Caraga Infocus August 18 - 24, 2018

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • 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. 72

18 - 24 August, 2018

Regional agri achievers lauded for outstanding performance

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SSS News: SSS urges members DOE News: DOE presses standards for energy efficient to use My.SSS Beta appliances

ASEAN News: Pangasinan State University welcomes ASEAN exchange students

Regional News 8

16 chiefs of police sacked over poor performance in Caraga

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600 motorcycle riders, enthusiasts join clean riders launching

Provincial News 14

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69 Mamanua families receive houses

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NNC’s CROWN Maintenance Award includes AgSur contenders

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Geotagging aids monitoring of DAR AgSur projects

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DOLE to conduct Jobs Fair 2018 in Dinagat Islands

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DOLE-Caraga grants P1.48M livelihood assistance to Dinagat rural workers

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DTI conducts techno training on ‘ampao’ making in SurSur

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Mindanao News

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ARMM guv urges youth to have ‘voice’ in Bangsamoro political entity

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6ID chief, Army officials visit MILF camp in Maguindanao

National News 24

Bidding for 3rd telco may be held in October: DICT

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Palace to probe imported rice infested with weevils

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August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

News Briefs

• The 16th National Occupational Safety and Health Congress set on November 20-21, 2018 at the PICC will highlight discussions on strategies that OSH experts in various industries employ to combat work-related accidents and illnesses, establish the OSH culture in their respective workplace, & encourage more individuals to become champions of OSH.

• The 402nd Brigade thru the 23rd IB with the provincial government of Agusan del Norte had successfully facilitated the safe return of 54 families with 254 individuals to their homes in Sitio Tabon, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. It can be recalled that the displaced families left their community last August 1 when members of Guerilla Front Committee 4 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee threatened their peaceful lives. (Source: Cpt Al Anthony B Pueblas, CMO Officer 402Bde)

• The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Agusan del Sur Provincial Office has recently released P460,000.00 worth of ‘Negosyo sa Kariton’ (Nego Kart), including cart accessories to the 23 ambulant vendors in the municipality of San Francisco, this province. The Livelihood project given to the beneficiaries is under the DOLE-Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which aims to help the informal sector workers in the entire region to generate income through this program from the Department. The project was implemented with the collaboration of the DOLE, Philippine Employment Service Office (PESO) and the local government unit of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

• The members of the HEALS Plus Convergence convene this morning for a convergence meeting to discuss HEALS Plus Direction 2018-2019, SURNECO issues, presentation of schedule of major events of Prov’l Govt from August to December, and culture & arts implementation & MTB-MLE Sinurigaonon & Localized & Contextualized Instructional Materials (IMs).

• The City of Bislig in Surigao del Sur is a beneficiary of the Department of Information & Communications Technology (DICT) Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training (RISTT) Program wherein 25 scholars underwent a rigid selection process. They were given 12-day face to face training on web development, eCommerce, Digital Marketing and Graphic Design. (Source: LGU-Bislig City)

• The province of Dinagat Islands has been awarded for 3 consecutive years as the 1st place winner for Best DRRMC Category during the recently concluded 2018 Regional Gawad Kalasag Award held in Butuan City. Other winners are the municipality of Cagdianao-1st place winner for best MDRRMC 1st to 3rd category class; Barangay Esperanza, Municipality of Loreto -Best Barangay DRRMC rural category; and the municipality of Loreto-3rd place winner for Best Municipal MDRRMC 4th to 6th class category. (PDRRMO-Dinagat Islands) August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Cover Story

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Regional agri achievers lauded for outstanding

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga awarded recently this year’s Regional Agriculture Achievers to recognize their outstanding performance and contribution to the agriculture sector and to motivate other stakeholders to also do well.

The awarding ceremony was held during the conduct of the 4th Regional Organic Conference on August 16 in Butuan City.

