Caraga InFocus – September 24-30, 2022

BJMP Caraga recognizes promoted personnel

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time for the 27th Anniversary of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Caraga, several personnel were recognized for their significant contributions to the accomplishments of the agency and their dedication in performing their tasks and functions.

Jail Senior Superintendent (JSSupt) Bernie Ruiz was one of the recipients of the Best Senior Jail Officer Rank Award. He expressed his thanks to his colleagues in the BJMP Caraga as well as to partner stakeholders from various sectors, who continuously support the agency and provide assistance to its operations.

The Agusan del Norte Jail Administrator was also recognized as Best Provincial Jail Administrator’s Office; Surigao del Norte District Jail as Best District Jail; and Surigao City Jail as Best City Jail.

Also, partners from the different local government units and national/regional line government agencies also received plaques

of recognition from BJMP for continuously providing programs and services intended for the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the city/ municipal/provincial jails in the region.

“We thank our partners for giving us their continued support as we perform our duties and achieve our common goals. We will continue to serve our constituents

and ensure the welfare of our PDLs in the different jails,” said Jail Chief Superintendent (JCSupt) Jolly Taguiam Jr., BJMP Caraga regional director.

BJMP Caraga’s chief also highlighted the bravery of the on-duty personnel during the Lianga District Jail siege, which preempted the PDLs’ escape. The three personnel were

promoted

awarded the ‘Medlaya ng Kabayanihan’ and eventually promoted.

Meanwhile, Jail Director Allan Sullano Iral urged all the BJMP employees to work professionally and set aside their personal interest at work.

“Let us be processoriented as much as we are goal-oriented. These three things –duty before self, service quality, and doing things right are actually what we need to attain a strong management in the jails that will bring about a safer community, which is our theme for the 31st Anniversary of BJMP and 27th Anniversary here in BJMP Caraga. It starts with ourselves and with the right perspective,” said Dir. Iral. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

REGIONAL NEWS

RIAC-SC, Butuan stakeholders to join “walk for Life”

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) Caraga chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), along with other partner stakeholders in Butuan will take part in this year’s celebration of Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) through the conduct of “Walk for Life” on October 6, 2022, 5:00 a.m.

The walk will start from the Provincial Capitol of Agusan del Norte going to VCDU Convention in Barangay Villakananga, Butuan City. A Zumba

At the same venue, participating sectors especially the senior citizens will also benefit from the free medical and dental check-up, and distribution of elderly

hygiene kits.

DSWD-Caraga regional director Mari-flor Dollaga-Libang reiterated that the celebration of the EFW aims to recognize the significant contributions of older persons to nation-building, as well as raise awareness to issues and concerns faced by the sector.

“This year, we celebrate with the theme “Older Persons: Resilience in Nation-Building,” she said. Proclamation

No. 470 series of 2014 declares the first week of October of every year as the Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Elderly Filipino Week). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

exercise and short program will then follow.

RCWC readies activities for 2022 NCM celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga are now preparing the lined-up activities for this year’s 30thNational Children’s Month (NCM) celebration in November.

This year’s NCM will kick-off on November 3 through a conduct of an opening program with expected participants of 70 from various government agencies, non-government organizations, and private stakeholders.

The RCWC members have agreed to conduct the following activities:

· Kapihan sa SM City Butuan to be conducted by the Philippine Information Agency Caraga scheduled on November 4, 2022 at the 3rd Floor Events Center of SM City Butuan; · Outreach Program scheduled on November 10-11, 2022 at the residential facilities of Balay Silonganan,, Bethany

Homes, Gesu Eucaristico

Children’s Inc. (GECI) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and Bahay PagAsa in Tubay, Agusan del Norte;

· Outreach Program scheduled on November 24, 2022 in an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community at Barangay Sabang Gibong in the municipality of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur; and · Contests such as – Caraga CAN Logo Making; MakaBatang Corner (Best Advocay Corner); and Caraga, MakaBata Ka Ba? Virtual Quiz Show.

According to DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-flor Dollaga-Libang, the National Children’s Month is an annual observance on the gains of the continuous pursuit towards the protection of the rights of children, promotion of their welfare and in commemoration of the promulgation of the first international instrument that acknowledges and recognizes the rights of children as integral and

core to human rights through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to which the Philippines is a signatory.

“By virtue of Republic Act 10661 or the National Children’s Month Act, the Children’s Month is observed every November and usually bears a unique focus year by year,” said Dollaga-Libang.

She added that this year’s NCM will focus on the mental health of the children bearing the theme “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan! (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraganon supports DOST’s

RSTW 2022

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Caraganons from various sectors are set to participate in the linedup activities for the 2022 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) on October 19 to 23 in this city, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga.

According to Engr. Noel Ajoc, regional director of DOST-Caraga, bared that this is an annual event which will serve as an avenue to bring together stakeholders, entrepreneurs and science enthusiasts to witness the latest technologies, new innovative products using local resources, and relevant research and development outputs useful for communities.

“There will be series of activities for this weeklong celebration along with the science and technology exhibits at Robinson’s Place

Butuan. We are glad to inform you that the DOST Secretary, Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. will be attending the said event,” said Ajoc.

Engr. Ajoc invites the public to join the motorcade within the city thoroughfares, and witness the opening ceremonies on October 19 at the Robinson’s Main Atrium. A Press Conference will also

Engr. Noel Ajoc

follow at the Go Hotels Function Hall of said mall.

The RSTW is a weeklong, annual celebration that introduces and recognizes Research and Development (R&D) outputs. It also aims to increase awareness and market adaptable technologies and programs of DOST that are available and beneficial to clients.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DOLE Caraga takes part in nationwide tree planting activity

The employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga headed by Regional Director

Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao, participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting Activity, which was initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) on

September 13, 2022. Anchored on the

theme “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan”, over 7,000 seedlings were planted in 10 planting sites of the region. These include indigenous tree species such as Narra, Camagong and Pili.

The activity aims to preserve, rehabilitate and restore the country’s nature through the collective greening efforts of its stakeholders. Volunteers from the

different sectors of the region – public and private also attended the event.

As part of the department’s mandate of serving the country, DOLE Caraga is committed to joining initiatives and activities geared towards environmental preservation and sustainability, consistent with the implementation of the Green My DOLE Program. (DOLE-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

CDA assistant secretary meets Manobo IPs in Caraga

Assistant Secretary (Asec)

Vidal D. Villanueva III of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), together with CDA Caraga Regional Director Monatao Honeya Radia-Alawi and staff met with the Manobo Indigenous People Tribe and the Municipal Mayor of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on September 22 to 23, 2022.

During the visit, the Manobo Tribe performed the “Kahimunan”, which means sacred gathering Pa-Salamat sa Magbabaya (God), as a way of welcoming their guests. RD Alawi gave a message to the Tribe and encouraged them to organize into a Cooperative. Hence, a Pre-Registration

Seminar was conducted to the members of the tribe as an initiative by CDA.

In the same manner, Asec. Villanueva and RD Alawi made a courtesy call with the Municipal Mayor of Sibagat, Hon. Thelma G. Lamanilao to discuss relevant CDA programs which will cater the needs of the constituents of Sibagat, including the indigenous people.

Asec. Villanueva also made mention the importance of institutionalizing a Municipal Cooperative Development Officer. These were duly supported by RD Alawi and stressed the advantages of the group once registered as

a Cooperative with CDA.

