Caraga InFocus – August 5-11, 2017

CONTENTS

ASEAN NEWS

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ASEAN and PH are showcase models of development cooperation - JICA Senior Officials preparing for ASEAN plus three 20th anniversary

REGIONAL NEWS

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Caraga culminates disaster resilience month, awards 2017 Gawad KALASAG champs New courses offered in DOST scholarship PRO13 calls students, local artists for mural contest PRO 13 awarded as Best RPSMU nationwide

Volume 1, No. 71 05 - 11 August 2017

COVER Bislig joins ASEAN landmark lighting

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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SurSur guv extends support to Army Agusan Norte ready for breeder stocks from DA AgNor coop’s credit line up to 250% Soldier wounded while securing tourist destination in Agusan del Sur

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KMME Module 6 mentor tells mentees: Know your supply and value chain, know your business AgSur Negosyo Center hosts DTI briefing for business operators on trade, industry laws LGU Dinagat Islands eyes SGLG hall of fame

HEALTH NEWS

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Food fortification alleviates malnutrition

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao solons support Marawi rehab budget PRDP continues to aid Mindanao farmers

NATIONAL NEWS

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Gov’t assures full implementation of Free Tuition Law by June 2018 Biochar study opens doors for rural, tech development

News Briefs The Baleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA) in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte has expressed gratitude to the DAR Agusan del Norte for this year’s approved credit line increased under the credit program called APCP. In the 1st semester, its credit line approved reaches to P5 million up about 250 percent from the P2 million granted in 2016.

Bislig City mayor Librado Navarro bared that the city is known of its tourism sites which include the Tinuy-an Falls. This, according to him was one of the reasons why the city was chosen among the cities in the country to be joining the 50th ASEAN Anniversary celebration & Landmark Lighting.

The Army’s 30th Infantry “Python” Battalion (30IB) won for the first time the Caraga Regional Search for Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang kaligtasan) for the Government Emergency Response Management GEMS Category.

“Human resource is the heart of the organization,” Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) mentor Maylene Navalta shared during the Kapatid Mentor Me Program (KMME) Module 7: Human Resource and Organization Management held recently at the Mabe’s Savory Place, this municipality.

Navalta also emphasized that leadership is the foundation of human resource.

Cover Story

Bislig joins ASEAN

By: LSElechicon, KACPoliran & NBBanda

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ISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Mark your calendars and catch another history as the city of Bislig, the only city to represent the entire Caraga Region, underpins its name to be part of this year’s ASEAN’s landmark lighting on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2017 at the Herculano Basañez Boulevard (Baywalk) bearing the theme, “Under one light we are one ASEAN.” 4

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Cover Story

landmark lighting

Commemorating the ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary, the activity aims to raise the level of public awareness on the importance and benefits of the ASEAN community. This celebration will be held simultaneously in the capitals of the ASEAN member states namely: Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, and Brunei, which will be participated by the 50 key cities of the Philippines with their historical landmarks chosen by

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Cover Story the Department of Interior and Local of ASEAN lantern simultaneously.

Government (DILG).

The lighting ceremony will start at

The program will commence exactly 7:00 p.m. to be led by Cong. with a loud siren of “Pamukaw” at Johnny T. Pimentel, Gov. Vicente 5:00 a.m. at Barangay Mangagoy T. Pimentel, Jr., City Mayor Librado and Poblacion. “Kanami Hinang C. Navarro together with the City Art Exhibits” will follow at 1:00 p.m. Councilors, and the DILG Director presenting different interesting arts Olivia P. Bagasbas that will surely of the city. Immediately, at 3:00 p.m. lighten up the said venue and the “Pakuga sa Dakbayan” motorcade entire Philippines as a whole. will tour around Poblacion, Mangagoy, and Tabon with BCNHS DBLC. Then, These 50 chosen landmarks are “Pabibo Lyre Band Exhibition” at 4:30 in consonance with the 50th ASEAN p.m. will be done showcasing the golden anniversary celebration. Lastly, enthusiastic lyre bands. at 7:30 p.m. “Pasiga Fireworks Display, Pabibo Dance and Music Concert” will

Additionally, the “Pasundayag” entertain the people. Furthermore, the and “Kawadang sa Karsada” will take event will definitely feature the best of place at exactly 5:00 p.m. The event Bislig’s arts, talents, and skills as lots of continues, as 50 chosen landmarks of activities await everyone who wants to the Philippines, in which Bislig City is one, party and celebrate ASEAN’s golden will execute the most awaited lighting anniversary. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Photo Gallery National Disaster Resilience Month Culmination and Gawad KALASAG 2017 Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 8 August 2017

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ASEAN News

ASEAN and PH are showcase models of development cooperation - JICA

MANILA – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) acknowledged that the ASEAN and the Philippines are showcase models of solid development cooperation between JICA and the region.

“JICA’s ties with ASEAN are deep and will continue to deepen.

