Caraga InFocus –May 21-27, 2022

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COLLEGE STUDENTS IN CARAGA TAKE PART IN CLEAN-UP DRIVE IN SCHOOLS, OTHER PUBLIC PLACES IP WOMEN WEAVERS IN AGNOR CONDUCT LECTURE, DEMO ON BASKETRY

PROVINCIAL NEWS 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 DA CONDUCTS INFO CARAVAN ON URBAN GARDENING, ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

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2,352 AGSURNONS AVAIL OF DOLE’S TUPAD PROGRAM

PNP, MEDIA HAND-OVER GIFTS TO RESIDENTS IN AGSUR VILLAGE AGSUR COPS BUST TOP 7 MUNICIPAL MWP PNP-AGSUR BAGS 53 WEEKLONG POSITIVE OPERATIONS

INDIGAY SA MGA BATAN-ON PAGMUGNA OG IDEYA SA NEGOSYO PADAYON NGA GIBUHAT SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE PAGBANSAY SA PACKAGING UG LABELING ALANG SA MGA KAKANIN MAKERS SA RTR, IPAHIGAYON SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE

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POSIBLENG DEVELOPER SA NANIE, GITAKDANG MOBISITA SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE GUN-FOR-HIRE MEMBER, SUSPECT FOR MURDER COLLARED BY SURIGAO NORTE POLICE FLEEING MURDER SUSPECT VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED TO SURIGAO NORTE POLICE

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2 SUSPECTS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN CARAGA ARRESTED 2 MOST WANTED PERSONS FOR RAPE FALL TO CARAGA COPS

CASE FILED VS SUSPECT OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE SHOOTING INCIDENT MGA SUNDALONG PINARANGALAN NG BAGONG ANTAS AT MGA NAG RETIRO SA SERBISYO, BINIGYAN NG PAGPUPUGAY

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MINDANAO NEWS LANAO SUR SPECIAL POLLS ‘SUCCESSFUL’ AMID TIGHT SECURITY: PNP NORMIN TOPS PH LABOR PARTICIPATION FORCE IN 2021

NATIONAL NEWS PRESIDENT DUTERTE INAUGURATES MMDA BUILDING COMPLEX NEXT ADMINISTRATION SHOULD START DISCUSSION ON NUCLEAR ENERGY USE, SAYS PRESIDENT DUTERTE PRESIDENT DUTERTE TELLS PARENTS TO JOIN DOH’S ‘CHIKITING BAKUNATION DAY’

COVID-19 NEWS 3 CONTACTS OF 1ST BA.4 CASE ALL ASYMPTOMATIC: DOH PH GOV’T’S ‘BALANCING ACT’ OVER PANDEMIC SAVED ECONOMY, LIVES DILG-LED VAX DRIVES ADMINISTER CLOSE TO 2M DOSES: AÑO

CONTENTS

REGIONAL NEWS

INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

Volume VI, No. 21 May 21-27, 2022

achieved 73% of our target for our fully-immunized children. In 2020, we only reached 75%),” the health official said.

DOH Caraga to vax 362k infants in ‘catch-up’ immunization drive

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga announced on Thursday, May 26, that it aims to vaccinate more than 326,000 infants during the “Chikiting Bakunation Days Campaign”, a national catch-up immunization drive for infants ages 0-23 months against vaccinepreventable diseases (VPDs).

or 362,777 infants, during the National Vaccination Days for Catch-up Immunization (NVD-CI), which will be conducted on the last Thursday and Friday of May and June 2022.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country more than two years ago, routine immunization for VPDs DOH Caraga is aiming to such as hepatitis, vaccinate 95% of its target, pneumonia, measles,

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meningitis, mumps, tuberculosis, and polio, among children of the said ages was disrupted, and immunization coverage has dwindled since then, said Dr. Cesar Cassion, regional director of DOH Caraga.

“We’re not only targeting kadtong wala mabakunahi, but of course, kinahanglan pud nato kadtong mga bata nga dili kumpleto ang ilang bakuna because kung dili makumpleto ilang bakuna, then they will not have full protection (We’re targeting not only those who have not been vaccinated, but of course, even children whose vaccines are not yet complete because if their vaccines are not complete, then they will not have full protection),” said Cassion.

Children are considered fully immunized if they have completed all of their vaccines before they turn one year old.

DOH Caraga is implementing strategies akin to those implemented during the COVID-19 vaccination, which involves teaming up with the local government units to mobilize more health teams in addition to those deployed by DOH, to reach even the most remote areas in the region.

“We want to reach every child, na dapat wala’y mabiyaan na bata, especially sa mga remote or hard-to-reach areas (We want to reach every child so that no child will be left behind, especially

“Last year, 2021, naa lang ta 73% of our target sa atong fully-immunized children. Previous to that, adtong 2020, naa lang ta sa 75% (In 2021, we only Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

those in remote or hard-toreach areas),” the regional director said.

Cassion urged parents to have their children, especially those less than a year old and those who are yet to complete their vaccines, to take advantage of the intensified immunization drive of the government.

“Kinahanglan mabakunahan gyud nato ang mga bata para malikayan nato kadtung mga sakit na makit-an nato sa mga bata. These are vaccine-preventable, naa ta’y available na mga vaccines. These are proven safe and effective (We need to vaccinate our children for them to avoid contracting childhood diseases. These are vaccine-preventable; we have vaccines available for these. These are proven safe and effective),” he added.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

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News Briefs Having adeptly managed the risks posed by COVID-19, the Philippine economy grew by 8.3 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2022. This is a significant reversal from the 3.8 percent contraction in the same period last year. We have surpassed the pre-pandemic gross domestic product level.

