Caraga InFocus – March 5-11, 2022

Volume VI, No. 10 March 5-11, 2022

REGIONAL NEWS

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RGADC CARAGA CALLS ON SECTORS TO JOIN ACTIVITIES FOR NWM CELEBRATION

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DOT-13 PUSHES FOR RESILIENT TOURISM IN NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN

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CARAGANONS JOIN 2022 WOMEN’S MONTH KICKOFF ACTIVITIES

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PROVINCIAL NEWS 16 17 18 19

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FISHERFOLK ASSOCIATION TAPPED FOR MILKFISH FARMING PROJECT CAMPCO IN SURSUR RECEIVE P2.7-M REFRIGERATED VAN FROM DA-CARAGA AGNOR LGU MODONAR OG YUTA SA DEPEDCABADBARAN

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PANGINAHANGLAN SA LAPTOPS PAGPALAMBO SA PRODUKSYON UG MARKETING SA MAG-UUMA, GIPADAYAG NI GOB. CORVERA SA DICT P17M SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET, AIP SA TUBAY GIOKEHAN SA SP

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COCONUT PROCESSING CENTER BUILDING SA JABONGA HAPIT NA MAHUMAN MGA NAG NEGOSYO’G BUHANGIN, GIPAHIMANGNUAN PAGBANSAY PAG-ATIMAN SA MGA TURISTA PANAHON SA KALAMIDAD, GIHIMO

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REPORTED DRUG PEDDLER ARRESTED IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN

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ARMED DRUG DEALER SNARED DURING SURIGAO NORTE TOWN DRUG BUST TOP 9 MOST WANTED PERSON FOR RAPE IN CARAGA ARRESTED IN SURIGAO NORTE

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2 SUSPECTS NABBED, OVER P57K WORTH OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, FA SEIZED DURING SURIGAO NORTE DRUG OPS NPA NA NASAWI SA BAKBAKAN, NABIGYAN NG MAAYOS NA LIBING 30 COUPLES IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN TIE KNOT DURING KASALAN NG BAYAN ORGANIC FARMING ISINUSULONG NG AGSUR LGU SA PAMAMAGITAN NG AGRI-TOURISM

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NATIONAL NEWS PALACE OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, CITES LAWS ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS PHILIPPINES, A SHINING BEACON OF GENDER EQUALITY, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT - PRESIDENT DUTERTE GOV’T TIES UP WITH MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS ANEW IN LAUNCHING 4TH NAT’L VACCINATION DAY FILIPINOS ATTAIN FEAT IN REDUCING COVID-19 CASES, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE

COVID-19 NEWS NEXT ADMIN SHOULD ADOPT GOOD PRACTICES IN FIGHT VS. COVID-19 BOOSTING VAX OUTPUT CRUCIAL TO TRANSITION IN NEW NORMAL: GALVEZ GOV’T EYES USE OF OVER 400 TESTING LABS FOR NONCOVID DISEASES

CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY AND ACTING PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON MARTIN M. ANDANAR ON THE DE-ESCALATION OF ILOILO CITY TO ALERT LEVEL 1

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Thursday, March 10, 2022, approved the de-escalation of Iloilo City to Alert Level 1 after meeting the prescribed criteria for de-escalation to Alert Level 1 of the sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics.

This shall take effect immediately and until March 15, 2022.

SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

Presidential Communications Operations Office and Acting Presidential Spokesperson

Government agencies recognize outstanding women in Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Regional Development Council – Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) Caraga composed of government agencies recognized the outstanding women from the different sectoral groups, in time with the conduct of Women’s Summit held on March 8, 2022 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

These outstanding women were also beneficiaries of the various programs from the Department of Trade

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and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Population (POPCOM), and the RDC-RGADC for the former/ retired GAD focal persons.

Raffy Vigil, focal person of DSWD for the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) Caraga, who was among the men who witnessed the said event, expressed his congratulations to all the women who continuously excel in their Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

respective fields. He also emphasized that women has a great role to play not only in the family but also in the workplaces.

“Women play a vital role in our society. If we include them in all aspects, our actions and decisions become holistic, and we get to have better results,” he said.

According to Atty.

Aurora Luanne Cembrano-Ramos, new RGADC chair and OIC-Regional Human Rights Director, amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), women are actively participating in the community activities and other related events in the society.

She then encouraged the women sector to continue to pursue their goals and exercise their rights and welfare.

“We are encouraging the women sector to continuously participate in nation-building especially come May 2022 national and local elections, to choose the right candidates, and exercise their right to vote and be heard,” she

said.

Also, Commissioner Karen Lucia GomezDumpit, Focal Commissioner on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of CHR served as the keynote speaker during the Women’s Summit. She urged all women to continue to be resilient and persevere amid the different societal challenges, and excel in their fields.

the free services from the Department of Health (DOH), beauty care services from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philsys registration by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and a lot more.

The Women’s Summit formed part of the lined-up activities for the 2022 Women’s Month celebration The participating women with the theme “We Make Change Work of the said summit also for Women” and subgained new knowledge theme “Agenda ng mga from the sessions Kababaihan Tungo sa conducted by the Kaunlaran.” (JPG/PIAgovernment agencies.

Caraga) They also availed of

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News Briefs In celebration of International Women’s Day the Regional Development Council’s Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) spearheaded the Women’s Summit at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. xx

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed on March 2, 2022 Republic Act No. 11647 amending the Foreign Investments Act (FIA) of 1991 to make the Philippines more accessible to foreign investors.The new law allows qualified nonPhilippine nationals to do business in the country or invest in a domestic enterprise up to 100% of its capital and liberalizes the practice of professions not governed by existing special laws.

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to further strengthen the bank against potential cybersecurity threats and to boost its capacity to defend critical system infrastructure, a top official said.

(PUBLIC ADVISORY) The Pediatric Vaccination for children 5-11 years old is TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED in Bislig City. The City Governemnt of Bislig will inform the public of its resumption upon the availability of vaccine supplies.

(CIO-Bislig)

REGIONAL NEWS

RGADC Caraga calls on sectors to join activities for NWM celebration

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

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The Regional Development Council – Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDCRGADC), chaired by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty.

Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, called on the different sectoral groups to support and join the committee in the conduct of various linedup activities set for this year’s Women’s Month celebration.

able to conduct the “Women and the Elections Webinar” on March 4 participated in representatives from government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, media and other partner stakeholders.

On the same date, the committee also conducted the online reorientation on the 2021 Search for GenderResponsive Government Agencies,” said Bacang.

“Apart from the kickoff activities on March 1, the committee was

In time with the International Women’s Day celebration on

March 8, the RGADC will hold the Women’s Summit at Balanghai Hotel in Butuan City. “Participating government agencies will be participating in this activity and will be putting up their booths where they could provide their free services and programs to the attendees.

Successful women will also be recognized and be given awards from the different concerned government agencies,” Bacang said.

On March 18, RGADC has also scheduled

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

the Gender Equality in Education Webinar via Zoom platform.

This will be led by the CHR in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga.

The CHR again, together with the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Butuan will hold the “Kababayen-an, Kabatan-onan ug ang Piniliay” Caravan on March 22-24, 2022.

The RGADC chair also revealed that on March 28, the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) will spearhead the Women with Disability Day celebration through the conduct of a Thanksgiving Mass and Webinar Series.

Also, on March 30, the RGADC will lead the conduct of culmination activity through a Community Outreach within the province of Agusan del Norte.

(Women’s Momentum), to be spearheaded by the Regional InterAgency Committee Against Trafficking – Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga, and Kapihan sa SM City Butuan: Women’s Month Edition on March 25 to be spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

“We, in the RGADC hope to see you in the aforementioned activities both physical and virtual. Let’s continue to increase the level of public awareness on the rights and welfare of the women sector in the region and prevent any form of violence and abuse everywhere,” said Bacang. (JPG/PIACaraga)

Meanwhile, the following will also be part of the lined-up activities for the Women’s Month celebration: WOMENtum Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

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DOT-13 pushes for resilient tourism in new tourism campaign Valdez said that they have also explored other tourism products that have proven to be a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic which they will be offering under the campaign.

The Department is eyeing at least 10% increase in tourist influx in the region through its new domestic tourism campaign.

In time with the relaunching of the tourism sector in Caraga, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga is pushing for a more resilient local tourism through the principle of “build back better”.

“What this basically means is that for a certain amount estimated in damages, we double what we pour in to relaunch our sector,” said Tourism Operations Officer Junesther Jean Valdez during the Kapihan with PIA on Thursday, February 24.

The Department recently launched its new tagline “Caraga Na” to promote domestic tourism under the new normal. “Caraga Na” is a neologism of the word “gana”, which translates to appetizing or appealing in the local dialect.

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Key tourism players such as the local government units, regional line agencies, and other organizations have converged for the campaign.

Through “Caraga Na”, DOTCaraga is offering regional intra-circuit packages under the new normal, where travelers will experience a tourism adventure of their liking across the region.

Valdez said that they will be exploring other tourism products that have proven to be a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight these circuits under the campaign.

“The concept we have in mind here is to provide our tourists the best of our outdoor activities,” Valdez added.

Prior to this initiative, DOTCaraga launched various programs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist tourism-related establishments (TREs) and workers alike in their immediate recovery.

Through its recovery and resiliency campaign, the Department was able to launch various donation drives with the help of individuals from the private sector. DOT-Caraga also hosted a virtual benefit concert “Paghuyaw” on January 29, 2022 at Robinsons Place Butuan.

Capacity-building was likewise addressed through its TISP Tabang program, wherein TREs and workers were provided with restarter kits. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Caraganons join 2022 Women’s Month kick-off activities

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

Following the imposed health protocols against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), different sectors in Caraga region convened on March 1 for this year’s kick-off celebration of Women’s Month through a motorcade around the city thoroughfares of Butuan, followed by a short program at the Philippine Science High School Gymnasium.

The Regional Development Council – Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDCRGADC) Caraga comprising different government agencies and partner stakeholders spearheaded the kick-off event.

On the same date, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

also facilitated and moderated a virtual Press Conference with members of the panel from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other government

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agencies.

RGADC chair and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty.

Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang bared that several activities were lined-up in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

“This celebration is in recognition of women’s role and contribution in nation-building and as agents of national development. This also coincides with the

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worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD),” said Bacang.

Atty. Bacang added that one of the highlights of the activities set for the said celebration is the conduct of the Women’s Summit on March 8, 2022.

“Commissioner Karen Lucia Gomez-Dumpit, Focal Commissioner on Women’s Rights of the Commission on Human Rights will serve as the keynote speaker during

the Women’s Summit.

Successful women in various fields will also be recognized and will receive awards from various concerned government agencies,” she said.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “We Make Change Work for Women” and focuses on the subtheme “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran”. (JPG/PIACaraga)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Fisherfolk association tapped for milkfish farming project By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The local government unit of Carrascal town in Surigao del Sur has partnered with a local fisherfolk association to manage its Milkfish Cage Culture Livelihood Project.

The Dahican Agri-Fishery Integrated Association (DAGFINTEGRAS) was tapped by the LGU to oversee its livelihood program for local fisherfolks and capacitated their members through a 2-day Milkfish Cage

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Culture Management Training held last February 23-24, 2022, spearheaded by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) in collaboration with the Surigao del Sur Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office (PFARO).

Association members were trained on the overview of milkfish biology, site preparation, fry selection, feeding management, cage construction, and net

mending.

The members of DAGFINTEGRAS expressed their gratitude to the LGU of Carrascal for their continuous support for the fisherfolks of their municipality and affirmed their commitment to extend all their efforts for the success of the operation of the livelihood project entrusted to them. (with a report from LGUCarrascal/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

CAMPCO in SurSur receive P2.7-M refrigerated van from DA-Caraga

The CarCanMadCarLan Agri-based Multipurpose Cooperative (CAMPCO) received a refrigerated van worth PhP2.7 million from the Department of AgricultureCaraga on March 7, 2022.

