Caraga InFocus – October 17-23, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

REGIONAL NEWS

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Volume IV, No. 43 October 17-23, 2020

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Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to send aid to Filipinos who have been affected by fire anywhere in the country. PH manufacturers ensure quality infra materials CeMAP promotes high-quality local cement products Cebu City SK gives aid for distance learning implementation Schools in rural areas receive assistance from ‘Bisaya Gyud’ team Aspiring inventors in Caraga join local online makers’ competition Secretary Dar: Meat safety is a shared responsibility Army, PRO13 ladies club distribute food packs to 361 households in Butuan DOST Caraga launches R&Ds, projects for COVID-19 Olympic-size swimming pool opens in Surigao del Norte NPA terrorists arrested in Surigao del Norte Caraga IPs benefit from government’s road construction FRs complete TESDA training on land prep Agusan Norte guv to fund .5M PRLEC enterprise dev’t projects Agusan Norte health workers avail TESDA skills training DILG leads gift-giving for child victims of violence Army welcomes newborn baby of former NPA Amazon

FRs undergo crops production training AgSur town implements strict health protocols due to high local transmission cases in nearby LGUs AgSur LGUs, Army recommend 11 villages as insurgency-free AgSur town, Army lead barangay dev’t plan workshop, enhance village officials’ competency SurSur tourist destinations closed anew as COVID-19 cases spike

Mindanao’s Model: Town builds grains silos to protect corn farmers

Marawi heroes honored on 3rd year of liberation from siege

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MINDANAO NEWS

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NATIONAL NEWS

Andanar: Support for farmers, fisherfolk key in ensuring food security amid COVID-19 Nat’l Land Use Act needed to ensure PH food security DSWD distributes P1.1-B worth of family food packs to LGUs Gov’t still ‘in the thick of fight’ vs. illegal drugs: PRRD Gov’t, private banks ready to help micro, small businesses

COVID-19 NEWS Poor, vulnerable sectors priority for Covid vaccine: Go Majority of Pinoys say gov’t response vs. virus ‘adequate’ Palace assures Covid-19 vaccine’s affordability Financing initial Covid-19 vaccine supply ‘not a problem’: Roque Palace appreciates recognition of gov’t Covid-19 info drive

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

SEN. GO PROVIDES AID T VICTIMS IN BUTUAN The team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed food packs, cash assistance, masks, face shields, vitamins, medicines, and meals to 69 fire victims from Barangays San Ignacio, Doongan and Dumalagan in this city on Wednesday, October 14. The fire incidents

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in these barangays happened on different dates. “Mayroon akong kaunting ipinadala na financial assistance sa inyo. Mayroon din akong food packs na ipinadala, masks, at face shields kaya suotin ninyo ang mga ‘yan dahil delikado pa ang panahon sa

ngayon. Kailangan magsocial distancing tayo at maghugas ng mga kamay, at kung hindi naman kinakailangan ay ‘wag ng lumabas ng mga bahay,” Go told the beneficiaries. The team also handed out bicycles to selected recipients to help them in their daily

TO FIRE CITY commute to work. They also provided tablet computers to other individuals to be used for the online classes of their children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayroon din akong ipinadala riyan sa inyo na bisikleta para magamit ninyo sa trabaho. Mayroon din akong ipinadala na

mga tablets diyan para magamit ng mga anak ninyo. Sa mga bata na nakikinig ngayon, magaral kayo nang mabuti dahil ito lamang ang tanging kasiyahan ng inyong mga magulang,â&#x20AC;? he added. The National Housing Agency also identified 52 out of the 69 beneficiaries for their Emergency Housing Assistance Program. Assistance will be provided to help fire victims buy materials to build their new home. Meanwhile, the Department of Health provided hygiene kits, vitamins, food packs, and containers, while the Department of

Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance to the beneficiaries. In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority profiled and assessed potential beneficiaries for their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers Program, and Training and Scholarship, respectively. (OSBG/PIACaraga) October 17-23, 2020 |

News Briefs DOH Caraga will hold a virtual media forum on Friday, via Zoom Cloud to give an update on the strategies to protect those who are 5 years old and below and other health updates. xx

Chief executives/representatives from different Local Government Units of Mindanao joined todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Freedom of Information (FOI) Virtual Conference. Said conference aims to elaborate the FOI program and serve as an avenue for LGUs to pass their respective FOI ordinances to promote transparent and accountable governance, which hopes to further uphold the right to access government information down to the local level.

DOH Caraga headed by Regional Dir. Dr. Jose Llacuna will be holding a virtual media forum on BIDA COVID-19 Solusyon and Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity via Zoom. The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) through the Freedom of Information - Project Management holds the Freedom of Information (FOI) Virtual Conference for Local Government Units - Mindanao Leg via Zoom Teleconference.

REGIONAL NEWS

SENATOR CHRISTOPHER “BONG” GO CONTINUES TO SEND AID TO FILIPINOS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY FIRE ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY.

On Wednesday, October 14, Senator Go’s team distributed food packs, cash assistance, masks, face shields, vitamins, and medicines, as well as meals to 69 fire victims from Barangays San Ignacio, Doongan, and Dumalagan in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. The fire incidents in these

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barangays happened on different dates. “Mayroon akong kaunting ipinadala na financial assistance sa inyo. Mayroon din akong food packs na ipinadala, masks, at face shields kaya suotin ninyo ang mga ‘yan dahil delikado pa ang panahon sa ngayon. Kailangan mag-

social distancing tayo at maghugas ng mga kamay, at kung hindi naman kinakailangan ay ‘wag ng lumabas ng mga bahay,” Go told the fire victims. The team also handed out bicycles to selected recipients to help them in their daily commute to work. They

also provided tablets to selected beneficiaries to help their children in their online education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mayroon din akong ipinadala riyan sa inyo na bisikleta para magamit ninyo sa trabaho. Mayroon din akong ipinadala na mga tablets diyan para magamit ng mga anak ninyo. Sa mga bata na nakikinig ngayon, magaral kayo nang mabuti dahil ito lamang ang tanging kasiyahan ng inyong mga magulang,â&#x20AC;? he added. The National Housing Agency also identified 52 out of the 69 beneficiaries for their Emergency Housing Assistance Program, providing assistance to help fire victims buy materials to build their new home. The Department of Health, meanwhile, provided hygiene kits, vitamins, food packs, and containers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance to the beneficiaries. In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment,

and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority profiled and assessed potential beneficiaries for their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa

Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers Program, and Training and Scholarship, respectively.

October 17-23, 2020 |

PH MANUFACTURERS ENSURE QUALITY INFRA MATERIALS By Jennifer P. Gaitano As a way to express their full support of the government’s prioritization of local products and construction materials for infrastructure and public works projects, as provided for in the recently signed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2, the Pioneer Float Glass Manufacturing Incorporated (PFGMI), together with Puyat Steel Corporation (PSC) and Sonic Steel Industries Incorporated (SSII), have joined the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) and Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) in ensuring quality and adequate supply of locally-made construction materials. Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, CeMAP and PISI, whose members include PSC and SSII, and PFGMI have stood in solidarity with

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government leaders and key industry stakeholders in striking a delicate balance between navigating the health crisis and keeping the economy afloat. Through this partnering effort and unwavering commitment, many Filipino jobs were preserved and this placed the country on the road to economic recovery. With the use of local building materials, such as cement, steel, and glass for the ongoing Build Build Build (BBB) program, these industries can fully help support the nation’s economic recovery by continuing to generate employment, contributing to the national income through taxes, and ensuring that the multiplier effect of supporting local businesses is fully taken advantage of. “The Philippine building materials industries, especially the cement industry, is

confident and ready to ensure that our Philippine infrastructure projects will have adequate materials supply from companies that are proud to be manufacturing locally,” said CeMAP Executive Director Cirilo Pestaño. “Likewise, the steel industry is ready to assure that our local projects will receive the best quality of building materials, including Philippine steel, available for the government’s ongoing and upcoming projects. As an industry, we are ready to do our part and play a key role in the swift economic recovery of the nation,” PISI President Ronald C. Magsajo also added. PSC Executive Vice President Eugenio R. Puyat II also emphasized that PSC fully supports the government’s prioritization of Philippine manufactured products and construction materials for infrastructure and public works projects.

“Philippine funded projects, as well as all other projects, must give preference to Philippine manufactured products as long as it meets quality standards required,” he underscored. Meanwhile, PFGMI

President and CEO Paul Vincent Go highlighted that “in solidarity with the cement and steel industry, PFGMI as the leading domestic manufacturer of float glass in the Philippines, guarantees the availability of glass

products of the highest quality to its key customers, which includes the downstream wholesale glass supply market, to support domestic demand for institutional, industrial, and residential glass products.” (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

CEMAP PROMOTES HIGHQUALITY LOCAL CEMENT PRODUCTS By Jennifer P. Gaitano With its commitment to serve and ensure quality to the Filipino cement consumers, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) eyes counter-checking cement products to ensure that these are truly manufactured locally. In CeMAP’s press statement, the company cited that there have been reports of malicious and inappropriately labelled cement products circulating in the different parts of the country. This was brought to the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

the cement bags of Union V Super Strength 40 manufactured by Philcement Corporation. Based on the CeMAP’s report to DTI dated January 28, 2020, the said cement bags produced by Philcement Corporation were labelled “Product of the Philippines”. CeMAP elaborated that it is publicly known that Philicement Corporation is one of the companies engaged in cement importation. “Further, the PS License Number was not printed on the bags and that the Batch Identification Number

and Manufacturing Date were not understandable to consumers, both of which are required by the Philippine National Standards (PNS),” said Cirilo Pestaño, CeMAP executive director. P e s t a ñ o emphasized that CeMAP simply wants to know if all of Philcement’s products are indeed manufactured in the Philippines as indicated on their cement bags. Philcement is yet to respond to the query. Meanwhile, concerned government offices are urged to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter. October 17-23, 2020 |

