Caraga InFocus - June 17-23, 2017

CONTENTS

Volume 1, No. 64 17 - 23 June 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

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Pres. Duterte assures AFP, families of sustainable livelihood DILG urges LGUs to verify ‘Federalism’ advocacy groups Pres. Duterte clarifies health condition

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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PRRD congratulates Agusanons on its 50th anniv DAR AgNor holds records management seminar for agrarian orgs

DAR AgSur to fund P6-M worth of road concreting under Project ConVERGE DTI conducts business education seminar for business operators DSWD installs 16 tapstands in Loreto island barangay

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Surigao Norte guv leads launching of P114M FMR in Placer Tandag City is all set for 10th Charter Day celeb DTI conducts consumer education to senior citizens in Tandag City

Feature: Potassium in bananas helps regulate blood pressure

MINDANAO NEWS

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PIA Caraga holds ASEAN info caravan to students in Butuan

AgNor centenarian receives P50K

HEALTH NEWS

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COVER

Diocese of Iligan, MSU extend relief assistance to Marawi evacuees RDC-XI endorses Mindanao Railway Project

NATIONAL NEWS

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President Duterte’s fruitful ‘Tour of Duty’ in his first year

DOLE has new labor compliance positions

News Briefs DPWH Caraga OIC-RD Pol Delos Santos underscored that the department is willing to accept reports from the media should they observe or know personnel in DPWH that is, accordingly, doing illegal activities/transaction in implementing road projects.

With the implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) on year 2016, the province of Agusan del Norte in partnership with the national government spent over P413 Million for the construction of 305 classrooms located at the different schools in the province.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 13 carried on with its Coastal Geohazard Assessment under the National Geohazard Assessment and Mapping Program.

Malacanan declares June 26 as Regular Holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).

DPWH Caraga OIC-RD Pol Delos Santos clarified that the maintenence division of the department is regularly monitoring the status of the ongoing high-impact projects of the region and making sure that it will finish on the target dates. They are also working on the roads that need repair.

Cover Story

PIA Caraga holds ASEAN i to students in Butuan By: Regal C. Oribia

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UTUAN CITY - Hundreds of students from the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) gathered recently at the FSUU Morelos Campus here for the ASEAN Information Caravan 2017.

The caravan aims to deepen appreciation of the public about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN and the benefits it would give them in their daily lives.

campaign about ASEAN. We want to communicate the opportunities and benefits of ASEAN to the Filipinos,” said PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga.

“This is part of the government’s effort to intensify the information, During the info caravan, education, and communication (IEC) Jennifer Gaitano of PIA-

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17 - 23 June, 2017

info caravan

Cover Story Caraga shared the privileges, benefits, significance, as well as the importance of being a member of the ASEAN community.

Meanwhile, Rica Ella Batino, 4th year Business Administration student, said the activity helped her understand the significant role of ASEAN in the country. “I need to strive hard in my education for me to be more globally competitive,� she said.

Also, Dr. Emiliana Lozano, dean of Business Administration Program, thanked PIA Caraga for granting their request to be their resource speaker on ASEAN.

She noted that thru this activity, the students can have a deeper understanding of the employment opportunities in neighboring countries and the advantages that the ASEAN brings to its citizens. (FEA/RCO/PIACaraga)

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ASEAN News

PH hosts ASEAN electronics Dialogue

MAKATI CITY - The Philippines concluded its hosting of the ASEAN Dialogue with Asian Electronics Forum Partners Tuesday (20 June 2017) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, bringing together key experts and movers from ASEAN Member States (AMS) in the electronics and semiconductor industry to share industry updates and initiatives in their respective electronics sectors, learn from each other, and foster greater collaboration in the region.

The Dialogue is one of the official events hosted by the Philippines in line with its chairmanship of ASEAN2017.

The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) organized the event in joint coordination with the Semiconductor and Electronics Association of the Philippines (SEIPI).

ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player, with the interest of the people at its core. The theme focuses on six thematic priorities, which encompass political, economic and socio-cultural aspects.

“Consistent with the theme of the Philippine chairmanship of various

With the theme: “Partnering for ASEAN2017 meetings, the Dialogue Change, Engaging the World”, the between ASEAN and Asia Electronics Philippine chairmanship highlights Forum is a significant venue for the 17 -23 June, 2017

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ASEAN News ASEAN Member States to learn from the Asia Electronics Forum partners and discuss the challenges besetting the industry on regional and global perspective particularly technology and innovation, the so-called Internet of Things, and industrial revolution,” said Trade Undersecretary and BOI Governor Nora Terrado during the keynote speech she delivered on behalf of Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon Lopez.

“As with any societal change, Industry 4.0 springs an abundance of opportunities. This brings industries and economies not only the opportunity to catch up and grow, but also the opportunity to leap. This new phase of industrial revolution will decouple growth with resource constraints.