Among major emerging economies in the region that have already released their Q1 2022 real GDP growth, the Philippines ranked first followed by Indonesia and Vietnam, and China. xx

With regard to managing the pandemic, the President said, “We balance saving lives with economic recovery. We now see a glimmer of hope with the intensified vaccination program. As we continue to see favorable results, we must never be complacent. To my kababayan, this Administration will not rest until we have prevailed over this extraordinary challenge. We owe this to our healthcare workers (HCWs) and other frontliners who prioritized the life of others before their own.” #SalamatPartner #TeamWork #PresidentAndPeople #DuterteLegacy #Pagbabago President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses the attendees of the launching ceremony of the digital innovation and modernization of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) at the Manila Central Post Office. Part of PHLPost’s modernization efforts is the issuance of new postal cards with biometric information, the upgrading of its website, and the development of a new mobile app. #INFOcus #DuterteLegacy #BCS

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has mandated cities and municipalities to start imposing a “no CCTV, no business permit” policy to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within establishments and to promote security at the same time.

REGIONAL NEWS

forward, that instead of fighting against the government, we will be an instrument to unity and success by doing meaningful activities.

To all my fellow youth, let’s help our country to move forward and be good citizens for the betterment of our nation,” said Sotes.

College students in Caraga take part in clean-up drive in schools, other public places

According to Major Frances Belarmino, director of 1501st Community Defense Center (1501st CDC) of 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15th RCDG), the clean-up drive is just one of the many ways the youth can actively get

involved with and show the spirit of volunteerism in their respective communities.

“We recognize the valuable contribution of our youth in this kind of activity. They wanted to help maintain the cleanliness and

Meanwhile, Amalia Pitogo, principal of Bitos Elementary School in Butuan City also thanked all the students and the 15th RCDG for initiating this activity that is worth emulating to other young people.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

The college students from various schools in Caraga region actively participatef in the clean-up drive in different public schools that served as polling centers during the recently concluded May 2022 national and local elections, including public places where campaign materials were posted.

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These students are active in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) with the cadets of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) of Caraga State University (CSU); Saint Michael College of Caraga (SMCC); and Northern Mindanao Colleges Incorporated (NMCI).

Pixy Camille Sotes, an ROTC cadet officer from SMCC, was one of the youth who participated in the said event and expressed her concern for her community by engaging in meaningful activities that will benefit the majority.

“We are very happy with this initiative and we are looking forward to partnering again with the NSTP, ROTC students, and 15rcdg for another activity,” said Pitogo.

(JPG/PIA-Caraga)

“We have the power to help our country to develop and move

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

orderliness in our schools which were used as polling centers during the recently concluded national and local elections, as well as the other public places where campaign materials were posted,” bared Maj Belarmino.

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

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IP women weavers in AgNor conduct lecture, demo on basketry

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

earn extra income.

“As an IP youth, it is important to preserve the rich culture and tradition of our tribe,” said Leorna.

Through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga and the National Museum Eastern-Northern Mindanao Regional Museum in Butuan City, students from various colleges and universities learned about the rich culture and tradition of the Manobo tribe and how IP women weaved baskets as part of their livelihood.

Participating students got more interested in weaving as women IPs demonstrated every step until they finished creating various designs of baskets and bags.

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“This activity is relevant because this will help me learn how to weave baskets,” shared Sofronio Cabillo, a resident from Cabadbaran City.

Bae Mila Leorna, Bae Cleofe Austral, and Bae Leonida Rebollo, served as representatives of the Manobo tribe from Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 092 Puting Bato of Cabadbaran City.

Meanwhile, Dr. Randy Rosas, Development Management Officer V and acting chief of administrative and finance of NCIP Caraga also called on the general public to be culture-sensitive.

He stressed that the IP As a Manobo herself, community continues Juvy Ann Leorna was to impart valuable delighted to see her peers being able to learn contributions to nationbuilding. how to properly weave baskets during the “I am hoping that demonstration. misappropriation, misinterpretation, and She is proud that the Manobo tribe was given insult to the indigenous the chance to share their people will be prevented,” Rosas said. weaving skills to other (JPG/PIA-Caraga) people and eventually Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DA conducts Info Caravan on urban gardening, organic agriculture

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga conducted a series of Information Caravan on Urban Gardening and Organic Agriculture Management Practices on May 17-20, 2022 in Bayugan City and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, and Bislig City and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur. The participants were Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay Officials.

The activity was

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spearheaded by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) in coordination with the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) and Organic Agriculture Program (OAP).

Emmylou Tereso Presilda, Chief of RAFIS said that DA continues to promote Urban Agriculture because it is one way to ensure that every Filipino family has access to food since they already

have their own food source through their backyard vegetable garden.

Jessica D. Sumoray, HVCDP Technical Staff, Glen Tabiola, and Carlo Bryan Dumampias, OA Program Technical Staff served as Resource Speakers for the activity.

The same activity continues on May 24 and 25 in Cabadbaran City, Butuan City and Surigao City. (DA-RFO XIII, RAFIS/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

2,352 Agsurnons avail of DOLE’s TUPAD Program

As the country is slowly recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment Agusan del Sur Field Office (DOLE-ADSFO) did not cease to provide assistance to displaced and affected workers of Agusan del Sur. Some 2,352 workers received emergency employment assistance through the DOLE ADSFO’s Tulong

Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program implementation. This translates to a total of P11,129,600.00 worth of salaries. On top of this, packages of assistance were awarded to beneficiaries which include personal protective equipment and accident insurance coverage for one year.

This year, emergency

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

work of TUPAD beneficiaries started as early as March. Since April 28, DOLE ADSFO has released salaries to 778 TUPAD beneficiaries from the municipalities of San Francisco, Esperanza, San Luis, Bunawan, Trento and Bayugan City. The department continues to hold series of onsite salary payments to address the transportation needs of beneficiaries from farflung areas.

