Caraga InFocus – May 18-24, 2019

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[ Contents 18 - 24 May 2019

Volume III, No. 40

Caraga fisherfolks urged to strengthen organizational efforts REGIONAL NEWS

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DENR’s IOs train on infographics creation, responsible use of social media DENR-13 celebrates Month of the Ocean

PROVINCIAL NEWS

10 4 NPA rebels killed in SurSur clash 11 Network built to end teen issues conducts orientation 12 CENRO-Talacogon for CSC assessment Tubay leads tree planting to 13 CENRO reduce flooding presents environmental 14 PENRO-SDN Medium Term Plan for FY 2020-2022 initiates seagrass, coral reef 15 DENR monitoring in Siargao Islands facilitates MOA 16 CENRO-Talacogon signing for FLUP formulation

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MINDANAO NEWS

to heed military recommendation 18 PRRD on martial law in Mindanao

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Marawi on road to recovery through healing, reconciliation

NATIONAL NEWS

welcomes mandatory ROTC for 22 DepEd SHS students 24 PRRD signs law institutionalizing 4Ps

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News Briefs Evaluators of the 2nd quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill 2019 at the Balequian Elem. School in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte gave their feedbacks on the conduct of the exercise.

Jay Vincent Pagaran of PDRRMO stressed the importance of the exercise because it will prepare everyone and will save lives if disaster strikes.

The members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga from government agencies and private sector convene this morning, June 18 for the 2nd quarter meeting at the DSWD-13 regional office in Butuan City. The group discusses issues and concerns on trafficking cases in the region, as well as updates and accomplishments of the committee. Upcoming activities will also be discussed.

Caraga regional director Donald Seronay underscored in his message in today’s 2nd Quarter NSED in Bayugan City the importance of defining the level of readiness, that is why the agency is giving value to preparedness plan and is considered in the seal of good local governance. He added that drills are integral part in order to educate and train public and responders on how to react during earthquakes. “We should make sure that appropriate actions are done in a given situation. Knowing the irregularities of the drills are important in finding ways for improvement,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Regional Project Coordinating Office led by deputy project director Jodel Tabada turned over the completed FMR subproject which is the construction/concreting of the 1.2-kilometer Guiso Farm-to-Market Road in Brgy. Capalayan, Surigao City amounting to P16.6 million. This completed concrete road would benefit 437 farming households.

Cover Story

Caraga fisherfolks urged to strengthen organizational efforts

By Salve M. Dinolan

S

URIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - During the recent field visit of current national fisherfolk director (NFD) Dante Noces here in Caraga region, he repeatedly urged the local fisherfolks to strengthen the efforts of their organizations for them to benefit more from any developments.

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The appeal of Noces, who is from Region 1, was in response to the illegal fishing concerns in the province of Dinagat Islands as expressed by the fisherfolks and lobster growers at the meeting in the municipality of Cagdianao.

culture such bangus, tilapia, fish coral, seaweed farming, among others.

The wives can also do the marketing or do some handicrafts.

Noces, Timogan and this year’s

According to Noces, fisherfolks RFD Rebustiano Patayon, Jr. also shall help the government stop the paid a quick visit at a lobster and illegal activities by taking care and grouper farm in Barangay Cabungaguarding their respective cages. an, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), on the other hand, shall be empowered to lobby the local government unit (LGU) to create a task force and city/municipality ordinances to address these concerns.

The Fisherfolk Directors Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Res#CaragaFisherfolksources (BFAR) is in pursuant to the provisions of Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88, series of 2005, which states that one fisherfolk leader is chosen to act as BFAR director at the national and regions levels in

Representatives from the the whole month of May as one of National Anti-Poverty Council (NAPC) the highlights of the Farmers and who were with Noces suggested that Fisherfolk Month celebration. if all else fails, there is the Department of the Interior and Local Government During the month-long (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. stint, the fisherfolk leaders are 2018-59, which sanctions the LGU for expected to provide insights and their inaction towards the monitoring recommendations to advance the and regulation of fishery activities in services of the bureau to the public. the municipal waters as part of their territorial jurisdictions.

