Caraga InFocus – March 2-8, 2019

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[ Contents 02 - 08 March 2019

Volume III, No. 29

PCOO intensifies campaign on gender-fair media in Caraga region REGIONAL NEWS

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RGADC-13 intensifies info drive vs cancer to Caraga women DA Caraga braces for El Niño 14 cops get promoted under Special Attrition Quota

PROVINCIAL NEWS

approves P23.8M supplemental 11 SP budget for employees’ salary hike DOLE grant P450K 12 LGU-Esperanza, livelihood assistance to beneficiaries to hold minimum wage 13 RTWPB adjustment consultation in SurSur conducts fisheries 14 BFAR-Caraga management workshop receive agri-fishery inputs 15 Fisherfolks from Surigao del Norte LGU

MINDANAO NEWS

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MinDA vows to boost opportunities in Halal industry Mindanao village execs urged to push for Magna Carta bill Mindanao bizmen see good prospects in ‘Dubai Gulfood’

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NATIONAL NEWS

orders whole-of-gov’t approach 22 Palace in poverty reduction approves National Program on 23 PRRD Family Planning

News Briefs Concepcion Asis, vice chairperson of the Regional Gender & Development Committee (RGADC) Caraga said the country celebrates Women’s Month every year because people believe in what women do in the society & in nation-building. She stressed that women continue to do harder & better, as they continue to inspire others.

(INFOcus) International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8th. This global day celebrates the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women. The day also brings international awareness to gender parity.

DAR distributed the Farm Machinery Equipment under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) project in Surigao del Sur amounting to P2,908,565.00.

The Department of Agriculture – Caraga has allocated buffer stocks to assist farmers who could be affected by the El Niño phenomenon. For crop damage, various inputs has been prepared including 14,732 bags of rice certified seeds worth P22,392,640. Also available are 4,756 bags of corn seeds worth P6,964,000, and 785 kilograms of assorted vegetables worth P7,800,000.

Cover Story PCOO intensifies campai gender-fair media in Ca

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

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UTUANCITY - The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has intensified its campaign on gender-fair media in the Caraga region.

ign on araga region

During the conduct of PCOO caravan in the city, Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Rafael elaborated the significant and vital role of the media in promoting gender equality as well as women empowerment.

they are in reality,� she said.

The official also gave several tips on how media could better present or describe individuals being involved in their stories to prevent them from committing discriminatory statements,

She emphasized that being which include in the advertisements. gender-fair simply means recognizing that both women and men have She also presented to the stories to tell, and that impartiality also participants especially those in the covers producing content that does media industry, the Philippine Revised not subject women to injustice.

Gender-Fair Media Guidebook, to increase their knowledge and enhance

Rafael further stressed that every their way of reporting. person has the right to be treated with dignity.

She further expressed her hopes that the media could utilize well the

“Men and women need to be said handbook, as they perform their portrayed as equal in the media, as daily job. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

RGADC-13 intensifies info drive vs cancer to Caraga women

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - In time with the kick-off celebration of this year’s women’s month here, the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) Caraga intensifies the information awareness campaign against cancer disease which threatens women’s health especially those aged 35 years old and above.

According to Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Director lawyer Jerefe TubigonBacang, RGADC chairperson, the recently conducted learning session on women’s health is a way to remind women to be sensitive and mindful of their health, in order to prevent them from acquiring diseases such as breast and cervical cancer.

women to be self-aware of their own body so that we can maintain our wellness, our health, otherwise we can also take steps in order to improve our health. Self-care is very important that’s why we begin our women’s month with women in health,” said Bacang.

Dr. Esther Tandog, a professor from one of the universities in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, who is also a “This is a very important step for cancer survivor, shared her positive

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outlook in life despite having breast cancer for the past four years, and she now continues to be an active advocate and an inspiration to all the women.

(BJMP) Caraga, expressed strong support to holding this kind of activity, which could also help those women who are in jail or persons deprived of liberty.

“I was diagnosed to have breast cancer but I would like to thank God for I had survived. The Lord has been good in my life in spite of the problems and pain that I had to go through. I came out victorious because I have God with me,” shared Tandog.

Meanwhile, Bacang calls on to Caraganon women to maintain a positive disposition in life and believe in their capacities and competencies.

“We should be able to believe in ourselves that we can. Do not doubt your capacities and your competencies.

Also, Jail Senior Inspector Melba Women can, so we make change work Balmori, GAD Focal Person of the Bureau for women,” Bacang said. (JPG/PIAof Jail Management and Penology Caraga)

DA Caraga braces for El Niño BUTUAN CITY - To ease the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Caraga has allocated buffer stocks to assist farmers who will be affected by the weather phenomenon.

For crop damage, various inputs Replacement animals are also on have been prepared including 14,732 hand at the animal production centers bags of rice certified seeds worth in the region.

Php22,392,640.

Climate outlook for the region expects a

Also available are 4,756 bags of near to below normal rainfall condition corn seeds worth Php6,964,000, and in the first planting season of Caraga.

785 kilograms of assorted vegetables worth Php7,800,000.

Farmers who will be identified to have been affected by the El Niño

On the other hand, drugs and phenomenon will be prioritized to avail biologics will also be available for the the said interventions. (DA Caraga/PIA livestock sector.

Caraga)

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

14 cops get promoted under Special Attrition Quota

BUTUAN CITY - Police Brig. General Gilberto DC Cruz of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 spearheaded on Friday the oathtaking and pinning of ranks of 14 police officers who got their promotion under the special attrition quota.

After holding their ranks for more than 10 years, four cops were finally promoted to Senior Police Officer 1 while 10 took their oath as Police Officer II.

The special examination was administered to give the police officers subject for attrition due to nonpromotion the chance to be promoted by acquiring the appropriate eligibility.

“As you take one step upward to the ladder of your rank, remember that this entails greater responsibility which the organization and the people are expecting from you,” Cruz said in his message as he congratulated the

The promotion was intended newly promoted personnel. exclusively for police officers who passed the special promotional “Promotion reflects the rise of examination of the NAPOLCOM on professional aptitude and proficiency August 7, 2016, July 30, 2017 and May among us in the police force,” he added. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga) 27, 2018.

The activity was also witnessed

by Atty. Maximo T. Lasaca I, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Caraga director.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

SP approves P23.8M supplemental budget for employees’ salary hike

By Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - A total of Php23,833,989.00 under the General Fund and Php558,690.00 under the Special Account Fund of the province of Agusan del Norte covering the Supplemental Budget No. 1 has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 18.

Said amount will be supplemented for the implementation of the salary increase of the provincial officials and employees of Agusan del Norte.

This is the last tranche in the salary increase based on the Local Budget Circular 118, dated January 15, 2019.

The funds under the General Fund were shared by 21 offices and hospitals and the Special Account Fund was for the PEEDMO.

Based on Executive Order No. 201, s. 2016, signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, the compensation adjustment strategy was to ensure that the compensation structure of government personnel is comparable with the prevailing rates in the private sector thereby attracting and retaining competent and committed civil servants, and the existing Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) was revised or updated to conform with the following:

The salary increase of government a) Raise the minimum salary for workers started in 2016 and every year Salary Grade 1 from the current rate thereafter the salaries were increased. of Nine Thousand Pesos (Php9,000)

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to Eleven Thousand Sixty Eight Pesos adjustment strategy shall be aligned (Php11,068) to make it even more with the objective of mitigating the fiscal competitive with the market rates; crisis building up in their pension system and pursuing the pension reform.

b) Bring the compensation of government personnel closer to their The modified Salary Schedule private counterparts to at least 70% of shall apply to all civilian personnel in the median of the market for all salary the Executive, Legislative and Judicial grades; Branches, Constitutional Commissions and other Constitutional Offices,

c) Eliminate overlaps in between Government-Owned or Controlled salary grade allocations of government Corporations (GOCCs) not covered by personnel to recognize differences RA No. 10149, and local government in duties and responsibilities of the units (LGUs); regardless of appointment positions; status, whether regular, contractual or casual; appointive or elective; and on

d) Maximize the net take home full-time or part-time basis. pay of government personnel through the inclusion of additional benefits; and The increase is effective January 1 and the provincial officials and

e) Strengthen the performance- employees will receive salary differential based incentive system in recognition for the months of January and February. of government personnel who play a greater role and carry a heavier This was approved by the SP responsibility in attaining performance through Provincial Ordinance No. 516targets and delivering results.

