Caraga InFocus - March 04-10, 2017

CONTENTS REGIONAL NEWS

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Caraga gender, development council strategizes for full utilization of GAD fund 60 HRM studs, faculty join food safety awareness seminar Caraga women more courageous, empowered NEDA 13 chief RIACAT-VAWC intensifies monitoring on human trafficking in Caraga Social Pension serves 93,448 indigent SCs in Caraga

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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AgSur town receives P1.5-M BuB fund for OTOP Store Express Negosyo Center in AgSur town does business strategizing SSS reaches out to quake victims in Surigao City NFA releases rice for quake victims in Surigao Norte

Volume 1, No. 49 04 - 10 March 2017

COVER When pipe dreams become reality

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HEALTH NEWS

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Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months urged

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PH and Japan to cooperate on Mindanao power priorities

MINDANAO NEWS

1 soldier wounded in Surigao Norte clash Feature: Lift of faith Feature: Behind CRAM 2017: An expression of gratitude

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SurSur LGUs extend financial aid to Surigao quake victims DTI Agusan Norte issues investment scam advisory Mandatory segregation of waste imposed in AgNor Senator Pimentel sends aid to Agusan Norte town

NATIONAL NEWS

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PPP Center spells out projects, boasts faster approvals DOLE, IOM ink pact for enhanced reintegration program for OFWs

News Briefs DAR Agusan del Norte PARPO Andre Atega said, the project ConVERGE under the IFAD framework aimed to increase agricultural productivity & promote marketing for abaca fiber industry through value-chain enhancement for certain crops and products of the farmers in TUJAKITSAN cluster (Tubay, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Santiago) in Agusan del Norte.

The Department of Trade and Industry Caraga & its partner agencies/stakeholders recognized the successful women entrepreneurs for this year International Women’s Day Celebration held in Butuan City. Their perseverance is truly instrumental in improving their line of business.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Caraga Regional Office allotted P2.3 Million for the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

Cover Story

When pipe dreams bec

“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good th By: April Mae N. Waban and Marko Davey D. Reyes

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magine what daily life would be without easy access to clean drinking water. When you have to wake up before sunrise every morning and spend almost an hour treading a muddy, perilous trail just to get to the nearest water source.

And then, carry the gallons of murky water that you fetched from an opKalahi-CIDSSen dug well all the way back to your homes to serve to your loved ones for daily consumption. You probably would not even count the times they have suffered of stomach pain and diarrhea from drinking contaminated water. But you have no choice; you have to live with what you got. This may be a dreadful scenario to think of but for many remote communities in the country, this is the problem that they face every single day.

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come reality

hing ever dies.”- Stephen King

mag inom ug tubig na gikan sa balon.

Kung walay ulan, wala miy mabuhat kundi mag antos ug inom sa tubig nga gikan sa balon unya manglain among tiyan (Our only source of water here is a deep well. During prolonged dry season, we pray for rain. That is because the people here could no longer endure drinking water from the well.

If it does not rain, we have no choice but to settle for the water from the well which causes stomach discomforts),” Anthony shares.

For 58 year-old Anthony Encabo and other residents of Sitio Bagong Silang, Santa Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur, this is their sad reality. Access to clean, cheap, readily available water is something of a distant dream for the

Despite these overwhelming community. challenges, the people in the village continued to live in the area because for Their long-time dream them it was where they found “home”.

Sitio Bagong Silang is one of the far- For Anthony, who has relocated in the flung puroks of Barangay Santa Maria place in 2008, it was where he found located at the boundaries of Surigao refuge after being shattered by grief del Sur and Agusan del Sur. Reaching from losing his twin children. He, along the area from the poblacion would with other residents, have always hoped take you more than an hour of and dreamed that one day, things will bumpy habal-habal ride through some become better in their community. rough roads. In fact, a back and forth trip to the community costs around Anthony’s “never give up” spirit P1,500 because only few vehicles Determined to get what they venture there since the road is rugged and the terrain is difficult. People in the have been yearning for years, the area would often tend to buy for their community sought the help of their consumption in bulks, enough to last a barangay officials. However, with the month. This is one of the reasons which limited budget of their barangay local hampers the growth and development government unit, there would not be of Bagong Silang. They are deprived enough resources to finance a water of even the basic necessities such system project that would address their as electricity and most importantly needs. potable water.

Upon learning that their water

“Ang among makuhaan ug tubig system project was not plausible at dinhi balon lang. Kung magtaas ang that moment, most people in the init, kami mangandoy jud ug ulan. Kay community became discouraged. Their ang mga tao dinhi dili na ka agwanta hopes were like that of a candle they lit

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through their nights with its flame slowly dying and burning out, succumbing to the dark. Most people in Sitio Bagong Silang thought that their dreams will never be a reality but not Anthony.

chose him to become their Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson.

He refused to give up and still held on his hopes and dreams for his community. He never let their circumstances dampen his spirit. He encouraged and led his community in finding ways and means where they can voice out their needs. An opportunity came when Kalahi-CIDSS came to their municipality in 2015.

