Caraga InFocus –April 07-13, 2018

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[ Contents 07 - 13 April 2018

Volume II, No. 53

Agusan del Norte’s youth code contributes to community’s development ASEAN NEWS

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Baguio stude tops 8th Nat’l ASEAN quiz bee, to represent PH in Bali

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Velasco cites Manila Water for expansion projects in ASEAN

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REGIONAL NEWS

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From withered past to bountiful future: a Gulayan sa Barangay story

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PRRD vows to harness diplomacy to advance country’s interests Multi-agency core group formed to assess Mindanao budget share

PNP Caraga continues drive against illegal logging PopCom, LGUs engage in “Family Talk”

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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MINDANAO NEWS

BFAR Caraga distributes FRP boats to Siargao Islands fisherfolk Rebeldeng NPA nga namatay sa engkwentro sa Agusan Norte, usa ka Tandaganon CSC to hold career service test anew 401st army brigade chief gets wind of peace talks resumption

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26 NATIONAL NEWS

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PRRD returns with 9.45B USD worth of investments from China visit Bong Go enjoins OFWs to support admin’s programs

Butuan’s senior citizens benefit Project LIPAD Talacogon Negosyo Center sets more active partnerships with stakeholders Bunawan, Rosario BuB projects get push to increase production and boost from other stakeholders’ support

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News Briefs Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega, CESO V, in an interview said, these farm implements would improve the operations of the farmer-organizations. These farm implements increase farm productivity and sustains livelihood of the farmers considering the occurrence of climate change in the province.

With a commitment to push for alternative transport, “green vehicles” such as E-trike is widely introduced by the Department of Energy. “We envisioned to revitalized the public transport sector by offering energy-efficient electric vehicles in the market,” said Engr. Federico Domingo, Jr., supervising science research specialist of DOE.

The Philippine Information Agency commends the winners of the recently concluded MetrobankMTAP-DepEd Math Challenge.

The e-trike is under the Market Transformation program of the Department of Energy. This is part of the P1.7 billion loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank wherein 3,000 e-trikes are to be distributed in the different regions of the country.

Cover Story

Agusan del Norte’s youth cod community’s development By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

AGUSAN DEL NORTE - With the enactment of the Provincial Ordinance No. 459-2017 of the province of Agusan del Norte, programs and institutionalization of its youth programs are now expanded and will surely contribute to the development of the community.

The ordinance known as “The Agusan del Norte Youth Welfare, Development and Protection Code” which aims to enable the youth to attain the highest standard of health and well-being and to realize their full potential was enacted by the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte during their 48th regular session.

Some of the Code’s mandates include the implementation of services and programs on youth development, and to ensure the full development of the youth under the law, Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie Calo, author of the said ordinance said.

Calo is with high hopes that through the Code, the youth in the province will not only be given the

The Code gives way to the opportunity to be involved in the involvement of the youth to nation- provincial activities but will also be building that will benefit the community encouraged to participate in the they belong. development of projects that will also

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de contributes to benefit them in the future.

Calo also believed that the youth contribute the biggest chunk of the country’s population and that they play a very significant role in the nation’s development.

Education – It ensures a complete, proper, affordable, non-discriminating and accessible education programs for the youth from primary, elementary, secondary, tertiary, post-tertiary education and skills development;

Employment – Decent and

“The Code serves as the guiding appropriate employment opportunities principles in developing, enhancing, are ensured creating wide employment and promoting the welfare and prospects to fit the individuals’ capacity protection of the youth,” said Calo. and qualification; The Purpose

It will create a concrete and viable avenue for the youth in the province to fully enjoy their rights, and attain their full development and protection in line with the national and international laws.

Health – A complete, proper, affordable and accessible health care program will be available;

Environment – This ensures a sustainable, safe, secured, peaceful, enduring and habitable environment; Drugs and Substance Abuse Prevention – A drug-free zone and drug-free youth are ensured. The Code also mandates comprehensive programs on antidrug and anti-crime prevention in the province;

Also, the Code will benchmark any other youth development services and programs by institutions and parties within the jurisdiction of the province; and to avert many future problems such as school drop-outs, juvenile delinquency, high rate of teen-age Juvenile Justice – A fair treatment pregnancy, drug abuse and crime, of all youth in conflict with the law is and social ills. ensured. Full legal assistance will be provided to those in need; Priority Programs

Leisure and Recreation – It

The Code focuses on the ensures available, safe, accessible province’s youth development, to and worthwhile channels of leisure and include the following: recreation; 07 -13 April, 2018

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Women – A full and balance participation and protection of women in any development program including planning, reviewing and decisionmaking;

Teenage Pregnancy - This will adopt measures to reduce half the adolescent birth rate specifically from births among aged 15-19 years and achieve zero repeated pregnancies among minors;

Marriage and Family – This ensures the sanctity of marriage and promotes the foundation of a family as the source of values among the youth;

rights without distinction as to legitimacy, sex, gender preference, social status, religion, political antecedents, beliefs, ideologies, and other factors.

