Caraga InFocus - May 28 - June 3, 2016

C O V E R

Govt employees, private individuals hold walk to protect environment

Volume 1, No. 9

CONTENTS REGIONAL NEWS

2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteers now open Nation’s top cop visits Police Regional Office 13 Caraga poll chief tells bets to file SOCE

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

14 AFP, PNP gear up for “Brigada Eskwela” in SurSur 15 AgNor creates body to take actions during crisis, emergencies 17 DAR educates Butuan farmers on basic cooperative formation 19 Peace consultant in AgSur peacefully buried 20 Validation activity hopes to settle confusion on NGEI-NGPI lands in AgSur 21 Surigao Norte MSMEs gain knowledge on e-commerce 23 DavNor solon vows to help Siargao Island to be the country’s top tourist destination 24

BFP steps up inspection of classrooms, boarding houses, dormitories for school opening in SurSur

MINDANAO NEWS Senator welcomes signing of laws creating marine breeding stations in Mindanao

NATIONAL NEWS

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27 GSIS launches members’ online records facility 29

Government has comprehensive programs to deal with La Niña, says Palace

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News Briefs 3 police units of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) will be awarded with Silver Eagle Award by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 on June 6 at Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Butuan City. Said award is in line with the BCPO’s PATROL (Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding of the Rule-Of-Law) Plan 2030 compliance stage. According to P/SSupt Francisco Dungo, acting city director, the award is a clear manifestation that BCPO renders trustworthy law enforcement as a key for progressive nation to achieve affluence in global circuits.

PNP Caraga regional director Chief Supt Rolando B Felix, has released a marching order to all 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 & ordered them to turn in their firearms with expired licenses to avoid sanctions. He also 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.

242 farmers were qualified to become an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) of the 50 landholdings covered under Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of DAR with a total area of 428.0966 hectares. One of the functions of the Barangay Agrarian Reform Committee (BARC) contained in Sec. 47 of R.A. 6657 is to assist in the identification of the qualified beneficiaries in the barangay & to attest the accuracy of the initial parcellary mapping of the beneficiary’s tillage.

World Environment Day is celebrated every 5th of June, to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet earth. This celebration aims to inspire people to take action to prevent the growing strain on planet Earth from reaching its breaking point.

The PNP Caraga had intensified its operations against illegal drugs making a total of 406 persons arrested from January 1-May 29, 2016. Based on the record of the Regional Operations and Plans Division, cops seized a total of 1,398.27 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” and 17.90 grams of marijuana which the Dangerous Drug Board valued at P16.3 million.

Cover Story

s l a u d i v i d n i e t a t v n i r e p m , n s o e r e i y v o n l e p t m c e e t t o r p Gov o t k l a w d l ho enn

CARAGA INFOCUS

COVER STORY

By: J

itano

. Ga ifer P

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n line with this year’s Environment Month celebration, government employees and private individuals on Wednesday took out a walk dubbed ‘Alay Lakad Para sa Kalikasan’ (Offer a Walk for the Environment) to increase public awareness on environmental protection.

28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

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CARAGA INFOCUS

COVER STORY

CARAGA INFOCUS

Also, DENR Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo bared that the theme is focused on promoting public awareness on the importance of wildlife that needs protection and conservation as part of the country’s natural resources.

As the country’s timber capital, director Tamayo asked the public to help expand the region’s forest area by planting

The walk began from the trees to help protect and preserve the four strategic points in the barangays biodiversity. of Libertad, Baan Kilometer-3, Pangabugan, and Bading this city and “There is a need to expand the ended at the Guingona Park, where Caraga region’s forest cover. And with the short program was held. the advent of new technology, the

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country is continuously developing,

DENR Sec. Ramon J.P Paje said however there is also a need to indulge that with this year’s theme ‘Combat in renewable energy to protect the Biodiversity Loss, Beat Climate environment,” underlined Tamayo.

Change,’ the fight against illegal wildlife trade must continue, noting Tamayo also announced that that the extinction of species is irreversible and losses are permanent. various significant activities for the whole month of June will be

conducted by the department together with other partner stakeholders.

Slogan and poster making contest is one of the activities that will also be participated by the students from different schools in the region.

