Caraga Infocus - August 11 - 17, 2018

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Contents

An Electronic News Magazine of Philippine Information Agency Caraga

Volume II, No. 71

11 - 17 August, 2018

Abilities of PWDs underscored, Caraga gov’t agencies in joint force for NDPR Week

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SSS News: SSS offers loan to calamity-affected members

DOE News: EURO-II Option Enhances Competition Among Oil Players

ASEAN News: DFA, PCOO launch book on ASEAN achievements under PH hosting

Regional News 08

DA Caraga, LGU unite to boost livestock industry

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DSWD-Caraga starts UCT registration for Listahanan

Provincial News 15 16

Caraga sports officials to undergo coaching refresher course

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Mindanao News

DAR AgNor distributes P1.8-M worth of equipment to abaca farmers

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AgNor prov’l gov’t honors service awardees

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DAR, LGU ink MOA for ‘LinkSFarM’ Project in AgSur

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Surigao del Norte solon wants broadcast media to devote airtime for PSAss

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Army brings warring Moro clans to settlement

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1 million residents benefit from ARMM program

National News 26

Over 16K cops promoted to higher rank

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PNP to validate new names on drug ‘high value targets’ list

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

News Briefs

• According to DOST Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga, the fourday Regional Science and Technology Week on Sept. 4-8 will showcase the S&T initiatives implemented in the region and the available technologies and innovations of the various RDIs and other agencies of DOST to support the Regional Development Council’s thrust to become the “Fishery, Agro-Forestry, Mineral and Eco-tourism” (FAME) Center of the Philippines.

• The 29IB troopers in partnership with the local government unit of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte and Candelaria Institute Batch 1993 conducted a feeding program and distribution of slippers to the children of Sitio Tagbuaya in Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. The activity is part of the opening celebration of the Battalion’s anniversary. (Source: 2Lt Romalyn Cabiles, CMO officer 29IB)

• The group of former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur recently underwent Financial Literacy Seminar to improve their knowledge in managing their businesses. The group learned the formula of budgeting, saving, investing and borrowing, keeping track of financial resources and understanding emergency fund and insurances. Aldrin Abapo, NC-San Francisco counselor, facilitated the seminar. He emphasized the importance of the people involve in the operation, how to sustain and expand business.

• SSS Surigao Branch Head Jose Roel Herbieto, in a radio interview over RPNDXKS, encourages SSS members who have past due loans like Salary Loan, Emergency Loan, Educational Loan, Study Now Pay Later Plan, Voc-Tech Loans, Y2K Loans, & Investments Incentive Loan to avail of the loan restructuring program (LRP) with penalty condonation that is being offered from Apr. 2 to Oct. 1, 2018 to clean their outstanding loan balance and regain their good-standing with SSS. • The members of the IP Crisis Committee composed of IPMR/Mun. Tribal Chieftains and IP Mandatory Representative of Surigao del Sur Datu Jimmy Guinsod initiated the Indignation Rally in Surigao del Sur against the NPA Terrorist in Tandag City.

• TESDA Dinagat Islands provl director and vice chair of the World Cafe of Opportunities (WCO) Engr. Florante Herrera said the WCO on Aug. 25 in Butuan City is expected to benefit some 1,000 tech-voc alumni/graduates of Caraga region.

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Cover Story

DA equips farmers to boost Caraga’s mango industry By: Vanessa P. Sanchez

To further capacitate the mango farmers of Caraga region on pest and disease management and in effect boost their production volume and quality, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) conducted the 1st Caraga Mango Technical Forum on August 7-8 in Butuan City.

Regional HVCDP Program Coordinator Marco Antonio C. Morido said that one of the problems confronting the mango industry is the prevalence of pests and diseases which affects the volume and quality of produce of the farmers.

The activity aims to address this situation by providing the farmers with ample knowledge on mango pest and disease management.

