Caraga InFocus –Volume VII, No. 02

Volume VI1, No. 02 January 7-13, 2023

INFOCUS

ARTICLES

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2 former rebels add up to the increasing number of CTG surrenders

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Mga kabatan-onan andam na sa selebrasyon sa Bagat Festival

9 10 12 13

149 ARBs sa Agusan del Sur tatanggap ng titulo ng lupain mula sa DAR Business One-Stop Shop, pagasugdan AgSur cops nab top 4 Most Wanted Person 1303rd Maneuver Company, RMFB13 nabs Top 1 CTG priority target, most wanted person in AgSur

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19 9

7

24 20

10

8 14

27 28

ADSPPO arrests CTG top priority target

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao solon hails appointment of Galvez as new DND chief

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5 PH projects get EAGA-Korea funding

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NATIONAL NEWS PBBM vows to speed up distribution of CLOAs to farmer-beneficiaries PBBM orders DOJ to continue releasing PDLs qualified for parole Japan exec: New dawn of PH transport story now on the horizon with PBBM PBBM: Better days ahead in PH public transport PBBM gets business deals with China to lower fertilizer prices

COVID-19 NEWS DOH sees hike in Covid cases by Feb. 15 if health rules ignored Daily average of new Covid-19 cases down by 9%

COVER

CONTENTS

Caraga

Telcos reach far-flung barangays in Caraga for SIM registration

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

James Lopez Cathy Cultura

Ferdinand Mortera

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Telecommunications giants are reaching out to communities and far-flung areas to further assist subscribers in registering their SIM cards.

In a span of nearly three weeks, Smart has amassed a total of 8,367,752 registered Smart subscribers nationwide as of January 11, 2023.

Since the beginning of the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act (SRA) on December 27, 2022, Smart Communications, Inc. has been extending technical assistance to their subscribers in communities in Caraga Region to fast-track the SIM card registration, said Cathy Cultura, Emerging Channels junior manager of Smart.

“When we started on December 27, we already have booths and continuing programs as well na muvisit ug mga barangays to touch base with those na mag-need ug assistance for the registration (as well as visiting barangays to touch base with those in need of assistance for the registration),” Cultura reported during the Kapihan with PIA on Friday (January 16).

Subscribers of Sun Cellular, which is owned by PLDT and its wireless unit Smart, can also take advantage of these services or register online.

With over 7 million registered subscribers, Globe Telecomm continues its online registration and assisted registration in their stores all over the country and will begin its mobile registration on February 1, 2023, according to James Lopez from the External Affairs in Mindanao, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Lopez also said that GOMO will reach out to its subscribers in the next few weeks since they have already undergone

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

a quick registration to activate their SIM cards. GOMO is a mobile virtual network operator that is using Globe’s nationwide network. Unlike Globe or Smart, GOMO does not own a radio frequency.

Telcos will reach out to its postpaid subscribers to verify their existing information. As for minors, their SIM cards will be registered under their parent’s or guardian’s name.

Both telcos and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Caraga reminded the public that the registration is free and charges will not be made in accessing the registration portal, and warned against those who are offering to register their SIM cards for a fee.

Lopez urged subscribers to register their own SIM cards if they can or ask for assistance from their close relatives.

said that telcos are mandated to strictly protect the privacy of their subscribers in the implementation of the law.

“SIM card registration is absolutely free. So kung naa mo’y madunggan na nagoffer, tell them ‘no, dili pwede’.

(Mas maayo) kamo nalang mismo (ang muregister) or kung pwede imuhang anak or close family (If you’re given an offer, tell them ‘no, that’s not allowed.’ It’s better if you register it yourself or your children or close family),” said the Globe official.

Both Globe and Smart have had their subscribers’ data encrypted, restricting the companies’ access to it.

As for those who are still hesitating to register their SIM cards due to privacy concerns, NTC Caraga OIC Regional Director Ferdinand Mortera

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

“Ayaw mo’g kabalaka magparegister sa inyung mga SIM sa kung asa man mo na mga telcos (Wag kayong mag-alala na magparegister sa iyong mga SIM sa kung saan man kayong telcos) because safeguarded po ‘yan ng ating mga PTEs (public telecommunications entity) ‘yung ating mga data. Hindi po ‘yan basta-basta mailalabas,” Engr. Mortera said. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) Caraga is one with the nation in commemorating the 27th National Autism Consciousness Week from January 15 to 21, 2023, with the theme, “Building a Nation Powered by Transformative Autism-Inclusive Innovation.” xx

The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur spearheaded by no less than the Governor, Santi Cane, Jr., conducted the relief goods distribution to 1,716 households currently affected by floods at Barangays Sabang Adgawan in La Paz and barangays Sabang Gibong, Maharlika and La Flora in Talacogon.

