Caraga InFocus –November 5-11, 2022

PIA launches “MindanaONE” e-mag

BUTUAN CITY –

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) launched recently its newest electronic publication “MindanaONE” under the program of Unified Messaging in Mindanao.

The e-magazine gathers all the best news in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN and Caraga Region created by caliber content curators of the PIA Mindanao Cluster.

With the mandate of PIA Director General Ramon Lee Cualoping III and under the supervision of the Deputy Director

General Abner M. Caga, the Unified Messaging in Mindanao is created as a priority thrust to serve as a vehicle of the “#ExplainExplainExplain” banner program of the agency and bring government programs and services to the grassroots.

According to DDG Caga, “ The island of Mindanao is a complex territory since this is the home of

various indigenous and moro cultures.

MindanaONE, as the Mindanao Cluster’s first priority project, will serve as a tool to deliver the message of unity of the current administration. Other strategies and action items will be launched soon.”

MindanaONE is designed to deliver accurate, timely,

and relevant information of the beautiful island of Mindanao in a cost-efficient and effective manner with its bimonthly production of issue via online.

The first edition of MindanaONE features the story entitled “We go DevCom, says PIA chief”, wherein DG Cualoping pushes for the importance of development

communication (DevCom) in PIA with the help of the regional directors in the Mindanao cluster.

To explore Mindanao at your fingertips with MindanaONE, visit the Facebook page of PIA Caraga at https://www. facebook.com/ PIACaraga and scan the QR code. (RLE/DMNR/PIACaraga)

News Briefs

Members of the Regional Vaccination Operations Center and Response Cluster of Caraga region convened to discuss updates and situational report on COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination Accomplishments.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga headed by regional director Atty. Aurora Luanne Cembrano-Ramos, together with the representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, Butuan Deaf Association (BDA), and Agusan National High School (ANHS), signed the Memorandum of Agreement highlighting the conduct of training on Filipino Sign Language every year for 3 years to all CHR Caraga employees. The CHR pursuant to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, is mandated to ensure that the human rights of every Filipino are respected, and upheld at all times.

Culmination Program for the National Filipino Elderly Week celebration at Por Cristo Foundation Incorporated in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, the members/focal persons of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, handed-over snacks and packed lunch to the elderly women and men of the said facility. This is one of the many ways of the RIAC-SC members to show their concern and care for the abandoned senior citizens.

The Philippines celebrates the National Children’s Month every November by virtue of Republic Act No. 10661 to recognize children as the nation’s most valuable assets and to emphasize the importance of their role within the Filipino family and the Philippine society.

REGIONAL NEWS

RIAC-SC members visit Por Cristo Foundation’s abandoned elderly

The Regional InterAgency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, with members from various government agencies convened on Wednesday, November 9 at Por Cristo Foundation Incorporated in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte for the Culmination Activity of the National Elderly Filipino Week celebration with the

theme “Older Persons: Resilience in NationBuilding.”

The said celebration aims to recognize the significant contributions of older persons and the role that they play in our respective communities.

Fr. Ronnie Licayan, executive director of Por Cristo Foundation, Inc. expressed that the gesture shown by the members of the RIAC-SC Caraga was an answered

prayer.

“Your visit in our facility is already a gift especially that the abandoned elderly men and women here want to see visitors to feel that they are loved and remembered. We also appreciate those who continue to extend help for our elderlies and constantly visit them here. Thank you, everyone for your love and support,” he said.

Fr. Licayan also

encouraged every family in the communities to take care of each other, and never set aside their responsibility of taking care of their parents when they get old. “We hope and pray that every family will maintain the culture of good family ties; to never abandon the parents, because God wants us to treat each other rightfully as we were all created in His image,” he said.

As their way of welcoming the guests/ visitors from RIAC-SC, the elderly women and men of Por Cristo Foundation, with all smiles on their faces, also showed their talents through rendering a song, spoken poetry, and dance.

According to Moriah Tambura, social welfare officer II/ focal person for senior citizens, the Elderly Filipino Week is commemorated every October 1 to 7 by Proclamation No. 470, issued by thenPresident Fidel Ramos on September 26, 1994. “The proclamation establishes the Executive Department’s obligation, via the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to implement a social welfare program supporting the wellbeing of the elderly. It is believed that older Filipinos are essential members of society who need help and protection in order to live productive and happy lives. The yearly celebration of

the Elderly Filipino Week emphasizes the contributions of senior citizens in contributing to the development of the country,” she recalled.

Tambura further called on the different sectors to help the abandoned elderlies and provide for their needs, as the facility such as Por Cristo Foundation also needs a helping hand from other stakeholders. “The RIAC-SC being chaired by DSWD Caraga will continue to promote the welfare and total well-being of our elderly persons, to make them feel that they are loved and they deserve to be treated well,” added Tambura. (JPG/PIACaraga) #ExplainExplainExplain

CHR Caraga employees complete training sessions on Filipino Sign Language

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Personnel of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga completed the training sessions on Filipino Sign Language and received their certificate of participation in a culmination activity held on Thursday, November 10 at the Events Center of SM City Butuan.

This was also in time with the commemoration of Proclamation No. 829 which declares every November 10 to 16 of every year as “Deaf Awareness Week” and also in recognition of Republic

Act No. 11106 also known as Filipino Sign Language Law.

According to Atty. Aurora Luanne Cembrano-Ramos, regional director of CHR Caraga, the said training aims to equip the CHR employees to become effective communicators and human rights implementers as they perform their duties and responsibilities especially in handling their deaf and mute clients.

She added that there are other government entities

that underwent the same training in order to ensure inclusive delivery of basic services to all sectors, including the persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“This is expected to enhance our communication mechanism and strategies and be able to serve the best interest of our PWDs,” she said.

“It is but timely and appropriate that government agencies are back on accommodating clients

face-to-face, hence, this will help them interact better with their PWD clientele. It has been noted that years ago, agencies would hire interpreters just to get the job done when handling clients who are deaf and mute. So, with this training and gained knowledge in FSL, it’s very useful for our field investigators, who are now more confident in communicating with the PDWs and could better help them in providing their special needs,” added Atty. Cembrano-Ramos.

Also, to show what they learned from the training, select personnel of the CHR Caraga led by Atty. Cembrano-Ramos, presented a dance performance of the song entitled “Umagang Kay Ganda” and “A Million Dreams” using sign language.

Christine Podadera, Special Education Teacher (SPET) coordinator from Agusan National High School (ANHS) in Butuan City, acknowledged the initiatives and efforts of the CHR Caraga in ensuring that human rights are inclusive for everyone, and also for tapping them during the conduct of Training on Filipino Sign Language for two months.

“We are proud that we are able to help you learn the Filipino Sign Language, and with this endeavor, we are optimistic that CHR could better serve our constituents especially the persons with disabilities,” she said.

Podadera also assured the Commission that the ANHS and the Butuan Deaf Association (BDA) will continue to assist and facilitate the conduct of training on Sign Language

with the CHR and other government agencies and partners.

At the same venue, the induction of newly-elect BDA officers was also conducted.

Meanwhile, the Commission together with the representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, BDA, and ANHS, signed the Memorandum of Agreement highlighting the conduct of training on Filipino Sign Language every year for 3 years to all CHR Caraga employees.

Pursuant to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the CHR is mandated to ensure that the human rights of every Filipino are respected, and upheld at all times. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

DUTY-BEARERS, BUTUAN STAKEHOLDERS JOIN CHILDREN’S MONTH KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Heads and representatives from various government agencies, nongovernment organizations, civil society organizations, youth sector, and residents from this city, actively took part during the National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration through a kick-off 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 activity.

DSWD Field Office Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Atty. Faizal Padate delivered the opening message on behalf of Regional Director MariFlor 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.

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

“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 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 wellbeing complemented by a strong information drive to create greater awareness of its importance,” said Garcia.

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

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 development of our youths,” he said.

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 well-being.

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 dutybearers 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/PIA-Caraga)

Pasilidad nga alang sa mga hayop angayang iparehistro

Prayoridad sa kagamhanan ang pagtratar sa mga hayop sa husto ug maayong paagi, pangnegosyo man o inalimahan.

Nunot niini, nakabaton na ug Animal Welfare Registration Certificate ang tulo ka research stations sa Department of AgricultureCaraga gikan sa Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry o DA-BAI.

Ang tulo ka research stations mao ang Del Monte Lowland Rainfed Research Station o DMLRRS nga nahimutang sa Talacogon, Agusan del Sur alang sa Goat ug Hog Demonstration Farm, Trento Research Experiment Station alang sa Duck Farm, ug Tagbina Research Experiment Station alang sa Native Chicken Farm.

Gitunol ang maong sertipikasyon pinaagi nila ni DA-Caraga Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulatory, and Integrated Laboratories Nicandro Navia, Jr., uban si Regulatory Division Chief, Johnny Concon, ngadto nila ni Research Division Chief Abel F. Wagas, DMLRRS Chief Catherine B. Juyno,

Trento Research Station Chief Dr. Escolastico Cagatin, ug Tagbina Research Station OIC-Chief Frank Wendyl Tusoy sa miaging adlaw sa rehiyunal nga buhatan sa DACaraga, Dakbayan sa Butuan.

Sa pag-ila sa kamahinungdanon sa Animal Welfare Registration, ang maong tulo ka research station mituman sa tanang mga rekisitos kaabag ang Regulatory Division. Kini aron magasilbing maayong sumbanan alang sa ubang pampubliko ug pribadong pasilidad alang sa kahayupan sa rehiyon.

