Caraga InFocus - August 13 - 19, 2016

CONTENTS

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PNP chief urges Caraga cops to win war vs illegal drugs Illegal drugs campaign nets 5,446 voluntary surrenderers in Butuan City ‘Bato’ tells Caraga cops: Reduce illegal drugs in 6 months period 15th HRSD Conference in Caraga: Develop tourism industry, Caraga officials told

Caraga student named national winner in oratorical contest

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REGIONAL NEWS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

destroys confiscated 17 DTI uncertified products AgNor distributes land titles in 18 DAR Jabonga town inks agreement with DA for 19 AgNor road project

13 - 19 August 2016 Volume 1, No. 20

COVER

Coffee perks up farmers’ lives

Army’s bayanihan teams facilitate livelihood programs in AgNor towns Southwest Butuan launches Project CARAMEL DSWD-Caraga assists displaced lumad families in AgSur town Feature: Building better health station for AgSur barangay 15th HRSD confab, venue for transition Caraga’s HRSD confab sets record-breaking participants Surigao Norte guv wants full operationalization of Siargao Agri Trade Center DAR meets with SurSur farmer group Tandag LGU holds anti-smoking orientation

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HEALTH NEWS: Pinggang Pinoy: an easy guide to good nutrition

MINDANAO NEWS

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NEDA cautions gov’t against taking easy on good economic numbers

NATIONAL NEWS

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PRRD sees difficult talks ahead, but open to settlement with Reds Secretary Piñol orders creation of antiillegal fishing task force in West PH Sea DSWD, LGUs intensify relief ops for ‘Habagat’; Sec. Taguiwalo assures enough food supply for victims

SPECIAL FEATURE Change is coming: A clarion drumbeat for promising progress

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News Briefs The Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) is the biggest annual gathering of business leaders, policymakers, exporters, traders, & exhibitors in the island-region. The said event is running on its 25th year, hosted by different business chamber in Mindanao & this year’s host the Surigao Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) is hopeful that this will be another milestone for the province of Surigao del Norte in terms of economic progress. For registration & more information just visit the SCCI office located at the Provl Sports Complex, Surigao City or call at tel.# (086) 826-7716.

The Philippine economy grew seven percent during the second quarter of 2016 according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This is an upbeat start for the current administration.

During the 115th Police Service Anniversary celebration held at Camp Rafael Rodiguez in Butuan City, the Police Provincial Office of Agusan del Sur received the Best Provincial Police Office Award from PNP Caraga regional director PCSupt Rolando Felix, with the presence of PNP director general Ronald Dela Rosa. Also, Bayugan City Police Station received the award as Best Component City Police Station & San Francisco Police Station as Best Municipal Police Station. The provincial police office was also given plaque of recognition for the unit that accounted the most number of loose firearms confiscated during election period & for calendar year 2015.

Bayugan City also received special award as Best LGU. #PartnerForChange

The Municipal Police Station of Barobo in Surigao del Sur tops the greatest number of ushers/pushers who surrendered with 677 personalities. Bislig City w/ 605; Tagbina w/ 592; Hinatuan w/ 506 and Tandag City w/ 492.

Cover Story

Coffee perks up farmers’ lives

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Joie L. Ceballos

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T

he soon to be launched Robusta coffee in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur was 50 years in the making. And if the farmers of barangay Kahayagan in this municipality took them that long, this coffee must be very, very good!

In 1965 farmers started to grow coffee in a forest reserve area owned

by Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP). Their organic coffee has already created local yet loyal customers, but it was very slow to

go mainstream due to lack of support.

Since their product has a big market in Caraga region, 30 farmers created the Mabuhay- Kahayagan Coffee Growers (MKCGC) in 2007 and contributed P1,000 each for

their starting capital.

Three years later, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed an area covering 2,772 hectares for the coffee plantation.

Under

the

common

The DAR also helped the cooperative by looking for partneragencies to develop their coffee business. Aside from the DAR’s dehuller service machine for the coffee beans, the

REGIONAL NEWS

facilities component of DAR’s Agrarian Reform community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project, MKCGC received one unit flatbed drier and sprayer all worth P1.4 million. The dryer encouraged the farmers to expand their coffee farms so that it could cater bigger volume than of the present facility.

CARAGA INFOCUS

But for these poor farmers, running farmers, running the cooperative was not easy, most especially when coffee growing came to a halt brought about by the low buying price of fresh berries. With continued guidance from DAR, the organization was encouraged to just plant more and utilizes the land until Nestle became the organization’s valued buyer.

Nestle provided the organization with quality variety of coffee and several planting and growing trainings. On the other hand, the DAR developed the organizations maturity with various capability-building trainings and continuing seminars on product development.

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Department of Agriculture also provided one, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave P350,000 to help with their coffee production needs and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offered one industrial coffee grinder and two industrial coffee roasters. The DOST also taught the farmers about the nutritional facts of coffee.

The business went on the nestle using the world market’s fair price and the cooperative grew to 143 members with a working capital of more than P100,000.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

But MKCGC could not just stop as supplier to Nestle. With a special arrangement, Nestle allowed the use of 5 percent - 10 percent of the farmers harvest for their own product. And with the business development service component of DAR-ARCCESS, MKCGC was trained in roasting, grinding and packaging that gave birth to another business opportunity for the cooperative - the Tagbina Robusta Coffee.

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While waiting for the approval of the facilities from the ARCCESS’ common service facilities component like roaster and grinder, MKCGC, in pursuit of bringing their product closer to the market, tapped outsource services but continues to hope for the approval of the facilities.

Construction is on-going for the MKCGC’s coffee processing center implemented under DAR’s villagelevel processing center enhancement program. Under this program, the DAR

gave P500,000 and the Tagbina town provided a counterpart of P200,000 for the construction of processing center.

The Tagbina Robusta Coffee, which soon be launched in the market, will not only provide our coffee time with new aroma but also perks a new hope of success for Tagbina coffee farmers.

(DAR-CARAGA Info officer/PARO-SDS/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Photo Gallery CMO Public Affairs Enhancement Training News and Photo Journalism

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City 12 August 2016

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Change is coming: A clarion drumbeat for promising progress

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

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“Change is coming!” is a sheer yet mighty byword that most ordinary Filipinos thought for the present administration. It brings high hopes towards a path for genuine change – a truism that citizens get what they deserve from choosing the top echelon of leader capable of pursuing the proclaimed political platforms, a herald

of promising development.

In less than half a hundred days since president Rodrigo Duterte took his seat in Malacanang and barks out his orders, Rex Torres, a village councilor of Brgy. Patong in the interior municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur expressed his trust in the “DU30’s” more responsive system of governance.

REGIONAL NEWS

Citing his observations, Torres quipped that the real change that most ordinary citizens had longed before has finally come, and that he is more optimistic about the ultimate success in the implementation of programs and projects under the new administration.

CARAGA INFOCUS

According to Torres, the change is truly Torres added that he has proven felt in his community and at the local no wrong of placing his trust and government unit where he is serving. confidence to the leadership of Pres.

Duterte. Quitting from believing for a

Torres shared his personal substantial and progressive change is experience as he recently made a not an option for him at all. transaction at the Land transportation Office (LTO) in Tandag City. “I am Meanwhile, in support to the amazed of the drastic change in the national government, Surigao del delivery of frontline services, from Sur Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. long hours of queuing and waiting also instructed all the department for my turn previously to a fast-paced and division heads under his office processing of the renewal of license to expedite the streamlining of its and registration,” enunciated Torres. courses of actions and policies in accordance also to the rules for good

Torres attributed the now governance, public accountability efficient system, effective processing and transparency. initiatives and upgraded of human resource performance capability to For Torres, the verge of the affirmative upshots of the Duterte’s transformation is very challenging, directives to government institutions to but a worthwhile encounter for every eradicate red tape and bureaucratic Filipino - to savor a dream pursued practice of delayed actions. and a purpose fulfilled for a powerful independent nation. (PIA)

“This has perfectly matched the implemented electronic and online verification of data among LTO customers. It gives ease on our part which saves money, time and effort,” stressed Torres.

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PNP chief urges Caraga cops to win war vs illegal drugs

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: PCI Charity Galvez

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BUTUAN CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa during his visit to the city on Monday urged the police force in Caraga to keep the momentum in suppressing the drug problem.

With the theme: “Hamon ng Pagbabago, Pinag-ibayong Serbisyo,” the celebration of the 115th Police Service Anniversary of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 was filled with laughter as the PNP chief shared his experiences while delivering his message.

reduced in six months.

The PNP chief also commended the PRO 13 headed by Chief Supt Rolando Felix for its substantial gains in the implementation of Project Double Barrel.

PNP chief Dela Rosa is optimistic “Pagpasok ko pa lang ng PRO that the drug menace would be greatly 13, nakita ko na ang scoreboard sa

accomplishment sa Project Double Barrel which is a best practice (when I entered PRO 13, I immediately saw the scorecard of accomplishments on Project Double Barrel which is a best practice),” he said and stressed that this should be done also in other police regional offices.

On the other hand, the nation’s top cop also emphasized that the PNP is waging war against its members who have been involved into illegal drug trade. He added that the police should

cleanse their ranks to become effective in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, one of the highlights of the celebration was the giving of awards to the police officers and PNP units in Caraga for their exemplary performances including the Local Government Unit, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, and NonGovernment Organization for their outstanding contributions to the PNP. (PNP-Caraga)

Illegal drugs campaign nets 5,446 voluntary surrenderers in Butuan City By: Venus L. Garcia

shabu (30.9217g) with a total amount of P364,876.06 according to Dangerous Drug Board value.

“One of the arrested pushers is the top most wanted drug personality listed

CARAGA INFOCUS

It was also revealed in the accomplishment report on anti-illegal drug operations for the same period that there are 34 arrested pushers and users in its jurisdiction. Confiscated items were marijuana (0.3645g) and

REGIONAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – In adherence to the call of the Duterte administration to support the war against illegal drugs, the implementation of Oplan ‘Tokhang’ has yielded a voluntary surrender of 5,369 drug users and 77 drug pushers in this city based on the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) record for the period July 1 - August 10, 2016, while 1,200 number of homes were visited.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

under Butuan City Police Station-4,” Lazaga, Jr., deputy city director for underscored BCPO city director PSSupt. operations of BCPO bared that based Percival Augustus Placer. on their previous record, the city is a transshipment point from Misamis

When asked about the number of Oriental, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu drug lords who are probably operating City. in the city, Placer said that no highvalued target is being noted in the “Statistically, there is a significant city. He then encouraged the people decrease in the theft incidence in the from media sector to help divulge any city wherein 85 incidents were recorded activity related to illegal drug dealings on July 2015 as compared to only they know for the Philippine National nine incidents of July 2016. It can be Police (PNP) to take appropriate seen that our campaign for anti-illegal actions and for possible apprehension drugs made an effect of tremendous of the culprits. reduction of crime rate since drug users tend to make criminal activities such as

Placer encouraged the media theft and robbery to sustain such vice,” to help them in terms of information said Lazaga. dissemination on the intensified campaign against criminality and Lazaga urged the public to illegal drugs. He also stressed that the support the campaign and that they PNP has remained transparent in all its will continue to serve the warrants mandates and responsibilities. particularly on R.A. 9165 and with adherence to the rule of law. (VLG/

Meanwhile, PSupt Excelso PIA-Caraga)

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‘Bato’ tells Caraga cops: Reduce illegal drugs in 6 months period By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The nation’s top cop is optimistic that the drug problem in the country will be reduced in six months period.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during his visit to the city on Monday as guest of honor and speaker of the 115th Police Service Anniversary celebration of the PNP urged the police force of Caraga region to defeat the nation’s

drug problem within the given six months period as ordered by President Duterte.

Dela Rosa pledged to resign from office if the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs fail within the given period.

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY – Though Caraga Region has been dwelling on developing the tourism industry, spokespersons of the Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training (MinTVET) urged the region’s officials to strengthen its tourism potentials.

CARAGA INFOCUS

15th HRSD Conference in Caraga: Develop tourism industry, Caraga officials told

REGIONAL NEWS

“I will not cling on my post as chief PNP keep the momentum in suppressing and will not hesitate to resign if I fail to the drug problem,” dela Rosa told solve the problem,” dela Rosa said. police force.

PNP Chief Dela Rosa is optimistic

Dela Rosa challenge his men to that the drug menace would be do their best for they will be the first greatly reduced in six months. ones to be relieved before his time to go.

Also, dela Rosa emphasized that the PNP is waging war against its members

“You should cleanse your ranks first to become effective in the who have been involved into illegal campaign against illegal drugs . . . drug trade. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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John Franco, Information Officer of the MinTVET said Monday that one way of doing this is to instill in the minds of the Caraganons the hospitality which local and foreign tourists alike, have been looking for. “As soon as they (tourists) arrived here, they must feel that they are welcomed… this must be the orientation to be given to the people in Caraga,” he said.

Also, effective marketing strategy must be implemented. “Promotional strategies must also be revisited and if there is a need to revise, then do it,” Franco said.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Further, another spokesperson of MinTVET Angela Natividad underscored that promoting a certain place in a region is not enough… “This must be packaged… When you promote Siargao because of the annual international surfing competition, other tourist destinations in the region must likewise be promoted… In this way, you are not only promoting one place, but the whole Caraga Region,” she said.

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The officials are here in the region for the conduct of the 15th Human Resource and Skills Development (HRSD) Conference on August 9-10, 2016.

This year, the HRSD Conference is hosted by the Caraga Association of Technical-Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII) and TESDA-Caraga. It is anchored on the theme: “Onwards TVET: Changes and Transitions towards 2020.”

The conference aims to convene as one and unified sector in TechnicalVocational Education and Training (TVET) in Mindanao discussing, sharing and exchanging common points that would significantly contribute to national and regional TVET success.

Now on its 15th year, this year’s hosting in Caraga is a record-breaking in terms of the number of delegates.

“This year’s number of delegates has broken the records since the HRSD Conference was conducted,” Franco said. (TESDA-Caraga)

Caraga student named national winner in oratorical contest By: Ma. Lourdes P. Apego

For her win, Cadayona received P15,000 in cash plus trophy.

Meanwhile, Joyce Ken Kei Daquio of Kidapawan City National High School was awarded second place winner while Jona Mocam of Matanao

National High School of Region 11 got the third place.

A total of 16 best school orators representing all the regions in the country joined the contest. (Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)

CARAGA INFOCUS

According to DepEd Caraga Regional Information Officer Elizalde Bernales, student Ena Francesca Cadayona of Caraga Regional High School in Surigao City is the grand prize winner of the oratorical contest along the theme “Legal na Ampon Ako: Anak na Totoo.�

REGIONAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY - A student from Caraga region landed in the first place in a national oratorical contest sponsored by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

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Photo Gallery PDG Ronald “Bato” M Dela Rosa’s visit to Caraga Region #PartnerForChange

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

15 August 2016

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DTI destroys confiscated uncertified products

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

pcs. assorted extension wires; 8 pcs.

DVD players; 2 pcs. steam iron; 116 pcs. starters; 79 pcs. lamp holder; 73 pcs. lighters; 10 pcs. electric fans; 168 pcs. assorted CFL; 1 pc. helmet; 426 pcs. assorted plugs/outlets; 22 pcs. receptacle; 5 pcs. switch and 38 pcs. assorted rice cookers.

The seized products destroyed include 434 pieces (pcs.) plywoods; The products were confiscated in 1,048 pcs. assorted Christmas lights; year 2015 and early part of 2016 from 63 pcs. assorted monobloc chairs; 74 seven establishments in the city and

CARAGA INFOCUS

Said activity was witnessed by Barangay Doongan Barangay Captain Gilberto Enriquez, resident auditors, Konsumador Hong Butuan officers and members, media practitioners, and store owners/representatives of the confiscated products.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte destroyed seized nonconforming products worth about P481,483 to raise consumers’ awareness on safe and quality products on Wednesday at barangay Doongan covered court here.

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Agusan del Norte, said DTI Agusan del Norte Consumer Welfare Division chief Wyn Palma. The establishments were handed administrative fines amounting to P236,280, Palma added.

“For our safety, we must use products that passed the requirements of the Philippine National Standards (PNS),” Plama added.

Safety of the consumers is the primary concern of DTI, mandatory products must pass the requirements of the PNS. Such as the required markings

and labels on the product or product package to assure consumers that these products meet standards and are safe to use.

“The DTI urged the consumers to check on the Product Standards (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks prior to purchase of these products because a well-informed and vigilant consumer is the best protected consumer,” said Gay A. Tidalgo, provincial director of DTI Agusan del Norte. (PIA-Agusan del Norte)

DAR AgNor distributes land titles in Jabonga town

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Gil E. Miranda

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Photo from: DAR-ADN

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte distributed Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs), covering a total of 34-hectare of agricultural lands, to 28 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Jabonga during the celebration of the Araw ng Jabonga recently.

Certificate of titles were handed out to the farmers-beneficiaries of Barangays Cuyago, Baliguian, Magsaysay, Libas and San Vicente.

The activity was spearheaded

by Jabonga Mayor Jasmin F. Monton assisted by Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Vicente Magallon and some local government officials.

Monton

urged

the

beneficiaries to take care of the land they till and to make it productive and pay the amortization to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the real estate taxes to the government.

Farmer-beneficiaries were grateful to the department for the Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) as a proof of ownership of the land they now call as their own. (DAR-Agusan del farmer- Norte)

AgNor inks agreement with DA for road project By: Aimee B. Sienes

The said IMA is a vital requirement to avail the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) for the implementation of the said project.

DA’s PRDP is designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market oriented agri-fishery sector, in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector in providing

Photo courtesy of: Sonny Montilla

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – The province of Agusan del Norte will sign an implementation management agreement (IMA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the concreting of Bay-angMahaba farm-to-market road with a bridge.

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key infrastructure facilities, technology effort to reduce poverty among the and information that will raise income, rural communities of 81 provinces in the productivity and competitiveness in the country. countryside.

The provincial government

The national government though signified its interest and became one of the DA has obtained a loan from the the recipient LGUs of the said project International Bank for Reconstruction for the implementation of the of Bayand Development-World Bank (IBRD- ang-Mahaba farm-to-market road WB) for the purpose of financing the with a bridge project. (LGU-Agusan del PRDP to support the government’s Norte)

Army’s bayanihan teams facilitate livelihood programs in AgNor towns

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: 2Lt Joan B Camus

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BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The bayanihan teams of 23rd Infantry (MASIGASIG) Battalion, Philippine Army in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) facilitated the awarding of certificates to barangay associations under the Bayanihan Team Activity in the municipalities of Nasipit, Buenavista and Carmen, all of Agusan del Norte on August 10-12, 2016.

A total of 69 barangay associations were given DOLE certificates recognizing their legitimacy as people’s organization in the community able to help the local government in its thrust to development and progress. They are also entitled for livelihood assistance both from DOLE and from their local government unit.

Ritche Tangpos, head of DOLE Agusan del Norte expressed his gratitude to the bayanihan teams for facilitating in the delivery of government’s basic services and livelihood programs of DOLE to be benefitted by the less privileged people.

The awarding of certificate was attended by Mayor Norbert Pagaspas

During the awarding of of Buenavista, Mayor Ramon Calo of certificates that was held on their Carmen and a representative from respective municipality, Engr. John LGU Nasipit. (23IB, 4ID, PA)

Southwest Butuan launches Project CARAMEL

CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY - In response to the call of uplifting the quality education, Southwest Butuan District launched recently its flagship program the Creative Academic Reinforcement for Achievement and Management for Excellent Learning or known as project CARAMEL held here.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Joy Carol A. Belarmino

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Project Caramel was conceived in response to the Department of Education’s vision of producing competent learners through creative ways of showcasing their potentialities and developing their academic skills.

It sees the opportunities, importance and applications of continuous improvement activities and various reinforcement strategies to achieve and deliver the mission of creating a child- friendly, gender sensitive and nurturing schools, developing a motivating environment geared towards excellent performance. It considers as well that management of stakeholders as its prime ally to achieve lifelong and excellent learning.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

The program was anchored on the Regional and Butuan City Division’s flagship program BRAVE which means Butuan’s Response to Academic Voyage for Excellence, designed to

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help address the pressing need to increase academic performance of pupils or students.

The said launching was graced by Schools Division Superintendent Arsenio T. Cornites Jr., CESO V, the newly elected first councilor of Butuan and Committee Chairman on Education Atty. Glenn Carampatana; and Raul Carampatana, Brgy. Captain of San Vicente, Butuan City, and attended by a hundred teachers of Southwest District coming from West Central Elemenatry School, Villa Kananga Elementary School, Maon Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Mandacpan Elementary School, Bitos Elementary School and San Roque Elementary School bringing with them their different banners on their school based flagship programs where the Project CARAMEL serves as the “pitcher project.” (DepEd Butuan City Division)

Photo Gallery Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga Region Regional Contingency Plan formulation Workshop for HumanInduced Hazards

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City August 17 - 19, 2016

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CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DSWD-Caraga assists displaced lumad families in AgSur town

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Photo from Kitanglad Multimedia Collective

AGUSAN DEL SUR - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga provided augmentation support on August 15, 2016 to the 56 displaced lumad families in the municipality of Talacogon, province of Agusan del Sur.

The agency augmented a total of 112 family food packs amounting to P45,955.84. Each food pack contains six kilos of rice, eight tins of canned goods, and six sachets of 3-in-1 coffee.

has already provided them 112 food packs amounting to P31,360 and containing five kilos of rice, six corned beef, and six sachets of coffee.

As reported, these 56 lumads

Prior to the augmentation support, are from Purok 8, Barangay Zillovia in the local government unit of Talacogon the said municipality. According to

“Dili lalim ang magpuyo sa evacuation center, lahi ra sa comfort nga mahatag kung magpuyo sa kaugalingong panimalay (It’s not easy to stay in the evacuation center and the comfort is far consultation to the residents for the different when you are in your own proposed road infrastructure and water house),” said Brigoli. system project in the area.

“Para makuhaan ang kalisod nga

As per information from Richard nasinati sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga Coguit, Brgy Chairman of Brgy. Zillovia anaa karon sa gymnasium nagpuyo, thru Michael Sabacajan, Municipal kita sa DSWD padayon nga magtutok Disaster Risk Reduction and Response sa ilang kahimtang ug posibleng Management Officer, other evacuees panginahanglanon aron maka-hatag claimed that they are afraid because kita ug saktong ayuda kanila (To lessen the New People’s Army (NPA) allegedly the burden experienced by our lumad told them to evacuate the area brothers and sisters who are currently because the military will kill them. staying at the gymnasium, we in DSWD, are continuously monitoring their

As of date, they are temporarily condition and status for possible needs sheltering at Brgy. Zillovia gymnasium. so that we will be able to provide appropriate assistance),” she added.

DSWD-Caraga regional director (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Minda Brigoli assured that the agency’s Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

field staff composed of Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) team and Municipal Action Team (MAT) are closely monitoring and continuously coordinating with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Talacogon for any development on the welfare of the said lumad families.

CARAGA INFOCUS

reports, they evacuated from their homes on August 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. due to the presence of military, the 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division who conducted CommunityBased Management Information System (CBMIS) survey, interview and

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Feature: Building better health station for AgSur barangay

By April Mae N. Waban & Marko Davey D. Reyes

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Residents of Barangay Tudela, Trento, Agusan del Sur hope and seek to improve their community’s health with the construction of their barangay health station sub-project now underway. The said sub-project amounting to P1, 340,814 is funded through the KapitBisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program.

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Although the community has an existing health center, it was inadequate for residents in the area.

Pregnant women during prenatal check-ups had to wait or line up for several hours before they are received because the old health center was too small to accommodate them.

Getting their children immunized was also difficult especially during harsh weather since the roof of the center was already in bad condition. Some residents even had to travel and go to health centers of neighboring barangays for prenatal and immunization. This

situation made the community decide to propose this sub-project.

Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the core anti-poverty programs of the national government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It uses the Community Driven Development (CDD) strategy which helps empower individuals through providing them opportunities to capacitate them to identify and address their community’s needs that affect local poverty issues.

(Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA Caraga)

15th HRSD confab, venue for transition By: Robert E. Roperos

opportunity to compete not only in the national but as well as in the international skills,” Franco said.

With the new officials under the Duterte administration, Franco added the conduct of the activity will give challenge to those officials who are tasked to continue what has been started by the previous administration so that no Filipinos will be left behind in as

“We need to be updated with far as skills development is concerned. the latest technology, methods, and curriculum in tech-voc so that Meanwhile, Angela Natividad, Mindanaoans will be given the another spokesperson of MinTVET

CARAGA INFOCUS

During the press conference on Tuesday, August 9 held at the lobby of the Philippine Gateway Hotel here, Franco said the conduct of the annual summit served as venue for the technical-vocational sector to be updated with the latest development that our country is facing specifically with the ASEAN integration that has been implemented.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – “The 15th Human Resource and Skills Development (HRSD) conference is a good venue for transition,” said Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training (MinTVET) spokesperson John Franco.

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underscored that with the ASEAN Integration, this means that skilled workers in the ASEAN member-nations can freely go in and out from these countries which specifically means that “our Filipino skilled workers can work freely with these member-countries as long as they are technically qualified.

Likewise, skilled workers from other ASEAN member-countries will also do the same.”

The Human Resource and Skills Development (HRSD) Conference is an annual gathering of TechnicalVocational (Tech-Voc) schools in the six regions of Mindanao which primarily aimed to strengthen the education and training of manpower skills among Mindanaoans.

This is also to ensure that techvoc students and school administrators will be given the opportunity to be

With this development, Natividad acquainted and somehow share the stressed that there is a need for the best practices that each region is doing Filipino workforce to be updated to for skills development. cope with the demand of the ASEAN integration. “This will also mean that This year, Caraga Region hosted our TVET graduates will be given the grandest event of the TVET in greater chances to be hired and work Mindanao. According to the Secretariat, abroad… this is the reason why we as of 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, some 586 need to upgrade their skills,” Natividad delegates were in attendance. (TESDAadded.

Caraga)

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Caraga’s HRSD confab sets recordbreaking participants

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SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – A recordbreaking number of delegates in the 15th Human Resource and Skills Development (HRSD) Conference has been noted by the Secretariat.

order here in the city… So, I think, this is one of the perfect venues we have so far in HRSD,” Natividad said.

“This attendance is the biggest in the history of HRSD Conference,” he said. This figure, according to Franco has somehow surpassed the number of delegates during the previous years’ conduct of the annual gathering of

It aims to convene as one and Mindanao TVET sectors. unified sector in Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in

We are so thankful to the Mindanao discussing, sharing and host region – Caraga and the host exchanging common points that would organization – the Caraga Association significantly contribute to national and of Technical Vocational Insitutions, Inc. regional TVET success.

(CATVII) for this resounding response from our partners in the different regions

It also aimed to discuss the in Mindanao. challenges of the future of TVET amidst the current global financial crisis and

We also salute the leadership of its effects on the TVET sector. Likewise, the provincial government of Surigao it serves as a venue for sharing and del Norte thru Governor Sol F. Matugas learning from best practices in skills for the hundred percent support development and training and extended to CATVII, TESDA-Caraga, education as a benchmark initiative for and the MinTVET. continuous improvement.

In other development, MinTVET Spokesperson Angela Nativitidad is elated over the peace and order situation in the city saying that with the presence of foreigners just walking around the corners, this means that the security in the city is stable.

Participants of the conference include: Private and Public TVET School Administrators, TVET Institution Heads, Training Managers and Trainers, Industry Groups or Associations, TVET Industry Partners, TESDA Provincial Directors, Training Center Chiefs, ROD/Finance Chiefs, and selected TESD Specialists.

“There’s nothing to worry about (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA-Caraga/PIAthe security as well as the peace and Surigao del Norte)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

The 15th HRSD Conference is hosted by the Caraga Association of Technical-Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII) and TESDA-Caraga and is anchored on the theme: “Onwards TVET: Changes and Transitions towards 2020.” The two-day event opened on Tuesday and will end Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Mindanao Technical-Vocational Education and Training (MinTVET) spokesperson John Franco revealed during the press conference here on August 9 that as of 10:30 a.m., the Secretariat has recorded some 583 in the attendance.

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Surigao Norte guv wants full operationalization of Siargao Agri Trade Center By: John Glenn Platil

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Governor Sol F. Matugas is now making rounds before the recent visit of Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol, and she wants full operationalization of the Siargao Agri Trade Center in Dapa town.

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She says that the keystone agenda of her administration is sufficient food production, which means that in her last term of office, she desires to leave a legacy of change right in the table.

In addition, she enjoins all the barangays and municipalities in the province to plant the correct legumes, fruits, vegetables and crops according to the accurate findings of soil engineers as to what particular seedling fits the locality.

“This giant project is the queen of all projects. You must see to it that our plans and programs are felt directly by the grassroots community, translated to quick response and drastic actions,” says Matugas.

Gov. Matugas seeks increased production so that the facility will be filled with home-grown products with excellent quality.

To top it all, the Siargao Agri Trade

Gov. Matugas also directs Center also features a cold storage agriculturists to properly and efficiently with 15 tons capacity and chilling room man the center, which is a dream come with 10 tons capacity. (PGO-SDN/PIAtrue for the Surigaonons.

Surigao del Norte)

DAR meets with SurSur farmer group

DAR information officer Myra Yu said issues regarding tenancy conflict and on how to qualify as an agrarian beneficiary and the rights of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) were discussed.

Program Officer for Operations Victor L. Canda vowed to address the issues raised by the members. He also added that all their actions are aligned under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law or the Republic Act (RA) 6657 as amended by RA 9700.

The process of awarding hectares of agricultural lands was also raised With the new administration, Yu during the conference. added that the employees of DAR commit to work and serve for the

Accordingly, PARPO Mataksil welfare of the ARBs in the province. together with Chief Agrarian Reform (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

CARAGA INFOCUS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Surigao del Sur provincial office headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) Benjamin M. Mataksil has met with the representatives from the Kapunungan sa Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Sur (KAMASS) recently to discuss several concerns related to the land acquisition and distribution program of the department.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

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Tandag LGU holds anti-smoking orientation By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The city government of Tandag thru the AntiSmoking Task Force (ASTF) spearheaded on Friday an orientation of Ordinance Number 02-2015 also known as “The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Tandag City” at the Seminar Hall Capitol Hills, this city.

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Aldy Novo of ASTF bared that the 22-26,” Novo said. smoking ban was approved on March 31, 2015 by former city mayor Roxanne During the orientation, Fatima Pimentel.

Azarcon talked on “What is in a Cigarette” where she tackled the

“This ordinance is 90 percent health risks of smoking. patterned to the Task Force Davao City Anti-Ordinance and it has been Meantime, city legal officer Atty effective in Davao City,” Novo said in Janissa Delicona discussed in detail the hi message during the orientation. salient points of ordinance number 022015.

Novo said that several activities will The said orientation was joined by be conducted in preparation for the full implementation of the said ordinance the employees and representatives of this August. He added that aside from the national line agencies, provincial city government the series orientation conducted, the government, and barangay officials from the 21 Anti-Smoking Task Force will inspect barangays of this city. several establishments, government offices including Barangay Halls on

Another orientation will be held August 9. “We will be the putting up ‘No on August 4 to be participated in by Smoking’ signages throughout Tandag stakeholders from the different business on August 17. We will also have a establishments in the city, it was learned. deputized enforcers training on August (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Photo Gallery Franklin Caliguid with BCPO officials 17 August 2016

Philippine Military Academy Officials and Cadets visit to PIA-Caraga RD Abner Caga/ Interview over 107.8 MHz Power FM

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PIA Caraga Regional Office, Butuan City 16 August 2016

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Pinggang Pinoy: an easy guide to good nutrition

CARAGA INFOCUS

HEALTH NEWS

The birth of Pinggang Pinoy or the Filipino food plate came as a clamor from the nutrition community to develop a food guide based on a per meal basis for a healthy adult.

Contrary to what others thought to be a replacement of the Daily Nutritional Guide (DNG) Pyramid for

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Filipinos, Pinggang Pinoy serves as a quick and easy guide for determining how much to eat per meal from each of the three basic food groups.

The DNG Pyramid, on the other hand, shows at a glance the whole day’s healthy food intake recommendation for Filipinos in order to have a balanced diet.

Both tools are based on the latest scientific findings about how food, drink and activity choices affect people’s health. Food guides themselves are not unique. In fact, almost every country has its own version of a food guide.

So what makes Pinggang Pinoy unique? As its name suggests, Pinggang Pinoy is specially designed for Filipinos which features the GO, GROW and GLOW foods represented by food items commonly consumed by the population.

Recognizing the different nutrient requirements of the different age groups, the FNRI has recently developed the Pinggang Pinoy plates for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers and the elderly.

The FNRI’s vision is to provide

For more information on food and nutrition, you may write, call or visit: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 8372071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@ yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/ FNRI or follow our twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST (Ma. Susana O. Encarnacion, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

HEALTH NEWS

Included in Pinggang Pinoy’s simple and graphic design is also a picture of a glass of water which stresses the importance of sufficient water intake, and a figure jogging to represent regular physical activity.

innovative and timely food and nutrition tools that will ensure a healthy and well-nourished Filipino population.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The GO food, for example, is represented by a bowl of rice, a staple food of Filipinos, fish like tilapia for GROW food, and banana and malunggay leaves for GLOW food.

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NEDA cautions gov’t against taking easy on good economic numbers DAVAO CITY - Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Ernesto Pernia has cautioned government against taking easy on the robust economy achieved in the first semester.

CARAGA INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

During a press conference on the country’s 2016 second quarter output at SMX Convention Hall Thursday, Pernia said there is still a risk of seeing lower growth in the second half of the year as a normal occurrence during an election year.

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comprehensive tax reforms, sustained investment and infrastructure building, easing of restrictions of foreign investments, reduction on the cost of doing business and strengthening of agri-industrial linkages.

Pernia also referred to the administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda and adopting a human capital approach to development to sustain growth and prevent further of the agriculture sector decline.

He said consumer sentiments will likely to normalize given the postelection scenario. What is important, he said, is for government to continue with the smooth transition of power and commits to its agenda of maintaining consistent macro-economic policies so

NEDA announced Thursday a that business and consumer confidence seven percent output, as measured will remain strong. by gross domestic product (GDP), in the second quarter of the year driven

He also highlighted the need to by more investments, and stronger continue the government’s recovery construction activities in the country. efforts from the effects of El Niño to get the agriculture sector back to its feet.

“The previous administration gave a strong stable economy that we can

“Over the medium term the build on by maintaining further sound new administration is aiming still for a macro-economic, fiscal and monetary steady, acceleration of growth towards policies already in place,” Pernia said a seven to eight percent beyond this year supported by sustained reforms,” Pernia also cited strong business he said. confidence, low interest rates and strong performance of the construction

Among the reforms are the sector.

He said public spending also remains strong driven by the boom in private construction at 27.8 percent and government consumption growth at 13.5 percent. This was due mainly to low inflation and interest rates, improved labor market conditions and steady consumers’ confidence.

Given the stronger economy in the first six months of the year, Pernia said this is a challenge for the government to make the growth inclusive so that more people contribute to and benefit from the gains in the first semester.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The agriculture sector is also

Pernia, however, said services facing risk with the expected La Niña imports were “significantly higher starting August towards October. than the 10.3 percent in the previous quarter” after it rose to 13.3 percent.

That is why, Pernia said, there is a need for the government to craft

He also underscored the gains in a holistic development policies that the industry sector, which rose to 6.9 include disaster resiliency to benefit percent from the previous quarter’s the sector, which employs the largest 6.1 percent due to performance of chunk of the labor force. the manufacturing, construction and utilities sub-sector.

He, however said, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is working towards

The services sector posted a the crafting of an action plan identifying growth of 8.4 percent, backed by the most vulnerable municipalities trade, transport, communications, focusing on appropriate investments, public administration and real estate preparedness, response, immediate business activities. recovery and rehabilitation. (PNA)

MINDANAO NEWS

He said the administration aims to improve competitiveness of the

Also, the overall domestic Philippine markets and business climate demand soared by 12.3 percent in the to take advantage of the new business second quarter from 12 percent in the climate in the region. first quarter.

“Importantly, we must look at the

But while investments and centers of geographic areas that have construction boomed, Pernia said been lagging behind and determine external demand weakened further as how to improve their access to these exports of goods and services continue opportunities,” Pernia said. to slow down to 6.6 percent despite attaining 15.3 percent of export Dismal performance services.

Pernia was concerned of the

On the hand, imports of goods dismal performance of the agriculture sector. He said the agriculture service rose to 22.9 percent. Pernia said this sector remains dismal at negative 2.1 is largely due to increased purchase percent because of the lingering El of capital goods and durables which Niño. The continued decline was noted indicate an increase in investments since the past five quarters. from firms.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

PRRD sees difficult talks ahead, but open to settlement with Reds

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PASIG CITY - Despite the posturing and exchanges of diatribes, President Rodrigo Duterte is still hopeful the resumption of the peace negotiations between the government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) will put an end to the decades old insurgency problem in the countryside.

“The President assured NDF lawyers present during the meeting in Malacañang yesterday [August 15] that the NDF consultants will fly to Oslo,” Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III said.

concerns of overseas Filipino workers there and will immediately proceed to Europe for the talks.

“The President instructed the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) and the Department of Foreign

Bello, who heads the government Affairs to assist the NDF consultants who panel negotiating with the NDF, will fly will be travelling to Oslo, Norway over to the Middle East today to attend to the weekend for the formal talks slated

CARAGA INFOCUS

The NDF is the political umbrella of Also present during the meeting the CPP-NPA. were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and BID commissioner

Presidential Adviser on the Jaime Morante.

Peace Process Jesus Dureza will head the Philippine delegation during the The GPH panel was also in opening ceremonies. complete attendance. Joining Bello in the meeting with the President was

“The President said, that while Librado-Trinidad, former agrarian reform he was hurt by the sharp exchanges secretary Hernani Braganza, and new between him and CPP founding chair GPH panel member Antonio Arellano, Jose Maria Sison who is based in The a retired regional state prosecutor in Netherlands, he gave assurances that Region 11. he will walk the extra mile for peace,” Dureza shared.

Arellano, who was detained by

NATIONAL NEWS

for Monday next week, August 22,” President Duterte had vowed GPH panel member Angela Librado- to reopen peace negotiations as a Trinidad said. campaign promise during the May 2016 elections.

Several detained high-ranking NDF leaders have been allowed to The President is known to have post bail to be able join the peace maintained an open line with several negotiations in Oslo under the auspices high ranking rebel leaders in Mindanao. of the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG).

The 71-year old president was instrumental in the releases of

The government, upon orders of government soldiers and policemen the President, did not pose objections who were captured by NPA rebels. to their temporary liberties to fast track the peace negotiations.

But the series of armed encounters have exasperated the President who

Among those allowed by the threatened to call off the peace regional trial court in Quezon City to negotiations if the NPA rebels continue join the peace talks are Benito and to launch offensives and ambuscades Wilma Tiamzon, chair and secretary against government troops. general of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), respectively.

But during the meeting in Malacañang yesterday, President

The CPP, along with its armed wing Duterte said he is open to any proposal the New People’s Army (NPA), is waging that “would address the root of rebellion Asia’s longest running insurgency. in the countryside.”

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the Marcos government, is a close Ocampo, NDF panel member Fidel friend of President Duterte and is a Agcaoili and NDF lawyer Edre Olalia. former human rights lawyer like Bello.

The Oslo talks are expected

Bello and Arellano were former to tackle substantial issues on socio anti-Marcos activists in Davao City, the economic reforms, political and home city of the President. constitution reforms, security and

The NDF consultants who met immunity guarantees, cessation of with President Duterte were led by hostilities and disposition of forces. former Bayan Muna party list Rep. Satur (OPAPP)

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Piñol orders creation of anti-illegal fishing task force in West PH Sea

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QUEZON CITY - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol ordered the immediate creation of the West Philippine Sea Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force last Wednesday, August 10, after fisherfolk in Zambales told him about the illegal fishing activities in the area.

Piñol instructed Bureau of Fisheries “BFAR welcomes the Secretary’s and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) national order to protect the country’s marine director Eduardo Gongona to lead the environments. The bureau will utilize its task force. resources to ensure we carry out his

directive and enforce Philippine fishing In direct response, Piñol urged laws,” Gongona said.

BFAR 3 Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz, Zambales 2nd District Representative

The Order was given during the Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, and Masinloc fiberglass boat distribution in South Mayor Arsenia Lim to coordinate with Poblacion, Masinloc, where the their local constituents and beneficiaries Agriculture Secretary met with 200 in the enforcement of fishery laws. The fisherfolk from different municipalities in Secretary also promised the provision Zambales. of lawyers to aid in the prosecution of

The fisherfolk told Piñol about violators.

QUEZON CITY - Under the directions of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, DSWD disaster teams together with local government units (LGUs) have intensified their relief operations in areas battered by the Southwest Monsoon rains and floods.

Sec. Taguiwalo also assured that of family food packs and standby funds the Department has enough stockpile to augment the resources of LGUs for

CARAGA INFOCUS

DSWD, LGUs intensify relief ops for ‘Habagat’; Sec. Taguiwalo assures enough food supply for victims

NATIONAL NEWS

the illegal and unsustainable fishing Moreover, Piñol has also committed practices, which continue to hound to distributing more fiberglass boats the municipal fisherfolk. to provinces in Central Luzon; training

Among these are blast fishing and fisherfolk in food processing technology; entry of suspected foreign poachers. A granting livelihood support during group of fisherfolk asked the Secretary closed fishing seasons; and reviving “to apply the full force of law” to those cold storage facilities in Zambales. who were apprehended.

Piñol vowed to return to the

They also requested radio province to conduct a stakeholders’ communication apparatus to be set up meeting with fisherfolk, BFAR’s regional on their boats so they would be able to officers, and heads of local government report violations to the Philippine Coast units to gather grievances and discuss possible solutions. (DA-BFAR) Guard (PCG).

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nonetheless being provided with relief assistance.

Region IV-A has the most number of existing evacuation centers at 29 with 3,308 families or 16,485 persons.

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

families affected by ​‘​Habagat.​‘​

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As of 16 August, the Department has P725 million worth of relief resources in the regions that are currently affected by the Southwest Monsoon consisting of P285,443,917.79 standby funds, 289,192 family food packs worth P104,056,354.96, other food items amounting to P117,334,221.21, and non-food items worth P218,641,411.17.

The amount also includes the Quick Response Fund (QRF) at the Central Office readily available for release to the DSWD-Field Offices for augmentation.

A total of P2,403,730.45 has been provided to the affected families in NCR and Region IV-A coming from the combined resources of the DSWD and LGUs. All other DSWD-Field Offices are ready to provide augmentation to affected LGUs, when necessary.

“Patuloy pa rin ang pakikipagugnayan ng ating ahensya sa lokal na pamahalaan na apektado ng matinding pagbaha at ulan. Muli po ay hinihimok naming ang lahat na patuloy na makipagtulungan sa mga volunteers, social workers at mga miyembro ng LGUs sa kanilang lugar upang matugunan ang kanilang mga

Based on the Department’s latest kailangan. bulletin, as of 12NN today, 32,219 families or 154,984 persons coming from Ang DSWD ay may sapat na relief 204 barangays in the National Capital supplies para sa lahat ng apektadong Region (NCR), Regions I, III, IV-A, VI pamilya (The Department continues and Negros Island Region (NIR) are still its coordination with LGUs affected by affected by the intermittent rains. the floods and heavy rain. Again, we are urging everyone to cooperate with

A total of 5,037 families or 24,024 volunteers, social workers and members persons are still in 63 evacuation centers of LGUs so we can immediately address in NCR, Regions I, III, and IV-A while 9,969 your needs. We assure you that we have families or 45,805 persons stay with their enough relief supplies to meet your relatives’ and friends’ houses but are needs),” Sec. Taguiwalo said. (DSWD)

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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

ROBERT E. ROPEROS MA. LOURDES P. APEGO GIL E. MIRANDA JOHN GLENN PLATIL AIMEE B. SIENES APRIL MAE N. WABAN MARKO DAVEY D. REYES 2LT JOAN B CAMUS PCI CHARITY S. GALVEZ JOY CAROL A. BELARMINO RADYO NG BAYAN BUTUAN DAR-AGUSAN DEL NORTE LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DEPED BUTUAN CITY DIVISION SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT/ DSWD FIELD OFFICE CARAGA 23IB, 4ID, PA, PGO-SDN DA-BFAR, OPAPP Business Manager

ZARINA O. LASTRA 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: PIA Caraga Updates 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