Caraga InFocus – July 15-21, 2017

CONTENTS

Volume 1, No. 68 15 - 21 July 2017

ASEAN NEWS

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ASEAN stakeholders gather to advance connectivity Cusi tells ASEAN: PH moving towards energy resiliency

REGIONAL NEWS

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Displaced Caraganon OFWs undergo financial literacy training DILG to LGUs: ‘Maging LISTO at Alerto’ Population event highlights FP for dev’t. in Caraga Congressional migrant workers scholarship for OFW dependents in Caraga now open region

COVER CARAT Expo 2017 to increase agro marine productivity in Caraga

PSA gears up for 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Agusan Norte grade schools benefit NGCP’s ‘Gamit ni Bulilit’ program AgNor bans trucks with unsecured loads in highways DAR conducts training to AgSur ARBOs

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AgSur town locals avail DTI’s “Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan” DA launches loan program in Surigao Norte town LGU Dinagat Islands inks MOA with DBP for ATM payroll system DAR Surigao Norte conducts bookkeeping seminar to agrarian orgs Rescuers’ convention set in SurSur

HEALTH NEWS

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Feature: Making exercise part of daily life

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao now more power secure Mindanaoans pin hopes on new BBL

NATIONAL NEWS

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SSS ready to implement EC Funeral benefit hike in 1 month from effectivity date DepEd rolls out ALS-K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

News Briefs Nutrition Month is celebrated annually every month of July. This year’s theme is anchored on the theme “Healthy diet, gawing habit - FOR LIFE” which aims to raise the public’s awareness and mobilize them towards the reduction of both under & overnutrition and communicable diseases.

(NNC) The Agusan del Norte Search for Best Performing Anti-Drug Abuse Council aims to evaluate performance and give possible recommendation; motivate the members of the council; recognize achievements and best practices; and acknowledge best practices and innovations for replication.

The Social Security System (SSS) has collected more than P5.22 billion in overdue loan payments from member-borrowers who availed of the Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) in the last 12 months, and expects to collect nearly P9 billion more in the next five years.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Surigao-Coast Guard Sub-Station San Jose, Dinagat Islands conducted an information drive regarding Memorandum Circular (MC) 2017-001 on Safety, Security and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) System for all Philippine Registered Vessels and/or Watercrafts in Barangay Matingbe, San Jose, Dinagat, Islands.

A total of 576 4Ps (Pamilyang Pilipino Pantawid Program) beneficiaries attended the 2-day Consumer Education Seminar (CES) conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held recently in Mainit town, this province.

Cover Story

CARAT Expo 2017 to increase agro marine productivity in Caraga

By: Venus L. Garcia

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UTUAN CITY – In keeping the momentum of advancing the region’s rich agricultural and fishery products, the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. will once again hold this year’s Caraga Agricultural Trade and Marketing Exposition or CARAT Expo 2017 on August 10-13, here.

CARAT Expo 2017 carries the theme, “Zoom up Caraga! Responding to challenges in agri-aqua productivity, responsible mining and progressive entrepreneurship.”

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“It will be a four-day event and is highlighted by hosting the 21st Caraga Business Conference slated also on August 11, 2017 at the Grand Palace Hotel, this city,” said Roger Ramirez,

Cover Story

president of the Butuan City Chamber the Mindanao-wide Food Summit of Commerce and Industry Foundation, in partnership with the Mindanao Inc. Development Authority (MinDA). This will be in time with the Philippines’

Trade fairs and the different hosting of the Brunei Darussalamprograms will be held at the Robinsons Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Place Butuan. Agricultural retailers ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) so as and wholesalers, food producers, to make the Association of Southeast agronomics, agriculturists, farmers, Asian Nations (ASEAN) Food Summit in manufacturers, food traders and scope. exporters will have the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their With these projects of the Butuan produce.

City Chamber of Commerce, together with some government agencies, it helps

“In the pipeline of activities boost the agricultural and aquamarine for 2018, Caraga is also set to host productivity in the region. “We enjoin 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Cover Story you to be with us as we endeavor for Philippine Information Agency (PIA),” increased productivity and sustained underscored Ramiez. trade and industry development,” stressed Ramirez.

It can be recalled that the signature brand for Caraga region,

“Expect a more fruitful activities as the “Caraga Lobster,” was launched we forge partnership with the regional during last year’s CARAT Expo. government offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of The CARAT Expo is a strategic Environment and Natural Resources venue for market-matching and (DENR), Department of Trade and agri-investment linkages aimed at Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and increasing productivity and creating Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department trade opportunities for small producers of Science and Technology (DOST) and in Caraga. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery Basic Photoshop and Photography Training CL 02-2017 Headquarters, 4th CMO (Kasaligan) Battalion Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City 19 July 2017

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ASEAN News

ASEAN stakeholders gather to advance connectivity

MANILA - The 8th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium was held today in Alabang, Metro Manila, Philippines, to deliberate and debate on the implementation of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025.

With the theme “Harnessing Opportunities and Addressing Challenges in the Implementation of the MPAC 2025,” the symposium highlighted that achieving a wellconnected region requires regular engagements and continuous discussions with relevant stakeholders towards engendering ownership and support for the implementation of MPAC 2025. The issue of coordination between regional, national and subnational stakeholders was also brought up. It is crucial to leverage on the support and expertise from Dialogue Partners and international organisations in developing projects, and focusing on the delivery of results and outcomes rather than projects and activities.

monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of MPAC 2025.