Right after the conduct of ‘Alay Lakad Para sa Kalikasan,’ each head of delegation also signed in the 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

pledge of commitment tarp based celebration aims to inspire people to on this year’s theme. take action to prevent the growing strain on planet Earth from reaching

Meanwhile, it was also learned its breaking point.

The Environment Month celebration is pursuant to Proclamation No. 237 series of 1988.

(PIA-Caraga)

CARAGA INFOCUS

that the World Environment Day is celebrated every 5th of June, to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet earth. This

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Alay Lakad Para Sa Kalikasan

CARAGA INFOCUS

Environment Month 2016 Alay Lakad Para sa Kalikasan 1 June 2016

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Theme: “Combat Biodiversity Loss, Beat Climate Change” 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

S W E N L A REGION

2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteers now open

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

December.

The search aims to recognize the unsung and ordinary Filipino citizens and organizations that have contributed extraordinary milestones for the country through their small, yet invaluable acts of service towards nation-building and national development.

The SOV is an annual event that The search is open to individuals highlights the annual celebration of and organizations currently providing National Volunteers’ Month every 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

CARAGA INFOCUS

“If you have engaged the services of volunteers who made commendable contributions in your area of interest, we are encouraging you to participate in this undertaking by nominating them,” said regional director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga.

REGIONAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – This year’s Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) is now open.

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volunteer assistance in the Philippines.

The following are the types and categories of awards: National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) – The NOVA is conferred to an individual or organization for outstanding volunteer service that has made a significant contribution to uplifting the lives of people and communities served. The individual can be a youth or an adult; and Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) – The VLAA is conferred to an individual or organization for consistent and outstanding volunteer service and whose achievement is regarded as an inspiration and role model in the field of volunteerism.

A Special Citation in Volunteerism is also conferred to recognized volunteering efforts and/or support to volunteerism by an individual, group or organization that do not qualify under the regular SOV categories but which are deemed equally meritorious in accomplishment.

The deadline for the submission of nomination is on July 30, 2016.

For more information and inquiries, please contact Venus S. Derequito or Donabelle A. Bonghanoy at (085) 341-4066; 342-5774 loc. 21 & 22. (PIA-Caraga)

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Nation’s top cop visits Police Regional Office 13

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BUTUAN CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ricardo C. Marquez arrived here on May 23 morning and spearheaded the awarding of PNP personnel and the conference on post-election assessment held at Camp Rafael Rodriguez, PNP Caraga regional office here.

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Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has prepared an arrival honor led by its Regional Director, PCSUPT Rolando B. Felix to the Chief, PNP. “The Chief, PNP spearheaded the giving of awards to the deserving PNP commanders who also led in the successful conduct of 2016 Elections, and the command conference on post-election assessment,” he said.

Chiefs of the National Support Units, City and Provincial Directors from the City/Provincial Police Offices, and the Battalion Commander of the Regional Public Safety Battalion 13 also attended the said conference. (PNPCaraga)

Caraga poll chief tells bets to file SOCE

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Atty. Renato Magbutay, regional election director (RED) of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Caraga region has reminded all candidates—losers and winners alike—during the May 9, 2016 polls to file their respective Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) on or before June 8, 2016.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

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According to the regional poll chief, “They have to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). So, they have until June 8 to file that. All candidates—losers and winners.”

for a winning candidate to present a certification from the COMELEC that such filing had been satisfactorily complied with under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166.

“Otherwise, pag ‘yung kandidato hindi mag-submit ng SOCE hanggang June 8. . . one, they will be charged administratively to be filed by the COMELEC—kung first offense that would be P10,000; second offense P15,000. Ano ‘yan graduated ‘yan. . . hanggang ‘yung penalty maging disqualification to run for public office,” he explained.

However, the same director was citing a different deadline—June 9, 2016—contrary to what Atty. Magbutay had stated.

But Alacaba stood his ground and even offered a copy of the Memorandum in this regard.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Moreover, the provincial DILG chief said that the set timeline for SOCE

Submission should only be done submission of newly-elected officials during weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to to their office or any of its attached 5:00 p.m., Magbutay clarified, adding agencies was June 17, 2016. that no extension was given.

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Keeping in mind the contents of the memorandum, he said that all newly-elected officials at the provincial, city, and municipal levels should file their SOCEs with the Provincial Director, City Director or CLGOO and MLGOO in their respective areas. (Radyo ng Bayan In a related interview, the Tandag) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), this province, confirmed the pronouncements of RED Magbutay.

