Caraga infocus May 12 - 18, 2018

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Contents Volume II, No. 58

12 - 18 May, 2018

Claver farmers celebrate ‘KANINhawaan’ feast day ASEAN NEWS Negros enters AFC Cup ASEAN 8 finals despite Yangon’s win in Leg 2 REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga enjoins establishments 9 PSA to support labor turnover survey

MINDANAO NEWS Abu Sayyaf leader, 4 18 followers surrender in Sulu 20

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PH, Australia hold 3rd Maritime Security Activity

10 4Ps cash card pawnees, pawn-

Provincial ordinances penalizing ers up in Caraga

POPCOM to showcase RH services in townsStakeholders Forum

11 PROVINCIAL NEWS PNP starts to carry out 12 SurSur plans for May 14 polls 13

SurSur pupils receive school bags with school supplies from GMA Foundation

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71 Dinagat SPES beneficiaries receive certificate of trainings

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Agusan Norte farmers train in organic fertilizer product development

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Itik Pinas to boost poultry industry in Agusan del Sur

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AgSur women producers join “She Shines Grand Women’s Fair”

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NATIONAL NEWS winners proclaimed 20 AllsaysBSKE Comelec fasting month of 21 Muslim Ramadan begins Thursday

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News Briefs

The DTI-Dinagat Islands launched recently the SSF on Coco Sugar Production in the municipality of Loreto, Dinagat Islands. The project aims to produce coconut sugar as a healthier alternative for table/granulated sugar. The novelty product which is made from extra virgin coconut sap, is expected to attract both the health-conscious and daily consumers alike .

Fifteen (15) members of Militia Ng Bayan voluntarily surrendered to the Community Support Team (CST) of Bravo Company at Sitio San Isidro (1K) Brgy. Bunawan Brook, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur at around 10:00am. The surrender was a success through the continuous effort of the CST in the area in conducting information and dissemination on the plans and programs of the government with the collaboration of various LGUs and Local Government Agencies (LGAs). One of this is the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) that made up their minds to return to the folds of law. (Source: 75IB/ 401st Brigade, PA)

In Caraga region, maternal death has slightly decreased by 4.04 percentage points from 69.64% in 2016 to 65.6 in the following year. On the other hand, the fertility rate has slightly decreased from 3% in 2016 to 2.7% in 2017. Also, the births delivered by skilled provider increased by 16 percentage points from 63% in 2016 to 79% in the following year.

The recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2018 in Surigao del Sur was generally peaceful, and no untoward incident was recorded, according to COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor Atty Ernie Palanan. The report was also confirmed by the PNP Provincial Dir. PSSupt Francisco Dungo Jr and the Philippine Army thru 36IB headed by Lt. Col Xerxes Trinidad covering northernpart of this province and the 75IB from the southernpart of this province.

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Cover story

Claver farmers celebrate

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, A ceremonial harvest dubbed as “KANINhawaan” Feast Day of the project kaPALAYapaan of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB), Philippine Army and the THPAL Nickel Corporation was celebrated on May 12, 2018 at Sitio Capangdan, Brgy Urbiztondo, Claver town.

Following the success of the Project kaPALAYApaan in the province of Surigao del Sur, the 36IB under the 402nd Infantry Brigade has partnered with THPAL Nickel Corporation thru its Community Relations and launched the said project last November 29, 2017 at the Municipal Hall of Claver, Surigao del Norte with the motto of “I Believe.”

MAY 12 - 18, 2018

The KANINhawaan Feast Day is a farmer’s celebration of a bountiful harvest in availing the project kaPALAYapaan.

The farmers in Brgy Urbiztondo situated at the foot of the infamous “Red Mountain” were encouraged to turn their 12 years laterite-laden and abandoned farm lands into organic rice fields through the project kaPALAYapaan.