Resource Person Graciela L. Caballero of the Southern Philippines Agribusiness Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) said that the Philippines is the world’s seventh-leading producer of mangoes and that fresh mango makes up for 59 percent of mango products in the market.

According to Caballero, farmers’ practice is one factor that affects the volume and quality of their produce.

She also said that canopy management regulates microclimate within the canopy and removes habitat of pests and diseases.

Further, she said that canopy management is one of the most important factors in sustaining the yield and quality of fruits in mango. tAside from discussions on mango pest and disease management and insecticide and fungicide resistance management, there was also a demonstration on mango tree pruning.

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Ponciano Ramacula, the Chairman of the Caraga Mango Producers Cooperative (CARMAPCO) said they are thankful that the Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to support the mango growers in the region by providing them various interventions.

“It’s really a good thing that DA caters to the needs of the farmers like the conduct of this technical forum which we really requested for since we believe that we can learn a lot from the resource persons who are mango experts,” he said.

On the other hand, DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that there will always be pests and diseases in crops.

“They will always be around but we should not stop looking for means to counter them so that the mango industry in Caraga will not be affected but rather will continue to grow and improve,“ Monteagudo said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that in 2017, Caraga had a total production volume of 18,194.74 metric tons for mango with the bulk of it coming from the province of Agusan del Norte. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

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SSS offers loan to calamity-affected members by: Ma. Teresa Montemayor

Photo Courtesy of newsinfo.inquirer.net MANILA -Non-government employees who are active members of the state-run Social Security System (SSS) and are working or residing in areas stricken by the past typhoons and southwest monsoon can now avail of the calamity loan.

In a television interview on Monday, SSS media affairs head Ma. Louisa Sebastian said the program begins Monday and it covers only the victims of the southwest monsoon as enhanced by tropical storms “Henry”, “Inday”, and “Josie”.

assistance package,” she said.

Through the calamity loan, an SSS member can avail of PHP16,000 or three months advance pension which they can use to repair their destroyed properties particularly their homes.

SSS members who reside outside the areas declared state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council but were affected by the typhoons and southwest monsoons can avail of salary loan up to PHP32,000.

NDRRMC-declared calamity The victims of the southwest monsoon that battered Luzon and other areas in the areas were the province of Pangasinan; country during the weekend may also be Paombong, Bulacan; Calumpit, Bulacan; Marilao, Bulacan; Hagonoy, Bulacan; Licab, considered for the loan.

Nueva Ecija; Olonggapo City; Ramos, “Magpapapirma lang tayo Tarlac; Anao, Tarlac; Camaling, Tarlac; La ng approval from the social security Paz, Tarlac; Moncada, Tarlac; Masantol, commission, usually that takes, mabilis lang Pampanga; San Luis, Pampanga; Province din yun, one to two weeks lang iaanunsyo of Bataan; San Jose De Buenvista, Antique; na ng SSS na, we’re opening na (We’ll Province of Cavite; Brgy. Kalayaan, Angono, just secure signature of approval from the Rizal; Province of Occidental Mindoro; social security commission, usually that Asipulo, Ifugao; Brgy Bimpal, Lamut, Ifugao; takes, it will take one to two weeks only Brgy Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao; and Marikina then SSS will announce that we’re opening) City. (PNA) for application through the calamity loan August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Regional News DA Caraga, LGU unite to boost livestock industry This is the principle that holds government livestock expert in Caraga Region to unite and conduct “bayanihan” system in serving the livestock industry.

Dubbed as Joint Livestock Outreach services being offered.

Program held on July 23 to 27, 2018, the “I am so thankful that the government group serves the farmers in the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) particularly in the towns is bringing this kind of services of us. It is a big help for my animals as they are my partner of Cagdianao, San Jose and Dinagat. in tilling my farm planted with cassava and The group was comprised of pool of camote,” Ringga said. experts from the Department of Agriculture Veterinarian Esther Cardeño, who (DA) Caraga through its livestock section and the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic is the chief of RADDL, explained that it is Laboratory (RADDL), livestock technicians important that animals should be physically from local government units of Butuan City, checked for early detection of any disease or abnormalities.

Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and PDI. “No amount of medical treatment is as Farmers were able to access services such as heat synchronization and artificial effective as early detection. This is our first line insemination for ruminants, deworming, of defense against any diseases,” Cardeño vitamin supplementation, blood sampling said. and surra disease treatment.

The bayanihan team regularly A total of 128 farmers were served with conducts its outreach program in different their various farm animals such as cattle, municipalities in Caraga Region to cater the needs of the farmers especially in areas who carabao, horse, goat, poultry and swine. lack manpower in catering farm animals in Carlos Ringga, 57, a resident of Purok their locality. (Aurelius Arais, DA-Caraga/PIA3, Sta. Rita, Cagdianao, PDI brought his two Caraga) carabaos during the bayanihan to avail the August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

• Regional News

DSWD-Caraga starts UCT registration for Listahanan BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)Caraga, through the National Household Targeting System (NHTS), started the registration activities for the eligible Listahanan-identified beneficiaries of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program in Caraga Region.

The registration activity is a process where the UCT beneficiaries will be enrolled for cash card account opening from Land Bank of the Philippines where they will receive their cash grant, as stipulated in Republic Act 10963 otherwise known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur is still on going.

To facilitate the said activities, Policy and Plans Division Chief Jean Paul S. Parajes and Regional Field Coordinator Aldie Mae A. Andoy supervised and monitored the registration sites with the augmentation from the barangay personnel.

“We were instructed by Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim to ensure orderly conduct of this activity.

That is why prior the registration, we have coordinated with the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) who are hosting the registration sites for logistics augmentation and manpower, which In coordination with the City/ they provided,” said Parajes.

Municipal Social Welfare and Based on the guidelines, the Development Officers (C/MSWDOs), the department completed the registration UCT beneficiaries are households that of 82 barangays in Butuan City at the underwent updating and validation identified registration sites. Meanwhile, the process by the hired Listahanan UCT registration on selected municipalities in validators last April and May region-wide.

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

The data collected from the respondents were subject to Proxy Means Test (PMT) where households belonging to 1st to 7th income deciles were eligible for the program.

In preparation for the payout, the DSWD hired notifiers whose tasks are to visit the houses and inform the eligible households who are in the final list to receive UCT cash grant. The notifier will hand the Notification Form to the household and explain to them that they are qualified to receive the monthly cash grant of PhP200 in CY 2018 and PhP300 in CY 2019-2020. The households will also be given a Landbank Cash Card Enrollment Form and are required to comply the requirements such as three pieces 2×2 photo ID, photocopy of valid ID and other documents to support their identity. All forms will be submitted

• Regional News

during the registration schedule.

During the registration, the hired verifiers will check the completeness and veracity of the submitted documents. These documents will be forwarded to Land Bank to facilitate their account opening.

After which, the department together with the Land Bank, will conduct the payout which is initially scheduled in August this year.

The UCT Program is the biggest tax reform mitigation program under the TRAIN Law. It seeks to provide cash grants to poor households and individuals who may not directly benefit from the lower income tax rates but may be adversely affected by the rising prices. (Abegail R. Alvarez, DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

EURO-II Option Enhances Competition Among Oil Players

TAGUIG CITY – Department of Energy Secretary Afonso Cusi again clarified that the Department’s directive for oil companies to provide Euro-II compliant diesel fuel - is meant to provide a cheaper diesel alternative, particularly for those operating older vehicles in the public transport sector.

“The DOE is actively finding ways to help control inflation. Bringing in Euro-II compliant diesel fuel gives our countrymen an additional option. Euro-II diesel matches diesel engines without the catalytic converter. These are usually the 2015, 2014 and earlier models of vehicles,” Sec. Cusi said.

Photo Courtesy of news.mb.com.ph

To ensure proper implementation of the Energy Secretary’s directive, the DOEOil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) required all oil companies to submit their respective implementation programs by the 24th of August 2018.

