Caraga InFocus – August 21-27, 2021

Volume V, No. 35 August 21-27, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS

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P5M WORTH VEGETABLE SEEDS ENSURE CARAGA’S FOOD PRODUCTION CONTINUITY PSA CARAGA CHIEF ENJOINS SUPPORT FOR THE CONDUCT OF 2021 LMFLC SURVEY DA, BSWM COMPOSTING FACILITY TURNS WASTES INTO ASSETS PSA TO CONDUCT 2021 LISTING OF MARINE FISH LANDING CENTERS

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PROVINCIAL NEWS AGNOR INITIATES ORGANIZATIONAL 17 DOST CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR COFFEE FARMERS

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IN AGNOR TOWN P7.6 MILYONG HALAGA NG HOUSING ASSISTANCE, IBINIGAY SA MGA FORMER REBELS NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE HONORARIUM SA MGA SOCIAL WORKERS SA PROBINSYA GI-USBAWAN P10 M IGAHIN SA AGNOR SA PAGGAMA SA MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN SA NANIE

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GOB. CORVERA NAG-AWHAG SA MGA PARTNERS NGA SUPORTAHAN ANG BRIGADA ESKWELA KOOPERATIBA NG MAGSASAKA SA AGNOR NAKATANGGAP NG FARM TRACTOR AT IBA PANG KAGAMITAN SA PAGSASAKA MULA SA DAR P27-M WORTH OF BRIDGES TURNED OVER TO AGSUR FARMERS 6 FRS RECEIVE CASH AID FROM AGSUR LGU AGSUR TRIBAL CHIEFTAINS CONDEMN CNTS, AFFIRMS SUPPORT TO END ARMED CONFLICT DTI DINAGAT ISLANDS LAUNCHES SSF ON VIRGIN COCONUT OIL PROCESSING MORE LIVESTOCK INTERVENTIONS FOR SURIGAO NORTE WOMEN’S ORG MOA ON SMALL WATER IMPOUNDING PROJECT INKED IN SURIGAO NORTE DTI, THPAL CONDUCT CACAO BIZ OPPORTUNITY FORUM, PRODUCTION TRAINING IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN PMO-SURIGAO NABIGYAN NG BAGONG RESCUE EQUIPMENT NG DOTR BARANGAY HALL SA SAN ANTONIO, LUNGSOD SA LIBJO, DINAGAT ISLANDS PORMAL NA GI-ABLIHAN

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33 DOT CARAGA MIPAHIGAYON OG SITE VALIDATION UG INSPECTION SA PANGABANGAN BEACH UG TIDAL POOL SA LIBJO 6 COFFEE FARMERS GROUPS IN SURSUR RECEIVE 2.6M SOLAR TUNNEL DRYERS BACKLOG NG MGA PLATE NUMBERS NA NAIREHISTRO NOONG 2018, SINIMULAN NANG I-RELEASE NG LTO-TANDAG IMPLEMENTASYON NG DOLE-TUPAD PROGRAM SA SURSUR, PATULOY

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

MINDANAO NEWS MINDA FORMS TECHNICAL GROUP TO LEAD PICOP REHABILITATION UPLAND HYBRID RICE DEMO FARM IN IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY

NATIONAL NEWS DUTERTE ADMIN REBUILDING THE ECONOMY READY TO BOUNCE BACK POST-PANDEMIC MABINAY TOWN EYES AGRO-INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY SHIFT

SECRETARY ANDANAR: PEACE AND ORDER AT HAND WITH CREATION OF BANGSAMORO REGION BONG GO HELPS FIRE VICTIMS IN TERESA, RIZAL

BONG GO FILES BILL PROVIDING COMPETITIVE REMUNERATION AND COMPENSATION PACKAGES TO SOCIAL WORKERS; RECOGNIZES THEIR SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PROTECTING WELFARE OF FILIPINOS BONG GO EXTENDS AID TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN ANGONO, RIZAL; COMMENDS GOV’T AGENCIES FOR EXTENDING SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE SECTORS AMID PANDEMIC

COVID-19 NEWS

VACCINE CZAR: PFIZER, MODERNA MAY DELIVER LESS THAN 10 MILLION COVID-19 JABS NEXT MONTH PH RECORDS OVER 30-M JABS ADMINISTERED AS MORE VACCINES ARRIVE VAX DRIVE EVENTS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET JABS

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the passing of veteran journalist Melo Acuña Today, we lost a good friend and veteran journalist with the passing of Melo Acuña. A reporter through and through, he continued his work of delivering news while already confined at the Quezon City General Hospital. He was a media man until his very last breath.

As one of the pillars of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Melo played a pivotal role in the growth of Philippine journalism with his extensive experience throughout his career as an accredited broadcast journalist.

He was someone who was frank and straightforward, never one to shy away from asking questions that needed to be asked. He was a dedicated journalist and a committed partner in disseminating truthful information to the public.

Melo will be remembered for his informative platter shows, which have let us connect with different key information sources on important issues. We will also remember him for his participation in our programs in the PCOO, such as the Laging Handa and the Virtual Presser, among others.

As someone who has devoted his life to journalism, Melo will be truly missed, especially by those whose lives he has touched and those he has served through his love for his profession. We will keep our memories of him close to our hearts.

We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues of Melo Acuña for his passing. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Secretary Andanar: Gov more emphasis on deve provinces Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday said that the government is providing more support for local development, likewise empowering local media in reporting relevant local news.

In his interview, Secretary Andanar said that reporting in the Philippines is highly dominated by news focused on Metro Manila information, while relevant news from other provinces and regions is not highlighted.

He stressed that such news coming from the national government should also be taken in the context of how Filipinos residing outside Metro Manila will be affected. He said that localizing context should

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also be considered.

“Pagsugod nako sa paglingkod as PCOO Secretary, nagfocus gyud ko sa pagreach sa atong mga kauban sa media sa mga probinsya. Kay for such a long time ang focus man gud diri sa Metro Manila is diri lang sa Metro Manila [When I sat as the PCOO Secretary, we really focused on reaching out to media outfits in the provinces.

Because for the longest time the focus of our news is here in Metro Manila],” he said.

Secretary Andanar recalled President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s support to decentralize governance and empower the local government.

“Dili lang Manila ang Pilipinas [The Philippines

is not Metro Manila alone],” noting that even on the PCOO, the government also shifted to building more infrastructure projects that will support the operations of government media in provinces.

These projects include the state-of-the-art Mindanao Media Hub Caraga INFOCUS

vernment putting elopment, reportage of The promotion to deliver the information of the government to the people has resulted in a strengthened partnership with local media through the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

“It has never been done before and now we are doing it because of the political will of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he said.

in Davao City which houses the regional arm of the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTV), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), APO Production Unit, Inc. (APO), Radyo Pilipinas, and the Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) there.

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The same media facility will also be built in Mandaue City, Cebu which will be called the Visayas Media Hub. Secretary Andanar said that the initial budget of P200 million has been approved for the construction of the building. The allocation will be included in PCOO’s budget next year.

Secretary Andanar also noted that the anticipated construction of the Government Communications Academy in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon is one of the tangible results of the first National Information Convention held in Davao City last 2018. He said that all these programs and initiatives form part of the government’s advocacy to empower local media.

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News Briefs National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga shared the rationale of Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion of 2009. She said that August is declared as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and further its promotion as a highly beneficial public health intervention for mothers and children. xx

Each eligible beneficiary of OWWA’s Project EASE or Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies in Caraga region was granted with an educational assistance worth P10,000.00 in a form of cheque. As per eligibility, this pertains to the OFWs with ACTIVE OWWA membership, who arrived in the Philippines since the start of the global pandemic last February 2020, and a college dependent enrolled in A.Y. 2020-2021. The qualification of the OFW’s dependent or beneficiary is correlated to the civil status of an OFW applicant: a.) Child who is in college level for Married OFW or Solo Parent; b.)

Sibling who is in college level for Single OFW. (OWWA 13)

Network Briefing News hosted by PCOO Sec Martin Andanar, Madrid, Surigao del Sur Mayor Mary Grace Kimura said that they have already reached 78% herd immunity against COVID-19, as she cited the implementation of their vaccination rollout program in the locality.

More than 200 government agency representatives, peace advocates, and officials/members of the NTF/RTF ELCAC joined in today’s Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Caraga Regional Re-Orientation. Cluster accomplishments are being presented while the Executive Order 70 Framework, Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), and Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) Program were revisited. Included also in the agenda are the presentation of updates on Legal Offensive Targetting HVIs; maritime accomplishments on EO 70; IP empowerment programs, projects and activities; and updates on RCSP, CUCPD, and E-CLIP implentation, among others.

REGIONAL NEWS

P5M worth vegetable seeds ensure Caraga’s food production continuity

To ensure the availability and sufficient supply of food in Caraga, a total of 687 kilograms (kgs) of various lowland and upland seeds worth P5,492,000 are being distributed to identified vegetable farmers all over the region.

The seed distribution is a regular intervention of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) to farmers engaged in vegetable production.

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DA – Caraga HVCDP Coordinator Marco Antonio Morido said the activity aims to reduce the production cost of vegetable growers.

the Municipal and City Agricultural Offices who in turn will be distributing it to their pre-identified farmer-recipients.

For the lowland “One factor that vegetable seeds contributes to the allocation per province, high production cost the biggest bulk goes of vegetable growers to Surigao del Sur with are the high price of 200 kg, followed by inputs and one way we Agusan del Sur with 152 can address this is by kg, Agusan del Norte providing them the seeds with 128 kg, Surigao del to lessen their expenses,” Norte with 100 kg, and Morido said. the Province of Dinagat Island with 70 kg.

The vegetable seeds have been delivered On the other hand, the starting the second biggest share of the week of July this year to upland vegetable seeds Caraga INFOCUS

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that in addition to helping increase farmers productivity and income, the Department is also driving at increasing vegetable consumption among Caraganons.

go to Agusan del Norte with 14 kg followed by Surigao del Norte with 13 kg, Surigao del Sur with 9 kg, and Agusan del Sur with 1 kg.

areas developed for vegetable production in the region are in the lowlands. The lowland type is also quite suitable in the region.

