x
28 October - 03 November 2017
REGIONAL NEWS
ASEAN NEWS
9 10
‘One ASEAN, a Global Player’ campaign promotes an ASEAN ready for the future 16 world leaders to attend ASEAN business summit
CONTENTS
Siargaonons advocate for massive cleanliness drive
13
Volume 1, No. 83
12 13 14
Illegal gambling ops up by over 100%, says PNP Caraga chief POPCOM introduces films against teen pregnancy, HIV Over 4,000 cops deployed in Caraga for Undas 2017
PROVINCIAL NEWS
16 17 19 20
SurSur PDRRM council members undergo DRRM plan, contingency plan finalization workshop POPCOM, DepEd establish more teen centers in school NC-AgSur partners with LGU-Prosperidad SWDO on financial wellness Surigao solon to revive golden days of sports
HEALTH NEWS
22
Dealing with School Children Who are Picky Eaters
MINDANAO NEWS
25 27
Returning IDPs receive free services from ARMM Region Farmers learning the ropes in producing specialty coffee
NATIONAL NEWS
10
29 31
16
PhilHealth Consults OFWs on Program Sustainability Initiatives DepEd ensures teachers get at least 4K takehome pay
25
News Briefs
More than 4,200 police officers in Caraga have been deployed to the streets, churches, cemeteries and other places of convergence to secure the celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ day.
More school-based teen centers will soon be fully functional in selected municipalities of Agusan del Norte and become the focal point for providing appropriate information and services on sexuality and reproductive health for young people through workshops, counselling and trainings among others.
The Social Security System (SSS) bagged the 2017 Government Best Practice Award (GBPR) from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for its implementation of the AlkanSSSya Program to intensify social security coverage among informal sector workers (ISWs).
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur Chapter Hour discussed the senior citizens act and the privileges and benefits of the said concerned sector.
Cover Story
Siargaonons advocate for massive cleanliness drive
By: John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY - Pursuant to the Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 1998, the provincial government of Siargao led by First District representative Francisco Jose Matugas II and the Siargao Tourism Association (STOA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen the cleanliness campaign and community cooperation in the locality, on October 27 at the municipality of General Luna.
4
28 October - 03 November, 2017
“We should not wait for the worst to happen. Teamwork is very important. Much attention has been given and we are doing everything we can to make this dream a fast reality,” he emphasized. Explaining that his initiative is a baby step toward a drastic, sweeping and revolutionary change, Matugas said that the bigger and wider action needs self-discipline from all Surigaonons. Considering the growth and expansion of General Luna, the local government has also assigned a lot situated at Brgy. Corazon in Gen. Luna, so that the sanitary landfill cum Materials Recovery Facility is far afield the town proper. This initiative was also in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the local government unit (LGU) and the Siargao Environmental Awareness (SEA) Movement, a non-government organization (NGO). “The issue of waste disposal in Siargao has been going on for some time now. We are aware of the fact that a lot of foreign and domestic visitors are coming and pouring in. That is why we must brace ourselves to address the problem,” said Matugas. Taking as case in point the predicament in Boracay, Matugas said that the waste crisis there can be likened to stage four cancer. 28 October - 03 November, 2017
5
On the part of the municipal government, Vice Mayor Veronico Solloso expressed his gratitude for prioritizing Gen. Luna, which is universally recognized as one of the world leaders in tourism. He also said that apart from the three dump trucks operating on a daily basis, he is considering to add two more.
Siargao Tourism Association (STOA) President Abe Tolentino also lauded the provincial government in its efforts to diminish the proliferation of waste by taking giant steps forward for a better, safer and cleaner Siargao.
