Caraga InFocus - January 28 - February 03, 2017

28 Jan. - 03 Feb. 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

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4ID bares peace, security efforts

Volume 1, No. 44

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Agusan del Norte governor appointed as new RPOC 13 chair DSWD Caraga facilitates relief efforts after weather disturbance hits region

HEALTH NEWS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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8 DOTr Caraga intensifies campaign against ‘fixers’

contents

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COVER Army 402 Bde cites ATR for feat 18 20 21 22

Solon seeks to institutionalize ban on tobacco advertisement

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P15M abaca fiber warehouse underway DTI conducts price monitoring, sensing in AgSur LGUs under state of calamity DTI commits to support DAR’s farmer biz school project

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MGB-13 steps up IEC campaign on geohazard maps DepEd Surigao Norte triumphs in global tilt Olympic silver medalist to light CRAM’s friendship urn in Tandag City

A variety of foods daily is key to good health

MINDANAO NEWS

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Summit to enhance regional ecozones dev’t in Mindanao

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NATIONAL NEWS

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SSS to create its own integrity circles, strengthens fight against corruption

Tandag Negosyo Center registers 890 business names in 2016

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DOE urges government agencies’ energy efficiency, conservation initiatives

News Briefs As per Provl Ordinance No. 435-2017, pawning of 4Ps cash card IDs or any agreement to govt officials & employees, private individuals/groups & local business establishments is now prohibited in the province of Agusan del Norte.

The PNP-13 bared that out of 1,311 barangays in Caraga region, 88.02 percent are considered drug-affected. PSupt. Daniel Puesca said the percentage represents a total of 1,154 barangays, which have drug-related issues.

SP Resolution No. 078-2017 A Resolution Declaring Butuan City under a State of Calamity due to the effects and damages caused by the continuous Weather disturbance affecting the city and its people, and for other purposes.

In its constant effort to provide relief to repatriated OFWs who were not fortunate in their journey overseas, OWWA held a series of orientation seminar on Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Livelihood Assistance Program & Enterprise Development Training in various provinces of Caraga region participated by 48 OFWs from Agusan del Norte, 28 from Agusan del Sur, & 16 Surigao del Sur.

Cover Story

Army 402 Bde cites ATR for feat By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

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ANDAG CITY – Following the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) with the end in view of joining the ranks of “A world-class army that is a source of national pride,” the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) here under Col. Franco Nemesio “Jojo” Gacal has been gaining ground towards that “2028 Vision.”

Captains Herald Amarga and Regie Go, respective Personnel and Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officers of the same brigade, said that since year 2010, they had already started “to pursue the ATR.”

stressed that they had been slowly morphing into a unit guided by “Good Governance, ” and on the right track of achieving the best of both worlds of “Organizational Excellence” and “Leveling-Up Capability.”

Cpt. Amarga, for his part, being When asked to elaborate, Go the focal person to get the job done, added that they had to have “Optimum

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Cover Story

engagement and collaborative partnership with stakeholders,” keeping in mind that “civilian authority is supreme over the military.”

Hence, “provinces in their area of responsibility (AOR) had to be normalized as far as insurgency problem is concerned with the respective Local Government Units (LGUs) leading in peace and development efforts,” Cpt. Go went on to say.

Col. Isidro Purisima, who was recently promoted to Brigadier General early this year, Amarga recalled.

By now, the brigade personnel officer said that in order to succeed, recruitment of individual army personnel carries a vital role, adding that a recruit must meet the new qualification standards set by the organization of, at least, possessing a certified skill by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). On the said concept, both army officers agreed that their unit also deserved only the “best and brightest,” citing that “Core Values” had to be deeply anchored on “Honor, Patriotism, and Duty.”

