CONTENTS 29 October - 04 November 2016
PROVINCIAL NEWS
REGIONAL NEWS 7 8
CARAT Expo a venue to unleash Caraga’s potential, says organizer Butuan’s army chapel rededicated
Butuan biz group hosts 10 CARAT Expo 2016
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Volume 1, No. 31
holds training on conflict partners provide 12 DAR 18 Army, management, agrarian reform services to 3,000 IPs in laws in SurSur town
conducts search for 13 Tagbina outstanding barangay LGU
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Caraga Regional Science HS champion in Surigao City Consumer Quiz Show 2016
wins 2016 15 Bacuaganon Provincial Consumer Quiz
AgNor town
PCIC offer crop 20 DAR, insurance program to farmergroups in AgNor
journalists cover Miss 24 Campus Earth visit to Butuan
Show
13 conducts special 16 NEDA forum on Caraga’s economic performance
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town receives 17 AgSur Organic Agriculture Achiever’s Award
COVER
13 Caraga LGUs get DILG Seal of Good Local Governance HEALTH NEWS food blends, 22 Nutritious snacks for young children up for grabs
MINDANAO NEWS Duterte launches 26 President Comprehensive Reform and Dev’t Agenda in Mindanao
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NATIONAL NEWS in tax policy, 28 Reforms administration to raise P600 31
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billion by 2019 DOH implements graphic health warning law
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News Briefs Voters registration period for October 23, 2017 Barangay and SK elections to start Nov. 7, application forms are available online for new voters, transfers, reactivations & change/corrections. Comelec to resume registration for Overseas Filipino Workers voters on Dec. 1, 2016.
The month of November of every year is declared as “National Children’s Month” by the virtue of Republic Act number 10661. This declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989, and seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness.
The DILG confers the Seal of Good Local Governance Awards to the passers of National Assessment in Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City on Oct 27, 2016. Thirteen (13) Caraga LGUs passed. The Persons with Disability Affairs Office & Mangagoy Barangay Council in Bislig City turn over the livelihood support amounting to P13,000.00 to 10 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Manggawong District. (LGU Bislig)
Cover Story
13 Caraga LGUs get DILG Seal of Good Local Governance
CARAGA INFOCUS
COVER STORY
By: Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa
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hirteen (13) local government units (LGUs) in Caraga Region are awardees of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), a program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which is conferred to deserving LGUs portraying integrity in providing better performance and service based on criteria gauging local government performance.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ D. Sueno said this year’s celebration is a ‘huge milestone,’ as it celebrates significant breakthroughs and exemplary performance in the 25-year journey of local governance.
As the code reaches its 25th year of implementation, the DILG celebrates the journey of local governance and builds on its recent progress to guide and transform LGUs as able instruments of good governance in shifting towards federalism.
COVER STORY
The national conferment ceremony for LGUs that have passed the test of good local governance was held on Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila. The awarding is just in time with the culmination activity of the month-long celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991 with the theme: “LGC @ 25: Pagsulong, Progreso, Pagbabago.”
CARAGA INFOCUS
The awardees for the Province category are: 1) Province of Dinagat Islands and 2) Province of Surigao del Norte; City category: 3) Bislig City and 4) Tandag City; Municipal category: 5) Hinatuan, 6) Lanuza, 7) Loreto (Dinagat Islands), 8) Trento, 9) Carmen (Agusan del Norte), 10) Claver, 11) Del Carmen, 12) Mainit and 13) Malimono.
In the country, there are 306 LGUs that will receive the seal. The SGLG awardees will receive an incentive fund called Performance Challenge Fund which they can use for the implementation of local development projects. (Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa, DILG 13/PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery Beata Virgine del Santo Rosario Chapel Rededication
CARAGA INFOCUS
COVER STORY
Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City 30 October 2016
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CARAT Expo a venue to unleash Caraga’s potential, says organizer
Roger N. Ramirez, President of the Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. during a press conference held here on Tuesday encourages Caraganons to join the region’s big event on November 9 to 13 at the Robinsons Mall. Ramirez also invites the public to witness the event as national and Asean investors will also be joining.