Tolentino added that for the first batch of recipients, STOA will choose 10 resorts to benefit the pilot project. Provincial tourism coordinator He also sought to cover the other Ivonnie Dumadag also thanked the 100 resorts, as well as those under NGOs who showed their untiring construction. support in line with the advocacy on environmental protection. She said S.E.A. Movement President Marja that resort owners must continually get Abad also voiced her utmost gratitude, their acts together in partnership with saying, community involvement by the LGU, which has general jurisdiction locals must also be encouraged for over segregation and collection of solid effective program implementation. waste. (VLG/JPGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
6
28 October - 03 November, 2017
Photo Gallery Summit of Young Ambassadors 2017 Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City 28 October 2017
‘One ASEAN, a Global Player’ campaign promotes an ASEAN ready for the future MANILA - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017 National Organizing Council Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications (CMASC), led by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), unveiled the ‘One ASEAN, a Global Player’ information campaign to showcase ASEAN’s readiness to meet the challenges of the future and its commitment to strengthening ties with its Dialogue Partners. “This information drive should increase a broader awareness of ASEAN as a regional community that is proudly prepared to strengthen its commitment with its global partners,” Secretary Martin M. Andanar of the PCOO said about the campaign.
The “One ASEAN, a Global Player” campaign emphasizes ASEAN’s role as a platform for cooperation, constructive dialogue, consultation, confidence building, and preventive diplomacy. It will also highlight an ASEAN that is committed to peaceful co-existence while envisioning to be globally integrated and striving for an ASEAN engages with its Dialogue inclusive digital economy. Partners, namely Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, The 31st ASEAN Summit and Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, Related Summits that will be held in and the United States. the Philippines on 10-14 of November 28 October - 03 November, 2017
9
will focus on the progress of ASEAN Community Building as well as the different regional and global issues. It is one of two leaders-led events of ASEAN 2017. The Summit will bring together ASEAN and world leaders, ministers, and senior ofďŹ cials. Meetings will be held in Clark, Pampanga, and Metro
Manila. Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will chair the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. ASEAN is composed of ten Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. (PIA/CGalaraga)
16 world leaders to attend ASEAN business summit By: Kris Crismundo
MANILA - Sixteen world leaders are expected to attend the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2017 of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) slated in Manila from November 12 to 14. The ASEAN BAC has invited the 10 leaders of ASEAN member states and the region’s six dialogue partners.
Council will launch its flagship project ASEAN Mentors for Entrepreneurship Network (AMEN) during the first day of the ABIS 2017.
ASEAN BAC Chairman Jose ASEAN leaders are expected to Maria Concepcion III said the grace the launching of AMEN.
10
28 October - 03 November, 2017
Concepcion said some 280 established entrepreneurs, business practitioners, and academicians will join the pioneer group of mentors in AMEN.
the business summit.
He will also be joined by Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, United Nation Secretary General Antonio Guterres, European He added that the Philippines has Council President Donald Tusk, ASEAN the largest base of 53 mentors. Secretary General Le Luong Minh, and United States Secretary of State Rex On the second day of the Tillerson. event, ASEAN Dialogue Partners will be attending the ABIS. These include Vice President Maria Leonor Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Russian Robredo will be closing the ABIS 2017. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Korean President Moon Jae-In, Concepcion noted that ABAC has Canadian Prime Minister Justin forwarded various initiatives to ASEAN Trudeau, India Prime Minister Narendra Leaders that will improve the business Modi, and Australian Prime Minister climate in the region. Malcolm Turnbull. The Council will also have their Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo dialogues with the ASEAN Leaders. Abe will be opening the third day of (PNA)
28 October - 03 November, 2017
11
REGIONAL NEWS
Illegal gambling ops up by over 100%, says PNP Caraga chief By: PO2 Joemar P Dejarme
BUTUAN CITY – The intensified campaign against illegal gambling in Caraga region substantially increased within ten months of 2017 compared to last year.
Police Chief Supt. Rolando Felix, Regional Director Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) said that the intensified operations on illegal gambling in Caraga region have increased by 125 percent. PRO13 recorded a total of 467 persons arrested for involvement in illegal gambling from January 2017 to October 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 where only 207 arrests were made.
gambling activities in the region, based on Executive Order (EO) No. 13 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to intensify the government’s fight against all forms of illegal gambling.
