CONTENTS
Volume 1, No. 77 16 - 22 September 2017
ASEAN NEWS
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ASEAN, Japan hold 2nd TV Festival
15 23
PIDS, ERIA team up to hold public symposium on ASEAN economic pillar
REGIONAL NEWS
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Caraga nutrition advocates gear up communication efforts PNP Caraga holds mass oath-taking, donning of ranks ceremony Farm service providers seal the deal with institutional buyers
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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x
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15 17 19 21 23
AgSur town supports Project ConVERGE implementation Surigao Norte gov advocates for greener environs DepEd to establish 30 IP schools in SurSur On the Rice DAR, Phil-FIDA team up for abaca fiber production seminar
HEALTH NEWS
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Eating malunggay leaves lowers blood sugar level and more
MINDANAO NEWS
26 28
Comelec: No barangay, SK elections in October in Mindanao Finding love amid crisis
NATIONAL NEWS
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DSWD extends CFW to Marawi IDPs in Cebu SC orders BIR to refund PSALM P3.81-B VAT
News Briefs
Pursuant to the thrust of the government to instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino People on the comprehensive peace process, the month of September was declared as the “National Peace Consciousness Month” by virtue of Proclamation No. 675 dated 20 July 2004. The 2017 National Family Week celebration is anchored on the theme “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino.”
Negosyo Center Carrascal Manager Sarah Estrada, the DTI Business Name Registration is valid for 5 years and costs from P215 to P2,015, depending on the territorial scope of the business. It only takes 45 minutes to process. The BMBE Certificate of Authority is free of charge & valid for 2 years. The processing time is 15 working days.
This year’s National Peace Consciousness Month celebration is anchored on the theme “Puso Para Sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa Para Sa Bayan!” Proclamation No. 675 mandates the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) to be the lead government agency to coordinate and monitor the observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month every September.
Cover Story
Two barangays in S from solar-powered
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TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the KapitBisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program turned over solar-powered streetlights to two barangays in the municipality of Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
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16 - 22 September, 2017
SurSur town benefit d streetlights By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
Barangay Cancayan received 40 units of solar-powered streetlights while Brgy. Antao received 28 units, which was worth P1,244,728.80 and P874,750.00, respectively.
conducted by DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS, different stakeholders in the community were gathered and encouraged to partake in determining the pressing needs of their community. It was then identified that streetlights in the area With the support of the Local should be a priority in the community. Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen and the help of its community volunteers, Around 107 households in Brgy. DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS was able to fund Cancavan and 236 households in this community project. Brgy. Antao benefitted from these cost-efficient and environment friendly During the Barangay Participatory technology. (DSWD-Kalahi-CIDSS/PIASituational Analysis (BPSA) that was Surigao del Sur)
16 - 22 September, 2017
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ASEAN, Japan hold 2nd TV Festival
QUEZON CITY - The 2nd ASEAN-Japan Television Festival concluded with a mini concert attended by celebrities from the ten ASEAN countries and Japan on 9 September at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Philippines. The audiences were entertained by performances from Filipino singers Julie Anne San Jose and Eric Santos, Filipino alternative rock band Rivermaya, Japanese pop girl group Pink Cres, and Japanese jazz band Soil & Pimp Sessions. “Television is one of the most influential, potent and comprehensive medium of information and communication, entertainment and education. It also connects people and nations. We enthusiastically welcome this television festival which aims to promote local programming and to introduce the latest advances 16 - 22 September, 2017
in technology, confident with the knowledge and learning experiences that Japanese creativity and technical expertise can share with us,� said Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar, Chair of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Philippines in his key note message during the Opening Ceremony on 7 September. At the event, there were workshops to discuss the latest trends in television content production and technologies. Stakeholders and
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television industry players explored partnership opportunities on promotion and exchange of programs, coproduction, skills upgrading, new media platforms and copyright protection. An exhibition participated in by 34 television companies and broadcasters from ASEAN and Japan was also held to highlight the excellent quality of their TV programs and encourage joint ventures among the participating
companies. Screenings of TV shows from ASEAN and Japan were also held at the sidelines of the exhibition. The 2nd ASEAN-Japan Television Festival 2017 was organized by PCOO, People’s Television Network, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, and Broadcast Program Export Association of Japan. It was funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund. (ASEAN)
PIDS, ERIA team up to hold public symposium on ASEAN economic pillar
MANILA – To enhance understanding of the economic pillar of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and Jakarta-based Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) held a public symposium on ASEAN Economic Integration and Nation Building in Manila on September 21. The event is part of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN. It seeks to increase the public’s awareness and appreciation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and East Asia’s economic integration, as well as draw insights and recommendations on how to strengthen and move the AEC into 2025 and beyond.
