CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7
05 - 11 October 2019
REGIONAL NEWS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
14 16 8 18 10 19 12 21 Caraga fisherfolks get 22 environment-friendly 24 fishing paraphernalia 26 28 7
Volume III, No. 60
Senior citizens join different competitions in Butuan City
Agusanon youths participate in 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019
PNP Caraga personnel learn LGBTQI’s SOGIE
IPs join LGU, AFP for peace covenant in AgSur
DOTr, LTFRB step-up preparation for PUVMP implementation in Caraga
AgSur’s drug rehab center now open
DA Caraga honors organic agriculture prime movers
CSP Teams deployed in AgSur LGU-Lianga, Army donate TV set in IP community TESDA chief graces mass graduation of FRs in SurSur PRLEC leads mass graduation, enterprise village launching in SurSur Caring farm animals through livestock outreach program Badjaos get free food, haircut this Maritime week
MINDANAO NEWS
30 31
1K Marawi siege victims benefit from BARMM Project Tabang DepEd shuts down 55 Salugpungan schools in Davao
NATIONAL NEWS
35 38 41
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PH keen on asserting independent foreign policy President Duterte to Russian investors: You’re assured of gains and protection in PH TESDA to train 60K farmers annually via new program
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News Briefs The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall be the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda. (RA 10844) Dir. Maria Kristina Cassion of LTFRB-Caraga reiterated that the ongoing implementation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB’s) Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is the flagship non-infrastructure program of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, aims to provide a comfortable life for all Filipinos through a safe, reliable, convenient, affordable and environmentally-sustainable transportation system in the country.
The 1st Joint Provincial Development Council (PDC) and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting is held in Butuan City to tackle issues and concerns affecting the development and the peace & order of the province of Agusan del Norte. Said meeting is presided by the chairperson Gov. Dale Corvera. The 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, together with the local government unit of Sibagat, and other government agencies will conduct the “Government on Wheels” in Brgy. Perez, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Said activity forms part of the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region.
Cover Story
Caraga fisherfolks get environment-friendly fishing paraphernalia
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UTUAN CITY- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Sar led in the distribution of the different environmentfriendly fishing gears and paraphernalia to the different farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives of Caraga region.
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Secretary Dar believed that the assistance given to the cooperatives will help improve and alleviate the living condition of every member. “It is high time that the farmers and fisherfolks be empowered to become strong partners in big businesses and to improve their income and productivity,” said Dar. Aside from the fishing gears and paraphernalia, eight hauling trucks were also distributed to farmers cooperatives of hauling truck. “It is a big help to us members of the rice processing center,” amounting to P10.9 million. said coop chairman Merly Azarcon. Vivian Cerilles, one of the organizers of San Roque Punta fisherfolks and livelihood association of the Municipality of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte expressed her gratitude to the government through the Department of Agriculture. She said these are of great help to the members of the cooperative. Her organization has already received fingerlings and livestocks. Also, Mesail Molina of Kilometer Seven Farmers Producers Cooperative was thankful to the government for the hauling truck given to them. He said the truck is of big help to the cooperative because they will no longer rent a vehicle to deliver their produce like coffee to the market.
Secretary Dar also led the fingerlings dispersal and met with the local farmers and fisherfolks. The DA’s total support given to the farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives in the region has reached more than P50 million, it was learned. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)
Because of the government’s intervention, the Palasao Agriculture Cooperative also received one unit October 05 - 11, 2019
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News I Empowering Communities
Senior citizens join different competitions in Butuan City By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - In celebration of this year’s Elderly Filipino Week, the senior citizens from the different barangays of this city showcased their talents in ballroom dance, song duet and harana (serenade) during a local contest spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD). Ramon Ubac, president of senior citizens in Barangay Maguinda Chapter, was one of the participants who took the challenge and manifested that age is really just a number. He gracefully danced along with others during the elimination round for the ballroom dance contest. At age 72, he said he is happy to explore more his passion and engage himself on activities that interest him a lot like dancing, as he is still blessed to have a sound mind and health that
enables him to participate in the yearly activity for the said celebration. He also stressed the importance of practicing a healthy lifestyle and daily exercise in order to enjoy a longer and better life. “Eating nutritious food and daily exercise would really help us get stronger and enables us to do whatever we want. So, I call on other senior citizens to do the same so that you could also participate in the activities like dancing
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Regional News I Empowering Communities and singing,” said Ubac.
advocacy and programs for the sector and providing them any help they Guests also witnessed the acting need. talent of Necerita Celocia, 69 years old, as she was serenaded during She further stressed the importance the harana contest. Her groupmates of constant communication among showed versatility in melding song and family members and show love and acting ability, delving deeply into the care to the parents. This would help past through the harana. enhance family ties and serve as an inspiration to others. Celocia said, she gets excited knowing that various activities are lined- “Our elderly men and women up for the annual celebration, where need our love and care. We should she could join and enjoy, regardless of also continue to show them respect her age. and make them feel that we are here for them,” Tan said. “Let’s take part in the different activities that promote the welfare of The grand finalists for ballroom the senior citizens. It would also help us dance, duet, and harana will once live longer,” said Celocia. again perform on October 18 during the culmination activity and winners will She also encouraged other senior be given prizes by the CSWD and other citizens to have a positive outlook concerned government agencies. in life despite the challenges they experience. The Elderly Filipino Week is observed every first week of October According to Josefina Tan, focal pursuant to Proclamation No. 470 to person for the elderly of Butuan CSWD, promote the well-being of the elderly they are continuously stepping up its Filipinos. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
PNP Caraga personnel learn LGBTQI’s SOGIE By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the different police provincial offices of Caraga region learned about the Sexual Orientation And Gender Equality And Expression (SOGIE) during an orientation-seminar conducted by the Ladlad Caraga Incorporated - a non-government organization composed of the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community.
