Caraga InFocus – October 8-14, 2022

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

A new exhibit is now open for viewing at the National Museum – Eastern Northern Mindanao situated in this city, dubbed “Panapton sa Lumad: Mga arte ug kailhanan” (Lumad Textiles: Artistry and Identity).

The said exhibit is in time with the Museums and Galleries Month and National Indigenous Peoples Month celebrations. This is the fifth regional gallery under the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Program, in partnership with the Office of the Senator Loren Legarda and GAMABA Executive Council of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

This exhibition features the textiles and ornaments made from tiedyed woven abaca cloths and from commercially available cloth intricately decorated with embroidery, colorful beads, shells, and applique of the Luman from the National

Ethnographic Collection, loaned collections from partners, and gathered materials under the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Program.

According to Eunice Montaos-Plaza, officer-in-charge of National Museum – Eastern Northern Mindanao, the exhibit highlights the lives and works of three textile weavers from Mindanao who were recognized as Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) by the NCCA.

“These women weavers include MB

BUTUAN MUSEUM FEATURES MINDANAO IP

TEXTILES, ORNAMENTS

Lang Dulay of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; MB Salinta Monon of Bansalan, Davao del Sur; and MB Yabing Masalon Dulo of Polomolok, South Cotabato. Through this, one can know more about their live’s stories and how they learned the art of weaving and how they are passed on to the younger generation,” bared Plaza.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Joesilo Amalia of the Diocese of Butuan joined in the exclusive tour guide and expressed his appreciation to the rich culture and tradition of the IP community in Mindanao. He also encouraged the Caraganons to visit the Museum in Butuan and support local weavers.

“Let’s support our local weavers not only here in our region, but also in other parts of Mindanao. They really have a rich culture, tradition, and practices that our young generation should know about,” he said.

News Briefs

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga holds a Regional Data Dissemination Forum on 2021 Updating of the List of Establishments (ULE). The forum aims to disseminate the results of the 2021 ULE, foster understanding among stakeholders and the data users on the importance and relevance of the data especially in the formulation of plans, policies, and programs, and gain support for the 2022 ULE operation.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga joins the nation in celebrating the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Month & 25th Indigenous Peoples’ Right Act (IPRA) Commemoration. This year’s theme is entitled “25 Years: Fulfilling the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Bridging the Gaps through ICCs/IPs Convergence with Partners and Stakeholders to Ensure Economic Sustainability and Security in Ancestral Domains.’’ (DOLE-13)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11935 postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections on December 5, 2022 to the last Monday of October 2023. The law also stipulates that there shall be synchronized Barangay and SK Elections held every last Monday of October and three years thereafter. The term of office of elected officials will commence on November 30. Incumbent officers will remain in office, unless removed or suspended.

Heads/representatives from various government agencies are gathered this morning at the LMX Convention Center, Butuan City to witness the Installation and Ceremonial Turnover of New Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga.

NEWS

SURIGAO TVET INSTITUTION INKS

MOA WITH AUTO INDUSTRY PARTNERS

To improve the quality of education and widen the opportunities for its learners in automotive courses and strengthen the implementation of Enterprise-Based Training (EBT) program, the Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), a Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institute based in Mainit town, province of Surigao del Norte, is strengthening their partnership with their industry partners through a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on

October 4, 2022 at TESDA Caraga Regional Office, Butuan City.

SNCAT College

Administrator Abegail B. Eupeña said that while they are predominantly an agriculture school, they are also expanding the courses they are offering which they are striving to achieve through the partnership they are strengthening with Toyota Motors Philippines and Suzuki Auto Butuan for their Automotive NC I and NC II and Small Engine Repair and Maintenance NC II courses.

“[Our partners] have responded to our call and we are very much happy. Our program would be the Supervised Industry Learning, [which is] another mode of learning that is enterprise-based wherein our graduates will be deployed in their respective areas for further training in an industry setting,” the college administrator said.

In the MOA, students enrolled in the said courses will render a 160hour Supervised Industry Learning (SIL) to the said companies which equates

to roughly a month, during which they can put into practice all the theories and concepts they have learned on automotive technology.

“We hope that this partnership will go a long way and this is all for the benefit of our constituents at SNCAT,” she added. Leah J. Manalo, branch manager of Toyota Motors Butuan, conveyed the company’s strong support for the programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“It is our pleasure to be part of this program under TESDA. As one of the corporate responsibilities of Toyota, not just in Butuan, but the whole Toyota Motor Philippines, we are in full support of the government’s programs, especially TESDA’s,” said Manalo.

Toyota Motors Butuan has been a partner of TESDA, having trained their learners from different TVET institutions from other provinces. This is the first time that the company has forged a partnership with SNCAT.

Manalo believes that through this partnership, not only are they helping

learners grow and become professionals in the automotive industry but also help improve the quality of its products and services even more through the competent TESDA scholars that might eventually join their workforce.

With its first time partnering with TESDA, Syville Boton of Suzuki Auto Butuan said that their company is looking forward to the partnership.

According to Boton, this is the first time that the Suzuki Auto Butuan branch will open its doors for on-thejob training since the said branch was just recently established. This will also benefit the company since they can easily find references for automotive technicians they can hire should they expand their dealership in Butuan City.

The Suzuki Auto service manager also said that the partnership is also an opportunity for the company to mold professional automotive technicians and teach them the core values of the company that have helped them succeed in the industry.

Meanwhile, TESDA Caraga Regional Director Tarhata

S. Mapandi also expressed her elation for the new partnership between its TVET institution and auto industry.

Mapandi said that this milestone helps strengthen the EBT, TESDA’s program that utilizes Supervised Industry Learning (SIL), a learning approach designed to complement the training gained in the institution with actual application of critical competencies in the workplace to enhance the knowledge and skills of a learner.

“This is another accomplishment of the SNCAT and its administrator in making sure that what is also the contribution of our major companies and industries would be provided here. This is only the beginning,” said the regional director.

She also said that they are also exploring other means of expanding the partnership so that other programs of TESDA can also be covered. Director Mapandi also called on other key players in the industry to partner with TESDA to help more Caraganon TVET learners and completers. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga)

CARAGA’S 4 MSMES RECIPIENTS OF 2021 BEST IMPLEMENTORS

Four Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Caraga were recognized by the Summit Consultancy and Research Services for their noticeable increase in their productivity after participating in the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program of the Department of Science and Technology.

MPEX is a consultancy program under the Small Enterprise Technology

Upgrading – Innovation Support System (SETUPISS) that aims to increase the productivity of Micro, Small, and Medium Scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector in partnership with Summit

consultancy and Research Services, a recognized co-implementer of the productivity improvement program of the Department of Science and Technology Caraga.

