Caraga InFocus - March 25-31, 2017

CONTENTS

REGIONAL NEWS

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‘No 67-yr old individual included in 14 HIV new cases in Caraga,’ says DOH 13 chief Preparedness saves lives, mitigate damage to assets - DILG RxBox paves new way for better health in Caraga

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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AgNor farmer-groups craft policy enhancement, credit guidelines under APCP PSA to conduct consumer expectation survey in Agusan Norte, Surigao Norte

DSWD Caraga produces 48 graduates for leadership for convergence program

Negosyo Center in AgSur goes mobile, trains SLP DAR Surigao Norte celebrates women’s month Military foils NPA attempt to ambush humanitarian mission convoy in Surigao Norte town Surigao Norte quake-hit barangays get emergency kit, equipment

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SurSur town bags top MMK Award for Outstanding Coastal Community SurSur administrator bares NPAs’ widespread extortion

Helping your workforce stay fit and healthy

MINDANAO NEWS

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COVER

Agusan Norte helps neighboring province

HEALTH NEWS

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Volume 1, No. 52 25 - 31 March 2017

U.S. gov’t commits support for development in Mindanao

NATIONAL NEWS

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Peace talks resume between GPH and CPPNPA-NDF

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BOI approves P35.2M footwear export project

News Briefs The Philippine National Police (PNP) Civil Security Unit 13 caravan is going around the region to receive application for License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and for the delinquent gun owners to have their expired LTOPF renewed.

In account to the vibrant economic relationship of the United States (U.S) and the Republic of the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador Sung Y. Kim conveyed the U.S. government’s wholehearted support to the country with emphasis on the commitment to Mindanao development.

Physical activity and exercise have been proven to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension.

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte ensured that quality maternal and neonatal care were given to the mothers and newborn babies in the municipality of Las Nieves.

Cover Story

DSWD Caraga produces 48 g leadership for convergence By: Abegail R. Alvarez

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A total of 48 field staff or City/ Municipal Action Team (C/MAT) leaders of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga finally completed the Leadership for Convergence Program (LCP) in partnership with Xavier University-SEARSOLIN, this city.

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graduates for program

The said graduates who are already employed in the Department met the requirements and passed the standards of performance set by the said University.

which was attended by DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim on March 17, 2017 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The said graduates were trained with the modules on Leadership Skills, Team Management, Partnership Building, and Technical Writing. This course was taken within a period

To celebrate their success, the of 6 months or more wherein all agency conducted the Leadership for corresponding school fees were paid Convergence Program Colloquium, by DSWD.

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Cover Story through this and will be able to find your purpose in working with DSWD and in serving our beneficiaries,” she added.

Keynote Speaker Romeo P. Tiongco, former Mayor of Damulog, Bukidnon and Asian Institute of Management - Mindanao Bridging Leadership Fellow, lauded and reminded the graduates about leadership during the graduation ceremony.

Prior the graduation ceremony, the C/ MAT leaders attended the leadership retreat which aims to deepen their understanding about leadership as well as their commitment as public servant. Also, they individually shared their leadership journey through Public Narratives in front of the panelist. The said report highlights their leadership challenges and their response in improving the social welfare system of their respective municipalities.

“A good leader has a clear vision and carries it to his community. I hope that this success will lead you to become a great leader not just in your With these achievements, the workplace, but also to the community said C/MAT leaders are expected to that you belong,” said Tiongco. initiate strategies on how to ensure that the programs and services of the

Also, Lim congratulated the department are maximized. graduates for their efforts.

The LCP is a leadership capability

“I commend you all in succeeding intervention of the department for this endeavor despite and in spite the C/MAT leaders. It aims to improve hurdles you’ve encountered along their leadership and partnership your journey,” said Lim. skills and instill appropriate mental models through Bridging Leadership

“To our dear graduates, I hope Framework to effectively facilitate the that the things you’ve learned from operationalization of Convergence this program and institution will never Strategy in their respective municipality. be put in vain. We are hoping that you (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field grow individually and professionally Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery FSUU Biodiversity Informatics & Research Center (BIRC) Lecture-Seminar on Biodiversity & Origin of Southeast Asian Freshwater Snails & Shrimps Audio Visual Room (AVR) 2 FSUU, Butuan City 03 April 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

‘No 67-yr old individual included in 14 HIV new cases in Caraga,’ says DOH 13 chief By: Fryan E. Abkilan

BUTUAN CITY - A regional official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Caraga Region has denied the existence of a 67-year old Caraganon who was reportedly among the 14 new cases of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) recorded in December 2016 in the region.

