Caraga InFocus –Volume VI, No. 52

Volume V1, No. 52 December 24-30, 2022

INFOCUS

ARTICLES

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DOST upskills CaraScians on 3D modelling and printing

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PMO Surigao Reaches Out to MentallyChallenged Persons, Disadvantaged Youth

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DOST-FNRI conducts provincial dissemination of the 2021-2022 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) results in Surigao del Norte

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DTI Dinagat Islands conducts seminar on Business Opportunities on Coconut and Coco Shell handicrafts

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16 Port kids get a McDonalds Christmas Treat 6 FRs in Surigao Norte receive financial assistance from DSWD Mga living spacers sa Agusan del Norte, nakadawat ug pahalipay gikan kang Gob. Angel Amante Kabataan sa Agusan del Norte aktibong nakilahok sa Provincial Children’s Congress

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MINDANAO NEWS Mindanao’s first ‘air-to-water’ machine launched in Davao City DSWD sends aid to flood victims in Visayas, Mindanao

NATIONAL NEWS PBBM admin aids OFWs find overseas jobs; extends scholarships to their children PBBM leads 126th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom PH to focus more on PPPs next year to boost economy, generate jobs: NEDA PBBM gov’t posts P149-B tourism revenue as country sees strong economic recovery PBBM admin activates thousands of areas under Broadband ng Masa program in 2022

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COVID-19 NEWS DOH detects first 2 Omicron subvariant BN.1 cases PH must be wary of Covid-19 surge in China: solon DOH drafts guidelines for bivalent vax; available by early 2023

COVER

CONTENTS

Caraga

DSWD Caraga highlights advantages of Listahanan Year 3 database

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga presented the results of the Listahanan Year 3 Database, in time with its regional launching held on Tuesday, December 13 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mar-flor DollagaLibang, bared that the Listahanan 3 database contains the record of poor households that is the reference in the delivery of social protection programs and services to the Agency’s beneficiaries.

“The launching means that the DSWD Field Office Caraga is now prepared

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to share the database to stakeholders – government agencies; government-owned and controlled corporations; local government units; nongovernment organizations; and private foundations and organizations,” bared Libang.

On behalf of Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante, provincial administrator Elizabeth Calo, expressed strong support for the establishment of the Listahanan 3 database.

She elaborated that the Listahanan is indeed reliable and that the provincial government has been utilizing it as a tool in assessing the needs of their constituents especially the poor households.

“Social services generates the biggest challenge in budget appropriation of LGUs and that is the case in Agusan del Norte. We appropriate more than 80% of our budget and always an item in our supplemental budget. Therefore with the Listahanan, it is a welcome development for us to be given opportunities to make use of a very significant tool that will guide us in our plans.

This is a database that is cost-free,” Calo said.

Representing Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, Councilor Victor Vicente Plaza, elaborated that the DSWD’s Listahanan will be free from accusations of politicking or of favoring

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

certain groups during distribution of grants and services to target beneficiaries.

“Having a comprehensive profile of the poor gives us the complete details on the demographic and the number of people that we should look into and be given priority consideration to be accommodated for all social interventions aimed to alleviate the quality of their living,” added Plaza.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Alexander Makinano of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga, highlighted that those who are considered to be on the lower economic profile with the lesser educational attainment should be prioritized and be provided with the responsible parenthood and family planning services. “This is exactly why we are using the Listahanan 1.2 and soon Listahanan 3,” he bared.

Makinano further revealed that the resources of the government are insufficient to address the needs and demands of the population.

“That is why we use segmentation strategy for our clients and prioritization of our initiatives. As we plan and implement projects, we need to consider who are greatly and mostly affected sectors of the population.

This is where exactly the substance, the content and the need of Listahanan would become a great and primary source,” he said.

Representing Regional Vice President Michael Jibson Hernandez of Philippine Health (Philhealth) Insurance Corporation Caraga, ARDO Jane Santos relayed that for more than a decade, Philhealth utilizes Listahanan as all that were identified from the database are automatically enrolled in their program.

“We have allocated a budget

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

for Listahanan identified poor households. We are really grateful that Listahanan 3 is now available. We will be utilizing this for our 2023 renewal for Universal Health Care,” she said.

A commitment signing was also conducted by DSWD Caraga, together with heads and representatives from other government agencies, local government units, media, and other sectors, as they expressed their support to the implementation of the social protection services and programs of the government for the vulnerable and marginalized sectors, as well as the utilization of the Listahanan 3 Database.

In his closing message, Atty.

