Caraga InFocus - April 16-22, 2016

Volume 1, No. 3

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Table of contents Regional News

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COMELEC, PIA provide election info via One Mindanao mobile app By: Jennifer P. Gaitano Increasing production through artificial insemination By: Fretcher Magatao

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DA recognizes 2015 Rice Achievers By: Rhea C. Abao DTI partners with business establishments in resolving consumer complaints By: Irene L. Macheca

Provincial News

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DAR AgSur distributes 425 hectares to Esperanza Farmers By: Kristine Pedralvez SurSur agri chief remains concerned over El Niño despite occasional rains; assures mitigating measures By: Greg Tataro, Jr. SurSur DENR continues to undertake activities for “Earth Month”

Mindanao

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President Aquino vows to punish masterminds of violent Kidapawan mass action

National News

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President Aquino discusses May 9 polls, fight against criminals during security meeting Palace backs legal processes for $81-million Bangladesh bank heist

Cover Story DILG 13 reveals best lupons for 2016, Surigao Norte most improved By: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

News Briefs DTI Caraga has established a total of 171 Consumer Welfare Desks (CWD) in the different business establishments in the region and has resolved 1,856 cases with 145 still on process for the first quarter of 2016.

The Dept of Trade & Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte prov’l office conducted a 1-day training on Packaging & Labelling for seaweed-based food products to Taganaan Women Federated Association (TAWFA). TAWFA has availed an approved product fund amounting to P500,000 under the 2014 Bottomup- Budgeting (BuB) Program thru DTI as participating agency & the local gov’t unit of Taganaan, as implementing office.

The Department of Agriculture recognizes the contribution of its stakeholders in the production of rice in the countryside.

11 Agricultural Extension Workers, 2 Local Farmer Technicians, 1 Small Water Irrigation System Association, & LGU of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is given recognition as the national awardees for the 2015 AgriPinoy Rice Achievers Awards representing Caraga region.

NGCP holds a briefing to mediamen & representatives from the natl govt. agencies in Butuan City on their preparations for the upcoming 2016 National & Local Elections to include the agency’s Election Contingency Plan & Transmission Line Safety Practices.

Cover Story DILG 13 reveals best lupons for 2016, Surigao Norte most improved By: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

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fter thorough deliberation of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Regional Awards Committee last March 30, 2016, the LTIA 2016 regional finalists covering first to fourth quarters of C.Y. 2015 were revealed recently through a memorandum issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion, chairperson of the awards committee.

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For the Highly Urbanized Cities Category, Brgy. Tiniwisan of Butuan City, the sole entry, was assessed and deemed fit for the national search. This is the second time Brgy. Tiniwisan is an entry for Butuan City after Brgy. San Vicente was awarded Hall-of-Famer status in the national search for having won for three consecutive years in the same category.

For Component Cities Category, Brgy. Taft of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte rose from being first runner-up last year to a regional winner this year. It bested Brgy Telaje of Tandag City which is another improving contender being the first runner up this year from being second runner up last year; and Brgy. Mabini, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte which unfortunately slid as last year’s regional winner to second runner up this year.

For 1st – 3rd Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Alegria of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur held the same position last year as the regional winner, besting first runner up Urbiztondo, Claver, Surigao del Norte which rose two notches up from being third runner up last year; Brgy.

R.E. Ecleo, Sr., Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands which is a new entry for the province but held the same position as second runner up with that 16-22 APRIL 2016

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of Brgy. Cabungaan, the entry from Cagdinanao, Dinagat Islands last year; Brgy. Poblacion of Barobo, Surigao del Sur finished third runner up, one notch higher from being fourth runner up last year; and Brgy. Macalang, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte which slid from 1st runner up last year to this year’s fourth runner up.

And for 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, Brgy.

Poblacion, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte jumped up two notches from being second runner up last year to being this year’s winner, winning over Brgy. Doña Helene, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands in the same position from the province’s entry last year (i.e. Brgy.

Sta. Cruz of San Jose, Dinagat Islands); Brgy. Poblacion, Cortes, Surigao del Sur which is a new entry from the province but reached second runner up (last year’s entry, La Purisima of Cagwait, was third runner up); and Brgy Poblacion, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte at third runner up (new entry from the province, their entry last year, Brgy. Tagmamarkay of Tubay, was regional winner).

