Caraga InFocus - June 25 - July 1, 2016

C O V E R

MARINA Caraga spearheads ‘Filipino Seafarers Day’ celebration

CONTENTS 25 June - 1 July 2016

Volume 1, No. 13

REGIONAL NEWS Mindanao Centro officials pay courtesy call to PIA-13 chief, discusses partnership Sec. Singson’s last policy instruction: Budget ‘limit’ on projects to cut underspending 586 OFWs, dependents celebrate 2016 Migrant Workers’ Day

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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13 PENRO SurSur employees crowns Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan 2016 14 Agnor guv prioritizes ‘Education for All’ 16 DAR AgNor distributes land titles during CARP anniversary celeb 17 Government’s programs reached local residents in AgSur, says Gov. Plaza 18 21 Barangay Agrarian Reform chairpersons take oath in AgSur 19 Surigao Norte guv supports Duterte’s view on mining 21 DTI Dinagat Islands holds BMBE orientation 22

SurSur army chief: Insurgency still lingers in some areas of province

MINDANAO NEWS

EU ambassador supports launch of Mindanao collective trademark

NATIONAL NEWS

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28 National government budget surplus at P55 B in April 2016 30

Philippines sees Germany as model in shift to renewable energy

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News Briefs DepEd Caraga got the highest number of enrollees in the Senior High School in the entire country.

Aral kits containing notebooks, pencils, crayons, other school supplies and slippers are distributed among the pupil recipients coming from the different schools in Caraga region. Each child happily received their share of shoebox.

It is hoped that the advocacy will strengthen as more public and private institutions are expected to take sponsorship of the said project.

Personnel of Carmen Municipal Police Station in the province of Agusan del Norte conducted a barangay visitation and dialogue to the barangay officials of barangay Poblacion, Rojales and Tagcatong regarding crime prevention & peace and order situation in the area.

In anticipation of La Nina, Dr. Ernesto Pareja of DOH Caraga bares that their agency has already prepositioned teams to respond to any possible effects of the phenomenon.

A quick response team to focus on La Nina and other disasters that the region will encounter has been proposed.

Cover Story

MARINA Caraga spearheads ‘Filipino Seafarers Day’ celebration By: Venus L. Garcia

CARAGA INFOCUS

COVER STORY

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ttended by several Maritime students coming from different tertiary schools, seafarers and representatives from line agencies, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Caraga led the Filipino Seafarers Day celebration held on Saturday at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) grounds, this city.

The activity kicked-off with a simultaneous blowing of horns and a floral offering, and an opening program then followed right after the motorcade around the city thoroughfares. It was conducted first time in the city since it has always been celebrated in Surigao City, where their regional office is situated.

This year’s Day of the Filipino Seafarers celebration is anchored on the campaign theme, “At Sea For All.” The theme has a clear link with the 2016 World Maritime Day theme, “Shipping: indispensable to the world,” emphasizing that seafarers serve at sea not just for the shipping industry or for their own career purposes but

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for all of. Consequently, they are also considered as “indispensable to the world.”

According to MARINA Caraga regional director Engr. Emmanuel Carpio, the Filipino Seafarers’ Day Celebration is declared under Presidential Proclamation no. 183, giving respect to the seafarers who are working overseas and have great contribution in the boost of our economy. He added that 30 percent of Filipino seafarers comprise the total 460,000 maritime employees around the world.

Also, Edrian John Simeon, a Bachelor of Science in Marine

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The Day of the Seafarers was established to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers to international seaborne trade, the world economy and to global society as a whole. This year’s event will celebrate the incredible impact that Seafarers make in the world and provides a chance for shipping companies to officer, overseas seafarer, 36-year show their appreciation to seafarers as old, and married with two children, a whole. revealed in an interview that other than his love for ships and seas he is also inclined of such kind of employment in order to support his family by providing the best education for his children, helping uplift the status of their life, and from his earnings he was able to extend help to others as well.

