Caraga InFocus – October 3 - 9, 2020 by Caraga InFocus

Volume IV, No. 41 October 3-9, 2020

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REGIONAL NEWS Caraga RTF forgoes launching of projects, activities amid health crisis Farmers, fisherfolk urged to enlist in enterprise registry system PSA enjoins support for October 2020 labor force survey Hybrid rice promises high yield

PROVINCIAL NEWS PCOO chief recognizes AgSur guv as actionoriented official AgSur provides aid to agri sector amid COVID-19 pandemic AgSur officials distribute free face masks, face shields to locals in public places AgSur guv prioritizes establishment of isolation facilities vs COVID-19 Teachers plant fruit trees for school children in AgSur town Army, AgSur town empower farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association NGO, Army renew partnership in giving aid to young students in AgSur Partner agencies intensify RCSP in Agusan del Norte 176 FRs pledge support to ELCAC in Agusan Norte Army thwarts NPA arson attempt in Agusan Norte SurSur town records first positive case of COVID-19 IP leader, companion killed in ambush in Surigao Sur Tandag City Public Market temporarily closed as vendors undergo 14-day quarantine DA inaugurates P109 million road project in Dinagat Islands

MINDANAO NEWS

C. Mindanao leaders laud PRRD on Pulse Asia trust survey

PH exporting okra to Japan for 30 years: MinDA exec

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NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO chief, OCD exec commissioned in Navy reserves PCOO pushes localized FOI as bill remains pending 48% firms in PH cut jobs amid pandemic: poll 13.95M low-income families receive SAP 2: DSWD Newly-hired healthcare workers can leave PH: POEA

COVID-19 NEWS Go opens 85th Malasakit Center; calls for unity to beat virus Coping with Covid-19: Finding ways to move forward PRRD ‘most hopeful’ about potential China-made vaccine Public urged to report ‘noise’ disrupting blended learning Feeding program for students to continue amid pandemic

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

HALFWAY HOUSE FOR EX OFFICIALLY OPENS IN A By Jennifer P. Gaitano

A halfway house for former rebels officially opened here in Agusan del Norte. Located inside the 402nd Brigadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters in Butuan City, the fully-operational facility has 16 rooms and could accommodate up

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to 50 persons. While inside the facility, former rebels will undergo debriefing and treatment. They will also be provided with skills and

livelihood training before they can be reintegrated back into their respective communities. Silver Joy Tejano, chief of the Provincial

programs and services for them. “A former rebel will undergo a psychological debriefing after going through a war. That is why he needs to undergo treatment for him to express his fears and other concerns that bothered him while he was in the mountainous area,” shared Tejano. The halfway house is one of the many projects that supports the government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program or E-CLIP program. This as the

government remains committed to addressing insurgency in the country. Governor Dale Corvera emphasized that the halfway house will bring new opportunities to the former rebels in a community where people are working together towards achieving peace and development for all. “This is going to be a continuing project. We could only achieve peace if we all give what we have for us to create a community that is supportive to its people,” said Corvera. (JPG/PIACaraga)

X-REBELS AGNOR Social Welfare and Development (PSDW)Agusan del Norte highlighted that surrenderees are given due attention and are well-taken cared of by the different government agencies to ensure that they get the appropriate October 3-9, 2020 |

News Briefs The monthlong celebration of this year’s National Statistics Month is anchored on the theme “Bridging Digital Gaps: Making Information Available to all,” hosted by the Department of Information and Communication Technology. xx

The Department of Education issues DepEd Order No. 63, s. 2020 or the 2O2O National Teachers’ Month and National Teachers’ Day/World Teachers’ Day Celebrations. The celebrations are pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242 titled Declaring the Period from September 5 to October 5 of Every Year as National Teachers’ Month, as well as Republic Act No. 10743 titled An Act Declaring the Fifth Day of October of Every Year as the National Teachers’ Day and its lmplementing Rules and Regulations, and the designation of the World Teachers’ Day every 5th of October by the United Nations Education and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO).

DOH Caraga holds a Virtual Stakeholders Forum on COVID-19 Solusyon and Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity, participated by the different national government agencies. The monthlong celebration of this year’s National Statistics Month is anchored on the theme “Bridging Digital Gaps: Making Information Available to all,” hosted by the Department of Information and Communication Technology.

REGIONAL NEWS

CARAGA RTF FORGOES LAUNCHING OF PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES AMID HEALTH CRISIS By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

While the whole nation continues to battle with containing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) was able to forgo its various projects, plans, and activities to address the pressing issues on the local insurgency situation in Caraga. The task force, through the Department of Interior and Local

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Government (DILG), launched 302 million pesosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of projects, which include roads, water systems, evacuation centers, flood control, public market, canal, and abaca development, in 91 priority barangays across the region funded under various local projects. With the closure of the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPPS) and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and

Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), lumad schools that were allegedly used by the Communist New Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army (NPA) terrorists (CNTs) as training grounds for child rebels, two Department of Education (DepEd)-accredited schools were established in select areas in the province of Surigao del Sur. The Locnodon Elementary School of Living Tradition, located

at Sitio Lucnodon, Mahaba village in Marihatag town, and the Simowao Elementary School of Living Tradition, located at Sitio Simowao in Brgy. Diatagon in Lianga town, were successfully inaugurated on September 16, 2020. The said schools will serve displaced students in the area. As of September 28, 2020, the IP school in Sitio Lucnodon now has a total of 20 enrollees while that in Sitio Simowao has 70 enrollees. The task force is now eyeing the establishment of more indigenous people (IP) schools in replacement of the nine schools established in different areas wherein the TRIFPPS and ALCADEV are operating. Despite the health crisis, the number of rebel surrenders has grown substantially, now totaling to 175 as of September 30, 2020. Various forms of assistance were provided by the task force through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Per DILG Caraga’s data, a total of P12,514,000 was awarded

for the livelihood, immediate, and reintegration assistance and P4,451,800 for the firearms remuneration to the former rebels (FRs). As part of intensified actions towards building sustainable peace and order in the entire country, Executive Director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Secretary Allen Capuyan personally visited select IP communities in Caraga to address the concerns of the communities, which the member agencies were able to facilitate successfully. Among the primary concerns raised were hastening the application process of the communities’ Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), complaints lodged against appointed IP Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), and securing peace and order within the community. In addition to the national task force’s efforts to address their concerns, community members were

advised to raise their concerns to the Office of the President (OP) through the Presidential Complaint Center (PCC) and the Bantay Korupsyon Program of the DILG. Members of IP communities can now report to the national authorities on any incident involving government officials’ misuse, abuse, and non-use of authority for private gain by dialing 8888, the Citizen’s Complaint Hotline. While travel and movement restrictions remain a concern for the task force, this will not hamper their delivery of needed services to citizens and communities that are greatly affected by insurgency, especially those in the far-flung areas. Through the continuous support of the national government, the process of identifying more barangays to include in the list of target villages that will benefit from the PPAs is on-going. Member agencies also continue to convene to identify appropriate PPAs to be implemented in the said barangays. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga) October 3-9, 2020 |

FARMERS, FISHERFOLK URGED TO ENLIST IN ENTERPRISE REGISTRY SYSTEM The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging all farmers and fisherfolk to register in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), another avenue to help further boost their productivity and enterprise. FFEDIS, which is under the Sagip Saka Act, is a web-based information system or database of registered farmers and fisherfolk enterprise. It aims to further assist the farmers and

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fisherfolk. The database, which is now operational, contains a list of possible and implemented programs and projects, a registry of agricultural and fisheries enterprises, and a list of private companies that are engaged in agrifishery enterprises. DA is calling all farmers and fisherfolk enterprise to register at the FFEDIS. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/VLG/PIACaraga)

PSA ENJOINS SUPPORT FOR OCTOBER 2020 LABOR FORCE SURVEY The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Caraga will conduct the October 2020 Labor Force Survey (LFS) together with its rider surveys, the 2020 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF), Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) Awareness Survey, with a regional sample of approximately 2,136 housing units, deemed sufficient to provide regional level estimates. In Caraga, about 48 statistical researchers and field personnel will be involved employing an integrated ComputerAided Data Collection

System (CADaCS) for the surveys. The LFS is a nationwide quarterly survey of households conducted by the PSA to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population. Whereas the SOF aims to provide data on overseas Filipinos and their contribution to the economy. The PCC aims to be a world-class authority in promoting fair market competition to help achieve a vibrant and inclusive economy and advance consumer welfare. In line with this,

the PSA encourages everyone, especially the sample households, to support and cooperate in the conduct of the October 2020 LFS, 2020 SOF, PCC and PCA Awareness Survey. The data collection will start on October 8 to 31, 2020. All information collected by the hired statistical researchers from the sample households shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of RA 10625. (PSA Caraga/PIA Caraga) October 3-9, 2020 |

HYBRID RICE PROMISES HIGH YIELD Rice farmers in Barangay Baan Km. 3, Butuan City have showcased the 30-hectare hybrid rice technology demonstration for this season under the Department of Agriculture (DA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Caraga Rice Program in collaboration with the city government of Butuan. Eight farmer-cooperators accepted the challenge to venture on hybrid rice. They received free bags of hybrid rice seeds and fertilizers.