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Regional News I Empowering Communities The participating PNP personnel were briefed on how to become more gender-sensitive as law enforcers, especially in handling cases with the concerned LGBTQI. “We fully understand that aside from men and women, we, as law enforcers should also protect the rights of the LGBTQI community, and making sure that we do not violate their rights,” said Police Master Sergeant Estaniel Galve, police community relation - PNCO, Rosario Municipal Police Station, Agusan del Sur. “As law enforcers, we practice gender sensitivity and promote equality and we do not discriminate the LGBTQI. We should also be careful in our decisions such as when handling cases involving the LGBTQI,” said Police Staff Sergeant Helen Jane Cabalo, assistant women and children protection desk/ asst. human rights desk - PNCO, Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station, Siargao Islands.
they do not insist passage of same-sex marriage while they campaign only for gender sensitivity and equality.
Bacasmas added that their organization has also scheduled next month another orientation-seminar on SOGIE with the media practitioners in the region. This is to provide them with an in-depth understanding According to Ysang Bacasmas, about SOGIE, which they could chairperson of Ladlad Caraga, it is also disseminate in their respective important for the LGBTQI community programs and publications. that the public including the law “We want to enhance network enforcers understand better their with the media and we believe they situation. could help prevent the spread of fake Thru the help of the experts on news about the LGBTQI community,” gender and development from various said Bacasmas. government agencies, the laws that Meanwhile, the Ladlad Caraga protect and uphold the rights of the also continues to advocate for said sector were also discussed. the anti-discrimination ordinance With the recent issue on the particularly in the schools of Caraga. SOGIE bill, Bacasmas clarified that (JPG/PIA-Caraga) October 05 - 11, 2019
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Regional News I Empowering Communities
DOTr, LTFRB step-up preparation for PUVMP implementation in Caraga By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are stepping up its preparation for the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in Caraga region. Several units of the electronic and solar modernized PUVs have been delivered recently in Butuan City and will start operating at the designated routes including in other provinces of Caraga this month of October.
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During the PUV Caravan held in Butuan, which was participated by the transport cooperatives in the region, the operators and drivers interacted with the manufacturers from various companies and have clarified their
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Regional News I Empowering Communities concerns on how to operate the According to OIC-regional modernized PUVs. director Maria Kristina Cassion of LTFRBCaraga, the PUVMP is the largest non The representatives from infrastructure flagship program of the LandBank and Development Bank of Duterte administration. She said, it is high the Philippines (DBP) were also present time that commuters could experience to discuss further with the transport a comfortable, convenient and safer sector the mechanism on the availment travel. And transport cooperatives of the financial assistance. have been very supportive of this effort. Jose Evagelous Lawenko, chairperson of Diamond Transport Service Cooperative (DATSCO) stressed that thru the help of the LTFRB, their loan application in the bank was fast-tracked. He also explained the advantages they could get from PUVMP.
The official assured that by year 2020, no old PUVs will be allowed to operate.
“Starting July 1, 2020, no old public utility vehicles will be allowed to operate. We all know how serious we are in the implementation of the program. Even before, we already “The modernization would really have apprehended several violators,” give convenience to the commuters. Cassion underscored. (JPG/PIAThese PUVs are equipped with CCTV Caraga) and could also enjoy the free wi-fi and charging station for their cellphones,” said Lawenko. Drivers in Butuan have also expressed their take on the PUVMP. “This should not be implemented too soon as drivers like us would no longer have a job. If this would really push through, we also asked the government to provide alternative jobs for the affected drivers to support their respective family,” said Nicasio Sabellano, pedicab driver. “Modernization is good. However, what I do not like is that all are required to be a member of a cooperative to be qualified to avail the program. It gives us agony,” said Celedonio Goyocan, a driver. October 05 - 11, 2019
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DA Caraga honors organic agriculture prime movers By Rhea Abao
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga annually recognized the efforts of individual farmers, organizations, and local government units’ exemplary contributions to the implementation of organic agriculture. In the recently conducted 5th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress last September 5-6 in Butuan City, outstanding organic implementers were given recognition through the 2019 Regional Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards (ROAAA). The ROAAA winners were named by categories, such as the outstanding municipal/city local government units, organic agriculture (OA) focal persons, agricultural extension worker, small individual farmer, and organic farming family. The city government of Bislig won and received a plaque of recognition and P300,000 proposal-based agricultural projects. Bislig through the leadership of former Mayor Librado Navarro is steadfast in pursuing the program which is now being sustained by the present administration. The LGU of Bislig is also being shortlisted to the National OA Search on the said category with ongoing deliberation at the national level.
