Caraga InFocus - August 6 - 12, 2016

CONTENTS REGIONAL NEWS

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9 10 11 12

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COVER

Caraga crime rate down

PNP Caraga announces 2nd cycle of PO1 recruitment Fulbright-PHL Agriculture Scholarship Program opens for 2017...

Stakeholders unite for 2016 Oplan Broadcastreeing in Butuan Caraga’s growth slows down in 2015 POPCOM watches over 100Mth babies

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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6 - 12 August 2016 Volume 1, No. 19

turns over P5M PAMANA 17 DSWD livelihood projects in SurSur town OIC in PENRO SurSur, CENRO 18 New Cantilan installed Norte guv signs ‘Surigao 21 Surigao first policy’

Surigao Norte excels in national economic competitiveness Surigaonons triumph in international surfing cup Two NPA rebels surrender in Agusan Sur PNP AgSur conducts buy-bust operation in Talacogon town DTI AgNor orients 4Ps members on consumer rights, responsibilities LGU Carmen, PNP, DILG conduct ‘Oplan Tokhang’ symposium

KBP ‘Broadcastreeing’: payback to nature’s bounty

FSCAP officers to receive honorarium DAR AgNor offers credit support to farmer-organizations Agnor DDRM Council bares DRR quiz bowl, short film making contest

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HEALTH NEWS: Know your daily

recommended intake for calcium

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao to host first EAGA cultural fest

NATIONAL NEWS

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GPH, MILF to formally re-launch peace engagements in KL meeting

News Briefs PNP Personnel of Carmen Municipal Police Station conducted symposium on RA 9165 and ill effects of illegal drugs in connection with “Project Tokhang” Community Awareness Program to the community of Brgy. Gosoon Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

San Francisco Municipal Police Station in Agusan del Sur recently conducted the Police Information & Continuing Education (PICE) to its personnel to keep them updated on the individual section regarding their compliance, daily checkpoint performance, as well as intensification of intelligence monitoring on the NPA’s movement in the AOR. The deployment of PNP personnel to the designated barangays is also intensified by conducting strong checkpoint; deployment of police trainees as well as the implementation of Project Barrel & the stages of Oplan Tokhang.

DAR Surigao Sur, LGU Tagbina & Malixi Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (MARBECO) inked a Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of Village Level “Coco-based Enterprise and Coco-by-products Industry” in the municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur recently, according to DAR info officer Myra Yu.

TESDA Surigao Norte in partnership with the LGU of Sison implements the Barangay Scholarship Program to 53 self-confessed drug users in Sison. 19 selfconfessed drug users are now enrolled in Small Engine & Motorcycle mechanic, 15 in Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I, 19 in Electrical Installation & Maintenance.

The said enrollees availed the free training with assessment & daily allowance from TESDA fund under the Brgy Kabuhayan Act or Rep. Act # 9509.

Cover Story

KBP ‘Broadcastreeing’: payback to nature’s bounty By: Venus L. Garcia

T

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

aking into consideration the value of conservation and preservation of biological diversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats as a crucial facet to the survival of all people, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Agusan del Norte - Butuan City Chapter spearheaded the Oplan Broadcastreeing 2016 activity on Saturday in this city.

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Some 1,000 volunteers comprising the youth, education and religious sector members, teachers, government employees, representatives from private organizations, among others, helped in planting the record-breaking number of 11,000 mahogany and lauan varieties of seedlings.

Positively overwhelmed by the magnanimous support of their partners, Catherine Tobes, station manager of dxMK-Magik FM and president of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter expressed her thanks in behalf of the media practitioners

In his message, Benjie Balansag, station manager of Bombo Radyo Butuan disclosed that the event is on its seventh year of consecutive conduct as a commitment of the KBP to strategically sustain a robust environment, conducive for a healthy The array of soldiers earnestly living of its inhabitants. cooperated and made sure that the tree planting activity was orderly The green hue of commitment and peaceful. Tight security was implemented in the area to secure the

Series of site visits and extensive preparations covering the 48-hectare vast area of fertile soil were undertaken by the able organizers. CENRO-Nasipit took the lead in clearing the grounds grown with remnants of tall grasses inside the Camp Bancasi.

In a meeting hosted by the

REGIONAL NEWS

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga with the presence of KBP officials, Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, battalion commander of 4th Civil Military Operations (Kasaligan) Battalion, 4th Infantry Division strongly declared their support to assist by offering to utilize the area within the vicinity of the Bancasi Camp which is suitable to add a green corner of the city.

CARAGA INFOCUS

affiliated with their said organization.

She also called on every planter to plant heartily and sincerely, so the seedlings will grow healthy.

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safety of the planters. The reservists of concern for Mother Nature tug at the the 15th Regional Community Defense hearstrings.

Group (RCDG) had also planted numerous seedlings.

Unbounded love for nature

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

On the other hand, PIA Caraga facilitated the full coverage, coordinative efforts, and massive campaign and mileage to achieve the objectives of said tree-planting activity.

PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga emphasized the importance of not just planting trees but also the effort of nurturing it to thrive well. “I challenge everyone to plant as many seedlings.

We are in the best position to repair and protect the ecosystem for the long term since our quality of life is reliant upon the health of our natural environment,” underscored Caga.

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Also, the Order of Discalced Augustinians (OAD) based in Ampayon, Butuan City led by Fr. Joshue Cadorna, OAD who is motivated in advocating for greening projects for years now, has tagged along his community members and were encouraged to join this noble undertaking. “We’re glad that the KBP shared this opportunity to build a common interest, create alliances that will lead to greater advantage for resiliency to climate change and cause an impact of inculcating to humans the priceless worth of environment,” expressed Cadorna.

Taking care of the earth where people breathe and dwell sets no limit.

Regardless of age and culture, the good character of individual remains pure and intangible especially the younger generation who give value to their environs.

It can be observed that individuals of different ages had voluntarily arrived in the planting site in as early as 5:00 a.m. bringing their own digging materials such as bolos and shovel.

Trixie Carrido, 5-year old and her elder sister Trisha Carrido, 7-year old, along with their mom, who all hailed from Brgy. Dumalagan of this city cheerfully shared their time in planting the seedlings. It was truly a very inspiring scenario.

