Caraga InFocus – September 4-10, 2021 by Caraga InFocus

Volume V, No. 37 September 4-10, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

8 10 11 14 15 PROVINCIAL NEWS 18 19 21 22 24 26 28 29 30 31 32

RGADC PREPS FOR 2021 SEARCH FOR CARAGA’S MOST GENDER-RESPONSIVE GOV’T AGENCIES

CARAGA RTF-ELCAC GEARS UP CAMPAIGN VS NPA’S RECRUITMENT

KADIWA: BRINGING FOOD CLOSER, MAKING FARMERS’ LIVES BETTER

DA CARAGA COMMENCES URBAN GARDENING CONTEST FOR THE YOUTH US DONATES RT-PCR EXTRACTION KITS TO PH GENOME CENTER

SK VILLAGE COUNCIL IN AGSUR RECOGNIZED FOR BEST PRACTICES AGSUR LGU INITIATES MINIATURE MODEL-MAKING COMPETITION LIBLIB NA BARANGAY SA AGUSAN DEL SUR, NAGKAROON NA NG MAAYOS NA KALSADA GROUNDBREAKING SA KALSADA SA SANGAY UG GUINABSAN SA AGNOR, GIHIMO

ORGANISASYON SA MAG-UUMA SA SITIO MATINGUE, EHEMPLO SA PANAGHIUSA

AGUSERBISYO PADAYON SA MGA HILIT NGA SITIO SA AGUSAN NORTE

43 MIGRADWAR SA PAGBANSAY PAGPADAGAN OG NEGOSYO DPWH TURNS OVER ROAD CONCRETING PROJECT TO BISLIG CITY

SURSUR FISHERFOLKS RECEIVE LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE

15 ENTREPRENEURS FINISH DTI’S MENTORING PROGRAM IN SURSUR POLITICAL OFFICER NG NPA, PATAY SA ENGKWENTRO SA SURIGAO DEL NORTE

35 37

MINDANAO NEWS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK, POULTRY - MINDA ASKS TEXAS SEED COMPANY: “SET UP MINDANAO SORGHUM NURSERY” 3 HARVESTS IN 1 YEAR! COTABATO ILOCANO FARMERS PROVE WE COULD BE RICE SELFSUFFICIENT

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NATIONAL NEWS SECRETARY ANDANAR: PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S AHON PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS PROACTIVE GOV’T RESPONSE IN CRISIS SITUATIONS PCOO’S COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY TO BREAK GROUND THIS SEPTEMBER PCOO’S P1.91B PROPOSED 2022 BUDGET TO SUPPORT PH RECOVERY ROADMAP

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48 50

43 44 45 46 48 50 54 57 58 59

CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

IMPROVED PCOO OPERATIONS MADE PRESIDENT DUTERTE MORE VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC EYE

SECRETARY ANDANAR HIGHLIGHTS DELIVERY OF CORRECT INFORMATION TO EDUCATE, EMPOWER FILIPINO VOTERS SINACABAN, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL MAINTAINS ZERO COVID-19 CASE PCOO CHIEF: DUTERTE LEGACY A NORM IN REPORTING GOV’T ACTIONS TO PEOPLE

BONG GO URGES GOV’T TO THOROUGHLY STUDY OPTIONS FOR CONDUCT OF CLASSES IN SCHOOLS; REITERATES THAT CHILDREN MUST NOT BE PUT AT RISK AS VACCINATION MUST BE PRIORITY PRIOR TO RESUMPTION OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES BONG GO IMMEDIATELY RESPONDS TO CALLS FOR HELP FROM TYPHOON JOLINA VICTIMS IN BIÑAN, LAGUNA; CALLS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE BFP MODERNIZATION ACT, ONE OF BONG GO’S PRIORITY BILLS, SIGNED INTO LAW

COVID-19 NEWS

ACTIVE CASES DOWN TO 151,135 WITH 20K NEW COVID-19 RECOVERIES COLD CHAIN FACILITY ASSURES NO WASTAGE OF COVID JABS

PH VACCINATION PROGRAM REACHES 35.8-M MARK

Secretary Andanar: Pub the center of governme

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday assured that the interest of the majority remains the focus of all the efforts undertaken by the government. He said this as he renewed calls for Filipinos’ support as the country endeavors to address the impacts brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let’s follow the President because he knows what he is doing and as of now it is only the interest of the majority that we are concerned about. Kung ano ang maganda para sa nakararami ay

|September 4-10, 2021

yun po ang ating tutukan for the next 9 months [Let’s follow the President because he knows what he is doing and as of now it is only the interest of the majority that we are concerned about. Whatever is good for the majority then that’s what we will focus on for the next 9 months],” he said in an interview. Secretary Andanar noted that preparations for the country to be able to bounce back to its days of progress are being laid down by the Duterte administration as it prepares to transition to the next Philippine president. “Itong pandemic hindi naman matatapos agad. Malamang ay aabot Caraga INFOCUS

blic interest remains at ent efforts ito sa halalan. So kapag umabot pa itong halalan bago na po ang pangulo. Kapag nagtransition kailangan po maayos na nakalatag ang ating recovery plan [This pandemic won’t end right away. In fact, this might last until elections. Once the election period comes, we are expecting a new president. Prior to that transition, we should put in place our recovery plan],” he said. He went on to say that a foundation for the working sectors should be put in place so that Filipino workers will still be able to compete in both international and local job markets while regaining the business sectors’ confidence in investing across the country. Legacy campaign: reporting, not propaganda Secretary Andanar also mentioned the pilot legacy communications campaign of PCOO Duterte Legacy, which highlights the accomplishments of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his term. He said that this initiative sets a benchmark of good governance for succeeding administrations.

“Hindi po propaganda yan. Hindi po fake news yan. Yung mga binanggit ko naman ay mararamdaman niyo, makikita, masasalat, mahahawakan. Hindi naman natin ugali ang magsinungaling, tayo ay nagrereport lamang [That is not propaganda. It is not in any way fake news. Those projects He stressed that the implementation of I have mentioned are tangible. You the Duterte Legacy campaign is a way can feel, see, and touch them. We are of reporting to the public, rather than not in the business of lying, we are only the claim of critics that it is propaganda. reporting],” he said. Caraga INFOCUS

September 4-10, 2021 |

News Briefs (PUBLIC ADVISORY) The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office is now requiring all clients to present the “STAY SAFE QR CODE” before entering their office effective September 3, 2021. xx

The S-PaSS system can also help the Philippine National Police (PNP) guide residents going to other LGUs in applying for travel documents when needed; help the LGUs in monitoring travelers in their territories; and verify the authenticity of travel documents presented. Also, Monitoring Agencies can easily monitor the travelers and generate a report at the municipal, provincial, regional, and national levels for monitoring and planning purposes.

Sa programang E-CLIP, ang mga magbabalik-loob ay mabibigyan ng mga tulong, kaalaman, at kasanayan na kanilang magagamit sa pagbabagong buhay. Ang mga tulong na ito ng pamahalaan ay hindi lamang pansarili kundi pampamilya at komunidad din. (PUBLIC ADVISORY) If traveling from outside Caraga, travelers will have to present ANY of the following to enter Butuan City per EO No. 41: Option 1: Negative RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test Result Option 2: Vaccination Card (Fully Vaccinated) Travelers are required to undergo free RT-PCR testing 5 days after arrival, and undergo quarantine from the day of arrival until they receive their negative test result. (Butuan City PIO)

REGIONAL NEWS

RGADC preps for 2021 Search for Caraga’s Most Gender-Responsive Gov’t Agencies PCW’s GADtimpala,

to ensure that it will strategically upfront the gender-responsiveness of agencies’ programs or projects that contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment, especially those that have made impacts on the lives of women,” said Bacang.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Regional Development Council - Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) gears up preparation for the 2021 Search for Caraga’s Most Gender-Responsive Government Agencies, and now ready to facilitate interested entities for the requirements. RGADC chair and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe TubigonBacang, recalled that in the national level, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has launched in 2013 the Gender and Development

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Transformation and Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages and Advocacies (GADtimpala) as one integral component of its awards system in the recognition of deserving national government agencies for their outstanding achievement and performance in mainstreaming gender in the bureaucracy, upholding the rights of women and effective implementation of genderresponsive programs. “This Search shall also be patterned with modifications to the

Building on the success of the first phase of this threefold incentives and awards system, a three-year (20212023) and partnership agreement with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) operated by an annual work and financial plan, has been initiated and approved. These are positive actions of the RDC-RGADC to ensure the realization of its local initiatives. As to the scope, Bacang said that the 2021 Search for Caraga’s GenderResponsive Government Agencies shall cover national government agencies (NGAs), attached agencies and bureaus including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state Caraga INFOCUS

universities and colleges (SUCs). A line agency with regional offices shall be treated as one agency. Likewise, an attached agency or bureau with regional offices shall be treated as one agency, separate from its “parent” agency. “Bases of assessment for the award shall cover the period since the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women in 2009 until December 2021. This means that gender mainstreaming efforts of participating agencies within this period shall be considered as bases for identifying the recipient agencies,” Bacang said. The RDC-RGADC shall confer the award of Caraga’s GenderResponsive Government Agencies to government agencies who have mainstreamed gender and development (GAD) in their policy review and formulation, program conceptualization, implementation and in development and implementation of gender responsive mechanisms. Basic Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, the agency should meet the following Caraga INFOCUS

minimum requirements: 1) Has submitted to its central office, its regional GAD Plan and Budget (GPB), or consolidated GPB (as the case may be), for the Fiscal Years 2019, 2020 and 2021; 2) Has submitted to its central office its corresponding GAD Accomplishment Reports (AR) for the FYs 2018, 2019 and 2020; and 3) Has a functional GFPS created through a policy issuance that is in accordance with the PCW Memorandum Circular 2011-01.

(MOVs), and the conduct of validation through interviews, focused group discussions and/or on-site inspections, as maybe needed. In order for an agency be conferred with the award, the agency must reach an overall level of “3” in the GMEF Assessment Tool and must obtain a minimum overall GMEF score of 61 points.

The shortlisted agencies will be assessed on their gender mainstreaming performance from 2009 to 2021 using the GMEF tool for as long as the efforts are still observable or being practiced as of December 2021.

At this level, the agency must have institutionalized GAD-related activities within the organization. It must have integrated GAD in its Major Final Outputs (MFOs) or Organizational Outcomes (OOs), mandates and performance indicators, and have consolidated gender efforts to produce intended or desired impact on women.

