o mga accessible nga lugar apan kinahanglan mas palapdan pa kini didto sa mga hilit nga sitio uban ang mga IPs. Daku usab ang kalipay
ug pagpasalamat sa mga IPs sa probinsya tungod kay alang kanila hinay-hinay na gyud nagpaduol ug natagamtaman ang mga serbisyo sa goberno sa ilang barangay, sumala pa ni Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Randy Catarman. Ang NCM nga nagdala sa tema nga “New Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan”, gi-selebrar sa probinsya kaabag ang DSWD-Caraga. (Karen Decamotan, LGUAgusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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Pagpadangat sa cash incentive sa mga PWDs ug matag Senior Citizen sa Agusan Norte, gipadangat sa probinsyal na panggamhanan Gilusad sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte adtung Lunes, Nobyembre 22, ang pagpadangat og usa ka libo (P1,000) nga incentive sa mga “Taong may K” o mga Person with Disability [PWD] ug sa mga senior citizens sa pagpanguna ni Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera. Ang “Pahalipay sa Taong may K” ug “Pa Good Vibes ni Lolo ug Lola” kabahin sa mapinanggaong pagamoma nga gipadangat sa probinsya ubos sa “Amomang Agusanon” sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. Mokabat sa Php40 milyones ang gigahin sa probinsya alang ning maong benepisyo nga gimando ubos sa Provincial Ordinance No. 584-2021ug gipadangat pinaagi sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). Sa iyang mensahe, gipasabot ni Gob. Corvera nga ang mga PWDs ug senior citizens usa sa mga sektor sa katilingban nga angayang hatagan og pagtagad ug pagamoma sa probinsya. “Dili lang kwarta sa probinsya para ninyo
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|November 27-December 3, 2021
kondili ang gugma ug pag amoma gikan sa probinsya ang gihatag alang kaninyong mga Taong May “K” ug sa atong mga senior citizens,” sumala sa gobernador. Sa kinatibuk-an mosuma sa 1,231 ka PWD ug 6,648 ka senior citizens ang makadawat sa cash incentives gikan sa 31 ka barangay sa syudad sa Cabadbaran nga gipadangat adtung Nobyembre 22-23. Magpadayon ang pagpadangat sa maong benepisyo sa ubang mga munisipyo sa mosunod nga mga adlaw. Mitambong sa maong launching sila Board Member Elizabeth Calo, City Vice Mayor Rey Jamboy, Silver Joy Tejano sa PSWD ug mga City Officials. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Sonny Montilla, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Caraga INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
Sustaining energy in Mindanao
MinDA Deputy Executive Director ASec. Romeo Montenegro presents a crucial innovation enabler, the power sector, along with the updates, way forward efforts, and programs and projects relating to energy development during today’s virtual Science and Industry Summit 2021. He talks about the Mindanao power situation from the perspective of policies, point of view of investments, the standpoint of ordinary consumers, and context and relationship of agriculture and energy.
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ASec. Montenegro highlights the role of power and agriculture, emphasizing the valueadding that needs to be pursued, as the twin strategies for economic recovery during the pandemic. He also calls for research, advocacy, and policy crafted to be directed towards the poorest sectors of Mindanao. “While Mindanao is rich in agriculture, it is still host to most of the poorest of the poor provinces in the country. This is something that should stir all of us here to turn around into a better
|November 27-December 3, 2021
economic situation, especially for our farmers and fisherfolks who are among the poorest,” said ASec. Montenegro. In celebration of the National Science and Technology Week, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) organized this event where leaders, stakeholders, industry players, and academic frontrunners in Science and Technology research and innovations converge and discuss how to establish a trailblazing and thriving innovation ecosystem. Caraga INFOCUS
MinDA looks to expand cooperation with New Zealand particularly sees the facilitative role of Fonterra’s existing and established global logistics chain system in the earlystage viability assessment of addressing shipment and cold chain infrastructure needs of mango and other potential products from Bukidnon,” MinDA Investment Promotions Director Asec. Romeo Montenegro.