However, many others were still not convinced of the program because they have seen several organizations and politicians in general who came with promises to raise their hopes up only to smash it with disappointments because these organizations and politicians fail to deliver their commitments. This was evident during their preparations for the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF). The MIBF is an event wherein Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteers and local officials gather to collectively analyze local poverty conditions. The representatives of each barangay will present their proposed solutions before a selection board on prioritization of projects determined through the criteria agreed upon by the barangays. Raquel Dagatan, Project Implementation Team (PIT) chairperson and Rebecca Sortones, Barangay Representation Team (BRT) chairperson remembered how they were ridiculed by people who thought that their efforts will just be futile in the end.

Kalahi-CIDSS or the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Services is one of the programs of the national government implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It utilizes the Community-Driven Development (CDD) strategy, a globally recognized approach geared towards achieving a more inclusive development wherein communities are empowered and given the opportunity to identify projects that will address their most urgent needs and implement these development projects themselves.

Anthony saw Kalahi-CIDSS as an avenue where the community will finally be able to realize their water system project that is why he became a volunteer for the program.

He was able to persuade a number of people in his village to join him in becoming a volunteer. With the kind of leadership and persistence Anthony has demonstrated, the community

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Persistence despite resistance

“Kadtong magpatawag ug meeting sa una, magsige ug ingon ang uban na sayang-sayang lang daw sa ilang oras. Mao tong dili na sila muapil kay nagtuo sila na dili jud mi mahatagan ug project (When we call for a meeting before, others would say that it was just a waste of their time. That is why they

do not attend because they believed and other volunteers continued to that we will never be given a project),” work hard and complied with all the Raquel recalls. requirements needed-from problem identification to proposals.

“Ang uban mangatawa gane kay siguro ilang huna-huna dili matuman From dreams to reality ang amung pangandoy na proyekto.

Pero akong huna-huna, wala man sad Indeed, all hard work never goes mawala kung muapil ko ani. Para sa ako, in vain as during the MIBF, Sitio Bagong mas maayo na naa kay mabuhat para Silang was among the barangays maipaabot imung panginahanglanon chosen for prioritization of which their (Others would even laugh at us projects will be funded through Kalahiperhaps because they thought we will CIDSS. The community especially never attain the project that we have the volunteers rejoiced because the dreamed of. But I thought, I would lose project that will address one of their nothing if I join this. For me, it is better needs will finally be realized. It was a that you did something to speak out surreal moment for Anthony, who was your needs),” Rebecca adds. one of the people who have worked the hardest to push through the project.

Despite all the criticisms they got In fact, he was so overwhelmed with joy from cynics of the program, Anthony that during the lay-outing of their sub-

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emotions today. Now, we can clearly perceive the fulfilment of our greatest dream to have potable water. I thank KalahiCIDSS for providing projects that is appropriate for the needs of the barangay),” Anthony says.

The water system sub-project is just one of the answers to the needs of the community of Sitio Bagong Silang. They still need electricity and improve their road condition to jumsptart development.

But unlike before, the community is more hopeful than ever that these needs will soon one by one be addressed. For Anthony, he believes that determination and faith in God are the keys for the realization of one’s dreams.

project, he was moved to tears.

“Dili nako mapugngan ang akong gibati karon na adlaw. Nakita na nga klaro na natubag ang amung pinaka damgo na magkatubig. Salamat sa Kalahi sa paghatag sa proyekto na haom sa paningahanglanon sa barangay (I could not control my

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“Kung naa kay gusto, mulihok ka ug ipaabot jud nimo kung unsa imung panginahanglanon. Dapat dili dapat mawad-an ug paglaom nga naay mudungog sa imung problema. Kailangan mag agwanta lang jud ug salig sa Ginoo nga dunggon niya inyong pag ampo (If you want something, you should work for it and voice out your needs. You should never lose hope that someone will hear your problems. You should endure and trust in God that He will answer your prayers),” Anthony shares. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery Butuan City’s 1st Meat-Cutting Plant Blessing 09 March 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga gender, development council strategizes for full utilization of GAD fund

By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY – For a more enhanced and effective implementation of programs through appropriate utilization of gender and development fund, the Caraga Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) sub-committees have identified specific objectives, activities and budgetary requirements that would address the issues on gender and poverty, violence against women and children (VAWC), gender and health and environment.

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Regional News

During the 90th Caraga Regional Development Full Council Meeting held on Thursday, here, RGADC chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang disclosed before the body its 2017 work and financial plans, underlining the institutionalization of GAD and gender and governance.

“In terms of uses of GAD fund, it appears that much can still be done and achieved if we entirely put to use it. By identifying several issues, we found out that only 64 percent of provinces and 40 percent of cities have GAD code; only few women have an access to women-economic opportunities; there’s a low level of awareness of VAWC; and even crisis of masculinity and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) require for more attention and action,” reckoned Bacang.

