x 8 Tree Planting 18 19 PDEA, Port Cops Seize Marijuana from a RORO Passenger 20 House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries approves HB760 21 SSS intensifies R.A.C.E campaign in AgSur province 22 Trento vies for fifth seal of good local governance CaragaINFOCUS8CONTENTS ARTICLES REGIONAL NEWS Top NPA leader nabs at port of Surigao 21 17 DOST, DSWD hold seminar on public awareness of food safety and sanitation for San Isidro Women’s Association COVER 44 PBBM bent on transforming economy, making food affordable to avert future crises 45 Briefer on the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City 46 PBBM to speak at UN General Assembly; key address covers food security, climate change, rule of law 47 PBBM reaffirms full, unwavering commitment to Bangsamoro peace process; urges BTA to pass key bills 42 PBBM says performance is best politics; vows to make the ‘Filipino brand’ well-known globally 50 2.5M persons boosted vs. Covid-19 thru PinasLakas drive 51 Covid-19 vax for kids aged 4, below still under study: DOH 52 PBBM extends state of calamity until year-end COVID-19 NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS 15 DOST improves rural health services in Siargao with RxBox 16 DIPPO joins the Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity 27 Bislig LCE congratulates Young Tiger Team as they bagged 14 medals 28 Barangay Visit starts in Tandag City 29 SurSur PPO bags awards during 121st Police Service Anniversary 36 MinDA supports coop development program in PH 37 Mindanao agri company inks deal with Singapore firm 30 350 fisherfolks receive fuel assistance from DOLE in Carrascal town 47 9 12 12 Tribal Council sa Butuan City, aktibo sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at nakakikilahok sa tree planting at clean-up drive 10 Local na produkto mula sa farmers coop, tampok sa ASPIRE 9 Tree is life MINDANAO NEWS Volume V1, No. 37 Sept. 10-16, 2022 40 PBBM: Modernizing gov’t, harnessing digitization key to boosting economic recovery 31 123 farmers receive fertilizer discount voucher from DA in Tagbina, & Barobo 32 DTI distributes livelihood kits to seven MSMEs in Lingig town 33 Temporaryong trabaho alang sa 500 nga mangingisda og tamban, gipahiluna ni Kongresista Corvera 34 Kapin 5K nga benepisyaryo sa Agusan del Norte, nakadawat og Educational Assistance sa DSWD 24 ADSPPO bags 12 Regional Awards during 121st Police Service Anniversary celebration 26 Mga magsasaka sa agusan del sur, kaagapay rin ang department of agrarian reform sa pagtugon sa food security 4540
Caraga stakeholders join nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity
“For the 12 planting sites in Caraga region, we targeted some 12,000 seedlings to be planted – 1,000 seedlings per area, and we hope that the people in the community will help us in nurturing these seedlings. We have variety of seedlings prepared to include the bamboo, acacia, golden shower, seedlings belonging to endangered species like narra and among others,”
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 5Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 20224
Roadside within CARBDP Flood Control Project of DPWH located at Brgys. Baan Riverside, Mahogany, Banza and Maug, Butuan City; 4) Brgy. Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; 5) Brgy. Pangaylan IP, Santiago, Agusan del Norte; 6) Brgy. Karaos, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; 7) Brgy. Hawilian Tree Park, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; 8) Brgy. Sinobong, Veruela, Agusan del Sur; 9) Km. 23, Brgy. Nuevo Trabajo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur; 10) Brgy. Cagniog, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; 11) Tinuy-an Falls Protected Landscape, Brgy. Burboanan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur;
The tribal chieftain also called on other tribes in the different provinces of Caraga region to continue to support the initiatives of the government in protecting the environment and in combating illegal-logging activities, and the ill-effects of climate change.
added Tamayo. Tamayo reiterated the importance of planting and nurturing trees. “Trees and shrubs improve soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climate by providing shade, regulate temperature extremes, increase wildlife habitat and improve the land’s capacity to adapt to climate change. These are all benefits forests and shrubs offer the environment and in turn, us,” he underscored.
Also, Aurelio “Datu Malinggat” Talinong, Jr., Tribal chieftain in Sitio Malinao, Brgy. Bonbon, Butuan City, expressed his gratitude to the different concerned government agencies for collaborating with various sectors including the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community for this activity. He emphasized the need to plant more trees not only to protect the people of today’s generation but most especially for the next to come.
In time with the 65th natal day of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the different stakeholders in Caraga region, actively took their part in the conduct of Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity in the twelve identified planting sites by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in close coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), and other agencies.
RED Tamayo said that this is one way also of showing support to PBBM’s administration especially in its effort to intensify implementation of significant programs that protect the environment and natural resources. He reiterated the importance of practicing proper waste Reduce/Reuse/Recycle,segregation, healthy lifestyle – exercise, and initiating other related activities for the protection of the natural resources.
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
12) Brgy. Benglen, Dinagat Islands.
“We, in the IP community, may it be Manobo,
HIgaonon, Mamanwa, Banwaon, Talaandig, Mandaya and others have been used to live in a peaceful community surrounded by trees and other natural resources. Our parents have survived the challenges of time, and without their effort also in protecting our ancestral lands, we wouldn’t be able to experience the beauty of this place. And with this tree planting activity here in Sitio Malinao, we want to help the government in taking good care of the seedlings which were planted today,” said Datu Malinggat.
Right before the start of the tree planting activity,
a short program was conducted as early as 5:30 a.m. on September 13 at the Roadside within CARBDP Flood Control Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) located at Barangays Riverside, Mahogany, Banza, and Maug, all in Butuan City, which served as the regional planting Regionalsite.Executive Director Nonito Tamayo of DENRCaraga, bared that the 12 planting sites in the region are the following: 1) Sitio Malinao, Brgy. Bonbon, Butuan City; 2) Sitio Makasihi, Brgy. Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; 3)
The said tree planting activity was anchored on the theme “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan.” (JPG/PIACaraga)
The Sustainable Livelihood Program implemented by the DSWD is a capability-building program that provides access to opportunities that increase the productivity of the livelihood assets of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, in order to improve their socio-economic well-being.
NEWS
News
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM)’s P5.268-trillion Proposed National Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 will fund programs and projects that will transform the country’s economy towards inclusivity and sustainability.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) with the Tandag City ENRO successfully conducted the release of the White-Breasted Sea Eagle a.k.a. White-Bellied Sea Eagle on Sept. 12, 2022 at Twin Linungao Island, Bongtud, Tandag City. (Tandag City ENRO)
REGIONAL
xx
Briefs
The Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investments in Regional Exposition (ASPIRE) in the Caraga region wrapped up the three-day agri-fishery trade fair with a total generated sales of P421,150.00 from agricultural food and non-food products.
Tree is life
The tree planting activity is in time with the 65th birthday celebration of President RomualdezFerdinandMarcos, Jr. facilitated by the DILG, DENR and other concerned agencies. (NCLM, PIA-Caraga)
A woman who is a member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community woke up early to participate in the nationwide tree planting activity at Sitio Malinao in Barangay Bonbon, Butuan City. Even under the heat of the sun, she managed to smile and laugh, because for her it is fulfilling knowing that you are contributing
of the more than 1,000 seedlings to be planted in the area.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 9Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 20228
to the protection of the Theenvironment.simultaneous nationwide tree planting activity was held on September 13, 2022 in time with the 65th birthday celebration of President Ferdinand PIA-Caraga)Romualdez“Bongbong”Marcos,Jr.(NCLM,
A volunteer who carried seedlings going to the planting site in Sitio Malinao in Barangay Bonbon, Butuan City. Despite the sloppy area, he managed to haul and reach one of the planting sites of the nationwidesimultaneoustree planting activity. The seedlings are part
Tree Planting
Kaya’t hinikayat din ni Pareñas ang mga agrifishery-
Bilang suporta sa mga Farmers cooperative and associations at Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises sa Caraga region, isang Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Exposition o ASPIRE ang inilunsad sa isang mall sa Butuan City na may temang
based entrepreneurs na magregister sa Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise InformationDevelopmentSystem (FFEDIS) Program upang patuloy na mapalakas ang digital agriculture, isang informationweb-basedsystem para sa group enterprises and entrepreneurs, upang maka-avail ng agrifishery-based assistance gaya ng grant, loans at iba pang programa ng Department of Agriculture. (NCLM, PIACaraga)
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 11Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202210
ibang talento.