Also, the regular BFAR directors are required to undertake a 2-week

As for alternate livelihood community immersion program in programs to sustain the families of coastal villages to help them in drawing the lobster growers during off season, up more responsive programs and former regional fisherfolk director effective implementation strategies (RFD) Ruben Timogan encouraged for its clients. (BFAR-Caraga/VLG/ the group to engaged in marine PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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REGIONAL NEWS

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

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DENR’s IOs train on infographics creation, responsible use of social media

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – As influencers and agents of change in various communities in the region, the information officers (IOs) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga recently underwent a training workshop on the creation of infographics, as well as responsible use of social media, through the technical assistance of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga of this city.

Fely Grace Catalan, IO of DENR-CENRO Tubay, Agusan del Norte was one of the participants of the three-day skills enhancement training-workshop who are eager to apply their gained knowledge from the different subject matter discussed. She has been working in the department for ten years and accepted the challenge to maximize the use of the new technology and content creation in social media as part of communication strategies.

this would really enhance my skills and help me become more effective in my functions and responsibilities,” said Catalan.

Also for Melquisedic Lagurin, IO of DENR-CENRO Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, it is a great opportunity for him to be part of this training where his skills in creating infographics and social media cards were developed. He also strongly supports the government’s campaign against fake news.

“We are actually reminded

“I am very happy to be part of this that we hold a very important role as training along with my co-information government information officers, and I officers of our department. I believe realized that we shouldn’t be sharing

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Regional News I Empowering Communities all the information, rather, we should be very careful and would see to it that the information we disseminate are factual, developmental and could help the people in their daily life,” Lagurin said.

Apart from infographics and responsible use of social media platform, the participants’ skills in basic news writing, feature writing, technical report writing, basic newsletter design

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and IEC materials lay-outing were also enhanced, and are useful in their daily tasks at work.

Meanwhile, Herzon Gallego, senior communications development officer of the Regional Public Affairs Office of DENR Caraga highlighted the significance of continuously providing skills enhancement training to the IOs for them to be effective in their functions.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DENR-13 celebrates Month of the Ocean

By Hannah M. Morano

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga celebrates the 2019 Month of the Ocean (MOO) through a simultaneous region-wide coastal clean-up drive on May 24, 2019.

This year marks the 20th anniversary Other government agencies, of the MOO celebration with the theme private sector, academe, partners and “Free the Seas from Marine Debris.” other stakeholders pledged to become actively involved during the simultaneous

The theme for this year focuses the region-wide coastal clean-up drive issues of marine debris and its emerging to show their support to the agency’s threats to the coastal and marine undertakings. biodiversity.

This environmental endeavor aims to

DENR Caraga regional director highlight the conservation, preservation lawyer Felix Alicer reiterated that the and sustainable management of the annual observance of the Month of the country’s coastal and marine resources.

Ocean is mandated through Presidential The Department’s efforts and initiatives Proclamation No. 57, series of 1999. to help and protect our coastal and marine environment are unceasing and

As specified in Section 2, the DENR go beyond the MOO. and Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Fisheries and “Together, in many ways, we can Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are mandated help and keep our seas free from marine to spearhead the observance of the debris,” said Alicer. (DENR-13/PIAMOO. Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

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4 NPA rebels killed in SurSur clash

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

CARMEN, Surigao del Sur - Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with the Philippine Army in the mountainous area of Carmen town, Surigao del Sur Sunday afternoon, May 19.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the troops encountered more or less 10 fully armed NPA terrorists of Sandatahang Pampropaganda sa Platoon 2, Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (SPP2, WGF30) under Raul Alacre alias Megan of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

are still being validated by the higher headquarters, the official said.