For the Regional Organic Agriculture (OA) Achievers, the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) was awarded as Outstanding Province while Rico Galinato of PDI was awarded as Outstanding Provincial OA Focal Person. The Municipality of Basilisa was recognized as Outstanding Municipal Local Government Unit while Emeliza R. Ebueza of Basilisa, PDI; Emma P. Lacse of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte (SDN); and Patricinio G. Moran, Jr. of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (ADS) were recognized as Outstanding Municipal OA Focal

Person.

On the other hand, Helen I. Dumalagan of Trento, ADS was awarded as Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker while Engr. Woodrow C. Escobal, Jr. of Surigao City was recognized as Outstanding OA Small Farmer and the Agricultural Machineries Incorporated that Grows Organic (AMIGO) was awarded the Outstanding OA Small Farmer for the Group Category. The Outstanding OA Farming Family Award was given to Mr. and Mrs. Bertuldo Mejeno of Basilisa, PDI.

The 2018 Rice Achievers’ Awardees included the Municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte (ADN) as Outstanding Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and Dr. Raul M. Del Agua as Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist. The Agricultural Extension Workers Awardees include Jocelyn T. Paloma of Kitcharao, ADN; Basilisa C. Huera of Buenavista, ADN; Aimee

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Photos Credit to DXBN 792am

g performance

C. Campanilla of Trento, Agusan del Sur; Engr. Myla M. Blanco of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, SDS; and Agnes C. Alcazar, Thelma A. Burgos, Nestor J. Fuentes, Yazmin A. Aparicio, Merilyn M. Laurenciana, Joan B. Dela Torre, and Segundina O. Ayag, all of Butuan City.

Also awarded were Outstanding Local Farmer Technicians Merly A. Perez of Loreto, ADS and Noel A. Loquinte of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Meanwhile, this year’s roster of Regional Gawad Saka Awardees included Reymund C. Ballena of Surigao City as Outstanding Young Farmer; Outstanding Integrated Rice Farmer Raul P. Basmayor of Mainit, SDN; Outstanding Small Animal Raiser Marvin P. Jinayon of Trento, ADS; Outstanding Corn Farmer Renato M. Frias of Trento, ADS; Outstanding Agri-Entrepreneur Irenea R. Hitgano of JANICAHH Food Products from Trento, Agusan del Sur; and Outstanding Coconut Farmer Narciso Moresca of Barobo, Surigao

del Sur.

Another awardee was Lilibeth S. Arce of Surigao City who was recognized as the year’s Outstanding Rural Woman.

The individual awardees received plaques/certificates of recognition as well as cash prizes while the LGU awardees received plaques of recognition and agricultural projects.

DA-Caraga Field Operations Chief Rebecca R. Atega lauded the awardees for bringing honor to the region and for setting a good example to other stakeholders.

“Your exemplary performance has contributed a lot to all that the agriculture industry in the region has accomplished. May you continue to serve our country well,” she said. (DACaraga/PIA-Caraga)

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

SSS urges members to use My.SSS Beta

QUEZON CITY -- The Social Security System (SSS) has launched an updated version of its My.SSS portal, allowing individual members to access their social security (SS) information anytime, anywhere.

likewise, prides iconized menu and better aesthetics compared to the old version.

SSS self-employed, voluntary and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) members may also get their Payment Reference Number (PRN) to pay for their monthly contributions using their online account thru the enhanced My.SSS Beta portal.

The My.SSS Beta portal prides itself as a browser-independent site wherein members may access their SS information using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera Mini, Internet Explorer version 11 or up and Through My.SSS Beta portal, members other web browsers. may access their SS information using a computer, tablet or mobile phone My.SSS Beta is also made mobile-friendly, connected to the Internet. They can thus, allowing individual members to browse and update their information view their SS online account using their and check and print their records. (SSS) hand-held devices. The My.SSS Beta, August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Regional News

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

16 chiefs of police sacked over poor performance in Caraga

Photo Credit to Caraga News Courier

BUTUAN CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director PCSupt Noli A Romana ordered the immediate relief of 16 chiefs of police in the region from their respective posts over their poor performance in the government’s antiillegal drug campaign.