“Caraga police vowed to sustain its pro-active operations and reinforce its efforts with the active community support to wipe out all forms of criminal activities, including illegal gambling in order to achieve a safer Caraga In addition, Felix said the move region,” Felix disclosed. (PNP-Caraga/ is part of the drive to stop illegal PIA-Caraga)
12
28 October - 03 November, 2017
POPCOM introduces films against teen pregnancy, HIV BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (POPCOM) came out with new way to reach more young people in its continuing campaign against pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. A total of 200 junior high school students from the cities of Surigao, Cabadbaran, Butuan and the province of Agusan del Norte joined the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Film Dissemination conducted in and Reproductive Health (RPRH) said areas, respectively. Law is mandated to provide age development-appropriate The short films disseminated were and national winners of the 2015 and 2016 reproductive health education to AHD Film Festival, produced by the young people in the country. youth and for the youth. These films can Makinano said that the rise of also be shown to policy makers, civil society organizations, and community teenage pregnancy has been one of members, aside from schools and the biggest challenges of the country, in conjunction with HIV/AIDS, early tertiary school institutions. marriage and maternal deaths, and it Students had deepened their has also demographic implications to understanding on adolescent health the growing population. and development issues as they “POPCOM recognizes the need actively involved themselves during the facilitated screening, which was based to address such issues through the on the Learning Cycle and followed by Adolescent Health and Development a discussion. The process helped the (AHD) Program that aims to provide audience to watch, reflect, engage young people with appropriate with the bigger picture, and ultimately, information and life skills to enable them to cope with problems related to the take action. Director Alexander A. Makinano attainment of their full development of POPCOM Caraga, echoed into adulthood,� Makinano said. that the Responsible Parenthood (POPCOM-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 28 October - 03 November, 2017
13
Over 4,000 cops deployed in Caraga for Undas 2017
BUTUAN CITY – More than 4,200 police officers in Caraga were deployed to the streets, churches, cemeteries and other places of convergence to secure the celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ day. A total of 4,034 cops from the Philippine National Police (PNP) unit regionwide and 265 uniformed personnel from the headquarters of Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 and national support units were deployed to provide maximum security coverage and public safety services. “We ensure that the holiday runs smoothly in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs), other government agencies, communities, force multipliers and other stakeholders. Let us work together to make these
14
occasions more peaceful and safer,” PCSupt. Rolando Felix, PRO-13 Caraga Regional Director, said earlier during the send-off ceremony at the regional headquarters. The deployed cops conducted foot and mobile patrols, served as road safety marshals, established and manned police assistance hubs and intensified intelligence and counterintelligence monitoring to maintain peace, order and security in the whole region. (PNP-Caraga/PIACaraga) 28 October - 03 November, 2017
Photo Gallery Youth Camp Cultural Show Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 28 October 2017
SURIGAO DEL SUR
SurSur PDRRM council members undergo DRRM plan, contingency plan finalization workshop By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur thru the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM) Office spearheaded the five-day back to back workshop on five-year DRRM Plan and Contingency Plan (CP) Finalization held at Alameda’s Farm, Barangay Gata, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. PDRRM office Chief Abel de Guzman said some 42 participants who are all members of the PDRRMC in the province actively participated in the activity. De Guzman said the DRRMP and CP will serve as a guide to all the persons in authority responsible in ensuring preparedness and readiness to respond appropriately and proactively to any occurrence of emergency and
16
disaster in the province. De Guzman added that the activity aimed to tackle the topics relative to the previous emergency activities as a review in the disaster case management; give updates on the status of the operations in the respective areas of jurisdictions; and present the targets versus accomplishments of the year 2017. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) 28 October - 03 November, 2017
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
POPCOM, DepEd establish more teen centers in school
