Caraga InFocus – March 7-13, 2020

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus

07 - 13 March 2020

REGIONAL NEWS

8 10 12 13 15 17 19 Caraga remains COVID-19 free amid Code Red activation Gov’t steps up measures to improve women’s rights, welfare Caraga region remains ASF-free

DILG Caraga hosts localization activity for EO 70 DTI recognizes 5 Caraganon successful women entrepreneurs DTI reminds retailers, consumers to be responsible amid price freeze Partnership inked to improve market linkage for Caraga farmers

Gov’t agencies, Caraga LGUs step up measures vs. Covid-19

Volume IV, No. 11

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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AgNor guv suspends classes due to COVID-19, provides PPEs to frontline employees Gov’t intensifies security awareness drive in Agusan Norte Gov’t provides various services to former rebels in AgNor AgSur locals condemn CNTs, affirm support to EO 70 Army conducts info drive in different schools vs NPA recruitment Surigao Sur IPs, leaders welcome establishment of IPED schools Bayabas Police Station tops in performance level monitoring system in SurSur 40 IP families return home in SurSur PUI in SurSur town voluntarily submits to confinement Army leads GAD seminar in SurSur DepEd Caraga orders CAA-RSC delegations to return home due to COVID-19 MGB 13 holds re-orientation on new mining policy compliances

MINDANAO NEWS

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Piñol to undergo self-quarantine

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NATIONAL NEWS

45 47 48 49 COVID-19 NEWS 52 54 56 57

Davao Region gets P41-M aid for waste management facilities

PCOO eyes virtual pressers over Covid-19 threat Statement of Secretary Martin Andanar on the reported cases of COVID-19 in PH President Duterte wants LGUs get fair share of project allocation Schools may still hold graduation rites: DepEd Go points to other funding sources vs.

Covid-19 PRRD believes strong countries can develop vaccine vs. Covid-19 4-day, flexi work plans helpful to contain virus impact: Nograles Gov’t asked to give cash aid to workers amid Covid-19 threat

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News Briefs The Economic Development Committee (EDC) of the Caraga RDC has proposed P217.8B for the various PPAs of the line agencies under the said committee. Of the total budget, P4.4B will be alloted for the N/ RTF-ELCAC priority barangays; P104.94B for the IPs/ICCs; P59.7M for the senior citizens/PWDs; P269.4M for the youth sector; P561M for disaster risk reduction and; P10.8B for gender and development.

DOH Caraga discourages the conduct of mass gatherings in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Since the IATF-EID Caraga cannot restrict organizations and bodies in the religious sector, they strongly recommend that individuals refrain from participating in the said religious activity. In addition, the said task force can only issue preventive measures which entail maintaining personal and environmental hygiene as well as following the health protocol.

The LGUs of Madrid (EO # 13) & Carrascal (EO # 10 S. 2020) have declared the suspension of classes & activities both public & private in all levels as a preventive measure against COVID-19. The declaration is effective, March 12 until further notice.

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) of the Caraga RDC has proposed P217.8B for the various PPAs of the line agencies under the said committee. Of the total budget, P4.4B will be alloted for the N/ RTF-ELCAC priority barangays; P104.94B for the IPs/ICCs; P59.7M for the senior citizens/PWDs; P269.4M for the youth sector; P561M for disaster risk reduction and; P10.8B for gender and development.

Caraga remains COVID-19 free amid Code Red activation

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

B

UTUAN CITY - Despite the declaration of the State of Public Health Emergency due to the additional confirmed cases on the Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga vows to intensify its preventive measures against the disease.

At present, three persons are tested negative for COVID-19. currently being investigated, making the total tally for Persons Under Since the outbreak, a total of 58 Investigation (PUIs) of four. The first case persons under monitoring (PUMs) have

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March 7-13, 2020

been tallied, five of which are currently government,” Dr. Llacuna affirmed. being monitored.

In addition, the public is advised to

Despite the rise in the cases, continue following the health protocol Caraga region remains COVID-19 free. set by the said health agency such as washing hands frequently, following the

DOH Caraga regional director cough etiquette, and avoiding going Dr. Jose Llacuna, Jr. bared that they to crowded places. will continue implementing the health and control protocols set by the Inter- He also discouraged panic buying Agency Task Force on Emerging of medical supplies and purchase Infectious Disease against COVID-19 instead when needed. He also amid the activation of Code Red- reminded Caraganons to wear mask Sublevel 2 of the country’s alert system. only when suffering from respiratory illnesses like cough.

“What I ask from the Caraganons is not to panic because we are in For student Mel Agra, apart from control of the situation. Instead lend religiously following the said health your cooperation to strengthen the protocol, it is just as important to be preventive measures imposed by the updated with the status of the COVID-19 March 7-13, 2020

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in the country and remaining educated about the disease. He believes that these are some of the best preventive measures that are feasible for the public.

“As what we have heard from the news, the disease is getting more unpredictable, which is why it is important to do research,” he said.

often as we can especially after serving our customers,” he added.

Major events have also been canceled in response to the state of public health emergency declaration.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga pushed through the postponement of the Caraga Athletic Association – Regional Sports Competition 2020 (CAA-RSC 2020) Island Games, which was scheduled on March 13-18, 2020 at Siargao Island.

Meanwhile, the city government of Butuan issued a temporary postponement of all activities for this year’s celebration of Women’s Month.

Food establishments are also doing their part in preventing the spread of the disease. Food establishment proprietor Robert Mendoza has stationed sanitizing products such as hand wash soaps and alcohol for customers to use. He also makes sure that his employees maintain a 1-meter distance between their customers as Upon the confirmation of ten prescribed by DOH. new cases of COVID-19 in the country, at least two of which indicates local

“Because it is in the nature of transmission, President Rodrigo Duterte our business to interact with people, signed the Proclamation No. 922 on we made sure that we designate a March 8, directing all government handwashing area, especially for our agencies and local government units customers. In addition, we always make to exhaust necessary means to combat sure to sanitize and wash our hands as the spread of the disease. (PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

Regional News

Gov’t steps up measures to improve women’s rights, welfare

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The government continues to step up measures in protecting the rights and welfare of the women and youth.

However, in cases of violence and a negative effect to the victims of abuse, victims at times are the ones violence and abuse. being blamed and judged for such experience.

Because of victim-blaming, women victims are becoming hesitant

According to Atty. Euvic Ferrer to report the abuse to the authorities of legal section of the Commission on with the notion that they would be Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, it has humiliated, instead of putting the

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Regional News

blame to the perpetrators.

“Victim-blaming or the act of transferring the blame to a victim of sexual abuse or violence, like how short a rape victim’s skirt is, tends to send a wrong signal to victims of abuse. Victimblaming effectively silences female victims of abuse by conditioning them to think that their misfortune is their fault, and not a direct result of a sexual predator’s reprehensible actions. It is a step back in our government’s efforts to hold people accountable for their crimes; that it effectively promotes impunity,” underscored Ferrer.

Atty. Ferrer also emphasized that the safety and security of the women against any form of violence and abuse is the primary right of the said sector.

With this concern, it reaps varying reactions from the public.

“It really depends on girls on how they think they should dress up themselves. If they are comfortable wearing sexy clothes, then it’s up to them. On the other hand, we could not control how men see and think over girls who wear sexy clothes,” said Ellen Yasay, a vendor in Butuan City.

“It is never right to blame women and girls for wearing sexy clothes that’s why they are harassed. It is always their right to be respected,” said Rochelle Montalvo, a private employee.

Concepcion Villanueva, a senior citizen in one of the barangays of this city also said that men using illegal drugs are really prone to do and violate the law. Once they use an illegal drug, anyone’s life, be it a baby or an elderly is really in danger,” she bared. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga) March 7-13, 2020

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Regional News

Caraga region remains ASF-free

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - “Caraga region remains to be ASF-Free.�

This was the statement of regional director Abel Monteagudo of the Department of Agriculture (DA), following the ongoing threat on the African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region.

inspection and animal quarantine checkpoints in the boundaries of every province and distribution of spray and disinfectants to hog raisers.

