Caraga InFocus – April 6-12, 2019

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[ Contents 06 - 12 April 2019

Volume III, No. 34

Butuan MSMEs, scholars pair up for DICT’s e-commerce training REGIONAL NEWS

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Various sectors push for long term infra projects in Butuan

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PNP Caraga bares anti-crime efforts

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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leader surrenders to Army in 10 NPA SurSur turns over ice plant, cold storage 11 NGO facility to Dinagat LGU

ibang ahensiya magbibigay tulong 12 DOH, sa mga drug dependents ng Caraga

MINDANAO NEWS

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14 Marawi IDPs get cash, food packs needed to haul garbage into 15 P78-M Korean vessel: BOC

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NATIONAL NEWS

cites right to dissent as ‘essence 18 PRRD of democracy’ to cushion impact of El Niño on 19 Gov’t prices of goods: DTI

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News Briefs Through Sanggunian Resolution No. 052-2019, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte has accredited the CACEA Guihao-an Irrigators’ Association Incorporated of Barangay Agong-ong, Buenavista as People’s Organization in the province of Agusan del Norte.

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Inauguration & Turnover Ceremony of the Health Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Center in Brgy. Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. It is a China Grant Aid Project with an approximate funding allocation of P370 million.

Some 40 camp coordinators from the province of Agusan del Norte learn the importance of camp coordination and camp management (CCCM) during training of trainors in Butuan City.

DXPL-Mystical FM in Dinagat Islands, PIA Caraga Regional Director Abner Caga enjoins fellow government workers and the media to remain committed to their duty of upholding the truth at all times as they communicate their platform of governance, and continue to fight the battle against fake news.

Cover Story

Butuan MSMEs, schola e-commerce training

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UTUAN CITY - Twenty-five micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) this city now have their own web pages to jump-start their e-commerce activities.

ars pair up for DICT’s

These MSMEs were matched with scholars/trainees who helped them develop and launch their websites as part of the outputs of the 14-day Digital Marketing Development Training that started last February 12, 2019.

The training is under the Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) Program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and was made possible by the partnership between DICT, the City Government of Butuan and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Agusan del Norte.

For the MSMEs involved, the training enabled them to translate and bring up their traditional marketing strategies to a whole new level by making their products/services available online where a wider audience can participate and be informed.

DTI Agusan del Norte through Negosyo Center (NC) Butuan identified and matched the 25 MSMEs to the scholars of DICT.

The scholars underwent the training led by Ruben Licera, a digital marketing mentor, coach and entrepreneur.

Last March 13, 2019, the scholars started their 21-day campaign and launched the websites that they developed. For 21 days, the activities and engagements of the websites where consumers can now virtually

The digital marketing course was interact and shop will continue to be helpful for a group of MSMEs that were monitored closely. assisted in their engagement in online marketing/e-commerce through the The scholars are expected to graduate web pages that were developed for this 23rd of April 2019. (DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) them by the trainees for free.

The RIS is a program of DICT that provides digital opportunities and creates meaningful ICT-enabled jobs and business options for successful trainees.

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REGIONAL NEWS

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

Various sectors push for long term infra projects in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Various sectors in this city have been pushing for sustainable urban infrastructure projects that will boost the economy and tourism here.

During the recently held Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Master Plan for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development (MPSUID) spearheaded by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga with the presence of environmental planners, economists and engineers, the group assessed the current situation, as well as the issues and concerns of the city that need to be addressed.

for the city.

He added that Butuan City was one of the 10 cities chosen by the NEDA central office as pilot area of the respective region to craft a master plan for infra projects.

NEDA Caraga Assistant Regional Director Roy Kantuna revealed that this workshop is the first of the four workshops to be conducted this year to complete the master plan. He further emphasized

Michael Tomeldan, that the NEDA would make sure that environmental planner and team the team would come up with quality leader architect for MPSUID, stressed concepts. the importance of having a master plan since it will serve as a guide in the “As my personal observation, implementation of different projects we’re very happy that stakeholders

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Regional News I Empowering Communities particularly the industry cluster here and the regional line agencies exerted effort and actively participated. The local government of Butuan City is also full-force,” said Kantuna.

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appeal for the local government.

“I hope that whatever agreements we can come up after the series of workshops, the local government unit would show determination to really

Meanwhile, Engr. Roderico Cane implement them,” he underscored. of Butuan Pro-Food also expressed his (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PNP Caraga bares anti-crime efforts

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - With the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensified campaign and serious implementation of security measures, particularly in running after the wanted persons in Caraga region, the authorities have apprehended 43 most wanted persons and 497 wanted persons with the implementation of Manhunt Charlie, while some 540 firearms were also confiscated from January 13 to March 29, 2019.

The PNP also confiscated and recovered a total of 1,027 firearms from the separate conduct of police operations.

regional operations division, 75 gun ban violators were nabbed since the start of the implementation of COMELEC gun ban.

During the presentation of accomplishments on simultaneous focused police operations at the PRO13 headquarters held recently, Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PNP Caraga regional director, disclosed that 89 firearms were confiscated during the implementation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban while 938 firearms were turned over to the police units.

It was learned that of the 938 firearms now under police custody, 39 of them were surrendered by political aspirants.

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Cruz also stressed that the PNP is serious in implementing the laws and is religiously monitoring the peace situation in the region.

The official further encouraged the public to be vigilant and report to the nearest police station any incident Based on the record of the in their area. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

NPA leader surrenders to Army in SurSur

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By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TAGO, Surigao del Sur – A Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) leader identified as Jomar Martinez Mapando voluntarily surrendered to 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion Headquarters based in Barangay Dayoan, Tago around 5:00 PM, April 6, 2019, 36IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer said.

Lt. Jonald Romorosa, CMO officer of 36IB, said that Mapando also known as “Peter” is a resident of Sitio San Isidro, Barangay Anilong, Rosario, Agusan del Sur. He brought with him a homemade shotgun, and a .357 pistol with ammunition and other documents with high intelligence value.

Mapando has decided to surrender because the promise he longed for never happened.

According to Romorosa, Mapando is currently under the custody of the 36IB while he is undergoing the process of enrolling the EnhancedComprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the government intervention package intended for former rebels who decided to return to the government folds.

Based on the report, Mapando joined the terrorist organization when he was 17 years old out of his curiosity, aggressiveness, and adventurism.

Mapando further said that he joined the NPA because of promises for Since January 2019 up to present, monetary support and alleviation from a total of 75 CNT active members and poverty. supporters including Mapando have voluntarily surrendered to 36IB, it was

But when he reached 25 years old, learned. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

NGO turns over ice plant, cold storage facility to Dinagat LGU

By Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - Winrock International turned-over recently the Ice Plant and Cold Storage Facility located in Barangay Don Ruben, San Jose town, this province.

Winrock International Representative Abelardo Yandug led the turn-over to the local government unit of Dinagat Islands witnessed by Senior Board Member Nilo P. Demerey, Jr., A&M Chairperson Cesar L. Pueran, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personnel and provincial employees.

The said facility, which is of great help to vendors and fisherfolks, is composed of two ice makers that can hold a capacity of 54 blocks of ice or a weight of 18 kilograms and can be sold in the amount of P50 per block.

DTI Assistant Regional Director Gay Tidalgo urged the Dinagatnons to maximize the facility.

“For this year, we really have to make miracles and do everything to make things happen in Caraga because our region is so blessed with natural resources. We can do much out of these. At the end of the day, the things we do for the people to improve their lives are the most important,� said Tidalgo. (PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

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DOH, ibang ahensiya magbibigay tulong sa mga drug dependents ng Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

AGUSAN DEL SUR - Tututukan ng Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga kasama ng ibat-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga drug dependents sa oras na matapos na sa kanilang pagpapagaling sa loob ng Drug Treatment at Rehabilitation Center.

Ito ang sinigurado ni DOH-CHD Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., kasabay sa isinagawang turn-over ceremony ng nasabing rehab center sa Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Suportado naman eto ni Usec.

Roger Tong-an ng administration and finance management ng DOH.

“Patuloy din an gating koordinasyon sa lokal na pamahalaan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at Commission on Higher Education (CHED) sa pagbigay tulong sa mga drug surenderers sakaling gusto nilang kumuha ng vocational o college courses paglabas nila sa rehab center,� sabi ni Tong-an.

Ayon sa opisyal, patuloy din ang koordinasyon ng DOH at lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Sur, kasama ng TESDA sa pagpapatupad ng mga naaayon at nararapat na programang ibibigay para sa drug dependents. Tulad na lamang ng pagbibigay ng libreng trainings para mahasa ang kani-kanilang at Dagdag pa ng opisyal, may makapagtrabaho at magkaroon ng koordinasyon din sila sa mga state pangkabuhayan. universities ng rehiyon kung saan maaaring mag-aral at maturuan

Tutulungan din ng lokal na ang drug surenderers sa larangan ng pamahalaan at mga kinauukulang fisheries, agriculture, at maging sa ahensiya ang mga gustong bumalik sa pagnenegosyo. Magbibigay din ang pag-aaral. pamahalaan ng subsidized fund para dito. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

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Marawi IDPs get cash, food packs

By Allan Nawal

DAVAO CITY - The government, through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), have started distributing financial aid and grocery items to Internally Displaced Persons in Marawi City.

Dr. Dimapuno Datu Ramos Jr., head of the NCMF’s Bureau of External Relations based in Manila, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that 705 IDPs from Barangay Banggolo Poblacion became the initial recipients of the aid, consisting of PHP73,000 in cash and grocery box worth PHP1,400, on Saturday.

“NCMF Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan represented the NCMF while Secretary Eduardo del Rosario represented TBFM during Saturday’s distribution at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol in Marawi City,” Datu Ramos said. Undersecretary Budiongan came in behalf of the DSWD.

“This distribution came into fruition after the dialogue last March 18-19 between the IDPs and TFBM, which was brokered and witnessed by the NCMF and Secretary Pangarungan after numerous complaints regarding TFBM’s

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‘broken promises and inaction’,” Datu Ramos said.

He said the distribution of the financial assistance was agreed “while awaiting the passage of the PHP30 billion Marawi Reparation Bill, which was filed by Secretary Pangarungan (when he was still) in Congress,” he added.

Datu Ramos said on Sunday (April 7), it would be the turn of 623 IDPs from Barangay Bubong a Lilod Madaya to be served.

“Succeeding schedules for the remaining barangays will be announced by the DSWD,” he added.

Datu Ramos said those from the 24 most affected areas (MAAs) were being prioritized.

However, he said that “every eligible IDP will be given the financial

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

aid according to our good secretary.” validate the claims. The 73,000 cash that was given to them is meant for

“Those who were most severely livelihood and sustenance assistance. affected in ground zero were prioritized. It is up to the IDPs how they will use The others will follow. What is important the money. The role of the NCMF is to is for the beneficiaries to register via facilitate the distribution from TFBM/ biometrics in order for the DSWD, WFP DSWD while waiting for progress on the and the respective LGUs to be able to Reparation Bill filed,” he added. (PNA)

P78-M needed to haul garbage into Korean vessel: BOC

By Ercel Maandig

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Mindanao International Container Terminal (MICT) District port on Friday reported that the Ministry of Environment in South Korea is now willing to have the 50,000 tons of garbage dumped at Phivedec Industrial Estate premises in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Province shipped back to their country.

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

However, the move requires an amount of PHP78 million, Customs Collector John Simon said, as it will be used to defray for the rentals of more dump trucks and backhoe, including the purchase of tonner bags that costs PHP5,000 each.

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to send a vessel to the Philippines for hauling the said wastes in Tagoloan.

As of this moment, the task force is waiting for the South Korean government to send some people to discuss about the arrangement and procedures conducive to both parties.

Part of the amount, he added, also include labor fees for the personnel After the hauling, it’s the Korean who will do the work in transferring the government that would shoulder the shipment. cost from the Philippines back to South Korea.

The said cost is solely for local hauling from the importer’s premises, “But it will still have a natural waiting which is the Verde Soko in Tagoloan, to period of delay for over a month since the Korean vessel if it will arrive in the our country is having an election on port.

May 13 and will wait until the new set of leaders will assumed their respective

Simon said in January this year, the posts,” Simon said.

Task Force Force Basura was discussing the possibility of requesting the South Last week, Misamis Oriental 2nd Korean government to intervene for District Representative Juliette Uy asked the hauling of waste materials back to about the status of the said garbage their country. since most of the members in the local level are running for political positions

Until recently, the Korean and are busy campaigning in their government replied and committed respective areas. (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

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National News I Empowering Communities

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PRRD cites right to dissent as ‘essence of democracy’

By EJ Roque

MANILA President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday cited the importance of dissent as the essence of democracy.

“‘Pag walang right to dissent, hindi ka maka-dissent (If there is no right to dissent, people cannot dissent), there is no democracy. That’s the only one there. The right to dissent.

(I will not get mad). Free choice. ‘Yan lang rin ang hingiin ko sa inyo, hayaan ninyo ang tao kung sinong gusto niya (That’s the only thing I ask. Let the people decide which candidates they like),” he said.

Remove that and you do not have a democracy,” Duterte said in Duterte said he never entered his speech at the Partido Demokratiko police stations months before elections Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) during his stint as Davao City mayor. campaign rally in Bacolod City.

“Months before (the elections),

Duterte called on government hindi na ako pumapasok ng kampo (I and state forces, especially the police, do not enter police camps). Just to be to never intimidate dissenters. fair,” he said.

“Never intimidate (them) because the essence of democracy is the right to dissent,” he said.

The President said he respects the people’s freedom to choose whoever candidates they want in elections.

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Duterte earlier warned the 2019 mid-term polls candidates, both from the administration and opposition parties, not to terrorize voters.

The President has also repeatedly ordered the police and the military to remain neutral during the conduct of “Hindi ako ‘yang magalit sa ano the polls. (PNA)

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National News I Empowering Communities

Gov’t to cushion impact of El Niño on prices of goods: DTI

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA - The government will be laying out measures to cushion the impact of El Niño or dry spell on the prices of basic goods, particularly agricultural products, a trade official said on Wednesday.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo made this assurance admitting that the dry spell, which will last until May or June, might lead to a spike in the prices of vegetables.

Aside from the possibility of a stronger and prolonged El Niño episode, Castelo said the continued rise in global crude oil prices may

provide upside price pressures over the near-term.

“Gulay talaga iyong binabantayan natin (Vegetables are what we need to monitor) because of the drought now happening in several regions in the country, so production has halted I understand,” Castelo said in an economic press briefing in Malacañang.

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National News I Empowering Communities

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water supply flowing in the fields.

Sugar prices

Castelo, meanwhile, said the agency will also be monitoring the prices of sugar following reports that the prices of sugar went as high as PHP68 per kilo compared to the usual price range of PHP50 to PHP55.

“DTI continues to monitor sugar.

We have included that in our list. And we insist that price of sugar should only be at PHP50, maximum at PHP55 per

“That’s why government is here; kilo,” Castelo said. we want to minimize the effects. There will definitely effects on agricultural

She said the agency will also be products, we cannot deny that,” she issuing notices of violation to retailers added. selling sugar above the allowed retail price.

Castelo said agencies which are members of the National Price

“The DTI, in our efforts to help the Coordinating Council (NPCC) will Department of Agriculture and the SRA, be holding a meeting Wednesday we issue notices of violation, actually, to afternoon to ensure government is retailers selling sugar at a higher price ready to address the effects of El Niño than PHP55,” Castelo said. on agricultural products.

“We inquire from them as to the

“The NPCC will particularly do a source and why the price is much close watch on the effects of El Niño on higher than the expected retail price,” the price and supply of agri products,” she added.

Castrlo said.

“We intend to address this through the NPCC by finding out how we can help farmers continue production or minimize at least the ill effects of El Niño,” she added.

Citing the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Castelo said there is no reason for prices of sugar to increase since stock balance is at an all-time high.

“The SRA already said that there is

Castelo said among the measures sufficient supply of sugar in the Philippine which might be discussed during the market so there is no reason,” Castelo meeting would be efforts to keep the said. (PNA)

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