As a self-assessment tool, the GMEF assessment shall be undertaken by the agencies themselves, and shall be guided by the PCW Circular 2016-03 and the PCW issued GMEF Handbook and Toolkit. The role of RDC-RGADC is to verify the provisional scores as presented in Annex A and levels reported and submitted by the agencies, through the review of their Means of Verification

Meanwhile, the RGADC chair emphasized that the conferment of the 2021 Search for Caraga’s Gender-Responsive Government Agencies shall be on Aug. 12, 2022 (Friday) in time of the 13th Anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women which falls on August 14th (Sunday). (RGADC/JPG, PIA-Caraga)

Basis of the Award

September 4-10, 2021 |

Caraga RTF-ELCAC gears up campaign vs NPA’s recruitment By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in regions 10 and 13 (Caraga) composed of various government agencies have geared up efforts and campaign strategies against the New People’s Army (NPA’s) recruitment of youth including minors to fight against the government forces. This was emphasized by Major General Romeo Brawner, Jr., commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, together with Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel James Christian Vingno, commanding officer of 88IB during a press conference held on Thursday. Brawner bared that it is the mandate of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to secure the lives of the people against the harmful Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). He added that minors had been recruited by the communist terrorist group and abuses their innocence. “This happens not only in region 10 but also in Caraga region. Hence, we intensify the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 which is institutionalization of a wholeof-nation approach in ending local communists armed conflict. With this, we now see

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how locals are supportive of the government and immediately report to the authorities when they observe the presence of the NPA in their community. This also resulted to the capture of the NPA members,” said Brawner. The commander revealed that those minors who were recruited by the CPP-NPANDF were brainwashed and deprived of a better life as they live in terror in the hands of the communist NPA terrorist group. And as part of the preventive measures, Brawner elaborated that the RTF-ELCAC in regions 10 and 13 are continuously providing the needed services and programs especially for the children and youth sectors in the different barangays, so they would have better perspective in life and will not be convinced to join the NPA for a senseless cause.

“The former rebels are also given due attention and were provided with appropriate interventions for them to start a new life the mainstream society and be part of nation-building. This is apart from the benefits they could get from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP. The members of the RTF-ELCAC in our area of responsibility will continue to deliver quality services down to the grassroots for them to feel the presence of the government and see for themselves the developments they deserve,” Brawner said. “We will relentlessly pursue the CTGs in regions 10 and 13. Make no mistake that while we offer the CTG the opportunity to return to a peaceful path, they will face the consequences of using violence to further their agenda,” added Brawner. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

KADIWA: Bringing food closer, making farmers’ lives better

Amid the pandemic and community-wide lockdowns, hundreds of agri-fishery food suppliers served as frontliners who ensured that food is made available and accessible to the community. Through this, thousands of consumers have availed essential food and products right at the premises of their homes. All these were made possible through the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

a multilayer marketing structure by building Kadiwa storefronts in cities around the nation, allowing farmers to sell their goods at a higher profit margin. The program was even heightened during the start of the lockdown where logistics of goods were hampered. Supporting Local

For DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, buying local products and supporting the local The Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita farmers and fisherfolk initiative, which began is the first step of the in 2019, allows farmers to Caraganon to upsurge directly access consumers the agriculture sector in without going through the region. Caraga INFOCUS

“In this time of the pandemic, the maximum effort that we can contribute to our affected farmers and fishers is to support what they offer. Because through this, we can deliver what is mandated to us, to produce food for the country, and to uplift the lives of our farmers...our heroes in these times,” he said. DA-Caraga Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Lyn Pareñas said that the concept of the Kadiwa is to make sure food is available in highly populated or urbanized areas, September 4-10, 2021 |

create direct market linkage from farmers to consumers, and extend services on the marketing and entrepreneurial capacities of the local farmers and fisherfolks. “When pandemic started, the people were compelled to stay at home. When we started the Kadiwa, we were able to help the communities by linking our farmers, or what we call Kadiwa suppliers to sell their products. So, people, we will no longer have to get out to buy their food,” Pareñas said. Rolling out the KadiwaOn-Wheels Through the Kadiwa mobile market, the consumers were allowed to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and other fishery products, fresh and frozen meat and poultry products, as well as some dry goods, right at the premises of the barangays. Farmers, fishers, and other goods suppliers were ensured of a market for their products and continue to earn an income despite the implementation of the community quarantine

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in the city which limited the mobility of the people and businesses.

Keeping Consumers Safe

Larry Abuzo, Chairperson of Brgy. Agusan Pequeño, “During the KadiwaButuan City one of the On-Wheels, the role of communities visited by the DA was to organize the Kadiwa on Wheels different venues, attend said that they appreciate to the needs of our farmer this program of the suppliers, and provide the government. “Residents necessary logistics so they of our Barangay don’t could comfortably trade need to go to the market their products - for free,” or grocery store anymore Pareñas added. since their needs were In 2020, the Kadiwa-onalready brought here,” he Wheels had served 12, said. 026 consumers or buyers during its simultaneous On the other hand, roll out in the different Nida De Castro Chen, barangays of Butuan a resident of Brgy. City. Data showed that Pangabugan in Butuan from the 49 Kadiwa City said that she is really farmer suppliers who happy with her Kadiwaparticipated, they were on-Wheels experience. able to sell a volume of 31,421 kg. generating “I was able to buy some P3,193,488. fish at a low price. This is a very good program Even when the lockdown because we don’t have had already been lifted, to go far to buy our basic Kadiwa-On-Wheels was needs. There is less risk still on the run-up until of being exposed to 2021. This time, serving COVID19,” Chen said. different government agencies called KadiwaMoreover, as the sa-Pamahalaan. In 2020, community quarantine it was able to serve eases, the DA-AMAD 1,412 beneficiaries and also tapped private generated a gross sale companies such as of P624,131. Meanwhile, SM City Butuan and in 2021, it was able to Robinsons’ Place to hold generate P47,147 of gross its Kadiwa Ni at Kita and sales in total. reach more consumers in a much safer venue. Bringing Food Closer, Caraga INFOCUS

In 2020, the Kadiwa sa Robinsons’ Place in Butuan had served 1,215 individuals. The program was able to sell a volume of 5,652.50 kilograms, generating P724,768. Meanwhile, as of August 2021, the program was able to serve 6,540 consumers, sold at least 13,169 kg., and was able to generate P1,487,036 gross sales. For the Kadiwa sa SM City Butuan, it was able to serve 580 beneficiaries, sold at least 3,955 kg., amounting to P289,557. Additional support for Kadiwa Suppliers Apart from the Kadiwaon-Wheels, Kadiwa sa Pamahalaan, and Kadiwa in Malls which helped farmers build linkages among consumers, the program also launched its Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita where it capacitates farmers/ fisherfolk organizations to become reliable food commodity suppliers to consumers and for community based-organizations to sustainably operate the Kadiwa retail stores. They were granted working capital to sustain their operations. Caraga INFOCUS

“Because we hold on to our aim of making food available, it’s also time to grant these hardworking Kadiwa suppliers with additional capital to buy supplies and equipment that would help them sell their produce directly to consumers,” Pareñas said. The program was lodged under the Bayanihan Act of 2020 where the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita in the region was apportioned of P4 Million pesos. One of the grantees of the program which was given a P500,000 grant is the Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers’ Association from Sumilihon, Butuan City. They procured one pick-up truck which they can use to deliver their products to the market. Bayugan Achievers MultiPurpose Cooperative (BAMPCO) from Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur also received P300,000. According to BAMPCO Finance Head Grace Ostique, they were able to procure necessary equipment which helped ease their business transaction. “Through the money granted, we were able to acquire a refrigerator for

our vegetable supplies, digital weighing scale, and commodities such as egg and chicken. Since we are the partner of the Department in its subsidy programs, the equipment will be a good help,” Ostique said. In the Bayanihan 1 allocation, a total of six Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in the region were supported by the financial grant from the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita. Continuous support leads to unending opportunities According to AMAD Chief Lynn Pareñas, the support granted by the department to the farmers did not end after they were able to build marketing linkages for them. “We have so many plans for our Kadiwa partners such as our annual capacity building training and seminars because I believe this will be a great advantage for them in the future. The DA supports them because we see something in them,” she added. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, DA Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga) September 4-10, 2021 |

DA Caraga commences urban gardening contest for the youth

The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga launched on August 31 the Urban Gardening Contest for the Youth through a virtual ceremony. The contest is spearheaded by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) with the support of the DA-High Value Crops Development Program and in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federations of the Region. It aims to promote urban agriculture especially to the youth and encourage more people to engage in it. Furthermore, it aims to showcase a food production model that can be copied by other people in the community. There are six participating SK Federations coming from Butuan City, Santiago

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of Agusan del Norte, San Francisco and Talacogon of Agusan del Sur, SK Sison of Surigao del Norte, and SK San Agustin of Surigao del Sur. In her message, DA-Caraga Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega thanked the six SK groups for responding to the call of the Department.

vegetable seeds and other gardening materials they can use in establishing their vegetable gardens. With the theme “Youth in Action, Feeding the Nation”, the Urban Gardening Contest for the Youth will run for three months after which the team from DA-Caraga will evaluate the gardens to determine the winners.

“We need to attract young people and encourage them The winners will receive to participate in agriculture P40,000, P30,000, and P20,000 programs and activities,” she cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, said. and 3rd placer, respectively. In addition, Dir. Atega said urban agriculture also helps to ensure the availability and accessibility of food especially in the urban areas in spite of the global health crisis. Prior to the launching, the DA-Caraga provided the participating SK groups some

Urban agriculture is one of the programs under the Plant Plant Plant or Ahon Lahat Pagkaing Sapat kontra sa COVID 19 which is among the DA’s programs in response to the global pandemic. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA 13-RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

US donates RT-PCR extraction kits to PH Genome Center

The United States (US) government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), turned over reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) extraction kits equivalent to 3,000 tests to the Philippine Genome Center. These RT-PCR extraction kits will help strengthen coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) testing and genomic surveillance in the country. Caraga INFOCUS

USAID Philippines Office of Health Director Michelle Lang-Alli handed over the extraction kits at a virtual event with the Department of Health Undersecretaries Maria Rosario Vergeire and Myrna Cabotaje, Philippine Genome Center Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Saloma, and other representatives from the government and private sector. “We hope that these kits will continue to

strengthen testing and genomic surveillance capability of the Philippine Genome Center as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. These kits will support the tracking of variants, which is key to curbing the spread and being in front of the virus as the pandemic continues to evolve,” said Director Lang-Alli. The US government, through USAID, Department of Defense, September 4-10, 2021 |

and the Department of State, has invested nearly P1.4 billion to support the Philippines’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

roll out vaccines. The US government has also contributed P100 billion pesos ($2 billion) to GAVI, the largest monetary contribution to this global alliance US government tasked with increasing assistance has helped vaccine access to the country to implement countries throughout the internationallyworld. recognized infection prevention and control To date, the Philippines strategies; strengthen has received more laboratory systems; than 13.3 million doses build capacity of of vaccines from the frontline health workers COVAX facility, with to prevent, detect, more than 6.2 million of trace, isolate, treat and those vaccines donated manage COVID cases; by the American people. communicate effectively In fact, one in five about health risks; and Filipinos will receive life-

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saving vaccines through the COVAX facility. This year, the United States and the Philippines are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations and 60 years of partnership for development through USAID. Through USAID, the US government is the biggest bilateral donor to the Philippines’ health sector, providing more than P29 billion ($582 million) over the past 20 years. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIACaraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SK village council in AgSur recognized for best practices By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) lauded the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) barangay council of San Vicente in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for being recognized as outstanding SK barangay council in the entire province. According to SK federation chairperson Sarah Joy Florito of Barangay San Vicente in the municipality of Prosperidad, the council received the award for being a prime mover of change who helped in creating an impact and making sure that every Agsurnon youth has a proportionate participation in achieving a common goal towards making a better Agusan del Sur. “One of our best practices is that we work as one for good,

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we build unity as an SK council, we build good leadership and we seriously perform our duties and responsibilities as SK council in our barangay,” said Florito. Florito shared the different activities conducted by the SK barangay council which include the relief operations for senior citizens during this time of health crisis since they are vulnerable and are not allowed to go outside.