Other Programs and Services

Because of the Code, appropriations and full support to the youth activities and even making them involved in the different activities that make them develop personally are now being supported by the province through the creation of the Agusan del Norte Youth Welfare, Development, and Protection Council or the ADNYWDPC. The Council focuses on the formulation of plan, programs and activities for the youth.

Participation – The provincial government ensures an active, open and harm-free participation in the public Another program for the youth and civic activities including policy- that is being included in the Code is making and freedom of expression; the formulation and establishment of the Agusan del Norte Comprehensive

Globalization – It ensures services and Coordinated Action Plan on Youth and programs to prepare the youth Development (ADNCCAPYD) or the for competitiveness and globalization “The Youth Plan” – the blueprint of brought by the demands of time and all development programs, activities technology; and services within the provincial

Peace and Human Rights – The government. rights of the youth are respected, preserved, honored and heard. The The institutionalization of the Moral Code mandates for a genuine and Recovery Program and the provision enduring peace in the community; and of legal assistance and protection program for youth-related activities

Moral and Intergenerational and transactions are also part of the Issues – All youth in the province are Code. morally upright and concerned with intergenerational issues to attain Part of the Code is the annual development. conduct of convention dubbed as the Agusan del Norte Youth Policy

The code provides every youth of and Program Development and the province the entitlement on their Advocacy Congress or ADNPPDADCO

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in the promotion and advocacy of the intercultural learning opportunities to help the youth develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to create a just and peaceful world.

to focus and involve research policy advisory formulation, provincial and local consultations, policy dialogue, constituency building and policy monitoring.

The Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program paves way for full and complete recreational and cultural facilities and programs at the barangay to the provincial level that help keep the youth away from illegal vices is also mandated in the Code.

Also, Program for Youth with Special Needs and Person with Disability; Responsible Parenting, Drug and Crime Education Program; Skills and Education Assistance and Enrichment Program; Youth Environmental Program; Good Citizenship Program; Entrepreneurship, Employment, Social and Sports; Qualified Youth Engagement Cash Assistance; Student Services, Facilities and Programs; Youth Organization Registration and Accreditation Program or YORAP; Trafficking in Person; Provision of Protection Services Program; Unwanted Participation to Any Organization; Anti-discrimination; Bilateral Relation are among the other programs and services included in the Code.

The Code also mandates the establishment and operation of the Agusan del Norte Youth Development Center or ADNYDC. The center is

The Code also specifies the temporarily located at the Community integral participation of the youth Affairs Division of the provincial to disaster and risk reduction and governor’s office. management of the province, creation of the Agusan del Norte Youth Disaster

Another program is the and Risk Reduction Response Team Foreign Internship and Exchange that enables the youth to respond Development Program where access appropriately to any risk or disaster. to institutionalized partners and linkages (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 07 -13 April, 2018

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Baguio stude tops 8th Nat’l ASEAN quiz bee, to represent PH in Bali

By: Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY - A Grade 10 student from Baguio City topped the 8th National ASEAN Quiz Bee organized by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Education in Quezon City last April 3-6.

Sixteen-year-old Jericho Villarico of the Baguio City National High School and a resident of Loakan Proper in this city, is now about to prepare to represent the Philippines at the quiz bee’s international level, to be held in Bali, Indonesia later this year.

international stage.

In an interview on Wednesday, Villarico said he considers the ASEAN Quiz Bee the biggest among the competitions he had joined, since he would represent the country on the

Eva Layagan, Villarico’s coach, said they would continue to review for the Bali tilt, perhaps, intensively in Manila, one to two weeks before the Bali competition. (PNA)

He said he had been joining quiz competitions, especially if they are endorsed by his coaches, because they present him big opportunities.

The teenager also thanked his

The knowledge competition parents for their full support. aims to expose the youth to cultural, political, economic, and social Villarico received a PHP20,000 information in the region, particularly cash prize, trophy, and a full college of the Association of Southeast Asian scholarship from Gardner College in Nations (ASEAN).

Quezon City.

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Velasco cites Manila Water for expansion projects in ASEAN By: Ben Cal

MANILA – Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco lauded the Manila Water for its continuing expansion projects in the country and in Southeast Asia.

Velasco cited Manila Water, one of the concessionaires of MWSS, for expanding its water facilities in the provinces of Isabela and Pangasinan, and in Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

“This is indeed a milestone in the history of our water system,” Velasco said. “We take pride in Manila Water’s ever-growing presence, not only in our country but in other parts of Asia, as well.”

