Caraga InFocus - April 15 - 21, 2017

CONTENTS

REGIONAL NEWS

12 13 15

PRDP to fast track review process of projects DOH stresses importance of immunization as World Immunization Week draws near Mayapay tribe welcomes Masigasig troopers

PROVINCIAL NEWS

17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28

36IB promotes ‘Project Ka-PALAY-apaan’

COVER From nowhere to victory

Public warned against investment scams operating in SurSur Caraga RDRRMC spearheads 1st Quarter NSED in Bislig City Agusan Norte agrarian orgs complete financial management training Agusan Norte boosts maternity care in Las Nieves TCES orchestrates community outreach program

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DAR awards land titles to 12 farmer beneficiaries in AgSur town DSWD conducts Kalahi-CIDSS orientation in Cagdianao town NFA Surigao Norte now ready to buy palay Dinagat Islands LGU formulates tourism development plan

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Feature: 3 in every 5 Filipino adult women are apple-shaped obese

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MINDANAO NEWS

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OPAPP mulls new facility to sustain peace projects in Mindanao

NATIONAL NEWS

33 35

Dirty recycling taints plastic children’s toys with toxic chemicals from E-waste OFWs benefit from One-Stop-Service

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HEALTH NEWS

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Volume 1, No. 55 15 - 21 April 2017

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News Briefs Some 30 agrarian beneficiaries who are members of Kinabigtasan Farmers Marketing Cooperative have undergone training on policy formulation and preparation design for cooperatives held recently at Brgy. Kinabigtasan, Tago of this province.

The 845 dengue cases recorded by DOH Caraga for the period of Jan. 1-Apr. 8, 2017 is 66.7% lower compared to same time period last year with 2,537 cases. (DOH)

In Caraga Region, Surigao del Norte and the Province of Dinagat Islands has been declared Malaria-Free Provinces.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is set to conduct the 2016 Annual Survey on Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) in the provinces of Caraga Region.

Cover Story

From nowhere to victory

S

uccess doesn’t happen on a screen or in a cubicle. You need to get out into the real world. - Steve Tobak

In the fourteen years of existence in the war-torn and poverty stricken province of Zamboanga del Sur, at last! He finally left. Blubbering as he stared the maybe last glance towards

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that shanty that borne him some hatred, struggle and of love. He had to. Breathing heavily as he walked away with his backpack-a “walk of destiny” as he named it- the lone light

Cover Story from the little household he’d called reached Surigao City, which, perhaps home slowly vanishes from his eyes. the city that made a turning point of his life. Unlike in the other cities,

“Where to nard?” asked one of the teen worked as a helper in two his neighbors. carenderias inside the city public terminal. Working hard labor, day

“I don’t know. Maybe, nowhere,” in day out, Nard stayed inside the he sighed. owner’s jitney. He would fix and keep his things every early in the morning

Youngest among the seven before the driver would arrive. Costsiblings, Jonard Ecot, only son of cutting, his first eatery employer laid his mother’s second partner, who him off. Needing to survive, Nard abandoned them before he was took the shot of another carenderia born, had to do something infrequent. employment, this time with scarcely “Nard” as they call him, thought having sleep and rest. Motivated to of what they call “chasing Manila earn for a living, he still worked for it Dream.” Carrying this dream, he for survival. Yet, his efforts were not officially became a vagabond at 13. paid off. After almost two months His mother, a single parent, was barely of hard works, his employer didn’t earning for their everyday meals. seem to mind his labors and paid no Feeling the struggle of his old pale compensation. lady, he decided to leave- without everyone’s knowledge. Saving his Depressed. Tired. Oppressed. twenty-peso a week as an all-around Nard got fed up. helper in a family in his hometown, Nard walked away with P700 towards In 2011, that was early dawn. wherever his money could take him.

Nard once more walked away. Yet

again, without everyone’s knowledge.

From Ramon Magsaysay to This time, bringing away with him the Pagadian City, then to Cagayan P1,800.00 proceeds from the cash box de Oro City. Every city he’s into, the of the carenderia, which for him served teenager would work as an all-around as a settling of scores, and would helper-dishwasher, labor, waiter and compensate his two month labors. even as a baby-sitter- just to earn to provide his needs. He would work at Carrying his backpack, he least two months in a city, and would boarded the earliest bus for Butuan decide to hop in again to another City, unmindful of his destination. city to look for, well, as a cliché as it would seem, greener pasture. He’d “Where to Nard?” asked the bus traveled to Digos City until Nard crew.

