CONTENTS
Volume 1, No. 75 02 - 08 September 2017
ASEAN NEWS
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PH leads launching of ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association ‘I understood ASEAN better thru the campus forum’ - BPSU student leader
REGIONAL NEWS
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New breed of AEWs to bring development in rice-producing communities Provincial partners and stakeholders awarded on TESDA’s Araw ng Parangal Four OFW families nominated for MOFYA 2017
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
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DILG spearheads training on strengthening local ADAC in SurSur The Negosyo Center Butuan: Go lang nang go! DAR AgNor credit support to ARBs reaches P25M Restored project benefits 80 farmer beneficiaries in AgNor town DTI-AgSur mounts 2nd KMMe launch in Bayugan City PNP AgSur bags awards during 116th Police Service Anniv Surigao delegates join global waste management confab in Bangkok
HEALTH NEWS
Happy Feet
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Why monitoring children’s growth is important
MINDANAO NEWS
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Red Cross website helps reunite families P58 million-worth of projects released to Misamis Oriental farmers in 2017
NATIONAL NEWS
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SSS obtains 94 percent trust rating, tops 8888 resolution rate Non-taxpayers to also benefit from TRAIN
News Briefs
The training on the Regional Season-long Training of Trainers (TOT) conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute Caraga aims to enhance the capabilities of Rice AEWs in terms of technology promotion and delivery at the countryside. The 20 AEWs/trainees are primed on six modules which include Transformational Leadership, AgriCool, AgriSurvivors, Palaycheck and Palayamanan, Rise with Rice, and Be Riceponsible. In the overall medal tally of the 2017 Regional Skills Competition held recently at the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, the province of Agusan del Sur was declared overall champion with 4 golds, 1 silver, & 1 bronze. Agusan del Norte closely followed with 2 golds, 2 silvers, & 1 bronze medals. Surigao del Sur was the second runner-up winning 3 silver medals, & the province of Surigao del Norte went home with 3 bronze medals.
Tuberculosis or TB is a public health problem and is ranked 6th in Mortality as well as in Morbidity in the country.
The municipality of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte is composed of 8 barangays and the 8th municipality being assessed by the ADAC provincial evaluators.
Happy Feet Cover Story B
UTUAN CITY - Teodulo Polea was wistful as he talked about his life as a shoemaker. His 10-year stint in Rubberworld Philippines brought back happy memories. On his seventh year, he had been promoted to Production Foreman and enjoyed what he did until the company fell in dire straits and had to enforce worker retrenchment. In 1990, Polea resigned from the company and went home to Leyte. When he realized there was nothing his hometown could offer, he returned to Manila. While waiting for an application abroad, he worked as a mano-mano shoemaker in Quiapo. This led him to work for Mr. Quickie, another shoerelated business.
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In 2012, Polea got hired by a shoe factory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After two years, he returned to Butuan, his wife’s hometown, and set up a shoe repair shop. When he realized that it could not sustain his family’s needs, he and his wife made Karacas slippers. 02 - 08 September, 2017
Polea bought raw materials from Cagayan de Oro and made 15 pairs of slippers a day. Fate dealt him a blow when his major consignee, a women’s cooperative of a palm oil company, closed shop to avoid rebel attacks in the area. Not to be discouraged, Polea approached Stephen Kintanar, Chief of the Business Development Division of Department of Trade and IndustryAgusan del Norte. In 2014, with Kintanar’s help, Polea was able to register the Emenville Shoemakers Association (ESMA) with the Department of Labor and Employment. His perseverance paid off in 2015, when ESMA was given two high speed 02 - 08 September, 2017
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Polea mans the lasting section of production and does the toe, side and heel lasting himself. He needs to train ESMA members for a year, at least, before he can be confident that nothing will go to waste. To date, ESMA has come out with two designs for men and 7 designs for women, incorporating indigenous materials--sewing machines and one grinding machine through the Shared Service Facility Program (SSF). The Association has since gotten packaging and marketing support from the Negosyo Center (NC) Butuan, too. Today, ESMA produces at least 210 pairs of slippers and sandals which they consign to two DTI NCs, Langihan’s Happy Enterprises, a stall for Senior Citizens, a women’s umbak and coco beads, in their cooperative in Agusan del Sur and latest designs. Polea hopes to make other market outlets in the city. Karacas and ESMA Ladylove available in all Caraga stores and encourage ESMA has provided earning patronage for locally-made footwear opportunities to at least 25 stay-at- with the help of the NC-Butuan through home mothers enrolled in the 4Ps and a continuous product development. number of out of school youth who cut, paste and sew different parts of ESMA Polea is one of the 25 mentees slippers and sandals. Polea pays them of the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) P7.00 for each finished piece. Program’s first batch in Butuan City. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Ever conscious of quality control, Norte)
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Photo Gallery Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Evaluation
Jabonga, Agusan del Norte 5 September 2017
PH leads launching of ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association PASAY CITY- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together a distinguished group of people whose mix of youthful energy and business know-how can help transform industries across the entire ASEAN region. The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival, held on Tuesday, September 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, is an official event under the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), was set as an avenue of the official launching of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Association.
