Caraga InFocus – January 13-19, 2018

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[ Contents 13-19 January 2018

Volume 1, No. 94

DOE promotes E-Trike, smart electricity consumption

ASEAN NEWS

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ASEAN journos join hands to fight ‘fake news’

PRRD meets with members of Pinnacle Club of ASEAN

REGIONAL NEWS

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Firework-related injuries in Caraga down by 41% Team Butuan wins KATROPA ballgame POPCOM Caraga honors media partners

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HEALTH NEWS

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Surigaonons enjoy free viewing of movie ‘Siargao’

Surigao Norte to host BSP national council meeting in May SurSur starts new year with SERTSS enhancement training, program planning workshop

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DTI AgSur biz development team, producers learn branding concepts

Shopping tips for healthful eating

MINDANAO NEWS

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TFBM to spend P10-B for Marawi rehab in 2018 TRAIN impact on coal power rate ‘minimal’

NATIONAL NEWS

Abaca fiber warehouse turned over to AgNor coop San Luis rattan “bukag” weavers try their hands on oil palm strips

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Duterte wants gov’t workers strictly banned from entering casinos Deployment of Filipino caregivers to Israel up by 2.53%

Caraga Manobo, other IP-inspired dolls production training starts convergence among AgSur IP communities LGU-Esperanza holds BOSS in the town’s Negosyo Center 1st KBP Hour in 2018 calls on AgSur biz owners

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News Briefs The Sangguniang Bayan of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte has limited the operation of karaoke and videoke bars and other similar establishments in a particular time in the locality through the Municipal Ordinance No. 011-2017, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Mercelita C. Buenaventura.

DOE Mindanao Field Office Senior Science Research Specialist Virgilio Arzado said during Alternative Energy and Energy Technologies Forum held in Bislig City that the agency seeks to promote judicious conservation, renewal, and efficient utilization of energy. It also ensures a continuous, adequate amd economic supply of energy.

PSWDO Agusan del Norte has prepositioned goods and equipment for possible distribution to affected individuals/families in case flooding will happen due to the effects of the Tail End of a Cold Front.

More and more people in the countryside now have access to safe and clean water as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has administered a total of 2,059 SALINTUBIG (Sagana at Ligtas naTubig para sa Lahat) projects across 15 regions in the country amounting to P6.674 billion.

(DILG)

Cover Story

DOE promotes E-Trike, s consumption By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY – With an aim to reduce the transport sector’s annual petroleum consumption by 2.8 percent (based on 20 million barrels annual consumption in 2010) and to avoid carbon dioxide emission of the estimated 259,008 tons annually, the Department of Energy (DOE) introduced the energy efficient electric vehicle project or the E-Trike Project during the Alternative Fuels and Energy Technologies Forum held on Tuesday in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

As explained by Engr. Federico Domingo, Jr., supervising senior research specialist of DOE, the E-Trike will significantly improve the quality of life

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of the beneficiaries of E-Trike; promote the use of cleaner and more efficient vehicles; reduce health cost and economic impact of lost productivity 13-19 January, 2018

smart electricity

as a result of air pollution.

commercial and residential energy use; and alternative fuels production

“With the utilization of electronic improvement. vehicles, it will also stimulate the market for E-Trike related support services “This is a serious project of the such as charging stations, repair and government and such initiatives is maintenance shops, parts and supply geared at achieving the short, medium services,” Domingo added. and long-term plans that will assist in its

establishment. That’s why it is critical

He also mentioned in his to our campaign to deliver the right discussion the innovations and information in order for the public to emerging technologies, its potentials cascade the same correct and factual and applications like energy resource data regarding these programs. We diversification; energy generation, are encouraging you to advocate on conversion and storage; industry, E-Trike and AFET,” Domingo said.

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do for this E-Trike project as it is best suited to be adopted in our locality,” underlined Navarro.

Meanwhile, Karoline de Vera, Science Research Specialist of DOE elaborated the tips on smart energy use. She emphasized on employing smart electricity consumption measure or action at workplace, at home, or wherever people might be to help save energy.

Mayor Librado Navarro said that with the E-Trike project, he wants Bislig All these are in pursuit of improving City to be known as an organic city and the country’s energy security as well as be recognized as a smoke-free zone. to contribute in mitigating the adverse environmental effect of energy

“We are into organic farming, utilization. Hence, the government forest protection, urbanization, and is continuously implementing we worked on the mitigating factors programs that promote the utilization that will help decrease or impede of alternative fuels and new and the damage to our environment. We advanced energy technologies to see to it that Bisliganons and visiting effectively diversify and manage people will enjoy a clean and healthy the country’s utilization of energy environment. Let’s see what we can resources. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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ASEAN journos join hands to fight ‘fake news’

BANGKOK, Thailand - Media practitioners across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region will convene a regional forum in July to squarely tackle the issue of fake news and how to deal with it.