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Aside from the farm inputs, technical assistance was also provided. Today, farmer leaders from Butuan City were invited to observe the various varieties of hybrid rice. The ready-toharvest demo area was made possible through the six participating private seed companies namely Ramgo, Bayer Crop Science, SL-Agritech Corp., Corteva, LongPing, and SeedWorks. In his message, DA-Caraga

Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo expressed his gratitude to the farmers of Butuan City who leap to adopt the high-end technology. “Adopting hybrid seeds can help farmers become more competitive by allowing them to produce more. The DA continuously provides its all-out support to rice farmers from planting, harvesting, and marketing. The cooperation and dedication of each rice farmer are also needed to surpass the challenges of Philippine agriculture,” Director Monteagudo said. OIC-City Agriculturist Pierre Anthony Joven is hopeful that the techno-demo area will not just be an avenue of gaining knowledge but rather farmer values will also be reformed. “Farmers must keep in mind to follow the holistic approach in adopting the Palay Check System and the

package of technology recommended through this improvement of yield, grain quality, and profit will be achieved,” Engr. Joven said. Marivic Garcillano, farmercooperator, shared that she used inbred rice seeds before with an average yield of 4-5 metric tons per hectare. As she compared this harvest season based on the crop stand and grains she expected that she will harvest 7 metric tons or more per hectare. According to the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute planting hybrid rice is one way to improve competitiveness. This could increase yield and reduce production cost per kilogram of palay. Even if the price of hybrid is higher than certified inbred seeds, its unit cost is lower resulting in higher income for hybrid users. (DA Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 3-9, 2020 |

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PCOO CHIEF RECOGNIZES AGSUR GUV AS ACTION-ORIENTED OFFICIAL By Jennifer P. Gaitano During his Network Briefing on Tuesday with Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) recognized the latter for being an actionoriented official in the province of Agusan del Sur. “Governor Cane, I’m very impressed that you are an actionoriented official. I’ve seen on your social media page where there was a constituent who asked you on a particular concern and you immediately respond. And even prior to this, you have also received a complaint from a senior citizen and you

also responded,” said Andanar. When asked by Secretary Andanar about his relationship with the local constituents, Governor Cane bared that he, being in public service, is always about people -- providing them what they need. “Public service is about serving the people. We have to perform the functions and responsibilities as an official, as we took an oath that we have to serve them any time of the day -- no holidays, rainy days or sunny days. All the days, we have to serve our people the best that we could,” he underlined. Cane also

highlighted that using the social media platform is one of the fastest ways of communicating with the people. “Should people need to raise relevant issues and concerns in our province, I give time to respond for them to know the necessary actions undertaken by the provincial government and to keep them wellinformed at all times,” added Cane. Sec. Andanar acknowledged all the efforts of the provincial government not only in addressing the ongoing crisis on COVID-19, but also in continuously providing relevant programs and services to its people in Agusan del Sur. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

AGSUR PROVIDES AID TO AGRI SECTOR AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur continues to provide assistance and other

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interventions to address the need of the different sectors particularly the agriculture. According to Agusan del Sur Governor

Santiago Cane, Jr., so far as to the food production is concerned, the provincial government has implemented the distribution of seedlings,

along with the donations from PhilRice, and some 30,000 chickens to the different municipalities. “This program is ongoing. As soon as supply will come, we will immediately dispose or disperse them to the different people identified as the poorest

fingerlings. Agriculture farm machineries worth P72-million were also distributed to the different farm irrigators associations, as well as farmers associations in the province of Agusan del Sur,” cited Cane. Cane also

of the poor,” he said. “We also distributed packs of seeds for those deserving people. We’re also able to distribute banana plantlets for the farmers and even tilapia

revealed that farmers are disheartened by the price of palay which has gone down while the price of milled rice has remained high. “So, we thought that it’s about

time that the Department of Agriculture through the National Food Authority will have to do something so that farmers could survive despite that we have produce more than enough for the provincial needs. As a matter of fact, during the last planting season, we have an excess of production of about 5,000 bags of milled rice which caused our rice millers to worry on the overproduction,” he recalled. This situation, according to the governor, is also applicable and existing in other parts of the country. Knowing this concern, Governor Cane called on the different concerned agencies to continue to work closely with the local government units and give due attention to the needs of the affected sectors particularly in agriculture. “The provincial government will never stop providing the necessary and appropriate programs to the different sectors that could help uplift their lives especially during this crisis,” said Cane. (JPG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

AGSUR OFFICIALS DISTRIBUTE FREE FACE MASKS, FACE SHIELDS TO LOCALS IN PUBLIC PLACES By Jennifer P. Gaitano As part of the preventive measures to prevent the increasing number of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases in Caraga region particularly in Agusan del Sur, the provincial government and its local officials are working together in the implementation of different initiatives to keep people safe from the infection. During the Network Briefing hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Agusan del

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Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., recalled that when the Department of Health (DOH) informed the provincial government of the local transmission happening in the province particularly in the municipality of San Francisco, the local government units then made several preventive measures to contain the virus. “We approved the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force’s request that the municipality of San Francisco be put under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. So, I held a special meeting

for that purpose. And for the granular lockdown, we also approved it and Mayor Solomon Rufila immediately implemented it,” said Cane. The governor

further revealed that the provincial government has turned-over the 10,000 face masks to the municipality of San Francisco, which will be distributed for free to the locals who usually

go to the public market, terminal, and commercial establishments. “We are also preparing face shield which we will give for free to the locals not only in San Francisco, but including

other municipalities. Congressman Adolph Edward Plaza told me that he already ordered some 25,000 face shields to complement the face masks that we have provided the municipality of San Francisco and other LGUs,” Cane added. Gov. Cane emphasized that the LGUs make sure that crowded places like the public market are closely monitored, and people buying their basic necessities wear their face masks and face shields. “We want people to know especially those who could not afford to buy, that the LGUs provide free face mask and face shields for them, so they would be protected from the spread of COVID-19,” he said. “Congressman Plaza and I, together with Congressman Alfelito Bascug, agreed that we have to get the money from our own pockets just to facilitate the procurement of these because if we will get from the government’s fund to pay for these, it would really take time,” underscored Cane. (JPG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

AGSUR GUV PRIORITIZES ESTABLISHMENT OF ISOLATION FACILITIES VS COVID-19 By Jennifer P. Gaitano

“With the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur could soon utilize the 50bed capacity isolation center for asymptomatic patients as it is expected to be completed this month of October.” This was revealed by Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., during the Network Briefing hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCCO). “We were also able to establish holding areas in our entrances of the province, where we could get the personal details of those coming in the province, so that in case they will be found out to have infected with the virus, we could easily

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track them down. And our other facilities here include the one at the 401st Brigade. We also contracted some hotels, one in Bayugan City, one in San Francisco, and Prosperidad to be used as isolation centers for asymptomatic COVID-19 victims,” bared Gov. Cane. The governor also emphasized that the provincial government is thankful with the assistance of the DPWH for the construction of the needed isolation facilities in the province. “We are already preparing for the manpower requirements of our facility to operate fully and we are putting into readiness our maintenance and other operating expenses to run the facility,” he said. C o n c e r n i n g the real-time reverse

transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Molecular Laboratory in the province, Gov. Cane said per contractors’ assessment, the building is now at 80 percent complete. “We are expecting that by the end of this month, the building will also be completed and we are also preparing for the facilities needed such as the RT-PCR machines and other equipment,” he added. With these developments, Governor Cane called on the Agusanons to continue to follow health protocols and limit their movement particularly in going to public places/ commercial establishments so as to limit their exposure to the virus. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TEACHERS PLANT FRUIT TREES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN IN AGSUR TOWN By Jennifer P. Gaitano

