Caraga InFocus –December 9-15, 2017

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09 - 15 December 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

ASEAN NEWS

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PCOO donates ASEAN photo exhibit to Benguet Ibaloy group YSEALI members hold ASEAN-wide week of community service campaign

CONTENTS

Farmer-cooperators in Caraga demo S&T-based technologies for Cardaba

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Volume 1, No. 89

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PRO-13 starts screening of promotable personnel Financial literacy training given to 83 displaced Caraganon OFWs POPCOM, DOH enlist ex-drug users in KATROPA

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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AgSur KMME Batch 2 mentees complete 10 modules on entrep, biz law Mahigit 600 school managers nakilahok sa leadership enhancement sessions sa Caraga Region Abstract paper for AsiaSense 2018 accepted until Dec. 11 SSS undistributed collections drop to P817M SurSur receives disaster preparedness kits, library resource materials Weaving the tapestry of success

HEALTH NEWS

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Variety of foods for a healthy life

MINDANAO NEWS

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Recognizing civilian responders in the Marawi Siege Moving on with life after tragedy

NATIONAL NEWS

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Pres. Duterte: I’ll do everything to protect the next generation U.S. Government provides 1.1 million books to public schools

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News Briefs

MalacaĂąang suspends government work on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018.

Suspension of work in private companies on said dates is left to discretion of respective management.

The Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Surigao Norte conducted a dialogue for DAR-IFAD Project ConVERGE between IFAD Support Mission and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations of CLAGIBAPLA arc cluster

Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) and concurrently the Martial Law Chief Implementor in Eastern Mindanao, acknowledges the grant of the extension of Martial Law (ML) - as requested by the President - as a show of trust and confidence not only by the Congress but also the different Local Government Units supporting it.

Chief Supt Noli Romana, PNP Caraga regional director, urges every indigenous people/Lumad to withstand against the deceptions of the CNN (CppNPA-NDF) and report their presence to the nearest police and army unit.

Cover Story

Farmer-cooperators in Carag technologies for Cardaba

BUTUAN CITY – With heads tilted and mouths agape at the abundance of banana bunches ready for harvest, visitors wandered the demo farms of the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)-funded project “Adoption of Science and Technology (S&T)-based Integrated Crop Management and Good Agricultural Practices for Cardaba Banana in Caraga Region.”

“The technology works!,” exclaimed Demetrio E. Tabelon, farmercooperator and barangay captain of Barangay Tiniwisan. He, along with Julius S. Legaspo and Severino Garrido, partnered with the Caraga State University (CSU) under the leadership of Dr. Rowena Valera and PCAARRD’s Crop Research Division to showcase

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the technology for producing Cardaba banana.

Cardaba is grown in smallhold farms in Mindanao and is sold primarily to banana chip processors. Mindanao’s existing banana chip factories require raw material from at least 30,000 hectares annually (GEM, 2007). With the 09 - 15 December, 2017

ga demo S&T-based prevalence of smallholds averaging one hectare or less, raw material production can potentially provide income for 30,000/50,000 banana farmers from all over Mindanao.

The Celebes Agricultural Corporation produces 90 containers of banana chips every month and is one of the country’s largest export-oriented enterprises dealing with coconut products and banana chips. Every day, its Butuan City plant alone requires 40 metric tons. Only 20% is currently supplied by growers in the city and the and development institutions. These technologies cover practices for crop immediate vicinity. production and disease management.

This demand alone justifies the Crop management measures include intensification of Cardaba production clean culture and disease management to supply the required volume. With include measures to prevent the bugtok its wide areas suitable for production disease – a common problem in small and its favorable climate, the Caraga hold Cardaba farms in the area. region has a vast potential to produce

The field day was held in the required volume of the banana. cooperation with the Caraga for Agriculture and

To move beyond smallhold Consortium farm practices and ensure the Resources Research and Development. productivity of the plantations, S&T- It was likewise highlighted by a training/ based interventions were introduced seminar on Cardaba banana and the through demonstration farms. The sharing of experiences by the farmerbasic technologies include planting cooperators of the program – Tabelon tissue-cultured Cardaba plantlets and and Legaspo, for the package of on production and the technology package developed technology by the University of the Philippines (UP) plantation establishment, and Garrido Los Baños, Bureau of Plant Industry for rehabilitation of old plantations.

