Caraga InFocus - May 20-26, 2017

CONTENTS

Volume 1, No. 60 20 - 26 May 2017

REGIONAL NEWS

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Caraga RDRRMC on red alert as Mindanao placed under Martial Law CSC enjoins Caraganon-employees to the 2017 Public Sector HR Symposium 1 dead, 2 arrested, P11M shabu seized in Caraga’s biggest buy bust operation

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Agusan Norte governor urges public to cooperate with security forces DAR Agusan Norte holds leadership, values seminar for ARBs AgNor SP adopts grant of gratuity pay to JOs, CSWs Local distributors, producers, DTI meet to strengthen partnership for ‘Diskwento Caravan’ Bayugan Chamber inducts new officers, members Army, GMA Kapuso Foundation deliver free medical services in AgSur town

COVER DTI brings ‘Mentor ME’ program to emerging entrepreneurs in Surigao Norte

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Loreto SLP beneficiaries learn entrepreneurship, convenience store management DTI Asec Lantayona graces ‘Mentor Me’ program launch in Agusan Sur OWWA launches CARE program, releases financial assistance to quake victims in SDN PSA Surigao Norte conducts tablet-aided geotagging building structures Surigao Norte town is target LGU in 2017 citizen satisfaction index system

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SurSur bags 3 national Gawad Kalasag awards Tandag City dad backs PRRD’s martial law declaration

HEALTH NEWS

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Mutant Adlai as alternative staple food crop for Filipinos

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President Duterte submits to Congress report on martial law declaration

MINDANAO NEWS NATIONAL NEWS

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SSS reduces retirement age for surface and underground mineworkers PH key fiscal indicators improve in Q1

News Briefs Proclamation 216: Declaring a State of Martial Law and Suspending the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Whole of Mindanao.

The Province of Dinagat Islands got the 1st place of this year’s Caraga Regional Gawad KALASAG Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) & Humanitarian Assistance Provincial DRRM Council Category. Agusan del Norte got the 2nd place, Surigao del Norte and Agusand el Sur got 3rd and 4th, respectively.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of the province of Agusan del Norte has produced the first Provincial Incident Management Team (IMT) in the country.

During the Regular Board of Directors meeting of Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter held at Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City, the committee on disaster management services reported a total 597 patients who suffered from anemia and other blood related disorders.

The School Year 2017-2018 shall formally open on Monday, June 5, 2017 and shall end on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Cover Story

DTI brings ‘Mentor ME’ program to emerging entrepreneurs in Surigao Norte

S

URIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched recently its tie-up program dubbed “Mentor ME” in Surigao del Norte.

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Cover Story

The Mentor ME (Micro Entrepreneurs) program is one of the initiatives under the Kapatid Project jointly developed by the DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurs (PCE).

series of mentoring sessions was held during the launching of the Mentor ME program on May 4, 2014 in Hotel Tavern, this city.

The Mentor ME program will run for 12 weeks that commenced on

The said program provides May 4 and will culminate on July 20, mentoring sessions on different 2017. aspects of business management to 20 selected emerging micro- Modules discussed are Product entrepreneurs in the province.

Development, Marketing, and Operations Management that will

Successful and experienced cover the basic functional areas of entrepreneurs will stand as mentors an enterprise. for them and will also share and discuss the correct business mindset For more information and and values as effective gears that queries, just visit any Negosyo Center would enable them not only to in the region and be guided by a scale up their enterprises but also Negosyo Business Center Counselor enhance the level of their products/ about the Mentor ME program or services’ competitiveness for business call the DTI Surigao del Norte sustainability. telephone number at 826-2373. (DTISurigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del

A free business seminar with Norte) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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Photo Gallery Regional Development Council (RDC)-Development Administration Committee (DAC) 2nd Quarter Meeting NEDA Caraga Bldg., J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City 23 May 2017

Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting Watergate Hotel, Butuan City 25 May 2017

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REGIONAL NEWS

Caraga RDRRMC on red alert as Mindanao placed under Martial Law By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY – Following the declaration of Martial Law in the island of Mindanao, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Operations Center Caraga has already activated effective 3:00 p.m. Wednesday.

According to Office of Civil Defense and chairperson of the RDRRMC Rosauro Arnel Gonzales, Jr., the activation will help to closely monitor the situation and maintain continuous coordination with the concerned member-agencies and offices of the region.

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Gonzales said as per directive from the National DRRMC, the member-agencies are requested to assign two personnel to render 24hour duty services at the RDRRMC Operations Center starting Thursday until the operations are terminated.

“Each personnel shall render 12 hours per shift to ensure efficient monitoring and coordination on relevant information and preparedness measures,” Gonzales said.

The following are the concerned member-agencies requested to render duty services: Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard. (NCLM/PIACaraga)

Regional News

CSC enjoins Caraganon-employees to the 2017 Public Sector HR Symposium By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has called on employees of government and private sectors to participate in the 2017 Public Sector Human Resource (HR) Symposium on July 4-6 in Pasay City.

According to CSC chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, this year’s HR Symposium highlights concepts, perspectives and insights in managing change brought about by new directions and management approaches.

It also showcases practices and experiences of progressive organizations in introducing, coping and shaping change, as well as emphasizes the need to shape changes in various levels.

organization. As it celebrates its 50th year, it is undergoing significant changes particularly with respect to the integration of its member states.

The Philippines, as the current ASEAN’s advocacy to bring positive change in the region and its neighbors,” underscored Bala.

It was also learned that participants are requested to register online at csc.gov.ph/hr on or before June 1, 2017. Registration fee is P9,600.00 per participant inclusive of

“The Association of Southeast training kits, snacks and lunch during Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community the symposium, and certificate of is an example of a changing participation for 16 hours of leadership 20 - 26 May, 2017

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Regional News and managerial training. Meanwhile, (02) 931-4182; 931-7935 or 931-7939 local accommodation is not yet included in 305 or email at 2017hrsymposium@ the registration fee. gmail.com.

For more information, interested Said event is anchored on the participants may contact the Civil theme “Shaping Change.” (JPG/PIAService Institute at telephone numbers Caraga)

1 dead, 2 arrested, P11M shabu seized in Caraga’s biggest buy bust operation

BUTUAN CITY - A drug dealer died while two others were arrested by the police during the drug bust that resulted in the confiscation of P11 million worth of shabu Thursday evening here.

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Regional News

Operatives from Butuan City Police Office and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency staged the operation aroud 8:00 p.m. against the target Reynaldo Abordo in Brgy.

Libertad.

police team in Brgy. San Vicente, this city and was brought to the hospital due to gunshot wounds.

Abordo died in the anti-illegal drug operation while his cohort the wounded Reneboy Guno was arrested

Abordo’s cohort Johny and brought to a hospital for medical Calawigan, 32, was nabbed after he treatment. sold illegal drugs to the poseur buyer.

Aside from one kilogram of

“After learning that the target shabu, operatives also recovered four was waiting in his Ford Escape parked caliber .45 pistols and some illegal near the place of transaction, our drug paraphernalia inside the Ford operatives rushed to the vehicle but Escape. were fired upon by the armed men, prompting our police operatives to “This is the biggest worth of shabu return fire,” Chief Supt Rolando Felix, confiscated so far by the police in one Caraga Police director said. operation since the implementation of Project Double Barrel Reloaded.

While the exchange of gunfire was ongoing, Calawigan (although Arrested suspects are facing handcuffed) escaped on aboard a charges for violation of Comprehensive Starex van.

Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearms,” Felix added.

After a long chase, he fell to the (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Agusan Norte governor urges public to cooperate with security forces By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY - Relative to the declaration of Martial Law in the island of Mindanao on the evening of Tuesday, governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Matba of the province of Agusan del Norte urged Agusanons to cooperate with the security forces in any way possible that will help bring back the normalcy of the situation in the entire Mindanao.

Governor Matba said that while waiting for specific guidance from the national level, everyone should remain calm and vigilant, and help the security forces in giving relevant and timely information of any activities and plans of the lawless/hostile groups.

J. Cruz, commanding officer of 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army (PA), assured that the security situation in the western part of Agusan Norte and Butuan City, Magsaysay in Misamis Oriental and Esperanza in Agusan Sur is manageable and under control.

Meanwhile, in support to the “Our battalion is on red alert calling of governor Matba, Lt. Col. Emil and continuously coordinates with

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Provincial News the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the area for the efficient handling/ management of security conduct particularly in the conduct of intensified joint checkpoints and patrols,” Cruz said.

“We are requesting the public to remain calm and to please cooperate with our (PNP and PA) for security procedures. We are doing these to prevent spill over of threat forces from Marawi and any threat group who will take advantage of situation by conducting terroristic or any violent activities. Rest assured your Phil. Army forces will strictly abide with the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights,” Cruz added.

del Norte and Butuan is under control.