Industries’ survival and growth will less likely depend on how little or how much it has but on how its output will impact the way we work, live and relate to each other. Thriving in the midst of this industrial revolution will not be solely defined by satisfying customer experiences. Success will be shaped by the ability of industries to transform processes that are responsive to customer needs and experience, and bring together convenience, efficiency, quality and sustainability,” Executive Director Dichosa said at the concluding session of the Dialogue.

Undersecretary Terrado highlighted the critical role of the electronics industry in redefining technology, innovation, and industrial revolution, noting that the sector is at the core of such development. “While the extent to which the electronics industry contributes to our respective economies largely vary, there is no doubt that the sector is an important pillar in economic growth,” she said, adding that the electronics sector is at the core of transforming communities In ending, Executive Director to make everything easier.

Dichosa called on the participants for further collaboration, encouraging

In the Dialogue, key speakers them to prepare for the upcoming from selected AMS and Asian countries ASEAN Electronics Forum in September shared industry updates and initiatives of this year where current regional and in their respective electronics sectors.a global issues in the electronics industry will be further discussed and agree on

BOI Executive Director Ma. action plans to chart the growth of the Corazon Halili-Dichosa meanwhile industry. “It is really important that we, highlighted at the conclusion of the as a region, regularly meet to discuss Dialogue of the greater realization that matters besetting the electronics there lies a huge task for all governments industry, and for us to be able to further and industry players who wish to be part develop and improve the capability of of a redefining industrial revolution. our industry,” she said.

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ASEAN News

The AEF is an annual event convened by the Philippines, through the BOI from 2003 to 2011. Participated by government and private sector stakeholders of the ASEAN Electronics Industries, the forum originally aimed to devise a regional action plan to enhance and accelerate the integration of the sector in ASEAN as a single production and market base in doing business in electronics. The reconvening of the AEF in September aims to re-establish the linkages among the government and business partners in the ASEAN electronics sector and engage them once again to discuss global and regional issues and matters that beset the regional electronics industry.

The electronics sector accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the total value of exports in most countries in Asia. In 2015, electrical equipment, electronics and parts accounted for 25.1 percent of the total ASEAN exports. High quantities of the world’s consumer electronics like television, radios, computers, and cellular phones come from the ASEAN region. More than 80

percent of the world’s hard drives are made in ASEAN.

The Philippines’ key products are hard drives and semiconductor.

The Philippines supplies the world with 2.5 million hard drives per month and captures the 10 percent of the semiconductor manufacturing services global supply. Seven out of the world’s top twenty chipmakers are in the Philippines these are Texas Instruments, Philips, Fairchild, Analog Devices, Sanyo, On Semi an Rhom.

The electronics industry is considered as one of the pillars of industrial growth in the Philippines.

It is the top export performer with a 51.3 percent share in the total Philippine exports in 2016 (January to December) or around USD 28.8 Billion.

Electronics contributes 17.67 percent to total Manufacturing Gross Value Added, making it the second largest manufacturing sector in terms of gross value added in manufacturing.

Electronics has generated about 2.8 Million direct and indirect employment as of 2015. (BOI) 17 -23 June, 2017

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ASEAN News

Philippines leads manufacturing sector in ASEAN

MANILA, - Malacañang welcomed the report saying that the Philippine manufacturing sector now tops ASEAN countries.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a press briefing, noted that this feat is attributed to sound economic fundamentals under the Duterte administration.

increase in output for the month of May.

“As a result, the Philippines has ranked first among ASEAN countries in the manufacturing sector, replacing

According to Nikkei ASEAN Vietnam as stronger performer in this Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ sector,” Abella said.

Index (PMI), the country’s manufacturing sector scored 54.3, indicating a solid “We’d like to attribute this to the

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ASEAN News strong economic fundamentals also of so that food and other medicines and the Philippines,” he added. other assistance can come through,” Santiago said.

Joining Abella during the press briefing was Irene Santiago, the For his part, Eastern Mindanao chairperson of the Government of the Command deputy commander, Brig.

Philippines Implementing Panel for the Gen. Gilbert Gapay assured that while Bangsamoro Peace Accord. martial law continues to be implemented in Mindanao, government’s actions are

Santiago reported that the in accordance with the rule of law and Bangsamoro peace process is on track in adherence to human rights. and that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has approved the He said checkpoints and maritime final draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law patrols are being conducted in eastern last Tuesday, June 6.

Mindanao, noting that it was during the checkpoint operations where the

She said they hope that the final Maute patriarch, Cayamora Maute draft can be submitted to the President and former Marawi City mayor Fajad before the middle of June.

Umpar Salic were apprehended in separate occasions.