“Strengthening Digital Marketing AgribusinessTowardsProsperity:
Eat Local, Buy Local.
ipromote ang kanikanilang mga produkto tulad ng galingproducts,agri-aquaatibapangsakanilang probinsya.
Sa nasabing trade fair ay nagkaroon din ng mga seminar sessions on agriaqua technologies at pag-showcase ng iba’t-
Local na produkto mula sa farmers coop, tampok sa ASPIRE
Isa itong trade fair kung saan ang iba’tibang exhibitors galing sa limang probinsya ng Caraga region ay nakilahok upang maipakita at ma-
Malaking tulong din ito sa local government units, dahil natulongan nila ang kooperatibamgasa kanilang mga nasasakupan na ma-ipromote kung ano ang meron sa kanilang mga Dagdagbayan.pa ni Pareñas ang ASPIRE ay nagbigay din ng impormasyon sa mga farmers at fisherfolk sa tamang paraan upang makaavail ng loan sa mas mababang interest mula sa Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
Ayon kay Lyn Pareñas, ang chief ng AgriBusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, malaki ang tulong ng ASPIRE sa ngditoentrepreneurscooperativesmgaatdahilnagkaroonsilaplatformparasa kanilang produkto.
kahalagahan ng pagtatanim ng mga punong kahoy sa komunidad.
“Marami mgamulanakukuhangtayongbenepisyosapagtatanimngpunong-kahoylalo na sa ating kalusugan. Nakakatulong din ito na hindi natin mapapakinabanganpangchange,epektonararamdamangaanoangngclimateatmaramibenepisyona din ng mga susunod pang henerasyon kung tayo ay magtutulungan na mapanatiling malinis at mayaman ang ating kalikasan sa natural resources,” pahayag ni Tamayo. (JPG/PIACaraga)
Hinikayat din si Datu Malinggat ang iba pang tribal community sa rehiyon na patuloy lang ito sa pagbigay suporta sa mga
Isa na rito ang Mayapay Tribal Council ng Sitio Malihao sa Barangay Bonbon sa lungsod ng Butuan, kung VillagenilapinangangasiwaansaandinangMalihaoTribalnaisanarin
Naging kaugalian na ng mga Indigenous Peoples (IPS) sa iba’tibang probinsya ng Caraga region ang gumawa ng inisyatibo upang maprotektahan ang kalikasan na siyang pinagkukunang-yaman.
Samantala, binigyangdiin naman ni Regional Executive Director Nonito Tamayo ng DENR Caraga ang
gobyerno maging ng iba pang sektor sa pagsasagawa ng tree planting at clean-up drive.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 13Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202212
ahensya ng gobyerno at makipagtulungan sa mga kaayusanmagdudulotaktibidadisasagawangnangatkabutihan sa kani-kanilang lugar.
Tribal Council sa Butuan City, aktibo sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at nakakikilahok sa tree planting at clean-up drive
sa mga tourist sites sa nasabing lungsod.
na sa DENR, DILG at iba pa dahil isinama nila itong lugar namin na mapag-taniman ng iba’t-ibang indigenous planting species upang dumami pa ang mga punong-kahoy dito henerasyon,”ngmapapakinabanganatmgasusunodpanganiDatu Malinggat.
Sa AurelioDatunagpasalamatplantingsimultaneousisinagawangtreeactivity,siMalinggatTalibong, Jr., Supreme Tribal Chieftain ng Mayapay Tribal Council sa mga kinauukulang ahensya tulad ng Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local (DILG),Governmentatibapa dahil sa pagpapaigtingsakampanyapuspusangnitolabanillegallogging,atpa ng National Greening Program (NGP).
Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano
Ngayon ay mas nagiging aktibo na rin ang mga IPs sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensya ng
“Nananawagan ako sa aking mga kapwa IPs na tayo po ay maging aktibo sa mga isinasagawang tree planting at clean up drive dahil lahat po tayo ay makikinabang dito, maging ang mga susunod pang mga henerasyon,” banggit pa ni Datu Malinggat.
Sa 12 planting sites sa buong rehiyon, isa ang Sitio Malihao na napili ng mga ahensya para mapag-taniman ng samu’t-saring seedlings o punla. ngkami“Nagpapasalamatsamgaahensyapamahalaanlalo
Cassandra O. Pastoriza, RxBox Regional Training Coordinator and a registered nurse, adeptly demonstrated the basic operation of RxBox telehealth device and its six (6) medical
DOST improves rural health services in Siargao with RxBox
The recipients of the Rxbox are the Rural Health Units (RHU) of the municipalities of San Isidro and Del Ms.Carmen.Camille
PROVINCIAL NEWS
on August 18, 2022 held at GM Gardens, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 15
sensors which include Blood Pressure (BP) Monitor, Pulse ElectrocardiogramOximeter,(ECG), Fetal Heart Monitor, Maternal Tocometer, and Temperature Sensor. After the demonstration and technical discussion, the RHU health workers, with the assistance of DOST, performed and practiced the basic operation of RxBoxRxBox.is a multi-component program (biomedical device, medicalelectronicrecordsystem and telemedicine training) designed to provide better access to life-saving health care services in isolated and disadvantaged communities nationwide. It also stores data in an electronic medical record (Community Health Information Tracking System – CHITS), and transmits health information via internet to a clinical specialist in the Philippine General Hospital for expert advice.
DOST-Surigao del Norte hopes that the RxBox Telehealth Devices will help the RHU health workers to diagnose, monitor and treat patients, thus significantly improving the health services in their respective rural health Subscribefacilities. to our official Facebook S&TasdelandDepartmentpageofScienceTechnology-SurigaoNorteandfollowusweprovidequalityservicetoevery Surigaonon. (DOST- SDN/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, with the support of its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Surigao del Norte, successfully deployed RxBox Telehealth Devices and turned over computer units to two municipalitiesislandinSiargao
The participants were eager to learn and actively participated during the discussions.
Around 1,000 seedlings were planted through the collaborative efforts of the Department
DOST-SDN encourages MSMEs, whose operations are located within the province and are engaged in the manufacture of food products, food service, and marketing and trading, to avail of the services under our program. Follow us on Facebook Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte for more updates about the DOST Caraga Food Safety Program and message us for more information. (DOST-SDN/PIASurigao del Norte)
facts and principles about food safety and introduced the 5 keys to safer food to the participants.
It also aims to raise awareness to the community on the importance of planting and saving trees, promote the conservation of our tree resources and to mitigate the effects of climate change.
This activity is anchored on the theme, “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan.”
The conduct of Public Awareness of Food Safety and Sanitation seminar for the San Isidro Women’s Association is another milestone of DOST’s continued efforts to support
The seminar aims to enhance entrepreneurialthe capability of the participants through awareness on food safety and sanitation. The activity will also support the SIWA members to effectively operate their food-based livelihood program, the SIWA Food Station.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Science and Technology Office in Surigao del Norte, through the social preparation activity organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), conducted a seminar on Public Awareness of Food Safety and Sanitation for the members of San Isidro Women’s Association (SIWA) held recently in San Isidro, Gigaquit town, this province.
