Caraga InFocus – February 13-19, 2021

Volume V, No. 8 February 13-19, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS CARAGA NGAS, DRRMOS PREPARE FOR TS AURING OVER P6-M DTI SSF PROJECTS IN CARAGA TO BENEFIT LSIS

PROVINCIAL NEWS CANE: AGSUR LGUS CONTINUE TO 14 GOV. IMPLEMENT HEALTH PROTOCOLS VS COVID-19

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AGSUR SKS, PCOO INTENSIFY INFO DISSEMINATION EFFORTS ON VACCINATION PROGRAM AGSUR SKS PLEDGE TO HELP CURB FAKE NEWS ON GOVT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM AGSUR MEDIA ORG VOWS TO ADVOCATE FOR PH GOVT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM AGSUR OPENS LOCAL ECONOMY TO INT’L TRADE, ENGAGEMENT WITH INDONESIA

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AGSUR LGU RECOGNIZES PCOO-PIA IN GEARING UP CAMPAIGN EFFORTS ON GOVERNMENT’S VACCINE ROLL-OUT BUNAWAN SK GEARS UP CAMPAIGN VS ILLEGAL DRUGS TO SAVE MORE YOUTHS AGSUR GIVES FOCUS ON UPLAND SUSTAINABLE AGRI-FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT SENATOR BONG GO PROVIDES AID TO OVER 12,000 TD VICKY VICTIMS IN AGSUR 3 NPAS KILLED, 4 FIREARMS SEIZED IN AGSUR CLASH AGUSAN NORTE CREATES LOCAL VACCINATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

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AGUSAN NORTE FARMERS ACQUIRE P42.38M RICE MECHANIZATION EQUIPMENT REBELDENG NPAS, SUPPORTERS NAGBALIK-LOOB SA GOBYERNO PAGPROSESO SA ANI SA MGA MAG-UUMA SA KAPE GIPUNTING SA CABADBADBARAN

PMO SURIGAO CONDUCTS PORT ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR PORT SERVICE PROVIDERS SK IN PLACER UNITE TO FIGHT COVID-19 CARAGA STRATCOM CLUSTER ENHANCES SKILLS OF SURSUR IOS ON NEWS WRITING, MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY DAR SURSUR BEATS 2020 LAND TENURE TARGET AMIDST PANDEMIC 60 SURSUR PIOS SUMAILALIM SA PAGSASANAY SA TANDAG CITY

MINDANAO NEWS

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MINDA, LANAO DEL SUR CRAFT AGRI DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT LGUS AWASH WITH CASH MOST RELIABLE INVESTORS

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NATIONAL NEWS ANDANAR: NO ROOM FOR CORRUPTION IN COVID-19 VACCINE PURCHASE ANDANAR APPEALS FOR WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH TO DEFEAT INFODEMIC ANDANAR DENOUNCES CHILD RECRUITMENT OF CPP-NPA ANDANAR SEES NEED FOR RADIO REINTRODUCTION TO ‘MODERN AGE’ GORDON TO LTO, DOTR: IMPLEMENT RA 11235; PEOPLE ARE GETTING DESENSITIZED TO THE SPATE OF KILLINGS IN THE COUNTRY PRESIDENT DUTERTE TO CERTIFY AS URGENT BILLS FAST TRACKING COVID-19 VACCINE NEGOTIATIONS, DELIVERIES PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS THE PRESIDENT HAS SOLE POWER TO CRAFT FOREIGN POLICY GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 FIGHT IMPROVING NATIONALLY — HEALTH CHIEF NEDA CHIEF: GOV’T SHOULD LOOSEN RESTRICTIONS TO BOOST ECONOMY

COVID-19 NEWS PRC GIVES CASH GRANT TO COVID-19 AFFECTED FAMILIES IN CEBU BE PATIENT AMID SOME DELAYS IN VAX ARRIVAL, GALVEZ URGES PUBLIC COVID-19 VACCINE VITAL TO RESTORE NORMALCY IN PH

CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Statement of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma’s health after contracting COVID-19 We extend our prayers for the speedy recovery and good health of Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma following the unfortunate news that he had recently contracted COVID-19. We enjoin the Catholic faithful to pray for the good Archbishop as well.

May he recover swiftly so that he can continue to fulfill his religious obligations and be an inspiration to the Catholic community to keep up the fight against COVID-19 and help in our healing and recovery as one nation.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Surigao Norte mayor vo put an end to insurgenc

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Shedding light on insurgency, Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia of Sison, Surigao del Norte is determined to put an end on the persistent insurgencyrelated incidents in the municipality together with the town’s people and the police and armed forces.

“It has been almost 52 years since this country first faced the problems brought by the communist-terrorist groups. In those years, countless lives and homes were lost, many of them were our lumads,” the mayor said during an interview with Presidential

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Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar for the Network Briefing News, which she served as the program guest on Tuesday, February 16.

“This has been a problem of the Philippines brought by the aforementioned organization and based on history, it only resulted in a disruption in our economy [hindering] the progress of our country,” she added.

Her fervour for addressing insurgency in the town was fuelled even more after Caraga INFOCUS

ows to cy

Caraga INFOCUS

the attack made by the communist-terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) on January 28. Shots were fired at the mayor’s residence at 8:06 A.M. Minutes later, at around 8:15 A.M., a similar attack was made to the Sison Municipal Police Station.

stronger ties between the local government, the PNP, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This cooperation resulted in the apprehension of the fourth most wanted criminal in the region on February 6 in one of the town villages.

The local government and the police forces expressed strong condemnation for the group due to the attack, which could have compromised the lives of the elderlies who were gathered near the municipal hall to claim their pensions.

Cases have already been filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against the identified terrorists responsible for the attack.

Though the battle is far from over, the mayor is optimistic that insurgency will cease in Sison, especially with the current administration in the forefront.

The rampant terrorismrelated crimes forged

“With the help of our uniformed personnel from the PNP and the AFP, especially the thrust of the EO [Executive Order] 70 of President Duterte together with the Anti-Terrorism Act, rest assured that we will solve this insurgency,” said Paronia.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

February 13-19, 2021 |

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News Briefs The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Agusan del Norte chairperson, governor Dale B. Corvera issued Executive Order No. 5, series of 2021, the Prohibition of Sea Voyage and Fishing Activities in the Province until further notice due to #AuringPH that is expected to affect the province. xx

Despite the crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic and social repercussions, the Duterte Administration continues to prioritize the welfare of the people because more than ever, now is the time that good public governance matters.

Immediate responses will continue as it is very crucial both to the recovery and adopting to the “new normal” once the crisis has passed.

Part also of the preparedness actions for Severe Tropical Storm #AuringPH, the Caraga RDRRMC has already conducted an Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) meeting earlier with the DICT and concerned agencies for technical alternative in case of possible disruption to communication system.

To ensure that safety and health measures will strictly be observed even in times of disaster and weather disturbance, the Caraga RDRRMC coordinated with the DOH-Center for Health and Development Caraga and local health officers on COVID-19 health management protocols in evacuation centers.

REGIONAL NEWS

CARAGA NGAS, DRRMOS PREPARE FOR TS AURING

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Concerned national government agencies and disaster risk reduction management offices (DRRMOs) are now outlining their preparedness measures for the Tropical Storm (TS) Auring which is expected to make landfall on the evening of Saturday or on Sunday morning, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Butuan.

As of 8:00 am of Thursday, February 18, Tropical Depression Auring has intensified into a tropical storm while moving slowly northwestward over the Philippine sea.

Latest PAGASA report states that at 10:00

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am of Thursday, TS Auring was estimated at 685 km East Southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

“There is a possibility that TS Auring may intensify into Severe Tropical Storm prior to landfall over Caraga on the weekend,” said Ver Lance Galanida, Chief of PAGASA Butuan City in the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment during the 26th Caraga Regional Task Force for COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) Meeting on Thursday.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised over several provinces of Caraga INFOCUS

Caraga as early as Friday.

Concerned government agencies already aligned their preparations for the incoming disaster. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a memorandum for the possible activation of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in their respective provincial social welfare and development (SWAD) offices and in their Caraga field office. Food and non-food items have already been prepositioned and vehicles are on standby for logistical support. Meanwhile, more than 560,000 medicines and medical supplies have also been prepositioned by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga in their provincial offices for the impending disaster.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has already issued a memorandum to have their 89 members of the Special Rescue Unit be on standby for disaster operations while the Philippine National Police (PNP) has instructed their provincial, city, and municipal police stations to coordinate with the respective local government units in their areas.

Meanwhile, sea travel has been suspended in the ports of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) port management offices in the said provinces are coordinating with shipping lines to prepare for the tropical storm.

Respective provincial DRRMOs of the region’s five provinces and the city DRRMO of this city are also finalizing their preparedness measures before the expected landfall of TS Auring. Disaster management officials said disaster equipment such as rescue gears and Caraga INFOCUS

Liza Mazo

vehicles are now being prepositioned.

They will also have residents of highrisk areas be evacuated tomorrow, particularly those in the Surigao provinces, where the tropical storm is expected to make landfall. Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur have already been activated.

During the meeting, RTF COVID-19 chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Liza Mazo emphasized the need to make extra preparation for the incoming disaster to minimize and possibly avoid casualties.

“We want to learn from our experience with tropical depression Vicky and leave little to no room for error. We do not want Caraganons to suffer simply because we have failed to do our tasks in disaster preparedness and management,” she said.

Moderate and heavy rains are expected over most parts of Caraga region by Friday until Sunday morning. (DMNR/PIACaraga) February 13-19, 2021 |

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To serve the growing number of returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) to Caraga due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here, through the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, is set to provide business facilities amounting to a total of Php6.6 million.

micro, small and medium enterprises instrumental to rural development especially after the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Banquerigo added.