These concerns propelled the council to figure out specific undertakings such as conduct of orientation/reorientation seminarworkshop on gender and sensitivity, information caravan on gender and development, formulation of GAD code during Sanggunian sessions, creation of technical working group (TWG) that will provide technical assistance to local government units in drafting their GAD code, conduct of women’s summit, creation of compendium of income generating

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opportunities of all member agencies, enhanced information dissemination, partnership with non-government organization (NGO), livelihood assistance to female inmates/VAWC victims, monitoring of functionality of barangay VAWC desks, tap Commission on Population to conduct seminar on “Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA)”, motivating voluntary counseling and testing, parent education seminar through general parents and teachers association (GPTA).

“Certainly, we would also continue our regular GAD activities and meetings. In fact, we stay active in participating for the yearly observance of the Women’s Month Celebration wherein several lined-up activities will be joined not only by women but with men as well,” enunciated Bacang.

(VLG/PIA-Caraga)

Regional News

60 HRM studs, faculty join food safety awareness seminar By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – With the aim to increase awareness on food safety and improve food quality in Caraga region, the Caraga Food Safety Team (CFST) with the support of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently conducted a food safety awareness seminar here.

According to Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez of Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) Winrock, the seminar was attended by some 60 hotel and restaurant management students and faculty from the four higher education institutions of the city.

The seminar focused on food safety fundamentals, including the five keys in food safety, proper food storage, food poisoning and common food safetyrelated ailments was tacked by Perla Alviso, Food and Drug regulation officer and regional supervisor of the Food and Drug Administration Caraga regional field office, Rodriguez said.

During the event, Jim Oprecio, deputy chief of party of PCCP cited the importance of the seminar to the students and members of the academe because they have the capability to reecho the information to others, can be in school or within the households.

Orprecio also said that PCCP’s aim is to ensure that food that are bought and consumed in households and commercial food establishments are safe, and of good quality. This is in keeping with USDA’s mission to set standard practices for food, nutrition and agriculture best on sound public policy, best available science and efficient management.

The seminar is part of an ongoing Food Safe Caraga campaign that involves a training program for meat vendors and meat shop operators, and massive information, education and communications campaign on food safety in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and Philippine Information Agency, Rodriguez said.

The seminar was conducted by PCCP and the CFST in partnership with the Department of Tourism. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Regional News

Caraga women more courageous, empowered - NEDA 13 chief By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – “Women of today are becoming courageous and empowered, as majority of the women in the region already know how to fight for their rights, and the number of women leaders are increasing, and are involved in elective posts.”

This was the statement of regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Carino of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga in the press conference on 2017 Women’s Month celebration held recently at their regional office here, along with other member agencies of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) under the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Carino also emphasized that women in the country are better educated.

She added that in Caraga, women organizations in the different barangays

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are also striving hard to learn more and be able to enhance their knowledge and skills, as more of them are getting involved in entrepreneurship and even in politics.

The good director also expressed her optimism that more women will be able to stand independently with dignity in their respective field of work, career, business endeavors.

Carino further encouraged everyone to support the women and make change work for women. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Regional News

RIACAT-VAWC intensifies monitoring on human trafficking in Caraga By: Regal C. Oribia

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) guaranteed to intensify the monitoring on human trafficking in the region.

During the press conference held on Wednesday here, Jessie Catherine Aranas of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga said that human trafficking is one of the most trending cases in the region but due to the intensified awareness campaign of the RIACAT, there was a significant decrease of human trafficking cases in Caraga from 82 cases in 2015 to 42 cases in 2016.

Accordingly, the students are the most vulnerable in human trafficking, so they came up with a plan of conducting series of seminars and

awareness campaign on child sexual abuse prevention. The committee encourages the Caraganons to report to the rightful authority of any incidents involving human trafficking.

Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director and Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC) chair Atty. Jerefe Bacang said that human trafficking is considered a serious case under Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act if the victims are women and children. (RCO/VLG/NCLM/PIACaraga)

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Regional News

Social Pension serves 93,448 indigent SCs in Caraga

By: Abegail R. Alvarez

BUTUAN CITY - A total of 93,448 indigent senior citizens benefitted the Social Pension program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga in its 2016 implementation covering the 73 local government units (LGUs) in the region. This number includes replacement beneficiaries from 1st to 4th quarter.

With this, the Department disbursed a total amount of P496,590,000 for the said program.

Sarah Rose Salingay, focal person of Social Pension, said that DSWD exceeded its target of 82,765 beneficiaries to be served at the end of the year. “This proves that the department is effectively and efficiently implementing the program that aims

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to help the poor senior citizens through cash assistance every quarter,” said Salingay.

“However, it’s still our challenge this year for the remaining LGUs to adopt the Transfer of Funds. That’s why, we will continue lobbying to the LGUs and conduct orientation about the advantage of the said scheme,” she added.

Regional News

The transfer of funds scheme strategize that the Department downloads the money directly to the LGUs account to fast track the disbursement of money during the schedule payout. The disbursement process will be the responsibility of the respective LGUs, but the payroll preparation will be done in the region to ensure no alterations of the list and the eligible beneficiaries will receive the pension.

As of this time, there are 60 LGUs out of 73 had engaged to transfer of funds scheme, thus only 13 LGUs are implementing the direct payment/ cash advance mode of payment.

This year, the department targets a total of 100,000 beneficiaries in the region. It means that more indigent senior citizens aged 60 years old and above will benefit the said program as on the commitment of the new administration.

