Caraga InFocus – October 30-November 5, 2021

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Volume V, No. 45 October 30-November 5, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS CARAGA MEDIA JOIN VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSION ON CHILD SENSITIVE REPORTING MGA PROGRAMANG NAGTATAGUYOD SA KARAPATAN NG MGA BATA, MAS PINAIGTING PA SA CARAGA REGION

PROVINCIAL NEWS HOLDS TECHNO DEMO HARVEST FESTIVAL 12 BACOSFA IN CARRASCAL

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MGA CARAGANON NAKIISA SA 75TH COMMEMORATION NG HISTORIC BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT DTI DINAGAT ISLANDS LAUNCHES ‘NEGOSYO SERBISYO SA BARANGAY’ PROGRAM PDI TOWN HAILS AS MOST IMPROVED IN COMPETITIVENESS INDEX COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FUND PROGRAM SA LUNGSOD SA NASIPIT GIPALAPDAN BARANGAYS MANOLIGAO UG TAGCATONG GIDEKLARANG AGRICULTURE ORGANIC ZONE SA AGNOR TAGBONGABONG FARMERS ASSOCIATION AKREDITADO NA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE ‘BANTAY ASF SA BARANGAY’ I-IMPLEMENTAR SA CABADBARAN CABADBARAN NAGPREPARA ALANG PUV MODERNIZATION

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PAHALIPAY SA MGA SENIOR CITIZENS SA NASIPIT GI-DAK-AN

MINDANAO NEWS BIMP-EAGA TO FOCUS ON LIVELIHOOD INITIATIVES TO COMBAT ONGOING PANDEMIC AGRI PRODUCTIVITY EYED AS TOOL FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO BAGS MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS AT THE PRESTIGIOUS 26TH ASIAN TELEVISION AWARDS SECRETARY ANDANAR: PH WINNING VS. PROLIFERATION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS

BONG GO EMPHASIZES HE REMAINS AS PDPLABAN’S VP CANDIDATE

BONG GO SAYS HE IS “HOPING FOR THE BEST” AMID SPECULATIONS THAT SARA DUTERTE’S WITHDRAWAL FROM DAVAO CITY MAYORAL RACE COULD AFFECT HIS VP BID BONG GO VOWS SUPPORT FOR ANTIPOLO CITY, GIVES AID TO INDIGENT RESIDENTS TO HELP THEM COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC

COVID-19 NEWS

GOV’T EYES 1M DAILY VACCINATION RATE BEGINNING NOV. 30

OVER 106M VACCINE DOSES CLEARED SINCE FEBRUARY: BOC

OVER 59M SHOTS GIVEN; 27.3M PINOYS NOW FULLY VACCINATED


PRRD to inaugurate Sia Tourism Complex; 3-Po By Jennifer P. Gaitano

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to grace the inauguration of the new Siargao Island Sports and Tourism Complex (SISTC) and CatangnanCabitoonan Bridge (3-Point Bridge System) on November 6, 2021 in Barangay Osmeña, Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. At the arrival of the President, he will lead the conduct of

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aerial inspection of the newly-passable bridge, followed by the unveiling of the marker at the Sports and Tourism Complex, and the inspection of the swimming pool facilities. Local officials in the province of Surigao del Norte led by Governor Francisco Matugas, together with District 1 Representative Francisco Jose Matugas

|October 30-November 5, 2021

II and others will join the president in the said event. Also, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, together with Secretary Roger Mercado of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Governor Matugas, and Rep. Matugas will join President Duterte during the ceremonial unveiling of the marker of the Caraga INFOCUS


argao’s Sports and oint Bridge System Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge.

del Norte emphasized that all guests, including the invited media who This infrastructure aims will be attending and to provide support to covering the event shall the potential tourist present their RT-PCR Test destinations, an alternate result and complete the route from Dapa Port to RTD/ antigen procedure Barangay Catangnan via at the triage tent installed Barangay Cabitoonan. at the venue. It also enhances the accessibility and mobility Some 350 individuals of tourists/people, composed of national, goods and services in regional and local the country’s worldrenowned surfing capital. government officials and invited guests are The provincial expected to participate government of Surigao in the said event.

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The following safety protocols shall be implemented at the venue: 1) Wearing of face mask and face shield at all times; 2) Undergoing mandatory medical triage procedure and rapid test; 3) Undertake disinfection process (for hands and equipment); and 4) Observe social physical distancing. Media Entry time is at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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News Briefs VACCINATION ROLLOUT UPDATE As of Nov. 4, 2021, DOH Caraga reports a total of 554,854 vaccinated individuals, regionwide. Vaccination of qualified individuals still ongoing in the different vaccination sites of the region. #BeVaccinated #ResBakuna xx

PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar shared the highlights of the Duterte Legacy Campaign during his radio interview over Kuyaw FM in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur anchored by Richard Grande. The secretary emphasized that the Duterte administration will continue to pour in developments especially in Caraga region until the remaining months of the President’s term.

As we commemorate the World Tsunami Awareness Day, let us be reminded that the power of community participation and cooperation can help us achieve disaster resilience. Help by building communites to withstand future shocks, relocations, constructing embankment and planting trees as a tsunami buffers. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Caraga Regional Nomination and Screening Committee facilitated the Regional Nomination and Selection Process of Farmer Representatives to the PCA Board. The PCA Governing Board was created by virtue of Republic Act No, 11524 otherwise known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act.


REGIONAL NEWS


Caraga media join virtual learning session on Child Sensitive Reporting By Jennifer P. Gaitano

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To increase awareness among media practitioners on how they frame their news stories involving children, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation - Integrated Development, Inc. (JPICIDC, Inc.), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, has organized a virtual learning session on Child Sensitive Media Reporting with media practitioners in the different provinces of Caraga region.

different child protection laws specifically the salient features of Republic Act 7610, Republic Act 9775, Republic Act 9208/ Republic Act 10364 and Republic Act 10175; 2) be familiarized on the task and responsibilities on the different child safeguarding protocols in reporting cases of Trafficking in Persons, Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and other cases involving abuse and exploitation of children.