Cagwait and Madrid of Surigao del Sur.

PCSupt.

Romana ratified the recommendation of the Oversight Committee on Illegal Drugs on the fast relief of the 16 Municipal Chiefs of Police (COP) who either had “no or low accomplishment” in the anti-illegal drug campaign in their area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Director of Dinagat Islands Provincial Police Office already relieved five Chiefs of Police from their post.

The oversight committee headed by PSSupt. Jimili L Macaraeg, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Operations, decided to recommend to get rid of the police heads of the Municipal Police Station (MPS) of Santiago, Las Nieves, Kitcharao, and Magallanes of Agusan del Norte; Taganaan, Bacuag and San Francisco of Surigao del Norte; and Cantilan, Marihatag,

“The COPs failed to meet the requirements presented by the oversight committee on the number of accomplishment in their anti-illegal drugs operation,” PCSupt. Romana pointed out.

Other low performers were warned to intensify their operations, otherwise will also be relieved of their posts.

“All Chiefs of Police in our region are reminded to maximize their efforts on anticriminality operations especially on illegal drugs or they will face the same fate if they fail to meet the requirements set by the oversight committee,” Romana warned.

(PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

600 motorcycle riders, enthusiasts join clean riders launching

BUTUAN CITY -- More than 600 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts participated in the launching of Philippine National Police’s (PNP) newest campaign plan “Clean Rider”at Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, Saturday, which aims to curb crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects

“This is a serious move by the PNP that aims mainly to underscore the total elimination of crimes committed by these motorcycle-riding suspects, eradicate road unworthy motorcycles, impound stolen motorcycles, and ensure the safety and security of the law-abiding motorcycle riders,” said Police Chief Superintendent Noli A. Romana PRO13 Regional Director.

Office 13, media personalities and other PNP personnel of PRO13.

A promotional video was presented that followed a signing of the Pledge of Commitment to encouraged riders to obtain a clean rider sticker by applying for one at the police stations in their localities.

Motorcycle-riders will only need to submit the official receipt and certificate of registration of his motorcycle, his driver’s license and other valid identification cards. Once a rider and a vehicle pass inspection, they would be given a sticker with security features.

PCSupt. Romana reminded that the

Also present during the launching clean rider sticker and serial number are were ranking police officials of PRO13 non-transferrable. led by Acting Deputy Regional Director for Operations PSSupt. Jimili L Macaraeg, He also reminded the motorists to who delivered the message of the immediately report to the nearest police regional director to 20 motorcycle clubs station if they lose their clean rider sticker or and enthusiasts, regional staff, Regional serial number. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) Highway Patrol Group, Crime Laboratory August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

DOE presses standards for energy efficient appliances MAKATI CITY -- The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the European Union Access to Sustainable Energy Program (EU-ASEP) conducted the forum on “Directing the Compliance with the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program (PESLP)”, for the final presentation of the Implementing Guidelines of Department Circular (DC) No. DC2016-04-0005 on 24 August at the Makati Diamond Residences.

The draft DC entitled, “Declaring the Compliance of Importers, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers of Electrical Appliances and other Energy-Consuming Products with the PESLP as a Policy of the Government”, was presented to ensure that said items being sold in the market adhere to Philippine minimum energy performance standards.

“The PESLP is vital to the DOE’s E-Power Mo! Movement as it provides consumers with the energy ability to make informed choices. Proper labeling of appliances will bring greater understanding of power consumption, thereby encouraging people to adopt more energy-efficient lifestyles,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

retailers from the private sector, as well as members of the academe. An overview of the PESLP was presented, followed by two breakout sessions on Lighting and AirConditioning.

Prior to the event, the DOE conducted public consultations nationwide from March to December 2017 to come up with the Implementing Guidelines.

