Caraga InFocus – October 23-29, 2021

Volume V, No. 44 October 23-29, 2021

REGIONAL NEWS

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DSWD-13 PREPS FOR 2021 CHILDREN’S MONTH CELEBRATION MAKE USE OF FREE TESDA SCHOLARSHIP: ANDANAR CARAGA REGION NOW UNDER MODERATE RISK FOR COVID-19

PROVINCIAL NEWS

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DA CONDUCTS VALUE-ADDING OPPORTUNITY FOR SURIGAO WOMEN’S GROUP LGU DINAGAT ISLANDS MIPAHIGAYON OG DIORAMA UG PHOTO EXHIBIT BA-ONG BARANGAY HALL GIABLIHAN UG GI TURN OVER SA LIBJO ‘SERBISYONG DAR TO DOOR’ REACHES ARBS IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE

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DAR, DOLE TURNOVER CHECK TO BUTUAN AGRARIAN GROUP 2 NPA REBELS SURRENDER IN AGUSAN DEL NORTE BAG-ONG IPMR GILATID MGA PLANO ALANG IPS PAG-INTRIGO SA PROBINSYA SA SUPORTA GIKAN SA PHILHEALTH UG NUTRITION SERVICES SA CABADBARAN, GIHIMO FRS SA PROBINSYA NG AGUSAN DEL NORTE KASAMA ANG KANI-KANILANG PAMILYA TUMANGGAP NG ASSISTANCE MULA SA PTF-ELCAC

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MINDANAO NEWS WEAVING A SUSTAINABLE WATER-ENERGYFOOD NEXUS IN MINDANAO RECOVERING BETTER THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

NATIONAL NEWS

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CONTENTS

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INFOCUS

COVER

Caraga

BONG GO HELPS RECOVERING TYPHOON VICTIMS IN BULA, CAMARINES SUR; ADVISES THOSE IN NEED OF MEDICAL AID TO GO TO MALASAKIT CENTERS BONG GO GIVES HOPE TO CALAMITY-HIT COMMUNITIES IN KIDAPAWAN CITY, MAKILALA AND M’LANG, NORTH COTABATO THROUGH SUPPORT FOR RECOVERY EFFORTS ‘MALASAKIT’ FOR FILIPINOS IN DISTRESS - BONG GO, GOV’T AGENCIES AID FIRE VICTIMS, VULNERABLE SECTORS IN ILIGAN CITY, LALA, AND SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO IN LANAO DEL NORTE

COVID-19 NEWS

PH HITS OVER 100M SECURED VACCINE DOSES 57.5M COVID VAX SHOTS GIVEN; 26.5M PINOYS NOW FULLY VAXXED

SINOVAC DELIVERY PUSHES PH CLOSER TO 100M DOSES GOAL

PCOO chief enjoins p in the 2022 elections

By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales

“Exercise your right to suffrage.”

This was the simple yet powerful message of Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) chief Martin Andanar to the people for the incoming national and local elections.

Sec. Andanar In his recent engagements for the Duterte Legacy Campaign in Caraga

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|October 23-29, 2021

Region, Sec. Andanar urged Caraganons to participate in the incoming 2022 elections. “[Exercise] the right to suffrage, not the right to suffer. We must vote to help with our recovery from this COVID-19 pandemic,” he said during his guesting at the Kapihan with PIA on Monday, October 25, at the SM City Butuan.

The secretary has also

encouraged Filipinos to vote wisely. And in an effort to help the public make informed choices on the country’s next leaders, the PCOO has launched the Duterte Legacy Campaign to report to the public the major accomplishments of the Duterte administration from the beginning of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term and his plans for the remainder of his term.

Caraga INFOCUS

public to participate s “The last eight months are important for you to know, to decipher, to discern what this president has done. The best way for you [to vote] is when you are armed with information.

But when you don’t have that information, you don’t have a benchmark on what the public administration has been all about. This campaign, therefore, provides you that benchmark to help you decide better which leaders to elect,” said Sec. Andanar.

The campaign is also in support of the Duterte administration’s push for a more transparent governance, which is key to its anti-corruption advocacy.

as he approaches the end of his term.

“We are in uncertain times, we don’t know what will happen. So the last eight months is all about preparing the road,

the foundation so that when we transition to the next president then this country will be ready to bounce back from the illeffects of COVID-19,” the communications secretary said. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

“It’s never been done before that the government reports their president’s legacies. [We are doing this because] the public are the trustors and we (the government officials) are trustees. We are here working based on public trust,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PCOO chief enjoins the public to support the president once more and ‘walk with him’ Caraga INFOCUS

October 23-29, 2021 |

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News Briefs PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar talks on the Duterte Legacy communication campaign that centers on the accomplishments of the key three pillars of the president’s legacy, which are peace and order, infra developments, and poverty alleviation. xx

“There’s so much build, build, build projects going on inside the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). This is for the good also of the media workers in the government and private sector. Please help us also promote the Media Welfare’s Act to be put into law, as this will benefit the media in the industry,” cited PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar during media briefing held in Surigao City.

The Department of Health Caraga encourages all Caraganons, whether vaccinated or not, to take part in the survey on public perception towards the COVID-19 vaccination program. This is in support of the study entitled “Perceptions About Ethics of Public Health Interventions during the COVID-19 Outbreak, Sub-study: Vaccine Confidence Survey” funded by the AHEAD with HPSR program being conducted by Dr. Cristina E. Torres of the National Institute of Health, University of the Philippines Manila.

In line with this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and Internation Day Against Trafficking, the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga has lined-up activities from November 25 to December 12. This celebration will kickoff on Nov. 25 with a virtual Thanksgiving Mass and an opening program.

REGIONAL NEWS

DSWD-13 preps for 2021 Children’s Month celebration November. This year marks the 29th national celebration of children’s month.

This year’s celebration, in particular, is most imperative as they intend to shed light on the effects the pandemic has had on children as well as the increasing cases of child abuse and exploitation amid a pandemic, Aranas said.

Addressing the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on children is the focus of this year’s National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration.

For this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)Caraga has prepared activities anchored on survival, development, protection, and participation of children amid an ongoing pandemic, encapsulated in the theme, “New Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan.”

“The NCM is important

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|October 23-29, 2021

because it advocates for the rights of our children and instill in the Filipino consciousness the responsibility everyone holds in protecting the children,” said DSWDCaraga - Protective Services Division (PSD) chief Jessie Catherine Aranas on Monday, October 25, during her guesting at the Kapihan with PIA at SM City Butuan.

By virtue of Republic Act 10661, the National Children’s Month (NCM) in the Philippines commemorates the adoption of the UN CRC on 20 November 1989, and is annually celebrated every

Webinars and contests will be launched by the agency for the monthlong celebration which will kick-off on November 4, 2021.