Regional Technical Director Nicandro Navia, Jr. and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) chief Lyn Pareñas handed over the key of responsibility to CAMPCO Manager Dr. Christoper Buniel.

The intervention is lodged under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program.

According to Dr. Buniel, one

of CAMPCO’s challenges before is the preservation of the quality of “bangus” (milkfish) in terms of its distribution.

which are the fish cages, DA-AMAD also gave us this Refrigerated Van that we can use to deliver our products,” Buniel said.

However, with the provision of the refrigerated van, they can now assure the best quality of their products from farm to market.

The challenge for the preservation of quality for the milkfish products of the CarCanMadCarLan Agri-based Multipurpose Cooperative (CAMPCO) in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur will no longer be an issue.

Dr. Buniel thanked the DAAMAD and DA- Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) for the interventions they provided for the coop from production to marketing.

“After being granted with a marketing enterprise subproject from DA-PRDP

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

“I can say that it can really boost and enhance our operation. In terms of employment, we can employ additional people to operate the vehicle,” Buniel added. (DA-Caraga/PIASurigao del Sur)

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AgNor LGU modonar og yuta sa DepEd-Cabadbaran

I-donar sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ang 1,000 metro kwadrado nga yuta nga anaa sa Barangay Comagascas, Cabadbaran City para sa pagpalapad sa school/office building sa Department Education (DepEd) Cabadbaran City Division.

Gihatagan na og otoridad bag-ohay pa lamang sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte si Provincial Governor Dale B. Corvera, aron sa pagpirma sa Deed of Donation tali sa probinsya ug sa DepEd Cabadbaran City Division, alang sa maong paghatag sa yuta pinaagi sa Sanggunian

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Resolution No. 057-2022, nga gipangamahan ni Provincial Board Member Rodulfo Pitogo, tsirman sa Committee on Human Settlement, Land Use, and Provincial Properties.

Nakita sa komitiba ang importanting papel sa nasangpit nga ahensya sa pagumol sa hunahuna sa mga kabatan-onan pinaagi sa paghatag og dekalidad nga batakang edukasyon nga patas nga makuha sa tanan ug magbutang og pundasyon alang sa tibuok kinabuhi nga pagkat-on ug serbisyo alang sa kaayohan sa kadaghanan, ug kinahangalan sa maong buhatan ang mas dako

nga lugar alang sa opisina niini.

Base niini girekomenda ang paghatag otoridad kang Gobernador Corvera isip mao ang awtorisadong opisyal nga magrepresentar sa probinsiya sa tanan nga mga transaksyon sa negosyo niini ug mopirma alang niini sa tanan nga mga bond, kontrata, ug obligasyon ug uban pang mga dokumento nga naay awtoridad gikan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan nga gimando ubos sa Seksyon 465 (b) (vi) sa RA 7160. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Panginahanglan sa laptops pagpalambo sa produksyon ug marketing sa mag-uuma, gipadayag ni Gob. Corvera sa DICT Gawas sa pagsilbing himan pagprotekta sa katawhan sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte nga mabiktima sa cybercrime, buot usab ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera nga maapil sa programa ang paghatag og laptops sa mga maguuma aron magamit sa ilang panginabuhian ilabina diha sa ilang marketing campaign.

Kini ang gipadayag ni Gob. Corvera atol sa pag-turn over sa 25 ka laptops sa Department of Information and Communication (DICT) ngadto sa probinsya aron magamit sa kampanya batok sa cybercrime.

Gilantaw sa gobernador ang dakung matabang sa laptop sa mga grupo sa mga mag-uuma sa probinsya pagpalambo sa negosyo ilabina sa pag promote ug market sa ilang mga produkto kung maka angkon sila niini nga himan.

“I am very happy that Agusan del Norte was chosen nga recipient ani nga laptops… because kini nga mga laptop will

enhance the capacity and capability sa mga recipients ani unya. Mosugot ta ug sa dili halos tanan sector nagkinahanglan na niini,” sumala sa gobernador.

“And I know they will need this (laptops). I am thinking of the farmers groups nga matagaan namo og capital pag improve sa ilang productivity ug pag market sa ilang mga produkto.”

Ang probinysa naay 65 ka organisasyon nga partners niini sa pagpatuman sa mga proyektong Plant! Plant!

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Plant! ug Process! Process!

Process! sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpaplambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kong. Angel Amante-Matba.

“I’m thinking of the sectoral groups ilabina niining atong mga farmers ug fisherfolks ug uban pang mga kooperatiba sa Agusan Up...

In a way nga maka improve sa panginabuhian sa atong mga tao,” panapos sa gobernador. (SMP, LGUAgusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)

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P17M supplemental budget, AIP sa Tubay giokehan sa SP

Aprobado na sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ang Supplemental Budget No. 1 sa lungsod sa Tubay, ning lalawigan alang sa tuig 2021 inubanan usab sa Supplemental Annual Investment Plan No. 02 niini.

ug Budget kinahanglan nga mag uban ug maaprobahan aron maseguro nga hingpit nga mapatuman ang mga prayoridad sa maong lungsod.

Apil sa mga proyekto nga gi-punduhan mao ang: 2nd tranche salary adjustment sa tanan officials ug employees Mokabat sa effective January, 2021; PhP17,138,250.00 ang RC-Box Culvert sa Brgy. gigahin alang sa mga Tagmamarkay; COVIDnag unang programa, 19-related programs, proyekto ug aktibidad sa projects and activities; maong lungsod subay sa Quick Response Fund ilang Supplemental AIP and stockpiling of nga naglangkob sa ilang food commodities; tinuig nga kinahanglan. ug Enhancement Ang Supplemental AIP of Communication

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Facilities sama sa Radio Base Repeater sa Mt. Minaasug.

