Caraga InFocus –February 24 – March 02, 2018

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[ Contents

24 February - 02 March 2018

Volume II, No. 47

DTI discusses Higaonon Coffee growers’ needs in AgSur barangay ASEAN NEWS

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ADB okays USD235-M loan for renewable energy projects in ASEAN

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TESDA chief to attend NISP forum in Butuan

AgNor to upgrade medical equipment, systems in local hospitals

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Army, Surigao mining firm distribute relief packs to TS Bayang victims in Claver

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DTI AgSur starts campaign for ICT-enabled income opportunities DTI AgSur employee is best SSF provincial coordinator

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TFBM booth makes presence at the National Information Convention Insurance firm expands in Mindanao, assures stability

TESDA Sec. vows more skills training for IPs, rebel returnees

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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First ASEAN Biennale to be held in University of the Philippines in Diliman

REGIONAL NEWS

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MINDANAO NEWS

27 NATIONAL NEWS

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Gov’t ready for transition to annual cash-based budgeting in 2019 Have more patience on EO vs. ‘endo’: DOLE tells labor groups

SurSur gov among DSWD awardees SurSur gov takes on call for probe on TS Basyang’s onslaught SurSur IPs alarmed over foreigners’ visit in their turf

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News Briefs CHED Caraga conducted a Data Privacy Awareness Orientation for Higher Education Institution Registrars at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City. The Registrars were reminded of the requirements under RA 10173 or Data Privacy Act 2012 which emphasizes protection of personal data by implementing organizational, physical and technical measures.

Caraga Regional Athletic Meet conducted in Butuan City is participated by 7,788 individuals comprising the 4,625 athletes from 12 schools divisions in the region; 994 coaches, assistant coaches & chaperons; 1,519 delagation & honorary officials, trainers & support staff; & 650 officiating officials.

Skills enhancement workshop of DENR Caraga Information Officers, Gerie Mae G. Coco of PIA Caraga shares the different tips in shooting and filming videos using smartphones.

In 2017, the PCW Board Members and Inter-Agency Technical Working Group identified the NWMC theme “We Make Change Work for Women”, which shall be used from 2017-2022. It highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to and claimholders of development.

This pursuit of development is also anchored on the commitment of “Malasakit at Pagbabago” or True Compassion and Real Change.

Cover Story

DTI discusses Higaon needs in AgSur barang

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur – “Balikan lang” or a return within the day of travel is not possible when your destination is Barangay Kalabuan, this municipality.

This is what two technical staff of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur (AdS) and a staff from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of this municipality prepared for when they recently visited the said barangay to check the presence of

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a thriving local coffee industry in the area.

Kalabuan is a distant upland barangay located northwest of Esperanza, where majority of the population are members of the 24 February - 02 March, 2018

non Coffee growers’ gay Higaonon tribe.

Reonel Aninon, a technical staff of DTI-AdS and Charlz Palen of Negosyo Center (NC)-Esperanza, together with Dionifil Carin of the MAO stayed overnight to assess the needs of the coffee growers in the area.

Together with the coffee farmergrowers they identified the facilities required to improve the quality of their coffee beans. The intervention will help increase the income of the growers.

work for the provision of their coffee enterprise needs.

With the provision of appropriate post-harvest equipment and processing facilities in the area, Higaonon coffee producers hopefully will be able to produce good quality dried coffee beans, thus enabling them to increase their respective household incomes.

During the visit, the team witnessed how the Higaonon coffee producers processed their coffee beans using mortar and pestle to break open the fresh ripened coffee beans before Esperanza town has been named exposing them to sunlight for drying pilot municipality for DTI’s Project Entrep purposes. and Strike Team for Indigenous Peoples.