A total of 15.5 hectares were dedicated for the said project as the pilot area.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, during the celebration, said they partnered with THPAL and other stakeholders who share the common goals of serving the people to attain

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e ‘KANINhawaan’ feast day peace and development in the community. Infantry Brigade, is fully committed in this project kaPALAYapaan. This is the evolution of

He said the 36IB will always be the the role of the Army; we are now the so-called people’s committed partner to bring agent of change. Our organization is here in programs and projects to every community. order to help and extend whatever help we could offer to the LGUs with our only intent of

“A challenge was presented and having a productive and festive community we have accepted it because we strongly that will eventually uplift our lives,” Gacal said. believe in the project kaPALAYapaan. What we are witnessing now is the new roles of your The project kaPALAYapaan is a army to alleviate the plight of the farmers program for the farmer sector, which means and facilitate convergence in the delivery of “there is peace in rice farming” to address the basic services of our government,” Trinidad said. perennial problem of the farmers on “high cost, low yield” farm production.

On his part, 402nd Brigade It is a convergence of stakeholders that Commander BGen. Franco Nemesio M. aims to increase the farm production of Gacal said the province of Agusan del Norte the farmers, promotes organic farming, will also now embrace the said project. and introduces new farming techniques. (36IB, “The Philippine Army, specifically the 402nd Phil.

Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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photo gallery Philippine Red Cross - Regional Project Launching

Almont Inland Resort & Hotel, Butuan City 18 May 2018

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ASEAN

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

Negros enters AFC Cup ASEAN finals despite Yangon’s win in Leg 2

MANILA -- Ceres Negros moves on to Ott from close range, and the latter the ASEAN Zone Finals of the AFC Cup. drilled in an eighth minute goal from just the right side of the post to tie the game.

This despite Yangon United taking a 3-2 win Bienve Marañon put Negros up with his 78th in the second leg of the zonal semifinals goal from the left side, but he was later given at the Thuwanna Stadium in Yangon a red card after some taunts to a Yangon on Wednesday night (Philippine Time). defender that sparked a mini commotion.

It was a highly physical and emotional match that saw numerous players either getting yellow cards or even getting sent off, but Negros taking the two away goals it gave up in the opening leg in Bacolod last week turned out to be enough to seal a date in the next round of the playoffs.

Yangon also went down to 10 men as Ikchukwu Emmanuel apparently punched Amani Aguinaldo to the face while jocking for position in the 86th minute, four minutes after Aee Soe knotted the count at 2-all.

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Sekou Sylla drilled a penalty off a handball infraction inside the box in the 87th minute, Kosuke Yamazaki wasted no time but Yangon could not find another goal in putting Yangon on the board that could have sent the match into extra with his second minute goal. time as the referee blew the final whistle.

Negros won on aggregate, 6-5. (PNA) However, Stephan Schrock found Manny

Regional N ews

PSA Caraga enjoins establishments to support labor turnover survey By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga region is now preparing for the nationwide conduct of the 2018 Labor Turnover Survey (LTS) in the region.

With this, PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda Celeste-Apura enjoined the establishments of the region to support the conduct of the LTS which will start on May 16 to June 27, 2018.

Apura assured that data and information gathered/collected by the hired field interviewers shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10625.

She also said that the LTS is a quarterly survey conducted by the PSA that aims to generate data on labor turnover and job vacancies as useful indicators of labor demand and general business situation of the country.

This will also provide the government and the private sector with a complete picture of labor demand and job turnover as inputs to decisionmaking and policy formulation, she said.

A pilot survey for the expansion of LTS from the National Capital Region to nationwide coverage was conducted in Region III from October to December 2017.

Based on the results of the pilot survey, the expansion of LTS will be implemented in 2018 to get a more complete picture of the labor market situation in the whole country, Apura added.

The 2018 LTS was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10625. (NCLM/PSA/PIA-Caraga)

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Regional N ews

Provincial ordinances penalizing 4Ps cash card pawnees, pawners up in Caraga

By: Joana Rica Millama

BUTUAN CITY -- Due to the intensifying issue of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program partner-beneficiaries pawning their cash cards, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga lobbied to all provincial lawmakers to craft an ordinance prohibiting the illegal act and penalizing the persons involved.

This was an offshoot of the discussions done by the Caraga Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) on the said issue prevailing nationwide. The lobbying efforts were primarily initiated by the Provincial Links with the support of the Regional Program Management Office.

The use of 4Ps cash cards, identification cards, and “kasabutan” as loan collateral or pawn security has been a communication issue since 2011 – where it was magnified as a widespread failure.