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PNP, media hand-over gifts to residents in AgSur village

“DOLE ADSFO is doing its best to expedite the processing and release of TUPAD salaries so that the beneficiaries can sustain the basic needs of their families. Our TUPAD Coordinators are closely coordinating with our partners, the PESO Managers, to comply the needed documentary requirements as soon as possible, which are prerequisite to the processing of salaries,” shared Mr. Maximo C. Magallen Jr., OICProvincial Head of DOLE-

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ADSFO. The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers or TUPAD is a safety net program of the Department of Labor and Employment that provides temporary wage employment to the workers in the informal sector particularly the unpaid family workers and selfemployed workers with elementary occupations who were displaced or whose earnings were

affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, DOLE ADSFO stood its ground for its clientele by immediately addressing their needs to the best of the organization’s ability and with its frontliners working tirelessly to fulfill the mandate given by the government and to serve the people of Agusan del Sur. (DOLECaraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

The personnel of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) led by PCol Jovito C Canlapan, Acting Provincial Director, jointly conducted a community outreach program dubbed as “Tabang sa Sabang (Help for Sabang)” on May 20, 2022 at Barangay Sabang Gibong, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. This event is in partnership with the ADSPPO Press Corps led by its President Richard Grande.

Highlight of the activity

was the distribution of food packs to the residents and nutri-bun for the children.

chosen as beneficiary of the outreach program.

Punong Barangay, Hon. Sabado Goloran headed the distribution of 250 food packs and 400 nutri-bun with chocolates to the residents of the said place.

“The entire ADSPPO and Press Corps are here to help you cope with the challenges you have encountered here in your place. We thank you also for welcoming us here and for always supporting the PNP,” said PCol Canlapan.

Goloran mentioned that their barangay is experiencing flooding for almost eight months already and this has resulted to power outage in the community They are thankful that their barangay was

This event is also in line with the Community Perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030, the Transformation Program of the Organization. (PNPAgusan del Sur/ PIAAgusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

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AgSur cops bust Top 7 Municipal MWP

PNP-AgSur bags 53 weeklong positive operations The Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) conducted an Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations on May 16-22, 2022 which resulted to the apprehension of Five (5) Most Wanted Persons and 17 Wanted Persons.

The personnel of Philippine National Police (PNP) of Agusan del Sur headed

by Police Colonel Jovito C Canlapan, Acting Provincial Director nabbed the Top 7 Most Wanted Person in Municipal Level for the Violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.

PCol Canlapan identified the arrested person as male, 40 years old, married, farmer and a resident of Purok-1, Barangay Perez, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Suspect was arrested in his residence by personnel of Sibagat Municipal

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Police Station equipped with Warrant of Arrest for Violation of R.A 9262 (Physical Abuse) with Criminal Case Number 7190 issued by Hon. Ferdinand R Villanueva, Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur dated April 1, 2022 with recommended bailbond amounting to PHP2,000.00.

“The arrest of this individual not only brought justice to the victims but it also keeps the community away from the threat and lawless actions that he might be causing,” said PCol Canlapan.

“To the personnel of Sibagat Municipal Police Station under PMaj Aldrin C Salinas, keep up the good work! Your laborious efforts paved the way for justice to champion in the lives of his victims and family. To the criminals lurking in our province, you can’t hide from the force of law, for we will ensure that justice will be delivered for your lawless acts,” he added.

This is in line with the Process Excellence Perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030, the Transformation Program of the Organization. (PNPur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

In the same period, ADSPPO accounted two positive operations against illegal drugs, 12 positive operations on anti-illegal gambling and two positive operations against illegal logging. On the other hand, five warrant of arrests were served and six loose firearms and four illegal fishing paraphernalias were surrendered.

All arrested persons have been placed under police custody while charges against violators are being prepared for filing in court.

Police Colonel Jovito C Canlapan, Officer In-Charge of ADSPPO commended all the personnel who served as instrument in the attainment of such sizable accomplishments in fighting criminality throughout the province.

With this development, ADSPPO personnel were very thankful to the community for always supporting PNP

operations for easier, timely solution of the crimes.

“We promise to do everything we can to stamp out all crimes existing in the province,” said PCol Canlapan.

“Special mention to the Top 3 performing stations/ unit, Bayugan City Police Station under PLtCol Michael John C Mangahis as Top 1; Talacogon Municipal Police Station under PLt Val Warren O Polancos as Top 2; and Esperanza Municipal Police Station under PMaj Carmelo D Malubay as Top 3. Meanwhile, 1st ADSPMFC

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

under PLtCol Bonifacio C Estrella Jr., acquired the highest rating among the two Provincial Mobile Forces of ADSPPO. Always bear in mind that hard work yields to victory. Continue to serve justice to the victims and make Agusan del Sur as one of the safer provinces in the country. Good job and congratulations everyone,” Canlapan added.

This is in line with the Process Excellence Perspective of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030, the Transformation Program of the Organization. (PNPAgusan del Sur/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Indigay sa mga batan-on pagmugna og ideya sa negosyo padayon nga gibuhat sa Agusan del Norte Padayon ang Testing the Waters o market testing, apil na ang paghimo og surveys nga gisugdan niadtong May 16 ug mahuman sa June 14 sa “TuoNegosyo 3.0”, o ang ikatulo ka hugna sa duha ka bulan nga indigay sa mga batan-on paggama og ideya negosyo nga gipasiugdahan sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte ubos sa Process!

Process! Process! Projects sa kampanya niini sa pagpalambo nga mao Banana Fritters sa ang AGUSAN UP! Nasipit, Hierl Calamansi sa Magallanes, K.A.K. Himoon usab ubos sa Crunchy Banana testing the waters ang Cheese Sticks and mentoring sessions ug Burger Patty sa RTR, pag-refine sa Business League of Venerable Plan sa 10 ka grupo Entrepreneurs-Lumpiang nga miapil ning maong Mango Pie, Manna batch sa indigay.

Bar ug Hito-Go sa Cabadbaran, Young Ang mga Business Plans Start-Up Entrepreneurs of sa napulo ka grupong Carmen. nga natigi ning maong batch sa “TuoNegosyo” Himoon ang Shark mao ang mosunod: Tank o ang Final Stage Fishylicious, Bagoong Pitching karon umaabot Buhay, Dioleche’s, nga Hunyo 15.