The recognized Best Firm Implementors of the 2021 Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program are Nature’s Apothecary in Nasipit, Agusan del Sur, JJE Graphics Design Services in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Bubbly Babe Cakeshop in Butuan City, and CLE Cachuela Welding Shop in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur out of 47 MSMEs in the region that underwent consultancy program.

MPEX beneficiaries are

expected to implement the recommendations suggested by the consultants such as Product Design and Packaging, Safety & housekeeping Practices/ Facilities, Food Safety, Plant Maintenance, and many others.

Through the MPEX, the DOST introduced strategies to improve productivity and provided technical assistance to the manufacturing sector through capability-building activities and it also dwelt into all aspects of business operations such as financial, management, marketing, and production aspects. (DOST Caraga/ PIA Caraga)

NATATANGING PAMILYANG PILIPINO REGIONAL AWARDEE KINILALA AT TUMANGGAP NG PATIMPALAK MULA SA RIAC-FF CARAGA

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Sa kabila ng coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at iba pang hamon sa bawat pilipino, makikita pa rin ang pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at pagsisikap ng bawat pamilya na malampasan ang mga pagsubok sa buhay.

Sa layong maipakita rin ang kahalagahan at katatagan ng bawat pamilya, nagsagawa ng iba’t-ibang aktibidad ang mga ahensiya ng gobyerno at isa na rito ang “Search for the Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino”. Nataon din ito sa selebrasyon ng National Filipino Family Week (NFFW) ngayong taon.

Ang pamilyang Debajo mula sa bayan ng Jabonga, Agusan del Norte ay kinilala at ginawaran bilang Regional Awardee sa “Search for the Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino” dahil sa pagiging inspirasyon nila sa iba pang pamilya at sa kanilang barangay.

Tumanggap ang magasawang sina Miguel at Fely Debajo kasama ang kanilang mga anak ng PhP10,000, grocery pack, at plaque at certificate of recognition mula sa Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) sa pangunguna ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.

Lubos ang pasalamat ng pamilyang Debajo dahil sa lahat ng mga lumahok, sila ang napili bilang natatanging pamilya regional awardee. Ibinahagi din ng mag-asawa ang kahalagahan ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya at pagtutulungan nila lalo na sa pagbigay-suporta at pangangailangan ng pamilya, at sa pagiging aktibo sa community activities.

“Challenge talaga namin is sa financial. Pero napatunayan namin na hindi talaga rason ang pagiging mahirap para makapagtapos ang ating mga anak,” ani Miguel.

Tumanggap din ng certificate of appreciation ang iba pang pamilyang lumahok sa nasabing search mula sa iba’t-

ibang probinsya ng rehiyon.

Tumanggap naman ng award ang mga nanalo sa “Talentadong Pamilyang Pilipino” at “Modelong Pamilya” ng Caraga.

Pinasalamatan din ng DSWD ang mga pamilyang lumahok sa naturang search at hinikayat ang iba na patuloy na maging inspirasyon.

“Umaasa ako na hindi dito magtatapos ang ating pagiging modelong pamilya at sana ay marami pa tayong ma-inspire na mga kapit-bahay at mga kakilala, at maging mabuting ehemplo lalo na sa ating mga kabataan,” pahayag ni Elsa Jamora, sectoral unit head ng DSWD Caraga. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DILG CHIEF JOINS CARAGANONS DURING

E-CLIP FINANCIAL AID DISTRIBUTION, SBDP TURNOVER IN AGSUR

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary, Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., joined the Caraganons during the Awarding Ceremony of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) assistance to some 199 Former Rebels (FRs) on October 5, 2022 at Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Gov. D. O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Checks were awarded to a total of 199 former rebels169 from Agusan del Sur; four (4) from Agusan del Norte; 24 from Surigao del Norte; and two (2) from Butuan City.

Institutionalized to help former members of the Communist Party of the Philippine – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the Militia ng Bayan, restore their allegiance to the Philippine government, the E-CLIP provides financial benefits such as immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration and reintegration support to aid former insurgents back into their communities.

“Meron tayong pamahalaan.

Ito ang sumbungan ninyo. Ang pamahalaan na dapat tumugon sa inyo. Yan ang pamahalaan ni Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.,” said Secretary Abalos as the ECLIP financial assistance was distributed to the beneficiaries. He also assured the former rebels

full use of all the assistance provided by the government and embrace a peaceful life with their families and loved ones.

Highlighting the milestones of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) implementation, a

that the Filipino people have a caring government as various agencies do their parts in strengthening peace and order efforts through a whole-of-government approach.

DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, administered the oathtaking or “Panunumpa sa Pagsuporta sa Gobyerno” of the FRs. Director Famacion also welcomed the FRs to a new peaceful life and reminded them to make

ceremonial turnover of the 27 SBDP Projects in the province of Agusan del Sur was also held led by Secretary Abalos. The SBDP is the hallmark program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) with the end goal of bringing peace and development to the former CPP-NPA conflict-affected and geographically isolated communities. (LGOO II Dorothy Jill D. Peros, DILGCaraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DA CARAGA’S FIELD DAY SHOWCASES ADAPTABLE AGRI-TECHNOLOGIES

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s Del Monte Lowland Rainfed Research Station conducted a Farmers’ Field Day to showcase adaptable agricultural technologies currently conducted in the station.

The Field day held on October 11, 2022 highlighted the Soybean Seed Production Project and Sorghum Research Trial.

The conduct of Field Days is meant to showcase and disseminate various

packages of technologies to the farmers and other stakeholders.

The Soybean Seed Production Project used the Select Manchuria and Select Tudela Black varieties which were planted on a 2,500 sq.m. land area in the station’s premises. The seeds used were from the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB).

The IPB is the Institute tasked with developing new and improved varieties that they share with farmers by collaborating with the

DA. The Soybean Seed Production Project is also a part of Component 1 of the DA-Caraga’s Sustainable Feed Formulation Program also called Team Bahug which promotes the utilization of locally available raw materials to produce quality but affordable feeds.

Meanwhile, sorghum is a climate-resilient grain crop grown mainly for food, fuel, feeds, forage, and fertilizer. The Department is promoting sorghum production to

2022

support the livestock and poultry industry in the country. The planted sorghum for the Sorghum Research Trial which is scheduled for harvest by November aims to demonstrate the suitability of the crop in the region.

Also, to assure farmers that there is a market for sorghum, a potential buyer, the AMCB Enterprise, was also invited during the activity. AMCB Enterprise is a feed manufacturing company based in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Moreover, there was a ceremonial signing

of the Supply and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between the DA, farmer Archie Jacinto, and the AMCB. The SPA stipulates that the AMCB shall purchase sorghum grains from Jacinto, who is endorsed by the DA-Caraga, upon harvest time this coming November.