In their respective implementation plans, the oil companies are expected to indicate the participating retail outlets, the date of intended implementation and other related information for the provision of an additional diesel fuel alternative.

Likewise, the DOE assured consumers In particular, the Energy Chief said that it would continue the stringent monitoring those owning older vehicle models from 2015 of the quality of fuels being sold in the country. below, particularly in the transport sector, would benefit from additional savings that the “We empower our consumers when we give them the ability to choose. We are Euro-II diesel fuel would provide. enhancing the competition among the “With rising prices, each centavo of suppliers. This is what the Euro-II diesel option is savings counts,” Sec. Cusi noted. all about,” Sec. Cusi said.

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Photo Gallery

RMN Awards Night 59th Anniversary Hotel Oazis, Butuan City 17 August 2018

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

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Provincial News

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Caraga sports officials to undergo coaching refresher course

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – As part of the preparations for the upcoming 22nd Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM), some 4,000 sports officials from 12 different schools divisions under the Department of Education (DepEd) across Caraga region are set to undergo a refresher course in coaching.

instead of arriving for the opening program to give his “Inspirational Messages and Keynote Address,” Usec.

Umali would be coming on the third and last day of the affair owing to a conflict of schedule.

With the theme “Nation-Building through Youth and Sports,” it was learned that Atty. Tonisito Umali, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships and School Sports, would be gracing the occasion.

In his behalf, Dr. Francis Cesar Bringas, the newly installed Caraga DepEd Regional Director would take his place, the DepEd chief here explained.

(Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

However, according to Dedumo, August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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Surigao del Sur

Dr. Marilou Dedumo, schools division superintendent, this province, said that Surigao del Sur would be host to the three-day event to be held at Madrid National High School Gymnasium in Madrid town here on August 1 – 3, 2018.

Provincial News DAR AgNor distributes P1.8-M worth of equipment to abaca farmers An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

By: Gil E. Miranda

meet market demands that significantly improve the lives of the agrarian reform beneficiaries and other abaca farmerworkers.

The 12 units are just initial release for the farmer-organizations that are already yielding abaca fiber, while the next units to be delivered are for those that are in the process of expanding their plantation up to 200 hectares over a five-year period.

SIUFMULCO manager Leonora Mila said they are thankful to DAR through its ConVERGE project that brings positive BUTUAN CITY -- A total of 2,172 Agrarian impact on the way of life among the Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), that included abaca famers in the cluster.

427 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) stand to Based on the original target proposal benefit from 12 units of mobile abaca stripping machines worth PhP1.8 million of project ConVERGE, a total of 27 stripping under the Project Convergence on Value machines are supposedly distributed to Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and cater to the needs of the abaca-farmers Empowerment (ConVERGE), implemented in the cluster. by the Department of Agrarian Reform Project ConVERGE has several (DAR) of Agusan del Norte. activities on the pipeline that include abaca The abaca farmers are composed production seminar, entrepreneurial skills of 21 farmer-groups involving San Isidro training, abaca planting materials and Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative production inputs, abaca-shed house, (SIUFMULCO), as the lead proponent and a 10-wheeler truck. group of 20 participating farmer-groups in The project intends to strengthen the four municipalities of Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago (TUJAKITSAN) SIUFMULCO as the lead proponent group of 20 member-organization in TUJAKITSAN cluster.

Cluster consisting Tubay, Jabonga, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Kitcharao and Santiago to better meet Program Officer II Andre B. Atega said the market demands by improving production equipment will enhance the production of high quality abaca fiber. (DAR-Agusan and quality of abaca fiber to better del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Photo Courtesy of Mindanaodailynews.com

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Provincial News AgNor prov’l gov’t honors service awardees

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By: Jessica O. Mellejor

BUTUAN CITY -- In recognition of their cooperation, support and services provided to the people of Agusan del Norte, the Provincial Government recently gave recognition to the 30 employees of the provincial capitol and hospital held at the Provincial Training Center here.