Pinaagi sa suporta ni Bise Gobernador Ramon A.G Bungabong, ang chairperson sa SP Committee on Finance and Appropriation, ang maong badget ug Supplemental AIP naaprobahan ubos sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 016-2022 sa Sangguniang Resolution No. 015-2022 kaniadtong January 17,2022 atol sa ika 121st sesyon regular niini. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Coconut processing center building sa Jabonga hapit na mahuman

Hapit na mahuman ang gi construct nga building ug nangabot na usab ang pipila ka ekwipo alang sa upgrading ug pagpalapad pa sa virgin coconut oil processing project sa Libas Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LFMPC) sa Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

coconut oil processing project sa LFMPC ngadto sa multi-product Coconut Processing Center ang gipunting nga ipalambo sa probinsya nga core processing project sa lungsod sa jabonga ubos sa proyektong Process! Process!

Process! sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya Kini ang gitaho sa pagpalambo sa ni Rebecca Felix, administrasyon ni Gob. chairperson sa LFMPC, sa Dale B. Corvera kaabag pakighinabi sa AGUSAN ang buhatan ni Kong.

Update ning semanaha. Angel Amante-Matba, nga gilusad dul-an sa Ang pagpalapad sa tulo ka tuig na ang operisyon sa virgin milabay.

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Mahinumdoman nga gitabangan pagpahiluna ang maong proyekto sa nagkalain-laing ahensya apil na ang pagpangita og pundo nila ni Gob. Corvera ug Kong. Amante-Matba.

Nakakalap og Php17 milyong nga pundo sa miaging tuig gikan sa buhatan sa Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) ubos sa Bayanihan to Recover as One Act II ug gipangunahan karon sa ahensya ang mga buluhaton pagpabarug sa building ug pagpalit

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og dugang mga ekwipo ubos sa Convergence in Coconut Farming Communities Towards Sustainable Rural Enterprises Project.

Sa samang higayon nagtambayayong usab ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ug ang probinsya pinaagi sa AGUSAN UP! Coordinating Center sa pagpahigayon og mga product and market development activities alang sa LFMPC. Nauna na’ng nagpadangat ang DTI og mga ekwipo sa proyekto nga maoy gigamit sa operisyon sa LFMPC pipila ka tuig na karon.

Nauna na usab ang Department of

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Agrarian Reform (DAR) pagpadangat og organizational and institutional capability development training aron mahimong takus ang kooperatiba pagpadagan sa proyekto.

anaa na silay dako ug luag nga area ug naghinam-hinam na sila nga makagamit sa maong bag-ong processing center ug mga ekwipo.

“Dako kaayo ni ikatabang (processing Sumala pa ni Felix nga center) kay planta na gipunting nga mahuman gyod siya nga building ang pag construct sa dili pareha sa una... processing facility karong ang pag process mas March 27. Miabot na hayahay, mas sayon usab ang duha (2) ka ang pag process sa units sa Centrifuge, usa virgin coconut oil kung (1) ka yunit sa Vibro mahuman na siya,” Screen og duha (2) saysay niya. ka units sa Expeller or Extractor.

Gihimo ang groundbreaking sa Padayon ni Felix nga maong building sa Mayo daku ang iyang kalipay sa milabayng tuig. (SMP, tungod kay nakita na LGU-Agusan del Norte/ ang kabag-ohan nga PIA-Agusan del Norte) Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Mga nag negosyo’g buhangin, gipahimangnuan

Padayon ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa buhatan sa Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) sa pagpahimangno sa mga sand and gravel quarry permit holders sa mga responsibilidad niini sa padayong pagpabaskug ug pagprotektar sa kinaiyahan.

Lambigit niini, gipahigayon ang panagtigum nga gitambongan sa 50 ka quarry permit holders sa probinsya niadtong Pebrero 28 aron hisgutan ang ilang pagtamud sa ilang kaakuhan pagseguro sa kahimsog sa kinaiyahan diha sa ilang operisyon.

Usa sa mga gihisgutan sa maong tigum mao ang padayon nga pag-identify sa mga issues ug uban pang mga panginahanglan

sa Cabadbaran River sa hustong armoring ug Dredging and Rehabilitation gradual sloping aron Project (CRDP). malikayan ang pagsaka ug pagpundo sa tubig nga Sumala ni Engr. Dan nakalatid sa Environmental Winstine Bacolod, Compliance Certificate personahe sa ENRD, (ECC) sa Environmental kinahanglang padayon Management Bureau (EMB). ang pag-mentinar sa armoring activities tungod Ang pagpabaskug sa kay kinahanglan kini pagpa kinaiyahan usa sa mga lig-on sa mga riverbanks. nag-unang proyekto sa programang Lunhaw’ng “Armoring activity must Agusan sa AGUSAN be properly maintained UP!, ang kampanya aron mapalig-on nato sa pagpalambo sa atong mga river banks to administrasyon ni Governor fully contain any sudden Dale Corvera kaabag ang increase volume of the buhatan ni Congresswoman water flowing thru the Angel Amante-Matba. channel,” sumala ni Engr.

Bacolod.

Apil usab sa mga kalihukan ubos sa Lunhaw’ng Agusan Niini, padayon mao ang pagpananom og gipahimangnoan sa kahoy sa mga protection probinsya ang mga permit zones, apil na niini ang holders nga motuman mga riverbanks. (ENRD/ sa provision sa Provincial LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIAOrdinance nga nagmando Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

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Pagbansay pag-atiman sa mga turista panahon sa kalamidad, gihimo

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Gipahigayon sa Provincial Training Center ang pagbansay kalabot sa unsay himoon pagatiman sa mga turista panahon sa kalamidad o Incident Command System alang sa mga personahe sa provincial tourism office ug sa municipal tourism officers sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte.

Ang maong kalihukan agi og inisyatibo nga gibuhat sa Provincial Tourism Division kaabag ang Department of Tourism-Caraga (DOTCaraga) ug ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Office (PDRRMO) sa Agusan del Norte sa pagpadangat sa maong pagbansay.

Tumong sa maong pagbansay nga mahatagan og kaalam ang mga tourism executives kalabot sa disaster preparedness aron mas mahimo silang preparado panahon sa trahedya ug kalamidad.

Sigon pa ni Nelia Arina, regional director sa DOT-Caraga, nakita nila nga usa ang probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa rehiyon sa Caraga nga disaster prone area. Kini hinungdan nga nanginahanglan

usab sila og tabang sa mga tourism officers sa pagpa-ambit ngadto sa mga stakeholders ang ilang matun-an sa maong pagbansay unya.

