Caraga InFocus – October 9-15, 2021

Volume V, No. 42 Oc tober 9-15, 2021

10

REGIONAL NEWS

10 11 13 14 15 16

DA-PHILMECH NAKA-APOD-APOD NA UG KAPIN 15 MIL KA MAKINARYAS SA PAG-UMA DA, BSWM COMPOSTING FACILITY PROMOTES PROPER WASTE MANAGEMENT

18

FILING NG COC SA BUTUAN CITY, NAGING MAAYOS SIMULA OKTUBRE 1 MGA CARAGANON MAY HILING SA MGA KANDIDATO PARA SA MAY 2022 ELECTIONS DA, BOC NAGHIUSA OG PAGSIKOP SA MGA SMUGGLER SA PRODUKTONG AGRIKULTURA MGA BENEPISYARYO NG TUPAD PRORAM SA CARAGA REGION, TUMANGGAP NG CASH ASSISTANCE MULA SA DOLE

PROVINCIAL NEWS STAKEHOLDERS READY FOR DUTERTE 18 AGSUR LEGACY PROVINCIAL LAUNCH

19 20 21

23

MSMES BENEFIT FROM LIVELIHOOD SEEDING PROGRAM OF DTI MGB-13 JOINS INAUGURATION, TURNOVER OF FAMILY LIFE LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER IN SIARGAO ISLAND MSME SA SURIGAO NORTE NAKINABANG SA LIVELIHOOD SEEDING PROGRAM NG DTI

22

29 RESPONDERS COMPLETE WASAR, BLS IN SURSUR TOWN

23

61 ASF-AFFECTED HOG FARMERS AVAIL LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE FROM DA

24

DA, BFAR HONORS CARAGA TOP FARMERS, FISHERFOLK IMPLEMENTERS IN SURSUR

26 27

MINDANAO NEWS GO SAYS GOV’T COMMITTED TO LASTING PEACE, PROGRESS IN MINDANAO HOUSING UNITS TURNOVER SIGNALS MARAWI VICTIMS RETURN TO NORMALCY

NATIONAL NEWS

29

PCOO OPENS MORE VACANT REGULAR POSITIONS

30

SECRETARY ANDANAR: DUTERTE ADMIN SAFEGUARDED MEDIA

35 37

39

CONTENTS

29 31

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

31

GOVERNMENT CONTINUES WORK IN RESTORING INVESTOR, BUSINESS IN PH

32

SECRETARY ANDANAR: SCRAP POLITICAL COLOR IN COVID-19 RESPONSE

34 35 36 37

SECRETARY ANDANAR TOUTS ADVOCACYDRIVEN COMMUNICATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT MEDIA GOV’T ENSURES ENOUGH VACCINE SUPPLY IN FOR ALL LGUS

AROROY, MASBATE MAINTAINS STABLE LOCAL ECONOMY, GOV’T EXTENDS HELP FOR AGRI DEV’T ‘CONTINUED VIGILANCE AND VACCINATION WILL SAVE LIVES’ SAYS BONG GO AS HIS TEAM ASSISTS OVER THREE THOUSAND INDIGENTS IN SUBIC, ZAMBALES

39

BONG GO HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY AS HIS TEAM AIDS AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND HOG RAISERS IN ALUBIJID, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

42

BONG GO RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE RESIDENTS IN NAIC, CAVITE AS HE ASSURES FILIPINOS OF HOLISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS PANDEMIC RECOVERY

46 47 48

COVID-19 NEWS OVER 52M VACCINE DOSES ADMINISTERED NATIONWIDE 91.3M COVID-19 VAX DOSES ALREADY IN PH

COVID-19 VAX TO PROTECT STUDENTS DURING F2F CLASSES: PALACE

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on tropical storm Maring We assure everyone that the government remains on top of the situation having prepared early on for Tropical Storm Maring by making prior risk assessments and having pre-positioned various components for relief operations and disaster responses.

These were done particularly in Northern Luzon through our regional disaster risk reduction and management councils (RDRRMCs) and other regional offices of line departments.

Uniformed personnel from the AFP, PNP, and BFP have also been mobilized to provide assistance to our RDRRMCs on disaster response and to support other operations for affected Filipinos.

For our part, the Presidential Communications Operations Office and its attached agencies, through our Integrated News Team and Laging Handa program, continue to provide needed and timely information and updates regarding Tropical Storm Maring and its effects using all the government’s media platforms.

We ask the public, in particular those in the affected regions, to follow all the directives of the national and local government units and to monitor all warnings and advisories to ensure their safety and welfare from the storm.

We also remind everyone, especially those in evacuation centers, to continue observing all health protocols as much as possible in order to minimize infection from COVID-19.

As we continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Maring, we ask everyone to subscribe to our information and communication programs and other platforms for more life-saving, timely, and accurate information.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Duterte Legacy Campai of Caraga region

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Various services and programs of the different government agencies had reached different sectors in the provinces of Caraga region, as the Duterte Legacy Campaign: Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery was intensified down to the grassroots particularly to the conflict-affected areas.

In time with the provincial launch of the said campaign, local residents from the conflict-affected sitios of Barangay Bitos in Butuan City had availed of the free services and programs from the

6

|October 9-15, 2021

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) Corporation, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and many others.

According to Punong Barangay Elsa Mordeno, many from her constituents are still unemployed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and they need other development projects that will benefit the locals in terms of stable potable water supply, housing, and livelihood among others.

“We are thankful for this Serbisyo Caravan initiated by the government agencies. We are grateful for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that his administration continues to pour projects and assistance in Butuan City including our barangay,” said Mordeno.

Lolita Gonzaga, a farmer from Barangay Arujville, who was among the beneficiaries under the TESDA program, expressed her gratitude to the Duterte administration especially that she did not expect that while availing of the

Caraga INFOCUS

ign reaches provinces community-based training from TESDA, she could also received equipment which she could use in her farm.

“Thank you so much to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for extending help to the farmers. We hope this will continue even after his term, so that we could also experience more developments in the sector,” said Gonzaga.

Also, Rene Madrid, who resides at Sitio Balite of Barangay Bit-os, elaborated that through the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), their safety against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) is secured with the help of the Philippine Army. He was also thankful for the relief assistance they received during the provincial launch of the Duterte Legacy Campaign.

“Thank you to our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for protecting us and our community. We are also happy to have received all these relief assistance especially during this time of the pandemic,” Madrid said.

Meanwhile, the local constituents from

Caraga INFOCUS

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Lingig, Surigao del Sur; Malimono, Surigao del Norte; and Dinagat Islands were also delighted to have availed of the services and programs from the government agencies during the simultaneous launch of the said campaign.

Butuan City Police Office chief Police Colonel Excelso Lazaga, Jr., highlighted the need for all government agencies to unite and continue to provide the necessary basic services and programs to the most vulnerable sectors.

“We all need to unite as we fight the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the society and our country.

We should continue to help

each other so we could all survive in these trying times,” Lazaga said.

The Duterte Legacy Campaign aims to cascade to the citizens the projects, programs and accomplishments of the Duterte administration, and how it directly benefited the citizens. It is not limited to information campaign but through the conduct of “Serbisyo Caravan” and outreach activities until the last day of the administration.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) thru the Philippine Information Agency Caraga documented the simultaneous activity. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

October 9-15, 2021 |

7

News Briefs As part of the 2021 National Shelter Month celebration, the DHSUD Caraga will hold a virtual talkshow entitled “DHSUD Caraga in Focus: Mandate, Services and the People”. xx

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, along with other government agencies is actively participating in today’s provincial launch of the Duterte Legacy Campaign: Barangayanihan Towards National Recovery at the Covered Court of Brgy. Bit-os, Butuan City. Local residents from nearby barangays of the city could also avail of the different programs and services offered by the government agencies at the venue.

The Regional Development Council - Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) chaired by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga underscored that the 2021 Search for Caraga’s Gender Responsive Government Agencies aims to recognize deserving government agencies for their outstanding achievement and performance in mainstreaming gender in the bureaucracy, upholding the rights of women and effective implementation of gender-responsive programs.

(VACCINATION ROLLOUT UPDATE) As of Oct. 12, 2021, DOH Caraga reports a total of 453,001 vaccinated individuals, regionwide. Vaccination of qualified individuals still ongoing in the different vaccination sites of the region. #BeVaccinated #ResBakuna

REGIONAL NEWS

DA-PHILMECH naka-apod-apod na ug kapin 15 mil ka makinaryas sa pag-uma

kini alang sa Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) nga nahimotang sa mga island provinces ug coastal areas.

