Caraga InFocus – November 09 - 15, 2019

CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7

09 - 15 November 2019

REGIONAL NEWS

7 9 10 11 13 14 16 AgNor IPs benefit from community immersion

Social workers review performance, enhance capacity in handling adoption, foster care cases SK, LNB orientation kicks off constitutional reform campaign in Caraga

DTI campaigns responsible consumerism to Caraganons Caraga LGUs receive 2018 Seal of ChildFriendly Local Governance Award DSWD holds consultation dialogue for its statutory programs

DAR launches ARB housing project, distributes farm equipment

30 cops undergo reformation seminar in Butuan

Volume III, No. 65

PROVINCIAL NEWS

18 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 33

AgNor holds 1st senior citizens’ summit DILG AgNor to hold constitutional reform roadshow 104 NPAs, supporters surrender in AgNor ‘Anak’ rendition wins POPCOM regional singing competition Gov’t welcomes 137 surrenderees in AgNor town DA promotes value-adding for higher income to farmers Tribal story wins POPCOM regional film fest Tandag residents avail services from Serbisyo Caravan Youth for peace movement intensifies in AgSur, SurSur SurSur town forms task force to end insurgency 107 ARBOs undergo assessment LGU Surigao Norte HEALS team visits Davao

MINDANAO NEWS

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Mindanao quake communications team formed Group builds temporary learning spaces in quake-hit Mindanao

NATIONAL NEWS

40 42 44

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Andanar: Duterte wanted to ban single-use plastic to save water sources Malacañang urges Congress to pass bill banning use of plastics SSS to intensify programs to reach out to the informal sector for universal protection

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News Briefs The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is a proactive and responsive lead government agency for the promotion of sustained growth and full development of the Philippines cooperatives for them to become broad based instruments of social justice, equity and balanced national progress.

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is a proactive and responsive lead government agency for the promotion of sustained growth and full development of the Philippines cooperatives for them to become broad - based instruments of social justice, equity and balanced national progress.

House Dep. Speaker Cong. Johnny Pimentel has committed an P8.5M worth of scholarship program to TESDA for 2020.

This was confirmed during his meeting w/ TESDA Dir. Rey Cueva in Tagbina recently. Cong Pimentel also expressed his full support to the peace building initiatives & projects of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood & Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the EO #70.

Regional Forum on Economic and Financial Literacy spearheaded by NEDA-Caraga held in Butuan City is anchored on the theme “Our Planet’s Health, the Future’s Wealth.” It calls for efforts towards building an inclusive and sustainable future by harmonizing environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic growth, with special focus on promoting sustainable consumption and production (SCP).

Cover Story

AgNor IPs benefit fr immersion

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

B

UTUAN CITY- As the conduct of community immersions were intensified reaching the grassroots in Caraga region, various government agencies constantly ensure that vulnerable sectors also receive the basic social services they need.

This also forms part of the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte, to stop the local communist armed conflict in the country. And the conduct of community immersion is just one of the initiatives of the government.

Maricel Maayo, a Mamanwa from Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City was one of the IPs who was delighted to receive the services provided to them by the government stakeholders.

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received would help her children in treating them from minor sickness. She further emphasized that they have difficulty in buying medicines and other basic commodities considering She said the free medicines she that they are living in a remote area.

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November 9-15, 2019

rom community recognized the effort of the government particularly in implementing programs that help uplift their lives such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), wherein his son was a beneficiary, and is now a soldier.

“I have my trust and confidence to the government, and I will never support the NPA especially that my son is now a government soldier,” Subay said.

Ernesto Gaan, a sectoral datu also called on other IP tribes not to allow themselves to be deceived and fooled by the communist terrorist groups, as it would only cause harm to the IP communities.

He added that he is pleased to see the presence of the military in their community as it hinders any attempt of exploitation and abuse by the NPAs to them.

“Thank you to all government agencies for giving us medicines. It is such a great help,” said Maayo.

Teresita Subay, another Mamanwa, also stressed that they

Meanwhile, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera urged residents in the barangays of Mahaba, Putting Bato, Conception, Bay-ang and Bayabas not to give any form of support to the NPAs in order to put a stop on insurgency and be able to live peacefully in their respective communities. (JPG/MFC, PIA-Caraga)

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REGIONAL NEWS

Regional News I Empowering Communities

Social workers review performance, enhance capacity in handling adoption, foster care cases

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Adoption Resource and Referral Unit (ARRU), has recently conducted its Program Implementation Review for its Adoption and Foster Care Program, which was attended by social workers from the different provinces, cities/municipalities, family courts, and the regional residential care facilities held at Amontay Beach Resort, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

The activity was conducted to equip social workers who handle adoption and foster care cases on the laws and guidelines of the program and improve their skills and

competencies in handling Alternative Parental Care (APC) cases, by identifying the gaps and gains in the implementation of APC, in its 2019 implementation.

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

The program handlers and the participants discussed the performance of DSWD-Caraga field office to further assess factors affecting the program’s implementation. This way, stakeholders will have a venue to express their thoughts, share their experiences, revisit the accomplishments, and come up with plans to improve implementation in the following years.

Social workers from the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (provincial, cities, and municipalities) of the region, different family courts, and from the centers, were able to share their experiences during the PIR.

Through the different discussions and sessions, the participants were able to assess, both the internal and external factors that contribute to the present situation/practices in the program’s implementation.

discussed the Republic Act 10165 or Foster Care Act and the roles of LGU in foster care and adoption cases. Ms. Miriam Mapatac of PSA also shared the latest guidelines on birth certificate issuance, correction, and other related issues associated to the implementation of adoption and foster care.

The social workers were also subjected to a capacity building activity as part of the initiatives in enhancing the skills and knowledge of the participants. Facilitators treated the participants to Personality Tests and Personality Typing, which came in handy, especially in making the participants identify their characters and highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Lectures and activities were also conducted emphasizing the importance of maintaining the well-being of the workers through stress reduction and mental health

Thesa Joy Musa, head of ARRU promotion. responded to the concerns and queries of the social workers by The social workers, being in the presenting the Regional Situation on front lines in providing social welfare Adoption and Foster Care to give the and protection, need to be emotionally participants a better understanding and mentally stable since they are and appreciation of the program’s personally handling distressed persons, implementation. and people in need.

Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) were also on hand to provide additional information in the program’s implementation.

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The PIR and the capability building activities are just ways for the DSWD to ensure that the programs and services of the agency are being handled by capable workers to ensure that the welfare of its clients and stakeholders are taken care of. (DSWD-13/PIAJeffrey Ramo, LGOO V from DILG, Caraga)

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

SK, LNB orientation kicks off constitutional reform campaign in Caraga

By Michael Angelo B. Tero

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, in coordination with the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform Project Management Office (CFCR-PMO), is set to hold a Constitutional Reform advocacy campaign for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers and Liga ng mga Barangay (League of Barangays) presidents of Caraga region on November 14, 2019, this city.

The activity aims to establish a strong linkage with the barangay officials in the region and ensure that the information campaign activities to be conducted by the partner civil society organizations (CSOs) are in proper coordination with the officials.

administration.

Alfredo S. Sureta, Jr., Political Science professor of the University of the East, Manila and a member of the Inter-Agency Task Force Study Group will be the resource speaker to 73 SK Federation presidents and 73 Liga ng mga Barangay

“In doing so, we would be presidents. able to strengthen stakeholders’ relationship and convergence “The DILG Caraga Regional among our partner institutions in Project Management Team (RPMT) the pursuit of constitutional reform,” hopes for the successful conduct said DILG Caraga regional director of the activity. This will signal the Lilibeth Famacion. start of the many constitutional reform advocacy campaign

It also seeks to brief the activities to be conducted in the barangay officials on the reasons region for the purpose of spreading to effectuate reform on the awareness about changing the existing constitution and update 1987 Constitution,” said Famacion. them on the Federal track of the (DILG-Caraga/VLG/PIA-Caraga) November 9-15, 2019

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

DTI campaigns responsible consumerism to Caraganons

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has geared up campaign towards care for the environment by inculcating in the minds of the consuming public the importance of having an order and clean surroundings.

This is through practicing the 3-Rs sa Agusan del Sur (PAKKADS), she or the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for learned different means and ways on a proper solid waste management. how to lessen the solid wastes.

During the conduct of Consumers’ Congress held in Surigao City, the DTI intensifies effort in taking care of the natural resources.

“I learned from the orientation that we should be helping the government in its effort towards solving the problem on garbage disposal. As consumers, it is our responsibility to

According to Stela Aro, a member help sustain a clean environment,” of the Pagpakabana sa Konsumador said Aro.

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November 9-15, 2019

Regional News I Empowering Communities

With the theme “Sustainable Consumption: Understanding the Impact of Consumers’ Choices in a Shared Environment,” Atty. Ann Claire Cabochan, assistant secretary on Consumer Protection Group of DTI gave emphasis on the right and appropriate decision of consumers in choosing their food and even the things they bring to their houses.

The DTI also increases public awareness on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, wherein all are united towards achieving advancement in all the sectors of the country, and ensures the preservation of natural resources.

Meanwhile, DTI-Caraga Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran also bared that the department is continuously

“We wanted all Filipino people monitoring the prohibition of plastic to better understand that we need to use, which causes harm to sea life and preserve or restore our environment natural resources. because all of us are consumers,” said Cabochan.

“The locals are continuously urged to avoid using plastic in their daily

Asec. Cabochan stressed to all consumption. This helps the nation Caraganon-consumers to avoid buying lesson the problem on too much bulk substandard items or those that would of solid wastes,” Pagaran cited. (JPG/ not last for a year.

PIA-Caraga)

Caraga LGUs receive 2018 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance Award

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - In time with the 27th National Children’s Month celebration this November, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga awarded various local government units (LGUs) of the region that constantly implement programs and services focusing on the survival, development, protection and participation rights of the children and youth.

This was based on the criteria or implementing guidelines for the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG), which the LGUs have passed for the year 2018.

Out of 73 LGUs, 70 of which have passed the audit conducted by the concerned government agencies incharged of the said award.

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

The municipality of San Francisco in the province of Agusan del Sur was one of the awardees for consistently passing the criteria and standards set for CFLG Audit.

Burdeos, the LGU would continue to level up their efforts in ensuring the delivery of basic programs and services that promote the welfare of the children.

Mayor Solomon Rufila of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur emphasized that every LGU should have concrete plans and programs that address the concerns of the children, and promote their well-being.

“Every child should be prepared and be given a good world to live in.

However, we should remember that we should prepare a good child for the world,” Burdeos said.

“The government should conduct different useful activities that would help the children and youth to be prevented from illegal drug use and other illegal activities.

Annabel Yamson, chief of local government ability development division of DILG-Caraga emphasized that criteria for this year were scaled up, hence, LGUs should also work harder to be included again in the next year’s awardees.

The government should also continue to provide quality education Meanwhile, Raffy Vigil, technical to give children better opportunities in staff of DSWD and focal person for life,” said Rufila. the Regional Committee on the Welfare of Children (RCWC) Caraga,

The LGU-Butuan City also thanked urged all LGUs to double their efforts, the DILG and DSWD as they were among and focus on resolutions to their the Top 4 LGUs for the regional winners. identified areas of weakness. (JPG/ According to city councilor Atty. Rema PIA-Caraga)

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November 9-15, 2019

Regional News I Empowering Communities

DSWD holds consultation dialogue for its statutory programs

BUTUAN CITY - To ensure that the statutory programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, the department has recently conducted its annual Consultation Dialogue with Regional Trial Court Judges, Clerks of Courts, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines representatives held at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

The objective of the said activity is to ensure common knowledge, understanding and to resolve issues, concerns, of the provisions under Republic Act (RA) 9523 (An act requiring the certification of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to declare a “Child Legally

Available for Adoption Proceedings”..), and other related issuances among service providers of alternative family care (Adoption/Foster Care).