Reaping the fruits from the seeds of kindness their mother had sown in her children, Trisha sincerely expressed how lucky she was to have given the opportunity to actively participate in activities such as this. “We were taught in school on how to grow and save trees, and now I am privileged of keeping my hands in work for every child’s future filled with hopes for a clean and green

Meanwhile, the Balanghai Eagles environment,” said Trisha.

Club brought forth their stance in creating ways to carry out its mission Meanwhile, Arturo Cinco, a local for environmental protection by joining resident, together with his wife and three the activity. They believed that both children, were also present during the nature and people are served when event. “Although the environmental

While it is a fact that planting trees or reforestation is only one of the many ways by which advocates can combat the perilous effects arising from wanton disregard of the environment in the past by the complacent and irresponsible human beings. However, there are those who are committed in doing things with profound dedication matched with simple acts of kindness for the environment.

Hence, in recognition of their effort, forester Edito Tocle and forest ranger Reyjoy Chavez of CENRO-Nasipit received each a plaque of recognition for their unparalleled dedication geared towards clean and green environment and for their extraordinary efforts of inspiring people to advocate in the conservation and protection of

The Oplan Broadcastreeing was proven successful and is expected to create a magnificent landscape in the coming years as it depicts a fully restored green portion of the city.

It was learned that the KBP, through its Oplan Broadcastreeing program has made them a recipient of the Universal Peace Foundation, Peace and Environment Awards, and garnered the Tanging Bayani Award of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) 2016.

This annual simultaneous and nationwide tree-planting activity in support to the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) was made possible through the support of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga; Civil Military Operations (CMO), 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) – Nasipit, and Order of Discalced Augustinians (OAD). (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

REGIONAL NEWS

A dedication worthy of emulation

the Mother Nature through their radio program dubbed “Oras sa Kinaiyahan.”

CARAGA INFOCUS

threats are imminent and the protection and conservation actions are a real challenge, my family is confident that through mutual cooperation and respect we can make it a better place to live in,” expressed Arturo.

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Photo Gallery LECTURE ON AMATEUR RADIO

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Butuan City 8 - 11 August 2016

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Caraga crime rate down

Crimes against property decreased by 77 percent. On the other hand, crimes against persons also declined: homicide 60 percent, physical injury 36 percent, and rape 33 percetn, respectively.

Since

Project

Double

Barrel

was implemented in July 1, 2016, the Caraga Police has arrested 140 drug personalities and confiscated shabu and marijuana with a total street value of P37.91 million during police operations.

Likewise, under Project “Tokhang” or house visitations on residences of suspected drug personalities, a total of 26,256 users and 647 pushers voluntarily surrendered to the police and pledged to stop their drug activities.

With this number of drug personalities who turned themselves in as of today, the challenge now lies in providing rehabilitation facilities for the users and alternative livelihood for the pushers so that they can become more productive members of the community, according to PCSupt. Felix.

(PNP-Caraga)

REGIONAL NEWS

Accordingly, the number of crimes documented by the Police Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) this July dropped to 831 from 1,246 cases in the same month last year.

BUTUAN CITY - Crime incidence in Caraga region was substantially reduced in July 2016 compared with the same period last year.

CARAGA INFOCUS

This is attributed to the intensified implementation of the anti-criminality campaign and the implementation of the anti-drug campaign dubbed as Project Double Barrel,” Police Regional Office 13 regional director PCSupt.

Rolando Felix said Friday.

By: PCI Charity Galvez

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PNP Caraga announces 2nd cycle of PO1 recruitment By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga is in need of another 300 applicants for the public safety forces of the 2nd cycle of PO1 recruitment program of the agency.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

PNP Caraga regional director chief superintendent Rolando Felix urges interested qualified individuals to submit their requirements in folder at the Regional Personnel Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD) for assessment.

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The initial requirements of PO1 include being a Filipino citizens with good moral character; 21 years old and above but not over 30; at least one meter and 62 centimeters (cm) tall for males and one meter and 57 cm for females; holder of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized learning institution; must have eligibility, and have no pending case, CSupt Felix said.

On July 16, 2016, a total of 640 new cops under the 1st cycle PO1 recruitment program took their oath at the headquarters of the Police Regional Office.

For more information, please 09399354084 or the office of RPHRDD contact the Regional Public Information through landline at 815-1668. (PNP/ Office through hotline number at NCLM, PIA-Caraga)

Fulbright-PHL Agriculture Scholarship Program opens for 2017 educational exchange grant By: Venus L. Garcia

Proposals for research will be accepted from the following fields: Agriculture and all its subfields including Fruit and Vegetable Production, Horticulture, Plant Breeding/Genetics, Dairy Science, Pest Control/Entomology, and Animal Nutrition; Agricultural Engineering and its subfields including Forest

Engineering, Handling/Processing/ Storage of Agricultural Products, Irrigation and Drainage Systems Engineering, Post-Harvest Technology, Soil and Water Engineering, Agricultural Waste Management, and Food Engineering/Process Control; Agricultural Economics and its subfields including Agribusiness, Agricultural Policy, Farm Management, Natural Resource Economics, and Production Economics; Natural Resources and Forestry and their subfields including Forestry, Wood Science, Natural Resource Management, Range Management, Fish/Game/Wildlife Management, Marine Resource

CARAGA INFOCUS

The objective of the grant is not only to enable the recipient to pursue a particular field of study but to develop leaders in agriculture and fisheries who can contribute to promoting better understanding between the Philippines and the United States.

REGIONAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – With a goal to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the Philippines by developing their human resources base through bilateral educational exchanges between the Philippines and the United States, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) now accepts application for the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program (FPASP) for Advanced Research.

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Management, Coastal Zone Management, and Environmental Science; Veterinary Medicine and its subfields including Small-Animal Medicine and Large-Animal Medicine; Agricultural Extension; and Fisheries and its subfields including Inland Water Fisheries, Marine Water Fisheries, and Brackish Water Fisheries.

examination.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

As to grant benefits, the fully funded awards cover international travel, monthly maintenance allowance, dissertation research/ professional development allowance, settling-in and in-transit allowances, and accident and sickness insurance.

Other requirements can be accessed

Applicants must be citizens of atwww.fulbright.org.ph. the Philippines. Filipinos holding dual citizenship (Philippine-American) or Applicants must return to permanent U.S. residency are ineligible the Philippines immediately upon for grant to the U.S. English proficiency completion of their study or research. is also required to pursue proposed program in the U.S. Likewise, individuals New application deadline for who are currently studying, working, the 2017-2018 Fulbright-Philippine residing or researching in the United Agriculture Scholarship Program States are not eligible.