“This is a historic event, a ‘coming-out-party’ for Caraga’s fastdeveloping agricultural industry,” Ramirez said. During the event, Caraga will not be known for its mineral-rich land, but for its potential to produce food not just for the island of Mindanao but the whole country and the ASEAN region as well, he added.
CARAGA INFOCUS
BUTUAN CITY – “The Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing Exposition or CARAT 2016 will bring Caraga region into the ASEAN scene,” says organizer.
REGIONAL NEWS
By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde
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The five-day event will feature top five products of the region. On Day 1, the Lobster Day (Lobster Festival), Day 2 – Fruits and Veggies Day (Prutas and Gulay Festival), Day 3 – Aquamarine Day (Sinuglaw Festival), Day 4 – Livestock Day (Lechon Festival), and Day 5 – Coco/Palay/Tubers Day (Palagsing Festival), Ramirez said. Also, Dan Gudahl, chief of party of Winrock Intl-Philippine Cold Chain Project, said that Caraga is a rising region in terms of agricultural products and so this is the time that the region will
be recognized and be known because of its products. This year’s CARAT Expo is anchored on the theme “Enhancing Caraga’s Agri- Aqua Industry Towards Global Competitiveness.” It is expected to be participated by 80 exhibitors of perishable and non-perishable commodities, 100 leaders of producer groups, and a number of key experts providing trainings in agri-aqua production and expected to draw 5,000 visitors across the country and the ASEAN region. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
Butuan’s army chapel rededicated
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
By: 1Lt. Karl Jan Devaras
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BUTUAN CITY – A rededication of the newly refurbished Beata Virgine Del Santo Rosario Chapel was held recently at the Division Advance Command Post (DACP), 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division, Philippine Army (4ID, PA) in Barangay Bancasi, this city.
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
Rev. Fr. Joshue Cadorna, rector of the was made possible through the Order of Discalced Augustinians (OAD), generous support from the civilian and led the blessing of the said newly military friends of the brigade. refurbished chapel. In his message, 4ID commander Its refurbishment was initiated Major General Benjamin Madrigal by the 4th Civil-Military Operations Jr. said that it was 30 years ago (KASALIGAN) Battalion, 4ID, PA when the chapel was built and such under Lieutenant Colonel Rey Pasco accomplishment is a manifestation in collaboration with the Order of that wonderful things can be achieved Discalced Augustinians Community through teamwork and bayanihan. Butuan City, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, media friends “This is the thrust of the Internal and holy rosary devotees. Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’ na sa pag tutolungan It can be recalled that the said ng bawat isa ay may makakamtang chapel was constructed during the pagbabago at kaunlaran. Tunay na stint of then Colonel Reynato V. Palma buhay ang bayanihan dito sa Caraga as the Brigade Commander of the (that through the cooperation with 402nd Infantry (STINGERS) Brigade on each other we can achieve change September 7, 1986. It was inaugurated and development. Truly, the spirit of on April 14, 1987 as the Our Lady of the cooperation is still alive in Caraga),” Rosary Chapel where its construction Madrigal said. (4CMO, PA/PIA-Caraga)
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Butuan biz group hosts CARAT Expo 2016 By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – In a press conference held on Tuesday here, the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) through its president Roger Ramirez highlighted the upcoming Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing (CARAT) Exposition happening on November 9-13, 2016 at Robinsons Place Atrium, this city.
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
Ramirez reiterated that the 2016 CARAT expo is a multi-stakeholder trade and marketing initiative focused on showcasing Caraga’s rich agricultural and fishery products.
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institutionalize a media technology-use plan for the promotion of a signature brand for Caraga - our lobster. This will also help improve productivity and sthrenghten food supply chain in Caraga by educating producer groups and trade associations on new technologies and innovation in agriculture from national and international resource persons,” Ramirez elaborated.