Faizal Padate, assistant regional director for administration of DSWD Caraga, urged all sectors to continue to work together and serve the best interest of the Caraganon people. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs President Bongbong Marcos declares December 26 as a special (non-working) day through Proclamation No. 115 issued on Thursday, December 22. The declaration of the special non-working day throughout the country will give the people the full opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their families and loved ones, the Proclamation said. xx

The mandate of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflictaffected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitate societal inclusivity and ensure active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda. Let us support E.O. 70!

Majority of taxpayers will receive further personal income tax cuts beginning January 1, 2023, pursuant to Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which, among others, adjusted personal income tax rates, to make the tax system simpler, fairer, and more efficient. “The TRAIN law adjusted personal income taxes and fixed the inequity of our tax system. We want our taxpayers to reap the fruits of their labor while enabling them to contribute their fair share to national development,” said Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno.

The Local Government Unit of Claver gave out 200 Family Food Packs (FFPs), gallons of drinking water, and medicine to the residents of Barangay Sapa, in response to the effects of the Shear Line in the municipality.

DOST UPSKILLS CARASCIANS ON 3D MODELLING AND PRINTING With the goal of establishing the importance of fostering innovation in education, twentyfive (25) Grade 7 to Grade 12 students of Caraga Regional Science High School underwent a 2-day training on 3D modelling and printing conducted by DOST-Caraga with the support of its Provincial Science & Technology Office in Surigao del Norte on December 3 to 4, 2022.

The training was facilitated by the Resource Persons Engr. Jenard Rhyll C. Torres and Ms. Methu Ela U. Dela Calzada, Project Coordinators from DOST-Caraga, and Ms. Mariel P. Makinano, Provincial Director of DOST-SDN, with the support of Mr. Hermiette Ferrer Lerog, School Principal of CRSHS, and Mr. Rey F. Miraflor, SST-II. The training on 3D modelling made use of FreeCAD, an open-source modelling software, to create solid models using its available tools and features. The lecture was followed by a workshop with a mentoring session where the students were guided to create a model of a double-handle sink faucet and individual keychains.

The second day of the training introduced the participants to the process of 3D Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

printing using the Ender Pro 3D Printers. The parts and functions of the 3D printer were discussed along with the different types of filaments that are used for 3D printing.

The Creality Slicer, the slicing software for the Ender 3 Pro 3D Printers, was also presented during the demonstration along with the different parameters that can be set to customize the printing settings of the 3D models. The students were guided on the calibration of the Ender 3 Pro 3D Printers and were given time to create and print their own 3D models.

The training served as kick-off activity for the full operationalization of the Science Research, Innovation, and Learning Centrum (SUNTRUM) which was rebranded as the Provincial Research, Innovation, and Science Museum (PRISM), a collaborative project of DOST-Caraga, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, and the Department of Education, which aims to promote and develop a vibrant Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in one setting with the integration of a makerspace, a 21stcentury model classroom, and an interactive science learning exhibit. (DOST-SDN/PIASurigao del Norte)

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DTI Dinagat Islands conducts seminar on Business Opportunities on Coconut and Coco Shell handicrafts The Department of Trade and IndustryDinagat Islands, through the Negosyo Center Libjo has conducted a two-day seminar on Business Opportunities on Coconut cum Skills Training on Coco Shell Handicrafts to women-led groups and individuals held at Barangay Hall, Brgy.

General Aguinaldo, Libjo

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town.

The activity was participated by 40 women composed of coconut farmers and tenants. Ms. Leonila V. Ricablanca, a Maranao from Marawi City, shared her crafting and fashion design skills on coco shells with the participants. Several products made were

coco wallets, bracelets, and earrings.

The purpose of the activity is to impart business opportunities on coconut and to train participants on maximizing resources through product creation out of coconut shells.

(DTI- Dinagat Islands/ PIA- Dinagat Islands)

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

PMO SURIGAO REACHES OUT TO MENTALLY-CHALLENGED PERSONS, DISADVANTAGED YOUTH In the Spirit of Christmas and in keeping up with the tradition of generosity to the less fortunate, the Port Management Office of Surigao has chosen to share blessings through an Outreach Activity Program which benefited mentally challenged persons and the disadvantaged, orphaned youth today.

Around fifty gift packs were put up and given

to mentally challenged individuals under the care of the Surigao City Social Welfare and Development Office while another fifty bundles of joy were distributed to homeless, orphaned and disadvantaged youth housed in the Charisma Bethel Children’s Home.

