Caraga InFocus –August 3-9, 2019

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[ Contents 03 - 09 August 2019

Volume III, No. 51

DOH-CHD Caraga intensifies 4S campaign vs dengue REGIONAL NEWS

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POPCOM Caraga celebrates 100-millionth babies’ 5th birthday AgNor PWDs join Paralympics Butuan dad calls on Agusanons to help keep Agusan River clean DOH Caraga investigates death of 9yo kid

Caraga products showcased in ASPIRE trade fair

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Surigao airport rehab fast-tracked as Andanar intervenes

AgNor town declares Reds persona non grata Farmer’s group receives P1M livelihood project in Surigao Norte Python troopers winner in Gawad KALASAG Award in Caraga SurSur FRs avail coco twine training SurSur holds DRR-CCA Summit for IPMR 350 PWDs join 41st NDPR Week celebration in SurSur

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DOH Caraga seeks public support to stop dengue

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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MINDANAO NEWS

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BJMP showcases PDLs’ handmade products in Davao City bazaar

NATIONAL NEWS

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DAR turns over 58k land titles in Davao City

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Andanar: PCOO to build communications training center for information officers SSS runs after delinquent employers in Luzon P20.3-B free college education budget disbursed: CHED

News Briefs The campaign of the government known as REHABiNASYON, envisions to make the country drugfree to ensure a better future for Filipino families, especially the youth.

The Cabadbaran City DRRMO holds a Basic Incident Command System (ICS) Training Course for LGU Cabadbaran participated by 48 CDRRM Disaster Response Committee members. Invited speakers include Agusan del Norte ICS Cadres.

DOTr Assistant Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that the Surigao Airport runway’s partial operation of up to 1,400 meters is possible

by November to resume the operations of seven weekly ManilaSurigao Philippine Airlines flights. He said that this will accomodate for the high demand of flights in the Christmas season.

According to DOH Caraga assistant regional director Dr. Gerna Manatad, as of Aug. 3, 2019, there were 8 barangays in the region identified as dengue hotspot areas to include barangays Abilan in Buenavisa; Pinanaan in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; Daywan in Claver, Surigao del Norte; Maligaya in Rosario, Agusan del Sur; and Canlanipa, Luna, Washington & San Juan in Surigao City.

Cover Story

DOH-CHD Caraga intensifies 4S campaign vs dengue

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

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UTUAN CITY - With the increasing number of dengue cases in Caraga region, the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga has intensified the 4S campaign in the different provinces of the region.

Based on the data released

by DOH-Caraga as of July 22, 2019, there are more than 6,000 dengue cases recorded in the region, higher compared to last year’s figure.

However, the region is still below the alert level.

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“As of July 22, we have 6,500 cases of dengue in Caraga. This is very high compared to last year’s cases of 2,300, but thankfully with the new graph, it is still below the alert level,” said DOHCHD Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr.

The DOH-CHD also recognized the effort of the local government units in the region for their constant implementation of the health programs to the public.

“Thank you for your cooperation, especially to the local government units. You’ve been our most able and reliable partners in all our public health programs. You become the mirror of the Department of Health among our people, because you seriously implement the public health programs.

You are not only the arms and legs of the department, you are also the heart and the face of the department in the different local communities,” Llacuna said.

Meanwhile, the DOH-CHD also monitors the number of cases on measles and ensures the conduct of school-based immunization in the provinces of Caraga region.

The official added that they are closely coordinating with the Department of Education to ensure the provision of immunization to school-age children by September, this year.

The health department also reminded the different barangays to continuously perform the 4S campaign to prevent the spread of dengue disease. These are: search and destroy; self-protection measures; seek early consultation; and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

“Just last week, we launched the school-based immunization. This is a project of DOH, in coordination with the Department of Education to immunize all our school age children. That by September 30 as emphasized by the health secretary, at least 95 percent of the students will be immunized against measles,” said Llacuna. (JPG/PIACaraga) August 3 -9, 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

POPCOM Caraga celebrates 100-millionth babies’ 5th birthday

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITYFive children who were among the symbolic 100-millionth babies in the country were delighted to receive the gift from Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga as they celebrated their 5th birthday here, with the presence of other concerned government agencies.

PopCom, together with the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Caraga, has been monitoring these children’s growth and health condition since they were born.

government has intensified its efforts and campaign towards responsible parenthood and family planning program.