In line also with the celebration of the 2nd Livestock and Poultry Month, the Livestock Program facilitated the distribution of 200 free-range chicks to participants of the Field Day. Another 100 heads of the chicks were also turned over to Barangay

Captain Felipa Goloran of Brgy. Sabang Gibong, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur as livelihood support to the residents of the said barangay which is situated along the Agusan Marsh.

The various programs and projects implemented by the Agency are aimed to bring about agricultural development in the region. The DA emphasizes the importance of coordination and cooperation with the stakeholders for the success of the programs. (Vanessa P. Sanchez/ DA13-RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AGSUR FARMERS BENEFIT FROM RCEF-RFFA 3 ROLL OUT IN CARAGA

“I can’t believe that though I am a small farmer, the government considered me and extended assistance to me. I will use the money to buy farm inputs. It is a great relief for my family,” said Danilo Osigan, a farmer from Barangay Causwagan, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

Osigan is one of the beneficiaries of the continued effort of the government to uplift the lives of the small rice farmers through the third round of the distribution of the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA3) in Caraga Region.

The distribution is set to be completed region-wide in the middle of December 2022, with a total of 52,820 rice farmers set to benefit from the assistance. Caraga Region has been

allocated with a total amount of P272 million for the program to include the processing expenses.

Last October 3, 2022, the regional launching was held at Rosario, Agusan del Sur wherein around 1,126 eligible rice farmers received the assistance.

On that occasion, the Department of Agricuklture-Caraga Team headed by Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., together with Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), a partner service provider was grateful to the local government unit of Rosario through Municipal Mayor Jose T. Cuyos, Sr. for being the host on the grand launching and for providing the necessary logistics.

The regional launching ceremony signals the distribution of RFFA in other parts of the region.

The RFFA , now in its 3rd phase, aims to provide support to rice farmers tilling 2 hectares and below and are affected by the episodes of a significant drop in palay farm gate prices in time with the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

The immediate release of cash assistance also provides relief to rice farmers given the recent natural calamities and will also aid them in

securing farm inputs such as fertilizer, oil and fuel incurred in using farm machinery.

The recipient must also be duly registered on the Registry System for Basic

Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), a national data bank of farmers.

RSBSA is the basic requirement in availing agri-fishery related government services

particularly for the agrirelated projects and programs.

This year’s round of RFFA’s is funded through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), an amount collected by the government as tariff from the imported rice in line with the implementation of RTL.

Republic Act No. 11203 or the RTL was promulgated to ensure food security and to make the country’s agricultural sector efficient, viable, and globally competitive.

Further, the law created the RCEF or Rice Fund to improve rice farmer’s competitiveness and income amid liberalization of the Philippine rice trade policy that lifted quantitative restrictions on rice imports. The tariff collected from rice imports is being used as a support fund for the farmers.

DA-Caraga urged the farmer beneficiaries to use the money efficiently in support of their livelihood endeavors.

(Aurelius Parido Arais/DACaraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

ADSPPO RANKS NO. 1 IN PNP’S UPER SYSTEM

Among the five Provincial Police Offices in Caraga region, one City Police Office and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADDSPPO) ranked as number 1 in the Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER) for three consecutive months with a total rating of 93.84% for the month of September 2022 under the leadership of PCol Jovito C Canlapan, Acting Provincial Director.

PCol Canlapan commended the vigorous efforts of the personnel in raising the honor and pride of ADSPPO, as this would not be made possible without the team effort of everybody.

“An excellent performance will always be paid with a victorious ending. Congratulations everyone and keep

up the good work!” PD Canlapan said. The UPER System of the PNP was conceptualized as a standardized evaluation tool that shall be used in assessing the performance of the different PNP offices/ units.

This is in line with the Learning and Growth perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 under the Objective, Develop a competent, motivated, and valuesoriented personnel of the PPO. (ADSPPO/PIAAgusan del Sur)

2003RD RRIBDE CHAMPIONS THE 15RCDG’S 12TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

The 2003rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade (RRIBde) was hailed as overall champion in the recently concluded Combat Fun Shoot and Military Stake Competition conducted by the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG) in commemoration of the 12th Founding Anniversary of the 15th RCDG, Reserve Command, Philippine Army dubbed as “Citizen Soldiers of ONE CARAGA: Partners for Sustainable and Peace Development” held on October 8 to 9, 2022 at

Headquarters (15RCDG)

Camp Romualdo Rubi, Bancasi, Butuan City.

The competition was participated by five (5) Community Defense Centers (CDC), and 2003rd RRIBde under the administration of 15RCDG, which comprised of 1501st (Agusan del Norte), 1502nd (Agusan del Sur), 1503rd (Surigao del Norte), 1504th (Surigao del Sur), 2003rd RRIBde and Corps of Professor of 1501st CDC.

Each team was represented by one

(1) Organic personnel and eight (8) Reservist personnel in the following events: Tug of War, Disassemble/ Assemble of M16A1 and Caliber .45, Truck Pushing (KM450) and Combat Fun Shoot.

Meanwhile, the team received four (4) trophies for winning the Tug of War, Disassemble/ Assemble of Caliber .45, Truck Pushing (KM450) and Combat Fun Shoot. (2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Executive Officer, 1502 CDC/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DA CARAGA JOINS THE 16TH CHARTER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF DINAGAT ISLANDS

A signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for Provinceled Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) represented by Gov. Demerey was witnessed by OneDACaraga Family led by Director Oñate, with Vice Governor Benglen Ecleo, municipal mayors, and other stakeholders.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga region led by Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr joined the celebration of 16th Charter Anniversary of the Province of Dinagat Islands on October 2, 2022.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Panaghiusa alang sa Malambuong Probinsya.”

DA-Caraga said that the agency is open for collaboration on the province’s flagship

programs to level-up agri-fishery development in the province headed by Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., reinforced by the legislative support of Representative Alan 1 B. Ecleo.

The festivity was highlighted by the Provincial Agri-Fishery and Tourism Trade Fair 2022 wherein various local farm and fishery produce from the province were being displayed and sold in the Capitol Compound (Tabo Area) at Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose town.

Meanwhile, a turn-over of interventions and production support from DA-Caraga’s livestock and organic agriculture program worth P3.63 million to various farmer’s cooperative and associations of the province, and a meeting on coconut development spearheaded by the DA- Philippine Coconut Authority through its Regional Manager Joel B. Oclarit were also conducted. (DA Caraga/PIA Dinagat Islands)

PPO DINAGAT ISLANDS LAUNCHES

REVITALIZED KASIMBAYANAN PROGRAM

Beautiful... Kaligtasan nyo Sagot Ko...Tulong tulong Tayo,” said Acabal.