Following the committed support for Mindanao’s Fruit Sector, the Mindanao Development Authority is looking at broader areas for cooperation with New Zealand particularly on indigenous community development programs and technical assistance on quality assurance mechanisms for other agri-food commodities. “Our recent discussion with His Excellency Ambassador Peter Kell presents an important alignment with MinDA’s priority development lenses on inclusive and sustainable partnerships with the tri-people and other farming communities across Mindanao,” MinDA Executive Director Usec. Janet Lopoz said. In a meeting with MinDA, Ambassador Kell shared some of their programs for the IP communities in Mindanao, including the Uplifting of the Indigenous People’s Women Project in Davao City, along with other livelihood and
Caraga INFOCUS
entrepreneurship programs across Mindanao. MinDA’s integrated area development program in the four towns of Bukidnon, Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan or the IMTASULA complex, a major vegetable and high-value crop area is one of the potential points of collaboration with New Zealand. “The strong in-depth local knowledge and cultures of the IP communities adds great value to the region’s products, and can be further enhanced by food and crop certification protocols,” Lopoz said. NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and MinDA are pursuing G2G opportunities on trade and export cooperation initially with Mindanao mangoes, and now with potential to expand to other crops including vegetables from IMTASULA. “MinDA and NZ-MFAT
He also explored a potential cooperation on renewable energy projects to boost agriculture value chain, in line with MinDA’s energy transition strategies. Ambassador Kell’s visit also provided an avenue to explore possible partnerships with Bureau Veritas and AsureQuality, New Zealand companies specializing in food quality assurance and with Fonterra Philippines in assessing the establishment of an agri-food and commodities testing facility. This initiative, when pursued could be a follow-through development for Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT) as an integrated approach to Quality Assurance coordination mechanisms. The MCT aims to improve global and regional competitiveness of Mindanao agricultural products and facilitate upgrading of production and management systems compliant with globally demanded Voluntary Standards.#
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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NATIONAL NEWS
Secretary Andanar: With more accessible COVID-19 vaccines, road to recovery is at hand
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday is confident that with more vaccines coming in the country and with the initiated Vaccination Drive starting today, the Philippines is on its road to recovery from the illCaraga INFOCUS
effects of the pandemic. Secretary Andanar joined the ceremonial launching of the 3-day Bakunahan Bayanihan National Vaccination Drive at the compound of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. During his speech, Secretary Andanar
praised the unrelenting efforts of frontliners on facing the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity is part of the commemoration of Bonifacio Day and an initiative to inspire volunteerism among Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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“Indeed, they have taken their duty and obligation seriously and fervently served during this pandemic, and all of us who have benefited from it have our own responsibility to ensure that we help protect each other in our own way. A way to make a sizable contribution to this collective effort is by participating in our national COVID-19 vaccination program. ,” he said. The said activity is a nationwide simultaneous event which aims to administer 9 million jabs across the country and scale up the vaccination output of local government units from November 29 to December 1, 2021. According to data from DOH-10, 36 percent of Northern Mindanao’s 3.5 million vaccine eligible population are now fully immunized, while 63 percent of the population have already received their first dose. Secretary Andanar noted that through this initiative, the Duterte Administration has
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demonstrated its firm commitment to bring public service, especially the COVID-19 vaccines closer to all Filipinos.
Moreno, Department of Health (DOH-10) Regional Director Jose Llacuna, Jr, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-10) Regional Director Mylah Faye Cariño, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD10) Regional Director Antonio Sugarol, and Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro representative Rev. Coke Daryl Prieto.
“The Duterte administration has successfully made vaccinations available and closer to each one of us, and all of us should take that responsibility not only for our own safety, but also that of our loved ones, neighbors, and the frontliners, who made The activity is pursuant to these initiatives possible,” Proclamation No. 1253, said. which formally declared November 29 to “With our national December 1 this year as vaccination program, “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” we have seen its positive National Covid-19 impacts not only in Vaccination Days. saving lives, such as experiencing lower All government COVID-19 positivity agencies under the rate recently, but also executive branch are restarting our economy, encouraged to actively such as seeing at least participate and provide 7% in GDP growth for the necessary support 3rd quarter of this year, and assistance to the and all other aspects DOH and the DILG. The of our nation that have local government units greatly been impacted are also mandated to by this virus,” he added. mobilize their resources, stakeholders, health Present during the event human resources and to show the support of constituents within their their respective offices jurisdiction for their were Cagayan de respective vaccination Oro City Mayor Oscar efforts.
|November 27-December 3, 2021
Caraga INFOCUS
Gov’t must continue momentum in vax rollout
(File photo)
Deputy Speaker Eric Martinez on Thursday said the government must continue the momentum in vaccination rollouts across the country, most especially in administering booster shots for medical frontliners, senior citizens, and high-risk individuals. Martinez called for a continuous government effort despite the declining Covid-19 cases within the past week in the country. He cited the World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus
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(Covid-19) Dashboard showing that the Philippines reported 4,964 cases in the last 7 days.
still be in place for all establishments and urged the government “not to let our guards down”.
He also cited statistics from Worldometer showing a -46 percent weekly case percentage change for the country, one of the lowest in the world.
With the threat of the Omicron variant still looming, Martinez reiterated his campaign for “extreme vigilance” in the country’s borders for incoming passengers.
“We are slightly ahead of the virus for now base on the latest numbers, but there should be no room for complacency for all of us,” Martinez said.
