Caraga InFocus – October 1-7, 2022

DILG CHIEF CALLS CARAGA NPA MEMBERS TO SURRENDER, AVAIL OF GOVERNMENT ’S PROGRAMS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Attorney Benjamin Abalos, Jr., Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on members of the New People’s Army who are still active in the communist-terrorist group in Caraga region, to surrender to the folds of the law, and avail of the various programs and services of the government agencies.

“Don’t worry, you can always refer/ raise your concerns to the government. The government should be able to address your needs. And that is the government under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., always bear that in mind,” said Sec. Abalos. This was in time with the Awarding Ceremony of the Enhanced

Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assistance to Former Rebels (FRs), and Turn-over of Projects under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), held at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The province of Agusan del Sur has the highest

agencies in the region.

Of the 199 FRs, there are also four from the province of Agusan del Norte; 24 from Surigao del Norte; and two from Butuan City. They were all presented by their respective local chief executives during the awarding ceremony of E-CLIP assistance.

The FRs brought with them their firearms and surrendered it to the government officials and agencies concerned. They also took oath before the crowd and vowed to support the government’s

developmental programs and projects; condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines – News People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF).

Meanwhile, nine big projects under the SBDP

were also turned-over to respective barangay local government units, which include the construction of potable water system; upgrading of local access road; construction of health station; and many more. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

News Briefs

October 4 is World Animal Day! We take the opportunity not only to love and celebrate our pets and animals around the world but also call attention to the plight they are in due to harsh climate conditions and practices that affect their lives and habitat and the lack of protection for their welfare.

Awarding Ceremony of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Beneficiaries to 199 Former Rebels at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Gov. D. O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. DILG Secretary, Atty. Benjamin Abalos, Jr. is attending the said event.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a price monitoring in Butuan City for the 1st week of October 2022 on manufactured products under the jurisdiction of the department and resulted an increase in the prices of the products although still within the Suggested Retail Price (SRP). The activity also showed ample and stable supply of basic necessities and prime commodities.

The personnel of 1501st Community Defense Center (1501CDC) and Reservist personnel from 1501st Ready Reserved Infantry Battalion (1501RRIBn), provided manpower support to the National Commission on Indigenius Peoples Caraga’s Service Caravan with the theme: “Kalinga Alay sa Katutubo”,held at Sitio Salaysayon, Brgy. Jaguimitan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

REGIONAL NEWS

NNC CARAGA TO CONDUCT NUTRISKWELA TRAINING

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga will conduct a 4-day Nutriskwela Training from October 24 to 27, 2022 in the local government units of General Luna and Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte to be participated by the Nutriskwela Community Radio stations with 5 representatives from each station. The training is designed to equip the radio station personnel and select members of the Community Radio Councils (CRC) with skills and knowledge for the timely delivery of relevant nutrition, health, education, and development information. This can help reduce the prevalence of various forms of malnutrition and high malnutrition rate in some areas in the region.

There will be four

modules with different topics to be discussed during the training, namely: 1. Understanding Community Radio and Nutriskwela radio program 2. Community Radio Production and Operations

3. Community Radio Production

4. Hands-on training Caraga Region has 3 Nutriskwela Community Radio Stations: Radyo Kaagapay in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, Radyo Kabakhawan in Del Carmen, Surigao del

Norte, and Radyo Kinaiyahan in Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program was launched last 2008 to address the problem of hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines and now has 50 Nutriskwela Community Radio stations across the country including non-profit, non-partisan community radio stations. The program aims to empower communities through dissemination of correct and up-to-date nutrition and health information, as well as educational and developmental information from all relevant sectors of the community, government agencies, and non-government organizations. (MCeledeña/NNCCaraga/PIA-Caraga)

RAFC-CARAGA SPEARHEADS 3RD CARAGA-WIDE AFC DAY

As part of a continuing collaboration between the government and private sector, the Provincial, Municipal, and City chairpersons and coordinators of the Regional Agricultural Fishery Council (RAFC) of the Caraga Region convened for the 3rd Caraga-wide AFC Day on September 27, 2022, in Butuan City.

The activity was anchored with the theme “AFC for 3Cs: Collaboration, Convergence, Cooperation towards Food Security.”

OIC-Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Julieta Opulencia joined the event with her video message and lauded AFC members who are relentlessly supporting the government’s effort toward Agri-fishery development in the region.

“You are volunteering your time and expertise for the Agri and fishery development of the country. You are bringing the voice of the region’s marginalized farmers and fisherfolk,” she said.

DA-Caraga emphasized the importance of the participation of the LGU, private groups, and partner stakeholders in the different programs of the agency in terms of agricultural development.

The event highlighted the sharing of local best practices of DA and LGU toward a resilient region amid the pandemic and economic challenges that will inspire more impactful projects, and strengthen rapport among AFC members.

Edilito Sangco, Municipal

Agriculturist of Socorro, Surigao del Norte discussed the Socorro Agri-Fishery Enterprise Development Program (SAFEDP): Progressing Farmers and FisherFolk Out of Poverty which includes the Task Force Panguma ug Pangisda 2022-2025 blueprint that aims to a foodsecured Socorro with a productive, profitable, and resilient Agri-fishery industry.

DA-Caraga also presented the OneDA Sustainable Feed

Development Project dubbed Team Bahug highlighting the use of locally available raw materials; while Butuan City Agriculturist Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven presented their AgriBoost Project, a Smart and Inclusive Agribusiness Model.