Lopez noted that young people’s contribution to trade and business is becoming significant to national and regional development, as more young people are closely engaged in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines ad ASEAN member countries.
“We believe that these entrepreneurs with their youthful energy, they can drive great impact In a statement, Trade and Industry in their businesses and therefore help Secretary Ramon Lopez said young provide open more job opportunities,” entrepreneurs in ASEAN are well- Lopez added. positioned to utilize and promote new technologies to drive future economic With the success of 1st ASEAN growth and job creation in a rapidly Young Entrepreneurs Carnival in Kuala changing global economic and social Lumpur in 2016, AYEC pushes forward environment. its commitment in reaching out to 02 - 08 September, 2017
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more young business people across “As a platform for the business the region and create opportunities for owners, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, business and networking. startups, and other stake holders, The AYE Carnival will give the delegates The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs an avenue to connect, interact, build Association was formally launched relationships and network with regional now that the ASEAN Community linkages,” Lopez pointed out. celebrates 50 years from foundation under the hosting of the Philippines this The program agenda included year. plenary talks by keynote speakers, interactive panels and workshops, Young entrepreneurs aged symposium, awards and networking. between18-25 attended the summit, The sessions also helped the delegates and they had the opportunity to to be tapped in the challenges of network and participate in dialogues entrepreneurship in the basic pillars with other young business people such as access to finance, market, across the ASEAN and other partners, leadership, technology and networking such as China, India, Australia and the through a pre-carnival survey. (DTI/RJB/ USA. SDL/PIA-NCR)
‘I understood ASEAN better thru the campus forum’ - BPSU student leader
BALANGA CITY - The ASEAN Campus Forum of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 3 at Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) was describe as helpful and informative by a student-leader. “I realized it’s really different when you just hear it (ASEAN) on the radio or see it on TV, compared to when it is actually explained to you,” Balangay Bayani BPSU Chapter President Marinelle Ignacio said. The 20-year-old student leader pointed out that the forum did not only raise the awareness of the students of BPSU on the in’s and out’s of the
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organization, but also introduced various programs and projects which were new to the participants of the forum. “As a senior Electronics and Communications Engineering student, the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Engineering services caught my attention. That program gives me hope for better opportunities 02 - 08 September, 2017
to improve my skills which are also safer 2017, PIA in Central Luzon will be holding and closer to home,” she shared. campus forums in different provinces to educate and pitch support from the On another note, Ignacio youth in this endeavor,” PIA Regional mentioned that she hopes more forums Director William Beltran said. such as the one recently held in BPSU will be conducted, and will be as BPSU was the fifth campus it visited informative as the said forum has been in Central Luzon after Tarlac State for them. University, Central Luzon State University, “Not only did the forum teach me what Aurora State College of Technology, ASEAN is for, but it also stressed in me and Tarlac Agricultural University. the reality of what I am. I am not just a Filipino, but I am also an ASEAN citizen,” Other educational institutions she added. it will visit this year include Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, “As part of hyping the Philippine Pampanga State Agricultural University, Chairmanship of the Association of and Bulacan State University.(CLJD/ Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this JRAA-PIA 3) 02 - 08 September, 2017
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REGIONAL NEWS
New breed of AEWs to bring development in rice-producing communities By: Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac
Trainers (TOT) at the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center XIII located at Brgy. Los Angleles, this city. The training will run for four months which started last June 5, 2017 and will end on September 22, 2017.
BUTUAN CITY - Twenty (20) agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Caraga region are on their way to becoming a new breed of rice extensionists, otherwise known as Agricultural Development Officers of the Community (AgRiDOC).
The aim of this training is to enhance the capabilities of Rice AEWs in terms of technology promotion and delivery at the countryside. To achieve this, the trainees are primed on six modules which include Transformational Leadership, AgriCool, AgriSurvivors, Palaycheck and Palayamanan, Rise with Rice, and Be Riceponsible. In addition to lecturediscussions, learning are reinforced through field tours to successful learning sites, interviews with champions in agriculture, farm demonstrations, homestays in farm families, and conduct of agro-ecosystem analysis.
The training is participatory and output-oriented. Trainees are encouraged to join role plays and workshops. They are also required to submit weekly reflections, pre- and It was a challenging task for this post-tests, project proposals, and pass AEWs who need to undergo the rigorous the National Competency test (NC III), Regional Season-long Training of among others.
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After their graduation on September 22, 2017, they are expected to implement their proposed project and to transfer the technologies they have learned from AgRiDOC to
their farmers via trainings, farmers’ class, regular meetings, and radio programs. (ATI-Caraga with a report from Nepthalie D. Palero, RA-Cagwait, Surigao del Sur/PIA-Caraga)
Provincial partners and stakeholders awarded on TESDA’s Araw ng Parangal By: Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY – Partners and stakeholders were recognized during the conduct of the 2017 Araw ng Parangal of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga held recently in one of the local convention centers in the city. In his welcome message, TESDACaraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto underscored the contributions of the partners and stakeholders of the agency saying that the success and accomplishments of TESDA02 - 08 September, 2017
Caraga can be attributed to the strong partnership, good relationship and linkage between and among the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers and trainers, and industry partners.