COVER STORY

Transportation student, expressed that he was truly inspired by his father to pursue in getting the course. Simeon also said that he is driven by his interest with naval ships and that will open an Meanwhile, Luis Salarda, 2nd opportunity for him to travel the world through water vessels for free.

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Photo Gallery Department of Health Caraga Region

2016 Regional Red Orchid Awards Luciana Convention Center, Butuan City 29 June 2016

Filipino Seafarers’ Day Celebration

CARAGA INFOCUS

25 June 2016

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S W E N L A REGION Mindanao Centro officials pay courtesy call to PIA-13 chief, discusses partnership

In his interview over 107.8 Power FM/ Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network of PIA Caraga with deputy regional director Fryan 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

Abkilan, Mindanao Centro Daily general manager Arnel Cortez and editor-in-chief Mark Divid Bequilla expressed that their media outfit wanted to partner with PIA in

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BUTUAN CITY – The officials from Butuan-based Mindanao Centro Daily paid courtesy call on Monday to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga regional director Abner Caga and discussed partnership in information dissemination.

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

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disseminating timely, accurate and relevant information to the public.

Cortez also revealed that he and his team are now the ones handling the daily operations of their local newspaper release. There have been changes in management, however, the target areas for dissemination/ circulation are still the same.

“Our newspaper has been circulating in the key cities of Caraga region – here in Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Tandag, Bislig, and soon in Compostella Valley. We will also do our best until we reach other parts of Mindanao,” said Cortez.

Cortez also emphasized his appreciation to PIA’s initiatives and innovations in technology. “I get to appreciate more how technology really works because of your initiative.

We’re glad to have learned about your mobile application, which is very accessible and convenient. There’s really a lot to discover in social media.

We hope to have a good partnership with your agency,” he underlined.

Meanwhile, director Caga assured the said officials that they will be part of the PIA’s future activities and will continuously receive updates through the agency’s known platforms.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Sec. Singson’s last policy instruction: Budget ‘limit’ on projects to cut underspending

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BUTUAN CITY - Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has this last policy instruction to recommend to management which is to impose ‘limit’ on annual funding for each project implemented by the Department to address underspending of budget. This was disclosed by the secretary during his recent visit to Caraga Region, his last before he bows out of the department come June 30, 2016.

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On June 9, he had a stopover at the DPWH-Caraga Regional Office here, where he held a two-hour meeting with the agency executives and officials to hear their concerns on project implementation as well as share insights on policy directions and program thrusts of the incoming new administration, which may affect the bureaucracy of the department.

Sec. Singson disclosed that “despite the department is given huge amount of budget, a notable percentage of it were not used for projects neither for services, which is the prevailing issue at this point – underspending of funds.”

Underspending pertains to percentage of funds allotted to the department for its expenditure that were unable to utilize within the given period.

“The management committee is meeting regularly nowadays with incoming Sec. Villar, and we have studied closely the necessary approaches to undertake to address this issue, of which one is to limit annual funding of projects with multi-million worth, such as bridges, to be based on capacity of contractors to accomplish certain percentage of projects,” he said.

He said this policy entails contractors to enter into multi-year obligational authority.

“By that, it means the single contractor will assume implementation until the project is completed, but the annual funding will be based on how much they can accomplish for the current year the project is being implemented,” he added.

Another factor he identified that hinders the utilization of budget is the delay on accomplishment due to road right-of-way, inaccessible project locations, and protracted processing of documents.

“These problems could’ve been mitigated, if not avoided, when they are worked out initially prior to the beginning of implementation of project itself,” he said.

According to him, the DPWH Central Office has recognized budget At this point, Sec. Singson programming as the bottleneck of recommended that by the following 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

“I am ready for turn-over anytime now, but I’m just doing my rounds to make sure the next administration will not encounter major problems following my lead,” he said.

series of complications that eventually “results to underspending.”

CARAGA INFOCUS

The outgoing secretary has been recently doing his rounds nationwide, visiting each region to assess current status of infrastructure program to ensure a smooth transition of governance to department’s newlyappointed Secretary Mark Villar.

