Caraga InFocus – October 24-30, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

Volume IV, No. 44 October 24-30, 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

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NGO commends gov’t agencies on hosting Dagyaw 2020 DTI recognizes CeMAP initiative vs mislabelled imported cement BSP to Caraganons: Learn to save money all the time ‘Bisaya Gyud’ team facilitates successful operation of Surigaonon mother Rice techno forum demonstrates efficient clustering approach Showcasing Caraga agri products through various platforms BFP Caraga patuloy ang ginagawang modernisasyon, pagpapatayo ng fire stations DBP backs public transport sector recovery From ink to link towards dev’t

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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NGCP secures reliability of transmission services in NE Mindanao Seaweeds production, processing and marketing to roll-out in Dinagat MinDA Caraga joins Minda Tienda in Manila Olympic-size swimming pool sa Surigao del Norte binuksan na sa publiko Army uncovers CNT hideout in AgNor town PNP joins TESDA in providing skills trainings to Butuan’s RCSP priority villages AgNor LCE lauds DA-NFA’s palay procurement program Tandag City coco farmers receive P400K cash incentives from PCA Army, PNP intercept explosives, food supplies in SurSur town

MINDANAO NEWS

Secretary Andanar Inspects Halfway House, Visits Former Rebels in Bukidnon

Farmers go airborne! PHILIPPINE FOOD SKYWAY, ‘SILLY’ DREAM COME TRUE

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NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO’s Andanar brings ‘BIDA Solusyon’ to Impasugong, Bukidnon Duterte wants government-wide corruption probe ANDANAR JOINS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH CELEBRATION, CALLS FOR STRENGTHENED LINK WITH IP GROUPS Gov’t takes steps to prevent price spikes as holiday season nears Go eyes enhanced inter-agency task force vs. systemic corruption

COVID-19 NEWS EO for price cap on Covid-19 tests awaits PRRD’s signature PRRD prefers gov’t-to-gov’t deal for Covid-19 vaccine purchase WHO Solidarity Trial in PH set in December: DOH ‘Nayong Quarantine’ reveals story behind NCR’s biggest facility DOH plans to have more cold storage facilities for vaccines

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

DAGYAW 2020 SET IN CARAGA By Venus L. Garcia

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, together with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and other partner non-government sectors, is all set for the conduct of the Dagyaw

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2020: Open Government Virtual Town Hall Meetings in Caraga region. For this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dagyaw series, a more transparent and participatory governance approaches will be upheld amid the restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019

(COVID-19) pandemic. The conduct of Dagyaw 2020 will leverage on and utilize civic technology and online platform and is anchored in the objective of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Sub-Task Group on Governance which is to ensure people-centered,

clean, technologyenabled, and responsive governance in addressing COVID-19 and to restart social and economic activities. For the first episode today, October 29, at 2:00 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the afternoon, the discussion will focus on the topic on building resilience and financial literacy. Experts in their field were invited to speak before the participants from the civil society organizations, local development councils, and other sectors. A COVID-19 situationer in the region will also be presented. Also, on November 5, the second episode will be held which centers on the urban agriculture and livelihood subject matters. The main goal of the Dagyaw 2020 is to build mutual trust between the government and the Filipino people by providing an open, neutral, and protected space for dialogue on key national and local issues and plans amidst the pandemic. To recall, the first Dagyaw in the region was successfully conducted in Butuan

City last year Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles. The dialogue allowed the participants to raise various issues and concerns to the distinguished panel of government executives. Moreover, the event aims to boost confidence among civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens in government programs that address their felt needs. The outputs of these dialogues shall then serve as key references of government in public decision-making, and in

shaping and updating government policies that can lead to better public sector performance and service delivery. Participants may register at bit. ly/13dagyaw2020 regep1. The event will be livestreamed via these official Facebook pages: DILG Caraga Region, Philippine Information Agency Caraga, PIA Agusan del Norte, PIAAgusan del Sur, PIASurigao del Norte, PIA Surigao del Sur, PIA Dinagat Islands. (VLG/ PIA-Caraga) October 24-30, 2020 |

News Briefs A total of 404 beneficiaries from the 6 barangays of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur received the payout worth P3,200.00 each, distributed by the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLESdS) & Office of the Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay thru the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers) Program. xx

Aside from appealing to the public to abide with the policy, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Co-Chairperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also urged local government units to be vigilant and to strictly enforce the IATF directive. “This rule will only be as effective as its implementation, and we hope that we can count on our LGUs to help the authorities enforce this directive.” While IATF Resolution No. 72 closes public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbariums to the public from October 29 to November 4, burial and cremation activities during the said period shall be governed by the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine.

A total 46 army enlisted personnel of 29IB were promoted to the next higher rank. Two were promoted to Master Sergeant, 6) to Technical Sergeant, 21 to Sergeant, 6 to Staff Sergeant and 11 to Corporal. (1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, CMO Officer, 29IB, PA) Governor Dale B. Corvera of the province of Agusan del Norte has signed Executive Order No. 40, “Strengthening the GAD Focal Points System Through Inatitutionalization of Mental Health and Paychosocial Support Services of Agusan del Norte.”

REGIONAL NEWS

NGO COMMENDS GOV’T AGENCIES ON HOSTING DAGYAW 2020 By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Speakers of the first episode of Dagyaw 2020: Virtual Town Hall Meeting praised the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, Department of Budget Management (DBM) Caraga and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for spearheading the event, which helped shed light on the strong partnership between civil society organizations, private sector, and the government.

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Glenn Bais, regional coordinator of Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) – Mindanao, who discussed the first topic of the said episode “Building Resilience” commended the said agencies for hosting the event. “We are so happy that through Dagyaw and other platforms, we are able to display the spirit of partnership and collaboration between

and among CSOs and the government and even with the private sector,” he said. Dagyaw is one of the main campaigns of the current administration that aims to bring the government closer to the people. This year’s campaign focused on making the actions of the government and nongovernment stakeholders and partners on the current issues, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The event was launched virtually on Thursday via Facebook Live on DILG Caraga and PIA Caraga’s official Facebook pages. This was aimed to make it more accessible to the public without compromising their health and safety. The organization head discussed how Caraganons can build resilience, the ability to overcome and recover from challenges and difficulties, despite the pressure brought by the pandemic. This entailed nurturing the said trait in oneself by keeping a positive outlook in the situation and facing stressors head-on. Having a strong support system can also help with maintaining resilience, which could comprise of friends and families or even peer groups. Financial literacy was also briefly discussed. According to Bais, to achieve financial freedom, certain habits must be formed. “These include making financial goals, budgeting, identifying firstly the needs before wants, knowledge on managing finances,

investing, and taking care of one’s mental health. You must also be willing to commit to these habits. Doing so will guarantee financial freedom,” he said. The PHilDHRRA head also emphasized the need to prepare for future uncertainties. On the part of the government, it is suggested that a recovery master plan that includes innovative strategies that address and mitigate multifaceted issues and a financial literacy program must be made. Government agencies and local government units (LGUs) must also mobilize CSOs to deliver its programs to the marginalized and vulnerable groups. He concluded his presentation by lauding the efforts of the government to strengthen their links with non-state actors (NSAs) such as PhilDHRRA. “I am so happy that the government is opening its doors. We all know that social accountability works when there is an open and responsive government. Through this, we can also fortify our partnership. When we are united, we

can extend more help especially during this unprecedented crisis.” “Dagyaw”, the Hiligaynon word for “bayanihan,” is a series of Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Participatory Governance Regional Townhall Meetings launched by the DBM and DILG with support from the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and nongovernment partners. The event serves as a platform for productive, valuable, sincere and visible engagement between senior officials of government and the citizens, promoting and disseminating information on the open government and participatory governance initiatives of the Duterte administration. Episode two of this year’s series entitled “Urban Gardening and Livelihood” will be aired on November 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm via Facebook Live, which can be streamed on DILG Caraga and PIA Caraga’s official Facebook pages. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) October 24-30, 2020 |

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DTI RECOGNIZES CEMAP INITIATIVE VS MISLABELLED IMPORTED CEMENT The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognized the initiative and effort of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) in monitoring the quality of Philippine-made and imported cement products being sold in the country. In a press statement, the DTI revealed it saw

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By Jennifer P. Gaitano the need for a new regulation following a review conducted by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) on the policy regarding the manufacture and importation of cement products. The department has recently announced that it will be issuing a Memorandum Circular (MC) on the

Supplemental Guidelines for the Implementation of Department Administrative Order (DAO) 17-06, Series of 2017 after CeMAP raised concerns about imported cement being labelled with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Made in the Philippines.â&#x20AC;? Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the new policy will promote transparency and

accuracy on the product markings for both locally manufactured and imported cement products. “It is incumbent upon the importers and/or manufacturers to properly label their products and reflect the country where these products were produced,” said Lopez. The official added that the policy will properly guide consumers and help boost the campaign patronizing locally produced products to help the economy recover from the effects of the pandemic. “While consumer safety is always one of the department’s priorities, it is also the mandate of DTI to protect and support local manufacturing industries. This is why the DTI strongly promotes the Buy Local, Go Lokal campaign, encouraging all local consumers to patronize Filipino products and services,” Lopez underscored. Meanwhile, the local cement manufacturers also commended the DTI for immediately taking action and issue the needed policy that will also ensure consumer

protection against mislabelled cement products in the market. “This is a welcomed development and a huge victory for the local cement industry and the thousands of workers that it employs,” the CeMAP said in a statement. The group said it will also ensure that legitimate local producers will benefit from the government’s initiative that give preference to Philippine-made construction materials for its infrastructure projects. “We are hoping that through this issuance, the rampant mislabelling of imported cement products as locally made will be completely eradicated,” the group said. It was learned that upon the issuance of the supplemental guidelines, the DTI-BPS will be conducting verification and monitoring of cement bagging facilities in the country to ensure immediate compliance with the prescribed product markings. Under this MC, all locally manufactured and imported cement products shipped in bulk and bagged in a PS

licensed bagging facility shall be permanently marked with the name and address of the manufacturer, the country of manufacture, and the words “Bagged by:”, followed by the name and address of the bagging facility, among others. In addition, manufacturers and operators of bagging facilities are directed to immediately cease all printing operations of previously approved cement bag designs indicating “Product of the Philippines” even if the cement products are imported. The DTI-BPS will be conducting an inventory of all printed cement bags for recording purposes and employ immediate corrective action to reflect the correct country of manufacture. “We encourage and support investments in additional cement processing facilities, but we will also not waiver in our pursuit to ensure level playing fields, both for locally manufactured and imported products,” said Secretary Lopez. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) October 24-30, 2020 |