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According to Manila Water President and CEO Ferdinand M. dela Cruz, the expansion is part of the water agency’s robust pipeline through 2020.

“This will contribute to our goal of achieving a net income of PHP 11.5 billion by 2020,” he said.

“We are eager to share our service quality and technical expertise to these markets --expertise that Manila Water has developed over the last 20 years,” dela Cruz added.

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Just recently, Manila Water has partnered with the Calasiao Water District in Pangasinan and has inked a contract to provide wastewater services and bulk water supply to Ilagan City in Isabela.

The company has also widened its critical presence and expert cadence in the pristine island of Boracay through Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC), earmarking more than PHP4 billion to meet the growing demands of a reliable water and sewerage system in the island.

Velasco credits Manila Water’s successful expansion to the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) during the Ramos administration.

“The successful PPP legal framework started in 1997 by President Ramos through a Concession Agreement in the water industry made this possible. We are now exporting to ASEAN countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, and I believe that there is more to come,” he said.

“Water PPP can work in many

Overseas, the water agency has places provided the regulatory also successfully acquired a momentous framework is clear, transparent and stake in Eastern Water Resources and consistent,” dela Cruz said.

Development Management Public Co. Ltd. (East Water), a publicly-listed “An output-based scheme is water supply and distribution company appropriated for the private sector to in Thailand, and has also expanded its provide an environment to perform presence in Yangon, Myanmar, and well and in an efficient manner. Water Bandung, Indonesia as part of its plan PPP has worked in Metro Manila. It to meet an ambitious profit target by can work in many more places in Asia.

2020.

Manila Water is a testimony that Asians can solve Asia’s water issue,” he said.

Manila Water and PPP (PNA)

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Regional News

From withered past to bountiful future: a Gulayan sa Barangay story By: Joana Rica Millama

It was an ordinary day for Jonnie. The gleaming glow of the sun infused his sun-kissed skin as he gets ready for battle – harvest time.

It was not always a smooth-sailing ride for the members of the Pinagalaan Vegetable Growers Association (PINAVEGRA). Cultivating a 1.5-hectare privately-owned land, situated in Barangay Pinagalaan, Bayugan City was a challenging duty for them.

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Withered past

Established four years ago (2014), the association started with 30 committed members aiming to become one of the vegetable producers in the “cut-flower capital of the Agusan del 07 -13 April, 2018

REGIONAL NEWS Sur” – Bayugan City. But the odds were expenses paid. Through the East-West not in their favor for they failed in their Seed corporation, they underwent field previous parcel, which discouraged schooling once a week for six months. other members.

Their knowledge on farming

“Sukad ato, nawad-an og gana escalated – performing various ang uban miyembro. Gikan sa 30, demonstrations, improving quality nahimo nalang mi og pito. Grabe yields, and managing finances. to nga pagsulay (Since then, other members lost their interest. From 30, Compassionate government we decreased to seven. It was a agencies also provided vast avenues great trial),” Jonnie Guyo, PINAVEGRA for the association. “Mapasalamaton president, got slightly emotional as he mi sa mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga reminisced their withered past. naghatag namo og oportunidad. Usa na ang Department of Agriculture New niche to nourish nga gipaadto mi sa Bukidnon ug Iligan aron makakat-on sa saktong

Though it seem too hard to recover pamaagi sa pagpananum (We are from their failure, the seven members grateful to the government agencies remained steadfast. Their perseverance for the opportunities. The Department paid off with a new beginning – a new of Agriculture sent us to Bukidnon and niche to nourish.

Iligan for us to learn the right way of cultivating),” Jonnie smiled with a

Joahna Legada, the association’s grateful heart. secretary, agreed that after every rain, there is always a rainbow. “Bisan ug Aside from technical trainings and napakyas mi, wala nawala ang among seminars, they were also educated paglaum para sa grupo. Sa among on bio-intensive gardening through pagpaningkamot, nahatagan kami ug the Family Development Session (FDS) ganti (Despite our failure, our hopes still of the Department of Social Welfare remained for our group. Because of our and Development, as the association hard work, we were given a reward,” is composed of partner-beneficiaries she proudly shared. of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Compassionate linkages Bountiful future Their dedication opened doors of opportunities on skills development.

Through the initiative of the When a non-government organization Program, they (partner-beneficiaries) known as Winrock International created a “Gulayan sa Barangay” or launched the Philippine Cold Chain communal garden to promote nutrient (PCC) Project, they were invited to sufficiency, food security/stability, and learn about organic farming, with all a sense of community.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Their communal garden now yields bountiful harvest with various organic vegetables on sight – bell peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, scallions, and lettuces. They are now considered as one of the vegetable producers in Bayugan City with production market in the neighboring towns or cities such as Butuan and Surigao. On their first cropping, their income amounted to Php38,000 which made them more fervent to perform their duties as vegetable growers. This served as a venue that encouraged an additional 10 members in their association

It was a real tough but rewarding four years for the PINAVEGRA partnerbeneficiaries. They were splashed with huge waves of disappointments and hit rock-bottom, but they stood still and set high hopes for their association.