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Regional News

DOH Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., in an interview, said that based on the December 2016 Disease Surveillance Report, 12 (86 percent) of the new cases were males with 25 years old as the youngest and 34 years old as the oldest.

“There is no report of a 67-year old Caraganon diagnosed with HIV per December 2016 data. If it were true, I should be the first one to know,” said Llacuna.

Llacuna, however, expressed concern and alarm over increasing numbers of individuals testing positive for HIV in the region.

Llacuna bared that, from January to December 2016, there were 95 HIV cases reported, 10.5 percent higher compared to the same period last year with 86 cases.

“This means that the 18-year old as youngest and 67-year old as oldest individuals stricken with HIV were based on the cumulative data in previous years and definitely not in the December 2016 report,” clarified Llacuna.

The reported modes of transmission were mostly through sexual contact with 333 cases.

Homosexual contact, at 164 (49 percent), was the predominant mode of sexual transmission. Most, about 92 percent or 309 cases, were still asymptomatic at the time of reporting, with Butuan City topping the cases in the region with 122, followed by Surigao del Sur with 64, and 60 for Agusan del Sur.

“We remain steadfast in our advocacy. DOH is giving free counseling and testing services for the HIV program. We assure that these services remain confidential. In

DOH Caraga data revealed that the event that individuals are tested from 1995 to December 2016, there positive for HIV, DOH will also provide were 335 HIV cases, with 27 reported the antiviral drugs for free. This, HIV-AIDS related deaths. however, is the management side of our HIV cases,” said Llacuna.

Overall, DOH Caraga data showed that the 25-34 years old (50.4 “We still strongly advocate for the percent) age group had recorded healthy practices against the disease: the most number of cases with 169, A-Abstinence, B-Be Faithful, C-Correct with 18 years old as the youngest and and consistent Condom use and 67 years old as the oldest. Most of the counseling incase of unhealthy sexual cases, 316 (94 percent), were males behaviors, and D-early Detection while 19 cases, or six percent, were through testing,” Llacuna added. females.

(FEA/DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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25 FEBRUARY - 03 March 2017

Regional News

Preparedness saves lives, mitigate damage to assets - DILG By: Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY - The Disaster Preparedness (DP) Committee of the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) – Region 13 (Caraga) chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminds the local government units (LGUs) to be on full force in disaster preparedness and readiness during its 1st Quarter Disaster Preparedness Committee Meeting on March 24, 2017 at Prince Hotel, this city.

DILG Caraga assistant regional director Donald A. Seronay emphasized that preparedness saves lives and mitigate damage to assets, which calls for the need of LGUs to comply with the disaster preparedness minimum standards set forth by the Department.

(TECF), Low Pressure Area (LPA) and heavy rains which caused flooding in the areas of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Butuan City aggravated by the earthquake in the province of Surigao del Norte, the Department is pushing every LGU to comply with the minimum standards of disaster preparedness, observe the

Having faced with several expedient utilization of the disaster disasters starting early this January, funds, and follow strictly the Operation from the Tail-End of the Cold Front L!STO protocols.

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Regional News

As Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness, the DILG takes the lead in ensuring that LGUs are fully equipped with the necessary skills and capability to face and survive hazards, as well as cope with the impact of disasters. Part of the meeting is the engagement of member agencies in Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Listong Pamayanan with the conduct of Community Drills by the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), Listong Pamilyang Pilipino by the Department

of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the reproduction of disaster risk reduction/climate change materials for advocacy and information campaign by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The meeting was attended by the Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (P/CDRRMOs), Local Resource Institutes (LRIs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and disaster preparedness member-agencies.

(DILG-Caraga/ PIA-Caraga)

RxBox paves new way for better health in Caraga By: Gabrielle Espinosa

BUTUAN CITY - Caraganons living in rural and remote areas can now have better access to the government’s healthcare services and can even get advice from healthcare experts across the country. This is all thanks to the RxBox Telehealth Device, a lifesaving health care technology that transforms the health information system of the country.

