Caraga InFocus - June 11-17, 2016

C O V E R

Agusan Sur province opens Naliyagan Festival 2016

CONTENTS 11-17 June 2016

Volume 1, No. 11

REGIONAL NEWS Be ready for La Niña - DOH

Caraganons celebrate 118th Philippine Independence Day PNP personnel ordered to turn in firearms with expired licenses

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

14 AgSur LGU sets week-long activities for 24th Naliyagan Festival 15 AgSur ARB group receives bamboo slats production facilities 16 Displaced worker turned DOLE staff thru SEnA 19 Surigao Norte hosts PLS national assembly 20 SurSur commemorates 118th Philippine Independence Day 23 DPWH admits delay in classrooms construction for Senior High in SurSur 24 Agusan Norte barangays receive TSeKAp equipment package 25 4 NPA rebels fall in government raid in Butuan 26

Security in place for Naliyagan Festival, says Naliyagan Foundation prexy

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao’s RE push to boost PHL’s clean energy agenda

NATIONAL NEWS

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31 President Aquino calls on Filipinos to never lose patience with the 33 ways of democracy Remittances to the Philippines up by 4.1% in April

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Cover Story Agus

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NATIONAL NEWS

The event started with an entrancre of colors by the 401st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Hoisting of the national, provincial, city, municipal and

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additional funds for the province rather to celebrate the birth of the province, share the joy of the people, and especially to give small entrepreneurs the avenue to promote their products and opportunity for them to earn more. “The theme is focused on productivity of people in terms of agriculture which will in turn eradicate, if not, to improve the state of poverty in the province,” Cane said.

barangay flags followed, accompanied also by the singing of the National Anthem, Cane added as he relayed Naliyagan Hymn, Agusan Hymn and the message of provincial governor Agusan March.

Adolph Edward Plaza, that the local government remains steadfast in

This year’s week-long festival pursuing progress and improvement which will run from June 12-17, 2016 is of system, and to continue moving anchored on the theme, “Productivity forward through unified efforts. and Unity in Diversity”.

Meanwhile, with fervent prayers

Agusan del Sur vice governor to sustain the progress and in seeking Santiago Cane, Jr. emphasized for lasting peace and security of that the festival is not meant to gain the province of Agusan del Sur, an ecumenical prayer among religious leaders was offered.

One of the highlights was the Kalayaan Jobs Fair where employment opportunities were made available to the public. During the evening of the kick-off celebration of the Naliyagan Festival, viewers will be entertained with the Cultural Show; TM Republikaravan sa Naliyagan featuring Siakol and 11-17 JUNE 2016

NATIONAL NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS

Daybreak Band; Naliyagan Acoustics; community bonds needed in pushing Fireworks Display and Rave and Foam Agusan del Sur farther onto the Party. road of progress.

In her message, 1st District M e a n w h i l e , Representative Maria Valentina Plaza the chairman mentioned with specific emphasis on of the thanking the people of Agusan del Sur Sangguniang for their unrelenting support, Panlalawigan and since the Committee I n d e p e n d e n c e on Education Day is also Edward Mellana commemorated, presented the she likewise 557 provincial u n d e r s c o r e d scholars. A press the heroism of conference was the forefathers also held after the and encouraged concluding parts of everyone to be the program which include the inspired with the releasing of balloons, freeing of doves, courage they have and awarding of individuals with best shown in attainment Filipiniana and best Barong attires. of the nation’s freedom. She further urged for The word “Naliyagan� means unity in action by performing the role of the chosen one, the most loved each Agusanon in achieving progress. one. Hence, the Naliyagan Festival is where all the indigenous natives of

Also, Agusan del Sur 2nd District the entire river valley of Agusan del Representative Evelyn Mellana Sur converge to display their dances, expressed her warmest greetings to all songs, products both agricultural and the Agusanons with high hopes that cottage industries, novelties intricately they will be motivated to deepen the handmade displaying their glorious past of the natives.

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Agusan del Norte 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration Provincial Capitol Grounds, Butuan City 12 June 2016

Photo Gallery

Butuan City 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration Guingona Park, Butuan City 12 June 2016

Agusan del Sur 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration Cultural Center ground, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur 12 June 2016

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Tandag City 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral 12 June 2016

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Municipality of San Miguel 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration Municipal Hall , San Miguel Surigao Sur 12 June 2016

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S W E N L A REGION

Be ready for La Niña - DOH

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region urges the public to be ready for the La Niña phenomenon.