Dir. Monteagudo stressed that the

With this development, the task intensified information dissemination to force led by DA has intensified the the public has greatly contributed to implementation of preventive measures this result. and protocols to continuously ensure the safety of Caraganons from the ASF. The constant coordination of various concerned government

These efforts to stop the spread agencies, as well as the support and of the ASF, include the conduct of cooperation of the general public

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Regional News

in following the protocol, have also now, they could even hardly earn an helped in making Caraga an ASF-Free amount of P10,000.00. region.

“The continuing concern on

“We hope people would continue ASF really affected our business and to cooperate as we are still doing income. However, we believe that this everything that we could do to prevent won’t last long as the government has the ASF in our region, at the same time been taking measures and soon, our that the government also do its best to regular operation will back into place,” prevent the spread of the coronavirus said Balberan. now called as COVID-19,” Monteagudo underscored.

Meanwhile, Dir. Monteagudo called on the public particularly the

DA-Caraga continues to provide drivers and operators of public utility assistance to hog raisers in the region. vehicles to avoid bringing with them pork meat products that do not have

For Nieza Balberan, who has the necessary permit. been in the swine industry and selling “lechon” for 20 years, the ongoing Violators of Republic Act 10536 threat on ASF has greatly affected their otherwise known as the Meat Inspection regular sales. She said, they usually Code of the Philippines will be fined earn around P100,000.00 a month but P200,000.00. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) March 7-13, 2020

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Regional News

DILG Caraga hosts localization activity for EO 70 BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga hosted the conduct of Localization of EO (LEO) 70 Planning Workshop for Mindanao Cluster on March 5 and 6 in Almont Inland Resort, this city.

The activity was participated by the heads of DILG regional offices in Mindanao. DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marivel C. Sacendoncillo was also present, together with personnel from the Local Government Academy.

adjust this according to the needs of your region. The vehicle will be different as we move through this journey from one place to another,” she added.

To cap off the activity, the participants had an on-site learning experience in a Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project in Brgy.

Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City where they saw firsthand the positive impacts of a community-consulted government intervention against insurgency.

The said workshop centered on identifying different strategies to be employed in the localized implementation of EO 70 such as creating services that will ensure the attainment of peace along with identifying and assessing risks upon attaining the said goal and identifying the set of indicators that will measure its Implementation of RCSP success.

The implementation of RCSP in the

Usec. Sacendoncillo shed light on region paved the way for the completion the reason behind the prevailing existence of the Barangay Development Plans (BDPs) of insurgency, explicating that as long as of the 80 priority barangays, enabling the socio-economic issues are not addressed, conduct of community consultations and Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) will public validation of the identified priority continue to exploit the economically- projects during the Barangay Assembly underprivileged and the cultural minorities to address the governance gaps of the in forwarding their own agenda. concerned barangay.

In addition, she underscored the significance of the Retooled Community Support Program (RSCP) in which creating a dialogue with the community is deemed as one of the primary steps in formulating solutions to the communities’ problems.

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This paved way for the construction of a farm-to-market road (FMR) in the geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas across the region and the facilitation of abaca weaving and handicraft making and provide access to credit (loan assistance) as much as Php 200,000. (DMR/DILG“You can bring your ideas and Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

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Regional News

DTI recognizes 5 Caraganon successful women entrepreneurs

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Celebrating great contributions of women especially in the business and industry sectors, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga recognized five successful women entrepreneurs coming from the different provinces of the region, March 9.

Recipients of the award were Norte, Madelyn Alvizo of Agusan del April Aguilar-Dabalos of Agusan del Sur, Rosely Dagsa of Surigao del Norte, March 7-13, 2020

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Regional News Miraflor Montano of Surigao del Sur, Aguilar-Dabalos, proprietor of and Lynn Sheryl Reasol of the Province Tinkerville Playhouse and managing of Dinagat Islands. director of PowerLEAP Resources encouraged all women to never give

“We all can become women up dreaming. of impact kay kita dili ‘babae lang’ (because we are not ‘just women’),” “More than anything else, we said Reasol, who serves as the marketing (women) need to empower ourselves, manager of Rattan Handicrafts because as we empower ourselves, we Weavers SLP Association. also empower our children. We allow them to learn that they can do a lot of

Reasol said that since she wanted things because we have done it,” she to become a woman of inspiration, said. she strived hard in encouraging her fellow mothers from her neighborhood Tinkerville Playhouse is an to invest in and work for the rattan indoor active playground for kids enterprise. while PowerLEAP Resources is a

“Happy sab ko sa gibuhat nako consultancy firm for legal/leadership, nga pag-inspire nila kay nakita nako entrepreneurship, accounting and ang kabag-ohan sa mga kababaihan finance, and personality development. sa among lugar (I am happy to have inspired them as I have seen the “As women, it’s not only that we changes among the women in my build a home to be a good place for neighborhood). our family but we also have a part or role in building our nation,” Aguilar Reasol shared that their enterprise Dabalos said. started from a seed capital from the Department of Social Welfare and The awarding, in line with Development (DSWD)-Sustainable the celebration of the National Livelihood Program (SLP) and got Women’s Month, is an annual activity enhanced through the marketing spearheaded by the department as trainings and assistance provided by a contribution to the five-year theme DTI. “WE Make Change Work for Women.”

With 55 female and 2 male workers, their enterprise was recognized

by DTI-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) as one of the top-selling brands in DTIorganized/assisted trade fairs and has now a regular export market to Switzerland.

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In the theme, WE means women empowerment. The first letters of the words Make Change Work translates to the first letters of the Magna Carta of Women. Meanwhile, change means compassionate and harmonized action and networks for gender equality. (DTICaraga/PIA-Caraga)

Regional News

DTI reminds retailers, consumers to be responsible amid price freeze BUTUAN CITY - Following the declaration of a national public health emergency due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a price freeze advisory to all business establishments.

DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran reminds retailers that there should not be any increase on the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities while the freeze is in effect, adding that the public must be reminded of their consumer rights and responsibilities especially in this emergency situation.

sooner lifted by the President whenever there is a declaration of a state of emergency, calamity, or other similar conditions.

Basic necessities that are under the jurisdiction of the DTI include canned fish and other marine products, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee,

“Retailers must be reminded of candles, and laundry soap, detergent, their responsibilities and obligations and salt. to the consumers. The latter, on one hand, should also be more responsible Department of Agriculture covers and mindful of other consumers when basic agricultural goods such as rice, they buy basic necessities,� Pagaran corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried and other added. marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh

The DTI Caraga top official said vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fresh that consumers must not engage in fruits. panic buying and must also consider their fellow buyers to avoid problems Essential drugs are under the on stock shortage.

Department of Health while firewood and charcoal for the Department of

Pursuant to Republic Act No. Environment and Natural Resources.

7581 or the Price Act, prices of basic Household LPG and kerosene, on the necessities shall be frozen at their other hand, are under the Department prevailing prices for 60 days or until of Energy.

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Regional News

Business establishments found to have violated the price freeze shall be imposed with a fine amounting to P5,000 up to P1 million and/or imprisonment for a period of one year up to ten 10 years.

Meanwhile Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, in a press release, warns filing of criminal charges on overpricing and hoarding of medical devices and products like alcohol, medicines, masks of N-88, N-95, other similar face masks, alcohol/sanitizers, and medical devices.

“We have recommended to the President the issuance of an Executive Order (EO) for easier procedure of filing of cases and imposition of stiffer penalties for profiteering. The proposed EO will arm the DTI together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with visitorial powers to address the issue on prices and supply of medical products,� Lopez said. up to P300,000 may be imposed and/ or imprisonment of up to one year.