BUTUAN CITY- More school-based teen centers will soon be fully functional in selected municipalities of Agusan del Norte. These will become the focal point for providing appropriate information and services on sexuality and reproductive health for young people through workshops, counselling and trainings among others. The creation of the teen centers is Agusan del Norte and the Commission an offshoot of the partnership between on Population-Caraga, and other the Department of Education (DepEd)- relevant partner agencies, in its newest 28 October - 03 November, 2017
17
initiative dubbed as Youth Optimizing Life Opportunities (YOLO) Program. This program is now implemented in 3 pilot areas of Agusan del Norte – Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen. POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that the YOLO Program components –Guidance Counseling/ Coaching Services; Health and Nutrition Services; Capacity Building; ClassroomBased Guidance and Coaching; and Behavior Change Communication – are related to POPCOM’s Information and Service Delivery Network or ISDN initiative’s objectives which are to fully serve the young people and provide them with appropriate information and services they need. Following the program launching, POPCOM Caraga facilitated an enhancement workshop on YOLO through Adolescent Health and Development Program among guidance counselors, teachers and student leaders from the different schools in Agusan del Norte, together with some program stakeholders, in preparation for the full implementation of YOLO and its various interventions. To ensure effective implementation and sustainability of the initiative, DepEd Agusan del Norte Division also partnered with the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga, Agusan del Norte Provincial Population and Health Offices, civil society organizations (CSOs), DEPED district offices and schools in Agusan del Norte, Provincial and Municipal Social
18
Welfare and Development, hospitals with adolescent-youth friendly centers, rural health units (RHUs) and private clinics. In its continuing advocacy and campaign to address the prevalent youth-related sexuality issues that the young people of today are facing, POPCOM through its Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program is one with DepEd and other local program partners in promoting and providing the adolescents better quality health services responsive to the needs and protection of their rights. (POPCOMCaraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 28 October - 03 November, 2017
AGUSAN DEL SUR
NC-AgSur partners with LGUProsperidad SWDO on financial wellness
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Negosyo Center (NC) Provincial Hub based at Faustino A. Asis Building at the Government Center of this municipality has conducted a three-day Capability Building on Financial Wellness to 15 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Barangay San Joaquin, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Two local project development and Business Model Canvass. officers of the municipal Social Welfare Development Office (SWDO) have The participants were required joined the trainees. under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to undergo the said The training was aimed to equip training to better prepare them for the the participants with techniques and establishment and operation of their systems in managing their business. These general merchandise business in their were the following modules during the respective barangay. (DTI-Agusan del training: Financial Literacy, Marketing, Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 28 October - 03 November, 2017
19
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surigao solon to revive golden days of sports By: John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY – Recalling the golden days of Philippine sports when Atty. Jose Sering was still a governor, Surigao del Norte 1st district representative Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II promised to revitalize sports tourism in Siargao. “We belonged in the top three circles in Southeast Asia before. I remember this vividly because I was part of the SEA Games Organizing Committee in the 1990s. It’s about time that we go back to the drawing board,” said Matugas as he expressed his confidence that Siargao can make it the assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
athletes from 50 students, through anthropometric and performance tests.
Pursuant to the marching orders of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to PSC Chair William Martinez, a consultative meeting with Matugas was put in order.
In addition, lectures are also organized and initiated by sports nutritionists, sports psychologists, sports physiologists, strength and conditioning specialists, sports medicine, first aid doctors and physical therapists.
Anthropometric data involves arm/wing span, height when standing and sitting, and weight. Performance covers endurance, agility, speed and power.
Internationally-licensed trainers Coaches were comprehensively and officiating officials from the trained by PSC, which had initial National Sports Association (NSAs) will sessions in Dapa, General Luna and coach and officiate the course for the Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. grassroots level.