In an advisory issued by DOH Caraga, regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. advises the public to be ready on the coming of La Niña because exposure to this phenomenon may cause ill effects to health.

exposure may cause to diseases related to contaminated water due to flooding like acute gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, cholera and Hepatitis A; diseases related to contaminated water due to urine of infected animals like leptospirosis; vector borne According to director Llacuna, diseases such as dengue and malaria;

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CARAGA INFOCUS

photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

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and accidents and injuries such as contusion, laceration, fracture and electrocution.

In order to prevent from the contamination of the abovementioned diseases, director Llacuna advises the public to follow preventive measures like boiling the drinking water (or any water to be used for food preparation and drinking) and may extend to 2 minutes when reaching boiling point; doing hand washing before preparing food and after using the toilet; avoiding wading in floodwater; wearing of rubber boots if necessary; and destroying all possible mosquito breeding sites (e.g. old tires, tin cans).

Also, in case of flood, Llacuna also suggests to stay indoors during heavy rains; avoid wading and taking baths in floodwater; listen to advisories, turn on TV and radios for updates; go to higher grounds, avoid crossing lowlying areas during evacuation; and if water rises to your homes before evacuation, go to the top floor, attic or roof.

La Niña Phenomenon is the increased number of tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean.

For more information and health emergency response for La Niña phenomenon, contact DOH regional office XIII at hotline no: (085) 3425724.

(PIA-Caraga)

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraganons celebrate 118th Philippine Independence Day

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BUTUAN CITY– Caraganons successfully celebrated the 118th Philippine Independence Day on Sunday in the different provinces of the region.

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partner stakeholders convened at the city hall compound for the flag raising ceremony and short program. Vice Mayor Danilo Menor encouraged everyone to continue “the legacy of freedom that our heroes have fought for us century ago.”

In Tandag City, a holy mass was conducted early morning in San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral as part of the 118th Independence Day celebration followed by a motorcade throughout the major city streets. Other highlights include, a ceremonial flag raising and symbolic release of balloons in front of the Department of Education (DepEd) Tandag City Division Office.

In the province of Agusan del Sur, said celebration started with a thanksgiving mass and followed with the wreath-laying activity at Dr. Jose Rizal’s monument at the Naliyagan Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad. 401st Brigade Commander Col. Cristobal Zaragoza then led the 21 gun salute with the presence of local officials.

Independence Day is an annual national holiday in the Philippines

With fervent prayers to sustain observed on June 12, commemorating the progress and in seeking for lasting the Philippine Declaration of peace and security of the province Independence from Spain on June of Agusan del Sur, an ecumenical 12, 1898. Since 1962, it has been the prayer among religious leaders was country’s National Day. also offered during Independence Day program.

This year’s 118th Philippine Independence Day is anchored on the

In Surigao City, local officials, theme “Kalayaan 2016 Pagkakaisa, employees of local government unit Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong. (JPG/ and regional offices, students and PIA-Caraga) 11-17 JUNE 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

The Independence Day celebration was also in time with big celebrations in Caraga region. It was also the grand opening of Sadow Festival in Agusan del Norte as part of its 49th Founding Anniversary; Naliyagan Festival in Agusan del Sur as part of its 49th Founding Anniversary; and 54th Araw ng San Miguel in Surigao del Sur.

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In the province of Agusan del Norte, the provincial government celebrated it thru a flag raising at the provincial capitol grounds headed by its governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba with the provincial employees and officials.

Employees of government agencies, representatives from private sector, academe, media, and local officials also gathered at 6:00 a.m. at the Guingona Park, Butuan City to celebrate Independence Day. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel and officials led the flag raising ceremony. Short program and cultural performances were also witnessed by the Butuanons.

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PNP personnel ordered to turn in firearms with expired licenses

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY - Police Regional Office 13 regional director Chief Supt Rolando B Felix, has released a marching order to all Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to turn in their firearms with expired licenses.

