Caraga InFocus –July 16-22, 2022

Volume V1, No. 29 July 16-22, 2022

INFOCUS

ARTICLES

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REGIONAL NEWS

P9.9 million Kadiwa expands opportunities to Agri Coops and LGUs DA Caraga Eyed Progress on the Fight Against ASF Primary Care Provider Network Ordinance sa Butuan City, aprobado na Mga frontline workers mula sa iba’t-ibang sektor nagkaisang matuto ng Basic Sign Language

PROVINCIAL NEWS LGU-Talacogon supports eco-tourism, livelihood projects for reservists

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12 18 19 20 22 23 24 25

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24 Bravo Company, 1502RRIBn conducts mustering of troops DTI AgNor records 20% reduction in consumer complaints in the first semester of 2022 4 high-powered firearms, IED recovered in Agusan del Norte LGU Nasipit giila ang mga topnotchers, achievers AgNor Bise Gob. Corvera gipangunahan ang Inaugural Session sa 19th SP Bag-ong mga Lideres sa probinsya milingkod na 114 former rebels nakatanggap ng tulong pinansyal at kaalaman para sa pagsisiumla ng bagong buhay

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35 DBM, DILG mosusi sa devolution plan sa LGUs POPCOM Caraga isaulog ang Population Day SurSur Coop avails P1.5M grants from DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa

MINDANAO NEWS Solon wants budget for Mindanao hiked by P286 billion MinDA to put up 12 more seaweed dryer facilities in Tawi-Tawi

NATIONAL NEWS PBBM: Intensify preps, planning for in-person classes At least 1.3-M beneficiaries under 4Ps no longer considered ‘poor’ – DSWD PBBM mulls pursuing G2G fertilizer deals PBBM retains Covid Alert Level System for time being; eyes new health restrictions classification PBBM wants farm-to-market road masterplan to promote food security

COVID-19 NEWS

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Over 1.1M Pinoys receive 2nd booster shot vs.

Covid-19 Rising positivity rate, daily cases ‘no cause for alarm’: OCTA PBBM meets with DOH execs on Covid-19 response

COVER

CONTENTS

Caraga

Frontline workers from various sectors learn basic Filipino sign language Major Farol added that they usually ask the help of a social worker to get details and other important information whenever they have mute and deaf clients, as they have difficulty in communicating with them through sign language.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In its aim to better communicate with the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and provide them with their special needs, the frontline workers from the different sectors converged efforts and learned the basic Filipino sign language.

This was made possible by the Regional

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Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga as the lead agency.

Division and focal person for PWDs of Police Regional Office-13, it is a great opportunity to have joined in this kind of training, which will help the Philippine National Police (PNP) According to Police personnel especially Lieutenant Colonel the investigators in Marife Farol, Assistant communicating with Regional Community their mute and deaf Affairs and Development clients.

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

“In fact, we are now planning to conduct the same training for our investigators, so that we could also easily communicate with the persons with disabilities, especially those who would be needing our assistance,” said Farol.

Bryan Ramon, House Parent II, DSWDRehabilitation Center for Youth - Agusan del Sur, also elaborated how helpful it is for them to gain knowledge on sign language, as they constantly deal with some childrenPWDs in their center.

“Apart from work, it is also an advantage for me personally

because I could now communicate with my PWD friends,” he said.

Darrylie Molina, a Special Education (SPED) teacher, who served as the resource speaker during the training, also emphasized that there is inclusive development in the communities only when everyone is able to communicate well with the PWD sector even through sign language, and live a more peaceful and productive life.

“We aim to experience an inclusive society,

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

hence, we need to learn better how we could communicate well also with the PWD sector,” bared Molina.

Meanwhile, Elsa Jamora, Project Development III and Sectoral Unit Head of DSWD-Caraga, also urged the participating sectors to put into practice what they learned from the training to effectively serve the PWDs. The said training formed part of the 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebration. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs As we continue to actively respond to COVID-19, we must ensure routine immunizations continue, in order to stop vaccinepreventable diseases like measles, polio, and meningitis, and avert the risk of multiple disease outbreaks. #VaccinesWork to bring us closer. (WHO/DOH) xx

The Philippines maintains its Tier 1 Ranking in the United States’ 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report. The country is among the 30 countries in Tier 1, “whose governments fully meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.”

The report mentions various efforts of the Philippines including identifying more victims than in 2020, drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the identification and monitoring of trafficking-related corruption cases, sentencing nearly all traffickers to significant prison terms, creating an executive-level Department of Migrant Workers, establishing the Integrated Case Management System, and holding virtual focus group discussions with trafficking survivors to seek feedback on protection services, among others.

The High Value Crops Development (HVCD) Program is one of the banner programs of the Department of Agriculture created to help address food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. It helps to promote production, processing, marketing and distribution of high value crops.

Strategically, HVCDP helps to increase income, creates livelihood opportunity and contributes to national agricultural development of the Philippines.

The Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTIAdS) intensifies the conduct of price and supply monitoring of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) by visiting more grocery stores in different areas of the province.

The agency also monitors the compliance of hardware establishments to product standards law.

REGIONAL NEWS

P9.9 million Kadiwa expands opportunities to Agri Coops and LGUs

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) has provided P9.9 million in financial grants to qualified farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations (FCAs) as well as local government units (LGUs) on Tuesday, July 19.

The grants were given under the DA’s

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Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program, through the efforts of Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos.

The recipients are four LGUs in the province of Surigao del Norte.

LGU-Burgos received P987,000, LGU-Pilar P1.5 million, LGU-Sta. Monica P4 million, and LGUPlacer P300,000. Three Farmer Cooperatives and Associations

(FCA) also received their share namely Kangyat Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur got P1 million, Magsaysay MultiPurpose Cooperative in Madrid, Surigao del Sur P1.5 million, and Nuevo Campo Development Cooperative in San Benito, Surigao del Norte got 612,500.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr.,thank Senator Marcos for her support of the Department’s efforts through Kadiwa mainly to assist communitybased organizations in operating their Kadiwa stores sustainably by providing them with additional funding.

“Through the Kadiwa initiatives, we are empowering our farmers and fisherfolk groups to become more dependable food commodity suppliers to consumers. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we are doubling our efforts to ensure that the food supply and the food prices are within everyone’s reach., “said Director Oñate.

Ronald S. Malaque, the chairperson of Magsaysay MultiPurpose Cooperative said that they will use it as working capital and to purchase a delivery

truck so that they can easily consolidate the local produce of their community’s farmers.