“There remain great potential and opportunities for the continued growth of regional connectivity,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary of the Philippines Enrique A. Manalo. “We need the collaborative action of all stakeholders to turn this potential into reality. An enabling operating environment as well as coordination among the different stakeholders, and the full utilisation of our respective expertise and resources will be necessary in translating the plans, goals and strategies outlined within MPAC 2025 into viable projects and initiatives,”Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN Jane Duke said, “I applaud ASEAN’s commitment to improving connectivity, fundamental for the

The symposium underscored the realisation of its ambitious regional importance of strengthening statistical integration goals. Mechanisms such systems towards better measurement, as today’s Symposium are essential for 15 - 21 July, 2017

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ASEAN News gauging progress and feeding in latest thinking from experts and practitioners.”

The symposium brought together approximately 200 participants from ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC), relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, National Coordinators and National Focal Points for MPAC 2025, Dialogue Partners, international organisations, multilateral development

banks, private sector representatives, academia and the media.

This year, ASEAN Connectivity Symposium is organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines as Chair of the ACCC, with the assistance of the ASEAN Secretariat and the support of the ERIA and the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II. (ASEAN)

Cusi tells ASEAN: PH moving towards energy resiliency

MANILA - Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said on Monday, 17 July that the Duterte Administration is working hard to address the resiliency of energy systems and infrastructure and the reasonability of electricity rates in the Philippines as he opened the ASEAN 35th Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) at Okada Manila.

Cusi congratulated the organizers of the week-long series of meetings that form part of the events being hosted by the Philippines in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

enhanced energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability.

On the home front, Cusi said government’s “Ambition 2040” aspires to transform the Philippines to an upper middle-income economy in which Filipinos get to enjoy a comfortable

“We are tasked to ensure energy and secure existence. security for the region to sustain our respective domestic economies. This He added that the Philippine is becomes more urgent as we move moving to bring about a “golden age towards the realization of an ASEAN of infrastructure” through a “Build, Build, Economic Community through greater Build” infrastructure plan which is part collaboration,” Cusi told the delegates. of “Dutertenomics.”

Cusi cited the 10-year ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) “In support of this infrastructure 2016-2025 as the region sets to achieve plan, the Philippines would need

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ASEAN News additional capacity of 44,000 MW up to 2040. To do this, the Philippines is pursuing fuel and technology neutral and balanced environmental protection goals and socio-economic growth,” Cusi told the delegates.

“Along this line, we have set our sights on an optimal demand behaviorbased fuel mix with 70-20-10 share of baseload, mid-merit and peaking capacity requirement to support our growing economy,” Cusi said.

“The EO instructs government agencies to act on applications of energy projects within 30 daysupon complete submission of requirements,” Cusi explained.

Also, a new policy initiative of the DOE now subject to public consultations is institutionalizing disaster resilience in the energy sector by strengthening energy systems and facilities, quickly restoring damaged facilities and providing alternative energy sources during calamities.

The challenge is to increase Given the archipelagic nature energy supply specially electricity, both for grid and off-grid areas, he stressed. of the country, “the DOE will pursue distributed electrification for currently

“Our ultimate vision is to provide off-grid island provinces through power of choice to our consumers,” independent mini and/or micro grids served by local indigenous power said the Energy Chief. sources like run-of-river and biomass,”

“We will implement policies that said Cusi. would increase our supply and make

This is to mitigate the risk of our electricity market more competitive extensive outages that may be while also addressing the perennial sustained in the transmission lines and concerns of system inefficiencies.” distribution networks due to natural and human-induced calamities like

Cusi invited energy sector players earthquakes and typhoons that are to come up with innovative solutions of increasing frequency and intensity and dynamism, thus “increasing supply lately. and ensuring more competition in the sector.”

“Major activities under this policy

He pointed out that Executive Order (E.O.) No 30 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28 created a task force to establish a simplified approval process for permits and licenses to fast track the implementation of big-ticket energy projects.

also include the implementation of the ‘Build-back Better’ principle in reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructures, improvement of operational and maintenance standards and practices, as well as resiliency standards for new energy facilities,” said Cusi. (DOE) 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Photo Gallery Public Consultation on Federalism FSUU AVR, Butuan City 20 July 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

Displaced Caraganon OFWs undergo financial literacy training BUTUAN CITY - Thirtyfive member-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who were displaced due to various adversities during their employment abroad, attended the one-day orientation and financial literacy training for the newlyenhanced Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga on July 10, 2017 at the OWWA Training Hall here.

During the orientation, Programs and Services Division OIC Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling conveyed that the program’s goal is to enable the beneficiaries to be multi-skilled through access to training services. “Among the objectives of this program is to assist the target to plan, set-up, start & operate a livelihood undertaking by providing them with ready-to-go rollout self-employment package of services, consisting of short-duration trainings, business counseling and technical and marketing assistance,” the program head added.

Meanwhile, financial literacy training was also given out by Overseas Workers Welfare Officer II Jean Mary Ronquillo-Ladion, focal person for the program. The conduct of the training facilitates entrepreneurial mindset among OFW participants and promotes the utilization of their acquired skills in choosing their livelihood venture.

The one-day training encompasses the background of the program and financial literacy but also includes constructing a business plan which will serve as the beneficiaries’ guide during 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Regional News the implementation of their chosen will be done a month after the release trade endeavor. and will be monitored every six months.

Currently, the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program is already made available not only for active but also for inactive OFWs who have not finished their employment contacts.

The Program can be availed only once by eligible beneficiaries and within three years after his/her return to the country.

Among the required documents are the duly filled-up Application Form, Certificate of Entrepreneurial Development Training (EDT), Business Plan/Proposal approved by RWO Director indicating the sustainability/ feasibility of the chosen livelihood undertaking, Proof of repatriation or return to the Philippines.

