Caraga InFocus – November 7-13, 2020

Volume IV, No. 46 November 7-13, 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

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OWWA-Caraga assists more than 6K returning OFWs

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PSA starts 2021 quarterly fisheries survey

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DA Caraga’s projects help in fostering peace, development

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Surigao City village SK enjoins youth for gov’t initiatives vs pandemic SEC calls on public to join fight vs scams in First Investor Protection Week Former rebels receive cash aid from AgSur LGU

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AgSur LGU hopes to level up with P392-M loan from Landbank Army, LGU conduct consultation, dialogue for peace and development in AgNor community Agusan Norte PRLEC launches San Antonio AgriTourism Female ex-rebel grateful for new home in Agusan Norte

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MINDANAO NEWS

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Environmental Farming: Avocado growing pushed for Mindanao highlands

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Paete wood carving industry gradually recovering from COVID-19 impact

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‘Ube Jam With Wild Honey,’ Mindanao’s Unique Product Investment scams rise amid Covid crisis: SEC

NATIONAL NEWS

Palace hopes quality of life of more Filipinos to improve PRC gives hope to families whose lives were shattered by ‘Rolly’ Red Cross distributes aid to over 300 typhoonaffected families Senate passes Coop Development Officer bill 3K beneficiaries in typhoon-hit Cavite receive hot meals Nograles wants ‘Yolanda’ resettlement sites closer to schools

COVID-19 NEWS

PH to borrow $300-M to purchase Covid-19 vaccines Emergency use of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine unlikely in PH: DOST 91% of 50K contact tracers start work: DILG Stopping Sinovac clinical trial must be studied first: DOH

CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

BUTUAN CITY FARMERS BENEFIT FROM THE NATIONAL RICE TECHNOLOGY FORUM

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local government units of Caraga region have started determining the variety of hybrid and

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inbred rice suitable for planting in the different areas of the region.

A 100 hectares of

rice paddy was utilized as demo farm during the conduct of 11th national rice technology forum.

Caraga INFOCUS

Twenty six variety of hybrid and inbred rice were planted for farmers to know the best variety of grain that could also bring higher productivity.

Director Abel James M o n t e a g u d o , regional director of the Department of Caraga INFOCUS

Agriculture (DA) Caraga, stressed the need for the farmers to innovate and learn the new trend in farming. “We will assess what variety would best fit and be applied in the kind of soil that you have in your farm,” he said.

Joean Casison was

grateful to have joined the forum for she was able to learn the techniques, appropriate variety, and technology she could use in her farm.

“We are now gearing towards producing hybrid rice because we have seen its best result, which is far different from the inbred,” bared Casison.

M e a n w h i l e , Ebenezer Basco of the Rice Technology Productivity, Incorporated also urged the farmers to produce hybrid rice and maximize the use of technology in farming.

“Our local government unit and the Department of Agriculture, together with other stakeholders and private sector are working closely to resolve all the issues and challenges in the field of agriculture in order to achieve higher productivity and income,” Basco said.

DA Secretary William Dar is also optimistic that agriculture will be of great help in uplifting the lives of the people in the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga) November 7-13, 2020 |

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News Briefs The province of Agusan del Norte has issued Provincial Resolution No. 514-2020, A Resolution Expressing Strong Support for the Inclusion of the General Appropriations Act for CY 2021 the Funding for the Identified Recipient Barangays Under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the Amount of Twenty Million Pesos (P20,000,000.00) per Recipient as Part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Initiatives and Programs. xx

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles led today’s soft launch of the Zero Hunger movement (Pilipinas Kontra Gutom) via an online platform with participants from various sectors nationwide. This aims to increase public awareness on the government’s programs to prevent people suffer from hunger and poverty. The task force, composed of different concerned agencies, ensures access of people to nutritious food and avoid malnutrition by providing appropriate programs particularly to vulnerable sectors.

The Localized Peace Engagements (LPE) is one of the 12 clusters of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the multi-agency body created by virtue of Executive Order No. 70 or the “whole-of-nation” approach.

The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has already charged 32 individuals in seven (7) cases for violations of RA No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code, & in two cases for violations of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

REGIONAL NEWS

OWWA-CARAGA ASSISTS MORE THAN 6K RETURNING OFWS Amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – Regional Welfare Office Caraga continues to provide assistance to the returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) upon their arrival at the Bancasi Airport and other nearby port of entries in the Caraga region.

As of November 4, 2020, OWWA-Caraga has assisted a total of 6,468 returning OFWs including

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their dependents who have availed of the sweeper flights and “malasakit” voyages arranged by the OWWA beginning April 29, 2020.

Of this number, 1,449 are residents of Butuan City; 1,271 from Agusan del Norte; 1,065 from Agusan del Sur; 1,153 from Surigao del Norte; 1,346 from Surigao del Sur; 138 from Dinagat Islands; and 115 from Misamis Oriental (Region X).

The said OFWs strictly

observed all the health and safety protocols before they were allowed to board the plane and vessel that includes negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The concerned local government units (LGUs) of the returning OFWs in the region were informed and coordinated beforehand in order to prepare their respective quarantine facilities and Caraga INFOCUS

transport services that will ferry the OFWs from Butuan City going to their respective localities subject to the minimum health standards required in their area.

All returning OFWs are provided with free meals, food packs, transportation assistance, and accommodation for those who need to wait for their arranged transport service.

Apart from the repatriation of displaced and distressed OFWs, more than ten human remains/cremains of deceased OFWs from Caraga region have

Caraga INFOCUS

also been repatriated in coordination with their next of kin. Financial assistance for the surviving dependents of the deceased OFWs was provided especially those with active OWWA membership at the time of death.

The repatriation assistance was successfully provided through the support and coordination with the members of the Regional Task Force (RTF) for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield.

Also, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

and the OWWA Caraga have so far released a total of P24,850,000 cash assistance to 2,485 approved and qualified beneficiaries of the DOLE-AKAP for OFWs in the Caraga region, as of November 4, 2020.

The OWWA-Caraga is expecting an influx of Caraganon OFWs for the next days as the Yuletide season nears.

The agency is continuously on standby 24/7 for any developments regarding their repatriation.

(OWWA-Regional Welfare Office Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

November 7-13, 2020 |

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PSA STARTS 2021 QUARTERLY FISHERIES SURVEY The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will conduct the January 2021 round Quarterly Fisheries Survey.

According to PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda Apura, the survey aims to generate volume and value on Commercial Fisheries, Marine Municipal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, and Aquaculture production by species and by quarter at the national, regional, and provincial level.

Apura said that the statistics generated through the conduct of these surveys serve as input to the compilation of national

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accounts, researches and studies, estimation of the performance of agriculture, policymaking, and program implementation.

“There will be hired Statistical Researchers (SRs) who will visit the sample fish landing centers for commercial and municipal fisheries as well as selected sample aqua farm operators and inland fishing households to generate fisheries outputs,� Apura said.