DSWD Caraga OIC-Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim said that the DSWD will coordinate with LGUs to submit their waitlist and delist report duly signed by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, and Local Chief Executive.

Another accomplishment last year is the development of the Social Pension Information System (SPInS) by the RSPU. This system was created to establish a database of the program where information are stored and readily available to the stakeholders.

Social Pension is a program of DSWD intended for the indigent senior citizens aged from 60 and above who are frail/sickly and with no pension either from SSS, GSIS, PVAO and other insurance companies. The beneficiaries receive P500 every month, which are distributed every quarter. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery PDRA Meeting for LPA & Surigao Earthquake Aftershock 06 March 2017

Commission on Population Women’s Month Celebration Press Conference

PopCom Caraga Regional Office, Butuan City 10 March 2017

AGUSAN DEL SUR

AgSur town receives P1.5-M BuB fund for OTOP Store Express

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – The Talacogon town of this province will soon establish a One-Town-One-Project (OTOP) Store Express, a facility that will introduce their local products to a wider market.

The project is under the BottomUp-Budgeting (BuB) fund with a total amount of P1.5-Million.

DTI Agusan del Sur OIC-provincial director Brenda Corvera released the funds to Vice Mayor Rodolfo Bosque, who received the check in behalf of Municipal Mayor Jesryl Masendo of the local government unit (LGU) of Talacogon. This was a side event during the recently concluded Negosyo

Center-Talacogon Stakeholders Meeting.

The project, which will be managed by the LGU is expected to facilitate marketing of local products and encourage local producers to increase production, enhance quality and get more buyers to be able to hit bigger sales. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAAgusan del Sur)

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Provincial News

Negosyo Center in AgSur town does business strategizing

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – The Negosyo Center (NC) in San Francisco, this province has been doing business strategizing to further enhance the business skills of women leaders from the different barangay women associations here.

Guidance in planning, how to increase income, maximize utilization of shared service facility (SSF) and give more salaries to workers are just some of the needs expressed by the Women’s Association of San Francisco Agusan del Sur, Inc. (WASFADSI), a beneficiary of an SSF on catering funded under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BuB) program coursed through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

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Facilitated by Cora de le Pena, NC - San Francisco Center Manager, the association was able to formulate a detailed business model canvas and revenue plan for 2017. The resource person also shared her inputs on financial literacy to address participants’ questions regarding savings and debts. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

SURIGAO DEL NORTE

SSS reaches out to quake victims in Surigao City

By: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Social Security System (SSS) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility conducted relief operations dubbed “SSS Cares” on Feb. 23 at Barangay Washington, this city.

A total of 900 families of members magnitude earthquake that hit the city and pensioners of the Social Security on February 10 were assisted during System (SSS) affected by the 6.7 the said relief operations.

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Provincial News

In his message, Senior Vice President for Mindanao Operations Group Eddie A. Jara thanked the beneficiaries of the relief operations for trusting SSS in handling their savings for retirement.

Also, Assistant Vice President for Media Affairs Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian announced that soon SSS will offer three types of calamity relief assistance such as a Calamity Loan, House Repair and Improvement Loan and advance three-month pension to members and pensioners affected by the earthquake.

Present during the said relief operations were SVP for Administration Group May Catherine C. Ciriaco, SSS Surigao Branch Head Jose Roel

J. Herbieto, SSS Tandag Branch Head Benigno J. Dagani, Jr., VP for Management Services and Planning Division Eleonora Y. Cinco, VP for Northern Mindanao Division Edwin M. Alo, SVP for Information Technology Management Group, AVP for Branch Systems and Procedures Gloria Y. Cuisia, AVP for Engineering Maintenance Department Edwin B. Maliwat, SSS Butuan Branch Head Antonio G. Fabia, OIC for Corporate Communications Department Sonia M. Guinto and AVP for Media Affairs Department Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian.

SSS senior officials were in Surigao from Feb. 23-24 for the regional visit in the area to address the needs of its branch, employees and stakeholders.

(SSS/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

NFA releases rice for quake victims in Surigao Norte SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The National Food Authority (NFA) has released 200 bags of rice requested by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte for its relief operations after the 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit the province on Feb. 10, 2017.

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Provincial News

“It is one of the mandates of NFA to provide rice to calamity-stricken area within 23 hours from the occurrence of a calamity or emergency,� NFA Administrator Jason Laureano Y. Aquino said.

positioned in its warehouses in Caraga, sufficient to supply the rice consumption requirements of the region for more than two weeks. NFA has also sufficient rice inventory nationwide at 8,881.612 bags, as of February 10, 2017.

The NFA has a standing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with various relief agencies. Under the said MOA, LGUs can withdraw rice from NFA anytime during calamities and emergencies.

After the quake, NFA market monitoring teams were immediately deployed to assess the rice supply and price situation in the market.

The NFA Regional Office in Caraga is also coordinating with other local government units, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), and other relief agencies for further issuance of rice for distribution to affected families and those in the evacuation centers.

The teams were also instructed to inspect NFA accredited rice retail outlets to ensure that affordable government rice is readily available and accessible to the consuming public especially those in affected areas of the province.