All in all, Surigao del Norte lupons were most improved, rising from lower ranks from last year’s regional assessment, and winning two categories and one first runner up this year. Surigao del Sur lupons generally fared better as well, two first runners-up and one second runner up this year from being last place in all three categories last year. Agusan del Sur and the Province of Dinagat Islands maintained their performance.

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Agusan del Sur’s sole entry was in the 1st-3rd class municipality category and maintained the top place, while Dinagat Islands, although new entries, generally maintained their positions (first runner up and second runner up).

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte lupons showed declining performance this year.

These regional winners also serve as qualifiers/finalists to the national search where they will compete against other regions for the top three spots per category. The National Winners will be awarded in December this year at the Malacañang Palace.

The LTIA Regional Assessment was held at DILG Regional Office – Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) with the presence of the Regional Awards Committee (RAC): DILG RD Famacion as chair; Atty. John S. Magdaraog, LTIA RAC Vice Chairperson and Regional Prosecutor of the Department of Justice XIII; and RAC Members Atty.

Cisco Franz S. Maclang, of the Branch 1, Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region; PSInsp. Junalyn Basa Suan of the Philippine National Police Caraga; Exec. Dir. Arnold L. Tapere of Propegemus Foundation, Inc. and Dir. Mary May R. Cadosales-Diaz of the Educational Discipline in Culture and Area-Based Development Services, Inc. (EDCADS).

Three major criteria, to wit (1) efficiency in operations, (2) effectiveness in securing Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) objectives, and 16-22 APRIL 2016

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(3) creativity and resourcefulness of Punong Barangay as chair and 10-20 the Lupong Tagapamayapa were members, are based on the mandate followed in the assessment. of the barangays to enforce peace and order and provide support for

The Lupong Tagapamayapa the effective enforcement of human Incentives Awards (LTIA) was rights and justice as stipulated in established since 1997 as a means Republic Act 7160, otherwise known to institutionalize a system of as the 1991 Local Government Code. granting economic benefits and Decentralization has facilitated the other incentives to the Lupong recognition of the Katarungang Tagapamayapa that demonstrates Pambarangay or Barangay Justice exemplary performance in settling System as an alternative venue for disputes at the grassroots level. the resolution of disputes.

These Lupons, comprising of the

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GALLERY Agusan del Norte Provincial Debate 20 April 2016

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REGIONAL NEWS

REGIONAL

COMELEC, PIA provide election info via One Mindanao mobile app By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga and Commission on Election (COMELEC) Caraga on Thursday launched the COMELEC icon via PIA Caraga’s One Mindanao mobile app aimed at providing timely, accurate and revelant information in the 2016 national and local elections.

PIA Caraga regional director easily access the information they need Abner Caga highlighted during the from COMELEC. “With just a click of their launching that with this app, people can finger, people can immediately get the

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REGIONAL NEWS

that the public will be informed and updated on the information they need to know with the help of PIA Caraga,” he stressed.

“We’ve known very well the significance of information. Before we rely on the traditional way of delivering the information to the public but our partnership with the Phil. Information Agency Caraga, the brainchild of these mobile app project, has helped us in leveling up the services of the COMELEC here in this region,” Magbutay added. data they need from the commission especially this coming May 2016 elections. Also, with this app, they need not to personally go to COMELEC office and this is just one of the advantages that will benefit the people from this mobile app,” he said.

The said app can be downloaded in both the Android and IOS phones for free.

“The agency’s One Mindanao mobile app is also designed to be utilized by the media in their information gathering. It’s like a one-stop-shop where they can find different relevant features and data,” disclosed Caga.

Atty.

Renato Magbutay, COMELEC Caraga regional director also thanked PIA Caraga for making them part of the PIA’s platform. “I am very glad that we came up with this strategy of reaching a broader scope of recipients that can access the information from our office. With this coming election, we are optimistic 16-22 APRIL 2016

Atty. Magbutay further reiterated that it is becoming vital nowadays to be at par with the fast growth of communication and information technology. “It’s a good thing that through our COMELEC icon/tile embedded in the ‘One Mindanao’ mobile app, created and managed

by PIA Caraga, people can easily track updates on the upcoming 2016 elections. Truly, we have revolutionized the way we deliver our services for a more advanced and highly interactive elections monitoring,” he enunciated.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Increasing production through artificial insemination By: Fretcher Magatao

Pork is the main meat product consumed in Caraga and in the Philippines as a whole. Just like rice and chicken, it is one of the staple food products of Filipinos and at present comprises about 60% of the country’s meat and poultry production.

