CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7
12 - 18 October 2019
REGIONAL NEWS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
14 16 8 17 9 19 10 20 Caraga intensifies human- 22 induced displacement 24 preparedness 25 27 7
Volume III, No. 61
Butuan senior citizens seek additional free meds
Agusan Norte creates task force to end communist armed conflict
145 FRs graduate from TESDA’s skills, livelihood trainings
AgNor town forms MTF-ELCAC
PH justices discuss money laundering, financial crimes with US experts
DILG Caraga monitors 2nd semester barangay assemblies
Another AgSur town declares CPP-NPA persona non-grata CNTs torch construction equipment in Surigao del Norte anew DOH Caraga advises DepEd to lift deworming MDA in Surigao Norte Modern PUV caravan goes to Tandag City 4ID chief directs new 36IB commander to clear CNTs in SurSur IP to Cullamat: Will genuine peace prevail or another scheme to play? CNT leadership crumbles in Surigao Sur
MINDANAO NEWS
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Housing project sparks new hope for Marawi residents Davao hog farmers oppose lifting of ban on pork, related products
NATIONAL NEWS
35 37 39
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PCOO partners with Russian media to promote Duterte legacy SSS: Pensioners may now loan up to P200,000 under PLP NYC urges DepEd to accommodate IP learners
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News Briefs The annual celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week is by virtue of Proclamation No. 470 issued on September 26, 1994 which aims to increase public awareness on the different issues concerning the older persons’ sector. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga through the National Household Targeting Section (NHTS) or Listahanan will conduct the 3rd round of household assessment for the entire region this month of October. This is based on Executive Order No. 867 that mandates the Department to update the list of poor households every 4 years.
Apart from the field tour and information clinic during Lakbay Palay activity conducted by PhilRice Agusan, booths are installed at the venue for the participants to view and inquire about the reseach and development products and services being showcased. Members of the Regional Task Force on the Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Animal Diseases (EREIAD) organized by the Department of Agriculture Caraga support today’s conduct of “Lechon Boodle Fight” facilitated by the local hog raisers of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte bringing the message that it is safe to eat pork in Caraga region.
Cover Story
Caraga intensifies humaninduced displacement preparedness By Venus L. Garcia
B
UTUAN CITY - The members of the response cluster and Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened in this city to polish the comprehensive plan as the basis for concrete response action and implementation of policy relating to human-induced displacement. The three-day workshop aims to review and update the regional document where the interoperability of the established response systems such as the cluster approach, emergency operations center and incident command center will be integrated in the updated contingency plan. Office of Civil Defense Caraga regional director Liza Mazo puts a strong emphasis on the importance of following the response protocols in addressing crisis not only caused by natural calamities but including armed conflict.
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“The formulation of this contingency plan started in 2016 and we need to revisit and update it as this will be our guide in responding well to an emergency and its potential humanitarian impact. This will be useful especially now that we are intensifying our efforts related to the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 of President Duterte,” said Mazo.
in conflict contexts while helping to mitigate their negative impacts on conflict, and support local capacities for peace.
Arthur Casiño, resource person, also tackled the conflict sensitivity approach and ‘Do No Harm’ (DNH) principle.
Captain Aldim Viernes, civilmilitary operations (CMO) officer of the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army who joined the planning workshop, said the plan will be helpful in providing effective, efficient, timely and wellcoordinated response mechanisms in the event of the occurrence of armed conflict in the region.
He said the main call for the DNH is to encourage the responding individuals or organizations to make sure that their actions will not cause any problem. According to him, there are practical tools that focus on how organizations interact with conflict and how they can work effectively
“To do that we have to exercise conflict sensitivity. It is good to note that state actors in Caraga region are doing this and that I see a growing practice of the DNH principle,” Casiño said.
Mazo said the contingency plan and the formulation of strategies are vital in doing appropriate actions and in developing community resilience. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
October 12-18, 2019
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News I Empowering Communities
Butuan senior citizens seek additional free meds By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Though provided with complete meals daily inside the Por Cristo, a center for the abandoned elderly, the senior citizens asked for free medicines for different types of medications including vitamin supplements. Because of old age, they said they sought the love and care from people around them, especially those who were neglected by their family and has no one to turn to.
packs. The department of health also conducted free blood sugar testing.
Lola Remedios Ambal, 69 years old from Gingoog City was one of the elderlies inside the Por Cristo who During the visit of the members of benefitted from the said activity. the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) Caraga at She said she was delighted to have Por Cristo, the elderly men and women been visited by a group of individuals received personal hygiene kits and food from various organizations and brought October 12-18, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities in-kind donations and food. However, she also wished that the government would provide them free medicines for hypertension, diabetes, and the like.
She also hopes that the local government unit and other stakeholders would continue to reach out and give their donations.
Ambal was emotional as she shared how she missed her family, who have not visited her for a long time. “We’re very happy to see you here visiting us. There were times when nobody visits us, and it really makes us sad and alone,” she said.
“We are thankful to the city and provincial government for they are very supportive to Por Cristo. We hope that they would continue to extend assistance to sustain our services for the senior citizens here in the center,” said Susan Maestrado, home supervisor, Por Cristo.
Free medicines were also the main request of lolo Alfredo Luna, as he also is suffering from arthritis. He said, Por Cristo could not sustain the provision of medicines due to budgetray constraints. Hence, he asked for longterm support of medicines by the government and other concerned organizations. According to Susan Maestrado, home supervisor of Por Cristo, with the increasing number of senior citizens sheltered at the said center, they continue to give their best to provide the daily needs of the elderly.