Beneficiaries will now receive a cash assistance of P20,000.00 upon evaluation of the business plan/ proposal and inspection of the project site/address by the project officer. And to ensure that the livelihood projects are implemented, an initial monitoring

For further information and/or queries regarding the program, kindly visit OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga located at Nimfa Tiu Bldg.2, J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City or contact us at (085) 342-6178/815-1894. (OWWACaraga/PIA-Caraga)

DILG to LGUs: ‘Maging LISTO at Alerto’ By: Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY - The Disaster Preparedness (DP) Committee of the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) – Region 13 (Caraga) chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) placed emphasis on the preparedness measures of Local Government Units (LGUs) to be always “Listo at Alerto” for any natural or man-made disasters during the 2nd Quarter Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting on June 23, 2017 at Prince Hotel, this city.

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Regional News

Donald A. Seronay, the OICAssistant Regional Director of DILG representing the Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness - Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, CESO III presided the committee meeting. He stressed that it is better to be prepared than being caught unaware and become one of the casualties in the event of disaster. The reason we are investing so much on preparedness because we are not capable to respond given our meager resources.

During the meeting, “Operation LISTO” was discussed, a program launched by DILG, which is a national advocacy program on disaster preparedness that guides LGUs and DILG personnel on actions needed to be undertaken before, during and after a typhoon. Part of the program is to strengthen the capacity and level of preparedness of the LGUs through the formation of L!STO Teams both from the interior and local governments.

The discussions focused on the implementation of Listong Pamayanan, which is centered on the conduct of community drills and the Listong Pamilyang Pilipino with the support of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), which is centered on the distribution of Gabay at Mapa (familybased preparation for disaster) and the conduct of Family Development Sessions to 4Ps families.

Caraga, which serves as the roadmap of the region in disaster preparedness actions.

The meeting was attended by the Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (P/CDRRMOs), Local Resource Institutes (LRIs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and DP member agencies.

Part of the meeting was the E-Budget System for LGUs by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the convenience of LGUs in tagging their Annual Investment Program (AIP) for Climate Change Expenditure, Status of LGU compliance on Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA), Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) and Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP). The Office of Civil Defense also provided updates on the RDRRMC Operations Manual and the Caraga State University presented the Geo-SAFER Mindanao Project for the generation of high resolution flood hazard maps. The discussion also include the compliance of LGUs in the preparation of 2017 La Niña Action Plan / Oplan Tag-ulan.

As the Vice Chair for Disaster preparedness, the department is pushing every LGU to comply with the minimum standards of disaster preparedness, observe the expedient utilization of the disaster funds, and follow strictly the Operation L!STO

Ray Gregory F. Jaranilla also protocols para maging L!STO at Alerto presented the draft of the Regional for any eventualities. (DILG 13/PIADisaster Preparedness Plan (RDPP) of the Caraga) 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Regional News

Population event highlights FP for dev’t. in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - The celebration of World Population Day (WPD) on July 11 links the proper planning of the number, timing and spacing of children to the attainment of socio-economic development of the nation.

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) will convene the Population Workers and Volunteers of Butuan and of the Province of Agusan for a Family Planning Forum here with the theme “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations” with Tagalog sub-theme “Pagpaplano ng Pamilya: Lakas ng sambayan, kaunlaran ng pamayanan.”

volunteers on Responsible ParenthoodReproductive Health Law, particularly the Executive Order No. 12.

Experts defined unmet need for family planning as the proportion of currently married women who do not want any more children or prefer to space births but are not using any method of family planning.

The said forum is designed to “Part of our commitment to attain update the population workers/ zero unmet need for modern family

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Regional News planning is to mobilize all stakeholders as they are the ones closest to these couples who can easily deliver appropriate information in matters relating to being responsible parents and planning their families,” POPCOM Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano said.

information which can be addressed when we will mobilize the population volunteers in coordination with other health service providers in the field.

That is why we need to equip and update them on important policies for them to be effective in creating demand for family planning services,” “The top reasons identified on high Makinano added. (POPCOM-Caraga/ unmet need indicate lack of correct PIA-Caraga)

Congressional migrant workers scholarship for OFW dependents in Caraga now open region

BUTUAN CITY - For School Year 2017-2018, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) opens applications for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarships Program (CMWSP) to active Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their immediate descendant or direct dependent who intend to pursue priority fields in Science and Technology such as Basic Sciences, Applied Sciences and Science Teaching.

Similar to the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), the CMWSP is also a competitive grant given to the applicants who can

ace and land in the top 200 OWWA examinees nationwide in the highly demanding examination administered by the Department of Science and 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Regional News Technology – Science Institute (DOST-SEI).

Education 4,800.00 and below.

The scholar will continue until the completion of the course regardless of subsequent status of OFW membership provided that the terms of the scholarship agreement are complied upon.

For the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) applicant, he/she must not be more than 45 years of age, must be a high school graduate with a general average of 80% or higher in fourth year high school, have not earned more than two years of post-secondary Deadline for filing of applications or undergraduate course and without will be on July 25, 2017. Application failing grade in any academic subject. forms are available at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office Caraga;

Those immediate descendants or their School Principal or Guidance direct dependents of OFWs applicants Counselor (if available); PESO Office in must be 21 years and below, single and the Local Government Units (Municipal a grade 12 senior high school student and Provincial); and Active OFW Family at the time of application. He/she Circle/ Organizations (OFCs). Filing and should belong to the top 20 percent submission will be at the Regional Office of the graduating class duly certified only. by the School Principal and must have no units in any undergraduate course.