Sa maong pagbansay, gihisgotan ang kinatibukang impormasyon mahitungod sa ICS, mga proseso mga angayan tamdan ug ang una nilang buhaton pagpahiluna sa mga turista nga anaa sa tourism sites sa tagsa tagsa ka lungsod. (LGUAgusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Reported drug peddler arrested in Surigao Norte town

Joint elements of P Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Caraga, Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office - Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SDN PPO-PDEU), and Placer Municipal Police Station nabbed a drug peddler operating in Placer, Surigao del Norte when caught “in flagrante delicto” selling an estimated Php4,500 worth of shabu to an undercover agent in the afternoon of Friday, February 25.

The suspect was identified as Dardanilo Agcol Blanco. It took weeks of monitoring and surveillance on the Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

illegal drug activities of the suspect before he was caught red-handed selling shabu. The buy-bust money was recovered in his possession along with several drug paraphernalia and identification cards.

The suspect is now undergoing the usual process and standard procedure in preparation for the filing of appropriate criminal charges in violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 of the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” as amended. (PDEACaraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Armed drug dealer snared during Surigao Norte town drug bust

Joint elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Caraga, Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office - Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SDN PPO-PDEU), Bacuag Municipal Police Station, and Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Mobile Force Company (SDN PMFC) 2nd Company successfully apprehended a drug dealer in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte in the afternoon of February 16, 2022 during the conduct of a buy-bust operation.

selling shabu to the undercover agent.

The buy-bust item seized and another sachet of shabu recovered in the possession of the suspect has an estimated aggregate amount of Php37,000. The operatives also confiscated a weighing scale, aluminum foil, and a pair of scissors which indicated that the latter was not only repacking shabu but might also be using. The buy-bust money was also found in his possession.

Cases for violation of Republic Act The arrested suspect was identified as (RA) 9165 or the “Comprehensive Jovenile Adlao Arguilles, 48 years old, Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” as married, and a resident of Socorro amended and RA 10591 were already in said province was armed with a filed before the Office of the Provincial caliber .45 pistol loaded with seven live Prosecutor of Surigao del Norte. ammunition when caught in the act of (PDEA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Top 9 most wanted person for rape in Caraga arrested in Surigao Norte

The anti-criminality operation conducted by Dapa Municipal Police Station and Provincial Highway Patrol Group on Friday, February 24, resulted in the arrest of a village councilor in the town of Dapa, Surigao del Norte, accused of rape of a 15-year-old girl on June 24, 2021.

disclosed that alias Sammy, 49 years old, the region’s 9th Most Wanted Person, was apprehended in Poblacion in Dapa around 5:45PM.

Alias Sammy was arrested under a warrant of arrest for the crime of rape issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 31, Police Regional Office Dapa on February 16, (PRO)-13 director PBGen. 2022, docketed under Romeo Caramat, Jr. Criminal Case No. 22-13 Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

with a recommended bail of Php200,000.

“PNP Caraga is escalating its efforts against wanted persons to ensure that those who consciously disobey the law will be behind bars.

As law enforcers, we are doing our best to give justice to the victims and safeguard the people from the threats of these criminals,” said Caramat, Jr. (PNP-Caraga/PIASurigao del Norte)

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2 suspects nabbed, over P57K worth of illegal drugs, FA seized during Surigao Norte drug ops Drugs Act of 2002, and recently availed of a plea bargaining agreement.

He is now in the custody of SDNPPO-DEU. At the same time, charges for violation of Sections 5, 11 and 12 of Article 2 of RA 9165 and Republic Act 10591 with violation of Comelec Gun Ban are being prepared against him.

The aggressive campaign against illegal drugs of the Police Regional Office (PRO)13 resulted in the successful arrest of two suspects and confiscation of Php57,500 worth of illegal drugs and a firearm during two separate buy-bust operations conducted in Surigao del Norte on February 16.

PRO-13 PBGen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said that the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office Drug Enforcement Unit (SDN PPODEU), Bacuag Municipal Police Station, Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (SDN PMFC) 2nd Company in coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office conducted a joint operation around 5:00PM in the national highway of Sitio Kugtong, Barangay Poblacion, Bacuag

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that resulted in the arrest of Jovynell Adlao Arguelles alias “Butats”, 57 years old, male, married, and resident of Brgy.

Estrella, Socorro, Surigao del Norte who is listed as highvalue individual (HVI) in Surigao del Norte.

Items confiscated during the operation include two sachets of suspected shabu weighing 5.456 grams with a standard drug price (SDP) value of P37,100; one piece PhP1000 marked money; 16 pieces of PhP500 marked money; one black Samsung cellular phone; drug paraphernalia; and one unit of caliber 45 pistol inserted with one magazine loaded with seven live ammunition.

Based on the records, Arguelles was previously convicted for carnapping and violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous

Another operation was conducted by the elements of Socorro MPS around 11:10PM at the DPWH Building, Barangay Sudlon, Socorro, that led to the arrest of Archie Merasol Dizon, 30 years old, and a resident of Barangay Rizal, Socorro.

Joint operatives confiscated two sachets of suspected shabu weighing 3 grams with an SDP value of Php 20,400; two pieces of PhP100 marked money; two pieces of PhP1000 marked money; one unit of red/black Vivo cellular phone; one piece of green lighter; and one small piece of aluminum foil.

Dizon is now in the custody of Socorro MPS and is awaiting charges against him.

“The arrest of these two suspects is a manifestation that PRO Caraga maximizes our efforts in ending this illegal drug trade in the region,” said PBGen. Caramat, Jr. (PNPCaraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

NPA na nasawi sa bakbakan, nabigyan ng maayos na libing Pungtod, Alegria pero wala pang kumuha nito kaya napagdesisyunan na ihimlay na sa libingan ng nasabing barangay ang nasawing rebelde sa tulong na din ng lokal na pamahalaan at kapulisan ng Alegria.