Based on the reports of the NFA monitoring teams, prevailing market price of commercial rice remains stable in spite of the declaration of the city under the state of calamity.

Aquino assured that NFA has (NFA-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao enough rice stock in the region with more del Norte) than 232,000 bags of rice strategically

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Provincial News

1 soldier wounded in Surigao Norte clash SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – A soldier was wounded and civilian properties damaged after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels allegedly blasted one improvised explosive device (IED) in Tinago, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, 9:30 a.m.

Monday.

The soldiers under the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army encountered the rebels after they responded to complaints by civilians over the alleged harassment and extortion activities of the NPA in the community.

Lieutenant Colonel Rico Amaro, 30IB commanding officer, identified the wounded soldier as 2Lt. Daniel F. De Guzman.

the Netherlands, which prohibits the stockpiling of explosives inside or near the vicinity of community as it will endanger the lives of the civilians,” said LTC Amaro.

“We will continuously intensify our anti-extortion drive against these communist terrorists. As what I had promised to the residents of Malimono.

We will not allow anymore the NPA to conduct extortion activity, harassment and other forms of atrocities not only in Malimono but in whole province of Surigao del Norte,” Amaro added.

“This is another violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which Pursuit operation is ongoing to was the only document duly signed by apprehend the terrorist group. (30IB, the GPH and the NDF at the Hague, Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Photo Gallery RIACAT-VAWC Caraga Special Meeting

Hotel Luciana, Butuan City 10 March 2017

Caraga Regional MultiSectoral Forest Protection Committtee Meeting

DENR Training Center, Butuan City 10 March 2017

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Lift of faith

By: Liza Guingguing

The Philippines tops worldwide in different aspects of life. From the ray of beauty pageants, melodic showcase of voices and dancing prowess to sports. Filipinos are being dredge up for the honor and pride they determinedly convey to their country.

One of them is Hidilyn Diaz, a 25 year-old Filipina who bagged Silver Medal in women’s 53kg weightlifting category in Rio Olympics 2016. Filipinos famed her triumph as the first Filipino woman Olympic medalist. With this pride she brought the country, she was given honors as First Class Airwoman of the Philippine Air Force.

where she was accommodated to grace the opening of the 20th Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM), she expressed that all she ever wanted was her parent’s attention and love to get through struggles. Growing up, however, she noticed that her parents played favorites among them. She would always be asked to do household chores even though she had an older

But before she got her moment sibling who could occasionally handled in a superstardom, she was just a small them. town girl full of aspirations. Born on February 20, 1991 in a small village of With CRAM Media and Publicity Zamboanga City, her childhood was Committee, she continued that despite just as interesting as every other child; the difficulties, she braved her way however, she was not excused from towards her biggest dreams and made the challenges in life. poverty as her greatest motivation to shine in her passion. Inspired by her

In a short, conversation with her at cousin, Hidilyn utilized homemade the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, Tandag City, barbells made of pipes and concrete

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Provincial News weights for her trainings. As she began to complete and succeed in weightlifting, a number of sponsors flocked to donate barbells and costumes. Her sport did not only give her credit and respect but also significantly helped her financially, helping her finish her studies.

Hidilyn’s presence in the CRAM 2017 kick off ceremony led the Caraga Athletes to a realization that the way to success comes through hardwork, determination and sacrifice. For this celebrated weightlifter, all it takes is a lift of faith. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Behind CRAM 2017: An expression of gratitude By: Liza Guingguing

The success of Caraga Regional Athletic Meet (CRAM) 2017 in Tandag City can be attributed to the confidence and motivation from the prime movers of the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office led by the Dr. May B. Eclar; likewise the highly capable and spirited CRAM Technical Working Group, to the support and willpower of the front-runners of the 12 participating divisions, provinces and cities. More so, for the exemplary coordination in bringing together the people of the host province, city and divisions.

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Provincial News

Together, all have opened a new chapter of the sporting history of Caraga Region as well as showcased to the country the appeal as sports capital.

The participation of all has promoted the spirit of solidarity. The games have become not just an important event in the regional sports calendar but also a platform for friendship and cultural exchanges across the region.

At this moment when the flame is about to extinguished, it is but fitting to give due credit and recognition to the inter-agency tasking deeply rooted from the strong leadership of Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. and his working associates, Tandag City Mayor Alexander T. Pimentel, Representative of First District Prospero A. Pichay and Representative of the Second District Johnny T. Pimentel.

enough essentials. In addition, Police Officers, Personnel from Philippine Army, Fire Marshals, Waste Management Incharge, CAT Officers, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, Medical Team, private Contributors are visible all over Tandag specially in the different sporting areas.

