IPs want CNTs punished for killing IP leaders in SurSur

IPS WANT CNTS PUNISHED FOR KILLING IP LEADERS IN SURSUR By Jennifer P. Gaitano Following the killing of Datu Jomar been an active leader in the promotion Bucales, along with other Indigenous of peace and development in Lianga Peoples (IP) leaders in Lianga, Surigao and has been supportive of the del Sur, the IP communities called on government’s initiatives. the different concerned government During a press briefing facilitated agencies, media, and other sectors to by the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army, help bring those responsible to justice. Secretary Allen Capuyan of the National Datu Jimmy Guinsod, provincial Commission on Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Peoples Mandatory (NCIP) bared that the killing incident Representative (IPMR) of Surigao del of Datu Bucales and other IP leaders Sur has appealed to the national is an expression of the Communist government for swift justice and wanted New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs’) the communist terrorist group (CTG) in exploitation and abuse to the ancestral the province to be punished by law for domain of the IP communities. “Such their terroristic acts. terroristic act should not be tolerated,” As he shared his sentiments, he he said. also revealed that Datu Bucales has “Government agencies, media,

and other sectors should work together to help protect the rights and welfare of the Indigenous Peoples against the CNTs. The task force ELCAC (ending local communist armed conflict) is useless if these terroristic acts continue. We will file a murder case and violation of international humanitarian law against the culprits,” cited Capuyan. Capuyan emphasized the grassroots slogan that “those who have less in life should have more in law.” This, he said, reminding the government officials and stakeholders to revisit the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) in order to put all resources and developmental efforts in the proper perspective. “IPRA is a law to correct historical

injustice ngunit nasaan na ngayon ang totoong pagkalinga sa mamamayan? (but where now can we see the real concern of the people?)” he said, adding that the efforts should be grounded on protecting indigenous peoples’ customary laws, their selfdetermination, and territorial rights as recognized under contemporary international law. Mayor Novelita Sarmen of Lianga also expressed her condemnation to the brutal killing of the NPAs to the IPs. “It is with deep grief and sorrow to announce the untimely demise of Datu Bucales. We condemn such a brutal killing as it is a direct insult to democracy and to the most fragile peace and order we all hope to foster in our municipality,” she said. Meanwhile, LTC Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, called on the IP leaders to closely coordinate with them should they have relevant activities and events to attend to, so they could be assisted/escorted to ensure their protection from the NPAs and prevent such incident. Baybayan also recalled and recognized the late Datu Bucales for his efforts and initiatives in realizing peace and development in the ancestral domain. Amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Sec. Capuyan, along with other officials took time and visited the municipality of Lianga and initiated a plan of actions to ensure that responsible people for the killing incident will be put to jail and suffer the consequences. (JPG/VLG/PIACaraga)

MINDANAO NEWS

OVER 100K HECTARES IN MINDANAO PLANTED WITH HIGH-QUALITY RICE SEEDS

The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Agusan del Norte contributed in ensuring food security in its area of coverage by providing seeds planted in more than 100,000 hectares (ha). Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program, Jasmin Reyes, PhilRice Agusan RCEF branch focal person said more than 250,000 bags of certified inbred seeds were distributed and planted in the Northern, Northeastern, and Southern Mindanao. Reyes said that over 76,000 farmers in about 120 municipalities received at least 40 kilograms (kg) of certified seeds. Farmers were listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Gregorio Orig, a 52-year-old farmer in Carmen, Surigao del Sur shared his harvest had increased with the certified inbred rice seeds he received from the program. “I used to produce only 60-80 bags (60kg/ bag)/ha, but through these certified seeds, I harvested

100 bags per hectare!” Orig said. Meanwhile, Robert Oracion, a municipal agriculturist of New Corella, Davao del Norte commended the program as farmers in their area now prefer high-quality seed. The RCEF-Seed Program, which is a component of the Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication law signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, allots P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program is a six-year government initiative to help the

farmers compete in the and development For more information international rice market. mandated to help ensure about the Institute’s The local government units a rice-secure Philippines. program, queries can and lawmakers assist in its With eight stations across be sent thru PhilRice Text implementation. PhilRice leads the RCEF-Seed Program and is the government’s lead the country, its programs and projects are in line with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, Mataas Na Kita” Center (0917 111 7423) or email prri.mail@philrice. gov.ph. (DA-PhilRice/PIAagency on rice research battlecry. Caraga)