Service awardees included employees who have rendered 30, 35 and 40 years of service. Awardees who have rendered 35 to 40 years of service received PhP5,000 each and a plaque while those who have reached 30 years in service received PhP4,000 and a plaque.

For those who have served for 35 years, these included Rhoda F. Avellana of Kitcharao District Hospital; Jocelyn M. Magdaraog of the Provincial Accountant Office; Cristina R. Dacilla of PGSO; Joselito L. Cabaron of the Provincial Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office; Marilyn T. Lumontad - Provincial Agriculturist Office; Dr. Elizabeth N. Campado, Ramon V. Loja, Daisy D. Morales of PHO; and Felicidad T. Labajo of PASSO. Awardees who have served for 40 years were Marlyn C. Butal and Faith M. Dumoran of PHO; Maria Leah B. Dacera of Sangguniang Panlungsod Office; and Lolita Q. Paler of PASSO. Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. encouraged the provincial employees to provide good service and utmost dedication not only to Agusanons but to the public as well. (NCLM/LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Among the awardees who have rendered 30 years in service were Ronaldo A. Bermejo of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office; Pio C. Bagaloyos, Dioscora C. Fornolles, Olegario C. Galon, Edgar J. Decamotan, Fladelita B. Dela Pena, Emma D. Caniga, Ma. Dauden B. Ebarle, Anecito T. Gay, Luz A. Mendoza, Cecilia P. Patingan of the Provincial Health Office (PHO); Wilfreda T. Soria, Wilfreda L. Langit of the Provincial Assessors Office (PASSO); Alicia A. Baclaan of the Provincial Budget Office;

Luisito P. Azura, Daisy M. Mejia of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO); and Daisy O. Demavivas of the Provincial Social Welfare Population and Nutrition Services Office.

Provincial News DAR, LGU ink MOA for ‘LinkSFarM’ Project in AgSur An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

VERUELA, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Agusan del Sur, together with the local government unit of Veruela, and La Fortuna Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAMUPCO) - a recipient Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) Organization of LinkSFarM project, signed a two-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 2, 2018 at the KALAHI Farmers Center in Veruela, this province.

In her message, Veruela Municipal Mayor Myrna Mondejar, challenged

“I am so thankful that DAR has eyed the needs of our farmers here in Veruela, which is to find the right market for our locally-produced goods,” she said.

Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Salimar Mondejar, SB member Adelo Micutuan, Municipal Agriculturist Susan Chavez, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Leoncio Bautista Jr., Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Fe Mosquera, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Vilma Romero, Provincial LikSFarM Point Person Engr. Gudy Centina, LinkSFarM MEL2A Point Person Wiluna Orongan, PARCOMM Member Ruperto Bacudan and LAMUPCO Chairman Reynaldo Maido also attended said

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Agusan del Sur

LinkSFarM, a partnership project that links agrarian reform beneficiaries to better market connections, integrates the supply chain and utilizes the eight steps in agroenterprise clustering approach to increase the production and income of ARBs and their household through agricultural extension, marketing assistance, and capacity building.

the farmers to take care of the project because this will help them as they venture into another livelihood and generate more income as farmers.

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Provincial News

heart into it because this will bring forth better opportunities in the future,” said It was learned that before the Mondejar, as he challenged LAMUPCO. MOA signing proper, LinkSFarM Point On his response, LAMUPCO Person Engr. Gudy Centina conducted an orientation about the project and Chairperson Reynaldo Maido thanked highlighted the obligations of DAR in the DAR in helping banana farmers like them project implementation and monitoring to have a better market of their produce. as well as the part of the LGU in assigning “Salamat sa DAR sa pagsalig ug an Agro-Enterprise Facilitator (AEF) who will provide technical assistance to the tabang para kanamo nga mga mag partner ARBO/AE clusters and update to uuma sa saging (Thanks to DAR for the trust the LGU management on the progress of and the help they extended to us banana the project. Also discussed was the role of farmers),” he said. the ARB Organization or the LAMUPCO as “For years, the department had partner farmers. continuously find avenues to help our Likewise, former Mayor Salimar people. We help them engage in business Mondejar, now member of the to become self-reliant. I am hoping that the Sangguniang Bayan in Veruela promised farmers in Veruela will emulate us by taking to personally help the department in the government’s assistance seriously,” monitoring the project so that it will not go bared PARPO II Leoncio Bautista, as he ended the activity with a message. (JPG/ into waste.