To address this concern, different legislative bodies in the five provinces of Caraga, namely, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, purposely created provincial ordinances last year to penalize and sanction loan sharks, lenders, and government officials who would violate the law.

These ordinances state that “government officials and employees, private individual or groups, financial or lending institutions, and local businesses or corporations, are prohibited to accept cash cards as loan collateral,” with penal provisions having a fine of P1000 to P5000, suspension/cancellation of business permits and registrations, and a 10-day imprisonment with the discretion of MAY 12 - 18, 2018

the court. Furthermore, officials who would violate shall be filed a case under RA. 6713 or be removed from government service.

The provisions based on the National Advisory Committee (NAC) Resolution No. 20 of 4Ps, “Procedural guidelines in handling misdemeanor cases of beneficiaries,” were also reiterated in the ordinances to warn the beneficiaries of the sanctions should they continue to pawn their cards.

Violation of these will result to: First Offense – Counseling by the City/Municipal Link with a written warning from the head of the Provincial Operations Office; Second Offense – Counseling by the Provincial Link (Social Welfare Officer III) with a written warning from the Regional Director; Household grants shall be suspended/not released for one (1) payment period or two months; Third Offense – Delisting of the concerned households under Grievance Redress System (GRS) Fraud duly addressed by the Regional Director and tagging shall be facilitated by the Regional Grievance Officers; Household’s delisted status is non-appealable.

These laws have an enforcement

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Regional N ews structure called as Provincial/City/Municipal Convergence Advisory Committees headed by the City/Municipal Governor/ Mayor as chairperson and P/C/MSWDO as vice-chairperson. They shall ensure the full implementation of these ordinances.

With the ordinances being passed, DSWD Caraga expects for this illegal act to lessen this year.

Pantawid Pamilya is only one of the poverty reduction strategies of the national government implemented by the DSWD, which focuses on human capital investment through provision of health and education cash grants to eligible poor households with children 0-18 years old, with the primary aim to break the intergenerational poverty cycle. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

POPCOM to showcase RH services in towns

BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) Caraga will be leading the simultaneous activities and various reproductive health services in selected pilot areas, alongside with its local program partners.

The towns of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and Lianga, Surigao del Sur are the first two legs for the two-day POPCOM Caravan on May 21-22 and May 24-25, respectively.

POPCOM Caraga-led activity seeks to showcase health information and services for adolescents, mothers, husbands and even the elderly of these areas.

The event will start with a motorcade, to be followed by a yell competition, which is open to all constituents of the said LGUs. For the yell competition, the words, lines, and sentences of their piece should highlight the three program components of the Philippine Population Management Program of the government.

In the afternoon of the opening day, sessions per program component will take place including Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya or KATROPA sessions for husbands/fathers; responsible parenthood and family planning orientation with senior citizens; simplified Parent-Teen Communication Trail for the parents and their adolescent children – highlighting the importance of communication about adolescent sexuality in achieving happy and healthy relationships at home.

In the evening of the first day, KATROPA on Hardcourt will take place, featuring the famous basketball players of the region as advocates for male involvement on reproductive health.

On the second day, various family planning and medical services will also be provided to individuals and women who want to properly space or limit pregnancy through modern FP methods.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Bayan members, local program partners, and Punong Barangays will have an executive session to secure support, draft and sponsor policy for Population, Health and Environment (PHE) Program and Local Migration Information System.

This event is part of the continuing strategies and advocacies of POPCOMCaraga and its partners to address the key population issues in the country towards achieving its overall goal of “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Pamilyang Pilipino.” (POPCOM Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Surigao del Sur Provi ncial N ews SurSur PNP starts to carry out plans for May 14 polls

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, The Philippine National Police (PNP) here under Provincial Director (PD) PSSupt.

Francisco Dungo, Jr. has already begun to execute security measures as planned for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Monday.

Aside from having the support of Maneuver Company and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Police Provincial Office (PPO) here had likewise been recipient of augmentation force coming from the Caraga Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, the DPDA admitted.

“Troops deployment had been set to begin today,” PSupt. Joseph Boquiren, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration (DPDA) said in an interview over Radyo Pilipinas.

This time, he clarified, that their office was careful of tapping the services of “barangay tanods” as force multiplier in order to avoid being dragged into controversy referring to the nature of the upcoming polls.

