Caraga InFocus – March 6-12, 2021

Volume V, No. 11 March 6-12, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 PROVINCIAL NEWS 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32

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CARAGANONS JOIN VIRTUAL WOMEN’S SUMMIT IN CELEBRATION OF IWD 2021 TESDA CARAGA SPEARHEADS WOMEN LEADERS’ FORUM IN BUTUAN

DA CARAGA GEARS ECONOMIC UP-SCALING THROUGH FARM CLUSTERING

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DENR RECEIVES WILDLIFE AMBULANCE FROM USAID

U.S. WELCOMES ARRIVAL TO PH OF U.S.-SUPPORTED COVAX VACCINES WOMEN OF THE 21ST CENTURY TRANSCEND TO BREAK FREE DSWD-LISTAHANAN RESPONDED TO 71 DATA REQUESTS IN 2020

DSWD-13 INTENSIFIES PROMOTION OF 4PS’ FDS ALTERNATIVES RTWPB CARAGA CONDUCTS ‘USAPANG 2PS’ CUM ORIENTATION ON LABOR STANDARDS TO MSMES

DTI REVIEWS OIL PALM ROADMAP, EYES STRENGTHENED DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN SK JOINS LOCAL GOV’T FOR VACCINATION INITIATIVES DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN SK EYES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AMID HEALTH CRISIS

DINAGAT TOWN INTENSIFIES INFO DRIVE FOR COVID-19 VACCINATION

DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN BOOSTS LOCAL TOURISM AMID PANDEMIC

DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN FOSTER AGRI GROWTH AMID TRADE RESTRICTIONS DAR TURNS OVER P23.9 MILLION FMR IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN GOV’T AGENCIES CONVERGE FOR SYNERGISTIC ACTION IN SURIGAO NORTE

PMO SURIGAO RECEIVES FREE AIS RECEIVERANTENNA PACKAGE

PAGBABAKUNA KONTRA COVID-19 UMAARANGKADA NA SA CARAGA REGION

NPA MEMBER RESCUED BY ARMY TROOPS IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE

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NPA REBELS WITHDRAW FROM A CLASH WITH GOV’T TROOPS ARMY OPERATION BAYANIHAN, GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION AID TS AURING VICTIMS IN SURIGAO SUR CEREMONIAL COVID-19 VACCINATION SA MGA FRONTLINER SA SURSUR, INILUNSAD SA TANDAG CITY TESDA AGNOR VOWS TO PROVIDE TRAININGS TO 453 FRS TESDA SPECIALISTA DESK BACK TO NORMAL OPERATIONS AGUSANONS INANYAYAHANG MAGPALISTA PARA SA COVID-19 VACCINATION CONVERGENCE MEETING PAGHIMO SA BUSINESS PLAN SA VCO PRODUCTION UPGRADING SA JABONGA GIPAHIGAYON EMB OG MGB MISUSI SA AREA ALANG SA SANITARY LANDFILL SA MAGALLANES 3 KA ASOSASYON MAKAANGKON OG SOLAR TUNNEL DRYER ORDINANSA NGA MAG-AMNESTIYA MGA BUHIS SA YUTA APROBADO NA SA AGNOR PAGPALAPAD SA MORINGA PROCESSING PROJECT SA JABONGA GIPURSIGE DA-CARAGA INTRODUCES ADLAY TO AGSUR FARMERS THROUGH FIELD DAY AGSUR LGU RECEIVES FUND FOR MONOLITHIC DOME COLD STORAGE PROJECT FROM DA-CARAGA

MINDANAO NEWS BIG SUPERMARKETS AWAIT QUALITY, CLEAN DRIED FISH FILIPINO-OWNED FIRM TO PUT UP COCO PROCESSING PLANT IN MISOCC

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CONTENTS

INFOCUS

COVER

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NATIONAL NEWS

ANDANAR: RTF-ELCAC 10 TO CONTINUE UPLIFTING LIVES OF VULNERABLE SECTORS IN NORMIN UNTIL END OF DUTERTE ADMIN GORDON CALLS OUT LTO AND DOTR OFFICIALS ANEW, TO FILE GRAFT AND PLUNDER CHARGES GORDON HONORS CONSTITUTIONALIST FR. JOAQUIN BERNAS THRU A RESOLUTION GORDON COMMENDS THIS YEAR’S TOYM AWARDEES PHILIPPINES MUST ADDRESS RAPID POPULATION GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE

PRESIDENT DUTERTE INAUGURATES INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

STRICTLY OBSERVE MINIMUM HEALTH PROTOCOLS TO FIGHT COVID-19, PRESIDENT DUTERTE REMINDS PUBLIC GOV’T MAY RECEIVE 20 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES IN 2ND QUARTER OF 2021— VACCINE CZAR

PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS VP ROBREDO’S COMMENT COUNTERPRODUCTIVE, ASKS PUBLIC TO TRUST GOV’T PRESIDENT DUTERTE LEADS INAUGURATION OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN BULACAN, VALENZUELA CITY DAR ORDERED TO SPEED UP LAND DISTRIBUTION TO DEFEAT COMMUNIST INSURGENCY

COVID-19 NEWS

R&D STRONG SOLUTION PROVIDER IN FIGHT VS. COVID-19 117K DOSES OF PFIZER VACCINE TO ARRIVE IN PH BY APRIL PUBLIC REMINDED TO EXERCISE ‘DILIGENCE’ IN COVID-19 TESTING

Message of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on the International Women’s Day We are one with the Filipino women and all the women around the world in celebrating International Women’s Day. The role of women in all aspects of our lives continues to be a vital part in our community- and nation-building, especially as we currently respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the Philippines remains the top Asian country in terms of promoting gender parity and equality according to the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum, the Duterte administration continues to be unrelenting in the pursuit of empowering women and providing them with equal access to education, economic and growth opportunities, health care, and other public services, among others.

Let us all support and participate in programs, activities, and advocacies that empower women to further address and overcome societal challenges, and achieve collective prosperity and development.

We wish everyone a safe and dignified celebration of Women’s Day.

- SEC. MARTIN M. ANDANAR

A jab up for grabs

By Venus L. Garcia

With the government mainly ensuring the welfare of the country and every Filipino, the life-saving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were finally delivered in the Caraga region.

The vaccination speedily commenced wherein more than 900 frontline healthcare workers of the Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) in Surigao City have signified for the first batch of COVID-19 vaccination in the region.

the historic ceremonial vaccination was held.

“Vaccination is most beneficial especially for us medical frontliners and those others who are in the frontline service. Let’s do away with the apprehensions and be glad instead that the vaccines have now arrived in our region. This is one of the means to totally terminate the pandemic,” said Dr. Batac.

Out of the 9,000 vials of Sinovac vaccines received, First to get the jab of a total of 650 vials were CoronaVac vaccine from a initially delivered to the CRH Chinese company Sinovac while recipients from the was Dr. Angel Eugenio Batac, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Department of Medicine Medical Center in Surigao head and vaccination team del Sur were also given from leader of the CRH where the allocated 500 vials of

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COVID-19 vaccines.

Grace Platil, chief nurse of the CRH and the first female vaccine recipient in the region, said she did not feel any pain at all as she received her initial dose.

She likewise motivates people by emphasizing optimism that a COVID-19 jab will be up for grabs not only to healthcare workers but to the elderly, people who are considered most vulnerable, and to every Filipino.

“Here I am now, I just got my first dose and I didn’t feel a sting of pain or whatsoever.

We really need to be inoculated as a defense against the deadly virus

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to be protected from the risk of acquiring the virus,” said Arnel Arceso, a resident and an employee in one of the private hospitals in Surigao City.

According to Lacuna, the government assured that the purchased and distributed vaccines are safe and effective.

The initial 9,000 vials of vaccines that arrived in the Caraga region are expected to be distributed to the eleven referral hospitals.

and as a protection not only for ourselves but for our loved ones and the people surrounding us,” she said, describing her condition after taking the shot of vaccine.

Meanwhile, Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. advised that even with the availability of vaccines, people should not let their guard down and continue to follow the safety and health protocols.

vaccines continues across the country, the Caraganons have an increased confidence that it would bring hope for a COVID-19free world.

“I am willing to be vaccinated because I believe this is one important way to help stop the pandemic. I want my family

On March 10, DOH Caraga also received an additional 14,800 doses or 1,480 vials of AstraZeneca vaccines.

These are for recipients ages 18 and above. Still adhering to the guidelines set, priority recipients are the frontline healthcare workers especially those who are 60 and above.

The allocated vaccines for the region cover two doses with an interval of four weeks from the first dose. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

“COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s our defense aside from the regular wearing face mask and face shield, washing of hands, and social distancing,” said Dir. Llacuna.

While the rollout of COVID-19

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March 6-12, 2021 |

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News Briefs The Local Government Code of 1991 mandates all local government units (LGUs) to be the frontliners before, during and after disasters. Further, the enactment of Republic Act 10121 strengthened the capacities of LGUs through the promotion of bottoms-up and participatory approach in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). xx

The Basic Services Cluster of the National and Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (N/ RTF-ELCAC) ensures to provide a responsive delivery of basic services in order to contribute to the establishment of conflict-resilient, economically developed, and sustainable communities.

The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP) provides detailed information on LGU’s assessment of hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities, capacities, and the goals, objectives, outcomes, action plans, and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of the four DRRM thematic areas (disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery).

The DOH and FDA emphasize that there is no indication for the Philippines to stop rollout of AstraZeneca vaccines. The DOH, NTF and FDA are closely coordinating on this matter. The public is assured they will closely monitor all deployed vaccines.

REGIONAL NEWS

CARAGANONS JOIN VIRTUAL WOMEN’S SUMMIT IN CELEBRATION OF IWD 2021

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time with the celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021, the women and men in Caraga region from the different sectors have actively participated in the virtual Women’s Summit initiated by the Regional Development Council - Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC-RGADC) Caraga through the Gender and Women Economic Empowerment (Gender WEE) Subcommittee.

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During said summit, the RDC-RGADC highlighted the following activities: Awarding of the Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs; Recognition of retired GAD focals; posting of the #ChooseToChallenge Campaign and One Billion Rising Video; Lectures on Government Services; and Online Legal Counselling.

As the keynote speaker of the Women’s Summit, Dr. Evelyn Fetalvero, regional director of the

Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga, stressed that women also face the pandemic of violence against women and children apart from the present pandemic on COVID-19, which is an equally alarming reality.

“However, women are able to manage these as the government is here working with us, but the fight against this pandemic does not end here. Men and women should work hand-inhand to achieve equality Caraga INFOCUS

and discard social and cultural differences for all of us to overcome all these challenges and trials,” Fetalvero elaborated.

Assistant regional director Gay Tidalgo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Caraga also emphasized that women are taking the steps and continue to contribute to the nation’s development. “Today, we will be witnessing effective women and women leaders to inspire us through their milestones, who experienced hardships before they were able to achieve the success they have right now.

Today, we recognize the women entrepreneurs, as well as our GAD focal persons who constantly promote the welfare of our women,” she cited.

The retiring womenGAD focal persons from the different government agencies were recognized during the summit. Four of them came from the regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Caraga INFOCUS

Tourism (DOT), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga.

GAD focal person and assistant regional director Sally Joy Bungabong of CDA-Caraga shared her message to all the participants of said event.

She underscored that being an advocate of gender equality and women empowerment does not end when one is retiring.

“Once an advocate, always an advocate.

I may be retiring from government service, but I will continue to be an advocate for women’s rights. I also congratulate all the other women who will be retiring from government service.

Thank you all for the time and opportunity we had

worked together in this cause,” she said.

The RDC-RGADC also recognized successful women entrepreneurs from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Island.

International Women’s Day (IWD) every March 8 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. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

IWD is not a country, group, or organization specific. (JPG/PIACaraga) March 6-12, 2021 |

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TESDA CARAGA SPEARHEADS WOMEN LEADERS’ FORUM IN BUTUAN

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

To inspire more women to get involved in policymaking and enhance their leadership skills, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga has initiated the conduct of Women Leaders’ Forum on Wednesday at the Watergate’s Pavillion, this city. It was a blended activity with other participants who joined online.

In her message, Regional Director Tarhata Mapandi, highlighted how women strive to overcome the challenges of life especially during this time of the pandemic. She also recognized women who have been resilient and continue to contribute to nation-building.

“Women play a vital role in our society. We should support and promote their welfare and appreciate them more for their contribution to the development of our nation,” she cited.

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As she discussed the role of information technology in sustaining the tourism industry in the Caraga region, Dir. Mary Jean Camarin, chief executive officer of Indigo ICT and Tourism Consultancy Butuan, revealed that since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), women took the risk and continue to perform their duties and responsibilities as they work along with the frontliners amid the pandemic. “Information communication technology was the lifeblood of all the interventions,” she added.