Meanwhile, Ana Semacio, focal person for senior citizens of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga emphasized that children should never abandon their parents. They must love and take good care of them instead. “Children should love and take good care of their parents until they get older. This is our way to pay them back from their hard work and for the incomparable love and care they show to us when we were still young,” said Semacio. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
145 FRs graduate from TESDA’s skills, livelihood trainings By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Some 145 former rebels from Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi in the municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur have graduated from the different skills and livelihood trainings provided by various government agencies in the region.
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Regional News I Empowering Communities With this development, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur has extended financial assistance to the graduates in the amount of P500,000.00, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has promised to allocate P600,000.00 fund under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD) thru the cash-for-work program. Secretary Isidro Lapeña, DirectorGeneral of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), together with Undersecretary Joann Burgos, representing Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also witnessed the said event.
“The locals need not to go to the government agencies to avail of the different programs because the government agencies are the ones coming to the communities to provide the programs they need. This is one way of bringing the government closer to the people,” said Sec. Lapeña. It can be recalled that on March 2, 2018, some 23 New People’s Army (NPA) and supporters have surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army while on March 25 this year, 64 NPA supporters and members have also voluntarily surrendered and returned to the folds of the law, and all of them are residents of Sitio Ibuan. (JPG/PIACaraga)
PH justices discuss money laundering, financial crimes with US experts MANILA - Twenty-one Sandiganbayan justices participated in a roundtable with United States (US) experts organized by the US Embassy in the Philippines - US Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (DOJ/ OPDAT), the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and the Philippine Judicial Academy. October 12-18, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities The event aimed to enhance participants’ capabilities, competencies and skills in examining and adjudicating money laundering and financial crimes; deepen understanding on how to freeze assets, recover laundered property; and ensure proper preservation and management of assets. Judge Bernice Donald of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit shared her expertise on traditional and emerging methods of money laundering, discussing the role that bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies and the dark web can play in money laundering, as well as other money laundering methods, including using money cards and gift cards, and through online networks. The knowledge-sharing program was designed to inform justices on relevant laws and decisions; sharpen justices’ ability to analyze accounts and
follow the money trail; review emerging methods of money laundering and the role of electronic evidence and best practices for applying court technology in adjudicating cases. ‘’The Sandiganbayan justices truly appreciate the DOJ/OPDAT for organizing the roundtable discussion. The topics, especially the rules on electronic evidence, were a valuable revisit of the laws and rules and made the justices realize that there is still room for more improvement in the delivery of justice,” said Justice Geraldine Faith A. Econg. As a friend, partner and ally, the United States will continue to support the development of the Philippines justice system through judicial training of judges on cybercrime and financial crimes to help ensure that all Filipinos are served by a swift, fair and modernized court system. (U.S. Embassy - Manila/ PIA-Caraga)
DILG Caraga monitors 2nd semester barangay assemblies By Marilou Autor-Salado
BUTUAN CITY - Tasked to monitor the conduct of the barangay assemblies, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) field officers across the region consolidated the schedules of barangay assemblies and ensured compliance to the semestral assembly as stipulated in the Local Government Code (RA 7160) as an avenue for transparency, accountability and participation.
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
As in previous runs, the DILG regional management took part in the monitoring by observing the conduct of the assembly in showcased barangays. This semester, the showcased barangay was Taglatawan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
mithiin para sa bayan. Sa katunayan, noong nakaraang SONA, malugod na ibinalita ng ating Pangulo ang ambag ng mga Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils o BADAC sa tagumpay ng pamahalan sa kampanya laban sa iligal na droga. Kami sa DILG ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong masigasig DILG Caraga assistant regional na pagtulong sa kampanyang ito,” director Donald Seronay who headed relayed Seronay. the regional monitoring team relayed the message of DILG Secretary Eduardo Bayugan City mayor Kirk Asis Año to the barangay officials and also made the rounds to interact and constituents. The message emphasized deliver his message to the constituents. the importance of the assembly day, One lucky 93-year-old, the most senior the fact that it recognizes the active among the crowd, amassed claps and cooperation and participation of the cheers from the crowd when he was residents on various matters that affect awarded by the mayor with P5,000 them, directly or indirectly. cash for making it to the barangay assembly. “Malaki ang tiwala ng Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kakayahan ng Constituents in barangay mga barangay na maging kaagapay Taglatawan were fortunate to hear sa pagsasakatuparan ng ating mga more substantial messages from the October 12-18, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities ng mga barangay sa ating adhikaing puksain na angmga mapanlinlang na teroristang komunistang grupo. Dapat malaman ng mamamayan na wala sa komunismo at pakikisali sa mga grupong ito ang progreso ng ating mga buhay at bayan. Hindi mahahanap sa kanila ang solusyon sa ating mga suliranin,” mentioned Seronay as he read the message of DILG Secretary key officials of the city such as the city Eduardo Año. health officer, city social welfare and With the theme, “Barangay muna: development officer, local police, Philippine Army officers. They also Nagkakaisang barangay, kaagapay listened to the Barangay Financial ng bansang maunlad,” barangay Status Report and the State of the assemblies in the region were set to be Barangay Address (SOBA) of punong conducted on any of the Saturdays or Sundays of October 2019, as directed barangay Marianito V. De Chavez. through the DILG Memorandum Circular Consistent with the thrust of the No. 2019-158 dated September 20, government to promote peace and 2019. (LGOO V, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga) development, government efforts towards providing services that matter to the livelihood and well-being of the constituents were extensively discussed. Two other barangays of Bayugan City, Saguma and Magkiangkiang, were also visited by other monitoring teams from the DILG regional office as these were two of the 80 priority barangays under the Duterte administration’s Executive Order 70 to end local communist armed conflict. “Samantala, gusto rin nating palakasin ang Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council na layuning siguruhin ang kaligtasan ng bawat pamayanansa mga sakuna. Hinihiling ko rin ang tulong at pakikiisa
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
Agusan Norte creates task force to end communist armed conflict By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY - To ensure coherence in the realization of Executive Order Number (EO) 70, series 2018, or the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the province of Agusan del Norte has created the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) and its Executive Committee during the recent joint Provincial Development Council (PDC) and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held in this city. Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera said the creation of the task force will help the province in solving insurgency because peace and development can only be obtained if the insurgency problem in the area is solved.
peace without development. United effort is needed to solve insurgency,� Corvera said.