“For winning candidates,” he warned, “they cannot take their oath of office unless they can show a certification to the DILG that they have complied with the requirement of the SOCE.”

Provincial Director Pedrito Alacaba said that both agencies had forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) regarding the requirement

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ICRC Media Briefing

CARAGA INFOCUS

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Media Briefing on ICRC Activities in the Philippines and Basic Principles on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City 31 May 2016

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S W E N L A PROVINCI BFP steps up inspection of classrooms, boarding houses, dormitories for school opening in SurSur By: Greg Tataro Jr.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), this city, headed by F/Insp. Kenneth Van De los Reyes, has intensified efforts to inspect school buildings, boarding houses as well as dormitories to make sure that all are fire safety compliant.

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Set to accomplish the mission in June, the city fire chief said that such fire safety inspection being conducted had been underway since kicking off early this month.

A memorandum to this effect had been issued to be carried out nationwide, SFO2 Rogelio Secarro, BFP provincial operations chief, said in a separate interview.

To make sure about compliance, an “after activity report” would be

required to be submitted to their office headed by F/Insp. Rowella Dinolan, provincial fire marshall, he confirmed.

Meanwhile, F/Insp. De los Reyes remarked that “So far, only minor violations of the Fire Code were noted,” citing about compliance to requirements of fire extinguishers, exits, automatic fire sprinkler system and building permits.

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Besides, the city fire chief wanted to seek cooperation of the Department of Education (DepEd) in his area of responsibility (AOR) to observe quarterly fire drill on a regular basis according to the existing rules and regulations.

On related developments, De los Reyes admitted seeing lack of fire hydrants especially in the business district considering that Tandag City had been continuously booming, saying that it had to be part of the “social responsibility” of any water

distribution utility, which in this case, under Tandag Water District (TWD).

The city fire chief however quickly added being unsure whether funding for the purchase and installation of such fire hydrants had to be shared between the concerned local government unit (LGU) or to be shouldered alone by the servicing water distribution utility existing in the area. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Both army and police here have assured to be sending their respective contingents during the conduct of Brigada Eskwela to be spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd) on May 30 to June 4.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

AFP, PNP gear up for “Brigada Eskwela” in SurSur

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Capt. Regie Go, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) under Col. Isidro Purisima, said that an instruction in this regard had already been received from higher headquarters, adding that coordination with concerned officials of DepEd had likewise been made at their level.

conduct of Brigada Eskwela had started a long time, linking this to their Bayanihan Team Activity (BTA).

In a separate interview, P/Chief Insp. Noel Naranjo, Police Community Relations branch head at the Police Provincial Office (PPO) confirmed sending a message regarding “Operational Guidelines and Procedures” on “Ligtas Balik Eskwela”

The CMO officer pointed out that to all lower units.

DepEd had likewise been requested He said that P/SSupt. Romaldo to provide specifics in order for them to know how to go about their task, Bayting, acting PNP provincial director, had taken the cue of his action from citing limited resources. the earlier memorandum coming from

He particularly underscored the the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

schedule of the kick-off ceremony Compliance included the apart from the “specific service” the submission of the respective army could render. implementation plans (IMPLANS), it was

Capt. Go indicated that their stressed. (Greg Tataro Jr., Radyo ng partnership with DepEd in the annual Bayan-Tandag)

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AgNor creates body to take actions during crisis, emergencies

The CMC is a governing body of the province that will take decisive actions to resolve crisis or emergencies.

It is primarily concerned with the formulation of crisis management policies, integration and orchestration of government and public efforts towards the control of crisis or incidents.

Ramon AG Bungabong and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director will serve as the technical adviser, as need arises.

Point persons were also identified to include:

• Medical Services - Dr. Elizabeth N.

The CMC is chaired by governor Campado; Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba, co-chaired by vice governor • Legal Services - Fiscal Cyril B. Viva;

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CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY – The provincial government of Agusan del Norte has created its Crisis Management Committee (CMC) during its recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting through PPOC Resolution No. 2016-03.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

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• Logistics - Atty. Ramie Duropan;

agency resource sharing protocol;

• Community Relations - Edgar Palarca;

5. Coordinate inter-agency crisis management efforts;

• Public Information/Dissemination Nora C. Lanuza Molde;

6.