Ang pag-isyu sa Certificate of Registration pinasikad sa Animal Welfare Act o

RA 8485, ug giamendar sa Republic Act 10631.

Gidasig sa DA ang mga government ug nongovernment owned nga mga establisimento sama sa animal control facility; aviary; cattery, kennel, laboratory animal facility, pet shop; circus, carnival animal show; crocodile farm; hog farm, poultry farm; ug daghan pang uban sa pagkuha usab ug animal registration certificate.

Moadto lamang sa labing duol nga buhatan sa DA Regional Office alang sa maong katuyoan aron mahibaw-an ang paagi sa aplikasyon ug ang andamon nga mga dokumento. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

1502ND RRIBN CONDUCTS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF THE NEW MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

The 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn) led by its Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ma Teresa P. Baylon, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new multipurpose building of 1502nd RRIBn on November 5, 2022, held at the Capitol Compound D.O Plaza, Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this province.

The 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn) led by its Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ma Teresa P. Baylon, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new multi-purpose building of 1502nd RRIBn on November 5, 2022, held at the Capitol Compound D.O Plaza, Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this

province.

The construction of the new multi-purpose building will cater the needs of the reservists as they strengthen their capabilities. This will also serve as a venue for a training ground for the citizen soldiers to prepare, strengthen, and sustain the community defense in

times of disaster relief and operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Teodoro N. Plaza, Executive Officer of 1502nd RRIBn, extended his gratitude to First Lieutenant Ephraim C Mondragon, Civil Engineer, and concurrent Reservist and Retirees Public Affairs (RRPA) Officer of 1503rd (MASALIGAN) Community Defense Center (CDC), for his support and guidance the completion of the said project. He also emphasized to the Battalion Staff and Company Commanders

of 1502nd RRIBn that they will share and exert efforts by extracting little support from the community to sustain and use the multipurpose hall in the upcoming activities of the unit.

Meanwhile, LTC Baylon applauded the commitment of First Lieutenant Dante D. Sayon, former company Commander of Alpha Company, and First Lieutenant Jonathan D. Sayon, elected official of Bayugan City for sharing their expertise and providing free service as Civil and Architect

Engineers of 1502 RRIBn. Staff Sergeant Gil Aquino, a Reservist Pastor of the Free Methodist Church, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Roy B. Curilan, Director of the 1502 Community Defense Center (CDC), Major Gilbert O. Ga, Logistics Officer of the 1502nd RRIBN, Captain Midel A. Costelo, Signal Officer of the 1502nd RRIBN, Personnel and Reservist of the 1502nd CDC. (2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Executive Officer of 1502 CDC/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PHILIPPINE LEGISLATORS’ FOR SCOUTING BUOT PORMAHON SA RESOLUSYON NGA GIPASAKA NI KONGESISTA CORVERA UG KAUBAN

Human ang malampusong representasyon sa mga nasudnong magbabalaud sa World Scout Parliamentary Union (WSPU) sa Jeonju, South Korea sa miaging semana diin usa sa miapil mao si Kongresista Dale B. Corvera, gipasaka sa naulahi karon, Nobyembre 8, ug iyang mga kauban sa maong internasyonal nga panagtagbu ang resolusyon nga magmugna

sa susamang organisasyon sa nasud nga ilhong Philippine Legislators’ Union for Scouting (PLUS).

Giiila sa maong resolusyon ang dakung tampo sa scouting sa pagpalambo sa kabatan-onan ug gipanghingusgan niini nga ang pagporma sa PLUS makatabang sa mga magbabalaud nga naay oryentasyon sa scouting nga kanunay’ng updated

sa internasyonal nga kalambuan diha sa pagempower sa kabatan-onan apil na sa trends sa ubang areas of concerns sama sa environment, health ug child protection.

Gawas kang Kongresista Corvera apil sa mga nangamahan sa maong resolusyon mao sila si Kongresista Jeoman Alba sa Bukidnon ug Kongresista Peter Miguel

PHILIPPINE

LEGISLATORS’ SCOUTING PORMAHON RESOLUSYON GIPASAKA KONGESISTA

sa South Cotabato nga apil usab sa maong internasyonal nga panagtigum sa Korea. Ang WSPU usa ka asosasyon sa mga scout-oriented parliamentarians nga gipundar niadtong

1991. Nag-unang papel sa WSPU ang pagtabang pagpaplig-on sa mga scout organizations sa national ug international levels pinaagi sa pagpahiluna og mga balaudnon nga

sunod sa tumong sa scouting movement nga pagpreparar sa kabatan-onan aron mahimong responsible citizens ug pag-empower kanila pagsulbad sa ilang mga problema ug sa problema sa mga komunidad nga ilang gipuy-an.