The mayors of the different municipalities and city have expressed their hundred percent support in the implementation of the EO 70 in ending “There can be no development local communist armed conflict in their without peace, and there can be no area of responsibilities. Most of the
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities municipalities have already organized and others are on the process of creating their municipal team in implementing the EO70. Also, as a support to the task force, Provincial Police Office of Agusan del Norte provincial director Police Col. Ramir Perlito Perlas said that a 24-hour PNP personnel-manned check points are operating in the different areas of the province to ensure and maintain peace and order situation in the area. Deputy brigade commander of 402IB Philippine Army Colonel Cerilo Balaoro also said that from January to October 10, 2019, they were able to neutralize 898 CNTs (NPA-54; Militia ng Bayan-130; Underground Movement Organization (UGMO) Members-714) that include 896 who surrendered, one killed and one being captured. First district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba is positive that with the concerted efforts of the Agusanons, the implementation of EO 70 will pave the way for a lasting peace where areas and vulnerable communities in the province will be accorded priority through the delivery of basic services, social development packages and infrastructure projects. The Agusan del Norte task force was created through a Joint PDC-PPOC Resolution No. 2019-1. It will be chaired by provincial governor Dale Corvera with the following members: Congressional representatives (1st district and 2nd
district), all local chief executives, all department heads, provincial planning and development officer, SP member – chair of the peace and order committee, DILG provincial director, PNP provincial director, PDEA provincial director, 23rd and 29th IB Philippine Army battalion commanders, PSWD officer, provincial prosecutor, PIA provincial information officer, NBI director, DTI provincial director, DAR provincial agrarian reform officer, DENR PENRO, NCIP provincial director, DepEd schools division superintended, CHR regional director, PAO prosecutor, OPAPP area manager, TESDA provincial director, DPWH district engineer, Provincial health Officer, BFAR provincial director, DOST provincial director, DOLE provincial director, CHED regional director, LTO provincial director, DA provincial officer, and civil society organization representatives. Meanwhile, to ensure speedy action of the immediate concerns relative to the roles and responsibilities of the task force, an Executive Committee of the PTF-ELCAC was also created chaired by governor Corvera; vice chaired by vice governor Ramon A.G. Bungabong; DILG Agusan del Norte provincial director Ellen Vee Chua and Provincial Planning and Development Officer Rofel Cabaltera comprising the secretariat, with members from the 12 PTF-ELCAC cluster leads, indigenous peoples mandatory representatives (IPMRs), SP Peace and Order Committee chairperson, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines president. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
AgNor town forms MTF-ELCAC By 1Lt Roel T. Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The local government unit of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte together with different sectors, Philippine National Police and the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army created a Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTFELCAC) on October 1, 2019 at the Mayor’s Conference Room, Municipal Hall, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
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The MTF-ELCAC was organized through a Joint Resolution between the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Development Council (MDC) of Las Nieves.
Executive Order 70-Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the creation of MTF-ELCAC and the role of every sector during its implementation.
Chynthia Binondo, MLGOO, Las Nieves, presented and discussed the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-125, the Guidelines for Local Government Units in Implementing
Meanwhile, Mayor Avelina S. Rosales said the creation of MTFELCAC will ensure that all sectors are sustainably taking the lead in peace building efforts to attain inclusive and
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities sustainable peace in conflict-affected communities. “The creation of MTFELCAC is the bases and guide in crafting the BTF-ELCAC in the Barangay level. Through this, we will know the task, duties and function of very person who will handle it,” Rosales added. Moreover, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., 23IB commanding officer, supported the creation of MTF-ELCAC to address the primary and secondary problems and issues of the identified
conflict affected Barangays. “In the past 50 years, it is only the AFP who confronts insurgency. Good thing our President Rudrigo Roa Duterte passed the Executive Order 70-Institutionalizing Whole of Nation Approach in solving insurgency. The convergence effort of LGUs, the civilian sector and stakeholders is a big push in addressing and solving insurgency,” Lt. Col. Molina said. (CMO Officer, 23IB Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)
Another AgSur town declares CPP-NPA persona non-grata
By 1Lt. Percival Carido
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – The municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur has denounced the communist NPA terrorist and its allied organizations and subsequently declared them as persona non-grata on Monday, October 7, 2019. October 12-18, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities The declaration took effect when the local legislative council headed by Vice Mayor Eric Rey G. Siohan passed and unanimously signed Resolution No. 273 series of 2019 during the conduct of their 9th Regular Session of 20th Sangguniang Bayan (SB) held at the SB Session Hall of the said municipality.