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year, only projects that are ‘workable’ should be implemented, while the rest of the budget is utilized in the preparation of those that have anticipated difficulties.

imposition of the said ‘limits’ does not entail low budget for the succeeding years – but only for a time being until workable conditions are met for projects to push through – thus fund utilization is efficient in this approach.

Sec. Singson clarified that while (DPWH-Caraga)

586 OFWs, dependents celebrate 2016 Migrant Workers’ Day By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

REGIONAL NEWS

Delegates from the five provinces of Caraga, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the Island Province of Dinagat joined in the day’s merriment bearing the theme “Salamat OFW, Saludo Kami sa Inyo.”

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BUTUAN CITY - Over 586 migrant workers, their beneficiaries and dependents all over Caraga region gathered in the day of giving honor to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the Migrant Workers’ Day 2016 at the municipal gymnasium, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

Showcasing that the OFWs are talented as well, Pinoy Wise Sulong Mount Diwata OFW and Dependents Association of San Francisco, Agusan del Norte commenced the activity with a doxology.

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Overseas Workers Welfare Adminsitration (OWWA) Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid opened the celebration and delivered the message of OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado saying “that the Migrant Workers Day is the time where we give honor to our OFWs, and pay recognition to the sacrifices they endure and contributions they make to secure a better future for their families, their communities and their homeland.”

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The day was also a venue for the OFWs and their dependents to showcase their various talents in singing and dancing as they performed both songs and dances.

Among the desires of the activity is to bring the services of both public and private sector closer and easily accessible to the participants.

The services of government offices such as Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), Home 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

A wellness booth was also set-up to provide free body massage, facial spa and foot spa for relaxation of the participants.

Some members of the Pinoy Wise Sulong Mount Diwata OFW and Dependents Association, the host organization displayed their products such as snacks, soap, detergent and garments at a mini trade fair booth.

Meanwhile, fun-filled activities such as parlor games were done hosted by Philhealth after they have presented their programs and services to the attendees. Loads of exciting prizes for the raffle draws with giveaways including school supplies, grocery items, household appliances, bicycles and cash prizes were given away to the lucky raffle draw winners.

The regional manifesto was also presented by Dir. Madrid during the activity. The signing of the manifesto was led by the presidents of five Provincial Federations of OFW Family Circles. (OWWA-Caraga)

REGIONAL NEWS

Moreover, San Francisco Municipal Mayor Jenny D. De Asis extended her joy in hosting the year’s Migrants Day in time for the month long celebration of the Magdiwata Festival of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Mayor De Asis also lauded the OFWs and addressed them as the living heroes of the society. “Aside from the support that you are providing for your family, you have also contributed so much to our locality. You, OFWs, are our partners in the development of our local government units,” the mayor added.

Development Mutual Fund (PAGIbig), Landbank of the Philippines were made available for shopping of the participants. Social partners for housing, insurance and banking including Filinvest Land Incorporated, Camella Homes, West Highlands by A Brown Company Inc, PhilAm Life, Bank of the Philippine Islands and Banco de Oro - San Francisco Branch were also at the venue.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The OWWA Administrator gave emphasis to the OFWs sector’s contribution to our society. “Tunay na hindi matatawaran ang ambag ng ating mga OFWs sa pagsulong ng ating ekonomiya. Sapat din na bigyan nating halaga ang kanilang sakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng kani-kanilang pamilya. Ang tagumpay ninyo ay tagumpay din ng bawat Pilipino,” Administrator Calzado expressed.

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Photo Gallery Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter Board of Directors Regular Meeting Balanghai Hotel & Convention Center, Butuan City 28 June 2016

2016 Regional Literacy Awards Taguibo Watershed Steering Committee Meeting Management Council Meeting PENRO-Agusan del Norte, Brgy. Tiniwisan, Butuan City 28 June 2016

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

27 June 2016

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S W E N L A PROVINCI SurSur army chief: Insurgency still lingers in some areas of province By: Greg Tataro Jr.

On June 10, the army brigade here held an Area Clearing Validation (ACV) with Gov. Johnny Pimentel and Brig. Gen. Paul Atal, respective chairs of the Provincial Peace and Order

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Council (PPOC), this province, and Area Clearing Validation Board (ACVB) of the army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) aimed at assessing the insurgency situation.