The event was made possible through the technical support of the energy efficiency experts of the EU-ASEP led by Programme Manager Willy Hick alongside the Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services of the DOE.

“It is important for consumers to

A total of 131 participants attended be made aware of the products and the forum, which included representatives appliances that bring more value for their from the Department of Trade and money,” Cusi concluded. (DOE) Industry, appliance manufacturers and August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Photo Gallery

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Regional Development Council-Regional Gender & Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) 7th General Assembly Signing of Partnership Agreement with Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Hotel Oazis, Butuan City 23 August 2018

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

69 Mamanua families receive houses

JABONGA, Agusan del Norte -- Sixty-nine families of the Mamanua Tribe in this town finally received their own houses under the Jabonga Mamanua Tribal Village Project of the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Local Government Unit (LGU).

Jabonga Mayor Jasmin F. Monton, in her message during the turnover ceremony on June 30, said that although the journey took longer - more than five years, she was happy that the project has finally materialized and will now be enjoyed by the Mamanuas.

Monton also said the NHA provided PhP10 million and about PhP5 million from the LGU for the said project.

Although the village is a recipient of a royalty share from the operations of a nearby mine - the Agatha Mining Ventures, Inc., the LGU of Jabonga has seen the need for the tribe to be given assistance and guidance in terms of sustainable livelihood and source of income.

Currently the families’ means of living are either farming, fishing and working in the mine.

In the pre-program huddle with Mayor Monton, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte OICprovincial director Brenda B. Corvera, Negosyo Center (NC) Jabonga project

staff Mikie D. Villanueva and Evelyn P. Mordeno discussed about doing needs assessment first with a profiling of their skills and interest as a first step.

Agatha Mining representative Jecil Lad also expressed interest to help.

NC Jabonga will also be working closely with personnel from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Elsie Namuag who is assigned in the area and the tribe’s leader Datu Rogelio “Baludoy” Bebe.

In the same activity, both LGU Jabonga and the Mamanua tribe recognized the pioneering efforts of Engr.

Carlito Oraiz of Orgon Wood Industries in helping the tribe through their religious’ outreach programs.

Also present during the ceremony were representatives from the NHA, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other LGU functionaries.

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

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

NNC’s CROWN Maintenance Award includes AgSur contenders by: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY(PIA) – The municipality of San Francisco and the city of Bayugan, both in the province of Agusan del Sur are among the contenders of the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award of the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

The First Year CROWN Maintenance Award is presented to local government units (LGUs) that are able to meet the minimum required score of 90 points for efficient and effective nutrition program management leading to sustained nutrition improvement among its populace.

The National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony is an annual event that the NNC spearheads to recognize outstanding LGUs and nutrition volunteer workers called Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) with effective and efficient implementation of nutrition programs resulting to improved nutrition situation especially among infants and young children. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Mayor Jenny De Asis of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and Mayor Kim Lope Asis of Bayugan City will be attending the National Nutrition Award as the contenders from Caraga region for the First Year CROWN Maintenance Award category.

The awarding ceremony is slated on July 31, 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Other contenders of the said award include the municipality of Kalayaan, Laguna led by Mayor Teodoro A. Adao Jr.; municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro led by Mayor Jackson C. Dy; municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon led by Mayor Clive D. Quiño; and City of Tagum, Davao del Norte led by Mayor Allan L. Rellon.

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Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Geotagging aids monitoring of DAR AgSur projects different Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Sur has institutionalized a sustainability mechanism on operations and maintenance (O&M) of completed physical infrastructure sub-projects through an Applied Geotagging Training on August 14 to 16, 2018 at Mabe’s Savory Place, this province.

The three-day training started with a discussion and overview of applied geotagging technology in project monitoring, setting up the geotagging device and website application database.