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According
to
PIDS
Gilberto Llanto, the establishment of the AEC in 2015 was a major step toward achieving a competitive and robust economic environment in the region.
Citing the AEC Blueprint, Llanto said the main goal of the AEC is to “create one of the largest singlemarket economies in the world and to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and professionals among the President ten member states”. 16 - 22 September, 2017
“The AEC has a huge potential to usher economic progress in both the regional and global landscapes. With the integration of more developed countries with less advanced nations, we see a brighter future for the ASEAN,” said Llanto.
both in the region and global settings,” Llanto said in his opening remarks.
The symposium featured a series of panel discussions on AEC and nation building; liberalization, facilitation, good governance, and cooperation issues toward AEC 2025; and opportunities, Under the AEC Blueprint, the challenges, and way forward for East economic integration will benefit Asian integration. businesses and individuals alike. For investors, the same incentives will be Panelists and speakers were available to them regardless of which prominent academics, researchers, ASEAN country they operate in, and and high-ranking government officials they will have access to larger markets as well as key ASEAN Secretariat and benefit from higher trade flows and officers. The one-day symposium was fewer trade barriers. attended by nearly 200 participants from government agencies, private On the other hand, it will open job institutions, civil society organizations, opportunities for individuals, increase and academe. supply and demand of workspaces, and promote competition as a result The AEC is one of the three pillars of the establishment of more small and under the ASEAN Community Vision medium enterprises and multinational 2025. It is aimed toward achieving companies. the vision of having an AEC by 2025 that is highly integrated and cohesive; Llanto explained that in order to competitive, innovative, and dynamic; realize a stable economic community with enhanced connectivity and in the region, ASEAN economies should sectoral cooperation; and a more promote the digital economy, pool resilient, inclusive, people-oriented, resources to build the infrastructure people-centered community that is they need, facilitate trade, and integrated with the global economy. support each other’s rising, expanding consumer markets. ASEAN was created in 1967 with five initial member-states including “We have the ASEAN Free Trade Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Area (AFTA) that provides a framework Singapore, and Thailand. This year, for increasing intra-regional trade and the Association, which is composed investments. This allows us to negotiate of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, as a bloc with the larger trading Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, economies. In the long term, we envision Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, an ASEAN Economic Community that Thailand, and Viet Nam, celebrates its will provide a strong driver for growth golden anniversary. (PIDS) 16 - 22 September, 2017
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Photo Gallery Regional Peace and Order Council 3rd Quarter Meeting Butuan City
19 September 2017
REGIONAL NEWS
Caraga nutrition advocates gear up communication efforts
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The nutrition advocates in Caraga region composed of government agencies, local government units, and media have gearedup their communication efforts by maximizing the utilization of communication platforms to effectively reach more people and increase awareness on healthy lifestyle and malnutrition prevention. During their recent meeting, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) under the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga, stressed the importance of effective communication among nutrition advocates, as they intensify the campaign against malnutrition in different communities of the region.
advocacy campaign.