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Cover Story

He again sighed the words, “I don’t know. Nowhere.” He was 15 then.

After finding out what happened, the carenderia owner reported the incident to the local police.

declaring himself a vagabond no more.

Until came this day, escorted by his proud PPSC family in camouflage, Jonard donned with toga, is now clutching in his arms his prized diploma.

Eventually, Jonard’s bus was But Nard isn’t finished yet, he will be a flagged down by RTR cops, and was Policeman like his keepers. arrested. Learning about his age and that he has no one and nowhere to Quite a journey for a wanderer. go, the local police took custody of Too much Good days and as well as Jonard. He turned into an errand boy Bad days along the way, nevertheless, (striker) of the local police station and both are essential to life. Good days would cook for the cops, help clean will give us happiness, bad days the station, do carpentry and all. provide experiences.

Every morning, he could see students passing by the police station and came Asked now where to go? to think of going to school.

Jonard with jest, “until Victory!”

Sooner, Nard went to high school (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) with the support of the local police officers. For years of living in the police station, Jonard was exposed to the works of policemen, thus, a change of mind and heart for him.

He then gave up chasing his Manila Dream. He now dreams of graduation day and promised to go back to his previous place a Policeman.

Nard’s police guardians were eventually transferred to Police Provincial Public Safety Company based in Camagong, Nasipit, and so as he. He continued his studies and took up BS Criminology with all aids from his new family- brothers, sisters and uncles in his new home, hence,

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Photo Gallery PIA GAD Focal Persons Seminar & Planning Workshop Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City April 17-21, 2017

Facility Tour Davao City 20 April 2017

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ASEAN News

ASEAN declares a stronger civil service

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte today led the heads of the ASEAN MemberStates in signing the ASEAN Leaders Declaration on the Role of the Civil Service as Catalyst in Achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

“The declaration highlights the important role of the civil service as drivers of national and regional development towards the achievement of ASEAN goals and aspirations,� Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Alicia de la RosaBala said.

comprising the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) to lead efforts in promoting cooperation in the development and implementation of capacitybuilding programs and sharing of best practices. These include progressive people management, organizational performance, skills

The Philippines initiated the building, environment promotion, development of the ASEAN Leaders health management and disaster Declaration on the Role of the Civil management.

Service as Catalyst in Achieving ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

Raising the professional standards and capability of civil

In recognizing the role of the civil servants in the region and developing service, ASEAN leaders have tasked mechanisms that will ensure the civil the ASEAN Civil Service Institutions service of ASEAN would embrace 15- 21 April 2017

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ASEAN News good governance principles are among the ASEAN Member-States likewise included in the ASEAN Leaders across the political security, economic Declaration. and socio-cultural, and the various sectors of the ASEAN community.

Also, the Declaration tasked the ACCSM in upholding and protecting “The ASEAN Leaders Declaration the welfare of civil servants in the on the Role of the Civil Service as region including those performing a Catalyst for Achieving ASEAN critical roles during disasters and Community Vision 2025 is the only other hazardous situations; and document that has been signed strengthening alliance within ASEAN by the leaders in this 30th ASEAN and its dialogue partners.

Summit,” CSC Chairperson Bala said adding that the heads of ASEAN Civil

In signing this Declaration, the Service will meet in November this Philippines broke new ground in year to draw out concrete action ensuring cooperation and synergy plan to implement the declaration.

ASEAN to hold first Prosperity for All Summit Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma “Joey” Concepcion III on Thursday, April 27, announced the holding of the first Prosperity for All Summit of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) during a press briefing held at The Conrad Manila.

PA Concepcion, also the Chairman of the ASEAN – BAC, hopes to convince the more developed countries in the region to help those countries lagging behind, and for big business to give a lending hand to micro, small and medium enterprises

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(MSMEs).

“ASEAN stands as 10 countries and it is my belief that 10 countries can co-exist to continue beyond 50 years if everybody is a winner, and not just a few countries are winners. It is

ASEAN News important that ASEAN remembers that the inclusivity especially for those who are at the bottom countries will try to aspire to be successful as Singapore, Malaysia, by more successful countries,” Concepcion said stressing that ASEAN is inclusive.

“It is to benefit all nations, and every Filipino and every nationality in the 10 countries. This is the reason why we chose Prosperity for All,” Concepcion underscored. “And it is very clear from the council members today as we had our meeting, is that they want each and every country to rise together and nobody is left behind.”

The Prosperity for All Summit, with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Creating Prosperity for All,” will be held tomorrow, April 28 with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Thailand Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha in attendance.