The activity was participated in by municipal coordinators whose task is to conduct sustainable monitoring and evaluation of these projects and provide proper recommendations to local government units (LGUs) and people’s The second day focused on actual organizations (POs) in their respective area field work for sample data gathering, of coordination. processing of actual projects, data uploading and information management,

“This initiative was part of the directives data banking and archiving and creating during the national assessment which is to the geotagging website, while the last day conduct a regular sustainability monitoring wasthe presentation of outputs per group. for completed physical infrastructure subprojects under completed and on-going Geotagging is the addition of FAPs,” Provincial Agrarian Reform Program geographical information, usually in the Officer II Leoncio C. Bautista said. form of latitude and longitude coordinates through web sites, images, videos,

“This was given emphasis to avoid smartphone transmissions, and various any reversion of grants extended by other data types and sources. the DAR to the LGUs into loans in cases where completed physical infrastructure In DAR, this will help preserve sub project are not maintained,” added and restore the system of completed Bautista. subprojects to the designed or accepted configurations in order to offset the

Senior Economic Development effects of weather, organic growth, traffic Specialist of the National Economic and wear, damage or vandalism and to Development Authority (NEDA) Engr. preclude deterioration of structures and Mitchell C. Castillon and ARPO II of DAR appurtenant facilities over time. (Rechel D. Regional Office Engr. Evangeline G. Besonia, DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan Hanginan served as the resource speakers. del Sur) August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Surigao del Norte

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

DOLE to conduct Jobs Fair 2018 in Dinagat Islands

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is set to conduct a jobs fair in the identified municipalities of the province in September this year.

the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Dinagat Islands Chapter.

The jobs fair offers various services and job opportunities in which there are 15,227 job vacancies to be availed of for local and international placement, scholarship for children of OFW, preemployment orientation, one-stop-shop postal I.D. services and other government services.

The event will commence in the municipality of Loreto on September 6 to be held at the Loreto Municipal Gym, September 7 in the municipality of Libjo, September 20 at the Basilisa Municipal Gym in Basilisa, and September 21 at the Cagdianao Sports Center, Cagdianao The DOLE said this will be a great town. opportunity for the job seekers, especially to those Dinagatnons who live in hinterland

This is the first time that it will be with no permanent job, to get employed. conducted in the identified municipalities (DOLE-PDI/PIA-Dinagat Islands) through the effort and sponsorship of August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Surigao del Norte

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

DOLE-Caraga grants P1.48M livelihood assistance to Dinagat rural workers

SURIGAO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment - Province of Dinagat Islands (DOLE-PDI), in partnership with the local government units of Basilisa and Tubajon, handed over PhP1.48 million worth of check to 90 beneficiaries of livelihood assistance on July 2 to 3, 2018 at the Municipal Gymnasium of Tag-abaca and Sto. Niño in Basilisa and Sitio Babangnan in Tubajon, province of Dinagat Islands.

Provincial program focal person Arnaldo A. Anito reoriented the program beneficiaries on the guidelines of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to remind them of their responsibilities in sustaining the livelihood program.

Tag-abaca Farmers Association with 30 beneficiaries for their post-harvest facilities and rental services; Sto. Niño Integrated United People Association with 36 beneficiaries for motor spare parts trading and repair shop amounting to PhP445,000 and PhP332,500, respectively; and Grupo ng mga Mangingisda sa Sitio Babangnan for fishing pump boats with net for Balo Fishing in the amount of PhP708,040 with 24 total beneficiaries.

The DILP aims to promote poverty reduction and provide protection to vulnerable and marginalized workers.

It fosters their capacity to attain a more productive and satisfying life and promotes

Anito turned over three checks to entrepreneurship through small incomethe registered Rural Workers Associations generating projects. (VLG/DOLE-Caraga) in the Municipality of Basilisa, namely August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Surigao del Sur

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

DTI conducts techno training on ‘ampao’ making in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur- The Surigao del Sur Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), under its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), conducted a technotraining on “ampao” (puffed rice) making to 21 members of Bayogo Agro-Forestry Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAFMPC) in Bayogo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur on August 16, 2018.