Meanwhile, Dinagat Police Provincial Office

OIC Police Colonel Ariel R. Red extended his sincere gratitude to all the religious sectors and organizations for being one in the desire to maintain and ensure peace and order in the province.

The Dinagat Islands

Provincial Police Office (DIPPO) has recently launched the revitalized program of the Philippine National Police dubbed as, “KASIMBAYANAN” (Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan) during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held at DIPPO Ground, San Jose, this province.

The KASIMBAYANIHAN program, is a community mobilization program by Chief PNP Police General Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. which aims to promote camaraderie between the PNP, the church and the community and plays a vital role in the realization of the M+K+K=K or Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan tungo sa Kaunlaran program.

In her message, DILG Assistant Provincial Director Rowena S. Acabal said , “there are two words to ponder , 1. serve and 2. protect the community as the ultimate mandate provided in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, this mandate is not implied only in the hands of AFP, PNP, Local Government Unit but it is the primordial concern of every citizenry and the community.”

“Through this program KASIMBAYANAN, there will be lined up continuing community engagements, policies, community relations and religious activities. Katuwang ng kapulisan ang simbahan at pamayanan sa pagkamit ng ating ninanais na kaunlaran carrying the PNP’s tagline Life is

“If we continue to support the PNP’s program we will achieve the tranquility we are enjoying now, the number of tourists will increase and the progress of this province will improve even more.” Col. Red said.

The event were participated by Pastor Arnel S. Sarion and Pastor Rogelio A Gonzales, Bible Baptist Church; Right Reverend Ludovico C. Buaqueña, Jr, Parish Administrator of Philippine Independent Catholic Church; Hon. Elmie M. Olaco, Provincial President Ex-Officio Board

Member; Fretzel M. Traya, Head Teacher, Barangay Wilson; Maria Corazon A. Quimbo, Brgy Women’s Luna President; and Jhaye Mark Tominez, Provincial KKDAT Secretary. (DIPPO/ PIA-Dinagat Islands)

POPCOM CARAGA CONDUCTS FP FREE LIGATION, VASECTOMY SERVICES

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) – Caraga Region is set to conduct Family Planning service delivery on Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL), Non-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV), for the Province of Dinagat Islands, Surigao City and Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte starting October 11 up to 14, 2022.

POPCOM Family Planning Itinerant Team

eyes to provide FP service delivery on BTL and NSV to 20 target clients for PDI at Albor District Hospital, 40 target clients for Surigao City and SDN at Caraga Regional Hospital, and 25 target clients for La Paz, ADS at La Paz Municipal Hospital.

Moreover, POPCOMCaraga will also conduct FP service delivery on Progestin Sub-dermal Implant to 25 target clients per municipality; Las Nieves, Carmen,

Kitcharao, Jabonga, RTR, and Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, this October.

As a devolution principle and to enhance local autonomy, POPCOM

Caraga Family Wellness Clinic is augmenting the basic services assigned to local government units when such services are not made available or, if made available, are inadequate to meet the requirements of its inhabitants. (POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

POPCOM Caraga comments on SP measures

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) –Caraga through its Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano, supports the four proposed SP ordinances relating to Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). The stand of Director Makinano was raised during the joint Committee Hearing on Family, Women, and Children’s Welfare in Butuan City, presided by Hon. Cherry May G. Busa.

The proposed ordinances discussed during the committee hearing include the Proposed SP Ordinance No. 16075-2022, an ordinance prescribing guidelines in the rescue, assessment, recovery, reintegration

and aftercare program for abused women and children victims, providing penalties thereof, and for other purposes; Proposed SP Ordinance No. 16-065-2022, an ordinance creating the Butuan City inter-agency council against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (Butuan City IACOSAEC), providing for its functions and appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes was also part of the committee discussion; Proposed SP Ordinance No. 16-074-2022, an ordinance establishing the Butuan City Council for the Protection of Children (BCCPC), further strengthening the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), appropriating funds therefor, amending for this

Purpose Title VI, Chapter II of SP Ordinance No. 58282019, otherwise known as the Butuan City Children’s Code of 2019, and for other purposes; and Proposed SP Ordinance No. 16-0662022, an ordinance creating the Butuan City Protection and Response Center for victim-survivor of violence and/abuse, providing mechanism for its operation, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.

The stand of POPCOM – Caraga springs from its studies on the gender issues and concerns at the domestic level, the gender based-violence (GBV). (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

KITS TO MSMES IN BUENAVISTA

The Department of Trade and IndustryAgusan del Norte (DTI ADN) Provincial Office through the Negosyo Center Buenavista distributed livelihood kits under the Livelihood Seeding Program –Negosyo Serbisyo Sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) and conducted an orientation on How to Start an Online Business on October 4, 2022. A total of 5 MSMEs who are sari-sari store owners received the livelihood kits valuing at Php40,000.

“Kami mapasalamaton sa DTI nga naapil mi ani nga program. Kani dako najud kaayong

tabang sa amo nga mga gagmayng negosyante nga mas mapalambo pa namo ni puhon (We are thankful to DTI for including us in the program, it is a big help to us with small businesses).” said Ms. Lalyn Cacayan, one of the beneficiaries of the said activity.

The LSP-NSB is a program of DTI that allows a wider reach of business development assistance by bringing government services closer to the people through partnerships between relevant local government units and DTI officials. Through

Barangay Development Councils (BDCs), the DTI shall help capacitate barangay personnel by providing basic business advisory or information dissemination services to MSMEs in the locality.

Present during the activity were SB Member Lucia E. Jundis who welcomed the beneficiaries and encouraged them to make their businesses grow, and Mr. Glen Jaen, Executive Assistant, who gave inspirational message to the beneficiaries. (DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AGUSAN NORTE ENSURES SAFETY ENVIRONMENT FOR TOURISTS

To ensure a safety and secure environment for tourists in the province of Agusan del Norte, 35 policemen in the province underwent a 5-day special training course on Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Program from October 10 to14, 2022.

The training is organized by the national program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Caraga and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Tourism Division.

Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante shared during the opening program, the importance of the said training. She said that having a safe

and secure tourism environment is the only way to boost tourism activities in the province.

Governor Amante also expressed her gratitude to the leadership of PCol. Filemon O. Pacious, the Officer-in-charge of ADN-PPO, for organizing the training and ensuring the availability of police officers in assisting tourists. “I am really thankful to you, PCol. Pacious for spearheading this training in order to equip our police officers with their required skills and

learn to be able to carry out their duties in assisting and protecting our tourists,” Gov. Amante said.