“We strongly advocate for the provision of accurate information to the public to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of consumer rights. To enable faster economic recovery, the government is promoting use of locally manufactured products to preserve jobs and make the most of the multiplier effect and contribution of domestic manufacturing activities to the Philippine economy. It is therefore imperative that products sold in the market, like cement, are appropriately labelled

and represented as such,” added Pestaño. CeMAP further pointed out that this concern is in line with their commitment to work with all stakeholders in promoting consumer welfare and protection as part of their advocacy and for the safety and overall benefit of Filipino cement consumers. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) was established in 1973 with the aim of pooling the cement industry’s

resources to ensure the industry’s growth and share in the development of the Philippine economy. The association’s main responsibilities include consistently monitoring the quality of cement produced by local manufacturers, promoting strict compliance with recognized quality standards, and advocation in adherence to environmental standards in the production of cement. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

CEBU CITY SK GIVES AID FOR DISTANCE LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales Youth leaders in Cebu City are now launching initiatives to better implement distance learning in the city and assist learners in adapting to the new modes of learning, especially those who have little to no means to access it. During her guesting in

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the Bisaya Gyud program with Communications chief Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president Jessica Resch said that the city’s SK Federation was able to provide free uniform and school supplies upon the opening

of the new school year through the P1 million financial assistance from the city government. An e-learning hub called “Thinking Space” was established equipped with computer sets with internet connection and printers. Students enrolled in the online learning and

modular system may avail of the services offered by the hub. The said project is in line with the youth group’s Assist sa Balik Eskwela (ABE) initiative. Aside from the mentioned COVID-19 initiatives, other projects for other pressing concerns such as employment and substance abuse prevention will also be launched. “We also wanted to give equitable access to quality education and also create projects to tackle disaster risk reduction and resilience. Amid this pandemic, we also want to address the provision of youth employment and livelihood and even health and anti-drug abuse. Other initiatives for COVID-19 response will also be launched,” added the youth leader. At the conclusion of the program, Councilor Resch urged her fellow youth and youth leaders to remain steadfast amid the pandemic and “take the lead” in adapting to the new normal. “While this pandemic is a phenomenon that is completely foreign to us, let us not falter and

instead make the effort to take the lead as we embrace the new normal,” she said. The SK leader also emphasized that the youth’s engagement should not just be within the period of the pandemic. “Even after this pandemic, we should continue to support meaningful youth engagement and participation in enabling sustainable development and contribute to nation building. In fact, the pandemic should only serve as a catalyst for us to unleash our full potential as youth leaders in this proud country,” she affirmed. Bisaya Gyud is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential

Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/ bisayagyudph, every Saturday. The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the pandemic. The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) October 17-23, 2020 |

SCHOOLS IN RURAL AREAS RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM ‘BISAYA GYUD’ TEAM By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales As a form of augmentation to sustain the efforts of all those involved in the implementation of blended learning, the Bisaya Gyud team handed out reams of bond papers to at least 13 schools in Mindanao through its Bond Paper Gift project under the Operation Tabang. These will be used particularly for the production of learning modules. Teachers from elementary schools in Impasugong town in Bukidnon expressed their deepest thanks to the team. Kalampigan Elementary School in Sitio Kalampigan in Kalabugao village school head Geneviva Orquelias said that the additional supply of bond papers will be of great help, especially to the indigenous people (IP) learners in the area. “We are truly thankful for the assistance we received under the Bond Paper Gift project. Not only will it be of

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great help to the teachers in this school but also the students, in particular the IPs, who rely on the printed modules just so they can continue learning and finish this school year amid this pandemic,” the educator said. The project also provided an opportunity for teachers to voice other immediate concerns they are faced with in adapting to distance learning. Maricel Gomez, a teacher in Impasugong Central Elementary School, cited the lack of printers as one of their biggest concerns. While the school was provided with printers, the volume of learning materials that needed to be produced is disproportionate to the supplies provided. Some teachers

Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar aired on select radio stations across the country and streamed live on its official Facebook page every Saturday. The program was initially launched to provide assistance to underprivileged Bisaya and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At the height of the pandemic, the program also devoted its episodes to addressing various issues of the Bisayas concerning the pandemic. In addition to granting entrepreneurial packages to those interested in starting their own business, various projects have been launched by the team under its Operation Tabang. The program also explores Bisaya music and artists, and features Bisaya success stories. Program host Secretary Andanar urged listeners to voice their concerns. They may contact the program through its cell phone hotlines 09673864761 and would either take turns in using the 09474860291. Netizens may also raise available printers while others would their concerns via the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social use their own just so they can keep up media page. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) with the distribution of modules. Despite this, the elementary teacher maintained optimism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is part of our duties as teachers to be adaptive and work our way to overcome the challenges we face, which includes those that came and will come from the drastic changes that have been made just so this school year can open and students can continue learning,â&#x20AC;? Teacher Maricel said. Bisaya Gyud is a weekly public service and entertainment program hosted by the Presidential October 17-23, 2020 |

ASPIRING INVENTORS IN CARAGA JOIN LOCAL ONLINE MAKERS’ COMPETITION By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Aspiring inventors in Caraga region take part in an online makers’ challenge launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga. Dubbed as “Outsmarting COVID-19: Online Makers’ Challenge,” the contest served as an avenue for those who hold an interest in innovating to exhibit their brilliance by creating inventions that can help address the pressing issues faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inventions of all sorts were submitted, with entries ranging from alcohol made from local plants to the automated queuing machine to monitor the required capacity establishments are made to follow to operate. The latter was a brainchild of Mar Louise Pazo, a Carmen town

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native and college freshmen who bagged the first place in the Student Category. According to him, establishments in their area remain crowded despite the imposed minimum health protocol. Even with police officers and barangay officials monitoring the area, residents fail to observe physical distancing. “Then an idea hit me – what if I made a machine that can enable people to observe physical distancing? The machine I invented was just very simple. I didn’t expect to win because I wasn’t even sure if it was appealing enough. Winning the contest was surreal to me,” the young inventor said. His winning invention, an automated customer queuing counter, helps establishments observe the required limited

capacity to operate by detecting the number of customers who go in and out of the establishment using ultrasonic sensors attached in both the entry and exit points. A green bulb signals the customers to come in while a red light flickers to notify customers that the establishment is full, activating an alarm to indicate that the required capacity has been reached. Meanwhile, for the computer engineer Gideon Buniel, his aspiration to be of service to the community through his inventions motivated him to partake in the contest. Gaining prestige was the least of his concerns. “As an engineer, I feel the need to take part in bettering the community. When I make projects, I do not think of the monetary gain but rather focus

on the positive impact it can have on the people around me. This became even more relevant now that we are all dealing with this health crisis. I want to be of help especially to those who were greatly affected by the pandemic, particularly those who do not have the resources to access these technological advancements,” the engineer elaborated. His entries include the i-Throw: An Internet of Things (IoT) Touchless Garbage Robot, a trash bin attached with sensors that flips the bin open upon detecting motion. It also comes with three light-emitting diode (LED) indicators to detect the amount of trash in the bin and a buzzer to signal that the bin is full. A web server will be used to monitor the trash bin’s activity. Another invention called the Project 1M: A Do-It-Yourself Physical Distancing Accurate Rechargeable Face Shield, is a face shield that helps its user observe the 1-meter physical distancing protocol. An ultrasonic sensor detects the distance between its user and persons of close proximity. Its green

LED will light up when the required physical distance has been complied while a red LED with a buzzer will be activated when the said distance is violated. The said inventions landed him in the second and third places in the Open Category. Overcoming obstacles was one of the highlights of Zebina Genoring and Shena Tanasas’ experience upon joining the contest. Addressing the scarcity of disinfectant and sanitizing products in their hometown in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur was what pushed them to make the Nipahol Antiseptic/ Disinfectant. The college freshmen participants reiterated that looking for laboratory equipment to extract the nipa, a plant abundant in their area used to make the alcohol, was their biggest challenge. This almost discouraged them to continue their participation in the contest. But with the help of the municipal government, the Rural Health Unit (RHU), and the Sitio Ipil Winemakers Association (SIWA), the nipa-derived alcohol

was successfully manufactured, landing the second place in the Student Category. The experiences of both participants during the contest only made them realize how truly challenging it can be for anyone who aspires to become inventors. And for Zebina, it is important to remember one’s goal behind making their inventions despite the hurdles. “Just strive harder and do not let your determination be swayed by the obstacles and challenges that may come your way. Whatever happens, maintain optimism and pursue your passion in inventing,” the student inventor added. When asked about the future of their inventions, all participants expressed that they are open to opportunities for possible collaborations and even have their creations funded and have it available for public consumption. A P30,000 cash prize was given to first place winners, P20,000 for second placers, and P10,000 for third placers. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) October 17-23, 2020 |

SECRETARY DAR: MEAT SAFETY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, in a speech delivered yesterday, Oct. 20, during the opening ceremony of Meat Safety Consciousness Week at the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) Salvador H.

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By Roberta L. Riguer Escudero Hall, expressed his appreciation to the employees of NMIS for their impressive performance in ensuring meat safety. “Food Safety, particularly, meat safety is a shared responsibility,” Secretary Dar said.

He also emphasized that the NMIS is the first responder whenever meat safety is compromised. “It is during these times that the NMIS must take the opportunity to empower the local government units’ capabilities to

ensure the safety of meat in their localities,” he added. He encouraged the NMIS to strengthen its partnership with stakeholders. “I acknowledge that you do not have the numbers to fully complement the immensity of your responsibility in ensuring safe meat that is why you have to build a strong partnership with your stakeholders,“ he furthered. Secretary Dar also encouraged the NMIS

employees that they must put the interest of the public and the country above all else in the performance of their duty. He also reminded them not to besmirch the integrity of NMIS when they deliver their mandated services to the public. Secretary Dar also commended the NMIS in instituting measures to make sure that meat will reach the market, whether they are sold in physical markets or online, in good condition.

“In this trying time, no matter what difficulty we are in, whether in a pandemic or not, we proceed head-on. We must not be distracted by the difficulties. As part of the government, we are mandated to fulfill our duties and functions as the gatekeeper of safe meat. After all, we have sworn to protect the public against direct and indirect hazards brought by unsafe meat,” Secretary Dar emphasized. (DA-NMIS/ PIA-Caraga)

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ARMY, PRO13 LADIES CLUB DISTRIBUTE FOOD PACKS TO 361 HOUSEHOLDS IN BUTUAN By Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr.