Also present during the courtesy call were Counselor and Sibagat Manobo Tribe Prince Datu Agong Aljun C. Cayawan, Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Samuel Behing, and Cooperative Development Officer Roy Samson.

In response, Mayor Lamanilao pledged to closely coordinate with CDA for the implementation of the programs discussed. She also provided Office space for CDA field personnel within the locality for accessibility with the Agency’s essential services. (CDA-Caraga/PIACaraga)

DOLE conducts capacity building on integrated PEIS PhilJobNet for PESO managers, employers, academe

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga successfully conducted the training for the integrated Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Employment Information System (PEIS)PhilJobNet for PESO managers. DOLE Provincial Heads from the five (5) field offices gathered to reinforce their knowledge on particular guidelines and advisories relative to the program.

Some fifty (50) employers and academe in the region participated in the orientation on the integrated PEIS-PhilJobNet System on September 13, 2022, at Watergate Hotel, this city.

In his welcome message, DOLE Caraga Assistant Regional Director Raymond

Fel F. Sajor, encouraged the PESOs to use the integrated PEIS-PhilJobNet system to help employers easily post their job vacancies and for jobseekers to find a job. “We can use this system to address the job skills mismatch,” he added.

Technical Support Services Division Chief – Ms. Annie C. Tangpos discussed the relevance of the PESOs and local government units in the full implementation of the system. She encouraged the new PESO managers of Buenavista, Jabonga, Cantilan, Carrascal, Sta. Josefa, Rosario, Alegria, Del Carmen, Libjo, and PLGUPDI to properly facilitate the implementation and ensure the availability of accurate information on the supply and demand for skills in the

labor market.

Additionally, the National Skills Registry Program Coordinators of DOLE Caraga, Ms. Jessa Marie Plandano and Ms. Aj Payot, led the workshop for the participants to navigate the system from the perspectives of both jobseekers and employers with the aid of the modules provided by the Bureau of Local Employment.

Since PEIS is maintained and updated by PESOs, the activity was essential to ensure that the partner PESOs could efficiently utilize the machinery in effectively generating information to assist in the delivery of employment services on the ground. (DOLE-Caraga/PIACaraga)

Child laborers’ parents receive P927K worth of DOLE livelihood assistance

Some thirty-one parents of profiled child laborers from Barangay Bobon, this city were awarded with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Livelihood Assistance amounting to Nine Hundred TwentySeven Thousand Three Hundred Sixty-Nine Pesos (Php 927,369.00) for the procurement of different tools and equipment for the individual projects of the beneficiaries.

Grateful for the assistance, one parent shared,”Nagpasalamat mi ug dako sa DOLE sa ilang gihatag nga livelihood. Isa akong anak nga na profile nga Child Laborer diria sa among Barangay. Wala kami nag dahom na mapili among Barangay ug mahatagan ug dugang panginabuhian sa amo isip isa ka ginikanan. Dako kaayo

ning tabang sa among pang adlaw adlaw na panginabuhian ug sa kommunidad dinhi sa among barangay (We are thankful to DOLE for providing us livelihood. My child was among the children who profiled as child laborer in our barangay. We were not expecting that our barangay would be chosen as one of the areas to benefit from this livelihood for us parents

of child laborers. This is really a great help to provide our daily needs, and here in our barangay).”

Amo kani ampingan ang Livelihood na among nadawat gikan sa ahensya sa DOLE. Salamat usab sa among Barangay Captain na kanunay ga supporta ug sa uban pang ahensya sa goberno naghatag niini nga grasya. Amo ni paningkamutan na mulambo pa aron sa mga umaabot aron wala nay anak namo mag laborer (We will take good care of this livelihood that we received from DOLE. Thank you also to our Barangay Captain for the constant support, as well as to other concerned agencies. We will do our best to improve this, so that our children will no longer be child laborer),” a parent added.

The Punong Barangay of Bobon, Aida C. Duran, together with DOLE Agusan del Norte Field Office (DOLE ADNFO) Head Keith C. Duran, Senior Labor and Employment

Officer Maria Chelo Lucero, Livelihood

Focal Jenelibeth E. Manzanares, and DOLE ADNFO support staff attended the said activity.

The DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP) is a flagship program of the DOLE which seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable

and marginalized workers either through emergency employment, promotion of entrepreneurship, and community enterprises. Under its umbrella is the Kabuhayan or DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). For this activity, the DOLE DILP aims to improve the economic activity of the family to meet the basic needs of their children and to eliminate child labor.(KJBA, LEOIII/FNLI/ PIA-Caraga)

NEWS

POPCOM campaigns family welfare

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) continues its campaign for protect families under its program tagline “Ang Pamilyang Protektado, Panalo”,which underlined the importance of having a well-planned family for this will give greater opportunity and capacity to invest for the well-being and development of each family member – and will then become a more empowered human resource.

From September 26 to October 2, the POPCOM is celebrating the 30th National Family Week with theme, “Urbanisasyon at Pamilyang Pilipino: Magka-agapay sa Pagpapatibay at Pagpapaunlad ng Bansa.”

The celebration is a renewal to the call as one cohesive government institution as POPCOM and its partners move together

towards healthy, empowered, and wellplanned Filipino families and communities.

POPCOM continued its advocacy of promoting and enhancing interactions among parents and their teenagers, encourages mothers and fathers to engage in open discussions, especially about topics on sex and sexuality, which are seen to help prevent incidences of pregnancy among young people, while the Commission recognized the demographic implications of early

pregnancy among adolescents and its impact to development as well.

POPCOM urges its partners specifically the local government units to integrate provision of basic family planning and population development services in their respective capacity development agenda within the context of devolution – as part of the general welfare services enumerated under Local Government Code, Section 17. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

POPCOM, DKT capacitate population workers, volunteers

More than one hundred non-health service providers in the region were re-trained with Interpersonal Communication and Counseling (IPCC) on Family Planning, conducted by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga on September 20 to 23, 2022, with financial assistance from DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc.

The population workers and volunteers of the Province of Dinagat Islands were the first

batch of participants. Second and third batches of participants were from Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte, respectively.

POPCOM recognized the importance of IPCC especially among the community front liners –the health/population workers and volunteers, for this skill will help them communicate effectively to their clients and improve client satisfaction.

Director Alexander A. Makinano of POPCOM Caraga

emphasized that the said training enhanced the interpersonal communication skills of these non-heath service providers – enable them to understand the importance of IPCC in facilitating behavior change to improve delivery of family planning information and services; increase their knowledge on basic facts and information, including myths and misconceptions about FP; enable them to demonstrate effectively basic competence in adult learning or teaching methodology.

To recall, POPCOM Caraga and DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. inked partnership to further strengthen the implementation of family planning information and service provision to men and women with unmet need for modern family planning in Caraga region. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

POPCOM signs MOU with gov’t school

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga and Bilay National High School (NHS) in Butuan City signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as among the strategies of the Philippine Population and Development Program (PPDP), specifically on the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) – as program thrust which seeks to prevent teenage pregnancies.

The MOU aims to foster a more comprehensive provision of health and development interventions for the students of Bilay National High School. The regional office of POPCOM, on one hand, ensures provision of technical / logistical support during the implementation of various adolescent sexual and reproductive health initiatives in said

school.

“POPCOM Caraga is very grateful to Bilay NHS for its continued commitment to adolescent development and empowerment in response to one of the government’s dilemma – teenage pregnancy. Bilay NHS has taken a leading role in supporting the government by shaping the future of our young people through CSE, which is crucial for us in the government

to achieve our mission and empower the lives of one of the most vulnerable sectors in the community.”