The SK chair added that they also have programs for the youth. “We give focus on assisting the non-reader and slowlearner pupils/students especially during this time of COVID-19 pandemic. Through being an SK official and at the same time a teacher, I personally have a great concern for the students.

And we in the council initiated a program like reading festivals and story-telling to ensure that they are still able “We went house to house to gain knowledge and to distribute the goods for learn things amid the them so they won’t have pandemic,” she said. to go out,” she said. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

AgSur LGU initiates miniature model-making competition

In celebration of the 20th Angot Festival in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on September 23-28, 2021, the local government unit (LGU) has initiated a miniature model-making competition to be judged on September 26, 2021. This is for interested future and professional architects, engineers, designers, builders, and remodelers within Caraga Region. As to the joiners’ eligibility and entry requirements, the LGUCaraga INFOCUS

Prosperidad emphasized the following: 1) The competition is open to all future, amateur and professional building designers, architects, engineers, builders, and remodelers of or outside Prosperidad aged 18 years old and above; 2) Interested participant shall register with the prescribed entry form on September 3 to 8, 2021 thru online at Tourism Prosperidad Facebook Account or at the Municipal Tourism Office of Prosperidad Agusan del Sur; 3)

Interested participant shall submit 1 2x2 colored ID and a photocopy of 1 valid ID online or at the Municipal Tourism Office during registration; and 4) The competition is limited to Ten (10) participants only, this is a first- come first -serve basis. Participants shall follow the prescribed site development plan of Prosperidad Gibong Boardwalk in setting up/ building the miniature model with prescribed area measurements September 4-10, 2021 |

of 1m x 2m. The site development plan will be provided by the LGU –Prosperidad in soft copies thru email. Entrants may use tin plates, metal strips, aluminum, fiber cement, plastic, fiberboard, fiber plastic, wood or resin and may used mixed media as long as the material used is sustainable and will last for five years or more. Illumination/lighting in a night setting is recommended and shall be credited in aesthetics and intricacy. Enhancing props are not allowed to spruce up the entry. Entries must be signed by the artist at the back of the model but the signature must be covered with masking tape to conceal its identity. All entries shall be submitted at the Municipal Tourism Office on or before September 25, 2021. Judging of the entries will be on September 26, 2021 at the Municipal Conference Hall. Winning entries (1st, 2nd, 3rd) shall be put in a glass encasement or enclosure by the

|September 4-10, 2021

participants prior to the proclamation of winners. LGU Prosperidad shall select the panel of Judges. The decision of the Board of Judges shall be final. Criteria for judging are as follows: 30% Construction and basics; 20% - Paint, scheme, decals and finishing; 30% - Detailing; 15% Overall impression and resemblance to the original; and 5% - Extras to the model such as setting, diorama execution or Exceptional result, which totals to 100%. The lucky winners will receive the following: First prize with trophy - P50,000.00; Second prize with trophy P40,000.00; Third prize with trophy - P30,000.00; and Consolation prize P5,000.00. Apart from the basic requirements stated above, the participants are also reminded of the following provisions: 1) Final results and proclamation of winners will be posted online at Tourism Prosperidad Facebook Account on

September 29, 2021; 2) First, second and third prizes shall be awarded and shall automatically become properties of the LGU; 3) Participants may claim the cash prizes on October 4, 2021 and onwards at the Municipal Treasurer’s Office on from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; 4) The intellectual property rights of the winning competitor shall be waived in favor of the Local Government of Prosperidad; 5) LGU reserves the right to use the name and photo of the designer, builder of his/her entry for free broadcast, print or digital media and exhibit or display the entry in any arts exhibits or trade fairs and may invite the winning entrant to any forum relative to his/her entry representation; 6) All winning entries on display should not be sold or taken out from the exhibits’ venue; and 7) All non-winning entries must be retrieved by the participants from the Municipal Tourism Office after the proclamation of winners. (Tourism Properidad/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Liblib na barangay sa Agusan del Sur, nagkaroon na ng maayos na kalsada By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Nasa liblib na lugar man ang Sitio Baticocoy ng Barangay Sawagan sa bayan ng Veruela, Agusan del Sur, hindi ito naging hadlang para sa lokal na pamahalaan para tapusin ang konstruksyon ng farm-tomarket road. Napapakinabangan na ito at maayos nang nadadala sa bayan ang produkto ng mga residente sa lugar. Ayon kay Punong Barangay Mario Tumale, Sr., kailan man hindi sila nawalan ng pagasa na matutugunan ng pamahalaan ang pagbigay sa kanila nang maayos na kalsada upang hindi na pahirapan sa mga residente ang pagbiyahe papuntang bayan. “Lubos ang aking kasiyahan dahil nakita namin ang pagsisikap Caraga INFOCUS

ng lokal na pamahalaan at binigyan nila ito ng pansin,” ani ni Tumale. Emosyonal ding nagpasalamat ang sitio at purok leader na si Julieto Eslet sa lokal na pamahalaan dahil nadama nila ang malasakit ng gobyerno. “Malaki ang aking pasalamat dahil nakarating ang proyektong ito dito sa lugar namin. Itong kalsada ang sagot para magkaroon tayo ng maayos na kabuhayan. At para sa mga anak natin na hindi na sila mahirapan tulad nang ating naranasan noon,” pahayag ni Eslet.

Ayon kay Veruela Mayor Myrna Mondejar, parte ito sa marami pang proyektong ipatutupad para sa mga residente na nasa malalayong barangay. “Ginagawa ng mga opisyal ang makabubuti sa lahat dahil tungkulin naming masiguro ang kapakanan ng mga residente sa veruela,” banggit ni Mondejar. Pinag-laanan ng P6 million ang 5-kilometer farm-to-market mula sa 20% ng Municipal Development Fund ng nasabing bayan. (JPG, PIA-Agusan del Sur/ PPIO-Agusan September 4-10, 2021 |

Groundbreaking sa kalsada sa Sangay ug Guinabsan sa AgNor, gihimo Gilusad bag-ohay pa lamang ang Upgrading o Improvement sa Farm-to-Market Road sa Barangay Sangay ug Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte sa usa ka seremonya nga gipangunahan nila ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ug Kongw. Angel AmanteMatba. Gawas niini, ongoing gihapon sa probinsya ang P118 milyones nga upgrading/improvement sa Culit-Pag-aoJaguimitan Provincial Road sa Nasipit, proyekto nga gisugdan ni kanhi Gob. AmanteMatba nga kongresista sa iduhang distrito sa probinysa na karon. Ang mga proyekto sa Guinabsan ug Sangay kabahin sa gipundohan ubos sa Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Support to Barangay Development Program

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alang sa fiscal year 2021 nga nagkantidad og Php20 Milyones matag barangay ubos sa National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Sa 167 ka barangay sa Agusan del Norte, 33 naidentify ug gideklara na nga “insurgency cleared barangays” nga apil sa mga matagaan og P20 milyones nga pundo ug apil ang Barangay Sangay ug Guinabsan niini. Sa iyang mensahe, gipadayag ni Gob. Corvera ang iyang

kalipay nga gideklara ang mga barangay sa Sangay ug Guinabsan nga “insurgency cleared” na. Iyang dugang nga sunod sa maong deklarasyon mahimong hugot pa ang panaghiusa sa mga local ug nasudnong ahensya pagpadangat og mga serbisyo. Pasabot sa gobernador nga kapin sa 50 ka tuig na ang problema sa insurhensiya sa nasud ug iyang nakita nga ubay-ubay na sa mga barangay ang Caraga INFOCUS

nahimong “insurgency cleared” dala sa hiniusang pagpadangat sa lokal ug nasudnong ahensya og mga serbisyo ubos sa “whole of nation approach” nga gimando ubos sa Executive Order No. 70 sa kasamtangang administrasyon. “Adunay Executive Order No. 70 (diin) ang tanan nga ahensya sa gobyerno, naghiusa ug nag deliver og mga services sa mga kabarangayan mao nga karon mga kaigsuonan makita ninyo nga naa gyod ang gobyernno kanunay naghatag og serbisyo kaninyo,” sumala sa gobernador. Sa ilang bahin, Caraga INFOCUS

mapasalamaton kaayo Kapitan Roldan Dalagan sa Sangay ug si Kapitan Mariano Galinato sa Guinabsan maong proyekto. “Nalipay gyod kaayo mi nga niabot ang panahon nga dugay ng pangandoy sa mga tao, dili lang kami nga mga barangay opisyal. Dako kaayao among kalipay, dili matukib gyud,” sumala pa ni Kapitan Dalagan. Sumala ni Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion sa Department of Interior and Local Government [DILG]-Caraga nga maoy nagpahiluna sa maong proyekto sa bahin sa nasudnong

buhatan mahuman sulod sa 115 ka adlaw human kini sugdi karong tuiga. Mitambong usab sa maong okasyon sila si Vice Gov. Ramon Bungabong, Provincial Director Ellen Veede Chua sa DILG, RD Tarhata Mapandi ug PD Rey Cueva sa TESDA, PCol Martin Gamba, Col Adonis Ariel Orio, Board Members Elizabeth Calo, Dick Carmona, Rudy Pitogo, Datu Ampiyawan, Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito ug uban mga barangay officials. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) September 4-10, 2021 |

Organisasyon sa mag-uuma sa sitio Matingue, ehemplo sa panaghiusa

“Lahi ang Matingue.” Kini ang obserbasyon sa mga sakop sa services delivery team sa “AguSerbisyo” sa giadtoan niining laing hilit nga komunidad – Sitio Matingue, Barangay 1, Santiago, Agusan del Norte – aron ipadangat ang sosyoekonomikanhong mga serbisyo. Luyo sa pagdawat nila sa mga sosyoekonomikanhong hinabang, gipakita usab sa mga residente nga takus sila sa pagbarug sa ilang kaugalingon sa ngadto-ngadto

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pinaagi sa paghimo nila og “Agri-Fair” o ang pagpamaligya sa abot sa ilang uma aron mapalit sa mga bisita. “Sa karon saging (pinakakusog) ug mamaligya mi og gulay (assorted vegetables), kada semana mi mag harvest… kada miyembro naay area (uma) nga ato gyong makita,” sumala ni Glenn Ariston, ang presidente sa United Small Farmers Association [USFA], ang organisasyon sa mga mag-uuma sa Matingue. Ang USFA 16 na ka-

tuig ug adunay 210 ka miyembro. Sa karon, dugang ni Ariston, ang labing kusog nila nga farm products mao ang saging, cacao ug gulay. Naila usab ang Santiago nga daghang abaka. Mismo si Gob. Dale B. Corvera nga nanguna sa services delivery team kauban si Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba nakadayeg usab sa iyang nakita. Gawas sa naobserbahan niyang kalinaw, nakita usab niya ang kakugi Caraga INFOCUS

sa mga lumulupyo niini base sa nakita niya sa palibot samtang nagbiyahe siya padulong sa Sitio Matingue. “Nalipay ko sa akong nakita tungod kay una, akong nakita nga daku kaayo mo og potential diri sa agrikultura… ug nakita nako nga ang mga tawo dinhi naay kakugi. Ngano man? Naa moy mga tanum, nakalabay mi didto og cacao-an,” matud ni Gob. Corvera.

ang Sitio Matingue nga sandigan sa proyekto nga mosuplay og saging ingon man ang uban pang produkto sa uma. Subay niini nga kampanya sa pagpalambo gisaad ni Gob. Corvera sa mga lumulupypo nga hatagan og dugang suporta nga makasustenir sa ilang mga panginahanglanon ilabina diha sa pagpanguma.