On the other hand, Cpt. Amarga took pride in saying that the brigade had already attained the next higher steps of having “A disciplined and motivated Army capable of addressing all internal security threats” as well as “A well-equipped Army that has established a respectable image in Earlier, Amarga said that they Southeast Asia” during the last six years. would continue to carry out their “Mission” now under the ATR being

During the last two years, the feat crafted with the “Core Purpose” of accomplished by the brigade and the “Serving the People, Securing the fate earned on the endeavor was mostly Land!” (Greg Tataro Jr., Radyo ng attributed to the then Commander Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Photo Gallery 58TH Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Meeting Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) Camp Rodriguez Libertad, Butuan City 31 January 2017

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REGIONAL NEWS

4ID bares peace, security efforts By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY – On the onset of calendar year 2017, the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (4ID, PA) apprised the Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of its accomplishments, including the peace and security initiatives to address the insurgency and terrorism threat within Caraga region.

Based on their record for the fourth quarter of 2016, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – New People’s Army (NPA) has decreased in manpower. “This is a result of our effort of convincing former rebels to return to the folds of the law. Their firearms also reduced and affected barangays dropped by 19 percent, while no

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changes in the number of guerilla front committees,” revealed Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion commanding officer in his report representing 4ID commander MGen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr.

Accordingly, the local terrorist groups were monitored merging and

Regional News

planning to initiate violence to gain the attention of foreign terrorists and acquire fund support. The monitored bomb threat targeting the major cities in Mindanao could not be discounted as the key personalities remain at large.

“With this, continued endeavors to thwart the radical armed rebels threating in the areas of responsibilities are intensified,” said Pasco.

In support also to the antiillegal drug campaign, several joint operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the confiscation of shabu and marijuana worth P28,824,741 and neutralization of 590 drug personalities. “Majority of the volume of prohibited drugs confiscated were in Agusan del Sur,” said Pasco.

To ensure also a healthy and drugfree organization, 2,635 personnel of the 4ID underwent a drug test, wherein those who were found positive were discharged from the service.

Also, they invited the PDEA for an information briefing to further enhance the awareness of unit commanders relative to the extent of proliferation of illegal drug trade in the area of

responsibility.

A law enforcement trainers’ training was also conducted at the 4ID headquarters to improve more the capabilities of units in doing support activities pertaining to law enforcement.

On the other hand, in collaboration with the provincial local government unit of Agusan del Sur, the 401st Brigade has established a Drug Rehabilitation Center at its headquarter in Brgy. Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“As to anti-illegal logging operations, there were 136,972.10 board feet of assorted lumber products confiscated,” added Pasco.

Meanwhile, MGen. Madrigal extended his gratitude to the partner stakeholders and the public for their dynamic cooperation. “With our commitment to defend our people and country from those against our government and the law of our land, I am likewise encouraging everyone to continue the peacebuilding efforts to strengthen the AFP’s work to promote peace and development.

We can all be an agent of change, a change tantamount to a harmonious community living in prosperity,” underscored MGen. Madrigal. (VLG/ PIA-Caraga)

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Regional News

DOTr Caraga intensifies campaign against ‘fixers’ By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – With its newly installed regional director, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Caraga has intensified its campaign against ‘fixers’ inside their agency.

Maria Kristina Cassion, division manager of Planning and Technical Services Division of DOTr Caraga bared that their office is serious in implementing its campaign against fixers, who do illegal transactions with the clientele that also bring bad name to the agency.

“We are putting substance in our mandate and we will not tolerate personnel committing violations and doing illegal transactions,” highlighted Cassion.

Cassion also stressed that their office will be putting up additional closed-circuit television (CCTV)

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cameras within the vicinity of their regional office to monitor closely the transactions of their personnel while at work. Cassion said this is also one way of implementing their anti-fixing mitigation measures.

The DOTr is the primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the executive branch of the government on the promotion, development and regulation of a dependable and coordinated network of transportation system, as well as in the fast, safe, efficient and reliable transportation service.

(JPG/PIACaraga)

Regional News

Agusan del Norte governor appointed as new RPOC 13 chair By: Archie Rose G. Vasquez

BUTUAN CITY Agusan del Norte Governor Angel M. AmanteMatba has been named as the Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chairperson.

