Caraga Infocus - October 6 - 12, 2018

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 79

October 6 - 12, 2018

President Duterte assuresto protect performing soldiers

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SSS News: Bicam OKs SS Act of 2018 to strengthen state pension fund

DOE News: DOE Rolls Out Mindanao Energy Projects

ASEAN News: Duterte leaves for ASEAN Leaders’ event in Bali

Regional News 10

Family healing stressed in DSWDCaraga’s parent-child encounter

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Caraga security guards receive workers’ entitlement pay

Provincial News

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Mindanao News

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PNP leads outreach program for peace in Tandag

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DTI Agusan Norte briefs SHS students on consumers’ rights

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DAR steps up LinkSFarM project in Agusan Norte

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Former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in Surigao del Norte

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DOLE grants starter kits to 3 Killedin-Action beneficiaries

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P300-M ‘hot’ rice seized in anti-hoarding ops: PNP

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Esperanza PWDs benefit from DOLE livelihood assistance

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Palace declares March, October weekends as barangay assembly days

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P750-K worth of marijuana uprooted in South Cotabato

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10th ID commander eyed as next Army chief

National News

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

News Briefs

• The NCIP has been there for years & have done significant events with the IP communities, yet more is still to be done. We will continue to protect their rights & promote their welfare. We thanked the IP communities for their perseverance & determination in working harmoniously with other sectors for peace & development, stressed Atty. Leslie Mae Plaza, OIC regional director of NCIP Caraga during today’s 21st Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) held at the Robinsons Place, Butuan City.

• Some 500 students, farmers, project implementers, and policy-makers participated the Field Day and Stakeholders’ Forum held at the PhilRice Agusan Station in RTR, Agusan del Norte. Philrice have field set-ups for high yielding and climate change-ready varieties, demonstrations for cost-effective technologies, rice-based farming systems for diversification of sources of income, and strategies to empower small-holder farmers to improve products and access markets.

• Troops under 401st Brigade, Phil. Army actively participated in the Consumer Fun Run activity held at Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) to raise awareness on consumer’s welfare in line with the commemoration of this year’s Consumer Welfare Month.

• Senate Committee Chairman on Health Senator JV Ejercito visited the Provincial Hospital of Surigao del Norte. He also visited the Surigao City Airport to personally assess the situation of the airport’s runway, which was damaged by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake last year.

• The members of the City Nutrition Council in Tandag City convene for a feedbacking session with the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team from Caraga Region.

The evaluation team conducted a 2-day annual Regional Monitoring & Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) on Nutrition Program in Tandag City.

• To strengthen the cooperative sector and build a strong linkage among the municipalities in the province, the prov’l govt of Dinagat Islands led by Gov. Glenda B. Ecleo thru the Prov’l Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) hosted the 1st Provincial Cooperative Congress at Don Ruben Municipal Gymnasium with the theme ”COOPERATIVES : Partners for building Resilient and Empowered Communities Towards a Better and Stronger Philippines.”

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Cover Story

President Duterte assures to protect performing soldiers

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, (PIA) -- “If it is in the performance of your duty and you face charges, criminal and all, you need not worry. I will take the blame personally and I will protect you. And I would never, never allow you to go to jail,” said President Rodrigo R. Duterte as he addressed the officers, enlisted men and other personnel of the 401st Infantry Brigade (IB) and 402nd IB, Philippine Army.

This he conveyed during the traditional “Talk to Troops” held on September 29 at the covered court of Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong, 401st Infantry Brigade, Brgy. Awa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“We have accomplished a lot since I started this journey more than two years ago.

Yet there is still much to do. I assure you that you are not alone in this fight as long as you perform your mandate in accordance with law, this admin remains steadfast in supporting your organization and provide you with the necessary tools and resources that would enable you to perfectly fulfill as defenders of the nation,” said the President.

President Duterte also noted that he has seen the hard work, dedication and bravery of the men and women of the Eastern Command in maintaining law and order in their operations and for their wonderful performance.

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

“Maganda ang pinakita ninyo sa bayan and I give you my salute,” said President Duterte.

President Duterte further enumerated the relentless efforts of these soldiers for they have neutralized, apprehended, and facilitated the surrenders of the regulars, Militia ng Bayan members, Sangay ng Partido Lokal members, and more than 500 underground mass organization members that led to the recovery of hundreds of firearms and explosives and the discovery of enemy encampments.

“Your steadfast support in the campaign against illegal drugs has not only resulted in the confiscation of shabu worth over PhP11 million but also led to the neutralization of drug personalities, securing the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur,” the President said.

Also, President Duterte acknowledged the cooperation of the troopers with the concerned government agencies especially in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

“These accomplishments, however came at a price. Many have been wounded and lives have been lost. I share my grief with you. I, together with the Filipino people are truly grateful for the gallantry of our wounded and fallen comrades, and encourage our troops to continue to make great sacrifices to defend our land, uphold peace, and secure the freedom we now enjoyed,” said the President.

As mentioned further by the President in his speech, he emphasized that performing a duty for the nation is a noble job.

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Cover Story

“I will not allow a single soldier to stay in prison even for one day. That is my promise to you. We will see to it that the nation that we hand over to our children is one that is more stable, harmonious and progressive. I therefore, ask each of you to continue doing your part so that we may soon realize our aspiration for a lasting peace and stability across the nation. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang 401st Brigade. Saludo ako sa inyo!” the President added.

Upon the arrival of the President at the 401st Infantry Brigade, he was ushered

by Philippine Army officials to view the 196 recovered firearms by the 401st IB and 402nd IB.

Meanwhile, the President also personally led the donning of ranks to the newly promoted uniformed personnel to next higher rank. Gold Cross and Silver Wing Medals were also awarded to deserving servicemen.

After his engagement at the 401st IB, the President proceeded to the Philippine National Police-Police Regional Office (PNP-PRO) 13 hospital at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City to visit a police officer who was wounded in an encounter. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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SSS NEWS

Bicam OKs SS Act of 2018 to strengthen state pension fund

QUEZON CITY -- The Social Security System (SSS) said Senators and Congressmen comprising the bicameral conference committee approved on Wednesday the bill seeking to amend the 21-year old charter of the state-run pension fund.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc expressed his gratitude to the bicameral conference committee who have approved and adopted the almost unchanged Senate Bill 1753 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

Senate Bill 1753 is the rationalization of powers of the Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the SSS, allowing it to expand the investing capacity of the pension fund that will generate better income for the

“I am thankful to the Senate benefit of its members and pensioners. and the House of Representatives contingents for their leadership, and It also aims to strengthen for sponsoring and shepherding this the pension fund through the bill. Hopefully, this will be signed by the implementation of the gradual President and become a law,” Dooc increase on monthly contributions from added. the current 11 percent to an additional of 1 percentage point starting on the

Members of the bicameral panel year of implementation until it reaches who were present during the meeting 15 percent in 2025, and the gradual for the consolidation of SB 1753 and adjustment of the minimum and House Bill 2158 were Senators Richard maximum monthly salary credit.

Gordon, Ralph Recto, Franklin Drilon and Win Gatchalian, and Representatives Further, the bill, once enacted Prospero Pichay and Mark Go. The into law, will ensure the social security meeting was held immediately a day of the growing number of Filipinos after the senate version of the bill was outside the country as it provides for the approved on third and final reading mandatory SSS coverage of Overseas on October 8, with 20-0-0 votes in the Filipino Workers (OFWs). upper chamber.

“Right now, despite the huge

One of the salient features of the number of OFWs - some say there are 8

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

SSS NEWS about 10 million of them at present we only cover about 550,000 of them.

So this law will mandatorily cover all the OFWs to ensure their social security protection,” Dooc said.

Among the features of the bicamapproved version is the inclusion of the unemployment insurance for SSS members who will be displaced involuntarily.

“Under the proposed measure, displaced workers will get a financial assistance from SSS in the form of cash equivalent to half of their average monthly salary credit for two months,” Dooc said.

retirement comes.