As Jonnie looks back while watching the twilight fill the sky and their baskets full, he is now ready to lead his team and face whatever battle the odds may give, as he awaits for the bountiful future. (DSWD-Caraga/PIACaraga)

PNP Caraga continues drive against illegal logging BUTUAN CITY - Police and environmental authorities in Caraga region confiscated 27,108.98 board feet of assorted lumbers and logs valued at P521,725.77, vehicles, various equipment, arrested owners and dismantle sawmills recently.

Police Regional Office 13 Regional Director PCSupt. Noli A Romana identified the arrested suspects as Aldrin Engyo Bat-ao, 21, and Alyn Jun Engyo Bat-ao, 18, of Barangay Mapaga, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur; Eddie Prochina Capilitan, 54, of P-2A, Sitio

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Hubang, Brgy. Poblacion, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur; Franklin B Mercalis, 39, of P-1, Brgy. San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur; and Michael Tiempo Ipil, 43, of P-5, Brgy. Lower Doongan, Butuan City while suspects identified as Robert Kert Napao Mondejar, Grace Tantoy 07 -13 April, 2018

REGIONAL NEWS Sodijana, Jason Plaza, alias Popong, Joy Perez, Tata Gallardo, Roque Culla, Rolibe Diegas Morales, Jamael Bautista Pundag, Artemio Usares Pastera, Maximo V Viduya, Arceli Z Viduya, Roel Biol Castillo, Roderick Buar Gumban, Dante Jabagat, and Rolibe Clemente Tubay were at large.

focused on combating all forms of illegal logging as part of PNP’s “LOI Sangyaman” that ensures the protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources.

“We have taken proactive measures in the effort to keep Caraga region free of illegal logging,” he

Charges for violation of the added.

Forestry code are being readied against the suspects and seized items Romana also thanked the were brought to the Department of personnel of Caraga PNP, Armed Environment and Natural Resources Forces of the Philippines and foresters (DENR) for safe keeping. from the DENR with the full support of all stakeholders for their immediate action

Romana stated that aside from to ensure a more systematic response war against drugs and other criminal to illegal logging activities in the entire activities, Caraga police are also Caraga region. (PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

PopCom, LGUs engage in “Family Talk” BUTUAN CITY - Population workers of Agusan Provinces and Cities of Butuan, Bislig and Cabadbaran who successfully completed the first batch of the recent “Training of Trainers on ParentTeen Trail”, vowed to popularize the new strategy in their respective locality in its effort to curb early sex and other reproductive concerns among young people.

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REGIONAL NEWS

This was concretized in the re-entry plan submitted wherein various roll-outs are set starting April this year, expecting to reach out more than a hundred of parents with their teens, as a strategy to bridge the gap within the family, thus, strengthen the bonds.

Under their plan, population workers are eyeing on to strengthen the bond between parents and teens through each parallel sessions for four hours, which shall be highlighted with the sharing of love letters during the encounter of parents and adolescent children.

Through the activity, population workers will educate the parents to communicate with their adolescent children in a non-confrontational manner about matters pertaining to adolescent health and development.

teens are indispensable to avoid a nonthreatening discussion among family members; thus two-way communication is strengthened where children have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings.

Parent-Teen Trail or otherwise known as “Usapang Mag-anak� is a fun and relevant learning journey for parents and teens on the importance of communication about adolescent sexuality in achieving happy and healthy relationships at home.

It was also patterned after the successful U4U (You-for-You) Teen Trail campaign, supported by the United Nations Population Fund. (PopCom Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

In one of the roll-out activities, one of the mothers shared, with teary eye, that she is indeed very grateful to the organizers in coming up with the parentteen trail, as it has helped bridge the communication gap between her and her teen daughter. Furthermore, she shared that the inputs made her realized the importance of communication and listening ears to sustain harmonious family relationship.

In his speech, Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga Director Alexander Makinano stressed that communication among parents and

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Provincial News

Surigao del Norte

BFAR Caraga distributes FRP boats to Siargao Islands fisherfolk

SURIGAO CITY - Fisherfolk from the nine municipalities comprising the congressional district I of Surigao del Norte initially received 24 units of 32-footer fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with a 16-horsepower engine, as part of the 50 units targeted boats committed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for each of the nine congressional districts in Caraga.

Among the said municipalities are Dapa, Del Carmen, Burgos, San Isidro, Sta. Monica, San Benito, Pilar, General Luna and Socorro, all in Surigao del Norte.