BSP TO CARAGANONS: LEARN TO SAVE MONEY ALL THE TIME By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) here emphasized that saving money as a practice means people are financial literate. “Learn to save money all the time not only during this time of crisis, but always,” said Glizriel Rose Quijada, bank officer II of BSP Butuan as she discussed building resiliency through financial literacy during the first episode of Dagyaw 2020 virtual conference held on Thursday. Quijada revealed that there are people who do not have savings and assets even at the time of their retirement due to “poor cultural money practices, small psychological wallet, and life cycle event.” “Only four out of 10

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Filipino adults save. Such low statistics is caused by lack of knowledge on saving and budgeting and the discipline it requires to maintain it. This can be aided by financial planning, which can be done by visioning financial goals, evaluating financial condition, specifically current needs, and listing down all sources of income and expenses,” Quijada bared. Quijada added that one should take courage to start saving money from his/her monthly income no matter how small or big the amount is. “We can not save if we do not know how to budget. At times, we lack the motivation and courage to save due to lack of financial literacy.

This is why, we should learn and practice the habit of saving from our earnings,” she said. The BSP’s main responsibility is to formulate and implement policy in the areas of money, banking and credit with the primary objective of preserving price stability. It has also been conducting financial literacy campaign in the different cities/municipalities of the region. The Dagyaw 2020 is hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

‘BISAYA GYUD’ TEAM FACILITATES SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF SURIGAONON MOTHER By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales Months after her successful operation on cancer of the saliva gland in July, the ‘Bisaya Gyud’ team visited Mary Jane Ocampo on October 23, 2020 to check on her current health status. Ocampo, 28 years old and a native of Surigao del Norte, sought help from the Bisaya Gyud program to have her Stage 4 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a cancer of the salivary glands, treated. Such concern was then voiced to concerned authorities. The team then visited her temporary residence in Cainta, Rizal in June to facilitate her needs. Through the aid provided by the Malasakit Center and the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence

“Bong” Go (OSBG), she then underwent an operation at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) a month after. Mary Grace Ocampo, Mary Jane’s sister who accompanied her throughout the operation, recounts

that the operation was anything but smooth. Prior to it, Mary Jane tested positive for COVID-19 which caused further delays. But all throughout, the Malasakit Center team, as well as the hospital staff, was accommodating to their October 24-30, 2020 |

needs, which helped ease their plight. “We had to wait for her recovery before she could have her operation done. We were really worried but thankfully the staff members of the Malasakit Center and the PGH always made sure to check on us.” The Malasakit Center also shouldered all the expenses for the operation, which amounted to P200,778. According to Mary Grace, it only took them less than a day for the transactions to be processed, which was a huge relief for them. The Ocampo sisters expressed their deepest

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thanks to the swift response provided by the center and to those who readily provided aid for their situation. “We are truly thankful for the immediate aid provided to us, especially to the team making up the Malasakit Center and to Senator Bong Go who was just as active in responding to our needs. We are also thankful to Secretary Martin Andanar and the Bisaya Gyud team. Without them, help wouldn’t have come our way,” Mary Grace said. The OSBG team provided food packs to the Ocampo sisters while financial assistance was provided by the Bisaya

Gyud team under its Operation Tabang. Now that her operation is done, Mary Jane expressed her desire to go home to her family and continue her recovery period in her hometown and asked help from Senator Go. “I would like to seek help from the senator. It’s hard for me to continue my recovery while I’m away from my family. I badly want to go home and be with my family.” The Bisaya Gyud team assured that her concern would be voiced immediately to the senator’s office. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga)

RICE TECHNO FORUM DEMONSTRATES EFFICIENT CLUSTERING APPROACH To accomplish a mission, one must find allies to support its views and causes. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has found a strong ally in vigorously pushing farm clustering and consolidation through a Public-Private Partnership. DA-Caraga in collaboration with the Rice Productivity Advocacy Inc. or the Rice Board and the Local Government Unit of Butuan City successfully capped the 11th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) held at Barangay Lemon, Butuan City, on October 14-16, 2020. NRTF is a semiannual event that aims to promote the use of modern rice farming technology such as the hybrid rice in increasing rice productivity and income of rice farmers. “The six months preparation of the activity encountered limitations

but we admired the collective effort by the DA Regional Office and attached agencies, LGUButuan, private seed companies, and local farmers who made it possible,” said Ebenezer Basco, Rice Board Secretary. Basco added that the partnership continues to support a food secure Philippines by demonstrating new technology in rice farming and aim to reach more farmers across the country. Hybridize and Mechanize The 11th NRTF 100-hectare demo area showcased the best farming practices that Caraga farmers can feasibly adopt to increase their efficiency and productivity. Studies show that the use of hybrid seeds can increase farmers’ yield by at least 15% than

the use of inbred varieties. Its increased vigor makes it more competitive and increases its resistance to diseases and insects. D A - C a r a g a Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo highlighted the importance of farm mechanization that should complement the high-yielding rice varieties to optimize productivity. “The combination of rice hybridization and mechanization is one of the formulas to improve the production and enhance the productivity of farm labor,” Monteagudo said. Rey Miot, a farmercooperator, and member of the Basag-Lemon Irrigators Association has comparative experience with manual and mechanical transplanting. According to him, walkbehind transplanters save cost and time. Using mechanical transplanter will only take 2-3 hours in October 24-30, 2020 |

one day per hectare with four farm laborers. This would cost around P2,500 – P3,000, while manual transplanting would cost P6,000 per hectare with 10 farm laborers. “The free farm inputs and the help of farm machines have cut down my production cost from P12 to P8 per kilogram. I am hoping that for the next cropping season this outcome will continue,” Miot said. Efficient clustering approach This year, NRTF does not only promotes the Hybrid Rice Technology but also demonstrates how farm clustering works towards more efficient and productive rice farming. The 100-hectare compact demo area in Barangay Ampayon, Basag, and Lemon is managed by 61 FarmerCooperators in Butuan City. Participating farmers benefitted from production inputs, farm machines, market information and linkage, and technical support from the implementing agencies. Ruel Arman, a

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member of Barangay Lemon Integrated Farmers Association recalled his hardship when he is not yet affiliated with the group. “Organized group versus individual farming has a big difference. I am one of those who benefitted from the minimal cost of the pre and post-harvest facilities owned by our association,” Arman said. Before, his awareness of rice production was limited but now he was given the chance to access information and technical services. He was once tied to private financiers but now he was able to access credit and financial assistance from the DAACPC that offers zero interest rates and flexible payment terms. “Heeding to the call of Agriculture Secretary William Dar we are now into clustering and consolidating farms to bring down the cost of operations and improve the harvests of the rice farmers in the region,” said Director Monteagudo. Cluster farming is a strategy where farmers’

cooperatives and associations are merged to optimize the interventions and assistance provided by the DA and other government agencies. The majority of rice farmers in Caraga are smallholders such that farmers’ associations need to collaborate and consolidate. To participate in the competitive market, small farmers need to remain unified. One such consolidation effort that may prove to be useful in cluster farming, Monteagudo said. The farmercooperators of the three barangays in Butuan City will now be considered a hybrid rice cluster in the region. Further, extension services and activities for the clustered area will continue. DA-Caraga targets 12,000 hectares for hybrid rice production for the September-March 2020 - 2021 cropping season. The 100-hectare demo on hybrid only kick starts the identification of additional hybrid cluster areas in the region for wide-scale adoption of the technology. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

SHOWCASING CARAGA AGRI PRODUCTS THROUGH VARIOUS PLATFORMS By Vanessa P. Sanchez

Leaving no stones unturned in its pursuit for development of the farmers, fisherfolk, and Agri-entrepreneurs in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) is tapping various portals to showcase the region’s agriculture and fishery products. During DA Secretary William D. Dar’s visit in

Caraga on October 2223, DA–Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Division (AMAD) Chief Lynn A. Pareñas presented the various initiatives of DA-Caraga to assist the farmers, fishers, and local Agri processors to market their products. One such marketing initiative was the OneStop Agribusiness Center

(OSAC) which was launched early this year. It is an agribusiness hub and a showroom for Caraga’s agricultural and fishery products. Located at the DACaraga grounds, OSAC serves as an avenue for farmers and agriprocessors to promote and sell their products, as well as to connect and negotiate with suppliers and buyers. Sec. Dar led the unveiling of the OSAC marker. October 24-30, 2020 |

On the other hand, the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita mobile market which has been done regularly since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic hit the country. Kadiwa is a marketing strategy that connects the farmers and Agriprocessors direct to the consumers. Through the Kadiwa, the consumers are given an opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and other fishery products, fresh and frozen meat and poultry products, as well as some dry goods, right at the premises of their community. In addition to the two aforementioned initiatives, DA-Caraga has also tapped the online portal to market