During the occasion, all four battalion commanders of the 402nd Infantry Brigade under Col. Purisima were in attendance together with the

CARAGA INFOCUS

The government’s campaign to purge the province of rebels had already gained broad support from the public, he stressed.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Col. Isidro Purisima, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA), this province, admitted that insurgency problems had continued to thrive but only in some areas here.

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act, urging the public to do the same.

Such incident was already carried out

In a recent interview, Purisima twice in a row in the same town this said that the lawless armed groups year.

(LAG), referring to the New People’s Army (NPA), had still managed to have The brigade commander said their presence felt. that schoolchildren who happened to witness the burning incident made by

This occurred on June 15 some 15 lawless elements, according when a container van loaded with to P/CInsp. Dominador Plaza, the banana products owned by the town’s chief of police (COP), were DOLE Philippines was set on fire at the even threatened that something bad national highway of Barangay Amaga was going to be done. in Barobo town, 105 kilometers south, this city.

Companies here which do not yield to the rebels’ way of extorting

It was learned however money, had incurred heavy losses, that, together with the police, the reports indicated. counteraction made by government troopers was pinned on the company’s Col. Purisima had expressed vicinity instead. hope that the incoming Duterte administration would put an end to the

Col. Purisima had issued a lingering problem on insurgency in the statement condemning the violent country. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

mayors or their alter egos.

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PENRO SurSur employees crowns Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan 2016

By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY – Employees from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Surigao del Sur won the Search for 2016 Mr. and Ms. Kalikasan during the 29th DENR Anniversary celebration on June 10, 2016 at the DENR Regional Covered Court.

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“The competition is not just about beauty and fame but rather aims to promote social awareness in the role of each individual in the protection and

The Search for Mr. and Ms. conservation of the environment,” he Kalikasan is an annual event during added. (DENR-Caraga) the celebration of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Anniversary. This event showcases the talents of the employees and paves the way to self improvement.

“Today, we are celebrating our 29th anniversary with the theme: ‘Patuloy na pagsisikap para sa kalikasan: Isang pagdiriwang.’ As we celebrate today’s event, we renew and strengthen our vows to be protectors of our environment and effective public servants. Let us use this celebration as a motivation to strive harder and be 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

agents of change,” said DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Kaleb Arreza and Maricris Lamela won the title as they shine in almost all the categories during the event.

Among their special awards are Best in Sportswear, Best in Kalikasan Attire, and Best in Formal Attire.

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Agnor guv prioritizes ‘Education for All’ By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – “Making life better for all Agusanons has always been our ardent quest for vision,” says Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

In her state of the province address (SOP) held Friday here, Matba gave emphasis on the importance of giving priority to the education of the youth in the province.

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parents and other stakeholders, gov. added.

As a result, in 2015, a reduction of 1.53 percent of the dropout rate in the elementary level in the entire

Matba said that for the past province was achieved. few years, the province continues to invest in the young generation and Governor Matba also reported ‘Education for All’ has always been that the province’s enrolment rate in one of her primary goals. year 2015 has exceeded the school age population recorded by the

“As leaders and policy makers, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). A it is truly a big challenge to provide total of 42,557 students were enrolled education that would equip learners as against the PSA count of 39,975. with the needed competencies and prepare them ready for life,” said Also, the province’s performance gov. Matba. Several programs were in the 2015 National Achievement Test successfully launched to improve the in the grade 6 level improved to 87.47 performance with the support of the percent from the 2014 achievement of 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

84.13 percent.

The quality of education provided in the province according to governor Matba has produced students with exceptional talents and skills. In 2015, Xavier Clyde S. Dubduban of Northern Mindanao Intitute placed first in the regional Science Fair Contest in Microscope Focusing and Karl Andrea Culta got third Best Presenter in the over-all National Radio category.

Similarly for the teacher category, governor Matba has announced that Agusan del Norte was the National Champion for Science Investigatory project (Physical Science) and on the Spot Improvisation of Materials in Science.