Reanne Mantilla, project manager of Cinemobile 4 Project of JPIC-IDC, Inc. revealed that this learning session aimed to achieve the following objectives: 1) be oriented with the

Executive director of JPIC-IDC, Inc. Fr. Romeo Cagatin stressed that media practitioners play a vital role in society. “They are neutral. They share news stories to the public so people will know

|October 30-November 5, 2021

about the events happening across different places. We can use the media to educate people, and especially to protect children from all forms of violence and abuses,” he cited. Also, on behalf of regional director Abner Caga of PIACaraga, assistant regional director Fryan Abkilan highlighted that this event is a celebration of the role of the media in addressing child abuse and exploitation, a societal issue that has harmed the lives of children across generations. “Abuse against children has taken multiple forms over the years but its genesis and its effects on its victims are

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nonetheless the same. One of the key solutions to this problem is education and awareness among the public and its potential victims. Fortunately, we live in a time where people are more willing to be educated and we, in the public information sector and in the media, play a crucial role in making sure that that is being promoted continuously. In our advocacy to end child abuse and exploitation, we must always remember that in our power to inform our people, we also carry with us the great responsbility of ensuring that we use information to educate those who are in care of our children, which is basically us and the rest of the adult population. Abuse and exploitation especially of our children is a grave matter. We must continue to protect and advocate for them. Be their voice,” he underscored. During the session, Atty. Lorraine Vallinas, lead, Prosecution Development – International Justice Mission (IJM) Cebu, thoroughly discussed the salient features stipulated in the Child Protection Laws such as the Republic Act 7610: Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; Republic Act 9208: AntiTrafficking in Persons Act of 2003; Republic Act 10364: Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012; Republic Act 9775: Anti-Child

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Pornography Act of 2009; and Republic Act 10175: Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Vallinas said that with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there had been several cases recorded involving children who had become victims of trafficking and online sexual exploitation. She emphasized that people in the community should be able to detect these kinds of abuse and violence, know where to report, so they could also help save the children from being harmed. “Trafficking in Persons shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include at a minimum the exploitation of prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of human organs,” reiterated Vallinas. On the other hand, Rebelander Basilan, lead of

the Media, Communications and Corporate Engagements Global Hub Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children of International Justice Mission, presented the roles and responsibilities of media in relation to the rules of confidentiality on child protection issues, with focus on the sexual exploitation of children as well as the child safety protocols in reporting. “As reporters and writers, we must be aware and conscious of the details that we share online or with the public and observe strict confidentiality. These information include the names of the childrensurvivors and related offender or family; specific home address like barangay, sitio and the like; specific location of rescue; name of school; and non-redacted files, among others,” said Basilan. Meanwhile, Alexis Cabardo, anchorperson of PTV8 Agusan from the province of Agusan del Sur and a participant of the virtual activity, expressed that this session was useful especially for those covering for the media and making news stories involving children. “Now that we are fully aware of the laws protecting the children, we also learned the appropriate ways of disclosing or presenting news stories without violating their rights,” he said. (JPG/PIACaraga)

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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Mga programang nagtataguyod sa karapatan ng mga bata, mas pinaigting pa sa Caraga region By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Dahil sa iba’t-ibang hamong dala ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic na nakaapekto sa buhay ng bawat tao lalo na sa mga kabataan, mas tinutukan ngayon ng iba’tibang ahensya ng pamahalaan ang paggawa ng mga inisyatibo para sa kanilang kapakanan. Sa isang mall sa Butuan City ay nagpulong ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) kasama ang media, ukol sa sitwasyon ng mga bata para maiwasan ang pang-aabuso, karahasan at pagsasamantala. Ayon kay Jessie Catherine Aranas, hepe ng Protective Services Division (PSD) ng DSWDCaraga, kasabay sa taunang selebrasyon ng National Children’s Month (NCM) ngayong buwan ng Nobyembre, mas pinaigting ng pamahalaan ang mga programa’t serbisyo para sa proteksyon at karapatan ng mga bata sa new normal. “Nakararanas ng iba’t-ibang hamon ang mga bata at magulang dahil na rin sa naidudulot na epekto ng COVID-19 pandemic sa atin. Mas nakatuon rin ang bawat pamilya sa economic reintegration dahil marami ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay. Kaya naman ang ating gobyerno kasama ang non-government organizations at civil society organizations ay gumagawa ng mga hakbang upang mas matutukan at matugunan rin ang concern ng mga bata at maitaguyod pa rin ang kanilang kapakanan,” ani ni Aranas. Nanawagan din ang DSWD sa publiko na agad ipagbigay-alam sa otoridad at kinauukulang ahensiya ang anumang paglabag at pag-abuso mga bata. Dagdag pa ni Aranas, ang mga aktibidad sa Children’s Month ngayong taon ay nakabase sa apat na kategorya katulad ng survival,

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|October 30-November 5, 2021

Jessie Catherine Aranas

development, participation at protection. May mga webinars din para mapalawak ang kaalaman sa pagtataguyod ng proteksyon at karapatan ng mga bata. Samantala, hinikayat rin ni assistant regional director Donald Seronay ng DILG ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa rehiyon na pagbutihin pa ang kanilang implementasyon sa mga polisiya at programa sa ilalim ng Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC). “May mga regular activities ang ating LGUs para sa sector ng mga bata. Unang-una ang ating information, education and communications (IEC) campaign. Layon nating na mas mapatatag pa ito ng ating council para mas lumawak pa ang kaalaman ng mga kabataan sa kanilang karapatan. Dapat periodic din ang pagsagawa ng meetings ng council upang matugunan ang bawat isyu ng sektor. Ilan lang ‘yan sa mga aktibidad ng local council,” banggit ni Seronay. May Child-Friendly Audit ring isinasagawa kung saan masusuri dito ang rating ng performance ng mga LGUs kabilang ang mga barangay base sa kanilang accomplishments. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS


BACOSFA holds Techno Demo Harvest Festival in Carrascal

The Bacolod Small Compact Farming Association (BASCOFA) of Brgy. Bacolod in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur successfully conducted the Techno Demo Farm Harvest Festival and celebrated its culmination on November 3, 2021, at Sitio Kabongbongan, Brgy. Bacolod. As part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Plant, Plant, Plant, Program, the Techno Demo Program aims to develop the vegetable farming technology

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of the local farmers in Carrascal town which will help them improve their productivity. The local government unit (LGU) of Carrascal has provided technical and logistical support to BASCOFA through the Municipal Agriculture Office.

has also expressed his support and commitment in providing inputs and other assistance needed by the organization.

The Techno Demo Program is a collaborative intervention between the Department of Mayor Vicente Pimentel Agriculture High-Value III extended his thanks Crops Development to the DA for the Program (DA-HVCDP) success of the program implementation. He also and the LGU-Carrascal thanked the members for for the vegetable their active participation. farmers of Barangay Bacolod. (LGUMeanwhile, Vice Mayor Carrascal/PIA-Surigao Jessie James Valle del Sur)

|October 30-November 5, 2021

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Mga Caraganon nakiisa sa 75th commemoration ng Historic Battle of Surigao Strait Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Nakilahok at nakiisa sa 75th commemoration ng historic battle of Surigao Strait sa Barangay Punta Bilar sa lungsod ng Surigao ang mga Caraganons. Sa nasabing pagdiriwang ay binigyang-diin ng lokal Caraga INFOCUS

na pamahalaan ang pagbibigay halaga at pangangalaga sa mayamang kalikasan ng rehiyon.

pangangalaga ng kalikasan na kanilang pinagkukunang-yaman lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya.