“Kinahanglan tagaan og igo-igo nga suporta Ang samang potensyal sa atong gobyerno ang nag-aghat aron pa gyod kamo kang Gob. Corvera masibot pagpaninguha sa pagpadagan sa nga makahimo kamo AGUSAN UP!, kampanya og kapanginabuhian sa pagpalambo sa iyang ninyo ug gani man ang administrasyon kaabag inyong mga produkto ang buhatan ni Kongw. mabaligya pa ninyo sa Amante-Matba. laing dapit,” sumala sa gobernador. Ubos sa AGUSAN UP! ang mga magkaluhang Butyag ni Ariston nga proyektong Plant! ubay-ubay usab ang Plant! Plant! ug Process! natampo nga mga Process! Process! Ug semilya ang Agusan Up subay sa kaabunda Coordinating Center. sa saging sa lungsod, ang Banana Processing Mahinumdoman nga Center ang mahimong bag-o lang nahatdan Core Processing Project ang USFA og mga sa lungsod sa Santiago. semilya sa cacao ug abaca, usa sa mga Niini, mahimong usa suporta ubos sa Plant! Caraga INFOCUS

Plant! Plant! Mosunod pa niini ang semilya sa saging. “Daku kaayo og tabang para sa amo, kay sama sa cacao nga ilang nahatag karon, (ang nahatag sa una pa) dagko na, tag-as na, hapit na namunga, ang uban namunga na. Unya karon naa na pod mi abaca fiber,” matod ni Ariston. Ubos sa Plant! Plant! Plant! gipunting sa probinsya nga nakatanum sa 125,000 ektaryas nga kaumahan sa probinsya sa mosunod nga pito ka tuig o hangtud sa tuig 2027. Sa okasyon sa “AguSerbisyo” usab gihimo ang ribbon cutting and blessing sa USFA Office sa Sitio Matingue, ilhanan nga hiniusang makabarug na ang organisasyon alang sa mas daku pang mga responsibilidad sa pagpalambo sa kinabuhi sa mga sakop niini ug pagpauswag ning usa sa hilit nga komunidad sa Agusan del Norte. (Shena Mae Pabia, mga hulagway kuha ni Reymar Reyes ug Ydheil Zagado) September 4-10, 2021 |

AguSerbisyo padayon sa mga hilit nga sitio sa Agusan Norte Nagpadayon ang “AguSerbisyo” Caravan sa probinsyal nga pangamhanan sa Agusan del Norte sa pagpanguna nila Gob. Dale B. Corvera ug ni Kongw. Angel AmanteMatba, ug niadtong Agosto 31 ang Sitio Matingue, Pob. 1, sa lungsod Santiago na usab ang napaabtan sa mga serbisyo niini. Ang Sitio Matingue mao ang ika-tulo nga hilit nga sitio napadangatan sa mga “AguSerbisyo” sa Santiago, kabahin sa ubay-ubay pang mga hilit nga komunidad sa tibuok probinsya diin direktang gidala nila ni Gob. Corvera ug Kongw. Amante-Matba ang serbisyo sa gobyerno sa milabay’ng duha ka tuig. Ang “AguSerbisyo kabahin sa “Amomang Agusanon”, usa sa mga flagship programs sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Amante-Matba.

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Apil sa mga serbisyo sa “AguSerbisyo” nga gipadangat sa Sitio Matingue mao ang mga serbisyo medikal, pagpadangat og mga food packs ug livelihood assistance distributions. Ang Sitio Matingue naay mga 1,000 ka lumulupyo sa 210 ka panimalay. Ang mosunod mao ang detalye sa mga napadangat nga serbisyo sa nagkalainlaing buhatan sa maong okasyon: Ang buhatan sa

Provincial Health Office (PHO) sa pagpanguna ni Dr. Odelio Ferrer na kahimo og 34 Tuli, tulo ka minor surgery, 30 ka dental extraction, nakapadangat og 99 ka toothbrush/ toothpaste, 18 ka family planning services, pito ka pap smear, ug 89 ka consultation/medical check-up. Naakaapodapod usab kini og 100 moskitero. Ang Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) ubos ni Alvin Aclan naka apodapod og 200 ka Road Island Chicks (free range Caraga INFOCUS

chickens), 3,000 tilapia fingerlings ug assorted vegetable seeds. Ang buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWD) ni Silver Joy Tejano naka distribute og 500 packs meals and snacks, medicines and vitamins, duha ka boxes nga eyeglasses ug kaabag ang 210 ka food packs nga naay sulod nga 25 kilos rice, canned goods ug kape, lima ka tubes ice cream alang sa mga kabataan. Nakapadangat usab ang Environmental and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) ni Adela Antiga og 200 ka semilya sa kahoy, 20 ka mulberry ug 25 assorted fruit trees. Nagpahigayon usab ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte ug pagbansay diin 224 ka trainees ang migradwar sa maong okasyon. Sa pakighinabi, mapasalamaton ang mga residente sa maong lumulupyo sa maong mga serbisyo. Caraga INFOCUS

“Dako ko og pasalamat labi nagyud ni Kongw Angel, kay sukad pa sauna gobernador na siya hangtod na congressman,” matod ni Ariston. “Labi na pod kang Gobernor Dale. Bisan first time pa siya pero ako… kay kana ganing programa niya, kanang “Process, Process, Process ug Plant, Plant, Plant” mao na nga dako mi og pasalamat sa iyaha” padayon ni Ariston. Apil sa miuban sa maong “AguSerbisyo mao sila si regional director Tarhata Mapandi ug provincial director Rey Cueva sa TESDA, LtCol Aristotle Antonio isip representante ni BGen George L. Banzon, Jr sa 901st, PolMaj John Alexis Basañez sa Special Action Force (SAF),

PolLtCol Ritchie Yatar, PMaj Jennifer S. Ometer isip representante ni PCol Martin M Gamba sa ADNPPO, SB Johnny Galbo isip representante ni Mayor Franklin Lim, Pob. 1 Captain Alan Luz, Sitio Matingue Chairman Gregorio S. Tagolaylay, Glenn Ariston isip USFA president. Kuyog usab ang mga division chiefs sa kapitolyo Provincial Administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, Dr. Odelio Ferrer sa PHO, Alvin Aclan sa PAO, Adela Antiga sa ENRD, Janet Paredes representante ni Silver Joy Tejano sa PSWD, Orencio Corvera, Jr., Agusan Up Consultant, 29th IB and PNP Personnel. (Shena Mae Pabia, hulagway kuha ni Reymar P. Reyes ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) September 4-10, 2021 |

43 migradwar sa pagbansay pagpadagan og negosyo kaniya “mahinangpon” silang gisugat sa probinysa tungod kay nakita diha kanila ang ang paglaum nga maoy mahimong usa sa mga yawe sa ekonokomikanhong pagpalambo sa probinsya.

Migradwar niadtong Septiyembre 6, ang unang batch sa Agusan del Norte sa mga nagbansay pagdumala og negosyo ubos sa Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprise-Money and Market Encounter (KMMEMME) Online nga gitabangan pagpundo ug pagpadagan sa Probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ug sa probinsyal nga buhatan sa Departement of Trade and Industry (DTI-Agusan del Norte). Mosuma sa 43 ka mentees ang migradwar sa 12 ka semana nga pagbansay kansang mga mentors mga hanite sa negosyo gikan sa Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship [PCE] ug Go Negosyo sa kaulohan ug mga eksperto sa negosyo sa rehiyon ug sa probinysa, apil na ang mga personahe sa DTI-Agusan del Norte ug sa Probinsyal nga panggamhanan pinaagi sa Process! Process! Process! Team sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center.

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Ang nasangpit nga mga migradwar sa pagbansay gilantaw nga apil sa mga mahimong processors unya sa priority crops sa probinsya nga gipakusgan ang pagpananum karon ubos sa proyektong Plant! Plant! Plant! dungan sa pagpakusog usab sa kampanya sa pagproseso ubos sa kaluhang proyekto niini nga Process! Process! Process!, tanan ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Agusan del Norte Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba. Ang mga priority crops sa probinsya ubos sa AGUSAN UP! mao ang abaca, saging, cassava, lubi, cacao, kape, mangga ug laing mga prutas, rubber ug kahoy. Sa iyang mensahe, gidasig ni Gob. Corvera ang mga migradwar ug sumala pa

“Ang tagsa-tagsa kaninyo paglaum sa Agusan del Norte nga posibleng mahimong tigpasiugda sa mga proyekto nga mahimong usa unya sa mga yawe sa paglambo sa ekonomiya, pagmugna sa gikinahanglang trabaho ug pag-angat sa kita sa mga lumulupyo sa probinsya,” sumala pa ni Gob. Corvera. Dugang sa gobernador nga andam ang probinsya, ingon man ang DTI ug uban pang mga ahensya, nga mosuporta sa mga migradwar sa pagpalambo unya sa ialng mga negosyo. Mapasalamaton usab si DTI Provincial Director Brenda Corvera sa tanan nga nagpaluyo sa maong pagbansay ug nanghinaut siya nga malampusong mapalambo sa mga nagbansay ang tagsa-tagsa nila ka negosyo. “Hope to see you finally succeed and really implement your Business Improvement Plan,” matud ni PD Brenda Corvera. (Shena Mae Pabia ug Janicesa Dramayo, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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DPWH turns over road concreting project to Bislig City The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd Engineering District Office headed by District Engineer Noel Oclarit, facilitated the ceremonial turnover of the recently completed concreting of Piape Road and Bus Terminal Road to Bislig City National High School (BCNHS), Barangay Poblacion, Bislig City to the city government here held at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center (BCCSC). The said project is a 503-meter Piape Road and 228 meter Bus Terminal Road, which was funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2021 with a budget

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allocation of P7.1 Million and P4.5 Million, respectively. “Lain na usab na kalambuan sa dakbayan sa Bislig labi na sa mga sumasakay sa kalsada nga dugay na kining pangandoy sa katawhan. Magamit na gayud kini ug ato kining paga-ampingan (It is another development in the city of Bislig especially for the road riders/commuters, who have long dreamed of the people. It will definitely be used and we will take care of it),” Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay said during his speech. He also thanked CWS Partylist Rep. Romeo Momo, Sr. for his support in the

development of the city as well as the BUILD. BUILD. BUILD program of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the benefit of the people of Bislig. Present during the significant event were 2nd District Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel and Governor Alexander T. Pimentel represented by Board Members Conrad C. Cejoco and Ricky Sayawan, contractor Surigao La Suerte Corporation, Vice Mayor Jonas Cacayan, Committee on Public Works and Highways Chairman Edgar B. Corvera and Poblacion Barangay Captain Apolio Alvar. (CIO-Bislig City/PIASurigao del Sur)