Meanwhile, parents of the five children also expressed their thanks to all working government agencies for

The said agencies also continuously providing assistance and reminded the parents to ensure that social welfare programs and services their children’s needs are met and for their children. a quality life and access to health, education and proper guidance are “Thank you to all the government provided so they grow up responsible agencies that continue to provide our citizens. children with the assistance they need as they grow up. We will also do our

Dir. Alexander Makinano of best as parents,” said Cherilyn Aquino PopCom-13 also stressed that the of Agusan del Sur. August 3 -9, 2019

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“I am thankful especially to PhilHealth. We did not pay any centavo in the hospital bills when my daughter was admitted,” Ryan Tranquilan of Surigao del Sur said.

It was a fun and memorable day for the 100-millionth baby birthday celebrators as each of them received their special gifts from PopCom while give-aways were also given to visitors.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

AgNor PWDs join Paralympics

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Despite their condition, the persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Agusan del Norte actively participated in the multi-sports during the paralympics held here recently.

The PWDs played volleyball along with other contenders. tournament (men and women); basketball; bowling; and dart games.

“This is my first time to join and I enjoyed it. I thought I could never play

Gina Narvasa, 46 years old from this kind of sport (volleyball) because of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, was one of my condition, but I just did and I’m so the participants who did not hesitate happy,” said Narvasa. to join the volleyball tournament with other women PWDs.

Gabby Amodia, the PWD federated president of Buenavista,

She said, playing the game was Agusan del Norte who also joined in quite difficult for her condition, yet with the bowling tournament, was thankful perseverance, she finished the game that he was able to show his skills and with cheerfulness and great fulfillment ability in performing the game despite

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Regional News I Empowering Communities his physical condition.

more PWDs in Caraga region will get involve and be known in the different

Meanwhile, Silver Joy Tejano, sports, and be able to make it in the Provincial Social Welfare and Southeast Asian Games.

Development (PSWD) officer of Agusan del Norte thanked all the PWDs who The paralympics formed part supported and took time in joining the of the activities set for the National paralympics this year.

Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) celebration this month of July.

She expressed her hopes that (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan dad calls on Agusanons to help keep Agusan River clean

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The Butuanons and Agusanons, together with the officials of the local government unit and workers from government agencies gathered early morning on Sunday, July 28 for this year’s celebration of the Abayan Festival at the Agusan River, this city.T August 3 -9, 2019

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The fluvial procession was the main highlight of the festival, as a way of giving value to the mighty Agusan river and its patroness Santa Ana.

participant of the “baroto” race from a women’s organization, bared that they wanted people from outside Butuan to see how clean and enticing the Agusan River is. She also stressed

In his message, Butuan City Mayor that all are united with the local Ronnie Vicente Lagnada called on all government towards promoting the Butuanons and Agusanons to continue tourism development in Butuan. to give value and preserve the scenic spots, natural heritage and cleanliness “I hope the public not only from of the Agusan River as it gives life to the this city, but also from other provinces tourism industry of the city. could see how clean the Agusan River

He further urged everyone to is, and would have better appreciation sustain proper waste segregation and of its scenic beauty,” said Umpad. prevent throwing of plastic wastes in

Michael Jepson Oriba, a grade the river.

12 student and member of the dragon

Apart from the fluvial parade, boat team also shared their team’s vision people also witnessed the ‘baroto’ and advocacy towards protecting the race participated by young adults and environment and the Agusan River. women sector who have great interest He said, the youth’s participation in promoting the tourism of Butuan is of in sailing sport. great help to the government. (JPG/

Reah Umpad, a 40-year old PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga investigates death of 9yo kid

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY – With the aim to shed light on the death of a nine-year old pupil in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte after taking the deworming drug, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga coordinated with the proper authority to ensure that the incident is well investigated and all parties concerned are addressed.

On July 23, DOH received a report that a female pupil experienced drowsiness and vomiting after taking the deworming drug that allegedly cause her death.

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According to Dr. Gerna Manatad, Assistant Regional Director of DOH Caraga, while the investigation is ongoing and while waiting for the results, the conduct of the deworming

Regional News I Empowering Communities activities in the province of Surigao del Norte was suspended temporarily.

“Our agency has visited the family of the deceased child to express sympathy and assures the family that the DOH will exhaust all efforts to understand the possible cause of her death,� said Manatad.

Meanwhile, Department of Education Caraga Regional Director Francis Cesar Bringas said while he understands the sentiments of the parents on deworming activities, but he is also asking the parents to set aside first their conclusions on the matter and wait for the result of the investigation.

81,963 individuals of 1,172,153 eligible population or equivalent to seven percent have taken the deworming drugs in Caraga region, 1,600 of them came from Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

Manatad clarified that deworming activities in other Caraga provinces will still continue except in Surigao del As of July 31, 2019, a total of Norte. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

DOH Caraga seeks public support to stop dengue

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga calls on the public to help stop the spread of dengue in the region.