The 5-day training seeks to provide basic tourism concepts and an overview to police officers designated as tourist police as well as inculcate values, skills, knowledge, and work attitudes in becoming effective tourism frontliners. (Karen Decamotan/Photos by RFA, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

PAGPANANUM UG ABACA NAGSILBING TRABAHO UBOS SA TUPAD SA LUNGSOD SA RTR

Nagpadayon ang pagpananum og abaca sa mga nahatagan og temporaryong trabaho sa lungsod sa RTR, Agusan del Norte gamit ang pundo nga gigahin sa sa distrito ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera ubos sa Tulong Panghapbuhay sa Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Ubos sa TUPAD, usa ka programa nga gidumala sa Department of Labor and Employment, makatrabaho ang displaced or disadvantaged workers sulod sa 15 ka adlaw sa sweldo nga Php350 ang adlaw.

Ang 43 nga nakatrabaho sa RTR ning second batch dugang sa 31 sa mga lumulupyo nga nakatrabaho sa unang batch nga nagsugod niadtong Agosto.

Nahimo ang pagpananum og abaka sa RTR sa suporta Philippine Fiber Development Authority nga mitampo og 4,000 ka seedlings nga gihangyo ni Kongresista Corvera isip dugang suporta sa mga motrabaho ubos sa maong programa. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

TESDA, KONGRESISTA CORVERA GIPANIGURO ANG MAKANUNAYONG SUPORTA

Gipaneguro ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera sa Agusan del Norte 2nd District atol sa graduation sa 100 ka lumulupyo sa Syudad sa Cabadbaran sa mga pagbansay pangpanginabuhian kaniadtong Oktubre 11, nga makanunayon ang mahimong suporta sa iyang buhatan aron moangat gyod ang kahimtang sa pagpuyo sa daghan sa mga Agusanon.

Niini, giaghat sa kongresista ang mga migradwar nga gamiton gyod nila ang ilang natun-an aron mahimong produktibo ug moangat ang ilang tagsa-tagsa ka kita, sumala pa sa mensahe nga nga gipadayag sa representante sa iyang Congressional District Office. Ang mga migradwar sa mosunod nga mga kurso nga modawat usab sa ilang tagsa-

tagsa ka toolkit mao ang mosunod: Bread Making Leading to Bread and Pastry Production II, 25 gikan sa Barangay Puting Bato ug 25 usab sa Barangay Mahaba; Service Motorcycle/Small Engine System (Leading to Motorcycle for Small Engine Servicing NC II, 25 sa Puting Bato ug 25 sa Mahaba.

Ubay-ubay pa ang giplastar sa buhatan ni Kongresista Corvera nga mga

pagbansay, daghan niini katambayong ang TESDA. Sentro sa maong mga pagbansay mao kadtong makahatag og kahanas lambigit sa pagpalambo sa processing sa mga commodities nga mopalambo sa industriya sa kahoy, kape, cacao, lubi, saging, bulanghoy, rubber, mangga ug ubang prutas. (hulagway kuha ni Oliver Guardion/ Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

DA Distributes Livelihood Aid to BP2 Beneficiaries in SurSur town

Some 41 beneficiaries who were repatriated from the National Capital Region (NCR) and other nearby provinces, received 35 sets of vegetable production modules and six (6) sets of mushroom production modules and other agricultural inputs to jumpstart their farm diversification practice.

The Balik Probinsiya

Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program beneficiaries savoring the reintegration initiative of the Department of Agriculture - Caraga, one of the key implementers of the program, after a turnover and distribution of project modules and livelihood assistance package in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on October 12.

The San Agustin Organic Farmers Organization (SOFA) also served as the reintegration site of the principal beneficiaries. The BP2 beneficiaries may opt to join the organization as members to optimize interventions and assistance provided by the DA and other government agencies. They will undergo series of trainings to utilize

and maximize the intervention.

“You are encouraged to engage in agricultural production because we have a big responsibility in achieving a foodsecured San Agustin,” Municipal Agriculturist Genalyn Campos said.

DA – Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. also reiterated that cooperation is the key to achieving that aim.

Oñate added that the DA Caraga is very willing to marry its programs and projects to the existing and planned agriculture initiatives of the municipality.

Leonides A. Corvera, a housewife who stayed in Imus, Cavite is one of the beneficiaries of the BP2 Program. During the lockdown, she and her family decided to come back to San Agustin in 2021 to stay for good.

Corvera received a mushroom production package.

“Life there is hard, especially during the pandemic. My family

decided to come back here and I’m thankful that we are given livelihood aid to augment our needs,” she said.

Florencio Otagan, a company driver who stayed in Quezon City for 13 years decided to come back after being laid off from his company. He said he will stay here for good especially since he is now given a vegetable production module from BP2.

The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program aims to provide hope for a better future

to Filipinos through equity in resources throughout the country that will boost countryside development.

The program is geared towards addressing Metro Manila’s congested urban areas by encouraging people, especially informal settlers to return to their home provinces and assist them in this transition with support and incentives on transportation, family, livelihood, housing, subsistence, and education, among others. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, DA13-RAFIS/PIASurigao del Sur)

DA: Techno Demo Harvest Festival in Cortes town

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

A Harvest Festival was conducted in Cortes, Surigao del Sur, after the successful establishment of the technology demonstration on vegetable production in barangay Burgos, Cortes town recently, by the Department of Agriculture-Caraga under the High-Value Crops Development Program. The project started in June of the current year through the Cortes Vegetable Growers Association (CVGA) as a project cooperator in

establishing the techno demo on vegetable production.

Showcasing the technologies used, the DA-Caraga High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) has provided technical assistance on good agricultural practices (GAP) technology. The beneficiaries also availed the different agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, plastic mulch, twines, water sprinklers, and seedling trays, among others.

Cortes Municipal Mayor Josie M. Bonifacio led the ceremonial harvesting with CVGA President Victorino Mejas. The event was witnessed and joined by the Provincial, and Municipal HighValue Techno-demo coordinators, teachers, members, and officers of the association, it was learned. (Photo credit to LJ Evangelista Technical Staff - HVCDP/PIASurigao del Sur)

#ExplainExplainExplain #PIASurigaoSur #piasurigaodelsur

4ID

SURSUR

TO CONTINUE THE PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT TO ELCAC

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

Major General Wilbur C. Mamawag, Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, and team paid a courtesy visit to Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Alexander T. Pimentel at the Provincial Governor’s Office, Capitol Hills in Tandag City, on October 6, 2022.

The said visit tackled the peace and development agendas for the socioeconomic situations of vulnerable sectors, particularly in the identified Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) in the province. In addition, discussion on the current status and thrusts of the Armed Forces of the

Philippines were presented to Governor Pimentel such as the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), the peace initiatives, and other security concerns.