UG

MGA KAUBAN

Sa maong 10th General Assembly sa WSPU sa Korea napili si Kongresista Corvera nga usa sa lima ka sakop sa Executive Committee. Kauban niya nga napili sa lima ka sakop mao ang mga representante sa Poland, Kenya, Thailand ug Korea. Magsilbi sila sa mga tuig 2022-2025.

Si Kongresista Corvera, nga maoy chairman sa Agusan Council sa Boy Scout of the Phillippines (BSP), kasamtangang national president sa BSP, chairman sa Asia Pacific Regional Committee ug niini, Ex-Officio Member sa World Scout Committee. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District/PIA Agusan del Norte)

FAMILY PLANNING EXTENDS TO COMMUNITIES

A total of 112 married women received free family planning service, known as Progestin Subdermal Implant on October 2022 from the Commission on Population and Development Caraga Family Wellness Clinic.

The POPCOM Caraga Family Wellness Clinic successfully served 11 clients from Kitcharao on October 20, six recipents from RTR on October 25, and nine beneficiaries from Magallanes on

October 26, 2022, all in the province of Agusan del Norte.

Meanwhile, 69 clients from Rosario, Agusan del Sur benefited from the free FP service during the Family Planning Outreach as well as 17 clients from Dinagat, Province of Dinagat Islands.

As part of its protocol, the clients attended the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning or

RPFP session with the POPCOM Caraga Program Coordinator for Agusan del Norte, Jocel Garrido, and Gemalyn Limbaga, POPCOM Caraga Logistics Coordinator.

POPCOM Caraga disclosed that aside from the free PSI insertion, clients were also given hygiene kits and food packs. (Gabrielle Paolo M. Mordeno, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

LAKANG PAGPATAAS SA

PRODUKSYON SA ISDA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, GIHISGUTAN

Gihisgutan tali sa buhatan ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera ug sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) kaniadtong Myerkules, Nobyembre 9, ang posibleng mga lakang aron maka produce ang Agusan del Norte og dugang lima ka milyon ka kilo nga isda matag tuig, ang nakitang kakulangon aron maabot sa probinsya ang sufficiency level ning pagkaon nga usa sa mga nag-unang tinubdan sa protina sa pagkaon sa mga residente niini.

Malangkubon ang nakitang mga lakang ni BFAR Regional Director Nilo Selim Katada, nga nangunay gyod pagbisita sa Congressional District Office (CDO) ni Kongresista Corvera aron mahisgutan ang concerns sa produksyon sa isda ug makamugna og partnership sa paghimo sa mga lakang pagsulbad niini.

Apil sa mga lakang nga nakita ni Direcror Katada mao ang pagpataas sa volume sa kuha sa municipal waters pinaagi sa pagpahapsay sa panahon sa pangisda. Nakita niyang mas mapatuman kini kung mapalig-on ang Butuan Bay Development Alliance (BBDA) o mamugna ang usa ka authority pinaagi sa

usa ka balaud nga ipasa sa kongreso.

Kabahin sa nakita usab ni Katada pagpataas sa kuha sa isda sa municipal waters mao ang pagbutang og mga payaw aron naay kapundohan ang mga isda ug naay tinong kaadtoan ang mga mangingisda aron didto mangisda imbes nga maglatagaw lang bisan asa sa dagat.

Laing lakang nga iyang nakita mao ang pagpakusog sa mariculture, sama sa mga fish cages nga gimontar sa mga baybayon sa Nasipit, Carmen ug Cabadbaran.

Buot usab ni Katada nga pakusgan ang suporta alang sa backyard fish farming pinaagi sa paghimong regular sa igong suplay sa fingerlings ug pagsuporta sa produksyon sa baratong

bahug sa isda.

Sa bahin sa buhatan ni Kongresista Corvera, gipaambit niini nga suportado niini ang lakang pagpasaka og balaudnon nga magmugna og usa ka otoridad nga modumala sa Butuan Bay nga gawas sa Butuan, pangisdaan usab sa 10 ka mga lungsod sa probinsya. Naninguha na usab kini nga makakuha og pundo alang sa hatchery projects gikan sa kaulohan aron maseguro ang regular nga suplay sa igong gidaghanon nga fingerlings.

Hisgutan ang dugang pang mga detalye ning maong mga plano sa BFAR ug partnership sa buhatan ni Kongresista Corvera, sa probinsya ug uban pang mga ahensya sa mosunod nga mga adlaw. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District Office/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

The Local Government Unit of Hinatuan officially begins the Search for Hapsay, Limpyo ug Himsog nga Barangay ug Eskwelahan 2022 (HALIMHIM) or an orderly, clean and healthy barangay and school.

The team of evaluators composed of representatives from the Ecological Solid Waste Management Office (ESWMO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), and Municipal Disaster, Risk Reduction, and Management Office (MDRRMO) conducted site validation in Barangay

Maligaya and San Ramon (Tagbobonga) and schools under the said barangays namely, Maligaya Elementary School, Tagbobonga Elementary School, and Rocky Elementary School respectively.

