Caraga InFocus – June 26-July 2, 2021

Volume V, No. 27 June 26-July 2, 2021

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REGIONAL NEWS CARAGA STAKEHOLDERS JOIN PCW’S WEBINAR ON GENDER ANALYSIS NTF-ELCAC EXPOSES CPP-NPA-NDF’S VIOLATIONS TO IHL

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PSA TO CONDUCT LFS, FIES SURVEYS, ENJOINS CARAGANONS FOR SUPPORT MAYA INTERNS OF DA-CARAGA BAG AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE UPAT KA MGA BUTUANON, GIHATAGAN OG PASIDUNGOG SA 4TH ASIA PACIFIC LUMINARE AWARDS

PROVINCIAL NEWS CARAGA, SIKAT HOLD I-FIT WORKSHOP IN 18 DA-BFAR SIARGAO ISLAND ON HVC-FV DELIBERATES ON PANAMA 20 NBPC DISEASE MANAGEMENT P109 MILLION FMR PUMP-PRIMING 22 DA-PRDP’S ECONOMY IN DINAGAT ISLANDS INTENSIFIES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 24 MGB CAMPAIGN IN CARAGA SK REPORTS HIGH ACCEPTANCE RATE 25 AGNOR AMONG YOUTH ON COVID-19 VACCINE DAR TURN OVER LIVELIHOOD PROJECT FOR 26 DOLE, MAGALLANES FISHERFOLK GIPASANGAT SA HILIT NGA SITIO SA 27 AGUSERBISYO AGUSAN NORTE OPPORTUNITIES SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE 29 BUSINESS GIPRESENTA SA USA KA BUSINESS FORUM NG NIYOG SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE 31 MAGSASAKA MAKIKINABANG SA COCONUT PROCESSING UPGRADING PROJECT ASSISTS AGNOR LGU IN FOOD PACKS 32 ARMY DISTRIBUTION IN VILLAGES NORTE COOP GETS P1.8-MILLION FARM 34 AGUSAN TRACTOR FROM DAR TURNS OVER QUARANTINE FACILITY TO 36 DPWH TANDAG CITY KILLS CIVILIAN, DESTROYS EQUIPMENT IN 37 CTG SURSUR HURT AS NPA REBELS TORCH EQUIPMENT 39 1INKILLED, SURSUR

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22 HEPE SA ASTMMC, GIKUMPIRMA NGA ADUNA MGA PASYENTE SA COVID-19 ANG KUMPLETO NG NABAKUNAHAN ASTMMC NAKATALA OG 4 KA MORTALITY TUNGOD SA COVID-19 SA NAKALABAY NGA 5 KA ADLAW GONE ARE THE WAITING DAYS FOR FARMERS IN AGSUR TOWN ARMY, NPA CLASH ANEW IN AGSUR; 7 HIGHPOWERED FIREARMS SEIZED

MINDANAO NEWS GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL BACKS INITIATIVES FOR MINDANAO DEV’T BUKIDNON VEGETABLE REGION GETS EU MINPAD RISE SUPPORT

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NATIONAL NEWS

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

SECRETARY ANDANAR: AHON AID IS A LEGACY TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC TRUST, CONFIDENCE

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S AHON PROGRAM AIDS FARMERS, FISHERFOLK IN TOWNS OF SIARGAO ISLANDS SECRETARY ANDANAR: NO OTHER WAY OUT OF THE PANDEMIC BUT TO GET FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 125TH MALASAKIT CENTER TO OPEN IN SIARGAO ISLAND

BONG GO CALLS FOR GREATER COVID-19 VIGILANCE AS HE SENDS RELIEF TO HUNDREDS OF INDIGENT CAVITEÑOS WHOSE LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS WERE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE HEALTH CRISIS BONG GO COMMENDS DECLARATION OF FILIPINO SOCIAL WORKERS’ DAY; RECOGNIZES CRUCIAL ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN COMMUNITIES PARTICULARLY IN SERVING POOR AND VULNERABLE SECTORS BONG GO RENEWS PUSH TO CREATE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE AMID VARIOUS NATIONAL CALAMITIES REGULARLY HITTING THE COUNTRY; SENDS AID TO FLOOD VICTIMS IN HINOBAAN, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL IATF WANTS NCR PLUS TO REMAIN UNDER GCQ UNTIL JULY 15 LGUS ADVISED TO SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM NAT’L GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT VACCINE WASTAGE PRESIDENT DUTERTE ON IN-PERSON LEARNING: ‘I CANNOT GAMBLE ON CHILDREN’S LIVES’

COVID-19 NEWS PH AT ‘LOW RISK’ WITH -9% 2-WEEK GROWTH RATE IN COVID CASES

COVID-19 VAX DISTRIBUTION SCIENCE-BASED: PALACE PH RED CROSS SAYS VAX BEST DEFENSE VS. DELTA VARIANT

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR ON THE DEATH OF FORMER DEPUTY PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON GARY OLIVAR We extend our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends on the passing of former deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar.

Mr. Olivar was an integral political communicator of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on relevant and important public affairs, particularly when our country was facing the impacts of the global economic crisis in 2009.

His commitment and exemplary performance in public service, government communications, and information dissemination will truly be valued as we continue to endure and respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

We pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR 4

| June 26-July 2, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Caraga INFOCUS

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Siargao opens new radio sta to strengthen info dissemin among residents Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar reiterated the importance of media to the community, as he attended the launching of a new radio station here on Monday, June 28, 2021.

The Siargao Electric Cooperative has launched its FM radio station Radyo Kidlat 98.5, as part of its initiative to strengthen information dissemination efforts to its consumers and likewise become a tool for public Island. service by providing “Radio is the best vital information on the communicator. It energy sector. reaches the farthest ends of its frequency, Amid the advent of technology and internet depending on the kilowatt power that is connectivity, Secretary used. Nonetheless, radio Andanar said that is extensive enough for the radio remains the the targeted listening best medium to reach public within its scope,” communities in far-flung he said. areas, especially those outside the mainlands in The PCOO chief stressed the country like Siargao

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that the presence of radio will strengthen the relationship among communities and SIARELCO’s memberconsumer-owners (MCOs).

“The Siargao Electric Cooperative through this FM radio station will be delivering not just public awareness, but also public service, and, most importantly, Caraga INFOCUS

ation nation

pandemic that drains our efforts in containing the COVID-19 virus and its threatening variants, a radio station devoted to the members, consumers, and owners group, is vital in saving and keeping lives secure and healthy,” he added.

Meanwhile, SIARELCO General Manager and APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc said that electric cooperatives across the country are pushing to establish their

own radio stations.

“We believe that through effective communication we can strengthen our relationship with the member-consumerowners of the 121 electric cooperatives all over the country,” he said.

Rep. Dagooc said that they will also be partnering with PCOO in streaming news and updates at the national level.

public participation in the affairs of their electric company, and in the general platform of our country’s energy program,” Secretary Andanar said.

“My office, and I, personally, as a native of Siargao, cannot overemphasize the essential importance of radio for the benefit of our people. With a Caraga INFOCUS

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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News Briefs The National Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) holds this afternoon the 2nd virtual meeting via Zoom platform, wherein members from various government agencies nationwide are actively participating in the discussion on the conduct of “Bike for Peace and Justice Event” this month of July 2021. xx

Indigent Siargaonons can now have easier access to financial medical assistance from the government as a Malasakit Center will soon be operating in Siargao Island Medical Center (formerly Siargao District Hospital) in Dapa, Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte. A launch will be hosted on Saturday, July 3, 2021, spearheaded by the Office of Senator Bong Go (OSBG). The Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop for Filipinos to access financial medical assistance from agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance, Inc. (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). This is the country’s 125th Malasakit Center.

The AHON Convergence Program is an inter-agency initiative to extend aid and social services to the most-affected communities in times of calamities, emergencies and as part of the response to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Ordinance Providing for the Development, Management and Regulation of Mango Industry in the Municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte was declared valid by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its regular session. (SP Agusan del Norte)

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga stakeholders join PCW’s webinar on Gender Analysis

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) dubbed Gender Analysis: Tools and Praxis on June 23, 2021 via Zoom platform.

Rosena Sanchez, Independent GAD Consultant/PCW GAD Resource Pool Batch 1 Member, and Karen Dagñalan-Dy, Supervising GAD Specialist of PCW were the resource speakers of said webinar.

Various stakeholders in Caraga region who are active members of the Regional Gender and

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According to Nharleen Santos-Millar, chief GAD specialist of PCW, this session was focused on gender analysis as a practical process in asking key questions and understanding the differences of men and women in terms of needs and capabilities, roles and responsibilities, and access and control to resources, among others.

Development Committee (RGADC) had actively “There are various participated in the 3rd gender analysis tools webinar initiated by the suitable to the needs of

Caraga INFOCUS

intended stakeholders, like the 24-hour profiling and its sample applications. Among these tools include the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) for institutions/ organizations. This developed by the Philippine Commission on Women to gauge the level of organizational gender-responsiveness of government agencies in the country,” she revealed.

During her discussion, Sanchez shared that gender analysis is a process of asking or investigating key questions of a planning process that will help in: identifying gaps or differences between women and men, girls and boys, taking into consideration social diversity such as age, ethnicity, race, class, education, ability, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality (SOGIE) and other forms of diversity. “It leads us to understanding why these gaps exist and persist, and choosing what actions to take to reduce or eliminate Caraga INFOCUS

gaps,” she cited.

“Through gender analysis, we are able to identify and consider the differential status, needs and capabilities, roles and responsibilities of women and men, as well as their access to and control of resources, constraints, benefits and opportunities. It involves the collection, analysis, utilization and sharing of sex-disaggregated and gender data and other relevant information,” Sanchez added.

Meanwhile, Dy reiterated that Gender Mainstreaming or GAD mainstreaming is the major global strategy for ensuring that the government pursues gender equality in all aspects of the development process to achieve the vision of a gender-responsive society where women and men equally contribute to and benefit from development.

Citing different gender issues, Dy elaborated that this could be client-focused or organizational-focused.

“A client-focused gender issues refers to concerns arising from the unequal status of women and men stakeholders of a particular organization including the extent of their disparity over benefits from and contribution to a policy/ program and/or project.

An organization-focused gender issue points to the gap/s in the capacity of the organization to integrate a gender dimension in its programs, systems or structure,” she explained.

She further bared that the GMEF is a tool to measure the extent of the gender mainstreaming efforts of organizations, both national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs). It is also meant to assist the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) members in measuring gains and successes, as well as pinpoint areas for improvement in the way they mainstream the gender and development (GAD) perspective in their respective organizations.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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NTF-ELCAC exposes CPPNPA-NDF’s violations to IHL

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

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In a virtual press conference held on Monday, the members of the National Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) have exposed the violations committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF).

Surigao del Norte prawn farm after the recent failed extortion. “Based on the report, the NPAs went to the area and demanded some P10,000 from the owner of the prawn farm thru the caretaker which was said to be used for the birthday celebration of their commander.

However, no amount was handed to them,” he said.

PLt. Jonard Requina, Officer in Charge of the Malimono Police Station shared the details on the NPA’s destruction of

Hon. Alfredo Antojado, Sangguniang Bayan Member representing Lanuza Mayor Anilao Dawog, also relayed the

| June 26-July 2, 2021

brutal killing of the NPAs to the caretaker and burning of equipment of construction company in the Municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. “With what happened, the LGU condemned in the strongest form the atrocities and extortion perpetrated by the NPA communist terrorist group.

The LGU does not allow and tolerate such brutal acts,” he said.