During a two-day discussion held in Bangkok, Thailand on January 2526, professional and legitimate media practitioners of the regional bloc expressed alarm about the impact of fake news online and vowed to take a strong action against it.

The two-day discussion started on Thursday during the CAJ’s board of directors’ meeting and finished the following day during the group’s general assembly held at the Emerald Hotel in Bangkok, which was attended by presidents and officers including the National Press Club of the Philippines

Journalists, who participated (NPC). in the 19th general assembly of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists Other press organizations (CAJ), adopted the “Action Plan 2018 who attended include Thailand’s to 2020” aimed at combating the Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ), proliferation of fake news, which was Malaysia’s National Union of Journalists brought by advances in communication Malaysia (NUJM), Singapore’s Creative technology highlighted by the rise Media and Publishing Union (CMPU), of social media, and now affects Vietnam’s Vietnam Journalists legitimate journalists across the regional Association (VJA), Indonesia’s bloc.

Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia (PWI),

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Cambodia’s Club of Cambodian five national press organizations Journalists (CCJ) and Laos’ Lao Indonesia (Persatuan Wartawan Journalists Association (LJA).

Indonesia), Philippines (National Press Club), Malaysia (Kesatuan

The All-China Journalists Kebangsaan Wartawan Malaysia), Association and the Myanmar Singapore (Singapore National Union Journalists Association (MJA) also sent of Journalists) and, Thailand (Thai delegates as “observers.”

Journalists Association) to foster the cause of a “healthy, free and

Thepchai Young, president of the responsible press” in the region.

CTJ and also newly-elected president of the CAJ, said the spread of fake news Aside from the five charter also contributed to the “decline” of members, the CAJ now includes the “quality” journalism in the mainstream Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA), media that made more difficult the the Lao Journalists Association (LJA) latter’s effort to professionalize its ranks and the Club of Cambodian Journalists and compete with other emerging (CCJ), whose formal membership was media platforms in the internet. also approved during Friday’s general assembly.

NPC president Paul Gutierrez noted that while the Philippines already Charter amendments have laws against cybercrime and data privacy, the Senate is yet to conclude During the general assembly, the its hearings against fake news and CAJ also approved further amendments enact a law against it. in its charter that was last revised during their meeting in Manila in 1987 and

Teguh Santosa, of PWI, said while again in 2012, also in Manila. media entities in Indonesia are required to register with the authorities, the The latest amendments simplified problem is distinguishing which ones the membership classification in the are fake and which ones are not.

CAJ and the rotation of the secretariat to the country holding the presidency

Apart from the “Action Plan 2018 to make its works more “flexible.” to 2020,” press organizations in the regional bloc are also encouraged to The VJA, represented by Pres. conduct similar forums in their respective Thuan Huu, also formally turned over the countries and to share information that leadership of the CAJ to CTJ president, can help them assert the importance Thepchai Sae Yong. of legitimate and mainstream media in society.

On the other hand, the PWI is set to assume the presidency when the

The CAJ was founded in group meets again in Jakarta two years 1975 in Jakarta, Indonesia by the from now. (PNA) 13-19 January, 2018

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PRRD meets with members of Pinnacle Club of ASEAN MANILA - Retired defense chiefs from Southeast Asia paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, January 17.

“I’d like to welcome you all. It’s an honor to be in the midst of people who have a strong knowledge of what is the condition of our world today,” the President told the Pinnacle Club of ASEAN during their meeting at the Study Room of Malacañang Palace.

The Chief Executive noted that he has seen how the retired officials worked and how they have contributed to the welfare of ASEAN.

The Pinnacle Club of ASEAN, formalized in 2014, is an informal grouping of retired defense chiefs and service chiefs in Southeast Asia, which aims to provide a social platform for the gathering of retired defense chiefs and other influential officials related to the security and defense of the region.

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The Club and its network of members can also serve to promote the good relations in Southeast Asia through the various activities organized by the Secretariat, Stratagem Group.

The President was accompanied

by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, among others.

Present in the meeting are retired officials from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Brunei, and Philippines. (PND) 13-19 January, 2018

Photo Gallery

E-Power Mo (E-SAFETY MO, E-SECURE MO, E-DISKARTE MO) DOE-PIA IEC on Alternative Fuels and Energy Technologies Bislig Highland Function Farm, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur 16 January 2018

Regional News

Firework-related injuries in Caraga down by 41%

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga said that there has been a 41 percent decrease in the number of firecracker-related injuries compared to previous data from the same period last year.