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is the implementation of the program to the grassroots level specifically in its vision to become the Model City for OA in the country by 2020. Edgar Opalia from Alegria, Surigao del Norte was also recognized as Organic Agriculture Focal Person while Jenebelle B. Sasi of Trento, Agusan del Sur as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker. Outstanding Organic Farming Family was given to Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Estrella of Socorro, Surigao del Norte. In the same occasion, Analyn P. Dulpina from Burgos, Surigao del Norte was named as ROAAA Outstanding Small Individual Farmer and at the same time the 2019 Outstanding Rural Woman in the region.
The Outstanding Rural Woman Award is in recognition of the vital role and valuable contribution of rural women in ensuring food security and economic stability in rural areas. They recognize individuals received a plaque of recognition and cash awards. (DA One of the major accomplishments Caraga/PIA Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News I Empowering Communities
Agusanon youths participate in 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit 2019 By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The youths from different barangays of this city have actively participated in the 1st Bayugan City Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) spearheaded by the Bayugan City Local Government Unit, in partnership with the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion held on September 24-26, 2019 at the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium, this city.
Ryan Enriquez, Chairman and chief executive officer of the National Youth Commission (NYC) was the guest of honor and speaker during the
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opening. Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis, who was also a product of YLS and became the president and chairman of the National Movement of Young
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities Legislators (NMYL) also delivered his message. YLS emphasizes positive activism through valuesbased interactive discussions on the role of youth in nationbuilding, the youth of today, prejudice and biases, strengthening the youth spirit, the role of youth in ending local communist communist armed conflict in the city. armed conflict in the city. Further, a series of team building “The YLS is a mechanism and activities and workshops to craft their movement of peace-oriented YLS Action Plan will be conducted. advocates to protect our youth against After the activity, the 90 YLS Communist NPA Terrorists and its allied graduates composed of Sangguniang militant groups’ recruitment which Kabataan members, out-of-school violates the Republic Act on Special youth and Indigenous Peoples (IP) Protection of Children Against Abuse, youth were integrated to the Propelling Exploitation and Discrimination Act, Our Inherited Nation through our Youth, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act and Incorporated (POINTY Inc.), who will other Human Rights laws by recruiting also be the core group to lead the minors and the youth in their armed succeeding youth leadership summits and political struggle to overthrow the government,” said Baybayan. in Bayugan City. LTC Joey Baybayan, commander of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, expressed his gratitude to the partner units and government agencies; the 8th Special Forces (Dragoons) Company, 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade, the POINTY Inc. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bayugan City Police Station, and the LGU of Bayugan City for this effort to save the youth and transform them as ambassadors of peace to end local
Said event which was anchored on the theme: “Bridging Attainable Objectives in Gearing the Youth and Government in Adhering to Nation’s Effort in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict,” is in support to the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIAAgusan del Sur)
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IPs join LGU, AFP for peace covenant in AgSur
By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - The members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from three tribal groups in the municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur unite as they joined the local government unit of Esperanza and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through 401st Infantry Brigade and 26th Infantry Battalion during the recently held tribal forum. The said activity was one of the major highlights of the 2nd Nalandang Festival and 66th Founding Anniversary celebration of Esperanza with the theme “Pagpukaw sa Kulturuhanong Kabilin alang sa Pangkatibukang Kaugmaran.� The celebration showcased the cultural practices of the
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three major tribes, namely, Higaonon, Manobo and Banwaon, as well as promote the potential tourism sites, native products, local talents, beauty, and good local governance. Municipal Mayor Leonida Manpatilan, assisted by the Municipal
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Victor Manpatilan led the event. Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander and Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commanding officer of 26th Infantry Battalion also attended the celebration, together with the supreme tribal leaders along with 168 members and representatives from the three tribal groups. One of the major agenda discussed was the planned declaration of persona non-grata against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the municipality of Esperanza. “The IPs in Esperanza had already recognized the mayhem and disruption brought about by these leftist radicals. As the chief local executive of this municipality, it is my sworn duty to take necessary actions in support of the national mandate to end local communist armed conflict,” said Manpatilan.
hand in hand to resolve the root cause of armed conflict in order to achieve lasting peace. These terrorist NPAs only bring violence and disorder to our communities. We are one with you in your call for justice to all the chaos done by these terrorists. They do not deserve a place in our community,” he said. “Despite our differences in religious affiliation, traditions, and cultures, we should all be united to contribute to the success of EO No. 70 in eradicating the terrorist NPAs,” Hambala ended. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
With the intensified implementation of Executive Order No.70 which is the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, every local government unit is given responsibility to contribute to this national mandate. “It is overwhelming to witness that our IP brothers and sisters from different tribal groups, unite to support their LGU and the AFP to end the five decades of armed conflict in order to achieve longlasting peace and development,” Lt. Col. Jimenea said as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees. Likewise, Col. Hambala lauded all the IPs for the decision and action they had done. “We have to work October 05 - 11, 2019
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AgSur’s drug rehab center now open By Jennifer P. Gaitano
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - After more than a year from its groundbreaking and construction, the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Department of Health (DOH) situated in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur has finally received the certificate of completion on August 23, 2019. With this development, the DOH, together with the provincial government of Agusan del Sur and other concerned government agencies has geared up its preparation for the start of operation of the rehab center.