RAFC-Caraga’s Priority Agenda was also presented during the forum.

After the discussions, a workshop was conducted to develop

policy recommendations for the sector’s continuous development anchored on the Agrifishery sector’s current challenges.

The top-performing AFCs in the region were also given recognition.

For more than 30 years, AFC has served as a partner of the government from the grassroots level in deliberating Agri-fishery issues and concerns and translating these into policy and program recommendations for the government decision-makers to adopt. (Lovely Joy L. Saludez, DA-Caraga/PIA Caraga)

DOST Caraga’s eKnowvation bags 2022 CSC Regional PAGASA Award

DOST Caraga’s eKnowvation or the DOST-Coursera Learning Program won the CSC Pagasa Award during the 2022 Honor Awards Program (HAP) of the Civil Service Commission Caraga held at the Caraga State University. eKnowvation is the country’s first and largest reskilling and upskilling program using the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform, Coursera. The reskilling and upskilling program of DOST Caraga started in April 2020 when Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative was launched by Coursera. It is an outreach initiative that mainly focused on developing the technical skills of the workers who have lost their jobs and those who wanted to grow and learn new things for better opportunities.

In his acceptance speech during the awarding ceremony, DOST Caraga Regional Director Noel M. Ajoc said during the COVID-19 pandemic, the eKnowvation Team became more motivated to focus on the development of people’s capabilities using new technology. RD Ajoc also added that rather than viewing the pandemic’s repeated lockdowns as problem that could hinder development plans, the team saw them as opportunity to realize a new idea.

Through this program, 75,000 Scholarship slots were given throughout the Philippines for free covering 17 regions and 82 provinces. In addition, grantees spent 1.3 million learning hours on the Coursera platform where they completed 146,837 courses and guided projects in a short time.

Coursera provides up to 12 weeks of learning sessions with one to two hours of video lectures a week with the world’s leading universities and industry educators. To complete the courses, users need to participate in quizzes and weekly exercises. There are also peer-graded and reviewed assignments and final projects that needed to be accomplished.

CSC’s Honor Awards Program (HAP) is the highest recognition given by the government to deserving government officials and employees who have excelled and showed great dedication and commitment to public service. One of the categories is the Pagasa Award given to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more than one government department. (DOST Caraga/PIA Caraga)

19 OFW COMPLETE

IFWD PH CARAGA CAPABILITY BUILDING

The nineteen participants of the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines or the iFWD PH Program of the Department of Science and Technology completed the first phase of the program, the Capability Building for the Development and Management of a Technology-based Enterprise. These participants are the second batch of the program who started developing their capabilities last June of this year. Of the twentyseven participants at the beginning of their training, only nineteen have completed the program.

Under Capacity Building, qualified Overseas Filipino Workers applicants underwent a series of core business development training to prepare them

to manage technologybased businesses and at the same time, help them create their business plans.

Also included in this phase is the technology pitching of innovative products that are included in the DOST’s priority areas such as food processing furniture, gifts, decors, and handicrafts, agriculture/marine/ aquaculture, and metal and engineering.

They can also generate products that are related to information and communication technology, pharmaceuticals and health products, and halal products.

“Let us continue to learn. So far, this is the strongest batch with a high success rate. Congratulations for surviving phase 1,” DOST Caraga Assistant Regional Director for

Technical Operations said during the culmination ceremony as he thanked the Department of Trade and Industry and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Caraga for their unwavering support throughout the implementation of the program.

Qualified OFW applicants who have completed and passed the first phase can proceed to Phase 2 where they will be given an InnovationEnabling Fund or iFund for entrepreneurship and technical training, product development and market testing, operational consultancy services, initial laboratory testing, packaging, and labeling design and execution for marketing testing, and equipment acquisition.

(DOST Caraga/PIA Caraga)

NEWS

BISLIG CITY HOLDS TOURISM STATISTICS FORUM

The Department of Tourism - Region 13 (DOT13), in collaboration with the City Government of Bislig headed by Mayor Florencio C. Garay, through the City Information OfficeTourism Division (CIOTourism) conducted a Tourism Statistics Forum for Accommodation Establishments, Tourist Attractions and MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferencing Exhibitions) Facilities in Bislig City held at the BAO Conference Room on October 6, 2022.

The activity commenced with a welcome address from the Tourism Operations Officer of LGU Bislig, Lorelei Teresa D. Lim.

The DOT-13 resource speakers shared their knowledge and expertise on the improvement, strengthening, and promotion of the tourism industry in the City of Bislig.

DOT 13- Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Ms. Junesther Jean L. Valdez delivered the keynote message underscoring the Importance of Tourism Statistics and Fundamental Tourism Concepts in Gathering Basic Tourism Data.

The forum aims to increase knowledge of the proper method of data collecting and recording and effectively present the outcomes that would help promote the importance of

tourism statistics in creating strategic policies in the city’s tourism industry.

In attendance were Artemio T. Menchavez, Jr., DOT Region 13 Tourism Operations Officer II, Cheryl Rose

S. Dequillo, Tourism Operations Officer

I, and Mr. Jeldderf Christianne C. Maturan, Accreditation Unit, LGU Bislig City employees, and the different tourismrelated Entrepreneurs. (NGPB/CIO-Bislig/PIASurigao del Sur)

Some 129 hired Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) personnel took their oath on Data Privacy Act OF 2012 administered by Mayor Florencio C. Garay on October 6, 2022, at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center.