While teachers prepare for the opening of classes come October, they also spend time in planting fruit trees in their respective schools in the municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur. The Datu Lipus Makapandong National High School is one of the public schools in the municipality that plants fruit trees in the vacant lot of the school’s backyard, with the help of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and different government agencies. “We have intensified our environmental

protection activities such as tree planting and clean-up drive in our barangay,” said Alberto Picot, Jr., SK chair, Brgy. Poblacion, Rosario, Agusan del Sur. School principal German Talagon said the students will surely benefit from the planted fruit-bearing trees during harvest time. “We won’t miss out our environmental duty. This will greatly benefit the youths by the time these trees will bear fruits,” Talagon bared. The faculty club of the said school was

also thankful to other participating agencies that gave their time and contribution for the success of the tree planting activity and for continuously supporting the initiatives of the teachers. The local government of Rosario supports backyard gardening and tree planting activities in the barangays, especially that people’s livelihood has been affected since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

ARMY, AGSUR TOWN EMPOWER FARMERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATION By 1Lt. Percival Carido The local government unit of Esperanza, together with the 41st Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Company, 4th CMO Battalion, and 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine

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Army empowered the members of the Esperanza United Farmers Association (EUFA) through an election of its officers held recently in Barangay Piglawigan Gymnasium, Esperanza, this province. The said farmers

association consists of 15 redirected organizations which have 390 members and were formerly members and supporters of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR), a recently exposed Underground Mass

Organization (UGMO) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). After realizing the futility of their membership in NAMASUR, they disowned the said UGMO and decided to legalize their group by redirecting and reorganizing it through the assistance of the LGU-Esperanza, 41st CMO Company, and 26IB. “Dili na nato tugotan nga padayun kita limbongan sa mga rebeldeng grupo. Kaniadto gigamit kita sa ilang sayop nga ideolohiya ug dili kana masubli pa. Kitang tanan magtinabangay para sa kalamboan, kaayohan ug kahapsay alang sa katawhan sa atong lungsod (We will no longer allow ourselves to be fooled by this rebel group. They have manipulated us and made us believe in their wrong ideology. We should all work together towards achieving peace and development in our municipality),” bared Sancino G. Mandapiton, the newly-elected President of EUFA said. Major Jerson B. Igloria, the officer-incharge of 41st CMO Company stressed the role of the elected officers in their organization. “This

is the right step in going to the right direction. To the newly-elected officers of EUFA, you must work together to reach the goals of your organization. As the leaders, you have to protect your group from the deceptive tactics of the CTG in using our farmers against the government,” he said. Municipal Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan of Esperanza, encouraged the leaders of the said association to craft project proposals for the betterment of their organization. “The door of LGU-Esperanza is wide open for you. If you have project proposals, we are here to support and assist the farmers of Esperanza,” she said. M e a n w h i l e , Erwin G. Dumaguing, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member of Esperanza and the chair for Peace and Order lauded the Philippine Army’s efforts in fighting insurgency in their municipality. “Dako akong pasalamat sa Philippine Army labi na sa 26IB ug 41st CMO Company nga walay hunong nga paningkamot aron wagtangon ang walhong grupo. Ingon usa ka

miyembro sa komunidad, magtinabangay kitang tanan aron sa pag undang ug pagwagtang sa insurgensiya sa atong pinalanggang nasod (I thanked the Philippine Army particularly the 26IB and the 41st CMO Company for their continued effort to end the ruthless acts of the left-leaning group. As a member of the community, we should all unite and end the insurgency in our beloved country),” he said. Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB, commended the newly-elected officers of EUFA. “These farmers were victims of deception and exploitation of the CTG and I commend your group for turning your back against the terrorists,” he said. “Our farmers are the reason why we eat today. We should protect them and their land from these terrorists. Let’s start working together and defeat these left-leaning organizations towards lasting peace and development,” added Goce. (CMO, 26IB/PIAAgusan del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

NGO, ARMY RENEW PARTNERSHIP IN GIVING AID TO YOUNG STUDENTS IN AGSUR By 1Lt. Percival Carido As advocates of education, the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), together with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army visited various public schools in Agusan del Sur on September 23-25, 2020. The said activity was part of the “Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan” Project of the GMAKF, which aims to distribute school materials to incoming Kinder to Grade 2 pupils to different public

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schools in the Philippines especially those from distant communities. A total of 960 pupils were given school materials to 11 chosen schools from the 26IB area of jurisdiction which are considered as geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas in Agusan del Sur. In observance of COVID-19 protocols, the parents of the pupils personally received the school materials together with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hygiene

kits. “We are glad that despite the fact that our school is geographically isolated in which two rivers need to be crossed, still it is given a chance to receive school materials for our pupils. This will minimize the burden of less fortunate families in providing school materials for their children,” said Joel Painit, teacherin-charge of Agsabu Elementary School, Brgy. Agsabu, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. To ensure safety

during the three-day distribution of school materials, the 26IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, provided security and manpower assistance which greatly contributes to the success of the said activity. “We are very lucky that the Philippine Army is always ready to move and give us assistance in order to succeed in our endeavor and advocacy in helping the less fortunate families especially here in Agusan del Sur,” bared Aron Calma, GMAKF project staff. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel Goce,

26IB commanding officer expressed his gratitude to the GMAKF for choosing the schools under the jurisdiction of the battalion. “This kind of activity is a big contribution to the sustainment of peace at the same time to bring happiness to the people, making them feel that they are not forgotten,” he said. “Your Ever Onward troopers are always ready to extend necessary support to LGUs and NGOs as we assure you our full commitment on these noble undertakings,” Goce added. (CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

October 3-9, 2020 |

PARTNER AGENCIES INTENSIFY RCSP IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE By Robert E. Roperos

In support to the flagship program of the province of Agusan del Norte dubbed as “Agusan Up!,” partner agencies have intensified the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the province. This, after residents

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of Brgy. Tagbongabong in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte have underwent training on organic vegetable production. TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva said this is through the RCSP

for which the primary aim of the training is to provide food security to households which is in line with the directives of TESDA Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña. Dir. Cueva said residents of Brgy. Tagbongabong will learn how to produce

an organic vegetable through backyard gardening. “Right at their own backyard, they will be able to plant and harvest organic vegetables not only for their personal consumption but also as a source of livelihood. Later on, the community will establish a communal garden,” Cueva added. Dir. Cueva further said the launching which was held recently was made possible through the convergence of the following agencies: Office of the 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte through Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, LGUAgusan del Norte with the leadership of Governor Dale B. Corvera, Philippine Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Benjamin Pajarito, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) under its Center Director – Samuel L. Alonzo, Local Government Unit of RTR through Mayor Richard B. Daquipil, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. The official likewise

said ATI has provided trainers as well as the basic tools for gardening such as bolos as well as chicken dung, 31 sacks of vermicompost fertilizers, 90 pots, 30 seedling trays, 31 sweat shirts and assorted seeds. The Philippine Army, on the other hand, has conducted clearing operations of the area and after having been declared cleared, the agencies came-in to provide basic services to the residents. “… and this undertaking is one of those basic services,” Cueva said. The RCSP was formulated in order to strengthen the community support program initiatives of the military and making the efforts of the LGUs driven. With the implementation of the RCSP, Local Chief Executives (LCEs) will be champions of the RCSP through their programs,

projects and activities (PPAs) that are geared towards institutionalizing sustainable peace and development. It is also an inclusive program that aims to address identified issues of the community by closing the governance and develop gaps through the provision of needed government PPAs while ensuring that development is sustained and peace is being promoted. It was learned that Barangays Tagbongabong and San Antonio in RTR are among the areas in Agusan del Norte that are included in the RCSP. Last year, a total of 150 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan (MBs) in Brgy. Tagbongabong have surrendered to the government troops. (TESDA Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) October 3-9, 2020 |