These projects consist of SSF on food processing in three local government units of Agusan del Norte, SSF on virgin coconut oil (VCO) processing and organic tablea production The initiative, in support of the in Agusan del Sur, SSF on national government’s Balik mobile mariculture platform Probinsya-Bagong Pag-asa in Surigao del Norte, and SSF Program (BP2), is a measure on cacao processing, VCO to empower local industries processing and mariculture and at the same time platform in the Province of mitigate the effects of the Dinagat Islands. pandemic to the livelihoods and jobs of LSIs, said DTI Cooperators of these Caraga Regional Director projects were chosen based Edwin Banquerigo. on their capacity to reach out to BP2 beneficiaries “We have already started including returning Overseas purchasing the facilities for Filipino Workers (OFWs) and these nine SSF projects that individuals or families who are intended to develop our have opted to move out

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of Metro Manila or highly urbanized cities due to loss of job or other source of income.

SSF is meant to improve MSME competitiveness by providing machinery, equipment, tools, systems, accessories, and other auxiliary items, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

“In the last seven years, the SFF program has touched and helped many individuals lead better lives. It has scaled up a number of MSMEs to the next level. We hope to continue these success stories,” Banquerigo said.

As of 2020, DTI Caraga has already established 169 SSF projects, 71 of which were already fully turned over to the cooperators. (DTICaraga/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

OVER P6-M DTI SSF PROJECTS IN CARAGA TO BENEFIT LSIS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

GOV. CANE: AGSUR LGUS CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT HEALTH PROTOCOLS VS COVID-19

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

During the Laging Handa Network Briefing on Monday hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. emphasized that the province continues to strictly implement the health protocols to halt the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Cane said that those who wish to enter any of the areas of the province are required to present their QR coded ID for easy tracking of individuals who conduct transactions in the government offices and private establishments.

Cane further revealed that he was once exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient and then undergone the necessary tests and quarantine/isolation to make sure that he could not affect other staff/personnel while waiting for his RT-PCR test result. He stressed the effect of his strict abidance to health protocols related to COVID-19 for having avoided contracting the disease. Upon being notified of the results of the confirmed case, he immediately isolated himself voluntarily and subjected

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himself to testing which fortunately yielded a negative result. He also said that he continues to observe health protocols even within his office.

“Fortunately, the result of the test was negative. I always wear my face mask and face shield even when I’m inside the office. And I do not allow people who get into my office without wearing it as well,” he said.

The official reminded all Agusanons to abide by the health protocols still being imposed in the province to prevent further spread of COVID-19. “I hope our people here in Agusan del Sur will follow the health protocols imposed by the DOH in our province. We need everyone’s participation and cooperation so we could all end this pandemic,”

Cane

cited Cane.

Meanwhile, Cane further bared that the province’s molecular laboratory which was inaugurated last November of 2020 has been operational since January 2021. This will help Agusanons and Caraganons in their medical needs especially during this time of the pandemic. “We have complied all the necessary requirements from the Department of Health,” he said. (JPG/PIA-Agsuan del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

AGSUR SKS, PCOO INTENSIFY INFO DISSEMINATION EFFORTS ON VACCINATION PROGRAM

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

With the implementation of the government’s vaccination program, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in Agusan del Sur have expressed their interest and commitment to work together with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in the information dissemination efforts and increasing public awareness on the vaccine roll-out/deployment.

in informing the locals on the vaccination program.

During the Laging Handa Network Briefing on Monday hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, Doreen Daigdigan, SK federation president of Agusan del Sur highlighted that the SKs are supportive of the government’s efforts

“We are all willing to take our part in helping the Agusanons to be more secure thru this vaccination program of the national government.

And we are willing to work with PCOO for the info dissemination efforts,”

Caraga INFOCUS

she said.

Daigdigan elaborated that the youths are great influencers, hence, it could do so much in terms of advocating and promoting the government’s health programs especially during this time of the pandemic.

Daigdigan

“We will help explain, explain, explain to the locals the possible effects of the vaccines and its advantages. By the use of various social media platforms, we will also help people become updated on the government’s plans and implementation of the vaccine roll-out in the province and region in general,” said Daigdigan.

(JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) February 13-19, 2021 |

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AGSUR SKS PLEDGE TO HELP CURB FAKE NEWS ON GOVT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from the different municipalities and city of this province pledged to do more and help the government in its campaign against the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including fake news, and in disseminating relevant and correct information on the government’s vaccination program.

In time with the conduct of the Pagdu-aw (visit) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, the SKs also took chance to discuss with Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) their issues and concerns from their respective areas.

According to Doreen Daigdigan, SK federated president of Agusan del Sur, they wanted to have audit-related trainings with

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resource speakers from the Commission on Audit (COA) for them to be equipped on fiscal management as they perform their tasks and responsibilities in government service.

“For us to be guided in all our undertakings, we wanted to be more knowledgeable on fiscal matters and how we could be able to spend our funds effectively. And with this, we believe that our SKs need to be trained on this aspect,” bared Daigdigan.

Daigdigan further emphasized that they will continue to help the government in fighting the spread of the deadly virus by conducting an information drive on the preventive measures and health protocols in their respective areas of responsibility. “We will also reiterate to the local residents the need for them

to avail of the free vaccines that would soon be available in Caraga region for all of us to be safe and live a normal life just like what we used to before COVID-19,” she said.

She also added that the SK officials in the province are all willing to work with PCOO in its production of localized information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign materials, which they will also be disseminating in the barangays.

“We are also getting ready for the anticipated roll-out of the vaccines, and we are ready to assist our constituents in transporting them to the vaccination centers once the implementation of this program will commence,” said Daigdigan. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

Caraga INFOCUS

AGSUR MEDIA ORG VOWS TO ADVOCATE FOR PH GOVT’S VACCINATION PROGRAM In time with the conduct of the Pagdu-aw (visit) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur led by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, the members of the Agusan Media Club had vowed to support and communicate the government’s intention to ensure the protection of the people thru a vaccination program.

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar recognized the media practitioners in Agusan del Sur for their sincere commitment and dedication in doing their tasks and responsibilities to the general public. “As influencers, the media has a great role to play especially in inculcating good practices and truth in all their

Caraga INFOCUS

contents,” he cited.

Richard Grande, station manager of Lips FM and president of Agusan Media Club thanked the PCOO for always reaching out to the Caraganon media personnel and looking after their welfare.

“We will continue to fight not only against the COVID-19 but also with fake news.

Together with PCOO, we will continue to uphold the truth in all the information that we share and air on our respective programs and help people have a better understanding and perspective on the vaccination program under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration,” underscored Grande.

Andanar also expressed his optimism that the Media

Welfare Act which aims to ensure that media workers shall, at the minimum, be paid the wages allowances, and benefits provided by law to workers would soon be approved by the House of Representatives.

“The media practitioners not only at the national level but also at the local would be benefitting much from this bill once put into law. Better opportunities are coming,” said Andanar.

Meanwhile, Sec. Andanar also handed over one unit of TV monitor to the Agusan Media Club as donation and for them to be able to monitor the depatment’s Laging Handa Network Briefings, which they could also utilized during their radio and TV programs. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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AGSUR OPENS LOCAL ECONOMY TO INT’L TRADE, ENGAGEMENT WITH INDONESIA To boost the economic productivity amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the province of Agusan del Sur plans on opening its doors for international trade and other engagements, according to Provincial Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. The business prospect came after an engagement with Indonesian Consul General in Davao City Dicky Fabrian who visited the municipality of Prosperidad on January 28, 2021 to explore opportunities in education, socio-culture, and business to mutually expand the economies of the province and of Indonesia.

The engagement was deemed beneficial for both countries since a huge portion of Indonesia neighbors the island of Mindanao.

“We had a very fruitful conversation with the Consul General. Actually, he invited us to explore opportunities, particularly in Mindanao, that can help fortify the relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia,” the local official said in an exclusive interview with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar for the Network Briefing News on Monday, February 15.

Improving the entire business sector was in the best

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By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

interest of the said meeting.

The invitation to open the provincial economy to import/export was discussed, where both economies can benefit from an exchange of local goods and products.

The governor said the foreign official is eyeing the exportation of fruits such as mangoes, lanzones, and mangosteen, and root crops such as sweet potato and cassava.

Members and key stakeholders of the business sector were also invited to meet with members of the said sector in Indonesia to expand business opportunities.

The creation of foreign exchange programs for students and professionals was also tackled, with the Philippine Normal University (PNU) of Agusan del Sur, as the “center of culture and arts” in the country, chosen

to house such engagement.

The university also plans on integrating specific courses studying the foreign culture in their curriculum.

The governor noted that he was “happy” with the meeting, saying that a “mutual understanding” is expected out of these engagements.

“The Consul General’s visit opened doors for more possibilities for the province.

We will definitely pursue these especially once everything goes back to normal,” he said.

The province of Agusan del Sur is the fourth largest province in the country and second largest in Mindanao.

Its booming economy is attributed to the richness of its agriculture and forestry, earning the moniker “Land of Golden Opportunities.”

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

AGSUR LGU RECOGNIZES PCOO-PIA IN GEARING UP CAMPAIGN EFFORTS ON GOVERNMENT’S VACCINE ROLL-OUT

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The local government unit of Trento in Agusan del Sur has recognized the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for gearing up efforts in propagating the significance of the government’s vaccination program and its roll-out/ deployment in the country, particularly in Caraga region.

Mayor William Calvez of Trento shared during the Laging Handa Network Briefing that before the conduct of Caraga INFOCUS

information roadshow on the government’s vaccination program, some locals of the said municipality were hesitant to avail of the vaccine as they are not sure of the vaccine’s efficacy, effectivity and after-effects.

“Now that they already understand better the intention of the government to keep us all safe, people are now willing to cooperate and looking forward for the start of the vaccination program,” said Calvez.

The mayor added that with PCOO and the PIA whose personnel

continuously conduct Pagdu-aw or visitation from one place to another and explain, explain, explain the government’s vaccination program, many of the locals are now optimistic that the vaccine could save them from the ill-effects that it has brought in the country. “We hope to strengthen this effort and we, in the local government will also do our part for our constituents by ensuring them that these vaccines are safe and effective,” he said.

The official also February 13-19, 2021 |

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acknowledged the two agencies for constantly reaching out to the different LGUs amid the pandemic and intensifying information dissemination on the government’s programs.

“This could help people in different municipalities and cities be convinced to avail of the free vaccines, as they understand better its advantages,” he said.

He also said that with the help of the provincial government thru Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., the funds intended for the vaccines will be made available to cover all the constituents who need to have the shot of the vaccines, including those who are identified as priority sectors for the vaccination program.

Calvez also revealed that relief operations continue for the affected local residents in the different barangays of the said municipality during this time of pandemic and the local government unit is also looking into addressing other issues and concerns,

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especially on the rollout/deployment of the government’s vaccination program. As reported by the national government, the vaccines are expected to be made available in the country this first quarter of the year.

He further shared that the conduct of benchmarking to other regions with known best practices is of great help for the officials and employees of the local government unit like Trento, which gives focus on agriculture development. He added that during their latest benchmarking in Claveria and Bukidnon,

Misamis Oriental, they have gained new knowledge that they could also replicate in Trento. Apart from agriculture, the LGUTrento also gives priority to the programs related to developing the structures and the environment.

“Trento, Agusan del Sur has more or less 60,000 population, and the COVID-19 situation here is still manageable. We do not have that much number of COVID-19 cases, and we continue to strictly implement the health protocols in our municipality,” underlined Calvez. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

BUNAWAN SK GEARS UP CAMPAIGN VS ILLEGAL DRUGS TO SAVE MORE YOUTHS With the aim to save more youths from the ill-effects brought about by the use of illegal drugs, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the municipality of Bunawan in Agusan del Sur have geared up their efforts and campaign in the barangays amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Kinny Caballes, SK federation president of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur shared during the Laging Handa Network Briefing that they would be initiating various activities to encourage the youths to prevent themselves from getting involved in illegal activities.

“We have been engaging them into different activities

Caraga INFOCUS

online and we will create more so that they would see and appreciate their vital role in the society and how they could be able to influence others to become a good example and be part of the government’s effort in maintaining a peaceful and progressive region,” emphasized Caballes.

Caballes also revealed that among their priorities also include the establishment of street lights to make sure that people are safe especially at night and to preempt possible crimes that usually took place in unlighted streets.

He further called on the youths to abide by the ordinances imposed in their respective areas, and

contribute to the efforts of the government in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

“The SK officials not only here in Bunawan but also in all other municipalities and city in Agusan del Sur are ready to assist the LGUs and the different communities should they be asked to assist in the implementation of the government’s vaccination program,” said Caballes.

The SK officials in Bunawan also expressed their commitment to help disseminate and explain further the advantages of the vaccine to people’s body as a protection against the spread of the deadly virus.

(JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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AGSUR GIVES FOCUS ON UPLAND SUSTAINABLE AGRI-FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT As the province recovers slowly from the effects of the pandemic, it intends to develop/enhance further its Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development Program (USAD) along with its Lowland Development Program in order to help its constituents experience an improved quality of life.

Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., said during his interview on Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) that apart from improving its productivity in agricultural products, the provincial government also wanted to reduce the poverty incidence.

“We have been working on a community-based

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monitoring system. We have data on this, and we know which areas in our province where poverty incidence proliferates. Thus, the former governor and now the representative of second district Adolph Edward Plaza has launched the USAD program in the upland barangays where many of our folks that are living below the poverty line will be enrolled/registered,” bared Cane.

for new opportunities for the people of the province. “We know that Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur are provinces that are rich in agricultural products, and with this national highway linking the two areas, those farmers in poverty line will benefit much from this endeavor. And this will shorten the route from Agusan del Sur to Bukidnond and vice versa. So I hope this will be completed soon,” he said.

Cane added that the farmers are not just beneficiaries, but are part of the successful implementation of these programs with the government.

The official added that the locals from the municipality of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur will also be benefitting from this initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration as many from this area of the province are farmers who regularly transport their products to other regions. (JPG/PIAAgusan del Sur)

On the government’s Build, Build, Build Project connecting the roads from Bukidnon to Agusan del Sur, Governor Cane emphasized that this is a great potential

Caraga INFOCUS

SENATOR SENATOR BONG BONG GO GO PROVIDES PROVIDES AID AID TO TO OVER OVER 12,000 12,000 TD TD VICKY VICKY VICTIMS VICTIMS IN IN AGSUR AGSUR With his commitment to help those who have been affected by calamities and incidents, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued to distribute assistance to 12,413 beneficiaries in Prosperidad and Rosario towns in Agusan del Sur, who have been affected by Tropical Depression Vicky in December last year.

kayong kalagayan. Alam kong tinamaan kayo ng pagbaha at mayroon pa tayong pandemya ngayon kaya magtulungan lang tayo (I hope that you are all in good health. I know your areas have been hit hard and experienced floodings in time with the pandemic.

This is why we need to help each other),” Go said in a video call.

The senator’s office distributed meals, food packs, masks, face shields, and medicine packs to the typhoon victims in a threeday distribution activity from February 10 to 12.

The distribution activity is in continuation of the assistance efforts by the senator for typhoon victims in the same province in different municipalities and city, such as Bayugan, Trento, La Paz, San Francisco, Loreto,

“Sana ay nasa mabuti

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Talacogon, and Bunawan in past weeks as he continued helping Filipinos in crisis to recover quickly.

On the first day, the distribution activity was done in four separate venues in the municipality of Prosperidad, namely San Vicente Gymnasium where the team provided aid to 1,060 residents; Patinay Covered Court with 1,015 residents; Poblacion Covered Court with 726 residents; and Aurora Covered Court with 767 residents.

Another set of beneficiaries in Prosperidad were assisted on the second day in three

February 13-19, 2021 |

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separate clusters. These were held at San Vicente Gymnasium with 1,242 beneficiaries; Prosperidad Municipal Covered Court with 787 beneficiaries; and Azpetia Covered Court with 1,124 beneficiaries.

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3 National High School; 1,444 beneficiaries in Santa Cruz Covered Court; 746 beneficiaries in Cabantao Covered Court; and 888 beneficiaries in Libuac Covered Court.

In addition to the beneficiaries in Prosperidad, a group of residents in Rosario was also aided on the second day with 952 beneficiaries.

All distribution activities in the venues mentioned were conducted while complying with necessary health and safety protocols to avoid the further spread of COVID-19.

On the last day, four more clusters in Rosario also received assistance from Go. Around 1,662 typhoon victims were given assistance at the Bayugan

Aside from the said assistance, Go also provided bicycles to chosen recipients as public transportation remains limited amid the

| February 13-19, 2021

pandemic. He also gave away pairs of shoes to different sets of recipients.

Meanwhile, computer tablets were distributed to other beneficiaries for their children to use in classes as part of their blended learning being implemented in schools.

Jonel Ayaton, one of the beneficiaries and who hails from Cabantao in Rosario, said “Hindi na kami makatawid. Ang mga kalsada ay hindi na rin madaanan noong bagyo.

Pagkatapos ng bagyo, ‘yung iba hindi naman agad naka-recover dahil malaki ang na-damage

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(We could no longer pass.

During Typhoon Vicky, most of the roads were unpassable. After the typhoon, there were those areas which experienced difficulty in coping up with the damages brought about by the typhoon)” Ayaton said.

“Malaki talaga ang naitulong ni Senator Bong Go sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong. Malaki ang pasasalamat namin dahil nakaabot dito sa amin ang tulong. Ang laki ng kasiyahan namin dahil nakatanggap kami ng mga ganitong ayuda (Senator Bong Go has greatly contributed in addressing our needs. We are very thankful that we were able to receive the help we needed. We are very happy to have received the aid),” added Ayaton.

As one of the recipients of the bicycle, Ayaton also said that he can now use the bicycle as a service for his small business and his commute to work.

Meanwhile, Go reminded beneficiaries to follow government protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in the country.

He also told recipients that the government has been working tirelessly to procure vaccines for COVID-19.

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“Sumunod lang tayo sa gobyerno. Huwag kayong mag-alala, kapag mayroon ng vaccine na safe ay uunahin namin ni Presidente Duterte ang lahat ng mahihirap at vulnerable (Let’s just obey with the government. Don’t worry, when the vaccines which are safe will already be available, President Duterte will prioritize the poor and vulnerable sectors)” Go reminded.

Go also offered assistance to those who need medical attention. He told beneficiaries that the Malasakit Center located at Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City is open to serve poor and indigent Filipinos.

He also told beneficiaries of a plan to put a Malasakit Center in the province.

“Ang plano namin ay maglalagay kami ng Malasakit Center diyan sa inyong lugar. Zero balance ang target nitong Malasakit Center at 101 na ang mga Malasakit Center sa Pilipinas (We are planning to put up a Malasakit Center in your areas. We target a zero balance in this Malasakit Center and we already have 101 Malasakit Centers in the Philippines),” he explained.

According to the Senator, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where the Department of Social

Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are housed under one roof. These agencies have streamlined their processes through the Malasakit form.

Personnel from the DSWD also distributed separate financial assistance to the flash flood victims.

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture distributed vegetable seeds.

The Department of Trade and Industry was also present and assessed potential beneficiaries for their livelihood assistance.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also evaluated beneficiaries for their seminar and livelihood training.

“Nandito lang kami ni Presidente Duterte at handang tumulong sa inyo. Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo, dahil para sa amin, ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos (President Duterte and I are here for you at ready to help you. We will continue to be of service to all of you because the services we give you are the same with the kind of services we wanted to officer God),” he ended. (Office of SGB/PIAAgusan del Sur)

February 13-19, 2021 |

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3 NPAS KILLED, 4 FIREARMS SEIZED IN AGSUR CLASH

By Major Francisco Garello, Jr.

Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and three firearms to include assorted war materiel were seized after a fiveminute firefight between the government troops and the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) at Sitio Damming, Barangay Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur at around 2:00 p.m. on February 15, 2021.

Troops of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion under the operational control of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade clashed against more or less seven CNTs believed to be members of Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Said firefight resulted to the tragic demise of three CNTs and the seizure of the following items at the encounter site: one M16 rifle; two shotguns; one cal. 38; two hand grenades; one anti-personnel mine (APM); assorted ammunitions; five

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| February 13-19, 2021

cellphones; one binocular; medical paraphernalia; 15 sets of Army Battle Dress Attire (BDA); lousy caps; combat boots; numerous ammunition of different caliber; and various subversive documents.

Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, the Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, lauded the troops’ decisive victory and its persistent determination in tracking the NPA terrorists who were pestering the communities in the area. “This victory is for the people who for the longest time wanted to live without the intimidation and threat from the NPA Terrorist. We urge the CNT to stop using violence as it will not solve our problems,” he said.

Licudine also offered his sympathies to the dead NPAs and ensures that the cadavers will be turned over to the families once it will be identified for decent and proper burial. However, he emphasized that the tragic

fate of the dead NPAs was a reminder of the futility of the armed struggle which the communist terrorist group is espousing and placing the lives of innocent youths and the masses who were deceived and exploited, to extreme danger during skirmishes.

“We reiterate our call to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender and heed the call of peace.

We want to assure the CNTs that our troops will be relentless in pursuing them, there is no other way for them but to lay down their arms or continue hiding and be hunted. It’s their choice but we insist that they follow the path of peace for the sake of their families and for the people who longed to live normal lives in peace,” BGen. Licudine bared.

No casualty on the government side and troops are still on pursuit operations.

(CMO, 402nd Brigade/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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Corvera

AGUSAN NORTE CREATES LOCAL VACCINATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

By Nora C. Lanuza

“The success and failure of the national vaccination program of the government depend on the actions taken at the grassroots level,” said Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera during the Network Briefing News (NBN) on Thursday hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

Gov. Corvera bared the need to have a localized implementation of the national vaccination program of the government.

He said, there is a need to conduct a massive information drive on the COVID-19 vaccination and guaranteeing the people of safe and effective vaccines.

Corvera also revealed that during the meeting with

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the different municipal and city mayors of the province, the discussion of the implementation of provincial vaccination plan was given focus, including the master list of the Agusanons that will be included in the vaccination.

The governor said that one of the priorities of the province is the establishment of different vaccination centers. “Two clusters will be established – one cluster will be based in Cabadbaran City to cater the municipalities near the city up to the municipality of Kitcharao, while the other cluster will be based at the Provincial Health Office to cater also the LasBueNasCar or Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit, Carmen areas,” Corvera said.

Storage facilities will be

established including the refrigeration of the vaccines and other logistical supports to address the needs of the vaccination program, he added.

Gov. Corvera also announced that a one million peso (P1 Million) fund will also be given to the municipalities and lone city of the province to support the logistical requirements in the implementation of the national vaccination program in the province.

Despite the many challenges encountered in the vaccination campaign, Corvera is optimistic that majority of the Agusanons will avail themselves of the free vaccine. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

February 13-19, 2021 |

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AGUSAN NORTE FARMERS ACQUIRE P42.38M RICE MECHANIZATION EQUIPMENT

By Rhea Abao

To make accessible to Agusan rice farmers the appropriate rice production and postharvest machinery and equipment the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) granted a total of P42.38 million worth of rice mechanization under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Mechanization Component.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo together with the PhilMech Director Baldwin G. Jallorina handed the intervention to 15 accredited rice-based farmer’s cooperative and associations (FCAs) in the province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City.

RCEF Mechanization Component is being implemented by the DA-PhilMech in partnership with DA regional office. In the second year of its implementation,

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| February 13-19, 2021

the implementing agencies continue to deliver the appropriate agricultural engineering technology to the rice farmers.

“You are now receiving the fruit of the implementation of Rice Tarrification Law. The rice tariff revenues are allocated to programs that will raise Caraga rice farmers’ productivity, profitability, and global competitiveness,” Director Monteagudo said.

Of the total project costs of RCEF machinery for the province, P22 million was from the second tranch of 2019 while P20.36 million was sourced out from 2020.

Thirteen four-wheel tractors, 11 hand tractors, 18 floating tillers, six rice-combine harvesters, two walk-behind transplanters, three riding-type transplanters, and one precision seeder was turned over to farmer leaders representing their respective

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groups.

According to DA-PhilMech Director Baldwin G. Jallorina It is expected that these farm machines will ease the drudgery in rice production from land preparation to harvesting, to cut the postharvest losses, thereby increasing farmers’ output and revenue.

DA-PhilMech estimates that farm mechanization can lower the cost of cultivating palay (unmilled rice) by P1 to P2 per kilo. At present, the cost of producing a kilo of palay in the Philippines is P12 per kilo while it is P6 in Vietnam and P8 in Thailand.

“We are encouraging our FCAs to make use of the interventions that they receive from the DA. The recipients should ensure the safety of the equipment while in their custody and optimize its utilization,” Director Jallorina said.

Nicolas N. Licuna, President of SayadionCuyago Irrigators Association Inc., Jabonga, Agusan del Norte appreciated now the result of the RTL as they received a one-unit four-wheel tractor, three units of the floating tiller, one-unit riding-type rice transplanter, and one-unit rice combine harvester with a total worth of P4.97 Million.

“We are grateful for the support that we received from the government. This could reduce our rice production cost and improving the quality of our produce. This will serve the 85 hectares of rice area of our members and we can also extend our services to the nearby barangays,” Licuna said.

Another set of farm machinery and equipment will be turned over for the Provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur for the next month. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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REBELDENG NPAs, SUPPORTERS NAGBALIK-LOOB SA GOBYERNO

By Nora C. Lanuza

Handang tumulong sa pamahalaan ang mga rebeldeng nagbalik loob sa gobyerno kasama ang halos 500 myembro ng underground mass organization o UGMO na sumusuporta sa mga terorsitang NPA sa bayan ng Las Nieves sa Agusan del Norte.

Sa kanilang pababalik loob sa gobyerno siginuro ni Tommy, presendente ng UGMO ang kanilang suporta. Malaki din ang kanilang pasalamat sa 23rd Infantry Battalion at nakabalik-loob na sila sa gobyerno.

Ayon din kay Agusan del Norte provincial administrator Gerry Joey Laurito, handa at patuloy ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa barangay Casiklan at sa mga malalayong lugar ng probinsya.

Maliban sa tulong ng probinsya, handa din ang TESDA na mabigyan ng livelihood at skills training ang mga nagbalik-loob upang makapagbagong buhay at magkaroon ng hanapbuhay.

Boluntaryo ding isinurender ng mga nagbalik loob ang dala nilang armas sa 23rd IB. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) February 13-19, 2021 |

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PAGPROSESO SA ANI SA MGA MAG-UUMA SA KAPE GIPUNTING SA CABADBADBARAN

By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola

Gipunting nga masugdan na sa mga mag-uuma sa kape sa siyudad sa Cabadbaran ang pagproseso sa mga ani nila nga kape aron himoong “local regular coffee” karong tuiga.

panahon lang aron mahuman sa pagtuon ang mga mag-uuma nga interesadong magproseso sa kape.

kabahin sa ‘hiking site’.

Gibisita na sa Plant!

Plant! Plant! Team sa Agusan UP ang lugar sa nakalabay’ng tuig, diin makita ang daku kaayong bato. Ilawom niini nagdagayday ang tin-aw ug bugnaw nga tubig sa busay nga makahupay sa kainit sa mga mahimong hikers.

Dugang ni Soria nga sa kasamtangan nagpadaghan pa og Gawas kini sa gilantaw mga civets kon milo ang nga pagproseso sa potensyal nga lugar sa civet coffee sa Sitio Sitio Pirada, diin ang mga Pirada, Barangay fermented coffee beans Del Pilar sa maong nga i-digest niini mao ang dakbayan, sumala ni Ma. kolektahon aron iproseso Sa kinatibuk-an, gilantaw Arcelle Soria, ang city nga mahimong civet sa AGUSAN UP!, ubos agriculturist. coffee. sa Process! Process!

Process! Project niini, Sumala kang Soria nga Nangita na usab nga makapahiluna og samtang naghulat ang og dugang nga matawag nga coffee mga mag-uuma sa mga sites ang City network nga magsilbing panahon sa ting-ani sa Agriculture Office consolidator, processor kape, gisugdan na usab (CAO) sa Cabadbaran ug coffee shop nga nila ang mga pagbansay alang sa dugang magsilbing site usab kalabot sa paggama nga kapahilunaan sa sa turismo sa nailang og kape, kaabag ang pagpalambo sa civet mga tourism areas sa Department of Trade and coffee, lakip na ang probinsya.

Industry (DTI) nga maoy tourism site nga maoy Ang AGUSAN UP! nagpasiugda sa mga kabutangan sa mga mao ang kampanya trainings, partikular sa Sitio produkto na unya sa sa pagpalambo sa Ansili, Barangay Puting kape. administrasyon ni Gov. Bato.

Gilantaw nga dakung Dale B. Corvera kaabag potensyal sa Agri-tourism ang buhatan ni Kong.

Target nga mag-ani sa ang gibansagang Angel Amante-Matba. ilang produksyon sa kape “Higanteng Bato” nga (Agusan Up, LGU-Agusan ang mga mag-uuma sa nahimutang sa kabukiran del Norte/PIA Agusan del pinaka-ulahing kwarter sa Sitio Pirada, ug Norte) ning tuiga, tukmang potensyal nga mahimong

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| February 13-19, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

PMO SURIGAO CONDUCTS PORT ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR PORT SERVICE PROVIDERS

By NC Nusog

The port service providers of the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao are now afforded the opportunity to get to know the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) better - through attendance to the Basic Port Orientation Seminar (BPOS).

The first of a series of BPOS was conducted recently at the PMO Administration Building in Surigao City for applicants serving the Port of Surigao and the Lipata Ferry Terminal.

According to Port Manager Froilan Caturla it shall continue to be conducted thereat every Tuesday afternoon and a series of BPOS Caraga INFOCUS

sessions shall also be conducted at the Terminal Management Office (TMO) in the province of Dinagat Islands (Port of San Jose), TMO Siargao (Port of Dapa) and TMO Tandag in Surigao del Sur (Port of Tandag) to accommodate PTO applicants at the terminal ports of PMO Surigao.