Atty. Glenn Carampatana, Sangguniang Panlungsod member and chair of Education Sector of the local government unit of Butuan, served as one of the guest resource speakers and shared insights on “Local Education Situationer of Butuan City: How local policy affects women.” He underlined that the city government continues to address pressing issues

and concerns on women and children sectors, as well as provide them with necessary and appropriate interventions.

As the keynote speaker, Samira Ali Gutoc-Tomawis, a journalist from The Philippine Business and News also emphasized that women and children should be protected from any abuse and violence especially in times of disaster and this time of the pandemic.

She further elaborated the significant impact of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act to the Filipino people, wherein the spirit of volunteerism was felt down to the communities amid the pandemic.

“We should set aside gender biases and let everyone experience equality.

Women have continued to grow and develop amid crisis and they deserve to be treated right and well. Let us all make change work for women,” she said. (JPG/PIACaraga)

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DA CARAGA GEARS ECONOMIC UPSCALING THROUGH FARM CLUSTERING

By Aurelius P. Arais

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga is taking a big leap to levelup farmers and fisherfolks cooperative and associations (FCAs) in Caraga Region to attain economies of scale.

This is through the implementation of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) otherwise called Bayanihan Agri-Clusters (BACs).

As a jumpstart of the implementation, massive information dissemination had been implemented for them to be able to grasp the importance of the clustering approach.

“Despite the pandemic, our F2C2 team has had conducted briefing in different municipalities and cities around the region,” Rebecca Reyes Atega, Regional Technical Director for Operations said.

A Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) had been created for the said purpose headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo as the over-all coordinator with RTD Atega and Maria Espenido as F2C2 Regional Focal Person and Alternate Focal

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Person respectively.

To strengthen the associations, DA-Caraga had already conducted two batches of Training on Financial Management for Bayanihan Agri-Clusters.

“We want to capacitate our FCAs with the necessary skills to effectively manage their group especially in the financial matter, which is considered the bread and butter of the group’s existence,” Atega reiterated.

Atega said that the program is also working closely with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to assist farmers and fisherfolks cooperative and associations, so they can have the legal identity to manage a business.

On August 5, 2020, DA Secretary William D. Dar issued Administrative Order No. 27, series of 2020 mandating DA Regional Offices to establish the F2C2 Program towards greater inclusive agri-business development in the country.

Atega explained that through BACs, DA can effectively assist FCAs to achieve and benefit from economies of scale, forge

stronger linkages among agri-producers and markets, improve bargaining and market power, establish better access to credit and financing, encourage active “Big Brother – Small Brother” partnerships and joint ventures between FCAs and large corporate enterprises, and raise the overall productivity of the agriculture sector.

Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that clustering is an effective way of achieving a food secure Philippines through a prosperous farmers and fisherfolks.

“Clustered areas will be prioritized by the government support and interventions such as production and mechanization support as well as technical training, so in time, they will become a key player in the economy through agribusiness, not just mere producers,” Monteagudo stressed.

As of now, about 32 BACs have been identified as pilot areas in Caraga Region and are expected to increase as more farmer associations appreciate the advantage of the F2C2 program. (DACaraga/PIA Caraga)

March 6-12, 2021 |

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DENR RECEIVES WILDLIFE AMBULANCE FROM USAID

To mark World Wildlife Day and strengthen the Philippine government’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over on March 2 a new wildlife ambulance to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

This turnover was part of USAID’s P1.2-billion Protect Wildlife Project.

The wildlife ambulance which is the first of its kind in the country will help the DENR’s National Wildlife Rescue and Research Center improve its response time during wildlife rescue and retrieval, as well as facilitate the provision of immediate on-site care for injured and trafficked wildlife.

The specially designed vehicle has furnished cabinets for veterinary and wildlife handling equipment, a collapsible veterinary examination table and seats, and a roof rack for transporting animal crates, ladders, and other equipment for wildlife rescue.

USAID also handed over WILDBase, a centralized online system for recording and monitoring rescued wildlife. WILDBase will help

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rescue centers keep track of wildlife in their care, as well as medical records, inventory, and other important information for rescue center operations and decision-making.

DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, Jr. received the wildlife ambulance and WILDBase from USAID Philippines Environment Office Deputy Director Paul Seong during a turnover ceremony held at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.

“We appreciate USAID’s continued generosity to the DENR through the years. The enforcement of our wildlife laws, rules, and regulations do not end with the confiscation of the wildlife and the prosecution of the violators,” said Usec. Adobo.

He furthered that with this new ambulance, WILDBase, and newest equipment and materials, they can more

easily treat and monitor the health of confiscated wildlife.

“This ambulance and online system complete USAID’s program of assistance for the DENR’s National Wildlife Rescue and Research Center, and complements the Center’s new wildlife diagnostics equipment, wildlife handling tools, and digital innovations,” said Seong.

Since 2016, the Protect Wildlife project has helped protect 750,000 hectares of diverse landscapes and seascapes, trained 2,300 men and women in improved environmental enforcement practices, and brought economic and environmental benefits to 95,000 Filipinos through environmentally sustainable livelihoods, communitybased enforcement, and sustainably managed natural resources. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Caraga)

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U.S. WELCOMES ARRIVAL TO PH OF U.S.SUPPORTED COVAX VACCINES The United States (U.S.) welcomes the successful arrival of 487,200 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines on Thursday, March 4.

These vaccines were made available through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The United States already has donated P97.2 billion ($2 billion) to COVAX, by far the largest contribution, to ensure the Philippines and other countries receive COVID-19 vaccines.

In February, the U.S. government announced a total planned contribution of P194.4 billion ($4 billion) to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment. The United States already has Caraga INFOCUS

provided an initial P97.2 billion ($2 billion), and the Philippines is among the first countries in the region to have received COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility.

“The United States is proud to be the largest contributor to COVAX, and we welcome the successful arrival of the first tranche of AstraZeneca vaccines in the Philippines.

As we fight the pandemic together, the United States will continue to support the Philippines’ vaccination and COVID-19 mitigation efforts,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law. The U.S. contributions to COVAX, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will

support the purchase and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for the world’s most vulnerable and at-risk populations in 92 low and middle-income countries.

This support is critical to controlling the pandemic, slowing the emergence of new variants, and helping to restart the global economy.

The United States has worked closely with Philippine stakeholders throughout the duration of the pandemic to protect public health and strengthen the response to COVID-19. To date, total U.S. government COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines has amounted to more than P1.1 billion ($23.4 million). (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines/ PIA-Caraga) March 6-12, 2021 |

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WOMEN OF THE 21ST CENTURY TRANSCEND TO BREAK FREE March is Women’s Month, and today’s women transcend to break free from the past. Leading this clarion call for women to break free include Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Miss Trans Global 2020 Mela Habijan.

Together with the community volunteers, Megan and Mela headline Transcend

by LoveYourself’s women empowerment segment of its latest campaign, #BreakFreePH. This campaign hopes to inspire ciswomen and transgender people to fight off the stigma surrounding sexual health and ensure their holistic well-being.

Women deserve to be taken care of and respected even for their sexual health choices.

Filipinos should also continually welcome newer perspectives and create more inclusive actions for all genders. Megan and Mela, whose purposes are beyond their beauty and title, aim to enable voiceless women to break free from any form of abuse, discrimination, and violence.

In the #BreakFreePH campaign video (http:// bit.ly/MeganBreakFreePH), Megan emphasized that society is never just a man’s world and that empowered

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women are no different. As women of the 21st century, “We are not limited by our sex and physical built,” Megan stressed.

Mela, a woman of trans experience, underscored that trans women are valid and refuse to be seen differently. She mentioned that transgender people can fulfill roles regardless of gender, such as being parents, having a business, or being in anything they choose to pursue.

Mela highlighted that trans people definitely exist as an essential part of the country’s developing society. “We are not limited by our gender transition,” she firmly said on another #BreakFreePH campaign video (http://bit. ly/MelaBreakFreePH).

Lastly, the #BreakFreePH also discussed genderrelated socio-political issues concerning all women like physical abuse, verbal assault, rape, hate crimes, psychological violence, and killings.

Aside from women empowerment, the #BreakFreePH campaign has three more pillars: sexual health, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and women and trans health services under Victoria by LoveYourself community

center.

HIV advocate Janlee Dungca, Cebuana vlogger Alem Garcia and trans man Nick Escalderon will also take part in the campaign to promote the holistic well-being of trans people, especially for their genderaffirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and health-related issues about transitioning.

Transcend by LoveYourself was established in 2020 to address the lack of services catered for trans health issues such as biomedical transitioning and ciswomen’s sexual concerns. It was finally made into fruition in view of expanding the services offered in the country’s first community-led transgender health center called Victoria by LoveYourself. This community center offers free gender-sensitive HIV testing and transition counseling and consultation services, among others. (LoveYourself PH/PIACaraga)

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DSWD-LISTAHANAN RESPONDED TO 71 DATA REQUESTS IN 2020

Assisting the needs of the partner-agencies in the formulation of their programs and services, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga was able to respond to a total of 71 data requests generated through the National Household Targeting Section’s (NHTS) Listahanan 2.0 database for 2020.

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are in the country.

It provides complete basic information on poor households who will Caraga INFOCUS

become beneficiaries of the different anti-poverty programs and services of the Department.

Of the said figure, the section was able to provide 9 statistical data requests of poor households to the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands and Agusan del Norte.

The Local Government Units of Cortes and Tagbina (Surigao del Sur), General Luna, Sison, San Isidro (Surigao del Norte) were also provided the latest poverty status.

While, the 67 others were name matching requests, where the

Department determine if a household is in the Listahanan database and its corresponding poverty status.

These data were used as the basis in the implementation plan for the distribution of food assistance, validation of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) potential beneficiaries, basis for the Comprehensive Land Used Plan (CLUP) and research studies.

The NHTS can provide statistical figures based on Listahanan 2 database.

Data available such as the number of assessed and identified poor households and magnitude of poor among basic sectors. The requesting party will send a request letter addressed to the Regional Director indicating the purpose of the request. However, for those who want to obtain the complete list of names and address, the forging of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is needed between the two parties. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga) March 6-12, 2021 |

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DSWD-13 INTENSIFIES PROMOTION OF 4PS’ FDS ALTERNATIVES Though the conduct of the Family Development Sessions (FDS) has been suspended since 2020, the provision of timely and relevant information to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) continues to reach the beneficiaries through the promotion of various FDS delivery modes.

Based on the new 4Ps Operations Manual, FDS refers to appropriate monthly activities conducted with and attended by the grantee/s or responsible persons towards enhancing their parenting capabilities, thereby encouraging them to be more active citizens of the society.

The three FDS modes are online, offline, and on-air.

The first mode utilizes the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, and Messenger, where the staff may share or post a topic, and the beneficiaries may access it individually in the comfort of their homes.

The second mode is offline, considering that not all beneficiaries have social media accounts and no

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Internet access.

“The basa-pasa or wall-dikit is intended for beneficiaries with no social media accounts, no email, no cellphones, and no access to any radio or television stations. The FDS materials are handed to the beneficiaries by the 4Ps field workers. This is to ensure the compliance of the beneficiaries in one of the Program’s conditions,” Analiza Navia, regional FDS focal, said.

This is in line with the DSWD National Advisory Council Resolution #3 series of 2020 or the “Conditions for Entitlement to Cash Grants of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Beneficiaries during the New Normal/COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The printed materials are posted in strategic locations in each area, wherein the parent leaders are mobilized to help in the dissemination of the FDS topic for the month.

After handing the materials, the beneficiaries are required to submit their journal, and requested to sign the attendance sheet.

The third mode is FDS onair and/or live streaming.

Tapping local partnerships with radio and television stations are done for the dissemination of FDS topics.

Through this, the topics are discussed over radio and/ or TV to reach not just the beneficiaries, but also the general public as well.

In the absence of the approved guidance notes from the National Program Management Office, the Regional Program Management Office of 4Ps Caraga has crafted the Regional Interim Guidance Notes to serve as the basis in conducting the monthly learning sessions abiding with the minimum safety measures and community quarantine protocols. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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RTWPB CARAGA CONDUCTS ‘USAPANG 2PS’ CUM ORIENTATION ON LABOR STANDARDS TO MSMES

By Sara Mae Cassion-Dahuyla

The Regional Tripartite Wages & Productivity Board (RTWPB) – Caraga in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga and Cabadbaran City Business Club, Inc. recently conducted an Orientation on Productivity Toolbox, Wage Related Statistics and Incentivizing Schemes to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at Loreta Resort in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

The said activity was conducted in two batches, one session in the morning participated by 13 establishments and one session in the afternoon participated by 21 establishments.