September 4-10, 2021 |

SurSur fisherfolks receive livelihood assistance

Photo credit to LGU-Carrascal

Some 78 fishermen from the two coastal barangays of Adlay, and Dahican formally received 40 units of the modified Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) or locally known as “Payao” during the project’s turn-over and acceptance ceremony held at Adlay Production Center, Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur recently. The beneficiaries are members of the Adlay Fisherfolks Association (AFA) and Grupong Mananagat nan Adlay (GMA) of Barangay Adlay, and the Dahican Fishermen Association (DFA) and Dahican Agri-Fishery

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Integrated Association (DAGFINTEGRAS) of Barangay Dahican, all in Carrascal town.

helping the marginalized sectors gain access to sustainable livelihood undertakings where they can earn enough The provision of Modified income for their Fish Aggregating Devices respective households. Project was made possible thru the initiative Each organization of the local government received 10 units of FADs unit of Carrascal (LGUwhich will be installed/ Carrascal) in partnership deployed in strategically with CTP Construction located fishing grounds and Mining Corporation identified by the who funded the organization. project thru its Social Development and The beneficiaries Management Program from the two coastal (SDMP) 2021, with the barangays will be using Municipal Agriculture the deployed ‘payaos’ in Office on technical their respective locations assistance. and are expected to benefit from the project. The project is part of (LGU-Carrascal/PIAthe LGU’s efforts in Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

15 entrepreneurs finish DTI’s mentoring program in SurSur

Some 15 microenterprises from Surigao del Sur graduated under the 2021 Kapatid Mentor Me - Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online Batch 2 after successfully completing the program on Sept. 2, 2021. The Department of Trade and Industry-Surigao del Sur (DTI-SDS) Provincial Office reported that they have achieved a 100% completion rate for this batch with three mentees, Ma. Venus C. Buhian of Mavies Sweets (Bislig City), Kristian Casas of Kobi’s Favorite Food Caraga INFOCUS

Products (Hinatuan), and Mikah Kristylle P. Cosmiano of MaverickKristylle Medical Equipment and Supplies Trading (Tago). They were also recognized for presenting excellent Business Improvement Plan (BIP). Cosmiano bested 61 other KMME mentees in Caraga Region for having been awarded as the Best BIP. The KMME-MME is a regular program of the DTI and the Philippine Center

for Entrepreneurship (PCE) to train microenterprises through a 10- module mentorship program to boost their entrepreneurial capacity. The program started in 2017 but due to pandemic, its implementation has been done online via Zoom. The new graduates of KMME-MME Online Batch 2 of Surigao del Sur shall now compose the 101 KMME graduates of the province. (CTIDS-DTI/PIASurigao del Sur/Bema Theresa Vasquez) September 4-10, 2021 |

Political officer ng NPA, patay sa engkwentro sa Surigao del Norte

Patay ang isang political officer ng New People’s Army o NPA pagkatapos ng sagupaan sa mga kasundaluhan ng 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, Philippine Army sa bulubunduking bahagi ng Sitio Suoton, Brgy Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte nitong ika-dalawa ng Setyembre 2021.

mga kasundaluhan sa bundok, sila ay kakatanggap ng Naganap ang sagupaan sumbong mula sa matapos naging aktibo mga mamamayan ang mga tauhan ng 30IB hinggil sa presensya ng sa pagpapatrolya simula armadong terorista at noong ipinagkaloob miyembro ng NPA kung ng 4th Infantry Division kaya agad ipinag-utos ang pangangalaga sa ni Lt. Col. Ryan Charles seguridad ng buong Callanta, pinuno ng Mineral Production 30IB ang pagsasagawa Sharing Agreement ng security patrol (MPSA) Area ng tatlong upang tugisin ang mga Siya ay kinilala ng malalaking kumpanya armado. kanyang dating ng minahang TMC, kasamahan bilang si THPAL at PGMC sa Habang nagsasagawa alyas “Asyong,” ang vice bayan ng Claver ng patrol ang mga platoon kumander at mula noong ika-isa ng tropa, kanilang political officer ng SYP Setyembre sa taong nakasagupa ang mga Platoon 16C1, Guerilla kasalukuyan. armadong terorista Front 16, Northeastern na tinatayang nasa Mindanao Regional Sa pamamalagi ng mahigit o kumulang

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Committee (SYP16C1, GF16, NEMRC).

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itong ikasawi. Kung kaya patuloy naming hinihikayat ang lahat ng natitirang miyembro na sumuko na at tanggapin ang hatid na tulong ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP bago pa mahuli ang lahat,” ani Lt.Col. Callanta. na sampung katao at pinaniniwalaang kasapi ng SYP Platoon 16C1, GF16, NEMRC na pinamumunuan ni Roel T Neniel o mas kilala bilang alyas “Jacob.” Ang nasabing bakbakan ay tumagal ng labing limang minuto at nagresulta sa pagkasawi ni Ka Asyong. Nakuha din sa pinangyarihan ang mga matataas na kalibre ng baril tulad ng dalawang AK47 rifle, isang M14 rifle, isang bandolier, dalawang magazine ng AK47 at pitong magazine ng M14 na may kasamang mga bala, at iba’t ibang suplay ng mga pagkain at medisina. Sa pahayag ni Lt. Col. Callanta, taos-puso Caraga INFOCUS

siyang nagpasalamat sa kooperasyon ng mga mamamayan sa pagbibigay ng agarang impormasyon tungkol sa mga gawain ng teroristang NPA. Ayon sa kanya isa itong patunay o batayan sa patuloy na suporta ng mamamayan sa kampanya na tinatawag na Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict o ELCAC. “Nais naming ipaabot mula sa aming hanay ang aming pakikiramay sa pamilya ng nasawing NPA. Nawa’y ang pangyayaring ito ay magsilbing aral sa mga natitirang miyembro ng teroristang NPA na wala silang mapapalang maganda sa kilusan kundi gutom, pagod, at maaari pa nila

“Asahan lang din po ng ating mamamayan sa buong probinsya ng Surigao del Norte na patuloy naming poprotektahan at aalagaan ang ating bayan ng sa ganon patuloy tayong umunlad at maging mapayapa,” dagdag pa ni Lt.Col. Callanta. Sa ngayon agad ng ibinaba ng mga tropa ng 30IB ang nasawing NPA at dinala sa funeral parlor upang mabigyan ng maayos na libing at patuloy pa ding inaalam ang pagkakakilanlan nito upang maipaalam sa kanyang pamilya. (2Lt. Benjamin Elisand De Dios, CMO Officer, 30IB, PA/PIA-Surigao del Norte) September 4-10, 2021 |

MINDANAO NEWS

To boost livestock, poultry MinDA asks Texas seed company: “Set up Mindanao sorghum nursery” The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has invited a Texas-based Sorghum Seed Production Company to support the agency’s Sorghum Development Program by establishing a nursery in Mindanao. Scott Seed Company, which in 2019 donated 25 metric tons of Sorghum Seeds to MinDA through the Davao del Norte Provincial Government, was asked to consider the setting up of a seed production nursery following successful field trials conducted last year. Coby Kriegshauser, chief executive officer The progress of MinDA’s of Scott Seeds, a family company established by Sorghum Development his grandfather, Ira Scott, Program, however, has in Hereford, Texas in been stunted by the difficulty and expense in 1946, has earlier invited shipping Sorghum seeds the MinDA Chairman to from Texas to Mindanao, witness the introduction of its new hybrid especially during the Sorghum seeds during COVID 19 Pandemic. Caraga INFOCUS

the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the company. In response, MinDA proposed to Scott Seed the establishment of a seed production nursery in Mindanao to boost the Sorghum Development Program of the agency September 4-10, 2021 |

to support its livestock and poultry industry. MinDA emphasized that a Seed Production Nursery established right next to the production area would greatly reduce the cost of the Sorghum Seeds which are now brought into the country from the US and other countries by seed distribution companies.

from Sorghum is the production of green stalks even after harvest which would be used as silage for both large and small ruminants, especially in Cattle Fattening, another project being pushed by MinDA.

The availability of Sorghum Seeds for farmers in Mindanao could provide additional income opportunities from a new agricultural product needed by the poultry and livestock industry.

Kriegshauser said his company would be interested to discuss the prospects of investing in a Seed Nursery in Mindanao adding that it could become the source of waxy Sorghum which China needs. MinDA Sorghum Development Program was crafted in support of the Livestock and Poultry Industry Development initiatives of the agency to complement the corn produced in Mindanao for animal feeds. An additional benefit

|September 4-10, 2021

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3 harvests in 1 year! Cotabato Ilocano farmers prove we could be rice self-sufficient

(Photos and drone shots were taken by the media team of the Mindanao Development Authority)

A community of Ilocano farmers in Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato has proven that with readily accessible irrigation water, highyielding seeds, sufficient soil nutrients and farm equipment, the dream of a Rice Self-Sufficient Philippines could come true. Yesterday, I joined the Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA) of Manubuan, Matalam in a harvest festival to celebrate the second of their three croppings for the year. Manubuan SWISA President Tranquilino Caraga INFOCUS

Polanco, a retired public school teacher and former vice mayor of Matalam, said the P7-M Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS), one of the first to be constructed all over the country when I was Agriculture Secretary, is the key to their multiple croppings and the increase in their annual yield per hectare from 3 to 21 metric tons. “Before, we were only able to plant once a year, minsan kung mahina ang ulan, failure pa,” Polanco said adding that their average production per hectare before the SPIS was established was only

3 metric tons per hectare per year. In 2017, after President Rodrigo Duterte launched the SPIS Program of the Department of Agriculture, a small budget was allocated for the experimental phase of the new technology. The construction of the Manubuan SPIS started in January 2018 and was completed three months later. By April of 2018, the farmers were planting rice in a 25-hectare area served by the SPIS September 4-10, 2021 |

Hybrid rice seeds could produce as much as 12 to 14 metric tons in suitable areas, thus the need for a trial planting to determine which of the different hybrids would perform well in Manubuan. “Kayang-kaya natin maging rice sufficient at (Photos and drone shots were taken by the media team of the Mindanao itong experience namin Development Authority) ang patunay.,” Polanco equipped with steel and since they harvested said. pipes which distributed three times a year, the water from the reservoir. total production per “Ang malaking hectare per year ws problema na lang namin The Manubuan SWISA 21-metric tons. ngayon ay ang presyo also received one 50-HP ng bilihan ng aming tractor with rotavator, “Hindi pa nga kami palay. Kanina sabi sa one Kubota Rice nakasubok ng hybrid akin ng trader P13.50 Combined Harvester and at ang gamit namin ay lang daw ang kilo. a 1-kilometer concrete inbred lang na binhi,” he Kawawa naman kami road pavement from said. kapag magpatuloy ito,” the highway up to the he lamented. reservoir site. The Manubuan SWISA now is raising funds from The farmers have proven “First year namin, nakaamong its members to that with the needed dalawang harvest kami. procure additional pipes interventions, they could Then, sinubukan namin to expand the irrigation double and even triple three times a year noong service area to at least their production and 2019. Nakaya namin kasi 50 hectares. what needs to be done mabilis ang pagbungkal by government now is ng lupa at pag-harvest. Yesterday, old man to assure them of a faire Tapos yong concrete na Polanco accepted my price for their palay. FMR, ginagawa namin proposal to set up a bilaran,” Polanco said. demonstration area for That is the critical factor different early-maturing in our quest for a rice selfFrom 3-metric tons once hybrid rice varieties sufficient Philippines and a year, the farmers’ which could give them production increased to a higher yield and better the ball in in the hands of our government. (MinDA) 7-metric tons per harvest quality grains.

