Caraga InFocus – June 20-26, 2020

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus

20 - 26 June 2020

8 10 11 14 16 17 19 20 21 22

Volume IV, No. 26

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga RTF-ELCAC intensifies efforts vs insurgency amid pandemic Over 800 terrorist group leaders, members neutralized

by PNP-13 Agri-4Ps initiative elevates affected livelihoods Planting benefits: Nutrition and immediate food source DA-Caraga intensifies effort to promote food sufficiency DBP eyes more tie-ups with financial firms for financial inclusion COVID-19 cases in Caraga rise to 87 DSWD Caraga to provide cash aid to left out beneficiaries Caraga to start 2020 labor force, poverty indicator polls Butuan banks cut working hours as Covid-19 cases spike

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Caraga RTF-ELCAC intensifies efforts vs insurgency amid pandemic

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Planting benefits: Nutrition and immediate food source

24 22 former rebels in Agusan del Norte receive financial aid

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Gov’t doing its best to help people amid Covid-19: Andanar

62 PRRD ‘happy’ over progress of Covid-19 vaccine dev’t

24 26 28 30 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 41 44 45 48 50 52 53 55 57 58 61 62

PROVINCIAL NEWS 22 former rebels in Agusan del Norte receive financial aid Over P2M E-CLIP fund released to AgNor FRs amid COVID-19 pandemic Over 2K AgNor ARBs receive aid from government AgSur farmers receive free certified seeds under RRP Manobo association receives rice seeds from DA-SAAD Tricycle drivers, farmers receive aid anew from AgSur town DAR turns over agri machineries to Surigao Norte farmers COMP members in Caraga realign P97-M SDMP fund for COVID-19 response Cops seized over P6-M hot logs in Caraga 8 individuals arrested for illegal fishing in Surigao Norte DTI trains Surigao Norte IPs in handicraft making Agrarian org receives P1.3M farm facilities from DAR Surigao Norte

MINDANAO NEWS Model ‘Balik’ hub ground breaks in Lanao Norte town Bukidnon towns vow to embrace envi-friendly agriculture

NATIONAL NEWS Gov’t doing its best to help people amid Covid-19: Andanar Duterte’s emergency powers needed to fight Covid-19: Palace 13.7M learners already enrolled for SY 2020-21: DepEd DAR Chief to ARBs: ‘Do not sell your farmlots’ SSS tells members: Transact online, avoid visiting branches

COVID-19 NEWS 594K Covid-19 tests conducted in PH Palace to public: Let’s do our part to avoid 40K Covid-19 cases Enough personnel, assets for Covid-19, rainy season: NDRRMC PRRD ‘happy’ over progress of Covid-19 vaccine dev’t

DOH Caraga confirms local transmission of COVID-19 in Butuan

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

T 4

he Department of Health (DOH) Caraga confirms locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city.

| June 20 - 26, 2020

Among the 25 new cases in Caraga region, two were found to have a travel history in Butuan City and three had no travel history in areas with community-wide transmission of the disease. The remainder of the tally are comprised of four Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and 16 Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs).

Limaha; New Society Village; Obrero; Ong Yiu; Raja Soliman; San Ignacio; San Vicente; Sikatuna; Silongan; Tandang Sora; Urduja; and Villa Kanangga.

The MECQ has been imposed since June 18. Tightened checkpoints among the identified barangays have now resumed and residents

In response to this, the city are required to use their quarantine government of Butuan has declared passes for all their transactions. the implementation of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine Meanwhile, the remaining (MECQ) to 33 of its barangays, namely barangays in the city continue to be Agao; Agusan PequeĂąo; Ambago; under Modified General Community Baan Km. 3; Baan Riverside; Bading; Quarantine (MGCQ).

Bayanihan; Buhangin; Dagohoy; Diego Silang; Doongan; Dumalagan; As present, the region now Fort Poyohon; Golden Ribbon; Holy has 56 cases, 49 of which are active Redeemer; Humabon; Imadejas; J. P. cases, with seven recoveries and zero Rizal; Lapu-lapu; Leon Kilat; Libertad; deaths. (DMNR/PIACaraga)

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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News Briefs Please be informed that Caraga has its existing moratorium on flights, mercy voyages and all forms of transportation effective June 22, 2020 to July 4, 2020. xx

In line with this year’s Nutrition Month celebration, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga targets to raise awareness on the impact of stunting and evidence-based solutions among families and communities leading to change in behaviors to prevent stunting; and to stimulate national and local discourse on stunting to understand its causes and the multi-sectoral solutions for increased investments in interventions.

Presidential Decree 491 designates July as Nutrition Month for the “purpose of creating greater awareness among people on the importance of nutrition”.

Governor Dale B. Corvera of Agusan del Norte acknowledged, during today’s signing of manifesto for withdrawal of support of 48 former rebels to the CTGs, the efforts of the PNP and Philippine Army for continuously working to fight and stop the insurgency problem in the province and in the whole country, as well.

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga RTF-ELCAC intensifies efforts vs insurgency amid pandemic

The Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) continues the fight against insurgency amid the limitations posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo A.B. Nograles is joined by NTF-ELCAC Vice-Chairperson and National Security Adviser Sec. Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., NSC Deputy Director General Usec. Damian L. Carlos, and Caraga region’s local leaders.

During its 5th (Second Quarter 2020) Meeting last June 16 presided

by Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Caraga region, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) CoChairperson, and the task force chairperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexis Nograles, member agencies

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reiterated their counterinsurgency initiatives during the health crisis.

On the issue concerning the closure of the remaining Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) schools in the region, Department of Education

(DepEd) Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas bared that the department has already issued final notices of closure to the said schools, which are allegedly used as training grounds of the communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) in Caraga.

on-time and full implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in the region; and formulating the Caraga Regional Recovery Program (RRP), among others.

The task force was also able to cover key issues and concerns such as the pending request to be recognized by the IATF-MEID and NTF COVID-19 as the regional policy-making and coordinating body concerning COVID-19 in Caraga Region; the pending accreditation of the proposed COVID-19 laboratory testing centers; and the request to include the region on in the second tranche of the SAP distribution.

Director Bringas also apprised the body that the construction of makeshift classrooms for the affected Indigenous People (IP) students in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur and in Mahaba, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur are already in progress, which were made possible through the funding from the concerned local government units (LGUs) and assistance from the Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

In addition, DOH Caraga, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), and the 4th

The heads of the regional offices Infantry Division, Philippine Army (4ID, of the DILG, NEDA, PNP, DepEd, DOH, PA) provided updates on the health, and the Commanding Officer of the peace and security, and insurgency 4th ID provide updates concerning situation in the region. developments in the region.

Relative to the region’s fight

Regional Task Force for COVID-19 against insurgency, the body also One Caraga Shield (RTF-COCS) passed the Caraga RTF-ELCAC Chairperson and Agusan del Norte Resolution No. 12-A, S. 2020, entitled Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera “Supporting the Passage of the Antialso presented the accomplishments Terrorism Act of 2020.” and milestones of the RTF-COCS, highlighting the region’s proactive The Inter-Regional Task Force efforts in developing harmonized of Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF)policies and guidelines relative to the ELCAC 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga, and implementation of enhanced and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region general community quarantines (E/ in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is GCQ) by LGUs in the region such as scheduled to convene on June 25 setting-up of regional border controls via teleconference to discuss on the to shield the region from its high-risk current security updates and efforts neighbors; establishing proposed local in Mindanao. (DMNR/Amethyst Joy A. COVID-19 laboratory testing centers; Galos, NEDA Caraga/PIACaraga) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Over 800 terrorist group leaders, members neutralized by PNP-13

Police Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr, regional director of the Philippine National Police – Caraga (PNP-Caraga) reported that since his assumption to office as the head of the agency on September 2019 until June 20, an overwhelming 869 leaders and members of Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) have been successfully neutralized

by PNP Caraga in line with PNP’s fight against insurgency in the region.

Of the 869, 67 were arrested, 12 died during police operation, five were captured and 786 were surrenderers who are categorized as active members, Militia ng Bayan (MB) and Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members.

The massive surrender of CTG leaders and their members are attributed to the combined focused military operations, intelligence efforts,

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civil-military operation, reintegration efforts and peace and development programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, and local government units (LGUs).