Ayon sa Surigao City Tourism Office, nagkakaisa pa rin ang mga Caraganon sa pagtugon sa

Kasabay nito, nagsagawa ng Ceremonial Friendship Tree Planting activity ang lokal na pamahalaan October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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kasama ang Bisaya Gyud Partylist at iba pang sektor sa development site ng barangay. Sumisimbolo ito sa matatag na relasyon ng bansang Pilipinas at Australia sa loob ng 75 taon. “May 75 narra trees tayong naitanim sa development site na katabi lang ng isinasagawang hatchery project ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Surigao,” ani ni Roselyn Armida Merlin, City Tourism Department

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Head sa Surigao City. Suportado naman ito ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t-ibang bansa tulad ng Japan, Australia at United States of America na nakasaksi mismo sa taunang selebrasyon sa lungsod. Sa naturang site makikita rin ang multi-species marine hatchery at tree park na tiyak mapapakinabangan ng mga surigaonon at turista. “Masaya kami kasi nakikita namin na patuloy pa ring

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umuunlad ang aming lungsod at patuloy din ang pagdayo rito ng mga turista,” pahayag ni Sheryll Ensinada, residente sa ng nasabing lungsod. Samantala, nanawagan ang lokal na pamahalaan at Bisaya Gyud sa mga Caraganon na patuloy na makiisa sa mga programa ng gobyerno at samasamang malampasan ang hamong dala ng COVID-19 pandemic. (JPG/PIACaraga)

Caraga INFOCUS


DTI Dinagat Islands launches ‘Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay’ program

The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Negosyo Center San Jose has launched its Livelihood Seeding Program Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) in different barangays of the province. The said program was launched in the barangays of Valencia in Cagdianao town; Sto. Niño in Basilisa town; Caraga INFOCUS

Carmen in Loreto town; and Cabayawan in Dinagat town.

The Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay is a program of DTI that allows a broader reach of business The activity was attended development assistance and participated by the by bringing government members of the Barangay services closer to the Development Council, people. The program also Punong Barangays, aimed at maximizing the existing and potential potentials of barangays micro, small, and medium to become economically enterprises (MSMEs). independent and make them more effective It was also the first time partners in the attainment for the people of the of national goals. (DTIcommunity to participate Dinagat Islands/PIAin the said training. Dinagat Islands) October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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PDI town hails as most improved in Competitiveness Index The town of Libjo was hailed as the most improved local government unit (LGU) in the 5th to 6th category in the entire province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) in the recently concluded Competitiveness Index. From 506 places, the town of Libjo was ranked 161 this year an improvement from 667th places in 2019. The ranking of Cities and Municipalities are based on the sum of their scores on four pillars such as; Economic, Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure and Resiliency. On the other hand, the provincial rankings are based on population and income generated average of the overall scores of cities and municipalities under a province. The Cities and Municipalities

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Competitiveness Index (CMCI) is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the National Competitiveness Council through the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCCs) with the assistance of the United States

|October 30-November 5, 2021

Agency for International Development. Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) provided technical assistance to the local government unit. (DILG-Libjo/PIADinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS


College Educational Assistance Fund Program sa lungsod sa Nasipit gipalapdan Gi-aprubahan ug gi-deklara nga balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Municipal Ordinance No. 012-2021, gikan sa lungsod sa Nasipit, ning lalawigan, o ang “Revised Ordinance on College Educational Assistance Fund Program (CEAFP) of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte,” atol sa ilang ika 110th nga sesyon regular. Sa maong ordinansa, nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Bayan member Vicente M. Cocon, nagtumong sa pagpalambo sa programa sa edukasyon sa kini nga munisipyo pinaagi sa pinansyal nga pagtabang sa mga kabus apan angayan nga mga estudyante nga interesado nga magpadayon sa ilang edukasyon sa kolehiyo nga hinungdan sa pagkuha og trabaho sa umaabot. Ang nasangpit nga lakang naglangkob sa tanan nga kwalipikado nga estudyante nga graduate sa Senior High School sa munisipyo sa Nasipit nga magpadayon sa edukasyon sa kolehiyo nga adunay minimum nga duha (2) ka tuig nga kurso ug maximum nga lima (5) ka tuig nga kurso, wala’y labot ang mga summer classes. Dugang pa, ang mga estudyante nga kwalipikado

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ubos sa programa sa CEAFP kinahanglan nga mag-enrol sa kolehiyo sa bisan unsang eskuylahan sa sulud sa Butuan City ug Agusan del Norte lamang.

matag tuig.

Basi sa seksyon 8 sa maong ordinansa, gihatagan og special privilege alang sa mga indigenous peoples (IPs) diin adunay maximum nga tulo (3) ka mga slots ang ihatag kanila nga adunay sertipiko isip mga myembro gikan sa tribal chieftain/pinuno nga iindorso sa representante sa IP sa Sangguniang Bayan, aron isumite sa LGU Scholarship Screening Committee (LSSC). Ang mga scholar sa IP exempted na qualifying examination test ug kinatibukang average nga 80%.

Bisan kinsa nga eskolar nga nakagradwar nga adunay dungog ihatag ang mga musunud nga insentibo Cum laude- Certificate with cash incentive of Php 2,000.00.

Adunay alokasyon nga P5,000.00 kada studyante matag semester o P10,000.00

Wala’y utlanan ang ihap sa mga scholar nga mahimong makapahimulos sa programa basta aduna pay pondo.

Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 417-2021, sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Rodulfo A. Pitogo, tsirman sa Committee on Education and Culture kauban ang mga coauthors nga si Hon. Elizabeth Marie R. Calo ug Hon. Benjamin D. Lim, Jr. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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Barangays Manoligao ug Tagcatong gideklarang Agriculture Organic Zone sa AgNor Giaprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte, bag-ohay pa lamang, ang Municipal Ordinance No. 03-3021 gikan sa lungsod sa Carmen, ning lalawigan nga “An Ordinance Declaring Barangays Manoligao and Tagcatong, This Municipality as an Agriculture Organic Zone and for Other Purposes”. Ang unod sa maong ordinansa nagtumong sa pagpauswag sa katungod sa mga tawo sa usa ka balanse ug himsog nga ekolohiya nga nahiuyon sa ritmo ug panag-uyon sa kinaiyahan, sa ingon, subay niini, ang duha (2) ka nasangpit nga mga barangay ang magsagop sa organikong agrikultura padulong sa pagpalambo ug magsustenir sa organikong pagpanguma ingon nga naguna niini nga pamaagi sa agrikultura. Ang agriculture organic zone usa ka sistema sa agrikultura nga naggamit mga abono nga organikong gigikanan sama sa abono sa compost, berde nga abono, ug pagkaon sa buhog ug gihatagan gibug-aton ang mga pamaagi sama sa pagtuyok sa tanum ug kauban nga pagtanum. Ang maong lakang suporta usab sa Agusan

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|October 30-November 5, 2021