LGUs. Since its implementation in 2020, a total of 30 FCAs and 4 LGUs benefited from the On the other hand, Kadiwa financial grant Sta. Monica Municipal assistance with an Agriculturist Louie Ville equivalent amount Lerona said that they will of P26.5 million under be assisting two FCA’s in the Bayanihan Act of their municipality and led 2020 (I & II), General them to become Kadiwa Appropriations Act 2021, partners. He also added and 2021 fund by the that they will conduct office of Senator Imee monthly monitoring to Marcos. ensure the sustainability of the program.

Also present during the turnover are Regional To ensure sustainability, Agriculture and Fishery DA-Caraga AMAD Council Chairperson Chief Lynn A. Pareñas Christopher Lindo said that the agency and Surigao del Norte will conduct an Provincial Agriculturist assessment with regard Ruby Ann Lagahit. (Rhea to the implementation C. Abao, DA-Caraga in coordination with the RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

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DA Caraga Eyed Progress on the Fight Against ASF

Despite the challenges in the fight against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga sees a light of hope at an end of the tunnel.

Dr. Apple Jaromahum, ASF focal person of DACaraga said that the strong cooperation of OneDA family, local government units, and the public has started to pay off.

“Here in our region, we are already experiencing progress against the fight of ASF because some of the affected areas are in recovery and on repopulation stage,” she

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said.

According to Jaromahum, affected raisers from previous areas had undergone training on bio-security measures and upgrade of hog raising techniques to level-up management practices.

Caraga region has been hit by the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus since November 2020 which greatly affected the local swine industry.

Initial case was first reported in Cortes, Surigao del Sur, followed

by Loreto in Agusan del Sur, and San Miguel also

in Surigao del Sur, and eventually affected other areas in the region.

Jekem Sanchez, livestock program coordinator said as of July 2022, there are still areas which are under monitoring.

“Based on the latest record, the remaining green zone areas or no confirmed case are the three main inland in the region, the Province of Dinagat Islands, Siargao Island, and Socorro in Surigao del Norte,” Sanchez bared.

Nevertheless, DA and other concerned agencies continue to

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

strengthen strategies to fight the ASF virus.

In April 2022, the Municipalities of Cortes, San Miguel in Surigao del Sur, and Loreto in Agusan del Sur were declared ASF-free by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) after undergoing stringent measures of fighting off the virus and successfully fielded sentinel pigs on previously affected areas.

“Sentinel pigs are experimental in nature, wherein a previously affected area will be fielded with sentinel pigs for 40 days. After which, if the pigs do not manifest any infection based on laboratory results, then it would lead to the ASF-Free declaration by BAI which Cortez, Loreto, and San Miguel towns had qualified,” Dr. Jaromahum said.

An ASF-free declared area will be given a go signal for repopulation which means residents can raise swine but strictly follow the protocols on biosecurity measures to avoid reemerging of the disease.

Marcos M. Quico, Provincial Agriculturist of Surigao del Sur is happy with the development in Cortez and San Miguel towns.

“This was the result of the cooperation extended by the residents on the stringent measures being implemented by their respective LGUs on following the protocol in the fight against the virus, to prevent the incessant spread of the virus to neighboring areas,” Quico said.

Under the hog repopulation program, DA-Caraga targeted 180 sentinel pigs to be distributed in the entire region this year.

On July 7, 2022, DACaraga headed by Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. distributed 13 sentinel pigs in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. The distribution will continue to the farmerbeneficiaries in areas with no more confirmed cases.

Likewise, Dr. Jaromahum DA together with the is encouraging Local Government Units backyard and (LGUs), Bureau of Animal commercial hog raisers Industry (BAI) Caraga, to have their animal and National Meat stocks insured with Inspection Service (NMIS) the Philippine Crop Caraga, continues its Insurance Corporation efforts to control the (PCIC) to avail of spread by installing insurance coverage quarantine checkpoints from the agency. at entry and exit points.

She assures the DA also implemented public that it is safe Bantay ASF sa Barangay to consume pork and (Babay ASF) Program pork products as long which activates a as the hogs passed Biosecurity Officer that through the proper extends technical process of slaughtering assistance including and preparation and disease monitoring, are certified by NMIS. surveillance, and control (Lovely Joy L. Saludez & among commercial and Aurelius Parido Arais, DAbackyard piggeries.

Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

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Primary Care Provider Network Ordinance sa Butuan City, aprobado na

Provider Network ug 12 catchment barangays, Sumilihon Primary Care Provider Network nga may 9 catchment barangays ug ang Doongan Primary Care Provider Network nga dunay 7 catchment barangays.

Ang matag primary care provider network dunay komposisyon nga catchment barangays, main health center nga nahimutang sa nasangpit nga mga barangay ug dunay Barangay Health Stations o BHS.

Aprobado na ni Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada ang SP Ordinance no. 66172022 o ang ordinansa nga nag amyenda sa SP Ordinance no. 38862012 o mas naila nga Highly Urbanized Local Health Zone ug ang Integrated Barangay Health Zone Ordinance sa Butuan City nga gipangamahanan ni City Councilor Cherry May Busa kauban ang tibook pwersa sa 15th Sangguniang

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Panlungsod.

nang pito ang primary care provider network Sa section 1 sa ordinansa sa syudad sa Butuan nakalatid ang pag usab nga gilangkuban sa: niini aron sa pagmugna Obrero Primary Care og primary care provider Provider Network ug 14 network sa Butuan City, catchment barangays, pag-ila sa mekanismo, Ampayon Primary Care pagdumala sa struktura Provider Network ug 16 ug mga gimbuhaton catchment barangays, ug responsibilidad Libertad Primary Care aron mahatag Provider Network ang nag-unang ug 17 catchment panginahanglanon sa barangays, Bilay katawhan.

Primary Care Provider Network nga dunay 11 Sa pag amyenda sa catchment barangays, ordinansa mamahimo Dulag Primary Care Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

Samtang ang Butuan Medical Center isip Government tertiary hospital ug Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC) capable facility mamahimong end-referral hospital sa pito ka primary care provider network sa Butuan City ug matag catchment barangay health stations.

Ang pagmugna sa ordinansa nagpasabot nga mawala na ang mga Integrated Barangay Health Zone

ug Inter-Barangay Health Zone kini tungod mas gipalawman ug gisiguro nga mahatag ang insaktong medical atensyon sa katawhan ug ang pagpalambo sa primary care facility asa usa sa kinahanglan aron ang network services ug referral system mamahimo nang mapatuman ug masigurong maka cater og daghang pasyente.

Ang mga pasilidad sa primary care mandatory ang paghatag sa serbisyo sama sa

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consultation, minor surgeries ug ancillary services sama sa birthing, laboratory, pharmacy ug ambulance services sa 20,000 population.

