Caraga InFocus – October 16-22, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 43 October 16-22, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

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TESDA SHOWCASES SKILLS IN 2021 REGIONAL SKILLS COMPETITION DBP EXTENDS P38-BILLION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY ASSISTANCE TO LGUS

CARAGA TUPAD BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE CASH ASSISTANCE DA CARAGA AWARDS YOUNG AGRIPRENEURS MGA CARAGANON NAGHAHANDA NA SA UNDAS; VACCINATION OPERATION PATULOY

PROVINCIAL NEWS JOSEFA TOWN IN AGSUR DEVELOPS NEW 15 STA. PROJECTS FOR LOCALS

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AGSUR TOWN POS PROMOTE TILAPIA HATCHERY AGSUR LGU CONTINUES TO SUPPORT EO70; 32 FRS RECEIVE CASH AID AGSUR TOWN EMPOWERS FRS THROUGH LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS KAPIN P42 MILLION NGA MGA PROYEKTO, GIDAWAT SA BARANGAY KIOYA, SIBAGAT TESDA AGNOR CONDUCTS SKILLS TRAINING TO WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION AGNOR SP APPROVES IP CODE POPCOM CARAGA TO SUPPORT ‘BALIK-PROBINSYA’ INITIATIVES GROUNDBREAKING SA REGIONAL EVACUATION CENTER SA RTR, GIHIMO HOG RAISERS NGA APEKTADO SA ASF, NAKADAWAT OG CASH ASSISTANCE GIKAN SA PROBINSYA POPCOM, MISALMOT SA PAGSALMOT SA INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS’ DAY

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POPCOM, GIAWHAG ANG PAGSUPORTA SA MGA BPVS WRITESHOP UG TECHNICAL CONFERENCES KALABOT SA CORE PROCESSING PROJECTS UBOS SA AGUSAN UP, GIHIMO BAG-ONG IPMR SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE GINGANLAN NA

SURSUR NOW AT MODERATE RISK FOR COVID-19

20 PAYAOS INSTALLED IN SURSUR TOWN

DA, BFAR TRAIN SURSUR WOMEN ON MILKFISH PRODUCTION, PROCESSING

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MINDANAO NEWS GOV’T EYES CLOSURE OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS IN MINDANAO SOLON EYES PLANTING 1M CACAO TREES TO ASSIST DEV’T OF INDUSTRY

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CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

NATIONAL NEWS PCOO CHIEF: GOV’T MEDIA OPERATIONS BETTER UNDER DUTERTE ADMIN PCOO REGULARIZES LONG TIME CASUAL EMPLOYEES

PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS PDP-LABAN CANDIDATES TO ADHERE TO PARTY PRINCIPLES, HELP ENSURE HONEST 2022 ELECTION MORE TYPHOON MARING VICTIMS BENEFIT FROM BONG GO’S RELIEF EFFORTS IN GATTARAN, CAGAYAN; RENEWS CALL TO CREATE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE

BONG GO REITERATES HE IS COMMITTED IN HIS RUN FOR VP IN 2022; SAYS HE WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT AND RESPECT DECISION OF MAYOR SARA DUTERTE

‘PROTECTING THE LIVES OF THOSE TASKED TO PROTECT AND SERVE FILIPINOS’ - BONG GO LEADS OPENING OF 145TH MALASAKIT CENTER IN PNP GENERAL HOSPITAL, QC

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COVID-19 NEWS LGUS VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PLAN IN PLACE: GALVEZ 53.3M OF OVER 91M VAX DOSES ALREADY ADMINISTERED: NTF HIGHER COVID-19 VACCINATION TURNOUT SEEN AMID STABLE SUPPLY

Butuan boys benefit By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Unconscious of the pain they might get from the operation, the young boys from Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City accepted the challenge and put smiles on their faces after availing themselves the free ‘operation tuli’ (Circumcision Operation) organized by Brigada News FM Butuan, together with the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army

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and ‘Bisaya Gyud’ Partylist who extended assistance to ensure the success of the said activity.

prohibited to be exposed outside their homes to prevent them from the transmission of the dreadful virus. Yet, these organizations Some 50 male children had seen the need for of different ages had children to still get the safely undergone the health and physical care circumcision operation they need as they grow. and were thankful for the Hence, the group has intervention and initiative organized this particular of the organizers. operation for the welfare of the male children. Kids during this time of health crisis are Alias ‘Joey’, a 10-yearCaraga INFOCUS

from ‘operation tuli’ old boy, who was one of the beneficiaries, thanked the organizers for giving them due attention and providing them with the free service to the male children in their barangay. “Daghang salamat sa mga nitabang sa amo nga ma-tuli (Thank you so much to all who tried to help us be circumcised),” he candidly expressed. According to Julius Lacerda, station manager of Brigada News FM, this Operation Tuli is part of their corporate social responsibility to the people in the community especially to the most vulnerable ones, which include the children. “We are grateful that our objective to help the children during this time of health crisis was realized with the help also of our partners from the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, and of course, our very own ‘Bisaya Gyud’ Partylist who truly cares and promotes the rights and Caraga INFOCUS

welfare of the Visayan people not only here in Caraga region, but including those who are in other parts of the country. In unity, I believe we could all surpass this pandemic

knowing we have them who are willing to extend the needed help to fulfill our objectives,” said Lacerda. He also expressed his hope that more

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humanitarian activities such as this will be organized again that will benefit different sectors of society. “May our friends from the Bisaya Gyud Partylist be able also to reach out to more people and help them uplift their lives. Any help would be of great contribution to any sector who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added. Meanwhile, Franco Caliguid, lead volunteer/ representative of the

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Bisaya Gyud Partylist in Butuan City elaborated that the group wanted to reach out to more sectors and serve as inspiration to the Bisaya people in Caraga region and promote the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and volunteerism. “We need to take an active part in addressing the concerns of our co-Bisaya people, and that is the main purpose and mission of the Bisaya Gyud Partylist. Let’s support each other as we continue to strive and survive in these

trying times. Our efforts will continue as Bisaya Gyud reaches out to the most vulnerable sectors in the region,” he said. Colonel Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, also congratulated the organizers of the operation tuli and highlighted that the Army unit is all willing and ready to provide the needed technical assistance in this kind of humanitarian activity. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs DOH Caraga reported that as of October 20, 2021, there are a total of 1,003,159 doses of vaccines administered in the region. Total first doses administered were 504,706 and 498,453 for the second doses. xx

PCOO secretary Martin Andanar converses with Surigao City mayor Ernesto Matugas, Jr. and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson, AO before the conduct of the Friendship Tree Planting at Brgy. Punta Bilar, Surigao City. The said acitvity is part of the Philippines-Australia Friendship Caravan launched for the 77th Commemoration of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait and the 75th celebration of the ties between the Philippines and Australia.

The KALAHI-CIDSS is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the government being implemented by the DSWD. It uses community-driven development as an overall community development approach and strategy to ensure that development priorities are addressed in a participatory, collective, inclusive, and in demand-driven way. The personnel of National Housing Authority (NHA) Caraga received the locally stranded individuals from NCR as they arrived at the Bancasi Airport, Butuan City today, October 22, and closely coordinated with the LGUs Bayugan City and Loreto, Agusan del Sur to ensure safety and security of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa (BP2) Program beneficiaries.

REGIONAL NEWS

TESDA showcases skills in 2021 Regional Skills Competition The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga will hold the 2021 Regional Skills Competition (RSC) on October 28-29, 2021 at the Agusan Del Sur School of Arts and Trades, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with the following skills areas to be competed include: Welding with two competitors from Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur; Electrical Installation with one competitor from Agusan del Sur; Cooking with two competitors from Agusan del Sur; and Restaurant Services with two competitors from Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. The RSC is in line with TESDA’s mandate to organize and conduct Skills Competition with a view of participating in international skills competition as stipulated under Section 30 of R.A. 7796, otherwise known as the TESDA Law. This activity aims to promote quality skills development in the country. The RSC generally aims to showcase and recognize the work excellence of young skilled workers and the industry workers in a competitive setting; provide the technical-vocational education and training system with an objective

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and precise means of measuring the comparative and collective quality of its output; promote cooperation between and among institutions in the TESD stakeholders; magnetize the attention and sustain the interest of young people towards occupations; instill self-esteem and pride among those who chose the blue–collar vocation, by advocating through the competition activities, the vital role of skilled workers in nation-building; and cultivate the cooperative spirit of the various stakeholders in the development of middle-level technical workforce. The winners of the 2021 RSC who will pass the standard points set by the WorldSkills International will

compete in the Philippine National Skills Competition on December 2021 using a Hybrid approach wherein some competitors compete in a Face-to-Face setting while some will have to do the competition via online approach. It can be noted that Caraga sent participants to the ASEAN Skills Competition (ASC) on 2016 – the 11th ASC in Malaysia under Welding; 2018 – the 12th ASC in Bangkok, Thailand under Graphics Design; and supposedly 2020 under Electrical Installation, but the pandemic hit the world and the ASEAN Skills Competition was postponed to 2023. (Chiselo Joiada R. Bernaldez, TESDA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

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DBP extends P38-billion in economic recovery assistance to LGUs health and social welfare including housing, general hygiene and sanitation, information systems, infrastructure facilities, telecommunications, tourism development programs, as well disaster risk reduction and management.