176 FRS PLEDGE SUPPORT TO ELCAC IN AGUSAN NORTE By 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong Some 176 Underground Mass Organizations Members (UGMOs) from Mahayahay, Brgy. Sangay, Kitcharao and Brgy. Curva in Santiago, Agusan del Norte took an oath and withdrew their support from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and its affiliated organizations on September 24 and 27, 2020. The event is pursuant to President Rodrigo Roa Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Order

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No. 70 to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and to institutionalize the wholeof-the-nation approach towards Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This government program gives the CNTs the chance to surrender to the folds of the government so that they can experience peace in mainstream life. The said former rebels were assisted by the troops of the 29th Infantry

Battalion (29IB), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government council of Agusan del Norte. The activity culminated in the burning of the CNTs’ flag, which symbolized the withdrawal of the people’s support and denunciation of the said terrorist group. Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, urged the remaining CNTs to surrender and return to the folds of the law. “To all NPAs, surrender and return to the folds of the government, live comfortably and let us end this war together. The 29th Infantry Battalion is steadfast in helping our government to attain the peace that we all desire. Even during this pandemic, we will continue to fulfill our core mission in protecting you- our fellow Filipino citizen and securing our land,” he said. (CMO Officer, 29IB, 4ID/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 3-9, 2020 |

ARMY THWARTS NPA ARSON ATTEMPT IN AGUSAN NORTE By 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong

The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army foiled the attempt of the communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) to conduct sabotage after a firefight ensued in Barangay Baleguian, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, Tuesday evening, September 29. Based on the report, the soldiers immediately conducted combat patrol upon receiving reports from the concerned civilians about the presence of more or less five CNTs believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16A, Guerilla Front 16. Identified among the perpetrators are Marvin Bugas, who hails from Barangay Hagupit, Santiago, Agusan del Norte; and Eliamar Elecito Monter, who is from Baleguian, Jabonga of the same province. It is significant to note that Eliamar Elecito Monter hails from the same barangay where the thwarted arson attempt of the NPA happened. The said clash lasted for about three minutes afterwhich the communist terrorists fled in haste towards the east direction of the encounter site leaving their personal stuff and container with gasoline that they will use for torching. No one was hurt on the government side while developing reports indicated that NPA suffered casualties in the said firefight. According to the 29IB, the unit that has operational jurisdiction over

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the area, the encounter site was few meters away from the site of Reyrose Construction who is implementing an irrigation project in the said place. The project was intended for the Baleguian Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA), an organization formerly influenced by the CTG but already cut their ties and denounced the CTG. Initial investigation reveals that extortion was the main motive behind the failed attempt. In his statement, 29IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Isagani O Criste said that the operation conducted was an intel driven effort in response to reliable and timely information provided by the locals. He also added

that their action was a manifestation of their commitment to secure the developmental projects and activities within their area of responsibility. Meanwhile, Col. George Banzon, 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade Commander, lauded the rapid response of the ground troops that led to the prevention of NPA sabotage. He added that involvement of locals within the community is vital for the security forces to have a prompt

and responsive action on the ground. “We will have an effective course of action in preventing this threat group from doing atrocity if the community will cooperate and will not hide information. What transpired in the recent incident is a classic manifestation that we can make a difference if we will actively participate in the peace efforts in our respective communities,” he said. (AGS) PA, CMO Officer, 29IB, 4ID/PIA Agusan del Norte)

SURSUR TOWN RECORDS FIRST POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19 The municipality of Lanuza has just recorded the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on the report, Lanuza COVID-19 Case (LANCC)-01 is a 40- year old male, neither a locally stranded individual (LSI) nor a returning overseas Filipino (ROF), but has a travel history in Tandag City in the past 14 days. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic and has been isolated after he tested IgM and IgG Positive in his Rapid Antibody Diagnostic Test last September 25, 2020. The patient underwent rapid testing on his own, and the medical team

was informed later of his result. He then underwent swab test for confirmation. The team immediately conducted the initial contact tracing, and the close contacts have already quarantined. On October 3, 2020, the swab test turned out to be positive. LANCC-01 is being closely monitored and will continue staying at the isolation facility of the municipality until the Municipal Health Office will declare him as a recovered patient based on the guidelines of DOH. The Lanuza COVID-19 Municipal IATF is taking the conservative approach in handling its

first case and has already started the contact tracing as soon as the patient tested positive in IgM and IgG to ensure that the further spread of COVID-19 will be prevented, considering the number of activities and involvement of LANCC-01. The Lanuza Municipal IATF, in a statement, called on the public if they believe they may have been in contact with LANCC-01... “to kindly isolate yourself on strictly quarantine for 14 days since last exposure and inform our health workers so that they can assist you.” (LGU-Lanuza/PIA-Surigao del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

Hawudon Jumar Bucales Contributed photo

IP LEADER, COMPANION KILLED IN AMBUSH IN SURIGAO SUR By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan

An indigenous peoples (IP) leader and his companion were killed on Sunday, Oct. 4, in an ambush by suspected communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. In a report from the Police Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur, Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Hawudon Jumar Bucales, a staunch advocate of IP rights, and a vocal critic of Bayan Muna Representative Eufemia Campos Cullamat and Datu Alberto dela Peña were killed in an ambush

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at Sitio Mamprasanon, Barangay Banahao, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Sunday afternoon by the CNTs while on their way home after an IP council meeting. CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Ronald Acevedo, CAA Artemio Moldes and Oliver Rosaldo were reportedly wounded, the police report added. Datu Jumar Bucales, as an IP leader, has strongly condemned the CNTs and its front organization, M a l a h u t a y o n g Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) for exploiting the IPs

which, according to him, destroyed the culture and traditions of the tribe. He also confronted the communist-linked IP schools, Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS), and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), which breed New People’s Army (NPA) cadres, and terrorist fighters. He also revealed that these schools were the sources of logistical support from the international and local funding agencies and used as recruitment

facilities. Bucales’ leadership was instrumental in crafting the tribal resolutions to close CNT-linked TRIFPSS and ALCADEV, and in the establishment of Department of Education (DepEd) IP schools to provide quality education for their children. He also authored resolutions for the continuous development of the farflung conflict-affected communities. With his leadership, he anchored his efforts with the Whole-OfNation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Lianga, which strongly opposed by Bayan Muna Representative Cullamat, who is also a native of Lianga and brother of Communist NPA Terrorist leader, Pablito Sinzo Campos alias Batik. Bucales, on some occasions, dared Rep. Cullamat to help the IPs build DepEd accredited schools and to support the tribe by condemning the Communist NPA Terrorists and their atrocities but Cullamat took no action. Lianga Tribal Chieftain Datu Constancio Duhac and

the whole IP community condemned in strongest terms the killing of their IPMR and have vowed to continue his vision towards saving the whole IP community from being corrupted by the CNTs. “We mourn for the death of our IPMR Hawudon Jumar Bucales, and we condemn these NPA terrorists to include the MAPASU. His death will not stop us from fighting for the rights of IPs. His death will not discourage us in fighting the NPAs, rather this will inspire and ignite us more to protect our tribe from them,” Duhac said. “Once again, we challenge Congresswoman Cullamat to take action and condemn the NPA terrorists because what happened is unacceptable. If she cannot do that, this will strongly prove that she is not supporting the genuine cause of the IPs but the cause of the NPA terrorists and the Communist Party of the Philippines whose ambition is to overthrow the government and gain political power through a bloody revolution,“ San Miguel IPMR Rico Maca,

said in his social media post. Datu Bucales was also a former NPA leader who returned to the folds of the law upon discovering that he and his tribesmen were being exploited by the CNTs in their futile armed and political struggle by using IP issues to agitate and recruit IPs. From then on, Bucales vowed to help the government win the peace by countering the CNTs’ deceptive scheme and supporting the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Meanwhile, the IP Tribal Council of Lianga is set to file human rights violations and criminal cases against the NPA terrorists and their masterminds for violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Further, the IP leaders will continue to support the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) to put an end to the CNTs’ atrocities and abuses in the IP communities. (3SFBn, PA/PNP/PIASurigao del Sur) October 3-9, 2020 |

TANDAG CITY PUBLIC MARKET TEMPORARILY CLOSED AS VENDORS UNDERGO 14-DAY QUARANTINE By Nida Grace P. Barcena The Tandag City Public Market has been temporarily closed after some vendors and tenants tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As ordered by City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel

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through an executive order, the market has been closed since September 25, 2020 and will re-open on October 10, 2020 after three of the six confirmed cases of COVID-19 are market vendors and/or their

close contacts. Around 500 vendors, helpers, and travelers have also undergone a 14-day strict home quarantine. The said establishment included in the 100-meter perimeter radius cordoned off and

currently manned 24/7 to prevent anyone from entering and exiting the area, after three (3) of the six (6) confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in the city are market vendors and or their close contacts last September 21. The city government has also imposed an extremely restrictive parameter control in Tandag City Public Market being a critical zone and strict parameter control in Purok Langka, Barangay Mabua as a containment zone (CZ) as its immediate response

to immediately prevent, contain, and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 infection in the identified areas. Since September 26, the city government has utilized the Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. Boulevard as its temporary market. Benjamin Pempeña, deputized fish warden of the City Agriculture Office, however, clarified that the vendors at the temporary market are not the vendors from the Tandag City Public Market, “and they all tested negative with the rapid antibody test.”