During the data collection, the PSOs are encouraged to ensure that the hired SRs and/ or Field Supervisors are practicing proper social distancing from their

respective respondents to avoid possible contamination with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Also, Apura enjoins PSOs to explore the use of phone, email, and other creative ways to collect information needed in the surveys.

Apura also ensures that all the data and information collected by the hired SRs from sample fishermen and aqua farms shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10625.

(NCLM/PSA/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DA CARAGA’S PROJECTS HELP IN FOSTERING PEACE, DEVELOPMENT

By Aurelius P. Arais

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s interventions have been recognized in the recently concluded Peace and Development Expo in the city.

The activity is the culmination of the weeklong series of events in Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) for the city of Caraga INFOCUS

Butuan on October 2630, 2020.

As an active partner in the Whole-ofNation Approach, the DA-Caraga together with the other regional line agencies showcased and extended respective services during the said activity.

Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government

Regional Office and the City Interior and Local Government Office of Butuan, the activity was participated by different sectors such as the youth and students, urban poor, labor, transport, and women.

D A - C a r a g a extended its services to the participants through the giving of vegetable seeds for backyard November 7-13, 2020 |

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gardening, IEC materials, and facilitating technical consultations.

Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of DILGCaraga underscored the contribution of each participating agency in attaining peace in the region, especially in the conflict-affected areas.

“We commend the effort of the DA in implementing farm to market roads (FMR) and other interventions that bring development in the

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serviced areas,” she said.

DA-Caraga is closely working with various local government units in addressing the needs of their farming constituents such as the provision of farm inputs, machinery, FMR, technical support, and more through DA’s banner programs and special projects.

Director Famacion is the chairperson of the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed

Conflict Technical Working Group (RTFELCAC TWG).

The Whole-of-Nation Approach aims to attain inclusive and sustainable peace as embodied in Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through the creation of a National Task Force (NTF) that will take the lead in institutionalizing a national peace framework. (DA Caraga/ PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY VILLAGE SK ENJOINS YOUTH FOR GOV’T INITIATIVES VS PANDEMIC

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Brgy.

Mabua in Surigao City enjoins the youth to take part in government initiatives amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

During the Bisaya Gyud program episode on Saturday, November 7, with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Martin Dela Cruz, chairman of SK – Brgy. Mabua chapter

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said that despite the pandemic, various initiatives have been launched by and for the youth.

In addition to providing relief goods to the village residents, they also made sure to allocate some for the youth.

They also launched various activities to commemorate the Linggo ng Kabataan held in August.

“Various contests were launched by the

group such as a TikTok competition, spoken word poetry, and a singing contest,” the youth leader said.

In support to the implementation of distance learning, they also created the ‘SK-Wela Tabangan Program’ aimed to look for donors to support Mabua Elementary School and Ipil National High School, where most children in the village are enrolled, in their needs to effectively implement the Caraga INFOCUS

new modes of learning in the present school year. Furthermore, they also launched a free online tutorial service dubbed as ‘Sangguni ng Katalinuhan’ or ‘SK’.

“We stand by the belief that the youth is the hope of this nation and providing education is crucial for empowering them. This is our way of lending additional help for learners in our area, especially since learning is now taking place in their homes and teachers cannot facilitate them in going about with their school work,” Dela Cruz said.

The project is still in its infancy, with only a few volunteers working for its cause. The SK leader said they are still looking for other personalities they can tap to partake in this Caraga INFOCUS

initiative.

When asked about the some of the challenges they face in the implementation of the said project, stability of the internet connection in their area is a primary concern.

Nonetheless, they are doing their best to persevere just to lend assistance to the learners in Brgy. Mabua.

At the end of his guesting, SK chairperson Dela Cruz urged his fellow youth to be more adaptive to the present circumstances and persevere despite the challenges.

“I understand that all of us are experiencing difficulties due to this health crisis, especially since we, the youth, are expected to experience life outside the comfort of our homes at this point in our life. However, we also have to put in mind that everyone’s life is at stake here and our safety is paramount given the circumstances. We must always keep in mind that this health crisis spared no one so must, therefore, do our part to get by with the situation,” he said.

‘Bisaya Gyud’ is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office

(PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ bisayagyudph, every Saturday.

The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Its ‘Operation Tabang’ is launched to extend medical and food assistance to Bisaya all over the country, especially those who suffered greatly due to the health crisis. The program also launched its Bond Paper Gift project, which aims to assist schools in rural areas in effectively implementing distance learning by providing reams of bond papers to be used for the production of learning materials.

The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga) November 7-13, 2020 |

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SEC CALLS ON PUBLIC TO JOIN FIGHT VS SCAMS IN FIRST INVESTOR PROTECTION WEEK

By Neil Maynard C. Conde

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is rallying the public to join the fight against investment scams, as it spearheads the first Investor Protection Week from November 9 to 13.

The Commission will celebrate Investor Protection Week to promote investor education amid the rising number of unauthorized investment-taking activities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the SEC has issued advisories against more than 100 groups

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and individuals soliciting investments without the necessary license, almost double the total number for the whole of 2019.

The Commission has likewise issued cease and desist orders and revocation orders against entities engaging in fraudulent investment schemes, including Boss Network, Forsage and Fast Track Worldwide, Inc. The SEC has charged 32 individuals in seven cases for violations of Republic Act No. 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code, and in two cases for violations of Republic

Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code provides that securities shall not be sold or offered for sale or distributed within the Philippines, without a registration statement duly filed with and approved by the SEC.

Ponzi and pyramid schemes are among the most common types of investment fraud in the country, according to the SEC.

In a Ponzi scheme, scammers guarantee Caraga INFOCUS

ridiculously high returns to attract more investors.

They pay the promised profits to earlier investors using the money placed by newer members.

Meanwhile, pyramid schemes require members to recruit people into the group in exchange for fees. As in Ponzi schemes, they rely on new members’ contributions to pay out the promised returns to older investors.

Such schemes often deliver payouts at the start to please investors and encourage them to invite more people to join.

To create a semblance of legitimacy, scammers tout products or services, which are either overpriced, worthless or inexistent.

As part of its efforts to educate the investing public and keep them falling prey to investment scams, the Commission advocated for the institution of Investor Protection Week. On November 15, 2019, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 846, declaring the second week of November of every year as such.

The Investor Protection Week follows Caraga INFOCUS

the celebration of World Investor Week, a global campaign promoted by the International Organization of Securities Commissions and held in October.

“Our fight against investment scams is anchored on the public’s awareness and empowerment to spot, avoid and expose investment scams,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

“While we remain relentless in unmasking and busting investment scams, we also encourage the public to always check with SEC before entertaining any investment opportunity, especially when they are too good to be true.”

To expand the reach of its investor education programs, the Commission gathered organizations from the public and private sectors alike to form the SEC Campaign Network, which will be formally launched on November 9.

