Caraga InFocus – July 27-August 2, 2019

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[ Contents 27 July - 02 August 2019

Volume III, No. 50

Army, PNP intensify campaign vs CPP-NPA thru social media REGIONAL NEWS

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RIACAT-VAWC Caraga sets activities for 2019 WDAT celebration Army partners with PIA Caraga for journalism training Project Zacat: BCPO’s proMuslim intervention

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Army, PNP enhance skills, complete journalism training in Butuan

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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251 OSY undergo community-based training in SurSur town Symbolic babies for 100M population turn 5 Former rebels, supporters benefit livelihood programs from gov’t A hope for Arabella MGB turns over school projects, launches ALS training facility in Surigao Norte HS

NATIONAL NEWS

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MINDANAO NEWS

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MinDA backs Mindanaowide farmers gab Thousands participate in Davao City’s ‘shake-out’ drill

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Andanar says open dialogues further improve gov’t services SSS: 2.5M pensioners receive P62B pension from Jan to May 2019

PRRD’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ to benefit from China’s BRI

News Briefs The Local Council for Culture and the Arts (LCCA) of the province of Agusan del Norte was reactivated through Executive Order No. 27 signed by former governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba on Dec. 11, 2018.

The PNP personnel of Prosperidad Municipal Police Station in Agusan del Sur actively participated in today’s conduct of Schistosomiasis Mass Treatment held in Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad,Agusan del Sur. The team secured the safe and peaceful conduct of said activity.

DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran together with Prov’l Director Celestino Negapatan, Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Jr, Board Member Melva P. Garcia and other guests and dignitaries from different institutions and gov’t agencies witnessed launching of the OTOP.Ph Hub in Surigao City.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 is once again hailed as the Number 1 among the 17 police regional offices nationwide on Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) and Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE), having the most number of crimes solved and cleared, for the first semester of the Calendar Year 2019. According to Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, the region’s topcop, PRO13 has maintained its number 1 spot since last quarter of 2018 and for the first quarter and first semester of this year.

Cover Story

Army, PNP intensify campaign vs CPP-NPA thru social media

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

B

UTUAN CITY - With strong determination, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army have joined forces thru the enhancement training to intensify the campaign of the government against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Caraga region.

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July 27-August 2, 2019

Thru the creation of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials in social media, the two agencies wanted to keep the public abreast of and be armed with the right information and strategies in order to combat the CPP-NPA’s lies and propaganda against the government.

In the recently conducted Journalism Training by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga to the personnel of the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army and PNP Caraga regional office 13 in Butuan City, they have shown their abilities and creativity in coming up with the best concept and content for the infographics and social media cards that they would share to the netizens.

For 1Lt. Wilfredo Quilang, commanding officer of Bravo Company, 30th Infantry

Battalion, Philippine Army, he has gained additional knowledge on how to better write a news story and feature news; and learned to produce effective infographics and social media messaging as their weapon online against terrorism.

“This would really help us in effectively reaching out to the public and communicate to them the truth and facts. We could not afford being fooled by the lies and propaganda of the CPP-NPA terrorists,” said Quilang.

Police Corporal Laarni Mabilog of Butuan City Police Office, expressed that with the said training, she became more confident and her morale is boosted along with her colleagues, as she discovered several techniques in the production of IEC materials, which their office could use in

their different advocacies.

programs

and

“We should only be disseminating accurate information to the public, as they have the right to know the truth, which was emphasized particularly in this training. I have gained additional knowledge on how I could effectively communicate to the grassroots, and developed my skills in the use of social media,” shared Mabilog.

Meanwhile, 402nd Brigade commander Col. Maurito Licudine, commended the efforts of all the participants and encourages them to use and apply their gained knowledge in their daily work, and become more effective communicators as they constantly coordinate in various communities.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga) July 27-August 2, 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

RIACAT-VAWC Caraga sets activities for 2019 WDAT celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking – Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga has once again lined-up activities for this year’s celebration of the World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT) on July 30, 2019 with the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Paninindigan Laban sa Trafficking ng Mamamayan” (One Nation, One Affirmation Against Trafficking in Persons).

“The committee has agreed to conduct series of activities to show a unified approach of solidarity with the victim-survivors and awareness raising initiative to fight trafficking in person (TIP) in the entire Caraga region,” said Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga regional director and RIACAT-VAWC chair Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim.

the Quiz Bowl for Barangay VAW Desk Officers.