Survival of children will be the focus of the first week of the celebration. Giftgiving to children housed in the child care centers will be conducted as well as adopt-a-community activities with disabled children and indigenous children.

The theme for the following week will center on children’s development, where a series of webinars will be conducted in partnership Caraga INFOCUS

with the DepEd-Caraga.

A festival of talents will be the highlight of the third week where various contests such as spoken word poetry, advocacy video making, and many more will be hosted.

In the celebration’s final week, the DSWDCaraga will conduct a series of webinars to educate children, especially those housed in child care centers, about their protective rights and the services of the government for the welfare of children.

The celebration is set to culminate on November 29, 2021.

Rising OSEC cases Meanwhile, the PSD chief has disclosed that cases of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 20 cases have already been reported to the agency alone and some more reported to the local social welfare and development offices that they are yet to gather.

But definitely, cases have Caraga INFOCUS

gone up now compared to the cases tallied prepandemic.

A contributor to these cases is perpetrators and predators having more means to exploit children through the internet.

“We know that our children are now more exposed to the internet and sometimes, because of their tender age, they are more vulnerable to certain types of websites which perpetrators use to lure children.”

Nevertheless, she said that response from the government has been swift due to their active and cooperative partner agencies and local government units that make up the Regional Children’s Welfare Committee (RCWC) and other similar committees chaired by the DSWD-

Caraga.

“While we acknowledge that there is still more to be done, we are thankful for our partners especially the LGUs which are our firsthand responders in the community, for their active participation to end sexual abuse and exploitation of children,” Aranas said.

Aranas also urged the public to be involved in addressing child abuse in their community.

To report cases of abuse and exploitation on children, contact the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) through https:// www.facebook.com/ RCWCCaraga or approach the nearest social welfare and development or police station near you. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga) October 23-29, 2021 |

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Make use of free TESDA scholarship: Andanar

if you don’t have work right now, is to avail the benefits or whatever the government can offer you. If you’re a worker, what you could do is to learn something new.

So that when the market reopens, you can say with confidence that you are a better worker than yesterday,” he said.

The millions of job loss has created a massive impact on the country’s economy.

But as the entire world embraces the new normal, the Philippine government has accelerated its efforts to foster the economy’s gradual recovery.

But in the advent of the new normal, the direction of the job market has changed.

Many jobs, which were useful pre-pandemic, may not be as useful anymore in the context of a health crisis.

With that being said, the ballooning unemployment rate in the country may still remain high even with the gradual reopening of the world economy.

One solution for this is encouraging people to acquire new skills.

“If you are unemployed now, we have TESDA,” said Presidential Communications Operations Chief (PCOO) secretary Martin Andanar.

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|October 23-29, 2021

In his guesting at the Kapihan with PIA on Monday, October 25, at SM City Butuan, Secretary Andanar stressed the importance of having workers equipped and ready to take on the new job market as the world embraces the inevitable reopening of the country.

“We must prepare the country for the next transition because of the inevitable reopening of the world economy. We must make sure that the foundations of our economy are ready to compete because, whether we like it or not, the other countries are doing it.”

To do so, jobless citizens can make use of their spare time to acquire new skills through the government’s free skills development programs.

“TESDA is offering so many short courses. The best help that you can do to yourself,

The communications chief also emphasized the need for the public to make use of the government’s free services to better their livelihoods.

“God only helps those who help themselves, basically.

The government is there to provide you with the tools,” said Sec. Andanar.

“Go to TESDA. You don’t have to pay [for the courses]. This is free.”

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the government agency tasked to manage and supervise technical education and skills development (TESD) in the Philippines.

Its mission is to set direction, promulgate relevant standards, and implement programs geared towards a quality-assured and inclusive technical education and skills development and certification system. (DMNR/ PIA-Caraga)

Caraga INFOCUS

Caraga Region now under moderate risk for COVID-19 After months of experiencing a steady influx of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, the Caraga Region is now under moderate risk, the Department of Health (DOH)Caraga said Thursday, October 28.

Dr. Arlaine Buhain, the DOHCaraga’s representative during the 43rd Regional Task Force on COVID-19 (RTF COVID-19) meeting, said that as of October 27, 2021, the entire region is now under moderate risk, having recorded an average daily attack rate (ADAR) of 3.58. This is nearly a third of the 8.37 ADAR recorded three to four weeks prior.

In epidemiology, the attack rate is the percentage of an atrisk population that contracts a disease during a specified time interval. It is the number of new cases in a city or province over a two-week period, divided by the population of the city or province. ADAR is considered high risk if it is 7 and above.

Caraga INFOCUS

Six areas in the region which were previously under high risk are now under moderate risk, as follows: • Agusan del Sur - from 8.41 to 4.45; • Bayugan City - from 10.93 to 3.80; • Butuan City - from 1.64 to 3.02; • Cabadbaran City - from 11.40 to 4.85; • Surigao City - from 7.28 to 3.30; • Tandang City - from 7.92 to 2.04

ADAR, from 3.75 to 5.55.

The city of Bislig remains the only area still under high risk, having recorded an ADAR of 7.94.

The following areas were able to maintain its moderate risk status but has recorded a decrease in their ADAR: • Agusan del Norte - from 6.00 to 2.38; • Surigao del Norte - from 4.97 to 2.36 • Surigao del Sur - from 6.79 to 3.13

“Despite this good news, there is always a message to be careful, to not to be complacent. Even hearing the news that our situation is okay, we still have to be careful.

Everything is volatile in this pandemic,” said Dir. Mazo.

As of writing, Caraga Region now has a total of 48,008 COVID-19 cases, with 988 still under isolation, 45,301 recoveries, and 1,719 deaths.

(DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

The Province of Dinagat Islands is still under moderate risk but has recorded an increase in its

Despite the improvement, RTF chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga chairperson Liza Mazo warned member agencies and local government units of the task force to remain cautious. The same call was made to the public and is urged to strictly follow the minimum health standard protocols.

October 23-29, 2021 |

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

DA conducts value-adding opportunity for Surigao Women’s group

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga conducted a value adding opportunity for Women’s association thru the conduct of Meat Processing from October 26-29, 2021 held at the Surigao City Processing Laboratory.

the said undertaking spearheaded by the DA thru its Livestock Program in partnership with the Surigao City Veterinary Office.

The activity aims to introduce valueadding activity and additional livelihood to A total of 30 women from the members of the said Barangay Punta Bilar association.

Women’s Association in Surigao City participated The two batches of Caraga INFOCUS

trainees are expected to produce and package different recipes such as embutido, longganisa, and tocino.