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Institutional awardees from the province of Agusan del Norte include: SR Metals, Inc. (2017 Provincial Kabalikat ng TESDA Award – Industry Category); Arne A. Madarieta, (2017 Provincial TESDA Idol); Edilberto R. Tamiok and Mel-Ann L. Gerona (2017 Provincial Tagsanay).
received a plaque of recognition. Also, Ms. Dylen Mantiza, 2017 Provincial Idol was recognized.
Leading the list of awarded partners and stakeholders are prominent officials of the province composed of: 1st District Cong. Francisco Jose F. Matugas, 2nd District Cong. Robert Recognized partners and Ace S. Barbers and Surigao del Norte stakeholders of Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Sol F. Matugas. Provincial Office are as follows: Emmie V. Yanong, Engr. Julio P. Carlon Jr., Other awardees include: Felicitas Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, LTC Glenn M. Gonzales; DPWH Surigao del Norte Joy U. Aynera of the Philippine Army, 1st Engineering District; Engr. Roger Balanghai Eagles Club and the A. De Dios, Mines and Geosciences Provincial Government of Agusan del Bureau (MGB)-Caraga Regional Norte. Director; Gigaquit Mayor Elvira A. Egay; San Francisco Mayor Guia P. Sabanal; Agusan del Sur institutional Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Corro II; awardees are led by Vermar C. Cubarol Malimono Mayor Wallace R. Sinaca; (2017 TESDA Provincial Idol); and Engr. Tagana-an Mayor Cesar B. Diaz, Jr.; Jermy E. Divinagracia (2017 Provincial Taganito Mining Corporation, PNPTagsanay). Surigao del Norte; ADNAMA Mining Resources, Inc.; Engr. Dulmar M. Raagas; Local chief executives of the Saint Paul University – Surigao Campus; province were also recognized for their BJMP Surigao del Norte District Jail; support to the programs of the Agusan PNP-Burgos Municipal Police Station; del Sur Provincial Office. They are Mayor Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture Ambrosio Lim of La Paz, Mayor Leonida and Technology (SNCAT); Surigao P. Manpatilan of Esperanza, Mayor Education Center (SEC); BJMP Surigao Myrna S. Mondejar, and Mayor William City; and Department of Education – E. Calvez of Trento. Likewise, Engr. Surigao City Division. Vivencio P. Ocite, VPO Rosario AgroIndustrial Development Cooperation, Meanwhile, the Local Government Inc. President was also recognized of Carmen led the institutional awardees during the event. of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Office as this year’s 2017 Provincial Kabalikat The local government unit of ng TESDA awardee. Ms. Richelyn L. Alegria, Surigao del Norte thru the Dagoc also received her plaque being leadership of Mayor Rene G. Esma the 2017 Provincial TESDA Idol while is this year’s Provincial Kabalikat ng Marlinda M. Tidalgo was adjudged TESDA awardee of the province and 2017 Provincial Tagsanay.
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The provincial office’s partners and stakeholders who were given recognition are Carmen Mayor Jane V. Plaza; San Miguel Mayor Alvaro S. Elizalde; Cantilan Mayor Philip A. Pichay; Tandag City Councilors Rey-Vic M Geli and Bernardo C. Urbiztondo, Jr.; SURE-FM Radio; dxJS Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag City; TNTV 6 Tandag City; Real Radio FM Tandag City; 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion; and PNP-Surigao del Sur. The provincial office of Dinagat Islands has also awarded its partners and stakeholders whose support to the programs of TESDA has made the agency popular in the province. Cong. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao of the lone district of Dinagat Islands led the list together with Gov. Glenda B. Ecleo, and Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo. Other awardees are Gaspar Rodriguez of GREAT Center, Inc.; Cagdianao Mining Corporation; Emma Y. Mausisa; Rudolfo J. Napalla; Merlie A. Bantayanon; Myrlinda J. Navarrete; Rex A. Diaz; Tita A. Edera; Benjiemen T. Vargas; Elvis A. Dela Merced; and the Local Government Unit of Cagdianao.
Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center awardees: Fit Cars Service Center; MEVEC Corporation; LGU-Cabadbaran City; Office of the Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District; and SR Metals, Inc.