PNP Caraga is expecting more surrenderers in the coming days as former rebels and supporters expressed discontent under the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) movement.

Statements coming from the former rebels revealed that they were deceived with the false promises of their leaders and the pattern of deception being done by the NPA terrorists.

“Government’s Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict in the country has been significantly contributory to the surrender of terrorist group members and supporters. Sooner we will attain

Surrenderers are from the inclusive peace and development following NPA underground affiliates: for the country and our people,” said Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda; BGen. Esquivel.

Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad; Yunit Milisyang Bayan; Pambansang PNP Caraga is currently conducting Katipunan ng Magbubukid sa routine interviews to the surrenderers Pilipinas, Grupong Tig-Ugnayan sa for processing of their eligibility in order Baryo, Grupong Tig-organisa ng to avail of the government’s assistance Bayan, Komiteng Tig-organisa ng for former rebels under the Enhanced Bayan and other Communist Party of Comprehensive Local Integration the Philippines-New People’s Army- Program (E-CLIP) of the Department National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA- of the Interior and Local Government NDF) or CNN organization.

(DILG). (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

Agri-4Ps initiative elevates affected livelihoods

By Kent Warren H. Fugoso

With its goal to strengthen the food sufficiency and security in households amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, residents from Purok 12-A Employees Village, Libertad, this city have been actively involved with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Plant, Plant, Plant or Agri-4P’s initiative through their communal garden.

Hanawi Alauya, an employee of resident of the said village, together the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic with seven other families, started a Resources (BFAR) Caraga, and a 400-square-meter communal garden June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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last second week of April for the reason that this will be a good support to the hampered livelihood of his neighbors affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Lyn Montes, one of the workers of the communal garden, who benefited from this initiative, expressed her gratitude to Alauya and the Department of Agriculture-Caraga who somehow sustain her and other family’s financial

“As a public servant, working burden through vegetable gardening. under the umbrella of DA, I felt the need to support my affected neighbors “I am a tricycle driver and my and told them that, to sustain our husband is a construction worker, our needs during these times, we have to jobs were greatly affected during the plant. I acquired seedlings from the DA ECQ. I’m thankful that we have this Regional Office, cultivated my vacant communal garden because we don’t lot and we started to plant here,” he have that financial capacity to buy said. groceries instead, we just get our foods in the garden. It doesn’t matter if we

Since the quarantine, Alauya only eat vegetables all day since this and his neighbors work tirelessly every will boost our immune system to fight weekend to plant more, inspect the the virus,” Montes said. vegetables and develop their garden located just beside their homes while She also added that gardening did practicing social distancing measures. not just elevate their financial burden

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but also improved the relationship production. between her and her children.

The neighborhood also eye this

“At their young age, I really expansion for corn production through teach my children the importance of the Project Maisan sa Nataran or gardening, I answer all their queries and Pro-Mais Movement, the latest food the dos and don’ts in terms of planting. production initiative by the DA-Caraga When it’s 4:00 in the afternoon already, Corn Program. they always volunteer to water the plants,” Montes said.

“Plant, Plant, Plant Program” or “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS)

Vegetables planted in the Laban sa Covid-19 program is initiated communal garden includes pechay, by the Department of Agriculture to mustasa, okra, opo, alugbati, and increase the country’s food sufficiency talong. level during the emergency situation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, an estimated 300-square-meter new communal This program also ensures garden located 2 blocks away from that urban agriculture or farming in the original location is currently metropolitan areas will be introduced. made to expand their vegetable (DA Caraga RAFIS/PIA Caraga)

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Planting benefits: Nutrition and immediate food source

By Donna Cris Corpuz

With the strict order of staying at home, many Filipinos relied on relief goods for daily food. But dishes from these relief goods can be made healthier through the availability of vegetables around the house.

As access to food may be limited during pandemic, malnutrition becomes more prevalent; doubling the burden in already undernourished conditions in rural and urban areas. The State of the World’s Children: Children, Food, and Nutrition report of the United Nations Children’s Fund showed that “one in three 12-23-month-old Filipino children suffer from anemia while one

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in three children are irreversibly stunted by the age of 2. One in 10 adolescents are also obese from wrong eating habits.”

Moreover, data from the 2015 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and Other Population Groups of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that

overweight and obesity were the myself,” the 53-year-old farmer said. prevailing problems for adults over 20 years old in Central Luzon.

Hidalgo said that planting vegetables is a good way to secure a

The 2015 Food Security Status, on stable source of safe and nutritious food the other hand, showed that only 3 out of at home, especially now that everyone 10 Filipino households are food secure. is advised to stay at home as much as This meant that almost two-thirds of the possible and practice social distancing. households are still struggling from not having enough food for their families.

“With vegetables in our yard, we don’t have to go outside our homes to

“This calls for the need to urge buy food and risk ourselves catching consumers to eat healthy and teach viruses and infecting other members in them ways how to have a stable food our household,” he said. source at home,” said Jesusa Rivera, an expert from the Agronomy, Soils, Integrating vegetable farming and Plant Pathology Division of the with rice growing is promoted in one of Department of Agriculture-Philippine PhilRice projects, Palayamananan Plus Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).

(PalayPlus), a rice-based production system program that started in 2014.

According to Rivera, consumers Guided by its goal of sustainably do not have to wait too long to have increasing farmers’ income and a sustainable source of food from tightening food and nutrition security, vegetable farming as green leafy this program exemplifies the “BE vegetables like pechay, mustasa, RICH” principle, which stands for kangkong, saluyot, and alugbati can better resource allocation; enhanced already be harvested within 25-35 biodiversity and ecological balance; days after planting. Other vegetables reduced production risks; increased like eggplants, tomatoes, and chilis cropping intensity, productivity, and usually take 45 days to 3 months to be sustainability; continuous supply of harvested. nutritious food; and higher and more stable income.

Willy Hidalgo, 53, from Talavera Nueva Ecija said that vegetable Palayamanan concept also farming, which he integrated with rice encourages farmers to diversify food growing, eases his life. and income sources, intensify farm productivity, and integrate other

“I harvested squash, chili, and components aside from rice like livestock pechay in a parcel in my 4-ha field, and raising and vegetable planting. To it really made a huge difference. I can know more about Palayamanan, be assured that my family will always visit https://www.philrice.gov.ph/ have something nutritious to eat, and databases/references/. (DA-PhilRice/ I am confident because I grew them PIA-Caraga) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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DA-Caraga intensifies effort to promote food sufficiency

As the country shifts to the socalled ‘new normal’ way of living, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga continues to strategize its interventions and advocacies to promote food production.

With this, the DA-Caraga headed by regional executive director Abel James I. Monteagudo provided various interventions to people who are interested to have their own food production initiatives at home.

The DA Caraga’s ‘Project Maisan sa Nataran’ (PRO-MAIS) was launched on Thursday led by supervising agriculturist Melody Guimary in order to promote backyard corn production as a means of ensuring food availability in households.

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Individuals who want to plant corn and have at least 100 sq. m available area were given ¼ kilogram of corn seeds. To further encourage them, walk-in clienteles were also treated to a free-tasting of cooked corn and ricecorn blend.

Also, through the High Value Crops Development Program, DACaraga has distributed another batch of vegetable seedlings and vegetable seeds to those who want to have their own backyard vegetable garden.

To complement these food production initiatives is the Organic Agriculture Program wherein they handed out organic concoctions that the people can use and apply for their vegetables to ensure these would be safe for them and their family members to consume.

Further, the first 15 lucky individuals who took part in the activities received two heads of native chickens from the Livestock Program for them to raise and start their own chicken production.

Vitamins for the chickens and stylo seeds were also given to them.

Monteagudo emphasized in his message that everyone needs to be self-sufficient with food especially in own household. He thanked the people who joined the activity and showed their interest in doing their part of attaining food sufficiency.

