Caraga InFocus –July 24-30, 2021

Volume V, No. 31 July 24-30, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS

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KAMPANYA LABAN MALNUTRISYON AT INSURHENSIYA SA CARAGA, TINALAKAY SA BUTUAN CITY

PROVINCIAL NEWS GREEN PROJECTS EYED IN SURIGAO NORTE 11 MORE LGU NORTE LGU BOOSTS VACCINE 12 SURIGAO ACCEPTANCE AMONG A2, YOUTH SURIGAO NORTE TURNS OVER SAFETY SEAL TO 13 DTI BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN SIARGAO ISLAND RESPONSE GROUP MOBILIZATION DRILL 14 DISASTER GIPAHIGAYON SA SURIGAO CITY POTTERY BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY OF 15 FISHERY, SURIGAO NORTE LGU CARAGA ENHANCES SOYBEAN FARMING, 16 DA PROCESSING IN AGSUR TOWN AGSUR CHIEF LEAVES HIGH-TIME 17 PNP ACCOMPLISHMENTS CARAGA CAPACITATES FARMERS TO BOOST SOYBEAN INDUSTRY 19 DA TURNS OVER EVACUATION CENTER IN SURSUR 20 DPWH TOWN NG ELCAC INFRA PROJECTS GINANAP SA SURSUR 21 GROUNDBREAKING 22 J&J VACCINE NADAWAT NA SA SURIGAO DEL SUR NG COVID-19 SA TANDAG BUMABA AYON 23 KASO SA CHO CARAGA EXTENDS SERVICES TO PERSONS 24 DA DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY HEALTH PLAN GIMANDO ALANG SA MGA 25 LDRRM OSPITAL, RHUS KALSADA GIPALAMBO SA EKONOMIKANHONG KALIHUKAN UG SOSYAL NGA 26 MGA SERBISYO SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

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MINDANAO NEWS

120 MARAWI FAMILIES FIND NEW HOMES 4 YEARS AFTER SIEGE MODERN UPLAND RICE FARMING IN MINDANAO TRIBAL DOMAINS

NATIONAL NEWS

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STATEMENT OF CORDS-X (REGION X-NORTHERN MINDANAO) AND PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE 2021 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

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PCOO ALL SET FOR SONA 2021, DUTERTE ADMIN TO REMAIN FOCUSED ON PANDEMIC RESPONSE IN LAST YEAR

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SECRETARY ANDANAR COMMENDS PANDEMIC, ANTI-INSURGENCY RESPONSE OF DSWD-10

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

SECRETARY ANDANAR DONATES NEW LAPTOP FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN SIARGAO BONG GO FILES SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING HIDILYN DIAZ FOR CLINCHING THE COUNTRY’S FIRST OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL; VOWS CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR ALL FILIPINO ATHLETES TYPHOON VICTIMS IN ARTECHE, EASTERN SAMAR RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM BONG GO’S TEAM

BONG GO SENDS AID TO THOUSANDS OF ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN BAROY, LANAO DEL NORTE; URGES THEM TO GET VACCINATED TO HELP COUNTRY REACH HERD IMMUNITY

GOVERNMENT TO INTENSIFY HUNGER MITIGATION INITIATIVES AMID DROP IN HUNGER–NOGRALES

ADDITIONAL 450 FREE HOUSING UNITS DISTRIBUTED TO CEBUANO BENEFICIARIES - NOGRALES PHILIPPINES WILL REMAIN RESPONSIBLE PLAYER IN GLOBAL ARENA - PRESIDENT DUTERTE NEW LOCKDOWN POSSIBLE IF COVID-19 DELTA VARIANT SPREADS, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE PRESIDENT DUTERTE THANKS FRONTLINERS IN LAST SONA PRESIDENT DUTERTE REPORTS STRIDES IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CONGRESS PRAISED FOR HELPING UPGRADE MILITARY, POLICE CAPABILITIES

COVID-19 NEWS

PH NOW AT ‘MODERATE RISK’ DUE TO COVID-19 CASE RISE NTF EYES TO NARROW GAP BETWEEN VACCINE DOSES MORE REGIONS TO GET PFIZER VAX FOR FIRST TIME: DOH

Newly-inaugurated school b access to quality education Building facilities that are more conducive to learning is a step in further improving access to quality education in the country, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.

Secretary Andanar was here to attend the blessing and turnover ceremony of a fourstorey school building for the Surigao City Pilot School (SCPS), the largest elementary school in Surigao City, where he recognized the school’s administration and the local government unit for pushing for the project.

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“This is a remarkable accomplishment in our pursuit to provide a better environment for our children, and also a milestone in promoting quality education in our country,” he said.

which was funded under Department of Education’s Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), houses 16 classrooms that will be able to accommodate more students once face-to-face classes resume.

of the 15,000 classrooms that were constructed under the Duterte administration.

The said P46-million school building,

The PCOO chief said these classrooms are part

“As the largest public elementary school in

|July 24-30, 2021

He hopes that this will inspire more students to continue their education and pursue their passion amid the pandemic.

Caraga INFOCUS

building to further promote in Surigao City

that may be,” he added.

Secretary Andanar also remained optimistic that with the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination program

and the declaration of community quarantines to curb the spread of the virus in localities, the country will be able to recover from the pandemic so that

the city of Surigao, this additional four-storey building will breathe life to the dreams and aspirations, likewise create lasting memories for our students here,” he said.

“Let’s make this an instrument for our students to pursue their passions in whatever field Caraga INFOCUS

July 24-30, 2021 |

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remaining months of the administration.

According to the chief education supervisor of Surigao City, Dr. Elizabeth Larase, it was Secretary Andanar who helped in following up the funding and the completion of the school building. children can finally go back to school.

“I am optimistic that soon, we will be able to go back to the lives we had pre-pandemic so that our children and our students will be able to truly benefit from this project,” he said.

“For now, I encourage everyone to continue to mask up and follow

health protocols for our safety, as we wait for our turn to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” he added.

Also present at the inaugural ceremony was Surigao del Norte 2nd district Congressman Robert Ace Barbers.

Secretary Andanar was accepted as an alumnus of the school, having attended there during his early education.

The SCPS is also known as the site for a building structure built during the American occupation in the country, the Gabaldon school building. It is part of the cultural properties under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

He further committed to continue to help the school in the

President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Jan. 18, 2019 Republic Act 11194 or the Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act, which seeks to preserve the architectural, historical, and social significance of Gabaldon school buildings, heritage school houses built in the Philippines from 1907 to 1946.

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Caraga INFOCUS

News Briefs During online Culmination Program of this year’s observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) highlighting the Regional Recognition/Awarding of the 2021 Gawad KALASAG Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance, the RDRRMC member agencies and Regional Selection Committee members for Gawad KALASAG Seal 2021 were given due commendation for the commitment to excellence in service and selfless dedication that contributed significantly to the successful implementation of DRRM programs in the region. xx

Bblessing and turn-over ceremony of classrooms at Surigao City Pilot School, PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar congratulated everyone who contributed in completing and making the project a reality. “Thank you very much for all your efforts. This is a remarkable accomplishment in our pursuit to provide a better environment for our children, and also a milestone in promoting quality education in our country,” he said.

The 131st Malasakit Center is set to be launched at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City on Friday, July 30, 2021, 1PM with Senator Bong Go as the guest of honor.

The Social Security System (SSS) urges those who would transact in its branches and offices to follow the servicing guidelines such as the number coding system, appointment system, and dropbox system, if applicable; as well as to abide by the minimum public health protocols set by the government.

REGIONAL NEWS

Kampanya laban malnutrisyon at insurhensiya sa Caraga, tinalakay sa Butuan City

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Sa kabila ng hamon na dala ng COVID-19 pandemic, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pagtutok sa usapin ng malnutrisyon at insurhensiya sa Caraga region.

masolusyonan ang ano mang problema ng rehiyon kung aktibo ang partisipasyon ng bawat sektor at pamilya sa mga hakbang at inisyatibo ng pamahalaan.

Sa isinagawang ‘Kapihan’ ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) kasama ang National Nutrition Council (NNC) at Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa Butuan City, tinalakay ang ilang paraan para makatulong ang mga Caraganon sa nasabing isyu.

Kung mayroon ding sapat na kaalaman ang isang tao ay malaki ang maitutulong nito sa pagtugon sa isyu.

Ayon kay Retsebeth Laquihon, OIC-regional nutrition program coordinator ng NNCCaraga, mas madaling Caraga INFOCUS

Sa kaso ng malnutrisyon, kailangang matutukan ang unang 1,000 araw ni baby mula sa pagbubuntis ng ina hanggang sa ikalawang taong gulang nito dahil ito ay itinuturing na “golden window of opportunity.”

“Kailangan din nating

isulong ang programa sa Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition dahil dito nakasaad ang mga hakbang tungo sa pagkamit ng mga natatanging aksyon para masolusyunan ang problema sa malnutrisyon,” ani ni Laquihon.

Ibinahagi rin ni DILG assistant regional director Donald Seronay na mas pinaigting rin ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) sa Caraga ang kanilang panawagan sa mga miyembro ng npa na sumuko at makinabang sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (JPG/PIA-Caraga) July 24-30, 2021 |

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

More green projects eyed in Surigao Norte LGU

By Doreen Marielle Rosales

Proper implementation of solid waste management remains a top agenda for the local government unit of Placer in Surigao del Norte despite an ongoing pandemic.

Municipal Mayor Jovymarie Villazon said she remains committed to enforcing the mandates of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and hopes to make Placer as one of the competitive municipalities to implement proper segregation.

Caraga INFOCUS

“As of now, the LGU is equipped with alternative technology in terms of machineries for waste diversion program,” she disclosed during her interview with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Martin Andanar on Wednesday, July 28, for the Network Briefing News.

“We have available bio waste fertilizer maker, soil enhancer, multi-purpose shredder for plastic and glass pulverizer, and plastic melter for the final production of the shredded plastics,” the

mayor added.

Meanwhile, the local chief executive also highlighted the diversion program to create an eco-park as part of their tourist destinations.

“Some people from other places have already visited the place for pictures and hangout [spot] with friends. The LGU plans to develop an area using recyclable materials for the purpose of educational information,” Mayor Villazon said. (DMNR/PIACaraga) July 24-30, 2021 |

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Surigao Norte LGU boosts vaccine acceptance among A2, youth

By Doreen Marielle Rosales

Despite an increase in vaccine acceptance rate all over the country, elderlies in the town of Placer in Surigao del Norte are still hesitant to get vaccinated, Municipal Mayor Jovymarie Villazon said on Wednesday, July 28.