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Agri-fishery commodities. DA-Caragaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AMAD partnered with the private organization Sprout Lab IT Services for the creation of the Agrikultura Kadiwa Online, an e-commerce platform for fresh agricultural produce. It aims to provide farmers, fisherfolk, and local processors with direct market linkage among institutional buyers, manufacturers, and individual customers through an online platform. On the other hand, it provides consumers easy access to affordable agricultural products delivered directly to their households. Further, it aims to minimize foot traffic in public markets to help contain the spread

of the Coronavirus disease. Sec. Dar was on a two-day visit in the region to grace the culmination of the National Rice Techno Forum as well as to meet up with agriculture stakeholders of the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I move around the country to inspire and bring hope to the frontliners of the agriculture industry despite the pandemic and to make the presence of the government be felt,â&#x20AC;? Dar said. Dar also went around Butuan City and Agusan del Norte to visit various agricultural projects, as well as to the Agricultural Training Institute and PhilRice Agusan. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

BFP CARAGA PATULOY ANG GINAGAWANG MODERNISASYON, PAGPAPATAYO NG FIRE STATIONS Upang mas lalo pang mabigyan ng mas magandang serbisyo ang mga Caraganons, tinututukan ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga ang modernisasyon ng mga kagamitan at ang patuloy na pagpapatatayo ng mga fire stations sa iba’t ibang munisipyo ng rehiyon. Naniniwala naman si Direktor FSSupt. Fred Trajeras, Jr. na hindi problema ang kakulangan ng fire fighters upang maibigay ang maayos na serbisyo, kelangan lang tulong –tulong upang magkaroon ng ligtas na pamayanan. Patuloy ang pagbibigay ng safety awareness campaign sa mga barangays at ang pagkakaroon ng maayos na basihan sa pagseserbisyo. Ayon kay Trajeras, dapat ang mga fire fighters ay magkaroon na tamang pag-uugali, “maging Friendly, Reliable, Energetic at lalong lalo na Dedicated

By Nora C. Lanuza o FRED sa kani-kanilang trabaho.” Ang Caraga region ay kilala din sa magigiting na mga firefighters, matatandaang may itinatag ang BFP Caraga na ‘all female fire stations’ una sa buong bansa. Ito ay nagpapatunay na kaya ng mga kababaihan ang pagbigay ng maayos na serbisyo para sa Caraganons at hindi hadlang ang kasarian. Ayon kay Trajeras, lahat ng mga personahe ng ‘all female fire stations’ ay nagagampanan ang tungkuling magsilbi. Sa kasalukuyan, may limang ‘all female fire stations’ na ang rehiyon, ito ay sinimulan ng dating Direktor na si SSupt. Romel Tradio. Aminado din si Agusan del Norte at Butuan City fire marshall Rex Arvin Afalla na problema sa kanyang sinasakuopan ang mga masisikip na lugar kung kaya’t, gumawa sila ng paraan upang maging involved ang mga

taga barangays sa mga gawaing makakatulong sa kanila lalo na ang agarang pagresponde sa panahon na may sunog. Dagdag din ni Afalla, prayoridad nila ang pagbili ng mga maliliit ng fire trucks na gagamitin sa pagresponde sa mga barangays at patuloy ang koordinasyon sa mga opisyales at pagbibigay ng kailangang pagsasanay. Ayon kay Afalla, kahit paman sa banta ng COVID-19, tuloy pa rin ang ginagawang safety awareness campaign ng ahensya sa iba’t ibang lugar. S a m a n t a l a , inilunsad din kamakailan lang ng ahensya ang Oplan Ligtas na PamayanaN (OLP) gamit ang social media upang maipaabot sa mga Caraganons ang iba’t ibang serbisyo at mga tips upang tuluyang masugpo ang pagkakaroon ng sunog. (NCLM/PIA Caraga) October 24-30, 2020 |

DBP BACKS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECTOR RECOVERY State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in coming up with financial interventions to help the transportation sector get back on track after reeling from the illeffects of the pandemic, a top official said. DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the assistance includes government subsidies to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to cover revenue gaps during the period when a temporary ban on PUVs were imposed as part of community lockdowns. “DBP is one with the DOTr and LTFRB in finding suitable and sustainable solutions to assist the transport sector as it steadily begins to recover from the devastating losses spawned by this

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pandemic,” Herbosa said. DBP is the seventh largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), social services and community development, and the environment. The bank’s assistance to the transport sector would be implemented through its Rehabilitation Support on Severe Events (RESPONSE) program, which extends financing support for the rehabilitation efforts of both public and private firms adversely affected by calamities such as the latest national public health emergency. As of end-June, DBP has provided a total of P19.16-billion in credit assistance and payment deferment under DBP RESPONSE, which

benefitted 606 clients of which 19 clients are from the transport sector. Herbosa said DBP recognizes the essential role of the transport sector in the country’s economic recovery as it caters mostly to workers belonging to the MSME sector, which is considered the backbone of the local economy. He said industry stakeholders should collaborate and muster the needed resources to implement innovative approaches and adapt to new regulations to ensure the health and safety of commuters. “This an opportune time for the public transport sector to examine its future role in the country’s mass transportation system while optimizing available resources to meet the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient modes of transport,” Herbosa said. (DBP/PIA Caraga)

FROM INK TO LINK TOWARDS DEV’T By Aurelius Arais

A project proposal is a stepping stone towards the realization of a muchneeded change and development. Thus, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga conducted specialized training for its staff for a project proposal writing dubbed as “Writing a Winning Project Proposal In Response to COVID-19 Pandemic” on Sept. 8-10, 2020 for the first batch and Oct. 6-8, 2020 for the second batch. ”This training aimed to capacitate DA personnel especially those at the forefront of assisting

our farmer associations or organizations in coming up with a viable project proposal,” said Rebecca Atega, OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations. With the current guidelines on accessing government financial support or project will be proposal-based, the training is a big boost for DA-Caraga frontliners. “In my experience, a winning proposal must include the farmers in conceptualizing and drafting stage to make it viable and realistic,” said Dr. Victor Emmanuel Ozarraga, a

consultant of Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation and resource person of the training. Ozarraga said that any financial institutions whether government or private will finance a project if the proposal itself not just speaks about the importance of the project but how attainable. The said training is a collaboration of DACaraga Regional Office and DA-Agricultural Training Institute (DAATI). (DA13-RAFIS/PIACaraga) October 24-30, 2020 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

NGCP SECURES RELIABILITY OF TRANSMISSION SERVICES IN NE MINDANAO The Northeastern Mindanao area will now experience greater reliability of power transmission services as National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) energized its new ButuanPlacer 138 kiloVolt (kV) line 2 earlier this month. The project involves the construction of 100-kilometer of overhead transmission line which connects Butuan Substation in Agusan del Norte to Placer Substation in Surigao del Norte. With the new line in place, cooperatives

in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will benefit from improved voltage level, reduced transmission system losses, and the mitigation of unwanted power interruptions in the area. The ERC-approved project costing to P1.1 billion is one of the components of the Mindanao Reliability Compliance Project 1. The old existing ButuanPlacer line, which has been in operation since 1995 was reinforced with a secon, alternative circuit to avert load dropping caused by unplanned

outages. The new transmission line fulfills the N-1 requirement of the Philippine Grid Code, which is the ability of the grid to withstand a major system disturbance through redundancies in the grid system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fully recognize the potentiality of Mindanao and are preparing for significant load growth in the coming years. Through the energization of this project, we are able to deliver quality service and a strengthened transmission network October 24-30, 2020 |

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to support the region’s continued growth,” NGCP stated. The company also appeals to the public to help keep the ROW corridor of this line free and clear from any obstruction that may hamper its ability to transmit electricity efficiently. “We call all the residents and the local government univ leaders of areas where our transmission lines traverse to help us safeguard these

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facilities. They can only continue to serve your area if the ROW corridors are kept clean. Not only can these obstructions cause unplanned power interruptions, but it may also pose a danger to life and property,” NGCP said. NGCP’s projects in Mindanao also include the Mindanao Backbone project and the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project. Both projects aim to

further enhance the reliability of transmission services for the entire region. NGCP is a Filipinoled, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and vice-chairperson of the Board Henry Sy, Jr. and co-vice chairperson Robert Coyiuto, Jr. (NGCP/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SEAWEEDS PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND MARKETING TO ROLL-OUT IN DINAGAT Another enterprise project is about to start its implementation with the launching of the Input Provision for Seaweeds Production, Processing, and Marketing in New Mabuhay, Dinagat town, this province. The approved project is funded under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) amounting to P4.5 million. Input provision includes the enterprise cost for propagules, soft tie, PE rope, floaters, trapal,

life jackets, flashlights, headlights, boots & googles, weighing scale, motorized flatboat, and working capital for fresh seaweed purchase infrastructure cost for the construction of one unit seaweeds solar dryer and one unit storage warehouse. The said project aims to support the 117 fisher-beneficiaries to have access to post-harvest facilities thereby increasing their productivity and profitability, and strengthen and expand

their current enterprise on seaweeds. The project is a joint undertaking of the DAPRDP 13, the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, and the proponent group New Mabuhay Seaweed Farmers and Fisherfolk Association with the assistance of the Municipal Agriculture Office. DA-13 Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo and Governor Arlene â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kakaâ&#x20AC;? Bag-ao led the launching of the said project. (DA-13/PIADinagat Islands)

October 24-30, 2020 |

MINDA CARAGA JOINS MINDA TIENDA IN MANILA The Department of Trade and Industry Surigao del Norte joined the send off ceremony of “MinDA Tienda Goes to Manila” on Oct 20, 2020 at the Lipata Port, this city. DTI Surigao del Norte Officer-in-Charge Elmer Natad joined with Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson and former Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during the send off ceremony.