and problems of the community in connection to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70,” she added. Likewise, Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commanding officer of 26th Infantry Battalion, said that the resolution is in line with the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2018-211 or the Prohibition of Support to Left-Wing Rebel Groups, and Executive Order No. 70, which creates the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The said resolution states that the Communist Party of the Philippines – New people’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its leaning organizations have long been identified with the main ideology of replacing the democratic system of “I commend the legislative bodies the government into communism. and the whole municipality of Esperanza for initiating and signing resolution No. The locals expressed that 273 and declaring the CPP-NPA as the presence and activities of the persona non-grata,” Jimenea added. communist terrorists have been a problem of the entire nation and The official further said that considered a threat to national security Esperanza is now prepared to attain as they instill fear to people in the long lasting peace and development communities, recruit new members and is eager to participate in the socioand sow terror to investors as well as cultural and economic programs of killing members of Indigenous Peoples the government. This will give its people (IPs), barangay officials and civilians a chance to have better and peaceful who contradict their propaganda. lives. (CMO officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur) In a statement, the Municipal Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan said, “This is our contribution and our way of doing our part in the intensified campaign of the national government to end the five decades of communist armed conflict in the entire nation.” “Rest assured that our municipality will continue to project good governance by way of addressing the issues
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
CNTs torch construction equipment in Surigao del Norte anew
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorists or CNTs start again its extortion-arson antics as they burned one backhoe loader and strafed the equipment of CTB Construction at its stock area at Barangay Campo, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte morning of October 14, 2019.
Around seven CNTs led by spouses Alberto Castañeda alias JD and his party wife alias Menchie of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16C2, Guerilla Front (GF) 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), perpetrated said atrocity.
the Build, Build, Build Program of the national government.
After the incident, the CNTs withdrew towards the west direction. Troops of 30th Infantry “Python” Battalion (30IB) immediately proceeded to the crime scene that CTB Construction was conducting resulted in an encounter that lasted for road widening works at Bacuag- about five minutes. No casualty was Gigaquit road stretch in line with reported on the government side while October 12-18, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities undetermined from the enemy side. Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey A. Villarosa, the commanding officer of 30IB said the incident was a clear manifestation of the CNTs gross disregard for the safety of civilians and affront to development. He added that the equipment they burned are not military targets and are not in any way involved in any armed conflict.
your AFP and PNP will always work to support our local government units and national line agencies as they provide their services especially in our Peace and Development Zone in SALASICAM (Brgy. Sapa of Claver and Barangays Lahi, Sico-sico and Camam-onan, all of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte). Continue to extend your cooperation with us and finally end the destruction of the CNTs,” Villarosa said.
Villarosa said that it was just fortunate that no construction workers and civilians from the nearby houses were hit by CNTs indiscriminate firing. This shows that they will sabotage and even murder and abduct innocent civilians in order to extort regardless of the damage they inflict to the community, added Villarosa.
Meanwhile, BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, deplored the CNTs’ continuing atrocities that hamper the peace and development of the communities. “The CNTs use terror and threat as their way to control people. Let us not faint on these treacherous tactics and instead bring these terrorists to justice,” said Licudine. (30IB/402nd Brigade/PIA“To our peace-loving Surigaonons, Surigao del Norte)
DOH Caraga advises DepEd to lift deworming MDA in Surigao Norte SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga finally recommends lifting of suspension of deworming activities in Surigao del Norte following the findings of the investigation and examination from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory received on October 10, 2019 where results revealed that deworming drug did not cause an untoward demise.
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
DOH Caraga advises DepEd to lift Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in deworming MDA in Surigao Norte Surigao del Norte due to the alleged death of a young girl in one of the SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. schools in the province. 17 -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga finally recommends lifting of “The histopathological and toxicological suspension of deworming activities in examinations disclosed that the patient Surigao del Norte following the findings died of natural death. Additionally, the of the investigation and examination Food and Drug Administration – Davao from the Philippine National Police Office also stated that the deworming (PNP) Crime Laboratory received on drug samples sent to them were free of October 10, 2019 where results revealed any contaminants and has passed the that deworming drug did not cause an assessment. With these developments, untoward demise. we advise DepEd Caraga to continue deworming our students in Surigao del It was on July 26, 2019 when DOH Norte,” said DOG Caraga regional Caraga issued an advisory to the director Jose Llacuna, Jr. Department of Education (DepEd) DOH Caraga through its Provincial DOH Caraga to suspend all the deworming Office in Surigao del Norte has also October 12-18, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
Modern PUV caravan goes to Tandag City TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Caraga regional director Maria Kristina Cassion and her team organized and led the second leg of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Caravan in the region at the Tandag City Gymnasium on Tuesday, October 15, 2019. The event was attended by Surigao del Sur governor Alexander Pimentel and Tandag City mayor Roxanne Pimentel who rallied behind the program and delivered messages expressing strong support to the program. Gov. Pimentel told cooperative members it would be hard to modernize their fleet individually with the current cost of modern vehicles, but through the cooperative, it would not be too much of a burden especially with the loan assistance and subsidy program of the national government.
fully supports this program of the Duterte’s Administration and assured cooperative members they will provide assistance to the affected operators. A motorcade around the event area showcasing the various modern PUV-compliant units signaled the start of the program and was followed by a short program with presentations by key national government agency partners discussing the significant details of the PUV Modernization Program (MP) such as consolidation of franchises, fleet management, subsidy, and loans.