Aside from the product creation, proper hygiene and meat quality are also discussed facilitated

by Dr. Maridel Zerda of Surigao City Veterinary Office. (DA-Caraga/PIASurigao del Norte) October 23-29, 2021 |

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LGU Dinagat Islands mipahigayon og diorama ug photo exhibit

Agi’g paghandom sa ika-77 nga kasumaran sa Historic Battle of Surigao Strait (BOSS), nagmugna ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Dinagat Islands og diorama ug photo exhibit.

Sa pakigtambayayong kang Jake Miranda, ang BOSS Memorial Council Chairperson sa Surigao City mibisita ang mga Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) sa Kalikasang Buhay Park niadtong Oktubre 28, 2021 aron mahibalo sila isip mga leader sa kabatan-onan alang sa paghandom sa kultura ug kasaysayan sa

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Dinagat Islands.

Tumong ug tinguha usab sa maong kalihukan nga mahatagan og maka-ideya sila kung unsaon pagmugna ug mga polisiya para sa hapsay na paggiya sa mga bisita puhon nga gustong mosuroy sa Dinagat Islands.

Ang maong kalihukan usa kini sa programa ni Gob. Kaka Bag-ao kung diin gihatagan niya ug katungod ang mga kabatan-onan nga mahimong “local tour operators” sa probinsya ilabi na sa ilang mga tagsa-tagsa ka mga

munisipyo puhon nga kung modawat na ug turista ang probinsya.

Atol sa ilang pagbisita, han-ay nga gipasabot ngadto kanila ang mga mahinungdanong bahin sa kasaysayan sa pinakaulahing “battleship-to-battleship” nga Historic Battle of Surigao Strait.

Mipartisipar sa gipahigayon nga tour exhibit ang grupo sa mga kabatan-onan gikan sa lungsod sa Libjo, Cagdianao, ug Loreto.

(Dinagat Islands-PIO/PIADinagat Islands) Caraga INFOCUS

Ba-ong barangay hall giablihan ug gi turn over sa Libjo

Usa ka bag-ong barangay hall ang giablihan bag-uhay pa lamang didto sa lungsod sa Libjo. Alang sa pagsugod sa pormal nga turnover ug acceptance ceremony, gisugdan kini pinaagi sa pag-blessing ni Rev. Father Delfin Jabinez ug gisunod dayon ang cutting of ribbons.

Dakong kalipay ni Punong Barangay Barangay Elorde Pimentel sa Barangay Aguinaldo nga nahuman na ang dugay na niyang gipangandoy nga barangay hall ug mao Caraga INFOCUS

usab kini ang pinakadako sa empowerment sa tibuok probinsya. ug partisipasyon sa katawhan sa komunidad Dugang pa niya, ug nagpasabot nga dako kaayo’g gamit napatindog kini ug alang kanila tungod nakumpleto pinaagi kay didto kasagaran sa buwis sa katawhan ipahigayon ang virtual nga gi-patuman ni meeting ilabi na karon sa Gobernador Kaka panahon nga aduna’y Bag-ao niadtong pandemya ug wala Congresswoman pa hatagi’g pagtugot ang siya tuig 2013-2019 ug makatapok-tapok. hangtod karon nga siya usa na ka gobernador.

Makita sa maong barangay hall ang Dugang nakasulat dedication marker na sa marker ang adunay naka sulat pagpahinungod sa nga “Walang Maliit, nahuman nga istruktura Walang Malayo, Lahat kadto nila anhing Mahalaga” simbolo Francisco “Titing” B. October 23-29, 2021 |

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Areglo (1960-2014) ug Florante “Dodo” J. Edera (1957-2015) nga bisan wala na sila ang ilang gibiling pagtulunan magmalahotayon sa mga pangandoy alang sa bag-o ug mas maayong kaugmaon alang sa Dinagat Islands.

J. Robinson, AO alang sa 77th Commemoration of the Battle of Surigao Strait wreath laying sa Kanihaan ug sentro sa Libjo.

Madasigon usab nga mihatag sa iyang mensahe si Gob. Kaka diin iyang gipasalamatan si Libjo Mayor Lamberto Llamera, Jr. tungod kay siya mao’y sumbanan niya sa paglantaw sa kalambuan sa usa ka lugar maong dili lisod ang kalambuan kung ang usa ka mayor manguna sa paghuna-huna niini.

Mitambong sa ang maong okasyon sila Board members Lyn Dialde ug Noli Abis lakio na usab ang pipila ka mga hepe sa ngakalain laing departamento Atol sa maong okasyon sa kapitolyo, Vice nakadawat usab ug Mayor Zoltan Edera, certificate of recognition Sangguniang Bayan ang mga residente sa Members, ABC President maong barangay pinaagi Melody Compasivo, mga sa mga barangay officials kapitan sa nagkalainsa panguna ni Punong laing barangay nga Barangay Pimentel alang sakop sa Libjo, barangay sa ilang aktibong pagofficials, Department apil sa pakigtimbayayong of Education (DepEd) sa pangagamhanan sa Libjo teachers, ug mga probinsya. lumulupyo sa naasoy nga barangay. (Dinagat Dili lang kini nga Islands-PIO/PIA-Dinagat propriedad o proyekto Islands) Caraga INFOCUS

Dugang usab niya’ng gipasalamatan si Mayor Llamera alang sa pagsiguro nga hapsay ug luwas ang kadagatan ug dalan sa pagbisita ni Australian Ambassador H.E. Steven

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kung dili alang kini sa kinatibuk-ang gibuhat ni Gob. Kaka alang sa katawhan ug komunidad nga nakasentro kanunay ug nagsilbing venue alang sa katumanan sa vision ug fundamentals of governance ilabi na sa conservation sa ecosystem, food security ug productive of basic sectors, protection of vulnerable communities, empowering local government units, ug broadening and strengthening people’s participation in all levels of governance sa administrasyon niya karon.

|October 23-29, 2021

Sa iyang bahin, si Mayor Llamera nagpasalamat og dako tungod kay wala gayud sila pasagdi ni Gob. Kaka sukad pa sa una hangtod karon ug ubay-ubay na ang mga proyekto nga iyang napatuman sa naasoy nga lugar.

‘Serbisyong DAR to Door’ reaches ARBs in Agusan del Norte “Better late than never,” this is the statement of Margarito Bugas, a 94-year-old, Agrarian Reform Beneficiary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte.

Margarito, proudly narrates how his dream of having a land becomes a reality as the Agrarian Reform Secretary John R. Castriciones personally delivered and handedover the Certificate of Landownership Award (CLOA).

This was also the sentiment of the two farmers in Agusan del Norte, Paul B. Agsaway and Milagros Barientos who thought that they left in the dark and to do is to till the land they never own.