Brigadier General George Banzon, commander of 901st Infantry Brigade, Caraga INFOCUS

Philippine Army emphasized that the primary motive of the NPA communist terrorist group is to instill fear to any potential victims in their attempt to conduct extortion activities and destruction of privatelyowned properties in the province of Surigao del Sur. “The acts and deeds of the NPAs simply manifest that they are indeed terrorists. We are currently reaching out to the owners of these private companies and urging them not to give any financial support to the NPA,” he said.

“Report to us any information on the extortion activities of the communist terrorist NPA, so that the law enforcement agencies -- the PNP and the military could respond immediately and provide the necessary interventions. Your military, together with our counterpart the PNP is doing everything to prevent these atrocities and destruction caused by the NPAs,” Banzon added.

The NTF-ELCAC highlighted that the communist NPA terrorist has clearly violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for victimizing civilians who are not directly Caraga INFOCUS

De Leon

participating in hostilities.

This included the burning of equipment to impede any development in the area, which is already a pattern of organized, orchestrated, continuing, deliberate and systematic scheme perpetrated by the NPA that justifies their designation as a terrorist organization.

During the press conference, the NTFELCAC and the media also witnessed a video showing the attack/harassment of the NPAs which took place early morning of June 28 in Barangay Tinago, Malimono, Surigao del Norte. Major General Edgardo De Leon, J3, AFP, stressed that this incident showed how the NPAs caused danger in the lives of the people. Hence, the community should declare the NPA terrorists as persona non-grata to prevent them from entering their community and cause further destruction.

Badoy

He called on civilians and those in the business sector who were victims of the extortion and other illegal activities committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF to come out and speak, so appropriate IHL cases could be filed against the perpetrators.

“Your rights should be protected and respected.

Do not allow the violations and killings committed by the terrorist communist groups to continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, shared the real situation and difficulties encountered by the IPs, and the locals against the NPA terrorists during her recent visit to Agusan del Sur and Lianga, Surigao del Sur. She elaborated on how cruel the NPAs are for committing crimes and violating the IHL. (JPG/PIACaraga) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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PSA to conduct LFS, FIES surveys, enjoins Caraganons for support The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Caraga led by its regional director Dr. Rosalinda C. Apura enjoins all Caraganons to support and cooperate with the agency’s surveys, especially those 8,448 households who are part of the sample for the conduct of the July 2021 Labor Force Survey (LFS) and 2021 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES).

Dir. Apura said the sample households is deemed sufficient to provide regional level estimates.

“About 305 Statistical Researchers and Field Personnel will be involved in the conduct of the July 2021 LFS and 2021 FIES in the region,” she said.

Apura said the 2021 FIES enumeration will be conducted twice. The first visit will be done in July 2021 with the first semester, January to June 2021 as the reference period and the second visit will be conducted in January 2022 with the second semester, July to

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December 2021 as the reference period, having the same set of questions will be asked for both visits, she added.

Apura further said the use of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) application using tablet as a method of data collection in FIES will be introduced starting this round.

The data collection will start on July 8 to 31, 2021.

Apura assured that all information collected by the hired Statistical Researchers from the sample households shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of RA 10625.

The FIES is a nationwide survey of households undertaken every three years. It is the main source of data on family income and expenditure, which include among others, levels of consumption by item of expenditure as

Apura

well as sources of income in cash and in kind. The results of FIES provide information on the levels of living and disparities in income of Filipino families, as well as their spending patterns; provide benchmark information to update the weights used in the estimation of Consumer Price Index (CPI); and provide inputs in the estimation of the country’s poverty threshold and incidence. (NCLM/PIA Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

MAYA interns of DA-Caraga bag awards for outstanding performance Two Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness (MAYA) Interns from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga clinched two awards during the MAYA Awards of the DA - Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), which concluded on Wednesday, June 30.

Ana Fe Daal from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte with her agribusiness proposal “Tablea Processing and Marketing”, emerged as one of the Ten Winners of the Category Success Begins at 40K: Best MAYA Agribusiness Plan.

Daal, who chose the entrepreneurship track highlighted that she wanted to upgrade the commodity that she was very familiar with through her proposal.

and more opportunities on tablea processing will come through,” Daal said.

Further, Michael Troza from Ampayon, Butuan City was also awarded as the Best MAYA Intern for Caraga Region.

Daal will receive P40,000 (gross of tax) as start-up capital for her proposed agribusiness plan. Meanwhile, Trozo will receive a cash prize of P7,500.

All interns assigned in different regional field offices, bureaus, and attached agencies were also acknowledged in the event. Sixteen of them were from DA-Caraga.

In an interview made through the Kabataang Agrisibo, Progresibo, an online program of DA-Caraga, Daal underscored that if given the chance after her stint in the MAYA program, she would venture into cacao farming. The 2021 MAYA Awards recognizes the outstanding interns’ learnings and efforts throughout the duration “One of the reasons that pushed me of the program. This will also serve as to pursue tablea is because, as a daughter of a cacao farmer, I have an avenue to encourage and inspire seen the opportunities that we can get other young Filipinos to venture into out of it. Through correct processing agripreneurship and get involved in and marketing, it will create a ripple the agri-fishery sector. (DA-RFO XIII, effect in the community I live in RAFIS/PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Upat ka mga Butuanon, gihatagan og pasidungog sa 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards Gipasidunggan s a natigayong 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards ang upat ka mga Butuanon adtong Hunyo 26, 2021 sa Okada Manila.

Ang Asia Pacific Luminare Awards dunay katuyoan sa paghatag og award sa mga indibidwal nga may kontribusyon sa lain-lain nga aspeto sa komunidad lakip na sa tibouk Asia Pacific.

Usa sa mga nahatagan sa pasidungog si Engr.

Wen Kok Lim Chiang II sa kategoryang Outstanding Young Professional ug Inspiring Youth Leader of the Year. Siya ang kanhi SK Federation President tuig 2018-2019 ug SK Chairperson sa Barangay Golden Ribbon hangtud tuig 2020. Si Engr Chiang II nagserbisyo sa katawhan isip usa ka Civil Engineer sa Office of the City Engineer sa LGU Butuan.

Sumala niya nga tungod isip usa siya ka civil engineer ug na-involve

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sa nagkalain-lain nga infrastructure project sa syudad maong nahatagan siya og award lakip na ang serbisyo nga iyang gihatag adtong siya pa ang SK Federation President sa syudad.

Mensahe niya alang sa kabatan-onan mao ang pagpadayon sa paghatag inspirasyon ug padayon sa pagbuhat og butang para sa uban tao dili tungod kay naay award nga nag hulat apan makita sab ang katagbawan sa mga tao nga giserbisyohan.

Gawas kang Engr. Chiang II, nahatagan sab sa pasidungog sila Prof.

Carlito C. Amalla nga nakuha ang award nga Most Exceptional Filipino Educator and Artist of the Year, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, Most Exemplary Filipino Educator of the Millenium ug Mr. Kit Gresos nga Most Outstanding Craft Artist of the Millenium.

Ang Asia Pacific Luminare Awards wala lang naka sentro sa mga artista og sikat nga tao apil na sab ang mga tao nga dunay dakung tabang sa komunidad labi na sa Science, Philanthropy, Technology, Profession, ug Entertainment Media Arts. (Butuan City PIO/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DA-BFAR Caraga, SIKAT hold I-FIT workshop in Siargao Island

By Venus L. Garcia

The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga with Sentro ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT, INC.), as the partner and support non-government organization, recently conducted a workshop assessment using the Philippine Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Index and Threat Assessment or

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I-FIT tool among the nine municipalities in Siargao Island.

The I-FIT focal persons presented the different components of the said tool - prevalence, vulnerability, and response of IUU fishing to readily fill up the indicator and annex forms.

The training participants actively engaged in

the sessions such as arranging of focuser statements to give them an idea of what the workshop was all about and identifying IUU fishing activities present in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

They also worked together in providing inputs on the questions required to assess IUU fishing activities in their municipal waters. They Caraga INFOCUS

were also encouraged to proactively coordinate and support each entity to solve the problem of IUU fishing.

To sustainably manage the fisheries resources and find long-lasting solutions to IUU fishing threats, the I-FIT tool was developed and designed by Fish Right Program and DA-BFAR in efforts to reduce and eliminate IUU fishing in the country using a science and knowledgebased approach. This requires an in-depth understanding of the context of IUU fishing in municipal waters and in a given area.

This set of tools enable

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to assess prevalence, vulnerability and responses to IUU fishing in specific areas starting with the municipal waters of a local government unit and use this information to identify opportunities to address IUU fishing to develop targeted and focused strategies and interventions.

Using the tool will enable law enforcers to come up with standardized and comparable tracking of progress in a given area and the entire country in reducing IUU fishing over time.

agriculturists, agricultural technologists for fisheries, municipal environment, and natural resource officers, FARMC chairpersons, representatives from the ‘bantay dagat’ group and fisherfolk organizations; and Philippine National Police representatives from the nine municipalities in Siargao Island.

The workshop assessment was conducted by batch. The first group attended on June 22-23, 2021 from four municipalities, and for the second group for five municipalities on June 24-25, 2021. (DA-BFAR XIII The workshop assessment FPLEG/PIA-Surigao del convened municipal Norte)

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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NBPC on HVC-FV deliberates on Panama disease management

With the United States imposing import ban on some banana plant parts coming from the Philippines, the National Banner Program Committee (NBPC) on High Value Crops-Fruits and Vegetables (HVCFV) deliberated on Panama disease control and prevention on June 24, 2021.

The Panama disease, also known as Fusarium wilt, is caused by a fungus that lives in soil.

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It travels up the stem of the banana plant and blocks the tissues that carry water and nutrients, thus killing the plant. The fungus can be easily spread by movement of infected plants and contaminated soil and water.

Although Panama disease is not harmful to humans, it is considered destructive to the majority of banana varieties including

Cavendish, the most common one in the market.

According to an article in Business World Online, the US saw this as a serious threat to its agriculture, thus restricting the importation of rooted plants, rooted and unrooted cuttings, and roots from countries with known Panama disease occurrence, which included the Philippines. The import Caraga INFOCUS

ban, effective May 12, does not apply to seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

In response to the dropping values of banana export and escalating hectares of Fusarium-wiltinfected plantations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) allocated around PhP260 million in 2020 to support the rehabilitation of banana farms and develop disease-resistant varieties.

These efforts were discussed and supported during the 2nd quarter meeting of the NBPC on HVCFV, with the key recommendations of the body to consider production of other banana varieties such as Cardava and exploration of crop biotechnology to create new variants with resistance to pathogens.

It was noted that production of Cardava bananas is already part of DA’s High Value Crops Development Caraga INFOCUS

Program (HVCDP) under the Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan II).

Meanwhile, data on acceptability of genetically-modified bananas was unknown, thus needing further review for better decision-making of initiatives.

Other pressing matters tackled in the meeting include: • climate outlook from July to December 2021 to guide stakeholders in planting and harvesting; • insurance programs offered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), particularly oil palm insurance policy, fruit drop policy and tree mortality policy; • development of the commodity industry roadmaps, with target completion on the last week of September 2021; •

Urban Agriculture

and Gulayan Projects, with the establishment of school gardens and community gardens; • request for the assistance of the Agricultural and Fishery Youthpreneur Council (AFYC) in the implementation of Gulayan sa Paaralan; • adoption of the resolution recommending to the DA Secretary, the inclusion of Urban Agriculture as a regular agenda in the meetings of the Committee, and the membership of the National Program Director for Urban Agriculture Program to the NBPC on HVC-FV; • lined-up activities for the 2021 International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV), with PCAF as designated promoter of the event; and • proposed National Consultation/ Summit on Fruits and Vegetables by last quarter of 2021. (JCL/ DA-PCAF/PIA-Surigao del Norte) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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DA-PRDP’s P109 million FMR pump-priming economy in Dinagat Islands

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Caraga Region has turned over to the Province of Dinagat Islands the 3.62 kilometer R. Ecleo to Upper Laguna Farm-toMarket Road (FMR) in Cagdianao town, this province.