Lowland vegetables are also known as “pinakbet” include squash, eggplant, ampalaya, okra, and strings while highland vegetables also known as “chop suey “are the kinds that are usually grown in the highlands such as carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Based on the country’s Vegetable Roadmap 2016-2022, the goal is to increase per capita vegetable consumption from 40 kg/capita to 60 kg/capita. In Caraga, the most commonly consumed vegetables are eggplant with 4.91 kg/year per capita consumption, squash with 4.23 kg/year per capita consumption, and bitter gourd with 2.138 kg/year per capita consumption.

Morido said the bulk of the seeds for distribution are the lowland vegetable type since the majority of the Caraga INFOCUS

On the other hand,

“Along with Caraga’s production volume, we are also advocating for increased vegetable consumption for healthier citizens especially now that we are in the midst of a pandemic,” he said.

Aside from the vegetable seeds procured by the Department, the three Research Experiment Stations of the DACaraga are also producing planting materials for indigenous and Open Pollinated Vegetables (OPV) that are also for distribution to identified recipients.

The research stations are located in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, Del Monte, Talacogon, and Trento, Agusan del Sur respectively. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA 13 RAFIS/ PIA Caraga) August 21-27, 2021 |

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PSA Caraga chief enjoins support for the conduct of 2021 LMFLC survey The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office XIII (PSA-RSSO XIII) will conduct the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers (LMFLC) on September 1 to 30, this year.

Apura PSA-RSSO XIII Regional Director Dr. Rosalinda C. Apura said, hired enumerators (ENs) will do the conduct of the survey in a face-toface interview with the existing Marine Fish Landing Centers’ Key Informant (Fisherfolks/ Officer of the Fisherfolk Organization/Boat owner/Operator/Landing Center Official) in the entire region using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). The hired ENs will be trained prior to field operation to ensure that the procedures and concepts are understood and to assure that they Apura adhere to the prescribed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) safety protocols during the the following information: Type of Landing conduct of the interview, Apura said.

Center; Average Daily Unloading; Peak Unloading Time; and Peak and Lean Apura said, the 2021 LMFLC is a nationwide Unloading Months. activity that will cover all provinces with existing landing centers based on the current The enumerators will be working on a sampling frame used by the PSA. “The handheld tablet device to facilitate the activity will involve listing and geotagging of interview using the following questionnaires commercial and municipal fisheries landing converted into digital format: LMFLC Form centers in the provinces. However, only 1A – Commercial Landing Centers; LMFLC landing centers that are currently operational Form 1B – Municipal Landing Centers; LMFLC or are temporarily closed will be geotagged Form 2A – New Commercial Landing Centers; and only operational landing centers will be LMFLC Form 2B – New Municipal Landing visited for interview,” she added.

Centers; and LMFLC Form 3 – Landing Center Also, Apura said that the conduct of the activity is aimed to provide an updated list of landing centers throughout the country.

Specifically, to generate a sampling frame for the conduct of quarterly commercial and municipal fisheries surveys based on

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Characteristics.

Apura encourages everyone, especially the provinces with existing Marine Fish Landing Centers, to support and cooperate in the conduct of the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

DA, BSWM composting facility turns wastes into assets

To promote and further develop the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines, Organic Agriculture Act (RA 10068) highlights the importance of enriching the fertility of the soil and the need to undertake communitybased organic fertilizer production.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga through its Organic Agriculture Program in partnership with the DA-Bureau of Soils & Water Management (BSWM) turned over Small-Scale Composting Facility Caraga INFOCUS

(SSCF) to three Local Government Units and a cooperative in the region on August 25.

(CEPAGCO) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.

Each small-scale composting facility is composed of 15 kilogram African Night Crawlers, one unit of shredder machine, and two units of vermitea brewer.

DA-BSWM Regional Soils & Water Area Coordinator for Caraga Marcelo P. Dayo said that the P1.7million worth of intervention will serve as machinery to transform farm waste into organic fertilizer.

The facility recipients were the Local Government Units of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, Province of Dinagat Islands, and Center for the Poor Agricultural Cooperative

“The facility is expected to provide the needed vermicast or vermicompost of farmer-beneficiaries.

This will ensure higher profit because of the gradual reduction of their dependence on August 21-27, 2021 |

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the use of chemical fertilizers. The use of organic fertilizers will also significantly contribute to protect and rebuild soil health naturally,” Dayo said.

community through our organic agriculture livelihood programs.

Aside from using the fertilizers to our crops, we can also sell the vermicast at P400 – P450 per bag at 50 kilos,” he said.

Since 2010, a total of 193 SSCF have been distributed to organic CEPAGCO is a churchfarming advocates in the based agri coop that Caraga region. mainstreams food production in an organic George G. Ballongay, way. The cooperative CEPAGCO – Board of is affiliated with the Director was grateful Missionary of the Sacred for the intervention Heart Congregation they have received. dedicated to taking “The SSCF will open care of the well-being more opportunities to of the people and widen our resources in the environment by providing services to providing services to our members and the the community, disaster

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responses, concerns for the poor, and the marginalized.

Moreover, Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega hopes that the facility would encourage more farmers to engage in organic farming as a sustainable approach to food production.

The turn-over ceremony were also graced by Genome A. Fortun, Mindanao Regional Coordinator, Villar SIPAG Foundation and Gemma Asufre, DA-Caraga OIC-Chief Integrated Laboratories Division. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

PSA to conduct 2021 listing of marine fish landing centers

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office XIII (PSA-RSSO XIII) is set to conduct the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers (LMFLC).

The 2021 LMFLC is a nationwide activity. It will cover all provinces with existing landing centers based on the current sampling frame used by the PSA. The activity will involve the listing and geotagging of commercial and municipal fisheries landing centers in the provinces.

However, only landing centers that are currently operational or are temporarily closed will be geotagged and only operational landing centers will be visited for interview.

The activity aims to provide

Caraga INFOCUS

an updated list of landing centers throughout the country.

Specifically, it aims to generate the sampling frame for the conduct of quarterly commercial and municipal fisheries surveys based on the following information: 1) Type of Landing Center; 2) Average Daily Unloading; 3) Peak Unloading Time and; 4) Peak and Lean Unloading Months.

The enumeration will be done using ComputerAssisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). In this process, the enumerators will be working on a handheld tablet device to facilitate the interview using the following questionnaires converted into digital format: 1. LMFLC Form 1A –

Commercial Landing Centers 2. LMFLC Form 1B – Municipal Landing Centers 3. LMFLC Form 2A – New Commercial Landing Centers 4. LMFLC Form 2B – New Municipal Landing Centers 5. LMFLC Form 3 – Landing Center Characteristics During the conduct of the survey, hired enumerators will visit the existing marine fish landing centers that will do a face-to-face interview with the key informant (fisherfolk/officer of the fisherfolk organization/boat owner/operator/landing center official) using CAPI. The hire enumerators are trained prior to field operation to ensure that the procedures and concepts are understood and to assure that they adhere to the prescribed COVID-19 safety protocols during the conduct of the interview.

In line with this, the PSA encourages everyone, especially the provinces with existing marine fish landing centers, to support and cooperate in the conduct of the 2021 Listing of Marine Fish Landing Centers. The data collection will be conducted on September 1-30, 2021. (PSA-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

DOST AgNor initiates organizational capability development for coffee farmers in AgNor town The Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of Agusan del Norte successfully conducted the seminarworkshop on Organizational Development for the members of the Durian Farmers Association (DUFA) recently in Brgy. Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

The activity was a component of the project, “Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST),” that aims to extend a holistic approach in the implementation of appropriate science and technology interventions for the development of communities.

While DOST is working on providing technical interventions for the establishment of DUFA’s coffee processing facility, the office also prepares the association in terms of strengthening its organization to ensure its full readiness for the livelihood project.

The two-day workshop focused on the crafting of the coffee processing facility’s vision, mission, goals,

Caraga INFOCUS

and objectives, including organizing the team who will run the operation. The association was also able to create its own brand for its coffee products that will be manufactured thru the facility.

Gender Sensitivity Awareness was also integrated into the workshop to guide the members in addressing social and gender-related issues that may occur in the organization.

Pastor Gregorio Sindo, one of DUFA’s active members, expressed his thanks to DOST for extending support and bringing S&T to their community. He further encouraged the members of the association to continue their full cooperation in the

implementation of various projects for Brgy. Durian’s economic development.

Ricardo N. Varela, DOST Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations, thanked the association for accepting DOST along with its initiatives for sustainable livelihood. He committed to continue working closely with the association and provide the necessary S&T interventions for the successful operation of DUFA’s coffee processing facility.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Las Nieves also expressed its full support for the project. (DOST Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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P7.6 milyong halaga ng housing assistance, ibinigay sa mga former rebels ng Agusan del Norte

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Labis ang kasiyahan ng 17 former rebels (FRs) sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte dahil sa wakas magkakaroon na sila ng sariling bahay kasama ang kani-kanilang pamilya.

ibinigay ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng Task Force Balik-Loob sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at National Housing Authority.

Buong pusong pasasalamat ni Caren Yatan, myembro ng teroristang CPP-NPANDF sa loob ng 12 taon at dati nang nagsilbing political instructor, sa tulong na

Aniya, totoo ang gobyerno, at handa silang tulungang makapagbagong buhay dahil isa na din syang ganap na sundalo sa ngayon.

“Sa totoo lang ngayon

|August 21-27, 2021

ko lang naramdaman ang ganitong saya dahil magkakaroon na kami ng bagong bahay, bagong buhay at pagasa,” tugon ni Yatan.

Gayundin si Jay-ar, apat na taong naging rebelde at ngayon ay isa na ring sundalo sa Philippine army na lubos ang tuwa dahil magkakaroon na ng maayos na tahanan ang kaniyang mga anak dahil sa tulong ng gobyerno.

Caraga INFOCUS

ang inyo namang pangkabuhayan,” tugon ni Amante.

Ang nasabing housing assistance na nagkakahalaga ng 450,000 pesos bawat isang FR ay gagamitin upang maipatayo sila ng kani-kaniyang bahay sa tulong ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Agusan del Norte at lungsod ng Cabadbaran.

“Magkakaroon na kami ng bahay ng aking pamilya, kasama ng mga anak ko, hindi kagaya noon, palipatlipat lang,” ani Jay-ar.

mayor Judy Amante ng Cabadbaran City ang tulong para sa mga FRs. “Sana makita at madama ninyo itong tulong namin. Hinding-hindi Tiniyak din ni Gobernador kayo magsisisi. Sunod Dale Corvera na nating pagplanuhan tutulungan nilang umunlad ang lugar upang tuluyan din aniyang maramdaman ng mga dating rebelde ang buhay payapa at sagana.