ZAMBO CASSAVA GROWERS THRIVE EVEN AMID PANDEMIC

RESILIENCE. Abdulhakim Jala, president of the Lubigan Cassava Growers Association (right) and a member of the association (left), display grated cassava, locally known as pangi, along the highway in Barangay Lubigan, Zamboanga City. The average farm-gate price of each block of grated cassava is P170 but dropped slightly following of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. (PNA photo by Teofilo P. Garcia, Jr.)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic may have brought social and economic challenges, but a group of cassava growers here managed to sustain its livelihood and stay afloat. The Lubigan Cassava Farmers

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. Association, whose members are into the production of grated cassava--locally known as pangi--has 152 members who cultivate some 200 hectares of cassava in the coastal village of Lubigan. “There are farmers from nearby barangays who supply us cassava, but their harvest is seasonal because they don’t regularly plant cassava unlike our association,” said Abdulhakim Jala, president of the Lubigan Cassava Farmers Association. Pangi is raw grated cassava, formed into

blocks and wrapped in banana leaves or plastic. The farm gate price for each block, which weighs between 11 to 13 kilos, is pegged at PHP170. Jala said that the farm gate price has dropped to PHP140 apiece when the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic hit this city. Many residents here consider grated cassava as a staple food, known as shanglag (fried rice) when cooked. The other customers, who are into the buy-and-sell business, cook the grated cassava into different kinds of native kakanin such as puto, bianban, and suman. The delicacies are sold at the local public market and served in some of the eateries downtown. Food pass The association slowly resumed selling pangi when the Department of Agriculture issued food passes two weeks after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) took effect. “We had no production when the ECQ was imposed; we had no income,” Jala said, adding the association’s members resorted to a “bayanihan” system to help each other with their daily needs. “In terms of food, if you’re used to each cassava, you will survive,” Jala said. “We cook vegetables, grown in our backyard, as our viand.” When they resumed producing pangi, the volume of production and sale was not as much as compared prior to the pandemic. “There’s nothing we can do; it was better than no income at all,” Jala said. Jala said that previously, they transport every evening three truckloads of pangi, which is around 1,500 blocks, to their customers at the local public market. Occasionally, Jala said the group would supply pangi to the provinces of Basilan and Sulu through motorboats. Cosechas de Zamboanga The Agri-Trade Fair, dubbed as Cosechas de Zamboanga (Zamboanga’s Harvest), is part of the yearly Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the highlight of which is the feast of Our

Lady of the Pillar, this city’s patron saint. Carmencita Sanchez, the city agriculturist, said the activity will run until October 15 and aims to showcase the locallyproduced products of the different agricultural districts and fishery organizations in this city. “Through this event, the farmers can showcase their products as well as have the opportunity to establish a new market,” Sanchez said. Jala said the Cosechas de Zamboanga has been a blessing for the association, helping them cushion the effect of the pandemic. For this year’s AgriTrade Fair, Jala’s group is also selling peanut butter as well as dried fish. Jala said with the way things are happening, the members of the association are with high spirits they can recover the market for pangi they lost due to the pandemic. “With perseverance and patience, we are optimistic we can recover. Our livelihood will be the same as it was before the health pandemic,” Jala said. (PNA)

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR

PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar paid homage to his uncle, former Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte mayor, Dr. Rumar Andanar, who succumbed to complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Monday. The Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro, where he was previously admitted, confirmed the death of Dr. Andanar early Monday morning. Over the course of his career, Dr. Andanar was a former mayor of his hometown in Siargao, former provincial board member, former president of Rotary Club of Surigao City, and a former police major of the Philippine National Police. He entered the police force on July 1, 1987 and was reinstated on Dec. 17, 2003. He retired from the service on Oct. 21, 2014 at the age of 56. He served as a Municipal Health Officer from 1993 to 1995; a Provincial Board Member from 1995 -1998; and the Municipal Mayor of Sta. Monica from 1998-2001. Prior to his demise, he worked as a Medical Officer for a rehabilitation center at Barangay Anomar, Surigao City.