The activity is aimed to promote the various productivity technologies under the Productivity Toolbox and encourage enterprises to motivate their respective workers

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thru performance incentive schemes.

Lawyer Claire L. Jamero, Attorney IV, opened the discussion by formally introducing the office’s basic services and its mandates and composition.

Earl D. Dela Victoria, Board Secretary VI, discussed the Productivity Toolbox and Incentivizing schemes. He said, the agency provides different productivity programs and services to help establishments improve businesses and enhance workers to be more competitive, quality conscious and service oriented.

Dela Victoria also encouraged the business owners to adopt the Performance Based Incentive Scheme. “Despite of what the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic brought to the business industry, the grant of

incentives to workers for work related performance will help increase productivity, competitiveness and improvement in overall business performance,” he added.

Also, Lilian Solis, Senior Labor and Employment of DOLE Caraga, shared her knowledge in discussing the General labor Standards.

The discussion is to give information and assistance to MSMEs when it comes to the rules and regulations relating to wages, hours of work, allowances, other monetary and welfare benefits, etc.

After the discussion, participants are encouraged to avail of the free programs and services of RTWPB. Minimum Health Protocols and safety measures were strictly observed before entering the venue and during the activity. (RTWPB Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)

March 6-12, 2021 |

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DTI REVIEWS OIL PALM ROADMAP, EYES STRENGTHENED DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Looking into the successes gained and challenges faced by the Philippine palm oil industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently spearheaded the revisiting of the 20142023 Philippine Oil Palm Roadmap, which convened industry key players, stakeholders, and partner agencies.

“The review is a product of our commitment and desire to improve the performance of the industry. We collaborate to improve on our initiatives to enhance the palm oil industry and develop human and economic potentials,” DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said.

Usec. Lantayona stressed that the Department needs to review, reflect and rethink, to make sure that the palm oil industry goals and targets are fulfilled.

“It has already been a long travel from the crafting of our roadmap until today, and we see evident developments as shown by continuously increasing investments generated, exports recorded, jobs generated, MSMEs created and beneficiaries trained, among others,” the Regional Operations Group (ROG) undersecretary added.

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| March 6-12, 2021

For 2020, the Palm Oil National Industry Cluster has generated Php804 M investments, 1,364 jobs, Php513 M domestic sales, and $4.1 M worth of exports.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Asteria Caberte said that the industry has been constantly facing challenges that the Department is already slowly addressing through the Palm Oil Development Council.

“The issues, such as the need to increase its productivity and uplift the living conditions of the palm oil farmers, must be seen as opportunities to do better in getting our goals and targets done,” Asec. Caberte said.

One of the issues discussed during the activity is the plan to strengthen the interagency efforts to address problems on smuggling and the negative

publicity of palm oil plantations.

To recall, more than one million hectares of potential pam oil areas have been identified in the country as the potential for development while we need to develop and expand plantation area to 400,000 hectares to be self-sufficient in addressing food security.

“We are yet to cover that by capitalizing on the strengths of this industry such as the availability of production technologies and technical expertise on the government and private sector, availability of low-cost labor for oil palm farm activities and the presence of research centers and academic institutions that are conducting researches on oil palm,” Usec. Lantayona said. (DTICaraga/PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN SK JOINS LOCAL GOV’T FOR VACCINATION INITIATIVES

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

With the expected vaccine rollout for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Dinagat Islands in the succeeding weeks, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Loreto town joins the local government in its preparations.

While the schedule for the rollout is yet to be determined, the SK has already vowed to actively take part in the local government unit’s plans for the vaccine deployment.

“We will build a team whose primary function is to coordinate with Loreto’s task force [for COVID-19] for the vaccination

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| March 6-12, 2021

program. We will make sure to always participate in the planning [and in] the steps to be undertaken,” said Kimberly Salem, Vice President of Loreto town’s SK, during her guesting at the Network Briefing News recently with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar.

The youth leader also said that they will also orient members of the youth council to execute the vaccination procedure properly, leaving no room for errors.

Transparency and information dissemination on the upcoming rollout

will also be given ample attention, where Vice President Salem said that monitoring and evaluation will be properly done and all actions undertaken for the vaccination will be documented and recorded.

The rollout for the COVID-19 vaccines is ongoing, with 11 priority public and private hospitals in the Surigao and Agusan provinces and the city of Butuan participating. A total of 4,500 health care workers are expected to get vaccinated on the initial vaccine rollout. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN SK EYES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AMID HEALTH CRISIS

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

Despite the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Loreto town in the province of Dinagat Islands is pushing for youth development through the establishment of a Youth Hub Center.

about it,” added the youth leader during her interview with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar for the Friday (March 5) episode of the Network Briefing News.

In addition, the center will Provincial SK Vice President also be equipped with Kim Salem said that the computers to support the center “aims to provide youth in conducting their the needs of the youth.” research and homework, now that learning modes “We will establish facilities have shifted to online to accommodate leisure and modular due to the for the youth so that they pandemic. can play indoor games.

We will also have musical The Commission on instruments to help them Population (POPCOM) will discover and develop shoulder the establishment their enthusiasm for of the center’s facility music, especially those in support of the SK who are passionate Federation’s request to Caraga INFOCUS

uplift the welfare of the town’s youth.

In light of these efforts, the SK Federation official urged the youth to support the council’s initiatives.

“Wala kaming ibang hangarin kundi to give our sincerest service lalo na sa panahon ng pandemiya,” she added.

She also encouraged the youth to extend help in their own ways to prevent the transmission of the fatal disease, which is also best done by abiding health protocols.

“Stay at home and stay safe, kabatan-ang Loretonhon.” (DMNR/PIACaraga) March 6-12, 2021 |

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DINAGAT TOWN INTENSIFIES INFO DRIVE FOR COVID-19 VACCINATION

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

With the vaccine rollout for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) now commenced in some parts of Caraga region, other parts of the region are also preparing to conduct the rollout in their locality, including the town of Libjo in the Dinagat Islands province.

On top of the list of preparations is boosting public confidence in the vaccines.

“On Thursday [March 4], we have begun our information drive for the vaccination. We will visit every barangay in town to explain the importance of

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| March 6-12, 2021

the COVID-19 vaccines,” said Town Mayor Lamberto Llamera, Jr. to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar during his guesting at the Network Briefing News on Friday, March 5.

The town mayor recounted that residents have been hesitant to get vaccinated due to the controversies on the Dengvaxia vaccines in 2016, which was linked to the deaths of at least nine children in 2016 and left at least 40 others severely ill in the first year of its rollout.

permitted by authorities, he will have himself inoculated during the initial rollout “to convince people to get vaccinated.”

Meanwhile, the master list of prioritized vaccine recipients is also being finalized, according to the mayor.

“Our allocation is small so we really prioritize the most important [recipient] to get vaccinated. First to get vaccinated is our frontline workers then our senior citizens.” (DMNR/PIACaraga)

The mayor also said that if Caraga INFOCUS

DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN BOOSTS LOCAL TOURISM AMID PANDEMIC Amid travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the town of Libjo in Dinagat Islands continues to welcome local tourists from the province to showcase its breathtaking tourist sites.

What was once known mostly for its watermelons, the humble town of Libjo is now famous for its “Sea of Clouds,” where a thick fog covers the entire town.

“This is a new discovery, just last year. [The view can be seen] on top of a mountain. If the weather is hot in the daytime, a fog will appear,” said Libjo town mayor Lamberto Llamera, Jr. in an interview with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar for Caraga INFOCUS

the Network Briefing News episode on Friday, March 5.

The mountain is located at Brgy. General Aguinaldo, where tourists camp to witness the view. Clouds blanket the whole of Libjo as early as 2 in the morning.

Mayor Llamera said its discovery was ‘just in time,’ as it offered great relaxation for both the locals and tourists from the province especially at the time where inter-province travel is still impossible due to strict travel protocols.

“Many from Dinagat Islands visit [the tourist site] because it’s hard to travel to neighboring provinces without having to undergo quarantine. So we just stay here and look for places to

go.”

Meanwhile, travel protocols within the province remained strict even for residents bound for their hometowns in Dinagat Islands. According to the mayor, the provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is still convening to come up with harmonized guidelines on receiving passengers.

“It was discussed during the initial meeting that all passengers who are going home will stay in San Jose [municipality] to be screened. It was also proposed that passenger boats bound for Loreto and Tubajon will dock here. But these are all just plans. We are still finalizing it,” the town mayor added.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga) March 6-12, 2021 |

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DINAGAT ISLANDS TOWN FOSTER AGRI GROWTH AMID TRADE RESTRICTIONS While the heightened community quarantine restrictions hampered economic activity in all parts of the country, the Libjo town continued to supply fresh produce to different parts of the Dinagat Islands.

Known for its sweet watermelons, the Libjo municipality prides itself as a top producer of the said not just in the province but also in other parts of the country, expanding its market as far as Bohol, Cebu, Tacloban and parts of Southern Leyte.

Town mayor Lamberto Llamera, Jr. said that while it was unfortunate that exporting produce was momentarily stopped due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, watermelon production was still maintained.

“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our watermelon planters could not deliver to Cebu and Bohol. So what we did, we continued to supply municipalities.

The local government unit helped in providing

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| March 6-12, 2021

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

mobility, using our trucks as delivery vehicles,” he said to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar during his guesting at the Network Briefing News on Friday, March 5.

The municipality of Libjo also boasts its rice production. To support local farmers, the municipal government immediately made interventions.

“When there were restrictions placed, we could not sell our produce to other towns; it so happened that we needed to feed our front liners and those in quarantine, so we bought 2,500 bags of rice which we gave to our frontline workers as well as those in quarantine. In this way,

we are also helping local farmers maintain their livelihood.”

Meanwhile, efforts to boost the locality’s agriculture sector are now taken to greater heights with the establishment of an agriculture center in the town. This is to capacitate local farmers by introducing them to new farming technologies.

“We have started on the training center for farmers because the governor [Arlene J. Bag-ao] said that all we’ve learned on planting palay, cassava, and raising livestock, will be replicated by farmers in other areas in Libjo.”

A 5-hectare lot was alloted to be used as demo farms for different planting technologies. (DMNR/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS

DAR TURNS OVER P23.9 MILLION FMR IN SURIGAO NORTE TOWN The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has conducted the symbolic turnover of the farm-tomarket road (FMR) project on March 4, 2021, held in Barangay Mabini, Placer, this province.

for Rural Growth and Empowerment.

Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag, and Placer.

The FMR that spans 2.1 kilometers and amounted to P23.9 million will benefit 344 direct beneficiaries and 2,902 indirect beneficiaries.

The said project was funded under the department’s Project ConVERGE or the Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement

The construction of the said road is also expected to boost the Coconet and Biofertilizer enterprises of the agrarian reform cluster project in the towns of

As one of the Project ConVERGE’s support subprojects, it was completed with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with counterparts from the government of the Philippines and the local government unit of Placer. (DAR-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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March 6-12, 2021 |

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GOV’T AGENCIES CONVERGE FOR SYNERGISTIC ACTION IN SURIGAO NORTE

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The national government agencies composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently converged for a synergistic planning of programs and actions for 2021.

projects that would benefit the Surigaonons especially those in economic and business sectors and workers.

The said convergence was chaired by the DTI headed

by Provincial Director Elmer Natad, who also led the team to come up with harmonized proposals and implementation of potential programs and

According to Dir. Natad, with the harmonized proposals and implementation of programs, the TESDA can run programs through enterprise-based scheme together with the DOLE

| March 6-12, 2021

DOLE Surigao del Norte chief May Velonta was also cooperative of the targeted actions that would allow seamless transactions and services in the three line agencies.

and DTI that will target the needs of the industry so that TESDA can align its programs and under industry-supervised trainings.

He said the priority sectors are the construction sector, handicraft producers, Service Repair Enterprises (SREs), hotels and restaurants, processed food manufacturers, retailers and others and they will commence by organizing and meeting first with the construction sector as part of the industry consultation. (DTISurigao del Norte/PIADinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS

PMO SURIGAO RECEIVES FREE AIS RECEIVERANTENNA PACKAGE

By NC Nusog

A new Automatic Identification System (AIS) Station at the Port of Dapa will soon rise as the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao received recently an AIS Receiver and Antenna package, courtesy of marinetraffic.com.

The marinetraffic.com is the world’s largest online network of terrestrial AIS stations and it has provided PMO Surigao with an AIS receiver, antenna kit and free subscription of its online services while the PMO shall host the AIS station, provide internet connectivity and power connection.

Since AIS data gathered by the station is shared by both parties, PMO Surigao benefits through free access to online services while marinetraffic.com’s network of AIS stations expands with the establishment of a station at Siargao Islands.