Aynera said the 29IB, Phil Army has increased alertness and vigilance of troops in the entire Caraga region but request vigilance of the public and report any suspicious movement.

The 29IB coordinated with the PNP to effect increased checkpoints especially going and ingress cities of Butuan and Cabadbaran. Military presence is now implemented in the city as part of security measures, Aynera said.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has declared Martial Law in Mindanao following the violence happening in Marawi City. The declaration was announced by Presidential

Also, 29IB commanding officer Spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Lt. Col. Joy Aynera said the security Tuesday, May 23. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan situation in the eastern part of Agusan del Norte)

DAR Agusan Norte holds leadership, values seminar for ARBs By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY – Twenty three (23) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) underwent a Cooperative Leadership and Values Re-orientation Seminar conducted on April 25-26, May 2-3, 5-6 and 9-10, 2017 at Agrarian Information and Marketing Center here.

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Provincial News

At least 150 participants that included coop leaders and officers, all of them Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Agusan del Norte belonging to 23 cooperatives, associations, and women’s groups, completed the trainings.

Balibay said that the agency is intensifying its effort to help the coop leaders and officers to become an effective leader in their organization.

“The DAR in Agusan del Norte, under the leadership of PARPO II Andre B. Atega, and in partnership with

The seminar equipped the the Propegemous, Inc., are working participants with leadership skills closely to empower the farmers and anchored on universal values and their organizations,” Balibay added. principles of cooperativism.

“Kami mapasalamaton kay

According to Department nadugangan ang among kahibalo sa of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Coop pagpalambo sa kooperatiba (we are Strengthening Coordinator Juanita thankful that we learned something B. Balibay, the seminar aimed to to improve our cooperative,” said strengthen the participants and their Manager Sergio Rensulat of Pinanaorganizations with the basic principles an, Ambacon and Mat-i ARB on cooperativism and to provide Cooperatives (PAM-ARBC). (DARa means to build integrity with the Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del mission and values of the cooperative. Norte)

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Provincial News

AgNor SP adopts grant of gratuity pay to JOs, CSWs By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently adopted the grant of gratuity pay to job order (JO) and contract of service workers (CSWs) in the provincial government, subject to availability of funds of the province.

In its Provincial Resolution No. 083-2017, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan adopted the Administrative Order No. 02 issued

by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, authorizing the grant of gratuity pay to JOs and CSWs in national government agencies, governmentowned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges and government financial institutions, chargeable to their respective Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

Under Section 6 of said AO 02, local government units are likewise encouraged to adopt in their respective offices the said grant utilizing appropriate funds and available funding sources.

In a proposed resolution studied

by the Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Vice Governor Bungabong, the province will authorize the grant of gratuity pay to all JOs and CSWs in the provincial government of Agusan del Norte who have rendered a total of an aggregate of at least four months of satisfactory service as of December 15, 2016 and whose contract are still effective as of said date in the amount of P2,000 each, chargeable to appropriate funds.

Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. AmanteMatba expressed support of the said move and is willing to extend the gratuity pay, but said that it should be incorporated first in the province’s supplemental AIP for funding under the province’s supplemental budget.

(LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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AGUSAN DEL SUR

Local distributors, producers, DTI meet to strengthen partnership for ‘Diskwento Caravan’

BUTUAN CITY – The regional distributors and local producers met with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personnel to strengthen their partnership in the conduct of diskwento caravans (DCs) in Caraga region.

The group discussed a draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) outlining the responsibilities of the partners in the conduct of the DCs. This included the arrangements on logistics, inventory of products, workforce and other non-monetary requirements and incentives.

Lorijane Sacote, chief of Consumer Welfare Division of DTICaraga, discussed the details of the MOA. She said that upon signing, the memorandum shall take effect immediately.

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Also, DTI-Agusan del Sur DC partners that attended the activity were Bunawan Livelihood Business Center and Integrated Producers Association of Prosperidad Agusan del Sur Inc. (IPAPADSI).

Diskwento Caravan is one of the banner programs of DTI, which aims to bring products to the areas at a discounted price. This is also conducted during times of calamity or upon request by local government units. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Provincial News

Bayugan Chamber inducts new officers, members

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – Some 36 business operators this city has just formalized its membership to the City of Bayugan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (CBCCI).