“The numbers bring good news to all of us for the approaching holiday season, yet we should still practice maximum caution for more delightful holidays,” he said. (PNA/Filane Mikee Cervantes)
Martinez said minimum health protocols should
|November 27-December 3, 2021
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2.5M doses administered in ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’ first day
said, noting that it is one of the major challenges during the opening day. “May direktiba na tayo na dapat ‘yung walk-in, i-allow na. ‘Wag pa-uuwiin yung mga nakapila na na hindi nabakunahan (We already issued a directive to allow walk-ins and avoid sending them home without being vaccinated).”
JOINT EFFORTS. Health care workers and volunteers administer Covid-19 vaccines in Pudtol, Apayao on Monday (Nov. 29, 2021). Department of Health data showed Cordillera Administrative Region injected 36,489 doses during the first day of the nationwide vaccination drive, exceeding its 22,970 goal. (Photo courtesy of MLGU Pudtol, Apayao)
Over 2.5 million doses of coronavirus jabs were administered on the first day of the government’s “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” national vaccination drive, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday. The 2,554,023 doses of vaccines administered on Monday were 2.5 times more than the country’s average weekly rate of 900,000 to one million doses, DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, chair of the National Vaccine Operations Center, said at the virtual Laging Handa briefing. She said it is one of the highest recorded doses injected in a single day worldwide, next to China’s 22 million, India’s 10 million, the United States’ 3.48 million, and Brazil’s 2.6 million. Cabotaje thanked the government’s partners that
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joined the whole-of-nation effort to achieve population protection as soon as possible. Based on initial data, Region 4A (Calabarzon) had the highest throughput with 366,711 jabs; followed by Region III (Central Luzon), 297,316; Region VI (Western Visayas), 192,216); Region VII (Central Visayas), 186,834; and Region V (Bicol), 165,259. Region I (Ilocos) ranked sixth overall with 158,412 but was No. 1 in terms of accomplished target as it only aimed for 45,849 for 345.51 percent. Walk-ins allowed Cabotaje said walk-in vaccinees are allowed during the three-day event. “There have been reports that some who walked-in were not given vaccines,” Cabotaje
The others are the availability of pediatric vaccines and the need for bigger sites. The 12-17 age group must be given either Pfizer or Moderna jabs. The delay in the submission and transportation of regional vaccination reports was due to the overwhelming work of local government units. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año lauded the start of the vaccination campaign. “Maganda ‘yung aming assessment dito kasi talagang dumagsa yung mga tao. Wala naman tayong nakitang mga issues at problem dun sa safety and security. So far, okay naman (We received good assessment because people trooped to vaccination sites. There were no issues or problems in safety and security. It’s okay so far),” Año said in an interview. (With a report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/ PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani)
November 27-December 3, 2021 |
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46M vax doses slated for delivery in December The Philippines will receive more than 46 million doses of coronavirus vaccines until December, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday. The growing vaccine supply should be accompanied by an accelerated vaccination program and expanded inoculation capacity at the local levels, Galvez said. “We believe that this can only be achieved through the concerted efforts of all sectors of the society and this is exactly what we are doing today throughout the country with the help of our private sector partners,” Galvez said during a vaccination activity at an Antipolo City mall, part of the three-day “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” nationwide drive. The Covid-19 vaccine deliveries in the country, both procured and donated, have reached 142,153,340 doses so far. President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the simultaneous administration of primary doses and booster shots to health care workers (A1), senior citizens (A2), immunocompromised adults, uniformed personnel (A4), and the 12-17 age group. Duterte thanked national government agencies and local government units, along with their private partners, for participating in the massive vaccination drive.
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BAYANIHAN, BAKUNAHAN. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III helps administer Covid-19 vaccines at a mall in Antipolo City on Monday (Nov. 29, 2021). President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the administration of primary doses and booster shots during the opening day of the nationwide vaccination program. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)
He also commended all responsible for the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines. Galvez said “Bayanihan, Bakunahan”, which will end on December 1, is “timely and another milestone” in the country’s pandemic response and mitigation efforts. “This is by far the biggest vaccination event we have held since we rolled out the national vaccination program [in March] this year,” he said. Galvez said the government’s primary goal to vaccinate at least 9 million individuals daily in 17 regions and the National Capital Region (NCR) “is our most ambitious target so far”. “With the many milestones we have achieved in our vaccination program, we are very optimistic that we will be having a better and safer
|November 27-December 3, 2021
Christmas this year,” he added. The latest data from the Department of Health (DOH), as of 4 p.m. on Monday, showed the Philippines administered 547,628 doses of Covid-19 jabs during the first day of the nationwide campaign. The DOH noted that Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 4B (Mimaropa), 4A (Calabarzon), and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have the highest vaccination throughput so far, although no data were available yet as of posting time. The government aims to provide full protection against Covid-19 to at least 54 million Filipinos, about 80 percent of the 12-17 age group’s total population, and complete the provision of booster shots for health care workers by the end of 2021. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)
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