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has approved P38.28-billion in financing assistance to 110 local government units for the first six months of the year to accelerate implementation of critical infrastructure and socioeconomic development in their respective localities, a top official said. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said that the funding support was granted under the bank’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development (ASENSO) for Local Government Units (LGUs) Financing Program which was launched in 2020 to boost economic recovery and cushion the impact of the pandemic especially in the countryside. “Through the DBP ASENSO for LGUs Financing Program,

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we have fast-tracked the provision of credit assistance to all levels of local governments as they scale up social and economic interventions,’’ Herbosa said. “We are also helping the LGU sector boost their resiliency against future economic downturns.” DBP is the fifth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development. Since its inception, DBP ASENSO has provided funding assistance to 51 LGUs located in Luzon, 19 in the Visayas, and 40 in Mindanao, which covers programs on agricultural support,

Herbosa said that from January to June this year, DBP has extended interest subsidies totaling P330-milion to 80 LGU-borrowers on both loan interest payments on new and existing loans, which forms part of the government interventions under Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. He said that under the program, interest rate subsidy is on a “first-come, first-served basis” with the subsidy ceiling computed based on the approved loan amount or a P10-million cap for provincial and city LGUs, and a P5million cap for municipalities. “DBP recognizes that LGUs are the fulcrum of local economic activity,” Herbosa added. “We shall continue to work with the National Government in implementing flexible interventions to support their initiatives to re-establish sustainable and resilient communities despite current challenges.” (DBP/ PIA Caraga)

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By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Caraga TUPAD beneficiaries receive cash assistance Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, significant programs and services continue to pour in the Caraga region through the concerted efforts of the different government agencies. This includes the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, wherein more than 1000 beneficiaries from Butuan City and Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte received the livelihood cash assistance. Mary Jaen Laon, a ‘balot’ vendor from Butuan Caraga INFOCUS

City, was one of the beneficiaries who received P4,800 cash assistance from DOLE that could help her sustain her small business. “I’m really happy to be included among the beneficiaries under the TUPAD program of DOLE. I will use this to fund my small business and for my family’s daily expenses,” said Laon. A number of students from various Colleges and State Universities in the region had also received a check amounting to P10,000 each as scholarship cash grant, which were personally handed-over to them by DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello, together with other local officials in

Butuan City. “This is really a big help for us students who could now pay our tuition fees. Thank you very much to DOLE for this assistance,” said Christian Hermoso, a student-beneficiary. Secretary Bello urged all the beneficiaries to use the cash aid wisely considering that the country still faces a health crisis. Meanwhile, in time with the release of the TUPAD benefits, DOLE Caraga also awarded the safety seal to several private companies, including the winners of the 2021 Search for Outstanding Labor Management Cooperation. (JPG/PIACaraga) October 16-22, 2021 |

DA Caraga awards young agripreneurs up capital for the planned agri-based micro-enterprise that may be operated by an individual youth or as a joint venture between two or more individual youths.

A younger generation of farmers may soon be catapulting the agriculture sector of Caraga towards development. This, after 75 budding entrepreneurs were recognized and awarded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga after besting 55 other applicants of the Young Farmers Challenge.

In Caraga, a total of 130 aspiring young agripreneurs applied for the program and presented their Business Model Canvass and 75 were chosen as provincial awardees. Of the 75 youth beneficiaries, 30 are from Agusan del Norte, 25 from Agusan del Sur, 3 from Surigao del Norte, 11 from Surigao del Norte, and 6 from the Province of Dinagat Islands. In a message, DA Secretary William D. Dar said that many of the youth nowadays are no longer interested in farming which puts food security at risk. “I am overjoyed at the number of young farmers who joined the Young Farmers Challenge. The

generation of young farmers are the future champions of Philippine agriculture,” the Secretary said. In addition, Sec. Dar said that the DA will always provide support and craft policies and programs that will help and empower young farmers. On the other hand, DACaraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that agriculture should be approached as agribusiness to make a bigger contribution to the economy. The Young Farmer Challenge is in line with the DA’s Key Strategies in transforming Philippine agriculture particularly on youth engagement which aims to boost the youth’s involvement in agricultural programs and activities. The provincial awarding of the Young Farmers Challenge was conducted via the virtual platform on October 13. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA13RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

The Young Farmers Challenge is a competitive financial grant assistance program for the youth who will engage in agri-fishery based enterprises. The program is open to all Filipino Youths aged 18-30 years old with proposed business ventures with profitability potential. The grants shall serve as start-

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Mga Caraganon naghahanda na sa undas; vaccination operation patuloy Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Bagamat hindi pinapahintulutan ang publiko na magdaus ng undas sa mismong araw nito ngayong November 1 hanggang November 2, 2021, nakahanda naman ang mga otoridad sa pagmonitor at pagkontrol ng pagdagsa ng mga tao na bibisita sa puntod ng kanilang mga yumaong kapamilya sa ibat-ibang cemeteries ilang araw bago ang nakatakdang petsa. Ayon sa Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional office, inumpisahan na ng kanilang hanay ang maagang paghahanda sa seguridad at kaligtasan ng publiko at tiniyak na striktong ipatutupad ang health protocols upang maiwasan ang hawaan ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pangalawang taon na ito sa rehiyon kung saan maagang bibisita ang mga Caraganon sa sementeryo dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic. Inaasahan naman na patuloy pa rin ang pagsagawa ng vaccination sa mga probinsya lalo pa at mas pinaigting pa ng gobyerno ang pagbabakuna laban COVID-19 at target na makuha ang 70% herd

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immunity bago magtapos ang taong 2021. As of October 18, may kabuuang 484,451 ang nabakunahan na sa Caraga region base sa tala ng Department of Health (DOH). Bahagyang bumaba naman ang naitalang kompirmadong kaso ng COVID-19 dahil na rin sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng health protocols at contact tracing. Abot sa 47,053 ang kabuuang kompirmadong kaso ng COVID-19 sa rehiyon. 2,389 ang kasalukuyang nasa isolation facilities at 1,644 ang naitalang namatay. May 43,020 naman ang nakarecover mula sa nasabing virus. Patuloy namang hinihikayat ng DOH ang mga indibidwal lalo na ang may sintomas ng

COVID-19 na magpakonsulta at sumangguni sa health center upang ma-test at masigurong hindi makahawa ng iba. Samantala, inaasahan din ang pagdating ng mga locally stranded individuals (LSIs) papuntang Agusan del Sur mula National Capital Region (NCR) ngayong October 22 sa Butuan City Airport sa ilalim ng Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa (BP2) Program ng pamahalaan. Ang ibang LSIs naman ay papuntang Dinagat Islands ngayong October 29. Nakaantabay na rin ang mga kinauukulang ahensiya at lokal na pamahalaan sa kanilang pagdating upang matiyak ang kanilang ligtas na pag-uwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Sta. Josefa town in AgSur develops new projects for locals By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Josefa in the province of Agusan del Sur continued to create and establish developmental projects that benefited the populace of said municipality.

We also upgraded our old market which is 30 years old and dilapidated already, so that others could still use it and sell different products. Hopefully by November we can fully operationalize the new public market in the municipality,” said Caguiat.

When asked about these projects during the Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Mayor Symond Otacan Caguiat of Sta. Josefa said that they have started the construction of a new public market which is bigger and more spacious.

Apart from the public market, the LGU is also working on establishing a stable drinking water system. “The Sta. Josefa water system is my priority project. We have an existing water system, a deep well pump, which has high operating expenses and the water quality is not that great, the reason why we came up with other alternative to address this concern,” Caguiat said.

“The validation is ongoing for our tenants and renters. Caraga INFOCUS

“We discovered a good water source in one of our barangays so I had a plan drawn up and we saw that it was a viable source of potable drinking water. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) granted us almost P50 million that we used for the project,” the mayor added. It was also learned that the project costs P200 million and an initial fund of P50 million was already used to implement up to Phase 4 of the said project. With these developments, Mayor Caguiat expressed hopes that the locals would support the LGU’s endeavors and properly utilize and sustain all these projects. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) October 16-22, 2021 |

AgSur town POs promote Tilapia hatchery By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The people’s organizations (POs) from the municipality of Sta. Josefa in the province of Agusan del Sur have engaged in Tilapia fingerlings and were able to receive assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga and the provincial government. During the Network Briefing News hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Wednesday, Mayor Symond Otacan Caguiat of Sta. Josefa bared that almost 90% of the municipality’s population are engaged with farming as their main source of livelihood. “The provincial government through BFAR provides

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strong support to our small fisherfolks. The LGU has established a tilapia hatchery for our people’s organizations so they can access free tilapia fingerlings,” said Caguiat. The mayor added that there were 25 POs that had benefitted from this hatchery, including individuals who need tilapia fingerlings. “We also give them feeds and other equipment needed to raise tilapia,” he added. Mayor Caguiat also emphasized that the LGU will re-operate its farm-level trade centers for their farm produce like organic rice, corn, and cacao beans and support it with post-harvest facilities. “We’ll also fully operationalize

our water irrigation with appropriate schedules for the 11 barangays here in the municipality. We plan to set aside funds to buy the palay and corn from our farmers and we’ve started doing this already but we lack the capital, hence, we need additional support from other concerned agencies,” he said. Sta. Josefa is a third-class municipality located in the southern part of Agusan del Sur and part of district two; you can reach us through land travel from Davao City and if flying in from Butuan City airport, we are also accessible through land travel. The said municipality consists of 26,422 inhabitants and has an area of 341.8 square kilometers. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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AgSur LGU continues to support EO70; 32 FRs receive cash aid