| October 24-30, 2020

The MinDA Tienda aims to promote and market Mindanao’s products in big urban centers in the country and overseas as well. For the MinDA Tienda in Manila 2020, various products from Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, were displayed and sold at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park (beside Manila City Hall) Ermita,

Manila from October 2325, 2020. Beyond just the staging of a MinDA Tienda, MinD, Chairperson Manny Piñol also discussed with the Local Government Unit of Manila the prospect of establishing an institutional relationship between MinDA and the City of Manila. (DTISurigao del Norte/PIASurigao del Norte)

OLYMPIC-SIZE SWIMMING POOL SA SURIGAO DEL NORTE BINUKSAN NA SA PUBLIKO By Venus L. Garcia

Isang 50-meter Olympicsize swimming pool ang benindisyunan at binuksan kamakailan sa loob ng Provincial Sports omplex sa pamamagitan ng isang simple at makabuluhang selebrasyon. Ang pagbubukas ng bagong olympic size swimming pool ay naglalayun na palakasin ang inisyatibo ng provincial government na ma promote at mapaigting pa ang mabuting kalusugan ng mga surigaonon kahit sa gitna ng pandemya na kinakaharap ng bansa. Ang nasabing selebrasyon ay inumpisan isang motorcade paikot sa syudad patungo sa provincial sports complex at sumunod na ang blessing na pinangunahan ni Fr. Larry

Espuerta at isinunod din ang inagurasyon sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Francisco Matugas kasama ang iba pang lokal na opisyal ng probinsya ng Surigao del Norte at lungsod ng Surigao. “Kahit pa sa nararanasang pandemya buo pa rin ang paniwala ko na kailangan pa rin ng probinsya na mapanatili ang mabuting kalusugan ng mga Surigaonon sa pamamagitan ng reconstruction sa nasabing swimming pool na magiging importanteng bahagi ng buhay ng bawat Surigaonon,” ani Gob. Matugas. Samantala laking pasasalamat naman ni Edwin Ausa, ang kasalukuyang provincial

wellness sports and youth development officer, dahil aniya makakatulong ang nasabing swimming pool sa mga studyante ng ibat’ ibang paaralan sa Surigao del Norte na gustong mag-ensayo kasama na ang mga residente na gusto ring maligo. “Basically, itong swimming pool na ito will cater all those who are here in the mainland. I’m sure in the future we can have superstars in terms of swimming,” ani Ausa. Pero kasabay ng pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa probinsya, pansamantala munang isinara sa publiko ang pag gamit sa nasabing swimming pool. (VLG/ SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte) October 24-30, 2020 |

ARMY UNCOVERS CNT HIDEOUT IN AGNOR TOWN By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

The troopers of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB) discovered another hideout of the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) in the forested area of Sitio Fatima, Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on October 17, 2020, at around 4:00 p.m. While the troops were conducting security operations, they discovered an

| October 24-30, 2020

abandoned CNT hideout which has an estimated land area of two hundred square meters (200m) that can accommodate more or less 20 persons and believed to be abandoned for about a month ago prior to discovery. The government troops also seized in said abandoned hideout 20 rolls of Blasting Cap Leg Wire; one D-Size Battery

(Eveready); and one small Plastic Box. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commanding Officer of 23IB, expressed his gladness on the continuous recovery of CNT hideouts stating that they will be having a hard time to adjust in their present situation. “As we can see, these CNTs have been leaving their hideouts

and they cannot settle in a stable place because surely, the troops will always locate them wherever they hide. I don’t know how deep the CNT propagandas have rooted in the soul of the NPAs why they still choose to suffer living in the mountains. I cannot imagine why they choose to live in those temporary-built hideouts which cannot even protect them nor provide convenience to their daily living, where in fact, they can go back to their respective homes and live a peaceful life with their families,” Paulo said. He also called on the people of Barangay Ibuan, be vigilant on the activities of the CNTs whom he described as traitors for their continued disrespect of human rights. “These CNT members are killers as they always have that intention to kill, not only the government forces but also the innocent civilians, especially the Indigenous Peoples (IPs),” Paulo said. He emphasized that the recovered blasting caps, leg wires and other

war parapernalias are proofs of CNTs continued production and use of the banned Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which brings great threat not only to the government forces but also to the innocent civilians. “We encourage everyone to stop supporting their group

whenever they will go back to the said hideout. Report it immediately to us in order to prevent them from conducting atrocities in your peaceful community. Let us help one another to end this insurgency that affects the lives of most Filipinos,” Paulo said. (CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) October 24-30, 2020 |

PNP JOINS TESDA IN PROVIDING SKILLS TRAININGS TO BUTUANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RCSP PRIORITY VILLAGES The Philippine National Police (PNP) joins with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in providing skills training to residents of Brgy. Antongalon here. This development came after TESDAAgusan del Norte

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By Robert E. Roperos Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva has discussed on October 22, 2020 in a meeting with Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Director PCol. Canilo Fuentes, Antongalon Brgy. Capt. Epefania D. Antoquia, and some police officers of this city on the possible

interventions to be given to residents of the said barangay. Director Cueva said that one of the skills trainings that are lined-up is the Organic Vegetable Production which is being pushed by TESDA Sec. Isidro S. Lapena to allow the local community to

obtain self-sufficiency in food production. Other livelihood trainings that are put in place are: rug-making, soap-making, floor wax-making, banana chips, cake, buko pie and buko halo-halomaking. “By teaching the local residents of these trainings, we are hoping that this can help the community in their livelihood,” Cueva said. B a r a n g a y Antongalon is one of the 14 barangays of this city that is given priority by the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). The CSP is a program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) dubbed as “Kapayapaan,” which is a multi-stakeholder and community-based peace and development effort aimed to establish and protect a conflictaffected community. It aims to identify issues of the communities and introduce developmental interventions to resolve these issues that the community itself identified. However, the CSP is limited with

resources in addressing issues and gaps due to limited resources and participation of other National Government Agencies (NGAs). Thus, the RCSP was formulated in order the strengthen the CSP initiatives of the military and making the effort of Local Government Units driven. With the

implementation of the RCSP, Local Chief Executives will be the champions of the RCSP through their programs, projects and activities (PPAs) that are geared towards institutionalizing sustainable peace and development. (TESDA Agusan del Norte, PIA Agusan del Norte) October 24-30, 2020 |

AGNOR LCE LAUDS DA-NFA’S PALAY PROCUREMENT PROGRAM The local chief executive of Las Nieves, Agusan del Note lauded the government’s palay procurement program through the Department of Agriculture-National Food Authority (DA-NFA) for buying palay from the

| October 24-30, 2020

By Aurelius P. Arais local farmers. “With the low buying price of the private traders, the government procurement program allows our farmers to earn more,” Mayor Avelina Rosales said. The buying price

of DA-NFA is P19.00 per kilo, clean and dry, much higher than the private traders. Amielou Jane Mendoza, information officer of DA-NFA Caraga revealed that based on their monitoring, private

traders are buying from the farmers at the average price of P14.63 per kilo for fresh harvest and P16.95 per kilo for clean and dry. Rosales is grateful to NFA for establishing a buying station in their town catering to the harvest of Las Nieves rice farmers. “As our contribution to the government procurement program, the local government unit is assisting our farmers to have their fresh harvest dried in the Village Type Dryer (VTD) provided by the DA-Caraga for a very minimal fee,” Leonito Pasquito, the Municipal Agriculturist said. Farmers who will bring in their fresh harvest on the VTD will just have to pay .85 cents per kilo,

and DA-NFA will buy the dried palay, thus ensuring a sure market of farmer’s produce at a higher price. “We are so thankful to the Department of Agriculture for giving us a Village Type Dryer capable of processing both corn and rice, it is a big boost for our farmers in the locality,” Pasquito explained. Las Nieves is a recipient of two Village Type Dryer from the Department of Agriculture, one located at Brgy. Pinanaan, and another one at Brgy. Malitacato, and some Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) through various farmer’s association. “As of October 17, 2020, our VTD had already

dried around 12,000 bags and the dried palay had been purchased by DANFA,” Pasquito revealed. He said that as the harvest of corn is also on the way, the post-harvest facility is a big boost to the locality’s agriculture sector. DA is assisting the farmers through the provision of pre and postharvest facility (PPHF) to minimize losses and maintain the quality of the products. Recently, Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo visited the project and other DA-assisted interventions to ensure continuous food production amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (DA Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 24-30, 2020 |

TANDAG CITY COCO FARMERS RECEIVE P400K CASH INCENTIVES FROM PCA By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Some 39 coconut farmers from the barangays of Buenavista, and Maitom, this city have received a total of P400,000.00 as their cash incentives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) through the Accelerated Coconut Planting and Replanting Program (ACPRP) amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A total of 15 members under the Coconut Farmers’ Organization (CFO) from Barangay Buenavista received a total of P136,000.00 while 24 members from the City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (CAFC) chaired by Ricardo Fernandez received a total amount of P264,000.00. The said program

| October 24-30, 2020

was aimed to reduce the rural poverty in the coconut sector through increasing the coconut farmers’ production and their net income. Also, the program was designed to expand and/or rehabilitate the existing coconut areas by planting and replanting the coconut farms in the country, said PCA Surigao del Sur chief George Duterte Rasonabe. It also addresses the high demand for coconut products and by-products in the country and even internationally, he added. The farmerparticipants of the project will receive an incentive worth P20.00 for every seed nut produced, and P20.00

for the farmworker who will raise the seedlings of at least one foot tall with fully developed leaves as labor assistance at the established nursery of every people’s organization. They will also receive P45.00 for every seedling they transplanted and stabilized on the ground, said Rasonabe. It is both a participatory and incentive-based system approach guided by the PCA recommended Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). With a minimum of 0.5 hectares, a farmer can join the program given that he is a member of a PCA accredited organization or any other formal and informal organizations. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