It may be informed that PMO Surigao has, for years, hosted two marinetraffic-connected stations (at the Port of Surigao and Port of Tandag in Surigao del Sur) and enjoyed free subscriptions of its online services.

Connection with marinetraffic.com’s network has given many benefits to the PMO particularly

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in improving the PMO’s collection efficiency through free access to marinetrafic.com’s database of a particular vessel’s movements for 60 days.

With no operations officers monitoring the loading of nickel ore on anchorage at private ports, the service proved to be a “game changer” since there is no foolproof way to determine vessel stay and/or movements which are primary bases in the computation of port charges.

AIS data can also help in the investigation of marine accidents, particularly in

resolving disputes or claims.

By having access to a database of vessel’s movement (provided by marinetraffic.com through an online service called “voyage history”), investigators can determine what the ship actually did, as well as where it has gone.

When a ship has been involved in an accident in port, perhaps coming into contact with another vessel or hitting a fixed object such as a crane, AIS can be used by investigators to construct a picture of port activity.

(PMO-PPA Surigao/PIASurigao del Norte)

March 6-12, 2021 |

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PAGBABAKUNA KONTRA COVID-19 UMAARANGKADA NA SA CARAGA REGION

By Venus L. Garcia

Walang pag-atubiling sinimulan ang opisyal na pag-arangkada ng coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rollout ngayong araw sa Caraga region.

Mahigit 900 mga frontline healthcare worker ng Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) sa Surigao City ang napabilang sa nagsignify para sa unang batch ng COVID-19 vaccination sa rehiyon.

Unang naturukan ng awtorisadong bakuna

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| March 6-12, 2021

na CoronoVac mula sa Chinese company na Sinovac si Dr. Angel Eugenio Batac, hepe ng Department of Medicine at COVID-19 vaccination team leader ng CRH kung saan idinaos ang seremonyal na pagumpisa ng vaccination program dito sa Caraga region.

“Kapaki-pakinabang itong pagbabakuna lalung-lalo na sa aming mga medical paractitioners at iba pang nasa frontline service.

Wala tayong dapat

ipangamba, bagkus atin itong ikatuwa dahil dumating na ang bakuna dito sa ating rehiyon. Isa ito sa mga hakbang na nagbibigay ng pag-asa para tuluyan ng mapuksa ang pandemya,” ani Dr. Batac.

May kabuoang 650 vials ng COVID-19 vaccines ang inisyal na naideliver sa CRH. Positibo naman ang pagtanggap ni Grace Platil, chief nurse ng naturang ospital, sa Caraga INFOCUS

pa ring sundin ang safety at health protocols hanggang tuluyan ng matapos ang pandemya.

“COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s our defense aside from the regular wearing face mask and face shield, washing of hands, and social distancing,” sabi ni Llacuna.

itinurok sa kanya na bakuna. Ayon pa sa kanya, hindi siya nasaktan sa pagturok ng bakuna.

“Eto, katatapos ko lang natanggap ang aking first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Wala naman akong naramdamang hapdi o kakaiba. Talagang kailangan natin ito upang maprotektahan ang ating mga sarili sa pagkahawa sa nakakamatay na COVID-19,” sabi ni Platil.

dahil hindi lamang ang aking sarili ang mapoprotektahan nito kundi pati na rin ang aking pamilya,” pahayag ni Arnel Arceso, residente ng Surigao City na may anak at nagtatrabaho rin sa isang pribadong ospital.

Bukas ay nakatakda naman ang pagbabakuna ng mga recipients sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center sa Surigao del Sur kung saan may nakalaan at naideliver nang 500 vials ng COVID-19 vaccines.

Bagama’t hindi sapilitan ang pagbabakuna, tumaas naman ang kumpyansa ng mga Caraganon sa pagsisimula Labing-isang referral at patuloy na pagratsada hospitals ang inaasahang ng pagbabakuna. mabibigyan sa 9,000 vials ng vaccines na dumating “Payag po ako na sa Caraga region nito maturukan ng bakuna lamang Biyernes, Marso 5. laban COVID-19 (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Paalala naman ni Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOHCHD) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. kahit may available nang bakuna ay patuloy Caraga INFOCUS

March 6-12, 2021 |

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NPA MEMBER RESCUED BY ARMY TROOPS IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE An armed member of the New People’s Army (NPA) Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16C2, Guerilla Front16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) who ran away from the said terrorist group was rescued by the troops of 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, Philippine Army, bringing along with him his M14 rifle after a firefight transpired in Serinihon, Brgy. Camp Edward, Alegria, Surigao del Norte, morning of March 5, 2021.

The said NPA member revealed after he was successfully rescued that he decided to escape and liberate from the group as he was fed up with the lies and failed promises of the NPA terrorists. Upon learning also the benefits and the seriousness of the government to help former rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs (ECLIP), he has finally decided to return to the fold of the law.

Necessary information about the ECLIP including

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By Capt. Joash Pramis

contact numbers has been massively disseminated by the 30IB troops through its regular radio programs that reached the far-flung areas of the Battalion’s area of operations. The troops also distributed leaflets in an effort to reach out the NPA’s active members and to provide them with means to contact the said army troopers and other

government agencies.

Prior to the encounter the said NPA member reached out to the 30IB’s hotline number while he was on his way out from the NPA terrorist group and being chased by several of his ex-comrades.

Responding to the said information, the unit sent out a patrol to purposely Caraga INFOCUS

extricate the said defecting NPA member.

While approaching the designated meeting place, the government troops encountered more or less seven NPA members of SYP16C2, GF16.

The encounter lasted for about ten minutes of giving the said defecting NPA an opportunity to further secure himself along with his issued M14, seven magazines with 21 live ammunitions and one bandolier.

Meanwhile, the 30IB troops successfully secured and brought him safely at the headquarters in Brgy Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. He is now under the custody of 30IB for proper documentation and processing of his benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

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“Malisod di ya kahimtang ka banwa daw anisab kanaong na batian nga madajaw sa ya kahimyang na mga kaibahan nga mingbaba ka una. Daw nakitan sab nao nga wara ya kahamjangan ka kalihukan agun min baba koman hao kay para maka hula ka mahamjang. (The situation in the mountain is hard. I’ve heard that my former comrades who surrendered before are now living peacefully and I also noticed that there is no better life in the armed struggle. So, that’s the reason for my surrender in order to live peacefully),” the defecting NPA lamented.

Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Charles G. Callanta, commanding Officer of 30IB, said that “the fateful incident is a clear manifestation that NPA ranks are slowly disintegrating, making

most of their ordinary members tired and fed up with the endless false promises and lies by its leaders giving them empty hopes.”

“One can imagine how hard it is to being always on the run, hiding, when tiredness and hunger crept in, how can one endure these situations?

Amidst of this, we continue to urge the remaining active NPA members to decide and embrace the path of peace and avail the governments’ reintegration program, the ECLIP. Rest assured that we will assist them along with the respective LGUs of Surigao del Norte to renew their lives and build their future with their families and loved ones through the foundation of peace, free from fear and intimidations,” he said.

(901st Infantry Brigade/PIASurigao del Norte) March 6-12, 2021 |

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NPA REBELS WITHDRAW FROM A CLASH WITH GOV’T TROOPS By 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong

The members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) withdrew in disarray after a 15-minute clash with the troops of the 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Batallion on March 7, 2021, around 7:44 in the morning at the vicinity of Brgy. Linongganan, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte.

The said troops were conducting a combat patrol in the area as a response to the information provided by the civilians regarding the presence of more or less 10 armed men who were believed to be members of Sangay Yunit Propaganda16-B (SYP16-B), Guerilla Front 16(GF16) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).

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| March 6-12, 2021

The CNTs have withdrawn towards the east direction of the said barangay leaving one anti-personnel mine, three blasting caps, 12 Eveready battery (A), two bottles of diesel, one backpack, food supplies, medical paraphernalia and other subversive documents with high intelligence value.

There was no casualty on the government side while undetermined on the enemy’s side since bloodstains were also seen in their route of withdrawal.

“Our troops will sustain security operations against CNTs who are hiding in the hinterlands. They have nowhere to go. We will find them. Residents were

already fed up with all their lies and deception. It would be better for them to stop and surrender now.

The crooked ideology which they have been indoctrinated with is just a snare and chain that will drag them to infinite misery,” said Lt. Col. Aristotle F. Antonio, commanding officer of 29IB. He also commended the troops for courageously facing the enemy. “You did not fail your people on the shared responsibility entrusted on you to secure peace and freedom, especially against deceitful schemes by the CNTs,” Lt.Col. Antonio said. (CMO officer, 29IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

ARMY OPERATION BAYANIHAN, GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION AID TS AURING VICTIMS IN SURIGAO SUR

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

The GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), Inc. and the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) recently concluded week-long relief operations to seven selected barangays affected by the Tropical Storm Auring in the municipalities of Lianga, Cagwait, San Agustin, and Marihatag from Mar. 3 up to Mar. 9.

About 2,000 beneficiaries came from barangays of St. Christine, Ban-as, and Ganayon of Lianga town; Tubo-tubo and Arangasa Island of Cagwait town; San Isidro of Marihatag; and Pongtod of San Agustin. The relief pack includes assorted canned goods, packs of rice, and noodles.

“The goods from Manila were transported by the Philippine Coast Guard by sea and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion’s line companies ensured the safe delivery to the affected barangays in Surigao Del Sur. We thank them for their assistance and quick response to deliver the goods as fast as possible,” Maria Christina Dungca, head of Kapuso Foundation team in Caraga.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Benedict Harvey Gernale,

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3SFBn Commanding Officer, said that the unit is always ready to perform its duty especially when it concerns aid to anyone affected by calamities and natural disasters.

which exemplifies true Filipino Resilience through Government and Nongovernment agencies’ partnership to help our affected kababayans,” Lt. Col. Gernale, added.

“Amid pandemic, natural and man-made calamities, and disasters, many people count on us because this is part of our sworn duty to serve the people,” Lt. Col. Gernale, said.

Meanwhile, last Tropical Storm Vicky, GMAKF also launched similar relief operations while strictly following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health protocols and is set to implement more possible development programs and projects such as the building of schools and bridges within geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities in CARAGA. (CMO-3SFBn/ PIA-Surigao del Sur)

“We thank the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the respective Local Chief Executives MDRRMOs and MSWDOs of the municipalities within the area of operations for participating in GMA Kapuso Operation Bayanihan

March 6-12, 2021 |

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CEREMONIAL COVID-19 VACCINATION SA MGA FRONTLINER SA SURSUR, INILUNSAD SA TANDAG CITY sa buong lalawigan ng Surigao del Sur, na kanyang kinikilalang mahalagang partner ng Department of Health sa pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga programa.

Kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng International Women’s Day sa Buwan ng mga Kababaihan, isang babae na empleyado ng Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) ang unang binakunahan ng Sinovac Vaccine panlaban sa coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa probinsiya ng Surigao del Sur sa isang pormal na seremonya na ginanap, Lunes ng umaga.

Mismong ang hepe ng nasabing ospital na si Dr. Janice Alcordo ang nagturok ng vaccine kay Alma Trinidad, isang nurse at Incident Commander ng Operation Center sa ginawang ceremonial na COVID-19 vaccination para sa lahat ng empleyadong

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| March 6-12, 2021

papasa sa gagawing screening ng Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center.

Dalawang doktor naman ang sumunod na tumanggap ng Sinovac na bakuna laban sa COVID-19, na itinurok mismo ni Department of Health-Center for Health DevelopmentDepartment of Health (DOHCHD) Caraga Regional Director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr.. Isang anesthesiologist si Dr. Joshua dela Cruz, at Chair ng Internal Medicine Department naman si Dr. Voltaire Egnora, ang parehong walang pag alinlangan at boluntaryong nagpabakuna.

Nagpaabot naman ng pagbati si Dr. Llacuna sa mga punong ehekutibo

Bilang pagsuporta, dumalo sa nasabing okasyon si Gobernador Alexander Pimentel at si Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel, na parehong nagpahayag na kanilang susuportahan ang lahat ng programang pangkalusugan.

Isang empleyado naman ang nagpaabot ng kanyang mensahe, kung saan isa sya sa napabilang na tumanggap ng bakuna ang isang pedia nurse na si Eula Cahanap. Ayun pa kanya, pinaiintindi na sa kanila ang kahalagahan ng bakuna bilang frontliner laban sa kinakaharap na pandemya.

Sinabi pa niya na boluntaryo niya itong gagawin.

Napag-alaman na 500 vials ng Sinovac vaccine ang dumating noong Linggo, Marso 7, para sa mga empleyado ng ASTMMC, kaparte ito ng 9,000 vials na dumating sa buong Rehiyon ng Caraga.