Seized from the encounter site were five high powered firearms composed of three AK47, and two M16 rifle, twelve magazines of AK-47, two long magazines of M16, three cellular phones, assorted ammunition, personal belongings and high valued

The exchange of fires lasted documents. for about 15 minutes after which the NPA terrorists scampered to different Lt. Col. Trinidad has extended directions leaving their wounded and their deepest sympathies to the killed comrades behind. bereaved families of those NPAs killed. He added that they have

The four CNT members killed already coordinated with the local were identified as: Dylan Ghem Padilla government units and local authorities Jimenez, Ruel Alacre; Fe Doliente; and to ensure that the killed NPA terrorists Ermil Tomian. Except for Jimenez, the will be delivered to their families for codenames of the other three NPAs proper burial. (PIA Surigao del Sur)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Network built to end teen issues

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte - Amidst threats and challenges faced

by Filipino adolescents today, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) intensifies its advocacy for an effective information and service delivery network (ISDN) to ensure harmonized and complementary interventions and a more comprehensive and holistic services from different stakeholders in a locality.

Recognizing the issues, POPCOM has promoted the establishment of ISDN for adolescent health and development, a mechanism to consolidate and integrate existing information and service interventions in a locality into one single functional network.

and sustain the said initiative, POPCOM Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized that setting up a teen center in their respective area is a priority for this will serve as a one-stop-shop facility where adolescents and youth can easily access a wide range of information and services to ensure their health

Information and services, and well-being. programs related to adolescent health and development will be provided Makinano further said that the by different organizations including teen center will also be the hub and government agencies and civil society extension of services by the member organizations operating within a given agencies, however, ISDN could exist area. even without a teen center.

Services for adolescent health include those that ensure the health and wellness, social, psychological and total well-being of young people.

POPCOM accented the need for a youth-friendly facility to avoid the stigma attached to young people going to a regular health service facility, thus, the agency urges program

In the recently concluded partners and stressed the need for ISDN seminar-workshop for the establishment to further address said issue. of ISDN for AHD organized by POPCOM Caraga, program partners from areas In Caraga, areas of Surigao City, of Bislig City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte, were del Sur, and a few areas of Agusan oriented and able to appreciate the del Norte and Surigao del Norte, have concept of the said initiative. already established ISDN and with operational teen centers.

Part of POPCOM’s continuing advocacy and to further strengthen Establishment of ISDN for AHD

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities and operationalize school-based or community-based teen centers are among the key strategies of Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP) that aim to significantly reduce adolescent pregnancies through responsible sexuality and effective life skills among young people.

POPCOM disclosed that the various issues including the increasing incidence of teenage pregnancy being faced by young people of today are caused by complex and interrelated

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factors such as lack of access to appropriate and comprehensive information and services related to their sexual health and development, among others.

On one hand, POPCOM italicized that the health and well-being of adolescents and youth remain a key development concern as they continue to be threatened by various issues and challenges that impede their full growth and development. (POPCOM Caraga/ PIA Caraga)

CENRO-Talacogon conducts orientation for CSC assessment

By Leonida T. Quibuyen

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - To ensure the sustainable development of the forestland, the Community of Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Talacogon conducted recently an orientation for the assessment of areas issued with Certificate of Stewardship Contracts (CSCs) held in Barangay Coalicion, San Luis of this province.

CSC holders and the local expired on March 16, 2013. government unit of the said barangay attended the activity.

Bonifacio Gomez, one of the CSC holders stated that he holds a contract

CENRO-Talacogon personnel but has no actual area on the ground. discussed briefly the concept of He also expressed that he wants to CS Contract under the Integrated cancel his contract because he is Social Forestry Program (ISFP) of the paying a tax for it. government. It is a contract between the government and an individual or Assessment on the areas with family to develop/manage a certain CSCs will be conducted to determine area of the forestland for 25 years and the extent of developments and can be renewed for another 25 years. improvements therein. Each CSC area There were 23 CSCs issued within the will also de delineated to determine barangay on March 16, 1992, and has the exact boundaries of their adjacent

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

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areas and to provide a computer generated maps using Geographical Information System (GIS). Result of the assessment will be the basis whether the contract shall be canceled or renewed.