“This is open daily from 4:00am to 7:00am and 4:00pm to 6:00pm,” he said. As of September 30, Tandag City has 32 active confirmed positive of COVID-19 of which, 24 are asymptomatic, while eight are with mild symptoms. Twentythree individuals are on quarantine and monitored at the identified quarantine facility, while the other nine were admitted at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC). (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

October 3-9, 2020 |

DA INAUGURATES P109 MILLION ROAD PROJECT IN DINAGAT ISLANDS By Emmylou Presilda The Department of AgriculturePhilippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Caraga Region headed by Director Abel James I. Monteagudo turned over to the province of Dinagat Islands through Governor Arlene â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kakaâ&#x20AC;? J. Bagao the 3.62 kilometer R. Ecleo to Upper Laguna Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) on September 25, 2020 in Cagdianao town,

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this province. The completed road concreting worth P109.4 million is a joint project funded by the World Bank, the Philippine Government and the Provincial Government of Dinagat Island. The road covers three barangays that include barangay R. Ecleo, barangay Maatas, and barangay Upper Laguna with 794

household beneficiaries, 777 of which are farmers and fisherfolks. It also benefits 3,947 inhabitants of the said barangays and its surrounding communities. The said FMR has given farmers easy access to the market in bringing their products like corn, cassava, coconut, fishery, and other local products with less cost and time. In her message,

Governor Kaka Bagao expressed gratitude together with its people for the FMR which she said has pump-prime the economy of the province since after the road was completed, farmers started to expand their production areas and idle lands are slowly utilized and small enterprises are slowly springing up in the area with the road in place. “This project has not only given us road, but it has also given us the hope that development is possible in this new province,” Gov. Bag-ao said. Upper Laguna Farmers Association Chairman Rogelio Padilla who is into Corn Seeds Production is also grateful for the completed project. He said, they are overjoyed with the help of the Department of Agriculture through PRDP being the only BPIaccredited corn seed producer in the island, and they are excited to till additional areas for production because aside from the equipment given to them, they can now smoothly bring their products to their intended

market. M e a n w h i l e , Regional Director Abel James I. Monteagudo expressed his support to the province’s development plans for the benefit of the farmers and fisherfolks. “All roads lead to progress. It has been known from the very beginning that when there is a road, areas will be developed. I hope to be back in 5 years from now and see a more lively and developed community here in Dinagat,” Director Monteagudo said. Moreover, around 21 farm-owners who donated a portion of their land that has been affected by the construction of the R. Ecleo to Upper Laguna FMR were awarded Certificates of Recognition by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Island recognizing that without them giving the Right-ofWay, the road would not have been established. These Project Affected Persons (PAPs), upon understanding the importance of the project through a meaningful consultation that was

conducted before the start of the project, willingly gave a portion of their land which is an important requirement for the smooth construction of every road project. Aside from monetary compensation, they also benefitted from tax deduction on portions of their land being donated to the project as facilitated by the Provincial Government. As a highlight of the ceremony, stakeholders of the newly turned over R. Ecleo to Upper Laguna FMR were made to sign the Project Memorabilia to mark each one’s commitment to the maintenance and sustainability of the project. The signing was led by Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bagao, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, PPMIU-Dinagat Team, Municipal Officials of Cagdianao, Barangay councils of R. Ecleo, Maatas, and Upper Laguna, and the farmer-beneficiaries of the project. (InfoACECaraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands) October 3-9, 2020 |

MINDANAO NEWS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (PNA file photo)

C. MINDANAO LEADERS LAUD PRRD ON PULSE ASIA TRUST SURVEY By Noel Punzalan

A cross-section interview here and in the nearby provinces of North Cotabato and Maguindanao showed that people in Central Mindanao back the result of the 91 percent trust rating by Filipinos to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as

recently conducted by public opinion polling body, Pulse Asia. In a survey released by Pulse Asia on Monday, the President got a trust approval rating of 91 percent, topping four other national officials in the evaluation from Sept.

14-20, 2020. Also included in the survey were Vice President Maria Leonor G. Robredo, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, House of Representatives Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and Supreme Court Justice Diosdado M. Peralta. October 3-9, 2020 |

At least five persons randomly interviewed by the Philippine News Agency here said they are with the President in his decisions, particularly in this time of the pandemic. “The President gets the job done. He knows what is best for us so he deserves that high rating,” Mayor Marop Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao said in a phone interview. The mayor said the latest controversial issue that he is following is that of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) fund mess. “He has ordered a full investigation on PhilHealth officials and to find people involved to be sent to jail,” Ampatuan said, adding

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that he was impressed by the President’s determination to put an end to the corruption issue. Teachers Gigi Salvador and Thea Gapus of South Upi, Maguindanao, meanwhile, said that President Duterte is still number one and that they trust him 100 percent. “The way we started classes today (Monday) amid the pandemic is another concern that needs the President’s attention but we know that he loves children very much and will be there for us in no time,” Salvador said in the vernacular over the phone. Nelson Yu, a buyand-sell trader from this city and maintaining a farm in Pigcawayan, North

Cotabato, meanwhile, said he has voted for Duterte during the 2016 election as President knowing his impressive track record as the former mayor of bustling Davao City. “If not for this pandemic, I believe that we could have gone far in socio-economic development. The plans of the President are there but with the continuous existence of coronavirus disease 2019, all we have is that chance to restart our normal lives again,” he said. Ali Fajod, a shy passenger van driver, only gestured a double thumbsup sign when asked about Duterte’s latest trust rating. (PNA)

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol

PH EXPORTING OKRA TO JAPAN FOR 30 YEARS: MINDA EXEC By Christine Cudis

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol on Wednesday said the Philippines has been exporting okra (lady finger) to Japan in bulks for 30 years. “The export of okra

from Tarlac [City] to Japan started 30 years ago with nary a help from the government. Almost daily, nililipad ng eroplano ang tonetoneladang okra (they send out tons of okra almost every day),” he said in a post on social

media. The former agriculture secretary made this comment as he corrected a report from a local news agency that announced on Tuesday that it was “the first time [that] the country exported okra to Japan October 3-9, 2020 |

A press statement said two tons of okra were harvested from different farms of Tarlac including 14 barangays in Victoria, Balayang, Palacpalac, Batang Batang, Lalapac, Mayang, San Pascual, Villa Bacolor, Matayumtayum, San Jose, San Manuel, Balingcanaway, Cutcut, and Lapaz. (Pixabay photo)

due to its high demands, as Japan is known to include the flowering plant in their daily diet”. On Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar accompanied farmer entrepreneurs Jeffrey Fernandez and Rap Pelayo of Jel Farms from Tarlac at the Pairpags Center, Airport Road in Pasay City before exporting their fresh okra to Japan. A press statement said two tons of okra were harvested from different farms of Tarlac including 14 barangays in Victoria, Balayang, Palacpalac, Batang Batang, Lalapac,