The local government unit (LGU) of La Paz, Agusan del Sur continues its support to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 by granting cash aid to its Former Rebels (FRs) amounting to P160,000.00 last October 19, 2021. A total of 32 FRs received P5,000.00 each of cash aid from LGU-La Paz, which was intended as a reintegration assistance for all FRs who sincerely abandoned the communist terrorist movement. The said FRs were previous members of the New People’s Army Caraga INFOCUS

(NPA) who voluntarily surrendered to the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion of the Philippine Army and La Paz Municipal Police Station through the support and collaboration of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (MTFELCAC) headed by Mayor Michael D. Lim, together with the various concerned line agencies. The EO70 is a government policy on “Institutionalizing the Whole-of a-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in our country

which aims to address the root causes of insurgency to end local armed conflict in the countryside. Mayor Lim said that the LGU-La Paz together with all local government agency is committed to continue their support to the former rebels as mandated by the Executive Order No. 70. It can be recalled that the LGU-La Paz has recently conducted a program orientation to the various People’s Organization (POs) in the municipality that consisted of FRs and local members of the October 16-22, 2021 |

community which was aimed to empower the members of the POs to be more economically resilient as a sign of commitment to pursue the mandates of EO70 in facilitating the delivery of government programs and basic services to the marginalized communities. In a statement, FR Bremly Acero alias ‘Mar’ expressed his gratitude to the LGULa Paz. “Dako akong pasalamat kay bisan pa kami kanhi nahisalaag sa among dalan apan wala damha nga ang buhatan sa La Paz uban sa kasundaluhan, kapulisan ug uban pang ahensya ani kanunay nga nag tabang kanamu aron kami mahilona. Dako akong pagbasol sa among mga nabuhat kaniadto, hinaut unta nga mahigmata na ug mosurender ang among mga kanhi kaubanan nga ana pa nag lihok alang sa malinawon nga pag puyo nga gawasnon uban sa inyong pamilya (I’m thankful that despite being involved in the NPA movement, the LGU of La Paz along with the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies has helped us live a new life away from harm and

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near our families. I regret everything I did when I was still active in the communist terrorist group. And now I enjoy living my life peacefully with my family. I also hope that those who are still in the movement could realize that they have better life ahead if they surrender to the folds of the law),” he said.

government programs and services to the people, rest assured that we will always be ready to do our part in attainting sustainable peace and development in the community,” he said.

“To the 32 FRs, congratulations and may you spend your money wisely. The government is always ready to help and support you. I call Meanwhile, Lt.Col on all the remaining NPA Reynald Romel A Goce, members out there, our Commanding Officer of door remains open in 26IB thanked the partner accepting you all to go agencies for their generous back to the folds of the support to the FRs. “I law. We are offering you a am grateful to the Local way to start a peaceful life Government Unit of La with your family but if you Paz headed by Hon. Lim continue to resist, then we and to all government will not hesitate to use our agencies for having us assets against all of you,” around in your every step added Goce. (2Lt. Cecille during the planning up Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB, to the implementation of PA/PIA-Agsuan del Sur)

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AgSur town empowers FRs through livelihood programs The local government unit (LGU) of La Paz of this province in collaboration with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, Philippine Army and other partner agencies empowered its former rebels (FRs) to be more economically-resilient through a program orientation to the various People’s Organization (POs) from the different barangays of the said municipality last October empower the members of the POs to be more 15, 2021. economically-resilient by The program orientation identifying projects that are appropriate in the was conducted with community in order to social distancing motivate the members and proper wearing in achieving their of facemask in objectives as prescribed accordance with by their own constitution the COVID-19 and by-laws which will health protocol. It improve and develop was attended and their capacity towards participated by 11 POs sustainable livelihood that consisted of FRs development. and local members of As mandated by the the community who Executive Order No. 70 were organized by the (EO70), the Municipal previously deployed Task Force to End Local Community Support Communist Armed Program (CSP) Team Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of the Philippine of La Paz headed Army. It was aimed to Caraga INFOCUS

by Municipal Mayor Michael D. Lim, strongly implemented the Wholeof-Nation Approach to prioritize the delivery of government programs and basic services to its intended beneficiaries, the former rebels. “It is our duty to provide support and services for our former rebels as they continue their reintegration to the society because they are now our peace partners in building a better community,” said Lim. The Technical Education October 16-22, 2021 |

Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) of AgSur together with other partner agencies such as Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Municipal Local Government Office (MLGO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Philippine National Police (PNP) were also present and strengthened their support during the said orientation. “Our goal is to provide appropriate livelihood and skills training for our Former Rebels and also to the over-all constituents for them to be equipped with the

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right knowledge and proper techniques as they venture to start their chosen livelihood programs,” said Novilita A. Dispo, TESDA provincial director.

to the community by empowering our People’s Organizations,” he said.

“Let us help our people to alleviate poverty through livelihood programs Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, from the government. If we continue to work Commanding Officer of together, we will surely 26IB commended the address the socioMTF-ELCAC along with economic issues that are partner agencies for their used by the CPP-NPA in selfless support for the poisoning the hearts and activity. “We are grateful minds of our people. Our to the entire members of strong will and intensified the Task Force in helping collaboration will surely our Former Rebels. It bring hope, peace is indeed an over-all and development to effort as a team and the community,” Goce it is more convenient added. (2Lt. Cecille for the government Tappa, CMO officer, to deliver sustainable 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del livelihood development Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Kapin P42 million nga mga proyekto, gidawat sa Barangay Kioya, Sibagat Mukabat sa P42,636,126.13 million ang total nga balor sa mga infrastructure projects ang formal nga gi turn-over ning lokal nga panggamhanan sa pagpanguna ni Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista, ngadto sa mga residente sa Barangay Kioya sa lungsod sa Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Lakip sa mitambong sila Edna A. Perang, MPDO; Hon. Gines G. Coranes; Hon. Josephine D. Benigian; Hon. Franklin Dumdum ug Liga ng mga Barangay President Francisco Garlit. Sa maong seremonyas, mapasalamaton nga gidawat sa mga opisyales, volunteers ug mga residente sa Brgy. Kioya pinaagi ni punong barangay Arnold Pilapil ang Evacuation Center ug Line Canal nga aduna’y kinatibukang kantidad nga P5,050,000.00 gikan sa Caraga INFOCUS

Municipal Development Fund kon MDF. Samtang ang Road Concreting nga gisugdan niadtong 2015 hangtud sa kasamtangan nga tuig hapit na muabot sa sentro’ng bahin sa Barangay diin mukabat kini ug P37,585,126.13 pinundohan gikan sa Aid to Municipalities ug Bottoms Up Budgeting sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ug sa kaugalingong Municipal Development

Fund sa nasangpit nga lungsod. “Tungod sa atong panaghiusa dinhi sa Brgy. Kioya, aduna’y umaabot nga project balor P20 million gikan sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict kon NTF-ELCAC nga igaimplementar pinaagi sa Provincial Government Sa Agusan del Sur,” sigun ni Mayor Evangelista. (MIO-Sibagat/PIAAgusan del Sur) October 16-22, 2021 |

TESDA AgNor conducts skills training to women’s association The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Agusan del Norte through the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries recently initiated a dialogue with Ata-atahon Rural Improvement Club (ARIC) in Brgy. AtaAtahon, Nasipit to identify TESDA interventions suitable to the needs of the organization. ARIC is a women’s organization producing locally made processed fish products. This has been their main source of income and livelihood to which they heavily rely on. TESDA will assist and help ARIC in improving their products as well as to expand their business through the skills training and livelihood programs

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the agency offers for free. Important agreements were made which include the following: · TESDA through the NMSF will conduct skills training on Smoked Bangus, Marinated Deboned Bangus, and Spanish Sardines; · TESDA will donate fabricated foldable Smoke House; · TESDA through the NMSF will also conduct training on food handling techniques; · TESDA will coordinate with DOST to conduct training on product packaging and food preservation techniques; and · TESDA will coordinate and tie-up with CReATE, Inc. and One Town One Product (OTOP) in Gaisano Mall and Robinsons Place Butuan

for product marketing. TESDA’s support to small business organizations is in line with Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña’s thrust, “TESDA Abot Lahat” and TESDA Caraga’s mantra “CaragaCARES” headed by Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi. The said activity was participated in by TESDAAgNor Provincial Director, Rey M. Cueva together with NMSF headed by the Acting Vocational School Administrator, Ms. Nancy C. De Guzman, Barangay Captain, Hon. Wilfredo C. Pabatang, and Ata-atahon Rural Improvement Club headed by their President, Ms. Gena D. Dueñas. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

AgNor SP approves IP Code

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province of Agusan del Norte during its 111th regular session held recently has approved on 3rd and final reading the Provincial Ordinance No. 601-2021, presided by Vice Governor Ramon Bungabong. The Provincial Ordinance No. 601-2021 entitled “The Agusan del Norte Indigenous Peoples Caraga INFOCUS

Comprehensive Welfare and Development Code, Appropriating Funds Thereof and for Other Purposes,” was authored by Vice Gov. Bungabong with co-authors Provincial Board Members Eddie “Datu Bawang” S. Ampiyawan, chairman of the Committee on Indigenous Peoples Concern, and members Provincial Board Members Dick Victor B.