Through the partnership initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) together with the National Telehealth Center, UP Diliman College of Engineering, Advanced Science and Technology Institute, and the Department of Health (DOH), the RxBox aims to deploy the RxBox units in the remote areas across the

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25 FEBRUARY - 03 March 2017

country through a project called “Rollout of 1000 RxBox Telehealth Device in Selected Rural Health Centers in the Philippines”. This initiative is one among DOST’s efforts for a “Smarter Philippines.”

RxBox – “Real Life Experience in a Box”

Regional News

The RxBox is a multi-component program that can capture realtime electronic health data from the patients. It contains an electronic tablet connected to the medical apparatuses like the Blood Pressure Monitor, Pulse Oximeter, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Maternal Tocometer, Fetal Doppler and Temperature Sensor. The tablet is programmed to collect electronic health data from the built-in medical sensors attached to the apparatuses.

The simplified data immediately appears on the screen of the e-tablet once a patient is being examined through the apparatus, hence the real life experience.

Modernizing information system

the

health

More than its capacity to gather electronic health data from the patients, the RxBox technology has also introduced a novelty on the health information gathering system in rural and remote areas through a paperless medical record system. Once a patient has been examined, the real-time health data automatically stores in the information database of every patient through the program’s electronic medical record system, the Community Health Information Tracking System or CHITS.

Aside from providing a rich health information database, the system also allows the healthcare workers to instantly send the patient’s health information to health care specialists

across the country when the need arises for any further expert advice.

The CHITS model pioneers in the advancement of health information system in areas that are hardly reached by nurses, medical doctors and other medical specialists. Through providing easy access to specialists, better patient care and reduction of costs will be achieved in the long run.

RxBox in Caraga

A total of 55 RxBox units are scheduled for deployment to 52 remote areas all over the region. Municipal Health Officers, Nurses, Midwife and IT Staff who works at the municipalities of these areas will be trained on the operations and management of the RxBox unit prior to its deployment.

The areas prioritized will be given one RxBox unit, an additional central processing unit (CPU) and an internet router for the transmission of health data to healthcare experts.

Together with the Department of Health Caraga, the project has already conducted an orientation to the Provincial Health Officers. The RxBox team of Caraga gained a positive response and an all-out support from the local government units across the reigion. The Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Health continues to work hand-inhand in its aspiration to promote a healthier Caraga. (DOST-Caraga/PIACaraga)

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AGUSAN DEL NORTE

AgNor farmer-groups craft policy enhancement, credit guidelines under APCP By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY The Provincial Agrarian Reform Office of Agusan del Norte conducted training on Credit and Lending Policy Crafting and Enhancement for the leaders of five selected Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) from different agrarian reform communities in the province of Agusan del Norte held last March 16-17, 2017 here.

More than 60 participants consisted of coop leaders and officers participated in the training, which was designed to enhance the participants’ ability to manage credit operation.

Cooperative; and Tagbuyacan Farmers Marketing Cooperative.

The said five ARBOs are among the very few ARBOs who qualified the government credit program to agrarian

The five ARBOs included Rosario reform beneficiaries (ARBs) having the Agrarian Reform Cooperatives (RARC); capability to extend credit to their Jaguimitan Farmers Cooperative; members.

San Antonio Integrated Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative; Palmavera APCP Coordinator Luningning Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Buque-Ycoy said that the agency

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Provincial News intensifies its effort in evaluating proposal for credit to ARBs under the DAR’s Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Land Bank of the Philippines.

operation of the said cooperatives.

“The activity also assessed and reviewed the cooperative’s existing practices and how to address some problems they encountered related to credit and lending services to its

According to Luning Buque-Ycoy members,” Ycoy added. (DAR-Agusan that the activity is designed to formulate del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) a policy related to credit and lending

PSA to conduct consumer expectation survey in Agusan Norte, Surigao Norte BUTUAN CITY The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Caraga will conduct a consumer expectations survey (CES) on April 1 to 12, 2017 to the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

CES is a household-based survey on the consumers’ assessment of their family income, financial situation, and the economic condition of the country.