It was also announced that the Meanwhile, mayor Pimentel Land Transportation Franchising and said the local government unit (LGU) Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the Region
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities has already consolidated seven support the program that aims to routes under various transport service modernize PUV in the country. cooperatives (TSC). Representatives from key national The cooperative members, government agency partners were operators, and drivers also participated also present such as the Office of in the open forum to share and clarify Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), their concerns on the PUVMP. Some 300 Technical Education and Skills participants including the members of Development Authority (TESDA), seven cooperatives from Surigao del Landbank of the Philippines (LBP). Sur province have attended the event which was part of the information The PUV Modernization Program campaign and communication is the flagship non-infrastructure component of the PUVMP. project of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with The activity was anchored on the goal of providing a comfortable the theme, “Modern PUV Caravan: life for all Filipinos through a safe, Arangkada ng Pagbabago Tungo reliable, convenient, affordable sa Kaunlaran,” as it is part of the and environmentally-sustainable government’s efforts to engage transportation system in the country. stakeholders across the country to (LTFRB-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities
4ID chief directs new 36IB commander to clear CNTs in SurSur By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), has directed the newly-assumed commander of 36th Infantry “Valorian” Battalion (36IB), Philippine Army, to clear the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in his area of operation during the change of command ceremony held at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur. Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel assumed as the new commander of 36IB after Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad turned-over his responsibility last October 4, 2019. Lt. Col. Diagmel is the 29th commander to man the Valorian troopers.
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Diagmel) to clear the CNTs within your area of operation,” said MGen Gacal.
He also said that he does not want that the CNT will celebrate its anniversary in the province. It can be recalled that the province has been “I am directing you (Lt. Col. the venue of the CNT in the previous
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities anniversary celebrations. “I do not want the communist terrorists to be able to celebrate any anniversary in your area of responsibility (AOR)… Do not allow them to disturb the peace of the people and conduct atrocities,” said MGen. Gacal.
of 14 brigade initiated operations, 33 battalion-initiated operations, and 106 company initiated operations. Those initiatives led to 32 successful encounters against the CNT that resulted in the four enemies killed and recovery of 52 firearms, 23 anti-personnel mines, and the discovery of 21 CNT hideouts.
MGen. Gacal has also reminded Under the leadership of Lt. Col. the troopers to always uphold the rule Trinidad, 14 Community Support of law. Programs (CSP) operations have already launched. There were also Meanwhile, during the time of the 14 CNT infested barangays that were then commander Lt. Col. Trinidad, the cleared and validated. (PIA-Surigao battalion participated in the conduct del Sur)
IP to Cullamat: Will genuine peace prevail or another scheme to play? By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
“Together, let us end insurgency and Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod commit to peace.” (MAPASU) was aimed at convincing Governor Alexander Pimentel to pull This is the call of the indigenous out the community support teams peoples (IP) community to (CSTs) of the 3rd Special Forces representative Eufemia “Ka Femia” Battalion (3SFBn) citing the rehash false Campos Cullamat of Bayan Muna who and malicious accusations against the invited the IP mandatory representative Army personnel who religiously work to (MR), Philippine Army and Surigao attain sustainable peace in the Km. 9 IP del Sur provincial government in a community. peace dialogue on October 21 at Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, They also threatened the governor Lianga, Surigao del Sur. to stage their usual scripted “Taktikang Bakwit” to hamper the whole-of-nation The last dialogue conducted approach to end local communist with the militant group Malahutayong armed conflict in the geographically October 12-18, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and conflict-affected areas (ConAAs) in Andap Valley Complex. “We greatly hope that this dialogue will be about peace and reflect their sincere support to end local communist armed conflict in the area, not the other way around. It is our fervent prayer that they will not make any scene to trigger any conflict and chaos to discredit our peace and development efforts in the community because we are sincere in what we do for the community. It is also our hope that representative Cullamat will support our community support program or CSP; the aim of the President [Duterte]; and vocally stand firm in condemning the Communist NPA Terrorists,” said Hawudon Jumar Bucales, IPMR of Lianga. This is a test of Cullamat’s genuineness to end the local communist armed conflict. Despite being the sister of a communist NPA terrorist (CNT) leader, Pablito Sinzo Campos alias “Batik,” front secretary of GF 21A who was captured by the 3SFBn last 2018 with his M4 rifle, a grenade and subversive documents, should prove and show to the people that being a government official, blood is not thicker than water because the rule of law must always prevail. Another sister of Cullamat is Bae Gloria Campos Tumalon, chair of Katribo Mo, a non-government organization (NGO) that promotes communist principles as revealed in the statement of Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy
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chief-of-staff for civil-military operations. Peace dialogues should make ends meet. It must promote reconciliation, synergy, convergence, and cooperation among the government and the community to harmoniously resolve basic social delivery services issues used by the CNTs to agitate, organize and mobilize the affected IP community to turn them into rebels. “Let’s see what happens on October 21, if their peace dialogue invitation is aimed at supporting the peace initiatives of the government and the IP community or just a mere scenario to discredit the whole-ofnation approach to end the insurgency. If they create a scene to hamper the peace efforts of our government, then she is really not for peace. Her own actions and attitude on that event will define her. Deception and commitment to peace are two different things,” Bucales said. (3SFBn-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
October 12-18, 2019
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
CNT leadership crumbles in Surigao Sur By 1Lt Jonald Romorosa
TAGO, Surigao del Sur - The Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) leadership is crumbling down in Surigao del Sur as CNT leaders and supporters surrendered to Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB) at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago of this province. A former mess officer of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Guerilla Front (GF) 30 alias Justine and his wife, a mass supporter, voluntarily surrendered to 36IB on October 2, 2019. They brought along with them one KG9, an empty magazine, and a hand grenade.
On October 3, 2019, another two NPA leaders identified as alias Julian/ Ronnie, a commanding officer of Platoon 8, Weakened Guerilla Front 19 (WFG 19), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and Libra/Marquez, team leader Abe, Squad
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities 2, Sub-Region Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 1419, NEMRC, and a civilian from Carromata, San Miguel and an active Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member voluntarily surrendered to 36IB commander Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad.
community of Surigao del Sur. The government’s thrust for genuine peace has awakened not just the community but also the regular members of the CNTs to include their ground leaders who were deceived by the CPP-NPA and were blinded by false ideologies.”