Florida O. Madrona, a selfproclaimed pop rice queen from Tago, trained the participants on the intricacies of ampao making. Hers is an heirloom recipe whose production process is totally different from those Do-It-Yourself pop/ puffed rice videos one finds on the net.

Her brand of ampao-making maybe a bit tedious because it involves cooking rice, sun drying, frying and popping, soaking it in sugar syrup, letting it cool on a flat bed before slicing and packing; but it has a distinct flavor that makes one reach for more.

All five men and 16 women members of BAFMPC, an agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO), had it easy as Madrona is a born comic who did an actual demo and allowed them to do hands-on. Later, during the food-tasting, participants agreed that it was one yummy ampao they made.

Joselito B. Paler, CARP senior staff of DTI-SdS, did a lecture on costing and pricing as part of the training. To ensure that participants can “monetize” immediately their newly-acquired skills, DTI-CARP gave a starter package that included one sack of rice, 24 kilos brown sugar, 18 kilos cooking oil, one kilo calamansi, one mesh oil strainer, mold, and one wooden ladle.

Being part of Basak ARC in Madrid, Surigao del Sur, BAFMPC is all set to to become a more viable economic enterprise. As they say: once you pop, you can’t stop! (Romel Oribe/DTI/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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ASEAN News

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

Pangasinan State University welcomes ASEAN exchange students

By Liwayway Yparraguirre

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -Sixty-seven students from different universities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have arrived in the province for the 28-day practice teaching and internship program in the campuses of the Pangasinan State University (PSU).

PSU Director for International Affairs Sally Jarin said the 67 visitors are Education students from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Jarin said the students are here for a 28-day practice teaching and internship program under the SEA (Southeast Asian) Teacher Project.

“Afterwards, they sat down and observed the proceedings at the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr.,” Jarin said.

“This is under the exchange student program.

We are under the linkages of the Southeast She noted that it is PSU’s second time to Asian Ministry of Education,” she said in an assist foreign students for the SEA Polytechnic interview Monday.

Networking, the entire internship program, and their third time for the SEA Teacher Program, The foreign students would be assigned to the which started in 2017.

PSU campuses in Bayambang, Urdaneta City, Lingayen, San Carlos City, and Sta. Maria, Under the same program, PSU also sends Jarin said. selected Education students to counterpart ASEAN universities.

She disclosed that the foreign students arrived in the country on Sunday and started their “We received good feedback about our initial familiarity tour on Monday, through students, among which is that they are a visit to the Provincial Capitol, where they advanced in speaking English compared with were received by the Governor’s Office, Indonesian, Malaysians, Thais, and Vietnamese represented by Provincial Administrator students. Our students are performing very Nimrod Camba, Executive Assistant Ramon well. Some of them are already employed in Morden, and Provincial Board Member other countries,” Jarin said.

Jeremy Agerico Rosario, who is chairperson of Pangasinan’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan Aside from the education and cultural Committee on Education. exposure in the province, Jarin said the foreign students will also have the chance Jarin said some of the students presented to visit famous tourist spots in Pangasinan like to the provincial officials souvenirs from their the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos respective universities.

City. (PNA)

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Mindanao News

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ARMM guv urges youth to have ‘voice’ in Bangsamoro political entity

By Noel Punzalan

“With recent major developments such as the Marawi siege, the youth’s participation has become instrumental in solving conflicts,” Pabil said.

He noted that the role of religious leaders is pivotal in preventing violent extremism, saying “religion was used in justifying the problem to some extent, so it is also important to note that religious leaders can also help in addressing the problem.”

COTABATO CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor (ARMM) Mujiv Hataman has urged the youth to create a political party to have a “voice” in the upcoming Bangsamoro political entity.