These three farmers are the recipient of ‘Serbisyong DARto-DOOR’, whose Agrarian Reform Chief Castriciones personally handed over the land Caraga INFOCUS

titles to the farmerbeneficiaries on August 23, 2021 in Brgy.

Sanghan, Cabadbaran City.

This activity is part of the agency’s implementation of the new version of Agrarian Reform under President Duterte’s administration, which aims to speed up the implementation of CARP Phase 2, targeting the distribution of public agricultural land to qualified beneficiaries.

In a ceremony, Sec. Castriciones, together

with DAR Caraga Regional Director Leomides Villareal and Agusan del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega represented by PARPO I Rodrigo R. Bitangcor led the hand-over of CLOA to the beneficiaries.

Castriciones expressed joy as he watched the local farmers who bridged the gap from the clutches of poverty and made the difference.

Like in the case of Paul October 23-29, 2021 |

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and Milagros, in the same way, who also the beneficiaries of Avancena state in Brgy.

Sanghan Cabadbaran City sometime in 1990.

Since then, they are now big-time landowners and experienced rapid economic change.

Margarito, Paul, and Milagros, thanked the DAR for awarding them the land as well as the needed support services they availed that spelled out the improvement of their lives.

“Sa tanang nakab-ot namo labi na ang yuta, kini among gigamit sa ensakto. Gipalambo ug gipahinungod namo sa Ginoo (For all the blessings we have received, especially the land, which we used and properly developed, we dedicate to God),” said Paul.

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The said farmers are among the thousands of farmers all over the country who received their CLOA in a Serbisyong DAR-toDoor program of Sec. Castriciones since he took the office in 2016.

Land distribution, or CLOA distribution, under Castriciones is marked by “Serbisyong DARto-Door” wherein the official takes time to personally hand over the land titles to selected farmer-beneficiaries, mostly aging, if not ailing farmers, who have long been waiting to receive their CLOAs from the DAR. It was said that those farmers profusely thanked the DAR’s land distribution program for facilitating their land

titles.

According to PARPO Atega, despite the pandemic that threatened the various activities of Sec. Castriciones, the rolling-out of the land distribution continued to agrarian reform beneficiaries through various ARB organizations (ARBOs).

PARPO II Atega said that the Secretary has no rest day in bringing agrarian reform works beyond limits. Sec. Castriciones’ first visit to Agusan del Norte has spelled out his administration’s policy in this quote, “We will not stop distributing land titles, help and support to our farmers.” (Gil E. Miranda, DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte) Caraga INFOCUS

DAR, DOLE turnover check to Butuan agrarian group The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte has partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which common goal is to help Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), in an undertaking with the DOLE-Integrated Livelihood Program (DOLE-ILP).

The Cooperative, Farmers for Peace and Progress Agriculture Cooperative (FPPAC), whose members are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), recently received a start-up capital worth P996,888 ton October 13, 2021 in Brgy. Dulag, Butuan City.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega said the cooperative took a remarkable milestone when DOLE approved its proposal for the procurement of equipment and materials needed for its venture in Cocoa production.

DOLE Provincial Office Head Keith C. Duran said the DOLEILP livelihood assistance is an inter-agency convergence initiative with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) in the package of intervention to be delivered to various parts of agrarian reform communities in the province.

Caraga INFOCUS

Duran said that with the joint effort of DOLE and DAR of Agusan del Norte, the FPPAC will finally purchase the needed equipment and materials to help transform their economic activity that will serve as a stable source of income.

Ellen J. Torralba, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) of DAR-Agusan del Norte said that the delivery of livelihood assistance by the DOLE seeks to contribute to poverty reduction through the promotion of community enterprise of the ARBOs. She said that the project expected to bring desirable changes in the lives of the farmers, which open up new opportunities to forward the cooperative’s livelihood income.

“The DAR also strengthened the group by way of providing a link with an appropriate market for their produce,” Torralba said.

Data provided by Ma. Elena Negrido, DOLE Point Person, indicated that a total of 11 ARBOs have already benefited of the program from 2019 up to this year.

Negrido, further, said that about PhP9.3-million worth of livelihood funds were previously released from the DOLE-ILP interventions through the ARBOs that benefitted thousands of ARBs in the province.

Renato Manabat Chair of FPPAC, expressed gratitude to DAR-Agusan del Norte for the release of the livelihood assistance to their cooperative. (Gil E. Miranda, DAR Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

October 23-29, 2021 |

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2 NPA rebels surrender in Agusan del Norte nowhere to go because of the continuous tactical operations conducted by the unit and the establishment of the Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) in the area of operation which blockaded the CNTs’ supply and mobility routes that resulted to a great shortage of foods and other supplies for their members,” he said.

Two (2) NPA rebels voluntarily surrendered on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Headquarters of 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion located at P4, Barangay Del Pilar, this city.

The said returnees, known as alias @Roy, 24 yrs old and alias @Rey, 23 yrs old both married and residents of Brgy. Maraiging, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, are active members of Sangay Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front (GF) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Command (NEMRC) under Samuel Batican alias @Popo.

They took the courage to surrender to Lt. Col. Jason Saldua, the Commanding Officer of 29IB, and brought along with them two AK47 with defaced serial number, two bandoliers, and seven magazines loaded with ammunition.

According to them, they wanted to return to the government after having a

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Lt. Col. Saldua added that the surrendered CNTs will miserable and desperate life with the Communist NPA be enrolled to Enhanced Terrorists (CNTs). A life exactly Comprehensive Local Integration Program opposite to what the CNTs or E-CLIP and they will have promised to them. receive financial and other assistance from the They added that they felt government. longingness of their families being away from them It can be recalled that 17 that resulted to extreme former rebels who had loneliness which further have returned to the fold added to their motivation of the law and mainstream to surrender and be with society in the province of mainstream society.

They said that CNT members Agusan del Norte were already recipients of the have scarcer supplies, housing assistance from the fewer food and deprived government through E-CLIP of sleep which resulted and the Provincial Task Force to extreme hunger and to End Local Communist fatigue causing them to run Armed Conflict or PTFaway from their group and ELCAC. surrender. Also, they said that they could feel that the “We will continue to pursue CNTs were struggling from this weakening enemy, we gaining supports from the will not stop until they decide community even from the to surrender their arms and place where they came return to the folds of the from. law,” Lt. Col Saldua added.

(2Lt. Roselyn M. Matulac, Lt. Col. Jason Saldua CMO Officer, 29th Infantry believed that the remaining Battalion, Philippine Army/ CNTs are now looking for PIA Agusan del Norte) their way out. “They have

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Bag-ong IPMR gilatid mga plano alang IPs Sa paglingkod ni Dakula Randy P. Catarman isip bagong Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative kun IPMR sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte human kini nanumpa sa maong posisyon kaniadtong Oktubre 18, 2021, gilatid dayon niya ang iyang mga plano alang sa mga indigenous people sa probinsya.