Catch us at the Kapihan with PIA this January at SM City Butuan to discuss the SIM Registration Act (SRA) with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Caraga and telco giant Globe Telecomm. Follow along as we tackle the stipulations of the law and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the registration process. You can also watch the episode via Facebook Live and even raise your own questions! Just follow the official Facebook page of PIA Caraga at https://www.facebook.com/ PIACaraga?mibextid=ZbWKwL or its provincial Facebook pages to view the episode.

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. may not be able to meet the people waiting in Oroquieta City due to poor visibility from Ozamiz Airport to Oroquieta City. The President is also scheduled to proceed to Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental today after his engagement here in Misamis Occidental.

2 FORMER REBELS ADD UP TO THE INCREASING NUMBER OF CTG SURRENDERS Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director, PBGen Pablo G Labra II, reported the surrender of two more members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on Wednesday, January 4, adding to the increasing list of Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) who surrendered in the region.

Jan, member of Guerilla Front 16A, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, 24 years old, resident of Lianga, Surigao del Sur and alias Sam, NPA in the Barrio (Militia ng Bayan), 22 years old, a resident of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte with an improvised shotgun.

due to the joint efforts of the Lianga Municipal Police Station (MPS), 9th SF Battalion, Philippine Army and Local Chief Executive Novelita M. Sarmen.

Meanwhile, the surrender of alias Sam is a positive result of the continuous efforts of the Nasipit MPS Alias Jan was listed in the and the barangay officials Periodic Status Report of Camagong in Nasipit, The new CTG surrenderers (PSR) in the 4th Quarter of Agusan del Norte. were identified as alias 2020. His surrender was Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

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149 ARBS SA AGUSAN DEL SUR TATANGGAP NG TITULO NG LUPAIN MULA SA DAR Ni Jennifer P. Gaitano

Mga kabatan-onan andam na sa selebrasyon sa Bagat Festival Sulod sa Mayor’s Office adlaw’ng Lunes, Enero 9, gitapok ni Municipal Administrator Dan Ralph Subla uban ni Municipal Tourism Officer Irene Peñas ang mga kabatanonang lider ning lungsod sa Sibagat, Agusan del Sur alang sa mga hisgutanang naglangkob sa partisipasyon sa mga kabataan atol sa selebrasyon sa Bagat Festival.

Ang lungsod kanunayng nag-awhag sa mga kabatan-onan nga maging parte sa tanan lihok panggobyerno.

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Ang Bagat Festival usa ka aktibidad nga maghatag kanila og lugar aron mapadayag ang ilang mga adbokasiya ug pagkahinungdanon sa katilingban.

Mahinumduman nga nagtapos ang Bagat Festival sa niaging tuig 2022 pinaagi sa “Hiraya Manawari” – usa ka mahuloganon nga bahin isip pagtugyan ngadto sa mga kabataan sa kahayag ug responsibilidad isip mga sumusunod nga lider ug tigprotektar sa lungsod.

Lakip sa mga mitambong

sa maong panaghisgut mao sila si Bagat Youth Alliance President Carl Jebby Daug, Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Youth, Incorporated (POINTY)-Sibagat Cluster President Roselyn Antiga, POINTY-Sibagat Cluster Peace Communications Chairperson Jefferson Buag, LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) Sibagat Chapter President Pio Ubac, Jr., ug Sibagat Fibers members Evander Jaluag ug Cristy Rulida, Registered Social Worker (RSW). (Angat Sibagat/ MTO Irene Peñas/PIAAgusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

Nasa isang-daan at apatnaput-siyam (149) na Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) ang napili ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) matapos nilang magpa-raffle para mapakinabangan ng mga magsasaka ang mahigit 3,000 ektaryang lupa na may nakatanim na palm oil tree.

Una ng tatanggap ang mga miyembro ng NDC-Guthrie Plantations Incorporated o NGPIAbalayan Group o mas kilala na ngayong Maligaya Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Cooperative (MAARBCO) na siyang maghahatihati sa 400 ektaryang lupain para sa kanilang pangkabuhayan.

Inaasahang makatatanggap ng titulo ang mga benepisyaryo ngayong buwan ng Enero 2023. Sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., unang pagkakataon itong maibahagi sa mga benepisyaryo ng probinsya.

Walang mapaglagyan ang kasiyahang nadarama ni Jessie Omamalin, vice chairperson ng Abalayan Group/ MAARBCO sa inisyatibong ito ng DAR. “Malaki ang aming pasasalamat dahil sa mahigit walong taong paghihintay, pinakinggan rin ang aming panalangin na maging maayos at maibigay sa amin ang nararapat na ayuda o tulong mula sa

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

DAR. Pasalamat din kami sa ating presidente dahil nakita namin na isa sa mga priority niya ay ang matulungan kaming mga magsasaka at agrarian reform beneficiaries,” ani Omamalin.

“Hindi namin ito inasahan dahil dati ang amin lang ay ang maging miyembro at makapagbayad ng koleksyon kada taon, at ngayon ay nabigyan kami ng pagkakataong makapag-may ari ng sarili naming lupa,” saad din ni Fidel Trillana, ARB mula sa Agusan del Sur. “Sa ilalim ng NGPI Coop, kami ang kauna-unahang coop na nabigyan ng lupa mula sa DAR. Kada taon mayroon naman kaming budget para sa maintenance para mapaayos din ang kalsada at iba pang kakailanganin. Maraming salamat sa DAR at sa iba pang ahensya,” banggit ni Metodio Abalayan, isa rin sa mga ARBs sa Agusan del Sur. Ayon naman kay DAR Agusan del Sur Provincial Director Jamil Amatonding, Jr., magpapatuloy ang tulong ng ahensya para sa mga agrarian reform beneficiaries upang mas lalo pang lumago ang kanilang sakahan sa kani-kanilang sariling lupain.

“Maituturing na sold (nabili) na sa grupong ito ang lupa at hihintayin na lang nila ang kanilang titulo.

Sa buong Pilipinas, ito pa lang ang na-issuehan o nabigyan ng pundo para sa survey activities,” ani Dir. Amatonding. (JPG/Bryan Galaraga/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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BUSINESS ONE-STOP SHOP, PAGASUGDAN Magsugod na usab karong Lunes, Enero 9, 2023 ang gikaandan nga Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) alang sa tanang mga negosyante nga adunay patigayon sa Lungsod sa Trento, ning Probinsya.

Sa gisaysay ni Business Permit and Licensing Officer Sarah A. Magsalay, lakip sa mga kinahanglanon nga dokumento sa renewal ang Cedula, Statement Gross Sales o Financial Statement, ug ang kanhing Business permit.

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Gawas niini nga mga dokumento, dugang ipakita ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certificate, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ug Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Registration Certificate alang sa buot mulukat ug bag-ong permit nga indibidwal o kooperatiba.

Mamahimong venue sa BOSS ang Municipal Lobby sumala sa gikauyonan sa komitiba

arun kini mahaduol sa Municipal Treasury Office diin ipahigayon ang OneTime Payment sa tanang mga legal nga bayronon.

Arun mas mapasayon, tulo (3) lamang ka lakang ang pagabuhaton sa pag-proseso ug renewal o bag-ong lisensya – (1) makigkita sa BPL Officer alang sa business profiling; (2) dala ang kumpletong requirements, muadto sa Treasury Office alang sa billing ug bayad; ug, (3) mubalik sa BPL Office alang sa releasing sa

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

business license o permit. mulukat nga kun mahimo dili na mulapas sa Enero Kung wala’y mga 20, 2023 kay posibleng kakulian, gibanawala nay extension sa bana nga mukabat BOSS karong tuiga, ug lamang ug pipila ka aduna na usa’y penalty oras ang proseso sa alang sa mga ulahi nga paglukat ug permit, transaksyon. apan gikinahanglan nga ikunsidera sa matagDugang pahimangno usa ang uban pang mga sa BPLO alang sa aspeto nga mamahimong tanang mga negosyante makalangan sa nga sugod sa unang transaksyon, labi na ang semana sa Pebrero Internet connection nga 2023, muhatag ug First mao’y usa ka hinungdan Notice ang lokal nga sa pagkalangan. panggamhanan alang sa mga walay business Miapila usab si BPLO permit, Second Notice Magsalay sa tanang mga human sa usa ka semana, Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

ug kun dili pa gihapon maaksyonan human sa pito (7) ka adlaw, Closure sa maong establismento.

Sa mga bulan sa Enero taman sa Marso 2023, ang tanang balayronon magabase sa daan nga schedules, apan sa pagsugod sa 2nd Quarter, ang bag-ong aprubado na nga Local Revenue Code ang pagabasehan. (Karen Alabat Calolo/ Waren Christopher Truniado Cadenas, LGU-Trento/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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AGSUR COPS NAB TOP 4 MOST WANTED PERSON The personnel of Agusan del Sur Policce Provincial Office (ADSPPO) headed by Police Colonel Jovito Canalapan, Provincial Director, nabbed the Top 4 Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) Most Wanted Person in the provincial level for the crime of rape by sexual assault in relation to Republic Act (RA) 7610 on January 4, 2023.