Series of onsite validations are conducted wherein barangays and schools are randomly identified and assessed on categories such as Ecological Solid Waste Management, Diisaster Risk Reduction and Management, Health and Sanitation and Greening Programs. The assessment runs until the

end of November 2022 prior to the deliberation of the results by the evaluation team. Winners are set to be announced by December 2022.

Meanwhile, the competition is part of the LGU’s effort towards sustainable and resilient municipality geared with ecological integrity, healthy people, clean and healthy environment. (LGUHinatuan, SDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

TAGBINA LCE GRACES VILLAGE ANNIVERSARY IN BRGY KAHAYAGAN

The Local Chief Executive of Tagbina, Glaiza Jane “Galay” P. Lanete joined the 8th year anniversary celebration of Purok 6A in Barangay Kahayagan and led the ribboncutting ceremony of its newly constructed basketball court. “This was made possible through the support of 2nd District Congressman Johnny Pimentel, and Governor Alexander “Ayec” T. Pimentel,” Mayor Lanete emphasized in her message.”

In her speech, Mayor

Lanete also uttered that more projects will be implemented in Barangay Kahayagan that will surely benefit the constituents. She extended her warm congratulations to all the people behind the successful event and thanked them for the realization of their newly constructed basketball court.

Huge smiles were drawn from their faces as the residents, together with the lady LCE, played a fun basketball shooting game. Everyone,

including the senior citizens, was given a chance to take the best shot with corresponding prices.

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Bayan members, Marichel “Dayday” Estavillo and Janito “Janjan” Lumakin together with her wife and ABC President Marlyn Lumakin, also graced the said event. (NGPB/with a report from LGU-Tagbina/PIASurigao del Sur) #ExplainExplainExplain

DA TURNOVER SOLAR POWER

IRRIGATION SYSTEM TO NEMSU

“Aside from being a show window to the students, the facility will enhance food security and income among farmers,” Sumagaysay added.

To showcase a clean technology for irrigation, the Department of Agriculture – Caraga turned over the Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU)San Miguel Campus on November 9 in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. The SPIS worth P346,436 covers from 100 to 300 hectares of rice area within the NEMSU campus benefitting agricultural students and farmers in the community.

SPIS uses solar energy for water pumping, reducing greenhouse

gas (GHG) emissions from irrigated agriculture. Aside from its capacity to irrigate the farms, the technology is aligned with the DA’s undertaking on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Dr. Clemencia L. Sumagaysay, NEMSU Campus Director expressed her gratitude to the DA-Caraga for realizing their dream.

“The establishment of the SPIS on the campus fulfills the institution’s mandate for Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production,” Sumagaysay stated.

The turn-over ceremony was led by DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., together with DA-Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) – SDS Chief June Anthony S. Ouano, RAED Chief Engr. Rene Morales, and Rice Program Coordinator Marisa Garces.

All interventions of the DA-Caraga are in partnership and coordination with the Province of Surigao del Sur through the Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico. (DACaraga/PIA-Surigaso del Sur)

#ExplainExplainExplain #PIASurigaoSur

3 IPMRS FROM SURSUR AWARDEES OF 2022 MOST OUTSTANDING IN CARAGA

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

During the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month recently, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Caraga Region spearheaded the 2022 Search for Most Outstanding Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative/s (IPMR) of Caraga.

With the theme, “25 Years: Fulfilling the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Bridging the Gaps through the Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) Convergence with Partners and Stakeholders to Ensure Economic Sustainability

and Security in the Ancestral Domains”, seven Indigenous People (IP) leaders/ officials were recognized for their exemplary accomplishments in the region.

NCIP announced the seven awardees of which three IP leaders/officials are from the province of Surigao del Sur, to name: Hawudon Jimmy Guinsod

- Provincial IPMR of Surigao del Sur Hawudon Nelbert Sahay

- Municipal IPMR of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur; and Hawudon Rico Maca

- Municipal IPMR of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

The awardees’ selection was based on their accomplishments and contributions of the IPMR during program implementation to the covered community through preservation, protection, promotion of the culture, customs, and traditions and in the transfer of indigenous knowledge systems and practices.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur is the first provincial government to install its Provincial IPMR in Caraga Region according to NCIP-Surigao del Sur provincial Office chief Engr. Charlyn Binghoy. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Photo credit to: NCIP-Caraga

ASSISTANCE FROM PROV’L

GOV’T OF SURSUR

The Provincial Government Office of Surigao del Sur under the administration of Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) spearheaded the turnover of the livelihood assistance to the Federation of Persons with Disabilities earlier today, November 7 at the Terraza Victoria, Barobo, Surigao del Sur.