The gift packs contained toiletries, clothing items and various foodstuffs.

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

“Christmas is all about sharing. We hope that this modest gesture of generosity will give our mentallychallenged brothers and sisters, as well as the disadvantaged and orphaned youth, enough reasons to celebrate the holidays,” Acting PMO Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla said in his remarks. (PMO-PPA/PIASurigao del Norte)

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DOST-FNRI conducts provincial dissemination of the 2021-2022 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) results in Surigao del Norte As part of the Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s (FNRI) mandate of addressing malnutrition through accurate data, correct information, and innovative technologies, the agency is committed to update the public on the latest nutrition and health status of Filipinos across the different life stages based on the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (or the ENNS).

The Expanded National Nutrition Survey is a comprehensive survey

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conducted every five years since 1978 and the latest of which is in 2021 up to the current year.

In-between the five-year period, the Updating Survey of Nutritional Status of Children and Other Population Groups is conducted every 2 to 3 years to rapidly assess the nutrition situation of Filipinos.

In Surigao del Norte, this population-based household survey was conducted by DOSTFNRI last November 9 - December 16, 2021. To disseminate the survey results, a forum was then organized on December

2, 2022 at Gateway Hotel in Surigao City.

During the dissemination forum, Eldridge B. Ferrer, SRS II, Ms. Frances Pola Arias, SRS II, and Ms. Maria Stephanie Parani, SRS II, from the Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring Division (NAMD) of DOST-FNRI presented the results on the total households and individuals covered in the survey, socioeconomic and demographic profile of households and individuals, household food security and current nutritional status of the Surigaonons by life stages: infants and young children, adolescents

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

and women reproductive stage, and adults and elderly.

A call to action by the local chief executives or their representatives followed after the presentations to respond to the results and presented the next steps of the local government units to address the problems identified.

Among the attendees were Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member on Health – Board Member Constantino B. Navarro IV, Sangguniang Bayan Member on Health of LGU-Gigaquit – Board Member

Angelita D. Larong, Provincial Health Officer / Provincial Nutrition Action Officer – Dr. Maria Isabela Makinano ably represented by the District Nutrition Program Coordinator – Ms. Marissa A. Solloso, members of the Provincial Nutrition Council, partners from the National Nutrition Council, and Nutrition Action Officers from various municipalities.

The result of the ENNS will provide relevant data on the health and nutrition situation at the provincial level that may serve as basis

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

for our partners and stakeholders for crafting nutrition action plans and development programs, and for timely policy decisions at the national and provincial level.

DOST-Surigao del Norte also encouraged the LGUs to adopt technologies and R&D outputs developed by the agency through its Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) such as the FNRI to improve the nutrition situation in their localities and achieve better health outcomes for all the Surigaonons. (DOSTSDN/PIA- Surigao del Norte)

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6 FRS IN SURIGAO NORTE RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM DSWD PORT KIDS GET A MCDONALDS CHRISTMAS TREAT Not even overcast skies and gloomy weather dampened the cheerful holiday spirit as port kids troop to a local McDonalds store for an afternoon of fun and games on Monday, 19 December 2022.

the first face-to-face celebration after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Happiness and intense excitement can be gleaned on the innocent faces of around sixty children of the PMO’s organic, outsourced Traditionally held at the and utility personnel GAD Center of the PMO who were treated Surigao Administration Building, which was badly to good food and beverages. McDonalds damaged by Typhoon Odette, this year’s kiddie has been all decked up Christmas Party was for Christmas-- where

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the PMO prepared fun activities and games for the kids to enjoy.

“We want to make them happy, even for a few hours, and made sure that the event would be fun-filled so they could always look back at the fond memories they’ve had at McDonalds,” said PMO Acting Port Manager Froilan Caturla.

(PMO- PPA/ PIA- Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

Six former rebels (FRs) in the province of Surigao del Norte recently received assistance under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Police Provincial Office, Surigao City.

Each former rebel received a grant of P20,000 on Tuesday (December 20) which they will use as a seed capital fund to start a livelihood activity.

The provision of livelihood grants is part of the DSWD’s implementation of Executive Order 70,

series of 2018, which their family happy this provides financial Yuletide. assistance to eligible FRs. Police Colonel Laude Provincial Director encouraged other rebels Laudemer M. Laude to return to the fold of expressed his sincere the law and assured gratitude for the support them that assistance will of other partners come their way if they such as the Provincial choose to do so.