Santiago also said that the government, in cooperation with the “In some areas, curfews were also Moro Islamic Liberation Front, opened imposed and this was in coordination the second peace corridor in Lanao with the various LGUs and we are del Sur to rescue trapped civilians and implementing total gun ban since the channel relief goods. permit to carry was suspended by the PNP,” Gapay said.

Several organizations and groups such as the Autonomous Region in Aside from security operations, Muslim Mindanao, the International however, Gapay said they are also Committee of the Red Cross, as well involved in various humanitarian as the Bangsamoro Development operations to help those affected by Agency, were able to send food, the Marawi crisis. medicines, and other humanitarian aid, she said.

“Two major relief assistance, operations were conducted utilizing

“So the idea of the peace corridor our Navy vessels in these relief goods. is really a safe passageway to save Truckloads of relief goods were lives, whether it’s trapped civilians in transported to Marawi to provide Marawi City or opening a passageway assistance to our countrymen there,” 17 -23 June, 2017

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ASEAN News

he said.

government officials.

To ensure public security and

In the same briefing, Dr. Rene safety, Escalante said the government Escalante, chairman of the National has crafted a contingency plan to Historical Commission of the Philippines respond to emergencies.

(NHCP), said President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the 119th Independence Day “At gaya ng palaging pinaalala celebration on June 12. na iba na ang panahon natin ngayon, maging mapagmatyag po tayo at

Escalante said President Duterte kung may mga nahalata tayong hindi will lead the flag-raising and wreath- maganda. So nagkalat po ang pulis laying at the Rizal Park in the morning at mga alagad ng militar, maari pong and it will be followed by the Vin ipagbigay-alam natin sa kanila,” he d’honneur in Malacañang at noontime. said.

He said there will be simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying events throughout the country on June 12 and those events will be led by different

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The 119th Independence Day celebration has a theme “Kalayaan 2017: Pagbabagong Sama-samang Balikatin”. (PND)

REGIONAL NEWS

Pres. Duterte assures AFP, families of sustainable livelihood By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – To address the needs and concerns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), President Rodrigo Duterte said that he will allocate P50billion trust fund to be utilized until the end of his term for livelihood and educational assistance.

The president assured this to the AFP as he delivered his speech during his visit at the 4th Infantry Division Advance Command Post, this city.

job. You take the risks when you are in the field, that’s how determined and committed you are in fighting against crime and terror that is brought by the terrorist group,” stressed Pres.

Pres. Duterte reiterated the Duterte. sacrifices of the army troopers as they fulfill their responsibilities to the Pres. Duterte, further highlighted Filipino people and the country. He that the said allocation intended for also encouraged them to continue the AFP will not be used for any other their fight against illegal drugs and attributions, but will only be spent for terrorism. “I know you are doing your the welfare of the AFP that will also

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Regional News support the livelihood and education soldiers and led the donning of rank of their children. to Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza, 401st Brigade commander. Zaragoza was

The president has also awarded promoted to brigadier general. (JPG/ the military merit medals to the 11 PIA-Caraga)

DILG urges LGUs to verify ‘Federalism’ advocacy groups By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) encourages all local government units (LGUs) to coordinate all orientation KING RODRIGUEZ/PPD initiatives on Federalism with the respective DILG regional and field offices to protect them from unscrupulous individuals and groups that prey on their resources just to orchestrate their campaign even without the endorsement and recognition by DILG central office.

In a memorandum issued to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays by DILG officer-in-charge Catalino S. Cuy, it indicated that various institutions and organizations are showing their support to the administration’s thrust to promote the shift to a Federal form of

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government by initiating activities aimed at orienting citizens and generating support for Federalism. The DILG, however, has received several reports about some individuals and groups taking advantage of LGUs by requiring the use of LGU resources for the conduct of such activities.

Regional News

“While the DILG appreciates the support and enthusiasm being shown by the various institutions and organizations to the national government’s thrust for Federalism, we likewise encourage all LGUs to make verifications to ensure that such efforts are harmonized and conducted with the sole intention to educate citizens,” said Cuy.

In Caraga region, the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee People’s National Movement for Federalism (MRRD NECC PENAMFED) chaired by Temoteo C. Pableo is so far the only group recognized by DILG central office to conduct talks on Federalism.

(VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Pres. Duterte clarifies health condition By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – During his interaction with the media on Saturday, in time with his visit at the 4th Infantry Division Advance Command Post of the Philippine Army here, President Rodrigo Duterte has cleared up the rumors and clarified that he was not in a coma.

“Hindi ako na-coma, but I stayed in my kama. Wrong spelling – coma, kama (I was not in coma, but I stayed in my kama. Wrong spelling, from coma, it’s kama (bed),” the president explained.

Rites on Monday, the president has never been seen in public.

Pres. Duterte added that he was not suffering from sickness and that people should not worry much about his health.