Originally,

the

schedule

the actual survey will be after the orientation but the CSC holders and their representatives requested to reschedule the activity after the National Election. The survey will commence on May 28-31, 2019. (CENRO-TADS/PIAfor Agusan del Sur)

CENRO Tubay leads tree planting to reduce flooding

By Fely Grace V. Catalan

CABADBARAN CITY – The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tubay spearheaded

by OIC, CENR Officer Teresa Salisid recently conducted a tree planting activity along the bank of Cabadbaran River located at Sitio Hinagdanan, Comagascas, this city.

Salisid said the tree planting Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated activity aims to protect threatened (AMVI). and endangered species.

The activity successfully planted

“Planted trees will help save the a total of 600 various seedlings of river, reduce the risk of flooding and Narra, Magcono, Lawaan, Molave, stabilize the bank,” she said.

Mahogany, Sagimsim, Name Tree, Camagong and Talisay along the

Among the groups that 580 meters stretch of Comagascas participated in the activity are River, Cabadbaran City. residents and barangay officials from the barangay local government The activity is in line with the unit of Comagascas, Cabadbaran Earth Day celebration 2019 with City; partners from the industries - the theme ”Protect Our Species.”

EMCO Plywood Corporation; and (CENRO-Tubay/PIA-Caraga)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

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PENRO-SDN presents environmental Medium Term Plan for FY 2020-2022

By Jay Ar M. Montaner

TAGANA-AN, Surigao del Norte - The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – Surigao del Norte (PENRO-SDN) presented its first draft of Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Medium Term Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 20202022 in the recently conducted Final Review and Critiquing of ENR Plan facilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Planning and Management Division (PMD) at the Regional Learning Center, Ambago, Butuan City.

Forester Maritess Ocampo, officer-in-charge (OIC) of PENRO-SDN, thoroughly discussed the ENR plan containing the proposed projects of the office within the three–year period which focuses the core problem on upland and coastal degradation based on the identified environmental issues within the province of Surigao del Norte.

The critiquing was paneled by assistant regional director for Management Services (ARD-MS) Samuel Danganan, OIC-PMD Chief Antonieta Jurado, and Technical Division chiefs in the region.

The PENROs from four provinces of Caraga also presented their respective plans derived from the identified issues and concerns occurred in the

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provinces.

Series of meetings and consultations were conducted before the final critiquing.

The Medium Term Plan was created per memorandum from the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, dated July 13, 2018 that the Department will be institutionalizing reforms in improving the planning process through the Formulation of Medium Term ENR Plan using Geographic Information System (GIS).

Drafted ENR Plans will be consolidated by the region for submission to Central Office. (JPG/ CENRO Tubod/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

DENR initiates seagrass, coral reef monitoring in Siargao Islands

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office personnel had collaborated with the protected area superintendent (PASu) of Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) in the conduct of seagrass and coral reef monitoring under the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program (CMEMP) in the established Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the municipalities of Dapa, Sta. Monica and Pilar in Siargao Islands.

The two teams were created to simultaneously conduct the seagrass and coral reef monitoring per municipality following the standard Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Technical Bulletin No. 2017-05 or the Guidelines on the Assessment of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems.

coastal and marine ecosystems in Siargao Island. The MPAs are no-take zones or reserve areas in the ocean that ensures fishery and biodiversity enhancement.