The officiating officials who ensured the fair and smooth conduct of the games; the working Committee on Finance, Souvenir Program, Ground Preparation, Publicity/Media/ Communication, Billeting Facilities, Playing Venues, ID’s of Athletic Delegation, Athletic Equipment/ Procurement of Sports Materials, Technical Assistance, General Services, Security, Peace and order, Medical, Dental, Sanitation, and Emergency Preparedness, Transportation, Prizes, Trophies, and Awards, Upkeep of

From its opening salvo, to the daily sporting activities, all the people behind are in full gear to see to it that everything is in place. Their hard work is remunerated by the capability of the Steering Committee composed of the Schools Division Superintendents of Surigao del Sur, Dr. Marilou B. Dedumo, CESO V and Tandag City, Dr. Gregoria T. Su, PESS and Education Supervisors and other Division Personnel.

From this strong partnership, yields the excellence-motivated services of the people who worked in the field.

One of SurSur’s brand of hospitality is making sure that all are properly billeted, welcomed and supplied with

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Grandstand and other Playing Venues, Usherettes, Grand and Oval Parade, Inspectorate, Mass and Church Services, Corsage/Leis and Tokens, Lightning Facilities, Sound System, Water Facilities, Guests Accommodation, Flagpoles,

Provincial News Strings, Torch, and Banners, Welcome Signage, Signs and Tarpaulins, Stage Decoration, Program Hosting, Food and Refreshment, Mass Field Demonstration and Chorale/Ceremonial Cutting of Ribbon have remarkably shown their best shot to make sure that all of the planned activities and preparations will be realized.

well as the nobility of these seemingly modern day heroes whose noble acts may not have been printed on books but are the best imprinted on the head, hand and heart of these promising athletes.

Truly, the people who worked collectively behind CRAM 2017 are the wind beneath the wings of these

The whole CRAM endeavor determined athletes as they soar higher reveals not just the sports aptitude of in their quest of fulfilling their sports the young Caraganon athletes but as potentials. (DepEd/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

SurSur LGUs extend financial aid to Surigao quake victims

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The provincial government of Surigao del Sur and 11 municipalities and Bislig City are giving P800,000 in financial assistance to earthquake victims in Surigao del Norte.

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Provincial News

Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officer Abel de Guzman said, the financial support was turned-over last Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 to the identified local government units and received by their respective local DRRM officers.

government of Bislig.

The municipality of San Francisco, Surigao del Norte also received a financial assistance worth P350,000.00 from the municipalities of Hinatuan (P30,000), Bayabas (P20,000), Lianga (P20,000), Cagwait (P20,000), Lanuza (P50,000), Lingig (P50,000), Marihatag

Based on the report, the provincial (P30,000), San Miguel (P100,000), and government of Surigao del Norte Tago (P30,000). received a total of P350,000 from the provincial government of Surigao del Meanwhile, Carrascal DRRM Sur (P300,000) and municipalities of officer Kresta Mae Pa-as said the Cantilan (P30,000) and San Agustin municipality of Carrascal thru mayor (P20,000).

Vicente Pimentel III has extended relief goods to 800 families of barangay

The city government of Surigao, Lipata in Surigao City amounting to on the other hand, received a financial P378,000. (PIA-Surigao del Sur) support worth P100,000 from the city

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Photo Gallery International Women’s Day Celebration Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8 March 2017

Surigao del Norte 9 March 2017

AGUSAN DEL NORTE

DTI Agusan Norte issues investment scam advisory By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office has released an advisory on the investment scam that circulates and victimizing people.

According to DTI provincial director Gay A. Tidalgo, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has received verified reports that there are companies who were not authorized to solicit investments operating in the different areas of the country.

These companies include SUREADZ/SUREADZ. J.I. Joe Marketing,

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7 Seals Trading and FAZCOIN Marketing Services. Reportedly, they are engaged in illegal solicitation of investment by enticing the public to invest in its Revenue Profit Shares/Revenue Shares Investment and Hybrid Marketing Compensation Plan for a minimum amount of P1,000 or up to P1 million.

Per SEC verification, the said

Provincial News companies are not authorized to solicit investments from the public, as these entities did not secure prior registration and/or license or permit to solicit investments from the Commission as required under Section 8.1 of the Securities and Regulation Code.

The said companies promises a 100 percent return/profit upon maturity date or expiration of term of either 60day term, 45-day term or 30-day term as preferred by the investor plus 10 percent commissions at the end of the term.

Tidalgo advises the public to stop investing and recruiting other people to

invest money into such scheme and to take necessary precautions in dealing with the above-named entities and their representatives.

Tidalgo further said that those who invite or recruit other people to join or invest in this venture or other investment contracts or securities to the public might be held criminally liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized.

For more information, you may call SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension Office at telephone numbers (088) 857 4235 or 857 7225 or DTI Agusan del Norte Provincial Office at (085) 341 5521. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Mandatory segregation of waste imposed in AgNor By: Aimee B. Siene

BUTUAN CITY - It is now mandatory to segregate ecological solid waste and volume reduction at source within the premises of the Provincial Capitol.

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Provincial News

Under Provincial Ordinance No. 438-2017, passed and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte on its third and final reading on January 30, 2017, all offices in the Provincial Capitol, as well as lessors and locators are mandated to adopt proper segregation of solid waste within their respective offices.

This initiative seeks to maintain the cleanliness within the Capitol premises and ensure the proper sanitation of the area and health of the government workers and clients alike.

The Task Force in Ecological

Solid Waste Management shall take responsibility of overlooking the implementation of the said provision.

The Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), in coordination with the Environment and Natural Resources Division-Provincial Governor’s Office, shall serve as the monitoring-in-charge in the implementation of the ordinance.

Violators will be penalized as follows: first offense- fine of P500.00; second offense-fine of P1,000.00 and third and succeeding offenses-fine of P1,500.00. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

Senator Pimentel sends aid to Agusan Norte town By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The Senate Office of Hon. Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III, a.k.a. Koko Pimentel, provided relief aids to the typhoon-stricken municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Agusan del Norte, headed by PDRRMO Chief Erma R. Suyo, assisted the Office of the Senator Koko Pimentel and Las Nieves LDRRMO in the delivery of relief aid to the affected communities of the municipality of Las Nieves, this province on February 3.

Senator Koko Pimentel provided 500 relief packs to the local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves through its Municipal Mayor Avelina Rosales.

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The LDRRMO of Las Nieves also provided 700 family packs to affected families of Barangay Lingayao, Las Nieves. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

International Women’s Day Celebration Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City 08 March 2017

HEALTH NEWS

Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months urged By: Regina M. Pagaspas MANILA - Did you know that Filipino mothers have shortened the duration of breastfeeding their babies exclusively?

From what used to be 3 months exclusive breastfeeding, this has now gone down to 2.3 months.

This is according to the 6th and 7th National Nutrition Survey results conducted in 2003 and 2008, respectively by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

that infants should be breastfed exclusively from birth up to six months and then be given appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond. This is to ensure optimum growth and development by the baby.

Exclusive breastfeeding until six months is very important for the infant because it is the only food that the infant needs during this period. Some mothers complain that they do not have enough milk when they give milk

The revised Nutritional Guidelines formula and other liquids to their infants for Filipinos developed by a team of causing breastmilk flow to decrease. experts led by the FNRI recommends This is because there is less sucking of

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Health News the baby from the breast when he is given milk substitutes like milk formula and other liquids. The less sucking, the less breastmilk is produced. The sucking reflex during breastfeeding signals the hormone to produce more milk and the more frequent the mother breastfeeds, the more milk is produced.

Mothers should be taught not to give up at once on breastfeeding if they are having difficulty in increasing their milk flow. Instead, teach them not to give any other milk or fluids to their infants other than breastmilk because this will them the opportunity to breastfeed their babies more frequently. With

increased milk flow, longer exclusive breastfeeding duration will surely be achieved.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST), Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax no.: 8372934, 837-2071 local 2295; e-mail: mvc@ fnri.dost.gov.ph; mar_v_capanzana@ yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http// www.fnri.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

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Photo Gallery Women’s Month Celebration Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan

Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City and ADN Provincial Capitol Covered Court

MINDANAO NEWS

PH and Japan to cooperate on Mindanao power priorities DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Government, through the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) together with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) agreed a set of priority development areas for Mindanao’s power sector at a recent Mindanao Power and Energy Seminar held here at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Among the identified priority projects for possible collaboration include the rehabilitation of the AgusPulangi Hydropower Complexes, the improvement of the disaster resiliency of power distribution networks, the promotion of renewable energy (RE) such as geothermal and wind power, and the enhancement of electricity distribution in areas with low electrification rates, such as in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) area.

Japan is prepared to offer two-step loans for projects under the identified priority areas, while feasibility studies will be offered as grants. A two-step loan is a type of loan where funds pass through a commercial bank or other financial

institution before being released to the end-beneficiaries. Technical experts will also be made available through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“While it is truly worth noting that we are now entering an era of excess power supply in the island-region, it is then crucial to shift our focus from supply deficiency to the cost of generating electricity,” said MinDA Chairman, Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto during the seminar.

He added that recent investments in Mindanao’s power sector has assured the island-region of an excess of 1,000 megawatts (MW) as of December 2016, easing fears of a lack of supply to meet

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Mindanao News the projected growth in demand and energy will help ensure that Mindanao’s the required reserves. electricity rates remain as the most competitive in the country.”

The rapid growth of the manufacturing, real estate, services, and The METI is also proposing for the use agribusiness sectors however, resulted of small-sized geothermal power plants to a surging demand for electricity, in the range of 2-7MW as these can be projected to require at least 500 MW of put up faster and cheaper because of new capacity by 2016, another 500MW their smaller scale. by 2020, and 1,600MW by 2030.

“In line with the effort to increase

The entry of more fossil-fuel based the region’s RE capacities, MinDA is power plants, particularly coal, is also lobbying for the rehabilitation projected to raise the cost of electricity and uprating of the Agus-Pulangi in the island-region. Power generated by Hydropower Complexes (APHC), both of fossil-fuels now accounts for 69 percent which used to provide over 70 percent in Mindanao, with coal accounting for of Mindanao’s power requirements,” 40 percent. Shares of hydro, geothermal, added Montenegro. solar and biomass fell to just 31 percent of the total power generated.

From an original manufacturer’s combined installed capacity of 982MW, “We have been pushing for the APHC can now only be depended investments in renewable energy by upon to produce a maximum of around significantly fast-tracking the project 750MW at any given time. Currently, application process from three to five both complexes are producing 680MW, years down to two to three years through far below their potential without the our One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring necessary power plant rehabilitation Center (OSFMC),” said Secretary Alonto. works.