The Commission will also launch The SEC Academy, an online learning resource center developed in collaboration with the Commission on Higher

Education and the Department of Education.

The SEC Academy will offer courses and learning modules for students and educators, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to invest in securities, among others.

On November 11, the SEC a webinar for high school and college students on doing business and investing safely in the Philippines was conducted, livestreamed on Facebook.

The Commission, together with The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc., a corporate governance forum was also conducted on November 12.

The SEC will close Investor Protection Week by recognizing its partners in promoting ease of doing business, capital market development and investor protection, as it celebrates its 84th Anniversary on November 13.

For more information, visit the official SEC Facebook page at www.facebook. com/PhilippineSEC and website at www.sec.gov. ph. (Information Officer, SEC/PIA-Surigao del Sur) November 7-13, 2020 |

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FORMER REBELS RECEIVE CASH AID FROM AGSUR LGU By 2Lt. Cecille Tappa Two former rebels (FRs) from the municipality of San Luis, this province received cash assistance amounting to P25,000.00 from the local government unit (LGU) of the said municipality on November 5, 2020.

Municipal ViceMayor Ronald Y. Corvera generously released the cash assistance as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits, a government program that aims to help the rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National

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Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) and Militia ng Bayan to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

The FRs, alias ‘Gielan’ who was then a regular member of the NPA for one year, while alias ‘Nagoy’, an active member of the NPA for two years, both belong to the Guerilla Front (GF) 88 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) finally realized their futile struggle and made up their mind to surrender last August 24, 2020, with the hope to have a more renewed life together with their families.

Alias ‘Gielan’ expressed his gratitude to the government for the humane treatment they received which they didn’t actually expect.

“Wala namo damha nga bisan sa among pagka rebelde tabangan kami sa gobyerno. Gikapoy na mi sa bukid, walay pulos ang among mga pakigbisog. Gilimbongan lang kami sa among komander. Nag surrender mi tungod kay ang saad sa NPA nga maayong kinabuhi nahulog ra sa pag-antos ug kahadlok.

Nagpasalamat kami sa gobyerno sa pagdawat pag-usab ug pagtabang kanamo (We were not Caraga INFOCUS

expecting that despite being part of the rebel group, the government still accepted us and offered help. We got tired living and hiding in the mountains. Our sacrifices were useless and put to waste. We were fooled by our commander, that’s why we decided to surrender. We are thankful to the government for taking care of us),” he said.

Through this government program, the local government agencies are working hand in hand in serving various initiatives to help sustain the needs of the former rebels for them Caraga INFOCUS

to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives especially in this pandemic crisis.

Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, encouraged all other rebels in the province of AgSur to surrender. “I am greatly encouraging those who are still in the ranks of CPP-NPA movement to peacefully lay down their arms and stop this useless armed struggle, return to the mainstream society

and contribute as good citizens for the prosperity of the community as well as the whole province of Agusan del Sur,” he said.

“We sympathized to those NPA members who have realized the deception in their organization, that is why our door is open to those who are willing to go back to the fold of the law. We are offering them a way out. But if they continue to resist, then, they will cause their own senseless miseries. Surrender now, Christmas is coming, your family is waiting for you,” added Goce. (26IB/PIAAgusan del Sur) November 7-13, 2020 |

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AGSUR LGU HOPES TO LEVEL UP WITH P392-M LOAN FROM LANDBANK

By Noelle B. Manansala The local government unit (LGU) of Rosario, this province has sought the assistance of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to finance priority projects amounting to P392-million under the Bank’s Restoration and Invigoration Package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards Upgrowth for

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LGUs (RISE UP LGUs) Lending Program.

Part of the projects to be financed by LANDBANK for this 2nd class municipality are the acquisition of heavy equipment, purchase of land for local development, and construction of a public terminal and market.

“We are honored

and excited to partner with the Rosario LGU as we see their dedication in assisting our stakeholders, which are the farmers.

We hope that, in a way, this will contribute in cushioning the effect of this pandemic to the local economy,” said LANDBANK Caraga South Lending Center Head Arnel M. Caalim.

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Additionally, the LGU is looking to purchase one six-wheeler and one 10-wheeler trucks for its logistical requirements, as well as a dump truck and a garbage compactor with autoloader for better disposal and segregation of waste materials. The heavy equipment are seen to reduce operational expenses and provide additional income to the local coffers as these can be rented-out to neighboring LGUs.

Meanwhile, the development of their public terminal and market will also help Rosario farmers augment their income since more consumers will be able to reach them while cheaper market stall rentals can be offered to them.

“We would like to thank LANDBANK for being a partner of LGU Rosario in pursuing our dreams especially in our quest for developmental projects that will benefit our constituents, provide their basic needs, promote health and public safety and hopefully improve our economic stability,” said Rosario Municipal Mayor Caraga INFOCUS

Jupiter Abulog.

A LANDBANK depositor since the 1990s, Rosario LGU is hoping to further strengthen its partnership with the bank in terms of providing accessible financial channels to their people.

“We are also looking forward to the installation of a LANDBANK ATM in our office since this will be the first one in the entire municipality.

Currently, we still have to travel to our neighboring municipality if we want to withdraw or deposit cash from the machine so this will really be helpful to our people,” Mayor Abulog added.

RISE UP LGUs Lending Program is a new offering of LANDBANK to local

governments that aims to facilitate the regional and local development in its area by integrating the different players in the agricultural valuechain, and finance other innovative programs of LGUs which can bring back the confidence of its constituents in the local economy.

Interested borrowers of the LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs Lending Program may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-80010-405-7000. (LandBank/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) November 7-13, 2020 |

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ARMY, LGU CONDUCT CONSULTATION, DIALOGUE FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT IN AGNOR COMMUNITY By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang The troops of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army together with the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte and the local officials of Barangay Durian conducted a peace and consultation

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dialogue with the residents on November 6, 2020.

The activity was aimed to discuss the primary issues and concerns of the residents particularly on land, the recruitment of the Communist Terrorist

Group (CTG) among the youth, the peace, and order situation and other related matters.

It was attended by the identified local supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF) and its armed Caraga INFOCUS

wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). The said supporters are known for providing food, finances, information on the whereabouts of the government forces, and other forms of support to the NPA.

During the open forum, some residents openly voiced their concerns about the security situation in their barangay. They admitted to being forced to support the NPA because of fear.

The residents added that for a couple of times, they were threatened

by NPA combatants and warned of repercussions once they decline to give support to the communist movement.

Residents said most of those who experienced harassment and intimidation from the NPA are those residing in the remote areas of the barangay.

Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales assured the residents of Durian of the continuing support of the LGU, the line agencies, and the Army.