With the aim to contribute in alleviating the plight of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected communities, the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army in partnership with the Officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladies Club (OLC) of the Police Regional Office 13

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distributed 361 food packs to the needy in Purok 6 and 7 of Barangay Holy Redeemer, this city on October 10, 2020. A total of 361 households located in the slum areas of the said barangay considered as the poorest among the poor in Butuan

City, benefited the said distribution. The distribution of food packs containing five kilos of rice, five pieces eggs, two pieces of sardines, two noodles (misua and egg noodles) and one pack biscuit, was facilitated by the personnel of the 402nd Brigade, Brgy Local

Government Unit (BLGU) Officials and Tanods of Brgy Holy Redeemer led by Hon Efren Acaso and members of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through our Youth (POINTY) Butuan City chapter led by Harold Sarsale. With the continuing surge of cases and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, the 402nd Brigade headed by BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, Brigade Commander, and the PRO13 OLC headed by Mrs Manilyn Agustin Caramat, wife of PRO13 Regional Director, saw it fit and timely to complement the efforts of the local government units and other stakeholders in giving

support to the affected communities. “With the current COVID-19 pandemic, your Army has been continuously collaborating and looking for ways to partner with other stakeholders and take the initiative to facilitate the delivery of services and contribute in helping the needy,” said BGen. Licudine. He added that these initiatives are part of the effort of the Community Support Program of the Philippine Army in support to the fight against COVID-19 amidst the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) threat in the far-flung areas. “While we are confronted with serious threats coming from the

CPP-NPA-NDF causing misery and sowing terror to the communities and its people, your Army will always ensure the welfare of the people. At this point in time especially with this crisis, we need each other to overcome the challenges brought about by this pandemic,’ he added. Meanwhile, on behalf of the Officer’s Ladies Club of PRO13, Mrs. Caramat expressed her gratitude for the partnership offered to them as they also hold the firm belief that this kind of initiative is needed by the people mostly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. (CMO Officer, 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army/ PIA Agusan del Norte) October 17-23, 2020 |

DOST CARAGA LAUNCHES R&DS, PROJECTS FOR COVID-19 By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

With an even greater determination to fulfill its mandate to forge a path to greater social and economic development through science and technology, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga continues to launch initiatives and projects to battle the effects of the pandemic and continue to address existing local issues in

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Caraga region that could be remedied through science and technology. Since the onset of the pandemic, efforts of local government units in the region have also been geared towards enabling access to testing, in addition to mitigating other concerns brought about by the health crisis. As a means of augmentation, the DOST Caraga distributed

nine specimen booth collections (SBCs) to hospitals across the region that are equipped with COVID-19 facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The provision of SBCs is a collaborative effort between their office and the DOST Central Office, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, and Philippine Council for Industry Energy and Emerging Technologies.

Five of these were funded by the said institutions while the rest were from the funds of our office,” said DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga. The regional director also disclosed that two SBCs are yet to be distributed to the district hospitals in Bunawa town in the province of Agusan del Sur, and Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur. In its efforts to further study the pandemic on a local scope, the department teamed up with the local government of Butuan to conduct a study in the form of a research and development initiative.

In addition to the SBC, the city government was provided with an RTPCR machine, a Class II Biosafety Cabinet, and 300 DOST – University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman amplified test kits. To stir the participation of aspiring local inventors, a regionwide competition dubbed as “Outsmarting COVID-19: Online Makers’ Challenge” was launched. “This is the department’s efforts to provide an avenue for those who have the passion to invent, particularly inventions that offer solutions to tackle the spread of the

disease,” the regional director emphasized. Two categories were opened, one for student participants and the other for nonstudents. Upon the contest’s conclusion in September, five winners were hailed. Inventions from the Student Category that bagged the top three places were Automated Customer Queuing Counter; Nipahol Disinfectant; and Non-Contact Body Temperature Scanned and Hand Sanitizing while those from the Non-Student Category were a mobile contacttracing application “Chokepoint”, which October 17-23, 2020 |

utilizes a geo-tagging feature a quick response (QR) code; Touchless Garbage Robot; and A Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Physical Distancing Accurate Rechargeable Face Shield. First place winners received a cash prize amounting to P30,000. Having their potentials seen by the panel of judges, both the Chokepoint application and the rechargeable face shield were recommended to the Caraga Regional Task Force for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTF-COCS) for funding in order to make both inventions available for public consumption. Meanwhile, the staff of Maker Space is coming up with other inventions, in particular, a touchless mechanical device for handwashing and sanitizing which they plan on distributing to checkpoints. This is to lessen the risk of exposure to the virus from touching contaminated surfaces and objects. DOST Caraga is also in unison with the implementation of blended learning. Access to learning

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materials and devices now used to facilitate new modes of learning remains a problem for the majority of Filipinos, especially those residing in far-flung areas. As such, the department will be providing interactive learning materials and computers to learners in the remote areas of the province of Dinagat Islands. Stations are now being constructed so that learners can take turns in using the said materials. Other initiatives are also being spearheaded by the department in addition to those related to COVID-19. Research and development initiatives are currently being completed in partnership with state colleges in the region. To bolster food innovation, a RnD was launched in partnership with Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASCAT), making use of raw agricultural products to create food products. A similar initiative is also being undertaken with Surigao del Sur State University – Lianga Campus and consortia for agriculture research and development to further

study the aquaculture in the area, specifically in lobster production. This is part of their efforts to boost lobster production in the area. The same project will also be launched in the province of Dinagat Islands. Skills training and development remains a priority of the department despite the pandemic. Series of webinars are being conducted for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In addition, free training skills were also launched, in partnership with Course, an online course provider offering courses in a wide range of disciplines and specialization. “Now that we’re cooped up in our houses most of the time, we can always make use of our time to learn new skills, which remains paramount even with the pandemic,” said Director Mallonga. Free registration to Coursera is available until October 31. To enroll, a step-by-step instruction can be accessed via https://www.facebook. com/DOST.Caraga/ posts/3512772905421144. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

OLYMPIC-SIZE SWIMMING POOL OPENS IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE By Venus L. Garcia The province of Surigao del Norte takes pride of its newly inaugurated Olympic-size swimming pool inside the provincial sports complex. The opening of the 50-meter swimming pool strengthens the initiative of the provincial government in promoting optimal health and wellness of the locals through sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The simple celebration started with a motorcade along the major thoroughfares heading towards the

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provincial sports complex. Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas led the inauguration together with other local officials of the province and local government unit of Surigao City. According to Edwin Ausa, the provincial wellness, sports and youth development officer, the opening of the swimming pool will entice more individuals especially the youth to engage in sports activities and is also an ideal venue for recreation of Surigaonons. He said that using

sports as a vehicle to attract young people could help in keeping them away from bad vices. “Basically, this swimming pool will cater all those who are here in the mainland. I’m sure in the future we can have superstars in terms of swimming,” he said. In the meantime, temporary closure of the sports complex is imposed as a mitigating measure due to the pandemic. (VLG/SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

NPA TERRORISTS ARRESTED IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE Two active members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) fell into the hands of the authorities following their arrest in Purok 1, Barangay Marayag, Mainit, Surigao del Norte on October 3. Based on the report, the arrested communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were identified as Regil D. Dano also known as Pluto, 37 years old, an active member of SYP21C, Guerilla Front 21 and his brother Erwin “Benz” D. Dano, 23 years old, an active member of SDG21, Guerilla Front 21. Regil, listed as top three most wanted in Police Regional Office 13, was apprehended by virtue of warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by Judge Marigel S. Dagani-Hugo of Branch 3, Butuan City Regional Trial Court dated July 22, 2020 while Erwin Dano was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosive. Both

personalities are residents of Sitio Dugyaman, Brgy Anticala, Butuan City. Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, Battalion Commander of 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion, said that the operation was conducted by combined elements of 29IB and Philippine National Police in response to the information received about the presence of the wanted persons in the said barangay. M e a n w h i l e , Col. George Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade, commended the soldiers and police for the successful joint operation made possible by the cooperation of the concerned individuals who provided the reliable information. “It is a clear manifestation that the people of Caraga are tired already of NPA terrorists’ wrongdoings specifically their involvement in the unlawful activities such as

extortion, arson, murder, kidnapping and other related crimes as well as victimizing innocent civilians by luring them to join senseless armed struggle,” he said. Col. Banzon further said that joint operations with other law enforcement agencies will be intensified against the communist terrorist group to further speed up the imminent defeat of the insurgents so that peace and security will be ensured. “We in the security sector are merging our efforts to materialize our mandates in this wholeof-the-nation approach to eradicate CTGs. In line with this, we are urging the public to continue your support so that we can sustain what we have started here in Caraga,” he said. (901st Infantry Brigade, Phil. Army/PIASurigao del Norte) October 17-23, 2020 |

CARAGA IPS BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ROAD CONSTRUCTION By Jennifer P. Gaitano Since the start of construction of the Cabadbaran-Puting Bato-Lanuza road in year 2015, the Mamanwa tribe has also vacated their former places and started living on a nipa hut along the highways. These are the Indigenous Peoples (IPs)

| October 17-23, 2020

from the mountainous areas in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, wherein insurgency was the main problem. With this project, the ancestral domains of the IPs are now accessible, and it gives hope to the IP communities, as well as

to the next generations that their culture and tradition be known to other people. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), many of the IP communities have already benefited from the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road

construction effort. “I’m happy that our government was able to provide our IPs the much-needed road construction from the metropolis connecting different places going to the mountainous areas. They felt that the government has never forgotten them,” said Engr. Pol Delos Santos, regional director of DPWH-Caraga. The IPs, he added, were thankful as they could now bring and

deliver their products to the market conveniently. “They are happy because they are now able to sell their products on a higher price and transportation is no longer a difficulty for them,” he bared. The construction of the flood control projects is also underway. The construction of the river bank protection in Agusan River, Maningalao section in the municipality of Las Nieves is also expected to be completed by next

month. Meanwhile, the dike in Bangonay River in the municipality of Jabonga with 962 meters is now at 77.23 percent complete and full completion is expected by February of next year. This particular project will protect the residents and their farm against possible floodings. Along with this is the construction of the seven isolation facilities in various LGUs of the region. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga) October 17-23, 2020 |

