CONTENTS
Volume 1, No. 78 23 - 29 September 2017
ASEAN NEWS
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ASEAN vows improved safety, health at work ASEAN committed to sustainable use of renewables: Cusi
REGIONAL NEWS
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DA Caraga mentors farmers to become agripreneurs Suspended mining firms in Caraga back to business AEWs profiling to strengthen DA extension services
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Governor eyes Claver as illegal fishing-free municipality Negosyo Center in Carrascal town now accepts biz name registration Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries benefit from Communal Garden Project AgSur producer of mangosteen tea debuts new variants in 14th CAEXPO
HEALTH NEWS
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Fruits not common in the Pinoy diet
MINDANAO NEWS
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Duterte cites telco for undersea cable system in Davao Mindanao products to highlight trade expo in October
NATIONAL NEWS
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Federalism to balance gov’t powers, resolve unrest: ex-CJ Puno Palace hails House’s approval of polls postponement
News Briefs
The Commission on Population’s Adolescent and Development Independent Film Festival is now on its 3rd year of implementation. The festival is one of the many approaches in helping the young people in the crucial stage of their development so they grow into healthy, responsible and productive adults. This year’s event focuses on sexual and nonsexual risks that young people engage in with its theme “Post Millenial Filipinos: Renewed Hope vs. Risk.”
In Caraga region, the National Maritime Week is celebrated in the cities of Surigao and Butuan with different maritime industries participating the lined up weeklong activities. Memorandum Circular No. 25 Directing All Government Agencies and Instrumentalities, including Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations and Public Schools at all levels, to display or exhibit photographs, paintings or other forms of visual representations of Philippine Heroes The Project Jobs Fit 2022 of the Department of Labor and Employment aims to identify the preferred skills in priority industries in each region up to 2022 that must be produced by putting together a robustly flexible roadmap that will guide stakeholders in addressing the job skills mismatch.
Cover Story
‘Tiangge, Tiangge sa Siargao’ signals abundance of harvest By: John Glenn A. Platil
S
URIGAO CITY – “We deeply regard the agriculture sector as a major economic driver because our lives depend on the food that we eat. That is why we consider rice, vegetable and fruit production as crucial factors in stirring growth and propelling a productive economy to great heights.”
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This was the very optimistic statement of Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas as relayed by provincial agriculturist Rebecca Bagnol during the successful launch of the Tiangge, Tiangge sa Siargao which ran from September 20 to 24.
“We are working on processing the root crops into nutritious products. Part of the knowledge learned from the exposure includes cooking, baking, preparation and packaging to make the end products cost-effective. Siargao prides itself with a trading center, which can help farmers in marketing value “2017 is the year of abundant and added products,” Bagnol added. plentiful harvest, as we continuously gather and relentlessly reap the fruits Affordability and sufficiency of of ‘Ang Bag-ong Surigao (The Modern food in the table are the rallying points Surigao),’” she said. which the provincial government considers crucial and very important. To intensify the value-adding on the end products of the province’s coconut, jackfruit and cassava productions, Team Capitol initiated a three-day immersion at the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay, Leyte in mid-October of last year. “Bastante nga suplay sa bugas ug lagutmon (sufficient supply of rice and root crops) is the rock layer principle astern the ‘Pagkaon nan Surigaonon (Food for Surigaonons)’ program,” Bagnol said. 23 - 29 September, 2017
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“Our beloved constituents, to whom we honestly dedicate our love and service, above self and beyond the call of duty, consistently and continually inspire us to uphold excellence and hard work. We are forever thankful for the unwavering faith and overwhelming support of the people whose loyalty and allegiance have always been our strength from day one. Our destination towards greatness is clear, definite and certain. We are convinced that the values that we instill, blossom into sustainable growth. We are confident that the reforms that we sustain are etched as everlasting legacies in the hearts and minds of our faithful supporters and determined followers,” she affirmed.
stakeholders, rank-and-file personnel from the different offices of the national and local government units, sectoral representatives, barangay officials, and members of Team Capitol, for their cooperation and involvement.
