Caraga InFocus – May 4-10, 2019

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[ Contents 04 - 10 May 2019

Volume III, No. 38

Butuan’s public market vendors participate in BSP piso caravan REGIONAL NEWS

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Over 1,100 cops deployed for 2019 elections in Caraga Over P1-B worth of cocaine bricks found in Caraga Butuanons witness 2019 Candidates’ Forum

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Agnor village disowns CPP-NPA 11 Another terrorist; NPA members surrender village declares CNTs persona 12 Butuan non-grata PNP send-off troops for 2019 13 AFP, election in SurSur PWDs participate in DRRM 14 AgSur orientation eyes more livelihood trainings 15 TESDA for FR in SurSur BIR brief CWD officers of business 17 DTI, establishments in AgSur

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MINDANAO NEWS

Helping Mindanao youth realize 19 MYDev: their potential law played key role in securing 20 Martial Mindanao polls: AFP

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NATIONAL NEWS

signs Energy Efficiency and 23 PRRD Conservation Act jobs generated from gov’t infra 24 4.2M projects since 2016

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News Briefs President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (Republic Act 11285)

The Consumer Protection Unit of the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) intensifies its campaign of the agency’s Suking Tindahan (ST) Program in the municipalities.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Surigao del Sur headed

by Provl Election Supervisor Atty Riza Ann Donalyn Constantino has conducted today a simultaneous final testing & sealing (FTS) of the vote counting machines (VCMs) to be used in the May 13, 2019 midterm polls.

To ensure safe and quality produce of sweetened kaong, memberprocessors of Sta. Maria Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MultiPurpose Cooperative (STAMARBEMCO) underwent series of trainings on Good Manufacturing Practice and skills Enhancement on Sweetened Kaong Processing. STAMARBEMCO, is a cooperative composed of farmer-beneficiaries through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). It is also a beneficiary of the Bottom up Budgeting (BUB) fund with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which the turn-over of the processing facility was done recently.

Cover Story Butuan’s public marke in BSP piso caravan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

B

UTUAN CITY - Vendors at Langihan Public Market of this city, rushed to the personnel of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Butuan Branch as they exchanged their unfit or mutilated banknotes during the piso caravan and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) advocacy campaign.

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et vendors participate

Ruby Almonia, a cook from one of the eateries inside the public market brought with her several unfit and mutilated banknotes and coins, and exchange them with new ones from the BSP. She said, big stores no longer accept mutilated banknotes and coins, and even in sari-sari stores.

“This is an opportune time for us vendors to exchange the unfit and mutilated money that we have kept for such a long time since these are no longer accepted in the market,� said Almonia.

Glizriel Rose Quijada, Bank Officer II of BSP Butuan underscored that in partnership with the local bankers club and various commercial banks from the different provinces of Caraga region, they regularly conduct piso caravan to inform the public on the right and proper handling of banknotes and coins.

Quijada added that the BSP would also conduct similar activity in Surigao City and other provinces of Caraga region. Aside from the piso caravan, an orientation-seminar will also be conducted for the cash handlers of commercial establishments, bakeshop, malls, sari-sari stores, and transport sector, among others. (JPG/ PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

Over 1,100 cops deployed for 2019 elections in Caraga BUTUAN CITY - Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has deployed 1,142 cops to render election duties in the different parts of Caraga after the joint police and military sendoff ceremony held Monday.

The activity was graced by Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO13 regional director, Colonel Maurito L. Licudine, 402nd Brigade commander, and Atty. Alvin Prandy T. Canta, Election Supervisor of COMELECAgusan del Norte.

the police assistance desks, conduct checkpoints and enforce election laws.

“With our security preparations in place, I believe we are more than ready for the electoral process. Let us give our best shot to ensure the safety

Personnel from the PRO13 and security of the 2019 midterm polls,� headquarters, Special Weapons and PBGen. Cruz said.

