anywhere in the country. PH manufacturers ensure quality infra materials

PH MANUFACTURERS ENSURE QUALITY INFRA MATERIALS

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

By Jennifer P. Gaitano 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 products of the highest Vincent Go highlighted quality to its key customers, that “in solidarity with the which includes the cement and steel industry, PFGMI as the leading domestic manufacturer of float glass in the Philippines, guarantees downstream wholesale glass supply market, to support domestic demand for institutional, industrial, and residential glass products.” (JPG/ the availability of glass PIA-Caraga)

CEMAP PROMOTES HIGHQUALITY LOCAL CEMENT PRODUCTS

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)

By Jennifer P. Gaitano 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.

“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 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)

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

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

would either take turns in using the available printers while others would use their own just so they can keep up with the distribution of modules. Despite this, the elementary teacher maintained optimism. “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,” Teacher Maricel said. 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 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 09474860291. Netizens may also raise their concerns via the program’s social media page. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

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 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)

SECRETARY DAR: MEAT SAFETY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY By Roberta L. Riguer Department of Escudero Hall, expressed He also emphasized Agriculture Secretary his appreciation to the that the NMIS is William Dar, in a speech employees of NMIS the first responder delivered yesterday, Oct. for their impressive whenever meat safety 20, during the opening performance in ensuring is compromised. “It is ceremony of Meat meat safety. during these times that Safety Consciousness “Food Safety, the NMIS must take the Week at the National particularly, meat safety opportunity to empower Meat Inspection Service is a shared responsibility,” the local government (NMIS) Salvador H. Secretary Dar said. 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)

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 Officer’s Ladies Club (OLC) of the Police Regional Office 13 | October 17-23, 2020 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)

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 | October 17-23, 2020 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. “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

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 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)