DOH Caraga data showed a total of 13 cases, which is 71 percent lower compared to 22 cases from the same period in 2016.

According to DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. of the 13 cases, the highest of these came from the cities Butuan and Surigao followed by Agusan del Sur with two cases, while Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Bislig City incurred eye injury. Most cases were treated and sent home while those who had eye with one case in their areas. injuries were referred to eye specialists

“The provinces of Surigao del for further assessment and care,” Norte and Dinagat Islands and the cities Llacuna added. of Cabadbaran, Bayugan and Tandag Of the 13 cases, there were 11 were able to achieve zero injuries in the entire monitoring period of DOH on males and 2 females; with 11 to 15 years December 21, 2017 up to January 5, old as the most affected age group having a total of six cases.

2018,” Llacuna said.

Also, 62 percent of the cases

“About 46 percent of the cases sustained blast or burn injury without occurred at the streets with Piccolo amputation while 31 percent acquired as the widely used firecracker (38

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REGIONAL NEWS percent). Approximately 62 percent of “We hope that in the coming the patients were actively involved in years, we will be able to achieve Zero the handling of firecrackers.

FRIs every time we welcome the holiday season,” he added.

“We highly appreciate the efforts of everyone, especially our partner During the monitoring period, agencies, for making the Oplan: all health facilities and health stations Iwas Paputok Campaign successful,” were in Code White Alert. (NCLM/DOHLlacuna said.

Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

Team Butuan wins KATROPA ballgame

BUTUAN CITY – Team Butuan emerged as the over-all champion during the Inter-LGU and Open Basketball League organized by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) after the pocket tournaments held in various parts of the region starting 2016. Giving the toughest challenge for said crown to Team Butuan were the Municipality of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – 1st runner-up; Surigao City – 2nd runner-up; and Cabadbaran City – 3rd runner-up.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya or KATROPA on Hardcourt of the POPCOM-Caraga is an advocacy for men in another platform through an open commercial basketball tournament for known players. It is also a contribution to emerging initiatives to mobilize men as partners in women empowerment and gender equality.

Said advocacy was launched in 2016.

the significance of this initiative and called for dynamic and responsible involvement among males in managing over-all concerns of the entire family.

“This advocacy is significant for it enhanced male involvement advocating and championing maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition and responsible parenting. Before, in-between or during breaks, and after each game, series of

POPCOM maximized the KATROPA advocacy materials were gathering of the huge crowd by shown,� Makinano emphasized. repeatedly showing its short films and plugging about its program advocacy.

The good director also disclosed that along with this event were the oath The Butuan Team as supported taking ceremonies of POPDEV Club by private institutions, ARQ Builders Officers from the different high schools and WBS Garments, was composed of in Butuan, MR. GAD-KATROPA Officersthe young stalwarts of the hardcourt, Butuan Chapter, and the Recognition namely Jerham Guzman, Ton Delmonte, and Awards for local media partners.

Clint Inocencio, Manuel Bunzo, James This was to give due recognition to Paray, CD Gonzales, Van Balaba, Kev their invaluable contribution to the Plaza, JR Ayala, and co-coached and Philippine Population Management managed by Dave Makinano.

Program (PPMP) in support to the population thrusts of President Rodrigo

POPCOM Caraga Director Roa Duterte. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIAAlexander A. Makinano featured Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

POPCOM Caraga honors media partners BUTUAN CITY – The Commission on Population (POPCOM)-Caraga awarded the local media partners in recognition to their invaluable contribution to the advocacy of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP), in support to the population thrusts of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

POPCOM recognized their vital contribution as media partners who brought the program at the doorstep of the Caraganons.

regional director, have been possible with the help of media. According to Makinano, correct and complete information helps the couples and individuals to make a responsible

“These various media partners decision as to their reproductive health. play an important role in disseminating the information about POPCOM’s three Among those cited by POPCOM program components specifically, were: Manila Bulletin, Philippine Responsible Parenthood and Family Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga, ABSPlanning (RPFP), Adolescent Health CBN Butuan, RMN-DXBC Butuan, DXBR and Development (AHD), and Bombo Radyo Butuan, DXBN Radyo the Population and Development Pilipinas, Radyo Trumpeta, DXHR Hope (PopDev) Integration, over the radio, Radio, Bee TV-7 Butuan, RPN-DXKS television, print or even social media, Surigao, and RMN-DXRS Surigao. for without their help, the agency’s goal and objectives would hardly The recognition was done reach our target population. Thus, they during the Kalalakihang Tumutugon are worthy to be given due recognition sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa for their efforts,” POPCOM Caraga Pamilya (KATROPA) on Hardcourt Director Alexander A. Makinano said.