“As health communicators, we should be consistent with our advocacy statements and ensure that the locals understand what we wanted to convey to them. We should ‘walk the talk,’ so people could see that we are serious in advocating and implementing our Leah Vina Vargas, nutrition officer campaign to a healthy lifestyle and III of NNC-DOH Caraga said that the prevent malnutrition,” underlined nutrition advocates known as Caraga Vargas. Movers group should develop effective communication skills that could help Vargas added that its primary them achieve their goals in their audience includes the parents, 16 - 22 September, 2017
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caregivers, the elderly, the youth sector, pregnant and lactating women, the indigenous people and the food handlers, while the secondary target audience are the local chief executives, policy makers, teachers, health and nutrition workers and local nutrition committees. “We should be able to maximize the utilization of the media through SMS (which the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has been doing), community billboards, symposium, forum, seminar, press conference,
local newspapers and issuance of a memorandum, among others,” Vargas highlighted. Vargas further reiterated that Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as Ten Kumainments, infant and young child feeding, salt iodization, campaign on strengthening the functionality of the local nutrition committee, promotion of backyard gardening and organic farming should continuously be disseminated to the general public: (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
PNP Caraga holds mass oath-taking, donning of ranks ceremony By: PCInsp. Rene Serrano
BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Caraga promoted 668 policemen during the simultaneous mass oath-taking, donning and pinning of ranks at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 headquarters after the traditional flag raising ceremony. PNP Caraga Regional Director PCSupt. Rolando Felix said 33 Police Commissioned Officers, 587 Police Non-Commissioned Officers and 48 from the National Support Units have passed the qualification standards
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for appointment to the higher PNP ranks, based on the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Resolution No. 2013-501.
The promotion was a result of the 16 - 22 September, 2017
merit system to give recognition to the “I am expecting that you will have PNP uniformed personnel and uplift the a greater commitment to our principles morale of the police force. and renewed a sense of service as you accept this promotion. I am looking During the acceptance speeches, forward also that you will become good PCInsp. Darwin Y. Yu and SPO4 Ramil D. role models of competence, discipline, Ondona thanked the Promotion Board excellence and professionalism in the and the whole PNP organization for the police force,” said Felix. (PNP-Caraga/ promotion given to them. PIA-Caraga)
Farm service providers seal the deal with institutional buyers By: Rhea Abao
BUTUAN CITY – From production support to marketing assistance, Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) intervention links the Farm Service Providers (FSP) to local rice dealers in the region. AgusPinoy Inc. and Sto Niño MultiPurpose Cooperative (SNMPC) are now ready to supply their well-milled rice to the various institutional buyers in the region.
have signified their interest and willingness to buy a significant volume of well-milled rice from FSPs.
DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) provides A total of nine individual market linkage for the FSPs and buyers. entrepreneurs and four cooperatives The deal was sealed by the signing 16 - 22 September, 2017
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of a marketing agreement between estimated P24.2 million total sales. both parties under the Corporate Rice “We already established our Farming Program (CRFP). trust and confidence with SNMPC and AgusPinoy Inc., in terms of the quality of “Part of our assistance is to their product. That is why we are sealing become a consolidator to find market the deal with them as our source of linkages to our local farmers. The quality rice,” said Mangagoy Fishermen marketing agreement between the Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFISCO) FSPs and local buyers is the result of our Business Manager Rho Cougee C. market matching. We continually assist Garido. our farmers, as we are advocating agriculture as a viable business To ensure quality and adequate enterprise,” said AMAD Chief Lynn A. supply of rice, DA will provide each Pareñas. FSP the appropriate farm inputs, technologies, and services to increase Both FSPs will have a guaranteed their farm productivity. market for a year through the establishment of the partnership with Aside from the additional income the local buyers. An estimation of to the FSPs, CRFP also promotes local P40.7 million total sales is forecasted for food sovereignty. (DA-Caraga/PIASNMPC while AgusPinoy Inc., has an Caraga)
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16 - 22 September, 2017
AGUSAN DEL SUR
AgSur town supports Project ConVERGE implementation By: Rechel D. Besonia & Jovy Alamban
TRENTO, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through Project ConVERGE conducted a site validation for the proposed pre-post harvest facility (warehouse) of the lead Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO), the Southern Agusan Seed Producers Cooperative (SASEPCO) at Poblacion Trento. Engr. Evangeline Hanginan and Engr. Maria Eleonor Uy of the Regional Project Management Office, together with Rural Infra Coordinator Engr. Randy Dapar of the Provincial Project 16 - 22 September, 2017
Management Office spearheaded the validation. Prior to the validation was a meeting at the Municipal Hall
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Conference Room with the Cluster Project Operations Team (CPOT), Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Engr. Ulpiano Ohiman Jr. together with the Local Government officials, the Municipal Planning and Development Officer Porferio Salubre Jr. and his team, Municipal Agriculturist Norma Dela Cruz, Engr. Deolita Abadillo and the BOD members of SASEPCO, Marilou Gabotero, Teresita Perez and Mary Jane Ytac. “We already allocated a budget amounting to P7.2-M as our counterpart for this project,” Salubre said as the LGU’s commitment on cost-sharing. The said amount was purposely intended for the proposed Farm-to-Market Road, which will directly benefit the farmers and reduce their hauling costs thereby uplifting the farmers’ well-being and reduce poverty incidence of the Municipality. Also part of the LGU’s commitment to support the implementation of the project is to formulate the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) and Program of Works (POW) which has a scheduled workshop on October 9-13, 2017.