Lim bared that members of the committee from various government agencies will convene on July 2426, 2019 for the conduct of MultiDisciplinary Training on handling/ managing Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) and Victim Protection in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

The lady director also revealed that in time with the charter day of Butuan City on August 2, 2019, the members of RIACAT-VAWC will be visiting the Home for Boys and Gesu Eucharistic in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte for a Gift-Giving activity.

On July 30, 2019, different sectors will also join the committee in the Advocacy Walk scheduled at 4:00 a.m. from the Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Ground going to Guingona Park, Butuan City, where the program will also be held. On this day also, the public could witness the launching of

A total of 37 boys and girls will benefit from the activity.

“Aside from that, the committee will also recognize the focal persons and centers providing services for TIPs, and awarding of service providers/duty bearers. In the evening, an advocacy concert will also be held with various local performers,” said Lim.

Lim is hopeful that more Caraganons will be aware of the said campaign and would advocate in their respective communities to prevent TIPs. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

July 27-August 2, 2019

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

Army partners with PIA Caraga for journalism training

By Maj. Francisco Garello

BUTUAN CITY – The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army has partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for the conduct of the three-day journalism training to the personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) held at the headquarters of 402nd Brigade in Barangay Bancasi, this city.

A total of 21 Army personnel composed of four officers and 17 enlisted personnel coming from different line units under the 402nd Brigade, together with 10 PNP personnel from Butuan City Police Office, participated in the said training from July 17–19, 2019.

The training was aimed to equip the participants from the Army and PNP units on the basics of news writing and other necessary skills to become effective information officers and communicators.

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In his opening message, Col. Cerilo Balaoro Jr, 402nd Deputy Brigade commander, underscored the significance of the training as the soldiers now need the writing skills for them to become more effective in communicating with various sectors of the society.

He emboldens all the participants to take advantage of the training and actively participate in order for them to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.

July 27-August 2, 2019

Regional News I Empowering Communities

“With the advent of technology to influence perception, the TV, Radio, Print and Social Media have become the most potent medium in the information environment. Hence, we should take the initiative to dominate and become the forerunner on the information superiority especially in our efforts in countering insurgency,” Balaoro said.

Col. Maurito Licudine, 402nd Brigade commander, also said that it is essential that the Brigade continues to equip and enhance its soldiers’ skills not only in combat but in the aspect of news writing and the knowledge to convey the Army’s message effectively

and appropriately to its intended audience.

“This will ensure that our soldiers can efficiently propagate and amplify the Army’s professionalism in performing their mandate to serve the people and secure the land in line with the Army’s Transformation Roadmap to become a world-class Army that is a source of national pride,” he said.

This is also an initiative and support to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local armed conflict in the region. (CMO, 402nd Brigade/ PIA-Caraga)

Project Zacat: BCPO’s pro-Muslim intervention

By Police Corporal Laarni M. Mabilog

Negative reactions beget negative results which beget more negative reactions.

Long ago, horrifying terror attacks like what happened in Marawi City have been perpetrated by the radical Muslims.

In addition to this, the traditional look and culture of the Muslims are very foreign to most of the times, they look at the entire Muslim citizens particularly in Butuan City which population in the eye of suspicion is a Christian dominated place. Many causing the Muslim population, in turn, to July 27-August 2, 2019

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Regional News I Empowering Communities respond in a defensive manner. Police, however, is a subset of community and therefore share in their general view and biases.

installed force commander of Butuan City Mobile Force Company (BCMFC) Police Lt. Col. Romeo A Villalobos, Jr. to come up with an idea on how to improve the police relationship with the

As it is the job of the police to serve Muslim community. and protect the community without prejudice, they have the duty to According to Magno his strong reach out to the potentially alienated belief that factions in the community community, in this case the Muslim and misconception of one’s culture community. are devastating factors for a good public service resulted to the idea of

This cannot be done effectively creating a new project that should without first taking inventory of the foster an atmosphere of cooperation feelings and viewpoints of Muslim and mutual respect between the dwelling in this city. Added to this fact police and the people they serve. is the scientific research finding that a healthy police-community relationship Subsequently, Villalobos initiated is important for an effective police the creation of “Project Zakat” which department. aims to build a good Police-Muslim community relationship and would PROJECT ZACAT encourage the Muslim community to support the plans and programs of the

Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) BCPO. continues to innovate programs that would address the issues on the Muslim Zakat is an Arabic word that means community. As far as the ongoing almsgiving for charitable purposes. This programs of the Philippine National implies that this project would relay the Police in police community relation message of sincerity of BCPO in serving (PCR), BCPO will create new programs the community without bias and that would solely focus on the Muslim without looking at the individual races dwellers in this city. and cultures.