“Prosperity for all also falls to the citizens of each nation, especially the Philippines. We all see that poverty is our biggest problem. Poverty is the cause for major problems like drug addiction and a lot of crimes,” PA Concepcion pointed out.

President Duterte’s adviser for entrepreneurship likewise mentioned the importance of creating awareness in the importance of an inclusive environment, particularly in getting big

business to help the small businessmen such as the micro and small entrepreneurs.

MSMEs play an important role in alleviating poverty by providing muchneeded livelihood activities for those who live below the poverty line.

“Our MSMEs who basically like in the Philippines comprise 99.6% of the entire business community. 0.4% belongs to the large companies. We are really encouraging all these 0.4% largest corporations to really help the 99.6% of micro and small. This is the same scenario that we receive in many of the other countries in the ASEAN who are less or not in the same footing in terms of economic prosperity. One program that we feel that really can create and help our many micro and small entrepreneurs is the mentoring program that we have started to embark,” Concepcion said.

Mr. Concepcion added that one of the deliverables for the ASEAN in 2017 is to create the ASEAN Mentoring Entrepreneurship Network where volunteer mentors of each country that can pooled together and be shared by each member country as to specific areas of expertise, such as in the fields of agriculture and technology.

Prosperity for All Summit is one of the related ASEAN meetings this Summit Week that will culminate on the 30th ASEAN Summit on Saturday, April 29.

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REGIONAL NEWS

PRDP to fast track review process of projects

By: Rosie Paasa and Marriez Torreliza

BUTUAN CITY - The Mindanao Project Support Office (PSO) of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) has committed to fast track the review process of pipelined and proposed subprojects through the conduct of joint technical reviews and joint inspection activities that will enjoin teams in the national, regional and provincial levels.

This was among the major recommended actions pushed by the local government units (LGUs) during the month-long forumcaravan in various regions conducted

by PRDP Mindanao that aims to re-orient implementing LGUs of its commitments and PRDP’s project deliverables.

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“In collaboration with the Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCOs), the PSO will strengthen the conduct of joint inspection especially for infrastructure projects which composed the bulk of PRDP’s investment portfolio,” PRDP Mindanao deputy project director Araceli Morano said.

Regional News

She added that joint technical to mainstream investments to the City reviews will also cover proposals and and Provincial Commodity Investment pipelined enterprise development Plan (C/PCIP). projects.

“PRDP continues to advocate

“The project management will making PCIP as a major reference for strive to simplify processes and review planning and budgeting,” she said. the requirements so as not to have a piecemeal review, taking into account Convergence mechanisms have that we have service standards to been piloted in Region 9 for cacao and follow,” Morano added.

Region 10 for coconut.

The forum, which was attended

by Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and their Provincial/City Project Management and Implementing Unit (P/CPMIU) aims to provide updates and implementation status of various PRDP subprojects in in the region and to get the concerns as well as solicit recommendations that will fast track accomplishments of their respective subprojects.

Emphasizing the timeline for PRDP from 2014 to 2020, and the coming midterm evaluation, Morano encouraged everyone to elevate their concerns so this can be solved at once and hasten completion of their project.

“These recommendations and proposed next steps that we have gathered will be documented and presented during the upcoming World

Morano also said that the Bank Implementation Support Mission PRDP will assist in the forging of inter- in May,” she said. (DA-RPCO/PSO Min/ agency convergence mechanisms PIA-Caraga)

DOH stresses importance of immunization as World Immunization Week draws near By: Janen Lumandas

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga, during its monthly forum here, highlighted the importance of immunization as the agency is set to celebrate the World Immunization Week on April 24-30, 2017.

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Regional News

Maria Jasmine Sarce of DOH Caraga reminded everyone that vaccination starts at birth and proper schedule must be observed.

“Vaccination should be completed by the time the child reached one year old to eliminate vaccine preventable diseases,” said Sarce.

about action plans and development of strategies.

Also, supplementary immunization activities will include vaccination campaigns and Child Health Day in Bayugan City, Tandag City, Rosario in Agusan del Sur, and Del Carmen in Surigao del Norte.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Vaccination The goal of the immunization is everyone’s job, Protect our children, program of the Philippines is to reduce Protect our community.” morbidity and mortality of children aged 0-11 months old against vaccine

It was learned that the DOH will preventable diseases. It also aims hold outreach activities in high risk to attain 95 percent immunization communities throughout the week. coverage for all antigens and preserve There will be seminar/meetings with the polio-free status. (FSUU/PIAprovincial and city coordinators to talk Caraga)

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25 FEBRUARY 15- 0321 March April 2017

Regional News

Mayapay tribe welcomes Masigasig troopers

By: Cpt Edwin Leo Francisco

BUTUAN CITY – The Mayapay Tribal Council (MATRICO) on Friday has welcomed the presence of the 23rd Infantry (MASIGASIG) Battalion, 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division, Philippine Army, based in Purok-6, Brgy Alubijid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte thru an “inpandawatan” ritual or “acceptance of the tribe” rites.