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Engr. Hanginan expressed her thanks for the assurance of the Local Government unit in helping them realize the project. “I am very thankful for your willingness to share the said amount even though the proposed Farm-To-Market Road has yet to be validated,” she said. The warehouse has an estimated cost of P4 million that will house the multi-pass rice mill and re-circulating batch mechanical dryer. SASEPCO was very grateful for the construction of new warehouse and the realization of other value chain equipment. “Thank you to DAR and for this project, for giving us this opportunity with the support of the Local Government Unit of Trento,” said BOD member Marilou Gabotero. “Who knows, we will become successful rice entrepreneurs someday, which will make us compete in the global market,” she added. (Provincial Project M&E/KM Support Staff- Project ConVERGE/ DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
16 - 22 September, 2017
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surigao Norte gov advocates for greener environs By: John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY – Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas said that her recent official travel in Australia was a substantive eight-day benchmarking on legitimate, responsible and sustainable mining. “There are innovative strategies and best practices that the province can replicate even though my meaningful trip in Australia was cut short, but I have learned so much in such short a time,” said the visionary Governor Matugas. 16 - 22 September, 2017
She explained that the Australian government piloted a huge plant that can reprocess harmful waste materials from large-scale mining companies. In line with her Marajaw Kinaiyahan (Better Environment) advocacy, the
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governor also announced that “the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, through the leadership of Cong. Arnel Ty as chair and Cong. Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II, 1st district representative of Surigao del Norte, as vice chair, is set to initiate a full-blown inspection of mining sites in the municipality of Claver.”
and prominence in mine control, administration and rehabilitation. “It boasts of companies which are certified world leaders and top-caliber economic team-players,” she added. True enough, the Australian government acknowledges the fact that by sharing Australia’s savvy, competence and technology, mining industries in the Philippines can step up to the challenge of nurturing the environment, and in taking care of the natural resources to promote ecological balance.
All matters directly and principally relating to natural resources, and their exploration, conservation, management and utilization, lands of the public domain, mines and minerals, forests, parks and wildlife, and marine resources, are under the Such environment-friendly custody and jurisdiction of said House approach will pave way to profitable Committee. income, sweeping progress, great opportunities, and cost-productive It can be recalled that President exchange. Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier issued a marching order to make sure that Strong adherence to the salient mining companies comply with the provisions of environmental policies official standards set by the national empowers companies to fully deliver government. high-valued services, excellent results and undying synergy with host Gov. Matugas said that Australia barangays and local government units. has universally-acclaimed standing (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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16 - 22 September, 2017
SURIGAO DEL SUR
DepEd to establish 30 IP schools in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – To further expand the basic education services for indigenous people (IP), the Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division would add 30 more public schools in the province. DepEd Surigao del Sur Division Indigenous People Coordinator Danilo Alcantara said that currently, there are already 30 public schools serving IP learners in 30 different communities in the province.
were already finished and turned over.