Atol sa ika-112th sesyon regular sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan niadtong Oktubre 25 gilatid niya ang pito ka programa ug plano nga pagatagaan niyag dakong pagtagad sa iyang termino ug mao kini ang mga mosunod: •Pag establisar og Intercultural council sa mga IP Leaders aron mapalig-on pa ang panaghiusa sa tulo ka mga tribo sa probinsya ug mahiusa ang tumong maski adunay nagkalain-laing kultura ug tradisyon alang sa ikalambo niini.

•IP initiative to resolved insurgency diin tumong niini ang pagbaton ug profiling ug pag identify sa mga direkta o involved sa Communist Party of the Philippines kun CPP, New People’s Army (NPA) ug National Democratic front kun NDF nga mga aktibidad diin tinguha sa maong IPMR nga makunhuran ang mga nikalaban sa gobyerno.

• Leadership Enhancement aron ang mga IP Leaders maka-adjust sa

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kasamtangang sitwasyon ug sila mamahimong adunay katakus hilabi na sa paghimo og resolution ug ordinansa nga may kalabutan sa interes sa ICC’s o IPs. • Continuation of IP Census – kini aron makita ang kinatibukang kahimtang sa pagpuyo sa matag IPs ug ma identify kung unsa nga benepisyo ang pwede para kanila.

• Scholarship for Special Courses susama sa kursong Nurse, Doctor, Engineer ug Law aron kini sila mahimong instrumento ug makatabang sa pagdapig sa mga IPs nga nanginahanglan sa ilang serbisyo sa umabotay nga panahon.

• Access of Basic Services and Employment Opportunities for IP diin kini usa na ka dakong tabang alang sa mga IPs para sa ilang pamilya sa panahong hingpit nga makatagamtam sa mga benepisyo gikan sa gobyerno.

• Implementation of Ancestral Domains Sustainable Development and Protection

Plan kun ADSDPP. Ang maong lakang alang sa malungtarong pagdumala ug pagpalambo sa ilang yuta ug natural resources.

Dako ang tinguha ni Dakula Catarman nga siya mamahimong instrumento ug kaabag sa gobyerno pinaagi sa padayong paghatag og tinuoray nga serbisyo, kalinaw sa matag tribu ug pag atiman sa mga nag-unang panginahanglanon sa mga IPs. Tahas sa IPMR, nga mamahimong tulay sa gobyerno ngadto sa matag tribung komunidad pinaagi sa paghatag ug saktong serbisyo sa matag Ips/ICCs. Si Catarman gikan sa tribung Mamanwa nga gitudlo sa kadaghanan isip paghulip sa tulo ka termino ni Datu Eddie Ampiyawan. (SV Deligero, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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Pag-intrigo sa probinsya sa suporta gikan sa PhilHealth ug Nutrition services sa Cabadbaran, gihimo pagtutok pag-ayo sa mga kabataan nga malikay sa malnutrition.

“Kami sa probinsya including Mayor Judy (Chin-Amante) nakita namo nga dili pwede pasagdan ra ang barangay.

Kinahanglan naa ang syudad ug ang probinsya motabang sa barangay aron mahimong epektibo ug successful ang programa sa nutrisyon,” sumala ni Gob. Corvera.

Giintrigo sa probinsya sa Agusan del Norte sa pagpanguna ni Gob. Dale B. Corvera ug ni Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Chin Amante kaniadtong Lunes ang PhilHealth Member Data Records/Assistance ngadto sa mga Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) sa syudad sa Cabadbaran.

Ang maong programa gipasiugdahan sa probinsya pinaagi sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

Ubos sa programa mokabat sa 1,700 ka benepisyaryo ang makadawat gikan sa probinsya og PhilHealth Member Data Records (MDR)/Identification cards pinaagi sa BNS. Ang maong benepisyaryo

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mahatagan sa full payment nga 3,600 pesos sa PhilHealth sa tuig 2021.

Giintrigo usab sa PSWD ngadto sa BNS sa maong syudad ang mga himan nga nag-apil og 17 Allen stick height board, 16 Salter type weighing scale, 33 hygiene kits ug 33 Nutrition Month t-shirt.

Subay sa maong programa, nakadawat usab sa maong okasyon ang 31 ka BNS sa Cabadbaran og 6,000 pesos nga honorarium gikan sa probinsya alang sa 3rd Quarter ning tuiga.

Paninguha sa gobernador nga matutukan sa probinsyal ug sa matag LGU ang mga barangay sa probinsya pinaagi sa pagpadangat og mga programa, proyekto ug mga serbisyo ilabina diha sa

Tumong usab sa maong kalihukan nga mahatagan ang mga BNS og resources para ma makapadangat og igo nga serbisyo ug makunhoran ang kaso sa malnutrisyon sa mga agusanons subay adbokasiya sa pagpalambo sa nutrisypn nga “First 1,000 Days Tutukan!”

Niini, mapasalamaton si Mayor Amante, apil na ang mga punong barangay, ug mga BNS ngadto sa gobernador sa gipadangat nga mga tools ug assistance.

“Mapasalamaton gyud ta kay Gobernador Dale, kay sa kanunay nag hunahuna gyod siya dinhi sa Cabadbaran, wa ta pasagdi, sige ta dawat og mga programa sa probinsya,” sumala ni Mayor Amante.

(Shena Mae Pabia ug Sonny Montilla, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

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FRs sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte kasama ang kani-kanilang pamilya tumanggap ng assistance mula sa PTFELCAC

Dale B. Corvera

Tuwa at saya ang nadarama ng mga 179 former rebels at kanilang pamilya sa natanggap nilang assistance mula sa Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict at mga partner agencies sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte. Bawat myembro ng pamilya ay tumanggap gift packs, hygience kits at food packs.

Hindi matatawaran ang saya at pasasalamat ni Jerem, isa sa mga former rebels (FRs) sa Caraga INFOCUS

natanggap na tulong, anya hindi nya ito naranasan habang kasapi pa siya ng teroristang NPA, hirap at gutom ang kanyang naranasan sa piling ng mga ito.

Bilang pasasalamat din sa kanilang mga natanggap na tulong, naghandog ng kanilang awitin ang mga FRs, ito ay isang orihinal na composition bilang pasasalamat sa pagtangap ng gobyerno sa kanila lalo na ang probinsya ng Agusan del

Norte.

Nangako din si governor Dale B. Corvera na patuloy nilang tututukan ang kalagayan ng mga former rebels upang maihanda sila sa kanilang community reintegration.