P370-million center will cater to at least 100 male and 50 female patients severely addicted to drugs. He stressed that this is the biggest in Caraga and the first in Mindanao that accepts female patients. And before the end of this year, they target to serve some 100 During its official launching, patients. doctors, medical specialists, nurses and other health workers expressed This brings hope to the locals their eagerness to help rehabilitate the as they would no longer go to other illegal drug victims. regions for treatment. According to Dr. Melhammid “This would help the locals Tomawis, chief of hospital II said, the especially those affected by illegal
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities drugs to be rehabilitated and they need not go in Davao or Tagum because we have it here in San Francisco,” said Gebert Son, a resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
(CHD) Caraga, bared that they continuously conduct their advocacy in the different barangays to prevent locals from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
“We’re happy to know that the government is really serious in addressing the illegal drug menace,” said Richel Robles, resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane called on the public to unite and support the government in its fight against illegal drugs. It is also his strong directive to the Agnes Cullantes, drug abuse law enforcers to run after those who are prevention and treatment coordinator involved in the illegal drug trade. (JPG/ of DOH-Center for Health Development PIA-Agusan del Sur)
CSP Teams deployed in AgSur By 1Lt. Roel Maglalang
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The local government unit (LGU) of Sibagat, together with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga conducted the send-off ceremony for the Community Support Program-Community Action (CSP-ComAct) Teams held on October 8, 2019 at the headquarters, Charlie Company, 23IB, Brgy. Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. October 05 - 11, 2019
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities The deployment of the CSP teams is in line with the Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which aims to conduct development support operations; sustain peace efforts; ensure security; and help maintain public order to foster the foundation for economic and human development. The activity symbolizes that the LGU, PNP, AFP and other stakeholders are one in achieving conflict-resilient, as well as disaster-resilient communities. Mayor Ma. Liza L. Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was the honored guest speaker of said ceremony. “It is our pleasure to fully support the program. You have been doing CSP, and the people with the local government have also been doing their best in bringing the government closer to the people. The lady mayor bared that she is thankful for this program and hopefully, this will kick-off a big difference. “I am a believer of Executive
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Order No. 70 and I believe that in everything we do in the government, it has to be a whole-of-nation approach. There is always this convergence of efforts; it is not always in the local government or from the people, but with all the partner agencies as well,” she said. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB, highlighted that “The CSP operation is one of our means to help our local government units in addressing the peace and security concerns of the communities and to deliver basic government services especially in the far-flung and conflictaffected areas. It also aims to bring our government closer to the people by delivering quality services down to the grassroots.” This event also formed part of the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the region. (CMO, 23IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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LGU-Lianga, Army donate TV set in IP community By 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, in partnership with the 9th Special Forces (Hounds) Company of the 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion and the Diatagon Indigenous People’s (IP) community leaders have donated and installed a television (TV) set with satellite TV subscription to make the conflict-affected community of Sitio Simowao (Kilometer 9) in Diatagon, Lianga, become aware of the current events and the government’s programs through the national and local news. The TV is located at the social hall of the sitio to cater all of its residents. The Army and the LGU believed that in this way, it could widen their perspectives towards facing the challenges affecting their community. They also believed that this will liberate the community from misinformation and with this, they can fully exercise their right to self-determination because they will be given the liberty to decide and comment based on the wide array of information they can obtain through watching current events and relevant programs.
when Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) poison the minds of the innocent people in the hinterlands. So, in our own little ways, we address this cause of conflict hoping that it will make people believe that the best way to address issues is to peacefully resolve it through the synergy of the government and the community,” he said.
“This initiative maybe as simple as it is but it can already provide the community a psychological barrier or shield against the CNTs deceptive propaganda that tears Lieutenant Colonel Joey Baybayan, the country apart,” added Baybayan. commander of 3rd Special Forces Battalion said conflict is often caused This is the first time in the sitio that a by feeding any person with wrong television set becomes readily available information. “This wrong information can for the locals. (CMO officer, 3SFBn/PIAlead to misunderstanding. This happens Agusan del Sur) October 05 - 11, 2019
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TESDA chief graces mass graduation of FRs in SurSur By Robert E. Roperos
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Tuesday graced the mass graduation of some 145 former rebels (FRs) in Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. Speaking before the graduates and the local community, Sec. Lapeña emphasized that the undertaking was conceptualized through a “whole-ofnation” approach where government agencies are coordinating with each other to bring the government closer to the people.
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Sec. Lapeña said the government has been doing everything to serve the people especially the marginalized sector as directed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. “Gusto naming ipaalam sa lahat na ang mga ahensiya ng gobyerno natin ngayon ay nagsasama-sama
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities upang mapagsilbihan kayo ng maayos bilang pagtugon sa directives ng ating mahal na Pangulo – Rodrigo Roa Duterte (We want everybody to know that the agencies of our government now are converging to serve you well heeding to the directives of our President – Rodrigo Roa Duterte),” he said.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Caraga has also pledged P600,000.00 thru the employment scheme.