Photo: CTTO

Up ang development agenda sa probinsiya ubos sa administration ni Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera. Kini subay usab sa Section 16 sa local Government Code of 1991, nga naghatag otoridad sa Sangguniang Bayan sa mga lungsod sa paghimo sa mga lakang alang sa general welfare sa lungsod ug ang mga residente niini alang sa efficient ug effective local governance. Kini gi-aprobahan sa mga paningkamot ni Board Member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr. pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 3722021, subay sa RA 10068 “An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and for Other Purposes” atol sa 106th regular session. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Tagbongabong Farmers Association akreditado na sa Agusan del Norte

Pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 436-2021 nga gipangamahanan ni Provincial Board member Francisco Y. Chan, Jr., giakredit sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang Tagbongabong Farmers Association sa Barangay Tagbongabong, sa lungsod sa R.T.R, isip usa ka people’s organization. Ang maong asosasyon nga gi-organisa nag tumong sa pagpauswag Caraga INFOCUS

sa kahimtang sa panginabuhi pinaagi sa mga proyekto nga makamugna og kita ug panginabuhian sa mga negosyo sa agrinegosyo nga motubag sa panginahanglan sa mga miyembro niini. Ubos sa Seksyon 34 sa Local Government Code of 1991, nagmando kini nga i-promote ang pag-establisar sa mga peoples’ organizations (POs), non-government

organizations (NGOs) ug mga pribadong sektor aron kini mamahimong mga aktibo nga partner sa local government unit dinhi ning lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte. Kini gi-aprobahan niadtong ika 112th regular session sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board member Chan. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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‘Bantay ASF sa Barangay’ i-implementar sa Cabadbaran nga nagbaligya, nagdala sa baboy, karne ug mga produkto nga gikan sa mga lugar nga adunay ASF pagasilotan; unang paglapas tulo ka libo ka pesos (Php3,000.00); ikaduhang paglapas upat ka libo ka pesos (Php4,000.00) ug ikatulong paglapas lima ka libo ka pesos (Php5,000.00) Photo: CTTO

Gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang City Ordinance No. 2021-024 gikan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran, “An Ordinance Institutionalizing “Bantay ASF sa Barangay” as Provided for under Administrative Order No. 07, series of 2021 of the Department of Agriculture and Appropriating Funds therefore Prescribing Penalties and for Other Purposes”. Aron mapugngan ang pagkaylap sa African Swine Fever (ASF) ug aron mapadali ang recovery sa hog sektor, ang Department of Agriculture (DA) nagpagawas og Administrative Order No. 07 nga serye sa 2021 aron ipatuman ang “Bantay ASF sa Barangay Program” sa tanan nga local government units (LGUs) sa nasud. Ubos sa Section 4 sa maong ordinansa, nga gipangamahanan ni

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Sangguniang Panlungsod member Celson A. Sanchez, ang traynta uno (31) nga mga barangay kapitan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran gi-designate isip mga Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBO) sa ilang tagsatagsa ka mga barangay. Mag conduct sila ug mga ASF negative monitoring matag semana ug buhaton ang mga kaakohan sama sa gimando sa Seksyon 3 sa Administrative Order No. 07-2021 sa DA. Ang mga silot mao ang mosunod: a. Ang bisan unsang kalapasan sa ordinansa mahimong silotan sa multa nga lima ka libo ka pesos (Php5,000.00) nga adunay pagkabilanggo nga usa (1) ka tuig ug pagkumpiska sa bisan unsang mga materyal nga gigamit alang sa mga kalapasan; b. Ang bisan kinsa nga tawo/establisemento nga nagpanag-iya, nadakup

|October 30-November 5, 2021

Ang African Swine Fever (ASF) usa ka hataas nga epekto sa trans border nga sakit sa hayop nagpadayon sa pag-apekto sa sektor sa produksyon sa baboy sa Pilipinas nga walay bakuna, ni nailhan nga tambal hangtod karon. Kini ang hinungdan sa gibanabana nga 36% nga pagkunhod sa nasudnon nga imbentaryo sa baboy nga nakaapekto sa pareho nga panginabuhian ug pang-ekonomiya nga pangagrikultura. Gi-aprobahan ang maong lakang pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 390-2021 sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board member Virgilio R. Escasinas, Jr., tsirman sa Committee on Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, inubanan sa mga myembro nga sila Provincial Board members Rodulfo A. Pitogo ug Francisco Y. Chan, Jr. atol sa ika 108th regular session kaniadtong September 27, 2021. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Cabadbaran nagprepara alang PUV modernization Plano sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa syudad sa Cabadbaran ang Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization aron maminusan ang gidaghanon sa mga traysikol nga nagbiyahe sa sulud sa syudad ug mapagaan ang kahuot sa trapiko. Ubos sa Section 3 sa City ordinance No. 2020-007, nga gipangamahanan ni Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Abner P. Caga-anan, alang sa kahamugaway sa publiko ug sa interes sa kaangayan, kalinaw, kahusay, ug kahilwasan, ang pag-isyu sa Mayors Permit, Business License, Provisional Authority, o prangkisa sa pagpadagan sa tricyclefor-hire, lemitado lang sa One Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty (1,750) nga yunit sa “waril-warik” nga mga traysikol ra. Walay application alang sa bag-ong mga prangkisa ang dawaton sugod Enero 1, 2022 bisan pa ang kinatibuk-ang ihap sa mga prangkisa Caraga INFOCUS

Photo: CTTO

sa pagpadagan sa motorized tricyle mas gamay sa 1,750. Aron hapsay ang implementasyon gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang City Ordinance No. 2020-007 gikan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod sa Cabadbaran, ang “Ordinance Imposing Moratorium of Issuance of Franchise to New Applicant for Motorized Tricycles (Warik-Warik)”. Ang mga silot sa paglapas sa maong ordinansa diin mga traysikol mobyahe nga walay prangkisa mao

ang mosunod: Unang paglapas Duha ka libo ka pesos (Php2,000.00) ug ang ikaduha ug sunod nga paglapas Duha ka libo ug lima ka gatos ka pesos o pagkabilanggo nga dili molapas sa tulo (3) ka bulan sa pagbuot sa korte. Kini giaprobahan niadtong ika 109th regular session kaniadtong October 4, 2021 sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Erwin L. Dano, tsirman sa Committee on Energy and Transportation. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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Pahalipay sa mga senior citizens sa Nasipit gi-dak-an

Photo ctto old file photo

Makadawat na og P500 cash incentives ang mga kwalipikadong senior citizens sa lungsod sa Nasipit ning lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte atol sa ilang adlawng natawhan. Kini sumala sa gi-amendar nga ordinansa sa maong lungsod nga gi-aprubahan ug gi-deklarang balido sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 427-2021. Matod pa sa nangamahan sa ordinansa nga si Sangguniang Bayan Member Paterno S. Corvera nga gamay ra ang P300 mao ang hinungdan nga gi-usab

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sa Sangguniang Bayan sa Nasipit ang miaging Ordinansa sa Munisipyo Numero 009, Serye 2016.

paggahin sa badyet gikan sa orihinal nga badyet nga P910,000.00 himuon nag P2,000,000.00 ang pondo.