Dekada nang dunay tulo lamang ka main health center ang Butuan City hinungdan gihingusgan ni Mayor Lagnada nga madugangan kini ug mas gipalambo aron madawat sa katawhan ang quality health care services. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte) #BravoButuan

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Mga frontline workers mula sa iba’tibang sektor nagkaisang matuto ng Basic Sign Language

PWDs at maintindihan ang kanilang mga hinaing o reklamo, at nang hindi na rin kami kukuha pa ng social worker na marunong mag-sign language,” ani ni Farol.

Mas epektibo rin para kay Bryan Ramon, House Parent II ng DSWDRehabilitation Center for Youth sa Agusan del Sur ang kanyang kaalaman sa sign language dahil mas napapalapit ang loob ng kanilang mga kleyenteng may kapansanan dahil madali itong nakakapag-usap sa kanila.

Sa layong mas matugunan ang pangangailan ng mga Persons with Disabilities (PWD) o taong may kapansanan, nagkaisa ang mga frontline workers mula sa iba’t-ibang sektor sa caraga region para matuto ng Basic Sign Language.

Ito ay sa tulong ng Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) na pinangungunahan ng Department of Social Welfare and

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Development (DSWD) Caraga.

tuwing may mga kleyente silang pepe at bingi, umaasa lamang sila sa Para kay Police tulong ng social worker Lieutenant Colonel Marife upang makuha ang mga Farol, Assistant Regional detalye at impormasyon Community Affairs and dahil na rin sa kakulangan Development Division at ng kaalaman sa sign focal person for PWDs ng language.

Police Regional Office-13, isang oportunidad ang “Sa katunayan, may makalahok sa ganitong plano na kaming pagsasanay na malaking magsagawa ng Basic tulong sa kapulisan lalo Sign Language para sa na sa mga imbestigador aming mga imbestigador na siyang humahawak nang sa ganoon ay ng kaso ng mga PWD. agad kaming makapagAyon kay Major Farol, sa communicate sa mga Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

“Talagang malaking tulong ang basic sign language sa amin dahil marami kaming nahahandle na mga batang may kapansanan - yung deaf at mute, at mas madali na rin kaming makapag-usap maging sa mga kakilala naming

PWDs,” pahayag ni Ramon.

Ayon naman kay Darrylie Molina, Special Education (SPED) Teacher, na siyang naging resource person sa nasabing training, mas magiging maayos at payapa ang komunidad kung ang lahat ng sektor ay marunong ng basic sign language at mas magiging makabuluhan din ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno para sa mga PWDs. “Dahil nais nating ipatupad ang isang inclusive development para sa lahat, kaya mas mabuti ring may alam tayo kahit sa basic sign language para alam din nating kung paano matugunan ang special needs o pangangailangan ng mga taong may kapansanan,” banggit ni Molina.

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

Samantala, hinikayat din ni Elsa Jamora, Project Development III at Sectoral Unit Head ng DSWD Caraga ang mga partisipante na ibahagi ang kanilang natutunan sa iba at maging epektibo sa paganap ng kanilang tungkulin bilang frontline workers.

“Umaasa tayo na mas makatulong tayo sa ating mga PWDs sa pagpromote ng kanilang kapakanan at Karapatan lalo na ngayong mas mapapadali na ang ating komunikasyon dahil alam na natin ang basic sign language,” ani ni Jamora.

Parte ng ika-44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week celebration ang isinagawang Basic Sign Language Training. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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LGU-Talacogon supports eco-tourism, livelihood projects for reservists The local government unit of Talacogon, this province, expressed support for the establishment of cooperatives and livelihood programs which the reserve force will benefit.

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Lieutenant Colonel Ma. Teresa P. Baylon, Battalion Commander of the 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (1502 RRIBn), thanked the LGU-Talacogon for supporting the company’s proposed cooperatives and livelihood programs within the area donated by the municipal government for their Eco-Tourism Project, from which the reservists will greatly benefit.

This was learned during the recently conducted mustering of troops held at the Tennis Court of Barangay San Agustin, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, by the Headquarters Company of 1502 RRIBn under

the leadership of its Company Commander, Captain Jesryl E. Masendo, Philippine Army (Reserve), who was ably represented by 1st Lieutenant Marjun P Ursos, Operations Officer, 1502 RRIBn. According to 1Lt Ursos, this activity was conducted to monitor their readiness, boost their morale, and enhance their knowledge through Troops Information and Education.

The activity started with Basic Drills followed by

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

a lecture on military orientation particularly on Reservist and Retiree Affairs and its Legal Basis, Military Organization, Philippine Military History, AFP Core Values, Military Courtesy and Discipline, Military Justice, and Military Leadership by organic personnel of 1502 Community Defense Center, 15thRegional Community Defense Group (15RCDG), Reserve Command (RESCOM), Philippine Army (PA).

(2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Executive Officer, 1502 CDC, 15RCDG/ PIAAgusan del Sur)

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Bravo Company, 1502RRIBn conducts mustering of troops

DTI AgNor records 20% reduction in consumer complaints in the first semester of 2022 The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte noted a 20% reduction of consumer complaints resolved through mediation for the first semester of 2022.

The Bravo Company, 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (1502 RRIBn) under the leadership of its Company Commander, Second Lieutenant Joseph Archel B. Otic, Philippine Army (Reserve) with the presence of First Lieutenant Marjun P Ursos, Operations Officer, 1502 RRIBn, conducted mustering of troops held on July 16, 2022 at the Multipurpose Hall, 1502 CDC, Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this province.

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The activity aims to monitor the troops’ readiness, boost their morale and enhance their knowledge through Information and Education.

The activity started with Basic Drills followed by a lecture on weapons particularly on Caliber 5.56mm R4A3, Caliber 5.56mm M16A1 Rifle and Cal. 45 by a guest lecturer from Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office,

Police Senior Master Seargent Jhon Dale P. Ravelo.

Meanwhile, the organic personnel of the 1502nd Community Defense Center led by its Director, Major Jerome G. Waclin (Infantry) Philippine Army, awarded Letter of Commendations to the troops involved during their participation to Community Services for the month of July 2022.

(2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Executive Officer, 1502 CDC/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

There were eight mediated consumer complaints from January to June as against 10 consumer complaints processed for the same period last year. These complaints were mediated within the prescribed timeline of 10 days from receipt of the complaint, achieving 100% complaints resolution rate. Violations involved were mostly in the Breach of Warranty followed by deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts or practices.

Aside from consumer complaints resolved through mediation, 33 other consumer complaints and concerns were addressed through facilitation and referrals.