Director Alexander A. Makinano, POPCOM Caraga

In a related development, POPCOM Caraga entered into similar pact with Agusan National High School – Senior High School and Ampayon National High School, recently. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

LGUs told: Protect teen moms, their children

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)Caraga, along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga, appealed to the local government units in the region to adopt social protection program to assist teenage mothers and their children.

During the third quarter Regional Population Executive Board conference attended by local population officers and representatives of the different regional partner agencies, POPCOM 13 Director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized the importance of establishing sufficient and accessible measures to protect the wellbeing of adolescent mothers and their children; hence, he urged LGUs to significantly

adopt Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children (SPPAMC) to address teenage pregnancies not only in the region but in the whole country.

POPCOM and DSWD inked partnership to develop a data sharing agreement (DSA) to identify teenage mothers and their children nationwide to implement a social amelioration program in support of young mothers belonging to the lowest socioeconomic bracket, among others.

The Commission punctuated that the SPPAMC intervention ensures that no one is left behind in development, including the young mothers and their children.”

RD Makinano reiterated

that the current state of adolescent pregnancies in the country has reached a level of being a national social emergency, an urgent national priority.

POPCOM recognized that one of the emerging threats to the development of the young people is the increasing incidence of pregnancies, particularly among adolescents.

In 2019, the Philippines reported a total of 180, 916 live births among teenagers aged 10-19, according to statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System that equates 495 live births each day in the 10-19 age range. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga LGUs gear up for devolution

Population and Development Officers of the different local government units in Caraga region reassessed its plans to suit with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)approved Devolution Transition Plan (DTP) of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), as mandated by Executive Order No. 138.

During the third quarter Regional Population and Development Conference (RPDC), POPCOM Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano made sure that the provinces, cities and municipalities understand their specific roles and functions in the Philippine Population and Development Program (PPDP) localization, based on POPCOM-approved Devolution Transition Plan (DTP).

Director Makinano reiterated that POPCOM’s DTP provides for the strategic direction and thrust of the PPDP within the context of devolution; partnership framework between POPCOM national and regional offices and LGUs; the basic standards for the implementation of POPDEV strategies and services including prescribed organizational structure and staffing complement in the LGUs; and the capacity development strategy for national, regional and local population offices and

workers. The LGU population workers care-out a plan to closely keep tract the commitments of the local government executives during the PPDP localization alliance building and partnership conducted by POPCOM Caraga, through committee hearing, budget hearing, devolution council or devolution transition committee meeting, executive-legislative agenda, comprehensive development plan, annual investment program. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Completed FMR eases transport of agricultural products, boost local economy in Butuan City

echoing the instruction of Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, said that the DPWH will continue the Build Build Build program and will prioritize projects that can contribute immediately to the much-needed economic recovery.

Farmers and residents of Barangays Antongalon and Basag in Butuan City are thankful to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the concrete farm-tomarket road (FMR) that now eases the transport of their farm produce from the field to the market, and helps lessen their transportation costs.

Butuan City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) District Engineer

Jose Caesar A. Radaza said that the road project is a shorter and better access for the farmers as it crosses directly the rice fields traversing Purok 1B Barangay Antongalon to Barangay Basag with a total length of 1.125 kilometer connecting the highway at NRJ Agusan – Davao Road (Daang Maharlika), Butuan City. Regional Director Pol M. Delos Santos,

“President BBM is prioritizing agriculture and we believe that this newly concreted FMR will boost the local economy and encourage the farmers to maximize their outputs all-year round”, RD Pol Delos Santos said.

The FMR project was implemented by Butuan City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) under its FY 2021 GAA and has a contract amount of P 16,878,867.15. It started on August 25, 2021 and was declared completed on January 30, 2022. (DPWH Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

POPCOM celebrates World Contraception Day

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) joins the celebration of the 5th World Contraception Day on Monday, September 26 with the theme: “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning: Where Every Pregnancy is Wanted”, as POPCOM continues its advocacy in providing correct information and services for modern family planning through the agency’s Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program (RPFP). POPCOM continues to encourage couples and individuals to make the right decision in choosing what modern family planning to use based on their needs and preference. The agency emphasized that it is one of the best decisions they can make for their family and for themselves. The Commission strongly believes that correct

information and having the right choice for couples and individuals is important to prevent unintended pregnancies. Rural Health Units and Municipal Health Centers in the whole of Caraga region are receiving FP commodities and services for free from POPOCM-Caraga.

POPCOM Caraga continuously serves qualified clients through its Family Wellness Clinic located at VCDU Bldg. Pareja Subdivision, Butuan City. In partnership with various local government

units and population offices in Caraga region, the RPFP demand generation and service delivery provide upto-date, accurate information and services in modern family planning like Progestin Subdermal Implant, Pills, Condoms, and Injectable to couples and individuals in the entire region including the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Ares or GIDA communities. (Gabrielle Paolo M. Mordeno, POPCOM Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte

POPCOM Caraga presents profile, migration of Butuan Barangay

The Commission on Population and Development – Caraga together with the City Population Office (CPO) of Butuan recently presented the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants or RBIM to the officials of Barangay Ong Yiu, the first of 86 barangays in the city, as baseline for planning, programming, and budgeting.

POPCOM – Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano informed the barangay officials, led by Punong Barangay Wilbert B. Ejos the socio-demographic and migration data of said barangay as of calendar year 2021.

Punong Barangay Wilbert B. Ejos also raised concerns regarding the barangay’s problems that need to be discussed and addresed during the activity’s open forum, such as continuity and sustainability of livelihood programs for these have

practical benefits and positive impact to the community, in which the City Population Office of Butuan suggested that personnel should be properly trained and submission of reports must be accurate and timely.

The Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM), formerly known as the Local Migration Information System, was introduced by POPCOM in 2017 with the goal of tracking internal movements of people from one barangay/municipality to another. The RBIM is vital in understanding

the demographics and socioeconomic database that can be utilized to plan programs, projects, and interventions at the community level.

POPCOM-Caraga trained the CPO staff and provided the logistical requirements for the conduct of the survey.

The CPO, on one hand, facilitated the conduct of the survey, encoding, and processing of the results ready for presentation to the remaining 85 barangays. (Gabrielle Paolo M. Mordeno, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgNor Solon files bill Criminalizing Abuses Against and Abandonment of Senior Citizens, Creating 24/7 Senior Citizens Help Hotline and Help Desks

Agusan del Norte Second Congressional District Representative Dale B. Corvera filed House Bill No. 5116, otherwise known as “Senior Citizens Protection Act” criminalizing Elder Abuse.

According to a study of the World Health Organization, one in six senior citizens experienced some form of abuse in 2021. Cases of elder abuse increased as community quarantines made interactions between senior citizens and their potential abusers more frequent.

Under the proposed measure, any act or series of acts, or lack of appropriate action when the circumstances require, including threats of such acts, committed by a person against a senior citizen, which result in or is

likely to result in physical or psychological harm, suffering or distress to the latter, including battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty shall be punishable.

“The proposed measure recognizes the vulnerabilities of our senior citizens and aims to uphold their dignity by protecting them from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, coercion, and other acts deleterious to their personal safety and security, or otherwise discriminatory”, Corvera said.

The bill also mandates the creation of a national Senior Citizen Help Hotline which can be accessed by victim senior citizens and concerned citizens free of charge to report cases of elder abuse.