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Ang AGUSAN UP! mao ang kampanya sa pagpalambo sa administrasyon ni Gov. Dale B. Corvera inubanan sa buhatan ni Kongresista Angel Amante-Matba.

Kaabag sa probinsya ang Department of Trade and Industry Agusan del Norte sa pagpadagan sa “TuoNegosyo 3.0”. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Pagbansay sa packaging ug labeling alang sa mga kakanin makers sa RTR, ipahigayon sa Agusan del Norte

Himoon karong Mayo 27 ang Packaging and Labelling Training alang sa mga kakanin makers sa lungsod sa RTR isip suporta sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte pagpalambo sa ilang produkto ubos sa “Beyond Rice” o ang pagproseso sa bugas ngadto sa nagkalainlaing produkto alang sa dugang kita o value added income.

Ang “Beyond Rice” mao ang core processing project sa lungsod sa RTR ubos sa Process!

Process! Process!

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

Angel Amante-Matba.

Sa panagtigum sa kakanin makers sa lungsod niadtong Byernes nakapili sila og 10 ka membro sa nasangpit nga asosasyon nga mo-apil sa pagbansay.

Ang pagbansay magsilbing

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

pagpangandam usab sa mga kakanin makers sa pagpamaligya nila sa ilang mga produkto sa trade fair and exhibit nga ipahigayon sa probinsya sa Robinson’s Place Butuan isip kabahin sa mga kalihukan sa kasaulogan niini sa 55th Araw ng Agusan del Norte.

Gipili usab sa atol sa maong tigum sa kakanin makers sa RTR niadtong Mayo 20 ang mga bagong opisyales sa ilang asosasyon. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Posibleng developer sa NANIE, gitakdang mobisita sa Agusan del Norte

Gun-for-hire member, suspect for murder collared by Surigao Norte police A member of gun-forhire operating in the province of Surigao del Norte and one of the suspects in a fatal shooting incident in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte that killed two persons on July 15, 2008, was arrested during a law enforcement operation at Purok 3, Brgy. Ipil, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on Wednesday, May 11.

Gihimo sa probinsyal ug municipal nga panggamhanan sa Nasipit ang preparasyon alang sa gitakdang pagbisita karong Hunyo 1 sa posibleng developer sa Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate [NANIE] nga mao ang Malaysian Trading Development Incorporation.

Kaabag sa probinsya ug sa munisipyo sa Nasipit ang Philippine Economic Zone Authority [PEZA] nga maoy nangita sa mahimong developer sa

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NANIE. Ang panagtigum gipasiugdahan sa Provincial Planning and Development Office [PPDO] nga maoy nag facilitate sa umaabot nga kalihukan kauban si Mayor Enrico Corvera sa Nasipit, mga sakop sa Sangguniang Bayan sa Nasipit ug mga hepe sa opisina probinsya ug sa munisipyo.

Gihimo sa maong tigum ang pagbahin sa mga buluhaton kalabot sa maong kalihukan.

Kabahin ang NANIE sa Process! Process! Process!

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

Angel Amante-Matba.

Ang pagpalambo sa NANIE usa sa mga katumanan sa probinsya nga mahimong AgriProcessing Center ug Industrial Estate Zone sa Caraga pag abot sa tuig 2027. (LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 director, identified the arrested person as Antonio E. Andrade, 60 years old, a resident of P-3, Brgy.

Tapian, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

The operation stemmed from the warrant of arrest issued by RTC Branch 30, Surigao City, dated January 17, 2011, for murder under Criminal Case No. 8967, with no bail bond recommended.

Andrade is Gigaquit police’s most wanted person.

proves that the public plays a vital role in combating crime and achieving peace and “Continuous intelligence order in the community,” monitoring and public said PBGen. Caramat, cooperation significantly Jr. (PMaj. Dorothy M. contributed to the Tumulak, Police Regional successful arrest of the Office-13/PIA-Surigao suspect. This success del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

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Fleeing murder suspect voluntarily surrendered to Surigao Norte police

2 suspects for child abuse in Caraga arrested

a metal tube, hitting the back of his head. The incident happened at the victim’s residence.

The victim was immediately brought to Butuan City Medical Center for medical attention but was pronounced dead by his attending physician the day after the incident due to the severity of his head injury.

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A murder suspect who has been chased by police operatives voluntarily surrendered to Socorro Municipal Police Station (MPS) on Monday, May 16, with the presence of his relatives.

del Norte, a murder suspect victimizing Christoper Tahud Gucor alias “Boboy,” 46 years old, a resident in P3-A, Barangay Fort Poyohon, Butuan City, that transpired on the evening of May 15, 2022.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. declared the voluntary surrender of Arniel Ligalig Consigna alias “Jemboy”, 32 years old and a native of Socorro town in Surigao

Citing the report of Butuan City Police Station (BCPS) 2, due to a personal grudge and under the influence of liquor, the suspect suddenly appeared and, without hesitation and any apparent reasons, mauled the victim using

“This government’s collaborative efforts with the community, demonstrating how the suspect’s relatives assisted in his surrender to correct the suspect’s wrongdoing while also providing justice to the victim and his family,” said Director Caramat, Jr. Murder charges will be filed against the suspect, who is now in the custody of BCPS 2. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, Jr., Police Regional Office-13/PIASurigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Two suspects both wanted for violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, were arrested in separate law enforcement operations conducted by Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga on Tuesday, May 17.

Police Brigadier General Romeo M. Caramat, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 director, identified the suspects as Manolita D. Jacinto, 75 years old, a resident of Purok 1, Pier, Barangay Trinidad, Surigao City, and Evelyn D. Barantes, 63 years old, a resident of Brgy. Tigbao,

Cagdianao Dinagat Islands.

Jacinto was arrested by personnel of Surigao City Police Station around 10:32am supported by an arrest warrant issued by the RTC Branch 32, Surigao City, dated November 11, 2021, under Criminal Case No. 15819. Based on the investigation conducted

by Surigao City police, the suspect assaulted a 17-year-old female in January 2021.