“This is envisioned to be an annual gathering of producers, suppliers, marketers, investors and buyers that will serve as strategic venue for market-matching, linkages and agriinvestment,” underscored Ramirez. This year’s CARAT Exposition is spearheaded by the BCCI in When asked why there is a need collaboration with all the Chambers to hold the CARAT expo, Ramirez of Commerce in Caraga, Department stressed that through this activity, it will of Agriculture (DA), Department of help local trade associations, producer Trade and Industry (DTI), Winrock – groups and agro-entrepreneurs in Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP), creating new markets and in improving Pilmico Incorporated, United States buyer-seller relationships. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA). “We need to launch and (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Photo Gallery Regional Nutrition Committee Meeting New Rosario Restaurant, Butuan City
CARAGA INFOCUS
REGIONAL NEWS
4 November 2016
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DAR holds training on conflict management, agrarian reform laws in SurSur town
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform - Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (DAR-MARO) of Tagbina, this province spearheaded the training on Conflict Management and Pertinent Agrarian Reform Laws held recently here.
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According to DAR Information Officer Myra Yu, the activity was aimed to strengthen the Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) in the area. Said activity was participated in by the representatives coming from the different sectors such as: landowners, farmer beneficiaries, indigenous peoples, non-government organizations, tenants, women organization and landless residents of the mentioned locality that comprised the newly re-organized BARC. The participants were oriented on the function of BARC under Secs. 46 to 48 of Republic Act 6657 also known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. Meanwhile, MARO Roselyn Y. Rendon said that the training is significant since BARC plays a big role
in the whole process of identifying the farmer/s who will qualify as an agrarian reform beneficiary. The BARC will serve as the first level in conducting a mediation when an agrarian conflict arises before it is endorsed to the MARO level. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Tagbina conducts search for outstanding barangay LGU By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
(20%); Accountability, Responsive and Transparency (20%); Tax Collection (20%); Sangguniang Barangay Records and Other Documentations /Records Keeping (20%); Peace and Order (20%); and Over-All Impact (20%).
The competition is based on showcasing the exemplary performance of their duties and responsibilities and on how the barangay council delivers its basic services to their constituents in consonance with the provisions of the Local Government Code and other relevant existing laws.
All barangays of the said municipality are subjected for a quarterly unannounced evaluation to start every first quarter of the year using the prescribe criteria for the different categories set by the Technical Working Groups, Adlao added.
The winners will receive a Adlao further said that the criteria developmental infrastructure project for judging is based on the following from the municipal government. (PIAcategories: Clean, Green and Bloom Surigao del Sur)
CARAGA INFOCUS
“The said program aims to inspire our 25 barangays to value development and sustainable outcomes in barangay governance,” said Tagbina Vice Mayor Antonio Adlao, who authored the program.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur – The municipality of Tagbina in Surigao del Sur conducted an incentive program dubbed as “We Love Barangay”: A Search for Outstanding Barangay Local Government Unit.
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Caraga Regional Science HS champion in Surigao City Consumer Quiz Show 2016 By: Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Joshua Dy M. Ajoc, a student and contestant from Caraga Regional Science High School was declared as champion in the recently concluded 2016 Surigao City Division Consumer Quiz here.
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
The first prize winner together with his coach Marife C. Curada received a trophy, certificate of recognition and cash prize worth P1,500, and will represent Surigao City Division in the upcoming Regional Consumer Quiz Show on October 27, 2016 in Butuan City.
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All non-winning contestants received a consolation prize of P200. Trapal said the activity aims to bring consumer awareness in all ages, especially to the academes where young minds are now informed and empowered of the rights and responsibility of a consumer. She further said that the activity is part of the month-long celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, the whole month of October with the theme, “Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.”