Sport Mapping Action Research Talent (SMART) ID Train was also operationalized to train Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) teachers and identify potential
20
There are also non-competitive children’s games to generate awareness, fun and excitement. (FEA/ VLG/PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 28 October - 03 November, 2017
Photo Gallery
Agusan del Norte Oversight and Advisory Committee Meeting
DILG Agusan del Norte Conference Room, Butuan City 03 November, 2017
HEALTH NEWS
Dealing with School Children Who are Picky Eaters By: Imelda A. Agdeppa
A child’s school-age is between five to ten years old. It is a period of cognitive learning, body development, and behavior formation. Children are highly active and spend most of the time in school, which eats up about one-fourth of their time. Due to school and extra-curricular activities, attention is often divided, and along with this is a “hard-to-please” attitude which stereotypes a child as “the picky eater”.
22
28 October - 03 November, 2017
The picky eaters are so much fascinated with color, appearance, and taste but seldom attracted to the different spectrum of colors and appearances of vegetables and fruits. According to the results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), fruits and vegetables, usually non-leafy varieties, only compose the bottom half of the foods frequently consumed by schoolage children. The individual 24-hour food recall showed that children consume only about one-third (1/3) cup of vegetables and 44 grams (g) or about one-half (½) piece medium-sized banana lacatan daily. The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommends about one cup of vegetables and two medium-sized fruit daily.
implied that healthy food items are being described as “bland” and “do not have any taste at all.” Guideline number 1 of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos 2000 recommends eating a variety of foods every day, while guideline number 5 encourages eating more vegetables, fruits and root crops. Different food items contribute different nutrients, and with a wide range of available healthy foods to choose from, several food items and combinations can suit the demanding taste of children. Being a highly active individual, a child’s requirements increase as age increases, ranging from 1,410 to 2,030 kilocalories per day according to the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes, 2002 of the FNRI. However, the results of the recent NNS indicated that only one-fifth (1/5) or 21.5 percent (%) of the children population is meeting the requirement for energy. When energy requirement is not met despite energy-dense food intakes, some micronutrients may also be lacking. Prolonged deficiency in dietary requirements makes an individual atrisk to different health problems.
One significant result of the NNS in 2008 is that the 30-item list of most frequently consumed food includes snack foods, soft drinks, instant noodles, hotdog, and powdered juices. This is quite alarming considering that children’s preference for unhealthy food choices can be carried on until adulthood and this makes them at-risk Technology is one factor that to diet-related diseases. acts both as a solution towards easy living and a dilemma for most parents. Parents usually have difficulty Technology does make life simpler and in feeding children due to the latter’s easier, from small mobile phones to preference for a single food item like huge satellite dishes, but it also affects fried chicken, hotdogs, and nuggets. the eating patterns of the younger Children frequently choose these at generation. A study by Story and French meal times and neglect other food in 2004 showed that children exposed items. A study led by Stevenson in 2007 to food advertisement on snacks, 28 October - 03 November, 2017
23
beverages, and fast-foods opted to buy the said food item afterwards. Use of mobile phones and tablets eats up the time of children that should have been allocated either to proper eating at the table or engaging in productive physical activity. A combination of factors contributes to under- and over nutrition in the same household. This is called the double burden of malnutrition. Although the prevalence of underweight children decreased from 32.4 percent (%) in 2008 to 32.0 percent (%) in 2011, the prevalence of overweight children increased from 6.6 percent (%) in 2008 to 7.5 percent (%) in 2011. Efforts to alleviate malnutrition would only be significant if both under- and overnutrition are considerably addressed.