(FPASP) for Advanced Research is on August 15, 2016. Printed copy of

While no medical certification is completed applications must be required at the time of application, received at the PAEF on the said date. applicants must be in good health Grantees are expected to begin their to pursue graduate work in the U.S. program in the U.S. by September of Finalists are required to pass a medical 2017. (PAEF/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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Stakeholders unite for 2016 Oplan Broadcastreeing in Butuan By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - As early as 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, stakeholders from the different sectors already gathered at Camp Bancasi to participate in this year’s Oplan Broadcastreeing activity organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

The said event is also made possible through the cooperation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Community Environment and Natural Resources

Office (CENRO) Nasipit, 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, Order of Discalced Augustinians (OAD), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga. All government agencies,

REGIONAL NEWS CARAGA INFOCUS

media, and other sectors were invited PIA Caraga regional director to participate in the tree planting and Abner Caga emphasized in his message growing activity. the importance of not just planting trees but also the effort of nurturing it to thrive

Some 11,000 seedlings were well. He challenged the participating prepared by DENR and CENRO-Nasipit planters to plant as many seedlings. for all the participants.

Also, Catherine Tobes, station

During the short program, all manager of dxMK-Magik FM and participating agencies were recognized president of KBP Agusan del Norteby the organizers of the activity.

Butuan City chapter expressed her thanks to all participating agencies of

Benjie Balansag, station manager the Oplan Broadcastreeing activity. of Bombo Radyo said in his message that She also called on every planter to plant it has been seven years that the Oplan heartily and sincerely, so the seedlings Broadcastreeing activity is conducted. will grow healthy.

It is aimed to increase the number of trees in the city, to lessen the impacts of Meanwhile, forester Edito Tocle climate change and to have a greener and forest ranger Reyjoy Chavez environment. of CENRO-Nasipit received each a plaque of recognition for their

Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, commanding unparalleled dedication geared officer of the 4th CMO Battalion, bared towards clean and green environment that the planting site at Camp Bancasi and for their extraordinary efforts is a 48-hectare military reservation area of inspiring people to advocate in which can accommodate some 1,000 the conservation and protection planters. He further encouraged the of the Mother Nature through their planters to keep safe while planting in radio program dubbed “Oras sa the area.

Kinaiyahan.� (PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga’s growth slows down in 2015 The economy of Caraga decelerated from 9.4 percent in 2014 to 4.2 percent in 2015. The region’s growth decelerated as Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) declined while Industry and Services slowed down.

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

Services remained to account for the largest share in the region’s total economic output with 45.7 percent.

Industry followed with 37.2 percent while AHFF chipped in 17.1 percent.

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The overall performance of Services slowed down from 9.2 percent in 2014 to 5.3 percent in 2015 due to the decelerated growth of four sub-industries. Transportation, Storage and Communication (TSC) recorded the biggest deceleration from 16.4 percent in 2014 to 4.2 percent in 2015. Trade and Repair also slid from 8.0 percent in 2014 to 7.5 percent in 2015. In the same manner, Financial Intermediation (FI) slowed down from 5.7 percent to 5.6 percent in 2015 and Public Administration and Defense (PAD) decelerated from 4.4 percent to 1.3 percent. Meanwhile, Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities (RERBA) recorded an accelerated growth from 5.4 percent in 2014 to 7.4 percent in 2015 and Other Services (OS) expanded from 4.6 percent in 2014 to 7.0 percent in 2015.

the slowdown in Mining and Quarrying (MAQ) and Manufacturing. MAQ, which accounted for the largest share in the Industry, decelerated from 14.7 percent to 5.0 percent in 2015. Likewise, Manufacturing slowed down from 12.7 percent to 2.6 percent in 2015. However, Electricity, Gas and Water Supply (EGWS) cushioned the big decelerated growths of the first two sub-industries as it rebounded from negative 5.8 percent in 2014 to 24.1 percent in 2015. Likewise, Construction further improved its performance by accelerating from 20.6 percent to 22.7 percent in 2015.

AHFF suffered a reversal from 1.3 percent in 2014 to negative 8.5 percent in 2015. This was due to the contraction of Agriculture and Forestry by 9.6 percent in 2015 from a positive 1.4 percent in 2014. Fishing, at the same time, also contracted by 2.3 percent in 2015 from 0.8 percent in 2014.

Industry and Services contributed 3.5 percentage points and 2.4 percentage points to the region’s total growth for the year, respectively. On

Industry decelerated to 9.9 the other hand, AHFF pulled down the percent in 2015 from 14.8 percent in growth by 1.7 percentage points. (PSA2014. The slowdown was attributed to Caraga)

POPCOM watches over 100Mth babies By: Angie B. Antonio

BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga in coordination with the Local Population Offices closely monitors the growth and development of the 100Mth symbolic babies in the region as they celebrated their 2nd birthday on July 27.

“With proper planning and spacing of the next birth, the child will be provided with the basic needs which is empirical for her/his growth and development,” Makinano quoted.

In recognition of the important role of the symbolic babies in the region, POPCOM handed over a birthday gift pack to the babies during their 2nd birthday. The gift packs contain various stuff necessary for the toddlers.

The POPCOM Official pointed-out (POPCOM-Caraga)

REGIONAL NEWS

POPCOM Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that the 100Mth symbolic babies symbolized hope and challenge for every Filipino, a call to make everyone count in development and live a healthy, productive and livable environment. It is also a challenge to all institutions and every Filipino to count on each other to have a well-planned, healthy, happy and empowered 100 million Filipinos.

that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life from pregnancy through a child 2nd birthday is a critical window of time that sets the stage for a person’s intellectual development and the lifelong health.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The child’s growth and development was monitored through the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Card which were issued by the Local Health Office to the parents of the child. Also monitored are the services on proper nutrition, complete immunization, and comprehensive health care and other socio-economic support system which is necessary in line with every child’s growth and development.

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Photo Gallery 2016 SEARCH FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER (SOV) Regional Search Committee Meeting

CARAGA INFOCUS

REGIONAL NEWS

NEDA Conference Room, Butuan City 9 August 2016

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DSWD turns over P5M PAMANA livelihood projects in SurSur town By: Nida Grace Barcena-Tranquilan

pedicab as their source of livelihood.

These members have also underwent a training on welding pedicab fabrication. For the sustainability of the project, the members decided to contribute a monthly due worth P40.00 each for the maintenance needed for their pedicabs.

Four associations coming from Barangay Tiwi, Roxas, Bitoon, and Sasa also received one tractor each. They

CARAGA INFOCUS

In a press statement released by the DSWD field office, seven associations from the different barangays in Hinatuan received P300,000 from the PAMANA Project.

It was learned that 40 traysikad/ pedicabs, four tractors and one corn mill were procured and a water refilling station was put up from the said fund.

Accordingly, 40 members of Pantawid Pamilya Hinatuan SLP Association availed the “traysikad” or

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga turned-over recently a livelihood project worth P5 million thru the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) under PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) scheme in Hinatuan town.

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also agreed to contribute a monthly due While the Del Carmen Farmers worth P10 each for the maintenance Association of Barangay Dugmanon and repair of their tractors. composed of 60 members availed the Water Refilling Station.

Also, the Talisay Fisherfolks Association composed of more than The PAMANA is a national 100 members received the newly-built government’s convergence program corn mill. The facility is open to non- that extends development interventions members in order to generate more to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflictincome. A monthly due amounting to affected communities, ensuring that P5.00 each was agreed by the members they are not left behind. (NGBT/PIAfor the sustainability of the equipment. Surigao del Sur)

New OIC in PENRO SurSur, CENRO Cantilan installed

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Johny S. Natad

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(Photo by Rutche G. Dumpa)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - By virtue of DENR Regional Special Order No. 2016-272 s. 2016, Director Nonito M. Tamayo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga officially installed Forester Jose Flavio V. Concha as the new in-charge in the Office of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENR) Surigao del Sur during the installation ceremony recently held at PENRO Building, this city.

he was overwhelmed considering the great responsibilities in managing two cities and 17 municipalities within the AOR of PENRO Surigao del Sur. But he was grateful to the management for the trust and opportunity given to him while optimistic to perform the job.

PENRO Surigao del Sur acting Human Resources and Management Officer Maria S. Paz Aguilar revealed that Forester Concha has been a dedicated DENR employee with vast working experiences holding gigantic positions within the area of responsibility (AOR) of PENRO Surigao Meanwhile Dir. Tamayo also del Sur for more than three decades formally installed Forester Zaldy C. now.

Perater as the new CENR Officer of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur in view of

“Forester Concha is one of the reassignment of Forester Concha.

DENR employees who rose from rank. Tamayo said that he trusted the His first employment in the agency management capacity of the OIC in was in 1982 as the Forest Guard in PENRO Surigao del Sur and CENRO BFD Bislig, Surigao del Sur. He then Cantilan. promoted as Forester I of CENRO Bislig in 1987, which was the beginning of “With the leadership of the new his career development in the ladder officer-incharge, I believed that the of success,” HRMO Aguilar said as she PENRO Surigao del Sur and all its field introduced the new caretaker during offices under its AOR are in good the installation ceremony. She added hands,” Tamayo said during the that among the highlighted promotions installation rite. and designations he acquired during the past years in DENR were Senior The movement of some DENR Forest Management Specialist and personnel to PENRO Surigao del Sur Development Management Officer. was due to the transfer of OIC PENR Officer Raul Rosales to DENR Regional

In his acceptance speech, OIC Office for health reason. (PENRO-SDS PENR Officer Concha revealed that Info Officer/PIA-Surigao del Sur).

PROVINCIAL NEWS

“With your full support and cooperation together with the help of the top management and different stakeholders, we can accomplish effectively the works assigned to us based on our mandates,” OIC PENRO Concha said.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Forester Concha, a pure Tandaganon, was the in-charge of CENRO Cantilan, Surigao del Sur since July 2015. He served as a DENR employee for more than 30 years since his first employment in the environmental service sometime in 1982.

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Photo Gallery Division National Indigenous People’s Day

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

August 11, 2016

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Surigao Norte guv signs ‘Surigao first policy’ By: Susil D. Ragas

Surigaonons must obtain major and Under the said EO, the Provincial dominant participation in their own to Office of the Department of Labor and the economy of the province.

Employment (DOLE) shall submit on

“There is an imperative need a quarterly basis a certified list of job to require business establishments, opportunities in the province to the industrial sectors, contractors and provincial government through the subcontractors to give priority and hire provincial employment and services qualified skilled and unskilled labor office (PESO). to be taken from the available bona The Business Permit and Licensing fide residents in the province in which the businesses or projects are to be Section of the Office of the City and

CARAGA INFOCUS

Governor Matugas issued the said executive order pursuant to Section 9, Article 11 of the Philippine Constitution which says, that the state shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an undertaken in order to promote the improved quality of life for all. welfare of every Surigaonon,” said

Governor Matugas said that all Matugas.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Surigao del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas signed recently Executive Order No. 024 series of 2016 dubbed as “Surigao First Policy.”

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Municipal Mayor shall submit a list of Meanwhile, the PESO office as the business establishments indicating their collator of all data gathered shall employees and addresses. come up with a master lists of vacant positons/job opportunities in all business

The owners and managers/chief and industrial establishments and that executive officers of business and of their existing number of employees industrial establishments, contractors and their addresses. and subcontractors shall under oath certify a list of its employees and their The said EO shall take effect 15 days addresses including vacant positions following its approval and publication. and submit the same to the PESO office. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte excels in national economic competitiveness

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: John Glenn A. Platil

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SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The province of Surigao del Norte recently topped the 2016 Competitiveness Index Ranking Results beside Agusan del Norte, representing Caraga Region as the Most Competitive Provinces nationwide in terms of economic development.

Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte ranked 26th and 27th, respectively while Surigao del Sur placed 33rd, Agusan del Sur scored 47th and Dinagat Island ranked 61st.

one in the list of top ten provinces, followed by Cavite, South Cotabato, Laguna, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Bataan, Aklan, Batangas and La Union.

Gov. Sol Matugas said that “the beautiful

Overall, the province of Rizal in news about economic progress is a Calabarzon Region emerged number welcome development and a living

testament of our sustained efforts to different programs and constructing institute concrete reforms for the well- giant projects for the benefit of target being of our beloved constituents.” communities in line with the “Service Beyond the Usual” advocacy of

Economic dynamism, government Governor Matugas. efficiency and infrastructure were the keystone benchmarks used in the Also recognized for the municipal conduct of index ranking evaluation, category were Mainit, Del Carmen, according to the National Economic Bacuag, Socorro, Placer, San Isidro, Development Authority (NEDA).

Tubod, Tagana-an, Alegria, Burgos, Sison, Malimono, Gen. Luna, Dapa, Sta.

Also acknowledged among Monica, Gigaquit, Pilar, San Benito and the listing were Surigao City and the San Francisco. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao municipality of Claver for launching del Norte)

Surigaonons triumph in international surfing cup

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - A local surfer from General Luna town named Philmar Alipayo recently emerged as over-all champion in the 4-day West Sumbawa Pro 2016 surfing cup held recently in Indonesia, winning a perfect 10 point score with $1,600 U.S. dollar prize money and a stunning ancient West Sumbawa sword.

CARAGA INFOCUS

http://www.asiansurfingtour.com

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: John Glenn A. Platil

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Nildie Blancada also scored a giant win at the Quicksilver Padma Challenge, garnering 15.83 points over Giada Legati who hailed from Argentina, making it for the second place with 12.60 pts. Indonesian Cinta Hansel

Eight female and 48 male surfers came in third with 11 points while Kailani from Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Johnson earned 7.07 pts.

Taiwan vied for the hotly-contested prizes across three strategic and Staged by the Australian leading surfing destinations, namely, Consulate General, the international Yoyo’s, Playgrounds and Supersucks. tournament was inspired by the 64 male and 12 female contenders from

Featuring nightly gigs, beach Australia, Argentina, Indonesia, Japan, volleyball tourneys, and vivid displays, Taiwan and the Philippines. the West Sumbawa Pro 2016 was set in motion by the Asian Surfing The province of Surigao del Norte Championships in collaboration with ably headed by Gov. Sol F. Matugas the Indonesian government. will be hosting the World Surfing Cup on September 24 to 29, this year. (PGO Meanwhile, another local surfer, SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Alipayo defeated Mega Semadhi who landed in the second spot. Made “Bol” Adi Putra and Dede Suryana who were all Indonesians tied in the third place.

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Photo Gallery

15th Human Resource and Skills Development

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Surigao City 8-9 August 2016

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Two NPA rebels surrender in Agusan Sur

By Cpt Edwin Fuertes, Sr.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – Two communist guerillas operating in the municipality of Loreto, Agusan del Sur have voluntarily surrendered to authorities recently at the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) headquarters in Barangay San Nicolas, Talacogon, this province.

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Commanding officer of 26IB Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon together with Talacogon mayor Jesryl Masendo formally received the two NPA rebels from the Front 34 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Through the facilitation of the Ever Onward troopers, the two NPA rebels, whose names are still withheld for their security, personally yielded at the headquarters bringing along with them their firearms.

They are now being processed

for enrollment to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

They are likely to receive immediate assistance and other benefits from the said program, it was learned.

LTC Pagayon urged other rebels in the communist movement to surrender and abandon armed struggle and become productive members of the mainstream society. He also added that through the convergence of all stakeholders in the province, just and lasting peace can be attained.

(4CMOBn, 4ID/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

PNP AgSur conducts buy-bust operation in Talacogon town By: PCI Charity S Galvez

BUTUAN CITY – As they strictly implement Oplan Tokhang, a campaign against illegal drugs in the province, the personnel of Talacogon Municipal Police Station conducted

Photo from PIO PRO Caraga

CARAGA INFOCUS

During said operation, one drug watchlist of Talacogon police. The suspected drug pusher was killed by operatives seized a .38 revolver and the police on Sunday evening. four sachets of suspected shabu with estimated weight of 5 grams and street

Police Chief Superintendent value of Php59, 000.00.

Rolando Felix, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 regional director said Rodrick

Citing the record of the Regional Jay Corvera, alias Jeckjeck, 25 years Operations and Plans Division, a total old was the target of the buy-bust of 214 persons were arrested; 5 were operation around 7:38 p.m. killed; and Php 36, 861, 529.00 worth

According to the report of Agusan of illegal drugs were confiscated since del Sur Police Provincial Office, the the implementation of Project Double suspect drew his short firearm prompting Barrel from July 1 to August 8, 2016 in Caraga region. (PNP-PIO/PIA-Agusan the police officers to shoot him.

Corvera is included in the illegal del Sur)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

recently a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Agustin, Talacogon town in Agusan del Sur.

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Photo Gallery Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter Board of Directors Meeting

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City 11 August 2016

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DTI AgNor orients 4Ps members on consumer rights, responsibilities By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

CARAGA INFOCUS

The seminar was attended by Tidalgo.

299 4Ps members mostly women and Questions about consumer issues some barangay officials headed by and concerns were asked especially barangay captain Wilbert B. Ejos. on online marketing, foreign consumer products, and globalization.

Gay A. Tidalgo, DTI Agusan del Norte provincial director said the According to Tidalgo, the activity increased the awareness of the participants also learned how to detect participants regarding their rights and a possible pyramiding scheme. responsibilities as a consumer.

“All participants were satisfied Tidalgo also urge the consumers because they learned and become to be vigilant emphasizing that a well knowledgeable regarding the eight informed and vigilant consumer is the basic consumer rights and the five best protected consumer. (PIA-Agusan responsibilities of a consumer,” said del Norte)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI Agusan del Norte in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Barangay Ong Yiu of this city has successfully conducted a two-day Consumer Education Seminar held recently here.

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LGU Carmen, PNP, DILG conduct ‘Oplan Tokhang’ symposium

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Atty. Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise-Punzalan

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CARMEN, Agusan del Norte - The local government unit of Carmen, Agusan del Norte through its Municipal AntiDrug Abuse Council (MADAC), Carmen Municipal Police Station and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted a symposium/orientation on Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” and its Ill-Effects on Health and the Community in support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s program called “Oplan Tokhang.”

The symposium/orientation was purposely conducted to inform the participants on how drugs destroy lives.

serious in his fight against illegal drugs and he places a great responsibility to the local officials down to the barangays to solve this menace so we should exert our best efforts to

Over 300 tokhang volunteers support him,” Carmen Mayor Ramon attended the activity.

Calo said.

A mass-oathtaking and mass singing of “Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos” of Oplan Tokhang’s self-confessed users and pushers followed suit.

Agusan del Norte police provincial director PSSupt. Ronel Jaurigue presented the drug situation of the country and noted that there are 1.8 Million drug pushers and users “We all know that the President is nationwide.

He added that the fight against illegal drugs is not only the responsibility of the police but it needs “the Wholeof-Government Approach.”

encouraged the tokhang volunteers to be serious in their oath because the president already gave them a second chance. He also warned them of the consequences that they

The salient features of Republic will face should they continue using Act 9165 and its penalties was drugs. discussed by Mun. Trial Court Carmen presiding judge Nemeson B. Cañete.

The activity concluded with the signing of the Covenant to ensure

Carmen Municipal Police Station support from the tokhang volunteers. chief PSInsp. Franklin A Lacana (LGU-Carmen, Agusan del Norte)

FSCAP officers to receive honorarium

This was made through the efforts of Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo who authored and sponsored for the approval of Provincial Ordinance No. 425-2016 providing honorarium to said officials.

2017 and every year thereafter for the said purpose.

The provincial officials made this possible to encourage and energize more the officials of FSCAP Agusan del Norte Chapter to plan and put in

The provincial government shall place the plans and programs for the appropriate the amount of P250,000 betterment of all senior citizens in the under the General Fund Budget for CY province. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

CARAGA INFOCUS

BUTUAN CITY - All officials of the Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens (FSCAP) Agusan del Norte Chapter will soon receive an honorarium in the amount of P1,000 every month starting next year 2017.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

By: Aimee B. Sienes

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DAR AgNor offers credit support to farmer-organizations By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte conducted a series of Review and Assessment Workshop in line with the implementation of the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) to nine selected Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) from different municipalities in the province in the period of 2nd quarter, 2016.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

The DAR in this province, through the Program Beneficiaries Development Division intensifies effort to fully implement the APCP by 2016, provided ample assistance to qualified Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and ARBOs.

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The activity was undertaken to evaluate the ARBOs and its farmerbeneficiary members’ capacity to apply for loan to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). It also carried out the documentation and processing of the ARBOs’ required loan documents.

Luningning B. Ycoy, DAR-APCP point person, said the workshop gathered the factual data on the status and capacity of the ARBOs to make them competent credit conduit.

“The agency identifies the eligible ARBOs and indorsed them to the LBP to apply for loan. APCP addresses crop financing needs of eligible ARBs and the DAR assists the ARBOs in facilitating

the documentation and compliance of LBP required documents,” Ycoy said.

“The DAR also determines the ARBOs’ repayment capacity of any loan applied for,” she added.

The selected nine ARBOs are Duque Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (DAREBCO) of Taguibo Butuan City; Jaguimitan Farmers Cooperative (JAGFO) of Jaguimitan, Nasipit; Palmavera Small Coco Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative (PASCOFBEC) of Las Nieves; Tagbuyacan Farmers Marketing Cooperative of Santiago; Rosario Agrarian Reform Cooperative (RARC); San Antonio Integrated Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative (SAIFMULCO) of RT Romualdez; RIC Tagbuyaca Inc. of Santiago; Avancena Beneficiaries and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ABFMPC) of Sanghan, Cabadbaran; and Bonifacio Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BARC) of Las Nieves.

(DAR-Agusan del Norte)

Agnor DDRM Council bares DRR quiz bowl, short film making contest winners

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of the province of Agusan del Norte in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Norte and Cabadbaran divisions has successfully conducted the DRR quiz bowl and DRR short film making contest during the monthlong observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month in July, this year.

The short film entry of the Magallanes National High School also received the Best in Cinematography and Best in Director special awards.

On the other hand, the quiz bowl Special awards were also given to was also participated by 35 students Irish Pianiar for Best Actress and Angelo from the different secondary schools of Racaza for Best Actor award. the province.

According to Suyo, other

The winners of the short film making participating schools also received contest were: Magallanes National High consolation prizes.

School got the 1st place with P20,000 in cash prize; followed by Buenavista The contests were aimed to raise SPED High School with P15,000; and awareness and provide a better Abilan National High School got 3rd understanding of disaster management place with P10,000. for children, teachers and communities, Suyo added. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del

For the quiz bowl competition: Norte)

PROVINCIAL NEWS

the 1st place was given to the Nasipit National Vocational School with P7,000 in cash prize; 2nd place – Calamba National High School with P5,000; and 3rd place – Cabadbaran City National High School with P3,000 in cash prize.

CARAGA INFOCUS

PDRRM officer Erma Suyo said that the DRR short film-making contest was participated by 12 different secondary schools. Entries of the contest were screened by the pool of judges from the different government agencies to include the Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency and DepEd.

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Photo Gallery Butuan City Police Office Media Forum on Illegal Drugs, Video Karera/Fruit Game Machines

CARAGA INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

11 August 2016

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GAD Day Care Centre 39th Induction Program J. P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City 5 August 2016

Know your daily recommended intake for calcium

The PDRI is a new set of multi-level standards where the Recommended Energy/Nutrient Intake (REI/RNI) is one

Most of us, if not all, know that of the components. calcium is important because it keeps the body alive by performing numerous Recommended Energy/Nutrient functions including building and Intake (REI/RNI) is the level of intake of maintaining healthy bones and strong energy or nutrient which is considered teeth. adequate for the maintenance of health and well-being of healthy

Calcium also helps in regulating persons in the population. blood clotting, transmitting nerve impulses, muscle flexing and heartbeat Adequate Intake (AI) is the daily regulation. nutrient intake level that is based on observed or experimentally Ninety-nine percent (99%) of determined approximation of the calcium in the body is stored in the average nutrient intake by a group bones and teeth, while the remaining (groups) of apparently healthy people one percent is found in the blood and that is assumed to sustain a defined other tissues. nutritional state.

The Philippine Dietary Reference Below is the table on Intakes (PDRI), 2015 is the nutrition recommended calcium intakes per standard you can use to know the day based on the PDRI, 2015.

HEALTH NEWS

adequacy and inadequacy of your diet.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Is your diet adequate in essential nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals? One of the essential nutrients usually lacking in the Filipino diet is calcium.

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Life stage/age group Recommended calcium intakes per day

(milligrams/mg)

intake is 907 milligrams while your RNI for calcium is 800 milligrams. Your calcium intake for the day is more than enough for the RNI for calcium.

Male Infants, months 0-5 200 6-11 400

Below is the table to guide you on the rich sources of calcium:

Female 200 400

Chilldren, years

CARAGA INFOCUS

HEALTH NEWS

1-2 500 3-5 550 6-9 700 10-12 1000 13-15 1000 16-18 1000 Adults, years 19-29 750 30-49 750 50-59 750 60-69 800 >70 800 Pregnant +50 Lactating

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Food item and Description Calcium Content (milligrams)

500 550 700 1000 1000 1000 750 750 800 800 800 +0

NOTE: Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) are in bold font while Adequate Intakes (AI) are in italics

Here is simple way to know if you are meeting your calcium intake for the day. By recording your calcium intake for the day, divided by your RNI for calcium, you will know if your calcium intake for that day is adequate or not.

For example, your breakfast comprised of one glass of milk (4 teaspoons of skim milk diluted in one glass of water) and 2 pcs of pandesal with cheddar cheese. Your calcium

Finfish, Shellfish, and Other Aquatic Animals and Products (Raw and Cooked) Snail, fresh water, raw Susong, pilipit, hilaw 100 grams 2702 Shrimp, freshwater (small), raw Hipon, tagunton, hilaw 100 grams 2351 Crab, shore, raw Talangka, hilaw 100 grams 2111 Snail, black, raw Kuhol, itim, hilaw 100 grams 1650 Anchovy fry, raw Dulong, hilaw Âź cup, 35 grams 307 Anchovy, long-jawed, whole, raw Dilis, buo, hilaw Âź cup, 35 grams 263 Sardine, fimbriated, fry Silinyasi 1 piece, 45 grams 256 Crab, blue swimming Alimasag, alige 3 tablespoons, 50 grams 141 Sardine, bombon Tawilis 1 piece, 45 grams 93

256 225

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

HEALTH NEWS

Cheese, cheddar, pasteurized, processed, 1 slice, 35 grams (6 X 3 X 2cm) Yoghurt, ½ cup, 125 grams Eggs and Products Egg, quail, boiled Itlog, pugo, nilaga 9 pieces, 70 grams Egg, chicken, whole, boiled Itlog, manok, buo, nilaga 1 piece, 60 grams Vegetables and Products

Seaweed, kulot 1 cup raw, 25 grams 177 Seaweed, balbalulang 1 cup raw, 25 grams 162 Seaweed, gamet 1 cup raw, 25 grams 118 Jute, boiled Saluyot dahon, nilaga ½ cup, 45 grams 87 Pechay, boiled Petsay, nilaga ½ cup, 45 grams 70 New Zealand spinach, boiled Ispinaka dahon, nilaga ½ cup, 45 grams 57

The 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos urges us, especially children, to “consume milk, milk products and other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and shellfish everyday for healthy bones and teeth”.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Mackerel, short-bodied, fried Hasa-hasa, prito 1 piece, 35 grams 71 Crab, mud/mangrove meat, boiled Alimango, laman, nilaga ¼ cup, 20 grams 56 Crab, blue swimming meat, boiled Alimasag laman, nilaga ¼ cup, 20 grams 56.2 Milk and Products Milk, powder, skim Gatas, pulbos, skim ¼ cup or 4 level teaspoons, 30 grams 395 Milk, powder, non-fat, instant Gatas, pulbos, non-fat, instant ¼ cup or 4 level teaspoons, 30 grams 344 Milk, powder, full cream Gatas, pulbos, full cream ¼ cup or 4 level teaspoons, 30 grams 307 Milk, powder, filled, instant Gatas, pulbos, filled, instant ¼ cup or 4 level teaspoons, 30 grams 256 Milk, evaporated, filled, undiluted Gatas, evaporada, filled ½ cup, 125 grams 297

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CARAGA INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao to host first EAGA cultural fest

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DAVAO CITY – A festival that will showcase the cultural diversity of the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is slated to take place in various Mindanao cities in the Philippines next year.

Gerardo Reynaldo, development management officer of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said the Budayaw Festival aims to feature the cultural movers from the BIMPEAGA by giving them a platform that will honor their significant contributions to the socioeconomic development of the sub-region.

“These events will take place simultaneously and will capture the colorful panorama of cultures that BIMP-EAGA has to offer,” said Adelina Suemith, executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Budayaw is a portmanteau of the Bahasa word “buda” which means “festival” and the Filipino word “dayaw” or “celebration”.

The Budayaw Festival will be held in September 2017 across key areas in Mindanao including General Santos City and Sarangani Province. The event will also be in line with the commemoration of the 50th founding anniversary of the ASEAN cooperation.

Formally established in 2014, the SCE Cluster was endorsed by the Philippines to specifically cultivate a “people-centered” regional cooperation within BIMPEAGA through opportunities that can promote human resource

“We are looking at establishing development and cultural diversity networks of stakeholders that will help within the sub-region. leverage the works of these artists to a more prominent scale,” Reynaldo BIMP-EAGA was established in said.

1994 to address the socioeconomic development gaps within and across

The festival will be divided into the sub-region particularly in less several sub-events, focusing on the developed areas of the participating fields of visual arts, photography, film, countries. (MinDA)

MINDANAO NEWS

The conduct of the festival was one of the agreements sealed during the recently concluded BIMP-EAGA Socio-Cultural and Education (SCE) Cluster Meeting, in which key officials and representatives from the subregion gathered here in the city to develop initiatives that will harness greater understanding and solidarity among the multi-cultural populations of the BIMP-EAGA.

music, dance, and theatre. Among the highlights of the week-long event is a showcase of traditional weaving techniques from master “ikat” weavers across BIMP-EAGA.

CARAGA INFOCUS

Dubbed as the 1st Budayaw BIMP-EAGA Festival on Culture and the Arts, the week-long festival aims to promote appreciation of the subregion’s rich heritage and culture of its neighboring ASEAN countries. It will showcase the creative works of more than 300 cultural practitioners from the sub-region.

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CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

GPH, MILF to formally re-launch peace engagements in KL meeting

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MANILA - Members of the government’s newly-created implementing panel and representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 13-14 to formally re-launch the two parties’ engagements for the implementation of the two-year-old Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The formal meeting between the Philippine government and the MILF is the first under the Duterte administration.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who won in a platform to correct the historical injustices committed against the Moros in Mindanao, vowed to implement all signed peace agreements in the country.