Meanwhile, Barantes was arrested around 9:10pm during the operation launched by personnel of Dinagat Islands Provincial Intelligence Unit and

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Cagdianao Municipal Police Station by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the RTC Branch 32, Surigao City, dated April 26, 2022, under Criminal Case Number 2373. According to the report from Cagdaniano Municipal Police Station, Barantes physically abused a 12-year-old boy in December 2021.

“Both cases are rooted in the quarrels of their grandchildren. I want to remind parents and grandparents not to resort to violence. At all times. they should consider the protection of the children and grandchildren.

Remember that we have laws that protect these children from abuse, and anyone who violates such shall face the consequences of their actions,” Director Caramat, Jr. said.

The court sets Php80,000 as bail for both cases.

(PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, Police Regional Office-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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2 most wanted persons for rape fall to Caraga cops The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 in its continued pursuit in hunting down wanted criminals has resulted in the arrest of two rape suspects in separate manhunt operations in Carmen, Davao del Norte, and in Barangay Luna, Surigao City on Thursday, May 19.

PRO 13 Regional Director Police Brigadier General (PBGen) Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. identified the arrested person as Crispen C. Celegria, 41 years old, a resident of Brgy. Sawagan, Veruela, Agusan del Sur, and Rolando S. Tarong, 42 years old, a resident of Brgy. Poctoy, Surigao City.

Tagged as the number 1 most wanted person in the provincial level, Celegria was captured in Carmen, Davao del Norte. The joint operation of Veruela Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Carmen MPS of Davao del Norte led to his arrest.

Based on the investigation of Veruela MPS, Celegria went into hiding in Panabo City after he raped a 13-year-old girl.

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Case filed vs suspect of Surigao del Norte shooting incident almost two years.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 6, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, issued the warrant of arrest for the crime of rape under Criminal Case No. 7372, dated December 27, 2011. The court recommended no bail bond.

On the other hand, Tarong was collared by personnel of Surigao City police around 7:29pm in Riverside, Sitio Bacud, Brgy.

Luna, Surigao City. Citing the report of Surigao CPS, Tarong was accused of sexually molesting a Grade 7 female student sometime on February 28 and March 10, 2019.

The RTC, Branch 29 in Surigao City issued the warrant of arrest for the crime of two counts of rape under Criminal Case Nos. 15791 and 15793 and

Criminal Case No. 15792 for violation of Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, dated October 29, 2021. The court issued a recommended bail of Php200,000 for violation of RA 7610 and no bail for rape.

“I commend the police operatives behind the success of these manhunt operations. Rest assured that your Caraga police will continue to intensify its law enforcement operations focusing on bringing to jail wanted criminals and to give justice to the victims,” Director Caramat, Jr. said. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, Police Regional Office-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

“We are happy with this recent development in our investigation.

Our police officers are conducting constant monitoring on the suspect’s whereabouts pending the release of the warrant of arrest,” said Dir. Caramat, Jr.

A case has now been filed by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 against the suspect responsible for the shooting incident in Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

Agusan del Norte.

Citing the report from Alegria Municipal Police Station, “Jun” was identified by witnesses as the suspect in a shooting incident that transpired on May 22, 2022 that PRO 13 Director PBGen. killed Kenneth Lubina Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. Ugay, 24 years old, in disclosed that a murder his residence in Purok-1, case under Article 248 of Poblacion, Alegria, the Revised Penal Code Surigao del Norte. with docket number Further investigation XIII-06-INV-22E-104 has revealed that the been filed against alias shooting was instigated “Jun”, an active member by the victim’s of the Philippine Army relationship with the and a resident of Brgy. suspect’s wife despite Jaliobong, Kitcharao, being separated for Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

“Our police is conducting a continuous investigation to provide solid evidence to file a case against the suspect. Rest assured that we will remain restless until we complete the documents needed to file a case against the suspect,” Caraga’s top cop added.

PBGen. Caramat, Jr. also encouraged the public to continue partnering with the police force to maintain the peace in the community and bring offenders to jail.

(PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak, Police Regional Office-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Mga sundalong pinarangalan ng bagong antas at mga nag retiro sa serbisyo, binigyan ng pagpupugay Isang espesyal na seremonya ang naganap nitong ika-13 ng Mayo 2022 sa himpilan ng 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army, upang bigyan ng parangal ang mga sundalong napromote sa mataas na antas at pagpupugay para sa mga sundalong magreretiro na sa kanilang pagserbisyo sa bayan.

Ang seremonya ay pinangunahan ni Lt Col Ryan Charles G. Callanta, battalion commander ng 30IB, na idinaos upang bigyang parangal ang 12 kawani na napromote sa mataas na antas bilang pagkilala sa kanilang sakripisyo at taos-pusong paglilingkod bilang sundalo. Sa kaparehong kaganapan, binigyan din ng pagpupugay ang limang sundalo na nagretiro na sa tungkulin at serbisyo na nag-alay ng mahabang panahon bilang isang tapat na tagapagtanggol ng kapayapaan.

Isa sa magreretiro ay si SSg Mandhi S. Tanjing, ang pinakamatagal na nagretiro sa grupo. Labis siyang nagpapasalamat sa mahigit 23 taon na pagserbisyo sa bayan.

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“Labis akong nagpapasalamat sa ating Panginoon, dahil sa loob ng 23 taon na pagseserbisyo, ako’y kanyang iningatan at ginabayan.

Nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga naging kasamahan ko sa 30IB at sa mga opisyales sa tulong na kanilang ibinigay para makaabot ako sa ganitong sitwasyon,” ani ni Tanjing.

Inihayag din ni Lt Col Callanta ang kanyang pasasalamat sa serbisyo na ibinigay ng mga nagretiro at nagbigay bati din siya para sa mga sundalo na nakatanggap ng mataas na antas.

“Ikinagagalak kong batiin ang ating mga kasamahan na nabigyan ng panibagong

antas sa kanilang serbisyo.