Likewise, it requires the creation of Senior Citizens Help Desk in every barangay manned by competent welfare officers, which shall provide immediate assistance to victims of elder abuse on a 24/7 basis.

“No one can exactly predict when an abuse will be committed against a senior citizen. Thus, it is critical to design and implement response mechanisms which will attend to the needs of our victim senior citizens on a 24/7 basis. Those who have access to phones can immediately report incidents of elder abuse free of charge via a national hotline, while those who feel more secure doing it physically may do so by going to the help desk in their barangays”, Corvera added. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

LGUs to prioritize population dev’t services in 2023 budget

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) urged the local government units to prioritize population and development services, family planning services and program for the welfare of children in their appropriations for fiscal year 2023.

POPCOM Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano advised all regional and local partners that the LGUs’ budget for 2022-2024 shall prioritize the mentioned services as provided under POPCOM’s DBM-approved Devolution Transition Plan (DTP).

Director Makinano underscored that the Supreme Court Mandanas-Garcia ruling implementation calls for a higher level of services from the local government units in providing the basic needs of families and communities, which includes greater access to family planning and other reproductive health services.

Under Executive Order No. 138, Makinano added that all LGUs are mandated to lay down their programs, projects and activities in the DTPs as part of the preparations for the rollout of the Mandanas implementation commencing this year.

It was mentioned by the POPCOM Caraga Director that DBM issued Local Budget Memorandum No. 82 which

prioritizes the funding of the approved DTP by the LGUs’ National Tax Allotment (NTA) and other local resources in FY 2022. Said directive was reiterated for FY 2023 through LBM No. 85.

The good director added, “Now that the treasury of the LGUs has increased in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia petition, may you promote the availability and strengthen the basic health and social services for your constituents.”

“Population is the main focus of development, and in turn, development conditions impact on the wellbeing of the people. The Philippine Population and Development Program remains a key and important strategy in facilitating sustainable and inclusive development at all levels.” POPCOM Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized. (May ann O. Escobal, POPCOM Caraga/ PIA Caraga)

DOLE Caraga signs MOA with a JobStart partner employer

The Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Agusan del Sur, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Hiromoca Corporation as partner employer of the Provincial PESO of Agusan del Sur and DOLE Caraga for JobStart Philippines Program 2022 roll-out.

The MOA signing was conducted at Barangay Pulang-Lupa, this municipality. Mr. Escolastico R. Hitgano Jr., the proprietor, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity opened by the program.

Since the Jobstart trainees have already completed the first training phase, they will now proceed to Technical Training and Internship. Trainees will be placed in-house with a partner employer for technologybased theoretical instruction for a maximum of three months for lectures, perform hands-on exercises in a laboratory or a workshop within the premises, and apply the practical learnings in a regular work environment under mentorship for a maximum of

three months.

Trainees will receive stipends of three hundred pesos (PhP300) per day, two hundred pesos (PhP200) worth of communication allowance during their technical training, and a National Certificate II before proceeding to an internship.

Partner employer provides 75% of the prevailing minimum wage during the internship of the trainees. They may absorb the trainees to wage employment after the training.

The technical training and internship will run from September 1, 2022 until December 30, 2022. Twenty trainees will be in the food and beverage services. The remaining 20 trainees will be in the housekeeping services.

JobStart Program is a full-cycle employment facilitation service that shortens the youth’s school-to-work transition. It enhances the knowledge and skills acquired in formal education, providing the youth with a conducive and safe work environment where they can learn and apply relevant theories and develop a strong work ethic through the program’s technical training and internship phases. It is also a venue for partner employers where they can customize the process of technical training through employerdriven training plans, select well-equipped trainees, and have another opportunity to contribute to society through corporate social responsibility. (DOLE-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AgSur Reservists take part in Medical Outreach Program

The Reservists from Charlie Coy, 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (1502RRIBn) under the administration of 1502nd Community Defense Center (1502CDC), took part in a Medical Outreach Program initiated by St. Francis Assisi Parish-Trento held on September 28, 2022, at St. Francis Assisi Parish Covered Court,

Trento, Agusan del Sur.

The troops served arozcaldo to some 300 attendees who participated in the activity.

Partner stakeholders such as Rural Health Office of Trento, Philippine Red Cross, The International Association of Lions Club, Eagles Club, and 2nd

Provincial Mobile Force Company, Agusan del Sur Police Provincial

Office were also present during the said program.

A total of 85 bags were collected from the volunteers, who donated blood during the said activity. (2Lt Adones

L. Apilada, Executive Officer, 1502 CDC/PIAAgusan del Sur)

Remaining members of CTG in AgSur surrender to government

Six (6) remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in the hinterlands of San Luis and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur surrendered to the 26th Infantry Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) Sandy Majarocon on September 25, 2022.

Following the surrender of their leader, Badong Lipanda alias “Reymund”, commanding officer of Platoon Banglas, SubRegional Committee 3,

North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) last September 17, 2022, six more members yielded to the operating troops of 26IB bringing along six (6) high-powered firearms composed of three (3) AK47 rifles, two (2) M16A1 rifles, one (1) Garand rifle, magazines and live ammunitions.

Just like the testimony of the surrendered commander, the remaining members have shared their chaotic experiences in joining the terrorist

movement. The tiring days of evading the Focused Military Operations, very little food supply, and the loss of mass support have demoralized each member that resulted in disunity among their ranks.

“Mapasalamaton ming dako sa 26IB sa ilang pagdawat sa amua, sa pagtabang nga kami makabalik sa sabakan sa atong gobyerno, ug sa pagpasaylo nila sa amuhang mga kanhi nabuhat mahitungod sa sayop nga ideyolohiya nga

gitudlo sa amua sauna (We are thankful to the 26IB for accepting us, for facilitating our return to the government’s fold, and for showing us mercy despite the chaos we brought in the community due to wrong ideologies before),” Mama Inolato alias “Jab” said during an interview. Likewise, LtCol Majarocon, welcomed the surrenderees, and commended them for choosing the path of peace, reconciliation, and rule of law. He also thanked the Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders and families of former rebels for helping the military in encouraging them to

surrender.

“Maayong pag-abot sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga ni-surrender. Manghinaut ko nga tinud-anay kining inyong pagbalik sa sabakan sa atong panggamhanan. Usa kini ka dako nga kahigayonan aron kamo magkinabuhi sa kalinaw ug gawasnon uban ang inyong tagsatagsa ka pamilya ug mga mahal sa kinabuhi (We welcome our surrenderees. I hope this is a sincere gesture of your interest to return to the folds of the law. This is a big opportunity for you to be able to live in a peaceful life with your respective family and love ones),” LtCol

Majarocon said.

The surrender of the six remaining Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) will finally put an end to Platoon Banglas, SRC3 and the atrocities conducted by the said group for the past many years.

At present, the six (6) surrenderees are undergoing assessments, documentation, and counseling in preparation for their enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). (1Lt Percival J Carido, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

High-ranking CTG leader, five other members surrender to government’s fold

A Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in Agusan del Sur collapsed following the surrender of its leader and members to the 26th Infantry Battalion led by commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) Sandy Majarocon in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on September 17, 2022.

The unit’s strengthened partnership and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders, Former Rebels (FRs), families, and the

Local Government Units (LGUs) and relentless Focused Military Operations (FMOs), paved the way for the surrender of six (6) New People’s Army (NPA) members including Badong Gumansel Lipanda alias “Reymund”, commanding officer of Platoon Banglas, SubRegional Committee 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). They also surrendered three (3) high-powered firearms and three (3) low-powered firearms

consisting of one (1) M16 rifle, two (2) Garand rifles, one (1) shotgun, and two (2) cal.45 pistols, all with magazines and live ammunition.