Programs such as feeding, medical mission, Brigada Eskwela, clean-up drive, pulong-pulong, and other community-based programs will be modified in a way that it would suit the needs of the Muslim community of Butuan City.

BRIDGING DIVIDE

THE

CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM

Recently, elders, imams and other prominent Muslim citizens of Butuan City were invited for a conference with Villalobos at the BCPO. He presented the plans of launching a new project

Police Col. Albert G. Magno, city and its activities that are solely intended director of BCPO, instructed the newly for the Muslim community.

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July 27-August 2, 2019

Regional News I Empowering Communities The conference gained positive response from the Muslim attendees.

The Sultanate of Caraga expressed his gratitude to the efforts exerted by the BCPO in reaching out to them.

Most of the participants mentioned that this is the first time that they felt their existence has been given importance and equal view with the Christian dwellers.

hoping that this would end the negative impressions and misunderstanding among the Muslims, police and the community of Butuan City and would strengthen the support of the people to law enforcement.

At the end of the conference everyone expressed their promise of support for the project which will be launched in August this year. (Police Corporal Laarni M. Mabilog, BCPO/ Villalobos mentioned that he is VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Army, PNP enhance skills, complete journalism training in Butuan

By Maj. Francisco Garello

BUTUAN CITY – About 31 personnel coming from the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) enhanced their skills as they completed the three-day Journalism Training held at the Headquarters of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army in Barangay Bancasi, this city.

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Regional News I Empowering Communities n partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, the Basic Journalism Training participated by 21 personnel of the 402nd Brigade and 10 from Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) formally culminated in a closing ceremony on July 20, 2019.

very thankful to PIA for painstakingly guiding us,” he added.

In his speech, Col. Maurito Licudine, 402nd Brigade commander conveyed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to PIA Caraga for the overwhelming support to the training and lending their precious time in sharing their expertise and knowledge in the realm of news writing and information to Army and PNP personnel.

“We are very grateful for including us in this training. It really helped us a lot in learning the skills in news writing and the proper way of conveying our messages to the people,” Police Corporal Laarni Mabilog of BCPO “I would like to congratulate the expressed. participants coming from different battalion and combat support units

During the training, participants together with the PNP personnel of underwent series of workshops and Butuan city for enduring the training. presentations. They were subjected I am confident that the participants to straightforward critiquing from the learned a lot as they go back to their subject matter experts of PIA Caraga to respective units with the acquired evaluate and improve their individual learning and skills, they will be able to outputs. contribute to the information operation guided by the accomplishment of our

1st Lieutenant Jayson Tulang from mission in line with our campaign to end 36IB under the 402nd Brigade said, the local communist armed conflict,” that his expectation on the training said Licudine. (CMO officer, 402nd were surpassed. The skills he learned Brigade/ PIA-Caraga) were exceptional considering the limited number of training days.

“Our skills were clearly enhanced.

Not only did we learn about how to craft a news release but also using the info graphics to reinforce on how we convey our stories and to the intended audience. We are

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

251 OSY undergo communitybased training in SurSur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A total of 251 Out of School Youths (OSYs) undergone the CommunityBased Training (CBT) programs launched early this month in Madrid aimed to equip them with skills and basic knowledge that could help them land a job.

According to Lee Escobal of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the CBT programs included driving, basic household wiring and small Engine (Motor Mechanic).

the training.