Interested applicants may A qualified dependent are those child contact or visit the regional office for of a married or unmarried OFW and/or any inquiry regarding the program. brother or sister of an unmarried OFW OWWA Regional Office is located at and must be single.

Nimfa Tiu Bldg., II J.P. Rosales Ave., Butuan City. They may also call the

To qualify, the OFW should be an contact numbers (085) 815-1894/342active member of OWWA at the time 6178 or hotline numbers 09399259895 of application and must be earning for smart and 09173150590 for globe. an annual family gross income of USD (JPIM, OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PSA gears up for 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will conduct the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) from August 7 to September 23, this year.

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Regional News

The 2017 NDHS is the eleventh in a series of national demographic and health surveys undertaken in the Philippines since 1968. This is a national sample survey designed to provide information on population, family planning, maternal and child health, child survival, HIV/AIDS, and reproductive health in the Philippines.

The NDHS is undertaken as part of the worldwide Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Program.

The international DHS Program is designed to: a) assist countries in conducting household sample surveys to periodically monitor changes in population, health, and nutrition; and b) provide database that can be used by researchers investigating topics related to population, health, and nutrition.

helpful to policy makers and administrators in health and family planning fields. The survey will also collect data on Violence Against Women.

A total of about 30,832 households throughout the country have been scientifically selected from the sample Enumeration Areas.

Each of these households will be visited and interviewed using the Household Questionnaire. All women aged 15 to 49 years in the sample households will be interviewed using the Individual Woman’s Questionnaire. In Caraga, our Field Interviewers will be visiting around

The survey will involve 1,720 households. interviewing a randomly selected group of respondents who are The PSA Field Staff and trained between 15 and 49 years of age. Field Interviewers in Caraga will do These respondents will be asked comprehensive door-to-door interview questions about their background, to the sample households during the children they have given birth to, enumeration period. All information their knowledge and use of family provided by the households will be planning methods, the health of their kept strictly confidential as stipulated children, their awareness of HIV/AIDS, under Article 55 of RA 10625. (PSAand other information that will be Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace & Order Council Meeting Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City 17 July 2017

Agusan del Norte Anti-Drug Abuse Council Meeting

DILG AdN Conference Room, Butuan City, 21 July 2017

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Agusan Norte grade schools benefit NGCP’s ‘Gamit ni Bulilit’ program By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

REMEDIOS T. ROMUALDEZ, Agusan del Norte – Nine elementary schools of the province of Agusan del Norte have benefited from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) ‘Gamit ni Bulilit’ program.

In a ceremonial turn-over of the school supplies held on Wednesday at Tagbongabong Elementary School in Barangay Tagbongabong here, 148 Grades 1 to 3 pupils have received a NGCP bags with 10 notebooks and three pencils each.

Other schools benefited from the “Gamit ni Bulilit’ include Bayabas Elementary School with 104 bags; Sta. Ana Elementary School - 205; Jagupit Elementary School - 188; Prospero Salas Elementary School - 136; Magsaysay Elementary School - 120; Bangonay

According to Glory Rebleza Central Elementary School - 223; , regional communications and Baleguian Elementary School - 204; and public affairs officer of NGCP District Jaliobong Elementary School with 104.

4 – Northeastern Mindanao Area, The nine recipient-schools Tagbongabong is one of the nine received a total of 1,432 bags from the elementary school beneficiaries. program.

“The supplies provided by the The recipient-schools are those NGCP not only help the recipient- pupils but the parents on budgeting affected by the Butuan-Placer 128 their meager income in buying their Transmission Line Project of the NGCP children’s school supplies,” said as per recommendation by the NGCP Charito Maglasang, principal of the field personnel, Rebleza said. (NCLM/ PIA-Agusan del Norte) Tagbongabong Elementary School.

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Provincial News

AgNor bans trucks with unsecured loads in highways By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is now prohibiting loaded trailer trucks and hauler trucks or carriage which tailgate is not securely closed or which backload is not safely covered, from running along the provincial roads and national highways within the province.

This will be implemented through Provincial Ordinance No. 452-2017, which was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Provincial Board Member Salutario B. Cuasito, who authored the said ordinance, explained that “it is observed that some hauling trucks loaded with sand and gravel, rice hull and other loose materials are running without their backloads covered or their tailgates not tightly closed likely causing the sand and gravel, rice hull and other loose materials to spill or fall and hit the vehicles or persons trailing behind them or passed by them.�

observed as causing injury to persons or properties and potentially result in accidents.

Provincial legislators believed that being strict in the safety of closed and covered loaded trailer truck, hauler truck or carriage would evade accidents and protect other vehicles, properties and persons.

Under the said ordinance, violators will be punished. The owner or operator,

Cuasito added that numerous driver of the owner or operator or the accidents of falling stones, rocks and lessee of the truck who is caught or sands from hauling trucks have been adjudged, after proper investigation, to

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Provincial News have violated the ordinance on tailgate not tightly closed shall be solidarily held liable and fined as follows: 1st offense - P1,000; 2nd offense- P3,000 and 3rd and succeeding offenses - P5,000.

On the other hand, the owner or operator, driver of the owner or operator or the lessee of the truck who is caught or adjudged, after proper investigation, to have violated the ordinance on no or dilapidated cover shall be solidarily held liable and fined as follows: : 1st offense - P1,000; 2nd offense- P1,500 and 3rd and succeeding offenses – P3,000.

Penalty for bribery is also imposed to those who offer money or favor to the inspector or to any duly authorized person or to any person participating or aiding the inspection team at the checkpoint in consideration of freeing such violator and shall be fined an

amount of P5,000, without prejudice to filing criminal charge against the violator under the Revised Penal Code.