She also thanked the 23rd IB troopers for protecting and saving the residents of Durian from the threats of the CPP-NPA. She also assured the residents of Caraga INFOCUS

the constant delivery of basic services and livelihood opportunities to address the different issues that are being exploited by the NPAs.

“Together, we can build a strong, peaceful, and resilient community here in Durian. Rest assured that your LGU, the Army, and the line agencies of the government will continue to deliver development interventions for the residents of Barangay Durian,� Rosales said.

Rosales also asked the residents to do their duties and responsibilities, emphasizing that defeating the insurgency is a shared task of the stakeholders and the

community members.

She added that residents are also bound to protect their community from the encroachment of the CPP-NPA.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB, expressed optimism that the residents will eventually defeat communism and terrorism with the support of the different stakeholders in Las Nieves and the province of Agusan del Norte. He also thanked the barangay council of Durian for their continuing support to the unified efforts to defeat the insurgency in the area. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) November 7-13, 2020 |

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AGUSAN NORTE PRLEC LAUNCHES SAN ANTONIO AGRI-TOURISM

By Robert E. Roperos The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the province of Agusan del Norte recently launched the San Antonio Agri-Tourism Enterprise Village at Brgy.

San Antonio, Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR).

During the program held at the municipality’s tourist destination – Tagnote Falls, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B.

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Corvera and RTR Mayor Richard B. Daquipil cut the ceremonial ribbon.

In her speech, Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell AmanteMatba underscored the necessity of the provision of livelihood opportunities to be given to the residents of Barangay San Antonio especially in this time of pandemic where more people are left unemployed. She also extended her full support

for the sustainability of the said project that will benefit the community through this PRLEC community development initiative.

Also, Gov. Corvera pointed out the importance of unity emphasizing that if more individuals will come together and work handin-hand, “truly, we can achieve whatever our goal will be,” he said.

Enterprise developCaraga INFOCUS

ment programs to be undertaken include: Restaurant and Shop Souvenir; Farm Tourism and Training Center (vegetable, native chicken and goat); Fish pond (tilapia); Swine raising; Green Charcoal business; Abaca and Native Crafts; Health and Wellness spa; Tagnote Falls; Glamping/ Homestay; Cut Flower; and Processed Foods.

Also present during the launching are TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto, TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva, Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 Regional Director PBGen. Romeo M Caramat Jr., Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Regional Director Nelia R. Arina, Joel Oclarit of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Caraga, Silver Joy B. Tejano of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Rose Murphy of the Provincial Tourism Office, Cristina Cassion of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Caraga, Dir. Brenda Corvera of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Agusan del Caraga INFOCUS

Norte, Rustico Ranoco of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Caraga, Keith Duran, Provincial Head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Agusan del Norte, Provincial Agriculturist Office through Alvin Aclan, Col Pajarito of the 401st Brigade-Philippine Army, PCol. Martin M Gamba of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, Lt. Col. Brnjamin B Pajarito Jr. of the 65th Infantry Battalion, Engr.

Charlyn Binghoy of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Rodel Mendez of PENRO-Agusan del Norte, Marlyn Negrido of DAR-Agusan del Norte, Augustus Manuel Mantua of Land Bank of the Philippines, RD Genaro Pogata Jr. of the Cooperative Development Authority

(CDA), Administrator Romel M. Natad of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), and Administrator Abegail B. EupeĂąa of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center (PTC).

Other memberagencies of PRLECAgusan del Norte are: National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippines Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), 29th Infantry Battalion, 23rd Infantry Battalion, Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office, Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Norte Division, and Agusan del Norte Irrigation Management Office. November 7-13, 2020 |

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FEMALE EX-REBEL GRATEFUL FOR NEW HOME IN AGUSAN NORTE

By Jennifer P. Gaitano Alias “Kris”, a female former rebel from the province of Agusan del Norte, was delighted as she received the good news that she and her family now have a permanent home.

“As we surrender, we were able to receive aid and support from the government. I’m thankful because I feel the real concern of our government,” shared Kris.

Kris was one of the 100 former rebels in the province who benefited from the housing program of the government wherein these houses will be built in a 1.4-hectare of land donated by a private mining company.

According to the

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local government unit, the construction of the houses which is worth almost half a million pesos per house will immediately start. This lot is located in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City.

Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera thanked the San Roque Metals Incorporated (SRMI) for taking part in the government’s effort to provide the welfare of the former rebels. “I’m happy to receive this donation of 1.4 hectares of land from the SRMI, where the houses for our former rebels will be built. The FRs could now start a new life in this community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba also called on the former rebels to encourage other New People’s Army (NPA) members to leave the terrorist group and surrender to the government’s fold.

“You encourage them not to put their lives to waste fighting for a senseless cause.

It doesn’t give them a better future,” Matba underscored.

These former NPAs have surrendered to the 29th and 23rd Infantry Battalions, both based in Agusan del Norte. (JPG/ NCLM/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is introducing the Environmental Farming Program which will promote the planting of fruit trees, especially the highvalue Hass Avocado, in the deforested highlands of Mindanao.

With government-initiated reforestation programs hardly succeeding, I thought of combining my advocacy on environmental protection with the effort to increase productivity and address rural poverty.

I had earlier introduced to officials of Dole Philippines, a Japanese-owned multinational agricultural

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| November 7-13, 2020

company, the idea of expanding their Hass Avocado production areas through a growership program.

Under the initial concept which I presented to Dole Philippines officers who visited my farm in Kidapawan City two months ago, I asked Dole Philippines to provide technical assistance and Hass Avocado planting

materials to farmer-growers who will be asked to sign a marketing agreement with the company.

MinDA, on the other hand, will seek the support of its financing partner, the Development Bank of the Philippines, to provide Caraga INFOCUS

ENVIRONMENTAL FARMING: AVOCADO GROWING PUSHED FOR MINDANAO HIGHLANDS

loan packages to Hass Avocado Growers.

Dole Philippines, which is now exporting to China, started the Hass Avocado Program in Mindanao several years ago from its farms in Calinan, Davao City, South Caraga INFOCUS

Cotabato and Bukidnon.

It was under the term of President Rody Duterte when the company was able to gain access to the China market with the help of the Department of Agriculture when I was Secretary. It has also pending requests to export Hass to Japan and South Korea.

Hass is the most popular Avocado variety mainly because of its taste and long shelf life, making it a potential major dollar earner for Mindanao.

Ideally grown at elevations of at least 1,000-meters above sea level, Hass Avocado would be a perfect crop for the high elevation logged over areas in Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental and Davao Del Norte.

Yesterday, I received

a report that officials of Dole Philippines liked the concept of a growership.

Dole Philippines, formerly an American corporation, has been acquired by Japan’s Itucho Corporation.

It is now the only exporter of Hass Avocado from the Philippines to China.

The planting of Hass Avocado in the deforested highlands fits into the Green Mindanao Project of MinDA which seeks to encourage fruit tree or tree farming in logged-over areas of Mindanao.