In the report, the hired personnel are composed of 101 enumerators, 20 Team Supervisors, seven (7) Area Supervisors, and one (1) Head CBMS Area Supervisor.

The oath-taking

ceremony happened on the culmination day of the 8-day 2022 CBMS 4th Level Training on Enumeration for the Household Profile Questionnaire. The training aims to convey the significance of putting the CBMS into practice, the data items collected from the Household Profile Questionnaire and other CBMS Forms, supervisory duties during field operations, use of the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) Application, installation

and use of the Resources Progressive Web Application and geopackages. CBMS is an organized technology-based system of collecting, processing, and validating necessary disaggregated data that may use for planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring at the local level.

It shall serve as the tool in economic and social in the formulation, and implementation of

129 CBMS PERSONNEL TAKE OATH ON DATA PRIVACY IN BISLIG CITY

poverty alleviation and development programs that are specific, targeted, and responsive to the basic needs of each sector of the community.

The Local Government Unit of Bislig through the Bislig CBMS, City Planning and Development Office, and CBMS Focal Person, in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority

(PSA)-Surigao del Sur and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Surigao del Sur supervised the successful event. (NGPB/CIO-Bislig/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

COUSAB’S LEADS PABIBO SA BAYWALK CULMINATION NIGHT IN BISLIG CITY

The 22nd Charter

Anniversary of Bislig City officially closed the successful monthlong celebration with a culmination night, The Pabibo sa Baywalk, on September 30, 2022 at Bislig City Baywalk facilitated by LGU Bislig City under the governance of Mayor Florencio C. Garay and the City Officials United Spouses Association of Bislig (COUSAB), led by the COUSAB President and SB member Margarita Garay with the theme. “Moving Ahead with Perseverance and Persistence Towards Prosperity”.

The event was a tribute and a call to all Bisliganons to awaken, enhance and hone their talents and abilities that were silenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the people of Bislig continued to persevere,

strive hard and get to live with the new normal.

Highlighting the activity was the awarding of certificates to all sponsors of the event, winners of the Trade Fair, Centerpiece Beautification, and Volleyball game.

Joining the culmination night were the City

Officials, COUSAB leader, and members namely: Hon. Margarita Garay, Mrs. Marlita Sulapas, Mrs. Vilma Carmelo, Mrs. Marilou Salazar, Mrs. Fritze Lee Sia, and Mrs. Ma.Liza Josafat, Federation of Bislig Women’s Association (FOBWA) headed by Mrs. Ma. Liza Josafat, and guests. (CIO-Bislig/PIASurigao del Sur)

LGU-BISLIG HOLDS 1ST

PAGKILAA: LGU-BISLIG CITY KAHINANGAN AWARDS

The Local Government Unit of Bislig City under the leadership of Mayor Florencio C. Garay, through the City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO) and the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee, joined in the 122nd Civil Service Commission (CSC) Anniversary celebration through its rewards and recognition program dubbed as “Pagkilaa: LGU-Bislig City Kahinangan Awards” held at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center, recently.

Two hundred thirty-two permanent, coterminous, and retirees who have rendered 10-43 years of service to the city government were able to receive plaques and cash, depending on their years of employment, as part of their incentives.

The LGU-Bislig City paid homage to the officials and employees who passed away through an audiovisual presentation for their noteworthy contributions to the local government.

Moreover, respective families of the deceased public servants were also present to receive the plaque of loyalty award.

The sole civil servant for this

Awards is a loyalty service award granted to all officials and employees to recognize their continuous and satisfactory service in the government for a period of ten (10) years and

year who garnered 43 years of experience in the LGU is Ms. Nena P. Dua, Assistant Registration Officer II of the City Civil Registry Office (retiree).

The LGU-Bislig Kahinangan

above. This aligns with the CSC Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2001, mandating every agency to establish employee suggestions and incentive awards system. (CIO-Bislig/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

OPAG TRAINS PDL ON SWINE PRODUCTION IN SURSUR

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG-SDS) in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)Surigao del Sur District Jail spearheaded the Swine Production Training to the Persons Deprived of Liberty at the SDS Provincial Jail in Barangay Telaje, Tandag City recently.

Some 29 participants joined the said training, of which 22 PDLs and the rest are staff of BJMPSDS.

The training covered various lectures on Animal Husbandry, visual demonstrations of recent breeding practices, and financial requirements for start-up swine fattening business.

“While serving jail time, this kind of training is very useful for them. We can help them change and become productive individuals,” said Vincent Jomini Orcullo, OIC Jail Inspector.

The knowledge and skills that the beneficiaries learned from the training will help the trainees

during employment application or starting their own business after releasing from confinement.

The Province of Surigao del Sur under the leadership of Governor Alexander T. Pimentel is very active and supportive in supervising the reform training and workshops. One top priority is providing PDLs with transferable agricultural livelihood skills which are vital in the reformation process. (OPAg/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

LGU CARRASCAL CONFERS MGB TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO ADDRESS ISSUES ON PANIKIAN RIVER

livelihood and financial assistance to affected farm owners, and repair of existing irrigation canals were among the strategic steps to undertake.

The local government unit of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur headed by Mayor Vicente “VJ” H. Pimentel, III, ably represented by Vice Mayor Jessie James T. Valle, together with the concerned office heads attended a technical conference with the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga Regional Office at the Training Center in Surigao City, recently.

Based on the report, the discussion focused on addressing certain issues and concerns involving the discoloration of Panikian River.

