Caraga InFocus - April 29 – May 05, 2017

CONTENTS

Volume 1, No. 57 29 April 2017 - 05 May

REGIONAL NEWS

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Caraga economy growing, says PSA chief RJJWC members gather, fortify advocacy vs lowering age of criminal liability People’s organizations for youth, PWD, senior citizens participate in consultation dialogue

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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DAR donates P3.5-M worth of farm equipment to REFAMCO Caraga Palm Oil industry stakeholders meet to localize national roadmap, prepare AgSur regional plan MGB conducts groundwater resource, vulnerability assessment to Caraga LGUs Youths gather for climate change, disaster preparedness forum in Surigao Norte

COVER Caraga’s Outstanding lupons win 2017 lupong tagapamayapa incentives award

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Surigao Norte agrarian org tops regional maturity assessment 851 coffee growers in SurSur to benefit from IFAD Project ConVERGE SurSur town inks MOA with DENR for biochar project Agusan Norte implements SALINTUBIG in Buenavista town Agusan Norte agrarian orgs complete financial management training

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HEALTH NEWS

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FNRI rekindles traditional Filipino cuisine using brown rice

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao casket-maker installs DOST-FPRDI lumber dryer

NATIONAL NEWS

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Job fairs draw 66,000 jobseekers, more than 6,000 hired Duterte effect now translates into major infra developments - Palace

News Briefs The intensified drug campaign of the government has significantly increased the price of illegal drugs in the country.

Industry sector contributed 35.1% in Caraga region’s economic growth while Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry, & Fishing with 16.5% and Services remain the top contributor.

The Agusan del Norte Provincial Ordinance No. 441-2017, the Provincial Human Resource Management Office is mandated to prepare programs, such but not limited to, personality development, entrepreneurial skills training, fund management, stress handling, prospecting business and investment and programs that would make the retireables useful in their respective communities.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office has warned the public on the purchase and consumption of unregistered food products and food supplement.

Caraga’s Outstanding lupons win 2017 lupong tagapamayapa incentives award By: Jason Ryan R. Lam

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UTUAN CITY - The 2017 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA) Regional Awards Committee (RAC) headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga declares its winners after the conduct of the regional assessment on March 31, 2017.

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Cover Story

The award has four categories, for the Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Highly Urbanized Cities Category, the winner is Barangay Doongan, Butuan City; for the Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in Component Cities Category, the winner is Barangay Telaje, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; for the Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities Category, the winner is Barangay Urbiztondo, Claver, Surigao del Norte; and for the Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa in 4th to 6th Class Municipalities Category, the winner is Barangay Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) was established in 1997 as a means to institutionalize a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to the Lupong Tagapamayapa that demonstrates exemplary performance in settling disputes at the grassroots level.

The performance and accomplishments of the lupons were evaluated by committees organized at the regional, provincial and municipal levels on the basis of a) efficiency of operations; b) effectiveness in securing the katarungang pambarangay objectives; and c) creativity and DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion congratulates all the resourcefulness of mediators. winners and encourages them to

By and large, the regional be prepared in the national level assessment activity has ended up of assessment. (DILG-Caraga/PIAsuccessfully. Through her memorandum, Caraga) 29 April - May 5, 2017

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ASEAN News

President Duterte inspects Chinese warship docked in Davao City DAVAO CITY President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, May 1, 2017, visited China’s Navy flagship destroyer Changchun docked at Sasa Port in Davao City saying it would be the start of a greater cooperation with the Chinese military particularly against piracy.

Changchun is one of the three to show that we are friends.”

Chinese navy vessels that arrived in Davao City.

He said he welcomed the Chinese navy vessels and he was the one who

In an interview with reporters, the asked for the warships to come to the President described China’s warship as Philippines. “very impressive” and comparable to a hotel.

At the same time, the President

“It’s clean and even the carpeting, said he agreed to a joint military it’s all carpeted inside and it’s like a exercises with China in Mindanao hotel actually,” he said. possibly in the Sulu Sea.

Asked by the members of the press if his visit will be the start of a series of cooperation with the Chinese military, he said, “Yes, part really of the confidence building and goodwill and

The President also discussed his phone call with United States President Donald Trump echoing the concern of other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) about 29 April - May 5, 2017

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ASEAN News the devastating effects of war in the The President also clarified that the Korean Peninsula.

Philippines is not distancing itself from the US but there was some rift before

“Sinabi ko lang na we are as because of differing views between concerned and I supposed that you him, former US President Barack Obama have the persuasive power, you are and the US State Department. showing it to him. There has to be a sense somewhere,” he said of his But things have changed, he said, discussion with Trump. adding that he is already friends with the newly elected US President.

He said the US could not scare North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with “There’s a new leadership. He firepower and the greatest chance wants to make friends and he says that of getting some dialogue between we are friends. So why do you have to America and North Korea would be pick a fight?”, the President said. through China.

Palace cites upsurge in foreign tourists visiting PH

Malacañang welcomed the continuing influx of foreign tourists in the country after the Philippines’ hit a fouryear high on foreign tourism arrivals.

“Foreign tourists chose to ignore the political noise and believe that it’s really more fun in the Philippines,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Abella meanwhile assured foreign tourists that more improvements are to be expected in the country, noting the Duterte administration’s Build-BuildBuild projects, which include tourism

Abella noted that a total of 579,178 infrastructure such as airports, railways, visitors were recorded in February or an and road networks. increase of 27.81 percent over the past four years, adding that it is 5.36 percent “Millions of jobs will be generated higher than the same period last year. in the transport and tourism sectors as we

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ASEAN News usher in the Golden Age of Infrastructure within the next five years. We therefore hope to make the tourism sector not only sustainable and competitive but also socially responsible to bring comfortable lives to all Filipinos,” Abella said.

“They looked forward to the completion of a framework of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by middle of this year, in order to facilitate the early conclusion of an effective COC,” Patron said.

Abella likewise lauded New Yorkbased global debt watcher S&P Global Ratings’ stable outlook on the Philippines, saying that it resonates the satisfactory effects of the country’s policy in fiscal and debt metrics.

“Whereas before, China and ASEAN Member States do not even want to start discussion on the framework of Code of Conduct. But under the Philippine chairmanship, we have seen a lot of movements in the discussion and China has already made an announcement that it’s also supportive of having a framework of the COC. So that is something that we would like to take advantage of. It’s a step forward to having a full and effective COC,” he added.

S&P expects the country’s Gross Domestic Product to grow annually by 4.9 percent or around $2,950 GDP per capita within the next four years.

“The stable outlook on the Philippine economy also shows that policies continue to provide a favorable environment for sustained growth,” he said, adding that the country’s “BBB” long-term credit rating reflects the country’s strong external position and adequate capacity to meet financial commitments.

Patron meanwhile said the ASEAN leaders “expressed grave concern over recent developments in the Korean Peninsula.”

“They urged the DPRK to immediately comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security

In the same briefing, Department Council resolutions,” Patron said. of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Executive Director for ASEAN Affairs Zaldy Patron The 30th ASEAN Summit also saw said the Philippines has successfully the signing by the Leaders of the ASEAN hosted the 30th Association of Southeast Declaration on the Role of the Civil Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit over the Service as a Catalyst for Achieving the weekend, noting that the leaders had a ASEAN Community Vision 2025. fruitful discussion on important issues in ASEAN.

The declaration recognizes the significance of the civil service as

Patron said the ASEAN leaders the backbone of good governance noted the bloc’s improving cooperation and a catalyst in building the ASEAN with China.

Community.

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Photo Gallery OPERATION TULI

FSUU Gym, Butuan City 30 April 2017

National Nutrition Council (NNC) Launching of Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City 02 May 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga economy growing, says PSA chief By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY The economy of Caraga grew by 2.5 percent in 2016 in gross regional domestic product (GRDP), the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Based on PSA Caraga’s data, Rosalinda Apura said the increase is not Services expanded from 5.5 percent that high as compared to 4.5 percent in 2015 to 8.7 percent in 2016. posted in 2015.

Financial Intermediation grew by 14.5 percent; Other Services by 10.5

Apura also said that services percent; Trade and Repair by 8.7 sector contributed the largest share in percent; Transportation, Storage and the region’s total economic output with Communication by 7.8 percent; Public 48.4 percent, and still the main driver Administration and Defense by 6.4 for the region’s growth. percent; and Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities by 6.2 percent.

The industry sector on the other hand followed the services sector Also, PSA Caraga bared that the that also contributed 35.1 percent in industry sector suffered a reversal from the region’s growth followed with 16.5 10.5 percent in 2015 to 3.3 percent in percent from the agriculture, hunting, 2016 due to a contraction in Mining forestry, and fishing (AHFF), Apura and Quarrying (MAQ). Manufacturing, added.

Electricity, Gas and Water Supply and 29 April - May 5, 2017

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Regional News Construction posted expansions of 5.9 percent, as recorded by PSA Caraga. percent, 5.0 percent, and 4.1 percent, respectively. MAQ declined by 8.5 Apura further said that the services percent, it was learned. sector contributed 4.0 percentage points to the region’s total growth in

The AHFF declined by 2.3 percent 2016. On the other hand, industry and in 2016 as fishing further slowed down AHFF pulled down the growth by 1.2 to negative 3.3 percent. Agriculture percentage points and 0.2 percentage and Forestry posted an improvement point, respectively. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga) though still negative growth of 0.8

RJJWC members gather, fortify advocacy vs lowering age of criminal liability By: Eunice Montaos Plaza

BUTUAN CITY – Chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), members of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC) have recently gathered at Prince Hotel, this city for their quarterly meeting to discuss updates as to the latest going of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) now that it is being deliberated at the Congress.

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Regional News

Part of their discussion was the committee’s position on the pending bill on lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) from 15 to nine years old.

The members of the RJJWC expressed their stand that no child should be put in jail rather they should undergo the diversion program or be placed in a rehabilitation center for youth for recovery and possible re-integration to their families and communities.

Reynaldo Balmori, Chief Personnel Records Management Officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)Caraga, who attended the meeting as representative of BJMP stated his opinion on the issue saying that even the physical design of the jail would suggest that it is no place for a child to be placed.

“Putting a child in jail together with adult offenders is never a good idea as a child is known to be vulnerable and can easily be influenced,” Balmori said.

The RJJWC first quarter meeting agreed on conducting follow-up of resolutions for the local government units (LGUs) opposing the MACR in support to the committee’s advocacy.

DSWD Caraga OIC Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim stated that the said resolutions from the local government units (LGUs) is important to show and support the cause of DSWD and also to promote the welfare of children.

“We really need to strengthen our laws to protect our children,” Lim said.

Social Welfare Officer Dante Rosales and Marietta Jandayan, RJJWC Caraga secretariat, also provided updates on the submission of the LGUs as to the Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP) of the LGUs which were trained last year.

The RJJWC is an inter-agency structure mandated to oversee and ensure implementation of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act. The committee is expected to provide

“When they will be mixed with support in all areas of monitoring, adult offenders, it is like we put them policy and program development, to the academy of criminal minds,” he advocacy and social mobilization.

(Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field added.

Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 29 April - May 5, 2017

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Regional News

People’s organizations for youth, PWD, senior citizens participate in consultation dialogue By: Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Protective Services Unit (PSU) recently conducted the Simultaneous People’s Organizations Meeting for 1st Semester calendar year 2017 held at Goat2Geder Hotel, this city.

Members and officers who attended the meeting are the Federation of Pagasa Youth Association (PYA), Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Association (REFESCA), and Caraga Federation of Persons with Disabilities Inc. (CARFEDPWD).

in the decision making process as well as to conduct productive activities in order to sustain the organization.

During the breakout session, each group delivered their 2016 accomplishment as well as discussed issues and concern in the

Said consultation dialogue was implementation of their respective aimed to strengthen and capacitate programs and services. the People’s Organizations with updated information and awareness Also, part of the activity is on matters that are related to the the oath-taking of the members of promotion of their rights, social CARFEDPWD together with their newlyprotection and inclusion of the social elected President, Pablo Manding. development program.

The DSWD has already

Wilma Geralla, SC/PWDs focal institutionalized the conduct of the person, hopes that the consultation said activity every semester. (Social dialogue will encourage the sectoral Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office organization to participate and involve Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery Department of Trade and Industry Agusan del Norte “Kapatid Mentor Me� Program Launching Grand Palace Hotel Ballroom Butuan City 2 May 2017

Program Launching

Press Conference

AGUSAN DEL SUR

DAR donates P3.5-M worth of farm equipment to REFAMCO By: Hazel Hope V. Bautista

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur – The Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office has recently turned over the P3.5 million worth of farm equipment comprised of one unit 90hp tractor and three units corn sheller to Remedios Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (REFAMCO) in Barangay Remedios, Esperanza, this province.

Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (ARPO I) Hanisarah Saripada of the provincial office, together with the staff of DAR Municipal Office of Esperanza headed by OIC-Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Joven Pizarro, and the REFAMCO officers attended the said event.

ARPO I Saripada informed that the turn-over ceremony would serve as a binding contract between DAR and REFAMCO, as a deed of donation

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was being signed. This will give the cooperative an assurance that the said farm equipments are already entrusted to them legally. She further said that hopefully, with the use of the said farm equipment, REFAMCO will progress into a more productive cooperative.

Meanwhile, MARPO Pizarro stressed that one of the purposes of ARCCESS is to improve the economic aspect of life of the farmer beneficiaries through provision of farm equipment

Provincial News that will not only aid the farmers as they cultivate the land awarded to them but also to become one of the incomegenerating assets of the cooperative that they are into.

to us so that soon we will be able to sustain and maintain its usage as well as be able to purchase new equipment”, said Wilfredo C. Yongco Sr., REFAMCO chair, as he addressed Saripada’s challenge to them. (DAR-Agusan del

“We will do our best to ensure Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) utmost use of the entrusted equipment

Caraga Palm Oil industry stakeholders meet to localize national roadmap, prepare AgSur regional plan

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Stakeholders of the Palm Oil industry cluster from all over Caraga region have recently gathered together in San Francisco town this province to craft their development direction.

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Provincial News

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Guided by the Philippine Palm Oil Roadmap 2013-2023, the Department of Trade and industry (DTI) Caraga Region with DTI-Agusan del Sur provincial office, organized a localization and planning workshop to determine issues and strategies embodied in the roadmap to meet the needs of the oil palm growers and other players in the regional setting.

Also, in his message, C.K. Chang of Agusan Plantations Inc. (API) group of companies and current Caraga Palm Oil Development Council chair shared his journey in the Philippines as an oil palm grower. He is one of the pioneer growers of oil palm in the region particularly in Agusan del Sur, which hosts the biggest oil palm plantations in Caraga.

While presenting the national roadmap, DTI-Caraga Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran acknowledged that there are certain sectors that still have some questions about the industry. He said there is a need to address these concerns for the cluster to be able to unleash the full potential of the palm oil industry.

“I am satisfied with the outcome,” expressed Ricky Nemiño, president of the Oil Palm Growers Association of Surigao Sur (OPGASS). He, together with the association’s other officers and members composed the second biggest delegation, next to Agusan del Sur who joined the workshop. (DTIAgusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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SURIGAO DEL NORTE

MGB conducts groundwater resource, vulnerability assessment to Caraga LGUs By: Ralph Angelo B. Plaza

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga conducted a Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment from January to April 2017 in four municipalities of Agusan del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands.

A team of geologists, geologic aide, and laboratory technician from the MGB Caraga Geosciences Division conducted the said assessment in the following municipalities covering 47 barangays: municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte with 20 barangays; Magallanes, Agusan del Norte with

eight barangays; Loreto, Dinagat Islands with 10, and Tubajon, Dinagat Islands with nine barangays.

One of the functions of the MGB is the conduct of specialized researches and assessment of the country’s groundwater resources.

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Provincial News inventory of all the water sources of

The Groundwater Resource and every barangay during fieldwork.

Vulnerability Assessment Program is Similarly, to document the water a major activity that the MGB has sources. initiated to conduct as its contribution to the implementation of one of the Primary field data such as geology, provisions of the Clean Water Act geomorphology and the type of water (2004) which is to prepare and publish source were gathered. The source of a national groundwater vulnerability water could either be well type (shallow map incorporating the prevailing or deep), spring type, sinkhole, or river. standards and methodologies.

Water samples were also collected

The objectives of the Groundwater per water source for the analysis of Resource and Vulnerability Assessment physical and chemical properties. The Program are as follows: Assess the said properties were analyzed within 24 availability of groundwater on the hours after the samples were collected. various geologic formations in the entire In addition, interviews were also country; Establish the quality/chemistry conducted by the team in every of groundwater in groundwater basins; barangay to gather secondary field Establish the potentials and limitations data such as date of well construction, of available groundwater in the puroks supplied, location of the water various groundwater basins; and Assess source and other details in order for groundwater vulnerability of aquifers in the team to note the past and present the country. situation of the water sources. (Ralph Angelo B. Plaza, MGB-CaragaPIA The team is tasked to make an Surigao del Norte)

Youths gather for climate change, disaster preparedness forum in Surigao Norte By: Graciela Mante

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – As a post-disaster response initiative to the destructive magnitude 6.7 earthquake which hit the province last February 10, 2017, a Youth Forum on Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness was conducted on April 22, 2017 at the Function Hall of the Surigao del Norte Negosyo Center and on April 24, 2017 at the Kapitolyo ng Siargao in Dapa, Siargao Island.

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Provincial News

This event aimed to encourage the youth to take the lead in keeping their families, communities and schools updated and prepared in any disaster threats by making them understand more the concepts of climate change and disaster preparedness.

Sol Matugas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Caraga Regional Office and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Program of the US Embassy.

It was participated by more than 50 youth leaders from mainland Surigao

The forum was a partnership and more than 80 youth leaders from between the Provincial Government Siargao. (PEEDMO-Surigao del Norte/ of Surigao del Norte headed by Gov. PIA-Surigao del Norte.

Surigao Norte agrarian org tops regional maturity assessment By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Alipao Multi-purpose Cooperative (ALMUCO) of Brgy. Alipao, Alegria, Surigao del Norte topped the Caraga-wide Information Technology-enabled Maturity Assessment (ITEMA) for the assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

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Provincial News

This was revealed during the ITEMA feedbacking session held last April 18, 2017 in Butuan City facilitated by the staff from Policy Planning Services of DAR Central Office and ITEMA consultant.

“This is a great and very welcoming news for us,” said Venancia S. Signar, chairperson of ALMUCO.

“This is because of the untiring and collaborative effort of all the officers and members of ALMUCO. Truly, there

ALMUCO obtained a rating of is strength in unity,” she added.

78.25 equivalent to Maturity Level of 5.

A total of 378 ARBOs all over the region The ITeMA for ARBOs seeks to were subjected to ITEMA. come up with comprehensive and realistic results of assessing the levels of

The said ARBOs were assessed on maturity of the DAR-assisted ARBOs, to their 2015 organizational operations on bring to fore the development gaps or the following key results areas, to wit; the interventions yet to be provided, organizational management, business and to create a database of DARenterprises and social services, resource assisted ARBOs from which updated and financial management, alliance and comprehensive ARBO profiles can building, and social and environment be readily generated. (DAR-Surigao responsibility. del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter World Red Cross Day Celebration and First Aid & Hazard App Launching Robinsons Atrium, Butuan City 3 May 2017

2016 GRDP News Conference

Grand Palace Hotel, Capitol Drive Butuan City 04 May 2017

SURIGAO DEL SUR

851 coffee growers in SurSur to benefit from IFAD Project ConVERGE

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A total of 851 coffee growers who are members of the six assisted Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) cooperatives of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) within Barobo and Tagbina towns Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) cluster will be the first batch recipients of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) project.

DAR Surigao del Sur information officer Myra Yu said that the Project ConVERGE is a rural development approach that aims to increase the farmers’ income and productivity that will focus on coffee production, rejuvenation, processing and marketing activities.

The said project is financed by IFAD, a specialized agency of the United Nations that helps reduce poverty incidence in the developing countries.

Kahayagan Coffee Growers Cooperative (MKCGC); Tagbina ARB Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TAGAREBE); Ugoban Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UMPC); Tagbina Rural Improvement Club Producers Cooperative (TAGRICCO); Progressive ARB Cooperatives (PARBMCO); and San Roque Cooperative (SARCO).

Yu further said that MKCGC, the producer of Robusta Ground Coffee (brewed coffee), which is available in the market, is the lead cooperative in the implementation. Other coops

The cooperative beneficiaries involved are engaged in coffee according to DAR are: Mabuhay production and rejuvenation stage.

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Provincial News

Provincial Agrarian Reform program officer Benjamin M. Mataksil during the project consultation meeting said that “as the project progresses, hopefully it will benefit more or less 6,613 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the two

municipalities involved”.

The said project started the implementation last quarter of 2016 and will run until year 2021. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur town inks MOA with DENR for biochar project By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur – The local government unit of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur recently inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of the Biochar Community Enterprise Project, primarily aimed to remediate environmental problems.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) information officer Johny Natad said the signing of the MOA took place in time with the project launching held at the Ecopark of Barangay Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte on April 18 between Cantilan Mayor Philip Pichay and DENR Secretary Regina Paz Lopez as support for the implementation of the biochar project in Surigao del Sur.

Barangay Magasang of Cantilan town with Adlay Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (ADISFFAMCO) and Tigpanalipod sa Katunggan nan Magasang (TIKAMA) as the participating community organizations.

The project will be expanded to the identified areas in Surigao del Sur and in Caraga region, as well under the Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) – Green Economy

Accordingly, the project will be Model (GEM) of the agency. (JSN/PIAimplemented initially in two areas: Surigao del Sur) Barangay Adlay of Carascal town and 29 April - May 5, 2017

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AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Agusan Norte implements SALINTUBIG in Buenavista town By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to implement the SALINTUBIG Program, otherwise known as Sagana sa Ligtas na Tubig in the municipality of Buenavista after the approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its regular session on April 10, 2017.

In Sanggunian Resolution No. 1122107, authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan gave

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authority to Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, to sign in behalf of the province the mmorandum of Agreement by and

Provincial News among the province, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the local government of Buenavista for the implementation of the said program.

sanitary toilet facilities increased, a large portion of the population obtained their water from sources that are considered unsafe such as unprotected well, undeveloped spring, river, stream, pond, lake, dam, rainwater, among

The SALINTUBIG Program is a others. national government’s response to the lack of access to sufficient and safe The municipality of Buenavista was water supply in the countryside. identified as one of the beneficiaries based on the criteria set by the DILG,

Based on the Annual Poverty Department of Health (DOH) and Indicators Survey (APIS) conducted by National Anti-Poverty Commission the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), (NAPC). (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIAit revealed that while the population Agusan del Norte) with access to safe drinking water and

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.

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Provincial News

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 to discharge effectively the standards set to avail support and About 80 participants consisted services of the government. of coop officers, admin staff who acted as managers, treasurers, “This seminar is one of an array bookkeepers, cashiers, among others of much trainings to be undertaken participated in the proceedings as by the agency under institutional they gained the importance of strengthening program, which aims managing financial resources of the to empower the ARBOs,” Domingo cooperative. added.

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.

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According to Cooperative Development Coordinator Nenetha Balibay that the training was conducted as part of DAR’s Secretary Rafael Mariano’s commitment to implement the genuine agrarian reform program.

“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), and facilities, among others,” Balibay said. (DARAgusan del Norte)

Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte Provincial Development Council - Institutional Development Committee Meeting Provincial Provincial Training Center, Butuan City 5 May 2017

Agusan del Norte Provincial Development Council - Social Development Committee Meeting Provincial Training Center, Butuan City 5 May 2017

HEALTH NEWS

FNRI rekindles traditional Filipino cuisine using brown rice

By Jund Ria A. Doringo

Brown rice or unpolished rice is whole grain rice with the bran layer still on, which gives the brownish color, and exudes a mild and nutty flavor.

According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in comparison with white rice, brown rice is richer in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B1, B3, and B6, manganese, phosphorus, and iron.

Also, brown rice can contain as much as four times the amount of insoluble fiber than white rice.

Promoting increased consumption of brown rice among every Filipino and maximizing the health benefits of brown rice, the

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Health News Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) developed a suitable and simple nutrition tool featuring standardized recipes of brown rice.

The recipe development process involved literature and recipe research, focus group discussions, standardization and evaluation of sensory attributes, estimation of energy and nutritional content, and photodocumentation of the recipes.

Also, it shows off original recipes with estimated energy, calcium, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C per serving size.

The brown rice recipe book is

Preparation of the lay-out design, available at the FNRI Library in Bicutan, themes, health benefits, and practical Taguig City and an e-copy will be tips on preparing brown rice comprised uploaded on the FNRI website. the production and printing of the recipe book.

In spreading awareness of healthier options and alternatives to the Filipino community, such as the consumption of brown rice, through useful, practical, and handy nutrition tools, the FNRI-DOST is devoted and enthusiastic in fulfilling its mandate of diffusing knowledge and technologies in food and nutrition.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga) 29 April - May 5, 2017

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MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao casket-maker installs DOST-FPRDI lumber dryer

By Rizalina K. Araral

BUTUAN CITY - One of biggest casketmakers in Mindanao is almost done putting up its furnace-type lumber dryer (FTLD), after DOST-FPRDI researcher Caesar A. Cuaresma supervised the facility’s installation last March.

“The 3,000-board-feet capacity lumber dryer of King Jude Metal Caskets and Accessories is about 70 percent completed, after the major parts were put in place last month. The owners requested for the immediate construction of the dryer so that they would be better able to meet the quality and volume requirements of St. Peter Funeral Parlors, their sole client,” said Pedrito A. Lontok of DOST-FPRDI.

Funds for the dryer were loaned from the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

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DOST-FPRDI’s FTLD enables small 29 April - May 5, 2017

and medium enterprises (SMEs) to make high quality finished products from properly kiln-dried wood. Made of locally sourced materials, it is easy to install and operate, uses woodwastes as fuel, and dries lumber to a moisture content acceptable to both local and foreign markets.

In the SOCCKSARGEN region where King Jude Metal Casket and Accessorites is based, two other companies have also availed themselves of SETUP loans for their own FTLDs: the Ramon Tan Sawmill in Tacurong City and the Tecuala Mini Sawmill and Woodworks in Kidapawan City. (DOST-STII/PIA-Caraga)

NATIONAL NEWS

Job fairs draw 66,000 jobseekers, more than 6,000 hired

MANILA - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK) Caravan 2017 drew a total of 66,425 jobseekers nationwide and 6,302 of them were Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS) on Monday.

The said job fair was spearheaded by DOLE in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and various local government units (LGU) in celebration of the 115th Labor Day on May 1.

Dominique Tutay to Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, the nationwide job fair was conducted in 54 sites and solicited a total of 230,000 job vacancies from 1,200 participating employers.

In a report submitted by Bureau With a total generated applicant of Local Employment (BLE) Director of 66,425, the National Capital Region 29 April - May 5, 2017

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National News (NCR) had the highest number of passed the initial screening step. registered applicants with 18,962; followed by Region 7 with 10,765; and Throughout the job fair, a Region 3 with 7,464 job seekers. total of 54,468 job interviews were conducted, of which 43, 633 are for

Based on the total figure of local employment, and 10,835 are for registered applicants, 30,103 were overseas opportunity. male and 36,322 were female.

The fair also aimed to improve

The nationwide job fair has given the job applicant’s competitiveness of employment opportunities to a total of which 1,382 individuals were referred to 6,302 applicants who were hired-on- TESDA for skills training while 737 were the-spot by participating employers. given livelihood assistance.

Based on the said figures, NCR gathered the most number of HOTS at 2,498, followed by Region 10 at 827, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at 738.

DOLE NCR Regional Director Johnson Cañete said that the labor department continues to look for ways and means in making employment and livelihood closer to the Filipinos by conducting localized job fairs with the assistance of various LGUs in the country.

Cañete meantime urged employers to strictly observe and obey the newly passed law on Anti Age Discrimination which repeals the age limitations during hiring and work application processes.

“We understand that some of our employers have not yet been notified by the new law on Anti Age Discrimination. DOLE strictly imposes the law. We urge the applicants to report to us if they encounter employers who require age limitation when hiring, unless their reason is stated on

“There are millions of job the exemptions in the law,” the official opportunities that our Filipino job reiterated. hunters can apply for. Some of the major industries which have a large The NCR Regional Director also number of vacancies are in the stressed that the labor department has services sector, sales, and in the BPO programs in addressing job mismatch industry or call center agents,” Cañete such as conducting nationwide job explained. fairs, JobStart program, and through the PhilJobNet where job seekers can

On the other hand, a total of easily look for jobs which suits their skills 32,782 job hunters were considered as and competitiveness online,” Cañete ‘near hires’ and 48,702 job applicants added. (Paul Ang-DOLE)

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29 April - May 5, 2017

National News

Duterte effect now translates into major infra developments - Palace MANILA - The reforms being initiated by the Duterte administration continues to translate into major infrastructure developments, a Palace official said.

In a press briefing, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that LRT 1 Cavite Extension Project starts Thursday.

has a state-of-the-art air navigation

“Build, Build, Build is the Duterte system in line with international administration’s battle cry.

The standards which improves safety construction of LRT-1 Cavite Extension operations.

Project, which will connect the railways from Baclaran to Cavite, has begun At the same time, Abella reported today as Department of Transportation that the Duterte administration rolled Secretary Arthur Tugade initiates its out the P157.4-billion infrastructure groundbreaking ceremony,” Abella projects in the poorest Philippine said. regions.

The railway extension project is expected to be completed in October 2021 which will accommodate an estimated 410,000 passengers a day.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has announced that the Three-year Rolling Infrastructure Plan (TRIP) ‎2018-2020 will target five regions with the highest

Furthermore, Abella said the poverty rates. newly constructed Puerto Princesa International Airport terminal likewise These include the Autonomous opened on May 3.

Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Caraga, Eastern Visayas,

The P4.5-billion terminal has Soccsksargen, and Northern about 1,500 seats, 200 parking slots Mindanao with the government and a 2,600-meter runway which can identifying a total of 1,313 regionaccommodate bigger aircrafts. It also specific infrastructure projects. (PND) 29 April - May 5, 2017

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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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