DIPPO joins the Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity
of Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources and was also participated by the Department of Agriculture, BFP, PCG, Brgy. Officials of Basilisa and ASG members at Brgy. Benglen, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands. (Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Islands)Office/PIA-Dinagat
She also presented the food safety hazards, its causes and preventions and visited the SIWA food station and provided recommendations on how to improve their food safety system.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 17Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202216
DOST, DSWD hold seminar on public awareness of food safety and sanitation for San Isidro Women’s Association
the implementation of RA 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013) and strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the province.
Ms. Mary Grace M. Sabuero, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-Surigao del Norte, discussed the
The personnel of Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity conducted on September 13, 2022 at Barangay Benglen, Basilisa town, this province.
The suspected rebel leader was arrested based on Warrants of Arrest with CC Nos. 827621 for Attempted Murder dated July 29, 2021, and CC Nos. 8525-21 for Attempted Murder dated January 7, 2022,
signs indicating the presence of Dangerous Drugs while conducting a random inspection of baggage owned by passengers on board MV MA OLIVA sailing from Liloan Port to the Port of Lipata.
Top NPA leader nabs at port of Surigao
Operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coastal Guard in coordination with the Port Police Division of PMO Surigao, successfully arrested a top leader of the New People’s Army at the Port of Surigao on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
both issued by Hon. Acting Presiding Judge Edwin Malazarte, RTC, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 40, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur and CC Nos. 6984 for Frustrated Murder issued by Hon. Presiding Judge, RTC Br. Fernando R. Fudulan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, 7, 10th Judicial Region. Suspect was then brought to Surigao City PNP Station for proper disposition. (PPA-PMO, Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
dangerous drugs inside a white Toyota Hi-Ace Passenger Van with plate number GAG 1715.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 19Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202218
single and allegedly the secretary of Guerilla Front (GF) 19 of the CPP-NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC) as she was about to disembark from MV FastCat M7 upon arrival from the Port of Liloan.
PDEA, Port Cops Seize Marijuana from a RORO Passenger
Upon disembarkation of passengers and rolling cargoes of MV MA OLIVA, the operatives conducted a random inspection of disembarkingallpassengers and rolling cargoes. It was then that the K9 dogs of PDEA Surigao Seaport Interdiction Unit and theCoastguardPhilippinepinpointedpresenceof
According to a report filed by the Port Police Officer on Duty, PPO2 Vincelyn Eviota, the Seaport Interdiction Unit (SIU) of the PDEA requested the Lipata Port Police to assist them in an anti-illegal drug operation after K9 sniffing dogs showed
Appropriate charges for violation of RA 9165 shall be filed against Ceralde who is now under the custody of the PNP Surigao del Norte Maritime Police. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIASurigao del Norte)
Upon inspectionthoroughofthe vehicle, a sealed pouch and a bag were then found to contain Cannabis Sativa, also known as “Marijuana,” owned by a certain Reydan T. Ceralde, from Nasipit town in Agusan del Norte.
Law enforcement operatives arrested a certain Nineth Generalao Dolera alias Akira/Theo/Jodie, 31 years old, female,
Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Port Police Operatives of the Lipata Ferry Terminal collared an outbound RORO passenger after K9 dogs detected the presence of illegal drugs during a random inspection on Sunday, September 11, September 2022.
province is a step closer to achieving its goal of establishing a hatchery that would really boost the aquaculture industry in Agusan del Sur.
“Soon, because of our efforts of establishing more hatchery in our province, we will reap the fruits of our vision and enjoy our gains,” said Rep. Bascug. (David M. Suyao, PPIO-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Atty. Kathlene GonzalesJapuz of legal department of the SSS MindanaoNorthernDivision, also encouraged the delinquent employers to avail of the Pandemic Relief Structuring Program 3 (PRRP3). This is an Enhanced Installment
The R.A.C.E Campaign has been implemented nationwide to exact the continuous compliance of delinquent employers with their statutory obligations under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which ensures the social security coverage of members, and enhances SSS’ collection efficiency.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 21Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202220
“We are implementing a 30-day period within which to comply. Should employers fail to comply, the branch will then refer it to the legal department. The legal department will give another chance for delinquent employers to settle their obligations,” said Atty. Japuz.
head of SSS-San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, the R.A.C.E Campaign aims to increase the awareness of the employers, especially the delinquent ones, of their legal obligations under the social security law by giving them the chance to settle their delinquencies to avoid adverse legal action.
Rep. Bascug also thanked the strong support of Senator Cynthia Villar through her filing of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 122 supporting the establishment of a hatchery in the Municipality of Talacogon.
July 1, 2022, pending with the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries since July 27, 2022, in support to the previous Bill filed by Rep. Bascug.
The Social Security System (SSS) San Francisco Branch in Agusan del Sur, together with the SSS legal department of Northern Mindanao Division, has geared up the “Run After Contributions Evaders” (R.A.C.E) Campaign, and identified several employers from various establishments in the said municipality.
House Committee on approvesandAquacultureFisheriesHB760
Bascug
Payment Program for the registered business and household employers who have difficulty in paying the full amount of their delinquencies.
SSS intensifies R.A.C.E campaign in AgSur province
“The purpose of this is just to raise awareness for those delinquent employers of their legal obligation,” Amplayo bared.
Atty. Japuz further stressed that the SSS only wants to ensure that the rights and welfare of the employees are protected, and that they could benefit from their regular SSS (JPG/PIA-Agusancontributions.delSur)
The House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries has finally approved House Bill No. 760 (HB760) otherwise known as an “Act of Establishing Freshwater Fish Hatchery in the Municipality of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur”, which was filed by Representative Alfel Bascug of the First District and ofofAdolphRepresentativeEdwardPlazatheSecondDistrictAgusandelSuron
With this campaign, the SSS officials visited some nine identified delinquent employers and handed them the final notice from the legal department to pay their delinquencies. This was also witnessed by the personnel from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, and local media.
It can be recalled that on August 27, 2020, the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources has also approved HB 6428 otherwise known as “Act Establishing appropriateofinAquacultureFreshwaterCenter”theMunicipalityTalacogonandfundswere also Rep.provided.Bascugexpressed his gratitude by thanking the chairperson of the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries, saying he is pleased to announce that the budget has already been made available by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the technical staff has already visited the site in Agusan del Sur. Because of this, Rep. Bascug added the
According to Exequiel Amplayo, acting branch
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
Local OperationsGovernmentOfficer
V Jessana Carmela Tatoy of DILG Region VI visited the municipality on September 6, 2022; scrutinized the LGU’s documentation of the core areas; and validated the significant sites that prove the contents of all the documents presented.
sustain the honor of the Seal by theaccountabilitytransparencymaintainingandinuseofpublic funds; preparing for unpredictable natural calamities; demonstrating sensitivity towards the marginalized sectors of society; sustaining health programs and ensuring that all haveespeciallyindividualsthevulnerablefairopportunities for better health.
Theaward.Seal of Good Local (SGLG)Governanceisanhonor and continuingprogram,recognition-basedandisacommitment
Trento vies for fifth seal of good local governance
After having passed in the throughTrentoregionalcomprehensiveassessment,hadgonethenational evaluation as the final phase of the process prior to the DILG’s official announcement of national qualifiers.
Earlier this year, the regional validation was conducted.