It is conducted on a quarterly basis and administered on a sample basis at the household level. The said survey is a

joint undertaking between the PSA and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The PSA’s responsibility is to undertake the data collection and encoding of the questionnaires while generation of tables and analysis of the

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Provincial News results for the BSP.

expenditures as well as their outlook on key economic indicators closely

It aims to provide a quick and monitored by the BSP such as inflation, regular assessment of the financial exchange rate and interest rates. condition of consumers and economic condition of the country at present and PSA assures the respondents in the near future, from the consumers’ that all information collected by the own viewpoints; to generate forecasts in hired Statistical Researchers from the the direction of the country’s economic sample households shall be kept strictly activity based on consumers’ outlook confidential and shall not be used for in the current quarter, next quarter and purposes of taxation, investigation or the next 12 months; and to provide quick regulation as provided under Article 55 and regular assessment of consumers’ of Republic Act 10625. (PSA-Caraga/ confidence in terms of their income and PIA-Caraga)

Agusan Norte helps neighboring province By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMC) recently extended help and support to the neighboring province of Agusan del Sur following heavy rains that hit the province and affected many families and individuals.

The province, through the Agusan del Norte PDRRMC, provided relief assistance and benefitted 722 affected families in the municipalities of Talacogon, Bunawan and La Paz.

family size mats and mosquito nets.

PDRRMO Chief Erma R. Suyo led the team in the delivery of relief goods coursed through the three MDRRMC OpCen of the respective municipality.

Aside from the relief assistance, (LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del 20 families in the municipality of La Paz Norte) were also provided with hygiene kits,

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

Negosyo Center in AgSur goes mobile, trains SLP PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - In partnership with the local government unit of Prosperidad, this province, the Negosyo Center (NC) Provincial Hub here has handled an off-site business training for beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of Barangay San Joaquin in Prosperidad early this month.

The training on Store Management and Warehousing was conducted to prepare beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who will soon be establishing a retailing business in the area under the guidance of LGU-Prosperidad’s Municipal Welfare Office headed by Monina Tanjay. NC-Agusan del Sur used the module on Business Expense and Savings Training (BEST) to help participants understand the basics of entrepreneurship, marketing, budgeting and understanding the value of savings.

“The training is significant for the beneficiaries to know techniques from business experts. I’m looking forward for the positive results of this activity, through high sales performance and possible business expansion in the future,” said Kagawad Delfin D. Columbrillo of Barangay San Joaquin representing Chairman Michael Nuñeza.

“We’ve learned a lot from this training and we want to learn more,” expressed Emelyn Oret, president of the SLP Association of San Joaquin during the feedback/open forum session. (DTIAgusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DAR Surigao Norte celebrates women’s month By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) joined the nation in celebrating the Women’s Month through a motorcade around the city streets last March 8, 2017, which also marked the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

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Also during the activity, DARSDN conducted a symposium to its personnel on Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 25 series of 2010, which details on the availment of special leave benefits for women under Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women. The symposium also dealt with empowerment of women.

“The topics being discussed anchored from the woman’s growth, boosting morale and self-mage.

Personally, I was encouraged to live positively in order to be an active driver in bringing positive changes in my life, in my family, in my workplace as well as in the community I live in,” said Debajo.

According to Jocelyn Debajo, one of the employees of DAR-SDN, the topics made her realize the real essence of being a woman.

The resource speakers were Lou Vanessa Bauson and Engr. Milagrosa B. Bulawan of DAR-SDN. (DAR-SDN/PIASurigao del Norte)

Provincial News

Military foils NPA attempt to ambush humanitarian mission convoy in Surigao Norte town SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte Army troopers conducting route security encountered the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in Barangay Jubgan, San Francisco, this province.

2Lt Jonel Castillo, spokesperson of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), said these soldiers were deployed to secure the humanitarian team convoy composed of the Army’s 30IB, Philippine Navy Naval Forces - Eastern Mindanao, Phil. Marine Reservists, Kiwanis Club members, LGU Malimono and Provincial Health Office personnel.

Dental and Relief Operations in commemoration of the Philippine Army’s 120th Founding Anniversary.

Castillo said the soldiers encountered the NPA rebels after the humanitarian team convoy has just finished the conduct of Medical-

“We are celebrating the Army’s 120th Anniversary by reaching out to the farthest Barangay of the province, we offered Medical and Dental Service

The humanitarian convoy was able to extract safely after the Route Security Team defended the convoy led by 30th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Rico Amaro.

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Provincial News to our countrymen, we also gave relief goods while these NPAs offer us nothing but bullets and landmines,” Castillo said.

morning. They have not changed at all. We are still looking for answers why are they doing these when it is our constituents from far flung areas that benefit from these activities,” Lt. Col.