Under the Consumer Act or Republic Act (RA) No. 7394, overpricing For profiteering, the Price Act of face masks may be considered as provides for the imposition of fine of up an unfair and unconscionable sales to P2 million and/or imprisonment of up act or practice since it involves taking to 15 years. advantage of consumers in this time of need. The Price Act also considers this Consumers are enjoined to report as an act of profiteering. business establishments that violate the price freeze and provide substantial

Both of these laws provide evidences such as proof of purchase criminal and administrative penalties and official receipt by calling the and sanctions. Under the Consumer One-DTI (1-384) hotline, sending an Act, if found to have committed an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph unfair and unconscionable sales act or or to Caraga@dti.gov.ph or visiting the practice, an administrative sanction of nearest DTI office. (DTI Caraga)

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Regional News

Partnership inked to improve market linkage for Caraga farmers

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY - Various government agencies led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday with private organizations to improve market linkage for the farm products of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Caraga Region.

Organized under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program of DAR and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the MOU aims to increase the income of ARBs through their respective Agrarian Reform

Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) by establishing links to market their products to government institutions and private groups in the region.

This means that farm products of ARBOs in the region will now be March 7-13, 2020

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Regional News marketed directly to jails managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Department of Education (DepEd) in their feeding program, the Department of Health (DOH) in government hospitals, and the network of private hospitals in the area through the Medical Mission Group (MMG).

The signing of the agreement at the Inland Almont Hotel here was witnessed by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles and DAR Undersecretary Emily Padilla.

The program is among the major services of DAR--in partnership with the DSWD--to end poverty and hunger at the grassroots levels, particularly among the farmer-beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program of the government.

“Strike while the iron is hot,” Padilla told the ARBs present during the signing ceremony, as she urged them to grab the opportunity that various agencies of the government can offer especially in the marketing of farm products.

“This is not only for us but for the future of our children,” Padilla added, thanking the various line agencies for supporting the program.

better prices.”

Villareal added that the ARBOs involved have already undergone capability-building and productivity improvement training with the support of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the area.

Credit support will also be provided to the ARBOs to increase capitalization through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), he said.

In his message, Nograles pointed out that EPAHP’s ultimate goal is to help the farmers by linking their cooperatives and organizations to established markets.

“For years, the cycle of poverty has been affecting our farmers. Their farm products usually fall into the hands of middlemen and traders. Eventually, these middlemen and traders enrich themselves from the farm products of our farmers,” Nograles said.

“Now is the time to eradicate these practices and bring their products directly to the market or to buyers such as the hospitals, jails and through the feeding programs of the DepEd and

DAR-13 Director Leomides the DSWD,” he added.

Villareal noted that the region’s ARBOs “are already engaged in different For this year, seven ARBOs from economic activities and livelihood Agusan del Sur will link their products to projects. What they lack is the sure the partner agencies that signed the market. The hospitals, jails, and schools MOU, two ARBOs in Agusan del Norte, in the region are guaranteed markets and two each in Surigao del Norte and where they can sell their products at Surigao del Sur. (PNA)

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Regional News

Gov’t agencies, Caraga LGUs step up measures vs. Covid-19

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY Following the declaration of a national health emergency, various government line agencies and local government units (LGUs) in the Caraga Region have heightened their preparations to prevent the potential spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the area.

“We already convened our stakeholders, the chiefs of hospitals both public and private to check their preparedness,” said Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., the regional director of the Department of Health in Caraga Region (DOH-13).

been established.

“We also told private hospitals in the region that the DOH will provide them with protective equipment,” Llacuna said.

Llacuna told the Philippine News As of Monday, Caraga has nine Agency on Tuesday that isolation wards patients under monitoring (PUMs). and dedicated areas for Covid-19 patients in government hospitals have Meanwhile, the Department of March 7-13, 2020

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Regional News Education in the region (DepEd-13) has “indefinitely” postponed the scheduled Caraga Regional Athletic Meet on March 13 in Siargao Island.

Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) director Col. James Goforth said the Philippine National Police (PNP) was tasked to support the monitoring of potential Covid-19 cases

In a statement, DepEd-13 said in the province. the postponement was in accordance with a department memorandum by “We are on the monitoring the DepEd central office. and containment in case there is a suspected case of Covid-19,” Goforth

Following the postponement of said. the regional sporting event, Surigao del Norte First District Rep. Francisco Jose In Agusan del Sur, Governor “Bingo” Matugas said the decision was Santiago Cane Jr. issued an executive primarily aimed at the safety of athletes order establishing precautionary and coaches. measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the province.

In Surigao del Sur, Gov. Alexander Pimentel called for an emergency Cane said the directive also meeting on Monday to review the seeks to intensify the infection control province’s response measures on measures in all public and private Covid-19. health facilities in Agusan del Sur. (PNA)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Provincial News

AgNor guv suspends classes due to COVID-19, provides PPEs to frontline employees

By Nora C. Lanuza

BUTUAN CITY – As per recommendation from the Provincial Crisis Management Committee of the province of Agusan del Norte during its meeting presided by Governor Dale B. Corvera, classes in all levels of both public and private school within the province are suspended effective Friday until further notice for its lifting will be issued as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus infectious disease or COVID-19.

Gov. Corvera directed the parents to keep their children at home and avoid going to public places in order to preserve the aim of protecting the lives of the constituents of the province

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immensely intended by proclamation no. 1.

“To contain and/or prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to mitigate

Provincial News its effects and impact to the stay healthy and avoid crowded community, classes suspension will places. help to stop it from spreading,” Gov. Corvera said.

The issuance of the proclamation is based on the declaration of the State

Also, as a protection to the of the Public Emergency by President provincial government employees, Rodrigo Roa Duterte to capacitate the Gov. Corvera has equipped the local government units to immediately frontline workers with the personal institute actions to combat the disease. protective equipment (PPEs) in order not to hamper any operations in the Aside from the suspension of province and to protect them from any classes, a continuous distribution of IEC viruses. materials and inclusion of COVID-19 in the radio program discussions are just

Governor Corvera, who also chairs some of the measures of the province the Regional Development Council to protect and educate the people of Caraga region, encouraged all on the disease. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Caraganons to promote good hygiene, Norte)

Gov’t intensifies security awareness drive in Agusan Norte By 1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army led by its Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr, together with Miss Agnes Lopez Reaño (Lola) national president of the former rebels (FR) organization People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment, Inc (PeACE, Inc.), Representative Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, Governor Dale Corvera and the Municipal Mayors of Agusan del Norte recently attended the 2nd Division Management Committee Conference of DepEd Agusan del Norte held in Butuan City.

March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News

The 2nd Division ManCom Conference with the theme “Achieving Peace through Synergy of Stakeholders: Together Towards Tomorrow” for the first time discussed the insurgency problem in this province. The discussion was geared towards the efforts of the national government in decreasing the problem which was capsulized by an Executive Order signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte institutionalizing the “Whole of Nation” approach.

Lt. Col Molina as Chairman of Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) also rendered a report on the effort of the 23IB in encouraging the youth to continue and finish their studies, which was tagged as Information Education Campaign (IEC). IEC was conducted to Junior and Senior High School on the following municipalities: Las Nieves, Buenavista,

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Nasipit, Carmen, Agusan del Norte including Butuan City. ManCom was attended by 364 participants which included Supervisors, School Heads, Guidance Counselor of the DepEd Agusan del Norte.

Lola, in her talk, urged the teachers, being their second parents inside the school campuses, to protect the students. As second parents “You have the responsibility in protecting the students against the manipulations of the CNTs. I hope that you will not only teach academics but inculcate good moral values. Solidify the sacrifices of their parents, value the efforts of the government and encourage them to finish their studies,” Lola added.