Governor Matba and PNP 13 regional director PCSupt. Rolando B Felix, as the vice chair, took their oath before DILG 13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion at Big Daddy’s Hotel and Convention Center here.

Governor Amante articulated during her acceptance speech that she considers her appointment as a great challenge considering the multitude of problems the region is facing right now, particularly on the current administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, and encouraged everyone to play an active role in facing these problems. She emphasized that working together is the key towards

achieving just and lasting peace in the region.

PCSupt. Felix, on the other hand, expressed that his appointment as RPOC 13 vice chair is very heartwarming as it signifies the trust of the President himself. He is hopeful that through the said council, Caraga will develop with the cooperation of everybody.

The appointment was made by no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte, National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) chairperson, pursuant to the provisions of Executive No. 773, series of 2009. (DILG-Caraga)

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Regional News

DSWD Caraga facilitates relief efforts after weather disturbance hits region By: Marko Davey Reyes

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Caraga mobilized regional and field staff as continuous rains affected a large part of the region due to the tail-end of the cold front during the weekend. The regional office activated the Quick Response Teams to provide round-theclock monitoring during disaster operations.

The field office closely coordinated with Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams, Provincial/ City/ Municipal Action Teams and Local Government Units (LGUs) to address the needs of those affected by the weather disturbance.

A total of four provinces with 19 municipalities and 3 cities were affected by floods and landslides, prompting preemptive and forced evacuations. One hundred thirty-nine (139) evacuation centers were opened to accommodate internally displaced families and individuals.

DSWD Caraga was able to shell out 7,219 family food-packs and 5,000 Nutri-cereals amounting to P3,548,697.15. Recipient municipalities of the augmentation are as follows;

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a) Las Nieves (P322,920), b) Remedios T. Romualdez (P69,193.25), c) Loreto, ADS (P566,672), d) San Francisco, ADS (P64,584), e) La Paz (P1,249,270), f) Veruela (P17,792.55), g) Esperanza (P309,590.17), h) Mainit (P237,234.00), and i) Jabonga (P266,546.46).

The regional office, through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Regional Operation Unit (DRRROU), continues to monitor the relief efforts since there are still 70 evacuation centers open, as of Jan. 24, 2017.

Repacking of family food-packs still continue at the DSWD warehouse at Tiniwisan, this city to accommodate requests for augmentation of goods for the consumption of the internally displaced families and individuals. (DSWD-Caraga)

Photo Gallery Province of Agusan del Norte 2016 Accelerating New dimensions on Good governance & Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL) Award Ceremony Provincial Training Center, Butuan City 31 January 2017

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Solon seeks to institutionalize ban on tobacco advertisement

BUTUAN CITY - Agusan del Norte First District Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun filed House Bill 4713, seeking to institutionalize a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships (TAPS) in the country.

The said bill seeks to prohibit the placing, posting, or displaying tobacco advertisements and promotion items including tobacco products in any place including point of sale sites except for the placement of a simple sign informing consumers of the availability of the tobacco products therein.

In his explanatory note, Fortun emphasized the enormous toll of death, disease and disability caused by tobacco addiction as a global epidemic. Citing reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), the solon emphasized that battling this epidemic “should be an urgent concern especially in the developing countries, where 80 percent of the world’s smokers come from. In the Philippines, an estimated 87,600 Filipinos die every year due to tobacco-related illness, or 240 Filipinos daily.”

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In 2003, the Philippines signed and ratified the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s first public health treaty which aims to address the global tobacco epidemic and provide protection to the world’s population against the health hazards of tobacco use. Article 13.1 of the FCTC contains an explicit recognition that “a comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship would reduce the consumption of tobacco products.”

By imposing a comprehensive ban on TAPS, the legislative measure targets to reduce the tobacco addiction in the country. “TAPS activities project an

Provincial News

image of success fun and glamour to tobacco products that lure new users, especially the youth, into a lifetime of addiction. These deceive consumers into believing that tobacco is an ordinary consumer product, and not one that kills half of its regular uses when used exactly as the manufacturer intended,” Fortun explained.