Our bilateral ties are not purely economic, rather they are founded on friendship and shared aspirations for generations,” said JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

JICA noted that the Philippines, along with other ASEAN member countries like Indonesia and Vietnam were among the first recipients of

Japan’s assistance to Southeast Asia since the 1960s. Data from JICA showed that as of 2015, Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to ASEAN totaled 16 trillion yen.

Ito added that JICA’s development cooperation in Northern Luzon showed the agency’s commitment to support the region’s connectivity and economic growth.

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ASEAN News

“As the world becomes more globalized and ASEAN as a region becomes more integrated, we’re optimistic that opportunities abound for all of us. As one community, it goes without saying that we will need each other more to maximize and reap the benefits of cooperation and integration,” said Ito.

To date, JICA has actively supported human resource development in the region, with about 192, 668 trainees from ASEAN accepted in Japan as of March 2016. Likewise, nearly 65,000 Japanese experts have been dispatched in the region to share Japan’s know-how and expertise in various development sectors. (JICA/ RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

Senior Officials preparing for ASEAN plus three 20th anniversary

PASAY CITY - Senior officials of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea met in Manila Friday for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) meeting.

In his opening statement, APT Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Chair Enrique Manalo said senior officials are preparing for the 20th anniversary of the APT Cooperation in November.

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Manalo said senior officials are also preparing the Manila Declaration as part of APT SOM’s outcome documents. He remarked that the Manila Declaration on the

ASEAN News 20th Anniversary of ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation will take note of the significant achievements of the APT in the last two decades and also set the direction and priorities for the coming years.

Manalo mentioned that the SOM aims to come up with a statement on APT priorities, including one on food security cooperation.

“The new workplan will be endorsed to the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers Meeting for adoption. Once adopted, the ministers will endorse the workplan to the ASEAN Plus Three Summit this November for notation by our leaders,” Manalo said.

The ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation aims to strengthen and deepen cooperation between Southeast Asia and East Asia countries in such areas as economic, social, and political cooperation to eventually arrive at an integrated East Asia economic community. (ASEAN2017 IMC)

Meanwhile, Manalo also recognized Japan’s contribution of

These new thrusts will be reflected USD900 million to the APT Cooperation in the new APT Cooperation Work Plan Fund, adding to China’s earlier ‎2018-2022. contribution

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Photo Gallery Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Landmark Lighting Bislig City 08 August 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga culminates disaster resilience month, awards 2017 Gawad KALASAG champs By: April Rose Anne Sanchez

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Caraga held the culmination program of this year’s observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) which highlighted the Regional Awarding of the 2017 Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance on August 8, 2017 (Tuesday) at 1:00 p.m. at Las Nieves Hall, Almont Inland Resort, J.C. Aquino Avenue, this city.

The NDRM Culmination Program and Regional Awarding of Gawad KALASAG 2017 is an annual event of the region. It was attended by Dir. Rodrigo T. Diapana of the Administrative and Financial Management Service of the Office of Civil Defense as the Guest

of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS); Dir. Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, Jr., RDRRMC Chairperson, and OCD Caraga Regional Director together with Dir. Lilibeth A. Famacion, Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness and DILG Caraga Regional Director; Dir. Mylah 05 -11 August, 2017

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Regional News Faye Aurora B. Cariño, Vice Chairperson for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery and NEDA Caraga Regional Director; and Mr. Ramel Jamen who represented Dir. Mita G. Lim, Vice Chairperson for Disaster Response and DSWD Caraga OIC Regional Director.

Likewise, Local Chief Executives, RDRRMC Members and other partners in the region attended the event.

The region’s significant activities, which were responsive to this year’s NDCM theme “4Ks: Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan” were highlighted through an audio visual presentation; while the regional winners of the DRRM-CCA Awareness Jingle Contest once again presented their winning pieces. Further, the Agusan National Highs School Special programs for Arts Dance Troupe performed cultural dance presentation.

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amounting to P50,000 while the second place winners received Silver Gawad KALASAG Plaques and P30,000 cash prizes. Further, third place winners received Bronze Gawad KALASAG Plaques and cash prizes amounting to P15,000. Five stakeholders in the region also received Gawad KALASAG Citations and cash prizes of P10,000.

The RDRRMC member-agencies and other stakeholders were given recognition for their support and contribution to the recently conducted DRRM activities in the region in line with NDRM Observance and Annual Gawad KALASAG Search.

The Sining Agusanon (SINAG) also performed musicale presentations.

The event’s invocation and Philippine National Anthem were rendered by the PhilHealth Chorale Group.

The four Vice Chairpersons who delivered their messages during the event were awarded with Plaques of Commendation for their invaluable support and effort and commendable service and leadership in the continuous pursuit of excellent implementation of DRRM programs, projects and activities in the region. Dir. Diapana was also given with plaque of commendation and a token (magkono wood) for being the event’s GOHAS.