Awardees from the Provincial Awardees recognized by the Training Center of Surigao del Norte Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries, were: Charlz Construction and the a TESDA-administered school in Hinatuan Mining Corporation. Agusan del Norte, are Forester Norman A. Asugan, CENR Officer of DENR- The 2017 Araw ng Parangal CENRO Nasipit; Ms. Adelfa B. Pace, was the highlight of the 23rd TESDA General Manager of Almont Hotel’s Anniversary Celebration in Caraga Inland Resort; Dr. Nancy U. Ramirez Region, which was anchored on the of Toyota Motors Philippines – Butuan; theme: “Malasakit at Pagbabago… and Matabao Brgy. Capt. Edna A. TESDA, Susi sa Kaunlaran.” (TESDATabanao. Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 02 - 08 September, 2017
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Four OFW families nominated for MOFYA 2017 By: Jean Pearl I. Millones
BUTUAN CITY – Four (4) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) families have been nominated for this year’s regional search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in Caraga Region. Now on its 12th year, MOFYA was conceptualized to recognize outstanding achievement of OFW families who have maintained family solidarity and have used the gains of working overseas in achieving success within their families, communities and the society at large. This year, three families are nominated for the Land-based Category: OFW Victor Caparoso Cuba, who used to be a heavy truck driver overseas hailing from Tago, Surigao del Sur; OFW Jason Sigfred S. Seril from Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, a technical consultant in his stint in Korea; Dr. Rolando C. Hordista, an optometrist both in the Philippines and abroad, a resident of Trento, Agusan del Sur; while only one was nominated for the Seabased Category, Filseaman Napoleon J. Jovita from Surigao City, who worked overseas for 28 years.
religious, socio-civic and OFW family circles both Philippine-based and abroad. Meanwhile, the regional screening and selection committee who shall assist the region in choosing this year’s winners consists of top caliber personalities from the different sectors. Representatives from different corporate sector, religious groups, academe, non-government organizations, land-based and seabased sectors shall comprise the board chaired by DOLE Caraga Regional Director Chona M. Mantilla, CESO III. An awarding ceremony will be held on September 16, 2017, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at VCDU Prince Hotel Grand Convention Hall, Villa Kananga, Butuan City.
The winning family for each category will represent the region in the national selection to be held in The families were nominated Manila on December 4, 2017. (OWWAby different organizations including Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
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SURIGAO DEL SUR
DILG spearheads training on strengthening local ADAC in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - In response to the massive campaign on “war against illegal drugs” nationwide, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Surigao del Sur provincial office with the support of the provincial government spearheads the Roll-Out Training on Strengthening the Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADAC) in Surigao del Sur held at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel. The two-day activity, which started Monday, September 4, aims to strengthen the capacities of the local ADACs and other relevant local mechanism in suppressing the drug problem in the province, as well as in the whole nation.
suppress the Drug Problem in the Country,” said Malibiran.
The ICAD, according to Malibiran, shall ensure that each member agency shall implement and comply with all policies, laws and issuances pertaining to the government’s anti-illegal drug During the first day of the session, campaign, in an integrated and PDEA Agent Janmark Malibiran in his synchronized manner. presentation on illegal drug problem bared that the actual cause of the DILG Outcome Manager Ma. drug problem in the country, first and Lourdes Martinez stressed that, “we foremost is the unlimited demand for aim for ZERO extra Judicial Killing (EJK), drugs, and secondly, “limited demand because these cases worsen our anti reduction initiatives down to the illegal drug campaign.” barangay level.” Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur To combat on the issues raised, Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr., urged President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued the local chief executives of the the Executive Order No. 15 series 2017 province to help and support the on the “Creation of an Inter-Agency implementation of “war against illegal Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) drugs” in their respective areas. (PIAand Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force to Surigao del Sur) 02 - 08 September, 2017
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AGUSAN DEL NORTE
The Negosyo Center Butuan: Go lang nang go! BUTUAN CITY On July 15, 2014, Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, described as “an act promoting job generation and inclusive growth through the development of micro, small and medium enterprises,” initiated by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV, was enacted. Section 3 of said Act mandates the “Establishment of Negosyo Centers … under the supervision of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council… in all provinces, cities and municipalities.”
about to go into business, ranges from facilitating Business Name Registration and other business permits to providing access to finance, access to markets and product development trainings. The client-friendly and professional-looking Negosyo Center welcomes MSMEs into the well-lit area from 8:00 in the morning to five o’clock in the afternoon.
In prompt response, the DTIAgusan del Norte launched the first Negosyo Center in the province, where seven competent Business Counselors have been offering holistic, start-tofinish assistance since its inception on Comfortable seating and efficient May 26, 2015. The assistance given to office equipment ensure that all needs MSMEs, whether already existing or are attended to, from the very basic
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queries to participation in different skills May to December 2015 saw sales and entrepreneurial trainings, trade of P 3,000.00 a week for the Negosyo fairs and product marketing. Center, and beginning 2016, satisfied MSMEs with best-selling products One corner is thoughtfully allotted happily trot to the Negosyo Center to to micro entrepreneurs who cannot replenish their stocks every Monday yet afford to conduct their own market while they collect and divide sales of P tests. 10,000 a week. After undergoing product Since its launching, DTI- Agusan development and achieving the del Norte has already successfully desired feedback and comments from facilitated the launching of three thriving walk-in customers, products with proven Negosyo Centers in Cabadbaran City marketabilities are then endorsed to the and the municipalities of Nasipit, Las two OTOP Tindahang Pinoys in Gaisano Nieves and Jabonga. (DTI-Agusan del Mall and Robinsons Place Butuan. Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
DAR AgNor credit support to ARBs reaches P25M By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY - Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR’s) total fund released under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Agusan del Norte has now reached to P25 Million as disclosed during the midyear assessment conducted by the DAR Agusan del Norte provincial office. 02 - 08 September, 2017
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More than 2,000 ARBs from different agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in the province have benefitted the DAR’s flagship rural poverty program called APCP which is expected to increase their productivity and household income. In the 1st quarter in 2017, nearly P11 Million credit line has been approved by LBP and P8 million total released to four ARBOs in the second quarter, which benefitted to 226 borrowers. The six ARBOs included Baliguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA); Maong Agrarian Farmers Cooperative (MAFCO); New Generation Organic Farmers Cooperative (NGOFC) and Rosario Agrarian Reform Cooperative (RARC).