Accordingly, fear for their lives, scarcity of food supply, being away from their families and children, and without support from their former mass bases and higher units had pushed alias “Reymund” and his comrades to surrender and finally abandon the terrorist movement.

“Human sa mga sunod-

sunod nga enkwentro sa kasundalohan, kawagtangan sa suporta sa mga masa, ug kawad-an sa suporta gikan sa among taas, ug apilan sa kalisod sa pagkaon ug kamingaw sa among mga anak, naka huna-huna na gayud ako ug surrender uban sa akong asawa ug ubang myembro. Maglisod na kaayo mi pagduol sa among mga kanhing masa kay dili na sila motuo sa amoa ug dili na nila gusto nga maapil pa sa kagubot (after the series of encounters against the army troops, no mass support even from our top officials, and scarcity of food, and being away from our children, I was really convinced to surrender with my wife and my comrades.

We had difficulty in reaching out to our mass supporters as they no longer believe in us, and they no longer want to be involved),” alias “Reymund” said in an interview.

Meanwhile, LtCol Majarocon, Commanding Officer of this unit, applauded the decision of alias “Reymund” to surrender. “Ako ug ang tibuok kasundalohan sa 26IB nalipay nga kamo nisunod sa panawagan sa atong gobyerno ug katawhan nga inyo nang undangon ang inyong walay pulos ug walay padulnganan nga kalihokan ug mobalik namo sa sabakan sa atong gobyerno ug mangamuyo nga maayo ug malinawon

(I and the rest of our personnel in 26IB are delighted to know that you have heeded to the call of the government to put a stop from your senseless cause and to return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful life),” he said to the surrenderees.

“His (Badong) surrender together with the recent neutralization of his members indicate the collapse of Pltn Banglas, a notorious CTG under SRC3, NCMRC that has been conducting atrocities in the hinter areas of the municipalities of San Luis, Esperanza, and Talacogon of this province since 2010,” LtCol Majarocon added.

The six (6) surrenderees have undergone medical checkups, assessments, documentation, and counseling in preparation for their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). (1Lt Percival J Carido, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DTI completes “Buy Local” advocacy to 10 LGUs in SurSur

The Department of Trade and Industry - Surigao del Sur (DTI-SDS) Provincial Office completed the advocacy to the targeted 10 local governments of the province for the “Buy Local” Initiative by the agency.

The advocacy was initially conducted during the Sangguniang Panglungsod Session of Tandag City on July 20, 2022.

The same activity was conducted in the City of Bislig, and municipalities of Cortes, Cantilan, Hinatuan,

Carrascal, Barobo, Madrid, Cagwait, and San Agustin all of this province.

As of date, the cities of Tandag and Bislig and the municipalities of Carrascal, Hinatuan, and Cantilan have passed a resolution supporting the program.

DTI Surigao del Sur will be coordinating with the rest of the Local Chief Executives of the remaining lgus for the issuance of the Executive Order supporting the advocacy.

Meanwhile, the Buy Local is an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry to campaign for the support of the local government units to their respective local microenterprises. This involves allocating 10% of their procurement of goods to local products, using them as a token for their guests/visitors, setting up a display booth in their respective offices, and mounting trade exhibits during any of their events. (Ms. Bema Theresa Vasquez, DTISDS/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

#ExplainExplainExplain

DTI trains 20 IPs on BEST Game in Carmen, SurSur

Some 20 members of Mag-uumang Manobo sa Hinapoyan underwent the “Business Expense Savings Training” (BEST) game conducted by the DTI-Surigao del Sur, through the Negosyo Center Cantilan held at Mangrove Park, Cabakhawan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on September 22, 2022.

The activity aims to instill a proper entrepreneurial mindset among the participants and guide them on how to run and manage a business on banana and cassava chips processing.

Trade-Industry Development Specialist (TIDS) Leo Froilan M. Duero faciliated the training through different learning mediums like lectures, workshops, and simulations and the trainees were encouraged to actively participate.

During the simulation activities, the participants played several roles which capacitated them , namely, record-keeping, cash flow monitoring, costsaving initiatives, and price negotiations. They were also motivated to develop the management skills necessary for their business to grow.

The trainees extended their heartfelt gratitude to the DTI, and are hopeful for another follow up training road map.

“Dili nami mahadlok mulambigit ug mga risgo sa negosyo kay mas na giyahan mi sa saktong proseso. Hinaot pa aduna pay mga makabuluhanong trainings na sama ani aron dugang kalambuan sa among tribo, negosyo ug asosasyon. Daghan kaayong salamat, DTI! (We are not afraid to involve business risks because

we are more guided in the right process.

Hopefully there will be more meaningful training like this to further the development of our tribe, business and association. Thank you very much, DTI!)”, Venancio Meniano, chairperson of the association commented.

Meanwhile, the Business Expense Savings Training Game or BEST Game is a set of business tools that recreates actual business environments to fast-track learning. With this tool, participants can experience an on-hand simulation of running a business which will be a great help for them to become prepared for the situations that they might encounter in their own business organization. (NGPB, Vaneza Dela Torre, NC Cantilan, DTI/PIA-Surigap del Sur)

Globalport Deploys New Forklifts at the Port of Surigao

To further boost the materialhandling capability and versatility of its cargo handling operations, Globalport Surigao Terminals Inc. has acquired and deployed heavy-lift mobile equipment for use at the Port of Surigao.

Four (4) Mitsubishi Caterpillar forklifts, with a safe workload of 3 tons each, as well as one 5-tonner, and a SANY heavy-duty forklift with a rated capacity of 16 tons have been deployed to augment Globalport Surigao’s equipment fleet to ensure safer and more efficient handling of various commodities, boxed palettes, bagged cargoes, and other non-containerized shipments.

In line with Globalport’s commitment to safe and environment-friendly port operations, these state-ofthe-art forklifts are powered by low-emission engines that can provide adequate force even at low revolution, reduced fuel consumption and low noise levels. Further, these are fitted with onboard fire suppression system, and anti-rollover protection, among other safety features.

More importantly, these forklifts are equipped with Presence Detection System. The system makes sure that the forklift does not work if the driver is not in the driver’s seat. Not only will the forklift not drive; all the hydraulic functions are automatically disabled.

PMO Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla expressed appreciation for the latest efforts of Globalport Surigao Terminals Inc. to modernize its’ cargo handling operations at the Port of Surigao.

“Globalport Surigao’s latest acquisition of modern cargo handling equipment for the Port of Surigao is commendable and showed sincerity in honoring development commitments made, not just to the Philippine Ports Authority, but also to the port users of the Surigao Baseport,” PMO Surigao Acting Manager Froilan Caturla said in a statement made during simple ceremonies held on September 15, 2022. (PPAPMO Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Port Community Kicks

Off 23rd National Maritime Week Celebrations

The celebration of the 23rd National Maritime Week started with a bang and made more significant as the impact of the Covid19 gradually became less detrimental to the lives of the people.

This was evident in the kickoff celebration held on September 19, 2022 at the Port of Surigao as the Philippine Ports Authority –host of this year’s festivities – pulled all the stops to jumpstart the weeklong celebration, along with the Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard and other partner

agencies in the Surigao Port Community.