As observed, due to some With or without follow unrefined preparation methods, quality of coffee are affected which resulted through funding support from the in their being bought at a lower price. national office, DTI AdS hopes to continue to give development

Aninon, the Provincial Shared interventions emphasizing on skills and Service Facilitaty (SSF) and Industry entrepreneurial development through Cluster Enhancement (ICE) Coordinator, the now operational Negosyo Centersaid the provincial office will continue Esperanza. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAto engage closely with the group and Agusan del Sur) 24 February - 02 March, 2018

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Photo Gallery Kick off activity in celebration of the 2018 National Women’s Month Butuan City Hall grounds 01 March 2018

First ASEAN Biennale to be held in University of the Philippines in Diliman By: Alice Sicat

QUEZON CITY - The ASEANnale 2018 with the theme “Capturing the Spirit of ASEAN in the Digital Times,” brings together three (3) events under one roof: the 1st Film and Multimedia Competition and Exhibition, the 2nd International Symposium on ASEAN Studies, and the Distinguished ASEAN Award for Higher Education on 28 February to 02 March 2018 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The three-day conference will showcase select creative and research works of Higher Education Students and Faculty from the 10 ASEAN countries to promote the community of scholars on ASEAN through Film and Multimedia, Poster Exhibition, Paper Presentation, and International Symposium on three sub-themes shared and addressed by numerous parties in the region: Diaspora, Disasters, and Democracy.

“The ASEANnale is the first biennale in Asia that is not countryspecific because it encompasses and represents the entire ASEAN region,” declares Dr. Grace J.

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Alfonso, ASEANnale 2018 Organizing Committee Chair. The large-scale event will bring together ASEAN academics, experts, filmmakers, multimedia artists, and scholars, who will engage in a public discourse on ASEANology with interpretations of art, culture, literature, humanities and events from the unique ASEAN perspectives and narratives.

To accommodate numerous requests due to increased interest, the deadline for submission of entries for the 1st Film and Multimedia Competition and Exhibition and abstracts to the 2nd International Symposium on ASEAN 24 February - 02 March, 2018

Studies was extended last 09 February University of the Philippines System 2018. in collaboration with the U.P. Open University Foundation Inc., and the

#ASEANnale2018 is a project of Philippines Communication Society the Commission on Higher Education (PCS).

(CHED), the University of the Philippines Open University, U.P. Diliman For more info and downloadable Asian Center, the College of Mass forms, visit aseannale.upou.edu.ph or Communication U.P. Diliman, TVUP, fb.com/aseannale2018/ (ASEANnale)

ADB okays USD235-M loan for renewable energy projects in ASEAN

By: Leslie Gatpolintan

MANILA - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday signed a loan agreement of up USD235 million with a Thai firm to develop and enhance renewable energy in the Philippines and other countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ADB’s financing will support B. Grimm Power Public Company Limited’s implementation (B. Grimm Power) of the ASEAN Distributed Power Project, 24 February - 02 March, 2018

which will expand renewable and distributed power generation into new markets in the region, also including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s

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Democratic Republic, Myanmar and B. Grimm Power’s total distributed Vietnam. power generation capacity is expected to increase by over 50 percent to 2,500

The project will involve the megawatts (MW) by 2022, while the execution and operation of distributed renewable energy share in its portfolio and utility-scale solar, wind, biomass, will rise from 10 percent to 30 percent. waste-to-energy, gas-fired power, energy storage, as well as associated The energy company, a infrastructure in ASEAN countries. subsidiary of Thailand’s 140-yearold conglomerate B. Grimm Group,

“The development of renewable currently has a total capacity of 1,779 energy in Southeast Asia is critical to MW, operating 13 gas-fired plants, meet its energy needs and B. Grimm with four more under development or Power is at the forefront of the region’s construction. fast growing alternative energy sector,” Michael Barrow, Director General In recent years, it has diversified of ADB’s Private Sector Operation’s into renewable energy and is operating Department, said in a statement.

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“ADB is proud to once again partner with B. Grimm Power as it ADB took a 1,968 million Thai continues its expansion strategy Baht (USD57.7 million) equity stake in B. in ASEAN member countries,” said Grimm Power as part of the company’s Barrow. initial public offering in July 2017. (PNA)

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Regional News

TESDA Sec. vows more skills training for IPs, rebel returnees By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong said that the agency will provide more skills training for indigenous peoples (IPs).

Speaking before the IP chieftains in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region during the National Integration Scholarship Program Forum held here on Feb. 19, Mamondiong said this is the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

After the skills training, Mamondiong said the successful trainees will be provided with livelihood opportunities. “Through the convergence of different government agencies, peace and development will be achieved,” he added.

The official added that rebel returnees are also included in this program. “TESDA will be coordinating with concerned government agencies for the realization of the program such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Land Bank of the Philippines (LPB), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR),” he said.