Gov. Pimentel expressed his gratitude for the Diamond troopers’ unwavering commitment to safeguard the communities from the atrocities of the communist terrorist group (CTG) and other lawless elements.

To continue fostering partnerships to end local communist and armed conflict (ELCAC), both officials have committed to do their part.

The commitment towards

peace and development within the province and the rest of Caraga Region, the plans and collaborations as well of the 4ID and Provinciallocal government unit of Surigao del Sur were also tackled.

Meanwhile, Governor Pimentel has currently chaired the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Surigao del Sur, and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Caraga for two-consecutive terms. (Photo credit to 4ID, Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

#ExplainExplainExplain #PIASurigaoSur

#piasurigaodelsur

DA trains Bayabas farmers for Low-cost feed formulation

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 13 (DA-RFO 13) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program conducted a training for farmers on Low-Cost Feed Formulation for Chicken Growers beneficiaries in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur on October 10, 2022, held at the Kabana Betina Hall, in barangay Magobawok of the said municipality.

The participant -beneficiaries are members of the Balete Chicken Growers Association (BaCGA) and Cabugo Chicken Production Association (CaCPA) all in Bayabas

town.

The activity aimed to help the SAAD beneficiaries to produce feeds that will sustain them in the long run. The process will help them lessen farm expenses thereby increasing their income as the source of livelihood.

The participants were taught by the invited resource speakers the proper mixing ratio of feed ingredients as each feed type is formulated to suit the nutrient needs of the animals according to age.

Present during the activity were Mayor Apolonio B. Lozada,

Provincial Agriculturist Office chief Marcos Quico, Mun. Agriculturist Office chief Geralyn B. Guibao and SAAD Staff.

Meanwhile, the Resource Speakers who share their knowledge with the participants are Gemma Asufre - Regional Focal Person of the Animal Feeds and Plant Health Development Program, and Ms. Luningning Racho - Chemist II of the Regional Chemical Feed Laboratory, and Mr. Neciforo B. Vallicer Jr. - ILD staff of the Department of Agriculture Caraga. (Photo credit to: LGU Bayabas/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PSA: TWO LGUS TO LAUNCH CBMS, 2ND BATCH IN SURSUR

The Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), Surigao del Sur Provincial Office confirmed that the Local Government Units of Bislig City and Madrid , all in Surigao del Sur are all set to launch the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) for the second batch which will run until December 16, 2022.

According to Dres, 10 out of 19 lgus have committed to the CBMS implementation in the province. Eight LGUs have already launched the implementation last August of the current year.

It can be recalled that the LGU-Bislig hired 129 personnel intended for CBMS implementation in the city who will do the census of the households. A Press Conference was conducted before the implementation to provide information drive and public awareness.

The census of household activity needs a hundred percent participation from the community in collecting, processing, and validating necessary disaggregated data.

Meanwhile, Republic Act (RA) 11315,

otherwise known as the “Community-Based Monitoring System” (CBMS) was signed on April 17, 2019, into law. It is an organized technology-based system of collecting, processing, and validating necessary disaggregated data, that may be used for planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring at the local level while empowering communities to participate in the process. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

#ExplainExplainExplain #PIASurigaoSur

MINDANAO NEWS

GERMANY EXPANDS DEV’T PROGRAMS IN MINDANAO

The German government will continue supporting peace-building efforts in Mindanao through livelihood initiatives and various projects on youth and women empowerment.

In an Embassy report dated October 13, German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel said they “are convinced that a successful and inclusive peace process will increase prosperity and social cohesion not only in the Philippines, but also in this highly interconnected region.”

“We are aiming at expanding our partnerships with the Philippines, knowing that the Indo-Pacific region is of growing relevance in the political as well as economic sphere,” she added.

Germany is currently providing more than PHP2 billion worth of development programs

in coordination with the Philippine government and 70 organizations on the ground.

The projects include building institutions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, reintegrating former combatants into society, and empowering key stakeholders such as

women, the youth, and indigenous people. Also included are financial support for projects in key sectors such as land rights, disaster risk reduction, health, human rights, climate change, and livelihood, especially in agriculture.

“In our view, the peace process can

only be successful if all stakeholders are actively involved in it from early on,” Reiffenstuel said. One of the Germanfunded projects is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’s (GIZ)

Youth for a Culture of Peace and NonViolence in Mindanao (YOUCAP) which seeks to keep the youth away from armed terrorist groups.

YOUCAP actively works with Sangguniang Kabataan officials in four local governments in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga) to develop local youth development plans and covers about 100,000 young Filipinos -21,500 of them classified as vulnerable.

The GIZ also implements a project line called DeveloPPP aided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

One of the major sectors assisted by DeveloPPP projects is agriculture in Mindanao, particularly coffee farming, while

GIZ helps in training and capacity-building for farmers’ groups.

“We help the farmers produce a better crop through education,” GIZ country director Immanuel Gebhardt said. “Harvesting better crops leads to a secure and continuous supply of coffee for companies and more revenue for the coffee farmers in Mindanao which helps them get out of poverty.”

Some 1,565 coffee farmers in Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat have been trained under the initiative.

From producing only 235 kilograms of coffee per hectare in 2018, they saw a 133.62-percent increase in harvest in 2020 at 549 kilograms per hectare, the German Embassy said.

In addition, the German Foreign Federal Foreign Office is working with Relief International on a new project called Women Engaged in Responsive Solutions to Conflicts and Violence in Mindanao (We-

RESOLVE).

The project, which started September 15, aims to increase the participation of Bangsamoro women in eight municipalities involving 40 villages while providing them with livelihood opportunities.

The project conducts workshops to equip local government units, women-led civil society organizations, community members, and other stakeholders with the skills to develop better gender and development plans.

“During my trips to Mindanao, I have always been impressed by the well-structured approach and concept of the projects our partner organizations are implementing,” Reiffenstuel said.

“Overall, sustainability can be achieved through close coordination with Philippine authorities, between German implementing partners as well as international donors.” (PNA/ By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

US ENVOY OFFERS SUPPORT FOR MINDANAO RAILWAY PROJECT

United States (US) Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson has formally offered support to various transport infrastructure projects in the country, with emphasis on providing assistance for the completion of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).

In a Facebook post on Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Carlson offered to provide technical assistance for implementing and developing the MRP in a meeting with DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.

FORMAL SUPPORT. US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson (4th from left), Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista (5th from left), and other US and Philippine officials during a meeting on Friday (Oct. 14, 2022). During the meeting, Carlson formally offered US support in various transportation infrastructure projects in the country such as the Mindanao Railway Project. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)

facilitate increased private sector investment and participation,” the DOTr said.