According to DOH Caraga Assistant Regional Director Dr. Gerna Manatad, the department has recorded a total of 7,010 dengue cases from January 1 to August 3, 2019.

2,675 cases.

Based on the data, as of August 3, there were eight barangays in the region that were identified as dengue hotspot areas to include the barangays

This is 162.1% higher compared of Abilan in Buenavista; Pinanaan, Las to the same period last year with only Nieves in Agusan del Norte; Daywan, August 3 -9, 2019

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Claver, Surigao del Norte; Maligaya, Rosario in Agusan del Sur; and Canlanipa, Luna, Washington and San Juan in Surigao City, Manatad said.

and “Support fogging/spraying” only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

“One effective way to stop the spread of dengue is to practice the four o’clock habit, search and destroy the breeding sites of the dengue-carrying mosquitos and to always perform the 4S strategy against dengue,” says Manatad.

Manatad also says that they have coordinated with the local government units (LGUs), Department of Education and other government and private offices to perform the simultaneous clean-up activity to continue the campaign to stop dengue in the different areas of the region.

The 4-S strategy stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites, employ “Self-protection measures” (i.e. wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent), “Seek early consultation”,

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“We are also constantly monitoring the LGUs on dengue cases and as of today, the region is in the below alert threshold level status on dengue cases,” says Manatad. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)

Regional News I Empowering Communities

Caraga products showcased in ASPIRE trade fair

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Cheaper yet quality products from Caraga were showcased in a trade fair.

The three-day Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Enterprises (ASPIRE) trade fair held at Robinsons Place Atrium, this city was highlighted by local farmers, business sector, and different government agencies.

According to Dir. Junibert De Sagun, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture - Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), the ASPIRE aims to improve the agriculture sector and the way of life of the local farmers through the conduct of trade fair, business matching and investment promotion.

Engr. Leandro Gazmin of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (PCCI) said they are looking into the priority commodities of the region to ensure that the assistance to be provided by the government really fits the need of the local farmers.

Dir. Annray Rivera, focal person for TienDA South Metro, also emphasized the importance of TienDA Malasakit stores, which provide greater opportunities for the sector as they

reach out to the consumers or directbuyers of their products.

Meanwhile, Jhoanna Garcia, one of the exhibitors of the ASPIRE trade fair, expressed her gratitude to all the working government agencies that continuously provide assistance and guidance to the local farmers and entrepreneurs like her.

“Thank you to all the government agencies who have helped us in the preparation for this ASPIRE trade fair, and even before, they have been extending assistance to local farmers and entrepreneurs like us to improve our income and productivity,� said Garcia. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) August 3 -9, 2019

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Surigao airport rehab fast-tracked as Andanar intervenes

SURIGAO CITY - The repair and widening of the quake-hit Surigao Airport runway remain on track despite several conflicts faced by the contractors that halted the project for several years as Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar was asked to facilitate it with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“For how many months now, tuloy-tuloy po ang aming (we have constant) coordination ni (with) Sec. Art Tugade, ako bilang(me as) Surigaonon, and Secretary Art naman bilang (as) Department of Transportation Secretary,” Andanar said in a press briefing here on Wednesday as the officials inspected the Surigao Airport runway and batching site.

po yung ugnayan namin ni Sec. Art Tugade (Because of the request, our coordination with Sec. Art Tugade pushed through),” he added.

On June 3, the Provincial Capitol of Surigao Del Norte adopted Resolution No. 103 Series of 2019 asking Andanar to intervene in the delayed repair of the Surigao Airport.

“Dahil po sa pakiusap, tuloy na

The Surigao City Chamber of

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities Commerce & Industry Inc. also adopted a resolution on June 15, 2019.

As Andanar sought to fast-track the project, he was given the affirmation by the DOTr to make a catch-up plan to reach full operational capability by February 2020.

mga tulay, limang tulay po ang nasira at hindi ‘ho passable in the sense that nagbigay ang DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng mananakay at sa mga biyahero may limitasyon kung ilan lang ang kayang i-biyahe (Unfortunately, typhoon damaged five bridges and were not passable in the sense that DPWH provided for the safety of passengers and for commuters, the is a limit),” DOTr Assistant Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

“Kahit hindi nasimulan noon, hahabulin po talaga ng DOTr ang mga buwan na hindi nasimulan para po tayo makaabot sa deadline mismo(Though it did not start as scheduled, the DOTr will make up for missed months so that we can finish it right on the deadline),” However, Andanar and Lopez Andanar said. agreed that the contractors should set-up a concrete plant and batching

The widening of the Surigao plant near the airport to avoid similar Airport runway began in October 2015, delays. but did not proceed as planned as HERBANA Builders, the previous project “Totoong naantala. Pero kahit contractor, declared bankruptcy and ang (It was really delayed but even left the project hanging. the) original contract duration, which is February 2020, that is non-negotiable.