Jelmie R. Flores with coach Jill G. Abarico of Anomar National High School placed second with P1,000 cash prize plus trophy and certificate of recognition, and third place went to Keith Marie Prenciona, with coach Reymark D. Marte of Cantiasay National High School with P500 cash prize plus DepEd district supervisor Marino trophy and certificate of recognition. L. Pamogas graced the activity and served as one of the members of the According to DTI Surigao del Norte board of judges together with DTI trade and industry development analyst senior trade and industry specialist Ms. Lyza D. Trapal, a total of 19 contestants Evelyn C. Arlan and SUNCO secretary from the different secondary schools of Carmelita Beltran. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del the city participated in the said event. Norte)
Bacuaganon wins 2016 Provincial Consumer Quiz Show
By: Lyza D. Trapal
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte- A student from Bacuag National High School (BNHS) in Bacuag town won the 1st place of the Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Consumer Quiz Show for DepEd - Surigao del Norte Schools Division held at the Negosyo Center, Capitol Compound, this city. All non-winning participants received a consolation prize of P200. Said activity is part of the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month this October, which aims to bring consumer awareness in all ages, especially to the academes where young minds are now informed and empowered of the rights and responsibility of a consumer. This year’s Consumer Welfare Month theme is “Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.” (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
PROVINCIAL NEWS
The second prize winner who also received a certificate of recognition and a cash prize worth P1,000 was Merphy B. Parejo from Paco National High School, Mainit town. Mariconne Jane P. Sablas from Alegria Stand Alone Senior High School, Alegria town was declared as the third prize winner and received a cash prize worth P500
with certificate of recognition.
CARAGA INFOCUS
Daiseree Mae G. Jamero of BNHS bested 21 other schools in the province and received P1,500 plus trophy and certificate of recognition from the DTI. She will represent the division in the upcoming Regional Consumer Quiz Show on October 27, 2016 in Butuan City.
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NEDA 13 conducts special forum on Caraga’s economic performance By: Arturo Cruje
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Regional Office has organized a special forum to assess the regional economic performance of Caraga based on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
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On the latest economic statistics, the said forum held recently at the NEDA regional economic performance is -13 Regional Office in Butuan City. declining on the areas of agriculture, fishery and forestry. It can be recalled that fishery was once a flourishing industry in the region The sectors that showed good with Surigao del Norte and Surigao del performance are tourism and mining. Sur as leading producers. However, the industry seemed to have a lot of As agreed by the Regional problem which resulted to decreasing Economic Development Committee, fish production. NEDA called out the Provincial Planning and Development Officers, Provincial During the said forum, sensible Tourism Officers, Provincial Agriculture recommendations were formulated Officers, Provincial Environment to improve the region’s economic and Natural Resources Officers performance. (OIC-PTCO/PIA-Surigao and Provincial Economic Enterprise del Norte) Development Officers of Caraga to the
AgSur town receives Organic Agriculture Achiever’s Award By: Jennifer P. Gaitano and Renato Bashir Ilupa, Jr.
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The commitment of the local government unit of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur to seriously implement organic agriculture has paid off as it recently received the Organic Agriculture Achiever’s Award 2016 from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga.
High Value Crop Development Program and Organic Agriculture focal person Ailyn Aleman said that Mayor de Asis issued an Executive Order in 2013 for the implementation of organic agriculture with corresponding annual budget for the municipal nursery, goat production, guinea fowl production, The National Organic Agriculture vegetable production, organic fertilizer Board from Manila will be coming production, and training for farmers. this month of November to evaluate the town’s organic agriculture for the These components were national award, Aleman said. Aside considered in the giving of the said from the plaque, San Francisco LGU is award, according to Aleman. She also also to receive a project worth P300,000 said that the on going construction of for winning the regional level Organic a farmers’ training center, located in Agriculture Achiever’s Award 2016, she Barangay Pisaan, that costs about P1M revealed. and the on going implementation of San Francisco LGU’s Food Always In the “We have submitted a project Home (FAITH) program may have also proposal for the establishment of a been considered by the regional awards support facility for goat production and committee. goat’s milk production and processing,” “Another important thing that Aleman said. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
PROVINCIAL NEWS
the region may also have considered in giving us the award is Mayor de Asis’s initiative in putting up an organic products display center which is now being constructed,” Aleman added. She also emphasized that the town has now more than 100 organic growers with more than 100 hectares of land devoted to organic rice production, more than 20 hectares of organic vegetables, and about 2,000 hectares of coconut trees.
