Caraga Infocus - September 29 - October 5, 2018

Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

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Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

29 September - October 5, 2018

Volume II, No. 78

PRRD leads donning of ranks in AgSur army camp

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SSS News: Pension Loan Program disbursement reaches P100-M mark

DOE News: DOE TO ROLL OUT MORE EVS

ASEAN News: PH to host ASEAN Science Ministers meeting

Regional News 9 11

DILG trains Caraga cities to streamline construction permitting PSA enjoins agencies to support, participate in 29th NSM celebration

Provincial News

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Mindanao News

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AgSur PLGU receives ‘datasets’ from DSWD-Listahanan

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100 Jobstarters in Agusan del Sur benefit from Life Skills Training

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Army troopers seize propaganda materials in SurSur town

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Butuan water district wins prestigious awards

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SP requests PEZA to assist ecozone in Agusan Norte

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Nat’l ID to be rolled out in March: PSA

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PIO Dinagat Islands strengthens barangay information officers

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PNP to talk to 18 schools named in CPP recruitment

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18 NPA ‘frontliners’ yield to military in Sultan Kudarat

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Gov’t taps indigenous culture to bring peace to Mindanao

National News

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Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

News Briefs

• The members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) Caraga from government agencies led by DSWD convened to visit the senior citizens at the Agusan del Norte Provincial Jail in Butuan City. The team will distribute hygiene kits & food packs to some 32 men & women senior citizens inside the jail. This activity forms part of the 2018 Elderly Filipino Week celebration.

• Following on the recovery of a decomposed body believed to be a member of the NPA Terrorist in Carmen town, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Col Xerxes Trinidad appealed those remaining NPA Terrorists to abandon the armed struggle & live peaceful life. “Do not be deceived by their false promises for they will also abandon you and suffer the same fate as with the cadaver we have recovered. Think about your family and the peaceful future you could give them,” he said. Trinidad also encouraged them to avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national gov’t program intended to them.

• The DOLE-Agusan del Sur Provincial Office recently released livelihood assistance amounting P495,774.35 to LGU-Esperanza, Agusan del Sur as accredited co-partner for the Farm Supply Project of the Guadalupe Disabled Person Association.

It benefited some 42 persons with disability (PWD)-members of the said association.

The release of livelihood assistance was the highlight of the event during their 1st Nalandang Festival & 65th Founding Anniversary of LGU- Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

• A total of 110 successful applicants of BFP Caraga took oath as newly absorbed Fire Officer 1 of the region. SSupt Romel C. Tradio along with the tactical officers and other officers/personnel warmly welcomed them to the fire bureau at their reception rites at the Regional Office, Brgy. Rizal, Surigao City.

• Following on the recovery of a decomposed body (Oct 4) believed to be a member of the NPA Terrorist in Carmen town, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Col Xerxes Trinidad appealed those remaining NPA Terrorists to abandon the armed struggle & live peaceful life. “Do not be deceived by their false promises for they will also abandon you and suffer the same fate as with the cadaver we have recovered. Think about your family and the peaceful future you could give them,” he said. Trinidad also encouraged them to avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national gov’t program intended to them.

• LA total of 25 scholars have successfuly graduated & received their certificates of completion from the 30-day training during the Graduation Ceremony conducted by the Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training (RISTT) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) held recently at the Provincial Guest Center, San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

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Cover Story

PRRD leads donning of ranks in Ag

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led on Saturday the donning of ranks and awarding of deserving personnel of 401st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army held at the Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong, Barangay Awa, Prosperidad, this province.

Promoted to Major rank is Captain Rodulfo Cordero, the Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer of 401st Brigade.

Military Merit Medals were also awarded to 1Lt. John Marayag (Signal Corps); 2Lt. Jordan Paner Padilla (Infantry); Corporal Hernie Maisog (Infantry); MSgt Ramil Balunso (Infantry); and with spearhead device Civilian Auxiliary Jason Malagunta.

The president personally led the donning of ranks to the newly promoted uniformed personnel to next higher rank. They are Technical Sergeant Wilson Maningo; TSgt Allan Cruz; Staff Sgt Gilbert Epino; Sgt Roel For Gold Cross Medal, 1Lt. Hallasgo; Sgt Randy Fernandez; and Nonette Banggad (Infantry); and 2Lt. Corporal Rosaldo Bagante.

Jade Bryce Bune (Infantry) received the award.

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Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

gSur army camp

Capt.

Engilbert Soriano (Infantry) and SSgt Marcelo Lagliva (Field Artillery) also received the Silver Cross Medal. The President also awarded the Silver Wing Medal to Col Maurito L Licudine, Infantry (General Staff Corps).

Also, two of the deserving personnel of 401st Infantry Brigade who are promoted to the rank of Captain include 1Lt. Michael Pascua of 75IB, Phil. Army (Quartermaster Service), and 1Lt. Jason Luna.

Meanwhile, the president expressed his sincere concern to the

soldiers of 401st and 402nd Brigades who dedicated their lives for the welfare of the public. He further encouraged them to perform their mandated duties as defenders of the people and nation in accordance to the laws.

Pres. Duterte also assured that he will protect the uniformed personnel for doing their jobs well in keeping a peaceful and stable nation, and that he will not allow them to be put behind bars in any instance. (JPG/VLG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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SSS news

Pension Loan Program disbursement reaches P100-M mark

The state-run Social Security System (SSS) has reached the P100 million mark in pension loan disbursement with just one month of implementation of the Pension Loan Program (PLP).

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said he was overwhelmed that the pension fund was able to help 4,341 pensioners with their short-term financial needs with pension loan disbursements reaching P107.77 million as of October 03.

“It is really overwhelming that we were able to help our dear pensioners thru this program. We hope that as soon as all our branches are ready to accept PLP applications, there will be higher number of pensioners who will avail of the program,” Dooc said.

PLP applications, Diliman branch has the most number of approved PLP applications at 696, with P17.87 million in pension loan releases.

Also included in the list of top five branches with the most number of PLP releases were Cebu branch with 360 approved applications and P8.99 million disbursement, Bacolod branch with 350 approved application sand P7.26 million disbursement, Bacoor and Zamboanga branches with 227 and 220 approved applications and P5.88 million and P4.99 million loan releases, respectively.

“In line with the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week, we would like to announce that more pensioners will have the privilege to avail of the PLP as all 170 branches of the SSS will be receiving PLP applications starting October 8,” Dooc Among the 70 branches receiving said.

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SSS news

“We would like our pensioners to know that the SSS is always here to help and assist them. They had spent a large amount of time of their lives working and dedicatedly contributed a portion of their monthly salary to the SSS,” Dooc added.

Minimum loan amount for qualified pensioners is twice the amount equivalent to his basic monthly pension while the maximum loanable amount is six times his basic monthly pension plus the additional P1,000 benefit but not exceeding P32,000.

SSS launched the PLP on September 3 in line with the pension fund’s 61st anniversary. The program is an answer to the clamor from senior citizens to put an end to the growing incidence of pensioners falling victims to loan institutions that offer steep interest rates and to help them with their short-term needs like emergency medical expenses.

The loan will incur an interest rate of 10 percent per annum until fully paid computed on a diminishing principal balance, which shall become part of the monthly amortization. The loan repayment term of the loanable amount will be payable in three, six, or 12 months depending on the multiple of their loan amount and will be deducted from the monthly pension of the borrower.

Retiree pensioners who are 80 years old and below at the end of the month of loan term with no outstanding loan balance and benefit overpayment payable to SSS; who have no advance pension under the SSS Calamity Package; and have been receiving his regular monthly pension for at least six months are qualified to avail the program.

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The first monthly amortization will be due on the second month after the loan was granted. For example, if the loan is granted in September, the first monthly amortization will be deducted from the monthly pension for the month of November.

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regional news

DILG trains Caraga cities to streamline construction permitting

BUTUAN CITY - Building officials, fire marshalls and local government unit departments involved in the issuance of construction permits of the six cities of Caraga Region were recently given a training on Streamlining Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy held at the Butuan Grand Palace Hotel, this city.