But barangay health workers continue to spread awareness about the COVID-19 vaccines and the ongoing vaccination rollout by diligently conducting a house-to-house campaign.

The mayor said this made the situation more manageable now.

“People had a lot of speculations and doubts and they had varying opinions on the vaccines because of what they heard from the news. Fortunately, the problem in Placer regarding

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the vaccination rollout is now more manageable all because of the BHERTs assigned in each barangay who spearheads the information drive at the grassroots level.

They are guided by our municipal health officer,” the lady mayor said during her guesting at the Network Briefing News with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Martin Andanar.

She also cited the participation of nurses of the Nurse Deployment Project (NDP) in the success of the campaign in encouraging their senior citizens.

Mayor Villazon believes the use of social media has also boosted their efforts in encouraging its citizens,

especially those who are part of the eligible population.

However, the case is different for the town’s youth who are reported to remain hesitant because of fake news plaguing social media.

“We know that some of the news we find in our social media are fake, which is why most of our youth remain hesitant in receiving the jabs,” said Brgy. Magsaysay Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Kent Bryan Salubre.

Nonetheless, the youth leader echoed their local government’s call for getting the vaccines as a way to get extra protection from the virus.

“Please, please let us all get vaccinated not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones.” (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

DTI Surigao Norte turns over safety seal to business establishments in Siargao Island The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office has granted the Safety Seal to business establishments (BEs) in Siargao Island through its ceremonial turnover on July 23, 2021.

The grantees of the safety seal were the same BEs that participated in the Safety Seal Orientation conducted by the DTI through the Consumer Protection Unit on July 9, 2021 in Siargao Island particularly from the Municipalities of Dapa, Del Carmen and General Luna.

The DTI issues safety seals to selected establishments such as groceries, supermarkets, membership shopping clubs, convenience stores, construction supply/ hardware stores, logistics service outlets, barbershops and salons, service and repair shops.

The grantees were DT DTI Surigao del Norte General Merchandise, also enjoins the TAJ General abovementioned Merchandise, Ashley establishments to check Beauty Salon, OK SAB their eligibility against the Convenience Store, compliance checklist Dapa, EM-EM Enterprises, and apply for Safety Seal Twin Barbers Shop, Certification.

Savers Plus General Merchandise and The Safety Seal RNJEKA Corporation.

Certification Program Caraga INFOCUS

aims to assure the consumers and the public in general of the establishment’s compliance with the minimum public health standards set by the government, encourage the adoption of the StaySafe. ph digital contact tracing application to strengthen the contact tracing initiative of the government and effectively contain the spread of COVID-19 and safely open the economy. (DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte) July 24-30, 2021 |

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Disaster Response Group Mobilization Drill gipahigayon sa Surigao City Call Alertness, Response Time, Equipment ug Disaster Responders og basi sa mga kraterya gitarong og tan-aw sa mga evaluators kung kinsa gayud ang Best Response Group sumala sa kraytera nga nasabutan.

Ang buhatan sa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) ning dakbayan malampuson nga mipahigayon og usa ka Disaster Response Group Mobilization Drill Evaluation.

Police, Philippine Coast Guard -Surigao del Norte, Bureau of Fire Protection-Surigao City, Philippine Red CrossSurigao, Department of Public Works and Highways ug Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Ang nahimong mga evaluators mao sila Department of Interior and Local Government City Director Jimylen H. Ballicud, kauban ni City Councilor Mario I. Gesta, Councilor Rico Nagas, Engr. Elmer Tecson ug Hermogenes Pegoro.

Ang maong kalihukan mao ang premero Kini nga aktibidad maoy nga pagpahigayon nahimong lakang isip Dugang pa niini, ang sa syudad ug kini pagpalig-on sa mga mga partisipante mahimong sinugdanan Response Group sa adunay krayterya nga sa mas lig-on ug syudad ug kini mao gisunod isip sumbanan usab ang highlight sa kung unsa gayud sila ka mas responsableng pagresponde sa mga selebrasyon sa National responsive nga grupo Disaster Resilience Month panahon sa kalamidad. Surigaonon panahon sa na kun diin aktibo nga kalamidad. (CDRRMOgipatisiparan sa Surigao Ang maong mga Surigao City/PIA-Surigao City Philippine National krayterya naglangkob sa del Norte)

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Caraga INFOCUS

Fishery, pottery boost local economy of Surigao Norte LGU

By Doreen Marielle Rosales

To facilitate the gradual recovery of its local economy, the municipal government of Placer in Surigao del Norte continues to support its varying sources of livelihood.

Among those is the production of fishery products. The town of Placer is known for its abundance in various fish types such as tuna, milkfish (bangus), and tilapia as well as other seafood such as squid, seaweeds, and seashell.

delivered to Surigao City, Butuan City, and other parts of Mindanao.

“With the presence of the port and ice plant facilities and favorable accessibility, most fishing boats from other municipalities and provinces load and unload their fish products here in Placer,” the mayor added.

its sustainability. We have abundant clay deposits at Barangay Bugas-bugas, Suyoc, and Magupange,” she said.

Program beneficiaries have been trained on pottery and are now starting to make clay products like pots.

In addition to traditional sources of farm products such The lady mayor also as rice and coconuts, highlighted pottery as one of its other sources of farmers in Placer as well as in neighboring livelihood. municipalities are also gaining additional With a presence of a “Pottery is one of our income from port, Placer has also livelihood programs and manufacturing coconets. become a trading center is composed of one for fish products. Fish are organization to maintain (DMNR/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

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DA Caraga enhances Soybean farming, processing in AgSur town

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) conducted recently a two-part training to further boost the soybean industry in the region.

On July 13 and 14, a training on Soybean Processing System was conducted to promote value-adding of soybean and develop a group of soybean farmers into productive soybean

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entrepreneurs.

The topics discussed included Soybean and its Health Benefits, Soybean Based Value Added Products and its ROI, and Food Manufacturing Practices for Food Processing and Proper Hygiene. There were also actual demonstrations of soybean processing.

The second training on Capability Building for Small-Scale Farmers on Enterprise Development was conducted on July 21 and 22. The training’s

objective is for farmers to understand the basic principles in Enterprise Development.

The two trainings were conducted in Trento, Agusan del Sur and participated by members of the United Farmers’ Association of Cebolin, a farmers’ group engaged in soybean production.

The association has 10.9 hectares planted with soybeans. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

PNP AgSur chief leaves high-time accomplishments

With high-time accomplishments, Police Colonel Ringo Zarzoso handed over the leadership of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) to the incoming Provincial Director PCol. Ruben Delos Santos in a ceremonial turn-over on Monday, July 26 in Patinay, Prosperidad town of Agusan del Sur. Caraga INFOCUS

Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO)13 Director administered the turnover of command.

officials of Agusan del Sur; members of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1997; chiefs of police; and other unit commanders.

Also present during the activity were: Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr., 401st Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Allan B. Hambala; municipal mayors; other local

PCol. Zarzoso will assume post as the Chief of the Regional Community Affairs Development Division (RCADD) at the headquarters of PRO13.

During his time, a total of 190 individuals were July 24-30, 2021 |

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arrested from 196 antiillegal drug operations in the province that yielded to the confiscation of 470.28 grams of shabu and 309, 120.2 grams of marijuana with the total worth of Php9,158,840.00.

Two of the biggest drug operations were the uprooting of Marijuana plants with total Dangerous Drug Board value of Php2,798,000.00 in Brgy. Kasapa 1, La Paz town on May 8, 2020; and in Brgy. Kasapa 2, Loreto on July 20, 2020.

In the relentless drive against individuals sought by the law, ADSPPO operatives arrested 1,094 wanted persons; 275 most wanted persons; 854 violators of illegal

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gambling; and 174 for possession of loose firearms with a total of 1,218 confiscated, recovered and surrendered firearms.

In addition, index crimes or those crimes against persons and property, have significantly reduced from 1,236 (August 1, 2016 to July 25, 2019) to 531 (August 1, 2019 to July 25, 2021). Murder cases dropped by 55% from 313 to 140 based on the comparative data in the same period.

On the other hand, PCol. Delos Santos the erstwhile chief of RCADD, accepted the responsibilities together with his strategic plans and programs to keep

the substantial gains.

Aside from expressing his trust and confidence to the new Provincial Director, PBGen. Caramat also reiterated the directives of the PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Lorenz Eelazar.

“Let us conduct more intensified efforts against criminality, terrorism; and COVID-19. We need true and dedicated cops who despite the challenges of the pandemic and the risks inherent to being law enforcers, continue to carry out the mandate with highest degree of excellence and integrity,” PBGen. Caramat added. (PMaj Dorothy M Tumulak, PIO, PRO-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

DA Caraga capacitates farmers to boost soybean industry Recognizing the significant role of the farmers in boosting the soybean industry in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga through the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) conducted a twopart training on Soybean Processing System last July 13 and 14, and Capability Building for Small-Scale Farmers on Enterprise Development on July 21 and 22.

The training on Soybean Processing aims to promote the value-adding products of soybean and develop a group of soybean farmers into productive soybean entrepreneurs. The topics discussed included Soybean and their Health Benefits, Soybean Based Value Added Products and their Return of Investment, and Food Manufacturing Practices for Food Processing and Proper Hygiene. There were also actual demonstrations of soybean processing.

The training on Enterprise Development aims to help farmers understand the basic principles in Enterprise Development.

Caraga INFOCUS

Topics including Concept in Agripreneurship, Farming as a Business, Marketing Plan, and Business Model Canvass were discussed by personnel from the DA-Caraga’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

planted with Tudela Black variety.

The trainings were conducted in Trento, Agusan del Sur and were participated by 25 members of the United Farmers’ Association of Cebolin (UFAC), a group composed of farmers engaged in soybean production since 1986.

“Empowering the farmers through technical assistance and other interventions is one of the keys to a progressive farming industry,” he said.

The association has 10.9 hectares planted with soybean. One hectare is planted with the Manchuria variety while the rest are

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that soybean is one of the region’s banner commodities.

Other interventions of the DA-Caraga to soybean farmers and organizations are seeds, fertilizers, and post-harvest machinery.

(Vanessa P. Sanchez/DA 13-RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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DPWH turns over evacuation center in SurSur town and other basic amenities.