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Mayang, San Pascual, Villa Bacolor, Matayumtayum, San Jose, San Manuel, Balingcanaway, Cutcut, and Lapaz. Fernandez, in a YouTube video, said their okra farming business was established in 2010 by his parents Larry and Joy Fernandez. “It was pretty much built on assisting farmers by helping them learn more or acquire new technology, new developments, and even new procedures to try,” he said in a video posted in June 2019. In the video, Fernandez, who was a

former chef based in the U.S. was recalled by his parents here to take over their business “some 30 years ago”. The family’s farm in Barangay San Manuel in Tarlac City exports 13 to 15 tons of okra every day to Japan, he said. Meanwhile, Dar said okra farmers’ profit could easily reach up to PHP120,000 per hectare for both okra and young soybean (edamame). This, considering the farmers have access to cold storage, which he assured, would be DA’s priority. (PNA)

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro were formally commissioned as Philippine Navy (PN) reservist officers on Friday. In a statement forwarded to reporters, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the commissioning and donning of ranks ceremony took place at the Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Roxas said PN Chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, led the donning of ranks for Andanar and Alejandro, who were commissioned in the Navy reserves as commander and lieutenant commander, respectively. Commander Andanar is also a TV news anchor, radio commentator, podcaster, video and audio blogger, and a voice-over artist. As head of the PCOO, his initiatives include the Freedom of Information, Presidential Task Force on Media Security, the Mindanao Media Hub, and Government Strategic Communications Academy. In his speech, Andanar said as a commander in the Navy reserve force,

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PCOO CHIEF, O IN NAVY RESER he is determined “to further serve and to contribute to the preservation of peace and harmony for Filipinos and for our nation.” He also said he is ready “to help promote our collective security against those who continue to undermine our national integrity and interests.” Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Alejandro is a career executive service officer and director of the Operations Service of the OCD, working as a public servant for more than two decades. He was former director of the Administrative and Financial Management Service and Policy Development and Planning Service of the office, having been appointed as Director III by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016. Alejandro recounted that during his stint as director of OCD 5 (Bicol), he witnessed “the dedication and professionalism of the gallant sailors and marines of the PN.” “They always place their duty first among others. Thus, I am proud, a witness of the heroism of the Navy. Now I stand with you together, as a member of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force,” he said. Meanwhile, Bacordo described the two government officials and now Navy reservists as “individuals who are

OCD EXEC COMMISSIONED RVES

NEW NAVY RESERVISTS. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (2nd from left) and Office of Civil Defense Operations Service Director Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro (2nd from right) pose after donning their reservist ranks of commander and lieutenant commander, respectively, in a ceremony at the Philippine Navy headquarters on Friday (Oct. 2, 2020). In his speech, Andanar committed to further serving and contributing to the preservation of peace and harmony for Filipinos and the country. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

ready to take on responsibilities.” “Your present roles in the government are instrumental in keeping the integrity of our institutions,” he said. “You are already civil servants on your own but still chose to add another commitment (on) your list.” Bacordo noted that joining the Philippine Navy as a reserve force entails a deep understanding of their role in the accomplishment of the AFP’s

over-all mission. “We are indeed deeply grateful for choosing to work and nurture important Navy objectives with us,” he said. PN reservists play an important role as force multipliers as they are engaged in medical and civic action programs, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA) October 3-9, 2020 |

PCOO PUSHES LOCALIZED FOI AS BILL REMAINS PENDING While proposed policy for the Freedom of Information (FOI) remains pending in the Congress, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) continues to urge local government units (LGU) to localize its implementation and allow public data and information to be more accessible to its constituents.

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F O I - P r o j e c t Management Office (FOIPMO) Director and PCOO Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan on Thursday said two capacity-building projects are set by the agency and partner government offices for October. “Walang tigil pa rin po ang FOI-PMO sa pagbibigay ng iba’t ibang capacity development. Ngayong Oktubre,

dalawang webinar o online workshop ang hatid sa inyo ng aming tanggapan (The FOIPMO is relentless on providing various capacity development. This October, we will have two webinars or online workshops),” he said during the Network Briefing News hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. Ablan said his office

will be conducting the first virtual 2020 Transparency Webinar which will be undertaken with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Devlive, DILG Full Disclosure Policy, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Project Dime. The FOI ConferenceMindanao LGUs leg will be on October 23. “Muli, layunin ng LGU Con ang himukin ang mga LGUs upang i-localize ang FOI program implementation (The goal of the LGU Con is to renew our call for them to localize the FOI program implementation),” he said, encouraging LGUs to register ahead of these virtual activities. He also provided updates on recent engagements that the FOI-PMO had with their stakeholders. One of these was joining the Local Government Academy (LGA) of the DILG in their Online Executive Coaching Session, where the FOI-PMO stressed the importance of FOI as a tool of the LGUs in promoting transparency and accountability, he added.

“Layunin ng online session na ito na palawakin ang kaalaman at kasanayan ng mga local chief executives sa pagbibigay ng tama at wastong impormasyon sa publiko upang masupil ang fake news, at iba pang anyo ng misinformation o disinformation na laganap sa alinmang media platforms ngayon (The purpose of this online session is to expand the knowledge and skills of local chief executives in providing correct and accurate information to the public to suppress fake news, and other forms of misinformation or disinformation prevalent on any media platform today),” Ablan said. FOI-PMO also partnered with the National Privacy Commission for the 1st Data Privacy and

Freedom of Information Congress last September 22, with the main goal of debunking issues surrounding the implementation of FOI and data privacy especially in the government sector. “Ang Freedom of Information at Data Privacy ay dalawang magka-ugnay na mga karapatang-pantao. Kaya naman kailangang isaalang-alang kung paano gamitin at ipatupad and dalawang karapatan na ito, at mga polisiya at batas na nagpapatupad dito (Freedom of Information and Data Privacy are two interrelated human rights. Therefore, it is necessary to consider how to exercise and enforce these two rights, and the policies and laws that enforce them),” he said. (PCOO PR) October 3-9, 2020 |

48% FIRMS IN PH CUT JOBS AMID PANDEMIC: POLL By Kris Crismundo A survey done by the World Bank, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the Department of Finance shows 48 percent of companies in the Philippines have reduced the number of their employees amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey was among 74,031 firms from July 7 to 14 to assess the

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impact of the health crisis to businesses. “Job loss is most significant in the education, food services, construction sectors, with greater than 60 percent of firms in these sectors having laid off their employees,” the survey said. Laying off workers is lesser in financial services and health sectors, with

two out of five firms in these sectors reported they have reduced the number of their workers. On the other hand, only 1 percent of the firms hired new employees. Of the total surveyed companies, 40 percent said they temporarily suspended their operations –20 percent by government mandate and 20 percent

voluntarily. The survey added about 15 percent reported to have closed their businesses permanently. “Even though community quarantine measures were relaxed to some extent during the time of survey, firms still reported a high degree of uncertainty. Uncertainty is an important additional channel affecting firms during the pandemic, and as the economy reopens, this could result in a lower desire for risktaking and additional investment,” the survey said. It added about 45 percent of companies are uncertain when they can resume their operations. Among operating firms, 20 percent said they expect their businesses to close between one to three months, 13 percent expect to shut down their operations between three to six months, and 12 percent think to stop operation after six months. The level of uncertainty in terms of employment activities and revenues between July and September this

Contributed photo Kimberly Dela

year are also high at 33 from the government percent and 28 percent, include difficulty in respectively. applying for support, not being aware of the Support from government programs, not receiving the support after According to the application, and not survey, only one out of five eligible for the support firms have received some program. support from the national “This suggests the and local government need for increased such as cash transfers to awareness and clarity their employees through on the guidelines and the Pantawid Pamilyang requirements of current Pilipino Program (4Ps) programs as well as the and social amelioration timely implementation program, loan payment of the programs. This is deferral, wage subsidies, particularly needed for regulatory relief, the new government and deferral of rent, loan programs offering mortgage, and utilities. subsidized interest rates Among the reasons that are in high demand,” for not receiving support the survey added. (PNA) October 3-9, 2020 |

13.95M LOW-INCOME FAMILIES RECEIVE SAP 2: DSWD By Christine Cudis

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed PHP83.4 billion worth of assistance under the second tranche of the social amelioration program (SAP 2) to some 13,950,078 low-income families as of October 5. DSWD has initially targeted 14.1 million families to avail of the government’s financial assistance program. The beneficiaries were identified as the “hardesthit” sector of the pandemic based on the “Listahanan”, or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR). DSWD vowed to complete the distribution of SAP 2 by September 30. However, financial service providers (FSPs) found discrepancies with some of the beneficiaries’ restricted transactional accounts. DSWD Undersecretary Glen Paje explained that they were forced to redo the data gathering process so beneficiaries can correct their information. Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, in a statement, cited the 90-percent satisfaction rating the