“Last February while we were Amaro said. working and standing side by side to comfort our fellow Surigaonons “We will not be cowed, we traumatized by earthquake, they also will face all threats just to make sure ambushed our soldiers that delivered every Surigaonon is served by our relief goods on the same southernmost government,” Amaro added. (30IB, barangay where we came from this Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao Norte quake-hit barangays get emergency kit, equipment

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Silangan Mindanao Mining Corporation, Inc. (SMMCI) recently handed out life-saving emergency kit, equipment and canned goods to three remote barangays affected by the magnitude 6.7 that hit Surigao del Norte on February 10 this year.

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Provincial News

Barangays Tagbayani, Mayag and Gacepan in the municipality of Sison each received rechargeable megaphone, flashlights, emergency blanket, first-aid kit, rubber boots, raincoats, hard hat, whistle and a box of canned goods.

importance of donated equipment, saying these could used by their own rescue teams and speed up their own disaster response.

Silangan Safety Officer Prospero Jornales complemented the donated equipment through a short lecture on

Officials of the recipient the use of the kit equipment, as well as barangays expressed their gratitude on emergency response. to SMMCI. They pointed out that their villages are located in far-flung areas, The donated equipment and making the donations very essential kit were sourced out from Silangan during disasters. employees both in the head office and mine site. (SMMCI/PIA-Surigao del

Mayag Barangay Captain Norte) Cipriano Tigao, Jr. underscored the

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SURIGAO DEL SUR

SurSur town bags top MMK Award for Outstanding Coastal Community By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Cortes town, 30 kilometers north this city, “was chosen as the overall Champion” for the “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) National Search for Outstanding Coastal Community,” according to Dr. Juan Albaladejo, regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga.

At 2:30 p.m., today, March 7, than Mayor William Angos, would be 2017, an awarding ceremony is set to attending the special event to receive take place at Rizal Hall, Malacañang the prestigious award.

Palace, it was learned.

He likewise bared that due to the

Dennis Dueñas, Cortes Coastal recognition, the local government unit Resource Management Officer (LGU) was going to be rewarded the (CRMO), confirmed that 16 of them amount of P20M on top of the P2M coming from Cortes, headed by no less for besting other coastal communities

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Provincial News in the region besides another P2M as credit earned for “boat registration.”

All in all, Cortes would be getting P24M in cash, the CRMO pointed out.

making such feat was no easy task since effort to reach this point had been started way back two previous administrations—during the time of former Mayors Dennis Yu and Pete Trinidad.

He stressed that it was indeed a “tug-of war” between conventional ways like using “drag net” and scientific approach of fishing by enforcing the fishery laws until they became accustomed.

Gov. Vicente Pimentel, Jr. was also glad to learn about the feat, even saying that he was invited to attend the occasion. Torn between two equally important undertakings, he said that he had to give up the awarding ceremony at Malacañang, but made sure that somebody was Dueñas disclosed that upon going to take his place to represent learning about the national award, the provincial government.

Mayor Angos cried “tears of joy.”

(Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao

The town’s CRMO noted that del Sur)

SurSur administrator bares NPAs’ widespread extortion By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas here told Capitol employees on Monday that extortion activities by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels had already “gone very far.”

Citing Tandag City Mayor Alexander “Ayek” Pimentel as his source of information, the administrator said that even stall holders at the newly opened Tandag City Public Market had not been spared of the collection for revolutionary taxes.

milked regularly but even the poor folks in the countryside.

The provincial government here holds a flag ceremony program every Monday where every office under its arm has a turn to report any information,

Rivas, in passing, mentioned that updates or accomplishments. Last not only businesses here were being Monday, March 6, the Provincial

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Provincial News Accounting Office was the program against the rebels should any victim host and the administrator was called come out with a complaint. to give a message.

The provincial police chief also

In a separate interview, Mayor made a remark that this illegal act was Pimentel did not mince words in putting the rebels on the losing end as confirming about what he disclosed, they had already morphed themselves saying he was just airing the sentiments into criminals. of his constituents.

On the other hand, Col. Franco

If during the 80’s or 90’s, people Nemesio “Jojo” Gacal, 402nd Infantry here were giving out financial aid for Brigade commander based in the the rebels’ cause; to impose the same province, hailed Mayor Pimentel on the right now could be against their own exposé. volition or freewill, he explained.

The army official clarified that

In the meantime, Mayor not only did Mayor Pimentel brought Pimentel could only make a wish that out the matter during the “February 28 “revolutionary taxes” being imposed Peace Forum” here, he was also told must stop. He likewise said that should about what the rebels had been doing.