While certain measures exist, the solon admits that tobacco addiction has remained prevalent mainly because of poor implementation of tobacco control policies and

inconsistent enforcement. “Driven by its commercial interest, the tobacco industry has actively promoted both, and has since been correctly identified as the primary vector of this epidemic”, said Fortun citing an international study. He also added that there is the issue of enforcement, particularly on certain restrictions on TAPS that are conditioned on age, or distance from school public playground or other facility frequented by minors.” (Media Affairs, First District of Agusan del Norte - Butuan City and Las Nieves)

P15M abaca fiber warehouse underway By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY- A P15 million abaca fiber warehouse with drying area will soon rise in the municipality of Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)– Caraga Regional Office is building this project with the aim of boosting the abaca fiber production in the province and meet the increasing market demand in the region.

A ground-breaking ceremony was recently conducted with the presence of Provincial Board Member Dick Victor B. Carmona, Provincial Engineer

Renato Corvera, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Rofel T. Cabaltera and Provincial Technical Working Group, and other officials of the DA Regional Office. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

DTI conducts price monitoring, sensing in AgSur LGUs under state of calamity

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The prices and supply of basic necessities remain stable and adequate. This is the initial findings from the monitoring and sensing conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur in the different municipalities of the province.

The DTI’s price monitoring and sensing on basic necessities also showed inventories of the monitored stories were still within normal. For the rest of the week, monitoring will still continue.

DTI-Agusan del Sur provincial director Brenda Corvera, stressed that this is to ensure that affected families of the recent floodings will be protected

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as consumers from any business malpractices. The office will also post notices relative to prize freeze.

DTI also encourages the local government units and the general public to inform the office of any observed negative business practices happening in their areas. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DTI commits to support DAR’s farmer biz school project

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) committed to support the Department of Agrarian Reform in its implementation of the project dubbed “Capacity Building of Small Farmers in Entrepreneurial Development of Market Access” through the establishments of Farmer Business School (FBS) by providing technical assistance through trainings and coaching on value addition of their products for global competitiveness as well as entrepreneurial development schemes.

FBS aims to help the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) build knowledge and skills to make their farms more profitable and help farmers learn how to make their farming enterprises and overall farm operations profitable and able to respond to market demands.

A signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the said commitment was done during the Farmer Business School On-site Launching recently at Barangay Union, Dapa in Siargao Island.

Implementing partners who signed the said MOA include Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Caraga, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and the Municipal Local Government of Dapa town.

Twenty five sessions of FBS will be implemented within four months at the PUSO NG DAPA Agrarian Reform Community particularly at Union AgriAqua Cooperative (UNAACO), one of the assisted ARBOs of DAR-SDN. (DARSDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Provincial News

MGB-13 steps up IEC campaign on geohazard maps

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 continued its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign of the 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps and the presentation of the highlights of the Results of the 1:10K Geohazard Mapping and Assessment in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

The main purpose of the IEC was to provide the Barangay local government units (LGUs) with 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps and present the highlights of the results of the 1:10K Geohazard Mapping and Assessment.

Considering the increasing occurrence

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of natural disasters, the said IEC fostered and intensified collaborative efforts among the national and local governments and communities to ensure that utmost consciousness, preparedness and response to disasters are achieved.

Provincial News

A total of 215 barangays, six in development/land use plan of municipalities and two cities were barangays, municipalities and cities. covered by the IEC Campaign.