The high demand and good price of Hass Avocado in the export market could also boost the income of Filipino farmers and trigger Mindanao’s economic recovery. (Minda) November 7-13, 2020 |

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‘UBE JAM WITH WILD HONEY,’ MINDANAO’S UNIQUE PRODUCT Mindanao’s Purple Yam or Ube, grated and flavored with honey from the forests and milk from well-fed goats, will soon be in the market as “Mindanao Ube Jam.”

Braveheart Farms & Nursery of Kidapawan

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| November 7-13, 2020

City which I and my children own as a family farm will be producing this new product which we will launch this December.

This is part of the Complete Value Chain advocacy for our

farmers’ products which I have embraced since I entered public service in 1995.

The production of the “Mindanao Ube Jam” which I will personally promote and market is the result of the “AdoptCaraga INFOCUS

a-Tribal Family� program which I and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib launched last month.

Among the livelihood projects which we wanted the AtaManobo families to be involved with is the growing and production of Ube or the Purple Yam.

While looking for sources of Ube planting materials, I found out that many farmers in Bukidnon have existing Ube farms which are ready for harvest.

With the movement of people and goods restricted by the COVID 19 quarantine protocols, Ube farmers faced another season of failure and losses.

In the recent MinDA Tienda in Manila, about 3 tons of raw Ube were displayed but only 2.5tons were sold at very low prices.

This made me realize that unless the Ube is processed into a high-value product ready for sale to direct end users, there will also be a problem on the marketing.

Next week, the application for Production Registration will be Caraga INFOCUS

submitted to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) but pending that I will ask FDA to allow us to share the products to friends.

We have to work on this fast because by December, Mindanao’s Ube farmers expect to harvest about 100 tons and unless this is

absorbed, I will again see sad faces.

That I cannot take anymore because all my life as a farm boy, I had seen those sad faces of the farmers.

The production of the Mindanao Ube Jam is a risk that I am willing to take if only to see smiling faces of farmers. (Minda) November 7-13, 2020 |

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INVESTMENT SCAMS RISE AMID COVID CRISIS: SEC

By Che Palicte November The Securities and Exchange CommissionDavao Extension Office (SEC-DEO) has raised concerns over the continuing presence of investment scams that are looking for new ways to lure people on quickrich schemes, especially amid the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the economy.

In a statement Friday, SEC-DEO office pointed out that investment scams have been “doubly challenging” as the perpetrators use the Internet in recruiting unwitting individuals-many of them poor people who have borrowed money in an attempt to earn big profits in very short periods of time.

SEC-DEO also found out that aside from using

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| November 7-13, 2020

the traditional Ponzi and pyramiding schemes, some unscrupulous entities and individuals have also propagated new illegal investment schemes such as cryptocurrencies and the so-called foreign exchange trading.

“The Securities Regulation Code requires that the offer or sale of securities must be duly registered with the Commission and that the concerned entity or its agents must have appropriate registration and/or license to sell such securities. Those who want to solicit investments in forms of foreign exchange, on the other hand, also need to secure appropriate licenses from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” the agency said.

It also urged anyone

planning to join in any invest schemes to visit its website (www.sec.gov. ph) to be able to make informed decisions and avoid being duped by unscrupulous individuals.

“The public must always be prudent in dealing with recruiters because, most often, when offers are too good to be true, they really are.

It added that those who have money to invest should ensure that the platforms that they are investing in must have a good track record and not just an overnight presence in cyberspace,” SEC-DEO said.

The public is also urged to report unauthorized investmenttaking to the SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department through email at epd@ sec.gov.ph. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER With lesser number of people going to the town of Paete due to the threat of COVID-19, Vice Mayor Aurelio Paraiso said that wood carvers there have gone online to market their products as means to cushion impacts of the pandemic.

In an interview on Monday, he said that selling their products and services online have helped revive the livelihood of their constituents, especially now that Christmas season is already approaching and many are patronizing their decorative products.

“Medyo nakakabangon na nang paunti-unti ang ekonomiya ng bayan ng Paete [The economy of Paete is gradually recovering],” he said during the Network Briefing News with host Presidential

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| November 7-13, 2020

PAETE WOOD GRADUALLY RE COVID-19 IMP

Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

He also noted that they are monitoring the situation of their seabased and overseas Filipino workers, who were affected by the travel restrictions back to their jobs abroad.

Paete is known as the wood carving capital of the Philippines and its industry is gradually returning to its feet amid the pandemic, while the local government continues to aid them.

“ N a g b i g a y po ng ayuda ang pamahalaang bayan dun sa mga small and medium entrepreneurs ng puhunan na walang tubo para unti-unting makabangon yung ating mga maliliit na nagnenegosyo [The municipal government has provided loan without

interest to small and medium entrepreneurs so they can recover],” Vice Mayor Aurelio added.

Typhoon-hit farmers in Visayas receive assistance from DA

In the same episode, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Visayas (OPAV) Assistant Secretary Jonji Gonzales reported initiatives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) across the islands of Visayas.

He said that the regional counterpart of the DA continues to implement its programs for its farmer-beneficiaries, especially in typhoon-hit areas such as Iloilo, as part of the Typhoon Ursula rehabilitation Program of DA - Western Visayas.

The said program was sourced under the agency’s quick response fund.

“The program aims to distribute Caraga INFOCUS

CARVING INDUSTRY ECOVERING FROM PACT

2,695 heads of native chicken.

Inaasahang makukumpleto ng DA ang distribusyon ng mga ito under the DA quick response fund for Typhoon Ursula before the end of the year,�

Asec. Gonzales said.

Livestock were distributed in the towns of Batad, Concepcion, and Caraga INFOCUS

Estancia.

Meanwhile in Central Visayas, the DA turned over farm machineries and hybrid rice seeds to farmers in Jagna, Bohol.

DA-7 distributed 4 units of Pump Irrigation System Open Source (PISOS) complete with pump and engine sets

and pipes. Along with these is a unit of hand tractor.

According to Asec.

Gonzales, the municipality of Jagna is one of the LGUs that responded to the challenge of DA Secretary William Dar of increasing farm production by at least 10%. (PCOO) November 7-13, 2020 |

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SAP DISTRIBUTION. Cash assistance distribution under the government’s social amelioration program for low income families affected by the coronavirus-related lockdowns. Malacañang on Thursday (Nov. 5, 2020) expressed hope that Filipinos’ quality of life would improve once a vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available. (PNA File photo)

PALACE HOPES QUALITY OF LIFE OF MORE FILIPINOS TO IMPROVE

By Azer Parrocha

Malacañang is saddened by results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that four out of five Filipinos said their quality of life

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| November 7-13, 2020

has worsened in the past 12 months. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that Filipinos would feel that their life worsened

due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Siyempre po nalulungkot tayo diyan pero ‘yan naman po ay Caraga INFOCUS

dahil sa pandemiya (Of course, we are sad to hear that, but that’s because of the pandemic),” he said.