She also recognized the efforts of Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II, Vice Gov. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., provincial board members, Department of Agriculture-Caraga Regional Director Abel James Monteagudo, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ResourcesCaraga Regional Director Juan de Alba, officials from the Sangguniang Bayan of General Luna, headed by Mayor Jaime Rusillon and Vice Mayor Veronico Solloso, and everyone Matugas further congratulated who participated and made their the pro-active members of the presence felt. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao peasants and fisherfolks sector, regional del Norte)
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Photo Gallery National Peace Consciousness Month Celebration IPMR Peace Building Conversation Almont Inland, Butuan City 26 September 2017
National Family Week Celebration Big Daddy Hotel, Butuan City 26 September 2017
ASEAN vows improved safety, health at work
MANILA - Labor ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) vowed to mobilize resources of member-states to raise international and national cooperation and initiatives to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) in the region. At the conclusion of the 21st World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Singapore, labor ministers of the 10-member ASEAN declared to protect the safety, health, and welfare of workers in the ASEAN region, by developing and regularly reviewing OSH legislation, building OSH inspection capabilities and capacities, and strengthening risk management capabilities of member countries.
illness by improving the respective countries’ OSH performance.
Recognizing that the task requires collective effort, the ASEAN member states also committed to promote the sharing of experiences, best practices, and knowledge in OSH; encourage the participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations; and increase collaboration with key partners such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Plus Three Countries Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello composed of China, Japan, and South III represented the Philippines in the Korea. congress. The ASEAN Senior Labour Officials At the OSH congress, the ASEAN Meeting (SLOM), with the support labor ministers pledged to enhance of ASEAN Occupational Safety and data collection, improve private sector Health Network (ASEAN-OSHNET), was OSH capability and productivity, and tasked to implement the commitments reduce the social costs of injury and in the statement. (aldm/DOLE) 23 - 29 September, 2017
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ASEAN committed to sustainable use of renewables: Cusi By: Albert-Anthony Abando
MANILA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is setting its sights on renewable energy (RE) in finding a lasting solution to the region’s energy needs, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Wednesday. To prosper economically, the region needs an energy source that has reduced carbon footprint and cleaner emissions, and these can only come from RE sources -- solar, wind and hydro, Cusi said during the joint opening ceremony for the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM35) and Associated Meetings and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
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He recognized the ASEAN’s proactive stand in pushing for RE and the milestones achieved by ASEAN member states in the field of RE, such as exceeding the target 23-percent RE mix for 2025 as early as in 2013 under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). “That is why we also celebrate the recent strides in renewables made by member countries in this region. 23 - 29 September, 2017
We celebrate the fact that Singapore has developed the region’s first offshore renewable energy system. We celebrate the fact that Malaysia is the third largest producer of solar panels in the world,” Cusi said.
an affordable solution for consumers,” he said.
Citing an example, Cusi said in the Philippines, RE has become a viable alternative without sacrificing cost, thanks to innovation and Despite these achievements, competition. however, more must be done, he said, presenting a challenge to the The Philippines is currently the renewable energy industry to attract second largest producer of geothermal investments, build capacities and energy in the world, which is being run ultimately bring energy costs down. even without subsidies and is capable of providing base load needs, he Cusi emphasized that while added. renewables are a sustainable source of energy, they also need to be “It is imperative that we pursue commercially sustainable. a vision of a competitive market that keeps tariffs low and within reach, “Renewables need to be a where the onus is on renewable players commercially viable option, able to be able to innovate and compete to stand on its two feet without the on a level playing field. This is not a crutches of subsidies, as well as being fantasy,” Cusi said. (PNA)
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Photo Gallery National Maritime Week Celebration Opening Program
Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol covered court, Butuan City 25 September 2017
Bloodletting Activity
Robinsons Place - South Atrium, Butuan City 29 September 2017
REGIONAL NEWS
DA Caraga mentors farmers to become agripreneurs By: Rhea Abao
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s assistance does not only stop with production support for the farmers. The agency also lingers to promote agricultural development by providing the policy framework, public investment, and support needed for domestic and export-oriented business enterprises. To heap on the promotion of agriculture enterprise, DA in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, Inc.Go Negosyo (PCE-Go Negosyo) gears up farmers to become agripreneurs through the Kapatid Agri-Mentor Me Program (KAMMP) in Butuan City.
enterprise, designed to sustain and scale up the farming business of farmers.