During the year 2015, a total of 218 elementary and secondary school buildings amounting to P194,757,194.77 were constructed in the province under her administration.

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga regional director Julita A. Ragandang and Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Andre B. Atega of DAR Agusan del Norte personally handedover the certificate of land ownership awards to the beneficiaries.

in the fight against rural poverty of all agrarian reform beneficiaries in the region.

Record shows that land acquisition and distibution in the province as of December 31, 2015 has an overall accomplishment of 92 percent, or a distribution of 39,832 hectares out of the

Ragandang said that DAR has total scope of 43,216 hectares. (DARcommitted to ensure positive gains Agusan del Norte)

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CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY - A group of farmer-beneficiaries in the province Agusan del Norte received a total of 73 hectares of land titles during the kick-off ceremony of the annual celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) held at Robinsons Place.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DAR AgNor distributes land titles during CARP anniversary celeb By: Gil E. Miranda

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Government’s programs reached local residents in AgSur, says Gov. Plaza By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PROSPERIDAD – “Government programs and services has reached to our local residents in the different municipalities here in the province of Agusan del Sur.”

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This was emphasized by Governor Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) held on Friday at the Naliyagan Cultural Center Main Stage here.

According to Gov. Plaza, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has intensified its provision of vegetables seeds, fruit trees seedlings, upland rice seeds, corn seeds, rubber seedlings, and pre and post harvest facilities to the different communities to help their livelihood, increase their

production and income.

“The Philippine Coconut Authority has also supported the local government in the provision of coconut seedlings, as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development in allocating funds for the establishment of day care centers. The Department of Health has also helped in providing more visible sanitary toilets and Botika ng mga Barangay. Medical missions were also conducted to address the health needs of our people,” bared Gov. Plaza.

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Overall, a total of 394 kilometers of provincial roads are in good and fair condition according to Gov. Plaza.

“A total of 102,389 households have

“We will continue to ensure the meaningful engagement of civil society organizations in the development process.

We will continue to physically integrate geographically isolated communities to markets and urban centers through infrastructure development. We will assist communities become resilient in disaster-prone and human-induced calamities. We will continue to ensure sustainable management of environment assets. We will develop and promote cluster destinations to optimize tourism potential. Finally, we will invest in the normalization, stability, and improved confidence in insurgency-affected areas,” stressed Gov. Plaza.

21 Barangay Agrarian Reform chairpersons take oath in AgSur By: Cyrene Flor B. Tajonera and Kristine H. Pedralvez

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Twenty one (21) Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) chairpersons of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur took oath before Hon. Erwin G. Ruiz, Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (PARAD) held reently at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office in San Francisco, this province.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

“We would like to thank the unstinting support of the officials in Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the passage of the Agusan del Sur Agriculture Code of 2016. This landmark legislation provides a healthy and robust enabling environment for the agriculture sector so that it becomes a potent sector in reducing poverty,” said Plaza.

benefitted from the road projects using provincial funds covering 215 kilometers. The PAMANA Project using the DILG fund rehabilitated a total of 22.3 kilometers benefitting 5,983 households in the municipalities of Sibagat, Prosperidad, Veruela, San Luis, and Esperanza,” he underlined.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Gov. Plaza also cited that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has provided armchairs for the Indigenous peoples (IPs). The PAMANA road projects of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also helped in constructing concrete roads for the localities to experience convenience in travelling from the upland area to the public market and other destinations.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

The ceremony was done in order for the BARC to attest the master list of qualified Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the said municipality.

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Two hundred forty two (242) farmers were qualified to become an ARB of the 50 landholdings covered under Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with a total area of 428.0966 hectares.

“Isip usa ka BARC, dili lang paghusay sa mga gubot bahin sa agraryo sa barangay level ang among responsibilidad, lakip pa ni ini ang pagpamatuod sa mga benepisyaryo nga sila gayud ang nagtikad sa maong luna (As a BARC, aside from mediating local agrarian disputes in the barangay level, it is also our responsibility to confirm that the beneficiaries are the actual tillers of a certain landholding),” said Conrado Abraham, BARC chairperson of Barangay Nato, Esperanza.