PCol Canlapan identified the arrested person as 59 years old, male, single, farmer and a resident of Purok-9, Cosma, Upper Co-o, Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Suspect was arrested by joint operation of Agusan del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) as lead Unit and Trento Municipal Police Station (MPS) by virtue of Warrant of Arrest for the crime of rape by sexual assault in relation to RA 7610

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docketed under Criminal Case No. 21-686 issued by Executive Judge Honorable Ambrosio N Moleta, Acting Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Court (RTC), 10th Judicial Region, Branch 55, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with bail bond recommended amounting of Php 120,000.00.

Arrested person is now under custody of Trento MPS for proper disposition.

“This accomplishment is another proof that through the support and collaboration of the community in the campaign against criminality, we will easily attain a safer place for every AgSurnons,” Canlapan said.

“To the personnel of ADSPIU under PLtCol Timothy S Arciso, Jr., and Trento MPS under PCpt Saldy C Maestre, keep up the good

work! Your laborious efforts paved the way for justice for the victim and her family. To the criminals lurking in our province, you can’t hide from the force of law, for we will ensure that it will be delivered for your lawless acts,” added Canlapan.

For further identity of the arrested person, you may reach out through this Hotline number: Trento MPS- 09985987-321, for we value the basic rule that an accused must be presumed innocent until his guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt before the Court of Law. This is in line with the Process Excellence (Kaayusan at Kapayapaan of M+K+K=K) perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 under the Objective, Improving the Crime Solution Efficiency of the PPO. (ADSPPO/PIAAgusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

1303RD MANEUVER COMPANY, RMFB13 NABS TOP 1 CTG PRIORITY TARGET, MOST WANTED PERSON IN AGSUR The continuing operation conducted by 1303rd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 13 on the intensified manhunt against wanted persons, led to the arrest of Top 1 communist terrorist group (CTG) priority target (PSR listed) under OPLAN “JURASSIC” on January 5, 2023.

Armed with Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Murder and Multiple Attempted Murder docketed under Criminal Case No. 8306 dated August 28, 2015 issued by Hon. Kimal M. Salacop, Executive Judge, 10th Judicial Region, Branch 6, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, with no bail recommended, the suspect identified as Jeffrey Maravilla alias Dodong, whose real name is Arnold Aga Maravilla, 34 years old (DOB: September 7, 1988),

male, with live-in partner, farmer, CTG Squad Leader under Guerilla Front 3 (GF3), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) was nabbed at his resident place at Purok 1A, Sta Emilia, Veruela, Agusan del Sur. The operation was made possible as joint efforts by the personnel of 1303rd Maneuver Company, RMFB13 (Lead unit) led by Police Captain Michael S Daunotan, officer-in-charge, 1303rd Maneuver Company under the leadership of Police Colonel Harry B Domingo, FC, RMFB 13, thru Intelligence Packet of RIU-13 led by Police Captain Beato F Monte De Ramos III, together with Veruela Municipal Police Station (MPS) led Police Captain Ronald S Baiño, PIT-ADS, PIU-ADS and Field Station Eastern Mindanao, 3012 Air Intelligence and

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

Security Squadron led by First Lieutenant Nasher B Astor, PAF. The arrested person was informed of his constitutional rights under Miranda Doctrine and Anti-Torture Act and that he is covered with video footage upon his consent, and was brought to Veruela MPS for documentation and proper disposition.

“I commend the troops for this another big accomplishment in our antiterrorism campaign. This success was made possible through the joint efforts of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines and with the support and cooperation of the public who reported the whereabouts of said wanted CTG member,” PCpt Daunotan said. (RMFB-13/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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ADSPPO ARRESTS CTG TOP PRIORITY TARGET The personnel of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) headed by Police Colonel Jovito C Canlapan, Provincial Director, nabbed one Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Top Priority Target for the crime of Murder and Attempted Murder on January 7, 2023.

PCol Canlapan identified the arrested person as alias “Warren”, 39 years old, male, single, and a resident of Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City.

The suspect was arrested by joint operation of 1st Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company (ADSPMFC) as lead Unit, Butuan City Police Station 4 and Regional Intelligence Division 13 (RID13), equipped with Warrant of Arrest for the crime of Murder docketed under Criminal Case No. 7395 issued by Hon. Ferdinand Recodo Villanueva, Executive Judge, of Regional Trial Court,

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10th Judicial Region, Branch 7, Bayugan City Agusan Del Sur with no bail bond recommended, and Attempted Murder docketed under Criminal Case No. 8300-21 issued

by Hon. Edwin Macaranas Malazarte, Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 27, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur with bail recommended amounting to PhP120,000.00.