“To the teachers especially those who are members of ACT Partylist,

Provincial News emphasized that “the 2nd ManCom Conference is a tremendous help for the province since it was the first time ever the ManCom conference will focus its discussion on the insurgency problem of Agusan del Norte. He added that the IEC spearheaded by the 23IB is a great help for the teachers since the students will be educated and taught on the manipulative please refrain from recruiting innocent children to join the armed group. recruitment strategy of the Communist Instead be a good role model to your Terrorist Group (CTG).” students for their future depends on Matba appealed to the attendees how you encourage them to reach their goals in life. If we fail to do so, we “let us perform our job properly, let’s will never find a solution in ending the walk our talk, be an exemplar of good decade long insurgency problem of governance. Let’s unite, and bond together to save our youth from the our country,” she added. manipulative tactics of this armed

Lt. Col. Molina encouraged group. Working together and aiming to the teachers to guide the students, have peace in our province will ensure to educate them on the workings that there will be no more wasted lives of the government, to inform them of children.” that the government is working.”

“If you will be able to save just a He underscored that “the future of our children lies in our hand, always single life of a child, it is already a big integrate in your subjects the efforts of contribution to Agusan del Norte. It is our government in improving their lives. only through your commitment that We also hope that you will support the we will be able to make sure that our Army’s effort in protecting the children, students will understand the importance their future and their lives, and the of family, because this is what the CTGs effort of the national government in aimed to destroy, the smallest unit of ending the conflict, which debilitates the government which is the family, our country and destroys the future and and the very fabric that makes our nation strong and great,” she added. lives of our youth and students.”

(CMO Officer, 23IB, Philippine Army/PIA

On the other hand, Gov. Corvera Agusan del Norte) March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News

Gov’t provides various services to former rebels in AgNor By 1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo

CABADBARAN CITY - The troops of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army together with other local government agencies of Agusan del Norte recently provided various health services to the former rebels at the 29th headquarters, Brgy. Del Pilar, this city.

The provincial government of Agusan del Norte headed by Governor Dale B. Corvera through its program dubbed as “Sagip Kalusugan sa Barangay Medical Dental Outreach“ and the Provincial Social Welfare Development (PSWD) along with the Cabadbaran City Health Office and other dental and medical doctors provided various health services and distributed hygiene kits and food packs to the families of former rebels.

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It can be recalled that on February 9, 2020, Agusan del Norte Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell AmanteMatba visited the former rebels where she asked what their concerns were.

The latter raised issues regarding health, among others. She immediately coordinated with the concerned agencies and asked for the availability of the health services.

According to 29IB Commanding

Provincial News Officer Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, the government now truly has changed a lot. “Yes, they still fall short at times, but understand that they too aren’t perfect, they too are still in the process of changing the old ways. But I know, and I hope you too could feel that they’re doing their best to provide its people with the help and support they need. We just need to support our government, and never forget to help ourselves too, so we do not add to the burdens being carried by our government,” he said.

“Where could you see such government, whom after being betrayed by its people, because they’ve allowed themselves to be deceived by the enemy’s sweet lies, still has the compassion for its people and even give them chances and an opportunity to once again live a normal life? That is what a true government is, and not the ones which you once subscribed to which only destroys lives and shatters futures,” Criste ended.

(CMO Officer, 29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

AgSur locals condemn CNTs, affirm support to EO 70 By 1Lt. Percival Carido

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - Residents and former supporters of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) have finally condemned the deception and atrocities of the CNTs and eventually affirmed their support to Executive Order No. 70 during the conduct of “pulong-pulong” held on March 6, 2020, at Sitio Tambo, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, this province.

Said pulong-pulong was part of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Philippine Army’s activity with the purpose of informing the locals on the deceptive tactics and propaganda of the CNTs and at the same time bring the government closer to them. This activity also assists in informing the concerned agencies on the identified issues and concerns of the locals which

are being exploited by the CNTs in order to agitate them and further join the armed movement.

One of the highlights of the said activity was the conduct of peace rally denouncing the CNTs and manifesting their support to Task Force ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict), empowering the passage March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News of government programs and initiatives to attain an inclusive and sustainable development in the community. A total of 200 locals consist mostly from Banwaon tribe, attended the said activity which was spearheaded by Barangay Chairman Donie Dique, together with different concerned government agencies.

“Isip usa ka lumolupyo dri sa Sitio Tambo, ako mag-awhag sa tanan nga dili na kita magpailad pa sa mga NPA nga mag ingon nga sila ang sundalo sa kabos, kay kung tinoud man na, ngano bisan isa ka proyekto o programa wala gani sila nahimo ug hinoon sila pa’y mangguba ug magbabag sa mga proyekto nga gihatag sa atoa sa gobyerno diri sa atong kumonidad nga maoy makatabang unta sa atoa para sa atong panginabuhi, ug ngano nga ang mga NPA, makigbahin pa sa atoang gamay nga abot sa atong panginabohi, imbis nga sila ang muhatag sa atua kung tinood man gane nga sundalo sila sa kabos (As one of the residents here in Sitio Tambo, I am encouraging everyone not to be deceived by the NPA who keeps on telling us that they are the soldiers for the poor, because if that is true, why have they not established any project or program? They are even the ones who

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always hinder developmental projects from the government that are intended for our community, which would greatly help our livelihood. Why are the NPAs are taking advantage and forcing us to give them a share from our small but hard-earned income, instead of them helping us and giving us assistance if they really are the soldiers for the poor),” a certain Jaime said during the open forum.

Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Ederlina Precioso also condemned the CNTs exploitation of the locals particularly the natives who were the most vulnerable targets of black propaganda and false ideology of the communist against the government.

“Isip inyong IPMR sa lungsod sa San Luis, ginadasig ko kamu nga atong suportahan ang mga programa sa atong gobyerno tungod kay kita gihatagan ug katakos sa kumonidad

Provincial News alang sa pagpaabot sa atong mga Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Romeo C. tingog ngadto sa lokal ug national nga Jimenea, commanding officer of 26th panggamhanan.

IB, applauded the local populace of Sitio Tambo for realizing the true

Ug gani naa tay opisina sa color and motives of the CNTs. He also munisipyo para sa mga parehas sa commended the local government ato nga nitibo nga atong masaligan and other concerned local agencies aron mapaabot nato ang atong mga for their undying support on EO 70 mulo ug panginahanglan sa labaw and to the Philippine Army. “The Army nga panggobyernohan. Kay wala’y welcomes the creation of the task laing makatabang sa atoa kundi ang force ELCAC because it will greatly gobyerno lamang, dili kanang mga empower the organization through NPA (As your IPMR in the town of San Luis, its collaboration with the different I am encouraging you to support the agencies in attaining an inclusive and programs of our government because sustainable peace and development. we are given the great opportunity We are very grateful that all of us in in our community to have our voices the government are doing our best to be heard and raise our concerns to address and to achieve our common the local and national government. goal,” he stated.

We even have our municipal office “Insurency is not the sole responsibility of the men in uniform.

Rather, it is a collective effort of all government agencies to end it.

Remember that the CNTs are using issues on agriculture, environment, for Indigenous Peoples like us who we labor and more, in order to agitate could trust and would help us bring our the populace. It is but a must to work issues and concerns to the national hand in hand to make EO 70 achieve level. Nobody else could help us but an overwhelming success,” added only the government and not the Jimenea. (CMO officer, 26IB/PIANPAs),” Precioso said.

Agusan del Sur) March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News

Army conducts info drive in different schools vs NPA recruitment

TALACOGON, Agusan Del Sur The 26th Infantry Battalion has intensified its campaign against NPA recruitment in different secondary schools especially those from remote areas of the four municipalities of this province, which is under its area of responsibility.

The unit conducts info drive and awareness to students who are the primary target of massive recruitment by the leftist group.