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agency received from a survey that sought the respondents’ feedback on the government’s cash assistance program. The survey was conducted by the agency and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The “Bayanihan to Heal As One” Act has given the national government powers to provide emergency subsidies to low-income families. Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2020, states that the subsidy shall amount to a minimum of PHP5,000 to a maximum of PHP8,000 a month for two months to provide for basic food, medicine, and toiletries. (PNA)

NEWLY-HIRED HEALTHCARE WORKERS CAN LEAVE PH: POEA By Ferdinand Patinio

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) on Tuesday said newly-hired Filipino healthcare workers (HCWs) with perfected and signed contracts as of August 31 are allowed to leave the country. In Advisory No. 47-B, series of 2020, it said all HCWs whose contracts were crafted and signed as of this new date and have secured an overseas employment certificate (OECs) as their exit permits can now report to their work overseas. The healthcare workers refer to newly employed HCWs who are direct hires, recruitment agency hires, including POEA Government Placement Branch hires who were already accepted under the hiring program of host countries. Likewise allowed to report to their employers abroad are â&#x20AC;&#x153;balikmanggagawaâ&#x20AC;? or returning health workers with OEC exemption certificates. Seafarers who were previously hired as doctors and nurses, and would be deployed by the same licensed manning agency can also leave the country. The POEA added that the deployment of HCWs will be conducted under strict observance of quarantine protocols and physical distancing measures, including in the departure and immigration formalities in the

Philippines, in transit countries, and in their destination countries. Last month, the cut-off date was extended from March 8 to August 31 upon the recommendation of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID). Meanwhile, the agency reiterated that outbound passengers with visas that are not documented through POEA regulations are excluded from the temporary deployment suspension. These are holders of US J1 visa, permanent residents, immigrants or dual citizens of other countries. It added that the deployment ban of HCWs to countries that impose travel restrictions remains in effect. (PNA)

October 3-9, 2020 |

MALASAKIT CENTER. Senator Bong Go (right) poses with Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos during the launch of the 85th Malasakit Center at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 2, 2020. The center is the first in Mandaluyong and the 16th in Metro Manila. (Contributed photo)

GO OPENS 85TH MALASAKIT CENTER; CALLS FOR UNITY TO BEAT VIRUS Senator Christopher â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bongâ&#x20AC;? Go called for solidarity and compassion to beat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Go, chair of the Senate committee

on health, made this appeal as he joined Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II and other national and local government officials, during the launch of the

85th Malasakit Center at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 2. The center is the first in Mandaluyong and the 16th in Metro Manila. It is October 3-9, 2020 |

a one-stop shop where indigent Filipino patients may conveniently apply for financial and medical assistance from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. In his speech, Go thanked Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque, DSWD Undersecretary Aimee TorrefrancaNeri, Presidential AntiCorruption Commission Commissioner Greco B. Belgica, Abalos, Rep. Neptali Gonzales II and other attending officials for supporting the Malasakit Centers. He encouraged all Filipinos to set aside politics and work together in solidarity while showing compassion to poor and vulnerable sectors to overcome the country’s current challenges and end the Covid-19 pandemic as a united nation. “Alam kong hirap

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kayo dahil sa pandemya. Kami rin dito sa gobyerno hirap rin kami pero pagtulungan na lang po natin ito. Sino ba namang magtutulungan kundi tayo lang po kapwa natin Pilipino. Sabi nga ni Pangulo, parati kaming nag-uusap tuwing gabi, sabi niya ‘Bong, hayaan mo na ‘yan sila basta gawin lang natin, ang importante malampasan natin ito’ (I know you’re facing difficulties because of pandemic. We in government are also striving but let’s help each other. Only us Filipinos can each other. As the President said, we always talk, ‘Bong, don’t mind them. Just do our best. What is important we will overcome this),” said Go, referring to critics of the administration. Go said as former top aide of President Rodrigo Duterte even when the President was still mayor of Davao City has exposed him to stressful and difficult processes Filipinos went through just to seek government aid for their medical bills. These experiences, he said, prompted him to conceptualize the one-stop shop which

he promised to push for during his senatorial campaign. Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, authored and sponsored by Go, was eventually signed by Duterte in December 2019. The law mandates the establishment of the centers in every DOH-run hospital nationwide and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. Other public hospitals can also establish their own Malasakit Centers provided they meet the standard set of criteria and guarantee the availability of funds for the center’s operation. He promised to push for other relevant health-relates bills, such as the Senate Bill 1226 which expedites the process of increasing the number of hospital beds in DOH-run hospitals, and SBN 1471 which provides Filipino workers with mental health conditions immediate access to the compensation benefits they are entitled to. Go earlier pushed for the passage of the Salary Standardization Law 5, his priority bill which now increased the salaries of all government

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employees, including public sector nurses. He also fought for the inclusion of an additional budget in the 2020 budget to provide for the salary upgrade of public nurses in Nurse 1 and 2 positions. Meanwhile, Go reassured the hospitalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; patients that they would receive the maximum assistance the government could offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kapag may balanse pa po kayo, ang Malasakit Center

ang babayad dahil ang target po ng Malasakit ay zero-balance kung maari po (If you still have balance on your hospital bills, the Malasakit Center will pay and our target is zero-balance, if we can),â&#x20AC;? he said. He said the DSWD had also committed to provide additional assistance to select patients and their families upon completing their assessment. Go also vowed to help DOH and Gonzales

who are presently pushing for the establishment of a new hospital in Mandaluyong City in Congress. The senator from Davao City earlier urged the DOH to expand access to mental health care and psychosocial support services in the country as well as improve suicide awareness among overlooked demographic sectors, such as rural communities and the youth. (PR) October 3-9, 2020 |

COPING WITH COVID-19: FINDING WAYS TO MOVE FORWARD By Ma. Cristina Arayata As the world continues to pick up from the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), everyone’s lives changed one way or another. These changes are evident in the way people meet and do their daily tasks. What used to be crowded places suddenly became so quiet and empty. As life is likened to a television series or movie, the show must go on for people despite the situation. While many view the situation as hopeless and gloomy, there are still those who see a silver lining and strive to move forward with the hope of a better tomorrow. For psychology professor James Philip Ray Pinggolio, the pandemic has brought

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POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Psychology professor James Philip Ray Pinggolio in an interview on Sunday (Oct. 4, 2020) says the pandemic, though challenging, also brought positive changes and realizations in his life. He suggests that one should take the opportunity to discover new skills, pamper themselves once in a while, and get enough sleep. (Photo courtesy of James Pinggolio)

a lot of realization and positive changes. “The pandemic has brought many challenges, and I had a hard time adjusting. But if we look around, there are actually opportunities amid the crisis that people are dealing with,” he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview on Sunday. As a professor, the main challenge for Pinggolio is the online

method of teaching. “It is really hard as I am used to seeing my students every day. It is hard to give the lessons, assessments, and even to communicate online,” he said, adding that it is also hard to require students to submit on time. Pinggolio admitted that he is not used to just staying inside the house, as he is fond of traveling to unwind. “There are many

beautiful things this pandemic had caused,” Pinggolio said. First, he had more time for God and his family. “I realized I forgot to give importance to my family, especially to my parents. I was busy with work. I did not have time to eat with them, bond with them, and to check how they are doing. (Before the) pandemic, I was busy and did not have the time to pray and attend the church. (The pandemic) made me realize the importance of faith in God.” Another positive side was that Pinggolio now has time to care for his physical health. Now he has the time to exercise, and even to care for plants. Further, Pinggolio decided to put up a small business, to be more productive even if he is in his house. “It is up to you how you would make things worthwhile. There are many things that can be done inside the house,” he said. To keep one’s sanity, Pinggolio

suggests balancing priorities is crucial. “The best way for me to keep my sanity is first, accept that things change, and only God knows what will happen next. Have faith,” he said. He said it is important for people to increase positive emotions. “We have to acknowledge the negative feelings. However, we should not forget the positive emotions. Not every day is a sunny day. There could be times that are rainy or stormy. We have to deal with it,” he pointed out. To have selfcompassion is also important, according to Pinggolio. “Do not be hard on yourself. Do not overindulge on negative feelings. Lift your spirit. Do not feel you are alone,” he said. Housewife Glenda Flaviano also saw the brighter side of the situation. Apart from being able to bond more with her kids, Flaviano said she was able to save some money since

going to the mall for non-essential purposes is restricted. “Not much has changed in my lifestyle. The main difference now is that my kids are here. I am trying online gaming so I could play with them,” she shared. Flaviano was also able to expand her online selling business during the pandemic. For media relations manager, Pao Oga, on the other hand, speaking with his loved ones and friends virtually, working out, watching Netflix has kept him busy to adjust to the situation. “I was too bored thinking of the current situation and the fact that I am stuck at home. But now, I realized I have a choice to go out to buy food and other essentials,” he said, adding that he was able to adjust with the situation. As non-contact sports were eventually allowed by the government, Oga added that he is also able to play badminton with his friends while observing safety measures. (PNA) October 3-9, 2020 |