Ilang araw pagkatapos ng sagupaan ng kasundaluhan ng 30th Infantry Battalion at mga armadong grupo ng New People’s Army o mga NPA nitong ika10 ng Pebrero 2022 ay inihimlay na sa libingan ng Brgy. Pungtod, Alegria, Surigao del Norte ang namatay na miyembro ng NPA nitong ika-13 ng Pebrero 2022.

Pagkatapos ng sagupaan, iniwan ng mga dati niyang kasamahan si Alyas Kenzo sa pinangyarihan ng bakbakan at kung saan siya natagpuan ng mga tropa ng 30IB. Kung kaya agad din itong kinuha at dinala

sa may pinakamalapit na punerarya sa Alegria upang mabigyan ng maayos na burol habang hinihintay ang pamilya o kakilala nito na siya ay maiuwi.

Sa pahayag ni Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, pinuno ng 30IB, inihayag niya ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng nasawing NPA.

“Nakakalungkot man isipin na may isang buhay muli ang Si Alyas Kenzo ay dating nasayang dahil sa maling paniniwala ay miyembro ng Platoon 16C1 ng Guerilla Front 16, patuloy pa rin natin North Eastern Mindanao gagampanan ang sinumpaang tungkulin Regional Committee na pangalagaan na pinamumunuan ni at protektahan ang Roel Neniel o mas kilala ating bayan. Kung bilang Alyas Jacob. kaya patuloy nating Napag-alaman din na hinihikayat ang mga tubong San Miguel, natitira pang miyembro Surigao del Sur si Alyas ng teroristang grupo na Kenz. Ngunit ilang araw bumalik at sumuko na na ang nakalipas mula bago pa mahuli ang noong dinala ng 30IB lahat,” dagdag niya. ang kanyang bangkay (30IB, PA/PIA-Surigao del sa Gades Funeral Norte) Home Service sa Brgy.

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

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30 couples in Surigao Norte town tie knot during Kasalan ng Bayan

In celebration of the 32nd Civil Registration Month and Valentine’s Day, the local government unit of Tagana-an in Surigao del Norte has sponsored the Kasalan ng Bayan 2022, wherein 30 couples were solemnized by Mayor Cesar Diaz, Jr. on February 14 at Municipal Gymnasium.

The mass wedding was attended by PSA chief statistical specialist Guillermo Lipio, Jr. and all Sangguniang Bayan Members.

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The event aimed to help couples to be legally bound together and support the wellbeing of families especially the destitute ones. Only the couples and the sponsors were allowed to attend the wedding in accordance with the minimum health protocols for COVID-19.

Attendees were also strictly observing safety protocols, as assured by Hilda Beberino, the local civil registrar.

“I am a firm believer of marriage as an

institution. I am looking forward to these 30 couples whose hearts found one another and the courage they have to commit and surrender in each other’s arms,” said Lipio.

Couples also sliced their wedding cakes and made a toast in celebration of their legal union. The event was concluded by the photo opportunities for their wedding souvenir. (LGUTagana-an/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Organic farming isinusulong ng AgSur LGU sa pamamagitan ng AgriTourism NI Jennifer P. Gaitano

Layon ngayon ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Sibagat, Agusan del Sur at Municipal Tourism Office na lalo pang umusbong ang turismo sa lugar at makilala bilang organic farm site.

Ayon kay Irene Peñas, Municipal Tourism Officer, bukas ang kanilang tanggapan para magabayan ang mga grupo o indibidwal na nais mahasa sa pagpapalago ng organikong pagsasaka ng iba’t-ibang pananim.

Handa ang kanilang tanggapan kasama ang Municipal Agriculture Office sa farm visits, “pick-and-eat” ng mga sariwang prutas o gulay, at educational learning session ukol sa organic farming.

May gagawing pagsasanay din para sa mga residente upang makatulong din sila sa inisyatibong ito.

“Magsasagawa ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Sibagat ng mga pagsasanay tulad ng community tour guiding, Filipino branding, at magkakaroon din ng mapping para sa pagpapatatag ng indigenous practices,” ani ni Peñas.

Ipinagmalaki naman nina Pedro at Allan ang kanilang nakukuhang benepisyo mula sa organic farming.

“Naging interesado ako sa organic farming dahil nalaman ko ang mga benepisyo nito.

Maliban sa may sarili ka ng pinagkukunan ng pagkain, at ‘yung surplus value nito ay pwede mo ring ibahagi sa iyong kapwa, kapitbahay at maging source of income,” Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Evangelista

pahayag ni Pedro Fenis, Jr., gardener mula sa Brgy. Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

“Para sa mga tulad kong nagpapalago ng chicken farming, ipagpatuloy natin ang organikong pagsasaka dahil maliban sa ligtas ito, marami din itong naibibigay na benepisyo,” banggit din ni Allan Perez, Jr., presidente ng Sibagat Organic Farmers Association.

Tiniyak naman ni Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista na patuloy ang kanilang ibinibigay na tulong teknikal para sa mga residente upang mapabuti pa ang kanilang pananim at mas kumita pa.

“Nasimulan na sa mga barangay ang ating family farms program bilang parte sa implementasyon ng organic farming culture dito sa atong lungsod, dahil naniniwala tayo para masigurong may sapat na pagkain ang ating mamamayan, kailangan nating palaguin din ang mga maliliit na family farms,” ani ni Mayor Evangelista. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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NATIONAL NEWS

Palace observes International Women’s Day, cites laws on women’s rights Malacañang on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, paid tribute to the important role of women at homes and in society as the nation observes International Women’s Day.

most important pieces of legislation signed during the Duterte Administration which aim to improve women’s rights and welfare.

One of these laws is Republic Act No. 11148, “Kinikilala po natin or the “Kalusugan at ang nakapahalagang Nutrition ng Mag-Nanay papel ng ating mga Act,” which scaled kababaihan hindi up the national and lamang sa ating local health programs tahanan, kundi pati through a strengthened na rin ang kanilang integrated strategy for konstribution sa ating maternal, neonatal, child lipunan,” said Presidential health and nutrition in Communications the first 1,000 days of life.

Secretary and Acting Presidential The Palace official also Spokesperson Martin M. mentioned Republic Andanar during his press Act No. 11210, or the briefing.

“Expanded Maternity Leave Act,” which Secretary Andanar increased the maternity then cited some of the leave period to 105 Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

days for female workers adding that these are all paid leaves.

Also signed during the Duterte Administration is Republic Act No. 11648, which increased the age for determining statutory rape to 16 years old.

“We are pleased to inform everyone that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has congratulated the Philippine government for this milestone as it fulfills the children’s right to protection, which according to UNICEF, is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which the Philippines is a signatory,” Andanar underscored. ### OPS

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Philippines, a shining beacon of gender equality, women empowerment - President Duterte President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on March 7, 2022. KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Expressing pride over the country’s success in attaining gender equality and women empowerment, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said the Philippines can do more to protect Filipino women and develop their potential.

“I am truly proud of the Philippines’ distinction as a shining beacon of gender equality and women empowerment in the world.

Be it in politics, business, academe and local communities, most especially in our homes, women have occupied and continue to occupy positions of power and influence in our society,” President Duterte said in a message Tuesday during the celebration of International Women’s Day 2022 (IWD).

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“This emphasizes, not only our values as a people, but also the importance we put on women as vital partners in nation-building.”

“While a growing consciousness on equality is already an impressive feat and women are breaking the glass ceiling, I believe that we can do more.”

As Filipinos gain more access to education, information, and innovation, the President said more women will have the chance to meaningfully participate in many aspects of human development and change the mindset that continue to restrict women and other gender expressions.

“So let us all come together in building a country where no one is left behind and everyone has the capacity to succeed,” he said in rallying public support.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

With the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people, IWD has occurred for well over a century. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere although it is not country, group or organization specific. PND

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Gov’t ties up with medical organizations anew in launching 4th Nat’l Vaccination Day President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on March 7, 2022.

KING RODRIGUEZ/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The government will once again ask the assistance of medical organizations and professionals for the conduct of the fourth National Vaccination Day on March 10 to 12, aimed at immunizing millions after the country experienced a drop in the number of people getting COVID-19 shot last month, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday.

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said that to achieve the government target for the National Vaccination Day, they will coordinate with the Philippine Medical Association and other medical professionals to join the nationwide mobilization.

“We will also involve the pharmacies and clinics and we will expand more the numbers of those who are volunteering. We will also direct all government agencies and private sector to vaccinate their government employees and economic frontliners,” he said.

Together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),

JAB Fair in the JOB sites will be launched, said Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

All local government units (LGUs) and Department of Health’s (DOH) regional offices and local health centers will also conduct house-to-house vaccination.

“We will also ask DepEd and CHED to continue their aggressive vaccination through Vax To School program,” he said.

“Ito po ay talagang nirerecommend ni Secretary Karl Chua na magkaroon na po tayo ng back to school at iyon po ang nire-recommend po namin na ang DepEd at saka CHED ay magkaroon po ng Vax To School na program.”

Galvez also said they asked the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other big establishments to provide more incentives to people who received their boosters.

“And lastly, we will again encourage our government

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

agencies, our T3 partners, our private sectors, LGUs, itong sa mga ecozones, ang ating AFP and PNP to participate in our massive vaccination day on March 10 to 12.”

The massive drive will target eligible sectors for boosters from aged 18 years and above, as well as those who haven’t received COVID-19 jab and second dose.

The vaccine czar encouraged those who haven’t received second dose to come to vaccination centers for their shot.

“At ang mga remaining senior citizens and 12 to 17 years old and above ay kailangan na po nating makuha at ang target natin na 1.8 million to 2 million ang ating mababakunahan sa ating gaganapin na three days na vaccination,” he said.

Galvez said the government targets to inoculate more or less 3 million in addition to another 3 million minors aged 12 to 17 years.

The vaccination campaign will be simultaneously undertaken in 16 regions including Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). PND

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Filipinos attain feat in reducing COVID-19 cases, says President Duterte

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with key government officials prior to his “Talk to the People” at the Malacañan Palace on March 7, 2022. TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday praised the overall practice of Filipinos that helped reduced COVID-19 cases in the country, a feat that must be emulated.

President Duterte asked Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on how the Philippines reduced the number of COVID-19 infections, comparing the county’s case with other wealthy nations.

During his weekly Talk to the People, President Duterte expressed his gratitude for the “decorum” exhibited by the country’s law enforcers in implementing the governmentmandated health guidelines.

Duque told President Duterte that vaccination, natural immunity, and adherence to the minimal public health standards have contributed to the drop in COVID-19 infections in the country.

“There is no telling that one of these days, another vicious virus will visit the country or the world all over. At panibagong ano ito, far different from what we have now,” President Duterte said.

“It would not be us who would face that problem anymore but the incoming or whoever wins, dapat malaman nila ito na the good practices of the Philippines,” he added.

During his weekly address,

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Compared to other nations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has the lowest daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases per million people at 8.82, according to the health secretary.

Singapore has 3,000 plus per million population; Vietnam, 1,300; and Malaysia, 845.

He went on to say that the

instances in other nations will decrease as well, adding that the Philippines was the first to experience a rise in cases in January.

According to Duque, new COVID-19 cases were just 700 or so on March 7, the seventh day in a row that the country had fewer than 1,000 new cases.

The health chief added the country’s mortality rate is also lower than the global average of 2.04 percent, at 1.5 percent.

Countries like the United States has far more caseload than the Philippines considering it is far more advanced in terms of military, science, and research and development (R&D).

The concept of a new normal, he said, will be accepting that the virus will persist and that people would have to learn to live with it. PND

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Next admin should adopt good practices in fight vs. Covid-19 observing health protocols.

He also expressed appreciation for the “decorum” adopted by the country’s law enforcement officers in implementing rules.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday urged the next administration to adopt “good practices” that are currently being implemented in the fight against Covid-19, noting that these would come in handy should there be another global health threat in the future.

over. At panibagong ano ito (And this will be new), far different from what we have now. Gusto ko lang malaman (I just want to know) what caused the numbers to go down because it would come in handy,” Duterte said in a pre-recorded Talk to the People.