In a press briefing, presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza said the scheduled meeting is crucial as the two sides are entering the implementation phase of the peace agreement.

“This [meeting] is actually to launch the implementation stage of what we envisioned to be a Bangsamoro

enabling law. It is to implement the CAB that was signed between the government and the MILF in 2014,” he told journalists here.

provisions in the CAB that can already be implemented, including the delivery of socio-economic development programs in Mindanao.

“We have already gotten the consensus of all sectors in the Bangsamoro that the period of the negotiations is over. We are now in the process of implementing all these signed agreements,” he added.

The guidance of the government implementing panel is hinged on the Peace and Development Roadmap that was recently approved by President Duterte. Under the said roadmap, all Bangsamoro peace agreements—MILF’s CAB and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well the key results of the 10-year-old GPHOrganization of Islamic CooperationMNLF Tripartite Review Process—will be integrated into the new enabling law that will create a new Bangsamoro government unit; thus, replacing the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Moro convergence

The presidential peace adviser also explained that the composition of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), a body tasked to draft the new enabling law, would be among the agenda of the upcoming meeting.

He said the possible idea is to expand the representations of the BTC to include leaders of the MNLF, officials of the ARMM, and other sectors in Mindanao for it to be inclusive.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The current setup of the BTC is composed of eight representatives from the MILF and seven appointees of

The implementation of the peace the government. agreement with the MILF largely “There must be a convergence depends on its political track since the Bangsamoro Basic Law—the supposed of all sectors amongst the Bangsamoro implementing mechanism of the CAB— and in the forthcoming crafting of failed to pass in the previous Congress. the enabling law that will establish the Bangsamoro governance unit.

Dureza said that the KL meeting We’d like to see inclusivity in this work, would zero-in on the mechanism that will meaning all sectors in the Bangsamoro determine how the new enabling law must be adequately represented,” will be crafted, as well as to discuss key Dureza pointed out.

NATIONAL NEWS

“If everything goes well, and it is acceptable in their convergence, that can be very well be the mechanism to start of the groups to already come together and craft of the enabling law,” Dureza hoped.

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Dureza, who have touched-based with Moro leaders earlier, including MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim, said there is a collective understanding of the willingness of all Moro leaders to be part in crafting of the enabling law.

Continuing engagement

Meanwhile, the KL meeting will also serve as a venue for the Duterte administration to brief the Malaysian facilitators on its peace agenda in Mindanao.

On Tuesday, August 9, Dureza met with MNLF’s Muslimin Sema, who “We would like to brief the expressed his commitment to join the Malaysians on our peace and BTC. development roadmap under the Duterte administration. Remember,

Dureza said they are also looking the Malaysians have contributed forward to have a meeting with MNLF enormously in the negotiation stage.

Chairman Nur Misuari “but he is still Therefore, we thought it’s fitting to give under legal constraint because of the them that due recognition for their pending case against him.” However, contributions to our peace efforts by there are “direct engagements with launching the implementation stage in him through other channels.”

Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

CARAGA INFOCUS

NATIONAL NEWS

Misuari is facing charges following the so-called Zamboanga Siege, where more than 200 people were killed in a three-week battle.

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The government delegation will be headed by Dureza, along with the chair of the implementing panel Irene Santiago, and its members, namely: Office of the Presidential Adviser on the

“This is part of our continuing efforts Peace Process Undersecretaries Diosita to reach out to all the key players in the Andot and Nabil Tan, and Assistant work for the sustainable peace with the Secretaries Dickson Hermoso and Bangsamoro,” Dureza said.

Rolando Asuncion. (OPAPP)

Nominations deadline for eGov Awards for LGUs is on August 31

MANILA – The deadline for the nominations to the 2016 eGov Awards for LGUs is on August 31, 2016.

2. The Best in eGov Business Empowerment (G2B) Award - This category awards the significant effect of an LGUs laudable practices in integrating ICT solutions and the commitment of its administration in the bureau’s responsiveness to the needs of business enterprises, thereby creating business opportunities.

The eGOV Awards is open to all local government units such as a city, municipality or province, or a cluster of municipalities or component within a province. Only one (1) project can be nominated for each of the two categories to represent the agencies described above. Hence, there can

The awards aim to recognize two be two (2) projects for both Awards (2) major responsibilities of government: Category.

1.The Best in eGov Customer Empowerment (G2C) Award - This category recognizes the measurable effect of an LGU’s outstanding practices in applying ICT solutions in the education and engagement of the public in the use of electronic facilities/ channels towards providing improved,

Six (6) LGUs, three each for two categories with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, shall be awarded during the National ICT Summit on November 10- 11, 2016 at Palo, Leyte. It will be jointly hosted by the Region 8 ICT Council and the Eastern Visayas Federation for Information Technology (EVFIT).

NATIONAL NEWS

It was developed as a strategic approach to stimulate the country’s e-governance, particularly in LGU level to enable LGUs to become catalysts of change and index models of development anchored in the Philippine Digital Strategy (PDS), the Philippine ICT Roadmap 2011-2016.

timely and relevant delivery of public services.

CARAGA INFOCUS

The eGov Awards is the first and most prestigious recognition to be given by the ICT sector to LGUs with exemplary performance in empowering its Public Customers and Business. It is an annual search for best practices in local government units in utilizing information and communications technology (ICT) to effectively and efficiently deliver its public services directly to its constituents and to its business stakeholders.

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Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

ATTY. MARY CHRISTINE ANTHONETTE M. SALISE-PUNZALAN GIL E. MIRANDA JOHN GLENN A. PLATIL JOHNY S. NATAD AIMEE B. SIENES ANGIE B. ANTONIO CPT EDWIN FUERTES SR. PCI CHARITY GALVEZ POPCOM-CARAGA LGU-CARMEN, ADN PNP-CARAGA, PSA-CARAGA PGO-SDN, PENRO-SDS, 4CMOBN, 4ID, DAR-ADN PNP-PIO, PAEF (MINDA) Business Manager

ZARINA O. LASTRA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO

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

pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates Twitter: @PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte Twitter: @PIAAgusanNorte

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur Twitter: @AgSurPIA

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands Twitter: @PIASurigaoNorte

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur Twitter: @piasurigaosur