“The farmers listed should be screened and identified thoroughly with the help of the BARC and thus, they are the one to confirm the legitimacy Also, in line with the policy of the ARBs,” PARAD Ruiz pointed out. of encouraging people’s initiative and self-reliance, the government

One of the functions of the promulgated Executive Order 229 and BARC contained in Sec. 47 of R.A. affirmed its commitment to building a 6657 is to assist in the identification community-based implementing and of the qualified beneficiaries in the coordinating mechanism for CARP by barangay and to attest the accuracy establishing the BARC. (DAR-Agusan of the initial parcellary mapping of the del Sur) beneficiary’s tillage.

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Surigao Norte guv supports Duterte’s view on mining By: John Glenn Platil

observe with the terms and conditions of their existence, to make sure that they do the best practices in terms of making sure that reforestation and treeplanting activities are completed.

It can be recalled that on June 4, President-elect Duterte told the big mining companies, particularly in Surigao del Norte, to stop destroying the environment.

Surigao del Norte is one of the major sources of gold, nickel and minerals. Gov. Matugas said she is doing all her best to regulate mining and see to it that the environment is taken care of.

“I am for responsible mining. I believe in caring for the environment.

That is why at the end of this month we are opening a coastal resource center in Hayangabon, Claver,” said Governor Matugas.

“No new mining permits will be issued and those existing mining companies like Hinatuan Mining Company, Taganito HPAL, and others must comply with the strict environmental laws of the land,” she

She added that even big mining added. (PGO-Surigao del Norte) companies at present are required to

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CARAGA INFOCUS

Gov. Matugas also said that she is strictly enforcing applicable rules and pertinent regulations to make sure that mining companies comply with official policies.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Governor Sol F. Matugas recently clarified that she supports the stand of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte against irresponsible mining.

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DTI Dinagat Islands holds BMBE orientation By: Jasmin A. Dano

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DINAGAT ISLANDS – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Dinagat Islands conducted recently the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) orientation to all the municipal treasurers of the different municipalities of the province held at the Negosyo Center in San Jose town.

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The orientation was facilitated by DTI Dinagat Islands officer-in-charge Arnold D. Faelnar together with the representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Treasurer’s Office but recently said authority was transferred to the DTI by virtue of R.A. 10644 otherwise known as the “Go Negosyo Act.”

The BMBEs Act of 2002 encourages the formation and growth of barangay micro business enterprises by granting them incentives and other benefits.

The orientation tackled the rationale of the program, its legal basis and related statutes, as well as matters such as the eligibility requirements and incentives of BMBE registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Previously, the processing of BMBE registration was assigned to the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) through the Municipal

Issues and concern on its implementation were also discussed during the one-day activity. (DTIDinagat Islands) 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

Photo Gallery BUTUAN CITY OFFICIALS OATH-TAKING CEREMONY

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Mayor Ronnie Vicente Conde Lagnada Vice Mayor Jose S. Aquino II Congressman Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun (Butuan City-Las Nieves) City Councilors: * Glenn Carampatana * Ferdinand Nalcot * Rema E. Burdeos * Derrick Plaza * Cromwell Nortega * Omar O. Andaya * Cherry May Busa Vincent Rizal C. Rosasrio * Ehrnest John Sanchez * John Gil Unay Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 30 June 2016

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S W E N O A MINDAN

CARAGA INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

EU ambassador supports launch of Mindanao collective trademark

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DAVAO CITY - Reaffirming the European Union’s (EU) commitment to promote and expand domestic and international markets for Mindanao products, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen will grace the launch of the Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT), a system designed to enhance the competitiveness of products originating from Mindanao.

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The MCT is a collective trademark that will function as a certification trademark. Certification trademarks are owned by an organization who would allow for its use by companies that comply with the rules and standards defined by the owner of that particular certification mark. A collective trademark on the other hand is used by particular members of the organization that owns it.