Alias Julian/Ronnie brought along with him one M16 rifle and a magazine with 13 ammunition. He revealed that he decided to surrender due to distrust in their organization’s leadership and integrity, and that most of them are already surrendering to the government.
The surrenderers will be processed and validated for enrollment to the E-CLIP, the government intervention package for former rebels. (CMO, 36IB/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)
He said they have experienced hardship inside the communist movement and the lost struggle of his fellow “tribu” who were deceived by the CPP-NPA and were fighting for a lost cause. It can be recalled that alias Hasan, a former squad leader of Squad Uno, Platoon 8, GF 19 NEMRC also surrendered to this unit last January 1, 2019 and has already received the assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as the government’s intervention package for former rebels. The CNTs have learned the genuine offer of the government towards achieving peace in their communities. Lt. Trinidad said that “the series of surrender among the communist terrorist group (CTG) to the government is a clear manifestation that they are crumbling down and will soon become irrelevant to the peace-loving
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October 12-18, 2019
MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
Housing project sparks new hope for Marawi residents
MARAWI CITY - The construction site of the housing units for 100 families from Barangay West Dulay, who were displaced by the Marawi siege, broke ground on Thursday during the commemoration of the second anniversary of the capital’s liberation from Islamic State-inspired terrorists. The ceremony was part of the reporting event for the media organized by Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), the Presidential Communications Operations Office, and the Philippine Information Agency to show the progress of the government’s rehabilitation and recovery efforts for those affected by the Battle of Marawi. Present during the event were TFBM chairperson and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary Eduardo del Rosario; Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra;
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Sultan Nasser Sampaco; Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) president, lawyer Arnolfo Cabling; members of the SHFC Board of Directors Lyndon Catulong Sr. and Ronald Barcena; UN-Habitat project manager Warren Ubongen; and contractor Fiat-a Macarambon. In his speech, del Rosario gave a message of hope to thousands of the city’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). “We are now ready to start with the construction of permanent housing units for the IDPs,” he told the beneficiaries, who have been living along the three-
October 12-18, 2019
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities meter easement of the Agus River and from sectors 1 to 7 of the MAA and start Lake Lanao. architectural and engineering plans. Aside from the 109 housing units that will be built in the coming months, del Rosario also noted that the TFBM secured 500 units of permanent shelters last week with the help of UN-Habitat and the National Housing Authority (NHA).
The Subcommittee on Housing, headed by the HUDCC and NHA, is already monitoring the temporary shelter units at the Biyaya ng Pagbabago Sagonsongan Transitory Site, which will accommodate 1,052 displaced households for Areas 1 to 6.
He said that with the 500 units already secured and the 109 units that broke ground, they already have 609 units, but still need to fast-track the rest of the 1,500 units promised by UN-Habitat, otherwise the remaining fund would be given back by March 31 next year.
An additional 300 temporary shelter units in Area 8 are also under construction. At the Boganga Lakeview Shelter Site alone, 814 out of the 1,500 target housing units have been completed and 687 of these are already occupied by the displaced families.
Del Rosario said that by the end of October, they would declare the most affected area (MAA) in Marawi – the Ground Zero -- cleared of bombs and hazards, having detected and recovered 625 explosives so far.
In Barangay Rorogagus, a total of 1,000 housing units are being constructed in two sites and another 1,000 units will also be constructed in Barangay Dulay.
The NHA, he added, would declare the completion of damaged structures in the MAA by November 30.
For the permanent housing, a total of 2,000 units will be constructed in Pamayandeg sa Ranaw Residences in barangays Kilala and Gadongan. Apart from these housing units, the NHA will also construct two fivestory low-rise buildings and one threestory multi-purpose building with a covered basketball court in Barangay Papandayan in Marawi.
“By the first quarter of next year, most of the projects that will be constructed in the MAA will start. That is why we are certain of our timetable. We have been saying that we are on track and we will complete the rehabilitation “By December of 2021, I think 95 of Marawi by December 2021,” del percent of the structures have been built. Rosario said. And Marawi City will be a prosperous city again, as promised by our President The processing of building permit (Rodrigo Duterte),” del Rosario said. applications for structures by residents in the MAA, began last July 30, allowing He also floated the swift passage them to demolish the damaged houses of an executive order (EO) that seeks October 12-18, 2019
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities to make the NHA the lead agency in undertaking key rehabilitation projects in the war-torn capital of Lanao del Sur, saying that the EO would authorize the NHA to undertake the unified road networks, electrical and water utilities, and telecommunication projects.
with the World Health Organization - Philippines and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, targeted 134,441 children who were less than five years old across 39 municipalities in Lanao del Sur for its campaign against polio.
Del Rosario said that one agency should integrate the budget “because if all the agencies involved will do the road networks and the procurement processes for the water, electricity, and telecommunications have not (been) finalized yet, then everything will diverge,” he said.
On relief services, the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed hygiene kits, family kits, food packs, and malongs to displaced families in transitory shelters. Taiwan, through the World Vision Philippines, also donated a total of 66,000 sacks of rice at 30 kg. per sack for the displaced families.
Del Rosario said they were expecting the EO to be released this month as it has been with the Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea since last month.