The continuous campaign of DTI to set up more Consumer Welfare Desks in stores has contributed to its reduction. Some complaints no longer

reached DTI for assistance but were resolved by Consumer Welfare Desk Officers at the store level.

A slight reduction of 0.86% was observed for consumer complaints received by Consumer Welfare Desk in select business establishments.

Consumer Welfare Desk Officers handled a total of 2,862 consumer complaints in the first semester of this year compared to the 2,887 consumer complaints received for the same period last year. The top violation for the complaint involve breach of warranty.

business establishments to become more consumerfriendly and compliant to consumer protection laws. Towards this pursuit, DTI includes setting up of Consumer Welfare Desk in selected retail stores with products and services are under DTI’s jurisdiction.

In addition, engagement with the Bagwis Award Program, participation to relevant training programs, and provision of consumerism information and updates to Consumer Welfare Desk Officers and Bagwis Awardees through digital channels are among the initiatives and the As part of broadening the subject of the advocacy consumer welfare and campaigns of the agency. awareness, DTI continuously (DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA capacitates Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

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4 high-powered firearms, IED recovered in Agusan del Norte

Following a tip-off from the residents of Sitio Inayao, Brgy Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, the troops of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion, under the supervision of the 901st Infantry “Fight ‘Em” Brigade, discovered an arms cache of the Sentro de Grabidad 16 (SDG16), Guerilla Front 16 (GF16), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on the evening of July 20, 2022.

Col. Jason M. Saldua,

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Commanding Officer of 29IB, said that a concerned civilian reported the presence of armed men of the communist terrorist group (CTG) who were periodically extorting and demanding all kinds of supplies from the residents of Sitio Inayao, Brgy Bangonay, Jabonga.

After validating the veracity of the report, the troops of 29IB immediately launched a combat operation

that upon reaching the area, they were able to discover a newly abandoned encampment of the terrorists. Utilizing the capability of the K9 unit during the conduct of search and clearing operation, the troops were able to discover a CTG’s arms cache containing numerous High Powered Firearms and explosives. Among the materiel that were recovered are one (1) AK47 Rifle ; one (1) M4 Carbine Rifle; one Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

(1) M16 Rifle; one (1) Bushmaster Rifle with two (2) magazines; 30 meters of firing wire gauge # 22; and one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

arms cache will weaken the CTG’s activities to spread conflict, disunion and abolition of peace in the province of Agusan del Norte.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the peace-loving residents of Sitio Inayao for tipping us the location of the terrorists and the activities that they are doing in the area,” Col Saldua said.

“Rest assured that with your support, we can together put an end to the long-term terroristic activities of the Communist Terrorists Group in the province,” Col Saldua added.

He added that with the residents active support and participation, they were able to immediately respond to the reports and were able to discover the CTGs’ arm cache as the discovery of the said

Similarly, Colonel Saldua reiterated the call to the remaining members of the CTG who are still hiding in the hinterlands to return to the mainstream of the society and stop wasting their lives on a misguided ideology that

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

will eventually result to their demise.

“You still have time to heed the call of reconciliation, return to the folds of the law and go back to the mainstream of society. The 29IB, together with the local government units through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), will assist and help them to start anew.

Take the chance to start a peaceful and harmonious life with your family and loved ones,” Col Saldua said.

(2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova QMS) PA, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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LGU Nasipit giila ang mga topnotchers, achievers Recognition International Competition o Outstanding in Fields of Human Endeavor Gold Medalist/sP15,000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition Silver Medalist/s – P10,000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition Bronze Medalist/sP5,000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition

Gi-institutionalize karon sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Nasipit, Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa Municipal Ordinance No. 11-2022 ang paghatag og recognition ug insentibo sa mga Nasipitnon nga mga topnotchers sa national board o bar examinations, giila nga mga achievers sa nasyonal ug internasyonal nga kompetisyon ug giila sanatad sa tawhanong pagpaningkamot.

Examination Topnotchers

Top 1- P15, 000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition Top (2) up to Five (5) – P10, 000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition Top (3) up to Ten (10) – P5, 000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition Sa mga mananaog sa National Competition ug Outstanding in Fields of Human Endeavor (Solo o Grupo) Gold Medalist/sP10,000.00 ug Plaque of Recognition Ubos sa maong ordinansa Silver Medalist/s – mao ang mga mosunod P7,000.00 ug Plaque of nga mga insentibo nga Recognition madawat: Bronze Medalist/sPara sa Bar ug Board P5,000.00 ug Plaque of

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Ang pag-ila ug paghatag og insentibo sa mga Nasipitnon usa ka paagi sa pagdasig kanila sa pagpaningkamot alang sa mas taas nga kadaugan.

Gi-aprobahan ang maong ordinansa pinaagi sa pagdeklarang balido kini sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan ubos sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 009-2022 sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member James T. Reserva, chairman sa Committee on Laws, Ethics and Good Government atoll sa 2nd sesyon regular sa SP. (SVdeligero, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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AgNor Bise Gob. Corvera gipangunahan ang Inaugural Session sa 19th SP of Procedures uban sa pipila ka mga kausaban gikan sa 18th SP o sa miaging konseho.

Opisyal nang nangulo ang balikBise Gobernador nga si Enrico R. Corvera sa unang sesyon sa 19th Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga gipahigayon sa SP Session Hall, Capitol, Butuan City sa adlawng Martes, Hulyo 12, 2022.

Aktibo nga mitambong ang mga Provincial Board Members nga sila Nieva C. Famador, Ryan Jade D. Lim, Rodulfo A.

Corvera

Pitogo, Erwin L. Dano, James T. Reserva, Dick Victor B. Carmona, Francisco Y. Chan Jr., Benjamin D. Lim Jr., Larry F. Bautista, IPMR Randy P. Catarman ug SK Federation President Board Member Keefe Blue R. Leonar sa gipahigayon nga Inaugural Session.

Gisugdan sa mga bagong lingkod nga mga opisyales ang gi-adopt niini nga Internal Rules

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Atol sa Inaugural Session, adunay 57 kabuok First Reading ang nakalatid sa Agenda, 1 ka inclusion ug 6 niini ang na aprobahan.

Lakip sa agenda sa Inaugural session nga naaprobahan mao ang Adoption of Internal Rules of Procedure ug Election of Officers and Standing committee chairmanships among others.

Sa maong sesyon, gipili nga Majority Floor Leader si Hon. Nieva C. Famador isip hulip kang kanhi Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo nga sa susamang adlawa gideklara ng Provincial Administrator sa Agusan del Norte. (SVdeligero, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Bag-ong mga Lideres sa probinsya milingkod na

Pormal nang milingkod ang mga bag-ong lideres sa probinsya sa pagpanguna ni Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, ViceGovernor Enrico R. Corvera, Provincial Board Members ug mitambong sa First Flag Raising gikan sa nasinati nga pandemya kaniadtong Lunes, Hulyo 4, 2022.