Ensure that operational demands during crisis are met and all actions are coordinated and complementary; and

• Public Safety and Security - PSSupt Ronelo D Jaurigue; - LTC Adonis Ariel G Orio; - LTC Lynart D Castisimo; - F/Insp Rey Antonio C Restauro;

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

• Social Services - Daisybiel O. Demavivas.

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7. Establish accessible communication lines so that reliable and timely information are received and disseminated to appropriate offices or persons responsible.

During the first CMC meeting on May 5 held at the DILG Agusan del

The Provincial CMC shall function Norte conference room on May 5, as follows: officer-in-charge Ellen Vee P. Chua has

1.

Establish procedures for reiterated the functions of the point producing timely direction and persons. guidelines; “Each of us plays a very important

2.Coordinate and implement responses to crisis in an integrated function, role and responsibility in order to maintain a peaceful province manner; and have a secure community. There

3. Ensure that the perspective should be a thorough coordination of government agencies and other between and among the members of stakeholders are integrated into the the CMC to achieve its very purpose overall government responses; of creation,” Chua said. (PIA-Agusan

4. Provide and mobilize available del Norte) resources through an established inter28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

DAR educates Butuan farmers on basic cooperative formation By: Gil E. Miranda BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently conducted a seminar on Basic Cooperative Course to 34 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are members of farmers’ cooperatives and associations in Barangay Dulag, this city.

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BDOFAI Chairman Lorenzo Salar, Jr. said the training is very timely and useful to cooperative members and officers like them as it provides relevant information on how they can improve their cooperative operations.

“I was challenged to further enhance and develop our cooperative with the updates provided in the course. I am thankful to the facilitators for enlightening us in the various topics discussed which enables us to increase our knowledge on the basic of cooperative formation,“ Salar said.

DDCFA chairperson Germa Bagasbas also expressed their gratitude to the organizers for allowing them to attend the said training. (DARAgusan del Norte)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Atega said among the participants were members from the Manila De Bugabus Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MDBMPC), Dulag Organic Farmers (DOF), Dulag Dairy Cow Farmers Association (DDCFA), Dulag Women’s Association and Barangay Dulag Organic Farmers Association Inc (BDOFAI).

He added that the seminar was held through the effort made by the DAR-Agusan del Norte in partnership with Propegemus Foundation, Inc. (PFI)

to educate and empower the farmers and strengthen their organizations.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Agusan del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Andre B. Atega said the activity was aimed to capacitate the farmers on the fundamentals of cooperative formation, identify the importance of legal underpinnings of a cooperative and discuss further the plans, programs and policies of the cooperative.

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Peace consultant in AgSur peacefully buried

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

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SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - Family and friends of the late Josefina Bajade, a peace consultant and retired provincial social welfare and development officer (PSWDO) who was killed recently by the New People’s Army (NPAs) were gathered at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur to attend her final interment and burial.

Governor Santiago Cane delivered his message in a eulogy expressing that no words of comfort would describe the sorrow felt by the bereaved family whose dearly departed died violently in pursuit of peace. He recollected the interventions of the late Josefina Bajade or Nic-Nic as a full-blooded

social worker and as a peace process negotiator.

Cane further underscored that Nic-Nic is an epitome of a woman with courage who steadfastly stood amidst life threatening situations for fighting to bringforth lefties in the folds of the government. Also, all other co-

28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

workers and direct family members have enunciated late Josefina’s utmost extent of boldness to take, even in struggle and risking life, in order to advance negotiated peace.

For the hundreds of people who attended her funeral, they considered her brutal death as a huge loss of the province.

While the necrological mass was ongoing at the Sacred Heart of

Jesus Parish, supporters and friends of the late Josefina Bajade also brought with them placards with statements against the NPAs and praying for justice be served to her.

After the mass, an indignation rally was held going to San Lorenzo Ruiz Memorial Garden where she was buried. (PIA-Caraga)

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur has been conducting validation and re-documentation regarding NDC-Guthrie Plantation and Estate Incorporated (NGEI) and NDC-Guthrie Plantations Incorporated (NGPI) formerly National Development Corp. (NDC) lands involving more or less 8,000 hectares located in Rosario and San Francisco, this province.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Validation activity hopes to settle confusion on NGEI-NGPI lands in AgSur

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The said project is aimed to resolve problems pertaining to land aspect, agrarian beneficiaries issues and intra-organization matters of the cooperatives.