The inspector or any duly authorized person, or any person participating or aiding the inspection team at the checkpoint who actually receive or verbally accepted or acceded to the offer for money or favor from the violator in consideration of freeing such violator shall be suspended or terminated from duty in accordance with the proper provisions of the administrative law and/or suffer appropriate criminal liabilities under the Revised Penal Code.

The Provincial Governor’s Office or the Task Force shall conduct an information drive in order to disseminate the provisions of the ordinance to all concerned. (LGU-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

DAR conducts training to AgSur ARBOs By: Rechel D. Besonia

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - A total of 150 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) from 10 ARB Organizations within the SIBAE (Sibagat, Bayugan, Esperanza) and Loreto-La Paz Agrarian Reform Community were trained on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Principles and Practices in four separate batches within the second quarter of 2017 held at Mabe’s Savory Place, San Francisco, this province.

Among the participating ARBOs were the Tambo ARB Farmers Association (TARBFA); Guitas Amapco United ARB Association, Inc. (GAUARBA); Osmena ARB Association (OARBFAMCO); Maiton

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Agro Industrial Development MPC; San Vicente Farmers Association; Ilihan CARP Beneficiaries Multi-Purpoose Cooperative (ILCARBEMCO); Gamao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GAMPC); Grace Estate Agrarian Reform

Provincial News Beneficiaries Association; Mahagkot Farmers Association (MFA) and Hawilian Family Group Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

the knowledge of the participants on how to adapt and build the resilience of agricultural and food security systems to climate change at the farm level and reduce the farmer’s dependency

“These ARBOs was specifically on inorganic farming methods. chosen since they are vulnerable to typhoon, drought, flooding and other “Kining mao nga training dako natural phenomenon due to the ug gikahatag nga pagtulun-an alang changing climate that causes adverse sa among pagpanguma ug unsaon impacts and considerable damage to aron mkalahutay sa panahon sa farm production,” Jimmielho Azares, kalamidad (This training helps us a lot in Agrarian Reform Program Officer I managing our farm and prepares us in (ARPO I) said. times in times of calamity), said Joeme E. Delaganar, a member of Mahagkot

Project Development Coordinator Farmers Association.

Paul Baang, Project Coordinator Ruel Maitem, Area Coordinator Alfredo “Makatabang kini aron makatSevilla and Database Administrator onan namo unsaon pagbuhat ug pag Mia Flor Prochina from the Philippine gamit sa mga organic fertilizers, sa Partnership for the Development ingon maminusan ang among gasto of Human Resources in Rural Areas ug motaas ang among income (It will (PHILDHRAA) were the resource also help us on how to make organic speakers during the said training. fertilizers and use it effectively in the farm to lessen farming cost and thus

According to Baang, the activity increase farm income),” Delaganar was aimed to sustainably increase added. (DAR-Agusan del Sur/PIAagricultural productivity by enhancing Agusan del Sur)

AgSur town locals avail DTI’s “Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan”

LA PAZ, Agusan del Sur - Local residents of this municipality have recently availed the “Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan” of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here. School uniforms, shoes, supplies, bread, other pastry products, canned goods and basic household wares – all at discounted prices were made available for sale to the residents.

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Provincial News

Through the DTI-Caraga regional office, in coordination with the Local Government Unit of La Paz and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province, the local residents were able to buy school supplies and other items at a very affordable price.

The caravan, which is DTI’s support to DepEd’s Oplan Balik Eskwena Program, benefited an estimated 420 consumers in the municipality’s Barangay Poblacion.

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The DTI’s caravan partners also include Sunpride Foods, Inc., ManhuThe Life-giving Bread and Unicity who came all the way from Butuan City.

Diskwento Caravan is one of the banner programs of the DTI conducted nationwide which aims to help consumers maximize their budget through price discounts offered by the participating manufacturers, producers, distributors and wholesalers.

(DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DA launches loan program in Surigao Norte town

By: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched its Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program on June 23, 2017 in Malimono town. The launching was graced by DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

According to Secretary Piñol, the program will have an initial credit fund of P15 million, which will be downloaded to the Malimono Multipurpose Cooperative and will serve as the lending conduit for the municipality.

of the program since small farmers and fishers need adequate, fast convenient and affordable credit in order to finance their production requirements thus raise production and incomes; and in effect, it will help provide sufficient and affordable food not just for the people

He said that the fishing and farming in the municipality but for the province municipality will serve as the pilot areas as a whole.

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Provincial News

“Not just in Malimono, but other municipalities in the Philippines also feel the same sentiment that they are not being reached and served by most banks. Consequently, many of the small farmers and fishers do not have access to credit from formal sources and are therefore depending miserably on informal sources that charge high interest rates,” said Sec. Piñol.

Secretary Piñol explained that the program will be implemented by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), an attached agency of the DA through cooperatives and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) as lending conduits.

Piñol further said that the loans under the PLEA program do not need a collateral. The maximum loanable amount a farmer or fisherman can borrow is P50,000 depending on the activity and commodity being produced.

Secretary Piñol emphasized that he has been going around the country visiting remote areas like Malimono under his “Biyaheng Bukid” in order to hear from the farmers and fishers themselves about their problems and “The loan is payable within a requirements. period ranging from 2 to 10 years with an interest rate of 6 percent per annum.

He said through his “Biyaheng Bukid,” the PLEA was designed Loans released under the said to address the financial needs of program are also covered with crops marginalized farmers for a fast and insurance by the Philippine Crop affordable credit for agri-fishery Insurance Corporation (PCIC),” Piñol production especially among those in added. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del remote and less productive areas.