Carmona and Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. Among the items included in the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Code are the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the IPs. It is a priority legislative measure of Vice Gov. Bungabong when he assumed office as vice governor. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) October 16-22, 2021 |

POPCOM Caraga to support ‘BalikProbinsya’ initiatives

File photo

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga strengthens coordination with other government agencies to provide quality services and information on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning and Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) to Balik Probinsya- Bagong Pagasa Program (BP2) beneficiaries. The agency continues to provide information

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and services amid the pandemic by remaining steadfast to its commitment of empowering the Filipinos through population and development strategies. The regional office ensures uninterrupted rollout and access to modern family planning and AHD services in coordination with local government units. Under the BP2 Program Committee of the Caraga Regional

Development Council, the special program aims at alternative employment and longterm living options for those going back to their home provinces. A coordination meeting attended by different national agencies and government offices including POPCOMCaraga was held on October 19 to ensure that the BalikProbinsya Caraganons will be provided with appropriate and immediate assistance. In a report, a total of 88 Caraganons are set to travel back to the region this October. (Daisy Jane Apit, POPCOM Caraga/ PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Groundbreaking sa Regional Evacuation Center sa RTR, gihimo

Gipahigayon niadtong Oktubre 20, ang groundbreaking sa kapin Php34 million nga Regional Evacuation Center nga ipahimutang sa P-10, Brgy. Balangbalang sa lungsod sa RTR, Agusan del Norte.

residente panahon sa kalamidad. Base sa datus, nailhan nga dali ra bahaon ang kadaghanan sa mga barangay sa maong lungsod tungod sa lowlying o flood prone areas ang kasagaran niini.

Mismo si Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba ug Mayor Richard Daquipil uban sa mga nagkalainlaing opisyales sa lungsod ug kasikbit nga mga barangay ang nanguna sa maong kalihukan.

Ang maong proyekto bunga sa pagpaningkamot ug suporta ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba, Gob. Dale B. Corvera ug Mayor Richard Daquipil sa RTR nga maoy naghago paghangyo niini gikan sa nasudnong ahensya hinungdan ngano nga nagahinan kini og pundo gikan sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Usa ang lungsod sa RTR ang pipila ka natagaan sa maong proyekto sa tibuok Agusan del Norte ingon man sa rehiyon sa Caraga isip temporaryong silonganan sa mga Caraga INFOCUS

Sumala pa ni SB Member Bernadette Daquipil, usa sa prayoridad ni Mayor Daquipil nga ma sulbad ang dali nga pagbaha sa RTR panahon nga adunay kalamidad. Niini, naghimo ang LGU-RTR og comprehensive flood control program aron masulbad ang maong dugay ng problema. Ang maong proyekto sugdan dayon og konstrak karong Oktubre 21, ug gi bana-bana nga mahuman sulod sa 330 ka adlaw. Apan hangyo ni Kongw. AmanteMatba nga mapadali pa ang konstruksyon aron dali na kini magamit sa katawhan. (Karen Kie Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) October 16-22, 2021 |

Hog raisers nga apektado sa ASF, nakadawat og cash assistance gikan sa probinsya

Gipadangat ni Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera mismo ang cash assistance o indemnification sa mga hog raisers nga apektado sa African Swine Fever (ASF) sa lungsod sa Buenavista. Naa sa 34 ka apektadong hog raisers ang nakadawat niini sa mga barangay sa Barangay 1, Guinabsan, Talo-ao, Alubihid, Abilan ug Manapa ning kalihukan nga gipahiluna sa probinsya pinaagi sa probinsyal ubos sa

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buhatan sa Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET). Nasayran nga mas apektado ang Buenavista sa mga lungsod sa probinsya nga nasudlan sa maong sakit nga nag-apil sa mga lungsod sa Las Nieves ug Carmen. Sumala sa gobernador ang pagpanghatag og ayuda pinasikad sa Executive Order No.31 series of 2021 sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte aron masuportahan ang mga

mag uuma ilabina sa mga hog raisers nga nabiktima sa ASF. Sa maong okasyon, gihangyo sa goberndor ang mga hog raisers nga mo-kooperar gyod sa tanang sumbanan ug mga protocols nga gihimo sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan aron malikayan ang ASF. “Ug karon nga naa naman gyod ni sa Buenavista ang kagaw, mahimo mohatag ta sa atong kooperasyon nga malikayan gyud ni nato, Caraga INFOCUS

tanan nga possible nga paglikay atong himoon,” sumala sa Gob. Corvera. Sugyot ni Provincial Veterinary Dr. Belen M. Aruelo nga sa pagkakaron likayan usa ang pagbuhi sa mga baboy ug maghulat sa advisory gikan sa PVET sa probinsya kung kanus-a pwede na. Gidasig usab ni Dr. Aruelo nga segurohon sa mga hog raisers nga irehistro ang ilang mga baboy o tanang klase sa hayop aron kung adunay mga katalagman adunay ayuda nga madawat. “Magkugi sa nga i-insure ninyong mga baboy sa Philippine Crop Insurance Corp Program ubos sa Department of Agriculture (DA). Bisan dili sa baboy. Sa tanang klase nga hayop. Kay in the event nga naay katalagman atong matan-aw nga mahatagan gihapon ta og ayuda,” matud ni Dr. Aruelo. Sa ilang bahin, mapasalamaton kaayo ang ang mga apektadong hog raisers Caraga INFOCUS

nga nakadawat of ayuda. “Bisan gagmay ra ta nga mag uuma, gitagaan gihapon tag kahigayonon nga mahatagan og assistance para ma uliulian atong mga bahog sa baboy. Salamat kaayo Gob,” sumala ni Daisy Matelos, usa sa hog raisers sa Brgy. Alubihid. Mahinumdoman nga una nang nakapadangat og cash

assistance ang probinsya sa lungsod sa Carmen miadtong October 14. Himoon usab kini sa lungsod sa Las Nieves pipila ka adlaw gikan karon. Ang maong kalihukan gitambungan usab nila Provincial Board Member Rudy Pitogo, Barangay 2 Captain Rhean Catabas, PVET personnel ug uban pang barangay officials. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) October 16-22, 2021 |

POPCOM, misalmot sa pagsalmot sa International Teachers’ Day Ang Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga nagpasidungog sa mga magtutudlo human sa matag-tuig nga pag selebrar sa International Teachers’ Day kada Oktubre sa ilang paningkamot aron masiguro nga ang mga kabatan-unan ma andam sa ilang papel sa katilingban. Sa karong tuig nga temang, “Teachers at the Center of Education Recovery,” padayon ang POPCOM Caraga sa pakig tampo niini sa mga tulunghaan aron makahatag ug saktong kaalam ug impormasyon ang mga kabatanunan mahitungod reproductive health, fertility ug development pinaagi sa klase klaseng interventions. Kaniadtong Hulyo 10, nagpahigayon ang POPCOM ug Sexually Health and Personally Empowered SHAPE adolescents module webinar sa mga estudyante ug magtutudlo sa Surigao State Colleges and

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Technology, ug sama usab nga module training alang sa 42 ka magtutudlo sa tagsatagsang distrito sa School Division sa Butuan aron mapatas-an ang ilang

kahanas ug kapasidad sa pag dumala sa reproductive health concerns sa ilang mga estudyante. (Matt Joe Ian F. Gonzaga, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

POPCOM, giawhag ang pagsuporta sa mga BPVs Ang Commission on Population and Development kon POPCOM Caraga nag awhag sa mga lokal nga panggamhanan sa pagpalihok sa mga Barangay Population Volunteers niini aron mahilapad ang maabot sa mga kalihukan alang sa Philippine Population Development Program.

ang mga Barangay Population Volunteers sa pakiglambigit sa mga programa sa ahensya aron makab-ot ang gikinahanglang target niini sa Resposnible Parenthood – Family Planning ug Adolescent Health and Development Program.

Sa kasamtangan, padayon ang POPCOM sa pakig-alyansa niini Kaniadtong bago-hay sa mga development lang gipahigayon nga workers and volunteers 3rd Quarter Regional sa klase-klaseng Population Management buhatang lokal aron Committee Online mahilapad ang maabot Conference, gidasig sa Population and sa ahensya ang mga Development programs Provincial, City, ug sa kagamhanan. (Matt Municipal Population Joe Ian F. Gonzaga, Officers niini nga tagaan POPCOM Caraga/PIA ug dakong higayon Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

Writeshop ug technical conferences kalabot sa Core Processing Projects ubos sa Agusan Up, gihimo

Gisugdan na ang writeshop ug technical conferences sa mga Core Processing Projects sa matag lungsod ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba. Sa 15 ka core processing projects nga initial nga na-identify, lima ang i-cover ning maong kalihukan nga gihimo Caraga INFOCUS

sa E&G Convention Center hangtud karong Biyernes. Ang gitutokan karong adlawa mao ang “Orchard Stopover Project” sa Carmen. Nagkonperensya tibuok buntag sila si Municipal Planning ang Development Coordinator Rustom Beronilla, Municipal Agriculturist Joseph de los Santos, Carmen Fruit Processing Manager

Merricres Alonzo, Carmen mango growers representative Mila Salas, Department of Trade and Industry Senior Counsellor Mari Criz Obedencio ug mga personahe sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center kalabot sa mahimong padulngan sa proyekto. Sunod sa tumong sa proyektong Process! Process! Process!, ilang gihisgutan unsaon nga mahimong produktibo pa ang industriya sa October 16-22, 2021 |

mangga ug ubang prutas, makamugna ug libuang trabaho, mopaangat sa kita ug mohaw-as sa mga banay nga nagsandig sa industriya gikan sa kawad-on. Nauyonan sa maong panaghisgut nga palapdan pa ang natamnan sa mangga ug ubang prutas, himoong regular ug tas-an pa ang volume sa maproseso sa kasamtangang processing activities sa Carmen ug mugnaon ang korporasyon nga motutok pagpadagan ug pagpalambo sa negosyo niini. Nakatakda ugma ang konperensya ug writeshop sa “Food Basket” Project sa