Several updates were presented to ensure that the agency and the participants are on the same page on

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Regional News I Empowering Communities the statutory programs of DSWD. Irish OpeĂąa, OIC-Division Chief of Program Management Bureau (PMB) - ARRD from the DSWD Central Office presented updates on RA 11222 or Simulated Birth Rectification Act, while Maria Charisma Cid, Social Welfare Officer III from the PMB-ARRD, discussed about Child Care and Placement.

The participants, both from the agency and those from the courts were given an opportunity to discuss and tackle unique or controversial Inter-Country Adoption cases, to provide a venue for discussion. Wilma Naviamos, director of the Program Management Bureau from the DSWD Central Office, responded on the queries of the participants and

Additional topics about the gave suggestions and clarifications updates on Inter-Country Adoption on certain issues raised by the was also discussed by Atty. Bernadette participants.

Abejo, executive director of InterCountry Adoption Board (ICAB).

The consultation dialogue made way for an easier and clearer

She elaborated on the pros and proceedings on handling cases cons of inter-country or even inter- involving children in conflict with law, city adoption, especially on relative adoption, and foster care. (DSWDadoption.

13/PIA-Caraga)

DAR launches ARB housing project, distributes farm equipment

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has set into motion the climate-resilient housing program for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the Caraga region.

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Regional News I Empowering Communities

Undersecretary for Support Services, Emily O. Padilla said this is the government’s way of returning the favor to the small farmers, the backbone of the country’s food security program.

Padilla reiterated one of the sixpoint agenda of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte: make a farmer’s family the focal point of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

“The last three years of my administration will be focused on the agricultural sector. Tutulungan natin ang ating mga magsasaka (we will help our farmers),” she quoted the President as saying, which drew big applause from various groups of farmers from the province of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

The President’s call, Padilla said, is loud and clear: “Give what is due to our farmers,” she said.

Later in the afternoon, Padilla, assisted by Undersecretary for Policy, Research and Planning, Virginia Orogo, distributed to the agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations various common service facilities, such as hand tractors, knapsack sprayers, grasscutters, rice threshers, mud boats and power sprays with engines.

Padilla told the farmers that President Duterte had instructed the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to extend financial assistance to the farmers and give two tractors, fertilizer and pesticide to each farmers’ organization, drawing anew a big applause from the crowd. (DAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)

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30 cops undergo reformation seminar in Butuan

By PSMS Zena M Panaligan

BUTUAN CITY - A total of 30 cops attended the seven-day Focused Reformation/Reorientation and Moral Enhancement (FORM Police) seminar that started on Thursday, November 5 at the headquarters of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, this city.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director BGen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. emphasized that the seminar is in line with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP’s) internal cleansing efforts and shall instill discipline and reform among the participants who committed misdemeanors.

“The FORM POLICE is not a punishment, but rather a restorative approach through a continuing retraining program that personnel must undergo to make them more serviceoriented members of the organization,” bared BGen. Esquivel.

The participants came from the

Colonel Jason D. Ortizo, acting different city and provincial police director of the PNP Chaplain Service, offices in Caraga region and are facing attended the occasion and served as administrative cases. (PNCO, PNP-13/ facilitator of the activity.

PIA-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

Provincial News I Empowering Communities

AgNor holds 1st senior citizens’ summit

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - Considered as one of the vulnerable sectors in the communities, more than 300 elderly men and women were gathered for the first-ever Senior Citizens’ Summit spearheaded by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte thru the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

According to Silver Joy Tejano, PSWD officer, the summit aims to learn the issues and concerns of the sector from various municipalities of Agusan del Norte.

“We wanted our senior citizens to get involved in different activities in the community that promote their well-being. We wanted them also to feel and experience the programs of the government for them, and help in

Tejano said, this would help the the development of our society,” said provincial government stakeholders to Tejano. come up with concrete programs that would directly address the concerns of Board member Elizabeth Calo, the senior citizens.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities chair for social services explained that apart from the established programs, which are specifically intended for the senior citizens, the provincial government also wants to create policies that would strengthen the existing programs and services for the sector.

“We should not make their age a reason for us not to get them involve and expose in different ways and means where they could express themselves and be happy,” bared Calo.

Benjamin Medina, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) national president also expressed his gratitude to the government’s initiatives that

continuously promote the welfare of the elderly men and women.

“This activity helps the senior citizens like us to be more active in community activities and we hope to inspire more people,” Medina said.

Meanwhile, Precioso Maravilles, federation president of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines – Agusan del Norte, bared that of the more than 27,000 senior citizens in the province, the elected officials of different federations have attended the summit, as they are the ones expected to disseminate relevant information and agreements from the said event down to their members. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DILG AgNor to hold constitutional reform roadshow

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY – With the creation of the Constitutional Reform InterAgency Task Force through Memorandum Circular No. 52, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been tasked to be the lead agency to handle the advocacy campaign.

In the province of Agusan del Norte, the DILG in coordination with the Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reforms – Project Management Office (CFCR-PMO) and Regional Project Management Team (RPMT) will conduct a Constitutional Reform Provincial Roadshow called as “BALANGAYAN:

Sabay-Sabay na Pagsagwan Tungo sa Maunlad Na Bayan” on November 19-20 in one of the convention centers, here.

According to DILG Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Ellen Vee P. Chua, the event aims to inform and

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities educate the people on the profits of citizen’s participation and deliberation constitutional reform, as opposed to in constitutional reform. the present constitution.

On the first day of the roadshow

“The event will create an interface (Nov. 19), a media briefing and townhall dialogue between the government meeting to be participated by media and the constituents on how to address partners will be held in the morning with pressing issues peculiar in our area,” DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya to provide said Director Chua. up-to-date information on the reform

Chua added that the roadshow tract of this administration. (NCLM/PIA will also become the platform for Agusan del Norte)

104 NPAs, supporters surrender in AgNor

By NCLM/RT Maglalang

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte - A total of 104 New Peoples Army (NPA) regulars and supporters surrendered to the government’s fold on October 25, 2019 in Purok-7, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, this province.