Meanwhile, 28 former rebels from Barangay Banahaw in Tandag City took their oath of allegiance before Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, signifying their support to the The TESDA chief also pointed out cause of the government. that the president is even telling his cabinet secretaries not to stay in Manila In the morning, Lapeña visited the but rather to go and visit in different Marihatag town where the proposed places in the country so that they will Provincial Training Center of Surigao know the actual scenario. del Sur will be established. Prior to the mass graduation, Lapeña, together with Usec. Joann Burgos of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary led the inauguration of the Ibuan Enterprise Village where the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur has donated P500,000.00 while the
Under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) as mandated in Executive Order No. 70, TESDA is the lead agency of the said cluster. (TESDA Caraga/PIASurigao del Sur)
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PRLEC leads mass graduation, enterprise village launching in SurSur By Lee M. Escobal
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) under the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflic (PTF-ELCAC) of Surigao del Sur in close collaboration with the 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and other member agencies spearheaded the mass graduation and inauguration of the enterprise village on Oct. 1, 2019, at Sitio Ibuan, Brgy. Mampi, Lanuza, this province. The activity was attended by Sec. Isidro “Sid” S. Lapeña, Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) together with other TESDA officials, Usec. Jo Ann M. Burgos of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, MGen. Franco
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Nemesio Gacal, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Gov. Alexander Pimentel and other local officials. A total of 699 training certificates were awarded to 145 trainees who
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities successfully completed the 13 skills and livelihood trainings such as Small Engine Repair and Maintenance, Food Processing (Native Delicacies), Basic House Wiring, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Spiritual and Values Training, Coco Twine Rope Production, Vegetable Production, Duck Raising, Native Chicken Production, Tilapia Production, Entrepreneurship Training, Animal Production (Swine) NC II and Abaca Production and Disease Management. Of the nine enterprises identified for the Ibuan community, only three were inaugurated on Wednesday. These were the habal habal mini spare parts store and vulcanizing shop, the coco twine rope production and the bigasan sa Ibuan. Six more enterprises will open to include vegetable production, native chicken production, itik farming/balut production, hog production, tilapia production and Ibuan cold spring. The inauguration of the Ibuan Enterprise Village was made possible through the financial support of the provincial government of Surigao
del Sur amounting to P500,000. Also, Genebelle Bal, Provincial Head of the Department of Labor and Employment-Surigao del Sur, announced the P600,000 assistance through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) or the Emergency Employment Program. In response, the Ibuan community through Mrs. Thelma J. Salazar, the former rebel representative; Danilo B. Duaso, representative of the community; and Hawudon Cherlito G. Juagpao, representative of the IP community, thanked the government for the support they have received. The beneficiaries also assured them of their full commitment to be advocates of peace and development in their community. It can be recalled that Sitio Ibuan, Brgy. Mampi was the first community in the province, that declared the communist NPA terrorist as persona non grata. (TESDA/PIA Surigao del Sur)
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Caring farm animals through livestock outreach program
By Aurelius P. Arais
Carabao is a hero.
farm and to haul coconut harvests.
This is how Susan Trazo, a resident As a reward for their farming of Purok Rosal in the town of Mainit, partner, she gladly brought her hero Surigao del Norte, regard her farm to the Department of Agriculture (DA)animal. led Livestock Outreach Program in their town. “Our carabao is a partner in our livelihood. She is a great help for our “I want my carabao as healthy rice and coconut farm,” she said. as possible, so I brought her to avail the free services extended by the Susan said that without their government through DA and I hope carabao, it wouldn’t be easy for her that the administration of artificial family to till their three hectares rice insemination would be successful so
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Provincial News I Empowering Communities I can see her offspring and it would health consultation. be an additional asset for our family,” Federico Busal, also a farmer Susan added. said that his carabao is his partner in The Livestock Outreach Program livelihood. Without his carabao, he is an initiative of DA-Caraga through would have to spend around P700 on plowing every land preparation for his the Livestock Section of the Field one-hectare rice farm. Operations Division (FOD) and the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Aside from savings, he could also Laboratory (RADDL) of the Integrated earn additional income every time his Laboratories Division (ILD) in partnership neighbor would hire his carabao to with local government units. haul farm produce. The recent round of the activity was conducted in Mainit and Tubod, Surigao del Norte last September 23-28, 2019 with services ranging from blood sampling, fecal analysis, vitamin supplementation, pregnancy diagnosis, heat synchronization, artificial insemination, and animal
“I am grateful that DA brought the services in our place, it is a great help for us,” he said. A total of 293 farmers were served with 363 animals such as carabao, cattle, goat, and sheep. (DA-Caraga/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Badjaos get free food, haircut this Maritime week
By Nole C. Nusog
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - For this year’s celebration of the Maritime week, a community of Badjaos got themselves a treat when members of the Surigao Port Community led by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) conducted on Thursday, September 26, 2019 community service at their settlement in Canlanipa, a coastal barangay in this city.
The Badjaos were treated with hot pearls, sea urchins and/or coins thrown arroz caldo and a team of hairdressers by passengers on board ships at the offering free haircuts. ports. Over a steaming cup of the popular chicken rice porridge, tribe elder Dahilah Ahmad said that her fellow Badjaos were rather surprised and yet grateful for the treat since it is not every day that people make an effort to visit them as a community and recognize them as a group or tribe.