It was learned that the upland mining operations and other climatic factors which eventually produced the siltation in the river downstream.

Mayor “VJ” Pimentel III accordingly ordered to strictly follow the responsible mining operations and provide a better approach that will help the marginalized farmers regain their farm productivity.

To adhere to Mayor Pimentel’s order, some interventions like dredging, provision of

It was further recommended to conduct an assessment by a knowledgeable and expert technical team from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for them to come up with proper recommendation and proposal to address certain the said issue.

Meanwhile, the concerned mining companies willingly offered their support and assistance to the affected communities and will collaborative strongly with the stakeholders and farmers involved. (NGPB/ Carrascal-FITS Center/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DIPPO CONDUCTS POLICE INFORMATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION (PICE) TO ITS PERSONNEL REGARDING REVITALIZED PNP KASIMBAYANAN

(KASIMBAYANAN), a community mobilization highlighting the synergized and collaborative partnerships of the PNP with the religious sector and the community.

The Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (DIPPO) as one of the implementers of the Revitalized PNP KASIMBAYANAN conducted Police Information and Continuing Education (PICE) to its personnel led by Police Colonel Ariel R. Red, Officer-In-Charge on October 3, 2022, at

Kapanalig Hall, DIPPO, San Jose, this town.

During the activity the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) presented and discussed the concept of implementation of revitalized PNP Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan

The program is in consonance with the program thrust’s of the Chief, PNP PGen Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. dubbed as, “MKK=K” (Malasakit, Kapayapaan, Kaayusan= Kaunlaran), which calls a harmonious relationships with all sectors in order to address the peace and security concerns of the community.

Police Colonel Red in his message emphasized the significance of the said activity in performing the sworn duties and responsibilities of PNP to serve and protect the people. (DIPPO/PIA- Dinagat Islands)

DTI DINAGAT CAMPAIGNS FOR THE BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL ADVOCACY AT THE PDC-EDC MEETING

The Department of Trade and IndustryDinagat Islands presented the Buy Local, Support Local program during the Provincial Development CouncilEconomic Development Committee Meeting held recently at the Old SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose town.

One of DTI’s strategies for economic recovery

and helping the microenterprises bounce back is the buy local campaign, which aims to institutionalize through the issuance of an executive order or ordinance prescribing for the allocation of at least 10% of the total procurement value of the LGUs, national government agencies (NGAs), and other agencies holding offices in the locality for locally-produced goods

and services and their promotion thereof. The advocacy also aims to support and promote the marketing initiative of local producers to LGUs and further strengthen and increase patronage of the local products.

During the PDC-EDC meeting, the members committed to adopt and endorse the initiative to the Provincial PDC. (DTI- Dinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands)

Misurender nga FRs sa Agusan del Norte padayon ang pagsaka, reintegration gitutukan sa probinsya

Sa wala pa mahuman ang tuig 2022, padayon ang pagsaka sa ihap sa mga former rebels (FRs) ang mi-surender ngadto sa sabakan sa goberno diin gitutukan karon sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan ang pagpahiluna sa reintegration sa mga kanhi rebelde pinaagi sa Adopt-A-Former Rebel Program sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte. Base sa taho sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) nga gipangulohan ni Dr.

Silver Joy Tejano, hepe sa maong buhatan, moabot na sa 96 ang natala sulod sa ikatulong kwarter niing tuiga ang mibalik na sa sabakan sa goberno nga mga New People’s Army (NPA) tungod sa hiniusang lakang nga gi-implementar nga mga programa sa goberno.

Sumala pa sa taho niini, usa sa mga prayoridad ni Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante nga ma-plastar ang maong surrenderees sa ilang pagpanarbaho ug mahatagan og

saktong oportunidad base sa ilang mapili nga komunidad sa maong reintegration.

Ang Adopt-anFR program usa ka structured pathway nga mahimong kaabag sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan tali sa mga local government units (LGU’s), pribadong organisasyon ug kompanya ingon man ang civic society organizations sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte aron magpahiluna ug mapadali ang reintegration sa mga

kanhi rebelde ngadto sa komunidad.

Tumong sa maong programa nga maghiusa ang stakeholders lakip na ang lokalidad nga suportahan ang mga kanhi rebelde.

Sumala pa sa nasabutan ug giduso karon sa membro sa komitiba sa Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program ( ECLIP) ug Technical Working Group (TWG) alang sa proseso sa maong programa, una, kinahanglan mo-adopt ang usa ka ahensya og labing menos isa ka

former rebel o labaw pa niini nga buot nila ipaempleyo sa ilang tagsatagsa ka institusyon.

Ikaduha, gikinahanglan maghimo og usa ka ordinansa o resolusyon aron ma institutionalize kini nga programa isip inisyatiba sa probinsya alang sa FRs. Ang ikatulo, kinahanglan sa probinsya mismo nag gikan ang mga benepisyaryo ug kadto lamang na-identify sa komitiba ang makabenipisyo niini, ug adunay Memorandum of Agreement / Memorandum of Understanding

ang pagahimuon tali sa ahensya ug benepisyaryo.

Base sa datus, mosuma 214 ka former rebels ang ihap gikan sa tuig 2021-2022. Ug kasamtangang anaa sa 112 pa lamang ang nahatagan og trabaho sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug ubang ahensya. Pipila kanila nahimong Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), Security Guard, government staff, construction worker ug uban pa. (Karen Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

29IB DISCOVERS RPG, BOMB PARAPHERNALIAS IN AGNOR

The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion successfully discovered New Peoples Army (NPA) Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) with three (3) live high explosive (HE) ammunition and bomb paraphernalia on September 30, 2022 at the hinterlands of Brgy Cuyago, Santiago, Agusan del Norte when troops received information from small scale miners in the area.