Pig husbandry is a profitable occupation especially for small and marginal farmers. It requires minimum capital investment and labor but the return over the investment is quick and high. Within a short period, piglets achieve marketable maturity.

Island. In the previous years, Socorro had been supplying live hogs to the commercial town of Dapa and the tourism municipality of General Luna.

Meat-type hogs from the commercial farms in Davao provinces which have superior blood lines

The island town of Socorro used compared to the breeds reared locally to be the swine capital of Siargao entered the island. Since then, the

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REGIONAL NEWS

hog consolidator in Siargao started to shun the local supply thereby cutting the much needed market by the local swine raisers which most of them eventually stopped raising pigs and in time occurred a shortage of supply in the municipality.

“We are grateful that the interventions from DA have reached our island; a proof of sincerity to its commitment in serving the people all over Caraga,” said Reil Consigna, Operations Manager of SOEMCO.

The organization has accessed P5 million for the needed capital and cost of operations for the project from MRDP through the untiring assistance from the Municipal Local Government Unit of Socorro.

Through this pressing concern, Socorro Empowered Peoples Cooperative (SOEMCO) took the challenge and decided to put up a Swine Production Project capable to produce pork with the quality comparable with that of the hogs from “SOEMCO has been an active Davao commercial farms. cooperative since the start of its operation last 1996. The organization’s

Many challenges were visible commitment to help its encountered such as the needed members has inspired us to support amount for starting the business and them,” Mayor Denia Florano said. the necessary trainings for the keepers.

But despite the challenges, a light The amount from MRDP provided of opportunity through the help of the project with housing and facilities, Department of Agriculture–Mindanao tools, farm equipment, working capital, Rural Development Program (MRDP) and two boars and 30 gilts which gave gave hope to its people. a start for its operation in October of 2013.

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REGIONAL NEWS

“People of Socorro were delighted seeing pigs with higher type of breed being raised in the locality.

This would be a solution to our problem with pork shortage,” said SOEMCO Board Member Virgilio Gelsano.

Through this need, biogas was introduced and practiced by the organization to utilize the waste from pigs. “I am amazed how we can utilize the waste of our animals into renewable energy,” said Consigna. Now they can

The organization practiced save around P800 per month since they artificial insemination (AI) with will not need to buy a tank of gas for the technical assistance from the cooking.

Department of Agriculture and the Municipal Agriculture Office The accumulated amount of for its production. “AI is better than waste from a number of pigs caused traditional breeding since the amount much supply of processed methane of semen taken from a boar in one gas and because of this SOEMCO is session can be used up to four sow,” working on the facility that converts said Noel Cagatin, resident agricultural biogas into a source of energy for technician of the organization. electricity.

Having two healthy boars, the organization can also earn through conducting AI sessions to small scale swine raisers and backyard breeders.

This would create an additional income of 1,500 pesos per session and an additional spread for a high quality breed. “Breeders in Socorro will just call and set a schedule for AI, I usually perform AI services weekly with other breeders in the municipality,” said Cagatin.

An average of P200,000 gross income per quarter is gained by the organization in the operation of its swine production and AI services.

Since there is an increase in the number of pigs, an expansion of its facilities is necessary and better waste management should be enhanced with the help of DA and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

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The organization is also facing a challenge of utilizing its by-product which can be used as organic fertilizer to plants. “Because of this by-product which can effectively fertilize plants, the members are challenged to plant more since there’s much supply of fertilizer,” said Cagatin.

Members of SOEMCO and the people in the municipality have seen the progress of the swine production business. “We can say that this business has been successful because there is no more shortage of pork in the municipality and we did not only benefit from the pigs sold, but we have also influenced other backyard raisers to duplicate our good practices and through our AI services, they too have the same kind of high quality breed of pigs like we have,” Consigna said.

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REGIONAL NEWS

DA recognizes 2015 Rice Achievers By: Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognizes the contribution of its stakeholders in the production of rice in the countryside.

Eleven Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW), two Local Farmer Technicians (LFT), one Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is given recognition as the national awardees for the 2015 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) representing Caraga region in which awarding held on April 20 at the Resorts World Manila.