Tactics, Special Action Force, support units, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, In 2016, PRO13 was awarded and those who are on mandatory and by the national headquarters as the specialized trainings formed part of the unit with the least number of electiondeployment. related violent incidents during the election period. (PNP Caraga/PIA

The deployed personnel will man Caraga)

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

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Over P1-B worth of cocaine bricks found in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - Amid the intensive information drive and the ‘one sack of rice per brick of cocaine’ reward, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 seized 182 bricks of cocaine worth a billion pesos from the seawaters of Caraga since February 12, 2019.

Based on the record of the Regional Operations Division, a total of 227 kilograms of cocaine with Dangerous Drug Board value of Php 1,135,000,000.00 were turned-over to the police stations in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

On April 30, 2019, some 18 bricks of cocaine were discovered by a fisherman in the seawaters of Lingig town, Surigao del Sur. Jolan B. Pucot, 25 years old, resident of Barangay Handamayan of the same municipality received his reward from Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, PRO13 director on May 1.

cocaine in Lingig had the marking ‘Coca-Cola.’

“The recovery of billion worth of cocaine in the coastal areas of Caraga had saved possible victims of substance abuse,” said Cruz.

“We encourage our local folks to immediately report to the nearest police unit any suspected bricks of cocaine they may find washed ashore or floating in the sea,” he added.

During his visit on April 29, 2019 at the headquarters of PRO13, the Deputy PNP Chief for Operations Lieutenant General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa lauded the initiative of Cruz in giving

Most of the turned-over cocaine reward to the local folks who can turnbricks were marked ‘Bugatti’ and ‘Dollar over bricks of cocaine. (PNP Caraga/ Sign ($)’ but the newly discovered PIA Caraga)

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

Butuanons witness 2019 Candidates’ Forum

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The candidates for mayor, vice mayor, and representatives have revealed their platform of government and solutions to various issues and concerns raised during the Candidates’ Forum held here, witnessed by various stakeholders.

The said event was spearheaded

by Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga.

rate of water and electricity, so more investors would also put up businesses in the city,” she said.

The discussion focused on issues, policies, projects and programs that will provide better opportunities for employment to Butuanons and other relevant matters.

According to lawyer Josefe Ty, FSUU Policy Center executive director, the process or mechanism of the forum still ran smoothly despite the nonattendance of other candidates. She also emphasized that a well-informed Butuanons will prevent them from being victims of vote-buying.

For an entrepreneur like Jocelyn Yee from Butuan City, the conduct of Candidates’ Forum was an opportune time for her to know very well the candidates and be able to choose those who deserve the posts.

Meanwhile, Butuan City election officer Ganger Ranada highlighted that forum like this is a good venue for voters to see and hear straight from the candidates how they would address the issues and concerns of the city.

“We, in the business sector, also He also called on the public to hope that the winning candidates choose their candidates wisely this May would address the problem on water 2019 elections. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) supply, as well as lowering down the

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Another Agnor village disowns CPP-NPA terrorist; NPA members surrender By 1Lt Roel Maglalang

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – While another barangay in the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte declares the Communist Party of the Philippines - New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorists and its Allied Organization persona non-grata (PNG), two regular NPA members, four Militia ng Bayan and 27 members of Underground Movement (UGMO) pledge their loyalty and allegiance to the government on May 6, 2019.

The barangay council Moreover, an NPA regular unanimously declared the CNTs and member alias Maymay turned-in one their cahoots as PNG in their area. cal. 45 pistol as a sign that he is leaving the underground organization.

They voiced out their manifestation that the people are He said “grabe gyud akong fed-up on the deception, extortion nasinatian sa ilalom sa grupong CPPand manipulation of the CNTs in their NPA. Ang ilang mga pasalig wala community. natuman. Akong pamilya na ingon nila

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities suportahan, napasagdan. Ang ilang propaganda puro pamakak (I had a bitter experience being with the NPA in the underground organization. All their promises were not fulfilled. My family did not receive any support from them. Their propaganda are all lies).”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco L. Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23rd Infantry Battalion commended the Barangay Officials and residents of Brgy Simbalan in their pursuit for a peaceful environment.

“Our soldiers are committed in its

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mandate of serving the people and securing the land.