Champion’s League: Inter-LGU and Open Basketball League in Caraga

The advocacy of POPCOM for its on Jan. 14 in Butuan City. (POPCOMvarious programs, as recognized by its Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Provincial News

Surigao del Norte

Surigaonons enjoy free viewing of movie ‘Siargao’ By: John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY – Thousands of moviegoers became inspired with the blockbuster film “Siargao” during the free public screening that took place at the Surigao del Norte Provincial Gymnasium on January 21, 2018.

The movie was shown twice during that day at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

“Surfing was a metaphor for the vibe of life itself. We wait for the wave, we catch it, we stand, we ride, we crash, then we surface and try again.

Every time we rise to the surface to take our breath, it means we are alive, and able to go through everything all over again. So face up to your mistakes, and own up to your wrong decisions.

There is always a second chance.

This is an important life lesson that never Jovanie Eludo was thankful of his gets old,” emphasized Metro Manila Film Fest Gabi ng Parangal Best Director experience when the security guard handed him over the three extra tickets Paul Soriano. the last minute.

Amid the intermittent heavy Atty. Charlo Paredes clarified that rains, the swarm and horde of movie enthusiasts cheerfully watched the “the highly-awaited movie Siargao does not only promote Surigao del Norte’s movie.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS most famous island but also immortalizes surfers makes the movie more realistic. the Surigaonon language.”

Showing the non-surfing spots

“It even dares to use Surigaonon’s of Siargao strengthens the island expression ‘Jawa!’ Literally, ‘jawa’ as a wholesome tourist destination. means ‘devil.’ Originally, Surigaonons Noteworthy too was the inclusion of the use it to swear: ‘Jawa kaw!’ (You’re environmental issue (Basura sa Baybay) a devil!) But, when it’s exclaimed in and the LGU’s solid waste management a soft tone, it becomes an expression project – a must for this Pacific surfing of endearment. In the movie, Diego hub,” he added.

(Jericho Rosales) spontaneously utters ‘Jawa!’ upon seeing his childhood Clearly, the movie’s love story, friend again since he left the island. according to Paredes, “may not be Surigaonons do that when we meet our as intense as the usual Pinoy dramas long lost ‘kababayans,’” said Paredes. or as cool as “rom-com” genre. But, it challenges millenials to reflect deeply

Paredes also noted that lead on love relationships by going to a actor Jericho Rosales talked like a serene place like Siargao Island.” (PIAnative Surigaonon. “Casting the local Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte to host BSP national council meeting in May By: John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY – Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas revealed that the province will push through with the hosting of the Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) National Council Meeting in May 2018.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Matugas said that that province will take the lead in the conduct of Court of Honor which will be participated by 120 BSP councils nationwide and roughly over a thousand delegates. This was mentioned before the presence of municipal mayors all throughout the province as they convened at the New Expanded PGO Conference Hall on January 22, 2018.

the governor said.

Matugas also informed the body of the conduct of formal ceremonies, gala and fellowship. She further recommended that one municipality shall adopt at least one council. In other words, the municipal local government unit (LGU) shall take care of ushering, offering of souvenir mementos, special tour package, t-shirts, and other services to delight and satisfy the guests.

Sumptuous meals and snacks will also be tendered.

“I want the Ipil Demo Farm and the Cancohoy Farm to maximize the harvests because our yields and produced must be maximized and should translate to sustainable and inclusive progress,” Matugas said.

She also said that the itinerary is in the work such that the delegates will enjoy the fascinating destinations in Siargao as this will help boost its tourism and economy.

Meanwhile, Matugas said that the local government is concentrating on how to enhance agricultural production, with emphasis on sustainable rice supply, livestock, poultry, fruits, vegetables and root crops.

“It is imperative to develop our farm industry and fishing grounds so we can avoid unnecessary importation of products from Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, and other neighboring provinces,”

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She also disclosed that a proposed agreement between Transglobal Corporation and KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is underway so they can invest in the growth and expansion of the economy through agricultural development and livelihood advancement.

Law enforcement in matters respecting the illegal numbers game and those operations sanctioned by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) were substantively tackled.

On his part, Atty. Premolito Plaza explained that in all likelihood, general laws like the LGU Code of the Philippines may prevail over special laws, in accordance with the newest rulings upheld by the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines.

Some agreed that it is a tough balancing act to regulate these operations, however, the PCSO can issue licenses to where it deems proper.

So much so that the clear distinction between issuing a business permit and regulating a business franchise was laid down during the actual deliberations.

(PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 13-19 January, 2018

Surigao del Sur

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SurSur starts new year with SERTSS enhancement training, program planning workshop By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of this province kicked-off the new year with an enhancement training cum program planning workshop for the members and staff of the Search and Emergency Response Team of Surigao del Sur (SERTSS) on January 11-12, 2018 at Libtong Cove, Barangay General Island in Cantilan town.

PDRRMO chief Abel de Guzman said this has been their usual practice every year as its kick-off activity.

“The activity helps develop a good camaraderie among the SERTSS members,” he said.

De Guzman said, this year the team members are focusing on the aid and emergency response protocols as well as different scenarios during disasters.

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The formulation of a doable plan of activities for 2018 was also included during the discussion based on the reported activities accomplished in 2017.

De Guzman also revealed that the activity was supposedly conducted before 2017 has ended, but due to the unfavorable weather condition, the activity was then reset to January.

(NGPBarcena, PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Agusan del Norte

Abaca fiber warehouse turned over to AgNor coop By: AT Carmona

SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte – The Abaca Fiber Warehouse and Equipment with drying areas in the municipality of Santiago, Agusan del Norte was turned-over to San Isidro Upland Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO).

The construction of the P15 million worth of Abaca fiber warehouse with a drying area was funded by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte.

During the blessing and turnover ceremony, Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba cut the ribbon, together with DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo; Board Member Dick Victor Carmona, Chair Committee on Public Works; Representative of Mayor Lim, Mr. Jhonny Galbo, MENRO; and

This project has a total approved Barangay Captain Elmer Monteclaro project cost of P31 million, wherein P16 of barangay San Isidro, Santiago, million was allotted for the enterprise Agusan del Norte. (Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Agusan del Norte) development component.

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Photo Gallery KATROPA ON HARDCOURT Champion’s League Inter-LGU and Open Basketball League in Caraga FSUU Main Gymnasium, Butuan City 13-14 January 2018

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Agusan del Sur

San Luis rattan “bukag” weavers try their hands on oil palm strips SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur –

Members of the San Jose Coco Farmers Association and bukag (rattan) weavers in this town participated in a three-day training on handicraft production using oil palm strips, a substitute material.

Some of the participants were skilled weavers who supply rattan baskets to the cities of Bayugan and Butuan.

Liza Maynagcot from the Municipality of Trento served as the Decors, Toys and Housewares Utilizing Rattan, Baloy, Nito and Agsam, of the trainer. local government unit (LGU) of San Luis.

Maynagcot is considered one of It is also hoped that the output of the the pioneering oil palm strips weavers. participants will be displayed in the She owns Liza Palm Strips Handicrafts One Town, One Product (OTOP) Store, and has been awarded, together with which is another San Luis BuB project. designer Gina Bagasbas who also hails The Department of Trade and from Agusan del Sur, with the Editors’ Choice Award for bags, baskets and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) is also other housewares made from oil palm hoping that the trainees will become strips during the October Edition of part of the network of palm strips weavers who can help Maynagcot in Manila FAME. possible volume orders as a result of her

Manila FAME is a premier lifestyle exposure in Manila FAME. trade and exhibit show organized The training was conducted at by the Center for International Trade the barangay social hall and was Expositions & Missions (CITEM). facilitated by DTI-AdS BuB Officer for San

The November 22 to 24 training Luis Reonel Aninon, BuB Staff Shan Tutor, was conducted as part of the bottom- and Negosyo Center (NC)-Talacogon up budgeting (BuB) project-Furniture Counsellor Louida Legaspi. (DTI-Agusan Development and Production of Gifts, del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

DTI AgSur biz development team, producers learn branding concepts

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Fourteen (14) of the province’s producers and graduates of the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program joined what was originally planned as a staff capability building on branding held at SAFRAGEMC Hall, San Francisco, this province.

This turned out providential as time is already owned by a competing the trainees were able to discuss the producer. branding concepts and principles via “live” cases.

“If you could explain your brand in seven seconds, that means you have

The rest of the class includes the a strong brand,” Nebrao added.

Department of Trade and IndustryAgusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) three business development staff and 14 Negosyo The participants learned branding Center (NC) counselors. musts and the 5Ps of an irresistible product: “identifying your People

Clark Nebrao, Philippine Center or market their needs and wants, for Entrepreneurship (PCE)-accredited understanding the Pain of the market, KMME mentor served as resource creating the solution or Promise, the person and mentor. uniqueness, being the market guide or leader in the Process, and having a

Nebrao is also a member of the Price based on your product’s value.”