ANDANAR HONORS FRONT-LINER UNCLE WHO DIED FIGHTING COVID-19

“Uncle Rumar T. Andanar, you have fought a good battle that will forever distinguish you from the rest of us. You continued healing people even at your retired and senior age,” Secretary Andanar posted on his social media account. “Our mayor, our police major, our dear uncle, father of cousin Mac, husband of Dr. Agnes, the people’s doctor, our front-liner and our hero has fallen. A life well lived, RIP Uncle Rumar. Salute!” In his message, Secretary Andanar remembered his late uncle’s constant regard for his duty as a leader and public servant. “Uncle Rumar’s commitment to public service and dedication to his work will always be remembered by everyone. His untimely demise was a loss of a dedicated public servant to his people,” he said. “This unfortunate event, so as the many similar circumstances our fellow Filipinos have experienced throughout the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, exhibits the sacrifices and risks our front-liners continue to endure each day of their service to our collective fight against the virus.” The PCOO chief went on to remind the public to remain cautious and

ANDANAR HONORS FRONT-LINER UNCLE WHO DIED FIGHTING COVID-19

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

maintain compliance with the issued safety protocols to protect themselves and other people from getting infected. “We call on all our countrymen to remain in compliance with the health protocols our government continues to remind us of. This as we aim to assist and protect our front-liners, also to strive to heal and recover from Covid-19 as one nation,” he said. Secretary Andanar’s father, former Surigao del Norte governor and former DILG undersecretary Atty. Wencelito Andanar, said his brother’s death was a great loss not only to his family, but also to the medical chapter in the CARAGA Region. “I am in grief over the death of my dear brother who since childhood had stayed by my side, even so in difficult and trying periods of my life. I will always remember his kindness and wit,” Atty.

Andanar said. “We commend you for fulfilling your Hippocratic Oath till the end. We love you, Rumar. For Dr. Agnes and Macmac know that our family will always be here for you. “Brother, when I see you in the sun, I shall tell you much.” The Santa Monica local government led by Mayor Fernando Dolar also mourned the passing of former Mayor Rumar. “The LGU family of Santa Monica and all Sapaonons mourn the untimely passing of our beloved former mayor and board member, Dr. Rumar Andanar. May you rest in peace, pare. Our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Agnes, Mark, and to the Tan-Andanar family,” Vice Mayor Arwela Dolar said. Dr. Andanar is also the brother of incumbent provincial board member of the first district of Surigao del Norte, Edgar Andanar. (PR)

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)

DILG WELCOMES UNHRC SUPPORT TO PH HUMAN RIGHTS EFFORTS

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday welcomed the passage of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution expressing support and cooperation for the country’s efforts to protect human rights. “The UNHRC resolution is a welcome development on the part of the Inter-agency Committee on AntiIllegal Drugs (ICAD) Advocacy Cluster headed by the DILG. This move is a recognition that the government’s approach against illegal drugs is holistic. We are not only focusing on the supply reduction side but also on the demand reduction aspect,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año in a news release. Adopted during the council’s 45th session in Geneva, Switzerland, the UNHRC resolution called for technical assistance and capacity building for domestic efforts on human rights between the Philippine government and the Office of Human

Rights Council (OHCHR). A¬ño said the proposed move further strengthens the Department’s unwavering commitment to the campaign against the illegal drugs menace in the country while observing and protecting the human rights of all individuals. He added that the DILG will also give more emphasis on community-based drug rehabilitation efforts. “The Department has been steadfast in its commitment to eradicating the illegal drugs using a wholeof-nation approach to ensure that human rights protection is upheld in the performance of the sworn duties by all public servants under the DILG organization,” he added. The DILG chief assured the public that even amidst the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, the Department is unwavering in facing the illegal drug problem in the country based on a systematic analysis of the data gathered from the Anti-Illegal Drugs Information System (AIDIS) which is shared among the different drug