2019 through the efforts of Vice Governor Ramon “Rambu� Bungabong. (LGU

For the military and uniformed Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del personnel (MUP), the compensation Norte)

LGU-Esperanza, DOLE grant P450K livelihood assistance to beneficiaries

By Fercie B. Solatoro

BUTUAN CITY - The local government unit (LGU) of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) -Agusan del Sur Provincial Office, has recently released a P451,400 worth of livelihood assistance to Langcuasan Rural Improvement Club Association for the bakery business.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

“Isang malaking tulong na naman ang livelihood assistance na ito para sa ating mga beneficiaries. Maraming salamat sa DOLE sa walang sawang suporta sa mga group of organization ng LGU-Esperanza. Sana’y alagaan at palaguin ito ng asosasyon dahil bihira lamang ang mabigyan ng ganitong pagkakataon” she mentioned. (This is another great big help to the beneficiaries. I thanked DOLE for the continued support to the local groups.

iikot ang aming mga buhay dahil magagamit na rin namin ang mga training na aming nasalihan sa DTI lalong-lalo na sa pagluluto at pagbebake. Kami nangangako na alagaan at palalakihin namin ang bakery para makapag employ rin kami at magbigay ng trabaho. (Our lives now will not only revolve in farming because we can now apply the skills in cooking and baking that we learned from the trainings by Department of Trade (DTI).

We promise to make our business grow

I also hoped for your association to so we can also help others by getting best utilize the amount for its intended employed in our bakery),” Genita said. purpose and make it grow),” said Esperanza municipal mayor Leonida P. She added that it would not be Manpatilan. realized without the help of DOLE-Ausan del Sur, from crafting the proposal to

Genalyn Genita, the association completing the requirements. president, expressed her gratitude in behalf of the other members of the With the partnership of LGUgroup , during the turnover of check Esperanza and DOLE-Agusan del at the LGU-Esperanza Mayor’s Office, Norte, the association can already for the opportunity given to them that take a big step towards its mission paved the way of achieving their for rural improvement. The members dream of benefitting such livelihood aim to help others improve their skill in assistance. baking, create an additional source of income and promote employment

“Hindi lamang sa pagsasaka opportunities. (DOLE-13/PIA-Caraga)

RTWPB to hold minimum wage adjustment consultation in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga is set to conduct a public consultation on minimum wage adjustment for the private sector in Surigao del Sur this month.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Based on the information released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur Provincial office, the activity will be conducted in two separate events with the first activity to be held on March 12, 2019 at the Paper Country Inn, Mangagoy, Bislig City to be followed by a consulation in Tandag City on March 13, 2019.

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necessary at this present time.

All establishments owners or representatives as well as the workers, labor groups representatives are invited to join the said forum.

Opinions, positions, suggestions and recommendations regarding wages shall be solicited so that the board will be able to come-up with

The activity aims to determine reasonable decision in fixing the whether or not an issuance of new minimum wages in the region. (With a wage order in Caraga region is deemed report from DOLE/PIA Surigao del Sur)

BFAR-Caraga conducts fisheries management workshop

By Salve M. Dinolan

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Caraga gathered the resource speakers and representatives from the local government units (LGUs) of coastal municipalities around Lake Mainit for the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Orientation and Planning Workshop held in Sta. Monica, Siargao Island.

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Senior agriculturist Antonio Perral from the Surigao del Norte Provincial Agriculture Office and professor Reynald Gimena of Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi talked about the ecosystem and its approach in fisheries management.

Highlight during day one of the EAFM workshop was the illustration of the past and present condition of the fishery resources in Lake Mainit, as

Provincial News I Empowering Communities presented by representatives from the LGUs of the said municipalities.

The 3-day workshop, which ended on March 7, 2019, is in line with the bureau’s program to promote fisheries management, protection and conservation of marine and aquatic resources in Lake Mainit, which is the deepest and fourth largest lake in the Philippines.

(BFAR-Caraga/VLG/PIASurigao del Norte)

Fisherfolks receive agri-fishery inputs from Surigao del Norte LGU

By Venus L. Garcia

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The members of the 18 fisherfolk associations received gill nets from the local government unit (LGU) of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Agriculture Office which aims to improve the fishery sector in the locality.

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The gillnets, which are worth a total of P378,203, will be used by the fisherfolks to promote sustainable and environment-friendly fishing practices.

Apart from gillnets, the San Isidro Fishpond Owners and Workers Association (SIFOWA) of San Isidro, Gigaquit also received P77,500 worth of intervention for the Mudcrab Culture in Mangrove Project.

Also included in the agri-fishery inputs is the more than P800,000 worth of assistance given to the beneficiaries of the Hybrid Rice Production Project collection efficiency based on the 2017 in the municipality of Bacuag and San Bureau of Local Government Finance Isidro, Siargao.