“The bill is an enhancement of the previous laws; it ensures hope that the people would not be a burden to the country; that they are partners of the government not by way of exaction of taxes but by their contribution so that their welfare is assured. The passage of the bill would expand, protect and increase the SSS fund so that when the time comes, there would be available pension for the people. It will ensure a more meaningful social security protection to members and their beneficiaries against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden,” Gordon said.

Dooc, however, reminds that there will be qualifications to be entitled to this benefit.

He further stressed that every Filipino worker during his productive

Gordon, the principal author of SB years should follow the sure-fire formula, 1753 earlier mentioned that the bill, if “WORK, SAVE, INVEST, PROSPER,” to enacted into law, will expand, protect become self-reliant and financially and grow the fund so there will be independent. (SSS) pension for all when the time of their

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regional NEWS

Family healing stressed in DSWD-Caraga’s parent-child encounter

BUTUAN CITY - Themed “Healing Within the Family,” the recently held parentchild encounter of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga’s Home for Girls (HFG) focused on the restoration of family relationships as part of furthering the department’s aim in bringing “vulnerable” children close to their homes.

Parents and guardians of HFG residents coming from different provinces of Caraga attended the oneday encounter, which is anchored on the celebration of the National Family 10

Week.

Resource person Rev. Fr. Dandy Marababol started his talk by underscoring parents’ role in molding their children’s character “which many tend to look over because of the struggle to provide for their children’s basic needs.”

“Kasagaran sa mga ginikanan makalimut na sa ilang relasyon sa ilang mga anak tungod kay mas nafocus sila sa pagpaningkamot nga mahatag ang ilang mga kinahanglanon (Most of the parents have forgotten the

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

regional NEWS importance of their relationship with each other letters which they personally their children as they are very much read on a private dialogue. focused on providing their needs),” Marababol said.

“Nalipay ko nga makauban akong pamilya karung adlawa ug Marababol said that part of the many maistoryahan ang mga gusto namo problems of young people today is their isulti sa ila (I am happy to be spending relationship with their parents because time with my family today and tell each a lot of them seem to feel distant from other what we wanted to),” said one of their families as they do not feel happy the residents. inside their homes.

Also featured in the encounter are

“Ang balay nga ang haligi gianay, testimonies of successful discharged lisod dyud mulampusay. Kung ang clients, tribute to parents and gihatag sa ilaw ng tahanan kangitngit, participants’ sharing of learnings. aha man padulong ang mga anak (A house whose pillars are weak will hardly The parent-child encounter is an survive.. where will a burnt out light of annual activity of the HFG done every a home take the children)?” added September.

Marababol.

This year, the activity has

He also pointed out that parents commenced right after the should help their children in learning to groundbreaking of the two-story love others. dormitory for the center, which is set to be completed in January next year.

“Maningkamot kita nga ang atong pamilya naa dyud kabag-ohan HFG, which was built in 1997, (work on bringing change to your still continues to provide protection, family),” Marababol reminded the care, treatment and rehabilitation to parents. vulnerable, abused and exploited girls below 18 years old. (Mike Ariel P. Plaza/

A parent said in a testimony that Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field “maningkamot kita makahatag og Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga) kalamboan ug kaayohan sa mga hiwi nga kinaiya ug tabangan usab nato ang DSWD nga maporma ang atong mga anak (Let us strive to develop our children and change their unpleasant traits; let us help the DSWD in molding them).”

After Marababol’s talk, parents and children were given time to write Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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regional NEWS

Caraga security guards receive workers’ entitlement pay BUTUAN CITY — About eight security guards from AB Security Services have recently received their work entitlement fee held at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga Regional Office, this city.

the Officer In-Charge of the Technical

Each of the guard received a Support Services Division Annie Tangpos, cheque that totaled to Php295,000.00. and the DOLE Caraga Cashier Ana Delos Reyes.

The affected workers were from Surigao del Norte, namely Audie When ARD Abellana asked the T. Baslot, Mar E. Baja, Jonathan P. recipients what they are going to do Nepomuceno, Richard C. Estrera, with the money, some responded that Roldan Eupnilde, Ben Alexis T. Rosalin, they will use the money for the school Marjun P. Aguilar, and Vermie C. Parao. fees of their children, some for house repairs while others will use it for daily

According to them, they were expenses. underpaid of their minimum wage, unpaid of their night shift differential, In 2017, there were at least 3,433 holiday pay and service incentive workers in Caraga who benefitted from leave. work entitlement with a total amount of Php10.8-M and as of August 2018, 442

The checks were released after workers received their claims totaling the management of AB Security Php11.9-M. Services represented by the Security Director Yulie M. Yap showed willingness Under the general labor standards, to comply with the order issued by the workers are bound to receive wages DOLE Caraga Regional Director Chona and other benefits as stipulated under Mantilla from the complaint inspection existing laws, rules and regulations. of Labor Inspector Romelyn Bactol on March 7.

The benefits that a worker may avail are, but not limited to, overtime

The checks were released in the pay, night shift differential, service presence of the DOLE Caraga Assistant incentive leave, 13th month pay and Regional Director Naomi Lyn Abellana, the minimum wage. (DOLE-13/ PIACaraga) 12

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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DOE NEWS

DOE Rolls Out Mindanao Energy Projects The Department of Energy (DOE) is setting its sights on present energy investment opportunities in Mindanao that will spark new developments and growth in the region.

Photo Courtesy of Anne Jimenez

In this regard, the DOE, through its Investment Promotion Office, is launching the Mindanao Energy Investment Forum (MEIF) to be held on 11 October 2018 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao.

best practices in the region.

The 2018 MEIF will also have a panel discussion that will cover topics on the government agencies’ roles, and the current policies and programs in facilitating and ensuring the smooth

The forum aims to present implementation of energy projects in opportunities and updates on energy Mindanao. developments, which include the onegrid interconnection project and the For a better business sector establishment of additional power engagement, the invited 2018 MEIF capacities in the area. participants include the existing and potential energy investors in

With the theme “Transcending Mindanao, Energy Associations, Investments: Role in Encouraging Government Agencies, Chambers of Investors in the Energy Sector,” this Commerce, Financing Facilities, Electric year’s energy investment forum series Cooperatives and Local Government seeks to match investors with possible Units. energy projects in Mindanao.

“The DOE is holding all these in

The DOE will bridge investors with order to empower you, the energy financing facilities available for energy stakeholders, for better coordination projects, concerned government and collaboration. Together, we can institutions and the business sector for make a bigger impact in creating knowledge sharing on the industry’s wealth for our nation,” Sec. Cusi stated.

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

Photo gallery

21st Anniversary Celebration of Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (RA 8371) Robinsons Place Butuan, Butuan City, 11 October 2018

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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provincial NEWS

Surigao del Sur

PNP leads outreach program for peace in Tandag

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO)13, in partnership with the Army’s 36th Infantry Batallion (36IB), Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, and City Government of Tandag, spearheaded a convergence Community Outreach Program for Peace to the indigenous people’s (IP) community of Barangay Maitom.

Around 300 IP families benefited from the basic services offered during the one-day event, such as: medical and dental consultation and tooth extraction; distribution of medicines; bloodletting; distribution of GMA Kapuso foundation backpacks with complete set of school supplies to IP pupils; gift packs with goodies; distribution of reading eyeglasses; free haircut, porridge feeding, distribution 16

of used clothing; and distribution of slippers and dental kits to elementary pupils.

In his message, PRO-13 Regional Director PCSupt Gilbert Cruz stressed that the said activity is a joint convergence aimed at bringing the government closer to the people.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, 36IB commanding officer, emphasized that the Program for Peace was initiated purposely for the benefit of the IP brothers and sisters who are vulnerable from exploitation and manipulation by the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT).

“Our intent is to give hope and make them feel that the government and other stakeholders are looking after them and committed to pursue

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

provincial NEWS

Surigao del Sur

peace and development efforts in their Special Assistant to the President Bong community,” Lt. Col. Trinidad said.

Go, and the live band with the talented performers from the PNP and 36IB.

“The PNP has been always been a partner of the Philippine Army in the fight Barangay Maitom, according to against insurgency. With this program, the military, is being identified as one of we have manifested a convergence of the rebel-infested areas in Surigao del efforts that could address the problem Sur. which brought a span of a lifetime of suffering and injustices,” said Police The activity is also in collaboration Provincial Office Director PSSupt. with the Technical Education and Francisco Dungo Jr. Skills Development Authority; Land Transportation Office; Philippine Red

“It’s high time that we stand side by Cross - Surigao del Sur Chapter; Alpha side and unite our efforts to implement Phi Omega (APO) Alumni Association; programs and sustain the delivery of Tandag Linungao Eagles Club; Free basic services to the people,” Dungo and Accepted Mason, APO Fraternity added. and Sorority; Philippine Information Agency and media partners such as

During the event, the beneficiaries Tandag Network Television-6 (TNTV-6), were also entertained with the mascots and Sure FM Station. (PIA-Surigao del of President Rodrigo Duterte and former Sur)

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provincial NEWS

Agusan del norte

DTI Agusan Norte briefs SHS students on consumers’ rights

By Nora L. Molde

TUBAY, Agusan del Norte -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the province of Agusan del Norte briefed some 150 Senior High School (SHS) students of Doña Rosario National High School (DRNHS) on the protection and promotion of consumers’ rights through the consumer education seminar here.

During the seminar, Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Wyn A. Palma shared and discussed the eight rights of a consumer to include: the right to basic needs; right to safety; right to information; right 18

to choose; right to representation; right to redress; right to consumer education; and the right to a healthy environment.

Palma also encouraged students to look for quality instead of quantity and not to engage in panic buying.

He reminded them to look closely at the product labels for they contain information on the ingredients, the “best consumed before” and expiration dates, and the name and address of the manufacturer when purchasing a product.

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provincial NEWS

Agusan del norte

action; social concern; environmental

Participants were also informed awareness; and solidarity. on the proper process of lodging a complaint, where to bring and how to Robles also advised them to act look for a consumer welfare desk. and not remain passive so as not to be exploited.

He also encouraged the participants to do their share in caring The event was conducted under for our environment by practicing the DTI-Agusan del Norte’s Appending the 3Rs of environmental protection – Local Consumer Advocacy in Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Negosyo Centers in Agusan del Norte or ALCANCIA series, in collaboration

On one hand, Shellah A. Robles with the local government unit of DTI-Agusan del Norte, tackled of Tubay, with the support of the the so-called five “Consumer Negosyo Center (NC) Tubay and the Responsibilities.” officials, teachers and students of the DRNHS through their School Head

She enumerated and discussed Teacher Merle S. Pacatang. (NCLM/ the responsibilities of each consumer to PIA-Agusan del Norte) the group namely: critical awareness;

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provincial NEWS

Agusan del norte

DAR steps up LinkSFarM project in Agusan Norte

By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- Some 103 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and smallholder farmers underwent a three-day training workshop on Product Selection, Supply Assessment and Market Chain Study under the LinkSFarm or Linking Small Farmholder to Market conducted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte.

The LinkSFarM project organized 22 clusters of several smallholder-farmers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) involving eight Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) from different Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) within the target project areas of Butuan City.

“The training also emphasized the importance of market chain study to gather market information of the intended buyers. This activity enhances the farmers’ knowledge to formulate agroenterprise objectives for collective marketing,” Balibay added.

Reynaldo Villarama, one of the participants, said the training helped farmers learn entrepreneurial skills and establish strong business relations with buyers.

DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Andre B. Atega said that the project is a convergence approach among the DAR, Local Government Unit of Butuan, farmer groups and various stakeholders LinkSFarM specific objective is to engage farm business by way of to make smallholder farmers increase collective marketing approach. agricultural productivity, and effectively manage their agricultural production

According to LinkSFarM Provincial applying value chain process. Agro Point Person Juanita Balibay, the training enterprise development approach is helped the farmers fully understand the adopted for them to identify supply cluster’s capacity to supply selected demands and access to market chain. products to the market.

(DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 20

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provincial NEWS

Surigao del Norte

Former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in Surigao del Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) - Five former rebels (FRs) were awarded with various benefits under the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-CLIP) during the Barangay Development Forum on at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

handed-over a check worth PhP5million to the provincial government intended for the establishment of a halfway house.

A halfway house is a temporary shelter for the former rebels while they are on the process of transitioning from rebel life to a peaceful civilian life for

The FRs received livelihood and their eventual reintegration to the immediate assistance amounting to community.

PhP65,000 and firearms remuneration of PhP116,000 for AK47 and PhP100,000 Earlier, the FRs also received for M16 from the Department of the PhP100,000 each from Governor Sol Interior and Local Government (DILG). Matugas during the launching of Peace and Development Zones on August 28

In addition, DILG Assistant this year at Brgy Sico-sico in Gigaquit Secretary Jonathan E. Malaya, the town. (30IB-Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del event’s guest of honor and speaker, Norte) Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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provincial NEWS

Agusan del Sur

DOLE grants starter kits to 3 Killed-in-Action beneficiaries

AGUSAN DEL SUR - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) -Agusan del Sur Field Office headed by Jocelyn L. Bastareche, DOLE-ADSPO Provincial Head recently released livelihood assistance to the three Killed-in-Action (KIA) beneficiaries amounting to P60,000.00.

The assistance includes three Starter Kits for Rice Vending Project and two Sari-Sari Store Project amounting P20,000.00 each to Laureen P. Ondog, the wife of late Sgt. Jonathan J. Ondog, who died during the combat operations at Brgy. Binucayan Loreto,

Agusan del Sur; Mardio C. Andal, wife of late Tsg. Edgar G. Andal; and Lorena S. Requerme, mother of late AFP AI Ryan S. Requerme.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the department for the assistance in spite the loss of their love ones.

The assistance of the beneficiaries is under DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program which aims to help them to start their own livelihood project. (DOLE13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Esperanza PWDs benefit from DOLE livelihood assistance

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 10 — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Agusan del Sur recently released livelihood assistance amounting to PhP495,774.35 to the Local Government Unit of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur as accredited co-partner for the Farm Supply Project of the Guadalupe Disabled Person Association.

during their 1st Nalandang Festival and the 65th Founding Anniversary of LGUEsperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The turn-over ceremonies were facilitated by Maximo C. Magallen, Jr., DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Focal Person; Pauline D. Jaramillo, Municipal PESO Manager; Divina P. Lagumbay, Provincial PESO Manager;

The program benefited some 42 Municipal Administrator Michelle T. persons with disability (PWD)-members Manpalitan; and the Punong Barangay of the said association. of BLGU- Guadalupe.

The release of the livelihood “Salamat DOLE-Region 13 og assistance was the highlight of the event Director Mantilla ilabi na sa DOLE 22

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

provincial NEWS Agusan del Sur sa inyong livelihood nga gihatag. Dako kaayo ning tabang og tubag sa among pag-ampo para maka dugang income sa among tagsa ka pamilya. Salamat kay bisan luyo sa among mga kapansanan andam gihapon mo mutabang sa amoa. Kami magpasalig nga among ampingan og palambuon ang inyong gi hatag nga Farm Supply sama sa inyong pag hatag og Assistance sa mga Tao sa Agusan del Sur ilabina sa amoang mga informal sector (Thank you, DOLE-Region, 13 and Director Mantilla, most specially to DOLE- Agusan del Sur for giving us livelihood assistance. This will be a great help for all of us. This livelihood is an answered prayer for each of the members’ family. We are very thankful that in spite of our disabilities, there are still people who are willing to help. We

Agusan del Sur will assure that this assistance will be sustained by our members and of the informal sector),” said Virginia Calo, the association president.

“It is important that you take care of the funds granted to you by the department since not all rural worker’s associations are given this opportunity,” said DILP focal Magallen.

“Besides, the main purpose of the program is to give support despite of your conditions,” he added.

DOLE is hopeful that the project will serve its purpose - that is to improve the lives of the members and to help their children. (DOLE-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

Asean NEWS

Duterte leaves for ASEAN Leaders’ event in Bali

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night left the country to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Gathering in Bali, Indonesia on October 11.

the need to sustain inclusive and sustainable growth and development for all through stronger regional and global cooperation and greater security and stability.

Duterte will also meet with ASEAN

Duterte is expected to meet leaders to discuss bilateral issues of with leaders of ASEAN member states mutual importance on the sidelines of and key multilateral and international the ASEAN Leaders’ gathering. organizations, an official statement from Malacañang said.

“The Philippines is committed to actively participate and support ASEAN

He is going to Bali at the invitation and ASEAN-centered efforts in order to of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. advance shared aspirations for greater peace, progress, and prosperity for the

Duterte is expected to highlight Southeast Asian region,” the statement Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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Asean NEWS read.

Nations Junever Mahilum-West said.

Malacañang assured that Duterte will return to the Philippines immediately after the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering and “report to the nation results of his participation.”

The Philippine government is providing USD400,000 worth of assistance to earthquake and tsunami victims in Indonesia, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Tan Wee told reporters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said Duterte will have a chance to personally convey to Widodo the Philippines’ assistance to earthquake and tsunami victims during their meeting.

“This is a good chance for the President to personally, like you know, relay to President Jokowi Widodo our assistance,” DFA Assistant Secretary for the Association of Southeast Asian

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Of the amount, USD300,000 will come from the Philippine government while USD100,000 will be given by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) - Philippines.

On Sept. 28, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, triggering a tsunami that left more than 1,500 people dead and massive destruction. (PNA)

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

mindanao NEWS

P750-K worth of marijuana uprooted in South Cotabato GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police operatives uprooted and destroyed around PHP750,000 worth of marijuana in an operation on Wednesday in an upland plantation in the South Cotabato town of Tampakan.

In a report to Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 regional director Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco Thursday, the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office said the marijuana plantation was discovered by joint operatives in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan.

Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, PRO-12 public information officer, said the Tampakan municipal police station earlier received a tip from concerned residents about the presence of the plantation in the area.

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer.net

is ongoing as to the identity of the cultivator and other possible suspects,” he said.

Gonzales said the team immediately burned around 1,500 hills

Gonzales said the local police, of the uprooted marijuana planted on backed by personnel from the South a secluded area of the village and only Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force accessible by hiking.

Company and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12, swooped down He said the area is known to be on the plantation at around 3 a.m. frequented by New People’s Army’s Wednesday. units under the Guerrilla Front 74-Far South Mindanao Region.

Upon arrival at the site, Gonzales said the operating team found around The operating team, which 3,000 hills of fully-grown marijuana, managed to return to the town center though the owner was not around of Tampakan on Wednesday afternoon, during the raid. brought the remaining 1,500 fullygrown marijuana plants for evidence

“The investigation and verification purposes. (PNA) Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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mindanao NEWS

10th ID commander eyed as next Army chief

By Rhoda Grace Saron

Photo Courtesy of Canadianinquirer

DAVAO CITY – The incumbent commander of the Army’s 10 Infantry Division is one of the contenders for the highest position in the Philippine Army when Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista bows out of the military service this month.

Maj. General Noel Clement, 10ID commander, said on Monday he is honored to be considered as commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Clement is in his second year as the commander of the 10ID based in Tuburan, Mawab, Compostela Valley province. He was installed in his current post in June 2017, replacing Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, who is currently the

Clement was quick to point out, AFP Inspector General. however, that the other contenders are strong candidates as well. They Clement was the former deputy are Maj. Gen. Macairog Alberto, chief of staff for operations of the AFP. chief of the Intelligence Service of the The Agila division covers the area of Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), Davao Region, Region 12, and the and Maj. Gen. Filemon Santos Jr., municipalities of Trento in Agusan del commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Sur, Lingig in Surigao del Sur and San Division based in Nueva Ecija.

Fernando in Bukidnon.

Like Clement, Alberto also served in Mindanao and was a former Task Force Davao commander, as well as commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Mapaang, Maco, Compostela Valley.

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Bautista, the outgoing Army chief, is a member of PMA Class of 1985. He served as the overall commander of military operations in Marawi, directly leading armed forces troops against the Maute-ISIS group. (Rhoda Grace B. Saron/PNA)

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

national NEWS

P300-M ‘hot’ rice seized in anti-hoarding ops: PNP

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have seized PHP300-million worth of smuggled rice, which is now the subject of forfeiture proceedings in favor of the government.

According to PNP spokesperson, Chief Supt. Benigno Durana, the operations of the PNP-BOC team, which Region 9 (Western Mindanao), 40 in the started last July 23 led to the discovery Cordillera Administrative Region and of 124,807 sacks of illegally-imported two in the National Capital Region. rice in seven warehouses in Bulacan.

The remaining warehouses were

The smuggled rice were scattered in other regions. confiscated during random inspections on 801 warehouses containing 1,059,729 All 801 warehouses had an sacks of rice in different locations aggregate holding capacity of nationwide.

7.2-million sacks but contained only 1,059,729 sacks during the inspection.

“Ito rin ang (This is the) major concern of the President (Rodrigo Durana said the Department Duterte). There were unimpeded of Trade and Industry (DTI) and BOC (importation) of rice dahil tumataas nga will be filing cases against persons or ang presyo at nakita natin may hoarding corporations owning the warehouses. na nangyari kaya nga (because rice prices continue to soar and we saw He added that even as restrictions that there are hoarding activities. This is on rice importation had been relaxed, why) we were able to discover 124,807 entities behind the PHP300-million sacks of rice from different warehouses rice smuggling may face permanent all over the country,” Durana said in a revocation of their import licenses. press conference Thursday.

The inspection of warehouses is

He said that among the 801 in compliance to President Rodrigo warehouses inspected, 168 were in Duterte’s directive for a crackdown Region 3 (Central Luzon), 137 in Region on rice hoarding and smuggling that 2 (Cagayan Valley), and 139 in Region resulted in an artificial shortage in the 1 (Ilocos), 75 in Region 5 (Bicol), 59 in staple’s supply. (PNA) Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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national NEWS

Palace declares March, October weekends as barangay assembly days

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA — Malacañang has issued a proclamation declaring the Saturdays and Sundays of March and October of every year as barangay (village) assembly days.

The proclamation was signed

by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Tuesday (Oct. 9) but was released to the media on Thursday (Oct. 11).

Proclamation No. 599 recognizes the need to provide flexibility in the scheduling of barangay assembly days to allow wider participation of barangay constituents, and thereby promote greater transparency and accountability of public officials at the barangay level.

Section 397 of Republic Act No. 7160 requires that there shall be a barangay assembly composed of all persons who are actual residents of the barangay for at least six months, 15 years of age or over, citizens of the Philippines, and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly members, which shall meet at least twice a year to hear and discuss the semestral report of the sangguniang barangay (village council) concerning its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay.

Based on the report of the National Barangay Operations Office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), several barangays hold their respective barangay assemblies on dates other than those specifically provided under Proclamation No. 342, as amended for various compelling reasons.

“Now, therefore, I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby, declare the Saturdays and Sundays of March The dates of the barangay and October every year as Barangay assemblies during the first semester of Assembly Days,” the proclamation read. years 2013 and 2016 coincided with the observance of Black Saturday which

“Accordingly, all barangays significantly reduced the number of the are enjoined to hold their respective assembly attendees while the Barangay barangay assemblies for each semester Assembly Day scheduled on March 31 on any of the aforesaid days in for the first semester of year 2018 also fell accordance with Section 397 of RA No. on Black Saturday, which was a special 7160 with the aim of ensuring the widest non-working day. (PNA) participation of their constituencies,” it added.

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

Regional Office

Associate Editor

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

pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 815 - 1991; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga

ABNER M. CAGA FRYAN E. ABKILAN Managing Editor

NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE RONNIE E. MADANGUIT Contributors

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

MIKE ARIEL P. PLAZA GIL E. MIRANDA AZER PARROCHA RHODA GRACE SARON CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN SSS DOLE XIII DAR-AGUSAN DEL NORTE 30IB-PHIL. ARMY PNA Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

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

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Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

Caraga Infocus • October 6 - 12, 2018 • Volume II, No. 79

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