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Mentorship for Entrepreneurs They also learned the latest market Network (AMEN). trends on packaging, intellectual property registration and its importance,

He pointed-out that businesses and barcoding. normally focus only on production and processing and are not interested The producer-MSME participants in obtaining a brand name for their came from the province’s two batches product until such time that the name of the KMME. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAthat they have been using for a long Agusan del Sur) 13-19 January, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Caraga Manobo, other IP-inspired dolls production training starts convergence among AgSur IP communities PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Virginia Indias, Bae Imelda Abamonga, Datu Ruperto Bacudan and Magno Maestrado were part of the Agusan del Sur group of producers who went into a Market Study cum Design Learning Mission to Go Lokal Stores and Manila Fame.

Indias is a maker of Caraga Manobo and other indigenous peoples (IP)-inspired dolls; Abamonga leads the Higaonon tribe in Barangay Hawilian in Esperanza who does beads making; and Bacudan and Maestrado are from Tugpan Tribal Farmers Producers Cooperative (TUTRIFAPCO) – beneficiary of a bottom-up budgeting (BuB) project on wood novelties.

by Bacudan and Maestrado, and Bae Imelda and her group joined other IPs from San Martin Farmers’ Cooperative SAFAMCO) from Prosperidad and Sibagat and Grades 9 and 10 students of Prosperidad National High School during a Skills Training on Doll Production training on November 20 to 24.

Virginia Indias partnered with her husband Venchito to be the trainers and resource persons for the capability

Upon learning that Indias is building which covered wood carving, working with the Department of Trade doll painting, suyam or embroidery, and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) and bead accessories making. on a skills training to scale up their production, the two groups with the The Indias couple said learning facilitation of DTI started talking on these skills takes time. a possible convergence, given that they can provide inputs to the doll DTI-AdS, as a follow through, will production. They can share their facilitate their supply tie-ups/business knowledge on carving wood for the partnerships and ensure further dolls’ bodies and other parts, and production improvement assistances beads making for its accessories. through the Negosyo Centers of the group’s respective areas. (DTI-Agusan

Five members of TUTRIFAPCO led del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

LGU-Esperanza holds BOSS in the town’s Negosyo Center

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Esperanza, this province has started its Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) on Jan. 8, with a simplified business permit and licensing system (BPLS) at the Negosyo Center (NC) of said municipality.

BOSS aims to provide a venue for easy and fast processing of business permits for both renewing and new business applicants.

This was also done in other LGUs and normally ends on January 20 of every year, unless extended to accommodate more registrants or for other reasons.

Region, respectively.

Other participating offices in the NC-Esperanza BOSS are the Bureau of Fire (BFP), Municipal Health and Engineering offices and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

John Samson, Business Permit and NC-Esperanza Charlz Palen is Licensing Officer (BPLO) of Esperanza handling the business name registration led the activity and ensured fast requirements. processing of business permits.

This was the first instance that a

Incidentally, Samson is currently BOSS was held at a Negosyo Center in the provincial and at the same time the province and even in the region. regional head of the BPLO network (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del in Agusan del Sur and the Caraga Sur) 13-19 January, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

1st KBP Hour in 2018 calls on AgSur biz owners PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The opening salvo of the weekly Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Hour this 2018 chose the timely discussion on the requirements for business registration and licensing as its first topic.

Every year from January 2 to January 20, local government units (LGUs) conduct their respective business one-stop shop (BOSS) to speed up renewal of business permits.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Sur has made it a point to be part of the LGUs’ BOSS activities to respond to first time business name and renewing applicants as well.

del Sur (PAKKADS) and the permanent venue host Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO).

The session was attended by LGU San Francisco officials – Juancho Gumahin Vicente, Municipal Assessor; Terencio Cepe- Business Permit & Licensing Officer; Jessie Laulita, LTOO II; and from DTI-Agusan del Sur – Jose Baron, SupTIDS; Cheri Inson, STIDS; and Jardynne Narvasa, TIDS. Members of the province’s consumer group PAKKADS and ASELCO also joined.

DTI does this through its eight Negosyo Centers (NC) or through mobile/on-site servicing in areas where Meanwhile, the hosts were from there were no NCs yet.

KBP-Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur Chapter in the person of Alfredo Plaza,

The weekly KBP hour is now on its station manager of dxDA; Alfredo third year and is a collaboration between Lobog, station manager of dxAK; and KBP-Agusan Sur and Surigao Sur Chapter, Jordan Pajo Udtojan, station manager DTI-Agusan del Sur, Pagpakabana sa of 1FM. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan Katungod sa Konsumador sa Agusan del Sur)

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13-19 January, 2018

Health News

Shopping tips for healthful eating By: Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D

BUTUAN CITY – Consumers today have many choices when it comes to food, especially at the grocery store.