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“I hope that you (fisherfolk) will use these FRP boats in a sustainable manner, and that you will always abide with our laws and regulations,� said Edgardo Balambao, BFAR-Caraga

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PROVINCIAL NEWS assistant regional director.

He also urged the fisherfolk and local government units to support the bureau’s campaign for Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK).

“The provision of these especially made fiber-reinforced plastic boats is aimed to support the livelihood fishing activities of the marginalized fishermen,” said Antonio Boiser, BFAR provincial fishery officer of Surigao del Norte.

to support its coastal resource management as well as the community fish land center to serve as a hub for landing and training of fish and fishery products and as a training center for fish processing, value adding, conservation and protection of the fishery and marine resources.

The ceremonial turn over held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Pilar, Surigao del Norte was attended by Congressman Francisco Jose Matugas II and Mayor Maria Liza Resurreccion who committed to provide additional

“Under the Duterte administration, funds for the accessories of the said FRP we envisioned that by year 2020, no boats. (BFAR-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte) fisherman will be left behind and that all marginalized fishers who do not have their own fishing boats and those who just opted to rent will be given priority to be afforded with quality boats that will last for 20 years,” Boiser added.

“We have readily available ‘product boats’, the problem is that they are not yet fully completed due to unavailability of this resin and gelcoat chemicals that are used in the finishing of the FRP boats,” explained Rizalinda Abing, BFAR chief aquaculturist and head of Fisheries Production and Support Services Division.

“Such chemicals are still in the process of procurement, once these chemicals will be delivered, the remaining 26 FRP boats for Siargao will be definitely released as soon as possible,” said Balambao.

Morever, BFAR also turned over a watchtower to the host municipality

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Surigao del Sur

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Rebeldeng NPA nga namatay sa engkwentro sa Agusan Norte, usa ka Tandaganon

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Usa ka patay’ng lawas sa rebeldeng New People’s Army (NPA) nga namatay sa usa ka engkwentro tali sa pwersa sa mga kasundalohan sa 29 Infantry Battalion (29IB) niadtong Marso 26, 2018 didto sa Barangay Tagbongabong sakop sa lungsod sa RTR, Agusan del Norte ang nailhan na, sumala pa sa militar.

Sumala pa ni Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, ang Civil Military Operation Officer sa 402nd Brigade, nailhan ang patay’ng lawas sa ngalan nga Dominador Catape Jr., usa ka lumulupyo sa Sitio Poog, Barangay Maitom sakop sa dakbayan sa Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

front 21 nga naglihok sa Agusan del Norte.

Nahibaloan nga human ang maong engkwentro, nakarekober ang pwersa sa mga kasundaluhan og usa ka AK47 rifle nga aduna pay sulod nga mga bala.

Sa gipagawas nga taho sa military, si Catape naigo sa buhing bala diin maoy hinungdan sa iyahang hinanaling kamatayon nga gibiyaan ra usab sa iyahang mga kaubang rebeldeng NPA atol sa maong panagbayloay sa buhing bala sa nasangpit nga lugar.

Kalabot niini, usa ka sibilyan ang nailhan nga si Rosalinda Latunan nga taga Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City ang sumala pa nga nagpaluyo sa sekretong pagkuha sa patay nga lawas ni Catape niadtong Marso 28. Matud pa nga si Latunan maoy nagbayad sa kantidad nga P20,000.00 arun makuha ang patayng

Si Catape, sumala pa, ang team lawas sa NPA sa usa ka punerarya lider sa sentro de grabidad sa guerilla disto sa Cabadbaran City.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Tungod niini, ang mga otoridad nag imbestiga na kung unsa ang kalambigitan o koneksyon sa nahisgutan nga sibilyan ngadto sa mga teroristang NPA.

Sa gipagawas nga pamahayag, si BGen Franco Nemesio M. Gacal ang Brigade Commander sa 402nd Brigade nagkanayon nga ang maong engwentro nga miresulta sa kamatayun sa usa ka rebelde ug ang pagkailog sa usa ka AK47 rifle nagbatyag sa

pagkamatinud-anon sa gobyerno sa pagpuo sa mga rebeldeng NPA.

Dugang pa ni BGen. Gacal, nga magpadayon ang kasundaluhan sa pagpatigayun ug mas hugtanon pa nga mga operasyong pang sekuridad arun sa paghipos sa mga teroristang NPA nga diin maoy dakong babag sa padayong pag-uswag sa atong rehiyon sa Caraga. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

CSC to hold career service test anew By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - In less than a month time and rare instance, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has set to conduct career service sub-professional and professional examinations on April 15, 2018.

Imelda Bongabong, newly installed director of the CSC field office in Surigao del Sur, believed that this action taken by their head office was owing to the mounting demand of those who were not accommodated during the recent career service test given on March 18, 2018.

She called on all hopefuls to take advantage of the situation before the close of office hours.