agencies. He earlier ordered the PNP to tighten up the illegal drugs campaign with the easing of community quarantine in greater parts of the country as the trend of Covid-19 cases slows down daily. Noting that some illegal drugs users have forcibly withdrawn due to lack of supply during the quarantine, Año emphasized that all forms of illegal drugs have to be stopped at all stages of the supply chain, from the production of raw materials to the distribution on the street. “Sa gitna na malaking krisis na kinakaharap ng maraming bansa dahil sa pandemya, napakalaking ginhawa ang maidudulot ng pagtutulungan na inilalatag ng UNHCR para tuluyan na mapagtagumpayan ang illegal na droga sa bansa sa tulong ng lahat ng mga attached agencies ng DILG at ng iba pang mga sangay ng gobyerno. Basta’t sama-sama at may disiplina, kayang kaya! (Amid a major crisis the country is facing due to the pandemic, the call of UNHCR for cooperation between the attached agencies of the DILG and other branches of government in fighting the illegal drug problem is a sigh of relief. As long as there is discipline and cooperation, we can do it),” Año said. The 47-member UNHRC acknowledged the country’s strong and open collaboration with the United Nations, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, justice, law enforcement, and accountability processes at the invitation of the government and, under national priorities. Among the proposed areas of cooperation cited in the said UNHRC resolution are technical assistance and capacity-building, domestic investigative and accountability measures, data gathering on alleged police violations, civic space and engagement with civil society and the Commission on Human Rights, national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up, counterterrorism legislation, and human rights-based approached to drug control. (PR)

Senator Christopher Bong Go (File photo)

REFORMING PENSION SYSTEM WILL ENSURE FISCAL STABILITY: GO

The old pension system for men in uniform should be improved to ensure the country’s fiscal stability, Senator Christopher Bong Go said on Monday. In a manifestation, Go pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1419, a measure By Lade Jean Kabagani which aims to maintain financial flexibility on the part of the government, while the state will “continue to provide adequate benefits and remuneration to the men and women in uniform.” Go cited the vital tasks of military forces and uniformed personnel to ensure the country’s peace and security. “Even the Constitution recognizes the invaluable role of the military and our uniformed personnel in protecting the nation and its citizens from threats, both within

and outside the country’s borders,” he said. Go said there is a need to reform the system in providing benefits for the military and uniformed personnel which is “necessary to achieve a balance between the governmental interest and the mandate to ensure the provision of adequate remuneration and benefits to them”. If the old pension system remains, Go said there is a possibility that “ballooning budget burden where the total cost of the pensions of retired soldiers will exceed the compensation of those in active service”. Go said while military personnel should be given what is due to them, there is a need to ensure the country’s fiscal stability. Meanwhile, Go proposed a new pension system which he branded as a “win-win” solution. He said Senate Bill No. 1419 will only apply to new entrants or those who will enter active service after the effectivity of the proposed law. Those who are “active in service” will still get what they expect to get, he said.

Go said the full effects of the pension reform bill, if passed, will be seen after 35 years when the new entrants file for their retirements. He added that the measure could benefit the entire military force and the country itself in the “long run.” Go explained that the reform is needed to stabilize the country’s fiscal position. He noted that the country might face significant fiscal problems in the future if the old pension system continues. “This will be a problem not just for the retirees, but also for our future financial managers, the entire military service, and the country as a whole,” he said. Go said the better time to pass the pension reform bill is while President Rodrigo Duterte is still in office. He said both finance and budget departments have already backed the proposed pension reform bill. Go urged his fellow legislators to listen to soldiers, the retirees, the future soldiers, and everyone else who will be affected by the measure. “The President and I will support the will of the majority. We will listen, as we always have. Bukas po ang aming opisina sa lahat ng gusto magsalita (Our office is open for those who wish to speak),” he said. During a Senate public hearing conducted by the finance committee on national defense, Go questioned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) about the modernization program of Horizon One. AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. General Gilbert Gapay, said the program, composed of the modernization of equipment, has already been completed. Security forces are still finishing some projects on “bases developments” including some projects on Doctrines Development and Human Resources Development, Gapay said. “Although very minimal ‘yung funding requirements nito, and it is included there, in the number of projects ongoing under the Horizon One,” he added. (PNA)

READY FOR CALAMITIES. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) augments the stockpile of local government units in preparation for the typhoon season. DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said the agency has adequate standby funds for disasters or calamities. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-1)