“You have the right number as most of the ARMM voters are young. Create a party to act as the voice of the youth sector in the upcoming Bangsamoro parliament,” Hataman told some 200 participants during Wednesday’s culmination of the Bangsamoro Young Leaders Assembly in the light of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and movement on federalism at Shariff Kabunsuan Complex here.

“Young Ulama (Islamic scholars) and professionals also gathered for this two-day event to talk about pressing issues. Not only countering violent extremism but to dwell on issues like BOL and the talks on federalism,” he added.

Resource speakers included chairperson Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s implementing panel, lawyer Randolph Parcasio of the Charter change consultative committee and Dr. Susana Anayatin of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, who talked about the newly-signed BOL and federalism.

Pabil said inputs from the assembly would be discussed by provincial youth leaders with counterparts from their respective areas for OBYA to come out with a common stand on current issues being faced by the region.

The August 14-15 conference was organized by the region’s Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA), with participants coming from the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur. “We think that the youth has a different perspective on these issues. That’s why we Event co-organizers included the Office of provided them a space to discuss and create Regional Governor, Department of the Interior a network,” he said. and Local Government-ARMM, Regional Darul Ifta, and ARMM Development Academy.

Pabil said the youth leaders themselves could create a network of activities and workshops During the event, Nizam Pabil, OBYA executive for OBYA to come up with an action plan director, emphasized the importance of the with sustainable effect on the region’s youth youth’s voice in addressing current social sector. (PNA) issues.

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Mindanao News

An Electronic News Magazine Of PIA Caraga

6ID chief, Army officials visit MILF camp in Maguindanao

By Edwin Fernandez

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Armed with the desire to strengthen peace in Mindanao, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), visited the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) main base in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Sunday.

guests.

“We are embracing you in this camp with a sincere and a clean heart with a common goal,” the MILF chief added.

Sobejana told Murad and other MILF leaders that his coming over was an opportunity “to listen to your future programs and activities as part as the approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th ID, said Sobejana, accompanied by brigade and battalion commanders, had the chance to touch base in the historical place of the MILF’s Camp Darapanan as a sign of commitment to the pursuit of “We have a similar objective, which is peace and development. peace and progress for our people,” Sobejana, who earned the moniker Encinas said Sobejana, who also heads among Mindanaons as “Army peace the Task Force Central, and his staff visited builder”, said. the camp to build trust and confidence between the military and the MILF central “In war, we cannot get enough, but committee, chaired by Al Haj Murad in talking, we can get more than we Ebrahim. expect. We are here in full support and “We did not carry our guns inside the hall, cooperation with all your noble intention our armed escorts stayed outside the and undertakings,” he added. camp,” Encinas said, adding no armored personnel carrier or military hardware The Army and the MILF did not disclose accompanied the Army general. what was formally forged during the twohour meeting. (PNA) “It was historical and unprecedented since it was the first time that the 6th ID top brass visited Camp Darapanan in full force,” Encinas said.

Murad assured the officials that inside the camp, all their visitors are safe whether military, police, government officials or diplomats.

“When you are in Camp Darapanan, feel free. You are safe, and secured and feel like at home,” Murad told his special August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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Bidding for 3rd telco may be held in October: DICT

By Aerol John Pateña

good services? Those that did their homework and expressed their interest first are more serious than those who came lately,” he said in a mixture of English and Tagalog.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has set a timeline on the bidding process to start one to two months within publication of the final memorandum circular on the new major telco player.

MANILA -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) may conduct the bidding for the new major player in the telco industry as early as October this year.

Rio likewise said that the DICT will be adopting the inputs of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) on the guidelines in order to hasten the selection process for the third telco player.

This as the department is committed to comply with its target to select the third telco player by yearend.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said some companies that have expressed to participate in the selection process have expressed their preference that the bidding must be held in October.

The PCC has proposed that the new major player should not be a related party to any dominant telcos in the industry.