When asked how to avail the program, the TESDA chief said this can be realized through the scholarship programs of TESDA. “For details regarding this, just keep in touch with TESDA Provincial Offices in your respective areas,” Mamondiong said.

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The theme of “Pagpagahum sa

the forum is Tribuhanong

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REGIONAL NEWS Katilingban pinaagi sa Kahiusahan alang sa Kalinawan ug Kalambuan” (Empowering Tribal Community through Unity for Peace and Development) and

is participated by 136 chieftains of the Northern Mindanao Region and the Caraga Administrative Region. (TESDACaraga/PIA-Caraga)

TESDA chief to attend NISP forum in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY – Secretary Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will attend today, Feb. 19, the National Integration Scholarship Program (NISP) in this city.

In an interview with the local trimedia here, Mamondiong emphasized that as per Directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, there is a need to give opportunity to the marginalized sectors like the indigenous peoples (IPs) in support to the flagship program of the present administration.

Mamondiong added that though TESDA have already made significant contribution in empowering the IPs in the previous years, this program will continue so that peace and development will be achieved

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throughout the country.

The forum is anchored on the theme: “Pagpagahum sa Tribuhanong Katilingban pinaagi sa Lahiusahan alang sa Kalinawan ug Kalambuan,” (Empowering Tribal Community through Unity for Peace and Development), and is participated by 136 chieftains of the Northern Mindanao Region and the Caraga Administrative Region.

TESDA Region X Director Tarhata Mapandi also led the IPs of the Northern Mindanao Region. (RERoperos, TESDACaraga/PIA-Caraga) 24 February - 02 March, 2018

Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte Oversight and Advisory Council Meeting Provincial Governor’s Conference Room, Butuan City 26 February 2018

Regional Peace & Order Council (RPOC) Experiential Sharing of Organizations on Peace and Development Works in Caraga Oazis Hotel, Butuan City 28 February 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Norte AgNor to upgrade medical equipment, systems in local hospitals By: Aimee B Sienes

BUTUAN CITY – With the help of the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office XIII, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte was given an opportunity to upgrade the medical and laboratory equipment of the hospitals and Rural Health Units (RHUs) in the province.

This move was under the Health Facility Enhancement Program of the DOH to improve the primary health facilities and hospitals to comply with the DOH licensing and Philhealth

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accreditation requirements as referral centers.

For its smooth implementation, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized 24 February - 02 March, 2018

PROVINCIAL NEWS Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DOH.

Integrated Hospital Operations and Management Information system (IHOMIS) of the DOH in their day-today hospital operations to improve the quality of management system and

Under this MOA, the hospitals procedures within the hospital with and RHUs are to identify their needed Total Quality Management and Patient medical and laboratory equipment Safety as framework. to be funded and purchased by the DOH through the Health Facility This new technology is part of Enhancement Program. the Philippine Health Agenda for 20162020 of the national government to

On the other hand, another MOA improve health care, practice good will be signed by Amante-Matba in governance and promote universal behalf of the province and the DOH health services access for all Filipinos. for the Integrated Hospital Operation and Management Program (IHOMP), Provincial Board Member Policies and Guidelines to be put in Elizabeth Marie R. Calo pushed for the place in the hospitals. approval of the two MOAs during its recently conducted regular sessions.

Starting January 2018, Philhealth (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del is requiring all hospitals to adopt the Norte)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Agusan del Sur

DTI AgSur starts campaign for ICT-enabled income opportunities

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Trade and Industry Agusan del Sur (DTI AdS) has organized a three-day General Virtual Assistant Training (GVAT) held at Bayoy Tug Anadan building, ASELCO compound, San Isidro, San Francisco, this province.

The training was aimed to equip the participants with integrated knowledge and skills related to becoming a competent, knowledgeable, and skillful virtual assistant globally through comprehensive training and practical hands-on examinations.

In his opening presentation, he outlined the topics the participants will go through during the whole duration of the training.

He emphasized the different levels of learning that the participants shall be exposed to.