In the official results disclosed by the Caraga Regional Selection Committee (RSC) for Gawad KALASAG 2017, 34 entries from 16 categories bagged the 1st to 4th places as regional winners while 5 entries were Gawad KALASAG Citations. The first place winners received Gold Gawad KALASAG Plaques and cash prizes

In his message, Dir. Gonzales thanked all RDRRMC Members, LGUs, schools and stakeholders in the region for their sincere dedication, strong commitment, commendable efforts and great contribution as the region fully and continuously implements DRRMrelated initiatives. (OCD-Caraga/PIACaraga)

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Regional News

New courses offered in DOST scholarship By: Keziah Suzaine W. Francisco

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) announced its call for applications for its undergraduate and junior level Science scholarships.

For the academic year 20182019, SEI has added more courses to its S&T priority courses for the scholarship.

New courses include Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Technology, Applied Statistics, Animal Science, Industrial Design, Industrial Management Engineering-Information Technology, Industrial Pharmacy, Information System, Information Technology System, Manufacturing Engineering Management-Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering ManagementMechatronics and Robotics, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Mechatronics

Engineering, Medical Technology, Meteorology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy (4year program), Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy (5-year program), Packaging Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, (BS) Psychology, Public Health, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

For the undergraduate scholarships, Grade 12 students who are either members of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand senior graduating class or members of the top five (5 percent) of the Non-STEM strand senior graduating class may 05 -11 August, 2017

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Regional News apply. The deadline for filing of the Application forms and scholarship application will be on August 25, 2017. brochures may be downloaded from The examination is scheduled on http://sei.dost.gov.ph/index.php/ October 15, 2017. downloads. All applicants may submit their accomplished forms to the DOST

Meanwhile, all regular 3rd-year Region XI, Dumanlas Road, Bajada, college students in an identified priority Davao City and to the Provincial S&T course with a general weighted Science and Technology Center near average of at least 83 percent in his/ them. her first and second years in college may apply for the Junior Level Science For more information on the Scholarship (JLSS). All accomplished scholarship application, you may application forms must be submitted contact them through their official social on or before September 22, 2017. The media accounts, @dostregion11, and JLSS Examination will be on November through website, http://region11.dost.

19, 2017. gov.ph/. (DOST-STIIPR/PIA-Caraga)

PRO13 calls students, local artists for mural contest By: PSupt Martin M. Gamba

BUTUAN CITY - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 is calling all students and local artists to help beautify Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez and poster awareness of the gallantry of Caraga police, to be awarded during the Regional Advisory Council Summit on September 6, 2017.

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Regional News

PCSupt Rolando B. Felix announced that the mural contest will have P5,000 for the first prize, P3,000 for the second prize, P2,000 for the third prize and P1,000 consolation prize for the non-winners.

entries to Regional Police Community Relation Division Office of PRO 13.

Artists can use water color, charcoal, oil paint or oil pastels on a construction paper, watercolor paper or white drawing paper. Submissions must be vibrant, engaging, uplifting and with

Artists can submit their entry appropriate content for all audiences. for the mural that will be painted on the front wall of Camp Rodriguez, “Art is something that brightens Libertad, Butuan City, which is visible to up the community,” said Felix. community as they make their way into and out of the city.

“We recognize the power of art not only to transform blighted properties

The mural making contest should and landscape, but also to engage highlight PRO13 slogan “The Home of citizens in uplifting the morale of our the Brave, Friendly and Peace Centered police force,” Felix added.

Police Force.”

Submission of all entries is on

Interested artists must submit or before September 1, 2017. (PNPa 12x18 inches mural proposal or Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Regional News

PRO 13 awarded as Best RPSMU nationwide

BUTUAN CITY - No less than the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo R. Duterte awarded Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga as the Best RPSMU (Regional Police Strategy Management Unit) Nationwide at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday.

Caraga Police Director, PCSupt Rolando Felix said that PSSupt. Jimili L Macaraeg, Regional Chief of Directorial Staff and Chief of RPSMU13 received the award during the 116th PNP Service Anniversary with this year’s theme “Buhay ng Pulis Handang Ibuwis para sa Katahimikan at Kaayusan ng Bayan.”

Regional Advisory Council that significantly contributed to this success.

“RPSMU13 is responsible for the implementation of the ongoing transformation program dubbed as PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 by integrating all strategy management processes, sustaining strategy execution and management, and instilling in the

Felix thanked the concerted organization a culture of strategic focus efforts of the RPSMU 13, PNP Caraga in our region,” said Felix. (PNP-Caraga/ Technical Working Group and the PIA-Caraga)

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SURIGAO DEL SUR

SurSur guv extends support to Army By: Nida Grace B. Patosa

peace and order situation was shaky and the province became the hotbed of communist insurgency.

TAGO, Surigao del Sur – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur has donated four hectares of land in Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur to house the permanent camp of the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

“Aside from extorting ‘revolutionary taxes’ which is nothing but a euphemism, for protection money, from private corporations and contractors, incidents of burning of hauling trucks and other construction equipment and cutting or uprooting of plated banana trees were being perpetrated by the communist groups,” the governor said.

In partnership with the military and police, the people of this province gradually gave their support to the government initiatives, and several programs and projects have already reached even in far-flung areas, the governor said. “Slowly, public and

This was revealed by Surigao del private investments started to come Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel, Jr. recently in,” Pimentel noted. here. “This is my way of expressing my gratitude to the Philippine Army, for the Meanwhile, Governor Pimentel sacrifices they have given in protecting said he is supporting the marching the Filipino people in general, and for order of President Rodrigo Duterte to securing the province of Surigao del use all military assets against communist Sur from lawless elements in particular,” groups, as “we remain hopeful that a said Gov. Pimentel. parallel track for peaceful resolution remains to be an option in the

The official recalled that when negotiating table.” (PIA-Surigao del he first won as governor in 2001, the Sur) 05 -11 August, 2017

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Photo Gallery Geo-SAFER Mindanao Launching LMX Convention Center 8 August 2017

National Science and Technology Week

Robinsons Atrium, Butuan City 8-13 August 2017

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Agusan Norte ready for breeder stocks from DA

By: Aimee B. Sienes

M. Amante-Matba to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DA through Sanggunian Resolution No. 159-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr., chairman of the Committee on Cooperative, Community Organizations, Agrarian Reform, Agriculture and Indigenous People’s Concern.

According to Board Member Escasiñas, which studied the merits of the breeder stocks program, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Veterinary Office shall receive as breeders stocks for the province the following: two beehive colony; 10 heads swine (one head boar and nine heads gilt); five heads heifer; and five heads caraheifer.

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region is set to give breeder stocks intended for the province of Agusan del Norte.

Escasiñas added that the DA will also give 33 heads cattle (three heads bull and 30 heads heifer) and 33 heads carabaos (three heads carabull and 30 heads caraheifer) as breeding stocks for the indigenous peoples in the province.

Just recently, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Provincial The provincial government Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell and the DA-Caraga Regional Office 05 -11 August, 2017

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Provincial News recognized the importance of the participation of the private and government breeding farms in the production of livestocks forecasted as sources of stocks for backyard farming and the need for a comprehensive small ruminant genetic improvement program to improve and develop productivity and efficiency of the local stocks in the province as well as in the Caraga Region.

The DA-Caraga is currently implementing the Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) that supports the National Genetic Resource Improvement Program for the establishment of a sustainable Livestock and Poultry Multiplier Farm Projects (MFP) that aims to establish strategic areas in the country for multiflier farms for deserving recipients. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

AgNor coop’s credit line up to 250% By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY - The Baleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA) in Jabonga town has expressed gratitude to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte for this year’s approved credit line increased under the credit program called APCP (Agrarian Production Credit Program).

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Provincial News

In the first semester, its credit line approved reaches to P5 million up about 250 percent from the P2 million granted in 2016.

reform beneficiary and the Chairperson of BOFIA, said that its member’s income now increased because of low-interest rate compared from informal moneylenders such as traders

Recognized as the outstanding and input suppliers. organization in 2016 benchmark for its excellent performance and impressive According to Maldo, his fellow growth, BOFIA represents the fastest farmer-beneficiaries are now able growing agrarian-organization in to support their children to school.

Agusan del Norte for its micro-lending Some said that they can now buy under APCP. their household needs, and able to purchase agricultural inputs.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega, CESO “Nagpasalamat kami ni V, said that BOFIA’s economic success President Duterte ug sa iyang is made possible through financial tinugyanan sa ahensya nga si DAR discipline system implemented which Secretary Rafael ‘Ka Paeng’ Mariano, resulted to a 100 percent repayment na usa usab ka mag-uuma, usa ka of loans to its members. tawo nga maantigo nga mosabot sa panginahanglanon sa mga mag According to APCP Point Person uuma (we are just thankful to the Luningning B. Ycoy, the loan assistance President Duterte for appointing for BOFIA’s Integrated Rice Production DAR Secretary Rafael ‘Ka Paeng’ benefits 63 members who are also Mariano, who is also known for being covered by crop insurance package a farmer, for his initiative to meet the in partnership with the Philippine Crop needs of the farmers,” Maldo said in a Insurance Corporation (PCIC). vernacular.

Ycoy said that BOFIA was granted an initial release of P900,000 last March 2017, benefitting 24 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) covering an area of 36 hectares and the second released amounting to P1,452,500 last April with 27 ARBs benefitted, covering an area of 51 hectares.

The program is a joint credit and capacity development initiative among the DAR, Department of Agriculture and Landbank. It is designed to respond to the credit needs of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) for various economic projects such as agricultural crop production, agri-enterprise, and livelihood projects. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIAWinefredo Maldo, an agrarian Agusan del Norte) 05 -11 August, 2017

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

Soldier wounded while securing tourist destination in Agusan del Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – A soldier of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was hurt during an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Brgy. San Lorenzo of this town at 4:00 p.m. on August 2, 2017.

The troops were on patrol near Bega Falls, a popular tourist spot in Brgy. Mabuhay, Prosperidad when they chanced upon the NPAs after responding to reports from residents

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that the rebels were extorting from them.

Private First Class Jordan Padua was wounded during a 10-minute

Provincial News running gun battle while pursuing the escaping NPAs who managed to occupy a vantage position to cover the withdrawal of their wounded comrades.

PFC Padua was immediately extricated from the area and was brought to D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, Patin-ay, this province, for medical treatment.

Bega Falls, a popular tourist destination in the province is frequented by both local and foreign vacationers.

The NPA’s extortion activities in the area has threatened the security of both the tourists and residents making gainful living; thus, prompted the soldiers to conduct constant patrols to ensure its

viability as a tourist attraction.

Col. Andres Centino, 401st Brigade commander, recognized the importance of Bega Falls to the Province of Agusan del Sur as a tourist destination and a source of livelihood to the residents of this town.

He pledged the continuing support of the Brigade in making the area safe. “We will continue to support the Government Projects and Programs in securing communities particularly tourist destination areas as these will help uplift the economic conditions of the populace once developed,� he underlined. (401st Brigade, Phil. Army/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

KMME Module 6 mentor tells mentees: Know your supply and value chain, know your business

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Provincial News SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - When and how many to produce?

What is the best mode in delivering products? What will you do when suppliers cannot provide the raw materials needed for your business?

These and more accordingly are Madelyn Alvizo, one of the the possible problems mentees will mentees, expressed her gratitude encounter in operating their businesses. because, after the module inputs and several workshops, she now

The solutions to the same were understands and knows how to cope discussed with the mentees by Pierre with problems like ensuring availability Carlo Curay, mentor for the Kapatid of raw materials, the volume she has Mentor Me (KMME) Module 6 on Supply to produce and how to determine the and Value Chain Seminar held recently re-order point level of her production here. supplies.“

“BUSINESS is a SUPPLY CHAIN itself. The supply chain is the whole business operation process. Knowing your supply chain is knowing your business. Entrepreneurs should optimize the management of supply chain in delivering what the customers want, when they want it, with lesser expense,” said Curay, the module mentor.

Alvizo is among the first batch of 25 pre-selected micro, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) or mentees in the province set to undergo 10 modules before they can “graduate” upon completion of their business improvement plans. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AgSur Negosyo Center hosts DTI briefing for business operators on trade, industry laws

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - “Daghan ko ug nahibaloan mahitungod sa pagbutang ug mga presyo sa produkto nga among gibaligya ug hilabina gayud sa paghatag ug ensaktong sukli sa customers (I’ve learned a lot on how to put the right pricing of the sellable products, and especially the giving of exact change to customers).”

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Provincial News

This was the impression of Evelyn Durango of Durango Store in San Nicolas, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur during the Business Education Seminar (BES) recently conducted at the Negosyo Center in San Agustin, Talacogon, this province.

The BES was conducted to brief the business owners on businessrelated laws for compliance as well as to raise their awareness on consumerism.

Provisions of the Price Tag Law (R.A. 71) and the No Shortchanging Act of 2016 (R.A 10909) were discussed in detail to ensure that the participants will be well-informed on their responsibilities and obligations.

The Price Tag Law requires that all consumer products sold in retail shall bear an appropriate price tag, label or marking indicating the price of the item except for minute or tiny articles which only requires price list or poster.

While the No Shortchanging Act of 2016 prohibits the business establishments from giving insufficient or no change to consumers. Penalties on violations were also discussed.

The business operators promised to do extra effort to avoid violations on the said laws. DTI Agusan del Sur for its part commit to conduct quarterly orientation on trade related laws in the municipality. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur) 05 -11 August, 2017

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SURIGAO DEL NORTE

LGU Dinagat Islands eyes SGLG hall of fame By: Meltzimar T. Piquero

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – The provincial government of Dinagat Islands has been the recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for two consecutive years.

This year, the provincial criteria involved seven areas of government doubled its best efforts to indicators that are classified into the pull all resources to elevate its stature core and essential areas. to the Hall of Fame for SGLG.

The core areas comprise the

Recently, the Regional indicators on Financial Administration, Assessment Team conducted a Disaster Preparedness, Social regional assessment of the core and Protection, and Peace and Order essential areas based on its flagship, (formerly an essential area) while the Seal of Good Local Governance- essential areas include Business Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan Friendliness and Competitiveness, ng Pamahalaang Lokal.

Environmental Management, and Unlike the previous years, this year’s Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

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Provincial News

The regional assessment team evaluated the voluminous documents covering all the indicators prescribed for SGLG assessment. Afterwards, the team conducted an area validation particularly the physical structures in hospitals and the ramps and comfort rooms for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) if they conform to the standard required measurements.

the indicators were met. The results guaranteed the province an edge to win this year’s SGLG and to be included the Hall of Fame.

Accordingly, numerous privileges will be given to the province if the award will again be obtained for three straight consecutive years.

The most coveted prices include access to different program window form National Government Agencies, continuing capability development opportunities and loans, and a bigger Performance Challenge Fund.

On transparency aspect, to keep track of the expenditures and he flows and outflows of finances of the LGU, the Full Disclosure Policy bulletin boards situated in three conspicuous places namely: Philippine Ports Authority, Public Market and Provincial Capitol The Regional Assessment Team Lobby were also evaluated by the composed of DILG, Office of Civil Defense regional assessment team.

(OCD), Environment Management Bureau (EMB), Philippine National

Generally, the validation Police (PNP), and representatives from generated laudable feedbacks non-government organizations. (PIOfrom the team in which majority of Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

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Photo Gallery Destruction of Video Karera and Fruit Game Machines BCPO Grounds, Butuan City 10 August 2017

DOTr Cultural Night and “Gabi ng Parangal� Serbisyong Tapat Tungo sa Tunay na Pagbabago Grand Palace Hotel and Convention Center Montalban St., Butuan City 11 August 2017

HEALTH NEWS

Food fortification alleviates malnutrition

By Imelda A. Agdeppa Eating a variety of foods in adequate amounts provides the necessary nutrients needed by the body to function normally.

However, a balanced diet is seldom attained since healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are mostly not affordable, not always available and some need time to prepare.

Prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies, as revealed by the 2008 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), still poses possible health implications. Anemia prevalence is at 19.5 percent, vitamin

A deficiency (VAD) is at 5.9 percent and deficiencies in other nutrients such as zinc and iodine are also prevalent in specific age groups such as the preschool and school-age children, elderly, lactating and pregnant. Chronic specific micronutrient deficiencies lead to a vast number and variety of disorders like blindness due to VAD, mental retardation (because of iodine deficiency disorder, and poor growth caused by anemia.

Effective and long-term strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition being implemented in country include supplementation, nutrition education and food fortification. Republic Act 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 provides for the establishment 05 -11 August, 2017

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Health News of the Philippine Food Fortification food products with Sangkap Pinoy Seal.

Programs and its implementing rules, A study by Angeles-Agdeppa in 2010 regulation and guidelines. among school-age children showed alleviation of anemia in approximately

Food fortification is the addition 50% of the population after drinking of nutrients to processed foods or ready-to-drink fortified juice for 120 food products at levels above the days. natural state. As an approach to control micronutrient deficiency, The Philippine Food Fortification food fortification is the addition of a Act of 2000 is a giant leap towards micronutrient deficient in the diet to alleviating micronutrient deficiency in a food which is widely consumed by the country. Continuous promotion, specific at-risk groups. advocacy and consumption of fortified food products may be a small step but a

The Food Fortification Act targets good start in eradicating micronutrient addressing specific micronutrient malnutrition in the country. deficiencies by mandatory fortification of staple food items such as rice with For more information on food iron, wheat flour with vitamin A and and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. iron, refined sugar with vitamin A and Capanzana, Director, Food and cooking oil with vitamin A and voluntary Nutrition Research Institute, Department fortification of other food items. of Science and Technology, General Fortification of staples, as a long-term Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. solution to micronutrient deficiencies, Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph. Telefax: is easier to administer and promotes 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call 837-2071 participation from a greater number of local 2296 or visit our website: http:// beneficiaries. www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ph. D., FNRIDOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

In accordance with RA 8976, the Sangkap Pinoy Seal Program awards recognition to fortified food products.

The seal is seen in food packages and serves as a guide for consumers to make a healthier choice. The Diamond Sangkap Pinoy Seal is awarded for staples while the Sangkap Pinoy Seal is awarded to voluntarily-fortified food products.

Among households interviewed in the 2008 NNS, 77.5 percent purchased

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MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao solons support Marawi rehab budget

By: Jigger J. Jerusalem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Next year’s national budget should include funds for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

This was the consensus of several July 24.

Mindanaoan lawmakers as the Lower House has started its deliberations for Dubbed as “The Budget that next year’s national budget.

Reforms and Transforms”, it seeks to allocate the lion share of the budget to

President Rodrigo Duterte first educatio—at P691.1 billion. divulged the proposed P3.767 trillion national budget for 2018 during his Rep. Juliette Uy, of the Misamis second State of the Nation Address last Oriental’s 2nd district, said she hopes a 05 -11 August, 2017

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Mindanao News bigger chunk of that amount would be set aside to rebuild school buildings that were damaged in the ongoing fighting between the government forces and armed extremists in Marawi.

The Mindanao bloc at the House, Rep. Uy said, have agreed to give emphasis on the education sector so portions of it could be used in rebuilding school buildings and classrooms destroyed in the Marawi conflict.

“Although we did not promise, but we will try out best to help, especially in the allocation of the budget [for the construction of Marawi]. We, the Mindanaoan legislators, will fight for its approval,” Uy said.

Deputy House Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, of the 2nd district of South Cotabato, disclosed that on top of the budget for education, portions of the 2018 will be allocated to fund rebuilding efforts in Marawi.

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President Duterte has been quoted in multiple media reports saying the administration has allocated P20 billion for Marawi’s reconstruction.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in its website, said the release of the P20 rehabilitation package will be on the “multi-year scheme,” with P5 billion to be downloaded this year, another P10 billion for 2018, “and an additional budget yet to be determined for 2019.”

DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the initial fund of P5 billion for 2017 “will be sourced from the 2016 and 2017 NDRRM [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management] Fund with a combined remaining balance of around P7.4 billion and the 2017 Contingent Fund with a balance of almost P3.35 billion, both as of July 2017.”

Specific budgetary requirements may be laid out later after thorough assessment of the damage, Rep. Hernandez said, pointing out that the conflict is still ongoing.

For his part, Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., of the city’s 2nd district, said there should be a continuing study on how to rebuild Marawi, specifically on the housing of its civilians and the establishments of the business sector.

However, Hernandez added that national agencies can now make their own estimates of the needed funding requirements based on the number of evacuees and how much the government has already spent for humanitarian assistance.

In a separate interview, Sultan Nasser Sampaco, chairman of the Marawi Sultanate League, said the government should also consider providing financial aid to business owners who had lost their investments in the conflict. (PNA)

05 -11 August, 2017

Mindanao News

PRDP continues to aid Mindanao farmers By: Digna D. Banzon

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) has continued to provide aid to farmers cooperative in Mindanao for the enhancement of their facilities and improve production.

Sherwin Manual, the head of the PRDP Information Unit revealed that one of the cooperatives recent grantee is the Subasta Integrated Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Barangay Subasta, Calinan this city.

The cooperative was granted PHP9.5 million fund for the development of its PHP34-million Marketing of Dry Fermented Cacao Beans. The rest of the fund requirement was covered by the cooperative for the land, facility 05 -11 August, 2017

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Mindanao News and other structures. Manual said the fund will be used to enhance their production capacity since they need to purchase trucks and consolidator facility for the hauling of the products of nine cluster member cooperatives of Calinan, Malagos, Marilog and Paquibato.

PRDP also granted fund assistance to the Farmers Cooperative Marketing Association of Zamboanga del Norte for Cacao Production and Marketing which has a project cost of PHP13.4 million. Manual said the Lanao del Norte Integrated Coconut Base Enterprise got an assistance of PHP8.8 million for its project with a cost

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of PHP13.4 million.

The local government unit of Lanao also gave its counterpart funds to help the farmers. On the other hand, Manual said there is still PHP212 million which can be accessed up to 2018 under the PRDP’s Enterprise Program. He said the objectives of this program is to increase smallholder groups operating viable enterprises; to enhance producer productivity through formalized arrangements for marketing and technical services; and to increase smallholder and fishery resilience to climate change and adverse weather condition. (PNA)

NATIONAL NEWS Gov’t assures full implementation of Free Tuition Law by June 2018

MANILA - Filipino students can now expect the full implementation of the recently signed law granting free tuition in all state-run universities and colleges in the country by June 2018, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) assured on Thursday, August 10.

In a press briefing in MalacaĂąan, CHED Commissioner Prospero De Vera III announced that the first meeting for the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Free Tuition Law already took place

on Wednesday, August 9.

The Commissioner said they hope to finalize the IRR at the soonest possible time, in time for the full implementation of the law by 05 -11 August, 2017

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National News Academic Year 2018-2019.

These additional benefits can be availed by enrollees of both public and private institutions.

As for the funding for the program, De Vera said they are already set to finalize the budget for the new law.

“The staff of CHED, of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), of DBM (Department of Budget and Management), of DOST (Department of Science and Technology), started He said CHED is in talks with other working last night,” De Vera said. government agencies in pooling together funds to implement the

“We gave them marching orders program in 2018, which is pegged to to finish it hopefully within the week, reach more than P20 billion. so that the Commission can go over it, the other agencies can go over it, He said the government plans to and hopefully sign it within 15 days, if tap funds from existing scholarship and possible,” he added. financial assistance programs of various departments, including CHED, DOST,

Under the measure, students and the Department of Agriculture. enrolled or who wish to enroll in state-run universities and colleges nationwide will “So we’re looking at the utilization no longer have to pay for their tuition of money in the current scholarship and other standard miscellaneous fees, programs and see how much of these as enumerated in the law. can be put into the allocation for 2018,” De Vera said.

Students enrolled in 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), 16 “And then together with the House local government created universities of Representatives and the Senate, evaluated by CHED, and all state- we will look for other funding sources run technical-vocational institutions from the 2018 National Expenditure nationwide will be covered by the Program,” he added. measure during the first year of implementation.

Meanwhile, the Commission is also looking to ensure that tighter

For students belonging to poorer admission and retention policies are in households, De Vera said the measure place in state-run institutions to control will provide additional subsidy for the possible massive transfer of students those belonging to the lowest income from private to public schools. deciles. A student loan fund will also be created for them, to be administered “So, we will be telling… SUCs through various government financial and the LUCs to make sure that their institutions. admission and retention policies do

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National News not adopt an open admission,” De Vera said, adding that some SUCs have already adopted a no-transfer policy for second, third, and fourth year enrollees.

send students outside the campuses, and requires them to provide insurances to the students.

CHED issued the ban in February following the tragic bus accident in Tanay, Rizal that claimed the lives of 15 students from Bestlink College of the Philippines.