CARAGA INFOCUS
Mayor Jenny de Asis and Municipal Agriculture Officer Vina Ranario Ranoco personally received the award during the said awarding ceremony.
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Army, partners provide services to 3,000 IPs in AgNor town
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
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BUTUAN CITY – The 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army, together with other government agencies in Caraga had recently extended their services thru the conduct of Serbisyo Peace Caravan to some 3,000 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) held at the covered court of Santiago, Agusan del Norte. The Serbisyo Peace Caravan was focused on prioritizing the IP communities composed mainly of the Mamanwa Tribe. It also included the local residents of said barangay that availed of the services from the government.
provide priority basic services of the government to the people of Santiago and the rest of the municipalities of Agusan del Norte especially the IPs. Through this activity, the localities will feel that the government is there for them.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Joy Aynera, commanding officer of 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, the said caravan is designed to
“It formed part of the six-point peace and development agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to deliver the socio-
PROVINCIAL NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS
economic development in conflict- offered today in their municipality. He affected areas,� bared Aynera. also expressed his hope that more of same activity will be conducted in his A total of 27 government agencies, area of responsibility so more people civil society and private organizations can continue to benefit. in Caraga region have extended their full support. The services offered help Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte in addressing issues on health, poverty, Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell grooming, livelihood, education, social, Amante-Matba emphasized that legal and land concerns. without the people in the localities, there would be no government. She The Department of Health (DOH) encouraged everyone to unite with Caraga has offered dental/medical the government and do what will serve services, circumcision, deworming, best to the majority. buntis kits, hygiene kits, and jerry cans to the beneficiaries. The Department During the short program, Gov. of Environment and Natural Resources Matba, together with the PNP, AFP (DENR) Caraga gave 600 falcata officials, heads of government agencies seedlings to the IPs and local residents. and partner stakeholders affixed their The Department of Science and signature in the peace covenant. Technology (DOST) also distributed food curls and 500 baby foods, while the LTC Cristobal Zaragoza, TESDA gave away training certificates. commander of 401st Brigade, 4ID Phil. Army also led the oath-taking In his message, mayor Franklin of allegiance of the 10 awardees of Lim encouraged the localities to avail the Comprehensive Local Integration of the free services of the government Program (CLIP). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
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DAR, PCIC offer crop insurance program to farmer-groups in AgNor
PROVINCIAL NEWS
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte in partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) conducted nine rounds of seminar on the Risk Mitigation and Management for Agricultural Investment and Crop Insurance Education Training to nine eligible Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from different towns in the province on September 20 to October 7, 2016.
CARAGA INFOCUS
By: Gil E. Miranda
Nearly 300 farmer-beneficiaries consisted of cooperative officers, admin staff and coop members actively participated in the proceedings as they gained low-cost crop-insurance packages with an array of benefits.
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The activity aimed to make farmer-groups understand the crop insurance program of the government and encourage them to insure their crops to avoid losses brought by natural calamities, pest and diseases, and climate change.
DAR-PCIC Point Person Luningning Buque-Ycoy said “the agricultural insurance is anchored to the DAR’s Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP).”
“Ang crop insurance usa ka oportunidad kanamo mga maguuma aron ma-secure ang among tanum batok sa katalagman ug kampante na ang among hunahuna (The crop insurance is a great “The DAR helms in identifying opportunity for many farmers to eligible ARBs to avail the package secure our crops and give us peace of credit assistance coupled with of mind),” said Lucita C. Onde of agricultural insurance,” Ycoy added. Duque ARB Cooperative (DAREBCO).