With the implementation of PPA Administrative Order no. 09-20 or the Revised Guidelines on the Issuance of Permit to Operate (PTO) for the Provision of Port Ancillary Services, attendance by PTO applicants to the BPOS shall be required as a postapproval condition. (PMO-PPA/PIASurigao del Norte) February 13-19, 2021 |

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FEATURE:

SK IN PLACER UNITE TO FIGHT COVID-19

By Venus L. Garcia

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of the municipality of Placer, Surigao del Norte has intensified its efforts to help coalesce the community for the common goal of beating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

As part of their initiatives to convince more youth to actively participate in community-building efforts of the government, Ace Paqueo Relleta, SK federated president of Placer, Surigao del Norte bared that they continue to disseminate correct and

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| February 13-19, 2021

timely information to the locals for their guidance and update them on the COVID-19 situation.

hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar.

“We were able to deliver relief goods to the residents in Placer utilizing the SK funds and distributed hygiene kits during this time of the pandemic. We also gave food packs to the frontliners in our community. It’s our simple way of expressing our appreciation to them for risking their lives and for the genuine services that they render untiringly,” said Relleta during her guesting in a Network Briefing News

She added that online activities were also launched in celebration of the Linggo ng Kabataan wherein the youth participated in the TikTok Kabataan challenge, spoken words poetry, mobile photography and vlogging contests, and face shield making.

“These had helped in keeping young individuals busy to reduce stress

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and boredom amid the pandemic and to showcase their hidden talents,” Relleta said.

To raise awareness and build solidarity in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), they also played an active role in providing facts and information to the locals on how to protect themselves from the virus.

“We emphasized to them the need to take appropriate precautions.

Wearing of mask must be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. It is also important to avoid crowds and follow the advice provided by our health authority,” she said.

Apart from the efforts in combatting COVID-19, Relleta said they also conducted symposia on anti-illegal drugs, terrorism, and awareness on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

She said that even in this critical time the SK Federation continues in promoting the importance of caring for the environment. “Following health and safety protocols, we also had our clean-up drive and tree planting activities,” she mentioned.

Meanwhile, Relleta said that they also distributed internet routers to the

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students to be used in their learning sessions, online lectures, and research activities.

“This is really a big help for our young people. Out of 20 barangays, 17 had already used it only three are not utilized since there is no internet connection or signal yet in those areas,” she said.

Relleta is optimistic that

Filipinos can rise above these challenging times.

“We must not lose hope and remain to be resilient.

Nothing is permanent, so let us hope for the best and continue to be productive in our household and communities. Let this be our inspiration as we hold on to our goal for a healthy Pilipinas,” Relleta underscored. (VLG/PIASurigao del Norte)

February 13-19, 2021 |

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CARAGA STRATCOM CLUSTER ENHANCES SKILLS OF SURSUR IOS ON NEWS WRITING, MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga being the cluster lead of the Strategic Communications (StratCom) Cluster under the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) has initiated the conduct of skills training for the information officers (IOs) from the different barangays and municipalities of Surigao del Sur held on February

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17, 2021, at the Goldbar Restaurant, Tandag City.

This activity in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, which invited all the concerned information officers in the said province.

This was aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the IOs making them better and more effective communicators in their respective areas,

and be able to help in advocating the campaign of the government against insurgency.

On behalf of PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga, assistant regional director Fryan Abkilan expressed his gratitude to the participating IOs for their dedication and commitment in fulfilling their tasks and responsibilities by participating into

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different useful trainings that could help them become more effective as communicators.

“I am grateful to all our participants for taking time off from your busy schedules to attend this activity. Thank you very much. We, in the Philippine Information Agency – being the communication arm of the government and the cluster lead of the strategic communications cluster under the RTF-ELCAC, are committed to constantly share and disseminate timely, factual, and reliable information to the general public,” said Abkilan.

Abkilan also revealed that he was convinced that the most valuable outcome of the said training-workshop was getting together and understanding the IOs’ role as information multiplier in the community. “Finally, you have already known the role of PIO, including how to write a news and produce a textblast; how to shoot a good photo with your photo captions, and a lot more.

So, when you need some support on these matters, you can easily contact us. Please don’t hesitate to share your good news to us, through text blast or news stories with good photos, so that we can also share it through our various

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platforms,” he said.

“Let us all go away from here with one mind that the best way to combat insurgency is to equip ourselves with necessary skills. Let us work together to achieve this,” added Abkilan.

Also, Pedrito Alacaba, provincial director of the DILG-Surigao del Sur, said to the participants that after revisiting the fundamental concepts of Executive Order 70 during the part one of their activities last February 3, they now realized the significance of communication in local governance, and understood the StratCom framework of the RTFELCAC. “So, to test if you really grasped the topics discussed, especially the

StratCom framework, you answered a structured learning exercise.

Your outputs showed that while you have understood your role as communicators, you still need to be equipped with the technical skills required for effective communication to better discharge your functions as your LGU’s Information Officer. Hence, we are here today to learn more from our resource speakers from PIA-Caraga,” he said.

During the trainingworkshop, PIA Caraga personnel thoroughly discussed the role of the information officers, basic newswriting, production of textblast, utilization of Viber and other messaging apps, and mobile photography.

(JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

February 13-19, 2021 |

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DAR SURSUR BEATS 2020 LAND TENURE TARGET AMIDST PANDEMIC

By Myra Q. Yu

Amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Sur still made it more than 100% in accomplishing the land tenure services (LTS) target. The overwhelming result is the exerted efforts and commitments from the field personnel to deliver the expected outputs in the last year’s target.

hopes that for this year, the same outcome will be achieved.

LTID OIC Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Jorge Quijada said that this achievement is another breakthrough in the delivery of services and giving chance to those landless farmers to finally own their lands.

Per report of CARPO Quijada, LTS major Provincial Agrarian accomplishment Reform Officer (PARO) includes Research II Leoncio Bautista, in and Documentation, his message during the Distribution of Certificate 2021 target setting held of Land Ownership recently, expressed Award (CLOA), his commendations Registration of CLOA and to the Land Tenure Leasehold Operations Improvement Division and Redocumentation (LTID) team and the rest activities. He further of the fieldmen for their said that, in Research untiring support and and Documentation, cooperation for this huge the office achieved accomplishment.

212.66% accomplishment with 168 landholdings “Good results start with documented versus the good planning,” PARPO target of 79 landholdings.

II Bautista added. He A total of 184 CLOAs

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| February 13-19, 2021

were distributed to 1,147 qualified ARBs with a total area of 1,978.22 hectares of agricultural lands. Whereas, the office has able to register CLOA covering 446.5434 hectares involving 230 agrarian reform beneficiaries. Also, accomplished leasehold operations and redocumentations of 86 lessees covering 266.06 hectares’ province-wide, CARPO Quijada added.

Meanwhile, DAR Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal recognized and thanked DAR Provincial Office of Surigao Sur for its contribution to the accomplishment of the department in the region.

The department’s goal to distribute hectares of land to the farmers was achieved despite the risk of COVID-19 pandemic, added Villareal. (DAR/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

60 60 SURSUR SURSUR PIOS PIOS SUMAILALIM SUMAILALIM SA SA PAGSASANAY PAGSASANAY SA SA TANDAG TANDAG CITY CITY

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Mahigit 60 na mga information officers (IOs) mula sa mga nakikitang erya na may problema sa insurhensiya ang sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa pagsusulat ng mahahalagang balita na ginanap noong Miyerkules, Pebrero 17, 2021 sa Goldbar Restaurant Function Hall nitong lungsod.

Sur Infocen Manager Jennifer Gaitano sa mga kalahok sa nasabing aktibidad paano gumawa ng tama at akmang impormasyon, at mga paraan ng pagbahagi nito gamit ang ibat-ibang social media platforms.

Mobile photography naman ang ibinahagi ni John Charles Malazarte ng PIA-Caraga.

Ang nasabing pagsasanay na tinawag na “Establishing Retooled Community Support Program Messaging Hub of Surigao del Sur” ay inorganisa ng Regional Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTFELCAC) Caraga, sa pakipagtulungan ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Surigao del Sur provincial office. Ito ang kauna-unahang aktibidad sa buong rehiyon na gaganapin sa iba pang apat na probinsya na sakop sa rehiyon.

Nagpaabot naman ng kanyang pasasalamat si Carmelito Valeroso, mula sa bayan ng Carmen, Surigao del Sur, sa mga nag organisa. Sinabi pa niya, dagdag kaalaman para sa mga kalahok ang kanilang natutunan sa nasabing pagsasanay. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Sa layunin na mapaigting ang kapasidad o madagdagan ang kaalaman ng bawat IOs ng mga barangay at munisipyo na kalahok dito, ibinahagi ni Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Agusan del Norte Information Center Manager (ICM) ang mahalagang papel o katungkulan ng bawat information officer na itinalaga ng lokal na pamahalaan sa information dissemination.

Bukod pa nito, ibinahagi din PIA Agusan del

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February 13-19, 2021 |

37

MINDANAO NEWS

LANAO SUR SOARS!

MINDA, LANAO DEL SUR CRAFT AGRI DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT The Mindanao Development Authority yesterday launched the Lanao del Sur Integrated Program for Agricultural Development (LIPAD) which aims to turn one of the country’s poorest provinces into a major agricultural production area.

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr., Cong. Ansarrudin Adiong and Wao Mayor Elvino Balicao, Jr. joined MinDA officials in the symbolic launching of the program in an abandoned airfield built in the 1970s.

The LIPAD Master Plan will identify the potentials and design programs to fully develop the province with fertile soil and two major inland bodies of water - the 34,000-hectare Lake Lanao and the 1,011-hectare Lake Dapao.

Among the programs which will be undertaken as part of the LIPAD Master Plan crafting are: 1. Establishment of a digital data base for the province’s agriculture and fisheries sector, including the geo-tagging and satellite mapping of the production

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areas; 2. Strategic programs and interventions to protect the two major lakes, Lake Lanao and Lake Dapao;

of the cultural practice of celebrating special family events like the birth in the family which is celebrated with the slaughter of two goats;

3. Rice Industry Development Program focusing on the potential production areas, including the Basak Region, and establishing facilities for a complete value chain;

6. Sustainable tree farming, fruit tree farming and Bamboo farming programs in areas around the lakes for agricultural production and environmental protection;

4. Cattle Industry Development Program especially in areas where forage is available and climate is ideal given the huge demand for beef during special Muslim holidays like Eid’ Adha and Eid’l Fit’r;

7. Duckery and fish farming in both lakes to increase family income.

5. Small Ruminants Development Program, especially Goat Raising for dairy and meat because

During the launching yesterday, I assumed Gov. Adiong and the other Lanao del Sur officials of MinDA’s commitment to assist in developing the potentials of Lanao del Sur and in erasing the stigma of being labeled as the poorest province in the country.