“In order to maximize total strength, 70 percent of which would be sent out,” he stressed. The rest, Boquiren made clear, would remain to take care of other tasks, citing routine police duties and responsibilities.

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Meanwhile, PSupt. Boquiren noted that so far everything had remained generally peaceful and under control.

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

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Surigao del Sur Provi ncial N ews SurSur pupils receive school bags with school supplies from GMA Foundation By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, The GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKFI) has distributed 3,500 school bags with assorted school supplies as part of its project dubbed as “Unang Hakbang Sa Kinabukasan” (UHSK) to the Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils in selected communities in the municipalities of Bayabas, Cortes, Madrid, Lanuza, and Cantilan, all of this province last .

Based on the report, the beneficiaries, who received a school bag containing set of school supplies composed of five notebooks, two writing pads, two pencils, a sharpener, eraser, and a set of crayon, were all from the far-flung and underprivileged areas of the five towns of this province.

Manobo tribe member named Benny Bulando, who is a father of 10 children, of Sitio Ibuan has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the GMA Kapuso Foundation together with the Philippine Army thru the 36IB for giving them an opportunity to avail of this kind of support for the education of their children.

In a press statement released from the 36th Infantry Battalion as facilitator of the event, the project kicked off in the Municipality of Bayabas last May 8, 2018 and culminated in Cantilan town last May 12, 2018.

Bulando uttered that it served as their inspiration and hope because they felt the presence of the government and stakeholders from Manila (as he cited the GMA Kapuso Foundation) despite of the undesirable road condition going to the said village by riding a “Habal-habal”, a single motorcycle.

On May 11, 2018, the “Unang Hakbang Sa Kinabukasan” project went to Lanuza town to do the same activity. In partnership with the local government headed by Mayor Salvacion Azarcon, the activity highlighted with a Medical and Surgical Mission in Sitio Ibuan, Brgy Mampi, one of the indigenous peoples communities composed of Manobo and Mamanwa in the area.

Other services offered were giving of slippers by the Rotary Club of Central Tandag, free haircut services rendered by the 36IB, porridge feeding by APO Tandag City Alumni Association and free services of pedicure, manicure, and massage from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur Provincial Office.

Meanwhile, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad has expressed his respect and appreciation to the school supervisors and school heads for their warm welcome and accommodation during the distribution.

“The military believes that in order to address the insurgency problem, educating the youth is of great importance to help the communities uplift its environmental condition to attain peace and development in their areas,” said LTC Trinidad.

“The activity is all about instilling hope through the convergence of efforts in order to make a difference and change people’s lives,” Col. Trinidad added. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Surigao del Norte Provi ncial N ews 71 Dinagat SPES beneficiaries receive certificate of trainings

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, May 10 (PIA) -- A total of 71 student beneficiaries under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) from the province of Dinagat Islands received their certificate of completion of trainings during the culmination program conducted on May 4, 2018 at the Provincial Labor and Manpower Training Center, here.

over the certificates to the 71 students from the municipalities of Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, Basilisa, Cagdianao, San Jose and Dinagat.

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The student beneficiaries also received certificates of trainings from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Career Guidance Advocacy Program and Gender Sensitivity,

Department of Labor and Employment and Table Napkin Folding and Table Skirting (DOLE) provincial director Engr. Florante that were conducted during their period of L. Herrera and Provincial Labor and service to capacitate their skills and abilities.

Employment Manpower Office (PLEMO) (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands) Officer-in-charge Emma Y. Mausisa handed

Agusan del Norte Provi ncial N ews Agusan Norte farmers train in organic fertilizer product development

Photo Credit to DTI-Agusan del Norte

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte -Members of the Jaliobong Masipag Farmers Organization Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (JAMAFO) from Jaliobong, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte recently underwent a product development and enhancement training on organic fertilizer.

Organic fertilizer production and selling has become one of the steady income generating projects of JAMAFO, an ARB cooperative whose members are mostly vegetable and rice producers. Other than being the primary users of the fertilizer made from bio raw materials found in their farms, the coop also market their fertilizer to other farmers within the locality and to the Kitcharao Municipal Agriculturist Office.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) senior staff Jocelyn Ordonia said the training will help the coop to enhance their product and align the same to the Philippine National Standard (PNS)-BAFPS 40:2008 among organic fertilizers which accordingly is a requirement if they plan to expand their market.