MPAs are annually monitored by DENR to update the status of the coral reef and seagrass in the area. This is also

The artificial reefs (ARs) were also to ensure that issues be addressed and monitored by the coral reef team. Data proper management be in place. were then inputted and is subject for analysis and finalization by the PASu- The team will continue to monitor SIPLAS Office. the MPAs in the municipalities of Burgos, Socorro, General Luna, San Isidro and

This activity is part of the annual Del Carmen in the succeeding weeks. target of PASu-SIPLAS in ensuring the (LBO, DENR-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del management and protection of the Norte)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

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CENRO-Talacogon facilitates MOA signing for FLUP formulation

By Cherlie G. Buo

LA PAZ, Agusan del Sur – Community of Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Talacogon personnel recently facilitated the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Municipality of La Paz through Mayor Ambrosio Lim and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through Regional Executive Director lawyer Felix Alicer for the formulation of Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP).

In behalf of Alicer, assistant regional director for Technical Services For. Ben-Ali Decampong attended said event, together with Forester Jerome Albia, Officer In-charge of DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO); Forester Vince Estopito, Community of Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of Talacogon; and other stakeholders of La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

In his message, Decampong said that FLUP will be the guiding book for the LGU on managing their Natural resources and even on the proper allocation of Forest and Forestland.

“FLUP will create a strong partnership between the DENR and LGU La Paz,” said ARD Decampong.

Cydric Cumba, Municipal Environment Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) presented the content of MOA particularly the roles and responsibilities of both parties.

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“We are anticipating the full support of the leading agency on the formulation and for the future implementation of the municipal FLUP,” he said.

Meanwhile, CENRO Estopito reiterated on his message the importance of FLUP to the municipality including the benefits of having a sustainable management of the municipal natural resources.

“Sharing of responsibilities will create a positive outcome between the LGU and DENR,” he said.

The MOA signing was then signed

by Ambrosio Lim for LGU La Paz and witnessed by Decampong, CENR Officer Vince Estopito and OIC, PENR Officer For. Jerome Albia.

The signed MOA will be endorsed to the higher office for consolidation and records. (CENRO-Talacogon/PIAAgusan del Sur)

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

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PRRD to heed military recommendation on martial law in Mindanao

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA President Rodrigo R. Duterte will heed the military’s recommendation before deciding whether to lift or extend anew martial law in Mindanao, Malacañang said Thursday.

The statement came as the country commemorates the second anniversary of the Marawi siege that prompted the President to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in May 2017.

He said that these factors include threats of activities by terrorists and other enemies of the state.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President will decide based on several factors that will be determined by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“Oo, hanggang walang sinasabi ang Presidente ‘di tuloy iyon (So long as the President has not said anything, it will continue),” Panelo said.

Martial law, he said, will be in place until yearend unless the President decides to have it lifted.

Asked if there is a possibility that martial law could be extended for a

“‘Pag may rekomendasyon na fourth time, he said it would depend on the President. iyong military saka AFP, PNP (If there is already a recommendation of the

“Hindi natin alam eh (We don’t military and the AFP, PNP),” Panelo know). We will be only speculating. It said in a Palace briefing. depends,” Panelo said. (PNA)

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

Marawi on road to recovery through healing, reconciliation

MARAWI CITY - “We are on our way to being well. We are finally learning what peace is all about,” Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra declared as residents here on Thursday commemorated the siege that occurred two years ago.

Although, the full extent of the rehabilitation process has yet to be completed, Gandamra urged the people in Marawi to put more emphasis on social healing.

“Peace starts with us. Peace must be realized,” he said as the city celebrates the culmination of the Week of Peace festival.

of Marawi, who have inspired and strengthen my resolve to work for genuine and enduring peace,” he said.

“Truly, I am very inspired to know that as we observe the Holy Month of Ramadan, you are using the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the Marawi experience and apply them to your daily lives,” Galvez said, adding that “This is where the healing process can truly begin.”

The festival was held right on the grounds of the City Hall, where two years ago, the Mayor and several of Galvez emphasized that Marawi his security men stood firm for days stand to benefit from the establishment preventing the Maute group from of the Bangsamoro region. burning the City Hall.