According to PSWDO chief Hershe LorenzanaNuñez, the check is worth Php150,000.00 for livelihood assistance.

The said amount accordingly will support the Bangus Production Project managed by the

Federation of Persons with Disability in the Municipality of Barobo, Nuñez added.

The check was received by Nancy Silva, Chairwoman of the Social Committee, with the presence of the Local Chief Executive of LGUBarobo, Joey Pama, witnessed by the PWD chapter presidents and members.

Meanwhile, the said assistance is in lined with the program implementation of the PSWDO. It is intended for disabled persons to be empowered and to attain a more meaningful, productive, and satisfying way of life and ultimately become self-reliant and contributing members of society. (NGPB/with a report from PSWDO/PIASurigao del Sur)

PRDP CARAGA RPAB APPROVES P141M AGRI PROJECTS FOR SURSUR

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

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

2. Consolidation and Processing of Green Coffee Beans of San Nicolas Development

Cooperative (SANIDECO) in Doña Carmen, Tagbina; 3. Abaca Fiber Production, Processing and Marketing of Kababayenhan Alang sa mga Malamboong Panginabuhian (KAMAANAN) in Brgy. Pakwan, Lanuza.

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

The funds will come

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

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

PMO SURIGAO JOINS THE 4TH QUARTER NATIONWIDE SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE DRILL 2022

In support of the government’s initiative on disaster preparedness, the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao participated in the 4th Quarter Nationwide

Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).

Personnel from ports under the PMO’s jurisdiction such as the Port of Surigao (Baseport), as well as those from the Terminal Management Offices (TMOs) of Dapa, Tandag, Dinagat, and Lipata as well as clients transacting business and COA staff, actively joined other agencies and offices nationwide in the online disaster preparedness exercise spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).

PMO Surigao’s Acting Port Manager, Froilan Caturla, led the execution of the basic “duck, cover, and hold” technique and urged everyone to strictly observe minimum health standards such as wearing masks and

physical distancing.

The 4th Quarter Nationwide

Simultaneous Earthquake Drill simulation exercise also highlights the call for tsunami awareness and preparedness as part of the World Tsunami Awareness observance. (PPAPMO, Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PMO SURIGAO ENSURES

READINESS OF ITS BASEPORT AGAINST BOMB THREATS

In its bid for a secure port operation especially during serious security threats, the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao recently conducted a simulated bomb-threat security drill at the Port of Surigao.

The exercise aimed at demonstrating strategic decisive actions in

resolving the threat of a possible bomb explosion, is also expected to aid in the formulation of bomb explosion management policies, integration, and orchestration of government and public efforts to resolve the crisis.

Aside from PMO Surigao personnel, participants of

the activity also include representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard K9 Unit, Surigao City Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Canine Unit, CDRRMO, and Globalport Surigao Terminals, Inc. (PPA PMO- Surigao/PIASurigao del Norte)

PBBM SEEKS ENHANCED COOPERATION WITH ROK ON RENEWABLE ENERGY

marine environment and sustainability of oceans.

“Only substantive and effective maritime cooperation can yield valuable and meaningful benefits that will enrich both our regions,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed hope to explore opportunities for technological cooperation on renewable energy sources with the Republic of Korea. In his intervention at the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Republic of Korea Summit, the President told his fellow leaders that part of healing the environment is lessening the dependence on fossil fuels.

“Given the ROK’s expertise in harnessing renewable energies, let us explore opportunities for technological cooperation aimed at securing reliable electricity supply sourced from renewable sources,” Marcos said.

The President likewise noted

that attention must be given to terrestrial biodiversity.

Marcos said the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity in the Philippines leads the ASEAN Green Initiative to plant 10 million native trees in 10 years, across all 10 ASEAN Member States.

“Let us be close partners in this project,” the President said.

Marcos also mentioned in his intervention the ASEANROK Plan of Action for 20212025 or the cooperation on safety and security, search and rescue, freedom of navigation and overflight, the exercise of selfrestraint, non-use of force and peaceful resolution of disputes, unimpeded lawful commerce, the protection and conservation of the

The President also urged his fellow leaders that as part of sustainable oceans and fisheries management, marine resources must be allowed to thrive and replenish themselves.

The chief executive looks forward to the Philippines’ participation as ministers and senior officials work together to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, to ensure that significant ocean resources will still be available for the following generations.

President Marcos has recently given the Department of Energy (DOE) the green light for its plan to explore and develop the country’s offshore wind (OSW) potential as a source of clean and sustainable energy.

There are currently 42 approved offshore wind contracts with an indicated capacity of 31,000 Megawatts (MW), according to DOE.

PBBM BACKS EARLY CONCLUSION OF COC IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

Agricultural Development and Food Security

Cooperation is a welcome impetus for intensified cooperation.