With these initiatives, which is in support to the Ahon Lahat Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS COVID19) or also known as the Plant Plant Plant Program, the Department aims to ensure food availability and security for every Filipino even as the country continues to fight against the COVID-19 health crisis. (DACaraga/PIA-Caraga)

DBP eyes more tie-ups with financial firms for financial inclusion

State-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will forge ahead with its financial inclusion initiatives this year by tapping financial technology companies (FinTech), non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), as well as rural banks while optimizing available information technology (IT) applications to improve service delivery to its customers, a top official said.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the bank will harness synergies from existing partnerships with NBFIs and FinTech

companies in providing essential banking services while reassessing plans for further branch expansion in the midterm.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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“DBP views its partnerships with FinTech firms, NBFIs, and potential alliances with progressive rural banks as a means to bridge the so-called “last mile” in providing essential banking services especially in the far-flung and unbanked communities,” Herbosa said.

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and has a branch network of 129 branches including 11 branch units, most of which are located in underserved and unbanked areas of the country. The bank also has 837 automated teller machines nationwide.

Herbosa cited the bank’s programs with the Social Security System and the Department of Agriculture where an NBFI and a prominent FinTech firm were extensively used in disbursing cash aid to low-income beneficiaries such as farmers and minimum wage workers.

He said the bank leveraged on the broad network and IT capabilities of these institutions to achieve efficiency in both scale and scope, which enabled faster and more seamless pay-outs.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa.

He said DBP would rechannel its resources at widening customer touchpoints by capitalizing on

“These collaborations could be available and emerging technologies a model for future undertakings that and enhancing existing banking would require massive amounts of infrastructure and systems. disbursements to individual recipients “Moving forward, DBP as a in a short period of time,” Herbosa said. development bank would need to

Herbosa said that DBP is looking beef up its retail banking capability at scaling down its expansion plans while catering to its niche of institutional adding that “the current market customers such as local government situation and trends dictate the need units, water districts, as well as micro, to reevaluate the viability of the brick- small and medium enterprises,” Herbosa said. (DBP/PIA-Caraga) and-mortar approach to banking.”

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COVID-19 cases in Caraga rise to 87

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Local health authorities in Caraga region report the rise of confirmed cases in the region, now reaching to 87.

Per the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga’s data, 13 of these cases are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) while 53 are Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs).

With the rise of cases and the confirmation of localized transmission of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), respective local government units (LGUs) in the region are now pushing for widened testing.

especially those coming from Butuan City, until supplies of the kits last.

While the request of the Caraga Regional Task Force against COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTF-COCS) for a moratorium of all transportation modes of LSIs and ROFs has been approved, stranded individuals will still be catered upon their arrival hence the need to widen access to testing.

After having imposed Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in 33 of its barangays, the Legislative Council of the city government of Butuan is now conducting committee hearings for the creation of an ordinance to enact widened testing.

Heightened border control is also being imposed in provinces to prevent the further spread of the disease. Even in areas under Modified Community Quarantine (MGCQ), everyone is required to present travel authority when traveling, especially those who have traveled to or are from Butuan City.

In the province of Agusan del Sur, provincial governor Santiago Cane has stated through a Facebook post made on June 21 that individuals included in the Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) in the province shall be subjected to rapid testing for free,

While the number of confirmed cases has risen, the number of recoveries has also increased. DOH Caraga reports that 16 cases have now recovered. The region now has 71 remaining active cases. (DMNR/ PIACaraga) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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DSWD Caraga to provide cash aid to left out beneficiaries

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Despite the easement of community quarantine protocols in Caraga region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga is now heightening its preparations for the distribution of cash assistance to marginalized individuals in the region that were left out in the implementation of the first tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

DSWD Caraga Regional Information Officer (RIO) Marko Davey Reyes clarified that since Caraga region is no longer under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), those who will be receiving the onetime P5,000 subsidy are the additional 5 million poorest of the poor left out citizens.

“We coordinated LGUs to identify the beneficiaries who qualify to receive assistance under the program. The department is now focusing on validating these beneficiaries,” Reyes said.

DSWD Caraga is also coordinating with other government agencies that are implementing COVID-19 assistance to avoid duplication.

“There are instances that members of the same household are beneficiaries of the various assistance program. We are now aiming to maximize assistance and give chance to others who are equally qualified by doing a cross-validation,” he furthered.

To make the conduct of payout

There are now 111,475 waitlisted safer and more convenient, they will be beneficiaries identified by the local partnering with remittance centers. government units (LGUs) in the region, which include the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Reyes also stated that the sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Department of Local and Interior Workers #Barangay Ko Bahay Ko (TUPAD- Government (DILG) has now been BBK) beneficiaries as a top-up grant of tasked to handle the cases of anomalies P1,800 and Social Security System (SSS) that have been committed during the pensioners with a monthly pension of less implementation of the previous tranche. than P5,000.

(DMNR/PIACaraga)

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Caraga to start 2020 labor force, poverty indicator polls

By Alexander Lopez

The Philippine Statistics AuthorityRegional Statistical Services Office in Caraga (PSA-RSSO-13) is set to begin the 2020 Labor Force Survey (LFS) and the 2020 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) in the region next month.

In a statement sent to Philippine News Agency Tuesday, PSA-RSSO-13 director Rosalinda Celeste-Apura said the upcoming surveys will involve an approximate number of 2,145 sample housing units.

“The forthcoming surveys will involve 48 statistical researchers and field personnel,” Apura said, adding the target number of housing units is deemed sufficient to provide the regional level estimates during the surveys. “The survey focused on the collection of data to generate nonincome-based indicators correlated with poverty.”

The indicators, she said, will serve as inputs to the development of the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) for the assessment and monitoring of

the poverty situation in the country.

Apura also urged residents, particularly the sample households, to cooperate during the surveys--the 14th in the series of poverty indicators survey nationwide.

The collection of data by the researchers and field personnel will run from July 8 to 31, 2020.

Apura said all information collected during the surveys from the sample households shall be kept confidential by PSA-RSSO-13.

The collected data, she added, will not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation as provided under Article 55 of the Republic Act 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013. (PNA) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Butuan banks cut working hours as Covid-19 cases spike

By Alexander Lopez

Banks here have agreed to reduce operating hours beginning Wednesday (June 24) amid the sudden spike of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases.

In a resolution issued Monday, the Butuan Bankers Club (BBC) directed its members to limit their banking hours from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

“The wisdom in amending the official banking hour is to widen the preservation and serious concern of public health in minimizing human contact and take precedence over

Signed by BBC president Lou any interest,� the BBC resolution said.

Jean Dadong, the resolution also emphasized the importance of social As of Tuesday, the city has 30 total distancing, the wearing of masks, and Covid-19 cases, with four recoveries, the non-entry of clients with fever. and 85 suspect cases.

BBC also urged its members to The BBC resolution cited the suspend weekend banking. increase in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases as

The move came as the city among the reasons for recommending recorded 16 new cases on June 20, and the new guidelines on banking hours 11 cases a day before, most of which here. were attributed to returning locallystranded individuals (LSIs) and returning The city currently is under Overseas Filipino Workers (ROFs). the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), which allows

It also came after the Department certain businesses to open, except of Health confirmed that local for the 33 barangays placed under transmission of the virus has already Modified Enhanced Community occurred in the city.

Quarantine (MECQ). (PNA)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

22 former rebels in Agusan del Norte receive financial aid

By Nora C. Lanuza

At least 22 former rebels (FRs), who surrendered in Agusan del Norte, received a total of P2.8 million cash assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and firearm remuneration.

According to Provincial Director Ellen Vee Chua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte, each FR received P86,000 comprising government’s livelihood, immediate and reintegration assistance that can be used to start a new and peaceful life with their families far from chaos and abuses.

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In an interview with one of the former rebels, Alyas Karla, who was recruited when she was still 14 years old, said the terrorists took advantage of her innocence by giving her false hope that they will help her finish her studies. She expressed thanks to the government for the new life she has now.

Alias Boyka, one of the FRs, also cited that living a peaceful life with his family is the main reason why he left the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) group.

Representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion, BGen. Maurito Licudine, and PCol. Ramir Perlito Perlas led the distribution of the assistance and witnessed by the

Meanwhile, 10 FRs received Provincial Peace and Order Council firearms remuneration during the members held in Butuan City. activity. Director Chua said the cash incentives that they received depend Also, during the meeting, Rep. on the type of firearms surrendered.