Duterte said that he does not need to divulged any information “My state of health is immaterial. to anybody if he needs to go I called on the public not to worry “incognito.” much about my health condition, it has nothing to do with my absence in some

It can be recalled that after of my scheduled engagements,” he skipping the 119th Independence Day added. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 17 - 23 June, 2017

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President Rodrigo

17 June

Hqs 4CMOBn, Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City

o Roa Duterte Visit

e 2017

Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

PRRD congratulates Agusanons on its 50th anniv By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday congratulated the provincial government and the Agusanons on their golden anniversary celebration.

In his visit during the annual People’s Day celebration at the Caraga State University campus here, he acknowledged the contribution of governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba to his administration and the values of the Agusanons that contributed to the economic growth of the area.

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of a collective triumph of unity and cooperation, its people’s enduring values of persistence and hard work pave the way for Agusan del Norte’s continuing journey towards greater social economic growth,” he said.

Duterte then asked his fellow Mindanaoans for continued vigilance as the government is implementing stringent measures “This festivity is an affirmation for the safety of the Filipino people 17 - 23 June, 2017

Provincial News and for restoration of public order in Matba in the province. communities affected by terrorism.

The People’s Day is part of the

PRRD also encouraged province’s weeklong celebration of Agusanons to fight and solve not its 50th foundation anniversary with only terrorism but also the spread the theme “Bulawanong Kasaulogan of illegal drugs in the area. He also sa Masidlakong Agusan.” (NCLM/PIAexpressed his full support to the anti- Agusan del Norte) illegal drug campaign of governor

DAR AgNor holds records management seminar for agrarian orgs By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY The Provincial Agrarian Reform of Agusan del Norte recently conducted a series of seminars on Records Management to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Agusan del Norte here.

Participants are coop officers and staffs from different ARBOs that comprised of 91 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries.

Chief

Judith

M.

Domingo

Program Beneficiaries Development Division, in her message, that the seminar is part of the mandate of DAR under the organizational capability building program to improve and of empower the agrarian reform 17 - 23 June, 2017

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Provincial News beneficiary organizations.

Inc., discussed about the importance of keeping the records and managing

APCP Point Person Luningning B. the files.

Ycoy said that the seminar is to provide systematic approach in records Participants expressed their keeping and managing files to improve gratitude to DAR management in their operations. providing seminar that can be used to improve their organization. (DAR Liberato U. Pulido, one of the Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del trainers of Propegemus Foundation Norte)

AgNor centenarian receives P50K By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, through the Provincial Social Welfare, Population and Nutrition Services Office (PSWPNSO), handed a check worth P50,000 on June 6 to the 100 year old Helenita Vallejos, a resident of Barangay Kinabjangan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Provincial Board Members Elizabeth Marie R. Calo and Dick Victor B. Carmona led the check giving together with the personnel of PSWPNSO headed by Daisybiel O. Demavivas.

Lola Helenita Vallejos, born on March 16, 1917, lives with her children at Brgy. Kinabjangan, Nasipit, Agussn del Norte. She turned 100 years old last March 16, 2017.

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By virtue of Provincial Ordinance No. 362-2014,�An Ordinance Granting Centenarian Incentives and Awards to the Senior Citizens of the Province of Agusan del Norte,� approved on Dec.11, 2014, with full support of Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, a number of centenarians in the province have already received such cash incentive.

(LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

AGUSAN DEL SUR

DAR AgSur to fund P6-M worth of road concreting under Project ConVERGE By: Hazel Hope V. Bautista

VERUELA, Agusan del Sur – The Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Development (ConVERGE) thru the Provincial Project Coordinator Engr. Gudy Centina, has recently conducted an initial identification of the road to be concreted under the said project at Veruela, this province.

Together with Engr. Evangeline Hanginan of the regional office, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Vilma Romero, SB Member Rebecca Hampac and

Brgy. Capt. Archie Calibayan, the approximately 5 kilometer existing road connecting the secondary national highway at Sitio Dungga, Brgy. La Fortuna, traversing the huge area of 17 - 23 June, 2017

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Provincial News ricefield at Brgy. Magsaysay, Veruela ug La Fortuna kung mahuman ang was identified. pagsemento sa dalan tungod kay kining duha ka barangay gikonsidera

“Isa ka tumong sa ConVERGE kay na rice granaries sa munisipyo. Kami ang pagtabang sa mga mag-uuma mapasalamaton gayud sa DAR kung arun mas motaas ang estado sa ilang mahuman kini na proyekto tungod panginabuhian (One of the goal of kay daku kaayo kini ug tabang sa ConVERGE is to help farmers in uplifting amo nga mga gagmayng mang-uuma, their well-being and reduce poverty kay mogamay gyud among gasto incidence),” said Engr. Centina as he sa pagpa-hauling (Geographically, addressed the attendees about the Brgy. Magsaysay and La Fortuna are goal of the project. considered as rice granaries of the municipality and will directly benefit

Centina further said that since the should this road-concreting project be identified road is already an existing completed. We are indeed thankful farm-to-market road, it is expected to DAR for granting this to us because that the concreting project would be a this is of great help to us small farmers, lot beneficial to farmers. as this will reduce our hauling costs),” expressed Juan Talimodao, Barangay

“Maka-benepisyo gyud ang mga Agrarian Reform Council. (DAR-Agusan mag-uuma sa Barangay Magsaysay del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DTI conducts business education seminar for business operators

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur Two (2) consecutive business education seminars (BES) were recently conducted for business operators in the municipalities of Sibagat and Rosario, this province.

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Provincial News

Both activities aimed to equip the business owners on business-related laws for their compliance as well as for their awareness as consumers themselves.

During the seminar, three trade and industry laws were presented: Price Tag Law, Sales Promotion and No Shortchanging Act of 2016.

of Maidial Store in Sibagat shared during the BES conducted at Negosyo Center (NC)-Sibagat, Bus Terminal, Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The business operators who attended the seminars at NC-Sibagat and those at the Sarnimian Inland Resort in Rosario also commit to do their best to comply with the said laws to avoid violations and to share the information they learned to others.

“Daku ko ug pasalamat sa DTI tungod kay daghan ko ug nahibaloan pinaagi ani nga seminar (I am thankful It was learned that another round to DTI for holding this seminar where I of BES is scheduled next quarter. (DTIgained useful learnings),� Alma Pecson Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 17 - 23 June, 2017

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ASEAN INFO

BSBA Students

FSUU Morelos Campus, Butuan City 17 June 2017

O CARAVAN

Agricultural Extension Worker / Information Officer St. Peter Seminary, Ampayon, Butuan City 23 June 2017

SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DSWD installs 16 tapstands in Loreto island barangay By: April Mae N. Waban and Marko Davey D. Reyes

LORETO, Dinagat Islands – The KalahiCIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Deveopment (DSWD) installed a total of 16 tapstands that benifited about 88 households in Barangay Magsaysay, Loreto town.

Since Magsaysay is an island barangay, a sustainable water supply would prove to be a challenge for the community. They would find themselves frustrated everytime they turn on their faucets with water dripping so slowly.

Because of this, the residents would sail off with their pump-boats on a 30-minute excursion to Barangay Helene, a neighboring island barangay.

their nearest source of abundant water supply.

Others, would opt to wake up before sunrise and set off on an almost two-hour foot journey through the jungle trail to reach the same place and fetch some water.

But when the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program came into their barangay, the community

Residents had to endure the found an opportunity where they 30-minute pump boats ride just to get can address their needs as the to a place they call “Kabadjangan,” program uses the Community Driven

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Provincial News Development (CDD) strategy.

The Kalahi-CIDSS’ CDD strategy provides a platform where communities are made to identify their most dire needs, propose a solution to address water problem and implement the sub-projects themselves.

Thankfully, Magsaysay was one of the barangays selected for

prioritization of which their proposed sub-project would be funded through the program.

Now, with 16 tapstands installed in their barangay, about 88 households are now enjoying an improved water supply of which they utilize for domestic uses and daily consumption. (Social Markeitng Unit/DSWD Filed Office Caraga/PIADinagat Islands)

Surigao Norte guv leads launching of P114M FMR in Placer By: John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Governor Sol F. Matugas recently opened new roads from Barangay Tapian leading to Magsaysay and to Sta Cruz road in Anislagan, Placer, this province.

The 9-kilometer road concreting was reportedly worth P114-million, Mayor Michael Jose Patiño and vice mayor Reynaldo Seeto expressed their wholehearted gratitude to governor Matugas for making their dreams come true.

For her part, Gov. Matugas said that these giant projects are only the beginning and expect more under her administration.

“We really thank Gov. Matugas because she is very fair and objective, there is no color coding. Funds were released on time and fast access to the basic delivery of major services,” one of the residents said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Director Abel James Monteagudo and former Congressman Francisco ‘Lalo’ Matugas witnessed the activity. (PGOSDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 17 - 23 June, 2017

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Photo Gallery

Agricultural Training Institute Basic Journalism Training St. Peter Seminary, Ampayon, Butuan City June 20-23, 2017

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Tandag City is all set for 10th Charter Day celeb

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The city government here headed by mayor Alexander Pimentel is all set for the 10th Charter Day celebration on June 22-23, 2017 with the theme, “Pahinumdum ug Pagpasalamat.”

The Charter Day activities will begin with a Zumbaruga early morning at the Vicente L. Pimentel (VLP) Sr. Boulevard followed by a motorcade at 8:00 a.m.

The Drum and Lyre Corps Competition dubbed as “Laguboh” will then follow in two different categories, a.) elementary and b.) secondary.

A medical/dental check up/Libreng Gupit for the senior citizens dubbed as “Kumusta Lo ug La” will also be held at the city gymnasium.

On day 2, the activities lined up include a foot parade or “Karahikas,” Holy Mass and charter day program, which will take place at the city gymnasium.

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Provincial News

Other activities set during the anniversary day are: release of funds for livelihood projects to identified people’s organization; turn over of the Day Care Centers in barangay Bontud and San Agustin Norte; turn over of Health Centers to Barangay Buenavista and Salvacion and the turn over of the Bahay Pag-asa situated in Barangay

Rosario, this city.

The said event will culminate on Friday night with a “Hudyaka” featuring: Comedian Pooh, singerperformer Roxanne Barcelo and 6 Cycle Mind Band plus the Rave Band from Cebu. Activities will then end with the fireworks display at the VLP Boulevard. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

DTI conducts consumer education to senior citizens in Tandag City By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Trade and Industry Surigao del Sur (DTI-SDS) Provincial Office, in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) recently conducted a consumerism seminar to the senior citizens held at the Office of the Senior Citizens Association, this city.

In a press statement released by the DTI-SDS provincial office, the said activity was tackled on the salient features of the DTI-Department of Agriculture Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No.12-01 series of 2012 – Granting Special Discounts to Senior Citizens on the Purchase of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities.

Some 20 active officers and members of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association (FSCA) of this city attended the seminar, it was learned.

DTI Consumer Welfare Division Chief designate Emmanuel Disca elaborated the “No Return, No

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Exchange” policy, and Deceptive Sales Acts and Practices.

Meanwile, CSWD Senior Citizens focal person Merlita Cabrera, on her closing statement, expressed an appreciation to the DTI and requested to conduct the same seminar to another batch of senior citizens associations in this city.

The conduct of consumerism seminar is the DTI’s strategy aims to intensify the consumer protection through consumer information and education. (with a report from DTI/PIASurigao del Sur)

HEALTH NEWS

Potassium in bananas helps regulate blood pressure

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits among people of all origins because these can be available fresh year-round and cheaper compared with other tropical fruits.

To the consumer, the banana seems a simple name for the yellow and elongated fruit that is served as a dessert. The word “banana� is a general term embracing a number of species or hybrids of the genus Musa of the family of Musaceae, closely related to plantains.

excellent breads, cookies, muffins and cakes. They make attractive garnish in ice cream. Unripe or green bananas are used in cooking. Unripe bananas can be fried, boiled, baked or made into chips.

Bananas are classified either as dessert bananas or as green cooking bananas. The ripe banana is popularly served as a dessert. It is a delicious addition to fruit salads or simply eaten out of hand. Overripe bananas make 17 - 23 June, 2017

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Health News

Bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

Potassium is a mineral that is important for controlling the body’s fluid balance. It is also needed for muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and the proper functioning of the body’s heart and kidneys. Potassium helps regulate water balance and blood pressure in cells, together with other minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

Besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, banana is also a natural remedy for a number of illnesses and conditions. Ripe banana relieves diarrhea, whereas the unripe banana relieves constipation.

Banana is highly recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure because of its potassium content. The fresh leaves of banana are also used as bed spreads for bed ridden patients to avoid bedsores.

One piece of banana each day restores the balance of potassium. So make it a habit to include banana in your daily meals.

According to the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Technical Working Group headed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), you should eat more vegetables and fruits to get the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.

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For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 8372071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@ yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

Like our Facebook page at facebook. com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, DOST-FNRI S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

Photo Gallery Department of Public Works and Highways PRESS CONFERENCE Conference Room, DPWH Engineering Office Butuan City 21 June 2017

CHR-Meeting on IDPs in Caraga with other Government Agency

Rosarios Seafood Restaurant, Butuan City 19 June 2017

MINDANAO NEWS

Diocese of Iligan, MSU extend relief assistance to Marawi evacuees

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

ILIGAN CITY– The Diocese of Iligan City, together with Mindanao State University (MSU) Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) has joined hands for a common cause to help the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who suffered the effect of the armed conflict in Marawi City and are now in the evacuation centers here.

Sr. Fe Socorro Salimbangon, Diocesan Caritas Coordinator of the Diocese of Iligan City said that they have partnered with National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) under the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Catholic Relief Services for the relief distribution

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to more or less 2,000 IDPs in the barangays of this city.

“The food packs contain salted dried fish, rice, sardines, mongo, and other food items,” enumerated Salimbangon. She also called on those interested donors who want to

Mindanao News donate to have it thru cash instead so household kits will be given to evacuees. evacuees could also buy other needs. The 1st batch of relief distribution is composed of 650 hygiene kits and 1,250

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Anthony household kits. We prioritized those Torres, officer-in-charge of MSU-IPDM, who are not in the main evacuation also disclosed that they have student- centers and also need special care,� volunteers and friends from MSU and elaborated Torres. other schools in Iligan City who help them in the whole duration of the Torres added that more donations relief operation of their organization in from their partners are coming to partnership with other sectors. accommodate some 1,600 home based families/evacuees in the affected

“Food packs, hygiene kits, barangays. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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Mindanao News

RDC-XI endorses Mindanao Railway Project By: RG Alama

DAVAO CITY The Regional Development Council has endorsed to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board the Mindanao Railway Project.

The MRP is envisioned to bring greater connectivity to the island of Mindanao via railway which would be a efficient, affordable and reliable mode of transport that will deliver the benefit of reduced travel time and increased opportunities for economic activities.

Panabo City, Mudiang (Davao City), Toril (Davao City), Sta Cruz and Digos City, with its central terminal located in Davao City.

The MRP-TDD segment shall have 6 passenger train sets with 5 cars per train set. The train is designed to have a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per

The first segment of the project hour. Since frequency of travel is up is the 102.8-kilometer Tagum-Davao- to six trains per hour or 1 train every 10 Digos (TDD) line which is the initial minutes, time savings from Tagum City phase of the 830 kilometer MRP loop. to Digos City will be around 2.2 hours, or from 3.5 hours to only 1.3 hours.

The TDD Line is a commuter railway which connects from Tagum Planned implementation of the City in Davao del Norte to Digos City in MRP-TDD is scheduled fourth quarter of Davao del Sur. The proposed stations 2017. The TDD Line is estimated to cost will be located in Tagum City, Carmen, P35.911 billion.

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NATIONAL NEWS

President Duterte’s fruitful ‘Tour of Duty’ in his first year

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made 21 foreign trips to 18 countries during his first year in office. The President’s foreign trips form part of his obligation as Head of State to maintain and strengthen the country’s diplomatic and economic ties with other nations.

It is customary for the President to cover ASEAN countries, especially with the assumption of the Philippines as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2017.

Strengthening ASEAN integration

maritime security was concluded to jointly patrol the Sulu Sea. During his two-day official visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, a six-year action plan focused on combating transnational crime and illegal drug trade was agreed with President Tran Dai Quang.

President Duterte’s first foreign trip was in Vientiane, Laos, where he formally accepted the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.

In Brunei, PRRD and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah discussed the strengthening of the Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) through trade

In his working visit to Jakarta, and investment and Halal product Indonesia, a trilateral agreement on certification.

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National News President Duterte went to Thailand twice. He first paid his last respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He returned to Bangkok to witness the signing of three important agreements in the field of science and technology, agriculture, and tourism, and brought home US$2-billion dollars worth of investments from Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group.

In Malaysia, PRRD met with Prime Minister Najib Razak to tackle a possible joint military and police operations to quell piracy in the Sulu Sea and Abu Sayyaf kidnapping activities.

Economic windfall

The President’s foreign visits are essential strategic moves to significantly broaden the country’s independent foreign policy as the Philippines pushes for stronger integration with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, China, and Japan. The best gauge of these trips is the financial windfall gained by the country.

President Duterte’s state visit to China resulted in investments and aid pledges worth billions of dollars.

He brought home 13 government agreements and a pledge of US$24billion in business deals and public

President Duterte and King financing.

Norodom Sihamoni witnessed the signing of agreement on cooperation in President Duterte went to Tokyo, trade, sports, tourism, and in combating Japan for a three-day official visit transnational crime during PRRD’s state to discuss economic and defense visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. concerns.

Japan’s US$9-billion investment and aid package for the

In Singapore, President Duterte Philippines, spread over five years, held separate meetings with is the largest amount the Japanese Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng government has committed for a single Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien country.

Loong to discuss counter-terrorism and combating illegal drug trade and The US$33-billion raised in these transnational crime. two trips alone is equivalent to spending something like 17 centavos per every

The President and Myanmar 1,000 pesos raised in investments and President U Htin Kyaw signed a development assistance. memorandum of understanding (MOU) on food security and agricultural Some of the projects under the cooperation and discussed the need Duterte Administration’s Build-Buildfor law enforcement collaboration to Build Infrastructure Plan will be funded address terrorism, extremism, piracy, as a result of the President’s foreign visits. and drug trafficking.

Loans from Japan, for example, will be

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10 - 16 June, 2017

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National News used for the construction of a subway from North Avenue to FTI Taguig and a high-speed railway from Manila to Clark in Pampanga.

who asked the President to sponsor their membership in the ASEAN at the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in China.