ARMY, PNP INTERCEPT EXPLOSIVES, FOOD SUPPLIES IN SURSUR TOWN Local authorities have intercepted a green Fuso canter truck (Plate No. RFT 250) carrying explosives, and groceries and food supplies believed to be headed for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) camp recently in the province. According to the report from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), around 1:45pm, Oct. 14, the 36IB troopers and the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFP) at a checkpoint along the National Highway of

Brgy. Zone 3, Lanuza flagged down a cargo truck loaded with various items. Prior to the incident, the 36IB troopers had coordinated with the Municipal Police Station of Lanuza for they were tipped about the transport of the goods by civilian informants. After more than an hour, the team successfully intercepted the cargo truck. The arrested suspects were identified as Marcelo Ramos Omos,

driver; Ramil Pan Berezo, mason/carpenter; Marlon Febra Cervantes, laborer; Joey Mercansel Silagan, carpenter; Brian Balatero Paglinawan, laborer. They were brought to the Lanuza Municipal Police Station (MPS) for investigation. The authorities seized the following items: two improvised bombs; one Bagong Hukbong Bayan flag; 20 pairs of black rubber boots; three sacks of rice; one sack of flour; one half (½) sack of salt; 20 packs “Odong”; October 24-30, 2020 |

30 Bioderm bath soaps; one box mega sardines; 20 pairs of black socks; nine packs sanitary napkin; six pieces of men’s underwear; 20 kilos brown sugar; Five bags of Super Lamig Menthol Candy; 10 bags of Nescafe stick; Four bags Nescafe 3n1; two gallons cooking oil; one-gallon soy sauce; Five empty plastic containers; and six cellophane sacks. According to 36IB commander Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, they

| October 24-30, 2020

have already closely monitored the companies or business firms/ contractors, politicians, and other supporters from the different sectors based on the profile they have on the record. Lt. Col. Diagmel added that the relentless conduct of checkpoints of the PNP and AFP and other stakeholders has paid off in stopping the flow of supplies towards the NPA terrorists. “This resource control operation will

continue in order to put a stop to this scheme of the armed group targeting particularly the contractors, politicians, business firms, and individuals,” he said. “We urged them to stop supporting the armed struggle instead, support our government. We will institute security measures together with the PNP to safeguard the flagship projects in our area of operations,” Lt. Col. Diagmel added. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

MINDANAO NEWS

SECRETARY ANDANAR INSPECTS HALFWAY HOUSE, VISITS FORMER REBELS IN BUKIDNON The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) 10 Secretary Martin Andanar inspected the on-going construction of a halfway house and visited the newly created Bukas Kalinaw 8th

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Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB) Chapter, an organization of former rebels, on Friday, October 23, 2020, at Impasugong Magbuliga Development Complex, Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The construction of the halfway house is one of the programs of the

Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) which the province has allocated PhP5M for its construction while the municipality of Impasugong donated one-hectare of land where the building is being constructed. Sec. Andanar ensured that

the said facility will be excellently constructed as a temporary shelter and treatment facility for the former rebels. Sec. Andanar further visited the Bukas Kalinaw 8IB Chapter – Lumadnong O r g a n i s a s y o n g D a l a n g p a n a n (LINONDIGAN), an organization of the former rebels of 8IB who benefited from the various interventions of RTFELCAC. He also witnessed other interventions of the government such as the two-day skills training dubbed as “TESDA Interventions and Concerns for Bukidnon (TICBuk) Meat Processing” which benefited a total of 20 former rebels and the Arm-to-Farm Program of this unit, a four-hectare farm for former rebels. The Secretary was accompanied by Mr. Franklin Gumapon, Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency Region 10; Ms. Tarhata S. Mapandi, Regional Director of TESDA – 10; Hon. Maria Norly D. Pepito, Municipal ViceMayor of Impasugong; Colonel Ferdinand T. Barandon, Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade; Col Jose Arn M Real,

Deputy Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr., Commanding Officer of 8IB during the Secretary’s assessment on the implementation of the government’s initiatives. “Si Sec. Andanar nagabisita aron masiguro ang mayo nga pag-implementar ug ka-epektibo sa adbokasiya sa gobyerno sa pagpaundang sa armadong pakigbisog. Kini nagapakita lamang nga ang atong gobyerno seryoso sa pagbatok sa insurhensiya sa atong nasod,” Lt. Col. Talaroc Jr said. (Sec. Andanar visited to ensure the proper implementation and effectiveness of the government’s advocacy in ending armed conflict. This only shows that our government is serious in its

fight against insurgency in our country.) Col. Barandon said “Mapasalamaton ako kang Sec. Andanar sa paghatag nato ug tabang aron maundang ang lokal na komunistang armadong pakigbangi diri sa atong nasod. Ang kasundalohan makasiguro kauban ang among mga kaabag magapadayon sa pagsuporta sa mga programa sa gobyerno sa pagpanday sa kalinaw ug kalamboan sa pagpaundang sa insurhensiya.” (I am grateful to Sec. Andanar’s assistance in our shared efforts to end the local communist armed conflict here in our country. Rest assured that the army together with our partners will always support the programs of our government in building peace and development in ending insurgency). October 24-30, 2020 |

FARMERS GO AIRBORNE!

PHILIPPINE FOOD SKYWAY, ‘SILLY’ DREAM COME TRUE

On Thursday night, I sealed an agreement with a new Air Cargo Company to provide logistical support for the shipment of goods from Mindanao to any part of the country. Iranian businessman

| October 24-30, 2020

Amir Mogadasshi, Chief Execuive Officer of PSI Air 2007 Corporation, has agreed to partner with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in pushing the MinDa Tienda Program which aims to market

Mindanao products. This is the realization of my long-time dream of connecting the farmers and fishermen of Mindanao to the big market by air. As early as the days when I was Governor

of North Cotabato, I had envisioned a program which I called the Philippine Food Skyway, a concept on food positioning and distribution which took into consideration the reality that we are a country of 7,500 islands connected only by old and unreliable sea vessels and mainly passenger planes. I have always believed that our food supply problem in the country is not caused by insufficient production but the lack of access by farmers and fishermen to the market. The concept proposed the establishment of feeder airports in key food production areas of the country and the involvement of the private sector in providing cargo planes to ferry perishable goods to the population centers. Fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and even meat could be easily transported using cargo planes. Imagine how much fish could be shipped from Sulu and Tawitawi, how much fruits during the season could be flown out

of Central Mindanao and the Davao Provinces and how much vegetables could be brought to the markets of Cebu and Metro Manila on a daily basis? When farmers and fishermen know that they have a market for their produce and they profit from their work, they will certainly produce more crops and catch more fish. Some of the fiercest critics derided the concept and called it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;stupid idea,â&#x20AC;? a criticism based mainly on the assumption that transporting food items by aircraft would be very expensive.

Many scoffed at the proposal but businessman Archibald Po, who owns Lion Air and a personal friend of President Rody Duterte, said he would help me realize the project. Last week, Archie arranged a meeting between me and PSI Air 2007 CEO Amir Mogadasshi whose company owns two Boeing 727 Cargo Planes used for local hauls. During the meeting at the Dusit Hotel Thursday night, Amir and I sealed a deal with PSI Air accommodating the first shipment of 20 tons of fruits for the second day of the MinDA Tienda October 24-30, 2020 |

today. With a maximum capacity of 24-metric tons, the group is looking at a P30 to P35 per kilo rate for the transport of goods. This is a workable number considering that in Talakag, Bukidnon, traders buy the farmers Carrots at P10 per kilo during peak harvest season; Brocolli and Cauliflower P15 per kilo; Cabbage P12 per kilo; Lettuce P20 per kilo. In Tawitawi and Sulu, fish is sold by “tumpok” which weighs over 1 kilo for less than P100. So, even if you add another P35 per kilo for transport and handling,

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Carrots could still be sold in the big cities for no more than P100. I am confident the numbers will prove me right and the longdreamed Philippine Food Skyway will be finally realized. Soon, fresh fish from Tawi-Tawi, Lettuce from Bukidnon, eggplants from South Cotabato and fruits from Davao will be in the dining table of families in Metro Manila. MinDA Tienda could go to as far as Tuguegarao, Cagayan or Laoag, Ilocos Norte. On Monday, I will meet with Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong to finalize the staging

of the 2nd MinDA Fruit Festival in Baguio City by November. To bring Mindanao fruits to Baguio City from Davao, PSI Air Boeing 727 will fly to the San Fernando Airport in La Union. From there, it will just be a one-hour trip to Baguio City. This will be the beginning of a new era for Mindanao’s farmers and fishermen when they will get a fair reward for burning their skin under the heat of the sun. For me, this will be a dream come true - connecting the Philippines by air and ensuring a stable food supply for the country.