The completed road concreting worth P109.4 million is a joint project funded by the World

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Bank, the Philippine government, and the provincial government of Dinagat Islands.

The road covers three barangays such as R. Ecleo, Maatas, and Upper Laguna with 794 household beneficiaries, 777 of which are farmers and fishers. It also benefits 3,947 inhabitants of the said barangays and their surrounding communities.

It has given farmers easy

access to the market in bringing their products like corn, cassava, coconut, fishery, and other local products with less cost and time.

Governor Kaka Bagao expressed her gratitude together with her constituents for the FMR which she said has pump-prime the economy of the province since after the road was completed, farmers started to expand their production Caraga INFOCUS

areas and idle lands are slowly utilized. Small enterprises are slowly springing up in the area with the road in place.

“This project has not only given us the road, but it has also given us the hope that development is possible in this new province,” Gov. Bag-ao said.

Rogelio Padilla, Chairman of the Upper Laguna Farmers Association who is into Corn Seeds Production is grateful for the completed project.

“We are overjoyed with the help of the Department of Agriculture through PRDP. As the only BPI-accredited corn seed producer on the island, we are excited to till additional areas for production because aside from the equipment given to us, we can now smoothly bring our products to our intended market,” said Padilla.

On his part, DAR Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo also Caraga INFOCUS

expressed support to the province’s development plans for the benefit of the farmers and fishers.

“All roads lead to progress. It has been known from the very beginning that when there is a road, areas will be developed. I hope to be back in 5 years from now and see a more lively and developed community here in Dinagat,” said Dir. Monteagudo.

Moreover, 21 farmowners who donated a portion of their land that has been affected by the construction of the R. Ecleo to Upper Laguna FMR were awarded Certificates of Recognition by the provincial government of Dinagat Island recognizing that without them giving the Right-ofWay, the road would not have been established.

These Project Affected Persons (PAPs), upon understanding the importance of the project through a meaningful consultation that was conducted before the start of the project, willingly gave

a portion of their land which is an important requirement for the smooth construction of every road project.

Aside from monetary compensation, they also benefitted from a tax deduction on portions of their land being donated to the project as facilitated by the provincial government.

As a highlight of the ceremony, stakeholders of the newly turned over R. Ecleo to Upper Laguna FMR were made to sign the Project Memorabilia to mark each one’s commitment to the maintenance and sustainability of the project.

The signing was headed by Dir. Monteagudo, Gov. Bagao, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, PPMIU-Dinagat Team, Municipal Officials of Cagdianao, Barangay councils of R. Ecleo, Maatas, and Upper Laguna, and the farmer-beneficiaries of the project. (Emmylou Presilda / InfoACECaraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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MGB intensifies environmental protection campaign in Caraga Asumen-Apale.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Caraga intensified its environmental protection campaign through the conduct of virtual information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign and enhancement program in Caraga Minerals Industry on June 30, 2021 via Zoom platform.

The activity was conducted in keeping with the 2021 Philippine Environment Month celebration with the theme, “Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom. Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan.”

It was also aimed to intensify the participants’ awareness of the regulatory functions of the MGB particularly its Environmental Protection

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

On behalf of MGB-13 OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez, MGB XIII Chief Geologist Romeo M. Dalodado delivered his welcome remarks.

For the afternoon session, Engr. Elmer Tecson, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Surigao City ENR Office, shared the Solid Waste Management Implementation of Surigao City. EnP. Jesalyn Abonates-Guingguing, Tenement and Environmental Manager of Agata Mining Ventures, Inc., also discussed the environmental protection and enhancement program of the mines.

It was followed by the rationale which was imparted by Engr. Roland Joie G. Geli, Engineer II and MGB XIII Principal Youth Desk Officer.

After the presentations, an open forum ensued wherein the participants raised issues and concerns related to the topics presented.

Dir. Heradez and Dr. Queen Ann M. Navallo, Assistant School Principal II of Surigao del Norte National High School delivered their messages.

A TV commercial, Kutsara, and an online advertisement, Minsan Kitang Minahan, produced by the MGB for its #MineResponsibility Campaign, along with award-winning environmental videos produced by Caraga mining firms, were viewed by the participants during the virtual activity. (MGB 13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

and Enhancement Program.

The morning session featured the discussion on Forest and Mining by Enjie G. Pacillos-Cañete and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program by Christie Q.

Caraga INFOCUS

AgNor SK reports high acceptance rate among youth on COVID-19 vaccine

By Doreen Marielle Rosales

“I think all of them are ready to get vaccinated.”

This was the statement of Kariza Mae Semblante, president of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on the youth’s acceptance of the vaccines for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In an interview for the Network Briefing News with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar on Tuesday, June 29, the youth leader said her fellow youth has expressed great interest in the ongoing vaccination.

Caraga INFOCUS

“Many people are asking me, especially our SK councilors and members if they can be vaccinated but as of now, they are not yet included in the master list so they still have to wait,” the SK President said.

about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. We have invited all of our youth to participate so this is great,” Semblante said.

While waiting for their turn to receive jabs, the SK has initiated their own information drive on the national vaccination program for the youth.

With community quarantine measures now heightened in light of the implementation of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the entire province, she called on her fellow youth to abide by protocols.

“The local government unit, in partnership with the SK, has an ongoing awareness campaign on drugs for the youth.

What we did to maximize this is we invited resource speakers such as our local nurses to also orient them

“We are all not used to all the adjustments we have to make during this pandemic but we must do our part and continue supporting our government’s initiatives to address this health crisis,” she said. (DMNR/PIACaraga) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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DOLE, DAR turn over livelihood project for Magallanes fisherfolk productivity and income of the fisher folks in the area.

DAR Agusan del Norte head Andre B. Atega is happy to see the development project which could provide income to the agrarian reform beneficiaries and livelihood to the locals.

Taod-oy Farmers Livelihood Association (TFLA), one of the agrarian groups assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte took a big step forward for their Bangus Production Project as they received the raw materials, tools, and equipment, which was funded under the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program (DOLE-ILP), on June 16, 2021.

A total of P581,385.00 comprised of raw materials, tools, and

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

equipment was finally turned over through the barangay local government unit of Brgy.

Taod-oy and handed over to the said agrarian group.

DOLE Caraga Provincial Head Keith C. Duran was delighted for another milestone of the group, with the convergence effort of the DAR, and local government unit of Barangay Taod-oy of Magallanes town.

He lauded the untiring support from said stakeholders to realize its common goal, which aimed to ensure the

“Through the partnership with the DAR and DOLE, the group’s proposed Bangus production project is now a dream come true to the group after it finally receives the materials and implements,” Atega said.

Chair Eleonor D. Galera, expressed gratitude to DOLE and DAR for their convergence initiatives for the release of the equipment to their association.

“This will be a great help for our members, especially those members involve in bangus production,” Gallera added. (Gil E. Miranda, DAR Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

AGUSerbisyo gipasangat sa hilit nga sitio sa Agusan Norte

Ilawom sa kainit sa panahon, kapin duha ka kilometro nga guba nga dalan paingon sa hilit nga lugar sa lungsod sa Santiago ang gibaklay nila ni Agusan del Norte Gobernador Dale B. Corvera ug Kongw. Angel AmanteMatba, kagaina, Hunyo 30, aron personal nga maipadangat ang hangyo nga hinabang sa mga lumolupyo sa Sitio Cadahon-dahonan, Poblacion 2.

Samtang nag lakaw ang mga dagkung lideres sa probinsya paingon sa maong Sitio, nakita Caraga INFOCUS

nila mismo ang kalisud sa kahimtang sa mga lumolupyo niini ilabina ang lisud nga kadalanan paingon sa ilang panimalay.

Mismo ang mga residente ang nagpaabot ug mihangyo ngadto kay Gob. Corvera ug Kongw. Amante-Matba pinaagi sa opisyales sa ilang barangay aron matubag ang ilang hangyo nga kunsumo, panginabuhian ug pagpaayo sa ilang mga balay. Ug dali-dali dayon kini gi-aksyonan sa mga liders.

Atol sa maong kalihukan gipadangat sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan ug sa buhatan sa kongreso ang food packs alang sa 150 ka pamilya, 16 kanila mga Indigenous Peoples (IP). Magsilbi kini nilang konsumo samtang wala pa sila mobalik sa ilang mga uma sa kabukiran.

Magpadangat usab ang probinsya og mga materyales sama sa sin, toilet bowl, ug uban pa.

Magpataud usab ang gobernador og kuryente sa mga 18 ka balay nga wala pay koneksyon niini.

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Gawas niini, magpadangat usab ang Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA-Agusan del Norte) sa pagpangulo ni Provincial Director Rey Cueva og mga pangbansay sama sa mason grip, carpentry, electrical, bread making, small engine repair, manicure pedicure ug gupit. Pinaagi sa ilang mga trainings, mahulma ang ilang abilidad aron makatrabaho.

Ang maong mga kalihukan kabahin sa AguSerbisyo ubos sa Agus 3Ps ug Amomang Agusanon ubos sa AGUSAN UP! ang kampanya pangkalambuan ilawom sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw.

Amante-Matba.

sa walhong grupo sa kabukiran.

Sa mensahe ni Gob. Corvera, iyang gipasabot ug gihangyo niya ang padayong suporta sa goberno aron makab-ot ang kauswagan ug kalinaw nga ilang gitinguha sa ilang lugar.

pagpa semento sa kalsada paingon sa Bolo nga maoy gihimutangan sa ilang mga uma.

“Ang yawe sa pag asenso labi na diri sa Cadahon-dahonan, mag sugod sa atong kaugalingon. Mo ingon tag kalinaw, ang kalinaw magsugod gikan sa atong kaugalingon.

Ang kalinaw, dili lang ni usa ka butang nga ato lang damgohon, kini usa kabutang nga atong lihukon ug isangyaw sa atong mga kaigsuonan,” matud ni Gob. Corvera.

Ug tungod sa ilang mahigugmaong pagamoma kanila, gipasalig nila nga samtang wala pa nahuman og operate ang kasundalohan batok insurhensiya, padayon manghatag og mga pangkunsomo ang gobernador ug kongresista alang kanila.

Gitan-aw usab ni Kongw. Amante-Matba ang kalisod sa kalsada Matud pa sa opisyales paingon sa Sitio. Alang sa maong Sitio, abunda kaniya, ipaabot niya og saging ug abaca ang kang President Rodrigo ilang lugar diin pag-uma Duterte ang kalisud ug pamulawan lamang nga iyang nakita ug ang tinubdan sa ilang maningkamot ang panginabuhian. iyang buhatan nga magahinan og budget Apan nahunong kini ug sa nasyonal ang wala na sila kasubida pagpakalsada gikan sa tungod sa kagubot nga sitio hangtud paubos. dala sa mga kalihukan Lakip usab niini ang

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

Gitan-aw nila Gob. Corvera ug Kongw.

Amante-Matba ang kaugmaon sa mga lumolupyo sa Sitio Cadahon-dahonan.

Nasayran nga usa ang sitio Cadahon-dahonan sa pilot area sa DepEd sa face-to-face nga klase karon.

Mahinumduman nga unang nagpadangat ang personahe sa Agusan Up Coordinating Center ubos sa Amomang Agusan og mga foodpacks ug seedlings ubos sa Lunhaw’ng Agusan sa maong lugar sa miaging tuig. (Karen Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

Business opportunities sa Agusan del Norte gipresenta sa usa ka business forum

Nahatagan ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte og higayon nga makahanyag sa mga investment opportunities sa lugar.

Sa usa ka zoom conference gi-presenta sa probinsya, pinaagi sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center ug Provincial Economic Enterprise Development Caraga INFOCUS

and Management Office ang mga proyekto nga posibleng sudlan sa mga investors.

Sa presentasyon, gihanyag sa AGUSAN UP Coordination Center ang mga opportunidad sa negosyo ubos sa Plant and Process for Prosperity o Agus 3Ps, ang flagship program niini sa ekonomikanhong pagpalambo.

Ubos sa Agus 3Ps, nasulod ang mga proyektong Food Security Enhancement diin 11,000 hectares ang himoong expansion alang sa sa sufficiency sa probinysa sa mga pagkaon nga haum sa kayutaan niini.

Ang laing investment area mao ang ubos June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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sa Plant! Plant! Plant! activities diin 125,000 ektaryas ang gipunting nga tamnan sa priority high value crops nga mao ang abaka, saging, bulanghoy, kape, cacao, rubber, lubi, commercial trees, mangga ug uban pang prutas.

Gihanyag usab ang mga oportunidad sa negosyo diha sa 15 ka inisyal nga core processing projects sa mga lungsod ug Syudad sa Cabadbaran nga mogamit sa mga ani ubos sa Plant! Plant!

Plant! isip hilaw nga materyales.

and Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia ug nakighinabi kang Gob. Dale B. Corvera kalabot sa mga investment opportunities sa probinsya.

sa maong forum ang nangutana kalabot niini.

Ang maong forum kabahin sa “Indonesia Food, Beverage, Lifestyle Virtual Expo 2021” nga nag dala sa tema nga Gitubag kini sa probinsya Promoting Business and pinaagi sa pagpresenta Investment Opportunities Aron makab-ot ang sa mga oportunidad in Mindanao to panglantaw nga nga mamugna ubos Indonesia.” mahimong Agrisa AGUSAN UP!, ang Processing Center ang kampanya pagpalambo Ang laing mga probinsya sa tibuok ni Gob. Corvera kaabag presentors sa maong Caraga Region sulod sa ang buhatan ni Kong. forum mao ang pito ka tuig o hangtud Angel Amante-Matba.

Mindanao Development 2027, nanginahanglan Authority nga mipresenta ang probinsya og Sa pagka karon, sa emerging trends “partner” ug “investors” gilantaw sa probinsya sa Mindanao ug ang nga moabag aron ang pag-abot sa mga Board of Investment sa mapatuman ang pakisusi sa mga investors Pilipinas kalabot sa mga dakung damgo nga nga apil sa maong insentibo nga posibleng mga proyekto. forum. Usa sa nakaani makuha sa investors. og inisyal interes gikan (Karen Decamotan with Mahinumduman nga sa mga potensyal nga a report from Daniel mianhi sa Butuan investors mao ang Espina, LGU Agusan del niadtong 2019 ang mga posibleng partnership Norte/PIA Agusan del opisyal sa Embassy of the ubos sa Plant! Plant!

Norte) Republic of Indonesia Plant! Usa sa mga apil

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

Caraga INFOCUS

Magsasaka ng niyog sa Agusan del Norte makikinabang sa Coconut Processing Upgrading Project

Ni Nora C. Lanuza

Mahigit P17 Million na pondo ang itinur-over para sa gagawing Coconut Oil Processing Facility na makikita sa bayan ng Jabonga, Agusan del Norte ang pakikinabangan ng mga magsasaka ng niyog sa lugar at karatig bayan nito.

Emosyonal si Rebecca Felix, ang chairperson ng Libas Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative, dahil sa dinami-daming probinsya sa bansa, kasama ang Agusan del Norte na nabigyan ng biyaya upang maiangat ang kanilang estado sa buhay.

Caraga INFOCUS

Nangako ang mga opisyales ng probinsya sa pangunguna ni Agusan del Norte Gobernador Dale B. Corvera na patuloy nilang tututukan ang nasabing proyekto at ang pagtulong nila sa mga magsasaka upang patuloy din ang pagangat nila sa buhay at magkaroon ng kanilang trabaho.

Pinaalalahanan din second district representative Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba ang mga magsasaka na pahalagahan ang proyektong ito

dahil magbibigay ito ng pagbabago sa kanilang buhay.

Nangako din ang mga myembro ng Libas Farmers Cooperative na alagaan at pagbutihin nila ang operasyon ng nasabing processing plant.

Ang nasabing proyekto ay isa sa mga 12 core projects sa AGUSAN UP at inaasahang magpapataas ng produksyon ng Libas Farmers mula sa 200 niyog kada linggo sa 10,000 niyog kada araw. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Army assists AgNor LGU in food packs distribution in villages The 29th Infantry (Matatag Fighters) Battalion (29IB) under the 901st Infantry (Fight ‘em) Brigade has assisted the provincial government of Agusan del Norte in the distribution of food packs to the residents of Sitio Apa-apa, Brgy.

Bangonay, Jabonga Agusan del Norte on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

Gov. Dale Corvera personally distributed the food packs to the residents as his token of gratitude for the opportunity to have been able to visit the people in the said area.

Jabonga Mayor Napoleon Montero welcomed the visitors and expressed his gratitude to the governor for choosing Brgy. Bangonay to be the recipients of his shared blessings.

Maj. Alex Basanes, Battalion Commander

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

of 1SAF said that, “Lagi ang priority namin ang kaligtasan ninyo at ng komunidad, at yung karapatan ninyo na mabuhay ng malaya at masaya. Sana tulungan ninyo kami na matulungan kayo (Our priority is always your safety and of your community, and your right to live freely and happily. We hope you will help us so that we can help you).”

Lt. Col. Aristotle Antonio, Commanding Officer of 29IB, assured the

residents that the government is here to provide services to them.

“They are wrong if they say that no government service has reached here. Our government is always here,” he said.

“Kaya panahon na para tayo ay magtulongtulong, wala pong mangyayari kapag parati tayong nagaaway-away. Nandito po ang 29IB at ang ating mga security forces para protektahan kayo. Tumigil na po tayo sa pagsuporta Caraga INFOCUS

sa mga NPA, wala po silang naitutulong at naidudulot na mabuti.

Sana po magisip-isip na po tayo (And it is now time for us to help each other, nothing will happen if we are always fighting. The 29IB and our security forces are here to protect you. Let us stop supporting the NPA, they are not helping us nor have caused us any good. I hope that we should contemplate training to the residents. about it),” added Lt. Col. “For every sitio, we Antonio. will build an enterprise village with communal Rey Cueva, Provincial garden, communal Director of TESDA fishpond and communal Agusan del Norte, said livestock. This is the the mandate of the initial commitment and governor is to provide support that TESDA will livelihood and skills provide,” he said.

Caraga INFOCUS

During his visit, the governor discussed his plans for the economic development of the whole Agusan del Norte and pleaded, “Muhangyo ko niyo atol sa adlaw sa akong birthday, isip gift ninyo sa ako nga hatag mo ug suporta sa atong gobyerno kay aron muuswag kita kay ug dunay kasamok, walay kalambuan (Today is my birthday and I will ask a special gift from you, support our government so that we can prosper because if there is violence, there will surely be no development),” Gov. Corvera said. (2Lt Roselyn Matulac, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Agusan Norte coop gets P1.8Million farm tractor from DAR

34

The Guinabsan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, (GMPC), assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte, recently received a farm tractor worth P1.8 million under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (DARCRFPSP) in a ceremony held at the DAR provincial office, this city.

to address the farmmechanization gap, which hampered the farmers’ development in the agrarian reform communities.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega said that the provision of a farm tractor aimed

During the ceremony, Ellen J. Torralba, OIC- Chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division of

| June 26-July 2, 2021

Atega said that the farm-productivity of the agrarian reform beneficiaries will be made possible through transforming traditional farming into farm mechanization.

DAR-Agusan del Norte, said that the agency intensifies its effort to provide a package of support services.

“The CRFPSP significantly brings growth and livelihood opportunities to the farmerbeneficiaries,” she said.

Torralba further said that the CRFPSP is one of the DAR’s initiatives that support the government’s farm modernization program and complies with the government’s effort to fight climate change.

Caraga INFOCUS

and capacity building for adaptation and mitigation practices through their ARBOs. Hermoso said that the distribution has reached 15 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations covering more than Php3-million and more than PhP869 thousand of farm inputs.

CRFPSP Point Person Raul Hermoso said the equipment is a fourwheel-drive power-35 HP tractor with attachments that include a rotary tiller and trailer.

Elsa O. Bucad, Chair of GFMPC, expressed gratitude to the agency for the release of the farm tractor to their cooperative.

Based on the data provided by Hermoso from January up to June this year’s performance, it indicated that the province has already distributed 40 units of farm machineries and equipment, farm inputs and implements,

The DAR-CRFPSP is a nationwide strategy assisting the ARB organizations aimed to build climate resiliency at the ARC level and to adopt technology innovations to improve farmers’ farm activities and thus boost their productivity and income.

(Gil E. Miranda, DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

“Dako among kalipay na nadawat namo ang ayuda sa DAR, dako kini nga tabang sa among kooperatiba (We are grateful and happy for the blessings we received, indeed, this could be a great help to our organization),” Chair Elsa Bucad said.

Caraga INFOCUS

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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DPWH turns over quarantine facility to Tandag City By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

Photo credit to LGU-Tandag City

The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) formally turned over the newlyconstructed Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF) or quarantine facility to the local government unit (LGU) of Tandag on Monday, June 28, 2021.

Based on the report, the facility, with a 50bed capacity, was accomplished through

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

a memorandum of agreement between the DPWH-Surigao del Sur First District Engineering Office (DEO), and the LGU of Tandag.

The said event was attended by Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel who received the key of acceptance during the ceremonial turnover with District Engineer Minda R. Roslinda.

Other guests who

joined the inauguration included Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) chief Dr. Janice PagaranAlcordo, and Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Eric Montesclaros.

The said facility, located in Brgy. Telaje, is equipped with a water supply, internet access, beds, and air conditioning unit. (PIASurigao del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

CTG kills civilian, destroys equipment in SurSur

Photo credit to 36IB, PA

Another violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) was committed by the Communis terrorist group (CTG) after they destroyed the civilianowned construction equipment and killed and severely wounded the caretakers in Lanuza town, Thursday evening, June 24.

The said incident was perpetrated by more or less 15 members Caraga INFOCUS

of the New People’s Army (NPA) under Noel Tumarlas Alacre alias Meagan of Guerilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The troops of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36IB) immediately responded to the said incident and briefly engaged the CTG. Two backhoes owned by a certain Mr. Paulo Lopez were damaged while

three other equipment were safely salvaged by the responding troops.

Accordingly, the CTG harassed the Lanuza Municipal Police Station as a ploy to deliberately burn the target equipment located in a privately established construction base are about 350 meters away from the police station.

The perpetrators sporadically exchange June 26-July 2, 2021 |

37

gunfire with the police for about 20 minutes while their cohorts simultaneously torched the heavy equipment being rented by JLMCI Construction for the bypass road construction in the said municipality.

The initial report stated that a watchman was killed by the CTG while another one was reportedly wounded during the attack.

The victims were identified as Aldren Daraman, 27, married, and Melvin Buniel, 28 both residents of Barangay San Roque of Madrid town.