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Kitcharao. Sa Huwebes plastaron ang “Beyond Rice” sa RTR ug Moringa Processing sa Jabonga unya pagka Biyernes, ang “Coffee Net” sa Buenavista. Mahinumdoman nga giako na sa Philippine Coconut Authority ang pagpanguna pagpahiluna sa “Integrated Coconut Processing Project”, usa sa mga core processing projects sa Jabonga. Naa nay usab kasabot ubos sa Public-Private Partnership ang Magallanes alang sa “Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Project” ug ang Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate (NANIE) gipahiluna

na karon sa probinsya nga pangunayan sa Philippine Economic Zone Autority (PEZA) ang pagpalambo. Ang pagplastar sa laing pito ka core processing projects - Chocolate City ug Country Wood sa Nasipit, Sardine Processing sa Buenavista, Feedmill sa Las Nieves, Abaca Processing Center sa Cabadbaran, Mineral Processing sa Tubay ug Banana Processing Center sa Santiago himoon sa sunod nga hugna sa writeshop ug technical conference sa di pa matapos ang tuig. (Agusan Up, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Bag-ong IPMR sa Agusan del Norte ginganlan na

Mihulip na isip Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) sa Agusan del Norte si Datu Dakula Randy Catarman hulip kang Datu Bawang Eddie S. Ampiyawan kansang tulo ka tuig nga termino mahuman na karon Oktubre 20.

kaayo ang pasalamat ni Datu Ampiyawan kang Gob. Dale B. Corvera ug Kongw. Angel AmanteMatba tungod sa ilang suporta aron mapahiluna ang iyang mga panglantaw isip lider sa Indigenous Peoples(IP) sa probinsya.

Gihimo kini sa usa ka Oath Taking and Turn over Ceremony nga gipahigayon atol sa katapusang sesyon sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa covered court sa kapitolyo nga gitambongan ni outgoing Board Member Ampiyawan kagahapon, Oktubre 18.

Sa iyang bahin, gipadayag ni Gob. Corvera ang iyang pagdayeg kang Datu Ampiyawan tungod sa mga ubay-ubay nga accomplishments nga iyang nahimo ubos sa iyang termino.

Sa iyang mensahe, daku Caraga INFOCUS

Usa sa gitan-aw ni Gob. Corvera nga accomplishments ni Datu Bawang mao ang

pagpasa sa IP Code diin nakalatid ang nagka lainlain programa, proyekto, benepisyo alang sa mga IPs sa probinsya. “Daku ang akong kalipay sa atong pagkasayod nga aduna nay IP Code nga napasar sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga in the last nine months of my governorship (kongresista na ang gidaganan ni Gov. Corvera sa eleksyon sa Mayo 2022) maoy mahimo natong direction sa pagtahak sa dalan nga matagaan nato og tinuoray ug sinsero nga pagtagad ang atong mga kaigsuonang lumad,” sumala sa gobernador. October 16-22, 2021 |

“Kung unsa ang suporta nga atong gihatag uban kay Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba kang Datu Bawang isip IPMR, mao usab kana ang suporta nga among ihatag kanimo Dakula Randy Catarman,” pahayag sa gobernador.

Dugang ni Gob. Corvera nga misalig siya ang mga nahimo ni Datu Ampiyawan ug ang mga himoon ni Datu Catarman sa iyang termino magdala gyod og kaayohan sa mga IPs sa probinysa.

Health and Medical Assistance, Establish of Tourism Sites sa mga Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), Enhancement Trainings, Construction of IP Center, Palig-onon ang IP Defend System ug uban pa.

Gipadayag usab ni incoming Provincial IPMR Datu Catarman nga mapadayon ang legasiya nga nahimo ni Datu Ampiyawan sa tulo ka tuig aron mas molambo pa ang kahimtang sa mga IPs sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte.

Sa maong pahayag ni Datu Catarman giseguro ni Gob. Corvera nga kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel nga isip mga lider sa probinsya ihatag nila ang tibuok suporta ngadto kay Datu Catarman sama sa gihatag ng suporta kang Datu Ampiyawan.

Sumala ni IPMR Datu Catarman, ubos sa IPMR Code dunay mga panglantaw ug mga programa nga makab-ot kini pinaagi sa Information Education Campaign, Educational Assistance,

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Kini tungod kay gusto tag mga lideres nga makahiusa sa tanang tribo aron mahimong sayon ang pagpanghatag sa mga serbisyo.

“Gusto namo makita nga magkahiusa ang tanang tribo tungod kay para ka namo kung magkahiusa ang tanang tribo dili usab magmakuli ang gobyerno paghatag og sinsero nga serbisyo kaninyo,” pasabot ni Gob. Corvera. Mitambong usab sa seremonyas sila si Vice Gov. Ramon Bungabong, RD Lilibeth Famacion ug PD Ellen Chua sa DILG, RD Marlon Bosantog sa NCIP, NCIP Provincial Officer Serina Otao Molaan, PA Gerry Joey Laurito, PD Rey Cueva sa TESDA, LTCOL Julius Cesar Paulo sa 23rd Infantry Battalion sa Philippine Army, Mayor Enrico Corvera sa Nasipit, Provincial Board Members, mga IPMR sa mga lungsod mga personahe sa NCIP ug sa kapitolyo. (Shean Mae Pabia, Ydheil Zagado ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

SurSur now at moderate risk for COVID-19 By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The province of Surigao del Sur is now at moderate risk for COVID-19, as it recently saw an increase in cases based on the National Standard Average Daily Attack Rate (ADAR) Computation, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said Monday. The recent growth rate and attack rate revealed an alarming trend of cases infected within a period of 2 weeks. Based on the latest report dated October 18, 2021, Surigao del Sur has recorded a total of 10,691 cumulative COVID-19 cases, of which 9,766 cases have already been tagged as recovered, 483 cases are still in isolation, and 442 deaths. Of the 19 local government units composed of two (2) component cities Caraga INFOCUS

and 17 municipalities, five municipalities and one city are considered high-risk, they are: Barobo; Bayabas; Bislig City; Carmen; Lanuza; and Tagbina. While other 1 city and 12 municipalities are considered moderate-risk: Cagwait; Cantilan; Carrascal; Cortes; Hinatuan; Lianga; Lingig; Madrid; Marihatag; San Agustin; San Miguel; Tago; and Tandag City. With the current situation, PHO Chief Dr. Eric Montesclaros called everyone to follow religiously the minimum public health standards. All Surigaonon who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination are encouraged to get themselves vaccinated at the nearest Rural Health Unit, Montesclaros added. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur) October 16-22, 2021 |

20 payaos installed in SurSur town

Fishermen in this town can now look forward to having a bountiful catch of fish to sustain their livelihood with the installation of 20 units of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) locally known as ‘payao’ on Oct. 16 along the coast of Barangay Dahican in Carrascal.

Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) that would include both financial and technical support as well. The report said the project was funded by the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of CTP Construction and Mining Corporation (CTPCMC).

Photo credit to: LGU Carrascal The ‘payaos’ were installed by the Dahican Fishermen Association (DFA) and Dahican Agri-Fishery Integrated Association (DAGFINTEGRAS).

The said project primarily aimed to establish productive and sustainable fishing grounds where the marginalized fisherfolks can efficiently conduct their fish capture activities to improve their catch and ultimately develop their income-generating capabilities for their families. (with the report from LGU-Carrascal/PIA Surigao del Sur)

The said activity was fulfilled with assistance from the local government unit (LGU) of Carrascal through the

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DA, BFAR train SurSur women on milkfish production, processing Through the Bangus Deboning and Bottling Training on Oct 12-14, the Anunang Gamut Fisherfolks Association (AGFA) in Barangay Anunang, Barobo, Surigao del Sur was introduced to a new set of skills to help them earn additional profit for the family and community. Mostly attended by women, the 3-day training in partnership with the DABureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) involved the AGFA members and non-members in a hands-on activity. Maricel J. Maturan, Fisheries Postharvest and Marketing Section staff of BFAR showed the activities which were followed by the participants.