Ubos sa Seksyon 6 sa maong ordinansa, ang mga Senior Citizens makadawat sa ilang cash incentives alang sa ilang adlawng natawhan sumala sa iskedyul sa pag-grupo nga ihatag matag katapusan sa bulan sa kada quarter. Ang ilang tagsatagsa nga cash incentives ihatag sa bulan sa Marso, Hulyo, Septembre ug Disyembre.

Ang ordinansa subay sa RA 7432, “An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation-Building, Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and for Other Purposes”.

Ug aron matubag ang gisugyot nga pagdugang sa cash incentives, kinahanglan usab nga usbawan ang

|October 30-November 5, 2021

Giuyonan kini pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie Calo ug Rodulfo A. Pitogo, niadtong ika 110th regular session. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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MINDANAO NEWS


BIMP-EAGA to focus on livelihood initiatives to combat ongoing pandemic

The 29th Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Tuesday will focus on initiatives that could help provide livelihood and income to the people during the ongoing pandemic in the local communities, particularly those living in the focus

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areas of BIMP-EAGA. Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman, who is the current chairperson of the BIMPEAGA said the ongoing imposition of lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus has made it very difficult for most of the local people to earn a living just to cover their daily subsistence needs. “This abrupt difficulty of

|October 30-November 5, 2021

our people to purchase things during this pandemic has clearly disrupted the economic flow that resulted in the downturn of our respective country’s economic performance,” he said during the virtual conference. He also hoped that the SOM will look at the challenging situation and ponder on what they can do as a sub-regional cooperation to help in Caraga INFOCUS


revving up economic activities within the local economies during the pandemic.

Macatoman stressed.

With the global challenges faced due to pandemic, he urged fellow officers to remain “[In this way], we can at hopeful and optimistic least help our national government in their efforts that one day it will shall all come to pass and at providing livelihood and business opportunities they could once again to our people in the focus resume the usual ways of conducting BIMP-EAGA areas. Perhaps, it is also meetings and activities. worthwhile to consider for this sub-region to “The same optimism I come-up with creative suppose should resonate ways that could make it on the way we strategize easier for people to do business in the sub-region things and undertake innovative ways that during this pandemic,” Macatoman emphasized. could make BIMP-EAGA sub-region contribute to the economic recovery Meanwhile, he also efforts amidst the commended Malaysia onslaught of the COVID for steering BIMP-EAGA’s 19 pandemic to our SOM Chairmanship respective economies,” for almost two years he added. and added that it has effectively managed and took things in stride just to Macatoman also bared ensure various BIMP-EAGA that they are looking efforts and initiatives keep forward to discussing new developments with the moving. country’s development “The Philippines is equally partners such as China and Japan. challenged to take on the responsibility after Malaysia and assures every one of our commitment to stay the course and keep up with the current momentum as we navigate ourselves in these turbulent times of the pandemic,” Caraga INFOCUS

“With this, Philippines hope that we will maximize the opportunity that this meeting has given us to exchange ideas, dialogue with each other harmoniously, and strengthen more our partnership and

commitment for the subregion,” he further added. This year’s BIMPEAGA, Dato Ahmad Zamri Khairuddin of Malaysia turns over the chairmanship to DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of the Philippines. The Meeting synergizes the efforts and initiatives of the member countries’ Senior Officials, Clusters, Working Groups, BIMPEAGA Business Council and development partners to come up with an integrated strategies, which will trigger quick socioeconomic recovery in the sub-region amid COVID-19 pandemic. It shall also tackle developments and results of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 Midterm Review. The BIMP-EAGA was organized as a subregional cooperation primarily intended to boost development in the lagging sub-economies of the member countries by enhancing trade, tourism, and investments. The Mindanao and Palawan are the two focus areas of the Philippines in the subregional grouping.#

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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Agri productivity eyed as tool for economic recovery socio-economic development in the island region.

As Mindanao directly suffers from the current global crisis, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said Wednesday that boosting agriculture productivity anew could be a possible way to economic recovery. During the Kusog Mindanaw Virtual Conference Series, MinDA Deputy Executive Director ASec. Romeo Montenegro cited that six out of 10 jobs in Mindanao are related to the agricultural value chain. “So if we wanted to bring back jobs that were lost and create more jobs in the rural areas in moving forward, our direction should be valueadding expanding our agriculture development in Mindanao,” he said.

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“An example of how we would want several other LGUs to look at in terms of approach is on a business case we are now developing in Taraka, Lanao del Sur. Taraka, a fourth class municipality, has been able to take out PHP200 million loan from the Development Bank Montenegro presented of the Philippines (DBP) the facts and figures for the construction of six of Mindanao’s thriving solar-powered irrigation economic landscape amid system (SPIS) and water the COVID-19 pandemic, supply system to value add with agriculture and other agriculture productivity,” related industries as growth he cited. drivers. “These prove that despite the global crisis’ It is also the first SPIS to shocks and disruptions, the be established under the island region can attribute Mindanao Water Supply its resilience to agriculture Program launched by being the only sector that MinDA, the Department poses a positive growth in of the Interior and Local this challenging time,” he Government, and DBP, stressed. the agencies involved in Also, Montenegro bats for Mindanao’s equitable budget share and pushes for the prioritization of catalytic infrastructures and industries development, which are needed to usher in an inclusive and sustainable

|October 30-November 5, 2021

crafting the MinDAWater Program. Currently, rice farmers of Taraka, an old town beside the 34,000-hectare Lake Lanao, will plant a second crop in one year with the opening of the first-ever local government-funded SPIS.#

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NATIONAL NEWS


PCOO bags multiple nominations at the prestigious 26th Asian Television Awards

The Presidential Communications Operations Office bagged six major nominations under different categories of the prestigious 26th Asian Television Awards (ATA). With an expert panel of over 60 judges across the region with about 50 categories, the ATA was launched in 1996, and it is the Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognizing excellence in

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programming, production Performance category and performance. as the host of his regular media platform Network Among the nominees Briefing News (NBN). are PCOO Secretary It is a daily news and Martin M. Andanar, information program PCOO-OGMPA Assistant primarily airing on the Secretary JV Arcena, Philippine Broadcasting the Laging Handa Dokyu Service, and its format series and its theme song aims to bring often“Ang Totoong Puso ng unheard stories from lessPinoy.” covered localities across the country. Communications Secretary Martin M. “We are truly pleased Andanar was nominated and grateful that the as Best News Presenter PCOO is once again or Anchor under nominated for awards by

|October 30-November 5, 2021

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prestigious international award-giving bodies, and this time in the 26th Asian Television Awards,” Sec. Andanar said. “This is another testament to the excellence, professionalism, and award-winning nature of the pool of talent we have in the PCOO,” Sec. Andanar added. “Our outward efforts in disseminating factual and truthful information and content to the Filipino people continue to gain international recognition as a reflection of the overall campaign of the Duterte administration towards informing and engaging the public,” Sec. Andanar bared. Aside from Andanar, PCOO Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (PCOOOGMPA) Assistant Secretary JV Arcena has been nominated in two categories, namely: Best Current Affairs Presenter/Host and Best Host/Presenter for Digital, both for the “Laging Handa Dokyu” series, which is also among the nominees of the Best Current Affairs Caraga INFOCUS

Programme category.

combating COVID-19.