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nga kabag-ohan aron masiguro ang mas hapsay nga implementasyon ug matutukan ang nag unang panginahanglanon ug panginabuhian sa katawhan sa Agusan del Norte.

Sa iyang mensahe atol sa hamubo nga programa sa capitol lobby, padayong gipaabot ni Gov. Angel sa tanang trabahante sa patas ug saktong pagpanerbisyo sa katawhan aron mahatag niini ang kalidad nga serbisyo sa mga Agusanon.

“Maangkon nato ang kalamboan ug kadaogan sa probinsya kung ipatigbabaw nato ang pagsuporta ug pagtinabangay sa matag usa,” mao kini ang hagit ni Gov. Angel Amante sa atubangan ni Vice-Governor Enrico R. Corvera uban ang mga Provincial Board Members, mga hepe ug mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo.

Gipadayag usab niya ang padayong pagsuporta sa mga programa sa AGUSAN UP pero adunay gamay

Dugang pa, makalaom usab ang mga empleyado sa kapitolyo nga maangkon ang saktong mga

prebilihiyo ug benipisyo isip pahalipay sa tinuoray nga pagpanerbisyo sa katawhan.

Mahinumduman nga pormal nang gidawat ni Gobernador Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante ang responsibilidad isip bag-ong gobernador ning probinsya kaniadtong Hulyo, 1, 2022 sa Oazis Hotel, Butuan City sa pagtunol ni Congressman Dale B. Corvera.

Gitapos ang maong programa pinaagi sa Closing Remarks ni Provincial ViceGovernor Corvera nga nag unod sa paghatag og dakong suporta sa tanang aktibidades nga ipatuman sa lokal nga panggamhanan.

(SVdeligero, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

114 former rebels nakatanggap ng tulong pinansyal at kaalaman para sa pagsisiumla ng bagong buhay Iba’t ibang assistance mula sa gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP ang natanggap ng 114 former rebels sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte na naglalayong magamit sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay kasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay.

sa pagbabagong buhay ng mga former rebels na mapayapa upang hindi na maranasan ang kahirapan noong sila ay myembro pa ng Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPPNPA).

Ayon din kay Department of the Interior and Local Governmnet (DILG) Si Inday, kasama ang Agusan del Norte kanyang asawa nang Provincial Director Ellen sumuko sa 23rd Infantry Vee Chua, umabot Battalion, Philippine sa mahigit sampung Army nais gamitin ang milyon o P10.7 million kanilang natanggap ang naibigay sa 114 na financial assistance former rebels, sapat at kaalaman para sa Sa kanyang pagsuko, na financial upang kanilang kabuhayan. ayon din kay alyas makapagsimulang Maymay, natupad ang muli, dala-dala din Nananawagan din matagal na nyang ang kaalaman mula siya kay pangulong ambisyong maging isang sa kanilang mga Bongbong Marcos na tunay na sundalo ng trainings na handog ng sana ay ipagpatuloy ang mga Filipino. Si Maymay TESDA upang tuluyan nasimulan ni pangulong ay isa nang myembro ng makapagbagong Duterte para sa ng Philippine Army sa buhay. (NCLM/PIA pagbibigay ng attention ngayon.

Agusan del Norte) Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

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DBM, DILG mosusi sa devolution plan sa LGUs mga LGUs modesinyo sa ilang DTPs basi sa National Government Agencies (NGAs) nga DTP, gisusi ug giaprobahan sa DBM.

Sa karun, adunay duha ka NGAs nga giaprobahan ang DTP sa DBM, usa niini ang POPCOM.

Ang Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ug ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), isip chairperson ug vicechairperson sa Regional Devolution Transition Committee, matinahuron nga modumala ug mosubay sa preparasyon ug implementasyon sa Local Government Units (LGUs) Devolution and Transition Plans (DTP) per Executive Order (EO) 138 ug ang IRR niini.

Ang tanan nga probinsiya, syudad,

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munisipyo, ug barangay mangandam sa ilang tagsa-tagsa na DTPs subay sa Executive Order (EO) No. 138.

Kini mamahimung reperensiya sa pagpatuman na mapalig-on ang organisasyonal nga paningkamot ug mapalambo ang institusyonal na mga kapasidad sa umaabot nga tulo ka tuig ug masubay ang paguswag sa transisyon padulong sa bug-os nga pangagpas sa pagtugyan sa mga responsibilidad. Ang

Ang pagpangandam sa LGU DTP pagabuhaton sa suod na koordinasyon uban sa mga hingtundan nga NGAs sama sa Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM).

Ang pagmonitor ug pagtasa sa mga LGUs giyahan sa DBM, DILG ug ang hingtundan na NGAs. Kini moagi og inisyal na ebalwasyon alang sa kinatibukang pagsunod, lawom nga ebalwasyon sa strategic ug functional shifts ug ebalwasyon sa Organization for Energy Planning (OEP) una pa ang pagtugot. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

POPCOM Caraga isaulog ang Population Day Ang Commission on Population and Development Caraga ginpasigarbo ang mga Filipino maoy nag-unang bahandi sa nasud alang sa kalambuan atoll sa paghandom sa World Population Day (WPD) karun Hunyo 11, 2022 nga adunay lokal nga tema “100 Milyong Solusyon: Tungo sa pagkamit ng Potensyal ng Bawat Pilipno.”

Ang selebrasyon sa WPD karun tuiga, gitumong ang pagtapok ug i-tap ang potensyal sa mga Filipino nga mamahimong makatabang sa pagkab-ot sa United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal.

Kabahin sa selebrayon sa WPD, ang POPCOM Caraga nga gipangunahan ni Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano, magpahigayon og mga kalihokan sama sa pagkampanya sa komunikasyon sa lain-

Makinano / File photo

lain na Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) nga e-consider ang pagambit sa ilang official/ personal Facebook account FB posts sa POPCOM Central / Regional Office mahitungod sa WPD na selebrasyon, ug ang pagsab-it og streamers nga adunay logo ug tema sa ilang mga opisina nga nagsunod sa

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

gihatag na template.

Ang POPCOM Caraga naglaum nga pinaagi niining selebrasyon, ang tanan magkahiusa para maaksyonan ug maayo ang hagit sa panahon ug mapadayon ang pagpalambo sa kinabuhi sa kada pamilya sa mga Filipino. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

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SurSur Coop avails P1.5M grants from DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa

Development Cooperative in San Benito, Surigao del Norte got P612,500.00.

The grants given by the DA accordingly were under the DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program through the efforts of Senator Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., thanks Senator Marcos for her support of the Department’s efforts

The Magsaysay Multipurpose Cooperative in Madrid received the financial assistance worth Php1.5 Million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) on July 19, 2022, in Butuan City.

purchase a delivery truck so that they can easily consolidate the local produce of their farmers.

The financial assistance is part of the Php9.9 Million financial grants in the region to the qualified farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations.

Based on the report, four Ronald S. Malaque, (4) Local Government the chairperson of Units in the province Magsaysay Multi-Purpose of Surigao del Norte Cooperative, expressed received the assistance: his gratitude. He stated • LGU-Burgos that they will use it as P987,000.00; working capital and to • LGU-Pilar - P1.5

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through Kadiwa mainly to assist communitybased organizations in operating their Kadiwa stores sustainably by providing them with additional funding.

“Through Kadiwa initiatives, we are empowering our farmers and fisherfolk groups to become more dependable food commodity suppliers to consumers. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we are doubling our efforts to ensure that

the food supply and the food prices are within everyone’s reach, “said Director Oñate.

Since its implementation in 2020, a total of 30 FCAs and 4 LGUs benefited from the Kadiwa financial grant assistance with an equivalent amount of P26.5 million under the Bayanihan Act of 2020 (I & II), General Appropriations Act 2021, and 2021 fund by the office of Senator Marcos.

(NGPB/DA-Caraga/PIASurigao del Sur)

Million; • LGU-Sta. Monica P4 million; and • LGU-Placer P300,000.00.

Meanwhile, three Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) also received their share namely: • Magsaysay MultiPurpose Cooperative in Madrid, Surigao del Sur P1.5 million; • Kangyat Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur got P1 million; and • Nuevo Campo

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

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Solon wants budget for Mindanao hiked by P286 billion

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez

MINDANAO NEWS

A lawmaker on Tuesday urged the national government to increase the allocation for Mindanao in next year’s national budget by at least 5 percent or by PHP286 billion to promote growth and development in the island region.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the proposed budget augmentation should be included in the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday.

Rodriguez noted Mindanao was allocated only 13 percent or roughly PHP650 billion in this year’s national budget.

Rodriguez argued that Mindanao is entitled to

more funds because based on the 2020 census, it has 26.3 million population, or 24 percent of the country’s population of 109.6 million.

He said the region contributes 17 percent of the nation’s yearly total output of products and services.

“If our island receives 5 percent more next year, or 18 percent of a possible PHP5.2-trillion budget, our total allocation would come up to PHP936 billion, or an additional PHP286 billion.

That would go a long way in helping our people and developing our region,” he said.

He said Marcos could likewise include in his first SONA the following projects

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

for Mindanao: immediate funding for the PHP83-billion, 102-kilometer first phase (Tagum-Davao City-Digos) of the planned 1st phase of the Mindanao railway; faster implementation of programs for coconut farmers under the Coconut Trust Fund Law; completion of the rehabilitation of Marawi City; and final peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army for lasting peace in Mindanao.

To further speed up the island’s development, he suggested that the President transfer the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to Mindanao, as well as appoint the secretaries of the two departments from qualified Mindanao professionals.

“The heads of these agencies will have their hands full in growing and exploring the farming and natural resources sectors, including minerals, in our island. However, the President should ban the highly destructive openpit mining,” he said. (PNA/ Filane Mikee Cervantes)

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MinDA to put up 12 more seaweed dryer facilities in Tawi-Tawi To further improve the state of seaweed farming in Tawi-Tawi, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has vowed to provide 12 more drying facilities in the municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai.

On Monday, MinDA announced to have met with Tawi-Tawi provincial government officials and local chief executives of Sibutu and Sitangkai to discuss the additional units of seaweed dryers with funding support from the “Renewable Energy Technologies to Increase the Value-Added of Seaweeds in Tawi-Tawi (RETS) Project.

The RETS project is funded by the European Union under the Access to Sustainable Energy Program.

MinDA said the additional facilities will be shaped after the dome-type solarassisted seaweed dryer developed by the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography.

Its developers said the dryers will hasten the drying period by 50 percent which will only take up around 2-3 days.

As a result, the farmers can sell the improved quality raw dried seaweeds as the dryer could continually dry even during rainy or cloudy days.

MinDA Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta has emphasized

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MORE DRYERS. The Mindanao Development Authority says Monday (July 18, 2022) that 12 more solar-assisted dryer units will be put up in the municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai to assist the seaweed farming communities in Tawi-Tawi. The dryer units will be based on the design developed by the Mindanao State University based in the island-province.

(Photo from MSU-Tawi-Tawi)

the need to support the communities of Tawi-Tawi in their seaweed production to help strengthen the economy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“This will help the seaweed farmers as they can now sell semi-processed seaweed products instead of raw materials which have a lower value. With the help of the facility, the farmers can produce quality products which can be exported to the European countries and our neighboring Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” Sunga-Acosta said.

Earlier this year, Sunga-Acosta also bared that the 600-kilowatt (kW) solar project in Sibutu town is set to operate by November

2022.

The solar power project in the municipality aims to strengthen the economic activity, especially in the seaweed farming communities of the area.

She said the project would lead to the establishment of more processing facilities as it will reduce the expenses of the farmers and improve their income.

According to the Philippine Rural Development Program, seaweeds are now a priority commodity in Tawi-Tawi. Based on the value chain analysis, the province has a total seaweed production of 294,595 metric tons per year. (PNA/Christine Cudis)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

NATIONAL NEWS

PBBM: Intensify preps, planning for in-person classes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) and other relevant agencies to come up with the necessary preparations and planning for the opening of face-to-face classes this year.

The order was designed to address issues that might arise relative to the return to school of millions of students around the country for the coming school year 20222023.

In a Cabinet meeting in Malacañang, Marcos asked Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on plans by DepEd to address several challenges such as the availability of classrooms, teachers, and other concerns.

“Ang gawin na lang natin [ay] i-identify saan ‘yung areas na magbe-blended learning para maka-focus tayo. Ihanda ‘yung mga devices at mga kailangan nila na noong pandemic hindi nasu-supply-an sa mga bata,” Marcos said.

“We continue with blended learning pero in very specific places lamang. As much as possible, face-to-face na

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talaga,” the chief executive added.

This came after the issue on whether DepEd should do away with blended learning beyond Oct. 31 was raised during the meeting, considering the challenges that the department is facing.

Based on the recent DepEd order, blended learning shall no longer be implemented beyond Oct. 31, as the department adopts a policy seeking the full implementation of the fiveday in-person classes.