The region’s top cop personally talked to the PNP personnel assigned to the different units and ordered them to turn in their firearms with expired licenses to avoid sanctions.

charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10591,” he said.

RA No. 10591 is the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammuntion.

Felix said that police officers shall serve as role models to the community and shall be the first one to obey the law they are enforcing.

Based on the record of the Regional Operations and Plans Division as of May 25, 2016, a total of 506 guns comprised of 355 from the PNP personnel and 151 from the civilians were deposited for safekeeping while application for License to Own and Possess Fireams is pending. (PNPCaraga)

“Guns with expired licenses are considered loose firearms and will be subjected to police operations; delinquent gun owners will face

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NALIYAGAN FESTIVAL 2016

Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur June 12-17, 2016

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REGIONAL NEWS

Photo Gallery

Agusan del Sur

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S W E N L A PROVINCI Security in place for Naliyagan Festival, says Naliyagan Foundation prexy

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – “With the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army, we have ensured peace and security for this year’s Naliyagan Festival from June 12-17, 2016.”

This was the statement of Dr. Manuel Murillo Rosaut Jr, provincial tourism council chair and president of Naliyagan Foundation in Agusan del Sur during the 49th Founding Anniversary of the province and grand opening of the 24th Naliyagan Festival on Sunday.

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According to Agusan del Sur First District Representative Maria Valentina Plaza, the Naliyagan Festival serves as an opportunity for all of the Agusanons to work together, share common vision with the leaders and elders of the community. With this, she further

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Second District Representative Evelyn Mellana also expressed her hopes that Agusanons will be motivated to deepen the community bonds needed in pushing Agusan del Sur further onto the road of progress.

Meanwhile, on behalf of provincial governor Adolph Edward Plaza, vice governor Santiago Cane, Jr. said that the local government remains steadfast in pursuing progress and improvement of system, and to continue moving forward through unified efforts. He also

The word “Naliyagan” means the chosen one, the most loved one.

The Naliyagan Festival is dedicated to the natives of Agusan del Sur, as the Provincial Government’s Tribute for their unfaltering support and loyalty while on the part of the natives, the day for them means to show-off their beautiful cultural heritage thru songs and dances, their best products and best players of the different ethnic games like rowing contest, marathon contest, hunting contest, hunting contest, spear throwing, cock derby, beauty pageant for the search for Bae Naliyagan as Miss Agusan del Sur, and to showcase their novelty products which they intricately handmade as their cottage industry.

The Naliyagan theme “Productivity and Unity in Diversity” is focused on productivity of people in terms of agriculture which will in turn eradicate, if not, to improve the state of poverty in the province. (JPG/VLG, PIA-Caraga)

AgSur LGU sets week-long activities for 24th Naliyagan Festival By: Jennifer P. Gaitano PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The provincial government here has lined-up activities for this year’s Naliyagan Festival celebration from June 14-17, 2016.

The grand opening was program, Kalayaan Jobs Fair, Gov. successfully held on Sunday, June 12, Eddiebong Plaza Men’s Tennis Cup, and 2016 with a Thanksgiving Mass, opening Naliyagan Cultural Show, among others.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

“I am inviting our Caraganon people to come visit Agusan del Sur and witness and participate in the linedup activities for our Naliyagan Festival.

Security plan by our local authorities are strictly implemented to ensure safety of our people and guests,” stressed Cong.

Plaza.

encouraged all Agusanons to actively pariticipate in the lined-up activities from June 12-17, 2016.

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stressed that the Agusanons can set goals and objectives together that would lead towards progress, growth and increase the competitiveness of the community in today’s national and world settings.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

On day-2 (June 13), the provincial government will highlight the following activities: 5th Gov. Eddiebong Plaza Motocross Competition 2016 at D.O Plaza Government Center Grounds; Naliyagan Mano-A-

like the Naliyagan Agri-lympics, Agusan Delicacies Showcase, and Naliyagan Open Battle of the Bands.

On Day-5 (June 16), the activities that will be conducted are as follows: Naliyagan Street Dancing Competition (Progressive Dancing); and Bai Naliyagan (Pageant Night).

As culminating activity of said celebration, the provincial government will be holding the Tribute to Naliyagan 2016 Stakeholders and Tribute to Performing Agusanons.

On this day, Gov. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza will also deliver his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Naliyagan Cultural Center Mano (Amateur) at Naliyagan Main Stage in Patin-ay, this town.

Cultural Center Ground; Bai Naliyagan 2016 (Talent Showdown).

Also, for the weeklong celebration, the following activities

The 8th Naliyagan Bauto Race is will also be conducted during night one of the highlights on day-3 (June time: Naliyagan Acoustics featuring 14) along with the 2nd BMX Bridge Davao Acoustics Band; Coca-Cola Crossing Challenge, and Barangayan Taste the Feeling “Concert ng Bayan sa Naliyagan/Barangay Officials Night. sa Naliyagan” featuring Daybreak Band and Marsh Band; Natures Spring

The 1st Gov. Eddiebong Plaza Party Jam featuring Playsix Band; Fire-lympics will be held on the 4th day and SMB Ito ang Beer! “Rocklayan sa (June 15) along with other activities Naliyagan” featuring Re-versed Band.

AgSur ARB group receives bamboo slats production facilities

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – A group of agrarian reform beneficiaries who are into bamboo growing and nursery operation received recently tools and equipment for its shared service facility (SSF) on bamboo slates production.

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us by DTI,� said Bebylyn V\B. Villarta, President of AMARBEMCO. She said the coop members who are also into cacao growing are very excited to take on this added project. Aside from growing the bamboo for the slats production, they also discovered that their area also is home to several species of ornamental bamboo which they can also propagate and market.

DTI-Agusan del Sur OIC PD Brenda Corvera challenged the group to make full use of the facilities to improve their lot. She also told the group that the future of the bamboo industry is very good. She discussed the two new proposed bills of Sen. Bam Aquino which seeks to strengthen the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council and the provision of implementation support for the development plan of the industry.

AMARBEMCO was identified and selected as an eligible cooperator because of its vast potential contribution for the bamboo industry in the province. The group has already planted 500 hills of bamboo.

It has also at present 5,000 planting This particular SSF project is materials at its nursery aged two planned to feed into the engineered weeks to one month old. bamboo furniture project of another

“We are all fired up to work group which is also an SSF cooperator harder with the facilities entrusted to in the province. (DTI-Agusan del Sur) 11-17 JUNE 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

The bamboo slats production SSF will assist 30 enterprising bamboo growers and is seen to generate at least 60 jobs for its whole operation.

The SSF provided include one unit pole cutter, one unit twin rip saw, four stainless steel treatment vats, five units manual splitter (ten cuts), five units manual splitter (eight cuts) and 10 units standing drum improvised dryers.

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur has formally turned-over the package worth P436,750.00 to Ago Magsaysay Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MPC Multipurpose Cooperative (AMARBEMCO) based in Ago Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

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Photo Gallery

49th Agusan del Norte

Sadow Festival 2016

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

June 12-17, 2016 Theme: “Makanunayong Pas-usbong Alang sa Dugang Katikaran sa Lunhaw’ng Agusan”

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Displaced worker turned DOLE staff thru By: Olga Virginia A. Demata SEnA

With the change of the cooperative’s administration and some net loss, they got separated from work on January 16, 2016.

After which they decided to

Arañez was previously create an organization with the other employed at Water Ups Multi-Purpose displaced employees from Water Ups Cooperative as the Human Resource- MPC and some farmers.

Admin Services Manager together with her husband Johnbert Arañez, a On February 25, 2016, they both Sales and Marketing Manager, and filed a Request for Assistance to DOLEthey both experienced the dilemma PDI Satellite Office, and as a result, the 11-17 JUNE 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

of losing a job.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Rowena E. Arañez, a displaced worker in the province of Dinagat Islands, proves the effectiveness of the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as she got back from the mainstream of the society.

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displaced workers signed a quitclaim together with the employer on March 13, 2016 with an amount equivalent to their 13th month pay.

They opted to tap to different government agencies that could provide these livelihood assistance to them, apart from the organization created, an opportunity opened for

Then, on March 17, 2016, the first Arañez to land a job as DOLE support ever displaced workers association staff in the PDI-Satellite Office on April was created which they called 1, 2016.

“Integrated Displaced Workers-Farmers Association.”