Beyond complete. This was the final impression of the validator during the National Calibration for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) of which the Municipality of Trento is one of the five (5) local government units in Agusan del Sur that qualified for the
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 23Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202222
The Municipality of Trento was evaluated in the areas of Financial Administration; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity; Health Compliance and SustainableResponsiveness;Education; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness;
After the overwhelming review, with high hope of clinching the award for the fifth time, the Local Government Unit, through its officials headed by Mayor William Calvez and Vice Mayor Felimon Marte with the Sangguniang Bayan vowed to
Safety, Peace and Order; Management;EnvironmentalTourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts; and Youth Development.
for LGUs to continually progress and improve their performance in local governance.
that promote market efficiency and consumer welfare; protecting constituents from threats to life and properties; safeguarding the integrity of the environment through adaptive social responsibility; and valuing local culture and heritage for tourism Onopportunities.finalnote, Mayor William emphasizedCalvezthat being recognized with the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance is not basking with fancy accolades but is weighing responsibilities for the sustained welfare of the del(LGU-Trento/PIA-Agusanconstituency.Sur)
Furthermore, the municipal officials together with the 16 Punong Barangays swore to uphold worthy living in Trento by instituting reforms to improve the quality of education in the locality; encouraging government interventions
ADSPPO-Firearms PerformingBest
This is in line with the Learning and Growth Perspective of PNP P.A.T.R.O.L Plan 2030, under the objective of developing a competent, wellmotivated policevalue-orientedandpersonnel and organization in relation to the ProgramTransformationofthe Organization. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)
ADSPPO- Against Loose
The Police Service Anniversary (PSA) is annually celebrated in the month of August in commemoration of the
ADSPPO bags 12 Regional Awards during 121st Police Service Anniversary celebration
Individual Awardees Police LawrenceColonelLieutenant(PLtCol)JeffreyMauricio
ADSPPO-Person Most Number of CTG Arrested
Following are the awards received by Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office during the said ADSPPO-Unitsceremony:AwardsBest Provincial Office (5 consecutive years)
Unit In The Campaign Against Most Wanted
ADSPPO- Best Police Strategy Management BayuganUnit CPS- Best Component City Police
- Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration Police Captain (PCpt) Alberto J Casison - Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Noel B Lambid - Best Senior Police NonCommissioned Officer for PoliceAdministrationChiefMaster Sergeant (PCMS) Roy S Valmores - Best Senior Police NonCommissioned Officer for Operations Police Corporal (PCpl) Airah F Taylan - Best Junior Police NonCommissioned Officer for Non-UniformedAdministration Personnel (NUP) Frederick S Dela Fuente Jr.- Best NUP NonSupervisory Level
SpecialStation
and sincere display of philanthropic initiatives to our less AgSurnonsfortunateespecially in far flung areas. I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the stakeholders and partner agencies who are always there to show support and love to the community outreach activities by our benevolent vanguards of the society. May this recognition motivate and inspire the personnel of the entire province to perform more. Congratulations and keep the fire burning!” the top cop of ADSPPO said.
CampaignUnitPerformingBestInThe
establishment of the Philippine Constabulary as the country’s first insular police force founded on August 8, 1901. This year’s celebration is anchored with the theme “Matibay na Ugnayan ng Pulisya at Kapayapaan,tungoMamamayan,saPagkakaisa,at Kaunlaran”.
“The awards that we received are indeed the fruits of our endeavor Unit Awards
during the 121st Police Service Anniversary on September 14, 2022 as it bagged 12 regional awards witnessed by Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the PRO-13 Grandstand, Camp Col Rafael C Rodriguez, Butuan City.
The Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) Police Colonel Jovito C Canlapan, Acting DirectorProvincialwashonored
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The Bislig Shotokan Karatedo Team “Young Tiger” with their Chief Instructor, Mr. Rex Retaga Ronquillo, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor
● 3 - silver medals, and
● 8 - bronze medals. Accordingly, the team emerged as 6th placer among the
Florencio C. Garay on September 9, 2022, at the Office of the City Mayor.
Ito ang pagtitiyak ni DARAgusan del Sur Provincial Director Jamil Amatonding, Jr., habang ibinabahagi niya ang proyektongmagagandangtinatamasa ngayon ng sektor. Aniya, layon ng ahensya na matutulungang umangat ang buhay ng mga magsasaka at masiguro ang food security sa probinsya.
natin sa ating mga farmerbeneficiaries na consisting of 2,000 hectares na irrigated rice field na pangalawa sa pinakamalaking rice mill complex sa buong Mindanao. Sa aspeto na iyan, makikita natin ‘yung empowerment na binigay natin sa kanila. Binigyan natin sila ng tractor, wingvan. Matapos ang isa o dalawang taon, nabigla kami kasi bumili sila agad ng pangalawang mas malaking wing-van, ibig sabihin sila mismo may profit na mahusay na sap ag-manage ng kanilang Negosyo,” ani Amatonding. Binigyang-diin din ni Director
Dahil dito, umaasa si Director Amatonding na patuloy sa pag-avail ng enhancement trainings ang sektor upang mas lalo pang lumago ang kanilang mga (JPG/PIA-Agusannegosyo.delSur)
“Sa munisipyo ng Trento, mayroong rice processing complex na ibinigay din
Mga magsasaka sa agusan del sur, kaagapay rin ang department of agrarian reform sa pagtugon sa food security
● 3 - gold medals,
20 competitors from different cities in the 2022 Kalivungan Festival Karatedo Tournament last August 28, 2022, held in Amas, Kidapawan City.
Bilang tulong sa mga magsasaka sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur na magkaroon ng mataas na produksyon sa ani at kita, patuloy ang Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) sa pagbibigay ng Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) upang magkaroon sila ng sariling lupa para sa kanilang sakahan.
Patuloy din ang DAR-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office sa pagbibigay ng support services sa mga magsasaka tulad ng pagbibigay ng fertilizer, farm equipment at mga malalaking proyekto.
Amatonding na sa kabila ng coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patuloy ang kabuhayan ng sektor at aktibo sa operasyon ng kani-kanilang
The Bislig Shotokan Karatedo Team “Young Tiger” received a total of 14 medals consisting of the following:
Bislig LCE congratulates Young Tiger Team as they bagged 14 medals
Ni Jennifer P.Gaitano
The Bislig memberKaratedoShotokanisalsoaofJapan Karate Shotokan (JKS) and Mindanao Japan Karate Association (MJKA), it was learned. (CIO-Bislig)
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 27Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202226
Bislig City Mayor Florencio C. Garay expressed delight and congratulated the Bislig Shotokan Karatedo Team “Young Tiger” who came victorious with 14 medals and brought honor and pride to their hometown.
Maycooperatives.152farmer-organizations
sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur na mino-monitor ng DAR kung saan nakapagtala rin ng kabuuang gross sales sa halagang P150-million.
Based on the report, SDSPPO has been adjudged as:
Police Colonel Siruno emphasized that the recognition received will uplift the spirit of the police personnel to perform their duty.
With the administration’scurrent goal for everyone to have the right access to quality health care, the city government offers free and quality medical services to all the 21 barangays in the city during the visitation.
“This accomplishmentmomentous and recognition will surely lift the spirits of SDSPPO personnel as we work relentlessly to fulfill our commitment in fighting against all forms of criminality in our province,” Police Colonel Siruno said.
#piasurigaosur#PIASurigaoSur
In addition, Surigao del Sur 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company was recognized as the Best
• Best Performing Unit in the Campaign against Illegal Logging,
Mobile Force Company awardee.
Anchored on the theme: “Matibay na Ugnayan ng Pulisya at Mamamayan, Tungo sa Pagkakaisa, Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” the activity was spearheaded Police Regional Office 13 headed by Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat Jr.. Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante graced the (PIA-Surigaocelebration.delSur)
The residents were grateful as they availed the different services offered during the activity.
The Barangay Visit is a biannual program of the city government which aims to bring government services closer to the people. For this batch, it will run starting September 14, 2022, until October 5, 2022. (PIA-Surigao del #ExplainExplainExplainSur)
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“This is a great help to us, the seniors and children including myself are very grateful because we received a lot of free services, thank you Mayor Roxanne,” - Pablita Ajos, one of the recipients said.
• Best Performing Unit in the Campaign against Illegal Fishing and • Best Women and Children Protection Desk.
Barangay Visit starts in Tandag City
The Barangay Visitation of the local government unit of Tandag City under the leadership of Mayor Roxanne Pimentel has resumed starting on September 14, 2022 after 2 years of restrictions due to CoviD-19 devastated the country.