(BPI) in Davao City, and other research (DOST-PCAARRD/PIA-Caraga) 09 - 15 December, 2017

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PCOO donates ASEAN photo exhibit to Benguet Ibaloy group

BAGUIO CITY - The Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) donated a set of photo exhibit of the Ibaloy culture that is part of efforts to promote the beauty of the diversity in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) region especially with the Philippines as chair of the 2017 ASEAN.

PCOO - Bureau of Communication Services (BCS) Special Operations Division Chief Darius Josue and Philippine Information Agency – Cordillera Regional Director Helen Tibaldo led the turnover of the photo exhibit dubbed as “Habi: Continuing the Thread of ASEAN Culture” to the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association at the Avong in Burnham Park last week.

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Launched at the Baguio Museum in September, the exhibit shows photos of the Ibaloy tribe of Benguet in their native attire doing their daily routine and observing their cultural practices mixed with photos of the woven fabric of the 10 ASEAN member states.

Josue said they wanted to bring back the traditions of the Ibaloys that

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their forefathers tried to instill and share them with the millennials or the new generation and that they will also be proud of their culture, color and race.

The photo exhibit had been featured in the different areas in Baguio City and Benguet. From the Baguio Museum, it was moved to the Benguet State University, University of Philippines Baguio and at the Benguet Provincial

In the message of PCOO Capitol in time for the 117th Benguet Undersecretary George Apacible read Foundation Anniversary and the Adivay

by Tibaldo, he said that the photo exhibit Festival 2017. was donated to the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association to be used in promoting the Onjon ni Ivadoy President Errol rich culture and tradition of the Ibaloy Tagle acknowledged the PCOO for people and the indigenous peoples of selecting and showcasing the culture the Philippines. and tradition of the Ibaloy people of Benguet. He thanked the PCOO and its

Apacible said the “beauty of the officials for the donation of the photos diversity in the ASEAN region is that it is to their association. hanging on thread of culture that our ancestors embroidered for all of us to He said that the photos will be cherish until this moment.” He said the featured in the different activities of interlinked connection between the the Onjon ni Ivadoy and will be the ASEAN citizens is not just on the location centerpiece of the Ivadoy Festival in but also in many other ways such as February next year. (JDP/ RMC- PIA physical features.

CAR)

YSEALI members hold ASEAN-wide week of community service campaign By: Graciela Mante

BUTUAN CITY – To celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), a series of more than 150 youth-led activities were conducted from December 1-10 across Southeast Asia in a community service campaign called YSEALI YOUnified.

Launched in December 2013, the YSEALI is the United States government’s premiere program to strengthen youth leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia.

Designed for ages 18-35 years old,

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YSEALI’s wide array of programs – U.S. exchanges, regional workshops, incountry programs, grant opportunities, and social media campaigns – allowed young leaders in the region to hone their skills and connect with 09 - 15 December, 2017

their fellow leaders. YSEALI focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: economic growth, sustainable development, education and civic engagement. To date, YSEALI is now 112,000 members strong.

YOUnified, a portmanteau of the words youth and unified, started in December 2015 in the Philippines when Filipino YSEALI members mobilized more than 400 volunteers and engaged close to 4,000 Filipino youth to mark 09 - 15 December, 2017

the 2nd anniversary of YSEALI. There were 20 simultaneous YOUnified events nationwide that encouraged youth to be civically engaged and to collaborate on developing solutions to pressing local, national, and regional issues.

In 2016, YOUnified brought together hundreds of YSEALI members and alumni for an ASEAN-wide day of service. Together, they led 107 projects engaging an unprecedented 16,000

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people on issues such as: environmental conservation, trafficking, education for underserved areas, disability rights, women’s advancement, and youth engagement with local leaders.

This year, members of YSEALI organized more than 150 projects that took place throughout the 10 Southeast Asian countries and in the United States on Dec. 1-10, 2017.

In the Philippines, 40 activities - 7 in Metro Manila, 9 in Luzon, 3 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao - happened during the 10-day celebration, reaching an audience of more than 5,000 Filipinos. Activities youth-led solutions to community challenges such as a digital marketing boot camp in Baguio City, debate on regional environmental issues in Cebu City, psycho-social intervention programs for families affected by the Marawi siege in Lanao del Sur, and youth mentoring program in Pasay City.