again. Malnutrition is a pressing concern of the country due to its health risks in future life stages. Proper guidance and the changing of perception among children might be the future solutions to fight malnutrition. Introduction of fruits and vegetables in significant amounts to a child’s daily diet will not only improve nutrition, but when all family members think and act alike, it may also reduce if not totally eliminate malnutrition in the country.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph. Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website: http:// If you think your child’s eating www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T pattern is just a small problem, think Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
24
28 October - 03 November, 2017
MINDANAO NEWS
Returning IDPs receive free services from ARMM Region MARAWI CITY – The internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Marawi crisis received free services during the celebration of People’s Day held at the Marawi City Hall, October 30. Dignitaries and officials of local and regional government, representatives of government agencies and privates sectors along with the residents of Marawi City participated in the celebration. The local government of Marawi also initiated a ‘Kandori’ or thanksgiving for all the efforts of the people who attained victory towards the liberation of the city. 28 October - 03 November, 2017
During the celebration, different government line agencies of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) provided services and assistance to the IDPs. The ARMM organized programs supporting children’s welfare. They will also issue free identification (ID) picture taking to maintain personal security, produce valid identification for their access to different resources and easily
25
determine the individual status of the to augment positive emotional IDPs. well-being of the IDPs. They will also conduct a social pensioner’s “Hindi ngayon panahon ng sisihan; payout for senior citizens. ARMM[ito ay] panahon ng pagkakaisa,” Department of Health (ARMM-DOH) said Regional Governor Mujiv Sabbihi took their part by providing nutritional Hataman in his message. services for malnourished children, health emergency actions including Hataman underscored the psychiatric interventions and Package importance of instilling in the people of Essential Noncommunicable Disease the correct Muslim faith. He said the Interventions (PEN) with medicines and Muslim terror group has been sowing health care consultations. wrong ideology. Moreover, the Regional ARMM-Department of Commission on Bangsamoro Women Education (ARMM-DepEd) initiated conducted post-traumatic stress a hand washing and tooth brushing disorder sessions and recreational demonstration and distributed body activities. They are also dedicated to hygiene kits and toiletry supplies. With gather Marawi women in a symposium the help of the ARMM Regional Library, to discuss economic empowerment. they will distribute reading materials to sustain the educational needs of the For its part, ARMM-Humanitarian children. Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART) sustained their With the prevailing issue help through relief operations that of economic and community include distribution of water and food sustainability, ARMM-Bureau of Fisheries packages, hygiene kits and extending and Aquatic Resources (ARMM-BFAR) health care and immunization for the established a fisher folk registration for IDPs. the IDPs to generate income through the city’s water resources and dispersed As residents start to return to their gill nets and fish pots to utilize fishing homes in Marawi City, the support productions. and immediate response of different government agencies and private Also, ARMM-Department of Social sectors continue to coordinate to Welfare and Development (ARMM- surmount the nuisances of the war that DSWD) strengthens their Supplemental the IDPs have encountered. Feeding Program (SFP) by providing the IDPs food consumption. The rehabilitation and recovery are now being strengthened to Aside from this, they have also monitor the specific needs of the IDPs. reinforced psychosocial sessions (JEMLacre-PIATFBM)
26
28 October - 03 November, 2017
Farmers learning the ropes in producing specialty coffee By: Digna Banzon
DAVAO CITY – For good agricultural practices, the Philippines Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) has cited Filipino small farmers for slowly and intricately learning the process of producing specialty coffee. PCBI president and co-chair Pacita Juan also attributed this to the continuing awareness of producing quality coffee where farmers grow his coffee and taste his produce. “And it is only when you taste your own coffee that you will know how good is your coffee produce,” she said. Following the right steps of 28 October - 03 November, 2017
production, she said the farmers now label their products by indicating its moisture level. “Nagkaroon na sila ng (They have the) information on what is being asked of the specialty coffee market,” she said. Moisture level of coffee must be maintained between 11 to 12, but ordinary farmers could not afford to buy a P20,000 moisture meter.
27
This is where coffee farmers are from Balutakay Farmers Association of asking the support of government to Davao del Sur is at P250. help them acquire postharvest facility. “I think that is how we will Juan said the IPs, most especially, empower the farmers by producing need help to improve their production quality coffee that could command and access the market. higher market price,” she said. She recalled that in 2016, there were 80 entries of the Kape Pilipino and the two winners from Bukidnon, the Arabica and Robusta scored in the 80s.
“We have a grading sheet for our coffee,” she said, “and in fact the quality of Philippine coffee is one of the top where some scored at 86,” she added.
The winning entries were sent to Seattle, Washington to see how coffee is “cupped” and judged by the international buying community.