FRS COMPLETE TESDA TRAINING ON LAND PREP By Robert E. Roperos

A total of 24 former rebels (FRs) in Agusan del Norte have completed the skills training given by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva said the FRs underwent 9-day training on Land Preparation leading

| October 17-23, 2020

to Organic Agriculture Production. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Participants are 24 FRs and are under the custody of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, 29th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police,â&#x20AC;? he said. The official added like the 16 personnel of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital who underwent training on

Prepare and Produce Bakery Products and the 11 personnel who finished skills training in Prepare Dining Area for Service, after the Land Preparation, training on Organic Agriculture Production will follow. Later on, the official pointed out that the provincial government, in partnership with TESDA-

Agusan del Norte has already laid down its plan to create a mini-organic farm right at the training site located at the back of the provincial hospital to ensure self-sufficient in providing food to the patients and the personnel as well. Dir. Cueva further said this is still part of the 109th anniversary celebration of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital through the

Office of Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba of the 2nd District, as well as the Provincial Government through Governor Dale B. Corvera. It was also made possible through the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital through Provincial Health Officer I â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Odelio Y. Ferrer, Agusan del Norte Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey P. Laurito, and

TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. Under the land preparation, the scope of the training focused on clearing, plowing, harrowing and farrowing of the land, it was learned. Land preparation is a farm activity typically involves plowing, harrowing, and leveling the field to make it suitable for crop establishment. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) October 17-23, 2020 |

AGUSAN NORTE GUV TO FUND .5M PRLEC ENTERPRISE DEVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PROJECTS By Robert E. Roperos

Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera said the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) will fund the enterprise development projects of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) which totaled half-a-million pesos. In a meeting held Tuesday at the Provincial Covered Court with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva and Provincial Administrator Joey Gerry Laurito, Gov. Corvera assured that he will support the PRLEC enterprise development projects and will give funds for its establishment. Gov. Corvera added this will be made possible through the Provincial Peace

| October 17-23, 2020

and Order Council (PPOC) who is also very supportive of peace and development causes. Dir. Cueva said among the projects to be established is the habal-habal spare parts store and vulcanizing shop in Sitio Zapanta Valley, Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte amounting to P100,000.00. Also, a bakery and refreshment will soon be established in the area with an estimated amount of P75,000.00, as well as barbershop and salon that will cost P40,000.00, while a Gulayan/Bagsakan Center that will process fruits and vegetable products amounting to P35,000.00 will also form part of the lined-up projects. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Remedios T.

Romualdez (RTR) town, a restaurant/kiosk will be established soon. The project will cost P100,000.00. Another project is the beadsmaking and souvenir items which costs P50,000.00. In a related development, a bakery and refreshment amounting to P50,000.00 will be put up in Brgy. Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Likewise, beads-making and souvenir items which costs P50,000.00 will also be put up in the area. This undertaking shows that the official has fully supported the PRLEC and TESDA in its quest to achieve a long-lasting peace and development in the province of Agusan del Norte. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AGUSAN NORTE HEALTH WORKERS AVAIL TESDA SKILLS TRAINING In line with the 109th Founding Anniversary of the Provincial Hospital of Agusan del Norte, health workers of the premier hospital of the province have availed skills training from the Technical

By Robert E. Roperos Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) held recently. TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey Cueva said 16 personnel of the provincial hospital

underwent training on Prepare and Produce Bakery Products through the Provincial Training Center of Agusan del Norte headed by Administrator Abegail B. Eupena. October 17-23, 2020 |

Also, 11 personnel has availed skills training in Prepare Dining Area for Service such as Table Skirting and Perform Bed Make-up through the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) under Administrator Romel M. Natad. It was learned that the trainees of the two skills trainings aforementioned have already completed the trainings and were able to receive their Certificate of Training from TESDA-Agusan del Norte. M e a n w h i l e , the training on Land Preparation leading to Organic Agriculture Production is currently on-going for which

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participants are 24 former rebels (FRs) who are now under the custody of the 23rd IB, 29th IB and the PNP. Dir. Cueva said that with the training they have obtained, the provincial hospital will now be self-sufficient because the products that will be produced by the graduates will now be used for hospital consumption of the patients as well as the personnel. “For example in the Produce Bakery Products, the graduates will be baking bread and pastries that will be served to the patients as well as to the other personnel of the Provincial Hospital…

This is the same with the training in Land Preparation… After the land preparation, planting organic vegetables will follow… The vegetables that will be harvested will also be used for hospital consumption,” Dir. Cueva said. Dir. Cueva added that graduates in the Prepare Dining Area for Service will be the one to do the table skirting especially when there are special occasions. They are also expected to perform bed makeup in different hospital rooms. This undertaking was made possible through the Office of the 2nd Congressional District of the province through Cong. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through Gov. Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital through Provincial Health Officer I – Dr. Odelio Y. Ferrer, Agusan del Norte Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey P. Laurito, sand TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

DILG LEADS GIFT-GIVING FOR CHILD VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE By Arvin R. Silvosa Smiles were brought to the faces of children housed in shelter homes as the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte as secretariat, gave gifts to victims of violence as part of elevating

the relevance of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commemoration of the National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW), which aims to show a unified approach of solidarity with the victimsurvivors and the public stakeholders. Seventeen (17) girls from the Bethany Home of the Missionary

Sisters of Mary located at Brgy. Baan, Butuan City received various gifts on October 9, 2020, while 28 boys from the Home for Boys in Brgy. Antongalon received the same on October 12, 2020. Faceto-face interfacing with social distancing and health safety protocols were strictly observed. October 17-23, 2020 |

The DILG and PNP-led congregation distributed gift packs containing food, clothing items, and hygiene kits to the children in need of special protection for their daily upkeep while staying in the shelters. The PPOC also helped in the livelihood programs of the shelters by availing their products, such as flowering plants and succulents. “Guide and raise your children well enough to deal with the challenges of life so they won’t be tempted to get involved in any illegal activity. Parents should take care of their children by fulfilling their needs and by giving them due attention because they can only get it from home,” Provincial Director Ellen Vee P. Chua of DILG Agusan del Norte said in her message. The series of activities also form part of the PPOC Immersion Activities spearheaded by the DILG Agusan del Norte as PPOC Secretariat through the PTF-ELCAC, as sourced from the Provincial Peace and Order Council fund. (DILG Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

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ARMY WELCOMES NEWBORN BABY OF FORMER NPA AMAZON By 1Lt Roel T. Maglalang An 18-year-old pregnant former member of the New Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army (NPA) amazon successfully delivers her first baby on October 9, 2020 at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital in Barangay Libertad, Butuan City. It was late in the evening when Alias Wena felt the pain in her tummy as a sign that she will be giving birth to her first baby. She was then assisted by the troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23rd IB), Philippine Army and immediately brought to the hospital.

Alias Wena (true name withheld for security reason) serves as the Squad Medic of SYP SIKOP, Guerrilla Front-4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) for nearly two years. She was lured and recruited by the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) at the young age of 16. She had big dreams in life but realized that she could not finish her studies because of poverty. To pursue her dreams, she applied as a working student and studied at Buenavista National High School in Agusan del Norte.

Unfortunately, she was not able to finish her schooling because the leaders of the CNTs destroyed her life and killed her dreams and ambitions. She was easily lured by the CNTs also because her father and her two other brothers were also active members of the armed group. In other words, her entire family was ruined by the CNTs by taking the most important foundation of their family which was her father-the person who should guide, protect, take care and look after them while they grow. Alias Wena together October 17-23, 2020 |

with her companion Alias Apay who was also pregnant was rescued by the troops of 23IB in Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte way back May 16, 2020. They then stayed inside the Masigasig Happy Home and were assisted and monitored by the FR NCO especially during their prenatal, ultrasound, and other necessary activities to make sure that they will deliver their babies healthily. The unit also made sure that they can avail of all the assistance and benefits offered by the government for the FRs. Alias Wena thanked the government especially the PSWD, PLGU Agusan Norte, and

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the 23IB, and other line government agencies who never failed to extend assistance to them especially to her who is bearing her first child. She needed a peaceful environment, nutritious foods, and must not be stressed as being pregnant is so sensitive to stressful environments. Unfortunately, her husband, who was also a member of the CNT, already passed away. She needs to stand on her own but luckily, the government is always ready to help her anytime. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23IB happily welcomed the newborn baby. He expressed gladness upon knowing the baby was

successfully and healthily delivered despite the pandemic that we are facing. “I am glad that another blessing enters inside our Battalion. While the NPAs are only good in destroying families, your army and the government will mend what the NPAs have broken especially the families,” Paulo said. He added that Alias Wena was one of the survivors in the encounter that transpired in Sitio Likudon, Brgy Kamanikan, Gingoog City way back May 10, 2020, wherein 15 NPA combatants were killed in action and Alias Nady (their comrade), a pregnant NPA Amazon was one of the casualties. “Indeed, coming back to the folds of the law is the most wonderful thing that the FRs can give to themselves especially for the Amazon because it is so dangerous for them. You are destined to be the light of your families to guide your children. You are not supposed to be suffering in the mountains to fight against the government without gaining any profit,” Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

FRS UNDERGO CROPS PRODUCTION TRAINING By 1Lt Roel T. Maglalang Ten selected former rebels (FRs) from the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23rd IB), Philippine Army are now undergoing a 10-day live-in Community-Based Training on Prepared Land for Agricultural Crops Production Leading to Agricultural Crops Production NC III. The training will run from October 7 until October 17, 2020 at Village 2, Barangay Libertad, Butuan City. The said training

is the outcome of the convergence of efforts of the 23rd IB and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agusan del Norte (TESDA-ADN). The training is being supervised by Allandale B. Idea, the support staff trainer of the Northern Mindanao Schools of Fisheries (NMSF) where the participating FRs will also receive daily allowance

with free meals and snacks. The 10-day training aims to create an organic farm that is capable of producing different kinds of healthy and fresh vegetables. The harvest will be utilized and benefited by the less fortunate patients and workers of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital. The proposed site of the farm will be at the back of the said hospital. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, October 17-23, 2020 |

the acting commander of 23IB, thanked the provincial government and TESDA for the opportunity given to the FRs and for helping them become resilient individuals who can stand and survive even without the support and assistance from the government. “This project is like a give-and-take relationship between the FRs and the line agencies of the government. The FRs will render manpower assistance to help the

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PLGU of Agusan del Norte in launching its projects and in return, the latter will provide cash assistance and allowance as well as enhance their knowledge on how to produce organic crops productively,” Paulo said. He added that the project will help FRs acquire sustainable livelihood especially when they are reintegrated into their communities. “They will be earning using their skills and capabilities with the

help of TESDA and other concerned agencies. May this training be successful in order to create an agricultural livelihood project which will be benefited by the less fortunate Agusanons especially in this time of pandemic until everyone will be encouraged to also create their organic farm for them to have their alternative source of income for an additional livelihood,” Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AGSUR TOWN IMPLEMENTS STRICT HEALTH PROTOCOLS DUE TO HIGH LOCAL TRANSMISSION CASES IN NEARBY LGUS By Jennifer P. Gaitano With the increasing number of local transmission cases in its nearby municipalities, the local government unit of Rosario in the province of Agusan del Sur has geared up the implementation of strict health protocols at the checkpoint.