Rechel D. Besonia, DAR-Agusan del Sur/ “We are so privileged to have been PIA-Agusan del Sur) given this opportunity. Together, we will not let this chance fail. We must put our activity.

Agusan del Sur

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Provincial News Surigao del Norte solon wants broadcast media to devote airtime for PSAs An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) – Surigao del Norte Second District Representative Robert Ace Barbers wants broadcast media to devote 20 minutes of regular airtime a day for Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to inform the people of social issues such as drug abuse and prevention and emergency preparedness, which directly affect everyone.

construct, install, operate and maintain television and radio broadcasting stations in the country mandate them to allow sufficient time for public service.

“The problem is the franchise given to media companies doesn’t stipulate a preset number of hours, and the truth is, these companies seldom comply with their mandate,” Barbers said.

“If done correctly, PSAs may foster an informed discourse among community members on societal problems,” he added.

Barbers said laws that grant broadcasting companies the franchise to August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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Surigao del Norte

In his House Bill 7981, Barbers said “To whom much is given, much is media should help in educating the expected,” he stressed. public on welfare rights and benefits, environmental issues, education, suicide Under the measure, a 30-second prevention, and voter and civic education. PSA shall be aired before the primetime news of all television and radio stations.

The public should also be made aware of policies and laws, road Barbers said the PSAs shall be nonand traffic rules, physical and mental commercial, non-denominational, and health, government processes, disaster non-political and may be changed every preparedness and public safety through six months to cover a wide array of social PSAs. issues. (SDR/2nd District Congressional Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte) “Public service announcements are effective ways to generate public Photo Courtesy of gmanetwork.com awareness on critical issues and in the end, promote behavioral change,” said Barbers, chair of the House of Representatives’ committee on dangerous drugs.

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ASEAN

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DFA, PCOO launch book on ASEAN achievements under PH hosting

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Friday launched a book highlighting the achievements made by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the Philippines’ chairmanship in 2017.

The coffee table book, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World: The Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN’s Golden Year”, was introduced during the 51st ASEAN Day Diplomatic Reception hosted by the DFA at the Marquis Events Place in Taguig City.

of ASEAN has shown the world what we are capable of when we work together,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Among ASEAN’s achievements under Manila’s watch as chairman are the signing of the landmark ASEAN Consensus “As President Rodrigo Duterte said on the Protection and Promotion of during his State of the Nation Address last the Rights of Migrant Workers, and the month, the 2017 Philippine chairmanship adoption of a framework for a Code of August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Conduct of Parties (COC) in the South around issues we always avoid in the past, we can say we’re moving forward since China Sea. they’re now at the front and center,” he The coffee table is a product of told reporters. collaboration between the DFA, through Among the issues on the frontline are the Office of ASEAN Affairs, and the PCOO. migration concerns and the crafting of the “I would like to extend my gratitude Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. to Secretary Martin Andanar and his team The ASEAN was established on Aug. at PCOO for making this book project possible,” Cayetano said. “PCOO has 8, 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok always been a partner of the DFA in efforts Declaration -- later on referred to as the to increase public awareness of ASEAN ASEAN Declaration -- by the five founding of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the benefits that Filipinos reap as members Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. citizens of ASEAN.” The bloc has since grown into Representing PCOO during the intergovernmental organization launch was PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine an composed of 10 countries of Southeast Marie Badoy.

Asia with several dialogue partners.