“The assistance, which will be coursed through the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will encompass the early stage project preparation and development of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structure, to

Carlson and other US officials also offered to provide training assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), particularly in the operational maintenance of their vessels.

“The Ambassador likewise informed Secretary Bautista of the satisfactory findings of the US

Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA) on its recent security assessment of the NAIA, as well as the local airlines flying to the US,” it said.

Carlson was accompanied in the meeting by US Maritime Law Enforcement Advisor Mark Everson, Transport Security Administration attaché Robert Rouland, John Avrett of USAID, and Joseph Russo of the US Embassy in Manila. (PNA/ Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

SUPPORT FOR

POLE VAULTER EJ OBIENA

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed full support for Filipino ace pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena as he prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The President received Obiena in a courtesy call in Malacañang, honoring him for the glory he brought to the country and for making Filipinos proud.

“We look forward to the Games in Paris. I hope you do well. If there is anything that we can do to help you na maging mas maganda ang inyong resulta, at mas maganda ang maging training, lahat ng ano, sabihin ninyo sa akin dahil napakahalaga ng iyong ginagawa,” Marcos told Obiena during the latter’s courtesy call. Congratulating the Filipino pole vaulter, the chief executive said: “From your President

and I think from the rest of the Philippines, kami’y nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng iyong ginawa, sa dangal na idinala mo sa ating bansa. I think that is the greatest tribute that you can give, the greatest service that you can give to our country is to bring honor to the Philippines.”

Marcos also expressed his gratitude to all those who backed the Filipino champion in attaining

global recognition and success.

Obiena holds the third spot in the men’s pole vault world ranking following a historic medal finish at the World Athletics Championships last July. He returned to the Philippines last month for a break before resuming his training and preparations for the Paris Summer Olympics.

PBBM ASSURES PREPARATIONS IN PLACE FOR QUICK AID AS TROPICAL DEPRESSION ‘NENENG’ NEARS NORTHERN LUZON

husto. So that’s what we are doing,” he said.

In terms of relief goods, materials, and assets, he said concerned agencies had put them as close as possible to the typhoon’s track based on PAGASA’s forecast for immediate disaster response.

The government is closely monitoring Tropical Depression Neneng as it approaches Northern Luzon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Friday, assuring the public that necessary preparations are in place to quickly respond to those who could be affected.

During a media interview in Pasay City following his speech at the 8th Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention, Marcos said the government has a disaster response template pegged on the Philippine Atmospheric,

Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) weather forecast.

“So nakabantay kami ng mabuti. But once again, I think the key to all of these is to watch it very closely because may bagong feature ang mga bagyo ngayon,” Marcos said, recalling Typhoon Karding, which quickly developed from Typhoon Signal No. 1 to Signal No. 5 in a matter of hours.

“Mabilis mag-develop kaya kailangan nakabantay tayo nang

Tropical Depression Maymay has brought flooding in Cagayan province, that’s why the government is closely looking into the possible actions that could be done to prepare for the incoming weather disturbance, he said.

“Neneng now, I think, unfortunately, looks a little stronger. It looks a little stronger than the previous one at doon mas northern ang kanyang track,” Marcos said.

Some 10,000 individuals will be affected by Tropical Depression Neneng based on current projections. (PND)

‘JUDICIAL PROCESS WORK PROPERLY’

AFTER SON’S ARREST

Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., binuksan ngayong araw, ika-14 ng Oktubre, ang 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention. Ang BSP na naitatag noong 1975 at napagtibay sa pamamagitan ng Balik Scientist Act ng 2018, ay may layuning pabalikin ang mga dalubhasang Pilipino sa bansa at paigtingin ang kaalaman sa agham at teknolohiya para sa ikauunlad ng bawat Pilipino.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism Friday that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla will let the “judicial process work properly” following his son’s arrest in Las Piñas City for possessing over P1 million worth of high-grade marijuana.

“I think that being the Secretary of the Department of Justice, he’s very aware that he must allow the processes of the judiciary to work properly and that no one in the Executive should interfere,” Marcos said in

a media interview after his attendance to the 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention in Pasay City. Agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group arrested on Tuesday Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III, 38, after receiving a parcel containing about 1 kilo of kush in a house in Las Piñas City.

In a statement released by the DOJ Thursday afternoon, the justice secretary said he would

“not intervene in nor influence” any case filed against his son and also thanked the PDEA “for doing their job, without fear or favor.”

The DOJ secretary said it was a “very difficult time” for him and his family, and he will respect the justice system. He also vowed to abide by the oath of office he took when he assumed his position.

The younger Remulla’s arrest was part of a “controlled delivery operation” of illegal drugs based on Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) regulations, according to PDEA. (PND)

PBBM VOWS BETTER INCENTIVES FOR

PINOY SCIENTISTS; CITES DOST ROLE IN RESEARCH & DEV’T PUSH

Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“I encourage everyone here present to continue searching for more avenues to work with one another in employing science and innovation for the benefit of our people.”

Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., binuksan ngayong araw, ika-14 ng Oktubre, ang 8th Annual Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Convention. Ang BSP na naitatag noong 1975 at napagtibay sa pamamagitan ng Balik Scientist Act ng 2018, ay may layuning pabalikin ang mga dalubhasang Pilipino sa bansa at paigtingin ang kaalaman sa agham at teknolohiya para sa ikauunlad ng bawat Pilipino.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed Friday to fully support Filipino scientists, highlighting their important role in the country’s economic recovery and in confronting challenges such as the climate crisis. “You may always be assured that I and my administration will extend all support in making science and innovation an instrument of progress and prosperity for the Filipino,” Marcos said during the 18th Annual

According to the President, the pandemic has brought about the necessity for societies to innovate.

Marcos said with the current conditions affecting the country, Filipino scientists can help with various concerns, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Marcos highlighted the critical role of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)—with the help of the participating Balik

Scientists—to address the perennial issues in the country through research and development initiatives.

“You must continue to strengthen the implementation of the Balik Scientist Program and find ways to provide more incentives to encourage more Filipino scientists to come back to the country and share their expertise,” he said.

Incentives must be given to returning scientists who wish to continue their careers locally, he noted, underscoring that through the Balik Scientist Program, they could be given equipment, facilities, and necessary funding.

More benefits, educational aid. The chief executive also expressed optimism that the government could sustain and augment the short, medium, and long-term benefits for the Balik scientists and their families provided for under the law. These benefits include allowances, education assistance

for minor children, and participation in grantsin-aid projects, among others.

He also urged the DOST to develop more initiatives that will inspire young people to pursue scientific and technological courses.

It is unfortunate, he said, that the Philippines lagged behind other countries, especially when it comes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses, stressing remedial measures must be taken.