A farmer in Central Luzon plants rice in this Business Mirror file photo.

10

Hapit na mahuman og apod-apod sa Department of Agriculture kon DA pinaagi sa Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) ang 15,900 ka farm machines nga mobalor 10 bilyon ka pesos alang sa mga mag-uuma.

(RCEF).

Gihimo kini nga kalihokan ilawom sa Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund

Ang nabilin nga 654 ka farm machines nga gipondohan sa 2019 ug 2020 RCEF gigahin

|October 9-15, 2021

Sigon ni Executive Director Baldwin G. Jallorina sa Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) nga aduna nay 15,246 ka nagkalainlaing mga makinaryas ang na-apod-apod sa tibuok nasud.

Ilawom sa RCEF, makadawat ang PhilMech og annual budget nga 5 bilyon ka pesos sa unom (6) ka tuig arun masuportahan ang mechanization program sa tumong nga makunhoran ang postharvest losses ug mutaas ang ani sa humay.

Gisugdan og implementar ang RCEF kaniadtong 2019 human sa pagkapasar sa balaod nga Republic Act 11203, nga nakatabang sa industriya sa humay sa nasud.

Ang maong balaod naggikan ug tinuig nga 10 bilyon pesos nga pundo sa RCEF, diin mulangtod kini hangtod tuig 2025 arun mo-usbaw ang industriya sa humay sa nasud. (DA Caraga/ PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DA, BSWM composting facility promotes proper waste management

Considering the volume of biodegradable wastes contributed by the commercial activities, residential, and farming sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) together with the Bureau of Soils & Water Management (BSWM) turned over Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW) to 15 Local Government Units (LGU) and five Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) in Caraga INFOCUS

the Caraga region on October 7.

The municipalities of San Luis, Talacogon, Loreto, Veruela, and La Paz in Agusan del Sur, municipality of Sison in Surigao del Norte, municipality of Lianga in Surigao del Sur, and the municipalities of San Jose, Basilisa, Libjo, Cagdianao, and Dinagat in Dinagat Islands each received a packaged of the CFBW which comprises one unit

of the rotary composter and one unit of shredder machine.

The Sto. Niño MultiPurpose Cooperative and Taguibo IPM Farmers Association in Butuan City, Quimayong Farmers Association in Trento, Agusan del Sur, Antao Palaycheck Farmers Association, and San Agustin Organic Farmers Organization in Surigao del Sur also received the same intervention.

October 9-15, 2021 |

11

by Municipal Agriculturist Darwin B. Balonda partnered with the Municipal Environment & Natural Resource Office headed by Angelito T. Rulida for the operation of CFBW.

DA-BSWM Regional Soils & Water Area Coordinator Marcelo P. Dayo led the distribution of the CFBW with a total worth of P18.8 million.

Dayo emphasized that the distribution of CFBW promotes proper waste management through appropriate methods of sorting, collecting, and composting.

“The actions taken by the LGUs in addressing biodegradable waste through the use of the facility will encourage resource conservation and recovery. This will also benefit the farmers to lessen their dependence on synthetic fertilizers thus promotes organic

12

|October 9-15, 2021

“The LGU-Veruela is grateful for this intervention. The facility is a solution for the proper waste management in our municipality. We cover 20 barangays farming,” said Dayo. in which 61% of the biodegradable waste Moreover, the provision comes from residential of the facility accelerates and commercial areas. the production and Thru the CFBW, we commercialization of can produce quality organic fertilizers and compost in just one other inputs. week compared to the traditional composting “The wastes generated that takes 2-3 months from the public markets, of decomposition,” said residences, and farms if Rulida. properly decomposed are a good source From 2015 to 2020, for essential nutrients BSWM has distributed and other organic 957 CFBWs nationwide. compounds that will This year, they have help improve soil started the distribution health. A CFBW facility of 321 CFBWs. Luzon is can produce one ton set to receive 160 units, of organic fertilizer a Visayas 70 units, and month,” he added.

Mindanao 91 units which On the other hand, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Veruela, Agusan del Sur headed

are scheduled to be delivered until October 2021. (Rhea C. Abao, DA-Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

Filing ng COC sa Butuan City, naging maayos simula Oktubre 1 Sa tulong ng Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at iba pang law enforcement agencies kasama ang Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sa Butuan City, naging maayos ang filing ng Certificate of Candidacy (COC) ng mga kakandidato para sa nalalapit na May 2022 national at local elections.

Ayon kay City COMELEC officer Atty. Samuel Rollo, sa unang araw ng filing nitong October 1 ay tahimik at walang ni isa na nag-file ng COC at sa pangatlong araw saka dumagsa ang mga kakandidato mula mayor, vice mayor at city counsilor.

Nauna na aniyang nagfile ng kanilang COC ang opposition team ng

Caraga INFOCUS

kasalukuyang administrasyon at may mga independent candidates na rin ang sunod-sunod na nag-file ng kanilang COC. Mahigpit din sumunod ang mga ito sa health protocols kasama ng kani-kanilang mga supporters.

“Yung mga candidates naman natin ay civilized, mature naman. At dito mismo sa Butuan City, walang anu mang electionrelated violence na naitala,” ani ni Rollo.

Sa huling araw ay nagfile na rin ang mga kandidato ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, sabay ng iba pang independent candidates.

Nanawagan din si Atty.

Rollo sa inactive voters na huwag sayangin ang

oportunidad at kanilang karapatang bumoto. Kaya naman hinikayat niya itong magregister muli sa kanilang tanggapan, maging ang mga gustong mag-update ng kanilang records at sa mga transferred voters.

“Maaaring bumisita lang sa ating tanggapan para sa mga gustong humabol sa voter’s registration, updating ng personal information dahil extended ang ating operation hanggang sa October 30 ngayong taon,” dagdag ni Rollo.

Tiniyak naman ni Colonel Randy Amaro, deputy city director for operations ng Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) na tulong-tulong ang mga ahensiya para mapanatiling maayos at ligtas ang inaasahang May 2022 Elections. (JPG/PIACaraga)

October 9-15, 2021 |

13

Mga Caraganon may hiling sa mga kandidato para sa May 2022 Elections Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Matapos makapag-hain ng kanilang Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) ang mga kandidato para sa May 2022 Elections, nagpaabot rin ng kanilang suporta at pakiusap sa mga kandidato ang mga Caraganons na tugunan ang iba’t-ibang concerns sa rehiyon.

Nakiusap ang magsasakang si Edwin Alwag ng Butuan City sa grupong ‘Bisaya Gyud’ Partylist na tulungan ang kanilang sektor na mabigyan sila ng mas malawak na oportunidad na ibahagi at ipakilala

14

|October 9-15, 2021

oportunidad para sa mga tricycle drivers na mapaunlad din ang kanilang kabuhayan ang siyang tanging hiling ng driver na si Venerando Fiel sa Butuan City sa mga kandidato. Nahihirapan din ang mga katulad niyang tricycle driver na apektado ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hanggang sa ngayon. ang kanilang lokal na produkto sa ibang rehiyon maging sa ibang bansa upang patuloy na tumaas ang kanilang kita at ani.

“Hiling namin na sana ay mabigyang pansin ng mga kandidato ang patuloy na pagbigay programa para sa mga magsasaka lalo na sa makinarya upang lumago ang sektor sa agrikultura. Patuloy sana naming maranasan ang pag-unlad kahit pa man matapos ang termino ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” ani ni Alwag.

Ayuda at maayos na polisiya na magbibigay ng mas malawak na

“Sana ay mabigyan kami ng ayuda at maibalik sa dating rota ang aming biyahe sa pang-araw araw upang may sapat kaming kita at para hindi na mahirapan ang mga pasahero sa byahe,” banggit ni Fiel.

Dahil dito, umaasa ang mga ‘Bisaya’ sa Caraga region na masigurong matugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan sa larangan ng agrikultura, negosyo, sining at kultura nang hindi na sila makipagsapalaran sa kamaynilaan o mangibang-bansa para umunlad. (JPG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DA, BOC naghiusa og pagsikop sa mga smuggler sa produktong agrikultura Naghiusa ang Department of Agriculture (DA) ug Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa kasabotan nga mag-implementar og bag-ong mga lakang sa pagsikop sa mga smugglers sa produktong agrikultura ug arun masiguro nga adunay kaluwasan sa pagkaon alang sa mga konsumante sa Pilipinas.