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday brings the ‘BIDA Solusyon’ to Impasugong town in Bukidnon province with perfect timing, just as the town celebrates its Indigenous Peoples Day. Together with partner government agencies, Andanar explained the basics of the ‘BIDA’ concept by encouraging the public to regularly adopt the minimum health standards as a behavioral lifestyle as we course through the new normal. “BIDA Solusyon is really a big help to the national government in explaining to the people on what should be done so we can prevent COVID-19. This is also important so we can continue on our activities as well as proceed with our functions in developing our town. We definitely could not let COVID-19 defeat us,” the Secretary said. BIDA Solusyon is a social and behavior change campaign that encourages the practice of regular handwashing and facemask-wearing to lower the chances of coronavirus spread. The PCOO chief explained that the acronym “BIDA” stands for B-Bawal ang walang mask or not wearing of a mask is prohibited; I stands for I-sanitize

| October 24-30, 2020

PCOO’S ANDAN ‘BIDA SOLUS IMPASUGONG, ang mga kamay, iwas hawak sa mga bagay or always wash or sanitize and avoid touching things; D-Dumistansya ng isang metro or maintain a distance of at least one meter; and A-Alamin ang totoong impormasyon or know the correct information and updates about the pandemic. Likewise, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Health Promotion and Communication Service chief of the Department of Health, emphasized that wearing masks and observance of physical distancing can help prevent further transmission of COVID-19. She described the results of recent studies showing that wearing a mask reduces transmission by 96 percent for N95 masks and 67 percent for non-N95 masks, while the observance of physical distancing by one meter can reduce the chance of transmission by 82 percent with protection increasing as distance is lengthened. Dr. Ho also emphasized that face shields should not be used as substitute for face masks and should only be used in addition to masks as added protection. Impasugong mayor Anthony Uy, meanwhile, announced that the town has just been declared COVID-free because those who were infected had

NAR BRINGS SYON’ TO , BUKIDNON

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, together with partner government agencies, takes the ‘BIDA Solusyon’ with perfect timing to Impasugong town in Bukidnon, just as the town celebrates its Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday, October 23, with the shared objective of resolving COVID-19 pandemic at the barangay level. (PIA Bukidnon)

recovered from the dreaded disease. “We have been battling COVID-19 for almost eight months. We only had five COVID cases when we started receiving LSIs and ROFs, and we thanked DSWD for the never-ending support, especially during those times. Now, Impasugong town is COVID-free,” the mayor said. Acknowledging mayor Uy’s gratitude, Assistant Secretary Rhea Peñaflor of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that the Department will soon resume its validation phase for the third-round of assessment of “Listahanan” to make sure that those unregistered poor households will be

included in DSWD’s list of qualified beneficiaries for its different social protection programs and services. Consequently, Philippine Information Agency Director-General Ramon Cualoping III who also graced Impasugong town’s IP Day celebration, said the government’s effort to #ExplainExplainExplain has been gaining momentum as it brings the government closer to the people. “Based on the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the national government should be brought right into our doorsteps so we can also give you all the initiatives and programs of the Duterte administration,” Cualoping said. (RLRB/PIA Bukidnon) October 24-30, 2020 |

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

DUTERTE WANTS GOVERNMENT-WIDE CORRUPTION PROBE By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate allegations of corruption “in the entire government”. In a pre-recorded speech aired Tuesday, Duterte read out loud a

| October 24-30, 2020

directive giving the DOJ authority to decide which allegations to investigate. He, however, said he wanted the DOJ to have a special focus on the corrupt-ridden Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“It may create as many panels as it deems necessary or adequate and may invite or direct other bodies or agencies of the government to assist or be part of such panel,” he said. He said the DOJ may also prosecute and

file appropriate charges against those involved in anomalies investigated whether against the government or private person as may be warranted by evidence gathered. “The power and authority of the DOJ under existing laws and previous directives to investigate the commission of crimes and prosecute violators shall not in any way be diminished by this directive,” he added. Duterte said the directive would be in effect until June 30, 2022 unless sooner lifted or revoked. While recognizing that the Office of the Ombudsman has the power to investigate and prosecute government officials and employees, Duterte said the Office of the Presidency can also conduct its own investigations and file cases. “The Ombudsman ‘yung pinaka (is) number one. Ideally, ‘yung malaking pera diretso mo na sa (when huge sums of money are involved, you send them straight to the) Ombudsman if I were to have my say. Pero ang gobyerno, ang

(But the government, the) Presidency can investigate, can send you to prison kaya nga kung ang prosecution nito is the (but prosecution will be determined by the) Ombudsman ultimately,” he said. Last week, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has created the Task Force Against Graft and Corruption that would look into the supposed corruption within his agency. Duterte has repeatedly absolved Villar of any wrongdoing. “I have nothing against Sec. Villar. He’s one of the hardworking at maraming accomplishments si Sec. Villar. But you know, accomplishments alone to me should not suffice,” he said. ‘No escape’ Last August, Duterte asked the DOJ to create a task force that would probe alleged irregularities hounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). He bared that even if he wanted to do so, he could not abolish the state insurer because “it’s not easy” to create a

new agency. Meanwhile, he also warned corrupt PhilHealth officials that they could not escape liability even if they stepped down from their posts. “Let me remind everybody in this government na your resignation will not save your neck. Alam mo bakit (You know why)? You are not allowed to resign if there is a pending case against you. Mag-resign ka man, hindi ka mag (Even if you resign, you don’t) report, but then you would be summoned or subpoenaed not because you are already out of government but because for all intents and purposes, you are still part of the government. You are not allowed to escape liability,” he said. Duterte, a former prosecutor, said they were wrong to think that resigning would prevent them from facing administrative or criminal charges. “Do not try to resign to escape culpability. That ain’t accepted dito sa gobyerno (here in government). You cannot resign when you have a case pending,” he said. (PNA) October 24-30, 2020 |

ANDANAR JOINS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH CELEBRATION, CALLS FOR STRENGTHENED LINK WITH IP GROUPS

The welfare of indigenous peoples (IP) remains important while the government strives to attain peace and development in Mindanao, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar stressed during the celebration of the IP Month and the 23rd year of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997

| October 24-30, 2020

here on Friday. Secretary Andanar, who is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), said that the local government and its stakeholders must strengthen partnership with the IPs. “Importante gyud para nato nga atong iselebrar kining Indigenous Peoples

Month isip pagtahod sa atong mga IPs. We must work with the IPs, ug atong respitaran ang ilang mga ancestral domain [It is important for us to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples Month, showing our respect to all the IPs. We must work with the IPs, while we respect their ancestral domains],” he said. “Mamahimong atong koneskyon ang

mga IPs ngadto sa mga miyembro sa rebeldeng grupo nga dali silang makumbensi kung ang lideres nato ng amga IPs maoy mangusog [They can be our link to influence those members of the communist groups, especially if our IP leaders will lead this],” he added. This year’s celebration of the IPRA has the theme, “Correcting Historical Injustices for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Welfare.” The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is pushing further for the recognition of 36 rights of the indigenous peoples from the four (4) bundles of rights enshrined in the Republic Act No. 8371. Discussing the Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, Secretary Andanar mentioned some of the projects that he visited over the week which are under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 10 (RTFELCAC X). He noted that IP groups are part of this peace strategy.

“Mao na, mga igsoon, ang commitment ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga makatabang gyud ang national government para dili ta maglisod. Pero dili man ni overnight nga solusyon. Kinahanaglan magtinabangay tang tanan, mao nang gitawag nga Whole-of-Nation approach [These are part of the commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that the national government can help for us to be comfortable. But this is not an overnight solution. We need to help one another, and that is the Whole-of-Nation approach],” he said. 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Ferdinand Barandon also joined the celebration, where he recognized the welfare of the group remains one of the pillars in attaining peace. “Ang inyo pong Armed Forces, especially the Philippine Army, ay nakikiisa po sa pagcelebrate sa Indigenous Peoples Month. Ang welfare po ng IP ay very important in so far as maintenance of peace and order, especially here in the province of Bukidnon [The Armed

Forces, especially the Philippine Army, joins in the celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month. The welfare of the IP is very important in so far as maintenance of peace and order, especially here in the province of Bukidnon],” he said. He remarked that the primary threat in Bukidnon is the presence of the members of the New People’s Army, who target recruiting and encouraging members of IP groups to join their cause. “Kung kaya nagbibigay kami ng importansya sa atin pong mga kapatid sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng kaalaman para ma-empower sila nang hindi na sila marecruit at mapalapit pa sa kapahamakan na ibinibigay ng New People’s Army [That is why we give importance to our brothers and sisters by providing them knowledge to empower them and to prevent them from getting into trouble caused by the New People’s Army]” he added. October 24-30, 2020 |

GOVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T TAKES STEPS TO PREVENT PRICE SPIKES AS HOLIDAY SEASON NEARS By Azer Parrocha

The national government is undertaking measures to ensure that prices of basic commodities, particularly food items, will not spike as the holiday inches closer amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic,

| October 24-30, 2020

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Sunday. Even if the government has lifted the price freeze on goods, Nograles said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue monitoring the prices of basic commodities

to prevent price manipulation, hoarding, and other instances where unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of artificial shortages of goods. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The DTI is monitoring the prices of not just food, but all products. Prices

File photo were initially ordered frozen at the onset of the pandemic, but even with price controls lifted the government continues to be conscious of the need to keep an eye on the prices of goods in the market,” he said in a Facebook Live on Saturday night. To recall, the price freeze on basic goods was imposed in March almost coinciding with the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and eventually nationwide. DTI announced that the prices of basic necessities returned to

the standard retail prices (SRPs) last May. Aside from monitoring the prices of food staples like rice, Nograles said the government was also improving food production to ensure adequate food supplies during the holidays. “To achieve what we call food price stability, we need to assure food production. To ensure food production, we need to promote helping the agriculture sector -farmers and fisherfolk,” he said. He said that among the government’s priorities is to guarantee that food production will be “uninterrupted” and supply chains will “unimpeded” to ensure adequate supplies and access to the market. “If these measures are in place, we can prevent price fluctuations that can hurt Filipino consumers,” said Nograles, also chair of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force. Nograles also cited the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) e-Kadiwa program, a digital platform system that brings safe, healthy,

and fresh farm produce direct from merchants to consumers in Metro Manila. The DA and DTI’s DELIVER-e program, a USAID-supported initiative, may also help Filipino farmers transport their produce to key markets, he added. DELIVER-e program is a digital platform that connects Luzon farmers to buyers through an innovative, end-to-end electronic market system that addresses supply chain gaps as a result of quarantine restrictions in the country. Since the program’s launch in early April, the USAID said the DELIVER-e “has enabled sales of more than 156,000 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables through its first two e-marketplaces, Gulay ng Bayan and City Farms Philippines, and facilitated the movement of fresh produce to institutional and individual buyers in Metro Manila.” USAID worked closely with the DA, DTI, and the private sector, led by Philippine logistics technology startup Insight Supply Chain Solutions, to establish DELIVER-e. (PNA) October 24-30, 2020 |

ENHANCED TASK FORCE. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go chats with President Rodrigo Duterte in this undated photo. Go said he will recommend to the President the creation of an interagency task force that will employ a whole-of-government approach against deep-rooted, systemic corruption plaguing the whole bureaucracy. (Contributed photo)

GO EYES ENHANCED INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE VS. SYSTEMIC CORRUPTION

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said he will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte the creation of an interagency task force that will employ a whole-ofgovernment approach in the ongoing efforts to end deep-rooted and systemic corruption plaguing the whole bureaucracy. This came after reports of continuing prevalent corruption in numerous agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Health

| October 24-30, 2020

Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and even in the agriculture sector through reported rice smuggling, among others. “Exasperated na po si Pangulong Duterte dahil sa korapsyon sa gobyerno (President Duterte is already exasperated because of corruption in the government),” Go said in a press release issued on Sunday. Go likened the corruption to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic that has significantly changed the normal life of the people.