In an interview, Cayetano said the For this year’s ASEAN Day ASEAN has gone a long way since it was celebration, the DFA has adopted the established 51 years ago. theme, “Towards a Resilient and Innovative “While there are still sensitive issues ASEAN”, in support of Singapore’s 2018 to resolve, we were able to push forward chairmanship theme of “Resilience and the COC. We’ve signed documents but Innovation”. (PNA) there are still more, although these revolve

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Mindanao News Army brings warring Moro clans to settlement An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

By Edwin Fernandez

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Army “peacemakers” on Sunday succeeded in bringing together to a “table of peace” Muslim families involved in a bloody family feud following weeks of negotiations.

The warring families agreed to end their conflict by signing a peace pact in front of local leaders and military officials, led by Col. Robert Dauz, commander of the Army’s First Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB), in Buluan, Maguindanao.

Abdul, village chairman of Midconding, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao, was grateful that the Army and local officials Assemblyman Khadafe Mangudadatu, facilitated the conflict resolution. offered his home as a venue for the historic peace pact-signing ceremony.

“I could not describe my happiness today. Finally, my constituents can return to Dauz said both parties embroiled in work in the 80-hectare farmland that was the conflict -- Bong Abdul, 33, and Kindaw abandoned due to violent clashes during the Samama, 45 -- agreed to sign the peace pact past two years. We can now rebuild our lives,” in a he said, tears welling in his eyes. ceremony held at 9 a.m. at Mangudadatu’s house.

His adversary, Samama, said his signing of the peace covenant was a clear indication The families have been at odds since he will no longer involve his family in inter-clan 2015 and both sides have lost several members violence, in support of the government’s call in a series of armed confrontation. for the peaceful resolution of minor conflicts.

Dauz said the Army unit worked with “I swear to Allah that I will adhere to our local chief executives and traditional leaders agreement here. It is high time that we mend in resolving the conflict that had sparked our broken ties as members of the same armed violence in the past years. family,” said Samama, who lost a brother in the fighting last year.

“We applied the whole of government concept in addressing the issues that fueled Mangudadatu, for his part, said all the conflict among blood relatives. Both the residents must abandon the path of violence Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion and the 1st MIB to support the peace and development worked in tandem to ensure the success of agenda of the government. the negotiations on the ground,” the Army official said.

“Let us stop this senseless infighting among relatives and instead, support President August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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Mindanao News

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(Rodrigo) Duterte’s vision of achieving genuine peace and development in Mindanao,” said Mangudadatu himself was injured during a Mangudadatu who is related to both parties family feud in Buluan 30 years ago. (PNA) of the conflict.

1 million residents benefit from ARMM program

By Noel Punzalan COTABATO CITY – Some one million residents from 553 barangays across the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have benefited from projects implemented under the ARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (ARMMHELPS) program.

stations, water and sanitation projects, construction of community learning centers, support to standard madrasah development program, and delivery of basic livelihood and enterprising projects, among others.

Since 2014, the ARMM has earmarked PHP6.2 billion for the highimpact projects in its component provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur, including the cities of therein of Marawi and Lamitan.

Anwar Upahm, ARMM-HELPS program manager, said that since the regional government started implementing the program in 2014, it has so far completed 1,062 of the 1,713 infrastructure projects, including the serving of 374 of 563 targeted Upahm said the ARMM has 2, 490 cooperatives, and building of 257 of 530 barangays and that barangay projects barangay halls. beyond 2018 would eventually be handled by the Bangsamoro entity.