In the region, a total of 53 mentees will participate in KAMMP. They will be mentored by agri-business practitioners, who have an extensive knowledge in their field. The program is designed to equip agripreneurs with KAMMP is a coaching and proper production techniques, mindset mentoring program for agriculture and values, practical knowledge and 23 - 29 September, 2017
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strategies, and consultation services to unemployment and job-seeking. Both foster successful and sustainable agri- parties aim to develop a businessenterprises. minded culture that would lead to an entrepreneurial nation, which will Agripreneurs is a term used for the eventually improve the economy. new breed of entrepreneurs combining their love of farming and agriculture “DA through the Agribusiness with business. and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) has been providing marketing Since 2008 up to present, the assistance and linkages to our partners department continues to assist and – the farmers. Our partnership with PCEmonitor 31 operational Barangay Food Go Negosyo thru KAMMP is another Terminals (BFT), 11 Municipal Food outlet to encourage our farmers to Terminals (MFT), 2 Organic Agriculture engage in entrepreneurial activities, Trading Post (OATP), 1 Agri-Pinoy Trading which could help increase their income. Center (APTC), and 4 Rice Processing It is also our way to promote agriculture Centers (RPC) throughout the region. as a viable economic activity,” said These 49 business hubs have been Lynn A. Pareñas, AMAD Chief. operated by farmer associations and cooperatives supported by the office. Farming and its related activities make up the basic fabric of rural life, DA supports the advocacy of making it a significant contributor to the PCE-Go Negosyo in popularizing employment and business opportunities entrepreneurship as an alternative to in the region. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Suspended mining firms in Caraga back to business By: Roel Catoto
SURIGAO CITY - It’s business as usual for all of Caraga Region’s 15 mining companies whose operations were earlier suspended and even closed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This came after all the erring mining firms “exhausted all legal remedies” to be allowed to operate while their respective appeals have remained pending, said Roger A. De Dios, regional director of Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau-Caraga (MGBCaraga).
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Former DENR secretary Regina Lopez had suspended the 15 mining companies in Caraga mainly for siltation of water bodies around their mines and for allegedly destroying watersheds. Seven of the suspended firms operate in Dinagat Islands, four in Surigao del Norte and three in Surigao del Sur. 23 - 29 September, 2017
“They have filed an appeal and motion for reconsideration so all of them have been allowed to operate in the meantime,” Director De Dios said during the opening of the 4th Caraga Mining Symposium and Safety Competition Friday (Oct. 6). In Dinagat Islands—a mineral reservation area since 1939— suspended companies are AAMPhil Natural Resources Exploration, Kromico Inc., Libjo Mining Corporation, Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation, Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corp., SinoSteel Philippines H.Y. Mining Corporation, and Wellex Mining Corporation. In Surigao del Norte: ADNAMA Mining Resources Corp., Claver Mineral Development Corp., Platinum Group Metals Corp, Hinatuan Mining Corp and Claver Mineral Development Corporation. In Surigao del Sur: CTP Construction and Mining Corp., Carrascal Nickel Corp., and Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation.