Tapped as resource person was Oscar S. Tuyor, Supervising Agriculturist of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Agusan del Norte.

DTI-ADN CARP provided the following basic tools for fertilizer processing during the training that will serve as starter kit: 2 pcs. round point shovel; 1 pc. garden rake; 4 pcs. 4L plastic pail with handle; 4 pcs. plastic dipper; 2 pcs. bolo knife and jungle bolo; 5 pcs. rubber gloves, cotton with rubber; 2 pcs. rain boots, rubber black, size

6”; and 2 pcs. rain boots, rubber black, size 8”.

The initiative to assist this ARB cooperative came from the collective commitment of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), DTI, and the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAO) who earlier analyzed and discussed the needed intervention for the group which in this case is closing a perceived market gap.

The training resulted to the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office- Agusan del Norte (PARO-ADN) helping them in the establishment of their processing center thru DAR’s village-level farm-focused enterprise development (VLFED) program.

DTI-Agusan del Norte CARP pledged to do the product development activity including the packaging and labeling, while PAO-ADN provided the technical know-how in processing fertilizer based on PNS-BAFPS 40:2008 requirement.

Actions for the market expansion of the enhanced product will be a joint effort of DTI-ADN CARP and PAO-ADN. (DTIAgusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Agusan del Sur

Provi ncial N ews

Itik Pinas to boost poultry industry in Agusan del Sur

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Duck and chicken raisers are expected to experience increased income in the next few years in Agusan del Sur after the province was identified as recipient of the “Itik Pinas” project.

This was revealed by Dr. Ronnie D. Domingo, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) during the oneday advocacy seminar titled “Back to Basics – Scientific and Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Development” held recently at the Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Over 600 participants were present during the seminar who were oriented about their responsibilities and benefits of the project. They also listened to the lectures on Free Range Chicken Production by Dr. Ma. Asuncion G. Beltran (Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tarlac State University) and Duck Egg Production by Dr. Santiago.

The “Itik Pinas” project is a joint effort of BAI, National Swine Poultry Research Development Center (NSPRC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Also, as part of the repayment scheme, offspring from the dispersed animals will be rolled out to the next-in-line beneficiaries.

will of

According to Dr. Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco, center director of the International Training With this project, farmer-beneficiaries Center for Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), the number receive genetically superior breed of Itik Pinas recipients throughout the country is multiplier ducks and chicken. targeted to reach five million by the end of 2022.

Dr. Rene C. Santiago, center chief of NSPRDC explained that the breeder ducks have higher average productive period of 70 percent as compared to the old breeds which are only at 55 percent. This translates to an increase in egg production and additional income. Moreover, eggs produced in Itik Pinas weigh an average of 65 grams a piece, meeting the requirements of the ‘balut’ industry.

Aside from those mentioned above, other officials who gave their words of encouragement to the participants were Dr. Joriz G. Elevazo, Head of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Agusan del Sur; Nilo Manpatilan, IP Focal Person (ADS); Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Director of DA-RFO XIII; and Samuel L. Calonzo, OIC Center Director of ATI-Caraga. (Jason E. Jampac, ATI/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Provi ncial N ews AgSur women producers join “She Shines Grand Women’s Fair”

Agusan del Sur

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur,Gaisano Grand Market Place of this city has recently organized “She Shines: Grand Women’s Fair” to promote the products of women entrepreneurs in the province.

Bayugan, Charlott Pingol and Elphie Plaza.

The women producers were Julieta Pielago of Jaymmarrs Food Products, Bernadette Auxillian of Pidol Miki Factory, Ester Pelicano of RDP Food Products,

The fair was one of the store’s Nelfa Capangpangan of Guapz Food activities to celebrate Women’s Month. Products, Cleotilde Potencioso of Cleo’s Food Products, Rosalina Gomez of BG Food

Leizel Flores Batiao and Naome Teriote, Products, Alicia Badajos of Shalom Food key officers of Gaisano Grand Market Place- Products and Marivic Bundy of Bundy Wine.