Other issues mentioned by the President include internet connectivity and the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, which is driven by the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus.

He was concerned that

those issues might affect the implementation of in-person learning, but was he was nevertheless determined to proceed with the plan.

During the same Cabinet meeting, the President directed concerned agencies to rebuild and repair school buildings destroyed by Typhoon Odette last year.

Marcos said the government will be forced to continue carrying out blended learning if major concerns are not addressed, suggesting, however, that the scheme could be done in some areas.

The education secretary told the President that DepEd will prepare a plan on what to do beyond Oct. 31.

Citing a recent survey, Duterte said majority of the respondents favored in-person classes for the country’s learners. (PND)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

At least 1.3-M beneficiaries under 4Ps no longer considered ‘poor’ – DSWD The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is validating the list of 1.3 million beneficiaries from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who are no longer considered “poor”, Press Secretary Trixie CruzAngeles said on Tuesday.

Angeles said DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo made the report before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 3rd Cabinet Meeting held in the Aguinaldo Hall in Malacañang Palace.

“Of note is Sec. Erwin Tulfo’s declaration that in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, at least 1.3 million beneficiaries out of 4.4 million are no longer considered ‘poor’ as a qualification for the 4Ps benefits,” Angeles said.

“This frees up P15B for other qualified persons to replace them and now be included in the 4Ps program,” the Press Secretary added.

The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional

cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18.

gender equality, in reducing child mortality, and in improving maternal health care.

The 4Ps also helps the Philippine government fulfill its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)—specifically in eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, in achieving universal primary education, in promoting

During the Cabinet meeting, the Department of Education (DepEd) discussed its Priority Programs and Projects for Basic Education while the DSWD presented its own Programs and Projects for Social Welfare. (OPS)

The 4Ps operates in all It is patterned after the the 17 regions in the conditional cash transfer Philippines, covering 79 (CCT) schemes in Latin provinces, 143 cities, American and African and 1,484 municipalities. countries, which have Beneficiaries are selected lifted millions of people through the National around the world from Household Targeting poverty.

System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), The DSWD is the lead which identifies who and government agency of the where the poor are in the 4Ps. country.

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

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PBBM mulls pursuing G2G fertilizer deals

PBBM retains Covid Alert Level System for time being; eyes new health restrictions classification President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday agreed to retain the COVID-19 Alert Level System for time being even as he seeks to reclassify restrictions that are compatible with the current milder strains that afflict the patients.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his willingness to pursue government-togovernment (G2G) talks to address the increasing prices of fertilizers.

presyo. That’s the whole point of G2G,” he told agriculture officials during a meeting at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City.

The President asked agriculture officials to provide data on the source of and price of fertilizers, as well as the on the department’s distribution plan during the planting season.

Marcos, who concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the government could avail of cheaper fertilizers through the G2G deals.

The Chief Executive is looking into communicating with China, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Russia for the country’s procurement of fertilizers.

The chief executive decided to temporarily head DA, citing the need to urgently address the looming food crisis.

“Gusto tayong tulungan, gusto tayong lapitan, eh ‘di take advantage naman tayo, ‘di ba.

Sige bigyan niyo kami ng fertilizer na medyo maganda-ganda ang

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Marcos said the most pressing issues that need to be addressed “I’m thinking would it be in the agricultural sector useful for us if sulatan ko include increasing silang lahat… and I’ll say rice production and that we are in the market reorganizing the DA and to buy this volume of its attached agencies. fertilizer,” he said.

PND Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

This developed as health authorities said that they could come up with new alert level classification by mid-August.

Marcos said that the alert level could be adjusted or improved if people get their booster shots.

“To avoid confusion, we will retain the alert level system for now. We are however thinking, we are studying very closely, and we’ll come to a decision very soon as to decoupling the restrictions from the alert levels,” Marcos said during a meeting with Department of Health Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Vergeire said the DOH could come up with new classifications by the second week of August.

At the same time, she said midAugust is a suitable period to loosen up to allay fears of the medical community and give them time to make COVID-19 cases more manageable.

The health official said the country is currently experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases because of the highly contagious Omicron BA.5 variant.

Based on current projections, more relaxed compliance to minimum public health standards (MPHS) would result in a higher number of COVID-19 cases, Vergeire said, noting, however, that it is preventable.

With the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, the virus’ immune-escaping mechanism also increased. Experts project that if eligible individuals do not take the jabs, the country will witness increased hospitalizations by September, according to Vergeire.

“So that’s why we really wanted to capture all of this eligible population bago dumating

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

‘yung time na projection na sinasabing September,” she said.

The DOH is also reconstituting the member agencies of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to only those with relevant and intended functions.

Pending the reconstitution, Vergeire said they will streamline IATF meetings and processes with clear directives to assist in safe reopening and will be utilizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) platform.

The platform will replace the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) to integrate it with the regular processes.

This will allow the IATF health expert groups to continue their work as they serve as the voice of science in the country. (PND)

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PBBM wants farm-to-market road masterplan to promote food security

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wants the Department of Agriculture (DA) to come up with a farm-tomarket road (FMR) masterplan that will serve as a guide for the government in its bid to promote food security and empower rural communities.

In a meeting at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City on Monday, Marcos, who concurrently heads the DA, told agriculture officials that the masterplan should include regional maps detailing the exact locations of the farm-to-market roads to be constructed.

The masterplan must be studied thoroughly by the department and must be presented to the country’s economic managers, stressed Marcos.

“Kung sabihin nila saan ba ang areas na talagang kailangan nating buksan? We will go to Public Works. And also, what are the areas that we really want to open, that really need

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the FMR? Iyon ang unahin natin,” he said.

The plan should also include funding source, payment terms, as well as the time frame for project completion, he added.

The President also wants official development assistancefunded (ODA) projects to be constructed in priority areas identified by the government.

For state-funded FMR projects, he insisted that the DA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should take charge of the implementation.

The President also pointed out that the government must prioritize areas with active agricultural production to address supply chain concerns.

“FMR is the first step to solve some of the supply chain problem. So unahin muna natin ‘yung nagpo-produce,” he said.

It was also suggested that agricultural infrastructure should

be climate-change resistant such as projects that are not prone to landslides and other calamities.

The chief executive added that the process of streamlining the functions of DA continues, as part of efforts to bring a tighter focus on its mandate.

“Siguro naman you have been hearing the new term now is ‘rightsize’. So that’s also something that we are going to have to discuss. That we have to rightsize the DA,” Marcos told officials.

Marcos earlier cited the need to rightsize government functions and streamline the bureaucracy to promote efficiency in public sector management.