1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), said the surrenderers are composed of nine regular NPA members, nine Militia ng Bayan (MB)

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and 86 Underground Movement Organization (UGMO) members.

The surrenderees denounced their support and the took their pledge of

November 9-15, 2019

Provincial News I Empowering Communities loyalty and allegiance to the government to disown Union ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), end their support to the communist terrorist group, and not to succumb to any group who will organize and take advantage of them.

To show their full support to the government, they burned the NPA Flag, which also signified that they will no longer be deceived by the terrorist group.

for your cooperation. Let us continue our partnership to finally end local communist armed conflict in our area

Felix Balansag, municipal assessor and create a peaceful environment. of the municipality of Buenavista We will never get tired of pursuing the expressed his gratitude to the brave enemies,” Molina said. members of the NPAs, MBs and Lt. Col. Molina further called on UGMOs, who voluntarily surrendered to the government. “We recognized other remaining members of the terrorist your sincerity in going back to the folds groups to surrender and be a catalyst of of the law, and we hope that this will change towards inclusive peace and be the start of a new life for you and development. “Now is the right time to your family, living peacefully in your go back to the folds of the law. Don’t waste your life being victimized by their respective community,” he said. false ideologies. Stand for what is right

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco and open your eyes for the truth, and Molina Jr., commanding officer of contribute in maintaining peace in our 23IB, acknowledged the effort of area,” he said. the barangay officials led by Jerry The implementation of Executive Escobella, and the locals for taking part in the successful surrender of the former Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist rebels. armed conflict under the directive

“I am very grateful to the Punong of President Rodrigo Duterte has Barangay who was very courageous continuously contributed to the influx to make the mass surrender here in his of NPA surrenderers in Caraga region. village, possible and successful. We also (CMO Officer, 23IB/ Philippine Army/ thank the locals for being vigilant and PIA Agusan del Norte) November 9-15, 2019

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‘Anak’ rendition wins POPCOM regional singing competition

By Angelita B. Antonio

ABILAN, Buenavista Sweet Leah Penaso, a freshman social work student of Caraga State University (CSU), sang a powerful rendition of Freddie Aguilar’s Anak, which earned her the title as Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Inter-Collegiate Singing Competition champion.

The singing competition held recently in Butuan City was participated by seven select colleges and universities in Butuan and Agusan del Norte.

The inter-collegiate singing competition was an initiative of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)-Caraga, which is in line with the agency’s

Edil Mary S. Pal of Northwestern Adolescent Health and Development Agusan Colleges who rendered an (AHD) program. original composition titled ‘Kaya ni Nato’ came second. The original song Open to adolescents aged 15encourages the youth to stay away 19, the program aimed to convey from temptation and be mindful of adolescent health-related messages their decisions. The lad from Agusan through singing, which, in turn, would Colleges, Jonathan Jovellar, placed facilitate a healthy lifestyle and third. responsible sexuality. Moreover, the

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities song selection was strictly Original Pinoy Music (OPM) that tackle the various issues concerning the youth such as teenage pregnancy, drug addiction, and HIV/AIDS transmission, among others.

The singing competition was

among the highlights of the AHD Festival 2019 organized by POPCOM-Caraga.

Simultaneously, student leaders, youth organizations in Caraga, and the AHD best documentary filmmaking winners were awarded and recognized on the same day. (POPCOM-13/PIA-Caraga)

Gov’t welcomes 137 surrenderees in AgNor town

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY Another 137 regular members of the New People’s Army (NPAs), Militia ng Bayan (MB) and underground mass organization members have surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army led by Lt. Colonel Isagani Criste.

This was in time with the conduct of community immersion in Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City, wherein government agencies provided the locals with the basic social services.

have been recorded by the authorities.

Alias “Bem-bem,” a former medic of guerilla front committee 21c was among the surenderees, who got tired of his task in the organization after 14

Since the start of the years of service. implementation of Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to He said, his life hiding in the end local communist armed conflict of mountainous areas was not that easy.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a significant Hence, he realized that returning to the number of surenderees in the province folds of the government would give November 9-15, 2019

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Provincial News I Empowering Communities him the opportunity to live peacefully of the NPA to surrender. with his family. His children could now go to school and study.

Being the head of the city, she felt the need to ensure the safety and

Also, alias “Ondong,” a former security of the locals from the harmful high ranking official and political NPAs and wanted to show to the infrastructure officer of 21c said, has people that the government would worked in the organization for 10 years. never leave anyone behind.

And longing for the love and care of his family was the main reason for his “Let us all work together with surrender. the government because it only wants to help the people in various

In the said community immersion, communities experience an improved Mayor Judy Amante of Cabadbaran and peaceful life,” she said. (JPG/ City also urged the remaining members MAA, PIA-Caraga)

DA promotes value-adding for higher income to farmers

By Emmylou Presilda

BUTUAN CITY - Beyond production, farmers should also go into valueadding, the new direction in agriculture.

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November 9-15, 2019

Provincial News I Empowering Communities

This was highlighted during the Farmers’ Field Day at the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga’s Trento Research Experiment Station (RES) in Agusan del Sur, which focused on Mushroom production. Farmers were also urged to go beyond just increasing production.

Trento RES Center Chief Dr. Escolastico Cagatin, said that farmers should also engage in value-adding of their produce so that they will have a higher income.

“It is better if you go into valueadding because you can double your even other government agencies. He income compared to selling directly said that this is part of DA’s support to the farmers along with other assistance your produce,” Dr. Cagatin said. such as various inputs and promotion of

Hoberto Roño, a mushroom grower technologies for them to adopt. and processor from Rosario, Agusan del Various kinds of mushrooms were Sur bared that he sells unprocessed or fresh mushroom for P200 per kilo while showcased at the station. Part of the his mushroom chicharon sells for P50 activity was a cooking demonstration for a 50-gram pack and his mushroom of mushroom recipes to give the bagoong sells for P85 for an 80-gram participants a sample value-adding activity for mushrooms that they can bottle. pursue.