Sa kabuuwan, mayroong 872 empleyado ang nasabing hospital, ayun kay Recklyn Ruaza, ASTMMC information officer. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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TESDA AGNOR VOWS TO PROVIDE TRAININGS TO 453 FRS The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte vowed to provide trainings to some 453 Former Rebels (FRs) who have recently returned to the fold of the government.

In a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga, five members of Milisya ng Bayan (MB) and 448 CNT mass supporters under the existing Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) in Barangay Casiklan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte have recently withdrawn their support to the communist movement and pledged allegiance to the government.

During the ceremony spearheaded by the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army under the leadership of Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, TESDAAgusan del Norte Provincial

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By Eliphaz A. Signar, Jr. II

Director Rey M. Cueva said that TESDA should give them interventions and support particularly in honing their technical skills for increased productivity.

the bravery and enjoined the residents to cut or end their ties from the terrorist movement and embrace new lives with the government.

“With this huge count of FRs, we should help them and give them proper interventions, because if not, there is a possibility that they will return to where they came and support the NPA,” he said.

“With the help of TESDA who works with the 23IB and the LGU, we will develop livelihood project in your barangay, especially agricultural production in order for you to have a sustainable livelihood and help the government in recovering the status of our economic system. Kay kung walay kalinaw, walay kalambuan (If there’s no peace, there will be no progress),” he added.

Dir. Cueva added that community-based trainings in Organic Agriculture Production, Driving, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dressmaking, among others will surely contribute to uplift the economic condition of the community.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Provincial Administrator Jerry Joey S. Laurito, who represented Governor Dale B. Corvera, recognized

Laurito likewise assured that the government is always ready to find solutions to the problems of barangays through the provisions of programs and services.

(TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

March 6-12, 2021 |

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TESDA SPECIALISTA DESK BACK TO NORMAL OPERATIONS

serve as a venue for mallgoers to inquire programs and services of TESDA such as: Directory of TESDA Training Institutions (TTIs) and Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) with Programs under Unified TVET Program Registration and Accreditation System (UTPRAS).

The public may also ask for forms and application requirements for a smooth transaction in applying for the programs. Lastly, the desk will be helping the National Certificate holders with the renewal and application for the loss of certificate, among others.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Specialista Desk located at the third floor of Robinsons Place-Butuan has been back to its normal operations to serve the public.

This, after it was forced to open only twice a week last year to public due to COVID-19.

TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva said that with

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| March 6-12, 2021

Butuan City’s status under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), there is a need for the operations in Robinsons Place-Butuan to slowly go back to normal.

Upon visiting the desk, the public will be given a brochure where they can choose which institutions and programs they will be applying with all the information stated.

“… But because we are still experiencing the pandemic, the Specialista Desk will be opened three times a week, during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” Director Cueva said.

The desk is manned by TESDA personnel who will provide services during office hours. Anyone can come and visit the TESDA Specialista Desk or may call at (085) 300-3037.

(Eliphaz A. Signar, Jr. II, TESDA Agusan del Norte/ PIA Agusan del Norte)

The Specialista Desk will

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AGUSANONS INANYAYAHANG MAGPALISTA PARA SA COVID-19 VACCINATION Masayang ibinalita ni Dr. Odelio Ferrer, ang provincial health officer ng Agusan del Norte, at kauna-unahang Agusanon na tumanggap ng COVID-19 vaccine na maayos at mabuti ang kanyang pakiramdam at walang anumang naramdaman pagkatapos niyang matanggap ang unang dose ng vaccine.

Inanyayahan din ni Dr. Ferrer ang mga Agusanons na gustong makatanggap ng vaccine na magpalista na sa kani-kanilang mga health centers upang maisali sa babakunahan kung sakaling may darating na sa probinsya.

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By Nora C. Lanuza

Siniguro din ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera sa mga Agusanon na ligtas ang vaccine na ibibigay ng gobyerno at makakatulong ito upang makapagsimula o kaya’t

makapagbalik normal na ang ating buhay.

Sa ginawang unang batch ng pagbakuna sa probinsya, malaki ang pasalamat ni Rosie Cuevas ng Provincial Health Office, isa sa mga medical frontliners na nakatanggap ng Sinovac, dahil malaking tulong ito at mas maipagpatuloy pa ang kanilang serbisyo sa publiko.

Ang probinsya ay nakatanggap ng 378 dose ng vaccine, bahagi ng 9,000 vaccines na unang natanggap ng Caraga Region mula sa national government. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte) March 6-12, 2021 |

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CONVERGENCE MEETING PAGHIMO SA BUSINESS PLAN SA VCO PRODUCTION UPGRADING SA JABONGA GIPAHIGAYON Gipahigayon ang convergence meeting paghulma sa Business Plan sa Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Upgrading Project sa Libas Farmers Muti-Purpose Cooperative (LFMPC) sa Cusina Luciana, Jabonga.

Nanguna sa maong convergence meeting ang Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), ang mahimong tinubdan sa Php17 milyones nga pondo alang sa mga ekwipo ug building alang sa pagpataas sa angang sa operisyon sa VCO production.

By Shena Mae Pabia/Janicesa Dramayo

sa Jabonga ug ang AGUSAN UP Coordinating Center.

Human sa diskusyon, nauyonan sa Apil sa maong maong meeting nga convergence ang mga kinahangalang manukad buhatan sa Department ang mahimong plano sa of Social Welfare and upgrading sa kahimtang Development, Department karon sa LFMPC. Niini, of Trade and Industry, gitakda nga himoon Department of Agrarian ang usa ka workshop Reform, Cooperative paghimo og diagnosis sa Development Authority kasamtangang kalig-on ug (CDA), Office Cong. Angel kahuyang sa kooperatiba, Amante-Matba, Provincial ang mahimong basehan Agriculture Office, unya sa business plan.

Provincial Agriculture Office - Municipal Manguna sa pag-facilitate Agriculture Office ug sa diagnosis ang PCA Municipal Planning and kaabag ang AGUSAN UP! Development Coordinator Coordinating Center.

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| March 6-12, 2021

Inisyal na’ng nasabutan isip kabahin sa convergence nga motampo ang matag opisina base sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka programa sa maong proyekto.

Ang pag upgrade sa VCO produksyon usa sa mga core processing projects sa probinsya ubos sa Process! Process!

Process Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongw.

Angel Amante-Matba.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

EMB OG MGB MISUSI SA AREA ALANG SA SANITARY LANDFILL SA MAGALLANES

By Shena Mae Pabia

Gisugdan na ang pag survey sa 7.8 hectares nga luna sa Brgy. Taod-oy, Magallanes aron himoong sanitary landfill sa lungsod.

Gipangunahan ang site visitation sa buhatan sa Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) ug Municipal Planning and Development Office Magallanes kaabag ang mga personahe sa Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-DENR Region, Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB)-DENR Region ug Agusan Up Coordinating Unit.

Ang himoong Sanitary Landfill (SLF) sa Brgy.

Taod-oy adunay dakong kahimoan sa munisipyo, ilabina sa mga lumulopyo aron mas mo-improve ug ma-mentinar ang proper waste disposal sa lungsod.

Usa kini sa gitutokan sa LGU Magallanes ubos sa buhatan ni Mayor Cesar “Bubu” C. Cumba nga maplastar na ang mga panginahanglanon ilabina sa mga proseso ug uban pang mga requirements.

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Matod ni Rey Jaudian, MENRO Magallanes, “Ang una nga ma benefit ani, mao ang bahin sa waste disposal, since pagsugod sa Magallanes, problema namo ang dumping area, kung ma-realize ni puhon mawala na ang among problema sa disposal sa among garbage.”

Kasamtangan giimplementar sa lungsod ang Residual Containment Area (RCA) sa Brgy.

Caloc-an, diin maoy alternatibong pamaagi aron sa temporaryong pundohan sa basura alang sa proper segregation sa lungsod samtang gihulat pa ang himoong Sanitary

Lanfill.

Gilaoman alang sa ika-duhang adlaw pagahimoon ang soil sampling. Ug exit conference, findings ug recommendation alang sa ika-tulong adlaw.

Ang pagaphiluna sa basura usa sa mga tumong sa Lunhaw’ng Agusan program sa AGUSAN UP! sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) March 6-12, 2021 |

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3 KA ASOSASYON MAKAANGKON OG SOLAR TUNNEL DRYER

By Jessica O. Mellejor

Tulo ka asosasyon ang makadawat og multi commodity solar tunnel dryer kada usa gikan sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ilawom sa fisheries assistance program niini.

Aron hapsay ang implementasyon, gitagaan og gahum sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa Agusan del Norte si Gobernador Dale B. Corvera pinaagi sa Sanggunian Resolution No. 082-2021 alang sa pagpirma sa 3 ka Memorandum of Agreement kun MOA tali sa Barangay A. Beltran Fisherfolks Association, Inc., Caasinan Fisherfolk Associations, Inc., ug ang Magallanes Fisherfolk Association, Inc. Gihan-ay ang mga katungdanan ug responsibilidad alang sa malampuson nga pagpatuman sa maong programa nga mokabat sa P278,000.00.

Ang maong dryer makatabang aron sa mas sayon ug dali nga trabaho sa mga mangingisda kabahin sa proseso sa pagpauga sa isda.

Kini subay sa Agusan Up economic development program sa probinsya nga naghatag dakog suporta sa mga mag-uuma og mangingisda alang sa malungtaron nga ekonomikanhon nga kalamboan sa probinsya.

Ang paghatag gahum sa pagpirma sa MOA naaprubahan niadtong ika 78th regular sesyon sa pagpaningkamot ni Provincial Board Member Virgilio R. Escasiñas, Jr. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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| March 6-12, 2021

ORDINANSA NGA MAGAMNESTIYA MGA BUHIS SA YUTA APROBADO NA SA AGNOR

By Ramil L. Pasco

Giaprobahan sa ikaduhang pagbasa sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan atol sa sesyon regular kaniadtong Marso 1 ang Proposed Provincial Ordinance No.407-2021 nga mag deklarar og amnestiya sa pagbayad sa interest o penalty niadtong mga magbubuhis sa Probinsya nga wala naka bayad sa real property taxes tungod sa pandemya. Ang maapil sa amnestiya mao kadtong, interest o penalties hangtod sa Disyembre 31, 2020.

Ang naasoy nga ordinansa gipasikad sa sulat-hangyo ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera isip suporta sa mga tag-iya sa real properties nga naningkamot pa og balik gikan sa pinansyal nga kalisod tungod sa pandemya.

Matod pa ni Gob. Corvera nga ang paghatag og lugway sa buhis makatabang sa ilang lakang sa rehabilitasyon ug sa samang higayon madani ang mga magbubuhis nga mobayad sa ilang mga obligasyon. Gisuportahan ang naasoyng sugyot ordinansa ni Junie Vinatero, Provincial Assesors.

Ang real properties nga maapil sa amnestiya mao ang mosunod: * Katong wala gideklara para buhis; * Kadtong gideklara apan dili pa hingpit nabayran ang buhis * Kadtong gisubasta sa siyudad ug mga lungsod sa lalawigan, apan walay nipalit atol sa maong subasta, basta ang titulo o tax declaration wala pa nabalhin sa ngalan sa LGU. * Kadtong adunay kaso sa korte tungod sa pagkadelingkwente sa buhis Ubos sa Section 276 sa R.A. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, kon adunay kalamidad sa bisan unsang probinsya, siyudad. o munisipyo, ang hingtungdan sa Sanggunian, pinaagi sa ordinansa nga gipasa sa wala pa ang inang adlaw sa Enero sa bisan unsang tuig ug pinaagi sa rekomendasyon sa Local Disaster Coordinating Council, pwede modeklara nga menosan o ipaubos ang interes o penalty sa real property taxes sa LGU nga naapektohan sa kalamidad.

Ang maong lakang giaprobahan pinaagi sa pagpangamahan ni Francisco Y. Chan Jr., tsirman sa Committee on Cooperatives and Community Organization.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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PAGPALAPAD SA MORINGA PROCESSING PROJECT SA JABONGA GIPURSIGE

By Angel Lyn F. Gaviola

Nauyonan sa ikaduhang miting tali sa mga representante sa lungsod sa Jabonga, sa nongovernment Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC) ug sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte pinaagi sa mga personahe sa AGUSAN UP! nga ipursige ang pagpalapad sa Moringa Processing Project alang sa kabulahanan sa labing ubos 50 ka pamilya nga nagpasiugda niini.

Sugdan ang lakang pagpalapad sa operation niini sa diagnostics nga himoon aron mahimong basehan sa hulmahon nga business plan.

Ang mahimong business plan nga gipunting nga mahuman sa Abril ang mahimong basehan unya sa mosunod nga mga lakang unya.

Sumala pa ni Glenda Plaza, ang deputy administrator

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sa AADC, ang NGO nga nagtabang sa pagpahiluna sa maong proyekto nga daku ang mahimong tabang sa maong proyekto sa panginabuhian sa mga residente sa mga lungsod sa Jabonga ug Kitcharao, ilabi na sa mga kababayenan nga maoy nag-unang makabenepisyo sa proyekto sa pagproseso sa moringa powder, moringa tea, ug flakes.

Mahinumdoman nga isip resulta sa unang meeting nga gipatawag ni Mayor Napoleon Montero sa Jabonga naporma ang Techincal Working Group (TWG) nga motuon sa mahimong lakang aron ma-estabize ug mapalapad ang operisyon sa maong proyekto.

Ang nakita nga problema sa kooperatiba sa kababeyen-an nga nagpadagan sa proyekto ngano nga hinay ang

dagan sa proyekto mao ang panginahanglan og building nga mahimong kapahilunaan sa makinarya aron makakuha ang proyekto og License to Operate ug Certificate of Product Registration gikan sa Food and Drug and Administration (FDA).

Apan nauyonan sa unang meeting nga posibleng naa pay mga kinahanglang tan-awon sa kinatibuk-an aspeto sa proyekto aron magmalamposon ang pagestablize ug pagplapad sa operisyon niini.

Ang pagpahiluna og mga processing projects kabahin sa Process! Process! Process!

Project sa AGUSAN UP!, ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gobernador Dale B. Corvera kaabag ang buhatan ni Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba.

(LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

March 6-12, 2021 |

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DA-CARAGA INTRODUCES ADLAY TO AGSUR FARMERS THROUGH FIELD DAY Thirty-five (35) farmers and agricultural technicians from the local government units (LGUs) of San Luis, San Francisco, Talacogon, and Bayugan, all of this province and an organization of the Center for the Poor (MSC) converged recently for an Adlay Field Day at Del Monte Lowland and Rainfed Research Station (DMLRRS).

The Adlay Field Day aims to present the uses, benefits, and production of Adlay - a staple food crop that belongs to the grass family, the same family to which wheat, corn, and rice belong. This is presented to the interested farmers in Agusan del Sur.

adlay production.

The ceremonial harvest was led by Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, together with DMLRRS Center Chief Catherine Juyno, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Coordinator Marco Antonio Morido, and Research Division Chief Abel Wagas.

According to RED Monteagudo, the field day is a great venue to build linkages with ADS farmers since the production is low but the demand is high in the region.

“Through this, we can Currently, the municipality encourage them including of San Luis holds the largest our agricultural technicians production area in terms of to share the words about hectares with a cumulative the benefits of Adlay since six to nine hectares of it’s very marketable and

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| March 6-12, 2021

good for the health,” he said.

Aside from the demo farm, the product that can be made out from Adlay were also showcased like the Adlay Aroz Caldo.

Sunday Fegi, who started engaging in Adlay production since last year, attested to the benefits he got.

“Aside from that, it decreases or even halt and cure high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, and so many other ailments, we can use this as our snacks just like this Aroz Caldo,” Fegi said.

The Field Day is just one of the efforts of the Research Division to maximize its information dissemination to reach wider farmers and consumers. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur) Caraga INFOCUS

AGSUR LGU RECEIVES FUND FOR MONOLITHIC DOME COLD STORAGE PROJECT FROM DA-CARAGA The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga headed by Regional Executive Director Abel James Monteagudo, recently turned-over the cheque for the funds intended for the Monolithic Dome Cold Storage and Packing Facility for Fruits and Vegetables to the local government unit (LGU) of San Franciso, Agusan del Sur. The said project is under the High-Value Crops Development Program and costs a total of Caraga INFOCUS

P25,000,000.00 with P20,000,000 funded by the DA–Caraga and P5,000,000 as LGU counterpart.

Dir. Monteagudo said the Monolithic Dome Cold Storage, which prolongs storage of perishable goods, is a timely project since these are still difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel and movement are still limited.

On the other hand, Municipal Mayor Solomon Rufila said that they would

hasten the implementation of the said project so that the farmers of San Francisco and even those from the neighboring municipalities can already start benefitting from it.

The turn-over ceremony was also attended

by DA-Caraga Field Operations Division OIC Melody Guimary, HVCDP Coordinator Marco Antonio Morido, and Municipal Agriculturist Viña Ranoco. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/PIA-Agusan del Sur) March 6-12, 2021 |

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MINDANAO NEWS

Production starts!

BIG SUPERMARKETS AWAIT QUALITY, CLEAN DRIED FISH The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) turned over yesterday a SteamPowered Fish Drying Facility, including a Vacuum-Packing Equipment, to the town of Olutanga marking the start of the production of quality and clean dried fish from the island.

The facility, which was identified by the fisherfolk as an important intervention to improve their economic conditions, is expected to add value to the fish catch Caraga INFOCUS

in the island, one of the 26 rich fishing grounds identified by MinDA for inclusion in the Mindanao Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Program (MInFAD).

The steam-powered fish drying facility which could dry as much as 400 kilos every 6 hours, could operate at night or even during rainy days because the main source of heat is a mini-boiler system designed and fabricated by a Mindanao inventor, Engr. Rudy Cane of Butuan City.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture supported the MinDA initiative by providing the town with six Fiberglass boats, three of which will be used to patrol the waters surrounding the island to stop illegal fishing.

Yesterday, during the turnover ceremonies attended by local officials led by Mayor Arthur Ruste Sr., the fisherfolk identified four fish species which could be processed into dried fish - Danggit, Balo, Bangsi and squid, locally called March 6-12, 2021 |

47

Lomayagan.

Target market of the products are the different supermarkets in Mindanao, including a chain of supermarket in Cebu City, the Ultramart owned by General Santos City-based business couple, Nathaniel and Marivet Caballero.

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equipment comes six months after I visited Olutanga on Sept. 1 last year during which I discovered the vast potentials of the town and the whole island in fisheries and aquaculture production.

The two other towns in the island, Mabuhay and Talusan, will be included in the program where the catch of local fishermen would be brought to the drying facility for processing.

Yesterday, during the meeting, I urged the local officials to unite and avail of the loaning programs of both the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines to acquire modern fishing boats to support the program.

The turn-over of the

Olutanga is the first fishing

| March 6-12, 2021

municipality of Mindanao to receive processing facilities which are part of the Fish Centers Initiative of MinDA. Twenty five other fishing communities in Mindanao are programmed to receive facilities such as ice-makers, blast freezers, cold storage and processing equipment to enable fisherfolk to add value to their catch.

This program has been identified as one of the projects to be funded by the European Union Grant Fund for the MINPAD RISE program.

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FILIPINO-OWNED FIRM TO PUT UP COCO PROCESSING PLANT IN MISOCC

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

Farmers in Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Region can now expect relief from low coconut prices after a Filipino-owned processing company promised competitive prices, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Thursday.

Piñol was referring to Peter Paul Philippines, which is into processing and manufacturing of virgin coconut oil, coconut water, desiccated coconut, and other high-value products.

Peter Paul Philippines is set to open a modern coconut processing facility in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, which could employ some 2,000 families in the province, Piñol said.

The “Plaridel Processing Facility” would initially need 250,000 husked coconuts daily, according to MinDA, quoting the firm’s assistant vice president for special projects, Quirino Panganiban.

Peter Paul Philippines, also known as Consolidated Coconut Corp. and a former subsidiary of the

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Connecticut, USA-based Peter Paul Inc., has already laid the groundwork for the establishment of the facility in a five-hectare area in Plaridel, MinDA said.

Panganiban was quoted as saying that the volume would require a workforce consisting of 800 workers, which could go to as high as 2,000 when the facility goes into full operation.

Panganiban said the corporation decided to expand its operations in Mindanao following improved peace and order conditions and the scarce supply of coconut in Quezon and the Bicol Region.

He said the company would also offer buying prices higher than other traders’ prevailing farm gate prices.

“On Monday (March 1), the Mindanao Development Authority met with Misamis Occidental Rep. Diego Ty, officials of Peter Paul Philippines, and stakeholders to come up with a plan on how to ensure stable coconut supply for the facility,” Piñol said.

According to Panganiban, the Plaridel processing plant would be their third in the country, with the first plant established in Candelaria, Quezon in 1946, and recently in Sorsogon.

MinDA will link up coconut farmers associations and cooperatives in Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Region with the new facility, he added. (PNA)

March 6-12, 2021 |

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NATIONAL NEWS

Secretary Martin Andanar addressed the stakeholders of the RTF-ELCAC and officials of the NTF-ELCAC during a joint meeting in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, March 5, 2021.

ANDANAR: RTF-ELCAC 10 TO CONTINUE UPLIFTING LIVES OF VULNERABLE SECTORS IN NORMIN UNTIL END OF DUTERTE ADMIN Officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) are optimistic that the goal to attain lasting peace and inclusive development under Executive Order No. 70 will come into fruition given that various positive indicators are present.

The NTF-ELCAC and its Region 10 counterpart convened for a joint meeting here on Friday, Caraga INFOCUS

March 5, 2021, ahead of the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), pointed out that the delivery of government programs in the region’s focused areas has improved.

“There are marked improvements in our communities and barangays in terms of improving access to basic services, provision of infrastructure facilities, and livelihood opportunities through the various convergence projects and interventions prioritized in conflict-affected, poverty-stricken, and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and sectors all over the March 6-12, 2021 |

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region,” he said.

passion,” he added.

He noted that these converging efforts of government agencies resulted in the substantial reduction in the region’s poverty rate, from 32.3% in 2015 to 17.3% in 2018.

Meanwhile, RTF-ELCAC 10 Technical Working Group Chairperson MGen. Andres Centino presented the accomplishments of the region. He expressed optimism that with relentless efforts, the government will be able to attain its goals.

Secretary Andanar committed that the RTFELCAC 10 will continue to function to uplift the lives of those in the vulnerable sectors until the end of the President’s term in 2022.

Since the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in 2018, P44.339 “The pandemic has million worth of assistance brought out the best in has been provided to 895 us — the compassion, the former rebels. Provisions bayanihan spirit, generosity under this include and sharing of resources immediate financial among us. Let us sustain assistance, livelihood this and prioritize the assistance, firearms lagging areas, and most remunerations, and vulnerable ones,” he said. reintegration assistance.

“The work continues and must be pursued with greater commitment and

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E-CLIP is just one of the many programs under the task group. Other lines of

efforts have been created to ensure the whole-ofnation approach to end insurgency.

This has weakened the influence of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in many areas. To date, there are already 119 barangays across the region declared as free from their influence.

“With less than two years before President Rodrigo Duterte’s incumbency ends, time is indeed not on the side of the government forces and agencies.

This, however, should not discourage us. With how we are progressing in unprecedented strides by working closely together, 535 days could be more than enough time to finally end the local communist armed conflict in our region,” he said.

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GORDON CALLS OUT LTO AND DOTR OFFICIALS ANEW, TO FILE GRAFT AND PLUNDER CHARGES Senator Richard Gordon berated former and current officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Transportation (DOTR) who entered into anomalous deals with private companies that caused the delay in the production and distribution of vehicle license plates. “‘Yung kanilang pagpapahirap sa mga tao, whoever causes damage to third parties and other agencies, ay anti-graft ‘yon.

Ngayon, dahil ang laki-laki ng pera, baka umabot sila doon sa tinatawag na plunder. ‘Yon ang sinisilip natin ngayon,” warned Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

appropriation. Former DOTR Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and DOTR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Jose Perpetuo Lotilla then signed a multi-year contract with joint venture PPI-JKG without securing a Multi-Year Obligational Authority from the Department of Budget and Management.

The Commission on Audit called the procurement transaction “irregular and illegal,” and disallowed an advance payment to PPIJKG worth PHP 478M. A Supreme Court restraining order finally halted the production of plates for both motor vehicles and motorcycles in 2016.

“Umabot ng tatlong taon In an interview with Double B ‘yon, tatlong taon wala TV, he enumerated numerous tayong plaka. Hanggang violations committed by tumawid na sa bagong officials from both the administrasyon, na Aquino III and Duterte hinahanapan ng tao ng administrations. plaka ang gobyerno. LTO, ‘yan ang pakay nila, walang In 2013 DOTR opened plaka, tapos kanya-kanya na bidding for the procurement lang,” Gordon admonished. of plates without

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“Nahihirapan din ang mga pulis na manghuli, at pinapahirapan din ang mga tao na dumadaan sila sa checkpoint, di naman nila kasalanang wala silang plaka.”

PPI-JKG then could not deliver their vehicle plate dues because another supplier Trojan—to whom LTO consistently awarded the contracts for the supply of license plates since 2018— monopolized LTO’s Order Management System, and the Digital Signature that is an important feature of the new plates. The issuance of license plates is further delayed.

“Kasalanan ito ng LTO at DOTR,” Gordon announced, vowing to hold accountable all the erring officials who were involved in the anomalous procurement transactions.

The Blue Ribbon Committee continues to investigate the implementation of Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.

March 6-12, 2021 |

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GORDON HONORS CONSTITUTIONALIST FR. JOAQUIN BERNAS THRU A RESOLUTION Senator Richard J. Gordon on Monday sponsored a resolution honouring the life dedicated to service and glory of God of Fr. Joaquin Bernas, a Jesuit priest and constitutionalist, who was “an excellent man for others.”

In sponsoring Senate Resolution No. 675, Gordon stressed that he wanted to make sure that the Senate does not miss the opportunity to honor such a great Filipino, a Bicolano, who was not only a leading constitutionalist but also a pillar of legal education.

“Fr. Bernas had done so much in terms of the law and in becoming an example to all his students and Jesuits, alike. He was the epitome of the quintessential Jesuit,..

Among the Jesuits, he stood high, shoulders above everyone and I call it Primus Inter Pares. He was first among equals,” he said.

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Gordon hailed the late Jesuit priest as one of the pillars of the 1987 Constitutional Commission, who imparted his brilliance in the drafting of the 1987 Constitution.

excellent man for others…

Everything that he did was indeed for the greater glory of God,” Gordon further said, continuing his tribute to his former mentor.

He was often called to the court to share his wisdom as amicus curiae, or a friend of the court, on complex and noble Constitutional issues.

Gordon’s PSN 675 and Senate President Vicente Sotto’s Senate Resolution No. 674 were unanimously adopted.

As a professor, the senator said, Fr, Bernas taught law in a grand manner and wanted to make great lawyers out of everyone and inspired young law students to become excellent public servants and legal practitioners by sharing his knowledge and expertise of political and constitutional law.

“He was a human being, par excellence. He was not only wise, he was not only smart, but he was a humanitarian. He was, indeed, and excellent man. He was indeed an

Fr. Bernas passed away at the Jesuit residence at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on March 6. He was 88.

Fr. Bernas was ordained as Jesuit priest on June 10, 1965. Bernas finished law at the Ateneo Law School in 1962 and placed 9th in the Bar examinations.

He taught and was appointed dean twice of the same law school until his retirement in 2004.

Bernas also served as ADMU president and was an opinion columnist for a major daily newspaper.

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GORDON COMMENDS THIS YEAR’S TOYM AWARDEES Senator Richard J. Gordon on Tuesday voted to adopt a resolution commending the seven recipients this year of the Ten Outstanding Young Men award.

Gordon noted that despair and desperation can easily set in with the country facing disasters and disease, hence, the TOYM award is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the people to give their best to make a difference in the country or in their communities.

“I am privileged to congratulate the seven awardees of the TOYM. In a country that is beset by disasters and disease today, despair and desperation can easily set in that is why the TYOP is a beacon of hope and inspiration to make sure that we are able to realize that in having a work ethic, in having an ambition and making sure that we have values, some of us will be Caraga INFOCUS

recognized,” he said in voting to adopt Senate Resolution No, 621.

Gordon further said this year’s awardees, as well as all past recipients, are not just watchers or spectators, but they are leaders whose efforts in their various fields made distinguished contributions to the country and fellow Filipino countrymen; “Hindi lang po qualifications ‘yan, ‘yan po ay kakayahan at pinakitang gilas o yabang - na pinakitang they are not cogs in the wheel, they are really not just watchers or spectators.

The TOYP shows these awardees are leaders, not watchers. They make a difference. And that is all that matters. In altum vola – Fly high Philippines!” he commended.

This year’s awardees include: Hon. Victor Ma. Regis Nubia Sotto, City Mayor, Pasig City

Government (Government Service); Capt. Ron Tendido Villarosa Jr., Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Armed Forces of the Philippines (Community Development/Military Service); Edgar Tolentino Elago, Master Teacher 1, Department of Education (Community Development/Education).

The other recipients were: lawyer Lesley Jeanne Yu Cordero, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, The World Bank (Political And Social Sciences); Dr. Raymond Francis Rapal Sarmiento, Director, National Telehealth Center, UP Manila-NIH (Medicine); David Lopez Almirol Jr., Founder and CEO, Multiysis Technologies Corp. (Science Technology And Engineering); and George Hagan Royeca, Co-Founder, DBDYC Inc. ANGKAS (Business Entrepreneurship In Pioneering Industries).

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PHILIPPINES MUST ADDRESS RAPID POPULATION GROWTH, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE The country should address its rapid population growth, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said, noting overpopulation hampers the nation’s ability to develop and tackle current and future challenges.

In a speech during the inauguration of rehabilitation projects at the DumagueteSibulan Airport on Thursday, President Duterte said overcrowding in the country’s urban areas makes it difficult for the government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s because there are so many Filipinos that are crammed in the urban areas.

Only few are living outside.

Eh nandiyan lahat eh,” he said.

“So at the very least mask o face shield for the maximum protection. But other --especially social distancing, I do not think that we can force our people really to --because it’s impossible. There

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are too many Filipinos in the urban areas than in the rural areas.”

The government’s inability to implement an effective family planning program resulted in rapid population growth, according to the President.

Only President Fidel Ramos, a Protestant, insisted on carrying out family planning program. The President said that like Ramos, he was also passionate in implementing such program, although it resulted in a clash with the church.

“Eh ayaw ng simbahan eh. Kaya collision course talaga and one word led to another. Sabi ko if you cannot honor the separation of state and church, then we will not be able to really to understand each other,” he said, stressing, however, that it’s not his business fighting churches.

With the country’s current

population of 110 million, President Duterte hopes that his successors will take a closer look at the population issue and do something about it.

“Sabagay wala na ako. I will be freed of that worry. But you know, we’d pass it on to the generation, sobra talaga.

It’s high time that we review,” he said.

“Hindi naman sa kukulangin tayo ng tao. But sana we can match the family planning programs of government at least with our GDP (gross domestic product).”

The Philippines is not rich and the changing climate now takes its toll on the nation’s productivity, the President said, adding only Mindanao has the potential.

“Dito banda sa taas, wala. It’s only Mindanao.

Mindanao promises really mo --- matapos lang ‘yong giyera. But that’s another matter,” he said. PND

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE INAUGURATES INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration Thursday of vital infrastructure projects in Negros Oriental seen to boost the province’s tourism sector as well as prop up the local economy.

“I commend the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and all our partners who contributed to the completion of this project despite the sudden lockdown due to the pandemic,” President Duterte said during the inauguration of the P252million rehabilitation projects within the Dumaguete-Sibulan Caraga INFOCUS

Airport.

The President said he hopes the airport rehabilitation initiatives will inspire the government to provide better services and opportunities for the people and harness the potential of trade and tourism as the catalyst for economic recovery, particularly in the provinces.

“I’m happy that you have a new airport. It’s a nice one and that I hope that it will promote the image, at least, and the tourism industry here or hereabout the Visayas,” he said.

The chief executive also assured the

Filipino people that the administration would remain committed to completing infrastructure projects on time with the least inconvenience to the public and with strict adherence to honesty and integrity.

“Corruption has no place here,” he said.

As the country strives to revive the economy and give the people the opportunity for better lives, the President appealed to everyone to continue observing the prescribed health and safety protocols, whether in their homes or in public places.

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included the expansion of the existing Passenger Terminal Building and administrative building, which will allow Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport to accommodate bigger passenger volume, from around 300 or 330 passengers to more than 400 or 450 passengers.

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Port of Dumaguete, which he said, will enhance the seamless connectivity of the country’s islands, promote more vibrant trade and tourism, and bring growth to the countryside.

It also included the extension of the airport’s asphalt runway overlay, as well as shoulder grade correction and construction of additional taxiways enabling it to accommodate heavier aircraft.

The President said that despite the pandemic, the new Port Operations Building was completed on October 15, 2020, through the combined efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and other concerned agencies and government partners.

President Duterte also inaugurated the new Port Operations Building of the

The P114-million two-story facility features a Port Integrated Clearing house, office spaces for PPA-

| March 6-12, 2021

Dumaguete employees, and a pre-departure area that can accommodate additional 500 passengers.

The facility is expected to generate annual passenger terminal fee collection of over P13 million.

“It will allow the public to enjoy a spacious and comfortable pre-departure area,” the President said.

“Further, it will provide our PPA-Dumaguete employees, regulatory agencies and other offices to be located here with state-of-the-art facilities for monitoring and facilitating the efficient arrival and departure of passengers,” he added. PND Caraga INFOCUS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on March 8, 2021. RICHARD MADELO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

STRICTLY OBSERVE MINIMUM HEALTH PROTOCOLS TO FIGHT COVID-19, PRESIDENT DUTERTE REMINDS PUBLIC President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, March 8, has urged the public to vigilantly follow health protocols such as wearing face masks, frequent handwashing, and observing physical distancing to stem the rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country.

“Iyan lang ang payo namin sa inyo. Maniwala Caraga INFOCUS

kayo sa gobyerno, sumunod lang kayo,” President Duterte said in his weekly address to the nation.

“Sana, sana kung makatulong lang kayo sa bayan, sumunod lang kayo at medyo mapababa natin ang kaso ng COVID.”

combat” emerging COVID-19 variants, President Duterte said.

Reducing the rate of infection will help the government “effectively

The President also underscored the important role of the Department

Enforcing the law, he said, is also crucial in managing the pandemic especially “for those who do not believe” as well as citizens “avoiding social distancing”.

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of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in government’s pandemic response, noting it is crucial for the country’s welfare that the DILG “plays its role”.

In particular, President Duterte pointed out the participation of the barangays as the government unit that can best address coronavirus infections in the country through strict enforcement of health protocols in their respective localities.

The dedication of local chieftains in the government’s coronavirus fight is crucial in protecting public health, the chief executive said.

“Ang barangay ang pinakaimportante sa

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lahat and kung talagang ginusto ng lahat ng mga barangay captains na magtrabaho, really work at it, baka talagang ma --well, decrease the number of transition,” he said.

Barangay captains and other local leaders should also have the “political will” to see to it that their constituents get vaccinated against COVID-19, he noted.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 3,356 new infections on March 8, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 597,763 with 545,912 recoveries and 12,521 deaths.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has reported the

spiking number of cases in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and National Capital Region (NCR).

The NCR recorded high two-week growth rate, Duque said, adding those in the critical risk are Pasay City and Malabon City while those in the highrisk level are the cities of Navotas, Makati and San Juan.

The health chief also assured that although there is a rising number of infections in those areas, the government is doing everything to ensure that hospitals have the capability to threat individuals infected by the virus. PND

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GOV’T MAY RECEIVE 20 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES IN 2ND QUARTER OF 2021VACCINE CZAR The government may secure more than 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the second quarter of this year, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday.

In his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines may receive more than 20 million doses of vaccines in April, May or June.

Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, told the President that in June or July, he expects shipments from Sinovac, Novavax and the World Health Organizationled COVAX facility.

National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. listens as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the InterAgency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on March 8, 2021.

JOEY DALUMPINES/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

reported the recent vaccine shipment, telling the President that they have received the additional 38,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX facility.

With the latest delivery, the government had a total of 525,600 doses from the WHO-led initiative.

Mass inoculation was also conducted in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) using Sinovac vaccine, he reported, adding similar rollouts were done in different civilian hospitals including Makati Medical Center.

“Then ngayon, ang total na po ng ating doses na dumating po ngayon is from 600,000 na Sinovac at saka 525,600. So ang total na po mayroon na po tayong 1,125,600 doses,” Galvez said.

Public confidence on COVID-19 vaccines is also increasing, Galvez said, noting that after hospital directors received the shots, there’s a growing acceptance of the jab from the people.

Galvez also mentioned the ongoing vaccine rollout in the country, which he “And then also ‘yong ano said, is now being done sir sa May - June, baka outside Metro Manila. The dumating na rin po ‘yong government started mass AstraZeneca. Mayroon pong vaccination among health order ang private sector na frontliners last March 4 in 2.6 million (doses),” Galvez Cagayan de Oro City, told President Duterte.

Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital in Cebu City, and The vaccine czar also Southern Philippines Medical

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Center in Davao City.

“Noong nagkaroon po tayo ng vaccination ng ating mga director ng mga hospital, tumaas po ang level ng kanilang confidence,” he said.

“In fact, doon sa Northern Mindanao Medical Center, almost --- halos 100 percent ‘yong nagpapabakuna na.”