The participants learned three levels

This was a follow through of the of skills and/or competencies: Freelancers Meet-up organized by DTI- 1.Email and customer management, AdS. where he introduced Google mail as a tool in doing email support;

Ronald “Piper” Ramboanga, founder and chief executive officer of 2. Basic graphic designing for nonKnights of Online Marketers facilitated designers, where he demonstrated the the training. use of tools like canva.com for those who

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PROVINCIAL NEWS don’t know how to use Photoshop, and

3. Facebook (FB) management, pointing out that an FB page can be a tool and they have the option to become a Facebook manager or community manager in the future.

created their own FB Pages.

At the end of the session, the participants were expected to submit their curriculum vitae to showcase skills and knowledge, online portfolio to prove skills with outputs and a one-minute video resume, showcasing their attitude

The 27 participants who also towards work. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAattended the freelancers meet-up Agusan del Sur)

DTI AgSur employee is best SSF provincial coordinator

AGUSAN DEL SUR – Standing among the 16 honorees in the country and representing the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)Caraga is their very own DTI-Agusan del Sur Trade and Industry Development Specialist Reonel Aninon.

Together with the other regions’ picks, Reonel was hailed Best Shared Service Facility (SSF) Provincial Coordinator for the Caraga Region. He was given a plaque of recognition by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Undersecretary of the Regional Operations Group Zenaida Maglaya during the 2017 National SSF Summit held at the Provincial Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

million. As of the October 31, 2017 report, the SSF operations under his supervision have generate 929 employment, assisted 456 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and served 2,167 other clients and users.

In addition to being a SSF Coordinator, he was also the province’s Industry Cluster (IC) Provincial Account Officer for Cacao, Rubber, Coffee,

As the Provincial Coordinator of Bamboo, Oil Palm, and Coconut; Bottomthe DTI-Agusan del Sur’s SSF Program, he up Budgeting Provincial Account Officer took charge of 33 projects worth P16.655 (for IC-related projects); and Focal Person 24 February - 02 March, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS for Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry operational. and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program.

As the coordinator of the shared service facility program, he was engaged in helping community-based economic enterprise in the above-mentioned ICs, as well as in other sectors using indigenous resources (bamboo, water hyacinth, planted species, etc.) increase their productivity.

He convened SSF cooperators at least on a semi-annual or sometimes

The profile of SSF projects in Agusan quarterly basis to validate and clarify del Sur would show his commitment to monitoring reports, as well as provide further the development of priority ICs a venue for cooperators to share their by providing stakeholders in the different operational stories and best practices. stages of the industry value chain critical and important facilities to improve their When the provincial office decided operations. to make SSF projects (together with BuB projects) as anchor economic enterprises

He was also one of those who have of and part of the portfolio of the Negosyo worked hard to enhance and direct Centers that were being established, he the then bottom-up budgeting (BuB) made sure that the NC counselors and program project proposals from local project staff were given the complete government units(LGUs) to either support dockets and were briefed on each existing SSFs (through increased primary project’s status. He however, remains as production and value-adding efforts), over-all coordinator. to provide complementary facilities or to provide BuB-funded SSFs if need be to Acknowledging that it might be a reinforce development efforts. burden to some cooperators to sit down and document their operations/come

Although procurement was centrally up with their own manual of operations, handled at the regional office, he helped he made arrangements to outsource find potential suppliers for several times, the same with clear instructions for the ensuring that the procurement process contracted party to work closely with moved along and that those facilities concerned cooperators. were made available to do their purpose.

To ensure sustainability of the SSF

He has made himself available at operations, he also worked with the rest all times for the SSF inspections during of the SME development team of the delivery and installation, regardless of his province to additional capability building location. He went back to the area as activities for cooperators. (DTI-Agusan often as needed to ensure facilities gets del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Surigao del Norte

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Army, Surigao mining firm distribute relief packs to TS Bayang victims in Claver

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Government troops of 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), Philippine Army and the THPAL Nickel Corporation distributed relief packs to the victims of Tropical Storm Basyang that ravaged parts of Surigao del Norte.

Around 562 relief packs composed of rice, canned good, noodles, biscuits, coffee and sugar were distributed to the affected families of the barangays in Claver town.