Ang nasabing lugar ay bigay ng SRMI, isang pribadong kumpanya, na kung saan pwedeng patayuan ng mahigit isang daang bahay para sa nagbalik-loob at sa mga gustong magbalik loob na mga rebelde sa gobyerno. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Ayon sa gobernador, parte ito ng Provincial Development Plan, para maipakita sa mga tao na seryoso talaga ang gobyerno.

Ipinaabot din ni Caraga INFOCUS

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Honorarium sa mga social workers sa probinsya gi-usbawan tuig na ang nakalabay ang mga nasangpit nga M/CNAOs ug MPOs wala nakadawat bisan unsang pagtaas sa ilang binulan nga honorarium.

Gi-usbawan ang honorarium sa mga Municipality/City Nutrition Action Officers ug Municipal/City Population Officers gikan sa Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) ngadto sa Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00).

Kini gi-aprobahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ubos sa Provincial Ordinance No. 590-2021 sa pagpanginahan ni Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo ug co-authors nga sila Hon. Nieva C. Famador

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ug Hon. Virgilio R. Escañias, Jr. Ubos sa maong ordinansa makadawat usab ang Municipal/ City Population Program Coordinator ug Municipal/City Nutrition Program Coordinators og honorarium nga One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) kada usa matag bulan.

Matod pa ni Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo na maoy nanginahan sa maong Provincial Ordinance No. 414-2016, lima (5) ka

Sa pag ila sa ilang serbisyo ug mahinungdanon nga mga trabaho nga aktibo ug regular nga nagtuman sa ilang katungdanan, ang probinsiya sa Agusan del Norte nagpasiugda og mga paningkamot nga mahatagan sila og mga benepisyo nga nahiuyon sa mga patakaran sa nasyunal nga gobyerno.

Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Calo, tsirman sa Committee on Health and Nutrition kauban ang mga membro nga si Bokal Famador ug Bokal Escasiñas, Jr. atol sa ika 98th regular session.

(Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

P10 M igahin sa AgNor sa paggama sa Master Development Plan sa NANIE Gahinan sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte og P10 milyones alang sa paggama sa Master Development Plan sa Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate (NANIE) aron mapasayon ang pagpromote niini, mapadali ang pagdani og developer o makakuha og mga locators ug makaarangkada na ang gipunting sa probinsya nga mahimong “Agri-Processing Center sa Caraga.”

Kini ang gikometer ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera atol sa meeting sa Agusan del Norte Special Economic Zone (ANSEZ) Board, niadtong Martes, Agosto 24, sa kapitolyo sa Agusan del Norte.

Sumala pa ni Gob. Corvera nga 20 ka tuig na ang nilabay human naproklama nga Special Economic Zone ang NANIE ug nakita sa gobernador nga dili mahimo nga kutob lang ni sa deklarasyon apan nanginahanglan kini og askyon.

Dugang ni Gob. Corvera nga sa iyang tan-aw ang master development plan ang kulang niini aron makalusad o maka take-off ang probinsya sa Agusan

Caraga INFOCUS

del Norte sa pagpatuman niini kaabag ang lungsod sa Nasipit ug ang Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) sa pagpangulo ni Director General Charito “Ching” Plaza.

“Ang economic zone sa akong nasabtan, is not up to declaration as special economic zone. Aduna pay daghan buhaton. Maona karon ato ning tabangan.

Pasalamat ko kay nabuhi napod ning ANSEZ para duna na kitay guidance nga klaro,” dugang ni Gob. Corvera.

“Mao na nga ang province nag intervene na gyod.

Ug aduna nami gi-create nga team ani to focus ani,” padayon sa gobernador.

Dugang sa gobernador nga inisyal pa lamang kini nga

pundo ug pun-an kini kung makita sa Terms of Reference (TOR) kung makita nga kulang kini.

Mahinumdoman nga makanunayong gipursige ni Gob. Corvera sa mga lumilihuk sa kapitolyo nga himoong prayoridad sa paggahin og pundo ang mga kalihukan o proyekto nga moresulta sa pagkabot sa panglantaw niini nga mahimong “agri-industrial center sa Caraga”.

Kabahin usab ang NANIE sa mga prayoridad sa probinsya ubos sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba. (Karen Kie Decamotan ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Gob. Corvera nag-awhag sa mga partners nga suportahan ang Brigada Eskwela Giawhag ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang mga partners sa probinsya sa pagpadagan sa mga eskwelahan nga magtinabangay sunod sa tema sa okasyon nga “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan” sa pagtubag sa mga panginahanglanon aron mahimong hapsay ug epektibo ang pagtuon sa mga kabataan.

Sa virtual message nga gipadangat ni Gob. Corvera atol sa paglunsad sa “Brigada Eskwela” niadtong Agosto 24, giila niya ang mga kalisdanan sa hiniusang paglihuk tungod sa mga limitasyon nga dala sa pandemya apan nakita usab niya nga naay mga pamaagi aron mahimo kini.

“This is indeed a formidable challenge, but armed with our spirit of Bayanihan, we have made it through so far, with each and every one of us doing our part to make sure that we succeed,” sumala pa sa gobernador.

“While there are definite changes on how the Brigada shall be undertaken, this year pursuant to the new normal, its goals remain the same,” padayon ni Gob. Corvera.

Gawas sa mga kabag-

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ohan nga himoon tungod sa pandemya, talagsaon usab ang porma sa pagtinabangay ning tuiga tungod kay nakasentro kini sa pagtinabangay diha sa pagtuon sa kabataan sa pagbasa, sumala ni Romeo O. Aprovechar, ang Schools Division Superintendent sa Agusan del Norte.

“The implementation of Brigada Eskwela is something unique, because its focus is in reviving the reading program of the schools, the districts and the division,” pasabot ni Aprovechar.

“Brigada pagbasa is an after school reading program that envisions bringing together education partners and experts to help all learners read and become functionally literate” dugang

ni Aprovechar.

Ang gi-punting nga tutokan sa 2021 Brigada Eskwela mao ang programang “Brigada Pagbasa” o diha sa pagbasa, literacy ug numeracy sa mga learners’ o mga studyante sa Agusan del Norte.

Nanguna ang DepEd-Agusan del Norte sa pagapatuman sa maong programa uban ang hugot nga pag-abag sa probinsya ug sa buhatan ni Kongw. Angel Amante-Matba.

Isip usa sa mga suporta ipursige sa probinsya nga adtoon gyod sa mga teachers ug assistant teachers ang mga bata sa ilang mga balay, ilabina sa mga hilit nga lugar, ug tudloan sa pagbasa.

(Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

Kooperatiba ng magsasaka sa AgNor nakatanggap ng farm tractor at iba pang kagamitan sa pagsasaka mula sa DAR Tinulungan ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) ang mga magsasaka para mapaunlad ang estado ng kanilang kabuhayan.

Pinagaan at binago ng isang four-wheel drive 35 horse power farm tractor na nagkakahalaga ng one-point eight million pesos ang paraan sa pagtatanim ng mga magsasaka sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte.

Isa sa nakinabang ang Guinabsan Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative sa Agusan del Norte sa ilalim ng programang Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) ng DAR. Pinatunayan ni Elsa Bucad, ang chairperson ng kooperatiba na malaking tulong ang natanggap nilang traktura dahil pinagaan nito ang Caraga INFOCUS

kanilang mga gawain at pinasalamatan din nito ang DAR. Ayon kay CARPO Ellen Torralba ng DAR Agusan del Norte, inaalam pa rin nila kung anu-ano pa ang kailangan ng mga magsasaka sa rehiyon para tuloy-tuloy silang matulungan ng DAR. “Sa pamamagitan nito mas mapapadali ang kanilang pag-aani at mas mapapalaki ang kanilang kita.

Malaking tulong ito

para sa kanilang pangaraw-araw na gastos at pangkabuhayan, tinitingnan din kung anuano pa ang kailangan upang mas mapadali ang kanilang mga gawain at tuloy-tuloy ang pag-angat nila sa buhay,” tugon ni Torralba.

Maliban sa traktora, nakatanggap na rin ng iba pang tulong sa pagsasaka ang mga kooperatiba sa probinsya. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) August 21-27, 2021 |

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P27-M worth of bridges turned over to AgSur farmers (ARBs), especially in the marketing of their farm products, as well as to at least 12,000 residents.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Agusan del Sur has turned over a P27 million worth of unisteel bridges in Barangay Salvacion and Saguma, all in Bayugan City on August 24, 2021.

The Bingay and Saguma Bridge are two of the four bridges in Agusan del Sur built under the “Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang PangAgraryo” (TPKP) Program formerly called the President’s Bridge Program, which is a zero-based budgeting approach by the government, funded

by France, monitored by DAR and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Unified Project Management Office-

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|August 21-27, 2021

Bridge Management Cluster.

DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones said that the construction of the bridges is a vital component of rural development that will link the agrarian communities to the economic mainstreams, especially in the market centers in Agusan del Sur.

He added that the completion of the bridges is a manifestation of how aggressive President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in pushing the implementation of the TPKP project after it was halted sometime in 2011.

“Our present administration has a high regard in giving importance to our farmers as they represent a vital element of societal transformation that will lead to economic stability,” said Amatonding.

Also present during the ceremony were DAR Caraga Regional Director “Farmers, being the true Leomides R. Villareal, heroes especially at this time of pandemic deserve ARDO Agnes Dela Cerna, Provincial Governor to be given this kind of Santiago B. Cane Jr., 1st support services that will District Representative provide them easy means to transport their produce,” Alfelito M. Bascug, Bayugan City Mayor Kirk said Castriciones.

A. Asis, City Councilors and Barangay Officials of PARPO II Jamil P. Salvacion and Saguma, Amatonding, Jr. said that respectively. (Rechel D. the project would benefit Besonia, DAR-Agusan del some 2,731 Agrarian Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur) Reform Beneficiaries Caraga INFOCUS

6 FRs receive cash aid from AgSur LGU Six former rebels (FRs) of San Luis, Agusan del Sur received cash assistance amounting to P25,000.00 from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Luis on August 23, 2021.

their allegiance to the Philippine government.

Alias ‘Trexie’ is a regular member of the NPA and a platoon medic for one year; alias ‘Simply’, ‘Shark’ and ‘Jemuel’ are also active members of Municipal Mayor Phoebe the NPA for two years.

Corvera released the They all belong to the cash assistance as dismantled Guerilla part of the Enhanced Front (GF) 88; while Comprehensive Local alias ‘Lance’ and alias Integration Program ‘Criss’, both members (E-CLIP) benefits, which is of Compaq, all of North a government program Central Mindanao that aims to help the Regional Committee rebel members of the (NCMRC), who had Communist Party of finally realized their futile the Philippines – New struggle and made up People’s Army – National their minds to surrender Democratic Front (CPPlast October 23, 2020, NPA-NDF) and Militia all are hoping to have ng Bayan to restore a renewed life together Caraga INFOCUS

with their families.

Alias ‘Trexie’ expressed her gratitude to the government for the humane treatment they received which they didn’t actually expect.

“Wala namo damha nga bisan sa among pagka rebelde tabangan kami sa gobyerno. Gikapoy na mi sa bukid, walay pulos ang among mga pakigbisog. Gilimbongan lang kami sa among komander. Nag surrender mi tungod kay ang saad sa NPA nga maayong kinabuhi nahulog ra sa pagantos ug kahadlok.

Nagpasalamat kami sa gobyerno sa pagdawat pag-usab ug pagtabang August 21-27, 2021 |

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struggle, return to the mainstream society and contribute as good citizens for the prosperity of the community as well as the whole province of Agusan del Sur,” he said.

kanamo (We were not expecting that despite being an NPA members, the government would still accept us and provide us the necessary assistance. We got tired fighting for a senseless cause. Our commander betrayed and exploited us. We finally decided to surrender because we have been suffering for years),” she said.

Lt.Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, encouraged all other rebels in the province of AgSur to surrender. “I am greatly encouraging those who are still in the ranks of CPP-NPA movement to peacefully lay down their arms and stop this useless armed

“We sympathized with those NPA members who have realized the deception in their organization, that is why our door is open to those who are willing to go back to the fold of the law. We are offering them a way out. But if they continue to resist, then, they will cause their own senseless miseries.

Surrender now, your family is waiting for you,” added Goce. (2Lt Jerica Alyanna Franz Dacanay, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Through this government program, the local government agencies are working hand in hand in serving various initiatives to help sustain the needs of the former rebels for them to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives, especially in this pandemic crisis.

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|August 21-27, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

AgSur tribal chieftains condemn CNTs, affirms support to end armed conflict

Residents and former supporters of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) condemned the deception and atrocities of the armed group and confirmed their support to Executive Order 70 during the conduct of Pulongpulong in Barangay Lydia, La Paz, Agusan del Sur on August 17, 2021.

government closer to them. This activity also assists in informing the concerned agencies on the identified issues and concerns of the locals which are being exploited by the CNTs in order to agitate them and further join the armed movement.

A total of six tribal chieftains and 50 locals The said pulong-pulong from the Banwaon was part of the continuous and Manobo Tribes dialogue to the different attended the said tribal chieftains and activity spearheaded by local populace with the Hon. Antonio Piquero, purpose of informing the Barangay Lydia Chairman, locals on the deceptive together with the MLGOO, tactics and propaganda National Commission of the CNTs and at the on Indigenous Peoples same time bring the (NCIP), local government Caraga INFOCUS

unit, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), and other concerned agencies.

One of the highlights of the said activity was the reaffirmation of the tribal chieftains to condemn the CNTs and the manifestation of their support to Task- Force ELCAC that empowers the passage of government programs and initiatives to attain an inclusive and sustainable development in the community.

“Isip usa ka lumolupyo dri sa Brgy Lydia, ako magawhag sa tanan nga dili na kita magpailad pa sa August 21-27, 2021 |

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mga NPA nga mag ingon nga sila ang sundalo sa kabos, kay kung tinoud man na, ngano bisan isa ka proyekto o programa wala gani sila nahimo ug hinoon sila pa’y mangguba ug magbabag sa mga proyekto nga gihatag sa atoa sa gobyerno diri sa atong kumonidad nga maoy makatabang unta sa atoa para sa atong panginabuhi, ug ngano nga ang mga NPA, makigbahin pa sa atoang gamay nga abot sa atong panginabohi, imbis nga sila ang muhatag sa atua kung tinood man gane nga sundalo sila sa kabos (As a resident of Barangay Lydia, I encourage everyone to prevent themselves from the deceitful acts of the NPA making them believe that they (NPA) are the soldiers for the poor, because if that is true, why do they cause destruction of government’s projects for the communities instead of creating same.

And why is it that they take portion of what we get instead of giving us what we need),” a certain Jaime said during the open forum.

Hon. Jose Pendon, IPMR of LGU-La Paz also condemned the CNTs’ exploitation of the locals,

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|August 21-27, 2021

particularly the natives who were the most vulnerable targets of the black propaganda and false ideology of the communist against the government. “Isip inyong IPMR sa lungsod sa La Paz, ginadasig ko kamu nga atong suportahan ang mga programa sa atong gobyerno tungod kay kita gihatagan ug katakos sa kumonidad alang sa pagpaabot sa atong mga tingog ngadto sa lokal ug national nga panggamhanan. Ug gani naa tay opisina sa munisipyo para sa mga parehas sa ato nga nitibo nga atong masaligan aron mapaabot nato ang atong mga mulo ug panginahanglan sa labaw nga panggobyernohan.

Kay wala’y laing makatabang sa atoa kundi ang gobyerno lamang, dili kanang mga NPA (As your IPMR here in the municipality of La Paz, I urge everyone to support the programs of the government because we are given the opportunity to raise our concerns to the local government.

We even have an office intended for us, Ips because nobody else could help us but only the government and not the NPAs),” he said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col.

Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, applauded the local populace of Brgy. Lydia, especially the different tribal chieftains and sitio leaders for realizing the true color and motives of the CNTs. He also commended the local government and other concerned local agencies for their undying support to EO 70 and to the Philippine Army. “The Army welcomes the creation of the TF-ELCAC because it greatly empowers the organization through its collaboration with the different agencies in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace and development. We are very grateful that all of us in the government are doing our best to address and to achieve our common goal,” he stated.

“The insurgency is not the sole responsibility of the men in uniform. Rather, it is a collective effort of all government agencies to end it. Remember that the CNTs are using issues in agriculture, environment, labor and more in order to agitate the populace.

It is but a must to work hand in hand to make EO 70 achieve its mission,” added Goce. (2Lt Jerica Alyanna Franz Dacanay, acting CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

DTI Dinagat Islands launches SSF on virgin coconut oil processing

The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Dinagat Islands has launched the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Processing in Barangay Diaz, Tubajon town.

The SSF on Virgin Coconut Oil Processing has a total project cost of P780,000.00 with the Diaz Independent Women Organization (DIWO) as the cooperator.

Caraga INFOCUS

VCO Processing is the third and last project of DTI Dinagat Islands under the 2020 SSF Balik Probinsya Program.

The activity was attended by lone district Congressman Alan I B. Ecleo, Department of Science and Technology Provincial Director Roberto Olaguer, Department of Labor and Employment OICProvincial Director Buhawe Correa, Sangguniang Bayan

Member Samson Tidalgo, and Barangay Captain Fredelindo Subere. (DTIDinagat Islands/PIADinagat Islands) August 21-27, 2021 |

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More livestock interventions for Surigao Norte women’s org

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga rolled out its livestock intervention to San Benito Women’s Association in San Benito town.

A total of P635,640 worth of intervention was turned over recently by the DA Caraga through its Livestock Program to the said association.

The intervention was comprised of 600 heads

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|August 21-27, 2021

of free-range chicken amounting to P360,000; some 100 bags of Grower Mash Feeds amounting to P177,000; some 60 bags of Layer Mash Feed amounting to P92,000; and two rolls of perimeter net.

As part of attaining food security, income enhancement, profitability, and sustainability, the given intervention was lodged

under the livestockbased livelihood and enterprise development program of the Regional Livestock Program.

The turn-over ceremony was attended by Governor Francisco T. Matugas and assisted by the Provincial Veterinary Office of Surigao del Norte spearheaded by Dr. Shiela Cubillanes.

(DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MOA on small water impounding project inked in Surigao Norte

A tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) was signed recently in Tagana-an town.

Municipal Mayor of Tagana-an Cesar B. Diaz, Jr. and the recipient of the project - Barangay Captain of Himama-ug Leonardo C. Alce.

The MOA was signed between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) and the Local Government Unit of Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte and was spearheaded by the officials of DENR in Surigao del Norte; HMC Resident Mine Manager represented by Engr.

Edwin R. Casiano;

The said project is funded by HMC in compliance with their commitment to the agreements during the Caraga Mine Environment and Management Council Meeting to include on the DENR Programs in the Annual Environment Protection and Enhancement Program CY 2020.

Caraga INFOCUS

The SWIP is one of the

small scale irrigation technologies developed by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) to address the problems on supply and allocation of water in certain watershed communities.

The said project has been recommended as one of the conservation measures which will benefit the communities within certain watersheds to enhance and stabilize the condition of soil and provide enough water supply in the area.

(DENR-Surigao del Norte/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) August 21-27, 2021 |

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DTI, THPAL conduct Cacao biz opportunity forum, production training in Surigao Norte town The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation has recently conducted the Cacao Business Opportunity Forum cum Production Training held at Taganito Cultural and Sports Center in Claver town, this province.

The activity aims to inform the farmers and growers about the profitability of cacao market and assess the kind of future interventions be made available

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|August 21-27, 2021

to them once they start massive growing (tending/cultivating and inter-cropping) of their current farm. In this activtiy, they were able to converge the active cacao farmers/growers in the municipality with the assistance of the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation thru its Community Relations (COMREL) Department under the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

Cacao doctors, entrepreneur cacao

growers, representatives from the Provincial and Municipal Agriculture Office, and members of the Provincial Cacao Council were present during the oneday activity. It was concluded with the actual cacao farm visitation owned by some of the participants.

The activity symbolizes the start of the cacao industry as it slowly shapes into one of Claver’s high valued crops through the help of various sectors. (Negosyo Center Claver/PIASurigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PMO-Surigao nabigyan ng bagong rescue equipment ng DOTr Ni Venus L. Garcia

Isang brand new motor vehicle na pinasadyang gawing firefighting equipment at isang rescue boat naman ang natanggap ng Philippine Ports Authority - Port Management Office (PPA-PMO) Surigao mula sa Department of Transportation o DOTr. Layon nitong palakasakin pa lalo ang search, rescue, firefighting at marine patrol na kakayahan ng PMO Surigao.