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According to Rubelyn Cahiles, wife of an AGFA member, the learning gives more relevance to them as women in the community. “While our husbands are busy in the sea, we can do deboning and bottling. It’s an extra income for the family and community plus a sustainable livelihood for us women in the house,” said Rubelyn. With the abundance of Bangus in the area, an overproduction forces the fisher folks to sell their harvest at a lower price, losing the chance of additional profit. Now, with the acquired knowledge of processing, the excess Bangus can already be sold at a

reasonable price. Furthermore, Barobo’s local government showed support by providing an estimate of P64,000 worth of materials for the start-up of their Bangus bottling and deboning business. In line with the goals of PRDP, the training intervention supports the Bangus Marketing and Production in Barobo. It aims to increase the marketable volume of Bangus from 11,000kg to 33,790kg. Likewise, an additional enterprise’s income of P883,000 from P511,000 and fisherfolk’s earnings from P82,000 to P87,000. (DACaraga/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

October 16-22, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

Gov’t eyes closure of coal-fired power plants in Mindanao The government plans to close coal-fired power plants in Mindanao once it finds the financing needed to improve the generating capacity of Agus-Pulangi hydropower plant, a move aimed to help address climate change. In his speech during the virtual launch of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and its Guiding Principles on Wednesday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government is currently looking for a financing mechanism to improve Agus-Pulangi’s generating capacity as part of its commitment to utilize more sustainable energy sources. “As we improve our renewable energy sources, we will retire coal-fired plants in the region. This landmark project will be launched at the COP26 (United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties) meeting in Glasgow. This could serve as a model for coaldependent emerging economies to gradually shift from fossil fuels to more sustainable and greener energy sources,” he said. Dominguez said a whole-ofnation strategy is needed to achieve the government’s commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent over the next decade. Thus, the push for the passage of a proposed measure that will ban single-use plastics, he said. “This is our way of encouraging every Filipino to do his or her part on a daily basis in ending marine pollution and helping save the

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world’s environment,” he added. Dominguez said the government is also in the implementation stage for the solutions targeted to mitigate the impact of global warming on farmers and fisherfolk and those living in coastal communities “who bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change.” He, however, said all these efforts will result in nothing without the necessary finance policies. Dominguez said this is the reason for the tie-up with the United Kingdom government to implement the Asean Low Carbon Energy Program through the establishment of an intergovernmental body that will support the development of a green and sustainable economy. The government’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap is an output of the said body, which is led by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Dominguez is hopeful that the roadmap “will inspire other countries towards adopting the appropriate finance policies that will help in the reduction of carbon emissions.” “Even as the Philippines transitions to a more sustainable economic activity domestically, our own efforts may not be enough. No country can solve the problem of climate change alone. This can only be addressed through orchestrated actions by all nations. It can only be solved if the industrialized economies that have contributed and continue to contribute the most

to greenhouse gas emissions stay true to their commitments of bringing in urgent financing support to climate-vulnerable countries,” he added. During the same event, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank and the banking sector consider the roadmap and guiding principles “as key enablers in unlocking financing to sustainability projects and initiatives for three reasons.” These reasons are the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Framework, which was issued in 2020; the promotion of participation and strengthening the confidence of market players; and steering of banks’ climate and environmental and social risk management. Diokno said that for one, monetary authorities recognize the rise in social and sustainability bond issuances by banks. “However, we can do more in green or sustainability loans,” he said, adding this financial product “not only provides an opportunity for smaller banks to participate in sustainable financing, but also promotes inclusivity as it caters to a wide variety of borrowers including the unserved sector.” Diokno added the central bank is also set to release the second issuance on the Sustainable Finance Framework targeted “to provide granular expectations in managing environmental and social risks in relation to credit and operational risk areas.” (PNA/Joann Villanueva)

October 16-22, 2021 |

Solon eyes planting 1M cacao trees to assist dev’t of industry A lawmaker on Tuesday proposed the establishment of a national program to fasttrack the development of the cacao industry through the planting of one million trees in the Davao region and other parts of Mindanao. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte said capitalizing on the growth of the cacao industry would increase livelihood for Filipinos, especially in agriculturerich areas. Villafuerte said using a mere 100,000 hectares for intercropping cacao with coconut trees would potentially create 1,000 jobs for Mindanao residents and more options for coconut farmers. He said House Bill 1771 would support the goal of the Department of Agriculture (DA) of raising cacao production to 100,000 metric tons (MT) by 2022 to transform the Philippines into a key player in the global market.

“The climate and fertile soil in the Philippines is well suited for growing cacao. Yet, the current state of (the) cocoa business is a disappointment to the crop’s historic roots. The homegrown cacao industry has deteriorated into small to medium scale enterprises. As a result, local production is declining,” he added.

The bill seeks to implement a national program for the education and training of stakeholders in the cacao industry; and collection of relevant research, scientific studies, and market strategies for the proliferation of the local cacao industry.

According to the DA, the increasing global demand for cacao is spurred by various factors: a rising awareness of its health benefits, expanding applications in food beverage, cosmetics, and medicine, and an increasing disposable income of the middle class.

He said the bill would also complement the law declaring Davao City as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines, and the Davao Region as the Cacao Capital of the country.

Southern Mindanao is the country’s largest cacao-producing region with nearly 4,000 hectares dedicated to the crop, he said.

Villafuerte said the Philippines should capitalize on the increasing global demand for cacao, which is mostly grown in the Davao

Region, and should be able to meet domestic requirements to reduce importation costs for local chocolate producers.

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Villafuerte said although the country’s contribution at present to the global market is relatively small, the Philippines already supplies cacao to the United States, Singapore, New Zealand, and

Europe. In May, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law declaring the city of Davao as the “Chocolate Capital of the Philippines” and the entire Davao Region (Region 11) as the “Cacao Capital of the Philippines.” Republic Act 115471 recognizes the importance of cacao as a driver of rural development because of its potential as a raw material that can increase the country’s export earnings tremendously. The law also recognizes cacao for putting the name of the country on the map for producing the finest chocolate beans and having provided livelihood to many small farmers in the countryside. “In recognition of its status as the country’s biggest producer of cacao and its vital contribution in making the Philippines worldrenowned and sought-after by chocolate makers from the US, Japan, and Europe, the City of Davao is hereby declared as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines and the entire Region 11(Davao Region) as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines,” the law read. (PNA/Filane Mikee Cervantes)

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NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO Chief: Gov’t media operations be The Presidential Communications Operations Office celebrated 11 fruitful and dynamic years of government media service as the premier communications arm of the Executive branch, with better media operations under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. In his message during the celebration and blessing of its new office on Monday, October 18, Sec. Martin M. Andanar said the PCOO and its attached agencies have improved the ways on how the government communicates with the public and builds bridges or connections with local and international media. “Malayo na ang narating at maraming nagawa ang PCOO sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte. Pinaigting at pinalakas natin ang government media para mas maiparating ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan sa publiko. [PCOO has come a long way and has done a lot under the administration

|October 16-22, 2021

of President Duterte. We have intensified and strengthened government media to better communicate to the public what the government has been doing],” he said. Among the programs and campaigns that PCOO initiated are the enactment

of the Freedom of Information, creation of the Laging Handa Crisis Communication campaign, establishment of the first-ever Government Communications Academy, and intensified government media operations via radio, television, and online platforms, according to Caraga INFOCUS

etter under Duterte admin

employees and 15 longtime staff who have been working as casual and contractual in the agency for years. PCOO employees, who have been in service for 30 to 40 years, were also honored during the celebration, alongside the stories of the unsung heroes of the PCOO through the years who have selflessly dedicated their lives to serving the public. Sec. Andanar also urged all PCOO employees “to intensify dedication and sincere provision of public service at a time when the country is going through many trials due to the pandemic,”.

Sec. Andanar. He added that PCOO’s breakthrough “is the digitalization of government media operations in delivering the plans and programs of the national government and President Duterte’s message to all Filipinos around the world sending the genuine message that Caraga INFOCUS

the government is always there,”. For a better PCOO, intensified operations Aside from better government media operations, Sec. Andanar personally administered the oath-taking and signed the appointment papers of 32 new regular

“Ang tagumpay ng PCOO ay hindi lang dahil sa isang tao kundi dahil ito sa ating teamwork at magandang samahan. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi magtatagumpay ang PCOO. Kayo ang mga tunay na bayani. [The success of PCOO is not just because of one person but it is because of our teamwork and good relationship where everyone contributes to achieve our goals. If not for you, PCOO will not succeed. You are the real heroes],” he emphasized. October 16-22, 2021 |

PCOO regularizes long time casual employees bonus, incentives, and allowances.

As part of PCOO’s ongoing efforts in regularizing its contract of service (COS) personnel, the agency has requested additional plantilla positions from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for its employees. The COS employees have also undergone Civil In line with the celebration them the security, Service Examination (CSE) of the 11th Anniversary opportunities and benefits last July to qualify for the of the Presidential of full-time regular plantilla positions. Communications employees. Operations Office The PCOO urged (PCOO), the agency PCOO Secretary Andanar the regularization hired additional 32 led the oath taking of its deserving and regular employees and ceremony and signing of hardworking employees, regularized 15 personnel, the appointment papers in order to ensure job who have been of the newly regularized security especially now working as casual and personnel on Monday, that the country is being contractual workers in the 18 October 2021, at the challenged by the global PCOO for over 10 years. Times Plaza Building, health crisis, as well as to Manila, the new office of motivate its employees to Since the start of the the PCOO. become more productive leadership of PCOO civil servants. Secretary Jose Ruperto Among the 15 employees Martin Andanar in 2016, regularized were drivers This year, the DBM has the PCOO has started who have been hired as granted the PCOO regularizing employees contractuals for years. around 27 plantilla who had been with the Aside from the security of positions but the agency PCOO for five years or tenure, the said personnel is working on increasing longer, and have been will receive benefits, this number in order to in short-term renewable a year-end bonus, a regularize more of its contracts that denied performance-based employees.

|October 16-22, 2021

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President Duterte tells PDP-Laban candidates to adhere to party principles, help ensure honest 2022 election President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday urged the candidates running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to stick to the principles and aspirations of the party and asked them to ensure the integrity of the election next year despite the challenges. “It is my hope that all of you will stand by the PDP-Laban’s principles and aspirations throughout the campaign period, and on election day, and beyond,” President Duterte said in a speech during the oath-taking of new party members and proclamation of local PDP-Laban candidates at the Iligan Medical Center College in Iligan City. “I urge you to ensure the integrity of the elections for your respective positions, despite the challenges that you may Caraga INFOCUS

face.” President Duterte expressed optimism that PDP-Laban candidates have the competence, integrity, and dedication to serve the people. He reminded them that their victory would not only for them, but more importantly, for the entire nation. “As a political party, we should continue to put the welfare and progress of our country and people on top of our priorities,” he told the party’s members. “Our mission is and will always be to improve the quality of life of the

Filipinos. As you run for public office, take this to heart, even after the election period and regardless of the election results,” he added. And even with daunting situations, the President encouraged them not to lose faith in the party, stressing although they went through difficult times, “yet we are still here and standing”. The PDP was officially launched on February 6, 1982, during its founding convention in Cebu City. On July 1982, Laban party coalesced with PDP, making PDP-Laban a national party. PND October 16-22, 2021 |

More Typhoon Maring victims benefit from Bong Go’s relief efforts in Gattaran, Cagayan; renews call to create Department of Disaster Resilience As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed to helping communities recover from natural calamities amid the national health crisis, he sent his team on Thursday, October 21, to hand out assistance to 336 beneficiaries hit by Typhoon Maring in Gattaran, Cagayan. Go reiterated in his video message his call for the establishment of a unified department that will focus on disaster management and resilience efforts, especially considering that the country’s geographical location makes it prone to weather disturbances.