It can be recalled that on September 14, 2022, The troops of 29IB encountered the Communists Terrorists Group (CTG) in the said area and later found the cadaver of Rolando Rubilla ’Edroy’ Leyson Jr, Secretary of Guerilla Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao

Regional Committee (NEMRC) thru the relentless Focused Military Operation being conducted by the Philippine Army Unit in the area.

The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion condemns the CTGs continued use of improvised explosive devices (IED) functioning as landmines due to the inherent humanitarian threats they pose to civilians and communities. It clearly implies that the CTG does not respect human rights and does not comply with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). (1Lt. Jade Bryce G. Buñe, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE GIPADANGAT

SA 200 KA BENEPISYARYO SA 2ND

DISTRICT SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Mosuma sa 200 ka benepisyaryo sa segundo distrito sa Agusan del Norte ang gilantaw nga makapanukad sa pagbangon gikan sa hapak sa pandemya ug mga kalamidad gamit ang Php15,000 nga Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) nga gipahiluna sa buhatan ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera nga napadangat sa matag usa kanila niadtong Septiyembre 29.

Gihimo ang maong pagpang-apod apod sa assistance sa Syudad sa Cabadbaran alang sa mga benepisyaryo gikan sa silangang bahin sa distrito sa buntag ug sa lungsod sa Buenavista alang niadtong gikan sa kasadpang bahin pagkahapon.

Ang LAG pundo nga gidumala sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Nagahin kini sa distrito sa administrasyon ni kanhi Pres. Rodrigo Duterte sa paningkamot ni Sen. Bong Go. Gisalig

ang pagpahiluna sa pagpadangat sa assistance sa mga benepisyaryo niini sa buhatan ni Kongresista Corvera kaabag ang mga Local Government Units (LGU) sa distrito.

Gamit ang maong pundo gilauman nga makamugna ang mga benepisyaryo og ubay-ubay nga ekonomikanhong kalihukan nga mahimong dugang tinubdan sa trabaho ug dugang kita sa mga lumulupyo.

Aron masundan ang paglambo sa panginabuhian sa mga benepisyaryo ubos

ning maong programa, gipaneguro ni Kongresista Corvera pinaagi sa iyang representante nga nagbasa sa iyang mensahe, nga kabahin ang iyang buhatan sa support network nga maghatag og follow through technical assistance sa mga benepisyaryo.

Gipaneguro usab ni Kongresista Corvera nga padayon siyang mangalap og pondo aron makab-ot sa distrito ang mas taas pa nga ang-ang sa paglambo. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgSur Reservists join Mayana planting, clean-up drive

The Reservists of Agusan del Sur actively participated in the planting of Mayana and clean-up drive activity initiated by the local government unit of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

The Environment Consciousness Program is anchored on the Municipal Executive Order Number 4 Series of 2022 institutionalizing a

monthly clean-up activity to be participated by all government and private offices, sociocivic organizational institutions, agencies, business individuals of the said municipality with its launching on July 16, 2022. This is done every first Saturday of the month.

Present in this activity were Hon. Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo, Municipal Mayor, 2Lt

Joseph Archel B Otic, Commander, Bravo Company, together with the organic personnel of 1502nd Community Defense Center (1502CDC), 15th Regional Community Defense Center (15RCDG), Reserve Command (RESCOM), Philippine Army (PA). (2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Executive Officer, 1502 CDC)

MINDANAO NEWS

UNIDO, MINDA LAUNCH MINDANAO’S FIRST HYBRID POWER PLANT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Mindanao Development Authority jointly launched the first hybrid power plant in Mindanao as part of the Renewable Energy Technology to Increase Value-Added of Seaweeds in Tawi-Tawi Project (RETS).

Expected to officially switchon by December, the power plant is seen to provide 24/7 electrification in the island municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.

RETS is funded by the European Union (EU) under its Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), and is implemented through a partnership among MinDA, UNIDO,Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative (TAWELCO), Provincial Government of TawiTawi, Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi, Association of Isolated Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AIEC), and BARMM’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy, and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform.

“Supporting a seaweed value chain in a remote location in Tawi-Tawi by mounting renewable energy supply, strengthening the power grid, securing a steady water supply and enhancing community services in health, education, nutrition and sanitation, is not an easy feat. It is impressive. The European Union is therefore proud it had supported this

UNIDO Director General Gerd Muller (4th from right), MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, and European Union Head of Delegation Christopher Wagner (3rd from right), along with the stakeholders of the Renewable Energy Technology for Seaweeds Value-Added (RETS) project unveil the marker for the solar hybrid power plants in the municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai in the island province of Tawi-tawi last 28 September at the Philippine International Convention Center. Photo by MinDA.

action in the amount of 3 million EUR,” said EU Ambassador the Philippines Luc Veron.

The RETS project was launched in 2019 aiming to increase and extend the availability of electricity service in these island municipalities of that are home to about 15,000 seaweed farmers, through the renewable energy hybridization of the island grids in the municipalities of Sitangkai and Sibutu.

“The EU delegation has long been MinDA’s partner for peace and development. We are grateful to have the same support from them in

our pursuit of a balanced and sustainable energy mix for Mindanao, especially in the off-grid communities,” said MinDA Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta.