Even for those who will just pass through the boundary going to other municipalities are still required to undergo the health monitoring procedure at the quarantine control points. They will be asked to present their identification card and

health declaration or medical certificate as proofs that they are not person under monitoring (PUM) or person under investigation (PUI). Checking of body temperature is also done. For those with incomplete documents, they are automatically October 17-23, 2020 |

denied entry in the municipality of Rosario in view of the marching orders at the control checkpoint. Dr. Rebecca Aquino, municipal health officer of Rosario, clarified that in this way, the LGU could properly manage the crisis situation and easily tract those who are possible carriers of the virus. “This health

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declaration form is for easier conduct of contact tracing. Should there be people who have gone to a place with confirmed positive cases, it would be easier for our municipal health office to conduct the contact tracing and let the identified individuals undergo the quarantine or we could easily follow them up,” added Dr. Aquino.

As of October 18, no COVID-19 active case was recorded while 12 have already recovered in Rosario. Apart from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) personnel are also involved in the daily operation at the checkpoint. “Our function at the checkpoint is to assist the PNP, BFP in the conduct of thermal scanning and assist the travelers as they fill-out the health declaration form. We also monitor those who travel outside the municipality from the different barangays as each barangay has data on the number of residents traveling in a day,” bared Lolito Idpalina, MDRRMORosario. With this, the local government unit is continuously reminding the public to wear their face mask and face shield and observe social distancing to avert the spread of COVID-19. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AGSUR LGUS, ARMY RECOMMEND 11 VILLAGES AS INSURGENCY-FREE By 1Lt. Percival Carido

A total of 11 barangays from the municipalities of Esperanza and San Luis of this province have been recommended by the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army and the local government units, free from the Communist New Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army Terrorist (CNT) affectation during the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) Area Clearing Evaluation (ACE)

on October 16, 2020. After a thorough analysis and spontaneous contribution of ideas from the local chief executive, punong barangays, Philippine National Police, 26IB, and other concerned agencies, Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) Chairperson Col. Cerilo O. Balaoro Jr., deputy brigade commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, said these barangays

passed the parameters set by Joint Letter Directive (JLD) Number 3, revised version, series of 2020, to be declared as insurgency-free. Based on CSP teams, these former CNT influenced barangays are Sinakungan, Salug, Nato, Balobo, Guibonon, Oro, Segunda, Maliwanag, Remedios and Kinamaybay of municipality of Esperanza; and Barangay Coalicion October 17-23, 2020 |

of San Luis. The 11 barangays that passed the evaluation will now undergo validation to be conducted by the Area Clearing Validation Board (ACVB), to finalize if the said barangays have sustained the parameters set as totally free from CNT affectation prior endorsement to National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), to be set as priority barangays for development in 2021 and on succeeding years. “This clearing evaluation from CNT affectation is very important because this will pave the way for the entry of development and economic opportunities

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in every barangay which means even the delivery of basic services by the local government will not be hampered, which is the main struggle if there is a presence of CNTs,” Col. Balaoro said, as he explained the reasons on clearing the barangays. As per JLD No. 3, a barangay will only be declared as insurgency-free when the parameters are met such as the dismantling of CPP-NPA politico-military structure; the denial of CPP-NPA access to the area, resources, and manpower; and the establishment of a functioning barangay information network and integrated community public safety system, among others.

Relatively, Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan of Esperanza commended the firm affirmation and perspective of the punong barangays in fighting insurgents in their area. “As your local chief executive at the same time your mother here in Esperanza, it hurts me seeing my constituents struggling from fear and discomfort because of the NPA’s presence in your area. Hopefully, you and your people will sustain and continue to refute these lawless elements in order for the local and national government to freely pursue and pour all the necessary infrastructures and economic programs, projects in your areas without being hampered by the NPAs,” she said. “We have to unite and work hand in hand in order to defeat these NPAs. As per mandate to us by EO70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, interagency efforts are deemed necessary to address the issues and concerns being used as deceptive propaganda by the NPAs,” added Manpatilan. (CMO, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AGSUR TOWN, ARMY LEAD BARANGAY DEVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PLAN WORKSHOP, ENHANCE VILLAGE OFFICIALSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; COMPETENCY The local government unit (LGU) of Esperanza and 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army through the Municipal Planning and Development Office have enhanced the competency of the Barangay Development Council (BDC) during the Barangay Development Plan (BDP) Formulation for Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Target Barangays for CY 2020 held at the Municipal

By 1Lt. Percival Carido Hall recently. The three-day workshop was aimed to guide, train, and assist the barangay local authorities in the planning and preparation of their respective development plans. Topics on the economic sector, environment, infrastructure, social services, and good governance were discussed during the workshop. The BDP is an official

document that contains the programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) intended to provide solutions to issues and concerns in the barangay which were commonly used by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as propagandas against the government. Municipal Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan of Esperanza encouraged the barangay council to aim more for the development of their October 17-23, 2020 |

barangay. “A vision without action is merely a dream. As the leaders of your barangay, it is your responsibility to create a vision of what do you want your barangay to be,” she said. As per Section 106 of the Local Government Code of 1991, the LGU is mandated to have a comprehensive multisectoral development plan to be initiated by its development council and approved by its Sanggunian. For this purpose, the development council at the provincial, city, municipal, or

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barangay level, shall assist the corresponding Sanggunian in setting the direction of economic and social development and coordinating development efforts within its territorial jurisdiction. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) cannot do it alone. The fight against insurgency is a collaborative effort among all concerned line agencies. Everyone is involved and this BDP is like a compass to show the direction of your barangay. This will also strengthen our community preventing the terrorist

from their recruitment and deceptions,” said Atty. Daniel Longaquit, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Rommel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB, emphasized on the importance of BDP formulation in ending the insurgency. “The barangay is considered as the smallest unit of the government and its role in the conduct of government functions is very important. Through your development plans, we can identify the issues and concerns of your barangay. When resolved, the communist terrorists can no longer use these issues as their propaganda against the government,” he said. “Insurgency ends when development begins. I believe that the barangays of Esperanza will put their plans into action in order to end insurgency and attain a higher level of peace. Also, economic prosperity and social justice in their barangays will be achieved, improving their quality of life,” Goce added. (CMO, 26IB/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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SURSUR TOURIST DESTINATIONS CLOSED ANEW AS COVID-19 CASES SPIKE By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales The famous Britania group of islets and other tourist destinations in San Agustin town in Surigao del Sur are now under temporary closure since October 10, 2020 due to a spike of COVID-19 cases in the province. The said town is the remaining municipality in the province to have

no record of confirmed cases. The Department of Health previously declared local transmission in the province on September 18, specifically in Bislig City. This prompted the provincial government to issue the Executive Order No. 27, imposing

heightened health measures in the cities of Bislig and Tandag, effective September 21. Majority of the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confirmed cases are from Bislig City, with 174 confirmed cases, 93 recoveries, and 15 deaths. The city of Tandag seconds the tally, with 59 cases, 34 October 17-23, 2020 |

Contributed photo

recoveries, and 2 deaths. The provincial government maintained proactiveness in dealing with the local COVID-19 situation. Head of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Dr. Eric Montesclaros stated that the provincial government is ‘ready’ in terms of providing an appropriate response to the health concerns among their citizens, especially with the notable cooperation among local government units. “For the few cases that we have, we can say that we are ready.

| October 17-23, 2020

The cooperation among LGUs also made it possible for us to provide a swift response. Detection was done immediately which is why we were able to monitor and isolate identified cases and even imposed perimeter lockdowns. This, in effect, stabilized the situation,” the health officer elaborated. However, Dr. Montesclaros notes the cooperation of the public in order for their initiatives to fully take effect. “As we speak, the number of cases that tested positive is no longer on the rise. However, we

must not be complacent. The best way to combat this disease is to instill discipline in oneself and religiously abide by the public health measures imposed. We urge the public to be adaptable to the changes imposed under the new normal especially since we are still in the midst of overcoming the pandemic,” he added. As of October 13, the PHO reports 322 cumulative confirmed cases in Surigao del Sur province, with 178 recoveries and 19 deaths. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

MINDANAO NEWS

MINDANAOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MODEL: TOWN BUILDS GRAINS SILOS TO PROTECT CORN FARMERS The corn-producing town of Baungon, Bukidnon will soon serve as a model for other agricultural communities in Mindanao, even in the Philippines, on how to use its own resources in protecting its farmers.

| October 17-23, 2020

On Thursday, leaders of the town, led by its mayor, vice mayor, councilors, farmer leaders and representatives of civil society organizations all agreed to establish its Municipal Corn Industry Development Program.

The Baungon Corn Industry Development Program will provide support and protection to the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corn farmers who for ages have suffered from very high cost of seeds, farm inputs and agricultural machinery

services and exploitation by traders who manipulate buying prices at peak harvest. The program includes the acquisition of tractors, corn planters, harvesters, seeds and fertilizer loaning and a Corn Grains Silo Complex where farmers could deposit their produce at peak harvest to wait for a better price. This concept actually was designed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) as part of its Mindanao Corn Industry Development Program which is presented to the European Union-funded Mindanao Rise Program. At least four pilot areas have been identified for this program, including one in Bukidnon Province, but Baungon was not identified earlier. When I visited Baungon earlier this month, 27-year-old Mayor Giovanni Dahino presented to the MinDA team the problem of the corn farmers of very low prices. Baungon is a major corn producing town of Bukidnon with an estimated harvest area of 7,000 hectares and an annual production of at least 45,000 metric tons.