Preserving the environment and its resources is another, the President pointed out, as he welcomes the continued support for the Philippineshosted ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pushed Friday for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea based on international law, which he said should be an example of how states manage their differences.

In his intervention during the 25th ASEAN-China Summit, President Marcos said the immediate conclusion of the COC becomes more relevant as nations mark 40 and 20 years of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), respectively.

“It shall be an example

of how states manage their differences: through reason and through right.

I, therefore, welcome the progress on textual negotiations on the COC this past year and hopefully an approved code of conduct in the very near future,” Marcos said during the summit as he noted that it is vital that the UNCLOS continues to be upheld as the universal framework in oceans and sea activities.

Tackling post-pandemic recovery, the Philippine leader said one way of insulating the people from shocks is ensuring food security, stressing that the designation of 2023 as the ASEAN-China Year of

ASEAN Centrality must remain the bedrock of cooperation, Marcos stressed, noting the “truest” barometers of ASEAN’s success or failure are the people and the communities.

Amid the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions, countries must firmly choose cooperation over competition at every turn, the chief executive said.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would even further boost its potential, Marcos noted, adding it’s the reason why the Philippines is exerting all efforts to sign on as soon as possible.

China was represented by Premier Li Keqiang during the summit.

PBBM CALLS ON DPRK TO COMPLY WITH UN RESOLUTIONS

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to comply with United Nations (UN) security council resolutions.

In an intervention at the 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Retreat, the President discussed the recent events and developments in the region and around the world that have not only slowed global efforts towards economic progress but have “uncovered the real struggle facing the human race: the defense of the common universal values that underpin our common humanity.”

Among the issues discussed by the chief executive is the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

“The Philippines reiterates its grave concerns over the series of missile launches conducted by the DPRK this year,”

Marcos said.

“We call on the DPRK to comply with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and we encourage the continuation of dialogue and engagement among concerned parties with the aim of stabilizing the situation in the region,” Marcos pointed out.

The President likewise expressed his concerns if nuclear weapons become conventional weapons.

“Our greatest fear is that if nuclear weapons become conventional

weapons by the use of another country, for example by Russia in Ukraine and it becomes a conventional weapon. It will encourage others to unleash their nuclear weapons. This will be the end of us all,” he said.

Recent strains in crossstrait relations between China and Taiwan also present similar cause for concern, according to the President, as he echoed the call of ASEAN foreign ministers last August for both parties to observe maximum restraint and refrain from taking provocative actions.

PBBM CALLS FOR SPEEDY PEACE DEAL IMPLEMENTATION TO ADDRESS MYANMAR CRISIS

rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the ASEAN Charter,” said the President Marcos said direct engagement with the government and all stakeholders is vital to ending violence and addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday raised the need for the speedy implementation of the Five Point Consensus peace plan to address the deepening crisis in Myanmar.

The President made this remark in an intervention speech at the 41st ASEAN Summit Retreat, where he called on his fellow ASEAN leaders to heed the call for the welfare and protection of the people of Myanmar.

“The Philippines thus reiterates the need for the speedy implementation of the Five Point Consensus, which Myanmar agreed to in the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting

held in Jakarta in April 2021,” Marcos pointed out.

The peace plan sought to call for an urgent end to violence as well as step up dialogues between the military and the opposition movement.

“While the Philippines adheres to the ASEAN principles of non-interference and consensus, the protracted suffering of the people in Myanmar, in part due to the lack of progress in the implementation of the Five Point Consensus, also challenges the ASEANhonored principles of democracy and the respect for and protection of human

“This would include direct engagement with the military administration, but also with all other stakeholders, including the political opposition within the ASEAN framework towards the full implementation of the Five Point Consensus,” the President pointed out.

Marcos encouraged other ASEAN leaders to continue taking a constructive approach in engaging the stakeholders in Myanmar consistent with their shared vision of an ASEAN, which is people-centered and people-oriented.

In the meeting, the President also raised multiple issues affecting the Southeast Asian region, such as postpandemic recovery, the China-Taiwan cross-strait relations, and the RussiaUkraine conflict, which he said, needed concerted efforts to overcome.

VIETNAMESE PM LAUDS PBBM FOR EFFECTIVE PANDEMIC RESPONSE, ONE OF THE HIGHEST GDP GROWTH RATE ACHIEVEMENT

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday for the Philippine government’s effective COVID-19 response and for achieving one of the highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in Asia.

“I wish to send my congratulations to the people of the Philippines for containing the COVID-19 pandemic and sustaining a high growth rate of GDP,” Prime Minister Chinh said during the bilateral meeting with the Philippine leader in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

During their meeting, the Vietnamese leader also expressed eagerness to work with the Philippines in addressing maritime issues, particularly illegal fishing and balancing trade.

PM Chinh also highlighted the need for new approaches in addressing the present challenges and called for adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Both leaders have also agreed to further strengthen their partnership in several areas, such as defense, trade, investment, agriculture, and security.