Ang nasabing firefighting vehicle ay may transport trailer para sa rescue boat na may 50 Caraga INFOCUS

horsepower outboard engine at remote steering na kayang lusubin ang malalakas na agos ng tubig-baha at malalaking alon sa karagatan.

Maliban sa water tanks ay kumpleto rin ito sa iba pang kagamitan gaya ng bolt cutter, crowbar at sledgehammer na magagamit sa mga emergency at rescue operation.

“Malaking tulong itong firefighting vehicle at search and rescue boat hindi lang sa PPA kundi pati na rin sa ating community. Kaakibat

ng BFP at Phil. Coast Guard, available ang kagamitang ito sa panahon ng sakuna kagaya ng sunog at pagbaha. kaya naman nagpapasalamat tayo kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, kay Sec. Tugade ng DOTr, at kay general manager Jay Daniel Santiago ng PPA,” sabi ni Froilan Caturla, acting port manager ng PPA PMO Surigao.

Ayon kay Caturla, mahalaga aniya na laging maging handa upang makaiwas at maligtas sa peligro.

(VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) August 21-27, 2021 |

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Barangay Hall sa San Antonio, lungsod sa Libjo, Dinagat Islands pormal na gi-ablihan Pormal na nga gi-turnover sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa probinsya sa pagpanguna ni Gobernador Kaka Bagao ang bag-ong natukod nga Barangay Hall o MultiPurpose Building ngadto sa mga katawhan ug tigdumala sa Barangay San Antonio, lungsod sa Libjo.

Malampuson nga napatuman ang maong proyekto tungod sa padayong pakigtimbayayong sa mga opisyal sa Barangay San Antonio ngadto sa Provincial Government alang sa hugot nga implementasyon sa mga prayoridad nga proyekto.

Usa ang barangay hall sa mga proyekto isip himan alang sa maayong pagpanerbisyo sa mga opisyales ngadto sa katawhan ug magamit sa bisan unsang matang nga aktibidad ug kalihukan sa mga lumulupyo.

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sa mga lumulupyo.

Sigon pa ni Mayor Lamberto Llamera, Jr, gipalit sa barangay ang yuta aron tukoran ug multi-purpose building kay nakita sa mga opisyal nga mas dali kini madangpan sa mga barangayanon ug kini nga lugar usa ka race track kaniadto.

Sa mensahe ni Punong Barangay Melody LlameraCompasivo, gi-implementar kini nga proyekto niadtong kongresista pa si Gob. Kaka ug ingon pa niya, dugay na kining nahuman apan wala dayon na turnover tungod kay gigamit pa kini sa katawhan isip quarantine facility.

Sa iyang kabahin Si Gob. Kaka Bag-ao miingon nga aduna pa’y daghang barangay hall nga proyekto nga humanunon aron magamit sa mga katawhan ug lakip na niini ang mga kalsada ug water system alang sa dugang pagpalambo sa kinabuhi sa katawhan ug sirkulasyon sa ekonomiya sa probinsya luyo sa hagit sa COVID-19 pandemic.

Nanghinaot Si Punong Barangay Compasivo nga mohangtod kini sa dugay na panahon aron mapahimuslan

Gipadayag usab ni Gob. Bagao nga gikinahanglan nga maprotektahan ang mga watershed area nga mao’y

|August 21-27, 2021

tinubdan sa tubig.

Dugang pa niya, nga mahuman na ang RORO port nga mao’y gamiton alang sa transportasyon sa mga bus nga mosulod ug gawas sa probinsya.

Ang maong kalihukan madasigon nga gitambungan nila Board Member Lyn Dialde (District 1), Libjo, Vice Mayor Zoltan Edera, Sangguniang Bayan members, barangay officials, mga lumulupyo sa naasoy nga barangay, Provincial Legal Office (PLO), Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO), Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Office of the Provincial Architect (OPARCH), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), ug Provincial Labor, Employment, and Manpower Office (PLEMO).

(LGU-Libjo/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Caraga INFOCUS

DOT Caraga mipahigayon og site validation ug inspection sa Pangabangan Beach ug Tidal paghatag og proyekto Pool sa Libjo aron sa pag-develop sa maong lugar.

Pipila sa gisuta niini ang aktwal nga natural attraction, cultural heritage values, public utilities, facility, accommodation, market and accessibility, human resource, ug uban pa.

Aktwal nga gisusi sa mga personahe sa Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga ang Pangabangan Beach ug Tidal Pool nga tourist spot sa probinsya, kung diin napili kini ug giila sa Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Agency (TIEZA).

Isip usa ka ecotourism site nga mao’y personal nga gisuta nila DOTCaraga Regional Director Nelia R. Arina, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Caraga INFOCUS

Junesther Jean IwayValdez, TOO I Benjie Bona, Admin Officer I Emie Chloie Mejala, Admin Assistant I Christian Menesa sa Barangay Magsaysay, Libjo, Dinagat Islands.

Katuyoan niini nga makita mismo ang tourism site alang sa pag-validate sa maong lugar ug sa pagsiguro nga makuha ang mga tukmang datos nga gikinahanglan sa TIEZA para sa criteria nga giset niini isip basehan sa

Ang TIEZA usa ka ahensya ilalom sa Department of Tourism (DOT) nga maoy responsable sa pagpatuman sa mga polisiya ug programa sa departamento nga may kalabutan sa pagpapalambo, promosyon, ug pagdumala sa mga proyekto sa turismo sa Pilipinas.

Kini gitukod ilalom sa Republic Act No. 9593 o “The Tourism Act of 2009.” kini nagdeklara sa usa ka nasudnong polisiya alang sa turismo ingon man isip usa ka makina sa pamuhunan, August 21-27, 2021 |

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trabaho, pagtubo ug pagpalig-on sa DOT lakip ang mga ahensya aron epektibo ug episyente nga ipatuman ang mga balaod, ug paggahin sa pondo niini alang sa pagpauswag, pagdumala sa mga proyekto inprastraktura sa turismo sa nasud.

Nag-ila ang TIEZA sa Pangabangan Beach ug Tidal Pool sa Dinagat Islands nga usa ka ecotourism site. Usa usab sa duha ka napiling lugar sa intero rehiyon sa Caraga nga posibleng pagahatagan og suporta sa pagpalambo sa ecotourism activity ingon man sa uban pang infrastructure development nga makamugna sa dugang oportunidad sa katawhan ug turismo.

Nakita usab nila nga

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|August 21-27, 2021

abunda ang probinsya sa maanindot nga kinaiyahan nga nagkinahanglan sa padayon nga pag-amuma ug pagpakabana sa importansya niini ngadto sa katawhan.

Gipasabot usab nila nga aduna pa’y dugang ug subling pagbisita alang sa final validation ug site inspection sa mga naasoy na ecotourism site diin kini pagadumalahan mismo sa mga personahe sa TIEZA. Mapasalamaton usab sila sa maayong pag-abi-abi sa mga Dinagatnon ngadto kanila ingon man sa Provincial Government pinaagi sa Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office (PTCO), Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ug lakip na usab ang uban pang buhatan sa Kapitolyo nga aduna’y koordinasyon sa paggiya kanila sa ilang katuyoan sa Dinagat Islands.

Atol sa kalihukan anaa ang presensya nila Libjo Mayor Lamberto Llamera Jr., Vice Mayor Zoltan S. Edera, DILG MLGOO Bryan Edulzura, Municipal Tourism Officer Crisflor Roculas, Sangguniang Bayan Member Mamcel M. Creencia, San Antonio Barangay Captain Melody Compasivo (ABC President), SK Chairman Aster L. Punay, Magsaysay Barangay Captain Mary-Ann Estrada, ug pipila ka mga Barangay Kagawad. (LGU-Libjo/ PIA-Dinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS

6 coffee farmers groups in SurSur receive 2.6M solar tunnel dryers By: Myra Q. Yu

Handover of turnover documents of the Solar Tunnel Dryer to one of the ARBOs. From left: ARDO Agnes Dela Cerna, Municipal Mayor Generoso Naraiso, 2 nd District Congressman Johnny Pimentel, MKCGC Chairperson Daniel Guingue, DAR Secretary John Castriciones, Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal, Project ConVERGE Manager Gomercindo Tumbali, PARPO II Leoncio Bautista, Jr and Mun. Vice Mayor Antonio Adlao

Six coffee farmer groups from the towns of Tagbina and Barobo, all in Surigao del Sur received P2.6 Million worth of solar tunnel dryers funded under the Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) held last August 24, 2021, in Baranggay Kahayagan in Tagbina town.

The solar tunnel dryers are set to boost the Caraga INFOCUS

coffee production, rejuvenation, processing, and marketing enterprise benefiting 2,036 coffee farmers members of the six (6) Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) across the province.

In the message of DAR Regional Director and ConVERGE Regional Project Director Leomides R. Vilareal, he emphasized the importance of providing the facilities to improve

the efficiency and quality of our farmers’ produce, aside from the capacity building and mentoring provided to them.

During his speech, DAR Secretary Castriciones highlighted the role of our farmers in the country’s battle against a pandemic. “At the height of the pandemic, we could realize how important agriculture and the farmers are in our economy and August 21-27, 2021 |

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in our survival against COVID-19…importante po ang papel ninyong mga magsasaka, dahil kayo po ang siyang nagbibigay buhay sa ating pamahalaan at sa ating mamamayan,” he said. The DAR chief also underscored unity as a major factor in improving the lives of our farmers. “Gusto po naming iparamdam sa inyo na bagamat may pandemya, kapag tayo po ay nagtulong-tulong, ang ating hangarin na mapataas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga magsasaka ay makamit,” he added.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Leoncio Bautista, Jr. in his project brief mentioned that among the organizations that benefited the project were Ugoban Multipurpose Cooperative (UMPC), Tagbina Rural Improvement Club Producers Cooperative (TAGRICCO), Mabuhay Kahayagan Coffee Growers Cooperative (MKCGC), Barangay Villaverde Coffee Growers Cooperative (BAVILCOGCO),

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|August 21-27, 2021

Participants: representatives from 13 ARBOs, MARPOs, Division Chiefs, BLGU Officials and residents of Barangay Kahayagan

Tagarebe Multipurpose Cooperative (TAGAREBE MPC), and San Roque Cooperative (SARCO).