Matba expressed her full support for

Among the firearms they have surrendered included two .45 caliber pistols, two M16 rifles and three carbine rifles. The firearms the former rebels also surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion included one M14 rifle, one .38 caliber pistol, one AK-47 rifle, one carbine rifle, and one shotgun.

the passage of the anti-terrorism bill.

“Let’s support the Anti-Terrorism Bill to completely end terrorism and wipe out the CNTs and its supporters,” she said.

“Let us not forget the sacrifices that our military and police are doing

Agusan del Norte Governor for us,” she added. (NCLM/PIA Agusan Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte del Norte) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Over P2M E-CLIP fund released to AgNor FRs amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

While the government continuously address the pressing issues and concerns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it also ensures that other concerns are being addressed such as the problem on insurgency.

With the continuing effort of the concerned government agencies in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, some 22 former rebels have received financial assistance from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration

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Program (E-CLIP).

The former rebel-beneficiaries are provided with the livelihood, immediate and reintegration assistance amounting to P86,000 as a head start in their journey to a new life. A total of P2.8-million was

released to beneficiaries.

the

Alias Karla, who was recruited in the movement of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) when she was 14 years old was one of the beneficiaries of the E-CLIP.

According to Karla, her life now gets better, which is far different from her life when she was still involved in the circle of CPP-NPA. And as she, along with other former rebels surrendered to the folds of the law, they were able to see and experience how the government authorities take care of them.

“I voluntarily returned to the government’s fold because I can no longer bear the hardships and difficulties I am experiencing with the CPP-NPA, and I miss my family so much,” she said.

Alias Boyka also expressed his gratitude to all the concerned government agencies that helped them as they return to the mainstream society.

Apart from the financial assistance, the former rebel also received hygiene kits from the Department of Health (DOH), and 10 of them were also given the firearms remuneration depending on the type of firearms which they surrendered.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera and District Representative Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, recognized the heroism of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who continue to resolve the insurgency problem in the province.

Matba also appealed to the public to support the government’s proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill.

Governor Corvera also directed the Provincial Social Welfare and

“I do not want to die of starvation, Development to fast-track the which I used to experience when I was establishment of the halfway house still in the movement. I want to live a for the former rebels. (JPG/NCL/PIApeaceful life with my family,” he said.

Caraga) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Over 2K AgNor ARBs receive aid from government

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In order to help the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) during this time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Agusan del Norte has extended assistance through the project dubbed “Passover: ARBold Move For Deliverance of ARBs from the COVID-19 pandemic (ARBold Move).

According to PARPO Andre Atega of DAR Agusan del Norte, the said project forms part of the implementation of Republic Act 11469 of the Bayanihan

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

to Heal as One in support to the ARBs who are considered as frontliners by contributing to the food security and helping fellow Filipinos amid the

ongoing health and economic crisis.

during this pandemic,” she said.

The DAR provincial office has Meanwhile, the DAR-Agusan del allocated more than P3.2-million for the Norte distributed swine livestock to 15 implementation of said project. women ARBs. Aurelia Mataganas was among of those who benefited from the

More than 2,000 ARBs have said support and found it an effective received relief goods containing milled and efficient way of livelihood support rice, canned goods, noodles, and to them. other basic needs which include soap, vitamin supplements, and face masks.

“We will make use of this support given to us and we would always be

Some 683 ARBs have also received thankful to the government for helping the farm productivity assistance worth us survive this crisis,” said Mataganas. more than P2,000 each.

The ARBs were delighted to have been provided with the needed assistance from the government especially that their main livelihood has been affected due to the ongoing

“We thanked the government for threat posed by the covid-19 pandemic. reaching out to us and for helping us (JPG/NCL/PIA-Caraga)

Alma Cangmaong was thankful to the government for the aid they have received which would help cope in sustaining their daily needs.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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AgSur farmers receive free certified seeds under RRP

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga in partnership with the local government units started the delivery and distribution of the subsidized inbred certified seeds in the region.

The intervention is part of the agency’s “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19,” or the Plant, Plant, Plant Program under the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP). Of the P8.5billion national funds for RRP, the region has P207-million allocations.

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

Around 60,000 local rice farmers in the region will benefit the intervention.

Three subprojects of the project are implemented the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Enhanced, the Expanded Inbred Rice Production,

and the Expanded Production.

Hybrid

Rice “Given to have favorable weather I am looking forward to having a good harvest because I will be planting

In the town of Rosario, Agusan del certified seeds this is comparable from Sur, around 130 rice farmers are now the home saved seeds the I’ve been receiving inbred certified seeds through using before,” he said.

RRP’s Expanded Inbred Sub-project.

The project targets to increase Zenaida T. Quimno, 51, from P-5 local rice production through the use Poblacion said that the intervention will of high-quality seeds and sufficient lessen her production cost for the wet fertilization based on recommendations. cropping season.

The recipients will be given the option to choose among the top-performing

“I spent around P1,500 to buy 40 varieties accepted in the region such kg rice seeds for a hectare, but through as NSIC Rc 222, 18, and 160. the free certified seeds I availed under DA’s RRP this is a big help for me,” she Aside from the free rice seeds, shared. farmers will also be given two bags of fertilizers. To avail of free inputs,

For the municipality of San farmers must be listed in the Registry Francisco, Agusan del Sur, about 300 System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture rice farmers also received the said (RSBSA). They also need to present support. empty sacks of their purchased fertilizer and official receipt upon claiming their

Alfredo J. Jurado, 64, from P-6 fertilizer subsidy from the Municipal/City Brgy. 5 shared his excitement to plant Agriculture Office. (DA-Caraga/PIAthe NSIC Rc18 in his area.

Agusan del Sur)

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Manobo association receives rice seeds from DA-SAAD

By Mark Angelo Pineda

The members of Ocao Farmers’ Association of Rosario, Agusan del Sur have received 30 bags of inbred rice seeds through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga on June 11, 2020.

Together with his members, Rodel Rodrigo, chairperson of the Manoboled association, received the rice seeds turned over by Ariel Obillos, SAAD Area Coordinator, at Novele, Rosario, Agusan del Sur.

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gihatag [nga supply] ang DA…kay usa sad ni nga makatabang ma-lessen among gastos. Kung mupalit mi ani nga similya mahal baya, muabot og P1500. Dako gyud ni’g tabang ang SAAD (We are thankful that the DA through SAAD has provided us with rice “Mapasalamaton mi nga naay seeds. This would have cost us P1,500.

| June 20 - 26, 2020

With these free seeds, our production For this year, the association will cost is lessened),� said Rodrigo. receive a total worth of P875,800 for rice production support.

The supply of rice seeds and other agricultural inputs is part of Rice production and livestock the SAAD interventions that aim to production are the main forces in establish agri-communal enterprises the labor market in ADS. As such, this in areas with high poverty incidence intervention will eventually help address in the region. concerns on food production and poverty at the local level.

Since 2019, members of Ocao FA (27 indigenous people and 3 non-IPs) DA-Caraga, although slightly have undergone technical trainings hampered by the coronavirus disease on rice production. With the trainings 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, continuously and agricultural inputs, the association rolls out interventions to the SAAD will have the means to plant rice by recipients in Agusan del Sur and Surigao the next cropping season covering 30 del Sur. (DA-SAAD Caraga/PIA-Agusan hectares. del Sur)

Tricycle drivers, farmers receive aid anew from AgSur town

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

While the local government unit (LGU) ensures protection of the local residents against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it also provides relief assistance to the affected sectors in the municipality of Trento, Agusan del Sur.

Despite lowering to a Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) as the quarantine classification for Caraga region including Trento, Agusan del Sur until the end of June, the transport sector’s livelihood is still affected due to the limited operation of the public utility vehicles (PUVs).

To address this concern, the local government unit of Trento has once again reached out to the affected sector and distributed rice subsidy to more than 900 tricycle drivers during the second wave distribution this month of June.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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The distribution of rice assistance was based on the records from the Municipal Business Permit and Licensing Office and only those with updated permits were given the said assistance.