According to Asec. Arcena, these recognitions are the collective results of the PCOO’s commitment in service to the Filipino public.

Furthermore, “Ang Totoong Puso ng Pinoy”, the theme song of the said documentary series, also bagged back to back nominations for the Best Music Video and Best Theme Song categories.

“The nominations at the 26th Asian Television Awards are the outcome of our team’s collective efforts, dedication, hard work, and commitment to public service for the Filipino people,” Asec. Arcena said. Launched in 2020, the Laging Handa Dokyu is a series of experiential and informational short documentaries which highlight the lives of healthcare workers and other frontliners, as well as the efforts of the government in

The song, composed by Asec. Arcena, highlighted the resilience of the Filipino people and paid tribute to healthcare workers and frontliners on the forefront of the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 ATA is set to hold its virtual ceremony on December 10 to 11, 2021. This year, PCOO also won multiple awards from the prestigious The Stevie Awards and UP Gandingan Awards. October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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Secretary Andanar: PH winning vs. proliferation of illegal drugs

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that the country is winning in terms of addressing the drug menace and proliferation of drugrelated crimes. In an interview, Secretary Andanar reiterated the government’s report where around 1.2 million drug surrenderers underwent rehabilitation programs and more than P15 billion worth of shabu and another P16 billion worth of dangerous drugs were seized by the authority in the past years. The said amount does not include the successful crackdown and surveillance operations done this year. Recently, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized about PHP8.6 million worth of party

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drugs concealed in three shipments in Pasay City. An investigation is also underway to determine the source of the PHP5.3 million worth of cocaine seized in Tawi-Tawi last week. “Malaki talaga ang naging epekto nitong kampanya natin laban sa iligal na droga, lalo na sa pagsugpo ng drug cartels. Dati, marami sila dito sa bansa pero ngayon, nabawasan ang kanilang network,” he said. From July 1, 2016 to the present, more than P40 billion worth of illegal drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals have been destroyed, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Secretary Andanar noted that the campaign against drugs is

|October 30-November 5, 2021

part of the initiative to push for safer streets and uplift the wellbeing of Filipinos. Duterte admin as the “Golden age of Infrastructure” Secretary Andanar also mentioned the accomplishments of the Duterte Administration in building new bridges and roads, ushering in the golden age of infrastructure for the country. “It’s really assuring that today, in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, we were able to have new monumental infrastructure projects like the CebuCordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). This is just one of the projects that would really reflect the accomplishments of the President,” he said.

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Bong Go emphasizes he remains as PDP-Laban’s VP candidate Senator Christopher “Bong” Go hit back against those who continue to question his vice presidential candidacy as he again dispelled rumors that he is clearing the way for another candidate to run in the 2022 elections. “Alam n’yo ang problema dito... kandidato na po ako ng exactly 39 days…. Ayaw nilang maniwala na kandidato ako as vice president. May partido po ako, kami po ‘yung dominant party ‘yung PDP. At ako po’y kandidato as a vice president,” said Go in an ambush interview after the distribution of assistance to residents of Antipolo City in Rizal on Tuesday, November 9. elections. “So, bakit ayaw n’yong maniwala na kandidato na ako as vice president?” he added.

“Kung ako ang tatanungin mo, 100 percent na akong tatakbong VP. ‘Di naman po natin kontrolado ang As far as he is concerned, ibang mga gustong Go said that he is tumakbo dahil nga dito determined to run for vice sa naayon sa batas, may president in the upcoming substitution. ‘Di natin Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go

alam kung meron pang gustong tumakbo at pumalit,” said Go. “Ako, kandidato po ako, senador po ako, halal po ako ng higit 20,600,000 Filipinos. Hindi po laro itong pulitika. Kailangan bigyan po natin ng konsiderasyon ang October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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taumbayan na naghalal sa iyo. Kapag kandidato ka na, totohanin mo ‘yun. Gampanan mo ang iyong tungkulin,” he added. In response to those who continue to doubt his candidacy, Go referenced his supporters’ nationwide caravans organized on November 6 and 7 as proof of his decision to run for vice president. “Sige, kung ayaw n’yong maniwala antayin n’yo na lang po hanggang 15 kung ayaw n’yong maniwala na kandidato ako as vice president. Kung mayro’ng pagbabago...sige. Kung sa tingin ninyo mayro’ng pagbabago sige po, antayin n’yo na lang po,” said Go. “Kung ayaw ninyong maniwala na kandidato ako as vice president, nakita n’yo naman po all over the country na po ‘yung tarpaulin na naglagay, hindi ko naman po inutusan ang mga ‘yon. Mga volunteers po ‘yon, nagcaravan sila, more than 10 thousand vehicles po nag-caravan sila,” he added.

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On November 6, hundreds of supporters of Go, who collectively call themselves the Sulong Ang Pag-Unlad Movement, participated in separate caravans organized in multiple areas, including Biliran, Bohol, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camiguin, Capiz, Davao de Oro, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Quirino, Rizal, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Southern Samar, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur as well as the cities of Dumaguete, Iloilo, Mandaluyong, Marawi, Iligan, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon, San Juan, Tacloban and Valenzuela.

least 10 parallel groups, including Bayan for Bong Go (B4BG), Friends of Bong Go (FOBG), Go Kabataan, Go Youth Movement, Riders Pilipinas, FOBG Riders, Gammakins, LGBT PILIPINAS, BAGO 2022, and other volunteer support groups.

On the same day, the Go Bong Go Coalition was also launched in Caloocan City in an activity attended by hundreds of supporters on November 6. The event was led by at

“Wala pong masasayang na oras, ni minuto. Magseserbisyo po ako sa inyong lahat kung papalarin po ako at mapipili po ako bilang bise presidente,” he added.

|October 30-November 5, 2021

On November 7, sectors from various walks of life also showed their support for the vice presidential bid of Go as they attended a Metro Manila caravan. Go then extended his gratitude to everyone who attended the events, telling them that he will not waste their time or support. “Maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta sa akin. Nakakataba po ng puso. At susuklian ko po ‘yon ng serbisyo kung sakaling susuwertihin po ako at ihalal po ako bilang bise presidente,” said Go.