The ceremonial turnover was led by Sec. Castriciones together with 2nd District Congressman Johnny Chairperson of T. Pimentel, Municipal Mabuhay Kahayagan Mayor Generoso L. Coffee Growers Naraiso, Vice Mayor Cooperative Daniel Antonio N. Adlao, Dir. Guingue expressed his Villareal, Asst. Regional gratitude and thanks, Director Agnes L. Dela “Daghang salamat Cerna, Project Manager labi na sa Secretary Gomercindo G. Tumbali, sa DAR sa inyong PARPO Bautista, and suporta kanamong witnessed by DAR mag-uuma ug sa officials and employees, kooperatiba (Thank you ARBO members, so much specially to DAR barangay officials, and Secretary for the support hundreds of participants. to the farmers and to the (DAR-SDS/PIA-Surigao del cooperatives),” he said.

Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Backlog ng mga plate numbers na nai-rehistro noong 2018, sinimulan nang i-release ng LTOTandag

Contributed photo

Inanunsyo kamakailan ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Tandag City District Office na nagsimula na sila sa pagrelease sa mga plate numbers ng mga motorsiklo na nai-rehistro noong taong 2018.

nilang ibinigay ang mga ito sa mga motorcycle dealer kungsaan kinuha ang isang motorsiklo.

Dahil dito, inabisuhan na lang ni Daray ang mga nagmamay-ari ng mga motorsiklo na inirehistro sa nasabing taon Sa isang panayam, na kunin ang kanilang inihayag ni Jimmy Daray, mga plaka mula sa mga hepe sa nasabing dealer kungsaan nila tanggapan, na kinuha ang kanilang bahagyang naantala yunit. ang pamamahagi sa mga backlog na plate Samantala, idinagdag numbers dahil na rin sa dami nito. Aniya, direkta naman nito na ang mga Caraga INFOCUS

narehistro sa mga taong 2017, 2019, at 2020 ay nagpapatuloy pa ang pagproseso upang ma-release na rin ang kanilang mga plaka.

Nilinaw naman ni Daray na wala na silang backlog para sa kasalukuyang taon dahil kaagad na umanong ibinibigay ang mga plate numbers kasabay ng pagre-release sa rehistro ng sasakyan. (Raymond Aplaya, DXS RP-Tandag/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) August 21-27, 2021 |

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Implementasyon ng DOLETUPAD program sa SurSur, patuloy

Patuloy ngayong iniimplementa ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office ang Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program dito sa probinsya.

Ayon kay Josel-An Dua, Labor and Employment Officer sa DOLE Surigao del Sur Provincial Office,

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mahigit sa 94 million pesos na ang net amount for utilization ng probinsya para sa TUPAD Program as of August 20, 2021.

Aniya, ito ay nagcocover sa 18,269 na mga benepisyaryo kung saan 15,717 nito ang nakakumpleto na ng kanilang trabaho at 90% nitong mga nakakumpleto na ay nabayaran na ng

kanilang sweldo.

Ani Dua, lakip na rin dito ang intervention para sa mga informal economy workers na naapektuhan ng Bagyong Auring na nanalasa sa probinsya noong Pebrero 2021 kung saan may tig-250 na benepisyaryo ang bawat local government unit. (John Cuadrasal, DXJS RP-Tandag/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

MinDA forms technical group to lead PICOP rehabilitation The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) yesterday formed a Technical Working Group (TWG) to lead the efforts to revive and rehabilitate the mothballed wood processing facility in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, the Paper Industries Development Corp. (PICOP).

The development was the result of the virtual conference arranged by MinDA which involved key players in the project, the Court-appointed Rehabilitation Receiver Francisco Buencamino, and officials of Bislig City.

Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay who had asked MinDA’s help earlier in reviving the PICOP was inexplicably absent along with the Vice Mayor but this hardly affected the proceedings.

Among the salient points reached and agreed upon yesterday were: 1. The facilities of PICOP, while these had been raided and pilfered by groups identified with the workers’ union, could still be made operational with the installation of modern equipment; 2. Court-Appointed Receiver

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PICOP

Francisco Buenacamino said the owners of PICOP are willing to make additional investments to re-operate the facility now that the Total Log Ban Policy implemented during the previous administration had been lifted; 3. The Supreme Court case which stemmed from the petition for foreclosure filed by the Land Bank of the Philippines who had granted the corporation over P2-B in loans must be addressed as this is the remaining stumbling block in the move to start the rehabilitation; 4. The LGU of Bislig has pledged its support for the rehabilitation and revival

of the facility which at one time was the biggest pulp and paper mill in Asia which employed 20,000; 5. Participants in yesterday’s Virtual Conference agreed to set a timetable of one year to complete the process and re-operate the mill; 6. LGU officials who attended yesterday’s virtual conference emphasized that the people of Bislig City, especially the Tree Farmers, would greatly benefit from the rehabilitation and reoperation of the paper mill.

The membership of the TWG will be known on Friday, Aug. 27.

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Upland Hybrid Rice Demo Farm In Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Farmers in Zamboanga Sibugay could now see for themselves the benefits of the Israeli technology of Pressurized Irrigation and Fertigation with the opening this week of the Demonstration Area for Upland Hybrid Rice Farming in Barangay Upper Pangi, Ipil.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has partnered with a private school, the Sibugay Technical Institute Inc., which provided a 1,000-square meter area and funded the installation of pressurized irrigation and fertigation equipment.

The demonstration farm, initiated by MinDA and implemented with the support of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), private seed companies, private fertilizer companies and the local government units, aims to show farmers how to plant a hybrid rice variety in upland areas without the traditional drench-type gravity irrigation system.

Instead, a pressurized spray irrigation system will be used in providing a measured volume of water to the rice farm and fertilizer will be mixed with irrigation water in a technology called

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“Fertigation.”

The “Upland Rice Irrigation and Fertigation Demonstration Farm Project” is part of MinDA’s advocacy to introduce modern technology to make use of the vast upland areas of Mindanao for food production, especially rice.

The demonstration farm inside the Sibugay Institute of Technology compound has an area of at least 1,000 square meters which would divided into two sections, one with pressurized irrigation and fertigation facilities and the other half would be left dependent on natural precipitation.

At least two hybrid rice varieties, TH82 from SeedWorks and Kimbee from Ramgo Seeds, will be used

in the demo farm while the Department of Agriculture will supply the inbred and black rice varieties.

Technicians from PhilRice and the local government units will be involved in the monitoring of the project which is expected to harvest

by December this year.

There would be 21 other demonstration farms to be established in the different areas in Mindanao to help develop and scale-up the knowledge and skills of upland farmers and increase production using modern technology.

The first demonstration which I personally funded and started in my farm is now on its 88th day and harvest is expected by the second week of September.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Duterte admin rebuilding the economy ready to bounce back post-pandemic While curbing the impacts of COVID-19 the Duterte administration is likewise preparing the country to bounce back to a more dynamic economy postpandemic, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Saturday.

He said the current administration is in the process of laying better foundations to be carried forward and hopefully be improved by the next administration.

in terms of the status of our economy, job creation, social services, peace and order, among others,” he said in an interview.

Secretary Andanar stressed that the remaining 10 months in office of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be crucial in terms of setting the direction of the country and handing it over to the next leader.

He hopes that the next administration will be ready to take on the lead.

“Whatever President Duterte does in the last 10 months of his term will be crucial for “The President will prepare the next administration. And the road for the next we are hoping that the next administration so that we can administration will be postbounce back to where we pandemic already,” he said. were before the pandemic and even go beyond that He also called for the full

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cooperation of the Filipino people as the country grapples against the pandemic and while the government continues to address the needs of the multisectoral public.

“The country has to reach higher milestones. That’s why we are seeking your 100% corporation. We must be in one direction and embody the spirit of bayanihan,” he said.

“Kumbaga we are preparing the climate for the next administration’s work to rebuild our country from the effects of the COVID-19 [We are preparing the climate for the next administration to rebuild our country from the effects of COVID-19],” he added.

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Mabinay town eyes agro-industrial economy shift

The local economy has to adapt to a more productive industry in order to move forward on its road to cityhood, Mabinay, Negros Oriental Mayor Joeterry Abada-Uy said on Friday.

“Mabinay is eyeing to shift to agro-industrial economy because it will not work if we will just remain on what we are used to,” she said during the Network briefing News with host Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar as he discussed programs they have placed to assist the agricultural sector.

The local government is supporting mechanization of the agriculture sector, which is also in line with the programs of the Department of Agriculture. Farmer cooperatives there were given mechanical equipment, such as tractor, harvester,and farm implements, for their crops. They are also a recipient of a Solar Power Irrigation System.

There were also 110 marginalized farmers who benefitted from DA’s Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers (SURE Aid Program). This aims to

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assist the rice farmers whose incomes were affected by the drop in the farm gate price of palay.

Aside from this the town is also a recipient of the animal dispersal project under DA’s SAAD program, an agricultural intervention that is intended to help alleviate poverty among the marginalized sectors of agriculture and fishery.

Mayor Uy said they are now seeking the assistance of the provincial government for the concreting of more farm-to-market roads there. She added that almost 95% of their main road is already concreted and this is really a big help for their farmers.

On the other hand, Mayor Uy said they are planning for the eventual cityhood of Mabinay by focusing their efforts on allowing more investors to venture in the municipality, and likewise increase job opportunities there.

She also noted that they are qualified in terms of municipal revenues, and required area, and the only thing lacking is the required population to become a city.

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Secretary Andanar: Peace and order at hand with creation of Bangsamoro Region The administration has attained various notable achievements in terms of ensuring peace and order in the country and part of this is the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday.

He cited this as one of the legacies of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in terms of attaining lasting peace in Mindanao.

“Ilang administrasyon yan na ipinaglaban pero ngayon lang sa panahon ni Presidente Duterte naging batas [Many administrations have pushed for it, but it was only now during the term of President Duterte that it became a law],” he said.

Through Republic Act 11054 or the ‘Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Muslim community in Mindanao was given the autonomy to pursue its political, economic, social, and cultural development in its indicated jurisdiction.

The legislation culminates the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that spanned for 17 years since its talks started in 1997.