For skills training, the Department of Information and Communications Technology conducted a workshop for 100 IDP scholars on online freelancing jobs and the IT-BPM industry for the It can be recalled that two years countryside, as well as a workshop for 25 ago, the President announced the IDP scholars on social media marketing liberation of and advertising technical training. Marawi City after a gruelling five- The residents and rebel returnees month conflict to fend off Islamic State- in Butig, Lanao del Sur have availed of inspired terrorists. the different government services and programs during the Kumpas Barangay: Since then, the task force’s 56 Information-Serbisyo Caravan from member agencies have continuously various government line agencies. worked together to bring the lives of the residents back to normal through efforts The Department of Public Works in several areas. and Highways’ contractors, in charge of the reconstruction and rehabilitation For livelihood, micro, small and of Banggolo, Mapandi, and Pumping medium entrepreneurs of Marawi City bridges, have also started reconstructing have earned a total of PHP722,140 18.97 km. of the Transcentral Roads, with during the Bangon Marawi Trade Fair. funding from the Official Development On medical and health services, the Assistance of the government of Japan Department of Health, in partnership for the war-torn city. (PCOO)
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October 12-18, 2019
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
Davao hog farmers oppose lifting of ban on pork, related products By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY - A group of local hog producers has called on Mayor Sara Z. Duterte not to lift the executive order banning the entry of pork and related products, and processed meat in the city. Alvin T. Teves, the past president of Hog Farmers of Davao, Inc. (Hog FADI), said Wednesday the group will formally send a letter requesting Mayor Sara to continue with the ban until the threat of the African Swine Fever (ASF) has been completely neutralized.
So said the memorandum runs counter with the mechanisms put in place by LGUs to protect their respective hog industries from the global outbreak of ASF. “We have requested the Department of Agriculture to test all frozen meat in cold storage facilities, through an independent third party like the SGS, but no official action has been taken,” So said in his letter to the DILG chief. He also noted that “several incidences that confirmed contamination of processed pork that entered our country, and importation of pork products from banned countries by a member of PAMPI,” So said.
Teves said they were prompted to lobby with local government units to keep the ban after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año reportedly encouraged local government units of Visayas and Mindanao to lift the temporary ban on pork and related products. He warned that any action to reverse the ban without Mayor Sara issued an executive scientific bases would be catastrophic to order last month, temporarily banning all the local hog industry. live pigs, pork and pork-related products, and by-products whether fresh, frozen, Likewise, he cited that Felix Tiukinhoy, processed or cooked from the entire island president of the Philippine Association of Luzon, and other ASF-affected areas. of Meat Processors (PAMPI), has earlier admitted that no testing has been done to Teves said that with the ASF outbreak, determine if the products of their members the losses of the processed meat industry remain ASF-free. remains “minuscule” compared to that of the hog industry and allied businesses, On Tuesday, Samahang Industrya whose losses are pegged at PHP500 billion. ng Agrikultura chairman Rosendo So wrote He also assured that the hog industry a letter to Secretary Año expressing their in Davao and all over Mindanao can meet concern over the latter’s memorandum to LGUs to start lifting the ban on pork and the rising demand for meat supply during the Christmas season. (PNA) related products. October 12-18, 2019
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NATIONAL NEWS
National News I Empowering Communities “Tayo po ay nag-organize ng mga media engagements para po kay (We organized media engagements for) Secretary Martin Andanar to promote and communicate the policy messages of the Duterte administration,” he said.
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PCOO partners with Russian media to promote Duterte legacy Some Russian media outfits expressed willingness to collaborate with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to promote the policy messages of the Duterte administration, Communications Assistant Secretary JV Arcena reported.
“Nagpapasalamat kami ni Secretary Andanar sa mga kaibigan – bago nating kaibigan sa (We are thankful to our new friends) Russian Today o RT International, sa Tass News Agency, sa RAA Novosty, sa Sputnik at sa (and) All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company),” he added. According to Arcena, the said media companies expressed openness to work with the PCOO and offer training programs to reporters of the Philippine government’s media arm. “They’re very open and welcome sa kanila na magkaroon tayo ng mga collaboration sa future at lalunglalo na sa RT kasi sila ay nag-offer ng training programs para sa atin pong mga mamamahayag lalo na sa state media para sila rin ay makapaghasa o makapag-share ng kanilang mga best practices na iba naman kumpara sa mga western media (and they welcome the idea of a collaboration in the future, especially RT since they offered traiing programs for our state media reports so they can train and share media practices different compared to western media),” he said.
In his radio program over Radyo Pilipinas, Arcena, who also heads the PCOO’s Global Media Affairs, said they organized engagements with some members of the Russian media before President Duterte ended his state visit to Moscow last week.
“Ibang klase o ibang uri ng
October 12-18, 2019
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National News I Empowering Communities
pamamahayag ang kanilang ituturo sa susunod na mga pagkakataon sa atin pong mga kababayan o sa ating mga Filipino journalists (They will teach our reporters a different kind of reporting),” he added. The former journo also said that the media engagements were successful because RT even gave Andanar the opportunity to air the Duterte administrations’ police message via an interview. The PCOO earlier said that it will start its communications campaign that will “protect and promote” the legacy of President Duterte for the next three years. “Ito po ay napaka-exciting na (This is a very exciting) communications campaign, because this will protect and promote the legacy of the President for the next three years, hanggang (until) 2022,” Andanar said.
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“‘Pag-step down po ng Presidente June 30, 2022 kaya dito natin maipapako ‘yung tinatawag natin na barometro ng accomplishment, kung ano dapat ang i-accomplish ng isang presidente, kung ano dapat ang asahan nating mga Pilipino sa susunod na presidente (This will serve as the barometer when the President steps down in June 30, 2022. What a president needs to accomplish and what the people should expect from the next president),” he added. “This is about the Duterte Legacy – it’s about setting the standard of public service,” he continued. According to Andanar, Duterte’s legacy include, among others, the Universal Health Care law, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program. (By Argyll Cyrus Geducos)
October 12-18, 2019
National News I Empowering Communities
SSS: Pensioners may now loan up to P200,000 under PLP
QUEZON CITY - The state-run Social Security System (SSS) on Friday said more than 1.5 million retiree-pensioners as of August 2019 may now loan up to P200,000 under the enhanced Pension Loan Program (PLP). SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said the enhanced guidelines on PLP which is pursuant to Social Security Commission (SSC) Resolution No. 429-s.2019 aimed to provide adequate financial assistance to qualified retiree pensioners. “As we celebrate the Elderly Filipino Week, we would like to inform our pensioners the good news about PLP. They can now borrow up to 12 times their basic monthly pension plus the
additional P1,000 benefit. SSS branches are now accepting PLP applications from qualified retiree-pensioners,” Ignacio said. “We want our pensioners to know that we value them as one of our key stakeholders in recognition of their support to SSS during their prime, wherein their monthly contributions were the lifeline of the pension fund then,” she added.