Kickoff ceremonies formally opened with the dressing up of ships docked at the Port of Surigao – who all did a simultaneous blowing of horns to signal the start of the week-long festivities. A Eucharistic Celebration was then held at the Port of Surigao Passenger Terminal Building followed shortly with a motorcade and a floral offering at the harbor waters of the Surigao Baseport.

In keeping with this year’s theme: “New Technologies for Greener Shipping,” PMO

Surigao Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla said in his remarks that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will push for greener and more sustainable port operations.

“The theme of this year’s celebration is appropriate and very significant for it comes at a time when the Philippine maritime industry faces a future beset with challenges, particularly in the face of climate change and other problems that beset our natural environment,” said Acting PMO Surigao Manager Froilan Caturla. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIASurigao del Norte)

Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing signs MOA with DOST for P2.9M SET UP projects

The Department of Science and Technology – Caraga (DOSTCaraga), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office – Surigao del Norte (PSTO-SDN), forged a Memorandum of Agreement with Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing on September 23, 2022.

The said MOA is for the project entitled “Product Quality and Process Improvement for Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing

through Science and Technology Intervention” with an approved project cost amounting to P2,957,339.00 million under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing started its operation in 2018 as a sole proprietorship business owned and managed by Mrs. Gemma S. Rebuta. Mrs. Rebuta is a businesswoman who started her career as a

medical representative before opening her own pharmacy - the Aquariane Pharmacy in Surigao City in 2002.

In 2017, the proponent acquired skills in producing turmeric powder from a friend who taught her the process. Being an advocate of natural medicine, she realized the need to develop a product with more than one raw material composition to attain a more healthier food product for

consumers. With this, she underwent research and development and formulated the 28-in-1 powdered juice drink which is now known for its vast variety of medicinal benefits.

Currently, the proponent is an active member of Caraga Regional Association of Traders and Entrepreneurs in Foods (CReATE Foods) and has been supplying the above-mentioned establishments regularly. During the pandemic, the mining

companies are one of its major markets as they purchased powered juice drink in bulk distributed to employees and different communities. The firm also receives and caters repeat orders from walk-in customers from various provinces and regions and has been supplying to grocery and commercial stores in the city.

However, due to limited capacity of production machineries, the business cannot increase its

production volume and expand its market reach. With this, the proponent sought assistance to DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program to upgrade its existing equipment and accommodate the increasing demand of her customers/clients.

During the MOA signing, DOST-Surigao del Norte and Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing pledged to extend their full support and commitment for the effective implementation of the aforementioned SETUP project. SETUP enables firms to address their technical problems through acquisition and transfer of technology interventions. DOSTSurigao del Norte is also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. Message our page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte to know more about the benefits, requirements, and identified priority sectors. (DOST-SDN/ PIASurigao del Norte)

Anchico Cakes and Pastries Shop sign MOA with DOST for a sweet tech upgrade

The Department of Science and Technology – Caraga (DOSTCaraga), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office – Surigao del Norte (PSTO-SDN), forged a Memorandum of Agreement with Anchico Cakes and Pastries Shop on September 15, 2022.

The MOA is for the project entitled “Production Capacity Upgrading of Anchico Cakes and Pastries through Science and Technology Intervention” with an approved project cost amounting to P 284,000.00 under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Ms. Mayumi A. Miel, the proprietor of the firm, is a certified public accountant who has a great passion in baking cakes and pastries. Her business began in

2011 focusing on the production and selling of homemade tablea using a recipe she acquired from her mother. In 2015, she decided to venture into baking and selling of cakes and pastries and invested additional capital to procure equipment for baking.

With positive feedback from regular clients, her cake and pastry products ultimately acquired an increasing number of customers. It was in year 2021 when the business was registered. Today, Ms. Miel continues to supply cakes and pastries

to a few recognized restaurants in the city namely Manzanitas Restaurant, PV Grill, and two (2) branches of Bastie Coffeeshop. Her online customers also continue to increase.

Ms. Miel envisions that Anchico Cakes and Pastries Shop will become a trusted brand in the province and eventually in Caraga region for manufacturing high quality cakes and pastries. She decided to expand her business by not just accepting orders but also accommodating walk-in customers both

for dine-in and take-out. However, due to limited capacity of production machineries, the business cannot increase its production volume and expand its market reach. The increasing demand of products in the market also requires the firm to upgrade its production capacity and capability to meet customers’ demand. With this, the proponent sought assistance to DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program to

upgrade the business’ production equipment to accommodate the increasing number of her customers/clients and cope with the anticipated increase of demand as she expands her business.

During the MOA signing, DOST-Surigao del Norte and Anchico Cakes and Pastries Shop pledged to extend their full support and commitment for the effective implementation of the aforementioned SETUP project.

SETUP enables firms to address their technical problems through acquisition and transfer of technology interventions. DOSTSurigao del Norte is also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. Message our page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte to know more about the benefits, requirements, and identified priority sectors. (DOST-SDN/PIASurigao del Norte)

MINDANAO NEWS

EU, partners launch hybrid power plant in Mindanao

A solar hybrid power plant, expected to provide 24/7 electricity to two municipalities in Mindanao, was launched this week, the European Union (EU) Delegation in Manila said Thursday.

The initiative is part of the Renewable Energy Technology for Seaweeds Value-Added (RETS) project between the EU, the Mindanao Development Authority, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and local stakeholders, and is set to benefit the island municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai in TawiTawi.

“Supporting a seaweed value chain in a remote location in Tawi-Tawi by increasing the supply of renewable energy, strengthening the power grid, securing a steady water supply, and enhancing community services in health, education, nutrition, and sanitation, is not an easy feat. It is impressive,” the EU Delegation to the Philippines’ Head of Cooperation Christoph Wagner said at the launch in Pasay City on Sept. 28.

“The European Union is proud to have been part of the partnership that made it possible. This project embodies the EU’s global commitment to fight climate change through environmentally sustainable development while leaving no one behind,” he added.

Through renewable

SOLAR POWER PROJECT. EU Head of Cooperation Christoph Wagner during the ceremonial unveiling of the solar hybrid power plant marker in Pasay City on Sept. 28, 2022. The project is expected to benefit the island municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi.(Photo courtesy of EU Delegation in the Philippines)

hybridization of the local grids, RETS has helped extend the supply of electricity services in Sibutu and Sitangkai, which are home to about 15,000 seaweed farmers.

The project, the EU said, would also integrate efforts to improve livelihoods by enhancing the quality and value of seaweeds produced by the communities.

“Coupled with solar home systems, this will help provide electricity to remote seaweed farming communities and power their livelihoods,” it said.

RETS has a total investment of over PHP225.5 million, of which PHP168.5 million have been

provided by the EU under its larger Access to Sustainable Energy Program.

“The EU Delegation has long been MinDA’s partner for peace and development. We are grateful to have the same support from them in our pursuit of a balanced and sustainable energy mix for Mindanao, especially in the off-grid communities,” MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Acosta said. “When we provide more income-generating activities, we are also improving the households’ ability to pay for the energy service, which contributes to the sustainability of the project,” Acosta added.

(PNA/ Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Mindanao dev’t key to lasting peace: Padilla

Senator Robin Padilla on Wednesday moved for the increase of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) budget, saying this will be a key to lasting peace in the region.

Padilla also urged the government to pour enough funds to support the airport project in the Municipality of M’lang, North Cotabato which was in limbo for the past 15 years.