Based on the report, a total of 489 clients from Barangays of Mabuhay and Maticdum benefitted from the services during the first day of implementation.its
The LGU has invited volunteer doctors to serve the barangays, especially those that do not have easy access to quality and affordable health care. On top of this, the city government also provides free medicines to anyone who needs it.
SurSur PPO bags awards during 121st Police Service Anniversary
The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) under the leadership of Police Colonel Dennis Siruno received four awards during the 121st Police Service Anniversary celebration held at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City on September 14, 2022.
welfare and development including eye screening and eyeglass distribution, registration of large animals, and veterinary services were conducted simultaneously. The libreng gupit and libreng eye-care program were also offered.
During the implementation of the Barangay Visit, several free services were offered such as dental, COVID-19 vaccination, nutrition, agricultural, civil registrary, social
Photo Credit: LGU-Tandag City
Among the highlights of the celebration is the awarding of units to recognize their efforts in the program implementation.
community enterprises.
Meanwhile, the strategy implemented according to the Municipal Agriculture Office is also a continuous effort of the LGU that aside from providing them the fishing gear, fuel is also essential to reduce their expenses while operating legally within the municipal waters of Carrascal town, it was learned. (Photo credit to: SurigaoLGU-Carrascal/PIA-delSur)
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
A total of 123 registered corn and cassava farmers from the two municipalities of Tagbina, and Barobo, all in the 2nd District of Surigao del Sur recently. received the fertilizer discount voucher from the Department of
under the National Corn Program.
Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which seeks to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers through entrepreneurshippromotionemploymentemergencyandofand
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
gasoline to support their fishing operations from DOLE.
Accordingly, the event was held in Tagbina Municipal Gym in Tagbina town, hosted by the said local government unit headed by Mayor Glaiza Jane P.
Some 350 fisherfolk in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur received fuel assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on September 15, 2022. The beneficiaries accordingly are the members of the registered fishery organizations of Carrascal town.
The report said each registered eightbeneficiaryfisherfolkreceived(8)litersofspecial
The said program is funded through the DOLE LivelihoodIntegratedand
The DAimplementationspearheadedCaragatheof the distribution of the Fertilizer Discount Voucher (FDV) to qualified corn and cassava farmer beneficiaries funded
Accordingly, some79 farmers beneficiaries from Tagbina town availed of the program.
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(Photo credit to APCO-SDS & LGU-Tagbina, SDS)
350 fisherfolks receive fuel assistance from DOLE in Carrascal town 123 farmers receive fertilizer discount voucher from DA in Tagbina, & Barobo
EachAgricultire.farmer beneficiary received P2,000 worth of fertilizer products which can be claimed from accredited merchants recently.
The project aims to sustain fertilizer application of farmer-beneficiaries and increase the yield level of their crops amid the surging and volatile prices of fertilizers.
Meanwhile,Lanete.Mayor Lanete has shown her utmost enthusiasm and support on the activity conducted.
Mayor Lanete has highlighted the plans and programs prepared by her administration for the betterment of the agricultural sector in the municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. In addition, she also expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for trusting the LGU to host the said undertaking, as she promised a strong commitment and partnership with the agency for the development and sustainability of agriculture programs in Tagbina town. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Carmona who thanked the national government and DTI-SDS for helping the MSMEs in their barangay.
The Department of Trade and Industry - Surigao del Sur (DTI-SDS) Provincial Office, through Negosyo Center Bislig City, distributed livelihood kits to seven qualified Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Barangay Valencia, Lingig, Surigao del Sur recently.
Kadaghanan sa mga mangingisda og tamban sa Agusan del Norte naa sa mga lungsod sa Tubay, Magallanes, Buenavista, Nasipit, Carmen ug sa Syudad sa Cabadbaran.
Naay gisugyot ang BFAR nga mga aksyon sama sa paglimita sa katas-on sa pukot aron malikayan ang overfishing ug pagdili na sa gamay ra kaayo ang mata nga pukot aron dili maapil ang mga gagmay pa, mga long term nga mga aksyon nga kinhanglan gyod himoon.
Mahinumdoman nga nasayran ni Kongresista Corvera ang lisud nga kahimtang sa mga mangingisda og tamban karon CalibunanresidentenakigkulokabildosamtangsamgasaBarangaysaCabadbaran City sa miaging semana. Isip tubag sa maong kahimtang gisulatan sa kongresista ang Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
Gipahiluna sa buhatan ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera sa Second congressional district sa Agusan del Norte nga makahatag og temporaryong trabaho sa labing ubos 500 ka residente nga ang nag-unang pangita mao ang pagpangisda og tamban ug labing apektado sa dakung pagkunhod sa kuha sa maong isda niining higayona.
sa bag-ong alokasyon nga iyang nahangyo gikan sa kaulohan karong bag-o lamang ubos programang Tulong Panghapbuhay sa Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) nga gidumala sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
One of the beneficiaries Marjun L. Abensay extended his gratitude to the national government and the local government unit for allowing his availment of the livelihood program.
Apan gitan-aw ni Kongresista Corvera nga nagkinahanglan ang mga apektadong mangingisda og tamban og hinanaling suporta aron matabangan paglabang sa ilang
pagpakisayod unsa ang mahimong aksyon sa ahensya sa maong concern.
DTI distributes livelihood kits to seven MSMEs in Lingig town
Ubos sa TUPAD makatrabaho ang apektadong mangingisda sulod sa 15 ka adlaw sa sweldo nga Php350 ang adlaw. (Hala Bira Sa Kongreso/PIA Agusan del Norte)
“Nagpasalamat ko ug dako sa programang negosyo serbisyo sa barangay pinaagi sa DTI Negosyo Center na mi abot gayod diri sa among dapit sa barangay Valencia ug nahimong isa pa gayod ako sa naka apil as beneficiary niining programa. Ug salamat usab sa mga barangay officials sa ilahang actibong pagpahibalo bahin aning programa. (I am very
kalisud karon. Kini ang hinungdan nga gisulod niya ang mga indigent nga apektadong mangingisda nga priority beneficiaries
thankful for the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay through the DTI Negosyo Center that reached here in our barangay in Valencia, and I am one of the beneficiaries of this program. Thank you also to the barangay officials for their active announcement about this program,)” Abensay said.
Temporaryong trabaho alang sa 500 nga mangingisda og tamban, gipahiluna ni Kongresista Corvera
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#piasurigaodelsur#PIASurigaoSur
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries signed the Pledge of Commitment that encouraged them to use the livelihood kits for their intended purpose which is to resume, recover and improve their businesses. (Meljun V. Empic, NC Bislig/PIA-Surigao del #ExplainExplainExplainSur)
The distribution is part of the implementation of the Livelihood Seeding Program-Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, aimed at assisting MSMEs in the barangays to restore and improve their business. Each kit is worth Php 8,000.
The event was graced by Barangay Kagawad Cherry Mae R. Limpot on behalf of Barangay Captain Lito P.
Sa inisyal nga online nga aplikasyon, gi-validate ug ni-agi og pagsusi ang tanang mga aplikante nga ni-apply sa maong programa adisir
kini sila makadawat og confirmation text gikan sa DSWD nga nagpamatuod nga kwalipikado ang maong aplikante alang sa katapusang interview.
Sumala pa sa personahe sa DSWD, hapsay ang dagan sa nahitabong pay-out sa mi-aging semana didto sa Provincial Covered Court.
Matud pa niini, gihimo kining online application nga pamaagi ngadto sa tanang interesado ug buot mo-apply nga mga estudyante.
Kapin lima ka libo na ka mga estudyante sa tibuok probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang nahatagan og tabang pinansyal para sa skwela ubos sa Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Caraga sa pakigtambayayong ug suporta sa Probinsyal nga Panggamhanan sa Agusan del Norte.