In February 2017, a 6.7-magnitude Yan po ang ginagawa natin, earthquake hit Surigao City that ginagawan po ng paraan ngayon. damaged the runway, only being able ‘Yan po ang mangyayari, (That’s what to use 1,000 meters from the original we are doing now) we will deliver on the 1,700 meters. This led to the suspension of seven weekly Philippine Airlines flights same period of time regardless of the delay. Reasonable or unreasonable, between Manila and Surigao. gagawin po natin yan (we will finish it),”

While the DOTr issued a notice to Lopez said. proceed to new contractors Pacific Lopez said the runway’s partial Concrete and VT Lao Construction for the Surigao Airport Development Project operation of up to 1,400 meters is and secured fresh funding of PHP123.5 possible by November to resume the million from the National Disaster Risk operations of seven weekly ManilaReduction and Management Fund, Surigao flights. the construction did not start promptly.

He said this will accommodate the

“Sa kasamaang palad, high demand of flights in the Christmas nagkaroon tayo ng bagyo dito at may season. (PR)

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AgNor town declares Reds persona non grata By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The local government unit of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte has declared the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) and their allied organizations persona non grata (PNG) on July 29, 2019.

The declaration was made and national leadership, we will through Municipal Resolution Number build road networks to inaccessible 01-2019 issued on July 16, 2019. barangays and sitios to get rid of the presence of the armed group hiding Buenavista mayor Norbert B Pagaspas thereat, he said. stressed that the declaration of PNG is a parallel effort to the military operations.

Meanwhile, Datu Manlig-unan Rolando Lanapan, Indigenous Peoples

“The LGU will focus on ensuring Mandatory Representative and author the constant and continuous delivery of the resolution said that “As the of basic social services and livelihood opportunities in the hinter areas,” representative of the Higaonon Tribe in Buenavista, I authored a resolution Pagaspas said. declaring the CNTs as persona non

In partnership with the provincial grata.”

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“Many Higaonon tribal leaders were killed when they failed to support the CNTs. They deceived us and it is but appropriate to declare them as a nuisance in Buenavista,” Lanapan added.

Commanding Officer, 23rd Infantry Battalion stated that the declaration made by the LGU of Buenavista is one way of showing that they want peace.

“And the success of attaining peace rests in everyone’s shoulder,” Molina added. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr, Agusan del Norte)

Farmer’s group receives P1M livelihood project in Surigao Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Sabang Tayaga Poultry Livelihood Association (SATAPOLA) in Barangay Tayaga, Claver town received an egg production project worth P1 million from the mining company, Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC).

The said livelihood project was replicated by PGMC after the success of a similar project with Punta Naga Sustainable Livelihood Association, a non-mining community in Barangay Cagdianao, Claver.

SATAPOLA President Ancelmo Olvez expressed his gratitude to PGMC for despite being a non-mining barangay, they were able to receive the said project. It was learned that this is the first-ever big-ticket livelihood project implemented by PGMC outside its host communities.

As part of the skills enhancement and empowerment, SATAPOLA members undergone series of training such as Philippines BizCamp and a one-month actual farm management

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training accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Adlay, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.

Olvez assured PGMC that they will work hard for the success of the project.

Meanwhile, Tayaga Punong Barangay Arnel P. Laurena also thanked PGMC for their concerns to the nonmining barangays.

Laurena said while PGMC work for their business to prosper, they are also after for the welfare of the whole of Claver by expanding their Social Development and Management Program coverage to the non-mining barangays. (PGMC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Python troopers winner in Gawad KALASAG Award in Caraga

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Disaster Emergency Assistance and Rescue (DEAR) of the 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army was once again declared as the regional winner for the Government Emergency Response Management Services (GEMS) during the 2019 National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) culmination program on July 26, 2019 held at the LMX Convention Center, Bancasi, Butuan City.

The Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) search for excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance is an annual activity conducted every NDRM spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to recognize its stakeholders.

Relief Operation and saved lives of 21,044 individuals in the area.

With all challenges posed by natural and man-made catastrophe to the population within its area of responsibility, the 30IB of the Army emphasized its Disaster Risk Reduction Operations on the organization of DEAR 30IB unit as the readily deployable rescue force during

It is one of the OCD’s mechanisms disaster and emergency situations. in obtaining sustained commitment and support by recognizing exceptional Lt. Col. Jeffrey A Villarosa, commanding contributions of DRRM practitioners officer of 30IB, recognized the efforts in strengthening the resilience and and support of their counterparts from adaptive capacities of nations and the local government units and local communities to disaster risks.

DRRMOs.