President Rodrigo Duterte give a green light for the peacetalks to resume, Gacal bared that stall holders at scrapping this levy must be included the Tandag City Public Market were among the main agenda. allegedly being taxed P50 on a daily basis. Like Mayor Pimentel, the brigade

When pressed about the extent commander believed that this activity of revolutionary taxes on businesses was being carried out provincein his city, the mayor quickly replied wide. In fact, Col. Gacal said that “all!” Worse, Pimentel pointed out that toll collection had been taking place businesses here had to pay taxes not “nationwide.” only for government but also for the rebels, stressing on what seemed to be He also said that it was good that “double taxation.” the issue was made public for it to be openly discussed.

This scheme was not only taking place in Tandag but province-wide, he Gacal agreed that if the leftist added. groups were indeed pro-people, they would surely turn away from taking

For PSSupt. Romaldo Bayting, advantage especially of the poor.

PNP provincial director here, his office (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao would always be ready to press charges del Sur)

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Photo Gallery 16th Special Forces Company (SFRA) Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 25 March 2017

36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion 4th INFANTRY (Diamond) Division Philippine Army “DSSP Kapayapaan” “PROJECT: ka-PALAY-apaan” Sitio Upper Mambago, Brgy. Dayoan Tago, Surigao del Sur 26 March 2017

HEALTH NEWS

Helping your workforce stay fit and healthy

Physical activity and exercise have been proven to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension.

Exercise and physical activity are integral in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases.

Most employees would like to eat better, exercise regularly and achieve

Companies who have a normal weight, but simply telling incorporated wellness program in their people to adopt a healthy lifestyle isn’t workplaces can attest to the truth that helpful. as they help their workers stay fit, they reap the cost savings, cut absenteeism Here are some tips to companies and boost productivity. that have not yet tried incorporating health and wellness activities in your

Workplace wellness programs company: can be as varied as possible.

1. Get the support and involvement of company leaders. If employees will

The key is to offer opportunities see that the management is supportive and incentives for employees to lead of the program, their likelihood to healthy lifestyles: eat healthy food, quit participate in the program is huge. smoking and be physically active.

2. Create a taskforce or ad-hoc

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Health News committee that will plan special events, promote employee participation and spread the news about health and wellness program.

3. Routine physical checkups among employees will increase employees’ awareness of their condition and inspire them to do something about their lifestyle. But be sure that they are aware of the results.

4. Monthly wellness lectures can educate employees on eating healthy, increasing physical activities, managing time and stress, and alcohol and smoking cessation.

5.Organize weight loss competitions, focusing more on lifestyle changes than cash incentives. This gives employees the motivation to participate and value the program.

6. Company wellness events like sports fest, fun run, or mini-Olympics, can be done quarterly or bi-annual.

Events like these will help create an environment that encourages regular physical activity.

7. A health club will encourage more employees to participate because it is accessible.

8. Make available information packages such as brochures and posters on food and nutrition to employees. You may also want to publish a company cookbook to which employees can contribute their favorite healthy recipes.

9. Provide incentives for achieving goals such as healthy behaviors and weight. This can be by way of extra time for walking, discounts on health care premiums or even days off from

work.

10. If funding support is not a problem, corporate health club memberships offered by fitness centers where discounted rates may be given to a number of employees.

Remember, creating this healthy environment does not have to involve significant or expensive changes.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 8373164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

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

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MINDANAO NEWS

U.S. gov’t commits support for development in Mindanao

BUTUAN CITY – In account to the vibrant economic relationship of the United States (U.S) and the Republic of the Philippines, U.S. Ambassador Sung Y. Kim conveyed the U.S. government’s wholehearted support to the country with emphasis on the commitment to Mindanao development.

Ambassador Kim had a friendly and productive meeting with Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Davao City on Monday.

They discussed the extensive bilateral

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partnership over the years as well as cooperation on counterterrorism, child protection, piracy, and economic development in Mindanao.

The ambassador highlighted U.S.-

Mindanao News on, Roll-off, or RO-RO, nautical highway.

On April 30, the route will connect the cities of Davao and General Santos to Bitung in the Sulawesi Island of Indonesia. This accomplishment will help U.S. and Philippine businesses operating in Mindanao increase their exports at great savings.

Philippine partnerships in the region that strengthen the local economy and promote peace and stability.