DPWH-13 Regional Director Pol M. Delos Santos stated that the Regional Evacuation Center would greatly improve the preparedness and response capability of Cortes, Surigao del Sur in times of disasters and emergencies.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office XIII turned over the newly designed Regional Evacuation Center cum Multi-Purpose Covered Court to the local government unit (LGU) of Cortes, Surigao del Sur, on Friday, July 23, 2021.

The gym-like evacuation center complies with the order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to design and build gymnasiums that will serve as shelter to evacuees during calamities.

In one of his press briefings, President Duterte said that he wants DPWH to design a gym-like evacuation center that could accommodate a big number of people,

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The municipality of Cortes is composed of 12 barangays and 10 of which are along with the coastal areas while one is an island barangay.

During typhoons and other especially in flood-prone areas to relieve schools from bad weather conditions, those barangays are often being used as evacuation evacuated to escape the centers. wrath of strong winds and waves that destroy houses.

He said that “such facilities will help alleviate the suffering of the people and Mayor Josie M. Bonifacio, MD, thanked the prevent temporary closure government and the DPWH of classes in the wake of for their committed support catastrophic events.” of the project and its timely completion.

With a cost of Php 34,482,557.8, the MultiThe blessing and turn–over Purpose building is ceremony was attended equipped with a male and

by DPWH-13 personnel female toilet and bath, headed by Engineer kitchen, a spacious gym, Jaime Uriarte, Contractor comfortable rooms to be Victoria Construction and used as admin office, clinic Development Ventures, room, prayer room, dressing Cortes Mayor Josie M. room, breastfeeding room, Bonifacio, Burgos Brgy. and playroom. There is Captain Castro R. Cubero, also an area for laundry, and officiated by Rev. storage, reception, and Father Glenn C. Melo. provision of a generator set (DPWH-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

Groundbreaking ng ELCAC infra projects ginanap sa SurSur By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

Matagumpay na idinaos ang ground breaking ceremony nang proyektong pang imprastraktura na pinunduhan ng National Task Force - End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) sa pamamagitan ng Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSFSBDP) sa probinsiya ng Surigao del Sur. Photo credit to PGO-SDS Kamakailan lang idinaos sa Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Barangay Diatagon, sa bayan ng Lianga, ang groundbreaking ng dalawang proyekto na farm-to-market road (FMR) at school building construction na nagkakahalaga ng P18 Milyon at P2 Milyon.

Napag-alaman na mahigit

Caraga INFOCUS

6,000 mga residente ang makikinabang sa gagawing farm-to-market road samantalang nasa 200 mag-aaral naman ang makikinabang sa itatayong paaralan sa nasabing lugar.

Kinumpirma ni Regional Peace and Order Council Chair (RPOC) at Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel na anim na proyekto ang pinunduhan ng NTF-ELCAC para sa limang barangay sa bayan ng Lianga.

Ito ay ang road concreting sa Barangay Bocawe, Barangay San Isidro, Barangay San Pedro, at Barangay St. Christine, at FMR at construction of school building naman ang sa Barangay Diatagon. Bawat barangay parehong pinunduhan na

nagkakahalaga ng P20 milyon mula sa NTF-ELCAC para sa mga proyektong nabanggit.

Una ng isinasagawa ang parehong aktibidad sa tatlong barangay sa bayan ng Tagbina sa Distrito 2 ng probinysa, ang road concreting sa Barangay Doña Carmen, at Barangay Soriano, at FMR naman sa Barangay Ugoban ng nasabing bayan. Bawat proyekto nagkakahalaga ng P20 milyon.

Samantala, sinabi ni Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Farmacion na 60 proyekto ang pinunduhan ng pamahalaan para sa 46 na barangay sa probinsya ng Surigao del Sur. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

July 24-30, 2021 |

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J&J vaccine nadawat na sa Surigao del Sur

Subli na usab nga nakadawat og dugang suplay sa bakuna ang probinsya sa Surigao del Sur. Sa pakighinabi sa Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, gibutyag ni Dr. Eric Montesclaros, Provincial Health Officer ning probinsya, nga muabot sa 24,500 doses sa Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine ang bag–uhay lang ilang gikuha didto sa siyudad sa Butuan. Ang maong mga bakuna ang alang matud pa sa dugang mga indibidwal nga eligible sa pagpabakuna sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine

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dinhi sa probinsya.

Gawas niini, nakadawat usab sila og 8,500 doses sa AstraZeneca vaccine nga pagagamiton alang sa 2nd dose.

Sumala pa nga mas maayong magkadaghan ang suplay sa bakuna dinhi sa probinsya aron nga mapaspasan usab ang pagpamakuna samtang wala pa makasulod ang gikahadlokang Delta Variant sa COVID-19. Gawas niini, nagkinahanglan na usab og dugang bakuna ang mga lugar ning probinsya nga daghan ang gustong

magpabakuna apan ang nakaproblema kay wala lay igong suplay niini.

Dugang pa ni Dr. Montesclaros nga ilang gipaningkamotan nga makapamakuna man lang hangtud sa 50% sa populasyon dinhi sa probinsya una makasulod ang uban pang mga variant sa COVID-19 tungod kay nagtuo kini nga ang solusyon lang batuk sa bisan unsang variant sa maong sakit maong ang pagpabakuna.

(Raymond Samson Aplaya-RP1 Tandag/PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

Kaso ng COVID-19 sa Tandag bumaba ayon sa CHO

Patuloy ngayong bumubuti ang sitwasyon ng lungsod ng Tandag kaugnay sa pakikipaglaban nito sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ito ang inihayag ni Dr. Ruth Arraz, ang hepe ng City Health Office nitong lungsod.

Sa panayam ng Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, sinabi nito na kanilang naoobserbahan mula sa nakalipas na mga linggo na kumukunti na lang ang naidagdag na mga bagong kaso ng COVID-19 bawat araw dito sa lungsod.

Caraga INFOCUS

Sa katunayan, nasa apat na mga bagong kaso na lang ang naidagdag dito sa lungsod nuong Hulyo 22, ng taong kasalukuyan.

Ayon kay Dr. Arraz na sa kasalukuyan, hindi na bababa sa 200 katao ang kanilang nababakunahan arawaraw.

Aniya, na isa sa mga nakitang dahilan nito ay ang naging kooperasyon ng publiko sa kanilang kampanya laban sa naturang sakit lalo na ang palagiang pagsunod sa Minimum Public Health and Safety Protocol.

Kaugnay nito, patuloy itong nananawagan sa publiko na suportahan palagi ang immunization program ngayon ng pamahalaan upang mabigyan ng proteksyunan laban sa COVID-19 at ang palagiang pagsunod sa mga basic health protocol laban sa nasabing sakit.

(Raymond Aplaya - DXJS RP-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Maliban dito, dumarami na rin ang bilang ng mga nagpapabakuna ng COVID-19 vaccine.

July 24-30, 2021 |

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DA Caraga extends services to persons deprived of liberty pardonees to prepare them in the reintegration into the mainstream society,” Atega said.

“No one is left behind,” DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo emphasized as he sets the motion in steering the agriculture programs.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga sees no boundary in stretching its arms to serve including Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).

In collaboration with the Butuan City Parole and Probation Office of the Department of Justice, DA-Caraga supported its programs through the provision of vegetable seeds, and lectures on farming and gardening.

Thus, the DOJ - Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Caraga on its recent 45th founding

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|July 24-30, 2021

anniversary on July 22, 2021, with the theme: 45th Years of Redeeming Lives and Restoring Relationships, DA-Caraga has been recognized as one of their community partners.

According to the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10575 otherwise known as “The Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013” Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) refers to a detainee, inmate, or prisoner, or another person under confinement or custody in any other manner.

However, to prevent labeling, branding, or shaming by the use of these or other derogatory A plaque of appreciation words, the term “prisoner” was given to DA-Caraga has been replaced by the through Regional Director new and neutral phrase Lina K. Burdeos and was “person deprived of liberty” received by Regional under Article 10, of the Technical Director for International Covenant on Operations Rebecca Reyes Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), who “shall be Atega. treated with humanity and “DA-Caraga is always ready with respect for the inherent dignity of the human to serve those who need person.” (DA Caraga/PIA our services, including the probationers, parolees, and Agusan del Norte)

Caraga INFOCUS

LDRRM Health Plan gimando alang sa mga ospital, RHUs

Gi-aprubahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan bag-ohay pa lamang ang PDRRMC Resolution No. 05-21 nga nagmando sa City / Municipal Health Office, Rural Health Unit, District ug Municipal Hospitals sa paghimo sa Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Plan.

Tumong sa DRRM sa kahimsog nga mahatagan ang wala’y pagkaputol ug walay samok nga mga Caraga INFOCUS

serbisyo sa kahimsog, likayan ang mga sakit ug pagkamatay ug siguraduhon nga wala’y outbreak nga mahitabo ikaduha sa mga katalagman sa Agusan del Norte.

Pinauyon kini sa Administrative Order No. 2019-0046 “National Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H)” nagmando sa tanan nga lebel sa pagdumala aron mapahimutang ang

DRRM sa Panglawas sa ilang tagsatagsa nga lugar.

Gi-aprobahan ang maong resolution pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 299-2021, sa pagpangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Benjamin D. Lim, Jr., tsirman sa Committee on Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, atol sa ika 98th regular session.

(Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) July 24-30, 2021 |

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Mga kalsada gipalambo sa ekonomikanhong kalihukan ug sosyal nga serbisyo sa Agusan del Norte Isip suporta sa ekonomikanhong pagpalambo ug pagpasayon sa pagpaabot sa social services, gipakusgan usab sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan ubos sa liderato ni Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera ang mga proyektong inprastruktura, ilabina kadtong makatabang aron mopaspas ang paglambo sa probinsya isip “agro-processing center sa Caraga” pagabot sa tuig 2027.

Usa na niini ang proyektong upgrading/ improvement of the provincial road section Culit Pag-ao –Jaguimitan sa lungsod sa Nasipit nga gibisita sa mga personahe sa Provincial Inspectorate Team (PIT) sa pagpanguna ni Engr.

Nivard Gonzales karong adlawa, Hulyo 15.

Kining maong provincial road improvement

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|July 24-30, 2021

project naay kalayon nga 4 kilometros ug naa na sa 61% ang accomplishment niini.

Gipunting nga mahuman kini ning tuiga.

proyektong Plant! Plant!

Plant! ug Process! Process!

Process! sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya alang sa ekonomikanhong paglambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Ang proyekto Corvera kaabag ang gipundohan sa probinsya buhatan ni Kong. Angel ubos sa 20% Development Amante-Matba.

Fund (DF).

Matud sa usa sa personahe Provincial Inspectorate Team (PIT) mosumada sa 983 households ang nagpuyo sa agricultural areas nga maagian sa kalsada.

Abunda ang lugar sa lubi, saging ug uban pang highland crops nga apil sa gipunting nga i-proseso ubos sa mga

Gawas nga masuportahan ang ekonomikanhong pagabante sa probinsya, mapasayon usab sa maong klasada ang paglihuk-lihok sa mga residente ngadto sa mga sentro sa sosyal nga mga serbisyo. (Shena Mae Pabia, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

MINDANAO NEWS

120 Marawi families find new homes 4 years after siege

RESETTLED. Marawi City families displaced by the 2017 siege find new homes in Darussalam Village, Barangay Dulay Proper. A total of 120 families received their certificates of award on Thursday (July 22, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Task Force Bangon Marawi)

Families displaced after their houses were burned during the 2017 Marawi Siege now have permanent shelters in two sites here.

They are the 170 families who were barred from going back to no-build zones, or those within the three to six-meter easement of Lake Lanao, within the river

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|July 24-30, 2021

banks, and within the reclamation area.

Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra said in a statement on Saturday that the former location of the displaced families’ homes will have infrastructures like barangay complex, health center, school, museum, hospital, market, and public park.

“These families were informed that the areas where they built their houses before are owned by the government, based on the assessment of the City Assessor’s Office. That is why the government is building them permanent houses in the areas purchased by the government,” he said.

Caraga INFOCUS

Of the total families who received their certificates of house and lot award on Thursday, 120 occupied the finished houses in Darussalam Village in Barangay Dulay Proper while the other 50 families will occupy units in Pamayandeg Ranaw Residences in Barangay Mipantao Gadongan.

The houses were built by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHabitat) using the USD10 million donated by the government of Japan for the Rebuilding Marawi through CommunityDriven Shelter and Livelihood Project.

program.

Christopher Rollo, country program manager of UN-Habitat, said the beneficiaries were selected through a very rigorous process following guidelines that was developed by the project steering committee composed of different organizations and agencies from the government.

heartbreaking but we have no choice,” the 58-year-old Ali said.

Datu Bla Macadato, president of the Darussalam Homeowners Association, said they are happy to finally be given the houses they asked for from the government.

“To my home partners “They went through a here in Darussalam rigorous process. They Village, let us unite and went to the site to see help one another with whose houses in Lake Allah’s help to attain Lanao and Agus River peace,” Macadato are inside the threesaid in his message meter to six-meter as he accepted their easement and inside the certificates. river banks,” Rollo said in Filipino on Saturday.

In February, this year, 109 permanent houses The National Housing Ominta Hadji Ali, who in Hadiya Village in Authority and the used to live in Barangay Barangay Dulay West Social Housing Finance Datu Naga, said she was were also turned over to Corporation bought not aware that the area beneficiaries. and developed the where their former house land in cooperation stood is owned by the Two other resettlement with the Marawi local government. sites are in Barangay government and the Patani and Barangay provincial government She grew up knowing Kilala. of Lanao del Sur. that it was owned by their grandparents and The UN-Habitat is Some 2,000 houses are their parents are among constructing more still set to be built by the the heirs. permanent houses government as part of eyed for completion the Marawi rehabilitation “We lived there for in December this year. and reconstruction a long time. It was (PNA/Divina Suson) Caraga INFOCUS

July 24-30, 2021 |

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Modern upland rice farming in Mindanao tribal domains A demonstration farm in modern upland rice farming using highyielding hybrid seeds and Israel-developed pressurized irrigation and fertigation system was launched on Wednesday in a tribal ancestral domain in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

The tribal leaders of the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabulagan Agricultural Cooperative (BUKTAMACO) and officials of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement which signals

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the start of a technology transfer program on upland rice farming and the planting of vegetables.

Lawyer Burt Estrada, a Tagoloanon tribal chieftain and now president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, signed on behalf of BUKTAMACO.

Seedworks Philippines.

BUKTAMACO, which also spearheads the planting of Giant Bamboo in its vast ancestral domain in Barangay 1, Malaybalay City, is one of the most active tribal groups pushing for agricultural development in the tribal areas.

The Upland Hybrid Rice The signing came after Farming Demonstration a tribal ritual which was Area in Barangay 1 is presided by tribal leaders one of the first 11 sites which was then followed selected by MinDA by a ceremonial planting which will be developed of vegetable seeds in a virtual field school donated by MinDA’s where tribal farmers will private sector partner, learn new technology.

Caraga INFOCUS

With vast idle lands in Mindanao, MinDA has partnered with PhilRice, Seedworks, the local governments and farmers groups to introduce modern upland rice farming to address poverty and boost the region’s food production.

The model farms will showcase the use of a new hybrid rice variety, TH 82, which could be planted through dry seeding in upland areas.

Previous trials of TH 82 conducted in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat Provinces when I was Secretary of Agriculture produced harvests of between 9 to 10 metric tons per

Caraga INFOCUS

hectare.

While areas where rice farmers have access to irrigation and implemented modern technology harvest as much as 14 to 16 metric tons, the national average yield per hectare is only about

4-metric tons because of inferior quality seeds and the lack of access to modern methods.

By introducing upland rice farming in the vast idle lands, MinDA hopes to ensure food sufficiency and address poverty in the rural areas.

July 24-30, 2021 |

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NATIONAL NEWS

Statement of CORDS-X (Region X-Northern Mindanao) and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the 2021 State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte We applaud the State of the Nation Address (SONA) recently delivered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, it has summarized what the administration has delivered to the Filipino nation in the last five years, particularly in terms of peace and security, infrastructure development, governance, foreign policy and economics, and COVID-19 response, among others.

We have achieved milestones and historic achievements in ensuring peace and security in our country through the issuance of the Executive Order (EO) No. 70, apart from the Caraga INFOCUS

many initiatives under this administration. EO No. 70 institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach to attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, and created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) to oversee its implementation.

For Region 10 in 2020

alone, 2,517 members of the communists terrorist groups (CTGs) have surrendered to the authorities, dismantled 10 guerilla fronts, neutralized 618 CTGs, and cleared 77 more barangays from the influence of insurgents.

Bukod tangi ang administrasyong Duterte dahil sa pagtutok nito sa July 24-30, 2021 |

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government programs and projects through the CORDS X Podcast, giving regional offices opportunity to elaborate the strides of the region to safely allow economic activities, while ensuring that the health of the people are likewise safeguarded.

infrastructure projects na at farm-to-market roads hindi natutukan ng ibang bilang pagsuporta sa administrasyon.

Western Mindanao and Mindanao Logistics We have been spending Infrastructure Network. around 5-6% relative to our GDP from 2017 to We also continue 2020 on infrastructure to highlight the best to usher in the “Golden practices of LGUs Age of Infrastructure”, and showcase their compared to the 1.6% to agriculture and tourism GDP from 2001 to 2010 sector through our daily and 3% to GDP from Network Briefing News.

2011 to 2016.

This is part of our goal Sa Region 10, maraming to encourage more ipinatupad na highFilipinos to move and impact infrastructure invest in the countryside, projects gaya ng especially now that we Panguil Bay Bridge, have started the Balikpagkumpleto ng CDO Probinsya Program.

Coastal Road extension, Just last year we rehabilitasyon ng Agushave launched BP2 Pulangi Hydroelectric in the municipality of power plant, Bukidnon Kauswagan in Lanao del Airport, Flood Risk Norte as one of the Pilot Management Project areas for the program. para sa Cagayan de Oro River (FRIMP-CDOR), We continue to amplify

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|July 24-30, 2021

Given the massive amount of programs and projects that the national government has poured for the region, Northern Mindanao has posted a substantial reduction of poverty incidence in 2018. Our poverty incidence among families dropped to 17.3 percent in 2018 from 32.3 percent in 2015.

To prevent red tape, the extension of Passport and Driver’s License validity from 5 to 10 years and 3 to 5 years, respectively has been in place. It is through good governance and strong political will that we have undertaken the generation of our national ID through the Philippine Identification System Act. This will help address one of the major barriers to financial inclusion and help Caraga INFOCUS

streamline social services being provided by the government.

Bahagi rin ng legislative accomplishment ni Pangulong Duterte ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Layon nitong mabigyan ng libreng edukasyon ang mga estudyante sa isandaan at labindalawang state universities at colleges sa buong bansa.

Marami naman ang natulungan nang maisabatas ang Universal Health Care Law. Sa pamamagitan nito, nagkaroon ng access sa health coverage ang mga Pilipino para mapababa ang gastusing pang medikal at mga gamot.

Dagdag tulong din ang Malasakit Centers Act kung saan nabibigyan ng tulong pinansyal ang mga nangangailangan partikular ang mga indigent para sa kanilang pagpapagamot. Simula ng maaprubahan ito noong 2020, nasa 2-milyong Pilipino na ang bilang ng mga Caraga INFOCUS

natulungan.

Region 10 has Malasakit Centers located in strategic areas. These include the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City; Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag, Bukidnon; Kapatagan Provincial Hospital in Lanao del Norte; Gregorio Lluch Memorial Hospital in Iligan City; and the Mayor Hilario A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.

achievements and plans of the administration for our collective recovery from COVID-19 as a nation.

Sa aming huling taon sa panunungukulan, makaaasa kayo na puspusan ang aming pagsisikap para maisakatuparan ang mga ipinangako ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

We want to ensure that the legacy of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be remembered by the people and will President Duterte’s SONA continue on with future administrations. further outlined the July 24-30, 2021 |

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PCOO all set for SONA 2021, Duterte admin to remain focused on pandemic response in last year

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday said the government under the Duterte Administration has its eyes fixed on responding to the needs of the people, especially those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the last year of President Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership.

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|July 24-30, 2021

“Ang focus ng ating national government sa paglaban sa COVID-19, number one yan. Number two kung papaano makakarecover ang ating ekonomiya na bumagsak dulot ng COVID-19.

Alam naman natin na maraming nawalan ng trabaho, kaya dapat lang mag-focus ang national government diyan. [The focus of the national government on

our responses against COVID-19, that’s number one. Number two would be rolling out initiatives for the recovery of our economy that was affected by COVID-19.

We are aware that many lost their jobs, so that’s what needs to be given attention to],” he said during an interview with DZRH. He also noted that the PCOO and its attached Caraga INFOCUS

agencies are now ready for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 26, 2021.

Secretary Andanar said that the production team has been deployed to efficiently man the venue at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, while other government media will be covering from other areas.

According to the PCOO chief, they will be amplifying the accomplishments of the Duterte administration to the public in a more elaborate strategy so that more Filipinos will be aware of it. This is in accordance with the directive of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“Nagmeeting po kami kasama ang ibang miyembro ng gabinete na binigyan ng direktiba ng ating Executive Secretary Medialdea na i-elaborate ang ibang mga bagay na kailangan after the State of the Nation Address [We met with other cabinet officials and we Caraga INFOCUS

were given the directive

by Executive Secretary Medialdea to elaborate things after the State of the Nation Address],” he said during an interview on DZRH. He noted that the President had already made rounds of rehearsals for his 45 minutes to an hour speech, but the said amount of time is not sufficient to discuss all of the accomplishments that the administration achieved in the past 5 years.

focused on disseminating the information pertaining to the legacy policies of the Duterte administration in the last year.

“Ako ay nakatutok lamang sa aking trabaho, alam niyo naman yan. Siguro kung ako’y lumahok sa pulitika, dapat ay nung 2019 pa [I am focused on carrying out job, as you all know. If I were to join politics then I would have done that in 2019.],” he said.

“Ang mahalaga kasi ngayon ay yung ating pagtutok sa problema natin sa pandemya at dito naman sa media ang pagtutok natin sa dissemination ng impormasyon tungkol sa Duterte legacy kasi ilang buwang na lang tapos na yung administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte [What’s important now is to focus our attention on resolving the problems brought by the pandemic, along with disseminating information Secretary Andanar also on the Duterte legacy clarified that he has not because he only has thought of running for a seat in the 2022 elections, a few months left in office],” he added. instead, he is more “Sigurado ako mayroong mga kasamahan natin sa media na gustong magtanong kung anong ibig sbihin ni Presidente ito o yan. Our Cabinet Officials will be ready to answer or elaborate [I am sure that our colleagues from the media will have questions on the President’s pronouncements. Our Cabinet Officials will be ready to answer or elaborate ],” he added.

July 24-30, 2021 |

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Secretary Andanar commends pandemic, anti-insurgency response of DSWD-10 Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, also the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 10, lauded the proactive efforts of the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD10) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would like to commend you for stepping up and assuring our local government units diri sa Region 10 nga dunay assistance nga gi-andam

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|July 24-30, 2021

ang inyong buhatan para kanila karung pandemya. You are doing an excellent job [I would like to commend you for stepping up and assuring our local government units here in Region 10 that assistance is ready for them this time of pandemic. You are doing an excellent job],” Secretary Andanar said during the CORDS X Podcast on Saturday.

by the agency as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

According to Dir. Libang, the agency is closely coordinating with the city governments of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog for additional assistance that they can offer to the two cities that are now under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The agency already DSWD-10 Regional requested from their Director Mari-FLor Central Office for the Dollaga-Libang was a augmentation of family guest during the program, food packs (FFP) of over where he discussed the 160,000 for Cagayan de various programs and Oro City and over 40,000 projects implemented FFP for Gingoog City.

Caraga INFOCUS

Aside from the said request, Dir. Libang said that the DSWD has already distributed 25,000 FFP to Gingoog City and 5,000 for Cagayan de Oro City.

“Naninguha gyud mi, sir, nga makahatag mi og family food packs ug financial assistance sa atong mga kaigsoonan [We really are working hard in order to provide family food packs and financial assistance to the people],” she said.

Along with these are other social services they continue to provide to other areas, including the continued implementation of cash assistance for families under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Social Pension Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Supplementary Feeding Program, and the Kalahi-CIDDS. “Since the start of the pandemic walay puas ang paghatag og ayuda sa DSWD kay dili man gyud na ikalimod nga tanan ang apektado karun mahitungod sa epekto sa COVID [Since the start of the pandemic, the DSWD Caraga INFOCUS

has been continuously providing assistance.

It is undeniable that all of us are affected by the effects brought by COVID-19],” she said.

“Kami sa DSWD10 kanunay nga maningkamot nga makaabag sa panginahanglan sa atong mga kaigsoonan nga naapektuhan niining nagkalain-laing kalisod, labi na ang kalisod nga dala sa COVID-19 [We, in DSWD-10, will continue to provide for the need of the people who are affected by calamities and crisis, especially this pandemic ],” she added.

DSWD supports EO 70 Dir. Libang also expressed the agency’s support in promoting a more peaceful and developed Region 10 through the implementation of the landmark policy of President Rodrigo Duterte which is the Executive Order No. 70.

In fact, they have already assisted over 36,000 individuals in the region’s Convergence Area for Peace and Development (CAPDev) for 2020 alone.

Over 1,300 former rebels

also received financial assistance of more than P12,000 each, and other food and non-food items.

Dir. Libang also pointed out the institutionalization of the Malasakit Centers as a legacy of the current administration, noting that it has helped unburden indigent patients with their medical bills.

Region 10 has Malasakit Centers located in strategic areas. These include the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City; Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag, Bukidnon; Kapatagan Provincial Hospital in Lanao del Norte; and Gregorio Lluch Memorial Hospital in Iligan City.

“Kini nga mga hospital, adunay kitay mga nakastandby nga mga social workers gikan sa field office 10 ng DSWD nga pwedeng mamahimong dalampanganan sa atong mga naglisod nga kaigsoonan [We have on standby social workers in these hospitals that the people can turn to in times of crisis],” Dir. Libang said.

July 24-30, 2021 |

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Secretary Andanar donates new laptop for primary school teacher in Siargao nila, we are honoring the heroic duties of our teachers during this pandemic. Also, we are sending a message to the Filipino people that your government is listening [This is just a small donation but by acknowledging and taking action on their requests, we are honoring the heroic duties of our teachers during this pandemic. Also, we are sending a message to the Filipino people that your government is listening],” he added.

The said donation was made possible in coordination with the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has responded to the request for a laptop for Sta. Monica Children’s Learning Center, to further help teachers there produce learning materials for their pupils.

In his message, Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday emphasized that the blended learning approach for the education sector has modified the way learners and teachers engage in lessons.

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“First time nangyari sa atin itong blended learning approach para sa lahat ng eskwelahan at hanggang ngayon we are still adjusting and continue responding to the needs of our learners and teachers [This is the first time that we have had to blended learning for all, and until now we are still adjusting and continue responding to the need of our learners and teachers],” he said.

“This is just a small donation but by acknowledging and taking action sa kailangan

Gloria Dolar, the school’s in-charge and the recipient of the laptop, has served the educational institution for 13 years. She also expressed her gratitude for the generous donation.

“The laptop is one important piece of equipment for us to continue to produce teaching materials and reports,” she said.

“Thank you very much Secretary Martin Andanar and Senator Bong Go. I am thankful that our request was granted because we really need this,” she added.

Caraga INFOCUS

Bong Go files Senate resolution commending Hidilyn Diaz for clinching the country’s first Olympic gold medal; vows continued support for all Filipino athletes Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, on Tuesday, July 27, filed a Senate resolution commending Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first ever Olympic gold medal at the Summer Games being held in Tokyo, Japan.

The achievement ends a 97-year gold medal drought for the Philippines.

In his co-sponsorship Caraga INFOCUS

speech, Go said that Diaz has proven time and again that she not only possesses the skill but the willpower and sheer determination as well, exemplifying the true spirit of Filipino competitiveness.

“She ruled the competition with a total score of 224kg to win in such an incredible and emphatic fashion that propelled her to the top. Indeed, this will

be marked as one of the greatest sporting moments in Philippine history,” said Go. The Senator also extended his full support to other Filipino athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics, adding that his office is always open to provide the assistance they need.

“Nais ko pong ipagbigay alam po na ako po’y nandirito lang po na July 24-30, 2021 |

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nasa likod, handang tumulong sa tahimik na paraan. Bukas po ang aking opisina sa kahit anumang tulong, pinansiyal o ano pa mang assistance na aking pwedeng mabigay even in my own personal capacity,” he said.

“Handa akong pumagitna kung kinakailangang maghanap ng kahit anong suporta galing sa gobyerno at maging sa private sector. Katulad na lamang po kay Hidilyn, hindi po ako nagatubili na magpaabot ng tulong sa paghahanap ng sponsor para sa kanyang additional na pangangailangan at sa pag-troubleshoot ng problemang kanyang kinaharap noong mga nakaraang taon po habang nag-eensayo para sa Olympics,” he added.

In 2019, Go played a key part in securing a PhP2 million sponsorship arrangement between Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Diaz, which was used to fund her training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Diaz earlier expressed her gratitude for the support

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she has received. She told reporters then that the financial support will allow her to train and compete in other events in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

Go, in his speech, also suggested to the Armed Forces of the Philippines the promotion of Diaz to Staff Sergeant from her current rank as Sergeant.

“Ito po ay dahil sa malaking karangalan na dinala ni Hidilyn sa ating bayan na lubos nating ipinagmamalaki bilang mga Pilipino. Siya po ay miyembro ng Air Force po, sa ating Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Go said.

nagpapakita po ng lakas ng loob sa pagharap sa araw-araw na hamon ng buhay,” Go said.

“Sila ay tunay ngang inspirasyon sa bawat Pilipino na sa kabila ng kahit anong bigat ng kanilang pinapasan sa buhay kapag nagpakita ng determinasyon at pusong manalo ay makakamtan nito sa ating inaasam na tagumpay. Nakakaproud din po, isa rin siyang taga-Mindanao,” he added.

The resolution lauding Diaz stated that “the astounding performance, commitment and unrelenting spirit of Go then mentioned that Filipino competitiveness he is one with the nation and excellence shown by in celebrating Diaz’s Hidilyn Diaz truly deserves victory, adding that she to be commended for is an inspiration to all the recognition and Filipinos to strive hard and distinction she has face life’s challenges. brought to the country.”

“Ako po ay lubos na nakikiisa sa buong sambayanan sa pagkilala at pagpapaabot ng papuri sa ating kababayan na si Hidilyn Diaz na isang patunay at sumasalamin sa napakaraming Pilipino na gaya niya, na nagsusumikap at

Her achievement also makes her the first female Filipino athlete to earn an Olympic medal. She also holds the distinction of being the first Mindanaoan to win an Olympic medal.