Surigao had two activities to celebrate the fourth Younified anniversary.

On December 6, a Partnership Meeting for the Mamanwang Malambuon project was conducted in the Surigao Chamber of Commerce Office in Surigao City. The Mamanwang Malambuon: Mamanwa Youth Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Project was selected for funding by the United States Embassy through its U.S. Exchange Alumni–Philippines Program and aims to economically empower the Mamanwa communities by training their youth in modules on entrepreneurship, financial literacy,

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youth leadership, organic farming, basket weaving and handicrafts making. It also aims to inspire the youth in sustaining their communities and increasing their resiliency to radicalization. It will be implemented starting January 2018 in partnership with the Surigao Chamber of Commerce, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 30IB of the Philippine Army, Rotary Club of Surigao Midtown Jewels, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Provincial Agriculture Office, and YSEALI youth volunteers.

On December 9, Surigaonon youth artists held the Jari Na Sab Kami!

(Here we are again!) Arts Workshop where participants learned the basic watercolor painting and anime drawing for free. The activity was aimed to nurture the creativity of the youth of Surigao and build their talent to express their thoughts and emotions to better connect and change their communities.

To know more about the details of the different activities happening in the Philippines and how to participate, visit facebook.com/ysealiyounified. To check all activities happening across ASEAN and the U.S., visit facebook. com/yseali.

For information on the Mamanwang Malambuon Project and Jari Na Sab Kami Arts Workshop, please contact the Project Coordinator Graciela Mante at 09778317519 or lalamante@gmail.com.

(YSEALI/PIACaraga) 09 - 15 December, 2017

Photo Gallery Department of Health Caraga Violence & Injury Prevention Stakeholders’ Forum Hotel Luciana, Butuan City 11 December 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

PRO-13 starts screening of promotable personnel

BUTUAN CITY – The promotion board of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has started the screening process of the Police Commissioned Officers and non-commissioned officers to fill up the quota for the ranks of Police Officer 2 to Police Chief Inspector.

PRO-13 was authorized by the national headquarters to fill 621 promotional slots: two for Police Chief Inspector; 22 for Police Senior Inspector; 61 for Police Inspector; nine for Senior Police Officer (SPO) 4; 151 for SPO3; 52 for SPO2; 182 for SPO1; 89 for Police Officer (PO) 3; and 53 for PO2 ranks.

exam and drug test.

PRO-13 Regional Director PCSupt.

Noli Romana said that the PNP regular promotion program will boost the morale and welfare of every personnel and aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization by promoting the safety and security of all Caraganons.

The promotional process includes the screening of documentary The tentative donning of ranks will requirements and the actual interview be on 1st week of January 2018. (PNPof the applicants, neuro-psychiatric Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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09 - 15 December, 2017

Financial literacy training given to 83 displaced Caraganon OFWs By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga conducted a free entrepreneurial training on Financial Literacy to 83 distressed and displaced Caraganon overseas workers on November 13, 2017 at the OWWA Training hall, this city.

The training was given to jumpstart the reintegration package provided by the agency to OWWA members, active or non-active, whose contracts were pre-terminated due to various adversities during their employment abroad.

The training included an orientation of the program’s goal, which is essentially to enable the beneficiaries to be multi-skilled through access to training services and eventually arm them in pursuing a livelihood endeavor while in the country.

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The participants were taught how to prepare a business plan which will serve as the beneficiaries’ guide during the implementation of their chosen trade undertaking. Overseas Workers Welfare Officer II Jean Mary RonquilloLadion, focal person for the program, carried out the said training.

The Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program was previously a non-cash assistance in the form of starter kits amounting to P10,000. With the currently enhanced program, the livelihood package is increased to P20,000. Cash

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grant is given as a start-up or additional Business Plan/Proposal approved capital for their chosen livelihood by the RWO Director indicating project. the sustainability/feasibility of the chosen livelihood undertaking and

To ensure that the livelihood proof of repatriation. projects are feasible and are duly implemented, an inspection of the The program can be availed only project site or address will be done prior once by eligible beneficiaries and must the release. A follow-up monitoring will be filed within three years upon return be done a month after the release and to the country. will be constantly monitored every six months.