“I am grateful for this job opportunity from DOLE. SEnA program

In order to sustain the vital needs paved the way for me to land to this of their families, the organization new job as a public servant and I really will provide employment for their treasure my work now,” said Arañez. displaced members through livelihood (DOLE-Caraga) programs.

Surigao Norte hosts PLS national assembly

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: John Glenn Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao City - The members and officers of the Philippine League of Secretaries (PLS) to the Sanggunian convened on June 1-4 for the national assembly which was held in the city.

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Regional president and national assembly director Rosendo Campos spearheaded the historic and meaningful convergence which aims to strengthen the linkage among Sanggunian secretaries all around the country.

Top policy-makers from the Surigao del Norte’s Sanggunian also graced the event under the supervision, control and management of Rudolph Valentino Sering.

In her keynote message through Provincial Administrator Atty. Premolito Plaza, Governor Sol Matugas explained the official duties and responsibilities of the Sanggunian secretary in every municipal, city and provincial LGU, pursuant to the local government code of the Philippines.

the best practices and innovative strategies, we see to it that all roads lead to success in the conduct of decision-making and legislative work,” Matugas said.

She said that ordinances and resolutions are the anchor and foundation of good governance because the people are guided to become law-abiding constituents in a province which endeavors to institute sweeping, instant and concrete reforms.

“We recognize the go-signal and mandate of our new Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte to stamp out bureaucratic red tape and end any delay in official business. Duterte who is a true son of Mindanao wants to adopt policies which reflect his vision for real change and absolute

“By providing the stakeholders transformation starting with character and manpower complement with building and value formation,” said vast opportunity to learn and share Matugas. (PGO-Surigao del Norte)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

photo: Norlene Cabangal

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Photo Gallery 56th Araw ng Surigao del Sur 2016

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

June 17-19, 2016

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SurSur commemorates 118th Philippine Independence Day By: Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

According to Su, the grand occasion was highlighted with the playing of the Philippine National Anthem for the first time, the unveiling of the national flag and the reading of the proclamation of independence at the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, 118 years ago. “The Philippine National Anthem embodies the struggles of the Filipino people in search for freedom,” Su said

DepEd Tandag City Division Supt.

Dr. Gregoria Su narrated the story and Meanwhile, a similar activity background of the independence was also conducted in Bislig City, declaration. municipalities of Bayabas, Cantilan and San Miguel.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

Led by the Department of Education (DepEd) Tandag City Division in partnership with the city government of Tandag, the celebration was split into four parts: the holy mass; motorcade for public awareness; ceremonial flag raising & symbolic release of balloons; and the programme proper held at the city gymnasium.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The entire province of Surigao del Sur joined in the commemoration of the 118th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12. This year’s activity carries the theme “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pagambag at Pagsulong.”

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DPWH admits delay in classrooms construction for Senior High in SurSur By: Greg Tataro Jr.,

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Both district offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Surigao del Sur have admitted that construction of most classrooms intended for senior high school students here will not be completed in time for the school opening on June 13.

Engrs.

Ruel Bantugan and Eulogio Milla, respective DPWH chiefs in the two congressional districts in the province aired the same cause as to their predicament—delayed fund release for the “soil exploration and testing.”

or August.

Aware of the unfavorable situation, Dr. Marilou Dedumo, schools division superintendent, said that “contingency plans” were already put in place in order not to disrupt classes of all “senior high” enrollees for the

They said in separate interviews school year. that most of the areas where the twostorey school buildings were being While awaiting completion built needed the necessary “micro of the school buildings, the DepEd piling” to ensure quality construction. provincial chief cited the temporary use of non-instructional rooms like

However, both district engineers libraries, faculty rooms, and other assured that school buildings funded structures inside the school premises. by the Department of Education (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag) (DepEd) would be completed in July

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Agusan Norte barangays receive TSeKAp equipment package By: Nora C. Lanuza-Molde

Each equipment worth P35,000.

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package

is

The distribution of TSekaP is part of the department’s continuing effort in strengthening health systems, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery of basic health services that is relevant, timely, and of quality.

Apart from the package, several digital sphygmomanometers were also separately distributed to barangay health workers for their easy assessment of their community members of their assigned areas.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya o TSeKAP were distributed to the different barangay health stations, rural health units and urban health centers of the province.