Alcantara said some of the ‘indigenized’ classrooms established during the 1st batch of the Classroom Construction for Lumads (CCL) project
This project is intended for the IP communities in Mindanao, as implemented by the Duterte administration. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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The Surigao del Sur Division has already employed 67 permanent teachers in 2016, while 36 more will be hired before 2017 ends.
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Photo Gallery Department of Information and Communication Technology Graduation Rites on its Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) Technical Training Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte 19 September 2017
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
On the Rice
CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – Brgy. Santo Niño, Butuan City has a total rice land area of 43 hectares and is active in palay production, trading, processing, milling and marketing through the Santo Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SNMPC). In response to a program of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and through the efforts of the City Agriculturist Office, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) was registered on August 5, 1991. A total of 55 members and 15 “co-operators” 16 - 22 September, 2017
came up with the paid-up capital of P29,900.00. Marilyn O. Aranas, Chairman of the Board of Directors, shared how difficult life was before the awarding of the Shared Service Facility (SSF)
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Program by the Department of Trade Commercial rice makes up 76 percent and Industry-Agusan del Norte (DTI- of their total sales. AdN) Provincial Office. “We are grateful for the “From 1992 to 2014, we spent a assistance from DTI-AdN. They taught lot on labor and maintained as many us proper packaging and provided as 40 workers during the entire harvest us with excellent quality plastic bags season of two months (March to May and stickers to make our products look and September to November),” more attractive to consumers,” Aranas Aranas said. said. Through the SSF, the cooperative was given three hand pallet trucks that can carry up to 2.5 tons or 50 sacks, one 3-ton capacity lifter, an electronic weighing scale that can measure up to 2,000 kilos, a bag closer, air compressor, one automatic vacuum sealer, one manual vacuum sealer and one foot sealer. “The hand pallet trucks and lifter alone have cut our labor cost by at least 40 percent, as from the original 40 workers, we are now down to only 10. The vacuum sealers have extended shelf life by 4 months. In manual sealing, our rice products would only last until 2 months. Now it can last until six,” she said.
The cooperative is currently busy with the packaging and delivery of 650 packs of mixed brown, black and red organic rice to a mall in Bohol, whose representative they met through a business matching activity initiated by DTI-AdN. Through DTI-AdN, they were also able to gather orders for their different organic rice varieties during the 2015 and 2016 Mindanao Trade Expos in Davao City. The recent Reverse Trade Fair, the first of its kind and organized by DTI-AdN in Butuan City also allowed them to meet sellers from Gingoog, Cabadbaran and nearby Remedios T. Romualdez.
They have recently had to turn down an order of 300 to 400 bags The SNMPC produces organic per month from an interested Manila rice of the brown, black and red buyer due to El Niño, which has made varieties, as well as white organic rice, seedlings hard to come by. which makes up two percent of their sales. Their tahop or rice bran brings The SNMPC has since grown to in 10 percent of their total sales, while reach 389 members. They are currently their broken rice makes up another enjoying the use of their own building, two percent. Their organic inputs completed last April 2017, which houses of vermicast, vermicom post and a conference hall, a training room and vermitea, sold directly to their farmer- a packaging room. (DTI-Agusan del members, bring in two percent. Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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DAR, Phil-FIDA team up for abaca fiber production seminar By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte, through its Project ConVERGE targeted abaca production in the 300-hectare farms of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in four municipalities (Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago) of TUJAKITSAN ARC cluster in Agusan Norte. In preparation, DAR and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (Phil-FIDA) team up to transfer the abaca production technology to the owners of the 300-hectares by conducting a series of seminars.
Annelyn Chan, around 250 farmers, who will be grouped in nine batches, will be trained towards the end of 2017.