Emphasizing that national government intervention on this problem could be very slow, MinDA presented the Mindanao Corn Grains Silo Storage Concept which the town could establish as an Economic Enterprise. MinCOGSS involves the establishment of a grains storage facility to be owned by the Local Government Unit of Baungon and operated by its Economic Enterprise Office. The program aims to stabilize the supply and price of corn to boost the region’s livestock and poultry industry. Under the program, Baungon’s corn farmers will be supported by the LGU with tractor and harvest facilities, seeds and farm inputs on low-interest supervised loans payable after harvest. At harvest time when farm gate prices fall, the MinCOGGS will protect farmers by allowing them to dry and store their corn in the silos. The farmer will be issued a Quedan paper indicating the volume of corn he deposited. Using the deposited produce as collateral, farmers could make a

cash advance based on the prevailing price. When the price of corn goes up after peak harvest, the farmer could surrender his Quedan paper and get the balance based on the prevailing price. After the program orientation, which included a commitment of funding support from the Development Bank of the Philippines, MinDA’s banking partner, Mayor Dahino, other local officials and the town’s farmers unanimously endorsed the program. The DBP Cagayan de Oro Lending Center head said the bank could lend up to 100% of the total capitalization requirements of the LGU in the Corn Grains Silo Storage Program. By the second week of November, MinDA will conduct a two-day workshop for Baungon officials and farmer leaders to craft the details of the program. Baungon officials said they would like to see the Economic Enterpirse Project operating before the end of 2021 in time for the last corn harvest of the year. (Minda) October 17-23, 2020 |

HONORED. Government, police, and military officials offer flowers to the heroes’ marker inside the headquarters of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade n Saturday (Oct. 17,2 2020). They marked another year of Marawi’s liberation from the influence of terrorist groups. (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)

MARAWI HEROES HONORED ON 3RD YEAR OF LIBERATION FROM SIEGE By Divina Suson

Government, police, and military officials gathered on Saturday to salute and remember some 168 members of the Armed Forced of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who died fighting against terrorists to regain Marawi City in 2017. Despite the pandemic, the government is commemorating the third year of the “Liberation of Marawi” from the terrorist influence after a five-month battle that led to the defeat of the Daesh-inspired terrorist Maute group from May to

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October 2017. Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, AFP chief of staff, headed the offering of the wreath to the heroes’ wall, where the names of those who gave their lives were mounted inside the camp of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in Kampo Ranaw. “I share the honor and glory of every soldier of the AFP in giving our snappiest salute to all our heroes, the sung and the unsung, for all that they have done in the fulfillment of their sworn duties to protect and serve our nation and our people. Their service and their sacrifice is a legacy that will live on forever,” Gapay said during the commemoration program held inside the former main battle area, now referred to by the government as the most affected area (MAA). City Mayor Majul Gandamara on the other hand expressed his gratitude to the men and women in uniform for not giving up on the Maranao people even after its liberation. “To the valiant and courageous men and women in uniform, who have fought and even

laid down their lives so that the Philippine flag could still fly high above and free in the flagpoles all over Marawi City, we owe it all to you. Three years on, we are still telling your family that your sacrifices have not been in vain,” Gandamara said. Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was represented by the provincial Sangguniang Kabataan president Jeff Adiong, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) deputy chief minister and Marawi Special Committee chairperson Ali Solaiman, and Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairman and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario were also among those who joined the event. “The war was over but we have never left Marawi. To date, our soldiers still actively participate in endeavors that pursue peace and development in Marawi. We have not ceased in giving our 100 percent, war or no war,” Gapay

said. Meanwhile, civic organization Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch (MRCW), which was formed as an autonomous monitoring group three years ago, said much still needs to be done, as there had been no compensation for the damages to personal properties while thousands remain in shelters and housing projects in dire conditions. “Our aim was not to condemn nor denounce but to genuinely help out and lobby the government to address salient issues that fuel anger, frustration, and potentially, violence among our people,” the group said in a statement. The group, which was formed to help affected people ensure that the reconstruction and redevelopment of Marawi is inclusive, context-responsive, and sustainable, also said even if some have benefited from what has been achieved so far, the majority has yet to receive substantial help. “We have been involved in many government legislative and executive processes October 17-23, 2020 |

as resource persons. We have surfaced these issues and lobbied for our people. We have closely watched,” the group said. Despite this, the AFP continues to be a part of government-initiated infrastructure projects by providing the expertise, skills, manpower, and equipment instrumental in the completion of various projects inside the most affected area (MAA).

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He said it is one with the TFBM in carrying out measures to hasten the remaining projects so it could meet their respective deadlines amid the pandemic and other challenges. The military also said it continues to engage with stakeholders who share the same objectives in providing assistance and support to the people of Marawi. Among the projects outside the MMA are

school buildings for displaced Maranao learners. “We are hopeful to the good the AntiTerrorism Law will bring. We’ve already lost too many lives, including innocent citizens who are victims of different terrorist acts. With the implementation of this law, we now have better means to defend the nation against threats to our peace,” Gapay said. (PNA)

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday stressed the need to support farmers and fisherfolk as they are the key movers in ensuring food security in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Andanar, who serves as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), was one of the guests of the first leg of the 2020 Dagyaw Town Hall sessions with Region 10 government agencies. In his message, he stressed the intertwined importance of food security and survival during the time of pandemic. “There are two essential elements to consider in this forum: food and survival. We begin with the position of the individual who needs nutrition in order to live; and the worst realities of this time is a pandemic that conscripts both. Apparently, there is no alternative for food and neither is there for survival,” he said “The effective way to handle both is the production of food and the proper delivery of these food products to everyone. These may sound simple, but in actuality, they include a huge network of activities,” he added.

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ANDANAR: SUPP FARMERS, FISH KEY IN ENSURIN SECURITY AMID

According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), statistics show that an alarming 65% of food products are not delivered to markets and therefore unsold due to various issues, including mobility of goods from the source to consumers. Along with the growing concern for food security, the PCOO chief said that the people behind the production of food in the country should be given focus as well, and that they should be given the opportunity to provide input on how the government can more effectively provide assistance to them. “The vulnerable areas of production await recommendations and ideas from the farmers and fishermen involved. And businesses and capitalists are encouraged to invest in food production both in the fields and waters of our islands,” he said. “The farmers, the fishermen and the forest dwellers need to be increasingly reconditioned. We must create for them a new environment where the conditions for their labor are given the best possible support system,” he added.

PORT FOR HERFOLK NG FOOD D COVID-19 Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar

“Dagyaw 2020” is a series of Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Participatory Governance Regional Townhall Meetings. Due to the current health crisis, the said activities are done virtually. As a platform, Dagyaw, which started in 2018, works to promote and disseminate information on open government and participatory governance initiatives of the Duterte administration,. “Despite niining pandemya, ang gobyerno wala muundang sa pagtrabaho. Kita nangita og mga pamaagi apra ipadayun nato ang paghatag og serbisyo sa tanan nga sektor sa atong sosyudad, ilabi na sa atong agriculture and fishery sector nga kahibalo ta usa sa mga sektor nga which was adversely affected by the

COVID-19 [Despite this pandemic, the government never ceased to work. We looked for ways to continue the delivery of services to all sectors of the society, especially the agriculture and fishery sector that we know was adversely affected by the COVID-19],” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10) Regional Director Arnel Agabe. Among the discussions taken were reports on the feasible condition of the agriculture sector under the COVID-19 pandemic, experiences of the sector on the ill-effects of the health crisis, the sector’s perceived rehabilitations and recovery plans to address the impacts, and the sector’s perceived contribution to help the communities recover. (PCOO) October 17-23, 2020 |

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (File photo)

NAT’L LAND USE ACT NEEDED TO ENSURE PH FOOD SECURITY By Azer Parrocha

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles renewed the administration’s call for the passage of a National Land Use Act (NLUA) saying it is needed to ensure the country’s food security. Nograles, who

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heads the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, said the government recognizes that the unchecked conversion of agricultural lands could adversely impact the agricultural sector, and, as a consequence,

threaten Philippine food security. “When we talk about food production, food availability, food price stability, and helping small farmers, the land is important. When unregulated

and unrestricted land conversion happens, food security is threatened,” he said in a Facebook live Saturday night. He said this is the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Congress to pass the NLUA in his state of the nation addresses from 2016 to 2019. According to Nograles, the National Economic and Development Authority has also reiterated that an NLUA would ensure the rational and sustainable use of the country’s land and physical resources. He said the NLUA would also harmonize sector-specific landuse policies and institutionalize land use planning. “A National Land Use law can ensure that agricultural lands are not converted, as it will allow us to identify land that will be used for agricultural purposes,” he said in Filipino. The proposed NLUA has been pending in Congress for two decades. The proposed law creates a national landuse authority that will draft and oversee a national

Contributed photo

land-use plan that will classify land according to use: protection (for conservation), production (for agriculture and fisheries), settlements development (for residential purposes), and infrastructure development (for transportation, communication, water resources, social infrastructure). Recently, the Zero Hunger Task Force (ZHTF) launched the country’s National Food Policy (NFP) on World Food Day, which

was commemorated last Friday. The NFP is a longterm, cohesive strategy that involves initiatives for ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Tasked with spearheading the implementation of the NFP, the ZHTF is mandated to review existing laws, regulations, and rules relative to food security, and to recommend measures to improve these. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

DSWD DISTRIBUTES P1.1-B OF FAMILY FOOD PACKS TO By Christine Cudis

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided some PHP1.1 billion worth of relief assistance to local government units (LGUs) nationwide. “According to our recent data, the agency has provided 2.1 million family food packs and non-food items to LGUs nationwide amounting to PHP1.1 billion. We

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augment the stocks of our LGUs to make sure they can provide the people in their jurisdiction with proper and basic needs when emergency strikes,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said in a virtual conference on Tuesday. DSWD’s Disaster Response and Monitoring Center (DROMIC) added that the total cost of relief assistance, which is PHP1.62 billion, includes

the PHP1.1 billion fund from DSWD, PHP478.61 million accumulated from non-government organizations, and PHP31.84 million donated by other sources. The biggest chunk of which was provided to the DSWD National Capital Region which received 376,154 family food packs. DSWD Eastern Visayas, on the other

part of the Department’s mandate to provide Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation (TARA) to LGUs during times of emergencies,” it said. The DSWD earlier assured the LGUs that it delivers the relief aid “in a timely manner”. Indigent receive SocPen