Lopez’s suspension and closure orders were strongly opposed by mining firms, local government units and community residents, citing lack of legal basis and due process. They also cited the 20,500 mining workers who would have been displaced had the suspension order came through. Pro-environment group Caraga Watch has urged MGB and DENR to implement Lopez’s orders. “MGB and DENR’s response on the sanctions imposed earlier only proves how inutile and bankrupt our mining law and policies are,” said Rev. Pio Mercado, Caraga Watch chairperson. Rev. Mercado has called on Sec. Cimatu to implement his predecessor’s suspension and closure orders “and pave way for the rehabilitation of our damaged mining areas.” (PNA)
In addition, MGB-Caraga suspended early this year Century Peak Corporation (CPC) for failing to implement social development projects and for environmental violations. Lopez who was rejected by the Commission on Appointment (CA) in May 3, 2017, she was replaced by former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Roy Cimatu who got the confirmation before the CA on Wednesday. 23 - 29 September, 2017
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AEWs profiling to strengthen DA extension services By: Vanessa P. Sanchez
BUTUAN CITY – Agriculture is one of the major players in the Philippine economy. In 2015, the agricultural sector had a nine percent share in the 2015 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Meanwhile, agricultural extension is important in facilitating technology transfer to boost production and income of the farmers. This service used to be under the Department of Agriculture (DA), but with the full implementation of the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160 in June 1992, it was transferred to the Local Government Units (LGUs). With this, the DA was left with limited control over the agriculture extension workers (AEWs), who are on the frontline of extending agricultural services to the farmers and other stakeholders.
to delivering extension services to the agricultural sector. It will also assess various extension activities relative to the Research and Development Regulatory System. By profiling the AEWs, DA hopes to better its services and provide a more effective extension delivery system. “The information will help the national government to determine and address the logistical and technical needs of the AEWs, to equip them so they can better serve the public,” DA Caraga Field Operations Division Chief Rebecca Atega said. “Strengthening the extension services will maximize agricultural production while minimizing production costs, which will eventually lead to attaining the department’s mission of food security and sufficiency,” she added.
Based Dr. Tito Contado’s Country Report of Decentralization of Agricultural Service Delivery, the devolution of agricultural extension services faced a number of challenges such as limited number of AEWs, as well as limitation in their mobility due to shortage of operational funds for travelling of LGUs. For Caraga, a total of 740 AEWs and 107 Local Farmer Technicians Contado was a former professor in (LFTs) were targeted for profiling. All the University of the Philippines Los Baños LGUs undertaking agriculture and fishery extension services, particularly Considering this problem, DA will all municipal, city, and provincial profile the existing AEWs to determine agriculture and veterinary Offices will be and assess the gaps, issues and covered by the profiling activity. (DAexperiences of the LGUs, with regard Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery National Peace Consciousness Month Celebration Press Conference
Embassy Hotel, Butuan City 27 September 2017
Media & Communicators Forum Big Daddy Hotel & Convention Center, Butuan City 27 September 2017
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Governor eyes Claver as illegal fishing-free municipality By: John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY – Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas announced that she is profoundly inclined of making an official public declaration stating Claver as a municipality free from illegal fishing. The lady governor specifically mentioned barangays Urbiztondo, Lapinigan and Hayangabon. “Fishermen and anglers must go fishing without destroying the ecosystem and coral reef,” she said.
has neighboring municipalities such as Gigaquit, Bacuag and Socorro that need to be supported. “We are also studying more livelihood opportunities for those who will abandon the unlawful activities in the ocean. ‘Puhunan sa Pag-asenso’ “I am planning to set in place is now fully operational,” remarked for fish sanctuaries. True enough, I Matugas. appreciate the positive reports given to me by the fisherfolks through Mayor To top it all, the Bureau of Fisheries Eddie Gokiangkee. There are plenty and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) asked of marine creatures and saltwater Matugas to help provide patrol fishes sprawling in the deep, blue boats to sustain the crusade against sea,” said Matugas. dynamite and ‘liba-liba’ fishing, and other crimes against the sea. (PGO Matugas further said that Claver SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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SURIGAO DEL SUR
Negosyo Center in Carrascal town now accepts biz name registration