(BLGF) target collection for total local revenues; an awardee of Seal of Good

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Financial Housekeeping 2018; and Best Matugas cited the importance of Performing Province in Caraga Region providing support to the livelihood of based on the LGU health score card. fisherfolks and farmers for them to be able to sustain their basic needs, and Matugas attributed the success likewise meet the demand of which the of the province to her dedicated and Filipino nation relies for food. hardworking colleagues whose passion for service has inspired everyone to do

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries more than usual no matter how limited were grateful for the assistance and the resources have been. attention accorded to them by the local government as these would help “Keep a good attitude towards increase their production. challenges. No society has ever developed tough men during times

“We deliver projects and results of peace. The better our attitude, the to the people. We work through results more likely we will overcome difficulties. enjoyed by everyone,” Matugas said.

Let’s grow and move forward.

All these responsive actions Every challenge has an opportunity of the LGU-Surigao del Norte to the and every opportunity has a challenge. needs of the people are products We should be tough and continue to of good governance that made the journey to excellence,” said Matugas. province as top one in the local tax (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

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MinDA vows to boost opportunities in Halal industry

By Lilian Mellejor and Digna Banzon

DAVAO CITY – Seeing the potential of Mindanao as a Halal production hub in the Philippines, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said it will push for an island-wide approach that will maximize opportunities for local businesses.

Amhed Jeoffrey Datukan, MinDa management officer, said Wednesday the agency is eyeing the creation of the Mindanao Halal Council to chart an industry roadmap to take advantage of the estimated USD3-trillion Halal industry.

has its own Davao City Halal Industry Development Council.

Datukan said it is working closely with the city government to convert the executive order that created the council to an ordinance.

Datukan, however, said this initiative needs the involvement of local government units that will assist MinDA in identifying potential areas of investments in their respective areas.

MinDA has been actively participating in investment mission, trade and exhibits to explore the Halal market abroad.

He said MinDA will also work with

Datukan said Mindanao has the Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga biggest potential being home to the and the other cities and municipalities majority of Muslims in the Philippines for the creation of their own local Halal and the country’s food basket. councils.

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On April 3 to 6, Mindanao In Mindanao, only Davao City businessmen will participate in the 16th

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

Malaysia International Halal Showcase showcase their products and services. at the Malaysia International Trade and He said MinDA is also tapping Exhibition Center in Kuala Lumpur. the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) who are active in Muslim-friendly

Datukan said Mindanao has services and production of products to been given 13 slots for local traders to penetrate the export market. (PNA)

Mindanao village execs urged to push for Magna Carta bill

By Lilian Mellejor

DAVAO CITY – An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on village executives in Mindanao to help advocate the passage of a proposed law that gives them more benefits.

DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño pointed out that the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays authored by former senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. has languished since it was filed in the 14th Congress.

“Nakalimutan na nila ang Magna Carta (Members of Congress have forgotten the Magna Carta),” Diño told barangay officials during the 4th Mindanao Congress held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao on Tuesday.

Diño said under the proposed measure, barangay chairpersons will receive a fixed salary equivalent to the monthly pay of municipal councilors.

The law also calls for a longer term for barangay officials from three years to six years.

The proposed law gives barangay officials -- including the barangay secretary, treasurer, tanods (watchmen), nutrition scholars, and health workers -- fixed compensation as well as additional allowance, medical and dental coverage and retirement benefits.

“We are the most used and abused. We are even the most confused when the mayor is not in good terms with a congressman,” he added.

“You are performing duties and functions 24/7 addressing concerns of the constituents, from a petty quarrel to fights within the family. Yet, you are not properly compensated,” the DILG official told barangay officials.

Diño, who was also a former barangay captain in Quezon City, reminded barangay officials that

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government projects and programs Diño said the Magna Carta also cannot move without clearance from provides an automatic share of the the barangay. government’s revenue, the transfer of funds for the maintenance of roads

“You should stand firm as a person and bridges, and make the supply of of authority,” he said, as he vowed potable water, the establishment of to help push for the approval of the schools, barangay halls, and health Magna Carta Law. centers mandatory. (PNA)

Mindanao bizmen see good prospects in ‘Dubai Gulfood’

By Digna Banzon

DAVAO CITY - Mindanao businessmen who participated in the recent investment mission and exposition in Dubai are eyeing business ventures with traders in the Gulf States.

This was disclosed by Amhed Jeoffrey J. Datukan, development management officer of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Wednesday.

First Panabo Tropical Fruits Corp.

Anflo Industrial Estate with Bernadette Tan, key accounts manager; MEGA Global Corp. with Janet Begasas, export development manager; and See International Food Mfg., Corp., with its

Datukan, who was with the president Ruben See. Mindanao team in Dubai together with Minda’s Executive Assistant Akhzanuniza “On the side, we see some prospects Macatbar Alonto, said the mission was where our Mindanao businesses got to held simultaneously with the Outbound talk to their counterparts building linkages Business Matching Mission to Gulf and connections,” he said, adding there Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. is a need to sustain the link to penetrate the large Dubai market.