Today, with the crackdown on coin diving at ports and strict implementation of security regulations at harbor waters of port zones, the Badjaos now mostly live at coastal settlements like the one in Barangay Canlanipa.
Around 200 families were given the arroz caldo treat while a hundred “It’s usually only during election individuals availed of the free haircut. campaigns or the holiday season that they actually get to have things or food A joint effort of the PPA Port given to them,” Ahmad added. Management Office in Surigao, the Philippine Coast Guard Surigao del Commonly found at harbor waters Norte Station, Maritime Industry Authority of most major seaports in the country, (MARINA) 13 and the Philippine Navy the Badjao’s nautical, itinerant lifestyle 72nd Naval Group Reserved, the feeding has earned them the nickname ‘sea program/free haircut initiative is part of nomads’ or ‘sea gypsies.’ Traditionally, the activities held in celebration of the the Badjaos lived on houseboats moving 24th Maritime Week 2019. (SDR/PPAthrough the sea to fish and dive for Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News I Empowering Communities
1K Marawi siege victims benefit from BARMM Project Tabang By Noel Punzalan
COTABATO CITY – Some 5,000 residents of Marawi City received on Friday basic government services from the Project Tabang of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Among the services rendered were free medical and dental procedures and legal services. They were also given free medicines, relief packs, hygiene kits, and garbage bins.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim, who graced the conduct of Project Tabang, said the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi city is one of the fledgling region’s 12-Point Development Agenda during its ongoing transition phase.
The beneficiaries, who also participated in a job fair, are families BARMM launched Project Tabang affected by the Marawi siege that or the Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong occurred from May to October 2017. Nangangailangan on Sept. 2, 2019, to hasten the delivery of basic government “The families have been living services to communities across the in an evacuation site in Barangay region. Boganga since the siege erupted,” said lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, minister Among the highlights of Friday’s of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Project Tabang was the launching Government and concurrent head of of the “AMBAG Program” or the the Rapid Emergency Action On Disaster “Ayudang Medikal mula sa Bangsamoro Government” which promotes the Incidence (READI) -BARMM).
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities accessibility to health services by the Gandamra Usman said the city has poor to free medicine and medical yet to recover but what is certain is procedures. that the support from the BARMM and other humanitarian and government The AMBAG program was agencies keeps them going. launched through the signing of a memorandum of understanding Ebrahim also announced the between the Bangsamoro government and the Amai Pakpak Medical Center planned construction of the new Integrated Provincial Health Office in Marawi City. of Lanao del Sur and modern public BARMM officials also turned over markets for the towns of Kapatagan 20 scholarships for students in the city, and Madamba by 2020. two tractors to farmers’ cooperatives, “We hope that by 2020, when we and 1,000 housing units to families who have already the resources, we can do lost their homes during the siege. more, In Shaa Allah (God willing),” he Marawi City Mayor Majul said. (PNA)
DepEd shuts down 55 Salugpungan schools in Davao By Che Palicte
Jenelieto Atillo, DepEd-11 spokesperson, said the order, which affected 55 STTICLCI schools in the region, was based on the findings of the five-man fact-finding committee created by DepEd-11 in August. October 05 - 11, 2019
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities Atillo made it clear that the decision did not rest solely on STTICLCI’s alleged links with the New People’s Army (NPA), but that the findings showed various regulatory violations, deficiencies, and compliance issues on the part of the school management. Key findings
- The STTICLCI has been operating within the ancestral domain of tribal communities without obtaining the mandatory Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and the subsequent certification precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);
- Some STTICLCI students do not He said STTICLCI’s closure came have learner’s reference numbers “after careful consideration, analysis, (LRN), a violation of the requirement of and thorough evaluation of the DepEd Order 26 series of 2015; and testimonies of the resource persons, key informant, and documents submitted.” - The STICLCI has misrepresented its enrolled data, and that the data Atillo said the 30-page findings contained in the document submitted submitted by the fact-finding committee to the DepEd do not match with to DepEd-11 Director Evelyn Fetalvero the records in the DepEd learners contained “substantial evidence” information system; against STTICLC. Moreover, Atillo said that of the Among the key findings, he said, 55 schools in the region that applied are the following: for permits to operate for school year 2018-2019, only 28 applied for the - The STTICLCI failed to comply succeeding school year (2019-2020). with the curriculum standards set by DepEd-11; Moving forward - It brought its students away from their homes without the consent of their parents and used them to generate funds by making them perform in various events, a violation of DepEd’s Child Protection Policy;
Atillo assured that STTICLCI’s closure would not affect its learners, who will be accommodated by DepEdrun schools near their areas.
He pointed out that in the Davao region alone, at least 33 DepEd - Teachers of the STTICLCI lacked run schools are located adjacent to the professional license to teach, or are Salugpungan schools. not passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Instead, classes of the In fact, Atillo said more than a core learning areas were conducted thousand Salugpungan learners have by learning facilitators, in violation of already enrolled in various DepEd DepEd Order 21 series of 2014; schools since STTICLCI’s permit to
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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities fact-finding investigation at the national level. While he did not elaborate, Atillo indicated that a wider investigation will likely explore STTICLCI’s alleged ties with the communist rebel movement. operate was suspended in July. “We continue to remind and encourage the parents to enroll their child to DepEd schools. We assure you that we will accept them with or without credentials,” he said.