The ritual seeks to strengthen the army’s relationship with the IP stakeholders towards achieving peace and development in the area.

Richard “Datu Malakas” L. Gubaton, the baylan (shaman) of the tribe. The ritual continued with the calling for the “supernaturals” in the area for the soldier’s safe and peaceful stay in their

The ritual is usually conducted highland ancestral domain areas. amongst different tribes in the area to settle misunderstandings and/ “The importance of or acceptance of certain customs inpandawatan ritual is to determine and traditions of a particular tribe, and resolve any misunderstandings it was learned. Living or settling of a between the tribe and the 23rd IB,” community within the tribal domain Datu Malakas stated. of a particular tribe needs the acceptance and blessing of that A certificate of Free Prior Informal particular tribe.

Consent (FPIC) was then handed to LTC Emil Cruz, the commanding officer

The ritual, which started at 9:00 of the unit, at the end of the program a.m., was facilitated by the Masigasig to certify that the Mayapay tribe was troopers and participated by the allowing the presence of the 23rd IB in different tribal leaders from Mayapay its tribal domain. (CMO Officer, 23IB, Tribal Council. It was officiated by 4ID, PA/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 15- 21 April 2017

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Photo Gallery Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) EARTH DAY RALLY Guingona Park, Butuan City 20 April 2017

SURIGAO DEL SUR

36IB promotes ‘Project Ka-PALAY-apaan’

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion, Philippine Army in collaboration with the local government unit of Tago and other partner stakeholders has introduced an organic farming dubbed as “Project: Ka-PALAY-apaan” to the four identified far-flung barangays of the province.

During the press briefing conducted recently at the 36IB Headquarters in Tago, Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas said the Project: Ka-PALAYapaan is being piloted in the three barangays of Tago town namely:

Layog, Lindoy, and Kinabigtasan, and Barangay Patong in San Miguel town.

Pueblas said the selection of the pilot areas is based on the recommendation from their Bayanihan Team Activities (BTA).

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Provincial News

Pueblas said, at present, some 104 farmer-beneficiaries from four barangays are implementing the program covering a total of 120.35 hectares.

Meanwhile, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Colonel Randolph Rojas said the project is primarily aimed to address the following issues raised by the farmers: the “high cost low yield� that CPP-NDF-NPA (CNN) exploits to agitate the masses; help assist the farmers on how to increase their harvest; protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote

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a sound stage of health; and finally, to encourage the youth to engage and promote the organic farming.

The said program is facilitated by the 36IB in collaboration with the LGU-Tago, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Employment and Labor (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Philippine National Police, PhilRice, Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU), Cantilan Bank Inc., and Good Harvest Bio-Organic Farming. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Provincial News

Public warned against investment scams operating in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office has warned the public against fraudulent investment schemes operating in the province.

Based on the documents sent to Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the KAPPA or Kabus Padatoon and Programme Blessing for Filipino People Association Incorporation are not authorized to solicit investments from the public.

to solicit investments which are require a secondary license as provided under Sec. 8.1 the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).”

SEC also certified that the Programme Blessing for the Filipino People Association Inc. operating in Caraga region is registered with the Commission as a non-stock corporation on September 2016, and clearly stated of being no secondary license. The corporation is not authorized to solicit any investments from their client.

The DTI advisory stated that KAPPA, founded by Joel Apolinario, is currently operating in Bislig City.

Accordingly, they were collecting investments from the public with a promise that the 30 percent of one’s investment will be paid back every month until forever to their client.

Along this line, the public is advised if they have invested money

The Security and Exchange or were invited to invest, they may seek Commission (SEC) on the other hand the assistance of SEC at SEC Building, released SEC advisory posted on social corner 14th and Tomasaco Del Lara media, which stated that “KAPPA is not Streets in Cagayan de Oro city or may registered with the Commission as a call telephone number (0888) 857-4325 corporation or partnership. There being and (088) 857-7225. (PIA-Surigao del no primary license, it is not authorized Sur) 15- 21 April 2017

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Provincial News

Caraga RDRRMC spearheads 1st Quarter NSED in Bislig City By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) spearheaded the conduct of the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) 2017 in Bislig City.