The PCBI have graders that were trained by the Coffee Quality Institute and they are called Professional Q Graders and Certified Q Graders.
Juan said the American roasters and other buyers during that exposition were looking for them as they were surprised and amazed of the aroma and the taste of the Philippine coffee.
She said the new wave of coffee shops that are sprouting anywhere in the Philippines sell coffee before at P40 to P50. Now, specialty coffee ranges from P120 to P140 and even up to P180 if the preparation is done openly.
The farmers, Juan said were She said this development would a hit among those who joined the encourage to produce more specialty competition and they were called by coffee. coffee roasters to buy the coffee. “We hope to double our entries “That is why our market for from 80 in 2016 to 160 in the next Kape specialty coffee are the roasters Pilipino 2018,” she said. because they pay three-folds of what ordinary peoplepay. In the US they will According to Manny Torrejon of look for the top quality coffee for their PCBI, the secrets are not secrets after own style of roasting,” Juan said. all. “Clean your farms. Taste and cup your coffees. And be serious about The buying price of Robusta as quality. The other secret is in the a commodity is at P80 to P90 while processing,” he said. the roasters pay P150. The Arabica before was priced at P140 to P150, Torrejon has been cupping coffee now the selling farm price of coffee for over 20 years now. (PNA)
28
28 October - 03 November, 2017
NATIONAL NEWS
PhilHealth Consults OFWs on Program Sustainability Initiatives
MANILA – Representatives of Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) organizations were consulted on the proposed measures to ensure the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). In a dialogue initiated by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) at its main office in Pasig City, OFW groups shared their issues and concerns, particularly on the planned upward adjustment in the premium contribution rates starting 2018. The dialogue was spearheaded by PhilHealth officers Nerissa R. Santiago, OIC-Senior Vice President for Actuarial Services and Risk Management Sector and concurrent Vice President, Office 28 October - 03 November, 2017
of the Actuary; Dr. Narisa Portia J. Sugay, OIC-Vice President for Member Management Group; and Chona S. Yap, Senior Manager for Overseas Filipinos Program Office. Present during the consultation were Luther Calderon of KAMPI/ Kabalikat ng OFW Inc., Fe Nicodemus of KAKAMMPI, Karen Mapalad of Filipino Migrant Workers Group, Jojie Miranda and Ruth Ubaldo of Global Filipino Movement Foundation Inc.,
29
Gina Espinosa of KAIBIGAN, Lilia Raflores of Zonta Club of Quezon City, Jomarie Aquino of Advocacy for the Welfare and Development of Muslim OCWs Inc., Hannah Señeres of OFW Family Club and host of Radyo OFW on Radyo Pilipinas, Susan Ople and Fort Jose of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Gemma Comiso of Pinoy Expat OFW Blog Awards and Carmelita Nuqui of Philippine Migrant Rights Watch. Sugay clarified that PhilHealth is moving towards universal coverage, hence there is a need to expand its coverage to those who are not yet covered by PhilHealth, including the migrant workers. She added that for the past years without increasing the premium contribution rates, the agency were able to enhance its benefit packages to make these more responsive to what PhilHealth members needed. For instance, the Z Benefit Packages provided substantial coverage for conditions such as Acute Lymphocythic Leukemia (ALL), Early Breast Cancer (stage 0 to IIIA), Prostate Cancer (low to intermediate), Kidney Transplantation for end-stage kidney disease (standard risk), Tetralogy of Fallot, closure of Ventricular Septal Defect for children, Cervical Cancer stages I to IV, and the Z MORPH (Mobility, Orthosis, Rehabilitation and Prosthesis Help), among others.