Out of the 399 outstanding AEWs, there are 11 AEW national awardees from the region. These include: Maria Theresa O. Bagunoc and Cherrie Mae L. Berganio from RTR, Agusan del Norte; Editha G. Osin, Patricinio G. Moran Jr., Marion G. Martin III, Bohmind C. Nonan and Lindamar I. Nonan from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Concepcion P. Sumaoy, Basilisa C. Huera and Gertrulyn T. Natonton from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; and

APRAA is an annual recognition Victoria I. Roda from Jabonga, Agusan for the top performing key players in del Norte. the rice industry. Its goal is to recognize and motivate AEWs, LFTs, SWISAs Meanwhile, out of the 83 and LGUs to act as partners for the outstanding LFTs in the whole country, development of the agriculture sector. 2 LFTs comes from Caraga in the person of Crescencia V. Virgen from

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REGIONAL NEWS

Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte and P500,000 worth of project grant.

Elizabeth I. Uy from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

“Despite of the weak El Niño, we were still grateful for a favorable

On the other hand, Siana harvest. The national awardees Irrigators Association from Mainit, were our allies in implementing the Surigao del Norte is chosen as the needed support in combating climate outstanding SWISA for Mindanao change. With this, we congratulate cluster. the outstanding LGU, AEWs, LFTs, and SWISA for their commitment in

Out of the 16 municipal doing their respective functions and national awardees, the municipality responsibilities for the development of of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is the agriculture sector,” Mabeza said. again included in the list as one of the outstanding LGUs (municipality Selection of awardees is based category) for bringing significant on the criteria set by the National contribution in meeting the rice Technical Working Group. The criteria production targets under the Food includes: production data in 2014 Staples Sufficiency Program. versus 2015; yield increment and production; trainings conducted and

Aside from honor and recognition, attended; internal revenue allotment each AEW and LFT receives P20,000 allotted to the agriculture program; cash award while the outstanding allocation of personnel to the rice municipality receives P1-million worth program; use of quality seeds; road of projects which will further boost map; number of farmers and clusters the rice industry in their locality. The assisted and submission of reports. outstanding SWISA will also receive

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REGIONAL NEWS

DTI partners with business establishments in resolving consumer complaints By: Irene L. Macheca

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Caraga has partnered with the different business establishments in the region in the establishment of a Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) to provide easy access for consumers’ queries and speedy complaints resolution.

With the creation of CWD, were resolved through mediation within complaints are now readily heard and 10 working days. resolved without going through the tedious litigation process.

“With the strengthened CWDs in various establishments, we have

In Caraga, there are 171 a ‘multiplier effect’ considering the recognized CWDs. Based on CWDs limited human resource of DTI,” said established procedure of addressing DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo consumer complaints, it has resolved O. Pagaran.

1,856 cases with 145 still on process for the first quarter of 2016.

The Consumer Welfare Officers have more time on consumer

True to its objective of speedy empowerment activities such as the resolution, 74 percent or 1,478 were conduct of consumer education resolved within the day or two. The and advocacy, monitoring and rest were settled within the prescribed enforcement of Fair Trade Laws. period of 10 days. This also holds true in 2015 of the same period.

The Consumer Welfare Team of DTI Caraga will continue working

The remarkable performance of with the business establishments to CWDs has lessen the number of formal achieve the objectives of CWDs complaints lodged with the DTI’s which are to promote consumer Consumer Welfare Officers. welfare, develop self-policing and responsible entrepreneurship and

For the first quarter of 2016, only establish procedures to systematically 21 consumer complaints were filed and appropriately address consumer throughout the region and all these complaints.

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GALLERY National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Brieing on the Preprations of the 2016 National and Local Elections 21 April 2016

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

PROVINCIAL

DAR AgSur distributes 425 hectares to Esperanza Farmers By: Kristine Pedralvez

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here has distributed 273 individual titles to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of Brgy. Nato, Esperanza recently. The titles covered 425 hectares land.

The issuance of titles or Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) was held during the Barangay General Assembly where projects for Bottom-up Budget (BUB) fund were identified.

assisted by Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers Chito C. Tubin and Amancio C. Boquilon, Jr. and the municipal and barangay officials of the said place.

The titles were handed over by “Land ownership is a privilege Provincial Agrarian Reform Program because not everyone had the Officer I (PARPO I) Allan N. Mundalla opportunity to own a land,� PARPO 16-22 APRIL 2016

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Mundala said. “Once you received your titles, do not forget your obligations as Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. You should continue to cultivate, nurture and make it productive,” he reminded the ARBs.