Installed CBCCI President Atty.

Rafael V. Ybañes led the oath-taking during the induction ceremony held recently with the theme: “PrincipleCentered Paradigm a Must in Business.”

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Eastern Mindanao Regional Governor Sisinio Narisma was the inducting officer.

President Jocelyn Yee, Agusan del Sur Chamber President Freddie Mero, Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Armand Orilla and Chamber of Real Estate Builders Association Board of Director Crevi Honculada.

Supervising Trade and Industry Development Specialist Jose Baron and Negosyo Center (NC) Project Staff Charlotte Pingol represented DTIAgusan Del Sur OIC-Provincial Director

The activity was also graced by Brenda Corvera.

Bayugan City Mayor Kim Lope Asis, Department of Trade and Industry CBCCI is one the stakeholders (DTI) assistant regional director Lolita and partners of NC–Bayugan City. (DTIDorado, Butuan City Chamber Past Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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Provincial News

Army, GMA Kapuso Foundation deliver free medical services in AgSur town

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur - The 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, Phil. Army in partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation and Municipal Health Office of Veruela, this province has brought services to the children thru “Operation Tuli� held recently at Veruela Gymnasium.

The group continues with the delivery of free services after the successful distribution of school supplies in the municipalities of Agusan del Sur.

reinforced by the Medical Aidmen of 401st Infantry Brigade and personnel of Philippine National Police. While waiting for circumcision, some children availed free haircut offered by 26IB

The whole-day activity benefited skilled personnel at the venue.

371 children coming from different barangays of Veruela. Said program Also, Veruela Mayor Myrna was actively participated by doctors Mondejar expressed her gratitude to and nurses of Veruela MHO and the major stakeholders especially to

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Provincial News GMA Kapuso Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd) Veruela and 26IB for choosing the municipality to be the recipient of said program that benefited her constituents especially the children and young adult who cannot afford to go to hospital for circumcision expenses.

Meanwhile, Lt Colonel Pagayon said that the program is timely and appropriate with the summer season and non-school days. “It was a chance

to avail free services beneficial to the young males of the municipality as this had been part of the physical/ mechanical hygiene practice. This is one concrete basis that the 26IB of the 401st Brigade thru the leadership of Colonel Cristobal Zaragoza, together with partner stakeholders are working in unity to provide the needs of the people by bringing to them the government’s programs and services,” he added. (26IB Phil. Army/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Loreto SLP beneficiaries learn entrepreneurship, convenience store management

LORETO, Agusan del Sur – “We’ve learned a lot from this training especially in managing our business.”

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Provincial News

This was the statement of Tessie Nierves, president of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association in La Caridad, this town as she summed up the feelings of the group members.

a store for general motor parts and mechanical services as identified by the beneficiaries under the (DSWD)-SLP Fund.

The group was introduced to the basics of entrepreneurship and marketing. The session also included inputs to capacitate them to grow their business via proper budgeting of their expenses and appreciating the value of savings through B.E.S.T. Game approach.

The Skills Training on Store Management and Warehousing was sponsored by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the SLP in partnership with Negosyo Center – Agusan del Sur (NCAdS) held recently at Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

The NC-AdS has also scheduled a follow-up training for the group on

Some 50 members of the Financial Wellness on the third week association attended said event. of May 2017. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAThe association will be putting-up Agusan del Sur)

DTI Asec Lantayona graces ‘Mentor Me’ program launch in Agusan Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – “The MSMEs of this province are very much fortunate to have this program, as it will help scale up the business of the mentees thru a series of trainings and mentoring sessions.”

This was the statement of Assistant Secretary (Asec) Blesila Lantayona of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Operations Group in her speech during the launching of the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program in the province.

the rounds attending most of the rollout and launch of the program all over the country. Her schedule allowed her to be in only two provincial roll-outs out of five in the Caraga Region: Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

The mentees, she referred to in her

Asec.