“Some of those who participated are asking for 6 months for the bidding to start. Others prefer that the bidding to start in October are the ones who did their homework before and they conducted their due diligence,” Rio said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of its public hearing on the draft terms of reference on the entry of the third telco player held Thursday in Quezon City.

Furthermore, a participant that fails to use any radio frequency spectrums assigned to it beyond the timeframe of their rollout plans shall return these to the government.

The participant must return their assigned frequencies to the NTC in the event that it becomes a related party to PLDT and Globe.

The DICT aims to select a telco firm that can deliver the highest quality of service at affordable costs to consumers to compete with the existing duopoly.

According to its guidelines, a bidder should have a paid-up capital of at least PHP10 billion

“We will assess if there are enough and must have an experience in the delivery participants and the quality of telcos that and operations of telco services for the last 10 may qualify. If there is someone that has the years nationwide. capability to compete with Globe and Smart why not go ahead? Why do we have to delay A participant must offer at least a just to wait for others that maybe offering also coverage of at least 50 percent of the August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • Caraga InFocus

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national population, average broadband TransPacific Broadband Group International speed of 5 megabits per second annual Inc. and Easy Call Communications Philippines. capital expenditure of PHP40 billion over a 5 year commitment period.

Some of the foreign investors that expressed interest are China Telecom, Surya

Among the companies that Telecom of India, LG Uplus Corp. of South expressed to bid as a third telco player are Korea, KDDI Corporation of Japan and Viettel Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Co., Group of Vietnam. (PNA) Now Corporation, Converge ICT Solutions,

Palace to probe imported rice infested with weevils

By Jelly Musico

Photo Credit to foodevolution.ph

MANILA – Malacañang is still waiting for explanation why the 133,000 sacks of rice imported from Thailand have been infested with rice weevils, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.

“At sa ngayon po ay naghihintay po tayo ng mga kasagutan kung bakit nangyari ito (As of now, we’re waiting for answer why it happened,” Roque said in a radio interview.

Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte knew already what happened to the imported rice which arrived in Subic Bay on August 2.

He said the rice could have been delivered to the market if not of the pests that affected the thousands of sacks of rice inside the ships.

“Hindi po talaga dapat mangyari ito dahil taumbayan po ang nagbayad sa mga inangkat nating bigas na ito na hindi nakakarating sa atin(This should not have really happened because the people paid for this imported rice that did not reach us),” he said.

Meanwhile, Roque said the government will continue to push for the rice tariffication measure to eliminate monopoly in the rice importation.

“Inaasahan natin na kapag mas marami na ang supply (We expect that when there are many supplies, pursuant to the law of supply and demand, ay bababa ang mga halaga (the prices will lower),” Roque said in Palace press briefing on Thursday.

Duterte recently certified as urgent the rice tariffication bill which aims to liberalize the rice imports.

Meanwhile, Roque said the rice shortage being experienced in Zamboanga is now being addressed by the NFA.

Roque assured that the Palace will look into the matter since the National Food Authority (NFA) remains under the Office of “We have announced, NFA has the President (OP) supervision. announced that there will be Bigasang Bayan to be opened in Zamboanga and that of

The rice weevil is a stored product pest course intended to increase the supply of rice which attacks several crops, including wheat, in Zamboanga and to lower the price of rice rice, and corn. there. So the solution really is to bring in more supply into Zamboanga City,” he said. (PNA) August 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, No. 72 • 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 18 - 24, 2018 • Volume II, Email: No. 72 •inkboxinnovation@gmail.com Caraga InFocus

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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 Layout Artists

JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE RONNIE E. MADANGUIT Copy Editor

VENUS LIM GARCIA NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

RECHEL D. BESONIA ROMEL ORIBE LIWAYWAY IPARRAGUERRE NOEL PUNZALAN EDWIN FERNANDEZ AEROL JOHN PATEÑA JELLY MUSICO DA CARAGA SSS DOE DAR AGUSAN DEL SUR DOLE DINAGAT DOLE CARAGA DTI PNA Contributors 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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