[
[ Contents 21 - 27 April 2018
Volume II, No. 55
DSWD augments P300K medical assistance to Agusan del Norte PHO ASEAN NEWS
6 8
PRRD holds bilateral meetings with Vietnamese, Indonesian leaders
REGIONAL NEWS
10 11 12
DepEd Caraga trains educators on multi-factored assessment tools
26
6
27
GSIS offers emergency loan to members, pensioners in 4 Mindanao areas DA extends P4-M aid to farmers in Davao City
Authorities nab barangay official for violating election gun ban DSWD-Caraga wins national best crisis intervention unit, 2nd best operations office
PROVINCIAL NEWS
15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24
MINDANAO NEWS
ASEAN competition and telecommunications regulators strengthen relations
More enrollment draw from National TVET Enrollment Day
Bunawan bags undergo product enhancement to attract more buyers Negosyo Center Bayugan equips PWDs on simple bookkeeping, record keeping Filipinos prevail in Siargao Int’l. game fishing tournament Young researcher in Surigao City gears up for ‘UN Sustainable Development Challenge’ Dapa town local producers play BEST game
11
26 NATIONAL NEWS
29
15
30
Comelec to use colorcoding system in identifying poll hotspots National Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Activity launched in NCR
Red tide warning still up in Lianga Bay SurSur Provincial IPMR assumes office 115 SurSur barangays declared drug-free
24
29
News Briefs The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently requested the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) Central Office, through its Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Lloyd Christopher A. Lao for the establishment of a regional office in Caraga region. The 23IB “Masigasig” troopers and the local government unit of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte recently conducted the 1st Buenavista Higaonon Indigenous Peoples (IP) Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2018 in Brgy. Agongong. The services sector remained to account for the largest share in Caraga region’s economy with 49.7%; followed by the Industry with 34.3%; and Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry & Fishing with 16.0%. (PSA)
After four years of implementation, a total of 423 student-grantees under the “Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA)” of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are set to graduate in Surigao del Sur.
Cover Story
DSWD augments P300K med del Norte PHO By: Aimee B. Sienes
Photo credit: grabbed from web
BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, with the assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Field Office XIII, augmented its health services and medical assistance for patients in the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital.
4
21 - 27 April, 2018
dical assistance to Agusan Through the efforts of Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital can now provide better medical assistance through a credit limit amounting to P300,000.00 for all indigent patients in the hospital. For proper and immediate implementation of the program, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized the governor to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DSWD Field Office XIII.
and Nutrition, chaired by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, pushed for the approval of the said grant of authority and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Sanggunian Resolution No. 094-2018. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Under the said MOA, the program is in the form of a credit line where the Provincial Hospital can charge the billings and costs of services rendered to the indigent patient-beneficiaries to the account of DSWD where the maximum credit line of the said hospital shall be P300,000.00. The program promotes fast and effective provision of the indigents’ immediate social services on their medical and surgical needs at the PHO being a partner-health service provider of the said agency. This aims to strengthen the agency’s social services component by providing medical assistance to deserving indigent members of society. The Committee on Social Welfare, Population Development and Health 21 - 27 April, 2018
5
ASEAN competition and telecommunications regulators strengthen relations
By: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - ASEAN officials from the competition and telecommunications sectors attended a workshop on competition policy and telecommunications regulation on 25-26 April in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Attended by 54 ASEAN officials from the competition and telecommunications sectors, as well as officials from Australia and New Zealand, the workshop examined the competition-related issues facing the telecommunication sector in the region, as well as the complementarity
6
of competition and regulatory instruments. It also offered an opportunity to establish and strengthen the relationships between ASEAN competition and telecommunications regulators. ASEAN Member States recognise that maintaining competition within the 21 - 27 April, 2018
telecommunications sector is integral to ensure consumers receive the best quality of goods and services. To ensure a level playing field within the sector, the ASEAN considers it pertinent for competition and telecommunications regulators to strengthen their cooperation. A competitive market is expected to lead to innovation-driven products and services where consumers will have more choices at competitive rates.
competition and telecommunications regulators. A number of case studies and practical examples specific to the sector were presented by speakers from all ASEAN Member States. Attorney Maria Xandralyn Molina of the Philippines National Telecommunications Commission, representing the chair of the ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators Council, underlined that the council recognised that competition laws and policies were essential part of the institutional and regulatory framework needed for ASEAN Member States to address current market challenges.