“Sayang yan. Maganda yan sana sa Central Mindanao. Ang progresibong lugar talagang may airport, seaport. Hanggang wala po yan, sayang ang 15 years (It would be a waste. The airport would have been good for Central Mindanao. Progressive places have airports and seaports. Without these, the last 15 years would have been for nothing),” he said in a news release.

Padilla also noted that based on the proposed budget of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Luzon got a big share, followed by the Visayas.

“Malapit sa amin ang Mindanao. Para sa amin, pag nakikita namin ang budget, kasi pinakita po

sa amin ang budget ng DBM. Ang laki sa Luzon, tapos pagdating sa Visayas, malaki rin. Pero pagdating sa Mindanao, medyo maliit pa rin. Medyo may kalungkutan po doon pagdating sa punto na yan (Mindanao is close to us. We have seen the proposed budgets for Luzon and Visayas, and they are considerable. But for Mindanao, the budget is quite small. This is very sad),” said Padilla, after learning of a budget cut for MinDA for next year),” he said.

For 2023, the National Expenditure Program allotted PHP158.958 million for MinDA, which is PHP197.27 million lower than the agency’s budget of PHP38.312 million this year.

As such, some PHP306.642 million in projects may go unfunded, including: * Mindanao digital innovations programPHP18.98 million; *Expanded Mindanao economic recovery program - PHP20.977 million; * Mindanao River Basins Food-Energy-Water nexus program - PHP12.390 million; and the

*Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Heritage Preservation and Development Support

Program PHP10 million.

“Sabi nyo nga, napakahalaga ng kapayapaan. At alam natin ang ugat ng lahat ng kaguluhan ang dapat maging pantay-pantay ang development (As you said, peace is very important. And we know the key to peace is to address the cause of chaos by ensuring equitable development),” he told MinDA Chairperson Ma. Belen Acosta.

Padilla said while he and finance subcommittee chairman Senator Ronald

“Bato” dela Rosa will find ways to increase MinDA’s budget, the agency’s officials must also make representations with the Department of Budget and Management. (With report from Leonel Abasola/PNA)

Padilla

NEWS

PBBM vows to make SSS stronger; cites agency’s crucial role in strengthening social protection

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made a commitment Friday to throw his full support behind the Social Security System (SSS) to ensure its effectiveness, particularly as the country recovers from the pandemic while also dealing with the unintended effects of the present global geopolitical situation.

“As your President, I assure you that I commit myself to every initiative that will improve the efficiency and productivity of the SSS and thereby improve the lot and welfare of our people,” Marcos said during the SSS’ 65th anniversary commemoration at the SSS Building in Quezon City.

“The SSS’ critical role in strengthening our country’s social protection is more crucial, now more than ever. With the country recovering from the pandemic, with the country trying to recover from the shocks that are coming from the geopolitical situation around the world, still I am truly excited to see more ways to which the SSS will bring its services closer to its members and make a positive impact in the communities that you serve.”

With a strong, stable, and secure SSS, the President said he sees a better and brighter future, not only for its members but also for the entire country.

Also, during his address, the President spelled out several programs that his administration has initiated at SSS. These include the implementation of the Contribution Subsidy

Provider Program, the flexible payment scheme for fishermen and farmers, and the Contribution Penalty Condonation Program for business and household employers.

These schemes, he said, provide a lifeline to both the workers and employers in paying their contributions, especially during the pandemic.

“So maganda nga itong naitulong natin sa kanila para naman gumaan na naman nang konti. And that is precisely the idea behind any insurance scheme,” he said.

“And that is exactly what SSS is supposed to do – provide the safety nets for our people, not only during crisis like the pandemic or pagka may giyera gaya ng sa Ukraine, kung hindi ‘yung pangaraw-araw, ‘yung pang-arawaraw na buhay ng ating mga private employees.”

At the same time, he congratulated the recipients of this year’s SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awards, advising the awardees to

keep up the good work.

Because of their dedication, the SSS was able to carry out its mandate efficiently and smoothly through the strong partnerships that the agency formed with its clientele, according to the chief executive. Marcos also expressed gratitude to SSS members for their hard work, devotion, and contributions, which made the SSS an important player in nation-building and a guarantor of people’s welfare.

Established on September 1, 1957, through the Social Security Act of 1954, the SSS was created to serve as a government financial institution that provides social security protection for all Filipino workers.

Joining the President during the event were Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., SSS President and CEO Michael Regino, SSS Commissioner Diana Pardo-Aguilar, and other officials and staff of the social security agency. | PND

PBBM calls for sustainable, responsive economic recovery

Also, through the bank’s assistance, the country was able to push forward with projects in many areas such as infrastructure, social reform and community development, and governance and institutions development— which are all consistent with the administration’s 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda.

Marcos said he is excited to see the outcome of the annual meeting as the country sets sail towards a better, more resilient, and inclusive tomorrow that caters to people’s needs and puts more emphasis on the threats posed by climate change.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong”

Marcos Jr. rallied for unity Thursday as the country gears toward postpandemic economic recovery, which he said must be proenvironment, sustainable, and responsive to people’s needs.

Addressing the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 55th annual meeting of its board of governors at the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City, Marcos said it is time for different sectors to work together to bring about an even “better normal.”

“I believe that at the heart of this goal is in the way that we must develop an economy that is green, that is sustainable, truly climateresilient and responsive to people’s immediate needs,” he told ADB’s annual gathering.

“It is an economy that takes into account the ecosystem from which we harness our resources.”

According to the President, since ADB’s inception, it has been a

reliable institution in providing loans, technical assistance, and equity investments to its members in promoting social and economic development.

He acknowledged and thanked ADB for being the Philippines’ steadfast partner in achieving its development goals.

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the chief executive said ADB was one of the first institutions that provided assistance by granting $3 million to purchase medical supplies for frontline health workers.

“We also recognize ADB for allowing us to access the CARES Program — a quick-disbursing budget-support facility to aid countries in mitigating the severe economic shocks caused by the pandemic,” he said.

“Moreover, I am pleased to note that we share the same vision of building a brighter and more resilient future.”

“As President, I will assure that the government’s relationship with the ADB can only grow stronger in the years to come, harnessing mutual cooperation to nurture development here in our country, together with our partners around the world and in the region,” he said.

ADB is a financial institution conceived in the early 1960s aimed at fostering economic growth and cooperation in Asia.

It envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific and has been assisting its members and partners by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. Also present were Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Niue Premier Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, ADB Board of Governors, Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, and other members of the Cabinet. (PND)

PBBM US trip yields at least $3.9 billion in investment pledges; thousands of job opportunities seen

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s visit to the United States last week could generate close to $4 billion in investments from multiple sectors, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

According to investment data released by the Palace, business agreements and commitments secured during the President’s visit have an estimated investment value of $3.9 billion, with a potential employment generation of 112,285 jobs.

These investments will come from different sectors such as Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), data centers, and manufacturing.

Palace said, however, that the estimates do not reflect the full potential of future investments from several companies that the President and the trade department met while in New York.

It said some companies had expressed interest in considering new or further investments in the country, but their plans have yet to be firmed up.

At the grand opening of the New Terminal Building of the Clark International Airport in Clark Freeport in Pampanga, Marcos reiterated that the Philippines is open for business, and the government is ready to go the extra mile to nurture strong partnerships with

potential investors.

“And this facility is essentially a very strong signal that yes, indeed, we are open for business,” he said during the event.

The Philippines, he said, is a good investment destination being probably the most vibrant economy in Southeast Asia. He said his administration understands potential investors’ requirements and needs, and it will do everything to build strong partnerships.

According to him, he carried this message when he traveled to New York last week to attend the United Nations General Assembly and as he met American business leaders and heads of corporations.

Wednesday’s opening is also a perfect example of a positive outcome of public and private sector collaboration as both sectors leverage their assets through strong partnership, the President said.

The newly opened facility is also important as the country strives to become Asia’s logistic center, he added. |

PND

PBBM: PH ‘ready to go the extra mile’ to bolster investments

The Philippines is an ideal place to invest and the government is ready to go the extra mile to nurture strong partnerships with potential investors wanting to put their money in the country, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday as he opened a new airport facility in Central Luzon.

“The simple message that underlay all that we did was that the Philippines is here, we are a good place to invest, we are probably the most vibrant economy

in Southeast Asia, and we understand the requirements and the needs of our potential investors, and we will do everything so that that partnership becomes to the advantage of both the private sector, the public sector, to the people,” Marcos said during the grand opening of New Terminal Building of the Clark International Airport in Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

“And this facility is essentially a very strong signal that yes, indeed, we are open for business.

We just opened a new terminal. It is state-ofthe-art, and this is one of the things that we will continue to do in the future to bring you all to come and be partners with the Philippines to help the lives of our people to help the Philippine economy and para pagandahin ang buhay ng Pilipino, para pagandahin naman natin ang Pilipinas.”

According to the President, this was the message he tried to carry when he traveled to New York last week to attend the United

Nations General Assembly and met with many business leaders and heads of corporations.

The idea, he said, was to tell them that the Philippines is willing to change in terms of documentation, procedure, even structure, and legislation to encourage them to come and invest in the Philippines.

Wednesday’s opening is also a perfect example of what government and the private sector can do if they work together, the President said, adding both sectors can leverage their assets if they have strong collaboration.

It is also important because the facility will be another building block in the country’s thrust to become a logistic center of Asia, he pointed out.

“You will see nakangiti nga si Secretary Christina Frasco because now we have another facility, we have another airport kung saan makapasok ang mga turista, ang

mga travelers. Not only the business — nagbubukas — the business travelers, those who are working but also those who are visiting the Philippines,” he said.

The country needs similar facilities to boost the tourism industry, the chief executive said, noting his government has plans to improve the airports in Manila and its surrounding areas.

In the meantime, however, while construction works in Manila, Bulacan, and Cavite airports are ongoing, regional airports must be opened, he said.

“Huwag nating pinipilit lahat kailangang dumaan ng Maynila. So direct na sa Bohol, direct sa — well sa Cebu marami na talagang direct, direct sa CDO, direct sa Davao na mayroon na rin,” he said.

“Pero ganoon para hindi na kailangan dumaan ng Maynila. Kaya’t itong ganitong klaseng project is exactly on point when it comes to the plans that we have.”

The opening of the 110,000 square-meter new terminal building is part of an effort to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila.

Equipped with stateof-the-art facilities for safer and efficient travel, the facility was built to accommodate around eight million passengers every year, an improvement from the previous 4.2 million passengers a year. It is also projected to create more jobs, promote vibrant tourism, and advance socioeconomic activities in Central Luzon.

Joining President Marcos were Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Delfin Lorenzana, and officials from the Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD). | PND

DOH sees rise in Covid-19 hospital admissions in 6 metro cities

The Department of Health (DOH) is seeing an increase in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) hospital admissions in six Metro Manila local government units (LGUs).

In a media briefing Thursday, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said closely monitored are the cities of Pasig, Muntinlupa, Malabon, Makati, Navotas, and Caloocan.

She noted that 13 out of the 17 areas in Metro Manila are under moderate risk classification for Covid-19.

“Ang areas na ‘di pa ‘moderate’ (The areas that are not yet ‘moderate’) would be Malabon, Navotas, Caloocan, and Valenzuela, but the rest would be in moderate risk case classification,” she said.

While cases are low in Malabon, Navotas, and Caloocan, the DOH has started monitoring their healthcare utilization because these areas have few hospital beds dedicated for Covid-19 patients.

This causes their healthcare utilization rates to rise despite few admissions.

The DOH has coordinated

with the Metro Manila Center for Health Development, LGUs, and the concerned hospitals about the issue.

Vergeire said most of the Covid-19 patients admitted in the hospitals are healthcare workers with comorbidities.

“Pero usually asymptomatic at mild, dahil gusto nila bantayan, so, binigyan natin sila ng option kung saan nila pwede ilipat para hindi na makadagdag doon sa naka-admit sa ospital at makapag-accommodate pa tayo ng mas maraming pasyente (These are usually asymptomatic and mild (cases), they want to be monitored, so, we give them the option where they can be transferred to reduce

the hospital admissions and accommodate other patients),” she added.

Some local government units have retained the isolation facilities they built earlier. Hence, the DOH does not see the need to open new facilities.

“Mayroon tayong kakontrata pa rin na hotel especially for our healthcare workers na nagkakasakit na dati nating ginagamit na hanggang ngayon ginagamit pa rin (We still have a contract with a hotel especially for our healthcare workers who get sick which we continue to use until now),” Vergeire said. (PNA/

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(File photo)

NCR reaches 50% of target for 1st booster coverage

About 5,067,530 Filipinos in the National Capital Region have received their first booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as of Sept. 23.

In a statement Wednesday, Department of HealthMetro Manila Center for Health Development regional chief Gloria Balboa said the tally is 50.17 percent of the fully vaccinated population in the region.

“This achievement would not have been possible without a collaborative effort among the DOH-MMCHD staff, the DOH-Central Office, the region’s health workforce and institutions, all the region’s 17 local government units as well as all partner stakeholders such as national government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, religious groups, and

the rest of the private sector,” she said.

The number of fully vaccinated senior citizens has reached 1,047,250 or 90.73 percent of the target, she added.

As of Sept. 26, more than 73 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated. Of the total count, around

6.8 million are senior citizens, 9.9 million are adolescents, and five million are children.

More than 19.2 million individuals have received their first booster dose and almost 2.8 million have received their second booster shot. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

Over 66K booster doses given on 1st day of special vax week

The Department of Health (DOH) has administered 66,576 first booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the Visayas and Mindanao on the first day of the Special Vaccination Week.

The vaccination week started Sept. 26.

“Mayroon ding inclement weather sa ibang bahagi ng Visayas kaya ‘yung iba hindi rin sila masyado nakapag-push through ng maramihan sa vaccination (There was also inclement weather in other parts of the Visayas and so some areas were not able to push through with vaccination),” DOH officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing.

“But in any case, we were able to have 66,576, and we thank all the local government units (LGUs) in Visayas and Mindanao na katulong natin sa special vaccination days na ito (that helped us during these special vaccination days),” she added. Vergeire clarified that the LGUs were not provided

“extra” Covid-19 jabs as they have stored vaccines in their warehouses.

All regions have enough supply of Covid-19 vaccines, she said.

To compensate for the postponement of the campaign in Luzon due to Typhoon Karding, the special vaccination days will be extended until Oct. 1.

The DOH, through Department Memorandum No. 2022-0420, said the vaccination campaign is recommended to resume on Sept. 27

“upon the discretion of the concerned regional directors in coordination with the LGU counterparts”.

As of Sept. 22, the PinasLakas Campaign has vaccinated 38,691 senior citizens out of the 1.07 million target for this age group.

It has provided first booster doses to 2,933,208 individuals of the 23 million fully vaccinated.

There are 19,283 PinasLakas vaccination sites nationwide. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

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