DSWD AUGMENTS LGUS’ STOCKPILE AMID

TYPHOON SEASON PHP1,070,944,878. The DSWD field office in National Capital Region (NCR) received the By Christine Cudis highest chunk with 366,904 food packs while the agency’s field office in Region Even with the ongoing public health 8 (Eastern Visayas) received the lowest crisis, the Department of Social Welfare allocation with 16,271 food packs. and Development (DSWD) on Monday DROMIC also said the total cost of said it made sure to secure the relief assistance has reached PHP1.59 emergency response capacity of local billion. government units (LGUs) nationwide. Of this figure, PHP1.08 billion were A total of 2,081,469 family shelled out by the DSWD while PHP477.52 food packs (FPPs) were distributed million came from non-government nationwide, according to DSWD’s organizations, and another PHP31.84 Disaster Response Operations million from private sources. Monitoring and Information Center “The assistance provided by LGUs (DROMIC) report. is excluded from the breakdown,” the “Ang ahensya ay patuloy na monitoring center added. namamahagi ng FPPs sa mga LGU This, as the Philippine Atmospheric, upang tulungan silang matugunan Geophysical and Astronomical Services ang pangangailangan sa mga Administration warned the public of five pagkain ng kanilang nasasakupan to eight tropical cyclones this October (The agency continues to replenish the “most of which are expected to make FPPs of LGUs nationwide to help them a landfall.” address the needs of their people),” PAGASA cited the likelihood of DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said bringing “floods, flash floods, and rainin a virtual conference. induced landslides over susceptible Bautista added that the agency areas, particularly on the eastern has also provided the LGUs with non- sections of the country which normally food items composed of basic hygiene receive greater amounts of rainfall at and welfare necessities that cost about this time of the year”. (PNA) | October 10-16, 2020

PNP PERSONNEL TO SECURE

NAT’L ID REGISTRATION By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan Philippine National Police government to collect registration under the (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo data but also to make sure Philippine Identification Cascolan has ordered all that the minimum health System (PhilSys), initially police commanders to safety standard protocols in 32 provinces that are help secure the National are properly observed considered low-risk areas ID System registration that during the entire process for coronavirus disease will start in 32 provinces of data-gathering,” JTF 2019 (Covid-19). on Oct. 12, the Joint Task Covid Shield commander The National ID Force Covid Shield said Lt. Gen. Guillermo System was signed into on Sunday. Lorenzo Eleazar said in a law in 2018 and was aimed “Police personnel statement. at providing each Filipino on the ground should not The Philippine a unique number and an only ensure the security Statistics Authority (PSA) ID card to make it easier of those hired by the targets to conduct the for Filipinos, particularly

PNP Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan (File photo) the poor, to have access Año, meanwhile, said to the banking system appropriate measures and other services. have been established to Eleazar said prevent possible Covid-19 police commanders transmission during were ordered to start the PhilSys registration coordinating with both activity. the PSA and the local “We will deploy government units, where additional PNP and the interview and data- barangay officials and gathering would be held, volunteers to enforce the in order to come up with safeguards and minimum security and health safety health standards,” Año procedures for the entire said in a message sent registration process. to the Philippine News He said the Agency. participation of the The PSA has hired police in the national ID at least 5,000 personnel registration is essential to interview and in securing both the collect data from the enumerators/supervisors target households in 32 who were hired to provinces. conduct house-to-house The data-gathering visit and the residents is just the first of the threethey would visit. part process -- the other Department two are the visit of people of the Interior and to the designated centers Local Government for the biometrics, and Secretary Eduardo the last process would

be the issuance of the national ID. The first wave of the registration would be in Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Isabela, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna and Quezon. Also included are Camarines Sur, Albay, Masbate, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Compostela Valley and Tawi-Tawi. The registration for Metro Manila residents and other areas will start next year. In April, President Rodrigo Duterte directed the National Economic and Development Authority to hasten the implementation of PhilSys. The ID will contain the PhilSys number, full name, facial image, sex, date of birth, blood type, and address of the concerned individual. The PSA aims to register an estimated 5 million low-income Filipinos by the end of the year and about 92 million by June 2022. (PNA)

PCOO 2021 BUDGET TO FOCUS ON COMMUNICATING RECOVERY FROM PANDEMIC The proposed PHP1.59 billion budget for the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) next year will center on communicating the nation’s recovery, Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday. and sustainability,” News and Information During the agency’s Andanar said. Bureau (NIB) at PHP133.1 budget hearing before The 2021 budget million, and the Bureau the Senate Finance of the PCOO and its of Communications subcommittee led by attached agencies was Services (BCS) at PHP68.6 Senator Richard Gordon, submitted to the plenary million. Meanwhile, the Andanar said the after the subcommittee National Printing Office PCOO and its attached session. (NPO) will get PHP11.9 agencies will continue In the proposed million. to deliver truth, as well as budget, the PCOO proper The agency also hope that better days are has the largest share allocated subsidies to its coming for the Philippines amounting to PHP472.3 government-owned and amid impacts of the million, followed by the -controlled corporations coronavirus disease 2019 Bureau of Broadcast (GOCCs) amounting to (Covid-19). Services (BBS) at PHP405.5 almost PHP150 million. “The PCOO’s million, and the Philippine Of this amount, budget for 2021 amounts Information Agency (PIA) PHP76.2 million go to to about PHP1.59 billion, at PHP317.6 million. the People’s Television which we will use to The Presidential Network (PTV-4) to communicate to the Broadcast Staff Radio- support its operations in people, as we recover as TV Malacanang (PBS- offering better quality a nation, with the Duterte RTVM) gets the fourth of programs; while administration laying out largest share at PHP178.8 PHP73.7 million will go the path for resilience million, followed by the to the Intercontinental

Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) to support its maintenance and other operating expenses. This brings the total agency budget and GOCC subsidy to PHP1.74 billion.

Programs, priorities

Andanar also discussed landmark programs that the agency aims to embark with the proposed budget for next year, including the move to institutionalize the Laging Handa as the government’s leading crisis communication and information platform. “Having this platform throughout all administrations that will follow will enable government communicators to be ready for future crises that may necessitate much coordinated, and stronger communication efforts, in order to provide extensive, timely, and reliable information for the public to prepare for, avoid, and respond to any man-made disasters, natural calamities, or infectious diseases,” he said. Pioneered in 2016, Laging Handa has served as a one-stop information platform of the country for keeping the public informed during crisis situations, may it be natural disasters or a health crisis. Andanar reiterated that the PCOO will likewise continue to push for the passage of its key legislative priorities such as the Freedom of Information Bill and the Media Workers Welfare Bill. “We will push for two key priority legislations next year to enrich our country’s vibrant freedom when it comes to information access, along with the welfare and the capacity of our media workers. These are the Freedom of Information bill, and the Media Workers Welfare bill,” he said. The Freedom of Information bill seeks to institutionalize the FOI across all branches of government, directing them to disclose information on projects and other matters that involve public interest. The Media Workers Welfare bill, meanwhile, seeks to provide media workers more access in terms of security of tenure, adequate health benefits, housing programs, and appropriate hazard and overtime pay.

Purchase of ICT equipment, upgrade of gov’t media

He said PHP79.23 million of the PCOO’s budget will go to capital outlays. Two-thirds of this amount, or PHP52.35 million, is intended for the building construction of the Government Strategic Communication Academy in Bukidnon. This will serve as a training hub for information officers of both the national agencies and the local government units. The facility will also house the government television and radio centers as well as housing facilities for personnel. Moreover, the PBS-RTVM, BBS, and NIB budgeted the procurement of ICT equipment and software to further strengthen its media coverage on the President, and the Executive branch of government. The BCS, meanwhile, allotted funds for the

printing equipment to complement its on-theground communications efforts. The PIA, on the other hand, will spend its allotted capital outlays to the improvement of its central office’s parking area and perimeter fencing. While the 2021 budget may be significantly smaller compared to the current year, Andanar assured that PCOO will remain steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of delivering the truth, especially in this difficult time. “Please be assured that we will continue to build on our efforts of bringing the truth to the nation, along with our foreign audiences,” he said. He said the job of the PCOO is to deliver accurate and valuable information with excellence, responsibility, and integrity to the Filipino people, “so that they may be transformed into informed citizens and thought leaders, who will partner with us in achieving President Duterte’s legacy of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos.” “Our objective remains: bring hope to our people that better days are coming for the Philippines,” he added. In the same hearing, Senator Bong Go expressed full support for the PCOO’s 2021 budget. “Information is our best weapon against fearmongering and public anxiety. It is for this reason that the role of the PCOO, as the lead communications arm of the government, is very crucial now more than ever. Through the PCOO, we were able to inform, educate, and enlighten the Filipino citizenry about matters of national importance, and empowering them to deepen their civic engagement,” Go said. “Dahil po sa PCOO, naiihahatid natin ng maayos at organisado ang impormasyon na kailangan ng tao tungkol sa mga proyekto, programa at polisiya ng gobyerno, lalo na ngayong kasagsagan ng pandemya. At napatunayan po ito noong Marso na kung saan nagkaroon ng lockdown, talagang nag doubletime po talaga ang PTV-4 (Thanks to PCOO, we are able

to deliver information properly and organized that the people need about government projects, programs, and policies, especially at the height of the pandemic. This was proven in March when we had a lockdown, and PTV-4 had to work double time),” Go said. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, manifested support for the PCOO budget, especially the creation of the Government Strategic Communication Academy. “I’ll push for the amendment of the budget of the PCOO to include that particular center to be placed in Northern Mindanao. I think ideal because Mindanao still needs to grow in terms of development, in terms of spreading the good news of government to its people because we still have an insurgency problem there, and we still have to convince the hearts and minds of the people there that government is actually doing something for them, is actually working for them,” Zubiri said. (PCOO PR)