Each TSeKAP equipment package consists of two Non-contact Thermometers; one Stethoscope; one Digital BP apparatus; one Glucometer Set for measurement of blood sugar; one dressing set for sterile wound care; and two nebulizers for asthma-relief.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – The province of Agusan del Norte has received TSeKAp equipment package from the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga during a turnover ceremony recently held at the provincial covered court here.

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4 NPA rebels fall in government raid in Butuan

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY - Combined military and police forces have arrested four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and confiscated high-powered firearms and explosives in the hinterlands of Butuan, a police official said Friday.

PNP 13 regional director P/CSupt. Rolando Borja and Tata Borja a.k.a.

Rolando Felix said the NPA rebels were Anatalio Pison. arrested in a raid around 5:00 a.m.

Friday in Brgy. Tungao.

Government troops seized two M16 rifles, AK 47 rifle, one caliber .22

Among the suspects arrested sniper rifle with scope, two caliber were Roldan Bungolto a.k.a. Itom/ .22 rifles, three pistols, two revolvers, Loloy, Commanding Officer of Militia improvised explosive device, two ng Bayan and Team Leader of Guerilla hand grenades, ammunition, and Front Committee (GFC) 4A SPARU subversive documents. unit; Danilo Acania, former 1st Deputy Secretary of GFC 4A and Commanding Arrested suspects and Officer of Policard (NPA platoon) with confiscated items are in the custody warrant of arrest for frustrated murder of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and multiple murder; and Militia ng 13. (PNP-Caraga) Bayan members Jek-jek Borja a.k.a.

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Photo Gallery

Department of Agrarian Reform Caraga

CARP 28th Year Anniversary

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Robinsons Place, Butuan City 9 June 2016

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S W E N O A MINDAN

CARAGA INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao’s RE push to boost PHL’s clean energy agenda

MANILA - A focused target to keep Mindanao’s energy mix diversified with premium on renewable energy (RE) sources augurs well for the country’s clean energy agenda, says an official from Malacañang’s economic think-tank in Mindanao.

Romeo M. Montenegro, director for Investment Promotion and Public Affairs of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said that accelerating RE projects points to a logical way forward of achieving an ideal energy mix.

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Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2016 at the ADB Headquarters in Pasig City, Montenegro cited that Mindanao’s current energy mix of 60-40 in favor of RE will see significant reversal to 70-30 dominated by fossil in 2018.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

In a bid to offset the rise of fossil and keep a balanced energy mix in Mindanao, MinDA, through its Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee has set-up a One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center to help accelerate deployment of RE MinDA and DOE are set to showcase projects in the island. the program as a ‘best practice’ at the

The monitoring system, developed USAID-organized Asia Low Emissions with support from USAID’s Climate Development Strategies (LEDS) Forum Change and Clean Energy (CEnergy) later this month in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Project, currently tracks the progress of Mindanao, which is relatively 284 RE projects in Mindanao, mostly in the pre-development stage and with well endowed with renewable energy a total potential generation capacity sources mostly hydro, is aiming of 3,773 MW. DOE had since adopted to achieve a regime of reliable, the system to include RE projects in sustainable and reasonable power. the Visayas and Luzon, through a Last year, the Philippines mechanism called Energy Virtual One submitted its Intended Nationally Shared System (EVOSS).

Determined Contribution (INDC) to

“We want to purposively address the United Nations (UN), committing to a ‘business as usual’ scenario where cut by 70 percent its carbon emissions majority of Mindanao’s energy sources by 2030. by 2030 will come from mostly fossil In keeping with the committed technology, and now is the time to trigger rapid RE deployment,” target, the government is looking at reviewing current energy policies with Montenegro stressed. the end view of creating and enforcing Considered as a trailblazing a conducive policy framework to

government facilitation project to stimulate clean energy investments. promote clean energy sources, (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

MINDANAO NEWS

Latest report from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicated a total of 1,800 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity in Mindanao from coal-fired power plants coming online by 2018, with the first 300MW from Aboitiz Therma South already delivering power to the grid since late last year.