However, he expressed hope that Filipinos’ quality of life would improve once a vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available.

“Tingin ko naman po, bubuti naman ang buhay natin, palabas na po ang bakuna at natututo na rin tayo mabuhay bagamat nandiyan ang Covid-19 (I think our lives will improve, a vaccine will soon be available and we are living to live with Covid-19),” he added.

The SWS survey, from Sept. 17 to 20, showed that 82 percent of adult Filipinos believed that their quality of life worsened (termed by SWS as “losers”), while 11 percent said it was the same, and only 6 percent said it got better (termed as “gainers”).

The resulting net gainers score in September 2020 is -76 which is considered by SWS as “catastrophic.”

Net gainers score is computed by subtracting the percentage of “losers” from the percentage of Caraga INFOCUS

“gainers.”

The SWS considers the score “catastrophic” if it is -50 and below.

“The September 2020 score joins SWS’s worst trends in survey history, having recorded -78 in May and -72 in July during the Covid-19 crisis. The only other time the score reached catastrophic level was in June 2008 (-50), during rice and oil price hikes,” the SWS said.

It showed that net gainers score stayed “catastrophic” across the country, with a score of -80 in the Visayas, -76 in Metro Manila, -75 in Balance Luzon, and -74 in Mindanao.

Net gainers scores have worsened in all areas in the country compared to figures in July with Mindanao experiencing the biggest drop of nine points; Visayas, five points; Metro Manila, four points and Balance Luzon, one point.

The SWS said the net gainers score is significantly worse among those who did not graduate from college, but the net gainers score hardly varies by job status.

The survey also showed that adults from families

that were involuntarily hungry in the last three months posed a higher losers’ score than gainers and among the unchanged.

Net gainers score was -84 among the hungry, compared to -72 among those who did not experience involuntary hunger, the SWS said.

The survey also found that hunger rate is significantly higher among losers.

Among “losers,” 34 percent experienced involuntary hunger (24 percent moderate and 10 percent severe).

Meanwhile, 23 percent of gainers and 17 percent of those whose quality of life was the same in the past 12 months went hungry.

The SWS survey was conducted using mobile phone and computerassisted telephone interviews of 1,249 adult Filipinos or those aged 18 and above.

It had a sampling error margin of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±6 percent for Metro Manila, ±5 percent for Balance Luzon, ±6 percent for Visayas, and ±6 percent for Mindanao.

(PNA) November 7-13, 2020 |

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PRC GIVES HOPE TO FAMILIE LIVES WERE SHATTERED BY Giving hope to the most vulnerable families whose lives were shattered by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to extend assistance to the affected families to help their lives return to a semblance of normalcy.

In a news release issued Friday, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman, and CEO of the PRC, said they have been providing what the affected families are in dire need of, based on the assessment of their teams on the ground.

“We have made an assessment of their primary needs and we provide that. It is our mission to alleviate human suffering and uplift human dignity. That is why we will help them rebuild their lives. We want to help them get back on their feet faster,” Gordon said.

During the height of “Rolly’s” onslaught, the

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| November 7-13, 2020

PRC conducted search and rescue operations and attended to the wounded.

It extended psychosocial assistance by tracing relatives who got separated and has been providing hot meals to almost 11,000 individuals

in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, and other affected areas.

As part of its relief operations, the PRC distributed tarpaulins, jerry cans, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits to some 173 families in Albay and Catanduanes, and gave Caraga INFOCUS

ES WHOSE Y ‘ROLLY’

away non-food items in Sorsogon.

In Catanduanes, the PRC Chapter provided the only form of communication after the typhoon through its satellite phone.

In areas where power lines were Caraga INFOCUS

damaged, the PRC sent generator sets to ensure unhampered delivery of service.

It also deployed water tankers, LMS, and bladders to ensure sufficient potable water supply in areas where water access has been rendered limited, such as Catanduanes and Albay.

Water treatment units were also installed.

“We are continuously assessing what is needed. We have also been distributing GI sheets to those with

partially damaged houses so the families can stay in their own homes. We also established health/first aid station in evacuation centers to prevent the spread of, not only Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) but also other diseases,” Gordon said.

“We will also further assess sanitation needs in the affected communities and evacuation centers.

We can provide portable comfort rooms and shower rooms, in areas where they are needed,” he added. (PR) November 7-13, 2020 |

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RED CROSS DISTRIBUTES AID TO OVER 300 TYPHOONAFFECTED FAMILIES Photo courtesy of NDRRMC

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) sent additional relief supplies to be distributed to more than 300 families that were affected by Super Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) in the provinces of Catanduanes and Albay.

On Thursday, PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon ordered the dispatching of emergency relief packages to both provinces that include food items such as rice, noodles, canned goods and coffee.

Each family also received non-food package consisting of hygiene kits such as shampoo, bath soap, toothpaste and toothbrush; sleeping kit containing sleeping mat, mosquito net and blanket;

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| November 7-13, 2020

tarpaulins to serve as emergency shelter; and 10-liter collapsible water containers.

“We are sending more critical relief supplies in Bicol so that our fellowmen there will have additional food to eat and items to be used in their daily lives. We will continue to support them until they are back on their feet again,” Gordon said in a news release issued on Saturday.

Gordon visited the affected communities in Catanduanes and the damaged areas in Albay last Tuesday.

“We are horrified by the devastation caused by this typhoon in many areas. It has smashed into people’s lives and livelihoods on top of the relentless physical,

emotional and economic toll of Covid-19. Most of them lost their livelihood and their homes, and we assure them that we are here to help,” he said.

On Monday, the PRC already deployed a humanitarian caravan to Bicol consists of a rescue truck, two ambulances, a food truck, a payloader, a fuel tanker, two 10-wheeler trucks, a Humvee, two water tankers, a 6-wheeler truck, a 6×6 truck, two Land Cruisers, and a HiLux vehicle.

Some 500 family tents were also sent to be used as temporary shelters, as well as generator sets to provide emergency power supply as many affected areas are struggling with power outage. (PR) Caraga INFOCUS

SENATE PASSES COOP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER BILL

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri

The Senate has approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1855, which seeks to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 to authorize the creation of the Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) as a mandatory position in all local government units.

“The National Cooperative Month has just ended, but I hope the sector finds more reasons to celebrate with the approval of this bill,” said Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, principal sponsor of the measure.

Under this bill, all provinces, cities, and municipalities will have a dedicated CDO, who will Caraga INFOCUS

be in charge of assisting promising groups and sectors in organizing and forming their own cooperatives.

CDOs will also bridge regional cooperatives with the Cooperative Development Authority and other national government agencies to help them harmonize their goals with the national cooperative movement.

Local governments may choose to appoint a full-fledged CDO, or they may merge the responsibilities of a CDO with an existing position, should this be more feasible with respect to the size of the local cooperative sector, or the capability of the local government to carve out

the proper emoluments from its budget.