The earthquake drill was held at Bislig Central Elementary School and Bislig Central Special Science Elementary School with the presence of Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Regional Director Rosauro Arnel Gonzalez Jr. and Bislig City Mayor and City DRRM Council Chairperson Librado Navarro with the regional evaluators.

Around 1,100 students and teachers from Bislig City have joined the simultaneous drill performing the “duck, cover, and hold.”

According to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Abel de Guzman, the activity is in line with the ongoing efforts of the National Disaster Risk

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Reduction and Management (NDRRM) to educate the public on what to do if major tremors will hit the country.

“The NSED aims to enhance the level of alertness as awareness before, during and after disaster or calamity,” said.

Based on the report received from the PDRRMO - Surigao del Sur, a total of 7,021 participants from nine local DRRMOs of the province participated in the activity, they are the cities of Bislig and Tandag; the towns of Lanuza, Bayabas, Lianga, Carrascal, Cantilan, Marihatag; and for the provincial level: the Police Provincial Office (PPO), 402nd Brigade, and Department of Public Works and Highways-1st District.

(PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Agusan Norte agrarian orgs complete financial management training By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY - The Provincial Agrarian Reform Office (PARO) of Agusan del Norte conducted two sessions of seminars on Financial Management to 28 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from different agrarian reform communities in the province held recently here.

About 80 participants consisted of coop officers, admin staff who acted as managers, treasurers, bookkeepers, cashiers, among others participated in the proceedings as they gained the importance of managing financial resources of the cooperative.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega assured the farmers in the province to provide technical assistance to strengthen the ARBOs, as this is one of the directives of the new DAR Secretary Rafael Mariano to enhance the

capabilities of the farmers and ensure to have a strong, dynamic agrarian reform organizations and communities.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Judith M. Domingo gave her message to the participants and even inspired them to listen and participate.

CARPO Domingo said that the activity is a continuing capacity building effort of the agency which aimed to strengthen the participating ARBOs to become functional and viable organizations to enable them 15- 21 April 2017

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Provincial News to discharge effectively the standards as part of DAR’s Secretary Rafael set to avail support and services of the Mariano’s commitment to implement government. the genuine agrarian reform program.

“This seminar is one of an array of much trainings to be undertaken by the agency under institutional strengthening program, which aims to empower the ARBOs,” Domingo added.

“This is to ensure the capability of the ARBOs who are engaged in credit assistance under Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), farm equipment under Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS),

According to Cooperative and facilities, among others,” Balibay Development Coordinator Nenetha said. (DAR-Agusan del Norte) Balibay that the training was conducted

Agusan Norte boosts maternity care in Las Nieves By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte ensured that quality maternal and neonatal care were given to the mothers and newborn babies in the municipality of Las Nieves.

Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba saw to it that the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital shall be the referral hospital of the Las Nieves Rural Health Unit (RHU) birthing clinic for mothers and newborn babies needing higher levels of maternal and neonatal care and the expenses shall be charged under the Maternity Package of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

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To

effectively

the referral system between the two parties, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Governor Angel through Sanggunian Resolution No. 048-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, to sign the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital and the Las Nieves Rural Health Unit (RHU) Birthing Clinic for the Maternity Care Packages of Philhealth. (LGUAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del implement Norte)

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Provincial News

TCES orchestrates community outreach program

By: Jonas H. Jomonong, Ph. D.

BUTUAN CITY - In allowing the young individuals to explore various volunteer opportunities and learn more about the community, the Tungao Central Elementary School (TCES) responded to this call by immersing the pupils and teachers to take part on the community outreach program through community clean-up drive recently.

It was participated by the gradesIV to VI pupils with their advisers, councilor Ann Margaret Alim, general parents-teachers association (GPTA) officers and parents.

The outreach program is one of the best ways to gain better understanding on the current situations of a certain community . This gives pupils the opportunity to get involved in community service with regard to On the other hand, the grades-I environmental issues and concerns to III pupils had their institutional cleanwhich the community is facing. up drive within the school premises on the same date. This is to raise the

Roldan Alanano, SPG adviser level of awareness on the importance gave a short orientation to the of maintaining cleanliness of the participants on the dos and don’ts surroundings. while having the clean-up drive. He reminded them not to stay away from The community engagement the group and heve to ask their adviser helps promote self-sufficiency and for their personal concerns in order to community belonging through avoid untoward incidents. They brought neighborhood environmental services cleaning materials such as brooms, that aims to navigate to the people gloves, socks and cellophanes. The living in the community to take an wastes they collected were segregated active part in the conservation and and placed those that can be sold to protection of the environment. (DepEd the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Butuan City/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 15- 21 April 2017

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

DAR awards land titles to 12 farmer beneficiaries in AgSur town By: Hazel Hope V. Bautista

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in its aim to give assurance to farmers to own the land that they till, distributed Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to a total of 12 farmers from the seven barangays of Esperanza town within the first quarter of this year held at DAR Municipal Office.