Daraman was killed on the spot while Buniel was rushed to Adela Serra Ty Memorial Center in Tandag City for immediate medical treatment.

In the statement of Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, Commanding Officer of the 36IB, said that the unfortunate incident was a desperate attempt of the CTG to disrupt the peace and development efforts of the government.

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

He further said that it was a “treacherous act and anti-development tactics of the CTG to sow fear on the locals to survive their senseless revolution.”

On the other hand, Brigadier General George Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade said that the destruction of civilian-owned heavy equipment that was not used for any military purpose perpetrated by the CTG was meant to pressure the companies to give in to their extortion demands.

He also cited that the destruction of privately-owned property and murder of noncombatants are all included in the provision that the Geneva Convention prohibits.

the European Union composed of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The incident will be added to the long list of war crimes they committed against our people over the years,” he said.

In addition, Brig. Gen. Banzon offered the sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of the killed victim. He said that continuous operation is being conducted to go after the perpetrators.

“We will press the fight against these ruthless “What happened in murderers and violators Lanuza town manifests of human rights to bring the true colors of the justice to our innocent CPP-NPA-NDF. Their people and to shield action affirmed their the peace-loving inclusion to the list of communities,” he said. terrorist groups by the international community (Capt. Joash Pramis, such as the United States, CMO-901st Bde, 9ID, PA/ PIA-Surigao del Sur) New Zealand, and by Caraga INFOCUS

1 killed, hurt as NPA rebels torch equipment in SurSur Mayor Anilao Dawog of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur has condemned the recent communist terrorist group (CTG) attack that killed one and hurt civilians in the town, around 9:00 PM on June 24. The firefight has lasted around 30 minutes. Two backhoes of the firm MR1 Construction were also burned by the CTG. “I am expressing my extreme sadness on the recent attack on the Lanuza Municipal Police Station, burning of heavy equipment of the MR1 Construction Company, and the senseless killing of an innocent civilian committed by the New People’s Army Guerilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee under the leadership of Noel Tumarlas Alacre alias ‘Meagan’,” Mayor Dawog said in a press statement.

“I strongly condemn these barbaric acts of the CTG resulting in multiple casualties,” he added.

Mayor Dawog together with the Tribal Leaders of the Indigenous People

Caraga INFOCUS

(IP), and the people of Lanuza town appealed to the remaining communist terrorists to stop the killings of innocent civilians and non-combatants.

“We are calling for you to stop these futile armed struggles and let us continue resolving our differences through peaceful means,” Mayor Dawog said.

It can be recalled, that on Thursday night, two heavy equipment were burned after the MR1 Construction Company failed to support the

terrorist group on their extortion activity, and killed Aldren Daraman (27 years old), and injured Melvin Buniel, (28 years old) both watchmen and residents of San Roque, Madrid, Surigao del Sur. Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office Director Colonel James Goforth also confirmed that Lanuza Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the Police Mobile Force 2nd Company Patrol Base were also harassed during the incident. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Hepe sa ASTMMC, gikumpirma nga aduna mga pasyente sa COVID-19 ang kumpleto ng nabakunahan

Gikumpirma ni Dr. Janice Pagaran – Alcordo, Medical Center Chief sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) nga aduna sila’y pasyente nga nahilandig sa ilang COVID-19 Critical Care Unit nga kompleto na nga nabakunahan sa COVID-19 vaccine.

Sa pakighinabi sa Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, gibutyag niini nga aduna silay mga gipang-atiman karon nga mga senior citizens nga nabakunahan na sa ilang first dose samtang aduna usab uban nga nakadawat na sa ilang 2nd dose.

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

Kadaghanan matud pa kanila ang napahimutang sa COVID ward samtang adunay usa nga anaa sa CCU. Gawas niini, aduna usab silay mga staff karon nga bisan paman nga kumpleto na sa bakuna apan nataptan pa gihapon sa maong sakit.

Hinuon, anaa na matud pa sa stable nga kondisyon ang maong mga pasyente.

Nagtuo si Dr. Alcordo nga posibleng usa sa rason niini mao ang pagkumpiyansa na sa mga taong nabakunahan kung diin ang uban kanila ang wala na nagsunod sa

Minimum Public Health Standards batuk sa maong sakit.

Gipasabot niini nga ang bakuna wala nagpasabot nga dili na mataptan sa COVID-19 ang nabakunahan nga indibidwal.

Tungod niini, padayon nilang gipatuman ang pagpailawom sa RTPCR Test sa tanang mga pasyente ug watchers nga musulod sa maong ospital aron malikayan ang pagtakod – takod pa sa maong sakit.

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

ASTMMC nakatala og 4 ka mortality tungod sa COVID-19 sa nakalabay nga 5 ka adlaw Tumong karon sa kadumalahan sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) nga makunhuran ang gidaghanon sa mga maitalang mamatay matag adlaw sa maong ospital.

Sa pakighinabi sa Radyo Pilipinas – Tandag, gibutyag ni Dr. Janice Pagaran – Alcordo, Medical Center Chief sa nasangpit nga balaytambalanan, nga ilang gipaningkamotan nga unta anaa nalang sa isa o duha ang ilang mortality sulod sa usa ka semana.

Sumala pa nga sa nakalabay’ng lima ka adlaw, upat ang naitalang mortality sa ilang ospital tungod sa COVID-19 kung diin apil na niini ang usa ka tuig pa lamang nga bata.

Hinuon sa karon, adunay usa ka bakante nga higdaan sa ilang COVID-19 Critial Care Caraga INFOCUS

Unit (CCU) samtang unom sa ilang ward.

Sumala pa nga tagaSurigao del Sur ang tanan nilang mga pasyente nga ila karong giatiman.

Mapasalamaton nalang kini tungod kay wala pa’y laing variant sa COVID-19 ang naadmit karon sa ilang ospital.

Gipangandoy ni Dr.

Alcordo nga unta mabakantehan na ang tibuok CCU aron nga makapahulay usab sila.

Mahinumduman nga ning nakalabay’ng bulan sa Mayo, nakatala ang ilang ospital og upat hangtud sa walo ka mortality sulod lang sa usa ka adlaw. (Raymond Samson Aplaya, RP1Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Gone are the Waiting Days for farmers in AgSur town

For the longest time, farmers in Rosario, Agusan del Sur have been relying on rain to plant rice. No rain meant no crop, and no crop meant no living. The unpredictable weather made the word ‘failure’ to be a common expression of loss.

Now, after long years of uncertainty, the tides are starting to favor the farmers of Limbatangan. The low rice production due to dry spells is now treated with the fountain of life, water.

History of dry spells Residents of Barangay Tagbayagan, Rosario, Agusan del Sur depend on rice farming for a living.

However, due to insufficient

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

water supply, farmers opted for other crops such as palm oils, coconuts, and corn despite the high production cost and hassle of transportation.

“Our barangay is a rainfed area, making farmers’ rice production so low. There were times when El Nino struck, making the lands dry for a week or two and the rice plant could not survive.

Most of the farmers here have abandoned their rice areas. Some planted other crops like corn or coconut.

But their yield is still low due to insufficient water,” San Luis Municipal Agriculturist Delia Valenzuela recalled.

Drought became the parent cause of pests like

rats and diseases in rice crops. Fertilizers could not be applied properly since water is inconsistent. With this, farmers can only crop once a year with a yield of 2.5 metric tons (mt) per hectare (ha).

“We always fail and our income has been negative.

Our yield was unpredictable since rain was the only basis of our farming and it would be a blessing if we can get 60 bags per hectare. Recovering from our production cost is a jackpot for us,” Fredirico Gurerro, Chairman of Limbatangan Farmers Irrigators Association said.

Presently with PRDP

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During the 1st wave implementation of the DAPhilippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), the Limbatangan Canal Irrigation System (CIS) Project was one of the priority projects selected by the province of Agusan del Sur to be endorsed for funding. It went through various processes, from feasibility studies to series of technical reviews before it was granted the budget.

The P50 Million Limbatangan CIS with a length of 4.9-kilometer lies from Barangay Libuac down to Poblacion and Tagbayanan Rosario, Agusan del Sur. It covers a 300-hectare rice area that intends to increase farmers’ rice production from 2.5mt/ha to 4mt/ha.

With the subproject, it would boost the cropping intensity of the rainfed areas from 10% to 200%. Farmers’ income is projected to grow up to 53%.

“This CIS project has a huge impact on the residents of Rosario. We can see that it’s a wish come true for them.

Based on the initial interview, those who diverted their field into palm oils will now revert to rice farming,” Oscar Ga, Municipal Engineer of Rosario said.

Moreover, aside from the fund granted by PRDP, the project would not be possible without the collaboration of the National Irrigation System and the 10% counterpart of

Caraga INFOCUS

the local government unit of Rosario.

The CIS was now under the management of the Limbatangan Irrigators Farmers Association.

Future failures no more With the turn-over of the Limbatangan CIS, Orcisia Antang, a farmer in Rosario could say that her future is now secured. She doesn’t have to settle for the 15-45 sacks per ½ hectare she got used to harvesting for more than 30 years. Antang who relied on coconuts to survive famished times is grateful for the PRDP project.

farmers here are happier because of this irrigation.

This also made us united since we can now agree on our cropping schedule.

If farmers before individually strived hard to survive, now, we try to achieve increased yield and success together,” Guerrero asserted.

Further, Orcisia understands that to make the irrigation functional, they must take care of the canal. Guerrero also shared the same thoughts and encouraged his co-farmers.

“The only thing that we can contribute to the government is the maintenance of the “This is a blessing, not only irrigation system. Together for me but for the whole with the officials, we should residents here in Rosario. implement the rules and Rain is not the only option regulations in maintaining anymore and we can now our canal since this has schedule our cropping been entrusted to us. We will period to also avoid pest ensure that it reaches our invasion. If not for this our lives farmers,” Guerrero said. would still be hard,” Antang joyfully said.

Further, MAO Valenzuela believes that this CIS will On the other hand, Guerrero allow farmers to plant testified that his yield twice a year making their increased up to 50%. From income increase if they can his highest yield of 60 sacks/ successfully manage the ha, he can now harvest 90 irrigation system. sacks/ha. He even bought an additional 1ha to expand “This is already a huge his rice farming. help to our farmers. We all know that farming is their Guerrero said that even if only source of income. We they experienced calamities must help them sustain and such as floods. Farmers could enhance their productivity still recover their input cost, for a good income and unlike before, when they say the future of their children,” failure, means nothing. encouraged Valenzuela.

(DA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del “I can personally attest that Sur)

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Army, NPA clash anew in AgSur; 7 high-powered firearms seized

The 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB) under the operational control of 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army has seized seven high-powered firearms during an encounter while conducting military strike operations on June 22, 2021, at the hinterlands of Sitio Kimambukadyang, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, this province.

The encounter transpired at around 2:00 p.m. and the firefight lasted for 20 minutes that resulted in the seizure of the seven high-powered firearms which consisted of one AK47 rifle, three M16 rifles, two M653 Carbine, and one Garand rifle with clip.

Various war paraphernalia were also recovered such as one Baofeng commercial radio, two cellular phones, 10 bandoleers, 10 backpacks, three hammocks, one card reader, one solar panel, ammunition, subversive

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

documents, and other personal belongings.

Also, a half-sack of rice, coffee, and other food supplies were also captured during the search in the encounter area that were extorted by the armed group from the local residents in the said community.

The confronted armed group was composed of more or less 16 Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) who were members of combined elements of the Sub-Region SDG Banglas and remnants of Guerilla Front (GF) 88 all from the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The unit relentlessly deployed its military forces in its Area of Operations in order to disrupt the planned atrocities of the NPA upon receiving reports from concerned citizens about the encampment site of the said armed group.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, extended his gratitude to the concerned residents of Brgy. Binicalan.

“The cooperation of our fellow Agusanons in our fight against insurgency had been strengthening our inter-operational efforts in confronting the enemy. We thank you for continuously providing reliable and timely reports about the presence of these lawless elements and for being our peace partners,” he said.

“With the seizure of these highpowered firearms, we believe that the NPA in our Area of Operations was demoralized and we will continue to pursue them aggressively under the rule of law until they abandon this futile armed struggle. Once again, we are encouraging our fellows in the armed group to peacefully lay down your arms, surrender and start a more peaceful life,” added Goce.

The NPA is considered as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army (CPPNPA) which was officially designated by the Philippine Government, United States and European Union as a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, CMO officer, 26IB, PA/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Gulf Cooperation Council backs initiatives for Mindanao dev’t The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed its support for the Philippine government’s efforts to pursue just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, stressing the Council is ready to work with stakeholders to foster pathways of cooperation and partnership to benefit the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf made the pronouncement during a meeting with Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia Robert E. A. Borje, who arrived in the Kingdom for an official visit.

In the meeting, Borje expressed hope for greater cooperation with GCC and its member states as the Philippines rebounds from the pandemic.

Borje said he is optimistic that a much deeper collaboration with GCC and member states will help further spur and sustain lasting development in Mindanao, particularly in BARMM. The Philippines, he said, has instituted reforms to make the region a preferred investment destination.

He said the GCC and its member states can play the role of vital partners as BARMM proceeds with governance and growth.

Economic development, he

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

TIE-UP FOR MINDANAO. Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy to Saudi Arabia Robert E. A. Borje (left) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf bump fists after their recent meeting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The GCC expressed its support for the Philippine government’s efforts to pursue just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao. (Contributed photo)

said, is important to address long-standing social issues such as peace and security in the Southern Philippines.

GCC’s support is vital in order to realize the development potentials of BARMM, he added.

Al-Hajraf said he would be happy to explore greater GCC cooperation with the Philippines, including the establishment of a formal coordinating mechanism for trade and investments and economic partnership.

The GCC values its relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and its member states and has been facilitating investments between the Asean and Gulf Coast investors, according to the secretary general.

The Council extends assistance to potential investors and has

been helping raise awareness about the opportunities in the Asean composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Both Borje and Al-Hajraf also stressed the importance of continuing cooperation in improved frameworks of cooperation to uphold migrant workers’ rights and in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

The GCC is a regional organization composed of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Established in 1981, its objectives are to enhance coordination, integration and inter-connection among its members. (PND)

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Bukidnon vegetable region gets EU MINPAD RISE support Bukidnon’s vegetable production region, IMMATASULA, will be one of the focus areas of the European Unionfunded MINPAD RISE program which will be implemented starting this year.

IMMATASULA stands for Impasugong, Malaybalay, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan, five towns identified as production areas for high value vegetables by both the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Agriculture Northern Mindanao Region.

MinDA initiated a technology transfer program in the area by conducting the Caraga INFOCUS

Mindanao Vegetable Derby while DA has started the construction of a cold storage and consolidation facility in Talakag town.

The EU-funded MINPAD RISE interventions would include the establishment of irrigation facilities, farm roads and other infrastructure needed to improve the quality and increase the production of vegetables in the region.

The development of the IMMATASULA Region is part of MinDA’s advocacy to create agro-industries with complete value chain targeting local markets as well as nearby foreign

markets, especially among the member countries of the BIMPEAGA sub-regional grouping and Singapore.

Among the potential high-value products expected to come from the area are Potato, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Organic Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrots, Bell Pepper and Chinese Cabbage.

A potato project which was implemented by the DA and Universal Robina Corp. when I was Secretary of Agriculture posted a record harvest of 50-metric tons from one hectare which proves the production potentials of the area.

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Andanar: AHON aid is a legacy to maintain public trust, confidence

Another round of assistance to pandemicaffected families and small business owners in two Siargao Island towns, Pilar and General Luna, have been turned over under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Caraga INFOCUS

Martin Andanar on Wednesday emphasized the unrelenting support of the national government to help communities whose daily living and livelihood have been interrupted by the pandemic, saying this is the administration’s legacy of maintaining the public trust and confidence.

“Wala nakapugong ang pandemya para maipakita sa atong

Duterte Administrasyon ang kakugi sa paghatud sa serbisyo publiko sa matag komunidad nga nanginahanglan nan tabang kuman [The pandemic did not hinder the Duterte administration to continue its efforts to deliver public service to communities who need our assistance],” he said.

“We have set a new standard of public service nga unta mahimong ehemplo June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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sa mga musunod nga administrasyon. Kining AHON Convergence Program isa ka legacy that will maintain the people’s trust and confidence tungod kay nagpatunay lang kini nga ang inyong gobyerno namati sa inyong mga hangyo, ug mga gikinahanglan [We have set a new standard of public service that we look forward to being an example for the next administrations. This AHON Convergence Program is a legacy that will maintain the people’s trust and confidence because this proves that your government listens to your requests and your needs],” he added.

The AHON initiative is led by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. Partner agencies during the event include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

(DOH), and the PCOO.

The DA also provided agri-assistance, including vegetable The DSWD turned over and hybrid rice seeds, financial assistance a farm-to-market road under its Assistance project, and a rice to Individuals in Crisis Management (AICS) processing center for to a total of 200 the town of Pilar. DA beneficiaries, including Assistant Secretary farmers and fisherfolks, in Kristine Evangelista the two towns. also pledged a total of P2.5million worth of agri“Ang gusto po ng business assistance for Presidente sa inyo each of the towns of na masigurong Pilar and General Luna. mabibigyang-pansin ang lahat ng aspeto “Lahat ng programa ng Department Agriculture ng inyong buhay, hindi ay para sa inyong lang sa pinansyal kundi kasama din ang inyong lahat. Lahat ng pera ay papakinabangan ninyo, pangkalusugan [What dahil ang pamahalaang the President wants ito kasama si Pangulong to ensure is for every Duterte at Senador Bong aspect of your lives Go, bisyo po namin ang to be given attention, magserbisyo,” Asec not just the financial, Evangelista said. but your health as well],” DSWD Assistant Pilar Mayor Maria Liza Secretary Victor Neri Resurreccion extended said. her thanks to the national government “Ito ang paalala na for not forgetting Pilar naririnig po kayo ng in the country’s stride gobyerno, naiintindihan for recovery amid the po kayo ng ating COVID-19 pandemic.

Pangulo [It is a reminder that the government “Thank you very listens to your needs, much. We appreciate that the President everything that the understands you],” he government is giving to added. us,” she said.

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National Government’s AHON Program Aids Farmers, Fisherfolk in Towns of Siargao Islands

A total of 200 farmers and fisherfolks in the Siargao Islands received assistance from the national government’s Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday said that the government will provide more help to the towns of Dapa and San Isidro in Caraga INFOCUS

Surigao del Norte as part of the goal of providing proactive response and actions to the needs of calamity-stricken communities, including those affected by the pandemic.

we’re celebrating the 5th year of this leadership that is full of action to respond to your needs,” he said in his message during the turnover of assistance.

“This is what President Duterte wants us to do, to take action and bring to He noted that this is just the you these assistance and help you recover from the first wave of assistance for Siargao residents under the negative impacts brought by the pandemic,” he inter-agency initiative. added.

“The administration of President Duterte is full of action since he sat in office The Department of Agriculture provided on June 30, 2016. Today, June 26-July 2, 2021 |

51

also showcased their Pangkabuhayan para sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) for those who wish to have additional assistance for the businesses of interested beneficiaries during the twin events.

An on-site DTI business name registration was also facilitated.

vegetable seeds and a drip irrigation system project to farmers’ cooperatives in Dapa. The agency also pledged a P3 million financial grant under the Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program, on top of the request of the local government for patrol boats with engines and the establishment of an ice plant which was then approved.

The cooperative beneficiaries in San Isidro received bags of hybrid rice seeds from the DA. A farm-to-market road project was also allocated for the local government.

“Ang approach ng gobyerno ngayon ay parang magkakapitbahay lang tayong lahat, at of the community but also magkakamag-anak entrepreneurs so that they lang. Dahil ang gusto ni can increase their income. Preisdente Digong kahit saang parte ng Pilipinas, basta Pilipino ka ay “Dapat marunong kapatid kita at tutulungan magnegosyo ang ating kita. Walang pinipili,” mga fisherfolk, ang ating DTI Assistant Secretary mga magsasaka. Gamitin niyo po ang mga binibigay Reveree Niño Contreras said. ng pamahalaan at palaguin niyo [Our farmers Dapa City Mayor Abeth and fisherfolks should also Matugas said that the said know how to do business. assistance is a huge help Use what the government has provided you with and for the families there and expressed her gratitude to make them grow],” she representatives of national said. government agencies who personally turnover the The Department of Social Welfare and Development assistance.

(DSWD), under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) paid as much as P3,000 to 100 beneficiaries in Dapa and DA Assistant Secretary another 100 individuals in Kristine Evangelista stressed the town of San Isidro. that the farmer and agriculture sector should The Department of not only be food producers Trade and Industry

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

“Malaki ang naging tulong nila para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Salamat sa pagbibigay ng mga ito sa aming mga taga-Dapa.

Malaking tulong po ito para sa pang araw-araw namin,” she said.

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Secretary Andanar: No other way out of the pandemic but to get fully vaccinated against Covid-19

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar once again urged the public to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, citing that only then can the country assure recovery while protecting the people.

During this Tuesday’s episode of the Caraga INFOCUS

Network Briefing News, Secretary Andanar called for support on the government’s Resbakuna campaign.

He noted that vaccines in certain areas, if left unused, will be reallocated to other local government units.

“Kaya kapag mayroon nang bakuna [sa inyong lugar] ay siguraduhin na

magpabakuna na [So once vaccines are available in your area, make sure that you get vaccinated right away],” he said “Dapat ho ay wag na tayong mamimli ng bakuna pa. Kung ano ng available at pwede, Sinovac ba yan, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, o Sputnik.

Kung anong meron sa harapan niyo na June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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handang ibigay sa inyo ng inyong munisipyo, inyong Department of Health dyan sa inyong bayan ay tanggapin niyo na para safe po tayong laha [Do not be selective about the vaccine. Whatever is available can be used, whether its Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Sputnik. Use whatever your municipality, the Department of Health in your city can give you, so that all of us can be safe],” he added.

The PCOO chief stressed that it is only through getting the majority of Filipinos vaccinated that the country can takeoff from the downturn of economic activities.

na itong pagsadsad ng ating ekonomiya [There’s no other solution to COVID-19 and the imposed lockdowns but through vaccination. That is the only solution for us to move forward and stop the downturn in our economy],” he said.

“Dapat hindi natin ginigipit ang ating mga kababayan, ang ating mga maliliit na negosyante [We shouldn’t make it hard for our fellowmen, for the small businesses],” he said, stressing that the LGU should help them ease the processes in securing “Wala namang their respective permits masamang hangarin ang ating pamahalaan to operate. para sa ating mga He further told local kababayan [The officials to refrain government does not from politicizing any have any detrimental intentions against the assistance that they people],” he added. may extend to the sector and instead put Support small business, into practice the spirit generate employment of Bayanihan.

Meanwhile, Secretary Andanar also sought the support of concerned government offices, “Wala ho talagang including the local ibang solusyon dito government units sa COVID-19, sa to look after small mga lockdown para business owners in matigil kundi ang their jurisdiction and pagpapabakuna. Yan respond to their needs lamang ang nag-iisang in terms of allowing paraan o solusyon na them to operate tayo’y makamove during this time of the forward at matigil pandemic.

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

“Pakiusap po ng national government sa local na pamahalaan huwag po nating pulitikahin ang pagbibigay ng ambag, tulong sa ating bayan [The national government is asking our local government units not to politicize the aid or help that is given to constituents],” he added.

Caraga INFOCUS

Indigent Siargaonons can now have easier access to financial medical assistance from the government as a Malasakit Center will soon be operating in Siargao Island Medical Center (formerly Siargao District Hospital) in Dapa, Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte.

A launch will be hosted on Saturday, July 3, 2021, spearheaded by Caraga INFOCUS

the Office of Senator Bong Go (OSBG).

is a one-stop-shop for Filipinos to access financial medical assistance from Simultaneous with the launching, the OSBG will agencies such as the Department be handing out food packs, surgical and N95 of Social Welfare and Development masks, face shields, (DSWD), Philippine vitamins, and meals Health Insurance, for free to the locals.

Inc. (PhilHealth), A raffle draw will also and the Philippine be conducted, with Charity Sweepstakes prizes such as bicycles, Office (PCSO). This is shoes, and even tablets the country’s 125th awaiting the lucky Malasakit Center. winners.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga) The Malasakit Center June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Bong Go calls for greater COVID-19 vigilance as he sends relief to hundreds of indigent Caviteños whose lives and livelihoods were adversely affected by the health crisis Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded residents to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 during an activity, organized in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, for the vulnerable and at-risk residents of Tanza town, Cavite on Wednesday, June 30.

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

“Pakiusap namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa inyo, kailangan namin ang kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat Pilipino.

Sundin natin ang mga patakaran ng gobyerno at kung hindi kailangan, ‘wag kayong umalis ng inyong pamamahay.

Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa dahil delikado pa ang

panahon,” Go said in a video call.

“Kung mahal niyo ang mga pamilya niyo, magpabakuna na rin kayo. Kailangan natin makamtan ang herd immunity ngayong taong para makabalik na tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay at sumigla muli ang ating ekonomiya,” he added.

Caraga INFOCUS

Go’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 640 indigent residents at the Barangay Paradahan II Gym. The activity was carried out in small batches to ensure strict adherence to the government’s health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Moreover, selected beneficiaries were provided new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles for their commuting needs. Others received computer tablets to help their children with their blended learning activities.

In addition, personnel from the DSWD provided financial assistance in a separate distribution as part of an ongoing effort by the government to alleviate the economic impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable sectors.

“Dati ho akong nagtatrabaho sa pabrika na gumagawa ng foam. Nahinto ako dahil nagkasakit ang misis ko at pina-voluntary resignation ako ng kumpanya. Wala akong nakamit na pera. Kaya ito, nagtatrabaho na ako sa construction kahit sa edad kong ito para matulungan ang pamilya ko,” said Ernesto Erediano, 68, a resident of Brgy. Bagtas Pabahay.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa ating Pangulo at kay Senador Bong Go para sa ibinigay nilang tulong sa akin. Malaking bagay ito lalo na ang bike na magagamit ko para sa paghanap ng bagong trabaho,” he continued.

Caraga INFOCUS

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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The Senator further offered his assistance to beneficiaries in need of medical care. He informed them that they may conveniently avail of further assistance from the Malasakit Center at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City. The Malasakit Center is one of 124 such centers established nationwide.

It serves as a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs offered by the national government, specifically the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The assistance received covers laboratories, medicines, surgeries and other patient services

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

and expenses.

The Senator, in his message, expressed gratitude to various officials for their efforts to ensure the general well-being of their constituents, namely 7th District Representative Jesus Remulla, Governor Juanito Remulla Jr., Vice Governor Ramon Revilla III, Board Member Crispin Remulla and Board Member Angelito Langit.

He also thanked Mayor Yuri Pacumio; Vice Mayor Raymundo Del Rosario; and Councilors Sandy Go, Maricel Morales, Niño Matro, Alexis Dones, Rossano Torres, Sheryl Gervacio, Victor Murillo, and Emilio Torres.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON

region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Rodrigo Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos.

It is in line with his commitment to its people that Go has supported the funding of various infrastructure projects in the region.

Among these projects include the improvement of the Santa Rosa Ulat - Tagaytay Road; widening of the Noveleta - Naic - Tagaytay Road; and construction of the Cavite State University - College of Arts and Trade’s sports facility.

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Bong Go commends declaration of Filipino Social Workers’ Day; recognizes crucial role of social workers in communities particularly in serving poor and vulnerable sectors Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for declaring June 19 of every year as Filipino Social Workers’ Day to recognize the indispensable role of social workers and their invaluable contribution to nation-building particularly in promoting the welfare of poor and vulnerable sectors.

“Sinusuportahan at kinokomendahan ko ang Caraga INFOCUS

deklarasyon ng June 19 bilang Filipino Social Workers’ Day upang magsilbing paalala sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa serbisyo na iginagawad sa lipunan ng ating mga magigiting at masisipag na social workers,” said Go. “Sa gitna ng pandemya, hindi po tumigil ang ating social workers na magtrabaho upang gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin sa kanilang mga

kababayan. Napakaliit na bagay po nito kumpara sa mga sakripisyo nila, lalu na sa gitna ng kasalukuyang pandemya,” he added.

Go also thanked social workers for ensuring that public services reach Filipinos in poor and far flung communities. He particularly recognized those who are assisting in catering to the needs of patients and beneficiaries in the 125 Malasakit Centers established June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Bong Go

nationwide.

“May mga social workers at personnel na nasa mga Malasakit Centers para tumulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kung hindi po dahil sa kanila, hindi magiging buo at makararating sa ating mga kababayan ang serbisyo galing sa mga center na ito,” said Go.

the DSWD for the effective implementation of this Proclamation.”

community quarantine relative to the COVID-19 situation.

The proclamation is rooted on Section 9, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which declares it a policy of the State to “promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation, and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services”.

“Sa mga panahong ito kung saan andyan ang banta sa kalusugan at buhay ng ating mga mamamayan, pinili ng mga kawani ng pamahalaan na magsilbi sa bayan. Imbes na uunahin nila ang kapakanan ng kanilang pamilya, ninais nilang patuloy na magtrabaho sa kani-kanilang mga opisina upang hindi maputol ang mga serbisyo ng pamahalaan para sa lahat,” explained Go.

It added that there is a need “to raise awareness of the unwavering commitment, dedication and altruism of Filipino social workers, and their significant role in the reduction of various socioeconomic Signed on June 25, vulnerabilities of Proclamation No. individuals, families 1176 mandates the and communities in the Department of Social Welfare and Development country.” to “lead, coordinate and To promote the rights and supervise the nationwide observance of the Filipino welfare of social workers during the pandemic, Social Workers’ Day.” Go, in March last year, expressed his support It also encourages all to grant hazard pay to other agencies and instrumentalities of the government personnel, national government to including public sector “actively participate and social workers, who render the necessary physically report for work support and assistance to during the period of

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“Nararapat lamang na kilalanin at bigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang mga sakripisyong ito,” the Senator added.

President Duterte eventually issued Administrative Order No. 43 which granted hazard pay to government personnel.

“The government workers who still go to work during this time put their lives at risk, so they deserve proper compensation.

The service that they are giving to the Filipino people is priceless.

Granting them hazard pay is the least that we can do for them,” he said.

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Bong Go renews push to create Department of Disaster Resilience amid various national calamities regularly hitting the country; sends aid to flood victims in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed in helping communities recover from natural calamities while dealing with the global pandemic, he sent his team on Wednesday, June 30, to hand out assistance to 475 families that were hit by the recent flood in Hinoba-an, Negros Caraga INFOCUS

Occidental.

The distribution activity was conducted at the People’s Activity Center where his team only allowed the heads of each family to represent their respective families and receive relief from the Senator, such as grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and

vitamins, to ensure the safety of everyone.

In addition, some beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes, while others received bicycles that would help them commute conveniently as public transportation options remain limited.

The Senator also sent computer tablets to June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin,” said Go in his video message.

selected recipients to help their children easily access educational materials.

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the impacts of climate change.

Go’s staff grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches while they adhered to the necessary safety and health protocols recommended by the government.

The proposed measure seeks to create a focused department that will unify and streamline all responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response, functions that are presently scattered across various departments and offices.

In line with building a more resilient nation, Go reiterated his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205, a measure he filed in 2019 which seeks to create a Department of Disaster Resilience that would be primarily responsible for ensuring that local communities are well-adapted, resilient and safe from

“Mga kababayan ko, mayroon po akong ifinile sa Senado, itong Department of Disaster Resilience. Bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs, preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar.

At pag-alis ng bagyo,

| June 26-July 2, 2021

The Senator also reminded the beneficiaries to observe health protocols, such as constant washing of hands, wearing of masks and face shields when in public, maintaining physical distance, and avoiding non-essential travels as much as possible.

Several government agencies also extended their assistance to the beneficiaries as the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

The Department of Trade and Industry conducted an on-site registration of new businesses and an assessment of beneficiaries in need of livelihood support.

Furthermore, scholarship grants await qualified individuals who were evaluated by the Caraga INFOCUS

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

As she and her family continue to struggle after Typhoon Dante swamped their home, Herminia Bigara, a 51-year-old beneficiary, conveyed her gratitude to Senator Go for the assistance he provided as she said that it will certainly go a long way to support their daily needs.

“Senator Bong Go, isa ka sa amin, isa kang kapamilya. Nandito lang kami sumusuporta sa ‘yo. Maraming salamat po sa inihatid niyong tulong sa aming mga nasunugan, malaking malaking tulong po ito,” Bigara said.

Bong Go

The Malasakit Center was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate and eventually signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 2019.

construction of Infectious Diseases Wing in Teresita J. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital at Silay City, and many others.

Go, then, commended local government officials who continue to cater and provide support to The Senator, then, their constituents, offered further assistance especially during these To accelerate economic to beneficiaries with unprecedented times. development of health concerns as he Among the officials he Negros Occidental, Go encouraged them to supported the funding of acknowledged were visit Corazon Locsin several projects, such as Governor Eugenio Jose Montelibano Memorial the road maintenance in “Bong” Lacson, Vice Regional Hospital in Bago City, and Bacolod Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Bacolod City where Mayor Ernesto Estrao, City; construction there is a Malasakit Vice Mayor Jeff Encoy, of a multi-purpose Center that can assist and those present in the building in Calatrava, them with their medical activity. and Himamaylan City; bills.

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June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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IATF wants NCR Plus to remain under GCQ until July 15 The government’s coronavirus task force wants President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to extend the current general community quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region and its adjacent provinces or the so-called NCR Plus from July 1 to 15 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Aside from extending the current restrictions in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

Diseases (IATF-EID) recommended that 21 areas in the country be placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until July 15.

The IATF announced its recommendations for the month of July during President Duterte’s weekly public address on the government’s COVID-19 response Monday night.

From July 1 to 15, the IATF suggested placing Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan under general

community quarantine (GCQ) “with some restrictions” and Laguna and Cavite under GCQ “with heightened restrictions.” The NCR Plus is made up of these five areas.

Areas that will also be under GCQ for the same period include Batangas, Quezon province, Baguio City, Ifugao province, City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Guimaras, Aklan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Antique, Capiz, Zamboanga Sibugay, Caraga INFOCUS

Zamboanga City, Iligan City, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Cotabato City, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur. While the situation in the capital region has improved, an uptrend in infections was detected in other regions, including more urbanized locations such as the cities of Butuan, Davao, Iloilo, Naga, Lucena, Cagayan de Oro, and Puerto Princesa.

These areas will be observing the stricter modified enhanced

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community quarantine or MECQ for the same period.

Other areas placed under MECQ until July 15, 2021 were Cagayan Province, Apayao, Bataan, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur. The rest of the Philippines will remain under the more lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) quarantine classification, which allows businesses to operate normally

while adhering to minimum health standards such as social distancing and the use of face masks and shields.

The country has recorded a total of 1,403,588 coronavirus infections. According to the health department, active cases in the country totaled 52,029, with 24,456 deaths as of June 28.

During Monday’s meeting with the President, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines had been able to administer at least 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. PND

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LGUs advised to seek assistance from nat’l government to prevent vaccine wastage President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants local government units (LGUs) to secure COVID-19 vaccine storage facilities to avoid wastage as the government implements a mass inoculation drive against the coronavirus.

In his weekly public address Monday on government response to COVID-19, the President asked LGUs to tell the national government if they don’t have refrigeration facilities to store COVID-19 vaccines.

“Ang problema kasi ganito, you must have the refrigeration. Or if you do not have one, tell us in advance so that hindi kami magkamali magpadala tapos you do not have the equipment to keep the temperature desired for vaccines.”

“Masasayang lang and it will go to waste ‘pag magpadala kami doon wala kayong refrigeration o something akin to it that would ensure the integrity of the vaccine. Iyan po ang hinihingi namin.”

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

President Duterte said all government assets are being used to deliver the COVID-19 vaccines to remote areas of the country.

The military, he said, made an assurance that it will take care of the delivery for as long as localities have the refrigeration or the equipment necessary to preserve the efficacy of the vaccines.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he has ordered military hospitals in the country to extend assistance to the LGUs in carrying out the government’s inoculation campaign.

“In anticipation to the arrival of huge volume of vaccines, I have alerted the military hospitals all over the country, ito po ‘yong mga ospital ng mga Philippine Army all over the country, to assist the LGUs in the vaccination program,” he told the President during Monday’s meeting.

These facilities include 20 Philippine Army hospitals,

eight from the Philippine Air Force, and nine from the Philippine Navy. Eleven unified area command hospitals will also be available, according to the defense chief.

The Armed Forces has 11 ships with big refrigeration capacity, which could ferry vaccines to the islands. Air assets could also be used to transport the jabs from Manila to the provinces, he added.

With regard to the ongoing mass vaccination drive, the country’s vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said the country expects to receive additional 99,600 doses of Moderna vaccine before the end of this month.

Around 13 million doses of various vaccines will be delivered to the country in July, he reported.

The Philippines has so far administered over 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with more than 2.5 million individuals getting the full dose. PND

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President Duterte on in-person learning: ‘I cannot gamble on children’s lives’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, June 28, reiterated that he would not allow students to go back to face-toface classes despite the start of the vaccination of the country’s educators.

The President made the remarks after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reported the government’s move of symbolically inoculating government workers such as soldiers, policemen, jail as well as fire personnel. Teachers were also included in the symbolic vaccination.

Secretary Roque said that the vaccination is also part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) efforts to make teachers get protected against the coronavirus since they are also listed in the government’s priority list for inoculation.

President Duterte said in his weekly public address that although he is in favor of inperson learning and DepEd wants to return regular teaching mode, he still has to protect children from COVID-19,

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especially with the emergence of a more contagious variant.

“Whatever is convenient or comfortable para sa mga bata nandoon ako. Kaya lang, there is a monkey wrench in that government machinery,” he said.

“Ang monkey wrench niyan is the COVID-19 D. Ngayon lang ‘yan lumabas at lumaganap na doon sa Great Britain pati India, at hindi malayo, baka, dadating dito sa atin.”

Experts said the new mutated version, the SARS-Cov-2 Delta or lineage B.1.617.2, is much more aggressive, more contagious and fatal, than previous COVID-19 variants.

The President apologized to parents for the disruption in their children’s education.

“Patawarin lang po ninyo ako kasi hindi ko kayang magbigay ng pahintulot na puwede na silang normal sa eskuwelahan.

Kasi kung magkadisgrasyahan, buhay ito.”

“Ang ano nito is delayed lang

ang edukasyon ng bata pero it will normalize one of these days.

But I cannot gamble, I said, with the life of our children. Mahirap ‘yan kasi ako ang mananagot sa lahat.”

He made similar apology to Education Secretary Leonor Briones for his decision not allow face-to-face classes.

“Let us see what develops in the other countries na mayroon nang epidemic with another ano, hindi pa naman pandemic ‘yan. How it will rollout sa buhay ng isang tao,” he said.

The country has made inroads in its mass vaccinations campaign as more vaccines come in.

During Monday’s meeting with the President, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines had been able to administer at least 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses.

As of June 28, the Philippines recorded a total of 1,403,588 coronavirus infections, with 52,029 active cases and 24,456 deaths. PND

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PH at ‘low risk’ with -9% 2-week growth rate in Covid cases The country’s risk classification has been reduced to “low” after logging -9 percent growth rate in terms of reported Covid-19 cases and 5.42 average daily attack rate (ADAR) for the past two weeks.

In an online media forum Thursday, Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau OIC-Director Alethea de Guzman said the figures covered June 13 to 26.

For March 30 to June 12, the country’s growth rate was 15 percent and its ADAR was 5.96.

“Though mababa siya, ito ‘yung sinasabi namin na manipis eh, negative 1 hanggang around negative 10 percent. It’s very prone to sudden, it’s possible to increase, kailangan natin palakihin pa ‘yung pagbaba niya (Though it’s low, this is what we say thin, negative 1 until around negative 10 percent.

It’s very prone to sudden, it’s possible to increase, we need to expand the decrease),” de Guzman said.

However, there are four regions under high-risk classification – Region 11, 6, 12, and 8 – with positive two-week growth rates ranging from 7 to 9 and high-risk ADARs ranging from 7 to 9.

The average daily reported cases nationally showed a slight increase at 5,772 for June 24 to 30 compared to 5,638 for the week of June 17 to 23.

“It’s the areas outside of NCR, Region 3 and Calabarzon which are taking up a larger

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(PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

proportion of our new cases,” de Guzman said.

For June 30, the top five regions with the most number of new cases are Region 4A (Calabarzon) with 616 infections; NCR, 578; Region 7, 526; Region 6, 486; and Region 11, 461.

Meantime, the five top areas with the most number of new cases are Negros Oriental with 311 infections; Davao City, 309; Laguna, 238; IloIlo City, 145; and Iloilo, 130.

The reported cases in the NCR Plus areas are plateauing, as Mindanao exhibits a slow decline in cases, de Guzman added.

The rest of Luzon and the Visayas, on the other hand, showed a slight increase in cases.

About 33 priority areas have

been flagged due to the increase in cases and high to critical risk healthcare utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate.

These areas are La Union, Cagayan, Bataan, Naga City, Iloilo City, Guimaras, Antique, Negros Oriental, Tacloban City, Zamboanga del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, Davao City, Davao del Norte, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Lucena City, Cotabato City, Baguio City, and Pateros.

The nation’s mortality data has decreased to 64 deaths per day logged for June which is lower than the 123 deaths recorded in April and 109 deaths in May. De Guzman said the staggered decline of deaths nationwide is due to surges in other regions outside NCR. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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Covid-19 vax distribution science-based: Palace The national government relies on health experts’ findings in selecting priority areas for the distribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured that there is no preferential treatment in the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines to the “National Capital Region (NCR) Plus 8, Plus 10”.

The NCR Plus 8, the initial areas prioritized for Covid-19 vaccination, consists of Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Metro Davao, and Metro Cebu.

Roque later announced that 10 more cities would be prioritized in Covid-19 vaccine distribution – Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio, Zamboanga, Dumaguete, Tuguegarao, General Santos, Naga, and Legazpi.

“Mayroon kasing siyensa behind this. Hindi naman po favoritism for favoritism(‘s) sake. Hindi po ‘yan favoritism because of the economic activity alone (There is science behind this. It’s not favoritism for favoritism’s sake. It’s not favoritism because of economic activity alone),” he said in a press conference in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Quoting health experts, Roque said creating an “artificial

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| June 26-July 2, 2021

10 MILLION. Nieves Catacutan, 74, receives her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at the Valenzuela Astrodome on Monday (June 28, 2021). As of Sunday, the country’s administered doses have reached 10,065,414. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

boundary” or wall around Metro Manila and these priority areas would ensure the safety of those not vaccinated.

“Lutasin mo ‘yung problema rito, malulutas ‘yung problema sa buong bansa dahil ang mga kaso sa Metro Manila, ‘yan din ang kumakalat sa buong bansa (If you solve the problem here, you will solve the problem of the entire country because the cases in Metro Manila are the ones spreading across the country),” he said.

Roque said the “NCR Plus 8, Plus 10” needed to be prioritized considering that they are highly urbanized and contribute much to the economy.

“Mayroon po talaga tayong priority na binibigay dito sa Metro Manila Plus 8 dahil consistent naman po ‘yung science. Lutasin mo, magkaroon ka ng containment sa Metro Manila Plus 8, eh magkakaroon ka rin ng

containment sa buong Pilipinas (We really give priority to Metro Manila Plus 8 because consistent with science, if there is containment in Metro Manila Plus 8, there will be containment in the entire country),” he added.

On Monday, the Philippines marked more than 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines administered since the country kicked off its inoculation program in March.

Official government data showed that 10,065,414 doses were given as of June 27. Of this number, 2,527,286 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while 7,538,128 have received their first shot.

The Philippines aims to achieve “population protection” by yearend by vaccinating 40 percent to 50 percent of its people, especially in priority areas. (PNA/Azer Parrocha)

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PH Red Cross says vax best defense vs. Delta variant The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday urged the public to get vaccinated as health experts say it is highly effective against the new Covid-19 variant of concern.

In the Philippines, more than 10 million are already vaccinated as of June 27, with 2.5 million already with complete doses.

The new version of the Delta coronavirus variant is spreading rapidly in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and India, health officials said.

The new variant of concern, which has generated a significant amount of global media attention, is called B.1.617.2.1, AY.1 or Delta Plus, and is a version of the Delta variant first detected in India in February.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo ng PRC sa pagbabakuna. Sa ngayon ay mayroon na tayong pitong PRC bakuna centers upang mas mapabilis Caraga INFOCUS

VIRUS PROTECTION. A health care worker carefully injects the Covid-19 jab on a resident at the Valenzuela Astrodome on Sunday (June 28, 2021). The city was also the site of Monday’s special inoculation activity to mark the country breaching the 10-million mark in jabs administered. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

ang pagbabakuna sa ating kababayan (PRC continues to help in the vaccination program. PRC has seven vaccination centers to help the country hasten the process),” PRC chair Senator Richard Gordon said in a news release.

Gordon also emphasized the importance of wearing face mask and undergoing regular testing.

“Always wear a face mask. PRC is ramping up vaccination efforts and continues to test regularly, so that we can separate the asymptomatic spreaders from the healthy ones,” he added.

PRC, the leading organization when it comes to Covid-19 testing, has conducted over 3.3 million tests, making up for 23 percent of total tests done in the country.

Gordon cited four most important guidelines in the Fareed Zakaria book “Ten Lessons for a PostPandemic World”-- social distancing, wearing face masks, regular handwash, and regular tests -- to slow the spread of the virus.

These practices are most important as majority of Filipinos are not yet vaccinated, Gordon said. (PR) June 26-July 2, 2021 |

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