February 13-19, 2021 |

39

For Economic Recovery!

LGUS AWASH WITH CASH MOST RELIABLE INVESTORS For the country to start an immediate economic turn-around, our economic planners should not look beyond our shores and wait for benevolent foreign investors to come.

The best option for a quick economic recovery is to engage local government units in implementing projects which would create jobs and produce sufficient food supply for the country.

The country’s local government units, from the barangay, town, city and province, will be awash with cash starting next year as the Department of Budget Management (DBM) will implement the Supreme Court ruling on the petition filed by Batangas Governor

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| February 13-19, 2021

Hermilando Mandanas, now of gross domestic product, known as the Mandanas instead of only P848.44 ruling. billion or 3.72 percent of GDP under the current What in essence is the computation.

Mandanas Ruling?

“With the Mandanas ruling Here is a portion of an in full swing, the DBM article which appeared in estimates showed that the Philippine Daily Inquirer first-class income provinces which explains it: would have an increase of about P814 million in “At present, LGU’s IRA only their IRA to P4.4 billion next came from two-fifths of year; highly urbanized national internal revenue cities, up by P394 million to taxes collected by the BIR. P2.13 billion, and first-class municipalities, up by P187.62 “As the high court ruling million to P1.01 billion. would be implemented next year, the Development “As the bigger IRA would Budget Coordination carve a bigger chunk from Committee estimates had the record P5.02-trillion shown LGUs’ 2022 IRA national budget proposal sourced from 2019 BIR and for 2022, the DBM said the BOC collections would functions to be devolved climb by 27.61 percent to “must permanently be P1.083 trillion or 4.75 percent taken out from national

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agencies to empower LGUs to assume them.”

With the COVID 19 Pandemic shrinking the world economic growth, we cannot pin our hopes on foreign investments which may not come within the next five to 10 years.

The national leadership through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) should guide the LGUs on how to spend their money.

LGUs should be convinced to exercise their corporate powers as stated in the Local Government Code and initiate Economic Enterprise Activities, especially in the area of food production, to create jobs and income opportunities.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has started this advocacy in Mindanao and the LGUs are responding positively.

But since MinDA has no supervisory powers over the LGUs, the best that we can do is to wage an advocacy.

I am glad that several towns and provinces have embraced the Economic Enterprise Advocacy of MinDA starting with Taraka, Lanao del Sur which availed

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of a P215-M loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to establish SolarPowered irrigation Systems for 600 hectares of rice farms and a Solar-Powered Water Supply System which are all income-generating.

At least four provinces have enrolled in the Cattle Fattening and Breeding Program while my hometown, M’lang, North Cotabato, could be the site of a modern hog breeding facility to boost hog production.

Soon, the town will set up its own rice processing complex to add value to the production of their farmers.

President Rody Duterte could use his persuasive powers to convince LGUs to spend their added IRA shares wisely and invest these in food production and job generation.

The town of Baungon, Bukidnon is establishing its own Corn Grains Silo Storage Systems to provide its farmers with dryers and storage facilities and also ensure stable supply for the feed millers.

Otherwise, some of them would stray and use the precious funds for waiting sheds, gymnasiums, tarpaulins and other nonessential projects.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday joined the Pagdu-aw sa Ozamiz: Explain, Explain, Explain where he clarified that the government policy on the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine is to have a portfolio of it instead of leaning to just one brand.

ANDANAR: NO ROOM FOR CORRUPTION IN COVID-19 VACCINE PURCHASE Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured that the government maintains its policy of being brand-neutral and there will be no room for corruption in it’s step to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, during a pocket engagement leading to the Pagdu-aw sa Ozamiz: Explain, Explain, Explain on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

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In an interview on Asenso Ozamiz News Channel, he said that the government will only distribute safe and effective vaccines which underwent rigorous processes by the vaccine panel of experts and were granted emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“It is the policy of the government to be brand-neutral. We are not favoring a specific

brand of the vaccine nor a pharmaceutical company. The President himself already guaranteed that he will not allow any form of corruption in our vaccination program,” he said.

Secretary Andanar discussed that while some remain hesitant about the program because of the Dengvaxia controversy, the people need to have a constant reminder that February 13-19, 2021 |

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the government is taking careful steps for the COVID-19 vaccine.

same time, dismiss and correct fake news about the vaccine,” he added.

“The vaccines that we are negotiating to purchase are safe. But we cannot blame the Filipino people for their hesitancy on this because of what we had experienced with the Dengvaxia,” he said.

PCOO, PIA to distribute vaccine toolkit to LGUs

“But it is already done. We have to move forward and we have to show to the public that the government has a plan,” he added.

He cited the nationwide information drive of the communications arm of the government as part of the goal to increase willingness of the greater population to get vaccinated.

“The function of the PCOO and its attached agencies is to implement the communications strategies assigned to us by the National Task Force against COVID-19 Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez,” he said.

“We will go around the Philippines to explain, explain, explain to the public the reasons why it is important to get vaccinated and, at the

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Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as the lead agency for the task group on demand generation, public uptake and communications of the Vaccine Cluster is producing a vaccine toolkit.

This toolkit is a manual that contains materials explaining the National Vaccine Roadmap, its respective communication plan, directives from the President and national government implementers, videos, and template IEC materials.

It will be distributed to the local government units, community leaders, and other civil society and religious organizations by March 2021.

Secretary Andanar said that of the 2 million copies to be distributed, a copy will be provided to each of the 42,046 barangays nationwide and a separate one for the barangay level Sangguniang Kabataan.

Presidential Communications Operations Pagadian City Press Club during his visit for 2021.

ANDANAR APP APPROACH Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar is calling for a collaborative effort on fighting covi and disinformation, especially this time of the pandemic.

During his visit here on Monday, Secretary Andanar met with members of various sectors, appealing for their help in spreading the correct information to their community on the roadmap of the vaccination program of the government and other initiatives to curb the impacts of the pandemic.

Upon his arrival, the Secretary met with members of the Pagadian City Press Club, emphasizing the role of the

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Through the daily Network Briefing News, Secretary Andanar has provided an avenue for the youth sector to showcase their initiatives and air out their concerns as they participate in local governance. misinformationcovid.

“With my various engagements with the youth sector, I realized that you have out-of-this-world ideas and it’s very inspiring that you are able to take these ideas into actions,” he said.

Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar speaks before the members of the the Pagduaw: Explain, Explain, Explain in Pagadian City on Monday, February 15,

PEALS FOR WHOLE-OF-NATION H TO DEFEAT INFODEMIC media in influencing the decisions and awareness of their followers and viewers.

“We are here to engage with the stakeholders, encouraging you to take part in this daunting duty to be influencers of positive change as the world undergoes the biggest vaccination process that history has ever witnessed,” he said.

The PCOO and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) are in Pagadian City to kick off a round of information drive across key cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula this week. They will be visiting Ozamiz City of Region 10, for the Pagduaw: Explain, Explain, Explain.

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“It is important that we cover such events so that we can disseminate the right information and also increase the confidence level of the people to be vaccinated,” he added.

He said that aside from the threats of the pandemic, the battle against infodemic is also evident in communications platforms, particularly on social media, which are being used by detractors.

He also met the SK leaders of the city in the afternoon.

He assured them that the government is behind them and fully supporting their endeavors to help their respective communities.

“The youth is the link of the government to the younger generation and that is why we are here – to remind you that you hold the key in fighting fake news,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a separate engagement with the religious sector, the PCOO chief introduced the mandate of the agency and its attached agencies, including reaching out to the grassroots level to deliver the information on the programs and policies of the government.

“This is a very crucial moment for every Filipino because if at least 70% of the population won’t get vaccinated, we will not be able to reach herd immunity. The coronavirus will always be in our midst,” he said.

“I believe that we need influential people to help the government,” he added as he mentioned other leaders of the Catholic Church who have expressed their support for the vaccine.

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Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar engaged with members of the Pagadian City Press Club at the Pagadian City Emergency Operations Center on Monday, February 15, 2021.

ANDANAR DENOUNCES CHILD RECRUITMENT OF CPP-NPA Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday condemned the alleged child recruitment of the communist-terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA), stressing that it thieves children’s opportunity to grow in a healthy environment.

This statement transpired during a media engagement with the members of the Pagadian City Press Club on Monday, February 15, 2021, where reports of the NPA’s recruitment and exploitation of minors in Zamboanga del Sur was presented by the media.

“This only proves that the leftists really have child warriors and the future and the dreams of these minors are slowly laid to waste as they pledge their allegiance to these groups through deception,” he said.

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Secretary Andanar cited the policies and programs of the government for the youth that they should maximize.

“The President already has numerous policies for them – free education, free healthcare. And these will be useless if their minds are already fixed on the wrong ideologies,” he said.

Secretary Andanar is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 10 (CORDS X). He assured that the efforts of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) trickle down to the grassroots level in conflict-affected and poverty-stricken areas across the country, including Zamboanga del Sur. Caraga INFOCUS

ANDANAR SEES NEED FOR RADIO REINTRODUCTION TO ‘MODERN AGE’

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday emphasized the need to reintroduce the radio industry, given that advanced technology continues to dominate the world.

He made the statement, as he joined the celebration of World Radio Day.

radio’s capacity to “evolve, innovate, and connect.“ He recalled that radio, at its inception in 1895, was merely an experiment carried out by a young man in his parent’s attic.

“As the world enters a new dawn of technology, it becomes increasingly essential to acknowledge earlier innovations which have set the foundation of what we, as humans, can achieve. It’s high time that we reintroduce the radio to the modern age,” he said in a press statement.

“Despite the circumstances, he managed to make a device which can receive signals without the support of wiring. For the first time in history, a person’s voice had the ability to reach an audience the size of a nation,” he said.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 declared February 13 of every year as World Radio Day.