The said landholdings cover 19.0646 hectares of agricultural land from Brgys. Tagabase, Remedios, Nato, Mc Arthur, San Jose, Bakingking and Duangan.

CLOA holders were informed of their rights and responsibilities as Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of DAR, further emphasizing that the awarded landholdings should be kept productive and that it should never be sold or leased to another farmer, as this will defeat the purpose of awarding the land to them.

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best to help you become landowners yourselves from processing the necessary documents until the generation of CLOA. On your part, you should also strive hard to make sure that this piece of paper be not taken away from you,” said Chito Tubin, one of the OIC-Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers of the municipality of Esperanza.

CLOA is the issued land title under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program that will provide security of tenure to farmers over the land that they cultivate. (DAR-Agusan del Sur/ “We, in the department did our PIA-Agusan del Sur) 15 - 21 April 2017

Photo Gallery Office of Civil Defense Caraga 3-day Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Training Workshop Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 17-19 April 2017

Department of Health Caraga Monthly Media Forum 19 April 2017

SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DSWD conducts Kalahi-CIDSS orientation in Cagdianao town

By: Susil D. Ragas

CAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the local government unit of Cagdianao, this province conducted recently the KalahiCIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) NCDDP (National CommunityDriven Development Program (NCDDP) Tier 2 Municipal Orientation.

According to Municipal Information Officer Teodoro L. Alipayo, the orientation was given to the municipality of Cagdianao for being one of the best performing

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municipalities in community-driven program.

advocating development

He said Kalahi-CIDSS is one

Provincial News of the three core social protection programs of DSWD in combating poverty and it uses the communitydriven development strategy to empower ordinary citizens to actively and directly participate in local governance to address local poverty issues.

“Some of the results of the said program include improved access of communities to basic services, increased community participation and empowered ordinary citizens,”

Alipayo said.

The orientation was participated

by Germin P. Elmido - Kalahi CIDSS Area Coordinator and Staff, Juliet Eballar Daal Longos-Municipal Area Coordinator, Sangguniang Bayan members, Municipal Local Government Operation Officers, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers, barangay officials from the 14 barangay of the municipality, and LGU stakeholders.

(MIO-Cagdianao/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

NFA Surigao Norte now ready to buy palay By: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The office of the National Food Authority (NFA) Surigao del Norte is now ready to buy palay with additional incentives.

According to NFA provincial manager Gleen P. Echin the NFA’s buying price for clean and dry palay is Development Incentive Fee (CDIF) if P17.00 per kg with an additional P0.20/ they will sell their palay to NFA,” Echin kg drying incentive if the moisture said. content (MC) is 14 percent or lower.

NFA will also conduct a mobile

She said an additional incentive is procurement especially to remote given to farmers if they will deliver their areas to ease the burden of the farmers harvest to the NFA warehouse with to bring their harvest to NFA warehouse. additional P0.20 to P0.50/kg delivery incentive.

For more information just contact the NFA Hotline number at 0932 “We also give an additional P0.30/ 8681554 or 0917-8258302. (NFA-Surigao kg to farmer group as Cooperative del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 15- 21 April 2017

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Provincial News

Dinagat Islands LGU formulates tourism development plan

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The Provincial Tourism and Culture Office - technical working group (PTCO-TWG) of Dinagat Islands conducted a two-day workshop on the formulation of Provincial Tourism Development Plan (PTDP) held at the Provincial Guest Center, Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.

The two-day activity aims to present and discuss the drafted Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation - enhanced PTDP 20162025 for its finalization and formulate plans on product prioritization and identify needs assessment and costing.

During the said activity, workshop

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15- 21 April 2017

facilitator Carlos Libosada, Jr. of the University of the Philippines and the Asian Institute of Tourism, who is known as the “Father of Philippine EcoTourism,� discussed the importance of tourism planning, ecotourism and beach management, which are very essential in drafting tourism plans.