According to 1Lt. Percival Carido, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of 26IB, the said info drive is designed to counter the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPPNPA) youth exploitation particularly students, as well as to educate them and make them aware of the deceptive propaganda and false ideology of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

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March 7-13, 2020

“It is very alarming that we received reports and news from the local and national regarding youths who have been killed in an encounter between the NPA and military, only to find out that they are students from known universities who are members of different left leaning organizations.

Since last year, we have been constant in the conduct of info drive in areas of Talacogon, San Luis, Esperanza and

Provincial News

lately, at the La Paz National High School. We will continue to do it every school year to remind them,” Carido added.

Arceli L. Hapon, the School Principal of La Paz National High School, commended the efforts of the Philippine Army in securing the future of her students. “NPA recruitment in schools is a gross violation of children’s right under RA 7610. For that, we will continue to collaborate with the AFP and PNP in protecting our students from the communist ideology. We are very thankful to our counterpart in mentoring our students to become an essential member of the community especially in the pursuit of a long and lasting peace advocacy,” she said.

support of the faculty members in the schools for the said activity. “Teachers who are doing their best in providing education for their students deserve to be recognized. For this, we are hoping that they should not allow themselves to be used by the NPA for recruitment activities, agitation and propaganda against the government for it will affect the sacredness of the school’s main purpose, to educate children for the betterment of their future,” he said.

Jimenea also appealed to the Communist Terrorists to spare the children especially students, from their violent way of life and selfish political ambition. “Give our young generations a chance to grow up, achieve their aspirations and be successful in life.

Do not use them as your instrument in

Likewise, Lt. Col. Romeo C. destroying our nation’s democracy,” Jimenea, the commanding officer of added Jimenea. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del 26IB also commended the consistent Sur) March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News

Surigao Sur IPs, leaders welcome establishment of IPED schools

By Lt. Krisjuper Anreo Punsalan

LIANGA, Surigao Del Sur - The residents of Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9) and the Lianga Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) Council look forward to the establishment of the IP Education School in Kilometer 9 to provide quality education for IP children on June.

“As leaders of the IP council of Lianga, we have provided Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to the government to establish IP schools for

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the betterment of our tribe because this is what our tribesmen want,” said Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga Tribal Chieftain.

Provincial News

Sitio Simuwao Chairman Jhunee Salinas expressed his enthusiasm for the planned development but also requested a military detachment to protect the residents and the project from Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) attacks.

“We are happy that the government heeded our call to provide us schools but we also request for the presence of the military to protect us from CNTs’ attacks. They are against the establishment of the IP schools because they know that all TRIFPSS students will transfer eventually in the IPED government schools,” Salinas, said.

could also have a dialogue with the legitimate IP leadership not only with communist-linked MAPASU so that your perspectives would be balanced,” Bucales said.

The IP council also hit Lianga Councilor and Committee Chair on Education Samuel Dollano for allegedly delaying the approval and signing of the IP leaders’ resolution for the establishment of IPED schools and the closure of TRIFPSS and ALCADEV.

This is the reason why the IPs sought the help of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the DepEd Caraga Region to craft and approve a resolution for the establishment of IPED

The Tribal Filipino Program of schools under Executive Order No.70; s.

Surigao del Sur or TRIFPSS is a non- 2019 and other legal provisions, it was government organization run, non- learned.

DepEd accredited private school without a license or permit to Meanwhile, the Lianga IP operate, and an alleged CNT hub Council mulls on creating a resolution along with Alternative Learning and appeal to the Provincial and Center for Agricultural Development Regional Task Forces on Ending Local (ALCADEV).

Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) to apply moral suasion and/or sanctions

Lianga IPMR Hawudon Jumar S. to Councilor Nelsur Samuel Dollano Bucales, reacted on Tandag Bishop under DILG memorandum order 2018Raul Dael and Bishop Emeritus Nereo 211 and Republic Act No. 10168 known Odchimar’s contrary remarks on March as Terrorism Financing and Suppression 6 against their proposed IPED schools for Act of 2012 for alleged suspicious their tribe saying that IPED government transactions with individuals or Nonschools are no longer necessary.

Government Organizations (NGOs)/ Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) that

“With due respect to Bishop Dael are affiliated or related to people and Bishop Odchimar, the IP Council suspected of having connection with based on our IP Political Structure (IPS), a terrorist individual, organization, was the one who spearheaded the association or group of persons. (CMOrequest for IP schools. We hope you 3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur) March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News

Bayabas Police Station tops in performance level monitoring system in SurSur

By Kim Adams Jamilo

BAYABAS, Surigao del Sur - The Municipal Police Station (MPS) of Bayabas town was placed first among the 21 Police units in the province of Surigao del Sur for the month of February 2020.

Through the Performance Level Monitoring System of Strategy Partners (PLEMSTRAP), the Bayabas Municipal Police Station was rated 98.9 percent.

It was followed by Lingig Municipal Police Station with 97.60 percent and Tago Municipal Police Station with 90 percent.

PLEMSTRAP is an initiative by the Police Regional Office Caraga — as it directs to guarantee the functionality of the strategic partners in the implementation of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 by monitoring and measuring the performance of the Technical Working Group, Police Strategy Management Unit, and Advisory Council.

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This is the first time that the MPS of Bayabas topped the PLEMSTRAP rating in the province.

Bayabas town is the smallest municipality in Surigao del Sur composed of seven barangays. (PIASurigao del Sur)

Provincial News

40 IP families return home in SurSur

By Lt. Krisjuper ANdreo Punsalan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - “The tribe went home because the military assured their safety. If the Army will not be around, we will evacuate (again).

We need the Army to protect us from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs),” said Datu Constancio Duhac, Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Lianga, Surigao del Sur during the return of 40 families from the tribe in Sitio Simuwao, (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on March 5.

After the CNTs harassed the civilians last February 21, the indigenous peoples (IPs) at Kilometer 9 have requested the permanent presence of the military and the establishment of a patrol base in the sitio to drive away CNTs and to establish the DepEd schools for their children.

them from the CNTs.

“The IP community is now enlightened. Dati pag nagbabakwit, ang apela nila ay paalisin ang military para bumalik sila sa community. Ngayon, nakita na nila ang katotohanan na ang mga teroristang NPA ang naghahasik ng lagim sa komunidad at hindi ang sundalo. Kaya ang gusto nila ngayon ay huwag ng umalis ang mga sundalo para maprotektahan sila laban sa exploitation ng mga teroristang NPAs at mga masterminds gaya ng MAPASU,” said LTC Joey Baybayan, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion commander.

It can be recalled that the CNTs harassed the civilians, as stated in the affidavit of the wounded civilians, with the intent to execute their playbook, “Taktikang Bakwit,” which is usually organized by the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Mga Sumusunod (MAPASU) to blame the military, request their pullout and delay government’s peace and development projects in The IPs were assisted by the the area. local government unit of Lianga and Surigao del Sur provincial government

As a result, their planned Taktikang by providing transportation and food Bakwit backfired on the CNTs and supplies for the whole duration of MAPASU. Instead of gaining sympathy their temporary evacuation and their to request the pullout of the Community eventual return to their homes while the Support Teams, their plan resulted to Army provided security. the demand of the IP to further request military presence in the area to protect “This is a concrete example of the March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News Whole-Of-Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict because the military, which belongs to the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster and the LGUs under the DILG belonging to the Basic Services Cluster of EO 70 worked together to provide the needed services and assistance by the conflictaffected community during this critical time,” said Col. Allan Hambala,” 401st Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, the IP leaders of Lianga said that this is no longer a tension between the Army and the CNTs alone. It is now a fight of the IPs,

the government, and the whole Filipino people against the CNTs and their masterminds.