Arrested suspect is now under the custody of Butuan City Police Station 4 for proper disposition.

“This accomplishment is another proof that through the support and collaboration of the community in the campaign against criminality, we will easily attain a safer place for every AgSurnons,” PCol Canlapan said.

“To the personnel of 1st ADSPMFC under PLtCol Nelson

C Nelmida, keep up the good work! Your laborious efforts pave the way to acquire the justice that the victim and family deserve. To the criminals lurking in our province, you can’t hide from the force of law, for we will ensure that it will be delivered for your lawless acts,” added Canlapan.

For further identity of the arrested person, you may reach out through this Hotline number: Butuan City Police Station 4-0918-651-4097, for we value the basic rule that an accused must be presumed innocent until his guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt before the Court of Law. This is in line with the Process Excellence (Kaayusan at Kapayapaan of M+K+K=K) perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 under the Objective, Improving the Crime Solution Efficiency of the PPO. (ADSPPO/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao solon hails appointment of Galvez as new DND chief Mindanao solon hails appointment of Galvez as new DND chief (File photo)

Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday lauded Malacañang for naming Peace Process Adviser Sec. Carlito “Charlie” Galvez as the new Department of National Defense (DND) chief who will be responsible to protect the peace and sovereignty of the country.

“Naniniwala tayo na ang solido at matagal nang karanasan ni Sec. Galvez sa usaping pangkapayapaan ay makakatulong ng malaki sa paggampan ng kanyang bagong tungkulin, mandato at responsibilidad (We believe that the solid and long experience of Sec. Galvez on peace matters will greatly help in the performance of his new task, mandate and responsibility),” Hataman said in a statement.

In vouching for the new DND chief, the Mindanao solon recalled working hand and hand with Galvez as partners in trying moments to fight for, and maintain, peace in the Bangsamoro region, particularly during the stint of

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Hataman as the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor.

started the implementation of the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE).

“Sa katunayan, instrumental si Sec. Charlie sa tinatamasa nating kapayapaan ngayon hindi lamang sa BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) kundi pati na rin sa buong Mindanao (Sec. Charlie was instrumental in the peace we are enjoying now, not only in BARMM, but in whole of Mindanao),” he said.

He said Galvez continued to support PAVE even when he was promoted as chief of he Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and was even at the forefront of the 2017 Marawi Siege incident, being responsible for the recovery of the city from the clutches of the terrorists.

Hataman said Galvez is a fine soldier who knows that the key to achieve peace is neither by the use of strong force nor through violence, but by genuine cooperation between communities and local government units (LGUs).

“The same is true in addressing war on terrorisms and Galvez likewise knows it,” he said.

Hataman also recalled Galvez being his partner in security concerns as brigade commander, when they

“Kaya tayo ay lubos naniniwala sa kakayahan ni Sec. Charlie na mapanatili ang ating mga ganansiyang pangkapayapaan sa Mindanao at sa BARMM. At makakaasa si Sec. Charlie sa ating tulong kung sakaling kailanganin man niya ito (That is why we fully believe in the capability of Sec Galvez to maintain the peace gains in Mindanao and in BARMM. Rest assured, he can expect our help in case he needs it),” Hataman said as he congratulated the new DND chief. (PNA/Zaldy De Layola)

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

5 PH projects get EAGA-Korea funding Five projects from the Philippines were selected for BIMP-EAGA – Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (BKCF) getting a total of USD 1.28 million in funding for two years.

A total of 10 project proposals from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines focus areas were selected for 2022.

The Philippine-led projects for 2022 are University of Southern Mindanao – North Cotabato Campus’ Developing Land Management Options for Diverse Cacaobased System in Mindanao, Department of Trade and Industry’s Mainstream Energy Efficiency in MSME buildings in the Philippines, Peace Crops Incorporated’s Creating Livelihood Options through Agroenterprise Development towards the Reinvention of

the Municipality of Butig as a Premier Agro-Ecotourism Destination in Lanao del Sur, Project Zacch’s Farm Konek Agri-Tech Supply Chain Platform for BIMP-EAGA Markets, and Light of Hope Ph Venture Inc.’s Off-grid Solar Home Systems Deployment in Disaster Vulnerable Lowincome Communities in Surigao Islands, Mindanao.

“The BKCF facility is a result of our sustained partnership and cooperation with our country development partners in BIMP-EAGA including Korea, Australia, and Japan,” Philippine Signing Minister MinDA Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta.