The distribution and turn over

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ceremony was led by Lt. Jonald Romorosa of Alpha Company of the 36IB, Philippine Army and THPAL Nickel Corporation Community Relations Officer Genevieve Chua. (36IB, PA/PIASurigao del Norte)

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Photo Gallery 23IB PA 35th Founding Anniversary

Jamboree Site, P6 Brgy. Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte 01 March 2018

Surigao del Sur

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SurSur gov among DSWD awardees By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Gov. Vicente Pimentel, Jr. was chosen as one of DSWD’s “Salamat Po” awardees in Caraga region.

Mira Chuchi Gupana-Lim, DSWD Caraga OIC Regional Director, had already sent an official invitation to the good governor seeking his presence on the occasion of its 67th anniversary celebration that would be held in Watergate Hotel in Butuan City at 9:00 a.m. on February 27, 2018.

Pimentel in her letter dated February 12, 2018.

With the theme “DSWD@67:Walang Puwang sa Katiwalian ang Paglilingkod Nang Tapat sa Bayan,” Director GupanaLim said that this would be in line with the agency’s effort to “highlight the

“We will be recognizing our importance of building and promoting partners for their exemplary contribution integrity among its officials and in helping DSWD carry out its mandate employees.” of improving lives and providing a better opportunity for the poor, “Both are integral to efforts to disadvantaged, and vulnerable sectors deliver true and dedicated public of our society through the ‘Pagkilala sa service and to enhance effectiveness Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan and efficiency in the public sector,” (PaNata Ko sa Bayan)’ Awards,” the she added. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/ social welfare top official told Gov. PIA-Surigao del Sur) 24 February - 02 March, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

SurSur gov takes on call for probe on TS Basyang’s onslaught By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Surigao del Sur Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr. has joined Diocese of Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar’s call for a no nonsense probe on the root cause of “flooding in CARCANMADCARLAN” area.

Carcanmadcarlan, a cluster of five northern towns in the province, were said to have been badly hit by Tropical Storm (TS) Basyang, particularly the two adjacent municipalities of Carrascal and Cantilan, on February 13, 2018.

From then on, what happened became a controversy.

In what Gov. Pimentel has called a “pastoral letter,” the bishop threw out the question “Could the reason be due to massive mining operations that denuded the natural forested mountains and critical watersheds of Cantilan and Carrascal?”

by-point” against the bishop’s themed “A CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY.”

In addition, he cited similar occurrences like Typhoon Uring in Ormoc, Leyte on November 5, 1991; the Guinsaugon, Southern Leyte landslide on February 17, 2007; the Typhoon Sendong that hit Iligan and Cagayan de Oro on December 17, 2011; and Typhoon Pablo that wiped out three towns in Davao Oriental, including Barangay Palo Alto, this province, on December 4, 2012. The governor said, the places mentioned had no mining activities.

Contrary to some views, Pimentel

In his response, the chief executive noted that “Premature and sweeping of the province issued a well-crafted conclusions do not help.” statement pitting his wits by bringing out “hard and indisputable facts, point- “Nonetheless, I agree with the

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PROVINCIAL NEWS call of Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar for an immediate and independent investigation on the flooding in all the affected areas in order to ferret out the truth and determine if mining is really the cause of the flooding and landslides,” he said in his rejoinder titled “A CALL FOR SOBRIETY.”

business,” he stressed.

Earlier, Gov. Pimentel likewise cleared “mining” in this regard. “There is no truth to the claim that siltation ponds in some mining sites have collapsed. All the siltation ponds area intact and solid to this day. Drone videos that I have ordered taken right after the storm is

Also, on the allegation that some proof of this.“ of mining companies “are allegedly owned by the high ranking government It can be recalled that on Monday, officials of the province,” Gov. Pimentel February 19, Provincial Administrator vehemently denied such.

Efren Rivas has already shared his thoughts on the issue after watching

“I categorically state that I am the drone video taken from the sonot, in whole or in part, an owner of called “ground zero.” any mining company operating in our province or elsewhere. Simply put, I am The administrator believed that it not a miner. Just like any other ordinary was also pure TS Basyang’s wrath that businessman, my connection in the had caused the devastation. (Radyo mining industry is limited to hauling Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur IPs alarmed over foreigners’ visit in their turf

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) here reported that Lumad communities had voiced out concern over the “presence of foreign nationals” in San Miguel town, particularly in Sitio Hayon, Barangay Libas Sud. 24 February - 02 March, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

In the company of 12 locals upon entering the “Lumad” community on February 20, 2018, the group spent overnight in the area, according to Cpt. Francisco Garello, Jr., battalion civil military operations (CMO) officer, in a press statement.