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Carrascal is the latest town in Surigao del Sur to have a Negosyo Center (NC) and is now accepting application for the Department of Trade and Industry Business Name (DTI-BN) Registration. The Negosyo Center is located at “For barangay scope, it only costs the 2nd floor of the Bus Terminal Building P215.00; for municipal, it is worth P515.00; in Barangay Gamuton, Carrascal. for regional, it costs P1,015.00; and for national scope, it will be P2,015.00,” According to DTI Senior Industry said Estrada. Specialist and NC Carrascal Manager Sarah Estrada, the DTI Business Name For requirements and more registration is valid for five years and information about Negosyo Center costs about P215 to P2,015, depending services, they may visit the center and on the territorial scope of the business look for Stephanie Dawn or Rea or send and would only take 45 minutes to an email to nccarrascalsds@gmail. process. com. (DTI/PIA-Surigao del Sur) 23 - 29 September, 2017
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Photo Gallery National Peace Consciousness Month Celebration Guingona Park, Butuan City 27 September 2017
Flag Raising
Motorcade
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries benefit from Communal Garden Project By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY – Twenty five (25) Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) members of Doña Rosario CLOA Holders Vegetable Producers Association (DRCHVPA) conducted the Harvest Festival and Techno Expo at Barangay Doña Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. The group undergone an eightmonth long training on Communal Vegetable Project implemented by Winrock International in Caraga under the Philippine Cold Chain Project, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and in 23 - 29 September, 2017
partnership with the East-West Seed Company. The activity was participated in by Jun Alyansa of Winrock International, East-West Seeds Manager Robert Acosta and PARPO II Andre B. Atega
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CESO V, represented by Planning With the upcoming assistance Officer Annelyn R. Chan. from DAR’s Project Converge, the group is hoping to become commercially The activity was a good avenue for viable and to be able to distribute their showcasing their vegetable produce products in other markets. through product display and improving farmers’ confidence by sharing new DAR Planning Officer II Annelyn ideas and technologies. R. Chan said that the sustainability of the project can be achieved if the DRCHVPA Chairman Hector Dela members work together to reduce Cruz said that vegetable farming is most many uncertainties. fulfilling when the farmers experience an increase on their income due to the “On the part of DAR, we have growth of their crops. been helping the farmers-beneficiaries through coop strengthening program, Dela Cruz was thankful for the developing entrepreneurial skills and developments happening in Tubay, other support services to maximize the through the efforts and coordination of utilization of the awarded lands,” Chan local government partners and other added. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIAkey government agencies. Agusan del Norte)
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AGUSAN DEL DEL SUR
AgSur producer of mangosteen tea debuts new variants in 14th CAEXPO
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Mangosteen calamansi mix, mangosteen dragon fruit mix and all-purpose kalamansi extract – all in powder form. These are the new products that Hillsview Food Products first introduced to the market in its participation to the 14th China ASEAN Exposition (CAEXPO). Company owner Irenea Hitgano, together with son Choy, attended personally to the “overwhelming inquiries and interest from potential distributors of their products” as reported by the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) Trade Promotion Officer Corazon dela Peña.
respond to clients most of which cannot communicate in English. Two volunteer interpreters tapped by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) also assisted them.
Aside from assisting Hillsview Food Products, CITEM also helped Sunrise Corn Coffee, another Agusan del Sur producer and Agusan del Dela Peña said the company Norte’s bottled bangus producer, Jida hired its own interpreter to be able to Aqua Resources, and other Philippine 23 - 29 September, 2017
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exhibitors in this year’s CAEXPO. This event was held on September 12 to 15 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC). Hitgano, discovering the optimal and “medically beneficial” use of her mangosteen tree plantation via its tea concoctions, has successfully grown the market for her products throughout the country in just three years. China is the first foreign market her company is venturing into. Hillsview’s participation was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department Trade and Industry’s Regional Interactive Platform for Philippine Exporters (RIPPLES) program. RIPPLES was jointly implemented by the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), DTI’s Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG), and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).
current design trends. When deemed export-ready, these companies are matched with prospective foreign buyers, and their products are promoted in the export market. NICEC holds several sections including the Guangxi Exhibition Hall (for CAEXPO Agriculture Exhibition 2017) and the Pavilion of Commodity Trade, where member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) exhibited food and beverage, consumer goods, raw materials, ASEAN Coffee. Other foreign countries also featured some of their food, consumer goods, tourism, advisory, consulting service, machinery and equipment, among others.