Sa nahitabong kasabotan kaniadtong October 8, 2021, gi-uyonan nila Agriculture Secretary William Dar ug BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero nga pahugtan ang pagabuhatong mga inspeksyon sa “second border” ug magmugna og Technical Working Group (TWG) arun masusi ang 15-anyos na nga sumbanan ug pamaagi sa pagdumala og mga inangkat o imported nga mga pagkaon.

“Atong katuyoan nga maundang ang pagsulod sa gi-smuggle nga mga agrifishery products ug masiguro ang kaluwasan sa atong mga konsumante subay sa mga probisyon sa Republic Act No. 10611 o ang ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’,” sigon ni Secretary Dar. Ang pagabuhaton nga inspeksyon sa second border aduna usab imbestigasyon nga pagahimuon lakip sa mga misdeclared goods, ug masilotan ang mga madakpan niini.

Dugang pa ni Secretary

Caraga INFOCUS

Dar nga ang mga fresh ug frozen agri-fishery cargoes mupailawom gihapon og “open-close”examination sa “first border” o port of entry, pero mas strikto na ang pagahimuon nga inspeksyon pag-abot sa nagdesignar nga mga warehouse o “second border.”

Ma-implementar na kini nga lakang kung mahuman na ang gitukod sa DA nga mga pasilidad sa “first border” sa mga major ports nga gisugdan sa Subic, diin gitawag kini og Commodity Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA).

Ang namugna nga TWG gilangkoban ni Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Regulation Liza Battad nga maoy nahimong Chairperson ug ang co-Chair niini mao si DA Asst. Secretary for Economic Intelligence

Federico Laciste.

Samtang pagatutokan ni BOC Deputy Commissioner Intelligence Group Raniel Ramiro ug Assistant Commissioner for postclearance audit group Vincent Phillip Maronilla, ang sanitary and phytosanitary measures, food safety standards, ug uban pa nga mga regulatory measures sa ipahigayon nga first/second border inspection ug control procedures.

Ang mga miyembro sa TWG gilangkoban sa mga nagkadaiyang heads sa DA regulatory agencies sama sa Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), ug National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) ug uban pa nga mga ahensya. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

October 9-15, 2021 |

15

Mga benepisyaryo ng TUPAD program sa Caraga region, tumanggap ng cash assistance mula sa DOLE

Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Sa kabila ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pagbigay tulong ng ibat-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa Caraga region kabilang na ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) kung saan mahigit 1,000 benepisyaryo sa Butuan City at Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte ang tumanggap ng livelihood cash assistance.

Ito ay sa ilalim ng DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) at Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program.

Ang balut vendor na si Mary Jaen Laon sa Butuan City ay kabilang sa mga tumanggap ng P4,800

16

|October 9-15, 2021

cash assistance mula sa DOLE para magamit niya na mapagpatuloy ang kaniyang paninda at kita.

“Masaya ako sa tulong na bigay ng DOLE dahil may dagdag na sa puhunan ako sa pagtitinda ng balut at may panggatos na rin sa aking pamilya,” ani ni Laon.

Ilan-ilang estudyante rin ang tumanggap ng scholarship cash grant na nagkakahalaga ng P10,000 at isa na dito si Christian Hermoso na lubos ang tuwa sa kanyang pagtanggap ng cheke na inabot mismo ni DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello kasama ang mga lokal na opisyal sa lungsod ng butuan.

“Malaking tulong ito sa aking pag-aaral. may pangbayad na ako sa

tuition ko sa school,” pahayag ni Hermoso.

Hinikayat ni Secretary Bello ang lahat ng beneficiaries na gamitin ng maayos ang perang kanilang natanggap at palaguin ang kanilang kabuhayan lalo na’t patuloy ang bansa sa pagharap sa hamon ng COVID-19 pandemic.

Kasabay ng TUPAD payout sa beneficiaries at livelihood cash assistance, pinarangalan din ang mga natatanging kompanya sa rehiyon ng Safety Seal mula sa DOLE, kabilang din ang regional winners ng 2021 Search for Outstanding Labor Management Cooperation. (JPG/PIACaraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AgSur stakeholders ready for Duterte Legacy provincial launch

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Various stakeholders in the province of Agusan del Sur are now gearing up efforts and preparations for the provincial launch of the Duterte Legacy Campaign: Barangaynihan Caravan Towards National Recovery on October 14, 2021 at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Prosperidad of said province.

According to Police Colonel Ruben Delos Santos, acting provincial director of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, some 100 individuals are expected to attend and participate in the simultaneous provincial launch coming from various government

18

|October 9-15, 2021

agencies, private sector, media, and local residents from the municipalities of the province.

“During this event, the most vulnerable sectors in the province of Agusan del Sur could avail of the different programs and services from the government agencies.

All participating sectors should follow the imposed health protocols at the venue to ensure safety and security of everyone against the transmission of COVID-19,” said Delos Santos.

He added that local officials of the provincial government will be attending said event

and will share relevant information and updates on the accomplishments of the Duterte administration including the developmental projects that were established in Agusan del Sur. The Duterte Legacy Campaign aims to cascade to the citizens the projects, programs and accomplishments of the Duterte administration, and how it directly benefited the citizens. It is not limited to information campaign but through the conduct of “Serbisyo Caravan” and outreach activities until the last day of the administration. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

MSMEs benefit from livelihood seeding program of DTI

The micro entrepreneurs in the province of Surigao del Norte that were greatly affected by the pandemic received assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay.

To date, the DTI - Surigao del Norte has already visited more than 20 barangays in the province and more than 200 MSMEs have benefited from the distributed livelihood kits amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 each.

More than a thousand residents were also trained and have undergone business information seminars.

“The program aims to help Caraga INFOCUS

the micro entrepreneurs in the province for them to sustain their business as the primary source of livelihood to support their family,” said Arnold Faelnar, provincial diredctor of DTI-Surigao del Norte.

Various programs and services of the DTI were presented to the participants during the recent launching of Livelihood Seeding Program in barangay Poctoy, Surigao City.

A seminar on entrepreneurial mindsetting and financial literacy were also conducted.

This initiative is part of the DTI’s mission to promote inclusive growth of MSMEs

in the Philippines that uses the grassroots approach to reach the basic unit of the community.

Faelnar said the DTI continues to implement its other programs and encouraged those who intend to start up a business to visit the nearst negosyo center in their area.

“Just visit the nearest Negosyo Center in your locality so you will be assisted in marketing your products by showcasing them during trade fairs and displaying at the OTOP centers. They can also avail of the management, pricing and costing, at entrepreneurship trainings,” he said. (VLG/PIA Surigao del Norte) October 9-15, 2021 |

19

MGB-13 joins inauguration, turnover of Family Life Livelihood Training Center in Siargao Island

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga region attended the inauguration and ceremonial turnover of the Family Life and Livelihood Training Center recently in General Luna, Siargao Islands, this province.

The facility underscores the importance of education, spirituality and values. It aims to promote activities such as, but not limited to, the conduct of family development sessions, values formation, youth and child development activities, early childcare and nutrition programs, skills training and livelihood programs and social protection and social services.

The realization of the said project was a collaborative effort of the Provincial Government of Surigao del

20

|October 9-15, 2021

Norte, through the efforts of the former Governor and current Provincial Administrator Sol F. Matugas; the Diocese of Surigao that provided the area for the establishment of the said facility by way of usufructuary rights; and the Surigao del Norte Mining and Mineral Processing Companies, such as Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation and Hinatuan Mining Corporation, for the financial assistance through their Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) Funds.

Bishop Antonieto D. Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao; Surigao del Norte District I Representative Francisco Jose F. Matugas II; Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Francisco T. Matugas; former Provincial

Governor and present Provincial Administrator Sol F. Matugas; Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and Provincial Officials; General Luna Mayor Cecilia L. Rusillon and Sangguniang Bayan Members; Nickel Asia Corporation President and CEO Martin Antonio G. Zamora; and THPAL President Masahiro Kamiya took part in the event. On the same note, OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez and Engr.

Francis Glenn N. Suante represented the MGB-13 in the said event.

It is hoped that the Family Life and Livelihood Training Center will stand as a symbol of hope and resilience for all Surigaonons in this time of pandemic and beyond.

(Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante, MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

MSME sa Surigao Norte nakinabang sa Livelihood Seeding Program ng DTI Sa gitna ng nararanasang krisis ng ekonomiya dulot ng pandemya, ilang micro, small at medium enterprises (MSMEs) sa lalawigan ng Surigao del Norte ang natulungan ng dti sa ilalim ng programang Livelihood Seeding Program Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay.

Sa kasalukuyan ay mahigit 20 barangay na ang napuntahan ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Surigao del Norte kung saan mahigit 150 negosyante na ang nabiyayaan ng livelihood kits na nagkakahalaga ng P5,000 hanggang P8,000.

May mahigit kumulang isang libong residente naman ang nabigyan na ng training at business information seminar.

“Layunin ng nasabing programa na matulungan ang ating pamahalaan ang mga maliliit na negosyante na maipagpatuloy ang kanilang munting negosyo na siyang ikinabubuhay Caraga INFOCUS

ng kani-kanilang pamilya,” sabi ni Arnold Faelnar, DTI-Surigao del Norte provincial director.

At dahil nga nais ng pamahalaan na dalhin at mailapit ang mga serbisyo sa komunidad, inilunsad din nitong martes ng dti-surigao del norte sa pamamagitan ng Negosyo Center – Surigao City at sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ang Livelihood Seeding Program sa barangay Poctoy, Surigao City.

Nagkaroon ng pagtalakay ng financial literacy at entrepreneurial mindsetting sa ilang partisipante.

Ayon kay provincial director Faelnar, patuloy din anya ang dti sa pagpapatupad ng iba pa nitong programa at hinihikayat ang may gustong mag-negosyo na pumunta lamang sa pinakamalapit na negosyo center sa kanilang lugar.

“Pwede kayong lumapit sa Negosyo Center upang kayo’y matulungan sa pagmamarket ng inyong produkto sa pamamagitan ng trade fair at One Town, One Product (OTOP) centers. Mayroon ding management, pricing and costing, at entrepreneurship trainings,” ani Faelnar. (VLG/PIASurigao del Norte) October 9-15, 2021 |

21

29 responders complete WASAR, BLS in SurSur town Tito Cañedo III through MPDC chief Ferdinand Barrios expressed gratitude to the DOT headed by Regional Director Nelia Arina represented by Janika Velasco, for the training grant to Hinatuan town.

Some 29 trainees successfully completed and passed the fiveday Water Search and Rescue Training (WASAR) with Basic Life Support (BLS) held recently at the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Their final exercise, however, was a onemile endurance swim from Cambatong boat terminal to Sibadan Fish Cage in which they swam without any floatation device. They all survived.

Both trainees are now

22

|October 9-15, 2021

certified Responders especially for emergencies on the beach and the high seas in the said municipality.

It was the Department of Tourism (DOT)Caraga Region that spearheaded the activity in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard – Surigao City and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Hinatuan. The DOT provided starter kits composed of life vests and first aid kits to the successful trainees.

The activity primarily aimed to upgrade the competencies of the tourism workers and tourist destinations to better serve local and foreign tourists.

The presence and continuing support of the Provincial Tourism Office led by Mary Vil Cruz-Chan also made the training even more meaningful, as well.

Meanwhile, the DOT handed over some basic rescue equipment composed of spine boards, rescue cans/ floaters, life vests, and first aid kits to LGU-Hinatuan, as they culminated the said activity to the Local Government Unit of The LGU officials headed Hinatuan. (with a report

by Hinatuan Mayor Shem from LGU-Hinatuan/PIAGaray with Vice Mayor Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

61 ASF-affected hog farmers avail livelihood assistance from DA

Some 61 backyard farmers affected by the recent African swine fever (ASF) in Barangay Matho, Cortes, Surigao del Sur have availed the livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga through its Livestock Program on October 7, 2021.

Photo credit to: DALivestock Program The report said a total of 746 heads of free-range chicken amounting Caraga INFOCUS

to P373,000.00 were distributed to the affected backyard raisers for their alternative livelihood.

The assistance is under the Livestock-based Livelihood and Enterprise Development of the program of the DA. In a press statement, Regional Livestock Program Coordinator Jekem Sanchez stated that more interventions for Swine Recovery and

Rehabilitation will be given to the affected backyard raisers in the region through the three-year repopulation INSPIRE Program.

The turnover of assistance was attended

by Cortes Mayor Josie Bonifacio, Asst.

Provincial Cooperative Officer June Anthony Ouano, and Municipal Agriculturist Gil Escalant.

(NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur) October 9-15, 2021 |

23

DA, BFAR honors Caraga top farmers, fisherfolk implementers in SurSur The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga and Bureau of Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Caraga have recognized the exemplary farmers, and fisherfolk-partners of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program during the SAAD Saga regional event held at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center (BCCSC) in Bislig, this province on October 5, 2021.

Selected representatives from the 12 groups and individual farmers and fisherfolk assisted by the SAAD Program in the Caraga Region have joined the awarding activities.

The farmers’ association awardees were evaluated based on their project management, accomplishments and shortterm results, innovativeness, and sustainability efforts with the program implementation.

The awardees are as follows for the top farmer implementers (DA):• 1st Placer - Cancavan Corn Growers Association (21 members) – Carmen • 2nd Placer - Culiram SAAD Abaca Farmers’ Association (66 members) –

24

|October 9-15, 2021

Photo Credit to DA-Caraga

Talacogon • 3rd Placer - Balete Chicken Growers Association (31 members) Bayabas Finalists (in random order): • Muritula USAD Farmers’ Association (80 members) – San Luis • Mag-uumang Manobo sa Hinapoyan Association (50 members) - Carmen • Cosep Peoples’ Organization (54 members) – Rosario Top fisherfolk implementers (BFAR) • 1st Place - Marjhun Samson (individual) – Esperanza • 2nd Place - Doña Flavia Farmers and Fisherfolk’ Association (84 members) – San Luis • 3rd Place - Soong Fisherfolk Association II (20 members) - Tago

Finalists (in random order) • Vosbogart Acop (individual) – Sta. Josefa • Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Barcelona (23 members) - Lingig • Joel Gatillo (individual) – Bayabas The report said, that the top three winners received the plaque of recognition and certificate of appreciation for each of the finalists.

While the winning farmers’ associations from the DA have also received Php 250,000.00 worth of interventions for the grand prize, Php 150,000.00 for the 2nd place, and Php 120,000.00 for the 3rd place.

The three remaining finalists took home the Php 60,000.00 worth of interventions as consolation prizes, it was learned. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

Go says gov’t committed to lasting peace, progress in Mindanao Marawi Rehabilitation, also asked community members for continuous cooperation in ensuring that Marawi City remains supported even amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION. The progress of the Pamayandeg Ranaw Residences Dansalan Phases 1 and 2 housing project in Barangay Kilala, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur as of September 2021. The construction is being implemented by the United Nations-Habitat, Marawi local government, and National Housing Authority using funds from the Japan government. (Photo courtesy of TFBM)

The government is dedicated to sustaining President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of long-lasting peace and development in the country.

On Saturday, the President reiterated that commitment during the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi from the Islamic State-linked terrorists who attacked the city in 2017.

“We, in government, are strongly committed to bring back the city’s glory. And we will continue to foster cooperation among concerned stakeholders so that Marawi will be able to build back better and stronger,” the President said in his speech.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go joined the President and other officials at the city’s Rizal Park in honoring state security forces and the people of Marawi City for their sacrifice and courage.

They also witnessed the

26

|October 9-15, 2021

distribution of certificates of title for permanent housing units to internally displaced persons by the National Housing Authority and the turnover of a PHP76million assistance from the Cooperative Development Authority.

“Importante sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kapayapaan, lalo na sa Mindanao. Wala na po dapat na patayan. Sino ba namang gustong magpatayan Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino?

Masakit ‘yun (The President and I value peace, especially in Mindanao. Killings must stop.

No Filipino wants to kill a fellow Filipino. That will be sad),” Go said in a statement on Sunday.

“The government’s efforts in achieving sustainable peace and development across the country must be continuously pursued.”

Go, as a member of Senate Special Committee on

He said the government will continue its efforts to address threats of terrorism and provide economic opportunities in Mindanao and address poverty, which becomes a root cause of conflicts.

“Talaga pong magulo noon.