The first batch of training held on September 5 to 7 in Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, was participated by 39 The seminar was facilitated abaca-farmers from the Bangayan by Provincial Project Management Lake View Association (BLA). Office (PPMO) of Agusan del Norte headed by PARPO II Andre B. Atega, After the trainings, the abacaCESO V. farmers will be taught on value-chain enterprise to improve their production, Phil-FIDA provided on field value addition and marketing. training on good agricultural practices and other technical assistance to This seminar addressed the need to the participating abaca-farmers to provide knowledge and technologies produce quality abaca fiber. in order to sustain the farmer-groups capability efforts. (DAR-Agusan del According to Project Coordinator Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 16 - 22 September, 2017
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HEALTH NEWS
Eating malunggay leaves lowers blood sugar level and more By Jund Rian A. Doringo
Manila - Moringa, or more commonly known among Filipinos as malunggay, is a plant acknowledged for its nutritional and medicinal value. Almost all parts of the moringa plant are edible, from the immature seed pods called drumsticks, to the leaves, mature seeds, and roots. The leaves are said to be the most nutritious part of the plant. According to the Food Composition Tables (FCT) developed by the Food and Nutrition and Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), malunggay
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leaves are significant sources of B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, potassium, and iron, among other significant nutrients. Malunggay is a very common ingredient in Asian cuisines in countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan. In the Philippines, malunggay leaves are added to broth, like in the famous tinola, a traditional chicken soup dish with ginger and green papaya or chayote, to make a nutritious soup. The leaves are also processed with olive oil and salt to become pesto-like pasta sauce or crushed and mixed with lemons or citrus fruits to make juices or ice candies. 16 - 22 September, 2017
Among its many miraculous benefits, moringa can balance blood sugar levels. The FNRI-DOST conducted a study to determine the changes in glucose of people with moderatelyraised glucose levels using malunggay leaves powder to verify this claim. It was found out that food products such as buns, fish sausages, and veggie soups with added malunggay leave powder decreased fasting blood sugar, thus, possessing strong potential in fighting diabetes. However, the cholesterol-lowering effect of malunggay leaves is yet to be established in humans by way of a thorough correlation research study involving repeated observations over 16 - 22 September, 2017
long periods of time. Malunggay, touted as the miracle tree, is very abundant in the Philippines. It is therefore very practical and gainful to undertake studies on how to maximize its health benefits for every Filipino’s well-being. For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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MINDANAO NEWS
Comelec: No barangay, SK elections in October in Mindanao By: Lilian Mellejor
DAVAO CITY - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Mindanao are postponed while the Martial Law is still in effect.
But for Visayas and Luzon, the poll According to Casquejo, all body is still waiting for the final decision barangay and SK officials are in holdof Congress. over status. Comelec XI Director Marlon Casquejo said the postponement was approved by Comelec in an en banc resolution on August 15 following a consultation with local officials last month.
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The postponement was considered due to the imposition of martial law. President Rodrigo Duterte has first declared martial law in Mindanao last May 23 until July. The President extended the martial law until 16 - 22 September, 2017
the end of December, 2017.
Senate moved for October elections. Another provision is on the status of the All parties have been notified barangay officials. and there was no opposition to delay the elections, which is scheduled Casquejo said the House moved in October, Casquejo said during for hold-over status while the Senate Wednesday’s AFP-PNP Press forum at wants to replace the barangay the Royal Mandaya Hotel. captains in the list of narco politicians. The Senate also gives President Duterte The barangay and SK polls will the authority to replace them. happen only 30 days after martial law will be lifted. Should the House and Senate still fail to agree on conflicting provisions, Casquejo, however, stressed that Casquejo said Comelec is ready for the Comelec is ready to hold elections if October elections in Luzon and Visayas. the martial law will be lifted anytime. If martial law ends on December 31, Last week, the House of 2017, the elections can take place 30 Representatives approved on third days after. and final reading House Bill 6308 which seeks to postpone the October 23, He said Comelec continues to 2017, barangay and Sangguniang accept certificates of candidacy. Kabataan elections to the second Monday of May 2018. Comelec is also printing official ballots while the list of voters and the To reset the synchronized board of election inspectors are also barangay and SK polls, the bill seeks ready. to amend Republic Act No. 9164, as amended by RA No. 9340, RA No. 10656 Casquejo said there are already and RA No. 10923, which are all related three million voters in Davao region. to barangay and SK elections. Of the number, 1.2 million voters are in Davao City that already includes SK The bill provides that all incumbent voters. barangay and SK officials shall continue to hold office until the next election is For Visayas and Luzon, Casquejo held. said there are conflicting provisions in the bills passed in the House of The postponement of the Representatives and the Senate. barangay and SK elections this year is in support of President Duterte’s call He cited that the House agreed to reset the polls because he does not to the postponement of the barangay want those financed by druglords to and SK elections to May 2018 while the win. (PNA) 16 - 22 September, 2017
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Finding love amid crisis By: Lou Ellen L. Antonio
ILIGAN CITY, Mindanao Hour – As the government troops continue to fight against the Maute-ISIS terror group in Marawi City, a love between two lovers sparked at the Tent City in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte where 109 displaced families are situated. Proving that true love conquers all amid crisis and conflict, Norinsa Basher, 22 and Jomar Saumay, 19, exchanged vows in a simple yet blissful wedding ceremony.