Lantayona is the speech are the first 20 to 25 micro and department’s champion and national small enterprises (MSEs) selected to go coordinator of the KMME. She has done through an 11 –week module of topics

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Provincial News

covering all aspects of their business The launch included the first two operations. modules of the mentoring package: (1) Entrepreneurial Mind setting and

She noted the overwhelming Values Formation, and (2) Marketing. support to the program as evidenced The rest of the modules, which will by the overflowing crowd (the actual be provided to mentees weekly at MSE-participants were over 100 the Negosyo Center-Agusan del Sur more than was targeted at 372), are - (3) Business Model Canvas, (4) the presence of Provincial Governor Product Development, (5) Operations Adolph Edward Plaza, Sangguniang Management, (6) Supply and Value Panglungsod Committee Chair on Chain, (7) Human Resource and Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives Organization Management, (8) Hazel del Rosario, members of the Entrepreneurial Accounting and local chambers and members of the Financial Management, (9) Taxation, Provincial Micro Small and Medium (10) Business Law and (11) Business Enterprise Development Council.

Improvement Plan. The mentees are scheduled to graduate on July 2017.

In the sidelines, she also told DTIAgusan del Sur OIC-Provincial Director The KMME Roll-out was held at Brenda Corvera, that she appreciated Mabe’s Savory Place, San Francisco, the fact that the MSEs were taking Agusan del Sur last May 3, 2017 with down notes. the participation of MSEs coming from the different municipalities

KMME aims to produce confident in the province and also from the entrepreneurs with the right mindset neighboring province Surigao del Sur. and business-know how to scale up (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusand el and sustain their respective businesses. Sur) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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SURIGAO DEL NORTE

OWWA launches CARE program, releases financial assistance to quake victims in Surigao Norte By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Pursuant to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Board Resolution No. 006, series of 2017, OWWA–Caraga launched the agency’s Cash Relief (CARE) Program on Sunday afternoon at the Provincial Convention Center, this city.

The Cash Relief (CARE) Program is a one-time financial assistance intended to aid OWWA member families after being affected by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the province on February 10, this year.

(PESO) provincial manager Emilio C. Pantejo, Surigao City PESO Officer-inCharge Gloria O. Gimena.

In his message, vice governor Egay extended his gratitude to the agency for continuously showing the

The launching was graced by Surigaonon Overseas Filipino Workers vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr., (OFWs) how OWWA cares through its Public Employment Service Office programs and services especially after

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Provincial News the destructive earthquake.

During the program, OWWACaraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid assured all those new applicants and those with lacking documents that the agency will still continue releasing the assistance in the coming days.

“This is only the launching of the CARE Program. We will find ways to reach out to those who haven’t claimed yet. To ease you from hassle, OWWA will be visiting the municipalities to distribute the assistance,” Madrid said.

Around P500,000 was released to about 300 OFW families from Surigao City and a few barangays from the municipality of Sison during the kick-off of the CARE Program.

OWWA personnel processed all

of the client’s applications that lasted past 9:00 in the evening.

New applications and queries regarding the program were also accepted and entertained in the Public Assistance Desk designated to ensure that all clients are attended to throughout the day.

Active OWWA members received P3,000.00 per family while the family of a non-active OWWA members received P1,500.00.

The agency is still accepting new applications. OFWs and their beneficiaries may file at their local PESO Offices or they may also call the regional office for more information about the program through telephone numbers 815-1894/342-6179 and hotline numbers 09173150590/09399259895.

(OWWA Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PSA Surigao Norte conducts tablet-aided geotagging building structures By: Guillermo M. Lipio, Jr.

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here conducts a Tablet-Aided Geotagging of Building Structures from May 15, 2017 to September 30, 2017 across the province of Surigao del Norte.

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Provincial News

The activity aims to come up with accurate and reliable digitized maps for use in the post-census evaluation, validation of sampling frame for household-based and industry- based surveys, and as basis for delineation of growth areas in preparation for the 2020 Census of Population and Housing.

picture taking of the building.

The public is assured that all information collected in this activity shall be kept confidential as provided under the Republic Act No. 10625.

The PSA calls for public to support the geotagging activity by accommodating its MDCs who will

Map Data Collectors or MDCs visit the barangays as they collect wearing official Geotagging IDs of the information on buildings.

PSA will visit barangays of Surigao del Norte to identify and collect data on For more information on building structures. geotagging, contact the PSA-Surigao del Norte at 231-7415 or 826-5036.

In this activity, there will be a two- (PSA-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del minute interview with the household Norte) to ask basic information, as well as

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Provincial News

Surigao Norte town is target LGU in 2017 citizen satisfaction index system By: Bryan F. Edulzura-LGOO V

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The municipality of Claver in Surigao Del Norte is this year’s target local government unit (LGU) on Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS).

Claver was selected as target LGU because it is one of the largest economies and emerging center of commerce and trade in the province.