Tiniyak din ni TESDA provincial director Rey Cueva ang patuloy na suporta ng ahensya sa mga FRs upang mas lalo pang mahasa ang kanilang mga kaalaman.

(NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte) October 23-29, 2021 |

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MINDANAO NEWS

Weaving a sustainable waterenergy-food nexus in Mindanao

MinDA Deputy Executive Director ASec. Romeo Montenegro is one of the guest speakers in today’s “Addressing Water Challenges and Opportunities in Mindanao” webinar session organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), via Zoom Webinar.

Citing Mindanao as the Philippines food basket accounting for 43% of country’s total farm produce, ASec. Montenegro underscores the importance of integrating sustainable and green water and energy sources to ensure food security and sufficiency in the islandregion.

“We need to put together cohesive programming in terms of agriculture development in Mindanao and renewable energy development tapping into available water sources,” Montenegro said.

To underpin this, he presents MinDA’s various initiatives that are geared towards addressing the challenges on

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Mindanao’s power and water situation. Among the programs are the MindaNOW Nurturing our Waters, Mindanao Water Supply, Renewable Energy Technology to Increase ValueAdded of Seaweeds in TawiTawi (RETS) Project, and the Mindanao Renewable Energy Resource Assessment.

Further, he also shares Israel’s model on water conservation and management, which he says is appropriate and can be replicated in Mindanao, especially in areas where there is scarcity of power and water.

“One specific example and model that we have been taking into consideration is the Israel Model. Despite its water limitations, it is one of the world’s major sources of highvalue agricultural products.

The case of Israel is very much reflective of the peculiarities that can be adopted in some areas in Mindanao, particularly the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, where electricity is insufficient and water is inadequate,” Montenegro added.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of water, energy, and food in Mindanao’s development, he urges all stakeholders to pursue collective and concerted efforts.

“All these things should not be pursued independently of each other. Hence, the need to take into account the whole-of-nation approach, which has been the formula that we have been pursuing aggressively in Mindanao.

We need to work cohesively along with other development partners and players, and key agencies in the government towards the same direction,” Montenegro bared.

With a theme “Building Partnerships to Achieve Water Security”, the session is part of the Water Challenge Forum Series organized by the ECCP. It aims to provide a platform for inclusive and meaningful engagements among the water stakeholders to achieve a sustainable water security with an ensured intergenerational benefits to the communities in the Philippines.

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Recovering better through digital transformation MinDA Executive Director Usec. Janet Lopoz, CESO I presented the Mindanao Recovery Plan, which covers the challenges and opportunities for the island-region in the midst of the new normal during today’s Annual Scientific Conference of the National Research Council of the Philippines - Mindanao Regional Cluster.

The conference brings together science leaders, government policymakers, and the academe to generate recommendations on the national priority areas for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic relevant to Mindanao.

Among the recommendations identified in MinDA’s 10-Point Recovery Agenda is to fast track digital transformation and equitable digitalization in Mindanao, given how businesses have shifted to online transactions following their consumers’ lockdowns and mobility restrictions.

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Lopoz

With the onset of COVID 19 and the uncertainties it has brought to lives and livelihood, MinDA has also initiated several rapid impact assessment studies with several International Development Partners, including Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development

Program (UNDP) for the conduct of “Rapid assessment of the impact of COVID 19 on food supply chains in Philippines”, and the “COVID 19 Mindanao and BARMM Rapid Social Economic Impact Assessment Study with UNDP and SERDEF.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Bong Go helps recovering typhoon victims in Bula, Camarines Sur; advises those in need of medical aid to go to Malasakit Centers On Thursday, October 28, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued his efforts to serve more underprivileged communities amid the pandemic as he sent his team to Bula, Camarines Sur to distribute assistance to 841 recovering victims of Typhoon Rolly.

In his video message, the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography reminded the beneficiaries who were in attendance at municipal covered court in Bula to continue looking out for their health and well-being. He then reached out to residents with health concerns and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and Bicol Region General Bong Go Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao. and indigent patients, para po ‘yan sa mga Pilipino, lapitan niyo lang po ang Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Malasakit Center,” said Go. Centers Act aims to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs The senator also reminded the public to offered by the Department of Social continue adhering to necessary health Welfare and Development, Department preventive measures, considering that of Health, Philippine Health Insurance the new Delta variant of COVID-19 is Corporation, and Philippine Charity more threatening.

Sweepstakes Office.

He then reassured them that vaccines “Zero balance po ang target ng are continuously being rolled out to Malasakit Center, hanapin niyo lang more far-flung communities to ensure po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa that the country attains population inyong lugar. Para po ‘yan sa mga poor protection leading to herd immunity in

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communities soon.

“Mga kababayan ko, nandidiyan na po ang bakuna unti-unti. ‘Pag nasa priority list na po, magpabakuna na ho kayo para po protektado po kayo. Kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga pamilya magpabakuna na po kayo,” Go expressed.

“Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay.

At makamtan po natin ‘yung population protection at herd immunity po para naman po sumaya naman po ang ating Pasko at makabalik na tayo sa dati nating buhay,” he continued.

Go’s team implemented necessary safety and health protocols during the relief operation Caraga INFOCUS

as they handed out essentials, such as meals, masks, face shields and vitamins to the beneficiaries.

Some residents received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use while others received computer tablets that are intended to help children participate better during classes under the blended learning set-up.

Apart from the assistance provided by Go, representatives from DSWD granted each internally displaced person with financial assistance grants.

To assist in the future development of the province, Go has supported the funding of various infrastructure projects in Camarines Sur. These projects include the construction of the Mabolo - Almeda Bypass

Road in Naga City; the Lalud - Garchitorena Road and other missing road links; construction and improvement of San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando, Camarines Sur; and a revetment and improvement of the channel at the Bula and Nabua Section of the Barit River.

Concluding his message, Go expressed his gratitude towards the local government leaders for ensuring their community’s recovery.

“Mga kababayan ko, ako po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go, ang bisyo ko po ay magserbisyo.

Bukas po lagi ang aking tanggapan at handa po akong magserbisyo po sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” said Go. “Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay naririto lang po na handang magserbisyo po sa inyong lahat sa kapwa naming Pilipino.

Magseserbisyo po kami sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya.

Magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” he ended.

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Bong Go gives hope to calamityhit communities in Kidapawan City, Makilala and M’lang, North Cotabato through support for recovery efforts Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged residents in fire and floodprone areas to always be ready and alert as he renewed his commitment to push for Senate Bill No. 1228 during a relief effort for disaster victims in Kidapawan City, Makilala and M’lang, North Cotabato on Thursday, October 28.

Filed in 2019 by Go, the proposed bill provides for the establishment of an evacuation center in every municipality, city and province, and outlines a minimum set of requirements such as its location and amenities for such evacuation centers. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation.