The 30IB troopers won the award and hailed as grand slam champion for the year 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 for its best practices in implementing its DRRM programs aimed at protecting and shielding high-risk communities against hazards.

“This kind of recognition refills our energy and reinvigorates our spirit to serve our people. However, winner or no winner, may I once again reaffirm the Python trooper’s commitment and dedication to render our services to the wonderful and peace-loving people of Caraga, particularly the people in

It can be recalled, that for the year the area of operation of our unit,” Lt. 2018 during the Tropical Storm “Basyang” Col. Villarosa said. (30IB/PIA-Surigao del the DEAR platoon conducted Disaster Norte) August 3 -9, 2019

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SurSur FRs avail coco twine training

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A total of 80 former rebels (FRs) and former supporters of the New People’s Army terrorist and locals of Sitio Ibuan undergone a coco twine training initiated by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of Surigao del Sur (SDS) thru the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) held recently in Lanuza town.

The training is part of the PCA’s response to the peace and development programs of the PRLEC SDS and the commitment of the cluster during the launching of enterprise development, skills and livelihood program for FRs and the Community last July.

Data from PCA revealed that coco coir is extensively used to rehabilitate deserts, enhance greens in golf courses and prevent soil erosion in riverbanks and highways.

It is also an excellent growing

Coco coir is now widely used as medium for landscape plants and basic material in making nets, rolls, and grasses since the fiber has natural mats as protective covers for soils and rooting hormones and good waterslopes. holding capacity.

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“For the longest time, we are thankful to the government and the Army for giving us importance. This training means a lot to us, I can see that the government is serious in their commitment to giving us a better future,” one of the local folks said.

personnel for the bold move and efforts to reach out their service to the community.

“The most important is your acceptance and your commitment to the government to be resilient individuals in order to contribute to the

In his statement, 36IB Commanding attainment of just and lasting peace in Officer Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the province,” he said. the training is just the beginning of the peace and development programs of PRLEC is one of the 12 government PRLEC. line of efforts which is anchored on President Duterte’s Executive Order

“There will be more trainings and Number 70 creating the National Task livelihood programs to come because Force to End the Local Communist this is the government’s commitment to Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC which the community,” he said. calls for a Whole-of-Nation approach to attain an inclusive and sustainable

Trinidad also lauded the PCA peace. (CMO, 36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur holds DRR-CCA Summit for IPMR

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) spearheaded the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation (DRRCCA) Summit for Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) held on July 30 at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel this city.

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According to National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Surigao del Sur chief Engr. Charlyn Binghoy, some 110 IPMRs were officially installed in Surigao del Sur composed of one Provincial IPMR, 14 Municipal IPMRs, one City IPMR, and 94 Barangay IPMRs province-wide.

and Responsiblities of the IPMR were also discussed and elaborated by Ordonia Rocero from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Some IP health issues and concerns were also brought up during the activity with the presence of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief, Dr.

As part of the provincial Eric Montescalros. government’s support to the IP communities, a livelihood assistance The said activity formed part of worth P500,000.00 was earlier the National Disaster Resilience Month announced by Governor Alexander celebration in partnership with the NCIP Pimentel to be given to the lumad Provincial Office, and Provincial IPMR. community of Sitio Ibuan, Barangay (PIA-Surigao del Sur) Mampi in Lanuza town.

Surigao del Sur was the first province in Caraga to hold such activity with the IPMRs in the region, PDRRMO chief Abel De Guzman noted.

During the activity, Alan Ray Ribo from PAGASA Hinatuan shared to the participants the Public Storm Warning Signal Updates.

The participants were able to ask some clarificatory questions to the speaker based on the experiences they have from the past calamities.

Amado Posas from the Office of the Civil Defense-Caraga shared the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, while Engr. Joselito Ramos, a speaker from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), shared the overview of the “Operation Listo.”

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The Performance Review/Duties

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350 PWDs join 41st NDPR Week celebration in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Some 350 persons with disabilities (PWDs) have joined the 41st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebration spearheaded by the provincial government of Surigao del Sur through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) held recently in this city.

According to PSWDO-PWD and Senior Citizen focal person Shiela Arizobal, the participants were from the cities of Tandag and Bislig and towns of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes, San Miguel, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, Lianga, Barobo, Tagbina, Hinatuan, and Lingig.

ng Karapatan ng mga Taong May Kapansanan.”

Governor Alexander Pimentel, in his message, said more funds will be allocated for the PWDs and Senior Citizens next year.