Apan, tungod sa gidaghanon sa ihap sa mga aplikante, temporaryong gi suspende sa maong ahensya ang online application apan modawat gihapon sila og walk-in nga aplikante. Niini, maghulog lamang og application form sa dropbox ngadto designated area sa maong buhatan.
MINDANAO
Magpadayon magpadangatngaog pinansyal nga ayuda ang maong ahensya sa mosunod nga mga semana. (Karen Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
NEWS Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202234
Kapin 5K nga benepisyaryo sa Agusan del Norte, nakadawat og Educational Assistance sa DSWD
Base sa datus sa maong ahensya, mosuma sa kapin Php15 milyon ang napadangat nga pinansyal sa DSWD ngadto sa 5,515 ka mga estudyante gikan sa elementarya hangtud sa college/vocational level sugod niadtong Agosto 20 hangtud Septembre 10 niing
tuiga.
Sa maong numero, 1,448 (Php1.448m) niini ang elementarya, 1,019 (Php2.03m) junior high school, 832 (Php2.496m) senior high school, ug 2,216 (Php9.987m) ang college/ vocational level.
LTD, a wholesale seller of fruits and vegetables.
“The project would be concentrating on productivity of their crops, their farming, but more of sustaining their competence.
She added that cooperatives played a crucial role in supporting the agriculture sector to ensure adequate food supply in the local market amid the challenges of food
Avante Agri-Products will
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#MadeinMindanao. A handshake caps the agreement signed between Avante Agri-Products from Davao City (represented by Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lalaine F. Lam) and Singapore’s Bananah & Co (represented by founder Mr. Jason B.Y. Nah) was one of the highlights of the Mindanao Business Forum held at the Orchard Garden in Singapore. The partnership was forged at the sidelines of the trade and investment mission in the country. Witnessing the signing are (from L-R) Department of Agriculture XI Senior Agriculturist Marvin Auxillo, Vice Consul for Economic, Cultural and Filipino Community Relations of the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore Joy Anne B. Lai, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President for Mindanao Arturo Milan, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta, CESE, and Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro. Photo by MinDA.
“Bysecurity.expanding to the global market, cooperatives can contribute more to the economy and it will also help in promoting local products to the market,” the MinDA chair cited.
It also aimed at linking rural development hubs to cooperative enterprises.
A minimum of one
Meanwhile, John Maynard Gan, ACDI-VOCA’s specialist for member services and innovation said the CDP is a
“Right now, we have a new program which is a cooperative development program supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It is a global program implemented by ACDI-VOCA in the Philippines and simultaneously in Guinea in West africa,” he added.
Initial products for delivery are fresh pineapple and papaya but will later include other products including fresh banana, durian, calamansi concentrate, and banana chips.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) supported the initiatives of Cooperative Development Program (CDP) that aims to strengthen the family farmers’ AgricultureFishery-Forestry Cooperatives Federation (AgriCOOPh), as they provide technical services and improve governance and financial management of cooperatives and other agribusinesses in Luzon and Mindanao.
During the Habi at Kape media forum on Wednesday (August 31), Alfred Allaga, Country Director of ACDI- VOCA ,
John Maynard Gan, ACDI-VOCA’s specialist for member services and innovation discusses the Cooperative Development Program and how it can assist agri cooperatives in the region during the August 31, 2022 episode of Wednesdays with Regional Business Writers and Correspondents at Habi at Kape, Davao City. shared that the 59 year old development organization will help the cooperatives through implementing several projects related to agriculture development and several other health related programs either as a lead implementor or as a co-implementor.
five-year development program focusing on developing the capacities of the agricultural cooperatives mainly located in Luzon and Mindanao.
MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta has emphasized the need to support the cooperatives particularly in Mindanao to further capacitate them as they help strengthen the economy of the island regions.
Mindanao agri company inks deal with Singapore firm
be supplying fresh and processed commodities to Bananah & Co. PTE.
A trading agreement between a Davaobased fruit exporter and a Singaporean company was signed during an investment mission here.
He emphasized that they focused on upgrading the competence of the leaders, the board directors, managers and even the staff of the cooperatives to effectively manage their agri-enterprises.
MinDA supports coop development program in PH
We cannot just give the leaders, the farmers of this cooperative the productivity techniques but also the competence in professionalizing their services,” Gan explained.
infrastructure, processing, and renewable energy, we can scale up our trade and economic activities,” she added.
The business mission in Singapore is a fourday event that aims to present Mindanao as an ideal investment destination for top global market hubs such as Singapore.
NATIONAL NEWS Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202238
Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta echoes this sentiment, urging investors to look at valueadding investments as a priority when linking up with their Mindanao counterparts.
Lalaine Lam adds that a weekly price quotation will be prepared for the products prior to the scheduled deliveries.
“Since prices for fruits like papaya and banana can go up a dollar or two, we need to agree on a weekly basis,” Lam said.
Singapore this week.
Avante Agri Chief Executive Officer and General Manager
Bananah & Co. Founder and Managing Partner Jason B.Y. Nah said.
“Investments like these can ensure that their volume and requirementsqualityaremet,” Lam added.
Follow through activities are expected to take place in the near future according to Tan Teck Lee, Country Head (Thailand, Malaysia, and Philippines) of the Singapore Business Federation.
“We are looking forward to a productive and efficient supply chain with good quality and reasonable prices,”
In addition to supplying commodities in Singapore, Avante Agri is also looking at investments in farm development and expansion in Mindanao.
”We already have the vast lands and the ideal climate in Mindanao. If we pair it up with the right investments in
40-footer container per week for both pineapple and papaya will be arriving in Singapore within two weeks from the signing based on the agreement.
Meetings leading to the partnership have already kicked off back in April when Bananah & Co. was sourcing for potential partners in Davao City. The agreement was finalized at the sidelines of the businessMindanaomissionin
“We are working with the Department of Trade and Industry and the MinDA for a conduct of an overseas mission trip early next year to visit investment areas in Mindanao,” he said.
“We can expect that the Philippines will finally begin to emerge from the difficulties that we have been going through in the past two and a half years,” Marcos said in an interview with TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga aired on ALLTV when asked about public expectations from the Marcos presidency.
Among the current thrusts, he said are the andnormalizationmodernization of government functions
Philippines,” he said. One of the President’s priorities is improving the country’s agriculture sector and ensuring food security.
| PND
To achieve those objectives, he vowed to build more infrastructure in the agriculture sector, remove the gridlocks in the supply chain, and streamline the functions of the agriculture department.
PBBM: Modernizing gov’t, harnessing digitization key to boosting economic recovery
keep it simple,” he said. The President said he hopes for wouldbettereconomy,togovernmentdigitalizationsuccessfulofbusinesshelppropupthestressinginternetcoverageincrease workforce efficiency.
He has taken over the agriculture portfolio to realize this goal.
Filipinos can expect the country to begin emerging from the crippling effects of the coronavirus pandemic, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Tuesday.
harnessing digitization.
to allow wider public participation.
“We’ll modernize the functions of government. We’ll make it easier for people to work with government, both ordinary citizens and also the big shots, the investors that want to put a business here in the
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 41Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202240
Through these initiatives, the people will know the part where they can play, especially private investors.
“If they’re private investors, they know what is interesting to them, they know how to get it done. Now, even not investors but ordinary people, they want to get a business permit, they need to get a license. They need to get accreditation. We’ll
This developed as he declared that his government is striving hard to usher the nation towards therecoveryeconomicbymodernizinggovernmentand
“But I think there really is a very grand opportunity. We just got some economic statistics yesterday and today. I really am going to work very hard on the economy, and that is based very much on agriculture. So ‘yan ang tinatrabaho ko ngayon.”
“Those potential investors that we are trying to bring into the Philippines, the financial analysts. And the most important priority of people right now, even of the government right now, is the economy,” said Marcos. He also cited the role of the creative industry
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“Even if it costs you, even if it’s hard, even if people don’t understand. Eh ganyan naman talaga ang politika eh,” said Marcos.