Said activity was participated by tourism chairperson and board member Joslyn I. Ecleo and PTCO-TWG members composed of the municipal tourism officers, tourism officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism and representatives from the provincial government. (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

HEALTH NEWS

3 in every 5 Filipino adult women are apple-shaped obese

The recent survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST- FNRI) in 2015 showed that 57.9 percent or about 3 in every 5 Filipino adult women in the Philippines have high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an indicator that measures android or central obesity or apple-shaped body type. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a WHR cut-off point of 0.85 for women and 1.0 for men. Android or central obesity may indicate visceral fat or the accumulation of fats in the internal organs. It has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular diseases mainly heart

attack and stroke, sleep apnea, and some cancers.

Among the regions, the highest prevalences of high WHR among adult females were noted in Northern Mindanao (62.5 percent), 15 - 21 April 2017

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Health News CALABARZON (62.5 percent), CARAGA (62.0 percent), Davao (61.5 percent), Central Luzon (61.3 percent) and NCR (61.1 percent).

In contrast, the prevalence of high WHR among Filipino adult males was seven in every 100 (7.1 percent).

Among the regions, the highest prevalences of high WHR among adult males were noted in NCR (10.2 percent), CALABARZON (9.4 percent), Central Luzon (8.7 percent) and Davao (7.3 percent).

The same survey also revealed that about one in every five (23.9 percent) Filipino adults have elevated blood pressure and about two in every five (42.5 percent) were insufficiently physically active.

Messages from the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a Technical Working Group led by the DOST- FNRI give simple reminders on attaining and maintaining normal bodyweight.

Message No. 9 recommends achieving normal weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity.

Likewise, Message No. 10 encourages us to be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent lifestylerelated non-communicable diseases.

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For more information on food 15 - 21 April 2017

and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 8372071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@ yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

Like our Facebook page at facebook. com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (Charina A. Javier, DOST-FNRI S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

MINDANAO NEWS

OPAPP mulls new facility to sustain peace projects in Mindanao By: Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY -The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is working on a new facility to sustain the gains reached under the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) program, which was funded by the World Bank and other international donors.

Secretary Jesus Dureza said the new facility will not only cover the Bangsamoro but also the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), to build confidence even if there is no final agreement yet with the latter.

short and medium-term development strategy for insurgency-affected areas, spearheaded by Luis Jalandoni, the NDFP consultant.

Dureza revealed this during the closing ceremony of the MTFReconstruction and Development in Mindanao on Tuesday at the SMX Convention Center.

Dureza said the MTF is a successful program in Bangsamoro areas that Dureza said the MTF plan can also be copied in other places managed by the Bangsamoro affected by communist insurgency.

Development Authority (BDA), the development arm of the Moro Islamic

He said the plan is now being Liberation Front (MILF), can even be worked out, adding that the NDFP copied by the NDF for its initiatives already accepted the proposal and in areas affected by the communist created a committee to focus on the insurgency.

15 - 21 April 2017

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Mindanao News centers.

“ M o r e importantly, as a partnership between the government and the MILF, it has built confidence and social cohesion at the community level, which is an important factor

in sustaining Dureza, however, emphasized that the momentum of peace and there will be needs assessment before development in Mindanao,” he said. the initiatives are approved. “We will The MTF has funded programs vet responses from the communities,” he said, adding that determination of and projects that promote economic provide access to projects must come from the people opportunity, basic services and build greater on the ground. understanding and cooperation

The NDF and OPAPP will work as among community members in managers for the development project conflict-affected areas. implementing team.

Since 2006, MTF completed 573

Dureza noted the NDF sees “the community-driven projects benefitting value of doing development projects 650,000 people in 315 conflict-affected while peace negotiations are ongoing. communities.

“People cannot wait for a long period The European Union, which is for the peace agreement,” Dureza the biggest contributor to the MTF, said.

Sweden, Australia, Canada, the United

The peace adviser lauded the States, New Zealand and the World Mindanao Trust Fund because it Bank have provided PHP1.4 billion helped a lot to improve the access to support socioeconomic recovery of Bangsamoro communities to basic in Mindanao. Of the total funds, EU services such as clean water, roads, provided PHP 1.17 billion to the facility. farming equipment and community (PNA)

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15 - 21 April 2017

NATIONAL NEWS

Dirty recycling taints plastic children’s toys with toxic chemicals from E-waste QUEZON CITY- A new global survey finds that recycling plastics containing toxic flame retardant chemicals found in electronic waste results in contamination of the world’s best-selling toy along with other children’s products.

Ironically, the chemical contaminants can damage the nervous system and reduce intellectual capacity but are found in mostly imitation Rubik’s Cubes – a puzzle toy designed to exercise the mind.

The study was performed by IPEN (a global civil society network) and Arnika (an environmental organization in the Czech Republic) in cooperation with partner groups from 26 countries, including the EcoWaste Coalition from the Philippines.

The toxic Octabromodiphenyl

(OctaBDE), Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE), and Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) are used in the plastic casings of electronic products and if they are not removed, they are carried into new products when the plastic is recycled.

The study was released just a few days before the eight Conference of the Parties (COP8) to the Stockholm Convention will decide whether to continue allowing the recycling of materials containing OctaBDE and possibly make a new recycling chemicals exemption for DecaBDE. The treaty’s ether expert committee has warned against 15 - 21 April 2017

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National News the practice.

According to the study, 90 percent of the samples contained OctaBDE or DecaBDE, and 43 percent contained HBCD. These chemicals are persistent and known to harm the reproductive system and disrupt hormone systems, adversely impacting intelligence, attention, learning and memory.

the treaty’s obligations for destruction – and not permit their recycling.

Surprisingly, some of the toxic chemical levels in children’s products in this study exceeded proposed hazardous waste limits.

“We need protective hazardous waste limits,” said Jitka Strakova, Arnika. “Weak standards mean toxic products and dirty recycling, which often takes place in low and middle “Materials containing toxic flame income countries and spreads poisons retardant chemicals such as OctaBDE from recycling sites into our homes and and DecaBDE should not be ‘recycled’ bodies. “ into children’s toys,” said Thony Dizon, Coordinator of the EcoWaste The application of strict hazardous Coalition’s Project Protect. limits is also critical for brominated flame retardants due to their presence

At a meeting with the in e-waste.

Environmental Management Bureau and other stakeholders last Tuesday, In many countries, the Stockholm April 18, the EcoWaste Coalition Convention standards will be the requested the Philippine delegation only global regulatory tool that can to push for the end of toxic recycling be used to prevent import and export exemption for brominated diphenyl of these contaminated wastes, in ethers in the Stockholm Convention. many cases from countries with stricter legislation to countries with weaker

“Recycling materials that legislation or control. (EcoWaste) contain toxic chemicals contaminates new products, continues exposure, and undermines the credibility of recycling,” said Pam Miller, IPEN Cochair. “Governments should end this harmful loophole.”

Another critical decision of the Stockholm Convention Conference will be to establish hazardous waste limits. Protective hazardous waste limits would make wastes subject to

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15 - 21 April 2017

National News

OFWs benefit from One-StopService

MANILA - An increasing number of overseas Filipino workers continue to benefit from a more convenient and streamlined frontline services brought by One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Based on the latest report from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, close to 600,000 OFWs had been served and benefited from OSSCOs nationwide.

government more accessible to OFWs. “Our attached agencies and other government offices established OneStop-Service Centers to ensure the speedy and timely delivery of various government services to our OFWs,�

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello Bello said.

III ordered the establishment of the service centers last year pursuant to Based on the report, the main the directive of President Rodrigo R. OSSCO located at POEA Office in Duterte to make the services of the Mandaluyong City served a total of 15 - 21 April 2017

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Provincial News 463,423 OFWs as of 31 March 2017 or in less than a year after it was launched on 15 August 2016.

The report showed that the main service center responded to 209,244 queries; received a total of 299,629 documents for processing; issued 31,365 certificates; and provided hands-on assistance to 2,499 clients.

The regional service centers recorded a total of 37,974 clients from the 16 established OSSCO nationwide.

Bello said the purpose of the OSSCO is to shorten the processing time for OFW documents, adding that DOLE also seeks to reduce the expenses of OFWs since the services of concerned government agencies can already be availed of in just one location.

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The partner government agencies at OSSCO are Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Maritime lndustry Authority (MARINA), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Philippine Health lnsurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Bureau of lnvestigation (NBI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Tourism lnfrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Philippine National 15 - 21 April 2017

Police (PNP), and Bureau of lnternal Revenue (BIR).

Moreover, POEA also reported that 60,778 clients have been served and benefited from the 24/7 Hotlines relative to OFWs issues and concerns.

Filipinos who are currently working or planning to work overseas are encouraged to visit the service centers located at POEA Central Office and in 16 regional centers to address their various concerns from 8 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays. (DOLE)

For more info. contact: Tel. No.: (085) 225-9219 / 300-0722 Cell Nos. 0908-875-9185 / 0917-580-2609 / 0925-556-2417 Email: inkboxinnovation@gmail.com

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