The project also integrates efforts to enhance the quality and increase the value of seaweeds produced by the communities.

“When we provide more income-generating activities, we are also improving the households’ ability to pay for the energy service, which contributes to the sustainability of the project,” Acosta added.

AFP, CIVIC GROUP PARTNER IN ASSISTING CONFLICT-HIT MINDANAO AREAS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Mindanao Humanitarian Volunteers for Peace Inc., (MHVP) on Monday inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for an ongoing partnership aimed at delivering services in remote and conflict-affected communities in the country.

Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony SD Reyes, The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP (TDCSAFP), and MHVP president Dr. Maria Theresa Heyrosa signed the pact in a ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“MHVP in coordination with the AFP’s Mindanaobased units has conducted medical and humanitarian missions in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement Tuesday.

Some of the areas they served in the past include the municipalities of Indanan, Luuk, Omar, Kalingalang Caluang, Panamao, Banguingui, Pata, Siasi in Sulu Province;

Languyan, Sapa-Sapa Island, and South Ubian in TawiTawi; island municipalities in Basilan; San Fernando in Bukidnon; and Paquibato District in Davao City.

The agreement further strengthened both parties’ cooperation in bringing services to the people.

Through its various units, the AFP will extend to MHVP security and transportation assistance, subject to the availability of these resources as determined by units on the ground.

The AFP will also help identify areas where medical and humanitarian services will be conducted in coordination with MHVP and local government units.

In a speech delivered by Reyes, AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro thanked the MHVP for their “genuine heart for public service and burning spirit of patriotism.”

“As the AFP Chief-of-Staff, I would like to reaffirm our commitment that we shall maximize our resources and capabilities to strengthen our partnership with stakeholders, intensify our civil-military efforts to deliver more responsive and relevant community support programs, and continuously partake in the peace-building and national development agenda of our national government,” he added. (PNA/Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of AFP)

NEWS

PBBM SAYS WORK TO IMPROVE AGRI SECTOR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN; URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO AID AGRIBUSINESS EFFICIENCY

Efforts to improve the Philippine agricultural sector must be accelerated to make it a significant contributor to economic growth and national development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday, as he called on different stakeholders to aid his administration to achieve its goals. Speaking at the opening rites of the Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink

Trade Fairs 2022 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Marcos said initiatives to improve the sector, as well as the plight of the Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, have only just begun.

“We are presently only playing catch-up. We have allowed the agriculture sector to diminish in its importance and in its contribution to our GDP, our contribution to the welfare of ordinary citizens, ordinary Filipinos,” he said.

The President added: “And that is why it is important that we accelerate all our efforts. And occasions such as this are just the highly appropriate times for which we can remind ourselves that what we are doing is not only growing crops, not only expanding fisheries, not only helping our livestock growers, but what we are is feeding a nation.”

The Chief Executive said the Philippines can attain stability and progress as a nation aside from ensuring sufficient food source if it has a strong agricultural foundation.

Through this year’s trade fair, the government can link with different partners to realize its goal of revitalizing the agricultural sector, he pointed out.

“Through the conduct of trade events like this, we seek to improve the agricultural value chain and aid in the overall development of the small and medium-scale enterprises in the agribusiness sector through the creation of market opportunities,” Marcos said.

“Trade events like Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink help us support our farmers and our fisherfolk. We empower them to become catalysts who will contribute to the recovery and inclusive growth of our economy,” he added.

Following the crippling effects of the pandemic, the country now gears toward building back better together with the people, he said, adding that the government has provided inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machinery, equipment, facilities as well as fingerlings and livestock to help farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock growers.

The government has also expanded irrigation projects, established KADIWA outlets, created food logistics hubs and agri-trading centers, and aided

cooperatives and associations to procure reefer vans, freezers, chillers, and other logistical support to help the farmers.

The President also said the government likewise provided various forms of assistance, disbursing more than P590 million under the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance and P320 million for the Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk.

In addition, it also has a Quick Response Fund, which is readily available to aid farmers in times of disasters and calamities.

Marcos reported that so far, the government has released a total of P1.54 billion, benefitting more than 17 million farmers and fisherfolk.

The President was joined by Senator Cynthia Villar, Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo

Panganiban, Agrilink 2022 Chairman Christopher Lindo, Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development Chairperson Dulce Gozon, and members of the diplomatic corps. | PND

PBBM SAYS PH READY TO TAKE THE LEAD IN ASEAN PEACE-KEEPING EFFORTS AMID GLOBAL TENSIONS

Regionally, Marcos suggested that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must be strengthened to make it more responsive to future challenges and to enable the regional bloc to do more than what it has accomplished so far.

The Philippines taking a lead role in peace-making, at least on a regional level, is good for our interest, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday night, underscoring his readiness to engage his counterparts in Southeast Asia to ensure peace and security.

Marcos made the remark during a question and answer session at a gathering organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) in Pasay City, where he was asked if he wanted to be the leader in peace-making negotiations amid the current geopolitical tensions.

He said the Philippines has a vital role to play, particularly amid the Ukraine-Russia war, the US-China tension over Taiwan, and the recent missile testing by North Korea.

The President pointed out that

if Russia uses tactical nuclear warheads against Ukraine and it becomes acceptable, it might encourage other nuclear powers to do the same, elevating the global uncertainty to a new level.