More so, OWWA members who have finished their contracts are not

Since the program’s amendment eligible to this program. in May 2017, the agency has already released a total of 235 grants translating For further information and/or to P4,700,000 to date. queries regarding the program, you may visit OWWA Regional Welfare

Among the required documents Office Caraga located at Nimfa Tiu needed to apply for the program Bldg.2, J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City or are the duly filled-up Application contact us at (085) 342-6178/815-1894.

Form, Certificate of Entrepreneurial (Jean Pearl I. Millones, OWWA-Caraga/ Development Training (EDT), PIA-Caraga)

POPCOM, DOH enlist ex-drug users in KATROPA BUTUAN CITY – In advancing the role of men in promoting maternal and child health and responsible parenting, the Commission on Population (POPCOM) in Caraga Region has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), through the Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (DRTC), for the program known as Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) among the former drug users.

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50 recovering drug dependents (RDD), as DRTC referred, from different areas in the region attended the 1st phase of the ladderized KATROPA seminar.

The first phase was focused on responsible parenting integrating gender concepts and healthy lifestyle, while the 2nd phase will tackle on their roles and responsibilities in the community, and family planning shall be dealt on the 3rd phase.

POPCOM will hold the 2nd and 3rd phases early in 2018.

POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that the ladderization of KATROPA among the RDD is a strategy to deepen the discussion and insights

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of each module, which will result to greater impact in the respective lives of the former drug dependents as they are still on the recovery period.

During the program, a pre- and post-test were administered to gauge the level of the participants’ perception on the characteristic of a responsible husband/father and profiling on the family planning method they were using.

POPCOM designed KATROPA to equip males in communities with the necessary knowledge and skills on maternal and child health in order to be personally effective in making decisions about family’s health, personal development and other related issues and concerns. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIACaraga)

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

AgSur KMME Batch 2 mentees complete 10 modules on entrep, biz law PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Agusan del Sur (AdS) Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Program Batch 2 mentees have completed the prescribed ten modules, with the last one on Business Law and Obligation and Contracts.

Atty.

Kahlil Lamigo, a KMME and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE)-accredited local mentor, facilitated the session.

He shared with the 24 mentees the importance of the sources of obligations, forms and contracts and their corresponding requisites.

“Among the inputs we learned, the most important to me was when it was emphasized that a contract should be considered and studied well. Also, knowing that once a contract gets notarized, it will become a public document was a significant reminder,” shared Rolando Montera, owner of Vine’s

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Restaurant and Catering Services of Bayugan City.

Further reflecting on what they have learned, Montera noted that in a business, the employer should always consider preparing a contract for his/ her employees, specifying clear terms and conditions.

This last input and mentoring session was held at the Provincial Learning Center, Gov. D.O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad, this province. The mentees will present their Business Improvement Plans to a panel of experts on November 10, 2017. (DTIAgusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 09 - 15 December, 2017

SURIGAO DEL NORTE

Mahigit 600 school managers nakilahok sa leadership enhancement sessions sa Caraga Region By: Venus L. Garcia

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO – Umabot sa mahigit 600 secondary school heads, district at division supervisors galing sa iba’t ibang probinsiya sa rehiyon ng Caraga ang nagtipon-tipon kamakailan sa isinagawang 18th Caraga Regional Association of Secondary School Administrators (CARASSA) Congress na ginanap dito sa lungsod.

Layunin ng nasabing congress na palawigin at i-upgrade ang kakayahan ng mga nagsipaglahok, magamit ang mabisang stratehiya at programa sa pagtuturo, at para mas lalo pang mapahusay ang pamamahala nila sa 09 - 15 December, 2017

kani-kanilang mga eskwelahan.

Ayon kay Dr. Teodora Plaza, presidente ng CARASSA, minarapat nilang matugunan ang competency standards, values in the workplace at

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stewardship sa school setting sa tulong leader. ng iba’t ibang plenary sessions ng CARASSA congress.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Department of Education (DepEd)

“Itong 3-day activity ay isinagawa Caraga Regional Director Beatriz Torno upang mapalawak at maiangat ang ang kahalagaan ng pagsasapuso ng performance ng ating mga paaralan. mga tungkulin ng mga punong-guro Sa ngayon, ipinapatupad ng DepEd bilang isa sa mga susi sa dekalidad na Caraga ang bagong sistema sa edukasyon at pagkakaroon ng quality pagmomonitor at evaluate ng mga learners. pampublikong paaralan kung saan ang public school supervisors ay Ang mga kalahok na school makikipagcoordinate sa school heads principals ay siyang kumakatawan kasabay ang education program sa 1,020 secondary schools, kabilang specialist (EPS),” sabi ni Plaza. na ang senior high schools sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga. Sa kasalukuyan,

Bilang guest speaker, ipinaliwanag mayroong 178,122 mag-aaral sa din ni Dr. Emelyn Libunao, Staff Director secondary level at 462,846 mag-aaral ng Philippine Information Agency naman sa antas ng elementarya na (PIA), kung gaano kaimportante na tinuturuan ng 25,809 na mga guro, mamaximize ang media at kung katuwang ang 3,790 non-teaching paano maging effective spokesperson personnel sa Caraga region. (VLG/PIAo communicator ang mga school Surigao del Norte)

Abstract paper for AsiaSense 2018 accepted until Dec. 11 By: Venus L. Garcia

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09 - 15 December, 2017

BUTUAN CITY - Authors are welcome to submit until December 11, 2017 original unpublished papers on sensors research, development, characterization and application, for oral or poster presentation during the AsiaSense 2018, the 8th International Conference on Sensors, to be held at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Manila.

AsiaSense 2018 will feature papers and posters in the following areas: sensor materials; sensing principles and modeling; sensor and actuator systems; physical sensors; chemical sensors and biosensors; mechanical sensors; sold-state sensors; electrochemical sensors; optical sensors; sensors data processing; sensor networking; and sensor applications.

education.

Accordingly, the abstract must contain a maximum of 250 words (in MS Word format) of not more than one page. It will be reviewed by a panel of evaluators.

The conference has been held since 2003 in different countries in Asia, including Malaysia (2003, 2013), Indonesia (2005, 2015), Philippines (2007), Thailand (2009) and Korea (2011).

There will be a plenary session and keynote lectures by invited speakers.

There will also be a symposia and poster presentations on the various areas of sensors research and development.

AsiaSense 2018 is an inter Oral presentations will be allotted disciplinary meeting of scientists and a 20-minute period, while poster engineers working in diverse fields in the presentations will be exhibited for at research, development and innovation least one day. of physical and chemical sensors.

Authors of accepted papers will be notified not later than 19 December 2017. Also, the presenting author must be officially registered not later than 10 January 2018.

AsiaSense 2018 presents an excellent platform for the presentation of the advancements made by scientists and researchers from different parts of the world in the field of sensors technology. It likewise provides an opportunity for researchers to establish linkages and to pursue continuing 09 - 15 December, 2017

This year’s AsiaSense conference is anchored on the theme, “Emerging Innovations in Chemical, Biological and Physical Sensors.�

It is organized by the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas-Division of Analytical Sciences (KKP-DAS), in cooperation with UST, through its Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Graduate School. (VLG/PIACaraga)

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SSS undistributed collections drop to P817M BUTUAN CITY – Social Security System (SSS) said its undistributed collections stood at P817 million as of the end of the first quarter period of 2017, a 28.-2-percent drop from the P1.135 billion recorded at the end of 2016 period.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc also clarified that the undistributed collections were member loan payments and not contribution payment of members.

“There has been a substantial reduction of undistributed or unposted member loan payments from the recorded P1.8 billion in 2015 and P1.135 billion in 2016 to P817 million as of the end of March 2017,” Dooc said.

dates indicated by employers in the date granted portion of our SSS forms do not match the SSS records of an individual, thus unposted and unmatched payment occurred,” he added.

SSS said it has done initiatives to address the issue such as regular reconciliation and clean-up of unpostables to resolve the errors. He said that posting of loan payments will soon be based on the Cash Collection

The Commission on Audit (COA) System instead of the current manual has called the attention of SSS in its encoding.

2016 Annual Financial Reports on Government-Owned and Controlled Social Security Commission (SSC) Corporations (GOCCs) for the P1.135 Chairman Amado D. Valdez, likewise, worth of undistributed collections under said that the real-time posting of its “other current liability-member loans contributions and loan payments of (OCL-ML).” members will be implemented by the first quarter of 2018 to lessen or fully

Dooc explained that there were wipe out the unposted collections. various reasons of the failure to post the member loan collections in member’s “The Commission’s priority is to ledger such as the failure of employers enhance the contribution collection to submit or update the collection process to improve the turn-around list and invalid entries of employees time for processing benefits and to and presence of employers with eventually allow pre-approved salary unbalanced transactions. loans for qualified members,” Valdez

“There were cases that the loan added. (SSS/PIA-Caraga)

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SURIGAO DEL SUR

SurSur receives disaster preparedness kits, library resource materials By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The province of Surigao del Sur thru the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office recently received the disaster preparedness kits and library resource materials from the Action Against Hunger during the turn-over ceremony held at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, in this city.

Action Against Hunger Program Manager Rule Fegarido said a total of 25 barangays were the identified beneficiaries of the disaster 09 - 15 December, 2017

preparedness kits from the five municipalities of this province, namely Barobo, Bayabas, Cagwait, Lingig and San Agustin.

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Fegarido added that the donated items were based on the needs of the five municipalities, following the series of workshops and focused group discussions (FGDs) with the vulnerable and marginalized groups such as children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and women.

“The disaster preparedness kits were composed of megaphones, sirens and reflectorized signages and early warning devices. Some identified (local government unit) LGU beneficiaries also received handheld radios,” Fegarido said.

Aside from the kits, the Action Against Hunger also turned-over the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) hub to be installed at the provincial library of this province. This will serve as the DRR-CCA practitioners’ venue to access latest resource materials that will strengthen their knowledge and

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capacity on DRR-CCA programming, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Meanwhile, Provincial DRRM office chief Abel de Guzman said, “the preparedness kits and early warning devices will ensure early preparations and response from the barangay.”

“We are glad that the Action Against Hunger gave special attention to the persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sectors, which is also a priority of the province,” he added.

Surigao del Sur is one of the recipients of the project entitled “Strengthen Disaster Preparedness and Improve the Effectiveness of Response to Humanitarian Crises in the Philippines” – a four-year project funded by the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional Para el Dessarollo (AECID). (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

09 - 15 December, 2017

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Weaving the tapestry of success

BUTUAN CITY – “In the tapestry of life, we’re all connected. Each one of us is a gift to those around us; helping each other be who we are, weaving a perfect picture together.”

This is the perfect quote for the Benchmarking and Skills Training in Weaving with Yakan Weavers of Albarakkattu Multi-Purpose Cooperative that was held on October 16-19, 2017 in Albarakkattu, Zamboanga City, led by Gemma L. Clarin and Efren L. Lascuña of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Strike Team.

the craft to the participants. The experience was indeed a very educative one for the participants, who even had the chance to try weaving the cloth themselves. The knowledge that they have gathered from the experience definitely ignited a spark in their hearts and minds for their upcoming endeavor in weaving and basket making.

Seven Manobo delegates from the Mt. Mayapay Tribal Council of Butuan City actively participated in the skills training.

As they left for their journey home, the tapestry of success was surely shared to the seven participants and the thread of entrepreneurship linked on to the new group of weavers of the Mayapay Tribal Council, through the efforts of the Strike Team of the DTIStrike Program. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)

The yakan weavers of the Albarakkattu Multi-Purpose Cooperative, in return, were very enthusiastic in sharing and explaining 09 - 15 December, 2017

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HEALTH NEWS

Variety of foods for a healthy life By: Jund Rian A. Doringo

BUTUAN CITY – Did you know that no single food can provide all the nutrients the body needs?

Nutrients provide cells and organs a healthy body free of macro- and the necessary food to maintain the body’s micronutrient deficiency diseases and functions that support life. health-threatening conditions.

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Eating a variety of foods every day from all the food groups provides the needed nutrients by the body, with consideration on the amount and balance.

It can also help in having an attentive mind. These food groups comprise of energy giving foods such as rice, bread, and root crops, foods that promote growth development such as meat, milk, and legumes, and foods that maintain body processes such as vegetables and fruits.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

The first recommendation of the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) is to eat a variety of foods every day to get the nutrients needed by the body.

Eat a variety of foods to guarantee

You may also check our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter. com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga) 09 - 15 December, 2017

MINDANAO NEWS

Recognizing civilian responders in the Marawi Siege

MARAWI CITY – Little is known; only a few knows about the civilian responders in the Marawi Siege.

During the recognition day of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, a special recognition was given to the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO-LDS) Rescue team.

described them as a bunch of students, professionals, fishermen and other volunteers who risked their lives helping more than 1,700 civilians escape Marawi during the 5-month nightmare siege.

It was a fitting tribute as Governor As they were called to come in Bedjoria Soraya Alonto-Adiong front, men in orange shirts came in and 09 - 15 December, 2017

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alas, with them were several young were left open, clean schools and women. secure a health facility.

These valiant men and women participated in the Brigada Marawi with the end goal of conducting a clean up drive on the streets, retrieval of abandoned motor vehicle, padlocking of houses left open and cleaning of schools, hospitals, clinics and other vital facilities in various barangays such as Barangays Matampay, Tampilong, Marawi Poblacion, Datu Saber, Bario Green, Loksadatu, Basak Malutlut and East Basak.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) also headed the burial of the 28 unidentified cadavers at the Provincial Maqbarah Memorial Park together with the AFP, Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP SOCO) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

Recognizing the need for help during the Marawi siege, the members

The team sincerely cleaned the of the Rescue Team went out to be streets hand in hand with the Armed counted as volunteers.

Forces of the Philippines (AFP), barangay officials and Barangay Peacekeeping Little did they know, that by their Action Teams (BPATs). As the Brigada deeds, they are not only helping and Marawi went on, the team was able saving people’s lives, they also kept the to retrieve abandoned motor vehicles torch of light burning that every Filipino along the streets, secure houses that can be a hero. (PIA ICCC)

Moving on with life after tragedy By: Joshua Angelo E. Bata

MARAWI CITY – ‘Today, we rekindle what happened in Marawi.

We will live with it, but our life must continue forward,” remarked in Filipino by one of the residents in Dulay West as he set foot in his home after staying for six months in the evacuation center.

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He is used to leaving home because previously, he was an oversees Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia where he met his wife. But he muttered that their stay in evacuation center for six months was their longest time away home due to conflict.

He recounted what transpired in Marawi on the day of his family’s return.

It seemed like a distant memory as they have patiently waited in their place of refuge.

He spoke of war as an occasional activity, like a season that readily breaks the summer of joy in the community. He added that armed encounters usually lasted for 2-3 days. The five month long battle was something new to him and his family.

got him. It started when he could not stop thinking about what happened to them. It affected his health that led to his hospitalization for a number of times while in the evacuation center.

He was diagnosed of depression and hypertension. Now, he is taking medications.

On the other hand, Monauray Puno Dimal, 47 could not hide her happiness as she and her family waited inside their multicab for the rest of the convoy in Balo-i.

She said she cried the moment she arrived in their house. Her tears were for the loss of their things and livelihood.

The war left marks on their home.

A part of the wall of their house was hit by a bomb while they were inside last The trauma of their displacement May. One of her 11 children fainted

09 - 15 December, 2017

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and she thought her daughter died.

Her family and her relatives who lived in houses next to hers fled to escape. They sought refuge in different evacuation centers and other relatives.

Evacuating became a family event in their community.

into the community narrative and their redefined social fabric.

The collective recollection on how their families fled to escape an assured death was prevalent among those who returned home. Perhaps, retelling stories ease the burden of their memory as they are now coddled by the old

Yet her cries were spent now that comforts of their homes. They narrate it her whole family has returned. “Hindi na with lightness but like a warrior ready to maibabalik ang nawala kaya dapat face another day of worldly problems, magsimula na ulit,” she exclaimed. ready to continue life in its full bloom.

“Tumatawa na lang ako para Narration of stories is always hindi ko maramdaman ang sakit. Hindi coupled with determination to continue ba ‘yung kanta ni Fredie Aguilar na the next chapter of their lives. tawanan mo lang ‘pag may problema ka. Hindi ko na iniisip ‘yung problema Dulay West was included in the muna kasi baka magkasakit ako, eight barangays allowed to return paano na lang ang mga anak ko in their homes during the 3rd leg kapag namatay ako.” of Kambalingan, a Maranao term for homecoming, on Dec 9 and 11.