Norte)

LGU Dinagat Islands inks MOA with DBP for ATM payroll system By: Susil D. Ragas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the ATM Payroll System for provincial employees on June 21, 2017 held at the Office of the Provincial Governor here.

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Provincial News

The agreement aims to implement the ATM (Automated Teller Machine) Payroll that will provide good service to the employees thus releasing of salary on time and to avoid delays on claiming of salaries.

During the MOA signing, the DBP has also launched the salary loan accreditation facility for the province to provide financial assistance in the form of salary loans to qualified officers and employees.

The signing of the said MOA was led by Governor Glenda B. Ecleo and DBP branch head Jonathan G. Mundo and was witnessed by vice governor Benglen B. Ecleo, Provincial Treasurer Annabelle S. Naluan, Provincial Administrator Gwendolyn Ecleo-Pols, Provincial HRMO Elvis Dela Merced and DBP Branch Operations Officer Ma. Florencia S. Sarono. (Provincial Information Office-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

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Provincial News

DAR Surigao Norte conducts bookkeeping seminar to agrarian orgs By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - In its continuing effort to capacitate the assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs), the provincial office of the Department of DAR File photo Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Note conducted a training-workshop on Simple Bookkeeping and Recording on June 22, 2017 at Mabini Multipurpose Hall, Brgy. Mabini, Placer, this province.

ARBOs who participated were the Cabugao First Farmers Agra Consumers Cooperative of Brgy.

Cabugao, Bacuag; Kababayen-an sa Panatao Producers Cooperative of Brgy. Panatao, Claver; Cabugo Multipurpose Cooperative of Brgy. Cabugo, Claver; and Mabini United Farmers Cooperative of Brgy. Mabini, Placer.

The participants were trained on recording an accounting simple transactions like preparing cash books, sales book, cash receipts book, cash disbursement book and creditor’s subsidiary ledger.

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According to Angeline M. Najial, Bookkeeper of Cabugo Multi-purpose Cooperative, she was very grateful for the opportunity to have attended the training.

“Makatabang gyud og dako ang ako nahibaw-an sa kuman na training kay mahibayo na ako unhon pagplastar ang amo mga libro sa coop (The knowledge I gained from this training is really of great help in preparing the books of transactions in our cooperative),” said Najial in her native dialect. (DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Rescuers’ convention set in SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur thru the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Office is all set for the 2-day Rescuer’s Summit to be held on July 18-19 at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city.

According to PDRRM officer Abel de Guzman, the conduct of the said activity is in line with the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month 2017 with the theme, “Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan (4Ks).”

De Guzman added that the event aims to foster camaraderie among the local volunteer rescuers and the formulation of unifying local operation guidelines during disaster.

Based on the program of activities, a motorcade will be held before the opening ceremony followed by the awarding of Gawad KALASAG 2017

provincial winners and cutting of ribbon showcasing Local DRRM-CCA best bractices. Convention proper will be in the afternoon of Day-1 and open forum, it was learned.

On day-2, there will be a tree planting activity dubbed as “Tanim Ko, Kaligtasan Nyo” at 5:00 a.m. to be held at Ihawan Creek in Barangay Awasian, this city.

The Formulation of the Local Operation Guidelines Workshop is also scheduled on day-2 participated by the volunteer rescuers, and 19 local DRRM officers of this province. (PIASurigao del Sur) 15 - 21 July, 2017

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HEALTH NEWS

Feature: Making exercise part of daily life Almost everybody knows that exercise is good for the body, but not everyone likes to run, dance, lift weights or simply to walk the extra mile.

Although the health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore, many of us may have even tried changing our routine but kept sliding back to old behaviors eventually.

Exercise doesn’t need to be such an all or nothing commitment, as it can be a fun time to socialize with friends and working out with others can help keep you motivated.

If you haven’t exercised before or you’ve tried an exercise program in the

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Health News past and was unable to stick with it, it’s If you don’t already have an important not to set unrealistic goals. exercise hobby yet, there are a variety to choose from that are both fun and

Committing to exercise for an hour healthy. a day in a gym may be too challenging at first, as compared to committing to Remember that if you hate what 10 minutes just three or four times a you are doing, you are far less likely to week which is more manageable. stay engaged.

Look at your daily routine and

Once these short windows of consider ways to sneak in a physical activity become a habit and you start activity here and there. experiencing the benefits, it’s easier to progress to the next level.

Bear in mind that even very small activities can add-up over the course

Find an exercise that you enjoy of a day. doing which could be as simple as a walk, or as unique as washing the In and around your homes, you clothes while mopping the floor. can clean the house, wash the clothes, tend to the yard and garden, mow the lawn with a push mower, sweep up the sidewalk or patio with a broom.

At work and on the go, you can look for ways to walk or cycle more.

For example, walk to an appointment or use the stairs, briskly walk to the bus stop then get off one stop early, park at the back of the lot and walk into the store or office. Take a vigorous walk during your coffee break or walk while you’re talking on your cell phone.

With friends or family, you can walk or jog around an open field or park with your husband, kids or friends, make a neighborhood bike ride part of weekend routine. Play tug-of-war with your children in the yard, play exercise 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Health News video games or walk the dog together and improve your performance. as a family.

Soon enough, you’ll be able to

While watching TV, you can exercise longer and harder and have gently stretch while watching your the confidence to try new activities. favorite show, do push-ups, situps or lift light weights during the For more information on food commercial breaks.

You’ll be and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario amazed at how many repetitions V. Capanzana, Director, Food and you can fit in during the commercials Nutrition Research Institute, Department of a half-hour show. of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City;

On weekends that you cannot Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837watch your favorite telenovela, turn 3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk off the TV and take a walk outside the Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; house. e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST

Making lifestyle and behavior website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. changes is not easy.