Established in 2021 with the support of the Republic of Korea’s government, BKCF aims to contribute to promoting inclusive and balanced growth in the

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

Southeast Asia region and ASEAN Connectivity by strengthening the partnership between the BIMP-EAGA and the Republic of Korea.

“We are eager to serve the region as the convergence platform for various BIMP EAGA Pillars with the robust features of our farmer accelerator and Agritech clustering platform, and to build an ecosystem where profit, sustainability, and impact are well distributed and attained,” John Vincent Gastanes, CEO of Project Zacch, one of the BKCF recipients shared.

Through the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the BKCF fund provides grants for individual member countries or sub-regional programs and projects to address strategic country needs and priorities of BIMP-EAGA.

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PBBM VOWS TO SPEED UP DISTRIBUTION OF CLOAS TO FARMERBENEFICIARIES

NATIONAL NEWS

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday pledged to expedite efforts to distribute land ownership titles to farmer-beneficiaries of agrarian reform this year.

The President made this assurance in a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, where the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) presented its accomplishments for 2022 as well as its targets for this year.

President Marcos has tasked the agrarian reform department to step up efforts to distribute the certificates of land ownership awards

(CLOAs) to beneficiaries.

(HB) 6336 or the New Agrarian Emancipation The chief executive Act, which is expected to further vowed to provide ease the financial burden the much-needed support of ARBs by condoning to help agrarian reform unpaid amortizations and beneficiaries (ARBs) interests. improve their living conditions.

HB 6336 also seeks to In a statement on December 19, the DAR said it targets to complete the subdivision of around 34,500 collective CLOAs covering 345,089 hectares of land and issuing 134,000 individual titles to ARBs. The DAR said it is also looking forward to the approval of the Senate version of House Bill

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

exempt the payment of real estate tax on agricultural lands awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

“For 2023, DAR will deliver as expected and we will continue to bring government closer to the people,” DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said in a statement.

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PBBM ORDERS DOJ TO CONTINUE RELEASING PDLS QUALIFIED FOR PAROLE President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed the Department of Justice (DOJ) Tuesday to continue releasing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are qualified for parole to decongest the country’s correctional facilities.

“Wala naman silang magaling na abugado.

So that’s why we are in favor now to release many of them,” Marcos said during the Cabinet meeting.

“They just needed representation to set them free. So let’s During a Cabinet meeting continue with that,” the in Malacañang, President chief executive added.

Marcos said that based on his experience as The President also governor of Ilocos backed DOJ’s plan Norte, most of the to transfer hardened PDLs are languishing in criminals to an Alcatrazjail because they can’t type prison, isolating afford the services of them from the general good lawyers. population and putting

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a stop to their criminal activities as they were still able to direct operations while behind bars.

President Marcos also pointed to the rampant corruption inside the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) as he underscored the need for inmates’ transfer to special facilities.

“Iyan ‘yung mga ganoon we have to do that para hindi na ka maka-contact.

Alam mo, we have to isolate them properly,” Marcos said.

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

In its 2022 accomplishment report, the DOJ said it released almost 3,000 PDLs from July to December 2022 as an immediate step to decongest correctional facilities.

the maximum security compound in Muntinlupa City to a dedicated correctional facility in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.

The DOJ is also planning to establish separate The DOJ also fastheinous crime facilities tracked the processing in Luzon, Visayas, and of the release of qualified Mindanao. prisoners by digitalizing the systems of the For the first time, the Probation and Parole BuCor allowed last Administration.

December “inmate to inmate” visits, where This year, the justice inmates were allowed to department is eyeing visit loved ones held in to decongest prison another prison. facilities by transferring On Christmas and Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

New Year’s Day, the corrections bureau allowed 300 inmates from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City to visit their husbands at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

“The physical presence of their family will give PDLs the courage to fully serve their sentences and maintain good behavior so that their release may be expedited,” BuCor Officer in Charge Gregorio Catapang said.

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JAPAN EXEC: NEW DAWN OF PH TRANSPORT STORY NOW ON THE HORIZON WITH PBBM The idea of building a Metro Manila subway started to materialize Monday as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launching of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in Valenzuela City after his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., conceptualized it several decades ago.

thereby benefit the well-being of more commuters.

In a speech during the boring machine launching, Kenichi said the Metro Manila Subway was planned exactly 50 years ago in 1973.