Social Welfare and Development Office “We would like to (PSWDO), Technical encourage their former Education and Skills comrades so that Development Authority they might be as well (TESDA), and the motivated to leave the Provincial Local armed movement and Government Unit of go back to the folds Surigao del Norte for the of government. The technical assistance. government is working for them to reach their The FRs were thankful dreams and ambitions,” for the assistance which Laude said. (SDNPPO/ they said will make PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

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MGA LIVING SPACERS SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE, NAKADAWAT UG PAHALIPAY GIKAN KANG GOB. ANGEL AMANTE Mokabat sa gibana-bana nga 155 ka mga living spacers sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Jail ang nakadawat ug pahalipay kaniadtong Myerkules, gikan kang Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, sa natigayong Living Spacers (LS) Year-End Assessment didto sa Provincial Jail, Libertad, ning dakbayan sa

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Butuan.

Gipangulohan kini mismo ni Gobernador Angel Amante uban ni Agusan del Norte Provincial Jail Warden Fermin Antenorio, Jabonga Municipal Administrator Ruth Jugao ug uban pa.

Atol sa maong aktibidad, gi-butyag ni Gob. Amante nga makadawat

ug tag Php1,000 ang matag usa ka living spacer sa probinsya isip regalo sa Gobernador alang kanila ug sa ilang pamilya panahon nga mobisita na kini sa ilaha sa adlaw’ng kapaskohan.

Daku usab ang kalipay ni Gob. Amante sa paglaom nga gipakita sa mga inmates taliwala sa sitwasyon nga ilang gi-

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

atubang karon.

isip mahimo nilang salosalo panahon sa pasko.

“In life, there are always Daku usab ang second chances. Dili pagpasalamat sa mga gyud ta mawad-an ug piniriso sa ilang nadawat paglaum. I always believe gikan kang Gob. Amante. nga there will always be a tomorrow for all of us” Matod pa ni Warden pagdasig nga mensahe ni Antenorio, daku na kini Gob. Amante. nga tabang sa mga living spacers. Wala usab puas Gawas sa salapi, iyang pagpasalamat kay mohatag usab ang Gob. Amante tungod gobernador ug pagkaon kay walay pakyas ang Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

iyang pagpanghatag ug pahalipay sa maong grupo.

Agi ug pagpasalamat sa Gobernador, nagpresenta usab ang mga wardens ug inmates ug mga nagkadaiyang presentasyon matag usa. (Karen Decamotan, hulagway kuha ni RFA, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

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KABATAAN SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE AKTIBONG NAKILAHOK SA PROVINCIAL CHILDREN’S CONGRESS Mahigit isang daang kabataang nasa edad sampu hanggang labing lima ang nakilahok sa Provincial Children’s Congress sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte upang magkaroon ng dagdag na kaalaman hinggil sa kanilang karapatan at maging ng kanilang mga obligasyon sa lipunan.

Si juan David Pojas, labing limang taong gulang mula sa Cabadbaran City ang nagpahiwatig ng kanyang pasasalamat dahil sa pagbibigay sa kanila ng importansya at maging representasyon sa probinsya na talaga namang mahalaga para sa kanila.

Anya, sana bigyan ng importansya ng kapwa nya kabataan ang kahalagahan ng kabataan sa ating lipunan, sa kapaligiran at sa kapwa.

Umaasa din si Pojas na magamit at maipakita ang kanilang mga Karapatan bilang kabataan.

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Sa ginawang congress, pumili ang mga kabataan ng kanilang representante upang maipa-abot ang kanilang boses at ng makapagsilbi sa kapwa nila agusanons.

Si Jeanette Paredes, social welfare officer nag Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office ng Agusan del Norte ay masayang nakikita ang mga kabataan na aktibong nakikilahok sa ganitong mga gawain, anya, dahil dito makikita nila ang kanilang kahalagaan at makakatulong upang maging isang respinsableng kabataan sa lipunan.

Ang nasabing pagtitipon, ang mga kabataan ay nagkaroon ng mga workshops at presentasyon ng kanilang mga ginawang plano, ito rin ay nakatuon sa temang kalusugan, kaisipan, kapakanan ng bawat bata tutukan! (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao’s first ‘air-towater’ machine launched in Davao City

CLEAN WATER. Davao City Vice-Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain Jr.(left) tries the water produced by the air-to-water generator machine (AWG) after it was launched Wednesday (Dec. 28, 2022) in Bangkal, Davao City. The AWG machine converts atmospheric air into potable water that may be used for emergency purposes, especially during disasters. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

The city government and the Inday Sa Dagat Advocacy (ISDA) Foundation, Incorporated jointly launched here Wednesday the air-towater generator (AWG) machine, which creates water from the air humidity.