Bayugan, partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Tablea, miki, fruit juices, banana Sur (AdS) thru Trade Promotion Officer chips, turmeric, wine, chicharon and other Corazon de la Peña and Jamaica Arenal, finger foods were the products sold in the together with the staff of Negosyo Center- fair. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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M i n danao N ews

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

Abu Sayyaf leader, 4 followers surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY — An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader and five followers separately surrendered to government authorities brought about by pressure of the continuous offensive in Sulu, a top military official said Saturday.

also on Thursday, as Ahmajir Ahmad alias Abu Darda, who turned over an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle and ammunition.

He said sacks of rice and groceries were given by Kalingalang Caluang Mayor Peping Halun and Lt. Col. Ramil Holgado, Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) commander as a support to the ASG surrenderees.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said four of the five surrenderees, including the ASG sub-leader, surrendered They also underwent initial medical on Thursday in Kalingalang Caluang. check-up and custodial debriefing at MBLT3 headquarters and were later turned over

Medina identified the four to Col. Armel Tolato, Philippine Marines as ASG sub-leader Berham Lutian Ready Force-Sulu commander in Camp alias Vietnam, Abdulsalam Ajul alias Bautista, Barangy Bus Bus, Jolo, Sulu.

Rambo, Simal Sali, and Alvin Alibasa.

The intensive efforts and dedication

They brought along with them to duty of the government troops an M-16 “Baby Armalite” rifle, an M-79 particularly the Fleet-Marine Forces in grenade launcher and ammunition. Sulu had led to the mass surrender of ASG members and recovery of several loose

Medina identified the other ASG firearms, the military official said. (PNA) member who surrendered in Maimbung, MAY 12 - 18, 2018

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M i n danao N ews

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

PH, Australia hold 3rd Maritime Security Activity

Judd Finger, Joint Task Force 629 commander.

Songano said that part of the activity is the series of maritime patrols in the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) particularly in the waters of ZAMPELAN, (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao), Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.

Songano said that various drills aboard ships will also be held to enhance the readiness of crew.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is conducting the third Combined Maritime Security Activity to enhance capability against piracy, kidnapping and terror.

The Navforwem is utilizing the following vessels in the conduct of maritime patrol: BRPCebu (PS-28); BRP-Anastacio Cacayorin (PS381); BRP-Dioscoro Papa (PC-381); BRP-Filipino Flojo (PC-386); and, BRP-Gen Mariano Alvarez.

The RAN is using the HMAS Albany and HMAS Glenelg during the conduct of

The maritime security activity kicked- third Combined Maritime Security Activity. off on Monday with the arrival ceremony of the two RAN ships, Her Majesty Australian Ship Songano said the joint cooperation and (HMAS) Albany and HMAS Glenelg, in this city. continuous conduct of such activities with other regional navies had helped the government

Before the ceremony, the Philippine in preventing and ending piracy, kidnappings Navy (PN) vessel, BRP-General Mariano Alvarez and terrorism in the maritime domain. skippered by Lt. Commander Ted Cerezo conducted a Meeting Procedure for Entering Prior to the activity, a coordinating Harbor with the RAN vessels at 3.8 nautical miles and planning conference was held by RAN Southeast off Tictabon Island, Zamboanga City. Joint Task Force 629 with the PN counterparts as preparation for the conduct of the

Col. Hernanie Songano, Navforwem third Combined Maritime Security Activity. deputy commander for Marine operations, represented Rear Adm. Rene Medina The maritime security activity is a follow up during the ceremony held at the local port. of the PN-RAN 1st Maritime Security Engagement in October last year and 2nd security

The RAN contingent is headed by Lt. Col. activity in March until April, this year.č ˝(PNA)

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National N ews

All BSKE winners proclaimed says Comelec

By Ferdinand Patiniot

MANILA -- All barangays in the country have proclaimed winners in Monday’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday.

“BSKE2018 proclamations. We are at 100 percent,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in a statement.

Over 1 million candidates participated in the village and youth polls, where they elected one each for Barangay and SK chairman and seven each for Barangay and SK kagawads.

which leads to a lot of public vigilance safeguarding the process against those who would undermine it,” he said.