WORTH O LGUS hand, received the lowest portion with 16,371 family food packs. Each food pack contains six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, four cans of corned beef or beef loaf, and six sachets of coffee or cereal energy drink which is enough for two days for a family with five members, the DSWD said. “The provision of additional relief items is

seniors

Meanwhile, some 2.9 million indigent senior citizens have received their Social Pension this year, amounting to PHP8.7 billion. This is 83 percent of the 3.5 million targeted to receive the government pension. “The agency makes sure that the vulnerable sectors of the community receive proper care especially at this time of the pandemic,” Dumlao added. On October 15, during DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista’s 58th birthday, he led the distribution of social pension to more than 726 indigent senior citizens in Dinalupihan, Bataan (Central Luzon). In 2021, the DSWD is targeting to increase its

beneficiaries to 3,789,874 indigent senior citizens. Republic Act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010” provides that seniors qualified to receive social pension are those who are frail, sickly, or with a disability; without any pension from other government agencies; and without a permanent source of income or source of financial assistance/ compensation to support their basic needs. Senior citizens who are not included in the list but are eligible can still appeal to the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), their local governments, and the nearest field office which has jurisdiction over their area. Under SocPen, which is provided for under RA 9994, qualified indigent senior citizens receive a monthly stipend of P500 to help augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs. The social pension is distributed on a semestral basis at PHP3,000 per semester or PHP500 per month for six months. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

GOV’T STILL ‘IN THE THICK OF FIGHT’ VS. ILLEGAL DRUGS: PRRD IN THE THICK OF FIGHT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on Monday (Oct. 19, 2020). Duterte said his government remains in the thick of the fight against illegal drugs. (Presidential photo by Robinson Niñal)

Despite reduction in the number of drug users, President Rodrigo Duterte declared his government remains in the thick of the fight against the illegal drugs. In his weekly Talk to the Nation on Monday night, Duterte said the Dangerous Drugs Board reported that the number of Filipino drug users aged 10 to 69 has been reduced to 1.67 million. “In the past, ‘yung panahon nila Dela Rosa, umabot ‘yan ng (during

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the time of [now senator Ronald] Dela Rosa), almost 4 million. And how much has been reduced in the use of shabu? I really do not know until now. But we are still in the thick of the fight against shabu,” Duterte said. Duterte vowed to remain relentless in his fight against illegal drugs that, if not stopped, will put in danger the security of the country. “In the end, it will destroy the nation. If this is allowed to go on and on,

and if no decisive action is taken against them, it will endanger the security of the state,” he said. Supervise your kids Duterte also reminded parents of their responsibility to always check their children if they are hooked on illegal drugs. “I forgot this important advice that parents should have also -- a shared responsibility. Dapat kayo rin ang masisi

nito kung ang inyong anak pupunta na doon. Pinabayaan ninyo (You should also take the blame if your child gets involved with drugs. You neglected them). Check on your children always. Supervise, check,” he said. He said it pains him to see a “waste of life” because of the drug syndicates who continue to operate in the country despite his relentless campaign to address illegal drugs. “Ito lang ang masabi ko, nagwawarning talaga ako sa inyo, lalo na ‘yung mga dealer. Huwag na ‘yung user na mahirap. (I want to say this, I am warning you, especially the drug dealers. Not the poor user). They are indolent. They do not want to work, laggards, because their minds are destroyed by drugs. Kaya ako, I grieve for the Filipinos na tinamaan ng droga. Talagang masakit sa akin because a waste of life (That’s why I grieve for the Filipinos affected by illegal drugs. It really pains me because it’s a waste of life),” Duterte said. In his public address on Oct. 5, Duterte

ordered the authorities to destroy all confiscated shabu, in one week to prevent them from being stolen, used, or recycled. “I want all the shabu residual or otherwise, however minimal, destroyed, the whole of it by next week. You have so many days to do it, one week. Do it in one week. Destroy and get specimen,” he said. Duterte said he saw no reason to keep confiscated prohibited drugs sitting in facilities for so long. “We go by science, there’s the experiment. Why do we have to put on our shoulder the burden of keeping a contraband or merchandise that can be stolen and used, and recycled?” he said. After one week, Duterte expressed elation over the government authorities’ compliance with his order to destroy confiscated illegal drugs. In his report to Duterte on Oct. 15, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said Philippine National Police has destroyed 1,200 kilos of methamphetamine or shabu while the Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency has destroyed 600 kilos worth a total of PHP8.16 billion. In the virtual Palace briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the war against illegal drugs will remain the cornerstone of the Duterte administration despite the high number of drug users. “Wala naman po talagang bansa na nagiging 100 percent drug free pero ang sinasabi ng Pangulo, iyan ay cornerstone ng kaniyang administration (There is no country that is 100 percent drug free but what the President is saying, antiillegal drug campaign is the cornerstone of his administration),” Roque said. Roque said the DBB’s 1.67 million drug users report was based on the 2019 National Household Survey on the Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse. “So it’s a proper scientific basis and it’s a national survey. So I suppose because it’s a proper survey, they must have complied with sufficient statistical sample and all those things,” he said. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III

GOV’T, PRIVATE BANKS READY TO HELP MICRO, SMALL BUSINESSES By Ferdinand Patinio The government and private institutions are ready to help micro and small business enterprises in giving the 13th month pay to their employees by providing them with soft loans. In a press briefing Tuesday, Labor Secretary

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Silvestre Bello III said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the rural banks in the country are willing to give them loans with minimum interest and no collateral. “I’m very happy to say that I just received a letter from Secretary Mon

Lopez of DTI, my partner, that they have a fund of PHP10 billion in the Small Business Corporation, this is an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry and they are willing to share about PHP4 billion. Soft loans for micro and small business

enterprises without any collateral so that they can pay the 13th month pay of their employees,” he added. “And then I also have a call, partner, another good news. I have a call from the president of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, Ms. Liza Timbol, telling us or advising us that all the rural bankers are willing to provide soft loans to all micro and small business enterprises so that they can pay the 13th month pay of their employees,” the DOLE chief said. Asked on where these companies can apply for the soft loan, Bello said, “They can apply

with the government (banks), that is the Land Bank of the Philippines or the DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines) or just like what I’ve said, all the banks in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines are ready to lend.” “And what is more impressive is the volunteerism of rural bankers, their president called me and told me that they are willing to give soft loan and when we they say soft loan, they mean minimum interest with no collateral requirement,” he added. Aside from providing a soft loan, Bello said another option is to

provide subsidies to these companies. “We addressed this to His Excellency, the President, if there are standby fund or savings, is it possible to subsidize at least the micro and small business enterprises,” he added. The assistance will be provided to companies that are having a hard time raising money for the payment of the 13 month pay due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Under the law, private companies are mandated to pay the 13th month pay of their employees on or before December 24. (PNA)

October 17-23, 2020 |

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

POOR, VULNERABLE SECTORS PRIORITY FOR COVID VACCINE: GO Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sought updates from Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III on the clinical trials for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines in the country during the Senate Committee on Health hearing he chaired on Monday. Go also reminded the Department of Health (DOH) that once the vaccine becomes available, the poor and the vulnerable must be prioritized. “At paalala ko lang po, gaya ng sinabi ng ating Pangulo, unahin natin ‘yung mahihirap, ‘yung mga

nasa vulnerable sectors dahil sila po ang kailangan lumabas at mag trabaho para mabuhay. Kailangan nila maghanapbuhay kaya kailangan unahin natin itong mga poor at vulnerable sectors sa vaccine once safe na po itong vaccine na ito,” Go said. (Just a reminder, just like what the President said, we prioritize the poor, those in the vulnerable sectors because they are the ones who are outside their homes to work to survive. They need to work so they need to be the first to October 17-23, 2020 |

be inoculated once there is already a vaccine.) Duque positively responded highlighting that the healthcare workers, the front-liners, the poor, and other priority groups, such as the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or Philippine National Police, consisting of about 20 million in population will be given priority. Duque said they are coordinating with the World Health Organization on vaccine development and have identified places and hospitals that will be used for the clinical trial phase three. The Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials are separated into phases. Phase I includes initial testing of a new vaccine done in normal or healthy volunteers and would only involve a few participants. Phase II will study the use of the vaccine in patients at risk of the target disease. Phase III will include a study to be conducted in populations for which the new vaccine will be used to confirm findings from earlier phases, and will determine safety and efficacy. Duque said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is signing confidentiality disclosure agreements that will allow the DOH to use the information and current data regarding the clinical trial phases being conducted by the DOST. “Hindi po kasi lahat sabay-sabay ang vaccine development. May iba po na nauna at batay po ito roon sa nilagdaan ng DOST at ng mga vaccine manufacturing companies,” Duque said during the Senate hearing. (Not all the vaccine development

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is simultaneous. There are others that have gone first based on the documents signed by DOST and other vaccine manufacturing companies.) The DOH Secretary also mentioned that six companies are working on the vaccine—Sinovac, Sinopharm, Pfizer, Biotech, Oxford, and Sputnik V. Duque reiterated that they have been coordinating with DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña regarding the latest developments in the vaccine trials. Go, then, asked for a timeline on the release and availability of the vaccine. “About the vaccine, kailan po sa tingin ninyo tayo magkakaroon ng safe na (when do you think there would be available a safe) vaccine?,” Go asked. Duque said the DOST chief expected the release and availability of the vaccine by April 2021. “It would take about six months between now and end of March 2021 para po makumpleto ‘yung (to complete the) clinical trial phase three. Ngayon po, pinaghahandaan natin. Tama po kayo, may mga nag-apply for clinical trials dito sa Pilipinas at meron na pong kasunduan ang DOST na sila po ang mangunguna sa vaccine development under the IATF resolution (Now we are preparing. You’re right there who have applied for clinical trials here in the Philippines and there is an agreement with the DOST that they would lead the vaccine development under the IATF resolution),” Duque said, explaining that DOST has been designated as chair of the subtechnical working group on vaccine development. (PR)