Bong Go

address three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

nasasalanta,” explained Go.

Senator Go’s team provided meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to the typhoon victims. Furthermore, they provided new shoes “Ang Department of Disaster and bicycles to selected Resilience ang magkoresidents. They also gave coordinate sa national away computer tablets for at local governments children’s blended learning para bago dumating ang activities. He filed Senate Bill No. 205, bagyo, naka-prepare na otherwise known as the ang mga kakailanganin. Representatives from the Department of Disaster Kapag nandyan na ito, Department of Social Resilience Act, which alam na kung saang ligtas Welfare and Development seeks to create a highly na lugar dadalhin ang granted the beneficiaries specialized agency with a with financial assistance to clear unity of command that mga kababayan natin. Ang departamento rin ang ensure their fast recovery will be tasked with ensuring mamumuno sa rehabilitation from the damages caused adaptive, disaster-resilient at recovery efforts. Back by the calamity. and safe communities. to normalcy agad ang The department shall target natin ‘pag may Personnel from the

|October 16-22, 2021

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protektahan din natin sila,” said Go.

Department of Agriculture distributed livelihood grants under its Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program while the Department of Trade and Industry gave similar livelihood support through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program. Go’s staff grouped the beneficiaries into batches and made sure that all health and safety protocols were strictly observed throughout the activity conducted at Gattaran Municipal Gymnasium. Meanwhile, Go offered to help those seeking medical care as he advised patients to avail of medical assistance programs available in Malasakit Center located at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City. First established in 2018 in Cebu, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipino patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from

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the concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go went on to thank the local leaders of Gattaran for their efforts to keep their constituents safe through the past year. He then appealed to continue extending their support until their community fully recovers from the challenges brought by the pandemic.

Continuing his message, Go encouraged the beneficiaries to continuously support the government’s inoculation efforts by participating in the national vaccination drive. He also urged them to always follow social distancing, frequent hand washing, and respiratory etiquette by wearing masks and face shields when in public so they can safeguard their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their community.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Go has pushed for the funding of various infrastructure projects in Cagayan to boost economic growth and opportunities in the province, including several road improvements in Baggao, Calayan, Enrile, Iguig, Lal-lo, Sta. Teresita, Tuao, and Tuguegarao City; construction of multipurpose buildings in Aparri, and Sanchez-Mira; and installation of streetlights, and the acquisition of an ambulance unit for the local government of Camalaniugan.

“Mga kababayan, magingat po tayo dahil kung tataas ang bilang ng mga kaso ay napipilitan ang gobyerno na mag-impose ng mahigpit na restrictions. Kailangan ng gobyerno ang kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat isa. Kahit bakunado na kayo, marami pa ang hindi, kaya dapat

On October 18, Senator Go personally visited Tuguegarao City, Buguey, and Santa Teresita to hand out similar assistance to more struggling residents. His team then conducted another series of relief efforts to thousands more in Aparri, Gonzaga, and Santa Ana from October 19 to 20.

October 16-22, 2021 |

Bong Go reiterates he is committed in his run for VP in 2022; says he will always support and respect decision of Mayor Sara Duterte Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to dispel rumors that he is clearing the way for another candidate to run in the 2022 elections, stressing that he is committed in his decision to seek the vice presidency. During an interview right after the launch of the 145th Malasakit Center in the country at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Quezon City on Monday, October 25, Go was asked if a substitution for another candidate would be possible. While the senator said that the subject is a matter for his party, PDPLaban, to determine, Go emphasized that he is 100 percent committed to running for the vice presidency. “Mayro’n po akong partido. So, ibig sabihin, hindi po ako

|October 16-22, 2021

Bong Go

makakadesisyon ng ako lang... hindi na nga tumakbo si Pangulong Duterte and it was the party’s decision na tumakbo po ako bilang Bise Presidente. At desisyon po ‘yon ni Pangulong Rodrigo

Duterte at iginagalang ko po ‘yon that is why I accepted the challenge,” said Go. “So, depende na po ‘yon sa partido. Ako naman po ay 100 percent na po akong tatakbo… isa po Caraga INFOCUS

akong public servant at ako po’y (nag-file na ng candidacy),” he added. Earlier, Go said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to retire from politics prompted him to take on the challenge to run for vice president. He added that the ruling party, PDP-Laban, has been preparing for the elections and that someone must step forward for the party and the whole administration to continue its programs and pursue further the positive change that Duterte has started. Meanwhile, when asked about Mayor Sara Duterte’s recent separate meetings with presidential aspirants Bongbong Marcos and Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, Go indicated that it is the prerogative of the younger Duterte and her party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, to meet with key leaders and possibly support certain candidates in the elections. “Prerogative naman po ‘yan ni Mayor Sara kung sino ‘yung gusto n’yang kausapin at nirerespeto natin ‘yon. That’s part of our democratic Caraga INFOCUS

process at mayro’n po siyang partido. Kami rin po mayro’n din kaming partido, ‘yung PDPLaban, at nirerespeto namin ang isa’t isa,” said Go. “So malaking bagay po ‘yon kung ano po ‘yung tulong na maibibigay ni Mayor Inday Sara Duterte at ng Hugpong ng Pagbabago sa isang kandidato, malaking bagay po ‘yon at atin po ‘yung nirerespeto. Part po ‘yon ng ating democratic process,” he added. Go further said that if the mayor of Davao City had decided to run for president, he would have given her his complete support. He did emphasize, though, that he respects her decision not to run for president.

“Ginagalang ko po ang desisyon at pahayag ni Mayor Inday Sara Duterte at sabi ko naman po noon pa, noon pa from the very start kapag tumakbo po si Mayor Sara Duterte bilang pangulo, full support po ako at ikakampanya ko po. ‘Yon po ‘yung sinabi ko noon at pangako ko po ‘yan kay Mayor Inday Sara,” said Go. “Hindi lang po kay Mayor Inday Sara, siyempre sa pamilya, malaking utang na loob ko po sa pamilya Duterte. So, kung tatakbo po siyang pangulo, full support po ako kay Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. Pero nirerespeto ko po ang kanyang desisyon na hindi po tumakbo bilang pangulo,” he ended. October 16-22, 2021 |

‘Protecting the lives of those tasked to protect and serve Filipinos’ - Bong Go leads opening of 145th Malasakit Center in PNP General Hospital, QC Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the launch of the country’s 145th Malasakit Center at the Philippine National Police General Hospital inside Camp Crame in

|October 16-22, 2021

Quezon City on Monday, Center, Lung Center of October 25. the Philippines, National Children’s Hospital, This is the 29th Malasakit National Kidney and Center in Metro Manila Transplant Institute, and 11th in Quezon Novaliches District City, after those at Hospital, Philippine East Avenue Medical Children’s Medical Caraga INFOCUS

Center, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

Center pero nagkaroon ng mga quarantine restrictions kaya hindi natin ito nabuksan sa panahon niya. Alam kong iisa lang ang layunin ni General (Guillermo) Eleazar at In a speech at the General (Debold) Sinas, ceremony, Go ang malagyan kayo ng recognized the present Malasakit Center dito and previous leadership sa inyong ospital. Sila of the PNP for their efforts ‘yung nag-follow-up kay to advance the health Pangulong (Rodrigo) and well-being of the Duterte dahil iniisip nila police force. He hailed parati ang kapakanan the new center as an at kapamilya ng mga important tool to ensure pulis,” said Go. police officers have access to necessary The senator, who is medical treatment and Chair of the Senate services. Committee on Health, is the principal author “Matagal nang due and sponsor of the buksan itong Malasakit measure that became

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Republic Act No. 11463, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The program streamlines the process of acquiring medical assistance by bringing together the relevant government agencies, namely the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office, under one roof. It seeks to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient

October 16-22, 2021 |

services and expenses, such as surgeries, laboratories and medicines. “Itinuturing nating mga frontliners ang mga pulis, lalo na sa panahong ito. Hindi magiging successful ang kampanya ng Pangulo laban sa korapsyon sa gobyerno, kriminalidad at iligal na droga kung hindi sa tulong at sakripisyo ng mga kapulisan. Kaya naman full support kami sa inyong lahat,” he continued.

all uniformed personnel, which the latter demonstrated when he signed Congress Joint Resolution No. 1 in 2018 in fulfillment of his campaign promise of increasing the base pay of uniformed personnel including the PNP.