“For many years, we have been waiting for the titles. With this, we will be inspired to work hard to make our land more productive. Mapasalamaton kami sa DAR og sa atong Local Government Unit,” Marlon Gonzales, one of the ARBs happily said.

SurSur agri chief remains concerned over El Niño despite occasional rains; assures mitigating measures By: Greg Tataro, Jr. TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- In spite of occasional rains amid persistent warnings on El Niño phenomenon, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) here has not ruled out its effect, thereby assuring farmers about mitigating measures.

Marcos Quico, provincial chief agriculturist, said that farmers had nothing to worry about since they have equipped themselves with adequate preparation, citing basic farm and training support plus other aid to blunt the possible impact of severe dry spell.

He said in a report during a flag ceremony program which they hosted, the province had posted a “-6.84 percent growth rate (GR),” citing rice production at 112,493 metric tons in 2014 as against 104,794 metric tons in 2015.

It can be recalled that Quico had said before that their office had always been in close coordination with the

Early this year, the provincial agriculture office at the regional level chief agriculturist reported a loss in as well as with the National Irrigation rice yield pointing to mild effect of El Administration (NIA) here to address Niño. potential problem.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

SurSur DENR continues to undertake activities for “Earth Month”

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here has continued to carry out activities in relation to the celebration of “Earth Month 2016” this April with the theme “Earth Day, Every Day, Everywhere for Everyone.”

According to Eddie Duhaylungsod, Supervising Environment Management Services (SEMS) and Protected Areas Biodiversity Ecosystem Section (PADES) chief, early on, tarpaulins carrying the information for the big event had already been hung in select conspicuous areas to drumbeat public awareness.

City last April 1, 2016, among others, all for the month-long celebration, he said.

Besides, the DENR here headed

by Raul Rosales, OIC Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), was also able to facilitate “planting of large-leaf Mahogany free-seedlings done by BJMP at Ecopark, San Jose, Tandag

The remaining days of April would be dedicated to pamphlets distribution and conduct of IEC campaign, he went on saying.

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However, on April 22, dubbed as “International Earth Day,” all DENR personnel would be taking part in “Forest tree seedling planting of Mancono at Ecopark, San Jose, Tandag City,” Duhaylungsod stressed.

On April 29, coastal clean-up at Mabua Beach, this city, would wrap

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

up the celebration, the PADES chief pointed out.

Earth Day/Month celebration in the Philippines has started “in 1990 by

Meanwhile, Edgar Valentin, virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. PENRO-LGU of Surigao del Sur, had 553 issued by the late Pres. Corazon expressed “support for 2016 EARTH C. Aquino,” according to OIC PENRO DAY/MONTH Celebration,” in behalf of Rosales in his information letter to the provincial government.

Governor Johnny Pimentel. (GT)

GALLERY Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Committees’ First Simultaneous Meeting 22 April 2016

Photo Credit: Ma Angelica Beatriz Tan

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MINDANAO

MINDANAO

President Aquino vows to punish masterminds of violent Kidapawan mass action

photo: rappler.com

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday, April 18 said he is awaiting the result of the investigation on the bloody dispersal of a rally of farmers in Kidapawan City, vowing that those responsible will be held accountable.

In an interview with reporters, the President said the farmers’ quest for government support in the midst of a severe drought in Mindanao should not have resulted in violence.

He however noted that it appears that an organized group duped people from different places into believing that they will receive rice from the government by joining the mass action.

“Siyempre, nakikiramay muna “Tila may mga nag-organize na ako doon sa namatay. Awang-awa talaga parang pinagsabong ang mga ako sa lahat nang nasaktan,” he said. tao at balewala ‘yung buhay ‘nung 16-22 APRIL 2016

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MINDANAO

lahat ng dinala nila doon. Iyon ang kailangan nating tugisin rin. Kung hindi man sila ang sole na may kasalanan, e malaki ang parte nila doon,” President Aquino said.

He pointed out that under RAIN, the Department of Agriculture distributed seeds, fertilizer, and other soil ameliorants to affected areas.

The department also distributed equipment, such as those for drip irrigation, solar pumps, high-density polyethylene pipes, drums, pump, and open-sourced irrigation systems, he said.