Apart from this, the administration’s anti-criminality, and anti-illegal drugs

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campaigns have pushed back the number of crimes reported across the country. According to Secretary Andanar, the crime volume in the country during the administration of President Duterte dropped by at least 64 percent.

Along with this, more than P50 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized; more than 700 drug dens have been dismantled; and more than 1.2 million drug dependents have voluntarily surrendered themselves to be rehabilitated, to date.

“Mas panatag na ang loob ng ating mga kababayan na maglakad pauwi dahil [sila] ay kumbinsido na hindi sila mabibiktima ng krimen.

Mayroon na pong law and order [Our countrymen are more at ease, that they can walk home knowing they will not be victims of crime. There is law and order],” he said as he went on to mention other initiatives which defanged

modus operandi in airports, such as the tanim-bala extortion scheme and the so-called pastillas scheme.

The government has reported significant strides in terms of its anti-insurgency bid in conflict-affected areas in the countryside through the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Secretary Andanar cited that more than 18,000 rebels have surrendered to the authorities because of the whole-of-nation approach. This approach has been successful in convincing communist rebels to give up the armed struggle as there are readily available programs and projects that will help them reintegrate into their communities.

There is also the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which was signed

by President Duterte to give the country more teeth in curbing threats and acts of terrorism.

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Bong Go helps fire victims in Teresa, Rizal

On Monday, August 23, Go showed his concern for 162 individuals who were victims in the recent fire incident that hit the public market in Teresa, Rizal last August 11 as he sent his team to distribute assistance to help them recover from the damages.

“Sa mga nasunugan po, huwag ho kayong magalala. ‘Yung gamit naman po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kinikita, magsipag lang kayo,” said Go in his video message “Subalit ‘yung perang

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kinita niyo ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat po tayo, mga kababayan ko,” he added.

During the distribution, the fire victims received financial assistance, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Some recipients also received new pairs of shoes and bicycles.

Select beneficiaries were given computer tablets, an essential tool for their children who are taking up classes under the blended learning approach

implemented in schools.

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave additional financial assistance to further help the victims to recover from the damages caused by the fire.

The residents also received fresh vegetables and medicines from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health, respectively.

More so, livelihood support will be given to qualified individuals who were Caraga INFOCUS

po dahil bawat bahay na nasusunog, nadadamay po ang kapitbahay. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo,” Go expressed.

As he continued his remarks, Senator Go reminded the public to comply with recommended health guidelines and participate in the national vaccination program to help curb the surge of the coronavirus infections.

evaluated by the staff of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Senator Go expressed his optimism that the Bureau of Fire Protection is one step closer to upgrading its capabilities in addressing fire-related concerns as Senate Bill No. 1832, otherwise known as the BFP Modernization Act, now awaits the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte after its bicameral conference committee report was ratified during the Senate session last August 4.

Under SBN 1832, the BFP will be mandated to develop a modernization Caraga INFOCUS

Being the Chair of Senate Committee on Health program that will improve and Demography, Go and enhance its functions. expressed his concern over The components of which Filipinos who are hesitant will include recruiting more to seek medical care due firefighters, provision of to financial constraints. He specialized trainings for then encouraged locals to the firefighters, acquiring visit any of the Malasakit modern fire equipment, Centers in the province among others. as these centers will assist them with their medical In addition, BFP will be tasked to conduct monthly expenses. fire prevention campaigns “Nasa loob na ho ng and information drives in hospital ‘yung apat na every local government ahensiya ng gobyerno at unit, especially in remote tutulungan po kayo - ang areas.

PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH at DSWD. Zero balance po “Karagdagang kagamitan, karagdagang ang target ng Malasakit firefighters, monthly Center. Para po sa mga education campaign para poor and indigent patients turuan po ang ating mga ang Malasakit Center,” Go kababayan na mag-ingat cited.

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The Malasakit Centers in Rizal are located at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV in Antipolo City, Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, and Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital in Cainta.

“Mahirap po ang masunugan ngayong panahon ng pandemya dahil doon po yung puwesto ko po sa palengke, yun lamang po ang aking source of income. Maraming, maraming salamat po at natulungan niyo po kami at nandiyan po kayo handang tumulong po sa amin,” Johanna Repuya, 46, shared in an interview.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various local infrastructure development initiatives to help boost economic opportunities in communities. He extended his support to the construction of roads along Canal La Trinidad-Omega at Brgy.

San Gabriel in Teresa to improve accessibility and mobility.

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The Senator also helped push for several infrastructure in Rizal, including the improvement of road and drainage system in the town; the construction of Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez, Rizal; the rehabilitation of flood control structures along the upper Marikina River; and the construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City.

Other projects he supported are the construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and construction of new roads in Baras; rehabilitation and improvement of roads in Rodriguez; purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo; and construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

Following his remarks, Go expressed his appreciation towards Representative Fidel Nograles, Governor Rebecca “Nini” Ynares, Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Mayor Raul Palino, Vice Mayor Jose Jeriel Villegas, and other local officials for their continuous efforts to ensure their constituents receive much needed

support during crisis situations.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan po tayo, at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go expressed.

“Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he ended.

On the same day, Senator Go had another team to distribute similar forms of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Angono, Rizal.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos.

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“Bong” Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, August 24, filed Senate Bill No. 2359 which provides competitive remuneration and compensation to social workers as recognition for their work to help the poor and needy in securing basic services especially amid the ongoing pandemic.

Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Go said that the attainability of the country’s legal obligations rests primarily Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go files bill providing competitive remuneration and compensation packages to social workers; recognizes their significant role in protecting welfare of Filipinos on the dedicated efforts of the workers rendering biopsychosocial services and interventions to the public.

“In the Philippine setting, registered social workers are one of the unacknowledged groups of workers despite the great weight of their contribution to and responsibility for the wellbeing of all Filipinos,” Go pointed out.

“The social workers play vital roles in the case management of individuals and in

the rehabilitation and reintegration of families and communities who have been vulnerable after being victims of crimes, disasters, calamities, armed conflicts or similar incidents,” he added.

Due to the increasing number of Filipinos needing assistance and a more holistic biopsychosocial intervention in the wake of COVID-19, Go said that social workers have been extending their helping hands, providing August 21-27, 2021 |

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necessary interventions round the clock.

However, he lamented that they are only receiving contemptible treatment, with remuneration incommensurate with their workload and absence of benefits appropriate to their profession.

“It is now an opportune time to fully recognize the champions of social change---those who significantly provide aid and healing within the communities,” he urged.

Under the proposed measure, the minimum salary grade for social workers will be increased from Salary Grade 11 to 13. The Department of Budget and Management will be mandated to adjust their salaries accordingly.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with other concerned government agencies, association of social workers, and the accredited professional organization will also establish an incentive and benefit system for

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the social workers.

Emphasizing the important role of social workers, Go stressed the need to recognize their contributions to society.

“Our social workers serve as bridges of the people and the government agencies. Their importance is highlighted even more in times of crisis, such as the current pandemic,” he said.

“It is high time that we recognize their invaluable contributions to society by giving them proper and sufficient compensation,” he added.

Promoting the welfare of social workers, according to Go, will go a long way toward ensuring that the government continues to attract and retain social workers.

“This is also a welcome relief on the part of the social workers’ families.

Alalahanin natin na bukod sa pag-alaga nila sa taumbayan na mga nangangailangan, may mga sariling pamilya rin silang binubuhay at inaalagaan,” he ended.

Previously, Go also supported the grant of hazard pay to government personnel, including social workers, who physically report for work during the period of community quarantine relative to the COVID-I9 situation.

“Sa mga panahong ito kung saan andyan ang banta sa kalusugan at buhay ng ating mga mamamayan, pinili ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan na magsilbi sa bayan,” said Go. “Imbes na uunahin nila ang kapakanan ng kanilang pamilya, ninais nilang patuloy na magtrabaho sa kanikanilang mga opisina upang hindi maputol ang mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan para sa lahat. Nararapat lamang na kilalanin at bigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang mga sakripisyong ito,” the Senator added.

On the same day, Go also filed SB 2358 which seeks to establish a national framework for the mandatory environmental insurance coverage of environmentally critical projects.

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Bong Go extends aid to essential workers in Angono, Rizal; commends gov’t agencies for extending support to vulnerable sectors amid pandemic Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued his efforts to help struggling communities as he sent his team to Rizal province and distributed assistance to 123 farmers and fisherfolk in the town of Angono on Monday, August 23.

Go’s staff ensured that necessary safety and health protocols were strictly observed during the relief efforts conducted at Angono Lakeside EcoPark. They also grouped the

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beneficiaries into smaller batches to further prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The recipients then received meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Some beneficiaries also brought home new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets that are intended to help their children who are pursuing studies under the blended learning set-up.

The Senator, through his

video message, lauded several government agencies for continuously extending their programs to communities in need.

“Ayaw man ng gobyernong isara muli ang ekonomiya dahil marami pong nawawalan ng trabaho, marami pong naghihirap po dahil sa pagsasara ng ekonomiya. Ngunit, inuuna po namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kalusugan at buhay po ng bawat Pilipino,” Go expressed.

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The Department of Agriculture extended financial grants, through their KADIWA ni Ani at Kita program, to the local government of Angono to help several associations of farmers and fisher folks.

challenging it is to sustain his three children with his low income, especially since the pandemic affected most livelihoods in their community.

“Bawal po kami mamasada dahil may sinusunod po The KADIWA program is a kaming protocols, mahina direct marketing scheme rin po ang kita bilang created by DA to ensure mangingisda. Pero hindi po that food commodities ako sumusuko dahil ang are highly accessible to iniisip ko po ay ang aking consumers through the pamilya dahil gusto ko KADIWA retail stores located araw araw silang kumakain. in strategic areas.

Kaya maraming maraming salamat po, Sir Bong Go, at Furthermore, the sa ating Pangulong Duterte Department of Social at may pambili na po ako Welfare and Development ng mga grocery at kung provided financial ano pa pong kailangan assistance to all recipients sa bahay. Malaking tulong while the Department of po talaga ito,” Mangayan Health gave supplies of shared. medicines and vitamins.