Duterte made this remark after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III attributed the decrease in Covid-19 infections in the country to vaccination, natural immunity, and compliance with minimum public health standards.

“It would not be us who would face that problem anymore but the incoming or whoever wins, dapat malaman nila ito na (should know) the good practices of the Philippines,” he added.

A total of 63,690,701 individuals have been fully vaccinated in the country.

On Monday, OCTA Research said the number of Covid-19 cases in the country may drop as low as 300 cases per day by the end of March.

Meanwhile, Duterte thanked “disciplined” Filipinos for bringing Covid-19 cases down by getting vaccinated and

At least 38 areas, including Metro Manila, are currently under the lowest Alert Level 1 status. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

“There is no telling that one of these days, another vicious virus will visit the country or the world all

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Last month, Duterte said seeing the majority of the Filipino population fully vaccinated will make him happy when he steps down from office.

He urged the residents of various areas that are still lagging in their vaccination drive to avail of the free jabs.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 6,297 confirmed cases from March 1 to March 7.

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Boosting vax output crucial to transition in new normal: Galvez More innovative strategies are needed to further boost the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination output with the country’s ongoing transition to the new normal, National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., said Wednesday.

“With the declaration of Alert Level 1, we have been experiencing a saturation point in our vaccination centers with only the pediatric sector that dominates our vaccination sites,” Galvez said in a news release.

Galvez, also the vaccine czar, said most of the vaccination sites are now vacant with only a few people getting vaccinated.

“So we will be needing other strategies to gather more vaccinees,” he added.

Galvez noted the government has been intensifying its efforts to make the Covid-19 vaccines more accessible to the people such as houseto-house inoculation for the vulnerable sectors, workplace vaccination efforts, or the “Jabs on the Jobs” program, and the conduct of a massive national vaccination drive (NVD).

The fourth leg of the NVD will be held from March 10 to 12, aimed at administering at least 1.8 million doses of

SAFE DISTANCE. Workers queue for Covid-19 vaccines at the Teleperformance Center Ayala in Makati City on Tuesday (March 8, 2022). The event precedes the fourth national vaccination days on March 10 to 12 and underscores the government’s drive to provide protection to front-liners and hasten the country’s economic recovery. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

primary series and booster shots to the adult population and increasing the number of fully vaccinated individuals under the 12 to 17 age group.

“Hihikayatin nating bumalik ang mga dapat makareceive ng second dose dahil karamihan po sa mga second dosers natin ay hindi po nakabalik (We will encourage more people to get their second doses because most of those second dosers were not able to go back for their full doses),” Galvez said.

and discounts from the business establishments.

In partnership with the private sector, Galvez said the government also targets to ramp up the administration of booster shots.

The Philippines has already administered a total of 137,351,822 doses nationwide, with 63,992,620 Filipinos completing their full doses, including those who received the single-shot Janssen and Sputnik Light jabs. (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani)

Eligible individuals availing of the booster doses may receive several incentives, rewards,

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Galvez emphasized that getting enough protection against the Covid-19 infection is crucial to the country’s goal of pushing total economic recovery.

So far, only 14.71 percent or 10,616,590 fully vaccinated Filipinos out of the 72.16 million target population for vaccination, have received booster shots.

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Gov’t eyes use of over 400 testing labs for non-Covid diseases The government mulls to maximize the country’s Covid-19 testing laboratories nationwide to test even non-coronavirus diseases, presidential adviser for Covid-19 response, Secretary Vince Dizon, said Wednesday.

Dizon, who is also the country’s testing czar, said there are over 400 Covid-19 testing laboratories have been established nationwide—either operated by the private sector or the government.

“When we started this nightmare of Covid-19 in early 2020, we had [only] one laboratory that could test Covid-19,” Dizon said.

He recalled the country has to send specimens to Australia for Covid-19 testing with only 1,000 test kits being used per day for the entire country.

“Now we have over 400 [laboratories] nationwide.

This is really the effort of the Department of Health,” he said.

“Talagang napadami natin ang testing labs nationwide (We really increased our testing labs nationwide).”

Despite having many laboratories nationwide, Dizon said the Philippine government’s strategy in Covid-19 testing has been “riskbased.”

“Ang tinitest lang talaga natin ay yung sa tingin natin kailangan itest. Sino-sino ang mga iyan? Iyan yung may mga

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(PNA file photo)

symptoms, yung mga close contact and vulnerable (We are just testing those who we think should be tested. Who are they? They are the ones with symptoms and the close contacts),” he added.

recommended and prioritized for senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, and healthcare workers.

Dizon emphasized the government has never advocated for “mass testing”.

“Unang-una, kasi ang Covid, hindi mo naman talaga dapat itest yung hindi mataas ang risk na magka-Covid o yung exposure niya ng Covid (First of all, you don’t need to test those who are not a high risk to infection or those with low exposure),” he said.

Under Alert Level 1 status, Dizon explained those individuals who are unvaccinated or have higher exposure risk to infection are prioritized in Covid-19 testing, pursuant to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 148-B and No. 149, s. 2021.

In addition, testing using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is

The protocol added that testing “shall be optional for other groups not stated above” and shall not be recommended for asymptomatic close contacts unless symptoms will develop and should immediately isolate regardless of test results.

Instead, symptom monitoring is recommended.

Dizon said the Department of Health is planning to maximize the use of these laboratories even for non-Covid diseases.

“We can use them to test for dengue, we use them to test tuberculosis, and we can use that to test for other chronic diseases. And that really gives us now this whole network of laboratories that can best serve our public health system. So that’s the plan,” he said.

Dizon added: “it’s a long response but I think it’s important for the public to understand, what will happen to these laboratories.” (PNA/ Lade Jean Kabagani)

Caraga Infocus • March 5-11, 2022

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City piacaraga@gmail.com; pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph (085) 341-5285; (085) 815-1991 Philippine Information Agency Caraga @PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City (085) 815-1991 pia.northagusan@gmail.com PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur 0917-723-3455 pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph PIA Agusan del Sur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City (086) 826-9450 piasurigao@gmail.com PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City (086) 211-3353 piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph PIA Surigao del Sur