APCP Point Person Luningning B. Ycoy said that the agency provides credit assistance to some ARB Organizations who qualified under the lending program of Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). “Aside from lending facility, the APCP provides package of assistance to the borrowers, which include orientation and technical assistance, TIN Application facilitation, periodic review and assessment and mandatory insurance subsidy to all APCP borrowers,” Ycoy added. The APCP is a joint credit and capacity development initiative among the DAR, Department of Agriculture and LBP. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)
Restored project benefits 80 farmer beneficiaries in AgNor town By: Jane B. Huqueriza
NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Caraga recently turned-over the Rehabilitation of Culit Communal Irrigation System (CIS) project by Force Account Works (FAW) to Culit-Igpalas Irrigator’s Association, Inc. headed by its president Fausto B. Empanado, Jr. held in Barangay Culit, this town. Said project is under Repair Rehab of Existing CIS (RRECIS) funds implemented by NIA Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Irrigation Management Office (NIA ASDI IMO), which started last year with a total cost of P8 million
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with the activities of constructing of canal structures and canalization. The system restored has a potential area of 100 hectares that will benefits 80 farmers, it was learned. 02 - 08 September, 2017
“The project could generate jobs particularly in agriculture sector and increase the potential income of the farmers,� said Ferdinand D. Amon, ASDI IMO Manager during his turn-over message. He added, that based in his
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computation the completion of the project could produce 3,000 cavans enough to feed the population of the barangay. (NIA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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Photo Gallery Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Evaluation
Magallanes, Agusan del Norte 6 September 2017
AGUSAN DEL SUR
DTI-AgSur mounts 2nd KMMe launch in Bayugan City
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur - With full backing from both the city government here and the provincial government of Agusan del Sur, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Operations Group and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) - Go Negosyo, DTI-Agusan del Sur have recently conducted the second launch of the ‘Kapatid Mentor Me’ (KMME) program.
Held at the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium, Bayugan City, the event was attended by close to 500 participants. PCE Go Negosyo sent its team composed of Angelpreneurs Armand Bengco, Vix Madlangbayan, and coordinator P.A. De Guzman. Bayugan City Mayor Kim Lope A. Asis expressed his optimism that more entrepreneurs and enthusiasts will benefit from the second KMMe in the city and will enhance their capabilities in their field of interest. 02 - 08 September, 2017
Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Adolph Edward Plaza represented by SP Member Dr. Susan Gerona; DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran; DTI Agusan del Sur OIC Provincial Director Brenda Baybay Corvera; ADS Chamber of Commerce President Engr. Freddie Mero; Bayugan City Chamber of Commerce President Atty. Rafael Ybanez; Inspirational Forum Resource Persons - Sherwin “Wangyu” Mylil Begyan and Arturo “Atoy” Franco, and the province’s PCE accredited local mentors were present during said activity. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur)
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PNP AgSur bags awards during 116th Police Service Anniv
By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
Project Double Barrel (PDB) was given to Agusan del Sur PPO. Guest of honor and speaker PDDG Apolinario encouraged his fellow police officers to make the citizens feel they are safe from the threats of criminal elements. He said that PNP’s higher authority is in full support to the aspirations of PNP Caraga.
PCSupt Felix recounted how their
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – In office has effectively and efficiently time with the 116th Police Service performed their mandates including Anniversary celebration of the the sensible utilization of government Philippine National Police (PNP) funds such as acquisition of seven Caraga held at Camp Rafael drone aircrafts and Special Weapons Rodriguez in this city, Agusan del Sur and Tactics (SWAT) vehicles, among Police Provincial Office and some others, to improve their capabilities. city and municipal police stations in the province bagged awards In his message, PCSupt Carlos witnessed by Police Deputy Director Lozano, deputy regional director for General Ramon Apolinario. administration of PNP Caraga also The following were awarded by PDDG Apolinario, together with PNP-13 regional director PCSupt Rolando Felix and other PNP officials: 1) Best Component City Police StationBayugan City Police Station, Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO); 2) Best Municipal Police Station Talacogon MPS, Agusan del Sur PPO; and 3) Best Provincial Public Safety Company - Agusan del Sur PPSC.
emphasized that the PNP, in unity with the various sectors in the community can do so much in fighting against criminality and illegal activities. He also stressed that there is more to do with the implementation of its campaign to maintain peace and order in the region.