Performance is the best politics, and the government is on track to lift the economy and save jobs after years of Ferdinandlockdowns,pandemic-inducedPresident“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said.
| PND
When asked about his latest State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the platform serves as “a report to the people about how we are doing,” as he bared how his administration is ramping up efforts to reboot the economy after the pandemic.
“Performance is the best politics. Pag maganda ang nagawa mo, kahit
In his SONA last July, Marcos discussed the government’s agenda on economic recovery, pandemic response, and the resumption of faceto-face classes and cited agriculture as the major engine for growth and employment.
“[Si] Secretary Christina Frasco, ‘yun ang kanyang talagang thinking eh. Sabi niya, let’s make the Filipino brand important and to be well-known. And
PBBM says performance is best politics; vows to make the ‘Filipino brand’ wellknown globally
anong sabihin nila, nagawa mo eh,” Marcos said in an interview with TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga aired over All TV Channel on Tuesday. In Gonzaga’s vlog, Marcos lamented how “partisan neglectedintransformedinterest”thecountryrecentyearsandthegeneral citizenry’s interest.
in job creation and economic development.
When asked about what for him is the Filipino brand, Marcos said: “If I have to describe it in one word, it’s grace.”
The chief executive raised the need to focus on improving the general welfare and enhancing the country’s image, noting that critics would always be around in any administration.
“If you go around Asia, and you go to the hotels, you go to the bars, ang tumutugtog laging Pilipino’ di ba? We have a somehow a special affinity to the performing arts,” said Marcos.
she’s absolutely right,” said Marcos. “Part of that brand is our culture. And it’s not something that’s going to be hard. The Filipino brand is attractive. The Filipino brand is singular, is unique.”
“We lost sight, in many ways of the national interest. And we only talked about partisan interest. Pinaglalaban lang natin ‘yung sa partido ko,’ ‘yung sa kandidato ko,’ ‘yung sa gusto ko,’ doon sa… Hindi natin iniisip ‘yung ano ‘yung para sa Pilipinas,’” said Marcos.
The President said his administration is laserfocused on bringing the “Filipino brand” to the global stage and making it well-known.
Galvez noted further that the appointment the new BTA is not just historic but also symbolic because, “the peace process started during the term of Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and hopefully, it will succeed in the next six years of the term of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”
“This is a united BTA because most of the new members came from the younger generations of Moro leaders which include the sons and daughters of both MNLF and MILF leaders [Nur] Misuari, [Muslim] Sema, [Yusoph] Jikiri, [Datu Udtog ‘Datu Jun’ Jr.] Matalam, [Gadzali Jaafar, Mimbantas] and Hashim Salamat, among others,” Galvez said.
Speaking of the economy, the President acknowledged the
President Marcos reminded the BTA members during the oath-taking ceremony to fast track the the implementation of their deliverables, Bangsamoro Local Government Code, Electoral Code, Revenue Code and Indigenous Peoples’
#ExplainExplainExplainCode. Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 45Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202244
UNITED PresidentialBTA Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Carlito Galvez described the appointment of the new BTA as symbolic of unity among the Moro fronts, as he noted that the body is now comprised of representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari and Sema Groups as well as the sons of top Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders.
PBBM bent on transforming economy, making food affordable to avert future crises
Because I don’t want to recover the economy to what it was in 2019. I want to transform the economy to be ready for the shocks, the difficulties that we will face from 2022,” he told Gonzaga. The President particularly mentioned making food affordable for everybody.
“There’s a way to do it but it will take a while. We have to return NFA to its old function, not so much importation but really the buying,” he said.
THE BTA
The BTA is the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), pending the election of the region’s government officials, originally set in 2022.
THE PRESIDENT’S CALL FOR THE BTA
“And then even — even actually now we can already do it but it’s a little short-term. We sell the buffer stock that they have in NFA. We can sell it at 20 pesos. But that’s not really realistic. We have to bring the actual price down.” With the right government interventions, such as improving the value chain and securing some savings, as well as a favorable world market condition, attaining a P20 per kilo of rice would be possible, he said.
Asked about his aspiration to reduce the price of rice to P20 per kilo, the President said it
On October 28, 2021, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act 11593 extending the transition period of the BARMM from 2022 to 2025, thereby postponing the first regular parliamentary elections, which will be synchronized with the 2025 national elections. Section 2 of RA 11593, states that the current President will appoint another set of 80 BTA members.
It is the administration’s priority to ensure food security, he said, adding that the government has to reorganize the entire productionagriculturalvaluechain system over the years.
“We’ve actually done, in terms of monetary policy, we’ve done all right in the Philippines. Ang problema is something that’s called imported — imported inflation,” Marcos “Becausesaid. the inflation that was suffered by whatever project — sabihin bibili tayo fertilizer, doon sa pinanggalingan niya, tumaas ang presyo ng natural gas, tumaas ang presyo ng ammonia, all of the elements that go into it.”
would take time to achieve it.
In an interview with TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga aired on ALLTV, Marcos expressed optimism about the administration’s success in any endeavor, noting, however, that it must come up with new ideas and be creative.
Briefer on the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City
In itself a parliament, it has both executive and legislative powers over the autonomous region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend as guest of honor of the INAUGURATION OF THE BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY (BTA) PARLIAMENT 2022-2025 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center inside the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City, Thursday, September 15.
This is the current reality given the interconnection among countries, he said, adding that one nation cannot deal or trade anymore without talking to other countries. | PND
“That’s why in my view, I talk about transforming our economy, not recovery.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said his administration is geared towards economic transformation to shield the country from future crises in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
This paved the way for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to appoint the new BTA members. The newly and re-appointed BTA members -- 41 from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and 39 from the national government -- took their oath before the President on August 12.
country’s high inflation rate, which affected everything.
Assembly; key address covers food security, climate change, rule of law
DFA Assistant Secretary Kira Danganan-Azucena confirmed this Thursday, saying the President will deliver the Philippine national statement at the high-level general debate on Sept. 20 and articulate his administration’s priorities, including climate change, the rule of law, and food security.
Danganan-Azucena described the high-level general debate as the “most important event politically” as it serves as a key platform for world leaders to “articulate policy
has made it clear from the initial discussions preparatory to the New York trip that it would be “more than his debut on the world stage.”
“So coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and with much uncertainty and disruption around us, the President is not sparing any effort to address the economic challenges facing the country today,” said Chan-GonzagaChan-Gonzaga.saidthePresident
executive will take this trip as an opportunity to meet with heads of state and key United Nations officials during his stay in New York, said DangananLaser-focusedAzucena. on economy, pandemic Meanwhile,recoveryDFAAssistant Secretary
“The President’s participation in the opening of the UNGA 77 is important because it marks his first engagement with the United Nations, which the Philippines recognizes as the world’s most important multilateral organization,” said DangananAzucena in a press briefing.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured the Bangsamoro people of his unwaveringadministration’scommitment to the peace process.
statements on world affairs and international relations.”
PBBM reaffirms full, unwavering commitment to Bangsamoro peace process; urges BTA to pass key bills
at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.
Aside from wide-ranging discussions with business and community leaders, Marcos is also set to meet members of the Filipino community in New York. | PND
“This briefing will be an opportunity to outline the key economic priorities of his administration with the special focus on how we can hopefully expand and strengthen Philippine-US trade and investment relations during his term,” said Chan-Gonzaga.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. Jr. is scheduled to leave Manila on Sunday for his working visit to New York, where he is set to participate in the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
PBBM to speak at UN General
Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga said Marcos is “very focused on the economy,” especially as the government sees the Philippine economy continue to recover as more restrictive policies are lifted.