The highlights of the results of the

Municipal and city mayors, 1:10,000 scale Landslide and Flood provincial and city disaster risk reduction Assessment of the municipalities/ management officers, key officers, cities during the IEC Campaign were members of the municipal and city presented by the following geologists: disaster risk reduction management Liza T. Pacete – Cabadbaran City, councils and barangay captains Agusan del Norte and Del Carmen, or representatives of the above- Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte; mentioned areas were among the Ralph Angelo E. Plaza – Cabadbaran participants during the IEC. City, Agusan del Norte and Dapa and General Luna, Siargao Islands, Surigao

During the campaign Romeo M. del Norte; Melvin A. Mantilla and Kate Dalodado, Geosciences Division chief A. Boquilon – Socorro, Surigao del Norte; of MGB-13 informed the participants Elaine L. Galido – Bayugan City, Agusan that MGB will not only distribute the del Norte and San Francisco, Agusan 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps to LGUs del Sur and Rubenar L. Cagubcob – but the office will also conduct lectures Bayugan City, Agusan del Norte and and map reading exercises.

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

He explained the importance of geohazard maps especially on the part of Bottom Up Budgeting for LGUs considering that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) required LGUs to secure a Geohazard Certification for any proposed government projects from MGB prior to the release of its funds/budget.

He added that a geohazard map could be used as a tool for selecting areas to be developed as relocation/ evacuation site and could be used in integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation initiatives

Recommendations suitable for areas assessed were discussed and provided by MGB-13 in the Landslide and Flood Threat Advisories of each barangays.

On the same note, the MGB-13 personnel distributed the IEC materials regarding landslide, flood, storm surge and other geologic hazards. Apart from intensifying public awareness of natural hazards, the said materials will also aid in the effective and efficient management of disasters and reduction of casualties and damages to lives and properties. (MGB-13/PIASurigao del Norte)

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Provincial News

DepEd Surigao Norte triumphs in global tilt By: Gersim L. Luminatac

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Seven science investigatory projects (SIP) from DepEd Division of Surigao del Norte were merited Gold Award as proclaimed during the 2016 ICAN (International Invention, Innovation Competition in Canada) held recently at North York Memorial Community Hall, Toronto, Canada.

The lemoneric ointment from Claver National High School in Claver town adjudged as Best Invention and was awarded with a trophy and a diploma of excellence from Romanian Inventors Association.

The said event was organized by the Toronto International Society of Innovation and Advanced Skills (TISIAS) and supported by the International Federation of Inventors’ Association

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(IFIA) and World Invention Intellectual Property Associations (WIIPA).

The project proponents received gold medallions and award certificates.

The journey of Surigaonon Inventors in ICAN 2016 was indeed a great success in showing their winning inventions, innovative products as well as scientific research projects in the global arena. (DepEd-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Olympic silver medalist to light CRAM’s friendship urn in Tandag City By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz will light the friendship urn during the opening ceremony of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) on February 12 to be held here.

This was confirmed by Gemma Espadero, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) of Tandag City Division, during the second coordination meeting on Monday at the Provincial Capitol Conference Room, this city.

The urn signifies that values of friendship and true sportsmanship shall rule the games. Said activity will run until Feb. 17, 2017, it was learned.

financial support from an initial of P5 million assistance.

Both Provincial Administrator Rivas and Provincial Treasurer Officer Crispa Geli who were present during the conference confirmed that the budget allocation has already been certified.

(PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas, bared that the provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr. gave an additional P2 million

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Provincial News

Tandag Negosyo Center registers 890 business names in 2016

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Surigao del Sur Provincial Office headed by Romel Oribe bared that the Negosyo Center in Tandag City has registered a total of 890 business names (BN) in 2016.

Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Sarah Estrada said that there are 890 business persons have availed of the business name registration services offered at the Negosyo Center.

(SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF).

Estrada further said that for 2016, 78 percent or 563 of the approved new business names registered at the

According to Estrada, the Negosyo Center were processed via Negosyo Center in Tandag City, the PBR system. which is located at the DTI-Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur, operates The speedy but judicious under the Philippine Business Registry registration process at the Negosyo (PBR) system designed to streamline Center in Tandag is one reason it the business registration requirements continues to delight customers, thus of the national government agencies putting muscle to its “Go-Negosyo” such as the Bureau of Internal sound bite, Estrada added. (PIA-Surigao Revenue (BIR), Social Security System del Sur)

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HEALTH NEWS

A variety of foods daily is key to good health By: Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

Did you know that the human The three major food groups are body needs more than 40 different the go, grow, and glow foods. nutrients everyday for good health?