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE SAYS VP ROBREDO’S COMMENT COUNTERPRODUCTIVE, ASKS PUBLIC TO TRUST GOV’T Vice President Leni Robredo’s comment on the government’s vaccination campaign is ill-timed and she should shut up if she could not say anything helpful, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said on Monday.

The chief executive said the government is in a race against time to save the lives of millions of Filipinos from the coronavirus and any misleading information could discourage people from taking COVD-19 shot.

In his weekly public address on government’s COVID-19 interventions, President Duterte said the statement made by the vice president is creating doubts in the mind of the public over the vaccines being rolled out by the government.

“Ngayon, we were fighting because time was of the essence. We were fighting against the tide of nonbelievers na huwag kayong matakot, ganito. Now, here comes the statement na hindi niya --- hindi niya binasa kumpleto ang batas, with just a simple statement, magkecreate ka ng doubt,” he said.

Robredo supported the call of some health workers for the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) to review Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac vaccine.

“Hindi niya binasa ang batas na recommendatory lang ang HTAC. If the opinion is sought by the secretary of Justice and by other in the medical profession in government,” the President said of the vice president.

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The government is doing everything to convince the public that the vaccines are safe and effective and such comment could create uncertainty in people’s minds and eventually opt not to get vaccinated, the President said.

President Duterte explained that the HTAC

recommendation is not necessary because Sinovac’s vaccine was not acquired and was given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Rallying support for the government’s immunization program, President Duterte asked the public to trust the administration’s plan of actions.

“Alam mo mga kababayan, isa sa pinakaimportante talaga is maniwala kayo sa gobyerno. At huwag lang basta-basta --- sinabi ko nga sa inyo noon eh, dito kayo makinig sa gobyerno kasi ‘yon ang trabaho namin.

Pinapag-aralan muna at bago gagamitin,” he said.

“So I hope that next time kung wala naman siyang masabi na tama, she just would maybe shut up.

Siguraduhin niya muna o hindi magbasa siya, siya mismo,” he added. PND

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Joint National Task Force (NTF)-Regional Task Force (RTF) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Region 10 meeting at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan De Oro City on March 5, 2021. ACE MORANDANTE/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT DUTERTE LEADS INAUGURATION OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN BULACAN, VALENZUELA CITY President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the simultaneous inauguration Thursday of newly constructed school buildings in Bulacan and Valenzuela City, reiterating his commitment to provide quality education to future generations of Filipinos.

rites of the school buildings at General Gregorio del Pilar Integrated School and Virginia Ramirez-Cruz High School.

The investment in educational infrastructure affirms the administration’s continuing commitment to promote the right of Speaking before educators the people to quality and and government officials accessible education at all in Bgy. Sta. Ana, Bulakan, levels, the President said.

Bulacan, President Duterte said he was pleased to be “I thank the local part of the inauguration government for their Caraga INFOCUS

support. I assure you that the government is exerting all efforts to go full throttle in this the COVID-19 Vaccination Program to ensure the safety of students before the resumption of the face-toface learning,” he stressed.

“I truly appreciate the patience and understanding of the learners, the parents and teachers in your locality.

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provide a more conducive learning environment even as we cope with the new normal.”

A good education, he said, is a valuable gift that the present generation can proudly pass on to succeeding generations of Filipinos.

“Let us join hands in developing the full potential of your youth as bearers of our nation’s sustainable future,” he noted.

President Duterte recognized the important role of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government in the planning and construction of the new school buildings.

The collective efforts of the LGU and these departments have been crucial in creating a more conducive, inclusive and resilient learning environment for Filipino students of Bulacan, he said.

Virginia Ramirez-Cruz High School.

After his event in Bulacan, President Duterte went to Valenzuela City to lead similar inauguration rites.

In his speech in Valenzuela City, he said providing quality education to all Filipinos is one of his administration’s top priorities in its development agenda.

This is evidenced by huge allocation given to the education department in the government’s annual budget compared to other departments, according to the President.

“When I ran in 2016, I promised our people that by the end of my term we would have built conducive, inclusive and resilient learning environments for our students,” he recalled.

But as the coronavirus pandemic swept the world, he said the realization of that vision became more complex as the challenges brought by COVID-19 to the country’s education systems Inaugurated Thursday became more difficult were three school buildings to surmount, particularly at General Gregorio del as the Philippine society Pilar Integrated School transitions under the new and four new buildings at normal.

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Prior to the pandemic, President Duterte said he was planning to raise teacher’s salaries after the government increased the wages of soldiers and policemen.

“Now, when COVID came, bagsak talaga ang ekonomiya. Sarado ang mga factories, manufacturing whatever kasi takot nga eh. There was a lockdown,” he explained.

“And between the economy and the health of the people with the pandemic whirling around, I thought it wise to cast my lot with the interest of the people in their health.

Kaya ho nagkaganoon.”

Forty-four new classrooms were built in Lawang Bato National High School while 16 new classrooms were constructed in Canumay East National High School.

The new school facilities are expected to mostly cater to the children of Valenzuela City’s factory workers.

City officials consider the completion of the new facilities as President Duterte’s enduring legacy, which they said, would boost the education profile of Valenzuela City.

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DAR ORDERED TO SPEED UP LAND DISTRIBUTION TO DEFEAT COMMUNIST INSURGENCY President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to hasten land distribution in areas that remain hotbeds for communist insurgency to eliminate the rebels’ influence.

In his message in Cagayan de Oro City during the Joint National Task Force (NTF)Regional Task Force (RTF) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Region 10, President Duterte said 450,000 hectares of land are up for distribution, based on the report of Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones.

“I hope that you will be able to distribute it before my term ends. Something to do, leave behind. Thank you. I will give away all 400,000 (hectares),” the President said.

So far, the government has distributed more than 2,100 hectares in the Northern Mindanao region alone. It has been the President’s policy

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to give away all governmentowned lands that have been idle for decades.

Apart from land, farmer beneficiaries should also receive fertilizer and seedlings from the government, the President said, expressing his willingness to spend money for the program.

The chief executive also made renewed offer to the rebels for a local peace dialogue.

“This is my request from you: to go down here so we can talk.

Do you want us to talk in the mountains? I will be the one to go up there.”

“I’m used to having dialogues with you, right? I’m used to that. If you want me to go there alone, then we can talk there. But you should swear on your honor that I go up there alive and come back down alive. Let’s talk.”

The Duterte government abandoned the peace talks

with the communist movement after it insisted on a coalition government, which, according to the President, is nonnegotiable.

And for those who want to return to the fold of the law, President Duterte said his government is ready to provide them with shelter and livelihood. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will extend skills training to rebel returnees for them to secure well-paying jobs.

“For those who do not want war, those who understand what’s wrong and right, you know that we will know if what you did was right or wrong, we will still welcome you,” he told the rebels.

“I’ll give you a house and a job. And while you don’t have a job, I’ll give you rice. I’ll also find a job for your wife. TESDA is there,” he added. PND

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R&D STRONG SOLUTION PROVIDER IN FIGHT VS. COVID-19

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara on Wednesday said research and development (R&D) has been a strong solution provider in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We needed research to understand the virus, and later on to develop diagnostic kits, treatments, and vaccines.

Our researchers and scientists developed technologies that track the virus in a more accurate and faster manner,” she said during the virtual annual scientific conference of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).

Covid-19, she said, disrupted the systemic ways of societal institutions.

She said the Philippine government has redirected science and research as a response to the people’s needs during the pandemic, citing three of the DOSTsupported projects that were repurposed to be of use for Covid-19.

One project is the locallydeveloped reverse transmission-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection kit, GenAmplify. This offers a real-time detection of

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Covid-19 using a one-step multiplex PCR platform, she said.

Guevara added that GenAmplify has an advantage against foreign counterparts, as it was packaged completely with an RNA extraction device and viral transport medium.

Another one is the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using SpatioTemporal Epidemiological Modeler (FASSSTER) study for early detection of diseases.

FASSSTER app was developed for visualizing the spread of diseases, using data from the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) system, Electronic Medical Records, and SMSbased reports of primary care facilities.

This app might be able to predict how long this Covid-19 problem will last.

Third example, she added, was the RxBox, a biomedical device that measure temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, uterine contractions, and electrocardiogram readings of Covid-19 patients.

The device protects both the patients and health workers since it minimizes contacts between them.

DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara (Photo courtesy of DOST)

These three projects were used for different purposes prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Guevara reiterated.

“We also need to take part, channel our resources, and join the efforts of the government, the academe, industry and civil society in the fight against Covid-19,” she said. “We should not only think about short-term solutions to address the pandemic.

We need to accelerate competitiveness; invest on economic activities of MSMEs (micro, small medium enterprises), strengthen our healthcare system, and most importantly, invest in R&D.” The conference carried the theme, “Pagbangon at Pananaig: National Recovery and Rebuilding”, in support to the global initiative as countries take steps to respond and rebuild from the Covid-19 pandemic. (PNA)

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117K DOSES OF PFIZER VACCINE TO ARRIVE IN PH BY APRIL National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) deputy chief implementer Vivencio Dizon said some 117,000 doses of

coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech will arrive in the country next month.

“Nag-commit na po ang WHO (World Health Organization) na darating po iyong 117,000 doses ng Pfizer ngayong Abril, sa susunod na buwan.

Kaya malaking bagay din po ito lalung-lalo na para sa ating mga healthcare workers na priority nating matapos hanggang sa buwan ng Abril at Mayo

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By Kris Crismundo

(The WHO has committed that the 117,000 doses of Pfizer will arrive this April, next month. So this is also a big deal, especially for

our healthcare workers who are our priority to get vaccinated by April and May),” Dizon said at the Laging Handa public briefing Wednesday.

He added the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine through the COVAX Facility will still reach the inoculation program for healthcare workers.

Some 3.4 million doses are needed to complete the vaccination of the

country’s medical frontliners, Dizon said.

He said the country already received more than 1.1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from Sinovac and AstraZeneca, and another 2 million doses from the same vaccine makers will arrive within the month.

Once the 117,000 Pfizer vaccines will arrive in April, the country is expected to receive more than 3.2 million Covid-19 vaccines for healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, Dizon said the government has not yet released any budget for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines as those that arrived in the country were donations from the Chinese government and the COVAX Facility.

He added the budget will be released once the order made by the government will arrive, including the 1 million Sinovac CoronaVac doses that will come in this month. (PNA) Caraga INFOCUS

PUBLIC REMINDED TO EXERCISE ‘DILIGENCE’ IN COVID-19 TESTING

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Richard Gordon, along with government officials and health experts, reminded the public to exercise “extraordinary diligence” in getting tested for Covid-19.

Gordon made the advice after Dr. Michael Tee from the University of the Philippines-Manila said eight out of 10 Covid-19 cases are asymptomatic, which means they cannot be detected and isolated based on temperature checks alone.

Some overseas Filipino workers who were supposedly screened and cleared abroad before flying to the Philippines also tested positive upon arrival, Tee and his team of researchers found out.

Gordon emphasized the importance of continuously testing, tracing, and treating the virus even amid the vaccination rollout.

“Dapat talaga atupagin ng gobyerno ‘yan at atupagin ng tao na sila ay ma-test.

Sapagkat kung hindi sila matest, manghahawa sila kung sila ay may sakit. At kung sila ay mai-test, maililipat sila sa magandang lugar na magagamot sila, pipiliting pagalingin sila, at marami namang gumagaling (The

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Philippine Red Cross’ Covid-19 testing center (Contributed photo)

government should work to test them (asymptomatic).

If not, they can infect if they are positive. And if they will be tested positive, they can be brought to isolation centers where they will be treated. Many have already recovered),” he said.

Covid-19 testing czar Vince Dizon agreed with Gordon, citing the increasing local cases of Covid-19 variants particularly the South Africa and the United Kingdom strain and after the Department of Health detected two “mutations of concern” in cases in Central Visayas.

“Kailangan po lalo pa nating pa-iigtingin ang ating testing, and kailangan naman po ay talagang pabilisin natin ang pagpapalaganap nitong mga Saliva Test (We should intensify our testing, and hasten the use of saliva test),” Dizon said.

Since its launch last month, the PRC has processed almost 24,000 saliva samples using reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machines in its molecular laboratories nationwide.

Gordon has also inked partnerships with the private sector to offer the cheaper, non-invasive, but accurate saliva tests in drive-thru collection booths in malls, and through home service.

Dizon stressed that PRC’s Saliva RT-PCR test is the only saliva test stringently reviewed and approved by regulators.

To date, the PRC leads Covid-19 testing in the country, having exceeded 2 million swab tests nationwide, a milestone that accounts for 24 percent of the country’s testing output, and for about 37 percent of testing in the National Capital Region. (PR)

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(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