“The opportunity for us to heal,

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito rebuild, and recover is within reach. With G. Galvez Jr., who was then the chief of the establishment of the Bangsamoro Western Mindanao Command, shared government, the fate of this beautiful that just like their mayor who fought city now rests not only in the hands of against the ISIS-linked group tooth and the new leadership but also in your nail, the people of Marawi have shown hands,” he said. “You now have the their best by being resilient right at the opportunity to play a key role in charting height of the conflict. the course of Marawi’s future,” Galvez pointed out.

“I was tasked to deliver an Evacuees go back inspirational message today as we culminate the Marawi Week of Peace.

According to Secretary Eduardo But the reality is, it is you, the people del Rosario, chair of the Task Force

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Bangon Marawi, only a few families “We are looking at the Basilan affected by the conflict are still staying model, wherein members of the Abu in evacuation camps.

Sayyaf, who have surrendered, where given proper interventions,” he said.

“At the initial aftermath of the siege, there were about 57 evacuation Galvez said his office will be centers with almost 6,000 families within helping the military in Lanao areas and outside of Marawi. Now we have to bring down the level of animosity only two evacuation centers in Marawi between the victims of the conflict and with only about 312 families,” he said. surrendered perpetrators. “What we are looking at is the implementation of

“And by July, all of these transitional justice and reconciliation families will be accommodated in the here,” he said. temporary shelters. So nobody will be staying in evacuation centers,” he said.

Part of the activities is to meet with the members of the Maute group who

Families that applied for building have surrendered and their families for and reconstruction permits from the city an Iftar. government of Marawi will be allowed to go back in the most affected area, Brawner said they will tap these he said. Del Rosario said Marawi is former and reformed combatants to gradually bouncing back. prevent others from being radicalized.

“We are mandated to ensure that Galvez also went to the Sarimanok Marawi will rise as a prosperous city Evacuation Center together with again,” he said.

OPAPP personnel to hand over goods in solidarity with the internally displaced

Transitional justice program persons. The visit is part of the yearly Duyog Ramadan that OPAPP is

To achieve a holistic approach for implementing during the month-long the healing process, the Armed Forces observance. of the Philippines is partnering with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Meanwhile, Galvez, Del Rosario, the Peace Process (OPAPP) to help Gandamra, and Brawner held a solemn rehabilitate former members of the wreath laying to commemorate the Maute group. soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to liberate Marawi. The ceremony was

Col. Romeo Brawner, the held inside the 103rd Infantry Brigade commander of Task Force Ranao, said headquarters. it is also important to intervene in the deradicalization of these individuals “The gallantry of the 168 soldier who were duped to join the Maute who lost their lives will forever be etched group. in our hearts,” Galvez said.

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NATIONAL NEWS

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National News I Empowering Communities

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DepEd welcomes mandatory ROTC for SHS students

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

photo-from-rotc-fb-page

MANILA - The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) tafter its proposed implementation in Senior High School (SHS) passed the third and final reading at the House of Representatives.

In a statement on Thursday, the DepEd said a series of consultations and discussions with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) about the ROTC implementation resulted in the signing of a memorandum of agreement between them.

Also drafted were curriculum guide and modules, ACTP implementing policies and guidelines; listing of pilot schools; training of potential pilot program implementors; and development of common positions at congressional hearings.

The DepEd also proposed to

A joint technical working group Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who and a joint secretariat were created filed Senate Bill 200 seeking to reas a result of the MOA, as well as the institutionalize ROTC, the following: conceptualization of the Advanced Citizen Training Program (ACTP), • establishment of grievance pending the passage of the law reviving committees from districts to the national mandatory ROTC. level;

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National News I Empowering Communities

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• Joint Congressional Oversight Committee and mandatory evaluation and review;

• imposition of maximum penalty for offenses under existing laws committed by implementors;

• ROTC instructors’ academy;

• pilot program implementation supports the return of ROTC as it is a to limited number of schools in the first “powerful means of instilling patriotism and discipline in the Filipino youth.” two years of implementation;

• authorization to use existing budget for pilot implementation prior to inclusion in the annual General Appropriations Act;

The DepEd also emphasized the inclusion of important values and lessons in the ROTC curriculum and implementation.