Jerson Pardillo, the founder of the ISDA Foundation Inc., said the equipment will not only be used in this city alone but in the entire country.

“It will be used in other areas if they will request it.

What is important is that it will help a lot of people,” he said in an interview.

The AWG machine is a technology that converts atmospheric air into potable water that may be used for emergency

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purposes, especially during disasters.

Pardillo said his group conceived the plan to acquire the PHP18 machine after seeing its importance during the relief operations conducted in Cebu after Typhoon Odette hit the province last year.

Meanwhile, Engr. Arman Capin, ISDA Foundation Inc. board of director, described the AWG machine as akin to “an air-conditioning unit. The condensed drain water will run to the line of the machine and then be pumped into the filtration system that makes it very safe for drinking.”

Capin assured that the machine was tested in a private laboratory.

“That machine is composed of three chambers, every chamber can produce 2,000 liters a day. So that is about 6,000 liters a day,” he explained.

He noted that the AWG technology was originally from Israel.

“This is the first in Mindanao. We are the only one (in Mindanao) to have it,” Capin added.

SEARCH AND RESCUE. Members of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office evacuate residents from several villages on Christmas Sunday (Dec. 25, 2022). Reports from Northern Mindanao showed some 9,300 families or more than 45,600 individuals are affected by floods in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin and Bukidnon. (Courtesy of MisOcc PPO/PCADG-NorMin Facebook)

DSWD sends aid to flood victims in Visayas, Mindanao The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Sunday kicked off relief operations in areas in Visayas and Mindanao affected by flooding.

In a news release, Malacañang said the relief operations were ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain Jr. thanked the foundation for coming up with the machine.

DSWD field offices in Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao have started distributing family food packs to flood-hit residents of Eastern Samar, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin and Bukidnon.

“It can help tremendously the people here in the city, especially during calamities. As we all know, when a calamity strikes, we lose water,” he said. (PNA/ Che Palicte)

Grace Subon, DSWD regional director in Eastern Visayas, said 32,458 individuals were affected by flooding in six towns in Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Oras, Arteche, Mercedes, Taft and Giporlos) over the holiday

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

weekend.

She said they have been coordinating with the municipal governments for the distribution of 45,000 food packs and PHP10 million in standby funds.

Ramel Jamen, DSWD regional director in Northern Mindanao, said they have also started giving out food and non-food relief items to at least 9,342 families or 45,687 individuals in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin and Bukidnon.

Of those affected, Jamen said 9,256 families or 45,242 individuals remained in evacuation centers as of 3 p.m.

Sunday.

While only over 12,000 family food packs were available in their field office, he said they immediately requested

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

augmentation from neighboring regional offices.

Jamen said their office has PHP7.3 million in standby funds for relief operations.

Apart from family food packs and non-food relief items such as modular tents, medical kits and hygiene kits, the DSWD is preparing cash under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

The weather bureau has not monitored any tropical cyclone or low pressure area but a shear line is causing moderate to heavy to at times intense rainfall in Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands; and moderate to heavy rains over Southern Palawan, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and the rest of Caraga and the Visayas. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)

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PBBM ADMIN AIDS OFWS FIND OVERSEAS JOBS; EXTENDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO THEIR CHILDREN

NATIONAL NEWS

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assisted close to 800,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to find decent employment abroad and extended scholarships to their children in the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported Friday.

In her welcome remarks during the gift-giving event at the Malacañan Palace Grounds, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople said that from July to December this year, DMW assisted some 766,290 OFWs find jobs abroad.

It also facilitated the repatriation of 6,341 distressed OFWs and has continued to give livelihood assistance and scholarships to the families of OFWs in

the Philippines.

As of November 2022, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) had 16,000 scholars, Ople said, noting the DMW and OWWA also have programs for talented OFW children.

“Next year, the DMW will be in full hiring mode because we need to fill up around 1,000 positions,” she said, adding that the DMW will also be opening 16 regional offices and four additional overseas labor posts or Migrant Workers Offices.

The first OFW Hospital in Mabalacat, Pampanga province now benefits OFWs and their families, Ople said, as she thanked the President for his assistance in approving the agency’s P1

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

She said the DMW and OWWA will continue to work to ensure the welfare of OFWs and their families based on the President’s instruction.

The Palace event coincides with the first anniversary of the creation of Republic Act No. 11641, the law creating the DMW. The President greeted the officials and personnel of the DMW for the agency’s first anniversary, commending them for their hard work that benefits OFWs and their families.