“Let us also encourage our young people by showing them what a career in science, research and development, in what the work that is being done by Balik scientists and to motivate them and to inspire them, and to explain to them that you can do this too,” he said.

“I urge you to fully support all the research projects and the inventions that our Balik scientists bring. Let this platform as well as other

programs inspire the younger generation of Filipino scientists to dedicate their talent, their knowledge, and energy for the nation,” he added.

Established in 1975, the BSP aims to encourage Filipino scientists to return home and share their expertise with their local peers.

The signing of the Republic Act 11035 in 2018 strengthened the program, as the law mandated the institutionalization of the BSP.

A new Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) was also crafted in addition to the upgrade of the Memorandum

Circular 001 series of 2021 aimed at providing better incentives to Balik scientists.

Joining the President were DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, DOST Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang, DOST Assistant Secretary Leah Buendia, Pasay City

Mayor Imelda CalixtoRubiano, Balik scientists, and other guests. (PND)

THAT TECH SHOULD MAKE LIFE BETTER

The signing of the Subscribers Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act Monday sets the tone for the administration’s national policy to ensure that technology should only be used to improve people’s lives, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday.

“Moving forward, it is my hope that we will be able to enact even more measures to help bring forth the security, progress, and prosperity that we aspire

for our Filipino brothers and sisters and for the entire nation,” President Marcos said during the ceremonial signing of the SIM Card Registration Act in Malacañang.

The President expects the people to welcome the newly signed legislation, especially amid reports of various crimes using mobile phones, including the proliferation of text scams and spam. The act’s signing is long overdue, he said, which

will now provide the authorities an effective means of regulating the issuance of SIM cards to curb the spread of spam text messages and scams.

It will soon provide law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to resolve crimes perpetrated with the use of these SIM Cards, as well as provide a strong deterrence against the commission of wrongdoing.

Validating identities

Under the SIM Card Registration Act, public telecommunication entities (PTEs) or direct sellers will require SIM card end users to present a valid identification document to validate their identities during SIM card purchases.

PTEs will also be required to maintain subscribers SIM Card Register, containing the information required under the law.

They are also mandated to submit a verified list of their authorized dealers and agents nationwide to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and also carry out quarterly updates each year.

To cover all SIM card users, PTEs are mandated to ensure the registration of existing pre-paid SIM card phone subscribers within a prescribed period.

Failure to comply will result in the deactivation of services.

Individuals registering using false or fictitious information, fictitious

identities, and fraudulent documents or identifications will be penalized.

Data privacy, confidentiality

The legislation also has provisions making it paramount to protect the confidentiality and data privacy rights of subscribers, which will take effect upon SIM card purchases.

PTEs will only be required to disclose subscribers’ information only after a subpoena or court order is issued upon finding probable cause.

They can likewise be compelled to do so upon written request from a law enforcement agency in relation to an ongoing investigation. Breach of confidentiality due to negligence,

registered SIM card spoofing, sale of stolen SIM cards, and non-compliance to government requirements following SIM card sale or transfer are punishable under the law. The President commended the legislators for coming up with the law, the first legislative measure that successfully passed the approval of the bicameral panel of both houses in the 19th Congress.

Also in attendance were Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, members of the Cabinet, and other members of the Senate and House of Representatives. (PND)

PinasLakas administers 3.4M 1st booster dose in 100 days

The PinasLakas campaign has administered 3,456,132 first booster doses on its 100th day, Oct. 8, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

The campaign also vaccinated 47,803 senior citizens against Covid-19. As of Oct. 10, almost

73.3 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated.

Of the tally, 6.9 million are senior citizens; 10 million are adolescents; and 5.1 million are children.

Almost 20.2 million have received their first dose and more than 3.1 million

8-14, 2022

have received their second booster shot.

The DOH urges the eligible population to receive their booster doses to address the country’s waning immunity especially now that increased mobility is seen nationwide. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

PH DAILY AVERAGE OF NEW COVID CASES DOWN BY 10%

The daily average of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases went down by 10 percent from Oct. 3 to 9, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday.

From 2,288 per day recorded from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, the number decreased to 2,048 daily in the recent week.

The latest case bulletin showed there were 14,333 new cases and 256 verified deaths.

Of the additional deaths, the DOH said 29 occurred from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9.

In the same period, five cases were added to the tally of severe and critical infections, which went down to 669 from the previous week’s 753.

Only 24.3 percent or 614 out of the 2,524 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in use, while 27.2 percent or 5,730 of 21,039 nonICU beds are utilized.

To date, about 73,312,416 or 93.87 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) are vaccinated against Covid-19, including 78.95 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens.

As of Oct. 9, a total of 20,133,918 have received booster shots out of the fully vaccinated population. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNAFile photo)

RISE IN BREAKTHROUGH COVID-19 INFECTIONS LIKELY BY YEAR-END

The number of breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections increasing by the end of the year is likely to happen due to waning immunity, a health expert said Thursday.

“’Yung waning immunity matagal na kasi no sinabi na natin ‘yan na kapag bumaba na ‘yung mga antibodies, magkakaroon na uli ng (In waning immunity, we’ve been saying for a long time when antibodies go down) possible breakthrough infections,” Vaccine Expert Panel chairperson Dr. Nina Glorianni said in a televised public briefing.

A breakthrough infection happens when a vaccinated individual becomes infected with a virus because the vaccine has failed to provide complete immunity against the pathogen.

She noted that the booster vaccination coverage for the first 100 days of the new administration is low at 25 percent.

As of Oct. 2, about 19,760,243 individuals have received their booster doses while 73,181,447 have been fully vaccinated.

Apart from waning immunity, Glorianni said possible

breakthrough infections could also be attributed to increased mobility and complacency among many who do not observe health protocols.

“Tapos eto nga po magpaPasko maraming lumalabas, namimili, mataas po ‘yung mobility ng mga tao (It’s almost Christmas, many are going out to, the mobility of people is high),” she said.

“Importanteng importante ituloy lang po natin ang pagsunod, ‘yung mga may edad, ‘yung mga maysakit, mag-mask pa rin kayo kahit naging optional na po (It is important that we continue to observe health protocols, the elderly and those with health conditions must wear

masks even if it is optional).”

Health experts say the coronavirus is expected to stay as it continues to mutate due to transmission.

The BQ.1.1 subvariant detected in Canada is being monitored worldwide but there is still no data stating if it can cause severe infections, Glorianni said.

For the use of Pfizer Covid-19 jabs among six-monthold babies in Japan, she said the Food and Drug Administration has received an application from Pfizer and health experts are studying relevant data on its effectiveness and safety. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Rico H. Borja)

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