“I really earn more from my Farmers, Agricultural Extension processed products compared to just selling fresh mushrooms. Aside from Workers, mushroom growers, and that, the fresh mushrooms that are processors, and representatives from not sold do not go to waste because I the academe actively participated process them into other products such in the event.. It served as an avenue to showcase the various technologies as bagoong,” Roño added. being done in the station which includes

Cagatin further revealed that vermiculture, duck production, and there are trainings on mushroom sheep production among others. (DAprocessing conducted by the DA and Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur) November 9-15, 2019

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Tribal story wins POPCOM regional film fest

By Angelita B. Antonio

ABILAN, Buenavista - Trento National High School, this year’s Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) best documentary film awardee, underscored the life of the Manobo tribe Agusan Marsh, Agusan del Sur in a film titled ‘Bugsay’ or paddle in English.

Bugsay narrates the story of the Manobo tribe, who despite being in a remote situation, thrives in floating houses.

Among the challenges highlighted in the video include the access to education primary among grade-schoolers. Access to quality education remains a challenge in the country, especially in far-flung areas

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where the means of transportation is through boats.

The documentary follows the routine of Manobo children paddling from their respective floating homes to the floating school. The pupils maneuver their own boats, making their lives at risk not only to capsizing but

November 9-15, 2019

Provincial News I Empowering Communities also to crocodiles roaming underwater.

It was from the same vast wetland of swamp forest where Lolong, the largest crocodile recorded in the world, was discovered.

The brains behind the winning film were King Symond Ragosta, James Angelo Diango, Kenneth John Medino, Cindy Anno, and Ronel Abella, who served as coach.

‘Paglaum’ from Caraga Regional

Science High School came second followed by Bayugan National Comprehensive High School’s ‘Hipos’.

The entry from Trento National High School, bested among the eight submitted entries, is the region’s official entry to the national documentary filmmaking contest to be hosted by the Commission in Population and Development (POPCOM)-Central Office. (POPCOM-13/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tandag residents avail services from Serbisyo Caravan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - As government agencies take serious steps in reaching out to the locals to improve their quality of living, particularly those in conflict-affected areas in Caraga region, another Serbisyo Caravan was conducted, wherein issues and concerns of various communities were raised and discussed.

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Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who serves as the cabinet officer for the Regional Development and Security (CORDS) personally attended the said caravan and answered all the queries and concerns of the residents.

could also help us address each and work together towards peace and development,” Cedron bared.

According to Samuel Plasa Cedron, punong barangay of Maitum, it is a dream come true that their sentiments and concerns were addressed and resolved.

During the caravan, beneficiaries have availed of the free medical and legal consultations, and a lot more of services from the concerned government agencies.

Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel emphasized that the local government is giving due attention

CabSec. Nograles also revealed to the needs of the residents and is various projects and other development regularly conducting consultations plans for the affected areas that would among different sectors in the city. uplift their livelihood.

“We will continue reaching out

Benefitting residents from the to the grassroots and know what they serbisyo caravan were delighted to need so they could live comfortably have learned that among the priority and peacefully in their area, especially projects include the construction of those in the remotest areas,” said access roads or farm to market roads. Pimentel.

“This is an opportune time for Locals hoped that this would us to raise our issues and concerns sustain and would reach other remote to the concerned agencies, so they areas. (JPG/NCM, PIA-Caraga)

Youth for peace movement intensifies in AgSur, SurSur

By Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan

MARIHATAG, Surigao del Sur - In just a month, an increasing number of youth participants joined the campaign to end local communist armed conflict to become advocates of positive activism through the Youth Leadership Summits (YLS) held in Bayugan City and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; and Marihatag and Bayabas in Surigao del Sur. In October alone, around 500 youths graduated from YLS. The most recent was held on Sunday in the municipality of Tago.

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YLS is a three-day, live-in interagency activity organized by the local government units, the Philippine Army and the national line agencies aimed at providing an avenue for the youth to enhance their leadership skills, good citizenship and patriotism, cooperation and participation through various peace-building activities.

Partylist, Anakpawis and other alleged CPP affiliated militant youth groups exposed the alleged links to the NPAs.

It is a tool for providing the youth a balanced perspective towards approaching social issues affecting the society and equips them to think critically and get rid of radicalized youth groups which could poison their minds.

YLS exemplifies a Wholeof-Nation approach to end the deceptive recruitment strategies of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

The nationwide outbursts of parents whose children became victims of the recruitment of Kabataan

“Communist Insurgency must end.

We cannot afford to pass it on the next generations,� said President Duterte.

(3SFBn CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the Filipino Nation called on the CNTs to have a bit of remorse and conscience to end the communist armed conflict and stop deceiving the youth.

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SurSur town forms task force to end insurgency

By Lt. Jonald Romorosa

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The local government unit (LGU) of Carmen created recently the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) held at the municipal hall, Carmen, this province.

Mayor Jane Plaza, the chairperson of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and Municipal Development Council (MDC), said the activity aims to formally organize its members for the full implementation of the said task force to combat insurgency in the municipality.

Mayor Plaza said the creation of the task force will help the town in solving insurgency because peace and development can only be attained if the insurgency problem in the area is solved.

“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The convergence of all efforts and resources is needed to solve insurgency,� Mayor Plaza said.

The meeting discussed the clustering of the duties and responsibilities of the MTF-ELCAC following the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 that the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of MTF-ELCAC Carmen plans to basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas implement the said EO down to the barangay level. and vulnerable communities.

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According to reports, Carmen town has been considered as an insurgency-affected municipality, four of its barangays were categorized as rebel-influenced including the sitios.

“The action of the Municipality of Carmen to end insurgency will pave the way for lasting peace in their communities. The delivery of basic services and social development packages of the government will be a priority to achieve a conflict resilient

It can be recalled that a and an insurgency free community,” major encounter happened in the he said. municipality, which resulted in four rebels killed and captured six high “I’m calling the local chief powered firearms and various war executives in the province of Surigao materials just recently this year. del Sur to emulate the same act of courage to eradicate the menace that

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jezreel destroys our economy and abuse our Diagmel, Commander of 36IB, lauded democracy. Let us converge our efforts the members of the MPOC and MDC towards a long and lasting peace of Carmen for their bold move to end that every peace-loving Surigaonon is the local communist armed conflict longing for, “ Lt. Col. Diagmel added. in their municipality.