It has three components: the validation and identification of Agrarian reform Beneficiaries; the land consolidation and segregation surveys of the distributed NDC lands and the formation and registration of new small cooperatives whose members wanted to separate from the original registered coops.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II of DAR Agusan del Sur spearheaded the validation and Re-documentation project.

“We are doing our best to resolve this problem the soonest possible time. We are hoping that everybody will cooperate so that we can restore peace and harmonious relationship in the area and among the cooperatives,” underlined director Ragandang. (DAR-Agusan del Sur)

The validation process also involves more than 2,000 ARBs and potential ARBs who will be entertained from May 17, 2016 to June 30, 2016.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Original and potential ARBs were interviewed recently and will be screened by the Beneficiaries Screening Committee (BSC).

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“We are thankful that the DAR acted immediately to resolve this problem that we are facing so that once and for all, confusion will be ironed out. The validation and redocumentation will really help the cooperatives and will put to rest the issues on hand. Hopefully after this, we can focus on improving our respective cooperatives,” expressed Antonio Sison, Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Incorporated Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FPPI-MPC) chairperson.

DAR Caraga regional director Julita A. Ragandang with the 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

Surigao Norte MSMEs gain knowledge on e-commerce SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Some 15 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province recently participated the Expanding Your Business Thru E-Commerce seminar spearheaded by the Sector Planning Bureau - E-Commerce Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga held at Go Hotels, Robinson’s Place, Butuan City.

The e-commerce seminars are designed to engage MSMEs into becoming online merchants, it provides a venue for e-commerce champions, gurus, and service providers to share their know-how and expertise on e-commerce.

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At the end of the session, 50 MSMEs were being enrolled and activated their respective online account stores/shops.

The activity was attended by over two hundred MSME participants coming from the five provinces of Caraga.

For more information on the details of e-commerce just contact the Surigao City Negosyo Center at telephone number (086) 826-2373 or email Caraga.SurigaodelNorte@dti. gov.ph. (DTI-Surigao del Norte)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

“By introducing e-commerce, micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide are exposed to a wider range of options on how to expand their market reach and do business with ease,” said E-Commerce Trade and Industry Specialist chief Maria Crispina S. Reodica.

Among those service providers who were present are the representatives from DigitalFilipino. com, Market Zalora, Lazada SHOPIFY, Shopinas, among others.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The activity is the Caraga-leg of the E-Commerce Caravan conducted nationwide initiated by the agency in support to the implementation of the Philippine E-Commerce Roadmap 2016-2020.

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DavNor solon vows to help Siargao Island to be the country’s top tourist destination

By: John Glenn Platil

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte -- Davao del Norte first district representative Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez has vowed to support the development of Siargao Island to be one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

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In his recent visit to the island along with Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) president Atty. Fred Lim, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Usec.

Ernesto Adobo, Jr., Alvarez said he fully supports Governor Sol Matugas and incoming Congressman Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas of the first district to develop Siargao as a universally-acclaimed leading tourism destination.

the warm hospitality and kindness of the people that is why this paradise is home to me, my family and President Duterte’s family,” said Alvarez.

He also praised Siargaonons for their good manners, principled values and absolute sincerity.

Alvarez is President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s bet for the speakership of the 17th Congress.

“I am always here in Siargao On May 28, Alvarez and Usec. because I own a beach resort in Adobo also toured Sohoton Cove in General Luna since 1996. I really admire Socorro town. (PGO-Surigao del Norte) 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

S W E N O A MINDAN

Villar, chair of the Committee on passage into law of these local bills at Agriculture and Food, defended the the Senate.

28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

CARAGA INFOCUS

MANILA, May 31 -- Sen. Cynthia Villar welcomed the signing into law of the bills establishing marine breeding farms and hatcheries in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat and Agusan del Norte, saying this will boost the production of fisherfolks in Mindanao.“These laws will really contribute to the growth and development of the fisheries sector and allied industries in these areas. I am optimistic that this will help increase the income of fisherfolks, who together with farmers, remain among the poorest in our country,� Villar said.