“I have asked all of the department secretaries to do the same thing for their departments. So seeing as I am now holding the portfolio of Secretary of Agriculture, we also have to do it in our department,” he added.

(PND)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

Over 1.1M Pinoys receive 2nd booster shot vs. Covid-19 More than 1.1 million healthcare workers, senior citizens, immunocompromised and persons with comorbidities have received their second booster of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine.

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday about 71.4 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of July 19. Of the tally, more than 9.6 million are adolescents and 3.9 million are children.

About 15.7 million have received their first booster shot.

“Sa darating po na July 26, kasama po ang ating Pangulong Marcos, atin pong opisyal na ilulunsad ang PinasLakas katuwang ang ating LGUs [local government units] at ibang stakeholders (On July 26, together with our President Marcos, we will officially launch PinasLakas with the help of our LGUs and other stakeholders),” Vergeire said in a media briefing.

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Rising positivity rate, daily cases ‘no cause for alarm’: OCTA The increase in positivity rate or the number of people who test positive for Covid-19 in select areas nationwide is not a cause for alarm, the OCTA Research Group said Tuesday.

In a televised public briefing, OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David said the National Capital Region, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Central Luzon and the Visayas have recorded increases in positivity rate and coronavirus cases.

In the past five consecutive days, the country has logged more than 2,000 new cases per day.

(PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)

She noted the DOH aims to vaccinate 90 percent of the target elderly population and to boost 50 percent of the target population during the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.

visits for their vaccination and booster shots.

She added the DOH will make vaccines more accessible and available in markets, places of worship, malls, transport terminals, offices, factories, plazas or schools.

As for the senior citizens who are unable to drop by the vaccination sites, the DOH will conduct home

To date, the country and all its regions remain under the low risk classification for Covid-19 despite the continued increase in Covid-19 cases.

Vergeire noted the National Capital Region showed the steepest increase with 900 new cases per day.

Meantime, a continued slow trend of case increase is observed in Mindanao.

(PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

David said that such figures are high but they “are not cause for alarm”.

“Although, mayroon na rin sa Pangasinan and sa La Union na nakikita natin na pagtaas ng cases at ng positivity rate; ganoon din sa Cagayan at sa Isabela. At iyon nga, nabanggit ko nga sa Western Visayas mostly sa Iloilo area.

Sa Central Luzon naman naka-center iyon sa (there is also positivity rate increase in Pangasinan and La Union, also in Cagayan and Isabela.

And like what I said in Western Visayas, mostly in Iloilo area. In Central Luzon, it’s centered in) Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac, then, most of Calabarzon, except maybe Quezon,” he said.

“Kung ikukumpara natin

(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

noong January, umabot tayo ng almost 40,000 cases in one day at last year noong Delta surge, umabot tayo ng (If we’ll compare last January, we reached almost 40,000 cases in one day last year during the Delta surge, we reached) more than 20,000 cases in a day,” he added.

If the cases or risks are high, the health care utilization rate is monitored and at this point, Guido said the HCUR remains low.

Earlier, the group noted that bed occupancy in NCR hospitals is at 30.7 percent -- lower than the 50 percent threshold for healthcare utilization.

When asked about the possibility of the cases already peaking in the NCR, David said it could already be starting as the region’s positivity rate has gone down to 12 percent (July 17) from 14 percent (July 15) which is the highest it has recorded recently.

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

“Ang ibig sabihin nito kung magtuluy-tuloy ‘to, baka pababa na iyong trend natin sa Metro Manila. Hindi pa sa buong bansa necessarily kasi may mga ibang regions pa na nagsisimula pa lang tumaas iyong bilang ng kaso, especially sa ibang bahagi ng Visayas at Mindanao at doon din sa mga mas malayong lugar sa Luzon (This means, if this continues, the case trend in NCR could be going down, but not necessarily nationwide because there are regions which are just starting to have increase in cases especially in the Visayas and Mindanao and far-flung areas in Luzon),” he said.

To keep the Covid-19 numbers low nationwide, David said Filipinos must continue to observe the minimum public health standards, get vaccinated and boosted, and undergo self-isolation when having symptoms to help prevent transmission of the virus. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

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PBBM meets with DOH execs on Covid-19 response

various government agencies who attended the meeting that aimed to discuss the projected rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.

File photo

a total of 14,640 new Covid-19 infections from July 11 to July 17, 2022, around 44 percent higher than the cases reported the previous week, according to the DOH. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (File photo)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday met with officials of the Department of Health (DOH) at Malacañan Palace to discuss the government’s Covid-19 response and possible changes in alert level classifications.

This, after the Marcos administration decided to retain the existing Covid-19 alert levels until the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) makes

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a recommendation to implement a new alert level system.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).”

Other officials present were DOH Assistant Secretary Charade Mercado-Grande of the DOH – Health Regulation Team and Bureau of Epidemiology Director Alethea de Guzman.

Currently, more than half of the Philippines, including Metro Manila, will stay under the most lenient Alert Level 1, pending the review of the alert level classifications.

In a Facebook post, Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) said Marcos met with DOH Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire “on matters concerning the

Presidential Management Staff Secretary Maria Zenaida Angping was also present during the meeting.

No other information was given as of posting time.

The Philippines logged

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

This translated to 2,091 daily average cases from July 11 to 17 from 1,467 from July 4 to July 10.

To date, 71,322,848 individuals or 91.32 percent of the government’s target population are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Meanwhile, individuals who had booster doses stand at 15,592,533.

Marcos, who recently recovered from his second bout with Covid-19, earlier urged the public to get their

booster shots to further enhance or restore protection that might have decreased over time after their first and second Covid-19 jabs.

During the meeting, the DOH presented data on the current uptrend in the number of cases, especially in the use of health care facilities and intensive care units across the country.

The DOH, one of the agencies under the NTF Covid-19, is finalizing a surge plan, which will be disseminated to all On Monday, Department hospitals to prepare them of National Defense for a possible spike.

(DND) Officer in Charge, Undersecretary Faustino also relayed Jose Faustino Jr. also to the members of the presided over the first task force a directive organizational briefing from the President to of the National Task intensify the distribution Force Against Covid-19 and administration of (NTF Covid-19) at the vaccines and booster Office of Civil Defense shots nationwide. headquarters.

“We cannot tell the virus to stop, so we should also not stop in anticipating what we can do to mitigate an increase in Covid-19 infections,” Faustino, who chairs the NTF Covid-19, told officials and representatives of

Caraga Infocus • July 16-22, 2022

He cautioned the public against becoming complacent during this pandemic and reiterated the importance of strictly complying with minimum safety and health protocols. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

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