“We cannot be neutral in the fight against CNTs. Our tribe chose to fight against the CNTs because we want to put an end to their abuses, exploitation and atrocities against the IPs. Our lives are in danger and we need the military to protect our home. Kung sino man ang dapat paalisin sa komunidad, ang mga NPA at MAPASU, hindi ang gobyerno. Kung aalis ang military, papatayin nila kami dito, “ exclaimed Datu Jumar S. Bucales, IPMR of Lianga.

(3SFBn CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PUI in SurSur town voluntarily submits to confinement

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A person under investigation (PUI) for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Cantilan town has voluntarily asked to be confined on Wednesday and was brought to the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) here.

Based on the report, the patient is a male Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) with a travel history in Australia last month. The said individual arrived in Manila on February 27 and went home in Cantilan on February 29.

laboratory tests and observations based on the protocol ordered by the Department of Health. The result will be available after a few days, it was learned.

As a preventive measure against

The patient has flu-like symptoms COVID-19, Cantilan Mayor Carla of COVID-19 on March 10, 2020 Pichay has ordered the suspension of that steered him to undergo further classes in all levels both private and

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Provincial News public effective today, March 12 until Mayor Pichay revealed that further notice.

Cantilan has no confirmed case on COVID-19 yet.

According to Mayor Pichay, the team from the Municipal Health Office She then urged her constituents (MHO) has already begun the contact to remain calm and practice everyday tracing, consultation, orientation, and prevention measures like frequent hand other relevant procedures for the family washing, staying home when sick, and members and other individuals who covering coughs and sneezes. (NGB/ interacted with the patient.

PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Army leads GAD seminar in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - In time with the Women’s Month celebration, the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB), Philippine Army conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) Awareness Seminar to its personnel held at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago town, this province on Friday, March 6, 2020, a military official confirmed.

March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News

According to Captain Jonald Romorosa, 36IB Civil Military Operations Officer, the said activity was aimed to intensify the awareness on gender, culture, and religion among the soldiers.

Tawede, Tribal Affairs Assistant of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Provincial Office.

Meanwhile, 36IB Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Jezreel Diagmel said that they will continue to promote

Romorosa said they have included equality among their ranks and maintain the topics on related laws for women, a high level of gender, culture, and cultural sensitivity, and understanding religion.

Islam.

“The activity will serve as an

The rights of the Women’s enlightenment to the soldiers of the 36IB Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as part of the as we celebrate the National Women’s culture and tradition of the Manobo Month,” Lt. Col. Diagmel said. (PIAtribe were also shared by Michael Surigao del Sur)

DepEd Caraga orders CAA-RSC delegations to return home due to COVID-19

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Department of Education (DepEd) in Caraga has ordered the delegations of the Caraga Athletic AssociationRegional Sports Competition (CAA-RSC) to return home due to the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The DepEd Caraga Regional Office headed by Regional Director Francisco Bringas made the pronouncement over his official media account late Monday night, March 9, 2020, in compliance with the Department Memorandum No. 034, S. 2020 issued by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones.

the rapid increase of the COVID-19 confirmed cases in the nation as reported by the Department of Health.

The DepEd Caraga Regional Office, accordingly, has sent a letter of appeal to Secretary Briones to push through with the Caraga Regional Athletic Meet originally set on Mar. 1318 in Siargao Island. However, it failed

The cancellation was declared to get approval from the secretary, it as a precautionary measure, due to was learned.

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Provincial News

Based on the report, five delegations have already arrived in Siargao Island, including the delegations from Tandag City, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao City.

compete supposedly for the CAA-RSC this year.

Meanwhile, the Tandag City Division delegation has returned home on Wednesday, according to Schools Division Superintendent Imelda There were 12 delegations to Sabornido. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

MGB 13 holds re-orientation on new mining policy compliances

By Marie Pennelope E. Fang

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - To ensure the full compliance of mining contractors/permittees with new mining policies, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-13) conducted an re-orientation on the requirements of said issuances held recently at the Philippine Gateway Hotel, this city.

The requirements of MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2018-02, MGB Memorandum Order No. 20001, together with Statistical Reports, Application of Ore Transport Permit and Mineral Ore Export Permit, Stocks Validation, and Shipment Verification/ Monitoring were discussed at length by the MGB-13 technical personnel.

Key personnel of Caraga mining companies participated in the three-day activity which also aimed to strengthen further the Quality Management System of the agency.

MGB Caraga Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, in his message, underscored the importance of collaboration in the compliance of all the standards. In the same way, he

encouraged the mining companies to be diligent and compliant in the implementation of their programs, projects and activities.

The participants’ knowledge of the following topics was enhanced further with presentations and discussions on issues and concerns encountered during monitoring using the Standardized Monitoring Checklist for Tenement; Exploration/Development/ Operating Period; Proposed Mineral Processing/Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit Checklist Statistical Reports vis-à -vis Tenement Monitoring Checklist; Established Database visà -vis Tenement Monitoring Checklist; Annual Land-use; Issues and concerns encountered during monitoring using the Standardized Monitoring Checklist March 7-13, 2020

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Provincial News Transport Permit and Mineral Ore Export Permit; Procedures for Shipment Verification/ Monitoring including issues and concerns encountered during actual monitoring; Detailed Procedural G u i d e l i n e s ; Established Database; Reconciliation of Gross Sales for Royalty Payments; Procedures for and issues and concerns in the conduct of Stocks Validation (For Bulk Ore, For Gold/Silver Bullion, For Mixed Sulfides and Scandium Oxalate); and issuance of compliance certification.

Representatives from the Department of Health, Bureau of Customs and Philippine Ports Authority also took for Safety and Health. part in the discussions on the protocols for the handling of the

And also, issues and concerns COVID-19. encountered during monitoring using the Standardized Monitoring At the end of the sessions, an open Checklist for Social Development and forum ensued wherein the participants Management; issues and concerns raised issues and concerns in relation encountered during monitoring using to the topics discussed. Similarly, an the Standardized Monitoring Checklist assessment/workshop was conducted for Environmental Management; MGB to evaluate the comprehension and Memorandum Order No. 20-001; New compliance of the mining companies.

Procedure for the Application of Ore (MGB 13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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MINDANAO NEWS

Mindanao News

Piñol to undergo selfquarantine

By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo

DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol is submitting himself to self-quarantine as soon as he arrives in the country on Saturday from attending the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia on March 12-13.

In his Facebook post on Thursday night, Piñol said he and his two staff will undergo a voluntary quarantine to ensure that they are safe from the virus.

the recent developments on the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, he issued an order suspending work at all MinDA offices.

“I will submit myself to medical “So as to maintain our linkage with check-up and stay in my farm for one our clientele, I have ordered the creation week,” he added. of a 10-man skeletal force headed by a senior officer to man the office on a daily

As the chairperson of MinDA, Piñol rotation basis,” he said. was invited to be one of the panelists in the forum, where he presented the Piñol also advised the employees impact of the transfer of Indonesia’s to stay home but to continue linkages capital to East Kalimantan, Borneo on with their clients through digital the economy of the sub-region of Brunei- communications.

Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

“All MinDA officials and employees are enjoined to observe these directives,”

On the other hand, following he said. (PNA)

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Mindanao News

Davao Region gets P41-M aid for waste management facilities

By Digna Banzon

DAVAO CITY - The National Waste Management Commission (NWMC) has provided some PHP40.9 million to local government units in the Davao Region to better manage their waste facilities.

Environment Management Bureau-Region 11 (EMB-11) Director Sophie Manuel said that some PHP8.8 million was provided this year for three local governments in Davao del Norte, and one in Davao del Sur.

Nine more are being constructed in Manay, San Isidro, Banaybanay in Davao Oriental; Monkayo, Maragusan, New Bataan in Davao de Oro province; Panabo City in Davao del Norte; Magsaysay in Davao del Sur; and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental.