He noted that STTICLCI’s suspension on July 10 came about after Briones directed DepEd-11 to conduct an investigation to verify the allegations made by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon that STTICLCI-run schools were being used as training and recruitment centers for the NPA.
Based on Fetalvero’s order, he said STTICLCI was also directed to turn Esperon’s allegations were based over its student records to DepEd school on the testimonies of former STTICLCI divisions’ office for proper custody. students and teachers. He said STTICLCI executive director Meanwhile, STTICLCI has called Maria Eugenia Nolasco has been on DepEd to “re-examine” the closure informed of the DepEd-11 decision as of its schools. early as September 20. In a Facebook post on Monday, Atillo also clarified that STTICLCI it called on DepEd to hold dialogues may still appeal the DepEd-11 decision with Indigenous Peoples communities to Education Secretary Leonor Briones. affected by the closure. However, he added that “on our level, they (STTICLCI schools) are no longer allowed to operate and it’s up to Secretary Briones if she will change the decision.”
“Solutions to complex problems, such as those these closures are trying to address, cannot be one-note — they require study, cooperation, and a proper assessment of a community’s needs and problems. As such, government Wider probe agencies must work in tandem to ensure all rights are protected and fulfilled, Atillo said the findings released by without sacrificing one for another,” DepEd-11 will form the basis of another the STTICLICI said. (PNA) October 05 - 11, 2019
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NATIONAL NEWS
National News I Empowering Communities SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
“We continue to respect our traditional Western allies,” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte is now in Moscow for a five-day official trip aimed to strengthen cooperation with the Russian government in terms of economic exchange and defense assets. According to Andanar, the policy has paved the way for an improved relationship between the two countries since Duterte’s first bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin in 2017.
PH keen on asserting independent foreign policy
“The relationship is better than ever as you can see since Mayor Duterte became president of the Philippines in 2016 and as we started towards a path of an independent foreign policy the MOSCOW, RUSSIA - The Philippine relationship of Russia and the Philippine government has improved a lot,” he government is keen on asserting said.
its independent foreign policy as it seeks deeper partnerships with During the interview, Andanar other countries while respecting its emphasized the increased investment from Russia which has reached USD1.3ties with traditional allies. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday (Oct. 6) said the government will continue to pursue an independent policy while maintaining cooperation with Western allies.
billion (PHP66.3 billion). The two countries are also in talks for partnership in oil exploration, and trading of agricultural products such as seaweeds, and other goods and services. When asked about the country’s battle against ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), Andanar said the government’s anti-terrorism efforts were “very successful.”
“We have a new world order and every time there is change there will always be resistance, but the Philippines will continue to walk down the path of the independent foreign “Very successful. President Rodrigo policy,” Andanar said in an interview with Russian global news channel RT on Roa-Duterte and the military, of course aided by our foreign friends, were able Friday. October 05 - 11, 2019
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to successfully thwart ISIS in Marawi. Just a few weeks ago, the ISIS element who was connected to the first suicide bombing in Jolo, Sulu was arrested by the Philippine government,” Andanar said. Andanar expressed the Philippine government’s gratitude for the military support sent by Russia in the fight against ISIS.
The PCOO Secretary also noted that the Philippines seeks to enhance cooperation with Russia in defeating the common enemy of terrorism and illegal drugs. “We continue to do this job. It’s not easy. It is also not a problem only being faced by the Philippines but a common problem also faced by all countries including Russia and that’s why the President is here to be able to solve this problem with Russia, the problem of terrorism, transnational crime and hard drugs,” he added.
“You can also say that during the time we had this crisis in Marawi, the Russian government has been very helpful in solving the problem of ISIS in our country. We are also talking about Andanar also discussed the solving drug problems and transnational territorial dispute with China over the crimes,” he said. West Philippine Sea, saying that the
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National News I Empowering Communities government has chosen to resolve the issue in a peaceful and diplomatic manner and that the entire relationship between the two countries is not based on that alone.
was a public school teacher who lived a very modest life.” Andanar also mentioned the respect that Duterte has for other leaders like Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Jordanian King Abdullah bin AlHussein, and other Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) leaders.