New York, Marcos will also deliver key speeches at economic briefings to attract investors and business people.
nt, I assure you, the BTA and all the Bangsamoro people, of administration’sthis full and unwavering commitment to the peace process and to PresidentBARMM,”Marcos said during the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA)
“This is why we are steadfast in commitmentourto the peace process here in southern Philippines. So, we push promoteinterventionsdevelopment,socioeconomicfortopeace and development in areas
“He gave unequivocal instructions that his meetings, whether with fellow world leaders or with US corporations, should focus on finding the necessary partnerships or synergies that will benefit the Philippine economy and the Filipino people,” said ChanInGonzaga.hisvisitto
This developed as he urged the thegovernancewillcrucialgovernmentregionaltopasslegislationsthatinstitutionalizelocalandensurewelfareoftheMuslim
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 47Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202246
Danganan-Azucena said around 152 other heads of state and government would participate in the high-level general debate, the first one to be held entirely in person since the pandemic hit in The2020.chief
“As your Preside
population in the south.
“The theme of this year’s general debate is, ‘A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.’ We can expect the President’s statement to identify these challenges and the solutions to address them, the role of the United Nations, and how the Philippines intends to contribute to these efforts,” said DangananAzucena.
BTA Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, BTA Parliament Speaker JaparCourtBalindong,PangalianSupremeAssociateJusticeDimaampao, MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. | PND
Also present were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Interior and BenjaminGovernmentLocalSecretaryAbalosJr.,
President Marcos said among the governmentthenotingisgovernment’snationalinitiativesthePAMANAprogram,thatthroughprogram,theallocated
Through unity with the national government, Marcos said historical justice, progress, peace, and stability could be attained.
as the approval of the Bangsamoro Transition Plan and the passage of the most important legislations, particularly the Administrative Code, the Civil Service Code, and the Education Code, cornerstonesconsideredofBARMM’s moral self-governance.
people,” he said.
In addition, he said the government, through the Department of Budget and Management, has allocated P74.4 billion for the Bangsamoro region for the fiscal year 2023.
He also encouraged the BTA to pass measures that will secure the welfare of the Moro people, particularly in agri-fishery, healthcare, communication,transportation, digital infrastructure, and e-governance.
“As we lastinggoodcenteredgovernment,offacilitatingwillandknowthisConsciousnessNationalcelebratePeaceMonthSeptember,wethatwithunitysolidarity,theBTAbesuccessfulintheinstitutiontheBangsamoroonethatisinpromotinggovernanceandpeaceforits
The BTA is inAutonomousBangsamoroRegionMuslimMindanao’s (BARMM) interim government with both executive and legislative powers over the region.
With these opportunitiesnewto aid BARMM, the President urged the BTA to pass all
At the same time, the President expressed his gratitude to the country’s partners from the different countries that backed the Mindanao peace process, made investments, and provided financial support for developmenttheof the region.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202248
Marcos also noted the BTA’s achievements,recentsuch
the important legislations on fiscal particularlypolicy,taxation, and to facilitate the conduct of the regional elections in 2025.
affected by decades of conflict.”
P19-B for socioeconomic interventions that build a culture of peace in highly conflict-affected and vulnerable areas from 2017 to 2022.
Marcos vowed to ensure the completion of the program despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Habang may butas po
She noted that fully vaccinated individuals were among the Covid-19 cases admitted to the health facilities but only 5.98 percent of them became severe or critical and only 4.59 percent resulted in death. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
equivalent to 78.1 million Filipinos,” Granada said.
In a media forum on Tuesday, DOH officer-incharge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said such vaccination would need to go through the process of evaluation before it could start in the country.
He noted this measure is “very important”.
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 2022 51Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202250
2.5M persons boosted vs. Covid-19 thru PinasLakas drive
The PinasLakas campaign seniorvaccinatedhas30,363citizensand administered first booster doses to 2,558,086 individuals as of September 14.
(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)
“By the end of 2022, our goal is to reach 70 percent of the total population in order to provide immunity to a majority of our community and to protect the population who cannot protect themselves. So, this 70 percent coverage is
“Patuloy pa rin pong pinag-aaralan ito ng ating mga eksperto, although, nababalitaan na natin at nababasa sa ibang bansa ngayon (Our experts are studying this, although, we’ve heard and read in other countries now) that they already have evidence,” she added.
The number of boosted individuals represents 10.73 percent of the 23,840,032 target for the general population.
percent were not fully “Aboutvaccinated.8.11 percent of those not fully vaccinated became severe or critical, 9.47 percent resulted in death, almost twice versus the fully vaccinated,” Granada said.
Covid-19 vax for kids aged 4, below still under study: DOH
“We’re thinking that it’s just a matter of time na maaprubahan dito and hopefully maru-rollout na rin para mas mabawasan iyong pwedeng mahawa at magkaroon ng severe Covid dito sa Pilipinas (for that to be approved here and hopefully rolled out to lessen the ones who could be infected and have severe Covid-19 here in the Philippines),” he Asadded.ofSept. 12, almost 72.8 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated. Of the tally, more than 9.9 million are adolescents while 4.9 million are young children. More than 18.6 million individuals have received their first booster dose and more than 2.5 million have received their second booster shots. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
The Department of Health (DOH) is still studying the vaccination of children four years old and below against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña said the United States has approved the Covid-19 vaccination for children five years old and below.
tayo sa ating immunity wall, lalo na doon sa mga below five years old, pwede po iyan maging parang reservoir ng virus at pwede pong nagmumutate diyan iyong virus (If we have a hole on our immunity wall, especially among below five years old, that could be a reservoir of virus at the virus can mutate there),” he said.
In an online CenterPublicDepartmentforum,ofHealthOperationsDivisionChief, Dr. Carmela Granada, said the number of fully vaccinated elderly is only 2.83 percent of the 1,074,110 target for the age group.
There are 72,810,132 or 93.23 percent fully vaccinated Filipinos and 18,658,487 or 23.89 boosted individuals to date, she added.
Citing data on coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases seen in health facilities from July 1 to September 11, Granada urged those yet to receive their primary series of Covid-19 jabs to get Ofinoculated.the37,025 Covid-19 cases recorded for that period, about 44
(File photo)
Marcos enjoined all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to continue rendering full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of Covid-19.
PBBM extends state of calamity until year-end
On Monday, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the state of calamity may be extended for “possibly three months but only for the purpose of preserving the benefits under it such as but not
He also directed all law enforcement agencies, with the support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to continue undertaking all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary.
“Now, therefore, I Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by the virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby further extend the declared State of Calamity throughout the Philippines effective 13 September 2022 to 31 December 2022, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant,” Marcos said in Proclamation No. 57.
Those who have yet to complete their primary Covid-19 vaccination series, senior citizens, immunocompromisedandpersons are still “highly encouraged” to use face masks.
Meanwhile,vaccines. more than 18.6 million Filipinos have received their booster shots. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)
On March 16, 2020, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 929 declaring a state of calamity throughout the country for a period of six months due to DuterteCovid-19.laterextended the period of state calamity for one year from Sept. 13, 2020, to Sept. 12, 2021, through Proclamation No. 1021.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed a proclamation extending the period of state calamity throughout the Philippines due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) until Dec. 31, 2022.
Data from the National Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard as of Sept. 12 showed that over 72.7 million Filipinos have completed their first and second dose of Covid-19
Caraga Infocus • September 10-16, 202252
Citing government data, CruzAngeles said the country is already “6 percent away from the wall of Marcosimmunity.”earlier approved Executive Order No. 3 allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings, particularly in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.
program; utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19; monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities; and provide basic services to the affected populations.”
limited to the indemnification, emergency procurement, special risk allowance for healthcare workers.”
He extended the state of calamity declaration for a third time--from Sept. 13, 2021 to Sept. 12, 2022, through Proclamation No. 1218.
Marcos signed Proclamation No. 57 on Tuesday following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to further extend the declared state of calamity “in order for the national government and LGUs to continuously deliver Covid-19 related interventions, such as, but not limited to Covid-19 vaccination
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