PROVINCIAL NEWS
The crop protection is one of the DAR’s mandate in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to mitigate the risk involved in agricultural production. (DAR-Agusan del Norte)
CARAGA INFOCUS
PCIC Resource Person Ernesto Chaves said providing agricultural insurance to the farmers will mitigate the possibility of farm-losses associated with extreme weather events such as drought or typhoons and other calamities.
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Campus journalists cover Miss Earth visit to Butuan
CARAGA INFOCUS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
By: Zara Pia Claudette Q. Vismanos & Agan Mark N. Carag
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BUTUAN CITY - Visiting historical sites and scenic spots in their towering figures, charismatic auras, and eye-catching outfits, five Miss Earth candidates raised advocacies on environmental awareness and eco-tourism through a two-day tour in Butuan City on October 15-16, 2016. Miss Chile Tiare Fuentes; Miss England Luissa Burton; Miss Hungary Eszter Oczella; Miss Pakistan Anzhelika Tahir; and Miss Zimbabwe Sharon Enkromelle shared their individual inputs about environment protection and preservation of historical remains.
Bequibel Shell Midden, Bood Promontory Park, and National Musuem. “I believe education is a very important resort here, to teach the youth there is a problem to solve everywhere and our environment is calling for us,” stressed Miss Zimbabwe in an interview.
They visited the city’s tourist spots She also added that each student such as Balangay Build Site, Banza should have knowledge to solve Church Ruins, Delta Discovery Park, environmental issues through planting
trees and proper waste disposal. Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada stated during the press conference that Miss Earth candidates’ visit has been one way to combat the city’s lack of concern to alleviate environmental issues which continue to deteriorate natural resources.
articles, for it could forward their beliefs and visions into action. “Kids like you have so much passion about the environment and at the same time writing down your thoughts, you have the biggest potential to save Mother Earth, just exercise your thoughts thoroughly,” expressed Miss Pakistan Anzhelika Tahir.
City Public Information Officer Paolo Gogo expressed his satisfaction of tapping Agusan National High School’s “The Narra” writers to cover Miss Earth visit. “I have no regrets, these journalists were able to take a huge Campus journalists were step in their journalistic career through empowered by the movement to helping us cover this international-wide promote the city through writing event,” said Gogo. (ANHS Butuan City)
CARAGA INFOCUS
HEALTH NEWSNEWS PROVINCIAL
“It’s only good that people know our problems about mining, logging, historical promotion, and environmental awareness for in this way, we will gain even more advocates,” he said.
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Nutritious food blends, snacks for young children up for grabs
CARAGA INFOCUS
HEALTH NEWS
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), in its continuing effort in addressing malnutrition, developed a technology for making affordable nutritious snacks for children.
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Complementary foods, according to the FNRI-DOST, are foods or liquids other than breastmilk fed to young children. These foods address mothers’ concerns on how to feed their babies six months old and onward when their nutritional needs are rapidly increasing. It is at this stage when malnutrition usually sets in, thereby affecting children’s health. Using tried and tested technology and locally-available raw materials,
the appropriate processing technology, technology transfer contract including quality control assurance from raw materials to finished product, and basics of Good Manufacturing Practices In visits conducted in the regions, (GMP) implementation. the FNRI urged local government The DOST Package for the units and entrepreneurs to adopt the technologies as part of their health and Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children (PINOY) Program aims to nutrition program. reduce the prevalence of undernutrition Adopting the FNRI’s among 6 to 35 months old children complementary food and snack through production and technology entitles entrepreneurs to FNRI technical transfer of complementary food blends support, such as proper layout of the and snacks. production area, hands-on training on The FNRI-DOST provides technical assistance to local government units, non-government and private organizations who are interested to produce the complementary food blends and snacks for livelihood and for their feeding program.
CARAGA INFOCUS
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; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 8373164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.phor at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook. com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (Kristian Jebsen B. Bandong, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
HEALTH NEWS
the FNRI developed complementary and snack foods that are based on rice and mongo, which are rich in energy and protein.