As the rate of COVID-19 Staff from the Department cases continue to be of Trade and Industry alarming, Go urged the and Technical Education beneficiaries to remain and Skills Development vigilant and compliant to Authority conducted their necessary health guidelines assessments where qualified against the coronavirus. He recipients will be given the then asked the public to opportunity to take part in participate in the national their respective livelihood vaccination program to and scholarship programs. help the nation attain population protection, and Janver Mangayan, a herd immunity soon. fisherman and a tricycle driver, expressed how he “Mga kababayan ko, struggles to manage two tuluy-tuloy naman po ang jobs at the same time vaccination rollout, at and further shared how mayro’n na rin pong naiulat

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na parating na naman pong mga bakuna. Ang importante po rito madeploy, maiturok, at wala pong masayang,” Go said.

“Araw-araw naman po maganda po ‘yung naging resulta ng ating vaccination rollout. Importante po protektado ang bawat isa.

‘Pag nasa priority list na ho kayo magpabakuna na ho kayo,” he continued.

Senator Go, as Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, extended further assistance to those with health concerns as he advised them not to be hesitant to seek medical assistance in any of the four Malasakit Centers in the province.

Principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, mandates all DOH-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to establish Malasakit Centers. These centers provide convenient access to medical assistance programs from agencies such as DSWD, DOH, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to assist particularly poor and

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and making certain their constituents are supported, especially during these unprecedented times.

indigent patients.

The Malasakit Centers in Rizal are located at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV in Antipolo City, the Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan, the Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Montalban, and the Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital in Cainta.

“Pakiusap po namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, kung maaari po huwag munang umalis ng pamamahay kung hindi naman po kailangan at parating magsuot ng face mask at face shield, at observe social distancing.

Nakasalalay rin po sa kooperasyon ng bawat isa ang ating kaligtasan dito sa laban kontra COVID-19,” Go reminded.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported infrastructure

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development programs in the province of Rizal to improve public service delivery and boost economic opportunities.

These include the improvement of road and drainage system in Angono; the construction of Batangas Medical Center Annex in Montalban, Rizal; the rehabilitation of flood control structures along the upper Marikina River; the construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City; the construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and construction of new roads in Baras; the rehabilitation and improvement of roads in Montalban; the purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo; and the construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

Go then extended his gratitude towards the local government officials of Angono for sustaining their respective communities

Among the officials were Representatives Jack Duavit and Fidel Nograles, Governor Rebecca “Nini” Ynares, Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon and Vice Mayor Gerry Calderon, and many others.

“Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa inyo - huwag niyo pong pabayaan ‘yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap. ‘Yung mga helpless, ‘yung mga hopeless po, huwag niyo po silang pababayaan,” Go ended.

On the same day, another team of the Senator conducted similar relief efforts for fire victims in the town of Teresa.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos.

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Vaccine czar: Pfizer, Moderna may deliver less than 10 million COVID-19 jabs next month

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on August 24, 2021. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Philippines may receive less than 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from American pharmaceutical companies Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. next month as the country intensifies its mass inoculation drive to contain the spread of coronavirus, the country’s vaccine czar said on Tuesday.

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Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the government’s vaccination coordinator, said in a report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that they have negotiated with Pfizer, which has committed to deliver around 5 million doses of COVID-19 jab next month.

“And we are negotiating with Moderna na

makapagbigay sila ng more or less 3 to 4 million,” Galvez told the President.

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said that to ensure steady supply of vaccines, the government has signed a purchase order for additional 10 million doses of CoronaVac

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vaccine.

The government decided to buy more jabs from China’s Sinovac Biotech after the 26 million doses delivered by the drugmaker have been depleted, Galvez said.

Sinovac, maganda po ang supply niya, steady.”

Citing the Philippine Vaccine Tracker, Galvez said a total of 48,522,890 vaccine doses have been delivered to the country.

The total shipment is “So ang ginawa po natin comprised of 27.9 million para magkaroon tayo doses procured by the ng steady supply ay national government, nag-order po tayo ng 10 3.6 million purchased by million doses of Sinovac. the private sector, 3.2 At ito po maganda po million donation from the ito, ito po ay mababa COVAX facility and 3.6 po ang presyo kaysa sa million donated by other original price niya,” he countries. said.

The vaccine czar also “So ang nakikita po natin clarified the vaccine ay talagang medyo procurements arranged gumaganda po ang through tripartite ano po natin ngayon sa agreements with LGUs

and the private sector.

Galvez brushed off accusations that the national government has delayed the signing of agreements, explaining it is just exercising due diligence in vaccine procurements.

“Talagang gusto po namin ‘yung pera ng LGU at ‘yung pera ng private sector, hindi po sila mapapahamak sa ginagawa po natin,” he told the President.

In addition, vaccine manufacturers prefer to negotiate with the national government since they find it easier to seal deals with a single entity, he said. PND

PNA/File photo

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|August 21-27, 2021

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PH records over 30-M jabs administered as more vaccines arrive

The Philippines reached a new milestone in its vaccination program as the country records more than 30 million vaccines administered at 30,389,160 vaccine doses, as of August 22, 2021 data from the National COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard.

event held on August 23, 2021 at SM City in San Mateo, Rizal.

“At habang pataas nang pataas po ang mga numero ng nababakunahan, walang tigil din po ang dating ng suplay ng ating mga bakuna,” said Secretary From the total number Roque who mentioned of vaccine doses about the delivery of administered, 17,258,675 Sinopharm vaccines on individuals have been August 21 (260,800) and jabbed with a first dose of August 20 (749,200), for a COVID-19 vaccine, while a total of 1 million doses 13,130,485 individuals are of vaccines donated by now fully vaccinated, said China.

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr. The Palace official also during the press briefing noted the delivery on that ensued after the August 21 of another 1 “30M Jabs and Counting” million doses of Sinovac Caraga INFOCUS

vaccines purchased by the national government, and the 582,500 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines delivered on August 20, which was procured by local government units (LGUs) and the private sector.

The stable supply of vaccines has been credited by LGUs as a factor in their continued administration of vaccines to their constituents and those from adjacent provinces.

In the same press briefing, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos August 21-27, 2021 |

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Jr. reported that of the 14 million population of the National Capital Region (NCR), of which 70 percent is 9,800,000, 75 percent of the eligible population or 7,350,611 have already received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 43.5 percent or 4,262,546 are already fully vaccinated.

Secretary Roque.

Chair Abalos also mentioned that among the most vulnerable sector, 92 percent (927,506) of those in the A2 Priority Group or the senior citizens have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 78 percent (788,973) are now fully vaccinated.

For those belonging to the A3 Priority Group or those with comorbidities, Chair Abalos said that 57 percent (1,857,196) have been jabbed with a first dose, while 41 percent (1,375,352) are completely vaccinated.

“It’s encouraging po na sa Metro Manila we are close to 43 percent fully vaccinated. Ang population protection po ay nasa 50 percent, pero hindi naman po tayo titigil. Pararamihin pa rin po natin yung mga nababakunahan sa Metro Manila at gaya nung sinabi natin kanina we will vax as one,” said

On vaccinating people from nearby provinces in the NCR, MMDA General Manager (GM) Undersecretary Jose Arturo “Jojo” Garcia affirmed the commitment of NCR LGUs to assist, ensuring that there will be a process to follow including uniformed registration of vaccinees and the use of QR codes.

|August 21-27, 2021

The Palace spokesperson added that for the NCR, the LGUs that have completed 50 percent going to 70 percent of their target population can already start vaccinating those from adjacent provinces like Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite.

Meanwhile, National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. assured that with the continuous delivery of vaccines, the commitment to supply 4 million vaccines to the NCR plus additional 2.5 million vaccine doses to cover other priority regions will be fulfilled.

Secretary Galvez said that with the steady supply of vaccines for the NCR Plus Eight areas that were initially identified as priority

areas for vaccination, vaccines can now be equitably distributed as well to provinces to shorten the gap between different regions in terms of vaccine supply. Galvez added that the country can expect some 20 to 25 million vaccine doses in September 2021.

Aside from Roque, Galvez, Abalos, and Garcia, the “30M Jabs and Counting” event was also graced by NTF Deputy Chief Implementer and Testing Czar Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor Dennis Hernandez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, San Mateo, Rizal Mayor Christina Diaz, former Rizal Governor Jun-Jun Ynares, SM Supermalls SVP for Operations Bien Mateo, and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. Mateo, in his opening remarks during the event, assured the continued support of SM Supermalls in the government’s vaccination initiatives by serving as vaccination site. Mateo said that over 2.5 million jabs have been administered to date in 69 SM malls from North Luzon to Mindanao. ### OPS Caraga INFOCUS

Vax drive events encourage people to get jabs Malacañang on Monday said the holding of events to celebrate milestones in the country’s Covid-19 vaccination drive helped encourage more people to get their jabs.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark as the country marked the administration of over 30 million doses of vaccines. Of this number, over 13,000 are fully vaccinated.

“Wala pong masama na binibigyan natin ng importansya ang mga milestone. Hindi naman kami pupunta sa ganitong mga activities na wala tayong milestone na kinikilala (There is nothing wrong with giving importance to milestones like this.

We are not attending activities like this if there are no milestones to recognize),” he said in a press briefing in SM City San Mateo.

Roque said such events are part of “effective government communication” to raise vaccine confidence among those who have yet to get their Covid-19 vaccine shots.

“Taking note of this milestone is a way of encouraging people na magpabakuna na rin (to also get vaccinated).

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File photo

Wala pong masama na ginagawa po natin (There’s nothing wrong with what we are doing),” he added.

He also emphasized that Rizal, where SM City San Mateo is located, is currently under the less restrictive modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) where social gatherings are allowed but on limited capacity.

Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan are also under MECQ until the end of the month but with more restrictive protocols.

“Of course we’re very cognizant po kung ano yung quarantine classification kung saan kami pupunta (of the quarantine classification of places we visit),” he said.

Meanwhile, Roque also defended the holding of inaugurations for new

hospitals and hospital facilities that cater to Covid-19 patients.

“Yung mga inauguration naman po ng mga facilities dahil dapat naman malaman ng taongbayan kung saan napupunta ang kanilang pera lalung-lalo na pagdating sa ating mga hakbang na ginagawa laban sa Covid-19 (The inauguration of facilities are also being held so people know where their taxes go especially in steps being done to address Covid-19),” he said.

The national government eyes the complete vaccination of at least 50 percent of Metro Manila residents by end of August.

Currently, Roque said Metro Manila has finished vaccinating 43 percent of its target population. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)

August 21-27, 2021 |

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