With numerous items and brand names, how does one go about choosing foods that are enjoyable, affordable, and most importantly, those that provide proper nutrition?

06-12 January, 2018

27

HEALTH NEWS The List

stomach. It’s easier to stick to the list if you are not hungry, so make sure to eat Before you head out to the market, something before you go shopping. take time to make a list. It will save you time and money.

• Set a routine. Establish a day and time that makes it easy for you to

• What to eat this week. List move quickly and easily through the out meal ideas for the week, keeping store or market and stay focused on in mind which days you’ll have time to your market list. cook and which days you’ll be pressed for time to put dinner on the table.

• Save money. Buy fresh fruits When time is short, opt for vegetable and vegetables that are in season salads or boil or steam green, leafy or because these are cheaper. In the other vegetables and ready-to-eat grocery store, look for foodstuffs that fortified foodstuffs containing low fat, are on sale. cholesterol, and sodium or salt.

• The labels. Read food

• Organize the list. As you labels. You can compare nutrients and create your shopping list, check ingredients between similar foodstuffs. your menu options against the Food Determine which nutrients the food Guide Pyramid developed by the contributes to your total diet.

Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and • The tricks in going to the Technology (DOST-FNRI) to ensure grocery store: Knowing how to shop you’ve remembered everything from and what to look for in each section of rice, breads and cereals to fats and the store helps you save your time. oils, meat, fish and poultry, milk and other dairy products to vegetables Farm Products. Since fresh and fruits. This will help ensure that you agricultural products (like green are purchasing a variety of foods that leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fruits provide all your nutrient needs. like bananas, papaya, mango, pineapple) which contribute vitamins

• Don’t forget snacks! and minerals don’t last very long, buy Everyone enjoys a little boost between only the amount you can eat for a meals, so choose nutritious, great few days. Roots and tubers such as tasting snack foods such as low-fat nuts, kamote, potatoes and gabi can be popcorn and fruits. bought in bulk for a one to two-week supply. These are important sources of The Strategy energy, fiber and vitamins.

• Avoid going to the market Meat, fish, chicken, eggs, dried or grocery when you are hungry. Leave beans and nuts. Get your protein! the decisions with your head, not your These foods are sources of high-quality

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13-19 January, 2018

HEALTH NEWS protein. Buy meat, fish, and chicken, Most importantly, they don’t spoil as especially when they are on sale. quickly!

Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products, small fish like dilis.

Including these in your diet is an easy way to get your recommended intake of calcium to prevent osteoporosis.

Frozen. The frozen foods section is a great place for convenient, nutritious food choices for any meal occasion – breakfast, lunch, dinner – and even dessert. Read nutrition labels and choose low fat, cholesterol, and sodium (salt) content of different brands.

Canned foods. Canned fruits and vegetables are also great to have on hand because they are similar and some are fortified, hence, higher in nutrients than their fresh counterparts.

13-19 January, 2018

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 8373164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

You may also like their Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow their Twitter account at twitter. com/FNRI_DOST. (IAAgdeppa, Ph.D., FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIACaraga)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao News

TFBM to spend P10-B for Marawi rehab in 2018 By: Donabel Norei S. Magsino

MANILA – As Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) continues to move forward in rehabilitating Marawi City and restoring the lives of its residents, its member agencies started to list down priority interventions for the year 2018.

Eighty representatives from various government agencies took part in a TFBM programming workshop, organized by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), at the National Housing Authority (NHA) Main Office in Quezon City.

be programmed under the P10 billion budget allocated for 2018.

Through these efforts, TFBM aimed to speed up the bidding process, issuance of clearances and licenses in

This workshop aimed to facilitate order to fast-track the the rehabilitation the prioritization of short-term programs, of the war-torn city and the delivery of projects and activities (PPAs) for the services to its people. rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi City and other affected localities.

Aside from these, TFBM is looking for other possible funding source to

“In a short period of time, the mobilize.

Task Force Bangon Marawi has “These PPAs are important for the accomplished a lot. This 2018, we will recovery of Marawi City and other be more organized and more holistic affected localities that’s why we in the implementation of our PPAs,” are really finding ways on how to said TFBM Chair Eduardo Del Rosario. fund them,” NEDA Undersecretary The participants were grouped into Adoracion Navarro said. infrastructure, housing, social, cross- Strengthening the involvement of local sectoral and productive sectors. A stakeholders in the implementation breakout session was then held for them process is also one of their targets. (PIA to discuss which interventions should ICCC)

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13-19 January, 2018

MINDANAO NEWS

TRAIN impact on coal power rate ‘minimal’ By: Digna Banzon

DAVAO CITY - A consultant for one of the top power providers in the country assured consumers that the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) will have insignificant impact on the price of electricity derived from coal.