To promote the use of renewable energy and lower electricity rates, METI proposed the introduction of wind power plants in viable areas in North-Eastern Mindanao, particularly in the province of Surigao including the islands of Dinagat and Siargao.

MinDA Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro emphasized during his presentation on the state of Mindanao’s power sector that “the entry of more RE sources of

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The rehabilitation of existing power plants would also improve their efficiency, further reducing the cost of power generation.

Organized jointly by MinDA and METI, the event brought together key public and private stakeholders of Mindanao’s power sector with representatives of Japanese industries to explore appropriate solutions to the island-regions’ unique energy landscape.

(MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

Kick-Off Ceremony

Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City 08 March 2017

NATIONAL NEWS

PPP Center spells out projects, boasts faster approvals

QUEZON CITY - The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center on Thursday, March 9, assured that the Duterte administration is committed to improving the country’s infrastructure using quicker approval processes.

In a press briefing in Malacañan, PPP Center Executive Director Ferdinand Pecson reported about completed as well as ongoing projects, noting that the government’s approval process has become shorter.

“The President is impatient and, in fact, the message we are getting from

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him is that he is more concerned with the results rather than cropping up with a lot of documents being submitted to him,” Pecson said.

Pecson noted that in the last NEDA Board meeting a year ago, quite a number of projects were approved very quickly. He said there are also measures

National News set in place to prevent anomaly from happening during the implementation of those PPP projects.

Currently, the Philippine PPP program has 50 projects in the pipeline worth P472.9 billion, Pecson said.

Completed projects are the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, the NAIA Expressway, and the Automated Fare Collection System, more popularly known as the Beep Card.

The latest project to be completed is the Department of Education’s Phase 1 of the PPP for school buildings and infrastructure project, erecting 9,266 classrooms. The project benefits an approximately half a million students in the Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon regions.

Pecson also reported that there are seven PPP projects simultaneously being built by the government’s private partners, of which four are transportation projects.

Among these projects include the Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s new passenger terminal, the MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3.

These projects are expected to benefit millions of commuters and motorists.

Another project that will help address the country’s transportation challenges is the Southwest Integrated Transport System, located within a

4.59-hectare land of the Philippine Reclamation Authority along the Manila-Cavite Expressway.

There are also four other transportation projects that are in different stages of pre-construction activities: the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, South Integrated Transport System, and the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road.

Other PPP projects under construction include the Bulacan Bulk Water System and the computerization of the Civil Registry System of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The PPP Center official also reported about the five regional airport projects under the Duterte government.

These are the airports in Davao, Iloilo, Laguindingan in Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and New Bohol Panglao.

Another PPP project under procurement is the Regional Prison Facilities of the Department of Justice.

The bid submission is scheduled in April 2017.

A modern prison facility will be constructed in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to provide inmates at the existing penal facilities such as the New Bilibid Prison and the correctional institution for women, Pecson said.

PPP projects that are under review by implementing agencies are the New

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National News Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project, the LRT Line 6, NAIA PPP, NorthSouth Rail Project South Line, BatangasManila Natural Gas Pipeline Project, and the Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project, according to Pecson.

In the same press briefing, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella took note of Australian firms favoring the Philippines as a BPO destination.

Abella also announced that five Chinese investors have shown interest in investing in the Philippines.

The Department of Trade and Industry received the Letters of Intent from

five Chinese firms, which showed their interest in doing business in the Philippines.

These are Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), International Aero-Development Corporation, Liaoning Bora Enterprise Group Co., Huili Investment Fund Management, Dalian Wanyang Heavy Industries, and YiDingTai International.

“These investments would generate a total of 15,500 jobs for Filipinos by 2022 in industries such as aviation, oil downstream, renewable energy, iron and steel, and shipbuilding and ship repair,” Abella said. (PND)

DOLE, IOM ink pact for enhanced reintegration program for OFWs MANILA - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently teamed up to help pursue a more holistic and integrated reintegration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

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National News

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DOLE and IOM, a two-year project on the adoption of a national master plan for migrant reintegration will be implemented.

This will be carried out through the National Reintegration Summit declaration; and adoption of relevant department order, administrative circular or implementing guidelines on reintegration.

DOLE and IOM will also be joined in the project by other two DOLE attached agencies that provide services and programs for OFWs and their families, namely the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

The signing of the agreement is in line with the Migration and Development, and Crisis Management

Frameworks in the Philippines, which seeks to contribute to the outcomes of improving the national reintegration framework and service delivery systems.

Also included in the twoyear project are the production of the reintegration services duty bearers handbook, which covers products and services of relevant institutions; reintegration services menu for migrant returnees and their families; ISO certification of reintegration service delivery systems; and training of reintegration counselors and duty bearers.

The signatories to the agreement are DOLE Undersecretary Dominador R. Say, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, IOM Mission Coordinator and National Programme Officer Ricardo R. Casco, and NRCO Director Chona M. Mantilla. (DOLE)

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