The announcement came after Bongabong was installed by no less than Regional Director (RD) Resurreccion Pueyo together with Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Atty.

Since the deadline of filing for Winston Plaza of the CSC Caraga application was set April 3, 2018, Regional Office at 2:00 p.m. on April the same CSC official advised that 2, 2018. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIAqualified applicants had to dash off.

Surigao del Sur)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

401st army brigade chief gets wind of peace talks resumption

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur The commander of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur admitted to have come to know about the plan of President Rodrigo Duterte to resume peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

However, Col. Andres Centino said they had yet to receive official word from higher headquarters of any development.

Centino said he would not want to “pre-empt” any steps in this regard but based on past experience in the early phase on the matter under the Duterte administration, there had been declaration of ceasefire until it reached a “breakdown on February 4, 2017” due to gross violations on the side of the armed wing.

“We have yet to receive the formal directives coming from our higher headquarters,” he stressed when reached for comment, explaining the need for further “instructions to field units in Caraga” once the effort would Meanwhile, Centino assured push through. that while awaiting progress “security operations had to keep going.”

The army official, whose area of operation covers the southern part of Also, the brigade chief was glad to Surigao del Sur on top of Agusan del report of the gains of Community Support Sur, added that his command would Program (CSP), citing the recent series of be looking forward to a “definite surrenders and triumphs that had caused guidance” once everything could be major setbacks on the enemy side. (Radyo firmed up.

Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) 07 -13 April, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Agusan del Norte

Butuan’s senior citizens benefit Project LIPAD

BUTUAN CITY – Some 26 senior citizens of Barangay Taguibo joined the 2nd session of the city government’s Financial Literacy for Alternative Learning System (ALS) under Project LIPAD or “Literacy Paglaum sa Asensadong Dakbayan.”

During the session, the BusinessExpense-Savings Training or BEST Game module with business simulation exercises to simplify the whole learning process was introduced by the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Norte (DTI-AdN) and Negosyo Center-Butuan business counselors Ramabe Montilla, Efren Lascuna and Liezel Simogan.

According to Butuan City Sangguniang Panlungsod member Atty.

Glen Carampatana, the Project LIPAD aims to spread financial literacy to senior

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citizens, out-of-school youth, women, and indigenous peoples in the remote barangays of the city.

“Also, the project will help ALS learners to become learner-graduates into entrepreneurs in the future,” Carampatana said.

The Project LIPAD is a partnership of the Department of Trade and IndustryAgusan del Norte (DTI-AdN) and the Department of Education-Butuan City ALS. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 07 -13 April, 2018

Agusan del Sur

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Talacogon Negosyo Center sets more active partnerships with stakeholders

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – In a recent meeting with Negosyo Center (NC)-Talacogon stakeholders, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur urged the group to take part in driving more economic activities in the municipality.

Jose T. Baron, now the Officer-inCharge of DTI Agusan del Sur met the center’s stakeholders and discussed the NC Talacogon’s 2017 performance and come up with agreements for the provision of more services to target clients in 2018.

Baron in his presentation of the economic situationer of Agusan del Sur cited the fact that despite Talacogon’s progressive economy in terms of 07 -13 April, 2018

productivity (reported gross sales/ revenues of registered businesses) and new investments, still the municipality registered high incidence of poverty.

Among the initial partnership agreements reached included more tie-ups with the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) and a local Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-unlad (P3) conduit Taytay sa

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PROVINCIAL NEWS Kauswagan, Inc. (TSKI).

MSWDO will do a subsequent meeting with the center to check on the modules needed for the projects under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

In partnership with Taytay sa Kauswagan Inc., which provides livelihood skills training to their borrowers, and together with agriculture and agrarian reform offices, the NC will conduct financial literary seminar.

The meeting was also attended by the town’s local councilors Rene Floren Committee Chairman on Trade and Industry and members, Elvin Maligsa and Melch Marion C. Demegillo; Municipal Agriculturist Reuel Barraca; Municipal Administrator Paul Salinas, Airon James Cebrian Monato, SLP coordinator, Corazon Alcular, Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer of Talacogon, other staff of the local government unit of Talacogon and representative of the People’s Bank of Caraga.

Hosting the meeting was NC

The stakeholders agreed to Talacogon Business Counsellor Louida continue the discussion for more Legaspi. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAcollaboration in the following days.

Agusan del Sur)

Bunawan, Rosario BuB projects get push to increase production and boost from other stakeholders’ support

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Two women associations in Bunawan and Rosario of this province, who are producers of pineapple marmalade, pineapple vinegar and daing were advised to increase production so they can expand their market and inspire their members to produce more.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

This encouragement was expressed during the Bottom up Budgeting (BuB) Consultative Meeting held in Bunawan, facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) thru Negosyo Center (NC)-Bunawan.