Pero nakita naman natin matapos maresolba ni dating Davao Mayor Duterte ang kriminalidad, naging mapayapa na ang lugar at malaki na ang pag-asenso ng negosyo at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan (It used to be chaotic there. But after former Davao Mayor Duterte addressed criminality, peace was achieved and business and livelihood improved),” Go said, referring to how the President turned Davao around during his tenure as mayor.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao upang tuluyang makamit ang inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang para sa mga kababayan nating Muslim kundi para sa buong Pilipinas (I will continue to serve our countrymen in Mindanao toward lasting peace and progress, not only for the Muslim community but for the entire country),” he added. (PR)

Caraga INFOCUS

Housing units turnover signals Marawi victims return to normalcy For more than four years, Norhaima Ditucalan’s family was at her grandparents’ house in Ditsaan Ramain, Lanao del Sur, some 10 kilometers away from Marawi City where they lived for decades.

Ditucalan used to live with her three other siblings and their families at a three-story house in Barangay Datu Naga inside the most affected area (MAA) of the 2017 siege.

Their source of income was a small store on the ground floor.

When the siege broke out on May 23, 2017, Ditucalan’s household fled to Ditsaan Ramain and took shelter with their grandparents.

On Friday, Ditucalan’s family was seen cleaning a housing unit in Barangay Gadongan, site of one of the 250 permanent shelters that the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) constructed for them.

The 150 units were built by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHabitat), using funds from the Japanese government, while 100 units were constructed by the NHA, which procured and developed the land.

New start

Caraga INFOCUS

One of the permanent shelter sites for displaced families in Marawi City (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)

Ditucalan said their new 90-square meter house is small compared to their old one but at least they have freed their grandparents of the burden of taking them in.

“I have six children and it is not good to give my grandparents a noisy environment. I wanted to continue my small store here in my new house using the PHP73,000 cash assistance from the government,” Ditucalan said. “Me and my husband will work together.”

Her siblings are categorized as sharers and the government has no housing program for them yet, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chair and Housing Secretary Eduardo del Rosario.

“With regards to housing, walang para sa mga (there is none yet for) sharers but they were provided with financial assistance (worth) PHP35,000 per family, including those vendors who rented their stalls inside the MAA but lost their

business during the siege,” del Rosario said during the press briefing after the turnover ceremony on Friday.

The government declared as “no-dwell zone” the areas within the three to six-meter easement of the Lake Lanao, at the river banks, and within the reclamation area where the government is doing infrastructure projects.

The UN-Habitat had previously awarded permanent shelters to displaced families in Hadiya Village Phase 1 in Barangay Dulay West (109 units), at Phase 2 in the same location (120 units), and at the Pamayandeg Ranao Residences (50 units) in Barangay MipantaoGadongan.

The UN agency said 910 permanent houses are slated to be completed

by December 2021 in five resettlement sites. (PNA/Divina Suson)

October 9-15, 2021 |

27

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO opens more vacant regular positions The Presidential Communications Operations Office along with its attached agencies has opened more vacant regular positions across the country as part of improving the bureaucracy, Secretary Andanar said on Wednesday.

The PCOO chief said that doing so will help maintain and improve the legacies of President Duterte in terms of institutional reforms in the agency.

“We open many positions so that we can really strengthen our bureaucracy,” he said in an interview, stressing the importance of regularizing employees to ensure security of tenure.

“The important thing is that we leave the PCOO not only with the Build, Build, Build projects and policies but also leaving a strong bureaucracy by hiring regular people so that the institutional memory lives on and is improved as the day-today operations happen,” he added.

Secretary Andanar said that

Caraga INFOCUS

for the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) alone, the agency has opened around 190 vacant positions nationwide. The PBS is the agency which handles the operations of Radyo Pilipinas stations.

Hiring and selection process of applicants is also ongoing for the PCOO proper and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

“If you place regular employees then we are assured that there will be someone who will look after the reforms and policies we have undertaken,” he said.

Interested applicants are encouraged to browse through the respective websites of the PCOO and its attached agencies or through the website of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the list of vacancies.

Agencies under the PCOO include the Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS), Bureau of Communications Services (BCS), National Printing

Andanar

Office, News and Information Bureau, PIA, People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), APO Production Unit, Inc., and the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC 13).

Instituting sustainable communication In the same interview, Secretary Andanar also mentioned his advocacy on introducing sustainable communication as part of public news and information delivery.

“We’ve been talking about sustainable agriculture, sustainable living and development but we have not talked about sustainable communication even though we know that the one that weaves these programs and projects is communication,” he said.

He stressed that communication in government should be advocacy-driven and it should be ensured that contents and information given out should be appropriate for its target audience.

October 9-15, 2021 |

29

Secretary Andanar: Duterte admin safeguarded media threatened],” he said.

The infamous attack killed 58 people, including 32 journalists on November 23, 2009, placing the Philippines among the top 5 deadliest countries for journalists according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Global Impunity Index.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that it was through the efforts of the government under the Duterte administration that stressed the need to safeguard Filipino media workers.

Secretary Andnar cited how the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) pivoted the country’s attention to making sure that democracy remains vibrant.

“Pagdating po sa polisiya, maiiwan po ni Presidente Duterte sa PCOO ang PTFoMS na naging dahilan na mabilis yung pagresolve ng kaso ng Maguindanao Massacre, ganun din po ang pagkaalis ng

30

|October 9-15, 2021

ating bansa among the top 5 most dangerous countries for journalists dahil napabilis yung decision ng Maguindanao Massacre [When it comes to policy, one legacy the President Duterte will be leaving for PCOO is the creation of the PTFoMS, which was one of the reason that Maguindanao Massacre case was resolved.

We were also out from being among the the top 5 most dangerous countries for journalist because we facilitated the decision of the said case],” he said in a interview.

“Naprotektahan po at nabigyang pansin ang ating media workers na threatened [We were able to protect and give attention to our media workers who are being

In 2018, the Philippines is out of the top five most dangerous countries for journalists, according to the annual report of media freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The CPJ also released its annual report in 2020 showing that the Philippines has improved in campaigning against impunity. The country was booted out among the top 5 deadliest countries for journalists according to its Global Impunity Index.

Secretary Andanar also said that the PCOO is not yet giving up on the legislation of the Media Workers Welfare Bill which is still pending at the Senate.

“We are hoping that this will be passed into law before the term ends,” he said.

Caraga INFOCUS

Government continues work in restoring investor, business in PH Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday stressed the need to boost the confidence of investors to continue their business ventures here in the Philippines amid the ongoing pandemic.

In an interview, Secretary Andanar said that efforts are being undertaken in order to reassure both consumers and businesses through addressing the inevitable impacts of the virus on people’s livelihood and the economy.

Earlier, the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) reported a survey result conveying that close to 26% of businesses have closed their operations, some of them temporarily.

And that there was a need to assist businesses in order to prevent closure of their respective operations.

“Mahalaga po yung ating pagtutok sa recovery roadmap ng ating bansa from the negative effects of the pandemic. Marami po ang nawalan ng trabaho at maraming Caraga INFOCUS

mga negosyante ang nawalan ng kumpyansa [It is important to focus on the recovery roadmap of our country from the negative effects of the pandemic.

Many workers lost their jobs and many entrepreneurs lost their confidence],” he said.

The PCOO chief noted that part of these efforts is offering upskilling programs through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) along with programs undertaken by the DTI. He said that the workers should feel secure about their jobs the same way entrepreneurs must feel confident in making investments in the local market.

“We must work together with the President and follow his direction.

Sapagkat ang importante po is that we lay the proper ground for the eventual recovery of our nation [We must work together with the President and follow his direction.

Because what is important is that we lay the proper ground for the eventual recovery of our nation],” he said.

Secretary Andanar said that nursing the economy doesn’t have to be tied with politics since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already withdrawn his bid to run for another position in the coming 2022 National Elections. ### October 9-15, 2021 |

31

Secretary Andanar: Scrap political color in Covid-19 response

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday called for public support for the government’s efforts towards recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

po natin si Presidente hanggang sa matapos ang kanyang termino na nagko-cooperate po tayo. Sapagkat nakafocus po tayo dito sa recovery roadmap po natin [I ask that we help the President until the end of his term, that we cooperate with him. Because we are focusing on our recovery roadmap],” he said.

Secretary Andanar said that political color should not be an issue in continuing the programs and projects because Let us please help the public welfare is at stake. President because we are just one country, one “Ang pakiusap ko lang nation. Sana walang po ay sana tulungan kulay politika [Let us help

32

|October 9-15, 2021

the President because we are just one country, one nation. There shouldn’t be political color],” he added.