Go foods like rice, bread, noodles,

There is no single food that can pasta, and corn give us energy. Other supply the body with the needed go foods include root crops like sweet nutrients in proper amount and potato, cassava, and potato. Sugars balance starting at age six months and jams, oil, margarine and butter and onwards. that make our food tasty give energy as well.

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommends eating a Grow foods build and repair variety of foods everyday to get the body tissues that make children grow nutrients needed by the body. The NGF tall. Grow foods also make the muscles was developed by nutrition experts strong. led the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science Examples of grow foods are meat and Technology (FNRI-DOST). and meat products, chicken and other

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Health News

poultry products, fish and seafood, milk us excrete waste products and toxins and dairy products,č ˝ beans and nuts, from our lungs, skin, kidneys, and large and eggs. intestines.

Glow foods, like fruits and Remember to eat a variety of vegetables help regulate body foods and drink at least eight glasses of processes by providing vitamins and water everyday. minerals.

For more information on food

Glow foods give us fiber that and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. makes our digestive system healthy.

Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department

However, other than these food of Science and Technology, General groups, the intake of water is also Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig necessary. Water and other beverages City, E-Mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or also regulate body processes as they mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: (02) play an important role in digestion, 8372934, (02) 8273164, or call (02) absorption, metabolism, transport, and 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: utilization of nutrients. http:www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST

Water and beverages also help S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Summit to enhance regional ecozones dev’t in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY – More than 200 key representatives from the government, private sector, and other institutions convened here on Thursday to finalize integral steps necessary in accelerating regional economic zone development initiatives in Mindanao.

Dubbed as the “Mindanao Ecozone Summit,” the two-day event, held at the Grand Regal Hotel will highlight the collaboration between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) through the signing of a memorandum of agreement that will encourage concerned agencies to participate in the promotion and development of ecozones within the island-region.

“MinDA sees ecozone development as an imperative measure that will bolster inclusive socioeconomic growth in the region,” said MinDA Chairman Secretary Datu Hj. Abul Khayr Alonto.

He explained that MinDA and PEZA are looking at a holistic approach in ecozone development in which Mindanao’s agriculture and its component sectors such as fisheries

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Mindanao News

and aquaculture will play key roles in MinDA is also looking into the establishment of key infrastructure and Mindanao’s overall development. connectivity networks as they play a

“If I am to envision the island- vital role in ensuring the seamless flow region’s development in the next 10 to of economic activities in the proposed 20 years, I see agriculture cooperatives ecozones. and agri-based industries as the most Through the Mindanao prominent drivers of Mindanao’s Development Corridors, a spatial economy,” the Secretary said. approach to development, MinDA

He added that it couldn’t will work with concerned agencies in making sure that all inter regional be overstated that agri-based roads, gateway ports and airports, cooperatives have the capacity to as well as other logistic facilities are in improve the lives of smallholder farmers place. and their families.

“Agriculture cooperatives after all are Some of the early gains of the pillars of development and food this strategy include the scheduled security,” he said. launching of the Davao-Gensan-Bitung

One of the potential areas targeted for ecozone development is Tawi-Tawi with its high potential for agriculture and aquaculture development, particularly seaweed.

With the influx of agri-based ecozones, Secretary Alonto hopes that this will strike a “balance between large plantation and smallholder farming” wherein farmers can fully reap the longterm benefits of such initiatives.

As of April 2016, there are 81 identified economic zones in the islandregion covering various sectors such as agro-industry, manufacturing, tourism, and Information Technology, among others.

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shipping route, which will expedite travel time for goods between Indonesia and the Philippines from five weeks to three days.