The CAEXPO was co-sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the 10 ASEAN member states, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat. It was organized by the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (DTI It aims to expand the supply Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) base of internationally-competitive Philippine export products and services by extending strategic company-level interventions such as capacity building trainings, product development, market information, global product trends, to participating companies to make them export-ready, or to enhance their export capacity and competitiveness. The Program prepares these companies to compete in terms of volume, quality, price, packaging, compliance with market entry requirements, rules and regulations, and design leadership, or alignment with
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HEALTH NEWS
Fruits not common in the Pinoy diet
Did you know that Filipinos are eating less fruits over the years?
in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) This was revealed in the food which showed that fruit consumption consumption survey (FCS) conducted has decreased over the past 20 years 23 - 29 September, 2017
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from an individual intake of 107 grams meat, fish and poultry for vitamin A and in 1987 to only 54 grams in 2008. vegetables for vitamin C and fiber. The survey also revealed that The low intake of fruits calls for individual fruit intake did not change a more aggressive promotion of fruit from 2003 to 2008 at 54 grams. consumption and a closer look at the reasons why fruits are not common in The amount of 54 grams is about the Filipino dining table, including their one serving-size banana latundan that affordability and availability, as well as contributes about 6.3 percent of the the Filipino’s attitude towards eating average individual food intake for 2008. fruits. This consumption level is lower For more information on food than the recommended intake of 2-3 and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. servings of fruits daily. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department No wonder that no fruit was of Science and Technology, General included in the list of most commonly- Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/ consumed foods of Filipinos in 2008. Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@ Fruits are rich sources of nutrients yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http:// like vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Charina A. Javier, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/ Vitamin A is needed for normal PIA-Caraga) vision, promotes growth and boosts immune resistance, while vitamin C increases the body’s resistance to infection, helps keep gums and teeth healthy and acts as antioxidant, among others. Fiber provides bulk, aids in normal bowel movement, helps in the management of diabetes, lowers cholesterol and may help prevent certain cancers. However, based on the FCS, Filipinos get most of these nutrients from other food groups, particularly
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Photo Gallery Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 3rd Full Council Meeting
Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 3rd Quarter Full Council Meeting
28 September 2017
25 September 2017
Samping Ave., Butuan City
Provincial Training Center, Butuan City
MINDANAO NEWS
Duterte cites telco for undersea cable system in Davao By: Lilian Mellejor
DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte cited Globe Telecom for choosing Davao City as the host of its USD250-million Southeast AsiaUnited States (SEA-US) submarine cable system for it reinforces the capacity and resiliency of the country’s information system. The President lauded the project as it would also improve communication capacities, better access to basic services, increased competitiveness, and build smarter cities. In a speech read for him by Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Martin Andanar, the President said that choosing Davao
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City as host of the project will generate more investments and create job opportunities not only for Davao, but also in Mindanao. Duterte also expressed optimism the project would complement the national broadband plan of the government aimed at improving the internet connectivity in the country. 23 - 29 September, 2017
In an interview at the sidelines of the ceremonial launch of the SEAUS cable system at Seda Hotel Friday, Andanar said the project is laudable as this will cause faster internet access in Davao and Mindanao.
country catches up in terms of building up wireline infrastructure given the fact that we focus on mobile for many years,” Cu stressed. Cu said that with faster connection, Davao can host and address the growing information and communications technology requirements of BPOs, financial institutions, internet service providers, and other content providers in the south.