MAJORITY OF PINOYS SAY GOV’T RESPONSE VS. VIRUS ‘ADEQUATE’ By Jelly Musico

Majority of Filipinos said the government’s response against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is “adequate”, according to the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS national mobile phone survey conducted from Sept. 17 to 20 showed that 71 percent of the Filipinos replied that the government actions to inform the public on how to fight Covid-19 are adequate with 34 percent of them answered “very adequate”. The pollster said 22 percent of the 1,249 interviewed adult Filipinos found the government actions “inadequate” while only 6 percent are undecided. “This gives a net adequacy scored of +49,” the SWS said in survey results released Saturday night. By area, net

adequacy is higher in Mindanao (+52) and the Visayas (+51) than in Balance Luzon (+47) and Metro Manila (+45), it added. On ensuring that there will be an extensive contact tracing, the SWS said 67 percent appreciated the government actions as adequate while 23 percent said it is inadequate and 9 percent were undecided. The government actions to ensure that the affordable Covid-19 testing is adequate got 54 percent approval while 33 percent found

them inadequate and 11 percent undecided. Meanwhile, the government actions to provide help to the jobless received the lower score after only 44 percent of the respondents found them adequate and 46 percent said they are inadequate and 9 percent undecided. “This gives a net adequacy score of -2 (% adequate minus % inadequate). By area, net adequacy is lowest in Metro Manila (-15), followed by Balance Luzon (-2), Mindanao (-1), and the Visayas (+4),” the SWS said. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

PALACE ASSURES COVID-19 VACCINE’S AFFORDABILITY Even if the government could not provide free coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines to all Filipinos, Malacañang on Thursday said it is confident that the vaccines would be affordable to many Filipinos. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after President Rodrigo Duterte said it would be “ideal” for every Filipino

| October 17-23, 2020

By Azer Parrocha to be inoculated with the vaccine. Roque did not directly confirm that the government would give the vaccine for free, but he was sure that the poor, police, military, and front-liners would be shouldered by government. “So 20 million initially po ang bibilhin natin para sa mahihirap at para po sa ating kapulisan at sa

ating mga militar and mga front-liners. (Initially, we will buy for the 20 million poor and for our police, military, and frontliners),” he said. Roque said Covid-19 vaccine is estimated to cost USD10 per dose. Two dosages are required per individual. “Hindi naman po ganoon kamahal ang estimate natin sa bakuna. Ang estimate po

ni Secretary Dominguez, USD10 per dose at kinakailangan dalawang dosage so USD20 per person (The vaccine is not that expensive. The estimate of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is USD10 per dose and we need two dosages so USD20 per person),” he said. Roque said an estimated PHP2 billion will be spent to inoculate the priority demographics. He said this amount is already included in the proposed PHP4.5-trillion national budget for 2021. He also noted that USD12 billion would be needed to inoculate 113 million Filipinos. “Roughly, we would need around 12 billion dollars kung ililibre natin lahat ang bakuna. Pero I’m confident naman po, hindi kinakailangang ilibre ang lahat kasi marami naman pong can afford USD20 for a vaccine (if we will shoulder the cost. But I’m confident that it won’t be necessary because there are many who can afford USD20 for a vaccine),” he said. To buy the vaccines, Roque said the government will borrow from the Philippine

International Trading Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Development Bank of the Philippines. Political placebo? Roque, meanwhile, shrugged off criticism that the promise of a vaccine has become Duterte’s “political placebo.” “It is based on science. The fact na ang dami na pong nasa third clinical trial, means na nandiyan na po talaga ang remedyo (The fact that there are many vaccines on their third clinical trial means that there really is a remedy); there is light at the end of the tunnel. So hinay-hinay lang po (Take your time), hang in there, malapit na pong matapos ito (this pandemic is almost over),” he said. He also said the President’s remarks about vaccine were intended to address Filipinos’ “pandemic fatigue.” Duterte, he said, is a “voracious news reader” and knew about the latest developments of some vaccines. In an interview over Unang Hirit, Roque also bared that three potential Covid-19 vaccines will

undergo clinical trials in the Philippines. “Mayroon po tayong tatlo na magkakaroon tayo ng clinical trials at kasama na po diyan iyong Russia at saka iyong sa China. At kung hindi po ako nagkakamali, mayroon pang isang Western company, hindi ko lang po masigurado kung ito po iyong Oxford o ito iyong sa Amerika, pero tatlo po iyan (We have three companies that will hold clinical trials including Russia and China. If I’m not mistaken, there’s one Western company, I’m just not sure if it’s Oxford or this one from America, but there are three of them),” he said. Last week, the Department of Science and Technology announced that the Russian’s Sputnik V, the China’s Sinovac, and Janssen from Johnson & Johnson will be tested in the Philippines. In a taped address on Wednesday night, Duterte said the government has set aside funds to buy a Covid-19 vaccine but will need more if it will inoculate the entire population. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

FINANCING INITIAL COVID-19 VACCINE SUPPLY ‘NOT A PROBLEM’: ROQUE By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said funding the initial supply of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine from foreign partners is “not a problem” as the government has a “financing scheme” already in place.

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“Whether or not it’s in the budget, we have a financing scheme already in place. Kung mayroon na po tayong mabibili ngayon, makakabili na tayo ngayon kasi hindi naman po problema ang financing (If the supply is ready, we can procure

right away because financing it won’t be a problem),” he said in a presser. Roque said the Department of Foreign Affairs is mobilizing its foreign missions to coordinate with host countries and foreign

manufacturers to discuss possible partnerships on the Covid-19 vaccine. Among these posts are the Philippine Embassies in the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and Israel. “Hindi naman tayo papayag na maiwan tayo, na hindi tayo makakuha. So we’re exerting all efforts na masigurado na makakakuha tayo ng most amount of quantity that we can at the soonest time possible (We won’t allow the Philippines to be left behind. We’re exerting all efforts to ensure that we would get the most number of vaccines at the soonest time possible),” he said. Recently, Philippine Ambassador to Washington DC Jose Manuel Romualdez said Pfizer is set to apply for emergency approval of its candidate vaccine this November, which is being tested on 38,000 participants worldwide. He noted, however, that the Department of Health has yet to sign a confidentiality disclosure agreement (CDA) with the American firm in

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

preparation for Phase 3 trials of candidate vaccines in the Philippines. “Considering that we urgently need to get vaccines from wherever as soon as they are available, I was shocked to find out that DOH Secretary (Francisco) Duque has not signed a simple thing as a CDA with Pfizer,” he penned in a PhilStar column on October 18. Romualdez stressed that signing a CDA is not a commitment but simply

gives the pharmaceutical firm an assurance that their formula would not be disclosed. “It’s only the first step to enable Pfizer to present what their candidate vaccine is all about, after which a panel of experts headed by DOST will then review the results of the Phase 1 and 2 trials in preparation for Phase 3 local trials. Once approval is given, the vaccine can then be sold in the Philippines,” he said. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

IATF MEETING. President Rodrigo R. Duterte holds a weekly meeting with core members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases before addressing the public about the government’s fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). A recent Social Weather Station survey showed that 71 percent of Filipinos believe that the government’s actions to inform the public on how to fight Covid-19 are “adequate”. (Presidential photo)

PALACE APPRECIATES RECOGNITION OF GOV’T COVID-19 INFO DRIVE By Azer Parrocha

Malacañang on Monday said it appreciates the results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which showed that 71 percent of Filipinos believe that the government’s actions to inform the public on how to fight Covid-19 are

| October 17-23, 2020

“adequate”. The same survey showed that 22 percent believed the government’s Covid-19 info drive is “inadequate” while 6 percent were “undecided”. “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyo at ang

IATF ay nagpapasalamat din po ‘no. Ito ay isang pagkilala sa amin na mabigyan kayo ng tama at napapanahon na impormasyon tungkol sa paglaban sa coronavirus (We are thankful and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management

of Emerging Infectious Diseases is also thankful. This recognizes our efforts to provide accurate and timely information about the fight against coronavirus),” he said in a Palace virtual presser. He also acknowledged the survey result which showed that 44 percent of Filipinos say government actions to provide help to the jobless were adequate. It also showed that 46 percent said efforts to help the jobless were inadequate while 9 percent were undecided. According to Roque, the government is slowly reopening the economy to allow Filipinos to earn a living. “Ito ang dahilan kung bakit binubuksan natin po ang ating ekonomiya dahil naniniwala tayo na kailangang matuto ang mga Pilipino na mabuhay bagama’t nariyan po ang Covid-19 (This is why we are opening the economy because we believe that Filipinos need to learn how to live with Covid-19),” he said. Roque said Filipinos could not “hide inside a cave” until a vaccine is developed.

He said the government is also increasing the transport capacity by allowing the “one-seat-apart” policy among commuters in public transport. “Kung sarado pa rin ang transportasyon, talagang hindi makakapasok pa rin sa trabaho ang mga mayroong trabaho (If our transportation remains closed, workers can’t get to work),” he said. The government, he said, has also boosted efforts to protect citizens from contracting the virus and treating patients by increasing the workforce capacity, purchasing more personal protective equipment, and other medical machines

needed. He also reminded the public to continue to observe quarantine protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, frequent handwashing, and physical distancing. The SWS’ National Mobile Phone survey was conducted from Sept. 17 to 20, 2020 using mobile phone and computerassisted telephone interviewing of 1,249 adult Filipinos nationwide. It has a sampling error margin of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±6 percent for Metro Manila, ±5 percent for Balance Luzon, ±6 percent for the Visayas, and ±6 percent for Mindanao. (PNA) October 17-23, 2020 |

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Caraga InFocus – October 17-23, 2020

Articles inside

AgSur town, Army lead barangay dev’t plan workshop, enhance village officials’ competency

FRs undergo crops production training

AgSur town implements strict health protocols due to high local transmission cases in nearby LGUs

AgSur LGUs, Army recommend 11 villages as insurgency-free

Army welcomes newborn baby of former NPA Amazon

DILG leads gift-giving for child victims of violence

FRs complete TESDA training on land prep

Agusan Norte health workers avail TESDA skills training

NPA terrorists arrested in Surigao del Norte

anywhere in the country. PH manufacturers ensure quality infra materials

Olympic-size swimming pool opens in Surigao del Norte

Caraga IPs benefit from government’s road construction

Agusan Norte guv to fund .5M PRLEC enterprise dev’t projects

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to send aid to Filipinos who have been affected by fire