Arturo Milan of the Aboitiz Group of Companies said TRAIN’s impact Mindanao Development on electricity is minimal, and that the imposition of excise tax on coal should Authority (MinDA) assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro said MinDA is not cause alarm. closely monitoring the situation in terms

Milan, however, made it clear that of electricity impact in Mindanao, he can only cite the case of Davao Light considering that 70 percent of the and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC), the supply for energy is sourced from coalelectricity provider in Davao City and fired plants. its service areas in Davao del Norte.

But he said “the island must not

He said electricity derived rely heavily on coal and make sure from coal will mean additional three we can integrate renewable energy in centavos per kilowatt hour in 2018, six terms of fuel and energy so that we are centavos in 2019, and nine centavos in not subject to market volatility on the exchange rate fluctuation, the excise 2020. tax and possible levy of export from

The subsequent rate may go up or outside sources”. down depending on the price of coal.

Montenegro said MinDA is still

In Davao City, Milan said the pushing mix energy. average household consumption of He said Mindanao today sources electricity is at 200 kilowatts per month, which will cost about PHP60 with the its coal requirements in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. (PNA) additional tax of three centavos.

13-19 January, 2018

31

National News

Duterte wants gov’t workers strictly banned from entering casinos By: Jelly Musico

MANILA – In line with his call to all government workers to avoid lavish lifestyles, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the strict implementation of a law prohibiting public servants from entering gambling casinos.

During the launch of the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) last Thursday, President Duterte said he made his directive to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa.

At that time, it was a law. It’s still the law. It was never modified or repealed.

Sabi pa ni Bato, ‘Lagay mo diyan ‘all government employees’,” he added.

When asked by Dela Rosa if he would include government officials,

“I just issued an order to Bato last President Duterte said: “Lahat kami night. Sabi ko, Bato, halika, maglagay workers.” ka sa casino prohibiting all workers of government from entering,” Duterte “That’s why I’d like to remind said. everybody: We are all workers of government and we serve the people,”

“May PD niyan eh. There’s a law. the President said.

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13-19 January, 2018

NATIONAL NEWS

Former President Ferdinand Marcos had issued Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1067-B granting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation a franchise to establish, operate, and maintain gambling casinos.

Recently, Medialdea issued a separate memorandum providing guidelines to all government officials and personnel in the executive department applying for foreign travels.

The memorandum was made

Both PD 1067-B and its amended in line with Pres. Duterte’s campaign version PD 1869 prohibit government to cut down extravagant and lavish officials, members of the Armed Forces foreign trips. of the Philippines, and persons under 21 years of age or students from entering Duterte, a popular graft buster and playing in casinos. during his 23 years of service as mayor of Davao City, is also known for his very

In September 2016, Executive simple and frugal lifestyle.

Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued Memorandum Circular No. 6 ordering “That’s all my message. Very all public officials and employees, simple. Not so good to hear but at least, including military and police, to strictly at least, at the very least, it comes from observe all laws banning them from the heart,” the President said in closing entering, staying, or playing in the his OFBank launching speech. (PNA) casinos.

13-19 January, 2018

33

NATIONAL NEWS

Deployment of Filipino caregivers to Israel up by 2.53% By: Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reported that deployment of Filipina caregivers to Israel reached 2,922 from January to December 2017, compared to 2,850 during the same period in 2016.

Citing the Philippine Embassy in Israel’s report to the Department of Labor and Employment, the 2017 deployment of Filipino caregivers in Israel increased by 2.53 percent year-on-year.

Labor Attaché to Israel Rudy Gabasan noted that although there was an increase in deployment for 2017, this is just minimal compared to the 24.6 percent growth in 2016.

Per the DFA, the high placement fees before coming to Israel is a significant factor to this slight increase in deployment.

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Although the minimum wage for

household service workers in Israel is bigger than the rest of other Middle East countries, caregivers coming to Israel still pay for exorbitant placement fees which is illegal in both the Philippines and Israel.

To address the problem, the agency said the Philippine and Israeli governments are negotiating a bilateral labor agreement.

The Philippine Embassy expects the deployment of Filipino caregivers in Israel to increase further once a bilateral labor agreement is finalized between the two countries. (PNA) 13-19 January, 2018

For more info. contact: Tel. No.: (085) 225-9219 / 300-0722 Cell Nos. 0908-875-9185 / 0917-580-2609 / 0925-556-2417 Email: inkboxinnovation@gmail.com

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