“Because of the additional knowledge I learned, I can now compete with other applicants in applying for a job in big companies and I thanked the government for the

Of the 251 beneficiaries, 200 OSYs opportunity,” Espinoza said. were enrolled in driving, 26 in basic house wiring and 25 in small engine The said activity is an initiative (Motor Mechanic). of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President

The said activity will run until July Charles Arreza in convergence with 26, 2019, added Escobal. the TESDA Surigao del Sur headed by Provincial Director Rey Cueva, local

Rey Espinoza, one of the government unit of Madrid, and 36th beneficiaries, thanked TESDA for the Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army. additional knowledge he gained from (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Symbolic babies for 100M population turn 5

By Angelita B. Antonio

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The babies who represent the impact of the increasing population size of the country will turn five on July 27 this year.

The regional office of the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) continues to monitor the growth and development of the so-called 100Mth babies in Caraga Region as its indicator in the implementation of the country’s population policy and thrusts addressing the ballooning population size.

12:06 a.m.

The 7th symbolic babies namely Lyca Jane Geroy, Zhyraiah Orillaneda Tranquilan, Bella Christina Matugas Lincuna, Queen Genyvic Malate Juanillo, July Marie Aquino Dahug, James Mark Diano Montalban and Arhea Jabonillo Damasco were closely monitored by the Local Population

PopCom highlighted this year’s Office as to their health status and celebration with the theme “Sa Ika- development. limang taon ni baby, Pagtutulungan tungo sa Maunlad at Malusog na Based on the report as to their Kinabukasan.” whereabouts, only Arhea Jabonillo Damasco together with her family had

The birth of the symbolic 100Mth migrated to Region X. babies which was witnessed by PopCom, together with the Department During the event, the Department of Health and Philippine Health of Health through the Regional Insurance Corporation reminded us Nutrition Council will present the health that the country’s population already and nutritional status of the symbolic hit 100 million last July 27, 2014 at exactly babies based on the result of the status July 27-August 2, 2019

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities monitoring report hand-carried by the orientation on Responsible Parenting parents. and Family Planning to the parents of the symbolic babies will comprise the

In recognition of the important event. role of the symbolic babies in the region, PopCom will hand in a birthday gift pack Parents need to be reminded to the child during their 5th birthday. The that with proper planning, timing and gift packs contain various stuff based spacing of the next birth, the child on the child’s developmental needs. will be provided with the basic needs

As part of the agency’s which are empirical to her/his growth commitment to zero the unmet need and development. (PopCom Caraga/ for modern family planning, a brief PIA Caraga)

Former rebels, supporters benefit livelihood programs from gov’t

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - With the aim to put a stop on the insurgency problem in the province of Surigao del Sur, the members of the poverty reduction, livelihood and employment cluster have launched the enterprise development and skills and livelihood programs for the former rebels and supporters of the rebel groups in Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Mampi, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Along with it, beneficiaries also and unemployment. undergone the spiritual and values formation session.

Also, Thelma Salazar, an Indigenous Peoples (IP) is thankful to

According to Regional Director the different government agencies Ashary Banto of the Technical Education for providing them their programs and and Skills Development Authority services in their barangay.

(TESDA), with the said program, it brings the government closer to the people

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur particularly to the target beneficiaries, Alexander Pimentel to ease their difficulty in going to other Governor encourages the local residents to report places to get the services. to his office should they know anyone

Col. Cerilo Balaoro, Jr., deputy who wants to surrender, as the local commander of 402nd Brigade, government unit offers appropriate Philippine Army said, the initiated support for the former rebels who desire program seeks to address the main to live a normal life in the mainstream problem in the area, to include poverty society. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

A hope for Arabella

By Rechel Besonia

Deep in the remote area of La Paz, Agusan del Sur, in a dusty barangay Sagunto where life is hard and food is scarce, a fouryear-old girl’s eyes were glazed with discomfort. She sat on her mother’s lap and wearily gnawed on a hard root crop and stared vacantly at one corner where fellow kids of her age were playing.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

In a family of five, her parents simply couldn’t keep up with the needs of her family. Her father being a seasonal construction worker, earned a meager while her mom is left at home to take care of her and her two siblings.

Life is really a constant struggle for Arabella’s family. Rubie, her mother, is beaming with pain every time she sees her children weeping for something to eat. It seems to have drifted her dreams for her kids, especially for young Arabella, who, at a young age have shown so much interest in education.