The ambassador also shared a few concrete examples of the close business ties between U.S. companies and Mindanao. Demand from U.S. clients generates an estimated 40,000 well-paying BPO jobs in Mindanao.

Cargill, a U.S. agricultural corporation, exports P7.5 billion worth of coconut oil every year, much of which comes from Mindanao, supporting tens of thousands of Mindanao farmers.

Together with its partners Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and BASF, Cargill has trained more than 1,000 coconut farmers since 2011 on improving agricultural practices. As a result, 300 small farmers from the region have been certified to produce the world’s first Rainforest Alliance certified copra, raising their incomes by 15 percent.

Also, in honoring Women’s History Month, ambassador Kim highlighted the Embassy’s U.S. Agency for International Development funding for a project of training women to weave nets that stop erosion and landslides along the roadways in Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur.

For more on U.S. government programs in Mindanao and across

The U.S. government has the Philippines, visit ph.usembassy. pledged more than P3.5 billion for gov or on Facebook account at www. dozens of projects in Mindanao over facebook.com/manila.usembassy/. the next few years, including the Roll- (U.S. Embassy/PIA-Caraga)

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NATIONAL NEWS

Peace talks resume between GPH and CPP-NPA-NDF

NOORDWIJK - Officials of the embassy of Norway warmly welcomed here delegates of the government and representatives of the CPP-NPA-NDF for the fourth round of talks set to start today meant to address the root causes of the armed conflict. Norway is the third party facilitator of the talks since 2001. The Norwegian peacemakers are led by Ambassador Elizabeth Slattum.

Both parties are expected to discuss the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), considered as

30

the heart and soul of the peace negotiations. The parties will also attempt to hammer out the finer points of a ceasefire agreement to be

National News undertaken jointly by the government Fidel Agcaoili and NDF chief political and the CPP-NPA-NDF. consultant Jose Ma. Sison. Among the top level delegates of the CPP/NPA/

To underscore his sincerity, NDF are the couple Benito and Wilma President Duterte has ordered fast Tiamzon as well as Luis Jalandoni. tracking of all government programs and projects to address the root Former DAR Secretary Hernani causes of the discontent regardless of Braganza supervises the CASER the pace and status of the peace talks. Committee for the government Admittedly, development programs panel. Other panel members are and projects can be implemented former COMELEC Commissioner Rene faster if the danger to workers and the Sarmiento, Atty. Angela Trinidad and community is removed by a ceasefire. Atty. Antonio Arellano.

The government delegation is led

by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and Chief Negotiator Secretary Silvestre Bello III while the rebel group is represented by NDF chief negotiator

The talks are slated from April 2-6, 2017 at Radisson Blue Palace Hotel here, about 35 minutes from Amsterdam.

(OPAPP)

BOI approves P35.2M footwear export project MAKATI - The Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the application for registration of Holdsun Philippines, Inc. (HPI)’s P35.2 million footwear export project.

31

National News

Approved by the BOI as a new export producer of footwear under the export activity of the current Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), HPI will produce 2.5 million pairs of footwear in its manufacturing facility in Antipolo City, Rizal and will annually source its imported raw materials from China and other Asian countries. The company will export at least 50 percent of its production to established brands in Europe, especially in Italy, Germany and France.

The footwear manufacturing facility is now gearing for full operations with installation of machinery and equipment already completed.

Training of workers and trial-run operations are currently ongoing and commercial operations will start March 2017. The project will employ more than 300 employees in its initial year of operations and expected to double by 600 in the second year.

“Apart from the project’s big boost to the country’s footwear exports which we take pride for quality and craftsmanship, we see this project as a significant employment generator as workers for the manufacturing facility is expected grow by the double in just two years, providing more job opportunities for many,” said Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo.

The country’s footwear exports reached US$48.9 million in 2016, a 47.6 percent growth from US$33.1 million

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in 2015, according to figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Sports and special use footwear presently dominate the country’s export output.

Orthopedic shoes and leather footgear are also among the footwear products under these categories.

Domestic footwear manufacturers are usually dispersed in the country but a majority of the main players are located in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and the CALABARZON area.

Most of them are usually small and medium enterprises with a few large firms. These firms manufacture leather and non-leather footwear products including sports footgear, special use shoes, sandals, slippers and footwear accessories. Some of these firms are able to maintain licensing agreements of foreign branded shoes. (BOI)

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