“The cooperative sector is such a huge economic driver, especially in the countryside. We have over 28,000 registered cooperatives in the country, which is a good, healthy number, but I believe we can have an even more robust national cooperative movement if we strengthened government support for the sector,” he said.

“Once we have CDOs in all our LGUs, we will be able to more easily reach communities in our most far-flung areas, and they will be able to deliver vital and immediate support on the grassroots level.” (PR) November 7-13, 2020 |

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HOT MEALS. Task Force Zero Hunger chair Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles leads distribution of hot meals from both the government and private sectors to over 3,000 Super Typhoon Rolly victims at Bacoor Elementary School in Bacoor City on Nov. 6, 2020. The meals were prepared and provided by McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen and San Miguel Food Corporation. (Photo from Karlo Nograles FB page)

3K BENEFICIARIES IN TYPHOON-HIT CAVITE RECEIVE HOT MEALS More than 3,000 beneficiaries affected by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly in Barangays Alima and

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| November 7-13, 2020

By Azer Parrocha Sineguelasan, Bacoor, Cavite received hot meals from both the government and private sector.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who headed the distribution of hot meals last Nov. 6, said the meals were Caraga INFOCUS

prepared and provided

by McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen (MKK) and San Miguel Food Corporation at Bacoor Elementary School.

He said the packed meals consisting of chicken fillet, rice and bottled water from the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), with the assistance of San Miguel Corporation, Coca Cola, DOLE Philippines and Metrobank are part of a comprehensive feeding program to families displaced by the recent typhoon.

“It’s crucial that we provide sustenance and nutrition assistance to those who were affected by one of the strongest typhoons to hit the country in recent memory.

We’re very thankful to the private individuals, volunteer groups and corporate partners who made this relief effort possible,” Nograles said in a statement on Sunday.

Nograles, chair of the Task Force Zero Hunger, pointed out that food and hunger concerns become more heightened during calamities, and the need for urgent, life-saving Caraga INFOCUS

action is important.

“We were informed by our private sector donors that they will continue supporting our #GoodbyeGutom advocacy. As head of Task Force Zero Hunger, I’m very glad to hear this. We in government will provide the necessary resources and opportunities to expand this effort,” he added.

He also assured that despite the prevailing pandemic, assistance to Filipino families will not stop.

“Hunger is among our foremost concerns and we will claim victory over this adversary through a robust partnership between government and the private sector,” he said.

During the distribution, Nograles was joined by Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado, Kenneth Yang (McDonald’s President & CEO & RMHC President), Margot Torres (McDonald’s Managing Director & RMHC Vice President), Marie Angeles (RMHC Executive Director), Kin Lichauco (Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs of San Miguel Corporation) and

the barangay leaders.

The RMHC is the charity arm of McDonald’s Philippines and was established in 1995. One of its missions is to improve the lives of Filipino children through aid efforts in nutrition, housing, and education.

Since the declaration of community quarantine in March of this year, McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC have supported health workers and medical front-liners through food donations.

So far, 320,000 meals have been provided for free by the McDo Kindness Kitchen to hospitals, police precincts, LGUs and local communities.

In January, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order 101 creating the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger which is tasked to formulate a national food policy (NFP), to ensure the attainment of zero hunger and poverty eradication.

The NFP seeks to address food production, food accessibility and availability, nutrition and food resiliency. (PNA) November 7-13, 2020 |

43

House project for Super Typhoon Yolanda victims (File photo)

NOGRALES WANTS ‘YOLANDA’ RESETTLEMENT SITES CLOSER TO SCHOOLS

By Azer Parrocha Resettlement sites should have schools close by so that students don’t have to walk too far to have access to basic education, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Sunday.

Nograles, who heads Task Force Yolanda, said he raised the matter before Education Secretary

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| November 7-13, 2020

Leonor Briones, who was “willing to consider” his proposal.

“Kawawa kasi ang mga bata kung malayo ang mga komunidad na ito sa mga paaralan (It’s pitiful if students had to walk too far to get to school). So it’s good that the [Department of Education] has this Last Mile Schools Program,

wherein they work to provide geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected (GIDCA) areas with access to basic education,” Nograles said in a statement.

Last Mile Schools are schools that have multigrade classes, with less than five teachers, and a student population of less Caraga INFOCUS

than 100 learners, more than 75 percent of which are usually indigenous people.

He said he also reached out to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) to put up day care and health centers in resettlement sites.

“We cannot just stop with building their houses; we have to make sure that these displaced families also have access

Caraga INFOCUS

to basic necessities: schools, day care centers, health centers.

Naiintindihan naman nina [DWSD] Sec. Bautista at [DOH] Sec. Duque ito (Sec. Bautista and Sec. Duque understood this concern), and they said their agencies will be helping out in this regard,” he added.

Nograles said it is important to make sure that resettlement sites are not just built, they should also allow families to “thrive, not just survive.”

“We want to do

more than rebuild their homes -- we want to help the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda rebuild their lives,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of bringing education and livelihood closer to ensure that communities live and work successfully.

“We know that livelihood and education would be concerns that need to be factored in to ensure the longterm viability of these relocation sites,” he added. (PNA)

November 7-13, 2020 |

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President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

PH TO BORROW $300-M TO PURCHASE COVID-19 VACCINES

By Azer Parrocha The government is planning to borrow USD300 million to purchase doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine for all Filipinos, President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday night.

Duterte, however, acknowledged that it might take some time before the country acquires doses of a vaccine since pharmaceutical Caraga INFOCUS

companies would prioritize their nations first. “(Finance Secretary) Sonny (Dominguez) says that he can borrow money of USD300 million.

So malaki iyan.

Makakabili tayo but I think it would do as well to also realize that unahin talaga nila iyong mga tao nila (That’s huge.

We can purchase the vaccine but I think it would do as well to also

realize that they would prioritize their people first),” he said in a taped public address. “So, you can expect that within the few months until next year, all of those vaccines produced will be used for the Americans.”

The President acknowledged that purchasing the vaccines early would be expensive but noted that the threat of Covid-19 has November 7-13, 2020 |

47

become less scary as some pharmaceutical firms in the US and China have made progress in developing the lifesaving vaccines.

US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, which developed the vaccine with the German drugmaker BioNTech, announced that its potential Covid-19 vaccine was 90 percent effective, based on its clinical trials.

“China na o Pfizer of America, mayroon na sila.

So hindi na nakakatakot talaga ang Covid. But sa pagka ngayon magbili ka, mahal (China or Pfizer of America, they already have a vaccine. Covid isn’t so scary anymore.

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| November 7-13, 2020

But if you buy them now, they’ll be expensive),” he said.

Duterte also said that once the vaccine supply is available, the government would prioritize the poor in the distribution.