“Obligasyon ng gobyerno na maging handa

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Bong Go

sa oras ng sakuna.

Huwag nating antayin na may panibagong sakuna pang dumating.

Umaksyon na tayo dapat para maprotektahan lalo ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Go appealed in

a video message.

“When disaster strikes, it is the poor who suffer the most. Kaya kailangan natin magpatayo ng evacuation centers na may basic facilities at Caraga INFOCUS

sapat na emergency supplies, gaya ng tubig, pagkain at gamot,” he added.

His staff provided meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 11 fire and monsoon victims at the Kidapawan City Hall, residential compound of Makilala Mayor Armando Quibod and M’lang mayor’s office. They also gave each fire victim financial assistance.

To help them recover from the impacts of the disaster, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Housing Assistance also handed out separate financial assistance in a separate distribution.

Continuing his message, Go further reminded everyone to exercise diligence to reduce their likelihood of being exposed to the coronavirus. He especially called on the elderly and those with medical concerns to limit their contact with those outside their households to maintain a safe environment for themselves.

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“Ginabalanse sa gobyerno ang tanan pero mas importante ang kinabuhi sa atong mga kaigsoonan. Amping mo pirme. Dili na nato kayanon magsara na pud ang mga negosyo, mutaas na pud ang kaso, mapuno na pud ang mga ospital, mubagsak ang atong health care system. Mao na ang atong ginalikayan.

Palihug lang habang gapabakuna mo, ayaw kumpiyansa,” continued Go. (Trans.: “Binabalanse ng gobyerno ang lahat pero mas importante ang buhay ng ating mga kapatid. Magingat palagi. Hindi natin kakayanin na magsarado na naman ang mga negosyo, mapuno na naman ang mga ospital

at babagsak ang ating health care system. Iyan ang ating iniiwasan. Kaya habang nagpapabakuna kayo, huwag magkumpiyansa.”)

Go also offered medical assistance to any disaster victim suffering from injuries or illnesses. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City, where they can avail of further aid from relevant government agencies.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which provides convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity October 23-29, 2021 |

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Sweepstakes Office.

It seeks to reduce a patient’s hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various medical services and expenses.

The senator went on to thank local officials and first responders for their quick response and support they extended to the victims, including Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, Makilala Mayor Quibod, and M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado.

He pledged his steadfast support for the people of Cotabato, having previously assisted 1,449 essential workers in Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan and Tulunan from August 3 to 6.

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As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported many infrastructure development initiatives to improve access to services and other socioeconomic opportunities in the locality.

He supported the concreting of farmto-market and other roads in Alamada, Banisilan, Libungan, Midsayap, President Roxas and Kidapawan City; construction of bridges in Arakan, Kabacan, Makilala, Tulunan and Kidapawan City; construction or rehabilitation of drainage canals in Kabacan and Pikit; and construction of potable water system

facilities in Tulunan.

Other initiatives he supported include the construction of multipurpose buildings in Arakan, Makilala, Tulunan and Kidapawan City; barangay halls in Matalam and Midsayap; a Liga office in Makilala; a slaughterhouse in Arakan; and a public market in Arakan. He also supported the improvement of a public market building in Pigcawayan, and the COVID-19 response and vaccination roll-out plan in Kidapawan City.

All activities were conducted in adherence with the health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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‘Malasakit’ for Filipinos in distress - Bong Go, gov’t agencies aid fire victims, vulnerable sectors in Iligan City, Lala, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Norte On Thursday, October 29, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s office sent additional aid to a total of 649 individuals composed of fire victims, transport workers, vendors, farmers, and fisherfolks from Iligan City, Lala, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Norte.

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The senator’s team held separate aid activities throughout the province where they provided beneficiaries with vitamins, masks and face shields to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The activity was conducted in strict compliance with health guidelines.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, provided the fire victims with financial assistance while the Department of Labor and Employment provided assistance to the transport workers, vendors, farmers and fisherfolks through its Tulong October 23-29, 2021 |

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Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers program.

Go also encouraged those with medical concerns to visit the Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital in Iligan City or the Kapatagan Provincial Hospital in Kapatagan, where there are Malasakit Centers available.

Go primarily authored and sponsored Republic

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Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 to assist Filipinos in their medical expenses, in line with his push for measures that would improve healthcare services in the country.

“Pakiusap lang namin sa inyo, kailangan namin ang inyong kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat Pilipino. Mag-ingat kayo palagi at magdasal tayo palagi. At tandaan ninyo, mahal namin kayo ni Pangulong Duterte,” he added.

Go then encouraged eligible residents to get vaccinated to safeguard themselves against the virus and to help the country attain population protection leading to herd immunity.

“Mga kababayan ko, nandidiyan na po ang mga bakuna, parating naman po halos linggulinggo. Sana po ay magpabakuna na kayo para protektado po kayo. Ang bakuna

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City to further boost their economic development, such as the provision of new medical equipment for Gregorio T. Lluch Hospital; rehabilitation of its public market and roads; and construction of a multipurpose building.

He also supported projects throughout the province such as the construction of farm-to-market roads in Bacolod and Lala; road rehabilitation in Magsaysay and Bong Go Munai; purchase of po ang tanging susi o natin ngayon, one ambulance unit in solusyon para unti-unti makamtan po natin ang Kapatagan; construction na tayong makabalik population protection of flood control and sa ating normal na at herd immunity para drainage structure pamumuhay,” said Go. naman po sumaya ang in Lala; rehabilitation ating Pasko,” he added. of public markets “Magtulungan ho tayo, in Magsaysay; and magtiwala ho kayo sa As he concluded his construction of multigobyerno, magtiwala message, Go expressed purpose buildings in ho kayo sa bakuna. Ang his gratitude the Kauswagan, Magsaysay, bakuna po ang tanging provincial and local Nunungan, Pantao susi o solusyon sa ngayon officials for helping their para makamtan po community recover amid Ragat, Pantar, Salvador, Tangcal and Tubod. natin ang population economic challenges protection, ‘yung 50% brought by the po ng population ang pandemic.

Go extended similar bakunado, at herd assistance to more than immunity kapag 70% na As Vice Chair of a thousand transport po ng population ang the Senate Finance workers, vendors, bakunado.

Committee, Go also farmers, and fisherfolk in showed his support for Baroy, Lanao del Norte “Iyan po ang target various projects in Iligan from July 26 to 27.

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PH hits over 100M secured vaccine doses vaccines, Galvez assured the continuous deployment of shots to the different regions.

HUNDRED MILLION VAX DOSES. Air Hongkong flight LD456 carrying some 976,950 doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine lands at the NAIA Terminal 3 Thursday (Oct. 28, 2021) night.