President Marcos and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista for their dedicated efforts and leadership for the steady progress of the project despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The idea was first proposed in 1973 under the then Urban Transport “Today’s launching Study in the Manila ceremony is such a Metropolitan Area. good indicator that our infrastructure “The plan was first cooperation is gaining This marks the launch initiated during the time much momentum as a “new dawn of the late President under President Marcos for the Philippines’ Marcos Sr. Decades later, administration’s Build, transportation story” that it can be considered a Better, More policy,” the is now “on the horizon,” legacy that is now in the Japanese official said. according to Matsuda hands of His Excellency Kenichi, the Minister and President Marcos Jr. to “This subway will help Deputy Chief of Mission fulfill,” Kenichi explained. ease congestion and of the Embassy of Japan carbon dioxide emission in the Philippines.

Kenichi congratulated in Metro Manila and

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Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

Designed to have 17 stations, the Metro Manila subway will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City and is expected to serve over 519,000 passengers daily once it becomes operational.

Enhanced productivity for all is also seen to result from improved reliability and punctuality embedded in the subway technologies,” Kenichi Based on the project pointed out. overview, Construction Project (CP) 101 is located Major infrastructure at the north end, with the projects are now getting package consisting of a more momentum depot and three stations: with the Marcos Quirino Highway station, administration’s better Tandang Sora station, policies, Kenichi said, and North Avenue expecting the subway station with six tunnels project to ease between them. congestion and reduce carbon dioxide emission Additionally, East in Metro Manila.

Valenzuela station will be constructed in the depot The Japanese area located in Mindanao government, Kenichi said, Avenue with a total will continue to work range of 6.9 kilometers. with the Philippines so that Filipinos can enjoy Pre-construction work is the benefits of a subway ongoing both in Quirino system.

Highway and Tandang Sora stations.

“Please let me assure you that we, At the North Avenue the Government of station, the main work Japan, will continue started in August 2021, to cooperate in this and station construction flagship project in a fullis now ongoing. speed ahead manner until such time that Works in the launching Filipinos can finally enjoy shaft and Philippine the convenience of a Railway Institute (PRI) subway,” Kenichi said. started in 2021.

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

Regarding tunnel works, the average tunnel depth is 18.5 meters, with total tunnel length of 9.26 km for the three stations.

Tunnel boring productivity is 180 meters per month, or almost 12 months for each section, including related works.

For TBM No. 1 and 2, it drives from depot to Quirino Highway station.

After Monday’s launching, it will drive to the depot area for several months, run through residential areas, and arrive at Quirino Highway Station in December 2023.

For TBM No. 3, it will be launched from North Avenue Station in July 2023 and will arrive at Tandang Sora Station in July 2024.

After driving through residential area, the TBM will drive under Mindanao Avenue.

Finally, TBM Nos. 5 and 6 will run from Tandang Sora Station in August 2024 and will arrive at Quirino Highway station in August 2025.

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PBBM GETS BUSINESS DEALS WITH CHINA TO LOWER FERTILIZER PRICES

PBBM: BETTER DAYS AHEAD IN PH PUBLIC TRANSPORT President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sees “better days ahead” in the country’s public transportation system as he vowed Monday to sustain the implementation of bigticket infrastructure projects while underscoring their importance to economic development and job generation.

Leading the launching of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in Valenzuela City, President Marcos said the event is a testament to the administration’s commitment to continue the projects initiated by the previous administration as he promised to build better and more infrastructure.

“We will continue to invest and improve on our transportation systems as well as pursue more projects in the years to come, so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce, recreation and other vital areas,” President Marcos said during the event.

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“Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, and our society; it will also bring comfort, convenience, and an easier life for all,” the President added.

The President congratulated and thanked the Department of Transportation (DOTr), its private partners and those who toiled to ensure the realization of the first subway system project in the country.

The chief executive also expressed his gratitude to the government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being the Philippines’ active partners in the fulfillment of its infrastructure programs.

According to President Marcos, the tunnel boring machine highlights Japan’s expertise in technology and trailblazing contributions in the modern world, as he expressed confidence that

“they will help us shape our railway infrastructure and keep them at par with the highest international standards.”

The President also acknowledged the joint venture of Filipino and Japanese companies for working with the Philippine government on the MMSP’s Contract Package 101.

“I hope that both you and the DOTr will not waver on your commitments to finish the contract package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible time,” Marcos said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has secured business agreements with China to lower the prices of fertilizer, a vital part of his administration’s bid to help farmers and ensure food security.

During a roundtable discussion on January 5 with chief executive officers (CEOs) from the agribusiness sector in Beijing, China, the President expressed appreciation to two Chinese fertilizer manufacturing companies that have signed a cooperation agreement with the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) to ensure sustainable supply of the much-needed fertilizers at reasonable prices.