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CARAGA INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
President Duterte launches Comprehensive Reform and Dev’t Agenda in Mindanao
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TAGUIG CITY - In order to uplift the lives of residents of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other areas affected by armed conflict in Mindanao, the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) was launched on Saturday, October 29. President Rodrigo Duterte led the launching of the program at the ARMM Regional Compound in Cotabato City. The same CRDA program will be launched simultaneously in 10 other different sites in ARMM, Regions 9, 10 and 12. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General, Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong has been tasked
by Duterte to coordinate with other agencies in resolving poverty and hunger in Mindanao. Various government agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Higher Education, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, PhilHealth, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of
CARAGA INFOCUS
MINDANAO NEWS
Social Welfare and Development and NEA Sitio and Household Electrification TESDA are expected to submit measures Programs (HEP), DOH. to President Duterte on how to ease hunger and poverty in Mindanao. These programs, which include infrastructure and economic Among the programs to be development, will be implemented launched are scholarships from TESDA within 2016 to 2022. and CHED; Salintubig Project, DILG; Apart from Cotabato City, the other awarding of agricultural assistance, launch sites are: Marawi City, Lanao DA; Inter-agency collaboration on Del Sur; Zamboanga City, Ipil, Pagadian Reducing Vulnerabilities of Children and Dipolog in Region 9; Tubod, Lanao from Hunger and Malnutrition in ARMM, Del Norte in Region 10; and, Isulan, DSWD; distribution of Philhealth cards, Kidapawan, Koronadal and General DOH and PhilHealth; and, DOE and Santos in Region 12. (TESDA)
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Reforms in tax policy, administration to raise P600 billion by 2019
CARAGA INFOCUS
NATIONAL NEWS
rappler.com
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MANILA - The Duterte administration aims to raise some P600 billion by 2019 to fund its priority investments in infrastructure, human capital development and social protection for the poor through the implementation of its proposed reforms in tax policy and administration, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. Responding to queries from senators on the proposed tax reform program of the Department of Finance (DOF), Dominguez said that the amount, which represents 3 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), would come in part from implementing tax administration reforms in the Bureaus of Internal Revenue (BIR) and of Customs (BOC).
“Now, if we are able to increase our collections through [reforms in] tax administration [and policy]… that should be around P550 billion or P600 billion improvement over the current system,” Dominguez said at the hearing held by the Commission on Appointments’ committee on finance on his confirmation as DOF secretary.
One way to do this, Dominguez said, is to identify areas where massive underdeclaration and non-declaration He said one key aspect of the of imports take place. DOF’s tax administration reforms in the BIR and BOC is to systematically deal He cited statistics from the United with corruption in these two agencies. Nations Comtrade database, which show an alarming discrepancy of “The first part is improvement in P1.8 trillion in 2014 alone between the tax administration. We want to improve volume of imports reported here by the our collections in the BIR and Customs. traders and the actual figures recorded The first measure we are doing there is by their suppliers from the exporterreducing the corruption in those areas. countries. And second we want also to do it systematically,” Dominguez said. This massive value gap or possible leakage of P1.8 trillion translates into In the BIR, for instance, the DOF foregone revenues of roughly P231 plans to use information technology billion. to come up with tax profiles based on industries, and compare the tax “So we are going to each country payments made by companies to flush and each major trading partner and out possible tax evaders, the finance we are going to talk to their customs chief said. people there to ask who are the exporters and …. who are the receivers In its presentations before the in the Philippines so that we can trace Congress and in tax forums organized where the under-declaration or nonby private sector groups, DOF officials declaration are,” Dominguez said. also cited other reform measures that the BIR would be implementing to According to Dominguez, the encourage tax compliance, such as second part of the DOF’s proposed simplifying the process of paying taxes; program involves tax policy reforms, making the system fairer and more which would cover taxation measures efficient by, among others, reducing and plugging massive leakages through income tax rates; and facilitating the reduction of tax exemptions. electronic tax filing and payments. Earlier, Dominguez said the In the BOC, the government government plans to massively will intensify its campaign against increase investments in infrastructure, smuggling while enhancing trade human capital and social protection facilitation through the implementation to achieve inclusive growth, which
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of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
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Dominguez said some P400 billion of this amount would come from the implementation of tax policy reforms and another P150 billion to P200 billion from tax administration reforms.