Duterte legacy of unique reporting from previous admins In the same interview Secretary Andanar said that the roll out of the Duterte Legacy communications campaign is an upgrade on how the government reports to the people.

He noted that reporting the accomplishments Caraga INFOCUS

of the administration no longer only relies on the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the current President.

He said that these accomplishments can be discussed by conducting massive information dissemination efforts which tackle how the campaign promises of the chief executive are being carried out to the grassroots level.

Secretary Andanar hopes that this new strategy of accomplishment reporting will be adopted by the future administrations so that they can also cement the initiatives that are undertaken by the government that are geared in developing the country.

“Ang Duterte legacy campaign ay isang report po ng ating pamahalaan tungkol sa mga nagawa ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa kanyang termino. Alam naman natin na ang ating presidente ay mayroon pong mga pangako Caraga INFOCUS

noong 2016 at tinupad niya po ito [The Duterte legacy campaign is a report of the government about the accomplishments of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his term.

We all know that the President made promises in 2016 and he delivered these],” he said.

The PCOO chief said that the administration still welcomes the presence of critics, stressing that it attests to the respect of the government for every Filipino’s right to exercise democratic values.

“Maganda naman na mayroong critics. Ibig sabihin nito buhay ang ating demokrasya dahil

hinahayaan natin sila na magcriticize. Ito naman ay civic responsibility ng isang citizen ng isang democratic country [It’s good that we have critics. This only means that democracy is alive because we allow them to criticize. This is a civic responsibility of a citizen in a democratic country],” he said.

“Kung maganda naman ang mga sinasabi at ito naman ay constructive criticism, eh at least these critics keep the government up on its toes [If what they are saying is sound and they are constructive criticisms then at least these critics keep the government up on their toes],” he added.

October 9-15, 2021 |

33

Secretary Andanar touts advocacydriven communications for government media broadcast assets of the government media.

The PCOO continues its campaign of informing the people of the accomplishments of the current administration since 2020 when the Duterte Legacy campaign was launched.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday that sustainable communication which advocates for actionable responses to societal issues should be introduced in government media.

34

these advocacies we are trying to let our public know about,” he said.

In an interview, Secretary Andanar stressed having a holistic communication plan is vital in ensuring that messages go across the medium and to its target audience.

“We need a sustainable communication mindset para mas tumatak sa ating publiko, at mas maimpluwensyahan pa natin ang mga kababayan natin to ensure that we have a more sustainable future [We need a sustainable communication mindset so that we will be able to influence more Filipinos and ensure a more sustainable future],” he added.

“We keep talking about sustainable marine diversity and agriculture, sustainable living and development and yet we fail to talk about sustainable communication.

This strategy will weave all

The PCOO chief also noted that sharing insightful and factual data that is relevant to the development of the country and the welfare of the Filipino people is being done through the print and

|October 9-15, 2021

Aside from advertorial and documentaries, Secretary Andanar said that they are entertaining radio interviews across the country, especially those in the provinces to be able to reach a wider audience.

To date, Secretary Andanar had interviews with over 70 radio stations.

The PCOO’s Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (OGMPA) is also spearheading the on-theground engagements of the DL campaign.

Recently, a simultaneous Duterte Caravan Barangayanihan was initiated in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Caraga INFOCUS

Gov’t ensures enough vaccine supply in for all LGUs The national government assures that all local government units will be given enough vaccine supplies nationwide following the arrival of more COVID-19 vaccines in the country in the coming weeks.

In Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, Mayor Jason John Joyce said that the municipality’s vaccination rate is now increasing due to the efficient distribution of vaccine supply from the national government.

“Never po tayo nagkaroon ng kakulangan sa mga bakuna mula sa national government.

[We never had a shortage of vaccines from the national government.],” Mayor Joyce said during Network Briefing News on Friday, October 15, hosted by Presidential Communications Sec. Martin M. Andanar.

He also cited that the government heightened its vaccine distribution initiatives in a bid to reach population protection by the end of this year, most especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and poor municipalities.

As of now, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said that the country has received more than 85.5 million COVID-19 vaccines since February 2021, while nearly 23

Caraga INFOCUS

million individuals are now fully vaccinated.

Mayor Joyce admitted that despite the improved vaccination rate in his town, some of their elders are still hesitant to receive COVID-19 jabs.

“Recently po tumaas ang vaccination rate po dahil na rin po sa increased awareness ng ating mga kababayan.

However, we have to admit our senior citizens po medyo mayroon pa po talaga silang vaccine hesitancy.

[Recently, the vaccination rate has increased due to the increased awareness of our people. However, we have to admit our senior citizens are still hesitant to be vaccinated.], he said.

For more than one year, the town maintained its zero COVID-19 cases since the onset of the pandemic, according to Mayor Joyce.

“Noong June lang pumasok

ang unang COVID-19 case when we allowed the entry of our locally stranded individuals and returning OFWs without any stringent requirements like RT-PCR, medical certificates, etc. [We only had our first COVID-19 case last June when we allowed the entry of our locally stranded individuals and returning OFWs without any stringent requirements like RT-PCR, medical certificates, etc.],” he added.

The local government has procured more testing kits to increase and intensify its testing capacity, citing the government strategy on “proper testing, contact tracing, and treatment of people.”

“The national government has set a good example on how to address the COVID problems. [The national government has set a good example on how to address the COVID problems.],” he said.

October 9-15, 2021 |

35

Aroroy, Masbate maintains stable local economy, gov’t extends help for agri dev’t

Supplying fishes in Metro Manila, more vaccine allotment Aside from being one of the country’s largest gold mine sites, the municipality of Aroroy is also a supplier of varieties of fish not only in Masbate but also for the Manila City and Malabon City in the National Capital Region, according to Mayor Virtucio.

The situation of the local economy of Aroroy town in Masbate is keeping pace with the current health crisis as it remains stable backed by the assistance of the national government in agricultural development.

This was shared by Mayor Arturo Virtucio in an interview with Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar on Thursday, October 14, during the Network Briefing News.

He cited that the local economy scene in his gold-rich town is being sustained as the Department of Agriculture puts up rice field development for local farmers, while the national and provincial government allocated funds for the construction of dams and other infrastructures.

“Pinadalhan kami ng Department of Agriculture ng maraming traktura, iyong mga nagbubungkal ng bukid

36

|October 9-15, 2021

namin. Tinutulungan din kami [ng pamahalaan] na gumawa ng mga dams para maconvert namin ang mga kabundukan namin into rice fields. [The Department of Agriculture sent us a lot of tractors, which cultivate our fields. The [government] also helps us build dams so we can convert our mountains into rice fields],” he said.

As part of its five-year agricultural development plan, the local government also procured some seeds of highvalue fruits in a bid to develop the town as an agricultural site for fruit plantations.

“In case na mawala na iyong mina, mayroon kaming lifetime renewable source of income which is ito yung pagtatanim ng mga high-value fruit. [In case mining will be gone, we have a lifetime renewable source of income which is the [plantation] of high-value fruits],” he said.

“Mayroon kaming center na bilihan ng isda, at kapag sumobra sa buong Masbate, sinusuplay namin, pinapadala namin sa Maynila, sa Malabon.

Mayaman ang lugar namin sa isda. We have a fish market center, and when there is excess from all of Masbate, we supply it, we also send it to Manila, to Malabon. Our area is rich in fish],” he said.

Mayor Virtucio appealed to the national government for more COVID-19 vaccine allocations as he believes these will serve as protection for the people of Aroroy so that they can sustain the decreasing trend of COVID-19 cases in the town.

“Sa national government, humihingi kami ng mas marami pang vaccines ang makarating sa amin para maprotektahan ko ang mga tao dito sa aming bayan. [To the national government, we are asking for more vaccines to be sent to us so that I can protect the people here in our town],” he concluded.

Caraga INFOCUS

‘Continued vigilance and vaccination will save lives’ says Bong Go as his team assists over three thousand indigents in Subic, Zambales As poor and marginalized communities continue to bear the brunt of the public health crisis, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided relief to the residents in Subic, Zambales whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by restrictions to control the spread of the virus.

In a video message at an activity on October 14 and 15, Go assured Filipinos that the government will continue to balance economic recovery and health protection as he reminded residents of the simple and yet effective ways to put an end to the COVID-19 crisis. He also encouraged them to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help the country return to normalcy.