Datin Seri Ruzaina Wan Hanif, a member of the Malaysia Competition Commission, said that the workshop was another valuable platform to enhance the capabilities of competition authorities in ASEAN. “This workshop has provided a good avenue to discuss current “This occasion is very important issues affecting competition in the for Malaysia and other participating telecommunications sector and how countries in getting valuable insights telecommunications regulators and and exchange of views from experts competition authorities can work involved in this workshop,” said Datin together to achieve each of our goals,” Seri. “The knowledge and experience said Attorney Maria. obtained after this Workshop will contribute greatly to the continued The workshop was facilitated by the progress of competition law in Malaysia Australian Competition and Consumer as well as in other ASEAN countries, Commission (ACCC), in partnership with which will further elevate the role of the Malaysia Competition Commission competition law in driving our nations’ and the ASEAN Secretariat. It was part of ambitions and effectiveness in this the Competition Law Implementation age of regional cooperation and Program which is managed by the integration,” she added. ACCC under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (Economic The two-day workshop provided Cooperation Support Program. CLIP participants with a background on key aims to assist all ASEAN Member States notable developments on the ASEAN in developing the requisite institutional competition laws and developments capacity to effectively implement their in the telecommunication sector, as respective competition regulations well as practical advices on how to by 2025 and enhance their regional strengthen the relationships between the cooperation. (ASEAN) 21 - 27 April, 2018
7
PRRD holds bilateral meetings with Vietnamese, Indonesian leaders
SINGAPORE - President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday, April 27, met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit here. Duterte, together with some of his Cabinet officials, first met with Prime Minister Phuc at Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel.
Duterte said the Philippines looks forward to increasing two-way trade with Viet Nam and encouraged more investments.
The Prime Minister congratulated Duterte for the successful Philippine ASEAN chairmanship, saying its outputs were good foundations for more productive work for ASEAN.
Both leaders cited the importance of partnership to ensure ample supply of rice in the Philippines.
They also cited the need to continue working closely together Both expressed confidence in the to ensure security and stability in the steady growth of Philippine-Viet Nam region, including in the South China strategic partnership. Sea.
8
21 - 27 April, 2018
The two reaffirmed the importance of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the constitution of the oceans.
The two leaders, during a pull aside meeting, reaffirmed the importance of relations between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Prime Minister Phuc likewise thanked President Duterte for the humane treatment and release of Vietnamese fishermen who were caught in Philippine waters.
Both renewed the commitment to work at further strengthening ties on issues of mutual importance, including security, stability and sustainable development.
Duterte also thanked Vietnam for They also discussed opportunities hosting Filipinos in their country. to meet again in the future at a mutually agreed event or date. Both leaders reaffirmed the value of Philippine-Vietnam relations. Duterte then joined his fellow ASEAN leaders in a social dinner hosted After his meeting with Prime by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Minister Phuc, President Duterte met Loong, which was followed by the with Indonesian President Joko Widodo Plenary Session. (PND) at Istana.
21 - 27 April, 2018
9
Regional News
DepEd Caraga trains educators on multi-factored assessment tools BUTUAN CITY - To orient and train the participants on how to identify the developmentally- delayed Grade 1 learners, a Regional Mass Training of Teachers on Multi-Factored Assessment Tools (MFAT) was held on April 9-13, 2018 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center in this city. The seminar-workshop was in line with the thrust of the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure inclusive education for the learners with special needs. The Multi-Factored Assessment Tools are being used by the special education teachers to determine if a child needs special education services.
and weaknesses of the learners at the early grades that will serve as a basis for designing appropriate educational interventions for the pupils.”
A series of workshops were conducted during the first three days of the training and a return demonstration with Grade 1 pupils was performed to properly execute the learning of the Being a Grade 1 classroom participants. teacher in her first 13 years with the department, DepEd Caraga assistant The Curriculum Learning regional director Fidela V. Rosas, CESO Management Division of DepEd V, expressed her admiration to the Caraga headed by the Regional participants. Special Education (SPED) Coordinator, “I love being with Grade 1 teachers, they are as happy as their students. It’s not easy as per experience, and I adore you for that,” she said. She also emphasized that “the MFAT is for further enhancement as a means to determine the strengths
10
Dr. Elena N. Capangpangan, together with the SPED Coordinators of the different schools division offices facilitated the five-day orientation which was participated by the district supervisors, school principals, and Grade 1 teachers of the 12 schools divisions of the region. (DepEd-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga) 21 - 27 April, 2018
REGIONAL NEWS
Authorities nab barangay official for violating election gun ban
BUTUAN CITY - Amid the implementation of the election gun ban in the region of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), a barangay chief in Trento, Agusan del Sur is facing charges on violation of Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition following his arrest on Sunday, April 15, 2018. William D. Martinez, 30 years old, resident and incumbent Barangay Chairman of Santa Maria yielded a Les Baer Custom caliber 45 pistol, a gun’s silencer, holster and several ammunition of caliber 45.
Infantry Battalion swooped down on the suspect’s residence and arrested him. The said operation was based on search warrant issued by Judge Lou A. Nueva of RTC Branch 7 in Bayugan City.
According to a report, at around 4:50 AM on the said date, the personnel Suspect and the confiscated items from Trento Municipal Police Station, are placed under the custody of Trento Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Police. (JPG/PNP-13/PIA-Caraga) Company, and Philippine Army’s 25th 21 - 27 April, 2018
11
REGIONAL NEWS
DSWD-Caraga wins national best crisis intervention unit, 2nd best operations office By: Eunice Montaos Plaza
BUTUAN CITY The Field Office in Caraga of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was recognized as the National Best Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) and 2nd Best Operations Office (Capacity Building Unit) in the recently concluded Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) activity held on March 21, 2018 in Metro Manila. The Best CIU Award recognized the delivery of timely and appropriate direct financial benefits to indigent Filipinos, including medical assistance, burial assistance, education, and transportation assistance. Being one of the office’s frontline services, the DSWD-Caraga CIU was awarded as it excellently performed its mandate of providing package of
12
interventions for individuals, families in crisis or difficult situation and vulnerable communities. The unit follows a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), inspired by the Operation Manual guidelines of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), which has contributed to the prompt and organized processing of request of assistance from clients. 21 - 27 April, 2018
REGIONAL NEWS
Furthermore, the office also institutionalized a feedback mechanism through a Client Satisfaction Survey which is an avenue for clients to give their comments and rating to the unit’s service delivery. Majority of feedbacks gathered were positive while some were negative comments and considerable suggestions that were directly acted upon. The Field Office (FO) has also networked with various service providers comprised of hospitals, pharmacies, funeral homes, and dialysis center throughout the region for clients to immediately avail assistance and ensure that assistance is utilized as purposed.
Manto. The CIU staff are the following: Flora Minda Lintao, Nova Dagooc, Yerave Vasquez, Josefina Aligado, Don Cedrick Pujadas, Loraine Cagula, Josua Disucatan, Chris Marie Manatad, Jules Barry Intino, and Sarah May Galido. Other winners for the category are the CIUs of the FO National Capital Region (NCR) as second and Region XI (Davao) as third placer.
Meanwhile, the Best Operations Office award is given to units/sections that have exemplary contribution to the achievement of DSWD’s organizational outcomes through team work in delivering excellent results through the overall display of technical/managerial The FO Caraga CIU is currently competence of the members of the headed by Administrative Officer Hazel team. Vete as officer-in-charge while unit heads were Vilma Bare and Harvey Likewise, the awardee office is 21 - 27 April, 2018
13
REGIONAL NEWS expected to set exemplary practices of Functional Unit based on the AO 5 series of 2016 or the Good Practice Documentation guidelines set by the Capacity Building Bureau.
DSWD employees who have rendered extraordinary work on service and showed exemplary application of DSWD’s core values in his/her work execution, thereby significantly contributing to the achievement of the The FO Caraga CBU was hailed as strategic goals of DSWD. second place at the national level as it delivered excellent results based on the OIC Regional Director Mita Department’s thrusts and priorities and Chuchi Gupana-Lim congratulated the in response to customer requirements. awardees and thanked them for their outstanding service to the public. Spearheading the Education Committee of the International “You are the Field Office’s pride Organization for Standardization- and living proofs of the organization’s Quality Management System (ISO-QMS) commitment towards quality Core Team, the unit played significant public service that is prompt and role in cascading to all staff and hosting compassionate. May these accolades of benchmarking activities along ISO- inspire us more to dedicatedly serve the QMS. poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors in Caraga,” Lim added. The team also developed SOPs of its four main services, namely, The PRAISE is given to honor men Knowledge Management, Institutional and women of DSWD who have devoted Development and Capacity Building, their lives to our beneficiaries, and who Training, and Student Training Program. continue to use all their strength, skills, intelligence, and compassion to uphold Headed by Regional Training a standard of professionalism that fully Specialist Glezza Ty, the CBU staff include benefits the poor, vulnerable, and Eval Makinano, Theresa Barsobia, Anafe disadvantaged sector. Lecciones, Maria Teresa Ole, Steffan Skye Reyes, Gelmar Faith Montillado, This year, the PRAISE Awards Jen-eric Dominggo, Mary Grace ceremony was the DSWD’s culminating Bendijo, and Kristine April Bunao. activity for its 67th anniversary that has become a venue for the entire DSWD Sixteen DSWD employees, including workforce to affirm its commitment to Social Welfare Officer Jessie Catherine social work and inclusive development. Aranas of FO Caraga, also received awards for the Gawad HUWARAN This year’s DSWD anniversary bears (MaHUsay, WAsto at Responsableng the theme, “DSWD@67:Walang Puwang Lingkod BayANi). sa Katiwalian ang Paglilingkod nang Tapat sa Bayan”. (Social Marketing Unit/ The said accolade is given to DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
14
21 - 27 April, 2018
Provincial News
Agusan del Norte
More enrollment draw from National TVET Enrollment Day By: Lee M. Escobal
BUTUAN CITY – More enrollment was noted on the first day of the National TVET Enrollment Day and Jobs Bridging Program in this city and the province of Agusan del Norte. According to Irenea A. Dela Victoria, UTPRAS focal of TESDAAgusan del Norte Provincial Office, this can be attributed to the partner Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers and Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) in the province who have sent their enrollment teams to assist in profiling and enrollment of the prospective trainees. In the messages given during the launching activity of the program by TESDA-Caraga Regional Director Ashary A. Banto and DOLE-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Naomi Lyn Abellana, the officials underscored the importance of getting a skill and using it to earn a living. They reminded the aspiring and interested trainees on choosing a training for a skill that best suit their interest, a skill that is ondemand in the market and then aim for the mastery of that skill. 21 - 27 April, 2018
To date, data showed a total of 16 TVET providers assisted in the enrollment proceedings and a total of 596 were profiled and enrolled. Top five programs with the most number of enrollees were: Events Management Services NC III, Computer System Servicing (CSS) NC II, English Language Skills Training Program, Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC II, and Domestic Work NC II. TESDA Caraga is inviting everyone to get skills trainings and to start earning a living. The National TVET Enrollment Day and Jobs Bridging Program will culminate today, Mar. 1. The said activity is anchored on the theme: “Magsanay. Magka-hanapbuhay. Magtagumpay.” (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
15
Agusan del Sur
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Bunawan bags undergo product enhancement to attract more buyers
BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur - Eighteen (18) Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from the municipalities of Bunawan (15) and Loreto (3) have been trained to upgrade the quality of their handcrafted bags made of water hyacinth, romblon and rattan which are abundant in their respective localities. In an earlier product mapping and site visit by Negosyo Center (NC) Bunawan staff, it was noted that the bags being produced needed further enhancement to attract more buyers and be promoted to other market outlets.
2) execution of five (5) designs and 3) product pricing and costing. Gina Bagasbas, a local designer, who hails from Bunawan was tapped as trainer together with Marivel Tura, a weaving expert in the province. It was agreed that the three executed designs shall be showcased during the “Buy Caraga by Caraga” regional trade fair in Butuan City this May.
In partnership with the Panaghiusa Alang sa Kaugalingnan ug Kalingkawasan (PASAKK) Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur (AdS) thru NC-Bunawan conducted recently the Product Teodoro Granada, the Public Development Clinic (PDC) held at the Employment Service Office (PESO) BMADMCI Heritage Center in Bunawan. officer of Bunawan expressed their office’ support saying they can provide The PDC was actually a follow- assistance to the group but they need to up training of the water hyacinth be organized as a qualified beneficiary basic weaving, bleaching, dyeing and first. leathering which was conducted in August last year. An amount of 750,000 can be allocated for handicraft production, The Cliniquing covered: 1) he added. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAupgrading on weaving techniques, Agusan del Sur)
16
21 - 27 April, 2018
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Negosyo Center Bayugan equips PWDs on simple bookkeeping, record keeping
BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur - The Negosyo Center (NC) in Bayugan City has recently equipped the 45 members of Persons with Disability of Bayugan City Federation Incorporated (PeWDBaFI) on the basics of simple bookkeeping and record keeping. PeWDBaFI is a proponent of a Shared Service Facility (SSF): Metal Craft and Furniture Shop thru the Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) project.
knowledge, even if I could not absorb all but at least we have in our group who can understand easily, which is very important in our organization,” shared Zaldy Claba, member of the Merlie D. Peñalver, the resource organization. person, shared with the group the basic records they should maintain, Also, Elphie Plaza, NC counselor, the preparation of income statement, together with the City Social Welfare the trial balance and balance sheet so Development Officer Marilou Aquino financial status of the organization is in- of the Local Government Unit of place. Their learning was also applied Bayugan City, facilitated the activity. through a workshop. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del “We are very thankful of the new Sur) 21 - 27 April, 2018
17
Surigao del Norte
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Filipinos prevail in Siargao International game fishing tournament By: John Glenn T. Platil
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Except for two categories, Filipino anglers and boatmen triumphed during the 11th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament held in Pilar town from April 12 to 15, this year. Surigao del Norte 1st district Congressman Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II spearheaded the colorful and vibrant ocean sports event, in close partnership with Governor Sol Matugas and Pilar Mayor Ma. Liza Resurreccion.
catch in tandem with boatman Celmar Tesiorna in the biggest “sailfish/billfish” category. They brought home P60,000 and P30,000, each, respectively.
Ricardo Soler (angler) earned P40,000 pesos and Abet Castillo (boatman) gained P20,000 after they Angler Mar Lonzon emerged as ranked second with a 32.55 kilos of first placer with 44.1 kilos of liplipan catch.
18
21 - 27 April, 2018
PROVINCIAL NEWS Following them in the third spot were Franklin Ching (angler) who bagged P20,000 for his 32.25-kilo catch, assisted by boatman Tagoy Gonzales. All six were Filipinos.
Sotenes P10,000.
Aparante
who
received
Meanwhile, Edgardo Delantar (angler) and Juvic Elimanco (boatman) emerged as first prize winners with their 10.8-kilo catch in the biggest “Dorado” category. Delantar took P40,000, while Elimanco had P20,000. All were Filipinos, including the ones that ensued.
For the category on biggest giant trevally (talakitok), Korean angler Tony Jung emerged as the overall champion with his 5.8-kilo catch, bagging P40,000. He was supported by boatman Vicente Ortojan who received a prize of P20,000. Japanese American Michael Kawai was adjudged as the over-all Filipino angler Rob Perez placed champion with total over-all catch second with his 5.75-kilo catch, winning of 97.75 kilos. He received a P30,000 a prize of P30,000, duly assisted by cash prize. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del boatman Rene Española who won Norte) P15,000. In third place was Filipino angler Jovy Ancheta who secured P20,000 as prize money for his 20-kilo catch with the help of boatman Jose Dotillos who acquired P10,000 as his reward. Japanese angler Michel Kawai came first in the biggest “tanguige” category, gaining P40,000 after catching 14.5 kilos of wahoo. Kawai was aided by boatman Graysan Gonzales who got P20,000. Filipino angler Joseph Lee ranked second with his 9.3-kilo catch, earning P30,000 of reward money with the help of boatman Joecan Elimanco who got P15,000. Placing third was Filipino angler Manny Joaquin who received P20,000 for his 6.35-kilo catch, backed by 21 - 27 April, 2018
caraganewscourier.com
19
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Young researcher in Surigao City gears up for ‘UN Sustainable Development Challenge’ SURIGAO CITY - Young researcher Euclid Joy Ibarra Soringa, Grade 10 student of St. Paul University Surigao, is making a mark in the international scene. Soringa qualified as one of the top ten undergraduate finalists for this year’s Seton Hall University United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Challenge at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey on April 20, 2018 where a $10,000 scholarship and a $2,500 cash prize await. The young Paulinian scientist will be presenting his study under the category of the 14th Global Goal, which is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
New Jersey, USA in the coming days to officially represent St. Paul University Surigao and the Philippines. Seton Hall University is hosting a Sustainable Development Challenge designed to engage high school students in thinking about the needs of society and the planet, encouraging them to be an agent of change and embrace the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (St. Paul University Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
He will be presenting his ideas to the distinguished members of the judging panel that includes people from the United Nations Association of the United States of America (USA) and faculty members of the Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy and International Relations. The said research study was selected after a stiff screening process was made involving young researchers all over the United States and the world. Soringa, together with his coach, Ricky Boy Limlingan, is bound to fly to
20
21 - 27 April, 2018
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Dapa town local producers play BEST game SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office conducted recently the “Business Expenses and Savings Training (BEST) Game” held at the Islanders Ville Pension Hauz, Dapa, Siargao Islands. Around 20 micro entrepreneurs composed of producers and manufacturers of locally-made food and non-food products benefited in the said game. These entrepreneurs utilize raw materials that are abundantly available in the locality of Dapa town such as coconut, seashells, fishes and others.
in terms of profit and savings. The learning comes from the real life content of the game and interactions among the participants and the facilitators during and after playing the game.
The conduct of the said training is under the implementation of the 2016 The BEST Game is a simulation BuB Project dubbed as “Small and Micro activity that is a very useful tool for the Enterprise Program” in Dapa town. participants to become financially literate. The said training was facilitated by DTI-CARP Trade and Industry The game teaches proper Development Specialist Mrs. Malen business values and strategies for Catamora and Dapa Negosyo Center the micro-enterprises sector. It is Business Counselor Mr. Olimar Sulapas. played competitively in a simulated (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del environment and has definite outcomes Norte) 21 - 27 April, 2018
21
Surigao del Sur
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Red tide warning still up in Lianga Bay By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
Inquirer.net
LIANGA, Surigao del Sur - The Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur remains positive for red tide toxin based on the latest laboratory results released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) through its Shellfish Bulletin No. 12, Series of 2018. In a letter sent to Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. from BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Juan Albaladejo, it stated that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or Alamang gathered from the area are not safe for human consumption.
Aside from Lianga Bay, the Coastal Waters of Leyte and Carigara Bay in Leyte; Coastal Waters of Biliran Province; Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa in Palawan; and Coastal Waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol are also found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory However, fish, squids, shrimps and limit. crabs are safe for human consumption if they are fresh and washed thoroughly, Meanwhile, the coastal waters and the internal organs such as gills of Hinatuan and Bislig Bay of this and intestines are removed before province remain red tide-free. (NGBT/ cooking. PIA-Surigao del Sur)
22
21 - 27 April, 2018
PROVINCIAL NEWS
SurSur Provincial IPMR assumes office By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
File photo
SURIGAO DEL SUR - The Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), known as “Pangyuyo Tu Tribu” in Manobo, has formally assumed office as Ex-Officio Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Sur.
This undertaking is considered Director Pedrito Alacaba said, his a milestone in the entire region of assumption was pursuant to Republic Caraga composed of five provinces. Act 8371, otherwise known as “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of Hailing from the interior 1991” which was approved and signed municipality of San Miguel here, into law on October 29, 1997. Hawudon Jimmy Guinsod who was also a former municipal IPMR of the The said law provides that the said town officially attended the Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Sangguniang Panlalawigan session Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IP) have on April 10, 2018 held at the Provincial the right to participate fully, if they Capitol of the South, Bislig City. choose, at all levels of decision making in matters which may affect Department of the Interior and their rights, lives and destinies through Local Government (DILG) Provincial procedures determined by them as 21 - 27 April, 2018
23
PROVINCIAL NEWS well as to maintain and develop their On one hand, Provincial Vice own indigenous political structures. Governor Manuel O. Alameda, Sr., presiding officer, has commended During the session, 1st District the assumption of Hawudon Guinsod Sangguniang Panlalawigan member as Provincial IPMR and it was long Henrich Pimentel, in his privilege overdue. speech, stressed that the assumption of Hawudon Guinsod was historic and Meanwhile, NCIP Regional that it is the first in the history of Caraga Director Atty. Jose Dumagan, Jr. Region. issued the Certification of Affirmation (COA) on December 5, 2017. By the Accordingly, the Sangguniang authority of the DILG Regional Director Panlalawigan has already adopted Lilibeth A. Famacion, and based on a resolution authored by Pimentel the Certificate of Affirmation, Dir. commending the offices of the NCIP Pedrito P. Alacaba, DILG Provincial Surigao del Sur as represented by Engr. Director issued a Certification of Charlene Binghoy, DILG Provincial Dir. Recognition to Hawudon Guinsod as Pedrito Alacaba and the Provincial the Provincial IPMR on December 22, Government of Surigao del Sur headed 2017, it was learned. (PIA-Surigao del by Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. Sur)
115 SurSur barangays declared drug-free By: Greg Tataro, Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur As the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur continues to go after drug personalities, some 115 out of 309 barangays comprising the province have already been “declared drugfree.�
24
21 - 27 April, 2018
PROVINCIAL NEWS PNP Provincial Director (PD) PSSupt. Francisco Dungo, Jr., said that the additional 100 plus barangays were awaiting the same action from the Regional Oversight Committee following their submission for “review” recently. Early on, the police director admitted to have been struggling to finish off the job of sweeping up all pushers and users citing the rarity of transactions. However, on April 9, 2018, police operatives here together with agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Surigao del Sur Provincial Intelligence Branch Drug Enforcement Unit (SDSPIB-DEU) had nabbed four more suspected “drug peddlers” identified as Melvin Salon, 32, Rene Cabrales, 18, Louie Dormitorio, 24, and Michael Catipay, 21, in a buybust operation conducted in Barobo town. In a separate interview, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Caraga confirmed to have already declared the 115 barangays here as drug-cleared. PDEA Regional Director (RD) Aileen Lovitos, who also heads the Regional Oversight Committee of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program, agreed that the over 100 barangays in Surigao del Sur submitted for review were next to follow.
Cox together with three Filipino cohorts suspected of running a drug den in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
Lovitos vowed that even then that illegal drugs seemed to be so scarce The regional PDEA chief was also now but their drive “will never falter.” Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao glad to report about the arrest on (Radyo Saturday of a Briton identified as Liam del Sur) 21 - 27 April, 2018
25
Mindanao News
GSIS offers emergency loan to members, pensioners in 4 Mindanao areas PASAY CITY - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is offering emergency loan to a total of 2,453 active members and old-age pensioners in Carrascal, Cantilan, and Lanuza in Surigao del Sur; and Cateel in Davao Oriental. The Surigao del Sur areas were affected due to tropical storm Basyang. Cateel was plagued by tropical storm Vinta and tropical depression Agaton. 10.
To qualify, active members must be working or residing in the said areas, not be on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no unpaid The application deadline is May loans for more than six months.
A total of 1,281 active members in the calamity areas who have no existing emergency loans may apply for a P20,000 loan. The 804 active members who have not yet fully paid their loan may apply for a Php40,000 loan, from which the remaining balance will be deducted.
26
They should also have a minimum net take-home pay of P5,000 after the monthly premium contribution and loan amortization have been deducted. Active members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk located in all GSIS branch and 21 -27 April, 2018
MINDANAO NEWS extension offices; provincial capitols; city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; Robinsons Malls; and selected SM City branches in North EDSA, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, SM Aura in Taguig and Mall of Asia in Pasay City. To avail of the loan, the 368 oldage pensioners living in the areas may apply over the counter. They are eligible for a P20,000 loan amount. Pensioners who are also active members may apply for the loan only once. Emergency loan is payable in 36 equal monthly instalments at six percent interest rate per annum. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which
deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrower’s demise, provided that loan repayment is up to date. Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS electronic card (eCard) or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card. Interested parties who have inquiries may visit the GSIS website, www. gsis.gov.ph, or Facebook account, @ gsis.ph; email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8474747 or 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe [free with minimum P8 load] and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 [for Smart, Sun, and Talk ’N Text subscribers; P8/call]). (GSIS)
DA extends P4-M aid to farmers in Davao City By: Funny Pearl Gajunera
DAVAO CITY - The Department of Agriculture on Monday turned over to the city government a check amounting to PHP4 million as assistance to the fisheries and the livestock sector under the national government’s Payapa and Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program. he check was received by City Agriculturist Leo Brian Leuterio, who said PHP2 million of the amount will benefit the Municipal Fishery Development Project at Purok 77, Bangkal, Talomo District while the remaining PHP2 million will be spent for livestock production projects.
used to purchase dryer for seaweeds and small warehouses for the fisherfolk.
“We have identified a few things that the beneficiaries really need -those are dryers for seaweeds to help them develop their products and small warehouses for their products Leuterio said the money will be and equipment,” Leuterio said.
21 - 27 April, 2018
27
MINDANAO NEWS
He said the solar-powered with the coastal road and there will seaweeds dryer will boost the be more to come,� he said. seaweeds industry in the city. Meanwhile, the City Information According to Leuterio, CAO had Office (CIO) reported that the requested for the financial assistance Philippine Rural Development Project under the PAMANA after assessing (PRDP) also turned over two units of the needs of the fisherfolk and small hauling trucks to two Davao City livestock raisers. He said there are cooperatives. more needs of the fisherfolk that will be distributed to them in the coming The vehicles will be given to days. the Subasta Integrated Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIFMPC) “We have requested more and Biao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries motorized bancas from the Bureau Cooperative (BARBC). The units will of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources be used for cacao production and (BFAR). We also have three on deck marketing of dry fermented beans. fish landing that will be put up together (PNA)
28
21 - 27 April, 2018
National News
Comelec to use color-coding system in identifying poll hotspots By: Ferdinand Patinio
Under the proposed color-coding scheme, code green would mean no problem and cause for concern; while an area will be under code yellow if it has history of political unrest. Code orange will indicate the presence of armed groups, and code red for those deemed as critical areas.
MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to adopt a color-coding system in identifying hotspots in the upcoming Barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) polls.
“From the operational side, the point of the color coding is to basically create an expectation on what will be the Comelec’s response, including the augmentation of forces,” Jimenez added.
He said the plan to adopt the color-coding scheme is part of their “We will have a calibrated preparation for the 2019 midterm polls. categorization system - green, yellow, “We are preparing for 2019. We orange, and red,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told a press conference are trying to systematize. It’s part of the ongoing process to improve electoral Friday. management,” he said. Jimenez said that they are talking with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding the declaration of election hotspots. 21 - 27 April, 2018
Earlier, the PNP identified a total of 7,544 election hotspots throughout the country ahead of the village and youth polls on May 14. (PNA)
29
NATIONAL NEWS
National Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Activity launched in NCR By: Lucia F. Broño
PARAÑAQUE CITY - The Department of Health (DOH), together with the City Government of Parañaque, officially launched the National Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA) to halt the ongoing transmission of measles especially among unvaccinated children and pregnant women. The Philippines is currently experiencing an increasing trend of measles cases based on the latest report from the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau. From January 1to April 14, 2018, at least 5,450 measles cases were recorded nationwide with 905 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. Among these 15 reported deaths, 13 were among those unvaccinated, one was vaccinated
30
but has unknown number of doses and the remaining case had an unknown status of vaccination. The pockets of measles outbreaks started in the last quarter of 2017 and continue up to present. Outbreak Response Immunization activities were conducted but despite ongoing outbreak response immunizations in affected areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mindanao, measles 21 - 27 April, 2018
NATIONAL NEWS transmission continued.
8, 2018 for Mindanao,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said during the To counter the continuing rise of launch on Tuesday, April 24, here. measles cases, the DOH is heightening its measles vaccination through the The DOH is committed to SIA targeting infants and children 6-59 strengthen the immunization program months of age with measles containing and reach every child in every vaccine regardless of immunization barangay, hence, the department status. shall provide free measles vaccination for this SIA. “As we launch the Ligtas Tigdas campaign here in the Metro Manila, we “I would like to reiterate to the hope to reach all parents/caregivers public, especially to the parents/ and guardians emphasizing the life- guardians, that the measles vaccine saving benefits of measles vaccination. is safe and we have been doing this since the 1970s. Measles vaccination We call all parents/caregivers to has saved millions of lives. Let us all allow their children ages 6-59 months to protect the health of all Filipino children be vaccinated starting April 25 to May through vaccination against measles,” 24, 2018 for NCR and on May 9 to June Duque added. (LFB/PIA-NCR)
21 - 27 April, 2018
31
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
ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor
ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor
FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor
NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor
VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists
GERIE MAE G. COCO RONNIE E. MADANGUIT Contributors
JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur
NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur
SUSIL D. RAGAS
Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands
LUCIA F. BROÑO LEE M. ESCOBAL FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA FERDINAND PATINIO JOHN GLENN T. PLATIL EUNICE MONTAOS PLAZA AIMEE B. SIENES GREG TATARO, JR. DSWD FIELD OFFICE CARAGA ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY SURIGAO RADYO PILIPINAS-TANDAG LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DTI-SURIGAO DEL NORTE DTI-AGUSAN DEL SUR TESDA-CARAGA ASEAN, PNA, GSIS, PNP-13 PGO-SDN Business Managers
ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer
ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO
Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga
Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte Twitter: @PIAAgusanNorte
AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA
SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte
SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur