Caraga InFocus – March 03-09, 2018

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[ Contents 03 - 09 March 2018

Volume II, No. 48

Caraga irrigators org donates 200 sacks of rice for DSWD relief operations ASEAN NEWS

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Siena College’s “ASEAN Event 2018” highlights importance of regional integration Education chief highlights need to contemporize culture, arts with sci-tech

MINDANAO NEWS

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MinDA seeks P1.35-T 2019 Mindanao budget

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Marawi benefits from P115-M infra-projects

REGIONAL NEWS

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PDEA warns public against bogus agents

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Teenage pregnancy in Caraga drops, survey shows

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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LGU-Esperanza holds BOSS in the town’s Negosyo Center

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2 AgSur LGUs top 2017 customer experience survey

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Surigao Norte GADCC joins National Women’s Month celebration

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24 NATIONAL NEWS

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1.8-M 4Ps recipients to get Unconditional Cash Transfer grants GSIS members may now view loanable amount via eGSISMO

TESDA reshuffle takes effect National Oral Health Month Celebration turns out well in SurSur 3 NPA terrorists killed in AgNor clash

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News Briefs Agusan del Norte Oversight and Advisory Committee (ADNOAC) 3rd PPOC Immersion, troops from the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion, TESDA Agusan del Norte and SR Metals Inc (SRMI) conduct a 5-day training on Body Massage, Nail Care and Food Processing starting from March 9 up to 13 to the Indigenous Peoples coming from Brgy Puting-Bato, Brgy Calamba and Brgy Mahaba in Cabadbaran City.

Some 26 senior citizens of Barangay Taguibo joined the 2nd session of the city government’s Financial Literacy for Alternative Learning System (ALS) under Project LIPAD or “Literacy Paglaum sa Asensadong Dakbayan.”

The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) conducts today in Butuan City a One-Day Orientation Workshop for the 2018 Regional Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance.

The DAR Surigao Norte Prov’l Office conducted the Financial Literacy Seminar to members of Kababayen-an sa Panatao Producers Cooperative (KAPAPROCO) at the KAPAPROCO Processing Center in Brgy. Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Cover Story

Caraga irrigators org rice for DSWD relief op

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)thanked the Caraga Irrigators’ Association Federation, Inc. and the Nationa Authority upon receiving the 200 sacks of rice donation amounting to P200,0 over on March 9, 2018 at Brgy. Tiniwisan Warehouse, this city.

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donates 200 sacks of perations By: Eunice Montaos Plaza

According to the federation’s president, Filomeno O. Buco, the said donation was the farmers’ way of expressing their gratitude to the government most especially to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the free water irrigation.

“Dako ug tabang sa amo mag-uuma ang libreng irigasyon mao nga isip pagbalik sa maong tabang nag-gahin mi ug bugas para tabang sa mga biktima sa kalamidad (The free water irrigation is of big help to us farmers and as our way to return favor, we allotted some rice produce to also help those victims of calamities),” said Buco.

-Caraga al Irrigation 000 turned03 - 09 March, 2018

On behalf of the regional office, GASSD Chief Ramel Jamen expressed gratitude to the federation and the NIA for the goods given as these would be of help to the agency to replenish the resources which were distributed to assist the affected families after the

onslaught of Tropical Storm (TS) Basyang and the Field Office is continuously assisting in the disaster relief operations in Marawi City.

“We are thankful to the farmers for their generosity and we are glad that many concerned groups and individuals are assisting us in our relief efforts for the victims of calamities,” said Jamen.

As of reporting time, DSWD-Caraga already augmented a total of 12,765 family food packs to the TS Basyang-affected local government units worth P3,825,411.26 and non-food items worth P2,854,220.50.

A total of P43,618,144 worth of assistance (food and non-food items) is already augmented by the agency to the Marawi siege victims.

(Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIACaraga)

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Siena College’s “ASEAN Event 2018” highlights importance of regional integration By: Jimmyley E. Guzman

MANILA - Some 400 senior high school and college students of Siena College Quezon City (SCQC) participated at the ASEAN forum and opening of the ASEAN exhibit on 7 March 2018 at the St. Catherine Hall of SCQC which highlighted the role of ASEAN in regional integration.

SCQC organized the activity “ASEAN Event 2018” to further educate its students of ASEAN and the many benefits it has provided to its member states, such as peace and security, economic stability, and socio-cultural development.

The activity kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony which formally opened an ASEAN exhibit featuring famous landmarks of ASEAN Member States.

In a program that ensued, Mr. Alfred Kristoffer Guiang, Principal Assistant at the Office of ASEAN Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs discussed general information on 03 - 09 March, 2018

ASEAN, its role in regional integration, and recent initiatives to achieve the ASEAN community vision of a peopleoriented, people-centered, inclusive, and rules-based region.

Posters on ASEAN created by SCQC students was also exhibited during the event while and SCQC students from Vietnam also performed a traditional Vietnamese dance to promote their culture.

Sr. Elenita Ocampo, O.P., President of SCQC said that the ASEAN Event 2018 is just one of the many activities being organized by the school to strengthen ASEAN awareness among its students. They

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plan to hold another ASEAN activity members of ASEAN. in August this year in commemoration of ASEAN’s 51st founding anniversary.

According to Dr. Ruben Nayve, Jr., Executive Director of SCQC’s

According to Sr. Ocampo, SCQC Office of Planning, Research, and supports regional integration because External Affairs, SCQC has already it will benefit the Philippines and the been actively promoting ASEAN whole of Southeast Asia. even before the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship last year by holding a

Following the milestone 50th regular “Greet in ASEAN” program Anniversary of ASEAN last year where students and faculty members with the Philippines as Chair, greet each other in various ASEAN academic institutions in the country language. are actively engaging in ASEAN awareness initiatives to make the SCQC’s ASEAN Exhibit is in students and faculty appreciate and cooperation with the Philippine embrace ASEAN as an important Information Agency-National Capital inter-governmental organization. Region, and will run until March 15, Philippines is among the five original 2018. (DFA/EPC/JEG/PIA-NCR)

Education chief highlights need to contemporize culture, arts with sci-tech By: Leslie Gatpolintan

PASIG CITY - Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones recently emphasized the importance of contemporizing culture and the arts with science and technology to further advance the educational system in the country.

The Education chief noted this during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Philippine World Heritage Sites Mobile Exhibition last February 26 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.

technology, but forget about our history, culture and the arts, then where will we get our soul? Our soul as Filipinos comes from those and these make us distinct and different from other ASEAN member-countries, even as we have strong similarities,” Briones said.

“If we only concentrate in She further mentioned that the catching up with science and arts and design, and sports tracks

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under the K to 12 curriculum are equally important as the mainstream academic and technical-vocationallivelihood tracks.

“We have to make them aware that it pays to be a writer, a dancer, a designer; it pays to be in ‘art.’ And it also even pays to be a boxer,” she

The mobile exhibition panels added. include: Southeast Asian Art and Culture (ideas, forms, and societies); Mobile exhibitions Foodlore and Flavors (inside Southeast Asian Kitchen); Celebrating the

Briones conveyed her gratitude Source (water festivities of Southeast to the National Commission for Culture Asia); and Living Landscapes and and the Arts (NCAA), which provided Cultural Landmarks (World Heritage the Department with four mobile Sites in the Philippines). exhibits to be used in promoting awareness on ASEAN and the Philippine

The exhibit is open for viewing to World Heritage Sites. all DepEd employees, students, and the general public at the Bulwagan

“We look forward to showing ng Karunugan, DepEd-CO until and sharing these exhibits to different March 9, Friday, and will be toured regions, especially to places where to the 17 DepEd Regional Offices, these exhibits will be most informative and selected Division Offices and and will bring greater awareness. But schools within the year. During the we should not limit ourselves only to exhibit tour, 53,265 ASEAN Primers, the urban centers but in many other given by the Department of Foreign schools, which we are not even aware Affairs (DFA), will be distributed to of and in areas where there are students. Moreover, 150,000 printed continuous challenges to our identity,” copies of the ASEAN Charter, given Briones stated. by the DFA as well and translated in Filipino, Cebuano, and Ilokano, will

“We see these exhibits as one of be distributed. the windows of the world for ASEAN through fascinating in diverse cultures

“The Philippines can be proud of to our friends in Asia, who share many the diversity and wealth of our culture similarities to our own culture and at the molded through the centuries by the same time offer many, cultural places many influences that have touched that are uniquely their own,” DepEdour lives, which gave us a nation with International Cooperation Office unique culture identity,” Ballesteros (ICO) Director Margarita Consolacion concluded. (DepEd) Ballesteros said.

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Photo Gallery 2018 Women’s Month Celebration Butuan City 08 March 2018

Regional News

PDEA warns public against bogus agents BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is warning the public against unscrupulous individuals who introduced themselves as PDEA agents and commit criminal activities.

PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino reiterated the warning in light of the recent arrest of a suspect posing as a PDEA agent and his female companion during a shootout in Parañaque City.

Facal y Fayo, 30, of Lizardo Compound, Bayanan, Taguig City, were involved in a shooting incident along Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Gate 2 of Loyola Memorial Park, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City on February 24, 2018.

Investigation disclosed that Jhay-R Repana y Linggo, 31 years old, alleged PDEA agent, a resident of Masville Compound, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City; and Rosemimi

According to a witness, the pair, who were onboard a Mitsubishi Lancer with plate number XHU-835, figured in a shootout with another vehicle that wounded Repana’s left leg.

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REGIONAL NEWS

During a follow-up operation, elements of Parañaque City Police Station discovered Repana and Facal’s vehicle parked near the Sta. Rosa Hospital, Laguna that led to their arrest.

When inspected by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) Team of Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A), the vehicle yielded one caliber 38 revolver with pieces of ammunition, and one plastic sachet containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, one improvised tooter and lighter.

organization. We will not tolerate

Repana identified himself as unscrupulous people who pretend to a PDEA operative displaying his be our agents and tarnish the Agency’s identification card to the arresting integrity just like that,” he added. authorities.

Last February 4, 2018, persons

Repana and Facal will be facing wearing PDEA uniforms while charges for violation of Section 11 tagging along alleged arrested drug (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) personalities and rode aboard two and Section 12 (Possession of Drug vehicles was captured on closed-circuit Paraphernalia), Article II of Republic Act television (CCTV) cameras in Barangay 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Ususan, Taguig City.

Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charges for illegal possession of firearms and However, the same group ammunition, usurpation of authority, managed to elude arrest after alarm and scandal, will also be filed in engaging the authorities in hot pursuit court against them. in the same barangay two weeks later.

The PDEA advices the public to

“It comes as no surprise that immediately report any individuals there are people who misrepresent introducing themselves as PDEA Agents themselves as PDEA agents or as while committing a criminal act. To members of other law enforcement send reports to PDEA 24/7 Text Hotlines, units to perform their illegal activities,” simply follow the directions: Text name Aquino said. of perpetrator/poser and complete information and send to 0999-888 PDEA

“Our agents have undergone (7332) for Smart subscribers; 0925-573 rigorous training for months, imbibing PDEA (7332) for Sun; and 0927-9150616 in them the core values of the PDEA for Globe. (PDEA/PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

Teenage pregnancy in Caraga drops, survey shows

BUTUAN CITY - Percentage of women age 15-19 in Caraga, who have begun childbearing significantly decreased from 38 percent in 2013 to 8.2 percent in 2017 based on the preliminary results of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

However, the said survey also revealed that the Philippines still has the highest number of teenage pregnancy among other Asian countries.

of various program partners, in both private and government sectors, at the local level – promoting responsible sexuality, reproductive rights and health education among Caraganon youth,”

The said latest survey results Commission on Population (POPCOM) placed Caraga at number 8. Previously, - Caraga Director Alexander A. the region ranked number 1.

Makinano said.

“The 20 percent decrease of Increasing births among the region’s early pregnancy can adolescents is one critical emerging be attributed to concerted efforts population issue, POPCOM revealed.

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REGIONAL NEWS

RD Makinano further underlined the importance of an inter-agency and inter-sectoral collaboration and support, from the national down to the regional or local level in the implementation of various Adolescent Health and Development key Strategies to address said issues.

As agreed during the 1st Quarter-Regional Implementation Team meeting, RIT has to formulate a Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Strategic Plan to strengthen the advocacy and further reduce teenage pregnancy rate in the region.

The plan includes implementation of age-and development-appropriate education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health throughout the region; to educate and engage parents and communities to initiate opportunities for positive youth development and involvement; intensify the ongoing awareness of teenage pregnancy prevention through various AHD activities; and continue to provide all Caraganon youth with access to reproductive healthcare and preventive services.

POPCOM emphasizes that youth should not be deprived of reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality and education (CSE) for these would help them become healthy, happy and empowered adolescents.

CSE is an instructional method where young Filipinos gain knowledge, attitudes, skills and values to make appropriate and healthy choices in their sexual behaviors. POPCOM

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further elaborated that CSE can help prevent the young from unintended pregnancies, contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and from domestic and sexual violence.

The agency is currently working with stakeholders in pushing for CSE implementation that can also help Filipino women better their lives, educationally and economically. CSE is also a salient feature of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.

POPCOM, meanwhile, is addressing this teenage pregnancy issue through its various Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) key strategies that aim to significantly reduce and prevent early and unintended pregnancies among adolescents through responsible sexuality and effective life skills among young people.

Among POPCOM’s AHD initiatives, are the Sexually Healthy and Personally Effective (SHAPE) Adolescents Training; U4U, where young people can access information through social media; Interactive Voice Response System; and Teen Trail Events, where the youth are provided with responsible sexuality information; and the agency’s latest initiative is the AHD Film Dissemination, where the audiences watch, reflect, engage with bigger picture, and ultimately, take action to address reproductive health issues in their own lives and communities. (POPCOMCaraga/PIA-Caraga) 03 - 09 March, 2018

Provincial News

Agusan del Sur

LGU-Esperanza holds BOSS in the town’s Negosyo Center

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Esperanza, this province has started its Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) on Jan. 8, with a simplified business permit and licensing system (BPLS) at the Negosyo Center (NC) of said municipality.

BOSS aims to provide a venue for easy and fast processing of business permits for both renewing and new business applicants.

This was also done in other LGUs and normally ends on January 20 of every year, unless extended to accommodate more registrants or for other reasons.

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John Samson, Business Permit and Licensing Officer (BPLO) of Esperanza led the activity and ensured fast processing of business permits.

Incidentally, Samson is currently the provincial and at the same time regional head of the BPLO network in

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PROVINCIAL NEWS Agusan del Sur and the Caraga Region, the province and even in the region. respectively.

(DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Other participating offices in the NC-Esperanza BOSS are the Bureau of Fire (BFP), Municipal Health and Engineering offices and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

NC-Esperanza Charlz Palen is handling the business name registration requirements.

This was the first instance that a BOSS was held at a Negosyo Center in

2 AgSur LGUs top 2017 customer experience survey PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The local government units (LGUs) of Sibagat and La Paz, both from this province were the only LGUs nationwide that got the perfect overall customer satisfaction score of 10 in a survey conducted among those who applied for renewal of their business permits in 2017.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

This annual random survey was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s Competitiveness Bureau (CB) and the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

The same survey is being run this 2018 to cover the renewal period of business permits in January to February.

This is in partnership with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices. Participation may be through online response via: http://bit.ly/2018BPLSCES or answering a printed survey form in any of the province’s Negosyo Centers (NCs).

For 2017, a total of 173 LGUs or 1,730 respondents participated in the Other survey results survey. For Caraga, respondents came from 10 LGUs. Of the ten, eight were The survey reported a total of 1,496 from the province of Agusan del Sur. or 86 percent who personally applied for renewal of their business permit.

Aside from the perfect scores of Sibagat and La Paz, the rest of Most of the business registrations the Agusan del Sur LGUs (Esperanza, or 79 percent were classified as sole Loreto, Talacogon, Bayugan City, Sta. proprietorship while 17 percent were Josefa, and Prosperidad) obtained partnerships or corporations. high scores as well, the lowest being 7.67 – a far cry from the official lowest A total of 1,592 or 92 percent were score of 2.87 of a key city in the National classified as micro, small, and medium Capital Region. enterprises (MSMEs).

Satisfaction feedback results

A total of 1,678 or 97 percent did

A total of 1,678 or 97 percent not avail of any services offered by indicated “satisfied” with the services fixers in their LGUs. of their respective LGUs, which includes services of LGU front liners and over-all 860 or 50 percent indicated process of renewal period. that there were positive reforms implemented in their locality (eg.

While 52 or 3 percent indicated implementation of business one-stop “dissatisfied with the services of their shop). (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan respective LGUs (i.e. long procedures). del Sur) 03 - 09 March, 2018

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Surigao del Norte

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Surigao Norte GADCC joins National Women’s Month celebration By: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The provincial government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (GADCC) and Provincial Center for Women’s Training and Development joined the National Women’s Month celebration for the whole month of March.

This year’s celebration is anchored Children Act of 2004.” on the theme, “We Make Change, Work for Women.”

A free medical and dental checkup, haircut, manicure and pedicure

In Surigao City, the celebration and massage are scheduled for Senior kicked-off on March 2, 2018 with a Citizens. There’s also a bread making thankgiving mass at 7:00 a.m. at the City class, wellness activity, info drive and Cathedral then followed by a motorcade, kit distribution for children. A buntis day opening program and a wellness activity activity is set for pregnant women. held at the Provincial Sports Complex.

A women’s month conference is

The lined-up activities for the month- also scheduled for the women employees long celebration include: Responsible of mining companies in Caraga Region.

Parenting Seminar for drug surrenderees; Other activities include tree planting Gender Sensitivity Orientation for the activity, gender sensitivity orientation, skills Mamanwa Tribe of Brgy. Jubgan; Know training for DOLE-Surigao del Norte field Election Better Seminar (KEBS) for women; personnel and the culminating program Responsible Parenthood-Family Planning for the Women’s Month celebration.

Seminar; Serbisyong Panghayop sa Barangay Program; and an orientation The month-long celebration is seminar for indigenous people on R.A. pursuant to Proclamation No. 227 series of 9262, otherwise known as the “Anti- 1988 which declares the month of March Violence against Women and their as Women’s Month. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Surigao del Sur

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TESDA reshuffle takes effect

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – “In the interest of service,” a major shift in TESDA leadership in Caraga region is set to take effect today, March 1, 2018.

TESDA Order No. 32 dated February 2, 2018 signed by no less than Director-General (DG) Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong is expected to cause movement between and among key officials in the agency’s hierarchy.

to include Supervising TESD Specialist Allan Millan, OIC-PD of Surigao del Sur.

Millan told media that he had to go back to his previous post in Surigao del Norte – a mere swap seats with PD Rey Cueva. The latter is not new to Surigao

Labeled “Reassignment of TESDA del Sur being the former PD for a number Key Officials,” the order stated that of years. “the concerned officials are hereby directed to effect a smooth turnover Moreover, with this order, PD Enrico of duties and responsibilities and clear Banario had to go to Samar TESDA Region themselves of work, property and financial VIII since PD Julius Sol Jamero whose accountabilities from their previous offices former assignment was Negros Occidental before assuming their new post.” in TESDA Region VI had to take his place in Agusan del Norte. (Radyo Pilipinas Named were two regional directors Tandag/PIA_Surigao del Sur) (RDs) and four provincial directors (PDs), 03 - 09 March, 2018

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

National Oral Health Month Celebration turns out well in SurSur By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office in Surigao del Sur has still managed to make everything work, including the successful conduct of the activities lined-up for the National Oral Health Month celebration this February despite the hectic schedule of closely monitoring and supervising the training of athletes for the 21st Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) this February 25 to March 1, 2018.

According to Dr. Daniel Laurente, school dentist, the month-long observance was marked by various dental services rendered to school children with the support of his fellow dentists together with the nurses from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), DepEd, and Rural Health Units (RHUs) here.

kindergarten and Grade I pupils; the conduct of pits and fissure sealant, varnish application, tooth extraction and health education.

Besides, the said Division Office under Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Marilou Dedumo, care of the Dental Health team, had likewise found time

Among the activities accomplished to be able to launch the anti-cavity were the division-wide simultaneous campaign in four municipalities, namely tooth brushing in Daycare Centers for Barobo, Cortes, Hinatuan and Bayabas.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Laurente added that such activity was sponsored by Colgate Palmolive Philippines, Inc. that brought with them product freebies.

the northern municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza on February 5 to 9, 2018. The following week, from February 12 to 16, they went on to the central towns of Cortes, San Miguel,

With the theme “Ngiping Inaruga Bayabas, and Tandag City as well, he told Mula sa Pagkabata Malusog na Ngiti media.

Baon sa Pagtanda,” the objective of all the undertakings was not only to “arouse “After which, the team carried out dental health consciousness” among the same mission in Cagwait, Marihatag residents province-wide but also “to and San Agustin towns down south that decrease the prevalence of the dental culminated in the municipality of Lianga caries,” the dentist stressed. on February 22 to 23,” Dr. Laurente narrated. (Radyo Pilipinas-Tandag/PIA The kick-off program was held in Surigao del Sur)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Agusan del Norte

3 NPA terrorists killed in AgNor clash By: 1st Lt Tere Ingente (FS) PA 4ID

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – Three New Peoples’ Army (NPA) terrorists died in an encounter with 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army at Sitio Taiwan, Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on February 11, 2018.

The three dead bodies of the NPAs Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) have yet to be identified. One M4 sniper rifle with scope, several ammunitions, five improvised landmines, one hand grenade, one rifle grenade, and a cellphone were among those recovered in the terrorists’ encampment that can accommodate 100 persons.

Bloodstains in the withdrawal routes of the terrorist NPAs are still being tracked.

“We will pursue these terrorists at all cost just to ensure that the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions will attain the peace they

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deserve so that economic development that they were long deprived of will come in,” said Major General Ronald Villanueva of the 4th Infantry Division when he thanked the civilian informants who gave the location of the NPA camp.

Villanueva also congratulated the 29IB and the 402nd Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal as he also exhorted them to continue the pressure so that the NPA terrorists will no longer hold their members who are already contemplating to surrender. (PIAAgusan del Norte) 03 - 09 March, 2018

Mindanao News

MinDA seeks P1.35-T 2019 Mindanao budget By: Lilian Mellejor

DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority MinDA) is pushing for a higher budget share for Mindanao at PHP1.35 trillion for 2019-2020 to usher in sustainable development and the realization of the Duterte administration’s vision for the island.

MinDA Chair Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto said the appeal for higher budget is for Mindanao to catch up with the Dutertenomics target of boosting the island-region’s economy by seven to eight percent, and reducing poverty to 20 percent by year 2022.

Alonto said budget increase is focused on the prioritization of sustainable infrastructure development to support industries, the small medium 03 - 09 March, 2018

enterprises, and other projects to bring down poverty.

Among the projects included in the budget are the priority projects under the Mindanao Development Corridors (MinDC) amounting to PHP603 billion. These are the TransMindanao High-speed Railway System, Land Transport Connectivity and the Mindanao gateways – ports, airports.

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MINDANAO NEWS

MinDA is also pushing for the TawiTawi Freeport and Economic Zone, the Picong Freeport, Airport, and Industrial Estate, and the establishment of AgriEconomic Cooperative Zones in the Bangsamoro areas to address food security.

increase infrastructure investments to at least five percent of its GDP.

According to Alonto, Mindanao has been receiving on the average 11.45 percent of the total budget of the country over the past years. He said this is less than Mindanao’s contribution

MinDA, which is the lead agency to the economy, which stands at an for socio-economic development, average of 15.29 percent from 2007has already submitted a position 2018. paper on the allocation of equitable budget share for Mindanao in which “We have all the potentials here – it emphasized on the importance we are the source of food and industrial of public investment vis-à-vis to raw materials of the country. Building sustainable development. roads, upgrading ports and airports, and establishing economic zones

It also cited a World Bank study are the key to unlocking Mindanao’s stating that in order to ease infrastructure potentials,” Alonto said. (PNA) constraints, the country needs to

Marawi benefits from P115-M infra-projects By: Noel Punzalan

COTABATO CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman led Thursday the groundbreaking of two infrastructure projects in Marawi City worth PHP115 million.

The two Marawi projects involved the PHP90-million integrated market, food and transport terminal in Barangay Buadi Sacayo and the PHP25-million rehabilitation of the city hall and city health center.

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Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra joined the governor in the groundbreaking ceremony.

The undertaking is a joint venture of the ARMM Government and city government of Marawi.

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MINDANAO NEWS

Hataman said the projects are Maguindanao held at the ARMM part of the regional government’s compound here. rehabilitation efforts for Marawi.

Out of the total budget,

On same day, Hataman also led Maguindanao Engineering District 1 the conduct of a People’s Day in the has an allocation of PhP380.2-million town of Malabang, Lanao del Sur. while Maguindanao Engineering District 2 has PhP1, 022.57-M.

Various line agencies, spearheaded by the ARMM The 16 LGU-beneficiaries are the Humanitarian Emergency Action towns of Parang, Buldon, Upi, Barira, Response Team, provided free services Matanog, Pagalungan, Mamasapano, to more than 800 beneficiaries from Datu Paglas, Rajah Buayan, Datu Malabang and nearby municipalities. Abdullah Sangki, Shariff Aguak, Pandag, Ampatuan, Gen. Salipada K.

The services included free dental Pendatun, Talayan, and Buluan. and medical check-up, free legal counseling, free haircut, supplemental The municipalities are recent feeding, Social Pension Payout for recipients of the SGLG (Seal of Good Senior Citizens for some areas of Local Governance) Award from Lanao Sur B, distribution of gill nets, the Department of the Interior and plastic sealers, noodle machines, and Local Government, which is one of seedlings. the qualifications for infra-projects entrustment.

The event coincided with the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Loong said local governments 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion of the play an important role in the successful Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division implementation of infra-projects, who pitched doctors to the activity. especially those that are experienced, equipped, with capacity to implement

On Tuesday, the governor also multimillion-peso projects, and are led the forging of a Memorandum of SGLG awardees.

Agreement with Local Government Units (LGUs) in Maguindanao on the He said the projects would implementation of the region’s 2018 commence as soon as pertinent regular infra-projects in the province documents are finalized and submitted. worth PHP1.4-billion.

Hataman urged the LGUs and

Hataman witnessed the signing the two district engineering offices of ceremony between DPWH-ARMM Maguindanao to ensure the efficient Secretary Don Mustapha Loong implementation of the projects. (PNA/ and mayors of 16 municipalities of Photo courtesy of BPI-ARMM) 03 - 09 March, 2018

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National News

1.8-M 4Ps recipients to get Unconditional Cash Transfer grants By: Leilani Junio

MANILA - Around 1.8 million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries under the national government’s Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program began receiving cash grants amounting to PHP2,400 for the year 2018 on Monday.

Recipients’ ATM withdrawal of cash grants was witnessed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Officer-inCharge Emmanuel Leyco at the Land Bank of the Philippines headquarters in Malate, Manila.

“We decided that they will be the first batch to receive the grants as it is easier for Land Bank to facilitate the transfer of funds. The cash grants were directly deposited to their accounts by Land Bank,” said Leyco.

“These Pantawid beneficiaries can already withdraw their 2018 cash grants amounting to PHP2,400 through Land Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATM) nationwide,” he added.

He said some families were given priority in getting the grants through the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law since they already have existing cash cards that they can use to withdraw the Leyco said a total of 419,663 amount. accounts of beneficiaries from the

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NATIONAL NEWS National Capital Region, Regions I, II, and the Cordillera Administrative Regions received UCT grants. There are around 10 million target recipients of UCT.

“Crediting of UCT grants for beneficiaries from other regions is expected to be completed tomorrow (March 6),” he said.

Reduction.

The cash grant is an added cash benefit for Pantawid beneficiaries who are also receiving their regular cash grant and PHP600 rice subsidy from the Pantawid Pamilya Program as part of government’s commitment to help them due to the expected increase in prices of commodities as an aftermath

More than PHP4.3 billion was of TRAIN Law implementation. released by Land Bank for the 2018 cash grants of the 1.8 million household- UCT is the tax subsidy provided beneficiaries. under the TRAIN law to help the poor cushion the adverse economic effect

Leyco said they are currently of the policy. It is considered to be the exploring all measures so that the biggest tax reform mitigation program remaining 8.2 million beneficiaries will under the TRAIN law which seeks to soon receive their UCT subsidies. provide 10 million beneficiaries with cash subsidies amounting to PHP200 a

Aside from 4Ps beneficiaries, other month for 2018 and PHP300 a month for recipients are indigent senior citizens 2019 and 2020. and other poor identified under the Listahanan (Listahan ng Mahihirap na Leyco said that he believes that Pamilya) or data from the National the poor recipients will wisely spend the Household Targetting System for Poverty cash grants. (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

GSIS members may now view loanable amount via eGSISMO PASAY CITY - Active members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) may now obtain a tentative computation of their loanable amount under the various loan programs of the pension fund through the online facility dubbed electronic GSIS Member Online (eGSISMO).

Launched in 2016, eGSISMO is a web-based system that allows members to electronically view, anytime and anywhere, their membership profile; record of loans and claims; and tentative computation of their social insurance benefits, and now, loanable amount.

of the system should encourage our members who have not accessed eGSISMO yet to register in the facility and enjoy the benefits of using it,” PGM Aranas added.

To register, regular GSIS members should go to http://egsismo.gsis.gov. ph/. They need to type in their GSIS

Members may access the facility business partner (BP) number, which 24/7 using their personal computer or they can get from their office’s agency tablet with Internet. authorized officer or electronic remittance file handler.

GSIS President and General Manager Jesus Clint Aranas said the For queries on eGSISMO, latest added feature of eGSISMO members may call the GSIS contact spares members time and effort of center at telephone number 847-4747 going to a GSIS office or finding a GSIS or email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph. To get kiosk to inquire about their loanable the latest information, they may visit amount. the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov.ph, or follow the official GSIS Facebook

“The enhanced functionality account, @gsis.ph. (GSIS)

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