MINDANAO NEWS

Senator welcomes signing of laws creating marine breeding stations in Mindanao

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CARAGA INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

Republic Act 10787 signed on May 3, mandates the establishment of multi-species marine hatchery in Lingig, Surigao del Sur.While RA 10813, signed on May 11, mandates the creation of the same facility for freshwater species in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

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sustainable growth and development of the agriculture sector as well as to improve the plight of Filipino farmers and fisherfolks,” Villar said.

Villar said for Surigao del Sur, continuing research and experimentation on crabs, shrimps and lobsters is needed to find better ways to improve production of these highvalue species.The same facility is also needed for lake, river and other inland She added that based on the fishes in Agusan del Norte. latest official poverty statistics for basic sectors, fishermen posted the highest

RA 10825, signed on May 19, poverty incidence for the nine basic establishes multi-species marine sectors in the Philippines at 41.4%, hatcheries in Surigao City and Del unchanged or the same level as in Carmen, Surigao del Norte. RA 10826 2006. creates a multi-species marine nursery in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Agriculture contributes over 10 per cent to the country’s Gross

Under the law, the facilities will Domestic Product (GDP). And fisheries be operated under the supervision of contribute between 15 to 18 per the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic cent to the agriculture sector. The Resources (BFAR) of the Department fisheries sector also provides direct of Agriculture (DA). Within two and indirect employment to over one years after its construction, BFAR will million Filipino people. transfer its management to the local government unit.

Similar bills were also submitted for the President’s signature seeking

The Nacionalista Party senator the creation of experimental noted that BFAR will provide a breeding centers and/or mariculture training and phasing-in program to development parks in Cebu, Surigao local government personnel on the del Norte, Catanduanes, Sultan management and operation of the Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Northern hatchery or nursery.

Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and

“We need these laws to achieve Zamboanga del Norte. (Senate) 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

S W E N L A NATION

MANILA - Malacañang on Wednesday assured that the government is already carrying out several measures to address the possible effects of the La Niña weather phenomenon, which is expected to hit the country this year.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Government has comprehensive programs to deal with La Niña, says Palace

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“As part of its overall strategy on climate change resiliency, government is implementing a comprehensive program on mitigating the harmful effects of the possible onset of the La Nina scenario,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

La Niña, the opposite of El Niño, is characterized by above normal rainfall, strong monsoon activity, and the formation of more tropical cyclones.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned the public of the possibility of a La Niña event occurring later this year, after El Niño ends.

From 1997 to 1998, the country experienced a strong El Niño, which was followed by a La Niña in 1999 when many parts of the country experienced intense rainfall and flooding. (PND)

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

According to PAGASA, a strong El Niño is usually followed by an equally strong La Niña. Although El Niño is waning, PAGASA said it would continue

“This covers agriculture, flood to cause below normal rainfall and control and disaster risk reduction warmer air temperatures in the country measures at the grassroots level.” in the next several months.

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28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

GSIS launches members’ online records facility

QUEZON CITY - On its 79th anniversary, state pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) launched the Electronic GSIS Member Online (eGSISMO), a web-based facility that now allows GSIS members to view their membership profile, service records, premium payments, status of loan application, and loan repayments and balances.

“This facility will empower our members by giving them direct access to their records. eGSISMO will also minimize their inquiries and concerns on the state of their records,” President and General Manager Robert Vergara said.

For inquiries, members may visit

As of this date, members born any GSIS office nationwide, call the 1982 and later may initially register GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747, or and access eGSISMO until the system email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph. (GSIS) becomes fully operational to include 28 MAY - 3 JUNE 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Members may go to http:// egsismo.gsis.gov.ph/ and register prior to accessing the facility. When registering, members’ business partner number and date of birth are required.

all members belonging to earlier birth years.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Without going to GSIS offices anymore, members may access eGSISMO any time via their personal computer or tablet equipped with Internet connectivity.

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ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP

EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

FRYAN E. ABKILAN

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com;

pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga

Managing Editor

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

GERIE MAE G. COCO RONNIE MADANGUIT Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

GREG TATARO, JR. GIL E. MIRANDA JOHN GLENN PLATIL PNP-CARAGA RADYO NG BAYAN-TANDAG DAR-AGUSAN DEL SUR DAR-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DTI-SURIGAO DEL NORTE Business Manager

ZARINA O. LASTRA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

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

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS 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

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur