Caraga infocus 28 April - 4 May , 2018

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Contents Volume II, No. 56

April 28 - May 4, 2018

Caring for the Environment the SCoPSA Way

ASEAN NEWS ASEAN+3 Vows to Strengthen 8 Regional Financial Coopetra ASEAN e-payment 9 Link networks: Espenilla

MINDANAO NEWS SAP Go, Andanar launch of P700-M 19 construction Mindanao Media Hub

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REGIONAL NEWS 10

TB cases in Caraga declines in 2017

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BFAR Caraga launches BASIL program, holds Tilapia Stakeholders Forum

Caraga: ‘Sorry’ can’t bring 12 PNP back life of slain pastor PROVINCIAL NEWS

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20 AgSur IPs acquire skills on ‘tinagak’ making

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AgSur cacao farmers get exposed to new ways in growing cacao trees DTI Surigao Norte intensifies Entrepreneurship, Consumer Education activities

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2 NPAs surrender to army in Bislig City

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Caraga COMELEC chief expects high standard campaign behavior

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More Agusanons avail services in TESDA’s Jobs Bridging Program

20 nationals in Basilan

Police nab 3 Hong Kong

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NATIONAL NEWS 21 22

Palace welcomes Duterte’s inclusion in Time Magazine’s cover photo US willing to mediate between PH, Kuwait

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News Briefs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga, together with its attached agencies holds today, May 1 the 2018 Labor Day celebration with the conduct of livelihood fair, job fair and business fair held at the Oazis Hotel , Butuan City. DOLE Assistant Secretary Alex Avila graced said event.

A former rebel named aka FELIX, an Indigenous People and armed member of SPP16A, GF16, NEMRC voluntarily surrendered to 29th Infantry “MATATAG” Battalion thru its commanding officer Ltc Glenn Joy Aynera last April 26, 2018 around 8am bringing along with him one AK47 rifle (SN: defaced). He said that during his stay with the NPA, the group promised to give financial assistance to his family but instead he was forced to do extortion activities and sowed fear to the populace. (Source: 2Lt Romalyn Cabiles, CMO Officer 29IB)

The Negosyo Center (NC) Sibagat in Agusan del Sur has recently equipped some 15 business operators on the basics of simple bookkeeping, which aims to strengthen their system on record keeping. It was noted that not all businesses especially those small stores practiced proper recording of their business transactions, they rather focused on enticing customers or in selling.

Mayor Alfredo Coro II of LGU Del Carmen met with the Provincial Planning Development Officer and HLURB officer to discuss the updating of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan which will include the Siargao International Airport, Siargao International Seaport, Poblacion Del Carmen Tourism expansion, Marine Spatial Planning and Hazard updates. “Proper planning is critical towards sustainable development of Del Carmen and Siargao Islands,” said Coro.

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Contents Story

Caring for the Environm By: Aurelius P. Arais and PIA Caraga

of

Photo Courtesy of DA Cagayan de Oro

(PIA) -“Nature is our way life. This is our ancestral home.”

farming was to clear a piece of land in hilly areas, plant corn, harvest them and then leave the area and look for another area

This is how Eddie Ampiyawan known to cultivate crops. In the process, hilly areas as “Datu Bawang”, a Higaonon Tribal are left barren and in danger of a landslide.

Chieftain, regard their tribal community in a mountainous area in Brgy. Lawan- But that was before. Their traditional Lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. way of farming has ended after embracing a project from the Department of Agriculture

“Aside from picking wild fruits, our (DA). This project somehow changed primary means of livelihood is farming,” he said. their outlook towards the environment.

According to Datu Bawang, who is the chairperson of the Lekda Higaonon Farmers Producers Cooperative (LeHFaPCo) which has 30 members, their usual practice in

Dubbed as Sustainable Corn Production for Sustainable Agriculture (SCoPSA), this project is implemented through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

ment the SCoPSA Way

durian, and pineapple, wherein the planting materials had been given by the Department of Agriculture with support from the provincial government of Agusan del Norte.

The project aims to enhance productivity level of corn farmers through the promotion of a sustainable land use management that will enhance agricultural livelihood and restore ecological balance in sloping areas of the country cultivated with corn.

“We already harvested 40 sacks of corn, so it helps us for our food,” Datu Bawang said.

Technologies demonstrated in the farm is focused on soil erosion control and gully stabilization coupled with soil fertility improvement, such as contouring, buffer cropping system, crop rotation, among others.

The Provincial Agriculture Office of Agusan del Norte provided technical support to the tribe, especially on pest monitoring to ensure good harvest.

“To help our IP brothers, the

“Never in our imagination could those provincial government trained and abandoned hilly areas still be utilized again as provided an allowance to two tribe a source of our livelihood. Nowadays, (there members as para-technician,” said is) no need for us to leave and look for a new Oscar Tuyor, provincial corn coordinator. area to be cultivated,” Datu Bawang said.

Soon farmers in Lawan-lawan, some

He said SCoPSA teaches them the value 46 kilometers from Buenavista Poblacion, will of a piece of land which could sustainably experience ease in transporting agricultural provide them food and means of livelihood. products upon the completion of the ongoing construction of a national highway

Initially, only three hectares had going to Bukidnon which traverses their area. been developed in SCoPSA way. And with their renewed appreciation to In Caraga Region, three areas had the benefits of the program, it now been identified as SCoPSA sites since last covers a total land area of 15 hectare.. year including Brgy. Malapong in Buenavista, Brgy. Culit in Nasipit and Brgy. Lawan Through the “Bayanihan” spirit among lawan in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. coop members, the area had been planted Additional areas are still under validation. with corn, banana, coffee, mangosten, (Aurelius P. Arais/DA Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

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Photo Gall-

2018 Labor Day Celebration 1 May 2018 Oazis Hotel, Butuan City

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

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ASE

ASEAN+3 Vows to Strengthen Regional Financial Cooperation By: Leslie Gatpolintan ANILA -The 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) joined by China, South Korea and Japan (ASEAN Plus Three) have agreed to further strengthen the multilateral currency swap arrangement to enable members overcome crisis more speedily and promote sustained economic growth.

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In a joint statement of the 21st ASEAN+3 issued at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual meeting here, ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors said they have decided to enhance the conditionality framework of Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), in addition to the existing one for crisis prevention.

They have also agreed to improve the CMIM financing terms in order to strengthen their support for members.

Specifically, the length of the CMIM supporting periods has been made flexible by increasing the maximum number of renewals from two times to multiple times if and when

They said a general agreement has necessary in the case of the International been reached on the main contents of Monetary Fund (IMF) Linked Portion. the first CMIM Periodic Review to add an overarching legal basis for conditionality as “(This aims) to ensure that the CMIM an application provision for crisis resolution. remains up-to-date, and reflective of the member countries’ circumstances,

CMIM, a multilateral currency as well as global economic and swap arrangement, aims to address financial conditions,” they added. potential and actual balance of payments (BOP) and short-term liquidity ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and difficulties in the region; and supplement Central Bank Governors thus urged the existing international arrangements. Deputies to prepare the final text of the amended CMIM Agreement within

“It is expected that the CMIM may this year for signing “so that it can be further support members by helping in the executed at the earliest opportunity.” (PNA) design and implementation of appropriate economic and financial policies, which in turn can make members overcome a crisis more quickly and settle on a sustainable path of economic growth,” said ASEAN+3.

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

EAN Link ASEAN e-payment networks: By: Filane Mikee Cervantes

Espenilla

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ANILA -- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor Espenilla raised the possibility of linking instant payment networks within member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enable crossborder payments, following the launch of the country’s second automated clearing house (ACH) called InstaPay.

“The more interesting prospect, potentially, is to link up the instant payment networks regionally,” Espenilla told reporters in an interview.

Espenilla said Instapay, as it matures, could be connected with its counterparts throughout the ASEAN region for cross-border collaboration. “What you can do in the Philippines, you can do it cross-border, at least in ASEAN. So those are the big possibilities here,” Espenilla said, saying that linking up the countries’

April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

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payment infrastructures is “very doable”.

Espenilla noted that a pilot test has already been conducted to connect Singapore’s PayNow system to Thailand’s PromptPay. InstaPay is the second ACH under the central bank’s National Retail Payment System (NRPS) after PESONet, which was launched in November 2017.

This platform reportedly allows consumers a safe, affordable and realtime electronic payment mode for up to PHP50,000 per transaction without limit in a day. Charges may apply to the sender or the recipient of the fund depending on the terms of the financial institution to be tapped.

The first clearing house -- the electronic fund transfer (EFT) also called PESO Net, was launched in November 2017. It allows for the transfer of funds from one’s bank account to another. (PNA)

Regional News

TB cases in Caraga declines in 2017 By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

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UTUAN CITY -- The war against Tuberculosis (TB) in Caraga region gains positive results as the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga regional office recorded a decrease in cases in the year 2017.

With the intensified campaign on reaching out and encouraging communities through the crration of programs to educate the people on the fatality of the TB disease, the DOH-CHD has recorded a total of 8,215 cases detected in year 2017, lower compared to the 2016 recorded data of 8,980 recorded cases.

DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., encouraged not only the Caraganons but the Filipino people infected or with those who are manifesting the symptoms to avail of the government’s free treatment.

Cases from last year were given appropriate treatment at the Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course Center (DOTS) all over the region.

“We have a high rate in treating TB. We are giving free medicines and we have been improving our program throughout the years,” said Llacuna.

Presently, the TB Treatment Success Rate is 91 percent. Despite the enhanced programs on TB by the government and nongovernment organizations, TB remains a threat and burden to Filipino people, Llacuna said.

This year, with DOH leading the annual observance of the World Tuberculosis Day in March, a more vibrant team of DOH personnel and its stakeholders held different awareness activities that contributed to the significant decrease of cases in the region.

This year also marked the 136th anniversary of the discovery of the TB Bacillus

by Dr. Robert Koch. His groundbreaking research led him towards diagnosing and curing the disease, but despite all the continuous global efforts, DOH records show that there is still an estimated total number of deaths of over 4,500 per day that also prompts DOH and other stakeholders like the Regional Coordinating Committee of the National Tuberculosis Control Program of Caraga region to do more in educating the people about the disease and its treatment.

The observance of the World Tuberculosis Day in March with the theme, “Wanted Leaders for TB-Free Philippines. Mga “lodi”…Pangunahan and Pagsugpo sa TB!”, underscored the active participation of all stakeholders and TB patients to take part in ending the long battle against Tuberculosis.

Director Llacuna said that one TB positive could in turn infect others with the said disease if left untreated. Those who already have started treatment should finish the treatment course because not completing the recommended treatment course can lead to Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is harder to treat, he stressed.

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

Regional News

BFAR Caraga launches BASIL program, holds Tilapia Stakeholders Forum

BUTUAN CITY -- Partners and frontliners from local government units (LGUs) composed of municipal agriculturists and agricultural technologists for fisheries, together with the fisherfolk beneficiaries in the region convened as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Caraga (BFAR Caraga) officially launched here the “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” (BASIL) Program and hosted the first Regional Tilapia Stakeholders Forum on April 18, 2018.

The activity was attended by Dr. Juan D. Albaladejo, BFAR Caraga regional director, together with the provincial fisheries officers from the five provinces in this region.

Meanwhile, Joyce M. Baclayo, project leader of the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) had her presentation on the status of Lake Mainit with emphasis on Pijanga (Glossogobius guiris) and the status of the commodity in Agusan Marsh.

Likewise, Dr. Adelaida L. Palma, national focal person for BASIL Program, provided an overview of said program.

“The BASIL program aims to rehabilitate/restore the physical conditions of minor lakes and reservoirs, enhance inland fisheries production, and repopulate indigenous species in support of biodiversity

April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

conservation, poverty alleviation and food sufficiency,” said Dr. Palma.

The activity on the “Tilapia Forum” was then conducted after the launching of BASIL program, with Laila Holoyohoy, regional focal person for Tilapia facilitating the consultation with the LGUs regarding the present status of the tilapia industry in Caraga.

Issues and problems concerning the tilapia industry sector were raised by the participants. These included the lack of good supply for breeder tilapia in Caraga region. They also asked the requirements for a liable hatchery for the breeder tilapia.

These issues were already included in the Bureau’s Commodity Action Plan for Tilapia, as presented by Ms. Holoyohoy.

(BFAR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Regional News PNP Caraga: ‘Sorry’ Can’t Bring Back Life of Slain Pastor

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UTUAN CITY -- The leadership of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has slammed the apology made by the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists over the murder of a pastor in the hinterland of Gigaquit town, Surigao del Norte.

Chief Supt Noli Romana, PRO13 director, said that the apology of Ka-Oto, spokesperson of NPA’s Guerilla Front 16, would never lessen the grief of Pastor Jepti Acedo’s family.

Acedo, 32 and his companions Virgil Flor Ortiz, 23; and Abner Malaque, 20, were riding on a motorcycle when riddled with bullets by the NPA terrorists using high-

powered firearms in Brgy. Lahi on April 18, 2018.

“This brutal incident is a grave violation of human rights and must be condemned by the peace-loving communities in Caraga. They are killing civilians contrary to their claim they are protectors of the people,“ RD Romana added.

The region’s police chief called on the people to withstand against the NPA deceptions and report their presence immediately to the nearest police/army unit.

(PRO-13/PIA-Caraga)

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

20 AgSur IPs acquire skills on ‘tinagak’ making

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Twenty (20) members of Tagpaliko Tribal Livelihood Association (TTLA) have recently acquired skill on how to produce “tinagak”, a semiprocessed

abaca fiber which can be bought more than 100 percent higher than the all-in fiber called “laguras.”

The skills training on tinagak making kilo buying of the laguras they produced. was recently organized in Sto. Niño, this city after the group was exposed to the “If these trainees will continue abaca processing center - a DTI assisted (while harnessing their skills) to produce project under the Shared Service Facility Tinagak, their finances and way of living (SSF) program in San Martin, Prosperidad. would probably improve,” Musica shared.

Evelina Musica, proprietor of Lyn’z Abaca Handicrafts introduced the proper way of making tinagak. Right after the training, she bought the 1 kg output of the trainees at P400.00.

“I am so happy, as I acquire skills through this training, this is a big help to us to earn additional income to support our family’s needs,” shared Maryjane Moñosco, TTLA member.

The group made an agreement to produce tinagak considering that they have the resources. Lemuel Roboca of the Department of Trade and Industry facilitated the training in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Bayugan City through its Agriculture Office headed by Allan Rey Garcia.

(DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur).

TTLA, a group of indigenous peoples (IP) which home place is 10 kilometers or two hours away by hiking from Sto. Nino, has been used of the P50.00 per April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

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Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

AgSur cacao farmers get exposed to new ways in growing cacao trees

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Training for cacao growers on the new technologies and other techniques in cacao production has extended to Sibagat town, the 4th training area in the province with the biggest number of cacao trees.

be used to care cacao trees. They are encouraged to give importance of the cacao trees which may not be given proper attention to produce higher yields.

Agusan del Sur, one of the provinces in Caraga region suitable for

Just recently in Brgy.

Ilihan, cacao, is on-going in its campaign to Sibagat, some 35 growers were trained plant and expand cacao production. on how to manage cacao trees and acquire higher yields and better income.

The provincial government of Agusan del Sur also included cacao

The trainers, Abner Sumagang, commodity in its Upland Sustainable AgriEduard Aldover and Jerry Sala of OFW Forestry Development (USAD) Program. para sa Magsasaka (OPM) introduced the proper way of planting cacao such as the It has been noted that market 50x50cm standard size for holing, 3x3m opportunities of cacao are growing aside from planting distance, alleyway on their fields, being a material for chocolate, restaurants the common pests and diseases and the are now offering chocolate drinks, while proper harvesting to ensure quality fruits. some are getting conscious towards wellness of which cacao has inherent health benefits.

The participants were also oriented (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) on the type of tools and equipment to

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

Provincial News

Surigao del Norte

DTI Surigao Norte intensifies Entrepreneurship, Consumer Education activities

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its entrepreneurship and consumer education (ECE) activities through the conduct of a series of ECE seminars in several schools in the province.

A total of 383 senior high school and college students from Taganito National High School in Claver, Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) Magpayang Campus in Mainit and SSCT Surigao City Campus, and Saint Paul University – Surigao City participated in the activity.

DTI Surigao del Norte Trade and Industry Development Specialist and Seminar facilitator Rodrigo R. Matabaran said the participants were provided inputs on entrepreneurial motivation as they were encouraged to enhance their capacities to be wise consumers so they can save and get the best value for their money while doing purchasing transactions.

He said that the overall context of the discussion is to explore the world April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

of business and find ways to reduce expenditures and generate savings for more income generating investments.

Ma. Lourdes A. Chua, Trade and Industry Development Specialist, said the students, teachers, and instructors expressed gratitude to the DTI staff for conducting the said activities in their respective schools.

“They appreciated the information and knowledge provided, that these excite their interest on business and the potentials, as well as some laws governing the conduct of the business that protect the interests of consumers,” Chua said.

Seminar facilitators include Rodrigo R. Matabaran, Supervising Trade Development and Specialist, Josephin D. Gabutin and Lourdes A. Chua both Trade and Industry Development Specialists and assisted by the respective Negosyo Center Business Counselors Ermalyn Yamilo of Claver, Christine Marie Firma of Mainit and Judale Baguio of Surigao City. (DTISurigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Provincial News

Surigao del Sur

2 NPAs surrender to army in Bislig City

BY:Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Two members of the “Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad” (SPL) of “Balangay sa Sapa,” Guerrilla Front Committee (GFC) 14 have surrendered to the Community Support Team (CST) of Alfa Company, 75th Infantry (MARAUDER) Battalion situation on May 1, 2018 at P-10 Katipunan, Sitio Mabog, Barangay San Roque, this city.

According to Lieutenant Michael Pascua, 75IB Civil Military Operations Officer, the surrenderees were identified as Reneboy Himungala also known as (a.k.a.) “Rod” and of the NPA terrorist and supporters to Edelberto Naupan a.k.a.

“Dante”. surrender, and not to be blinded by the lies and propagandas of CPP-NPA Lt. Pascua added that they confessed Terrorists. They are just using you for their that they were members of SPL and own personal interest,” Lt. Col. Datuin said. brought along with them high powered firearms and documents composed of: The military official believed that three home-made shotguns, one Original the Community Support Teams’ (CSTs) shotgun with ammunition, one caliber persistent information awareness efforts 357, one hand grenade, 200 meters and dissemination on the government’s detonating cord, and three sacks of plans and programs of CLIP have gained CPP-NPA-Terrorist books and pamphlets. trust and enlightened the supporters and members of NPA terrorists to lay down their

With the voluntary effort made by arms and return to the folds of the law. the members of the NPA terrorist, Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, Commanding Officer of 75IB, “The successful outcome of the gave an assurance to assist them to avail Community Support Teams (CSTs) shows assistance from the government through the effectiveness of the collaboration and the Comprehensive Local Integration cooperation of the security and development Program (CLIP). He also encouraged those stakeholders in the area,” said Colonel NPA terrorists and supporters to surrender. Andres Centino, Brigade Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade. (PIA-Surigao del Sur).

“I encourage the remaining members

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

Provincial News

Surigao del Sur

Caraga COMELEC chief expects high standard campaign behavior By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Caraga Regional Election Director (RED) Atty.

Francisco Pobe has expressed hopes that candidates will adhere to high standards of behavior in the conduct of their campaign for the May 14, 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

For a certain period, each COMELEC office at the city and municipal levels had initiated their respective candidates’ forum and covenant signing for a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections right after the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC).

RED Pobe confirmed that candidates

Based on COMELEC Resolution No. had been oriented and briefed during 10 – 26, the campaign period will begin such time to observe pre-election acts. on the 4th and will end on the 12th of May.

On that note, the regional COMELEC

The COMELEC chief in Caraga chief said he was expecting a “matured reminded that with the advent of social media and civilized way” of candidates “selling/ where “everybody has become vigilant,” marketing” themselves to the voting public. candidates must show good manners. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

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Provincial News

Agusan del Norte

More Agusanons avail services in TESDA’s Jobs Bridging Program By: Lee M. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY – The nationwide launching of TESDA’s National TVET Enrollment Day and Jobs Bridging Program on February 27 here has not only amassed a number of interested individuals enrolling various TESDA training programs and/or qualifications but also attracted a number of TVET graduates looking for a job. make various TESDA programs and services

Employment agencies for jobs abroad more accessible to the public but more and local companies with job vacancies were importantly to assist TESDA/TVET graduates invited in the Jobs Bridging Program. A total in searching for work and/or employment. of nine employers/agencies were present on the first day of the program, two of which It is also anchored on the two-pronged came all the way from Cagayan de Oro City. strategy of the Duterte Administration in expanding access to high quality and

Based on the data provided by DOLE- relevant TVET opportunities, addressing Agusan del Norte Field Office, a total of 3,000 the disparities and increasing active jobs abroad (part of the 9,000+ jobs previously linkages and mechanization of various announced) and 125 local job vacancies/ sectors so that every Filipino can enjoy postings were available on the first day. a better and dignified quality of life.

Employment agencies that participated were as follows: Jenerick Int’l Manpower, Inc., Pisces Int’l Placement Corp., FVJ Overseas Placement and Placewell Int’l Services Corp.

The jobs bridging program has been made possible through the support of LGUButuan, DOLE Regional Office and Agusan del Norte Field Office, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Caraga,

Meanwhile, local companies present Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and were the Bachelor Express, Inc., Equiparco the Philippine Electronics and Communications Construction Company, Olin Dept of Institute of Technology (PECIT) for the venue.

Engineering and Construction, Watergate, Hi Precision, and Vross Meat Shoppe.

TESDA Caraga is inviting everyone to participate in the National TVET Enrollment Day

The two-day activity, anchored and Jobs Bridging Program. The 2-day activity on the theme “Magsanay.

Magka- will commence today, March 1 and will be hanapbuhay. Magtagumpay,” is a directive conducted every 25th and 26th day of August, of TESDA’s Director General Guiling “Gene” in time of TESDA’s Anniversary, thereafter.

A. Mamondiong, created not only to (TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

Mindanao News

SAP Go, Andanar launch construction of P700-M Mindanao Media Hub By: Lilian Mellejor

DAVAO CITY – The construction of the PHP700 million Mindanao Media Hub in Davao City is now in full swing after the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), together with President Rodrigo Duterte’s special assistant, Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, led the hard hat and the time capsule laying ceremony on Thursday.

Go said the establishment of the hub is a testament to President Duterte’s commitment to serve the Filipinos better, especially the Mindanaoans.

“With the strengthening of the government’s own television network, we will now have the full and rightful information and Bureau-Philippine News Agency (NIB-PNA), coverage we deserve,” he said. and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Go described the media as a “source of accurate information the people need given the lack of credible and reliable news sources in different parts of the country.” He pointed out that the mainstream media often focus their coverage on Metro Manila and other large cities.

The structure, which sits on a 1-hectare land owned by PBS, will also feature a roof deck complete with building outfits and three other structures including employees canteen and a guard house. The PHP326 million will cover the landscaping and fencing.

He also said the rise of fake news in social media platforms and stranglehold of the elite people on the mainstream media have given rise to the importance of providing alternative sources of information.

PHP700-million Mindanao Media Hub include equipment upgrade for PTV and Radyo Pilipinas, which will already be airing in AM and FM band, aside from having state-ofthe-art facilities and studios. Each floor has a size of 1,000 square meters.

The laying of the time capsule and groundbreaking of the multi-million media hub at its location along Carlos P. Garcia Highway, in Barangay Bangkal, coincided with the celebration of the World Press Freedom Day.

The four-story building, which will cost some PHP326 million, will house four government media entities: the People’s Television (PTV), Philippine Broadcast Service (PBS)-Radyo Pilipinas, News and Information April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

“This hub will also serve as an emergency broadcast station in times of calamities, disasters and emergencies,” said Go, who was the guest of honor during the Hard Hat ceremony.

“Our people can also use this facility to tell the government what they need. They can also come here to report any wrontgdoings and complaints against government officials,” Go added.

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Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Mindanao Media Hub will be one of President Duterte’s biggest legacies as it puts Mindanao closer to the center of governance.

Mindanao News

building the same project for the Visayas. The Mindanao Hub is targeted for completion by end of the year or early 2019.

The ceremony was attended by the chiefs of each media agency: Director “Akala ng tao ang power ng Pilipinas ay Metro Virginia Agtay of the NIB-PNA, PBS Director Manila lang (People think that the powers (of General Rizal Giovanni “Bong” Aportadera, the leadership) is only Metro Manila),” he said Dino Apolonio – Network Manager of PTV, in an interview at the sidelines of the Hard Hat Director General Harold Clavite of the PIA, ceremony.

Undersecretary Joel Egco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security and Asst.

Andanar said PCOO will also be Secretary Joseph Garcia. (PNA)

Police nab 3 Hong Kong nationals in Basilan

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Authorities have their presence “highly questionable.” arrested three Hong Kong nationals in an island town in the province of Basilan, Upon questioning, the police official said a top police official said Thursday. the the three claimed to have travelled aboard a double-engine speed boat from Hong Kong

Senior Supt. Rufino Inot, Basilan police to Indonesia, and then to Hadji Muhtamad director, identified those arrested as Tsz Kin “to gas up there in going back to Hongkong.”

Tsui 40, Wang Po, 33, and Chun Wai Ho, 32.

Inot said the Hong Kong nationals

Inot said they were arrested by also claimed to have travelled to policemen around 6 p.m. Wednesday in Thailand in February, this year, using Barangay Dasalan, Hadji Muhtamad, an island the same means of transportation. municipality formerly known as Pilas Islands.

But police remain skeptical of the trio’s

Inot said they were arrested after the presence in the area, and were turned over to the barangay officials of Dasalan reported to Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom). the police the presence of three foreigners The speed boat was impounded at in the area. He said the locals found Basilan Provincial Police Office. (PNA)

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National News

Palace welcomes Duterte’s inclusion in Time Magazine’s cover photo By: Jelly Musico

MANILA – Malacañang on Friday attributed the inclusion of President Rodrigo R. Duterte on the cover photo and top story of Time Magazine to his strong and decisive leadership.

“Regardless of slant, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has demonstrated strong and decisive leadership – a quality appreciated by Filipinos as evidenced by the Chief Executive’s high satisfaction, approval, trust and performance ratings,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Aside from Duterte, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have been featured by Time Magazine on its cover photo and story entitled, “Rise of the Strongman”.

Photo Courtesy of Time Magazine

take Duterte literally with his colorful language but they have surely taken seriously the issues the popular Filipino leader has espoused, such as the war on drugs and crime and graft and corruption.

“The drug problem is not only a Philippine concern. It is a global burden and the Philippines’ war on drugs has been acknowledged by countries and leaders, including Indonesia, China, President Donald Trump and police leaders from other Southeast Asian countries,” Roque said.

Time Magazine’s writer Ian Bremmer wrote, “These leaders have won followers by targeting ‘them,’ including the familiar US and European sources of power and influence. But they have succeeded because they know something about ‘us,’ or the people they’re speaking to. They understand the sense of The Palace spokesperson assured that threat -- and they’re willing to exploit it”.

Duterte’s brand of justice “strictly adheres to the rule of law where the dismantling

“In every region of the world, changing of the drug apparatus ensures the proper times have boosted public demand for more investigation of all drug-related killings.” muscular, assertive leadership. These tough- talking populists promise to protect ‘us’ from Despite lacking local candidates to back him ‘them’,” Bremmer also wrote. up, Duterte overwhelmingly won the 2016 presidential elections, garnering 16.6 million

In the Philippines, Bremmer said “a votes or 6.6 million more than his closest rival, rising tide of violent street crime helped elect administration candidate Mar Roxas.

Rodrigo Duterte, a former mayor who talked more like a Mob boss than a President, on his Almost two years after his election, the promises to wipe out the drug trade with his 73-year-old Filipino leader still enjoys a “very own brand of justice.” good” net trust rating of +65 based in last April’s survey by the Social Weather Stations. (PNA)

Roque said Filipinos have learned not to April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

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National News US willing to mediate between PH, Kuwait

By: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA-United States Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim on Thursday expressed confidence that Washington will “seriously” consider a request to serve as third-party mediator in the diplomatic spat between Philippines and Kuwait.

In a press briefing, Kim said he recognizes that Manila takes “very strong interest” in the protection of Filipinos overseas and are working hard to make sure that receiving countries treat Filipino workers consistent with the rule of law, human rights as expected in any society.

He said, however, he has not heard of the proposal nor someone had approached them to play as third country mediator yet.

“Since I haven’t been approached about this, it’s hard for me to comment on whether we would play a role, but I have confidence that the two countries will be able to resolve the situation,” Kim said.

no one has approached us about it,” he said when asked how the US will accept in case the proposal was brought up.

“If we can be helpful, I’m sure my colleagues in Washington would consider any such request. So we’ll see,” he added.

Diplomatic tension between Manila and Kuwait escalated in April following rescue operations led by the Philippine Embassy of distressed Filipina workers.

Kuwait government slammed the actions as violation of its domestic laws, which eventually led to the serving of

Optimistic the two countries will be able two diplomatic protests at the embassy. to iron out their issues and revive normalcy in their relations, Kim said US extends its After the issue hogged Kuwaiti “best wishes” to both countries as the two headlines, Ambassador Renato Villa was start discussions to resolve the situation. declared persona non grata in the Arab state.

“We’re always willing to be helpful to resolve delicate, difficult situation between friends and partners, but I don’t want to assume speculations, hypotheticals because April 27, 2018 - May 04, 2018

At present, four persons hired as van drivers for the rescue operations have been detained while three diplomats involved in the assistance are facing arrest warrants. (PNA)

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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