The 116th Police Service Anniversary is anchored on the theme, “Buhay ng Pulis Handang Ibuwis para sa Also, the unit with the Most Number Katahimikan at Kaayusan ng Bayan.” of Surrenders in the Implementation of (JPG/VLG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surigao delegates join global waste management confab in Bangkok
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – In an effort to gain insights and learn best practices of proper waste management abroad, Governor Sol F. Matugas led the Surigao del Norte delegation who participated in the Global Waste Management Conference 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand last August 1-2. With the theme, “Building Sustainability in an Urbanized World through Strategic Waste Management,� the International Global Waste Management Conference 2017 is the first in Asia, designed to provide a platform to address the rising issues in relation to the negative impacts of waste on health and environment, among others. 02 - 08 September, 2017
Policies, legislatures an implementation mechanism for recycling and waste management were presented in the said conference as well as the promotion of investments in the field of recycling and waste management, review of modern methods, technologies, and solutions in managing industrial, medical, agricultural and municipal waste.
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The team from Surigao del Norte included Mayor Guia P. Sabanal of San Francisco, Atty. Aimee Faith M. Egay of the Provincial Environment and Management Office, Ma. Teresa M. Real of the Department of EducationSiargao Division, Ivonnie B. Dumadag of the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office and former Congressman Atty. Francisco T. Matugas. “Surigao del Norte, including our emerging tourist destination in Siargao Island, needs to adopt proper waste management practices to attain sustainable development,” said Gov. Matugas.
the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte.” This focuses on the implementation of the 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) governance as well as upcycling, the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. “One interesting concept which was repeatedly discussed in the presentations was about the circular economy, its business opportunities and how to develop value-added products from waste. We will promote upcycling here in Surigao and provide support to the private sector and other interested groups who will be our partners in this programs,” said Gov. Matugas.
“The conference provided an opportunity for the Surigao del Norte delegation to learn from the papers presented and the sharing of experiences of other countries in Asia in terms of managing their wastes,” she For Siargao Island, the provincial added. government intends to operate a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Matugas also said that their one of the barangays close to the challenge now is to be able to tourism destinations in General Luna, implement a system that is workable where machineries for recycling waste in their locality and support it with materials will be made available. All effective policies. “Cost-effectiveness, municipalities will also be required to set applicability, and effectiveness. These up their respective MRFs as mandated are the key enablers of better waste by Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste management,” she reiterated. Management Act. The team has prepared a reentry plan to the Department of the Interior and Local Government entitled “Adopting global practices and strategies in developing the solid waste management plan, building capacities of the Surigaonons and sustaining the Solid Waste Management programs of
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A strengthened School-Based Solid Waste Management Program will also be implemented in the province, with enhanced parents’ engagement and pupils/students with corresponding incentives to support the advocacy. (IBD, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 02 - 08 September, 2017
HEALTH NEWS
Why monitoring children’s growth is important By Ma. Anna Rita M. Ramirez
It is therefore alarming that the 2011 regional survey conducted by Do you know that the period of the Food and Nutrition Research infancy up to age two is a period Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) reports of rapid physical growth? that only 53.3 percent of households participated in growth monitoring lnfancy is a critical period in the activities. health and nutrition of children since food intake should match the increased The FNRI report said that about requirements for energy and protein at half of the children was not checked this age. by health personnel. More than providing children with age-appropriate energy-dense complementary foods on top of continuous breastfeeding even at age six months and older, their growth should be monitored closely by health personnel. 02 - 08 September, 2017
Likewise, their parents may not have been informed of the importance of growth monitoring. According to the same report, “growth monitoring is the regular measurement of weights of
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children using growth charts where V. Capanzana, Director, Food and measurements are plotted.� Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Monitoring and plotting the Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; weights of a child monthly give an idea Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; whether the child is growing within email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@ standard or age-appropriate weights. yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI Facebook Any deviation from the standard page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI may be a cause for alarm, as this can Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRIdemonstrate growth faltering --- either DOST.(FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/ towards becoming underweight or PIA-Caraga) overweight. Growth monitoring is a regular activity conducted by midwives and barangay health or nutrition workers in rural health units and by doctors in private clinics. Parents should take advantage of this free health service to ensure the normal growth of their children. It is important to determine the cause of growth faltering so that immediate remedy can be offered. For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario
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02 - 08 September, 2017
MINDANAO NEWS
Red Cross website helps reunite families BUTUAN CITY – It has been more than three months since fighting broke out in Marawi City, in Lanao del Sur. But for families whose loved ones are still missing, the wait seems neverending. In an effort to reunite these families, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently launched an online page (https://familylinks. icrc.org/Philippines) that helps trace missing persons. On the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared on August 30, the ICRC wished to draw attention to the plight of these families and stressed that people have a right to know what happened to their missing relatives.
a conflict situation. “People could be trapped by the fighting, detained or even killed. They could be in an evacuation center but do not have the means to contact their kin. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that families have a right to know what has happened to their loved ones, and wherever possible, be reunited with them. Our tracing website offers a platform for people to share information about their missing relatives and request our help in tracing them,” Matteucci said.