Manuel said the funds were used Manuel said EMB’s monitoring on open for the closure and rehabilitation plan of dumpsites is ongoing, warning local sanitary landfills and the improvement governments that they will not hesitate of material recovery facilities (MRFs). to mete out penalties for violators.

She said over PHP32.060 million Currently, EMB-11 said a total of was also provided for the construction 36 municipalities and cities and one of MRFs in 117 barangays in the region. province in the region have so far obtained approval for the mandatory

Manuel said the region only has 10-year solid waste management three existing sanitary landfills -- in plan.

Davao City, Mati City in Davao Oriental and the Island Garden City of Samal in The plans, she said, are being Davao del Norte. evaluated by the Commission. (PNA) March 7-13, 2020

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NATIONAL NEWS

National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

PCOO eyes virtual pressers over Covid-19 threat MANILA - Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said he is eyeing the conduct of virtual press briefings to ensure that the updates about President Rodrigo Duterte and Malacañang will not be disrupted over the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.

Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, in separate statements, announced that they will go on selfquarantine after interacting with an individual who tested positive for Covid-19.

It remains unclear if they were exposed to the same individual.

Duterte is set to undergo testing for Covid-19, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, his former aide said.

Some members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) and reporters who have interacted with the two secretaries also expressed willingness to undergo self-quarantine, he added.

He reminded employees that work from home arrangements in accordance with the guidelines released by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission may be considered.

He also appealed to the public to be “understanding and cooperation” in taking the necessary precautions and in following safety protocols.

The PCOO Office of the Global Media Affairs has been holding virtual

He made this remark explaining pressers to cater to journalists based that the Malacañang press briefing abroad since 2019. room, press working area, and other areas within the New Executive Building

As of Wednesday, the DOH (NEB) will be closed down on Thursday confirmed 49 positive cases of Covid-19 (March 12) for disinfection. and its first Filipino fatality, a 67-yearMarch 7-13, 2020

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National News

old woman without any travel history worldwide spread of a new disease. from the affected country.

In January, the WHO declared the

The Philippines is now under a novel coronavirus outbreak a public state of public health emergency after health emergency of international the health department reported the concern. first known local transmission.

Currently, the virus is thought to

The Covid-19 outbreak that spread mainly between people who originated in Wuhan, China, has killed are in close contact with one another more than 4,200 people and infected -- within about 6 feet -- through over 119,000 worldwide. respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The World Health Organization However, the spread might be possible on Wednesday declared the Covid-19 before people show symptoms. (By outbreak a pandemic which means a Azer Parrocha/PNA)

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National News

Statement of Secretary Martin Andanar on the reported cases of COVID-19 in PH

With the confirmed local transmission, the Department of Health has raised its alert to Code Red SubLevel 1 and has recommended for President Duterte to declare a Public Health Emergency in order to fast track needed concerted actions and logistics to address the outbreak.

We continue to enjoin the public to remain calm as the Department of Health (DOH) continues to attend to the new confirmed cases of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) reported yesterday and today, and address the implications of the country’s confirmed local transmissions.

The Office of the President has made note of DOH’s suggestion and has agreed that the President will make the announcement after judiciously taking into consideration all the factors needed in deciding to declare an emergency.

The government is on top of the situation and will continue to undertake necessary actions in containing the spread of this virus. In line with this, we again continue to seek everyone’s participation and cooperation on this matter by continuing to be vigilant, heeding advisories, and by following the preventive measures of DOH of washing or sanitizing their hands, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and observing proper cough etiquette.#

The DOH continues to be proactive in addressing the confirmed cases and containing the spread of the (Statement of Secretary Martin virus. It is also in touch with the Office of the President in monitoring the Andanar on the reported cases of COVID-19 in PH, March 7, 2020/PCOO) developments.

March 7-13, 2020

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National News

President Duterte wants LGUs get fair share of project allocation President conveyed his intention to equally distribute government projects for the benefit of LGUs throughout the Philippines.

“Ang gusto ko lang sana sa last two years ko, if I can equitably distribute the money of the republic to cover the entire Philippines on projects, malaki man o maliit, basta meron ang President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on lahat,” the President said in his speech.

Tuesday said he wants to reconfigure projects being carried out by the “That would be a new mindset for national government so that all local the months to come kasi wala na ako government units (LGUs) get project — pawala na. At gusto ko naman na allocation. masabi ninyo na at least lumingon lang

During his attendance to the 2020 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly held in Pasay City, President Duterte assured the local chief executives of his full support in advancing the common good in their respective communities.

man ako sa mga munisipyo for after all I think that I won the presidency practically on my own and that I did remember everyone of you.”

Although he does not want to start projects that can’t be finished during his term, the President acknowledged that most big-ticket projects take several

And in the last two years before years to complete. stepping down from power, the

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National News

“But be that as it may, sinabi ko pa rin sa kanila kung anuman ang maiwan na pera, try to distribute it doon sa Republika ng Pilipinas, the local government units tutal meron naman tayong nagawa,” he said.

and were completed during President Duterte’s term.

“Pero para sa akin okay na ‘yon.

I can give the credit to them for I never started it. I’m just finishing it. It’s no big deal for anyone,” he said.

One of the major projects, he said, is the Skyway, which is expected to greatly improve the traffic situation of Metro Manila.

Also present Tuesday were Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Communications Secretary Martin

Some of the projects started Andanar and other members of the during the previous administration Cabinet. PND

Schools may still hold graduation rites: DepEd

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

MANILA – Public and private schools can push through with their graduation rites provided that they are able to implement strictly the Department of Health’s (DOH) guidelines on social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a press briefing at the SEAMEO Innotech in Quezon City on Wednesday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the Department of Education (DepEd) trusts the schools and parents that they will observe the social distancing measures amid the continuing threat of Covid-19.

“Kasi sabi ng DOH, iko-control ang mass gathering, halimbawa, kung maliit ang eskwelahan, magsabi sila ang isang graduating student ay entitled only to one parent or guest, at kung malaki ang school, kasi may

mga schools na libo-libo ang mag-gagraduate, (The DOH said to control mass gathering, example, if the school is small, it must instruct their graduating students that each of them is entitled to only one parent or guest, and if the school is big, because there are schools with thousands of graduates) batch by batch,” Briones said.

Briones said this is why schools were instructed to schedule their graduation rites for an entire week.

Briones said the DepEd is aware

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National News

of instances where private schools decide to hold online classes since President Rodrigo Duterte approved the suspension of classes in all levels in the National Capital Region from March 10 to 14.

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exams on Thursday and Friday.

“Online classes, yes, that’s okay, in fact, later, our Undersecretary for Administration will demonstrate the use of our online learning resources.

Whatever innovation that can be used, we’ll allow it, we just have to be informed and should we stop others from using technology,” she added.

“Teachers can schedule their exams on a staggard basis, iyong iba ay puwede sa Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules para consistent pa rin tayo sa (others could be on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday so we’re consistent with the) social distancing measures. In the event of sustained community transmission, Code Red sub level 2, since we’re near the end of the school year, there’ already enough basis to give the learners grades in the absence of a final test,” Malaluan said.

Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said teachers are instructed to give pointers for review for learners who were supposed to have their final

He added that the DepEd is having a discussion on the transmutation that will be used for the final grades of the learners if they are unable to take the final exams. (PNA)

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COVID-19 News

Go points to other funding sources vs. Covid-19

By Jose Cielito Reganit

MANILA – The government can tap other sources of funds to finance the government’s effort to respond to the threat of Covid-19, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said after the House Appropriations Committee only approved a PHP1.65-billion supplemental budget for the purpose.

“Since the Department of Health (DOH) is requesting an additional PHP3.1 billion, additional funds may be raised from other sources,” Go said in a statement.