Similarly, the President’s Gulf state visits to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar resulted in the signing of more than US$925-million worth of investment deals. Over and above these, the President’s state visit to Qatar resulted in the implementation of the US$1billion investments committed from the Qatar Sovereign Fund.

All of these show the productive results of his trips abroad in so far as strengthening and building alliances with other nations are concerned.

Strengthening relations with nontraditional partners

The Philippine-Russia bilateral engagement is still at a nascent stage, and President Duterte’s recent visit sent a strong message that the Philippines is out to seek new partnerships and strengthen relations with non-traditional partners such as Russia, as the nation charts an independent foreign policy.

Although cut short due to urgent developments at home, the President’s visit produced significant results, such as the signing of agreements on defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, agriculture, trade, tourism, culture, foreign affairs, transportation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Some US$875-million worth of business-tobusiness deals were also signed during the Russian visit.

Broadening trade cooperation

The importance of trade as an engine of economic development has been highlighted in the President’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in Lima, Peru; World Economic Forum (WEF) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and the first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China. PRRD has shown that he is not only a crime- and corruptionbuster but also an effective economic ambassador.

Promoting welfare of overseas Filipinos

In every foreign visit, the President has always kept in mind the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)—the prime movers of growth in the country.

On top of his agenda are meetings with the Filipino communities, as well maintaining cordial relations with the host governments of the millions of OFWs. The phenomenal support received by the President and his delegation from

President Duterte likewise met OFWs is something that has not been with the leaders of Turkey and Mongolia seen in previous administrations.

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National News

Since President Duterte took office, thousands of stranded and undocumented OFWs, mostly in the Middle East, have been sent back to the Philippines under the Relief Assistance Program (RAP) of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The latest to be repatriated were 138 overseas Filipino workers who were granted amnesty by the Saudi government and whom the President brought with him when he returned to the Philippines from the KSA. Deepening confidence

At age 72, the President has subjected himself to grueling schedule

With global realities leaning of foreign travels in his desire to towards protected economies, advance the national interests in the exportable rebellion and terrorism, global community of nations. and violent extremism, the Duterte Administration has begun to play it The President has covered more smart by charting an independent areas in his first year in office than foreign policy, while at the same time any previous Presidents. In all of these strengthening bilateral ties and regional foreign visits, the President has been and multilateral cooperation among ably assisted by Cabinet Secretaries nations. and other officials.

The benefits, indeed, outweigh the costs as the investments and development assistance underscores the international community’s deepening confidence in the Duterte administrations.

These benefits have further strengthened the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals, as shown by the stock market reaching an all-time high, stable foreign exchange rates, and soaring business optimism and consumer confidence.

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Further information on the President’s foreign travel is available at the Office of the Executive Secretary. The benefits gained from the President’s foreign travels have also been explained by Palace officials many times over through media releases and during press briefings. Financial disclosures of President Duterte’s foreign trips show a genuine sense of accountability and transparency on the part of the Administration. (PCO-Content)

National News

DOLE has new labor compliance positions By: Tim Laderas and Cris Soriano-Viray)

MANILA - The stepped up campaign of the labor department to end illegal contractualization and fully enforce compliance with labor standards and existing laws gained a boost this week with additional labor laws compliance officers set for hiring.

This after the Department of Budget and Management acceded to DOLE’s request to tap new personnel on top of the existing 525 LLCOs deployed across the country.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said 36 new LLCO positions will be filled up soon to complement the roster of compliance officers for assignment to key areas where non-compliance with labor laws and standards is high.

“These new positions will augment our manpower in the assessment and inspection of business establishments in the country, particularly on their compliance with Department Order No. 174,” Bello said.

The new positions, with a P15 million budget, will be further boosted, Bello said, when the labor department submits to Congress a request for additional 200 LLCO items to effectively perform assessment and inspection of around 937,554 small, medium and big business establishments in the country.

Apart

from

performing

the

functions relative to DO 174, LLCOs are also expected to conduct plant-level joint assessment of compliance by employer and workers’ representative; initiate awareness-raising and capacity-building of both employers and the workers and unions through DOLE #Engage+Motivate+Achieve or #EMA toolkit; and provide free technical assistance on productivity or compliance with technical safety and occupational safety and health standards (OSHS).

LLCOs are also mandated to check the establishments’ voluntary compliance through the Incentivizing Compliance Program (ICP); and help in enhancing plant-level partnership mechanism, such as the Labor Management Committee (LMC) or any workplace cooperation and partnership structure by ensuring sub-committees on OSHS. LLCOs are also expected to ensure the establishments’ implementation on Compliance Productivity, Family Welfare Program and Grievance through convergence of DOLE plantlevel programs and services known as the LMC Convergence Programs.

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Photo Gallery

Change of Command 30th Infantry Python Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte 22 June 2017

Tandag City 10th Charter Day Tandag City Gymnasium 23 June 2017

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