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Bong Go says he is “hoping for the best” amid speculations that Sara Duterte’s withdrawal from Davao City mayoral race could affect his VP bid Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that he does not want to speculate on plans of the Duterte family following the withdrawal of Mayor Sara Duterte from the Davao City mayoral race in the 2022 elections. He, however, stressed that he is “hoping for the best.” “Ayoko munang magspeculate ‘no kung ano ‘yung plano ng pamilya at ako naman po ay may partido kasama si Pangulong Duterte, desisyon niya po ito, at desisyon ng partido na tumakbo po ako na bise Caraga INFOCUS

presidente,” said Go in an ambush interview after delivering aid to struggling residents of Antipolo City on Tuesday, November 9. “So, ibig sabihin, 39 days na po since I filed my candidacy as a vice president last October 2. Binoto po ako ng tao (noong 2019), mahigit 20.6 million Filipinos ang bumoto sa akin,” he added. Whatever the decision of the Duterte family and his party PDP-Laban is, Go said that he is “the least of their concerns.” He also advised the public to

wait and see what might happen in the next days. “Unang-una, mahal na mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte, may utang na loob po ako sa kanya, at mabigat po sa amin mga Bisaya ‘yung utang na loob, diyan ko po natutunan sa kanya ‘yan, at ayaw ko po siyang bigyan ng sakit ng dibdib dahil lang sa pulitika,” said Go. “Sabi ko, I’m the least of their worries. Basta isa lang naman ang layunin ko, nabanggit ko kanina ang layunin ko lang naman po ay magserbisyo sa kapwa October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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ko Pilipino kahit na anong kapasidad po, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo. Antayin nalang po natin sa mga susunod na araw kung ano po ‘yung magiging desisyon ng pamilya Duterte at ng partido namin, ng PDP,” he added. Sara Duterte revealed on Tuesday that she has officially dropped her reelection candidacy for Davao City mayor. Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, her younger brother, abandoned his reelection candidacy and may run for the city’s top post as his sister’s replacement candidate.

‘yan,” said Go. “Na-touch po ako doon sa sinabi ni Mayor na kahit pa nagtatrabaho po ako ng tahimik ay nakikita rin pala nila, naa-appreciate nila na nagtatrabaho at syempre gusto ko pa rin pong makatulong. Wala naman po akong interes dito sa trabahong ito kung hindi magserbisyo lang po sa aking kapwa Pilipino,” he added.

Go said that he would not speculate if Sara Duterte’s decision to drop her reelection candidacy for Davao City mayor will affect his own vice presidential bid. He however empathized Meanwhile, Go explained with supporters who have why he grew emotional committed their time and after Antipolo Mayor effort to prepare for the Andrea Ynares’ and former campaign. Governor Casimiro Ynares’ speeches in which they “Naging emosyonal po said Go is qualified for the ako doon na kung sakaling vice presidency. He said may changes po, kung that he was overwhelmed saka-sakali may mga by the outpouring support movements because of the public for him. of this substitution issue, kung mayroon mang “Alam nyo, naging pagbabago,” said Go. emotional po ako dahil nakikita, kanina nakita “Nalulungkot lang po ko ‘yung mga tao ako, lalung-lalo na po naghahawak ng placard, para sa mga supporters na na-appreciate nila. natin na nagpagod na po Sabi ko hindi nyo naman na walang kapagurang po kami kailangang sumusuporta, naniniwala, pasalamatan dahil umiikot sa buong Pilipinas trabaho naman po namin para hikayatan at

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|October 30-November 5, 2021

ipaalam sa taumbayan ang kandidatura ko, nalulungkot po ako para sa kanila sa mga naniniwala sa akin,” said Go. The senator, however, said that he’s “hoping for the best.” “Ibig sabihin sana po’y sabi ko nga sana walang masagasaan at sana po’y hindi rin po ako masagasaan. Kung saka-sakali man pong masagasaan ako, ayaw ko po na magiging sakit ng dibdib ng taong mahal ko si Pangulong Duterte,” said Go. “I’m the least of their problems. Dahil mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte. So sabi ko antayin nalang po natin hanggang November 15, kung may pagbabago. Dalawa lang naman po ‘yan (nakapag-file) na po ako as (candidate for) Vice President for the last 39 days. Saan pa ba ako pupunta if ever, kung sakaling may pagbabago? Dalawang position lang po ‘yun. “Antayin na lang po natin kung ano ang magiging desisyon ni Pangulong Duterte at desisyon po ng partido, salamat po,” he ended. Caraga INFOCUS


Bong Go vows support for Antipolo City, gives aid to indigent residents to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Antipolo City, Rizal on Tuesday, November 9, to meet with residents who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and to discuss with local officials the current state of the COVID-19 response in their city. In a speech at the activity, Go offered his office’s assistance to the affected sectors and assured the people of the province that the Duterte Administration would continue to stand with them as they begin to recover and rebuild from the ongoing crisis.

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“Ayaw namin ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na pinapasalamatan kami dahil trabaho namin ito. Kami po’y mga probinsyano lamang na taga-Davao na binigyan ng Panginoon ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo. Kaya hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ito. Ibabalik po namin ang serbisyo na para sa inyo,” vowed Go. “Kung may natutunan man ako sa kanya (Duterte) ito ay ang unahin mo ang interes ng iyong kapwa at hinding-hindi ka magkakamali. Kaya isa din sa mga inspirasyon ko sa public service ay ang

pamilyang Ynares dahil nakita ko kung paano silang nagseserbisyo,” he continued. The senator and his staff distributed meals, food packs, vitamins and masks to a total of 728 residents in batches at the Ynares Center while observing the necessary health and safety protocols against COVID-19. They gave selected recipients new pairs of shoes and bicycles for commuting to work and provided others with computer tablets which children can use while studying at home. In addition, personnel

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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88% na ang bakunado,” encouraged Go.

from various government agencies were also in attendance as part of a whole-of-government effort to improve the well-being of Filipinos. The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed separate financial assistance while the Department of Labor and Employment compensated some residents for the services they rendered under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers program. The Department of Agriculture set up a community pantry and the Department of Health also gave away medicines and additional vitamins. Further, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for its assistance programs. The senator continued his message urging everyone

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to stay disciplined in fighting the pandemic. He called on all eligible residents to get vaccinated, hailing the recent gains in the vaccine front which have led to the current drop in COVID-19 cases. The country, which recently exceeded its supply target of 100 million doses of vaccines, has now administered a total of 64.9 million doses as of November 8. More than 35.1 million individuals have received their first doses while 29.8 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated. “Nakakatuwa at mataas na ang vaccination rate ninyo dito sa Antipolo City. Hindi na rin nalalayo na maging Alert Level 2 kayo at mabubuksan na ang lokal na ekonomiya. Pero kailangan bumaba muna ang bilang ng mga kaso gaya sa Maynila kung saan

|October 30-November 5, 2021

“Nasa datos na pagbakunado kayo mas maiiwasan niyo ang grabeng sintomas ng COVID-19. Kaya kung gusto niyong tulungan ang mga frontliners, magpabakuna na kayo at sumunod sa mga protocols dahil hindi natin alam baka hindi bakunado ang katabi niyo,” he cautioned. Go offered further assistance to those needing medical care and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV (Mambugan), Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital or Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently apply for medical assistance from government agencies, specifically the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The program began as a convergence initiative of the Office of the President in 2018 and has since expanded to 148 hospitals nationwide. Go served as the principal author and