Like our Facebook page at facebook. com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter

But over time, as you continue account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. to exercise, you’ll start to reap the (Divorah V. Aguila, DOST-FNRI S&T physical and mental health benefits Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery Regional Nutrition Advocates & Media Group Meeting Caraga Movers Almont Inland Resort, Las Nieves Hall, Butuan City 20 July 2017

Philippine Red Cross Board of Directors’ Regular Monthly Meeting Butuan City 20 July 2017

MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao now more power secure DAVAO CITYDespite the Maute terrorists attacking Marawi City which hosts or is near several hydropower facilities, the Mindanao Grid can withstand any attacks on its power generation facilities.

“If Agus Complex is affected we have extra reserves because we have over-supply in Mindanao, we still expect a normal power situation.”

Mindanao Development Authority deputy executive-director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said.

Philstar.com

generates 80 megawatts of electricity for the Mindanao Grid. The seven Agus hydropower plants have a combined capacity of 982 megawatts.

Montenegro said that government troops immediately secured Agus I during the onset of the siege.

“Our average surplus (power) today hovers around 600 to 700 He added that the coming years megawatts.” Asec. Montenegro said. more power will come to Mindanao. A coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan,

The siege in Marawi which Lanao del Norte expected to come began last May 23 is centered around online late this year will add 500 parts of downtown Marawi. The city megawatts to the grid. (PIA/RG hosts the Agus I power plant which Alama)

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Mindanao News

Mindanaoans pin hopes on new BBL By: Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY - Mindanaoans are pinning hopes on the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to end the struggle for peace and self-determination of the Moro people in Mindanao. They echoed the President’s call to Congress for the approval of the new BBL. Duterte has committed to support and “husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration.”

The new BBL was submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to President Rodrigo Duterte in a ceremony in Malacanan late Monday afternoon. The expanded BTC is created by an Executive Order tasked to draft the enabling law in establishing a Bangsamoro government in Mindanao.

of the government’s nominees are from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Fr. Joel Tabora SJ, President of the Ateneo De Davao University hopes the submission of the draft new BBL signals the start of the long lasting peace in Mindanao.

It is composed of eleven members from the MILF, including the chair of “We hope this Bangsamoro the BTC while ten of its members are Basic Law, shall really bring about this nominated by the government. Three condition of peace,” Tabora said in 15 - 21 July, 2017

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Mindanao News an interview on the sidelines of the “Greater victories are ahead of us, and ceremony. It was Tabora who rendered together we will continue to assert our a prayer in the ceremony. rights and claim these victories for our people,” he added. Hataman said the

Tabora said there are many submission of the new BBL marks an institutions which are supporting the important day for the ongoing peace new BBL, offering to help in urging them process in the Bangsamoro. to understand, evaluate and support it.

Hataman cited the 21-member

“We hope that it can be BTC for involving the people in a series understood, in the historical context of renewed consultations and dialogue injustices that were, committed because it provided an opportunity to against the Muslim people and we look at the proposed legislation with a hope that, in school, we can deeply fresh perspective. explain, why these historical injustices have to be rectified,” Tabora stressed.

“It is hoped that the new draft of He emphasized the need to have the BBL will also renew the commitment autonomy for the Bangsamoro people not only of the peace panels but also duly recognized by the government. the commitment of our legislators in Hopefully, he said the new BBL will be Congress to pursuing peace in the approved by Congress. region,” he said.

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“I believed that between, the last version and this version, there are more insights into why, it is an important step for peace,” Tabora said. Just like Tabora, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman is also hopeful the new BBl will get the support of Congress.

“We hope that the president will use this important platform to push for legislation that acknowledges and addresses the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, and to pursue restorative justice and lasting peace in the region,” Hataman said.

“The regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also reiterates its support to the ongoing peace process and its commitment to serving the Bangsamoro people.

We’ve had countless moments of triumph in our collective struggle for our right to self-determination, and today marks another important milestone in our shared history,” Hataman said.

According to Hataman, the new BBL “comes at a time when we are reminded of the costs of delaying our efforts towards peace in the region, as we continue to hurdle old and familiar obstacles along with new challenges.”

He underscored delays in the shared pursuit of justice make it easier for terror to thrive. “Delays in our collective struggle towards peace make it easy

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Mindanao News for fear to take root in the hearts of our people. Delays in our shared pursuit of justice make it easier for terror to thrive,” he said.

During the ceremony, Duterte said the submission of the new BBL “will stand as proof of our resolve to set aside our differences and stand united to achieve our common goal of peace” “This moment is a significant step forward in our quest to end centuries of hatred, mistrust, and injustice that cost and affected the lives of millions of Filipinos,” he said.

Philippines.