PHP2.035 billion for personal protective equipment (PPE), PHP933 million for the Bureau of Quarantine, and PHP139 million for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

The DOH earlier sought the Go said the rest of the funding additional funds for the following: requirement could be raised from among

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March 7-13, 2020

COVID-19 News others, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

“I mentioned last Monday that I personally spoke to Pagcor chair Andrea Domingo and she said that they can provide additional funding amounting to PHP2 billion,” he said.

Go said another PHP420 million from PCSO will also be allocated “based on a proclamation to be issued” by President Rodrigo Duterte.

He pointed out that there is about PHP539 million in DOH savings and another PHP81 million from the DOH Quick Response Fund that can be utilized.

“Adding all these together, we have a total of roughly PHP4.6 billion to help DOH and concerned agencies respond to the needs of our people amid the Covid-19 situation,” Go said.

If the amount is not yet enough, he said there are still the Contingency Fund and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund that can be standby sources, “if needed.”

Go assured the public that by virtue of President Duterte’s Proclamation No. 922, which declared the Philippines under the State of Public Health Emergency, “all available resources of the government will be utilized properly and efficiently to respond to this (Covid-19) crisis” and ensure the safety of all Filipinos.

“Additionally, the declaration allows the LGUs (local government units) to utilize their local disaster risk reduction management funds (LDRRMF) under RA 10121,” he said.

Go assured that he will use the oversight function of his office to ensure that the fight against Covid-19 is carried out effectively and in a transparent manner.

“As a Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, sisiguraduhin ko na ginagawa ng mga opisyal at mga ahensya ng gobyerno ang kanilang tungkulin na mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Sisiguraduhin rin natin na kahit piso mula sa kaban ng bayan ay hindi masasayang (I will ensure that concerned officials and agencies of the government are doing their duty to take care of the health of each Filipino.

We will also ensure that not a single peso from the government coffers will be wasted),” he said. (PNA) March 7-13, 2020

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PRRD believes strong countries can develop vaccine vs. Covid-19

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday expressed confidence that powerful countries such as Russia, United States, and Japan could eventually come up with a vaccine to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Speaking before local government officials in Pasay City, Duterte said countries “rich in technology” will soon be able to identify effective treatments and develop vaccines as Covid-19 cases continue to rise.

they are working overtime to come up with a vaccine,” he said in a speech during the 2020 General Assembly of the Municipalities of the Philippines in Marriot Hotel.

He admitted it will take time but it

“With the great strides now is possible for the governments around of science, in a matter of days I’m the world to come up with a vaccine. sure that Russia, the brightest of their brightest and America and Japan Currently, there is no vaccine for

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COVID-19 News Covid-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus by observing precautionary measures such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and frequent hand-washing.

Duterte said.

Before the meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases in Malacañang on Monday night, Duterte was spotted shaking hands with Cabinet members present.

Those infected by coronavirus are given anti-viral drugs being used in He described the “no-touch” clinical trials but there is no guarantee protocol as foolish, saying he would still that these work. shake hands to greet people during public engagements.

He also believes patients who died from the highly-infectious disease He also insisted to keep attending were victims of predetermined course public engagements including a of events. scheduled trip to Boracay on March 12, even as the Department of Health

“Kung hindi ka na umabot (If (DOH) advised the public to limit outside you didn’t make it), that is really your activity and crowds. destiny,” he said.

Presidential Spokesperson

He said despite the “no-touch” Salvador Panelo said even if Duterte’s policy being implemented by the movements were limited by his security, Presidential Security Group (PSG) on “he doesn’t want to.” him and his family, he is convinced that death was also predetermined.

Currently, there are 33 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country. The

Shaking hands with millions of global death toll from the coronavirus people, he said, did not necessarily is over 3,800 with more than 110,000 expose him to higher risk of contracting confirmed cases, according to the the disease because he believed that World Health Organization (WHO). if it is a person’s time to die, it would happen anyway.

Duterte has issued a proclamation formally declaring a state of public

“Hindi mo naman madala yan health emergency throughout the sa handshake handshake. Maski Philippines. magpunta ka ng limang milyon na handshake ‘yan pag hindi mo pa He also ordered the suspension panahon hindi mo talaga panahon of all schools in all levels in the National (You won’t get it from handshakes. Even Capital Region (NCR) from March 10 to if you make five million handshakes, if 14 to ensure the safety of students from it’s not your time, it’s not your time),” the disease. (PNA) March 7-13, 2020

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COVID-19 News

4-day, flexi work plans helpful to contain virus impact: Nograles

MANILA – A four-day workweek for government workers and flexible work arrangements are among the options being considered by the government to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as well as prevent job losses as the private sector attempts to cope with the impact of the outbreak on businesses.

This according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who in an interview on Tuesday said, that “as far as the Civil Service is concerned, they are discussing the adoption of a fourday workweek as one of the measures that the Civil Service can do in terms of government workers.”

concerned, “the Department of Labor and Employment just recently issued a labor advisory that regulates flexi-work arrangements.”

The point of the advisory, Nograles explained is “to discourage businesses from laying off and retrenching workers and adopting a flexi-work arrangement

Classes in the National Capital instead.”

Region have been suspended from March 10 to 14 as part of efforts to This, he said, particularly applies prevent the transmission of Covid-19 to the tourism industry, which has been in Metro Manila after the number of hit hard by the outbreak. The former confirmed cases in the country reached legislator from Davao stressed that 24 Monday evening. the government is urging the private sector to avoid layoff of workers given

Nograles, a member of the Inter- the temporary nature of the Covid-19 Agency Task Force for the Management outbreak. of Emerging Infectious Disease, said the suspension of classes in NCR “At one point we will be able to could be extended or lifted based on control this. So what’s happening now developments this week. in the tourism and travel industry would be considered temporary; because it’s

He added that as far as temporary we don’t need to retrench employees in the private sector are or fire workers.” (PR)

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COVID-19 News

Gov’t asked to give cash aid to workers amid Covid-19 threat

By Ferdinand Patinio

MANILA – A labor group on Tuesday asked the government to provide cash subsidy to private-sector workers who may be displaced in case of a lockdown on various areas amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.

“We call upon President (Rodrigo) Duterte to provide workers with cash subsidy as government financial aid to daily-paid workers and those ‘nowork, no-pay’ employees who might be affected in case the government enforces a lockdown on (Covid-19)hit areas where their workplaces are

located,” TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said in a statement.

He added that the fund can be sourced from the President’s social fund or from the executive department’s contingency fund using the existing mechanism of the Department of Labor March 7-13, 2020

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COVID-19 News and Employment (DOLE) communitybased emergency assistance called Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

15 to 30 minutes to allow employees to report on time in spite of the additional bio-security protocol that comes in the way of workers reporting for work,” TUCP vice president Louie Corral said.

He said the Covid-19 threat should not be used as a convenient excuse to justify lay-offs, retrenchments, closures, and reduction of wages and benefits.

“There’s no need to create a law or regulation about this cash assistance.

But given the kind of crisis that we have, we have to expand and tweak the program and design it to the Covid-19 lockdown scenario,” he said.

“The employer should also adopt safety and health policy in ensuring virus Under the emergency community- free workplace by providing companybased assistance, the government paid face masks, alcohol and other provides emergency employment for personal protective equipment. The displaced workers, underemployed enterprise must also design quarantine and seasonal workers for a minimum of and self-quarantine contingencies and 10 days but not exceeding a maximum implement decontamination measures of 30 days. to minimize contamination within the workplace without job displacement

Under a proposed lockdown, the or retrenchment. Workers affected government strictly controls entry and by disease must be covered by exit points of an area or a particular social security and employment community deemed by authorities to compensation for wage protection,” contain the spread of the disease for a he added. (PNA) certain number of days.

The group also appealed to employers to relax tardiness rules to help improve employees and business productivity affected

by Covid-19 lockdowns and other outbreak crisis constraints.

“We urge employers to temporarily relax workplace tardiness house rule by extending it further to

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