“Huwag nating isantabi ang mga basic protocols, gaya ng pagsuot ng mask at face shields, palaging paghugas ng kamay, pag-obserba ng social distancing, at pananatili Caraga INFOCUS

sa loob ng bahay kung hindi naman kailangang lumabas. Paulit-ulit na ito, kung hindi tayo susunod, mas mahihirapan tayo,” said Go. “Higit sa lahat, magtiwala tayo sa national vaccine program at magpabakuna na kaagad ayon sa priority order na ipinapatupad.

Tuluy-tuloy naman ang pagdating ng bakuna at pinapabilis na natin ang rollout upang marating natin ang population protection leading to herd immunity sa lalong madaling panahon,” he

explained.

His staff handed out meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 3,500 indigent residents, market vendors and members of the local Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.

The activities were carried out in batches at the Kolehiyo ng Subic, Subic National High School and Subic Central School in compliance with the protocols against COVID-19.

They gave selected residents new shoes and bicycles for their commuting needs, as well October 9-15, 2021 |

37

various initiatives to improve access to public services and stimulate economic activity in the province. They include the rehabilitation of roads in Cabangan, Candelaria, Masinloc, San Felipe, San Marcelino and Olongapo City; construction of a multi-purpose buildings and installation of street lights in Botolan; acquisition of multicabs and construction of a multi-purpose building in Iba; rehabilitation as computer tablets for programs of the DSWD, of a public market in children’s educational use. Department of Health, In a separate distribution, Philippine Health Insurance Cabangan and San personnel from the Corporation, and Philippine Antonio; and construction of a seawall in Masinloc.

Department of Social Charity Sweepstakes Welfare and Development Office. The Malasakit Go’s team recently also handed out with Centers program has conducted a series of financial assistance as benefited three million activities for 3,500 market part of a continuing effort patients throughout the vendors and TODA by the government to country since the pilot members in Cabangan alleviate the adverse socio- location was opened in from October 11 to 13. economic effects of the 2018. health crisis.

Earlier, Go explained that In the end, Go expressed despite his vice presidential The senator, as Chair of gratitude to various bid, he remains focused on the Senate Committee officials for their ongoing his duties as a senator and on Health, offered further efforts to assist poor and public servant, especially assistance to those in marginalized communities need of medical care. affected by the pandemic. in assisting the government and the general public in He strongly advised Among these were 1st combating the COVID-19 particularly poor and District Representative pandemic. indigent patients to visit Jeffrey Khonghun, the Malasakit Center Governor Hermogenes at the President Ramon Ebdane Jr., Vice Governor “Sabi ko nga, mamaya na Magsaysay Memorial Jefferson Khonghun, Mayor muna ‘yung pulitika, tapos na ‘yung filing deadline Hospital in Iba town.

Jonathan Khonghun, and so let’s go back to work.

Vice Mayor Lauro Simbol.

Unahin po natin ‘yung The center is a one-stop pagseserbisyo para sa shop which provides As Vice Chair of Senate ating mga kababayan,” convenient access to Committee on Finance, said Go. the medical assistance Go has supported

38

|October 9-15, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go highlights importance of agriculture to achieve economic recovery as his team aids agricultural workers and hog raisers in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, together with other government agencies, provided aid to hog raisers and other agricultural workers in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, October 14, whose livelihood was affected by the pandemic as well as the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus in their area.

In a video message, Go recognized the contributions of the agriculture sector towards improving food security and reminded concerned agencies to deliver on their commitments while promoting the welfare and safeguarding the interests of workers at this time.

“Lalo na sa panahon ngayon na apektado ng krisis ang ating ekonomiya, ‘back to Caraga INFOCUS

basics’ tayo. Nakita natin kung gaano kahalaga ang agrikultura sa ating bansa at kabuhayan.

Mabilis pong maibabalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya kung palalakasin natin ang sektor ng agrikultura sa mga probinsya,” said Go. “Kaya suportahan po natin ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Tulungan natin silang malampasan ang paghihirap na dulot

ng pandemya dahil ang sektor na ito ang bubuhay sa ating bansa pagkatapos ng krisis na ito,” he continued.

Go’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 281 agricultural workers at the Alubijid covered court. They provided new shoes and a bicycle to selected recipients. They also gave a computer tablet to help with their children’s blended October 9-15, 2021 |

39

learning activities.

ng bike. Natupad niyo po ang kahilingan ng In addition, anak ko na magkaroon representatives from ng bike! Salamat din several government sa ating Presidente agencies offered further (Rodrigo Duterte) dahil aid to help the farmers nadagdagan ang aming cope with the effects natanggap Malaking of the outbreak. The tulong ito sa aming Department of Social pamumuhay, lalo na Welfare and Development panahon ngayon ng handed out food packs pandemya. Malaki talaga while the Department of ang pasasalamat ko,” Health gave additional said Barbara Magdale, 43. vitamins.

As Chair of the Senate The Department of Committee on Health, Agriculture also distributed the senator reminded indemnification payments residents not to neglect amounting to P5.98 million their health amidst the pesos or P5,000 pesos ongoing pandemic. To per hog culled to each help them avail medical affected farmer. care, he encouraged them to reach out to his “Malaki ang pasasalamat office or visit the Malasakit ko ngayon araw na ito Center located at the kay Senator Bong Go Northern Mindanao at nakatanggap ako Medical Center or J.R.

40

|October 9-15, 2021

Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

“Hindi niyo na kailangan pumila o umikot pa sa iba’t ibang opisina para humingi ng tulong pampagamot dahil nasa loob na sila ng iisang kwarto. Lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center at wala itong pinipili.

Karapatan niyo bilang mga Pilipino ang makaavail ng serbisyo nito,” he continued.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which streamlines the provision of medical assistance by bringing the relevant government agencies under one roof, namely the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go

Sweepstakes Office.

The center’s primary aim is to help reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses through the existing medical assistance programs. Go principally authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

In the end, Go recognized Caraga INFOCUS

and thanked DA Undersecretary Kristine Evangelista, DSWD Regional Director Mari Flor Libang, DOH Regional Director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr., Mayor Emmanuel Jamis and other officials for their efforts in assisting the farmers.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various initiatives to promote the development of the infrastructure and public

service delivery in Misamis Oriental. He helped in the concreting of the farm-tomarket road in Barangay Tugasnon in Alubijid.

Other major initiatives include the rehabilitation of local roads in Baliangao, Balingasag, Balingoan, Initao, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Libertad, Lugait, Magsaysay, Manticao, Cagayan de Oro City and El Salvador City; construction of water systems in Balingasag and Jasaan; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Initao, Magsaysay, Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog City; and flood control projects in Magsaysay, Medina and Gingoog City.

He also supported the construction of a public market in Manticao; development of the public plaza in Lugait; and acquisition of ambulance units for the local governments of Balingoan, Kinoguitan, Libertad, Lugait and Cagayan de Oro City.

On Tuesday, September 14, Go’s team provided emergency assistance to 52 fire victims in Barangays Casinglot, Natumolan, and Rosario in Tagoloan.

October 9-15, 2021 |

41

Bong Go responds to the needs of vulnerable residents in Naic, Cavite as he assures Filipinos of holistic approach towards pandemic recovery Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call for greater access to government support programs for underprivileged Filipinos to help them overcome crisis situations

42

|October 9-15, 2021

as his team recently conducted a relief operation for a total of 654 struggling residents in Naic, Cavite on Thursday, October 14, at the Naic Municipal Plaza.

Go’s staff provided each beneficiary with meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields. They also gave new pairs of shoes and bicycles to select recipients, as well as computer tablets for Caraga INFOCUS

children’s educational needs.

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out financial assistance in a separate distribution.

The distribution was carried out in batches to ensure all health and safety protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed.

“Salamat po sa mga proyektong binibigay niyo sa amin, mahal na Pangulo. Na kahit kayo ay andiyan sa Malacañang, naaabutan niyo pa rin kami ng tulong dito sa baba,” Joseph Curiano, a 32-year-old stockman, expressed in an interview.

“Kay Senator Bong Go po, nagpapasalamat din po ako kasi simula pa noong nakatira pa kami sa Bacoor e nararamdaman po namin ang mga tulong niya. Lalo na po sa mga programang pinapasa niya bilang senador, salamat po,” Curiano added.