“It is important to remove the ‘bad eggs’ para hindi na makasira pa sa serbisyo ng gobyerno o makahawa pa sa mga ibang kawani ng gobyerno na nais lang magsilbi sa kapwa Pilipino (so that it will not derail government services or will infect other government employees who want to serve the Filipino people),” he said. Go said the proposed task force may be modeled after the previous task force created to investigate PhilHealth. Its scope, however, should cover all government agencies and should be allowed

to operate until Duterte ends his term in 2022. “Bilang isang Senador, ito ang rekomendasyon ko sa Pangulo -- na magdesignate siya ng task force, katulad ng ginawa natin hinggil sa katiwalian sa PhilHealth (As senator, this is my recommendation to the President -- that he designates a task force like the one formed to probe PhilHealth corruption),” Go said adding that this is in support of the President’s campaign against corruption. Go said he recently discussed the matter with Duterte who gave directives to intensify further the campaign against corruption and put an end to the continuing existence of anomalous practices plaguing the bureaucracy. “Nagkausap kami ng Pangulo at sabi niya na tuluyan ang mga dapat tuluyan sa kanyang one year and eight months na natitirang panunungkulan (I’ve talk to the President and he said he will seriously go against corrupt officials in the final one year and eight months of his administration),” Go said.

He added that they will not hesitate to impose crackdown on all forms of corruption, such as smuggling in BOC, “pastillas” bribery scheme at Immigration, anomalies in PhilHealth, and bribery in DPWH. “Gusto ng Pangulo na mag-iwan ng pagbabago sa bansa lalo na sa kampanya laban sa korapsyon -pagbabagong ramdam dapat ng taumbayan. Gusto niya maalala ng tao na nilabanan niya lahat ng corruption sa gobyerno (the President wants to leave change in his country specifically the campaign against corruption -- change that will be felt by the people. He wants people to be remembered that he fought corruption),” he said. Go emphasized that Duterte enjoys overwhelmingly high approval ratings because Filipinos see the sincerity of his leadership to improve public service delivery by putting an end to corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs. “Nangako ang Pangulo na lalabanan niya ang korapsyon until the last day of his term.

Iyan ang campaign promise niya. Kaya siya binoto ng tao at patuloy siyang sinusuportahan at pinagkakatiwalaan ay dahil naniniwala tayong tinutupad niya ito (The President promised to fight corruption until the last day of his term. That was his campaign promise. He was elected and continues to enjoy support of the people because the people believe that he is fulfilling it),” he said. In his previous pronouncements, Duterte pointed out the presence of corruption in the DPWH, prompting DPWH Secretary Mark Villar to come up with an internal special task force that will look into these allegations. Go lauded Villar’s decision, calling it a step towards the right direction, but recommended that a whole-of-government approach is necessary to solve corruption. “Matagal na itong corruption sa public works. It has existed for around half a century already. Bata pa lang ako ay laganap na ‘yan. Kaya kailangan natin magtulungan kung gusto nating matigil October 24-30, 2020 |

ang kalakarang ito (Corruption has been in public works for a long time. It has existed for around half a century. Corruption is there even when I was still young. We need to help each other if we want to stop this),” he said. The lawmaker from Davao City said that eradicating corruption must involve all concerned agencies, with the help of the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, the Presidential AntiCorruption Commission, as well as all branches of government. Similar to the Task Force on PhilHealth, Go is recommending that this inter-agency body will be mandated to investigate all agencies plagued by systemic corruption, prosecute and file charges, audit funds, conduct lifestyle checks, recommend suspensions, and put to jail those proven guilty. Go said there should be “no sacred cows” and every official must take responsibility in cleansing their ranks. He also recommended imposing preventive suspensions on suspected corrupt

| October 24-30, 2020

officials in order to preserve the integrity of the probe. “Wala tayong sasantuhin. Dapat tugisin mula sa pinakababa hanggang sa pinakamataas na rangko. Siguraduhin dapat na walang sabwatan na mangyayari para malaman ng taumbayan ang katotohanan (No one should be spared. Let’s go find corruption from lowest to the highest ranks. Make sure that no connivance will occur so that people will know the truth),” he said, emphasizing Duterte’s warning that he will not tolerate “even a whiff of corruption”. Go also highlighted the need to conduct lifestyle checks in order to identify government workers who live beyond their means. “Itong lifestyle check, napakaimportante po nito dahil marami pong living beyond their means. Tingnan dapat magkano lang ‘yung sweldo tapos ‘yung buhay naman nila ay parang milyonaryo. Iyan ang dapat isiwalat at ipakita sa publiko kung bakit ganito ang style ng inyong pamumuhay

pero eto lang ang inyong sweldo (This lifestyle check, this is very important because many are living beyond their means. Let’s check their salaries while living like millionaires. That should be revealed to the people),” he added. By encouraging the public to take a stand and report anomalies happening, Go firmly believes public servants will adhere more to the values and standards set forth under Republic Act 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. “Magtiwala kayo sa gobyerno. Alam ninyo, hindi tayo aasenso kung hindi kayo magre-report. Eh, paano natin huhulihin ‘yung mga corrupt kung hindi ninyo naman isusumbong sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte? Bukas po ang aming tanggapan para diyan (Trust the government. You know we will not progress if you will not report. How we can catch the corrupt if you will not report them to President Duterte? Our office is always open),” he added. (PR)

File photo

EO FOR PRICE CAP ON COVID-19 TESTS AWAITS PRRD’S SIGNATURE By Azer Parrocha

The proposed executive order that will impose a price cap for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) swab tests is awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, Malacañang said on Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte may sign the order after it is reviewed by the Office of the Executive Secretary and Department of

| October 24-30, 2020

Health (DOH). “I cannot preempt the decision of the President. But what I can assure you is, natapos na po iyong responsibilidad ng [technical working group] ng DOH, tapos na rin po ang paperwork sa Office of the Executive Secretary, at ngayon po ay nag-aantay na lang ng pirma ng ating Presidente (the TWG of the DOH has finished

its responsibilities, the Office of the Executive Secretary has also finished its paperwork and now it is awaiting the President’s signature),” he said in a press briefing in Bohol. Roque expressed optimism that the President will sign the EO that regulates the prices of Covid-19 tests. “From all indications, mukha naman pong magkakaroon ng price

cap (it looks like there will be a price cap),” he added. Roque said some private laboratories charge expensive fees for Covid-19 tests when it would only cost about PHP1,500 to PHP2,000 if done by private-led Project Ark. He said making Covid-19 test “more affordable” would improve the government’s efforts to test, trace, treat more Filipinos. “Sa ganoong paraan ay mas marami pong mati-testing dahil importante po iyan sa ating istratehiya dahil kung walang testing, hindi natin alam kung sino ang ia-isolate at kung sino ang gagamutin (This way, more people will be tested because it is important for our strategy because if there’s no testing, we won’t know who to isolate and treat),” he said. Last month, the DOH submitted to the Office of the President a recommendation for the issuance of an EO that imposes a ceiling on the prices of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR

test). Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat also appealed for a price cap on the RTPCR and antigen tests to promote domestic tourism, which in turn can generate employment and stimulate economic recovery. To date, hospitals and health facilities that provide low-priced RTPCR tests ranging from PHP1,750 to PHP2,000 are: Philippine Children Medical Center (2 PCR machines, 2 extractor machines); Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (1 PCR machine, 2 extractor machines); Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (1 PCR machine, 2 extractor machines);Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Piñas (2 PCR machines, 2 extractor machines); National Kidney and Transplant Institute (1 extractor machine); Lung Center of the Philippines (2 extractor machines); Western Visayas Medical Center – Iloilo (1 PCR machine, 1 extractor machine); Vicente Sotto Memorial medical City – Cebu (1 extractor machine); University of Cebu Medical Center

– Cebu (1 extractor machine); Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center – Tacloban, Leyte (1 extractor machine); Baguio General Hospital (1 PCR machine); Zamboanga City Medical Center (1 PCR machine); Paul’s Hospital – Tacloban, Leyte (1 extractor machine); Teresita Jalandoni Provincial General Hospital – Negros Occidental (1 PCR machine); and Cebu Molecular Laboratory (1 PCR machine). Currently, the prices of RT-PCR testing vary in each facility. Roque, meanwhile, warned Filipinos against purchasing supposed Covid-19 vaccines that are not registered under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines. “Bawal po iyan. Mayroon pong ipinapataw na parusa sa kahit sinong magbebenta ng gamot o bakuna na hindi po aprubado ng FDA. Mayroon pong kulong iyan, itigil ninyo po iyan (That’s illegal. There will be penalties imposed on whoever would sell medicine or vaccines not approved by the FDA),” he said. (PNA) October 24-30, 2020 |