“So we have a very important part to play in that because we have a great interest. It must be a subject of central concern in our foreign policy and in the defense of the nation in the Philippines,” he told media personalities at the MOPC gathering.

The President further said: “So I do not think we have a choice. We must play a leadership role because it is in our interest. And if we do not do it, we are not doing our jobs as the protectors of our country, of our state, of our territory, of our people, if we do not take that leadership role.”

“And in fact, in the upcoming ASEAN conferences that are coming up in November, I intend to propose several actions that ASEAN can take specific to the different conflicts that we are seeing in our region,” he said, stressing that if the Philippines can play a part, then that would be a good thing.

ASEAN member countries must present a united front, the chief executive said, noting it is the best way forward simply because of the moral suasion of several ASEAN members, which is more effective than just doing the negotiation bilaterally.

“I think we should continue to try and push our member neighbors to present that united front and to move that united front forward so that we can say that ASEAN, a geopolitical aggrupation, economic aggrupation, has certainly shown that it has a function to do in the normal scheme of the geopolitics,” he said. |

PBBM URGES MEDIA TO HELP

EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE GOV’T EFFORTS; CITES ROLE OF PRESS IN SOCIAL DEV’T

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on members of the media to help effectively communicate government efforts to the public as he vowed to protect free speech and press freedom in the country.

Marcos made this remark during an event organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City, where he reiterated that his administration will maintain open lines of communication with the media, which he considers an important partner of the government.

“As I share your club’s conviction in the importance of upholding the universal right of free speech and press freedom as well as giving and receiving accurate information, I’m committed to remain open with you, constantly communicating our progress as we move forward,” said Marcos.

The President added: “I urge you to effectively communicate to the public the government’s efforts and initiatives towards our country’s development.”

Whatever difficulties the press may encounter, Marcos made a commitment to always be

ready “to lend an ear and listen to you and your concerns.”

In his message, the President underscored the crucial role of the press in building an active citizenry that contributes to society’s development.

“The nation counts on the media in improving access to information and increasing awareness on issues that affect our country and the world,” Marcos pointed out.

“Your proactive participation in keeping a well-informed citizenry forms part of our collective goal to empower Filipinos and establish a more robust Philippines,” he added. Marcos assured the members of the media that his government would continue to articulate its plans to the press, including the

MOPC, the oldest press club in the Philippines, founded in 1945.

Among the administration’s key priorities are securing food sufficiency and post-pandemic growth, which the President articulated during his recent overseas trips.

In his working visits abroad, Marcos promoted agricultural cooperation and encouraged trade investment in key sectors. The government also focuses on strengthening public-private partnerships and sustaining robust infrastructure initiatives through its flagship Build Better More Infrastructure Agenda.

The President said while there are uncertainties in the global arena, the government remains resolute in its efforts to cushion their impact on the Filipino people. (PND)

PBBM ASSURES ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE

ADAPTATION ON TOP OF ADMIN’S AGENDA

also its national wealth.

More importantly, he wished the gathering to become an opportunity for the government and private partners to actively collaborate in translating an integrated and multistakeholder Resiliency Framework into actions that will sustain the growth of the sector.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called for a more robust collaboration to protect the environment, assuring the public that building the country’s resiliency and improving climate change adaptation are on top of the administration’s agenda.

“As your President, I assure you that our environment and our country’s resiliency and adaptation to the new normals of climate change are on top of the national agenda,” Marcos said during the opening of the 2022 Department of Environment and Natural Resources Multi-Stakeholders Forum in Manila.

“We ensure that the initiatives we will take will enable us to become smarter, more responsible, more sustainable in all that we do.”

According to the President, the road ahead will be long and tough, and everyone must stay

strong and accept that it’s a fight that must be waged by all, and, more importantly—a battle that must be won.

“In this collective fight, we are not soldiers; we are stewards. There will be no weapons to use; only behaviors and practices to improve upon,” he said, adding that victory will not come by defeating a visible enemy but will come at certain moments when averting a global crisis becomes imminent.

Marcos said triumphant is at hand when there is clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and lands and oceans to harness for the benefit of all Filipinos and for all humanity.

Active collaboration, resiliency framework

He said he expects the threeday forum to bring about substantial outcomes that will focus on enriching not only the country’s natural resources but

“So let us join our efforts. I am certain we will pass on to our children a country and a world that are in a much better state than they came upon,” he said. “We are only custodians of this beautiful planet that we live on. Let us take that responsibility seriously for many generations that will still follow.”

The chief executive commended the DENR and Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga for spearheading the event, which Marcos described as important in order to know the concerns and the opportunities that can be provided by the participants. He also expressed elation over the participation of the “big movers and shakers” from the private sector, NGOs, academe, and different countries around the world who have already offered assistance in the country’s battle against the effects of changing climate.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Senator Cynthia Villar, and members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance. (PND)

PBBM LEADS OATH-TAKING OF CABINET MEMBERS IN MALACAÑANG

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the oathtaking of his reappointed Cabinet members on Tuesday, October 4, in Malacañang. Newlyappointed Executive Secretary Lucas Purugganan Bersamin, 72, a native of Bangued, Abra, led the list of Cabinet officials.

Bersamin replaced Atty. Victor Dayrit Rodriguez, who stepped down from the post over a week ago.