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Seafarers Day Meeting 17 June 2016

Photo Gallery

Interview with Former Rebels in Lianga Surigao del Sur

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Public-Private Partnership in Pharmacy Provincial Launching 17 June 2016 (56th Araw ng SDS)

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S W E N L A NATION

MANILA - Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) increased by 3.8 percent year-on-year to US$2.4 billion in April 2016.

This brought cumulative remittances for the first four months of the year to US$9.6 billion, 3 percent higher than the level recorded in the comparable period in 2015,

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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced.

The continued growth in personal remittances during the reference period was due mainly to the steady

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Remittances to the Philippines up by 4.1% in April

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NATIONAL NEWS

percent to US$2.2 billion in April 2016. On a year-to-date basis, cash remittances for the period January–April 2016 reached US$8.7 billion, representing a 3.1 percent growth year-onyear. Cash remittances from both land-based (US$6.8 billion) and sea-based (US$1.9 billion) workers grew by 3.8 percent and 0.8 percent year-on-year, respectively. More than threefourths of cash remittances came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United Kingdom, remittance inflows from land-based OF Japan, Qatar, Hong Kong, Kuwait, workers with work contracts of one year and Germany.2 or more, amounting to US$7.3 billion, and compensation of sea-based The sustained demand for OF workers and land-based workers with workers continued to provide support short-term contracts (excluding their to the growth of remittance inflows. expenditures abroad), which reached Preliminary data from the Philippine US$2.1 billion.

Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that a total of 777,887

Similarly, cash remittances from contracts were processed in the first OFs coursed through banks rose by 4.1 four months of 2016. (BSP)

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11-17 JUNE 2016

”To the Filipino people: May we never lose our patience with the ways of democracy, and may we never take it for granted or be passive in its defense,” President Aquino said in his speech during the Vin D’Honneur for the 118th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at Rizal Hall of Malacanang.

11-17 JUNE 2016

To the members of the Diplomatic Corps, President Aquino called on the ambassadors and head of the international organizations for continued solidarity “as we collectively face the challenges of an evershrinking world.”

”May our solidarity continue to bear fruit in the cooperation that

CARAGA INFOCUS

MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed hope on Sunday that the Filipino people will continue to protect and defend democracy even beyond his term which ends on June 30.

NATIONAL NEWS

President Aquino calls on Filipinos to never lose patience with the ways of democracy

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NATIONAL NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS

improves the lives of our respective ”Ngayong papasok tayo sa peoples,” he added. panibagong kabanata ng ating kasaysayan, nawa’y hindi natin malimot:

In response, Archbishop Guiseppe Ang kalayaan, kailangang bantayan at Pinto, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines alagaan,” the President added. and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, thanked President Aquino for showing Throughout his six-year presidency, interest and appreciation to the world President Aquino said he can look of the ambassadors in carrying out their straight to the eyes of the Filipino people mission in the country. and tell them that he fulfilled what he has promised in 2010.

”This is a fitting occasion to renew the friendship of our respective ”Nang nagsimula tayo, isinumpa governments and international ko: Sa pagbaba ko sa puwesto, organizations with you, Mr. President, iiwan ko ang ating bansa nang mas and with the Filipino people whose maayos kaysa sa ating dinatnan. Sa hospitality and kindness make our work ating pamamahala, ang Pilipinas ay enjoyable and productive,” Archbishop magiging marangal at responsableng Guiseppe said in his speech. kasapi ng pandaigdigang komunidad,” the President said.

”We are also grateful for the competent and prompt assistance President Aquino said the provided during state visits and other government was able to help big number events by the Office of the President of Filipinos through PhilHealth, peace of the Republic and the different process, scholarships, and construction departments,” he added. of infrastructures such as roads, bridges, seaports and airports that transformed

Midway the President’s speech, the Philippines from being the “Sick Man a video presentation was played of Asia” to the “Darling of Asia.” (PNA) showing President Aquino’s experience as a 13-year-old son of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino during the military rule of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

”Ididiin ko po: Nangyari na ito.

Minsan nang inagaw ng kapwa natin Pilipino ang ating kalayaan. Ibig sabihin, kung hindi tayo magiging mapagmatyag, maaari uli itong mangyari,” President Aquino said.

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11-17 JUNE 2016

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