The latest vaccine delivery raised to 100,528,240 the number of delivered life-saving shots to the country. (PNA photo

by Avito C. Dalan)

The Philippines has reached a milestone in its coronavirus response after hitting over 100 million in total vaccine doses secured since the first shipment of jabs started arriving in February.

On Thursday night, some 976,950 doses of governmentprocured Pfizer vaccine arrived in Manila via an Air Hongkong flight, raising to 100,528,240 the number of delivered life-saving shots to the country.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., who welcomed the latest vaccine delivery, said this achievement is “not only a product of a nation’s people working together but is also a testament of the strong cooperation and will among international partners and stakeholders.”

The official extended the country’s gratitude to the vaccine-makers, partner organizations, donor countries, the World Health Organization, the COVAX Facility, and all sectors across the country for supporting government efforts to scale up the Philippines’ vaccine supply.

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The country’s vaccine stockpile is currently at around 38 million doses, of which eight million are stored in national warehouses while 30 million “have been deployed already” to provincial, regional and municipal storage facilities, Galvez said.

Galvez said about 30 million of the cumulative tally was donated by several nations, including Japan, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, United Arab Emirates, Brunei, and Germany.

Around 50 million more doses are expected to arrive before the end of 2021, including another 10 million through the COVAX Facility.

At the same event, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava announced the delivery of two million more donated doses of Pfizer to Manila next week.

“Only by working together with our partner countries around the world can we overcome the pandemic and so we’re very proud to partner with the Philippines, which is an ally, friend, and partner for decades,” she said. “It only makes sense that we should work together with our friends in the Philippines to help build their capacity to fight Covid.”

No wasted vaccines With the steady supply of

Galvez expected this number to further decrease to at least 20 million by November, noting that these shots are “already for administration” in different areas.

“Rest assured that our logistics people can take care of that and we will make sure that there will be no spoilage,” he said.

“The president is very emphatic in saying that he wanted that there will be no wastage considering that previously our problem is the supply. Now his directive for us is to make sure that the vaccine will not be wasted because he considers vaccine as precious as gold,” he added.

The official likewise said the only near-expiry jabs the Philippines have are the remaining 200,000 doses of Moderna (November 30) and another 4,000 of AstraZeneca shots (October 31) in Region 3.

“We are on it, the 4,000 is being inoculated as a second dose so we don’t have a worry that we will be having a wastage,” Galvez said. (PNA/Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

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indigents.

For the individuals with comorbidities, about 80.01 percent or 7,219,174 of the target 9,023,070 population are fully-vaccinated.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

57.5M Covid vax shots given; 26.5M Pinoys now fully vaxxed A total of 57,494,154 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine have been administered nationwide since the rollout began in March, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.

Latest data from the National Vaccines Operation Center showed that 95.2 percent or 1,560,938 of the 1,638,917 healthcare workers have been fully vaccinated while 56.22 percent or 4,640,338 of the target 8,254,531 senior citizens have completed their doses.

In an online media briefing,

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Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said healthcare workers and senior citizen registered a “high” total numbers of fully vaccinated because of the one-shot Janssen vaccine.

“Ang 57.4 million jabs na ito ay (These 57.4 million jabs are) broken down to 31,015,216 first doses and 26,479,028 second doses,“ Cabotaje said.

Although the number of fully vaccinated senior citizens are high, Cabotaje said there is a need to vaccinate more of the older population and the A5 category or the

For the frontline personnel in essential sector, about 31.44 percent or 28,300,410 target individuals have received their second jab.

Meantime 2,838,535 or 21.99 percent of the 12,911,193 poor people are now fully-vaccinated.

“Nagumpisa na rin po tayo ng (We have started with the) rest of the adult population, 18 and above, 1,165,171 first dose and 323,412 two doses,” Cabotaje said.

She added that for the pediatric vaccination of those with comorbidities, a total of 23,727 minors have received their life-saving shots as of October 27.

The national government is keeping its goal to achieve population protection before this year ends, raising the initial target of 70 percent or 77 million eligible population to 80 to 90 percent or about 88 million.

As of October 28 noon, the Philippines has a total of 99,551,290 vaccine doses. (PNA/Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

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Sinovac delivery pushes PH closer to 100-M doses goal

Aside from deployment to key cities, the vaccines will add to the stockpile for the third dose vaccination of health care workers, senior citizens and, adults with comorbidities.

“For the booster for our health care workers, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities, they have the option which vaccine they are getting. It can be heterologous or cross mixing or homologous, meaning the same vaccine,” Galvez added.

(PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan) The delivery of three million doses of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines on Sunday night moved the country closer to its goal of 100 million doses by the end of the month.

Philippine Airlines Flight PR359 landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 past 6 p.m. carrying the life-saving jabs – two million procured by the government and one million donated by China.

“We are 2.5 million short of our target 100 million we have now 97,678,340 and we will have more arriving next week,” National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in an interview.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary Antonio Morales, NTF medical consultant Dr. Ma. Paz Corrales, and Department of Health Undersecretary Ma. Carolina Vidal-Taiño and Director Ariel Valencia joined Galvez in welcoming the shipment.

Sinovac was the first Covid-19 vaccine that arrived in the country

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– 600,000 doses donated by China on February 28.

Galvez lauded the Chinese government for donating 1 million more doses, adding that China shows virus can be defeated by cooperation and solidarity.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, we would like to thank the Chinese government and Sinovac for the donation” Galvez said. “We now have almost 45 million doses of Sinovac.”

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said the donation can help the Philippines recover from the pandemic.

“I’m very happy to be here with Secretary Galvez to receive the one million doses of Sinovac donated by the Chinese government. We’re happy to see that the confirmed cases in this country are going down, is decreasing with the hard work of the Philippine government and the people. We hope that the vaccines from China will continue to bring down the cases and bring back a normal life,” Huang said.

On Friday, 724,000 doses vaccines were administered — the most single-day tally since the national inoculation program started on March 1.

“We are very thankful that this landmark is speeding up the vaccination. We have been meeting with mayors and governors and we are happy that now, we are increasing the vaccination capacity. We will be looking forward in the next few days to reach 800,000 to 900,000 or even one million,” Galvez said.

Of the total 97,678,340 doses of Covid-19 vaccines received as of Sunday, more than 60.7 million doses were procured by the government, 24.3 million doses were donations from the COVAX Facility, 7.9 million were purchased by local government units and the private sector, and 4.6 million doses were donations from bilateral partners.

Sinovac tops the list with 44.5 million, Pfizer follows with 25.3 million, and AstraZeneca 11.8 million.

A total of 25,614,366 have been administered as second doses out of the 55,506,176 already injected as of October 23. (PNA/Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

October 23-29, 2021 |

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