Meanwhile, Go, who is a long-time sports fan and Caraga INFOCUS

basketball player, said that the country should take further steps to support Filipino athletes in various sporting events.

“Patunay ang panalo na Hidilyn na kung magpopokus tayo sa iba’t ibang larangan ng sports, malaki ang pagkakataon nating manalo pa ng mga gintong medalya sa susunod pang mga Olympics,” Go said.

The Senator has long been an advocate of long-term sports development. Prior to winning as a senator, he served as the head of delegation of the Philippine national basketball team to the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Upon assuming office in the Senate, one of the first bills that he filed is the proposed National Academy of Sports, which seeks to establish a school for athletes in New Clark City. The measure was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 9, 2020.

Following a request from the PSC through Go, the Office of the President has also approved Caraga INFOCUS

additional allowance worth 100,000 pesos on top of what has already been provided to athletes competing in the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also ensured that adequate funding is included in the PSC’s budget this year to support athletes’ preparations for the Olympics and other international events.

Specifically, he pushed for an additional 100 million pesos to be included in the 2021 budget which was later on increased further to 250 million pesos under the PSC for Olympic preparations. As for the Paralympics, Go earlier supported the allocation of an additional PhP7.945 million budget for their preparations.

The Senator has also successfully appealed to the government to include Filipino athletes and other delegates who will compete or participate in the ongoing Olympics in the priority list for COVID-19 vaccination.

He has also pushed for legislation to safeguard athletes’ welfare as part of the country’s sports development programs. Previously, he expressed his support for the establishment of the Philippine Sports Training Center in Bataan. Go highlighted that together with the National Academy of Sports, both institutions are gifts from the government to national athletes.

The PSC on the other hand has consistently provided support and assistance to national athletes such as Hidilyn Diaz including salaries, training allowances, international expenses and competition needs as well as hiring of a special training team composed of international coach, psychologist, medical team, nutritionist and conditioning coach, among others.

The Office of the President also previously provided additional financial incentives for medalists in previous international competitions since 2016 on top of what is provided by law.

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Typhoon victims in Arteche, Eastern Samar receive assistance from Bong Go’s team Resilience will unify As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205, otherwise known as the Disaster Resilience Act of 2019, he and his team remain determined to help affected communities recover quickly from calamities.

Just recently, Go’s team conducted twoday relief efforts for 1,061 families from July 25 to 26 in Arteche, Eastern Samar. Held at San Roque Gym, Go’s personnel grouped the beneficiaries into smaller

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batches while they strictly adhered to safety and health protocols recommended by the government.

In his video message, Go highlighted the significance of creating a focused department that would address natural calamities, especially that the country’s geographical location is extremely prone to weather disturbances.

Under the proposed measure, the Department of Disaster

and streamline all responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response, functions that are presently scattered across various departments and offices.

“Bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipagcoordinate sa LGUs, preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar,” said Go. “At pag-alis ng bagyo, restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng Caraga INFOCUS

mga kababayan natin.

‘Yan po ang layunin ng Department of Disaster Resilience,” Go added, emphasizing that the creation of the DDR remains one of the priority legislative measures of the administration as mentioned in the President’s recent State of the Nation Address.

Meanwhile, Go also mentioned in his remarks that there are reported cases of the new Delta variant of COVID-19. Given that the said variant is more contagious, Go urged the public to strictly follow health preventive measures and take part in the vaccination program to further boost their immune system against the virus.

The Senator, then, called the attention of local government units to ensure that doses are administered immediately to eligible residents once delivered to their communities.

homes as they are considered the most vulnerable to the virus.

“Inuuna po namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kalusugan at buhay po ng bawat Pilipino.

Kailangan po namin ang disiplina at kooperasyon ng bawat isa.” said Go. “Mga kababayan ko, ang target po natin ngayong taon ay population protection at sa susunod naman po ang herd immunity, ‘yung hindi na po kakalat ang sakit,” he added.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also encouraged the beneficiaries to visit the Malasakit Center in Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City if they may need medical assistance.

can conveniently access medical programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go’s staff proceeded in handing out essentials to typhoon victims, such as grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Others, then, received new pairs of shoes and bicycles.

As an advocate for quality education, Go also sent computer tablets to some beneficiaries so that their children would be able to conveniently access educational materials for their classes.

“Sa mga kabataan, mag-aral po kayo nang mabuti, kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito. Bagama’t distance learning tayo, ang importante po ay makapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral,” said Go.

Signed into law in 2019

by President Rodrigo Duterte, the Malasakit Centers Act mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals and If needed, Go said the Philippine General officials should be able Hospital to establish their to vaccinate senior own Malasakit Centers to Several government citizens in their respective ensure indigent patients agencies were Caraga INFOCUS

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also in attendance and extended additional support as representatives from DSWD granted the beneficiaries with financial assistance.

More so, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed individuals who can avail of their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.

farm-to-market roads in Brgy. Tangbo-Beri, and the acquisition of an ambulance unit for Arteche town.

He also helped in allotting sufficient funding for infrastructure development in the province such as for the construction of multipurpose buildings in Jipapad, Maydolong, and Oras; acquisition of ambulance units in Maslog, Quinapondan, The Senator, as Vice and Taft; drainage Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, also improvement in Can-Avid, and Taft; extended his support road rehabilitation in the construction of

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in Balangkayan, Dolores, General Macarthur, Giporlos, Jipapad, Lawaan, Marabut, Mercedes, Quinapondan, San Julian, Sulat, and Taft.

Ending his message, he thanked Representative Maria Fe Abunda, Governor Ben Evardone, Vice Governor Marica Sison, Mayor Roland Boie Evardone, Vice Mayor Rolando Evardone, and other local government officials for serving their constituents towards recovery amid various crisis situations.

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Bong Go sends aid to thousands of essential workers in Baroy, Lanao del Norte; urges them to get vaccinated to help country reach herd immunity As he continues to encourage the public to take part in the national vaccination program, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed to helping build back communities that were greatly affected by the global pandemic.

In his video message, Go appealed to the 1,691 beneficiaries in Baroy, Lanao del Norte to get vaccinated as this would serve as an added protection against COVID-19. Go said that they should not fear the vaccines, and fear the virus instead especially amid the emergence of Caraga INFOCUS

a more contagious Delta variant.

He further expressed his optimism as he said that ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel’ in ending the global pandemic as long as Filipinos stay vigilant and comply with health preventive measures.

Go’s team carried out a two-day relief operation from July 26 to 27 for more than a thousand transport workers, vendors, farmers, and fisherfolk in Baroy.

“Sa aking mga kababayan, sa mga transport workers, vendors, farmers and fisherfolk, diyan sa Baroy sa Lanao

del Norte, kumusta na kayo? Magtulungan lang tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di kapwa nating Pilipino,” said Go. “Kung nasa priority list na kayo, pakiusap lang magpabakuna na kayo.

Ang bakuna ang susi o solusyon para untiunti tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay gaya noon.

Pakiusap lang namin, disiplina at kooperasyon lang,” he added.

Held at Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School, Go’s staff grouped the essential July 24-30, 2021 |

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workers into smaller batches a day to ensure efficient distribution and implemented necessary safety and health protocols as they handed out meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins.

with health concerns, Go encouraged them to visit Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital in Iligan City, or Kapatagan Provincial Hospital in Kapatagan, where there are Malasakit Centers available. To date, there are already 130 In addition, some recipients established nationwide. received new pairs of shoes and bicycles As Go continues to push while others were given for measures that would computer tablets that improve healthcare would benefit their children services in the country, he who are studying under the primarily authored and blended learning set-up. sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 that mandates The Department of Social all hospitals managed and Welfare and Development, administered by the DOH, through its Assistance to plus Philippine General Individuals in Crisis Situation Hospital, to establish their program, provided each own Malasakit Centers to qualified beneficiary with assist low-income Filipinos financial assistance in a to reduce their medical separate distribution. expenses to the lowest amount possible.

The Department of Labor and Employment, and “Dalawa na ang Malasakit the Department of Trade Center diyan sa inyong and Industry evaluated lugar, lapitan niyo lang, beneficiaries for their handa ‘yang tumulong respective livelihood sa inyo; zero balance programs. ang target ng Malasakit Center,” Go said.

Additionally, the Department of Health As he concluded his gave hygiene kits while the message, Go expressed his Department of Agriculture gratitude towards Mayor handed out plant seeds.

Rosa Olaffson, Councilor Lastly, the Technical Edwin Ong, Brgy. Captain Education and Skills Teresita Olmedo, and other Development Authority local government officials determined individuals for for making sure that their their scholarship program. community fully recovers To further assistresidents despite economic

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challenges brought by the pandemic.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go also showed his support by pushing for funding for the improvement of the evacuation center in Baroy. He also helped in pushing for other infrastructure initiatives in Lanao Del Norte such as the construction of farm-to-market roads in Bacolod, and Lala; road rehabilitation in Iligan City, Magsaysay, and Munai; purchasing of one ambulance unit in Kapatagan; new medical equipment for Gregorio T. Lluch Hospital in Iligan City; construction of flood control and drainage structure in Lala; rehabilitation of public markets in Magsaysay, and Iligan City; and construction of multipurpose buildings in Iligan City, Kauswagan, Magsaysay, Nunungan, Pantao Ragat, Pantar, Salvador, Tangcal, and Tubod.

“Pakiusap lang namin sa inyo, kailangan namin ang inyong kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat Pilipino.

Mag-ingat kayo palagi at magdasal tayo palagi.

At tandaan ninyo mahal namin kayo ni Pangulong Duterte,” he said.

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Government to intensify hunger mitigation initiatives amid drop in hunger–Nograles While the government on Thursday acknowledged steadily dropping hunger figures, it recognizes that it should step up hunger mitigation measures as the country has yet to fully reopen its economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who on Thursday added that "reducing and preventing widespread hunger continues to be a top concern for the government, which is Caraga INFOCUS

aware that quarantine measures require us to undertake interventions to mitigate their impact on livelihoods and incomes."

Nograles, who heads the government's Zero Hunger Task Force, said that the 3.2% drop in involuntary hunger "is a marked improvement given that this occurred in the span of just under two months."

"Hunger incidence is still not at pre-pandemic levels, and we believe

we still have work to do to get there, but ultimately our goal is to put ourselves in a position to eradicate hunger once we have reopened the economy fully and enter a better normal," the Palace official explained.

"Where our campaign against hunger is concerned, we need three Rs: recover, regain, and rally. We have to recover the ground we lost because of the pandemic, regain the momentum in the July 24-30, 2021 |

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years leading to the pandemic, and seriously rally our efforts so we can beat hunger."

May and June surveys were recorded in all regions, with the hunger incidence falling the most in the Visayas, from A May survey conducted 16.3% (776,000 families) by the Social Weather to 8.3% (396,000 families).

Stations (SWS) from Hunger also fell by 5.7 April 28 to May 2 this points in Mindanao, from year found that 16.8% 20.7% (1.2 million families) of families polled, to 15.0% (863,000 or an estimated 4.2 families); by .7 points in million families, had Luzon, from 15.7% (1.8 experienced involuntary million families) to 15.0% hunger. In its recent (1.7 million families); and survey conducted from by .7 points in Metro June 23 to 26, that figure Manila, from 14.7% dropped to 13.6% or (496,000 families) to an estimated 3.4 million 14.0% (473,000 families). families.

Nograles pointed out The drops in hunger that the drop in overall figures between SWS' hunger among the self-

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rated poor––from 23.5% to 15.7%––is "an indicator that efforts to reboot the economy, as well as the government's antihunger interventions, are benefiting those who need help the most."

"As we continue to move toward a better normal and lay the foundation for strategic and longterm hunger reduction initiatives, we hope to put the country on track to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030. It will remain a challenge, but with political will and a commitment of resources, it is possible."

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Additional 450 free housing units distributed to Cebuano beneficiaries Nograles “It’s important during these times of inclement weather and calamities to have a home where one’s family can feel safe. This is why we continue to provide free, wellmade housing units to Yolanda survivors so that their harrowing experience doesn’t happen again.”

This according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles who led the turnover of additional 450 housing units through an online ceremony covering the Balai Bantayan Phase-2 area in Barangay Kabac, Bantayan, Cebu last July 29, 2021, in coordination with the National Housing Authority and the LGU. Nograles, chair of the Interagency Task Force for the Unified Implementation and Monitoring of Rehabilitation and Recovery Projects and Programs in Yolanda-affected Areas, said that “we have constructed and distributed 5,971 housing units in Region VII, which means 5,971 families now feel safe and secure in their free homes.”

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Completed housing units can be found in the following localities in Central Visayas: Tabuelan, Cebu (220 units); Daanbantayan, Cebu (1,863 units); Bantayan, Cebu (900 units); Medellin, Cebu (631 units); Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu (1,000 units); Madridejos, Cebu (750 units); at San Remigio, Cebu (607 units).

Nograles, who likewise heads the Task Force Zero Hunger, emphasized that the resettlement site would have community gardens set up by private sector partners such as Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) for immediate food sources and long-term livelihood opportunities.

The Malacañang official stressed the importance of close coordination between the NHA and beneficiary LGUs as the reason for the quick implementation of the Duterte administration’s Yolanda Housing Program in different areas in the Visayas.

“Kailangan natin magtulungan. We’ve been coordinating with PKG and other groups in addressing hunger and malnutrition in our Yolanda-affected areas. We want lives to be improved and families and communities to be nurtured, especially for the sake of the children whose interest we prioritize.”

“We’re deeply thankful to NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., Regional Manager Jude Juntilo and the officers and staff of NHA Region VII for their dedication, as well as to Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Arthur Depsi for their full cooperation and support,” the Cab Sec noted.

In response to the provision of free housing for the LGU, Bantayan Mayor Despi thanked President Duterte, Nograles and the NHA for “this precious gift, which we will never forget. Lives will be changed for the better because of the administration’s concern for the people. We will continue supporting Cab Sec Nograles and the President in their future endeavors.”

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Philippines will remain responsible player in global arena — President Duterte President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said the Philippines will remain a responsible member of the international community and will partner with other nations to attain common objectives.

In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Duterte said his government has vigorously pursued an independent foreign policy centered on the promotion and protection of the nation’s core national interests.

“Yet we continue to work with all nations and seek partnerships that work. Because despite differences, it still is an interdependent world where interests and objectives intersect,” he said.

And to the Philippines’s friends in the ASEAN and

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around the world, he said: “Thank you for supporting my Government, my country and people when it truly mattered.

I assure you that the Philippines will remain a responsible member of the international community and we will work with you to achieve our shared objectives.”

The President insisted, however, that gone are the days when the Philippines decides and acts in the shadows of great powers, stressing his government will assert what belongs to it and fight for what is rightfully due to the Filipino people.

Under the President’s foreign policy, the country advocated major reforms in international labor and migration as well as adherence to the rule of law.

“We called on the world

to dismantle the heinous kafala system because the Filipino is no slave and to anyone anywhere and there is no room for modern day slavery. We helped start a new global civil rights movement for the migrant worker,” he said.

“And, we asserted the arbitration ruling on the South China Sea --- clearly and in no uncertain terms --- bilaterally, at the ASEAN and finally, at the United Nations General Assembly.”

In addressing disputes and contested areas, the President said the “majesty of the law must prevail”.

On security issues, he said that the Philippines will continue working with its partners in scaling up its maritime domain awareness and defense capabilities. PND Caraga INFOCUS

New lockdown possible if COVID-19 Delta variant spreads, says President Duterte

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said the imposition of lockdown is possible if the more transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant, which was already detected in the country, spreads further.

“It is rampaging now in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and many parts of Asia. And ang sabi doon sa --- the Western medicine says that it is far more aggressive and far more dangerous and it can cause death easily than the COVID-19 original,” the President Caraga INFOCUS

said in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“If it is really dangerous, you have to go back to lockdown. If there are many people in other parts of the world killing as many, then Delta, if ever it will spread --- we have it here now --- I hope it will not go any further.”

“But if something wrong happens, I’ll have to be strict and I have now my word that there will be a… Just like what

happened in the early days.”

But the President said he still does not know the next step and he will wait for the advice of the task force assessing government response to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, President Duterte recognized the contributions of Congress for the passage of 13 measures establishing new health facilities and improving the capacity of existing hospitals around the country to provide quality care and July 24-30, 2021 |

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services, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

These include establishing new medical facilities in Mandaluyong City, Bacolod and Davao Occidental; increasing bed capacities of existing health facilities in Quezon City, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Palawan; and upgrading health facilities in that area to include Leyte.

The President also reported strides in ramping up the government’s testing capacity. The country has more than 260 accredited laboratories nationwide capable of conducting at least 50,000 tests daily.

All regions also now can conduct their own COVID-19 tests, according to the President.

To take care of mild and asymptomatic cases, the government established over 9,000 temporary treatment and monitoring facilities across the country, with a total bed capacity of

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more than 140,000.

Together with local governments and the private sector, mega quarantine facilities were established, accommodating more cases. Modular hospitals and quarantine facilities have also been out up nationwide, especially in Metro Manila.

For severe COVID-19 cases, the President said tireless healthcare workers ensure that people are provided with the best care round the clock, based on latest developments and global best practices.

Health experts also continue to actively participate in the search for safe and effective COVID-19 medicines.

In the government’s mass immunization drive against COVID-19, President Duterte said the country already received over 30 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

“We expect to receive at least 36 million vaccines this month and in August. We have inoculated more than 17

million Filipinos around 11 million of which have received their first dose,” he said.

With the continuous arrival of COVID-19 jabs, the chief executive said the government is ready to boost further its daily vaccination rate.

He encouraged local government units to hasten their vaccine roll out and strengthen their respective inoculation programs.

Although the existing health and safety protocols have proven to be effective in slowing the spread of the virus, he said the best solution is still vaccination.

“That is why I implore our countrymen who are now in the list of sectors to be inoculated to get vaccinated now. To those who received their first doses, please return for your second shot,” he stressed.

“I also ask for patience to those who are next in line to receive their vaccine. More and more COVID-19 vaccines are arriving each week and you will soon have your turn.” PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Duterte thanks frontliners in last SONA President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has extended his gratitude Monday to the country’s frontliners and government partners who have kept the nation afloat during the pandemic.

“Allow me this opportunity to extend my personal and the nation’s gratitude to all those who selflessly gave their all in the fight against COVID-19,” President Duterte said in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa.

sustained aid extended to Filipinos in need despite the pandemic’s effect on their respective industries.

new and heightened responsibilities, working doubly hard to protect your constituents.”

The President likewise He made an assurance mentioned the Philippines’s international “Our health workers and that his government will assist the private development partners other frontliners who sector to regain the who extended help risked their own safety commercial vibrance amidst the global health to keep our essential that the country enjoyed emergency, noting the health services and prior to the pandemic. country remembers their our food supply chain kindness and goodwill running, boost economic He also acknowledged with sincere gratitude. activity, and ensure the contributions of the peace and order in our country’s local chief “And to all of you who communities.” executives, saying: “This answered the call to pandemic pushed you protect one another by He also thanked the to step up and deliver adhering to our nation’s private sector for responsive assistance. health protocols, its assistance to the I am glad to have daghang salamat,” he government in fighting said. PND COVID-19, particularly its seen you undertake Caraga INFOCUS

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President Duterte reports strides in infrastructure development

Increased government spending on infrastructure development fueled by a comprehensive tax reform program enabled the government to build critical infrastructure projects that benefit the people, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Monday.

In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Duterte said that upon assuming office, he made it sure to increase the government infrastructure spending to an average of five percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), significantly higher than his predecessors.

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“Thanks to the comprehensive tax reform program that enabled us to fund critical infrastructure projects. Today, we can see the tangible results all around,” he said.

Among these projects is the MRT-3, which was a horror for daily commuters with its frequent breakdowns. With the improvements, MRT3 now runs 23 trains at 60 kilometers per hour, he said.

Another one is the LRT-2 East Extension Project that has extended Line 2 by adding two more stations.

Travel time between Manila and Antipolo was reduced

from the usual two or three hours to only just 40 minutes.

Through a partnership with the private sector, the Duterte government was able to open Stage 3 of the Metro Manila Skyway in January this year, decongesting EDSA and other major roads in Metro Manila.

The government also inaugurated on Independence Day last month the Kalayaan Bridge, which is part of the BGCOrtigas Center Link Project, reducing the usual one hour travel time between the two business districts to

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just 12 minutes.

“Beyond Metro Manila, we are pursuing several high-impact projects that will be completed within my term and perhaps in the following years,” the President said.

This month, the President inspected the newly built passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport, a new and modern passenger terminal equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology.

The facility can accommodate eight million passengers a year, alleviate air traffic congestion at the NAIA airport, as well as serve as a major growth driver and gateway for Northern and Central Luzon.

Other completed projects were the Poro Point Freeport Zone Road in La Union, and the Junction Lanao-PagadianZamboanga City Road.

Meanwhile, projects under construction include the Sorsogon City Coastal ByPass Road to be completed by the end of 2021 and the Davao City Coastal Road, which will be completed by 2023.

“We have inaugurated new highways, roads and skyways. We have bought new trains. These are all testament that we have

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greatly eased the grueling experience of traveling and commuting,” the President said.

“And to sustain our momentum in infrastructure development, I have directed the DPWH, DOTr, NEDA, Department of Finance and DBM to be on full speed to ensure that our flagship projects will be completed within my term, especially those that would help disperse economic activity outside the densely populated Metro Manila.”

The President asked the LGUs and the private sector partners to help his administration in speeding up the construction of flagship infrastructure projects for the benefit of the people.

President Duterte also reported that his government has worked towards giving travelers greater convenience by extending the validity of Philippine passports to 10 years. This lessened the burden of international travelers and OFWs as a result.

Aside from addressing the three million backlog of driver’s licenses in 2016, the chief executive said his government has extended the validity of driver’s license to five years, and

will begin issuing drivers’ licenses with a 10-year validity to qualified drivers.

At the same time, the President said the government has streamlined government processes, after Congress passed the Ease of Doing Business Act in 2018.

Government transactions will be further streamlined with the roll-out of the Philippine Identification System or the PhilSys through the Philippine Identification System Act, he added.

The President said his administration has ensured the modification of the Salary Schedule for Civilian Government Personnel through the Salary Standardization Law 5, a necessary measure for civil servants to recognize their work and accomplishments as well as a gesture of gratitude and good will.

The President said the Central Business Portal will elevate the country’s global standing in doing business and improve its competitiveness.

Launched earlier this year, the business portal is a single site for all businessrelated transactions such as securing business permits, licenses, and clearances.

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Congress praised for helping upgrade military, police capabilities

Roa Duterte on Monday thanked Congress for working with his administration in upgrading the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other armed services in the country.

In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to lawmakers for working with the executive department in enhancing the capabilities of the AFP and the PNP through the government

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modernization program.

The President recalled that in 2018, the government raised the salaries of military and uniformed policemen and personnel to a level commensurate to the critical role they play in upholding national security and maintaining order.

aimed at maintaining government fiscal flexibility and providing adequate benefits and remuneration to men and women in uniform.

He clarified, however, that this would apply only to the new entrants of the military and uniformed services.

“It is also high time for us To continue to pass a law providing strengthening the Free Legal Assistance capability of the to AFP and PNP Officers country’s security forces, and Enlisted Personnel he asked Congress to to help defend them pass a Unified System for from charges arising from Separation, Retirement incidents related to the and Pension of Military performance of official and Uniformed Personnel duty,” he said.

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“The continuous upgrading of our defense capability shall ensure that we shall uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty from external and internal security threats, among the new additions. We welcomed the country’s two missilecapable warships, to enable us to protect our seas.”

The President argued that by providing them with the necessary equipment, by enhancing their professional capabilities, and by taking care of their families, the government will not only strengthen the military and police institutions, it will also inspire its members to serve the nation with the highest degree of loyalty and patriotism.

“We enabled them to carry out their mandate to defeat all enemies of the state whatever the cost,” the President said, adding he is proud of the accomplishments of the country’s military in securing the nation against all threats to the democratic institutions.

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While there’s a need to attain peace, this is not solely through the use of the military and it’s the reason why his government deviated from the traditional approach in dealing with national security matters.

“Because of these interventions, more than 17,000 former communist rebels have surrendered to the government. They have returned to the fold of the law and are happily reintegrating to society.”

With the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTFELCAC, the President said the government has made great strides in addressing the root causes of the conflict by empowering the members of the public used by the communists for many decades.

He expressed optimism that with the support of the local government units (LGUs), the communist movement will continue to lose its influence in the coming months, enabling the government to put an end to the communist insurgency.

The government has been building safe and conflict-resilient barangays, and has worked towards the sustainable rehabilitation and development of communities where the communists used to operate, he said.

At the same time, President Duterte asked the members of Congress to investigate the importer of AK-47 rifles that fell into the hands of the enemy of the state, and have killed many members of the military.

“This policeman, I think, “Through the NTF-ELCAC, is still there. He was a colonel and he is still... we invested in farm-toWalang nangyari. At market roads, school maraming sundalong buildings, water and sanitation systems, health namatay dahil sa mga armas na pinasok nila stations, and livelihood dito sa Pilipinas,” he said. projects,” the President PND said.

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PH now at ‘moderate risk’ due to Covid-19 case rise The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said the Philippines has gone up to moderate-risk classification as a rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has been observed.

“Nationally, our two-week growth rate is now again positive at one percent versus last week’s negative 10 percent. Our average daily attack rate (ADAR) is still at moderate risk showing a slight increase in the recent week at 4.95 percent in every 100,000 population,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum.

The Cordillera Administrative Region, Western Visayas and Davao Region have high risk ADAR. However, Western Visayas and Davao Region were seen to have a negative two-week growth rate.

“Regions 11 (Davao Region) and 12 (Soccsksargen) continue to have their high-risk intensive care utilization rate (HCUR). HCUR for all regions are low or moderate risk,” Vergeire said.

She noted that HCUR is based on the maximum of beds and the mechanical ventilators’ utilization allocated for Covid-19 in a region.

Ilocos Region, Central Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Northern

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DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (File photo)

Mindanao, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region (NCR) showed a positive two-week growth rate among all the regions nationwide.

In the NCR, the seven-day moving average shows signs of increasing trend as cases in the recent week have exceeded the previous week by 271 cases.

NCR’s average daily reported cases for the week of July 22 to 28 is 1,013.

Meanwhile, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, which are included in the NCR Plus, are showing a slow increase in cases.

“Upward trend was seen in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 2 (Cagayan Valley) and 3 (Central Luzon) while a downward trend was seen in Regions 4B (Mimaropa) and 5

(Bicol). Observed case trends in CAR and Calabarzon are plateauing,” Vergeire said.

She added a steep rise in cases was observed in Central Visayas while case trends in Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas are decreasing.

Meantime, an upward trend in cases was observed in Northern Mindanao while the case trend in Soccsksargen is plateauing.

“All other regions in Mindanao are exhibiting a decline in cases,” Vergeire said.

As of 4 pm, the DOH reported 5,735 new confirmed cases, bringing the total number of cases to 1,572,287.

The country’s recovered cases rose to 1,488,437 and while the death toll has reached 27,577. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

July 24-30, 2021 |

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NTF eyes to narrow gap between vaccine doses The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 targets to “narrow down the gap” in the administration of doses between the first and second shots of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines as more jabs continue to arrive.

The NTF reported an increase in vaccination output for senior citizens (A2) and adults with comorbidities (A3) after the rollout of the singleshot Janssen vaccines on Wednesday.

There are now 1,863,955 elderly and 2,382,461 under the A3 priority group who are now fully protected against the disease.

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National Task Force Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

The National Vaccine Operations Center likewise reported that as of Tuesday, there were 131,686 administered with the first dose and 527,343 who have received the second dose.

The Department of Health (DOH) said both sectors must be vaccinated as soon as possible as they are the most vulnerable to severe symptoms.

“Our objective is to narrow down the gap between the first and second doses. This is a very good precedent in our vaccine rollout, especially now that our vaccine supply inventory continues to increase,” NTF chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stated.

“There are more first doses deployed. There was a time when the first dose outnumbered the second dose by eight million,” the NTF said in a statement.

To date, the Philippines has received 31,360,700 doses from six pharmaceutical companies -- AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, Gamaleya Research

|July 24-30, 2021

Institute, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

Over 27 million doses were already deployed across the country.

Set for delivery this week are 2.5 million doses of government-procured Sinovac vaccines and 415,000 doses of AstraZeneca donated by the United Kingdom.

“We are praying for the continued arrival of vaccines in the country for us to sustain the high number of people being inoculated daily. We are on track in our target to pursue a better Christmas this year and hasten our exit from this pandemic,” Galvez said. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani) Caraga INFOCUS

More regions to get Pfizer vax for first time: DOH The latest batch of the government-procured Pfizer vaccines that arrived Monday evening will be sent to provinces now capable of handling jabs that require ultralow temperature, a health official said.

A total of 375,570 doses of US-made Pfizer arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, the second tranche of the 40 million Pfizer vaccine purchased by the government.

“It will be distributed to the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu, Davao, and others who have not yet received it before because capable na sila ngayon (because they are capable to handle the Pfizer jabs now),” Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Ma. Carolina Vidal-Taino said in a media interview.

MORE PFIZER VAX. The Philippines received the second tranche of the governmentprocured Pfizer vaccine on Monday (July 26, 2021) evening at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The latest shipment is part of the 40 million doses of Pfizer procured by the government. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

Airport in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Monday at 6:23 p.m. to deliver the region’s share before it arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 later that night.

of NAIA’s One Stop Shop ahead of its arrival and immediately taken to a designated cold storage facility.

The latest vaccine arrival On Tuesday, Davao Region brings the country’s is expected to receive their total vaccine supply additional doses. to 31,360,700 doses from six manufacturers Based on the latest - Sinovac, Oxford data from the Bureau of AstraZeneca, Gamaleya, Customs-Port of Ninoy Moderna, Pfizer and Aquino International Johnson&Johnson.

Airport (BOC-NAIA) as The first shipment of of Tuesday, a total of As of July 25, a total of purchased Pfizer vaccine 3,364,920 doses of the 17,202,421 doses have containing 562,770 doses American-made vaccines been administered arrived last July 21. have been cleared for -- 6,089,314 are fully release. vaccinated while The Air Hong Kong plane 11,113,107 received their which carried the shipment The vaccines were first dose. (with Ferdinand landed first on Cebuprecleared by the Port Patinio/Christine Cudis) Mactan International Caraga INFOCUS

July 24-30, 2021 |

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