During the event, the national winners of the 7th Philippine Sports

This year’s theme is “Lokal na Commission (PSC)-Philippine Sports Pamahalaan: Kabalikat sa Pagtupad Association for Differently Abled August 3 -9, 2019

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities (PHILSPADA) National Para Games on worth P2,000.00 from Governor Pimentel May 27-31, 2019 held in Bulacan were and a plaque of recognition during the also recognized. activity.

Awarded as gold medalist were Narvic Florentino for Swimming and Herlie Josoy for the Track and Field. While Romelo Tigpos got the Silver Medal on Badminton, and the team for Sitting Volleyball namely, Pablo Manding, Riveh Comparativo, Epitacio Baghari, Rene Dumanhog, Brilney Santos, and Eduardo Lozada adjudged as third.

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Meanwhile, Arizobal said two wheelchairs were also given to LGU Tagbina during the event.

Other activities conducted during the celebration included free medical check-up, job fair with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Demonstration of Native Delicacies Baking with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority They received a cash incentive (TESDA). (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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DAR turns over 58k land titles in Davao City

By Che Palicte

Davao City - A total of 58,387 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) were distributed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the five regions of Mindanao on Friday evening here.

The CLOAs benefited 60,233 ARBs covering 102,727 hectares, said Secretary John Castriciones, who added that the distribution was pursuant to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive that ARBs in Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)-covered lands should be provided with titles.

to 1,709 ARBs in Davao Region, involving a total of 1,452 hectares of lands acquired and distributed to them.

Moreover, LBP said it seeks to pursue a more focused and direct approach in lending to provide more ARBs and individual small farmers with access to credit.

“With the titles given, it would allow our farmers to be more empowered,” Castriciones said Landbank put Castriciones said. in place a PHP5-billion direct lending program called Accessible Funds For

Based on DAR data, about 208,895 Delivery to ARB’s or (AFFORD-ARBs), Emancipation Patent (EP) are being which will specifically cater to ARBs kept by Land Bank of the Philippines engaged in rice, corn, and high-value (LBP) that will soon be given out all crops production. over the country, covering more than 354,783 hectares and would benefit “This will further give assistance to 200,710 ARBs. our farmers. If they availed this loan, it

will be payable in one year with only six

DAR also distributed 1,361 CLOAs percent interest,” Castriciones said.

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

“The awarding of titles to the recipient farmer-beneficiaries is the penultimate step towards the completion of the implementation of the CARP,” he added.

common service facilities, with a vision to optimize the potential to market their produce to the public.

“I hope they will take good care of what the government gave them.

The next phase, he said, would be We remind them not to sell or pawn for the government to render support their acquired titles,” the DAR chief services to ARBs through the provision said. (PNA) of capability development training and

BJMP showcases PDLs’ handmade products in Davao City bazaar

By Digna Banzon

DAVAO CITY - Various handmade products crafted by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were shown to the public during the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) anniversary bazaar in a mall here this weekend.

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According to Senior Jail Officer 3 Edwin Lim Naidas, chief of the Welfare and Development Unit of Davao City Jail Annex, the purpose of the bazaar was to open a market where people may patronize the PDLs’ creations.

airconditioning, refrigeration, massage therapy.

and

The livelihood program for PDLs was started in 2000, involving initiatives on development and reformation into the system to prepare the inmates for

“We want to showcase their skills their eventual reintegration into the and also for public awareness where mainstream society as productive eventually, they will get regular orders citizens. out of the products that they create,” he said.

It is being undertaken in partnership with the Technical

Among the products on display Education and Skills Development were art paintings, native bags with Authority, Department of Trade and hand-painted designs, twine bags, Industry, and the Department of baskets, bead accessories, coin Labor and Employment. banks, rugs, and other handicrafts.

The Department of Education

Naidas noted that they already on the other hand, assists BJMP on have orders for their native bags from the education of PDLs. (PNA) other countries.

“We have the product with good craftsmanship and we are looking for markets. We also saw their potential that is why we have to initiate activities that will motivate them to create and produce,” he said.

Naidas said they already have five PDLs who are engineers and architects and are capable of doing structural designs and plans for buildings and homes.

He said they were the ones who designed some of the projects built by BJMP. Other PDLs were trained on electrical repair, welding,

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NATIONAL NEWS

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National News I Empowering Communities SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Andanar: PCOO to build communications training center for information officers TACLOBAN CITY - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said that the government will establish a strategic communications training academy for national and local government information officers as early as next year following the approval of the Finance and Budget departments.

Information officers of government agencies Secretary Andanar’s plan, it will not only provide a comprehensive and

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various lauded saying strong, unified

August 3-9, 2019

communications structure to combat disinformation, but will also breed excellent communications officers nationwide.

“The quality of information that we receive based on our present structure would depend on the capability of the government information office. There are so many bureaucratic organizations to look up to...such as the PNP, AFP, PIA, also DFA. Most of these organizations have highly qualified people. But it does not go across the entire government bureaucracy. Most barangays don’t even have information officers,” Andanar said during the oath-taking ceremony for the Association of Government Information Officers Region 8 at the Philippine Information Agency Tacloban City headquarters.

“One thing I noticed is the lack of uniformity in government communication paradigm.

Each department on the national level has different ways to do media relations and public relations,” he added.

“I conceptualized an academy that perhaps can help us in our pursuit that can help us improve our communications paradigm. I thought that it is imperative that the government sets up its own government strategic communications training center,” Andanar said.

He said that the training center will have research facilities, television and radio stations, a digital newsroom, lodging, and attached agencies of the PCOO like the Philippine News Agency and Philippine Information Agency.

“It has all of the necessary

National News I Empowering Communities information that we need. All information officers across the archipelago can learn the real way,” the PCOO chief said.

He said that he plans to build the strategic communications training center in Bukidnon where it not only has a temperate climate but is also a gateway to major cities in southern Philippines such as Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City as the government seeks to push development in regions outside Metro Manila.

Andanar said that the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management has already approved in principle the planned training center to be included in the national budget when the PCOO presented its business proposal.

He said that he wants the training academy to start construction as early as next year, in time for the completion of the People’s Television Network Mindanao Media Hub, as well as the commencement of the Visayas Media Hub’s construction by then.

Francis Rosaroso, an Information Officer from the Department of Agriculture said that the plan is a dream come true for government communicators.

“This is attuned to our vision of professionalizing and institutionalization of our ranks. Once we have that Govt StratCom Academy, anyone who undergo short or longterm courses in this training center will be honed according to a standard of excellence that the center will provide to aspiring information officers. A very nice move

or idea from Sec. Andanar. With this high-end learning center in mind, I can say that Sec Andanar really knows what he is doing. A good legacy that he can leave to the next-gen of information practitioners,” he said.

Professional Regulation Commission Chief Professional Regulation Officer Alma Genotiva meanwhile said that the state-ofthe-art facility “will help and make us effective and capable in carrying our tasks as we represent our respective agencies.”

“Based on how the Secretary described it, it will really be of big help to practice IOs as it will enhance or upgrade their skills, and IOs will be updated with the current trends,” Department of Agrarian Reform Information Officer Jose Soria said for his part.

Information officers Maita Sugcang of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Myles Colasito of the Department of the Interior and Local Government also welcomed the plan as it increases the capability of government workers, especially those in the regions not easily reached by information.

“You will have a place, an academy to be able to share your expertise, not only amongst yourselves but also the people who need it most,” Andanar told the Information officers.

“Continue to be the bearers of good communicators of history.

And continue to be the harbinger of truth today, and continue to be the quintessential communicators of tomorrow,” Andanar added.

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SSS runs after delinquent employers in Luzon QUEZON CITY - Nearly 250 employees will now have the chance to be fully protected from the hazards of abrupt loss of income due to sickness, death, maternity or involuntary separation from work as the staterun Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday held its fifth simultaneous Run Against Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign in three key cities in Luzon.

The SSS RACE team visited 28 employers from San Pablo City in Laguna, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, and Legazpi City in Albay to further instill awareness on their obligations under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, and to ensure that their employees will be protected in times of contingencies.

cause orders will serve as a warning to employers to abide by the SSS law,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said.

The SSS RACE team posted show cause orders to establishments that have willfully neglected their duties as employers under the SS Act of 2018 through non-registration of their businesses with SSS, non-reporting of their employees within 30 days from the first day of their work, non-submission of records to SSS and non-payment of monthly premiums of their employees.

“We have been conducting simultaneous RACE operations nationwide for more than two months now. This campaign is for all employees whose lives were put in danger by their employers who failed to report them and remit their SS monthly premiums Of the 28 employers subjected on time. We’re hoping that these show to the RACE campaign, 12 were from

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National News I Empowering Communities Tuguegarao in Cagayan, six from San Pablo City in Laguna and 10 from Legazpi City in Albay. These employers failed to remit their workers’ SSS premiums, register their businesses with SSS, and produce employment records of their workers.

All employers who were subjected to the RACE operations are required to respond to the show cause order within a non-extendable period of 15 days from posting to be submitted to the nearest SSS branch and explain why no legal action should be taken against them.

Employers who will fail to respond to the show cause order within the given period and continue to neglect their duties under the law will face criminal charges. They could be sentenced to a maximum of 12 years imprisonment and be required to pay a fine ranging from P5,000 to P20,000.

them to build and grow their businesses, so it is rightful to give them the protection they deserve,” she added.