(Anadolu photo)

PRRD PREFERS GOV’T-TOGOV’T DEAL FOR COVID-19 VACCINE PURCHASE resident Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would prefer a government-togovernment agreement for the purchase of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, saying it would prevent the risk of corruption. In a pre-recorded speech, Duterte asked

| October 24-30, 2020

By Azer Parrocha Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to ensure that the country’s negotiating team would ensure a government-togovernment transaction. “Maganda sana (It’s good if it’s a) governmentto-government ang transaction. Walang corruption, wala

lahat kasi (there’s no corruption because it’s) government-togovernment. I’m offering it to China kasi mayroon na sila (because they already have it),” he said. “To the Chinese government and to the people who are really parlaying the vaccine,

we -- you need not look for partners. We can make it government-togovernment and I will pay you,” he added. He said he was against purchasing vaccines from private pharmaceutical companies. “I hate ‘yang ano -- ayaw ko ‘yung (I don’t like) private persons, magbili tayo sa (if we buy from) private Chinese businessmen,” he said. He did not specify which Chinese firm he was referring to, but Sinopharm, a Chinese state-owned company, recently canceled plans to hold clinical trials in the country. Last week, China’s Sinovac Biotech has submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Philippines its application to conduct Phase 3 of clinical trials of its vaccine in the country. Sinovac may start latestage trials of its vaccine in the country as early as next month. Aside from China, the government is also evaluating vaccines of Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute, and other pharmaceutical companies.

Contributed photo

Earlier, Duterte said he would ask for a discount from China and Russia on the vaccines that each of the two countries have developed, hopeful that their leaders would understand his plight amid the global recession. “I will ask the -- my friend (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin and (Chinese) President Xi Jinping to give us a credit, parang utang (like a loan), a credit line but we will pay not in one payment but by installments. Basta ang sinasabi ko magbayad tayo. Hindi ito libre (I’m just saying that we’ll

pay for it. It’s not free),” Duterte said. Malacañang earlier assured of the vaccine’s affordability. Duterte said that vaccination fees of the poor, police, military, and front-liners would be shouldered by the government. The government initially allotted PHP20 billion to buy 40 million doses for 20 million Filipinos. As of Oct. 26, there are 371,630 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country, including 7,039 deaths and 328,258 recoveries. (PNA) October 24-30, 2020 |

WHO SOLIDARITY TRIAL IN PH SET IN DECEMBER: DOH By Ma. Teresa Montemayor The third phase of the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trial on possible coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines in the Philippines will start in December, a health official said Monday. “The WHO has given a commitment that the announcement of the (clinical trial) sites and other details will be given within this week,” Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual media forum. M e a n w h i l e , she said the Russian vaccine manufacturer

| October 24-30, 2020

Gamaleya is still in talks with a Philippine-based contract research organization. The organization will represent Gamaleya for possible local manufacturing of antiCovid-19 vaccine. While the Chinese vaccine Sinovac has been cleared for Covid-19 clinical trials by the Vaccine Expert Panel of the Department of Science and Technology, Vergeire said its manufacturer would still have to get approval from the Ethics Board before applying for Food and Drug Administration

clinical trial clearance in the country. Earlier, the government has allotted PHP2.5 billion for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines under the proposed 2021 national budget. On Monday, the DOH logged 1,607 new confirmed cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 36,333. The health department also said 245 more Covid-19 patients have recovered, increasing the country’s total recoveries to 328,258. (PNA)

‘NAYONG QUARANTINE’ REVEALS STORY BEHIND NCR’S BIGGEST FACILITY By Azer Parrocha The Presidential Communications public should learn to live with the virus Operations Office (PCOO), through as the country plans to gradually and the Office of the Global Media and safely reopen the economy. Public Affairs (OGMPA), will feature “What is important now is we should the government’s isolation strategy learn to live with Covid-19. That’s what under the National Action Plan against they call the new normal, and the Covid-19 by bringing viewers inside the minimum health standard is important. Bagong Nayong Pilipino Quarantine Our critical response to prevent the Facility, the largest quarantine facility further spread of Covid-19 is building in Metro Manila for coronavirus disease more isolation facilities,” Dizon said, 2019, in the fifth episode of the Laging who is the President and CEO of the Handa Dokyu series entitled “Nayong Bases Conversion and Development Quarantine.” Authority, as well as the Presidential “The Bagong Nayong Pilipino Adviser for Flagship Programs and Mega Quarantine Facility in Parañaque Projects. City is part of the isolation component The Bagong Nayong Pilipino of the National Action Plan (NAP) to Mega Quarantine Facility is constructed ensure that our asymptomatic and mild in partnership with the Razon Group Covid-19 patients are in a comfortable through Prime Metro BMD Corporation place while being quarantined,” and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Presidential Communications Secretary Inc. It has an open-air design which Martin Andanar said. allows the patients to roam outside “This is one of many additional their room to exercise, breathe fresh isolation facilities to be built nationwide, air, and to be exposed to sunlight, in a collaborative effort of the national while air-conditioning system and Wi-Fi government and private sector, in are provided inside the tents and the preparation for the reopening of our patient rooms. economy, and for us to live with the Manned by the Armed Forces virus in the new normal,” he added. of the Philippines (AFP) Health Service National Task Force (NTF) Against Command, the Bagong Nayong Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Pilipino Quarantine Facility has a 600and Testing Czar Vince Dizon said the bed capacity that accommodates October 24-30, 2020 |

asymptomatic Covid-19 patients as well as those with have mild symptoms. According to Col. Fatima Claire Navarro, Deputy Commander of AFP Regional Joint Task Force National Capital Region, they coordinate with the One Hospital Command Center and provide assistance to quarantined patients, from admission to treatment. “We are always put in the frontline and of course as a doctor, it’s an inherent calling to all of us. The main drive is really the happiness of being given the opportunity to really serve and maximize whatever potentials that the AFP has given us,” Navarro said. Part of the isolation strategy featured in the documentary is the Oplan Kalinga Program, where Covid-19 patients without adequate isolation areas in their homes are brought to a proper temporary treatment and monitoring facility to prevent any possible transmission of the virus to their families. The Department of Public Works and Highways is working to build a total of 603 isolation facilities with a

| October 24-30, 2020

21,609-bed capacity, as well as 75 offsite dormitories throughout the country for medical workers with a 1,806-bed capacity. The succeeding episodes of the Laging Handa Dokyu will tour the public in the new normal tourism way of Baguio City, its local contact tracing and testing efforts, the Philippines’ development of testing laboratories, participation in clinical trials, the best practices of local government units, and the experiences of some government officials hit by Covid-19. Catch “Nayong Quarantine” at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday on PTV-4 and IBC-13. It will also be livestreamed on the Presidential Communications Operations Office, NTF Covid-19, and The BCDA Group Facebook pages, as well as other government-affiliated social media pages. Media outlets are free to share and use our video materials and short documentaries. For inquiries, please e-mail us at pcooglobalmedia@pco. gov.ph. (PCOO PR)

DOH PLANS TO HAVE MORE COLD STORAGE FACILITIES FOR VACCINES By Marita Moaje The Department of Health (DOH) is planning to have more cold storage facilities in the country for storing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ideally for the cold storage facilities, gusto natin na bawat region meron tayong mga hubs and kung possible sana per province (we want every region or every province to have a hub),â&#x20AC;? said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during the Laging Handa public briefing on Saturday aired over state-run PTV4. Vergeire said this is to ensure that vaccines maintain their effectiveness once it rolls out. To date, the DOH is using the storage facility of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) as the national vaccine storage facility

based on Department Order no. 2019-0174. Vergeire said aside from the Covid-19 vaccines that the country is trying to acquire, there are still other existing or current vaccines used in the country that also needs storage facilities. She said in case there would be a shortage of cold storage facilities, the DOH is reaching out to various groups to expand the storage facilities in preparation for the Covid-19 vaccines. Vergeire said the current Covid-19 vaccines that are in the advanced stages in terms of testing have different requirements for cold storage. She said some need to be stored under ultra-low temperatures and needs about -70 degrees cold storage facilities while there are also some with the usual

temperature used in cold storage facilities. Vergeire said it will still depend on the type of vaccine that will be approved before they determine which type of cold storage facility is needed. (PNA) October 24-30, 2020 |

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Caraga InFocus – October 24-30, 2020

Articles inside

WHO Solidarity Trial in PH set in December: DOH

Nayong Quarantine’ reveals story behind NCR’s biggest facility

DOH plans to have more cold storage facilities for vaccines

PRRD prefers gov’t-to-gov’t deal for Covid-19 vaccine purchase

COVID-19 NEWS

ANDANAR JOINS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH CELEBRATION, CALLS FOR STRENGTHENED LINK WITH IP GROUPS

Gov’t takes steps to prevent price spikes as holiday season nears

Go eyes enhanced inter-agency task force vs. systemic corruption

NATIONAL NEWS

Duterte wants government-wide corruption probe

Farmers go airborne! PHILIPPINE FOOD SKYWAY, ‘SILLY’ DREAM COME TRUE

MINDANAO NEWS

Army, PNP intercept explosives, food supplies in SurSur town

PNP joins TESDA in providing skills trainings to Butuan’s RCSP priority villages

MinDA Caraga joins Minda Tienda in Manila

AgNor LCE lauds DA-NFA’s palay procurement program

Tandag City coco farmers receive P400K cash incentives from PCA

Seaweeds production, processing and marketing to roll-out in Dinagat

NGCP secures reliability of transmission services in NE Mindanao

Olympic-size swimming pool sa Surigao del Norte binuksan na sa publiko

Army uncovers CNT hideout in AgNor town