“As I have promised, ang gastos ng gobyerno itong bakuna para sa lahat ng Pilipino. Kaya nga uumpisahan natin sa mga mahihirap, pataas na ano (the government will shoulder the cost of the vaccine for all Filipinos. That’s why we will start with the poor going up),” he said, noting that middle- to high-income Filipinos could pay for their own vaccine.

Duterte sought patience from the public, reiterating that the challenge lies in the vaccine supply rather than the acquisition of funds.

“So iyan mga kababayan ko, basta mabakunahan kayo.

Kailan? Maghintay lang tayo. Pera? Makahiram tayo kaagad. Ang suplay ang problema. Kung sino iyong country nakapagimbento, naturalmente unahin niya iyong mga tao niya. That’s the reality of life (Let’s make sure

you get vaccinated.

When? Just wait.

Money? We could borrow immediately. The supply is the problem. Naturally, the country that invents the vaccine would prioritize its people. That’s the reality of life),” he said.

The President said recent vaccine developments mean hope that life would return to normal.

“The vaccine is near. There is a hope for mankind. Pero ako, wala pang bakuna ito, hindi na ako takot. Maybe, maybe not, depende sa suwerte mo sa buhay.

But for the succeeding generations, mga anak ko, mga apo ko, I am quite confident with the thought that they have a refuge which they can take shelter dito sa Covid storm (But for me, even without the vaccine, I am not scared.

Maybe, maybe not, depends on how lucky you are in life. But for the succeeding generations, for my children, my grandchildren, I am quite confident with the thought that they have a refuge that they can take shelter from the Covid storm,” he said. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

(Screenshot of Laging Handa public briefing on Nov. 10, 2020)

EMERGENCY USE OF PFIZER’S COVID-19 VACCINE UNLIKELY IN PH: DOST

By Ma. Cristina Arayata The emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine candidate against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is unlikely in the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Caraga INFOCUS

Peña said on Tuesday.

“We need to verify the accuracy of (Pfizer’s) claim that the vaccine is 90 percent effective.

If (Pfizer) will apply to conduct a clinical trial here, the Vaccine Expert Panel will check the

data, and would verify the claim,” he said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

On Monday, Pfizer announced that its candidate vaccine was found to be “more than 90 percent effective November 7-13, 2020 |

49

Contributed photo

in preventing Covid-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARSCoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis”.

The pharmaceutical firm plans to submit an Emergency Use Authorization to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) around the third week of November.

Pfizer’s announcement was based on a Phase 3 clinical study. De la Peña pointed out that the Philippines requires Phase 4 clinical trials for the vaccine candidates.

The DOST chief noted that Philippine authorities

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| November 7-13, 2020

could not rely on Pfizer’s announcement, since it was the firm’s announcement. “We do not know the data that supports (the claim),” he said.

In case Pfizer would not conduct a clinical trial in the Philippines and would submit an application to the Philippine FDA for supply purposes, that would still be referred to the Vaccine Expert Panel for analysis, he added.

Meanwhile, de la Peña said there is no date yet as to when the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Vaccine

Trial for Covid-19 would commence.

“As of November 10, we have not received the list of vaccines and the protocols from the WHO,” he said.

Most probably, the vaccines in the WHO’s list would be those that have finished the Phase 3 clinical trials, according to de la Peña.

Protocols from the WHO would include the age group of clinical trial participants, the number of doses, the required temperature for storage, among others, de la Peña said. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

91% OF 50K CONTACT TRACERS START WORK: DILG

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. Contributed photo

More than 91 percent of the 50,000 contact tracers hired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) started in their jobs.

In a televised Cabinet meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reported that around 45,742 contact tracers have been deployed and started working while close to 4,000 are just waiting for the release of their appointment.

“Ito ay malaking tulong sapagkat Caraga INFOCUS

nabigyan din natin ng trabaho ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na po ‘yung mga bumalik na OFW (overseas Filipino worker) at saka ‘yung mga nawalan ng trabaho (This is would be a big help because we were able to provide jobs to our fellow Filipinos, especially for returning OFWs and those who lost their jobs),” Año said.

Under the guidelines drafted by the DILG, the contact tracers would be hired under a contract of service status and would get a salary of around

PHP18,000-PHP19,000.

Among their responsibilities are to interview, profile, and perform an initial public health risk assessment of Covid-19 cases and their identified close contacts; refer the close contacts to isolation facilities; conduct enhanced contact tracing in collaboration with other agencies and private sectors; conduct daily monitoring of close and general contacts for at least 14 days, and perform such other tasks in relation to the Covid-19 November 7-13, 2020 |

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response.

Año earlier said the government needs to boost contact tracing to further contain the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, he also reported that 183 village chairpersons are now facing raps over anomalies in the distribution of the social amelioration program (SAP).

“Sa 781 complainants ay mayroong 1,259 suspects. At nakapagconduct tayo ng 363 investigations. Ang 266

po ay nasa piskal na, ang 29 ay nasa korte, at nairefer naman natin po ang iba sa Ombudsman. At 183 barangay chairmen po ang kinasuhan natin.

Nakapaglabas ng suspension naman ang Ombudsman sa 89 barangay captains (From 781 complainants, we have 1,259 suspects.

We have also conducted 363 investigations. 266 of them are with the fiscal’s office, 29 are now in court and some were referred to the Ombudsman.

With that, we have filed complaints against 183

village chairpersons. The Ombudsman has also issued suspension orders against 89 barangay captains),” Año said.

The cases filed are in violation of the Republic Act 3019 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713 Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, among others while cases of robbery extortions and grave threats have been filed against some of the officials. (PNA)

Contributed photo

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| November 7-13, 2020

Caraga INFOCUS

STOPPING SINOVAC CLINICAL TRIAL MUST BE STUDIED FIRST: DOH

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

Maria Rosario Vergeire Contributed photo

Stopping the clinical trial of potential Sinovac coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine in the Philippines must be studied first, a health official said Wednesday.

D e p a r t m e n t of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made this reaction following reports that the clinical trial of Sinovac vaccine in Brazil was halted after a volunteer recipient experienced an “adverse effect”.

“Kailangan pagCaraga INFOCUS

aaralan pa rin. Hindi porke it was claimed in some country na may adverse effect, immediately i-stop natin (We still need to study this. Not because it was claimed in some countries this has adverse effect, we will just stop),” she said.

Vergeire said the DOH experts have to evaluate first the reported “adverse effect” of the Sinovac vaccine.

“It has to be through that manufacturer also that they will inform us and we will have

discussions with them and we will have our experts evaluate this if it is really valid and [the trial] has to be stopped first,” Vergeire said.

The local vaccine experts have already cleared the Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine.

The DOH earlier said the company needs to secure approval from Single Joint Research Ethics Board and the Food and Drug Administration before it can conduct clinical trial. (PNA) November 7-13, 2020 |

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