Among the Mindanao-based companies and Micro, Small and “The market is huge and the Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that joined potential is big,” he said. the Gulfood were Alsons Aquaculture Corp. in Alabel, Sarangani province Gulfood, Dubai’s largest food, represented by deputy export beverage, and hospitality fair, draws manager, Mary Grace Bingco; Century food and beverage industries and Pacific Food, Inc. with Sherrylou M. professionals from all over the world to Marzo, Export Sales and Marketing the Gulf state, aiming to promote food Section manager; and beverage industries. (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

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Palace orders whole-of-gov’t approach in poverty reduction

By EJ Roque

MANILA Malacañang directed all government agencies to support and actively participate in the efforts to reduce poverty incidence in the country.

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In Memorandum Circular 59, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Wednesday and issued to the media on Friday, Malacañang ordered a “whole-ofgovernment” approach in supporting the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC) Sambayanihan: Serbisyong Sambayanan program.

with their respective mandates, to the NAPC in the implementation of the Sambayanihan,” the circular reads.

“To ensure a ‘whole-ofgovernment’ approach to poverty alleviation and the widest deployment of basic social services to our poorest communities, all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed to support, participate and provide the necessary assistance, consistent

Part of the NAPC’s efforts was the launch of the Sambayanihan Caravan in September 2018, where government agencies will deliver frontline support and basic social services directly to the poorest communities in the country.

The Sambayanihan program intends to deliver President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to reduce poverty incidence in the country to 7.6 percent by 2022.

“Its Caravan and other component programs seek to provide a venue for inter-agency collaboration

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National News I Empowering Communities

at the provincial and municipal levels or the “Social Reform and Poverty to address the root causes of poverty,” Alleviation Act”, highlighting the the circular added. government’s policy to meet the basic needs of Filipinos, such as health, food

The newly-signed Memorandum and nutrition, water, shelter and decent Circular also cited Republic Act 8425, housing, among others. (PNA)

PRRD approves National Program on Family Planning

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA - President Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved the implementation plan of a program meant to distribute contraceptives nationwide, prevent unplanned pregnancies and ultimately reduce poverty, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte, during the 35th Cabinet meeting on Monday night, approved the implementation plan for the National Program on Family Planning.

Panelo said the plan was presented by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Ernesto Pernia

and Commission on Population and Development Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III.

“We wish to inform that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with members of the Cabinet, approved last night, March 4, the full and intensified Implementation Plan for the National Program on Family Planning,” Panelo said in a statement.

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Panelo noted that government recognized the need to respond and help those who wish to undergo family planning since not all Filipinos have access to contraceptives due to various reasons.

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approved the proposed construction of 31 evacuation centers in six provinces from Region 5 (Bicol).

Meanwhile, he said Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones and Undersecretary

The goal of the program is to Luis Pangulayan cited the actions of reduce the country’s poverty rate and the agency to streamline the land-use at the same time promote better health conversion process. and socioeconomic development among Filipinos, Panelo said.

“After the issuance of an executive order, DAR will be able to process land

“The approval of the aforesaid conversion within 30 days compared to plan is expected to reduce poverty the previous 190 days,” Panelo said. incidence in the country, which currently has the highest fertility rate He noted that DAR was also and fastest growing population in the instructed to submit a complete staff ASEAN region, from the current 20 work to the Office of the Executive percent to 14 percent in 2022, the year Secretary.

PRRD steps down into office,” Panelo said.

Moreover, Panelo said the Department of Finance (DOF) also discussed the top 10

Under the program, Panelo recommendations of Micro, Small and said 11.3 million women would be Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during given access to effective modern the Sulong Pilipinas 2018 including contraceptives over the next four years prioritizing agricultural productivity, and increase the usage thereof from building more infrastructure, 40 percent to 65 percent. simplifying loan requirements and guarantees for MSMEs and farmers,

He said that this is expected improving access to education for to prevent 4 million unintended the poor, providing 4Ps recipients with pregnancies and 2 million cases of livelihood training, making stricter abortion over the said period. profiling of recipients, streamlining government services, and reducing

Duterte has repeatedly pushed red tape. for better access to birth control.

Sulong Pilipinas is an annual summit Cabinet agenda where 1,000 MSMEs are consulted about their concerns with the government.

Panelo said Duterte also (PNA)

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