PBBM also administered the oath of the following ad-interim cabinet appointees:

•Benjamin Estoista

Diokno – Secretary of the Department of Finance

•Manuel Manligas

Bonoan – Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways

•Alfredo Espinosa

Pascual – Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry

•Erwin Teshiba

Tulfo – Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development

•Jaime Jimenez

Bautista – Secretary of the Department of Transportation

•Renato Umali Solidum Jr. – Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology

•Raphael Perpetuo

Mercado Lotilla –

Secretary of the Department of Energy

•Maria Susana Vasquez

Ople – Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers

•Arsenio Molina

Balisacan – Secretary of the National Economic Development Authority

•Jose Rizalino Larion

Acuzar – Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development | PND

PH daily average of new Covid cases down by 10%

The daily average of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases went down by 10 percent from Oct. 3 to 9, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday. From 2,288 per day recorded from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, the number decreased to 2,048 daily in the recent week.

The latest case bulletin showed there were 14,333 new cases and 256 verified deaths.

Of the additional deaths, the DOH said 29 occurred from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9.

In the same period, five cases were added to the tally of severe and critical infections, which went down to 669 from the previous week’s 753.

Only 24.3 percent or 614 out of the 2,524 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in use, while 27.2 percent or 5,730 of 21,039 nonICU beds are utilized.

To date, about 73,312,416 or 93.87 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) are vaccinated against Covid-19, including 78.95 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens.

As of Oct. 9, a total of 20,133,918 have received booster shots out of the fully vaccinated population. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA file photo)

DBM OKS RELEASE OF P11.5 BILLION FOR ONE COVID ALLOWANCE

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday approved the release of around PHP11.5 billion for the distribution of One Covid-19 Allowance (OCA) or Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) claims to over 1.6 million qualified beneficiaries.

In a press statement, the DBM said the fund will

go to the Department of Health (DOH), the agency in charge of giving the OCA or HEA to eligible public and private healthcare workers (HCWs) and nonHCWs.

“The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) covers unfunded OCA/ HEA claims of healthcare and non-healthcare workers for the period of January to June 2022,”

the agency said.

The DBM said the latest release of funds will cover the unfunded portion of some 2,613,331 approved OCA/HEA claims by the DOH, as of Sept. 5, 2022, with a total funding requirement of PHP18.7 billion.

The DBM noted that it released around PHP7.92 billion of the PHP18.7 billion on Feb. 14 this year

(File photo)

to cover the payment of 995,671 OCA/HEA claims.

Budget Secretary

Amenah Pangandaman said the approval of disbursement of PHP11.5 billion for HCWs’ Covid-19 benefits demonstrates the current administration’s commitment to give them the necessary support and assistance.

“Our healthcare workers deserve all the support and assistance from their government. They’ve been risking their lives to save and protect our people amidst this still prevailing pandemic. This is the least we can do for them,” Pangandaman said.

The provision of OCA is in pursuant to DOH’s Special Provision No. 14 under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 General Appropriations Act, which stipulates that the amount of Covid-19 benefits shall vary according to risk exposure of the HCW and non-HCW in particular setting.

The OCA was

subsequently replaced by HEA under Republic Act 11712, an act granting mandatory continuing benefits and allowances to public and private health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and other future public health emergencies.

Recipients who are identified to be at high risk for Covid-19 will receive PHP9,000 monthly, while those who are deployed in moderate and low-risk areas are entitled to a monthly benefit of PHP6,000 and PHP3,000 respectively.

On Monday, the DBM has also approved the release of a SARO amounting to PHP1.04

billion to cover the special risk allowance of eligible public and private health workers involved in the Covid-19 response.

In September, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to improve the working conditions of nurses and health workers in the country and abroad. Marcos also promised to reduce the disparity in salaries between government hospitals with those in the private sector and the uneven distribution of nurses in different areas nationwide by addressing issues related to health facilities, benefits, and security of tenure. (PNA/Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE IN PH LOWER AT 62.9%: DOH

The routine immunization coverage among children in the country is only 62.9 percent, lower than data recorded in previous years, a health official said Tuesday.

In a media briefing, Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the target coverage for routine immunization among children is 95 percent.

For routine vaccines to be effective, the required doses must be completed following the schedule from the time children are born until they are one year old.

“Kapag kinumpara natin ito sa mga datos natin from the previous years, bumaba po ang ating datos para dito (If we look at our data from the previous years, our data [coverage] for this went down),” she said.

Earlier, the DOH met with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to discuss the country’s immunization rate.

“Based on our data, we were able to analyze and ang atin pong pool of susceptibles na mga bata na wala ni isang bakuna o zero dose pa lang sila dito sa ating bansa (our

pool of susceptibles who are children with no vaccine, or zero dose in the country) for the past two years of pandemic is almost one million,” Vergeire said.

The number of children who were unable to receive at least one dose of measles vaccine is almost three million.

Consequently, the WHO and UNICEF reminded the DOH to strengthen its routine immunization as there could be an impending outbreak of measles in the country by next year or vaccine preventable diseases with inoculation coverage remains low.

Apart from vaccine hesitancy, Vergeire said lockdowns and restrictions affected the pediatric

vaccination for preventable diseases.

She urged parents to have their children complete the routine immunization as protection against diseases especially measles. “Ang tigdas afflicts less than five years old children. Ang matatanda pwede rin magka-tigdas kung walang bakunang natanggap noong bata pa (Measles afflicts less than five years old children. Adults can also have it if they were not immunized earlier),” she said. Young children with weak immune systems could suffer from complications like pneumonia and diarrhea due to measles which may lead to hospitalization or death, she added. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

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