“In equal measure, the excellent coordination between the Comelec and its partners, and -- as a foundational element -- the competence of Comelec officials nationwide in executing all aspects of the Commission’s plan of action for BSKE2018,” Jimenez added. (PNA)

The poll body reported that some areas in the country have proclaimed winning candidates in the polls as early as Monday evening.

Comelec acting chairman Al Parreno had said that all the polling precincts were opened which means that there was no failure of elections reported in any part of the country.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines also said that the polls were successful and peaceful.

On the other hand, Jimenez attributed the successful conduct of the polls to the vigilance of the public and also their partnership with other government agencies, such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, National Youth Commission among others.

“High

public

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awareness

--

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National N ews Muslim fasting month of Ramadan begins Thursday

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

MANILA -- Muslims worldwide will start the fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday “In the name of the Ulema sector and by the authority vested upon me as NCR Mufti, I hereby declare that we didn’t see the moon today therefore tomorrow is not the first day of Ramadan, it will begin on Thursday, 17th of May 2018,” National Capital Region Mufti Aleem Naquib Taher said during a moon-sighting event on Tuesday evening. A Mufti is an expert in Islamic laws and is empowered to issue rulings or fatwa in Arabic on matters that concern the religion.

Moon sighting is a tradition observed

by Muslims in line with the declaration of the start of Ramadan, or the ninth month of the Muslim year, wherein strict fasting is observed from predawn to dusk.

Commission on Elections chief of Judicial Records Division Dr. Saga Mabaning said that moon sighting is a significant event for Muslims nationwide as “it shows that they are one in conducting their religious rites just like the Christians who are united

Moon sighting expert Aleem in performing their religious activities.”

Abedin Basher explained that they were not able to see the first crescent Grand Mufti Al-Sheikh Abdel of the moon because of the clouds. Jabbar Macarimbor called on Muslims all over the country to be

“We were not able to see the moon, united in preparation for Ramadan. today May 15, it’s not Ramadan here in the Philippines because the sun had set at 6:17 “Let’s just be united so that the blessings p.m. and the moon had set at 6:08 p.m. We will of the Almighty will come to us especially wait until 3:00 a.m. in other places like Saudi, during the fasting season in the month Libya or west bound countries, West Africa of Ramadan...let’s not do anything Allah in case they saw the moon today we will go dislikes, let’s be careful of our actions, words with them (with their decision),” Basher said. and way of life,” Macarimbor said. (PNA)

Apart from being a traditional event,

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MAY 12 - 18, 2018

National N ews IPs to benefit from power projects hosting: DOE

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

MANILA -- The Indigenous People (IP) will benefit from the Department of Energy (DOE) power projects as host communities are entitled to get one centavo per kilowatt-hour of the total electricity sales trust fund owned by power generators and communities, the agency noted recently.

In compliance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi recently signed a policy to enforce the provision of benefits to host communities, ensuring that the IP will also get financial benefits from the energy infrastructures.

The money that host communities will get shall be used for development and livelihood fund (DLF), reforestation, watershed management, health and or environment enhancement fund (RWMHEEF), and electrification fund (EF), according to DOE.

(4) host organized ICC or IP (5 percent).

The department added that the DLF and RWMHEEF would be allocated as: (1) designated resettlement area (5 percent); (2) host barangay (20 percent); (3) host municipality (35 percent); (4) host province/s (30 percent); (5) host region/s (5 percent); and (6) host organized indigenous cultural communities (ICC) and IP (5 percent) for non-highly urbanized cities.

“The policy ensures direct benefits to the communities, cities, municipalities up to the regional level that host an energy resource or energy-generating facility,” the DOE said in a statement, adding that the policy would also boost cooperation among energy resource developers and host communities.

For the highly urbanized cities, however, the DLF and RWMHEEF will be as follows: (1) designated resettlement area (10 percent); (2) host barangay (30 percent); (3) host cities (55 percent) and MAY 12 - 18, 2018

The DOE noted that the policy recognizes the IP’s rights on their ancestral domains.

The policy, it added, would fast track provision of direct benefits to IP.

“We are committed to boost the inclusion of IP in the development of power projects and hosting power generation facility,” the DOE said. (PNA)

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

Regional Office

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

pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga

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