|September 4-10, 2021

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NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar: President Duterte’s AHON program highlights proactive gov’t response in crisis situations The government has long moved past being reactive and is focusing its time in creating more proactive efforts to respond to crisis situations, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday. In an interview, Secretary Andanar cited the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program as one of the recent proactive initiatives of the government to reach out to Filipino families who are greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. The convergence effort is an inter-agency initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), that harmonizes the delivery of necessary aid to the most affected communities in times of calamities and emergencies, including the pandemic. This is pursuant to Executive Order No. 137 signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on May 24, 2021. “It is really sad that this is happening to us. But at the same time, I am very proud that we have a government that’s very responsive and proactive. We are no longer joining the bandwagon of reactive people,” he said in an interview. It can be recalled that the program was officially launched in Siargao Islands last June 2021, where residents of several towns received cash grants and entrepreneurial assistance as part of the recovery package in light of the ongoing pandemic. The series of turnover of assistance was joined by various government agencies including representatives from the DSWD, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade

|September 4-10, 2021

and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Health (DOH). “We are focused on our job to reach Filipinos all over the country however they may be, whatever crisis that they are going through right now. This is the job of the government, to look after the welfare of the people,” Secretary Andanar said. The PCOO chief went on to mention accomplishments of the administration in social services, including the establishment of the Malasakit Centers in public hospitals, which has already served more than two million indigent Filipinos seeking medical and financial assistance. More college students are now also enjoying the provisions under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Significant efforts have also been made to reach out to communities that are geographically isolated areas through the anti-insurgency campaign of the government.

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PCOO’s communications academy to break ground this September Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday announced that the construction of the Government Strategic Communications Academy will finally begin this September. The first state-of-theart training facility for government media workers and information officers is set to be built within the compound of the Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Secretary Andanar bared that the PCOO project will be breaking ground this month, along with its partner agencies, including the local government of Manolo Fortich, the NBSC, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “The first Government Communications Academy will finally have its groundbreaking ceremony this September. It will focus on teaching communications to our information officers from the barangays to those in the national government agencies,” he said. This would also be open to

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media workers in the private sector who want to take part in the training programs. “Training programs include broadcasting and writing, among others. This profession is a vocation. It’s really something that you do because you believe in public service, in informing the people through development communication,” he added. The GCA was supposed to start construction last year, however funds and other documentary requirements were yet to be complied with until now. Secretary Andanar said that big-ticket projects under the PCOO would have not been realized without the support of the President. Among these is the Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City, the first government media hub

outside of Metro Manila. A Visayas Media Hub will also be constructed with its initial budget already approved. “We will finally have a Government Communications Academy and this is because of President Rodrigo Duterte, who supports all of our programs,” he said. He went on to enumerate other initiatives of the PCOO, especially on policy development. The agency is firm on promoting the welfare of media workers in the country and has been one of the partners in pushing for the passage of a Media Workers Welfare bill. Other policies passed at the legislative branch are the Freedom of Information Bill and the People’s Broadcasting Corporations Bill.

September 4-10, 2021 |

PCOO’s P1.91B proposed 2022 budget to support PH recovery roadmap Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday led the presentation of the office’s proposed P1.91 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2022 to Congress, to support the country’s bid to recover from the pandemic. The agency’s proposed 2022 budget is approximately 18% higher than the P1.62 billion appropriations this year. “As we recover as a nation, the amount will be used to communicate to the people how the Duterte administration is laying out the path for resilience and sustainability. At the same time, we will build on the gains of this government for the past five years to amplify the Pamana ng Pagbabago,” Secretary Andanar said. Getting the biggest share of the proposed budget for next year is the PCOO proper at P740.62 million, followed by the Bureau of Broadcast Services (BBS) getting P456.03 million, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) getting P333.54 million. The Presidential Broadcast Staff - Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) will get the fourth largest piece of the pie at P171.86 million, followed by the News and Information Bureau at P129.20 million, while the Bureau of Communications Services and National Printing Office will get P70.59 million, and P9.13 million respectively. The said budget does not include the subsidy allocation

|September 4-10, 2021

for its two attached GOCCs, namely the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) and Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC). The proposed amount of P104.94 million will go to PTNI to support its continuing modernization program to improve its reach and the quality of its programs, while P73.69 million will go to IBC to support its maintenance and other operating expenses. This brings the proposed budget of the PCOO as a department plus the subsidy of its two attached GOCCs to P2.09 billion. “Sticking true to our mandate, we will continue to highlight the legacy of real change that this administration brought to the Filipino people as we inch closer to the end of the Duterte administration’s term,” Secretary Andanar said. The PCOO chief went on to discuss the continuing projects of the department, which include the construction of the

Visayas Media Hub, Phase 1 construction of the Government Communications Academy, and the implementation of the Freedom of Information, among others. Secretary Andanar also emphasized the PCOO’s continued support for the passage of priority legislations such as the Freedom of Information Bill, the Media Workers Welfare Bill, and the proposed People’s Broadcasting Corporation Act. “It is our job to deliver accurate and valuable information with excellence, responsibility, and integrity to the Filipino people, so that they may be transformed into informed citizens and thought leaders, who will partner with us in achieving president Duterte’s legacy of providing a secure, comfortable, strongly-rooted life for all Filipinos that cascades to future generations,” he said. “Until then, our primary objective remains: bring hope to our people that better days are coming for the Philippines,” he added.

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Improved PCOO operations made president Duterte more visible to the public eye tune in to their social media pages for real-time updates on the current situation that the country is facing.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday that improving the operations of the PCOO and its attached agencies in terms of broadcasting and information dissemination has made the President visible to the public. “Alam niyo po talagang ginawa natin ang magagawa natin para po ma-improve ang PCOO. We streamlined the government communications arm. Ngayon po masasabi natin na we are walking in one direction [We did what we can to improve PCOO. We streamlined the government communications arm and now I can say that we are walking in one direction],” he said in an interview. Through the Radio-Television Malacanang (PBS-RTVM), the government is now able to air live the pronouncements

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“Marami pang pagbabago ang ating ginawa tulad ng pagtaas ng ating social media presence. Before the PCOO proper had about 300,000 followers, now we are reaching more than 2 million Filipinos,” he said. He said that online platforms of the communications arm of the President - his State of are reaching millions of Filipinos the Nation Addresses, media interviews, meetings, and other and it is even being amplified significant gatherings with local through its partnership with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster officials. These engagements ng Pilipinas (KBP). are being amplified by the other PCOO attached PCOO’s policy development agencies through their social engagements media platforms as well as tv and radio programs. Secretary Andanar cited “Kahit saan magpunta ang that the department not only Presidente ay covered po. focused on reaching the Diretso na yung report ng public but also looking after Presidente mula sa RTVM the welfare of Filipino media hanggang dun sa mga workers and making the kababayan natin. Wala na government more accessible pong middleman [Wherever to the people. the President goes, it is covered. The report of the “Dati hindi naman nakikialam President goes directly to ang PCOO pagdating sa the people because of policymaking but we ensured RTVM. There’s no longer a that all bases are covered middleman],” Secretary kailangan matulungan natin Andanar said. yung ating mga kasamahan sa media, kailangan maHe also mentioned that their improve natin yung ating unrelenting efforts to create pagpatakbo ng government more proactive programs communications arm,” he said. allowed for more Filipinos to

September 4-10, 2021 |

Secretary Andanar highlights delivery of correct information to educate, empower Filipino voters Massive information dissemination of the achievements of the Duterte administration not only make the public more knowledgeable but also create more empowered Filipino voters.

“Importante po ang mai-report sa ating mga kababayan ang ginagawa ng ating Pangulo. Sana itong ginawa nating Legacy campaign ay ma-institutionalize, at maadopt ng susunod na administrasyon sapagkat Presidential Communications it is only through reporting Operations Office (PCOO) that the people will be Secretary Martin Andanar more knowledgeable and responded to an interview more informed kung saan this morning on the role of napunta iyong pondo ng implementing the Duterte bayan [It is important that Legacy campaign that the we report to the people agency has embarked on what the President is since 2020. doing. And I hope that our legacy campaign will be He said that he is looking institutionalized, adopted forward for the same by the next administration, legacy campaign to be because it is only through institutionalized by the reporting that the people succeeding administrations, will be more knowledgeable as this will be an important and more informed where comprehensive report to public funds are being the people, whom he said spent],” he said. are the stakeholders of the Secretary Andanar stressed government. that correct information is

|September 4-10, 2021

the arm of the Filipinos on having the conscientious choice in the coming national elections next year. “Pag nangyari po yun, mayroon na silang benchmark, batayan sa kanilang mga isipan kung ano po yung tamang pagpapatakbo ng bayan. Sa pagboto nila sa susunod na taon meron na silang basehan [If that happens, the Filipino people will have the benchmark etched in their minds on how the country should be run. When they vote next year they already have a basis,” he said. “It is only when you are armed with the correct information that you will be able to vote wisely,” he added.

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Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental maintains zero COVID-19 case The local government of Sinacaban in Misamis Occidental is sustaining its zero COVID-19 case while shifting its focus to inoculate all of its qualified citizens. In an interview during the Network Briefing News hosted by Presidential Communications Sec. Martin M. Andanar, Sangguniang Bayan member, Councilor Raem Naranjo revealed that as of now there are no reports of positive cases of COVID-19 in the town which is now under the General Community Quarantine. “Kino-comply namin iyong basic protocols ng gobyerno katulad nitong pagsusuot ng face mask, avoid din namin iyong gatherings na pang-maramihan, iyong essential gathering lang yung pinapayagan namin, restricted travel din. [We comply with the basic protocols of the government such as wearing a face mask, we also avoid mass gatherings, we only allow essential gatherings, and we restrict travel as well.],” he said. Sinacaban’s quarantine facilities in Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park and an infirmary hospital are now vacant of patients and have been converted into storage for COVID-19 vaccines and a vaccination hub for the meantime. He also shared that local government officials, headed by its Mayor Dello T. Lood, are full force in advocating

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the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. “Iyong pagpapabakuna pinapaigting namin kasi tumulong iyong local officials natin, umiikot kami sa mga barangay. [We are intensifying our vaccination drive and our local officials here are helping us as we go around the barangays],” Coun. Naranjo added. Aside from complying with the Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines, the local government of Sinacaban is also affirming that vaccination is part of the national government’s efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Sinacaban’s Vaccination Rollout As of now, the Sinacaban LGU has vaccinated more than 50% of its senior citizens while about 25% of other listed sectors have also been inoculated against COVID-19. “Iyong vaccine na sinusuplay rito ay nauubos naman for scheduled vaccination. Willing na willing magpabakuna ang mga tao dito, naiintindihan nila

ang purpose ng vaccination natin. [We use up the vaccine supply given here for scheduled vaccination. People here are very willing to get vaccinated and they understand the purpose of our vaccination drive.],” he added. Naranjo expressed his gratitude to the national government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for continuing projects and programs for the people of the town. “Sa ating national government, maraming tulong ang naiparating sa amin through the representation of our congressman. Maraming tulong na natanggap ang Sinacaban. [Our national government, a lot of assistance has been given to us through the representation of our congressman. Sinacaban received a lot of help from the national government],” he said. He hoped that the national government will be able to continue its plans and programs including infrastructure programs, plans for agriculture and education sectors, and other projects in the coming months. ###

September 4-10, 2021 |

PCOO Chief: Duterte legacy a norm in reporting gov’t actions to people Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar said on Monday, September 6, that the Duterte Legacy campaign is now a norm in informing the public of what the government is doing for the people. “Duterte Legacy will become the norm of the government, kumbaga dapat nagrereport tayo sa ating mga kababayan [we should report to our countrymen],” the PCOO chief said in radio

|September 4-10, 2021

interviews with Radyo Bandera 95.7 FM Antique and 88.7 Oragon News FM.