“We also have other relationships. We have relationships based on people-to-people exchanges, business exchanges. We also have cultural exchange, trade with China. The Philippines has also ballooned. When asked whether he had We are receiving more tourists from a tough job as the Communications China,” Andanar said. Secretary of Duterte, Andanar said: “Not at all,” adding that the job is not Asked regarding the President’s difficult. statement that Vladimir Putin is his favorite hero and if the Philippines’ “The President enjoys a very, leader had many heroes, Andanar very high satisfaction approval rating said “The President admires the no- around the vicinity of 80 to 85 percent. nonsense approach of President And any world leader would love to Vladimir Putin to governance, the have that approval rating. So it’s not same way he idolizes his mother who difficult at all,” he said. (PR)
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National News I Empowering Communities
President Duterte to Russian investors: You’re assured of gains and protection in PH
MOSCOW, Russia - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte asked Russian investors on Friday to put their money in the Philippines, assuring them of profit and protection if they start operation in the country. Speaking before Russian investors who joined the Philippines-Russia Business Forum at the House of the Unions here, President Duterte told Russian companies to invest in the Philippines
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especially in the administration’s Build, Build, Build Program. “I invite you to participate in the massive Build, Build, Build infrastructure
October 05 -11, 2019
National News I Empowering Communities program especially in transport and railway construction where Russia has high expertise,” he told Russian businesses. “Let me assure you that your investments are assured of gains and protection in my country.” The administration is inviting Russian investors to come to the Philippines after Russian businesses showed strong trust and confidence in the current government with recordbreaking investments, the President said. The Philippines has advantages over other investment destinations. According to President Duterte, the country offers competitive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to jumpstart qualified investment projects from infancy to maturity of business operations. The government also grants income tax holiday that exempts companies from paying 30 percent corporate earning tax from four to six years from the start of commercial operation.
exports. In addition, there is value added tax (VAT) refund for the use of locally purchased raw materials and exports. Employed foreign nationals can also be given special non-immigrant working visa by the government. The Philippines’ robust economy has been attracting investors each year. Its growth rate remains steady and strengthening, the President said, noting positive national or annual GDP growth rate for 82 consecutive quarters. “We are one of the fastest growing economies in Asia and the second fastest in the ASEAN. Our economic advantage lies on the strength of our young workforce — population. Our macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong,” he stressed. On the Philippine-Russian economic relations, the President said Russia is the country’s priority trade and investment market.
Additional bonus for three years subject to set conditions such as export earnings, labor generation, and the use of indigenous materials are also being extended by the government.
Last year, total trade between the two countries reached $1.36 billion, posting more than double growth in 2017 at $568 million. Philippine export to Russia also reached $86 million last year and increased from almost $70 million in 2017.
Also, foreign investors can avail of tax and duty-free importation of capital equipment as well as importation of raw materials and supplies use in the
This upward trajectory continues this year, indicating promising ties between the two economies at an even higher level, the President said.
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National News I Empowering Communities Several cooperation agreements supply tuna and sardine products to were also signed during Friday’s forum. LLC Dalpromryba to serve the Russian The agreements were: market. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation on information exchange and collaboration on business development aimed at the promotion of trade and investment between the Philippines and Russia, members of Russia-ASEAN Business Council, and Philippine companies.
Memorandum of Understanding for Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc. to supply coconut milk products to Panasia Impex Co. Ltd. to serve the Russian market.
Memorandum of Intent on intention to jointly explore the prospects of cooperation in the construction of nuclear power plants in the Philippines.
Memorandum of Agreement for the promotion, distribution, and selling of IPP-NLS technologies, particularly Metatron Micro MRI Systems and its variations in the Philippines.
Distributorship Agreement appointing Lifetruck International Incorporated as the exclusive sole Memorandum of Intent on distributor for the distribution, promotion, Exchange of information on investment and sale of Sturmanskie watches in the environment and opportunities; attract Philippines. and support foreign investments in both the Philippines and Russia; encourage Distributorship Agreement for the interested local companies in setting appointment of Lifetruck International up or expanding their businesses; and Incorporated as the exclusive sole organize business missions, workshops, distributor for the distribution, promotion, other bilateral investments promotion and sale of Kamaz vehicles in the activities. Philippines.
Memorandum of Understanding for Century Pacific Food Inc. to supply tuna and sardine products to Magnit Food Retail Chain to serve the Russian market. Memorandum of Understanding for Century Pacific Food Inc. to supply tuna and sardine products to Dalimo to serve the Russian market. Memorandum of Understanding for Century Pacific Food, Inc. to
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Accompanying the President were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, and other members of the Cabinet. Also present were Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos Sorreta. (PND)
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National News I Empowering Communities
TESDA to train 60K farmers annually via new program By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA - More farmers will now get the chance to be trained by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as it recently started implementing the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP), an official said Monday. “We have the Rice Tariffication Law wherein we improve the tariff on rice that we import. We expect to collect PHP10 billion from that. Out of the PHP10 billion, PHP700 million would go to TESDA annually, for six years,” TESDA NCR director Conrado Bares told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
have trained farmers in the past, the difference now is there would be specific fund allotted for them. Farmers would also get PHP160 daily training allowance.
“Yes, they should have an allowance. They’re busy in the farms. It would be hard to disturb them and get Every year, the PHP700 million their time for the training,” he said. would benefit some 60,000 farmers, who will be trained by TESDA. The official said the beneficiaries of this program are those who were “We have already started this already listed as qualified trainees program this October. The training, under the RCEF (Rice Competitiveness actually, would be dependent on the Enhancement Fund). availability of schools, as well as the trainors offering the related courses,” “The PHP700 million will be used he said. to run the program nationwide. I think there are more beneficiaries in regions Such courses include machinery with vast agricultural lands,” Bares said. operation and dry milling, among others, he added. He added that the government would study if the program can be Bares clarified that while TESDA continued after six years. (PNA) October 05 - 11, 2019
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