The non-nationals were identified as Ms. Miracle Osman of Malawi, Africa; Ms. Jennifer Marie Abella of California, USA; and Prof. Boehringer Gill Hale from New South Wales, Australia.

routine checkpoint in Dreamland Patrol Base, Sitio Dreamland, Barangay Alba, Tago town,” Garello noted.

When asked for proper identification, one of the foreigners was said to have been lacking necessary papers. Hence, for further “documentation and identification” they were invited to the municipal police station having jurisdiction of the area. After undergoing process, Garello said that the group was released later on “as witnessed by their legal counsel, Atty. Antonio Azarcon.”

“However, it was only, the next day, February 21, when troops of the said battalion “intercepted” them at a But early on, citing Section 1 of the Municipal Ordinance No. 03 series of 2017 of San Miguel dated January 3, 2017 or Ordinance Regulating Entry of Migrants into Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) Areas within this Municipality and Providing Penalty for any Violation thereof, Cpt. Garello said that entry to the municipality, let alone a Lumad territory without the necessary clearance from authorities meant a breach. “These included even Peoples Organization and Non-Governmental Organization,” he added.

The battalion CMO bared that during the group’s overnight stint, Datu Rico Maca, municipal tribal chieftain, went to see these people to advise them to leave because of violation of a municipal ordinance. Garello said that the same were told to have sought permission first from Municipal Tribal Office to be allowed entry in the ancestral land.

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Such policy was to “protect” 24 February - 02 March, 2018

PROVINCIAL NEWS the Indigenous Peoples from unidentified strangers undetermined objective.

(IPs) they could have coordinated with us with for their safety and security.”

The municipality of San Miguel is

When asked about their purpose, part of the area of responsibility (AOR) Maca said that they were there to of the said battalion. (Radyo Pilipinas“interview” IPs for them to know the Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) truth behind allegations of human rights violations. But, the municipal tribal chieftain noted that IP sources seemed to be just being picked out.

Contrary to claim of having been given permission to go to the area, the military officer found out from Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Miguel, Barangay LGU of Libas Sud and from no less than Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas that no such thing was granted.

Rivas stood pat on what he said, when contacted by media.

The provincial administrator, however, confirmed that he, acting on behalf of Governor Vicente Pimentel, Jr., had a meeting with the group at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) Conference Room on February 19, 2018.

The group claimed to be “members of the International Fact Finding and Solidarity Mission (ISM)” based on the report of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office under Provincial Director PSSupt. Francisco Dungo, Jr.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, 36IB Commanding Officer, said that “the group did not coordinate with the proper authority. As foreign nationals, 24 February - 02 March, 2018

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Photo Gallery DSWD Caraga 67th Anniversary Celebration Watergate Hotel, Butuan City 27 February 2018

Bureau of Fire Protection FIRE PREVENTION MONTH 2018 Press Conference Go Hotel Convention Hall Robinsons Place, Butuan City 02 March 2018

Mindanao News

TFBM booth makes presence at the National Information Convention By: Donabel Norei Magsino

DAVAO CITY Intricate Maranao handicrafts and accessories caught the attention of the participants of the first National Information Convention (NIC) held on 19-21 February 2018.

Task Force Bangon Marawi’s Information Management and Strategic Communications Support Group, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), set up a booth that would both highlight basic information about the efforts of the TFBM for the people of Marawi, and promote various local products made by craftsmen from the recovering city.

Its photo exhibit told the colorful stories of how the government made a positive impact on the lives of the residents affected by the Marawi siege. Human-interest videos and coverages of on-the-ground rehabilitation activities were also shown to the public.

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Communication practitioners from different regions across the country also expressed their love and concern for the Maranao people by writing short messages of encouragement and solidarity.

Art against Violent Extremism

The local traders from Lanao del Sur, Menor Sumandar and Mamintal Salic, with Danny Arompac from DTI.

Two local traders from Lanao del Sur were invited by the DTI to showcase their products at the NIC. One of them is Menor Racman Sumandar, whose humble store of native Maranao handicrafts in the Most Affected Area was destroyed by the siege. He now

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MINDANAO NEWS rents a space in Iligan where he sells the Alternative Marketing Outlet for IDP products that he regularly buys from Products the local craftsmen of Marawi.

Aside from woodcrafts and brass

Sumandar narrated that even wares, malongs and bags made by the before the siege, the production of displaced women of Marawi were also these native Maranao handicrafts was sold in the TFBM booth. in the nearby municipality of Tugaya— where a lot of Marawi craftsmen do According to Danny Arompac, a their labor. Finished products were full-blooded Maranao and a specialist then delivered to different stores inside from DTI-ARMM, DTI is helping the Marawi. internally displaced persons (IDPs) in marketing their products. This assistance

“When the firefight erupted, the is in addition to the livelihood starter kits production ceased because the target they have distributed and the financial market was attacked. But now that a loans they offer for the affected lot of people are helping us, the local residents of Marawi. craftsmen were enabled to continue their livelihood,” he said.

“We thank the Philippine Information Agency for letting us be part

He said that there are about 500- of this National Information Convention.

1000 artisans in Marawi, composed This is a very good opportunity to of men and women across different promote the products of the IDPs and ages. Being in this industry for 35 to encourage the artisans to continue years, Sumandar hopes that the next producing their crafts,” Arompac said. generation of Maranaos would invest their time and energy in preserving All proceeds from the TFBM booth and using their art to combat violent went to the local traders and IDP extremism, “There are a lot of corrupt beneficiaries of DTI. (PIA-ICCC) groups recruiting the youth in Marawi.

To prevent them from accepting those offers, I hope more people would patronize these Maranao handicrafts that they produce. I encourage the youth to get involved in craftsmanship instead of joining crooked causes.”

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MINDANAO NEWS

Insurance firm expands in Mindanao, assures stability By: Jigger Jerusalem

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Amid the failure of several insurance companies to maintain higher net worth requirement, an international insurance firm has assured that it is financially stable and capable of sustaining operations as it expands presence in Mindanao.

Track record and longevity in the business are one of Allianz PNB Life Insurance’s advantages as it branches out in Mindanao, said the firm’s regional business manager for Mindanao Noel Berdeprado.

Fidelity Co. Inc., Meridian Assurance Corp., Solid Guaranty Inc. and United Insurance Co. Inc.

A life insurance firm, CAP Life Insurance Corp. also surrendered its license to engage in said business,

According to the Insurance the Insurance Commission added.

Commission, among those that ceased operations and gave up In its Feb. 15 advisory, Insurance their business licenses are six non- Commissioner Dennis Funa has life companies, namely, Centennial also warned companies who are Guarantee Assurance Corp., FLT Prime practicing “unsafe and unsound” Insurance Corp., Manila Surety and practices.

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MINDANAO NEWS

These gloomy developments have not discouraged Allianz PNB from putting up branches in the countryside, Berdeprado said.

He noted that Allianz PNB is among the top insurers in the Philippines, with 18 million customers in the Asia Pacific region alone. In 2016, the company had gross written premium of 125 billion euros and has an operating profit of 10.8 billion euros.

In Region 10, Berdeprado said Cagayan de Oro has been chosen as Allianz PNB’s primary base of operations in the island.

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“Being the regional center and logistics and business hub of Northern Mindanao, the city is one of the most progressive and competitive cities in the Philippines.

Allianz is making the strategic decision to grow its agency channel in Mindanao starting in Cagayan de Oro,” said Allianz PNB Life president and CEO Dr. Olaf Kliesow in a press conference held here recently.

Kliesow said Allianz PNB Life advocates financial literacy saying they would like more Filipinos “to have a financially secured future.” (PNA)

24 February - 02 March, 2018

National News

Gov’t ready for transition to annual cash-based budgeting in 2019

MANILA - Line agencies of the government are in position for the landmark shift from multi-year obligations-based to annual cash-based budgeting in 2019, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.

Diokno, in the weekly “Breakfast with Ben” media forum on Feb, 28, said DBM has began conducting executive briefings in January with national government agencies including Department of Health (DOH), Department of Transportation (DoTR), Department of Public Works 24 February - 02 March, 2018

and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Agrarian Reform.

This is in addition to the briefings conducted to all agencies last July and August 2017 to introduce the Budget Reform Bill and annual cash-

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NATIONAL NEWS based appropriations.

introduced and currently being implemented by the Executive branch.

The bill has been filed in both Congress and Senate under House Bill 5590, by Reps. Karlo and Jericho Nograles, and under Senate Bill 1450

by Sen. Loren Legarda.

The briefings provided agency heads a deeper understanding of the operational implications of annual cash-based appropriations and the transition process for the current year (2018) where agencies were requested to implement the 2018 budget as if it were a cash-based budget.

On Feb. 27, the bill was approved by the House of Representatives

In 2017, DBM implemented the Committee on Appropriations. It will one-year validity of appropriations then be discussed in the House plenary instead of the usual two years to on the first week of March. push the agencies to speed up the execution of projects and prepare The Budget Reform Bill and the them for the transition to annual cash- shift to annual cash-based budgeting based budgeting in FY 2019. are especially significant in the context of the Duterte administration’s

Annual cash-based budgeting, expansionary fiscal policy, where as opposed to multi-year obligations- spending for social services and based budgeting, “limits incurring infrastructure is intended to increase obligations and disbursing payments significantly. for goods delivered and services rendered, inspected, and accepted Shifting to annual cash-based within the fiscal year” - meaning, the budgeting is expected to speed up the extent of budget implementation is just government’s budget utilization and one year, with an “Extended Payment promote disciplined management Period” of three months after the fiscal of the budget. Also, as it shows year. disbursements rather than obligations or commitments, a cash-based budget

The shift to annual cash-based tends to reflect more accurately the budgeting is a major component of annual outputs and actions of the the Budget Reform Bill being pushed government.

by DBM, together with Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of the In January, DBM already released Treasury (BTr), National Economic 78.8% or P2.97 trillion of the P3.78 trillion of and Development Authority (NEDA), the 2018 national budget. Furthermore, and Commission on Audit (COA). The the recently released full-year data bill aims to modernize the national for FY 2017 showed a continuation in government’s budget process, the decline in underspending, posting eliminate underspending, and an underspending rate of 2.4%, if institutionalize many of the reforms interest payments are excluded from

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24 February - 02 March, 2018

NATIONAL NEWS the computation to account only for 2016 when the Duterte administration productive spending. took over.

“The lower underspending rate is a result of what we started last year which is to shorten the validity of appropriations to one year. Because of this, agencies are compelled to expedite the implementation of their projects and programs. They were also required to include only projects that are shovel-ready,� Diokno said.

In previous years, the underspending rate was as high as 13.3% in 2014 and 12.8% in 2015. This was significantly decreased to 3.6% in

24 February - 02 March, 2018

Since then, various reforms that push agencies to accelerate budget utilization have been pursued by the administration, resulting to the notable decrease in underspending.

The Department targets to completely remove underspending in the coming years.

For more information on the Budget Reform Bill and annual cashbased budgeting, visit www.dbm. gov.phand follow @DBMgovph on Facebook and Twitter. (DBM PR)

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NATIONAL NEWS

Have more patience on EO vs. ‘endo’: DOLE tells labor groups By: Ferdinand Patinio

MANILA - An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has appealed to labor groups for more patience, saying they are exerting all efforts to end contractualization.

“I appeal to the labor groups to have little patience as DOLE is doing everything possible to end contractualization of labor,” Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod, head of DOLE’s Labor Relations cluster, said in a statement issued Wednesday.

of Partidong Manggagawa (PM) that the department has attempted to delay the signing of an executive order (EO) on putting a stop to contractualization.

He said President Rodrigo R. Duterte had told labor groups earlier this month that he would have his legal

Maglunsod said that the advisers study the EO proposed by the department was working with the groups and that they could not expect Senate to pass a bill that would end the legal team to review it overnight. contractualization.

“They have to have a little

He said Senator Joel Villanueva, patience as the President is doing chairman of the Senate Committee his best to address the problems of on Labor, assured them that he would labor contractualization,” Maglunsod expedite the passage of the measure. said, adding that the House of Representatives had just passed a bill

Maglunsod denied the allegation to end contractualization. (PNA)

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24 February - 02 March, 2018

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