Trento, Agusan del Sur, the Provincial Veterinary Office led the distribution of “Basilan” and “Dekalb” type of pullets and cockerels to the farmers registered from different associations as Crisis Intervention Program to support them

Meanwhile, apart from the during this COVID-19 pandemic. tricycle driver beneficiaries, more than 600 farmers who are into poultry According to Dr. Konnielou Verdin, farming have also received five pullets a P7-million fund was allocated for the or cockerels from the LGU. Agusan del Sur Provincial Veterinary Office in the distribution of said aid to

Through the aid extended by the 14 LGUs in the province to include the Municipal Agriculture Office of Trento. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

DAR turns over agri machineries to Surigao Norte farmers

By Venus L. Garcia

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect the lives, livelihood and economy across the country, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) - Surigao del Norte carries on with the implementation of their programs for the farmers.

The agency releases over P1.3 million pesos worth of farm facilities to the Himamaug Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (HARBCO) in the municipality of Taganaan, Surigao del Norte under its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project.

of the HARBCO will directly benefit from it.

“These farm implements are a necessity for farming in this day and age and the government through DAR provided these to our farmers for free,” said Provincial Agrarian Reform Program

At least 100 agrarian reform Officer (PARPO) Maria Elizabeth de beneficiaries (ARBs) who are members Guzman of DAR in Surigao del Norte.

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

The service machineries include a four-wheel drive tractor, rotary tiller, and trailer that would greatly enhance the overall productivity.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Maria Elizabeth de Guzman of the Department of Agrarian Reform - Surigao del Norte leads the turn over of the P1.358 million farm machineries to HARBCO. (DAR-Surigao del Norte) By utilizing these new equipment, farmers are able to get more work done in a shorter period of time. This would mean increase in yield and income among farmers.

De Guzman said the cooperative also hopes to become a key player as main supplier of fruits and vegetables in the local market.

“We have seen the passion of the HARBCO members in improving their organization and uplifting their lives.

They are much determined to keep up with the advancement in farming,� said De Guzman.

Apart from agricultural mechanization, De Guzman added that DAR-Surigao del Norte has also distributed food packs, food supplement, pesticides, fertilizers, and farm production kits to all the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the area.

Meanwhile, the members of the HARBCO are thankful for the equipment that they received from DAR and for the support of the local government unit of Taganaan.

They have committed to ensure the regular maintenance of the newly acquired equipment and maximize the use as intended for their purpose.

The Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project of DAR aims to sustain the agricultural production as a primary means of livelihood of the agrarian community and an intervention to strengthen the resilience to the effects of climate change. (VLG/ PIA-Surigao del Norte) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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COMP members in Caraga realign P97-M SDMP fund for COVID-19 response

Caraga-based mining firms spent P97.3 million for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) assistance in response to the government’s call for collective action to fight the pandemic.

Pursuant to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, member companies of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) mobilized their assets to secure food items, medical supplies, equipment, and other essential supplies for the benefit of the communities affected by the community quarantine imposed to prevent the spread of the

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

deadly virus.

Taganito Mining Corporation and Taganito HPAL Nickel allotted P58.7 million and served over 157,000 families and 6,000 households in Claver, Surigao del Norte. They provided relief goods, medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment,

disinfectants, medical facilities and utilized Php3.93 million in support to services.

13 host and neighboring barangays in Carrascal. Families and frontliners

The Platinum Group Metals received relief goods, food packs, Corporation, for its part, provided relief medical equipment and PPE. goods, medical supplies, and financial Likewise, CTP Construction and Mining assistance, as well as conducted Development Corporation spent disinfection measures, all of which P1.33 million on relief goods, financial amounted to P11.28 million for the 21 assistance, PPE, vitamins, disinfectants, municipalities in Surigao del Norte. medical equipment to assist the community in the area.

Also, the Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation used P7.11 With its realigned SDMP fund million from its Social Development and amounting to P3.6 million, TVIRD Group Management Program (SDMP) fund of Companies has shored up critical to support the host, neighboring, and PPE, N95 face masks, face shields non-impact barangays in Carrascal, and surgical and examination gloves Cantilan and Madrid in Surigao to support the COVID-19 frontliners, del Sur. The company distributed including LGUs, medical workers, police relief goods, food packs, vitamins, and civilian volunteers as well as the financial assistance, and seeds to checkpoint personnel. encourage backyard gardening in the communities.

It also sourced majority of its fresh vegetable requirements from

More than 9,000 families in farmers and other goods from local Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte have establishments to provide relief to more also benefitted from Hinatuan Mining than 10,000 families. The group’s joint Corporation’s SDMP fund. The mining relief efforts have reached some 46 firm spent P5.56 million in relief assistance barangays consisting of its primary and by providing relief goods and medical secondary communities. supplies.

Meanwhile, Pacific Nickel

The Municipality of Cagdianao Philippines, Inc. allotted P1.80 million and seven other municipalities in for 15 barangays in Surigao City and Dinagat Islands received much-needed Dinagat Islands. assistance through Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC). CMC allotted The SDMP is a five-year budgeted P4.16 million to provide relief goods, plan for development programs in food packs, transportation assistance, mining communities, which the Mines disinfectants and medical equipment and Geosciences Bureau has allowed for the communities. to be realigned during this pandemic.

(Chamber of Mines of the Philippines/

Carrascal Nickel Corporation PIA-Surigao del Norte) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Cops seized over P6-M hot logs in Caraga A total of 150,242.88 board feet of lumber and logs valued at P6,006,624.78 were confiscated by the Philippine National Police – Caraga (PNPCaraga) on its intensified campaign against illegal logging from January 1, 2020 to present across the region.

This is the result after the conduct of 206 anti-illegal logging operations wherein 158 persons were also arrested for the said period.

An estimated volume of 250 board feet of Lauan lumber valued at P6,250 and one black Euro motorcycle were confiscated during the recent checkpoint operation conducted by joint PNP personnel of Tandag City Police Station, Surigao Del Sur Police Provincial Office and 2nd Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company in a provincial road of Purok Pluto, Barangay Telaje, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Suspect was identified as Neil Cubero Estrada, 31 years old and a resident of Purok Cabugan, Barangay Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

Meanwhile, police operatives from Dapa Municipal Police Station also confiscated Lauan lumbers with a total volume of 120 board feet worth P4,000 in Barangay 2, Poblacion, Dapa, Surigao del Norte and arrested Joseph Plaza Tolibas, 31, and Anthony Convicto Porpayas, 23, both residents of Pangi, Osmeña, Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

PBGen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr, regional director of PNP-Caraga, stated that aside from war against drugs and other criminal activities, Caraga police are also focused on combating all forms of violations such as illegal logging as part of PNP’s “LOI Sangyaman” that ensures the protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources. (PNP-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

8 individuals arrested for illegal fishing in Surigao Norte The persistent anti-illegal fishing operations of Caraga police resulted in the arrest of eight violators and confiscation of illegal fishing paraphernalia in the seawaters of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands on June 20, 2020.

The police personnel of Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station conducted a seaborne patrol in the vicinity of Brgy. Tangbo that resulted in the arrest of Ronnie Ortojan, Manuel Dumagtoy, Jeffrey Socuano and Wencil Camingue who were all caught in the act of using fishing gear locally known as “boso.” Confiscated from them were pump boat and illegal fishing paraphernalia.

Confiscated also from their possession were pump boat, compressor tank, two pairs of improvised flippers locally known as “kapay/yapak,” two pieces of spear gun (pana), and a long rubber tube more or less 45 meters.

Police Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr, regional director of Philippine National Police - Caraga (PNPCaraga) urged the fishers to adhere to the provisions of the Philippine Fisheries

Meanwhile, Libjo Municipal Police Code of 1998 and all local ordinances Station immediately responded to a protecting the marine life. report about an ongoing illegal fishing activity in the seawaters of Brgy. Plaridel, “These anti-illegal fishing operations Libjo, Dinagat Islands. Suspects were are part of our implementation of also caught in the act using ”boso.” PNP Master Plan “Sangyaman” that Arrested persons were identified as aims to help protect and preserve our Marlo D. Traya, Carlito A. Pasulion, environment, cultural properties, and Arthuro S. Pamalaran, and Joseph V. natural resources,” said BGen. Esquivel.

Ebano.

(PNP-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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DTI trains Surigao Norte IPs in handicraft making

Twenty (20) members of the Mamanwa tribe in Brgy. Camp Edward, Alegria were trained in handicraft making through the partnership of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on June 10 -12, 2020.