These are patriotism, nationalism, national heroes and history of the Filipino nation, Filipino citizenship, civic duty, discipline, respect for human and civil rights, rule of law, law enforcement,

• uniforms for instructors and critical thinking, leadership, scientific and technological development, students; disaster preparedness and response,

• replica firearms; manuals and rescue and first aid, and recovery and rehabilitation, ecology and textbooks; environment protection, and anti-drug abuse and anti-poverty.

• office facilities and supplies;

• allocation of special annual budget to cover implementation, such as but not limited to training of instructors;

On Wednesday, DepEd Secretary ground Leonor Briones, in a press briefing in Malacañang, said she is personally

• instructors’ remuneration, etc.; in favor of the revival of ROTC for SHS students. and

• classroom maintenance;

and

“I think we need ROTC now so

• Joint DepEd-DND/AFP supervision and administration of the that we have a source of defense. We cannot be relying on other countries mandatory ROTC Program. to defend us. We have to rely on

Earlier, the senator said he ourselves,” she said. (PNA)

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National News I Empowering Communities

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PRRD signs law institutionalizing 4Ps

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law an act institutionalizing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act on April 17, a copy of which was released to media on Wednesday (May 22).

in the informal settler sector and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas including those in areas without electricity.

He signed the law recognizing the duty of the state to “promote a just and dynamic social order thereby uplifting its citizens and marginalized sectors from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all�.

All beneficiaries of 4Ps as identified by the standardized targeting system to be qualified household-beneficiaries of the 4Ps shall automatically be covered in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

Within six months from the effectivity of the new law, the DSWD Secretary shall, in coordination with appropriate government departments and agencies with the participation of local government units, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this act.

The 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve the health, nutrition and education aspect of their lives.

This Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2117 on

However, the National Advisory Feb. 4, 2019 and adopted by the House Council (NAC) may recommend of Representatives as an amendment to a longer period under exceptional House Bill No. 7773 on Feb. 7, 2019. circumstances.

It shall take effect 15 days following

Eligible beneficiaries of the 4Ps its publication in the Official Gazette or in include farmers, fisher folks, homeless two newspapers of general circulation in families, indigenous peoples, those the Philippines. (PNA)

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NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

CHERLIE G. BUO FELY GRACE V. CATALAN SALVE M. DINOLAN JAY AR M. MONTANER MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR HANNAH M. MORANO AZER PARROCHA LEONIDA T. QUIBUYEN BFAR-CARAGA, DENR-13 CENRO-TADS, CENROTALACOGON CENRO TUBOD, DENR-CARAGA POPCOM CARAGA CENRO-TUBAY PNA Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

Regional Office Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City E-mail: piacaraga@gmail.com;

pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph Telephone no. (085) 341-5285; Telefax No.: (085) 341-2370 Facebook: Philippine Information Agency Caraga Twitter: @PIACaraga

Information Centers AGUSAN DEL NORTE Jose Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 815-1991 E-mail: pia.northagusan@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL SUR Provincial Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Cellphone no. 0917-723-3455 E-mail: pia.agusandelsur@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Agusan del Sur

SURIGAO DEL NORTE/DINAGAT ISLANDS Parrucho corner Magallanes St., Surigao City Telephone no. (086) 826-9450 E-mail: piasurigao@gmail.com Facebook: PIA Surigao del Norte; PIA Dinagat Islands

SURIGAO DEL SUR Old DPWH Bldg., Telaje, Tandag City Telephone no. (086) 211-3353 E-mail: piasurigaosur@gmail.com; sds_pia@yahoo.com.ph Facebook: PIA Surigao del Sur