COVID-19 VACCINE. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque answers questions during his virtual press conference on Thursday (Oct. 1, 2020). Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte is “most hopeful” about the potential Covid-19 vaccine being developed by China. (Screenshot)

PRRD ‘MOST HOPEFUL’ ABOUT POTENTIAL CHINA-MADE VACCINE By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is “most hopeful” about the potential coronavirus disease

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2019 (Covid-19) vaccine being developed by China, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte prefers a China-made

vaccine even as several countries are on a race to be the first to come up with a vaccine against Covid-19. “The President is most hopeful with China but he has also said that Johnson and Johnson is on track,” Roque said in a virtual Palace briefing. Citing reports, he said Moderna’s potential vaccine is also showing “very promising results.” “Mayroon pong latest information on Moderna, mukha daw pong it has very promising results doon sa kaniyang third phase ng clinical trials (There is latest information on Moderna. It seems like its third phase of clinical trials is showing very promising results),” Roque said. He said the governments of the Philippines and Russia are also coordinating on the latter’s potential Covid-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, since clinical trials will take place in both countries. “ N a k i k i p a g ugnayan pa rin po tayo dahil kinakailangan dumaan pa rin sa (We are also coordinating with the Russian authorities as far

as the Russian Sputnik is concerned because it still needs to undergo) third clinical trial both in Russia and in the Philippines,” Roque said. He also mentioned the potential vaccine being developed in England but clinical trials were temporarily stopped. Roque said the global race to develop a Covid-19 vaccine would benefit countries like the Philippines. “Now alam ninyo naman po kasi ang nature ng pharmaceutical industries, nag-uunahan po iyan, which is good for us. Nag-uunahan iyan at alam po nila kung sino mauna, sila po iyong kikita nang pinakamalaki (You know the nature of pharmaceutical industries, they’re racing to develop a vaccine, which is good for us. They’re on a race because they know that the first one to make it would earn the most),” he said. Roque noted that the country would be putting its hopes that a vaccine would be developed without too

much delay. “So let’s hope that the free market this time will really come to our rescue and will incentivize the drug manufacturers to come up with (a) vaccine sooner than later,” he said. Duterte earlier said the government would purchase the most affordable vaccine that will be sold due to budget constraints. He also said he would seek a discount from China and Russia on the Covid-19 vaccines that each of the two countries developed and promised to supply the Philippines with. Despite lacking funds, the President assured that the government would provide free vaccines to the disadvantaged once these are available. In his first speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Duterte called for “universal access” to a Covid-19 vaccine, saying it is the only way to beat the pandemic. He emphasized the need for “rich and poor nations” to have access to the vaccine. (PNA) October 3-9, 2020 |

VIRTUAL CLASS. Junior high school student Rhesa Joy Fortich, 14, from Dasmariñas Integrated High School in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, listens to lessons during an online class using her mobile phone on Tuesday (Oct. 6, 2020). The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to report those who create unnecessary noise in their areas to ensure that blended learning for students in their homes would not be disrupted. (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT ‘NOISE’ DISRUPTING BLENDED LEARNING By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan The Joint Task Force Covid Shield on Tuesday urged the public to report to local officials those who create unnecessary noise that disrupts online classes and modular learning of students in their homes. Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, task force commander, said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan, has ordered

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the establishment of barangay assistance centers that would be manned by at least two police officers. The setting up of assistance desks strengthens the existing policy where a police officer is assigned to act as a quarantine rules supervisor who leads village watchmen in enforcing quarantine

protocols. “We also encourage the parents and even the students themselves to let us know the noisy activities of their neighbors during their study time. We have hotlines and even a Facebook account to receive your complaints and we assure you of immediate action,” said Eleazar. If possible, Eleazar

said the complainant could shoot photos or take videos of drinking session and use of videoke that could be used against the violators. He said the public could also reach the PNP and the JTF COVID Shield through the following hotlines: PNP Helpline 16677, 0998-849-0013 for Smart users, 0917538-2495 for Globe users and PNP-Highway Patrol Group Hotline 0926-2255474. The PNP and JTF Covid Shield could also be reached via ncovmonitoring@ gmail.com and PNP2019nCoVARDopn@ gmail.com. He said the police force has also intensified its enforcement of local ordinances aimed at ensuring that learners would not be disrupted during online classes. Among these are ordinances against drinking in public and ordinances regulating the use of videoke. Eleazar, also PNP deputy chief for administration, said blended learning methods implemented by the Department of Education amid the

coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat has practically turned every community into a learning space. “Our students experience difficulty in adjusting because we are doing this for the first time. Let us not add to their burden. Remember, your right to engage in noisy talks in your neighborhood ends when the right of the students to study in peace and in silence begins. Your right to sing using your videoke also ends when the right of the students not to be distracted to focus on their learning modules begins. Sisiguraduhin namin na mananagot kayo (We will make sure to go after you),” said Eleazar. Eleazar said that since some of the LGUs already have ordinances regulating the use of videoke for instance, some of the provisions could be amended to include prohibition in the use of the videoke machine during the time that students are attending online classes or answering modules. M e a n w h i l e , National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)

chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas ordered the five police districts in Metro Manila to coordinate with local officials of barangays to address the maintaining order in communities amid the blended learning system being observed, The five police districts under NCRPO are the Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD). “For now, we have already issued a directive to our police officers to coordinate with the barangays. The directive from Camp Crame is close coordination with the barangay to check na dapat hindi maingay (that there must be no unnecessary noise),” Sinas told reporters in a press conference at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. Sinas said there is no report yet on arrests made against violators of protocols or those who have been disturbing online learners by making noise in communities, including videoke sessions. (PNA) October 3-9, 2020 |

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FEEDING PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS TO CONTINUE AMID PANDEMIC By Azer Parrocha

The feeding program for children will continue despite blended learning approaches in schools amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said Thursday. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said instead of preparing hot meals for students, nutritious

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food products will be delivered to households or picked up by parents from schools. “Hinahatid po ng barangay sa mga malnourished na mga mag-aaral ang libreng at masustansiyang tanghalian sa kanilang mga bahay (The barangay will deliver them to the homes of malnourished students

the free nutritious lunch right in their homes),” he said. Last month, the Department of Education (DepEd) said there will be changes in the feeding program since learning will now be home-based. Due to the changes in the school calendar, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said the feeding period

for this school year is reduced to 60 days for the regular component, which includes nutritious food products, and 50 days for the milk component. Classes for the school year 2020-2021 started on Oct. 5 after it was moved from its initial schedule of August 24. Blended learning strategies involve the use of TV and radiobased instruction, as well as modular and online learning. In June 2018,

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which establishes a national feeding program for undernourished children in public daycare centers, kindergarten, and elementary school. Under the law, the government shall provide a supplemental feeding program for daycare children, a school-based feeding program for public school children from kinder to

Grade 6, a milk-feeding program, a micronutrient feeding program, health examinations, vaccinations, and deworming among others. The law also includes the creation of a National Nutrition Information System which will harmonize all existing national and local nutrition databases to identify individuals, groups, and/or localities that have the highest magnitude of hunger and undernutrition. (PNA)

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October 3-9, 2020 |

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