ng PhilHealth for some diseases or illnesses, na kung hindi ka miyembro ng programa, nakauubos talaga ng resources ng pamilya para lamang mabigyan ng karampatang treatment ang pasyente,” she said. Santiago presented PhilHealth’s financial status and some projections for the sustainability of the program. She also explained the three (3) dimensions of universal health coverage (UHC). One dimension is the coverage rate or the coverage ratio of PhilHealth. Santiago said that as of December 2016, PhilHealth already covered 90 percent of the population, meaning, there remains 10 percent more of the Philippine population that PhilHealth needs to cover. The second dimension is the expansion of PhilHealth benefits to include the implementation of the Primary Care Benefit Package to other member sectors. The third dimension is the increase in contribution scheme which was approved by the PhilHealth Board of Directors for 2018. Under the new scheme, the premium contribution of the land-based OFWs will increase from P 2,400 to P 3,600 per year, while the seabased OFWs who belong to the Formal Sector will have a 0.25 percent upward adjustment from its contribution rate of 2.5 percent.
Santiago stated that from “Kung natatandaan po ninyo, 2016 to 2026, the gap between the ‘yun yung malalaking benefits na contribution and benefit expenses is hundreds of thousands ang ibinabayad increasing; hence, funds may not be
30
28 October - 03 November, 2017
sustainable for the next ten (10) years if PhilHealth maintains its status quo. “This is the reason why we are adjusting the contribution scheme,” she clarified.
for them since they have better health insurance coverage abroad; and that OFWs must be exempted from paying the premium altogether. Other representatives also recommended that PhilHealth should take note of the concerns raised by OFWs in PhilHealth’s official social media sites, and for the government agency to be more active in the Pre-Departure Orientation Sessions (PDOS).
The OFW representatives called for a deferment of the premium increase to 2019 in light of current economic conditions in some countries. Some of them also appealed for an improvement of PhilHealth’s services and benefits for their sector, and for PhilHealth to explore other possible Another round-table discussion sources of funds. Others commented with other OFW organizations is that PhilHealth “had no added value” scheduled this month. (PhilHealth)
DepEd ensures teachers get at least 4K take-home pay By: Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA - Teachers, who got less than PHP 4,000 take-home pay for their October salary, will receive the remainder through ATM on Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) said. 28 October - 03 November, 2017
31
This came after Education Secretary Leonor Briones signed on Oct. 26 DepEd Order (DO) 55 or the “Revised guidelines on the Implementation of PHP4,000 Net Home Pay for DepEd Personnel”. Under the said order, loan deductions due for Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) will be prioritized. DepEd recognized that the net pay may increase or decrease, depending on the GSIS and HDMF deductions. However, DO 55 assures that teachers’ net pay will not go lower than PHP4,000. The signing of the DO 55 aims to help teachers manage their finances after data showed that many of them avail of various loans. Teachers from across the country have incurred PHP178 billion worth of loans from private institutions, based on DepEd’s records. This is also the reason why DepEd constantly finds measures to protect teachers from financial and “After one year, it has reached legal implications of non-payment of PHP170 billion. So something has to be debts. done,” she told the Philippine News Briones earlier expressed her desire Agency in a previous interview. for teachers to be financial literate. Briones also cited that private She emphasized that financial institutions start to entice teachers to literacy is very important because borrow money from day 1, even if their when she came in as DepEd chief, the employment papers have not yet been total debt of teachers is PHP120 billion. issued. (PNA)
32
28 October - 03 November, 2017
For more info. contact: Tel. No.: (085) 225-9219 / 300-0722 Cell Nos. 0908-875-9185 / 0917-580-2609 / 0925-556-2417 Email: inkboxinnovation@gmail.com
ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga
Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists
GERIE MAE G. COCO RONNIE E. MADANGUIT Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
SUSIL D. RAGAS
Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands
IMELDA A. AGDEPPA MA. CRISTINA ARAYATA DIGNA BANZON KRIS CRISMUNDO PO2 JOEMAR P DEJARME CGALARAGA JOSE MICHAEL U. LACRE JOHN GLENN A. PLATIL DTI-AGUSAN DEL SUR POPCOM-CARAGA PNP-CARAGA S&T MEDIA SERVICE FNRI-DOST PHILHEALTH PGO-SDN PNA Business Managers
ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer
ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte Twitter: @PIAAgusanNorte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur