Caraga InFocus - August 20 - 26, 2016

CONTENTS REGIONAL NEWS

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Health dept strengthens anti-dengue campaign Caraga formulates regional contingency plan on armed conflict

DSWD Caraga intensifies campaign vs human trafficking

DOLE meets with business owners in SurSur Over 6T drug personalities surrender in SurSur TESDA, Surigao Norte town implement barangay scholarship program

MinTVET officials elated over Caraga’s hosting of HRSD confab OCD-13 to hold DDRM-related trainings for PDRRMC Agusan del Sur 4 NPA rebels killed in Agusan Sur clash Cabadbaran police officer named 2016 COPS awardee AgNor to increase financial help to family of deceased SC DAR Agusan del Norte holds seminar on microfinance program ALS southwest district sponsors Barangayan 2016

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HEALTH NEWS: Healthy lifestyle saves our kidney - DOH

MINDANAO NEWS

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All systems go for 25th Mindanao business confab

NATIONAL NEWS

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COVER

OFW families affected in KSA crisis get monetary aid from OWWA Caraga

PROVINCIAL NEWS 16 17 19

20 - 26 August 2016 Volume 1, No. 21

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NEDA is on the right track, moving at fast pace to attain PRRD’s economic development goals

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Gov’t-NDF peace panel buckle down to work

Affordable food for Pinoys: A challenge for food sufficiency, maximum productivity

News Briefs President Duterte is set to honor 10 governors, including Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba for stemming the illegal drug trade in the province.

Sharing the top post with her are governors Imee Marcos (Ilocos Norte), Faustino Dy III (Isabela), Junie Cua (Quirino), Jose Alvarez (Palawan), Eduardo Firmalo (Romblon), Alfredo Marañon (Negros Occidental), Edgardo Chatto (Bohol), Hilario Davide III (Cebu) and Daisy Avance-Fuentes (South Cotabato).

The Caraga Regional Development Council is conducting this afternoon its Reorganizational Meeting held in Butuan City. Accordingly, the election is done every three years since it coincides with the term of the local chief executives. Membership of the non-voting sectors will also be confirmed.

Around 100 pregnant teenagers ages 19 years old below from the municipality of Sison, San Francisco, Alegria, Tubod, Mainit, all in Surigao del Norte & the province of Dinagat Islands participated in the 1st Teen Buntis Congress held on Aug. 18, 2016 at the Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City. The activity was anchored on the theme, “Family Planning & Breastfeeding: Keys to Sustainable Development.”

The 26IB troopers of Phil. Army recently conducted an Information Drive to intensify awareness among the youths/students of Libertad National High School, Barangay Libertad, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on the NPA infiltration & its negative impacts to the lives of the local residents.

Cover Story

Affordable food for Pinoys: A challenge for food sufficiency, maximum productivity By: Venus L. Garcia

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REGIONAL NEWS

o achieve food sufficiency and maximum productivity, the Department of Agriculture (DA) shall undertake the implementation of a sound agriculture and fisheries programs and projects.

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During the press conference conducted recently, DA Caraga regional director Renato P. Manantan relayed to the media practitioners the areas of focus of their programs with emphasis on staple food commodities to ensure food security and high value crops to generate jobs and foreign earnings.

As DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol took the helm under Duterte’s administration, he bared the directions of the aggi department as it keeps a track of doing a whole lot more in addressing the hunger problem and to achieve self-sufficiency in major commodities amid the nation’s rapidly increasing population, threats of natural calamities/disasters and climate change.

Agri-fishery development targets

DA is set to start a national mapping to determine which crop or agricultural commodity would be best in a specific area based on geographic, climatic and soil type condition. This

Meanwhile, under the Cash for Work Program for farmers and fishermen affected by the El NiĂąo, it includes manual repair and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, cleaning of coastal waters, planting of mangrove trees for fisherfolks.

With regard to the implementation of RIPE program, a comprehensive program that aims to achieve sufficiency in rice and other basic food commodities in the country, the government will be apportioning about P816 million, where farmers can avail financial assistance amounting to

REGIONAL NEWS

Rice Productivity Enhancement (RIPE) program

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is called the color-coded Agricultural Also, inclusive in the undertakings Guide Map. for increased and sustained gains in production through production

To determine also the volume interventions and enabling and type of commodities consumed mechanisms are the following: by the Filipinos and to project the institutional restructuring and paradigm country’s food consumption vis-à -vis resetting for the DA and its officials population growth, DA is geared to and employees; intensive technology start the National Food Consumption updating and sharing, modernization and Quantification Survey. and mechanization program; easy access financing program for farmers, fishermen and agriculture and fisheries stakeholders, strategic and effective postharvest, storage and processing facility; a government-initiated and supported aggressive marketing campaign especially for high value crops in foreign markets; a coordinated program with other agencies in government to ensure the protection and preservation of water resources, especially watershed; a relentless campaign for the enforcement of agricultural and fisheries laws, especially on land conversion and illegal fishing; and re-introduction of basic agriculture in the primary and elementary grades of the Philippine schools system with emphasis on the value of the land, water and seas, and the maximum but prudent utilization of the resources.

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P10,000 and P15,000, for the wet and livestock and poultry, coconut dry season, respectively. productivity and rehabilitation agenda (copra), irrigation, and address

Therefore, there will be a potential other concerns and priorities such as increase in the rice production from green house technology, backyard the current national average harvest vegetable gardening, tilapia fish of four metric tons per hectare through farms,” said Rebecca Atega, chief of the provision of hybrid rice seeds to field operations division of DA-Caraga. farmers.

Meanwhile, Manantan

Per information issued by DA- guaranteed to continue the re Caraga as of July 30, 2016, based on markable accomplishment of the the data from PSA-LGU on the average region to ensure that DA’s food regional annual production and yield production program will aid in poverty for CY 2016, the production in Caraga reduction. He is also more inclined of region is 510,817(MT) with an area of viably working to achieve the mission 166,390 hectares and yield of 3.07 mt/ on providing available and affordable ha. Among the five regions, Agusan food for the Filipino people. (VLG/PIAdel Sur ranks the highest for the last Caraga) three consecutive years (CY 2013-2015) having a yield of 3.39 mt/ha, 3.32 mt/ha, 3.21 mt/ha, respectively.

“As to food sufficiency, aside from project RIPE, we also target for high value crops, fishery and aquatic resources, family-based agroforestry program, corn program,

Photo Gallery DDG Angelo Villar’s visit to Caraga

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REGIONAL NEWS

19 August 2016

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Health dept strengthens anti-dengue campaign By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – Following the erratic increase of dengue cases in Caraga region, the health department is strongly advised to exert extraneous efforts in performing the 4S against dengue.

reporting units in the region.

The record shows 69.6 percent higher compared to the same time period last year with only 2,304 recorded cases.

The increase in dengue cases in the region has caused formidable

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“In doing the 4S, you have to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites especially those with the stagnant waters; you are also to protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and application of mosquito repellents; if an individual is having a high fever of more than three days, he must be consulted to the nearest health facility for proper assessment by a doctor; and allow only indiscriminate fogging if an outbreak is present or when it is needed,” said in a statement.

As per DOH Caraga record, a total of 3,907 dengue cases for the period January 1, 2016 to August 6 have already admitted to different disease

REGIONAL NEWS

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga urged the community to do the 4S against dengue or the Search and Destroy, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, and Say “No” to Indiscriminate Fogging.

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concern to the regional office of the followed by Agusan del Sur with 635; agency, said DOH Caraga regional Surigao del Norte – 592; Butuan City director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. – 568; Surigao City – 413; Agusan del Norte – 276; Tandag City – 168; Bislig

Llacuna said the province of City – 84; Bayugan City – 60; Dinagat Surigao del Sur has the highest case of Islands – 53; and Cabadbaran City with dengue in the region with 1,010 cases; 48 cases. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga formulates regional contingency plan on armed conflict

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

By: April Rose Anne Y. Sanchez

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BUTUAN CITY - The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Caraga through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) conducted a three-day Contingency Plan Formulation Workshop (CPFW) on Human-Induced Hazard on August 17-19, 2016, this city.

During the activity, situational reports on insurgency were presented by the 401st and 402nd Infantry Brigades of the Philippine Army; while the situational report on criminality was presented by the Philippine National Police Regional Office. The concept on terrorism and its countermeasures were delivered by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Region 10. Likewise, DILG discussed the Caraga Road Map for Peace.

A contingency plan for armed conflict was developed based on the result of the hazard identification and a worst case scenario was then generated. The cluster approach and Incident Command System were integrated in the plan. This was facilitated by Dir. Lita B. Enok and Julie

Villadolid, Subject Matter Experts on Contingency Planning.

The regional contingency plan on armed conflict will undergo a series of polishing and enhancement during cluster meetings before it will be finalized and tested through a table-top simulation exercise in November. It is set to be approved and adopted during the 4th Quarter RDRRMC Full Council Meeting in December 2016.

Caraga Region has already a Contingency Plan on Super Typhoon which was reviewed in 2013 and was tested through a table-top simulation exercise and then approved and adopted by the council in 2014. (OCDCaraga)

OFW families affected in KSA crisis get monetary aid from OWWA Caraga

Under OWWA’s RAP, OFWs still at the jobsite can claim SR1590 from POLO-OWWA in Saudi Arabia and P6000.00 for their respective families.

Repatriated OFWs who still have unclaimed salaries or end-of-service

benefits may also receive P20,000 cash assistance from OWWA regional offices nearest their residence.

As of press time, OWWA Caraga has extended assistance to 10

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BUTUAN CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office Caraga has released a total of P518,000 financial aid as of August 16 under its Relief Assistance Program (RAP) in support to OFWs including their families employed by construction companies in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which suffered financial difficulties.

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

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repatriated OFWs and 53 families Among the companies identified of OFWs stranded in KSA since the under the RAP include Mohammed implementation of the program on al-Mojil Group (MMG) Saudi Bin July 26.

Laden Group of Companies (SBG); Saudi Oger Ltd (SOL); Mohammad

“This program is really of great Hameed Al-Bargash and Bros help to us especially now that it has Trading and Construction; Aluminum been several months already that Company (ALUMCO L.L.C.); Rajeh my husband was not able to send us H. Al Merri Contracting Company; money because of the crisis in their Arabtec Construction L.L.C.; Real company,� expressed Evamie Abuzo EstateDevelopment and Investment in local dialect.

Company.

Evamie is one of the recipients of P6,000 monetary aid afforded by OWWA to the families of OFWs stranded in crisis hit Saudi Arabia.

Fifty one year old Evamie is the spouse of OFW Editho Abuzo, one of the OFWs affected by retrenchment of construction companies in Saudi Arabia.

Based on record, as of August 11, OWWA has already assisted a total of 7,155 OFWs including those who were still at the jobsite, families of OFWs stranded in KSA and those repatriated OFWs employed by the aforesaid companies and has released a total amount of P96,930,733.98 under the relief assistance program. (OWWACaraga)

DSWD Caraga intensifies campaign vs human trafficking

The activities focused on the theme “Ituloy and Laban Kontra Human Trafficking,� which were participated by the members of Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC).

and good practices on anti-trafficking action of the partner agencies, and to tighten their partnership.

Among the attendees are representatives from Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and

With the said observance, RIACAT- Local Government (DILG), Philippine VAWC aims to provide platform for National Police-Police Regional Office exchange of information, experiences, (PNP-PRO) 13, Local Government Units

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BUTUAN CITY To strengthen the campaign against human trafficking, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) recently conducted activities related to World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT).

REGIONAL NEWS

By: Abegail R. Alvarez

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(LGUs), Justice, Peace and Integrity “The partnership between the Creation-Integrated Development government and other stakeholders is Center, Inc. (JPIC-IDC), and others. essential in fighting against perpetrators and help victims from human trafficking.

The activity kicked-off with Let us continue and intensify more our a thanksgiving mass, followed by campaigns against human traffickers,” motorcade, and the program proper said Rabor. started at 10:00 a.m. at Luciana Convention, here which highlighted For the Oratorical Contest, the Oratorical and On-the-Spot Poster Jessamie Besas from General Luna, Making Contest participated by the Surigao del Norte won the 1st price, high school students from the different while Coreen Austria from Cabadbaran schools in the region.

City and Maria Mae Magbanua from Calaitan, Bayugan City won the 2nd

In her welcome remarks, DSWD and 3rd price respectively.

Caraga assistant regional director for On the other hand, Cybelle operation Mita Chuchi Lim, elaborated Bugas from Cabadbaran City got the the theme for this year and challenged 1st place for the On-the-Spot Poster the RIACAT-VAWC members to continue Making Contest, while Jhanhel Galle fighting against human trafficking. from Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte and Cristian Pol Abendan from Surigao City

“The theme of the celebration, got the 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

“Ituloy ang Laban Kontra Human Trafficking,” is a continuing challenge The DSWD is the chairperson of for us to continue our efforts in curbing RIACAT-VAWC and it aims to intensify this dilemma,” said Lim. the campaign through the conduct of series activities promoting the

“For the RIACAT-VAWC members, campaign.

LGU, and other partners, the theme dares us to continue and do more to

With the effort of the Philippine achieve efficient and effective services government, finally, the country’s to the survivors of trafficking,” she human trafficking hard work has been added. given top recognition with the US State Department with the highest ranking

While Prosecutor Clementino Rabor, head of Regional Anti-Trafficking of Tier 1. This means that the Philippine Task Force (RATTF) expounded the government fully complies with the importance of partnership between minimum standards for the elimination agencies in fighting against Human of severe forms of trafficking as Trafficking that exploits vulnerable provided by the 2000 Trafficking Victims sectors such as children, women, and Protection Act (TVPA). (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga) men.

Photo Gallery Interview with PNP Caraga Regional Director PCSupt Rolando B Felix 22 August 2016

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22 August 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Interview with Col Cristobal N Zaragoza

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DOLE meets with business owners in SurSur

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

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TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur provincial office spearheaded an orientation to some 100 business establishment owners/ managers/human resource managers of this province on Thursday, August 18 held at Shacene Royal Hotel, this city.

The activity seeks to get the inputs of the participants and urge them to put an end to the illegal practice of labor contractualization or endo, which is the colloquial term for “end of contract.”

In compliance with the Labor Advisory No. 10. Series of 2016, reiterating the prohibitions of the Labor Code of the Philippines against Labor-Only contracting issued by DOLE Secretary

Silvestre H. Bello, III, the participants are required to bring the following during the forum: Profile of workers indicating status of employment i.e. regular, probationary, contractual, fixed-term, project and other arrangements; and length of service; Latest payroll of the workers; Number of contractors/ sub-contractors with copies of service agreements; List and names of tenants in your establishment, if

applicable; Company’s Organizational Chart; Other employment records/ documents as necessarily applicable; and Accomplished Employment Profile.

Atty Evelyn Ramos graced the said activity. Ending labor contractualization is one of the campaign promises of President Rodrigo Duterte, which his administration is focusing on today.

DOLE Caraga regional director (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Over 6T drug personalities surrender in SurSur By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

Meanwhile, Carrascal only recorded 91 drug users and six drug pushers; followed by Bayabas with 109 drug users and nine drug pushers; San Miguel with 132; Carmen with 155 drug users and six drug pushers; and San Agustin with 158 drug users and nine drug pushers.

anti-illegal drugs activities, followed by Tandag City, San Agustin and Madrid towns with five persons arrested; Cantilan, Carrascal, Lianga and Lingig have arrested four persons; Barobo, Hinatuan and Carmen recorded three arrested persons and the rest of the towns recorded only one.

The implementation of Project Double Barrel is aimed to fulfill President Rodrigo Duterte’s key campaign promise: to stop – or at least suppress – crime in three to six months. The Project Double Barrel is an all-out antiillegal drugs operational plan of the PNP under the supervision of PNP chief

Bislig City has reportedly arrested Ronald dela Rosa. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao six personalities who were engaged in del Sur)

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Based on the latest data gathered, 5,821 drug users and 230 drug pushers have surrendered to authorities as of August 15, 2016 since July 1 with Barobo town having the highest number with 677 drug personalities; Bislig City with 605; Tagbina with 592, Hinatuan with 515; and Tandag City with 492.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - More than 6,000 drug personalities from various parts of the province have surrendered to police and local authorities under the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Police Office.

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Photo Gallery Regional Development Council Caraga Reorganizational Meeting

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

22 August 2016

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TESDA, Surigao Norte town implement barangay scholarship program

By: Susil D. Ragas

He bared that 53 self-confessed drug users have availed the program enrolled in the different competencies, namely: 19 in Small Engine and Motorcycle Mechanic, 15 in Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I, and 19 enrolled in Electrical Installation and Maintenance.

Millan further said that enrollees will avail free training and assessment and also received daily allowance from TESDA fund as mandated under Republic Act No. 9509 or the Barangay Pangkabuhayan Act.

TESDA is mandated to implement the Republic Act No. 9509, which establishes livelihood and skills training centers in the fourth, fifth and sixth class municipalities to open employment opportunities, combat poverty and improve the quality of life of Filipinos.

The budget allocation is included in TESDA’s appropriation in the FY 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the Locally-Funded Project (LFP).

(SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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TESDA provincial director Allan S. Millan said the training being conducted is in partnership with the local government unit of Sison, aimed to provide skills training opportunities to indigent beneficiaries to equip them with employable skills to make them economically productive.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The provincial office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here in partnership with the local government unit of Sison has recently implemented the barangay scholarship program through a skills training.

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MinTVET officials elated over Caraga’s hosting of HRSD confab

By Robert E. Roperos

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Officials of the Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training (MinTVET) are elated over the hosting of the Caraga Association of Technical Vocational Institutions, Inc. (CATVII) and TESDA-Caraga in the 15th Human Resource and Skills Development (HRSD) Conference in the city.

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Speaking before the local tri-media during the press conference on August 9, 2016 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel in this city, MinTVET Spokesperson John Franco said the attendance of the 583 delegates from the six regions in Mindanao is an evident of full support to the region’s hosting of the annual event of MinTVET.

The processional marked the opening of the activity where officials of the MinTVET, CATVII and TESDA Mindanao entranced the hall.

Franco specifically discussed that because of the joint efforts of CATVII, the Regional and Provincial Offices, the conduct of activity is smooth as the provincial government also extended their full support to the event.

Also, performers from the SSCT composed of dancers and singers entertained the delegates with the dances and songs of Surigao. “This is one of a kind experience… The Surigaonons have showcased their talents not only in singing and dancing but as well as in the local compositions where music played during the dances were locally-composed,” said Angela Natividad, MinTVET Spokesperson said.

During the Opening Ceremonies held Tuesday morning, festival drummers from the Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) welcomed the delegates as they arrived at the venue.

This year’s conference is anchored on the theme: “Onwards TVET: Changes and Transitions towards 2020.”

(TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

OCD-13 to hold DDRM-related trainings for PDRRMC Agusan del Sur

In her report during a meeting of the Disaster Preparedness Committee chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), April Rose Sanchez, information officer of OCD Caraga bared that based on their Annual Plans and Budgets for calendar year 2016, they have set schedules for the different DRRM trainings for the region which include Agusan del Sur.

On September 19-20, 2016, the PDRRMC with the City and Municipal DRRMCs will be participating in the Emergency Telecommunications Summit dubbed as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Bayanihan: Operationalization of Rapid Emergency Telecommunication Team (RETT).

The one-day Orientation on PreDisaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) for

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BUTUAN CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga as chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is set to hold various disaster preparedness trainings for the Provincial DRRMC/Local DRRMCs in the province of Agusan del Sur for this second semester.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

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the five component cities in Caraga City in Agusan del Sur will be held on region including Bayugan City is set on October 24-27, 2016 in the city.

September 2, 2016.

On October 26, 2016, uniformed

Also, the Training on Rapid personnel in Caraga region will also be participating in the Executive Course in Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Incident Command System (ICS) to be (RDANA) for the Five Component Cities held in the city. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del of Caraga which include Bayugan Sur)

4 NPA rebels killed in Agusan Sur clash

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

AGUSAN DEL SUR Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a firefight with government troops in Agusan del Sur on Saturday morning.

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Lt. Colonel Rommel Pagayon, commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion, Phil. Army, said his troops were on prophylactic patrol when they were fired at by the NPAs in Sitio Kihingay, Barangay San Pedro, San Luis at around 7:50 a.m.

family in Zilovia of Talacogon in May this year where a pregnant family member was among those killed.

Pagayon said the troops recovered three AK47 and two M16 rifles, two ICOM radios, 20 back packs and subversive documents.

The said NPA rebels were earlier reported to be extorting food and Major General Benjamin Madrigal provisions. Pagayon said the rebel of the 4th Infantry Division then ordered atrocity forced some residents to flee. the troops to bring the NPA cadavers down for them to be accorded with

It was learned that the same NPA a decent burial by their respective group had accepted responsibility families. (FEA/26IB Phil. Army/PIAearlier for the massacre of the Bucalas Agusan del Sur)

Cabadbaran police officer named 2016 COPS awardee

Senior Police Officer 2 (SPO2) Jeffrey Bayotlang Ojao of Cabadbaran Police Station 5 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte is one of the six Non Commissioned Officers and now joins the rank of 128 Outstanding Police Officers who have been honored by

the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. since 2002.

The 2016 COPS awardees composed of four Police Commissioned Officers and six Non Commissioned Officers. The 10 will be conferred with

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BUTUAN CITY – A police officer of Cabadbaran City Police Station is one of the Country’s Outstanding Police officers in Service (COPS) this year.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

gold medallions, trophies, and cash Provincial Police Office (Numancia, price amounting to P50,000 each.

Aklan); Senior Police Officer 1 Mhay Mayuyo Rubio of Bataan Police

Among the Police Commissioned Provincial Office (Balanga City, Officers awardees are: Police Chief Bataan); Senior Police Officer 3 Inspector Ryan Lopez Manongdo Hamidhan Bibio Tebbeng of PNP Antiof Pozorrubio Municipal Police Kidnapping Group Mindanao Field Station (Pozorrubio, Pangasinan); Unit (Camp Gen Eduardo Batalla, Police Superintendent Jemuel Zamboanga City); and Senior Police Felongco Siason of Sultan Kudarat Officer 3 Ezrael Domingo Lantingan Police Provincial Office (Tacurong of Alabel Municipal Station (Alabel, City, Sultan Kudarat); Police Senior Saranggani Province).

Superintendent Susan Rabano Jalla of PNP Crime Laboratory (Camp This year’s COPS awardees Crame, Quezon City); and Police will be presented together with the Superintendent Mario Navarro Rariza, 2016 awardees of the SOT (Search Jr. of Police Community Relations for Outstanding Teachers) and TOPS Group (Camp Crame, Quezon City). (The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers), dubbed collectively as “Metrobank

The other Non Commissioned Foundation Outstanding Filipinos” Officers awardees are Police Officer in a formal awarding ceremony 2 Fatima Peñones Ibias-Lanuza of on September 5, 2016 as one of Minalabac Municipal Police Station the highlights of Metrobank’s 54th (Minalabac, Camarines Sur); Police anniversary celebration. (NCLM/PIAOfficer 3 Nida Lachica Gregas of Aklan Agusan del Norte)

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AgNor to increase financial help to family of deceased SC By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte has increased the burial assistance to the families of the deceased senior citizens in the province of Agusan del Norte.

The said assistance to the family 107-2001, which amounted to P1,500. was increased from P1,800 to P2,500.

Considering the current cost of

It can be recalled that the said decent burial, the Provincial Federation burial assistance started in the year of Senior Citizens Association of the 2001 through Provincial Ordinance No. Philippines (FSCAP) Agusan del Norte

PROVINCIAL NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS

Chapter requested the Sangguniang families of deceased senior citizens in Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte to the province. increase the said assistance to P2,500.

To avail of the said assistance,

The provincial government the family shall comply and meet the requirements and submit to the addressed the said request positively Provincial Social Welfare, Population recognizing the vital role of senior citizens and Nutrition Services Office (PSWPNSO). who are the pillars in the development Funds for the said purpose under of the society, as well as promoting the General Fund shall be appropriated the welfare of the senior citizens in the year 2017 in the amount of and continuously adopt measures P2,000,000 and every year thereafter. to provide benefits or assistance to (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

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DAR Agusan del Norte holds seminar on microfinance program By: Gil E. Miranda

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte carried out a series of Mentoring and Technical Guidance on Microfinance Technology to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from the different municipalities in the province in a period of one month, June 2016.

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Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Virginia Batosalem, one of the facilitators, said the seminars aimed to strengthen the ARB organizations to become effective and efficient microfinance provider to its members.

“The ARBOs are equipped with the basic information on microfinance mentoring to improve its services to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary members as they are the frontline partners of the Department in the delivery of support services,” MARPO Batosalem added.

Discussed during the seminar were the necessary steps toward microfinance best practices, evaluation of the systems adopted, and identify

the ARBOs common needs and weaknesses in ARB-members financing.

The selected ARBOs are guided properly in handling micro-credit services with the use of the system that could bring financial intelligence to its members.

The selected five ARBOs comprised Duque ARB Cooperative (DAREBCO); Avanceña Beneficiaries and Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (ABFMPC); San Antonio Integrated Farmers MPC (SAIFMULCO); Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative (PASCOFBEC), and Malicato ARB MPC (MARBMPC). (DARAgusan del Norte)

ALS southwest district sponsors Barangayan 2016 By: Joy Carol A. Belarmino

Barangayan is an annual activity of the ALS of the Department of Education (DepEd) that aims to build camaraderie and unity among stakeholders both the school and community or barangays within the district to promote and earn support for the ALS Learners as well the

program itself which served to cater learners who our out of school.

The program started with a holy mass and registration and followed with the opening program highlighted with the inspirational message of city councilor Glenn C. Carampatana, Committee Chairman in Education; Induction of District General Parents Teachers Association Federation Officers; and the Acceptance Message of Ramon P. Carampatana, District GPTA Federation President. (DepEd Butuan City Division)

CARAGA INFOCUS

The event was attended by principals, teaching force of seven schools, baranggay officials and parents and the ALS teachers and staffs at Barangay Maon Covered Court, this city.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY - The Alternative Learning System (ALS) of Southwest Butuan District hosted the BARANGAYAN 2016 with the theme “Edukasyon Ipadayon, Kinabuhi Palambuon Alternative Learning System Ang Solusyon.�

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Photo Gallery Regional Disaster Response Committee Meeting DSWD-Caraga Regional Conference Room, Butuan City August 23, 2016

Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting led by DILG-13

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

August 24, 2016 @ VJ’s Sportsbar, Butuan City

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Healthy lifestyle saves our kidney - DOH By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

“Help our kidneys by taking only what the body needs such as enough water for organ hydration, less or no alcohol if possible, no smoking, and adaption of a healthy diet,” Llacuna said.

CKD may be the cause of diabetes and other disorders. Early

LLacuna also reminds people detection and treatment can keep that too much of something is bad CKD from getting worse. When it enough and that moderation is the progresses, however, may lead to key to have a healthy kidney. kidney failure which will require dialysis or kidney transplant to sustain life.

Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) according to Llacuna affects an Just recently, the DOH has estimated of 10,800 Filipinos each year and each year, 30,000 to 40,000 conducted a urine tests to Grade 1 pupils of Butuan Central Elementary Filipinos undergo dialysis.

School here but there were no

“Kidney diseases are often cannot unfavorable deeming results found.

HEALTH NEWS

be cured but can be prevented,” Llacuna said. The condition is caused by gradual loss of kidney function leading to complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutrition health, nerve damage and increased heart and blood vessel diseases, he added.

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BUTUAN CITY – Department of Health (DOH) Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, MD reminds people to keep a healthy lifestyle and do away from stress to save the kidney.

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“All organs are vital for us to function. It is sad to note that we neglect the importance of the filter system of our body which is the main function of our kidneys,” Llacuna said.

capacity of our kidneys in helping our body drain the toxins,” he added.

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HEALTH NEWS

He also said that many are undergoing dialysis because their kidneys need help in filtering toxic substances which could have been avoided if only people are more

“Our lifestyle allows us to eat and conscious and cautious. (NCLM, PIAdrink too much that we damage the Caraga)

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All systems go for 25th Mindanao business confab

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – “It’s all systems go,” bared Concepcion Pacqueo, president of Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and conference director of this year’s Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon).

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MINDANAO NEWS

By: Susil D. Ragas

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The event, which is set on Aug. 24-26 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel, this city is anchored on the theme, “Mindanao: ASEAN’s Emerging Economic Hub.”

Other side events are also lined up for participants to enjoy and that include a worthwhile partnership made with the Surigao City Tourism Office and Surigao Travel and Tour Operators Association.

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MINDANAO NEWS

The said event is the biggest annual gathering of business leaders, The said event is running on its policymakers, exporters, traders, and 25th year, hosted by different business exhibitors in the island-region. chamber in Mindanao and this year’s

Paqueo said around 500 host the SCCI is hopeful that this will be individuals have already confirmed their another milestone for the province in participation and they are still counting terms of economic progress. up to 800 participants from different regions in Mindanao and some in Luzon, For registration and more Visayas and even foreign businessmen. information please visit the SCCI

The three-day event will be full office located at the Provincial Sports of learning sessions especially on new Complex, Surigao City or call at business trends, business opportunities telephone number (086) 826-7716.

(SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte) and linkages.

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Photo Gallery 25th MinBizCon Trade Fair & Exhibit

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MINDANAO NEWS

Gateway Hotel, Surigao City August 24, 2016

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NEDA is on the right track, moving at fast pace to attain PRRD’s economic development goals

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NATIONAL NEWS

MANILA - Economic adviser and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the agency is on the right track and moving at a fast pace to attain its goals.

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“In the first 50 days of this administration, I can say that we are on the right track and at a faster pace to make sure that we achieve our goals,” Pernia said during a briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps on the achievements of the agency in the first 50 days of the Duterte administration.

NEDA is carrying on with the economic programs from the previous administration for its sound fiscal and monetary policies.

Using a previous administration’s plans as a foundation for succeeding plans, and sustainability of development initiatives are ensured despite the

NEDA’s plans are in line with change of political administrations, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s goals to Pernia said. come up with economic programs and programs which will benefit and will be Accelerated infrastructure felt by the masses. development has become a priority. The

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Investment Coordination Committee LEDAC will tackle the following: (ICC) has so far approved 10 projects 1. Creation of a “super body” for with a total amount of Php 320 billion. the water resources sector—proposed to be the Water Resources Department

Included in these projects are or Authority. rural development: farm irrigation and farm-to-market roads, school 2. The creation of an independent buildings in depressed areas, regional economic and financial regulator for hospitals, airport modernization, flood the water sector. management, the North-South railway line project and the Metro Manila Bus 3. The National Transport Policy Rapid Transit project on EDSA. which should coordinate different transport projects to facilitate

NEDA through the Infrastructure connectivity across the regions and Committee (Infracom) is prioritizing the provinces in a systematic manner. completion of the Mindanao projects initial phase and will be implemented in 4. Amendments to the Build 2017 once the NEDA board approves it Operate and Transfer Law and its within the year.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to effect faster transactions, avoid

In Metro Manila, Infracom has procurement and implementation specified measures to urgently address problems for projects, and the traffic problem by implementing the Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas link 5. Amendments to the Electric bridge, a common station for the MRT- Power Industry Reform Act or the EPIRA 3, LRT-1 and MRT-7 which is expected and amendments to the Water Code to divert at least 25 percent of the of the Philippines. city traffic. To decongest ports, the Department of Public Works and NEDA has submitted a draft Highways (DPWH) will design the final executive order with its long-term vision configuration for the Batangas and as a guide in crafting the Philippine Subic ports.

Development Plan (PDP). The PDP 20172022 takes into account the Socio The Legislative Executive economic agenda of the Duterte Development and Advisory Council Administration.

(LEDAC) has been reactivated to address institutional, legal and policy For foreign investments, NEDA has issues to facilitate faster implementation launched an online database system of infrastructure projects. for the streamlining of processes and to speed up project approval.

Scheduled to convene in September or October of this year, NEDA is also revisiting policies in

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agricultural and rural development “AmbisyonNatin 2040”, the long-term which have lagged behind amid vision project of the Philippines. consistent economic growth.

Aside from government,

NEDA also continues to monitor international development partners, previous programs on rice and the civil society and the private sector, effects of the El Nino to ensure there will NEDA is also engaging the youth be no shortage and decide when to through social media and other forms import rice given the risks of a La Nina of new media. season.

With 14.3 million users on Facebook alone, the goal of making “Ambisyon

Pernia also announced the launch 2040” a basis for unity among Filipinos of a NEDA innovation in planning— will be achieved. (NEDA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

Gov’t-NDF peace panel buckle down to work

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OSLO, NORWAY - Negotiators from the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) buckled down to work and held successive meetings, both in panel and committee levels, as part of a shared commitment to forge a final peace agreement within six to 12 months.

“Our negotiations in the past decades have been difficult to the point of seemingly immovable discussions.

We spent more time in procedures rather than on the substantive agenda before us,” Bello said.

“We have learned our lessons from past experiences. Both parties have resumed the stalled peace negotiations and are now committed to explore all avenues possible to fasttrack the process,” he added.

“Neither is this a joust of one side unduly gaining strategic advantage over the other. But this should be more of a coming together of Filipinos interested to see changes in the land—in our land, to be shared for and by all. If we can, let’s no longer call our engagements as negotiations but instead a shared national ‘conversation’ a ‘dialogue’ where we find together common grounds, bridge the divides, and seek common dreams to share,” he added.

To jumpstart the peace process, both panels sat down this morning (Oslo time) and held discussions on three substantive agenda:

• Affirmation of previously-signed agreements;

• Accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces; and

• Reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, for his part, noted that the government panel has been instructed to accelerate the peace negotiations in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to bring a definitive and Among the documents expected final peace settlement within six to to be re-affirmed by both panels include 12 months.

The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, Breukelen Joint Statement of 1994,

“We can all see now that there is the JASIG, and the Comprehensive

NATIONAL NEWS

Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” H. Bello III, concurrent chair of the government peace panel, explained that both parties agreed to hold meetings in panel and committee levels to accelerate the process of discussion on substantive issues related to the talks.

renewed and fresh euphoria in the air.

Our coming together starting today should be not in the context of outwitting or out-maneuvering each other across the table,” Dureza said.

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The peace negotiators got down to the brass tacks a day after holding an opening ceremony that marked the formal resumption of peace talks currently being held at the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Norway.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Agreement on Respect for Human supervise simultaneous discussions of Rights and International Humanitarian the Reciprocal Working Committee Law (CARHRIHL). on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER)

Aside from Bello, the government and the Reciprocal Working Groups negotiators include former Agrarian on Political and Constitutional Reforms Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza, (PCR) and End of Hostilities-Disposition former Commission on Elections of Forces (EOH-DOF).

Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, and Attorneys Angela Librado-Trinidad and For the government panel, Antonio Arellano.

Braganza was assigned to supervise the CASER committee; Sarmiento for PCR;

The NDF, on the other hand, and Arellano and Librado for EOH-DOF. is represented by its chairman Luis Jalandoni, Fidel Agcaoili, Connie Royal Norwegian Government Ledesma, Asterio Palima, and Juliet de Special Envoy for the Peace Process Lima-Sison.

Elisabeth Slattum and her staff acted as third party facilitators in moderating

After the panel meeting, the panel and committee discussions. negotiators from both parties will (OPAPP)

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Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

ABEGAIL R. ALVAREZ JOY CAROL A. BELARMINO GIL E. MIRANDA APRIL ROSE ANNE Y. SANCHEZ AIMEE B. SIENES JEAN MARY G. RONQUILLO ROBERT E. ROPEROS 26IB PHIL. ARMY LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DAR-AGUSAN DEL NORTE SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT/ DSWD FIELD OFFICE CARAGA DEPED BUTUAN CITY DIVISION OWWA-CARAGA TESDA-CARAGA OCD-CARAGA OPAPP, NEDA, PNA Business Manager

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Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com;

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