Bella, her nickname, is a child with ambition. She was described by many to be diligent and responsible. that we might not be able to afford it since it will be too expensive, and you

“We were getting used to the still have your two other little siblings),” habit of managing hunger. It was a came Rubie’s response. challenge to get food for more than once in a day. I remember one time, it Being born into a poor family, Bella was raining and we were feasting on a was exposed to this self-sacrifice at an piece of dried fish and rice for dinner as earlier age. She became independent that was the only food I could buy for and self-reliant. them, Bella uttered how she wanted to go to school,” her mother narrated.

For Bella’s parents, hearing those words and seeing sincerity on their

“Ma, gusto na gyud ko mo skwela, daughter’s interest motivates them to kung pwede didto lang sa sentro kay work doubly hard. They look forward for maayo daw motudlo si teacher Gloria achieving her dreams no matter how (Ma, I really want to go to school, if it’s hard it is, even if it has to be an uphill possible in the town where teacher climb.

Gloria is teaching),” were her exact words.

Came June 2018, Rubie took the risk of enrolling Bella in La Paz Day Care

“Nak among paningkamotan sa Center. She doesn’t know by then if imong papa ha kay gasto baya kaayo it would ever last, if she could really mamasahe pa ug balon pa gyud nimo, survive the brawl but nevertheless, all unsaon nalang nato naa pa baya kay she knew and she could ever hope for duha ka igsoon (Your father will give his is for her young Arabella to pursue her best effort, yet we must also consider dreams.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Everyday, Rubie wakes her up at 4:00 in the morning to start the long haul. She would prepare their breakfast and uniform while Bella helped her in cleaning the house.

she hoped for. she hoped for change, for strength, for love. She hoped that things won’t always be as they have been. She hoped for intervention from the government to end poverty.

After taking breakfast, and when everything else falls in place, they would catch the early ride to downtown La Paz. Once in a blue moon, they would hitch in their neighbor’s service. But most often, they would ride in habalhabal for P60.00 back and forth fare.

True enough, her prayers were answered. One day, the Department of Agrarian Reform thru the project coordinator Engr. Hanizarah Saripada and Rachelle Monique Torralba came to La Paz to bring forth the good news on the new project called the Partnership Against Hunger and

Apart from the foreseen financial Poverty or PAHP. struggle, Rubie was also taken aback after contemplating that she could It is a collaborative effort between not continually provide for Bella’s food. the Department of Social Welfare and During those times when she doesn’t Development, the Department of have extra money for her baon, she Agrarian Reform, and the Department would tell Bella to skip the class, but of Agriculture to engage poor the young Arabella constantly refused households and work closely with the to do so, instead, she would always tell rural communities to provide essential her mother to never bother finding her social and economic services toward baon. eliminating hunger and alleviating poverty.

“I thought of how easy it would be to drift away into nothingness. I thought This collaborative multiof how easy it would be to not have to stakeholder program will target the get up every morning to face another creation of a community food hub to day of emptiness. I thought of the serve as a facility that can store food peace I would have if I were no longer items for the various feeding programs afraid all the time and how wonderful it of the DSWD and other similar on the would be to be free from the prison of ground programs of other agencies like the education, health, and local my mind,” Rubie said. government units.

But that was just a thought. In Smallholder farmer organizations reality, it was really hard. Yet, there is one belief that sits in the back of her such as LAMPUFACO in La Paz was mind that keeps her going day after tasked to ensure a steady food supply for various feeding programs for day. It’s hope.

Day Care Centers including that of Arabella’s school.

There is always something that July 27-August 2, 2019

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Mothers, like Rubie, were grouped into five to take charge on the preparation of the meal 5 times a week.

“It was a big help for us really. Everything was provided for us. All we have to do is to cook the required menu for the day,” Rubie said.

Besides, the menu is prepared carefully to ensure that the nutritional value will never be compromised. Thus, making the children more participative during class activities.

“It’s crucial not to just feed children but to nourish them too, said Engr. Hanizarah Saripada, PAHP project coordinator. The more the child is nourished, the more she becomes smarter, and we are aiming for this to happen to the 10,000 children of Agusan del Sur who will benefit the program,” she continued.

Indeed it is.

Gloria Fuentes, the teacher, attests that since the feeding program commenced, she saw a lot of improvements in her students. Bella, in particular, became active during class recitation and activities. Her young mind was honed even more.

stomach. She became less aloof. In fact, she topped the class during their recognition day.

Arabella became a picture of a happy and contented child. “Salamat kaayo sa akong mama nga wala ko pasagdi sa akong pangandoy nga maka skwela diri sa La Paz Day Care Center ug salamat pod sa PAHP program sa DAR nga natabangan ang among kalisod, dili na magproblema akong mama sa akong baon kada adlaw (Thank you to my mother for not giving up on my dreams to study in La Paz Day Care Center. Thank you as well to the PAHP program of DAR, it really helped my mother not to bother finding my baon every day),” she said.

For Rubie, it doesn’t matter what circumstance she had in her life. She managed to stand up and think about how she can make it better. She is forever thankful for the program and for the people behind its implementation.

Because of the program, she Because of PAHP, there is hope doesn’t have to skip class, she doesn’t for children like Arabella. (DAR-Agusan have to recite and read in an empty del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

MGB turns over school projects, launches ALS training facility in Surigao Norte HS

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Caraga turned over recently several school projects and launched the Alternative Learning System-Education and Skills Training (ALS-EST) training facility and assessment center at the Gigaquit National School of Home Industries (GNSHI), Gigaquit town, this province.

The turned over school projects and donated materials include bread and pastry production national certificate II (BPP NC II) assessment center, unserviceable instructional and office equipment, as well as, two-unit vehicles.

the ALS-EST in Caraga Region.

She lauded the school principal, faculty, staff and learners for having complied with the requirements prescribed by the DepEd and envisioned that GNSHI will make a big leap in as far as academic, technical and total development of learners and the possible acknowledgment of teachers as model teachers in the promotion of program offerings.

As one of the Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) non-formal education programs, ALS-EST is a variant of the Alternative Learning System which is the DepEd’s primary vehicle for nonformal education.

She also conveyed the warmest congratulations of DepEd Regional

It systematically integrates a skills Director Cesar Bringas to GNHSI for training component into the standard successfully implementing the ALS-EST academic ALS Curriculum.

ALS-EST which is the only one in Caraga Region. offers out-of-school youth and adults the prospects of self-improvement and Rosas also thanked MGB Caraga productive life.

Regional Director Glenn Noble for supporting the needs of the ALS learners

MGB 13 Division OIC Chief Engr. and for allowing GNSHI to make use of Carlos A. Cogolio, Jr, said that the agency their unserviceable materials which the will continue to promote education and learners can repair during their learning support optimal learning and the holistic periods. enrichment of human life.

“I know that the efforts made by the

Meanwhile, DepEd Caraga Assistant MGB Caraga have provided a spark of Regional Director Dr. Fidela Rosas said positivity for the sustainability of the ALSthat GNSHI is making a name for Gigaquit EST program,” Rosas added. (MGB-13/PIAbecause it is the only high school piloting Surigao del Norte) July 27-August 2, 2019

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MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

MinDA backs Mindanao-wide farmers gab Davao City The Mindanao Development Authority expressed support for the conduct of the first Mindanao Farmers Conference, which gathers today more than 3,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and farmer cooperatives from all regions of Mindanao.

The conference held at the Davao Recreation Center, is organized

by UNORKA-Mindanao, and supported by the European Union.

UNORKA-Mindanao is a federation of ARBs and farmer cooperatives, and is among the first beneficiaries of the Technical Assistance for Fairtrade Compliance provided for by MinDA through its Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT) program. Fairtrade compliance allows for more stable income for the farmers, while also reducing the vulnerabilities of their commodities.

we have gathered on the ground, it is the need for an inter-agency support to really uplift the quality of lives of these farmers,” said MinDA OIC-Chairman Nathaniel Dalumpines.

Through its Inclusive Business (IB) and MCT programs, the agency has been supporting and facilitating the rounds of consultations conducted in preparation for the slated conference, in partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines, and the departments of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, and Agrarian Reform.

“MinDA’s support forms

“Product certification is just one of part of our commitment to make the many assistance that the ARBs need, Mindanao’s development more if there is one thing evident from what inclusive by supporting initiatives for July 27-August 2, 2019

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities rural development through our IB and MCT program,” Dalumpines said while adding that this is also aligned with the Duterte administration’s thrust to promote rural development, ensure inclusive growth, create robust economic activity in areas outside of Metro Manila.

The farmers group endorsed resolutions to the President and key government agencies for necessary interventions, particularly on land rights, provision of modern post-

harvest facilities, and capacity building on product development and marketing.

Workshops on key commodities including banana, coconut, oil palm, cacao, coffee, fruit trees, and cereals were conducted in May to gather inputs for the resolutions.

MinDA committed to assist in coordinating government actions on the endorsed resolutions. (MinDA)

Thousands participate in Davao City’s ‘shake-out’ drill

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY - Thousands of Dabawenyos participated in the citywide drill on Friday to mark the start of the National Disaster Resilience Month.

Students, teachers, and employees of both private and government agencies, and even those in public places and malls took the three important steps -duck, cover, hold -- when the Davao City Risk Reduction and Management Office (DCRRMO) released the warning siren at about 9 a.m.

for any eventuality,” Ancajas said.

He said the regular emergency drills seek to train the public and prepare them in cases of emergency.

“Resiliency is (an) important factor for survival when natural disasters, like earthquake and tsunami, hit an area,” he

Lyndon Ancajas, DCRRMO further said. Last year’s earthquake drill administrative officer, said the siren rang was also successful with the participation in the areas of R. Castillo Agdao, City of about half a million Dabawenyos.

Hall Annex, Matina Aplaya, Toril Fish Port, establishments, and the barangays What makes this year’s earthquake signaling an earthquake. and tsunami drill different, Ancajas said, was the inclusion of the “field hospital” set “More than the observance of the up that incorporated the medical facilities Disaster Resilience Month, we should also in the overall emergency preparations. consider doing this regularly to prepare (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

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National News I Empowering Communities problems can expeditiously evaporate [through] dialogue, and derive resolutions,” Andanar added.

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR

Dagyaw aims to be one of the main government campaigns that will provide avenues for productive, valuable, sincere, and visible engagement between the government and the people at the local level.

PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Andanar says open dialogues further improve gov’t services

“Everyone has a story to tell. Our task is to gather your stories and take them to the desks where programs and decisions are made. But it is here in the town halls where questions are to be answered,” Andanar said.

TACLOBAN CITY - The regional participatory governance dialogues will address remaining concerns in the government bureaucracy, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“Today, we continue the telling of our country’s story. Enjoining the people in participating in governance by bringing the President’s cabinet secretaries into your actual lives through this town hall meeting. To communicate, to clarify, and to converge,” Andanar said in his speech during the Dagyaw 2019: Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Townhall Meeting here.

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Andanar highlighted the importance of Dagyaw in the participation of the people in governance, which reflects the Filipino concept of “bayanihan” — a Hiligaynon term where “Dagyaw” was coined.

It also seeks to communicate the reforms of the Duterte administration to the local level, entertain citizens’ concerns, establish a one-stop shop of frontline government services, and gather stakeholder inputs for the co-creation of the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) National Action Plan 2019-2021.

“Everyone is in this movement, and all together are carrying their desires, their ideas, and their dreams towards a national action plan for the rest of this year and beyond,” the PCOO chief said.

of

July 27-August 2, 2019

The Tacloban leg marks the 6th

National News I Empowering Communities

Dagyaw town hall meeting since July this year, following the Pampanga, Cebu, Davao, Koronadal City, and Pasay City caravans.

want to make the entire government transparent, write your congressmen.

Write your senators. Tell them to pass the FOI bill. Make it a law,” he said.

The PCOO, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government will continue to bring open government dialogues to regions outside Metro Manila until September.

Andanar said that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already done his part in initiating the FOI program through Executive Order No. 2 signed 25 days after he took his oath of office.

Moreover, Andanar urged the local government units as well as the stakeholders to lobby for the creation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) law.

“The ball is now in the congress and the senate to pass this into law.

Through this FOI, the work of government becomes properly accessible for scrutiny and relevant for informative needs. In this matter, government becomes as large and as important as a nation by acquiring a dimension that’s profoundly and wonderfully of the people, by the people, and for the people,” Andanar closed.

“My challenge to all of you here in Tacloban city...to all of the mayors, to all of the NGAs (national government agencies), all of the stakeholders who are present today. If we really

July 27-August 2, 2019

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SSS: 2.5M pensioners receive P62B pension from Jan to May 2019 QUEZON CITY State-run Social Security System (SSS) disbursed more than P62.19 billion worth of pensions in the first five months of this year, reflecting a P4.84 billion-increase from the same period last year.

METRO CEBU NEWS

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said the growth in disbursements was due to the increase in the number of pensioners which grew from 2.4 million in May 2018 to 2.5 million in May 2019.

who have reached the age of 60 with at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of their retirement while survivorship-pensioners are primary beneficiaries of deceased members who have paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of the

“We are happy to see our member’s death. pensioners enjoying their monthly pensions after many years of saving with Disability pensioners, on the other SSS. They are finally reaping the benefits hand, are members who are unable work of the years of their hard work when they as a result of their disability which could were still part of the labor force,’ Ignacio either be temporary or permanent and said. with at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of disability.

The SSS provides three types of pensions, namely: retirement, death, SSS’ pension disbursements and disability. account for 78.6 percent of the total benefit disbursements from January to

As of May 2019, the pension fund has May this year. more than 1.5 million retiree-pensioners, over 940,000 survivorship-pensioners, “We cannot overemphasize the and 85,000 disability pensioners. importance of consistently paying monthly contributions to SSS so that in

Retiree-pensioners are members times of emergency situations which

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National News I Empowering Communities result in loss of income, the SSS can provide them with assistance in the form of pensions, cash allowances or loans. If they also wish to have higher pensions, they must also save more with SSS,” Ignacio said.

term and emergency needs instead of going to loan sharks,” Ignacio said.

Under the PLP, qualified members can apply for a loan of up to six times their respective basic monthly pension plus the P1,000 additional benefit but

Computation of SSS pension is should not exceed the maximum loan based on the monthly salary credit or limit of P32,000. the salary level of the member’s total earnings for the month which is up to a To qualify, the borrower must be a maximum of P20,000 per month and the retiree-pensioner and not more than 80 credited years of service or the number years old at the end of the month of the years that a member paid his/her SSS loan payment term. The borrower must contributions. The higher the monthly have no deductions from his/her regular salary credit and the longer the years a monthly pension, no existing advance member paid his/her contributions, the pension under the SSS Calamity higher his/her monthly pension will be.

Package, and should have received his/her monthly pension for at least one

To date, the highest amount of month and posted in the pension fund’s pension being paid by SSS for a retiree- system. pensioner is P18,945 while the minimum amount of pension is P2,000. These The pension loan has an interest include the P1,000 additional benefit. rate of 10 percent per annum, computed on a diminishing principal

The SSS continues to develop its balance, which will become part of the benefit and loan programs to fit the monthly amortization. Loan proceeds needs of its members. will be credited to the cash card of the pensioner-borrower within five working

Last September, due to the request days from date of approval. of retiree-pensioners, the SSS opened its Pension Loan Program (PLP). The Payment for the said loan will start program is designed to provide financial two months after the loan’s approval. assistance to retiree-pensioners through The loan can be paid within three, six, a low-interest rate loan option. or 12 months depending on the loan amount.

As of July 9, the pension fund has disbursed, through the PLP, more “We encourage our qualified than P1.16 billion to 48,505 pensioner- pensioners to avail of the PLP. We borrowers. already eased its qualifying guidelines to cover more pensioners. But we would

“We are seeing an increase in the like to warn PLP applicants against fixers. number of SSS pensioners relying now on Please do not transact with them,” our pension loan program for their short- Ignacio said. (SSS) July 27-August 2, 2019

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PRRD’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ to benefit from China’s BRI

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

MANILA - Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Friday that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) coincides with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build (BBB)” program.

In her speech at The Belt and Road China-Philippines Forum in Pasay City, Arroyo explained that the initiative suits BBB projects, noting that “the Philippines is geographically located at the 21st century maritime silk road.”

appreciates the increase in capital and technological resources it provides.

“Recognizing that other Asian countries are small developing countries, China has provided financing platforms promoting infrastructures, resources development, and financial

“These (projects) will open and industrial cooperations,” she up more opportunities not only for added. investment but also the flow of trade.

The main thing to focus now is on the The former House of implementation side,” she said.

Representatives Speaker noted that the BRI forums, which aim to promote

Citing that China has proven people-to-people exchange, will to be a partner for development, further strengthen the country’s ties Arroyo said the Philippine government with China. (PNA)

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July 27-August 2, 2019

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