In his roundtable meeting with Cambodian businesses earlier in the

day, the President said his administration had taken the Philippine economy in the right direction, touting the recent economic achievements, particularly the drop in the unemployment rate for the third quarter this year to 5 percent from 5.6, 5.7 percent.

Marcos also mentioned the 7.7 percent growth for the last quarter, which he said is one of the highest growth rates in Asia right now. | PND

NCR positivity rate dips further to 7.5%: OCTA

The positivity rate, or the number of persons testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in the National Capital Region (NCR) decreased to 7.5 percent as of Nov. 12.

Over Twitter on Monday, OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David said the region’s positivity rate in the previous week was 8.2 percent. Eight other areas had a decrease in the positivity rate for the same period apart from the NCR.

These include Batangas with 6.3 percent from 7.3 percent; Cavite with 10.1 percent from 13 percent; Davao del Sur with 8.7 percent from 15.3 percent; Iloilo with 10.2 percent from 12.6 percent; Misamis Oriental with 24.6 percent from 28.8 percent; Rizal with 10.3 percent from 14.5 percent; South Cotabato with 8.2 percent from 12.7 percent; and Zambales with 7.6 percent from 11.3 percent. Last week, David said the decrease in Covid-19

numbers in NCR and other highly populated areas could be attributed to the public’s knowledge about self-protection as coronavirus continues to mutate into different and more transmissible variants.

On the other hand, an increase in positivity rate was seen in three areas -Cagayan from last week’s 8.4 percent to 14.2 percent; Camarines Sur, from 29.8 percent to 33.3 percent; and Pampanga, 9.6 percent to 11.2 percent. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

COMPLETE VAX DOSES, WEAR MASKS INDOORS: MANILA MAYOR

are crowded. It’s much better if they are vaccinated,” Lacuna, who is also a medical doctor, said in her speech.

Likewise, she asked Manileños to still wear masks indoors, particularly the immunocompromised, although the government said it is no longer mandatory.

Now that restrictions against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have been relaxed, the City of Manila on Friday urged its constituents to get inoculated, including booster shots, and the vulnerable population to continue wearing masks indoors.

During her Capital Report, Mayor Honey Lacuna made the oft-repeated reminder that getting

vaccinated is both for self-protection and for the welfare of the general public.

Children should especially complete their vaccine shots because nearly all schools are back to faceto-face classes.

“We urged parents of elementary students to bring their children to our health centers. As we all know, some classrooms

“We encourage the elders, those who are immunocompromised, with comorbidities, pregnant, nonvaccinated, with incomplete vaccines, and without booster shoots, to still wear face masks,” she said.

Inoculation in four malls and six district hospitals will cease by November 14 but the city’s 44 health centers will continue to administer vaccines Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As of Friday, the city has 104 active Covid-19 cases. (PNA/Ferdinand Patinio)

COVID-19 RESPONSE MAY CONTINUE AFTER STATE OF NAT’L CALAMITY

The Department of Health (DOH) has proposed that the country’s emergency response to the coronavirus continue even after the state of national calamity ends this year.

In a media briefing Friday, DOH Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they have submitted to the House of Representatives the Public Health Emergency for Emerging and Reemerging Disease proposal which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assigned as a priority bill.

“In this bill you’d find the different components, kung ano ‘yung dapat ginagawa natin even if wala tayong state of calamity, magagawa pa rin natin (what we must do even if we don’t have a state of calamity, we can still do them),” she said.

Among these are the purchase of vaccines against Covid-19, provision of benefits for health care

workers, and discounts on medicines used for the treatment of Covid-19.

“If this law will be passed, we don’t have to worry about anything because this replaces and this will become the basis of the different actions that we’ll do in terms of public health emergency,” Vergeire said.

She said the bill has been discussed during Marcos’ first ever Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council meeting on October 10.

Vergeire said they explained to the legislators that Filipinos are all linked or tied to the state of national calamity declaration, hence a replacement is significant.

“During the meeting, the President specifically said this is a priority bill and it has to be passed,” she said.

As for the Covid-19 situation, Vergeire said

there will still be cases as the coronavirus continues to mutate and may even be more transmissible or vaccine-evasive, but the country can manage. “Nakaka-manage tayo through our health care facilities tapos alam natin mas maraming bakunado ngayon. Most especially, may antivirals kasi tayo ngayon. Mas kumokonti ‘yung nagiging severe (We manage through our health care facilities and more are vaccinated now. Most especially, we have antivirals and severe [cases] are decreasing),” she said.

On November 10, a total of 1,267 new infections were reported to raise the active cases tally to 16,526.

During the past two weeks, the National Capital Region had the most number of new infections with 2,925, followed by Calabarzon with 1,716, and Western Visayas with 1,332. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

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