“The draft bill, jointly written by our Muslim, Christian, and Lumad brothers and sisters, shall give rise to a genuine autonomous region as well as bring forth healing and reconciliation to the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people,” he stressed.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) first vice chair and Chair of the 21-member BTC Ghazali Jaafar earlier said the new BBL enshrines the legitimate aspiration and interests of the Muslims, Christian settlers, Moro and

Duterte said new BBL shared non-Moro Indigenous Peoples of the aspirations of a peaceful, orderly and Bangsamoro. harmonious nation. “After decades of armed struggle and violence, we will The BBL will chart the future of soon come up with a constitutionally the Bangsamoro government in the consistent legal instrument that will lay Bangsamoro ancestral homeland. It the foundation for establishing real and has been the aspiration of the Moro lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said. people to establish a government that is “genuinely asymmetric in a relationship

He said the new BBL puts into life with the central government, and and spirit the constitutional mandate consistent with their belief and historical provided in the 1987 Constitution for the experience.” establishment of a truly autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao. It also It was earlier assured that the paves the way for meeting the just new BBL does not contravene to aspiration of the Bangsamoro people the provisions of the Comprehensive for self-determination that is consistent Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). and reflective of the distinct historical [and] cultural heritage, and economic According to Jaafar, the interests and social structures common to the of the Bangsamoro people are people residing in the Bangsamoro. reflected well in several articles that clearly establish its powers over political

Duterte is optimistic it will be realized and fiscal matters, including the control while preserving and strengthening the over the exploration, development, territorial integrity of the Republic of the and utilization of resources. (PNA) 15 - 21 July, 2017

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NATIONAL NEWS

SSS ready to implement EC Funeral benefit hike in 1 month from effectivity date MANILA - Staterun Social Security System (SSS) on Thursday said it is ready to implement the recently issued Executive Order No. 33 by President Rodrigo Duterte ordering the increase of the Employees’ Pinoyjuander.com Compensation (EC) funeral benefits for government and private sector employees from P20,000 to P30,000 within 30 days from the publication date of the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be issued by the Employees’ Compensation Commission.

“We just need a month to make system adjustments to implement the P10,000 increase in EC funeral benefit. We are one with Pres. Duterte’s commitment to assist the families of our workers who died due to a work-related contingency,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said.

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Dooc reiterated the EO provision that “the results of the actuarial studies of the SSS and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) show that the State Insurance Fund (SIF) can finance the increase in funeral benefits without affecting the stability of the SIF and without requiring additional contributions.”

National News

SSS administers the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) for workers in the private sector. Under the ECP, workers will receive compensation benefits for illness, disability and death resulting from occupational diseases and work-related activities. EC benefits are granted only to members with employers. The employer shoulders the

cost of the employee’s EC contributions.

The EO was signed last July 17 citing “there is a need to continually improve benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) to make them more responsive to the welfare and development needs of occupationally disabled workers.” (SSS)

DepEd rolls out ALS-K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

PASIG CITY – To ensure that the Alternative Learning System (ALS) curriculum is aligned with the K to 12 Program, and to provide learning opportunities that will empower out-of-school youth (OSY) and adult learners to improve their quality of life and become more effective contributors to society, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD), launched the ALS-K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum.

Like the K to 12 Curriculum, the ALS-K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum is expressed in content standards, performance standards, and learning competencies. It also defines the minimum competency standards for learners an alternative pathway of learning and certification parallel to the formal school system.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Service and ALS G.H. Ambat underscored the importance to adjust the previous ALS curriculum that would help dispel notions of disparity between ALS graduates and graduates from the formal system, “We are true to our mandate that no learner [will be] left behind. With this new curriculum, we 15 - 21 July, 2017

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National News hope that the ALS learners would have the same quality of education that would avail them of the four exits of K to 12: higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, or middle level skills development.

BCD Director Jocelyn Andaya explained that the revision of the curriculum took two years because the office, as well as the former office handling the program, the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS), undertook a comprehensive review and revision process involving a series of consultations and workshops with curriculum experts in formal and nonformal education from within and outside the DepEd. The outputs of workshops were further reviewed by national and international consultants, DepEd subject experts, and ALS learning practitioners, supervisors, and other ALS stakeholders.

To erase the notion that ALS is an “inferior” curriculum, the new curriculum gives equivalency options and alternative programs similar to formal schooling, such that a learner can move and transfer seamlessly from one education system to another. For example, a learner can have formal education from Kindergarten to Grade 3, then shift to non-formal education for Grades 5 to 6, and reintegrate seamlessly into the formal system for Junior High School (JHS) because the essential skills are covered by both curriculum.

Assessments are in place to ensure readiness of learners for the next level of schooling. The use of flexible learner options helps ensure this fluidity and permeability from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

The essential skills are the same for both formal and non-formal curriculums and can be delivered through many means and strategies.

These curriculums hold into account the prior learning of its learners, which is a very important feature in the ALS Curriculum, and reflect the indicators of functional literacy.

Comparable to the formal school curriculum, the ALS curriculum reflects the set of knowledge, skills, and competencies that learners should develop to meet the minimum requirement of basic education. The curriculum includes both the formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.

ALS utilizes learning modules.

Each module is complete in itself and

Andaya further explained the contains the description of the module, menu of possible learning interventions objectives, learning activities, and preand pathways responsive to the needs, and post-tests. context, circumstances, and diversity of learners that the refined ALS Curriculum The learning strands are the provides. equivalent of “subjects” in the formal

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National News school system:

Each strand has a schematic diagram which describes the relationship of the parts to the whole strength.

For ALS to be truly parallel with the formal education system, same standards and competencies are set for both in the K to 12 Curriculum to achieve the goal of producing holistically developed Filipinos with 21st century skills.

Although the framework is organized in strands, the intention is that instruction should be created around topics of importance to learners. This is the basic difference between the K to 12 Curriculum and the ALS Curriculum. The topics should provide an opportunity for the integration of skills.

Andaya added that during the alignment and finalization process, many learning competencies from the formal school curriculum were adopted in the ALS Basic Education Curriculum.

There was significant expansion of the content scope to ensure alignment with the formal K to 12 school curriculum.

The number of competencies included in the curriculum increased from 776 existing learning competencies to 2,046 enhanced learning competencies.

(DepEd)

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Photo Gallery Regional Development Plan (RDP) Launching Surigao del Norte 19 July 2017

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