The indigenous peoples (IP) were trained to produce mats, bags, baskets and other handcrafted products using indigenous materials growing prominently in the area.

has enough knowledge on handicraft products as seen through the validation conducted by DTI-Surigao del Norte.

Manny Venus and Felix Abatayo, skilled weavers in Brgy. Camp Edward,

The materials include abaca, served as the trainers who supervised rattan strips (lagus), and golden sika the three-day activity. (sayabay).

To help the Mamanwas meet their

The said training aimed to equip select participants with necessary skills assigned tasks during the workshops, as preparation to potential bulk orders starter kits and tools were given for their since only a few from the community processing activities.

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

Participants were expected to execute and produce at least five designs for product enhancement and mass production.

“Gusto namo nga pag mahisgotan ang Mamanwa sa Alegria, ang produkto ang malambigit sa amo, dili lang ang among royalty (We want that the Mamanwa in Alegria will also

The outputs of this activity will be known because of our products, be market matched in the local not just because of our royalty,� one of and regional market and will also be the participants said. (DTI Surigao del showcased in trade fairs.

Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte).

Agrarian org receives P1.3M farm facilities from DAR Surigao Norte

By Daryll M. Tumbaga

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DARSDN) handed over to Himamaug Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (HARBCO) the P1.358 million-peso worth of farm machineries and equipment on June 3, 2020 in Brgy. Himamaug in Taganaan, this province.

The program is under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project, which aims to lessen the burden of long hours of heavy manual labour for land preparation in farming activities.

The said service facility machineries that included a four-wheel drive tractor, a rotary biller, and a trailer are expected to benefit some 100 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are HARBCO members and other farmers in Himamaug.

During the turnover, DAR-SDN provincial agrarian reform program officer Maria Elizabeth L. De Guzman reminded HARBCO of why they were entrusted by DAR of the service facilities.

She said the organization deserved the said machineries because they saw the passion for them to really make an improvement and development, both organizationally and individually, and they demonstrated utmost interest and participation in all DAR’s agrarian activities conducted for them.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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De Guzman added that she will be looking forward to the time when HARBCO becomes a supplier of vegetables in the local market.

In response, HARBCO chairperson Lilibeth Beberino expressed her gratitude and thanked DAR for entrusting them the said machineries that will help the members lessen their burden and

On his part, Mayor Cesar B. Diaz increased their income. challenged HARBCO officials and

The DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm members to take care of the equipment Productivity Support Project is also being and farm machineries and follow rules implemented to provide farm machines and regulations under its operations with the end goal of improving farm and maintenance that this blessing will productivity and enhance the earning be used to its full potential and assured capabilities of ARBs in a sustainable HARBCO that Taganaan LGU will always manner through their organization. support them.

(DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

MINDANAO NEWS

Model ‘Balik’ hub ground breaks in Lanao Norte town

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), along with its government and private partners, broke ground the first “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pagasa (BP2)” model village for returning informal urban dwellers in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday.

GROUNDBREAKING. Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol (4th from right) leads the lowering of the capsule as the first ‘Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa’ model village breaks ground in Barangay Tacub Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, on Wednesday (June 24). The village, which will be established in a 6.8-hectare area donated by a private corporation, will be patterned after successful models of communities involved in one common production activity with a complete value chain. (Photo by MinDA)

In a statement, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the village will be patterned after successful models of communities involved in one common production activity with a complete value chain.

The village will be established in a 6.8-hectare area donated by a private corporation and will have 50 units of quadruplex housing to accommodate 200 families who will be involved in the production of organic chicken and vegetables.

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

“This program in Kauswagan is the first and the model for the whole country.

BP2 will be the start of the equitable sharing of the national wealth, the shift of the focus of economic priorities from urban centers to the countryside,” Piñol said.

Piñol said MinDA selected Kauswagan as BP2 model community because of the good and transparent governance of the local government.

“BP2 is a challenge to Kauswagan but it is never a burden to help our fellow men. We dream that BP2 will be the key for the upliftment of lives of Filipino, the key to food security and sustainable development,” the MinDA chief added.

After the groundbreaking ceremonies, the Project Management Office (PMO) for the Kauswagan Organic Balik Probinsya Village signed a marketing agreement with the Eng Seng Foods Products, a private agri-trading company in Mindanao.

fund was used in acquiring the 6.8-hectare property and the construction of the first model quadruplex unit,” Piñol said.

Piñol assured that all member agencies of the BP2 Council will contribute to the development of the village.

“BP2 will be our strategy to maximize our own resources to boost our industries -- that will provide jobs and economic development in the local community,” he said.

For his part, Mayor Rommel Arnado

Under the agreement, Eng Seng thanked the MinDA chair for bringing BP2 Food Products will buy and market to his municipality. the organic chicken and vegetable production of the village.

“Kauswagan is ready for this type of program, while we are still planning and

“The private sector support for trying to conceptualize BP2, we already the project was actually started by a saw the potential of this town. I saw Kauswagan-based GN Power Kauswagan Kauswagan as the most ideal place for (GNPK) which donated PHP10 million. The the BP2 program,” Arnado said. (PNA)

Bukidnon towns vow to embrace envifriendly agriculture

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

Four vegetable-producing towns in Bukidnon have pledged to embrace well-planned market-oriented agriculture, which will give premium to environmental protection for sustainability, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Tuesday.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Located near the Kitanglad and Kalatungan mountain ranges of Bukidnon where the headwaters of major river systems in Mindanao are situated, the four towns belong to the so-called IMTASULA Complex (Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao, and Lantapan).

In a forum organized by MinDA on Monday, Mayor Ernie Deviber of Lantapan, Mayor Vergito Factura of Talakag, Mayor Jose Antonio Villo of Sumilao, and Mayor Anthony Uy of Impasugong all agreed to the crafting of a master plan for agricultural development and environmental protection.

Piñol said the four mayors welcomed File photo by Arjoy M. Ceniza MinDA’s proposal for market-oriented agriculture where production would be Agriculture (DA) and they will start first guided by the demands and requirements week of July. of the market.

The first output will be presented

“During the meeting yesterday to the IMTASULA Council by the second (Monday), MinDA also proposed the week of July.

“The draft master plan is expected establishment of two farmers’ trading posts – one to serve Sumilao and Impasugong to be completed by the end of July and and another to serve Lantapan and will be presented to MinDA’s funding Talakag – where farmers could deliver partners and line agencies,” Piñol said. their products and also buy farm inputs,”

During the forum, he said all four he said. town mayors received hundreds of Dao

An initial funding of PHP200,000 seedlings personally donated by Piñol. was pledged by MinDA for the geo“At the closing of the half-day mapping of the four towns to identify critical watershed areas to be protected, forum, I exhorted the mayors and the rivers, and streams as sources of water, farmer leaders present to plant the Dao production areas, and proposed access seedlings and nurture them to become the symbol of our commitment to promote roads. well-balanced agriculture, which aims to

The geo-mapping will be conducted produce sufficient food and safeguard by the technical staff of MinDA, most of the environment for the next generation, whom came from the Department of as well,” he said. (PNA)

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

NATIONAL NEWS

SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Gov’t doing its best to help people amid Covid-19: Andanar

doing everything to provide relief and lessen the effects of the epidemic that we are facing now),” he said.

Andanar also appealed to the public to patiently wait for the assistance as the government exhausts all efforts to provide relief amid the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Ang tanging hiling lang po natin ay ibayuhin pa ang ating pasensya, eh para naman sa atin to. Tiwala lang po sa proseso. Let us do our part, let us be patient (We are appealing (to the public) to remain patient because this is also for your welfare. Trust the process. Let us do our part, let us be patient),” he said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday assured that the administration is doing its best to coordinate with all line agencies and local government units to

address the needs of the people.

During the Network Briefing News program, Andanar said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte recognizes the challenges that the global health problems has brought to the country.

“Maniwala po kayo o sa hindi, ginagawa po ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng dapat gawin upang kahit papaano ay maibsan ang epekto ng epipemyang kinakaharap natin (Believe it or not, the government is

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

As of June 23, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said more than 1.3 million family beneficiaries have already received cash aid from the second tranche distribution of the social amelioration program (SAP), amounting to over PHP6 billion.

These include the families listed under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and waitlisted beneficiaries submitted by local government units (LGUs) from Region 1 (Ilocos), Cordillera Administrative Region, and Region 3 (Central

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

Luzon), that have completed their reports from the first tranche of SAP distribution.

Meanwhile, the DSWD is still validating the reports submitted by the local government units to avoid duplication of assistance.

offices ay mayroon nang 51,563 recipients ng first tranche ng SAP ang may nakitang duplikasyon na nakatanggap din ng ayuda galing sa ibang ahensya ng gobyerno (Based on the post-validation by our field offices, there are 51,563 recipients found to have received assistance

During the same program, from other agencies)� he said.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said there are over 51,000 cases of Bautista stressed the importance duplication based on their post- of validation to obtain clean list of validation. qualified low-income households that will receive the second tranche

“Base sa post-validation na of cash aid from the government. ginagawa ng ating mga field (PR) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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Duterte’s emergency powers needed to fight Covid-19: Palace

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

President Rodrigo Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte still needs special powers to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic that continues to beset the country, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry allow the government to augment the Roque said extending Duterte’s medical supplies for the treatment of emergency powers is necessary to Covid-19, as well as to supervise some

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| June 20 - 26, 2020

private hospitals that are attending to of emergency medical purchases.” the needs of virus-infected individuals.

Under RA 11469, Duterte is

“Of course, we would need to allowed to undertake the procurement have emergency powers again,” of medical equipment “in the most Roque said in an interview with ABS- expeditious manner, as exemptions CBN News Channel. from the provisions of Republic Act 9184 or the government Procurement

Republic Act (RA) 11469 or the Reform Act and other relevant laws.”

Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which gives Duterte temporary emergency Roque said the government powers to fight Covid-19, is set to expire would encounter problems when on June 25. the country runs out of all purchased medical supplies.

Malacañang has repeatedly stressed the need to pass another law “For the immediate future, we that would extend Duterte’s special have everything that we need. I guess powers for him to further boost his the problem will be in the medium term administration’s Covid-19 response when the equipment that we have on efforts. storage will be used up,” he said.

Congress, however, adjourned Roque also noted that Duterte’s sine die on June 5 without passing a bill special power to take over some that would extend Duterte’s emergency private hospitals is also “important.” powers.

He was referring to another

While he noted that the country provision of RA 11469 that authorizes remains in “good shape,” Roque Duterte to “take over the operations expressed optimism that Duterte would of private enterprises that unjustifiably be granted emergency powers to help refuse or signify that they are no longer the government combat Covid-19. capable of operating their enterprises” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said it would be difficult for Duterte to fast-track the procurement “The emergency power is of medical supplies, once RA 11469 important in this case because if they expires. (private hospitals) don’t comply and if they don’t allot additional beds for

“The most important power Covid-19 patients, then we may have that we can no longer exercise is to take over some of these hospitals the purchase of Covid-19 medical- and hire our own nurses and doctors related materials,” Roque said. “(This to man them. So that’s the importance is because) it takes forever to comply of emergency powers,” Roque said. with the Procurement Act for purposes (PNA) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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13.7M learners already enrolled for SY 2020-21: DepEd

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday reported that 13,752,109 learners have already enrolled in public and private schools nationwide for Academic Year 2020-2021.

Of the total number of enrollees, about 13,249,306 enrolled in public schools and 491,980 enrolled in private schools.

“Ito ay kalahati na sa ine-expect natin na mag-enroll for this school year.

Sabihin natin bakit kalahati lang nakaenroll, online ang enrollment natin for the first two weeks, ngayon, dropbox ang ginagamit sa mga bayan na walang Internet connectivity (This [number] is half of our expected enrollees for this school year. Say this is just half because

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our enrollment is online for the first two weeks and dropboxes are used in places without Internet connectivity),” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a public briefing.

Briones said enrollment in private schools might start to increase by July.

“May mga private schools nga na sa August pa magsisimula sa enrollment dahil sumasabay sila sa private universities and colleges (Some private schools will even start their

enrollment in August along with other the proper use of the department’s private universities and colleges),” she online facilities for the delivery of added. learning.

The latest enrollment figures, Briones said, only shows that many parents are serious about putting their children to school as they go to work, considering that some sectors of the economy are being opened.

“More than 300,000 teachers na ang na-te-train. May mga inumpisahan nang upskilling sa National Educators Academy of the Philippines (More than 300,000 teachers have been trained.

Some [teachers have undergone]

Apart from performing their upskilling in the National Educators enrollment duties, the DepEd said Academy of the Philippines), Briones teachers are busy with the training on said. (PNA)

DAR Chief to ARBs: ‘Do not sell your farmlots’ Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary, Atty. John R. Castriciones, warned all farmerbeneficiaries not to sell their farmlots, every time he handed to each of the fifty-five (55) agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) here their respective individual Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs).

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary, Atty. John R. Castriciones, warned all farmer-beneficiaries not to sell their farmlots, every time he handed to each of the fifty-five (55) agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) their respective individual Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). Photo by DAR.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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directive on anti-COVID-19 health protocols – such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing.

The farm inputs distributed included 30 bags of organic fertilizer, 30 bags of 25-kilogram complete fertilizer, 60 sachet of Bio-N, 150 sachets of okra seeds, 330 sachets of bean straw seeds, 60 sachets of tomato seeds and 60 sachets of eggplant seeds.

He said anyone who would be found to have sold their farmlots would be stripped off their right to the said farmlot and that farmlot “will be confiscated and redistributed to another qualified farmer-beneficiary.”

DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Office (SSO), Atty. Emily O. Padilla, said the provision of farm inputs is carried out under the DAR’s productivity assistance program dubbed: “The PaSSOver ARBold Move to Heal as One, Deliverance of our ARBs

A total of ninety-three (93) from the COVID 19 Pandemic.” hectares of agricultural lands, located in Calapan City, and the towns of San “The assistance is intended to Teodoro and Naujan, all in Oriental vulnerable ARBs who had received Mindoro, were distributed during the their land titles from 2010 up to 2019,” awarding ceremonies held at the Padilla said.

Gov. Alfonso Umali Sr. Gymnasium in Calapan City.

DAR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Research Office (PPRO)

Castriciones urged the farmer- Virginia N. Orogo said the agency beneficiaries to do their part by is in the process of collating data to maximizing the potential of their farmlots determine the country’s agrarian and be the heroes that they are “for reform beneficiaries, their current ensuring the availability of food on the condition, and who among them are table and helping the government in need of assistance for the muchattain food security for the country.” needed support services.

Some P2,200 worth of farm inputs were also distributed to a handful of representatives of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs), while practicing the DAR “new normal” conducted now in any DAR activities in compliance with the government’s

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Also gracing the simple rites were DAR Assistant Secretary Ubaldo Sadiarin, DAR-Southern Tagalog (Region 4B) regional director Lilibeth Lee, Oriental Mindoro agrarian reform officer Isagani Placido and some staff.

(DAR)

SSS tells members: Transact online, avoid visiting branches

By Dominic I. Sanchez

The Social Security System (SSS) is appealing to its members to use alternative modes of transacting with them, other than physically queueing up in the branches especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release, the SSS advised branches also have drop boxes where members to use the My.SSS web portal members can simply drop their benefit via www.sss.gov.ph. applications.

“The My.SSS portal is open for online transactions such as generating the payment reference number, accessing of records, updating of members’ contact details, online filing of maternity notification, retirement claims and salary and calamity loans,” the press release reads.

If members must physically visit the SSS branch, they are advised to book appointments via the My.SSS web portal’s appointment system. SSS

Meanwhile, the SSS is implementing a number coding scheme in all its branches to avoid massing up of people.

“The SSS is seeking the members’ understanding for the strict implementation of precautionary measures for everyone’s safety in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the SSS said in a statement. (NBE/DIS/ PIA9-ZAMSULTA, with reports from SSS) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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594K Covid-19 tests conducted in PH

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

The government has so far conducted a total of 594,817 tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) across the country, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

“Sa testing output, as of June 20, nakapagsagawa na po tayo ng 594,817 (Regarding our testing output, we have been able to conduct 594,817 tests as of June 20),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press conference aired on staterun PTV-4.

File photo

About 43,750 test kits for 1.05 million tests have already arrived in the country, he said, adding that the government has also procured 239,857 test kits to enable it to conduct approximately 8,544,292 Covid-19 tests.

To ramp up the country’s testing capacity, Roque said there is the

Roque gave the update as the ongoing procurement of some 15,750 government continues to accredit test kits that could be used to conduct more laboratories for Covid-19 to boost some 1,293,750 tests for Covid-19. the country’s testing capacity.

“Hindi pa po sapat ang ating

To date, the Department of Health mga kinuha. Meron pa po tayong (DOH) has accredited 63 laboratories limang ongoing bids para sa 15,750 test nationwide that will conduct kits at ito po ay pupwedeng gamitin sa independent testing for Covid-19.

1,293,750 tests (The test kits that we have June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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already procured are not enough. We said the government is planning to raise have five ongoing bids for 15,750 test the country’s testing capacity to 50,000 kits and these can be used to conduct per day by the end of June.

1,293,750 tests),” he said.

Roque said reaching the Covid-19

Earlier Tuesday, DOH testing capacity of 50,000 per day Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire remains the goal of the government. said the country is now able to test more than 12,000 samples from suspect “Ngayon, ang goal po natin ay Covid-19 cases daily.

50,000 tests per day (Now, our goal is 50,000 tests per day),” he said.

Vergeire said the average Covid-19 tests were about 12,400, On Tuesday, health authorities although testing fluctuates every day. recorded 1,150 new cases, increasing the country’s total confirmed Covid-19

On June 4, deputy chief cases to 31,825, of which 1,186 are implementer of the country’s National deaths and 8,442 are recoveries.

Policy Against Covid-19, Vince Dizon, (PNA)

Palace to public: Let’s do our part to avoid 40K Covid-19 cases

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Malacañang on Tuesday dared the public to help the government prevent from happening the prediction of researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country could rise by 40,000 by the end of June.

In a virtual presser aired on staterun PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque maintained that the further spread of Covid-19 could be prevented by heeding the government’s call on all Filipinos to stay home, observe physical distancing, and practice regular hand washing and use of disinfectants.

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“The challenge, mga kababayan (my countrymen), let us disprove the prediction of UP na magiging 40,000 (that it could reach 40,000),” Roque said. “Huwag po sana nating payagan na umabot ng 40,000 pagtapos ng buwan ng Hunyo. Challenge po iyan (Let’s do our part to ensure that it would

AVOID 40K CASES. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque gives updates on the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic during a virtual presser on Tuesday (June 23, 2020). Roque dared the public to prevent from happening the prediction that Covid-19 cases could reach 40,000 by end of June by strictly following health protocols, particularly physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and washing of hands. (Screenshot)

not reach 40,000 by the end of June.

The team’s projection was based It’s a challenge). I hope everyone will on current trends in Covid-19 data in accept this challenge.” the country.

On Monday, the Philippines No new normal logged 630 more cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of Covid-19 Roque expressed hope that the infections to 30,682.

UP researchers’ forecast would not happen.

About 467 of the 630 Covid-19 cases are “fresh” cases while the As part of the government’s efforts remaining 163 are “late” cases. to combat Covid-19, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of

The UP research team earlier Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) warned that the total number of has recalibrated the current parameters, Covid-19 infections in the Philippines which include the case doubling time could reach 40,000 by the end of and critical care utilization rate, for risk June.

June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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classification of areas in the country, he said.

Roque noted that the quarantine classification in high-risk areas would be enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ (MECQ), while the general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ (MGCQ) would be implemented in moderaterisk areas.

He said MECQ in high-risk areas and MGCQ in moderate-risk areas would be imposed if there are “modifiers” -social, economic, and security factors; clustering of cases; health system capacity; and continuous trend or increasing or decreasing new cases, critical care utilization rate, and case Avoiding a second wave doubling time.

Roque said the government is

Roque noted that MGCQ would trying to avoid the possibility that there be implemented in low-risk areas. might be a second wave of Covid-19

He said the recalibration of the infections in the country. current parameters means that there

He made the remarks as he noted would be no “new normal.” that the country could not afford a new

Roque, however, clarified that the wave of Covid-19 cases.

IATF-EID’s removal of the “new normal”

“Iyan ang iniiwasan natin (That’s classification is “not permanent.” what we are trying to avoid),” Roque

“Wala munang ‘new normal.’ Ibig said. sabihin, lahat ng lugar sa Pilipinas, meron He cited the need for public cooperation pa rin pong community quarantine. to stop the further transmission of Iyan po yung pinakapagbabago sa Covid-19. inaprubang parameters (For now, “Kaya mga kababayan, there is no ‘new normal.’ Meaning, all places in the Philippines are still under kinakailangan po natin ang kooperasyon community quarantine. That’s the ninyo (To our fellow countrymen, we latest development in the approved really need your cooperation),” Roque said.(PNA) parameters),” he explained.

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Enough personnel, assets for Covid-19, rainy season: NDRRMC

By Priam Nepomuceno

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday assured that it has sufficient personnel and assets to help with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) containment efforts and respond to the effects of the rainy season.

“Yes, we do. We are handling both support functions to the Covid (19) and emergency response. As before, we work closely with all government agencies especially the local government units, private sector partners, and the public (in addressing these emergencies),” said NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when asked if they still have sufficient resources to respond to emergencies caused by inclement weather conditions.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the start of the rainy season in the country on June 12.

Timbal said the NDRRMC has issued guidelines on rainy season preparedness amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have issued Memorandum 54 (which) contains guidelines for preparations, protection against the virus, usage of DRRM funds, as well as response and evacuation processes,” he added.

The Office of Civil Defense is the implementing arm of the NDRRMC, which is mandated to “administer disaster preparedness and manage the consequences of disasters while it continues to carry out its part on the Covid-19 response.” (PNA) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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PRRD ‘happy’ over progress of Covid-19 vaccine dev’t

By Azer Parrocha

President Rodrigo Duterte is happy to learn that many countries have made significant progress in the development of a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine.

“Ang masabi ko sa inyo na good news (The good news I have to share) is that we believe and I believe too that many countries has now perfected some vaccine. Maybe some are haphazard kasi madalian eh (because they need to rush it). The quest for vaccine takes time, years. Dito nagmamadalian (Here, they’re hurrying) at least we have

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a medicine that would fight Covid,” Duterte said in a public address late Monday night.

Earlier, Malacañang welcomed the result of a UK clinical trial on dexamethasone which was found to have reduced deaths among severely ill Covid-19 patients by 30 percent.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged that the steroid has been hailed as a “major breakthrough”, but pointed out that the findings showed that it could only reduce deaths by about 30 percent in critical Covid-19 patients.

“We definitely welcome it.

Although we don’t think it’s a miracle pill, kasi ang findings po (because the findings show), it can save about 30 percent of seriously ill patients. We want a cure that will save 100 percent, if not every Thursday to discuss concerns a majority of those who fall seriously ill,” regarding vaccine collaborations. he said.

In his 13th report to Congress on the government’s Covid-19 response efforts, Duterte said that 288 patients have enrolled in the Solidarity Trials of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The “Solidarity Trial” is an international clinical trial launched by WHO and its partners to test the safety and effectiveness of possible vaccines against Covid-19.

“This is more than half of the targeted 500 patients in the Philippines, with a total global target of about 5,000 patients,” the report read.

Since its launch, over 100 countries have joined the Solidarity Trial to evaluate the effectiveness of four drugs and drug combinations.

Four possible drugs and drug combinations that have been tested in the trial include chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir or ritonavir, and lopinavir or ritonavir with interferon beta-1a.

On June 17, WHO announced that the hydroxychloroquine arm of the Solidarity Trial to find an effective Covid-19 treatment was being stopped following findings that it does not

The report also showed that result in the reduction of mortality of there is an ongoing discussion with hospitalized Covid-19 patients. international partners on Covid-19 vaccines.

WHO, however, clarified that the

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) technical working group on vaccine clinical trials meets

decision is only applicable to the conduct of the Solidarity Trial and not to the use or evaluation of hydroxychloroquine in pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis in patients exposed to Covid-19. (PNA) June 20 - 26, 2020 |

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