“Sinabi niya sa akin noon, sabihin mo sa mga senador kung hindi ‘yan maaprubahan, I will resign! … Unahin muna natin itong sahod ng mga pulis, militar, bumbero kasama na rin ‘yung mga (BJMP) dahil pangako ko sa Go reaffirmed President kanila ‘yan,” recalled the Duterte’s commitment to senator.

|October 16-22, 2021

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order, Go also vowed to do more to support police officers in need by pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 393. The bill, which he filed in 2019, provides for free legal assistance to police and military officers in cases related to the fulfillment of their duties. “Kaya basta in line of duty, full support kami ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo. Ayaw namin nauunahan kayo na nakabulagta, lalo alam naman natin ‘yung mga Caraga INFOCUS

drug addict, wala sa tamang pag-iisip ‘yan. Gusto niyo ba maiiwan ang mga maliliit niyo pang anak? Masakit po sa amin,” he continued. On this note, the senator also thanked the police force for their service and sacrifice as he acknowledged those who lost their lives in the line of duty and also those affected by COVID-19. “Please magpabakuna na kayo kung gusto niyong unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Libre naman ito at pinagsikapan ng gobyerno. Halos lahat ng mga severe cases ngayon ay ‘yung mga ayaw magpabakuna, ‘yung nag-aantay muna,” warned Go. “Huwag niyo na antayin dahil kahit saan ka man magtago, nanghahabol ang COVID-19. Lalo na kayo, exposed kayo. Tingnan niyo ngayon sa Metro Manila, pababa na ang mga kaso at bumubukas ang ekonomiya dahil more than 75% na ang Caraga INFOCUS

bakunado sa eligible na populasyon,” he explained. After the ceremony, the senator’s staff distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 801 frontline health workers and 131 indigent patients. They also gave selected health workers new shoes and bicycles, as well as computer tablets which children can use. In addition, the DSWD handed out financial assistance to indigent patients and 544 rank-and-file hospital employees, including janitors and security guards. Joining Go during the event were PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration Police Lieutenant General Joselito Vera Cruz, Deputy Chief PNP for Operation PLTGEN Israel Dickson, Director PNP Health Service Police Brigadier General Antonino Cirujales, and PNP General Hospital Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Richard Credo,

and other PNP officers. Also in attendance were Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, Office of the President Usec. Debold Sinas, DSWD Usec. Aimee Neri, DOH Usec. Roger Tong-an, DOH Usec. Charade MercadoGrande, DOH Director Helen Angeles, PhilHealth President Dante Gierran, former Presidential AntiCorruption Commission Chair Greco Belgica, and former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, among others. “Uulitin ko, nagpapasalamat kami ni Pangulong Duterte sa sakripisyo niyo noon pa man hanggang ngayon. Unahin muna natin ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ako naman, bukas ang aking opisina sa inyo. Full support kami ng Pangulo sa PNP. Whatever capacity we serve, maging presidente man siya o hindi, magseserbisyo kami sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya,” reassured Go. October 16-22, 2021 |

LGUs vaccine distribution plan in place: Galvez very careful and they make sure that the local government units have the capacity to handle vaccine, if not, we do a just-intime deployment,” he said. DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said there are 15,000 doses of vaccine wastage due to mishandling of temperature requirements and transportation excursion. File photo

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday advised the local government units (LGUs) outside Metro Manila not to worry about having sufficient vaccine supply in their areas as the government’s distribution plan is already in place. “If they are lacking the supply, meron tayong tinatawag na ‘day-to-last’ na ‘pagka five days na lang ‘yung kanilang day-to-last -- we will provide another so magkakaroon sila (we will impose the day-tolast scheme that if their supply will last only for five days, that’s the time we will provide another) supply good for 15 days or 20 days and then, if they finished jabbing in 10 days, another supply will be coming in,” Galvez, also the chief implementer of National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19, explained in an interview during the arrival of the oxygen concentrators donated by the Australian government. The government has set up vaccine distribution strategies according to the logistical and vaccine handling capacities of the areas, he said.

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Citing some challenges in the deployment, Galvez noted that these strategies will further prevent vaccine spoilage due to poor power supply, vaccine cold-storages, and jab expiration. “Our strategy is to deploy all the sensitive vaccine to the urban population wherein there is enough electricity and also there is enough cold-chain system,” he said. He was referring to the proper storage necessities of highly sensitive vaccines that require sub-zero temperatures such Pfizer, Moderna, and Sputnik V. “We are slowly doing the deployment because we are looking at that possibility and we don’t want wastage,” he added. Galvez said the NTF as well as the Department of Health (DOH) is carefully adhering to President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to strictly avoid vaccine spoilage. “Our DOH and CHD [Centers for Health Development], we are

Duque said the recorded wastage stood at 0.025 percent out of the 53.8 million doses administered nationwide. Galvez likewise cited that the other countries have previously experienced about 1 to 4 percent of vaccine wastage in their stockpile. “We see that during the initial phase of the vaccination, many countries have even wasted more than that number,” he said, noting that the country’s vaccine wastage is minimal compared to other countries. Galvez said the government is expanding the country’s vaccination program to other sectors as more Covid-19 vaccines are now being delivered. However, he said they won’t disregard the prioritization of healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities to reduce fatality rates. To date, the Philippines has administered a total of 53,838,248 doses of Covid-19 vaccines. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

October 16-22, 2021 |

53.3M of over 91M vax doses already administered: NTF The Philippines has received more than 91.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines with a total of 53,315,069 doses have been administered nationwide, the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 said on Wednesday. The National Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard showed 28,620,352 were used as first doses while 24,694,717 were given as second doses. The average daily jabs administered in the last seven days stood at 405,588 doses compared to 420,069 jabs recorded during the previous week. During President Rodrigo Duterte’s taped Talk to the

|October 16-22, 2021

People aired on Tuesday night, NTF chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., reported that larger vaccine deliveries continue to pour in this month. In October alone, Galvez said the Philippines has received over 20 million doses.

File photo

warehouses,” he added. The government, he said, is targeting to scale up the nationwide daily vaccination rate of up to 1.5 million doses to fulfill its promise of “achieving a happy Christmas this year.” It also wants to raise its target vaccination coverage from 70 percent to 90 percent of the country’s eligible population, he added.

“This is the biggest arrival since most of our vaccines that we received last month is only 19 million. So the achieving of 100 million doses “We will be opening delivery before the end of the general population, October is on track,” he said. then the pilot of children vaccination, and we are He said the supply is no ramping up the vaccination longer an issue as of this of students, teachers, and moment. tourism personnel, OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), “We have more than and seafarers,” Galvez said. 38 million doses in our (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

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Higher Covid-19 vaccination turnout seen amid stable supply

pagbabakuna (That is why we are ramping up our vaccination campaign),” Roque said. “Inaasahan po natin from 500, magiging 1 million iyan kung hindi 1.5 million daily (We expect that from 500,000, we will reach at least 1 million, if not 1.5 million jabs, daily).” More vaccination sites National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday said opening more vaccination sites will help increase the country’s daily jab rate of up to 1.5 million doses.

File photo Malacañang on Thursday expressed optimism that more Filipinos will get inoculated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as the country continues to receive more vaccines. In an online press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Duterte administration is expecting a faster uptick in the vaccination turnout since the supply is no longer an issue. “So, sagana na po ngayon ang ating supply at inaasahan natin na mapapabilis natin ngayon ang ating pagbabakuna (So, we are expecting that we will be able to hasten the vaccination [in the country] since we have plenty of supply),” Roque said. Roque’s statement came after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised worry that the allegedly “low” vaccination rate in the country might have a “very serious” impact on the economy. IMF Asia and Pacific department director Changyong Rhee on Tuesday said prioritizing the Covid-19 vaccination would help the Philippines recover from the pandemic-induced economic slump. According to the IMF’s Regional Outlook report for Asia and Pacific published Tuesday, the Philippines, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, are “still facing severe challenges from a resurgent virus and weakness in contact-intensive sectors.”

Galvez said the government earlier projected to operate about 4,500 vaccination sites nationwide to meet the country’s average daily inoculation rate of 500,000 doses. “If we have 2,500 vaccination sites now, we should generate more or less 500 to 1,000 [administration] a day. We can get that if we have more than 2,500 vaccination sites hitting 500 or 700 a day, then, we can achieve the 1.5 million so that’s the strategy we did to scale up,” he said in a media interview. Galvez said the local government units (LGUs) can contribute to the national government’s main goal of achieving population protection by ramping up their daily vaccination rate. He cited the LGUs of Cagayan de Oro, Ormoc, and Las Piñas for opening more vaccination hubs that scaled up their daily jab rates. “I recommend all the LGUs to be creative and productive such as using the shopping malls, hospitals, and clinics and establish a lot of vaccination sites,” he said. So far, 2,157 vaccination sites are operating throughout the country with an average daily dose stood at 410,305 in the last seven days. As of Wednesday, more than 53,838,248 Covid-19 vaccine doses have already been administered nationwide.

Roque ensured that the government is doing its best to ramp up its vaccination drive against Covid-19.

Around 523,179 doses of vaccine were administered just on Wednesday.

The current administration, he said, hopes to administer 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine daily.

About 24,876,889 individuals have already been fully vaccinated, while 28,961,359 others have received the first shot of the vaccine. (with reports from Lade Jean Kabagani/PNA/Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

“Kaya nga po pinabibilisan natin ang ating

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October 16-22, 2021 |

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Caraga InFocus – October 16-22, 2021

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