“Sa nakaraang taon ay nakita natin na buong sigasig na nagtatrabaho ang kagawaran upang siguruhin ang interes at kapakanan ng ating mga OFW,” Marcos said.

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PBBM LEADS 126TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. JOSE RIZAL’S MARTYRDOM demonstrated throughout his life.

“Despite the threat of persecution, Rizal helped enlighten Filipinos about the injustice, corruption and oppression they suffered at the hands of their colonizers,” President Marcos said in a statement.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation Friday morning in commemorating the 126th anniversary of the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

In a ceremony at the Rizal Park in the City of Manila, President Marcos laid a wreath at the Rizal National Monument.

This was followed by a flag raising ceremony where the President was assisted by his wife, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and sons Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Joseph Simon and William Vincent Marcos.

Flag-raising and wreath-laying rites were also simultaneously conducted at the Museo ni

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Jose Rizal in Calamba Laguna; Museo ni Jose Rizal in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte; and by all local government units.

The President was also joined by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Dr. Rene R. Escalante with the Rizal Day Technical Working Committee members, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from national and local government offices, non-government organizations and the descendants of the national hero.

In a message released Dec. 30, the President called on Filipinos to continue to embody the virtues of excellence, patriotism and perseverance that Rizal

“May Rizal’s determination to achieve real changes empower the Filipinos today to become vigilant of the social ills that may threaten our liberty,” the chief executive pointed out.

The Jose Rizal martyrdom commemoration carried the theme, “Rizal: Alaalang Iningatan, Yaman Ngayon ng Bayan.”

Rizal was a Filipino nationalist and writer who advocated political reforms in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule.

A key member of the Propaganda Movement, Rizal was executed by Spanish authorities for rebellion after the Philippine revolution broke out mainly inspired by his writings.

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

PH TO FOCUS MORE ON PPPS NEXT YEAR TO BOOST ECONOMY, GENERATE JOBS: NEDA The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is eyeing to pursue publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) on infrastructure development and facilitate the development of local PPP projects in priority sectors to prop up the economy and create jobs.

In its year-end report, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that aside from focusing on PPPs, the Marcos government will also undertake the programmatic Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) appraisal and programming of major national projects next year.

It will also finalize the Regional Development Plan (RDP), Public Investment Program (PIP) for 2023-2028, and the Three-year Rolling Infrastructure Plan (TRIP) for 2024-2026.

NEDA plans to steer the implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 20232028, pursue its advocacy, and monitor the progress of plan

implementation vis-à-vis targets.

It also eyes to complete the registration of the 92 million Filipinos aged five and above to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and conduct the Census of Agriculture and Fisheries for Calendar Year 2022 and the 2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey.

Also included in its plans next year are the adoption of the five-year most favored nation (MFN) Tariff Structure and the passage of the remaining 30 bills in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) based on the prioritization criteria.

NEDA listed in its report its major accomplishments this year, such as the crafting of the administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda seen to address both the country’s near-term and medium-term challenges, and allow the Philippine economy to return to

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

its high-growth trajectory and reinvigorate job creation and at the same time accelerate poverty reduction.

These feats are in addition to the formulation of the PDP and organizing Regional Development Councils, which will serve as the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the regions.

Another NEDA accomplishment is the amendment of the 2022 Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law implementing rules and regulations (IRR), which seeks to balance public interest and the objectives of the private sector toward meeting the country’s development goals.

The government socioeconomic planning body also carried out measures to help ease the impact of the global inflationary pressures, facilitated the adoption of the LEDAC CLA, and helped implement the PhilSys.

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PBBM ADMIN ACTIVATES THOUSANDS OF AREAS UNDER BROADBAND NG MASA PROGRAM IN 2022

PBBM GOV’T POSTS P149-B TOURISM REVENUE AS COUNTRY SEES STRONG ECONOMIC RECOVERY The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has generated P149 billion ($2.6 billion) in tourism revenues as of November this year, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in its yearend report.

With the Philippines recognized as the world’s leading beach and dive destination, the DOT recorded 2.4 million international arrivals, or 75 percent of the agency target.

The DOT set a 1.7-million target for international visitor arrivals.

For next year, the DOT said it targets 2.6 million international tourist arrivals in a low scenario, and 6.4 million in a high scenario.

The agency also spelled out its plans and programs for 2023, with its major thrust

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The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has activated thousands of previously offline areas under the Broadband ng Masa (BBM) and Free Wi-Fi for All programs of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

focusing on connectivity, convenience, and e(Quality).