“Ulitin ko, ihiwalay ko ‘yung mga naengganyo, naudyok, naloko na sumama doon; at ‘yung kabilang grupo naman na nanloko, na nangengganyo, na nagplano nitong karahasan na ito para humantong na merong... Ginawa nila para meron He further said that the silang isyung i-exploit.”

Department of Health released more than P2 million to its regional offices

He said the Department of Justice for the provision of drinking water has finalized the process to free those containers, commodities, logistics, and who were deceived into joining the water purifiers, while the Department rally, so they could go home. of Trade and Industry monitored food supply and prices.

Although there is still no comprehensive report, the President As quick support, he said, the said he believes it was not justified Department of Social Welfare and for the protesters to block the main Development (DSWD) distributed highway and attack policemen when 34,277 family food packs and they tried to send people home. implemented the cash-for-work program.

The actions of authorities to disperse the protesters were lawful The Department of Labor and since the activists did not secure Employment also carried out cash-forpermits for the rally, he said. work interventions, benefitting 1,658 farmers region-wide, in coordination

The President also dispelled the with the National Irrigation notion that his government did nothing Administration and the Technical to ease the suffering of the people as Education and Skills Development the El Niño weather phenomenon hit Authority (TESDA) in Region 12.

Mindanao.

The TESDA trained and certified

Since last year, when El Niño 27,348 farmers on masonry to give them was predicted to affect the country, an alternative source of livelihood, he the government began adopting the added. PND (as) Roadmap to Address the Impact of El Niño or RAIN, he said.

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GALLERY Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Monthly Press Conference/Media Forum 22 April 2016

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NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL

President Aquino discusses May 9 polls, fight against criminals during security meeting President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday met with security officials in Camp Aguinaldo and tackled issues on how to ensure a peaceful election on May 9, as well as the government’s campaign against lawless elements.

“The security cluster meeting focused on continuing efforts to ensure peaceful and orderly elections and ongoing law enforcement operations against communist insurgents and other lawless elements,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

“Government strongly condemns the latest cyber-attack on the website of the COMELEC. Concerned government agencies, including the DOST-Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), are closely coordinating with the COMELEC, to further strengthen its security protocols,” he said in a

Prior to his meeting with security separate statement. officials, the President attended the change of command rites of the Although the recent attack has Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) not compromised the integrity of the and the retirement ceremony for automated election system, he said outgoing chief of staff, Gen. Hernando the Palace shares the public’s concern Iriberri. on the ill effects of such breach.

Meanwhile, Secretary Coloma condemned the hacking of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website, saying different government agencies are coordinating with the commission to strengthen its cyber security.

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“Government is determined to ensure that similar acts will not be repeated in the future and that the perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

PND (as) 16-22 APRIL 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Palace backs legal processes for $81-million Bangladesh bank heist Malacañang has expressed support for all legal processes that aim to ensure the integrity of banking transactions in the Philippines, amid the investigation for the cyber theft of US$81 million from the central bank of Bangladesh.

photo: www.ibnlive.com

“The government supports all legal processes that are observed to ensure the integrity of all banking and financial transactions in the Philippines,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday.

there is probable cause for the filing of charges”.

“The Anti-Money Laundering Council has primary responsibility for determining if there has been violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act,” he said, adding that the council then conveys its findings to the Department of Justice or to the Office of the Ombudsman, “which takes on the responsibility of assessing whether

Citing the ongoing investigation, the department declined to name the foreign nationals who stole US$81 million from Bangladesh’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The amount ended up in the Philippines and was allegedly laundered in three casinos. PND (jd)

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The Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department reported on Monday that about 20 foreign citizens took part in the cyber theft.

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GALLERY CANDIDATES FORUM 2016 - 1st Congressional District (Butuan City-Las Nieves) Candidates - Butuan City Mayoral & Vice Mayoral Candidates 22 April 2016

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NATIONAL NEWS

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ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artist

GERIE MAE G. COCO Contributors

SUSIL D. RAGAS

JENNIFER P. GAITANO

Dinagat Islands

Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

FRETCHER MAGATAO RHEA C. ABAO

IRENE L. MACHECA KRISTINE PEDRALVEZ

DON MANUELO O. PATRIMONIO

GREG TATARO, JR. and

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS Business Manager

Photographer

ZARINA O. LASTRA

REGIONAL OFFICE

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

PIA Caraga Offices

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates

E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Twitter: @PIACaraga

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte Twitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

AGUSAN DEL SUR

SURIGAO DEL SUR

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA

Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur

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