“We, at DILG, envisions to transform Local Government Units to become selfreliant, development-centered, safe, peaceful, socially-protective, businessfriendly, environmentally-protective

CSIS program is a tool for drawing and transparent, accountable and applicable information to measure participative,” said DILG provincial citizen satisfaction in various local director John Reyl Mosquito. government services such as health care delivery and business permit “CSIS advances this cause by application. engaging the citizens as partners in development and good local

The Department of Interior and governance,” Mosquito added.

Local Government (DILG) commissioned Saint Paul University – Surigao as DILG’s The result of the CSIS survey will partner Local Resource Institute to be utilized to develop concrete and conduct the survey and serve as an effective method in improving local intermediary body between the local government services. (DILG-SDN/PIAgovernment unit and the citizens.

Surigao del Norte) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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SURIGAO DEL SUR

SurSur bags 3 national Gawad Kalasag awards

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Three entries of the province in this year’s National Gawad Kalasag Search were adjudged national winners in different categories, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here recently.

PDRRM Officer Abel de Guzman said the local disaster risk reduction and management council (DRRMC) of Hinatuan was proclaimed the Best Municipal DRRM Council for the 1st to 3rd class category, while the Nagkahiusang Mangingisda sa Hinatuan (NAMAHIN), also in Hinatuan, was named as Best People’s Organization Category.

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De Guzman also bared that the Hinatuan District Hospital won as Best Hospital for the Local Government Unit Category.

Meanwhile, the Sibog Katawhan Alang sa Paglambo (SIKAP) based in the province of Agusan del Sur was also proclaimed as Best Civil Society Organization.

Provincial News

The Gawad KALASAG aims to recognize outstanding performance of Local Disaster Coordinating Councils (LDCCs), private/volunteer organizations, local, national and international NGOs, donor agencies, and the communities as major stakeholders in implementing significant DRM projects and activities and, in providing humanitarian

response and assistance to affected communities.

It also aims to recognize individuals, groups or institutions that have shown extraordinary courage, heroism, self sacrifice, and bravery in times of natural and human-made emergencies and disasters. (PIASurigao del Sur)

Tandag City dad backs PRRD’s martial law declaration By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel expressed support to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s (PRRD’s) declaration of Martial Law (ML) in the entire Mindanao for 60 days. He also urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to immediately implement checkpoints within the city.

Mayor Pimentel also reminded the local constituents not to bring their

Pimentel said he had already firearms outside their residence to coordinated with the highest official avoid incovenience. of the 402nd Brigade in the person of Colonel Franco Nemesio Gacal, the Pimentel said the declaration of current commanding officer based the Martial Law has a big difference in Tandag City in relation to the compared to the previous ML declared declaration. under the Marcos regime. “The

declaration made by President Duterte

Pimentel called on the public to on Tuesday night was an immediate be vigilant all the time and immediately action to the incident in Marawi City coordinate with the authorities if they that needed immediate response to have observed unusual activities in control the situation,” said Pimentel. their area.

(PIA-Surigao del Sur) 20 - 26 May, 2017

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HEALTH NEWS

Mutant Adlai as alternative staple food crop for Filipinos BUTUAN CITY - Agriculture research specialists from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) continue to improve its mutant varieties of Adlai or Job’s Tears, an alternative source of food to its better-known cousin crops such as rice and corn.

conditions brought about by climate change.

PNRI researchers are currently breeding mutant crops of the Ginampay variety of Adlai. The putative mutants are already in the fifth generation.

After irradiating the seeds with doses of 100 to 200 gray (Gy), they are planted and grown for further observation. The Adlai crops are to be developed up to the eight generations to complete the mutation breeding process. The experimental crops matured up to 28 days earlier than the unirradiated variety, while also being 17-24 percent shorter.

Adlai is twice as rich in protein as rice, and is known among indigenous communities throughout Asia as a source of flour, coffee, tea, wine, beer and vinegar, among other products.

It has anti-tumor and other medicinal properties which can help mitigate the symptoms of allergies, and diabetes.

Moreover, Adlai is also known for its resilience against extreme

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Using gamma radiation, PNRI has

Health News been working since 2013 to improve the agronomic traits of Adlai by making mutant varieties that yield more grain and mature earlier, while also having shorter heights to make the crops more resistant to lodging during typhoons.