Duterte administration, we don’t only have the SONA and it is not just reporting the accomplishments of one “Noong mga nakaraang agency],” he added. administrasyon, wala naman talagang legacy He mentioned that campaign. Obvious po the Presidential na under the Duterte Communications administration, hindi Operations Office and lang kapag mayroong its attached agencies SONA, hindi lang are in full force in setting pagrereport ng isang the standard on how accomplishment ng things should be done isang ahensya. [During in communications previous administrations, campaigns. there was really no legacy campaign. It is “Para makita rin ng obvious that under the ating mga kababayan Caraga INFOCUS

na pwede palang gumawa ng legacy sa kanilang lugar. Hindi ito pagmamayabang kundi isang reporting system na kailangan talagang gawin natin sa gobyerno. [So that our countrymen can see that a legacy can be done in their area. This is not about bragging but a reporting system that we really need to be doing in government],” Sec. Andanar pointed out. Laging Handa and Duterte Legacy Campaigns According to Sec. Andanar, the good relationship of the PCOO and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) helped a lot in airing the Laging Handa Crisis Communications through TV and radio stations who are KBP members. He also expressed his confidence in the streamlined government communications instrumentalities through a much-improved social media presence of the government at present. Caraga INFOCUS

The PCOO chief emphasized that these communications campaigns were able to successfully inform the public of what the government is doing and its response in this time of the pandemic. The Laging Handa campaign has been implemented since July 2016 until now. Under the Duterte administration, the BuildBuild-Build Program has been one of the biggest projects, having generated 6.5 million jobs for Filipinos and contributed almost 5 percent of GDP spending is allocated for infrastructures. This is why the Duterte administration has been called the Golden Age of Infrastructure. As of August 30, 2021, this flagship infrastructure program has constructed 29,000 kilometers of roads, over 4,900 bridges, more than 450 seaports, over 214 airports, and more than 150,000 classrooms nationwide. Appeal to the public

The remaining 10 months of the Duterte administration is important and crucial to all Filipinos, according to Sec. Andanar. “Suportahan po natin si Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the remaining 10 months. One of the most important months of our lives dahil gumawa na po ng roadmap si Presidente on how the country will recover from the damage of the onslaught of COVID-19. [Let us support President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the remaining 10 months. One of the most important months of our lives because the President has already made a roadmap on how the country will recover from the damage of the onslaught of COVID-19],” he said. He appealed to the public to work together hand in hand with the President in the remaining 10 months so that he can build a strong foundation for the country to recover quickly after the pandemic. ### September 4-10, 2021 |

Bong Go urges gov’t to thoroughly study options for conduct of classes in schools; reiterates that children must not be put at risk as vaccination must be priority prior to resumption of faceto-face classes Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has encouraged the national government to thoroughly study the planned conduct of pilot face-toface classes in schools, expressing reservations because most students have not yet been vaccinated. “Pag-aralan po ng mabuti, isa ‘yun sa ide-discuss ni Pangulong Duterte dahil may proposal po ang ating DepEd (Department of Education) at saka ‘yung CHED (Commission on Higher Education),”

|September 4-10, 2021

said Go during his personal visit to flood victims in Biñan City, Laguna on Friday, September 10. President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, may accept a planned pilot test for in-person classes in 120 schools, Malacanang reported earlier. The suggested limited face-toface classes have been approved in principle by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease, which would be presented to the

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president. According to Roque, the government is also approaching it as an “economic problem” because the country is dealing with “a generation that could possibly be lost” due to limitations of hybrid learning. Go expressed reservations about holding physical classes considering that younger students have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19. He emphasized his position that face-to-face classes may only be limited to fully vaccinated individuals. “Sa mga bata, takot talaga ako.. unang-una hindi sila bakunado. Pangalawa, hindi natin Caraga INFOCUS

kontrolado ‘yung galaw nila,” said Go. “Pangatlo, back to zero na naman tayo (kung magkahawahan sa eskwela), tumataas ‘yung kaso, may Delta cases, mahirap po. So dapat po balansehin muna ang lahat, unahin natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” he added. Fully vaccinated students, on the other hand, may be permitted more movement, according to the senator. Go previously stated his support for offering incentives to fully vaccinated population in order to urge more Filipinos, particularly those who are still hesitant, to obtain their COVID-19 doses. “Maybe ‘pag bakunado. Bigyan po natin ng insentibo ‘yung bakunado para ma-enganyo po ‘yung mga kababayan natin na magpabakuna. Dapat po bigyan ng insentibo gaya dito kay Mayor, ‘yung mga senior citizens nila, ‘pag bakunado, nakakalabas,” said Go. “Siguro ganoon din po sa national na puwedeng pag-aralan, ‘pag bakunado kana puwede ka ng... face-toCaraga INFOCUS

face classes, ‘yung mga college students dahil more or less protektado po sila… ito pong mga college students, lalonglalo na po ‘yung mga (magiging) professionals, mga doctor, ‘yung mga nurses para po makapag tapos at makapagserbisyo na dahil... the more na we need professional and medical workers right now,” he added. Go urged the government and private sector to come up with creative ways to motivate individuals to help the country attain population protection and herd immunity as soon as possible as vaccines become more widely available. Go also backed the mayors of the National Capital Region’s suggestion to waive some of the restrictions for fully vaccinated people. The Metro Manila Council of the Metro Manila Development Authority filed an appeal on Thursday, September 9, seeking the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to relax the COVID-19 Guidelines for people who have been fully vaccinated, pending further study and

consultation. Karl Chua, the Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and the head of the National Economic and Development Authority, also indicated support for the “Bakuna Bubble” pilot in the NCR during a Senate hearing on the same day. “Kung ma-relax natin konti ang mga restrictions at ibang protocols para sa bakunado na, inaasahan natin na mas maraming sektor ng ekonomiya ang mabubuksan. Mas maraming mga kababayan natin ang makapaghanapbuhay muli at makabalik sa kanikanilang mga trabaho. Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang makabangon mula sa hirap na dulot ng pandemya,” Go explained. “Subalit dahan-dahan nating gawin ito. Huwag nating biglaing buksan lahat kaagad, baka naman tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso at mahihirapan na naman ang ating healthcare system. Ayaw nating magback to zero na naman tayo. Kaya maingat lang dapat nating balansehin ang buhay at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino,” Go cautioned. September 4-10, 2021 |

Bong Go immediately responds to calls for help from typhoon Jolina victims in Biñan, Laguna; calls for establishment of Department of Disaster Resilience On Friday, September 10, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Biñan City in Laguna to immediately respond to the needs of communities affected by Typhoon Jolina. Go, together with

|September 4-10, 2021

concerned government agencies, provided aid to 381 typhoon victims, consulted local leaders on how the national government can further support recovery efforts, and assured residents that the Duterte administration

will continue to deliver public service amid the crisis. “Hindi ko po matiis na nakaupo lang (sa opisina), nagpapalamig, tapos ‘yung mga kababayan mo rito naghihirap, tinatamaan Caraga INFOCUS

ng bagyo, may COVID pa tayo. Basta kaya ng panahon ko at ng aking katawan, pinangako ko sa inyo, pupuntahan ko po kayo kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas,” Go reiterated. “Wala pang proklamasyon, pumunta po ako rito. Pagkatapos ng proklamasyon ko… pumunta po ako sa nasunugan sa Caloocan... Pumunta rin po ako rito sa Binan noon sa mga nasunugan. Dahil pangako ko pong babalikan at tutulungan ko kayo sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan,” he added. In his speech delivered at Alonte Sports Arena, the Senator also advocated for the creation of a department that would focus on addressing and mitigating the impacts of disasters. Among his priority bills is Senate Bill No. 205, or the Department of Disaster Resilience, that aims to improve and streamline the country’s disaster preparedness mechanisms. Caraga INFOCUS

“Huwag na nating antayin pa na panibagong bagyo o pagbaha na naman ang dumating sa buhay natin. Kailangan po magkaroon ng Cabinet Secretary-level na departamento para rito,” Go stressed. “‘Yun na po ang makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs. Naka-preposition na po ‘yung mga goods, ilikas po ‘yung mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at pagalis po ng bagyo ay nakatutok sa restoration of normalcy at rehabilitation efforts,” he continued. “Kung mayroon na pong departamentong nakatutok, ‘yon na po ang makikipagcoordinate, tuluy-tuloy na po ang serbisyo ng gobyerno,” he added.

sa Biñan para sa mga natamaan ng bagyo... At huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo,” Go expressed. “Sabi ko nga, trabaho po namin ‘yan. Pinasok namin ito. Obligasyon namin ang magserbisyo po sa inyong lahat,” he added. Biñan City Mayor Atty. Arman Dimaguila shared his gratitude towards Senator Go for his efforts to help in any way he can to support communities in distress.

Go also reassured the beneficiaries that the Duterte administration will continue to support underprivileged communities to help them recover from disasters amid the ongoing pandemic.

“Marami na akong inabutang opisyales sa national. Kalimitan, makikilala ka lang kapag pupunta rito. Kalimitan pagkatapos ng usapan, tapos na. Pero kay Senator Bong Go, ako ang napanood niya sa TV, siya ang tumawag, at nandirito na ang tulong niya para sa atin,” Dimaguila expressed.

“Pumunta po ako rito

“Senator Bong Go, September 4-10, 2021 |

ang Biñan ay susuporta sa iyo. Hindi dahil sa pinadala mo, hindi dahil sa tulong. Kaming mga taga-Biñan, hindi kami tumitingin sa materyal na bagay. Tumitingin kami sa pakikisama, at pagmamahal na tunay, at pagpapakita ng malasakit,” the Mayor continued. Go acknowledged various officials for their efforts to help constituents including Gov. Ramil Hernandez, Rep. Len Alonte, Vice Gov. Karen Agapay;

|September 4-10, 2021

Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte; and other local and barangay officials, among others.

Go’s outreach team enforced necessary health protocols while distributing grocery packs, meals, masks, “Ako’y nagpapasalamat face shields, and vitamins. There were also kay Senator Bong Go select beneficiaries who dahil isa siya sa mga were provided shoes, lingkod bayan na bicycles, and computer tunay na tumutupad sa tablets. kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin para sa ating Meanwhile, the bayan,” Cong. Alonte Department of attested while recalling Social Welfare and the times when Go Development provided financial assistance and consistently responded grocery packs. The to the various needs of the people of Laguna in Department of Health supplied medicines, the past. Caraga INFOCUS

vitamins, and masks while the Department of Agriculture gave agricultural products to the beneficiaries. Livelihood support will be given to qualified individuals who were assessed by the Department of Trade and Industry. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office delivered fresh vegetables to the typhoon victims and livelihood equipment for fisherfolks, such as boats and fishing nets. “Senator Bong Go, nagpapasalamat po kami. Napakalaking tulong po ng ibinigay niyo sa amin kaya buong puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyo. At sana po ay magtuluy-tuloy ang inyong pagtulong sa aming mga mahihirap, lalo na po kaming tinamaan ng bagyo,” Jesly Sabenia, one of the typhoon victims, shared. As Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go reminded the public to prioritize their health and take Caraga INFOCUS

part in the national vaccination program against COVID-19.