2018-01: Guidelines in Streamlining the Processes for the Issuance of Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy, dated January 04, 2018.

This year’s target in Caraga for the implementation of the JMC are the cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag

The said event is in response to and will be expanded to include all the President’s call to streamline all municipalities in subsequent years. government transactions and contribute to improve the country’s ranking in Among the reforms instituted in global competitiveness survey. the JMC is the use of a unified form, the establishment of a One-Stop Shop

The DILG through the Bureau for Construction Permits, and setting of of Local Government Development the standard number of steps at 4 steps, (BLGD), in collaboration with and standard processing time at five Department of Public Works and days.

Highways (DPWH) Department of Information and Communications It is to be noted that the processing Technology (DICT) and Department of time assumes that all requisite Trade and Industry (DTI), issued Joint documents are complete.

Memorandum Circular (JMC) No.

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regional news

The JMC covers simple applications “This training is very timely because for building permits and certificates of just this May, the president signed into occupancy. law the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Law or RA 11032 which includes the It refers to applications for structures not streamlining of all LGU permits, including exceeding 1,500 square meters: single construction permits. We are here to dwelling residential buildings of not more help capacitate the LGUs to know than 2 floors or storeys; commercial the standards and the guidelines in buildings of not more than 2 floors/ achieving these standards so that we storeys; renovation within a mall with are compliant to the law which imposes issued building permit; and warehouses severe sanctions to those culpable of storing non-hazardous substance. violations,” said DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion.

The One-Stop shop concept implores the One-Government and “But more than just avoiding Accessibility of Government Services sanctions, streamlining our construction principles. permitting processes improves our rankings in the Doing Business report of

For this, the co-location of the international committee where we LGU departments involved in the severely lag behind other countries, application for these permits have been and will redound to the benefit of our recommended. investors and business communities as well as the general public,” Famacion

It is envisioned that the applicants added. will only submit all required documents to one receiving officer and every Meantime, the DILG will continue process pertinent to the application to capacitate LGUs in the endeavor of the permit are incorporated, such to make LGUs more business friendly as the verification by the Assessor and competitive among the other over the tax declaration, the Treasurer major sectoral outcomes targeted by over tax clearances, and the zoning the Department. (Don Manuelo O. officer over the locational clearance; Patrimonio, DILG-13/PIA-Caraga) the evaluation by Office of Building Official as to technical requirements such as line and grade, architectural, structural, plumbing/sanitary, electrical, etc., joint inspection and verification by building inspectors and BFP; fire safety evaluation/inspection by the BFP, and a one-time assessment including barangay fees, then payment of fees and release of all documents.

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Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

regional news

PSA enjoins agencies to support, participate in 29th NSM celebration

BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Regional Statistical Services Office Caraga, in coordination with the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC), invites all agencies of the government, local government units, academic institutions, state universities and colleges, and the private sector to participate in the month-long 29th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration.

This year’s 29th NSM with the theme “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development” reflects the relevance of statistics in achieving a sustainable and progressive tourism growth for the country and emphasizes the need for statistics to identify potential tourism havens and areas which require intervention.

All participating organizations, universities/

colleges and units of the government are also requested to display the 29th NSM streamer/tarpaulin in their building facade throughout the month of October.

Recently, the PSA led the kick-off activity on October 2, 2018 through an opening program held at the Robinson’s Place Butuan.

The NSM is annually observed nationwide pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647, declaring the month of October of every year as the National Statistics Month.

It aims to promote, enhance, and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of the society as well as elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

(PSA/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

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DOE news

DOE to roll out more EVS

Photo Courtesy of Autodeal.com

The Department of Energy (DOE) and representatives from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, will officially turn over four electric vehicles (EVs) to the Office of the President (OP) and the Department of Science Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) tomorrow (2 October) at the motor pool of the agency’s headquarters in Taguig City.

rehabilitation.

Other NGAs chosen as partners of the DOE also received next generation vehicles for performance testing, research and promotional purposes, which is aligned with the DOE alternative fuels program.

The OP and the DOST-PCIEERD will each receive two vehicles - one plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and one electric The technologically-advanced powered vehicle. Both units will be the first vehicles are part of the first lot of equipment of its kind to be used for demonstration donated by the Japanese Government and testing by any NGA in the country. to the Philippines to help in the recovery efforts after typhoon Yolanda.

The promotion of EV is aligned with the DOE’s E-Power Mo! Campaign with

Initial recipients of the next generation the thrust E-Safety Mo!, which supports vehicles were Philippine National Police the use of modern and safe vehicles with precincts within Region 8 and National a smaller carbon footprint envisioned for Government Agencies (NGAs) with an possible nationwide use. integral role in emergency response and

Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

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photo gallery

Department of Agrarian Reform CLOA Distribution a

Capitol Covered Court, Capitol D

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Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

and Turnover of farm Machineries and Equipments

Drive Butuan City, 5 October 2018

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provincial news

AgSur PLGU receives ‘datasets’ from DSWD-Listahanan

According to Paler, the datasets are timely in achieving their goal and ambition to eradicate 10 percent of the poverty incidence in the province.

agusan del sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Carrying out the mandate to help its poor constituents, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Agusan del Sur under the leadership of Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza officially obtained the list of poor households from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga through the National Household Targeting Section (NHTS).

“With the official list of poor households, it is easier for us to direct our interventions to the poor, especially that we have various programs and services intended to help our constituents who are in need,’’ he added.

The datasets were given to AgSur after complying all the requirements set by the NHTS in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 which includes request letter, resolution authorizing the governor to enter into Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the department, among others.

To date, the NHTS is working with all provincial governments, National Government Agencies, and other partnerstakeholders in identifying potential beneficiaries for the implementation of social protection programs and services by using the Listahanan 2 database.

This was after the recent turnover of the datasets by Regional Field Coordinator Aldie Mae A. Andoy and Regional Information Technology Officer Raffy R. Pocon to Provincial Administrator Ronulfo R. Paler and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Razel Montemor on August 24, 2018.

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who

The said database was the result of the and where the poor are in the country. second household assessment conducted It provides complete basic information by the Department in 2015. It contains on poor households who will become demographic and socioeconomic status beneficiaries of the different anti-poverty of the identified poor households, which is programs and services of the Department. highly significant to easily target the poor, (Abegail R. Alvarez/Social Marketing Unit/ vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors in DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Agusan the region. del Sur)

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provincial news

100 Jobstarters in Agusan del Sur benefit from Life Skills Training

AGUSAN DEL SUR — About 100 out-ofschool youth who were enrolled in Jobstart Philippines Program simultaneously started their Life Skills Training (LST) recently at STI College-San Francisco and Jerome’s Place-Trento, this province.

agusan del sur

It was also learned that the two training areas were selected by the Institute for Integrality, the official service provider of the LST for jobstarters. There were 77 jobstarters enrolled for the training held at STI College-San Francisco while 23 were trained at Jerome’s Place

The objectives of the program are in Trento. The trainers were trained by the to improve the labor market information Jobstart facilitators - Jodelyn Martin and available to youth by strengthening Sherelley Mangubat.

Philippine Employment Service Office (PESO) capacity to offer timely, accurate “Nalipay ko kay sa pila ka bulan na information on job vacancies and ko na hinulatay, maka sugod na gyud ko needed skills, and assist with job searches; og training ug matudluan na ko unsaon and provide youths with access to ang pagpangandam sa pagpanarbaho technical and life skills training demanded (I am happy that after months of waiting, I by employers, opportunities for work will now be trained for me to become jobexperience with learning on-the-job, and ready),” Ma. Innah Veletero, Jobstarter mentoring and tools for improving job from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur said. searches and their outcomes.

JobStart Philippines Program

DOLE-Caraga regional director fully funds the ten-day life skills training Chona Mantilla bared that the JobStart program and it provides the JobStarter Life Skills Training is a crucial stage in with Php200.00 daily allowance. The the JobStart Philippines Program given training’s life skills modules include to youth beneficiaries who completed knowing one’s self, the world of work, the career guidance and employment personal branding, job hunting, financial coaching (CGEC) session and were literacy, health and well-being, and randomly selected as beneficiaries. networking.

“It sought to prepare the participants for job matching with internship positions offered by JobStart partner-employers who will provide them with internship slots in their companies where they will undergo up to three months of technical training and up to six months of internship, both with stipends,” she said.

After the ten-day life skills training, the LST graduation commenced recently at the Provincial Learning Center, Provincial Capitol, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. (Krisha Villanueva, DOLE-13/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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provincial news

Army troopers seize propaganda materials in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Photo courtesy of 36th IB-CMO/ MANILA BULLETIN TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Army troopers have confiscated several propaganda materials of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, an official said.

Philippines (CPP)-NPA was dropped-off and ready for pick up.

“These reading materials coming from the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) are vital indicators that they are recruiting in the barangays. They used these materials to shape the heart and minds of the people so that they could entice them to join their group,” he said.

Surigao del sur

Captain Francisco P. Garello Jr., civil military operations officer of the 36th Infantry Battalion (IB), said that 28 books espousing Mao Ze Dong thoughts, 392 news magazines of “Ang Bayan”, and 195 news magazines of Lingkawas were Meanwhile, 36IB commanding seized at Sitio Igis-igis, Brgy. Cancavan, officer Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad Carmen on October 8. said the discovery of the contraband reading materials is a manifestation

Garello said they received a tip that the community does not want the from a concerned citizen in the barangay CNTs in their community. (PIA-Surigao that a contraband supposedly coming del Sur) from the Communist Party of the

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provincial news

Butuan water district wins prestigious awards

By Nora L. Molde

agusan del NORTE

BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City Water District (BCWD) recently received four prestigious awards during the Search for Most Outstanding Water District organized by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

The awards were received by BCWD chairman Atty. Roldan Torralba, director Juanito Lao, director Claudio Estacio and general manager Engr. Anselmo Sang Tian.

“These awards manifest the unending efforts and the sincerity of the Board of Directors, Management and employees to provide improved water services that satisfy the District’s customers,” Barquin said.

According to BCWD senior public relations officer Ramil Barquin, the agency was named Most Outstanding Water District - National Level Category A for its exemplary performance in providing quality service to majority of its concessionaires.

As BCWD will celebrate its 45th year anniversary in April next year, the

It was also awarded Most said awards are more than enough Outstanding Water District in Mindanao - proofs of its no non-sense operation and Category A for being the best performer management, he also said. water district among the Category A water districts in Mindanao and also received BCWD will strive more to surpass recognitions for being a Water District with the achievements it has achieved in the Department of Health or DOH-Accredited past 45 years of its existence as the sole Laboratory; and Big Brother Water District, franchise provider of safe drinking water in for generously guiding, mentoring and its area of coverage, he added. (NCLM/ assisting smaller water districts, Barquin PIA-Agusan del Norte). added.

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provincial news

SP requests PEZA to assist ecozone in Agusan Norte

agusan del NORTE

By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Agusan del Norte requested the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Board of Investments (BOI) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to assist the province in identifying and nominating qualified investors to boost the province’s economy.

special economic zone on December 11, 1998 involving 312 hectares of land.

To recall, the TAPCEN was proclaimed by former President Fidel V. Ramos as special economic zone on June 23, 1998 involving 216.9963 hectares of land while the NANIE was proclaimed by former President Joseph E. Estrada as

The realization of such endeavor is expected to generate employment opportunities, increase investment and economic development of the province.

(LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

However, the Committee on Economic Zone, Trade, Industry and Tourism, chaired by Board Member Jundis, during the committee consultation for the legislative agenda, saw that the two special economic zones were proclaimed more than two (2) decades

Said request was the content ago without being fully developed. of Sanggunian Resolution No. 2482018, authored by Provincial Board Under Republic Act No. 7916, Member Lucia E. Jundis, to focus on PEZA is mandated to coordinate with the development of the Nasipit Agusan the local government units (LGUs) and del Norte Industrial Estate (NANIE) in other agencies like the DTI, National the municipality of Nasipit and Tubay Economic and Development Authority Agricultural Processing Center (TAPCEN) (NEDA) and the Department of in the municipality of Tubay, as well as the Science and Technology (DOST) for emerging proposed Buenavista Special policy and program formulation and Economic Zone. implementation.

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provincial news

PIO Dinagat Islands strengthens barangay information officers

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, (PIA) – The Provincial Information Office of Dinagat Islands strengthened the capability of its Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) through the conduct of orientation and capability seminar on September 11-24, 2018 in the seven municipalities of the province.

in times of calamities and disasters such as floods, earthquake, fire, storm surge, tsunami, typhoon and landslide, mobile photography and how to avail the services of PUSO (Public Utility Services Outreach) program of the province.

surigao del norte

The BIOs were also given a flashdrive, compact disc, tarpaulin and brochures

The orientation and capability that include the Early Warning System seminar purposely aimed to have videos for them to be prepared in times of direct access and linkages with the disasters and calamities. barangay community and enable BIOs to act as reporters via radio or cable TV The activity was participated by news, provided that they can comply MIOs (Municipal Information Officers); with requirements duly set by the local BIOs (Barangay Information Officers); and government unit of the province. the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (MDRRMOs) from

During the said activity, the the towns of Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, Basilisa, BIOs were oriented on disseminating Cagdianao and Dinagat. (PIO-Dinagat information about how to be prepared Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

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Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

asean

PH to host ASEAN Science Ministers meeting

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

MANILA – The Philippines will host the Peña said.

ASEAN Science Ministers meeting in Cebu City on Oct. 15-19.

During the meeting, the ministers will identify the Center of Excellence, which

“There are many concerns in dela Peña said is a center for research the region. Concerns on sustainable and development (R&D). development goals, food security, energy security, environment, health, educating “Having a Center of Excellence will our young people, among others, that help boost collaboration among different can be addressed by science and countries,” he noted. technology,” Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Also on the agenda is the ASEAN dela Peña told the Philippine News Agency Diagnostics Development Initiative. This (PNA) on Friday afternoon. is something new, and will tackle about medical diagnostics, dela Peña said.

Dela Peña is set to tackle several agenda. Among these are the This, he said, is an initiative of the Philippine establishment of the ASEAN Young Council for Health Research and Scientists Network and the establishment Development, which previously focused of the ASEAN Foresight Alliance. on drug discovery.

He said the Young Scientists Network sounds new to him. The Foresight Alliance, on the other hand, will be a forecasting group, where forecasting will be enhanced through the collaboration of experts in the region.

Finally, the ASEAN ministers will meet to have a hub on STI for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.

“I hope these things will all be cleared during the meeting, so we could have or

“We will look at the status of the implement these soon,” he said. (PNA) ASEAN Declaration on Innovation. This is an initiative of DOST since last year. We (Science ministers) still have to talk about it,” he said.

The DOST will also initiate a review of the first three years of implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

“The plan is for 2016-2025. We will review its first three years of its implementation, or from 2016-2018,” dela

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mindanao news

18 NPA ‘frontliners’ yield to military in Sultan Kudarat

By Edwin Fernandez

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -Eighteen members of the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) “Yunit Milisya” voluntarily surrendered Thursday to government forces in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

The communist “Yunit Milisya” is comparable to the Philippine Army’s Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), serving as frontline forces in upland communities in Central Mindanao where the NPAs mainly operate.

A “Yunit Milisya” member, Pu Mapulo, 29, admitted they have always feared that they may bear the brunt of military offensives after two of their young members surrendered to the Army last

On Thursday, the rebels belonging month. to an Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in Sen. Ninoy Aquino surrendered to Army “We decided to surrender before it 2Lt. Dennis Gamos, executive officer of is too late because the two might have the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion Alpha previously revealed our identities and Company, around 11 a.m. in Barangay location to the Army,” said Mapulo in Midtungok. broken Ilonggo dialect.

Narding Sunap, 43, the group leader, told soldiers that they wanted to be “cleared” by the soldiers after being recruited as the “first line of defense” of hardcore NPA members in Sen. Ninoy Aquino town.

Sunap said the NPA leader in their community has repeatedly warned them to be always on guard as the military will attack them anytime.

The surrenderers handed over 10 short firearms and eight rifles to the Army.

Tired and emaciated after their long treks in the forest, the rebels were treated to a “boodle fight” by the soldiers.

Army Lt. Colonel Harold Cabunoc, the 33rd IB commander, said the surrendering group will soon be formally presented to Sen. Ninoy Aquino Mayor Randy Ecija so they can be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the local government unit.

“Ka Makmak (NPA leader) issued us weapons to defend ourselves in case the soldiers will enter our village,” Sunap said, adding that his main job in “Yunit Milisya” Since May 2017, more than 200 is to raise crops in the communal farm so members of the communist Guerilla Front NPA members will have something to eat. 73 have surrendered to the 33rd IB. (PNA)

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mindanao news

Gov’t taps indigenous culture to bring peace to Mindanao

By Allen Estabillo

KORONADAL CITY -- The government is “going back to the roots” to counter the growing threats of violent extremism and further foster peace in local communities in Mindanao.

In a press conference here on Thursday for the launching of Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite said they are looking at the island’s rich indigenous culture and traditions as a potent tool to sustain the ongoing peace efforts on the island.

Clavite acknowledged that a number of Mindanaoan youths had been easily recruited to join groups with terror leanings due to lack of education and wrong influences.

“But we can change that by making our young people understand who they are, where they came from, and how we, Mindanaoans, traditionally co-existed peacefully in the past,” he said.

Clavite said they are trying to achieve s

He noted that the proper uch goal by showcasing Mindanao’s understanding of local cultures can help indigenous culture and traditions through change the mindset of vulnerable youths, Kalinaw Kultura. especially among Moros, from getting lured into ideologies that promote violence PIA, in partnership with the National and extremism.

Commission for Culture and the Arts

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mindanao news

(NCCA), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Commission on Indigenous “This is an opportunity for us to show Peoples, launched the initiative at the the other side of Mindanao, the peaceful South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural and beautiful Mindanao,” he said.

Center here.

Armin Hautea, regional director of

The event was the fourth stop in DOT-12, said the event is a huge boost to Mindanao after its earlier launching in the their continuing efforts to promote Region cities of Iligan, Butuan and Zamboanga.

12 or Soccsksargen as a top cultural destination in the country.

At least five authentic cultural groups representing the Maguindanao, T’boli, He said it complements the agency’s B’laan and Manobo tribes showcased initiatives to “show the real image of their cultures and traditions through rituals, Mindanao” through tourism and culture. songs and dances.

John Axl Palisoc, NCCA culture and

It was highlighted by a performance arts officer, said the event further empowers from Mindanaoan artist Bayang Barrios, the Lumad or indigenous peoples of the who belongs to the Manobo tribe of area.

Agusan del Sur province.

He said it also encourages the local

As part of the event, a delegation tribal communities to exert more efforts in from the PIA and NCCA visited a cultural preserving their cultures and traditions. village of the T’boli tribe in Barangay Lemsnolon, T’boli town.

“It gives them a sense of pride of who and what they are. That they are no longer

Through Kalinaw Kultura, Clavite said marginalized but part of the mainstream they are also hoping to help change the society,” he added. (PNA) negative image of Mindanao as a “land of conflict.”

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national news

Nat’l ID to be rolled out in March: PSA

By Leslie Gatpolintan

foreigners in the Philippines. The PSA is the primary implementing agency.

Bersales said the agency will announce the opening of bid procurement for the national ID system by the third week of October.

“We will publish the technical specifications.

We hope that by December, we will already be able to finish the procurement. This means we will MANILA -- The government has put a have already awarded the PhilSys,” she March 2019 timetable to roll out the added. national identification (ID) system.

Bersales noted they will conduct

“That’s March next year for the start a competitive bidding process for of the registration of one million individuals procurement. under the Unconditional Cash Transfers but our timeline to start the registration “If we do competitive bidding, we of 25 million (Filipinos) will be around will be able to manage our timeline of September,” Philippine Statistics Authority procuring the system and awarding it (PSA) head Lisa Grace Bersales told before the year end,” she said. reporters on Friday.

Under the law, the Philippine lD

Bersales said they will start enrolling will contain the registrant’s biometric citizens who do not have any government- information, along with seven issued ID, including the poor who are demographic data such as full name, sex, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang date of birth, place of birth, blood type, Pilipino Program (4Ps), indigenous people, address, nationality, and three optional persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. information specifically marital status, mobile number, and email address.

She said the PSA will publish the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) The PhilSys Act requires this personal of the Philippine Identification System information be kept in a resilient data (PhilSys) Act on Saturday. system to ensure that the people’s right to privacy, confidentiality and other basic

The PhilSys Act, or Republic Act No. rights, such as those guaranteed by the 11055, creates a central identification Data Privacy Act of 2012, are upheld. platform for all citizens and resident (PNA)

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national news

PNP to talk to 18 schools named in CPP recruitment

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer.net

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will talk to the heads of the 18 universities and colleges in Metro Manila tagged by the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) where the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is allegedly recruiting members to overthrow the government.

maitulong (to see and know what we can help them),” Albayalde told reporters.

“Siguro (may be) it’s high time that we have a direct, meron tayong gawing (that we do an) intervention kung talagang kinakailangan (if it is really needed),” he added.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he ordered National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) Regional Director, Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, to coordinate with the school heads since they are located in Metro Manila.

AFP deputy chief-of-staff for operations, Brig. Gen Antonio Parlade Jr. on Wednesday identified the schools as University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, UP-Manila; Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa; Ateneo de Manila University; De La Salle University; University

“We will talk with the heads of these of Santo Tomas; Adamson University; Far universities para makita at malaman Eastern University; University of the East (UE)natin kung ano talaga ang pwede natin Recto; UE-Caloocan; Emilio Aguinaldo

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national news

College; Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST); San Beda College; Lyceum of the Philippines; University of Makati; Caloocan City College (now the University of Caloocan); University of Manila; and the Philippine Normal University.

be cautious of being enticed to join such indoctrication activities since they are public servants.

“So if we are being paid for by the taxpayers, kailangan ang serbisyo natin (so our service) is for the Filipino people also,” Albayalde added.

He said the students in state universities and colleges (SUCs), as He also warned teachers who might government scholars, should be wary of be instigating their students to join the such communist indoctrination. communist movement and even plot to overthrow the government, saying they

“These youths are given free could be charged with contempt for education by no less than the government. spreading false information.

In state universities, you are given free education by the government and yet “You could just imagine, you are hindi ka pa nag-gragraduate (you have inputting false information or knowledge not graduated), you are already going to our students and we are trying to save against the same government that gives generations dito(here) and yet ganun you free education,” Albayalde said. ang ituturo natin sa ating mga estudyante (that’s what they are teaching to

He added that faculty members students),” Albayalde added. (PNA) and school personnel of SUCs should also Photo Courtesy of Good News Pilipinas

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Caraga Infocus • September 29 - October 5, 2018 • Volume II, No. 78

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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

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

DON MANUELO O. PATRIMONIO ABEGAIL R. ALVAREZ KRISHA VILLANUEVA AIMEE B. SIENES MA. CRISTINA ARAYATA ERWIN FERNANDEZ ALLEN ESTABILLO LESLIE GATPOLINTAN CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN DILG - XIII PSA DSWD CARAGA DOLE - XIII LGU - AGUSAN DEL NORTE PNA Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

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

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