File photo

DOH SUGGESTS HOLDING OF ACTIVITIES IN OPEN SPACES AMID PANDEMIC

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday advised the public to conduct activities in open air spaces, install exhaust fans in comfort rooms and avoid usage of recirculated air option for vehicles to prevent possibility of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) through airborne transmission. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, in a virtual press briefing on Monday, said that while health experts are still studying the possibility of airborne infection, the DOH has issued Department Memorandum 20200429 which provides administrative and engineering controls for the improvement of

ventilation and air quality in enclosed, indoor spaces and lessen the transmission of the virus. “When an activity cannot be moved into an open air setting, opening windows and doors should be put into practice to facilitate the flow of outdoor air into the space, when possible,” the memorandum read. The DOH advised individuals not to stay where air coming from fans and air-conditioning units flow directly as these may facilitate the transmission of the coronavirus “by directing air from infected individuals to others in the room”. “In non-hospital settings where ventilation is greatly recirculated or access to outside air is not feasible, filters such as high-efficiency particulate air filtration air purifiers can be used to clean recirculated air provided that the unit is adequate for the size of the room in which it is installed in,” it added. The DOH also suggested the installation of exhaust fans in comfort rooms and closing of the toilet seat lid while flushing

to “minimize the release of droplets into air flows after flushing”. “Utilize the car’s vents to bring in fresh outside air and/or lower the vehicle windows,” the DOH said, adding that recirculated air option for the vehicle’s ventilation during passenger transport must be avoided. Earlier, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people with Covid-19 seem to have infected others who were more than six feet away in enclosed spaces and inadequate ventilation. (PNA)

PH, CHINA REAFFIRM ‘CONTINUING VITALITY’ OF TIES AMID PANDEMIC

The Philippine and Chinese governments have reaffirmed the “continuing vitality” of their bilateral relations amid the constraints posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora pandemic. The reaffirmation was made during the official visit of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. to China where he met with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“The two Foreign Ministers held a bilateral meeting to take stock of priority political and economic bilateral cooperation initiatives. Both sides reaffirmed the continuing vitality

of relations despite the constraints imposed by Covid-19, and pledged to forge ahead with sustained policy dialogues, as well as economic and infrastructure cooperation projects,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday. Wang, for his part, affirmed China’s commitment to supporting the Duterte administration’s

infrastructure drive under the “Build, Build, Build” program. The two top diplomats likewise had a “candid” and “in-depth” exchange on regional security concerns, as well as issues of mutual interest in the context of Asean-China relations in which the Philippines acts as China coordinator, as well as in broader multilateral fora. At the meeting’s close, Locsin and

Wang also confirmed the prospective establishment of a fast lane to facilitate the movement of essential official exchanges and travel by personnel in crucial industries such as business and trade, infrastructure, logistics, production, and technical services. Locsin is in China from Oct. 9 to 11, his first official trip overseas since February 2020. Wang received the Filipino top diplomat and his entourage in Tengchong City, in the southern province of Yunnan. Joining Locsin are his wife Ma. Lourdes Locsin and several DFA officials, including Assistant Secretary Meynardo Montealegre, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje, Philippine EmbassyBeijing Minister Raphael Hermoso, Special Assistant Shiena EscotoTesorero, Embassy Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jet Olfato, and Asian and Pacific Affairs Principal Assistant Emilio Lopue Jr. (PNA)