He said it is the first cable submarine system which is connected through Davao bypassing earthquake zones in the north.This makes the system more resilient and less susceptible to signal interruptions caused by natural calamities. “This is really advantageous The SEA-US cable system is for the citizens of Davao City and connected to the Globe cable landing Mindanao,” he said. station in Barangay Talomo which houses the Power Feed Equipment Ernest Cu, Globe president and necessary to run the system. CEO, said Davao will benefit from this system getting the best connectivity Globe revealed that outside of going out of the country. Luzon, the 14,500-kilometer undersea cable is the first direct connection of He said the system is the first cable Globe to the US via Guam, Hawaii, and run in the country and resilient in relation California. to other cable currently operating. “This means quicker interconnection via the This offers faster transmission of internet which we call in technical terms data to the US. Globe said the facility – latency,” Cu told said in an interview uses the latest 100 gigabits per second with reporters. transmission technology to deliver an additional 20 terabits per second In this project, Globe is investing capacity. The additional capacity US$100 million. “The cable system is a will cater to the exponential growth consortium between four companies of bandwidth between the two in the United States, Hawaii, and continents. Guam. It was learned that the system Cu said the project has been was built by a consortium of seven completed and the cable is already international telecommunications carrying traffic since late July. companies and links five regions that included Manado in Indonesia, Davao “This will level up connection. As in the Philippines, Piti in Guam, Oahu in we build capacity usage goes up as Hawaii, and Los Angeles in California, well. And so we have to keep up as the USA. (PNA) 23 - 29 September, 2017
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Mindanao products to highlight trade expo in October By: Jennifer Mendoza
DAVAO CITY - A number of Mindanao products will be introduced to new markets during the Mindanao Trade Expo in Makati City next month. Fresh from the successful staging of MTE 2017 in Davao City last August 11-20, the MTE Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) is making another major step to further widen the reach of the island-region’s products and services.
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Center of Glorietta Mall in Makati City, the trade and retail exhibition is seen as a feasible mechanism to increase not only the visibility, but more importantly, the institutional buyers of the participating entrepreneurs.
Set on October 2-5 at the Activity
MTEFI
President
Rosevic
Del
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Rosario-Cembrano said the exhibit in Glorietta, which is already the third one for this year, was carefully planned, especially that some potential participants may think that they might just be wasting their resources if they would join.
Store; Special Setting of new product designs as an offshoot of the previously conducted design consultations; and, Business Matching between Mindanao entrepreneurs and Manila-based companies. “We want to maximize this opportunity from the Ayala Malls. It has always been the desire of MTEFI to provide all avenues where the Mindanawon entrepreneurs can promote their products and services and expand their markets,” Del RosarioCembrano said.
“We can’t deny the fact that some would have apprehensions about joining, considering that they need to invest – from logistics to their accommodation in Manila. However, with shows like this conducted in a venue that has so much potential in terms of market expansion, such opportunity must be grabbed,” she Meanwhile, Del Rosarioexplained. Cembrano revealed that apart from the chance to buy quality Mindanao MTE has already brought produced items, visitors will get to learn Mindanao’s interesting offerings to more about the culture of Matigsalug several international trade shows in the Tribe as well. Through the special setting, past, including New York, Hong Kong, the products of the Davao City ethnic and Paris. group will likewise be highlighted. “Since 2012, Abreeza, an Ayala The MTE in Glorietta is supported by mall in Davao City, has been our DTI, Philippine Exporters Confederation, partner in opening doors for the Inc. (PhilExport), and Ayala Malls. (PNA) Mindanaoan entrepreneurs,” Del Rosario-Cembrano said. This partnership has further strengthened when Ayala Malls offered a wider market for Mindanao products and services, she added. At the four-day MTE at Glorietta Mall, seven different events will be highlighted -- The Fair, which will showcase the best of Mindanao especially the premium products qualified for DTI’s banner program ‘OTOP Next Gen” and Go Lokal! 23 - 29 September, 2017
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Photo Gallery Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill 3rd Quarter 2017 Bayabas, Surigao del Sur 27 September 2017
NATIONAL NEWS
Federalism to balance gov’t powers, resolve unrest: ex-CJ Puno examination of the country’s unitary government, as the current system of governance has resulted in a lot of conflict. Puno described as “outdated” the present allocation of powers among the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary, and stressed the need to strike a more appropriate balance of power among these three branches.
MANILA - Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Thursday, September 28, said shifting to federalism would allow power to be distributed more equally to the different branches of the government. In a press briefing in Malacañan, Puno reiterated his call for the country’s shift to a federal form of government, saying there are compelling reasons to adopt a new political system in the country.