Moreover, Ignacio encouraged non-compliant employers to avail of the ongoing Contribution Penalty Condonation Program (CPCP) to conveniently settle their unpaid SSS premiums without paying the accumulated penalties. Employers have the option to pay their delinquencies either in full or installment basis. The program will only run until September 6, 2019.

In a span of two months, the SSS simultaneously held RACE campaigns and visited nearly 130 establishments in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Nueva Ecija, Negros Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Batangas, South Cotabato, Leyte, La Union, Davao del Sur, Cagayan, Laguna, and Albay. (SSS)

“We are urging private-sector workers, even those working in small businesses, to be vigilant and regularly check their contributions record to ensure that their employers are remitting their contributions to SSS. They should know their rights and their records. They can now conveniently check their SSS records either through SSS Mobile App, My.SSS on the SSS website or Text-SSS,” Ignacio said.

“We are appealing to employers to be considerate and humane to their employees by reporting them to SSS and remitting their contributions. These employees are working and helping August 3 -9, 2019

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P20.3-B free college education budget disbursed: CHED

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

MANILA - Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chief J. Prospero de Vera III on Thursday said the commission disbursed the remaining PHP20.3 billion budget for free college education (FCE) with “utmost compliance” with government rules and regulations.

The 2018 Commission on Audit (COA) annual audit report recently showed the CHED was unable to spend funds due to delays in the approval of guidelines for the law, non-submission of billing statements of state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs), delays in the release of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and in the implementation of the Student Loan Program (SLP).

“The alleged ‘underspending and ‘low absorptive capacity of CHED is the result of budgeting and audit practices that has been affecting CHED operations for the past years,” de Vera said.

and August-July). These include funds for the reimbursement of tuition and miscellaneous fees, research projects, and scholarships,” he added.

Citing that Republic Act 10931 requires SUCs and LUCs to claim the reimbursement of their tuition and miscellaneous fees from CHED with supporting documents, de Vera said the commission cannot download these funds directly to them if there are no claims.

“CHED has addressed this problem by enjoining SUCs/LUCs to shift their academic calendar from August-July starting year 2020 so that the FY and AY will be synchronized and reimbursement claims can be

One of the major factors that led processed on a FY basis. To date, to the delayed use of the fund is the more than 100 SUCs have shifted their unsynchronized academic year (AY) academic calendar to AY 2019-2020 and fiscal year (FY), de Vera said. or by AY 2020-2021,” he said.

“While the General Appropriations Act (GAA) allocates funds on FY basis (January-December), these funds are reimbursed to universities and students on an AY basis (June-May

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De Vera reported that about 91 percent of the PHP16 billion intended for the free higher education program amounting to PHP14,397,137,694.41 had been paid for Academic Year

National News I Empowering Communities 2018-2019 to the 112 SUCs and 78 problem will be solved starting AY CHED-recognized LUCs. 2019-2020,” he added.

“The remaining balance of PHP1,602,852,305.59 will be utilized for the pending claims and billings being processed for Summer billings of AY 2018-2019 as well as other charges that were not included in their first billings,” he added. With regard to the SLP implementation, de Vera said the commission has long stopped its implementation because of its low repayment rates at less than 10 percent since the 1990s.

PEAC handles the voucher system of the Department of Education (DepEd) and has the expertise needed to implement the TES in private HEIs.

“CHED has the responsibility to safeguard the use of public funds and to make sure that the loan program does not become a dole out program.

The SLP will start with short term loans and will expand to long term loans with the help of government financial institutions and private and public universities,” he added.

“We have addressed it by adopting a policy that universities cannot avail new CHED funding until all their previous projects are completed and funds have been appropriately liquidated,” he said.

Citing that the situation is an “inherited problem” from the previous leadership, de Vera stressed that the commission is working with COA to address fund releases to SUCs and private HEIs which remained unliquidated for the past years.

“RA 10931 is a landmark social legislation that has no historical precedent.

Hence, its initial implementation has been very challenging given the need to have transparency, accountability, and access and equity. There is also a need to ensure that public funds are accounted for and given only to the target beneficiaries,” he added.

De Vera said the TES for 300,000 student-beneficiaries was implemented on time in SUCs and LUCs but was “slow in private higher education institutions due to more than 1,000 participating private higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide submitting their students’ names to CHED-UNIFAST.

De Vera assured the public that such problems would not

“More than 1.5 million names were happen again in its second year of received for selection and verification implementation as the commission to qualify for the 300,000 TES slots. For institutes reforms, adding that the COA AY 2019-2020, CHED has tapped the audit only noted slow implementation service of Private Education Assistance and not corruption, loss or misuse of Committee (PEAC) to handle the TES public funds. (PNA) in private HEIs and expects that this August 3 -9, 2019

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