Senate Committee on Finance, supported various infrastructure initiatives in Biñan such “Kung mahal niyo po as the improvement ang inyong mga pamilya of drainage systems. at inyong mga anak, He also pushed for dapat po ay protektado the acquisition of kayo. Magtiwala kayo ambulance units in sa gobyerno ninyo, Calamba City, Liliw, magtiwala ho kayo sa Magdalena, Nagcarlan, bakuna. Ang bakuna and Santa Rosa City; po ang tanging susi improvement of o solusyon sa ngayon drainage canals in para unti-unti na tayong Cabuyao City, and San makabalik sa normal Pablo City, and many na pamumuhay,” he others. explained. “Alam niyo po, si Pangulong Duterte He then encouraged residents to seek medical matanda na po ‘yan care at Laguna Medical 76 years old na po ‘yan. Pero patuloy ang Center in Sta. Cruz or ginagawa niya para San Pablo City General sa ating bayan, ‘yung Hospital in San Pablo sakripisyo niya po. Ako City where there are naman, sasamahan Malasakit Centers ready ko siya dahil alam ko to serve them. po na nagsasakripisyo po siya sa ating mga The Malasakit Center is kababayan. Uulitin ko, a one-stop shop which nandirito lang po kami provides convenient ni Pangulong Duterte na access to the medical handang magseserbisyo assistance programs of sa inyo, ” Go ended. the DSWD, DOH, PCSO, and PhilHealth. It seeks In 2019, Go was to reduce a hospital bill declared an adopted to the lowest possible son of the CALABARZON amount by covering region in a manifesto various patient services issued by the governors and expenses. of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. Go, as Vice Chair of September 4-10, 2021 |

BFP Modernization Act, one of Bong Go’s priority bills, signed into law

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law Republic Act No. 11589 which mandates the Bureau of Fire Protection to develop and implement a fire protection modernization program. Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1832 on which the law was based. “As the principal author of the bill, I just want to thank the President for signing into law the BFP Modernization Act. This is one of the priority bills I filed in my first month as Senator,” said Go. With the enactment of the measure, Go said that the government can now pursue and invest further in the fire bureau’s modernization and

|September 4-10, 2021

capacity enhancement efforts, as he expressed his concern for the plight of Filipinos who have been displaced by fires. “Importante po na mabigyan ng suporta ang modernization ng ating Bureau of Fire Protection dahil napaka-importante ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila upang makapagligtas ng buhay,” said Go. “Halos linggo-linggo po akong bumababa sa mga nasusunugan. Nakikita ko po ang hirap ng ating mga kababayang nasunugan. Kahit isang bahay lang po ang masunog, damay po pati ang kapitbahay. Maraming pamilya ang apektado. Kaya po dapat lang na palakasin ang

kapasidad ng BFP sa pagresponde sa sunog,” he added. RA 11589 mandates the BFP to develop and implement a fire protection modernization program. This will include the acquisition of modern fire equipment, the expansion of the BFP’s manpower, and the provision of specialized training for firefighters, among others. The BFP shall also be mandated to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit. “Hindi lamang po ang pag-modernize ng ating equipment ang makatutulong sa paglaban

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sa mga sunog. Mahalaga rin dito ang fire safety education. ‘Yung atin dito, kung papaano i-prevent at maturuan ang mga kababayan natin kung papaano ba maiiwasan ang mga sunog,” Go pointed out. Sharing his experience going around the country to aid victims of fires, Go explained that fires emanate from small, crowded communities, giving rise to the need to educate residents in these mostly impoverished communities on how to avoid fires. “‘Yung mga maliliit na bahay, bantayan at turuan rin natin para maiwasan ang ganitong insidente. Kadalasan dito sa mga maliliit talaga at mga liblib na lugar nagkakasunog,” he said. “Kahit anumang problema ang inyong hinaharap— sunog, lindol, baha, pagputok ng bulkan o kahit anong klaseng krisis— handa kaming tumulong at magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Huwag kayo mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyerno na palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo,” Go reiterated. Meanwhile, the Senator has also expressed his admiration for firefighters who put their lives at risk to respond to save lives during fires and natural calamities.

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“Bilib po ako sa ating mga bumbero dahil kahit hindi sunog, kasama sila sa mga unang sumusuong sa panganib at rumeresponde tuwing may sakuna at kalamidad. Maituturing po natin sila na first responders dahil parte sila ng ating emergency response,” said Go. He said that providing them with modern equipment would capacitate them further in saving lives and protecting themselves while in the line of duty. “Kahit mayroong pandemya, patuloy pa rin namang nangyayari ang mga sunog at iba pang aksidente o sakuna. Kaya nga po habang binabalangkas pa natin ang batas na ito, isinulong ko na po last year ang additional budget na 1.7 billion pesos para sa BFP para sa firefighting and rescue equipment ng BFP para sa taong ito,” he pointed out. Among the provisions in the law is establishing specialized fire protection services in every region and city which includes a Security and Protection Unit (SPU). The SPU shall be provided with appropriate equipment to protect firefighters during fire suppression, containment of HAZMAT and CBRNE materials, fire investigation, and in the performance of all other acts pertinent to their mandate. Go earlier cited the concerns

of local governments and the BFP that firefighters often face threats on the ground especially during volatile environments when they respond to fire incidents. Hence, the provision aims to create the SPU so that firefighters can protect themselves from such threats. “Security has been a serious concern of the BFP on the ground especially in volatile environments. They can only effectively suppress fires and save lives if peace and order is in place and they are also protected from unruly elements,” Go explained. “That is why it would be best if they have their own Security and Protection Unit. Aside from capacitating our firefighters, we are also promoting their safety and welfare,” Go added. Moreover, Go stated that firefighters are capable of handling such situations given their training so a special unit to ensure their safety and protection is an essential part of enhancing the capabilities of the BFP. “Iyong ibang mga BFP officers ay PNPA graduates naman sila. May alam sila kung paano ma-ensure ang peace and order. Para ito sa proteksyon ng kanilang mga kahanay. Para ito sa proteksyon ng ating BFP personnel na sumusuong sa emergency situations,” Go said.

September 4-10, 2021 |

Active cases down to 151,135 with 20K new Covid-19 recoveries The nation’s total number of recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has reached 1,948,198 after 20,151 new recoveries were reported on Wednesday. In its latest case bulletin, the Department of Health (DOH) noted that recoveries account for 91.3 percent of the total case count which has reached 2,134,005 since the start of the pandemic last year. Meanwhile, 12,751 new infections brought the total number of active cases nationwide to 151,135. The DOH noted the relatively low numbers reported on Wednesday is due to the technical issues encountered in the extraction of updated data from the COVIDKaya digital platform on Sept. 7. About 91.6 percent of these active cases are mild, 3.7 percent are asymptomatic, 0.7 percent are critical, 1.5 percent are severe, and 2.54 percent are moderate. Another 174 new deaths were also reported, pushing the country’s total number of Covid-19 fatalities to 34,672.

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According to DOH data on Sept. 6, about 28.1 percent of 57,260 who were tested turned out positive for Covid-19. “About 54 duplicates were removed from the total case count, and of these, 46 are recoveries. Moreover, 80 cases previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” it added. All laboratories were operational on Sept. 3 while five laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System. The DOH noted the five non-reporting laboratories contribute, on average, 0.9

percent of samples tested, and 1.2 percent of positive individuals based on data in the last 14 days. To date, 76 percent of 4,100 intensive care unit beds, 67 percent of 20,900 isolation beds, 72 percent of 15,400 ward beds, and 56 percent of 3,200 ventilators are utilized by patients with Covid-19 nationwide. Meanwhile, 74 percent of 1,400 intensive care unit beds, 63 percent of 4,700 isolation beds, 72 percent of 4,300 ward beds, and 63 percent of 1,100 ventilators dedicated to patients with Covid-19 are in use in the National Capital Region. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

September 4-10, 2021 |

Cold chain facility assures no wastage of Covid jabs The Department of Health’s national logistics partner in the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program has assured that no vaccine was wasted since the start of the vaccination rollout early this year. “As the national logistics partner of the Department of Health (DOH), PharmaServ Express has ensured that no Covid-19 vaccine has been wasted from storage to careful packing and distribution to LGUs since April 2021,” said PharmaServ Express, Inc. President Andrian Perez in a statement. Perez issued the pronouncement after the DOH reported during its budget hearing at the House of Representatives that the handling of coldchain facilities for Covid-19 vaccines has remained “very well-managed.” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said that from March to Aug. 20 this year, the DOH recorded 4,528 total wastage in doses, which she described as “very low.” However, she did not mention when or where the wastage occurred.

|September 4-10, 2021

Vaccine arrival at the airport (File photo)

“From Day One of the country’s vaccine rollout, PharmaServ Express assures the Filipino people that we have always ensured the vaccines we have handled are intact and maintained,” Perez said. Based on the company’s previous experience working with government agencies and private institutions, Perez said PharmaServ Express “will continue to work hard to provide quality and dependable cold-chain management service to every Filipino family, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.”

Pharmaserv Express worked with the DOH and the UNICEF in the campaign to stop the measles and polio outbreaks that both occurred in 2019 in various parts of the country. Due to its timely and efficient delivery of vaccines even to far-flung areas of the Philippines, PharmaServ Express helped end the polio outbreak this year. PharmaServ Express has also provided the coldchain and logistical needs of various private pharmaceutical companies in the past years. (PR)

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PH vaccination program reaches 35.8-M mark A total of 35,838,964 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide as of Sept. 5, the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) reported. A total of 15,033,354 have already completed two doses while 20,805,610 have the initial dose, according to the NTF report on Tuesday. The total doses administered in the 27th week of the national vaccination program reached 2,739,572 while the average daily jab accomplishment in the last seven days stood at 391,367 doses. The Philippines’ jabs stockpile is already at 52,792,130 doses. The government targets to vaccinate 70 percent of the eligible adult population or 77,139,058 Filipinos out of the Caraga INFOCUS

File photo

country’s 110,198,654 total population.

of booster shots in the Philippines.

The government is also Local experts are also looking at pediatric assessing the feasibility vaccination and booster of administering them. shots once population protection is achieved. “But once they give us the cue that boosters Vaccine czar and are needed, we will NTF chief Secretary process and arrange Carlito Galvez Jr. the procurement,” previously pointed out Galvez said in a previous that the World Health Organization has not yet interview. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) recommended the use September 4-10, 2021 |

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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Caraga InFocus – September 4-10, 2021

Articles inside

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US DONATES RT-PCR EXTRACTION KITS TO PH GENOME CENTER

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DA CARAGA COMMENCES URBAN GARDENING CONTEST FOR THE YOUTH