We are happy that the people are now helping by declaring the CNTs as PNG,” he said.

“We also encourage the members of the CNTs to stop doing criminal and terroristic activities.

Instead, they must join us in pursuit of peace and progress. We partner with other agencies in pushing for development in geographically, isolated and disadvantaged areas,” Ltc Molina added. (CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Butuan village declares CNTs persona non-grata

By 1Lt Nonette B Banggad

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – The barangay council of Anticala in Butuan City recently approved Resolution no. 030 series of 2019 declaring the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist persona non-grata in their barangay premises during the barangay council session on April 24, 2019.

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Two weeks after the signing of the resolution, Barangay Chairman Antonio Masamayor Masamayor explained the content of the approved resolution to his constituents during the special general assembly meeting on May 6, 2019.

In response to the call of their barangay leaders, more or less 70 purok leaders of the barangay including Datu Pandugukan Diomedes A. Guinsod, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Manobo tribe supported the implementation by doing the symbolic signing of the resolution.

Provincial News I Empowering Communities gibuhat sa atong mga opisyales niining barangay nga maoy maka pabag-o gikan sa dili maayu nga imahe. Ato silang suportahan sa walay pag duhaduha (We, the Manobo tribe and the elderly strongly support the move of the barangay officials. Let us support them all the way),” said Datu Guinsod.

“As the second barangay in Butuan City to declare CNTs as persona non-grata, I hope that more barangays will finally recognize the need to take similar actions against the terrorists and join our campaign to completely eradicate the communist armed conflict in the whole Agusan del Norte,” said Lt. Col. Isagani O

“Kauban sa akong mga katribu Criste, 29IB Commanding Officer. ug katigulangan, akong gipadayag (CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del akong suporta sa mga lakang nga Norte)

AFP, PNP send-off troops for 2019 election in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A send-off ceremony was held at the 36th Infantry Batallion (36IB) headquarters in Barangay Dayoan, Tago town on May 6, 2019 for the soldiers, and police personnel who will be performing election duties on May 13.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer Lt. Jonal Romorosa of the 36IB said the security forces are composed of troops from the 36IB, 75IB, and 7th Special Forces, and Police Provincial Office. The ceremonial send-off was attended by ranking officials from the AFP, PNP, and Comelec.

Also, the security personnel took an oath in front of their commanders and Comelec officials witnessed by the media partners, to bear true faith in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities for the accomplishment of its mission for a peaceful, orderly,

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and secure election day.

Meanwhile, Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Riza Ann Constantino thanked the security forces for their never-ending support to Comelec.

“What you are doing is more than courage, it is a sacrifice for yourself and your family for something,” she said.

“We hope and pray that you accomplish your given tasks for National and Local Elections 2019 and return safely with pride and integrity,” Constantino noted. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

AgSur PWDs participate in DRRM orientation

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY Having seen the significance and value of learning the best means and ways to be safe during any calamity or disaster in the province of Agusan del Sur, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga conducted a one-day orientation-seminar on DRRM.

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

Liza Culentas, a person with disability (PWD) is one among other PWDs from the said province that actively participated in the said event.

“Ever since, this is the first time that I experience attending such activity for our sector – the PWDs. It is only now that I felt that the government really cares for us and want to provide our welfare,” said Culentas.

with their family, including evacuation protocol.

Armando Gomez, PDRRMO Agusan del Sur stressed that the PWD sector forms part of nation-building and performs a vital role in society. Hence, there is also a need for them to be well-informed on how to secure them

This initiative is also supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, and the Philippine National Police. (JPG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

“There is a need for our PWDs to be well-informed and trained on disaster preparedness, as well as the evacuation protocol. The government ensures the sector’s safety before, during and even after any disaster or calamity,” underscored Gomez.

TESDA eyes more livelihood trainings for FR in SurSur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur official has committed to provide more livelihood training programs for former rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

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Integration Program (E-CLIP) as part of the re-integration process. The said trainings they planned are aimed at developing technical skills and competencies which could help former rebels land a job or start their own livelihood activities.