“We are counting on this new route to entice more locators in our Economic Zones, especially from our neighbors in the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia and Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area and the larger ASEAN market,” Secretary Alonto added.

The program is also looking into the development of the Mindanao Railway Project, a trans-regional, high-speed railway system linking all key cities in the island-region. The project was recently identified by the national government as one of the top priority projects for Mindanao. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

NATIONAL NEWS

SSS to create its own integrity circles, strengthens fight against corruption QUEZON CITY - In line with the thrust of President Rodrigo R. Duterte for an improved, transparent and participatory governance, the Social Security System (SSS) is set to create its own integrity circles led by Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Dean Amado D. Valdez.

“We want SSS to be at par with the President’s direction to a better and more transparent government which rejects corruption and values the insights of members to improve programs and services,” explained Dean Valdez.

The concept of integrity as a policy means “doing the right thing even when no one is looking”. The move in integrity building in the country was first implemented in the business sector in 2010 as a means to escape the vicious cycle of corruption.

Under the program, each SSS branch will have its own integrity circle whose task is to conduct a friendly dialogue with the members of the community within their area of jurisdiction. The discussion will involve identification of issues and problems about the SSS services and the management of the agency in general.

The SSS wants to adopt the idea of integrity as a policy to gain more trust from its members and the public.

The integrity circles will serve as the middle ground between the SSS and

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National News

the general public in identifying issues and concerns about SSS.

“We believe that improvement of SSS services alongside transparency and good governance requires the support of the community. Feedback and suggestions on how we will better manage the pension fund are very much welcome,” said Dean Valdez.

According to Dean Valdez, the integrity circles will encourage community participation and will give SSS members and the public a sense of responsibility in helping the agency improve its services.

sector so it is important that we get the support of our members and the public in our pursuit for integrity building of SSS,” said Dean Valdez.

At present, the SSS has already implemented different mechanisms for member feedback and suggestions such as the SSS call center at number (02) 920-6446 up to 55, thru email at members_relations@sss.gov. ph and feedback boxes in each SSS branch.

“The integrity circles is the SSS’ contribution to President Duterte’s war on corruption. We ensure our members and the public that SSS is at the

“Even though the SSS is a forefront in the fight against corruption government financing institution, we so members’ contributions are well are still managing funds from the private managed,” assured Dean Valdez.(SSS)

DOE urges government agencies’ energy efficiency, conservation initiatives TAGUIG CITY - Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said government is taking the lead and serving as a role model to private companies in achieving energy security.

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National News

“Under our Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), the Department of Energy has required 140 government entities to submit their electricity consumption from 2015 to 2016 to assess usage,” Cusi said.

“We are closely monitoring their energy consumption so that we can provide strategies to help them become more energy- efficient in their daily operations,” he pointed out.

the thermostat of air-conditioners to no lower than 25°C; replacing aircon units with inverter-type ,and switching fluorescent lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) lights.

Aside from requesting government institutions, the DOE asked nearly 70 malls nationwide to set their cooling system’s temperature to 25°C as a way to temper their huge buildings’ demand for electricity.

“We, the government, have to be the best examples to our people in managing our energy consumption,’ Cusi emphasized.

As part of GEMP, the DOE has enlisted government agencies with available power generating units that can be enrolled for the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) to augment power supply capacity in times of Red Alert Earlier, the DOE released a number Status or when power supply reserves of appliance-focused energy-saving are thin. tips to household consumers which they can adopt as energy efficiency

“The ILP seeks to convince big load and conservation methods. customers of Distribution Utilities and Electric Cooperatives to register so “Government agencies will they can run their stand-by generation continue stewarding our kababayans sets in times of energy supply deficiency and private companies in achieving to prevent power outages, “ Cusi energy security for the country through explained. efficient and judiciously managing electricity usage,” Cusi said.(DOE)

“Based on our GEMP survey, about 100 government buildings have operational gensets and these total to 85 megawatts of power supply capacity,” Cusi said.

Other energy efficiency measures that the DOE enjoins government agencies to adhere to include setting

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