Meanwhile, a mixture of grief and Guimba, Dulay Proper, Malimono, happiness was felt by Norhidaya Balao, Kormatan Matampay, Rorogagus East, 28. Four families living in their house have Cabasaran and Bangco were the now returned to Marawi. But two of her other seven barangays where 15,024 family members died due to sickness individuals are residing. (JAEB / PIAin the evacuation center. Her father TFBM-ICCC) succumbed to pneumonia while his brother was claimed by kidney failure.

Her family, while in the midst of tragedy, had to grieve in someone else’s home.

She was thinking on how they could go back to farming now. Though they have to carry what happened with a heavy heart, she could not wait to be able to have a normal life again as she waits for her first baby.

The conflict may have displaced 367,984 individuals with each story to tell. Individual stories are then weaved

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NATIONAL NEWS

Pres. Duterte: I’ll do everything to protect the next generation

MANILA - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte vowed to protect the welfare of children through government’s continuing efforts to eradicate corruption, criminality, illegal drugs, and terrorism.

President Duterte made his pledge during the conferment ceremony of the 2016 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, December 12.

09 - 15 December, 2017

“I will always do everything to protect the next generation,” the President said before a crowd of youth and local government officials.

“We will continue our unrelenting efforts to purge corruption, criminality,

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illegal drugs and terrorism. As we protect our children from these menaces, we will also prepare them for the crucial task of building on our past gains,” he added.

any hearing except for one or two,” he said.

He explained that he had no personal issue against PCUP chairman Terry Ridon but he had to fire him also

“As I encourage our youth to because of his supposed numerous dream big and aspire for greatness, trips abroad. not just for themselves but for the entire nation, I also challenge my “You had too much, too soon. fellow adults to allow our youth to He was appointed September and he play a role in shaping a future that our traveled about seven times. And to children deserve to inherit,” he further think that the office is an urban poor said. agency, I simply cannot… I cannot understand why you have to be there

The Chief Executive stressed at every powwow in the international anew that he was ready to sacrifice scene. We cannot afford it,” the his presidency, honor and life only to President said. fulfill his mandate “to preserve the nation as one”.

He then reminded all government officials that they have to get permit

“It will not be during my time that from the Office of the President before there will be a fissure or a breakage. taking a trip abroad.

I will not allow it. And even if I have, I said, to lose the presidency, to lose During the event, the President the office, the honor and prestige, led the awarding of PACFMC to and die in the process --- willingly for five local government units (LGUs) my country, wala tayong question that have shown promotion and diyan (there’s no question about it),” protection of children’s rights. Each of he said. the five LGUs received a trophy and PHP500,000 worth of check.

To show his resolve to curb graft and corruption in government, The five LGUs that received the Duterte mentioned the dismissal of all award were Carmona, Cavite (1stthe commissioners of the Presidential 3rd Class Municipality category); Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) Salay, Misamis Oriental (4th-6th Class due to alleged unnecessary trips Municipality category); Tagaytay City, abroad and poor performance.

Cavite (Component City category); Santiago City, Isabela (Independent

“Today I fired the whole of the Component City category); and Davao Commission of the Urban Poor. One City (Highly-Urbanized City category). is because it’s a collegial body and I (PND) have heard that they never had had

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09 - 15 December, 2017

U.S. Government provides 1.1 million books to public schools

MANILA – U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski led the ceremonial handover of 1.1 million library books to the Philippine Department of Education on December 11. The donation was part of the U.S. government’s continuing early grade reading assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“The U.S. government continues to support the Department of Education (DepEd) in our mutual goal of improving the quality of education in the Philippines, so that boys and girls can go to school and learn skills that are foundational to their development,” said Klecheski.

The books, many of which were written and illustrated by renowned Filipino authors and artists, were provided to more than 8,100 classroom libraries in USAID-assisted schools in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region) and 7 (Central Visayas). Through this initiative, children will have access to a wider variety of quality reading materials, helping boost 09 - 15 December, 2017

their interest in reading – a key to lifelong learning and academic success.

Since 2013, USAID, through its P1.9 billion Basa Pilipinas project, has worked with DepEd to implement the language and literacy component of the K-3 curriculum. Through this partnership, USAID has strengthened the reading skills of over 1.8 million students from kindergarten to grade three, trained more than 19,000 teachers and school heads, and provided more than 8 million copies of teacher guides, storybooks, and other education aids to 3,000 public elementary schools in the Philippines. (US Embassy)

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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 Email: inkboxinnovation@gmail.com

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