“The participation of the ambassador during MCT launch sends a strong signal of EU’s interest to enhance trading with the Philippines, giving particular attention to highquality products from Mindanao,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of In the case of the MCT, it aims the Mindanao Development Authority to improve the competitiveness of (MinDA). the products originating from the island-region through alignment with

She added that EU-Philippines internationally recognized Voluntary through its Trade Related Technical Standards (VS) which guarantee Assistance Project 3 (TRTA3) supported sound management practices, MinDA in the development of the traceability, and sustainability. trademark in line with its efforts to contribute to the country’s integration “In the global markets, where into the international and regional commodities converge and compete, trading and investment system. there is a growing preference among buyers for information on

MinDA is the lead agency in the their sources,” said Antonino while implementation of the MCT system, adding “aside from scale, quality, as part of its mandate to increase and delivery, consumers also want to trade and investments and boost know the origin of the products that the development of micro, small they are buying.” and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Mindanao.

The introduction of the MCT system strategically fits into the

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MINDANAO NEWS

Ambassador Jessen is expected to keynote the event that will gather key government officials, top business players, chief local executives and private sector representatives from across the region.

will give Mindanao agri-products a certain distinction in the global market where standards on good agricultural practices, organic farming, single origin, are given premium consideration among discerning buyers,” Antonino added.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The MCT launch, slated for Tuesday at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel here in the city will officially unveil the MCT logo that will become the distinct mark of quality products coming from the island-region.

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MINDANAO NEWS

put forward by the economic agenda of incoming administration.

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Through the TRTA 3, the EU is assisting in developing and enhancing the systems and procedures of the Intellectual Property of the Philippines in the promotion, protection and registration of Geographical Indications and Collective Marks, among many others. It is a program funded by the EU in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry. local producers and manufacturers conquer the international market

In the past three years, organic while carrying the distinct Mindanao products from Mindanao have been trademark.” aggressively penetrating the EU A Knowledge Center on Voluntary market through international trade fairs and exhibits. At the 2014 Biofach Standards and Best Management Organic Fair, the world’s leading Practices will be established to will trade fair for organic food products encourage the MCT beneficiaries in Nuremberg, Germany, products to adopt to their VS of interest and from Mindanao such as the organic eventual use of the trademark. The black rice and coco sugar earned center will be hosted by MINDA and will compose networks of experts from international attention. the academe and the private sector

Bios Dynamis, an organic rice who have extensive experience in producer popular for its sought-after various voluntary standards. organic black rice, and the TreeLife Collective trademarks are similar coco sugar from the town of Carmen in North Cotabato showcased systems used by collective quality Mindanao-grown organic products labels in Europe that due to these during the four-day international distinct labels, products are preferred exhibit, which was attended by more by consumers. Products that carry than 42,000 trade visitors from 135 collective quality labels in Europe are currently generating revenues of more countries. than P2.6 trillion annually and make up

“Success stories like these need to about 15 percent of all European food be sustained and replicated, and we and beverage exports. (MinDA) aim to achieve more of these through the MCT system,” said Antonino while adding “we hope to see many of our 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

Photo Gallery

National Disaster Consciousness Month Celebration

- Kick-off - Motorcade - Opening Program with Zumba - Press Conference

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NATIONAL NEWS

Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City 1 July 2016

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S W E N L A NATION

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NATIONAL NEWS

Philippines sees Germany as model in shift to renewable energy

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Manila - Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman said the Philippines can draw an inspiration from Germany in energy efficiency and use of renewable energy, as the country looks for alternative sources of electricity to create climate-resilient communities.

De Guzman, along with CCC Commissioner Frances Veronica Victorio, met on June 28 with German parliamentarian Bärbel Höhn, chair of the Committee on the Environment,

Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of the German jr, who shared her country’s gains in the switch from coal and nuclear power towards renewables.