Isa ito sa bunga ng inyong pagpapakita ng maayos na paglilingkod at sakripisyo sa ating bansa. Nawa’y magsilbi din itong inspirasyon sa ating mga kapwa sundalo na nagnanais magkaroon ng panibagong antas at pagbutihin pa ang ating trabaho,” giit ng pinuno ng 30IB. “Sa ating magigiting naman na mga magreretiro sa serbisyo, nagpapasalamat kami sa inyong kagitingan at sakripisyo sa ating bansa. Nawa’y magsilbi din kayong inspirasyon sa mga nakababata pa nating kasamahan at patuloy na pagbutihin ang ating paglilingkod sa bayan,” dagdag niya. (30th Infantry Battalion, PA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

MINDANAO NEWS

Lanao Sur special polls ‘successful’ amid tight security: PNP

and soldiers secured the voting in the villages of Malaganding, Metadicop, Datumanong, Tangcal 3, Guiarong, Tangcal 1, Tangcal 2, Paigoay 2, Baguiangun, Paigoay 1, Mindamudag, Wago, Pagalamatan, Riantaran, and Gadongan.

High-ranking police officials also inspected polling precincts, led

by Lt. Gen. Chiquito Malayo, commander of Area Police CommandWestern Mindanao, together with Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, director for operations, and Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police director.

SPECIAL ELECTIONS. A woman in a wheelchair is carried by relatives going to a polling precinct in Barangay Buribid, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, Tuesday (May 24, 2022). The town holds special elections after tensions between opposing camps prevented several barangays from voting on May 9. (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)

Amid heavy security, police said Tuesday’s special elections in 12 villages in the Lanao del Sur town of Tubaran went smoothly without any incident.

Tuesday in 15 clustered precincts scattered in Tubaran’s 12 villages.

“Everything is going on smoothly, we are only waiting for the closure of voting at 7 p.m. then Lt. Col. Ajid we transport election Manalumpong, Lanao materials to Marawi del Sur police provincial City,” Manalumpong spokesperson, said voters said in a phone “peacefully” cast their interview Tuesday votes as early as 6 a.m. afternoon.

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As of 4 p.m., at least 3,848 individuals have cast their votes out of 6,921 registered voters in three clustered precincts, according to the special elections monitoring team of the combined police and military task force overseeing the polls.

Manalumpong said more than 12,000 police

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Malayo said their presence aims to “boost the morale of the troops to have a peaceful, orderly, and SAFE conduct of the special elections 2022.”

The Volunteer for National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) corroborated the police’s security assessment, saying the election has been “generally peaceful.”

A NAMFREL volunteer who asked not to be named noted that the number of military and police personnel guarding the elections has outnumbered actual voters.

Meanwhile, the military said two MG520 helicopters and Super Tucano planes performed persuasion flights above Tubaran an hour before the start of voting.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said persuasion flights were needed to ensure no lawless group would attempt to disrupt the voting.

“We strengthen the security to preempt the evil plans of the terrorist group. We want to keep the peace so that the voters can vote without fear and coercion,” Cuerpo said in an interview Tuesday.

Tubaran’s special elections came about after tensions between rival political camps arose amid allegations of irregularities.

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

During the election day itself, supporters of reelectionist Mayor Yassin Papandayan barricaded the municipal hall to prevent the transport of election materials to protest what they viewed as the “sudden” re-clustering of polling precincts.

The Comelec declared a failure of elections after thousands were prevented from voting in certain barangays.

Success due to early planning PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon, attributed the success of special elections to early planning and strategic deployment in collaboration with the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other government agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

“It was generally peaceful—from the casting of votes to canvassing and the

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transmission of election results. Talagang binantayan namin upang matiyak na hindi na mauulit ang failure of elections at upang matiyak na walang anumang anomalya ang eleksyon na isinagawa ditto (We really monitored to make sure failure of elections will not happen again and no anomalies will occur),” De Leon said in a statement on Wednesday.

del Sur one day prior to the special elections and immediately met with top military and PNP officials to discuss the special elections’ preparations.

we observed and experienced when the failure of elections was declared on May 9, we accounted for all potential threats, such as the presence of armed organizations and the A total of 600 police use of flying voters, and officers and 400 troops, so we really planned this supported by Bureau of carefully.We are grateful Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of that everything went Fire Protection personnel, according to plan,” De Leon said. (with reports were deployed to ensure the security of the of Lloyd Caliwan/Priam special elections.

Nepomuceno/PNA/ Divina Suson and Edwin De Leon arrived in Lanao “Based on what Fernandez)

NorMin tops PH labor participation force in 2021

Northern Mindanao has registered the highest labor force participation rate (LFPR) in the country, accounting for 69.8 percent in 2021.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data released Friday said Region 10’s LFPR last year translated to 2.410 million individuals who were 15 years old and over and were employed or ended unemployed by the end of the year.

Central Luzon (Region

30

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

3) registered the lowest LFPR at 59 percent.

Oroquieta, Ozamiz, Tangub, and Iligan).

Region 10’s LFPR in 2021 is higher by 3.5 percentage points than the 2020 annual estimate of 66.3 percent.

Bukidnon province posted the highest LFPR among provinces and highly urbanized cities (HUCs) nationwide at 78.3 percent or 808,000 individuals.

Making up the region are five provinces (Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental) and nine cities (Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Gingoog, Malaybalay, Valencia,

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

The employment rate in the region also increased to 95.1 percent (2.291 million employed) in 2021, higher by 1.5 percentage points compared to the

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previous year.

Among regions, Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) had the highest employment rate at 96.0 percent and Surigao del Sur the highest among provinces at 97.7 percent (282,000 out of 289,000 in the labor force).

Overall last year, the total number of employed persons was 43.99 million, or 92.2 percent of Filipinos who are at work or with jobs out of 47.70 million in the labor force.

Lowest underemployment rate Meanwhile, the underemployment rate in the region decreased to 14.3 percent in 2021 from 23.6 percent in 2020.

Underemployment data covers employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional job or have a new job with longer working hours.

Among provinces and

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HUCs in the region, the City of Iligan posted the lowest underemployment rate of 5.0 percent.

In Bukidnon, DOLE field office chief Raul Valmores said 2,263 job vacancies were posted with 41 employers in a recent online and faceto-face job fair.

Unemployment PSA-10 recorded the unemployment rate in the region at 4.9 percent, lower by 1.5 percentage points than the 2020 annual estimate of 6.4 percent.

It translates to 119,000 unemployed persons in the total labor force of Northern Mindanao and the third lowest overall after the 4 percent of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and 4.8 percent of Region 11 (Davao).

Among the provinces and HUCs in the region, Lanao del Norte posted the lowest unemployment rate of 2.4 percent.

The top occupations in demand locally were customer service representative, 460 vacancies; technical support, 150 vacancies; and call center agent, 100 vacancies.

Overseas employment vacancies are mostly for nurses, cleaners, electricians, home care, and cashiers.

In Camiguin province, DOLE marked Labor Day on May 1 with the turnover of PHP4,678,216 under the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program financial aid for 811 beneficiaries.

A total of 92 individual Interventions beneficiaries also received PHP955,000 The Department of Labor worth of projects and and Employment (DOLE) five organization groups continues to employ with 274 individuals measures to improve PHP1,053,216 total worth figures and contribute to of livelihood projects. the regional economy.

(PNA/ Nef Luczon) Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

NATIONAL NEWS

President Duterte inaugurates MMDA Building Complex

“Whether in the public or private sector, I strongly urge you to invest in safer and responsive infrastructure. I urge all of us to invest in our people and country,” he said.

The chief executive congratulated the MMDA for the successful completion of its new headquarters, which will provide the organization the space it needs to function more efficiently.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte unveils the marker of the new 20-storey Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Head Office Building during the inauguration ceremony in Pasig City on May 23, 2022. The President is accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, and Frederick Go. ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration Monday of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Head Office Building in Pasig City, encouraging both the public and private sectors to invest in people and country.

“I expect that this

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building complex will encourage both officials and employees to continue working hard for a sustainable, resilient, dynamic and, most of all, people-centered MMDA,” President Duterte said during the inauguration rites.

“In the coming days, we shall see just how helpful

this project is in helping the agency achieve its goals.”

He expressed hope that the momentum gained through the project, as well as other previous government projects, will motivate other state offices and institutions to invest in similar undertakings.

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

He also commended the MMDA for working tirelessly to address people’s needs, particularly with the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said made transport management, waste management, disaster prevention, and public safety in Metro Manila more challenging.

The President said It made him proud that in the past two years, the men and women of the MMDA bravely and wholeheartedly took on their tasks in genuine service of their fellow Filipinos.

Considered the agency’s historic

milestone, the MMDA Head Office Building is a 20-story state-ofthe-art government facility situated on a 1.45-hectare property that houses facilities accommodating the different functions and services.

The new headquarters features the MMDA’s centralized data system, upgraded Metrobase Operations Center and the agency’s corporate auditorium.

It is also a green and sustainable building with a one-star accreditation from the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE).

Conceptualized by Architect Daryl John Abaygar, its design is influenced by the

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

traditional home silhouette and “solihiya” weave pattern with interlocking strands and patterns, which encapsulates the Filipino people’s bayanihan spirit that mirrors the MMDA’s aspiration as an instrument of collaboration for all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.

Also present during the event were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, Pasig City Mayor Victor Riges Sotto, and other Metro Manila local government officials. PND

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Next administration should start discussion on nuclear energy use, says President Duterte The conflict has influenced the stability of the global fuel prices, and it already had an impact on ordinary Filipinos and the economy.

President Duterte suggested a shift to a more stable source of energy in order to have an efficient energy supply in the near future.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with key government officials at the Malacañan Palace on May 23, 2022.

VALERIE ESCALERA/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hopes the next administration would initiate discussion on the possible use of nuclear energy to wean the country from dirty fossil fuel that harms the environment.

The country’s energy sector continues to use coal that has devastating environmental consequences, the President said during his Talk to the People program aired Monday evening.

“I hope we can transition to nuclear, pag-usapan na,” the President said. “The next

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administration might want to just start the ball rolling and just — maski i-discuss na because we have to educate so many people.”

He said that if the country opts to adopt the use of nuclear power, it must also address the threat posed by communist insurgents to such sensitive facilities.

Aside from environmental concerns, the President raised the use of nuclear power as he expressed dismay over the rising oil prices as a result of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

“You know oil is not infinite, may katapusan ‘yan.

Someday it will dry up. It would be good for any government to prepare the possibility of making the transition earlier from oil ‘yung fossil fuel to nuclear kasi ang nuclear is forever,” he pointed out.

Addressing the incoming administration of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., he said, “Tutal ang nag-umpisa naman nito si Marcos noon.

Nagpagawa siya ng nuclear plant.”

Former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the president-elect, initiated the building of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in order to address the energy crisis during his tenure. But it failed to operate due to safety issues following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. PND

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

President Duterte tells parents to join DOH’s ‘Chikiting Bakunation Day’ President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, May 23, appealed to parents to have their children vaccinated against preventable diseases under the Department of Health’s two-day “Chikiting Bakunation Day”. “’Yung ang importante dito sa ‘yung topic ni Abdullah (Health Undersecretary Dumama) is ‘yung ano, ‘yung vaccination ng ‘yung two years pababa — bata, dapat pabakuna na ninyo,” President Duterte said during his regular Talk to the People program. “‘Yung two years or less magpabakuna na niyo para ‘yung mga bata ninyo may proteksiyon. At least, sa lahat ng mutants diyan kung tatamaan ka man, may bagong variant, hindi masyado matindi kasi nandiyan na ‘yung bakuna, may proteksiyon ka na.”

In his report to the President, Health Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah Dumama said the DOH launched the “Chikiting Bakunation Day” slated on May 26 and 27. It aims to immunize children two years old and below.

“Ang goal po natin dito ay mabakunahan ang at least 80 percent of the remaining approximately 1.1 million

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with key government officials prior to his “Talk to the People” at the Malacañan Palace on May 23, 2022. VALERIE ESCALERA/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

infants who missed their routine immunization last 2021,” said Undersecretary Dumama.

“Ang mga bakuna pong ito ay ‘yung BCG vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Pentavalent vaccine, Oral Polio vaccine, Inactivated Polio vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine, at Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine.”

Last month, the DOH conducted the vaccination drive in 36 priority provinces, Dumama said, noting more than 10,000 children haven’t completed their shots. This

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

month’s immunization will be done throughout the country.

“Nasubok na po natin ng apat na dekada ang pagiging ligtas at epektibo ng ating mga bakuna.

Dumaan na po ito sa masusing pagsusuri ng WHO at ng ating Food and Drug Administration, at pumasa naman po ito sa ating itinatalagang — itinalagang standards o pamantayan,” he said.

“At higit sa lahat po, mahal na Pangulo, dapat samantalahin po ng lahat ng mga kababayan natin ito dahil ito po ay libre.” PND

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3 contacts of 1st BA.4 case all asymptomatic: DOH

The three contacts of the first Omicron BA.4 subvariant case are all asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, a health official said Tuesday.

nito ang tatlong identified household contacts siya po ay nakatapos na ng 14day isolation mula May 4 hanggang 18 (The case has completed the 14The first case is a day isolation from returning overseas May 4 to 18 before Filipino from Qatar meeting the three who had a travel household contacts), history to Brazil and Department of Health South Africa.

Epidemiology Bureau officer-in-charge Dr. He was unvaccinated Alethea de Guzman and asymptomatic said in an online when he entered the media forum. country.

The testing status of “Bago pa man each of the contacts makasalumuha is being verified, she Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

added.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control considers BA.4 as a variant of concern because of its high transmissibility and ability to evade immune protection.

The DOH urges the public to observe the health and safety protocols and to be vaccinated with the primary series and booster doses to be protected against the coronavirus disease 2019. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

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PH gov’t’s ‘balancing act’ over pandemic saved economy, lives Malacañang on Tuesday shrugged off a report of alleged misinformation

by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, saying it is a new strain of coronavirus at that time that had not been identified in human before.

A report published by nongovernment organization Innovation for Change said Duterte has been perceived as “a major source of disinformation during the pandemic” when he consistently shared inaccurate information on Covid-19 on top of confusing pronouncements on his plans to respond to the health crisis.

“No one in the world [knew] about Covid-19 during the onset of the pandemic,” Andanar said in a Palace press briefing.

Despite Duterte’s pronouncements, Andanar said the government’s Covid-19 response has been a success.

“What is important is our success in balancing the health of the nation and the economy on the other hand.

In the end, what is important are our milestones,” he added.

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DILG-led vax drives administer close to 2M doses: Año community transmission.”

“We direct all LGUs to be proactive in its vaccination efforts and seek these people who are eligible for inoculation. The Department of Health’s (DOH) detection of BA.4 signals the need for a more aggressive action to ensure that the people are vaccinated and protected against this highly contagious variant of Covid-19,” he said.

(File photo)

Andanar cited how the Philippines surpassed its 70 percent vaccination target of the eligible population before the end of Duterte’s term.

look at),” he said.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed that 69 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19 while nearly 14 million have received their booster shots.

With the reopening of more productive economic activities in full swing, he said the country’s economy grew by 8.3 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

Andanar earlier said a strong economy is Duterte’s best legacy.

“Iyan po ang good news at ito po ang mas mahalaga na tingnan natin (That is the good news and this is the important feat we have to

Results of an OCTA Research survey conducted from March 5 to 10, 2022 found that 83 percent of respondents approve of the government’s Covid-19 response.

(File photo)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said 1,934,807 doses of Covid-19 vaccine were administered to unvaccinated or those with incomplete doses during their house-tohouse vaccination campaign.

Two percent said they “truly disapprove” of the government’s Covid-19 response, while 4 percent said they “somewhat disapprove” and 11 percent cannot say whether they approve or disapprove.

During President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Talk to the People Monday night, Año reported that 811 cities and municipalities conducted the house-to-house vaccination with 784,548 given primary dose, 792,498 vaccinated with the second dose, 350,237 administered with the first booster shot and 7,524 getting the second booster dose as of May 22.

Andanar expressed gratitude to Filipinos for supporting the government’s efforts to address the ongoing health crisis. (PNA/ Azer Parrocha)

The top three regions were Region 13 (Caraga) with 477,657 vaccinated individuals; Region 3 (Central Luzon) -- 421,138 doses; and Region 11 (Davao Region) --

Forty-two percent said they “truly approve,” while 40 percent said they “somewhat approve.”

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

Earlier, Año directed all local government units (LGUs) to scour their areas and convince the unvaccinated and those eligible to get Covid-19 booster shots.

With regards to the recorded community health protocol offenses, Año said 40,335 individuals violated the wearing face mask requirement from May 11 to 22, 26.76 percent higher compared to the previous month.

Año issued the directive as the Omicron BA.4 subvariant has now entered the country putting the public’s health at grave danger.

The DILG also recorded 2,180 violators of the physical distancing regulation while one violated the mass gathering limit.

He added the Omicron BA.4 subvariant poses a threat to public health as it can evade immune protection from vaccination and prior infection.

Under the government’s drug war campaign, Año said antinarcotics authorities arrested 1,796 drug personalities with no reported fatalities in 1,556 operations.

Año said LGUs must maximize its resources in convincing the unvaccinated and booster-eligible population to get vaccinated “as a precautionary measure versus a more transmissible Omicron variant and possible

The authorities also confiscated 96.26 kilograms of shabu and 40.92 kg of marijuana with a total amount of PHP295.96 million from May 11 to 22. (with reports from Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA/ Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

246,249 doses.

Caraga Infocus • May 21-27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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