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would require robust revenue inflows. The DOF had submitted last month to the House and the Senate its proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act, which covers Package One of its comprehensive tax reform program, in keeping with the Duterte administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.
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Dominguez said the DOF tax reform bill was completed after the Department consulted with members of the Cabinet, legislators, former Secretaries of Finance, prominent economists, stakeholder and business groups, and with various foreign embassies, global financial institutioons and joint foreign chambers signifying their support for the tax reform proposal.
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According to the Finance Secretary, this tax reform plan which include reductions in the personal income tax rates and its corresponding offsetting measures is part of a broader reform program to drastically reduce poverty and transform the Philippines into an upper middle-income country by 2022.
targeted subsidies for the sectors to be affected by the offsetting measures. A comprehensive tax reform program that includes other measures divided into four other packages will also augment the P1 trillion in investments needed to transform the country into a high-income economy in one generation or by 2040. “Without reforming our tax system so that it becomes fairer, simpler and more efficient, government cannot undertake the volume of spending required in achieving our goals” of reducing poverty and elevating the Philippines to the status of a highincome country in one generation, he said. “Taxes are never popular. We are emerging from a history of chronically low tax efforts and damaged institutions. This history of weak and inefficient governance is a more significant factor than colonialism in explaining our underdevelopment,” he said. (DOF)
These offsetting measures include adjusting the fuel and automobile excise tax and indexing it to inflation and expanding the value-added (VAT) tax base by lifting certain exemptions to the tax. The DOF said a quarter to a third of the net gains from the first tax reform package would be allocated for highly targeted transfers, direct discounts and
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DOH implements graphic health warning law Administrative fines shall be imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for non-compliant packages or any violation of the GHW Law or Republic Act 10643. Proceeds of administrative fines shall “We already gained so much from be used for health promotion campaigns our serious efforts to control tobacco use in on tobacco control of the DOH and the the country. With the Sin Tax and the GHW Department of Education. laws, we believe that many Filipinos will hesitate if not stop smoking altogether,” According to the World Health Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell- Organization Bulletin, “taken as a whole, Ubial said. pictorial warnings are more likely to be noticed than text-only warning labels; The law prescribes printing of GHW more effective for educating smokers on fifty percent of the principal display about the health risks of smoking and for surfaces of any tobacco products and increasing smokers’ thoughts about the shall occupy fifty percent of the front and health risks; and associated with increased fifty percent of the back panel of the motivation to quit smoking.” tobacco package; and shall be printed in four colors. The 2015 Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) reported 1 out The Health Secretary likewise cites of 4 or 16.5 million adults currently smoke Administrative Order No. 2014-0037 as a tobacco: 42 percent of men and 6 percent clear basis of the date of implementation of women. This was 19 percent lower than as it requires “graphic health warnings the 29 percent smoking prevalence in on cigarette packages and other 2009. (Philippine GATS survey) tobacco product packages one year after the issuance of the templates by the “We enjoin everyone to be vigilant Department of Health.” and make sure that all tobacco products carry these pictorial warnings and that The GHW has proven effective violators be reported to the respective in warning people on the devastating government agencies. Above all, effects of tobacco use and exposure to through these warnings, we want to second hand smoke. It also aims to remove inform everyone that smoking puts to misleading or deceptive descriptors waste human potentials,” Secretary Ubial like “low tar”, “light”, “ultra lights”or concluded. (DOH)
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“mild”which convey that a tobacco product is healthier, less harmful or safer.
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MANILA - Starting today, all tobacco products shall bear graphic health warnings which show the ill effects of smoking as the Department of Health (DOH) launches the full implementation of the Graphic Health Warnings (GHW) Law on tobacco products.
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