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In July last year, Germany hit a new milestone in its campaign for carbon “We are looking at the German free electricity when renewable energy experience as one of our models in our sources met 78 percent of the day’s journey towards a low-emission and energy demand. climate-resilient future for our country,” said De Guzman, vice chairperson of De Guzman said the Philippines the CCC, after the meeting. could learn from Germany’s experience as the government reviews

’Energiewende’ or energy its energy policy to pave the way for a transition in German has been a comprehensive transition to renewable phenomenon as shown by renewables and sustainable energy. making significant strides in the German energy sector, which was “The policy review allows once heavily dependent on coal,” he knowledge exchange on existing added. good practices in managing transitions from fossil fuel-based

Coming from North Rhine- energy to renewable energy,” he Westphalia, which is known for its coal added. industry, Höhn was an environmental activist before she became State The CCC, together with the Minister for Environment and Agriculture Department of Environment and in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Natural Resources, the Department of Energy and the National Economic

Affiliated with the Green Party’s Development Authority, has six months parliamentary group, Höhn has made or until the end of the year to conduct the promotion of energy efficiency and a national review and framework renewable sources of energy as her development on energy, as mandated advocacy.

by Commission Resolution No.2016-001 it issued last month.

Höhn said coal firms in Germany have been “losing money for The policy review is vital to fulfilling investing in the wrong technology” the country’s commitments under after renewables have become the the Paris climate agreement to keep most important source of energy in global temperature rise below 1.5 Germany. degrees Celsius and avoid the worst

impacts of climate change. (PND) 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

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As of last year, the renewables’ share in the energy mix in Germany was reportedly at 28 percent, way above the expectations of advocates.

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They were joined by German Embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael Hasper and some members of the academe and environmentalists in a luncheon meeting in Casa Roces at the Malacañang compound in Manila.

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National government budget surplus at P55 B in April 2016

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MANILA- The national government posted a surplus of P55.0 billion in April 2016 on the back of strong revenue collections, bringing the year-to-date deficit down to P57.5 billion. Net of interest payments, the national government’s primary balance for January-April 2016 stood at a surplus of P59.9 billion. April 2016 surplus stood at P69.8 billion.

National government revenues expenditures totaled P191.6 billion, for the month amounted to P246.6 22% or P35.1 billion wider than yearbillion, 18% or P37.5 billion higher ago figures. than recorded in April 2015, while 25 JUNE -1 JULY 2016

Meanwhile, as collections on oil for the first four m o n t h s of 2016 continued to shrink by 14% on the back of lower oil prices, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) more than made up for it in robust non-oil collections growth of 5.7% for the 4-month period and 21.6% just for the month of April. This caused the BOC to collect P32.7 billion for the month of April, a 16% jump from yearago figures to haul a total of P123.2 billion for January-April 2016, reflecting a 2% growth.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P16.4 billion for the month, 142% higher year-on-year, and P52.4 billion in total for the January-April period, reflecting a 7% increase year-on-year.

Interest payments amounted to P14.8 billion for April 2016, lower by 6%, and P117.4 billion for the first four months of

In a volatile world flirting with crisis the year. Interest payments accounted after crisis, I believe the Philippines has for 15% of expenditures for Januaryworked and earned the right to be April 2016, down from 18% posted a defiantly optimistic.” year ago.(DOF)

The Bureau of Internal Revenue

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NATIONAL NEWS

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “I am pleased to report a strong finish on both the revenue and expenditure sides of the Republic’s balance sheet. Consistently solid fiscal performance has put the nation on its firmest fiscal footing in history. The aggressive expansion of fiscal space in a span of 6 years has also funded the most intensive amount of investment the country has seen–fuel for Asia’s bright star to keep burning bright in these challenging times. I am highly confident that the next administration’s economic team has what it takes to improve and build on our gains moving forward.

collected P177.7 billion for the month, up by 10% or P16.9 billion year-on-year.

Collections stood at P507.8 billion for January-April 2016, expanding 9% onyear.

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Year-to-date, total revenues rose 7% year-on-year, amounting to P725.6 billion, while expenditures expanded 19% to reach P783.1 billion.

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Photo Gallery Project Shoebox School Kits Distribution

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DACP, Bancasi, Butuan City 30 June 2016

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