Aside from developing mutant varieties, PNRI also conducted studies to improve the fertilizer, soil nutrient and water management practices for Adlai. The field experiments were done in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) under an International

Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) project on “Enhancing Productivity of Locally-Underused Crops Through Dissemination of Mutated Germplasm and Evaluation on Soil, Nutrient and Water Management Practices.�

These improvements will also complement the Food Staples Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which encourages the diversification of staple food crops beyond rice by increasing production, ensuring market availability and lowering its prices. (DOST-STII/PIACaraga)

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MINDANAO NEWS

President Duterte submits to Congress report on martial law declaration By: Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte submitted Thursday night to Congress his report on martial law declaration in Mindanao after a special Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan here.

The President submitted the report to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Duterte called a special Cabinet

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meeting after he declared martial law Tuesday night and signed Proclamation No. 216, declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the

Mindanao News writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Salvador Medialdea, Finance Mindanao.

Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Budget Secretary Benjamin

His decision was prompted by the Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning attack of Marawi City by the terrorist Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Presidential Maute Group last Tuesday. Maute Communications Secretary Martin has taken over a hospital in Marawi, Andanar, Presidential Spokesperson established several checkpoints, Ernesto Abella, Solicitor General Jose burned down government and private Calida, Public Works and Highways facilities and inflicted fatalities on the Secretary Mark Villar, Labor Secretary part of the government.

Silvestre Bello III, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza,

In Proclamation No. 216, the Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, President referred to Proclamation House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, No. 55, which he issued in September Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, last year declaring a state of national Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, emergency on account of lawless Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, violence in Mindanao.

Acting Interior and Local Government Secretary Catalino Cuy, National

Duterte underscored the series Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon of violent attacks committed by the Jr., Mindanao Development Authority Maute such as the attack on the Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, military outpost in Butig, Lanao del Sur Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief in February 2016 and the mass jailbreak of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo AĂąo, Philipine in Marawi City in August 2016.

National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa and Special Assistant

The special Cabinet meeting to the President Christopher Lawrence was attended by Executive Secretary Go. (PNA)

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31

NATIONAL NEWS

SSS reduces retirement age for surface and underground mineworkers

QUEZON CITY - The Social Security System (SSS) reduced the age for optional and technical retirement of both surface and underground mine workers from the previous retirement age of 55 years old to 50 years old in compliance with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Order (DO) No.167 S-2016.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that the new policy from SSS reduced the optional retirement to 50 years old and the technical or compulsory retirement to 60 years old for both underground and surface mineworkers.

mineworkers to ensure that social security protection is given to all kinds of mineworkers. We understand the danger of their work and we want them to enjoy the fruits of their hard-earned money as early as possible,” said Dooc.

The DO is the order from DOLE

“We deemed it necessary to implementing Republic Act 10757 include both underground and surface otherwise known as “An Act Reducing

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National News the Retirement Age of Surface Mine Workers from sixty (60) to fifty (50) Years, Amending for the Purpose Article 302 of Presidential Decree No. 442, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the “Labor Code of the Philippines.”

must also include the workers position title and his job description.

At the time of filing for retirement claim, the mineworker must have worked for at least five years, whether continuous or accumulated prior to the semester of retirement but the actual date of retirement should not be earlier than 27 April 2016— the date of effectivity of reduced retirement age.

Based on the guidelines, surface mineworkers include only mill plant workers, electrical, mechanical and tailings pond personnel while underground mine workers are those employed to extract mineral deposits “We hope that with this new underground or whose workplace is policy, the SSS will be able to extend the beneath the ground. benefits that our members need as early as possible. We want our mineworkers

To qualify for the SSS retirement to feel that we care for them and we benefit, the surface or underground want them to enjoy the money they mineworker must have paid at least saved with SSS,” said Dooc.

120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement. If the mineworker For more details on the retirement will retire at the age of 50, he should claim application for underground and ensure that he has stopped working. surface mineworkers, members may call the SSS Call Center at 920-6446 to

“If the mineworker-member 55 or email member_relations@sss.gov. chooses the optional retirement of 50 ph. (SSS) years old, he must be separated from employment or has stopped working at the time he files his claim. Otherwise, he will not be allowed to file for retirement benefit or if his retirement claim is already granted, it will be suspended

by SSS,” said Dooc.

Aside from the number of contributions, the mineworker should have been employed and certified as underground and surface mineworkers by his employer who must be duly registered with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The certification 20 - 26 May, 2017

33

National News

PH key fiscal indicators improve in Q1

MANILA - The country’s key fiscal indictors improved in the first three months of the year as the rise in state tax collections continued to outpace growth, while the national government’s budget gap and outstanding debt remained very well managed.