Radio, he said, then evolved from a simple machine, to a “hallmark of modern civilization which can shape nations, form cultures, and improve lives.”

World Radio Day is celebrated to recognize radio’s vital role as a powerful communication tool to reach a wide audience.

“Eventually, it was recognized as one of mankind’s greatest technological achievements,” he said.

Joining the UNESCO’s celebration of World Radio Day, Andanar emphasized the

Andanar also acknowledged that radio has been a substantial part of Filipino life for nearly a century.

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He said the voices of radio have undoubtedly influenced Filipinos’ thinking, starting from their taste in music to the personalities they choose to hear.

“More than that, the voices of radio helped shape the nation by bringing civic awareness to the masses. By recognizing radio as a powerful catalyst for cultural growth and social responsibility, these voices fueled our society’s dedication towards good governance,” he said.

Andanar was optimistic that the celebration of World Radio Day would remind everyone of the radio’s humble beginnings, its platform for democratic discourse, and its dedicated service to the Philippines.

“Its power to connect to farflung areas, beyond the reach of the internet, has saved countless lives. In times of natural disasters, the radio is essential in conducting rescue operations and relief efforts as its wide availability ensures that no Filipino is left behind,” he said. (PNA)

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Decrying the continuous rise in criminal incidents perpetrated by riding-intandem criminals, most of which remain unsolved, Senator Richard J. Gordon on Thursday prodded anew the Land Transportation Office and the Department of Transportation for the full implementation of Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act as he expressed fear that the unabated killings in the country is already making the people desensitized to the criminal act.

“Life has become cheap in this country. Paulit-ulit ang patayan, paulit-ulit nakikita ng tao at ang nangyayari ang kinakatakot ko, nasasanay na ang mga tao at parang nasagasaang aso lang ‘yung binaril, lalampasan na lang nila at sasabihin na lang nila ‘droga ‘yan.’ Sasabihin na lang nila, ‘magnanakaw ‘yan,’” he said during the continuation of the motu proprio investigation conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the continued delay in implementing the law.

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GORDON TO LTO, DOTR: IMPLEMENT RA 11235; PEOPLE ARE GETTING DESENSITIZED TO THE SPATE OF KILLINGS IN THE COUNTRY

“That is unacceptable to me. That is unacceptable to the Senate of the Philippines.

That is unacceptable to every Filipino. Di natin dapat payagan na magkaroon tayo at dumikit sa ating mga buto at isipan na talagang ganyan. Ang nangyayari sa ating bansa ay hindi natin nakikita, hindi natin pinapansin. Grabe na talaga at talamak na masyado ang pagpatay ng mga tao.

Habang nag-iimbestiga tayo, tumaas na naman ang patayan sa motorsiklo.

I call the attention of all the DOTr people there,” the Blue Ribbon chairman added as he condemned the killings that continue to rise as the committee investigates.

Gordon, who is the law’s principal author and sponsor, said RA 11235 aims to take a bite out of crime, particularly those committed by criminals who use motorcycles as their get-away vehicles, by requiring bigger, color-coded and readable number plates for the back of motorcycles and decal plates for the front.

Among others, it

also provides for the establishment of a joint LTOPNP (Philippine National Police) Operations and Command Center, equipped with a reliable data-base, the latest available technology and adequate computers and software sufficient to immediately address any emergencies or concerns related to crimes or offenses committed with the use of motorcycles.

“Kapag ang ating bayan ay hindi na napoproteksyunan ang ating mga kababaihan, ang mga kalalakihan, ang mga pari, ang mga doktor, ang mga mamamayang Pilipino, ang mga driver, ang mga nagtitinda sa tindahan, ay talagang dapat mag-isipisip tayo sapagkat talo ang bayan,” the senator stressed.

Based on monitoring by Gordon’s office, shooting incidents by riding-intandems totalled to 69 from January 1 to February 17, of which 55 were killed and 12 were injured. Statistics from the PNP showed higher figures, with 114 incidents from January 1 to 31 alone.

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE TO CERTIFY AS URGENT BILLS FAST TRACKING COVID-19 VACCINE NEGOTIATIONS, DELIVERIES President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has expressed his readiness Monday, February 15, to certify as urgent the passage of bills creating an indemnification agreement and advance market commitment to speed up coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine negotiations and deliveries.

vaccine czar added.

In his report to President Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the country is finalizing the preparations for the massive vaccination program, noting that stakeholders are just awaiting the signing of an indemnification clause as well as advance market commitment.

Apart from the indemnification agreement, Galvez said they are also waiting for local government units’ (LGUs) approval of the Gavi COVAX advance market commitment (AMC), an investment mechanism supporting low-income countries get access to COVID-19 vaccines.

An indemnification clause refers to the agreement reached between stakeholders identifying the party that would take responsibility in case those receiving the jabs experienced adverse side effects.

and companies to proceed with the nationwide inoculation.

These include securing an emergency use authorization (EUA) for vaccines as well as providing necessary documents to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVAX Facility and Gavi, he said.

The country is expecting to receive up to 3 million vaccine doses by the end February from the COVAX Facility, a global alliance seeking to help poor countries vaccinate their population against the deadly coronavirus.

Pfizer, Sinovac, Moderna Therapeutics, Novavax, “Kasi po ngayon na-iGalvez said he is currently Johnson & Johnson, accomplish na natin communicating with AstraZeneca, CanSino ‘yong ating tinatawag lawmakers, particularly with Biologics Inc. and Gamaleya na documentation. Ang Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Research Institute are kailangan na lang po to fast-track the passage among the pharmaceutical nila is mapirmahan ‘yong of the two pending bills. companies that the tinatawag na indemnification Senator Go said the President Philippines is negotiating agreement,” Galvez told the may certify the measures as with to procure COVID-19 President during a meeting urgent this week. vaccines. on government’s COVID-19 interventions.

Assuring the President The Department of Health that Philippines is on top (DOH) has recorded 1,685 “Kung magkasundo na po sa of COVID-19 vaccine new COVID-19 infections indemnification agreement, program preparations, on February 15, bringing the wala na po tayong hadlang Galvez said they have total number of cases in the kasi mayroon na po tayong already fulfilled requirements country to 550, 860 with 511, preparation. Okay na po and agreements with 755 recoveries and 11, 517 ang preparation natin,” the international organizations deaths. PND

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on February 15, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS THE PRESIDENT HAS SOLE POWER TO CRAFT FOREIGN POLICY President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has fended off criticisms Monday saying neither the vice president nor senators have function in deals such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) arguing only the president has the sole power under the Constitution to set the country’s foreign relations strategy.

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“Ito naman si Robredo abogado, I can forgive Lacson because he is not --- na they should look at the Constitution,” President Duterte said in a public address.

“The Constitution of the Philippines provides that the foreign relations or foreign policy is vested in the president alone.”

“Siya ‘yong kaisa-isang

--- well, I happened to be there --- Kung ano ang policy gusto niyang ipalabas for the Philippines is vested in the president and not with the senators or the vice president.”

President Duterte warned the vice president before issuing statements, saying Robredo, being a Caraga INFOCUS

lawyer, should know the provisions of the Constitution on the President’s functions.

The President earlier said the US government must pay if it wanted to keep the VFA. The VFA, signed in 1998, allows temporary stay of US troops during joint military exercises with Filipino soldiers as well as during times of humanitarian missions.

Although the President ordered the VFA’s abrogation last year, it was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and heightened regional tensions.

The President said that seeking payments from the Americans is justified since hosting US forces and armaments in the country exposes it from attacks from the US’s adversaries.

“The meltdown will start in Palawan. It’s the province that’s facing the Spratly and everything there,” he said. “Kaya hindi mo lang alam, in a worstcase scenario, kung may isang g*** diyan na Caraga INFOCUS

magpaputok ng isang rocket, gulo na iyan. And the Philippines invariably would be drawn into the vortex of a conflict that is called war.”

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who joined Monday’s meeting with the President, said that under international law, a state can incur state responsibility if it allows another country to use its territory especially if it entails possible damage or harm.

Roque said he explained during a press briefing the country’s independent foreign policy, with the Philippines forging friendly relations even with its non-traditional partners.

$3 billion in counterterrorism support from the United States.

“Ikukumpara po natin ‘to sa bansa na gaya ng Pakistan. Ang Pakistan po, $13.6 billion ang naibigay ng mga Amerikano. Ikumpara po natin sa Turkey, ganoon din po. Halos limang beses ang binibigay nila para manatili ‘yong kanilang mga sundalo at ang mga militar sa kanilang bansa,” Roque explained.

He said it is fair that the country receives much higher amount from the US particularly in the midst of its fight against COVID-19 to fund its Universal Health Care, free irrigation for farmers, and free education for Filipino students.

In addition, recent studies show that the country is getting measly amount from the US despite the Philippines being America’s unsinkable warship in Asia.

“Hindi po masama na humanap tayo ng alternatibong mga pagkukunan ng pondo para po gastusin sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.

At hindi po ‘yan extortion. That is Comparing the country advancing the national with Pakistan, Roque said interest,” he added. recent data show the PND Philippines just receives February 13-19, 2021 |

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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III gives updates to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on February 15, 2021. JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

cases, 27, 588 are currently in the hospitals or in isolation centers, Duque reported.

GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 FIGHT IMPROVING NATIONALLY — HEALTH CHIEF The country’s fight against COVID-19 is improving nationally although there are areas of concern at the local level, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a report on Monday.

“Ang ating mga pangunahing mensahe patungkol po sa ating COVID situationer. Una, sa pangkalahatan po, nakakakita pa rin po tayo ng pagbaba sa dami ng mga naitatalang kaso sa buong bansa ngunit may mga rehiyon tulad ng Region VII at CARAGA na nagpapakita ng patuloy na pagtaas,” Duque said in his report to President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting in Davao City.

“Walong lungsod naman

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sa NCR ang nagpapakita rin ng pagtaas ng mga kaso,” he added.

Regionally, the healthcare utilization rate is on the safe zone, Duque said, noting, however, that in the provincial and city levels, some localities remain in moderate to critical risk level.

Duque also suggested the implementation of aggressive response strategies to contain the spread of the new COVID-19 variant in areas of concern.

As of Monday, there were an additional 1,685 new cases of COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of cases to 550,860. Out of those

The country posted 11, 517 fatalities, which is 2.09 percent of the total confirmed cases. There are 26,043 active cases.

“Doon naman sa recoveries, Mr. President, ay mayroon tayong 511,755 who have recovered --- cases that have recovered and accounts for 93 percent, more or less,” he told the President.

The DOH is coordinating with different regions to get true sample representation of coronavirus cases to effectively track areas with spiking infections particularly with regard to the new COVID-19 variant, which was already detected in the country, Duque said.

Among those conducting genomic sequencing are the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the Philippines (UP), National Institutes of Health, and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

So far, health experts haven’t come up with a conclusive finding, he added. PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on February 15, 2021. ALBERTO ALCAIN/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

NEDA CHIEF: GOV’T SHOULD LOOSEN RESTRICTIONS TO BOOST ECONOMY The government should carry out a policy balancing its fight against the spread of the coronavirus and reviving the economy, the acting chief of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Monday.

During a presentation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte aired Monday night, acting Socioeconomic Caraga INFOCUS

Planning Secretary Karl Chua made a recommendation to put the country under a less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) to boost the economy.

“Iyong aking ibabahagi ‘yong kailangan po natin mag-shift sana sa lalong madaling panahon to MGCQ for the entire Philippines.

Sana starting March 1, 2021 para i-address po ‘yong hunger or ‘yong mataas na antas ng mga Pilipino po na nagugutom,” Chua said in his presentation.

He said that the government’s quarantine restriction since March 2020 has resulted in a total income loss of P1.04 trillion last year, with an February 13-19, 2021 |

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average daily loss of P2.8 Christmas vacation, hindi billion. po naman umakyat ‘yong COVID cases.”

On average, the annual income loss for every NEDA has spelled out worker is P23,000 per recommendations, worker, Chua said, which were already noting that since the approved by the IATF, government restricted hoping that the President some sectors from will also approve the operating, many workers proposal. lost their jobs.

Among the Losing jobs impacted on recommendations are workers’ income as well the further opening of as on their livelihood, the economy to MGCQ he said. “So ang for the entire Philippines, recommendation po especially NCR starting namin ay dapat ibalanse March 21 aimed at po natin.” mitigating or lessening sickness, hunger, poverty, Citing a November job and income losses Pulse Asia survey, Chua arising from non-COVID said 73 percent of cases. those surveyed said the government has to Chua has suggested balance the opening of using localized lockdown the economy and the in the barangay or control of the virus. municipal levels to address the local spread “So hindi po naman of the coronavirus. natin sinasabi na The government should ibukas lang natin ‘yong also open more public ekonomiya at huwag transport routes with na nating pakialaman proper safeguards to ‘yong COVID cases help workers, Chua said, kailangan po natin adding public transport both,” he said. capacity should be expanded from 50 “At nakita po natin percent to 75 percent. na nagbukas po tayo Inter-province bus last October at ‘yong operation must be dumaan po ‘yong augmented and bike

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lanes must also be set up to help workers using alternative forms of transportation.

The government should also allow more people to go out by expanding the age group allowed in public places. This must be done, however, with corresponding safeguards, according to Chua.

“Iyong safeguard naman, puwede lang lumabas ‘yong kabataan with their parents only, or initially, they can go out to more open areas at hindi naman ibig sabihin na pupunta sila sa malls,” he said.

“Pero kung puwede pong lumabas ‘yong kabataan with safeguards, it will allow also their parents to work and get a job.”

There is an ongoing discussion with Metro Manila mayors to gradually expand the age group allowed to go out. Currently, only those aged 15 to 65 are allowed in public places.

Chua suggested for a gradual expansion from aged five to 70. PND Caraga INFOCUS

PRC GIVES CASH GRANT TO COVID-19 AFFECTED FAMILIES IN CEBU

By Marita Moaje

The Philippine Red Cross has turned over a multipurpose cash grant to about 3,000 families in Cebu who were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

That will be received by two barangays and two towns amounting to PHP1.778 million. We still have some left for two more towns in Cebu),” said Gordon.

PRC chair and chief executive officer, Senator Richard Gordon, led the virtual turnover of the cash grant on Friday, attended by the American Red Cross and the local government officials of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Naga City, and Talisay City.

He said that the PRC always helps those who are suffering and helps uplift their dignity.

“Hindi maliit pero hindi rin malaki at PHP3,500 bawat pamilya ang mabibigyan.

Aabot yan sa dalawang barangay at dalawang bayan ng PHP1.778 million.

Meron pa tayong natitira na bibigyan sa Cebu, dalawang bayan (It is not that big but not too small at PHP3,500 per family.

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He asked those who receive the grant not to think of it as coming from politicians.

“Ito ay tulong para alam namin kung sino talaga yung nahihirapan hindi nabigyan ng gobyerno ng pera at kailangan pa ng konting tulong para maitaas ang kaniyang dignidad para mapawi ang gutom ng kaniyang pamilya (This is intended for those who are suffering and in need to help uplift his dignity and alleviate

the hunger of his family),” Gordon said.

He also encouraged the beneficiaries to help their neighbors when they can and show true concern for others and the country.

Gordon said that the PRC will still bring in an additional PHP20 to PHP30 million more for those in need.

Before the actual turnover, he also urged Cebuanos to work, save and invest whatever money they have and roll them over.

Meanwhile, Gordon also assured Cebuanos that the PRC will continue coordinating with the national government for the Covid-19 vaccine rollout as soon as the vaccine becomes available in the country. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

CALL FOR PATIENCE. National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. speaks during the CODE Team visit to Pateros Municipality on Friday (Feb. 19, 2021). Galvez said the government is pushing for a “measured and calibrated” vaccination program. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

BE PATIENT AMID SOME DELAYS IN VAX ARRIVAL, GALVEZ URGES PUBLIC

By Lade Jean Kabagani

National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Friday called on the public to be patient amid some delays on vaccine arrival due to limited global supply and other variables.

“Ang ina-advise Caraga INFOCUS

po namin sa ating kababayan ay sana konting pasensya pa (We advise our fellow citizens to give a bit of patience),” Galvez made this remark during the Covid-19 Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (C.O.D.E.) Team visit to Pateros town.

“Ongoing pa rin po ang negotiation natin sa COVAX (Our negotiation with COVAX facility is still ongoing) and we are hopeful that they will fulfill their commitment to bring us the 44 million doses here in the first and second quarter,” he added.

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is eyeing at least 5 to 9 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine produced by the AstraZeneca and Pfizer company through the COVAX facility, within the first quarter of this year.

Galvez cited the very challenging situations to access the global supply and demand of Covid-19 vaccines which are also being confronted by many countries worldwide.

“Napakahirap ng sitwasyon in terms of global supply and demand -- hindi lang tayo ang nahihirapan -- sa pagbili ng bakuna, kundi pati na rin ang ibang bansa (The situation is very difficult in terms of global supply and demand - we are not the only country that is struggling with the purchase of the vaccines, but also those other countries),” he said.

He then pointed out that some 130 countries, 32 of them at risk during the pandemic, have not yet received any brand of Covid-19 vaccines.

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| February 13-19, 2021

“Considering that they are one of those poorest of the poor,” he said.

Galvez said various variables affect the procurement and the arrival of the coronavirus jabs, including “uneven” distributions of vaccines globally, as well as geopolitics among countries.

He also asked the local government units (LGUs) for more patience, particularly in Metro Manila.

“Yun lang po ang hinihingi natin sa ating Metro Manila mayors, alam ko sabik na sabik na po kayo sa bakuna at minsan ako po’y nahihiya na dahil sabi nga bakuna na lang ang kulang (That’s the only thing I ask from our Metro Manila mayors, I know that you are very excited for vaccines

and sometimes I get shy because as what we say, we are just waiting for the vaccines),” he said.

“Kami po ay nagsusumamo sa ating mga mayor na konting pasensya na po, pasensya na po na hindi talaga natin hawak ang supply chain ng mga vaccine (We are begging our mayors to give a bit of patience, sorry because we can’t control the supply chain of vaccines).”

The government, he said, is preparing for a “measured and calibrated” vaccination program.

Originally, some 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines were scheduled to arrive this month and meant to use for the inoculation of health care workers.

(PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

COVID-19 VACCINE VITAL TO RESTORE NORMALCY IN PH

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Tuesday emphasized the vital role of the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination drive in restoring normalcy in the country.

During his commentary show “Counterpoint,” Panelo said Filipinos would only experience a normal life, if they get inoculated with Covid-19 vaccine.

“Iyang bakuna, kaya natin tinitake iyan, para lumakas ang ating immune system, maprevent ‘yung pagpasok ng virus (We have to take the vaccine for us to have a strong immune system and prevent getting infected with the virus),” Panelo said.

“Kumbaga, kung wala tayong bakuna, ang risk natin ay malaki.

Samantala, kung may bakuna ka, oh eh di less ang risk mo (If we do not receive the vaccine, our risk of acquiring the virus is big. On the other hand, the risk is less if you get inoculated),” he said.

Panelo issued the statement, as he noted that there is an increase in the number of Filipinos who have expressed intent to get vaccinated to protect themselves against Covid-19.

He hoped qualified Filipinos would receive the Covid-19 vaccine once the government starts its free immunization drive.

“Kailangan ho talagang magpabakuna.

Alam ninyo ba kung bakit? Kailangan kasi He encouraged the makabalik na po tayo public to receive the sa normal (We really vaccine so they would need to get inoculated. have lower risk of Why is it important? acquiring the coronavirus Because we need to disease. go back to normal),” Caraga INFOCUS

he said. “We cannot be hostaged forever to this pandemic.”

Under the government’s immunization plan, frontline health workers will be the first to receive shots against Covid-19.

The first batch of vaccines that will arrive in the country is the 117,000 doses of vaccine from Washington-based pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

The country will receive another batch of 600,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses from China’s Sinovac on Feb. 23.

While the government has yet to start its immunization drive, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he was studying the proposal to place the entire country under the most relaxed modified general community beginning March 1 to address the rise in hunger and poverty amid the pandemic. (PNA) February 13-19, 2021 |

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