“Indeed, this outdated, if not erroneous, allocation of powers has earned us a lot of democratic deficits. And this has resulted in the continuing categorization of the Philippines as a failing democracy,” Puno said. Puno particularly cited the challenges faced by the judicial branch under the present unitary form of government. “There are many areas in our present judiciary that can stand improvement,” he said, adding that shifting to federalism would also require a stronger judiciary.
The former Chief Justice noted Among the challenges he that there is a strong call for the re- mentioned is the judiciary’s failure 23 - 29 September, 2017
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to immediately resolve issues of “transcendental importance,” since the Supreme Court can only act on disputes after cases are filed.
Meanwhile, the former Chief Justice also sees the shift to federalism as a remedy to the decades-long unrest among Muslims in Mindanao.
“Given our present Constitution and our existing jurisprudence, the Supreme Court has to wait for a proper case to be filed before it --- before it can exercise its jurisdiction and decide [on] the case,” Puno explained.
He said federalism will “enable the country to deal with the demands of our Muslim brothers to have their own homeland, which they can govern according to their culture, religion, language, and history.”
“This requirement of a proper case has prevented our Supreme Court from deciding disputes that should be settled immediately in view of the case significance to our people,” he added.
“This aspiration of our Muslim brothers cannot be substantially granted unless we change our unitary government,” he added.
Puno said the Supreme Court’s inability to issue these advisory opinions is the reason why it is sometimes assailed for having a “laid-back posture” on particular cases.
“There is only one way to deal with them and that is to respect their identity and to live with them under a cooperative form of a federal government,” Puno said.
“I would commend that we adopt this system and depart from the American model, where there is too much emphasis on the independence of the three branches of government, instead of interdependence on certain areas of governance,” Puno said.
“The sooner there is a shift to federalism, the better,” he added, saying the shift would require a transition period wherein significant adjustments are to be made. (PND/ PNA)
Puno said the unaddressed Puno proposed that the Philippines frustration of Muslim Filipinos for selfadopts the German form of federalism, determination resulted in an open which emphasizes an interdependence rebellion, which is further triggered by among the government branches. foreign elements threatening to wreck the Republic. “In Germany, the constitutionality of a law before its enforcement, or He particularly cited the situation before its violation, can already be in Marawi, where ISIS-inspired Maute brought to the Constitutional Court for terrorists took hold of the city and opinion, whether it is unconstitutional or caused destruction in the lives of not,” he noted. innocent Maranaos.
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23 - 29 September, 2017
Palace hails House’s approval of polls postponement
By: Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA - Malacañang on Tuesday hailed Congress for its unified stand in approving the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated October 2017. This after the House of Representatives voted Monday night to adopt the Senate version postponing the barangay and youth polls to October 2018. The House version has proposed an earlier May 2018 schedule. “The Palace welcomes the move of the House of Representatives to adopt the Senate’s final version postponing the barangay and SK elections,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during a Palace briefing.
The imminent postponement of this year’s elections would be the second time that the barangay polls will be postponed. The elections were supposed to be held on Oct. 31, 2016, but was moved to Oct. 23, 2017. The October 2016 elections were postponed so that Duterte can fill up vacancies in his newly-installed government without being impeded with the 45-day ban on the appointment of officials during an election period.
This time, the President said he The agreement of the House wanted to postpone the village polls and the Senate to a single version due to the involvement of barangay immediately deemed the bill as officials in the illegal drugs trade. approved by Congress and just needs the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that about Duterte in order to be enacted into law. 40 percent of barangay leaders have links to the drug trade and drug money “We expect the President to sign may be used to fund the campaigns of the proposed bill into law,” Abella said. these officials. (PNA) 23 - 29 September, 2017
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Photo Gallery Launching of the Health Service Delivery Network in Surigao Norte: A Cuban Polyclinic Model Adaptation Pilar District Hospital, Pilar, Surigao del Norte 23 September 2017
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