The proportion of public debt to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) as of March this year reached 41.87 percent, an improvement from the 43.56 percent registered a year ago, according to Finance Undersecretary

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Gil Beltran in his Economic Bulletin submitted to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

Also, the latest debt-to-GDP ratio was better than the 42.06 percent

National News recorded at end-December last year, said Beltran, who is also the chief economist of the Department of Finance (DOF).

The government’s domestic debt was equivalent to 26.84 percent of the economy, down from 28.36 percent in the previous year and 29.87 percent as of December 2016.

The tax effort, which is the proportion of taxes and duties to the GDP, settled at 13.41 percent as of end-March, up from the 12.99 percent reported in the same period last year.

The Duterte administration is determined to further improve the government’s tax effort—a closely watched indicator of a country’s credit worthiness—as it hopes to regain the preAsian crisis level of at least 15 percent.

“Tax effort rose 0.42 percentage point in the first quarter… due to rising tax collection efficiency,” Beltran said.

Offshore debt-to-GDP ratio also declined slightly during the period to 15.03 percent from 15.19 percent at end-March last year, but it was higher compared to end-December’s 12.18 percent.

At end-March 2017, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) tax effort

Interest payments (2.74 percent) improved to 10.36 percent from 10.09 as a ratio of GDP, expenditures (15.93 percent last year, while the Bureau of percent) and revenues (18.41 percent) Customs’ (BOC) efficiency ratio stood all declined by 0.25 percent point, at 2.91 percent, up from 2.76 percent.

1.42 percentage points and 3.01 percentage points, respectively.

Tax effort of other revenue generating offices, meanwhile, was

“Fiscal reforms including debt steady at 0.14 percent. management reforms led to the continuing drop in the debt-GDP Revenue effort also rose by 0.26 ratio,” said Beltran in his report to percentage point in the first-quarter to Dominguez. Along with debt, the 14.89 percent from P14.63 percent in national government’s budget deficit- the same period last year. to-GDP settled at 2.32 percent, within the Duterte administration’s 3.0 percent Earlier, the Bureau of the Treasury ceiling the year and lower than the reported that government’s total tax previous year’s 3.44 percent. revenues in the first quarter of the year increased by 12 percent to P476.57

Meanwhile, the government’s tax billion from P425.33 billion in the same effort jumped in the first three months period last year. of the year, owing to heightened collection efficiency of the country’s Of that amount, the BIR collected two main tax agencies.

P370.4 billion, an increase of 12 percent 20 - 26 May, 2017

35

National News from P330.17 billion a year ago, while the BOC generated P104.13 billion in revenues, also higher by 15 percent than the P90.5 billion registered a year before.

The Philippines has been one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, posting GDP growth of 6.4 percent in the first quarter.

The DOF is optimistic that the Philippines remains on track to meet its full-year growth target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said “GDP expansion in the year’s first three months illustrates that growth remains steady and could gain momentum for the rest of the year, partly as a result of this Administration’s ‘Dutertenomics’ strategy to stimulate economic activity and achieve financial inclusion for all Filipinos in the long haul via an aggressive expenditure program on infrastructure, human capital formation and social protection.”

Dominguez added that, “Solid macroeconomic fundamentals plus strong domestic consumption and investment sentiment have enabled, and will continue to enable, our country to sustain its pace as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies on the Duterte watch despite the everchanging global market conditions.”

Beltran, meanwhile, said

“We hope our legislators could that“strong fiscal fundamentals will help Malacañang sustain the growth continue to sustain robust economic momentum this year and onwards growth and stable inflation.” by acting soon enough on the first “In the medium-term, package of the CTRP (Comprehensive Tax Reform Program) that is now infrastructure outlays exceeding 5.0 pending in the Congress, as it will help percent of GDP will push GDP growth guarantee a steady revenue stream to its optimum level of 7.0 percent to for the Duterte administration’s high— 8.0 percent as the economy gains and inclusive—growth agenda,” more competitiveness,” Beltran added.

(DOF) Dominguez said.

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Photo Gallery Bugsay 4: Paddle for Peace Mabua Pebble Beach, Surigao City 19-21 May 2017

Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte - Butuan City Chapter Board of Directors’ Monthly Meeting Almont Hotel, Inland Resort, Butuan City 25 May 2017

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