Caraga INFOCUS

In a video message at the activity, the Senator, as Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reminded the beneficiaries to always observe social distancing, frequent hand washing, and respiratory etiquette by wearing masks and face shields when in public so they can prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

“Mga kababayan, magingat po tayo dahil kung tataas ang bilang ng mga kaso ay napipilitan ang gobyerno na magimpose ng mahigpit na restrictions. Kailangan ng gobyerno ang kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat isa. Kahit bakunado na kayo, marami pa ang hindi, kaya dapat protektahan din natin sila,” said Go. “Pakiusap po namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, lalung-lalo na po ‘pag pasok na kayo sa priority list, magpabakuna na ho kayo. Ito po ang ating proteksyon,” he continued.

The senator then offered

medical assistance to the beneficiaries to make sure their health concerns are addressed and advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City and General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City.

First established in Cebu in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where particularly poor and indigent patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from the concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo.

Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito.

At kung may naiwang balanse, may iniwan rin na pondo ang Office of the President ... Target October 9-15, 2021 |

43

po nito na maging zero balance o wala na kayong babayaran sa inyung pagpa-ospital,” Go said.

Go continued his message as he thanked various public officials for their efforts to keep their constituents safe since the start of the national health crisis, including Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Vice Governor Ramon “Jolo” Revilla, Mayor Junio “Jun” Dualan, and many other leaders.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has pushed for the funding of various infrastructure projects in Naic, including the installation of streetlights in Barangays Muzon, San Roque, and Muzon.

He also supported the acquisition of ambulance units in Bacoor City, Indang, and Trece Martires City; acquisition of various medical equipment for Bagtas Medical Center in Tanza; rehabilitation of fire station in Noveleta; construction

44

|October 9-15, 2021

and rehabilitation of roads in Bacoor City, Cavite City, Dasmariñas City, General Emilio Aguinaldo, General Trias City, Imus, and Tagaytay City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Bacoor City, General Trias City, Imus, Mendez, and Trece Martires City; and the improvement of public market in Ternate.

Despite filing his candidacy for Vice President for the upcoming national elections, Go stressed that his focus remains on fulfilling his mandate as a senator and in ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind towards recovery amid the ongoing health crisis.

“Mga kababayan ko, ingat po kayo.

Magdasal po tayo parati. At tandaan n’yo po parati, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong po na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” said Go. “Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Para sa amin po, ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.

Mga minamahal kong kababayan, mahal na mahal po namin kayo,” he added.

Caraga INFOCUS

Over 52M vaccine doses administered more Filipinos will allow the country to achieve nationwide full economic recovery and hit population protection against the dreaded infection.

The Philippines has so far received 91,546,620 doses of Covid-19 vaccines, including the latest delivery of 207,090 doses of the Pfizer jab on Saturday night.

SANITATION. An airport worker disinfects the boxes containing 720,000 doses of the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday (Oct. 16, 2021). The Philippines has so far administered 52,157,598 first and second doses. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

The Philippines has administered 52,157,598 doses of Covid-19 vaccines as of Sunday.

The National Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard showed 27,921,074 were given as first doses while 24,236,524 were utilized as second doses.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19, said the government has started to send the bulk of vaccines to areas outside the National Capital Region.

46

|October 9-15, 2021

“Supply is no longer an issue for our country as of this time, as we now have adequate vaccines in our national inventory,” Galvez said in a statement over the weekend.

He also commended local government units (LGUs) for their aggressive efforts to inoculate as many as possible despite confronting many challenges posed by the pandemic, including hesitancy and logistics.

Galvez said inoculating

Steady supplies also allowed the country to start the vaccination of minors with comorbidities in the National Capital Region on Friday, initially including those aged 15 to 17 years and the 12 to 14 age bracket next month.

The pilot rollout was held in eight hospitals in Metro Manila while the rollout in all 17 local government units will be on October 22 using one hospital each as vaccination site.

The regional rollout for areas that have fully vaccinated 50 percent of their senior citizens may begin on November 5. (PNA/By Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS

91.3M Covid-19 vax doses already in PH NEW DELIVERY. Boxes containing 862,290 doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine are disinfected at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Friday (Oct. 15, 2021). As of October 16, the Philippines has received 91,339,530 doses. (PNA video by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

The Philippines has already received 91,339,530 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, according to the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 on Saturday.

Of the total, 51,985,108 doses have been administered nationwide.

Included in the total number of doses delivered were the 862,290 doses of Pfizer jabs and the 844,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine that arrived Friday and the 720,000 Caraga INFOCUS

doses of Sputnik V (360,000 doses each of Components I and II) on Saturday afternoon.

The AstraZeneca jabs were donated by the German government, which will send 800,000 more.

Another 207,090 doses of Pfizer vaccine will be arriving at about 9:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Based on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard as of October 16, a total of 27,817,263 doses were given as first dose while 24,167,845 were utilized

as second doses.

The country also increased its daily average vaccination rate to 281,810 doses.

NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. previously said vaccine supply in the country is not a problem anymore.

About 50 million more doses of Moderna and Pfizer will be delivered in the coming weeks to be used for pediatric vaccination, or the 12 to 17 years age group.

(PNA/By Lade Jean Kabagani) October 9-15, 2021 |

47

Covid-19 vax to protect students during F2F classes: Palace

for heeding the government’s call to participate in the immunization campaign against the coronavirus.

(File photo)

The vaccination of students against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will keep them protected during the resumption of the face-to-face classes, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

During the ceremonial vaccination of tertiary students at Mabalacat City College in Pampanga City, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said inoculating the students is vital to ensure their safety when they attend in-person classes.

“Napakaimportante po ng bakuna. Ito ang susi para tayo ay makabalik sa buhay na tayo po ay nasanay. Ito po ang susi para makabalik ng face-to-face classrooms sa ating mga colleges and universities (The vaccine is very important.

This is the key to returning to normal life. This is the key to the resumption of face-to-face classrooms in colleges and universities),” Roque said in his taped video message.

On Monday, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Prospero de Vera III said around 1,500 students are expected to be vaccinated during the conduct of the “Padyak!

Para sa Flexible Learning, Sama-Samang Vaccination Program” at the Mabalacat City College.

The program aims to encourage more students and higher education personnel to get inoculated against Covid-19.

Roque lauded the newly vaccinated students

48

|October 9-15, 2021

“Binabati ko po ang ating mga kauna-unahang mga kabataan na mababakunahan na.

Matapos po ng napakatagal na paghihintay, ang ating mga kabataan ay mabibigyan na rin ng proteksyon laban sa seryosong pagkakasakit (I laud the minors who have already been vaccinated. After the long wait, the youth will now be given the protection against serious illness),” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the vaccination of the general population, including the minors, beginning October this year.

The pediatric vaccination in the country will be done first among individuals belonging to 15 to 17 age group.

Following Duterte’s approval, there is no reason for students and personnel of higher education institutions (HEIs) not to become “100 percent vaccinated,” Roque said.

“Ang mensahe sa lahat ng kabataan, magpabakuna na po ng tayo po ay makapagbalik-buhay. Dahil sa bakuna, puwedeng bumalik buhay (The message to the youth is to get vaccinated to enable us to return to normal life. The vaccine will help us return to normal life),” he said.

There are currently 181 HEIs allowed to resume F2F classes for medicine and allied health sciences.

In September, Duterte also approved the resumption of limited in-person classes for engineering and technology, hotel and restaurant management, tourism and travel management, marine engineering, and marine transportation.

De Vera said around 73 percent of HEI personnel in 1,488 universities and colleges nationwide have already been inoculated against Covid-19, as of October 6. (PNA/By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Caraga INFOCUS

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA CL MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

DOREEN MARIELLE N. ROSALES Regional Office

RHEA C. ABAO RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS LADE JEAN KABAGANI ENGR. FRANCIS GLENN N. SUANTE DIVINA SUSON DA CARAGA LGU-HINATUAN MGB-13 PNA Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA MARIESH F. CELEDEÑA MAY AMOR O. ALABADO Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com;

pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph

(085) 341-5285;

(085) 815-1991

Philippine Information Agency Caraga

@PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City

(085) 815-1991

pia.northagusan@gmail.com

PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

0917-723-3455

pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph

PIA Agusan del Sur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City

(086) 826-9450

piasurigao@gmail.com

PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City

(086) 211-3353

piasurigaosur@gmail.com;

sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph

PIA Surigao del Sur