According to Captain Edwin Leo Franco Francisco, 75IB Civil Military Operation Officer, TESDA was able to train 30 In a press statement, TESDA Provincial E-CLIP beneficiaries on carpentry, Director Rey Cueva reiterated his automotive mechanic, and masonry commitment to provide livelihood among others last year. trainings during the discussion with the officials of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Lt. Colonel Jaime Datuin, 75IB Battalion (75IB) recently.

Battalion Commander, thanked TESDA official for its commitment and

“The agency is prepared to dedication to help in ending the local accommodate more students to fast- communist armed conflict. track their reintegration process,” Cueva said.

“We want our former terrorist members to go back to their

Both officials said the trainings are communities and become responsible aimed at developing technical skills and productive citizens. Providing and competencies which could help them with livelihood skills is one way of former terrorists land jobs or start their helping them regain their dignity which own livelihood activities. was taken away by the communistterrorist CPP-NPA,” he said.

The trainings offered for this year are welding and fabrication, electrical Datuin is hopeful that other NPAs installation, and maintenance, bread would be encouraged to lay down and pastry production, food processing, their arms and back to the folds of the and organic agriculture. government and live into a normal life.

Both officials discussed the agency’s plan to provide various trainings to former rebels who are enrolled in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local

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“We do not want them to die in vain as terrorists because they are still our brothers,” he noted. (with a report from 75IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities

DTI, BIR brief CWD officers of business establishments in AgSur

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - Thirty consumer welfare desk (CWD) officers in the province were briefed on the processes and requirements in paying withholding taxes thru the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Caraga.

The briefing was part of the business education seminars of the Department of Trade and IndustryAgusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) before the start of the CWDOs second quarter meeting held in San Francisco.

stores once recognized.

The CWDs actively participated and learned the basics in the processing of withholding taxes payments.

CWD Officers were coming from three areas of Agusan del Sur, namely

The resource person, Jinalyn San Francisco, Prosperidad and Nonog of BIR-Bayugan City, also Bayugan City. discussed other types of taxes required by the agency like: business tax and Every quarter, they are equipped income tax. on business related laws to ensure compliance with the regulatory

Jardynne Narvasa of DTI-AdS also requirements while doing business in presented the DTI- Bagwis Programas the province. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIAwell as the rationale and benefits of the Agusan del Sur)

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MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

MYDev: Helping Mindanao youth realize their potential

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA - Living in the strife-torn Indanan, Sulu without educational plans to back up her future, 20-year-old Marshaida Hamid, at one point, almost lost hope she would be able to lift her family from poverty.

At an early age of 12, Marshaida had to stop schooling and give way to her two younger siblings.

“Because of financial problems, I had to stop back then. Naging hopeless ako na baka hindi ko na matupad ‘yong dream ko kasi nga huminto na ako. Ang ginagawa ko noon nasa bahay lang, tumutulong sa magulang.

(I’m getting hopeless that I would be able to achieve my dream because I already stopped from my studies. Back then, I’m just helping my parents with chores),” she told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

“Every day, I see my parents struggle, whether it’s heavy rain or under the scorching sun, they work vigorously in the farm. It’s difficult that I have to see them struggle,” she narrated.

Came the United States-funded Mindanao Youth Development

(MYDev) program, Marshaida’s life took a better turn.

“I learned some basic life skills that I’m able to use in putting up my own business. After that, I was able to get a scholarship and finish my Bachelor of Science in Fisheries major in Food Processing degree last month. Now, I’m returning the favor, I’m now mentoring other youth.

Back then I don’t have the confidence, I’m scared to even hold a microphone and speak in front of the crowd. But after the program, nawala ‘yong doubt ko sa sarili ko mismo (I now have the confidence),” she said.

Marshaida considered MYDev program a “big opportunity” that came into her life.

“Back then, I’m an out-of-schoolyouth. Now, I’m an outstanding youth,”

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities she said.

During the MYDev completion ceremony in Makati on Friday, dozens of beneficiaries from Mindanao, including Marshaida, extended their gratitude to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the funding agency for the PHP832million project. The six-year MYDev program entered its last leg this 2019.

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will become leaders who shape the country’s future,” he said.

While the MYDev project is coming to an end, Hardy vowed that US would continue its support to the youth in the region.

The program, which begun in 2013, was implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

As of April 15, at least 25,719 youth benefited from the program, 22,163 of During the completion ceremony, whom have completed life skills training the US government turned over life and technical-vocational skills training. skills modules developed by Bostonbased Education Development Center

Lawrence Hardy II, USAID mission to strengthen work readiness skills, director in the Philippines, said there leadership ability, and resilience of are around 3 million children and youth youth to the two agencies. who are either out-of-school, or out-ofwork in Mindanao.

The DepEd and TESDA are expected to incorporate these modules

“Supporting these young people into ALS and technical-vocational in realizing their potential will pay training this school year and implement dividends for years to come as they the training nationwide. (PNA)

Martial law played key role in securing Mindanao polls: AFP

By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA - Martial Law in Mindanao proved a vital factor in ensuring the relatively peaceful conduct of Monday’s mid-term elections in the island.

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“In Mindanao where there are a number of identified election areas of concern, Martial Law proved to be a serious deterrent to lawless groups who may intend to disturb free polling,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, on Tuesday when asked by reporters on what other factors the military can attribute the relative nonviolent elections.

Mindanao News I Empowering Communities

The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted the Chief Executive’s request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018.

Also, the AFP spokesperson vigilance on the part of security forces ensured that there will be sufficient

Aside from this, Arevalo attributed forces groups planning to disrupt the the success and relative peacefulness polls. of the elections to the peoples’ cooperation with the security measures “Vigilance and anticipation laid by the AFP and the Philippine enabled us to immediately act and National Police. counteract efforts, anticipated or unexpected, that may or tend to

“And likewise to the citizens’ disrupt our planned peaceful and active involvement in reporting unusual orderly conduct of the elections,” he developments or movements in their added. localities,” the AFP spokesperson said.

When asked on why there were

In a 235-28-1 vote, the Congress, no reported New People’s Army in a joint session on December 12, 2018, (NPA) attacks on the day of the approved the extension of martial law elections, Arevalo attributes this to in Mindanao until December 31, 2019. meticulous planning and preparation by government security forces and the

The AFP recommended another Commission on Elections (Comelec). year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao island to totally neutralize “Meticulous planning and terror groups still operating in Mindanao. preparations seamlessly executed Martial law in Mindanao was declared by government security forces and on May 23, 2017 following attacks the Comelec and their commanding launched by the Maute Group in presence in the polling areas deterred Marawi City. possible NPA atrocities. In Mindanao where there are a number of identified

The House of Representatives, in a election areas of concern, Martial special joint session in July 2017, granted Law prevented serious breach of the extension of martial law until law and order especially by various December 31, 2017 at the President’s private armed and threat groups,” request. he said. (PNA)

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NATIONAL NEWS

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National News I Empowering Communities

PRRD signs Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill institutionalizing energy efficiency and conservation, enhancing the efficient use of energy, and granting incentives to energy efficiency and conservation projects in the country.

Duterte signed the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (Republic Act 11285) on April 12, but a copy of which was released to media on Tuesday (May 7).

The law creates an Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) to evaluate and approve government energy efficient projects as defined under the new law and to provide strategic direction in

Under the new law, government the implementation of the Government recognizes the need to “institutionalize Energy Management Program (GEMP). energy efficiency and conservation as a national way of life geared towards The GEMP refers to the the efficient and judicious utilization of government-wide program to reduce energy by formulating, developing, and the government’s monthly consumption implementing energy efficiency and of electricity and petroleum products conservation plans and programs.” through electricity efficiency and conservation, and efficiency and

This way, it would “secure conservation in fuel use of government sufficiency and stability of energy supply vehicles, among others. in the country to cushion the impact of high prices of imported fuels to local The IAEECC shall be chaired by markets and protect the environment the Energy Secretary and composed in support of the economic and social of the Secretaries of the Department development goals of the country.” of Budget and Management,

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National News I Empowering Communities Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Director General of National Economic and Development Authority.

Powers and functions of the IAEECC include to prepare an annual assessment of opportunities for energy cost reduction in state-owned and leased buildings and facilities designated by the IAEECC; to review all proposed capital projects and energy cost operating budgets of agencies designated by the IAEECC; and, recommend energy conversation measures which would reduce operating costs in state-owned and leased buildings or facilities.

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any officer or entity of government technical and consultative assistance concerning energy cost management or conservation and annually recommends specific operations and maintenance procedure modifications and capital projects for stateowned and leased buildings and facilities designed to reduce energy consumption and costs.

It may also issue a report describing the status of government energy efficiency projects and the GEMP, and develop after study of existing emerging energy conservation technologies and guidelines as may be necessary or desirable to aid the work of the IAEECC among other tasks.

The act is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1531 and House Bill 8629 which was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Jan. The IAEECC is also tasked to provide 30, 2019. (PNA)

4.2M jobs generated from gov’t infra projects since 2016

By Ferdinand Patinio

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) program has generated a recordbreaking number of employment opportunities nationwide, with over 4 million people employed since 2016, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Tuesday.

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National News I Empowering Communities

According to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, 4,199,228 jobs were generated from the road, bridge, flood-control and other infrastructure projects of the department all over the country.

will be able to solve traffic woes and improve connectivity among towns and cities, and will further improve livelihood nationwide,” he added.

“Thanks to the huge increase in DPWH budget since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte took over, we were able to provide jobs to millions of Filipinos across the country,” he said in a statement.

The DPWH official added that in 2016 they were able to provide jobs to some 1.087 million workers; 1.281 million the following year and around 1.830 million in 2018.

The program is the government’s medium-term goal to increase spending from 5.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 7.3 percent by the end the President Duterte’s term in 2022.

Under the BBB, he said contractors hired at least 50 percent of unskilled and 30 percent of skilled labor requirement from the locality where the projects are located within an average of four months per project, 22 days per month.

“These workers are earning an average daily wage of PHP550 and are helping us build vital infrastructure projects across the country,” Villar added.

Earlier, the Department Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that excess demand for workers and improvement of wages will prove that the government multi-trillion worth infrastructure program is effective.

Under the BBB programs, the

He also reported that almost government will be constructing roads, half of the work were created from bridges, airport, railways among others, projects funded under 2018 General with a total budget of PHP8 trillion, Appropriations Act (GAA). covering 2017 to 2022.

Also, under the program, existing road network will be expanded and upgraded, strategic inter-island bridges will also be given priority.

This includes demand for workers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, masons, among others.

For this year, he said, some 1 million Among the key infrastructure workers are likely to benefit from other projects under the BBB Program include undertakings to be constructed. the Subic-Clark Railway and the NorthSouth railway projects connecting Los

“With the approved budget of Baños, Laguna to Tutuban, Manila and PHP3.757 trillion in 2019, at least a million Clark Freeport in Pampanga. more would benefit from the projects It likewise includes the 1,500-hectare implemented by DPWH,” Villar said. industrial park in Clark, Pampanga and

“We hope that this massive the expansion of Clark International infrastructure program of the government Airport. (PNA)

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EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor

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VENUS LIM GARCIA Layout Artists

RONNIE E. MADANGUIT JOHN CHARLES B. MALAZARTE Contributors

JENNIFER P. GAITANO Agusan del Sur

NIDA GRACE B. TRANQUILAN Surigao del Sur

SUSIL D. RAGAS

Surigao del Norte/Dinagat Islands

1LT NONETTE B BANGGAD 1LT ROEL MAGLALANG PRIAM NEPOMUCENO AZER PARROCHA FERDINAND PATINIO JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA DTI-AGUSAN DEL SUR 23IB PA, 29IB PA, 75IB/PIA PNP CARAGA PNA Business Managers

ZARINA O. LASTRA REGAL C. ORIBIA Photographer

ROBESPIERRE C. TRADIO RUDOLF BONNIN E. SANICO

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

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

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

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

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

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