DAGYAW 2020 RESPONDS TO COVID-19 CONCERNS

The government continues to build cooperation and deepen unity with the Filipino people through the conduct of the “Dagyaw 2020: Open Government Virtual Townhall Meetings” that will run from Oct. 8 to Dec. 3. Cabinet officials, together with experts from non-government sectors, will tackle issues and provide updates about major plans, programs, and projects that would help address the needs of the people in the face of coronavirus-induced

headwinds. Dagyaw 2020 will also serve as an open, neutral, and protected space for the public to freely ask questions, raise their concerns, and give suggestions on the ways to improve government policies. The conduct of this series of virtual town hall meetings is a result of a successful collaboration among different government agencies, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in cooperation with the Caucus of Development NGO Networks and Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition. It is anchored in the objective of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Sub-Task Group on Governance to ensure people-centered, clean, technologyenabled, and responsive governance in addressing Covid-19. Dagyaw began on Oct. 8 with its first episode,

“Usapang Edukasyon: Is PH Ready for Distance/ Blended Learning?” that was participated by the Department of Education, United Nations Children’s Fund, and E-NET Philippines. Dialogues will resume on Oct. 15 for “Usapang Trabaho” with the Department of Labor and Employment, International Labor Organization, and NAGKAISA Labor Coalition. This will be followed by “Usapang OFW: Kinabukasan at Kalagayan ng OFWs sa Panahon ng Pandemya” on Oct. 22 with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, and Center for Migrant Advocacy. On the last Thursday of the month, Oct. 29, the Department of Agriculture, World Bank, and Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Samahan ng mga Magsasaka will join “Usapang Agri: Ahon Lahat Para sa Pagkaing Sapat.” The outputs from these dialogues will serve as key references of government in public decision-making, and shape and update government policies that can lead to better public sector performance and service delivery. In observance of the required health protocols and limitations to travel and mass gatherings

in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the conduct of the Dagyaw 2020 will utilize various civic technology and online platforms. The episodes will be livestreamed through the official Facebook pages of various government agencies including the Philippine Open Government Partnership, DILG, DBM, and PCOO, 2 to 4:30 p.m. To join the Dagyaw dialogues, visit the Philippine Open Government Partnership Facebook page for announcements. Also, check the social media pages of DILG, DBM, and PCOO for more information and for the schedule of the next four episodes. (PR)

Photo courtesy of US Embassy in Manila

US PROVIDES P73-M IN FOOD AID TO LANAO DEL SUR

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional PHP73 million (USD1.5 million) in food assistance to support displaced families in Lanao del Sur province, the US embassy in Manila announced Tuesday. This brings the total US commitment to humanitarian and recovery work in and around Marawi to more than PHP3.1 billion (USD65.1 million). “The Covid-19 pandemic has stripped many households of vital sources of income and made those displaced by conflict especially vulnerable. As friends, partners, and allies, the United States continues to support the people of Marawi to overcome this health crisis and continue on their path to long-term recovery,” US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said. The funding would be used to help more than 8,000 highly vulnerable persons to meet their essential nutritional needs. Families

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would receive electronic cash transfers that would enable them to purchase food in local markets. This is complemented by a messaging campaign promoting safe hygiene practices to equip communities with the knowledge and skills they need to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). According to the embassy, the new food aid builds upon ongoing USAID assistance that supports 3,700 displaced families and improves nutrition for 5,000 children and 6,000 pregnant women and lactating mothers. The assistance also complements USAID’s work with Lanao communities under its Marawi Response Project (MRP). As of July 2020, MRP has provided microgrants to more than 1,000 displaced entrepreneurs, as well as communities, to revive their economic livelihoods and create jobs. “MRP social cohesion micro-grants, which include small-scale infrastructure support, have benefited more than 14,000 displaced persons and host families,” the embassy said. The project also provided training, protective gear, and disinfectants to more than 3,300 public health workers. (PNA)

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur SUSIL D. RAGAS Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES Regional Office CAPT. MIGUEL O. BORROMEO, JR. CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN CHRISTINE CUDIS TEOFILO GARCIA, JR. MAJ. FRANCISCO P. GARELLO, JR. LADE JEAN KABAGANI 1LT. ROEL T. MAGLALANG MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR MARK ANGELO PINEDA 1LT. KRISJUPER ANDREO PUNSALAN CAPT. JOASH U. PRAMIS ROBERT E. ROPEROS JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA 402ND BRIGADE, 29IB, 4ID, 23IB, 4ID, 901IB PA, 3RD SFBN-CMO DTI-CARAGA, DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS US EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES TESDA ADN, PSA CARAGA, PNA DA-SAAD13, DA-PHILRICE Business Managers ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO Photographer ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

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