Abella said the development is an affirmation of the Duterte administration’s gains towards “a more robust, inclusive and sustainable economy.”

De Vera clarified that it will be imposing stricter and tighter regulations on all off-campus activities among HEIs to ensure the safety of students during such trips.

He said such gains translate to “more jobs and more money in the pockets of more Filipinos leading towards a comfortable life for all.”

It also directs HEIs to conduct a proper review of the franchise and

“We will control that by pegging road-worthiness of vehicles that will be the --- the subsidy from government used in the activities. on a percentage of the actual or the regular increase in the enrollment of Abella: fewer Filipinos jobless in 2017 SUCs and LUCs using 2015 data as a basis,” he further said.

During the same press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto

In the same briefing, the CHED Abella announced that joblessness in Commissioner announced that it has the country continues to drop from 25.1 already lifted its moratorium on the off- percent or 11.2 million in December campus activities of public and private 2016 to 22.2 percent or an estimated higher education institutions (HEIs).

10.5 million in June 2017.

Meanwhile, Abella assured the safety and protection of migrant Filipino workers currently in Guam following North Korea’s airstrike threat on the US territory.

“So all the activities that will require students to go out of their school, we have tightened the regulations and we’ve issued the CHED Memorandum Order No. 63 to cover now all public and private higher education institutions,” Abella said the government is he said. prepared with contingency plans in case the North Korean government

The memorandum mandates HEIs pursues its threat to launch missiles to be held accountable whenever they aimed at the waters off the coast of 05 -11 August, 2017

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National News Guam.

“Well, as far as I know, especially regarding Filipinos in Guam, the embassies and consulates in general --- including the one in Agana, Guam --- have contingency plans which are regularly updated to enable them

to respond to emergencies,” Abella noted.

“So in other words, it’s pretty automatic that if there are any threats, especially for those who are in affected areas, they have contingency plans for those things,” he added. (PND)

Biochar study opens doors for rural, tech development MANILA - Not all biochars are created equal—likewise, the average charcoal is no biochar.

A new research on biochar funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) has gained the interest of farmers, households, and rural developers through the direct application of its results, which is a feat for a basic research. NRCP Division VI (Agriculture and Forestry)’s Dr. Gina V. Pangga, its proponent, studied the potential of common agricultural wastes like corn cobs, water hyacinth, mahogany receptacles, and rice hull and straw, to produce quality biochars as soil conditioner.

Not just charcoal

Biochar in soil enhances crop yield, resistance, and health. Like charcoal, it is also made through pyrolysis—a.k.a., the process of burning materials with lesser oxygen—but where charcoal is

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for barbecues, biochar is for the fixing the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil.

While technically no fertilizer either, biochar benefits plants by its material structure: its tiny microscopic pores serve as excellent sites for nutrients and water storage (especially during dry times), and also provide home for essential microbes. Biochar can also separate soil contaminants in damaged soils as well as lessen carbon dioxide in the atmosphere—properties

National News scientists deem useful for environment material. Some drawbacks may be sustainability and climate change due to its “pyrolytic design”: generating adaptation. a yellow flame (due to low oxygen requirement to achieve pyrolysis) versus

The material used, cooking the usual LPGs that give off relatively length, and temperature. For instance, “cleaner” flames and some questions cooking beyond ideal range of 400 to on user safety; but overall, provides a 600 degrees Celsius yields charcoal neat alternative for medium-to-largeinstead of biochar. size backyard or outdoor cooking.

“You want to maintain its desired Keeping up with the demand qualities like porosity, absorption, and surface area,” explained Dr. Pangga, The increasing local demand for who is also a soil specialist. biochar meanwhile encouraged Dr. Pangga to seriously consider upgrading

Per 10 kilos of regular soil, 50 her prototype stove into a larger reactor grams of biochar is required—a simple able to supply biochar by the tons. conversion of which allocates10 tons of She hopes to get funding from DOST’s biochar for every soil hectare. applied tech agencies.

Most regular soils would benefit from biochar, but degraded soils (like saline soil) will need an appropriate type of biochar, she added.

NRCP Executive Director, Dr. Marieta Bañez Sumagaysay, commended Dr. Pangga’s basic research for its possibilities for agriculture and waste management, providing From basic research to invention barangays and rural households inexpensive means to turn trash into

Dr. Pangga collaborated with something beneficial, and serving the Bataan Peninsula State University another practical use on the side. (NRCP in designing a prototype stove for S&T Media Service / G.R.E. Valencia III) regular households to make their own biochars using agricultural and plant waste materials. Her invention, together with her research, was unveiled by NRCP through a forum during the National Science and Technology Week celebrations organized by the Department of Science and Technology last month. Her dual-purpose stove burns from 20 up to 75 minutes per load depending on the feedstock or input 05 -11 August, 2017

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Photo Gallery Press Conference with Mindanao Development Authority’s Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 11 August 2017

For more info. contact: Tel. No.: (085) 225-9219 / 300-0722 Cell Nos. 0908-875-9185 / 0917-580-2609 / 0925-556-2417 Email: inkboxinnovation@gmail.com

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