Camilla Matteucci, head of the ICRC team, said that there are many The website supplements existing possible causes of separation during tracing services such as the 12 PRC 02 - 08 September, 2017
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welfare desks in evacuation centers in Marawi and Iligan cities. The information shared by families with the Red Cross remains confidential. Since the beginning of the Marawi conflict, the Red Cross has received 402 tracing requests, 179 of which are still being looked into.
is always provided by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In Marawi, the ICRC and the PRC have been providing technical and material support to help the authorities manage dead bodies. Apart from this, the PRC has provided psychosocial support to more than 10,400 people, Aisha (not her real name), whose including children, affected by the husband went missing in Marawi said, conflict. “With each day that the fighting continues, our hope diminishes. We The ICRC is a neutral, impartial praise Allah if my husband is still alive. and independent humanitarian organization whose mission is to protect But if he is dead, then we need the lives and dignity of victims of armed to recover his remains so that we can conflict and other situations of violence bury him according to our religion and to provide them with assistance. and traditions. Every Maranao family looking for a loved one wishes for this,� The ICRC also endeavors to she said. prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and Reuniting families in times of universal humanitarian principles. conflict or disaster is a key service that (ICRC/PIA-Caraga)
P58 million-worth of projects released to Misamis Oriental farmers in 2017
CAPITOL COMPOUND, Misamis Oriental- The Provincial Agriculture Office in Misamis Oriental (MOPAO) has released at least P58 million worth of projects to local farmers in the province as of August 2017. Governor Bambi Emano congratulated MOPAO chief Dr. Benjamin Resma for his accomplishment saying the latter deserves a commendation for striving hard to help improve the status of
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farmers of different specialties in the province. The governor said of the total amount P39 million came from the Provincial Government while P19 02 - 08 September, 2017
million is acquired through the national Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). government’s General Appropriations Act (GAA). “We has also dispersed Tilapia fingerlings for our fishery production. Resma, during the weekly flag- Aside from these, we are also able to raising ceremony on September 4, 2017, give molasses to these farmers who are reported that farmer-beneficiaries were into organic farming,” Resma added. able to avail of the different programs of the MOPAO such as the distribution To ease the farmers in massive of bags of rice, corn, vegetables and production of outputs, Resma said cacao seedlings in partnership with the the MOPAO also turned over irrigation 02 - 08 September, 2017
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facilities, machineries and equipment such as pumps and engines, Knapsack Sprayer, fish landings, bottom set gill nets, squid jigger fish stalls, fiber glass boat engines and payaw. The MOPAO is also giving technical support services such as the conduct of trainings with 879 farmer-beneficiaries have already acquired technical knowledge in the field of agriculture and fishery; sending graduated farmers to field schools to acquire new techniques in rice and corn production; and a farmers tour where 25 cacao farmers acquired actual cacao care and management course.
are now able to provide enough safety and nutritious vegetables for a family with six members. There are 100 farm household started practicing organic farming; 145 farmers reduced 20 percent production cost with the use of agri machineries and equipment; 561 fishermen got better price of fish produce, increased fish catch, reduced time in fishing due to efficient and appropriate fishing gears and facilities; developed or enhanced agri learning sites namely: Buhian Diversified Farm at Initao; Apag Farm in Laguindingan; and Holy Family Farm in Gingoog City; and 1,084 farmers and fishermen acquired new knowledge and techniques in farming and fishing. What an impact!” the governor said.
The MOPAO, Resma added has monitored and validated reports of rat infestation and flash flood crop Governor Emano said, “These damage amounted to P30.3 million. accomplishments of the MOPAO have inspired award-giving bodies in the “But the office has submitted country.” a proposal for a project to recover the damage amounting P7.5 million. “These have actually been Thus, we received P1.5 million worth appreciated… we are so grateful that of rice, corn and vegetable seeds,” our effort is being recognized,” the Resma further reported adding they governor added. also conducted rapid assessment of Oolong Tea Farm at Kalagonoy, The Local Government of Misamis Gingoog City and recommended Oriental raked five Regional Gawad the farm for rehabilitation as it drive Saka Awards such as the Outstanding the development of an eco-tourist Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries potential in the community. Council (PAFC), Outstanding Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council Governor Emano said these (MAFC), Organic Farming Family, Agri community intervention have impacted Scientist and Barangay Food Terminal greatly on the costs of production Operator. Of these five awards, the where 47 percent of the 4,633 farmers three—PAFC, MAFC and Barangay belong to the poverty line. Food Terminal Operator (High Land Fresh Inc.)—became top three national “You see, 2,760 farm households winners. (PIO)
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02 - 08 September, 2017
NATIONAL NEWS
SSS obtains 94 percent trust rating, tops 8888 resolution rate MANILA - Staterun Social Security System (SSS) ranked as one of the most trusted government agencies in the country and has the fastest turnaround time in resolving Hotline 8888 cases.