as they see each other frequently at the Tent City.
When asked about why he fell in love with Nornisa, Jomar narrated that it was because of her beauty and The groom worked as a tricycle kindness. driver while the bride managed a store in Marawi City. Similarly, Nornisa shared that it was Jomar’s compassion that made her to Having known each other for fell in love with him. years, the couple had crushes toward each other. “Tinutulungan niya ako sa mga ginagawa ko dito sa Tent City,” said Their feelings was further boosted Nornisa.
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16 - 22 September, 2017
[He’s helping me in doing the generous people. household chores.] It was Acmad Amer, barangay Love waits, Love conquers chairman of Campong, Pantar, who began the initiatives for the wedding to Resonating peace and bliss in the be pursued. community, the cheers of their fellow evacuees and the sound of kulintang (a “Nakita ko sa kanila ang sobra modern term for an ancient instrumental nilang pagmamahalan sa isa’t isa. form of music composed on a row Kaya gumawa ako ng paraan para sila of small, horizontally laid gongs that ay makasal,” said Amer. function melodically, accompanied by larger, suspended gongs and drums) [I witnessed how they love each and gong reverberated at the wedding other. That is why I made initiatives for venue. them to be wedded with each other.] To solemnize the wedding, a marriage sermon was given by an imam and a recitation of the Qur’an was made.
Amer also shared that some evacuees who were beneficiaries of cash for work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWD), also lend a small While a ceremony is being contribution. conducted with the groom and bride’s parent, the bride wearing a long- The Task Force Bangon Marawi, sleeved white-laced gown, patiently spearheaded by Undersecretary Cesar awaits for her groom to fetch her inside Yano of the Department of National her tent. Defense (DND), also sent their support to conduct the modest and joyful Nornisa shared that her siblings wedding ceremony. did not agree at first that she would be wedded with Jomar. However, as “Nakakatuwa kasi kahit sa gitna she fought for their love, her siblings ng kahirapan, na-develop pa rin ang eventually agreed. pagmamahalan sa mga evacuees,” said Usec. Yano. Their love story proves that the ongoing crisis in Marawi cannot hinder [It is great to hear that despite of their love toward each other as they difficulty and suffering, love has been both conquered the odds. developed between two evacuees.] Initiatives for Love
Usec. Yano also shared the essence of the wedding ceremony as The wedding of the couple will not it symbolizes that love is the center of all be possible without the help of some things. (PIA ILIGAN/LDN) 16 - 22 September, 2017
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NATIONAL NEWS
DSWD extends CFW to Marawi IDPs in Cebu
MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) office in Central Visayas has included 190 families from Marawi City who had evacuated to Cebu in the department’s Cash-for-Work (CFW) program. In a news advisory issued Friday, the DSWD reported that 164 InternallyDisplaced Persons (IDPs) each received PHP2,000 in cash assistance on Tuesday after working for eight hours a day for 10 days from Aug. 23 to Sept. 8 at the Visayas Disaster Response Center (VDRC).