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sponsor of the measure that became the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. “Maglilimang taon na po akong nagda-dialysis nitong February. Nagpapasalamat ako sa senador dahil tinutulungan niya kami at kailangan talaga namin ito sa panahon ngayon. Gaya nito, gagamitin ko ang pera na ‘to pangbayad sa gamot at mga treatment. Kung ano mang tulong ang ibibigay niya ay ibabalik namin ito sa kanya. Nakasiguro na ‘yon sa siya ang iboboto ko bilang bise presidente sa susunod na halalan,” said Ramon Fidel, 51. To end, the senator thanked the various officials who extended their cooperation and assistance, namely Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Region Secretary Casimiro Ynares Jr., Governor Rebecca Ynares, Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Mayor Andrea Ynares, Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, former Governor and Mayor Casimiro Ynares III, and the members of the City Council. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported numerous initiatives to improve the delivery of public services and foster economic growth in Rizal. He

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supported the construction of the Justice Building in Barangay Inarawan and rehabilitation of the drainage system along Napoleon Street. Other major initiatives include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono and Rodriguez; rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Rodriguez; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez; construction of the Taytay Sports Complex; construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras; and purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo. In line with his commitment as an adopted son of the CALABARZON region, the senator also personally provided aid to 197 health

workers and 130 patients during a monitoring visit at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV and 76 fire victims at the new Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office building on the same day. “Pagdating ng panahon, patuloy pa din akong magseserbisyo sa inyo. Kahit na kapitan nalang kami ni Pangulong Duterte, magserbisyo at tutuparin ko ang mga ipinangako ko,” said Go. ”Alam niyo, inikot ko na ang buong Pilipinas. Mula Batanes hanggang Jolo, pinutahan ko para makapagbigay ng tulong, makabigay ng solusyon sa mga problema at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa panahon ng pagdadalamhati ng mga Pilipino. Nakakawalang pagod sa totoo lang, nakakawalang pagod talaga.”

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

37



Gov’t eyes 1M daily vaccination rate beginning Nov. 30

National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (Presidential photo)

The government is eyeing to achieve its targeted average daily vaccination rate of at least 1 million up to 1.5 million doses beginning Nov. 30, National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Wednesday. During the prerecorded Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Caraga INFOCUS

Duterte aired Wednesday morning, Galvez added the government also targets to administer at least 15 million doses of coronavirus vaccines before the end of this month. To achieve this goal, Galvez said there is a need to activate around 4,000 to 5,000 vaccination sites operating nationwide

and can accommodate at least 500 vaccinees daily. If these sites can vaccinate up to 1,000 individuals once operational, then the targeted 5 million doses weekly will be achievable, he added. “So we will be utilizing the [shopping] malls, universities, schools, gyms, military/police October 30-November 5, 2021 |

39


camps, and function hall of the different government agencies,” he said. Galvez, also the country’s vaccine czar, announced that the government, in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association and its allied medical groups within the Rotary Club, will soon hold a National Vaccination Day “either November 20 or 30.” He said it will be participated “by mobilizing the NGOs, government agencies, private sector, and the volunteers,” noting that the initiative will further accelerate the country’s vaccination program. The government is also mulling to fully vaccinate at least 90 percent of the education sector including teachers, students, and other school personnel. Citing data reported by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Prospero de Vera, Galvez said 87 to 90 percent of the teachers’

40

population were already vaccinated.

on vaccinating senior citizens so that we can achieve [full The government will also vaccination of] at least ramp up the vaccination 70 percent [by the end of teaching personnel of November],” he said. and secondary students under the Department of The latest data of the Education (DepEd), he National Covid-19 added. Vaccination dashboard showed the Philippines He said the has already administered administration of booster a total of 60,406,424 shots for medical workers doses, with 27,749,809 and other healthcare individuals already personnel in the hospitals fully vaccinated and will be prioritized by the 32,656,615 others have end of the month. received the first dose. Galvez said the government also targets to fully vaccinate at least 50 percent of the population residing in high-risk areas such as Calabarzon and Central Luzon regions. The huge disparity of vaccination rate in these areas compared to the National Capital Region must be addressed, he said. He added there is a need to ramp up the vaccination of senior citizens as they are the most vulnerable to the disease. “We will still concentrate

|October 30-November 5, 2021

The average daily vaccination rate in the last seven weeks has slightly slowed down to 511,434 doses, compared to the previous week’s 522,272 doses due to the observance of the All Saints’ Day holiday. However, health authorities expressed optimism that the country will be able to increase its average daily vaccination rate with the bulk of Covid-19 vaccines now being continuously delivered. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS


Over 106M vaccine doses cleared since February: BOC

(PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday reported that it has cleared over 106 million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines that arrived in the country since the arrival of the first shipment of jabs in February. In a statement, the bureau said the running total number of vaccine doses in the country is now at 106,245,420.

against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven, and BOCPort of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) District Collector Carmelita Talusan witnessed the arrival of the 976,950 doses of governmentprocured Pfizer vaccine, which raised the number of vaccine doses secured by the country to over 100 million.

These include 3,507,800 doses of AstraZeneca To date, a total of vaccine and 4,049,370 Pfizer jabs that arrived from eight vaccine brands are being used in the October 28 to 31. inoculation program of the government -On October 28, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, National Task Force Caraga INFOCUS

Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik V, Hayat-Vax, and Sinopharm. The first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines in the country contained 600,000 doses of Sinovac which was donated by the Chinese government. The clearance of the vaccine shipments were processed and released through the advance clearance process while underguarding duties were also handled by BOC’s CoVax Special Handling Taskforce composed of security and operations unit of the bureau. (PNA/ Ferdinand Patinio)

October 30-November 5, 2021 |

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Over 59M shots given; 27.3M Pinoys now fully vaccinated

Over 27 million Filipinos are now fully protected against coronavirus infections, according to the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 tracker on Sunday.

seven days stood at 518,294 doses.

NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the government targets to increase Based on the National the average daily jabs Covid-19 Vaccination administered to up to 1.5 Dashboard, the Philippines million doses to reach has already administered its goal of protecting at 59,134,236 doses nationwide. least 50 million Filipinos by yearend. Of the total, 31,862,067 doses were given as first The vaccination rate is shots and 27,272,169 were expected to increase with used as second doses. the start of the nationwide pediatric vaccination on The country’s average daily Nov. 3, targeting 12.7 million vaccination rate in the last minors aged 12 to 17 years.

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|October 30-November 5, 2021

File photo

Previous inoculation activities prioritized those with comorbidities.

Galvez said at least 157 hospitals and non-hospital vaccination sites will be utilized. Booster shots for health care workers may also be administered within November, pending the Emergency Use Authorization amendments and the final recommendation from the World Health Organization. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

Caraga INFOCUS



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