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National News I Empowering Communities Under SSS Office Order 2019004-b, the PLP now grants a higher loanable amount or up to 12 times the basic monthly pension plus the P1,000 additional benefit of the retiree pensioner, longer payment terms and wider range for the age qualification. Qualified under the new guidelines are retiree pensioners who are 85 years old and below at the end of the loan repayment term if they have no outstanding loan balance, or benefit overpayment payable to SSS from his monthly pension. He must also have no existing advance pension under the SSS calamity package and must be receiving his regular monthly pension for at least one month and has an “active” pension status.
a higher loanable amount at a longer payment term and discouraging them from transacting with loan organizations which charge steep interest rates. We hope that more pensioners will be encouraged to avail of this loan as this only incurs an interest rate of 10 percent per annum,” Ignacio said. To recall, SSS implemented the PLP last September 2018 in response to the clamor of senior citizens to prevent the growing incidence of pensioners falling victims to loan sharks and help them with their short-term needs and has so far released 59,224 pension loans amounting to P1.4 billion as of September 30.
Based on the loan term, 0.8 percent of the pensioner-borrowers preferred Moreover, the enhanced PLP the three-month term, 5.88 percent for guidelines also gave the pension loan six months, and 93.32 percent for 12 borrower a wider option to choose months as of end-September 2019. from his loanable amount. From the previous minimum loanable amount of “In January, we have already twice his basic monthly pension (BMP) eased our guidelines, wherein those plus the P1,000 additional benefit, the who are receiving their monthly pension pensioner borrower may now loan even for just a month and is already up to three times, six times, nine times posted in the system is already qualified or 12 times of his BMP plus the P1,000 to avail of the SSS pension loan. We additional benefit. continuously develop programs to help alleviate the financial problems of our The repayment term was also members,” Ignacio said. adjusted so that they have the option to pay their loan in six, 12 or24 months SSS also allowed the presentation with the first monthly amortization to other government-issued be due on the second month after the of identification cards aside from the loan is granted. Social Security Card or Unified Multi “We enhanced the PLP rules to Purpose Identification (UMID) card as a provide qualified SSS pensioners with form of identification. (SSS)
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October 12-18, 2019
National News I Empowering Communities
NYC urges DepEd to accommodate IP learners By Christine Cudis
MANILA - The National Youth Commission (NYC) urged the government’s educational agencies to accommodate indigenous people (IP) learners following the closure of Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI) schools in the Davao region. “With the recent formal closure of all 55 Lumad schools operated by the Salugpongan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI) in the Davao region, NYC urges DepEd to facilitate the accommodation of the students as soon as possible to nearby DepEd-run
schools,” the NYC said in a statement Monday. The youth commission said local government units should work with the community leaders to ensure the right to education of IP children.
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National News I Empowering Communities It also laid out several proposed of Talaingod in Davao del Norte. long-term plans in providing a quality education that would upskill the IPs. Dahusay is delighted to hear the These are: message of support from the youth commission and expressed hope that (1) The National Commission on this “will just be the beginning”. Indigenous Peoples may tap IP para teachers to help develop and deliver “Daghan ang nag pasalamat a community-based and culturally kay para sa tribo klaro nga naay silay sensitive curriculum that is both aligned maton-an og maabot sa kabataan with their cultural identity and with the ang tinguha nga mo lampos og naay national standards. maayong ugma… Kaysa skwelahan sa NPA salugpungan na dal on ang (2) The Commission on Higher mga bata sa way klarong panaaging Education may also consider providing pagtulon an (A lot of people in the access to scholarships to these para tribe are thrilled because it’s now a teachers to study teacher education guarantee that our children will really so that they can soon get a professional learn useful stuff. Unlike New People’s license to teach in these schools. Army’s Salugpungan where they lead our kids to miserable path),” Dahusay (3) The Technical Education and said in an interview on Monday. Skills Development Authority - TESDA Philippines (TESDA) may also provide He added that many in his alternative technical-vocational community are looking forward to training for out-of-school youth and enrolling in TESDA-accredited schools assist in livelihood programs in the so they would earn a decent income. affected areas. “Ganahan mi ug TESDA kay aron The NYC also urged for maka-trabaho sa kompanya og ma educational agencies to put up more develop pa ang ilang kahibalo nga learning institutions that align with the mo sustain ang ilng panginahi bisan og contexts of IP communities to preserve wala makahuman og skwela kolehiyo their culture. (We like TESDA so we can learn and work in a company. To develop our Currently, only a few teachers thinking and sustain our livelihood are assigned in communities where the even if one did not finish college),” he IPs live. Most of them are members of said. the tribe who graduated as educators and went back to serve them. Earlier, the Department of Education said it is eyeing the Among them is Datu Joel construction of more classrooms and Dahusay, a daycare worker under the other educational facilities for the IP Municipal Social Welfare Development learners in Davao del Norte. (PNA)
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October 12-18, 2019
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