(CMO, 36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

107 ARBOs undergo assessment

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - A total of 107 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands underwent the Information Technology-enabled Maturity Assessment (ITeMA) conducted by the four provincial lead enumerators (PLEs) of the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Norte.

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The PLEs were tasked to spearhead the said assessment to the ARBOs, of which 67 were from the province Surigao del Norte and 40 from the province of Dinagat Islands who started their data gathering in midAugust and concluded early October this year.

The ARBOs were assessed under five major indicators which are organizational management, resource management, social enterprise/ business operations, financial performance, and alliance building and social and environmental responsibility.

on how to become a good performing organization in the next years to come,” Mrs. Lancin said after the conduct.

The ITeMA for ARBOs seeks to come up with comprehensive and realistic results of assessing the levels of maturity of the DAR-assisted ARBOs, to bring forth the development gaps or the interventions yet to be provided, and to create a database of assisted ARBOs from which updated and comprehensive ARBO profiles can be readily generated.

On her impression, Chairperson of San Pedro Rural Workers Association of Barangay San Pedro, municipality of Alegria in Surigao del Norte Dionesia M. Gonzales said the ITEMA has opened their eyes that they do not operate solely for their organizational goals but they also need to include activities that promote social and environmental ARBOs with maturity level of 5 are aspects like climate change mitigation considered ready to graduate from and disaster risk reduction.

DAR’s interventions or could be tapped

On the other hand, Elpedia S. as DAR’s partner in providing assistance Lancin of Brgy. Rizal Farmers Marketing for the development of other ARBOs. Cooperative in Surigao City was happy In 2018, out of 122 ARBOs that were that their coop was able to undergo subjected to ITeMA, six got a rating of the assessment. level 5; five from Surigao del Norte and

“The ITEMA made us open our one from Dinagat islands. (Daryll M. eyes that there are still lots of work to Tumbaga, DAR-SDN/PIA-Surigao del be done. The ITEMA has given us tips Norte)

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LGU Surigao Norte HEALS team visits Davao

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The provincial government of Surigao del Norte recently conducted a two-day HEALS-CBMS educational tour in Davao City.

No less than Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio welcomed the HEALS-CBMS (Health, Education, AgriAquaculture, Livelihood and Social Services-Community Based Monitoring System) team of the province at Davao City Hall during a courtesy call.

However, the province’s edifice will not only cater to emergency response but will also comprehensively include the delivery of basic services to Surigaonons in relation to the HEALS Agenda of the administration.

The project was initiated with the vision of Governor Atty. Francisco T. Matugas to have a local hotline in order to ensure that basic government services are made available and just within the reach of the Surigaonons.

The delegation was led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Zander J. Plaza and Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Board Member Cayetano L. Recabo together with Data gathering and field the team leaders and members of the validation efforts have already gone different sub-teams. full swing since October this year, which is considered as the primary step of the

The team had an on-site reference project. setting cum educational tour on three facilities of Davao City that include With the fruitful educational tour Public Safety and Security Command in Davao City and with all the insights Center; Central Communications gained in the onsite reference setting, and Emergency Response Center the team hopes to complete the commonly known as Central 911; and project proposal before the year ends.

Peace 911.

Mayor Duterte-Carpio was glad to have met the HEALS-CBMS team and

The undertaking is just the even said that she would be very happy beginning of the journey towards the to come to Surigao del Norte once establishment of a HEALS-CBMS Center this project will formally be launched. similar to that of Davao City’s Central (Sherryl S. Abanza, SP-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte) 911.

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Mindanao quake communications team formed

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA - The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has formed a communications team that will raise public awareness concerning the series of earthquakes that shook Mindanao last month.

PCOO Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Joseph Lawrence “Bam” Garcia has been tasked to lead the Mindanao Earthquake Communications Team, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview with state-run Radyo Pilipinas on Friday night.

“At itinalaga natin si Asec.

Bam bilang head nitong Mindanao Earthquake Comms Team para iyong pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon mula sa... Dalawang ground zero ‘yan eh, ‘di ba? ‘yung sa Davao saka sa North Cotabato, [in] Kidapawan (We appointed Asec. Bam as head of the Mindanao Earthquake Comms Team to raise awareness in two areas that are at ground zero, namely Davao and Kidapawan, North Cotabato),” he added.

“Binuo natin iyong ating Mindanao Earthquake Communications Team at doon ay inalerto natin lahat ng mga kasamahan natin sa PCOO (We formed the Mindanao Earthquake Communications Team and we alerted Mindanao was rocked by a string all the PCOO personnel),”Andanar of deadly quakes in October, prompting said.

President Rodrigo Duterte to direct November 9-15, 2019

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Mindanao News I Empowering Communities all concerned government agencies a report by the National Disaster Risk to extend immediate assistance to Reduction and Management Council affected individuals.

(NDRRMC).

The government’s relief operations The number of fatalities could in quake-hit areas in Mindanao continue go up since there are still unreported to help residents return to normal life. deaths in some areas like Digos City and Magsaysay town, both in Davao del Sur,

On October 31, Andanar also the NDRRMC noted. tasked Garcia to lead the “Laging Handa (always ready): Earthquake Update,” While the government is on top an initiative that intends to inform quake of the situation, foreign assistance is victims of the government’s response welcome, Andanar said. and other actions.