Suaybaguio – committed to work closely to encourage and develop more processors in the area. (DTIAgusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Susan Singson, President of San Andres Women’s Association, producer of pineapple marmalade and pineapple vinegar reported to the group that their products got good sales in the OTOP Store in Butuan City only they can’t deliver regularly.

She said they need to improve their production through the cooperation of their members.

Josefa Batulan, President of Kalingayan’s Daing Women’s Association, producer of daing also shared the capacity of the group to produce daing but that they need a presentable display center.

Representatives of Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC) mentioned that they can assist said need next year.

These two women producers were encouraged to display in all Negosyo Centers in the province and participate in trade fairs for further exposure.

The focal persons of BuB – Susan Soblechero Morala and Tessie R. Montante both of the Municipal Social Development Office of Rosario and Bunawan, staff of PMC, Jeanette Garsilva Celedio, Reuben A. Peñaloga, Bernabe Luna and Reonel Aninon of DTI Agusan del Sur with NC- Bunawan Business Counsellors France Tumulak 07 -13 April, 2018

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Mindanao News

PRRD vows to harness diplomacy to advance country’s interests By: Lilian Mellejor

DAVAO CITY - President Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed to harness diplomacy to advance the country’s economic and security interests following a fruitful visit to the People’s Republic of China that saw the signing of nine business agreements valued at USD9 billion.

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MINDANAO NEWS

In his arrival speech at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Friday, Duterte announced that the signed business investments are projected to generate more than 10,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Aside from this, the President also reported that the Chinese government provided 500 million renminbi or about PHP4 billion in grant. He said he would still discuss how the fund would be utilized.

Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo, and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

He said he also underscored the importance of providing a safe, secure and stable environment in the region’s land and waters for economies to thrive and putting more emphasis on infrastructure, innovation and interconnectivity to drive domestic growth.

“I reiterated the Philippines’

He also announced the signing commitment to do more to encourage of the memorandum of understanding greater investments into the country,” (MOU) on the employment of Filipino the President said.

English language teachers in China.

From Boao, Hainan, Duterte

The MOU will pave the way proceeded to Hong Kong where he for the employment of 2,000 Filipino met with overseas Filipino workers (OFW) English language teachers starting this and the rest of the Filipino community. year and contracts valid for two years, subject to renewal.

He said the stories of the men and

At the Boao Forum for Asia, women who have sacrificed everything Duterte said that together with leaders, for a more comfortable life for their they discussed the importance of an families will serve as his inspiration. open and innovative Asia for greater global prosperity.

“I will uphold my solemn oath to do my utmost to provide a comfortable

“We recognized that Asia is a life for all during my watch as President,” key global growth engine. And we he stressed. strongly emphasized the need for economic cooperation, coordination Duterte said his visit to China and collaboration to achieve the underscored again the need for the development of our peoples, what Philippines to seek its destiny in Asia. they deserve,” said the President who arrived with his delegation, among “We recognize that our neighbors them Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte- in the region are our partners and Carpio, Foreign Affairs Secretary friends with whom we can work with Alan Peter Cayetano, Presidential to achieve shared prosperity,” he said.

Communications Operations Office (PNA) 07 -13 April, 2018

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MINDANAO NEWS

Multi-agency core group formed to assess Mindanao budget share A technical working group that will review Mindanao’s allocation of the national budget for 2019 and onwards will be convening in Congress next week to come up realistic context of what Mindanao truly needs, budget-wise, a Mindanao solon says.During a session with the Mindanao Affairs Committee and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at the House of Representatives Tuesday, committee chairperson Representative Maximo Rodriguez Jr., second district, Cagayan de Oro City, noted that this group will meet at the sidelines of Congress hearings starting next week.

“In order to address the pressing issue of poverty incidence, as well as map out the bigger picture of spurring inclusive socio-economic growth, it is high time that we conduct an in-depth analysis to identify which sectors of our budgeting needs immediate revisions so that we can meet this administration’s economic goals for Mindanao as indicated in the Dutertenomics framework,” Rep. Rodriguez said.

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The Dutertenomics target looks at a 7-8% growth rate in Mindanao’s economy by 2022 but with the current budget allocation rate of Mindanao, which currently stands at around 12% out of the national total, reaching this goal may pose a great challenge.

The committee will be composed of representatives from the Mindanao Affairs Committee, the DBM, the National 07 -13 April, 2018

MINDANAO NEWS Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and its Investment Coordination Committee (ICC), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and other relevant government agencies.

Rodriguez also highlighted MinDA’s ongoing budget study as a jumpstart for identifying the extent of the necessary amendments.

Mindanao,” Montenegro said.