The DOT also eyes to improve convenience by establishing Tourism These initiatives are under the Information Desks and DOT’s Seven-Point Agenda Tourist Rest Areas, enhancing aimed at improving tourism the Filipino Brand of Service infrastructure, establishing Excellence, and improving the cohesive digitalization and accreditation standards to connectivity, enhancing the ensure the competitiveness country’s overall tourism of the Philippine tourism experience and equalizing sector. product development.

To improve connectivity, the department said it will support local government-initiated tourism infrastructure, open up Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) properties to development through publicprivate partnerships (PPPs), develop Cruise Tourism involving at least 136 ports of call in over 40 islands, conduct regional travel fairs, develop tourism circuits and continue convergence with tourism-enhancing government agencies.

Under its e(Quality) initiative, the DOT will enhance the Philippine Tourism Brand campaign, finalize and approve the National Tourism Development Plan 20232028, launch the Philippine Experience Program and develop Overwintering packages.

The tourism department also plans to open Mindanao for tourism and promote Halal tourism, conduct Philippine national job fairs, and expand the tourism opportunity markets.

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

Reporting its accomplishments for 2022, the DICT said 4,757 live sites were activated in 17 regions, 75 provinces and the National Capital Region under the government’s digitalization initiative.

This is in addition to 606 cities and municipalities which have undergone digitalization.

To promote investments, the DICT carried out the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP), led the Brunei DarussalamIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) ICT cluster for the year 2022-2025, and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore’s ministry of communications and information.

In order to improve bureaucratic efficiency, the DICT launched the e-Gov Super App, the country’s first one-stop platform for local and national government services that will streamline processes and transactions and ensure ease of doing business for Filipinos.

To ensure social protection, the

DICT pushed for the passage of the SIM Card Registration Act, monitored more than 1,000 cybersecurity threats, conducted sessions on Data Privacy Act, and launched Cybersecurity Awareness programs.

The DICT also listed in its yearend report its plans and targets for next year.

These include plans for digital infrastructure, investment promotion, as well as improvements in bureaucratic efficiency.

Under its digital infrastructure thrust, the DICT plans to complete the Broadband ng Masa’s Luzon Bypass Infrastructure (LBI) Phase 1 in the first half of 2023, launch more than 15,000 free WiFi sites, and improve satellite connectivity with Starlink and Satellite Systems Providers and/ or Operators (SSPOs).

To promote investments, the Digital Cities Program will set up Information Technology and

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

Business Process Management (IT-BPM) locations in 31 cities by 2025 to generate jobs in the countryside.

The DICT will also push for the development and implementation of interagency initiatives such as the National ID of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), iLGU of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Vaxcert of the Department of Health (DOH), E-Commerce of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and OFW App of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The DICT will also play a significant part in the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Law, being the agency mandated to collect SIM Card registries from public telecommunications entities (PTEs) and maintain the records.

And to protect the country from online threats, the DICT will develop the National Cybersecurity Plan for 2023.

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DOH detects first 2 Omicron subvariant BN.1 cases

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. (PNA file photo)

The Department of Health (DOH) had detected two BN.1 cases in the Philippines, both of whom have already recovered.

The first case whose sample was collected in October 2022 was a returning overseas Filipino from Kuwait.

The second, meanwhile, was a local case whose specimen was collected in November 2022.

“Both cases have

now been tagged as suggest any differences recovered,” the DOH said in disease severity or in a statement. clinical manifestations compared to the original BN.1 is a sublineage Omicron variant. of BA.2.75 considered as a “variant under “Currently, the subvariant monitoring” due to its is still reported under increased prevalence BA.2.75 by the World globally.

Health Organization and will remain classified The agency said BN.1 under Omicron until was flagged due to its sufficient evidence mutations that may lead arises showing that the to “enhanced immune virus characteristics are evasion”. significantly different from Omicron,” said the Available evidence, DOH. (PNA/Joyce Ann L. however, does not Rocamora)

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

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PH MUST BE WARY OF COVID-19 SURGE IN CHINA: SOLON

PRECAUTION. A medical worker takes a swab sample from a child for nucleic acid test in Liangjiang New District, Chongqing, China on Aug. 24, 2022. China will cancel nucleic acid tests for international arrivals starting Jan. 8, 2023 whle those with with an abnormal health status declaration or fever symptoms will receive an antigen test. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)

Now that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is open to imposing additional restrictions on travelers from China following a new surge of severe Covid-19 cases, a senator said the situation must be treated seriously.

Business as usual is not an option, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday.

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In a statement, she suggested that the InterAgency Task Force study and review restrictions now that there is an influx of tourists.

“Bago sana lumarga ang Pangulo sa planong state visit sa China, kailangang magtakda muna ang administrasyon ng karagdagang layers of health security and safety protocols para sa mga turistang papasok sa

Pilipinas ngayong bagong taon (Before he President leaves for the China state visit, the administration must set additional layers of health and security protocols for tourist coming to the country this new year),” Hontiveros said.

DFA Assistant Secretary Nathaniel Imperial previously said a bubble arrangement has been agreed for the Philippine

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

delegation to minimize the Malaysia has also required risk of exposure to the temperature screening virus. checks for fever from passengers from China, Marcos’ state visit on with symptomatic or Jan. 3 to 5 is upon the those with self-declared invitation of Chinese symptoms to be sent to President Xi Jinping. a quarantine center or to health authorities.

On Thursday, Marcos said the Department of Hontiveros is hoping Health would first have that China will abide by to study the country’s the International Health risk of a possible new Regulations (IHR) 2005, a wave of infections legally binding agreement coming from China while of 196 countries to build Transportation Secretary the capability to detect Jaime Bautista said and report potential requiring travelers from public health emergencies China to undergo testing worldwide. as safety measure is being studied.

The IHR requires that all countries have the ability “As long as it’s based on to detect, assess, report science and we feel that and respond to public there’s a need, we will do health emergency. it. But again, it depends on what the true risk is “China has always been to us,” he said in a video publishing information message from the Office on Covid-19 deaths and of the Press Secretary. severe cases in the spirit of openness and South Korea, Italy, Japan, transparency,” said Jiao India and the United Yahui, head of the Bureau States have reinstated the of Medical Administration requirement of Covid-19 under the National Health testing of inbound Commission, during a passengers from China. press briefing held by the State Council Information The US included testing Office as reported by for travelers from Hong state news agency Kong and Macau due to Xinhua. lack of “adequate and transparent” Covid data.

Hontiveros advised frontCaraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

liners in the travel industry to strictly implement health protocols and have themselves fully vaccinated and boosted as protection against the continuing pandemic.

“Bagaman kinikilala natin ang freedom of movement ng bawat isa, natutunan na natin noong 2020 na ang pagbabantay sa ating mga border ay isang matibay na paraan upang siguraduhing matatag ang proteksyon ng mga Pilipino laban sa Covid-19 at mga bagong variant nito (While we respect the freedom of movement, we learned in 2020 to guard our borders, the most effective way to protect our countrymen form Covid-19 and its new variants),” Hontiveros said.

Closing the country’s borders to China will be the last resort, Marcos said, adding that additional Covid-19 testing may suffice.

The United Kingdombased BBC reported 13 coronavirus-related deaths in China in December while research company Airfinity estimates cases in the East Asian country would reach 3 million by January.

(PNA)

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DOH DRAFTS GUIDELINES FOR BIVALENT VAX; AVAILABLE BY EARLY 2023 DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (PNA file photo)

The Department of Health (DOH) is drafting the guidelines for the bivalent vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as talks with Moderna and Pfizer are underway, DOH officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said Thursday.

in terms of the steps in negotiations),” she said.

deliver immediately),” she said.

Vergeire said DOH will order a “minimal number” of doses that could initially cover the targeted priority groups and later procure more depending on the demand.

The DOH, Vergeire said, is ordering the reformulated shots “by the millions.”

The DOH has only recently signed a confidentiality disclosure agreement with Pfizer while negotiation with Moderna was “more advanced,” Vergeire said in a presser.

“Mayroon naman tayong usapan with the manufacturers na kung saka-sakaling nakita natin na tumaas pa ang demand, maaari tayong umorder agadagad sa kanila at maideliver nila agad-agad (We’ve already have an agreement with the manufacturers that if we see an increase in demand, we will order more and they could

“We will try to procure from both but right now, ‘yong sa Moderna ‘yong nauuna doon sa steps natin sa negotiation (it is the talks with Moderna that are more advanced

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The Food and Drug Administration had granted emergency use authorization for Pfizer and Moderna’s bivalent vaccines, which would provide wider protection against Covid-19 by having a component of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and a component of Omicron variant.

The DOH earlier said it targets to procure the vaccine in early 2023.

(PNA/ Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Caraga Infocus • December 24-30, 2022

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