“We look forward to a steady supply of fertilizer inputs needed by our farmers through these agreements,” President Marcos said.

And because such bigticket projects take years to complete, President Marcos asked for the public’s continued patience, trust, and support for the government.

The President said the cost of agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers, has “become prohibitive and unaffordable for our local farmers.”

The Metro Manila subway will have 17 stations connecting Valenzuela City to Pasay City and is expected to serve over 519,000 passengers daily once it becomes operational.

“Providing sustainable and affordable supply of inputs such as fertilizers and seedlings has become more difficult, given global economic challenges, as we have all seen in the supply chain problems

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

that we have encountered,” said the President.

One of the strategies to address this is to establish cooperative agreements with suppliers so the government can buy these inputs in bulk and to be able to sell them to farmers at a lower price, according to the President.

The Philippines has also secured USD 2.09 billion in purchase intentions for Philippine fruits such as durian, coconut, and bananas, among others.

In the meeting, the chief executive emphasized that the Philippine economic fundamentals “remain strong and have been steadily improving.”

“I assure you that the Philippine government is committed to support your business activities in the country. The Philippine economic management team, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), will serve as your focal points of contact for any concerns regarding doing business and expanding your commercial footprint in the Philippines,” President Marcos told Chinese business leaders.

He also invited them to look at the Philippines equally “as a valuable contributor to

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

their global businesses and as a partner in rebuilding the economies of both our countries.”

“Our partnership is critical in adapting and recovering from the pandemic. So together, I think that we can build a more resilient and sustainable economy,” said the President.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, who joined the President in the roundtable discussion, invited business leaders to “firm up your interest to make an investment destination in the Philippines for plantation development and building of processing facilities.”

In his remarks, he cited the expansion of the country’s market reach as well as its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Trade in Goods Agreement or ATIGA, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, and other agreements of ASEAN. “The Philippines is a highly promising production base for agribusiness, a source also of products for export to China…

Let us make more agribusiness investments happen in the Philippines,” the trade chief pointed out.

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DOH sees hike in Covid cases by Feb. 15 if health rules ignored The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections may increase in February, but it would not reach over 1,000 cases per day.

“If ever minimum public health standards will decline, tapos tuloy-tuloy ang pasok ng variants na (and there is continuous entry of) highly evasive and highly transmissible, we would see up to mga 730 cases by Feb. 15,” DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media briefing.

Vergeire noted a plateau in cases that are both “declining nationally and in the regional areas”.

“Pero ngayong araw na ito nakita natin mayroon tayong (But today, we see a) 1 percent increase but this is not significant for us to say that there is really this uptick in cases as a result of the holiday season,” she said.

Department of Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire (Photo

by Yancy Lim)

Apart from plateauing and declining cases, the DOH reported a “slowdown” in the admission of severe and critical cases in intensive care units of Covid-19 facilities in recent days.

As of Jan. 8, only 18.1 percent or 431 out of the 2,379 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in use, while 26.1 percent or 4,185 of 19,373 nonICU beds are utilized according to DOH data.

About 447 daily Covid-19 infections were recorded from Jan. 2 to 8.

Last week, the DOH said the public need

Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

not worry about the variants which may enter the country as long as they know how to protect themselves through vaccination and compliance with minimum public health standards.

“As we always say, this is not cast in stone, hindi ito ‘yung talagang mangayayari (this is not what will actually happen), these are just estimates which can help us prepare, prepare our units, prepare our hospitals, and prepare our surveillances,” Vergeire said. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

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DAILY AVERAGE OF NEW COVID-19 CASES DOWN BY 9% The daily average of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases decreased by 9 percent from Jan. 2 to 8, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

From 497 daily infections recorded from Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023, the number went down to 447 in the recent week.

The latest case bulletin showed 3,127 new cases and 79 verified deaths.

from Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 8, 2023.

To date, the country has logged over 4.07 million coronavirus cases and more than 65,476 fatalities.

During the same sevenday period, seven cases were added to the tally of severe and critical infections, which also went up to 507 from the previous week’s 433.

use, while 26.1 percent or 4,185 of 19,373 non-ICU beds are utilized.

About 73,791,107 or 94.48 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) are vaccinated against Covid-19, including 79.46 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens, as of Jan. 8.

A total of 21,194,144 have received booster shots out of the fully vaccinated Only 18.1 percent or 431 Of the additional deaths, out of the 2,379 intensive population. (PNA/By Ma. the DOH said 27 occurred care unit (ICU) beds are in Teresa Montemayor)

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Caraga Infocus • January 7-13, 2023

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