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Cebu’s local government participated in the program by providing the beneficiaries free transportation. Throughout the program, the IDPs were ferried to the VDRC in Mandaue, using the city’s Kaoshiung bus, and were provided their basic needs, such as food, water, clothes, and hygiene kits. 16 - 22 September, 2017
The CFW provides temporary employment to distressed or displaced individuals by involving them in preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities or in evacuation centers. Beneficiaries of the program earn 75 percent of the prevailing wage rate.
Some 264 families consisting of 1,148 individuals were recorded to have fled from Marawi to Cebu province at the height of the armed conflict in the city.
The clash between government forces and the terrorist group Maute has so far affected a total of 78,466 families or 359,680 individuals from Marawi and its DSWD-Central Visayas has neighboring municipalities, according allocated PHP380,000 for the program to the DSWD’s Disaster Assistance Family for IDPs. Access Cards (DAFAC). (DSWD-PR)
SC orders BIR to refund PSALM P3.81-B VAT By: Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA - The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday ruled in favor of the petition of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) seeking to reverse a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling that declared null and void its petition for value added tax (VAT) refund against the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). In a 29-page decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the En Banc, voting 12-2, upheld the 2008 Department of Justice (DOJ) decision directing the BIR to refund PSALM the amount of PHP3.81 billion representing the VAT that it paid to the tax agency under protest for the sale of some power plants in the country.
Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco, Jr., Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Jose Catral Mendoza, Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Samuel Martiresm Noel Tijam and Andres Reyes Jr.
Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin joined the dissenting opinion of Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo The SC said the CA erred when while Associate Justice Estela Perlasit ruled that the DOJ Secretary has Bernade took no part in the decision. no jurisdiction to rule on the issue on whether the sale of such facilities plants It noted that under Presidential is subject to VAT. Decree No. 242, “all disputes and claim between government agencies and Concurring with the ruling were offices, including government-owned Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, or controlled corporations, shall be 16 - 22 September, 2017
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administratively settled or adjudicated by the Secretary of Justice, Solicitor General or the Government Corporate Counsel, depending on the issues and government agencies involved.” Furthermore, the SC ruled that the sale of the power plants by PSALM to private entities is not subject to VAT since it was made pursuant to its mandate under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law). The SC explained that under Section 50 of the EPIRA law, PSALM’s principal purpose is to manage the orderly sale, disposition, amd privatization of the generations assets, real estate and other disposable assets, and contracts of the National Power Corporation with the objective of liquidating all its financial obligations and stranded contract costs. It also agreed with PSALM that the sale of the power plants was not done in pursuit of any commercial or profitable activity, where VAT is imposable.
PSALM, according to the SC, is limited to selling only assets and independent power producer (IPP) contracts of NPC. “Similarly, the sale of the power plants in this case is not subject to VAT since the sale was made pursuant to PSALM;s mandate to privatize NPC assets, and was not undertaken in the course of tradeSimilarly, the sale of the power plants in this case is not subject to VAT since the sale was made pursuant to PSALM;s mandate to privatize NPC assets, and was not undertaken in the course of trade of business,” the SC said. “In selling the power plants, PSALM was merely exercising a governmental function for which it was created under the EPIRA law,” it added. Records showed that PSALM conducted public biddings for the privatization of the PantabanganMasiway Hydroelectric Power Plant and Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant.
The SC noted that under Section 105 of the Tax Code, VAT may be imposed on any person “who, in the court of trade or business, sells, barters, exchanges, leases goods or properties, renders services and imports goods.”
The DOJ, in its March 13, 2008 decision, affirmed the position of Psalm that the sale of the said power plants was done in accordance with its mandate under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, thus, the tax assessment should be declared “The sale of the power plants null and void. is not in pursuit of a commercial or economic activity but a governmental The Justice Department also function mandated by law to privatize directed the BIR to refund the PHP3.81 NPC generation assets,” the Court billion that PSALM paid under protest. said. (PNA)
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16 - 22 September, 2017
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