“Ang pinaka-numero uno

The PCOO’s monitoring of the talagang dapat na ayuda ay iyong situation in the earthquake-stricken local government. Now, saka papasok areas will involve state-run People’s ang national government kapag hindi Television, Philippine News Agency, na kaya ng local government at hindi Philippine Broadcasting Service, Bureau na kaya ng regional government (The of Communications Services, Philippine immediate assistance should come Information Agency, and Radio first from the local government. If the Television Malacañang. local and regional governments can no longer handle the situation, the national

Andanar lauded the government’s government will intervene),” he said. effective and efficient information drive that aims to give the public updates on “Kung hind na kaya ng national the aftermath of the strong tremors. eh doon naman tayo hihingi din ng ayuda mula sa ibang bansa. Pero,

“So mabilis naman ‘yung pag- of course, alam naman natin kapag activate natin ng team na iyan at naging mayroong mga ayuda, hindi naman maganda ‘yung dissemination ng puwedeng tanggihan iyan (If the information not only sa PCOO but iyong national government cannot do it, it will mga inter-agencies (We activated the seek assistance from foreign nations. But team immediately and the information of course, if a foreign country extends dissemination is good, not only on the assistance, we cannot decline). So that’s part of the PCOO but also on the part of one standard operating procedure that inter-agencies),” he said. we must all remember,” he added.

The successive strong quakes that jolted parts of Mindanao in the last days of October have left 16 persons dead, two missing, and 403 injured, based on

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On November 1, China donated three million renminbi or PHP22 million to support the Philippine government’s relief efforts in Mindanao. (PNA)

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Group builds temporary learning spaces in quakehit Mindanao

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA - Save the Children Philippines is planning to put up a total of 10 temporary learning spaces in Mindanao to step up its assistance to the children displaced by the series of earthquake that hit the region last month.

“Right now, our setting up of temporary learning spaces is ongoing.

These are standard classroom-sized tents that kids can use as classroom because it’s critical to put up safe learning environment in the form of temporary learning spaces so that they can resume their classes,” Jerome

Balinton, humanitarian manager of Save the Children Philippines, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

Balinton said parents are generally concerned on the risks of having their children away from them should a strong earthquake hit the region anew.

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“One of the concerns right now ng mga parents is ayaw nilang pumasok ulit ang mga bata because they are afraid na baka kapag nagkaroon nanaman ng lindol malayo sa kanila ang mga anak nila (They don’t want to send their children because they are afraid of another earthquake and the risk of having their children away when it happens again),” he said.

“Keeping children safe inside learning spaces is critical in times of emergencies. Children know that

Balinton said classes have to education gives them power to build a resume while the government is still better future,” he said. assessing the damaged school buildings in Mindanao.

The group has so far put up six of the total 10 planned learning spaces in

“Putting up a temporary learning space is really critical at this point in Makilala, Cotabato and Davao del Sur. time,” Balinton said.

“One of these temporary learning spaces’ purpose is also to ensure that the kids are safe and in one place where a teacher or a facilitator can oversee them,” he added.

Albert Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children Philippines, also noted that the resumption of classes will address psycho-social stress of affected children since it seeks to reestablish their routines.

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Aside from the learning spaces, Save the Children Philippines has also distributed a total of 1,100 family hygiene kits and plastic sheets to the displaced families in Mindanao.

Initial figures from the Department of Education (DepEd) showed that some 3.2 million school-age children have been affected by the series of earthquakes that hit four regions in Mindanao. (PNA)

November 9-15, 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

National News I Empowering Communities SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO

NEWS CORNER

Andanar: Duterte wanted to ban single-use plastic to save water sources

example how cleaning Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay would be easier if plastics would be banned in the country.

“Gusto po ng ating mahal na Pangulo ay talagang i-ban na ang paggamit ng plastic kasi kung ang gagawin natin ay lilinisin natin halimbawa, itong Manila Bay, hindi mo naman malilinis iyan in one go kasi nilinis mo nga iyong Manila Bay pero madumi pa rin iyong Laguna de Bay, iyong mga estero (Our President wants to ban the use of plastic because, for example, we cannot clean Manila Bay in just one go if the Laguna de Bay and other nearby creeks are still dirty),” he said.

“So, while we are cleaning Manila Bay and the Laguna de Bay, aba ay kailangan din natin— sabi ni Presidente, itigil na natin ang paggamit ng plastic para talagang wala ng source (to the President, we also need to stop using plastics to eliminate one factor that causes

Andanar made the statement our waters to become dirty),” he after it was revealed that Duterte added. expressed during the recent Cabinet Earlier, Presidential Spokesman Meeting that he was considering banning the use of plastics in the Salvador Panelo said that President Duterte floated the idea of banning entire country. single-use plastics nationwide in a

In his radio program in state-run bid to mitigate the effects of climate Radyo Pilipinas, Andanar cited as change.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that President Duterte was thinking of banning single-use plastics in the country to help clean other possible sources of water amid the looming supply shortage in Metro Manila.

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In 2015 a report ranked the plastics.

Philippines as the 3rd biggest source of plastic leaking into the oceans, Consumers will also be diverted following China and Indonesia. to use reusable materials, and manufacturers will be mandated to

Senators Cynthia Villar and collect, recycle and dispose singleFrancis Pangilinan filed two measures use plastics in the market. seeking the prohibition of single-use plastics amid growing concerns for Meanwhile, the bills also seek to the environment. Both bills, pending prohibit the importation of single-use on the committee level, seek to ban plastics and give incentives to individuals food establishments, stores, markets, and businesses who use alternative and retailers from issuing single-use materials. By Argyll Cyrus Geducos November 9-15, 2019

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Malacañang urges Congress to pass bill banning use of plastics

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA - Malacañang on Sunday was optimistic that Congress will take the initiative to approve a measure that aims to prohibit the use of plastic products in the country.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo hoped senators and congressmen will support President Rodrigo Duterte’s intent to implement a nationwide ban on the use of plastics, in a bid to protect the environment and promote a greener Philippines.

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“The President has broached that idea. It is for members of Congress to adopt it, to use their initiative to have that kind of idea,” the Palace official told dzIQ. Duterte floated the idea of imposing a ban on plastic products during the 43rd Cabinet meeting at

November 9-15, 2019

National News I Empowering Communities Malacañan Palace on Wednesday. adopt a “systematic, comprehensive, He, however, acknowledged that his and ecological solid waste plan would require legislative action. management program.”

On Friday, environmental group Greenpeace called on the President to certify as urgent a proposed legislation that will stop the use of plastic products.

Panelo guaranteed that any legislative measure banning the use of plastics will get support from Duterte.

“Eh siguro dapat ipatupad na natin nang maayos para kung anuman dapat ang trabahuhin ng ahensya ngayon, gawin na nila kasi naapektuhan din ang ating ecology (Perhaps, we have to strictly enforce it, so concerned agencies will be compelled to perform their respective

“Tingnan natin kung merong tasks since our ecology is suffering),” miyembro ng Kongreso, ng Senado na Panelo said. magpausad ng ganyang idea. (Let’s see if there are members of the House The Philippines is the third of Representatives and the Senate who biggest source of plastic dumped in will push for such idea),” he said. the world’s oceans, following China and Indonesia, according to a 2015

“Dahil suportado na ni Presidente, report by international group Ocean hindi na kataka-taka (It will not be Conservancy and McKinsey Center for surprising if the President does it since Business and Environment. he supports the idea),” Panelo added, when quizzed if Duterte will certify as The Philippines also uses a urgent the proposed legislative bill “shocking” amount of single-use prohibiting the use of plastics in the plastic, based on the report by noncountry. government organization Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives

Several senators and congressmen published by Agence-France-Presse in have sought the ban on single- March 2019. use plastic products. However, the proposed measures they filed remain The report revealed that Filipinos pending at the committee level. use nearly 48 million shopping bags daily; 16.5 billion smaller, thinner, and

While the government has yet to transparent plastic bags yearly; and 60 enact a nationwide ban on the use billion sachets annually. of plastic bags, Panelo stressed the need for stricter implementation of The United Nations Food and Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Agriculture Organization has also Management Act of 2000. warned that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean, if plastic

RA 9003 mandates the State to pollution continues. (PNA) November 9-15, 2019

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SSS to intensify programs to reach out to the informal sector for universal protection

QUEZON CITY - The state-run Social Security System (SSS) on Friday said it will beef up its efforts to reach out to informal sector workers and provide them with meaningful social security protection following the results of an Australian-based survey ranked the Philippines as one of the pension systems that need improvement out of the 37 countries in the study.

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SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio acknowledged that one of the huge challenges for the state-run pension fund is to ensure universal protection for a large number of workers in the informal economy such as farmers, fisherfolks, market vendors, and alike.

Ignacio added that the Mercer Global Pension Index which included the Philippines in its 11th global survey on pension systems puts social security protection at the forefront of social issues today. “Many Filipinos see social security protection as just an option during their working years, neglecting the fact that this will be one

Based on the latest International of their supplemental supports during Labor Organization’s survey, the retirement,” she continued.

Philippines’ informal employment from 2008 to 2017 was recorded at 21.1 The Philippines, based on the million or 56 percent of the labor force. index, was rated 43.7 out of 100. It has a grade “D” together with first world

SSS data showed that members countries Korea, China, and Japan registered under its program for among others. the informal sector, dubbed as AlkanSSSya, only stands at 108,779, as The Philippine pension system was of September 2019. Likewise, 44,093 described with some desirable features members were registered through but also with major weaknesses that the Cooperative Accreditation need to be addressed.

Program and 230,069 members were covered as job order personnel of the “It is the first time that the Philippines government offices. was included in the study, but it already highlights the need for urgent actions

“For many years now, we have to prioritize social security protection been reaching out to them, strongly for all Filipinos. The lifeblood of SSS is encouraging them to pay their SSS the members’ contributions. In the past which is the cheapest and most 62 years, SSS has sustained its funds accessible retirement savings today. without any need for government But their varied work arrangements subsidies and shows that the fund has and at times, intermittent income, been well-managed over the years. prevent them from regularly paying SSS The inter-generational subsidy has premiums. A challenge for us now is to sustained the pension fund where the create a special pension fund program healthy supports the sick while those for informal sector workers like farmers, who earn more subsidizes those with fisherfolks, among other groups, less in life. As shown in the study, those considering their income spread. These countries with the highest tier provide are the areas that SSS will look into,” higher benefits since their contributions Ignacio said. are also higher,” she explained.

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Data showed that from January to August 2019, SSS has so far released P129.53 billion in benefit payments. Out of the total expenditures for the seven SSS benefits, more than 58 percent was disbursed for retirement benefits amounting to P75.11 billion. Ignacio explained that SSS pension is meager in terms of amount, but the actual return of every peso being contributed is high.

For example, a member who has been paying a monthly contribution based on the P8,000 monthly salary credit for 120 months. In total, he would have paid P115,200 in contributions.

But he will be qualified to receive a monthly pension amounting to P3,200 and the additional monthly benefit of P1,000. In just 28 months, he would have recovered all contributions paid to SSS. This is on top of the other benefits - sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment - which he could avail of at the time he was actively paying at SSS.

“Again, a pension is a product of an individual’s long-term savings. Right now, a ceiling on the monthly salary income to apply the contribution rate of SSS limits a member’s opportunity to save more for retirement. We are hopeful that this will change as the newly-enacted Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 has a voluntary provident fund which will be introduced next year,” Ignacio said.

Thru the voluntary provident fund, a member whose salary is higher

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than the maximum MSC will be able to receive more during his retirement stage as he will have the option to contribute more.

“While we recognize the need to increase pension, we are also responsible in ensuring that the fund remains viable for a longer period of time to be able to provide the seven benefits – retirement, death, funeral, maternity, sickness, disability, and unemployment – for our members and pensioners. Also, an increase in pension, according to the law, should be supported by an actuarial valuation to ensure the viability and sustainability of the pension fund,” Ignacio added.

“Membership to SSS is contributory.

The higher and longer the period of payment translates into higher short and long-term benefits. With this, we are exerting all efforts to ensure that more Filipinos working on the private sector be covered with social security. Memoranda of Agreements have been signed with several local governments such as Mandaluyong City and Paranaque City to ensure SSS coverage their job order personnel and with the Philippine Sports Commission to cover athletes. We are now calling out to other local government units, and organizations or cooperatives of informal sector groups to work hand in hand with SSS to enlist their employees who are not covered by Government Service Insurance System for them to enjoy the seven benefits that SSS provides, “she added. (SSS)

November 9-15, 2019

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