Filipinos gave a 94 percent trust rating to the SSS based on the 2017 and fifth Philippine Trust Index (PTI), a survey conducted by the communications agency EON Group. Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Amado D. Valdez welcomed the results of the survey. “We thank the public for their trust. Rest assured that we strive everyday to still give the best level of service that comparable not only in the Philippines but in South East Asia. The employers and employees are our partners in forming the people’s capital which we will use for direct investments. This way, our members will see the value of their 02 - 08 September, 2017
Dave Luchansky
money and hard work not only thru the development of our country,” Valdez said. The SSS, with 94 percent trust rating, ranked next to Philhealth with a 95 percent trust rating. Also in the top five were the Department of Education (93 percent), Department of Social Welfare and Development (88 percent), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (91 percent). “We are very glad with the results of the survey conducted by EON Group. To know that we are one of the highly-trusted government agencies is a bonus for our daily task of ensuring
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quality service to our dear members,” 8888, based on the first semester report SSS President and Chief Executive of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said. Dooc said that the pension The 2017 PTI edition dubbed as fund still managed to solve the cases “The Philippine Paradox: Growing Trust immediately despite of the huge bulk in a Time of Growing Uncertainty” of reports endorsed by CSC. covered 30 government agencies and was conducted from March to April “With the growing number of 2017 with 1,200 respondents aged 18 SSS members, the management is and above. also cognizant of the public’s clamor for faster and more efficient delivery Meanwhile, SSS has set another of services. As one of the partnerrecord as the pension fund achieved agencies of CSC, it is our responsibility the fastest turnaround time (TAT) of to resolve these cases so that we can four days in resolution of complaints accommodate more members who transmitted through Citizen Hotline need our assistance,” Dooc said. (SSS)
Non-taxpayers to also benefit from TRAIN
metrocebu.com.ph
MANILA - Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said even nonwage earners who will not get tax breaks under the proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) will still benefit greatly from it in the form of better infrastructure, more jobs and expanded access to education, health and other social services that will be partly funded by this reform package.
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02 - 08 September, 2017
Contrary to claims by some quarters that 50 percent of the population who are non-taxpayers would be left out once the TRAIN is enacted into law, Dominguez said that aside from better living conditions, the tax reform bill would also provide the poor and other sectors vulnerable to its initial impact with cash transfers and other forms of assistance to help lift themselves out of extreme poverty.
House Bill 5636 approved by the House of Representatives last May 31, 40 percent of the annual incremental increase from oil excise taxes will go to social mitigating measures such as targeted cash transfers for the poorest families, public utility (PU) operators and drivers, and electricity consumers in Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) areas or those not connected to the main transmission system.
“I’m sorry, that is wrong (a wrong perception). People who are not paying taxes are going to benefit. Why? Number one, they are going to get better roads, they’re going to get better education, they’re going to get better job opportunities. So I want to dispel this notion that people who don’t pay taxes are not going to benefit from the tax reform program,” Dominguez said at a recent forum of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines(AmCham).
The balance of 60 percent, will fund projects on infrastructure, education, health, housing and social protection. The Senate ways and means committee is currently conducting deliberations on its version of the TRAIN or Senate Bill 1408 filed by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III.
Dominguez pointed out that the Duterte administration’s ultimate goals in pushing tax reform is to sustain the pace of economic growth to 7 percent Under the proposed TRAIN or or better, bring down the poverty rate
02 - 08 September, 2017
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to 14 percent in the medium term, and aims to replace 220,000 jeepneys, pave the way for the country’s rise to a including 70,000 in Metro Manila, that high middle-income economy by 2022. are 15 years old and above, with more fuel-efficient vehicles. He bared that tax reform will help build or improve 44,000 kilometers of “The Pantawid Kuryente Program, national and local roads, attain 100 which will focus on lifeline consumers percent PhilHealth coverage, construct in SPUG areas that use diesel or bunker more local hospitals and improve fuel to power their communities, will existing ones, and achieve the ideal not involve any financing because teacher-to-student and student-to- this will be cross-subsidized by richer classroom ratios for the benefit of the households,” Chua said. country’s future workforce. Households covered by the Finance Undersecretary Karl Pantawid Kuryente are those which Kendrick Chua said that under HB 5636, consume less than 100 kilowatts per the targeted program for over 10 million hour. households involve unconditional transfers (UCTs) of P2,400 for one year. Under TRAIN, the first P250,000 in taxable income of compensation The UCT will be considered a earners will be exempted from the “top-up” on the existing cash transfers personal income tax (PIT) with families received by the current 4.8 million receiving a combined monthly income beneficiaries under the 4Ps. of up to P42,000 increasing their takehome pay by up to P3 ,500 per month Chua said an additional 5.2 million according to computations made by households will also be covered by the the Department of Finance (DOF). UCT program but they would have to register and issued identification DOF computations show that cards to ensure that only the intended even with the slightly higher expenses beneficiaries get to receive the benefit. that taxpayers would incur under the TRAIN’s revenue-enhancing provisions, For public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers, the increases in their take home pay the government will revive the Pantawid would more than offset these additional Pasada Program, which will provide costs. those with valid franchised vehicles cash cards to lessen the effects of the These revenue-enhancing potential slight increase in fuel costs provisions include expanding the valuedue to the higher excise tax. added tax (VAT) base, and adjusting the tax for fuel and automobiles and An alternative solution to mitigate imposing a tax on sugar-sweetened the impact of oil excises on PUJs is the beverages, among other measures. Jeepney Modernization Program that (DOF)
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02 - 08 September, 2017
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