With this, MinDA’s budget study looks at a projected PhP 1.35 trillion increase in budget that will be spread on a four-year period. Some of the targeted industries in this amendment will cover big-ticket infrastructure projects identified under the agency’s Mindanao Development Corridors (MinDC) strategy, which includes Mindanao-wide transport connectivity and logistics networks, industry development initiatives, SMEs, and ecotourism among others.

MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro noted that despite the increase of the budget for Mindanao as reported by the Department of Budget and Management, its ratio in relation to the The agency’s economic corridor overall national expenditure remains strategy also sees the inclusion of the far from desired levels.

Bangsamoro Development Corridor which aims at deploying viable

“Take the national budget infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity for electrification as an example. modes in order to re-integrate the Mindanao gets the equal amount of areas of Lupa Sug, Maguindanao, and budget with the other regions despite Ranaw to the growth centers of the having the lowest electrification rate across the country. We need to look island-region. at the bigger gaps in Mindanao that can be addressed through strategic and equitable budgetary allocation to ensure that development is inclusive,” he added.

This move is likewise seen to correspond with the administration’s thrust towards the shift to a federal form of government by ensuring that the proposed Federal states in the

He added that Mindanao is only Mindanao are maximized to their full getting roughly 12% of the national potential. budget compared to DBM’s earlier The systemic shift to federal form report of 16%, which discounts the National Capital Region in the picture. of government had been pushed by MinDA Chair Secretary Datu Abul Khayr

“This is why we are urging for DBM Alonto in recent public fora as a viable to assume a pro-Mindanao lens in terms transition to the kind of governance of understanding how our national where Mindanao would be able to funding should be allocated and in have greater opportunity to chart its pushing for a more inclusive growth in own destiny.

07 -13 April, 2018

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National News

PRRD returns with 9.45B USD worth of investments from China visit By: Francis Mae Macapagat

DAVAO CITY - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced, during his arrival briefing Friday morning, that he has secured billions of investments from his trip to China. He also specifically mentioned the billions of grant from the Chinese government.

PRRD initially bared plans of Instead of discussing the issue pouring such grant on building and on sea disputes, the President rather repairing hospitals in Jolo and Basilan. highlighted the need to intensify cooperation with China on trade,

Part of the gains from his recent tourism, science, technology, energy, engagement with the Chinese to name a few. government is the hiring of Filipino teachers. Some 2,000 Filipino teachers “This is not the appropriate time may land on teaching jobs in China to discuss the West Philippine Sea starting this year. issue.� The President recognized how

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NATIONAL NEWS disadvantaged the Philippines is in terms of arms if it wages war against China. “I won’t sacrifice the lives of our Filipino soldiers”, he said.

“I am complying (with) my mandate. I said during my campaign that I will stop or at least reduce corruption, drugs, and insurgency. I am willing to go -10 in the net satisfaction survey because I don’t have to be popular. I don’t need it. My job is to implement what I promised”, he quipped.

The President mentioned, during his departure briefing for the Boao Forum held at the Davao International Airport last Monday, that he would rather take advantage of the economic gains the country could get from talking business The President was joined by with China than to talk about waging Presidential daughter and Davao City war againts China.

Mayor Sara Duterte in his recent trip to China for the Boao Forum and to

Meanwhile, PRRD reiterated that Hong Kong where he reported to the he is not after his popularity ratings overseas Filipino workers and even despite a +56 net satisfaction rating or chatted with them in a Filipino fastfood “very good” in the latest Social Weather chain Thursday afternoon.

Stations (SWS) survey.

Bong Go enjoins OFWs to support admin’s programs

HONG KONG - Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to support the programs of the Duterte administration.

07 -13 April, 2018

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NATIONAL NEWS

Go met with members of the Filipino community at the Regal Oriental Hotel in Kowloon City during a gathering organized by his supporters here.

The gathering was organized by Myrna Padilla, founder of the Mindanao Hong Kong Workers Federation, and other supporters of Duterte and Go.

“I ask all of you to help the President and the government as we implement our agenda to fight illegal drugs, crime and corruption and bring about meaningful and lasting transformation on our society,” Go said.

For his part, Restituto Arreza cited Go’s capacity as Duterte’s trusted aide.

The supporters are encouraging

President Rodrigo R. Duterte the President’s long-time aide to run for proceeded to Hong Kong for a working senator in next year’s midterm elections. visit after his participation at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Hainan, China.

“He is always working. He’s just behind the President. Whether or not

In his remarks, Go expressed there is media, he is just working. He has gratitude to his supporters, who warmly helped a lot of people,” Padilla, who welcomed him upon his arrival at the worked in Hong Kong for about two hotel at past 1 p.m. decades, said in an interview.

“This is our initiative. We encourage him to run (for senator). Since the President trusts him, it means he has the capacity,” Arreza said.

He also said the government is always prepared to assist Filipinos More than 200 Filipinos attended working abroad. the gathering. (PND)

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