“Projects for 2018 are ongoing and we hope to implement all of these before ARMM-HELPS is a convergence the transition to the new Bangsamoro initiative established to achieve a more entity,” Upham said during a press coordinated and focused intervention briefing here Tuesday. at the barangay level and is regarded as the centerpiece of the regional Unfinished projects since 2014 would administration under Governor Mujiv be finished within this year, Upahm said, Hataman. adding that they are currently in their 92 percent of physical accomplishment of “Our goal is to make our the ventures. constituents in the region feel that there is a government ready to attend to their Other ARMM-HELPS projects needs anytime,” the governor said in a include the provision of essential statement. (PNA) medicine in barangays, construction of barangay birthing facilities and health August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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National News Over 16K cops promoted to higher rank

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By Benjamin Pulta

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Canadian Inquirer

MANILA -- More than 16,000 police officers promoted to a higher rank took their oath Monday at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“lateral entry” for specialized disciplines and requirements such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, chaplain and other technical positions and also the rose-fromthe-rank personnel who have reached the qualifications to be a commissioned “This system of reward and officer. punishment should give our personnel The PNP conducts regular enough motivation to perform better, and fair warning not to deviate from our sworn recruitment programs, depending on the duty as servants and protectors of the annual budget. people,” PNP chief Director General Oscar The entry level for non-commissioned Albayalde said in a press conference. officers is the rank of Police Officer 1 or “I extend the warmest congratulations PO1. of the national leadership to 16,840 Police The new recruits will undergo Public Commissioned Officers (PCO) and Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO) who Safety Basic Recruit Course for six months, were promoted to higher rank today, and a field training program for another during the simultaneous mass oath- six months. They also undergo the training taking ceremonies at the PNP National of PNP Special Counter-insurgency Unit Headquarters and Police Regional Offices Training (SCOUT) course for 45 days to 5 months. and Units nationwide,” he added.

Currently, the PNP has a force of PCOs for the Philippine National Police (PNP) are from the Philippine Military about 190,000 men and women a nd is Academy and the Philippine National projected to recruit an additional 10,000 Police Academy (PNPA) as well as through more a year. (PNA) August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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National News

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Photo Courtesy of newsinfo.inquirer.net

Over 16K cops promoted to higher rank MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has yet to validate the names which have been added to the watchlist of High Value Target (HVT) personalities involved in illegal drugs.

By Benjamin Pulta

validation by police anti-drug units, adding that the aggressive war on illegal drugs had the over all net effect of reducing incidence of others crimes in the country.

As of August 15, the PNP chief said Updating newsmen on developments a total of 4,959 HVT personalities have in the government’s Oplan Double Barrel, PNP surrendered and are now under monitoring chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said and evaluation, while 2,825 others or 28.32 the list of HVTs as of August 15, based on new percent were arrested and charged. information and continuing validation, has “Only 258 HVT personalities died in increased to 9,972 from 9,866 listed as of June police operations or 2.58 percent out of the 30.

9,972 target personalities,” he said.

“With this new working figure, we are The PNP chief said there are 654 HVT setting our sights on 1,003 High-Value Targets as subjects of police interdiction operations thru personalities who can no longer be located buy-bust operation and service of Warrants in their last known addresses and areas of of Arrest and Search Warrants,” Albayalde operation, while 322 other HVT personalities had become victims of homicide cases under noted. investigation. (PNA) He said the names will be subject to August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II, No. 71 • Caraga InFocus

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For more info. contact: Tel. No.: (085) 225-9219 / 300-0722 Cell Nos. 0908-875-9185 / 0917-580-2609 / 0925-556-2417 August 11 - 17, 2018 • Volume II,Email: No. 71 •inkboxinnovation@gmail.com Caraga InFocus

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ONE MINDANAO MOBILE APP

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EDITORIAL BOARD

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Executive Editor

ABNER M. CAGA Associate Editor

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

VANESSA P. SANCHEZ AURELIUS ARAIS ABEGAIL R. ALVAREZ GIL E. MIRANDA JESSICA O. MELLEJOR RECHEL D. BESONIA JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA EDWIN FERNANDEZ NOEL PUNZALAN BENJAMIN PULTA DA-CARAGA DSWD-CARAGA RADYO PILIPINAS TANDAG DAR-AGUSAN DEL NORTE LGU-AGUSAN DEL NORTE DAR-AGUSAN DEL SUR 2ND DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE PNA Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office 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

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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